The Messenger April 6, 1973

The Last Judgment (Conclusion) by David Thiessen

in. II CORINTHIANS 5:9-11 This passage is again a reminder to us, that we are not only on the way to glory but on the way to judgment. Paul lived with this balanced view of the end of his earthly existence. It was his concern, in view of the coming judgment to live a life pleasing to God. It appears that this solemn prospect should be a strong stim­ ulus to scale the heights of Christian living.

JUDGED ACCORDING TO WORKS Perhaps some may wonder whether the word ‘all’ in vs. 10 refers only to all Christians or all people both righteous and evil. This question may not be of the greatest importance since either answer would not make any basic difference in the Scriptural teaching on judgment. The Bible teaches that every person, saved or doomed, will in the end be judged accord­ ing to his works. In Romans 2:6, where Paul is making reference to all people, he says, “For he will render to everyman ac­ cording to his works”. It does seem that Paul is writing to and about Christians in this chapter but even that need not necessarily exclude the non-Christian from verse 10. For those of us who are strong on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, this teaching that the Christian will fi­ nally be judged for his actions is an im­ portant emphasis. I doubt whether we hear much about this in our pulpits today, yet it is a strong warning to the Christian to prevent him from underestimating his moral obligations. It is a strong biblical

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emphasis that we will reap what we sow whether it is good or evil (II Cor. 9:6; Gal. 6:7-9). In reference to verse 10, Tasker quotes Denny as follows: (quote) It is not necessary for us to seek a for­ mal reconciliation of this verse with Paul’s teaching that the faithful are ac­ cepted in Christ Jesus; we feel that both must be true. And if the doctrine of jus­ tification freely by God’s grace is that which has to be preached to sinful men, the doctrine of exact retribution, taught in this passage, has its main interest and importance for Christians. (Tasker, “Tyndale Comm”, p. 83). In verse 11 the thought of divine judg­ ment engenders in the apostle Paul a feeling of awe and reverence. This in­ spires him to go about his God given task of persuading men of the truth of the Gos­ pel.

IV. REVELATION20:11-15 Throughout the Apocalypse, God is ac­ tive in catastrophic judgment, but it is only in chapter 20 that we finally come to a forensic judgment, namely a formal, public court of judgment. Perhaps when we study in Revelation we need to re­ member Leon Morris’ reminder that John is frequently talking in symbols and he may be quite indifferent to the possibility of reconciling them with each other. (Morris, Comm, on Rev., p. 55, 236).

GREAT WHITE THRONE Verse 10 speaks of the final and ever­ lasting destruction of the forces of evil which have plagued men since the Gar-

den of Eden. Then in verse 11, John sees a great white throne. The great white throne signifies the glory, majesty, holi­ ness and absolute authority of the Judge. The time has come when those who passed him by while he was on earth can no longer do so. It will no longer be pos­ sible to ignore our Lord or perhaps even deny His very existence. When the Lord returns for judgment, He will come with a great exhibition of power and gran­ deur. In II Thes. 2:7, Paul says the Lord will be “...revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflict­ ing vengeance upon those who do not know God...” It will be a great climax that fulfils all the preliminary and par­ tial judgments throughout the course of history. John depicts the earth and sky as fleeing from the Lord's presence. The old fallen order passes away to make room for the new. The apostle Peter gives a graphic description of this event in II Peter 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.” And then Peter adds with typical New Testament emphasis, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God..." (II Peter 3:11.12) Verse 12 speaks of the death, both great and small standing before the throne to be judged. This brings to mind the words of Jesus in John 5: 28, 29, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming when all

THE MESSENGER

who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.”

DEATH DESTROYED

In verse 14, John says that Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. It may well be that the idea of a lake of fire is a symbolic expression. This, how­ BOOKS OPENED ever, does not diminish the awfulness of the punishment. This verse teaches that Then the books are opened. It seems at the Judgment Day, death and the grave that these books contain the records of the will be finally and completely destroyed. deeds of men, both good and evil (Ladd, Death and Hades are rendered totally p. 273). The judgment will be based on powerless as have been all the other what has happened in this life. This sug­ forces of evil. In the end, there is no gests that the judgment will be righteous power but that of a holy and righteous and just. God. What a glorious prospect this is for Ladd says, (quote) - The New Testa­ the believer and for those of us, who ment is insistent on the justice of God’s through death, have been separated final judgment in that it will not be arbi­ from loved ones in this life. It is true that trary and capricious, but based squarely the believer already experiences eternal upon the deeds of men (Romans 2:6ff)” life in this life. It is also true that the (end quote), (Ladd. p. 273)' power of death has been broken by the The New Testament emphasizes that death and resurrection of Christ (II Tim. the Lord will be impartial in His judg­ 1:10). Yet eternal life cannot be experi­ ment, Romans 2:11, Col. 3:25, I Peter enced in its completeness until death it­ 1:17. In II Thess. 1:5, Paul speaks of the self is banished from the universe by the righteous judgment of God, and in John mighty hand of God. 5:30 Jesus says, ‘I judge, and my judg­ Although we will not deal with this in ment is just, because I seek not my own this study, the thrill: ng account of the will but the will of him who sent me.” final destiny of the redeemed is found in the following chapters, Reva’ation 21 and BOOK OF LIFE 22. There is also another book, the book of CONCLUSION life. Indication is that this book contains the names of those who have been cleans­ In conclusion, I will briefly summarize ed by the blood of Christ. Notice that some of the things that come out of this there is no intimation that anyone was study. I will also, at random, point out a saved on the basis of his good works. few important implications as I see them. Rather, salvation of the individual is 1. All men will be judged. dependent on whether his name is re­ 2. Judgment will be according to works. corded in the book of life. Those who 3. Christ will be the judge. have not been make righteous through 4. Judgment is final. the Lamb of God, those whose names are 5. Judgment is related to rewards and not recorded in the book of life, are cast punishment, namely eternal rewards into the lake of fire. John sees a sharp for the faithful and eternal punishment division of men into the saved and the for the wicked, Christians will be judged doomed. as Christians and the lost person will be Moving on to verse 13, it speaks of the judged as a lost person. Whether a person sea, death, and Hades giving up the dead is lost or saved is decided in this life. for the final judgement. Both George The inference is that the final judg­ Ladd and Leon Morris agree that the re­ ment does not really decide anything ference to sea, death, and Hades does that has not been decided in this life. not speak of a difference of fate after Rather, the final judgment establishes death, but it merely means that all the an arena, for a public demonstration to dead, however they died, are included all that God is righteous and just in treat­ in this final judgement. Certainly, we ing men as He treats them. The judgment should not understand that the souls of does not so much discover the character those who drowned remained in the sea of the individual as manifest and reveal until the judgment. “Hades ’ here does the character of each person. not refer only to the intermediate place of Furthermore, the teaching tl.*. man the wicked but the common destination will be held accountable for everything of all men, both Christian and pagan, un­ does not only engender fear, but it gives til the judgment day. The “giving up of dignity and meaning to the very humblest the dead” in this verse means resurrec­ and insignificant action. Justice will fi­ tion, although it is not explicitly stated nally triumph over all the evils and in those words. (Ladd, p. 73; Morris wrongs of life here and now. God will fi­ “Comm on Rev.” p. 240) nally triumph; His will, will be perfect-

April 6,1973

ly done. Yes, history is moving toward a definite goal. These truths should bring calmness and assurance to those who are now in the thick of battle. In Psalm 73, Asaph almost shipwrecked his faith be­ cause he could not understand all the blessings and material riches the wicked enjoyed. The final judgment provides the answer to this dilemma. Even though God judges in this life. He is not finished yet. The prospect of a final judgment helps us to understand the problem of evil. Modern liberal theology tends to re­ gard judgment primarily, if not exclusive­ ly, as a present immanent process. The view that there will be no final judgment tends to lose what it seeks to protect. Mor­ ris quotes McNeile Dixon as follows (quote) The kind-hearted humanitarians of the nineteenth century decided to improve on Christianity. The thought of Hell of­ fended their susceptibilities. They closed it, and to their surprise the gates of Heaven closed also with a melancholy bang. The malignant countenance of Sa­ tan disturbed them. They dispensed with him and at the same time God took His departure, (end quote) (Morris. Bib. Doc. of Judg., p. 69). We need to keep a proper balance in our preaching between God’s love and for­ giveness, and His holiness and justice. These concepts are not mutually exclu­ sive. God’s love, as exemplified by the cross cannot be properly understood apart from an understanding of the na­ ture of sin and its consequences. Love must not be confused with permissive­ ness and indifference. Jesus bore the judg­ ment of our sin on the cross because of his love. To sin against this love, to re­ ject God’s offer of salvation, is the most heinous of all sins. That sin will not and cannot go unpunished. Brethren, we are living in an age in which the people of Sodom and Gomor­ rah would feel very much at home. In view of the coming judgment, we should be moved to holy living. The prospect of a final judgment should cause us to take seriously our personal discipline, the discipline of our children, and the dis­ cipline of Church members. Further­ more, the expectation of a final judg­ ment should motivate us to do evangelism. According to II Peter 3:9, God is tempor­ arily suspending the judgment because He longs that all men might be saved. This should cause us to be faithful in the proclamation of the Good News, and then at the same time sound the warning that failure to accept Christ will result in ultimate doom.

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Possibilities Potential Plans Prospects

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The Author: Mr Keidel has been a mission­ ary in Zaire (Cong) since 1951. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from North­ western University, Evanston, Illinois. He has done much to help implement the work of literature distribution in Zaire. Some may remember him as the speaker at our 1968 annual missionary conference, when they were at home on an extended furlough. They are now again back in Zaire.

Evangelistic Outreach in Zaire by Levi Keidel

A Zairian children’s evangelist named the mike. “She has brought a great big Kabamba, a pastor, and I were in the musical instrument, and you ought to hear midst of a week-long village itinerary. I her play it!” (An accordion, not really that was driving the pickup truck through a big...) “And the missionary...you wouldn’t heavy mid-afternoon rain toward our next believe it. He has a little guitar the size of appointed stop. Would the people be expect­ your hand. He hooks it under his chin and plays it with long hair. Don’t stay home ing us in such weather? Upon entering the village we saw a man tomorrow and then feel bad when others tell on my right in rain-soaked clothes gesturing you about it.” Some 1,300 persons attended excitedly for us to drive up over the sand the next day’s services with 302 making embankment into the village. I shifted into commitments to Christ. These examples serve to illustrate the double low and followed him. He ran ahead, directing us. Our path was marked on either continuing evangelistic outreach in Zaire. side by clusters of flowers tied to trees and There are pastors who sit on mission sta­ hut veranda posts, and led us to a newly- tions and go visit village churches only when remodeled mud-walled thatch-roofed guest someone offers them a ride. But there are house. We stopped, and people converged others who have such a burden for the souls of people in the villages they will bum from everywhere to greet us. When we were seated inside the house, rides on passing traders’ trucks, ride bikes, two village chiefs presented us with a live or walk on foot a score of miles to minister goat, and passed on our instructions to to them. There is the occasional rogue who butcher it. People had walked four miles will throw a gravel stone at your passing from villages on either side of us to share in vehicle, or cut a PA speaker cord in the our coming. There were no lodging facilities dark; but in any village, the overwhelming for such a large number of guests; so they majority of the population gives the visiting passed the damp cold night seated around national pastor and missionary an exuberant two fires outside our guest hut. The pastor welcome. sat with them. He talked about the Bible, Possibilities sang hymns with them, explained the words, Current possibilities are great. There is and finally came to bed at 4;30 a.m. A month later Kabamba, my wife, and I still a ready response to the gospel. Seldom were itinerating 250 miles in the opposite does one preach an evangelistic service to direction. On a Saturday afternoon I was a large village public without someone re­ driving with the local pastor through the sponding for Christ. Kabamba preached streets of his town. He was energetically at three open-air market meetings on a announcing tomorrow’s services over the recent weekend, and 37 came to get right truck public address system. “The mission­ with God. During two weeks of meetings ary has come with his wife,” he shouted into conducted by Evangelist Kabangu Labadi in Page 4

the western part of our field, over 1,000 made first-time decisions for Christ. Pastor Kuamba Luboya daily teaches Bible in the public school. Recently he gave an invitation to his classroom, and sixty children aged ten fifteen raised their hands wanting to ac­ cept Jesus. Rev. Makanzu Mavulimusa, na­ tional co-ordinator of evangelism, writes in an open letter to Zaire missionaries, “If you came here to preach the gospel, why should you now pack your suitcases to go home? Nowhere in this country is it forbidden to preach the gospel.” Immediate possibilities are great. On the other hand, recent moves by the national government tend to cloud future possibilities with a degree of uncertainty. In a speech on national radio a week ago, the President informed his listeners that he had just come from Catholic mass; his child­ ren attend Catholic schools. He is not op­ posed to religion as such. But it is his purpose to make it clear to all citizens that he is their chief. Notwithstanding, churches are oemg required to pay heavy taxes to re­ tain ownership of their real estate; anyone wishing to begin publishing a periodical (be it religious or secular) is now required to have deposited in a national bank a reserve credit of $400; and radio stations are no long­ er allowed to broadcast religious programs. One cannot know what part such events will play in the pattern of the future.

Potential As are current possibilities, the potential is great. There is no restriction on the oral declaration of the gospel of Christ, be it by THE MESSENGER

Current possibilities are great. There is still a ready response to the gospel. Seldom does one preach an evangelistic service to a large village public without someone responding for Christ. public preaching, or by person-to-person ■ ~ • • proved■ witnessing. The first-century church these methods to be adequate. As for resources, most of the 500 pastors, teachers, • Zaire - • and lay leaders in the AIMM Church- in are serious enough in their spiritual com­ mitment to be mobilized in outreach evangelism. A substantial portion of its 30.000 baptzied and adherents are ready to work with them. As for potential audience, there are prisons and hospitals; there are government and mission schools in our area with a combined eraollment of perhaps 50,000 children where religion is still a part of the curriculum; there are the countless villages and towns of this vast region where the majority of the population is either spiritually lost or in need of a clearer under­ standing of what it means to follow Jesus Christ.

scheduled events. Activities include: —harvest festivals —mass outdoor rallies in larger centers of population week of Lenten services —youth Sunday —a national-level Mennonite pastors’ conference —Bible and Christian Literature Sundays —a week of Bible study lectures for Christians —evangelistic services with guest speakers —a seminar for Christian parents —effort to care for the poor and needy

Prospects We have no guarantee that these plans will be carried out. They could be inter­ rupted by the Lord’s return, which will bring the church joy. They could be inter­ rupted by forces of testing, which will bring the church distress. As has already been suggested, there could be a confrontation between the church and -the forces of civil government. Relentless stresses of tribalism struggle to divide the church. And resurg­ ent paganism strives to rot its moral found­ ations. Because of these forces, the Zaire church exists in an atmosphere of insecur­ ity which is difficult for people of more de­ veloped countries to understand. We may even harbor fears that such forces could combine to destroy the church. However, we may recall that the first century church was born into the power­ ful eddy currents of Imperial Caesar and paganism; and it flourished. We have no reason to believe that the Lord is less able to care for His church anywhere today, and to bless its effort of outreach evangelism to the fulfillment of His prospects.

—AIMM Messenger

Plans In this particular setting, what remains to accomplish a more successful program of by Don Palmer outreach evangelism is to mobilize and activate those Christians who are willing and able to engage themselves in the work of witnessing. Toward accomplishing this Latin America. . . rapidly growing ur­ America? Let us consider several signi­ end we are using two approaches for the ban centers, mountain villages and ficant facts. calendar year of 1973. First, South America was the last of 1) We'have asked leaders of the 17 towns, steaming jungles, snowcapped districts which constitute our AIMM Zaire Andes, fertile valleys. Its past. . . great the continents to attract missionary at­ field to commit themselves to accomplish- Indian civilizations, Spanish conquista- tention. Consequently, the evangelical ing carefully selected specific goals during dores, the forming of a new people and church in Latin America is one of the “the conquest of a continent. Its present. . . youngest in the world. the year. Suggested goals include: Second. Latin America is considered -a .specific number of Christians in each dynamic, restive, revolutionary, a concongregation who have regular daily per- tinent in change. Galo Plaza, former to be strongly Catholic. Approximately sonal devotions president of Ecuador and currently Se- one third of all Roman Catholics in the —a specific number of groups of believers cretary General of the Organization of world are in Latin America. Yet, even by States the admission of some of their leaders who regularly conduct evangelistic ser- American ‘ "" " writes. " “Every country of Latin America has themselves, Roman Catholicism is very vices in nearby villages -a specific number of Christian homes its distinct profile. But all have one nominal in many countries, where 95 per • • observe • .............. • thing in common: they are in the throes cent may be baptized and considered which daily family worship —a specific number of homes of un- of transformation, more pervasive, dra- members of the church, but only a small ■ ■ people \ which will "■be visited • J matic, and fundamental\ than at. anypercentage of these really practice their churched ■ ‘ —a specific number of groups of believers time in history. Change in Latin Ameri- faith. James Fonseca, editor of the Cath­ to be formed into new churches ca is of course only a part of the world- olic Notices, states that although 90 per —to preach the gospel of Christ in every wide pattern, but it is quicker, more rad­ cent of the population of Latin America ■■ ■ district. • village of their iical, more explosive, and’ more permeated is baptized into the Catholic Church, not 2)°We have drawn up a calendar of with ideology. This dynamism may be more than 30 per cent of these ever take church activities to be observed simultan- discomforting to those who do not under- first communion. In the third place, the population ex­ eously throughout the AIMM Zaire area stand it, but it is by and large construcplosion of which we hear so much today through the months of 1973. Letters of re- live and creative.’’ “ ...................... .......................... What minder and ■instructional materials are being , do ,these changes . . “ tell us as evanCont’d on page 10 prepared and distributed in advance of the gelicals and as missions serving in Latin

Profile of Latin America

THE MESSENGER. Published every other week by Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba. Second Class Mail, Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address.

April 6,1973

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E <1 it» ria I Church Alive! It is heart-warming to read an account like Evangelistic Outreach in Zaire appearing in today’s issue of MES­ SENGER. It seems that often our preoccupation with earth­ ly things tends to dull us to the spiritual. Especially is this true with relation to trusting and relying on God’s promises that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Just imagine 1,300 people at a meeting and 302 decisions! I believe the difference between a living church and a dead church is that in the living church there is evidence of the working of the Spirit. In the living church people are getting saved and Christians are growing in the Lord. I felt that this was also the case in a church which I visited not long ago where the pastor recounted several con­ versions over the last six months. “Did you see that girl?’’ he said. “She was saved two weeks ago.” And so there were others as well. Would we not call this a growing church? One more case. A brother was in my office the other day and we talked about ways of doing the work of God. He was so thrilled. He had visited a Bible study group in another city and the man who led the discussion was just a newborn babe in Christ himself. Others were keenly in­ terested. Why do some churches grow while others do not? The September 1970 issue of Church Growth Bulletin records some of the results of a survey conducted by a stu­ dent who interviewed growing churches in California to see what caused one church to grow while the other did not. There might be a lesson in this for us. One of the questions was, “When did your church be­ gin to grow in a noticeable manner?” Some of the answers were: “When we found out where people hurt and ways to help them.” “When we quit begging people to come to us and in­ stead, went to them.” “When we realized that the people in the community didn’t care whether we lived or died (in fact, one church had died and no one even noticed), we decided it was time for the church to see what could be done to help people find new life through belief in Jesus Christ.” Another question was, “What unusual things do you do that cause your church to grow?” The answers to this ques­ tion show that growing churches are innovative churches. They experiment with different ways of reaching out. Some of these were Walk-In, Drive-In churches; buses, Code-A-Phone ministry, 24 hour telephone service for people in trouble. Summarizing, the person who made the survey says, churches which are growing are making good use of Bible studies, meeting at times convenient to the people, using Page 6

laymen and women to witness; preaching simple sermons; and are trying new ways of getting into touch with people.” Another innovative church we read about is the Houston Mennonite Church of Houston, Texas. They are adopting what they call a “Team Ministry.” The objective of the Mennonite Team is to win, using God’s ground rules, in love, respect, integrity, honesty, open communication, reconciliation and personal realness. To place people ahead of program, building, precedence, numerical success or tradition. The objective is imple­ mented among other things with creative experimentation in patterns of study, worship and service. Monthly Team meetings serve as periodic checkpoints. One of the greatest dangers, as I see it, today is that Christians become so used to the lukewarmness around them that they also have the temptation to succumb; to take it easy; to conform to the status quo; to not expect great things. May God help us that we will not fall into the error of the people of Hebrews (5:11) who were “dull of hearing”. But are we not dull of hearing if we can be told over and over of the need of earnestly contending for the faith and yet little is done? Are we not dull of hearing if we are challenged to go and win the world for Christ and do so little about it? We have given a few examples of what some churches are doing about it. But to get the greatest impetus we need only go to the book of Acts and the first church and look at the way they grew as the following shows. Acts 1:15—120 disciples 2:41—3,000 souls were added 4:4-5,000 believed 5:14—multitudes of believers were added 6:7—number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem 9:31—churches were multiplied in Judea and Galilee 11:21—spread to Antioch 12:24—further spread of the word of God 13:45—spread to the region of Asia Minor 16:15—churches increased daily 19:10—complete evangelization of Asia Minor (John W. Voth) These are some of the things which are recorded. No doubt much more happened. Where did these early Christians witness? Here are some places recorded. In great gatherings (Acts 2:14); before the rulers and religious leaders of the day (Acts 4:5); in the temple (Acts 5:25); be­ fore the Jewish council (Acts 6:12); everywhere (Acts 8:4); before, “common and unclean” (Acts 10:14); by a river, “Where prayer was wont to be made” (Acts 16:13); in jail (Acts 16:25). Are we identifying with the counterpart of these places today? If not, why not? I’m sure that we also have innovative churches in the EMC. The problem may be that our pastors are so modest they don’t like to talk of their achievements, for which something good can also be said. Nevertheless if you have tired something that worked and over which you are pleased, why not share it with other pastors. I’m sure they would thank you for it. —D.S. Cover Photo; Signs of Spring along Manitoba PTH No. 10 at Cranberry Portage.

THE MESSENGER

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ittlSSIttNS Kleefeld Missionary Conference March 25 - 29

'Tuesday Night A special treat was having the Warkentine sisters from Rosenort play the harp and sing “Fill My Cup Lord”. From Fred Friesen we got some firsthand information of the earth­ quake in Nicaragua, and how many have come to know the Lord through this devastating experience, also how wonderfully God was and is taking care Sunday Morning When Penny Reimer sang, “He of His own. Rev. Shidler stressed that in 1973 Touched Me,” you just knew He had! It was good to have Don and Nancy our job is to evanglize, to win souls for Longworth back home for a few min­ Christ, teach Christ, live Christ. utes via tape. Wednesday Night Rev. Don P. Shidler from Kansas By tape Florence Friesen together City, our guest speaker for the week, started us off by dividing the book of with her missionary children in Ecua­ Romans into three parts. Chapters 1-8, dor spent a few minutes sharing their Doctrinal; 9-11, Disperisational; 12-16, daily activities with us. What could be more precious than Practical. Just as Paul had a call, likewide each one of us has a special call “Feeding in God’s Green Pastures,” as our group of about 20 young Pil­ from God. grims assured us through song. What kind of a gospel are we to pro­ Sunday Night The beauty of song is most reward­ claim in ’73? A Gospel of peace, a ing when played like LeRoy and Grace powerful Gospel, a glorious Gospel, an Bartel did. incorruptible Gospel, the Gospel of Sal­ The children (including us older vation. children, too) could hardly wait as each Bringing this message is not always evening Mrs Rosella Bartel, and Leona easy, but Rev. Schidler gave us the verse Friesen, would continue the story of found in Psalms 126:6, “He that goeth little Annette of Switzerland, and how forth and weepeth, bearing precious she found peace with God. seed, shall doubtless come again with Rodney Kroeker, missionary to Aus­ rejoicing bringing his sheaves with tralia, stressed the importance of reach­ him.” ing people through the printed page. Thursday Night A soul inspiring message in song Monday Night We all prayed along with the Bark­ “His Love is Wonderful to Me” was man sisters as they sang the beautiful, brought by Johnny Penner and his “A Closer Walk with Thee”. group from Winnipeg. Again by tape Wilbert Friesen said What kind of people should we be? A chosen generation, a royal priest­ that when the earth starts shaking hood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, and quaking, you need a refuge like or as Rev. Shidler mentioned “hybrid” Jesus Christ. And the golden opportun­ if you will. Why? “To show forth the ities they now have for witnessing, be­ praises of Him.” The slides from Africa cause of the earthquake, was indeed a was proof of how God can call souls ‘God-send’. “out of darkness” into His marvelous Even good things must come to an light.” (I Peter 2:9) end, and so Rev. Shidler closed our Theme: “The Kind of People We Ought to be in 1973 “Why stand ye gazing up into hea­ ven?” but rather, “Go ye.” This com­ mand has been ringing out to hearts of man throughout the ages, until this very day. Our Missionary Conference was wonderful proof of this.

April 6,1973

Mrs Antonia Saavedra and family

A TESTIMONY FROM MEXICO I was born in a Catholic home in a village in the state of Chihuahua, Mex­ ico. My parents baptized me in the Catholic church. At the age of seven I had first communion. I liked to go to confession because I wanted forgiveness of my sins. When I got married I chang­ ed my mind about confession, and I did not go anymore. Then I began seeking God in other religions. I tried various ones but none gave me peace. Now I know that Christ is with me because I have received Him as my Saviour. John 14:6. Nobody can be a Christian without receiving Christ. John 1:12. It is my de­ sire that my family will also receive Christ. I ask for your prayers. Dear readers, it gives me joy to share my testimony with you.

Your sister in Christ, Antonia Saavedra Mrs Antonia Saavedra, from Kilometro 5, Juarez was saved through the min­ istry of sisters Dora Friesen and Doris Thiessen. She now takes an active part in the ministry of the Lord such as in Ladies’ Bible Classes, etc. (Ed.)

spiritually enriched week of meetings with I Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore my beloved, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is NOT in vain in the Lord.” Jesus Christ may come in 1973. Are you ready? Page?

News PrcMii the Churches

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TOBATI, EAST PARAGUAY HERON In the morning Worship Service, on March 25, we were admonished, inspired and challenged as the brethren. Rev. Curt Bork and missionary Doug Reader, spoke to us. They are the messengers that God sent into our midst for this coming week, to conduct a series of Evangelis­ tic meetings. Our prayer is that we would be drawn real close to God so that Christ will find us waiting, watching and working when He returns to receive His own. Congratulations go out to Susan, daugh­ ter of Peter P. Thiessens on her recent engagement to John Rempel, son of John Rempels of Cromer, Manitoba. They are planning a June wedding.

ROSEISLE The observance of the Lord’s Supper, on February 18, seems to have been the beginning of a series of special dealing with the spreading of the Gospel to all the world. On February 26, the Ladies Aid group enjoyed a chicken noodle soup dinner to­ gether with Miss Tina Barkman. After the meal. Miss Barkman showed slides of, and articles made by the people of Paraguay and explained the work being done there with the help of the group’s financial support. On March 4, a short program preceded a report and slides given by Henry Harms. Mr Harms, together with three other Mission Board members, made a trip to Mexico to do some follow-up where Ra­ dio Ministry had been done, etc. Sunday evening, March 11, the film “Three” was shown. It turned our atten­ tion from foreign fields to witnessing in day-by-day contacts with other people in whatever our vocation or occupation. The challenge was “Don’t have a faith which is neatly packaged, tied and la­ belled, but rather make your faith an experience relating to all parts of your life in hope and love.’’ On March 11, Mr and Mrs C.J.L, Frie­ sen left for their two-week trip to British Honduras to visit relatives. Mrs Jake Dyck is now back at home with her family after having had tests and treatments in Winnipeg several weeks.

Pages

The visitors that came from Canada on the charter plane, at the end of Decem­ ber, left on the 1st of February. We had a welcome program for our new pastor Walter and Margaret Reimer and we praise the Lord for sending them here. The same evening there was a fare­ well for the Peter Martens, who have been visiting here for a month with their daughter Sarah. Edna Penner, who came with the Rei­ mers, left the next day with John Doerksens who had come out from La Esper­ anza to pick her up. A baby girl, named Anita, was born to Helmut and Hedburg Koop. Dr. and Mrs John Schmidt are really busy now, not only with the many people who come to their clinic, but they go out to Paso Cadena, Santa Ana and Campo 9. Mrs Schmidt is giving piano lessons once a week besides. Pete and Betty Friesen are both sick in the clinic. Pete has some kind of flu with high fever and Betty has a very sore foot. Sarah and Anne are taking care of Corinna and Dalen.

Arthur and Frieda Siemens were wel­ comed as members in our church on Sun­ day, by Jake Braun, Another room, 20x22, was added to the school this year where the ladies also did their share of work by painting. Three rooms are painted by now. Forty-four school children are taught this year by Mary Kroeker and Sarah Martens. On Februay 11, Rev. Walter Reimer brought his first message here. He spoke on Paul’s testimony. The Reimers are a real blessing here. Praise the Lord. Hans Sawatzky and Erna Hiebert have announced their engagement. We were thankful for the visit by Rev. John K. Reimer of Winnipeg, executive secretary of the Board of Missions. May the Lord bless you and your family. Mr Willie Hiebert, of Steinbach, is visit­ ing here too. May the Lord bless and guide you too. “For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17.

•

PLEASANT VALLEY

RIVERTON

Sunday, March 18, Alfred Friesen gave On February 17, the Youth Fellowship a very moving report on the Managua, held a social evening at the Wright home Nicaragua situation, I believe that the in Arborg. At its close, pastor Kroeker missionaries, who experienced the earth­ gave a very, “down-to-earth” message on quake, still need our prayers. being thankful for everything. Mr Bill Boudin, of Chicago visited our We were privileged on February 18, to church on Wednesday night, presenting see Haiti in all its scenic beauty via us with a real missionary challenge. slides, as the Menno Kroekers and Peter Last Sunday, in the morning service. Loewens showed us the different places Rev. Melvin Dueck spoke in our church they had visited. We also saw its many on finding our strength in Jesus. peoples, the church our friends attended, Mr and Mrs Pete Reimer, who have and realized the great need of the gospel been conducting Bible Studies in Roland in that little country. this winter, report of a good response. The past two Sundays, we as a congre­ Even young people are attending their gation have been experiencing a re­ meetings. awakening in our spiritual lives and ser­ The Henry Bartels have made a num­ vice to be ready, and to be witnessing, ber of trips to Meade, Kansas this year, as Mr Kroeker brought us messages on due to Mr Bartel’s mother’s illness. The “The Second Coming of Christ” from last trip was to attend her funeral. Let’s Matthew 24, and “After Death, What?” remember those who have lost loved ones. Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Her­ Visiting the community during the man Weik, on the arrival of a daughter. “mid-term break” are the Andrew Frie­ Melody Joyce, on January 8,1973, sens and the Richard Loeppkys. THE MESSENGER

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Baptized at Portage la Prairie on February 11 were five young people and one (al­ ready baptized) was taken in membership. Baptized were, front row, left to right, Dorcas Hamm, Barbara Plett and Clarice Greening, back row, Beverley Plett (taken into membership), Brian Plett and Ron Heinrichs. The pastor Gladwin Plett is on right.

the “collar” for many years. Rev. Sibley never knew what it meant to have a per­ sonal relationship with Jesus Christ un­ til a year ago. ’Two mothers, Mrs Lillian Sawatzky with daughter Lynn and Lynn Ash, and Mrs Hannah Neufeld, together with daughter Laura, were fortunate to join in Mother-Daughter Retreat held at Red Rock in March. When they were asked what they had enjoyed most, both ladies replied: “It was wonderful to get away from the hustle and bustle and just sim­ ply relax. We were happy to have Rev. Menno Kroeker here on March 4, when our pas­ tor was serving at Burns Lake. He spoke on Sampson, the Muscle man - very chal­ lenging! John Klassen had the misfortune of having his big Co-op Oil ’Truck turn over. He testifies that, “God had His Hand in it. It was nothing less than a miracle that the truck didn’t blow up. The truck doors were shut and remained shut (later had to be taken off). “I laid midst broken glass all over, when several men from a nearby gas station pulled me out through the window,” he said. He is now con­ valescing at home after having been hos­ pitalized for nine days. The Dave Sawatzkys performed two deeds of mercy (or better three) with their trip to B.C. — taxying the Harold Sibleys to Victoria and on their return trip, they brought Mr G. Plett back. Over there they visited their son Rich­ ard, who is employed at a saw-mill at Vanderhoof. . . .“the half has not been told of Por­ tage news - but enough paper filled.”

shipping church; a happy church, a grow­ ing church.” Amen! To add to the many blessings of that The time has come when the Christians are realizing that it is the “eleventh day — Communion Service followed right hour” and that it is more effective to after. The Lord’s Presence could be ring the doorbells than the church bells — sensed in a real way as we shared the in order to reach the lost for Christ. After Bread and Wine in memory of Christ’s the Key ’73 classes on “Sharing your Death for our sins. Baptized and received into church fel­ Faith” were taken in (instructed by Rev. G. Plett at Salvation Army Citadel), we lowship that day were Clarice Groening, are now descending on the inhabitants of Barbara Plett. Brian Plett, Dorcas Hamm, Ron Heinrichs and Beverley Portage la Prairie. It was indeed a momentous occasion Plett was also received into member­ when five young people followed their ship. On March 19, the Ladies Mission Group Lord in water baptism. The First Baptist Church was filled almost to the last seat hosted ladies from various other churches BIRTH on February 11 at 2 p.m. A reverend hush­ from town and surrounding areas. It was a ed, awe-inspiring atmosphere enveloped joy to see our church almost filling up To Mr and Mrs Ralph Unger, Birch us all - as God smiled down as these young with guests. Theme: Key ’73. River, a daughter, Glenda Lynn, on On March 8, Mothers’ Club Meeting hearts made their pledges to Him, before March 31,1973. Congratulations! was cancelled. Instead a car load of la ­ they stepped into the water and were dies went to Winnipeg to take in a new baptized by Rev. Gladwin Plett. ■The service followed immediately af­ challenge for us mothers - to hear Mrs ter the baptism, in the E.M. church. The Ella May Miller speak on “A spirit-filled pastor gave each of the candidates a Woman.” Who can keep quiet about the challenging Scripture passage. It was a Lord after listening to such stimulating, April 2-7 — Basic Youth Seminar, St. moving moment as he inserted each one’s clear and frank words on how to live an Paul, Minnesota. name into his or her specific verse. It was abundant life! April 12 — Deferred Giving Seminar at a particularly “special” day for the G. The Young People, under the leader­ the Steinbach Bible Institute with Menno Dirks. Plett family as all three of their children ship of Beverley Plett, are going forth were involved. with zeal and enthusiasm. On February April 8-18 — Evangelistic Meetings in Rev. Dave Schellenberg, former pastor 14, they enjoyed a Valentine’s Party at Prairie Rose with Rev. Peter Broesky. for this church, was the guest speaker. the home of the Henry Neufelds. A group May 11 — S.B.I. Clean-a-thon (Watch for further details). He challenged us all with appropriate of Young People from Winnipeg, under words, based on II Corinthinians 3:3 — we Paul Ruten’s direction, joined them in May 25-27 — Steinbach Bible Institute are now a letter of Christ, read by all some skating at Island Park, followed by Youth Conference. men. He spoke on marks of a good church refreshments at the Neufelds. June 8, 9, 10 — E.M.C. Annual Confer­ ence- Steinbach. according to Acts 2:42, 45, 47 — “It is a We were happy to have Rev. Harold praying church; A reverend church; a Sibley give his testimony at our church July 9-27 — Bible Camps at Steeprock Bay, Mafeking. praising church; a sharing church; a wor- on February 18. Having been a man of

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE

Calendar

April 6,1973

Page 9

DANIEL KEITH PLETT 1961-1973

The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. The Lord blessed us with a first born, a son, Daniel Keith Plett on December 13, 1961. He was born the day after his fath­ er’s 25th birthday. Danny spent his first three years in the Landmark area. Then we moved to the Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa area where he attended Kindergarten and grade one. We moved back to the Landmark area again, and together with his brother and sisters, attended the Lin­ den and Landmark schools. He was a stu­ dent in grade five at the time his illness struck. Throughout his young boyhood years, Danny being the eldest, was a ma­ ture and understanding boy. Up until his death he was always thinking of others, the family at home, being kind and con­ siderate. Danny was keenly interested in hockey. He was chosen captain of the Pee Wee team this last season. The last game he played was on January 13 and he scored three goals. After this game, we noticed he was ill, and never seemed to regain his strength. He had one of his dreams ful­ filled when he was privileged to have Bobby Hull visit him personally at the hospital. On January 25, we transferred Danny from the Steinbach hospital to the Chil­ dren’s in Winnipeg. It was that night we first were told the sad news that he had a very severe case of leukemia. When we knew, he was very ill, and highly di­ seased, we prayed constantly for God’s will to be done. Danny was able to com­ prehend theological knowledge at a very early age, and together with his brother James, last June, made a decision to ac­ cept Christ’s redemptive work for his salvation. Danny was assured of meet­ ing his Creator. When we realized his condition was quickly weakening, as a family we recorded a tape of songs and Page 10

repeated comforting passages of Psalm 23 and St. John 24 where he heard of many mansions his heavenly Father was pre­ paring for him. On the morning of March 14, Danny was weak but alert and wished his mother a happy birthday. Because of massive hemmorages, which was weakening him quickly, Danny was told before he slipped into a deep sleep that he was going to be with Jesus now, and to hold unto His hand as Jesus would carry him through. Danny peacefully slipped into uncon­ sciousness and the Lord took him home to the heavenly mansions at 4:35 p.m., March 14, 1973. As a family we are thank­ ful to God, that the last day was free from pain; and that he was able to fall asleep so peacefully. Although we knew that a parting time was coming, we were shocked it was so soon. However, our God is a wise God and we believe He makes no mistakes. However, we will still have many ques­ tions and will continue to ponder why for some time to come. Danny leaves to mourn his passing, his father and mother; one brother James, 9 years old; sister Joanne, 7 years old; and sister Sharon, 6 years old; his grand­ parents, Mr and Mrs Isaac K. Plett of Landmark; his grandfather, Mr John Lukey of Norquay, Saskatchewan; his maternal great grandfather 98 years old, Mr Dmytro Pasiechney of Canora, Saskatchewan; many uncles, aunts, cou­ sins, and friends. Blessed are they that fall asleep in the Lord! A dear little child of tender years Was climbing a hill side steep. He bravely toiled, but his strength was spent His footing he scarce could keep. The clouds were gathering in yonder sky. The air was chill and bleak; Storm would soon be upon him now And feeble was he and weak. An angel noticed his wandering strength And forth to his rescue came He lifted him up in his own strong arms And calling the child by name.

"Danny,” he said, "it will soon be dark, I think I should take you Home, Your Father expects you this very hour. He’s waiting for you to come.” He hastened on, for he knew the child Must needs be at Home to rest. And there he left him all safe from harm Asleep on his Father’s breast.

The Family

PROFILE—Cont’d is greatest in Latin America, where the yearly rate of increase is approximately 3.5 per cent. In 1970 the population of South America was estimated at 190,000,000. At present rate of increase the population by the year 2000 will be al­ most 600,000,000. With this kind of popu­ lation explosion the problems mount: how to find food for all; how to create enough new jobs; how to expand educa­ tional facilities for all the children and young people needing them. Even now over 50 per cent of Latin Americans are under 20 years of age. Unless there is al­ most miraculous change the population explosion indicates increasing poverty, unemployment, frustration and unrest, and these spell revolution.

The fourth significance factor about Latin America is urbanization. The cit­ ies of Latin America are exploding with new barrios (suburbs). Four of the 12 largest cities in the world are in Latin America - Buenos Aires, Mexico City. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Some of the facts we have just men­ tioned may seem startling and even alarming. But the most important fact about Latin America- for us is that the evangelical church is growing at a very rapid rate. In 1900 the total Protestant membership of Latin America was esti­ mated at only 16,500. By 1967 this number had increased to almost 5,000,000 mem­ bers and a Protestant community of ap­ proximately 12,000,000. In most of the Latin American countries today, the evangelical church has greater oppor­ tunities and liberty to proclaim and teach the gospel than ever before in its history. Latin America is the only area in the world where the evangelical church is growing faster than the population in­ crease! What do the above facts tell us as sup­ porters, missionaries and a mission so­ ciety involved in Latin America? The fact that the evangelical church is still young and very small in the coun­ tries in which we work means that there is still a very big job ahead of us - for both the national church and for the mis­ sion agencies - in evangelism and church planting and multiplication. The popula­ tion explosion in Latin America simply adds to this fact - it means that the church must grow and reach out to new people at an ever-increasing rate. The tremendous growth of the cities in Latin America indicates that these cities must become target areas for our mis­ sionary efforts. They are strategic be­ cause they are the cultural, political,

Cont’d on page 11 THE MESSENGER

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Meeting God The other morning when I was having bor or to a friend and also gives me victory my devotions, suddenly a familiar Scripture over my thoughts and desires. FROM 'HOUSE verse, containing five words, leaped at me Therefore let us draw nigh unto the in a powerful way, “I will meet you there” throne of grace, every hour and minute (Exodus 30:6 - Living Bible). In the preced­ of the day and “Meet Him there,” and en­ TO YO' HOUSE ing verses we read how God gave the Israel­ joy sweet communion. ites precise instructions on how to build —Anne Klassen the tabernacle—and when he described the In my own backyard PROFILE—Cont’d ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat...He educational, and economic centers of in­ Many of you mothers, especially those said ‘Twill meet you there!” with little children, may feel “trapped” in The verse reminds me of the many fluence. In the same way, they must be­ the home and wonder how you may find “meetings” of friends through the years. come centers of influence and outreach someone with whom to share your faith. We would agree on a specific place to meet for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know I did sometimes. When we moved .. .and as a rule everything would be well. This does not mean we are to neglect into the Aberdeen Church parsonage in How much more is the Lord waiting for the rural areas — what it does mean is Winnipeg, I could see so many homes that us to come to that place of “meeting” with that we must not neglect the cities. needed visits and help and I was tied to my Him—He is always ready and waiting. And Finally, the exceptional growth of the home with a pre-schooler and a new baby. unlike our earthly “meetings”, we can evangelical church in Latin America is Often I felt guilty because I couldn’t get out meet or tune in to Him at any time and any­ evidence that this is a spiritually-pre­ more. Now as I look back on those four years where. pared field. It is true that Latin America in that house, I am amazed at all the people As a homemaker, while I am doing the is facing some grave problems, and that the Lord sent into my own backyard, so I dishes, I can communicate with my best it is a continent in ferment and revolu­ might help them in some way. (The names Friend. Praying is actually sharing our tion. Yet the response to the gospel of are changed, otherwise the incidents are deepest thoughts and desires. He not only our Lord is at an alltime high in many of true.) listens, but He meets our daily needs. He these countries. Opportunties have never been greater. The question is: How can changes our attitudes and desires. GIESELLE While I am methodically sweeping the you participate in this harvest of souls? Our backyard was not a beautifully smooth floor, I can share joys and sorrows with By making yourself available for mis­ lawn with neatly kept flower beds scattered Him. He understands my deepest frus­ sionary service in Latin America — by in it. It consisted of coarse grass, many trations and highest thrills. While I am mak­ praying for missionaries and national dandelions, a thoroughly used swing set, a ing the beds, I can talk to Him about the leaders and - by giving to the support of sandbox and lots of open area to run and child whose bed it is. When I wash clothes or missionaries and ministries in Latin play in. Thus it attracted many neighbor­ do the floors, I can pray for my unsaved America. hood children whose homes did not have neighbors or about the problems of a The Author: Don Palmer has served with much outdoor play area. One of these was friend. GMU since 1959, ministering 12 years in Willy. He and our oldest son were great Moreover, as I go back to the Bible Columbia. He is now Vice President of friends and played more or less harmonious­ (Exodus 30) and view the whole picture... Field Affairs. Mr Palmer attended the ly much of the day. His mother, Gieselle, I can rejoice in a wonderful God who has University of Minnesota, Briercrest came to call him at lunch and supper time provided a way of escape for us. He is a Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical and so we met in my backyard. Our ac­ God of Mercy and Pardon after His Divinity School, where he received an quaintance seemed quite superficial and I Atonement. MA in the School of World Missions. He was hoping to get closer to her because I At the close of a day (or any other time), currently resides in Kansas City with felt she was very lonely. I learned that her I can talk to Him about my failures and his wife Dorothy and two children. parents and family lived in East Berlin and shortcomings and He blots them all out. her husband worked away from home much He forgives my wrong attitudes to my neigh- The Gospel Message/Fall 1972 of the time. Yet my conventional “How are you?” was always answered with a smiling MCC MATERIAL AID AND CASH PROJECTS — SHEETS (APRIL) “Just fine!” Occasionally we'd have coffee together, but always that reserve was there. MCC needs sheets—mended sheets, new sheets, white sheets and colored sheets, Then one day the reserve broke, and she double sheets, single sheets, motel or hospital sheets. Clinics, hostels, hospitals and orphan­ sobbed out her loneliness, fears and serious ages in Haiti, India, Bangladesh, Jordan and eight other countries often cannot afford to buy problems. I sat helpless, my tears flowing expensive sheets. with hers, praying, wondering what I could Don Ranck, MCC Brazil director, recently wrote, “To buy here the quality of sheets say or do to help. But mostly, I just listened, i^at ^ave been ggjjj jq jj, the past would be next to impossible in northeast Brazil. We Actually, her problems were such that there bg grateful for your continuing help.” was very little I could do. Before she left Because Brazil alone has requested 12,0(X) to 15,000 sheets, MCC Material Aid departwe prayed together. At the door she turned ^lent suggested that both the cash and material aid projects this month be sheets. Hospitals to rne and said, I feel much better already. and motels are two overlooked sources of used sheets. Just having someone to tell this to makes If you choose to buy sheets, single sheets are preferred. If you send cash designated for such a difference!” sheets, MCC can buy one dozen single sheets for $19.00. How we need to be open to listen and thus lighten someone’s burden. As the NEW SELF-HELP CATALOG philosopher said, “We have been given two Have you written for your free copy of the new catalog and price list available from ears and only one mouth, and that we can MCC’s’'s^lf-Help’Pro’gram? close!” —(Mrs) Betty Koop Self-Help Program, MCC, 201-1483 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg 12, Manitoba Page 11 April 6,1973

5

The Poor Woman and the Rich Volunteer by Rodney Peters, Brazil

It was a strange day indeed. The atmos­ phere was hard to describe. It was like I was walking on a cloud and the rest of the people were looking up at me, some talking and some just staring, some pretending nothing was new. But I knew they could sense it. The strange and uncomfortable feeling be­ gan when I entered the Recife, Brazil, bus station to return home to Amaraji, a village where I serve as a Mennonite Central Commit­ tee (MCC) volunteer. The procedure, the loca­ tion of the booth, everything was familiar to me because I had bought bus tickets there be­ fore. But as I walked up to the booth a man ap­ proached me and asked if he could assist me in finding the correct booth to buy my ticket. I told him I knew where it was and thanked him. As I approached the ticket booth I saw a woman waiting to beg for money from the people who bought tickets. I could tell she was a beggar by the way she was dressed. She wore an old. torn, green dress and held a bundled baby. I looked at the baby and I quickly looked away. Why? I don't know why. I guess I was shocked and I almost felt sick. The baby was skin and bones and his face was so small. His eyes were big and glassy and I noticed he never once blinked but just stared into nothingness. I thought of how this child would be overfed in my home in Kansas. What a shame this child couldn't receive the same care and upbringing that I had received. I could tell that the baby was not newly born. And it would not have sur­ prised me if he were one or more years old. I was so deep in thought that I did not notice

the woman touching my arm. Then she spoke, "Give me some money for my baby's health." I acted scared and I don't know why. Maybe be­ cause I did not know what to do. I replied, "Not now." I was then paying the cost of the ticket. I had to break a large bill which meant I would be getting some change back. All this time she was watching. I became uneasy and still did not know what to do. She then said in a raised voice, "So you don't have money. Look at all that money. Every­ body I ask says that they have no money." While she was half talking and half yelling I was trying to interrupt by saying, "I never said I didn't have money. I never said I didn't have money." The second time she heard me. She felt sorry about her sudden outburst, but I was more hurt than she was because I didn't know what to do in this situation. I gave her a com. She then started to sob. In the midst of her sobbing she was saying that I had a kind heart but most people had hardly given her anything. I then felt worse than ever. I gave her another coin and glanced at the dy­ ing child. I couldn't take it. I made a quick step backwards and walked in the other direction before I could see the mother wipe the tears from her eyes. There are many Brazilian mothers begging, hope that at the end of the day they can buy a piece of bread for themselves and for their malnourished children. Oh God, what should I as a Christian do? What would YOU do?

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Page 12

THE MESSENGER

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