The Messenger May 17, 1974

Vol 12. No. 10

May 17, 1974

The Problem of Joy and Suffering m Life/2 Readers Responses (l^ettefs) /4 A Panamanian Ordination 6/See also t^is issue for another Historical Notes by P.J.B. Reimer.

< I

From the pages of history come these chal­ lenging words to those who are suffering; to see sorrow as a means of rising into the very pres­ ence of God.

The problem of joy and suffering in life by Henry Ward Beecher

I. JOY AND SUFFERING "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." — Prov. iii. 3. "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." — John xvi. 33.

THE OLD TESTAMENT is a bright and sunny book, and represents virtue and obedience as bringing forth the most pleasant fruits: and one. in reading it, would be apt to get the idea that a moral and God-fearing man must be supremely happy. The promises abound, to the one side, of obedience; and the threats abound, to the other side, of disobedience. But if one turn to the New Testament, another style of teach­ ing seems to prevail. There is a ministration of sorrow; and it is declared that if a man will live righteously, he shall suffer tribulation. 'He shall be happy," says the Old Testa­ ment; "He shall be unhappy, ' says the New Testament, "All his ways shall be ways of peace," says the Old Testa­ ment, "He shall take my cross,” says the New Testament. "Obedience, virtue, prudence, piety, are a crown of riches, " says the Old Testament; "A crown of thorns they are." says the New Testament. What shall we do between these two differing representa­ tions'? This seeming conflict of statement runs through the Bible. There are in the New Testament intimations of the same doctrine that breaks out in such power in the Old. There are echoes in the New Testament of those very promises of earthly joy in obedience which so superabound in the Old Testament. Religion is joyful; and yet. crucifixion is its symbol. The way of piety is called peace; and yet. we are commanded to put on the whole armour, and be ready, as warriors, to fight at any hour. Are these the symbols of peace? We are to rejoice; and yet we are to deny ourselves, and take up our cross and follow Christ. We are to inherit the world; and yet we are to forsake the world, and not be conformed to it. The Old Testament seems to exclude suffering from its ideal saint; and yet the New Testament sets forth the divine man as "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. " One class of minds goes to these diverse representations, and by elective affinity takes the joyous side, and simply does not meddle with the other. There arc men who go through the Bible taking out its promises, its joyous, hopeful, cheering, comforting passages, and elect these things to themselves. They do not see that there is any controversy or conflict, simply because they do not consider the other side at all. They let it alone. As the disciples, when they walked through the fields eating corn, rubbed the ears in their hands, to get rid of the chaff; so there are a great many people who take the Scripture and rub it in their hands, and cut out the part that they like, and throw the rest away. Therefore there are many persons who talk about religion as being a life of su­ preme and continuing joy. and for ever appeal to persons to become Christians because it is so joyful. Well, it is joyfulin spots. These persons are fairly matched by the ascetic spirits, who see the suffering element in the New Testament and in the Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was the pastor of the Ply­ mouth Congregational church. Brooklyn, New York. For nearly 40 years, his church, seating nearly 3,000 people, was thronged both morning and evening. Many volumes of his sermons were published during his lifetime, and were widely read. A sister. Mrs. Harriet Beech­ er Stowe, was one of the foremost authors of her time, and wrote the famous story, "Uncle Tom’s Cabin". "The Problem of Joy and Suffering" is adapted from one of Mr. Beecher's sermons.

Page 2

I

"Sufferings rightly understood are, as it were, God’s courses harnessed to your chariot to bear you up.”

Old, and make it the very prime experience of life. They be­ lieve in joy: but it is that which is to be found hereafter. The true ascetic throws forward his joy, and he has it only by expectation. Here he has to wear the girdle and the sack­ cloth. Here he has to play the martyr, in order that he may play the saint and the conqueror hereafter. But the greater number of men vibrate in perplexity be­ tween these two representations. They have a notion that true religion confers supreme happiness; but they are far from being fully happy. They are far from being very happy. And when they look round about them in the church, they see there all gradations, from sleepy good nature and indolent content, at the top of the scale, along down to the utmost disquiet and aspiration made unhappy. But then, they account for it, without any very close reasoning or examination, on the theory that persons are not happy who are religious, be­ cause they have not enough religion. This, as a mere matter of fact, is very true; but really, it does not seem to be an adequate philosophical statement to cover the whole meaning and harmonize these two elements of joy and sorrow that the Bible abounds in. This class are nearer the truth than either of the former extremes; but they hold it in an empirical form. Now, cannot we get a larger view? Cannot we throw light upon this problem of the mingling of joy and sorrow in this world? I propose it, not so much for the gratification of cur­ iosity, or for the sake of exercising the philosophical ingenuity; but because it has become indispensable to discuss such themes. Every age has to make a new statement of moral facts in the light of the consciousness of that age. The old statements held good for their time. They satisfied the yearn­ ings, they met the moral necessities of the aspiring souls of their day. But the world goes on, and new statements become indispensable. If any age gains anything it lifts the next one up to a higher plane; and you must take new observations from that higher plane, and not change the truth, but recast the statements of it, and newly form the theories which cover all the voluminous facts of moral consciousness among men. Be­ sides, it is out of this large view of the mingling of joy and sorrow in life that we shall derive, as I trust, in the sequel, some of the most potent motives for right living, and some of the most comforting views for our weakness, infirmities, and afflictions.

II. THE TRUE WAY OUT OF SORROW In the light of these disquisitions, they that are in trouble or in sorrow must learn the true way out of it. There is but one way out of suffering, and that way is upward. All other ways are adjourning it. or preparing for its recurrence in even great­ er measure. When men suffer in any of the vicissitudes of life, and go down toward their passions as a refuge, or go out laterally, as it were, to hide themselves in amusements, their sufferings are like the blossoms of an apple-tree that fall without fruit, multitudes of them. No lesson is learned, no victory is gained, no strength is attained. But when a man suffers, and accepts the suffering, and says. "It is a messen­ ger of God sent to teach me to rise higher in that part of my being in which I am living: to strengthen that which is good over against that which is bad; I must think higher; I must live better; I must be nobler; I must commune more with God; I must come nearer to the invisible and eternal world; the farther I go down toward the animal, the more I must suffer; and the higher I rise toward the spiritual, the less shall I suffer" — when a man does this, he has learned the

May 17.1974 L',' £1-

, ■

lesson that every one should learn. If God has sent afflic­ tions upon you, whether they come from yourself or from your social liabilities — from your connection one with another — the golden gate that leads into the way which is pleasant, and into the paths which are peace, is an upward gate. And the nearer a man can get to God, the less anything on earth can afflict him. That is one reason why prayer, even when men in their own consciousness are not Christians, is so soothing and quieting. In the act of lifting the soul up above its passions into the conscious presence of the Eternal, though it be blind, though it be the pleading of a child with an un­ known Father, there is something that lifts a man in the right direction. But how much more when God is dearer to the soul than all the contents of earth; when the soul can say, “There is none on earth like thee, and there is none upon the earth that I desire beside thee! " Communion with God is prayer — oh! what a refuge out of trouble! Oh! what a pavilion in which God does hide men, according to his promise, until the storm be overpast! Out of sorrow by going down? Ah! that is bad comfort. Out of sorrow by reorting to stoical philoso­ phy? It only hardens and toughens the fibre of feeling. Out of the mere erosion of suffering? That is not a manly comfort. Oh! lift up your head. Find peace and comfort by giving flight to the higher elements of your highest nature: love, and faith, and hope, and joy in the Holy Ghost. There is the divine prescription. And there never was a trouble so grevious that there was not, in this joy in the Holy Ghost, assuagement and peace. There never was a heart so smitten that there was not restoration in true Christian faith. "When God is taking you through the wilder­ ness toward the promised land, never look back, nor shrink.” When the rude ox or the fierce wind has broken off the shrub, and laid it down on the ground lacerated and torn, it lies there but a few hours before the force of nature in the stem and in the root begins to work; and soon new buds shoot out; and before the summer shall have gone round, the re­ storative effort of nature will bring out on that shrub other branches. And shall the heart of a man be crushed, and God send sweet influences of comfort from above to inspire it, and that heart not be able to rise above its desolateness? What sorrow is there that has God's liberty to ride you as a despot? What bereavements did God ever give liberty to be your tyrant? What laws did God ever give leave to come to you and say, "I own you? " You are God's, and no one else's. And there is no suffering, no sorrow, no human experience, that you have not the power to rise above, to subdue — nay, to harness to you, and make carry you. For sufferings rightly understood are, as it were, God's courses harnessed to your chariot to bear you up. Horses and a chariot of fire did the prophet have to take him to heaven: but he is not the only one that went to heaven in a chariot of fire. Thousands are riding in chariots of fire. Sorrow is the fire: and troubles are those coursers by which myriads of men are being drawn, in that flaming chariot, heavenward. Do not understand, then, that suffering or sorrow are inci­ dental or accidental. They are all of them divine. Rightly under-stood and rightly used, sorrow is to the man what the whet-stone is to the razor. You are made sharper by it. With­ out it you very soon lose your edge, and cut dull. With sorrow men never forget. Sorrow is the trumpet that sounds through the camp when the enemy is near, that you may be aroused and ready to meet your adversary. Sorrow is that friendly Cont'd. on page 5

Pages

ILacsi^oir© APPRECIATE AIRMAIL MESSENGER We would like to express our thanks to those who are making it possible for us to receive The Messenger by air-mail. We have not been able to keep track of the names indicated (return address) on the paper cover because ours comes together with those at Tres Palmas (Tobati). So whenever The Messenger comes I remove ours right here in the city and the rest goes on up into the interior. Anyhow. I, believe those that are doing it don't realize what it means to have "fresh” reading material so far away from home. Thank you again! 1 noticed your name on the return address on the last issue Dave. I hope this doesn't mean that you were down to the last one on the list — and had to foot the bill yourself, as editor. God bless you as you carry on the ministry of The Messenger. In Him. Frank and Marge Kroeker Asuncion. Paraguay

are kept under godless atheism, some of whom try to find God without even know­ ing His Name? Before publishing an article as this and others which we have read prior to this, we recommend that the editors read " The Persecutor " by Sergsi Kourdakav and "Tortured for Christ " by Richard Wurmbrand. The editors should also read "Gulag Archipelago” by Alexander Solzenitsyn who is a Nobel prize winner, an educated man and a genuine Christian, not a "wolf in sheep's clothing ". Woe betide such a man as Mr. Krahn who takes it upon himself to judge and viciously condemn his own brothers in Christ, this he will have to answer for. Woe betide the rest of us who would rather sit in our armchairs and dole out a few tidbits to those who are handy. Surely some will hear the words of Jesus. " Because thou art lukewarm I will spew thee out of my mouth.” For them that are in bonds, we remain. Yours sincerely. Mr. and Mrs. LorneG. Chase Box 84. Weekes. Sask.. SOE IVO

IN TRAINING NOTE RE AIRMAIL MESSENGER

All our missionaries get “The Messeng­ er” by airmail through the generosity of friends at home. The cost for mailing one issue runs to $12.00. This puts “The Messenger” into the hands of our mis­ sionaries in record time. Individual doners, groups or Sunday school classes get their address printed on the wrapper in which “The Messenger” is sent so that the missionary knows who paid for the postage. What better way of communicating with our whole mission family! For each contribution of $12.00 we will send one issue (about 60 copies) of “The Messenger” by airmail to our missionaries. Make your check out to EMC Board of Missions and you will also receive a tax deductable receipt. Mail to: Airmail Messengers, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2AO. QUESTIONS KRAHN’S MOTIVE

We strongly protest the article in your May 3. 1974 issue of The Messenger by Cornelius Krahn, entitled "Be a PennyPinching Mennonite". This vicious attack against sincere born again Christians, some of whom we have met and talked to personally, is shocking. This particular man's motive for writing such an article is questionable. Is he a man who has no concern for the one-third of this world s population who

Page 4

Time has a way of escaping very rapidly around here. This is partly true because we find ourselves involved in a fairly busy schedule. A time of prayer in the morning at 7:00 o'clock, culture and language learn­ ing classes from 8:15 til 11:40. and chapel service till 12:30. In the afternoon, work detail till 4:45 and then 2 or 3 hours of study at nights takes up most of our time during an ordinary day. We can say. however, that we have appreciated our time here so far. Es­ pecially as we consider that the things that are being taught are very vital and very essential in effecitively communicating the Gospel to tribal folks that have never had an opportunity to hear the name of Jesus. We believe that the Lord is directing us to work with tribal people in Venezuela. W’e have been greatly encouraged with the way doors have opened up in the last months, in regards to the work in Venezuela. For sev­ eral years, it was almost impossible to ob­ tain a permanent visa for Venezuela. With a new government coming in thi.s spring, this has changed to the place where it is now relatively easy to obtain visas for Venez­ uela. Also, there are now several tribes that are wide open for us to move in and start a work with them. There is a big need for two school teachers at our Mission school down there. Please pray with us for teach­ ers. Our first semester will terminate the 31st of May. After that, we expect to go to Camp Awana (missionary conference in Wiscon­ sin) for about a week. For the summer, we plan to go to Manitoba to meet both Tina's and my families, and many of our friends.

We are looking forward to this time. Contin­ ue to pray for us that our hearts would be tender and open toward the Lord, that He would be able to accomplish that through us which He desires. In His love. Elmer & Tina Barkman & family WINDEMERE HIGH SCHOOL

I want to share with you a few happen­ ings on the field here in the Bahamas dur­ ing the past months. We participated in the Bahamas music festival on February 19th. The school choir did real well. We got first in Hymn singing, second in four part singing, second in musical instrument playing, second in the solo part. This is a real great accomplish­ ment when we compete against all of the different schools in the out Islands of the Bahamas. We have a very willing choir who spend much time practising and singing. On February 23 we had a supper sale here at the school. The food for this was donated by different people. Pies. cake, coconut tarts, fudge were made and do­ nated by different individuals. For the main course barbequed chicken, peas and rice, potato salad were served. The meals were sold for $2.00 each and we served about 400 meals. The profit from this sale is to go toward a much needed new classroom building. The total profit from the sale was about 1650.00 A Christian film was shown at the end of the day for which quite a few people stayed. On March 13th we had our annual sports meet with six other schools from Central Eleuthera. The children were all fired up that we would bring the overall trophy home with us. They did real well, not only did we bring the overall trophy home but also the Intermediate age trophy, and we were second in the Junior division, with three points behind the winner and we were second in the Senior division only two points behind the winners. I must give all the credit to our Sports director Mr. Len Barkman who was patient and dil­ igently trained the children. Harvey Plett

24th Annual E.M.C. Conference June 28, 29, 30 at the

S.B.I. AUDITORIUM Steinbach, Man. Reserve these dates! The Messenger

--Bij

X-- ."A ?<-

17?• '

: ’•

* .. '-J

EDIT S3 Honesty I

►

I

•'Provide things honest in the sight of all men. ” Romans 12:17b "Thank goodness for honest customers!” I was not quite prepared the other day after we had straight­ ened out an error in credit and the voice on the telephone made the above remark. It made me wonder. Is it really as bad as that’.’ Has dishonesty really won the day to the extent that a man has to exclaim "thank goodness for honest customers?” We are told that on ex-president Truman’s desk was a sign on which was Mark Twain’s quotation. "Always do right. This will gratifv some people and astonish the rest.”

Now since the credit was in my friend’s favour I think he was both gratified and astonished. Gratified because he hadn’t lost that money and astonished that there was still Christian virtue. Now we did not deserve any praise for doing what was right, nevertheless one could not help but have a warm feeling for the word of commendation. Although we may talk of white lies and black lies and the Situationist is ready to modify, suspend or violate a general rule, the Bible knows of no option to honesty. -D.S.

The Revival of a Witness The approaching 450th anniversary of the origin of the Anabap­ tists in Switzerland in 1975 and the present Centennial of the Mennonites that came from Pennsylvania, Russia. West Prussia, and Poland to the Prairie states and provinces gives us many reasons to check into the essence of the Faith of Our Fathers. We are cur­ ious what it was, has become, and could and should be today and in the days to come. This raises many questions that call for answers. At this point we limit our remarks to the beginning of the witness of our Anabaptist forefathers. One of the best sources of information in this matter is contained in a book almost totally unknown to the average Mennonite of our day, eventhough it is available in the English and German language in any good Mennonite bookstore and library. This is the bulky over a thousand page Martyr’s Mirror first published over 300 years ago. It is today used primarily by the Amish. Rutterites and a few Mennonites as a spiritual source of information. Once upon a time the book of nearly 20 pounds was carried next to the Bible by those persecuted because of their faith, fleeing from country to country. From time to time efforts were made to make this classical book

of Anabaptist martyrdom and witness available in an abbreviated form in the German language. This was done without making full use of the unusual etchings by Jan Luyken. which speak more convincingly than words. Now a digest of the illustrated Martyr’s Mirror on 48 pages in a very attractive form has been published. Over forty etchings illustrating the witness of the martyrs accom­ panied by the text lifted from the Martyr’s Mirror give a vivid impression of life, faith, and witness unto death of the Anabaptists willing to undergo a baptism with the spirit of God and the water baptism and to seal their faith as an ultimate witness in a blood baptism. The introduction and conclusion as well as the aids to further reading written by Cornelius Krahn are very helpful for those who seek additional information in this matter. Originally the major part of this publication appeared as an issue of Mennonite Life (April. 1967). The edition was sold out in a short time. As a respon­ se to the many requests it has now been reprinted in an enlarged and improved edition by Bethel College, North Newton. Kansas.

SUFFERING cont’d. blow by which you. sleeping in the midst of suffocating fumes, are aroused. For God does not mean that you shall perish. He loves you too well. Ah! is there not comfort in the declaration, "Whom I love I chasten, and scourge every son whom I receive”? "'You had children. ” says God, "and you chastised them for your own pleasure; but I, that they may be partakers of my holiness.” There is the Gospel; the whole of it. Blessed are they that have sorrow. Sad are they that are without it. He must be a very good man that has lived in this world and has not had any trouble. Steamships do not care whether the wind blows or not. because they have internal motive forces; but we are not steamships, and we need trou­ bles as winds to bear us on. We make no voyages without troubles, unless we are very good indeed.

Blessed be God, then that gives us sorrow upon sorrow, trouble upon trouble, stroke upon stroke. These things are so many knockings at the gate of heaven, saying. "Open. Lord.” Let heaven’s gate fly open when they fall on you. See to it that they take you to God. See to it that they take you to higher manliness and to God. Never in sorrow be sorry for anything which you have done that was right, and pure, and true. Never in sorrow say, "Oh! that I had the leeks and onions of Egypt, and were not obliged to eat this food of the desert which I so much loathe.” When God is taking you through the wilderness toward the promised land, never look back, nor shrink. Bear your trouble, and say. "Strike. God. and strike again, and as often as needful; do anything to me and take anything from me; but let me have thee, and life, and life eternal. ”

THE MESSENGER. Published every other week by Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba. Second Class Mail, Regi.s-tration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address. May 17, 1974

Page 5

AVI NS 10 K S A Panamanian Ordination by Clifford Reimer

Clouds of grey dust were rolled up and swept away by the everblowing trade winds only to settle on plaintain leaves, palm fronds and saw-grass that lined the sides of the Pan-American Highway. The Easter week-end had begun and very pre­ dictably the flow of traffic rose to 700 than 1000 and even more cars per hour as seemingly everyone in the capital city took to the road to get away from the sim­ mering heat trapped in those concrete canyons. On Thursday night in every town and larger village there would be a pro­ cession with ‘‘Men only" participating. On Friday much longer and more elabor­ ate processions would be held emphasiz­ ing the fact of Christ's crucifbdon and death. By Saturday, in spite of the Roman Catholic traditions restricting them the musical combos would be tuning their instruments, testing their electronic gear and giving out the occasional ear-splitting squawk on the P.A. system impatiently waiting for midnight when Lent would be over and the carousing and revelry could begin. At El Amanecer. conference and camp grounds of the G.M.LI. located right beside the Pan-American highway, the endless stream of cars elicited very little interest

and later the sounds from the village dance pavilion non at all. A better, happier Easter week-end was experienced here. A 3-day family camp was in progress. Eight families came and participated in the recreation, the discussions, the food, and good fellowship. On Good Friday evening the camp group was increased by most of the Christians from the near­ by church. What a joyful time we had singing the praises of Him whose death had made us one! The camp schedule continued through Saturday with one important addition. One of our lay pastors had requested ordination and so a council of missionaries and national Christians met to hear his testimopy and examine his doctrinal statement. Such a meeting is bound to be a real blessing. He wants to be ordained; we want him to be ordained. He wants us to know what he believes; and we want to know what he believes and how he will put that into practice. In such an environPage6

ment of unity of purpose and faith love meets few barriers. The council recom­ mended unanimously that Brother Ven­ tura Saenz be ordained. The following moring — Easter; that most glorious morning of the year for us who know its meaning! By six o'clock people were arriving at the little chapel beside the highway and before long it was crowded to capacity. The singing, accom­ panied by music from Mrs Saenz's accordian. was if anything more animated than on Good Friday. The message reminded us of the "why" of this happy festival, and fellowship later during the Easter break­ fast prepared by the women of the church, was really heart-warming. But the climax of the entire week-end came that afternoon when the actual or­ dination service took place. Once again the chapel was filled. All of the members

of the local congregation wanted to be present to see their beloved pastor, who had served so faithfully for years as a lay preacher, receive ordination. Beside them there were Christians from nearby Chorrera and Vista Alegre and from far-off Salud and Santiago. The building had been decorated in typical Panamanian style with flowers and palm leaves. In what was not typically Panamanian style, the order of the service moved smoothly and briskly — the song service, prayer, a meditation dealing with the significance of the laying on of hands, and then the charge to the ordaining church. Then came the moment when Brother Saenz knelt on the platform and five of his co­ laborers laid their hands on his head and prayed for God's blessing hon his life and a fuller measure of the gifts of the Spirit to make his ministry fruitful. At his side was his wife who has such an important part in making his work complete. In a few minutes they were back in their seats and listening to the final message — the charge to the new minister. It ended with a challenge to other young Christians and lay workers to follow the example just given. The closing song, a hymn of praise and truimph was sung fervently. To all of us who had longed for the time when a Panamanian Christian would be ordained to full-time ministry it was truly an occasion for thanksgiving.

Mission-Gra ms Nicaragua: "Thursday I had the privilege of leading a young fellow to the Lord. Today a fellow came to the house and he also accepted the Lord upon invitation. The young pople have really been growing spiritually. Five of us are studying in the extension Bible School." —Don Plett

Fred Friesen has informed us that both they and the Wilbert Friesens have moved into different houses. The Managua Church celebrated its fourth an­ niversary with 250 people in attendance. On March 23 Theological Education by Extension was launched with twenty-five enrolled. Paraguay: Frank Kroeker has sent very encouraging reports on his investigation con­ cerning the establishing of a radio station in the Chaco. Radio Southern Man­ itoba plans to send an engineer to Paraguay for about two weeks during the latter part of May. He will assist Frank in his investigation. Bible School is now in session at La Esperanza with seventeen studentsenrolled. Mexico: The Annual Conference of the E.M.C. Churches in Mexico was held during the Easter weekend. The attendance was very good. Plans to support a fulltime Mexican evangelist were discussed. There is a greater concern among the churches to carry on the work of the Lord.

Cover kholos: Laying on of hands at Panama Ordination. Cliff Reimer on left. Top photo shows Decilo Guerara. lay minister

The Messenger

Moves to Ecuador The following letter comes to us courtesy the Steinbach E.M. church and is from Mrs. Gil Reimer, now in Ecuador. Many no doubt who have prayed have been anxious to know of the welfare of Mrs. Reimer and children. May this reminder encourage us to continue in prayer for this family. Ed.

>

Dear friends. "Sorrow stretches the heart-to make room translated into experience. I am learning the for more and deeper love. " reality of 1 Peter 2:24: "His wounds heals We have just passed through experiences ours " and many other Bible verses. outlined by God. In a recent letter, we clos­ After Gil's Coronation Service on Febru­ ed with Romans 12:12 from the Living Bi- ary 21st. it was not considered wise for me ble—"Be glad for all that God is planning to continue on alone in Panama City and the for you. " Little did we realize what that children in boarding school near La Chorplan would include. I dare not ask. "Why rera. After much prayer, we felt at peace Lord?" Faith does not ask. but accepts that about accepting the invitation from Gospel His ways are higher than our ways and His Missionary Union. Ecuador. On March 11th. thoughts higher than our thoughts...so much the children and I arrived in Quito, so that I could be with them during this time of higher! Yes. there have been tears—we miss our adjustment. It is evident that you have not beloved Gil very much. But as Betti Lou stopped praying, for they are adjusting said last night: "My daddy was just per- beautifully to the Alliance Academy and feet, but he wouldn't want to come back to living at 9,200 feet in the Andes mountains, this wicked world, would he? " How true! The GMU has graciously given and furnished Paul put it this way: For to me. living us a room here in the office building of the is located close to school. Presently. I am means opportunities for Christ, and dying­ well. that's better yet!' Many have written. helping in the Bible Institute of the Air. a "Gil packed more into his 36 years than department of HCJB. typing Spanish stencmany do in 70. " Someone said. "God takes ils for the Seminary Extension programmed care of the span.of our lives, but it is up to texts that Malcom and Mardelle Brown are us to take care of the depth. " For nearly 12 writing. " o ’’life — Lord willing, plans are for a mini-furlough years. God gave me the joy of sharing with an enthusiastic Christian, wonderful this summer, leaving here the end of May. We are in need of your continued prayer help husband and father. God's grace IS proving sufficient, and daily that God will show us where and in what He gives His peace. His strength. His com­ ministry He would have me serve Him. God bless you each one. You've been so fort and His joy. We have been very con­ _ special as you've showered us with so much ____________ scious of the prayers of hundreds, and we If it had not been for vour >ove and prayer. Our desire is that God will are so gratefulT ; prayer help and for God's marvellous inter- . *eud us "through the valley and out ...not vention in our lives, we would literally have somehow, but triumphantly. fallen apart during those days of waiting. Jean Reimer. Glen and Betti Lou uncertainty and then the realization that Casilla 5. Quito. Ecuador God had taken Gil Home to be with Him. South America Doctrine known for so long is now being

Missionaries Appointed

y

At the E.M.C. Board of Missions meeting on May 3 eight workers were accepted and six were reappointed to the field. Miss Irma Heppner of MacGregor. Man. was accepted for career missionary service in an E.M.C. field. She plans to be involv­ ed in camp work and V.B.S. this summer. This fall will most likely find her at R.G.B.I. in language studies. Miss Phyllis Penner of Ridgewood was accepted for career missionary service. Her plans are to go to South America with Worldwide Evangelization Crusade. At present she is nursing at the Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach. May 17. 1974

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Thiessen of Ridge­ wood were accepted as career missionaries for service in Belize with Gospel Missionary Union. They plan to go to the field in August. At present Mr. Thiessen is teaching at the Blumenort School. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Doerksen and Miss Amanda Kehler of the Braeside Church were accepted as Christian Service work­ ers for a one-year term in Ethiopia serv­ ing in the S.I.M. Famine Relief team. They plan to leave in a few weeks. Miss Katherine Penner of Ridgewood was accepted as a Christian Service work­ er for a term of service in Belize with

G.M.U. She plans to arrive on the field in time for school opening this fall. Mr. and Mrs. Peter K. Friesen were re­ appointed to serve in Paraguay. They plan to leave for their second term of service in July. Mr. and Mrs. Lester Olfert who have spent one term in Nicaragua were reappointed to the field. They plan to return in August. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Koop who are present­ ly on an extended furlough living in Clear­ brook and pastoring the Peardonville Church as well as studying were reappoint­ ed to Japan with Japan Evangelical Mis­ sion. These workers are presented to you for your prayer support. Henry Klassen

CHRIST’S SECOND COMING Irene Sampson

What will His look be when He comes. With trumpet sound, unmuffled drums. Calling the dead in Christ to rise. To meet the living in the skies With Him? ’Twill be a thrilling look. Translating saints whom earth forsook. ’Twill be His fire consuming dross; Swift judgment perpetrate across The earth. His wrath poured out alas. On wickedness—the unsaved mass! Since Christ is coming He’s declared All should be ready and prepared!

SPECIAL PRAYER CONCERNS The Board of Missions would appreciate you praying for the need of a producer for a Radio Missions Informer program. We believe that this program will fill a real need in challenging and informing the church in the area of missions. If you are available for this work or if you know of someone who would qualify to do this type of work please inform the ra­ dio coordinator at the office of the Board of Missions. Another prayer request con­ cerns the delegation from the Board which is leaving for Germany on May 19th. The Ex­ ecutive Secretary. Mr. John K. Reimer, and the Board Chairman, Mr. Ben Friesen, will visit Ger­ many to investigate the possib­ ility and opportunity to be more actively involved in our missions outreach there. They will also be visiting the eleven E.M.C. workers in Europe. Pray! —Henry Klassen

Page 7

Historical Notes IV

Growing pains in the “Small Church” by P.J.B. Reimer

Abraham Friesen, the brother-in-law of Klaas Reimer had joined the Small Church as a minister from the large Men­ nonite Church. When Klaas Reimer died Dec. 28th. 1837. Abraham Friesen was elected the second bishop of the Small Church. Since only 61 votes were cast at that election, the Small Church had grown very little in the first 2.5 years of its exis­ tence. People don't like to be persecuted.

When Abraham Friesen asked the Men­ nonite bishops to officiate at his ordina­ tion. this small favour was again refused. There was to be no tolerance towards another Mennonite Church in any form. Then Johann Cornies. the chairman of the Agriculture Association, intervened and through his recommendations the Czarist Minister for the Colonists issued a proclamation to the Mennonite Munici­ pal authorities, on January 28th. 1843. that henceforth the Small Church was to be fully recognized with all the rights and privileges of the Mennonite Church. Abraham Friesen died in 1849. but two years before his death the 39 year old Johnny Friesen was elected as his suc­ cessor. At this election the number of votes cast had increased to 91. which in­ dicates a somewhat faster growth in that decade. It is interesting to note that during Johann Friesen's time the Small Church was also known as the Neukirch Church, probably because the bishop lived in that village and there was no other Mennonite Church there at the time. We will recall that the first two bishops lived in Petershagen. Another minister Abraham Frie­ sen and a deacon Claas Friesen lived in the same village. The writer's grand­ parents. Abraham Reimers, also lived there for a time because my father Jo­ hann R. Reimer was born in that village. By 1856 the Small Church had one bishop. 4 ministers, and 2 deacons.

In the year 1865 most of the members of the Small Church moved out of the dif­ ferent Molotschna villages to a new set­ tlement opened up at Borsenko where 6 villages were established by over 100 families. They came from villages like Neukirch. Rosenort. Fischau, Blumstein and others. Borsenko was not very far from the Old Colony and the Bergthal Colony. Villages established were Blumenhof. Friedensfeld. Rosenfeld. Hochfeld. Heuboden and Steinbach. By 1873

Page 8

there were seven villages, including Gruenfeld. With this move into their own settlement they had hoped not only to have land for their many landless poor but also to get away from the sites of their previous sufferings from persecu­ tion. However, instead of more happiness and unity, there developed much internal dissention and disunity. The main cause of disunity at this time was the application of the ban of ex­ communication from the church. Ap­ parently it was the problem of excom­ municating a certain member by the name of Thiessen, that caused very serious friction and disunity in the ministry of the Small Church. The Bishop Johann Friesen manipulated the excommunica­ tion of two ministers. Abraham Friesen and Peter Friesen, as well as two dea­ cons. Jakob Friesen and Klaas Friesen. Naturally, this split the church at Bor­ senko into two groups. The smaller group had 26 male members and they elected the minister Abraham Friesen for their leader or Bishop. Now. the Bishop. Jo­ hann Harder from the Mennonite Church at Blumstein. was willing to ordain Abraham Friesen as the Bishop of the small. Small Church. The larger part of the Small Church elected Heinrich Enns for their Bishop, in 1866. However. Enns was removed from office two years later, when another ban quarrel developed. Cornelius Toews was elected a minister in the year 1868. but was not allowed to preach, because he had been under the ban of excommunication previously. It seems as if in most of the history of the Small Church, the very strict church discip­ line and an overzealous desire of applying the ban of excommunication, has caused more friction and disunity than any other single problem. The Bishop Jakob A. Wiebe of the Small Church in the Crimea, where they had settled in 1862. came to Borsenko in 1869 as a mediator. He tried to reconcile their differences but did not succeed to re-unite them into one church. So the smaller group elected their leader Abraham Friesen in May. that same year. Jacob Wiebe went back to the Crimea to re-organize his own group into a new church by adopting the baptismal mode of immersion and naming themselves the Krimer Mennonite Bre­ thren. Several families, however, did not follow him but remained members of the Small Church. Bishop Johann Friesen had

upon invitation by Wiebe come to the Annafeld group in the Crimea in the year 1867. to organize them into a part of the Small Church. Wiebe was ordained as a minister and soon after a.s the bishop of the group. Now. only about two years lat­ er. he left the Small Church with seven­ teen of his group, on the question of re-baptism by immersion. The minister Peter Baerg was among those who re­ mained true to the Small Church. Peter Toews, a progressive and spiri­ tual-minded leader, was elected as Bis­ hop of the larger Small Church at Bor­ senko in 1870. He introduced a better type of baptismal instruction for the baptismal candidates. It was not the instruction and recitation of the Men­ nonite Catechism, as was the custom in the Mennonite Church, but rather an admonition and instruction in the speci­ fic practices and rules of everyday be­ haviour and repentive living. The last ministerial election in Rus­ sia. before their migration to America, was conducted by the Bishop Peter Toews, in the Blumenhof meeting house. Borsenko. January 20. 1873. They had two deacons. Peter Wiebe and Peter Kroeker. As they wanted to elect two ministers, they first proceeded to elect two more deacons from the brotherhood. Jakob Barkmann. my maternal grand­ father was elected with 35 votes. The next one was Heinrich Wiebe with 19 votes and he was also elected. Altogether 189 votes were cast in this first ballot and the two winning candidates got only 54 out of those 189. The remaining 135 votes were cast for 20 more brethren, who got from one to 18 votes each. Then the four deacons were the candidates for the ministerial ballot. This time the deacon Peter Kroeker got 76 votes and the newly elected deacon Jakob Bark­ man got 62 votes. They were declared elected and after being orally tested by the other ministers as to their doctrinal soundness, they were ordained as minis­ ters at the same place February 14th. 1873. Now. just before the migration of practically the whole Small Church to America, its ministry was made up as follows: Borsenko ministers: Abram Loewen. Peter M. Kroeker. Jakob Barkmann; Deacons: Peter Wiebe. Heinrich Wiebe; Molotschna Ministers: Abraham Klassen. Johann Dueck; Crimea Minister: Peter Baerg; Bishop: Peter Toews. This was the larger Small Church which migrated to Manitoba in two groups, the Steinbach area and the Rosenort area. They came mostly in two years. 18741875. The small Small Church under the leadership of Bishop Abraham Frie­ sen. went to Jansen. Nebraska, and later to Meade. Kansas.

The Messenger

I

/

News Proiii the € hurt lies HERON Brother Peter Broesky from Steinbach conducted a series of deeper life meetings March 24-31. We felt drawn closer to God through Brother Broeskys warm but direct preaching. We trust it to be the Lord's leading that Andrew Friesens have decided to pastor our church. They plan to move after the school year. Praise the Lord for this answer to our prayers! Weekly Bible study hours have been started in Maryfield. Interest seems to be fairly good. The Young People had a hilarious afternoon on March 30. They spent their energy in a tobogganing party and satis­ fied mounting appetites with a delicious weiner roast. On April 9 they had a more quiet time with an evening of indoor games. Tract night was April 29 when they prepared tracts for Turkey. A "thank-you" to the Ridgewood Choir for the program presented on April 21 in our church. TREESBANK It was a joy to see Debbie Wilson, Dennis Friesen, and Robert Reimer follow the Lord in baptism this past winter. We pray that they might feel Gods nearness throughout their lives. During this last winter Leonard and

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY Steeprock Bay Bible Camp in North­ ern Manitoba is again in need of camp workers for its 1974 Summer camps: Needed: Counsellors Cooks Lifeguard

Camp Dates: July 8-13 July 15-20 July 22-27 If you like Indian children, are able to work long days, and have a con­ cern for those who do not know Christ, why not apply to the follow­ ing address: Steeprock Bay Bible Camp C/0 Ralph Unger Box 10, Birch River, Man. ROL OEO

May 17. 1974

Luella Plett taught a Good News Club in Wawanesa. A number of children attended and seemed very enthusiastic and asked quite a few questions concerning spirit­ ual matters. The last evening the children were already asking about Good News Club for next winter because they wanted to attend again. It is our prayer that these children might get to know the Lord in a personal way and then tell it to others in the town. From March 24-31 we had revival meet­ ings with Rev. John Koop from MacGregor as the speaker. We were richly blessed and challenged to serve and follow the Lord more closely in our daily lives. We were happy to have Rev. and Mrs. Gerry Doerksen from Blumenort with us the last weekend in April. On Saturday, at our young peoples meeting. Rev. Doerksen spoke on Luke 5:12-16. In the same way that Jesus wanted to cleanse the leper we should want to help others and not think we are better than others. Rev. Doerksen also ministered to us Sunday morning. It was a joy to have Rev. Friesen back in church again after having missed a couple of Sundays. He had an operation and also spent some time recuperating at home. SWIFT CURRENT The annual Child Evangelism Fellowship banquet was to have been held on the 15th but had to be postponed to the 22nd of March due to a snow storm. The guest speaker was Rev. Carlin Weinhauer. who is serving on staff at Briercrest Bible Institute. On March 17 we had pulpit exchange in the city. We had as speaker Rev. Ed Loukes of the Grace United church. He referred to all Christians as being the body of Christ. Pastor Fast was serving in the Assembly of God church. The film "A Night of Terror" for the church of Managua was shown on the even­ ing of the 24th. On Wednesday of the same week we were pleased to have "The Living Channels " from the S.B.I. with Rev. Ben Eidse sharing from God's Word. He spoke to us on "Time ". He said Jesus was never in a hurry, never frustrated. A skateathon was put on by the young people to raise money for a new piano. They collected some $700.00. The Child Evangelism rally was very well attended by children and adults. Trophies went to boys and girls with the highest points for attending clubs and learning Bible verses during the winter. In the evening of the same day we had Mr. and Mrs. Larry Magnussens assigned missionaries to Iceland under the World Wide European Fellowhip present a pro­ gram.

Our congratulations go to Betty Neufeld upon graduating from Bethany Bible in­ stitute on April 7. Rev. Henry Hildebrand was with us on April 7. reporting on the Fairhaven Child­ ren's Home in the city, and of the work in Africa. Communion service was held on Good Friday after the morning service. The ladies presented the play. "Witnesses of the Res­ urrection " in the evening. Harry and Esther Dickhaut have trans­ ferred their membership to our church from the Crestview Fellowship EMC. Bob and Elsie Fehr transferred from our church to the Mountview Mennonite church in Vancouver. April 21 Pastor Fast related to us of how Satan can even deceive Christians. He said if we try to do things on our own we are practical atheists. On April 28. Rev. Dave Froese warned us not to get entangled with the world, but to fight the good fight of faith. He told us not to quit, no matter what. Rev. Peter Schlamp of Wymark, Sas­ katchewan gave us a real challenging message on the 5th of May. He asked us, ""Are you a new creation in Christ? What do you talk about, the world or spiritual things? and Does your talk, walk, and your thoughts show you are a new creation?"

VANDERHOOF The Gideons were present in our even­ ing service on March 3. They gave an en­ thusiastic report of the work in B.C. March 15 the married couples had a sing-song at the George Froeses'. The Froeses also slowed slides of their re­ cent trip to the Middle-East. Before the evening ended we were served a delicious lunch. On March the 17th. we had a happy oc­ casion in our church when three young people were baptized. Those baptized were: Verna Martens, Linsey Jansen, and Gorden Penner. The next Sunday we had communion service. Sunday, April 7th was the occasion of a wedding in our church, namely Mr John Penner and Mrs Peter Dyck. They are pre­ sently residing in the Old Folk's Home. We wish them many happy years together. Good Friday we were presented with two contatas. Our Junior Choir, the Sen­ ior Choir, and also the band participated in this. Ron Penner is our choir and band director. On weekdays the men in our church are busy getting our new church building ready for the dedication on May the 12th. We expect Rev. Henry Kornelson for this occasion.

Page 9

Romans 5:8. He pointed out that (1) Manall have sinned. (2) God is holy — and all Grace, (3) Grace is always available, and (4) Salvation - the coming down of the grace of God. On Monday evening Mr Unger referred to the missionaries dream of the turning of large numbers to the Lord. He used I Thessalonians 2:1-13 as a basis for the talk. The text for Tuesday was taken from II Kings 7:9. Two of the thoughts that were raised were: "Why has God left me here?" and " We do not do well if we do not share our knowledge with others. " On Thursday Mr Unger spoke from Ezekial 37-''Can these bones live? and Prophesy to these bones and they shall live." He mentioned the various outlets to witness such as radio and tapes. Friday's service consisted of slides by Mr Unger of the Training Camp at Lac La Bish and a message. The message was based on John 6-the Starving Multitude the Selfish Disciples, and the Surrendered Portion. We were richly blessed through the ministry of Rev. John Unger.

ENDEAVOUR Our young people have been doing dif­ ferent things at their Young Peoples programs during the winter. One Friday they went to Pelly and brought a program there. Once they divided the young people into two groups and each group had to plan and present a program. They also have been having some socials and recreation like skating and sliding. These last few Friday's they've been having a series of devotions. The first one by Rev. Buhler was 'Is the Bible True? ". The second one by Dennis Thiessen "Who is Jesus?" and the third one by Johnnie Wilkinson, was "Fulfilled Prophecies in the Bible." We've been very grateful for the groups that have come out from the different Bible Schools to bring us programs. We are thankful for the many young people who are willing to go out and serve the Lord by singing and testimonies. We had a group out from the Living Faith Bible Institute (Swan River, Manitoba), a trio from the Nipawin Bible Institute, and another group from the Steinbach Bible Institute. For our Christian Endeavour in April a film was shown. The name of the film was "3". Our ladies have been busy this winter making quilts. How privileged we are that we can get together as a group of Christian ladies and use our hands to serve the Lord in other ways besides our everyday housework. Our church has taken another step to­ ward improvement and at the same time enlargement. We are getting an entrance built on. In the entry part will be two

FISHER BRANCH Open thou Mine eyes, that I may be­ hold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:18 We are so grateful to Rev Ben D. Rei­ mer of Steinbach who came to serve us with a series of evangelistic meetings from April 15-21. Rev Ben Reimers' pre­ sence at the Inter-lake ministerial on April 27 was highly appreciated as well. The brethern decided to respond to an invitation from the principle of the Fisher Branch Collegiate to conduct an Easter service at the high school on April 11.

washrooms and the baby room. This helps

Those who served reported of a blessed

to make our auditorium quite a bit bigger. The work is nearing completion. Mr John Hoffer and Mrs John Sawchuk have spent quite some time in the hospital this winter. At present they are both hos­ pitalized. Our prayer is that they may feel God's presence in their lives and that they will be back home shortly.

time of fellowship. The students atten­ dance is voluntary. Attendance at Christ­ mas was very low. however this time it more than doubled. Transferring his membership to the Fisher Branch EMC on Good Friday was Bert Dueck. Lester and Darlene Olfert visited our church on May 3. A hearty thank you for that challenging report, the slides and the duets. That duet "The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows", is still ring­ ing in my ears! We were happy to see Cecil Fast safely back home after his annual trip to Ala­ bama for a load of bees. Esther and the children stayed with family and friends at Rosenort during this time. Welcome home to Bernie and Marie Dueck who have been living at Sexsmith. Alberta this past winter. Holidaying at present are the Allen Pletts. They expect to go as far as Mexico. Get well wishes go out to Laura Hein-

Missionary Conference We had our Missionary Conference in the beginning of March. Rev John Unger, missionary for N.C.E.M. since 1950 was our speaker. He is involved with Cree Broadcasts over radio. The Sunday morning text was taken from I Corinthians 1:10. Emphasis was put on (1) the need to be stirred up to remember our need of the Lord, (2) God needs us — our bodies to go for Him, and (3) our need for each other. Sunday evening was our regular Chris­ tian Endeavour evening. The Nipawan Trio served that evening. Mr Unger brought the message, based on Titus 2:11 and

Page 10

BIRTHS To Mr and Mrs Wilmer Brandt of Trees bank, a daughter Karen Lee, on March

31, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Jake Friesen of Burns Lake, a son Randal James, on March 19, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Rueben Plett of Ridge­ wood, a son Maynard Dean, on April 11, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Brian Thiessen of Ridgewood, a daughter Helene Madelle, on April 23, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Art Siemens of Tres Palmas, a son Dieter, on March 24. To Mr and Mrs Bob Sutton of Saska­ toon, a son Stuart Rylan. on February

12, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Bob Prentice of Saska­ toon, a son Jason Bruce, on February

13, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Bill Hurrel of Swift Current, a son Ryan Douglas, on March 27. 1974. To Mr and Mrs David Janz of Tres Pal­ mas, a daughter Hannah Lori.

WEDDINGS

]

GOERTZEN—REIMER: Henry son of Mr and Mrs Ben Goertzen of St Laurent, Man. was married to Florence daugh­ ter of Mr and Mrs Henry Reimer of Riverton, on March 16, 1974. The cere­ mony was held in the Mennville Evan­ gelical Mennonite Church with Andrew Dueck officiating.

PECK—REZANSOFF: Mr Rollin Peck was married to Fay daughter of Mr and Mrs Bill Rezansoff of Kamsack, Sask, on March 23, 1974. The ceremony was held in the Kamsack Fellowship Chapel with Rev C. F. Dueck of Pelly officiating.

Dueck - Reimer: Bert, son of Mr and Mrs Peter B. Dueck of Fisher Branch was married to Helen Reimer daugh­ ter of Mr and Mrs Peter P. Reimer of Fisher Branch on May 4, 1974. The ceremony was in the Fisher Branch Community Center with Rev. Menno Kroeker of Rosenort officiating. Rempel - Friesen: Gerald, son of Mr and Mrs Frank Rempel of Rosenort was married to Jessie Friesen daughter of Mrs Dora Friesen of Morris on April 28, 1974. The ceremony was in the Morris Lutheran Church with Rev. Johnny Loewen of Morris officiating.

The Messenger

/

richs who was admitted to the Children's Hospital on May 6. Mary Reimer who has just completed a winter's study at M.B.B.C. is planning to take up employment at the St Boniface hospital lor the summer months. Betty Reimer who has been cooking at the Winnipeg Bible College this past win­ ter has now taken up employment at the Eventide Home. We were happy to see Norman Dueck home for a few days. Norman is a social worker at Regina. Do come again!

BURNS LAKE The winter is past, the spring season is here, and beautiful British Columbia Ls coming back to its green colour. On Sunday. March 10th we were chal­ lenged in our Christian walk in a mes­ sage by Mr Pete Wiebe, in the absence of our pastor. Friday. March 15th, marked the date of Jacob Martens 60th wedding anniver­ sary. Rev Leiding had a short devotional at this occasion, speaking on. "hitherto hath the Lord helped us. " and "the im­ portance of being ready. " Mrs Betty Klassen was hospitalized for a couple of weeks, with a bad ulcer at­ tack. On the 23rd of March, our Ladies Aid held a bake sale and a rummage sale, which proved to be quite successful. Also on the 23rd our pastor and his wife had the privilege of speaking at a Young Married Couples' banquet sponsored by the A.G.C. church in Vanderhoof. He spoke on. "Removing Stones that hinder the Holy Spirit." in our service for Him. Sunday, the 24th. the Grassy Plains church Young People presented a pro­ gram in our church, and in the same evening we had a farewell service for Ben and Betty Khissen who have since moved to Glenn Bush. Sask April 14th. our pastor was privileged to serve in the Fort Fraser. United Church. The challenge was. "A Cleansed Vessel" the Lord will use. April 23-28th was the Lake'.s District Crusade where each of the pastors of the participating churches took their turns in speaking. The Lord moved quietly but his presence was very keenly felt through-out the evenings. On Satur­ day the 27th the film. "So long Joey" was shown which had a tremendou.s message. Sunday. April 28th was a highlight for three young ladies, who followed the Lord in obedience, in the step of baptism. The three ladies were: Dolores Knelsen. Laurie Unger, and Martha Wiebe. The afternoon was a blessed time of fellow­ ship as we shared and fellowshippcd around the Lofd’.s communion table. On May.; 5th. the Ken Loewens were with Us .showing, their film of their junMay 17. 1974

gle camp training and also sharing some­ what of their work. We enjoyed their fel­ lowship.

CREIGHTON The week of March 18 George and El­ sie Braun from Kola were here in our midst. This was George's second trip here to put in the cupboards at the Manse. We want to thank him most graciously for his many hours of work. On March 24 we were pleased to have the Leo Thiessens from Winnipeg with us for the morning service. They pre­ sented a report on their work amongst the natives in the city, an enlightening and very interesting morning for us all. Rev Arden Thiessen and the "Children of Light " from the S.B.I. were with us March 28. We truly enjoyed the singing and message. They stayed on in our area to perform the first evening of winter camp, which commenced March 29. Mr Friesen reports they had a small but successful camp this year. Pastor Leis­ ter spoke Saturday evening with Deelyght Wolf taking the Sunday morning mes­ sage. The first week of April we had V.B.S. at the Chapel. There were approximately 60 children enrolled and were capably taught by six local teachers. The Lester Olfert.s were very welcome at the Chapel on April 6 when they showed slides and reported on their work in Ni­ caragua and area. Coffee was served to

close the evening. The following evening Peter Klassen shared with us his ex­ perience in Columbia. S.A. and present­ ed some slides as well. On April 27 there were two car load.s of Young People from our Chapel who went to Kamsack for a Youth Rally. They had a 15 hour day which included five hours driving each way. two hours of exercise at the gym. one and a half hours pro­ gramming with Bible Quizzes, special numbers by each of the six groups pre­ sent. concluded by a relevant message from Reverend Gladwin Plett. mission­ ary to St Lucia in the past and presently pastor at Portage. On Sunday morning May 5. Peter Frie­ sen shared with us some of his and Kathy's experiences at Minneapolis the week be­ fore. They attended a 6 day seminar based on "Basic Youth Conflicts." The ages were for those 15 and over with a good majority in attendance being 15 to 20 years. They report many blessings from this seminar and we are happy for them they were able to take part in it. The Leisters were finally able to move into the Manse at the end of March. (A full report on the Manse construction will be in the Messenger at a somewhat later date. I A surprise house-warming was held April 30 in honor of the Leisters. A time of games and singing was enjoy­ ed and a dedication of the house followed by a fellowship lunch concluded the evening.

Pictured are some of the people participating in the 1974 Spring Missionary Con­ ference at S.B.I. Seen on right is H.H. Janzen, Kitchener, Ontario, who was the main speaker. Next in line is Verna Doerksen, Blumenort who has just returned from a Christian Service assignment in Paraguay. Jack Klassen, third from right, is with the Canadian Sunday School Mission. On extreme left is John Peters, Janz Team Germany, at present living in Steinbach. Others not shown but on the program were: Dora Friesen, Mexico; Viola Reimer, Mexico; Lydia Doerksen, Paraguay; Mrs. Anne Klippenstein, Austria; Everett Monk­ man, Native Evangelical Fellowship.

Page 11

TRES PALMAS On March 2 we had a farewell fellowship "vaspa " and program at the church for Helen Janzen who replace Katie at the clinic for almost 3 months; and to welcome Katie Braun. Sara Martens. Mary Kroeker and Mary's mother. Mrs. PL. Kroeker. March 11 school started; about 42 child­ ren are being taught by Sara and Mary. Several of the young people are away studying. Clara Braun and Mary Lou Schmidt are back in Asuncion, while Adelina Braun goes to high school in Filadelphia. Col. Fernheim. Marlene Epp attends a Spanish Bible school in Asuncion. David Janz had an appendix operation in February. Tina Fehr is feeling fine now. Praise the Lord. Frank and Marge Kroeker came out last weekend bringing Dan Isaak, Ed and Nellie Isaak from Sinclair. Manitoba with them for a short visit. Frank shared the good news with the church that he now has the permit to put up the radio station in the Chaco. Our usual Bible Study night was spent in sharing testimonies, it was a special event as about 52 people participated.

RIDGEWOOD Welcomed into our church membership were: Karelia Plett. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry T. Plett; Arnold and Minnie Reimer; Clarence and Doris Reimer. March 24th was baptism for Leroy Friesen. Patrick Plett. Joes Reimer, Wilma Reimer. Joanne Reimer, and Connie Reimer. The same day most of the Young People ventured to Winnipeg on a bus to see "Cross and the Switchblade ". The married couples' fellowship was again well attended at the S B.I. gym on March 30. These socials are usually held every two months and approximately 25 couples are present. The speaker for the evening was Gordon Penner. March 31st Rev. Henry Kornelson. to­ gether with the Living Letters Quartette presented a program in Virden for the morning service and in Arden for the even­ ing service. April 1-7 we were blessed with a week of special services with Rev. Milton Fast from Swift Current, as speaker. Alvin and Tina Reimer moved back to Fisher Branch April 15. They purchased a large mobile home which-they moved to Alvin's folks' farm. Congratulations also go out to them on the arrival of a chosen daughter, Dorita Carmelle, born March 1, 1974. The choir under the direction of Brian Thiessen favored us with a lovely Easter program on Good Friday. Testimonies, trios, and quartetts were parts of the pro­ gram. The program was really enjoyed by everyone who attended. The same program

Page 12

The Messenger

was brought at Heron. Saskatchewan on April 21. Congratulations to Miss Grace Friesen who graduated from Burrad Inlet Bible Institute in B.C. on April 14. Get well wishes go out to Dennis Penner who was hurt in a truck-tractor accident, April 23. He was in the Bethesda Hospital over two weeks. Peter and Helen Plett. Henry and Tina Kornelson. Lauren Friesen, and Gary

Kornelson attended the seminar. 'Basic Youth Conflicts " in Minniapolis April 2229. I hear the sessions were excellent and if you have a chance to attend, take the opportunity in fall. May 5 was baptism for Frank Driedger. Peter Kehler. Bob Penner. Shirly Warkentin. Mary Driedger. and Susan Driedger. The speaker was Rev. Henry Dyck from Steinbach. 1

News Briefs FROM GULAG ARCHIPELAGO The editors of the ' Richmond News Leader" offer the following Quote of the week: Alexander Solzhenitsyn, in the seventh section iunpublished) of the Gulag Arch­ ipelago: "Oh. freedom- loving leftist' thinkers of the West! Oh. leftist Laborities! Oh. progressive American. German, and French students! For you all that I have written counts for little. For you, my entire book amounts to nothing. You will only understand it all when they bellow at you - hands behind your back' - as you yourselves trudge off to our archipelago. "

BRAZIL TO RECEIVE 1,000 BIBLES The Canadian Bible Society is making 1.000 German Bible.s available for Briizil. This came upon the request of J. J. Toews after hi.s return from Brazil last year, when he found that the most inexpensive German Bible cost $3.50. That is out of reach for many of the German-speaking people among whom the Brazil Conference is working. The Bible Society will ship these to Brazil at no cost to Missions Services. These will then be sold at half price to people desiring copies. AIMM READIES DELEGATION FOR AFRICA VISIT

The Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission board made plans recently for its delegations trip to four African countries this summer. At its spring meeting April 8-9 the board set an agenda for the four-member del­ egation in Zaire. Lesotho. Botswana, and

%

r(

the Republic of South Africa May 27 to June 26. In Zaire the delegation, accompanied by missionary James Bertsche. AIMM exec­ utive secretary-elect, will review the 1970 agreements which fused church and mis­ sion. The Mennonite Community of Zaire (CMZA) is planning a celebration of fusion during the delegation's visit. Other agenda items in Zaire (where AIMM has worked for more than sixty years i in­ clude missionary personnel needs for the next five years and goals and priorities for the next five years. The delegation will spend a week in Les­ otho. where ALMM sent one couple in 1973. After the Lesotho visit the delegation will split. Elmer Neufeld and Jim Bertsche will go to Botswana to talk with mission and independent church leaders about possible AIMM involvement. Art Junz. Andrew Rupp, and Howard Habegger will contact church leaders in Johannesburg. South Africa, for information about what is hap­ pening in the church there.

INSTITUTE OF MENNONITE STUDIES ANNUAL SESSIONS

WINNIPEG—In keeping with the centen­ nial celebrations, the Institute of Mennonite Studies annual sessions will convene in Winnipeg on June 26 and 27. 1974. The Institue is a reasearch and publications wing of the Associated Mennonite Biblical Semin­ aries in Elkhart. Indiana. This year's encour­ aging scholarly study of Mennonites in Can­ ada—the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society. Mennonite Brethren Bible College, and the Canadian Mennonite Bible College.

ysvs iKSHuno i,3Tis xs aaxiva oo£T Konii xsvj