Septent>er 20, 1974
For two years these leaders had been planning for this five-day Congress and now finally the great week arrived!
Evangelical Iberian Congress in Spain by Evelyn Plett
On June 3rd, just one day before the first Evangelical congress here in Spain was to start, many foreign mis sionaries from all over Spain and the Canary Islands were traveling towards Madrid, the Capital, and making their way towards one of the largest evangelical churches of that great city. Their purpose in gathering was to spend an afternoon together since at this time so many would be going to the congress to become better acquainted with each other and the work, to have a time of spiritual refreshment around the Word and to listen to Dr. Jose Cardona, who represents all evangelicals and mission work in Spain before the government. He is a Christian lawyer and judge and is well informed concerning re ligious liberty, the law and the foreigner here, which is of very great help to all. One of the things Dr. Cardona urged upon us, as for eign missionaries was: that though the religious liberty law is far from what we would like it to be here, we
should do our utmost to stay within the limits of the law, for in overstepping the law even in little matters, we could cause the open door of Spain to close, rather than to open more. For example, the law does not permit us to dis tribute literature that is not registered here in Spain. There are a lot of good tracts and Bible correspondence courses here that are registered, however, often Spanisl Christian literature comes in from other countries for distribution which is not registered here. It is good and therefore there is the temptation to use it, but should someone report it, there would be trouble! Another thing that cannot be done according to law is
The Author Evelyn Plett is an EMC mis sionary serving the Lord in Spain under Bible Club Movement. Sister Plett went to Spain in 1969 for her first term. After coming on furlough in 1973 she returned to the field in March 1974. Her home church is in Landmark, Man.
to have open air meetings. However, it is permissible to have groups of up to twenty people in any home for meetings. Thus, having any kind of reunion even in a public park that would attract people around is against the law, or to have over twenty adults gathered in a home. In children s work one must also remember that according to law, we cannot give out invitations direct ed to children or invite children without the consent of their parents. And so it is important to get in contact with the parents themselves. These are just a few of the little things in which it pays to be careful, that were mention ed by Dr. Cardona. There are many more. In all, we spent a very profitable time together. It was mentioned that we are some 200 foreign missionaries here and about half of them present. On June 4th hundreds of Spanish and Portuguese pastors, missionaries, elders of churchs, mission lead ers and other believers also headed toward Madrid to join with the foreign missionaries in one great com pany at the Palace of Congresses. To have obtained of ficial permission from the governor in Madrid to use this great auditorium was a miracle and answer to prayer! For two years these leaders had been planning for this five-day congress and now finally the great week had ar rived! The first time in Spain's history! I suppose there were few evangelical Christian homes in Madrid that did not have overnight visitors during that week and several hotels had good business too. Each day was filled with the blessings of Christian fellowship, mission reports, singing, inspirational messages and discussions. Some of the free time was spent in handing out literature in the streets. Since the evening services were of an evangel istic nature, many unbelievers were invited for these ser vices. A number accepted Christ. There were also many more believers present at these services because of them being after working hours. The main thrust of the whole congress was directed to the Christian worker on the topic of evangelizing. Some of the topics preached on were: "The World We Must Evangelize", "Who Are the Evangelical Christians?", "The Holy Spirit and Evangelism ". "The Strategy and Communication of the Gospel". "Evangelism and Legal Rights". The Messenger
Let me introduce to your very briefly, just three of the man) wonderful speakers that were present. Dr. Francisco Lacueva was a Roman Catholic priest for 28 years before he came to know Christ in a personal way as Saviour and Lord. His first contact with the gos pel was when he got hold of some books written by a well known Christian writer here. After he got in touch with this writer to ask him how he could have a personal relationship with God, he had to flee the country when he left the priesthood but how he’s back in Spain, busy in the work of the Lord, being used mightily of God. Dr. Jose Cardona is not only a lawyer and judge, but al so the pastor of a fairly large church in Madrid. He is kept extremely busy in working out official papers to open new churches, book stores, residences for foreign missionaries and many other things that have to do with the law. He needs our constant prayer support. D. Luis Palau is a well known evangelist from Argen tina. He is said to be the “Spanish speaking Billy Graham”. His gosepel messages are direct, clear, simple and Spirit
filled. He feels, after the campaign he had in Sevilla, that the door to mass evangelism in Spain is about to swing wide open! Saturday, June Sth, was the climax of this Evangelical Congress. Many hundreds more, who had not been able to be present before because of their work, came and the auditorium was filled! It was estimated that there were approximately 7000 people present at the afternoon ser vice. One of the resolves of this congress was that we must all, regardless of our denomination, combine our efforts, forgetting our little differences, and evangelize in every way possible now while we have the opportunity, and we must be prepared for the time when the door may open even further to the gospel. Dr. Cardona said that right now there is a crisis in the government concerning the relationship between the Catholic church with the gov ernment, but he feels that once this will be cleared up and the new laws enforced it will be to the advantage of the evangelicals. And so there is hope that Spain will yet see a great harvest of souls for Christ!
The Barkmans come to Canada By PJ.B. Reimer The name Barkman, sometimes written Bergmann, is of Flemish origin, and is found in the rural Mennonite congrega tions of West Prussia. It first appears in the city of Danzig in 1685. In the year 1776 we find ten families by this name in rural West Prussia. Martin J. Barkman Martin J. Barkman, my greatgrand father, was born at Neustaedterwald. West Prussia, in 1796. In the year 1818 he migrated with his brother Jakob, who was two years older and also single yet, to far away South Russia. Before they started out on their long walk, according to tradition, their mother treated them with a glass of buttermilk, and wished them a happy journey. When they arrived at the Molotschna Colony, they settled in the village of Ruekkenau, which had been founded in 1811. About a year after his arrival he married Katharina Regier, who was born in the year 1800, and had come to Russia at the age of four with her parents. Marriage Their marriage was blessed with nine healthy children, who all grew up. got married and had their own families. Forty-seven years later my greatgrand mother died at the age of 66 years. Martin September 20.1974
Barkman now married a widow, Mrs Maria Hiebert. A little over five years later, in 1873, just before the big migra tion to Manitoba, he died at the age of 76 years. So he was buried in the same village, where he had lived most of his life, in Rueckkenau. His sister, Mrs Johann Klassen, a widow for 22 years had died early in the year of 1864, at the age of 70 years, leaving 11 children, 64 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. His brother Jakob married Gertrud Klassen, and lived to experience a se cond migration, with his son Peter K, Barkman, and five grandchildren, all born in Russia; Jakob, Peter, Johann, Mrs Abram W. Reimer and Mrs Johann S. Friesen. Jakob was the father of the present Rev John G. Barkman in the Resthaven. Peter J. Barkman was the fath er of our present K.R. Barkman and Rev. John R. Barkman. Mrs Abr. W. Reimer was the mother of our present A. A. Reimer in the Resthaven. Jacob The second child of my greatgrand father was Jakob, my grandfather. He was born February 12, 1824. He married Elizabeth Giesbrecht, March 5, 1849 at the age of 25 years. When his wife died nine years later, she left her young hus-
band with four small children: Katarina, Martin. Jakob and Johann. Several months later, in the year 1858, he mar ried a widow. Mrs Warkentin. He had six children with her, three of whom grew up to have their own families. They were Cornelius, who later became blind, Aganetha, my mother, and Maria, who be came Mrs Joh. W. Reimer, the mother of John C. Reimer. In the 186O's he moved to the new settle ment at Borsenko, which the Kleine Gemeinde (Small Church), founded in the years 1864-1866. and settled in the village of Friedensfeld. Elected Minister January 20, 1873, shortly before the migration of the whole Small Church to North America started, they had a minis terial election, in which Jakob Barkman was first elected as a deacon, according to custom of the times, with 35 votes. The runner-up, Heinrich Wiebe, received 19 votes. There were 189 votes cast and 22 brethren received one or more votes. Then there was another vote for two ministers. In this vote the two deacons from before and the two newly elected deacons were the candidates. Now Peter Kroeker, one of the old deacons, and (over please) Page 3
Jakob Barkman, the newly elected one were elected with 76 votes and 62 votes respectively. Peter Kroeker was the father of the retired Bishop Jacob B. Kroeker. in the Resthaven, Steinbach. The two men were ordained to the ministry February 14, 1873, in the Blumenhof meeting house. Borsenko.
Lord thy God. “The sermon was read before a full house of the congregation. Then, as he writes himself again, he preached on three Sundays in the vil lage about three miles away, which is to be called Blumenort. The fourth Sun day, November 22, he walked to the vil lage of Gruenfeld, now Kleefeld, eight miles away, to preach again, but arrives Pioneering Hardships a little late because of the death of their Jakob Barkmann was the leader of a nine year old daughter, Anna, that mor group of emigrants, which left Russia ning. About a month earlier their daugh for Manitoba in the summer of 1874. The ter Margaretha had died at the age of Bishop, Peter Toews followed with most four. Do we fathom the moral and spiri of the rest of the Small Church from tual strength of this man? Perhaps bowed Borsenko as well as the Molotschna and by all this grief and life of hardship but in the Crimea, in 1875. Barkmann ar unbroken he relentlessly pursues his rived with his group September 15. 1874, duties as a spiritual leader of our hardy and disembarked a few miles west of the pioneers. What a man! present town of Niverville, on the eastern In addition to these personal losses bank of the Red River. He wrote him there was considerable criticism about self in a letter as follows: When we the choice of land and site for the settle disembarked from the ship on Septem ment of Steinbach. There was much bush ber 15. we were fetched, some the same land, lots of stones and swamp in many day, others the next day, by the dear places. A good many more would have brethren, and indeed with oxen; since followed David Klassen's choice west of horses are not used here. Firstly, they the Red River, where the two villages, are very expensive. Then, secondly, they Rosenort and Rosenhof, were establish cannot work without grain, which is ed. That land was prairie and ready for scarce and expensive. Each one was the plow. The scarcity of money to buy fetched by his closest relatives, and fuel and building supplies was a deciding where possible, given shelter. It started factor to settle in bush country. to rain, and the soil was so wet and soft The first winter was long and severe; already that we reached our brothers at least so it seemed to the settlers, who and sisters only after many hardships. were so short of adequate housing and Some had to stay over night on the road, supplies. Finally spring came. New hope others there at the river, suffering the filled the hearts of the pioneers. Small rain and cold weather. We went with patches of land, which were clear of bush Abram Loewen s vehicle to Gruenfeld, were seeded with the precious seed grain driven by our son Martin. It took all day they were able to obtain. Then came the to get to Gruenfeld, a distance of 12 miles, great tragedy. thoroughly soaked with the rain." Tragedy Strikes Here they spent the night in a very It was June 3, 1875. Jakob Barkmann crowded tent, partly sitting and partly lying down with their wet clothes. After and Jakob Friesen had gone to Winnipeg a day of rest, because of the rain, they with their oxcarts to do some spring proceeded to the village of Blumenort, shopping. Having made the 38 mile trip which had just been established, to their they found that the ferry was not ready friends, Peter Toews. From here they to take them across from St. Boniface finally went to the new site about four into the city of Winnipeg. There was a miles away, to establish the newest vil high wind and also high water. When, apparently, the ferry people were not lage, Steinbach. Shortly after their arrival, Jakob too accomodating, Barkmann and Frie Barkmann preached a thanksgiving ser sen decided to ask a Mr Lindolph to take mon on the text: Deuteronomy 27:6,7. them across the river with a boat. About Thou shall build the altar of the Lord 20 yards from the shore the high winds thy God of whole stones; and thou shall drove the boat on the ferry wire and the offer burnt offerings thereon unto the occupants seized the wire. The boat then moved away from under them and they Lord thy God: And thou shall offer peace offerings, and were all suspended on the wire. Mr shall eat there, and rejoice before the Lindolph was nearest the St. Boniface
shore and so started to make his way along the wire, followed by the two other men. In the centre of the river the wire was somewhat under the water, but near the shore it rose to some height above the water. Mr Lindolph dropped from the wire near the shore, and managed in spite of heavy clothing to swim to the shore. Barkmann and Friesen could not swim, so when they dropped into the water they sank and drowned. A son of Mr Me Vicar heard the cries of the other people on the shore and set out with a boat but could not reach them before they sank for the last time. The body of Jakob Barkmann was found after Mr Hespeler had some grappling irons made for the search the same day. His eighteen year old son Jacob took the lifeless body of his dear Father home to Steinbach on the oxcart. When they came through the village of Blumenort, they stopped at the gate of the parents if Johann B. Toews, who came out to see the body of the dear relative. How ’rief-stricken Mrs Barkmann was with aer children, is hard to imagine. My mother, Aganetha, their second youngest child, was 12 years old at the time. The youngest one, Maria, later Mrs Johann W. Reimer, was only 10. The family had lost a loving father and husband; the community and church had lost a strong but unselfish leader and pastor. Jakob Barkmann had served his beloved Church less than 2‘/2 years as a minister and shepherd but left his mark as one of our great leaders of the Small Church. Peter J.B. Reimer LETTERS Thank You Note We would like to express our ap preciation and thanks for all the visits, prayers, and cards received at the time of our accident and hos pitalization. Also for the many deeds of kindness, by friends and neigh bours. done in the home, during and after our stay in the hospital. May God reward you abundantly. Art, Margaret, & Leonna Kornelsen Box 377 Fisher Branch, Manitoba Cover; Our. cover today features scenes from the Steinbach Centennial Crusade for Christ with Rudy Boschman (insert) and the Messenger’s Quartett. A reported total attendance of over 15,000 persons attended the eight-day event.
The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire. In form as to what is going on in the Conference. Instruct in Godliness and victorious living. Inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schelleliberg. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished letters are not returned except by request. Subscription: Members pay fhrough their church. Non-members $1.00 per year. 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.
Page 4
The Messenger
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
FAMILY RETURNS TO JAPAN Pictured are Dan and Norma Koop and children Dwight 8, Gwendy 4, and Twyla five months. The Koops have spent about two years in Canada during which time they have lived in B.C. where Dan attended university and also parttime pastored the Peardonville EMC church at Clearbrook for a vear.
COME WITH US
Imagine yourself walking along a nar row path that winds through the green jungle vegetation. Imagine yourself learning a new lan guage that thrives on nasal sounds and glottal stops. Imagine yourself starting house con struction with logs fresh out of the forest. Imagine yourself cooking meals and cleaning house without ready-mixes and electrical appliances. These are some of the things that are making our life interesting and filling our time-of-day to the brim. We spent several days, along with fellow workers, exploring the land that has been de signated for Indian settlement. We found a good piece of land that is bordered by a large river on one side and a well used road on the other. Already there are some Indian families living there with well-built houses and small clearings for crops. They seem quite happy even though they have not yet found the great est joy that man can find only in Christ. To be able to help in the work of sharing with these people in the various facets of life, we see the need to dig into the Guarani language that is strange to the ear and the tongue. We are grateful to September 20,1974
Sara and Anne for their willingness to work with us on this task and even making it interesting with personal observations on language usage as well as tape re cordings from Indians speaking their own language. Having found that even ings do not lend themselves to an hour of alert studying, we have chosen rather to set an hour aside shortly before the noon meal, three times weekly. The remainder of our time is filled with house chores in our parents large home, with preparations for building our home, and with occasional trips with Sara and Anne to various Indian groups. We have found a fairly central location in re gards to the Indian work where we want to build our house. Much work remains yet to make a dwelling place where there has been only jungle. That work will be finished soon enough but the Lord's work goes on and there is always much to be done. Are we fit for the task? - Thank you for joining us for a few moments. Now pray with us that the Lord will continue to supply and equip His workers. With Christ in love, David and Judith Schmidt
Greetings to you from the warm sunny Bahamas. I want to share with you some of the happenings this summer. It has been a very busy one and time went by real fast. Now it is nearly time for school to start again. Two weeks of tent revival meetings were held in Governor's Harbour starting June 16th. The speaker was Mr Frank Perry, an evangelist from the Brethren church in Spanish Wells. These meetings were well attended. Our school choir had the privilege to serve in some songs one night. Quite a few people were saved for which we thank God. The week of June 30 to July 6th, the Methodist churches of Eleuthera had camp on our campus. This was a real good experience. The camp wasn't as big as in former years but I believe that there were more results. Souls were saved and quite a few new dedications were made to serve the Lord more fully. Hardly had the campers left on July 6th, when a group of young people from Florida arrived to spend one week. While these were here the girls dorm was painted and quite a few other areas got a new coat of paint. Also at this time the Brethren churches had tent meetings at Palmetto Point. The young people served in singing at these meetings a couple of nights. These meetings were very well attended and more souls were saved. When July 15th rolled around we were all ready and waiting for the children from Savannah Sound to come to the school for D.V.B.S. Quite a few children came not only from Savannah Sound but also from Nassau who were spending their holidays with relatives. Over 65 child ren came out every morning to learn more from the Word of God. I had a nice bunch of about ten children which I loved to have in my class. After a hurried noon meal we were on our way to Greencastle to teach another 160 children D.V.B.S. It was quite a busy week but when I look back it was worth it all. The week of July 22nd, D.V.B.S. was held at Deep Creek in the forenoon and at Wemyss Bight in the afternoon. At both of these places we had some sur prises. At Deep Creek the attendance, 80, was twice as much as we had anticipated, and at Wemyss Bight not half of the children that we expected showed up. The attendance was about 40. In summarizing the D.V.B.S. we reach ed over 350 different children with the word of God. Pray that the children who made decisions for the Lord will be steadfast and grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We found that the Page 5
chib'ren were very open to the Word of God and were willing to come out and apply themselves. The children and the adults of this island are very open to any reading material on which they can lay their hands. Miss Tina Friesen has open ed a reading room in her house and it is being used to full capacity. When Sunday school material is being distributed in the settlements the children nearly fight over the papers so eager are they to get them. Plans are in the making for a much need ed classroom building. Final plans have not come out yet but please pray that this will be a reality in the near future. Now classes are being held in about five dif ferent buildings scattered all over the campus. We need a building where this can be under one roof. All of the staff is busy getting every thing in shape for the coming school year. Please pray for us and remember us. We wouldn't be able to be here without your prayer and financial support. May God bless you all is my prayer. Harvey Plett Box 63. Governors Harbour Eleuthera. Bahamas
Mission-Grams Japan - The Dan Koops have sent us a note on their safe arrival in Japan for a year of service. After the year of service they plan to return to Canada and take up the responsibility of Candidate Secretary for Japan Evangelical Mission. Their address is: 2-14 Higashi Kanda 1 - Chome, Nagaoka Shi, Niigata Ken, Japan.
Panama - September 3 was the opening of another school term for the children at Elim Academy where Miss Alvira Friesen is teaching. This is a school for missionary children in grades one to six. Mexico - Miss Catherine Thiessen reports of five weeks of V.B.S. in Mexico. The attendance and response of the children was good. The Mexico E.M.C. Youth have launched a Youth Circular. This circular is entirely the responsibility of the young people and fills a real need in youth work.
*
Paraguay - The cassette work has begun, and so far looks very promising, the idea was to place players in villages with no missionaries. Some other mission stations are also interested in this work, but they are expected to supply their own player. Most of the villages that we reach have either none, or only a part time missionary. We are now working through a Bible study course which has 23 lessons. These consist of music, questions, answers, and Scripture portions. Most of the narration and music is provided by natives. These tapes are accom panied by a leaflet containing the words of the narration.
WEDDINGS
PLETT—KORNELSON: Leroy James, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Plett of Arborg, Man. was married to Elizabeth Jocelyn, daughter of Mrs. Rose Kornelson of Rosenort. Man. on Septem ber 7, 1974. The ceremony took place at the Rosenort E.M.C. with Rev. Menno Kroeker of Rosenort officiating, ing.
FRIESEN—FRIESEN: Robert, son of Rev. and Mrs. Diedrich Friesen of Wawanesa. Man. was married to Julie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Friesen of Wawanesa, Man. on August 24, 1974. The ceremony took place at the Wawanesa United Church with Rev. Diedrich Friesen, father of the groom officiating.
THIESSEN—DUECK: Gerald, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Thiessen of Mennville, Man. was married to Marion Ruth, daughter of M. and Mrs. Frank B. Dueck of Rosenort. Man. on August 24, 1974. The ceremony took place at the Rosenort E.M.C. with Rev. Dave Thiessen of Winnipeg officiating.
WIEBE—MOLINARY: Henry, son of Pet er G. Wiebe of Burns Lake, B.C. was married to Julia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Sylveira of Burns Lake. B.C. on July 4, 1974. The ceremony took place at the Sylveira home with Rev. Abe Leiding of Burns Lake. B.C. of ficiating.
TIESZEN—JANZEN: Marvin Tieszen and Karen Janzen were united in mar riage on July 27, 1974. The ceremony took place at the Pelly Fellowship Chapel with Pastor Wm. Buhler of ficiating.
HEINRICHS—REIMER: James Richard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dick H. Heinrichs of Rosenort, Man. was married to Mar jorie Anne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Reimer of Rosenort. Man. on July 26. 1974. The ceremony took place at the Elmwood Mennonite Breth ren Church with Rev. Melvin Dueck of Rosenort, Man. officiating.
REDEKOP—JANZEN: Garry Henry, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Redekop of Her bert, Sask, was married to Helen Cornelia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Janzen of Swift Current, Sask, on Aug ust 17, 1974. The ceremony took place in the Swift Current Evangelical Men nonite Church with Rev. Milton Fast of Swift Current, Sask, officiating.
Page 6
GOERTZEN—LOEWEN: Ron. son of Mrs. Tina Goertzen of Morris, Man. was married to Judith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dave P. Loewen of Blumenort, Man. on August 3. 1974. The ceremony took place at the Blumen-
ort E.M.C. with Rev. Lloyd of Morris. Man. officiating.
Ratzlaff
REIMER—GIESBRECHT: Mervin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Reimer of Blumenort, Man. was married to Velma, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac J.H. Giesbrecht of Steinbach, Man. on September 13, 1974. The ceremony took place at the Emmanuel Free Church with Rev. George Dueck of Steinbach, Man. officiating. COMING EVENTS September 24 the film, "World Il lusion" will be shown at the E.M. Church in Steinbach. Other young peo ple are invited. September 29 Centennial Day all day in the Steinbach E.M. Church. October 4-6 Church, Industry and Business Association will hold its sixth annual meeting at the Holiday Inn in Winnipeg. October 6 Dedication of the newly constructed Rosenort Church, 2:30 p.m. October 18 E.M.C. Nurses' Fellow ship at the Morris Fellowship Chapel. October 21-26 Basic Youth Conflicts seminar St. Paul civic center. St. Paul Minnesota. November 4-9 Basic Youth Conflicts seminar at Chicago, 111.
The Messenger
News From the Clinrclies MACGREGOR *1
I
£
I'
Pictured on the July 28th MacGregor baptismal service are left to right: Don Hildebrandt, Debbie Buhler, Ivan Giesbrecht, Debbie Unrau, Allan Buhler, Clarice Giesbrecht, Norman Rempel and Pastor John Koop.
1
The summer is almost past and many of us have had the privilege of taking a hol iday with our family and enjoying the many beautiful places of Canada. In July the Jake Hoeppners visited the Menno Hamms and the Elmer Hamms of La Crete, Alberta. The fellowship and hospitality was much appreciated and enjoyed. The scenery north of Edmon ton with its vast timberland at White court and farming country of Peace River is so varied and beautiful that one can not but marvel at the great God who cre ated it for mankind to enjoy. July 28th was a memorable day for she of our young people who were obedient to the Lord's command and were bap tized. They were Debbie and Alan Buh ler of Treherne, Debbie Unrau, Clarice Giesbrecht, Ivan Giesbrecht, and Danny Hildebrandt. On August 11th, together with a fare well for Irma Hoeppner who is preparing for missionary service in Nicaragua, we had a report via slides by two short term workers, Donald Plett and Henry Doerksen of Blumenort of their work in Nicar agua. The evening came to a close with a fellowship lunch in the basement. During the month of August the Men no Hamms from La Crete, visited in the district with relatives and friends. They were with us on August 18 for the morning service. The children sang a few chorus es for us and Mr. Hamm gave a report on the start and progress of the E.M.C. church September 20,1974
at La Crete. At present the services are held in the local school with an average attendance of between 50 and 80 in the morning service. Three young people were baptized this year which was a high light for the church. They are expecting to start on a building program this fall. Congratulations go out to the engaged couples of our congregation, namely Janet Hoeppner and Alan Buhler of Treherne who are planning a wedding for this fall. Bernie' Brown and Wanda Hiebert of Stead. Margaret Giesbrecht and El mer Hamm of Arabella, Sask., Pat Gies brecht and Paul Chamberlin who will be attending the Peace River Bible School this fall and Elaine Koop and Harold Gies brecht. They are all planning a wedding the next year. We wish them the Lord's blessing as they are contemplating this very serious step of matrimony. On September 4th and Sth Pastor Koop and his wife attended a Church Growth Seminar at Regina. They gave an interest ing and enthusiastic report on September 8th at the morning worship service.
ARDEN Colored leaves, frost and heated furnac es tell us that summer is fast drawing to a close. When we see the men out in the fields with their combines, or when we look at our filled pantry shelves, we are indeed reminded of the goodness of God. Let us praise and thank Him for it. On July 30th the Ladies Aid met at the home of Leona Rempel. A look into the future, and a time of prayer highlighted the meeting. George Thomas from Unevangelized Fields Mission showed us a film called ■‘Where the Tide Runs High". It was en couraging to hear of the spiritual growth in South America. August 4th Frank Goertzen spoke to us about "Church Growth". Frank and Irene spent some time visiting with Art Pletts and Niel Rempels as well. We wish them God's blessing in their ministry. We were also blessed by Gladwin Plett's message on "How to Succeed", on Aug ust 18th. The following Sunday Larry Hoeppner shared with us some thoughts about confession. The John Toews and some of the family had a short vacation in the Kenora area. The last few days they spent at Duck Mountain. Here the "Young People” joined them for a weekend of outdoor living, singing, and sharing.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Howard whose husband passed away Aug ust 30th. The funeral was September 3rd. September 1st new faces were seen in the different Sunday School classes. The rea son... PROMOTION! We look forward to seeing the Isaac Browns on September 8th. They are on furlough from Trinidad and will have many things to share with us.
ARABELLA
Blessed be God. even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort: Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we our selves are comforted of God. H Corinthians 1:3-4 Our Daily Vacation Bible School was held from July 22-26, with the closing pro gram on Friday evening. Our prayer is that these children will remember the lessons that they learned. We are also grateful for teachers who gave of their time to teach. Our Christian Endeavour program for July consisted of free-will items. The mes sages in song, music and word were an in spiration to all who attended. The annual Sunday School picnic was held at the home of the Henry Janzens on August 11. The fellowship we had was refreshing. We were blessed to have missionary Dan Koop with us on August 13. His report and slides of the work in Japan challeng ed us to pray more earnestly for labour ers out in foreign lands. We were also blessed to have various visiting speakers as Pastor and Mrs. Buh ler left for their holidays. On August 11 Jake Wiebe from Burns Lake, who is help ing at Pelly, spoke to us. The following Sun day we had the Gidieons from Larkton share with us a report on their ministry and also a message from God's Word. On August 25 Ed Reimer brought the mor ning message. As enriching as visiting speakers are to us, so likewise is the return of Pastor Buhler. We can truly be thankful to God for providing men and women who are willing to share God's Word with us. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from un reasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil. 11 Thessalonians 3:1-3 Page?
BLUMENORT
Pictured are Blumenort baptismal candidates of February 24, 1974,. Left to right: Rev. Melvin Penner, Marvin Thiessen, Judith Reimer, Ken Barkman, Juanita Doerksen, Ronald Reimer, Beverly Penner, Ronald Reimer, Peter Loewen, and Pastor John Loewen.
{^Pictured are Blumenort baptismal Left to * --------------------------------- ---------1----------------------- candidates of June 16, 1974. -r. U.VH lU Iright: Iglll. Fred Klassen, James Plett, Terry Loewen, Billy Barkman, John Dueck, Elaine Schroeder, Diane Friesen, Louise Unger, Bonnie Loewen, Phyllis Friesen, and Pastor John Loewen. Some of our elderly folks are leaving us for higher ranks. Funeral services for Jacob F. Wiebe took place April 8. Funeral services for Mr Albert Schinkel were held on August 6th. Our sin cere sympathy is extended to the fami lies. A Sunday School teachers' training course in conjunction with the Ridgewood church took place April 15. 16. and 17. Arden Thiessen of Blumenort was the instructor. April 21-28 we had evangelistic ser vices with Rev. Peter Dyck of Wymark, Sask, as speaker. One special item each evening was the children's story by Mrs Peter Dyck. Rev. Richard Wurmbrand, Romanian
Page 8
minister and communist prisoner for fourteen years, spoke in our church May 5th. Mr and Mrs John K. Penner with their children Doreen, LaVern and LeRoy transferred their membership from the Heron church to our church on May 12th. That same day Rev. and Mrs Cornelius Dueck and their son Harold from the Treesbank congregation also transferred their membership to our church. Some time later. August 4, Mrs Walter Friesen was received into membership. A Ladies' Meeting took place June 11th where Miss Margaret Hogg reported and showed slides of her service in the town of Bethlehem. Israel. On August 12th another Ladies' Meeting took place.
This time Mrs Edmar Fast, El Paso. Texas and Miss Margaret Penner, Belize reported and showed slides of their work in the field. On June 16th following the baptism service in the morning we had a com munion service in the afternoon. Another service took place on the 18th thus making it possible for more people to attend. Then on July 10th a special service in the afternoon took place for those who are handicapped, weak, or aged. Two weeks of Vacation Bible School, August 5-16, were held at White Dog. an Indian reserve. Classes also took place at Caliento. Oak Crossing and Anola. Teens and Childrens camp took place July 15-20 and July 8-13 respectively. Edmar Fast was the camp speaker for the teens and Arden Thiessen was the speaker for the children. Fred Klassen was the Camp Director both weeks. The Jasch Giesbrecht's and family left August 10th for a five year term of service in Paraguay. An ordination and farewell service for them took place August 4. Mr Abe Plett, Mexico spoke to us brief ly on Sunday morning. August 11. He returned to the field with fellow-mis sionaries that same week. It was good to have the Edmar Fasts home for the summer months. On August 16th they returned to El Paso, Texas for another term of service. Gerry and Clara Doerksen and family left us on August 20th for a year or more of studies in Edmonton, Alta. Their new address is 6736-84th St., Edmonton, Alta. We were privileged to have John Bueckert a school teacher of La Crete. Alta, with us on Sunday morning August 18. He gave us his testimony expressing his gratefulness to God for directing him to Christian families during his high school and university years. That evening Dan Koop gave a mission challenge and a report on the work in Japan. The boys and girls learned to count to five in Japanese: "Itchy knee. Sun she go.". Mrs Koop also told us a little bit about the women's customs in dress and also how they sought to reach these wo men with the gospel. On September 1st the kindergarten, primary, junior, and intermediate de partments had a special service together during the Sunday School time. This freed the young people of their teaching responsibilities and thus allowed them to attend the Youth Retreat. The Youth Retreat this year took place at Camp Assiniboia. It was a great time of fellowship. Fred Friesen was our much appreciated speaker. He was able to bring his family with him for which we were glad. The Messenger
*
1
!
Emil Reimer, our Sunday School super intendant opened “Promotion Sunday" on September 8. Special features included a testimony by one of the Sunday School pupils, Geralyn Doerksen, a true story by Margaret Penner, and the message and challenge to the teachers by Rev. Henry Friesen of Morweena. Margaret Reimer arrived home Septem ber 14 after four and one-half months in Europe with the M.B, mission. She spent the first part in Austria and the remain der in Germany. Her jobs were mainly domestic although she did do some house to house visitation. Margaret s trip was sponsored by the school she is attending, Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask. A special Thanksgiving program of singing and special numbers is being planned for October 14. One unique fea ture being planned is the mass choir with participation from all ages. A local Missionary Conference is being planned for November 17, Sunday to November 22, Friday with Don Scheidler as the main speaker.
ROSENORT FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL “The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad". Psalm 126:3 was the theme of the Mennonite Cen tennial Day at Rosenort, July 21st, in which our church also participated. An article about this celebration has already appeared in a previous issue. Those who attended the Wednesday night service July 24th heard an interest ing report by Mr Barkman about the Children's Home. He also included a film. Art and Rose Cornelsen reported hav ing had a blessed time at Beaver Creek Camp as councillors. Several children from our church went to the camp August 5-10. Our young people also reported having had a wonderful time at Beaver Creek Camp August 23-25. The film “Charlie Church Man" was shown at the Sunday School teacher's meeting on August 27th. In a humourous fashion the film portrayed common mis takes made in classes and illustrated interesting alternatives. Rev. Alfred Friesen has consented to assist us in our chapel on a part time basis. We thank God for msiing this possible and ask the Lord to bless and guide him as he serves in this way. Rev. Cornie H. Dueck from Pelly, Sask, was our guest speaker on Septem ber 1st and Rev. Benny Friesen Septem ber 8th. We are happy to receive as members Mr Ivan Wallace and Mr and Mrs Pete Siemens. May the Lord bless you as we fellowship and build God's Kingdom together.
September 20,1974
BIRCH RIVER
BRAESIDE
Pictured are Birch River baptismal candidates of June 23, 1974. They are left to right: Marilyn and Marjorie Lillies, Barbara Allen, and Violet Kroeker. In the back row on the left is Jake Warkentine, Youth Leader and on the right Pastor Ralph Unger.
On August 4th the bulletin insert read thus: "Lord, my mind is cluttered with dirty dishes, unmade beds, soiled laun dry, dusty chairs, weed-filled flower beds, uncut lawn, overdue promises, unpaid bills. Won't you tidy me this morning? " Amen. The C.R. Pletts last Sunday here was August 25. During the morning service Pastor Plett gave his farewell message. At 5:30 p.m. the congregation met to gether again for a fellowship supper. At 7:00 p.m. the farewell service was held with many friends and family members in attendance. The service consisted of special numbers in song and in reminis cing and testimonials of the Pletts nine and one-half years of service here. A presentation of a friendship quilt for Mrs Plett was made by Mrs Betty Frie sen, president of the Ladies Mission Group; and a presentation of an attache case for Rev. Plett was made by Mr Harry Fast, deacon. A love offering was also taken. The evening concluded with the observance of the Lord's Supper - a very fitting closing of a very memorable and blessed time. In attendance that day were the Ron Duecks and daughter Naomi, who just a few days prior had arrived home after three years of service in Swaziland, Africa. September 1st the Wayne Herrods and baby son were able to fellowship with us. they have arrived on furlough after their first term of missionary service in Kenya, Africa.
“What is one's loss, is another's gain, " as the saying goes. So it was when Pleasant Valley bade farewell to the Pete Reimers, and Birch River welcomed them. They are already actively involved in various church activities. The Ralph Ungers took a week of hol idays in August, taking care of his father's farm in Giroux, in the meanwhile visiting with friends and relatives. Their parents were on a trip to the west coast. Sunday, August 25 when our pastor was absent. Brother Frank S. Friesen brought us a timely message, on “buying" and “selling " the truth. School doors have opened again for secular education as well as the Bible schools. Amanda Kroeker has left for Prairie Bible Institute at Three Hills. Alberta for her second year. Marilyn Lillies, first year and Wilma Kroeker. second year are occupied for further Bible training at Briercrest Bible Institute, Caronport, Sask. The Tom Lillies with Marilyn and Marjorie of Mafeking took a trip by plane to Toronto, visiting relatives and friends, touring the city and other places of inter est. Grandma Robinson, who is nearing the 80 year mark, has been ill several times this summer, thus hindering her other wise regular church attendance. Baby Leza Warkentine was hospitalized for several days on account of the stomach flu. A hi-lite for a number of our members was the privilege to attend a seminar for evangelism held at Swan River from Aug ust 8-10. It was conducted by a few couples sent out under “Lay Institute for Evang elism."
KAMSACK During the summer months, Sunday even ing services are held for the vacationers at Madge Lack. Our Pastor conducted two services. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Andrusiak and Mr. and Mrs. Julian Andrusiak from Pelly served with singing and music in one service. Also during the summer months each Sunday evening Mr. and Mrs. Walter Haljeski and a good number of others have served the old people very faithfully at the Eaglestone Lodge. July 22 the Ladies Sewing Circle had their annual picnic at the Jack Leis farm. The husbands and children were invited for this occasion. July 23 Rev. and Mrs. John K. Reimer visited our area, Pelly and Kamsack. In the evening a joint meeting was held at Kamsack with the Executive from both churches. We appreciated the visit, come again. Vacation Bible School was held July 2226 with an enrollment of 59. Of the five teachers one came from Sturgis. Rene Pol lock, and our Assistant Pastor Jake Wiebe Page 9
came from Burns Lake. The other three came from our local church. Mrs. Anne Wiebe was the superintendant. The job was well done with good attendance at the closing program. We had pupils from On tario. Manitoba, and Alberta. Pastor Dueck was the speaker for the Salvation Army at the evening service July 29. Captain and Mrs. Ostrum were on hol idays for a few weeks. August 3rd Arthur Kazahoff and Mrs. Dianne Starecki were united in holy matrimony by our Pastor. The recep tion was held at the King George Hotel. The Kazakoffs are making their home in Thompson, Manitoba. August 8-10 a Lay Institute on Evangel ism was held in Swan River, Manitoba. A good number of people from our church took part. Rev. Dan Koop showed slides and gave an interesting report on their work in Ja pan on August 15. It was appreciated very much. August 26 the Frank Braun family moved into Kamsack. They have purchased a house in town and have started a work among our native people. This is an an swer to prayer. The Brauns will be fel lowshipping with us and also helping along with the work. We welcome them in our midst. Lawrence Boschman from Saskatoon is one of the new teachers in Kamsack. His parents have been missionaries to Japan for a long time. It is a blessing to have a teacher in our church. Jake Wiebe from Burns Lake. B.C. has been our Assistant Pastor since July 16. He is serving in Pelly and Kamsack for two months. We appreciate his service. It is our prayer that this will help him to make his decision where the Lord wants to use him.
WYMARK On July 18 our young married couples enjoyed something different in the form of a "Mystery Supper". Besides creating a lot of fun with a rather confusing menu, we got to know one another a bit more intimately. Pastor and Mrs. Dyck and family had cooked up a very tasty meal. Later Pastor Dyck had a short devotion al and prayer. The games were also en joyed by one and all. Our D.V.B.S. was held this year from August 4-9. Ages included four-year-olds to the teens. A total of 104 children at tended. Ten teachers willingly gave of their time and talents to these students with the result that there were those who accepted Christ as their Saviour. The fol lowing were the teachers; Nursery, Diane Kehler and Myrna Friesen; Pre primary, Marilyn Wieler and Trudy Krahn; Primary, Edith Dyck and Anna Schlamp; Page 10
Junior, Nellie Schlamp and Mrs. Henry Dyck; Teens, Mrs. Mary Kehler and John Kehler. Mrs. Ernest Funk also assisted. These teachers with their classes present ed an interesting program on the evening of the last class. During July our church also held D.V.B.S. classes in two smaller towns namely. Pen nant and Tompkins. Here the youngsters responded eagerly to the Bible stories. At the present Nellie and Anna Schlamp are going out to Pennant one night a week to witness for Christ by telling the child ren Bible stories and doing handicrafts with them. God will reward for faithful ness like this. 1 am sure. At the beginning of August Bill Fehr was admitted to our local hospital with headaches. Soon he was transferred to the University Hospital at Saskatoon, where he underwent numerous tests. The doctors diagnosis was then confirmed as being a head tumor. Many have stood behind Bill and Linda in their trying days and their de sire is for people to continue to pray for them. We were delighted to have them in our worship service on September 1. God is truly the Great Physician. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Funk and family surprised us on Sunday, August 18 by being in our morning worship service. They have just returned from Paraguay and we wel come them heartily into our midst. Prior to their arrival in this community people do nated groceries and now they expressed their gratitude. That morning Brother Ernest challeng ed us with a message from God's Word. He spoke on the true Church of Christ. Al though there are many different churches the main thing is that with Christ in our heart, that is God's true church in this world, not merely a name of a denomin ation of some kind. He implied that we should visit amoung fellow-Christians even of other denominations seeing that we all share the same God. Also the morning of the 18th of August the congregation was surprised to see two very popular young people in our midst, namely Melvin and Julia Hamm. It didn’t take much to notice that they had been greatly missed. The Frank Dycks of Italy brought a re port of their work on the evening of the 18th of August. Their slides were very interesting as well as the songs sung by Mrs. Dyck and daughter. Baptismal instruction classes are current ly underway with Pastor Dyck as instruct or. These are held every Sunday during the Sunday School hour and approximately ten are attending. Our Pastor and Mrs Dyck, and family en joyed a two week vacation during August. They motored to the States for a few days and also visited in the Saskatoon area. However, we welcomed them back heartily as we saw them back in our morning wor-
ship service September 1. Promotion Sunday took place on Sep tember 1st. Many of the children "grad uated" while some will spend a few more months in their former classrooms. Pas tor Dyck gave a very challenging en couragement to the teachers for the com ing year. Those of us who are not teachers can also take this to heart as we pray for both teacher and students. Later Rev. Peter Schlamp led in the prayer of ded ication as approximately forty teachers came to the front for the prayer. Then Sunday School material was distributed and the teachers and their new students had a few moments in the classroom to get acquainted. September 4 our young people had their annual elections which resulted in the following: Young People's Leader, John Kehler; Service Committee, Peter Fehr; Program Committee, Ed Friesen; and So cial Committee, Rick Kehler.
BIRTHS To Mr and Mrs John Klassen of Three Hills, Alta., a son Michael John, on April 17, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Dave Schroeder of Blumenort, a son Sheldon Abram, on April 26, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Walter Friesen of Blumenort, a daughter Amanda Rose, on June 3, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Jim Reimer of Blume nort, a son Victor James, on June 10, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Bill Bueckert of Burns Lake, a daughter Bernice Joy. To Mr and Mrs Ernie Reimer of Ridge wood, a son Dallas Shane, on July 29, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Cornie Kornelson of Blumenort, a son Brian, on August 8, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Milton Reimer of Ridgewood, a son Derrick Anthony, on August 15, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Lome Penner of Ridge wood, a daughter Jocelyn Faye, on August 20, 1974. To Mr and Mrs Bernie Plett of Ridge wood, a son Collin Drew, on September 9. 1974. To Mr and Mrs Menno Barkman of Blumenort. a daughter Darcia Ann. on September 14. 1974. To Mr and Mrs Carl Doerksen of Blumenort. a son Bradley John, on September 14. 1974.
The Messenger
I
j
bankers, pharmacists and teachers. Fel lowship and sharing with these folks along with the prior itineration in other countries brought the reality of maturing African Churches into clear perspective. INDIA’S FOOD SITUATION PRECARIOUS
Mennonite World Conference Executive Committee meeting at Nazareth, Ethiopia, July 8-10, 1974. Left to right: Takashi Yamada; Rev. Kabangy Djeke Shapasa; Dr. Elmer Neufeld; Million Delete; Ray Schlichting; Rev. Martin Hein; Dr. Heinold Fast; Paul N. Kraybill.
India is facing a crisis this year in its ef fort to feed its 570 million people Mon soon rains are sporadic and late. Fuel for irrigation pumps and fertilizer are in short supply. Large-scale import of food is the only short-term solution to preventing star vation to millions of people. Food-for-Work: One of the best ways that has been found to give emergency food as sistance is through food-for-work projects. Villagers earn five pounds of wheat a day working on projects of community benefit such as roads, dams and wells. In some situations it is more practical to pay the villagers in cash which they can then use to purchase food at local shops.
MENNONITE WORLD CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS IN ETHIOPIA
The campus of the Bible Academy of the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia was the scene of a 3-day meeting of the MWC Executive Committee July 8-10,1974. Newly elected at the last meeting the MWC Presidium held at Bienenberg, Switzerland, in July 1973, the committee included only two who served when it last met in Dhamtari, India, in October 1971. Only one of those two could attend this meeting. He was Million Belete, now Pres ident of the Mennonite World Confer ence and host for the meeting. When the decision to meet in Ethiopia was made a year ago, no one knew that had the meeting been scheduled for any other country, he would not have been able to attend. This venerable kingdom whose 81 year old Emperor Haile Selassie I traces his lineage to King Solomon was undergoing a political convulsion that prevented any Ethiopians from leaving the country.
Fortunately the revolution that seeks to bring this ancient kingdom into the modern era has thus far been bloodless and no restrictions had been placed on meet ings or internal travel. Under the able chairmanship of Million Belete, the group spent three days in re viewing MWC work and fprojecting plans for the future, particularly in preparation for the Presidium meeting .scheduled for July 1975 in Central America.. ” ' Of major significance to the purposes of the MWC was the itineration throughout September 20,1974
the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Churches of Africa prior to the meeting. Most of the constituent church bodies received a visit from one or the other of the Executive committee members. These visits on a church-to-church basis sym bolized in vivid way the international character of the Mennonite World. They provided profound experiences in fratern al relationships for the visitor and the vis ited. A Japanese and an American recounted their experience in Zaire where a group of church leaders asked how it happened that they had met and if they were friends. On hearing the answer the group burst into spontaneous singing. The Meserete Kristos (Christ Founda tion) Church of which Million Belete is the Chairman hosted the committee in its various congregations on Sunday morn ing prior to the meeting. This 1.000 mem ber church lives in a nation where drought, hunger, poverty and political turmoil seem to be the norm. But on that Sunday the committee members preached to more than 2,000 people in 6 of the 9 congrega tions, most of which were packed to the walls and overflowing. Along with Million Belete, the leader ship of the Meserete Kristos Church in cludes mostly self-supporting Ethiopians such as the Principal and Dean of the Bible Academy, the adminstrator of Nazareth Hospital, the Manager of the Menno Book store in Addis, plus others employed as
Whole families join in building roads, dams and wells in food-for-work pro grams in India, (Photo by Burt Buller).
These short-term projects are of partic ular help to villagers from January to June preceding the monsoon when food is in short supply and there are few labor opportunities. Such programs require care ful administration to insure that food or money gets to those who need it. Late last year and early this year MCC sent 935 tons of wheat to India most of which was used in food-for-work projects in Bihar. This year MCC plans to ship 600 tons of wheat and make funds available for cash-for-work pro jects. In the long run the best way to help solve the food problem is to aid the Indian farmer in growing more food. For years MCC has been supporting the Mennonite Service Agency in South Bihar. J.R. Isaacs, an Indian with a master's degree in agricul ture, directs this program which grew out of the drought relief effort in 1967. The program includes food-for-work projects for the development of water resources, and agricultural services to the farmers of the area.
Page 11
1
W or 111
A r« IIII il MENNONITE BUSINESSMEN TO MEET IN WINNIPEG
Church, Industry and Business Association (CIBA) will hold its annual weekend meeting in Winnipeg. October 4-6, according to Delmer Good, Executive Secretary. Launched in Chicago in October, 1969, CIBA will celebrate the completion of five years of program. The fall conference, focusingthis year on the theme "The Human Side of Business," is open to all interested persons. Delbert Wiens will be featured at the Friday evening banquet. October 4. Dr. Wiens is associate professor of humanities at Pacific College, and will bring the opening challenge on the conference theme. His past writings include "New Wineskins for Old Wine," and "From the Village to the City." Saturday conference sessions will be both theological and practical in content. Marlin Miller, lecturer at the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaris in Elkhart. Indiana, will present the opening Bible study on “The Meaning of Work for the Christian." "An Introduction to Management by Objectives” will also be presented in the morning session. This approach to management consciously focuses on the goals of an organization, and the views of those goals held by managers and employees. Following a luncheon on Saturday will be a short business session, and then a major study session on "Organizational Dynamics and Conflict Resolution." This session will focus on the question: how can one help to resolve disagreements in an organization in a positive, productive and Christian way. Organizational Development Consultants, a team associated with Oaklawn Center, Elkhart, Indiana, will plan the input and case study for this afternoon. The conference concludes on Sunday with a session of sharing by Mennonite businessmen, coffee and rolles, and a closing worship service. The final message will be presented by Dr. Henry Krahn, president, Mennonite Brethren Bible College. The conference goal is to bring the Gospel’s concern for people
Page 12
into organizational structures. Although CIBAwas begun by Mennonite businessmen, this session should be relevant to others such as leaders in churches and educational institutions as well. The format is planned to provide inspiration and encouragement to Christians in business, as well as an occasion for sharing and fellowship.
crusade. Distribution of his book is planned for that time. First published in 1951, the book has been widely circulated in the English language and has been translated into more than 25 other languages.
I
VOICE OF THE GOSPEL On July 7. 1974, nine more radio stations in Canada’s province of Quebec began broadcasting Back to the Bible’s French-language program La Voix de I’Evangile ( The Voice of the Gospel’). Since early 1967, Back to the Bible Faith Partners have had a part in the support of a French broadcast in Canada, Le Chant Joyeux ("Joyous Hymns"). It was one of the 19 programs in "other languages" we have mentioned in past issues of this bulletin that were not directly produced by Back to the Bible but for which friends of the Broadcast provided financial support. In cooperation with the missionary society that felt they were no longer in a position to carry on the "Joyous Hymns” program, we are now releasing "Voice of the Gospel" in its place. This brings the number of Quebec stations carrying our French broadcast to 12. Pray for the effectiveness of this ministry to French Canadians as well as to those in other Frenchspeaking areas of the world.
FLOOD WATERS WIPE OUT BANGLADESH CROPS Akron, Pa.— Recent catastrophic flooding in Bangladesh is being succeeded by appeals from the government for both immediate relief assistance and longer-term reconstruction. Mennonite Central Committee has responded to the first plea with plans for a shipment of beans and wheat; to the second, MCC's winter crop program may offer a solution. According to Ken Koehn. Bangladesh country director. "The government appears to be handling the situation quite well although in the last couple of days a real call for relief has gone out to the United Nations, other governments and voluntary agencies. MCC has arranged for 150 tons of wheat and 50 tons of beans to leave the Houston port September 10. The donation is designated for foodfor-work projects in the Noakhali District. Road and bridge repair are likely projects. Two issues of The Bangladesh Observer described the catastrophe as the "worst flood in living memory." According to a recent press release dated August 12, 30 million people have been affected by the flood and over 50 percent of the country is inundated.
ASIA MISSION STUDY IS READY Mission study materials on Mennonite churches in Asia are now available from three Mennonite publishing houses. The materials, initiated by the inter-Mennonite Mission Education Council, includes three films, nine study leaflets for adults, an adult leader's guide, a children’s leader’s guide, and an Asian map. The films are a joint venture of the General Conference Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church, and Mennonite Brethren Church.
BOOK TRANSLATED Plans are under way for the printing of 10.000 more copies of On Being A Real Christian in the Korean language. The author. G. Christian Weiss, of the Back to the Bible, plans to be in Korea later this year to take part in an evangelistic
usvs
laiBS
IS
The Messenger
I