what is The Kingdom of God? Part II
-conclusion
by George Eldon Ladd
THE VERY COMPLEXITY of the Biblical teaching about the Kingdom of God is one of the reasons why such diverse inter pretations have arisen in the history of theology. Isolated verses can be quoted for most of the interpretations which can be found in our theological literature. The Kingdom is a present reality (Matt. 12:28). and yet is a future blessing (I. Cor. 15:50). It is an inner spiritual redemptive blessing (Rom. 14:17) which can be experienced only by way of the new birth (John 3:3), and yet it will have to do with the government of the nation,s of the world (Rev. 11:15). The Kingdom is a realm into which men enter now (Matt. 21:31), and yet it is a realm into which they will enter tomorrow (Matt. 8:11). It is at the same time a gift of God which will be bestowed by God in the future (Luke 12:32) and yet which must be received in the present (Mark 10:15). Obviously no simple explanation can do justice to such a rich but diverse variety of teaching. There is, however, a basic solution to this complex problem which will provide a key of meaning to open the door into treasures of understanding and blessing. This key provides the simplest approach to this in volved and diverse body of Scriptural truth. It is a key which is often overlooked because of the difference between modern and an cient idiom. We must ask the most fundamental “What is the Kingdom of God” is the first chapter of the book THE KINGDOM OF GOD by George Eldon Ladd, Professor of Biblical Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. Used by permission of Wm, B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502.
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question: What is the meaning of "kingdom"? The modern answer to this question loses the key of meaning to this an cient Biblical truth. In our western idiom, a kingdom is primarily a realm over which a king exercises his authority. Not many kingdoms remain in our modern world with its democratic interests; but we think of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as the original group of countries which recognize the Queen as their sovereign. The dictionary follows this line of thought by giving as its first modern defini tion, "A state or monarchy the head of which is a king; dominion; realm.” The second meaning of a kingdom is the people belonging to a given realm. The Kingdom of Great Britain may be thought of as the citizens over whom the Queen exer cises her rule, the subjects of her kingdom. The exclusive application of either of these two ideas to the Biblical teaching of the Kingdom leads us astray from a correct un derstanding of the Biblical truth. The English dictionary itself makes this mistake when it gives as the theological definition of the kingdom, "The spiritual realm having God as its head." This definition cannot do justice to the verses which speak of the coming of the Kingdom in outward glory and power when Christ returns. On the other hand, those who begin with the idea of a future realm inaugurated by the return of Christ cannot do justice to the sayings about the Kingdom as a present spiritual reality. Furthermore, those who begin with the idea of the Kingdom as a people base their definition upon the identity of the Kingdom with the Church, and for this there is very lit tle scriptural warrant. We must set aside our modern idiom if we are to understand Biblical terminology. At
this point Webster’s dictionary provides us with a clue when it gives as its first definition: "The rank, quality, state, or at tributes of a king; royal authority; dominion; monarchy; kingship. Archaic." From the viewpoint of modern linguistic usage, this definition may be archaic; but it is precisely this archaism which is necessary to unders tand the ancient Biblical teaching. The primary meaning of both the Hebrew word malkuth in the Old Testament and of the Greek word basileia in the New Testament is the rank, authority and sovereignty exercised by a king. A basileia may indeed be a realm over which a sovereign exercises his authori ty; and it may be the people who belong to that realm and over whom authority is exer cised; but these are secondary and derived meanings. First of all, a kingdom is the authority to rule, the sovereignty of the king. This primary meaning of the word "kingdom" may be seen in its Old Testament use to describe a king’s rule. Ezra 8:1 speaks of the return from Babylon "in the kingdom” of Artaxerxes, i.e., his reign. II Chronicles 12:1 speaks of the establishment of Rehoboam’s kingdom or rule. Daniel 8:23 refers to the latter end of their kingdom or rule. This usage of "kingdom” as a human reign may also be found in such passages as Jeremiah 49:34; 11 Chronicles 11:17, 12:1, 26:30; Ezra 4:5; Nehemiah 12:22, etc. When the word refers to God’s Kingdom, it always refers to His reign. His rule. His sovereignty, and not to the realm in which it is exercised. Psalm 103:19, "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” God’s kingdom. His malkuth, is His universal rule. His sovereign ty over all the earth. Psalm 145:11, "They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and tell of thy power.” In the parallelism of THE MESSENGER
The kingdom of God is His kingship, His ruie, His authority. When this is once reaiized, we can go through the New Testament and find passage after passage where this meaning is evident, where the kingdom is not a reaim or a peopie but God’s reign.
Hebrew poetry, the two lines express the same truth. God’s Kingdom is His power. Psalm 145:13, “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion en dures throughout all generations.” The realm of God’s rule is the heaven and earth, but this verse has no reference to the per manence of this realm. It is God’s rule which is everlasting. Daniel 2:37, “You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory.” Notice the synonyms for kingdom: power, might, glory—all ex pressions of authority. These terms identify the Kingdom as the “rule” which God has given to the king. Of Belshazzar, it was written, “God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end” (Dan. 5:26). It is clear that the realm over which Belshazzar ruled was not destroyed. The Babylonian realm and people were not brought to an end; they were transferred to another ruler. It was the rule of the king which was terminated, and it was the rule which was given to Darius the Mede (Dan. 5:31). One reference in our Gospels makes this meaning very clear. We read in Luke 19:1112, “As they heard these things, he proceed ed to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear im mediately. He said therefore, ‘A nobleman went into a far country to receive a basileia and then return.’ ” The nobleman did not go away to get a realm, an area over which to rule. The realm over which he wanted to reign was at hand. The territory over which he was to rule was this place he left. The pro blem was that he was no king. He needed authority, the right to rule. He went off to get a “kingdom,” i.e., kingship, authority. The Revised Standard Version has therefore translated the word “kingly power.” This very thing had happened some years before the days of our Lord. In the year 40 B.C. political conditions in Palestine had become chaotic. The Romans had subdued the country in 63 B.C., but stability had been slow in coming. Herod the Great finally went to Rome, obtained from the Roman Senate the kingdom, and was declared to be king. He literally went into a far country to receive a kingship, the authority to be king in Judaea over the Jews. It may well be that our Lord had this incident in mind in this parable, fn any case, it illustrates the fundamental mean ing of kingdom. The Kingdom of God is His kingship. His
November 29. 1974
rule. His authority. When this is once realiz ed, we can go through the New Testament and find passsage after passage where this meaning is evident, where the Kingdom is not a realm or a people but God’s reign. Jesus said that we must “receive the kingdom of God” as little children (Mark 10:15). What is received? The Church? Heaven? What is received is God’s rule. In order to enter the future realm of the Kingdom, one must submit himself in perfect trust to God’s rule here and now. We must also “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). What is the object of our quest? The Church? Heaven? No; we are to seek God’s righteousness—His sway. His rule. His reign in our lives. When we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” are we praying for heaven to come to earth? In a sense we are praying for this; but heaven is an object of desire only because the reign of God is to be more perfectly realized then it is now. Apart from the reign of God, heaven is meaningless. Therefore, what we pray for is, “Thy kingdom come; ihy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This prayer is a peti tion for God to reign, to manifest His kingly sovereignty and power, to put to flight every enemy of righteousness and of His divine rule, that God alone may be King over all the world. However, a reign without a realm in which it is exercised is meaningless. Thus we find that the Kingdom of God is also the realm in which God's reign may be experienced. But again, the Biblical facts are not simple. Sometimes the Bible speaks of the Kingdom as the realm into which we enter as present, sometimes as though it were future. It is future in such verses as Mark 9:47, “It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell.” (See also Mark 10:23, 14:25, Matt. 7:21). In such passages the Kingdom of God is equivalent to that aspect of eternal life which will be experienced only after the Second Coming of Christ. In other passages, the Kingdom is present and may be entered here and now. Luke 16:16, “The law and the propehters were un til John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and every one enters it violently.” Matt. 21:31, “The tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Luke 11:52, “Woe to you lawyers! for you have taken away the key of knowledge: you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.”
Our problem, then, is found in this threefold fact: (1) Some passages of Scrip ture refer to the Kingdom of God as God’s reign. (2) Some passages refer to God’s Kingdom as the realm into which we may now enter to experience the blessings of His reign. (3) Still other passages refer to a future realm which will come only with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ into which we shall then enter and experience the fulness of His reign. Thus the Kingdom of God means three different things in different verses. One has to study all the references in the light of their context and then try to fit them together in an overall interpretation. Fundamentally, as we have seen, the Kingdom of God is God’s sovereign reign; but God’s reign expresses itself in different stages through redemptive history. Therefore, men may enter into the realm of God's reign in its several stages of manifesta tion and experience the blessings of His reign in differing degrees. God’s Kingdom is the realm of the Age to Come, popularly called heaven; then we shall realize the blessings of His Kingdom (reign) in the perfection of their fulness. But the Kingdom is here now. There is a realm of spiritual blessing into which we may enter today and enjoy in part but in reality the blessings of God’s Kingdom (reign). We pray, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The confidence that this prayer is to be answered when God brings human history to the divinely ordained consummation enables the Christian to retain his balance and sanity of mind in this mad world in which we live. Our hearts go out to those who have no such hope. Thank God, His Kingdom is coming, and it will fill all the earth. But when we pray, “Thy Kingdom come,” we also ask that God’s will be done here and now, today. This is the primary concern of these expositions, that the reader might meet the Kingdom of God, or rather, that the Kingdom of God might meet him. We should also pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done” in my church as it is in heaven. The life and fellowship of a Christian church ought to be a fellowship of people among whom God's will is done—a bit of heaven on earth. "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done" in my life, as it is in heaven. This is in cluded in our prayer for the coming of the Kingdom. This is part of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
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K <1 i t o ria I I Was An Hungred and Ye Gave Me Meat Having just attended another MCC (Man.) annual meeting one cannot help but be impressed and deeply grateful for the efforts of this organization to deal with and alleviate human suffering in the world. No less is one moved to thanksgiving when one becomes aware of the amount of voluntary con tributions which had come in in the past year well over $200,000 beyond the budget for that. Not least by any means are the eleven EMCers from Manitoba now serving in the V.S. program here and abroad. And since June of this year the couple serving in administration in the home office. It seems to me that it would also be very difficult to find another charitable organization or mission effort which operates on an overhead as low as MCC (Man.). For the coming year administration costs figure only about 6% of the total budgeted income. I believe this low figure for administration needs to be seriously evaluated when we budget our giving dollar. Statistics complied for the Better Business Bureau by the National Association of Life Underwriters in Washington D.C., reveal that when you give $100.00 to help other people, it costs $300.00 to deliver that $100.00 worth of aid through federal channels, $27.00 to deliver the same amount through voluntary charities and $8.00 to deliver it through the church. (Almost right on, only MCC (Man.) does it for even a little less.) And yet one suspects that in spite of this, much money is given to other organizations who not nearly can match the low administrative costs of church agen cies. One writer points out in a Look article (1960) “Where do Your Charity Dollars Go?” which reveals that in one instance 23c out of every dollar was eaten up by fund-raising expences. While we are on the subject of giving it might also not be out of order to sound a word of caution concerning unwise giving. One authority maintains that, “Millions of American people, thousands of them Mennonites, give multiplied millions of dollars to religious causes and charity, but much of the money goes into the pockets of dishonest, deceiving persons. There is no deception so easy, and no racket so lucrative as the religious racket.” Wise giving in my estimation would be if we don’t know the organization that the least we could do is ask for an audited financial statement to see how much of our dollar goes for the purpose intended and how much is spent for administration. Then compare this with the cost in your church or conference. Our (EMC) cost is very close to the before quoted national average of 8%. It might not even be a bad idea for us to make a study Page 4
sometime of other charitable organizations and see how they compare. Among the ministries of MCC (Man.) is also that of Peace and Social Concerns. One cannot help but be im pressed by what this committee has done in the last five years or so. Although some of us may recall that this arm of the ministry has received about as much criticism as any branch in MCC (Man.) in the past, one cannot help but be impressed at the emphasis on a work which I believe we would all endorse. I am speaking of the offender ministry which is administered by the Peace and Social Concerns Committee. The offender ministry is one that is by no means without interest in the EMC. As early as 1966 when this came up via a report to the EMC ministerial there was sufficient interest that the EMC Committee on Social Concerns was asked to “take responsibility on the matter of a half-way house and study possibilities and make necessary recommendations.” (Aug. 6, 1966, Blumenort). It should therefore be cause for thankfulness that to day MCC (Man.) has an offender ministry which in volves some eight staff persons at three locations. Grosvenor Place and the newly acquired (Aug. 1/74) Lenore Street for fellows. Open Circle in addition to the two places mentioned is a ministry concerned with men in prisons who have no visits, friends or community resources, as well as parolees and probationers. This offender ministry now by far carries the emphasis of Peace and Social Concerns ministry, at least financially. Last years annual statement reveals that $155.19 went for Peace and Social Concerns while $49,849.45 was spent in the offender ministries. Budgeted for 1974-75 for the offender ministries is $83,999.00 and $500.00 for Peace and Social Concerns. Be ing as service oriented as we are I believe we should take advantage of accepting the challenge to get involved as volunteers in a type of ministry like Open Circle is doing with prisoners and parolees. One could fulfill literally the injunction of Matt. 25:36. What about an overall evaluation? As with other in stitutions I believe MCC (Man.) would admit that they are not perfect. If it is difficult sometimes in a church situation to keep everyone happy, how much more in a multi-church setup like MCC is. If charity is enjoined among brethren and churches, surely it would also be in place to practise it here. One was also impressed by the ample opportunity which was given in the question periods. Anyone with a concern had the opportunity to air his view here - and should if he has one. This was the right place for it. MCC (Man.) for the next year has an ambitious program. The total budget comes to over half a million dollars! I’m for helping them attain this goal. -D.S.
THE MESSENGER
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Manitoba concerning some of the technical aspects. Radio Southern Manitoba showed its interest in the pro ject by keeping in touch. In June, 1974 they sponsored Jack Hoeppner, their radio engineer, to make an in depth study of the technical aspects in Paraguay. After a thorough field investigation and consultations with personnel in the radio field Jack Hoeppner and Frank Kroeker worked out construction and in stallation estimates. The proposed plan called for a 10,000 watt transmitter and the total cost of $125,000.00. Mr Hoeppner’s report and recommen dation to build the station were evaluated by the E.M.C. Board of Missions and the E.M.C. Missions Auxiliary. They mutually decided to accept the proposed plan but before a definite commitment was made to begin construction a representation was to go to Paraguay to negotiate with the colonies and make a final evaluation of the feasibility of such a project.
The Chaco Radio Board for RADIO LA VOZ DEL CHACO has officially been formed by the three representatives appointed by the Mennonite Colonies and three by the E. M.C. Front row, left to right (the executive of the Board); Cornelius Dyck, Fernheim; F. Kroeker, E.M.C.; John Doerksen, E.M.C.; Back row: Diedrich Lepp, E.M.C.; Jack Hoeppner, CFAM Engineer; Martin Friesen, Menno Colony; Abe Boschman, Fernheim.
Radio—La Voz Del Chaco Now To Become Reality ‘3 •a 1^
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Rev. Abe Boschman and Jack Hoeppner “deliberating” at the selected new studio site which is very suitably located in the town of Filadelfia. This lot is part of a property own ed by MCC and negotiations for purchase by the Colonies are being made. The broad casts will be beamed by micro-wave to the transmitter from here.
Word has now been received that President Stroessner of Paraguay has given his signature to the necessary documents granting permission for the building of a Christian radio station in the Chaco. The new station, to be known as "Radio-La Voz Del Chaco" will be located in Filedelphia in the Paraguayan chaco and jointly built and operated by the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Canada and the Mennonite Colonies in the chaco. A year ago Rev. Frank Kroeker of Morris, Manitoba serving with the E.M.C. Board of Missions in Paraguay made a feasibility study of a station of this kind for the Chaco. His investigation included consultations with the Mennonite colonies in the Chaco. This resulted in the colonies taking definite steps to work together with the E.M.C. on this project. Before Kroeker returned to Paraguay he consulted with Radio Southern
Mr Hans Balzer, Oberschulz of Fernheim, is seen pounding in one of the stakes during the “staking out” of the tower-transmitter lot. The Colonies have bought this parcel of land (approx. l6‘/2 acres) from a farmer in Gnadenheim village. This land will continue to be used as pasture after the tower has been erected. Mr Cornie P. Loewen representing the E.M.C. Missions Auxiliary, which has taken the responsibility for the construc tion of the station, and Henry Klassen, E.M.C. radio coordinator, representing the E.M.C. Board of Missions went to Paraguay in August. They found the colonies very receptive and interested in the project. Within a week a proposed agreement between the colonies and the E.M.C. was worked out. This agreement
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 5 November 29, 1974
has now been accepted by all parties In volved. In the agreement it is stated that the station, Radio-La Voz Del Chaco, will be under the administration of a board that will have three representatives of the colonies and three E.M.C. represen tatives. The E.M.C. has committed itself to finance the construction, the equip ment and the installation costs while the colonies have made themselves respon sible to look after the importation of the equipment and supply the land for the transmitter and studio building sites. The agreement also clearly states that the primary aim of the station is evangelism. It Is designated by the government as a cultural broadcasting station which means that the station will also broadcast programs in the fields of education and agriculture. News, local, national and International, and an nouncements Involving community af fairs will be aired. The broadcasting will be in the languages of the people living in the area which includes Spanish, Ger man, and the Indian languages. With the granting of the official documents from the government the construction of the station will com mence immediately. Frank Kroeker has been appointed to the position of general manager of the project. For the in stallations and testing of equipment Radio Southern Manitoba has again offered to send Jack Hoeppner to Paraguay for a period of three months. This will most likely be from April to June. Shall we be in prayer for this new ven ture. In the past we have aired radio programs on our fields but never have we been involved in the construction of a station itself. Consequently your prayer ful interest would be appreciated. For those who are interested to assist in a financial way contributions are now being received. For more information contact the Board of Missions office in the EMC Head Office building Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. NICARAGUA
Medical Work
Mission»Granis Ethiopia-Doug and Sandra Doerksen who are serving with SIM in the famine relief program have gone through a period of illness. Mrs Doerksen has not yet completely recovered. They are also requesting prayer for their involve ment in the program and also that Jesus Christ would triumph in the lives of the people they seek to reach.
Canada-Rev. John P. Loewen, of E.M.C. Board of Missions and Rev. Arnold Fast of the E.M. Conference Executive left on November 27 for La Crete, Al berta to be present at the organization of the new E.M. Church on December 1. Praise the Lord for raising up this church within the past year. The Elmer Hamms are pastoring this work.
-November 3 was the date when Gospel Tidings, a low German program, was started to be aired on the Vanderhoof station. -The Dave Duecks report that a nineteen year old young man accepted Christ. Their average attendance in October was 37. They also report of many contacts they have. Pray that these might be won to the Lord. Paraguay-Jhe Peter Friesens have moved to Caaguazu in East Paraguay for a church planting ministry. Pray for the Friesens as they begin this ministry in a new area. -A course for Indian ministries in the Chaco was conducted from September 30 to October 5. Thirty were in attendance.
Mex/co-Abe Plett reports that the Amua church, which began last year, is pro gressing. They are planning a baptism service for six candidates. Nicaragua-‘‘Mrs Hilda Friesen had her operation as planned on the 15th of Oct ober. The Lord has blessed in giving her a speedy and full recovery. Thank you for your prayers and gifts on our behalf. As the rainy season is past, please pray also that her allergy to the dust might not hinder her in her work at home and church."
before starting on our own clinic work. I have been very grateful for the oppor tunity I've had of being here in Rio Blanco. The nurse here has to take the doctor’s role many a time, because the people do not have access to other medical help. Upon returning to Managua on November 1st. I expect to spend some time with the Provedenic health organization. Meanwhile
we’re investigating the possibilities of setting up a clinic work in San Jose, a village where the La Paz EMC has an evangelistic out reach. Although one faces many uncertainties in beginning a new work-all the things I have seen God do, teaches me to trust Him for all those things I have not seen. Doris Friesen
“Come Ye...And Rest Awhile”
It’s a joy for me to greet you from Nic It was my privilege to accept the invitation aragua. I’m rejoicing in what the Lord has to go to Puebla. Mexico, for a 4-day done for me in the past and will be doing for me Spiritual Life Conference held October 30 in the future. 1 November 3 of this year. From Chihuahua Shortly after I arrived in Nicaragua, I City several missionaries travelled together came out to Rio Blanco-a somewhat iso to Mexico City where we were warmly lated, primitive village at the “end of the received by friends who took us the rest of road”. The clinic here is operated by the the way. “The Oasis of Living Water,” Conservative Mennonite Mission. Being where this conference took place, is a motel much in need of an orientation to the dis type Christian camp about a 20-minute drive eases, medicines, culture and language of south of Puebla City, situated on the shore of this country, it was decided that I would Lake Valsequillo. The climate is pleasant, the come out to rio Blanco for a few months scenery beautiful. Mexico’s famous snowPage 6
capped mountains can be seen in the dis tance. Enjoying God’s creation is refreshing, and so is meeting missionaries from different parts of Mexico, representing different mis sions. The guest speaker. Rev. Don Cole, Moody Bible Institute’s radio pastor, has himself been a missionary for many years. A few special features were a music concert, and the Lord’s Supper during the last ses sion. This was truly a time of sharing needs and blessings. For example, one could rejoice THE MESSENGER
with the Wycliffe workers that out of Mex ico’s 100 tribes, 68 have the Bible in their own language, or at least is being worked on. This makes us realize how privileged we are, to work in an area where the Bible is in print and the majority of the people know how to read. Also, we were reminded of God’s faithfulness by the young fellow who told of how his missionary parents had been killed in an airplane crash, and how he is now fin ding wide open doors to preach the Gospel in the same villages where his parents years
before were in danger of being killed for the Gospel’s sake. What gives him special joy is that his three brothers are also preparing to serve the Lord in Latin America. How great is God’s faithfulness toward His children! Thank you. Lord, for this time of refreshing. Now let me return to my place of service with renewed strength and courage. Amen. Doris Thiessen El Paso, Texas
NICARAGUA
A Wedding In Managua The day dawned hot and humid, a typical day in Managua, Nicaragua. A few menac ing clouds threatened to shower their store before the day was too far advanced. It was August 18th and a very special day for Rosa and Alberto and also for the Iglesia Evangelica Mennonita in Nicaragua. For the young couple it was the day when they would in the presence of their friends and before God exchange the vows of holy matrimony. For the church it was a special day not because it was its first wedding but that it was the first marriage of a young cou ple. The young bride dressed in her beautiful white gown left her parental home in the ear ly afternoon accompanied by her many bridesmaids and bestmen. They made an im pressionable sight as they made their way with an excited step to the church and the waiting bridegroom. Many guests had j A
gathered to bear witness to their vows and to wish them well. Wilbert Friesen had the privilege of officiating at this memorable oc casion. The short wedding program consisted of the ceremony followed by a special number by Lester and Darlene Olfert and a message. After the customary posing for pictures and many well wishes the wedding party and all the guests winded their way back over the 10 or more blocks to the new home of Alberto and Rosa. As the groom picked up his bride to carry her into their new home they were showered with rice by some of the gay guests, as is the custom. When the light supper had been serv ed with the chicha and wedding cake we en joyed a short program where many had the opportunity to wish the new couple well. May God bless this new home. Wilbert Friesen
TEACHER URGENTLY NEEDED For January 1975 to teach mis sionary children at La Esperanza, Paraguay. If interested contact: E.M.C. Board of Missions, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba. Phone: 3266401.
save us. She read John 3:16-18 and ex plained to me that even though I was a sinner God could save me. I believed in Him as it says in I John 5:11-12, and He helped me to realize my need as a sinner. It was then that I confessed my sins (I John 1:9). I felt as though I had just been born; Christ had washed me with His blood. Thank God for His love! Since then I have been saved by faith, ...“not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). After that I was a wife and mother who had been cleansed by the blood of Christ; the old things had passed away. Later they spoke to me about baptism and it was a happy moment when I was filled with the Holy Spirit and I gave my testimony with joy. God did the work in me! Your sister in Christ, Josefina V. de Veleta
Wealth
My Testimony What a sad moment it was when I realized that our marriage was almost at the point of breaking up! I found myself dead in my sins, without God and without hope. I was a nagging and jealous wife. I say this to my shame but it’s the sad truth. One day God, in His kindness. His mercy and His love, sent a missionary to my house. She began to tell me about
Christ, God’s son, who was crucified. She told me how the people hated Him so much that they desired His death on the cross, and how we also had been sentenc ed to die. She read Romans 3:23 and 6:23 to me. 1 realized that I deserved death; that was my wages. The missionary continued talking to me about how God had sent His Son to
REQUEST FOR PRAYER
Mrs Edwin Wright, Carrot River Sask, had major surgery removing a malignant tumor on August 6. Her recovery seemed to be slow at home, although there was some progress evident. However, by Thanksgiving weekend she became really ill and with it came additional tests and xrays. On November 15 she was again operated on. The surgeons noted two small growths, and no evidence to the human eye of malignancy. The Wrights thank you for praying and solicit your continued prayer for their many needs - physical, spiritual, and material. November 29, 1974
by L. E. Tripp
If I could be wealthy. What would I like? A two-bedroom cottage, A trail for a hike. The sun and the stars, A moon in the sky. The fragrance of flowers. The mountains nearby.
Surrounded in depth by The ones that I love, The green of the earth And the blue up above.
As I glance roundabout All this I can see. So I am as wealthy As wealthy can be! Page 7
News From the Churches New Church
Forest Lawn E.M.C. Calgary Thursday, September 19 was an impor tant day for us, in that our group organized and officially became an Evangelical Mennonite Church. John K. Reimer and Milton Fast were here for this occasion. Members accepted were: Cornelius and Helen Friesen. Mike and Ann Friesen, Henry and Susan Fehr, Dave and Lydia Dueck, Laurel Anne, Claire and Tim Dueck and Peter Holukoff. Dave Dueck was officially installed as pastor of the newly formed church. Cornelius Friesen is secretary-treasurer and Mike Friesen Sunday School superintendent. The average attendance for October was 37. Most of these people have started atten ding since January of this year. Our church participated in the Terry
Winter Mission, which was held November 1-10. Some 400 committments were made during this mission. Home Bible Study groups are being organized as a means of follow-up in the city. On October 13, Thanksgiving supper and service was held in the church. The atten dance was 70. A wonderful time of fellowship was enjoyed by all. We are privileged to be able to rent the United Church building for our Sunday services. Other meetings and Bible study groups are being held in homes. Pray for our newly formed church, that we will be faithful in an outreach program and be available to the needs of the people in our area.
Have You Made Your Will Quite an unusual meeting occurred at the be quite different than our desires or convic Prairie Rose church the other day. Bouquets tions. If there is no will, then relatives or arc in order for the Evangelical Mennonite neighbors have no say. Conference for setting up an Estates Com Thirdly, WHEN should a will be drawn mittcc, also for Mr Ed Loewen of Steinbach, up? — Right away when there is property to and Mr Henry J. Reimer of Blumenort for be taken care of, not just before we die, but coming out to spend an evening with us, and when are in good health. A will can be to our Pastor for arranging it. changed as time goes on, and yet it never Brother Loewen really got us to the edge of comes into effect until death. our seats when he said that they had come to By now the question may arise. WHERE tell us "HOW TO LIVE ABUNDANTLY." can I make a valid will? A will can be made The answer to this was to MAKE A WILL all by yourself, IF every word of it is written and NOT leave everything (including our in your handwriting and, the signing is children) to the courts, law, and government witnessed by two other people, however a when we pass on. The task of the committee much better, more sure and correct way is to he said was to encourage people to make a go to a lawyer we were told. After all we will. The evenings presentation was neatly don't go to a plumber to have our teeth filled, done under five points. nor do we think much of paying one hundred The first point was WHO? — Anyone dollars for fire insurance every year, and yet over eighteen who owns something, widows, we find it difficult to spend twenty to fifty man and wife, or single. For instance how dollars to make up a proper will. The estates would you transfer a young man’s car committee do not have a preferred lawyer. registration to a new owner (?) without a Word has it that Mr D. K. Friesen at the will, or who would receive a nurse’s Steinbach Bible Institute has been a real help belongings, savings, or Canada Pension Plan to many. benefits? Young parents both have reason to Lastly the point was brought out on HOW make a will regarding their children’s guar to draw up a will. Three main points are im dian, etc. portant. The second point was WHY? Well the law Make sure that God gets his rightful por has made provisions for us to decide while tion, as well as loved ones. A guardian is im we live what we would like to have done with portant if there are children under eighteen, our belongings and children. However if we and thirdly appoint a capable executor. don’t have a will, they have one, and it might Having elaborated on the above, a sample Page 8
of a will was shown on the screen, and ex plained by Mr Loewen. Quite an interesting and beneficial discussion followed. In view of the ever increasing strong emphasis on wills by other religious agencies (many good ones), and the tragedy of so much money ending up in the government coffers, the estates committee is doing a commendable work. They have even prepared a comprehensive book on this sub ject which will shortly be off the press, and made available to all E.M. Churches. Quite likely this paper will carry a nice advertise ment on it.
MacGregor We have had many visiting speakers in the last while who have encouraged, admonished and strengthened us in the faith. Rev. Arden Thiessen reminded us of the joy that should be ours in Christ. There was a message by Larry Heppner on the Prodigal Son, and a very practical message by Rev. Kornelson of Ridgewood on James 2, “The Sin of Par tiality'. How we so often are guilty of this sin without realizing the extent to which the Lord abhors it. May the Lord help us to treat all people small and great, rich and poor the same even as Jesus did. Our pastor Rev. Koop has been giving us a series of messages from I Timothy. Some of our young people are again atten ding Bible Schools. Attending Peace River Bible School is Pat Giesbecht and attending Prairie Bible Institute is Darlene Rodgers. Corrine harder is at Pamburn Bible School, Marlene Hildcbrant at Nipawin and Marvin Koop at S.B.I. Irma Heppner has left for language school at Edinburg, Texas, and Larry Heppner is completing his schooling at S.B.I. Others are out at various jobs helping at home and attending the local high school. We are thankful for each one that is taking a definite stand for Christ whether at home, school, job or at Bible school. On September 22 the Peter Funk family of Grunthal presented a musical program in our church. October 13 was our Thanksgiving Sun day. The Wayne Herrods were with us for a morning and evening service. Mrs. Herrod. a native of Ireland shared her testimony with us in the morning service. She related to us some of the things the Lord had to deal with in her life, and what a blessing the Lord has in store for those who truly trust him. After the morning service a hot chicken dinner was enjoyed by all. In the evening service Mr. Herrod showed slides of their work in Kenya, followed by a message from God's Word. Our missionary conference was held on October 24. 25 and 27 with the main speaker THE MESSENGER
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PELLY Thanksgiving Monday we had our annual fellowship supper at the church. This was in the form of a pot luck supper, it was delicious and abundant, followed by a time of praise in word and song. Here at Pelly we had our annual fall Missionary Conference Oct. 27-29. Those serving us were Mr and Mrs Wayne Herod, Kenya. Mr and Mrs Ernest Funk, Paraguay, Rev. Ben D. Reimer, Steinbach, Frank Brauns who have recently moved to Kamsack to work among the Indian people in these areas, also Miss Evelyn Barkman from Mali, West Africa. These chosen people came to us bringing many pictures of their work in the various fields coupled with many experiences as well as timely messages from God's Word. Conference days were good days. November 2 Rev. John Peters was at Pelly for a Sunday School Teachers seminar. Attendance was low but that did not hinder the quality of the program. Mr Peters, with his many talents and his ability to hold the interest of his audience presented much for our learning. I am sure that each one of us that had the privilege of attending gained something from it. Looking to the days ahead, the ladies are, for the second year, planning a sale of handwork and an afternoon tea. December 14 is the date for this. Also for thenext month we'll all be a little busier with preparations for a Christmas program. Let us all think of these things, not as a duty but a privilege, that we can give forth the Good News of Christ’s birth with the promise of His return to a sin wearied world.
Sunday School Seminar Held John Peters, on loan to the EMC Board of Education and Publication, has been busy con ducting Sunday School Seminars this fall in various EMC churches. The November 15-17 weekend was scheduled for the Southern Sask., churches of Wymark, Swift Current and Gouldtown. Four sessions were conducted, one each on Friday and Saturday and two on Sunday. The first two were held at the Wymark church while the Sunday meetings took place at Swift Current. Many people availed themselves to take part in these lectures. On the top picture you see one of the sessions as it was held in the Swift Current church.
Bottom photo pictures ministers, pastors, and Sunday School superintendants of the Wymark, Swift Current, Gouldtown churches. Left to right back row: Jack Zacharias, S.S. Supt., Gouldtown; Peter Dyck, Pastor, Wymark; John Peters, seminar instructor, Steinbach; John J. Friesen, S.S. Supt., Wymark; Jake Funk, S.S. Supt., Swift Current. Left to right front row: Peter Schlamp, Minister, Wymark; Milton Fast, Pastor, Swift Current; Dan Thiessen, Pastor, Gouldtown; Dave Froese, Minister, Wymark.
Rev. Rueben Friesen, missionary to the Mali way that is just and unblameable before Republic. The main theme of the messages God. We also need to be aware of the fact was “The Model Church” from I that Satan is going about trying to discourage Thessalonians. The meetings could have and our participation, so let us be on guard and should have been better attended. We need examine our own hearts to see how we stand to be challenged anew to live our lives in a before God.
November 29, 1974
ABERDEEN Arnold and Elaine Kornelson have left to attend Briercrest Bible Institute, Caronport, Saskatchewan. James and Virginia Dyck are at the Steinbach Bible Institute. Good workers are not easy to replace but the Lord has seen fit to guide to the Aber deen Church Leory and Marcella Barkman from Blumenort, Glen and Helen Dueck from Gretna, and Ernie and Mary Wiebe from Arden. Welcome to our fellowship. Mr Gordon Giesbrecht is again back on his feet after having had more surgery. He and his family are now enjoying their newly purchased home just outside of Winnipeg. “Love Thy Neighbor” is the name of the drama performed b the ladies of the sewing circle on the seventh and eigth of November. It was very well done. November 15th to the 17th were memorable days with Rev. Melvin Koop ser ving us with a series of deeper life messages. The Pioneer Girls Club has again begun with an enrollment of 24 girls attended by 11 leaders. Last but not least, our Pastor and his wife, Dave Thiessens, have taken in a permanent resident on the 21st of October by the name of Randall David, a brother for Donita Gayle. Page 9
quilizer her parents stayed a night each with her. In late October the “youthful” Abe and Martha Penner made a one week, 1100 mile roundabout in Manitoba with a small detour in Saskatchewan, They started off with Birch River where Mrs Penner's only sister Helen, Mrs Ben Kroeker resides. Other points were Roblin, Grandview, Kola, Maryfield, Wawanesa. Rosenort, Blumenort, Stein bach, and Landmark, They made contacts with approximately thirty couples. Yet with all the super receptions they got (not flat tires or dry gas tank) they were glad to be back home again.
1A TWO BAPTIZED Pictured are Crestview Fellowship bap tismal candidates of June 16, Norman, son of Mr and Mrs Frank Solnik and Terrelyn, daughter of Mr and Mrs Frank Loewen, with Rev. Harold Dyck.
CRESTVIEW FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL The Sunday School department is busy preparing for the Christmas program on December 22, The kids are also being kept on the go with clubs called the Sunbeams and the Wayfarers, The clubs have been a real success so far. We are thankful for those who are willing to come and serve week after week. The Young People went out to Steinbach on November 16 to hear the gospel singing groups, the Imperials and the Latinos, A few members of our fellowship con ducted a Sunday morning service at our local senior citizens home on November 17, We are considering making these services a regular thing. Pray with us that God will guide us in bringing the message of His love to these elderly people. We wish all of you a blessed, happy Christmas season filled with gratitude as we pause to remember that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." MORWEENA Brother Nick Sul of Maidstone sustained injuries while working on an old building. He was sawing overhead with a chain saw when it bounced onto his brow and nose. That was sometime in September. Now after im mediate medical attention including stitches and five days in Hodgson’s new hospital he is completely restored except for the scar. As rejoicing Christians they may have been reflecting on Romans 8:28 many a time for certainly it is a blessed truth. Little three year old Jennifer Brandt had a tonsillectomy including a two night stay at the hospital. As a very acceptable tranPagc 10
The progress in chapel extension is slow due to labor shortage, however the shell is there with a coat of paint. The inside is waiting for colder weather when the Vidir crew will find it too uncomfortable for out side construction. The brothers Stanley and Russel Plett both employed around Burns Lake, B,C, were the recipients of a visit from minister Andrew Plett who was appointed to visit some away-from-home Christians of our local. Along the way back he made some more contacts with relatives and former ac quaintances.
EMC Music Festival “Come let Us Ail Unite To Sing” The Steinbach Bible Institute gymnatorium was filled on Sunday afternoon, November 17th, for the Evangelical Mennonite Conference Music Festival, It was a grand two hours of fellowship as fourteen different groups presented a variety of music in solos, duets, choirs, musical ensembles, and the like. Those participating in the program represented a good cross section of the southern and central Manitoba EMC churches. Taking part in the Sunday afternoon festival were the following: the Ridgewood Senior Choir, Gerald Reimer of Prairie Rose, Marvin and Alvira Plett of Morweena, the Rosenort Choir, the Galileans of Aberdeen, Delia Doerksen of Blumenort, the Steinbach Senior Choir, a Pleasant Valley trio, a Por tage la Prairie group, the Braeside Choir, the
Blumenort Youth Choir, the Reimer Brothers of Fisher Branch, the Living Letters Quartet of Ridgewood, and the Prairie Rose Choir, As a whole the program showed a com mendable quality of disciplined learning and also talent. The songs ranged in theme from a longing for deeper fellowship, “Take the World But Give Me Jesus” to expectation, "The King is Coming," and rejoicing "Hallelujah — Praise Jehovah”, Festival chairman was Mr John Reimer of Prairie Rose, Leading the congregational singing was Mr Dave L, Friesen of Rosenort with pianist Darryl Loewen of Blumenort, The pleasant afternoon wound up around a cup of coffee/juice, a bite of cheese, and a doughnut.
MCC PROJECT OF THE MONTH, DECEMBER, 1974 MATERIAL AID PROJECT - SEWING KITS Brazil has received 353 sewing kits, “In each community that has sewing classes, the students have chosen to make clothing for the even poorer people of the country, even though most of them are poor themselves,” writes Don Ranck, country director. Kits will go to Algeria, Botswana, Haiti, India, Jordan, Paraguay, Vietnam and Kenya, and should include: I metric tape measure I spool No, 50 white thread 1 spool No, 50 black thread 2 spools No, 50 colored thread 1 thimble 1 pair good quality scissors 1 package needles I package straight pins 1 package hooks and eyes several safety pins snap fasteners
CASH PROJECT - YARD GOODS Countries requesting yard goods are Botswana, Brazil, Haiti, Honduras, Jordan, Lesotho, Tanzania and Vietnam, Despite inflation, 50 cents will still buy a yard of fabric, MCC hopes to send out 65,000 yards of lightweight and 15,000 yards of heavyweight fabric. THE MESSENGER
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Seen are some candid shots of people involved at the annual meeting of MCC (Man.) held in Steinbach on November 23. (Clockwise from top left) 1. Dan Zehr, Director MCC (Canada) and Reg Toews V.S. Director (Canada). 2. Book-Rack Evangelism with Director Rae MacKey on the right. 3. John Wielers who just returned from Chad. 4. Peter H. Peters, Chairman of MCC (Man.); Arthur Driedger, Executive Director of MCC(Man.); and Larry Kehler, Chairman of Peace and Social Concerns. 5. At the registration desk were Sarah Reimer and Elva Loeppky.
Regional Seminar Wind-Up
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Shown in center is Dr. J.C. Wenger. On the left is Died. Gerbrandt and on the right Menno Klassen both on the Planning Committee.
Regional Seminars have again been con ducted this year at some 12 different locations throughout the province. This year’s topic was “How We Understand and Use the Bible." In put was provided by two papers which were circulated beforehand, One by the same title as above by J. C.
November 29, 1974
Wenger of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries and the other by Victor Adrian president Ontario Bible College, Toronto, Ont. The seminars are sponsored by the Peace section of MCC (Man.). A general province-wide meeting in Win nipeg brought the effort to a close. For this final rally Mr Wenger himself was present. The format of the meeting, held Nov. 22 at the Sargent Avenue church, included mainly a brief introduction on the subject (How We Understand and Use the Bible), a three-man panel and questions from the audience. In his opening remarks Mr Wenger reminded those present that in the Mennonite church we stand in the Free church tradition, practise believers' baptism, believe in non resistance and discipleship. The questions directed to the speaker were a compilation of the material which had come from the regional seminars and
roughly came under five headings: 1. Revela tion and inspiration. 2. Canon. 3. Authority. 4. Interpretation. 5. Translation. Some of the questions in these five categories were the following: How do we handle apparent con tradictions in the Bible? How were the Old Testament and the New Testament canons formed? How do we view the claims of other religions to inspired writings? What is the impact of the Dead Sea scrolls? How reliable are the modern translations? The presence of a resource person and a general wind-up enhanced the seminars pro ject for this year. Dr. Wenger is Professor of Historical Theology at AMBS, Elkhart, In diana. Among his writings is the book, God’s Word Written, dealing with the revelation and inspiration of Scripture.
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Holiday Seasons and Sped a I Occasions Cash Project Suggestions 1974-75 This year’s list of gift suggestions concentrates on MCC’s ministry in Third World countries. The projects invite sharing from various age levels, including Sunday schools, congregations and families. Your prayers for the work are also requested.
1
Drought/Famine Relief $200 pays purchasing, bagging and shipping costs for one ton of wheat or beans to faminestricken Sahel, India, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. Food relief is a stopgap until long-term development projects are effected.
2
Bible School Tuition $300 will provide a grant to a deserving and needy student for one semester at the European Mennonite Bible School in Switzerland.
3
Bibles and Christian Literature $100 will provide approximately one week’s supply of Bibles and related materials for recent Mennonite emigrants from the Soviet Union to West Germany.
4
Towels $1 ensures the purchase, packing and delivery to the port of loading for one regular size bath towel. 50,000 towels are needed annually.
3
Sheets $2.50 will buy and distribute a single size sheet for a hospital, orphanage, clinic or MCC volunteer overseas. At least 2,000 quality sheets are needed each month.
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Yard Goods 50^: will still buy a yard of fabric in spite of inflation. Countries requesting yard goods are Botswana, Brazil, Haiti, Honduras, Jordan, Lesotho, Tanzania and Vietnam. 65,000 yards of lightweight material and 15,000 of heavyweight are needed.
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Jordan Kindergartens $50 will provide one year of kindergarten training for a five-year-old refugee child. MCC pays for local teachers and classroom materials. t
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Vietnam Medical Care $250 covers MCC’s share of the medical program in Nhatrang where the war continues and infiation climbs. MCC assists the Evangelical Church of Vietnam in a hospital and clinic program.
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Training Moroccan Orphans $350 a month keeps a vocational teacher in Morocco. Teenage boys from the 276-resident orphanage in Oujda will become self-sufficient after three years of vocational training.
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Paraguay Leprosy Program $100 is needed each week to assist the leprosy work at Kilometer 81 in eastern Paraguay. Control of leprosy is a priority with inpatient and outpatient care.
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Brazil Health Centers $50 a month supports seven health centers on a continuing basis in northeastern Brazil where mothers learn basic family care skills.
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Peace Libraries
$80 will purchase 25 books on the Christian peace stance for church and school libraries around the world.
Give through your regular congregational or conference channels, designating clearly the project. Canadians may give through MCC provincial channels.
MCC Akron, PA 17501 PAGE 12
MCC (Canada) Winnipeg, Man. R3T 2C8 THE MESSENGER
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