The Messenger October 1, 1976

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Offence, Offended, Offender.

Have you ever been offended? Have you ever offended someone? What is the scriptural course to take when you are offended, when you have created an offence? Read how one pastor got tired of bearing second-hand messages between offended and offender and the advice he gives.

by Cecil B. Murphey

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arl called me aside at the end of a committee meeting. 1 knew from his face that he found it hard to speak. “You haven’t seen Pete around much lately, have you?” he asked. Before I had a chance to respond, he hurried on. “I thought you ought to know. Apparently you offended him by something you said.” I had noticed that Pete had not been regular the past several weeks. I had also noticed that he was not par­ ticularly friendly when he did come. “Offended him?” 1 asked, wondering what I could have done. “One Sunday after the service he was trying to get into the church office and the door was locked. You came by and said something like, ‘Hey, Pete, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen you trying to get inside the church. Usually you’re one of those trying to get out’.” I vaguely recalled the incident. I remembered that Pete had laughed and had made some humorous retort as I unlocked the door for him. In fact, as I replayed the whole scene in my mind, the first part of it became clear. He had actually started the lightness by saying something like, “Some people can’t wait to get home for dinner. They lock the doors as soon as you say the last amen.” “Why, Carl, I was only kidding him.” “I know. That’s the way Pete is. He’s touchy. He can hand out the banter and even hurt people himself. But you’re on pretty thin ice when you turn around and kid with him.” “How did you find out?” “He told his brother-in-law, who told Bill Rosen, and Bill told me.” I nodded my head. Typical story. Someone gets offended in the church and by the time the information gets to me, it has been filtered through three or more other people. “Thanks, Carl,” 1 said. The conversation bothered me. First, of course, I had hurt someone, though unintentionally. I reviewed the PAGE 2

conversation over and over in my mind. It just didn’t seem to me that anyone would have misconstrued it. Yet Pete had. “Then he ought to come to me!” I remember telling the Lord as I drove home. “Jesus said that if your brother offends you, you go to him!” And I could hear the words echo back, “He ought to...”

“Lord, I’m tired of this. Innocent remarks get twisted around and misinterpreted, feelings get hurt, and I’m 1 always supposed to be the reconciler. People don’t seem very disturbed when they hurt my feelings!” For the five minutes that it took me to drive home, I railed against Pete in particular, church people in general, and the inequity of being a pastor. I didn’t feel a lot better when I reached the house. “It’s still his respon­ sibility to tell me!” I said as I slammed the front door. I wanted to dismiss the matter. It was Pete’s move. But I knew I couldn’t leave it at that. I had gotten the message. And while I felt I had done nothing wrong, the fact remained: Pete was hurt. Forty-five minutes later I rang Pete’s doorbell, remin­ ding myself of Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” 1 straightened it out.

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hat incident and several others that have happened since then have made me do some serious thinking. The fact that I had had to hear the information through the grapevine method made me angry. It also forced me to examine myself and realize that I had played the game, too. Perhaps not in the touchy way of Pete, but my guilt had to be dealt with. Like the time Bert complained about the youth leader. “He’s just not doing his job with those teenagers. I’m not going to allow my boys back in the youth activities^^ until he’s there when he should be. There’s no proper OB supervision, no leadership from half the time when he is there.” And what did 1 say to all that? “Bert, I’m sorry you THE MESSENGER

feel that way.” From there I began working with Bert on his feelings. Later I talked with the youth director about lis leadership and control. Bert’s name was never men­ tioned. I know what I should have done: I should have made Bert face up to his feelings and then talk them over with the youth director. My chance came recently. Patsy complained about the kindergarten program. “It’s absolute bedlam! I don’t want my twins in there with that confusion! I send them to learn how to live like Christians. They’re learning to behave like devils!” “Patsy, have you ever told Gloria that? Since she’s the department head, she ought to know how you feel.” “Oh, I couldn’t tell her. I wouldn’t want to hurt her feelings.” “But you want me to tell her so I can hurt her feelings.” Patsy blushed slightly and said, “Well, that’s not what I mean. You can do it so much nicer and —” “Wait a minute, Patsy. If you were the head of the department, wouldn’t you want a parent to tell you if she or he were unhappy?” “Sure. But... it’s kind of hard to tell someone that.” “I know.” She fidgeted for a few seconds before I spoke again. “One more question, Patsy. Do you care — I mean, real­ ly care — about the kindergarten program? Or are you just upset over the lack of control? If you care about the ^^program and about the children, then you’ll face Gloria ^Vand tell her. Perhaps you could volunteer to help keep order.” Patsy never talked to Gloria. I wish she had. Patsy acted the way a lot of people do. We pass the buck when we’re upset. But if we care about what happens and about the people involved, then we can’t let matters slide or pass the complaint on.

Charing means being honest with people, confronting them when necessary. I’m learning to encourage people to do that. Dealing honestly with one another is a vital step in our maturity as Christians. It used to be that when conversations like these came to me, I kept the names confidential. When I had to confront a third per­ son, I’d skirt the issue by saying, “Someone told me that...” or “I’ve heard that...” “Who told you?” That’s a reasonable question. And I’m tired of dodg­ ing it. I can help the situation most by urging the offend­ ed to face the offender. In fact, we have actually twisted it all around from the principle Jesus gave. He said, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matt. 18:15). But in practice, it often is handl^^ed differently, as in a situation that happened to me last ^^week. Fran cornered me after the evening service. “Go see Rita this week.” OCTOBER 1, 1976

“I’d be glad to,” I said. “Any particular reason?” “Well, she’s hurt.” I took a deep breath. “What did I do wrong?” I asked as evenly as possible. “You didn’t ask about her father. She was gone all last week. She had told you he was very sick, and you had prayer for him. Now she’s back and you didn’t ask about him.” “Fran, I’m sorry. Frankly, I forgot. But if she was concerned to let me know, why didn’t she tell me herself?” Fran shrugged. “I’ll see her this week. But you can help me if this kind of thing comes up again. Urge the person to speak to me directly.” “Rita would be embarrassed and say it’s such a small thing —” “But not too small for her to get her feelings hurt.” Fran flashed a smile at me. “You’re right, Cec. I’ll try next time.”

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hat’s how the twist operates. The one who did the wrong may be unaware of the effect created. Nonetheless the offended person waits for the offender to smooth it all out. Perhaps that’s the way the wisdom of this world works, but it’s not the way Jesus instructed his followers to deal with hurts. If I’m hurt, then I have a moral obligation to tell the person who offended me. I said something like this to Mark, who had been angered by something his teacher said to him in class. “He knew he rubbed me the wrong way. I’m not go­ ing to him. He’s the one who said the things. Not me.” “You mean you’d rather sulk about it, lose your peace of mind, keep yourself stirred up inside while you wait for him to come around? First of all, he may not even be aware that you feel this way. Second, you really ought to think about Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:15. And third, what’s more important: putting the blame on him or getting differences reconciled?” Mark is a very open young man. He talked to his teacher. 1 don’t know what happened. But I did notice Sunday morning that when they walked out of the classroom together, the teacher had his arm around Mark’s shoulder. And they were smiling as they talked. As a pastor and as a Christian, have I allowed people to shirk their responsibility to one another? Perhaps even encouraged it by being the man in the middle? The Apostle Paul writes about speaking the truth in love. A lot of us need to read that verse - Ephesians 4:15 — often. So I made a promise to myself. I’ll no longer bear the second-hand messages. I’m going to urge people to con­ front one another. I intend to care enough to help them be honest and faithful. I don’t enjoy saying hard things to people; I’m as un­ comfortable about it as the next person. But Jesus spoke the truth in love. So did the Apostle Paul. I know I can do it, too, if I really care about the people involved. PAGE 3

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Pictured at a farewell supper at the Managua, Nicaragua church are left to right, Fransisco Cano, student at Nazarene Bible Institute; Blanca Rochas (Now at R.G.B.I.) Juan Reyes (church member) and Ismael Mendoza (Now at R.G.B.I.) Person far right nof identified.

Three in Bible School At 12:35 p. m. on August 17 a three passenger, white and blue Cesna 172 took off from Managua International Airport into the clear blue sky with the pilot and two Nicarguan young people aboard. Their destination, the lush green Rio Grande Valley in Texas. It all came about as the result of the prayer, "Lord, send labourers into your han’esi field" that had been repeated by nationals and missionaries alike. The leaders of the National Council of the Mennonite churches saw this as a special need over a year ago and had the vision of sending young people into training so to make this possible established a bursury fund. This fund has proven to be the enabling means for three young people to enter training for Christian service. We challenged young people from the pulpit to give their lives in service to the Lord. We prayed. We counselled and challenged personally. Franciscio was the first one to yield and start his preparation; he will complete his first year of studies at the Nazarene Bible Institute of Rivas, Nicaragua in November. Then Ismael sent in his application to RGBl and later Blanca, both were accepted and have now started their studies. Will you join us in prayer for them that they would allow the Lord to mold them into the kind of vessel He wants them to be and that the vision to serve in the Nicaraguan churches would not become hazzy. Pray also for the churches here that they'd continue to give so that the students can be maintained financially throughout their studies.

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And so as the small Cesna disappeared into the clear sky some 30 hands that had waved good-bye slowly fell to their sides, some of the farewell wishers had tears in their eyes while others were smiling with the satisfaction that new labourers were going into the vast harvest field.

What Would You Do — if your mud-walled, mud-roofed home usually leaked with every rain; and then it rained almost non-stop for three days so that the roof of the house collapsed, crushing the few pieces of furniture, and ruining all the families' possessions? — if the only road between you and your work was closed by five huge landslides of mud and trees from the hillsides above? — if the price of each of the 5 new roof beams you need for a new house is more than your wages for a week, when you are able to get back to work?

- if your wife and children have no place” to live except with relatives in a distant village, and there is no way they can get there? You have no money for bus fare if the bus could get through, and even more impor­ tant, you dare not take off the time to escort them. It is impossible for them to attempt the trip without a man to care for them. - if the two or three tiny (half-acre at the most) fields your family is able to cultivate, paying about half the crop in rent, have been swept down the hillside, and there is no hope of the terracing being rebuilt for several years? How can you pay this year's rent'.’ What will you do to replace the produce you can no longer grow'.’ - if your only water buffalo, source of milk for the children and for sale, has also vanished, swept down into the mud at the bottom of the valley? To replace her would take more money than you could earn in a year if you could save every coin? - if your employer, a completely different •‘foreign" religion suggested that your family could come to live in a very small, two-room "quarter" near your job till the house can be rebuilt? — if you were a "wealthy” foreigner, living in comfort and safety in a sturdy house while around you mud homes were collapsing in the rain'.’ - if each of your school servants can tell a story of sudden and drastic loss of home and property, and looks to you for encourage­ ment and help to reconstruct his life? - if the wages you pay, sufficient in ordinary times, suddenly look impossibly inadequate? There is not enough money available to give more than token help to each needy one who looks to you for help? - if there is not enough housing available for the families who must move to new locations even if you could afford to pay their rent in the village near school for the next few months? - Ellen Brell

MISSION GRAMS Nicaraqua — Lester Olfert writes, “In regards to Doris Friesen’s replacement, it seems even more urgent of late since they have been having up to 80 patients a day in San Jose.” Doris plans to come home in December. On October 3 the Morazan church is planning a baptismal service with six candidates. By November plans call for the commencement of a building in San Jose. Mexico — Ed Friesen reports that recently two people made a commitment to Christ. He also requests prayer and says, “The Lord has been doing great things but the enemy is not dormant. Germany — The outreach In Seesen is progressing real well. Baptism and organization of the local church in Seesen is planned for December. Rhodesia — The Joe Reimers have arrived safely in this troubled country. They are busy with language study and maintenance.

THE MESSENGER

Summer Service in Bahamas NOTE; The following is a report on the in­ volvement of the group of summer workers who spent two months at Windermere High School. The majority of the group came from Landmark. Joan Barkman was group leader. Other team members: Dennis Reimer, Pat Kroeker, Eunice Plett, Gerald Reimer, Arlene Plett, Norma Kroeker, and Karen Eidse from Pleasant Talley. Well, we're back from the Bahamas and each one of us has left part of his heart there. Not only with the miles of white sand beaches, the clear blue water and the palm trees, but the people. We learned to love and know so many Bahamians that these friendships will likely stick with us longer than anything else. We found the Bahamians to be a happy, fun-loving people. They lead a very slow, relaxed lifestyle, which is very evident in the term “Bahamian time" (Meaning something will start at least '/2-I hour later than scheduled!) They love music with a strong beat — in our DVBS clubs we wouldn't have one kid off beat. The Bahamians are a religious people, with almost everybody be­ ing a church member. The three main faiths are ivieinuulsi, Methodist, diciiucii Brethren aiiu and z\iigiivaii. Anglican. Although in most cases they have heard the gospel in their churches they are not taught to live Christianity and sad to say often the minister in the pulpit is a prime example of just a “Sunday Christianity”. We spent almost all of our time at Windermere High School, a native school run by the Gospel Missionary Union. More than ever before I was impressed with the vital and influential ministry of Len and Faye. Windermere is “the" high school to at­ tend on Eleuthera Island and therefore they get the choice students of the island. These are the young people that are going to go on and become the leaders and influential per­ sons of their island and likely many, of their country. So you see the bearing that a sound Christian training of these students can have on the future of the whole Bahamas. Maybe the biggest change that we noticed on campus at the end of the summer was the new classroom building. When we got there it was just a big, grey cement building with no doors. We set to staining and varnishing doors, painting the whole building inside and out and after a lot of hard work we had a lovely classroom building ready for the fall term. We also did many other things around the campus, such as cleaning dorms, sorting

through materials, reorganizing and repair­ ing textbooks, laundry, repainting the buildings on the campus, building bunks and shelves, refinishing desks, sewing quilts and curtains. Evenings and weekends we would usually be busy bringing programs or getting to know the Bahamians. I think we must have been the most sought-after singing group on the island! We had never sung before as a group but the people sure seemed to enjoy it. We brought programs in many different churches all over the island. We also found that wherever we went we always had to be prepared to sing or bring a testimony even if we weren't on the program because on seeing a new group of people in the audience they jumped at the chance to hear something new. We taught one week of DVBS right at the school for the children from Savannah Sound. Then we also taught six Bible Clubs in the surrounding settlements. In all cases we worked with the Bahamian young people in teaching these clubs. Combining the totals of all our clubs we had an enrollment of 784 children, ages 2-20. Approximately 50 of these either decided for Christ of rededicated their lives. Then, we also helped the Methodist church with their District Wide Youth Conference which was held right on the Windermere Campus. There were delegates from all over the Caribbean. We worked as counsellors and Norma was one of the camp nurses. We were really scared to take on the responsibility of being counsellors because many of the delegates were our age and some even older. However, we really had to rely on the Lord for His strength and 1 think we all felt that we were able to contribute to the spiritual lives of our groups. Each one of us is thanking the Lord for allowing us the experience of this summer. We found serving the Lord in this way ex­ citing and rewarding. Maybe the biggest reward, in my eyes, was when Rev. MacElinney, a Methodist minister, said to

Faye that we hadn't only made a contribu­ tion to Windermere High School but we had made a contribution to the whole island. Praise the Lord for His working in Eleuthera.

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Mumps! How mumps can try your patience, if you let it! In the latter half of March mumps made its appearance in a family of four school children. The children being hardy, stayed home but a day or two, and then arrived in school again. Thinking that this, by all means would send the germs into every home and that classes would have to be dis­ missed for a couple of days. But no, every week one student came down with the mumps appearing the next day looking like a little fat faced man or woman. And this is still continuing being the end of August. Again I say, how mumps can try your patience if you let it, but why let it get you down when it doesn't bother the pupil who is the carrier of it? The Lord undertakes for all situations, in­ cluding mumps. Sarah Martens Paraguay

“I have never seen the field so white unto harvest, nor have I seen so many hungry hearts—nor have the doors been wider for us to pre­ sent the Gospel than right now!" —Billy Graham

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by the Evangelical Mennonile Conference, Board of Education and Publication. Box 1268. Stein­ bach. Manitoba. ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail. Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mail­ ed to the above address.

OCTOBER 1, 1976

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church news

The Stan Platts

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Cornle and Annie Dueck with daughter Jeanette.

Mr. and Mrs. Wallace

COMMISSIONING SERVICE FOR THREE COUPLES Rosenort: On August 15th the members of our fellowship as well as many friends gathered in the Centennial Fark at Riverside

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I for a farewell service for Corny Duecks, Ian Wallaces and Stan Fletts. Each of the couples and the children knelt while special prayer went up to the throne of Grace for their service in the area where God had call­ ed them; the Duecks to London, Ontario, where a new E.M.C. work will be started among Low-German speaking people, the Wallaces to Upper Volta, Africa where they'll serve under the M.C.C. and the Stan Fletts to Belize where Stan has a teaching position. After the special commissioning service, a wiener roast and other refreshments were enjoyed. We want to stand behind our missionaries with gifts, prayers and letters. Our pastor, Fred Friesen, has been busy serving in camp work as well as in the home area. One weekend he served the Mennville Youth Group and two weeks were spent at the Red Rock and Beaver Creek Camps respectively. At present he is giving as a series of messages on 1 Feter. The message on ‘The Joy of the Lord' was very inspirational. He said that anger or grudges were es­ pecially harmful to take away the joy that the Lord intends for all Christians. The sharing times are an encouragement that the Lord is working in the individual hearts, Fraise the Lord! The Jacob D. Rempels had the privilege to celebrate their Golden Wedding on June 6th, amidst family, relatives and friends. It was held in our chapel. Recently their grand­ daughter, Milly served us during the morning worship service in the sign language while the music words came over the F.A. system. Her mother, Mrs. John Rempel directed her from the front seat. It was a beautiful and touching ministration. On June 27th we had the privilege to hear Mr. Clarence Epp of the M.C.C. in Win­ nipeg speak about his prison ministry. Through the "Open Circle" we too have the opportunity of befriending lonely prisoners who need Christian friends to help them. The Robert and Brian Bunkowsky families ministered to us the same night with songs of praise. Lena Warkentine who served again with Organization Mobilization in Austria return­ ed home in time to see the Elmer Warkentines before they left for Africa. Lena has shared some of her difficulties and victories with us already. Syd Reimer, our M.D.S. representative, flew to Loveland, Colorado where so many lives were lost in the flood. He has shared about some of the problems out there. Son Daniel stayed to help out there for a month. Garry Friesen, son of F.J.L. Friesens, returned to construction work in Swift Current after working at home several months. He helped out in Sunday School too.

The Gordon Duecks and Garry Friesens are planning to leave us for Vancouver Island. We are sorry to see them move, but wish them God's blessings in B.C.

Baptized af the Calgary E.M.C. church on May 30 were the following: Seen here with pastor Dave Dueck (left) Mrs Cecilia Embretson, Mr. Art Embretson, Miss Janette Miller, Micheal Friesen, Miss .Anna Friesen and John Powers. Pictured with scroll are P.K. Bartel ond Mrs. Bartel (left) with incoming pastor Ed. Friesen and Mrs. Friesen.

MANY MAKE DECISION Calgary: Wonderful things happen when we put our trust in the Lord, it was great ex­ perience to see the Saviour drawing lost sheep into His fold, in the Here’s Life Calgary last spring. It was also a battle for some of us, to sit down and phone complete strangers and tell them about our Lord Jesus, the Saviour. And how they could become children of God. Most of us were very nervous until we had phoned a few names on our list, then we would become ex­ cited, Especially when one would make a decision for the Lord. Oh what a joy! There were twelve of us participating from our congregation, and the results were that 72 accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior, in our group of campaigners. Altogether there were about 1800 who made decisions for the Lord. The Campus Crusade is plan­ ning another phase in fall sometime. We also had a very nice sized group for baptism this year there were six candidates that made the decision to follow Jesus and be baptized. It is a time for rejoicing when we can see God's children obeying His com­ mands. The important day was May the 30, and their names are, Mrs Cecilia Embretson, Mr Art Embretson, Janette Miller, Michael Friesen, Anna Friesen, and John Fowers. We thank the Lord for a very good summer in every way, and we praise God for his abundant blessings.

THE MESSENGER

CHURCH FAMILY CAMP ^^Portage: Labour Day weekend saw ^^scven of our church families setting up their trailers or moving into cabins at Camp Jubilee on Lake Manitoba, 15 miles north of Portage. The Lord gave us beautiful camping weather, enabling us to spend our time out of doors. Morning and evening devotions on Christ’s second coming, were led by Rev. Plett. Henry Giesbrecht led us in singing un­ der the trees or around the campfire. Ball games, swimming, sand-castle building, volleyball and visiting all added to the enjoy­ ment of adults as well as children. Children, who saw each other only on Sundays before, could now play together all weekend. Sun­ day morning four more families joined us and spent the day there. The fellowship and togetherness we experienced was rare and beautiful. Many of our young people are again leav­ ing for schools elsewhere. Victor Neufeld is in Calgary taking an apprenticeship in plum­ bing. Laura Neufeld is attending Success Business College in Winnipeg. Bev Plett returned to Red River Community College where she is finishing her course in Commer­ cial Advertising. Lynn Sawatsky is also in Winnipeg attending Herzig Institute taking a Legal Secretarial Course. Larry Dueck started school at the University of Manitoba this fall. Those attending Bible Schools are: Barbara Plett at Canadian Bible College, Regina; Ruth Driedger at Steinbach Bible Institute; Clarice Groening at Winnipeg Bi­ ble College; Brian Plett at Mennonite Brethern Bible College. Dorcas Hamm returned to Portage after spending three months with the Canadian Sunday School Mission- in Quebec. Her report will follow in a later Messenger. WELCOME NEW COMERS Hudson Bay, Sask.: The summer holidays are over for another year and our fall and winter activities are beginning to take form. With mixed feelings we gave Sandra Reimer a farewell. She has felt the Lord wanted her to take this year’s schooling at Steinbach. We will miss her but are happy she is doing what she feels God would have her do. It is a pleasure to welcome some new­ comers to Hudson Bay to fellowship with us. “the Rod Bleinkens, Lyle Soles and Jerry Blenders". We have been having good fellowship at our Monday evening prayer meetings which are held in the homes. People have been meeting in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiv­ ing. The farmers and gardeners are truly thankful for the bountiful harvest which has been brought in, in this year’s perfect harvest weather. On Sunday, Sept. 19 Pastor Kroeker took part in the Hudson Bay Apostolic Church’s sod turning ceremony, for an extention on their church building. On behalf of Hudson Bay Ministerial he wished them God’s blessings on their endeavor. OCTOBER 1, 1976

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shared about their experiences, some who’d been away for the summer in Winnipeg. Sunday morning after breakfast and some spare time we attended the service of the Star Lake Lodge. Following this we had a good Sunday dinner, some more volleyball and swimming and then all joined forces and in a short time the buildings and campgrounds were cleaned up and everyone headed for home. This wonderful weekend helped us in get­ ting to know each other better and in work­ ing, playing, and fellowshipping together we were drawn closer to God and to each other. Praise God for such a great weekend!

Pictured is Mariene Froese, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Keyser baptized June 20 at Aberdeen Feiiowship chapel, Winnipeg.

A WEEKEND AT STAR LAKE LODGE Winnipeg: The attendance from the Aberdeen Church was almost 100% on the weekend retreat, Aug. 20-22. A few families couldn’t come and some came only for a day. The retreat started out Friday evening as everyone arrived and set up their tents or campers or moved into the cabins. After registering everyone chatted over a cup of coffee after which most of the campers head­ ed for bed and good nights rest, though some went fora quick midnight seim. Saturday was a beautiful sunny day. After breakfast, we divided into groups and dis­ cussed Hospitality hi the Church. Were we all doing our part? Would visitors feel genuinely welcome in our church? Did our house and meal really have to be so fancy that we couldn't invite visitors and friends because we weren’t prepared? The Bible commands us to be hospitable in several passages. Were we obeying? The rest of the morning and the afternoon were spent in volleyball, horseshoe, canoe­ ing, and swimming. Just about everyone end­ ed up in the water, swimsuit or not! Even canoers had to be ready for a quick dep! All in all, it was alot of fun. The meals throughout the weekend were very delicious and heartily enjoyed as everyone had a good appetite as a result of exercise in the great outdoors. The ladies took turns preparing the meals and the men landed up with dishes! That was a nice break, wasn't it ladies? Saturday evening we gathered for a devotional. The group leader of the morning discussions gave summaries of each group’s ideas. Then we had a time of sharing and singing. We were all happy to have our pastor Dave Thiessen and his family back from their studies in Vancouver and they told us about their summer. More people

The Meachems

25TH ANNIVERSARY Creighton, Sask: Our annual organizational meeting was held on Thursday, September 16th. We just have to praise the Lord for His leading! The day was one of fasting and prayer which resulted in continuous answers. Praise the Lord! We were very privileged on Sunday, September 19th. To hear Dr. Lionel Gurney speak on his mission in the far east. He has been trying to lay down his life for the Lord for forty years and has not yet succeeded! He was urging anyone to be open to the Lord’s leading for these areas in the far east, as he says there are 600.(X)0 souls who do not know of our Lord Jesus Christ! There is a real hunger for the word of God and at times Dr. Gunrey and his helper are so physically exhausted as the people there are constantly seeking knowledge of Jesus Christ! Praise God for such a dedicated ser­ vant as Dr. Gurney and we pray others will choose these areas as their mission field! On October 15, Maurice and Merle Meachem, long time attenders at our Northern Fellowship Chapel, will have been married for twenty-five years! We chose Sunday evening September 19th. to celebrate with them. After our church basement was filled to capacity. Pastor Arnold Leister read from the Bible showing that a man who has found a wife, has found a good thing. He added that the institute of marriage still works, as this couple who have had six PAGE 7

children, have proven. They have been a help in the church and Maurice has worked at the Beaver Lake Bible Camp while Merle has been active in our Mary-Martha Mission. It was our pleasure to give them a group gift of six anniversary cups and saucers. Merle Meachem thanked one and all in a humble and lovely reply to Pastor Leister's con­ gratulations. There was singing and lunch; thanks to all who assisted in making the event such a success! The evening was topped off with confetti throwing at the honored couple and a lovely time of fellowship! God bless both Maurice and Merle and we pray they will share another happy twenty-five years in marriage, if the Lord tarry! "And therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one ”, Genesis 2:24.

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TEACHER TRAINING COURSE GIVEN

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I Seen shaking hands is outgoing pastor, P.K. Bartel with the new leader Ed Friesen.

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congregation, "Accept him, give support, confidence, and help when needed. Work together, and may God use all of you for His greater glory."

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Pictured with scroll are P.K. Bartel and Mrs. Bartel (left) with Incoming pastor Ed. Friesen and Mrs. Friesen. CHANGING MANTLES Kleefeld: Patterns of life keep changing. A significant change took place at our Kleefeld church on August 29, at our Installation Ser­ vice. Rev. and Mrs. P.K. Bartel have faithful­ ly served our church for 31 years. In ap­ preciation, during our fellowship supper, the congregation presented them with a small token of love in the form of a three piece luggage set. The Bartel's felt the Lord's leading in that the time had come to transfer “mantles”. They assured us however that they had no intention of disappearing as was in the case of Elijah, but to keep on working for the Lord as before. Guest speaker. Rev. Harvey Plett, directed some choice thoughts to all three concerned, namely, the Bartels, the Friesens, and the congregation. Appreciation for past service to the Bartels, qualifications of good leadership found in I Timothy 3-2-7, to the Friesens. "Be firm, yet flexible," he advised, "lead as a Shepherd his sheep." Then to the PAGE 8

After the dedication prayer. Rev. Bartel handed over his leadership, as it were, to Rev. Ed Friesen in the form of a beautiful scroll on which all the names of the church members were written. Rev. Ed. concluded this memorable occa­ sion with II Thes. 3 -1. "Finally brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course." We are indeed thankful for our ministers and their families! That same Sunday we experienced more changes at our Sunday School Promotion, as all the children entered into their new and various classes with different teachers. At this service. Rev. and Mrs. John Dyck, workers with the Janz Team in Germany, gave us a challenging report on Christian Education. "The goal of the Sunday School”, said Rev. Dyck, is to produce con­ victions based on the Word of God, so that every child might experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and know it,” He went on to say that this training starts in the home, where children are taught to: respect authority, learn to give, attain a healthy self-self-image, learn responsibility, view life as God's property, and many more truths. And as our children grow older, and the patterns of life keep changing, it's so good to know that our loving Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Vanderhoof, B.C.: The George Pcnncrs^^to om Winnipeg Winnipeg,..................... Manitoba, visited our^r from .......... ..... church August 15, 1976 and gave us a bit of an insight as to what the Lord has planned for them in the very near future as aviation missionaries in Latin America. The Dave Pletts' from Virden, Manitoba were visiting in Vanderhoof from August 918. He brought us a wonderful message on “The Simple Plan of Salvation" on Sunday morning August 15, 1976. Several of our young people are leaving or have already left to attend Bible School this winter. Charles Harms - Steinbach, Man. Grade 12; Sarah Wiebe - PRBI; Corny Thiessen PRBI; Jake and Brenda Schlamp - PRBI. Glen Koop from Manitoba has been teaching us a Sunday School Teachers train­ ing program from September 12 18, and has been a guest help to many of us I'm sure. Each Sunday morning Baptismal Instruction Classes are in session at the residence of our Pastor, Mr John Harms. CHILDREN FEATURED

Ridgewood: August twenty-nineth was the day alot of young children had been eagerly anticipating. This was the date of our Sun­ day School picnic. The weather was perfect. It was interesting to watch the various J families gathering for dinner under the shady ’ trees at the Blumenort school grounds. After dinner the Living Letters favoured as with a few special numbers Gerry Doerksen just home from Saskatchewan, gave a short talk. After some good exercise on the baseball diamond and soccer field every body was ready for the ice-cream cones the church board served. The following Sunday was also special. It was Sunday School promotion Special recognition was given to the students atten­ ding fifty or more Sundays in the Sunday school year. These students all received a certificate. Jeanette Warkentin, daughter of Pete Warkentin, received a special gift as a reward for having a record of five years of perfect attendance. Then too there were seven graduates from the cradle-roll, marching proudly to the front to receive their diplomas. Melvin Koop served in the church service with a special message on basic Christian Education.

In September the Cradle-Roll Department also put up a social for the parents who had, had children in the cradle-roll the past year. This event took place in the church base­ ment. Delicious food had been prepared by the ladies in the committee. Pastor Ed^^k Friesen had a very challenging talk on bringing up children, using Psalm 127 as his text. We also were favoured with a few special numbers by the Endurance of Love. THE MESSENGER

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He gave many examples of excuses given by people when they fail to measure up to the requirements, and are faced with the facts. One was, “Oh, you wouldn’t fire a Christian brother." Another attempt at es­ cape is to blame someone else. Saul blamed his disobedience on “the people" when Samuel pointed out his sin of not slaying Agag and all the spoil in I Samuel 15. What were the consequences? Saul was fired and David was anointed king. Therefore even in a church or a Christian FAITHFUL SERVANTS Arden: Recently we listened to a tape by business people must measure up to the esHenry Brandt on human nature. He was tablished standards, principles, and goals or spe.iking to leaders and employers who were else expect to be dismissed. This message brought some questions to icsponsible for the quality of work done by my mind. Are we strict enough in our those working for them. In his message he stressed the importance churches? Are we letting many suffer by the of writing down goals so that a person poor performance of one? Do we have the knows what one wants to accomplish. It is courage to demand a person's best efforts? necessary for evaluating work and progress, Are we mature enough to take an honest and sometimes gives the leader protection rebuke by a brother? Are we willing to im­ from a worker trying to confuse an issue to prove even if it means more work and time? cover up his faults. Achievement trophy. This trophy is awarded to the Brigade unit with the best all-around performance. It takes in and involves such things as men’s involvement in leadership training programs, boy's involvement in the achievement programs as well as average attendence. Making the presentation was George Rieger regional director for Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Anne and Morley Reimer

NEW YOUTH PASTOR Steinbach: Morley and Anne Reimer have moved to Steinbach, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Morley will take up the duties of youth pastor at the Steinbach E. M. church. For brother Reimer it means a coming back to his home church, where he was a member before going to Minneapolis. Ann comes from Minnesota. A service of installation was held on Sun­ day, September 26. Taking part in the ceremony was the pastor, H. P. Dyck, church board chairman C. P. Loewen and C.Y.F. president Phil Klassen. The Reimer’s were also received into our fellowship the same morning. They are already living in the church parsonage.

Pictured with C.S.B. achievement award are left to right, Adolf Koop, Stockade chief ranger; Bert Kroeker, Battalion captain and Dave Penner, Brigade superintendent, all from the Steinbach E.M. church. C.S.B. Receive Award

September 24 was a significant day for the Steinbach E M churchs' Christian Service Brigade when Dave Penner, Brigade superintendant, received the C.S.B.’s

OCTOBER 1, 1976

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CELEBRATE 100TH BIRTHDAY

August 15, 1976 was a big day for the Resthaven Nursing home in Steinbach when they celebrated the 100th birthday of one of the residents, Gustav Yantz. Mr. Janz was born in Russia on August 15, 1876. In later years he had been staying in a private home in Steinbach. He was admitted at the Resthaven in April 1970. Pictured here with Mr. Janz is Resthaven matron Miss Margaret Peters, who has the position of director for the last two years. PAGE 9

Classes Begin at Steinbach Bible Institute

"My name is Mike Kroeker.”

With the words, "we extend a hearty welcome to one and all,” Ben Hoeppner greeted incoming Bible school students at the Steinbach Bible Institute on September 22. (High schoolers had registered about two weeks earlier). In this opening chapel Mr. Hoeppner drew attention to Christ’s unique position in the universe and His centrality to Chris­ tian faith. 1. Jesus Christ is central in the Gospel. "With Him is forgiveness.” 2. Jesus Christ is central because with Him there is power for victory over sin. 3. Jesus Christ is central in that He is the standard of the believer's ethics 4. Jesus Christ is central because He is the believers hope. Harvey Plett, president of the Institute likewise welcomed the students and at the same time introduced the following staff members.

"That will be dollars." John M. Wiebe, S.B.I.'s new business manager.

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Ben Hoeppner — Dean of Bible Department Arden Thiessen — Bible Registration Glenn Koop — Dean of Students LeRoy Bartel — Music "I wonder what they mean by that?" Gary Froese — Music Robert Slusher, Belize. Gert Giesbrecht — Dean of Women Henry Fast — Dean of High School LeRoy Barkman — High School and Librarian Florence Friesen — High School John Wiebe — Business Manager Bella Barkman — Receptionist Gertie Klassen — Kitchen Susaun Neufeld — Kitchen David R. Friesen — Maintenance The following are on part-time faculty: D.K. Friesen, stewardship; Jack Woife, ac­ counting; Ed. Plett, High School; Gerald Barkman, Phys. Ed.; Martha Hiebert, Typing; Ernie Klassen, Music; Dorothy Froese, Music. Student enrollment as of September 23 was as follows: First year Bible .. 41 "How does $35.00 per month strike Second year Bible 21 you?" Gerry Barkman on left taking on Grade 12.............. 34 Phys Ed instructor part time, with Harvey Grade 11.............. 36 "H’mm, let me see." Teacher Arden Plett, president Steinbach Bible Institute. Grade 10.............. 29 Thiessen with new student. At the moment there is the possibility that the school may become a college by 1977. Participating conlerences and the SBI Board are in the process of coming to i a decision.

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PAGE 10

THE MESSENGER

-from the editor MINISTERS’ STUDY FUND. WHAT IS IT? At the August meeting of the EMC Board of Educa­ tion and Publication it was felt that it was again time to give a report on the progress of the EMC Ministers Study Fund and what it was doing as well as inviting applications under the fund. This fund for assisting EMC ministers to further their study and training has now been in operation for some two years, disbursments have been limited but interest is picking up. Following is a brief summary of what the Ministers’ Study Fund seeks to accomplish. 1. Who is Eligible? Any EMC Ministerial member who has been or­ dained preferably for at least five years shall be eligible for assistance under the MSF. 2. What may the assistance be used for? The assistance received under MSF may be applied to any approved Bible School, Bible College, or Seminary. The student may apply on any of the following plans. Others may be added from time to time. a. Full-time enrollment; b. Special courses or seminars; c. Evening School 3. What is the amount of assistance available? For a full year of studies the applicant receives up to 19$ 1,000.00. A part-time student receives up to $200.00. Assistance is also available for evening school. 4. Does this assistance have to be repaid? In the case of full-time studies the assistance is written off a third each year the recipient remains in the EMC ministry, for three years. In the case of part time studies half is a grant and the other half is on the same terms as the full-year assistance. 5. Where does this money come from? The money comes from two sources. To start the

fund off a contribution was asked for from the Conference. From here on the fund will be kept up by a special group of 200 volunteers who are interested in seeing EMC ministers engage in further theological studies. This special group is to be known as the Macedonian Corps (II Cor. 8:1-4) who will commit themselves to give to this cause $25.oo per year for five years. 6. Is the MSF being used? Yes, although not in any big way. Two EMC ministers have benefitted by it. Applications are in for two more. Here is what those who received aid have written about this fund: “With this letter I acknowledge having received the two hundred dollars ($200.00) from the Ministers’ Study Fund. I sincerely express my appreciation for this generous assistance, that made it possible for me to finish my B.R.E. course at Winnipeg Bible College.” — F.F. Greetings in Christ’s name.:. Thankyou very much for the cheque of one thou­ sand dollars which is to be applied for furthering my education. I believe this is a terrific idea of helping ministers. I appreciate it very much. — D.F.

7. How may I become a member of the Macedonian Corps? We must say here that we have never yet reached the 200 number originally aimed for. In fact with this report we would earnestly encourage you to consider becoming a member of this group. All you do is agree to con­ tribute $25.00 a year for five years for this worthy cause. May we hear from you? Simply address your letter with your first contribution to: E.M.C. Ministers’ Study Fund, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0

CONTRIBUTORS Our lead article may have been written more for pastors and leaders but I belive we can all profit by it. Cecil B. Murphy is pastor of the Riverdale Presbyterian Church, Riverdale, Georgia, U.S.A, Reprinted by permission, Christianity Today.

Our Missions section features a good variety of news and reports this issue. In a report from Nicaragua we see that young people are going to Bible School. Ellen Brell, Pakistan says. What Would You DO? Read it and see. Sarah Martens, Paraguay writes about “mumps". Summer Service Workers. What do they do on the field? Read about a group that went to the ^^Bahamas.

COYER PHOTO: Those summer tree-climbing days will soon be a thing of the past. These two youngsters seem to be enjoying their lofty perch. Picture by the editor.

OCTOBER 1, 1976

NEW MINISTRY Dear Brother Schellenberg: Greetings in our dear Saviour’s name! We arrived safely in London, Ontario, Sept, 4 at 12:45 noon. Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy. We have settled down, and appreciate the place. In July we were here to rent a place and look over the area. People told us at that time of tremendous needs. A minister with his family and several other families had to leave their church. Since then another group has left the church. Where will these people go? Who will help them? We believe that God led our Mission Board to start work here. Furthermore, we believe that God has led u.s here. He has led us step by step. When

we came here in summer, we did not known any person. We left for home having some close friends.

Thank you for praying. Please continue to pray for us and the work that God would give us much wisdom, love and patience to carry on the work. Our address: 85 Empire Street, London, On­ tario N5Y IG6. If you have relatives or friends in this area, that would appreciate help or need help, send their names and address. In His Service Cornie and Annie Dueck

PAGE 11

Arm 1 nd fhA ClIVMllvi ultr wnrM WVl IM He is married to Phyllis Dueck Toews. She taught elementary school for five years and is active in the Sunday school and church choir. She has also served as treasurer of the community MCC Self-Help center. The Toewes have two daughters, Lynne, 9, and Barbara, 7. They are members of the Crestview Fellowship of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Win­ nipeg, Man.

SECOND MISSIONARY COUPLE EXPELLED FROM INDIA

Reg and Phyllis Toews, Lynn and Bar­ bara

TOEWS TO ASSUME ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE POST

Akron, Pa. — The Mennonite Central Committee Executive Committee has ap­ pointed Reginald Toews to the position of associate executive secretary for administra­ tion and resources. The position, in addition to that of associate executive secretary for overseas, is part of an administrative restruc­ turing at MCC headquarters. Toews is presently serving as voluntary service and personnel director for MCC (Canada). As associate for personnel and resources, Toews will be responsible for the stewardship of the human and material resources of MCC. In this role he will coordinate the ad­ ministration of the Material Aid department. Personnel Services, Information Services, Office Management. Treasurer's Office and Self Help. At the next meeting the MCC Ex­ ecutive Committee will consider the possibili­ ty of assigning to him several other related departmental responsibilities. In addition Toews will be concerned with in-service training for MCC headquarters and regional office staff and will encourage their growth in the Christian faith, ser­ vanthood living and the understanding of MCC's total program. MCC Executive Secretary William T. Snyder notes that Toews will begin his responsibilities at MCC headquarters in January 1977. Toews graduated from Steinbach, Man. High School in 1959 and received a B. A. from the University of Manitoba in 1963. He also holds a B. S. W. and an M. S. W. from the University of Manitoba. Before his ser­ vice with MCC (Canada), Toews served in various positions with the Department of Health and Social Development of the Province of Manitoba, most recently as ex­ ecutive director of the social services branch.

PAGE 12

THE MESSENGER

John and Mary Pauls, General Conference Mennonite missionaries in Champa. India, have been asked by the In­ dian Government to leave the country. A government courier came to their door August 22 with the message that their residence permit would not be extended past its expiration dale September 20. The Paulses arc the second General Conference missionary couple to be expelled from India within two months. Harold and Ruth RatzlafT, India missionaries for twentysix years, were expelled from Korba, India, in July. No official reasons were given for the expulsion of cither couple. When the Paulses leave Champa, no General Conference missionaries will be left in the Bilaspur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Korba is also in the Bilaspur district. BUILDING TEACHER’S COLLEGE

The Paraguayan Mennonite colonies — Fcrnhcim. Menno. Nculand, Friesland, and Volendam - are ready to begin building a common teachers' college in Filadelfia. The West German Government has contributed to its construction, and the school will have German as well as Paraguayan Government recognition. MCC (MANITOBA) PLANS REUNION Winnipeg: All former Mennonite Central Committee workers in Manitoba are invited to an alumni reunion al Camp Assiniboia on September 26. The purpose of the reunion is to organize an alumni association which would work with MCC (Manitoba) as a resource in recruitment and in ministering to returning workers, among other services.

STOESZ APPOINTED TO ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE POST Akron. Pa. - The Mennonite Central Committee Executive Committee has ap­ pointed Edgar Stoesz to the newly created position of associate executive secreatry for overseas. Stoesz is presently serving as the director of the food and development program which implements the long term plans of the Hillsboro Resolution passed in 1974. As associate secretary for overseas, Stoesz will be responsible for the operation of the overseas program which is divided into areas each headed by an administrator. The areas include Asia, Africa, Europe and North Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Stoesz will also oversee the office of Food Production and Rural Development, the Exchange Visitor program and the spon­ sorship program. The present role of area administrators will not be diminished by the Stoesz appoint­ ment but it is anticipated that the larger problems of coordination, program planning and accomplishment of program objectives may be enhanced.

NEW RADIO SPOTS RELEASED Harrisonburg, Va. (MBM) — The first set of radio spots on the “Invitation to Live" theme was mailed out September 15, accor­ ding to Lois Hertzler, media distribution co­ ordinator for Mennonite Broadcasts. “Invita­ tion to Live" is the name of a multi-media campaign being sponsored by the InterMennonite Media Group. The first disc contained six spots of vary­ ing length. About 400 discs were mailed in bulk quantities to local persons for place­ ment. Mennonite Radio and Television, the inter-Mennonite media group in Canada, received discs to distribute to Canadian stations. Approximately 1,600 stations in the eastern United States have not received the spots at this writing because the production house has not yet delivered the full order of discs. The theme of the new multi-media cam­ paign is: “Living in loving relationships with God and others provides freedom and strength to care, share, belong, and become.”

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