Issuu

The Messenger EVANGELICAL EVANGELICAL MENNONITE MENNONITE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE

VOL. VOL. 14 14 NO. NO. 2lV^0CT. 21 OCT. 15/76 15/76

M*-.

—

it- -

A ■i

• Right or wrong: three questions • Quichuas receive iiterature

Right or Wrong: Three Questions By T. B. Matson

let us give attention to three questions that have helped many people in times of decision. These questions are applicable to the problems we shall dis cuss, and to other problems or decisions we may face. They will be helpful not only to young Christians but to older ones as well. The latter may not have the same problems as younger people, but they have their own distinctive problems, many of which are of serious proportions.

THE EFFECT ON US When we are considering whether or not we should do a certain thing, let us start on the lowest level by ask ing the question “How will my participation in this ac tivity affect me as an individual?” This wisely can and should be followed with a series of other questions that will help us to answer more accurately the original ques tion. Some of the additional questions are: “How will my participation affect my body? Will it contribute to good health and to the building of a strong body, or will it tend to undermine my health and weaken my body?” The physical may seem to be a very low level on which a Christian should begin his search for what is right. In one sense it is, but there is another sense in which it is not. The body is far more important than many of us realize. The body we have will be an asset or a liability to us all of our lives regardless of what we may do for a vocation. A healthy body is a wonderful servant or in strument; a sickly, weak body can be a terrible master. We should not participate in anything that will endanger our health or prevent the normal development and maturing of our physical selves. We should also ask ourselves how our participation in this activity might affect our minds, our social natures, our total personalities. Would our participation enrich or impoverish our lives? The mental, social, and spiritual phases of our personalities are even more im portant, in some ways, than our bodies. We have given more space to the latter primarily because that is the beginning point for our search for the right and because the physical is so frequently neglected or misinterpreted. As Christians, we must even go beyond the con sideration of the effects of our participation upon our bodies, our minds, and our moral nature. These are im portant but there is another phase of our total per sonalities that is more important. We are not merely physical bodies with minds and social natures. We are spiritual beings made in the image of God, who find our highest fulfilment in fellowship with him. Our bodies, PAGE 2

minds, and social natures should be instruments to be used by the spiritual self to promote spiritual ends. We need to ask: “How will my participation in this activity affect my spiritual life? Will it deepen or lessen my in terest in things spiritual? Will it increase or decrease my sense of fellowship with my Heavenly Father?” We likewise should consider the effects of our par ticipation on our relation to our church and on our prayer and devotional life. These things we will consider if we are serious about being real Christians instead of being just another ordinary, mediocre, or nominal Christian, and if we want to play on God’s first team, not being satisfied to play on the “B” squad.

THE EFFECT ON OTHERS We admittedly started at the lowest level for the Christian. A higher level is represented by the question: “How will my participation in this acticity affect others and my influence on others?” Other supplementary questions that might be asked are: “Is it possible that mv participation mav be a cause of stumbling to a weaker Christian?” “May it needlessly be a factor in tempting someone who is not as mature as I am?” “Will my participation make it easier or more difficult for me to witness to unsaved friends about Christ?” “Will the unsaved expect me to do this thing?” Will you agree that these and similar questions should be asked by a Christian in a time of decision? Many times young Christians and older ones say, “I cannot see any harm in drinking or dancing. I do not think it hurts me to do it.” But is that the level on which a Christian should make his final decision concerning what is right for him to do? Far more important than the question “Does it or will it hurt me?” is the question “Does it or will it hurt others and my influence for good on others?” Paul’s principle of eating meat or food offered to idols will provide some helpful guidance at this point (Rom. 14:13-23; I Cor. 8: 1-13). There are three main things that Paul says: (1) There was nothing wrong with eating the meat, as such. (2) However, if one ate the meat and thus sinned against the conscience of a weaker brother, he sinned against Christ. (3) Paul personally concluded that if by eating the meat he would cause a weaker brother to stumble, he would never eat meat again. The preceding represents rather strong medicine, but Christians should be willing to take strong medicine. If Paul’s principle is followed sincerely, we may and doubtless shall discover that we shall have to give up THE MESSENGER

This author deals with the age-old question of morals. Is this right? Is this wrong? But he does that! In giving an answer the writer deals with three basic questions. We trust it will help you as you make your daily decisions.

some activities that we have considered perfectly all right. We also may find that we could participate in an ac tivity in one community and not in another because of existing difference in attitude toward our participation. Let us repeat, however, what was said in a previous chapter: The attitude of people toward what we do will not and cannot make right that which is wrong within itself. The right may become wrong, but the wrong can never become right. It is rather important to make the preceding distinc tion. The attitude of people does not determine what is ultimately right; their attitude may determine whether or not a particular activity is wise or right for us in a given situation. We, as Christians, should give serious con sideration to the judgment of people around us primarily because we are interested in the moral and spiritual welfare of those we touch. Paul expressed it as follows: “Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for any one to make others fall by what he eats” (Rom. 14:20). We can substitute for the word “food” any activity concerning which we are attempting to make a decision. Man, who is God’s work, or creation, is far more important than one’s participation in this or that activity. THE EFFECT ON THE CAUSE OF CHRIST

The highest level for a decision by a Christian is reached when he asks, “How will my participation in this activity affect the cause of Christ?” This certainly is a very high standard. Will you not concede, however, that every Christian should be willing to ask this ques tion and seek as best he can to answer it honestly? Some similar questions that we might ask ourselves are: “Can the Lord bless and use for his glory my par ticipation in this activity?” Paul said to the Corinthian Christians: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God” (I Cor. 10:31-32). If Paul were writing to your church or mine today, do you suppose he would put in some other words in the place of “eat” and “drink”? Do you suppose he would include the word “play”? Doubtless so, because so many of our problems are in the area of amusements and recreation. Paul related his teachings to the im mediate needs and problems of people. We believe he would do the same today if he were writing to contem porary churches. Should we not ask ourselves: “Will this activity be an occasion of stumbling or will it give offense to the church of God?” Paul suggests that the child of God, in determining what is right for him to do, should go OCTOBER 15, 1976

beyond himself and even beyond other individuals and should consider the effect of his actions upon the church which is the body of Christ. Good questions for us to ask would be: “Will my participation in the activity I am considering make it more or less difficult for my church to do its work in my community and in the world? Will it reflect credit or discredit upon my church and the cause of Christ in general?” When Christ has done so much for us, should we not be willing and even anxious to avoid anything that would be an embarrassment to him or would hurt his cause among men? When the Christian cause is being challenged by a movement such as communism, whose young people are willing to die for it, Christ’s young people, if they are to meet that challenge, must match the Communist devotion with an equal willingness to live unselfishly and, if necessary, to die for Christ and his kingdom. This is a call to high duty, but the days in which we live demand unstinted devotion and selfless living. I am persuaded that many, and I hope most, Christian youth are ready to respond to that challenge.

CONCLUSION The three questions that have been suggested, along with the supplementary questions, represent progressive ly higher levels. The glorious thing is that God has so ordered things that, when properly interpreted, there can be no real conflict in the conclusions we reach on these different levels. In other words, if we make our decisions on the highest level — the effect on the cause of Cfirist — we shall discover that they are best, not only for the cause of Christ, but also for others and even for ourselves. The psalmist expressed something closely akin to this idea when he said: “No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). The Lord does not ask or expect a child of his to give up one single thing that is best for him. God may want and request us to give up many things, but they will be things or activities that will not be best for us. Why not try an experiment? On the basis of the three major questions in this chapter, decide whether or not it is right for you to participate in a particular activity. Try the questions on some activity about which you have no serious doubt. Then apply them to an activity concer ning which you are somewhat doubtful. Some possible activities might be athletics such as football, basketball, baseball, and tennis; amusements such as movies, wrestling matches, and dancing; or more strictly per sonal matters such as studying on Sunday, flipping a coin for drinks, or petting. If you get any effective guidance from the use of the questions, remember that you will have to want to know what is right; you will have to search sincerely for the truth. PAGE 3

THE MODERATOR’S VOICE WHERE ARE THE EVANGELISTS?

“The Moderator’s Voice” is a new feature where we will from time to time hear from our EMC moderator, John Koop, on various topics.

letters NORTHERN “LIGHTS” Two months have passed since we moved to Wabowden and a letter to you is long past due. We are more or less settled, although more changes need to be made to our rented house. One room needs new paint; two have been done already, and furniture needs to be added. We’re expecting a new bed to arrive shortly. If you’re interested in knowing what we’ve been sleeping on let us know and we’ll tell you. James has a full-time job with the Depart ment of Highways, repairing roads, and Virginia is at home. Living in a northern town is not as bad as what I (Virginia) had anticipated. There are several Christian couples living here ana most people are very friendly. There is, however, an overruling alcoholic problem in one section of town and something needs to be done for the people there. The pastor and his wife of the Wabowden Bible Chapel are enthusiastic about “getting things done” this year. James is in the process of starting a young people’s program, and Virginia a children’s choir, combining it with club work. James preaches in the evening service once a month and Virginia teaches a Sunday School class of primary girls. Today she had fourteen

“Our Conference has no one who is an evangelist.” These are words which came from a minister of our conference as we talked about inviting speakers to our churches for services. As I reflect on evangelists and evangelisms within our Conference, then I must agree that this is an area where we are weak. If Peter Wagner is correct in his book. Your Church Can Grow, that “in the average evanglical Church, ten percent of the members have been given the gift of evangelist” p. 77. then the E.M. Conference should have around four hun dred individuals who have the gift of evangelist. If one percent of these four hundred had the gift of crusade evangelism, we would have four men available for meetings. The other three hundred and ninety-six would be active in

students and the classroom was too small. Praise the Lord for this anyhow. We also had an overall record-breaking attendance this morning of 90 in Sunday School. We need your prayers very much. We are rather “green” in some areas of service and Satan certainly uses anything to try to dis courage the Lord’s work, but we thank God for His promise to guide those who put their trust in Him. All because of Christ, James, Virginia and Travis Dyck Wabowden, Man. CONCERNED OVER TRENDS

I feel that the Holy Spirit has led till here and that He wants me to write something about the concern that we find in Deuteronomy 22:5, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God”. The word “abomination” means a shamefully wicked action or custom. So how are we as Christians taking such a verse? Do our works show that we believe in God’s Word, and that we try to be obedient to the Word of God as much as possible? As for myself, I feel we get used to too many things that are against His Word and this is one place where we should remind ourselves. If you look in the community or on the streets there are many young ladies wearing men’s clothing. So how do we apply

evangelism in their respective churches and some of these would also have the gift of teaching evangelism. Where are these individuals? In Ephesians 4:11, 12 we read “And his gifts were that some should be. . .evangelists. . .for the building up of the body of Christ.” Murphy, quoting Mof fett, writes, “Evangelism is the specific, articulate presentation of the Person and claims of Jesus Christ.” That is a need for our Churches. Not only do we need evangelists to proclaim the gospel, we need to “equip the saints”. Again to quote Murphy, “The evangelist is the ideal man to stir up the smoldering ember of evangelistic vision in the Churches until they burst into a roaring fire”. “Secondly, the evangelist is the ideal person to help believers discover gifts for evangelism that lie dominant within them.” Where are the evangelists? Let us, “Stir up the gift”. I Timothy 1:6.

this verse to our families and to ourselves? The Lord Jesus said, “He that overcometh the world shall eat of the tree of life in paradise”, so I would like to encourage everybody to live more for God. Jake Kornelson Blumenort, Man. CONTRIBUTERS: Our lead article deals with an issue which is always relevant it seems — Right or Wrong? T. B. Matson, Right or Wrong (Nashville Broadman Press 1955) Used by permission. In our missions section we are favoured by first impressions article by Irene Kroeker, Chihuahua, Mexico. Mary Doerksen, Three Hills, Alta., writes of customs in Japan. Irma Hoeppner, Nicaragua, sends in a testimony. Irma is from MacGregor, Man. Don Plett, Blumenort, writes of an adventure in Nicaragua where he spent the summer in short-term service. Marion Houghton, Ecuador, writes of the need for literature among the Quichuas. Marian is a member in the Steinbach church. Your editor in his editorial has attempted a short travelogue. Hope it will prove of some interest. COVER: The cover photo pictures the Hans Herr House. It is the oldest house in Lan caster County, Pennsylvania. It is one of the places visited by the editor during the recent Meetinghouse editor’s group sessions. Also seen are some of the editors present.

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by the Evangelical Mennonite 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.

PAGE 4

THE MESSENGER

from the editor New Horizons Last week was one of those weeks when the editor was able to get away from his desk for a time of inspiration and education (both formal and informal) and even some visitation. The occasion was the fall meeting of the editor's (Mennonite) group which goes by the name of Meetinghouse. This is a group of Mennonite editors from the United States and Canada who get together periodically to cooperatively work on articles of current in terest. I'm sure that you have from time to time seen lead articles in the MESSENGER designated as of Meetinghouse origin. This fall Meetinghouse held at Strasburg, Pennsylvania, was combined with a short retreat Wednesday noon to Friday noon where we received both inspirational and historical enlightenment. Since the inspirational input is to be reflected more in future issues of the MESSENGER (I hope) 1 want to devote my topic more to the historical aspect — the few places of historic interest which we visited in Lancaster county. To begin with I must confess that what I knew about Lancaster and Lancaster county wan't much more than the old lady knew who sat beside me on the plane from Philadelphia to Toronto. “What is Manitoba?” she wanted to know. Reminds me of the gas jockey in a California service station who was puzzled over the shield on the rear window of our car when we were on our vacation last spring. But then on the other hand we might be just as curious to know the meaning of black bumpers in Lancaster. (There is one group of Mennonites who paint the bumpers of their cars black and have earned the nickname of Black Bumpers). But anyway, we were starting to talk about Lancaster, Penn sylvania. Both a county and a city in that county bear that name. It is reported to be the first inland city of the United States. Among the tourist attractions of Lancaster county is the Hans Herr House (pictured on front cover this MESSENGER). This house was built in 1719 and is the oldest house in the county. As well as being the residence of its owner it was also used as an early Mennonite meeting place. Built of stone it is an outstanding exam ple of medieval Germanic architecture. The house has been restored and includes a farm museum of implements and tools. Among other things there were two spinning wheels in this place. One had a wheel of maybe three or four feet in diameter. The other was more conventional. Since one of my brothers-in-law is a spin ning wheel enthusiast (having built one of his own) I tried to take a few pictures of these in the house's dim interior. They turned out not too bad. Among the fringe benefits of this sightseeing tour was our con genial tour hostess, who also turned out to be an excellent driver, Mrs. Hess. Mother and grandmother, she had held the job for the past ten years. It was she who clued us in on the old saying, proverb or whatever you may call it "iVe’ll be there with bells on”. This saying which amazingly enough, has filtered right up to Canada comes from the years of the pioneers when they came West with their big Conestoga wagons. History has it that settlers took great pride in their Conestoga wagon outfit. Arched peals of bells would herald their coming. Nevertheless, should the driver encounter difficulties along the way which he was unable to surmount or repair, he would have to relinquish his bells to his benefactor. Thus it was an honour, I sup pose, to be able to arrive at one's destination with bells onl The Lancaster location for our sessions also afforded us the op-

OCTOBER 15, 1976

portunity to pay a visit to MCC (Akron) headquarters. Although our time here was extremely limited it was one of the highlights of my stay here. For years one had been on the mailing list of the MCC News Service. Now one could see where it originated. Incidentally, we also met here two former Steinbachers (now both residing in Winnipeg) who were part of the MCC delegation to Russia leaving the next day. J. M. Klassen and Mrs. LaVerna Klippenstein. Little had 1 dreamed some two months prior to this, when Larry asked me to sign his wife's passport application, that we would meet some of the party of the eve of their departure. Co incidence? Maybe so, but the Lord could also have willed it so. I know that one of the party at least was a bit overwhelmed at the obligations this trip entailed. One evening we were hosted by Merle Good (Author of Hazel’s People) and his wife, Phyllis at The People’s Place. The People’s Place is a unique setting of an Amish Story museum. Book and Crafts shop and a screening room for showing films, among other things. Located in an old restored and extended mansion type of a house it is billed as Lancaster County’s center for Amish and Mennonite arts and crafts. Not the least of the attractons here are the unique three-dimensional carved paintings by local Beachy Amish artist, Aaron Zook. Also at The People's Place we saw the award winning documen tary, “The Amish; A People of Preservation”. Already a classic, this film has also been featured on CBS's TV “Sixty Minutes”. I suppose one of the main features at the Mennonite Information Centre is a life-size replica of the Old Testament Hebrew Taber nacle Reproduction. Time did not allow us to get a guided tour but the building was opened for our inspection. Other information dispended here concerns maps of the area, in formation as to the similarities and differences of the Amish and the Mennonites, free and for sale literature, etc. A film on Mennonite history of the area is also shown. I'm sure our program planners had a hard time in choosing the sites we were to see. I appreciated the visit to the Ephrata Cloister, at Ephrata Pennsylvania. Although not Mennonite, it has a unique history all of its own. Maybe one of the outstanding contributions for the Mennonites was the Cloister press on which in 1748 was printed the 1200 page Martyr's Mirror. It was the largest book printed in colonial America. Ephrata's third press dating back to 1804, is still operated today. The Cloister was founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel, a German pietistic mystic, and was one of the earliest of the numerous relig ious and secular communal societies established in America. To day, extensively restored, the surviving buildings are operated as a museum. The Historic Strasburg Restaurant and Motor Inn where we con ducted our formal sessions, ate and slept, was well suited to our needs. It is billed in tourist brochures as located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch farm country with Amish farms everywhere you turn. The MESSENGER'S involvement with Meetinghouse dates back about two years. Meetinghouse itself was begun a number of years before that and originated with the (Old) Mennonite and General Conference papers The Mennonite and Gospel Herald. Most of the travelling and hotel expenses so far have been covered by a grant from the Showalter Foundation.

D.S. PAGE 5

Quichua Indians. They’re using their books.

Creating Quichua Literature by Marian Houghton

Providing Quichua literature for a grow ing church means a little bit more than going to a bookstore and asking for it, or even writing to a publishing house for it, because there just isn’t any. Or at least there wasn’t. What then is involved in getting some'? From the very beginning of the work here, the missionaries have seen the need for good reading material. First came the New Testa ment and some tracts done by the foreigners. Then Primers were done to teach more peo ple to read. Very soon some of the more musically-inclined Indians decided to write their own songs. After all, the translations of our good, old hymns really don’t stir them

the way they do us. Because they have so many of their own song,s now, making song book.s ha.s become big business. After run ning through two editions of the two song books they have, they now want to put out one big book with a sturdier cover. Whereas before about anything that could pass for a song was printed, now they want a com mittee to decide just what songs should go into the new book. This should be an in teresting process. Some of our most recent productions are a booklet on Christian behavior, a chart on the two ways and lastly, a false cults booklet. This latter was very necessary since the

growth of the Quichua Church has been so publicized. On the wall char: we had to have some special art work done to make sure the people in the pictures looked like Indians. This was true, too, on the first booklet men tioned since it consisted mostly of pictures. One of our Indians did that. Another ‘first’ for this year was asking some Indians to serve with the missionary on the committee. They know better just what is needed most, and they also help write things properly. An interesting sidelight on this was that they recently handed in a request to be paid for the time spent in discussion. It was decid ed to reimburse them for travelling expenses to Colta and give them their dinner. Most new material is presented on the radio either in program format, or just plain advertising. This usually creates enough in terest to make them come and buy it in the bookstore. The Quichuas appreciate their reading material. In the past six months they have raised a thousand dollars in a matching-fund offer. This will assure them of ample funds for many printing projects in the future. Several of them are involved in writing projects now. They need much help and en couragement. They also need much prayer. IVill you help us carry this burden ?

First Impressions of City-Life in Chihuahua 1. The Latins impress me as a relaxed, sincere, and friendly people. During bus travel it is intriguing to observe the various forms of greetings that the bus drivers use as they pass each other. As a Canadian tourist, 1 was questioned on the Olympics and treated with kindness, respect, and good service at all customs. 2. Nature in Chihuahua offers an impres sion of beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains. Even the lay-out of the city streets is somewhat circular. The variety of trees is interesting — elegant sycamore, pop lar, peach, different evergreens, a few palms, weeping willows, cactus, rose bushes to no end, creeping vines, and even a flower that looks like the Manitoba crocus. (I have not as yet checked for the name). 3. The punctuality and reliability in business took me by surprise. I was told that the people of Mexico are aware of their past reputation and are working hard to change it.

THE MESSENGER

Japanese Style

Some of the buses in bus depots are more punctual and more demanding in observing ticket-hours than those in Canada. After an afternoon business transaction, s ■* the clerk told us the article would be delivered that same afternoon. It was. 4. The people’s emphasis on, and recogni 53 M’’ tion of, children is something else. They have special children’s parks and playgrounds in cluding merry-go-rounds, slides, swings, gtrain rides, swimming pool — you name it. Also, some of their school grounds have an amazing amount of recreational equipment. Many of the signs on their street walls con sist of slogans speaking to the needs and in li terests of children. It is acceptable, in fact appreciated, if you give attention to a child on a bus or in a store, even though a total stranger.

5. You can’t come to a Latin country and not be hit with their concept of time and the value of friendship. Time is like elastic when you meet a friend or acquaintance. Their schedules are largely influenced by climate and jobs. Dinner is around 2:00-3:00 p.m. and supper 8:00-9:00 p.m. for many, especially the working class. Many offices and stores run from 9:00 a. m. or so to 1:00 p. m. and then from 3:00 or 4:00 p. m. to some evening hour. An 8:00 p. m. dentist ap pointment is quite in order. When you hit the road you make up for any lost time for that day! There is some reason for categorizing the drivers in two groups: the fast ones or the dead ones.

■

6. The potential of the youth and Univer sity world is overwhelming. We live 5 min utes walking distance from the beautiful University of Chihuahua. Young people seemingly congregate at every bus stop, store, and ice-cream stand along our University Street. Our neighbour girl (15 years) is now in her first year of studies (out of seven) toward being a lawyer. 1 met two other young girls that are taking evening classes in electronics. Mexico is largely Catholic in religion. However, there is a general atmosphere of dissatisfaction, particularly among the youth. One young couple told us Sunday that one of their long deceased statesmen has now given them the option to leave the Roman Catholic Church. The couple has already done so. The man told us he is now looking for a religion that will change per sonal lives and also affect the social and political problems within their country. Many others are leaving the Roman Catholic Church as well. The alternative-communismunless they can find something better. Irene Kroeker

OCTOBER 15, 1976

Mary Doerksen (writer)

Have you ever wished you could visit Japan? Eat and sleep their style? Visit a Japanese home and church? This was granted to us a year ago. We experienced very strange but interesting things as "" we entered their culture. How would you like to sit on the floor, have your cooker in the middle of the table in front of you and eat right from the cooker? But wait a minute! You can’t use a fork, only chop sticks available, and before you put it into your mouth you dip it into raw egg which you have beaten up in a little bowl before you. This meal is called “sukiyaki”, and is actually quite delicious. Or how would you like to wash yourself thoroughly, all over, before you step into the bath tub? And be careful when you get out that you won’t pull the plug or the rest of the family won’t be able to have a bath that day. For the water is heated only once a day and everybody soaks in the same water, guest and family alike. This kind of tub is called an “Offuro”. They also have public “offuros”, where you sit in a room with everybody else who

happens to be there and wash and scrub and wash and scrub some more, like you’ve never washed before in all your life, and then you step into a public bath and soak. Of course wearing nothing more than you would in your own bath tub. This was one thing nobody would get me to do. But when I saw all our good missionaries taking part, and even the very conservative ones, I let myself be persuaded. And to my relief they didn’t notice me any more than they would any dead piece of furniture. And mind you, they did have men and ladies segregated! And should you go, don’t you forget to leave your shoes by the door and step into the slippers which are provided by every door, home or church alike. And if you go into the washroom you leave your slippers and step into special washroom slippers. Their washroom, of course, has only the toilet in it and its the squatting kind, the way we used to on the farm if the outhouse was busy and emergency compelled us to find a secluded spot in the barn. But what impressed us the most, which we just can’t erase from our minds, was the multitudes of people. By the millions we would see them rushing and crowding through train stations, day and night. Can you imagine 113 million people in a land that’s 2/3 as big as Alberta? And eighty percent of it is mountainous where they can’t live. This is four and a half times as many people as we have in all of Canada. Its un believable! And there is approximately one evangelical missionary to every 44 thousand people. Japan is a hard field but the doors are wide open. Jesus said “Pray for more workers”. This we must do. We sensed the urgency like never before. The things of this world become strangely dim when you get to see such an overwhelm ing need first hand. Whether it is going, giving and (or) pray ing, let us let go and do it with our might. Your partners in His service Alvin and Mary Doerksen

mission-grams Nicaragua: John and Connie Reimer write, “The bookstore Is doing well. With our involvement in La Paz and San Jose it seems the bookstore is closed an awful lot, seeing both Connie and I go to these places together. Presently the San Jose group is planning the construction of a church building." Missionary internship — The Jake Unraus, who were recently accepted as missionary candidates to serve in Germany with Global Outreach, are presently in Detroit, Michigan attending the Missionary Internship training program. Personnel Will you pray concerning the following personnel needs: Nurses for Nicaragua and Paraguay: Manager for Radio Chaco ZP-30; Pastor for High Level, Alberta: Career missionaries for Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay.

PAGE 7

The Big Empty Barrel by the Tap by Donald Plett

The pale green van rolled to a stop in front of the chapel at the International Baptist Campground; a ten minute drive from Managua. Nicaragua. The time was 5 p.m. and the day, July 23, 1976. Slowly the doors opened and the I I weekend campers from La Paz and San Jose cautiously got out. There they stood in a small cluster, looking up at the enormous trees, and around at the brick, tin roofed buildings, and the big empty barrel by the tap, wondering what new experiences this All-Nicaraguan Mennonite Youth Retreat might bring. In front of the kitchen, under some trees, four tents had been pitched. Three big moss green ones were to accommodate the girls. To one side sat a small green and yellow pup tent. The registrars, John and Connie Reimer, had set it up for themselves. These were balanced by two more on the far side of the grounds, the guys’ quarters. Soon the Rio Blanco. Teustepe and Alta Mira retreaters arrived. Next a blue van loaded to the “hilt”, driven by Henry Doerksen, pulled up over the hill into the campground; the first load from Morazan. By 7:30 that night, 76 campers were ready for their first meal; rice, meat and brea, (made possible by the cooks, together with Darlene Olfert and Marcella Dueck). Even before th? first service got started, the camp director. Lester Olfert, seemed worried about something. No one was quite sure why. Hadn’t we prayed much for the spiritual success of the camp, and His will to be done in it all? It appeared now that His will was different from any of our expec tations. The retreat speaker had not arrived. Is everyone in? It’s 10:00 p.m. Soon the twelfth fellow was in and devotions were on their way. After prayer, talking seemed more favorable for some than trying to find an ap propriate position to sleep. Afterall the ground was hard. By 5 next morning some had had enough of their hard beds. Here they come, went the rumor. Everyone so much the more glued to their Bibles, trying to memorize at least one more verse before it was their turn to recite. John and Lester had many verses recited to them that morning; it probably would be more next day. Each team was sure they would get the most points. It was true, we had prayed much for the retreat, and the Lord did provide. Rev. Jeronimo Perez, who had before been con sidered too busy a man to be asked to be camp speaker, consented to help out. A new chorus, “Adelante Juventud” (Forward Youth), provided the first stimulant for each person to consider the examples of Joseph and Daniel in their own lives. Though on the PAGE 8

lowest rung in society, prisoners, they held fast to their convictions, and kept their morals high. They were youth worthy to be called ideal; worthy of the pride of their parents. Whose desire would it not be to be like Joseph or Daniel? At the closing service, while ail heads were bowed, 20 of the retreaters showed that desire by walking to the altar. Some whose Christian lives had become slack, decided afresh, with God’s help, to aim to be that ideal young person God would be pleased with. For the baseball fans, Saturday afternoon was slow in coming. The hour struck four. The bleachers started filling up. Morazan was ready to challenge the rest of the churches in a game of baseball. When the call for supper finally came the score was ten to eight against Morazan. After the sun had set, and the fire lit, the group.s each presented a skit. Team three won first prize for dramatizing well, the story of Philemon and his slave. Second prize went to the group enacting Jesus’ story of the prodical son. We could not forget about the Olympics being played in Canada. At the retreat, dur ing the sports time Sunday afternoon, eight countries, represented by eight teams, sent their representatives to the different events. “The next event - the shot-put,” called the official, (recreation director, Donald Plett). They came. All good-looking muscular fellows. What an insult to their strength as each was given, not a heavy black ball, but a small white ball of cotton. After the last message by Rev. Perez, and the last song sung, came the painful good byes. Hesitently hugs and handshakes were exchanged. New friendships had been form ed. and no one knew when they would see each other again. Many had also grown to love their Savior more, with aims set high. By 6 p.m. Sunday, all that remained on the campground were the moss green tents, the brick buildings, and the big empty barrel, not by the tap, but where the last person had left it, sitting on it, eating his rice and beans.

I ■4

Viola Fast

BEGIN MCC SERVICE Viola Fast has begun a 30-month term of service with Mennonite Central Com mittee in Tanta, Egypt. She will work as a nurse. She graduated from St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse and received a bachelor of religious education degree from Winnipeg Bible College. She is the daughter of Wilbert and Tina Fast of Blumenort, Man., and is a member of Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church.

Julia Siemens MISSIONARY CONFERENCE

October 27-31

Steinbach E.M. Church Speaker: Don C. Bruck Japan Evangelical Mission

Julia Siemens has begun a two-year term of service with Mennonite Central Committee in Cincinnati, Oh. She will be working as a teacher’s aide in an elementary school. Julia received a general Bible degree from Steinbach, Man., Bible Institute. She is the daughter of Bernhard and Lizzie Siemens of New Norway, Alta. She is a member of Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church in Morris, Man.

THE MESSENGER

church news Wilma Reimer is the new typist for our Sunday morning bulletins. The young people had an out door meeting at Danny Reimers’ on Oct. 8. Secretary for our new Sunday School register is Jeffrey Plett. We are planning to have a thanksgiving pot-luck dinner at church on Oct. 10. Thank you, God, for spiritual and material bless ings! BEAVER CREEK BUSY PLACE

Pictured are the bapismal can didates of June 20 at Arden, Man. Back row, left to right: Melvin Unger (son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Unger), Reynold Toews (son of Rev. and Mrs. J. Toews), Alvin Unger (son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Unger), Leander Unger (son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Unger), Rev. John Toews, Pastor. Front row: Bradley Plett (son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Plett), Luella Neufeld (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Neufeld), Monica Toews (daughter of Rev. and Mrs. J. Toews). IT WILL BE GOODI

Fisher Branch: A local brother recently stated “I don't know what tomorrow will hold but I know it will be good!” How true, God always wants the best for each one of us! Several couples from our group attended the farewell for the Roman Catholic priest on Sept. 30. Our pastor was asked to say a few words; he briefly read from scripture and encouraged the priest to preach God's Word at his new location. Our hearts were really blest by several visiting groups who were in our midst in September. A group from Justice shared and sang. Also a group from Hodgson shared. The following Sunday the Ron Penners from Landmark reported on their work in Germany. The Ron Koops from Landmark provided the music for that evening. Rev. David Thiessen of Mennville served at our morning worship on Sept. 26. To each of you a hearty thank you and come again!

OCTOBER 15, 1976

Arborg: After having missed a reporting turn this reporter will try and write again. He's sorry if he disappointed any readers for actually the greatest satisfaction for a report er is to be read and there is evidence that re ports from this local are being read. This en courages one to keep on. Beaver Creek Bible Camp was a busy place this summer including three weeks of Interlake camp and rental of the premises to at least three other groups. In Interlake camp two brethren shared the directing — Andrew Dueck for one week and Peter K. Friesen, almost veteran for the other two weeks. There must have been at least ninety campers in this period with twenty or more staff. Yours truly was also there for a week of Bible class teaching and consequently observed the exuberant hum of the camp. The passing of Leonard and Mary Reimer’s three year old Veronica has caused this community and others to sympathize. The funeral was attended by a large number of people. Two definitions of “retirement” heard late ly (both by men around seventy): put on new tires and keep on going; the other, spell retirement with an “f (refirement). The wedding of Elmer Dueck and Doris Loewen is past since July 31 but the marriage has hopefully just started to bloom. Another such lucky couple is Norma Loewen and Glenn Plett who expect marriage in the latter part of October. God’s blessing is wished to both of the couples. GREETINGS FROM THE NORTH

Mennville: The crops are in, the fields are done, and winter is just around the corner. God grant that the fields in our hearts too, might be in shape for the winter of eternity, to follow the summer of time. On our sick list today are George Brandt and Mrs. Peter Klassen. I suppose that is the time we thank the Lord for nurses, doctors, hospitals, and especially for the Great Physi cian who can heal the soul as well as our bodies. The Lord has again kindly provided us with Sunday School teachers for another year of Bible studies. Our prayer is that each teacher might be a wrench or tool in the

Master Mechanic's Hands, so that our lives could be chiseled and polished and hammered towards His image and likeness. Our school teachers this term are Eldon Plett principal, John Barkman and Leona Klassen. A Thanksgiving service is planned for Oct. 10, coupled with the installation of the Andrew Duecks as Church Leaders. “Count your blessings name them one by one,” perhaps we should learn to count by tens. Also, Bible studies are being planned with special emphasis on “Family Living”. The dry spell seems to cause a lot of spon taneous combustion in our community. Fields of stubble, peat moss, grass, even swaths are going up in smoke as rescue squads rally to the scene with tractors, discs, water tanks, and what have you. It is hoped that our church too, will catch fire, generating heat to the point where Satan’s squad will shrink and fall back, allowing the flames of Love and Christian unity to ignite and shrivel up any unrighteousness in its path. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are called.” I Tim. 6:12.

DEDICATION SERVICE Maryfleld: Our old church building was moved on June 15 by Jac Plett of Wawota, Sask, to the Canadian Sunday School Mis sion Camp at Kenosee Lake Provincial Park. Precious memories linger of happy times, of struggling times, inside the building. We are most thankful that the Kenosee Lake Bible Camp could use it so well since they really needed another building for a chapel. Praise the Lord for His past guidance! The dedication service for our new building was on August 22. Br. John Koop was the guest speaker. Others making remarks were Jack Brady, who installed the electrical works; Lawrence Penner, represen ting the voluntary labor; Vernon Erickson, representing the Associated Gospel Church in Maryfield; and James Penner, represen ting our sister church in Kola. A fellowship lunch of some traditional Mennonite dishes prepared by the ladies was enjoyed by all, in the company of many friends and neighbors. Praise the Lord for His goodness and present leading! The highlight of the summer must be the ordination of our energetic pastor, Andrew Friesen, on June 20. Bro. Menno Kroeker of Rosenort, and Bro. Art Neufeld of Kola of ficiated at the service. They had some very fitting advice and encouragement for both the pastor and the congregation. The pastor is to be an example in consecration, com munication, co-operation and compassion. The congregation is is to follow in commit ment, supporting the pastor in every way, es pecially in prayer, always realizing all

PAGE 9

second-hand criticism is of Satan and dead ly. Bro. Art Neufeld explained briefly the value’ of the laying on of hands as a sign of unity and continuity and signifying, for the congregation, commitment and involvement in the ministry. Praise the Lord for His provision!

THE CHALLENGE OF NIGERIA Rosenort: At our Mission Nite on August 29, the Elmer Warkentin family, dressed in typical Nigerian dress, and using the Nigerian greeting (very complex) told us of the work they have been doing there under the Sudan Interior Mission. The need for teachers capable of instructing Bible is very great in Nigeria, so this family is gladly returning to the field. Sister Della Kroeker is home following several months of summer service in Paraguay. Sister Julia Siemens has an assignment under MCC in Cincinnati, Ohio. With special effort at the end of August, we have been able to pay off the last of the church building debt, approximately two years after occupying the new facilities. The various committees were dissolved shortly after. May God be magnified always in this building and wherever His Word is proclaim ed. The Youth Camp at Arnes from September 3 to 5 was well-attended and en joyed by most of the campers. A report came at our September Mission Nite where the young people were in charge of the entire program. They als ) reported on Vacation Bi ble School and Children’s Camps held this summer. Our Ladies’ Choir presented the program, “My Heart-Christ’s Home”, at the Steinbach Chortitzer Church on Sept. 19. We know they were a blessing there. A quilting bee was organized by the Ladies' Fellowship for their Oct. 5 meeting. Needless to say, some work remained to be done the following day! The Sunday School Executive is using a series of filmstrips on “Successful Teaching” at weekly meetings with teachers and other interested personnel. Hospitalized recently have been Peter H. Dueck, Mrs. Werner Kornelson, Mr. G. B. Kornelson (now at the Eventide Home), and Mr. Peter J. K. Loewen, who had a kidney operation on Oct. 17. The ongoing efforts of Mennonite Disaster Service in the Idaho flood area are currently being helped along by four of our men: Jake L. Dueck, Dudley Bartel, Robert Eidse and Calvin Kroeker. They expect to be back around the middle of October. On October 5, the young people had their regular Christian Service Night with the fellows demolishing an old barn on the farm of Mrs. Rose Kornelson, and the girls mail ing tracts. Energy well spent!

PAGE 10

ORDINATION

Pleasant Valley: Since my last report we have all been busy with camp, DVBS, vacationing and harvesting. Now with holidays over and the children back in school, things are beginning to run on schedule again. Ernie and Marianne Loewen were or dained to the ministry on Sept. 12. Rev. Frank Friesen, our pastor, chaired the meeting and Rev. Dave Thiessen had the message and spoke on talents in the church. Rev. Henry Klassen had the dedicatory prayer and pastors from neighboring churches spoke words of encouragement. Our Ladies Fellowship gathered at the home of Ellie Loewen where a joint bridal shower was held. The brides were Roseanne Bartel whose marriage to Rick Kornelson is planned for Oct. 23, and Betty Reimer whose marriage to Francis Thiessen is plann ed for Oct. 30. Wilbert and Hilda Friesen’s visit at our Mission Night in September was much ap preciated. The report of Nicaragua and the songs they sang were a blessing to all who attended. Sept. 26 saw our church filled as we gathered to bid farewell to our former pastor and his wife, the Dave Eidses. On Oct. 4, with their new El Camino well packed, they headed south for Mexico where they will be engaged in Christian Service. Our prayers and thoughts go with you, Dave and Susie. FAMILY CAMP OUT

Winnipeg: The families of Crestview have enjoyed some wonderful times of fellowship in the past months. To begin with, on the Labor Day weekend about one hundred and fifteen people came to the Beaver Creek Bi ble Camp to enjoy a family camp-out. Last year on the same weekend we had nearly eight-five present. This shows a good in crease in interest in this type of activity; it also shows that we have several new families regularly attending our church activities. Glen and Betty Koop were our guests for the camp-out. Rev. Koop brought a series of three talks on “The Consistent Christian Life". 1. He compared God’s relationship with us to a courtship experience where, if it is a healthy relationship, we will want to meet often and regularly. 2. Who is my neighbour? 3. Forgiving. We praised God again and again for providing above normal temperatures to help make the weekend more enjoyable for all. At the final fireside many people testified to their having received great blessings in all types of activities at the camp, from “church” to sports. The Sunday School picnic was incor porated into the Saturday afternoon, with races of many kinds (and speeds), as all ages

participated. Twice during the summer our picnic was postponed because of rain. On October 3 our appetites were well satisfied at the annual Thanksgiving fellowship noon meal. At the morning service the attendance was 142, breaking our previous longstanding record of 140. At an afternoon program many participated in voluntary music and sharing. We are fortunate to have Ray Plett ably directing a male choir. On Wednesday, October 6, winter family activities began with the film, “Menno’s Reins”. After the film the children were directed to their classes to meet their teachers. George and Esther Penner are directing these Wednesday night activities for the year. They are back home to spend some time in preparing to go out under Mission Aviation Fellowship. The Young People began a new year with a well attended opening banquet. There are a good number of newcomers joining the ac tivities this fall as they have turned fourteen years of age.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Remple of Kola, Man. a son, Jamie Lee, on August 23, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Randall Thiessen of Maryfleld, Sask, a daughter, Jolene Michelle, on August 20, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Warkentin of West Indies, a son, Paul Jeremy, on August 3, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Jim Heinrichs of Rosenort, Man. a son, Thomas James, on August 25, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Thiessen of Winnipeg, Man. a son, Andrew Scott, on July 19, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Abe Janz of Win nipeg, Man. a son, Sheldon Grant, on July 4, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Abe Fehr of Calgary, Alta, a son, Leighton Travis, on Sept. 16, 1976.

To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Holukoff of Calgary, Alta, a son, Kurt Sheldon, on Sept. 8, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wiens of Pan sy, Man. a daughter, Kathryn Jean, on July 17, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Doug Doerksen of Winnipeg, Man. a daughter, Marla Michelle, on August 14, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Kroeker of Transcona, Man. a son, Andrew Paul, on August 28, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Larry Goertzen of Endeavour, Sask, a daughter, Theresa Cheryl, on June 19, 1976. THE MESSENGER

To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dyck of Win nipeg, Man. a son Andrew David, on Sept. 24, 1976. To Mr, and Mrs. Danny Loewen of Rosenort, Man. a son, Marc David, on Sept. 21, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Albert Priess of Bran don, Man. a daughter, Sherrilyn Gail, on Sept. 21, 1976. To Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Nickel of Win nipeg, Man. a daughter, Lori Renee, on June 29, 1976.

weddings FALK—FUNK: Wilbert, son of Mr and Mrs George Falk of Pansy, Man. was married to Alvina, daughter of Mr and Mrs John Funk of Grunthal. Man. on August 28.1976. The wedding took place at the Steinbach EMC. Steinbach. Man. with Rev. Leonard Barkman of Pansy, Man. officiating. HANSON—QU8TAW: Leland, son of Mr and Mrs Albert Hanson of Sprague, Man. was married to Gay Louise, daugh ter of Mr, and Mrs. Frank Gustaw of Riv erton, Man. on September4, 1976. The wedding took place at the Riverton Gos pel Chapel, Riverton, Man. with Rev. Menno Kroeker of Riverton, Man. officating. The couple now resides in Riverton.

FRIESEN—BURKHOLDER: Henry, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Friesen of Riverton, Man. was married to Nancy Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Burkholder of Bluesky, Alta, on July 1, 1976. The wedding took place at the Bluesky Mennonite Church, Bluesky, Alta, with Rev. Paul Burkholder of ficiating. The couple now reside in Win nipeg, Man.

DUECK—LOEWEN: Elmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Dueck of Fisher Branch. Man. was married to Doris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Loewen of Fisher Branch. Man. on July 31. 1976. The wedding took place at Morweena with Rev. Menno Penner of Arborg. Man. officiating. The couple now reside in Fisher Branch, Man. <

MOEHRINQ—FROESE: John, son of Mr. and Mrs. Friedrich Moehring was married to Debra, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich Froese on August 14, 1976. The wedding took place at the Braeside EMC, Winnipeg, Man. with Rev. Allan Friesen of Winnipeg, Man, of ficiating. OCTOBER 15, 1976

BOOK REPORT;

Mother of Two Shares her Walk through Grief "The death of my husband that hot day in August forced me to take a road I would give much not to have needed to walk," says Janette Klopfenstein of Archbold, Ohio, in her new Herald Pres.s paperback. My IValk Trhough Grief. "Left with two young children and my shattered dreams, I tried courageously to be strong. Giving up Roger seemed so impossibly hard, so intolerably sad. But I knew that only by stopping the past from overwhelm ing the present could 1 have any hope for the future." Janette's honest sharing and her practical suggestions in the book will help those who arc going through their own grief as well as those who try to understand and comfort the bereaved. Bea Decker, co-author of After the I lowers Have Gone and executive director of THEOS, a Christian organization for those who have lost a marriage partner through death, says: My IValk Through Grief is written directly from the heart. Janette shares her emotion.s in beautiful simplicity of how she wa.s able to cope with a broken spirit and heart. Through it all she is continually able to draw from a spiritual reserve greater than she had imagined. From her experience Janette Klopfens tein offers sound and inspiring liclp for those in the throes of grief. She also offers practical advice to those friends and loved ones who truly want to help and understand the newly widowed."

E.M.C. BOOK FOR BAPTISMAL INSTRUCTION CLASSES NOW OUT The book that many pastors no doubt have been waiting for is now out and readv for distribution. ■ “THAT I MAY KNOW HIM” consists of 12 chapters including one on our heritage and one on EMC Missions.

CHAPTER HEADINGS 1. Man and Jesus Christ 2. Salvation and Assurance 3. Christian Growth 4. The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer

Instead of the typical “all things work together for good" kind of book. My IValk Through Grief shows some of the raw emotions and terrible conflicts that people, including Christians, have to accept in fac ing death. Believing in God does not take away all our diflicultics, but through it all there i.s a quiet reassurance that He stands by. "I have tried to be practical in my suggestions and honest in expressing how it retilly feels to find oneself suddenly alone,” the author comments. "Since I am a mother, I include much concerning young children,” "I know I take the chance of appearing 'too conlldent' to the widowed and at the same time 'too undone by my feelings' to those w ho haven't experienced the death of a loved one." she admits. ,1/i' H'alk Through Grief was written fif teen months after the death of Janette's hus band - soon enough that the emotional struggles were still vivid in her mind but long enough after the trauma to give her perspec tive. Janette (Rupp) Klopfenstein was born at Pettisville, Ohio, and lives at nearby Archbold. She attended Goshen College, Goshen. Indiana, and received her BA degree in Comprehensive Language Arts from Defiance College, Defiance, Ohio. Janette has taught at Wauseon High School and at Northwest Technical College in her hometown. Besides being mother to her sons, Chad and Derek, she has been involved in public speaking and in community and church pro jects. A/v li'alk Through Grief, by Janette Klopfenstein, published by Herald Press, Scottdale. Pennsylvania, and Kitchener, On tario, is available at your local bookstore for $1.75.

5. Characteristics of the Christian Life 6. The Ordinances 7. The Universal Church 8. God 9. Angels and Satan 10. The Second Coming of Christ 11. Evangelical Mennonite Conference Missions 12. Our Heritage Price $1.25 E.M.C. Board of Education and Publication

Box 1268 Steinbach, Manitoba

PAGE 11

around the world

Samuel and Irma Gerber EUROPEAN PASTOR TO VISIT LATIN AMERICAN MENNONITES

Akron, Pa. — A European Mennonite educator, pastor and radio preacher and his wife will spend a year in a study and travel assignment with Men nonite Central Committee. Samuel and Irma Gerber have taken a year’s sabbatical leave from the European Mennonite Bible School at Bienenberg, Liestal, Switzerland, during which time they will spend several months studying in the United States and several months visiting con gregations and conferences in Latin America and serving as pastoral counselor to MCC workers there. COLLEGE OPENS Winnipeg, Manitoba — During the week of September 7, 108 students registered at Canadian Mennonite Bible College as full-time students. There are 56 freshmen and 52 returning students. Geographical distribution of full-time students is B.C. - 9; Alberta - 8; Saskatchewan - 23; Manitoba - 41; Ontario - 24; and 3 foreign students. Over 90% of the students are affiliated with the Mennonite Church. New features in the curriculum this year are the introduction of a course in the history and theology of Non-western Christianity being taught by Adolf Ens and Peter Fast. A further change is the extension of the Pastoral Seminar into a practical theology course which allows students to become involved in some form of practical work as a part of the student’s program. Graduation requirements now call for at least one semester of practical theology.

GOAL SETTING PLAN GETS WIDE DISTRIBUTION Newton, Kan. — Inquiries about the new Congregational Goals Discovery Plan, produced by the Commission on Home Ministires of the General Conference Mennonite Church, are com ing from more non-'Mennonites than Mennonites. Floyd Bartel, the commission’s secretary for congregational mission, said that by late September, ninety-eight inquiries had come as a result of a short item in the Church Growth Book Club Bulletin in midsummer Forty-eight of these persons or congregations have purchased complete sets. Inquiries have come from as far away as Australia and South America. One letter from France asked if the materials were available

PAGE 12

THE MESSENGER

•,

in French. Within the General Conference, fifteen or twen ty sets are out for examination, said Mr. Bartel. Some congregations are using the material as is; others have decided to set goals but not to use the whole set.

Major input will come from David Schroeder, Bible professor at Canadian Mennonite Bible College in Winnipeg, and from C. Peter Wagner and John Wimber of the Department of Church Growth at Fuller Seminary School of World Mis sion, Pasadena, California.

WORLD 90 PERCENT OPEN TO MISSIONS

PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEMS IN HAITI UNDERSCORED BY SURVEY

NYACK, N.Y. (CMA) - No more than 17 of the 143 member countries of the United Nations are closed or partially closed to missions, accor ding to a report issued here by Dr. Louis L. King, Vice-President for Overseas Ministries of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. “Better than 90 percent of the nations of the earth are open,” Dr. King stated. “They are generally more open than in any previous era in the world’s history.” There are three Islamic nations, the report says, that have never opened their doors to missions; Maurentaniz, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan. Three more have closed once-open doors; Syria, Iraq, and Libya. Communist governments in Asia have closed North Korea, China, Mongolia, Viet Nam, Cam bodia. and Laos. Buddhist Burma is “the most sealed off of them all.” “Of the 21 republics in Latin America, only Cuba is not totally open,” King says. He also pointed out that closed doors sometimes reopen, citing Nepal, Japan, Korea and Colombia as examples. Doors are closed by God, King maintains, not by Satan and a closed door is not necessarily “an unmitigated tragedy.” The church in southern Ethiopia blossomed during the absence of mis sionaries, he said, and the missionaries expelled from China have taken the gospel to other places throughout the world. THIRD WORLD MISSIONARIES Hillsboro, Kan. — A group of Japanese churches have sent out their first foreign mis sionary to Taiwan. In Nigeria, evangelical churches are supporting 127 couples sent to neighboring countries and to unevangelized sec tions of Nigeria. The total number of missionaries from third world countries is now 4,000, while missionaries from North America number 35,000.

PLANNING FOR CHURCH GROWTH CONSULTATION CONTINUES

Newton, Kan. — Registrations are continuing to come in for the General Conference’s “Con sultation on Church Growth,” scheduled November 8 - 10 in Bluffton, Ohio. Representatives of congregations from across the conference are expected to attend the sessions on the Bluffton College campus.

Grande Riviere du Nord, Haiti — “The general health of most Haitians is appalling,” commented Dr. Hamilton Brown, director of the Mennonite Central Committee medical program in Grande Riviere, Haiti. This remark was illustrated by a house-to-house survey carried out this spring by Dr. Brown and two medical students from the University of Saskatchewan, Joan Heidgerken and Mamie Jacobsen. The survey of a 73-squaremile valley served by the MCC-administered hospital in the town of Grande Riviere was a dif ficult task in the rugged hills where many com munities can be reached only on foot. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate the impact of MCC’s public health program in the area. The survey compiled basic information on the age and sex balance, birth and death rates of the population; investigated the level of malnutri tion among children up to age six; evaluated the effectiveness of the family planning and tuber culosis programs, and gathered information on food production, land tenure and interest in reforestation. The survey found “extraordinarily high” death rates and high levels of malnutrition and TB.

WINNIPEG PROMOTERS WANT CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS PARADE Winnipeg — A Christmas parade with floats showing scenes in the nativity story and the life of Jesus is being planned in Winnipeg. December 19. The parade is intended as an alternative to a commercial, tinsel Christmas, according to Dave Loewen, executive director of Nativity Celebra tion. Inc., now on leave of absence as director of Camp Arnes. The idea of a parade came to Mr. Loewen and his wife, Elfrieda, about four years ago as they watched the Santa Claus parade from Toronto on television. They were disturbed that Santa was the focus of celebration, according to the Winnipeg Free Press. Also included as part of the celebration is a musical program in the Winnipeg Convention Centre following the parade. Budget for the celebration is $40,000 plus some donated supplies. About $10,000 has been budgeted for carved figures for the floats. “We parade everything else except our faith,” said Mr. Loewen. “We should be a little more will ing to share our faith.”

NTH

NVJS SIHIVHJ VI SCVlHDd V

CCT X03 13HVCHVS 1HZ33IH