The Messenger April 15, 1977

The Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

VOL. 15 NO. 8

• PRESENT TRENDS IN MISSIONS

• REACHING THE UNREACHED

APR. Asm

Missions has come to the cross-roads. The world in which we find ourselves today is a world of tremendous progress and change. Third World leaders are challenging some of the West’s concepts. Answers are hard to come by but this does not mean retreat to this author - only re-strategize.

Present trends in missions by Fred Friesen

FROM A TOPIC such as this, there will be the expectancy to hear something radically new. But it will be, as someone has said, “If completely new it can’t be true, and if true it can’t be radically new.” It is very difficult to make a list of “new trends” because so many of the current hot issues being discussed in new publishings are old trends rediscovered, probably with the addition of a slightly new angle. Too often someone writes a “success story” and immediately all spotlights are turned in that direction. Some of these disappear from the headlines almost as fast as they came. The TEE (Theological Education by Extension) program was a hot issue for sometime; today it seems to make the page no longer. That does not mean that TEE died, but rather, we are so newsprogrammed that anything else is not hot material. This paper will touch briefly on current world situations, movements and trends that have surfaced and seem to be the dis­ cussion of the day.

PRESENT WORLD SITUATIONS The world in which we find ourselves today is a world of tremen­ dous progress and change. The missionary movement, in order to be ‘with it,’ finds itself tested to the utmost. Young and old alike have apprehensions. The West is retreating and consequently we think that missions is as well. Today Third World (undeveloped countries) leaders dominate the floor at conventions and con­ gresses. Western economical imperialism and foreign aid is turning sour; we are not the saviors of the world's ills anymore. Every little country is its own political master, and their leaders are unable to differentiate between politics, economics and the Good News, resulting in missionary expulsion from several countries, e.g. Wycliffe from Rhodesia. Theologically, the Third World (Africasia) has come up with its own brand of theology of liberation; away with the vacationing religious salesman, no more unilateral decision making from foreign soil; we are tired of apparent power-giving but in reality retaining power. Let's free the whole man — physically, politically and spiritually. Let's change believers into thinkers; worshippers into workers; theologians into anthropologists! (Hamm M.B.B.C.) This has caused mission boards, societies and potential can­ didates alike, to stop and reconsider. And so, we must not retreat but re-strategize. Missions has come to the cross-roads. This cannot disturb us. Missions has always been at the cross-roads. It always will be at loggerheads with the present world system. When Jesus gave His disciples their marching orders. He pulled no punches. He spoke of opposition and persecution. Modern demands of missions

PAGE 2

are as discouraging to the natural minded man as they are challeng­ ing to the spiritual. (G. Peters) Following are some present trends in the missionary movement as they have come or are perceived in books, periodicals and from personal observation.

A NEW AWARENESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT At the Inlcrntional Congress on World Evangelism at Lausanne, a new concern was voiced — that the Holy Spirit be given free reign in Evangelism. “The Holy Spirit is the determining factor in evangelism, in strategy and in multiplying churches. Cultural factors are the focus the Holy Spirit uses, the field in which He works. The two are in­ timately related. You have to have them both ... they act together; they have to be taken into consideration together" (CGB p. 395, 1973). Too long we have acted as though “success methods” from Korea, Chile, and Africa can be packaged, imported and applied with similar success in other places. On the whole, results show otherwise. Constantly accepting change and reform is not the answer to success. If scientific research were the answer, national primitive leaders would be at our doorsteps shopping. But it is the other way around. “It’s interesting — we're sending missionaries into Latin America and a Latin American leader is telling us to put fire into our churches.” (CGB) The Korean church explosion (one church grew by 30,(X)0 in 15 years) and the national Quechua movement are ample proof of this. The answer? The strategist in Acts, as well as in modern church growth movements, is not a Paul or some mission genius, but the Holy Spirit Himself. “Ye shall receive power ...” The Holy Spirit said, “Separate ...” He is the one who teaches, guides, reminds, draws, convicts, saves, enables and equips as He wills. To completely copy methods, even from Acts, is getting it second hand. This does not rule out diligent studying and learning from other sources, but sets our priorities straight, teaching us that any particular field with its own culture and human compositions is ab­ solutely unique and only the Holy Spirit has the “precision built” formula for it. This to me explains the reoccurence of common structural patterns either in Acts, or in current movements, but with a unique slant or application. We must actually believe and expect the Holy Spirit to do this. “All power has been given... go ye therefore . . .” So, we need Spirit-led research based strategically to reach people with the Good News and to build them up in the faith. (Engel)

THE MESSENGER

X

A REVISING OF MISSIONS STRATEGY STATEMENTS Mission board strategy statements in the past have been more or less as the following: “Our mission is the proclamation of the Gospel to the un­ converted, everywhere, according to the command of Christ, with a strategy of establishing the disciples into a fellowship" (Soltau’s Def. adapted). Thus, the missionary strove to win responsive hearts to Christ, to disciple and train leaders in order to achieve the goal — planting churches. Once this had been reached, he was to move on to a new location. Mission accomplished! Yet for a long time already there has been a growing uneasiness about the “indigenous church" being slow in picking up their own missionary obligations. These missionary-weak congregations tend to level off to the general size of 50-l(X) adherents, majoring on fellowship and exhortation. E.C.Pentecost calls this the “funnel” approach and that in its place we use the “inverted funnel” philosophy (EMQ), making or considering the formation of a church only a beginning or as a means toward the end of the fulfill­ ment of the Great Commission. The Andes Evangelical Mission in 1972 revised their statement to read, “The building of the church according to Scriptural prin­ ciples, working through the church, societies and individuals to make disciples ofJesus Christ for the fulfillment of the Great Com­ mission" The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) in 1967 word­ ed their strategy statement: “To make Christ known, to raise up disciples, and to plant the Church.” In 1974 this was revised to, “To plant the church, to raise up disciples, to make Christ known to all peop/e”(EMQ). Here the missionary sees himself as part of a team, joined as co-laborers with those of like precious faith but assembled in another geographical area (Pentecost). Engel, in his book, “What’s Gone Wrong With The Harvest?” calls this “remaining at the cutting edge instead of going into ad­ ministration.”

MORATORIUM The initial meaning of “Yankee, go home" seems to have chang­ ed rather to mean “let us be ourselves” — a giving of breathing space and elbow room to the national church. (In order to get this they are calling, probably for a reduction in financial assistance and a relocation of missionary personnel, more to their ideals.) They realize they cannot pick up the program independently, yet pray to be delivered from the missionary who still sees himself as the saviour, leader and consultant rather than a servant and co-worker (EMQ). Western colleges and institutes are guilty of this attitude programming. The new missionary of the new day must be programmed to be the servant in the literal sense of the word (Kane). The established national church demands a say on who is com­ ing and what he is going to do. It desires to be able to communicate directly to the visiting executive, and not via the local missionary who might, too personally, be involved. In church developed areas the missionary who is unable to draw respect and the right to leadership, yet seeks to do so from the power position of office, generates disrespect, and thus the old moratorium takes place. This ability to communicate crossculturally, Wagner calls “the missionary gift.” We must remember our Third World born again brothers are not immature people in their own rights. If we will step aside only when we feel we should, we most likely never will. To the understanding missionary it is not “go home" but “we need you and please let us tell you where we need you most.” For such a missionary, they know nothing but words of gratitude.

APRIL 15. 1977

Leadership - Sanders, in his book, “Spiritual Leadership," says that the greatest calamity, second only to the removal of the Holy Spirit, is the failure to raise up competent leadership. To fail in raising up leadership is greater than to fail in bringing in many souls. Churches are adequate or inadequate in direct proportion to their own leadership. Leadership is the ability to motivate and influence people toward a common goal. True functional leadership therefore cannot come from the “office" but only from gaining it by trust and confidence. The person who is useful or a good follower of the missionary is not necessarily their functional leader. Too often, individuals have been put in positions of eminence without taking this factor into consideration (Clark). The man with the ability to raise and motivate leadership is not always the one we see as a man of authority. Ken Strachan of Costa Rica was known as a man of this gift and today we have Orlando Costos, Juan Isaias and others. Nationals seem to be keener here than we are, thus the petition - let us in on the choices as to who is coming back. The above does not necessarily hold effect in unevangelized areas. EVANGELISM VERSUS SOCIAL ACTION At Lausanne, evangelism versus social action was a much debated subject, nor has it ceased to be a problem to us. Pablo Perez, a Latin American leader, says, “Initial church planting will ordinarily not take place by social action, but once the church has been planted, the social action must grow out of the church as a part of good works" (Eph. 2:10). David Cho of Korea said, “In Korea, from the beginning, social justice was the natural outcome of the Christian life, but never a method of evangelism. The full gospel must be emphasized instead of the social task. Then, through the new community, naturally the social issues will be solved” (CGB).

SATURATION EVANGELISM Dr. George Peters has come up with this term referring to the strategy of “presenting the gospel in every possible form, to every person of the land, to every stratum of society, to every home and individual overlooking no area nor community” (Wagner). Under this umbrella come Evangelism in Depth (Latin), New Life For All (Africa), Christ the Only Way (Philipines), I Have Found It (American) and not to leave out Canada - Key '73. These movements have become possible, effective and necessary due to the tremendous urbanization of the world’s population. These millions, moving away from old communities into the cities lose their taboos and are open for anything, including the gospel. We’d better be there! The harvest is truly penteous-white unto harvest out the laborers are so few!

Homogeneous Unit Prineiple - Church growth has come up with a hypothesis that not only in communities, but also in cities, “birds of a feather flock together" (e.g. China town in Wpg.). Therefore, we should cease to try to mix diverse cultural elements into one con­ gregation. Rather, they should be centered around one ethnic group, if possible, in order to maintain a sense of community. An outstanding example is a church in Yoido Island. Korea. In 1958 it started from a handful in a grass hut, to 30,(XX) in 1976 with a budget of over one million dollars. He divided the city into natural culturally related zones and put a leader into each one of them, who then started up either house churches or small inexpensive chapels. During the week church life is like any ordinary chapel, but on Sunday the new 1,311 of these chapels emerge on the central church, which seats 8,0(X) and fill it up three to four times on one Sunday! This enables members in otherwise large unrelated con­ cent'd on page 5

PAGE 3

God has not placed on us a burden we cannot handle. If He has commanded the Gospel be preached to every creature, it can be done.

Reaching the unreached G. W. Peters

w

e have in the world major blocks, either geographic or as people, that can be classified as unreached people. You may be surprised when I begin with Europe. Con­ sider the large northern belt of the Mediterra­ nean - Spain, Italy, Albania, Yugoslavia, Greece and Rumania, This constitutes a block of about 140,000,000 people, all of whom can be reached in one way or another except Albania. We have relatively few missionaries in these countries. There are far more mis­ sionaries per capita in Latin America, Africa, Japan or Indonesia. I consider Italy one of the most open fields to the gospel that we have in all of Europe. I dare to say it is one of the most responsive fields in all of Europe. The second great block is the Muslim world, and here we’re speaking of 500,000,000. I must raise a question here as to whether Indonesia can be classified as a Muslim country, even though there are millions of Muslims there. Indonesia is only superficially Islamic, with only about 36% registered as Muslims. At any rate Indonesia is as open to receive the Gospel as any coun­ try, and I would put Iran in that category also. The third block is what we call the caste people of India numbering at least 500,000,000. Somehow these people have been bypassed simply because there were so many of the harijans who responded to the gospel. To date not many caste people have responded, but there is an openness today which cannot be ignored. They have been largely neglected. China is closed to missionaries, but not necessarily to the gospel. Radio penetrates every area of the world. Some 800 million people are walled off from the rest of the world but not from God. There is the fourth world, the world of tribal people. One of the greatest challenges before us comes from the concrete jungles of the third world cities. Of the 25 largest and fastest growing cities of the world, 12 are located in Asia. Only three are in the United States, four in Latin America, five in PAGE 4

Europe (including London), one in Africa. The vast concrete jungles of the cities of the Orient will soon constitute a world by themselves. I say amen to the person who said, “We ought to go to the areas where the life pulse is beating and evangelize there.” This means the cities of Asia. Few missions specialize in city evangelism in foreign coun­ tries. Only spiritual blindness and cold in­ difference to the eternal welfare of people can speak of missionary moratorium. We need all the manpower we can mobilize to get the job done. What can we do to reach these un­ reached? 1. We must place ourselves under the orders of God, fully convinced that God wants these people to be reached. I cannot accept the theory nor console myself with the idea that God has predestinated them to remain without the gospel. 2. We must set out with a deep faith that they are reachable and winable. Human standards are too misleading to be deter­ mined by them. Then why are we not reaching them? Last winter I taught a short course in evangelism in Virginia. I took my class to Lynchburg, to Jerry Falwell’s church. This is a church which has succeeded in winning 20 to 25% of the city into one church. I posed this question; “How do you go about reaching these people with the gospel?” Here is his classic statement, “From the beginning we prayed that God would give us the solid, absolute conviction that every man is reachable with the gospel if we only find the key to his heart.” Then he added, “God has not let us down.” You may ask me where does that leave you with the theory so prevalent today of go­ ing to the areas of high potential. I admit I am much more concerned in obeying the Lord than in following some theories, my emphasis is to reach the unreached, whoever they may be. 3. My third emphasis is prayer. A year ago last spring I spoke at a conference in Mount Hermon, California, together with

Leighton Ford. The last day an elderly godly lady came to me and said, “Brother Peters, I have been listening now for a whole week. I have enjoyed every session. But how come we have talked for one whole week about missions and have not had a single day of prayer for missions?” Then she concluded with a statement that should make us all ponder. “I think back 25, 40 years ago, to the many invitations we had for mission prayer conferences. How come we do not have those anymore?” 1 came away deeply depressed. We in mis­ sions have become so wrapped up in technology and methodology that we have forgotten that missions is first of all releasing of divine dynamics. Reaching the unreached means developing thousands of prayer cells in America and elsewhere, cells which will commit themselves wholeheartedly in prayer until the victory will be won. It is my conviction that missions will have to be done on our knees — in churches, in our constituency. iVe need spiritual mobilization. Mobilize thousands of people in specific prayer for specific areas, for specific needs. 4. We must discover strategic bridges for the gospel into these areas. Recently I read something about Kuwait. Most of us know little about Kuwait, and those who know just write it off as a country which gives us all kinds of pain in the neck because of the oil struggles. We hardly realize that Kuwait may be our very best bridge into the Arabic world. Kuwait has so far stood firmly for total religious freedom. Some 65% of Kuwait’s population is made up of im­ migrants from other countries that are open to the gospel. In Iran missionaries are moving about much more freely with the gospel. Iran may not be the bridge into the Arabic world but it could be a bridge into the Turkish world and into Afghanistan and Pakistan. 5. We must carry on careful, comprehen­ sive studies in order to find the bridges that we can best occupy in order to proceed into the unreached areas and to the people. For instance there are whole provinces in Italy without a single Christian Protestant witness; 55,000,000 people served by about 250 missionaries. We must develop a com­ prehensive map of every country, showing exactly where we are and where we need to go. We must do research on what the basic difficulties are which keep people from becoming Christian, and what it was in the gospel that helped them overcome those dif­ ficulties. 6. We must reach each group of people with a method, a strategy, a message, specifically for that group. I shall never forget the challenge given by a Shinto

THE MESSENGER

gentleman at a communications conference in Japan. “You Christians, you claim to have a message which all men should hear. When will you wake up and make it possible for them to hear? Japan will hear you if you will give it to them on television.” Expensive? Yes, but it may be a question of paying, or not reaching them. 7. We must carefully prepare men and women to pioneer specific assignments. I would like to see mature, experienced mis­ sionaries transfer from their well-established work into unreached areas. Relocation of missionaries is not easy, but it is essential.

8. We need to design united programs of several missions in order to develop strong and relevant ministries to specific areas and/or people. This is something we have not majored in but why should we not build teams of different missions and work together when absolutely necessary or more advantageous? 9. We must prayerfully consider assistance to churches and missions in the third world and help them develop mis­ sionary resources. They must be helped to advance beyond their present abilities and possibilities, to areas and to people not open

to western missionaries. The Church of Jesus Christ is not lacking in resources. In Korea 600 young people listened to me in a seminary chapel on mis­ sions. A gentleman told me, “Don’t challenge them too much — we cannot send so many.” Why? He said, “The churches do not have the finances to send them out.” God has not placed on us a burden we cannot handle. If he has commanded the gospel be preached to every creature, it can be done. — G. W. Peters Dallas, Texas

Trends cont’d

gregations to have a chance at responsibilities and to the warmth of smaller chapels at the same time. This cannot be the norm, but shows what Spirit-led strategy can do in unique situations. We must be expectant and obedient.

SHORT TERMERS One of the most dramatic breakthroughs in modern missions is the short term worker. Today only a few mission associations do not take on short termers. Most missionaries, regardless of their specialty, are required to do double and triple duties. Here short termers can move in and, in spite of inexperience or language barriers, do a remarkable job (e.g. Donald Plett and Henry Doerksen in Nicaragua). This new avenue of service appeals to the youth, who for some reason are reluctant to step directly into full time commitments, they want to test the waters before they leap. It has been noted that in some areas up to 50% of short termers come home “turned on” (motivating others to do likewise) and after some preparation and maturing, go back as career missionaries. There are numerous disadvantages that can be noted, such as inex­ perience, adolescent problems, just starting to get in and then hav­ ing to leave, language, etc., however the advantages are greater. Summer Missionary Program (SMP) - Today literally thousands of young people and young married couples do not spend their summers going to beaches and sunbathing, but are actively in­ volved in missionary activities, responding to specific invitations

from over 200 agencies, with some 3,800 openings available in 1976. Operation Mobilization is probably the oldest and largest in both short term service and SMP. They relieve missionaries for short summer vacations, distribute literature and do a hundred and one odd jobs. Many young people from national churches are motivated to follow Christianity by the presence of a young person living the life that they have seen up to that point only in a senior missionary. A fairly big percentage of SMP’ers later sign up for short term work and after some time become career missionaries. One SMP'er last summer remarked that in all his life, he had never been so motivated to make Christ his Lord, as through his SMP ex­ perience. Bethany Fellowship in St. Paul, Minn, has made it a principle that a missions major student must spend one year in short term work before graduating. In closing, we need to re-analyse our practices and strategies constantly. We need to be very much aware of the role of the Holy Spirit in missions. We must have our ears close to the ground to reach our Third World colleagues and to be sensitive to their feelings and reactions. Three billion yet need Christ. Over two billion are beyond reach of the Church’s direct evangelistic activities. There are about a billion to whom we have access, but are not being evangelized. One can go ten miles beyond many mission stations and find villages that have not yet heard (Winter).

CAMP STAFF REQUIREMENT Camp staff is required for a two week camp period at Camp Jubilee operated by the Portage EMC and the Newton M.B. churches. Camp One: Aug. 1-7 ages 7-10 years Camp Two: Aug. 8-14 ages 10-14 years Camp Jubiliee is on Lake Winnipeg some 20 miles from Portage. Campers are also welcome. There are also some dates still open for camp rental at a reasonable rate. Write or phone: Gladwin Plett SSI, Site 3, Box 17 Portage la Prairie, Man. RIN 3A6 Tel: 857-4821 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.

APRIL 15, 1977

PAGE 5

Letters CAN YOU HELP?

The Stratton Christian Day School has openings for both men and lady teachers for grades 1-8. — Bring your children to a Christian Day School — Help us in our total church program - Be instrumental in challenging and training the future workers of the church — A great opportunity for Christian ser­ vice Apply to: Henry G. Rempel Box 35 Stratton, Ontario POW INO At present we have had to say ‘no’ to several who have asked to send their children to our school. These children get no Sunday school. We are short of funds and personnel, just like any mission field! Peter B. Reimer Mennonite Christian Fellowship Box 45 Stratton, Ontario POW INO

MESSENGER APPRECIATED IN EGYPT Thank you so much for sending me “The Messenger.” I enjoy every issue as it comes my way. One article that was especially meaningful was “The Promise of the Land to Israel” by Elmer Martens in the November 12, 1976 issue. Since coming to Egypt and being exposed to the Arab view of the land of Palestine, I realize that the question of whom the land belongs to is a complicated one, and the Bible references to it are not as simple to interpret as many make it seem. So I found Elmer Martens’ article to be pertinent and presenting a very reasonable point of view in the issue. I shared the article with several friends who also expressed appreciation for the author’s viewpoint. Viola Fast The American Hospital P.O. Box 65 Tanta, Egypt

APPRECIATED EDITORIAL I may be kind of late but I’d like to res­ pond with a “thank you” to your editorial, “If I Were Called to a Church,” January 21 issue. Without further comment I also thank Brother Klassen (Feb. 4 issue, re Audible Praise) for his “Daniel courage.” The Lord deserves our praise. Re the editorial: Is it not a curse to the church that things secular may be done with imagination but things sacred must be carried on in dry tradition? In your writing

PAGE 6

Historical Flashbacks

He Had a Strange Thought THE YEAR WAS 1903 and a house was being moved from Blumenort to a location some three miles west to the farm of the John F. Reimers, later the home of grandson. Pete F. Reimer (now of Arborg). Moving equipment being used was ap­ parently very modern for that time. It was the first time, or nearly so, that houses were transported by steam engines. Proudly, I’m sure, the power source came from three almost new steam engines. The dwelling to be moved rested on two huge tree timbers. One of the men involved in the moving process was the late Rev. Henry R. Reimer of Landmark. During the moving operation one of Mr. Reimer’s arms got

caught beneath one of the heavy timbers. How it happened is not stated, nor are we told which arm, left or right. The story goes that as he was waiting for help to come and release his arm a strange thought went through his mind, namely that because of this accident to his arm he would be unable to pursue physical work and would maybe have to become a teacher. The historian then closes with these words, “These thoughts (of Reimer), born out of this painful situation, even though the arm was later remarkably restored, nevertheless became a future reality, resulting in a 25-year career of teaching for Mr. Reimer.”

N.B. Maybe yon bare a contribution to make to ’’Historical Flashbacks." Ifyou have a story which you fed is worth telling why don’t you send it in and we’ll see if we can publish it.

CONCURS WITH PRAISES 1 wish to refer to a “Messenger” article on “PRAISE." written by Pastor Cornie Loewen several months ago. Rev. Loewen spoke with deep feeling and devotion about

his visit to the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Nicaragua, Central America. He spoke of the great joys that are ours in Christ Jesus and our dear brothers to the south were not shy in their praises to their Master. Their worship, although accom­ panied by many a fervent clap of the hands and the odd heartfelt “amen” or “hallelu­ jah," gave great glory and praise to our Creator and Sustainer, Jesus Christ. With our Nicaraguan brothers, we blend our voices in perfect praise to our Redeemer! Praise the Lord! Abe Friesen Creighton, Sask.

COVER PHOTO: Surely one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland must be, Beatenberg. With the Thunersee below and the Swiss Alps in the background it makes a picture which one could not soon forget. Even though in black and white. I could not resist this shot of tulips alongside the street when my wife and I visited this place in 1972. The Alps, in faint out­ line. may be seen in the background. - D. S.

CONTRIBUTORS: In this issue, as you will notice, we are giving a prominent place to missions. The article, “Trends in Missions” is an address which was given by Alfred Friesen, formerly Nicaragua, to the Missions Advisory Council in January of this year. Mr. Friesen is now pastor of the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, Rosenort. Man. Dr. Peters “Reaching the Unreached,” is Professor of World Missions at Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas. He is also an author. The article is ex­ cerpted from an address to the Evangelical Foreign Missions Association/lnternational Foreign Missions Association last fall. The editorial then gives some personal observations by the editor. Our missions family has again responded with a number of contributions for which we are grateful. Mrs. Edmar Fast (Blumenort) lives in El Paso, Texas with her family. They are under EMC Mission. Susan Reimer (Steinbach) is with Janz Team in Brazil. Prudence West is a teacher in Belize. Evelyn Pletl (Landmark) sends in the testimony, “My Search for God”.

the priesthood of believers is given full validi­ ty and, in my opinion, this priesthood is in­ vited by its Lord to present all its talents and all its sanctified imaginations on the altar. That, in part, could be included in the abun­ dant life Christ promised, could it not? Arnold Brandt Arborg, Manitoba

THE MESSENGER

1

From the Editor I’M NOT SORRY I’M A MISSIONARY “Very few young people are interested in moving out to the (mis­ sion) fields,” observed a veteran missionary in our office the other day. She was not scolding. But it was an observation she had made during her furlough and it was spoken in a way which clearly showed she was puzzled and also concerned about this apparent lack of interest in missions. “We have so many young men and women that could help,” she continued, and added almost as an afterthought, “But then, the Lord said that we should pray ...” But this did not in any way affect her looking forward to her next term of service because she closed with, “Well, praise the Lord anyway. Tm not sorry I'm a missionary.” It was refreshing, to say the least, and inspiring to hear this clear testimony of one who had labored oft, Tm sure, under conditions less than ideal. Just this year at their annual Council of Boards meeting another larger Mennonite Conference heard the executive secretary make the observation: “We are beginning to feel a shortage of career mis­ sionaries.” In looking at the overall scene he acknowledged the trend towards short term workers, which was good, but added, “We must encourage more long-term workers who can provide stability and guidance to the work.” Our own missions program is in need of more workers. Speaking at a student seminar recently the executive secretary of our EMC Board of Missions, John K. Reimer, stressed the need for evangelism and church planting personnel on all fields. The TEE (Theological Education by Extension) needs volunteers in Latin America. Nurses are needed in Paraguay and Nicaragua. Help could be used in a book ministry, youth work and radio personnel. Pastors are needed for posts that are vacant or becoming vacant. Our daughter in Pakistan writes concerning a need for houseparents, “... would you really pray about a fellow or couple to take their (former houseparents) place ... If there is no one we’ll probably have a double load ...” All the foregoing examples make us ask, “Where are the new recruits?” Why are not more young people applying? Wherein lies the reason for this apparent dilemma? Should we maybe project some reasons. Maybe you’ll agree with some. Maybe you have some of your own reasons which I have not touched on. 1. The opportunity to stay at home and make money is a real temptation. It is so easy to rationalize and say, “I’ll stay at home and make money so that others can go.” This, no doubt, was also a tempta­ tion to a couple who applied anyway and went. “We were just at the stage where we would be able to make real headways finan­ cially,” they said. But this did not deter them. To exchange affluency for a life of uncertainty, as far as a livelihood goes, is a real test. One can understand this. On the other hand one remembers the words of Christ to His disciples, “When I send you out without purse, and scrip and shoes, lacked ye anything?” The answer was. No. On the other hand, not all that we may visualize if we stay at home may materialize either. How do I know that my staying at home will bring the prosperity which I am projecting? Crop failures or miscalcualtions may turn the tables entirely on my dreams for a comfortable future. To me it would seem that to leave everything in God’s hands, going or staying, is by far the safest course.

APRIL 15, 1977

2. Others may be reluctant to face hardships and privations that might be involved in missionary service. We are a soft people. To think of living in a two-room house without plumbing, with a family, may bring serious reservations. To think of a situation where you are so isolated that you have to buy your living supplies a year ahead of time may make you feel like giving up. Or, as one missionary put it, “If there had been a plane, I would have boarded it and gone home!” Nor does being a missionary necessarily mean that we will have to undergo special hardships; some more, some less. We have mis­ sionaries living in houses with conveniences as modern as we have at home. This does not mean, though, that they are any less a mis­ sionary than the one who has to make do. It’s a matter of heart dedication. 3. To some the test of faith may be too great. Some may feel the definite call to go to Bible school and prepare for a work in the Lord’s vineyard but lack faith that God will provide. Maybe you feel like this former student who related of his struggles; “About three years ago the Lord started to speak to me about going to Bible school. I had the definite consciousness that I should go to school. I half made up my mind that I would go that year. The time drew nearer for opening day and things started to grow more tense. We started to pray something like this, ‘Lord, if you want us there, send something supernatural,’ but nothing unheard of happened. To make a long story short, the school opened and I did not start. One week went by, then two and three. The fourth week I knew that it was now or never. I felt that God wanted us to trust Him and not to look to earthly things. At this time the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25 were especially a blessing to me. And on the basis of that promise I started school - four weeks late but nevertheless victorious.” All through Scripture people have been called on to exercise faith where the call of God was involved. God’s call to Abram was to a land which I will show you. At the time of the call everything except the next marching orders were veiled in secrecy. Abram did not know his ultimate place of residence but he trusted God (Gen. 12:1, Hebrews 11:8). Step by step the Lord led him. 4. Missionary conferences do not appear to generate as much ex­ citement and enthusiasm as they used to. I remember when the missionary conference, either in the church or Bible school, was one of the highlights of the year. It was an event not to be missed. It seems to me that Missionary Conferences are now one of a vastly increased number of activities which we did not have before, thus seeming to dissipate also their effectiveness. Some possible solutions: 1. Pray (Matthew 9:38). This is the Lord’s command. 2. Encourage young people to seriously consider serving the Lord as a missionary. 3. Budget for bursaries in your annual budget which would assist young people in attending Bible school. 4. Make missions an integral part of your whole church program. 5. See that every home has a copy of the new EMC Missionary Directory published by the Board of Missions (still available). 6. Consider missionary service, short or long term, for yourself. Different skills are needed. May the Lord help us to be faithful. —D.S.

PAGE 7

Missions Sunday school class often and enjoy a deep fellowship with the believers. As I look back to 1968,1 can only praise and thank God for leading me to King’s College. The Christian foundation there has done a lot to my life. Prudence West Belize

A day in language school

Prudence West, a graduate of King's College, teaching a class in Belize.

God, make me a new person Before I entered King’s College, I dreamt so much about being in a college. I was successful in my primary school, but the results of the entrance examination at the college in my hometown proved that I was unsuccessful. I was very disappointed. That same year, 1968, our whole family visited our grandfather at Lucky Strike, near King’s College. A neighbour told us about a college right at Carol Farm. It had opened in 1967, and strangest of all, it was a boarding school. Applicants at King’s College had already written their entrance examination. That didn’t stop me from applying. I wrote an ex­ amination all alone under the supervision of Mr. Klassen. I prayed for success even though it would mean being ninety-eight miles from my home. Now, I’m a graduate of King’s College. I was a stranger among the students and teachers at King’s College. The chapel bell sounded. It was time for the sharing of God’s Word. Mr. Klassen talked about the saved and the lost people. When Jesus returns the saved people will go with him but the lost ones will go with Satan. He explained that salvation is for all. The message was strange but I understood everything. I’d always heard about hell, and I believed it was real. I’d often asked God to save me from hell. As a result of this I became a member of the Methodist Church. I even taught Sunday School but I never knew about salvation. During the second chapel hour at King’s, I

PAGE 8

realized that God wanted me to become a new person. I realized that the message was for me. After that chapel hour I asked God to forgive me all my sins and make me a new person. It didn’t take long before 1 realized the battle that was in my life. I just couldn’t please God and myself at the same time. In past years I’d done things to please myself but now I have to please God. Before finishing secondary school I thought about attending Bible school which was taught on the same campus. My parents were doing their best to support me in high school. I knew they were more interested in high school than in Bible school. I prayed to God about that. My parents supported me half and I worked for the other half. After I had completed one year of Bible school I asked God to provide me with a job. I never wanted to be a teacher, but He open­ ed the way for me to teach at New Hope School. I was content and had a peaceful heart. I needed lots of patience and un­ derstanding. God helped me to teach the children and I learned to love them. Presently 1 am teaching nursery school in Belize City. Our aim is to reach the parents through the children. Some have already started attending the church since their children have been in school. I am involved with the young people’s and ladies’ groups in my church. God is helping me to understand people and to accept them as they are. 1 get to see the members of my

Rrrr... rrr... ring! Oh, that alarm clock! Is it six o’clock already? I might as well get up, have my devotions and get ready for the day. Is it ever hot and humid at this hour of the morning! My roommate is in charge of cooking this week. That means I have to do the dishes, etc.... It’s 9:00 already and I still have a lot of homework to finish; I can work till 11:00 today . . . Lunch time! That soup was really good. Now to walk those five blocks to the bus stop. There’s the bus already; we made it just in time. It sure is crowded today; there is very little standing room left but people are still getting on until if feels more like a can of sardines. We walk another three blocks to the school, up two flights of stairs, and make it just in time for our first class, with a few minutes to spare to catch our breath. In the first class the teacher is eagerly waiting for me to tell my Bible story and say my “grupo” (a prepared set of questions and answers), which has to be recited in 50, 60 or 70 seconds, more or less, depending on the length and the difficulty of the words. This has to be practised at home in order to do it in the time limit. I had time to do an oral exercise as well as read a chapter from the Book of Acts. Between the first and the second periods we have 20 minutes for chapel. The students all take turns being in charge . . . Second period grammar! Those verbs and all the different tenses, what a mixed up mess in my head! At the moment we are cramming in more than I can keep sorted out and filed in proper se­ quence. I’ll just keep working at it . . . Third period - practising “grupos," Bible memory verses, readings, (selected Bible portions), and if there’s time left, reading in unison from a book on the history of Brazil. How frustrating! I thought 1 knew those verses before I came today and now I just can’t remember them . . . School is over for the day and now for the trip home. It will be almost an hour before I get there. Good, this bus is not crowded! I can sit down and prac-

THE MESSENGER

tise my verses for the next half hour or so ... Now for that walk to the house to prepare supper and do homework till 10:00, have devotions, and after a good night’s rest, repeat the whole routine. I also do allow time for a children’s meeting, prayer meeting, letter writing and Sunday school preparation. These all fit together to make a full week. Susan Reimer

taking an active part in our memory verse course. Many will be winning a prize in the near future as they complete the first book of verses. For prizes they will be awarded a New Testament or a wall plaque. As the Christian ladies and teens get more and more non-Christians to come, will you join in prayer for their salvation? (The ma­ jority are unsaved.) Some are new and know little or nothing of God’s word. Others have come for some time and still haven’t made their decisions to follow Christ. My question is: Why don’t they? They seem to be so close. Your prayers could make all the difference. Pray also for the Christians that they will have the joy of seeing their friends find Christ. Mrs. Edmar Fast

My search for God

Mrs. Edmar Fast's ladies' class in Ju6rez, Mexico.

Sewing, singing, studying It is a joy for me to relate to you about a ladies’ class in Juarez. The Lord has been wonderful in answering prayer, as we see this class growing. About twenty-two are enrolled, including women, teenagers and pre-teen girls. Fifteen to eighteen come very regularly. They are taught to knit and sew, combined with an hour of singing and Bible study. The sewing opens the doors wide for the Mexican ladies. They are especially fond of knitting. I plan to give them a simple sewing course after Easter. During the sewing they have a great time of fellowship, young and old together. Virginia Amaya, a Christian lady, is helping with teaching the younger girls to knit. At the present time they are working hard, making gifts for Mother’s

Sometimes, in the children’s clubs es­ pecially, we have felt that the teaching of God’s Word could hardly bear fruit, es­ pecially in children who perhaps would at­ tend only a few times, but the Lord has shown us again through Jose that He uses every contact with the gospel to bring a per­ son to Himself. Sometimes we may not see the fruit immediately and sometimes not even in our lifetime, but we can be assured that God’s Word does its work, even though a contact we have made is only one link in a long chain. Here is what God has done for Jose, who attended just a few classes that we had for neighbourhood children, before we had to give them up because the family did not want us to continue. I recall that we felt bad about not continuing the class because we saw this young teenager was showing real interest. Jose was 15 when he attended the classes; now he is 17 or 18.

Jos6 Eugenio Burgillo Martin

Day. Lola is in charge of the offerings which are used to buy materials for blankets and tea towels. The last hour is spent in Bible study. We need to get simple teaching material in Spanish as we try to get the Mexican ladies to take over the Bible studies. It is a joy to see this work becoming more indigenous. Once a month different ones volunteer to bring some refreshments to celebrate the birthdays of that month. At the present time most of the ladies are

APRIL 15, 1977

My name is Jose Eugenio Burgillo Martin. I had my first contact with the gospel when I went to see the film, "The Holy Land,” which was being shown in a theatre in my ci­ ty, Segovia. At the end of the film 1 was given a card to fill out, giving my opinion, which 1 did. Since it also offered a free New Testament, I asked for it as well. Soon after, a missionary brought it to me personally, for which 1 thanked him, but in two long years I

only read the four Gospels and, since I did not meditate or really dug into it, I got very little out of it at that time. After that 1 attended a Bible club that two missionaries, Camila and Evelyn, had in a house near to my home, for two or three weeks, but I never knew why they left off coming. For one and a half years after that I felt spiritually cold. Then I came to know a young fellow named Jose Maria, a Catholic, and together with him and another fellow from work, named Fernando, we attended mass for several months, but every time I would come out of mass I felt frustrated because I did not feel that the priest was talk­ ing to me; he did not make me feel that I was a sinner when he’d speak of sinners. I only understood that we should give money to the Catholic church when they asked for it. But I went on feeling this emptiness in my heart that nothing could fill and many times I did not even get the affection from my parents and brothers. The truth is that in my home things never went well, not so much because of economical problems but because my parents did not get along well and if parents don’t understand each other, or can’t come to an understanding, how will parents and children? I say this because since there was a lack of communication, a wall was being built up higher and higher between us and I became more and more isolated. In October of 1976 a friend, Alejandro, got to know a young Christian girl and she spoke to him of Christ, and he in turn spoke to me of her. Shortly after, both of us spoke to this girl, together with another young Christian girl, and as they spoke to me I marvelled at the assurance, peace and joy they had concerning their salvation. As for myself, I felt curious and asked if we could come with them to church sometime, just to observe, and she said we could come anytime we wanted to. So one Sunday the four of us went together and after the service one of the missionaries (Camila), in whose classes I had been sometime before, came to speak to us. Personally, I was very interested in the message we had heard, and so Alejan­ dro and I attended the services several more times. I had been searching for God but now I understood why I had not found him because I had been looking for Him in sinful places and furthermore I was trying to find Him without realizing that it is He who wanted to come to me. When I came to realize this I accepted Him and gave myself to Him. Now I was twice His - once because He made me and twice because He bought me with His precious blood. Right after this I felt happy and joyful, and since Jesus had cont'd on page 12 PAGE 9

Messenger News

Left to right: Ed and Linda Giesbrecht with Roxanne Michelie; Haroid and Eiaine Giesbrecht with Heather Coiieen; and John and Dorothy Giesbrecht with Tyier James. Rev. John Koop is seen in the background.

BABY DEDICATION MacGregor: On March 13 three couples pledged to bring their children up in the nur­ ture of the Lord. We were reminded to live a Christlike life before our children, to have daily devotions and teach them the Scrip­ tures, to bring them to Sunday school and church regularly. The parents dedicatiang their children were Ed and Linda Giesbrecht, Harold and Elaine Giesbrecht, and John and Dorothy Giesbrecht. In the evening of March 13 our church was filled to capacity to hear the Rhineland girl’s choir. There were sixty voices and they made beautiful music together unto the Lord. The older folks especially enjoyed the Ger­ man numbers they sang. On March 20 the Freedom Quartet from Steinbach brought us a program in song. We especially enjoyed the son, “Prayer is the Key." Our choir under the capable direction of Birnie Bornn, has been busily practising their cantata for Easter. On April 3 they brought their Easter program at the Crestview Church and on April 7 at the Griswold In­ dian Reserve where Larry and Ruby Heppner are ministering. Dick and Mary Hildebrand just returned from a month’s visit to Paraguay where they visited mission stations and Mr. Hildebrand’s mother, relatives, and friends. We missed them and are glad they are back with us again. REVIVAL AND RENOVATIONS Creighton: Due to continued revival and an increasing number of folk coming to worship with us, the chapel auditorium proved too small. In order to accomodate the increasing

PAGE 10

number of “saints" who came "marching in" we decided to remove the cry-room from the main auditorium area. With this com­ pleted, the auditorium can now seat an add­ ed forty people at least. These renovations touched off a few others, one being a new staircase to the basement. To make room for these renovations, the suite in the basement is presently accom­ modating two Sunday school classes. And, incidentally, both the adult class with teacher, Stan Klassen, and the youth class led by Abe Friesen, are presently experien­ cing some rapid growing pains! This truth brings joy, not only to the Sunday school director, Henry Rempel, and his secretary, Mary Klassen, but to everyone involved. One could add that there is presently a strong emphasis on the memorization of Scripture and the response is rather wonder­ ful. To God be the glory! You want to hear something great? We did. A group of singers known as the “Children of Light” were touring the north country during the March school break. These seven singers, assisted by a pianist, plus a speaker by the name of Glen Koop, arrived here from the Steinbach Bible Insti­ tute on the last day of March and gave glory to God in both song and word. The earlier renovations proved beneficial, for even some unsaved friends were in attendance, swelling our number almost to a hundred! We praise the Lord with the Children of Light and pray that God may continue to bless their ministry in the future.

TRAVELLING Pleasant Valley: A number of our members have taken time out to travel this winter and as a result our former pastor and his wife have really been blessed with visitors. Travelling south were the John Loewens, Jake Cornelsens, C. U. Kornelsons and Ken Loewens. The Dave Eidses can surely see that we are interested in the work and for us it is very enriching and a real blessing to visit them out there in Mexico. Our pastor and his wife, the Frank Friesens, left with a tour group for Haiti and visited many points of interest including Grace Children’s Hospital. They also visited with the Creole Gospel Quartet who served us with good music in November and are ex­ pected back here in April. Many of you will be eager to hear them again. Visiting with John and Connie Reimer in Nicaragua were their parents, Mr and Mrs J. P. D, Reimer, together with their children, the Jake Reimers from Swan River. Clarence Siemens boarded a jet and spent about two weeks visiting friends and relatives in Belize. Our choir has been busy practising an

Easter program called “Jesus of Nazareth.” They expect to present it at our Good Friday morning worship service and at the Stony Mountain Penitentiary on Saturday night.

“IN PRISON... YE VISITED ME” Vanderhoof: The snow is gradually dis­ appearing and the days are getting warmer. And along with this change of season comes an increase in activities. The young people, together with the band and the choir, went for a visit to the Prince George jail to bring a service on March 6. It was a very interesting change from the church buildings where we usually bring our programs. It really opened our eyes to the need of Christ these people have. On March 19 all the youth groups from the surrounding area including Granisle, Grassy Plains, Houston and many others joined together for a Youth Rally in Burns Lake. The messages, games, good food and eye-opening film were very refreshing to everyone present.

“LET NO MAN DESPISE THY YOUTH” Braeside: Studying God’s word, having Christian fellowship and just having a great time is what the Braeside young people’s group is all about. A good mixture of social activities and Bible studies is provided by having each one on alternating Fridays. The planning of these activities is not limited to a single small group. Everyone can get involved by joining one of our three com­ mittees. The music committee is in charge of such activities as the Coffee House we had on February 11. The social committee arranged for our hayride at Bird’s Hill Park. Everyone who attended this event was si.'re to be in the snow or trying to catch up more than they were on the sleigh. A fun-filled Hallowe'en party and a night of brisk skating at the St. Vital Park were also among the many events they planned. To help our spiritual need through Bible studies we have the Christian Education committee. Just recently we concluded a study on the book of James. Led by different young people we were encouraged to express our thoughts and feelings on certain verse.s or passages in the portion being studied. Many blessings and truths, which made us take a look at our own lives, were derived from the studies of this book. James chapter three talks about controlling our tongue, a passage which truly applies to every Christian. To head each of these committees a chair­ man was chosen. Once a month these representatives meet with Gordon Kroeker, the youth sponsor, to compose a general THE MESSENGER

schedule for the next month and just discuss the whole program to see that everything is running smoothly. This executive committee is made up of Travis Kroeker, head of the Christian Education committee; Jerry Martens, head of the music committee; Miles Reimer, head of the social committee; Jan Bartel, head of the now defunct newspaper committee; and of course the Gordon Kroekers, If getting involved in one of these commit­ tees isn't your bag, we can always find something else for you to do. Several fundraising events are held which prove that it’s not all play and no work. An empty parking lot, some pails and rags, and an abundant water supply was all that was needed to raise approximately $100 at our carwash. This money was used to help pay for our summer weekend retreat at the Campus Life camp on the Lake of the Woods, A slave day, which is now in the planning stages, is another way in which we can put our energy to good use. At times the regular meetings may be cancelled in order for the group to support things such as conferences or the EMC Sno-Camp, which a large number from our group attended. Just attending and participating in the meetings, whether they be Bible studies, social activities of Prayer and Praise gatherings, is by far the most important role anyone can play. The Prayer and Praise gatherings mentioned are held once a month after the Sunday evening service. Gathering together in different homes gives us the op­ portunity to share our own needs as well as our burdens for others. Many special prayer requests are given, each one being brought to the Lord by a number of individuals. Notes of praise and encouragement through the Word, as well as singing, bring us closer to one another as we share the one thing we have in common — Jesus Christ, We can be assured that our meetings are a good source of fellowship and will continue to be so as long as they glorify God, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst” (Matthew 18:20, N.A.S.). SERVICES FOR THE DEAF Blumenort: Every first Saturday of the month many of the deaf in southeastern Manitoba, and other interested people, gather for a special service for the deaf. Different churches are asked to present the programs which are interpreted for the deaf through sign language. April 2 was another such evening except that this time the deaf brought the program and the interpreting had to be done for the others. The program consisted of songs, testimonies, poem, and a message by the deaf pastor from Calvary Temple. The message was interpreted by the pastor’s thirteen-year-old son. Approximate­ ly 40-50 deaf people were present. Come and join the deaf some evening and fellowship with them!

APRIL 15, 1977

Friday, March 25, a group from the Poplar Hill Development School, run by the Red Lake Mission, brought a program in our church. On Sunday evening, March 27, our thoughts were turned to Revelation 2:2-5 where the Ephesus church is admonished about leaving their first love. The speaker was Rev. Isaac Driedger from the Steinbach Gospel Fellowship. Lately we have again experienced growth in our church membership. On February 27 Mr. and Mrs. Jac Driedger, their children Frank, Mary and Suzanne, and Mr. and Mrs. David R. Friesen were received into our membership. Mr. Friesen is pastoring the Anola Chapel, one of Blumenort’s extension areas. On April 3, six others were received into membership: Mr. and Mrs. Pete Warkentin, Mrs. Lena Schinkel, Mr. Wilfried Kopp, and Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Budala, who were received as associate members. A Sunday school class has been started for the mentally handicapped. Mrs. Pete Kehler is the teacher. Our sympathies go out to Mrs. Hugh Elkie and the family on the sudden passing of their husband and father. He leaves three sons and one daughter. May God be your comfort and strength.

DEEPER LIFE MEETINGS Rosenort: A time of spiritual instruction and blessing came for us from March 20 - 27 as Rev, Arden Thiessen preached a total of nine sermons during this week, A “natural” op­ timist, Rev, Thiessen has the gift of inspiring others to greater zeal and trust. This was evi­ dent even during the children’s stories, of which he told several during the week. Brother Thiessen started the series of messages with “The Goodness of God” as we see it revealed in His giving His Son, forgiving our sins, meeting our needs, being patient with us, and convicting us of sin when necessary. The next message was on prayer in which he pointed out the tremen­ dous potential for changing things through prayer. However, the very fact that we pray is more important than how God chooses to answer. (It will likely result in a change in us rather than in our circumstances.) On Monday the topic was “Worldiness,” an attitude of the heart. Tuesday was young people’s night and the topic, “The Future Has Not Been Cancelled Yet.” Many Christians have a pessimistic view of the coming end time, and they may be correct in their thinking. “But don’t jump overboard too soon; the ship is still afloat.” We are liv­ ing in exciting times where more people are being won to Christ than ever before; let’s get in on it! “Building Better Relationships” was based on Ephesians 5 and 6 as well as I Corinthians 13. It’s interesting to note how much we still need to learn from these chapters. Luke 23:32 was the text for “The

Conversion of the Converted," and Matthew 11:6 for “The Forgotten Beatitude,” You may not be making the desired progress in your Christian life, but keep at it; there is no promise for the “dropout”! The final messages spoke more to un­ believers. “The Meaning of Faith” (giving up with one’s self and trusting in Christ), was followed by “Joining God’s Company.” Eight reasons were given why a person should become a Christian, and all were con­ vincing arguments. It pays to serve Jesus! Pastor Loewen led in singing choruses, with the theme song being, “I Will Serve Thee Because I love Thee.” Singing groups from our congregation as well as from other areas also helped to tune us in to Christ. May the results of these meetings be far-reaching, is our prayer.

Mr. and Mrs. John K. Loewen celebrated their golden wedding on April 2, in the presence of many well-wishing friends. The delicious meal in the lower auditorium of our church was followed by an equally appetiz­ ing program of spiritual songs, poems, reminiscing, slides and a short message by Pastor Loewen. The couple’s children and grandchildren were all present to honour God and their parents. Son Frank capably chaired the program with a “no nonsense” brand of humour, while the Dave Friesen and the Dave Kliewer families used their musical talents very well. All in all, it was a real treat to be there, and we wish the Loewens every blessing in their sunset years. “Oh, give thanks unto the Lord!”

OCCUPATIONAL BREAKDOWN Morweena: Not having any particular event or subject to elaborate on 1 thought I’d give you an occupational breakdown of our church. Twenty-six households are represented in our approximately one-hundred-member local. We are served by one deacon couple, and three couples in the gospel ministry. A minister election is pending. Most of our members are involved in farming. Besides that we have three school teachers and four nurses; two girls are in nurses’ training. We also have three business establishments. Quite a few members are employed as carpenters, laborers, truck drivers and building movers. Not of least importance is our experienced garageman. Three short term missionaries have gone out from our church. Our membership has quite an age spread all the way from a widower brother of 76 down to fourteen-year-olds. It is a great experience to live in this com­ munity. Why not come and visit us? You are welcome!

PAGE 11

Around the World

i;

DRIEDGER APPOINTED TO OVERSEAS SERVICES POSITION Winnipeg — Arthur Driedger, outgoing director for Mennonite Central Committee (Manitoba), has been appointed MCC (Canada) associate director for overseas ser­ vices. Driedger will be responsible for ad­ ministrative matters relating to the service programs for Mcnnonites from Mexico sett­ ling in Canada; for initiating efforts to clarify the citizenship status and documentation of Kanadier Mennonites now living in Mexico; and for Die Mennonitische Post, a Germanlanguage newspaper MCC (Canada) is spon­ soring until it becomes self-supporting or other groups provide funding. All of these ef­ forts are already underway. In addition, Driedger will be responsible for specific duties in the overseas department of MCC (Canada) such as material aid, SelfHelp Crafts Inc., exchange visitors, and im­ migration.

PUBLISHING BOARD APPOINTED FOR NEWSPAPER Winnipeg — Mennonite Central Com­ mittee (Canada) has appointed an interim publishing board to assume responsibility for the publication of Die Mennonitische Post, a German-language international newspaper to be off the press soon. The board consists of members from the Old Colony, Sommerfelder and Chortitzer Mennonite churches, the Evangelical Men­ nonite Conference, the Evangelical Men­ nonite Mission Conference, MCC (Canada) staff, and the Conference of Mennonites in Canada. The members are Frank H. Epp, Waterloo, Ont.; Menno Wiebe, MCC (Canada); William Janzen, MCC (Canada), Ottawa office; Herman A. Olfert, Winkler, Man.; Died. J. Gerbrandt, Winnipeg; Abram Wiebe, Winkler, Man.; Peter Peters, Win­ nipeg; Willie Dueck, Arborg, Man.; and Art Driedger, MCC (Manitoba). The board is to be responsible for es­ tablishing policies, appointing an editor, and setting a budget.

PAGE 12

THE MESSENGER

The newspaper, initially sponsored by MCC (Canada), is expected to be selfsupporting within five years. It is also hoped that Kanadier Mennonite groups will provide financial support. Two churches in southern Manitoba have already sent $2,000 designated for the Post. The newspaper, being organized and prepared by MCC volunteer Abe Warkentin on the advice of the Kanadier Mennonite Colonization Committee, is to serve as a communication link between the various Kanadier Mennonite groups in the Western Hemisphere. Kanadier Mennonite is a name given to descendants of those Mennonites who came to Canada from Russia in the l870's. These Mennonites are now concentrated in Mexico, Canada, Bolivia and Paraguay. Kanadier Mennonite groups in Canada have en­ couraged MCC (Canada) to initiate a newspaper and visits to the colonies have in­ dicated there is interest. It is expected the newspaper will rely heavily on letters from the various com­ munities for its material. The first issue is to be ready in April. AUTHOR CALLS FOR RETURN TO SPIRITUAL VALUES “Christians must be governed by more than material self-interest,” Gordon G. Talbot reminds the readers of his new Herald Press book. Overcoming Materialism. “Devotion to money and the things it can buy often begins to replace the devotion that belongs to God alone," he warns. Talbot does not ask us to despise material things, but he reminds us once again that “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Most of Talbot’s career has been devoted to teaching - at Bryan College, Dayton, Tennessee; Houghton College, Houghton, New York; Detroit Bible College, Detroit, Michigan; Canadian Bible College/Canadian Theological College, Regina, Saskatchewan; Winnipeg Bible College/Winnipeg Theological Seminary, Otterburne, Manitoba; and Christian Schools, Inc., Glen Cove, Maine, of which he is currently presi­ dent. Overcoming Materialism by Gordon G. Talbot is published in paperback by Herald Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, and Kitchener, Ontario. It is available in bookstores for $1.95.

Growing Ministry: Quebec Canadian Mennonite Brethren Churches have ofTered much support for the work of evangelism and church planting in Quebec. During the past months Christians everywhere have been intrigued by the growth of the evangelical witness in this province. Conversions have taken place, people have been added to the church, and churches have become responsible entities in the French community. There are four growing Mennonite Brethren churches just north of Montreal. Church delegates meet regularly to review the work of the churches and to project plans for their various joint activities including the summer camp work at Camp Pniel, Bible conferences, evangelistic meetings and youth conferences. The Bible institute at Ste. Rose is the latest addition to the work in the area.

Testimony cont’d from p. 9 come to dwell in me, I experienced real peace. Alejandro also accepted Christ but his tremendous mistake was that he accepted Him only as an historical personage and did not trust in Him only and completely. Little by little he has drifted away and now has fallen into vices he never had before. Though Fernando had been with us that first Sunday, he left off coming with us and went with Jose Maria on Sundays, but since he worked with me he saw something in me that I suppose he had not seen before. Later he came to see the film on Martin Luther and began attending services quite often. At last he too committed himself to the Lord. That is a month ago and he continues true to the Lord. As for myself, I have been growing more and more in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the point where I feel called of Him to serve. At this point of writing I can only say that the Lord has blessed me greatly and has never failed me, though I must confess that I have failed Him, and for this reason I ask you to pray for me that I may be faithful in following Him. Amen. Jose Eugenio (Translated by Burgillo Martin Evelyn Plett)