The Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
Vol. 16
No. 6
Mar. 17/78
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• The Significance of the Cross • Paraguay Missions Conference
I. The significance of the cross in Christian revelation. IL The significance of the cross in Christian experience. III. The significance of the cross in history.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSS by Harold J. Ockenga TEXT: John 12:32 "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." SCRIPTURE: John 12:20-36
At the time of the last Passover of Jesus' life, certain Greeks came to Jerusalem to the feast and said, "We would see Jesus." They were pagans who had become God-fearers and were worshipping at Jerusalem. They were interested in Jesus, they desired to see Him, to evaluate Him and to know Him. They had heard of His teaching, His works. His person, and His triumphal entry. When they came to the disciples, Philip and Andrew brought them to Jesus who told them of His cross, of His death and the ter mination of His earthly ministry. Ap parently, He considered His crucifix ion the most significant fact to declare unto them. So it must be to every per son who would evaluate Jesus today. If you would see Jesus, if you would understand Him, it must be through the cross. A. FoRETELLINCHiSOWN DEATH
The only ground on which these Greeks could approach Him, could understand Him and could share His work was through Calvary. The Gen tiles are still aliens to the com monwealth of God and strangers to His promises. They are made nigh only through the blood of the cross.
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The ultimate victory of Calvary was suggested by the coming of these Greeks. They represented the masses from the nations of the world who would believe. Only a few of the Jews accepted Him, but countless masses of the Gentiles have believed (Isa. 53:11). He stated the principle unto them, "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but
if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." The practice of this principle was "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." And the pattern was given in His own ex perience, for He said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." All this was connected with the judgment of this world and the prince of the world.
B. ForeordainedofGod The crucifixion was a deed of rebellion of wicked men who with devilish ingenuity expressed their an tipathy, hatred and rejection of Christ. Peter said, "Him ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." This displayed the depth of human depravity, iniquity and evil in the crucifying of a man so good, no ble, kind, true and humble. He was righteousness incarnate, but men did not want Him. Nevertheless, all this was determined by the divine wisdom
and love so as to turn this evil of men into an atonement for those who crucified Him. He returned good for evil, love for hate, forgiveness for in solence. God overruled the worst that man could do for his own good. C. Foundation fact of redemption Many facts about Christ are true and necessary, such as His deity. His virgin birth. His sinlessness. His miracles. His resurrection, but none of these can be called the center point of redemption. When we consider the imperative condition of salvation, we are brought face to face with the significance of the cross. It is the heart of ail that God has done for us (Gal. 6:14). We may preach about the good life, about the Christian revelation on God, about eternal life, about the forgiveness of sins, but if one does not preach the cross, he is not preaching the gospel (I. Cor. 1:23; I. Cor. 2:22). I. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSS IN CHRISTIAN REVELATION A. THE PLACE OF DIVINE REVELATION
1. In the law We have above stated the principle of the cross involved in the law. The Lord decreed that the shed blood of animals was given by divine appoint ment to be used as an atonement for sin to effect expiation and cleansing. THE MESSENGER
The preaching of the cross has power. It is a declaration of the riches of God’s grace offer ing forgiveness, regeneration and inheritance in heaven. The blood was given as a means of atonement for the soul (Lev. 17:11). This blood could not be shed by any except through divine permission (Gen. 9:9; Deut. 19:11-13). When shed, the blood covered sin and made expiation until Christ should come, whose death would take away the guilt of sin (Gen. 3:15; Heb. 9:22; Rom. 3:25). Such a substitute life was laid down in expiation and had the value to cover but not to remove sin. It was symbolic of the great sacrifice in the shedding of the blood of Christ on the cross for man. The great ritual of this atonement occurred on what was called the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16). Yet this ritual was fulfilled and abrogated by the full atonement. Thus the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom, the way into the Holiest of All was opened, the remedy for sin had been offered in the cross of Christ. 2. In the prophets (I Pet. 1:10) The prophets had difficulty with this thought of a suffering Messiah, and yet they found ample teaching concerning the necessity of His suff ering. A brief glimpse at Psalms 22 and 69, Isaiah 53, Daniel 9:26, Zech ariah 11:11-13 and 13:6, 7 will give ample evidence of the presence of this prophecy of suffering in the prophets. Even the Lord used these to prove His identification with the Messiah to His own disciples (Luke 24:26, 27). 3. In the Gospels Here we see the importance of the cross by the fact that at least onefourth of the Gospels is given to the passion of our Lord. The event was in terpreted by Him so as to infuse the proper meaning in His own death (Matt. 20:28; John 12:24, 3:12; Matt. 16:22). When this suffering and death was united with riis resurrection, it constituted the gospel (I Cor. 15:1-3). Thus He was the innocent lamb (John 1:29) who became sin (II Cor. 5:21; I Pet. 2:24) under the wrath of God (Gal. 3:13) and endured the curse of hell in our place (Eph. 4:12; Heb. 2:14). B. The purpose in revelation The cross exhibits God's righteousness and holiness. God did not spare His own Son (Rom. 8:32). He spared many before Him, both in dividuals and nations (Rom. 1:18), but not His own Son Christ. God's full judgment on sin fell upon Christ. All that holiness could do was done to sin
MARCH 17, 1978
in Christ as He became sin for us. God need never again visit His wrath upon men because His holiness is satisfied by this infinite atonement. Simultaneously, it exhibited love and mercy. This act of giving His only begotten Son demonstrated the at tribute of divine mercy which in itiated our redemption. Love found a way. It went deeper than all our sin. Simultaneously, it displayed wisdom. No man would have invented such a means of salvation. Man always leans to works, but God's wisdom provided One good enough and worthy enough to pay the price of sin. C. THE POWER OF THIS REVELATION
The preaching of the cross has power. It is a declaration of the riches of God's grace offering forgiveness, regeneration and inheritance in heaven. This is a message sufficient to enkindle the enthusiasm of all. Thus it moves to repentance and faith. It is strange how the thoughts of what our. sin did to a God who thus loved, suf fered and redeemed moves the hearts of men. The preaching of the cross makes the sinner a new man by the cleansing of the blood of Christ, by the creative work of the Holy Spirit and by his changed status in justifica tion. This preaching also motivates life, inspiring love and devotion in Cod's service. II. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSS IN CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
There are three phases of the cross which the Christian must experience. No more and no less. The preaching of the cross must include all three.
A. Salvation The primary meaning of Calvary is that our salvation is provided through Jesus' death. An examination of the emphasis which Christ put upon the cross and the background of the Biblical exposition of its necessity and of the interpretation placed upon it by the epistles makes us realize that our faith in the substitutionary death of Christ brings us a declarative righteousness and opens to us the flow of regenerative life. Gratitude should inspire us for salvation provid
ed. B. Sanctification He who is born again through faith
in Jesus' crucifixion is born crucified. He takes a position of identification with Christ on the cross, so that he is crucified to the world without and the world within. This results in the power of deliverance from all evil and the in ner impulsion of the Holy Spirit to identify us with the life of Christ. This truth was presented in Romans 6-8. C. Service The third principle represented by the cross is that of self-denial, sur render and service (John 12:25). Just as Christ left us this pattern of self denying service. He expects us to practice it in order to be like Him. We too must take up our cross and follow Him.
III. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSS IN HISTORY A. Reconciliation ofGod AND MAN When Jesus Christ on the cross cried, "It is finished," it meant that men no longer have their sins im puted to them. God is reconciled, satisfied, and nothing can be added to the work which has been done. There is now a redemptive power in history. The harlot, the thief and the murderer may now be forgiven. Men are not lost because they are sinnerss but are lost because they do not believe on Jesus Christ who satisfied divine justice. Mankind, therefore, must abandon its religion of works and merit and be accepted with Cod through Jesus Christ. B. Redemption OF theChurch The cross made possible the Church of Jesus Christ. From Calvary, came the birth, the growth and the witness of the Church. Christ loved the Church and washed it with His own blood; He constituted it His body. The conquest and victory of the Church are due to the presentation of the truth of Calvary.
C. Renewal of the world By Calvary, all things are reconciled to God. This includes nature (Rom. 8:23), animals (Isa. 11:6, 7) and the heavens and the earth (II Pet. 3:10).
CONCLUSION The significance of the cross is that it separates men from sin and the sav ed from the lost. The cross is God's means of salvation of the lost.
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straight Talk by Mel Koop
WHAT'S WRONG WITH DEPRESSION? Don't we all experience highs and lows from time to time? Some for a longer period, some for a shorter. Others experience a more profound low, while still others have extreme highs. But sooner or later, most folks to a greater or lesser degree are engulfed in a pit of depression. Ob viously there are those who seemingly are more equipped to cope with these situations. (Reader: Why don't each of you write me in ten sentences or less, how you've experienced victory over your "lows".) You know, when I consider the depressed moments of my brief life, I must admit that the basic cause has been my fallible assessment. I see myself as lacking talent, time and money. I also face a host of frustrations due to cir cumstances I can't even control. Furthermore, the out come of these circumstances has been quite contrary to what "I" wanted. Interestingly enough, when I read about some Bible characters, I find that I've joined no new club. For example, Moses was depressed (Numbers 11:10-18) to the point of wishing himself dead. Why? He was unable to supply sufficient grocery-meat for his complaining com pany. On top of this, he hated to see the end result of his leadership in circumstances totally out of his control. Why was Elijah depressed? (I Kings 19:1-8) For one, he saw himself as a "lone spiritual giant". He was extremely tired. He was over-exercised. He had lots of opposition from one "lady". He reasoned; "I've got to die sooner or later and it might as well happen when it's a 'blessing'." Jonah was depressed because he thought he had lost his reputation. His dramatic prediction of the destruction of Nineveh would not take place. Now people would never believe in him again. Oh, what a pity! Jonah had no control of the situation, as he wished he had. What conclusions can we draw from all this? In each man's life, God revealed His infinite presence and power. To Israel He supplied an abundance of meat and gave directions of administration to relieve Moses of his overload. To Elijah, God gave proper sleep for his hyperactivity and fed him from God's divine bakery.
Letters
And Jonah's uncontrollable circumstances were screened to show Jonah that God was in control ob both man and nature. What's wrong with depression? 1) First of all, a depressed person has a low self-image. But as Christians we must acknowledge the fact that we're made in Cod's /mage. 2. Secondly, a depressed person makes life miserable for others about him. That means that the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23) is not controlling our lives. He inevitably works in us Love, Joy, Peace. . . etc. 3) A depressed person does not control his mind and thoughts. Certainly this is contrary to the teaching of scrip ture which challenges us to allow the "mind of Christ" to be in us (Phil. 2:5). Romans 8:5 and Colossians 3:2 both tell us to "set our mind ..." We can set our minds to do things just about like we set our alarm clocks. 4) I see depression as a chain of mental habits that have become deeply ingrained. Remember, Jesus can help us reprogram our thoughts and minds. 5) Depression, I suppose, is a spiritual battle whereby Satan attacks us and basically only the power of Jesus can set us totally free. 6) Lastly, I see selfishness as a prime characteristic of depression. Depressions are disappointments for His appointments.
Defeat "If you think you are beiiten, you are; If you think you dure not, you don't. If you'd like to irin but you think you can't It's III most II cinch you iron’t. If you think- you'll lose, you're lost. For out of the u'orld ire fhiil Success be</i)is icitli ii felloic''s irill; Its Illi hl the sfiite of iiihirl.
If HOU think you're oiifcliisseil, you lire; You're yof to think hiyh to rise. You're yot fl) he sure of yourself before You cun ever irin u prize. Life's buttles don't uliruys yo To stronyer or fnster men But soon or lute the niiin irho irins Is the one irho thinks he cun." (Author Unknoirn) STRAIGHT TALK is sponsored by the EMC Social Committee. The writer, Mel Koop, serves on this committee. Today's article is the fifth in a series.
I thought rd just send this along, but if you have no need, or space, for it, that's alright too. Edwin is off today to Saskatoon at four this
LOOK FORWARD TO MESSENGERS
Letters Cont'd Page 11 It is a long time since we've sent a letter your way. We still read the Messenger regularly. In fact, Ct, everyone at our house does and we look forward to its arrival here .... Do you still take unsolicited material now and then? I wrote this poem for the in terchurch Good Friday service here in Carrot River....... two ’ .years ago C, . . .
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CONTRIBUTORS:
In keeping with the season we are present ing the article "The Significance of the Cross", by Harold I. Ockenga. The message is reprinted from the book PROTESTANT
PREACHING IN LENT, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, copyright 1957, used by permission. Violet Wright is the wife of Edwin Wright formerly of Riverton, Man. They now live in Carrot River, Sask, where they are involved in a bookstore ministry. Mission section contributions come from Susan Reimer (Steinbach), Brazil; Henry and Florence Goertzen (Mennville) in Japan under Japan Evangelical Mission. Harvey Plett (Blumenort) is in the Bahamas. COVER PHOTO: By the editor. (Taken at Red River Community College during a PHOTOGRAPHY II evening course.)
THE MESSENGER
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From the Editor Ministering to One Another (3) In our series on the "one anothers" ministry we have so far looked at four of the places where we have this con cept emphasized in Scripture. They are the following: • Love one another (1 John 3:11) • Pray for one another (James 5:16) • Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13) • Forbear one another (Ephesians 4:2) It would be my prayer that one or the other of these may have been an eye-opener or cause for further research on your part. This I would also desire for the ones we still want to write about including the ones today. • Confess your faults to one another (James 5:16) I would hazard to guess that of the 48 references to what we are to do for one another as fellow believers the one mentioned here is maybe a controviersial one. It comes into the area of making oneself vulnerable. It concerns itself with the whole area of being open and honest with ourselves in the sight of others; confessing our faults to one another. First of all, what is a faulH Is a fault a sin? I do believe that there is a danger that with today's shifts in word meanings we may well try and cover some of our sins by calling them faults or mistakes or weaknesses, etc. This seems to be one reason for Karl Menninger's recent popular book Whatever Became of Sinf And I think the question is perfectly legitimate. Because we do tend to sweep our inconsistencies under the rug. Now, a fault may be a sin. This, I think, is perfectly clear from scripture. Nevertheless, the Greek work used for fault in James 5:16 is a different word, paraptoma, than that used for sin, hamartia (as in 1 John 1:9). But when I went to my versions and translations my theory was shattered! I thought I had a case for fault and sin. But none of the other translations which I checked would support mel Only the venerable King James translates it as fault. What then is the conclusion? It is that Bible translators pretty well by and large translate fault in James 5:16 as sin. I believe this also makes sense. And it is this that we are asked to confess to one another. A Protestant confessional, if you please! And surely not without merit. Now, I believe, we would all agree that there are various ways and means by which this can be done. We can con fess sins in public, in smaller groups and as one individualk to another. The Scripture would seem to suggest that it would be this last one which is referred to, one to another (both singular). Another thing we would all agree on is that only God can forgive sin, yet there is also a definite place for confess ing our sins to one another. Confessing our sins to one another is risky though. What if people will shun me? This is all true. An element of risk will always be in volved. But this need not happen. We all have, or should have, trusted friends with whom we can do this sharing. It need not be in a crowd or even a smaller group, unless it is to those we have sinned against.
I believe what the passage is speaking of is a means to victory over sin. If we bottle up too long, we may burst. We need an outlet. Some trusted, understanding friend may be just the person with whom to share and pray. Cary Collins, in his book. Living in Peace, so aptly writes, "While there is no value and probably no wisdom in ex posing ourselves to the whole world it is important for us to be honest before at least a few people." And then he adds a quotation from phychologist Sidney Jourard who significantly has said that "every maladjusted person is a person who has not made himself known. ... to at least one significant other person." I have personally experienced that confessing, bringing into the open, exposing faults—sins, if you please —has a therapeutic, healing effect. Then truly one can sing. He breaks the power of cancelled sin, He sets the prisoner free! • Bear ye one Another's Burdens: I am reminded of this as I think of the words of the preacher at the funeral this afternoon (March 7). The wife of the departed husband wished to express her thanks for all the acts of kindness shown to her during her bereavement. Here is true burden bearing. Many of us may recall how we heard testimonies in the last while of those who were "strong" and suddenly found themselves weak! Their strength dissipated. They were not as strong as they made out to be. How many of those we have in our midst has again been demonstrated during our crusade. Many, many who had had burdens which they should have shared a long time ago, but didn't. But our problem is that we are so busy. Many might like to share but sharing cannot take place merely in passing. And this is usually all we do. It's a hi and how are you and we pass on because we do not have time for in-depth encounters. I do hope that from now on we shall be willing to take time for the things that really matter, to listen to the hurts and frustrations of our fellow-men. We are called on to walk in His (Jesus') steps (1 Peter 2:21). We are encouraged to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) But what to me is just.as exciting or even more so is that you and I can actually fulfil the law of Christ, by bearing one another's burdens! (Galations 6:2) I think all sincere Christians are concerned to do the will of God. Often we are not sure what the will of God is for our lives. We are concerned to fulfil the law of Christ. But what is the law of Christ? How can we fulfil the law of Christ? Paul very simply says that if we bear one another's burdens we are fulfilling the law of Christi Isn't this tremendous? Does it not almost stagger our imagination? That we can actually fulfil the law of Christ. It does mine. In other words, Christ extends Himself through His body, the Church, to continue His ministry on earth. (Third in a series) D.S.
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.
MARCH 17. 1978
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Missions Missionary Conference — Paraguay
the weather. The Chaco wasn't very dry during my visit there. I remember lots of waterholes that we had to either go through or around. It was a memorable visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and wonderful hospitality you offered me while I was with you. Susan Reimer
The theme of the program was Philippians 4:19. For our opening session we gathered at the campfire (a generator supplied us with electric lights). Each evening we had some families or groups present either a story, ,, skit, ■ ‘ , or some special item which they had especially prepared for this conference. This was really enjoyed by the children, and grownups as well. We had some lively singing in Spanish, some testimonies
November 26 — We had a time of singing and devotions followed by a short business session to organize things again for the coming year, After this we heard reports from the various workers on their particular work and plans for the coming year, After a rest in the afternoon and some sports we had an ice cream ' 1 II , , treat; it got drippy in the heat before it was all over but it sure was good! In the evening, after a time of hearty singing and family specials, we heard a report by Mr. Wilburt Stahl. He spoke on the legal documentations and government organizations of the Indian work. He gave very helpful information to the group, especially to those who are involved in Indian work. November 27 — In the wee hours of the morning we gathered for a communion service. At 8:15 A.M. we began our Sunday morning service with a time of hearty singing and an • ° ° Ihour of Bible study. Our message this morning was by Rev. Henry Ratzlaff. Hie topic was "The Missionary and His Problems." It was very fitting and spoke to all of us present. After dinner we had just nicely settled down for our "Siesta" when it started to rain. It wasn't just a little shower, but a real Chaco downpour, Those from La Esperanza decided to go home before the roads would be impassable. The rest of us decided to pack up and goto Filadelfia and have
Greetings from the Bahamas this nice winter season! I want to share a few items with you of what is happening here on the field in the Bahamas. One area for which we are very thankful is the growing of the Bible correspondence courses, For the last three months we have received around 1000 courses through the mail and we have been busy correcting them, When we have corrected them we usual ly send along a Primary Day leaflet or a Power for Living sheet. We get quite a few favorable comments for enclosing these papers. If the person is older or if he has certain problems we also write a I__ _ personal letter or we enclose tracts that can help him in growing in his Christian life. One of the biggestt problems the people have here is that they th do not have assurance of salvation. We try to counsel with them through tracts or letters. It is quite interesting sometimes to read and answer the questions the children ask. Most of the questions deal with salvation or how to live the Christian life after they are saved. Please pray with us that we might have the wisdom to answer the questions that are being asked. We praise the Lord that we send courses to nearly all of the islands in the a few^to other Caribbean islands i.i--. like Jamaica, An i tigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, etc. If one lesson finds its way into a school or home gefTeqlests Vi^XVsfoVthe routes®
and then the message of the evening. This particular message was via radio, the final message by Rev. Gerhardt Giesbrecht which he .had prepared for the radio for Thanksgiving Day to be aired that evening. That morning at the Thanksgiving service in their church he had gone to be with the Lord. He I , - , I II . ... had a real challenging message. We had a season of prayer after which we went to our cabins for a good night's ■ rest..
the closing session at the Ernest Funks. Our group was quite a bit smaller now, but we still had a good time of sharing and speical family numbers. Then Mr. Diedrich Lepp tied it all together in his closing comments. It was well worth being there; thanks so much for the invitation, After this we were assigned to the . . , 1 \ 1 various homes for the night. I learned one very important thing while in Paraguay — your schedule often has to be adjusted according to
yVord spreads fast and the children like ,o have something to read and are really eager. If someone has unused Christian literature or books and would like to send them we can use any amounts, especially the Sunday school pamphlets like Power for Living and Primary Days. They are being read by ;young and old alike. Please pray for thiss work that we ..^ might have the funds and health to carry number of courses being sent outeachweekgrows,and we would hate to have to stop. Harvey Plett
The eighth annual EMC missionary conference in Paraguay was held in Flor del Chaco, Kolonie Fernheim, Chaco, November 22 - 27, 1977. It was my pleasure to attend this conference since I was in Paraguay at that time visiting my relatives. It gave me the opportunity to get to know the workers and have a good time of .11 1- I i_ I I fellowship with them. It also helped me to see the work in Paraguay from a more personal perspective. The program was designed to provider three good meals a day, some sports, rest, and spiritual refreshment. To prepare our meals for us we had two ladies from Filadelfia and they sure knew how to prepare scrumptious meals. We al arrived at the campgrounds, Flor del Chaco, on the 25th before supper, were assigned our cabins so we could get settled in. For supper we had a wiener roast and delicious watermelon for dessert, really yum-
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SPREADING THE GOOD NEWS
THE MESSENGER
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Mission Grams____________ • Missionaries coming on furlough this summer: - Sara Loeppky is coming home from Paraguay to be with her ailing father. - Peter and Betty Friesen from Paraguay - Lester and Darlene Olfert from Nicaragua - Edmar and Alvina Fast from El Paso, Texas - Irene Kroeker from El Paso, Texas - Clifford and Diana Reimer from Panama • The Abe Penners have requested a year's extension to their twoyear Christian Service term in the Bahamas. This was granted to them. • The Missions budget calls for $41,250 per month. Receipts up to February 28 were $15,182 short of the budget. • Doris Friesen, clinic nurse in Nicaragua, needs a partner to accom pany her on her field trips, and to have a ministry of children's and ladies' work. • Missionaries accepted at the March 3 Board of Missions meeting; - Linda Penner from Blumenort for career service in Paraguay - Norbert and Dora Penner from Ridgewood for Christian Service, likely in Nicaragua
Panama Clifford Reimer writes, "Young people's Bible study at our house has been a high point each week. There's seldom a Friday night that there aren't some new faces. Most of those who come frequently, have accepted Christ as Saviour." They have 60 students registered in TEE classes at the various centres and a few who live in isolated places, study alone.
Germany Peter Dueck writes, "I am directing the Janz Team Radio Choir as well as the Palm Garten Bible School choir part time, besides my teaching assignment here at Black Forest Academy. I have gone with some members of the team on weekend outreach. I certainly enjoy this kind of work." The Evangelikale Missionsgemeinschaft at Seesen reports of two baptized and four received into membership. They now have a membership of 20. They are receivingf numerous invitations for club work at different places. The bus is kept busy for this ministry.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUMMER CHRISTIAN SERVICE WITH THE EMC BOARD OF MISSIONS
July and August 1978 IN CANADA — Camp ministry, Vacation Bible School (one to eight weeks) Applications welcomed Applications should be in by April 30
IN GERMANY — Singing, DVBS, Evanglism, Tract work, visitation Applications must be in by April 1 Write for more information and an application form to:
EMC Board of Missions Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0
Mexico Maria Koop reports of decisions being made for Christ. One lady, re joicing in her faith, testified, "Who wants to watch TV, read novels, when there is a Bible study to attend? To hear about God is a lot more precious." Nena and Elisa, two national Christian ladies at Kilometro 5 are enthused about teaching their children's class. Attendance is good, anywhere from 10 - 22. January 15 marked the first Sunday service in a rented room at Kilometro 5.
Gathered in His Name On a comfortable afternoon, a small group of baptized believers gathered at the home of an Indian family. The group consisted of four Indian believers, Sara Loeppky, Anne Braun, another Mennonite couple and us. We experienced a beautiful time of fellowship and par taking of communion. After a devotional and a solo by one of the men each one
MARCH 17, 1978
was given the time to share and pray. A real Christian unity and love was felt even though there were language barriers and differences in culture. The elements were shared, and the general opinion was that we needed to have communion more often. David and Judith Schmidt
GOD AT WORK In South America where 20 years ago in Colombia believers were persecuted, churches were burned and Christian workers had stones thrown at them for openly proclaiming the gospel, now the great city auditoriums are wide open for some of the greatest evangelistic cam paigns ever, many radio and TV stations carry Christian programs, and thousands are being swept into the kingdom. This is also true in Africa, which is fast becom ing a so-called Chrisitan continent. Radio cannot be curtained off. No walls can stop it. It is penetrating every area of the world.
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Messenger News
Seven members were accepted into the membership of the Aberdeen Church on Janury 29. Left to right: Randy and Darlene Paquette (baptized), Alan Homes (baptized), Elvira Koop (transfer), Ron Kroeker (transfer), and Wendy Erhardt (baptized).
ADDED TO THE CHURCH Aberdeen: January 22 was an exciting day for the people at the Aberdeen church. The church was filled to capacity for the baptism of Randy and Darlene Paquette, Alan Holmes, and Wendy Erhardt. Transferring membership were Elvira Koop from the Kleefeld EMC and Ron Kroeker from the Rosenort EMC. A com munion service followed on Sunday evening. On February 12 the Pioneer Girls were in charge of the morning worship service. The twenty girls, under the direction of Louella Kroeker, sang a few songs, followed by testimonies by the Trail Blazers. Special guests were Agnes Friesen and Frieda Johnson from the Canadian Sunday School Mission. They each presented an appropriate and meaningful Bible lesson. Pastor Dave Thiessen spent the February 5 weekend as guest speaker at Moose Lake Camp with the Rosenort young people. Myr na and the family visited with her parents dur ing this time. Burt and Doris Plett have returned from a six-week holiday in Nicaragua where they visited missionaries and enjoyed the weather. Ron Kroeker spent the month of February in Paraguay visiting Ernest and Elsie Funk Ed and Lena Harder and other missionaries there. A Ladies' Fellowship banquet was held on February 20 at the Norvilla Hotel. Harold and Alfrieda Fast left on March 2 for a ten-week stay in Tanta, Egypt. Harold, a third-year medical student, will be studying medicine and Alfrieda will be working as a nurse at the American Mission Hospital.
CELEBRATE 10th BIRTHDAY Braeside: The scene at the Braeside Church on March 5 was one of hand-shaking and greetings as members, former members and friends gathered to celebrate Braeside's 10th
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birthday. We began our fellowship by gather ing in the lower auditorium for a delicious "faspa". After some visiting and getting ac quainted it was time for the evening service. The choir, consisting of present and former members who had sung in the choir sometime during the last ten years, under the capable direction of Arnold Dueck, started off our evening service by singing a beautiful new arrangement of the "Doxology". The program, consisting of songs by the choir, a ladies' group and a men's quartet, was chaired by Irwin Kroeker. Cordon Kroeker showed some slides of the activities that have taken place over the last years. Lee Toews brought to our attention points of interest by reminisc ing about the past. In bringing out some highlights he mentioned that the fact that each Sunday morning we can ca gather to worship the Lord is a highlight in itself. The pastor in his message recalled a number of in cidents that led up to the building of the church. He also reminded us of the first message he had preached in our new church focusing on the thought, "What are we here for?" That thought still applies to us today. Looking back we can truly say the Lord has provided abundantly for us financially and spiritually. "The Lord is great and greatly to be praised." Sunday evening, February 12, Norman Brown, presented to us, by a talk and a film, the campaign called "Here's Life." This is a unique method of evangelism. It is completely dependent on the local church and its membership, to reach out to every household in a given area with the Good News of Jesus Christ. The first step is for a church to train its members in evangelism and discipleship. Some churches are already starting to get their training underway. It is both a chall enging and exciting outreach to the unsaved all around us. Miss Emily Steward spoke to us briefly dur ing our morning service on February 5. She is a "dorm auntie" looking after children in a school in Malaysia. Since she is close to where Tim and Deanna Treadway are stationed she told us of the many and varied responsibilities they have. It was so interesting to hear about their work out there and we were reminded that they need our prayers in order to carry on the work.
WINTER ACTIVITIES Felly: With spring just around the corner, I thought we should catch up on our winter ac tivities. We are sorry to report that our pastor, Mr. Reimer, hasn't been feeling well. He was in the Norquay Hospital for a week and is feel ing better now. The ladies' group has been quilting at our regular meetings. The last two meetings were held at Darlene Andrusiak's and Sylvia Abrahamson's respectively. On February 26 our Sunday school children and their parents held their annual sliding party in the afternoon and then had lunch at the church. Rev. Reimer is currently instructing bap tismal classes with several young people attending.
We have an exchange started where one church renders a program at another church. On March 5 several couples from Pelly travell ed to Hudson Bay and rendered such an even ing program. There are several churches in our town and, as the custom is, the first Friday in March is "Women's Day of Prayer." Several of our ladies attended and took part. This year's theme was "Community Spirit in Modern Living." The minister of the hosting church showed a number of slides of their missionary work of twenty years in Africa. On Saturday, March 4, about 40 people, mostly teenagers met at the church in the af ternoon for an afternoon social, films, and lunch. They were from Hyas, Arabella, Nor quay and Pelly. Mervin and Donna Abraham son are in charge ' of the young people. The general theme was "Science ________ Fair". ______A workshop was set up in the basement with projects depicting and explaining how science ana the Bible agree, e.g. Noah Noah'ss ark, evolution and vs. creation. Mr. Reimer showed slides from his trip to Israel, and the film "Time and Eter nity" was shown. Creation Dialogue Magazines were distributed. Our Sunday school children plan to buy Bibles and deliver them in person at the In dian Reserve, in a way demonstrating real mis sionary work to them. GOD AT WORK
Creighton: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature . . ." (II Cor. 5:17). In these last few months four people have made decisions for Christ. Isn't it wonderful? Praise the Lord for woiking in people's livesi We want to welcome Ben Siemens, Ron Doiron, Lorraine Martin and Paul Gauthier into our fellowship. Praise the Lord for new believersi As of January 1 Northern Fellowship Chapel has been without a pastor since Arnold Leister and his family have been led to do the Lord's work in evangelism. We are trusting the Lord for a new pastor for the Chapel. Our prayers are also with Arnold and Helen in their new ministry. Our young people travelled to Cranberry Portage on February 10 for a time of singing, testimony and fellowship. Many young peo ple rededicated their lives to Christ that night. Isn't it just terrific to see God at work? Isn't He wonderful? Congratulations to two happy young couples on their engagements. John Blake and Lorraine Martin have set their wedding day for April 7. Frank Doiron and Linda Wider have chosen July 1 for their wedding day. Congratulations to all of you!
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE Fisher Branch: Several of our people motored to the Hodgson Anglican Church for the World Day of Prayer service there on March 3. I believe we can have a closer relationship with our neighbouring churches and God if we share our joys and concerns with each other. Another heart-warming experience for
THE MESSENGER
some of us was to attend the Revival Fellowship meetings at Calvary Temple, Win nipeg, in mid-February. Dave Loewen of Campus Crusade spoke at our church on February 19. A Johnny Cash film, "Gospel Road," was shown to the students at the Fisher Branch elementary school in February. Dora Friesen gave a Mexico mission report at our church on February 26. She also gave several devotional talks to the elementary school students at the World Day of Prayer Service, as well as to the ladies at their meeting that week. Ruth Dueck showed slides of Japan and reported of the Lord's work there at our mor ning service on February 26. We are happy to see several new faces in our Sunday school. They are the Guenther children of Poplarfield. The Guenther family has settled in the Poplarfield area recently. Maries Schroeder was admitted to the St. Boniface Hospital for surgery on February 21. We are glad to see you back home again, Maries.
Little Colleen, daughter of Wes Pletts, was taken to an Edmonton hospital for medical help. We wish her a speedy recovery.
Vernon and Flora Reimer motored to the Nipaiwin Bible Institute for a youth convention in February.
TEACHERS WANTED The high school department of the Steinbach Bible Institute re quires qualified teachers for the year 1978-79 to teach in the follow ing subject areas: • English • German • Social Sciences • Librarian Send your application and a resume' to Mr. Harvey Plett, Box 1420, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2 AO.
PRAISE AND PRAYER Endeavour: We are again thankful to God for His goodness in supplying our needs from day to day. We are very grateful for the fellowship ____on _ January 28-29 and blessings.. we received when" we' w^re'privileged Vhave Rev Henry
On February 26 we were blessed by two
Ridgewood "Living Letters" quartet with us. Their singing and the messages were what we needed to hear. Somehow it made us yearn for the day when we would have a minister again. On February 26 the Nipawin Bible Institute choir came here to sing and that too was an evening of great spiritual fellowship and blessings. Our attendance was excellent. Many favourable comments assured us that there is a hunger and a need for such programs of songs, testimonies, and messages from Cod's Word. Mr Tass Xanthopoulos, one of the staff members at Nipawin, encouraged us to appreciate what we as Christians possess in Christ. A number of our young people went to Briercrest for Youth Qbake°78. They returned
more missionary speakers and their reports on the Lord's work and their calling. In the morning worship service Harry and Karen Gustafson from Sexsmith, Alberta shyed what the Lord had laid on their hearts. They are plan ning to go to Brazil this summer and work with the Janz Team. They showed slides on the work of the Janz Team. It is encouraging to hear of the great work they are doing and the results Cod is giving. Mr Stanley Collie had a very encouraging report here on the evening of February 26. He is working with the Native Evangelical Fellowship. He showed slides on the work
ready to share their rich experiences in songs, testimonies, and reports at our young people's meeting. Another joy came to us Sunday morning as we listened to Fred Buhler, one of our young people now studying at Briercrest, sharing truths from God's Word with us. It just thrills us to see these young people dedicated to living the Christian life, vVe pray for them and trust God to keep them, With Jesus in John 17:15,17 we pray, "I do not pray that thou shouldest take them out of the world, ^but that thou shouldest Jseep th^m from the evil one... .Sanctify them in the 1 *' truth; thy word is truth."
Our young people invited the Riverton young people for a social evening on March 9. May this event also help Christians to draw closer to each other and to Cod.
OBEYING GOD’S CALL Burns Lake: Mr Milton Fast was here on February 22 to present us with a report on EMC missions. He presented a detailed report on the various missionaries EMC has and the different areas where they serve. He also challenged us with the thought that the Lord's work needs more workers.
among the native people here in our own homeland. It was a thrill to hear how the Lord works through His people. The results are great and reach from coast to coast. Jake and Dorothy Unrau have left Burns Lake for the month of March to do deputation work. They plan to return for a few weeks in April and then on April 30 they will be leaving for Germany with Global Outreach. They will really be missed here in the local church as they were very willing and able workers, but we are still glad to see them obey God's call.
MARCH 17, 1978
FAMILY NIGHT Treesbank: On February 10 the young people's committe treated the whole church to an enjoyable well-planned family night which was held at the John K. Pletts where the boys spent many hours making a nice big rink, The evening consisted of broomball, races and a hockey game. In the shack we were all treated to delicious hot chocolate. I'm sure everyone enjoyed himself, We've been having various reports from different mission fields. Mary Koop gave a very interesting report with slides about her
work in Japan. Mr Don Clark of the Leprosy Mission reported to us with a very interesting message and a film. A report and a challenge was presented to us by Melvin and Violet Plett. They're working for the Steep Rock Bay Bible Camp. Let's all pray that we might be faithful in whatever work the Lord has for us to do.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SEMINAR Kleefeld: How much value do we place on a child? We need only to take a good look at the quality of our Sunday schools in order to largely determine the answer. An interesting Sunday school seminar for all Sunday school staff was held at the Kleefeld Church on March 4. Several other churches were represented as well. During the first general session Rev Cornie Plett brought a heart warming message on "The Value of a Sunday School Pupil." There is no mistaking the value Jesus placed on young children; in Matthew we read, "Except you become as little children you shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven." Next "How to be a Prepared Sunday School Teacher" was discussed in smaller groups with Dr Anna Rieger, Rev Gladwin Plett, Rev Mel Koop, and Al Hiebert in charge of each group. A few of the more important points brought out were the following: prayer, get to know your pupils personally, don't wait for Saturday night to prepare your lesson. In another general session Rev Harvey Plett pointed out several teaching methods that Jesus used - conversation approach, question and answer approach, story telling, and object lessons. "As you teach," he concluded, "ex pect resultsi" After a coffee break, an informal wrap-up session followed with friendly sharing, testimonies, and prayer. Happy teaching, everyonel February 16 was Missions Night at Kleefeld. Roy Bradford from Canada Evangelical Mis sion presented his work among the Indians in Northern Canada. In order to better under stand our northern friends, everyone should read the book, "The Wind Blows Wild." That same night the Melvin Pletts also shared their joys and concerns for Steep Rock Bible Camp. May the Lord encourage all of our missionary workers. A film called "He Restoreth My Soul" was shown at our church. It's almost unbelievable how, after a tragic plane crash, Merrill Womach triumphed over defeat and now en courages countless people through his radiant singing ministry. Speaking on behalf of our young people, Glenda Fast and Wes Dueck shared with us on Sunday morning of the fantastic time they had spiritually and physically at Red Rock Snow Camp on February 24-26. Doug Howard was their guest speaker. A brand new venture, and quite an under taking for two of our young people, Ross Isaac and Leo Schmidt, was going out to West Virginia for five weeks to build a house for the Mennonite Disaster Service. We were happy to have Rudy Schellenberg back home with us after having spent four years in Germany studying music; he will con tinue doing so for a few more months. How
PAGE 9
good it is to know that distance does not in any way limit God's lovel The Christian Service Brigade Banquet had an excellent turn-out with more than a hun dred fathers and sons participating. This program, as well as the Pioneer Girls, reaches out into many non-churched homes, and deserves our prayerful support. Also wholeheartedly deserving our prayer ful support is Mrs Jessie Barkman and her family as they are going through heavy trials of sickness.
CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY. . . Arabella: Shortly prior to Joshua's death, he faced the people and challenged them with these words, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve," then gave them his own resolu tion, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This challenge is very applicable, when it is so easy to be diverted from the pure and sincere service for the Lord, by the many diversions that Satan uses to lure us away from the Lord. There were some changes in the various of fices of the church after we gathered for our annual meeting on February 7. The Sunday school teachers are as follows: Beginners Mrs Phyllis Dyck, Juniors - Mrs Mary Neufeld, Youth - Jake Dyck, Adult - Edward Hamm. John Goertzen is our Sunday school superintendent. We are grateful to the Lord for willing workers. Our weekly Bible studies and prayer meetings have been very meaningful as we study the book of Hebrews. The more we study Cod's word the more we will grow in spiritual wisdom. Our youth group has decreased in size but those who remain here gather from time to time to enjoy fellowship with each other and also discussions in the Bible. Our sympathy goes out to the Neufeld fami ly in the sudden passing of their father, Mr Abraham Neufeld of Warman, Sask, formerly of the Arabella district; also to Mrs John Goertzen and Mrs Abe Neufeld whose aunt in Hague, Sask, passed away. May the Lord grant strength to those who sorrow.
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS Birch River: On January 31 a membership meeting was held during which various matters of church interest were discussed. One item of much interest was the planning of this summer's opening of the Steep Rock Bible Camp. It will take much prayer and plan ning to be ready for the cildren by July 1. We pray that God will be very close to those in charge as they prepare for camp opening. The last item voted on was the renewal of Pastor Ralph Unger's term of ministering here. depending, of course, on the willingness of him and his wife, Mary Lynne, to stay. The vote was 100% in favor, and Ralph has decid ed to remain our pastor for the coming two years. February 9 Mr Delbert Little of Regina, a regional representative from Global Outreach, brought slides showing the different ways the gospel is being delivered to the people in Ireland. Some were gathered in groups in the street; some were ministering from the backs of trucks; others gathered in hay fields, using the bales of hay to seat the crowds.
PAGE 10
I Thirst "I thirst," was uttered from the lips of jesus. Such human anguish, such a tortured cry. Though He was very God, yet He was Man, And longed for water that would satisfy. "I thirst" revealed the suffering of our Lord, Forsaken now by God, and by His own He faced the scorn, the deep humiliation And agony, of dying there alone.
Then those who beat and crucified the Saviour, Held to His mouth a sponge, for all to see. For jesus, who had given others water Could not allay His thirst. His misery. "I thirst," the bitter torment of His grief; He bore the jeers, the insults at Him hurled. His countenance so marred. He seemed not human; God's Son became a ransom for the world.
—Violet M. Wright followed and especially also the testimonies given by Ed and Joy Loewen of Winnipeg. We are thrilled that this young couple is willing to leave the comforts of home to go and share their faith with Muslims of Pakistan. Some of our members had the privilege this winter of visiting our missionaries in other countries. Syd Reimers had a wonderful time with their children, Ian and Daryl Wallace, who are working with MCC in Upper Volta. Their son, Danny, came from Austria to meet them there. They also spent a few days with Theo and Bev Efthymiades in Greece (Beverly Ciesbrecht of Rosenort). The Herman I Martens spent a most enjoyable week with the MINISTERS AND DEACONS MEET Stan Pletts at King's College in Belize. Morweena: The EMC ministers and deacons All the ladies and girls enjoyed our "Palconvened here on Saturday, February 4 for Cal-Val" special on February 14. The church their quarterly ministerial. There were ap proximately 51 men from near and far. The basement was beautifully decorated - all in iadies from the Ladies' Aid were in charge of red and white, and each table held a lovely
On February 19 Melvin Plett showed films of the work he and other men were doing during the flood years 1976 and 1977 down through the United Stated, pictures of homes with their walls and roofs torn off, buildings being tossed around like matchboxes. Words just can't describe the destruction left behind after such floods. Even though there was no insurance or income for those left homeless. I'm sure they must thank Cod for the men who came to help them rebuild without any thought of wages or remuneration.
serving the meals. Welcome and come again! The last item of my report two months ago about two brethren having attended the Intersession at the Steinbach Bible Institute is bearing fruit extension-wise in that the oneweek course on "Spiritual Depression," taken by Menno Penner, is being given here over extended evenings. Approximately twentyfive people are participating and by now there is mainly the test left.
WINTER SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC Rosenort Fellowship: Spring is just around the corner. How wonderful to know that God is in control of the times and the seasonsi In January of this new year we again had lots of fun and fellowship, young and old, at our winter Sunday school picnic at the community skating rink. After lots of exercise in the fresh air we all went with enormous appetites to devour the hearty lunch the ladies had prepared at the church. After that we settled down for an interesting and inspirational evening. The children delighted in breaking the "love loaves" and gathering up the money for the less privileged people in this world. We all appreciated the Moody Science film that
heart-shaped cake. Pam Rempel sang two beautiful songs for us; her mother, Mrs. Johnny Rempel accompanied her on the harp. The girls all felt very special after seeing the film "Somebody Special." At the close of the evening the ladies picked new girls' names for the year. Our purpose in all this is to to show the girls that we really care and that we pray for them. Rev. Melvin Dueck had another operation on February 13 and has again had to endure a lot of pain and suffering. But we praise the Lord that he is improving and is able to be at home with the family again after spending three weeks in the hospital. Mrs. Isaac Cornelson finds it almost impossible to walk anymore and spends all her time in bed. Her family takes turns staying with her. We pray that the Lord will be es pecially near to her and the family in these difficult times. < We are praying for a real moving of the Holy Spirit among us as we anticipate our special meetings here in Rosenort the first weekend in April. Leslie Hamm and Tom Allan of the Canadian Revival Fellowship will be our speaker. Pray with us, brothers and sisters!
THE MESSENGER
HOW GOOD IS YOUR EYESIGHT? Arden: Did you notice how hard your pastor worked at his sermon last week, the visits he made, the counsel he gave? Did your eyes see the work load carried out • L_l.. u.. 4.1 .L I .1 t_ - . .1-, lately by- the chairman of the brotherhood? , , , I 1 I /-I
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oo, and did wo.. you miss .them? Were the visitors seen and welcomed by your actions? Were you observant enough to become aware of the joys and sorrows others were experiencing? Were your eyes focussed on the needs you could meet, and the opportunities available to you? Did you observe the new shelves in the Sun day school classrooms? Did you see the new crib sheet in the nursery, and the new dishes in the kitchen? Have you beheld the beauty of the flowers decoratin7ourchurch?and7aken note of who brought them? Have you ever noticed the floors and win dows sparkling clean? Have your eyes caught sight of the posters and bulletins displayed in the hallway? These are a few things (which often escape our attention) that you would see at our church.
Births TOEWS - to Walter and Bev Toews of Kleefeld, a son, Anders Erik, on February 28, 1978. BUHLER - to Allan and Janet Buhler of 53
Rebecca Jeanine Kristelle, on February 21,
1978. SIEMENS - to Jerry and Helen Siemens of San ford, a daughter, Michelle Joy, on February
14, 1978. KROEKER - to Terry and Marilyn Kroeker of Winnipeg, a son, Lincoln Duke, on January 26, 1978. WILLAMS - to Mick and Amanda Williams of
February 7, 1978 DUECK - to Alfred and Marge Dueck of Rosenort, a son. Shannon Lee James, on January jaiiviaij 30, 1978. UNGER - to Ralph and Mary Lynne Unger of Birch River, a son, Bradley Curtis, on February 11, 1978; a brother for Travis and Glenda. EIDSE - to Jim and Terry Eidse of Regina, Sask., a son, James Donovan Keith, on February 18,
1978. EFTHYMIADES - to Theo and Bev (nee Giesbrecht, formerly of Rosenort) Efthymiades of Greece, a son Emmanuel, on January 6, 1978. Correction: SCHROEDER to Bill and Marlene Schroeder of Steinbach, a son, Cory Merle, not a daughter, as stated in the last issue. Mrs. Helena Friesen 1897 - 1978 "And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9). The desires of Helena, Mrs. Klaas Friesen, were answered when Jesus call ed her home at 12:00 noon on Wednes-
MARCH 17, 1978
day, March 8. Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister had often expressed this longing to go to her heavenly home. , •' , Helena Unger Friesen was born at Felsenton, Man. (just south of Steinbach)
CONCERNED OVER STATEMENT
Dear Editor, The statement to MCC as printed in the February 3 issue of the Messenger causes me real concern. First of all, our theology must always serve us in reconciling man with God and with each other or, as the statement says, "minister to the total need of man." I regret she was baptized in the Chortitizer that the Conference has seen fit to dis Church in 1918. She lived in Felsenton up associate themselves from groups that are the time of her marriage on January attempting to do that. I wonder if our 25, 1931 to Klaas K. Friesen, a widower theology has not been a hindrance rather than a help. I do not understand how we can dis with five children, She moved to Father's farm in the associate ourselves from any effort to help the Ekron district where one daughter was total man even though we may take issue with some of the methods. Where we are not in born to them. Life was not always easy agreement with the methods we need to for Mother or the family as they had to enter into dialogue to explain rather than struggle hard to make a living. withdraw. Mother and Father celebrated their I also regret the stand taken against the silver wedding anniversary in January Canadian Council of Churches. Affiliation with such a group does not imply agreement 1956. Due to Father's ill health they had to but a willingness as brothers and sisters to move to Steinbach where he passed dialogue about our theology. Again, to use away, on November 18,1961. Mother■ was our theology as a reason to refrain from such association is a denial of the real purpose for generally in good health until the theology. Theology is a tool to foster dialogue, summer of 1958 when she underwent not to restrict it. surgery for cancer. She spent several Unfortunately, the statement does not ex weeks in Winnipeg undergoing special plain our differences with the people men treatments. However, even during these tioned. At first glance it would seem that we trying days her childlike faith in God differ as to the "real redemptive message." to minister to the total helped But heriftoour beconcern relaxedis and free from worry. She seemed to be in good health need of man, I really doubt whether any of until the winter of 1971 when she began the organizations mentioned would take ailing. She spent one year in the Extend- issue. If our difference comes at the point of carrying out this aim, it would seem to me that ed Care from where she was transferred we could well learn from each other as each to the Personal Care Home. attempts to proclaim the redemptive message. She often expressed her gratefulness But I wonder if our real quarrel comes at the for the kindness and concern shown by level of motivation. The EMC is concerned that all social action must be done with the ex the staff. She is survived by. three daughters; pressed purpose of leading a person to a per Mary (Mrs. Henry B. Peters, Steinbach), sonal experience with Jesus Christ. But the Margaret (Mrs. Alfred Reimer, Oakville, C.C.C. and other organizations feel that the Ontario), Helen (Mrs. Diedrich Friesen, New Testament command to love and to serve is the reason we do social action. So the real Steinbach); two sons, Jake, Steinbach; question is whether we serve because we love Cornelius, Blumenort; three sons-in- or whether we serve to get results. Should ser law; three daughters-in-law; one vice have a price tag attached to it? brother, Mr. Abram W. Unger, SteinSincerely, , Jake Friesen oacn; three sisters -in-law; 27 Box 123, Lenore grandchildren and 39 greatWinnipeg, Man. grandchildren. She was predeceased by Father in 1961 a son Frank in 1971, four grandchildren, her parents Cornelius and Elizabeth Unger, three sisters and three brothers. Mother reached the age of 80 years, 10 months and 14 days. __
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Letters cont’d afternoon to take the plane at 7:40 a.m. Sun day for the Canadian Book Sellers Convention in Toronto . . . Mrs. Violet Wright Box 865 Carrot River, Sask.
E.M.C. REGIONAL CONFERENCE Vanderhoof, B.C. March 30 - April 2, 1978
Chairman; John Harms, Vanderhoof PAGE 11
Around the World traditional fairness and devotion to the prin ciples of human rights. We have learned from our mistakes and have taken steps to safeguard against a repetition of this bitter ex perience to all our citizens through legislation house some two miles south of Steinbach. At 'in the areas of Citizenship and Human the time of the accident Mr. Janz was flying Rights”, stated Mr. Cafik. TWO MANITOBANS DIE IN SEPARATE PLANE CRASHES Death claimed the life of Steinbach area pilot Royden Janz (32) when his light plane crashed on Friday, March 3 within half a mile of his
for Glad Tidings Mission Society, Arctic, Cam bridge Bay, N.W.T. piloting missionaries, native pastors and Gospel workers in the Canadian Arctic. He is survived by his wife Sharon and five children. Royden was the son of well know Steinbach residents, Ben and Freda Janz, now of Hodgson, Manitoba.
Ben Falk, 40 of The Pas, Manitoba, died on February 23, when he apparently ran into a snow storm and attempted an emergency
GROSVENOR DIRECTOR RESIGNS It was with regret that the Peace and Social Concerns Committee of MCC (Manitoba) read Henry Dueck's letter of resignation as Director of Grosvenor Place at its February 7 meeting. Grosvenor Place consists of two Winnipeg residences housing twelve men
ANNUAL MEETING TACKLES PROGRAM DESPITE SNOW Kitchener, Ont. — For the second con secutive year heavy snow and driving winds
created' rblizra'rd thaV'forced”'agenda "adMan. Mr. Falk, an M.B. Home Lj_ - Missions flfl worker in that northern community, was on his way to report at a missions conference in his hometown of Niverville, Man. He had flown a private plane for several years, and used it in his missions work when convenient. He is survived by his parents, David and Helena Falk of Niverville. ■ .
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AUTHOR AND WIFE DIE IN PLANE CRASH Jake and Marion Plett were two of the 41 persons who perished as a result of a Pacific Airlines plane crash at Cranbrook, B.C. on February 11. Mr. Plett was the author of the book "Valley of Shadows," a book describing the abduction and murder of his first wife in 1971 in Edmonton, Alberta. The Pletts were on their way to a Christian Women's club meeting at Cranbrook where Mr. Plett was to speak. They are survived by four children ages 14, 11, 4 and 1'/,.
GOVERNMENT THANKED BY CANADIANS OF lAPANESE BACKGROUND
TORONTO — The Japainese Canadian Centennial Society held its “Appreciation Banquet” in Toronto on February 3, 1978. This was the final event of over 300 activities held in to^ coast commemorating 100 years of contribution to Canada r: J- by u..
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Canadians of Japanese background. The organizors took this final opportunity to publicly thank all supporters of<• the ,.1.. Japanese T Canadian jnadian Centennial. Representing the Government of Canada, was the Honourable NORMAN CAFIK, Minister of State for Multiculturalism, whose Ministrv provided not onl.v financial assistance but also valuable human resources for the successful realization of ; cf this th;: Centennial. C;:.t;:.:.;:h The Minister also paid his respect to the thousands of Canadians of Japanese descent who suffered immensely as a result of the ac tions of the Canadian government during the heat and fright of the Second World War. “The evacuation of Japanese Canadians inland from coastal communities and the loss of their civil rights is a black mark against Canada’s
PAGE 12
THE MESSENGER
assigned there by the courts in lieu of prison sentences. Henry and Marie Dueck served as housparents in one of the residences for the initial two years of the Grosvenor project; for the past five years he has been co-ordinator of the total program. He works closely with the courts and prisons, oversees administration of the houses, supervises personnel, and inter prets the program to the Mennonite con stituency. Prior to his assignment with MCC he served as principal of Elim Bible Institute in Altona while also pastoring the E.M.M.C. con gregation there. The Duecks plan on assum ing responsibilities with the E.M.M.C. Board of Missions.
justments and cancellations at Mennonite Central Committee's Annual Meeting, held t'hb'year'in Kitchene^, Orit" JanuaVy 26-28' The meeting was to have been held at Rockway MennoniVe School'with'comnirttee members and staff lodging with the Men nonite and Brethren in Christ families. However, as snow made travel increasingly treacherous, the meeting, along with those participants who had managed to arrive, was moved to the Walper Hotel in downtown Kitchener at noon Thursday, January 26. The full committee went into session on schedule Thursday evening with 15 of the 34 members present. An additional three proxies had been designated by telephone — enough to make the simple majority needed for a quorum. Vice-chairman Elmer Neufeld, General Conference representative, opened the rmeeting. Chairman ' _. . . of. Newton Gingerich Tavistock, about 20 miles from Kitchener as the crow flies, got stranded in the storm on his way to the meeting Thursday morning and finally completed the trip Friday noon. "The meeting had its disappointments, but it also had its positive side," commented Executive Secretary William T. Snyder. "It was as intense as any annual meeting we have had." A further cancellation involved the dinner of recognition of .H... Ernest Bennett,, third chairman in the organization's 77-year history, handed his gavel to Newton Gingerich, MCC (Canada) representative, at the 1977 ««fl
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addition to reviewing ongoing program.
the committee gave special attention to a proposal to help cyclone-ravaged Gunter District on India's east coast. John Wieler of the MCC (Canada) overseas department illustrated his report on the damage with slides gathered on his December visit to Gunter. The slides showed human and animal bodies
strewn through the rubbish of what once were villages. "How do we respond?" he asked the com mittee members. "Cod is a compassionate Cod. We must continue to suffer with people, to weep with people or else we harden. We must get ourselves deeper into this thing rather than withdraw." Staff described a three-year, long-term rehabilitation program for which they projected $500,000 in 1978. A third significant program discussion related to MCC's policy in using material aid and focused on a paper on the role of material aid prepared by staff at the request of the ex ecutive committee of the board. "MCC, in behalf of its supporting con stituency and in obedience to the biblical in junction to feed the hungry, feels a respon sibility to minister to people in need regardless of their creed, political affiliation or the cause of their need," the paper stated. "Relief deserves to exist along with education, evangelism, medicine and development in a comprehensive ministry to human suffering." "This paper is very much just a starting point," admitted Reg Toews, associate ex ecutive secretary in whose area of respon sibility the North American end of material aid shipping falls. "It does nothing immediate in itself to affect our congregations." The paper, which the committee approved as a working document, realizes its own limitations and expresses a staff commitment to work further al defining the material aid strategy and process during 1978. In conjunction with the 1978 program plans the committee approved a budget calling for just over nine million dollars in cash expen ditures in addition to material aid. The budget had initially been set at $8.5 million before the special $500,000 India program was added. The initial budget was based on 1977 cash in come which totalled $8.3 million. With the ad dition of the India program, constituency giv ing will need to increase eight per cent in 1978 over 1977 giving to meet the budget.
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