The Messenger
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EVANGELICAL MENNQNITE conference
VOL. 17 NO. 14
July 7/79
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Origin of Anabaptism by Henry Dueck
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Baptist Church, United Church, Mennonite Church, Lutheran Church, Roman Catholic Church, Reformed Church, Evangelical Reformed Church, Evangelical Mennonite Church, Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church . .. churches, churches, names, names. Where do they all originate? If you ask them, each claims to have some historical reason for its existence as an in dependent denomination. Certain cir cumstances developed which resulted in what has come to be known as the Refor mation. That is when the splintering of churches began, and in that big upheaval the Anabaptist movement, better known as the Mennonite Church, also had its beginning. I. The Background to the Reformation The Christian Church had its origin at Pentecost. That day a small group of Jesus’ disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the work which Jesus had begun. Peter who had denied Jesus three times, became a spiritually dynamic preacher and leader. In the beginning the Church was a free church, i.e. membership was a voluntary decision. One was baptized upon confes sion of faith. Severe persecution made the decision to become a Christian difficult but genuine. Worldliness in the church has been a problem from the beginning. Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit. Corinth suffered from divisions and immorality. Peter in his letter calls for a church that should be “pure, without spot or wrinkle.” A big change for the Church came when Constantine became Emperor in 313 A.D. He granted religious liberty. By the end of that century (400 A.D.) Christianity had become the state religion and Christians were persecuting the pagans. With the influx of the masses, the character of the Church changed. Church and state had become one and the Church entered into the period known as the dark middle ages.
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The Anabaptist movement has come to be known as the radical wing of the Reformation - radical in the sense that they wanted to implement a truly Biblical reform. Catholic church structures developed so that by 451 the Bishop of Rome was recognized as pope. During this time the Church fell to a very low ebb spiritually. God was viewed as being angry and unapproachable, con sequently prayers via Mary were begun. The practice of penance was begun, i.e. doing good works to pay for one’s sins. The clergy became corrupt and immoral. Bishops hoarded wealth, and positions in the church were sold to the highest bidder. The Lord’s Supper became a sacrifice to the actual body and blood of Christ — transubstantiation. However, the Spirit of God was still at work. Monastic orders worked for reform in the Church. Several individual men tried to bring Christ and Scriptures to the people. Peter Waldo (1175) organized lay preachers. He was excommunicated but his movement lived. John Wycliffe translated the Bible into English, but his views were condemned in London in 1382. John Huss of Bohemia also preached Christ and the Scriptures. He was burned at the stake in 1415. These efforts for reform were of no avail. However, in the second half of the 15th Century, conditions gradually began to change. The Renaissance came, a time of discovery and new learning. The prin ting press was discovered in 1450. Men set out to explore the unknown lands beyond the sea. Humanism was strong, i.e. a great faith in what man could accom-
plish. Politically nationalism was devel oping: England, France and Germany were becoming more independent and resented the Church dominance from Rome. In 1516 Erasmus, a humanist scholar, published the Greek New Testament. This was of tremendous importance to the Reformation. Now scholars had direct access to the Bible in the original language. The tie to the official Roman Catholic Bible, the Latin Vulgate, was be ing broken.
II. The Reformation With the Reformation three large church movements emerged: Lutheran, Reformed, and Anabaptist. The break began with Martin Luther. Luther, a professor of Bible at the University of Wittenberg, became a Christian through the study of Romans 1:18. He discovered that “the just shall live by faith.” Luther continued his work as usual, but when Tetzel sold in dulgences, he wrote down his convictions (called 95 Theses) and nailed them on the Wittenberg church door for public debate (Oct. 31, 1517). In this document Luther attacked the Church and the pope for their many abuses. The masses accepted Luther’s ideas but the Catholic Church rejected them. After many attempts to dissuade him from continuing his reform, he was finally called to appear before the Emperor to recant, but Luther said: “I cannot and I will not recant — so help me God.” After this Germany became divided. Some princes followed Luther and others remained Roman Catholic. At one point the Lutheran princes protested a decision regarding their privileges, and since that time have come to be called PROTESTANTS. In Switzerland the two large Church movements, the Reformed and Anabap tist, were together at the beginning. Huldreich Zwingli (1484-1521) was the leader together with Conrad Grebel. THE MESSENGER
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Together they started Bible study groups, and began to implement reforms. Zwingli, however, began to do this through the city council. Consequently he dropped the idea of voluntary church membership and believer’s baptism in favor of infant baptism and a state church. He did not join Luther’s move ment because they disagreed on their view of the Lord’s Supper. Luther said that a person received God’s grace in and with the bread and wine. Zwingli said it was strictly a memorial feast. The main theologian of the Reform movement in Switzerland was John Calvin, pastor in Geneva. The Anabaptist movement also originated in Switzerland, but sprang up almost simultaneously in Germany and Holland as well.
III. The Anabaptists The Anabaptist movement has come to be known as the radical wing of the Reformation — radical in the sense that they wanted to implement a truly Biblical reform. In 1522 Wilhelm Reublin was driven out of Basel, Switzerland, because he carried a Bible in a procession rather than relics. Balthaser Hubmaier, a theologian, began to question infant baptism. During a debate in Jan. 1522, in which Catholics, Zwingli, and the Radicals participated, it became clear that Zwingli was unwilling to establish a believer’s church. He suggested that the Zurich City Council should be consulted for the final decision. To this Simon Stumpf responded, “Master Ulrich, you have no right to refer this qu''stion to the council, the matter is already settled; the Spirit of God has decided.” Three other strong leaders were: Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz, and George Blaurock. The leader was Grebel. He came from a well established upper class family. Grebel had studied at the Univer sities of Paris and Vienna. He was a searching, unsettled person. Upon his return to Zurich he joined Zwingli, and together they sponsored Bible study groups. Grebel came to the conclusion that the church is a fellowship of believers, free from the state, and based on voluntary membership. The baptism of adult believers was the best external manifestation of this new kind of church. When, in 1524, his son was born, Grebel refused to have him baptized. This meant disobedience not only to the church, but also to the State. To settle this issue the Zurich Council called a public meeting on Jan. 17,1525. A debate was held and Grebel and his friends were defeated by Zwingli. The JULY 7, 1979
Four Hundred and Fifty Years Later! Joe Broderick, a Catholic priest in Japan, recently sent a letter to the Mennonites in which he included the following comments: "I write to you because I am happy. I am happy because I have learned to know about your church through a 16-year-old girl here in Japan as a Rotary ex change student. She spoke of her faith at an ecumenical meeting last night and afterwards lent me a book. What Mennonites Believe by J.C. Wenger, which I read today. "I knew nothing of your church nor had ever heard of your faith until my meeting with that girl, Barbara Lynne. Having heard her, and read that book, I have been enriched deeply. "You have a beautiful faith and I feel it is so very close to mine. Indeed so it should be for we both have the risen Christ as our 'victory view.' I am a Catholic priest working in Japan. (Don't hold that against me, or the fact that I am Irish!) You Mennonites with your beautiful faith have so much to offer. You have given much to me — faith, hope, and joy. I thank the Lord for sending you into my life."
council decided that all those who had failed to have their children baptized, should do so within a week or be banish ed. Grebel and Manz were silenced and several of their friends banished. Now, what would the condemned group do? They said, “We must obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29), and met secretly on the evening of Jan. 21. At this meeting Grebel baptized Blaurock, and Blaurock then baptized several of the others pre sent. By this act they repudiated their baptism as infants. The Biblical teaching of the “free church” was reborn. The newly baptized friends went to the nearby village of Zollikon. Here the first Anabaptist congregation came into being late in January, 1525. They celebrated the Lord’s Supper from house to house. House evangelistic meetings were held with Blaurock as evangelist. Many con fessed their sins and came for baptism. On Jan. 30 the Zurich police came to Zollikon. They imprisoned all the newly baptized men together with Blaurock and Manz, but soon released them again. The movement quickly spread to other cen tres. During the course of the next year the Zurich council persecuted the Anabap tists. Zwingli tried to persuade them to change. Finally on March 7, 1526, the council decided that anyone guilty of rebaptizing would be drowned. So it was that on January 5, 1527, Felix Manz was drowned — the first Anabaptist martyr. During the next number of years between 4,000 to 5,000 men and women were ex ecuted by fire, water, or sword. Both Protestant and Roman Catholic governments worked as one in this persecution. In spite of this, the move ment spread and soon Anabaptist centres were established in all the important cities of northern Switzerland. In some
areas the Roman Catholic churches were almost empty. From Switzerland the Anabaptist spirit spilled over into Germany. Balthaser Hubmaier, who had been in Zurich passed through Augsburg in 1526. Here he baptized Hans Denk. Denk was a strong spiritual leader who emphasized the truth of a direct communion with God. In 1527 he was the chairman at a meeting of Anabaptists called the Mar tyr’s Synod. The reason for this name was that shortly after the meeting many of its participants died a martyr’s death. They had met to iron out difficulties over the fanatical views on the millenium preach ed by Hans Hut. There are two developments in the socalled radical reformation which have to be mentioned at this point. They are the Muenster Movement and the group which believed in the community of goods. In their zeal to establish a truly Biblical church, several leaders became fanatical in their views on the millenium. Jan Matthys, believing that the new kingdom would soon be established with Muenster as centre, invited the faithful to Muenster to await the ushering in of the New Jerusalem. The Catholic bishop sent an army against Muenster, and a battle resulted in which Matthys was killed. Then with Jan von Leiden as leader, the Muensterites were besieged for over a year, and were finally forced to sur render. Many had died from starvation, many were killed. The leaders were publicly disgraced and executed, and their bones left to rot openly as an exam ple to the public of what happens to such people. A similar incident happened in Holland near Menno Simons’ home. These fanatical groups were only a
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a Musically^) Musically^" Sneaking By Don Thiessen
HYMNAL REVIEW
Hymns For The Living Church; Donald P. Hustad, editor; Hope Publishing Co.; 1974. This hymnal contains the following approximate propor tions of the various types of songs: Total number of songs - 591; Total number of readings 80. 1) Hymns - 40%; 2) Chorales -10%; 3) Traditional Gospel 35%; 4) Contemporary Gospel - 5%; 5) Folk - 5%; 6) Choruses, Responses, Amens, etc. - 5%. The hymnal has the usual table of contents at the begin ning indicating how the songs have been grouped. In addi tion, it has 1) an alphabetical index of titles and first lines, 2) a topical index, 3) an alphabetical index of tunes, 4) a metrical index of tunes, 5) an index of authors, composers and sources, 6) and an index of Scriptural allusions and quotations in hymns. Indexes which relate to the readings include an alphabetical index of scripture readings, a sub ject index of scripture readings, and a scriptural index of scripture readings. The general layout of the book is quite good. The songs are sufficiently spaced to make it quite clear and readable. The paper appears to be of good quality and the print is clear and large enough. Each song has a suitable Scripture verse printed below the title for additional help in choosing a song on a particular topic. These verses and other Scrip tural allusions are indexed. The topics listed in the table of contents are printed at the bottom of each page with the main topic on the left hand page and the subtopic on the right hand page for quick reference as you page through the book. As a whole the book is quite attractive and is of average size and weight. Cloth bindings are available in several different colours at an approximate price of $5.50 per copy. This price seems low and might be higher when you purchase for your church. The Scripture readings are taken from eight different
translations and paraphrases and are separated into those two categories. Other than that there is no indication as to which version you are reading. Light and dark print is alternated strictly by verses rather than, for example, hav ing narrated parts in dark print and actual quotations in light print. This hymnal has no readings other than Scrip ture passages. For a hymnal compiled by a publishing company this is a fairly balanced book in terms of styles of music suitable for congregational singing as it has developed historically. It does, however, not have a large number of chorales from the German tradition as does the Worship Hymnal. The biases which are so obvious in some hymnals published by a publishing company are not as evident here; care has been taken not to use only contemporary music with Hope Publishing Company origins. Also, contemporary com positions have not been included simply to include them and give the appearance of progressive thinking. Because the popularity of contemporary music is often short-lived there is wisdom in being somewhat conservative in this area. Topically, the book is adequate, except for a few areas. Of the two songs on baptism, one speaks of immersion; most of our churches practice pouring. It is also somewhat limited in songs on brotherhood and fellowship. Thirdly, there are no songs for non-resistance although a section on social con cern is included. In addition, there are no songs for footwashing. These, of course, are limitations that we could expect unless the book was prepared by an editor sym pathetic to Mennonite teachings. A general evaluation would be that this hymnal, although now five years old, would be adequate and prac tical in most of our churches.
Musically Speaking is a series of six articles by Don Thiessen, music in structor at the Winnipeg Bible College and assistant pastor of the Ridgewood E.M. Church. The articles were commissioned by the EMC music committee of which Don is a member.
several of our cities and states making it illegal to spank a child. Anyhow, do what you wish about this. I hope you will agree with me that it is time for Christians to become concerned!
CONTRIBUTORS: In consultation with leaders of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America, Sunday, June 3, was designated as TROUBLING ASPECT ABOUT YEAR Mennonite World Fellowship Sunday this OF THE CHILD year.uc.cvc 1...= c,.,pi,ao,= H. Donald Gillett I believe this emphasis on the worldwide While visiting with relatives in that Hooker, Oklahoma nature of our fellowship is a good thing. Those area, I picked up a copy of the of us who attended the Mennonite World “Messenger”. It was centered around the __ Ed. We have displayed the above- Conference at Wichita last year became in theme of children and many of the ar- mentioned material on our office bulletin creasingly aware of the vastness of the move tides were well done with some thought board. ment. To attempt to convey this world scope provoking observations. once a year is certainly commendable. For that I commend you. But one thing <ir>mnA t tua ktitc: I” '■he light of this our lead article gives us oriKtin of the Anabaptist movement of troubled me. The whole theme seemed to O/'/SCtAl. J/IAJVAO be “The International Year of the Child”. We want to thank all those who prayed, which we are a part. The writer, Henry Dueck, I decided you must have never heard the helped, visited, etc., during the time when is at present pastor of the Blue Creek EMMC real driving force behind this seemingly Doreen was down with her nerves. Since Church in Belize. The article is chapter one in innocent headline. last December she has been off those the book “Know Your Beliefs,” published joint ly by the EMC and EMMC some years ago. So, I am enclosing some information needles and pills and we’re a much hapLillian Plett (Treesbank) is serving with which I felt you might like to share with pier family for which we thank God. God TEAM in United Arab Emirates. Mr. and Mrs. your regular reading public. It is down- still answers prayer. Our prayer is that £X?J?eimer(SteinbachTareta^^^^ right scary. Some look at it and say, we might be able to do more for Him and planting in Seesen, Germany. “That is all made up.” But it is coming to others, in return. pass in our countries. There is both pen- Mr. and Mrs. Doug Redekop and family COV^ PHOTO:^ Europe dirtg and implemented legislation in Lowe Farm, Manitoba IIn "■ . 1972 by the editor.
Letters
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THE MESSENGER
From the Editor So You Are a Mennonite
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“I’m not at all ashamed of being a Mennonite!” These were the words of our pastor the way I recorded them recently. I suppose the word Meyinonite has been batted around as much as any word — forsake it, do away with it, retain it and so on. It seems to me that more and more people are moving towards some of the positions traditionally held by the Mennonites such as peace, social concern and the simple lifestyle, to mention a few. Of note in one of these is a recent EP release on the com ments of Billy Graham on the arms race. EP News Service says the following of Mr. Graham’s changed viewpoint: “He admits he was ‘rather late’ in coming to the convic tion but Billy Graham now regards the $400 billion-a-year global arms race as ‘insanity’ and ‘madness’. He believes he typifies ‘a vast change’ of thinking now taking place among his fellow conservative evangelical Christians in this coun try. “ ‘I don’t think they were aware of the potential horror of what a nuclear war with present weapons could do to the human race,’ Graham said in a recent Interview on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. ‘I think they are awakening to the fact that they have a responsibility to speak out ...’ “Jed Duvall, who interviewed him, said ‘ it was on a crusade in Eastern Europe that Graham was shaken by the horror of Auschwitz, compared it to a nuclear holocaust, and began to take a new view of arms in the world.’ “Graham said he opposes unilateral disarmament but favours agreements to eliminate nuclear weapons. ‘Why,’ he said, ‘should any nation have atomic bombs?’ ” When the sixteenth century founders of the Mennonite church withdrew from the larger body of Christians there were a good number of reasons. In their determination to get back to the Bible for their rule of faith and conduct was also the belief that the New Testament teaches love of all men. This ruled out military service. One of the charges against one of the early Anabaptist leaders was that “He has said if the Turks should invade the country, no resistance ought to be offered them ...” I think for an influential person, like the evangelist men tioned, to regard the arms race as “insanity” and madness” only confirms what the early Anabaptists stood for 400 years ago. But is refreshing to hear it from another source. Another distinctive, which we at least practise, is feetwashing. Here too one has heard occasional rumblings — continue or drop it! Maybe this recent little item from “The United Church Observer” will serve you to take a se cond look at this ordinance. “The congregation of Beverly United, Edmonton, saw a sermon in action recently as the Rev. Norman Mac donald took John 13:1-17 as his text. After he finished reading the Scripture, he walked to the congregation
carrying a basin and towel and acted out the Bible passage by washing the feet of a man in the front row. ‘A wonderful feeling came over everyone present,’ says Alf Harrison, the organist.” No, to many Mennonites these things are not new but some non-Mennonites are only now discovering them. But, sad to say, I suppose there are many Mennonites to day who do not know their origins, nor their beliefs. If they did so maybe the problem of retaining or dropping the name would never come up. Nor can all the blame be put on the individual; some of it must be put at the door of us, the communicators. I think the pastor who recently had a message entitled, “So Your Father is a Mennonite,” was on the right track. In this he simply traced our origins. But where can the seeker get this information? A brother came into my office the other day with exactly this problem. He wanted to help someone else out in getting more information on Mennonite origins. My mind hit on a new series of booklets of recent origin (1977) which might be of help. This series of five booklets was commissioned by the overseas office of the Mennonite Board of Missions, Elkhart, Indiana. They set forth briefly and simply some of the major emphases of the New Testament as understood in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. J. C Wenger, Goshen, In diana, is the author. The booklets are written in basic English to assist persons around the world in understan ding the Anabaptist-Mennonite heritage. These are the booklets mentioned: 1. How Mennonites Cayne to Be sets forth a faith in Jesus Christ and His Word, born of intense suffering and persecu tion. 2. What Mennonites Believe discusses points of agree ment and difference with other Christians, emphasizing basic principles for Christian discipleship. 3. The Way to a New Life presents the plan of salvation and provides models for Christian living and for sharing the faith with others. 4. The Way of Peace discusses conflict and identifies Christ’s love as the force that overcomes evil and enables His followers to love even their enemies. 5. Disciples of Jesus declares that commitment to Christ requires following His example in a life of personal holiness and service to others. These books, under a dollar each, have been produced by Herald Press, Scottsdale, PA. Anyone interested in this series may enquire at the Conference office. After reading the booklets you too might feel led to ex claim, “I’m not at all ashamed of being a Mennonite!” Two other excellent little books on the subject are available at the Conference office. They were published jointly some time ago by the EMC and the EMMC. Feel free to enquire about these books. Know Your Beliefs and Know These People.
- 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.
JULY 7, 1979
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Missions I I I I I I I I I I I I I ffl ij Jj B I 1 The front of the clinic, connected to a part of the Oasis Hospital in United Arab
belongings?
Emirates, where Lillian Plett is serving.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Lesson in Giving I wanted to keep it.
Have you ever experienced something that seemed unreal? You looked around, expected “it” to be there and “it” wasn’t, “it” just wasn’t? It happened to me several years ago when something I possessed was stolen. This time, however, was different. I gave ‘it” away. It started off with a simple, inexpen sive watch and my knowledge of Matthew 5:42, “Give it to him who asks of you and do not turn away him who wants to borrow from you,” and the context of this verse. (See also Luke 6:30). I was working the evening shift in the pediatrics depart ment of Oasis Hospital. Being a familyoriented hospital, I called the mother into the nursery to help with her sick child’s care. She spied my watch lying on the counter, picked it up, admired it and put it down. After some small talk, she returned to the counter, picked up the watch and put it on her wrist without a word. Watching her, my mind changed gears to a subject other than nursing care. “That’s my watch she’s putting on. I’ve received so many gifts from the local people in the country. They are so hospitable. I can’t ask her to return it. After an hour or so, she came to me with the watch in her hand and the ques tion on her lips, “How much do you want for this watch?” I replied, “Nothing. It’s an inexpensive watch,” hoping she would return it. “No, how much money do you want for this watch?” As she kept on ask-
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loving, kind and so generous. What kind of ambassador am I by not being generous as well? Will I be less generous than these people who view God as being far away and uncaring? But it’s mine, my own watch and it looks nice. I want to keep it even though I have another watch I could use.” So the struggle went, and as if they were literally wrenched out of my mouth, the words came — “Take it, it’s a gift to you.” In the days following, as I kept looking for the watch that wasn’t there, thoughts about this experience and my actions kept coming to my mind. “God loveth a cheerful giver.” I was anything but cheerful about giving away my watch. I had very much wanted to keep it and not give it away. It was a simple, inexpensive watch, yet I was so attached to it. How much value was I putting onto my earthly
ing me this question, the struggle became harder and harder. “What will I say? That’s my watch; I just got it back after being repaired, and I like it. But it’s inexpensive so why should I care so much for it. It’s just sentimental. But I like it. But I’m an ambassador here for a God who is
I’m not a theologian to say whether I did the right thing or not by giving this mother the watch. And I don’t think God wants me to decide that. But I trust and pray that the lesson on giving He was try ing to teach me that evening will continue to be part of my life, whether I’m here as a short term worker or at home in Manitoba. P.S. After several days, the lady handed back the watch, fulfilling God’s promise in Ecclesiastes 11:1, “Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.” —Lillian Plett
GERMANY
Something that Satisfies What about the others? There is a song that is very often sung in the most degrading social gatherings in Germany which says, “Wir kommen alle, alle in den Himmel.” The thought is, finally all mankind will get into heaven. A pastor recently also used this song to encourage his young people to take part in the carnival celebrations. He says, “If Christians are not to be happy, who then is?” He then goes on to say that these festivities help us to understand the joy there will be in heaven. What blasphemy! Young people coming from such degrading amusement places tell us just the opposite. They say, “We have been deceived long enough. Tell us the truth.” Karie, whom I mentioned in my last prayer letter as one of the most dreaded fellows in Seesen, made a decision for Christ. The day following, police caught
him and put him into solitary confine ment. We daily committed him to the Lord. After some weeks of praying and wondering how he was making out he writes, “You cannot begin to fathom the depth in God’s word till you open your heart to Him.” Four months of this isola tion with only a few short visits we could make, almost drove him to despair. One sleepless night in desperation he jumped out of bed and cried, “Lord, if you are real take me out of this prison.” In the mor ning the guards turned him loose. On his release paper it says, “If you haven’t found a job within eight days you are re quested to report again.” The Lord did another miracle and gave him a job. In his first testimony in one of our meetings he confessed and said, “I hated you people because I felt a love and unity among you. THE MESSENGER
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I had never experienced this and I was determined to destroy this at all cost but love instead has conquered me.” After this testimony he went to a fellow sitting at the edge of the group by himself and started talking to him and before long I noticed them praying. He beckoned me to come and help him pray. He told me that this young father had served in the foreign legion and knows of at least 16 persons he has helped kill. He is separated from his wife and children. This poor fellow was in great agony and as yet has not found peace. Pray for him. We have many and varied experiences in the tearoom. We feel God is at work. It is interesting watching newcomers mak ing big eyes when they all of a sudden notice others of their worldly companions coming in. Soon they realize that it is for the same reason that the other one came — being disappointed in the world and looking for something that will satisfy. Recently, shaking hands with a nice young fellow after the Sunday night ser vice, I said, “Come home safely.” He said, “You ought to say that since I’m not a Christian yet.” In the meantime he has accepted Christ. An 84-year-old man is also searching for peace and attending the services regularly. He has been in combat in both world wars. Toward the end of the last war he was serving under Rommel, leading a force of 15,000 men against invading allies. Pray with us that this man might find peace before he has to leave this world. There are others un der conviction and others who have accepted Christ who need our prayers. Within a few weeks the summer workers will be arriving. Stacks of tracts are waiting to be distributed. Evangelistic meetings are planned in different places. July 18 we are having the Continental Singers from California here. We have rented a large hall again and expect many of the guest workers from Ireland and other countries, as well as Germans who understand English. When I told Karie that I was so happy he was out of prison he was quiet for a while and then said, “But what about the others still in prison?” It is so good to be a Christian. What about the others? Levi Reimer
TEACHERS WANTED Three teachers are re quired for the Mennville Private School. Interested persons contact: Albert Friesen, Box 366, Riverton, Man. ROC 2R0 Phone: 3782774. JULY 7. 1979
Mission Grams Mexico The German radio program has been taken off the air on XEER in Cuauhte moc because of new laws that legislate against religious broadcasts, produced outside the country, to be aired.
Kenya The Wayne Herrods write, "We praise the Lord for good leadership in this country, and yet the spiritual battle is on. Many, many Turkana are still in darkness. Will you pray for their deliverance and for us (the Herrods), the nurse Sally Allen and our beloved Kenyan labourers, that we may not be so swamped and discouraged that we lose our vision. Pray also that the reinforcements that the Lord sees we need will be forthcoming." Canada Agnes Friesen, working with the Canadian Sunday School Mission, writes, "We appreciate your prayers for these days. We need spiritual insight as to the needs of the campers and physical strength to keep up with the campers." July and August will be busy for Agnes with camp ministries. Cornie F. Dueck, pastor at Aylmer, Ontario, requests prayer for a number of people who have recently found Christ, that they might grow in their faith. A Note to Churches Planning for Fall Mission Conferences There are a limited number of missionaries home on furlough this fall, about a dozen, and there will be a heavy demand on them. The missions office will again need to co-ordinate the missionaries' involvement in conferences this year. Please notify the office well ahead of time as to when your conference is taking place and which missionaries you would like to have come.
STOP . .. • Sunday School Superintendents • Sunday School Teachers Do you sometimes have the nagging feeling that your teaching lacks a basic ingredient? Your Anabaptist heritage? We are not downgrading all the good curricular material on the market today. But if you are not using Mennonite material you may sometimes have wished for something to supplement your teaching to include the Anabaptist view which we think is important, especially with its emphasis on discipleship. This material is available. In fact, this is one of the reasons for a joint publishing venture of the EMC and EMMC some years ago — as a supplement to existing Sunday school material. The result: KNOW YOUR BELIEFS. The book is well adapted to be used as a supplement to one Sunday school quarter. It Is set up as a quarterly. It has 15 lessons so that you have a choice of 13 Sundays. If KNOW YOUR BELIEFS were used in one department for one cycle of your material it would insure that all pupils going through one cycle would have received the material. Since this is the time where you will be thinking of ordering material for the September-November quarter you may want to consider KNOW YOUR BELIEFS for the first quarter of your new Sunday school year. KNOW YOUR BELIEFS. Various writers from the EMC and EMMC and published by the respective Conferences. 1972, 107 pages, 75$. Write: EMC Board of Education and Publication Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0
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Messenger News BLESSED BY MUSICAL GROUPS
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Mr. and Mrs. John C. Reimer DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Steinbach, Man.; On June 24 the John C. Reimers and their family, as well as many relatives and friends, rejoiced together about the way the Lord had led them to be able to observe their 60th wedding anniversary. The service included a song by the children, grandchildren and CTeat-grandchildren, two poems, a duet. a Low German poem, a short snort meditation meditatio and a time of reminiscing. During the lunch time downstairs there was much visiting and more reminiscing. There are six children in the family: Enoch and Elma (Steinbach), Almon and Annie (Steinbach), Rueben and Tina (Toronto), and three living in Winnipeg: Joel and Nettie, Mary and Peter N. Reimer, and Arnold and Shirley. They
have 25 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. Mr. Reimer tauiight ’ school for 26 years, first in private scl _______ cnools and________ later also...in public schools. He was instrumental in starting the Mennonite Village Museum and has continued to be very involved in it. He was the compiling editor of both the Reimer Book and the Jacob Barkman Book. When in 1949 the Mennonites of Manitoba celebrated their 75th anniver sary of living in Canada, Mr. Reimer was chairman of the Gedenkfeir in Steinbach. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reimer enjoy good health as they live in their home on Kroeker Avenue or as they go for drives in their car.
PRAISE TO OUR GOD Burns Lake, B.C.: Praise the Lord, we have felt Him working in our area so wonderfully within the past six months or so. The Lord is working in the hearts of the Burns Lake peo ple. There have been many that have given their hearts to the Lord. I am just praying that we as Christians can be clean vessels that He can use. Our hearts were thrilled again to hear of two new converts just this last week. On the weekend of June 8. 9 and 10 we had our second annual camp-out held here at Ootsa Lake. Dave and Susan Bridgeford were here again from Washington, U.S.A, to speak to us. The messages they had were so great and heart-searching. Just to hear how real the Lord Jesus is in their lives brought real blessings to
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us all. Mr. Bridgeford apoke on relationships within the family and to God, and coming to God immediately when we realize we have sinned. We need continuous cleansing from the Lord; He can only use a cleansed vessel. These last several days have been days in which the Lord has been coming to us. They have been days of untold blessing. Many of us have been deeply touched by Him. Our desire is to repent of anything the Lord reveals to us that is hindering His work in and through His church. As we find cleansing in these areas, love and praise will flow. I believe our desire is to help each other and encourage each other in the work. Together we seek to praise Him and to bring others to Him.
Birch River, Man.: The Peace River Bible Institute group, “Joyfully His," came to sing for us April 21. Rev. McNair had a message which gave us much to think about. Supper was served by the ladies in the church basement. The group then spent the night in different homes and gathered again in the morning at the church to return home. We enjoyed this evening service and hope to hear this group again sometime. On May 27 the Ridgewood choir, with Don Thiessen as director, and the Living Letters quartet, came and had the morning service with us. We enjoyed this singing very much. The visitors then sat down to a noon meal prepared by the church ladies before leaving on the return trip. Our pastor, Ralph Unger, was the speaker at the Blumenort youth retreat at Red Rock Bible Camp the weekend of May 25. His son, Travis, went along for company. On June 3 Rev. and Mrs. John Kornelsen and family of Hudson Bay, Sask., were with us for an evening service. We enjoyed their singing as a family very much. Mr. Kornelsen brought us a very meaningful message on family relationships.
DEACON ELECTION Arden, Man.; A very important day for us was June 17 when we had our deacon election. Rev. Menno Kroeker and Deacon Henry Thiessen both gave short meditations and directed the voting. The trio (Myrnie Kroeker, Margaret Plett, and Marlene Toews) had two special numbers. Elected as deacon was Art Plett. We want to pray for him and his family, and support them in their new position. On June 3 a more relaxed atmosphere
prevailed for those gathered for the Sunday school picnic. After a cold plate dinner at the church everyone went to the school grounds for some running, shoe, and wheelbarrow, races. These were followed by a baseball game in cluding players of all ages. You should have seen those ice-cream cones disappear after the game! Just as we were about to light the fire for the wiener roast a short shower sent us back to church for supper. Everyone, including the mosquitoes, had a good time. The Ladies’ Aid has been real busy this month. At the Woelkes’ Sandy Plett, mis sionary from the Philippines, was the guest speaker. June 12 there was a baby shower for Marlene Toews. Sunday, June 17, they served at a golden wedding in Arden. Finally, on June 19, they met at Mrs. Helen Neufeld’s to dis burse some money and clothing, and to tidy up the sewing supplies. Guest speakers this month have been Menno Kroeker, J. R. Dueck, and Lesley Plett. Pray with us that we might get a pastor. The Cradle Roll workers have been making visits to old and new members. The Sunday school superintendent and prospective teachers have been planning for DVBS. This year it will be held together with the Beautiful Plains Baptist Church, July 23-27. Invitations are conveyed by personal visits and cards. THE MESSENGER
hungry - a real difference from Third World experience. After a “satisfying” meal Norm Brown, the missions committee chairman, requested the banquet guests’ reaction to the meal ex perience, stating that indeed 40% of the world’s population only gets a bowl of rice soup for a meal. Some reactions went something like this: “I felt stupid when I was offered a second big plate of food.”
“Beside me was a big plate of food which nobody was eating while I only had a bowl of soup; nobody needed it, could I not have it” “I had a bowl of soup and I hoped my neighbour would share his big meal; he did.” People seemed reluctant to accept the offer of shared food from those with full plates.” Mr. Brown then challenged the guests to “set aside an extra plate per meal” in the form of money to help a Third World person(s) ex perience more satisfying meals.
Warren Kroeker with a bean meal at the Third World Banquet at the Braeside church.
Baptized at the Mennville church on June 10 were the following young people: Royden Dueck, Roger Friesen, Walter Plett, Brian Dueck, Gerald Brandt, Connie Dueck, Lorna Friesen, Delores Barkman, Shirley Reimer, Anita Brandt, Violet Plett, Eloah Barkman, Betsy Plett, Marlene Plett. GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE
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Mr. and Mrs. Abe Wolfe, one with a full meal and the other with a soup meal, at the Third World Banquet. THIRD WORLD BANQUET
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Braeside (Winnipeg): On June 3 the missions committee of the Braeside church sponsored what they “coined” a Third World Banquet. There was an aura of mystery and curiosity about this announced event as the announce ment was conspicuous for its absence of detail. This mystery was prolonged when the ap proximately 60 guests filed into the “banquet room” or church basement and proceeded to take their places at the tables; the meals had been covered with serviettes and the menu remained a secret. Except for a few “sneak previews” the curiosity was not satisfied until grace had been said and finally the serviettes were legitimately removed. There were surprises for everyone. Some had expected to see a nearly empty plate and were surprised to find their plates full - ham, farmer sausage, potato salad, fruit salad, cole slaw, bun, coffee and cake. This is Third World? Wait a minute, the person to the right had been served only a bowl of rice soup and a glass of water, while the person to the right of him stared at the plate of beans and a glass of orange drink. Now the banquet was really on. There was a lot of sharing of food going on. In the end extra plates were shared so no one left
JULY 7, 1979
Mennville, Man.: “Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing.” Sunday, June 10, was truly a day of thanksgiving and singing for us at Mennville, when 14 young courageous souls were baptized and received into the fellowship of the church during the morning service. What a thrill to hear the enthusiastic converts express their joy and faith as they shared their testimonies and quoted favourite scripture passages. Pastor Andrew Dueck officiated. Rev. Jake Kroeker had the morning message, and Rev. Harry Friesen led in closing and prayer. “Praise the Lord, great things He hath done.” On June 17 the young people gathered at the home of Roland Friesen for a time of recrea tion and fellowship. After some physical exer cise (shoe scramble, flying dutchman, etc.) the fire was lit and the sausages done according to individual taste and appetite. This was follow ed by a fireside hour of singing and sharing of personal testimonies. Doris Friesen, home from Nicaragua, related some of her ex periences in that troubled country. Again we see how God can provide and protect. Others spoke of other times of need or tremendous blessing. The happy faces and voices, the cheery glow from the fire and sparks, the twinkling stars above, and the odd lonely mosquito, all seemed to blend into one giant chorus to praise the Lord, for “great things He hath done.” Then, the following Wednesday, the choir motored to the Stony Mountain Penitentiary to share a program on God’s love, our love to Him, as well as our love to fellowmen. As you experience the somewhat complicated entry process, as you hear the
clang of sturdy iron gates and as you look at the faces of those who have spent years, perhaps decades, behind these fences and brick walls, one realizes anew the tremendous need for God’s love and grace to shine in and through our lives. May the great things God has done in our lives be evident, and con tagious, proving its sufficiency for the need in the world today, “Great is the Lord, and great ly to be praised!”
SPECIAL EVENTS AND BLESSINGS
Arabella, Sask.: On May 27 our youth group had the opportunity to attend a youth rally at Pelly. The activities of the afternoon included a number of games, skits and a delicious supper. The rally was climaxed by a program by the Gospel 'Troubadours with Rick Plett giving a short meditation. The day was a real blessing, both physically and spiritually, to all who attended. Sunday, June 10, was a highlight in our church when we had communion in the after noon. We had our regular Sunday school and worship service and then enjoyed a fellowship meal at the church. The sharing of the Lord’s Supper was a very meaningful time for us as we remembered the sacrifice that Christ made in order to save us. On June 17 Ben D. Reimer brought us a message of encouragement. He based his message upon the text found in I John 3:1-3. From these verses he pointed out that it is an “amazement” (‘behold,’ v.l) that we should be called the sons of God; it gives us “assurance” (v.2a) that we are the sons of God now; it gives us an “anticipation” (v. 26) that when Christ returns we shall be like Him; and it gives us an
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"attitude” that we purify ourselves as God is pure (v. 3). We were also blessed this Sunday as a number of our former young people, now in the Sasktoon area, favoured us with a few musical numbers. It is encouraging to see young people actively serving the Lord. Bible study and prayer meetings are being held in the church for the summer months. We are studying the second epistle of Peter and have received many spiritual blessings from this book. The young people have again met on a regular Sunday evening basis after a lapse dur ing the winter months. They have enjoyed a time of recreation and then a discussion period with their questions on Biblical matters. The ladies’ group met at the home of Mrs. Henry Janzen for their monthly meeting June 2 when again tracts were addressed, to people in the United States this time. It is hoped that those who received the tracts will receive Christ as their Saviour.
Loella Heinrichs was baptized and accepted as a member of the Fisher Branch church on June 10.
BAPTISM
Fisher Branch, Man.; On June 10 Loella Heinrichs was baptized and welcomed as a member of our church by Pastor Peter Friesen. In her testimony Loella stated that she was saved when she was eight years old. She also said, “The thought came to me, why not just be baptized? Why be a member? However, it became clear to me that in order to become part of God’s church I also need to become part of the local church. With God’s strength I want to serve Him.” The ladies and children surprised the fathers by having a Father’s Day banquet following the morning service. When the fathers came to the lower auditorium they were greeted by a host of smiling faces and the song, “A Happy Father’s Day to You.” After a hearty meal a member of each family contributed to a short devotional and words of appreciation. As someone put it: “Thank God for fathers who not only gave us life but taught us what do do with it.” On June 14 the ladies gathered to clean the church and on June 16 some of us went to Beaver Creek to give a hand with painting there. Now all of us knew that we were heading towards the lake, but what we did not know
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was that when we were about halfway there we would see water running across the road! Another surprise was to find that the Menn ville teens’ Sunday school classes had already cleaned all the buildings at the camp! We also noted that a group of young men were keeping several power saws busy, making short order of the dead trees and limbs which were quickly piled into a trailer and hauled away. I'm sure by now most of us are eagerly waiting to see what blessings the Lord has in store for us dur ing camp sessions! A hearty thank-you to each one of the guest speakers at our church in June: The Frank Kroekers (missionaries to Paraguay), Doug Short of Overseas Mission, and the John Barkmans of Nebraska.
Births BRANDT — to Arnold and Gertie Brandt of Arborg, Man., a son, Marlowe Abram Dewayne, on May 22, 1979. DUECK — to Allen and Rose Dueck of Fisher Branch, Man., a son, Stephen Lee Allan, on May 17, 1979. DUECK — to Elmer and Doris Dueck of Sex smith, Alta., a daughter, Kendra Michelle, on April 25, 1979. BUHLER — to Allan and Janet Buhler of Winnipeg, a son, Douglas James, on June 18, 1979. REIMER — to Bruce and Cathy Reimer of Steinbach, a daughter, Julia Marie, on January 18, 1979. PLETT — to Dennis and Irene Plett of Blumenort, Man., a son, Duane Michael, on February 21, 1979. MONKMAN — to Garry and Arlene Monkman of Kleefeld, Man., a son, Nathanael Edward, on March 6, 1979. PENNER — to Harry and Tina Penner of Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Lynet Joy, on April 13, 1979. REIMER — to Allen and Marina Reimer of Blumenort, Man., a son, Michael Allen, on April 28, 1979. PLETT — to Earl and Audrey Plett of Blumenort, Man., a son, Curtis Lee, on May 25, 1979. REIMER — to Denver and Anne Reimer of Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Sheri Jolene, on May 28, 1979. BARKMAN — to LeRoy and Marcella Barkman of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Krista Leanne, on June 30, 1979. SOLNIK — to Norman and Charleen Solnik of Winnipeg, a son, their first child, Sean Michael, born on June 29, 1979. SCHMIDT — to Dave and Judy Schmidt of Paraguay, a son, Matthew Geraldo, on May 24, 1979. FRIESEN — to Levi and Judy Friesen of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Lisa Charlene, on May 4, 1979. EIDSE — to Mr. and Mrs. Larry Eidse of Lowe Farm, Man., a son, Derek Scott, on January 31, 1979.
Weddings REIMER — REIMER: David, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben P. D. Reimer of Ste. Anne, Man., and Lorena, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Reimer of Blumenort, Man., were married on
June 30, 1979. The wedding took place at the Blumenort EM Church with Rev. Gerry Doerksen officiating. FRIESEN — PLETT; Ted, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Friesen of Riverton, Man., and Anne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Plett of Arborg, Man. were married on June 16, 1979 at the Morweena EM Church with Rev. Harry Friesen of Riverton, Man. officiating. The cou ple is making their home in Mennville, Man. FRIESEN — LOEWEN: Neil, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Friesen of Riverton, Man., were married to Laura, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Loewen of Fisher Branch, Man. The wedding took place on May 26, 1979 at the Morweena EM Church with Rev. Henry Friesen officiating. The young couple is residing in Mennville, Man.
BRANDT — DUECK: Larry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Brandt of Riverton, Man., and Irene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Dueck of Riverton, Man., were married on May 12, 1979. The wedding took place at the Menn ville EM Church with Rev. Andrew Dueck, father of the bride, officiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg.
KEHLER — BRANDT: James Alan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kehler of Lowe Farm, Man., and Phyllis Adele, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Brandt of Rosenort, Man., were married on March 31,1979 at the Rosenort EM Church with Rev. Frank P. Kroeker of Rosenort of ficiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg. HARMS — FRIESEN: Leslie John, son of Rev. and Mrs. John Harms of Vanderhoof, B.C., was married to Jeanette Karen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jake F. Friesen of Rosenort, Man., on April 21, 1979. The wedding took place at the Rosenort EM Church with Rev. Menno Kroeker of Rosenort officiating.
FRIESEN — DUECK: Jake, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Friesen of Arnaud, Man., and Emily, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Dueck of Morris, Man., were married at the Rosenort EM Church on April 7, 1979. Rev. Johnny Loewen of Rosenort officiated. The couple is making their home in Arnaud. DUECK — BARKMAN: Rodney, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Dueck of Riverton, Man., and Sharon Margaret, daughter of Mrs. Frank Barkman of Rosenort, Man., were married on June 30, 1979. The wedding took place at the Rosenort EM Church with Rev. Frank P. Kroeker officiating. The couple is residing in Rosenort. DAVIS — KROEKER: Douglas Wayne Davis of Harlingen, Texas, and Della, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank K. Kroeker of Rosenort, Man., were married on May 19, 1979. The wedding took place at the Parkwood Memorial Bible Church with Rev. Harold Fleming of Harlingen, Texas officiating. The couple is making their home in Harlingen, Texas.
THE MESSENGER
PETER K. WIEBE 1932-1979
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“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). The Lord gave life to Peter when he was born on September 24,1932 and new life to him when Peter accepted the Lord and was bap tized in the spring of 1946. The Lord gave Peter to me when we learned to know each other, love each other and were married September 11, 1954. We were looking forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary this September, but the Lord chose to take him before that time. When I think of our life together, many hap py, and some sad memories flood my mind. Peter loved life. He had various hobbies. He loved photography and left hundreds of slides for us to continue to enjoy. He had his own dark room where he developed his own pic tures. Peter loved music. Many a time during his illness when pain robbed him of much needed sleep he would find comfort and soothing from a collection of recordings. Peter loved me and his family. His family was always a priority to him, taking them camping and on outings almost before they could walk. We enjoyed delightful travelling both as a family and the occasions when Peter and I were by ourselves together. Peter loved people. He enjoyed visiting and many will remember the enthusiastic “How are you” greeting when he grabbed their hand in a warm hand-shake. Peter loved his work. Most of his adult life he was involved in construction which began in Winnipeg, moved him to Steinbach, Rosenort and back again to Winnipeg. In all of these dis tricts he soon had a wide circle of friends and helpful associates. Peter loved the Lord and His church. Wherever we lived, Peter soon became in volved as Sunday School teacher, Sunday school superintendent, youth leader and in boards and committees. During the last five years he was very involved in Red Rock Lake
JULY 7, 1979
Bible Camp as a board member and most recently as chairman of the board. He enjoyed this work thoroughly, genuinely concerned for the youth that the camp is dedicated to minister to. Peter first felt pain in his abdomen last August. Our family doctor was unable to diagnose the cause so directed him to more specialized doctors. This led to a whole series of tests, some of them very trying and painful, but all came up with a negative answer. The pain, however, never left, until in February he showed symptoms of an infection and a tubal obstruction. More tests were done and finally on March 6 exploratory surgery was per formed. His illness was then determined as widespread cancer of the pancreas and liver. He still had a strong will to live and after another four weeks he was able to come home, but not for long. He had a strong desire to be at family gatherings at Easter, but instead had to be taken to the hospital where he spent another two weeks. He came home once more, but his condition deteriorated rapidly so that he was soon completely bedridden. With the excellent co-operation and help of home care nurses and the devoted help of his sister Susie we were able to take care of him for four weeks. On Friday, May 25, his pain became so severe that we were unable to control it any longer and he had to be taken to Concordia Hospital, where he had a lovely private room. He remained here until our blessed Lord took him home on Sunday, May 27, 9:35 p.m. at the age of 46 years, bringing to an end his intense suffering and pain. Throughout his long illness and intense suf fering Peter was always patient and polite which made it a privilege to look after him. The family wishes to express deep-felt appreciation to all who cared and stood with us during Peter’s illness, preparation for the funeral and coming to be with us here today. He leaves to grieve his much too soon depar ting, his wife Tina, one daughter Joan and hus band Marvin Eidse, and three sons, Gordon, Myron and Cameron; his mother Margaret; three brothers, Henry and wife Rose (Kola), Ben and wife Marina (Winnipeg), Abe and wife Marion (Kola); five sisters, Susie, Annie and husband George Kehler (Winnipeg), Adina and husband Ben Penner (Edmonton, Alberta), Mary and husband Harold Plett (Landmark), Laura and husband Leo Reimer (Kola); and many other in-laws, relatives and friends. We grieve and will greatly miss my husband and father to our children, but not without hope. We take comfort in the assurance that we will see him again when Jesus will come again, the dead in Christ will rise first and we that are alive will be caught up to meet in the air. Peter’s death was no accident. “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His loved ones” (Psalm 116:15). His loving wife Tina and family
IN LOVING MEMORY OF LEONA REIMER JANUARY 22, 1949 — JULY 1, 1978 FOLLOW ME I travelled down a lonely road And no one seemed to care, The burden on my weary back Had bowed me to despair; I oft complained to Jesus
How folks were treating me. And then I heard Him say so tenderly: “My feet were also weary Upon the Cal’vry road. The cross became so heavy, I fell beneath the load; Be faithful, weary pilgrim. The morning I can see — Just lift your cross and follow close to Me.”
“I worked so hard for Jesus” I often boast and say — “Fve sacrificed a lot of things To walk the narrow way; I gave up fame and fortune — I’m worth a lot to Thee!” And then I hear Him gently say to me: “I left the throne of glory And counted it but loss. My hands were nailed in anger Upon a cruel cross; But now we’ll make the journey With your hand safe in Mine — So lift your cross and follow close to Me.” 0 Jesus, if I die upon A foreign field some day ’Twould be no more than love demands — No less could I repay; “No greater love hath mortal man Than for a friend to die”— These are the words He gently spoke to me: “If just a cup of water I place within your hand Then just a cup of water Is all that I demand,” But if by death to living They can Thy glory see, I’ll take my cross and follow close to Thee. THE REIMER FAMILY
Violence Intensified in Nicaragua, MCC Aid Underway Akron, Pa. Renewed and more intense out breaks of violence in Nicaragua between San dinista guerrillas and President Anastasio Somoza’s forces have caused thousands of refugees to flee the country. Mennonite organizations are taking steps to aid those affected by the war, which has intensified since the last week in May. Heavy combat and bombing has besieged the capital Managua in recent weeks, with San dinista guerrillas continuing to hold major por tions of several larger cities in the northwest part of the country. The guerrilla offensive and a general strike by labor and business prompted Somoza to declare a state of siege, and heavy sustained violence is expected to prevail for the forseeable future in Nicaragua. CEPAD, the Evangelical Committee for Development Assistance, has launched a new program to feed 8,000 of the neediest families though food is scarce, and is requesting finan cial and material aid from outside. Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Nicaragua work with CEPAD, and Paul Kirst, Mennonite Central Committee refugee project director in Central America, has requested that MCC send food or funds to CEPAD.
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Anabaptism cont'd. small part of the Anabaptist movement. However, the attention which these dramatic events drew gave the wrong im pression to the whole movement. The true spirit and faith of the larger group of Anabaptists was almost entirely mis understood. It is only in the last 75 years that church historians have recognized this difference and have devoted more study to the Anabaptist movement. Another segment of the Anabaptist movement was the group which came to accept the community of goods (as record ed in the first chapters of Acts). The movement started in Moravia in the fall of 1526 under the leadership of Jacob Wiedeman. He opposed paying war taxes, which he called blood money. Wiedeman’s view of the New Testament church gradually became more strict. In the spr ing of 1527 he began to advocate “com munism’, “having all things in com mon ... ”, and shortly afterward at Austerlitz a whole community of Anabaptists lived as one family, called a “Bruderhof.” This group had a strong missionary zeal, and invited others to join similar households. There was much disunit,v in this group and finally a division resulted. The person who reunited the movement was Jacob Hutter. Hutter was a man with a strong and aggressive per sonality and a strict disciplinarian. With a strong hand he overpowered factionist leaders and united the group so that the movement lived, bearing his name, Hutterisch, or Hutterite. The movement became very strong in Moravia, number ing up to 15,000. In the century after 1500 severe persecution came upon the Hutterites. Thousands lost their lives because of their faith. They were almost totally exterminated from the central European area. The movement continued to live in Russia, and currently in Canada and the U.S.A. This brings us to the person after whom the whole Anabaptist movement came to be named — Menno Simons. Menno was born in 1496 in Witmarsum, Holland. At 28 he became priest. He had little knowledge of Greek and Latin and no Scripture. Menno says that he spent his time in “playing, drinking, and all manner of frivolous diversions.” However, he was a man with an open mind and a tender conscience. When the revolutionary religious ideas were spreading across northern Europe, Men no was also affected. His first area of doubt was the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation — a belief that the bread
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THE MESSENGER
and wine became the actual body and blood of Christ. He prayed and studied the New Testament. Suddenly the New Testament became an open book to him. He found the answer: the bread was not the body of Christ. The New Testament was beginning to become his authority. This breakthrough led to another issue, Menno heard that a certain tailor had been beheaded because of re-baptism. He had never doubted infant baptism but this incident led him to another search of the New Testament, and to his surprise, he found no basis for infant baptism in the New Testament. He studied Luther and Zwingli, and discovered that the reformers differed on their views, and were contrary to his interpretation. Finally, Menno concluded that infant baptism was also without Scriptural foundation. In spite of this, he continued as priest. He was even promoted to a higher position in Witmarsum. About this time the fanatical Muenster uprising was taking place, and some of their followers appeared in the vicinity of Witmarsum. Menno publicly attacked this radical group. Inwardly, however, he was not at peace, because he was himself opposed to the Catholic doctrine of child baptism and the mass. He still found dif ficulty in fully identifying with the peaceful Anabaptists.
ment. He married shortly after and was also ordained as an elder. In 1542 Emperor Charles V issued an imperial edict against him. It stated that anyone caught giving him shelter, food, or drink or even caught speaking with him, or reading any of his books, could lose his property, and be classed as a heretic himself. A reward of 100 gulden (1 year priest’s salary) would be given to anyone apprehending this man. For his own protection, Menno moved from one area to another. He wrote much. He debated the issues of Christian doc trine with various Reformation leaders. In his own views Menno was very strict on church discipline. The Church, he said, must be without “spot or wrinkle”, pure and undefiled. This must be demonstrated in moral conduct. Those who disobey must be subjected to the ban, i.e. put out of the church. Following the ban comes avoidance. The excom municated person should be “avoided” in all religious, business, and social relationships. Menno considered this strict exercise of discipline as the ‘jewel of the church’. Later he apparently regretted some of his strict views. Menno lived to be 65 years old. He died in 1561. During the last years of his life he lived quietly in the village of Wuestenfeld.
The incident that helped to trigger Menno’s decision happened at Bolsward near Witmarsum. Here Menno’s own brother had joined a fanatical group which defended itself with the sword. Most of the persons in the group were killed including Menno’s brother. The conflict in his mind became unbearable. Here he was agreeing with them on the basic issue of a believer’s church, but he could not accept their errors, and he spoke out against Jthem. Finally he made the decision. In January, 1536, he laid down his priestly office, renounced the Catholic Church, and deliberately chose a life of uncertainty, poverty, and constant threat of imprisonment. He chose the way of the cross, the way of obedience to Christ and the New Testament. He received baptism by Obbe Philips, a leader of the peaceful Anabaptist move
IV. The Name “Mennonite” The question of a proper name for the Anabaptist movement has been the topic for much discussion. In the beginning out leaders simply called themselves “Brethren”. The word “Anabaptists” (again baptizers) was given to them by their enemies. For the Brethren this was a wrong name because they did not con sider infant baptism as a baptism at all. In Holland the name Doopsgezinda (baptism-minded) has been used. In Switzerland it was Alt-Evangelische Taufgesinnte. With the movement having spread so widely over Europe many name designations were used. Gradually the word Menist, or Mennonite, became the more popular name, largely because of Menno Simons’ active role as leader, writer and organizer of the movementB
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