The Messenger November 9, 1979

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hSSSlgla. EV^NGELICML MENNONITE CON^I^^^^OL. 17 NO. 23

Nov. 9/79

The Christian And Anxiety

Reprinted from, “Now For Something Total­ ly Different,” by Stuart Briscoe, Copyright c 1978 by Word, Inc. Used by permission of Word Books, Waco, Texas 76703.

by Stuart Briscoe

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-X. herefore I say unto you. Take no thought for your life, irhat ye shall eat, or irhat ye shall drink: nor yet for your body, irhat ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment! Behold the foirls of the air: for they soir not neither do they reap, nor gather into bams; yet your heareiily Father feedeth them. Are not ye much better than they! Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature! And irhy take ye thought for raiment! Consider the lilies of the field, hoir they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you. That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, irhich to-day is, and to-niorroir is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, 0 ye of tittle fiith! Therefire take no thought, saying. What shall ire eat! or. What shall ire drink! or. Wherewithal shall we be clothed! (For after all these things do the Gentile.s seek:) for your hearenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these thing.s shall he added nnto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morroir shall take thought for the things of itself Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Matt: 6:25-3k).

What is one of the outstanding characteristics of our world today? I believe it is an overriding anxiety. That was the spirit Jesus was ad­ dressing in this passage. Notice how he repeats the idea of “taking thought” for the morrow. Literally, he was urg­ ing his hearers not to be anxious con­ cerning material things. The Living Bible renders these verses; Don't K'orry about things — food, drink, uiouey (implied), and clothes. For you already hare life and a body — and they are far more important than irhat to eat and leear. Look at the birds! They don’t ivorry about ivhat to

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eat — they don't need to sow or reap or store up food — for your hearenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Will alt your worries add a single mo­ ment to your life! And why worry about your clothes! Look at the field lilies! They don't worry about theirs. . . So don't irorry at all about h a r i II g e n o ii g h fo o d and clothing . . . (Matt. 6:3,5-31).

We need a clear definition of anxiety and worry here. There is a fine line between being careless and not being careful. It seems that some people have taken Jesus’ admonition here to mean that carelessness and irrespon­ sibility are to be the hallmarks of faith. I do not believe that is what he meant when he said, “Take no thought...” But he is saying that we are not to be engulfed by a foreboding sense of anxiety as we face each day. Have you ever seen an anxious person who also exuded a spirit of joy? Yet both Paul and Jesus admonished the early Christians to be joyful. I don’t read that either teacher taught that Christians are to evidence a fearful or anxious spirit. One of the shades of meaning in the word “blessed” which prefaces each of the Beatitudes is this very concept: “Be joyful” (see the Amplified Bible). Over and over again the New Testa­ ment tells us that the hallmark of the Christian life is to be a joyous spirit. How can we be joyful if our souls are riddled with anxiety and worry? This is the idea Jesus was seeking to convey here. Along with freeing us from the penalty of our sin at Calvary, Jesus also gave us the key to the marvelous freedom of the joyful spirit. This joy or happiness does not come to us because we make it the object of our pursuit. Rather it is the by-product of the Christian life« As C. S. Lewis so aptly put it, we are “surprised by joy” when we yield control of our lives to the Master.. Joy', doesn’t come from'

desperately seeking — it comes as a result of self-surrender. / As we look i,hto this subject of anxie­ ty we will deal first of all with COMMON AREAS OF ANXIETY As I’ve already pointed out, Paul also addressed this subject: But 1 irguld hare you without carefulness. He that i.s unmarried carethfor the things that belong to the Lord, hoir he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the thing.s that are of the world, how he may please his irife. There is a difference also between a wife and a rirgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the irorld, hoir she may ple.ise her husband (1 Cor. 7:33-34).

Notice how frequently Paul used the word “care” in this passage. Notice, too, how he lauds those who are single. So often in our day, married people tend to feel sorry for those who are single — and some single people, too, feel sorry for themselves. But Paul sees this single state as a blessed con­ dition, a special quality. Too often we neglect that concept. But that is not the main point of this passage. The es­ sence of his thought here is this: Care in certain areas is to be commended. Jesus was not urging his followers to “take no thought for the work of the Lord.” Neither does he condemn valid concern for marital responsibility. On the contrary, Paul’s thought here is that if we are married, we are to accept our responsibilities and con­ cerns. Concern in marriage is com­ mended both by Paul and by Jesus. Later in his First Epistle to the Corinthians Paul touches on this sub­ ject of care once again: “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (12:25). Anxiety is condemned by the Lord, but

THE MESSENGER

real concern for others is commended by the Scriptures. This tension is necessary in the Christian pilgrimage. Too often, we Christians pride ourselves on the absence of anxiety from our lives — but we are not con­ cerned for others either. It takes a cer­ tain degree of maturity to have the right kind of concern while struggling to overcome improper anxieties. But concern in marriage is commendable, as is concern in the bod.v of believers. If 1 lack concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of my fellow believers, I am simply being irrespon­ sible. Paul touched on this subject again in his second letter: “Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28). The same man who wrote, “Be careful for nothing” (Phil. 4:6), admits here that he is concerned for his churches. The Living Bible gives this thought as “I have the constant worry of how the churches are getting along.” Paul con­ demns anxiety, as Jesus did, but he commends concern, in marriage, in membership, and in ministry. He brings it up again in Philippians 2:20: “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.” Paul was looking for someone who cared enough, who was concerned enough, to go on a mission for him to Philippi — and he could find no one. Apply that lesson to our situation in the church of Jesus Christ today. What has happened to our concern for others, our mission to the unreached world around us‘? Yes, anxiety was to be condemned (both Paul and Jesus make this truth clear), but concern for others is to be commended. Let’s look back again at the Sermon on the Mount: “Therefore I say unto you. Take no thought for your life ...” (Matt. 6:25). Jesus has put his finger on our problem when he says, “ . . . for your life ...” Self-centered, egocentric concern for self is at the heart of our problem in the world to­ day. Concern for others is commen­ dable, but anxiety for our own well­ being is condemned. The Greek word for “life” as translated here is also an interesting word. It’s the word from which we get psychic, psychology, psy­ chiatrist. In other words, it has to do with our own personhood, our own be­ ing. Jesus is simply saying we should not be riddled by anxiety for our own well-being.

NOVEMBER 9, 1979

Finances, food, fashion, fit­ ness and the future. All need to be viewed realistically. Another area of anxiety lies in the matter of family finances. Jesus touched on that just before launching into his discussion of anxiety: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth cor­ rupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). There’s one simple solution to this problem of making ends meet — and that is to spend slightly less than you make. I must say to myself, “God has graciously blessed me with the ability to earn this much, so he must want me to live at this level. I wdll simply live within the confines of what I earn.” That philosophy will solve the finan­ cial worries of some people. Others have an opposite problem when it comes to worry about money. They have so much that they don’t know what to do with it. They would say, “The Lord has given me so much that I am worried about holding on to it.” For them, the love of money has become the root of all evil. The answer to this kind of problem is to realize that each one of us is merely a steward of what he possesses. We should take the attitude that none of this wealth is ours, but that it has been entrusted to us by our Father. We are merel.v to be conduits of his blessing to others. Our prayer should be, “Father, please give me wisdom to know how much I should keep for myself, and how to channel the rest for your glory.” So we have two kinds of anxiety about money: If we have it, we worry about keeping it; and if we don’t have it, we worry about getting it. Financial con­ cerns are certainly a problem for most of us. Another area of anxiety Jesus touched upon was this matter of food: “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eiif, or what ye shall drink . . . ” (v. 25). As I look around me here in the United States, I don’t see many of us worried about the amount of food we

have. True, there are pockets of pover­ ty in our country where people don’t have enough food to eat, but a far more widespread problem lies in the area of orez’eating in this affluent country of ours. But as we look to other parts of the world, we see the en­ croachment of the Sahara Desert, we see the awful fingers of famine stretching across the African conti­ nent, and we sense the concern Jesus was voicing here. For his hearers were facing a daily struggle for sufficient food much as do the people in the third world today. Anxiet.v about food was a real temptation for them. Let me touch on another area of anxiety — fashion. Jesus condemned undue concern for fashion along with undue concern for finances and food. Here is a prohibition that hits our fashion-conscious world. One of our largest industries is the clothing in­ dustry, which speaks of the concern most people have about being fashionably dressed. And this leads me to the last area of concern: fitness. All across our country health spas have sprung up almost overnight, catering to people’s undue concern about physical fitness. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not critical about normal care for our bodies, for they are a God­ given gift. But I do think Americans have made a fad of physical fitness. Conversely, they don’t seem par­ ticularly interested in using their bodies for the glory of God or in reaching out to others in need. Theirs is a self-seeking search for fitness so that they might worship at the shrine of human beauty. Their primary pur­ pose in keeping fit is to help themselves rather than their fellow men. The future is also a subject of undue concern for many people today. Jesus was dealing with that anxiety when he said, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit (about 18 inches) unto his stature (life span)?’’ (Matt. 6:27). He wasn’t talking about physical stature so much as length of life. This concern lies at the heart of the current and continuing popularity of shallow and sensational prophetic preaching today. Again, don’t get me wrong. I’m in favor of biblical preaching, the presentation of the whole counsel of God — but I have problems with some of the practitioners of the fine art of “snowing” gullible people with

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Neto Series

Straight Talk YOU are responsible for what YOU do

by Ed Reimer

"He/she made me do it." "Now look what you made me do." "I know it's not right; but everyone does it." You have probably heard one or more of the above statements, or similar statements, often. Perhaps you have used them yourself. It is a basic human tendency to blame others for things we wish we had not done. This tendency is vividly depicted in the Genesis account. Adam said, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me to eat, and I did eat." Eve said, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."

Letters

Cod rejected both attempts to shift the blame by pronouncing a separate punishment on both for their in­ dividual actions. A principle is established here that runs throughout Scriptures: God holds every man responsible for his own actions, in spite of the influence of others. We violate this principle in various ways: by blaming our upbringing or home life when we mess up our own adult lives; by blaming the preacher or hypocritical older Christians for inconsistencies in our own conduct. By so doing we perpetuate our own immaturity. It is reasonable to expect this kind of behavior from little children, but this is not what Jesus had in mind when He told us to become like children. Accepting responsibility for one's own actions is probably the best sign of maturity. If you want to be, or become, a mature person — a mature Christian — never blame anyone else for anything you do. Ed and Evelina Reimer are members of the Fort Garry EMC Church.

ENJOY MESSENGER IN FAR AWAY LAND

after it is published) on how God works in lives of individuals and churches where EMC’ers are located. It also helps us to be more effective in praying for our mis­ sionaries. We are still working with MCC here in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Our main assign isign-­ „„„„„ between uclwcch I' ment is to be the liaison MCC the 12,500 Colony Mennonites and ^Iso between the Bolivians and the Colony Mennonites when needed. We have had many rewarding experiences as we have ssen these groups interact with to fulfil! fulfill our ;",!; other. Our desire de.;:?; is ts Christian responsibility of helping people in need, not only materially, but physical­ ly, mentally and spiritually as well. We appreciate your prayer support, as well as the financial support through MCC. God bless you all. Dick and Mary Anne Plett Casilla JU Siuitti Crnz, Bolii'iu

For a very long time we’ve wanted to write to say a grateful thank you to those of you who contribute towards overseas airmail postage. When so far removed from “home,” all Greetings in the blessed name of the links with the familiar are greatly apLord Jesus Christ! preciated. We enjoy The Messenyer and We sincerely appreciated the recent look forward to it arriving, even though visit of E.M.C. staff and missionaries — the news is then already three months old. Rev. and Mrs. Milton Fast, Rev. and Mrs. In August 1978 we began a three-year Ben Eidse, John Reimer and Ernest term with MCC Teachers Abroad Funk. They served at chapel, presenting Program. We wish we could share with to us the need of prayer and workers in you readers our varied experiences in a missions. We were impressed with the new culture. By far the most satisfying literature on display. are those which, by Jesus’ love, bind us I further appreciated the manifested together in universal brotherhood and interest of the E.M.C. in their young peo­ sisterhood. We’re encountering many “assignments,” informally, outside the ple in various Bible schools. We feel classroom and find it exciting to be part privileged in having the following of God’s team, building the Kingdom. students attending O.B.I.: Beverley Ricliaril ami Grace Kuelseu CONTRIBUTORS: Dueck (Morris), Judy Dueck (Rosenort), Dariil Lirinystone Teachers Colleye D. Sf/iiirf Briscoe, “The Christian and Terri Fast (Kleefeld), John Friesen Prirate Bay 1 (Steinbach) and Vanessa Koop Lirinys tone, Za m bia Anxiety,” is pastor of the Elmbrook Church in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and is (Rosenort). also President of “Telling the Truth, Inc.” A total of 70 students have registered MESSENGER KEEPS THEM UP TO He has written six previous books and for this semester. May the Lord give us DATE ______ .......... several magazine articles. He .and his. love and wisdom to plant biblical and This is a note to let yjni know that we wife, Jill, hive thrw''children''- David" practical roots in their lives. appreciate receiving “The Messenger,’’ Judy, and Peter. Sincerely in Him, and want to thank everyone who makes it Ernie otul Mary Ann Locicoi (Pleasant John R. Dick possible for us to receive it. This Valley) are attending the Rio Grande BiDean of Education magazine brings us.up to date (even if we ble Institute language studies) in snmptimps fpcpivp it fniir tn Pitrhf uzooVa iiisuiuic uaiiguage SLUUies/ in Okanayan Bible Institute sometimes receive it four to eight weeks preparation for missionary service in Paraguay. Lester and Darlene Olfert (Swift Current) are serving in Nicaragua HELP WANTED with the EMC Board of Missions. Rodney and Carol Krocker (Steinbach) are in­ Person required for a full-time position at the E.M. Conference volved in printing at the New Tribes Mis­ Head Office in Steinbach. Applicants should have some ex­ sion headquarters in Sanford, Florida. perience in accounting and general secretarial work. COVER PHOTO: Inquire at office for application forms. Winter came to our part of the country Phone: 326-6401 with a bang October 31-November 1. The wet snow became a burden to many a tree Box 1268 as we see by these mountain ash on Steinbach, Man. Barkman Ave. in Steinbach. Photo by the ROA 2A0 editor.

EMC'ERS APPRECIATED IN THE WEST

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THE MESSENGER

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From the Editor We Wouldn't lie, would we? My friend, George B., and I had not run into each other for some time and, of course, one or the other had to ask, “How are you?” (I wish someone could come up with something more realistic sometime.) Sometimes it almost seems we don’t even require an answer. It becomes a synonym for “Hi” and “Hello.” Nevertheless the honest soul is put on the spot. He doesn’t want to say “rotten” or “terrible.” Because as a Christian we’re supposed to put on a good front. Society demands it. Reputation requires it. Marilee Zdenek says it well in her book, “Splinters in My Log.” She writes that in their house everyone told the truth about everything but feelings! I wonder if this is not repeated over and over in many homes, relationships and even in the church. Well, to get back to George, bless his heart, he wouldn’t take my .so, .so for the final word and continued to really quiz until I had to assure him that I did know I was a Christian! So, what does one say when one is approached with, “How are you?” Should one be honest with feelings? There is always risk involved in making yourself vulnerable and transparent. For one thing it could do damage to your reputation. On the other hand, it could open you to ex­ ploitation. To less honest souls it could gender surprise. A friend of mine related how he had taken this risk and then encountered some of the above reactions. I take my hat off to the brother who confessed that “things don’t always go

right at our house,” and added, “I don’t know about yours.” Here was a man

who took a realistic look at his domestic life. We find that Jesus Christ did not hide his emotions from his close friends. One who would confidently say, “All power is given unto me in heaven and earth,” also said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death ...” Then he requested his true close friends, Peter, James, and John to watch with Him, requesting moral support, if you please (Matthew 26:38). The writer to the Hebrews (ch. 2:1618) explains the reason for Christ’s humanity. Here is what he says:

“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”

Notice here, the Son of God “made like unto his brethren” in order that he can be merciful to them. This is surely a great comfort in times of stress, to know that here is one who can feel with you because he too experienced disappointments, stress, etc. We feel our real character must be hidden from others. What would peo­ ple think if they discovered some skeletons in my closet - some weaknesses of character! There is a place for reservation. We all know people who may spill the whole works on first encounter. We do not appreciate this. But that is not the kind of vulnerability I am talking about. What I mean is when, for example, a pastor says of one of their mis­ sionaries that “usually she doesn’t let anything slip into her letter which could be discouraging.” It would seem to me such a person is not availing herself of the support ministry of the church. This is not to say that missionaries should not have a mind of their own

and solve their own problems where possible. But it does say that the Scrip­ tures support a sharing, caring ministry. And how can we share and care if everyone appears “hale fellow well met” all the time? I’m such a poor witness. The fear of man will silence my tongue. But lo and behold, I hear an evangelist say, con­ cerning this fear of man, “I battle with this every time I seek to witness!” What a relief overwhelms me. Here is a kindred spirit. He does not talk only of successes and victories, but also of infirmities. Are we then so blind that we fail to see that healing can only come when we see our failures and acknowledge them? But you say, “People will think less of me if I share my weaknesses and fears publicly.” Some may, but by far the majority will think more of you and you will become a model for others to open up to. We preachers too need to acknowledge our weaknesses. Here we should hasten to add though that not in the traditional sense, if we want to call it that, where we continually emphasize how insignificant we are. This too can be overdone, because in the eyes of God we are significant and important. But we can share our problems in the sense that we want to overcome them. William E. Sangster early in his ministry wrote out a record of the con­ flicts of his soul. Among them was the fear that even in his preaching he was more often wondering what the people thought of him, more than what they thought about his Lord and the Word. This, I believe, is an honest evaluation of one’s ministry. It is so easy to slip into a routine..We should evaluate our ministry often. Is it done for self, for show, or for the Lord What about that man of God of other years, Albert Barnes? It is said that even after 40 years of preaching he never entered the pulpit without a feeling of dread, certainly not for the message but for the vessel which was delivering it. - D.S.

THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct, and inspire. Inform as to wha. is going on in the Conference; instruct in Godliness and victorious livihg; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg, Box 1268. Steinbach. Manitoba. ROA 2A0. Letters, articles, art and poetry are welcomed. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished articles are not returned except by request. Subscription: Members pay through their church. Non-members pay $2.00 per year. Send subscription money to The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0. 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.

NOVEMBER 9, 1979

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tremendously blessed. 3) We are also in the process of becoming God’s people. He also pointed out, significantly, that the blessings were in conjunction with the whole group (the church) — it.s, /ve, ye, 0/11:

It was a record breaking conference, at least attendance- wise.

“Jesus Christ, the head, is not complete without the body,” he said, “and we are that body. This body is both universal and local.” The (V////rh: A Respoz/.sible Body — In this final message the speaker emphasiz­ ed the following: — Harmony through the Trinity (4:4-6) — Unitv and Harmony through Gifts (4:7) — The Gifts to the Church (4:10-11) — The Goal for the Church (4:13) — A Vision of the Whole Church (4:16) I’rom 4:17 to 5:15 he challenged the audience to walk in purity, walk in love, and walk in wisdom. These are not op­ tions, he stated; they are your respon­ sibility.

Northern Fellowship Chapels Annual Conference “This has been a day of blessing"

FOG AND RAIN failed to dampen the spirits of participants at the 1979 annual conference of the EMC Northern Fellowship Chapels. They came in larger numbers, so I was told, than to any other annual conference thus far. The spacious Felly (Sask.) school auditorium, where the main sessions were held, also proved adequate to accommodate all guests. The conference takes in the following churches: Kamsack, Felly, Endeavour, Arabella, Hudson Bay, Creighton (all from Sask.), Swan River and Birch River from Manitoba. The theme of the one-day conference

was “The Blessings and Responsibilities of the Church.” The two messages relating to the theme were delivered by John Kornelsen, pastor of the Hudson Bay Church. The Church: P/-i/'ileged Body — Mr. Kornelsen took us to the book of Ephesians for this sermon. He emphasized that therein lay God’s program and plan for the Church: What God has done for the Church (ch. 1-3); What God wants to do through the Church (ch. 4-6). He feels that the book of Ephesians also has the answer to local needs, He recounted some facts that should stir us: 1) We are God’s people. 2) We are

Endeavour choir led by Dennis Thiessen. Young and old join in.

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Whatever they're discussing it must be interesting. Frank Reimer (left) with main speaker, john Kornelsen.

Panel (left to right): Harvey Kroeker, Dennis Thiessen, Sara Thiessen, Frank Braun, Mary Braun.

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The Prairie Rose men singing at the conference.

* He pointed out that Christians are to submit to one another (5:21). “We can ex­ pect amazing things to happen when we are submitted ... As we learn to submit to God and others we can become a tremendous value to God ... I believe God can do great things through our Northern Fellowship churches.” Church reports were interspersed through the sessions. Eiiib’iimiir: The report was given by Laurie Steppan. Four young people were baptized. Five students are in Bible school. A camp and VBS program was conducted. Civij/litoii: For Fraser it was the first conference. “Wonderful to be here.” He is thankful for the Creighton chapel and the Frieda Johnson (left) and Agnes Friesen (CSSM workers from Strathclair) conducted children's session at the Northern Conference.

Milton Fast, Steinbach (facing camera, left), and Lewis Anfinson, deacon at Pelly, during intermission.

people he fellowships with. He thanks for prayers and invites visitors. Birch Rirer: Church and Sunday school attendance have increased. They hope to pay off their building loan this year. Good News Clubs are to be started in Birch Ri\'er and Mafeking. Ralph Unger, pastor, gave the report. Hii)lm)ii Bill/: Elmer Plett reports for this church. The work began in 1967. Their chapel seats 70. They need room and are planning to build. They have started on an Awana program. Biriiii Rirer: Some families moving in last spring have swelled the congregation. They had a family camp in August with Gladwin Plett. Pastor Braun has been engaged at half-time. Two panel discussions were on the program for Sunday afternoon: 1. “The Rights of the Child,” led by Harvey Kroeker, with panel members, Dennis and Sara Thiessen, Frank and Mary Braun. 2. “Why Church Membership?” led by George Braun, with panel, members, Doris Reimer, Blake Fraser, and Ralph Unger. Guest representatives were Milton Fast (missions), Edwin Friesen (EMC), Waldo Neufeld (MCC). A children’s session was held in the Pelly church simultaneously with the Sun­ day afternoon service in the gym. Agnes Friesen and Frieda Johnson from Strathclair conducted it. Rendering special musical numbers was a group from Landmark, billed as Prairie Rose men, and a choir from Endeavour, Sask. A lively feature was a skit presented by the Kamsack/Pelly Arabella young peo­ ple. (I was still waiting to get a suitable photo when it was over. Sorry.) Many others were involved in making this conference a success, not the least the ladies who prepared the meals. Things were conducted with order and dispatch. Frank Reimer, pastor of the Pelly Chapel, was chairman throughout the sessions. ■

Approx, mileage .3(1 miles per inch

Location of EMC Northern Fellowship Chapels

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Missions food and the meaning of life, millions are sick physically and spiritually, millions are dying without ever having heard the Good News. We must, ive must, do something about this. These people did not choose to be born into such a situa­ tion. We did not choose to be born into our blessings. God commands us to lift up our eyes unto the fields for they are white unto harvest. “Say not ye. There are yet ) I* four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you. Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). God has f no other plan than to use His people to ! take the Gospel to every person around I the world. “But ye shall receive power, I I after the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall he mituesses unto me both in I I Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in a? I Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of I the earth” (Acts 1:8). God is not willing I that any should perish. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering FLORIDA toward us, not willing than any should perish but that all should come to repen­ Dave Eidse and Ernie Loewen - han­ tance” (II Peter 3:9). He’s waiting for us ding over the keys. to respond. With all our blessings and Ye Shall Be Witnesses with all the millions of needy people, let us be found faithful. RIO GRANDE BIBLE INSTITUTE L/ft up your eyes Just a personal note. We thank the We are among the most blessed people many people who have been praying with in the world. We live in one of the us. We had a safe and pleasant trip here Key In - Key Out wealthiest countries there are. Our to Sanford. New Tribes Mission three blessings go far beyond our needs. One years ago purchased this property and just has to think of a few important moved their headquarters and The Key to the Heart What area of our life does not involve things like food, shelter, and clothing. Do publications from Wisconsin to Sanford, Florida. keys, either literally or figuratively? In we not have more than we need? Praise the Lord with us for the safe It is just grace from my heavenly the life of a missionary keys play an im­ portant role. They may signify the securi­ Father that I was born into a Christian arrival of a phototypesetter which came ty of his possessions; keys may „speak of home where I’ve learned about the Lord. recently, and pray for Carol as she is to his'mobiHty YnT foreign"land’. PeYhaps I’ve been grounded in a fantastic church learn to operate it. It’s a giant step ahead most important is the key to a man’s fellowship and had ^ Christian people I from the old linotype. Pray with us concerning a used senencould grow up. with. I’ve had the wonderheart - often his native tongue. To many a modern missionary ful opportunity of hearing and believing unit web offset printing press we have ; 1is a l.v, transportation key issue. This fact God’s Word. I now can walk and talk with also purchased. It needs to be dismantled, Y^'"underlined''when7on"SepteYbCT 25^ my personal Saviour. I can take my shipped, rebuilt and reinstalled. It must we exchanged the keys of two similar burdens to Him anywhere, anytime. I can come from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and will vehicles outside our modest southern Tex- trust Him for all my needs. As I allow the be shipped on a couple of semi-trailers. The purchase of this equipment is a few “ --- gpjpjj freedom in my heart, I am exas apartment. F. steps closer to our goal of printing New Upon returning to Canada on furlough periencing the fruit of the Spirit - love. Dave Eidses had ordered a new Suburban JOV- Peace, patience, kindness, goodness, Testaments for the believers in the tribal in anticipation of returning to Mexico, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control- areas where our missionaries are work­ With the possibility of working on a five- only^because^ I’ve heard and believed in ing. It will also print our monthly magazine, “Brown Gold.” Whereas it now year visa they felt it would be advisable II*® Gospel of Jesus Christ, takes a week of printing to do the “Brown Looking at this phenomenon, this to replace their two-year-old Suburban. J •. ■ Suburban In spite of modern scheduling facilities, miracle in my life, this grace from my Gold” alone, it will be a matter of hours the vehicle was not ready when their heavenly Father, 1Iran not do any^ing on the new press. To say the least, it certainly is exciting less than to share these truths and make departure date arrived. to see the Lord work. I am totally con­ can so We were planning to leave for southern available in what way I vinced that the Lord loves the heathen too Texas about a month after the Eidses’ that others can have life too. There are this hour, this very minute, and wants them for His own. Aren’t you? departure. So it was arranged that we Rodney Kroeker would travel south with the new vehicle. MILLIONS that haven’t heard of the It was a pleasure to drive a new vehicle name of Jesus once. Millions hunger for «

as we leisurely migrated south in August. We had enough room to arrange the changing moods of half a dozen indepen­ dent prairie dwellers. After the Mexico field missionary meeting in El Paso, the Eidses detoured via Edinburg. They finally caught up with their new Suburban! But they failed to get the six-month visa in Reynosa that we had prayed for. This means that they will need to return to El Paso for Christ­ mas. We treasure the fellowship we had with Uncle Dave and Aunt Susie. Our girls fondly recall David’s grandpa’s visit. Then, too, they make the occasional nostalgic remark about our “other” Suburban. It was not so difficult to give the keys of the new vehicle to the right owner. BUT, it is somewhat difficult to acquire the key to the Latin’s heart - Spanish. Ernie and Mary Ann Loewen and Girls

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THE MESSENGER

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NICARAGUA

Mission Grams

A New Way of Thinking

Ecuador Flo Friesen writes from Shell, Ecuador that besides teaching her six grade one's and two's she has started a girls' club and is also helping along with the Spanish Good News Club.

Only God Knoivs the Future Amid headlines like, “Revolution is no party” and “Revolution - like the daily sunshine,” we try to find our way into a new way of thinking, a new lifestyle, here Mexico in Nicaragua. There are days when we sit Josephine Friesen writes, "We had an excellent turn-out for Sunday school and ponder over the new developments, at Km. 5. Felipe and Cindy Cruz are back from Florida and Bro. Felipe had very and there are days when excitement runs good studies and special numbers, both at Km. 5 and at our EMC church here in high as we see a stream of positive El Paso. developments. Certainly we take nothing for granted; we are heavily indoc­ Germany trinated into the community spirit, Jake and Dorothy Unrau write, "Please pray with us for three young peo­ eradicating the bad and fighting for the ple. Sylvia (17) has heard the way of salvation clearly and was really searching. good. Praise God, we have not been Then she found out that her boyfriend is a Jehovah's Witness. Now she is very in hindered from our evangelistic thrusts with that. (They are planning an April wedding.) Pray that Sylvia will see the and can move about freely. error of the J.W.'s and turn to Christ. Her younger sister, Conny, is a Christian Our boys, Lyndon and Danny, only and Dorothy's helper in the "Kinderstund." Because of pressure from so many spent one week in Nicaragua before we sides (her sister, parents, friends, the state church, and Christian friends) she is had to take them to Honduras for school. getting confused and unsure of herself. Pray that Conny will remain true and They thoroughly enjoyed that week, see­ that we will be an encouragement. Hermine (16) spent a week with us last ing old friends, brushing up on their summer. She is a very confident, outgoing Christian, but suffers much opposi­ Spanish, and falling in line with the “in” tion and persecution for her faith. In two years she will be finished school and things, a bullet collection. would like to attend Bible school in Canada. Pray that Hermine will withstand They were very excited to get back to the pressures, and find the Lord's will concerning her future, the possibility of their beloved Academy and see the old attending Bible school. and new friends alike. Moving in was a picnic and Mom and Dad were now free to Wycliffe Bible Translators see their friends and plan the trip back to "We are pleased to notify you that Miss Verna Doerksen, who is a member Nicaragua. of your denomination, has now been officially assigned to the field of Peru for They were both excited with their new Bible translation work. This means that Verna has satisfactorily completed her dorm parents. Lyndon’s dorm father was period of mission orientation and is ready to begin field work. She will now be a gymnast with 12 years of experience in making final preparations for travel to that field." an orphanage. Danny’s dorm father was a real hero - a former New York Mets base­ Wedding Bells! ball player. He even promised to show Our congratulations go out to Dorcas Hamm and Helmut Isaac upon their them the mitt he used at the time. But far marriage on November 3. Dorcas has been serving with Canadian Sunday above all was the dedication we felt in all School Mission in Quebec. The couple plans to return to serve the Lord there the staff and the determination to make together. this year the best year in each child’s life. Letters with statements like this, “I Missions Conferences still get homesick, but most of the time I This fall 19 EMC churches have had missions conferences and ten more are don ’ t have time to think about it,” “I was being planned for. Our missionaries home on furlough have been busy par­ elected to the Student Council; we have ticipating in these conferences, and contributing in informing the people of many projects and activities to plan,” “I what the Lord is doing in various parts of the world through His people. Don't have to play a song in chapel on Wednes­ forget to pray for our missionaries home on furlough. day. I think I’ll do ‘Try a Little Kindness’,” “I caught two female rhinoceros beetles and one moth with A mixed group from Prairie Rose singing at the Northern Fellowship Chapels four clear eyes on its wings,” “Things annual conference. seem to be falling in line for me, I don’t need to spend so much time at my homework,” make our hearts pour forth i praise to God for a school like Las Americas where our children can be . I U themselves and yet at the same time be challenged to produce to full capacity in the areas where their talents lie. Nicaragua is still on shaky ground, and only God knows what her future is. It is a time when we renew our missionary call and also a time to “pour thine heart like water before the Lord” (Lam. 2:19). To us it is a great source of strength and en­ couragement to hear God say, “I am that I am,” and in that we rest. Darlene Olfert PAGE 9

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Indian Resettlement In Paraguay Winnipeg — The focal point is the land. The challenge is to become reconcilers and to establish a lasting brotherhood between those who took it and those who originally used it. In Paraguay, as in North America, the challenge has been raised and the Mennonite people, along with the other European settlers, have begun to grapple with the consequences of their history.

Wilmar Stahl, a development anthropologist employed with the Associacion de Servicios de Cooperacion Indigena-Menonita (Association for Inter-ethnic Co-operation) was in Win­ nipeg from October 18-22, 1979, to share his experience of a fragile but growing bond between the Mennonites and the “Indigenos” in Paraguay’s Central Chaco region. He described the work of the ASCIM at an “Indian Faspa” on October 20th at Home Street Mennonite Church, attended by a dozen local Mennonites and Indians involved in similar issues here in Canada. Two Mennonite colonies, Menno and Fernheim, were established in the Cen­ tral Chaco in the 192O’s. Another,

Neuland, was established in 1947-48. All these on land previously used by the In­ dians. For a long time the only com­ munication with these people was one­ way; Indigenes were hired by Mennonite employers or taught by Mennonite mis­ sionaries. These contacts and the growing number of Indigenes baptized in the Men­ nonite faith led to a gradual recognition of a people who had belonged to the land before the colonies were started. The five major tribes of the Central Chaco, the Chulupi, Lengua, Toba, Sanapana and Guarani no longer confine themselves to their formerly distinct homeland. Indigenes from all tribes mingle in urban slums, seeking employ­ ment. “The challenge,” says Wilmar, “is for their tribes and for us Mennonites to understand and to get along with each other.” ASCIM’s response to the land issue has been to buy up arable acreage and help native groups which request such assistance to set up agricultural com­ munities in these areas. The process of finding and settling land can take about five years, during which time the new community can struggle with all the

issues involved and test their determina­ tion to make this venture succeed. ASCIM is presently working with a group of 100 families which hopes to es­ tablish a new settlement by April, 1980. By now 860 families have been settled on 50,000 hectares of land and ASCIM has already obtained sufficient land for another 400 families. Whenever possible, ASfTM attempts to place a group in an area which is part of the ancestral home for the people concerned. Can a hunting and nomadic people successfully settle down as farmers? Attempts to turn native people into agriculturalists have failed miserably in Canada. “It makes a difference,” notes Wilmar, “if a community comes and says, ‘We want to be farmers’ and then is will­ ing to take three or four years to fully consider all the aspects, continuing all the while to demand their farmland.” Despite the ever-present temptation to leave the farm and return to the previous employers, most families are staying on their land, determined to make a go of it. ASCIM is involved in other activities designed to build bridges between Mennonites and Indigenes in the Central Chaco. The organization was instrumen­ tal in registering the births and marriages of those Indigenes who wished to be registered. Indigenes are recognized as Paraguayan citizens but, like other citizens, require documentary proof of citizenship for any major transaction (such as buying land). Most Indigenes do not have the necessary documentation and find it virtually impossible to get this. In the last two years ASCIM has helped the people to obtain the papers they needed. In those few short hours at Home Street Church, Wilmar Stahl shared his example of a brotherhood of peoples through social and economic develop­ ment. His experience challenges all of us to, in the words of one participant, “really truly become Christian brothers and care for each other, not only in a short term but for as long as we live.”

FRIESEN, Josephine FIELD: Mexico — EMC Board of Missions

ADDRESS:

4117 Starlight, El Paso, Texas 79904

HOME CHURCH: Rosenort

BIRTHDAY: June 14

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COMMENCEMENT OF MISSIONARY SERVICE: 1979 MINISTRY: Office work; Youth work; Child evangelism

Bible Verse: "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on lesus." Hebrews 12:1,2a

THE MESSENGER

An.xiety will kill our joy in the Lord and restrict our liberty. Valid concern for others is one thing (commended by our Lord), but selfish anxiety is sound­ ly criticized and condemned by him. Let’s look now at CHRIST’S ATTITUDE TOWARD ANXIETY

Participants at the Mennonite retreat in Bolivia at the noon meal.

Bolivia Retreat Enhanced By Earlier Mission/Church Ministry Akron, Pa. — An annual August retreat in Bolivia bringing together six Mennonite churches in the Santa Cruz area was the occasion for worship and celebration by local church members and ' Mennonite Central Committee volunteers. The churches had formed as a result of Mennonite work in the area as long as ten years ago, an illustration of a preaching ministry growing out of a deed ministry. MCC had worked in the villages through teaching, agriculture and diversified pro­ jects. These led to worship together and Bible studies. Eventually mission boards — Mennonite Board of Missions (Elkhart) and General Conference Commission on Overseas Mission — were invited to join in the work. The work was also joined by the Mennonite Church in Argentina which sent Jose and Solidad Godoy to serve as the first full-time workers. Churches represented at the reunion included Las Gamas, San Franilla, Los Tajibos, San Julian, La Crucena, Chorobi and the church from the MCC center in Santa Cruz. Participating MCC workers included Judy Koop, Nancy Tielkemeier, Frieda Schellenberg, Doug Lamp, Dick and Mary Ann Plett and Juana Cespedes. Also pre­ sent were Mr. and Mrs. Neudorf and Margaret Gerbrandt from the Evangelical Mennonite medical mission in Chorobi. A special highlight of the day included a 25-voice choir complete with gas generator for an electric organ that was transported from “Biblio Institute Berea” in Santa Cruz. Personal testimonies and Scripture meditations complemented the singing and local talent.

ANXIETY . . . cont’d from page 3

speculation and date-setting. Here again, this kind of preaching panders to the self-concern of people, which Jesus is condemning in no uncertain terms.

NOVEMBER 9, 1979

Jesus had two feelings to share on this score. First of all, he made it clear that anxiety is an exercise in futility: “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matt. 6:27). No matter how much one worries, no matter how concerned he is, he cannot do anything about what God has ordained. I believe that our times are in his hand — and nothing I can do will change that. Secondly, anxiety is an evidence of faithlessness: “Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to­ day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, 0 ye of little faith?” (Matt. 6:31). I would hate for Jesus to call me “little faith.” But that’s who I am if I doubt for one minute his ability to take care of me, if I show anxiety in my self­ centered concern for number one. “Look,” Jesus is saying, “I made your body, and I made your per­ sonhood. If I’m able to make them. I’m certainly capable of keeping them go­ ing. So don’t get all concerned about survival and worried about yourself. If you believe I made you, then you have no alternative but to believe that I will work out my purposes for you.” If I believe that after making me and sustaining me all these years God is going to suddenly withdraw his up­ holding power, I have a peculiar view of God. I am showing that I believe he can be unfaithful. This concept of God is what Jesus is flatly condemning here. He is also saying that we can be faithless, and he uses two il­ lustrations: “Behold the fowls of the air . . . ” and “Consider the lilies ...” (Matt. 6:26, 28). I have often wondered if a bird may have flown out of some cover near the crowd when Jesus spoke these words — or if there were lilies growing in the field where they were standing. Maybe that’s why he used the sudden word “Behold” in referring to the restless birds, and the quiet word “Consider” in calling to their attention this beautiful expression of his creative powers. God is both startl­ ing (as is the bird who suddenly flies from cover) and steady (as is the lily quietly blooming where it is planted)

in his expressions of his care. How beautifully he cares for the birds and the blossoms — and how beautiful they are in their natural state. More beautiful than Solomon in all his glory. Yes, Jesus’ attitude toward anxiety was to consider it an exercise in futili­ ty and an evidence of faithlessness. Am I motivated by self-centered anx­ iety’.’ Do I show it by my irritability and edginess? I must ask myself these pointed questions as I now take a look at THE CHRISTIAN ANSWER TO ANXIETY First of all, the Christian answer to anxiety is to accept divine providence. The passage we have been considering in this chapter begins with the word “Therefore,” and while it’s been said so often that it is in danger of becoming a cliche, when I see that word I ask myself, “What’s it there for?” Three times Jesus repeats it, in verses 25, 31, and 34. The word “therefore” is a link between what has gone by and what is coming. It’s not enough simply to tell people not to be anxious. We need to look on the other side of the therefores to see what God has for us. Let’s look at each instance. In verse 25, the “therefore” refers to what was said in verse 24: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and depise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” If I’ve decided to serve God and not mammon, then there is no need to be anxious. God accepts full responsibility for me if I’ve come to the place of saying, “God, my times are in your hands. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I know who holds my future.” From this perspective I can be confident that as I serve the living and true God, I know his providence in my heart. In verse 31, the “therefore” follows the reference to the fowls of the air and the lilies of the field. If God is able to take care of small things, he can cer­ tainly handle the big matters, Jesus is saying. After all, man was God’s crowning creation. He will not let him down. In verse 34, Jesus is reflecting again upon motivation. If we put the kingdom of God first, we do not need to be overly concerned with the morrow, the future. Base your life on divine priorities, Jesus says, and you will have no cause for anxiety. Rely upon the divine providence, and you

cont. on page 15 PAGE 11

Messenger News

Henry and Annie Bartel (left) and George and Lillie Bartel (right) on the oc­ casion of their silver wedding anniver­ sary on October 21. FAREWELLS

Pleasant Valley, Man.: Belated, but sincere, congratulations to our two young people, Colin Reimer and Wendy Loewen, who graduated from high school the last week in June. Our church family wishes you God’s richest blessings and continued guidance as you make further decisions and choices. A farewell for Dave and Susie Eidse took place on July 4. It was held outdoors on the spacious lawn on Eidses’ lot, close to our church. Fitting words of farewell were spoken by our pastor, and the evening ended with a wiener roast. The Eidses stayed for the EMC convention, and left on Tuesday, July 9. Our prayerful support goes with them as they go back for their second term. July 15 was a big and solemn occasion for us. We shared Holy Communion in the afternoon with Rev. John D. Loewen as our guest speaker. This is always preceded by a probing period, rich blessings in the actual service, and afterwards a new peace and strength. We’re always challenged to a deeper, more active Christian walk, spurned on by Christ’s forgiveness and great love, so evident from the cross experience. The challenge was upon us immediately as we gathered that evening to elect a new minister. Rev. Henry Kornelsen from Ridgewood presented a very clear picture to us on the biblical interpretation of a “minister.” In a real sense each of God’s children has the obligation and responsibility of this calling. The "elected” minister is to spur us on - teach, admonish, encourage, etc. The elected brother was Bert Kornelsen. Needless to say, it’s always a very moving, emotional and meaningful experience for all of us, but es­ pecially so for the elected couple. Our next obligation now is to wholeheartedly support Bert and Elma. God bless you! We had John Wieler at our morning service on July 22. He represented MCC and presented PAGE 12

to us the urgent matter of the Vietnamese “boat people.” All churches are given the op­ portunity of adopting some of these families, providing their needs for one year, and in­ tegrating them into our church family and community. The Dave L. Loewen family celebrated their parents’ 40th wedding anniversary on their home lawn. (Rain threatened and lunch was moved into their spacious machine shed.) They had an interesting program of songs, poems, and reminiscing by children and grandchildren. Rev. Frank Friesen had the message. This occasion was held on July 29. August 5 was a challenging day for all of us. Three of our young people, Randall Friesen (Bill F.), Lori Rempel (Levi R.) and Wendy Loewen (Eleanor L.), were baptized. We pray the Lord will bless and use you daily. Living Fountain Bible Camp ran for the week of August 6-11. A farewell barbecue was held at the River­ side Park for the Ernie Loewens on August 9. A short devotional was held where Ernie and Mary Ann expressed views similar to those of the Dave Eidses last month. It’s quite a “moving” experience with four youngsters but when done in the Lord it is possible. They left by van on Tuesday, August 14, for language studies at the RGBI in Texas. They plan on go­ ing to work in Paraguay. Anyone interested in writing them may do so at Box 840, Edinburg, Texas 78539. The following day another barbecue was held on a farm close to Morris, and attended by 200 people. The occasion was the 25th wedding anniversary of Clarence and Charlotte Siemens. The children had put together a great program. A special feature was the couple’s life story put into poem by Eleanor Loewen, and read by Arlene Rempel. Spiritual inspira­ tion was by our pastor. Rev. Frank Friesen. The August 12 morning service was a very in­ teresting, eye-opening experience. Our leaders were away at the annual ministerial retreat at Clear Lake, so the young people took over the service. Milton Reimer was our song leader, Lori Rempel the pianist, Glenn Friesen had the opening, Stuart Loewen had the special numbers, and Roger and Chuck Friesen each presented sermonettes with well-chosen topics. The messages they contained were to the point, and very challenging. All of you did tremen­ dously well! Talk after church was about how rich Pleasant Valley is in the potential of its young people. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit we should have many spiritual leaders and workers coming up fast. Thank you, young people. August 26, being the last service of the month, was the time to remember many of our young people leaving for other places of study and service: Reg Rempel, returning to Tennessee Temple University; Liz Kornelsen, teaching at Swan River; Rachel Bartel, retur­ ning to Winnipeg Bible College; Laverna Eidse, going to Columbia Bible Institute; and Heather Bartel, going to Immanuel Bible College.

DEACONS ELECTED Ridgewood, Man.: Our church has been bless­ ed by the addition of two new deacons. On Oc­ tober 14 Victor and Valida Friesen and Gilmer and Irene Penner were elected for this ministry. May the Lord bless you richly. On October 15 the Gilmer Penners left for a trip to Mexico to visit the Bert Penners in Chihuahua. I am sure this will be a blessing for all of you. The annual Rest Haven Ladies’ Aid meeting took place at our church on October 15 with Clara Doerksen of Blumenort as guest speaker. She chose a fitting topic to speak on, “How to Grow Old Gracefully.” The Henry Kornelsens, Don Thiessens, Frank P. Thiessens, and Victor Friesens attended the conference at Swift Current. Our new church building is progressing and we are looking forward to when it will be com­ pleted.

NEW PASTOR WELCOMED

Riverton, Man.: October 14 was a special day for our Chapel. A fellowship lunch was held to welcome Larry and Ruby Heppner and family to the Chapel. Mr. Heppner will be our new pastor. He attended the Peace River Bible Institute from which he graduated in 1974. He was also a student at the Steinbach Bible Institute. After spending two years as a stu­ dent minister in MacGregor, the Lord led him to accept the call to become the pastor of the Riverton Gospel Chapel. After the lunch was served our usual even­ ing service was held with Mr. Henry Hiebert of the Steinbach Bible College as the guest speaker. There were words of welcome from members of the Chapel. The ladies’ choir and the young people’s group sang a few beautiful songs. So to Larry, Ruby, Scott and Kerrilee, a big welcome, and may God be with you in this new responsibility! The annual Interlake EMC Youth Rally was held at the Chapel on September 16. Fred Klassen from Blumenort was the guest speaker. The rally was divided into two sessions. The main theme was “The Respon­ sibility of the Young People in the Home, in the Church, and in Missions.” Emphasis was placed on the importance of the individual in these three areas. Therefore each young person was encouraged to become active in the church and community. On Monday, October 8, the Thanksgiving supper was held. The delicious meal was followed by a voluntary program. There were many interesting numbers presented by the various families. The ladies’ choir also pre­ sented some songs. The young people’s group did a great job in decorating the chapel and in serving the meal. THE MESSENGER

REFUGEES ARRIVE

The Keoka children with their mother. A STRANGER AND YE TOOK ME IN Prairie Rose, Man.: Talking to Mr. and Mrs. Pete E. Plett it seems to be an exciting, rewar­ ding experience to be involved in helping refugees settle in Landmark. The Pletts, with their sponsoring group, were the first to have a mother with four children move into the mobile home, all read.v for them, on September 1, 1979. Upon the mother’s concern, applications were made to have her three daughters come to Canada too. Having been separated from them for so long, it just so happened that she saw them at the refugee camps before departing for Canada. In a little better than three weeks’ time, they too had come to wonderful free Canada and all its goodness. The Keoka family have been in Thailand for about four years, and come from Laos. Two girls are already working at the sewing factory in Steinbach, a work they have done before. The oldest son, Joe, is working at the local feedmill, and three children are going to school and learning fast. Joe can speak five languages, English included, and so is the im­ portant keyman in communicating. He has been a real instrument in helping other refugees over here, and also getting sponsors for relatives still waiting. Part of their first earnings was immediately sent to a daughter with a baby, in the refugee camp. Another real godsend is the fact that missionaries. Bob Storeys, from Thailand are home on furlough just now, and can communicate with the emigrants quite well. When the great need was made known and what could be done through Mennonite Central Committee, a local steering committee of three members quickly got things organized. As a result five sponsoring groups volunteered. (By now there are six.) A sponsoring group is a group of about five families, joining together to be in charge of a family of refugees for one year or until they are self-sufficient. This in­ cludes all the necessities of life here in Canada - food, clothes, medical, housing, education, and employment. Each family that has come to Landmark will have a long heart-breaking story all their own Let’s just have a look at the other groups that have already come. The Dave F. Penner group has nine people in their care. The Ed Wiebe

NOVEMBER 9, 1979

group has three to look after. This small family is living right next to the family mentioned first, about half a mile west of the Prairie Rose Church. The D. L. Reimer group has four in their charge and the Art Rempel group is still waiting for their emigrants to come. The sixth group, led by John E. Plett, is expecting eleven to come. Should you come to our Sunday morning ser­ vice you would see them all in church in spite of the language barrier, most grateful for all the kindness and love they have received. Missionary Bob Store.v said that “we don’t want to iiiisli them into Christianity, but con­ tinue to show them that our love is true, and be patient with them, considering all the terrible suffering, privation, starvation, and now the cultural adjustments that have to be sur­ mounted.” So far it seems that cultural adjustments are progressing quite favourably. Our people have already been invited to their delicious food, and the.v seem to have no problems eating Canadian (or Mennonite) food. The children adjust quite readily. Already a car pool is set up for a group going to work in Steinbach, and one group to Winnipeg. Word has it that the employers are quite happy. In some cases the.v produce better than our Canadians. Seventeen of these refugees are taking English classes at the Landmark Collegiate, with John G. Reimer (principal) instructing.

Norweena, Man.: The first of the refugee family sponsored as our contribution to aid the plight of the boat people and refugees arrived on September 5. To greet them at the airport in Winnipeg were Mr. and Mrs. Willie Dueck and Mr. Abram Penner. Other members of the famil.v of ten arrived on September 15 and 29. The Ly famil.v comes from Laos and has spent the last three years in a refugee camp in Bangkok, Thailand. The mother and two children are living and working in Winnipeg while two married sons and their families have found employment in the community. Mrs. Vi­ vian Plett and Mrs. Ben Thiessen are teaching them English five evenings a week. Communicating was difficult at first but through gifts of food, clothing and money we hope the.v will have felt the love and welcome we extend to them. Through an interpreter the.v expressed their feelings about their homeland shortly after they arrived as being “heaven below.” As their story unfolds bit by bit through broken English and hand language we have to realize just how fortunate we are in Canada and also how for granted we take our liberty. Our involvement with these people will in­ spire many of us to pra.v more earnestly for our own government and for peace in the world. It has also led us to an awareness of the contrast between our freedom and the suffer­ ing much of the world must endure. At our Thanksgiving program, held October 8, there were several testimonies expressing thankfulness for the freedom and peace God has granted us.

Coming Nov. 18-25 — Special meetings at Landmark with George Brunk, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Nov. 22, 8:00 p.m. — Dr. Geo. K. Epp will give a lecture, “The Spiritual Roots of Menno Simons,” at the University of Winnipeg, 270 Manitoba Hall. Nov. 24 — MCC (Man.) annual meeting in the Portage Ave. M.B. Church.

EMC Post-Secondary Student Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 20, 1979 Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Place: University of Manitoba Center Rooms 217-221 Graduate Students’ Lounge Speaker: George R. Brunk II, Harrisonburg, Virginia Acting in churchwide and inter-church evangelism and Bible conference work. Dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 1967-’76. Following this you are invited to a recreational social; 7:00 p.m. volleyball at the Agassiz Dr. school; 9:00 p.m. light refreshments at the Fort Garry EMC church, Kings Dr. and Pasadena.

PAGE 13

Prairie Grove Church with new addition (on left). CHURCH BUILDING EXPANSION Prairie Grove, Man.: A great big thank you to those churches and individuals who have donated gifts of money for the expansion and renovating of our church building. May God richly bless you for it. The work is still not completely done, but the Lord has seen fit to supply us with money thus far, without the need of our loan which to date has not yet been touched. Now that our building fund has been depleted and the work not completed we look to Him to help us finish it. “And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace un­ til His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns” (Phil. 1:6 L.B.). We would love to have you visit us to see what the Lord, through your gifts, however small or large, can do. As you have read, we have a lot to be thank­ ful for and Thanksgiving found us doing just that in our new basement, attending a deli­ cious supper. It feels good not to have to move

all the pews aside to set up tables, and to have running water! Oui' activities are also expanding. Thanks to Dora Koop, who started a girls’ club, we now meet every Wednesday with approximately 1012 girls in attendance. Please pray with us for this work. We look forward to having our pastor and his wife, Harvey and Avril Barkman, worship with us more regularly, thanks to the winter season and a few other factors. We really miss­ ed him a lot this summer, but were really hap­ py that Mrs. Barkman could fellowship with us almost every Sunday. The Prayer Sister group plans to have their formal closing on November 27. The.v also plan to use that evening to choose new prayer pals for the coming year. We hope to have more ladies join us to enlarge our group. Once again, do come and visit us to see how greatly God has blessed through your prayers and gifts.

CHILDREN’S RALLY Braeside (Wpg.): The months of August, September and October were busy with late summer activities and getting ready for and settled into a normal fall routine once again.

Our Vacation Bible School was held on six weekday mornings from August 7-14. Average attendance was 76 kids (85 enrolled) and 15 workers. The children, ages three to twelve

years, presented a closing program the evening of the last day. The young people had their annual summer retreat in God’s beautiful nature on the third weekend of August at Whiteshell’s Star Lake. Sunday School Promotion Day in our church was on August 26. This little story was in our bulletin that morning: “It was Promotion Sun­ day in our church. Wondering how much my

Left to right: Braeside pastor, C. R. Plett, Wayne and )oy Hildebrand (Pakistan report) Roy Brill, main speaker. At the Braeside Missions Conference.

primary class understood about this concept I asked, ‘Who can tell me what special day this is?’ Without hesitation, one bright-eyed vounster said, ‘I know! It’s COMMOTION SUNDAY!’’ The evening of the 26th an evangelistic film entitled, “Survival,” was shown. It portrays an exciting adventure of a family who learns the vanity of trusting in one’s own resources and possessions rather than in God. Approximately ten small groups of ten peo­ ple each began their meetings for Bible studies and fellowship on Sunday evening, September 29. They get together every other week and are using Gene Getz’s “Building Up One Another” as a guide. The Pioneer Girls and the Christian Service Brigade started their weekly club meetings on Wednesday, September 12. They are already busy earning achievements and badges. This year the Sunday school sponsored Braeside Children’s Rally Days on September 13-15 as a build-up and promotion for Sunday School Rally Day on September 23. The events included a special film and a real live parade. The kids all had a lot of fun. “The New Look for the 8O’s” was the title the young people chose for their first meeting this fall. They started on September 14 and they meet every Friday for Bible studies and sometimes activity evenings. Mr. Roy Brill, minister at large for the Africa Inland Mission, was the main speaker at our annual missionary conference held from September 26-30. The verse which emphasized the theme was Daniel 11:32, “The people who know their God will stand firm and take ac­ tion.” A couple of well-attended events were the men’s Saturday morning breakfast and the Friday night Missionary Fair which displayed booths representing Pakistan, the Bahamas, Paraguay and other countries. Congratulations and God’s richest blessings to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Unger who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday, September 29. The Ladies’ Mission Group, which meets the first and third Mondays of each month, also organizes showers for the brides or mothersto-be in our church. The most recent were baby showers for Debbie Pike and Brenda Cosens. Enjoyable evenings out for the women! Our church’s second refugee family arrived in Winnipeg on October 8. Our prayer is that their readjustment will be pleasant and that the.v will sense Christ’s love here. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves on Friday, October 12, at our Thanksgiving Potluck Supper. A large variety of casseroles, salads and pies made up the smorgasbord. The last day of October the Pioneer Girls went to Bethenia Nursing Home to sing for the residents who enjoyed and appreciated it very much. The girls also handed out homebaked treats, for a change.

THANKSGIVING Rosenort, Man.; At mission night on September 30 Joe Reimers gave us a report on Rhodesia. The dangers they faced daily became clearer to us as Joe showed slides and explain­ ed the guerillas’ tactics. Let us pray the God will again send peace to Rhodesia, that His Word can again be freely taught, and the hospital re-opened. At the Ladies’ Fellowship on October 2,

THE MESSENGER

Mary Loewen gave a slide presentation of her work in Mexico to where she has since returned for a third year of teaching at Camp 77. May God bless you further and continue to make you a blessing! The church family was hapy to be at a scrumptious Thanksgiving supper and program. The program consisted of plenty of joyous congregational singing led by Lome Kornelsen, a “grumblers” song and a thankful one by Audra Kornelsen and Lori Loewen, also some very special numbers by other groups, a “file past” of possibly 15 or twenty people of different ages, each of whom told of one thing the.v were thankful for, and last, but not least, a sermonette by Pastor Loewen. Mr. David K. Dueck was also able to attend this occasion, albeit in a wheelchair. The offering was in sup­ port of the “Boat People” fund, of whom the first family is expected to arrive any day. The ladies of our church gathered on October 16 to make blankets for the refugees. The Eventide Home held their annual Senior Citizens’ Fall Banquet on October 26. It too was a time of thanksgiving and praise. And then there was the silver wedding an­ niversary of two couples, George and Henry Bartels, held in our church on October 21. (Henry Bartels attend the Pleasant Valley EMC.) The men are cousins, the ladies are sisters, and each family consists of seven or eight children. The oldest daughter in each is married and has one child. We rejoiced with them as the children and other family members and friends related of the Lord’s leading in their lives. We laughed with them as some humorous incidents were recalled, but true to form, Henry never once blushed! (I was unable to see George at this time.) The singing of Mrs. Herb Martens and of the Doerksen un­ cles (six brothers whose total age was 455 years) was inspiring, as were also the other numbers that were brought. The pastors of both churches served briefly with the Word. Pastor and Mrs. Loewen recently visited Sister Agnes Friesen and her co-worker, Frieda Johnson, in Strathclair. They report that these ladies are rejoicing in their work with the Canadian Sunday School Mission and may even have their ministry extended soon, as the mission plans to use them in children’s meetings across Canada.

Births REIMER — to Rueben and Lise Reimer of He des Chenes, Man., a son, Mark Anthony, on September 14, 1979. DUCHARME — to Jim and Candace Ducharme of Lorette, Man., a son, Eric Neil, on October 3, 1979. COSENS — to Jack and Brenda Cosens of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Daniel John, on Oc­ tober 5, 1979. PIKE — to Mrs. Debbie Pike of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Nathan Jeremiah, on August 22, 1979. ELIAS — to Henry and Esther EJias of Win­ nipeg, Man., a daughter, Debra Jane, on June 21, 1979. THIESSEN — Marlin and Kim Thiessen of Richer, Man., a daughter. Tiffany Dawn, on October 3, 1979. REIMER — to Mervin and Velma Reimer of Blumenort, Man., a son, Paul Mark, on Oc­ tober 26, 1979.

NOVEMBER 9, 1979

REIMER — to Harold and Marlene Reimer of Fisher Branch, Man., a daughter, Amanda Joye Dannelle, on September 23, 1979. SIEMENS — to Mr. and Mrs. Pete Siemens of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Lindsey Anne, on September 17, 1979. KORNELSEN — to Menno and Hildie Kornelsen of Rosenort, Man., a chosen daughter. Heather Jill, born on June 19,1979. BRANDT — to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Brandt of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Carisa Chantelle, on October 5, 1979. FRIESEN — to Lloyd and Rhonda Friesen of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Stephanie Danielle, on August 19, 1979. EIDSE — to Elwyn and Annette Eidse of Morris, Man., a son, Jeffrey Paul, on September 19, 1979. ZACHARIAS — to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Zacharias of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Sharalee Anne, on April 11, 1979. KROEKER — to Irvin and Sylvia Kroeker of Rosenort, Man., a chosen son, Shaun Ellison, born on February 4, 1979; arrived at their home on March 1, 1979. KEHLER — to Mr. and Mrs. Orville Kehler of Rosenort, Man., a son, Samuel Anthony, on January 29, 1979.

Weddings GIESBRECHT — GIESBRECHT: Abe, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Giesbrecht of Wawanesa, Man., and Jane, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Giesbrecht of Landmark, Man., were married on October 6, 1979. The wedding took place at the Landmark E.M. Church with Rev. Harvey Barkman of Landmark officiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg. KLASSEN — SCHMIDT: Leonard Benjamin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Klassen of Win­ nipeg, Man., was married on October 6, 1979 to Darlene Janet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schmidt of Winnipeg, Man. The wed­ ding took place at the Charleswood Temple in Winnipeg with Rev. Ben Friesen of Winnipeg officiating. The young couple is residing in Winnipeg. REIMER — REIMER: Arnold, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reimer of Riverton, Man., and Lorraine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reimer of Poplarfield, Man., were married at the Morweena E.M. Church on August 25, 1979 with Rev. Henry P. Friesen of Arborg, Man. officiating. The couple is making their home in Riverton, Man. KROEKER — REIMER: Calvin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank K. Kroeker of Rosenort, Man., was married to Kim, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Syd Reimer of Rosenort, Man. The wedding took place on September 15, 1979 in the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel with Rev. Fred Friesen of Rosenort officiating. The young couple is making their home in Rosenort, Man. FRIESEN — THIESSEN: Ray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pete J. L. Friesen of Rosenort, Man., and Rebecca, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Thiessen of Rosenort, Man., were married on August 11, 1979. The wedding took place at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel with Rev. Fred Friesen of Rosenort officiating. The cou­ ple is residing in Rosenort.

KORNELSEN - KROEKER: Bradley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Delmer Kornelsen of Riverton, Man., was married to Debrah Marie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Menno Kroeker of MacGregor, Man,, on September 30, 1979. The wedding took place at the MacGregor E.M. Church with Rev. Menno Kroeker of MacGregor, Man. officiating. The young cou­ ple is making their home in Riverton, Man.

ANXIETY ... cont’d from page 11 can be confident of his provision. If you live this way, you can anticipate the divine promises summed up in verse 33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The fourth thing is to apply the divine principle. A paraphrase of verse 34 might be, “live one day at a time.” This philosophy applies the principle Jesus was expressing. This is the Christian answer to anxiety. Accep­ ting divine providence, anticipating divine promises, adopting divine priorities, and applying divine prin­ ciples will overcome anxiety. Suc­ cumbing to anxiety, on the other hand, will reduce the Christian to the life style of the unbeliever. Overcome by anxiety, we lose our saltiness and fail to represent our Savior as we should. This is the burden of Jesus’ admoni­ tion to “Take no thought... ”■

AIRMAIL MESSENGERS As many of you know, the MESSENGER is mailed free of charge via airmail to our missionaries. Many have been the favorable comments on this. However, to do this we are dependent on donors - Sunday school classes, individuals, etc. It costs about $25.00 to mail one issue. The fund from which we take this money is almost dry and any help to replenish it would be gratefully rceived. Make your check payable to Evangelical Mennonite Conference, send to the address below and you will receive a receipt which is good for income tax purposes. Thank you kindly.

Airmail MESSENGERS Box 1269 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0

PAGE 15

Around the World MCC <MAN.) BOARD MEETS

The MCC (Manitoba) Board met for its quarterly session October 27 to review the program of the past fiscal year and to project programming for the new. Revenues of $1.1 million were down from the projected $1.3. The biggest category was in designating giving, reflecting the absence of a single big disaster that normally gets strong funding response. The two largest areas of involvement on the Manitoban scene were the Mennonite Disaster Service and the Refugee Assistance Program. Fred Bergmann of Niverville, MDS Chair­ man, reported that over 6,000 person days of volunteer labour were donated during the spring flood crisis. About another 1,000 person days of labour were donated to Wichita Falls, Texas, hit hard in April by tornadoes. Present, six Manitobans are on six-month assignments, and another eight on one to four month assignments. John and Helen Doerksen reported that about 1,000 refugees are being sponsored by groups under the MCC program; about 350 have already arrived. Another major provincial involvement is the voluntary service program that places child care workers (in Mary mound School for Girls), secretaries (Pregnancy Distress Service) and nurses (in Northern Manitoba). Involvement with offenders is effected through Open Circle (matching Stony Mountain inmates with visitors), Grosvenor Place (probation hostels) and the Victim Offender Mediation Project (attempting reconciliation between the victim and offenders outisde the court procedures). MCC, with its emphasis on voluntary ser­ vice, has about 120 Manitobans presently involved in the programs carried on in 40 countries. Volunteers provincially also staff the 12 Community Self Help Centres, that focus on selling used items; funds generated in this way netted over $153,000 this past year, which was forwarded to MCC for its overseas programs. The Board members represent eight Mennonite conferences and related groups.

REFUGEE MEETING About 350 people attended a meeting called by MCC (Manitoba) on October 22 in the Fort Garry M.B. Church in Winnipeg to bring together sponsors of refugees. While most of those attending were sponsors under the MCC Refugee Assistance Program, others from the Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic and United Church also attended. Among the sponsors attending were representatives of the two Hutterite Colonies who have also signed agreements. The session heard a brief update on Manitoban activities by John and Helen Doerksen, Immigration Ck)-ordinators, who reported that of the nearly 1,000 refugees be­ ing sponsored in Manitoba, about 300 have already arrived. Sponsors also heard a statement of thanks in excellent English from Tan Mau Ngo, a dental technician, who has been here nearly six months, from the Mennonite Chinese choir (One of their songs, “I’m a Pilgrim and a

PAGE 16

THE MESSENGER

Stranger” was very appropriate), and personal experiences from several sponsors. John Wieler, overseas director of MCC (Canada), and just returned from a tour of the refugee camps, cautioned against falling prey to accepting easy solutions, pointing out that the countries of Southeast Asia are being used by the super powers for their own ends, and that the problems and solutions are complex. A time of questions and answers followed, with the Regional Director of settlement Ser­ vices, Immigration Office fielding many of the enquiries that dealt with delays experienced in receiving families. MINISTERING TO BODY AND SOUL IN UPPER VOLTA Akron, Pa. — “If you want to preach only to our souls, go to the place of the dead. That is the only place where body and soul are separate,” an Upper Voltan villager told Pastor Samuel Yameogo. “Here on earth to reach my soul, you cannot neglect my body.” Pastor Yameogo does not appear to be in danger of neglecting either the souls or the bodies of his people.lle is a pastor, evangelist and development worker with Upper Volta’s Federation of Evangelical Missions and Churches (FEME), the organization with which Mennonite Central Committee carries out its relief and development work in Upper Volta, a West African country betw’een Mali, Niger and Ghana. Pastor Yameogo has been traveling in North America with MCCer Peter Crossman in September and October, sharing news of the church in Upper Volta with churches here.

REPORT ON CHINA The executive Director of the Bible Society in Hong Kong, Dr. Heyward Wong, has completed a visit to the Peoples Republic of China with news that the officially recognized China Christian Patriotic Movement-Three Self Committee has applied for permission to print Bibles in China. He also heard of a request to import a sizeable consignment of Bibles to China. The Bible Society in Hong Kong is waiting to see if the order will be processed. “I was very excited when I heard the order was being made”, said Dr. Wong. He added, “It will be an historical event if the order comes through and the Bibles are supplied officially to Peking. We are praying fervently that this will be the ease.” Dr. Wong reported further signs of a relaxa­ tion in official attitudes towards Chinese Christians. At the moment the only Church open for worship is in the former Bible House building in Peking, but Dr. Wong was told of

plans to re-open a Church in Shanghai in a building now used by a number of organizations, including an Opera Company. The Bible Society in Hong Kong has received reports from recent visitors to China on widespread informal Christian groups en­ couraging one another in the faith.

WHAT’S NEXT! The Swedish Parliament by an overwhelm­ ing vote passed a law prohibiting parents from striking their children or treating them in any other humiliating way. The bill, which becomes effective July 1, clearly prohibits such punishment as slapping, whacking or spanking children, but the area of “humiliating treatment” is more vague, possibly including such actions as sending them to bed without supper. The new law was desired primarily as a public consciousness-raising tool to en­ courage better ways of disciplining children, according to Bertil Ekdahl, a magistrate who wrote the law and Sten Lindburg of the ministry of justice. — Review EDEN ANNOUNCES MEDICAL STAFF APPOINTMENT The Board of Directors of Eden Mental Health Centre is pleased to announce the return of Dr. Jeffrey Ivey to the medical staff of Eden Mental Health Centre. Dr. Ivey was born and raised in Winnipeg. He attended high school at United College where he attained the academic status of the Dean's Honour Roll. He received a scholarship from the University of Winnipeg to attend for his pre-medical studies. He entered medical school at the University of Manitoba in 1969 and graduated in 1973 with degrees of Bachelor of Science in Medicine and Doctor of Medicine. Following a year of internship in psychiatry and internal medicine, Dr. Ivey was staff physician at Eden Mental Health Centre from 1974 to 1976. He then returned to the Depart­ ment of Psychiatry at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg where he completed his specialty training in Psychiatry. Dr. Ivey returns to Eden Mental Health Cen­ tre having served in the positions of ChiefResident of Adolescent Psychiatry and AdultIn-patient Psychiatry at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. In addition to his work with Eden Mental Health Centre, Dr. Ivey is currently psychiatric consultant to the Port of Churchill, through the Northern Medical Unit of the University of Manitoba. Dr. Ivey, his wife Elaine, and children Jen­ nifer and Jeffrey reside in Morden, Manitoba.