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Dec. 7/ 7/79

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2 2 2 The Coming of The Prince of Peace 2 2 by L. James Penner 2 2 2 2 any years ago, I 2 In Christ peace has come . . . Illustrations of this desperate “to give light to those who sit in 2 heard a song on the radio entitled pursuit for peace abound in all

g “7 O’clock News/Silent Night” g sung by Simon and Garfunkel. The g song begins with the most beautiful of all Christmas carols, "Silent Night.” This most peaceful song is sung while wiuiv iin ii the tuc 2 background we begin to hear 2 someone reading the seven o’clock 2 news. As the song continues, the g news report crescendos to the g point that the song fades into the g background. One does not have to listen very long before he realizes that the song and the news are in direct VUIIII UlIt'VL contradiction. etUlLLlUil. The IIIC words \>UIUS 1 “Silent Night, Holy Night, all is 2 calm . . .” seem to be nullified by 2 reports of killings, marches of g protests, and war. The Christmas g event is at the very heart of this g contradiction. The Prince of Peace ■' has come to a despairing, violent, chaotic world. During Christmas, we commemorate the most significant 2 event of all history. Isaiah 2 prophesied this event many years before. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his govern ment and of peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9;6-7a). The gospel of God became flesh and dwelt among us. This gospel of 2 peace became available to all 2 mankind. The New Testament g shows the fulfillment of this hope.

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darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). Why then is all the world in chaos? To say that the world is in chaos is almost an understate ment. One could fill pages with statistics which illustrate this fact. After listening to the news on the radio, our four-year-old will often ask, “Well, how many were killed today?” After analyzing some of the chaotic events, one begins to see that most, if not all, are caused b,v man’s search for peace. This is true both in the personal as well as political realm. God has made us and the entire universe to function only in the realm of peace — shalom. The structures that un derlie the formation of the world are built on the principle of shalom. This is how we are made. It comes as no surprise that men are searching for peace. Man is desperate in this search, a frantic search, because without peace he cannot function. Why then all the chaos? Sin has entered the world. The powers which were created by God have fallen. These fallen powers pene trate every aspect of society. As a result, man’s search for peace has been perverted. The harder he searches through his own pursuits, the more chaotic the world be comes. No wonder the Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).

areas of our society. Drugs, whether legal or illegal, ravage millions of lives all for the sake of a momentary peace and content ment. Sexual perversions of all descriptions run loose in our streets claiming to give physical freedom. Affluence seduces us to think we will finally achieve peace through things. Power struggles, whether in the family, business, church, or government, allege to bring about peace through success. Military armies claim to bring peace through destruction and kill ing. The arms race races on to bring peace through the power of overkill. The coming of the baby Jesus made possible the cross event and thus helped establish the only ivay to peace. He is the One who has created all things to function on the foundation of shalom. Only

through Him can one truly under stand and experience true peace. The Kingdom of God has begun. The reign of peace has begun.

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Messianic peace which characterizes the Christian com munity. One does not need to live in chaos because Jesus has come. Because Christ came at Christ mas, lived, died and rose again, sinful man can have peace with God. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Sin’s penalty has been paid by His supreme sacrifice. We now can have peace with the Creator, the very Creator THE MESSENGER

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of Shalom. No wonder Paul could say in II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if any one is in Christ there is a new creation, the old has gone, behold the new has come.” Experiencing shalom with the Creator of shalom brings wholeness, justice, completeness, soundness, common will — peace to every believer. This relationship was established by God for all humanity. Every need of each in dividual can be satisfied in this love relationship. It is a gift of God. The purpose of the coming of Jesus was to share this gift of love. He did this by coming and preaching the Kingdom, the new day of God’s rule among His peo ple, which is the basis for peace. It is clear then from Scripture, that the gospel of Salvation is the same as the gospel of peace, which is en tirely wrapped up in the gospel of the Kingdom. God came into the world in the form of human flesh on that Christmas so many years ago to bring this gospel to man. What are some of the blessings of Christmas enjoyed by the citizens of this New Kingdom? The first blessing has already been mentioned — peace with the Creator of peace, harmony with God. Communion with God is a present reality as well as a mystery. Another blessing of Christmas is that we can have peace with ourselves, an inward peace as described in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” So much of the world is seeking for this peace. This peace cannot be found outside of the One who came at Christmas. A follower of Christ can have a relationship of shalom with oneself. “I’m happy I’m me, for the Lord has made me,” should be a statement of one who has ex perienced this inward peace. His life is characterized by a life of obedience to Jesus. God has placed him here for a purpose. Jesus is Lord in his life. God’s peace can be

DECEMBER 7, 1979

rin<isihlp thp The coming of /Lz, the hnhn baby Jesus winrlp made possible the | cross event and thus helped establish the only way^ to peace. Oyily through Him can one truly g understand and experience true peace. The | Kingdom of God has begun. The reign of peace has gg begun, g g

enjoyed unhindered b.v the world of strife. The Overcomer has con quered the powers. “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Yet another blessing of Christ mas is that man can have peace with man. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Not only are we to be at peace with fellow believers, but we are to be at peace with our enemies. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Peacemaking is not an op tion for the Christian; it is at the very core of Christianity. The pur pose of Christ’s life here on earth was to make peace with mankind. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10). Love for enemies was at the very heart of Jesus’ atoning worli. Furthermore, it is recorded of our King born in Bethlehem of Judea, that “when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten . . .” (I Peter 2:23). Then we also dis cover from Scripture that we are to “be imitators of God,” as Ephesians 5:1 and 2 tells us, “and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” The incarnation, that is God coming in the form of man, gave to us in human terms, terms we could un derstand, a model which we are to imitate. The life of the Babe of Bethlehem is that model.

s we begin to understand the purpose of the coming of Jesus, we g begin to see that the Kingdom g message is one of salvation and » peace. The Sermon on the Mount calls us to turn the other cheek and love our enemies in imitation of . the Peacemaker. The clearest pic- S ture we have of divine love is the 2 scene on the cross when Jesus g prays for His executioners, g “Father, forgive them, for they g know not what they do.” We as followers of the Prince of Peace must actively be promoting this gospel of peace. “Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness » without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). The Prince of Peace calls us to g live at peace with the body of g Christ. This does not mean merely eliminating discord, but it means deliberately functioning in har mony. We are to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in » the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Romans 14:19 states this activity g clearly, “Let us then pursue what g makes for peace and for mutual » upbuilding.” What a blessing of Christmas to be able to join together with the body of believers in holy communion of love and g peace! f. Our final blessing of Christmas g will be our perfection of peace in g our eternal home. Then, at last, we g will fellowship together with the » God of peace in person. Revelation 22:4 says, “They shall see his face.” In the presence of God’s people we will see God face to face. It is then S that we will know God, the author of all peace, and enjoy Him fully g forever. g “Of the increase of his govern- g ment and of peace there will be no end.”

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New Series

Straight Talk The Implications of the Gospel by Travis Kroeker

ugustine told the following story: "Excellent and elegant was the pirate's answer to the great Macedonian Alexander who had taken him. The king asked him how he durst molest the seas so, he replied with a free spirit, 'How darest thou molest the whole world? But because 1 do it with a little ship only I am called a thief; thou doing it with a great navy art called a conqueror.' " This story, though ancient, has not lost its prophetic revelance in our day, for the church as well as for the state. Unfortunately, the church has most often in her history merely addressed herself to personal morality, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom in a purely individualistic fashion, calling for personal redemption at the expense of the equally important proclamation to the socio-political structures, the collective organizations of society (of which

she is a part) whose sinfulness is often more pervasively destructive than that of the individual. The New Testament speaks of the cosmic implications of the Christ event, that he broke the sovereignty and domination of "the powers" (Col. 2:13-15, etc.), which in clude all subjugating, idolatrous forces which claim for themselves ultimate value. The message of the gospel, the evangel, proclaims the liberation of Christ in every area of life and seeks to break "the powers" in the service of God and man. Too often the church has proclaimed a purely in dividualistic salvation which has no implications in the socio-political realm, or when she has recognized these implications she has tended to dismiss them as es chatological, hence irrelevant in this age. It is time Christians realize that the early church proclaimed a message which, to be sure, called for individual response and liberation, but which also announced that in Christ's death and resurrection a social, political, structural revolu tion took place which has implications for the life and witness of the church. Freedom in Christ by way of the cross signifies more than just personal transformation. It implies a concrete social ethic, a radical alteration of all human relationships and values, the freedom to become truly human and truly united to the Lord of all creation Struiffht Talk is a feature of the EMC Social Concern Committee.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Christmas Filmstrips The EMC Board of Education has two audio/visual sets (Filmstrips and records) which may be used at

Christmas. These are available to churches on a free loan basis. A. It Began in Bethlehem (Record and filmstrip) Concordia. B. Story of Jesus (A series of six strips and records by Cathedral Filmstrips) 1. The Annunciation

2. The Nativity 3. The Presentation 4. The Story of the Wise Men 5. The boyhood of Jesus 6. The Baptism and Temptation

Place order with

EMC Board of Education Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. Tei: 326-6401

Although still early in December this is our Christmas issue. We trust it will prove to be a blessing. L. James Penner is a minister in the Kola, Man. E.M. Church. He and his wife Joy and family live on a farm at Kola. Kathij Friesen is a housewife in Portage la Prairie. Her husband John teaches in the Portage school system. Bettie Kehler lives in Blumenort, Man. Wally Kroeker is editor of Christian Leader, Hillsboro, Kansas. Peter J. B. Reimer has sub mitted articles before. He lives in Rosenort, Man,

Josie Friesen (Rosenort) is serving a oneyear Christian Service term in El Paso, Texas, helping at the office there. Ellen Brell (Wymark) is working as a secretary at the Bach Christian Hospital in Pakistan, under TEAM. Ramona Klassen (Steinbach) is the wife of the executive secretary of the EMC Board of Missions. She accompanied her hus band on a recent field trip to Nicaragua and Paraguay.

COVER: A scene on second street in Steinbach, By the editor. 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 living; 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.

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THE MESSENGER

From the Editor Season’s Greetings!

"In the beniuniiig ims the Word, and the Word ivas ivith God, and the Word leas God. The .same was in the begin ning leith God . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth ... The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith. Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:1, 2, If 29).

reelings and a blessed Christmas to all! Who are the alii Everyone who reads these lines. As I sit at my desk and write it seems very impersonal. I do not see you because I am enclosed by four walls. I can only see you in my mind’s eye as you read this. But I hit upon an idea which in a small measure made up for this. I went to the mailing list and looked at many of the names appearing thereon. Obviously I could not read every name, but many I did and had some pleasant memories of other days when our paths had crossed. God bless each one of you. It’s also that time of year when I let you in on what our family is doing. (You expected that, didn’t you?) So here goes. One of the highlights, of course, was when many of our family found themselves at the Winnipeg Inter national Airport on July 22 eagerly awaiting the arrival of Wayne and Joy and little JoDee all the way from Pakistan. Nor were we disappointed when they arrived as scheduled. For most of the family it had been almost three years since they last saw them. Mom and I, of course, visited them two years ago. It was a happy reunion, to say the least. The August long weekend saw the whole clan gathered together for a

retreat in a secluded spot north of Gimli, Manitoba. Here for some three days we were one family. We ate, played games (Scrabble!), sang, visited and enjoyed each others’ company. I believe all testified to the pleasure of this get-together which meant com ing from East, West and South. Ruth and Eric had to come by separate modes of travel. As I noted DECEMBER 7, 1979

last year, Ruth went back to studies. In fact, she still had obligations on the day she left for Manitoba. So she flew from Vancouver and Eric came by four-wheel drive. Since they had not seen each other for a while it was a happy reunion. She is now enjoying the fruit of her labours and has a school. How does she like it? — Great, was her answer when we talked on the phone the other day. They live at Golden, B.C. Eric works at a sawmill. We’re looking forward to seeing their new place. Al and Arlene were in somewhat similar circumstances since Al couldn’t get off soon enough. Arlene and Lisa flew from Toronto and Al followed a few days later, same style. Unfortunately Al had a bad injury back of his knee while we were at the retreat, which gave him a lot of pain and required him to use crutches. The injury was much more severe than any of us had thought so that he is still partially laid up. Since Arlene and Lisa came a few days early we were able to enjoy them a little longer. I think a highlight for Lisa was to see the annual parade on Steinbach Main Street during Pioneer Days. (She will be two on December 31.) Danny and Jeannie also came via the land route. They were very proud of their newly purchased Toyota Celica. They pushed hard but arrived at the camp only after dark. I think they had left Ft. Worth, Texas the day before. Since they had been married in the absence of Wayne and Joy it was also a first time meeting for Jeannie with part of Danny’s family. They live in Austin, Texas. It was an enjoyable break for us to visit them last March. In Austin the flowers were blooming at that time! Quite a change from March in Manitoba. They plan to spend Christmas with Eric and Ruth at Golden, B.C. To help pay the fare Danny says he delivers pizza on weekends! Gary and Vai, Kevin and Davey, by now are quite established on Westwood in Steinbach where they are now living the second year. Kevin is in grade one this year and Davey really missed him at first. I guess by now he is used to it. Maybe he plays more with Frisky then. Frisky is one of Cindy's little pups from last summer.

Recently when Gary’s work at the Winnipeg Bible College took him to Chicago the whole family went. I’m sure it was a real treat for all of them. Also Vai may cash your check if you visit the Bank of Montreal in Stein bach on Friday nights. (At least she did mine the other day.) Gordon bought a snow blower this year. So Diana should always have a clean driveway when she comes home from the Personal Care Home in Stein bach where she is employed part-time. (Grandpa still uses the armstrong method of clearing snow!) Karla had her 9th birthday this year. She graduated to grade four. Krista is in grade two. They go to school in Kleefeld, by bus. Tuffy, I think, is by this time well entrenched in their household too, but I believe he is still consigned to the basement! Wayne and Joy and JoDee, whom we mentioned earlier, have a cozy apartment in Saskatoon, Sask, within driving distance of Hepburn, Sask, where Wayne works. This will be their first Christmas at home in three years. JoDee was two on September 28 and she likes stuffed animals. Mom had the pleasure to babysit her newest grandchildren this summer, JoDee from Pakistan and Lisa from St. Catharines, Ont. Here was an op portunity to get better acquainted. It was a privilege she doesn’t have very often since both are living in other provinces. Of course, we were not set up to keep babies in the house but with borrow ing one thing here, another there, we managed very well. You can be sure we miss those two little girls. Luckily Arlene finds it hard to resist baby photographers so we recently got an updated color photo of Lisa. (Say, Joy, does Saskatoon also have photographers?) By now you realize that with some of our children it is not simply starting the car and running over anytime. So what then? Well, we keep in touch by telephone (sometimes letter). When last month’s statement came, I saw that three out of four had received a call on that bill. But we feel it’s well worth it. There you have it for another year. My wife joins me in extending greetings to all readers. May the joy of the Lord be your portion. D.S.

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Missions MEXICO

Letters

Henry Klassen leading a discussion session at the missionary retreat in Paraguay. PARAGUAY

Missionary Retreat — November 9-11 Sh oieers of Bless iug As we travelled by bus from Asuncion, the scenery was lush and beautiful. The trip did not seem long as people got on and off the bus. At every stop women were selling their ware of delicious look ing bread, fruit and other local food. When we arrived at the town where the

Baptist camp was, we got off and were fortunate to have a local taxi standing there and seemingly waiting for business. The taxi driver had no problem finding the place. When we paid him he charged us more for taking us three blocks than the fare for the Di-hour bus trip from Asuncion. Arriving at the beautiful campgrounds we were met by the East Paraguay mis sionaries. It was good to see familiar faces and to meet new ones. The workers from the Chaco had not arrived because of the rain the previous day. No one is allowed on the highway between Filadelfia and Asuncion on the unpaved part when it rains. After playing volleyball for awhile and partaking of a delicious supper, they started with a time of sharing. Many shared the low point and the high point of the past year. One of the recent highlights was the baptism of ten Indians. Singing was in English, German and Spanish. How enjoyable the fellowship was! Saturday morning was cool and cloudy.

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Wearing sweaters was certainly a change from Chaco’s 110". The two sessions in the morning consisted of the discussion of the Missions Handbook and a message en titled, “The Missionary and His Family in a Different Culture.” During the evening session the subject of discussion was “Peace Teaching.” After

a brief presentation on the biblical basis of peace and its relationship to the Chris tian experience, the group discussed the matter of applying the peace principle in our involvement in Paraguay. During our evening service the two vehicles from the Chaco arrived and were welcomed by clapping of hands and a supper quickly reheated. Sunday greeted us with sunshine and warmer temperatures. After Sunday school and a worship service we had Com munion. As the day continued to warm up a few more went swimming. Some played volleyball and a few of us went to see the leprosy colony a few miles away. It was sad to see the condition of some of the patients, but it was a joy to see what was being done for them by dedicated people of God. After another time of fellowship, good byes were said as each went his in dividual way, much refreshed by the showers of blessings experienced. Ramona Klassen

A Huwjerfor the Word "... I am very happy for I have received the Bible you sent me, one for my very own! Thanks be to God and may He bless you!” - Escdfita “First of all I would like to thank you for your kindness towards us in letting us know what the Word of God contains. In our young years we were never blessed with the hearing of the truth and it is the most beautiful thing in life. I have not many years left for serving God for I am well advanced in age but with all my heart I have faith that God will take into account the little I can yet do ...” Ramon ”... I have seen one of your lessorrs. Please send them to me so I can also become a follower of God and be bap tized.” - Giro “I give glory to God for having come across your lessons on Christ, for they have taught me faith. Pray for me that I would never give in, in the unending bat tle between the Lord and enemy.” - Jesus Crescencio

These are parts of the man.y letters we receive at the EMC office in El Paso, Tex as from the Mexican people who hunger for the knowledge of the Word. 'The responsibility we have is awesome for the world is full of these people. I am glad to be involved in the little I can do here in Mexico. It’s good to be back “home”! I enjoy my work in the office - packaging and mailing the Spanish Messenger, the Familienfreund, correcting and mailing out Bible correspondence courses, answering letters, typing for my office supervisor, Mr. Edmar Fast, etc. Besides that, I help Dora, Doris and Irene with children’s classes and sometimes with visitations and handing out “El Mensajero.” I would like to share some of our con cerns with you. Who is going to take over in the office when I leave for Bible school in about half a year? Also Dora and Irene plan to go on furlough in due time, so it will be the usual story — shortage of staff. Think of all the possibilities of ex panding the work with more personnel. We thank the Lord for the El Paso young people who are going strong. We have a core group of ten kids (six boys and four girls) and it seems the boys have much better luck in inviting than we girls, so we are often quite outnumbered! On October 27 we had a Hallowe’en party,

THE MESSENGER

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especially geared towards the unsaved. No costumes suggesting evil were allow ed, such as witches, devils, the dead, etc. We had prayer before we started the par ty and Mr. Edmar Fast (our sponsor) spoke to us about the true meaning of Hallowe’en - that it began as the eve before All Saints Day in the Catholic religion. He also mentioned how, only as Christians, we can resist the devil and the spirits. There were about ten non Christians there for which we were very thankful. We have stopped having young people’s meetings in Juarez, Mexico, since pretty well no one came and we had no one who had the time or felt the calling to do this type of work enough to give up other areas of work. But there are dozens of young people that have at sometime made decisions for Christ in this area. What is it that is needed to bring them back? We feel that it will have to be someone who is interested in them, someone who feels the calling to be a youth leader, someone they can relate to. Thank you for your prayerful support. Josie Friesen

N.B. Correction for page 16 Second paragraph 3rd column should read “The chairman and W. Enns went to see the Hon. R. W. Bend, Minister of Health, on May 20 in the morning. He was very sympathetic to our project.

Canadian Mission Churches Leadership Consultation

Mission Grams Brazil — Abe and Dee Koop share some of their activities: "The highlight of our summer months was a trip to our home grounds among the Pacaas Novas In dians! We visited four churches and were glad to see them recovering from the spiritual slump they had been in for awhile. "We returned from a three-week trip in the Jurua area visiting nine stations and flying over 1,000 miles besides several boat trips. When we left the Marubo tribe the believers wanted to sing for us and pray before we left. It meant so much to have these simple Indian believers care enough for us and wish us good-bye in this way. In the Katukina tribe an evening meeting in a believer's home was an added blessing as the year before there were no believers! From there we roughed it a bit going to the Yawanawa tribe. A six-hour motorboat trip and a four-hour hike on foot found us arriving just before dark. The chief, Raimundo, had been saved a few months ago and is faithfully witnessing which has given new impulse to the growing group of believers. The Indian's friendliness immediately made us feel right at home. At each station we were welcomed by missionaries and tribes people. It was so good to share their joys and victories as well as their problems and discouragements."

— Marvin and Wendy Thiessen write that they are healthy, and happy to be back in the work. Because of some staff leaving Marvin has been taking an extra load in the Bible school. This resulted in having to cancel some evangelistic meetings. They request your prayers for Bible school teachers of next year. Paraguay — The Indian Settlement Committee in the Chaco has recently purchased a large tract of land near La Esperanza for Indian settlement. — Dave Funk, who was assigned for a two-year Christian service term as radio technician, is planning to come home for a month or two and return for another year of service. — The Bible school at Loma Plata is requesting that the Ben Hoeppners return to teach at the school again this year. — The missionaries are in need of two 16 mm film projectors to carry on film evangelism. Also Radio ZP-30 could use two Sony dictation machines for editing news and other broadcasts. Possibly some church group would like to pick these up as a special project. — Since the Paraguay work is divided by distance between the Chaco and East Paraguay, two regional field chairmen have been appointed to look after their respective fields. Walter Reimer was appointed chairman of the East Paraguay ministry and overall chairman, and Frank Kroeker is the chairman of the Chaco ministry.

The Board of Missions called for a meeting with local church leaders and pastors of churches that are related to the Board. All such churches were NURSE NEEDED — A nurse will be needed for the La Esperanza clinic in represented - High Level, La Crete and Paraguay by July 1980. If you are interested please make immediate contact with Calgary from Alberta; Hudson Bay, Fel the Board of Missions, Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Phone; (204) 326ly, Arabella and Kamsack from 6401. Saskatchewan; and Aylmer from On tario. Nicaragua The purpose of this gathering was to John and Connie Reimer have been reappointed for another term of ser vice in Nicaragua. They plan to return in February. mutually look at Canadian church plant ing. Guidelines had been set up previous ly and the practical aspects of this were Missions Advisory Council Meeting discussed. The Biblical concept of the The EMC Board of Missions met with the Missions Advisory Council on church must be held and taught by the December 1 at the Rosenort EMC. Henry Klassen and Henry P. Dyck, who had leadership. Time was spent in discussing recently been on a field visit to Nicaragua and Paraguay, reported to the Ad the matter of membership in the local visory Council. church and the problem of those who call Your Missions Advisory Council member is responsible to report back to your church. a church their home church but resist for mal membership. No satisfactory solu tion was found for this, but there was general agreement that a local church should have a membership base from tion, the setting of goals for the church, mutually voiced by both the Board its relation to the Conference, financial members and church representatives as which to work. together they could explore and discuss Further discussion took place on the planning, etc. The value of the meeting was apparent ways and means of better doing the organizational structure of the church, like ideas in setting up a local constitu- as expressions of appreciation were Lord’s ministry of building His church. DECEMBER 7, 1979

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Have you been praying for us? In the past couple of weeks we have had some deep disappointments, and eventually two of our ward staff were asked to resign. Pleae pray for both of these girls (nurse and aide) as they seek to find work elsewhere in their country, especially that God will use this whole matter to show them the need of a truly personal relationship with Himself.

We know of two more girls planning to resign soon to be married, so our nursing staff is getting rather seriously depleted. Pray with us for the Lord’s provision in this situation. Those who are left cannot carry on “al full steam" for very long. We are asking for four or five Pakistani nurses with a genuine sense of God’s specific call to join us in this area where modern ways are not yet deeply felt. They will need to consider themselves part of the outreach of the Christian church in this country.

Part of the staff at the Bach Christian Hospital in Pakistan.

PAKISTAN

Pray With Us W/io Wi// Come and Help

“boss” has been in Pakistan long enough to know how to deal with almost all the Greetings from the Bach Christian things that come along. Our business Hospital in Pakistan! I’ve been back in manager is a fine Pakistini Christian and the country since mid-August and am has proved to be a real source of wisdom well into my work as secretary to the ad for me several times. ________ ____ ____ There ____ __ Just now we have a foreign staff of 20, ministrator here at the hospital. is a lot to learn, and each day brings from Canada, U.S.A., Germany, Sweden, fascinating, and sometimes discouraging, Scotland, and Ireland. Some of these are situations into the office.________________ on loan to us from other missions, and we There have been very few days when no thank the Lord for the fellowship, as well one stopped in and some days have been as the great help they are to us. Our positively hectic as we tried to cope with national staff (nursing, clerical, and several at once. I’m so thankful that my maintenance! comes to nearly 50. Many of these are from a non-Christian tradi tion, and we ask your special prayers for them.

But there is more that we need. We would ask you to pray with us for more “foreign” nurses. We have openings right now for long-term and short-term nurses, for both hospital work and village health programs. Trained midwives would be es[jecially welcome.

As we look forward to beginning a village health program in the next year, we realize that we will need a hospitalowned vehicle which would also find use as an ambulance at times, and perhaps a general service van as well. From a source in the U.S.A, we have been offered a grant which will match other gifts, dollar for dollar, with a $4500 limit on the offer. This possibility expires in June 1980, and thus far our fund has less than $400 of the more than $9000 we will need. Thank you for praying about this too. Ellen Brell

The Glory of Christmas

The Glory of the Announcement “And the glory of the Lord shone round about them." Luke2:9

I g g The Glory of His Person g “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of w

The Glory of His Birth "Glory to God in the highest." Luke 2:14

grace and truth.” John 1:14

The Glory of His Presence “Christ in yoi, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 The GIroy of His Joy “Ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” I Peter 1:8

Looking after patients' needs — Bach Christian Hospital.

PAGE 8

The Glory of His Purpose "To present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 24 515 ««i«3£«5£«j«)BaiE«3e$a£i5a:3E«3Ssisa3Ka£3E«aBa)e«sss JESS

THE MESSENGER

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seRoant "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who . .. made himself of no

reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.. ."

NEWS FROM STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE

PhU. 2: 5-7

NOVEMBER — DECEMBER 1979

FOCUS ON STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship - Henry Hiebert

This is the time of year when we begin contemplating the annual defla tion of our pocket books, more pop ularly known as Christmas spending. The advertising world has “volunteered" to graciously assist us in this difficult task by bombarding us with enticing ads of every sort. These people are so convincing that many of us will be conned into believing that our concern and love for our friends and family is measured in direct proportion to the amount we spend on "gifts" for them. Many will again use Christmas giving as a rationable for over-spending. This will be reflected in such thinnly-veiled excuses as the husband using Christmas as an occasion to purchase for his wife an $800 TV set he can't afford any other time of the year. Ridiculous? If you have not been caught in this, I am sure you know of someone who has been. The psalmist says, "The earth is the Lord's and all the fulness thereof, the world and those that dwell therein." Psa. 24:1. 1 am not aware that God has ever relinquished his ownership; he is still the sole owner of everything to which we lay claim.

Rehearsing for Christmas concert Dec. 16. The apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthian Christians not to be arrogant because, everything they are and possess has been given to them as stewards. This clearly underscores the psalmist's claim that ownership belongs exclusively to God. If God then is sole owner of everything we possess - money, in vestments, time, abilities and emotions, even life itself - how then should we respond to the tremendous societal pressures of "Christmas giving"? It would appear that if we are God's stewards, or legal guardians of his possessions, we have no choice but to consult him regarding any "Christmas" expenditures we might contemplate. Although I am not prepared to dictate how much you should spend on "Christmas giving" I would challenge all of us to take a close look at Christian stewardship before we embark on this year's Christmas extravaganza.

AABC Grants SBC Applicant Status President Harvey Plett and Academic Dean Arden Thiessen were informed by the American Association of Bible Colleges at their October meeting that SBC has been granted applicant status with this accrediting association. This means that the review commission of AABC acknowledges SBC's potential as a future accredited college by this ac crediting body. An intensive self-study now has to be done which involves the analysis and evaluation of the College's total structure and ministries. The achievement of full accreditation with AABC normally takes from three to six years. The College's status as an authorized degree granting institute of post secon dary education under a Manitoba Government Charter is not affected by this relationship with AABC.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Importance of Giving - Harvey Plett

The Bible says it is better to give than to receive. Every Christian involved in giving will quickly testify to the truthfulness of this fact. Giving is not only beneficial and good for the one

who gives but it is also significant to the one who receives.

the

SGRoarjt Vol. Ill No. 2 November — December, 1979 The Servant is a publication of the: Steinbach Bible College Box 1420 Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0

It is intended to be a means of providing inspiration and information to our constituents. Issued as a supple ment to the Messenger, December 7th, 1979, and Recorder December issue.

2/November — December 1979

Recipients of much giving by Christians are Christian Institutions such as mission societies, Bible colleges, churches and other similar organizations. The work of these in stitutions is dependent upon the gifts of God's people. Thus giving is critical for these organizations. The Steinbach Bible College is dependent on the gifts of God's peo ple. Those working at the College are very grateful to God and His people tor their faithfulness. The life of the College continues to depend on these gifts. Therefore giving is important for the school. Capital expenditures at the school are completely financial through donations. This includes interest on any debts incurred due to expansion as well as the capital expense. It is amazing how God has again and again met these needs. At S.B.C. there is no expansion if there is no giving. It has already been alluded to that the College is dependent on gifts to help meet operating expenses. At pre sent, 60% of operating costs are paid for by student fees while 40% is depen dent upon donations. This year the school is looking for $197,548.00 in donations. Again I say giving is important for the life of the College. Who gives to the College? The College is controlled by six church groups. Not every church however has the school on its budget. This is so because church groups may become part of the governing Board of the school without underwriting a portion of the expenses. As a result the gifts for the school come from churches and in dividuals on a voluntary basis. Why should anyone give to the S.B.C.? First, because it is a good and right to give. Second, it is doing the work of the church preparing workers to enter the harvest field of the Lord. Approximately 10% of the graduates are out on the mission field. Many others hold responsible positions in churches and communities. Third, the school cannot do its job unless it receives gifts from God's people. Fourth, many give because it is their school - their church owns and operates the school. Who will support your program if you don't? Giving is important. It is necessary for the one who has to give. It is equally important for the one who receives.

Student Life

A few years ago one of my father's employees left his place of work. This would not have been significant, ex cept for the fact that he left our employ to move to a Mennonite community so that his sons would have the ex perience of growing up in a Mennonite community as he had. My parents became curious to know why a man would leave a good paying job and a beautiful area like Fairbanks, Alaska simply to relocate in a "Mennonite" community. In May of this year my parents were touring Canada and as they passed through Winnipeg they were informed that Steinbach was a Mennonite com munity. To satisfy their curiosity they took a detour to Steinbach. Because it was on a Sunday that they arrived in Steinbach, their first en counter with the community was through one of the many Mennonite churches. Although my mother finds visiting new places exciting never before had she felt so comfortable, so "at home," and like our employee, she found it difficult to put her experience into words. To make a long story short, my mother's excitement over her Stein bach experience spilled over to me with the result that I decided to be one of the students to enter the doors of the Steinbach Bible College this fall. I believe I have discovered what my father's employee was after but like my mother I to find it difficult to verbalize the experience. Note: James Gilbert is a first year College student from Fairbanks, Alaska.

r I

Parent-Teacher Day October 18th was parent-teacher day at the S.B.C. high school. According to Mr. Henry Fast, dean of the High School, the response from parents, demonstrated by their turnout, was most gratifying. He expressed his ap preciation for their keen interest and prayer support. The purpose for these conferences is to give parents an opportunity to meet with the teachers to discuss the progress made by their children. Usual ly, if problems surface at this time, they can be rectified more easily because of early discovery as well as the insight parents bring to these problems.

■

Coming Events NOTE: The annual Community Carol Festival has been cancelled.

S.B.C. Christmas Concert December 16th — 3:00 p.m., E.M.B. Church. S.B.C. choirs under the direc tion of Rudy Schellenberg.

Intramurals

Mr. Lawrence Klippenstein.

Klippenstein To Teach At Intersession Mr. Lawrence Klippenstein, historian - archivist at the Mennonite Heritage Centre in Winnipeg, will be teaching a course on Current Christianity in the Soviet Union. The course will be taught evenings. January 7-11, from 7:00 p.m.9:45 and carries one college credit. Mr. Klippenstein is well qualified to address himself to the subject since his graduate studies at the University of Minnesota on both the M.A. and the Ph. D. level were in Russian religious studies. In addition, he was on a religious studies tour of Soviet churches in May of 1979. Presently, he is travelling with a delegation of Christian leaders from the Soviet Union.

The Recreation Committee (students) has done an excellent job of developing a sound intramural program. It is well organized and ex citing. College and high school divisions both have separate leagues for their sports. Presently teams are com peting for a berth in the volleyball finals. Coming activities include a superstars competition, basketball, badminton, table tennis, and much, much more. Yes, School spirit is booming.

S.B.C. Second at Table Tennis Tournament Beth and Margruite Hiebert and Kurtis Sawatsky recently returned with much success from the '79 College Table Tennis Tournament. Beth won the ladies singles and the Hiebert sisters joined together to win the Ladies doubles. Kurtis and Margruite teamed up to capture the mixed doubles. The trio came within two points of winning the tournament which W.B.C. won with a full slate of competitors.

Intersession '80 January 7-11, S.B.C. campus The Ministry of Women in the Church" 9:30 a.m.-12:10. "The Role of the Prophet in Israel" 9:30 a.m.-12:10. "The Authority of the Bible" 1:153:30. "Current Christianity in the Soviet Union" 7:00 p.m.-9:45 p.m. "Service Playing" 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (one hour every two weeks to the end of March). "Cost is $30.00 per course" $2.00 registration fee if registration is after December 15th.

Youth Alive Conference March 7-9,1980. The program includes: Chuck Ferguson, Vancouver, main speaker; Sonya Machnik, Winnipeg recording artist, soloist; Local atheletes in Action basketball team. Register early to avoid disappontment.

November — December/3

why a Budget? "Honour the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thine in crease." Proverbs 3:9. Most of us encounter some frustrations when it comes to honour ing the Lord in our money manage ment. Somehow we never seem to have enough money left for the Lord's work and the other essentials after we have paid the monthly bills. Some of the questions that nag us are: Will I never be able to catch up? How can I improve my giving to the Lord's work? Why does there never seem to be quite enough? There could be various reasons why we find ourselves in financial difficulty: unexpected illnesses, too many debts created by over-spending, improper priorities, or a need for better control. Many families have partially alleviated

Car expenses Furniture Charity Fire insurance Savings & investments Taxes Repairs & renovations Debts (not more than 20% of earnings)

their financial frustrations by setting for themselves a working budget and adhering to it. Granted, no budget will cure all your financial difficulties - it is not a panacea. However, setting a budget makes good sense in the light of Christian stewardship. Below is a sample budget of a family of four with a net income of $900 per month.

87.00 10.00 130.00 12.00 20.00 50.00 20.00

180.00 $900.00

Budget for 1980

Food Hydro Telephone Heat Clothing & drycleaning Dental & Medicine Books & Magazines Life insurance Gifts Recreation & holidays

Note: This budget could vary from month to month. Also, keeping careful records of your finances for one year would be beneficial in making a more accurate budget for the following year.

200.00 26.00 15.00 50.00 30.00 16.00 10.00 14.00 10.00 20.00

Plan Now ... be part of t

Youth Alive March 7,8, 9 You won't want to miss this exciting weekend of fellowshi| and Bible studies with: Chuck Ferguson, Co-founder of Young Life. Sonya Machnik, Winnipeg Recording Artist. Athletes in Action (Wpg.) Exhibition basketball. Apply Now! Cost: $12.50 for the entire weekend including accom modations and all sessions. Write or phone: Steinbach Bible College Box 1420, Steinbach Manitoba, ROA 2A0 Telephone 326-6451

JI ISSN 0205-6338 4/November — December

EMC Missions Auxiliary Board. Back (left to right): C. P. Loewen, Jake Dueck, John Plett. Front: Peter Doerksen, Dave Loewen.

EMC Missions Auxiiiary Meets: Approves Two New Projects Some 54 people gathered at the Stein bach E.M. (Church on Monday, December 3, to hear reports and vote on new projects at the 7th annual meeting of the EMC Missions Auxiliary. The main project in 1979 had been the purchase of a 1 KW transmitter for ZP 30 in the Chaco. Membership fees plus donations came to over $40,000 in 1979, according to the financial statement. MA now has 99 members who pa.v a membership fee of $200.00 per year. Reporting on fields which have benefitted from projects in the past was Henry Klassen, executive secretary, EMC Board of Missions. According to him, Nicaragua, where a Bible campground was purchased with MA funds, is seeing church growth and progress.

At La Esperanza, Paraguay, help is needed for a church building project. Mr. Klassen also gave a favourable report on ZP-30, which was largely financed by the MA. In East Paraguay the work among the Guarani Indians is prospering. More land is needed to settle Indians. A tract of land of some 500 acres is offered at half price, for this purpose. MA is considering financing this project. Two projects were presented to the membership for confirmation: 1. Additional funds for the missionary car pool fund - $10,000. 2. Sanapana church - $4000.00 (to supp ly doors, windows and roof) Another project which only came up for discussion was the Child Care work in Haiti. International Child Care of Haiti is

a health and social development program. This project would await further confir mation from the EMC Board of Missions. The EMC Missions Auxiliary is an out growth of PMA (Paraguay Missions Aux iliary). Membership is voluntary. Membership dues are $200.00 per year. A board of five members oversees the work. Annual meetings are held to report on ac tivities. This Auxiliary, since its inception, has assisted approved projects to the tune of $250,000. Among these are the following: 1. Radio station ZP-30 in the Chaco was built at a cost of some $163,500. Of this MA did most. 2. Literature center in Africa - $12,500. 3. Bible camp in Nicaragua. 4. El Paso residence and office for the EMC Board of Missions. 5. A small passenger bus for the work in Seesen, Germany. 6. A 1 KW stand-by transmitter for ZP30 in the Chaco. The five-member board now consists of the following: Dave Loewen, Blumenort; Peter Doerksen, Winnipeg; John Plett, Landmark; Jake Dueck, Rosenort; and C. P. Loewen, Steinbach.

Youth Pastor Wanted A youth pastor is needed to work full time with teens and children in the core area of Winnipeg. Applicants should preferably have some ex perience in this type of work. Position available as negotiated. For further in formation contact: Pastor Pete Peters 155 Essar Ave. Winnipeg, Man. R2G 0S6 Phone: 339-2301

__onsequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body hast thou prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sinofferings thou hast taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God,' as it is written of me in the roll of the book." When he said above, "Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in scarifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin-offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "Lo, I have come to do thy will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. Heb. 10:5-9 (RSV)

DECEMBER 7, 1979

PAGE 9

Messenger News

A sod-turning ceremony for a parsonage for the Roseisle church took place in September. Left to right: Mr. Cornie Friesen, Mrs. John Klassen, Mr. and Mrs. Flenry Flarms, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Friesen, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Ffarms.

SOD-TURNING CEREMONY

Roseisle, Man.: In September amid a healthy growth of sunflowers, a sod turning ceremony, for a pastorate for our church, took place. Representatives from the church participated. By now the house is standing on the basement and will soon be ready to move into. Wilbert and Hilda Friesen and family will be the first ones to live in the house. At present they are living on the Peter Dyck farm south of Roseisle. The month of October brought a challenge to the young people. They had decided they would try and earn some ex tra money to buy a film projector. To do this they were inspired by the Swan Lake group to take a turn in their project catching chickens by night for a chicken farmer. They went to Manitou three times, inviting anyone who would be in terested in helping. They had a lot of help for the hard task and a lot of fun working together. The result was good but not

quite enough for a new projector. So they have decided to do it again when there is another opportunity in spring. From November 4-8 we were blessed by special services. The week began with testimonies by the Dave Reimer family from Steinbach. Our pastor spoke on God’s care for His people in involvement in the church, about our love to each other, our struggles and how we can grow spiritually. The rest of the week was given to missionary reports by the Ernest Funks, the John Reimers, the Clifford Reimers, and a report by our associate secretary of the Board of Missions, Milton Fast. By now we are heading into the Christ mas season. We know the Lord wants to bless in every way if we will only allow Him to do so. May the Lord bless you all and knit our hearts together for a blessed Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

THE GOOD NEWS

Rosenort, Man.: The theme of our mis sions conference November 16-18 was, “The good news of the kingdom of God.” Rev. Benny Eidse developed it in four messages plus a “pep” talk at a men’s breakfast on Saturday. In three of these

PAGE 10

challenges he used an overhead projector to illustrate his points, especially on how the Christian should be on guard against evil influences from the world. Monetary and political power may seem attractive, but can be subtle ways of making us

forget what we’re here for. At the men’s breakfast Brother Eidse spoke on how to be Spirit filled in order to become what God meant us to be. In the final session Bro. Eidse gave his personal testimony, stressing the Lord’s leading: “As for God, His way is perfect” (II Sam. 22:31a). He also made a plea for the sim ple life that we would do well to heed. Reporting from Nicaragua was Bro. Wilbert Friesen who pulled aside the cur tains to let us see what the civil war had done to that country, but more specifical ly to the EMC churches there. It was an eye-opener that will help us to pray more intelligently for Nicaragua. From Alaska we had the Bill Kehlers and here we had the feeling that much has been accomplished by a very dedicated couple who are looking forward to seeing many more souls saved as they go back. Such enthusiasm is contagious. On Sunday morning the Peter Thiessens shares some of their concerns as they are embarking on their first mis sionary venture. They will be in language study before they can begin to reach the tribal people in the mountains of Chihuahua state in Mexico, under the New Tribes Mission. EMC Missions Board chairman, Harry Neufeld, used his strong baritone voice to sing two hymns as sandwich slices for the meat of his general mission report. His informal and humble manner was much appreciated. Musically, we were also well fed by our own “Love Echoes” on Friday, by Mrs. Bill Kehler on Saturday and by the

“Harvest Time” quartet from Steinbach on Sunday morning. Ron Kroeker, Wanda Eidse, and Wendy Dueck were in charge of promotion and display, and Pastor Loewen chaired the conference. A concluding remark by Harry Neufeld was, “Don’t grow weary in well-doing,” and Bro. Eidse added, “If you are alert, you irill see people whom you can help.” Then he called for a commitment to do what we can in God’s Kingdom. Many responded to this challenge. On October 21 Bro. John Reimer of Pleasant Valley brought the message in our church and Connie spoke to the Ladies’ Fellowship on November 13. Both are interesting speakers who have a lot to say. The October Mission Nite featured the Ernest Funk family with musical numbers (harp and guitar) as well as slides and a report from Paraguay. Most of the children present will remember the “bombilia” and “guamba” as drinking “straw” and cup. THE MESSENGER

Richard and Bernice Friesen have left us to make their home in Lethbridge, Alberta, where they are starting a business venture together with Menno Kornelsens. May God make you a blessing in your new place of residence. Mrs. Jacob K. Dueck had major surgery in the Victoria Hospital on November 14 and is improving slowly. Some flax and sunflower fields are still being harvested here as the weather permits. We hope we can eventually garner in almost all of the crop. BAPTISMAL SERVICE Ridgewood, Man.: On Sunday, November 25, five candidates followed the Lord in baptism with Rev. Henry Kornelson officiating. They were Arley and Linda Barkman, children of Henry Barkmans of Blumenort and Dave Doerksens of Steinbach; Mavis Kornelsen, daughter of Henry Kornelsens; Andy Friesen, son of Jim Friesens, and Chyenne Friesen, daughter of Victor Friesens. May God richly bless and use you to win others for Him. In the evening we celebrated the Lord’s Supper with many sharing victories and confessing struggles. Rev. Frank Friesen from the Pleasant Valley church shared with us a challenging message from I Corinthians 13, the wonderful love chapter. On Monday evening, November 26, we had another communion service where Rev. John Loewen from Blumenort serv ed us with a message challenging us to look to God and be saved, instead of look ing at ourselves or the unstable con ditions in this world.

Others related blessings which they had received during the week. Of particular importance and strengthening were the prayer meetings held each evening before the service. AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS

Endeavour, Sask.: We began our autum.n season with a membership reception service. We welcome Mr. and Mrs. Herb Fenske, Debbie Fenske and Sheri Fairburn as members of our chapel. It has already been a real joy to work together with them in the church ministries, and we wish you God’s con tinued blessings as you serve Him. We’ve been privileged to have different speakers in our church this fall. Some have been missionaries going out for their first term like Dave Hottel and Lloyd Peters. We also enjoyed Doris Thiessen’s report given at a ladies’ meeting, about her work among the Spanish-speaking people in El Paso and Jaurez. Another relaxing and enjoyable evening was spent with Bill Buhlers who showed slides of their trip to the Holy Land and also of their experiences and work both in Endeavour and now in High Level. The Endeavour slides seemed quite amusing

as we viewed our church and young peo ple in action a number of years ago. We are so grateful for each of these mis sionaries and also for other speakers who came to our church to minister to our spiritual needs. Our young people’s group has decreas ed in size somewhat this year, but we are so thankful for our five students in Bible school this fall. They continue to be an en couragement to us to carry on our work here. It is also a real treat if they minister to us in song and sermon. The rest of our young people are busy preparing for our Christmas concert which is always an an nual highlight. Every fall our ladies plan for a pot-luck supper. This year, on November 3, we had an excellent turn-out of friends from the community. For our service afterwards we enjoyed the music and testimonies of the Breitkreuz family from Springside. We thank the Lord for the many will ing workers attending our chapel who help to keep the church alive even though we function without a pastor to guide us. I would like to close with this petition from I Thessalonians 5:25, “Brethren, pray for us,” because we do face great spiritual needs within the church as well as in our community.

DEEPER LIFE MEETINGS

Arden, Man.: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (I Cor. 2:13). We were very thankful to have Rev. Henry Kornelsen as our guest speaker for our Deeper Life meetings, November 1218. He chose as his topic, “The Spiritual Man.” With the use of the overhead pro jector he taught us things about the body, soul (mind, will and affections) and spirit. We learned what makes a man spiritual, and what doesn’t. Each evening the children enjoyed a chapter in the continued story of William Carey, read by Myron Plett. The “Triple M Trio,” Elmer Bartels, Dwight and Heather Plett, Peter Pletts, Niel Rempel and Margaret Plett presented vocal and instrumental items. Sunday morning Mr. Kornelsen spoke on the conscience and confessions, Several voiced problems which they had and requested prayer during the time of sharing Friday and Sunday evening. DECEMBER 7, 1979

Back right. Geo. Brunk talking with Edwin Plett at the recent student meeting at the University of Manitoba. In foreground are Brad Plett and Terry Smith, two par ticipants at the lecture. In the school cafeteria at supper.

EMC STUDENT MEETING Speaking at an EMC post-secondary Brunk as he opened his topic. “I don’t un student meeting at the University of derstand everything. I can stand where I Manitoba on November 20 was Dr. cannot understand.” He conceded that George Brunk of Harrisonburg, Virginia, there are some things in the Bible which former dean of Eastern Mennonite seem to be discrepancies. “In those cases Seminary. He addressed the group of you suspend judgement.” students on the topic of faith and reason. He explained that it was in order that He related largely of his own ex- there were things we did not understand periences in college and his encounters about God because He (God) transcends with professors in these areas. In par- understanding. As an example he said, “I ticular he touched on atheistic evolution, don’t understand the doctrine of the Trinity I believe it.•• ” theistic evolution and the virgin birth. " ’ ' •but ................. “I can stand with the Bible,” said Mr. PAGE 11

‘N»

, , , , , , . , ■ ■ In a MEDA project Harry Peacock (left) of the United^ Church Committee in Bolivia and a local man lay a seed bed to protect seedlings from the * “ scorching sun. "" (MCC photo by Lloyd Fisher.)

A Marriage Postponed... Lincoln, Neb. — It was to have been a wedding, of sorts. The groom had proposed, the bride had consented, and the guests were gathered for the ceremony. But then the groom had second thoughts and said, “Let’s wait.” The groom was MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates), a 26year-old group of 330 businesspeople who invest money with overseas entrepreneurs who have difficulty obtaining regular loans. The bride was MIBA (Mennonite Industry and Business Associates), a much-younger association of 840 that aims to bring a Christian perspective to business. The two organizations have been courting for several years, holding their annual conventions together and collaborating on ventures such as the MIBA-MEDA Neirsleffer. When they gathered in Lincoln Oct. 18-21 for this year’s annual joint convention, the idea of merger was high on the agenda. Both growing organizations have recently hired full-time staff who will be aggressively recruiting members, raising funds and' trying to organize regional chapters. Those favoring merger felt the . • I . I .1 , two*groups might get. •in each other ’s way if they continued separately. MEDA had initially broached the idea of marriage, but backed off after discussing it among its board members. The problem in the view of some was money — the dowr,v wasn’t big enough. “The majority of our members favored ________________ merger, ” said one MEDA official, “but differences arose when we talked about PAGE 12

After considerable discussion the boards of the two groups huddled again and came up with a more palatable recommendation to form a “joint relationship committee” which will further study ways for the organizations to work together.

Even though the wedding didn’t come off, the 286 registered guests had plenty else to do. There were bus tours to local industries, vocational interest groups, special music and a number of speeches on the convention theme of “The Chris tian entrepreneur in the marketplace.”

' ’-L:

dues.”

too broadly so that people don’t know what they’re joining. There are distinctive differences between the two organizations. We’re not the same.”

MEDA, which has extensive overseas projects, requires heavy dues. In its early years MEDA membership cost more than $1,000 annually. Now its dues are $400 to join and $200 a year thereafter. Many members give more than that, however; the average MEDA contribution last year was $614 per member. This year it will take $580 apiece to support MEDA’s administrative and overseas budget. MIBA, meanwhile, requires a minimum contribution of $25 a year, and a number of MEDA people wondered if a merged organization could come up with a dues structure to finance the overseas work without losing many MIBA members who are accustomed to a much lower fee.__ Some MEDA members also preferred the exclusivity and focused goals of a separate MEDA identity. Commented one veteran member in casual conversation, “I just approved a check to MEDA for $6,000. I don’t want some guy who paid $25 making my decision for me.” Quipped a younger member, “Just when you get together enough money to join MEDA, they want to swing open the J— «iu., l-» J . • Im doors andJ Ilet everybody in.” Another concern was whether the purposes of both organizations could be covered by one umbrella. MEDA is chiefly involved in third world development, while MIBA’s efforts are domestic, such as local seminars on ethics, profit-sharing and the like. “I think the uniquenesses of of each each group group should be preserved,” ventured one speaker. “We shouldn’t scatter the base

Carl Kreider, professor of economics at Goshen (Ind.) College, told the businesspeople they have a unique function in the body of Christ. Their manage ment skills are needed in the business ac tivities of local congregations and in the wider institutional work of the church. Christian entrepreneurs, he said, are different than their secular counterparts because they have a biblical concept of property ownership (“God is the real owner of all wealth”) and they operate by different ethical standards. Some of these biblical principles make good business sense, he said. In the colonial era, for example, Quaker businessmen were known to be scrupulously honest and customers flocked to do business with them. He said Christian businesspeople today can set a good example for others by being trendsetters in the hiring of minorities, the disadvantaged, the handicapped and the ex-prisoner. “By this we can show we operate by a different set of principles,” he said.

In another address on “Life styles for the Christian entrepreneur,” Kreider outlined dangers of growing affluence among Mennonite businesspeople. With increasing wealth comes the possibility of wasting resources through profligate living. The “expense account” mentality could sap personal health through overindulgence in lush living. He singled out alcohol as an area needing more vigilance by Mennonites. Do we use lavish meals and even drink to encourage the customer ♦/-V r’l/’r**!*? i-i to sign? he/I asked. “We nnn/j need to wniTiirn revive our teachings on the grief which alcohol brings through traffic mishaps, family breakdowns and poor performance on the job.” He also said different standards of living between the wealthy and the poor can raise barriers to fellowship in the church. Roy Vogt, an economist, minister and publisher from Winnipeg, Man., lamented “a kind of cynicism, a mindless

THE MESSENGER

criticism of the entrepreneur” which he hears expressed in some circles. He said he appreciated the entrepreneurs’ willingness to take risks in order to be creative and innovative. “We should re joice that we have people who resist uni formity and who strike out in creative ways,” Vogt said. But he cautioned against taking single-mindedness to the point of obsession. “Individualism must always be kept in balance with a strong teaching on brotherhood.” He was dis turbed to hear some entrepreneurs boast about “my business” while forgetting that their success is usually also a product of God’s gifts and the contribu tion of other “facilitators.” Another quali ty he appreciated about entrepreneurs was their decisiveness, but he warned that people who try too hard to be decisive sometimes cease to be reflective. Another Winnipeg businessman, Rudolf Dyck, praised the entrepreneurial spirit as a major contributor to social well-being. “I am impressed by the im pact of the entrepreneur on the economy and on our society. The highest payoff from the lowest possible investment results from promoting entrepreneurial activity in any society,” said Dyck. He lauded the entrepreneurial process as the best means of sharing talents with the rest of humankind. “As such, en trepreneurship is profoundly Christian.” Another virtue of this process is the diversity it produces, he said, for diversi ty propels creation. “Any attempt to make us uniform biologically, emotional ly, intellectually or spiritually is a betrayal of the God who made us and who seeks to live in and through us.” MEDA’s third world emphasis was en couraged by Fremont Regier, a develop ment specialist at Bethel College, N. New ton, Kan. Citing examples of oppression in underdeveloped countries, Regier said many people in those nations see only two options — maintaining the status quo or else armed revolt to overthrow their op pressors. There is a third option, he said, and MEDA’s programs can help make that option a reality by helping the “little people” become productive farmers and businesspeople. It was a theme highlighted elsewhere in the convention, as well. One speaker said the big issue of the next two decades will be to resolve the worldwide polarity between the rich and the poor. “I am con vinced that the next major war will not be between the east and the west but between the north and the south — between the haves and have-nots,” he said. They were sobering words. But for the assembly of Christian businesspeople, who ranged from small shop-keepers to millionaires, they fortified the widespread MIBA/MEDA recognition DECEMBER 7, 1979

that Mennonite entrepreneurs have a powerful role to play in making the good

news a reality in the corporate marketplace. — Wai I If Kmeker

400 Delegates at MCC (Man.) Meeting Despite slippery roads, over 400 delegates and 250 guests attended the an nual MCC (Manitoba) meeting November 24 hosted by the Winnipeg Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren congrega tion. The facilities were excellent for the displays of literature, Self-Help crafts items and third world country exhibits by VS alumni. The keynote address by John Wider, Overseas Director for MCC (Canada), emphasized the church’s need to be sen sitive to refugees’ needs. Refugees, he said, are those who flee. Some flee for political and economic reasons, and we see them in the camps of Africa, Asia, Jordan, and the core areas of our cities. Others flee for psychological and spiritual reasons, and we are aware of them in our prisons and in our churches. The church’s task is to minister to the total spectrum of needs represented by these refugees, avoiding what host pastor H. H. Voth in his welcome had alluded to as “compas sion fatigue”, the fatigue of seeing too many needs and becoming frustrated in our attempt to meet them. The morning sessions saw the work of MCC (Man.) presented. Major areas in clude the Self Help program (selling third world products). Offender Ministries (visitation programs, group home alter natives and a new reconciliation program geared to bring victim and offender together). Native Ministries (teaching, group home services and agricultural development), northern Manitoba nur sing placements, volunteer involvement via Mennonite Disaster Service, and seminars on peace/social concern issues. Fred Bergmann, MDS chairman, reported that over 6,000 person days of labour had been donated to flood fighting and cleanup in the Red River Valley in 1979. The afternoon session was given over to discussing the work of MCC (Canada) and the international program, featuring reports by returned VSers Tina Driedger (Bolivia), Martin and Marian Penner (Brazil) and Ian and Daryl Wallace (Upper Volta). There are presently 117 Manitobans in VS assignments in 20 countries. The budget for the 1979/80 fiscal year of $1.3 million was approved; about 75% of this goes for MCC (Canada) and overseas program, about 16% for Manitoba programs and about 9% for ad ministration. Of the $809,000 contributed by the direct constituency during the past

year, $154,000 came from the twelve Community Self Help Centres. (A thirteenth is being opened, reported Co ordinator Justina Baerg; concentrating on used furniture, it will be opposite the Watt Street Centre in Winnipeg). The Resolutions Committee at the con clusion of the sessions focused on three areas of program need for the coming year, areas endorsed by the delegates. Ex ecutive Director Vern Ratzlaff com mented that “this comprises MCC (Man.) staff descriptions for the coming year.” The Committee called for the develop ment and initiating of a model for assistance to native Manitobans in urban centres; for the preparation of a basic study guide on the Christian faith for the use of refugees and their sponsors, together with guidance on integration patterns; for the development of a study guide on Mennonite relations to the police force in light of concern expressed about the levels of force used by the police. MCC (Man.)’s program is supervised by a board made up of representatives of eight Mennonite Conferences; bishop Jacob Kleinsasser of the Hutterian Com munities is also a member. The chairper son is Peter Peters of Winnipeg. 3B5{ ssa £«£»£»£»3E« jWS JE«

To Save Us O SAVIOUR, where shall guilty man Find rest except in Thee? Thine was the warfare with his foe. The cross of pain, the cup of woe. And Thine the victory. How came the everlasting Son, The Lord of Life, to die? Why didst Thou meet they tempter’s power. Why, Jesus, in Thy dying hour. Endure such agony? To save us hy Thy precious blood. To make us one in Thee, That ours might be Thy perfect life, Thy thorny crown. Thy cross. Thy strife. And ours the victory.

O make us worthy, gracious Lord, Of all Thy love to be; To Thy blest will our wills incline. That unto death we may be Thine, And ever live in Thee. Amen. Caroline Elizabeth May, 1808-1873.

PAGE 13

The

uiet

Mother's Prayer

Place God At Work rriki n a recent bus trip to Dauphin, I engaged in conversation with a .young man. He was on his way to an alcohol rehabilitation centre and was a bit dubious about finding the answer to his problem. Wanting to make the most of an apparent good oppor tunity, I volunteered to introduce him to Someone who has the answer. His interest was immediately aroused. In answer to his query I replied that the person was Jesus Christ. At once my listener opened up to spiritual things and for over an hour along the way we talked and shared. I was glad to learn that he had been in contact with other Christians who were praying for him. When he told me that he should have travelled up the previous day, but had slept in and missed the bus, I realized how God’s timing is always right. As we neared his destination he expressed appreciation for my concern. He observed that our chat had helped to put things into perspective. I assured my fellow passenger of my prayers and en couraged him to soon make that all-important decision of inviting Jesus Christ into his life. He shook my hand many times while saying good-bye. It was a moving experience. The anticipation of a needed rest on the three-hour bus ride was surpassed by the joy of sharing the love of Jesus. It seemed that God's special blessing was on me. That evening after sharing my life story and testimony at the Christian Women’s Club dinner in Dauphin, six ladies join ed me in praying a prayer of commitment, accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. I was keenly aware of the prayerful support of many friends, recognizing that it is only the presence and power of God that makes such encounters worthwhile. To God be all the glory! Kathy Friesen

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low me down. Lord, I'm going too fast Things are getting to be blurry. And I today in all my hurry Have missed a sign, it just slipped past; I'm not too sure just where I'm going. Nor if it's right just what I'm doing.

Slow me down. Lord, I'm going too fast — And yet 1 pray don't stop me short. Nor, either Lord, take me to court. I only pray just slow me down That I may see where I am going. And also know what I am doing. Then help me. Lord, as I slow down Select aright what paths to take. And what to do for thy name's sake. Some things, I know, will now be out. Real values tho' I won't be losing If Thou for me wilt do the choosing. I know, dear Lord, I'll have the time This day to do a golden deed; And to a friend some words I'll read. I'll clasp her hand and say a prayer. She'll never miss the card I didn't send — But she'll remember that I held her hand.

I'll take time now to hear my son Asking a question like, "Did you see?" Not only. Lord, will I now see A rabbit's footprints in the snow — But twinkling eyes and a face aglow. Thinking, "My mom loves rabbits and the snow." And now, dear Lord, I just might sense A trace of guilt, or a look of pride — A trickling tear she cannot hide. "Moods" she calls them, but after that She'll pour out her heart, and ask for prayer. Yes, my daughter. I'll pray, and I do care. And as, dear Lord, I'll spend more time To meditate — just quietly — Gazing at stars or a sunrise see; More time I'll take to wait on Thee. For guidance pray, and for strength anew As the daily tasks of "mother" I pursue. Now help me. Lord, as I slow down Not to be slack — my problems to face. To do my work, and by your grace Help me to know priorities. Help me to gain the victoriesl Help me to win the race — at a slower pace. Bettie Kehler

THE MESSENGER

Mother and Child

The Haitian mother present in hardship and in joy stops at mid-day to rest, waiting and pondering the promise of her child. Will her child have enough food, Grow strong in a world at peace?

Will her child grow old to watch his children grow. Bring new hope, be a dreamer of dreams? Restand pray, Haitian mother, pondering these things in your heart.

As we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, may His love lead us to a deeper commitment to care for the world’s children, the hope of the future. Mennonite Central Committee 21 South 12th Street Akron, PA 17501 or 201-1483 Pembina Highway Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2C8

HISTORICAL FLASHBACK

Beginnings of the Eden Mentai Heaith Center HJhcnever 1 visit the Eden Mental Health Center at Winkler, I am deepl.v impressed with the atmosphere of peace and happiness. We have come a long way from the old asylum for the insane. Our socict.y in general regard ed mentally ill people as more or less incurable, so when in some odd cases they became unmanageable at home they had to be put away like criminals have to be put away so as not to en danger society. However, our churches felt that those people should at least get very loving care in those in stitutions. During World War II some of our young conscientious objectors to the violence of war volunteered to work in these institutions and found this work much more challenging than reforestation and firefighting in our national parks. They helped to create a new feeling for better care of our un fortunate mentally ill members of society. The Mennonite Central Committee established three homes for these peo ple in the United States, but we still needed one, particularly in Western Canada. This need became very ap parent in the 195O’s. On January 19, 1957 the Canadian Mennonite Relief Committee had its annual meeting at the E.M. Church in Rosenort. J. J. Thiessen, Saskatoon, was present as one of the speakers. It was on a Saturday and so I was also present, being a school teacher. After the meeting I had a discussion with the bishop about the necessity and also the possibility of a Mennonite home for the mentally ill in western Canada. He assured me that there was con siderable interest in the General Conference for such a project. Two weeks later, February 2, two of our EMC ministers, Archie Penner and John P. Loewen, came to our home in Grunthal to discuss the possibilities and further i n -

PAGE 16

vestigations, with me, for such a pro ject. A month later, April 1, I had another meeting with the same brethren in our home for further dis cussions. A week later, April 8, a Mon day evening, we had another meeting at our home in Grunthal. We were ten brethren at the meeting: the ministers, Archie Penner, John P. Loewen, Jac. P. Dueck, P. K. Bartel, H. F. Klassen; a deacon, G. S. Fast; C. P. Unger, John Plett and D. K. Schellenberg, all representing our EMC. After a good discussion it was decided to appoint a committee of five members to see the Old Folks Home at Winkler, contact Bishop J. N. Pauls, possibly visit the Youth Farm during the Easter week and also have an appointment with Hon. Bend, Minister of Health, The committee consisted of Peter J. B. Reimer (chairman), G. S. Fast, John Plett, D. K. Schellenberg, and H. F. Klassen. The very next day, April 9. we went to Winkler to see the Home, and also contact Bishop J. N. Pauls. He responded very favourabl.v and we agreed to call a general meeting at the E.M. Church at Rosenort, to which representatives of all Mennonite churches in Manitoba would be in vited. This general meeting took place May 11, a Saturda.v afternoon, in the E.M. (’hurch at Rosenort. It was a gathering of 67 people who represented eight Mennonite churches. I made the open ing with words of welcome and the reading of Luke 8:26-39. the stor.y of the maniac. Bishop J. N. Pauls was elected the chairman and P.J.B. Reimer the recording secretary. After some discussion a study committee was elected to make further in vestigations and do the preparator,v work of building a mental home for Mennonites. The members elected were, in addition to J. N. Pauls (chair man) and P.J.B. Reimer (secretary).

Archie Penner, G. G. Neufeld and William Enns. The chairman, secretary and W. At another general meeting in the Morris Mennonite Church on June 15, ten more members wre added to the committee. They were Herbert Peters, Rev. G. Neufeld, Rev. P. A. Rempel, Jacob Rempel, Ben Braun, Erdman Rempel, Rev. John P. Loewen, Ted Friesen, Rev. G. H. Penner and William Redekop. July 2, 1957, in Winkler, the Board established a building committee with Ben Braun as chairman; a finance committee with Jacob Rempel as chairman; and the Executive Com mittee made up of J. N. Pauls, chair man, P. J. B. Reimer, secretary, and P. A. Rempel, Archie Penner and G. G. Neufeld as members. To make some further in vestigations, four members of the Board, J. N. Pauls, P.J.B. Reimer, Ben Braun, and Jacob Rempel, went by car to Newton, Kansas, on July 16, to see the Prairie View Home and consult with the administration. This was one of the three centres the MCC had recently established with the help of the Mennonite churches in the United States. We were back on the 18th. At another meeting in the E.M. Church at Rosenort, it was considered to purchase the Peck farm in Morris on the east side of the Red River and es tablish the Home there. However, when the Mennonite churches in Rosenort and Morris showed only a lukewarm interest in having it there, the Board decided to build it rather at Winkler which showed considerable enthusiasm for the project. Steinbach was interested too, but we wanted it more centrally located in southern Manitoba. Morris or Rosenort would have been even more in the centre. There were many more meetings un til in September 1961 I gave up my position as secretary and member of the Executive for personal reasons. Ben L. Kroeker took my place as secretary. It took a number of more years to establish the beautiful Eden Mental Health Centre at Winkler. Thank God. P.J.B. Reimer

THE MESSENGER