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Positive Peopie by Neil Snider
Some people are habitual complainers. Lines of worry and deeply furrowed brows betray years of negative thinking . . . They look for every possible thing that could go wrong - and it usually does.
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braham Lincoln once said, “Every person over the age of forty is responsible for how his face looks.” Obviously he was not referring to given physical features over which we have little control, but to the “lines and shines” which reflect inner attitudes. I am convinced that every person has both the privilege and responsibility of choosing the mindset or perspective from which he interprets, acts and reacts to the challenges of life. What’s more, I believe God’s people have every reason to be positive people! Unfortunately, negativism is all too common — even with such simple con cerns as the weather. If the temperature is low, it is “too cool” or “cold.” If the temperature is high, it is “too hot” or “muggy.” And even when it would seem to be an ideal day, “finally we’ve got some nice weather” comments are tied to ex pectations of its fleeting nature. Some people are habitual complainers. Lines of worry and deeply furrowed brows betray years of negative thinking. Bad news thoughts fill their minds. They eventually view even the positives negatively. They look for every possible thing that can go wrong — and it usually does. Tragically, a negative person influences everyone around him. He can’t help it. During any given day his negative vibrations are multiplied many times over as those he meets react to him by reacting negatively to others. The influence of negativism is hard to combat. In fact, I believe it takes at least
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four positive people to counteract the effects of one negative person. Even then, the negative individual’s comments and attitudes leave deep impressions which shape the outlook and opinions of those around him. Misconceptions about being positive are numerous. A scripturally based positive outlook must not be mistaken for: 1. Naive optimism. Some people con stantly see the world through rosecoloured glasses. They seem to be blissfully unaware of the real facts and content to remain so. Certainly a partial view of reality is inconsistent with having God’s “total picture’’ perspective. 2. Helpless resignation. Others seem to accurately perceive the world but their attitude of resignation destroys their in itiative for positive action if not their en tire sense of responsibility. This is il lustrated in the pious martyr spirit or in the exaggerated feeling that their state or condition is determined by heredity, early socialization, or by society at large. Both attitudes reflect an unbalanced view of God’s sovereignty and of man’s respon sibility. 3. Escape from reality. Some people live by a rule of denying reality, ignoring the negatives by turning their backs and focusing only on the “goodness of God.” Some forms of monasticism, or even con tinuous seminar and conference atten dance, may provide such a means of es cape. But surely this is inconsistent with the example of Christ whose involvement with real life denys any suggestion of isolationism or escapism.
THE MESSENGER
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contrast stands the Biblical imperative to “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). Christ’s attitude or “mind” as por trayed in this passage is one of purpose, self-giving, and obedience to the Father in a spirit of humility. God’s example in the Person of Christ revealed a perspective, a viewpoint, a way of seeing things which included both knowledge and a resulting attitude which directed His behaviour. Beyond question Christ’s qualities are those of a positive person! In short, the Biblical approach to being positive is hav ing God’s perspective on things. Being positive and thinking positively was God’s idea. Scripture reminds us, “Whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, of good repute . . . think on these things" (Phil. 4:8). The Apostle Paul was constantly reminding believers to “set your minds” on the positives, to think en couraging, edifying thoughts, to concen trate on the reasons for facing life pur posefully, joyously, thankfully, triumphantly. And the mindset he ad vocated he demonstrated consistently in spite of devastating circumstances which buffeted him at every turn. Paul’s attitude was consistent with his understanding of God’s sovereignty. He was convinced that a loving and all-wise God who “chose us before the foundation of the world” was fully in control of all things. He saw history as moving towards its planned destiny, “the summing up of all things in Christ” (Eph. 1:10). Little wonder his energies found positive ex pression in knowing, serving, and proclaiming Jesus Christ. Little wonder, either, that nearly twen ty centuries later Malcom Muggeridge realizes in his new-found faith “a new stupendous hope, born of the Incarnation, and creating a tidal wave of creativity and joy to revivify a world as tired, bored and decadent as ours.” God’s sovereignty inspires positive thinking! But so does a Biblical understanding of man. Created in God’s image as in telligent, creative, responsive and respon sible beings with whom He could have fellowship, man has great value and
worth. The plan of redemption makes no sense at all, if Christ died for something worthless. In spite of our sinful nature with its tendency to evil, we can ex perience God’s grace in action. The Holy Spirit brings about our positive develop ment, “conforming us to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). Everything we know about God’s plan and perspective should make us positive people. God sees those “in Christ” as His children, as heirs of His kingdom, joint
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heirs with Jesus Christ, as citizens of heaven while His representatives in the world. Should ambassadors of the King have a negative disposition?
Practice looking for positives in each situation, believing the best about others.
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n addition to providing better mental health, a longer life span, a more en joyable relationship with other people and a more productive existence, being positive for Biblical reasons has several obvious results: 1. Fruit of the Spirit. The natural out come of a Spirit-filled life is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, self-control (Gal. 5:22). A negative spirit is inconsistent with each of these characteristics, and in fact, militates against them. As Phillips puts it, love “looks for a way of being construc tive.” The positive person views even the negatives positively! 2. Victory over circumstances. James tells us, “the testing of our faith produces endurance,” and Peter says such testing “may be found to result in praise and glory and honor.” Paul points out that “tribulation brings about perseverance.” He could even view the “thorn in his flesh” as for his own good, for then he could more fully appropriate the strengths of his Lord. On occasion he nearly despaired of life, but he refused to succumb and could later encourage others that “in all things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” 3. An attractive witness. In his study of Nehemiah, Chuck Swindoll observes that critics usually run with critics. In contrast, positive people are generally at tractive to all others. It is positive Christians who are most likely to com municate Christ’s life to others. Once again Paul makes the point so well: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Cor. 3:14-15).
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ecause it is our responsibility to choose our mindset and because Christians really should be positive, we might ask. How can we become more positive people? What about those days when our vision is clouded with negatives? We must: 1. Acquire new habits of thought. Positive attitudes are a matter of right thinking. A positive outlook on life is no more difficult to learn than the negative. But once we’ve learned to view the world and ourselves negatively, it requires special effort and practice to make the transition. So it is that Paul exhorts us to “Walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind ...” but “be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” 2. Be obedient to God’s imperative to rejoice always! Pray without ceasing! In everything give thanks! (1 Thes. 5:16-18). It’s impossible to rejoice and be negative at the same time. Intimacy with God makes negative thoughts vanish, deemed as unworthy converse with such a con stant companion as Jesus Christ. But perhaps the greatest antidote to negative thinking is a thankful attitude. It has been said that the greatest indicator of a Spirit-filled life is a thankful heart. 3. Be a part of the solution. Our positive, Christ-centered thinking must be translated into action. We ought to bring to negative or crisis situations a positive, “Let’s get going — move towards a solution” attitude that takes the focus off the negative and works towards a solution. This involves the practice of looking for positives in each situation, of believing the best about others or at least giving them the benefit of a doubt. 4. Barricade the daily garbage delivery to our minds. Negativism abounds, but we can avoid its influence by refusing to listen to outright gossip, rumors or evil reports. Swindoll observes, “You cannot constantly hear negativism without hav ing some of it rub off on you. If you are prone to discouragement, you can’t run the risk of spending a lot of your time with people who traffic in discouraging information.” There are many reasons to be positive people. But what about the One who lives within you, whom you take into each and every situation? Isn’t perhaps the best motive or reason to bless the heart of God^ The Apostle John writes, “I have no greater joy than to see my children walk in truth.” This is how God feels about us. He delights in positive people. ■
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a Sneaking
By Don Thiessen
Musically
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Style in the Church Music Ministry By Don Thiessen OF ALL the conflicts regarding church music, the ques tion of style is the one that occurs most often. Unfortunate ly the debate usually polarizes the young against the old, professional against the non-professional, parent against child, teacher against student and “classical” against “popular.” Every generation faces this debate with each group often convinced that the conflict has never been more serious nor more crucial to the survival of the style they promote. Somehow the church musician, whether professional or amateur, must come to grips with this problem and come to a conclusion that is both realistic and musically honest. In church music, as in any field, there is a continuum that extends from the far right (medieval Latin masses?) to the far left (hard gospel rock?). Each performer or listener will embrace some part of that continuum in formulating his philosophy of style in the ministry of music. The section of the continuum that this article will suggest for the evangelical church is the section that runs from the right of the left and from the left of the right. That is to say, that to be effective in the church we will avoid the extremes on both ends of the continuum because by using either we will offend and hence be ineffective. The reason why we should take this approach is because it is generally not the Chris tian community that sets the standards and breaks new ground in these areas, but the non-Christian, since several centuries ago when the church abdicated its role as a pioneer in setting musical trends. Since Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the world’s patterns but to test and evaluate, it is quite appropriate that we adopt a “Wait and see” approach to all the new sounds that bombard us. The fact that country music is making a comeback in popular music is not the signal for the church musican to divert his whole program to follow this trend. With these parameters in mind we should concentrate on using music from the middle of the continuum with only occasional excursions into the right or left. We should then seek for variety and balance within the prescribed limits even though these will often seem ar bitrary to those of other persuasions. A church that has only country or contemporary gospel is depriving itself of a
Disarmament Week October 24 to 30, 1980 has been proclaimed as Disarmament Week by the United Nations. Over the past few months concerned people from a number of Winnipeg and area churches and public organizations have been meeting to plan activities. Ingrid Lehman of the UN Centre for Disarmament will be featured speaker during Disarmament Week October 29, 8:00 p.m., St. Stephens Broadway United Church. Topic: World
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large amount of music that is exciting and spiritually up lifting; a church that adheres strictly to “classical” music (I’m not aware of any EMC church with this problem) is probably insensitive to the musical and aesthetic state of a large percentage of the congregation. Any church should attempt to balance its music program to include some Renaissance and Baroque music, gospel songs, hymns, spirituals and contemporary music. It is very gratifying to hear a twenty-voice choir from a smaller church rehearsing the Hallelujah Chorus. If your church presently has groups singing primarily in one style, they should be balanced by other groups or possibly instrumentalists. It is best for each musician or group to have a variety of repertoire but this is not always practical because of musical limitations. The variety and balance should be much broader than a variety within a particular style. There is a tendency to say that there is variety if the music is what one likes, but that is not enough. It would be perfectly in order for a group usually accompanied by guitars to regroup and sing an unaccom panied hymn or traditional gospel song. This would be more difficult but would improve the group’s overall musical standard and effectiveness. Finally, some observations which might be helpful should be noted. 1) No one ever has the final word on music but the setting of limitations is right and necessary. Many churches say “no drum sets” and they have every right to say so. 2) Music in any style should be done as well as your capabilities allow. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. 3) Music immediately popular often also loses its appeal quickly. 4) It is usually the songs of a “classical” nature that are most needed and are most difficult to introduce but with time they turn out to be favorites among singers. 5) We need to be flexible and accepting of each other realizing that each one in the body of Christ has some insight to con tribute. 6) When there are positive spiritual results it is not primarily because of the music but because of the Scrip tural message. The quest for variety and balance in the music program will not be easy but very rewarding and enriching for all concerned. Each musician should make it his personal ob jective to pursue this balance in his ministry.
Musically Speaking is a feature series written by Don Thiessen for the Music Committee. Mr. Thiessen is on the faculty of the Winnipeg Bible College, Otterburne, Man. He is a minister of the Ridgewood EMC congregation.
Citizenship and Disarmament Further information may be ob tained from: Vern Ratzlaff Mennonite Central Committee (Man.)
475-3550 (o) 668-2746 (h)
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Neil Snider, Positive People, is the president of Trinity Western College, Langley, B.C. V3A 4R9. The article is reprinted by permission from Trinity Western World, Spring 1980.
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Dora Friesen (Rosenort) is with the EMC Board of Missions, serving in El Paso/Juarez. Len and Faye Barkman (Prairie Rose) are involved in teaching and administration at King’s College in Belize. They are with the Gospel Missionary-Union. Anne Klassen has contributed before. She lives at High Bluff, Man. Henrietta Friesen is the wife of Pastor Ben Friesen of Winnipeg. Mrs. Wiebe, a writer, lives in Hillsboro, Kansas.
COFER: By the editor. Maybe these Ontario apples could end up on one of our tables this fall! THE MESSENGER
From the Editor Former Conference Worker Passes Away No doubt the passing of Elizabeth (Reimer) Klassen came as a shock to many. Doubtlessly her presence will be missed by her loved ones and many friends. Elizabeth was a former E.M. Conference employee. I believe it was in January 1969 that she came to work in the EMC Board of Education and Publication office on a parttime basis. She was our first secretary and filled an impor tant post at the time. (She was absent for about a year, 1971-72 due to health reasons.) With her homegoing we are deprived of a friend, a prayer warrior, and a Christian worker. As many of us are aware, before coming to our office she had been a missionary to Mexico under the EMC Board of Missions. This background was also an asset in her work for the Education Board. Elizabeth was a conscientous worker with a burden for
the lost. She took her obligations seriously. She terminated her work at the office in June of 1973 to get married to Mr. Jake B. Klassen of Vancouver, B.C. And from an office she moved into a home. We were happy for her, never realizing that her marriage would be over so soon. When my wife and I were on vacation in 1978 and in the Vancouver area we took the opportunity to visit them. The reception was as cordial as ever. I remember the enjoyable day we had. Jake, who was well acquainted with Vancouver, gave us a good tour - Stanley Park, Gas Town, Queen Elizabeth Park, and more. They went out of their way to entertain us. We shall not soon forget their hospitality. Our sympathies go out to Jake and her other close relatives. — Dave Schellenberg
Here and There You may have noticed the absence of an editorial in the previous (Sept. 26) Messenger. I guess I had not worked ahead sufficiently and then when holidays and other assignments came I was caught unprepared. This is not as I would like it. Since Church Profiles (We have featured two so far.) seem to have general appeal I embarked on another set of three churches this fall. These are to appear in the coming months. The churches were Wymark, Sask.; Calgary, Alta.; and Mt. Salem (Aylmer), Ontario. At each place I spent about three days. This was a new experience for me as the other two I did were done more on the run in connection with a Sunday preaching appoint ment. The ones I did now consisted of more extensive inter viewing and photography. Once I got there I was happy for one piece of preparation I had made beforehand. I had warned the pastors, after in viting myself, that on that particular Sunday I would be there and even take pictures during the morning service. All were very cooperative and I think I was the most ner vous of all. After all the years one has been in the business it still takes a real effort to step up to the front of a church full of people and set up a tripod, etc.
My procedure the rest of the time usually was to get myself invited to different homes in the community. This afforded the opportunity to take a lot of notes during the course of the visit. Often important information came casually during the course of ordinary conversation. Other times it would, of course, come in answer to direct questions. All this comes about because of a request at an annual (1979) convention that the editor of the Messenger should visit our Conference churches more in order to give them better coverage in the paper. Although I try and do this work between publication dates of the Messenger if it concerns faraway churches, this is not always possible. But we also have very able assistance in the office and occasionally a paper can go out without my being there. This was the case in one of the September issues (Sept. 12), thanks to Martha Kroeker, secretary to the Messenger. So there you have my explanation on why there was no editorial in the last issue of the Messenger, somewhat lengthy, I agree, but at the same time I could let you in on what’s going on in my office. Now the work of assembling all this may take as long as the actual assignment. Nevertheless, we hope to have the first one out soon. _ 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 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.
OCTOBER 10, 1980
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Missions BELIZE
Summer Team an Encouragement School Opening Soon The large British Forces helicopter hovered over King’s College campus and slowly settled down on the football field, setting up a windstorm for the sixty onlookers. Four crewmen with a stretcher rushed to the waiting pick-up truck and carefully transferred the injured girl to the helicopter and from there to the hospital in Belize City. Diane had been struck down by an army jeep several miles from the college and the gash on her forehead looked like it could be critical. We praise the Lord that in spite of serious injury, Diane was able to transfer to her home in British Columbia after several days. This was one of the more dramatic events for the 21-member summer team from Missions Outreach who came to King’s College for six weeks to build a new kitchen at the school and to do weekend bicycle evangelism. As the mis sionaries in charge of the group, much of our summer has been involved with co ordinating the work, organizing meetings and travelling with the group to seven of the GMU churches in Belize, and on sightseeing trips. It has been good for us to not only witness the encouragement that the team could be to the local youth groups but also to see the spiritual development of the team members as they worked and lived together in a foreign culture. With the team gone and the annual summer camps held at King’s over, things are quiet again, but only temporarily, as school opening is just around the corner. We are preparing for the seventy eager students that will be in our care again this year. What an opportunity to in fluence young lives for Chist! Len and Faye Barkman MEXICO
Two Firsts for Kilometro Cinco You Missed Something! I am sorry you were not in the service in Kilometro Cinco on Sunday afternoon, September 28. Dona Segovia, who made a profession of faith the day before, gave a one-sentence testimony, “I am content that I surrendered to God yesterday.” When she sat down she whispered to the person next to her, “I should have said ‘Christ’ instead of ‘God.’ ” Another
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testimony was by Ana Maria. She has for a long time wanted to say something for her Lord, but was always too shy. Praise the Lord for victory! “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Ex odus 25:8). Yes, we had a church dedica tion. It was a solemn moment when seven men walked to the front, and five of them prayed, thanking and praising God, and dedicating the building to Him. “... teach them to your children .. .”
(Deut. 11:16-20). The dressed up babies in the congregation were there for a pur pose. Six little ones were dedicated to the Lord by their parents. ‘‘We praise Thee, 0 God, for the Son of thy love ... Hallelu jah, Thine the glory ...” was the closing hymn. Both the church dedication and the baby dedication were “firsts” for Kilometro Cinco. Now don’t you wish you could have been there? Dora Friesen
Program for the Annual Fall Convention of the Northern Fellowship Churches of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Place: Legion Hall in Birch River, Manitoba Time: Sunday, October 26, 1980 Theme: The Lordship of Christ and His Great Commission Morning Session 10:30 a.m. (Standard Time) Chairman Opening Jake Warkentine Song Service Endeavour Scripture and Prayer Kola Quartet Special Number Greetings from EM Conference Edwin Plett Mission Spot Milton Fast Announcements and Offering Church Highlights Arabella Kola Quartet Special Number Fred Friesen Message “Who is He?” Closing Song Lunch Break Bring your own bag lunch. Beverages will be provided.
Afternoon Session 2:30 p.m. Song Service Pelly Scripture and Prayer Lucille Yutzy Violin Solo Milton Fast Mission Spot Dave Kliever Trio Offering and Announcements Church Highlights Pelly Special Numbers Kola Band Message “What wilt Thou have me do?” Fred Friesen Wilbert Warkentine Closing Prayer
Supper Everyone is invited to stay for supper which will be provided. Evening Session 6:30 p.m. Song Service Keesee Koose Scripture and Prayer Hudson Bay Church Highlights Kola Quartet Special Number Edwin Plett Conference Representation Kola Quartet Special Number Message “1 have come to know Him” Fred Friesen Harvey Kroeker Closing Please take note
There will be a program for the children dur ing the afternoon session.
Offerings will be designated as follows: 50% EMC Missions 25% Boat People 25% Steep Rock Camp
Take advantage of the Conference and Missions personnel available for discussion and counselling. Rev. Edwin Plett and Rev. Milton Fast will be there for your benefit. Make use of the displays that will be set up.
THE MESSENGER
Messenger News
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The boys' dub and their leaders from the Prairie Rose church on their canoe trip.
left the boys got busy exploring the territory, canoeing through the second tunnel, climb ing up to the C.N. tracks overhead, and in vestigating a nearby beaver dam. About 7:30 it was supper time and you’d be surprised how much bologna and beans cooked on an open fire can be devoured by such boys. That night the temperature dropped pretty low and the boys were thankful for their warm night clothes. There were no bears to bother us so we slept well. Sunday morning the boys were up earlier than they probably are at home and had a fire roaring before their leaders crawled sleepily out of their tents. The hotcakes and sausages were soon frying and were soon disposed of. While the leaders cleaned up the boys did some more exploring. After that we met around the fire for our Sunday service. The boys took turns reciting verses after which they also took part in sharing and praying which was a blessing to listen to. At 12:00 we loaded up the canoes and started on our way back. The wind was fair ly strong and the boys had to really work to keep moving. About a third of the way back one canoe capsized and the leader and one boy were in the chilly water. Luckily the supply boat was nearby and he quickly mov ed over and helped them out. They were thankful for the extra dry clothes they had along, and wasted no time getting into them. A few more hours and we were back at Cad dy Lake campground and ready to load up the trucks and head home. Super! Robert Koop
FAREWELL FOR PASTOR Sunday morning sing-song.
BOYS’ CLUB TAKES CANOE TRIP Prairie Rose, Man.: On a cool, cloudy September morning, fifteen boys, ages eleven to thirteen, were anxiously waiting to leave Landmark for their first club canoe trip. They had waited for this opportunity for almost a year, having faithfully completed all the required activities. They had worked hard in the past club year, doing crafts such as woodwork, leather craft and copper craft, and also working strenuously on a physical fitness program. They had outings during the year such as playing football with their fathers on a Saturday afternoon at La Barriere Park and going Christmas tree chopping with the usual wiener roast follow ing each outing. But this was different - a canoe trip starting at Caddy Lake and a night spent in the woods where no car could drive in. They were all pretty excited, in cluding the nine leaders, and of course the mothers were a bit nervous seeing their boys
OCTOBER 10, 1980
venture out on a canoe trip. We arrived at Caddy Lake campground at 12:30 p.m. and after a few instructions the canoes were in the water and off we were. Some boys had a few problems keeping their canoes straight but they soon had the knack of it, and with the wind at our backs it was smooth sailing. After canoeing across Caddy Lake we passed through the first C.N. tunnel into South Cross Lake where we stopped at an island, built a fire and had a wiener roast. We were soon on our way again, two miles behind us now and four left to go. About 5:00 we got to the spot where we decided to camp for the night, just short of the second tunnel going into North Cross Lake. It was a beautiful camp spot with nice tall pine trees, an old trappers cabin up the hill and even an outhouse. We wasted no time in setting up camp with lots of help from the boys. With three hours of daylight
Birch River, Man.: August 17 was set as the day when the Birch River congregation, as well as the community, bade farewell to our much loved pastor, Ralph Unger, and his wife, Mary Lynne, and family. A program was planned for this occasion which was held in the Legion Hall. Each item that was presented conveyed our feelings of apprecia tion for their “labour of love” among us. They served us well for more than eight years and won the confidence of many, even those outside the church circle. Ralph felt the urge to learn and delve deeper into the Word of God, thus hoping to enhance his future ministry. Three members of our congregation are employed as teachers for this year’s term. Jake Warkentin is faithfully teaching Junior High in the Birch River public school again. His wife Betty took on a teaching position in the newly organized private school in Swan River, and Violet Kroeker was hired by the Mennville private school to teach students in grades 4-7. Dale Reimer has left for his second year of PAGE 7
studies at Briercrest Bible Institute. The Ben Kroeker family is happy to welcome a new member into their midst. A daughter was born to Alvin and Diane Kroeker on September 20, going by the name Rebecca Carolyn. Religious instruction classes in the Birch River public school have already begun. The students from grades 1-6, whose parents wish their children to attend, are divided into three classrooms. We are allowed the last half hour of every Thursday afternoon to teach them Bible stories, singing and memorization. The materials are supplied by Child Evangelism Fellowship of Winnipeg. They also appoint teachers who are born again and are willing to take a 1-2 day train ing course through their organization. The Bowsman School is starting their classes in October. Negotiating for permission to have these classes is being done by the director of CEF and the school board. We believe it is a good way of reaching many unchurched children, as well as those who attend Sunday school, with the Word of God.
lake and Elsie Kliewer oE Kleefeld left on September 10 for a three-month MCC assignment in Akron, Pennsylvania.
SUMMER SERVICE Kleefeld, Man.: By our walk and by our talk we convey a message to a watching world - a world that is fearful and hurting. Hopefully the message of Jesus Christ comes through loud and clear. In order for the Good News to travel faster, and more efficiently, God in His wisdom has seen fit to sprinkle His children all over the world. That’s why we at Kleefeld are happy to report of a growing Summer Service. Various reports were given on September 14 from various locations and workers. As we already anticipated, the “Sweeter Than Honey” group, as told by Alice Schellenberg, had experienced many rewarding and spiritual blessings through PAGE 8
cannot work hard enough to eat, because we are Chinese people. If this letter should fall into the hands of the Vietnamese govern ment, it could mean harm to our family, so we hope this letter will arrive to you without being opened.’’ Out there is indeed a hurting world! We can help alleviate the pain by conveying a message of hope and salvation, by our walk and by our talk, wherever the Lord has plac ed us. ELECTIONS HELD
The new young people's leaders in Kleefeld are Charlie and Lorraine Koop.
their singing ministry in Germany. Kurt Schwarz, a three-month exchange student, also in Germany, said he learned a lot spiritually. Bob Eiler showed slides from Steep Rock, while Mitch Penner interviewed several counsellors. Erica Bartel, Sherry Esau, Bob Bartel, and Don Fast, who found the work at Steep Rock very challenging, but rewarding. Terri Fast, in her third year at camp, appreciated the follow-up work at Camp Arnes. Jake and Elsie Kliewer left for Akron, Pennsylvania on September 10 for a threemonth MCC assignment. They counted it a privilege and were looking forward to serving the Lord in this way, and requested prayer. Clifford Reimer, missionary to Panama, spoke to us that same morning, and assured them, and us, that the Lord will be with us till the end of time! Heartwarming as it is to have people go ing into foreign harvest fields, it is equally heartwarming to have dedicated Christians carry on the Lord’s work at home. One such a dedicated couple is Charlie and Lorraine Koop who have consented to be our new young people’s leaders for the next few years. May the Lord bless and encourage them in this challenging venture. In case some of you would like to come to our Sunday morning services from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. (and we hope you do) but fail to locate us in Kleefeld, then try the Winnipeg Bible College Chapel in Otterburne. Our congregation has temporarily moved there till November 2 when we plan to have the dedication service for our new church building. A new house is being built for our Viet namese couple, the Quachs. One can more fully understand their thankfulness after reading part of a letter received from their brother in Vietnam which reads as follows: “We thank all the dear Canadian people, and all the friends in the Kleefeld church, for helping create a life of happiness for our brother’s family. Our own family in Vietnam
Calgary, Alta.: We are back “in the swing of things” after the summer. Many of our con gregation vacationed in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, visiting relatives and friends. However, a lot of other people chose to spend their holidays out west, thus we had visitors in our morning services each Sunday in July and August. September 7 we had a “first” for our church - Promotion Sunday. Those who had attended at least ten Sundays during the summer months received a prize. We now have ten Sunday school classes compared to five last fall. There are also enough willing workers so that we can have assistants for each class. This is a great improvement over past years. We were fortunate to have Laurel Anne Dueck and Jeff Plett with us at our morning service that same Sunday. Laurel shared a few verses with us which had become very meaningful to her during her year in Ger many. She also showed some slides of her work. Jeff gave a personal testimony, in cluding the “juicy details” of how he and Laurel met! Wednesday of that week Claire and Lynn had an open house in honor of Jeff and Laurel Anne. Our sympathies go out to Granny (Catherine Hardonk) on the loss of her grandson, Gilbert Gunderson. Gilbert was a 20-year-old youth who had attended our church a few months this spring. He was an epileptic and a severe diabetic from birth. Funeral services were held at Park Memorial Chapel on September 8. David Thiessen of ficiated. On the Sunday evening of September 14, we held our bi-monthly congregational meeting. Terry Smith was officially recogniz ed as assistant pastor. Peter and Susan Thiessen are our new young people’s leaders. We elected new MCC representatives: Leroy Plett with Mennonite Disaster Service and Terry Smith with Choice Books. Corny Friesen gave a very positive financial report. Total receipts continue to be above budget requirements. Praise the Lord! That week Friday we had a farewell party for Peter and Wendy Holukoff and their two little boys. We are sorry to see the Holukoffs leave our church. Peter has been the chair man of the church board for the last one and a half years. Wendy has faithfully served as pianist for years, as well as having been president of our ladies aid. THE MESSENGER
Saturday, September 27, we gathered at the Forest Heights Community Playground for an exciting game of baseball. We had a _ great time of fellowship while eating our pic nic lunches on blankets after the game. Our ladies' group started meeting again after a summer recess. We began with a shower in honor of baby Willis Nigh. Since Linda and Willis could not be present, we talked to them via tape and prepared a booklet of advice for the baby, to make them feel as much a part of it as possible. We wrapped the gifts, tape, and some food in a large box and sent it to Ontario via air. It was also an evening to get acquainted with the ladies who had moved into the city since spring. At our last ladies’ meeting in spring we elected a new president, Marion Dueck, and ELIZABETH KLASSEN a new vice-president, Lynn Dueck. The Bible 1928 1980 studies we had in winter were so well receiv ed that we decided to have Bible studies “Blessed are the dead which die in the again. Our study guide is How To Be a Con Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, fident Woman by Susan Jane Sauter. Liz that they may rest from their labours, and Plett will be leading the discussions. their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13). It has pleased the Lord to take home EMC Member Heads New Botswana Elizabeth Klassen (nee Reimer) on Volunteer Programme September 26, 1980 at the Concordia Mr. Al Friesen, a member of the Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 52 years, Treesbank EMC, has been appointed by after only two days of illness. World University Service of Canada She was born in Kansas on July 5, 1928 (WUSC) as the head of a new volunteer to John and Elizabeth R. Reimer. A year and programme in Botswana. Before his July ap three months later her mother died leaving pointment to Botswana, Mr. Friesen was three small children. Their dad managed to teaching Geography at the Lesotho Institute keep the little family together. They stayed in for Further Education in Maseru since Kansas, and coming to Canada to visit her January 1979. In 1978 he was elected to the grandparents, aunts and uncles was always a National Board of Directors of World highlight. University Service of Canada where he serv Elizabeth accepted the Lord as Saviour ed on the Overseas Programmes Sub and was baptized in the Kleingemeinde committee. He is now establishing a WUSC Church in Kansas (now dissolved) on Field Office in Gaborone and is responsible September 19, 1943, and all through life she for all WUSC personnel in Botswana. His remained a sincere and dedicated Christian. new duties also include the administration of In 1946 she, her brother Pete and their dad, a CIDA Bilateral Agreement providing took residence in Canada. Lena and her hus academic staff to the University of Botswana band came later. Here Elizabeth took a and Swaziland. nurses’ course and after several years of nur Mr. Friesen is accompanied by his wife sing and taking her Bible School training, she Linda, who is the new head of the Resource went to Mexico as a missionary. After seven Centre at the Institute of Development years she returned for health reasons, name Management on the campus of the Universi ly two major back surgeries, etc. She was ty College of Botswana. Mrs. Friesen was employed by the EMC Board of Education the Children’s Librarian at the Lesotho for several years. In 1973 she was married to National Library during their stay in Mr. Jake Klassen with whom she returned to Maseru. The Friesens, now living in Mexico for a short time of service. Then they Gaborone, are formerly from Brandon, came to B.C. where they took many different Manitoba. places of residence in their seven years of marriage. They were presently living in Win nipeg for the last year. She had a great love and concern for lost and hurting souls and spent much time in prayer for family, friends and relatives. to Walter and Bev Toews of TOEWS On September 23, 1980, after retiring, she Kleefeld, Man., a daughter, Melissa Anne, on September 20, 1980. had an attack which left her unable to PETERS — to Bruce and Elaine Peters of swallow. She was taken to the hospital where Kleefeld, Man., a son, Mark Allen Andrew, on she remained conscious and was able to September 21, 1980. speak, saying, “All is at peace and maybe NIGH — to Larry and Linda Nigh of Milton, soon Jesus will come for me.” Ontario, a son, Willis Dean, on August 22, Besides her husband Jake, she leaves to 1980.
Births
OCTOBER 10. 1980
cherish her memory one stepson Jack and wife Hilda; two stepdaughters, Nancy Hoard of Edmonton, and Marie and her hus band David Penner of Ridgewood; one sister, Lena, and her husband Pete Cornelson (Steinbach); one brother, Pete, and his wife Elizabeth (Steinbach). Elizabeth will be sadly missed by numerous nieces and nephews, friends and relatives. She was predeceased by her mother in in fancy and her dad in 1968. The funeral took place at the Steinbach E.M. Church where Rev. John P. Loewen had a very fitting message. Interment follow ed in the Blumenort cemetery. We as a family wish to express our gratitude for all who have shared with us in our sorrow. We have appreciated all the prayers and words of comfort. The Family
MARGARET N. JANZEN 1900-1980
Margaret Niessen Janzen was born to Johan P. and Gertruda Janzen on August 4, 1900 in MacTavish, Manitoba. The family moved to the Blumenhof area in 1905 and it was here that her mother passed away in 1906. Although Margaret enjoyed a relative ly normal childhood, evidence of less than normal physical strength appeared during her late teens. Several years later her father was told by doctors that she was suffering from a heart condition and would live but a few more years. She, however, was able to participate in many activities and to do lighter work around the house. A few memorable things of those earlier years were her acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Savior, followed by water baptism in 1918, and her father’s death in 1934. The 1940s brought several lengthy spells of hospitalization due to further deterioration of her heart and after that she became a semi-invalid with various hospital stays and a gradual decline in general health. Memories we cherish of her during these years are things like Bible study courses completed meticuously from cover to cover, a Bible verse pinned up by her bed to remind her of a certain Bible truth, a cheerful smile for everyone, and a ready listening ear. On April 25, 1980 she suffered from a stroke and she was hospitalized in the Ste Anne Hospital on the 12th of May. When her condition improved somewhat she was transferred to the Bethesda Extended Care Unit in hope of further rehabilitation. Of these last months we recall her oft-repeated thanksgiving for God’s mercy and care as well as her desire to go to be with her Creator and Savior. One example of her liv ing faith came one day when someone who stopped by for a few minutes left, after say ing, “You pray for me; 1 pray for you.” She was quiet for a few moments after the person left and then she said, “I had to pray for that person right away, before I forgot.” Verses
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such as Lamentations 3:22, 23, “His com passions fail not. They are new every mor ning,” were a great comfort to her during the years, and in the last months she often spoke of Job because she identified to some extent with his suffering and his questions about it. Margaret's desires to go to be with the Lord were granted when she passed away peacefully at the Extended Care Unit about 4:00 a.m. on September 28, 1980 after hav ing contracted pneumonia. One brother, John, predeceased her in 1966 and she leaves to mourn two sisters, Annie and Gertrude of Blumenort, one foster daughter, Vida, and husband, Jim Thiessen, with their family, Leslie, Jordan, Carrick, Tracy, and Maxine of Burns Lake, B.C., one brother. Cornelius and wife, Justina, of Blumenort, two nieces, Emily Sansregret and daughter Kathy of Blumenort, and Irma Janzen, also of Blumenort. Many thanks to all who have uplifted her in prayer year after year, especially during the recent years when her illnesses became more severe, and also to those who have shown their love through visits, cards, and gifts. Special thanks to Dr. Doyle and the staff at the Ste Anne Hospital as well as to the staff at the E.C.U. for their care. The rest of the family expresses special thanks to An nie and Gertrude, too, for their devoted care of Margaret during the years. We mourn but not as those who have no comfort because we know that for her death was a celebration, a glorious day! Praise God for His wonderful ways! Funeral services for Margaret Janzen were held on Wednesday, October 1,1980 at the Ridgewood E.M. Church with Rev. Henry Kornelsen officiating. Interment followed at the church cemetery.
Around
World BOOK STORE SOLD
The Fellowship Bookcenter, owned and operated as a Joint Venture by the Mennonite Brethren Canadian Conference and the General Conference Mennonite Church since 1971 was sold to Mr. Jake Rempel of Winnipeg on September 15, 1980. During the past summer, both Conferences had made identical decisions to divest themselves of all financial interest in the Bookstore. The first preference had been to transfer ownership to another church agency with a more local base. When that did not materialize it was agreed to seek to sell to private interests. Mr. Rempel, a local businessman and former bookstore owner, has purchased the name, its in ventory and the fixtures as well as offering con tinuing employment to the staff through December 1980. John Wiebe, manager since 1977, will continue on as manager, and will con tinue the day-to-day operations of the store. Plans are to continue to operate at 302 Kennedy Street until October 1, 1980 when the store will be relocated to 1477 Pembina Highway, just north of the M.C.C. Building in Fort Garry. In his statement to the Fellowship Bookcenter Board. Mr. Rempel declared his readiness to con tinue to serve the present clientele, both con gregational and individual, very much as they were served in the past. The present 8-member board will continue on to wind up the business of the former Fellowship Bookcenter. An accountant has been engaged to supervise the transfer and windup. Work is un derway to sublease the property at 302 Kennedy Street.
Don’t Miss It! Reply Now! Come Later! EMC Youth Workers Seminar Especially for youth leaders, youth pastors, pastors, young people’s executive reps., senior high Sunday school teachers. Place: Camp Assiniboia Date: Friday evening and Satur day, November 21 and 22 Time: Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Satur day, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Friday evening inspirational by Ron Koleba - Saturday sessions conducted by Dr. Gerry Doerksen (meeting workers’ personal needs, i.e. building confidence, etc.) - Fellowship Book Centre Display on latest materials available.
Registration: $15.00 (on arrival) Call or write: John Sawatzky Box 2042 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Phone: 326-2520
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JOIN THE CONTESTI Evangelical Mennonite Conference Logo
u -
ANNOUNCEMENT You are invited to share in the celebration of dedication of the new Evangelical Mennonite Church building in Kleefeld, Manitoba on November 2, 1980 at 3:00 p.m. The speaker is Rev. Arnold Fast of Ab botsford, B. C. This will be followed by an Open House, lunch, intermission events, and a Musical Celebration of Praise at 7:30 p.m. Services with Rev. Fast will con tinue nightly November 3 to 7, 1980. Come and praise the Lord with usi
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Even though our Conference is more than 150 years old we have never had our own distinctive logo. We have used a variety of letterheads and symbols for various oc casions but none has been adopted as our distinctive logo. We would like you to help us by designing a logo that reflects our Conference in its character and mission. A prize of $25.00 and public recognition will be given to the person whose entry is selected. Here are a few guidelines: 1. The contest is open to all the people in our congregations. 2. All entries must be in by December 1, 1980. 3. The logo should be neatly done but does not have to be “camera ready.” 4. The logo should be appropriate as a Conference letterhead. 5. The size of the drawing is not important; it can be reduced to the appropriate size. Send your entries to: Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0
THE MESSENGER
The uiet
Place In Response to an Ad It all started with an ad in the local newspaper. “Hey, Anne,” a friend called me one morning. “They’re asking for a teacher to instruct religion at Southport (Canadian Forces Base).” I was apprehensive about the whole ordeal, to say the least. The following day, however, my application was in the mail. After that, God’s wheels were in motion! Engulfed in the busy summer months, I practically forgot about the teaching position. Near the end of August came the telephone call. “Are you still interested in teaching religion at our school?” came the
unexpected question. Was I? I certainly was! “Are you prepared to drive in for an hour every morning?” “Yes, I am.” I dis cover the only two requisites were to have a teacher’s certificate and to be will ing to come out every day for an hour (ten miles one way). After praying about the matter, Dan and I went in for an interview. Next mor ning came the call, “You can consider yourself hired!” There was still one “little” matter over which we had our doubts and fears. What was the curriculum like? We were told it wasn’t out yet! We also had to commit that to the Lord. Five days later I was in for two big sur prises — only God could have sapped that all up! I was back at the school to meet the man who was in charge of the material. I met Mr. Hatfield from Win nipeg, supervisor of all material taught at all Forces Bases, a born again believer. He, too, had been praying for a Christian teacher! And therefore the material is everything that I could have hoped and dreamed — all based on the Bible! My second surprise, which really floored me, came from the local board and principal. “How would you like to combine the six classes?” they asked me. “Instead of coming in every day, we’d like you to come in for two half days a week.” I was stunned at their generous offer. When I asked them for the reason, I was told, “First of all we hired you because you were willing to drive ten miles out for one hour and ten miles back. so we figured you really must want the job. Therefore, we’re attempting to make it easier for you.”
All I can say is, “God, all I did was simply answer the ad and leave the rest with You. You led everything in such a wonderful way that I stand in awe of your marvellous ways. Praise your holy Anne Klassen
Driving Driving. My teenager and I. I, the mother. Sit beside him, Tight-lipped, Praying. Driving, lust a little bump Can swerve the car. Sometimes right. Sometimes left. In gravel.
Driving. Just a little matter Can swerve his direction. Sometimes right. Sometimes left. On the road of life. Dear Lord, Through these critical years Please guide my teenager. Please help him to swerve Neither right nor left On the road to his eternal home.
“I Carried With Me a Picture” Several years ago five young men left their homes in West Pennsylvania and went out into the great Northwest. They found things quite different from what they were in the old home town, and the temptations were many. Sometime later they had all returned to their former homes. Four of the five showed that they were much the worse because of their experience in a strange country. But the other young man came back all the stronger and better because of the experiences through which he had passed. When asked why he had not also gone the way of the other four, he calmly replied, "Because I carried with me a picture." "Oh, yes, the picture of some young maiden back home, I presume?" remarked a friend. "Oh, no! Not that kind of a picture," said the young man. "It was a picture of quite a different kind. It was my last morning at home. We all sat down to breakfast as usual; father at the end of the table and my precious mother at the other. Realizing that there was to be a break ing of home ties in a few hours, conversation was not very brisk that morning. After breakfast, as was my father's custom, he took down the old Bible and started to read the OCTOBER 10, 1980
morning lesson. But he didn't get very far. A lump kept coming up in his throat, and he was so blinded by tears that he could not read, and handed the Bible over to my mother, motioning to her to finish the reading. After she had finished the chapter we all knelt to pray. Father started his prayer as was his custom, but he didn't get far until that same lump came up in his throat and choked back further expression. Then mother reached over and put her hand on my shoulder and began to pray, saying, 'O God, we thank Thee for our son. We thank thee that Thou hast kept him true and faithful, and that we are able to send him out from our home chaste and clean. Keep him pure and clean and may his feet never stray from the paths of virtue, purity and the truth in which we have tried to bring him up. Bring him back to us as pure and true as he is going out from us.' It was the vision of my last morning in the atmosphere of a godly home and the remembrance of my precious mother's prayer. I could not bear the thought of breaking the heart of my father and mother and dishonoring my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ whom they taught me to love." Selected by Mrs. Henrietta Friesen PAGE 11
Towards Understanding Life's Stages
ft
Safe Passage by Katie Funk Wiebe
MOST OF US would agree that the transition from childhood through adolescence into adulthood has a few bumps and holes. Sometimes more than a few. Not all adults are as willing to admit that moving through the other stages of life — into middle-age, for example — also has these road tests. Some think that after one has es caped the turbulence of youth, adulthood marks a finished process. One businessman viewed his life as moving along rather * smoothly. No middle-age crisis for him. But in the next topic of conversation he mentioned that after his last child left home he felt a strange emptiness in the house and knew that a chapter of life had ended for him and his wife. He said he was so unsettled he would wake at two in the morning and drive around the block for a while to calm down. Gail Sheehy in Passages has documented well the stages in an adult's life which require self-evaluation and realign ment of goals and priorities. While some readers may not agree with her way of handling the result of such self evaluation, most agree that life has stages. In essence, these are tests that, if failed, carry some immaturity into the next stage. Those who flunk the test from youth into young adulthood end up with two generations of children in the same home. Adults who resist middle-age end up clinging desperately to their youth in appearance and behavior and never come to a full understanding of and confidence in their strengths, gifts and responsibilities. Older people who may have failed some of the earlier tests, particularly ones such as learning to love and be in timate with others, including their spouse, children and friends, end up lonely and alone. The need to know more about life stages has its basis in concrete facts. We live in a nation in which the number of older people is increasing steadily. We now have ap proximately 23 million people over 65. In less than 20 years 50 percent of the population of the United States will be over 50. According to some sources, by the year 2000, 15 percent of the population will be over 65 and by the year 2020 25 percent of the population will be over that age. Some estimates are even higher. In less than a generation, congregations can expect that
a majority of the members will be middle-aged and older. The time could be a bright period for church growth if adults are made aware of their gifts and tasks, and if their potential is not wasted because of prejudice against the elderly. Persons in each stage of life get their attitudes toward the aging process from those who are modeling it. Too many middle-aged people watch what is happening to a small segment of the elderly and think all older people are senile, sick, unhappy and lonely. They are unaware that most of the elderly are well, enjoying life and contributing to it. More information about each stage would obviously help in passing the tests for that period. As youngsters we got our information about the birds and bees and what happened in the cabbage patch mostly from cloakroom talk, surreptitious reading, and eavesdropping on the con versation of our elders. We pieced together enough facts to begin adulthood. Unfortunately, information about the elderly gets pick ed up in much the same way. It comes from coffee chatter, advertising which insists that one must look young to feel alive, and strolls down corridors of homes for the elderly. That isn't enough information to make it through the years from about 40 through 60 and on. Today much attention is being given to career guidance of the young and to starting and establishing a family and handling family and marriage conflict — all very necessary. But direction regarding career changes, how to retire, how to nurture (mentor) the next generation, how to cope with crises like death and sickness, and how to give up power and position, need to be added to present counseling practices. Adults need to be helped to fit together the little bits of wisdom and knowledge they have gleaned from life. They need to be assured that the discomforts and perplexities they feel are as normal as the anxieties of the adolescent in his or her first romantic infatuation. Accepting new tasks is part of the test, which if passed successfully takes one into another stage of life. Not a less meaningful one. Only different. With a new set of respon sibilities and a new kind of richness and splendor. ■
THE MESSENGER
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