The Messenger September 11, 1981

01724

HIEBERT

MAR6ARE

BOX 133 MAN

P LA PRAIRIE

RENEW 12/99

RIN 3B2

i*-

ft.

>,

V < « ^4.

■k ■

-

;

W ,T;

id

p5

I i

/

J!'

"Ife

N

.z-*i

Li’

^7.

'^•’

1

CT

-NNONITECONFEREN I

■'

I

God Provides For Our Survival By Mabel L. Galbraith

Our thoughts and emotions are the battleground. It is there God wants to set us free.

I

n today’s fast-paced, kaleidoscopic world, devastating experiences are no rarity. Psychiatrists’ offices are crowded with desparately unhappy people seeking help in dealing with depression, self-doubt and bitterness. Doctors and hospitals are busy day and night, treating patients whose physical problems result from mental and emotional stress. Yet we all know people who, having suffered as much or more, meet each day with undaunted courage, stronger for the tragedies they have survived. How do they do it? Ignoring a problem or burying it can result in physical or mental breakdown. Obviously they are not the answer. On the other hand, brooding over hurtful ex­ periences leads only to morbid bitterness, resentment, self-pity or self-doubt. How, then, should we deal with traumatic ex­ periences?

PAGE 2

God has given us several built-in capabilities for dealing effectively with difficulties. Within every human soul are vast reservoirs of faith, courage, hope and determination. But if these resources are buried beneath accumulated layers of self-doubt, bitterness, resentment and fear, their effectiveness is limited. The key to surviving traumatic ex­ periences must lie in somehow releasing and using all our God-given resources. One of the most useful of God’s gifts is freedom of will, the privilege and respon­ sibility of choosing our own path through any given situation. Since even God, who is all-wise and all-powerful, grants us this freedom, certainly no other power can force us against our will to do anything. No set of circumstances, no other per­ son, not even Satan himself can force us into any attitude, emotion or course of ac­ tion unless we, by our own responses, open the way. We alone are responsible for our choices and decisions. Facing this fact honestly is the first step in dealing with the results of those choices. Freedom of will is a basic fact of life. We can choose to run away or hide; we can ignore an experience, hoping it will go away; or we can meet it as a challenge by which to learn and grow. Best of all, we have the marvelous privilege of reaching out to grasp the hand of God, trusting

Him to lead us through it, around it or over it. Through all the experiences of my life He has never failed me. In the misery and frightening helplessness of a childhood attack of polio, through the struggle for an education during the thirties when drought and depression created almost insurmountable obstacles, through all the joys and trials of raising seven children, in the agony of learning that our baby had suffered irreparable brain damage in the hospital nursery, through the death of my beloved husband after a long and dif­ ficult illness, in times of shattered hopes and unfulfilled dreams and even in the bitter shock of learning that I had fallen short in one of the most important of the responsibilities of my life my precious Lord has never failed me. I have learned that He provides us with resources for dealing with the deepest depression and despair. He has given to us an unfailing pattern for victory in these triumphant words: “Rejoice ever­ more. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

I

n addition God has made a special provision for dealing with vain regrets

THE MESSENGER

Accepting God's forgiveness and forgiving ourselves are as necessary as forgiving others. and remorse, painful and unjust ex­ periences, or repressed resentment and bitterness. It is the gift of “selective memory.” As we exercise this precious gift we use our memories as God intend­ ed. He wants us to remember and dwell upon that which is beautiful, uplifting and encouraging (Philippians 4:8). Hurtful, destructive, ugly experiences should be put aside and forgotten as soon as we have extracted from them any im­ portant lessons we should learn. Instead of remembering and brooding over past injuries or unkindness from others, har­ boring resentment and bitterness, or wallowing in self-loathing because of our own mistakes or sins, God wants us to forgive others and ourselves as He forgives. His way is to remember the transgressions no more, so that even the thought of hurt or injury is removed from us as far as the east is from the west (Isaiah 43:25; 44:22; Jeremiah 31:34; Psalm 103:12). Forgiving others is essential to a right relationship with God. Jesus said, “If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be recon­ ciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). Accepting God’s forgiveness and forgiving ourselves are as necessary as forgiving others. Both are essential to emotional and spiritual well-being. Suppose the apostle Paul had con­ tinually brooded over his persecution of Christians? He could have been so bound by guilt and self-loathing as to be totally useless to the Lord, to himself or to anyone else. Instead, he repented, accepted Christ’s forgiveness, forgave himself, learned from his mistake, put it all behind him, and went forth as a powerful messenger of Christ’s love (cp. Philippians 3:13-14). If the Christians whom Paul had once persecuted had brooded over the wrongs done them, refusing to forgive and forget, harboring suspicion and bitterness against Paul, they could never have “turned the world upside down” for the Lord Jesus. But they not only forgave Paul, they also forgot what was past. They were thus able to support Paul with wholehearted, unreserved love and prayer as he proclaimed the gospel message. All of them served the Lord together, loving one another, remember-

SEPTEMBER 11, 1981

ing Christ’s message of love, forgetting all that would hurt or destroy, using with wisdom God’s great gift of selective memory.

A

nother extremely valuable gift with which the Creator has endowed us is the gift of imagination. Psychiatrists and psychologists are only beginning to recognize the tremendous importance of imagination in creating self-images and determining the quality and goals of a life, as well as in initiating or dealing with emotional problems. Counselors are finding that imagination plays a vital part in the formation of attitudes, emotional responses and self-concepts. Two people in identical situations can see and remember the facts in entirely different ways due to the impact of vivid imagination on the emotions. Experts in the field of psychology now recognize that an imagined experience that results in a strong emotional response has the same impact on the creative subconscious as an incident that actually occurs. Thus imagination, like memory, can be either destructive or helpful and plays a vital role in emotional health and growth. In Your Divine Connection Lew Miller relates how, with great courage, tremen­ dous determination and steadfast faith in God, he used his imagination to recover completely from being almost totally crippled by a German machine gun dur­ ing World War IL

Imagination plays a vital part in the formation of attitudes, emotional responses and selfconcepts. But this same gift of vivid imagination can also contribute to thek development of emotional problems, mental breakdown or psychomatic illness. Sen­ sitive, highly emotional people often use imagination to destroy their own hap­ piness. Careless, thoughtless or ill-timed words from others become, through mis­ used imagination, sharp, crippling barbs that leave pain and destruction in their wake. Because of their emotional impact, these words — however innocently in­ tended — can become festering wounds that grow worse each time the victim recalls them, until at last the tangled web of pain, self-doubt and resentment becomes a trap that binds and cripples.

I

f you are one of those who struggle with painful, bitter, destructive memories, here are a few suggestions. 1. Realize in the very depth of your soul that God loves you and is waiting to set you free. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Hold on to that promise and to the knowledge that in Christ there is total freedom and complete healing. 2. Recognize that since the battle between Christ and Satan is a spiritual conflict, one of them can speak to your imagination and emotions as easily as the other. We are each important both to Satan and to God. It is our responsibility to distinguish between the two voices and choose whose we will heed. When the Holy Spirit speaks a word of reproof or correction He opens the way for us to repent, accept forgiveness and correct the fault. Hurtful, destructive, bitter and discouraging thoughts, ac­ cusations of faults which are impossible to correct, or condemnations for something that God has already forgiven and forgotten are always from Satan. Helpful, encouraging, loving, beautiful and forgiving thoughts are from our wonderful Lord. God never sends anyone on a “guilt trip.” He convicts us of sin only so that we will ask for and accept His forgiveness and be set free from the crippling burden of guilt. On the other hand, Satan wants us to be bound by guilt because in this way he makes Christ’s death on the cross ineffectual for us and his highest ambi­ tion is to keep as many souls as possible from experiencing full salvation. 3. Understand fully that you, and you alone, are responsible for the choices you make and the results of those choices. God does not force you to make a specific choice, and no other power is capable of doing so. 4. Recognize the marvelous value of the gift of imagination and use it as God intended. Remember that imagination multiplied by vividness equals reality in your creative subconscious, the part of you that determines attitudes and self­ concepts. Imagine yourself as the person God intended you to be, and keep that pic­ ture before you as a goal. Pray for the fulfillment of this reality, claiming His promise “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do” (John 14:13). 5. By a definite act of will, refuse to dwell on hurtful, bitter memories. Exer­ cise your faith and your right of choice, claiming Christ’s promise, “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believ­ ing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22). Remember in every situation to rejoice with prayer and thanksgiving, for the joy of the Lord is our strength, now and forevermore.

PAGE 3

Straight Talk “I’ll Obey If.. Our society hates the word “obedience.” For one person to obey another is looked upon as demeaning and therefore un­ warranted. This Satanic idea has influenced many Christians and is evident in what they say. “I’ll obey the government as long as it is fair.” “I’ll go along with our church leaders if they make the proper decisions.” “I would obey the church or Conference board if they were Spiritled.” “I’ll listen to my husband but not if he is un­ reasonable.” “I’ll do as Mom and Dad tell me most of the time.” “I’ll obey my boss as long as he doesn’t aggravate me. The above examples of qualified obedience are the kind most non-Christians would agree with as well. The Bible demands higher standards from Christians and Christ sets the examples. In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus’ personal preference clashed with His Father’s will. Jesus prayed, “Take away this cup from me.” He desperately wanted to avoid the cup of Calvary but He had also committed Himself to obeying His Father. That commitment had priority over His own desires. And so Jesus kept on praying and said, “Nevertheless, not what I will, but what Thou wilt” (Mark 14:36). This same heavenly Father has commanded us to obey our parents, to obey the ones who are older (our elders), to obey our government, to obey our church leaders, to obey our husbands, to obey our bosses, and finally, to obey one another. »>

«■

This obligation to obedience is removed only if one is told to do something that is clearly prohibited in the Bible. Many Christians rationalize their way out of obedience by insisting that they themselves are Spirit-led but that the one they are supposed to obey is not guided by the Holy Spirit. This excuse will not stand on the Day of Judgment, however. Society would be vastly improved if we would listen to God and live a life of obedience like the Bible teaches. The Church would experience mighty revivals and many sinners would be converted if Christians would give up their selfish ways and lead a life of obedience to God and to their fellow men. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). He also said, “If ye love me, keep my com­ mandments” (John 14:15). It would be a joy to be a church leader, to sit on a church or Conference board, to be a Christian parent or husband, to be the boss of a believer, or to be an older and respected Christian if we would only forget the lie that human society has preached since the days of Adam and Eve. The lie is that obedience makes you bound and repressed. On the con­ trary, obedience makes us free; obedience is a divine at­ tribute and by making obedience part of our lives as Christians we begin to resemble God and His family. “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8, 9). Harvey Kroeker Hunjey Kroeker is the pastor of the Northern Fellowship Chapel in Creighton, Sask. Straight Talk is sponsored by the EMC Social Concerns Committee.

Bowed and Broken?

MCC (Manitoba) Alumni Reunion Date: September 26 and 27,1981 Place; Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute

If you are bowed and broken In sadness and despair; If you are bent and brittle As if beyond repair... Then let the Great Physician Heal, and make you whole; And let the Holy Spirit Refill your empty soul.

CONTRIBUTORS: Mabel Galbraith is a free-lance writer who lives in Salem, Oregon. The article “God Provides for Our Survival" is reprinted by permission from The Alliance ITilness. Ben and Helen Eidse (Rosenort) are involved in translation work with AIMM. Gladwin and Jean Pielt (Portage la Prairie) are serving in Germany under the EMC Board of Missions. They are involved in church planting. Lesler and Darlene Oiferi (Swift Current) are involved in Extension Seminary, leadership training and administration in Nicaragua.

173 Talbot Ave. Wininipeg, Manitoba Saturday afternoon is set aside es­ pecially for recently terminated MCCers.

Burdens are Lifted Our crosses need not be losses, And our tears need not be fears; When the Holy Spirit takes control. As all our burdens on Him we roll.

Dr. John R. Dick

COyER PHOTO: Southern Manitoba is not exactly in the fruit belt of Canada but we can grow apples, both crabapples and bigger ones. This year this tree in our backyard had an abundant harvest, as did other trees in our area. 1 understand. Lisa Riediger, who addresses the editor as Grandpa, was the willing subject.

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 livirtg; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg, Box 1268. Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Leiters, 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.

PAGE 4

THE MESSENGER

Missions Nicaragua

1981 Summer Highlights

i

1

Fred Buhler (center), summer worker in Nicaragua assembling steel supports. Fred is from the Endeavour Fellowship Chapel.

Maranatha Camp was the scene of a leaders' evaluation and planning retreat on May 1. An evangelism committee was formed tor the first time and other committees met to set goals.

FiJdl

1 The Ciudad Sandino Church in Nicaragua added six to their membershipo at a baptismal service on July 26. Pastor Francisco Cano is seen on the left. (One candidate is mis­ sing.)

Summer worker, Sheryl Reimer (right), from the Rosenort EMC.

SEPTEMBER 11, 1981

In June the construction, of the new sanctuary of the Morazan Church In Nicaragua was begun and then halted for a geological study (to check for earthquake faults). Construc­ tion was resumed in A ugust. Lester Olfert An Open Letter To The Board of Missions

There it was, our first salary check from the Mission office. "As per policy,” Henry Klassen had spelled out. With an official acceptance letter, and a check in hand, Jean and I qualified as full lime initiates to Germany, with the E. M. C. The Executive Secretary and his Associate had done their homework well in bringing me around to the point where 1 could accept myself as “capable” for their assignment. Brethren, Henry, Milton and all members of the Board ... I must say it, when the sledding gets rough, I tend to recall your affirmations in the face of my inadequacies. Thanks for your confidence. I sense God was calling through you, as part of His world body. Remember that equipment and vehicle fund? Funds were slow in coming. I was beginning to settle for a pretty “low cost” used vehicle. True! Yet your confidence in your support con­ stituency didn’t seem to sag one bit... must’ve been through it before. As usual, “they” delivered. Our thanks to you all! Being introduced to a different country makes its demands... the vehicle hadn’t been bought yet and already Jean’s incorrigible palpitating heart called for a trip to the hospital. Medical costs and ambulance charges are itemized, PAGE 5

and billed privately, if you have no insurance. Charges seem to be adjusted at maximum, when your classification is “Private.” I would suppose the Board members asked the routine questions while in session... but the accounts were settled in full. How do you handle an empty heating fuel tank (6,400 liters) at 30 cents per liter, on a monthly check? My friend, a phone call to (204)326-6401 not only released the funds for a vehicle, from the Vehicle Loans Committee, but graciously allowed a two-nionths advance on fuel oil. The brethren helping me with the purchase of a vehicle were stunned at the rapidity with which financial matters were dispatched. Missionaries are peculiar peo­ ple; that’s been established. But the men assembled at 440 Main in Steinbach know well how to handle them ... super. Dollars and cents? Sure! However, missionaries don’t live on bread alone, just like all others don’t. Foundational to the mun­ dane, the brethren in the Board initiated a Prayer Corps. To provide for a consistent flow of prayer fuel, a monthly briefing is requested of all missionaries. Had an up-to-date taste of mis­ sionary trials and triumphs recently? A good idea would be to dial the office at the above mentioned number and request to be enlisted in this unique Corps. My thanks to you for taking these few moments to read this inside account of a team of men who, along with us missionaries and the entire Conference, seek to serve God and man. Together we shall continue to overcome. Gladwin Plett ZAIRE

Women’s Conference How do we mount/ It is my privilege to participate in a women’s conference of the Kamayala church district. I would like to share a few things that have impressed me so far. One of the points discussed at the business session was, “What about our funerals, or the way we mourn? Are we still mourning as the heathen do by removing our clothes, etc., etc.?” One lady said that that is how King David had mourned. One of the pastors corrected her and said that he did that while the child was still alive. But after it had died he put on his clothes and ate food. He had hope of seeing his child again. Someone else said, “If we don’t mourn like other people they will accuse us of not caring, or even of causing the person to die.” But several strong testimonies were given that showed that a Christian does not mourn as the heathen do and shouldn’t act like it either. Our theme is, “Shine as lights or as stars” (Phil. 2:15). Two messages so far have been very practical and applicable to our situations here. There are several laymen and several pastors participating in this conference. One is a businessman who had made some practical suggestions on how to im­ prove the services at the mission materni­ ty. It is completely in the hands of the local church now, and I am glad that some folks are aware of the need for improve­ ment. This businessman has offered to pay a cleaning woman for one year if the maternity will up its price for deliveries and put the extra money aside to continue

PAGE 6

jRLraC

Lome and Helen Kroeker (Morris) left for Pakistan on August 15. They will be serving as houseparents at the Murree Christian School, a school tor missionary children.

paying for her after his year is up. During our free time I got the testimony of Georgine. She is the wife of a male nurse who used to work for the mission but had to be dismissed when he couldn’t control his outbursts of anger anymore. We were in Canada at the time but I’ve been told that he would snitch sips of alcohol from the pharmacy, and his mind deteriorated till he couldn’t function anymore. Georgine and four young children finally returned to her father’s village. There she began teaching the Word of God. Each time the pastor stopped at her village he found some con­ verts. The pastor would interrogate (ex­ amine) them and find that they were well versed in the principles of the Gospel and the Christian walk, and he would baptize them. During the first years she didn’t even own a Christian book. Eventually she got a Catechism, but she didn’t really need it because she had taught it for several years from memory. Now she owns a Bible and calls the villagers together for services. This past year she had the help of a Christian school teacher, the son-in-law of Pastor Wyindamo, whose testimony of the Rebellion and war years many of you may have heard. Dur­ ing the eight years that Georgine has given herself to teach the Word of God in her small Chokwe Village 68 converts have been baptized. Helen Eidse

nonite Home Mission) located near Dachau, Germany. The Heimat Mission has the policy that if a Baptist or Free church already exists they do not go in. But Mr. Schmutz says there are many places yet without a free church. Mr. Schmutz comes from the Mennoniten Gemeinde Eichslock some 20 km. north of Dachau. This church is one of some 20-25 churches belonging to a larger Conference, Verband Deutschen Mennoniten Gemeinden, in southern Germany (Karlsruh area). Mennonitische Heimat Mission had its beginning some twelve years ago because of a concern to make Christ known. At present they have some ten mission stations and a combined membership of lOO to 150 members. Most of the workers are full-time. The places where some of these stations are located are Muenchen, Dachau, Neuberg and Freising. This latter city, with a popula­ tion of 30,000, has no other free church. Two of the stations are not too far from the EMC work at Seesen.

ICL Seminar November 5, 6, 7

WINNIPEG A VISITOR FROM GERMANY A visitor in the office recently was Wolfgang Schmutz of Germany. Wolfgang is the chairman of the Board of the Mennonitische Heimat Mission (Men-

(Mclvor Mennonite Brethren Church) Watch for further announcements

THE MESSENGER

I

Mission Grams Nicaragua

• A new semester of TEE studies has been undertaken. There are now nine groups in five centres studying at three levels. A total of 50 students are involved. Germany

• Erna Plett is planning her furlough for the end of November. With the summer months gone she again is starting with Bible clubs and Bible studies at Seesan and Bad Salzdetfurth. • Henry Klassen and John P. Loewen hasve left for Germany to visit our mis­ sionaries there and evaluate our ministries in Germany.

A

I

t I

Erma Kroeker (Mennville) left September 4 to teach at the Black Forest Academy in Germany.

Morris Fellowship Chapel Dedication Service September 20,1981 2:30-3:30 Open House 3:30-5:00 Dedication Service 5:30 Lunch 7:30 Service of Praise

You are Welcomel

Paraguay • Ernie Loewen’s recuperation is slow and he continues to need our prayer. • Luclla Loewen arrived home on furlough on August 14. • Linda Penner writes, “It was a special experience for me when someone shared ‘the hurt" caused by the recent death of a lovely two-year-old child. I’ve known the In­ dians to be rather closed in sharing such feelings with an outsider. When they expose their pains, it’s good to know that Luke 12:12 is still the Word of the Lord. Whether it’s an Indian or a fellow-worker, I desire to be available with a listening ear.”

Brazil • Abe Koops write, “When our missionaries in the Gavio/Zoro tribe were asked by local authorities to leave the work, it upset the believers. One of them asked the authority, ‘Do you want us to return to our old ways and kill white man?’ Anthropologists are disturbed when they see Indians, just two years out of the jungles, all believers, learning to read, and some preaching their new found faith. A born again person is a changed person.” • We have just heard that Dee, Mrs. Abe Koop, has suffered a heart attack. Ap­ parently the heart was not damaged, but they are coming to the USA toward the end of September for further medical attention. Mexico

• The annual national church conference was hosted by the Benito Juarez church and two other area groups, June 26, 27, and 28. The attendance was fair considering the location and transportation. Door-to-door evangelism was practiced, seeing it was our theme for the first day. Eor the second and third day Bro. Jorge Vasquez challeng­ ed us with studies in the Book of Ephesians. • Edelberto Trevizo started his work in San Juan where he is going to teach leadership. Pray for this project.

AIRMAIL MESSENGERS As many of you know, the MESSENGER is mailed free of charge via airmail to our missionaries. Many have been the favorable comments on this. However, to do this we are dependent on donors - Sunday school classes, individuals, etc. It costs about $30.00 to mail one Issue. Make your check payable to Evangelical Mennonite Conference, send to the address below and you will receive a receipt which is good for income tax purposes. Thank you kindly.

Airmail MESSENGERS Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0

SEPTEMBER 11, 1981

Peter and Sally Dueck and family (Steinbach) have return-. ed to Germany for another term of service. PAGE 7

Messenger News

New members at the Calgary church. Left to right: Clint and Anna-Marie Taves, Dorothy Cameron, Sandra Krahn and Terry Neustadter.

WEEKEND RETREAT ENJOYED Calgary, Alta.: June 5, 6 and 7 marked our second annual church retreat. Friday was registration and retreaters kept coming till midnight, keeping Dennis Plett, our camp director, busy. Breakfast was served at 8:00 Saturday morning. After breakfast we played some get-acquainted games. This was helpful in getting to know the interests, ambitions, etc. of the people who had recently joined our group. This was followed by a short devotional by Terry Smith on “Retreat.” We were divided into six different groups and played volleyball, dodgeball, and Prisoner’s Base. In the meantime there were other games for the children. After lunch everyone was sent on an in­ triguing scavenger hunt which included look­ ing for things like a live frog, one live mos­ quito or twenty dead ones and a dead mouse — to name a few! After this we played a few relay games. We started out with baseball games which came to an abrupt end when the skies opened up with rain and hail. Some entertained themselves with basketball and handball while the rest played table games. After supper we gathered around the fireside for a great time of singing and shar­ ing. Later on in the evening we had a time of “Fun and Skits.” The Sunday morning service featured a special music package with Peter and Helen Friesen and Peter and Susan Thiessen in charge. Pastor David Thiessen focused on the “body life” of the church in his message. After dinner and clean-up a group of enthusiastic baseball players stayed for the final event — a baseball game. The opportunity this retreat gave our church family to relate to each other during

PAGE 8

a whole weekend was well worth the time and effort needed to organize the event. On June 14 five young people joined our church family. Dorothy Cameron, Sandra Krahn and Terry Neustadter followed the Lord’s example in baptism. Clint and AnnaMarie Taves were accepted by transfer of membership. That morning Milton Fast from Manitoba was present at our service. He came as a representative of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference in recognition of our becoming an autonomous church in the EMC. The worship service was followed by a potluck dinner in the school cafeteria. YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN WALKATHON

Fisher Branch, Man.: “God, refurbish me, fill me, and use me.” Our Sunday school picnic took place at the Poplarfield School grounds on June 15. The weather was excellent and we all en­ joyed the races, chicken barbecue and later a short informal time of sharing by the different classes. Those of us who were involved in camp work at Beaver Creek Bible Camp this summer enjoyed it very much. Also we were privileged to conduct DVBS classes at the Fisher Branch and Poplarfield Schools. May the seed which was sown take root and grow. For the Father’s Day service on June 14 Danny Reimer had a special song service. Nick Plett had a short devotional, taking il­ lustrations from Bible-time fathers. Mrs. Adina Plett spent part of June in the Arborg Hospital. Dorita Reimer was hospitalized briefly as well. In June Fenella Plett, together with the Larocque children, invited the young people

for a ball game and wiener roast at the Broad Valley Park. In July Andy Reimer hosted the young people’s evening of boating and skiing at Norris Lake. David Plett was in charge of the August meeting which took place in the gym of the Fisher Branch Collegiate. Our church group hosted a social in honor of Ed and Evelyn Heinrichs’ silver wedding anniversary on June 2. A number of friends and neighbors also joined the celebration. The Heinrichs have five children. The oldest son Gerald and his wife Joyce, who live in Bethune, Sask., became the parents of a son, Nicolas Gerald, on July 31. The Riverton Thrift Shop executive and their families gathered at the Ed Reimer home for a banquet. Also this was a farewell for the thrift shop president, Mr. Van Gunten. Mr. and Mrs. Van Gunten are tak­ ing a ten-month leave. Guest speakers at our church in June were Gilbert Meilleur of Steinbach, Milton Friesen of Mennville and John Barkman of the Grace Mission in Nebraska. Visiting our church in July was the Hai­ tian Quartet. Mary Brandt of Germany shared on July 19. That same morning Mary Andres spoke briefly as well. Menno Penner spoke on July 5. In August we were privileg­ ed to hear the testimony of Nick Porter of Alberta. On August 30 Walter Reimer reported on the film ministry in Paraguay. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Heinrichs travelled to Saskatchewan to visit their son Gerald and family in June. In August the Heinrichs went to Ohio. Others who did some travelling in August were the Bert Dueck family to Whiteshell, Peter and Kathy Friesen to Kan­ sas City, and Mr. and Mrs. Peter Reimer to Alberta. Many of our young people participated in the Walkathon at Mennville on August 16. All the money raised through this project went towards the purchase of land for Beaver Creek Bible Camp.

*

♦

£

Ed and Evelyn Heinrichs on their silver wedding anniversary in July, 1981. THE MESSENGER

SUMMER OF SPIRITUAL SHOWERS

i

r I

Rosenori Fellowship (Man.): On Sunday, June 14, friends and relatives gathered to witness the water baptism of nine young peo­ ple. The testimonies of the candidates show­ ed evidence of Christian growth as all of them expressed a trust in the Lord to help them through difficult situations and a desire to be a witness to the unsaved. Many an eye was misty when the participants knelt as Rev Stan Plett performed the ceremony. This baptism was a first for our pastor since his installation and was especially meaningful for him since his own daughter was one of the candidates. In obedience to the scriptural exhortation to take part in the Lord's Supper, members Baptismal service at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel on June 14, 1981. Front: gathered to celebrate this moving occasion Patsy Martin, Cheryl Martens, Vivian Plett, Eleanor Friesen, Jennie Kehler, Shanna the following Wednesday. The men of our church gather once a Zacharias. Back: Rev. Stan Plett, Kai Loewen, Peter Reimer, Kenton Dueck, Rev. month on a Saturday morning for a prayer Melvin Dueck. breakfast. They have challenging and in­ through the morning prayer meetings with Peter Reimer (Red Rock, junior teresting speakers out each time and oc­ the staff. The last week in August I worked counsellor, maintenance) — 1 was at camp all casionally they're even treated to special in a tuck shop at the Christian Athletes summer and it was great. More kids became music. In July Dr. Walter Sawatzky of Ger­ Hockey Camp. It was exciting to listen to the Christians this year than in the last few many related some of the extreme difficulties pros give testimonies in evening chapel. years. I felt the Holy Spirit especially at faced by the believers in Russia. Our M. P. Herman and Eleanor Martens (regional work during teens camp, and 1 learned that for Lisgar, Jake Murta, gave his testimony at representative for Hockey Ministries Inter­ there is really power in prayer. As a staff we the August meeting. At one meeting the Hai­ national and camp director for the first were rather slow in getting a unified spirit at tian quartet ministered with heart-stirring Christian Hockey camp in Manitoba this first, but it really improved and we worked messages in song. The plans for future summer) — One hundred and sixteen boys together well after a while. breakfasts look equally promising and more between the ages of 10-16 years from Alber­ Mrs. Marlene Toews (Living Fountain, men should be attending to receive the ta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Manitoba head cook) — 1 was thrilled to see the blessings.! were registered. Five pro hockey players cooperation between the young people and Summer is the time to enjoy God’s great helped the kids improve their hockey skills staff. I got a deep satisfaction in serving the outdoors and what better way than to be with on and off ice training. It was a blessing Lord in this way and came home spiritually engaged in Christian camp work. Many of to see the pros show spiritual concern for refreshed. our members took the opportunities and each camper. Many decisions for Christ Vai Plett (Lynn Lake and Red Rock, became involved in different camps. The were made. counsellor) — At Lynn Lake most of the following includes the names of the workers, Lloyd Kornelsen (counsellor at Hockey campers came from non-Christian homes where they worked and a personal testimony Camp) — 1 went to camp with mixed feelings and many had never even heard the gospel of what it meant to them: about this type of camp but I soon realized before. It was exciting to teach them about Lynetle Cornelson (CSSM, counsellor and that although the hockey was fun, the Chris­ God and lead them to the Lord. My sister kitchen, five weeks) — 1 love working with tian aspect of it balanced it out very im­ Vivian and I both marvelled at the way the new people and treasure friendships I made pressively. When you see eleven- and twelve­ Lord was able to work through us when we with both staff and campers. This year I es­ year-olds make commitments to the Lord allowed Him to. Then at Red Rock, where pecially learned the importance of keeping and see them grow, it is exciting, rewarding most kids in my cabin were Christians, it up a good relationship daily in order to teach and touching. 1 felt I was not wasting time was neat to see them grow spiritually. It was and counsel kids. after all and I'd go again. apparent that the closer we grew as a cabin Shanna Zacharias (Red Rock) — The I'h Jeanette Kornelsen (craft assistant at group the closer we grew to God. weeks I spent at camp this summer were Steep Rock) — Although I was there only Viv Plett (Lynn Lake, counsellor) — She very enjoyable. 1 learned to counsel and one week, 1 really learned to love and appre­ was not available for an interview since she work with younger kids. The evening chapel ciate native kids with a different background was not back from ISCF leadership camp. and firesides meant a lot to me and the kids. than mine. It was a small camp with fewer However, her sister Vai says she experienced Camp was a real encouragement to my members on staff so a close relationship was the same power of God working through her Christian life and I hope to spend a lot more maintained. as she did. time there next summer. Shelly Friesen (Red Rock, CIT) - I learn­ Cal Zacharias (Christian Hockey Camp, Vanessa Koop (nurse at Living Fountain ed what it means to live with younger kids, to counsellor) — First of all, 1 was excited to see for two weeks) — As a nurse I was a bit ner­ help and counsel them, not just babysitting how the Lord made it possible for me to get vous about my responsibilities, but I learned them. It was a great spiritual experience and time off work and go to camp. Then, hearing to trust the Lord to take care of the kids. 1 made some super new Christian friends. the professional hockey players give their Before camp my Christian life had become Kent Dueck (Red Rock, junior counsellor personal testimonies and having the oppor­ boring, but spending time with a bunch of for two weeks) — 1 was surprised to find 1 tunity of working with 11-year-old boys was Christians and attending chapel was like a was learning more than I was teaching. I definitely a spiritual, growing experience for spiritual breath of fresh air. learned and experienced there really is power me. Cheryl Martens (lifeguard at Living Foun­ through prayer and that my life should be After all these reports, I have to say. tain) — Even though 1 didn't get too involved lived so that I can be in constant touch with Praise the Lord for our Christian young peo­ with the campers, I did grow spiritualy the Lord. ple.

SEPTEMBER 11, 1981

PAGE 9

Long Bow Lake Bible Camp. MISSIONARIES HOME FOR THE SUMMER Ridgewood, Man.: The summer seems to have come and gone very rapidly. One of the highlights of our summer here at Ridgewood was to have all of our missionaries home at some time or other. Gary and Sharon Kornelsen came home from a two-year term in the Bahamas. Peter and Helen Plett are back from Nigeria. Katherine Penner from Belize was home for two months. Phyllis Penner came for furlough from Venezuela. Edna Penner, who works as a nurse at the Rio Grande Bible Institute, spent the summer in Spain but managed to be home for a week or two at the end of August before returning to Texas. Helen Kornelsen returned to Belize after a one-year furlough. We wish each one of them God’s blessing as they serve Him. Another highlight of the summer was Happy Time Bible Camp, August 3-8 and lO-’l’s' The camp was again held at Long Bow Lake, which is located about ten miles east of Kenora, Ontario. Campers came from Winnipeg, Woodridge, Morden as well as from our own congregation. Many hours of fun were spent together in sports, studying God’s Word and other activities. We trust that with proper fellowship these young lives will be nourished and will grow’spiritually, Many of the staff members may have gotten tired of the hectic schedule but felt satisfied that the time at camp was well spent.

FAREWELL HELD FOR PASTOR

High Level, Alta.: Although we had known for some time that the Bill Buhlers would be leaving us this summer, the reality of this move still came upon us very suddenly. They had not anticipated leaving until later in the summer, but the Lord was leading in this way since He sent a buyer for their place before they even advertised it. The week of June 14-20 was a very busy one for all of us. The Sunday School picnic on Sunday afternoon was well attended and enjoyed by all. The Buhlers had to vacate their home by the 17th and this meant that

PAGE 10

the church building had to be empty too. We was refreshing for us to talk to them per­ marvel at the perfect timing of the Lord with sonally and have them share about their the Larry Penners arriving on Monday, work among the Tepehuan Indians in Mex­ ico. We were reminded to pray more fre­ replacing the Buhlers in the minishry. The surprise farewell which was held in quently for them as they are encountering honour of the Buhlers was followed by a great difficulties in establishing social rap­ short program where the congregation ex­ port with the Indians. The natives seem to be pressed their sense of loss in a time of shar­ putting up barriers in helping them acquire ing. We wish them well and God’s continued their language. The Thiessens were back on blessing in the service in which He has seen the field a week or so later, assured that they were not forgotten. fit to place them. On Friday, August 14, we had a The week was topped off with a gradua­ tion at Prairie High School in Three Hills, fellowship social at the Riverside Park with Alberta for one of our young people, and for the Elmer Warkentins and the Lome those that stayed at home, services were held Kroekers, as a farewell gesture upon their in the home of one of our members. Sunday leaving for their respective fields of service. was also pulpit exchange for Rev. Bill Buhler The Kroekers left for a four-year term to and Rev. Elmer Hamm of La Crete. In the Pakistan on August 15. They will be fulfilling evening we had a baby dedication service the role of houseparents at a school for mis­ where Neil and Rosalie Krahn dedicated sionary children. The Warkentins left for Nigeria for two years of service under SIM their baby boy to the Lord, The 'Lord is very good to us and supplied on August 19. Elmer will be training a suitable house for rent for Larry and Vi Nigerian teachers to become Bible teachers. Penner. With housing in short supply, we We will miss these couples in our fellowship were very fortunate to find out about this but pray that the Lord will bless them in their house being available. We wish the Penners service abroad. During the summer months many of our success as they seek to follow the Lord’s will pre-teens and young teens had the chance to in this area. The week-long crusade in April with Alf attend Living Fountain Bible Camp. Our Reese and Art Perri, which was sponsored young people’s group also spent their annual by the High Level Men’s Fellowship, was weekend away, choosing a place at Stephen­ spiritually uplifting as well as very helpful to field this year. We trust these camps have our community. It was a joint effort of the been a great spiritual learning experience as churches, and a spirit of unity was evident. well as a time of establishing friendships and We praise the Lord for the blessings and give fellowship among the group. We extend our thank you to the Him all the glory for the results of this Messenger staff and distributors who saw to crusade. Three of our young people returned from it that the paper was faithfully delivered in Bible School to take up a short term of spite of the postal strike. It was all the more employment and then left for another place appreciated with so little other mail trickling of residence or summer missions. We pray in. The dedication of our new sanctuary has that the Lord will use them to glorify His now been set for September 20. You are cor­ name wherever they are. We thoroughly enjoyed the three-day dially invited to join us in praising the Lord meetings with Mr. Arden Thiessen in May. for His great goodness and faithfulness The messages were timely and very edifying. towards us, and in prayer, as we seek to All the legal requirements have been met serve and know Him better. concerning our church building program. to speedy adad­ and we are looking fmrward jto vancement on the building. The Lord has NINE YOUNG PEOPLE BAPTIZED been very good to us and we praise Him for it. Rosenort, Man.: It is always a thrill when young people take the step of obedience of being baptized upon their personal profes­ sion of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, thereby MISSIONARIES LEAVE FOR SERVICE publicly identifying with the Bride of Christ. That was our experience again on Sunday, Morris, Man.: A real highlight came for our group on July 21 when we gathered for a July 19, when nine were added to the local long-awaited minister election. The past church. On Tuesday, July 21, the Ladies’ years we had sensed a need for a sharing of Fellowship had an outdoor evening at the the responsibilities in this area. We were conRiverside Park; they had also invited the fident of the Holy Spirit’s direction and guidance as Larry and Pearl Friesen were men. A pork barbecue and salad supper satisfied the good appetites we came with. elected by majority vote. We are looking This was followed by a program of singing, forward to working with them and prayerfully wish them special joy, strength and sharing and just praising the Lord, the courage from the Lord to take up this Creator and Sustainer of the whole wonder­ ful universe. (The quiet, lovely evening spiritual leadership. It was a delightful surprise to find the favoured this mood.) But a surprise came for Menno and Peter Thiessen family with us on July 19. It

THE MESSENGER

I

i

e

t

Dad was always very quiet and softspoken but in recent months expressed his feelings more openly. He indicated his love for us and his brothers and sisters. He also expressed very openly his commitment to the Lord and his trust in God’s grace for his salvation. Because of his poor health he was looking forward to dying, saying with Paul, 1 “have the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). Although Dad was not feeling well in the last while and couldn't respond to visitors as he would have like to, he was always very appreciative of whoever came to visit. We also wish to express our appreciation for all the visits, love and prayers during this time of bereavement. The Family

»

A baptismal service was held at the Rosenort church on July 19. Left to right: Pastor Johnny Loewen, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Goosen, Brenda (Edwin Duecks), June (Abe Eidses), Janet (Benny Friesens), Corinne (Elmer Friesens), Tammy (Ed L. Friesens), Jeanette (Levi Kornelsens), Myrtle (Ed Toewses), Assistant Pastor Menno Kroeker. Dorothy Kroeker when Mrs. Mary Friesen and Pastor Johnny Loewen shared what the Kroekers meant to them personally and noted also their devoted service to our church, community and ladies’ group. They were presented with a wall plaque and a gift of money in appreciation for their years in the ministry here. May the Lord reward you more fully. The Kroeker family left our community on August 5, moving to Mt. Salem near Aylmer, Ontario, where they are tkaing on the pastorate of the E. M. Church. Les and Jean Harms have moved to British Columbia and we wish them all the best as well. Another event at the park was the MCC Self-Help workers’ picnic on July 24. Food, a program and recreational activity made the evening. On July 26 Walter Sawatzky brought the German message as well as a meditation in the English service in our church. Thank you and come again! We are happy for the increased interest shown in Vacation Bible School and camp, especially by the parents at Woodlands and Lake Francis, who want their children to receive at least as much Bible instruction as they did years ago. Living Fountain Bible Camp was held the first two weeks of August and from what has been shared, it must have been a really uplif­ ting time for many of the participants. Mrs. P. X. Friesen has had a successful operation performed on her eye, and is back at the Eventide Home. Janet Friesen had sur­ gery on the knee she injured a long time ago. A number of exchange students from Eastern Canada and the Phillipines are mak­ ing themselves useful in our community. From here they will be going to the Phillipines for another period of learning and working. The present host families are

SEPTEMBER 11. 1981

George Bartels, Jack Siemens and Edwin Duecks. A time of fellowship, adoration and thanksgiving was celebrated on August 30 when the Lord's Supper was observed here with Stan Plett of Rosenort Fellowship ser­ ving as guest speaker.

ISAAC P. PENNER 1913 1981

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). Dad was born on July 14, 1913 in Ridgewood. On July 12, 1936 he was bap­ tized upon the confession of his faith in Prairie Rose and became a member of the Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church. On November 30, 1950 he married me, Margaretha Friesen, and the Lord gave us more than thirty years together. On August 15 he went to be with the Lord, reaching the age of 68 years, one month and one day. Surviving him are his wife Margaretha, his children Sandra, Margaret, and Katherine. Also left to mourn are his brothers and sisters, Gertrude, Peter, Klaas, Jacob, Cornelius, Martin, Frank, Margaret, Ben, Helen and their families. He was predeceased by an infant child, two brothers, a young sister and his parents. Dad grew up and lived in Ridgewood most of his life. He farmed until about eigh­ teen years ago when he had to stop because of poor health. He then helped others in farming and carpentry as his health permitted. In 1975 he suffered a stroke from which he recovered, but on August 12, 1981 he suffered a severe stroke that left him un­ conscious until he died three days later.

The funeral service for Mr. Isaac Penner was held at the Ridgewood E. M. Church on August 18 at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Henry Kornelsen officiating.

Weddings KOOP — DOERKSEN: Ray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Koop of Steinbach, Man., and Mimosa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Doerksen of Blumenort, Man., were married on August 15,1981. The wedding took place at the Blumenort E.M. Church with Dr. Gerry Doerksen of Blumenort officiating. The cou­ ple is making their home in Winnipeg.

SCHROEDER — DRIEDGER: Tony, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Schroeder of Steinbach, Man., was married on August 8,1981 to Mary, daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Jake Driedger of Blumenort, Man. The wedding took place at the E-.M. Church in Blumenort with Isaac Driedger of Steinbach officiating. FRIESEN — SIEMENS: LeRoy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jac. F. Friesen of Rosenort, Man., and Lois, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Siemens of Sanford, Man., were married on July 25, 1981. The wedding took place at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel in Rosenort with Rev. Stan Plett of Rosenort officiating. The couple is making their home in Rosenort.

Births WALDNER—to Ben and Grace Waldner of Morris, Man., a daughter, April Francine Grace, on July 10, 1981.

REMPEL — to Melvin and Irene Rempel of Rosenort, Man., a son, Cory Marvin, on August 29, 1981. SOLNIK — to Norman and Charleen Solnik of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Nathan Darren, on July 6, 1981.

WIEBE — to Jim and Rebecca Wiebe of Blumenort, Man., a son, Barry James, on August 18, 1981.

PAGE 11

From the Editor MESSENGER READERSHIP SURVEY/2 Which of the follmcing items would your household like to see more discussion on in the Messenger? Here we gave a list of twenty topics: evangelism; discipleship; the family; human sexuality; Anabaptist distinctives; non-resistance; Anabaptist history; sports; colleges and Bible schools; higher education; pitfalls of the university; church growth; on the job witnessing; Sunday School; simple lifestyle; child training; future events; stewardship; trade union; women’s lib. The first five, in order of preference, were the following: the family (59%); on the job witnessing (53%); child training (47%); discipleship (42%); simple lifestyle (39%). Pastors looking for sermon topics might even find this interesting! Coming further down on the list were topics like evangelism, stewardship, non-resistance and pitfalls of the University. Among topics receiving less than 20% were future events, higher education, and Sunday School. Some additional topics on which readers would like to see discussion were the following: “Whatever Happened to Sin?”; “The Holiness of God”; “Role of the Single Adult”; Christians telling about their Careers; Series of Bible studies; Discussion of careers, includ­ ing those of older singles; Revival; Inter-personal relationships (acceptance of people); Personal testi­ monies; Authoritative and knowledgeable discussion on evolution.

The Messenger caries between 12 and 16 pages. What is your u'ish as to size? The majority of respondents would like to see 16 page.s or more. Meuuouite Central Committee. How do you evaluate its coverage in The Messenger? The question also gave the approximate space MCC receives, and stated it received between 3% and 4% of available space. The large majority felt it was about right. Yet, about 11% felt MCC was getting too much space. Some had no comment. Some 80%, of respondents were married. Singles and single parents were both below 10%. A few did not answer. Where do they live? Almost half the respondents live in the country. Another one-third live in towns and around 18% in the city. It seems also that few young people read The Messenger. The majority of the reading audience is in the 21-35 age bracket with the next highest in the 36-55 range. PAGE 12

About one-third of the respondents state that their education includes Bible school. 14% of these include college as part of their education and 18% included university. Additional features. The question was, what other additional features, items or sections would you like ’ to see in the Messenger? The following were given: page for teens and children; pictorial reports of EMC ministers or pastors and their families; more specific items from the mission field; more feature articles (especially encouraging articles within the Con­ ference); more responses to articles; more poetry; more book reports (i.e. children’s novels); more letters from members of different areas; questions and answers; more reports on local churches and their activities; beliefs of other denominations; all EMC churches reporting more frequently; family section. People were also given the opportunity to air their likes and dislikes about their Conference paper. The Messeujfer. Dislikes: We will put the dislikes first (a partial list): — pos­ sibly too high academically for the older generation (which we need) to understand; — too long articles; — Conference coverage and church dedications, etc.; — sometimes too many pictures - space could be more profitably utilized; — Messenger should not be used for social news; — the editorials are not stimulating or interesting; — some articles tend to become too scholarly for the average reader; — has few letters to the editor as well as responses to articles; — detailed church reports of interest to few readers; — pages 2 and 3 should be written by our own people; — too many sports pictures; — church news that is half a year old; — the trend is for just higher education (no matter what); — too much EMC; — there is nothing I don’t like about The Messenger. Whot do you like ubout The Messenger? Following are the responses: — missions articles; church news; — it keeps me in touch with home churches and friends: — pictures are a good feature; — good coverage on Conference activities; — a good paper I like to read; — Straight Talk, when it is straight talk; — we like the Messenger and that’s all we can say; — it is like hearing (and seeing) what the rest of the FAMILY is about; — information, distinctively EMC, a much needed Conference tie; — brings information that our families need to keep our church on the right course; — reports (with pictures) from missionaries and churches; — it’s “our” paper - close to home and expressing the values for which we stand - unity, love, hopefulness and faithfulness. THE MESSENGER

i