The Messenger January 2, 1981

The Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

VOL. 19 NO. 1

JAN. 2/81

A Prayer

For The New Year y mind is becoming dull, ■My senses gradually numb As I am carried along — Mile after mile. Following that white line; Lights of glaring mechanical monsters Almost blinding my eyes. I am being swept along As on an endless conveyor belt. It is becoming a great effort to remember That the direction my car will take Is in my hands. I must stop And yield the wheel To an alert driver. Before this irresponsible illusion Plunges us into disaster.

So too I am swept along On the road of life By outside forces Year after year: The expectations of others, The dictates of society, The whims of circumstances. I am powerless to chart my own course Or to pursue my own way. Lord, You take the wheel And give my life direction.

L. Marie Enns

""We are being told with increasing persistence that we have some responsibilities within the larger Christian fellowship that we are not adequately meeting ... We In turn need the fellowship of other Christians, for there are some important things we can learn from them." — Ross Bender

by Ross T. Bender “I’M IN THE MIDDLE of the Proceedings of the Mennonite World Conference held in Wichita, Kansas. The addresses on Christian responsibility for development in the LDC’s (lesser developed countries) are some of the best material I’ve come across.” The speaker was a member of the Eastern Orthodox Church. I had just been introduced to him during afternoon tea at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, where he is on the staff of the Commission on the Church’s Participation in Development. It no longer seemed necessary to continue with my explanation of who the Mennonites are, for it soon became apparent that he was already well informed. So also was the Disciples of Christ woman who sat on my left at the first committee meeting I attended there last September; she immediately spoke with appreciation of her collaboration with Mennonite Central Committee relief ef­ forts in Vietnam while she had been with Church World Service. So also was the Church of North India man with the Christian Medical Commission, who was sitting on my right, for he was quick to tell me with some pride that he had been raised in a Mennonite home in Dhamtari, the son of one of the pioneer ministers in India. So also was the Brazilian Presbyterian across the table from me. He was thoroughly familiar with the program of our seminary in Elkhart, for he had studied the theological and educational assumptions on which it is based before he came to the Theological PAGE 2

dominate, exploit, or proselytize; their concern for peace, social justice, and development; their insistence upon simplicity and integrity of faith and life, word and deed. But Mennonites are also known for their tendency to remain aloof from other Christians. It is difficult for others to un­ derstand why we are so reticent to "Mt may be that it is fellowship and work with them in the body of Christ. A big part of the answer, the fear of being as I tried to explain to some of my new is that it was difficult in the overwhelmed and . friends, beginning to find fellowship with other coerced into conformity Christians while they were drowning us in the river and burning us at the stake. that has contributed to Even through the past several centuries lived with the awareness that some of Mennonite reserve in we our convictions (nonresistance, for exam­ ple) were not very popular. As a result, inter-church we developed the preference to be left alone to worship and serve God in peace. relationships." Although the climate of religious toleration has changed radically from that of the sixteenth and seventeenth cen­ Increasingly, members of other Chris­ turies (for most Mennonites, though not tian churches are informed about and ap­ for all), we have developed a habit that is preciative of Mennonites, particularly hard to overcome. However, we are being their mission and service witness around told with increasing persistence that we the world. A member of the Ethiopian have some responsibilities within the Coptic Church spoke to me with apprecia­ larger Christian fellowship that we are tion of the work of the Eastern Mennonite not adequately meeting. It’s nice, of Board of Missions in Ethiopia. Others course, to be told now that we are ap­ spoke in a similar vein of the Mennonite preciated and needed. I would like, mission in East Africa and Central however, to make the point that we in America. Mennonites are appreciated for turn need the fellowship of other their style of mission work; their Christians, for there are some important emphasis on service without attempts to things we can learn from them. Without

Education Commission in Geneva. These are just a few illustrations of why I never did get to give my little speech on “Who Are the Mennonites?” to the World Coun­ cil of Churches.

THE MESSENGER

that fellowship, our own life and witness are also incomplete. Five areas in which we may discover a deeper mutuality and greater com­ plementarity with fellow Christians are the unity of the body of Christ, tradition, liturgy, social responsibility, and evangelism. 1. Unity. Many churches emphasize more than Mennonites do the unity of the body of Christ. This is a clear biblical emphasis (John 17:20-23; Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:4-5). It is a fearful thing to rend the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:11-13). Over the past decades, many churches have banded together in councils in order to facilitate their mission. Some have studied the possibility of church union and in some cases church union between sister denominations has actually taken place. For the most part, Mennonites have not participated in the conciliar and ecumenical movements. Although there have been some promising developments in inter-Mennonite relationships, we have much to learn from other churches about the unity of Christ’s body. While this is first of all a spiritual unity, in this area, as in all spiritual matters, spiritual unity must find expression in visible ways. Mennonites may make a specific con­ tribution in this area by underscoring the fact that unity and diversity are not necessarily contradictory. Unity in diver­ sity is not the same as conformity. It may be that it is the fear of being overwhelm­ ed and coerced into conformity that has contributed to Mennonite reserve in in­ terchurch relationships. We should, however, be prepared to enter into the fellowship of work and worship with all Christians who confess that Jesus is Lord and who are open to express that lordship in a variety of patterns of organized life. 2. Tradition. Some Christian groups have a strong emphasis on their tradition. They find strength and security in being able to trace their ministry through an unbroken line of apostolic succession. They are able with profit to trace the development of their creeds, doctrines, and institutions down through the cen­ turies. There are many symbols and ceremonies which have arisen out of their historical experience which add richness and depth to their present church life. All these things are for them a source of strength and stability, particularly at times of rapid change, as they trace the long lines of continuity down through the ages. Mennonites have a more selective ap­ proach to tradition. We tend to focus on the first and sixteenth centuries without adequate recognition of the fact that God has been active throughout all of history and that He had His faithful people in each century. We are impoverished JANUARY 2, 1981

'"Mennonites can make a signifi­ cant contribution to the evangelistic efforts of the whole church by emphasizing the need for growth in discipleship." because we are largely unaware of them. Our contribution in this area is to re­ mind our Christian sisters and brothers that though God works through the visi­ ble historical structures by which we trace our traditions, He is also the God of new beginnings. He chooses whom He wills to be His people and refuses to be confined to “the children of Abraham ac­ cording to the flesh.” In all humility, we must acknowledge that this applies to Mennonites, as well as to other Christians, and that each new generation must respond afresh in faith and obedience to God’s call. We can also re­ mind them that the Scriptures are more important than all our traditions and that our traditions must continually be evaluated in the light of God’s Word. 3. Liturgy. Some Christian churches have a rich liturgical heritage of creeds, confessions, prayers, psalms, and hymns ordered according to the rhythm and cadence of the church year, a calendar largely ignored by Mennonites, with the exception of Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. There are no surprises in such a highly structured approach to worship, but not all Christians are oriented to spontaneity in worship. I remember a conversation reported by my father’s cousin which he had had with an Anglican neighbor. With reference to the Book of Common Prayer, she had said, “If I had to compose my own prayers, I am afraid there would be many days when I couldn’t pray because I wouldn’t be in the mood. When I follow the prayer book, my moods are shaped by the prayers instead of my prayer life being shaped by my moods.” There is spiritual depth and beauty in the Anglican liturgy, for example. Its emphasis is upon the transcendent God who meets the worshipers through the majestic poetry of the liturgy. The spires and high vaulted ceilings of the cathedral pointing toward heaven remind the worshipers that they have gathered for the praise and glory of the King of heaven and earth. The Mennonite contribution to the liturgical life of the church is the reminder that God is not contained in temples and cathedrals, in houses made with hands. The simple Mennonite

meetinghouse or the bare cave of the Anabaptists are as fit a temple for the worship of God as the most ornate cathedrals of Europe. They are a reminder that in worship God meets His people as they meet each other and fellowship in His name. The cathedral was not designed primarily to emphasize the meeting of God’s people for fellowship with each other, but to stress the majesty and glory of God. Both accents are needed in worship. 4. Social responsibility. Many Christians become actively involved in the social, political, and economic aspects of their communities out of a sense of their Christian vocation in this world. Some churches do not make the sharp dis­ tinctions between church and world or church and state which Mennonites do. Last winter the voters of Switzerland in a referendum decisively turned back the latest in a series of attempts to separate church and state in Swiss socie­ ty. The theological faculty and student body of the University of Geneva held a two-day seminar to reflect on the issues which for Mennonites have been crucial since the very beginning of Anabaptism in 1525. The dean of the faculty asserted that while the church would not suffer unduly in the long run from disestablish­ ment, society would. Most of the speakers expressed their strong conviction that the social and political fabric of the nation would be seriously damaged if the in­ fluence of the church were removed from its place as an integral part of public in­ stitutional life. The Mennonite contribution to this debate is to emphasize that Christians are pilgrims and strangers in this world in search of the city that has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God. We need to caution our fellow Christians of the possibility of serious damage to the church when she is overly identified with a particular state. Her mission and her message are compromised when she loses her freedom to follow her Lord in radical obedience because of having become en­ tangled in the self-interested policies which characterize the way of nations. But Mennonites need to be reminded that we are also citizens of this world next page please

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with specific political and social respon­ sibilities. These certainly include praying for those in authority over us, obeying the laws of our land when these do not con­ flict with a higher law and giving a prophetic witness when they do. We need to be reminded that God loves the world and is concerned about the welfare of all its people. He has set up governments to administer justice and equity, to promote law and order, so that chaos and anarchy are overcome and life together in the human community is possible. As Christians we do in fact have civic respon­ sibilities which we must fulfill alongside our spiritual responsibilities in this world. 5. Evangelism. Some Christian groups emphasize evangelism more strongly than Mennonites do. Church growth among them far exceeds our own modest growth, which is largely based on baptizing our own children. As a result we have been basically an ethnic group with the same family names generation after generation. While some persons come into our fellowship because they are attracted by our way of life and our emphasis on Christian community, a number have difficulty in penetrating our in-group ways. Our fellow Christians can encourage us to proclaim the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ with enthusiasm and with boldness. They can caution us not to allow our feelings of inferiority to spill over and inhibit that message. They can help us to sense the joy that is to be found when sinners are brought to repentance and saving faith, when even the angels in heaven rejoice. They can help us see that there is a certain measure of rationaliza­ tion and self-justification (as well as spiritual pride) in our oft-repeated state­ ment that it is not numbers but commit­ ment which counts. They can help us to overcome our in-group tendencies and to open our fellowship to persons who do not share our cultural background. Mennonites can make a significant con­ tribution to the evangelistic efforts of the whole church by emphasizing the need for growth in discipleship, as well as by stressing that the message of the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ in­ cludes deeds as well as words. As I see it, Mennonites are not prepared for merger with other Christian groups nor even for membership in national associations or world councils of churches. We have not studied the fuller implications of such membership nor have we had the necessary information and developing of consensus on the local, district, and denominational levels.

At the very least, however, such study and conversation must now begin, if only to answer our Christian sisters and brothers as to why we are unwilling to have closer fellowship with them. Responsibility must be lodged within our churchwide organizations for developing a channel of information and counsel between Mennonites and other Christians. As I understand it, our spiritual forebears in the sixteenth century were not intending to set up a church separate from their fellow believers. It was their hope to influence the direction of the Reformation of the church of which they were members. They persisted in these efforts until they were no longer tolerated and were cast outside. We today have op­ portunities to participate in the shaping of the larger Christian church’s life and mission in ways which were not open to them. As we do so, let us be clear and forthright about our distinctive insights and convictions. Let us also learn to ap­ preciate the distinctive contributions which other Christians can make to our own understanding and experience of life together within the total body of Christ.

Letters A PPR ECIA TES A R TICLE

I want to thank you for printing the article in the Messenger on the Arden church. It brought back many memories, both happy and sad. Could you please send us ten copies of the issue containing this article? We as a family would appreciate this very much. In October of 1960, at a missionary con­ ference in the Prairie Rose church, my dear husband and I both received a call from the Lord to go into mission work. The last song the congregation sang that night was our sincere prayer, “I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord.” The Lord spoke to us about the need at Arden where Jacob F. Duecks were working with the EMC. At that time Pastor Elmer Hamm was in charge there, besides pastoring the church at MacGregor. The en­ couragement that he was to us we will never forget. Abe Unger was another brother who encouraged us to go for five years. The Lord undertook for us in marvelous ways. Many were the lessons we learned moving away from a large, warm, growing church into an area where most of the people had no desire to go to church. We praise God for the five years we spent there. The contrast was so great and we began to

realize more and more how merciful the Lord had been to us, giving us salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ! At Arden the groundwork was laid for our children’s future. Little did we realize at that time that three of our sons would be called into the ministry and that their dear dad would soon be with Jesus whom he loved and served. One of his favourite verses was Joshua 24:15b, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” We praise God for the last two years at Parkhill, Ontario. We were houseparents for eight delinquent boys besides taking care of two chosen children whom we later adopted. There the Lord again so graciously under­ took. We felt so incapable, and often I would go into the bedroom to kneel down to pray while my dear husband would counsel and discipline the boys. Dear sister, are you aware of the tremendous responsibility the Lord has given you towards your husband’s ministry? I was not until my dear husband told me. I am so thankful that my husband’s last days, even weeks, were filled with deeds of love. He had just finished putting on the doors at the new church which was going to be dedicated that next Sunday. His funeral took place before the dedication. Again God showed His loving mercy to us, for “His lov­ ing kindness is better than life.” The days following were filled with pain and sorrow, but there was also the comfort of loving friends and the deepness of God’s love drawing me and my family together to Himself. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee; yea, 1 will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10). And the Lord did! Dear reader, if you at this time are going through deep waters, go to the Word of God; cont’d on page 8

CONTRIBUTORS: Ross T. Bender is on the faculty of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, Elkhart, Indiana. The article is reprinted from Gospel Herald by permissions. L. Marie Enns (cover), Box 439, La Crete, Alta. TOH 2H0, and her family attend the EMC Church in La Crete, Alta. Bernie Wiebe is the editor of The Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man. Dare and Laura Sharp (Steinbach) are work­ ing with the Katukina Indians in Brazil under the New Tribes Missions. Dare and Becky Funk are serving under the EMC Board of Missions in Paraguay. Dave is the technician at Radio ZP-30.

COVER: British Columbia Government Photo­ graph.

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Board of Education and Publication. Box 1268. Stein­ bach, Manitoba. ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail. Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mail­ ed to the above address.

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THE MESSENGER

From the Editor CLOSING THE OLD YEAR: BEGINNING THE NEW

As I sit and contemplate my editorial I am somewhat in a dilemma. The conflict is this. I am writing in the old year and naturally should write an editorial in keeping with this emphasis. On the other hand, the date on this issue is January 2, 1981, distinctly the beginning of a new year. So, according to that, my emphasis should be on the beginning of the year. So I’m sure you can feel with me in my conflict. Nevertheless, if it weren’t for the calendar and the clock, I suppose we would not be aware of any transition and thus it would make no difference. I suppose then we’ll have to look both backwards and forwards in this editorial, backwards to see what has been and forward to the challenge of new horizons for the Lord. In the Conference the year 1980 will certainly go down as the year when the most new churches were constructed or finished in one year ever. I think I’m right! A brief review brings out that first in line was the dedica­ tion of their new premises of the Ridgewood congregation on February 24, 1980. This new sanctuary added some 12,000 square feet to existing facilities with seating for about 400. Treesbank (Wawanesa, Man.) dedicated a new structure on May 4. On November 2 a brand new church building was dedicated at Kleefeld, Man. with a seating capacity of some 550. A service of dedication was held at Prairie Grove on November 9 for new and renovated facilities. The Fort Garry church in Winnipeg made renovations as well as a new entrance and expects to hold dedication ser­ vices early in the new year. Other building programs in different stages of construc­ tion are Braeside in Winnipeg; Burns Lake, B.C.; Blumenort, Man.; Hudson Bay, Sask.; Morris, Man. and the Evangelical Fellowship Church in Steinbach. We should rejoice at all this activity in our midst. To me it says only one thing — we are growing. And we certainly would not want to suppress growth. If we are building extensively it may only be that we need a lot more room for the same number of people now than in the past before we had Sunday school, etc. And who would begrudge this? We need these added settings to better reach our children. That congregations have made these local commitments, as well as accepted a record Conference budget for 1981 (as reported in our last Messenger) is certainly commendable and something which I believe the Lord will honour. I also believe that in every case of church construction mentioned, these added facilities were needed and con­ gregations will be better equipped for inviting more people and reaching them for the Lord. News of further progress and dedications will be printed in the Messenger as it becomes available. The question whether all this building activity could have been spread over a number of years, I believe is not the point now. Who is to say that congregations which have already planned for months, and maybe years, should post­

JANUARY 2, 1981

pone any longer. I believe they know what they are doing. I also believe the greater the challenge the more can collec­ tively be done. You get an appeal for funds and usually you can do a bit more. This is the way I have found it. In this case it would mean meeting our local budget, as well as Conference commitments. Personally, I was very encouraged by the optimism dis­ played when the budget issue came up. Again, looking back we are reminded that it was already at the 1979 annual convention that a vote favoured hiring a Conference pastor. This was a good move, we believe, es­ pecially now that one hears of two or three other Conferences who have also gone this route. The sad part is that thus far no one has been found to take up this position. The inauguration of a new Conference structure happen­ ed just at the December Conference Council meeting when a plan for dividing the EMC in Canada into regions was pass­ ed. No doubt, this too will be associated with growing pains, but I believe in the end it will make for a greater blessing in the Conference in a larger representative body taking part in administration. As the year draws to a close I suppose the world has become a better place for some and a worse place for others. The East Asian refugee situation is more out of the news but other situations, such as famine in Somalia, El Salvador violence, etc., are in the news. In other news, the Iran hostages spent their second Christmas in captivity, war in Afghanistan, unrest in the Middle East and tensions even in our own country. In all this, even Christians may start worrying about the future. In doing this we tend to forget that God is still in control. And it seems, as the poet mused, “Right forever on the scaffold; wrong forever on the throne,” will be the endless story. We who believe in the promises of God know that ultimately right will triumph. But with tightening controls in some areas of the world one of the bright spots is the news that comes from China. The Canadian Bible Society reports that “Christ still lives in thousands of Chinese Christians, who for more than a generation, have been keeping the faith.” How impossible this once looked! How rarely did one pray for China? How soon we forget the message to Mary, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Maybe this is the promise we should take into the new year. We are so prone to think that if we can see no way, there is no way! Another bright spot, of course, is the continued liberty to preach the gospel in many lands where our missionaries work — Paraguay, Nicaragua, Europe, Canada, and many other places. We can contribute to this on-going ministry by prayer. I was struck by a report from Paraguay which came via one of the brethren who recently was there. The word: Are peo­ ple back home praying for us? Are we? I trust so. I believe our Missionary Directory is a very good reminder to pray. It should be in every EMC home. They are available from your church or the Conference Office. A blessed New Year. - D.S. PAGE 5

Missions BRAZIL

The Heat’s On

Lena Lepp (right) with Sanapana and Lengua school children at the La tspetanza Indian school.

Teaching in an Indian School Lena Lepp teaches at the La Esperanza school for Indian children. She is a qualified teacher and instructs the Paraguayan curriculum. When pupils come here they have been in Kindergarten and grade 1 in the village school. The article is translated from the German. Ed. Dear Readers; The beginning of November saw the closing of the school for the holidays. I began classes in February of last year with 23 children. Sixteen of these were in grade 2 and seven in grade 3. Nine were Lengua and 14 Sanapana Indians. Two of the Lengua pupils left during the year; 21 continued for eight months. Matthew 28:19 says, “Go ye into all the world and teach ...” But what does it mean to teach, for me? The curriculum provides for our teaching plan. When I visited a father to speak about his son he said, “I cannot manage my son so I sent him to school so you could teach him.” So my task is not only to teach but also to train children! At the start of the school, 8:00 a.m., the children line up in three rows. The greeting has to be clearly learned. Then I ask the following questions: “Have you washed your hands?” PAGE 6

“Manuel, have you combed your hair?” “Girls, have the tables been wiped?” “Is there w'ater in the drinking foun­ tain?” Then they also have to learn to take care of their textbooks — no writing or drawing in them; no tearing out of pages. Mine and yours were words they had trouble distinguishing. Reminding them of these “ordinary” things became harder for me, especially when pupils reached ages 9-18. The prescribed curriculum has no provision for religion. Yet is not that the most important? I felt the brief morning devotions were inadequate. I thus arrang­ ed for additional religious instruction where a minister would give religious teaching in their language. Participating in this were Elias Gomez and Josias Gon­ zales. This resulted in an unusual school clos­ ing program. It consisted of poems, Bible verses and songs. We had two programs, one in the new Sanapana church and one in the Lengua church. I was amazed at the number of guests who appeared and at the enthusiasm of our students. I thank God that He has again helped through the school year. Lena Lepp

Battles - Lost and Won How exciting to be a missionary! We see and feel the heat of the spiritual struggles around us, but we know we are on the winning side. Sometimes battles are lost. Then it is easy to become discouraged, until we are reminded that the outcome of the War has already been announced. The day is coming when we shall see the victorious consummation take place. Let me share with you some of our latest battles: This government still refuses to allow new missionaries into the coun­ try on a permanent basis. Pray for open doors to this needy land where some 200 tribes remain unreached. A couple of weeks ago all New Tribes missionaries working in this state were given ten days to get out of the tribes. Since that order came from the local level, our mission leaders went to the national authorities concerning the matter. We were given more concrete permis­ sion to continue working among the Indians than we’d had before. PTL! Pawa, our former informant, has turned back from following the Lord. He says he’d rather live the easy life of sin. Pray with us for real convic­ tion of sin. He has been taught much of the Word, so we leave the outcome with the Lord. We received a note from a teenage boy the other day who lives in a different village. He said his family couldn’t forget the songs or “God’s Talk” that we had taught them. He and his whole family are now believers, and they wanted us to know. The Lord is truly working behind the scenes, winning the victory. Let’s go forward in faith and praise in the work He has given each of us to do. David and Laura Sharp (Among the Katukina Indians) THE MESSENGER

PARAGUAY

The Short and Tall of It

'»

The Lord Wa.s in It All It’s a funny title, isn’t it? Well, you will see why I picked it when I explain. I am Rebekah Funk, formerly a Halsey. My parents were missionaries with the New Tribes Mission in Paraguay. During our second term of work we were asked to work in Filadelfia. My father was to be the buyer (“supplyman”) for outlying stations. We had been here about half a year when a technician (my husband, Dave Funk) came from Canada to work at Radio ZP-30. The next year was to prove interesting for us! The short of it is, we fell in love, and the long of it I will tell. Well, we were in love, but did the Lord want it that way? Did he want us to spend our lives together? What a hard question

that was! But it is one that had to be ask­ ed. It was also hard to be honest about it, to ourselves and before the Lord. We prayed, and decided, after six months of dating, that I should go to the U.S.A, and thus we would be separated for an in­ definite length of time. Well, we carried this through. I went to the New Tribes Bi­ ble School in Jackson, Michigan. David stayed with his job here in Paraguay. It wasn’t long until we both knew that we would definitely spend our lives together! The time apart was only five months, but it seemed like five years. David went to Canada for Christmas and took me to meet his parents. We publicized our engagement, and asked for more time off so we could get married.

Mission Grams Nicaragua Lester Olfert writes, “After a rough start in April, due to my back injury, we praise the Lord that the TEE program is going very well. At the present time we have three centers going, with two classes in Managua, two in La Paz and one in Granada. We have a total of 30 students. Only four have dropped out which is a very good average for Latin America. “The purpose of the program is to train the existing lay leadership and pastors that do not have any formal Bible training. This purpose is being fulfilled since the majority of the students are already active in the ministry of the church. Because of this there is real interest and immediate use and application of the material taught.” Granada - At present all church services are being held in the John Reimer home. The living room has become much too small so a large building is definitely needed. So far no available land in the area has been found, nor have they been able to find a building that is adequate. Pray for a solution so that the church can continue to grow. Mexico

The Independencia group in Juarez presented a film on the Rapture in their chapel which resulted in several decisions for the Lord. The son of Federico Ordonez and Esmilda de Ordonez, EMC members of El Alamo, was murdered. He was their only son and he worked his father’s farm since Federico has been in poor health for several years. He also left a wife and daughter to mourn his tragic death. Mary Loewen and Susie Wiebe had their first young people’s meeting on November 23 at Camp 67. Attendance was around twenty-five.

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Paraguay The Missions Auxiliary supplied funds for the La Esperanza Indians for a Food for Work project. An agreement has been reached with the Chaco Mennonite colonies that the ZP-30 studios be expanded, which would cost about $90,000. EMC has not committed itself to financial involvement in this project but has accepted Golden West Broadcasting’s offer to promote and solicit for funds. The colonies have committed themselves for funds to cover half of the costs. The Board of Missions has approved a recommendation by the Missions Auxiliary to purchase land in East Paraguay for Indian settlement. The Tres Palmas church is sharing in the purchase of this land. A Spanish-speaking couple is needed to replace the Walter Reimers in June 1981. “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers...”

Boy, was that ever planned fast! But everything went fine, which just showed us the Lord’s hand in it all. 'The wedding was in Michigan at my home church on the second of February. Then back to Canada and down to Paraguay by the 17th of February! In it all the Lord was there. Oh, that all prospective Christian couples would consider the Lord in their relationships! That is my prayer. Dave and I have a wonderful relationship because we made Christ the most impor­ tant in our lives. Oh, before I forget, another reason for my title is, Dave is 6’3” and I’m 5’0”. That’s the short and tall of it! In January 1981 we will be having the first addition to our family. Please pray that all will go well. Also pray with us for funds for Radio ZP-30. More space is needed, so an expansion project is to take place in the near future. Rebekah Funk

China Tops CIM Agenda Chicago (Meetinghouse) — Thirteen Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Missionrelated agencies (including EMC Board of Missions) are members of the Council on International Ministries (CIM). CIM held its fall semi-annual meeting at Chicago, December 1-2, 1980. China J. Lawrence Burkholder, president of Goshen College, had been invited to lead most of a half-day session on China Developments. Burkholder began by sharing Goshen’s arrangement for exchanging students with Sichuan College at Chengdu, Sichuan in China. In the current school year, eight Chinese students are at Ghosen while 20 Goshen students are at Sichuan. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province. Just returned from China, president Burkholder reported the exchange program working — at both ends — “far beyond our expectations.” Plans are already made to ex­ pand this exchange and to add other forms of teacher exchange. CIM persons of course wanted to hear about the spiritual implications. They were told that the 3-self movement churches want to be independent and don’t desire formal relationships with foreign church bodies. One pastor encouraged correspondence but “in plain envelopes.” The Burkholders attended services in Shanghai and found the church packed for services at 6:30, 8:30, and 10:30 a.m. “At this point,” suggested Burkholder, “I don’t see any direct role for MCC or mission agencies in China. We can­ not go in without an invitation. The people cont’d next page

JANUARY 2, 1981

PAGE 7

there are open to religious discussion and more are admitting they were educated in our former mission schools. Our connections there are trustful at this time and we must keep them so. They know about Mennonites and so far I’ve heard only good things about us. The government is offended at the ‘underground’ church and at Bible smuggling.” It may be that CIM agencies can witness to China by cooperating in recruiting and sponsoring exchange teachers and other professionals. Burkholder waxed enthusiastically about this potential. Now only 2 percent of Chinese high school graduates get into college.

Uganda The only thing coming close to the CIM excitement about China, was a further special session with professor Eustace Rutiba of Uganda. Rutiba shared his per­ sonal spiritual pilgrimage in the Uganda church during Idi Amin’s days. He said, “When you reach a tight corner, you come back.” That is what happened among Ugan­ dan Christians. As Amin put on more pressure, they began to see themselves as called by God similar to God’s call of government. Romans 13 took on a new meaning and they began to oppose Amin because he acted contrary to John 10:10, In this time, two levels have changed among Ugandan believers: 1) their attitudes toward material things have changed drastically (learned to do without); and 2) the Bible has become more central. Rutiba is studying and writing during this year at Yale University. He is one of few Ugandan church leaders who lived and stayed in Uganda throughout the Idi Amin period. Africa James Bertsche, AIMM, told the CIM group of a “first” in Botswana. AIMM and MCC are coordinating their work and may employ a joint country administrator. It is a new model of MCC/missions cooperation. Several CIM agencies shared a growing participation by youth (including students) in mission churches and by North American youth to serve in mission. Eastern Mennonite Board has begun a new Youth Evangelism Services program to channel some of this energy. Norma Johnson also reported on ex­ tensive plans for well-organized Mennonite participation at Urbana ’81. “In Africa, high priority must be given to leadership training and nurture of young believers,” said James Bertsche. Others echoed this sentiment for their fields. Evangelism continues at a good pace (“40 persons respond to Mennonite and Brethren in Christ efforts each day” reported Don Jacobs) but CIM agencies have not given parallel attention to nurture, renewal and leadership. Another growing challenge is the resurgence of Islam.

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Ray Brubaker, part of Africa MCC ad­ ministration, told of 9 or 10 new countries entered since 1972, He wondered what this proliferation means for MCC and for CIM mission boards. Paul Kraybill, Mennonite World Conference, said this proliferation of Mennonite activity causes them many problems of how to relate. “The old struc­ tures don’t seem to be adequate.”

New Member Mennonite Christian Leadership Founda­ tion (with newly appointed executive director Don Jacobs) was accepted as the thirteenth CIM member agency. Hershey Leaman, Eastern Board, was elected to the CIM chair for the next 2-year term. A budget of $29,266 was approved for 1981. Next meeting will be held May 14-15, 1981 at Winnipeg. About 40 persons attended at Chicago, Ber­ nie Wiebe.

LETTERS cont’d He will never fail you. But the Lord also taught me, and is still teaching me, that 1 cannot feel sorry for myself and have His strength. Which are we going to choose? “Lovest thou Me ...?” Do we believe? To believe means to commit. Since the Lord brought us here to Prairie Bible Institute almost eight years ago. He has been dealing with me about my lack of faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith links us to God through the Lord Jesus Christ. In our devotions we read in “Green Pastures” that we must yield ourselves altogether to God and let Him use us. “God forbid that I should glory, save in

the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14a). To Him be all glory and praise for all He has done, is doing, and will yet do for us, and you too. Mrs. Margaret Dueck Three Hills, Alta. TOM 2A0

Youth Leader Needed The Vanderhoof Christian Fellow­ ship in Vanderhoof, B.C. needs a young people’s leader. Contact:

John Koop Box 1518 Vandorhoof, B.C. VOJ 3A0 Phone: 567-9389

Massive Drive Sends 1,000 Tons of Corn to Somalia

Akron, Pa. — The Mormacsaga steamed out of Baltimore on November 18, carrying with it 1,000 tons of corn destined for the critically undernourished refugees in Somalia. In a drive coordinated by MCC Great Lakes, farmers, truckers, grain elevator operators, Sunday school children and others worked together to make possible one of the largest food shipments in Men­ nonite Central Committee’s history.

Announcing ENRICH ENRICH (Education to Nurture Reponsible Influence in the Christian Home) is a seminar series for parents. ENRICH Seminar Series Is designed to help parents to develop un­ derstanding skills to train children according to sound principles. ENRICH is available in a series of three sessions, a one night ses­ sion or a weekend of three sessions. A registration fee of $5.00 per session per couple will be charged.

If you are interested In putting on an ENRICH seminar in your church, write to the address below for detailed information:

EMC Board of Education & Publication Box 1268 Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0 Telephone: 326-6401

THE MESSENGER

Messenger News >

Daniel and Elaine Zehr.

ZEHRS HELPING BOLIVIA MCCERS INTEGRATE WORD AND DEED

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Akron, Pa. — Mennonite Central Com­ mittee volunteers in Bolivia are benefiting from the resources of a couple with long-time experience in peace and social concerns with Dan and Elaine Zehr of Winnipeg, Man. As “Faith and Life Coordinators,” a new kind of MCC assignment, they hope to help MCCers integrate the ministries of “word” and “deed.” The Zehrs are also providing a pastoral ministry to the more than 50 volunteers in MCC’s largest Latin America program. Their home near the headquarters in San­ ta Cruz provides “a place for MCCers to drop in for counsel, a visit or a meal,” says Dan Zehr. Several volunteers have started a monthly “prayer and praise” gathering at the house. The Zehrs’ assignment grew out of an “on going discussion about reducing the separation between word and deed,” accor­ ding to Herman Bontrager, Latin America secretary. “Our workers are often technical specialists with specific responsibilities, but we also want to give them handles for the proclamation part of their Christian service.” Before entering the Bolivia assignment, Dan Zehr was Director of Peace and Social Concerns in MCC (Canada). He has served in similar roles with MCC for almost fifteen years, and has been a pastor. From this ex­ perience he is working with the Bolivia programs to encourage a wholistic outreach which supports church development and responds to injustice through nonviolent ap­ proaches to change. This includes helping in­ dividual workers be effective in Christian witness. In formulating the Zehrs’ assignment, MCC consulted Mennonite mission agencies which also work in Bolivia, The assignment

JANUARY 2, 1981

includes assisting the Bolivia Mennonite Church in leadership training and church building. One specific way that Dan Zehr has con­ tributed to other volunteers’ work is through participation in community development workshops. He has spoken on “Biblical Faith and Community Development” and “Integrating Faith and Community Development.” He notes that “many of the MCC workers welcome new insights on how to better in­ tegrate word and deed in their assignments.” The volunteers are at least as grateful for the pastoral counsel and support which the Zehrs make available. One means to focus on each person’s spiritual pilgrimage is an opportunity for counselling around the time of an MCCer’s birthday. The Zehrs explain that the sessions are a chance to look backward and forward at “the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the Christian life.” The Zehrs also offer counselling when special needs arise. “Dan and Elaine Zehr came just in time!” writes one MCCer. She and another volunteer are making wedding plans and receiving pre-marriage counselling. In addition to working with Dan in the Faith and Life Coordinator role, Elaine Zehr is nurse for the MCC team. She monitors health needs of the workers, especially to provide preventive measures, but is also available for treatment and care when illness occurs. Her words and touch of caring are appreciated at a time when workers may feel most alone. Ed. The Zehrs are members of the Crest­ view EMC Church in IVinnipeg.

YOUNG PEOPLE CONDUCT SERVICE

Pleasant Valley, Man.: We’ve had a long fall in which to prepare for the winter, but once it’s here we still find it’s too soon. Our harvests were enough for needs, but not for wants, therefore causing many to question their standards of living and present “needs.” Thanksgiving weekend made many of us aware more keenly of our spiritual priorities. Praise and thankfulness must come first at all times. A supper was held in our church with an appropriate service later. Bro. Dave L. Loewen was taken sick on October 11. The Loewens had planned to visit their children, the Ed Loewens, in Pakistan within the following week, so this was a grave matter. Mr. Loewen has passed through very critical times, including brain surgery. The family was very happy that he was able to come home for Christmas and is home to stay. The Loewens thank everyone

for love shown, cards, visits, prayers and es­ pecially transportation during these past few months. Our missions conference was held the week of October 21-26. The 24th was left open for the many couples attending the Family Seminar in Winnipeg. Congratulations and prayers to the three couples of our congregation who had babies all within one week: Brian and Luella Friesen (making Bill and Helen Friesen first time grandparents). Rev, Bert and Elma Kornelsen, Ed and Lena Harder. The last two were born the same day and were almost identical in weight. John and Eleanor Rempel became first time grandparents also when their children. Bob and Millie Elliott, had a son on October 20. The Rempels and Pam went to Chat­ tanooga, Tenn, to help out for awhile. They report that everyone is doing very well. The young people of Pleasant Valley took over the morning service on November 22. We felt spiritually fed, praising God for this important generation coming up. First we were led in deeply meaningful choruses by Duane Rempel. The chairman was Randall Friesen. The offering went for missions. The service was based on the life of Christ, divided into eight sections. Ap­ propriate scriptures were read, by different persons, for each part, e.g. “Prophecy con­ cerning His birth” (Isaiah 53, Luke 1:26-31). It closed off with “The Return of Christ” (John 14:1-4). Between readings there was a variety of musical numbers, trios, congregational sing­ ing. quartet, etc,, which all joined in the one theme. After closing prayer by Rev. Bert Kornelsen a group of 30 young people sang forth praise in “Because He Lives,” Thank you, young people, for showing us a different format of worship, but just as meaningful. It was centered on Christ and on scripture. As before, you’re showing rich potential for future work in the Lord’s business. Our pastor later remarked that the only additional item he would suggest for future services would be sermonettes, giving further experience to our possibly budding preachers.

MISSIONS CONFERENCE

Rosenort, Man.: “The Grace of God that Bringeth Salvation” was the theme of our missions conference held November 19-23. Rev. Menno Kroeker served as chairman and the mission “spots” were filled by Milton Fast, Linda Penner, Diedrich Friesen, Elmer Warkentins and Peter Duecks. The popular children’s sessions were conducted in a separate location by Agnes Friesen and

PAGE 9

Victor and Frieda Loewen (Rosenort EMC) with their four children: Myron (11), Travis (10), Dwight (6), Pam (4). Victor is a brother to Pastor Loewen.

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Frieda Johnson of the Canadian Sunday School Mission. Musical selections were rendered by Mr. and Mrs. Dave L. Friesen, our ladies’ double trio, the Sunshine Singers, Ron Kroeker and Merlin Friesen, Rick and Karen Friesen and lastly, by Peter and Sally Dueck. Our main speaker was Mr. Chuck John­ son of New Tribes Mission (Ontario). A mis­ sionary of many years in the jungle of Bolivia, he was well qualified to speak on the sub-topics “Salvation required, appeared, accepted, rejected, and proclaimed.” His enthusiastic, rapid-fire presentation left no doubt about the capabilities of this man who had once been a drunkard, but was now a servant of the most high God. Having ex­ perienced firsthand the ugliness of heathen­ dom, he showed from the Scriptures their lostness before God. He then indicated that salvation has appeared and it’s up to us to make it known. We are ambassadors; there’s no need to wait for a “call.” “Pray ye” means us, and “Go ye” also means us. Gideon’s “fleeces” were not to determine God’s will (he already knew it) but to try to wriggle out of it. During the next session Mr. Johnson took us through their years on the mission field by the use of slides. They had proved God faithful in protecting them, but also in win­ ning souls for the Kingdom. The Johnsons hunted for their living out in the jungle and on the river. Mr. Johnson paddled the canoe and his wife handled the shotgun. The fact that they raised their family out in the jungle was probably the reason the Indians finally recognized that they were friends and not dangerous enemies. After well over a year of gift exchange, etc., they were able to make their first face-to-face contact. The Indians were not hard to teach, and because the Johnsons never lied to them, they believed all PAGE 10

they said, even when it concerned man’s first landing on the moon. Mr. Johnson also had a few very close calls with death at the hands of a different tribe of natives where he was attempting to calm an explosive situation. At our men's breakfast on Saturday, Mr. Johnson impressed on us the need to really get involved in missions as we allow Christ to be Lord of our lives. He said, “The task of evangelizing the world is possible; be aggressive: the greatest defence against Satan is offence.” The danger of rejecting salvation was clearly presented to us on Sunday morning as Brother Johnson spoke on “Hell.” That evening he told us that the greatest crime of the century was not Ausschwitz, but the apathy of Christians unwilling to give God all of themselves. As an altar call he used Deuteronomy 2:3,24, and there were many who responded. Victor and Frieda Loewen and their fami­ ly of three boys and a girl left on December 11 for a period of two years of voluntary ser­ vice under Janz Team in Brazil. Brother Vic will be largely occupied with construction and maintenance whereas Frieda expects to teach missionary children (including her own) in an elementary school. Their farm here is rented out to Glenn Friesens of Plea­ sant Valley. A sturdy sidewalk has been constructed around our church building. With the addi­ tion of plywood panels, it will form a barrier of protection against future floods. Most of the work was done on a voluntary basis.

MISSIONARIES REPORT Arabella, Sask.: It has been some time since the last report, so we will try to reflect upon the past events. On October 12 we gathered at the church

for a Communion Service. Pastor Ernest Funk chose for a text Leviticus 1:1-9. Speak­ ing of the sacrifices of the Old Testament, he related how they are a picture of the sacrifice of Jesus. This sacrifice was without blemish, voluntary, complete, pleasing and accep­ table. On October 26 a number of families motored to Birch River to attend the annual fall conference. The messages by Fred Friesen, the special music by a group from Kola, and fellowship with other believers made it a day filled with spiritual blessings. Our Thanksgiving service and fellowship dinner at the church was held on November 9. We once again realized how blessed a peo­ ple we really are. Pastor Funk based his ser­ mon text on Luke 17:11-19. In the story of how the ten lepers were healed, he brought out the following three points: 1) The Death of Appreciation - only one man returned to give thanks; 2) The Beauty of Appreciation thankfulness enriches one’s relationship to 6od and man; 3) The Appreciation of Gratitude - the expression of love and endearment to one another as compared to unthankful attitudes. November 28-30 were the days of our an­ nual missionary conference. The reports from the missionaries were both enriching and challenging. Milton Fast reported on EMC missions on Friday evening. Saturday evening we heard a report by Peter Dueck from Germany describing their work with the Janz Team. His two songs were a real blessing. Sunday morning we had Diedrich Friesen give a report on his work in the prisons in Manitoba, and on Sunday evening Linda Penner had a slide presentation about her work as a nurse in Paraguay. The meain speaker for these four services was John K. Reimer from Wymark, Sask. The Reimers had been serving in the Arabella-Danbury area in the 194O’s and 195O’s. His messages were very inspiring. Highlights from each message are as follows: 1) Our Spiritual Growth (II Kings 6:1-7) When we neglect our devotional life, or com­ promise our testimony, or fail to repent for what isn’t right, the Holy Spirit is quenched. Then we need to get back and start up again where we left off (repentance). 2) The Church Witnessing (Acts 4:13-22) - We should be living witnesses and talking witnesses about our Lord and Saviour. The Holy Spirit exercises power through us if we are clean vessels. 3) The Church Praying (Acts 4:18-31) - God’s power is manifested through prayer. Characteristics of a praying church include a correct understanding of who God is, a boldness or confidence, a con­ sistent zeal and perfect unity, and unselfish attitude. 4) You and God (Exodus 3:1-12) When God calls us to do something, God equips. We must surrender ourselves to God; then our life must be in Christ (“hidden with Christ”). Our life needs to be totally in Christ. Our possessions, whether small or large, have to be dedicated to God, to be used of Him. THE MESSENGER

BANQUETS, BANQUETS

Mennville, Man.: Yes, we are a well fed peo­ ple. Youth banquets, ladies’ fellowship suppers, and family dinners have been quite common in our community lately, and we praise the Lord for sufficient physical intake. However, banquets of another nature, the kind mentioned in the well-known chorus, “He calls me to his banqueting table. His banner over me is love,” have also been ex­ perienced. A missions conference took place in early November with missionaries and speakers, Levi Reimers, Milton Fast, Linda Penner, Helen Kornelsen, and Elmer Warkentins reporting, sharing their experiences, and in other ways promoting the Great Commis­ sion. Thanks for coming and come again. In late November a weekend of meetings was planned with Jake Wiebe of Blumenort serving. “We are God’s masterpiece of crea­ tion; therefore glorify Him in all your words and actions; Watch your thoughts, for what you think is what you are; Forgive, for you have been forgiven; and keep a clear con­ science by confession” were topics dealt with during the four sessions, and 1 believe each one was struck where it’s not always comfor­ table. Yes, we have eaten well. Now to the work. The youth choir has once again taken up the challenge to carry the “Wonderful Story of Love” into neighbouring locations. Rev. Jake Kroeker was called in to “put the icing on the cake.” Even a small senior group scratched enough courage to unite their voices to “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow,” capably directed by Aron P. Plett. To those having invited these groups, thanks for listening. It was a pleasure to serve, and we hope the diet was right. Others have taken up new responsibilities as year end elections have taken place to reorganize different functions of the church. Many are praying and giving. “To the Work, To the Work, We are Servants of God.” BABY DEDICATION

Fisher Branch, Man.: A special blessing to us in November was a missionary con­ ference. Speakers who came out to share were Rev. Milton Fast of Steinbach, the Elmer Warkentin family of Nigeria, Linda Penner of Paraguay, Helen Kornelsen of Belize, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Reimer and Mar­ tina Homan of Germany. Another November highlight for our small church was the baby dedication when three couples came forward to dedicate their children to the Lord. Those involved were Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer Reimer and daughter Jodee Estelle, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Reimer and Geraldine, Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Reimer and Trevor. At our ladies’ meeting on November 13 Carol Hartogg of Hodgson shared some of

JANUARY 2, 1981

the many needs that people who are sick may have. She gave us some helpful tips on visiting and ministering to the sick. In Matthew 25 we read, “I was sick and ye visited me” and “Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me.” November 1 was the wedding day for Stephen Heinrichs and Geraldine Cameron. The young couple is now residing in a mobile home on their farm near Hodgson. The young people who went to the “Youth Alive” at SBC reported of splendid fellowship and a helpful stepping-stone in their Christian lives. On December 5 the young people enjoyed an informal meeting at the John F. Plett home. Some of us went to Menville on December 5 for an annual Bible Camp meeting there. Our ladies’ group decided to invite their husbands out for an informal Christmas social on December 15. Each couple con­ tributed to the entertainment by an item of their choice. Names of prayer sisters were revealed with a small gift, while the men were treated to a draw from the surprise box. The evening ended up with lunch and some chat­ ting. We were delighted to see quite a number of our neighbours showing up for our church supper and Sunday school Christmas program on December 21. This year we decided to have no gifts but instead to bring a donation for the refugees in Somalia. Most of the children had their donation wrapped in beautiful Christmas wrapping! We wish each one of our readers a blessed New Year. May each one of us praise and thank the Lord for the priceless gift of salvation!

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f

Jake Friesen of Riverton, Man., has begun a two-year term with Mennonite Central Committee in Toronto, Ont., as a researcher. He served previously with MCC from 1977-80 in offender ministries and immigration assistance. He received a bachelor of arts degree at the Universi­ ty of Manitoba, Winnipeg, and a master's of divinity degree at Associated Men­ nonite Biblical Seminaries in Elkhart, Ind. He is a member of Aberdeen Evangelical Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. His parents are j. D. and Tina Friesen of Blumenort .

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Calgary, Alta.: Our Christmas concert open­ ed with a candelighting ceremony by the grade four and five students. Each Sunday school class was responsible for presenting an item on the program. The nursery and preschoolers had a musical with homemade drums, shakers, bells and tambourines. There was also a variety of poems and plays. One drama por­ trayed how a lot of people celebrate Christ­ mas — fighting for the best gift, etc. This was contrasted with the way Christians celebrate Christmas - going to church, a family turkey dinner, reading the Christmas story, singing together and exchanging gifts. Another play showed the effect a home, both the Christian and non-Christian, has on a child's overall character and behaviour. Special features on the program were a children’s choir and a ladies’ choir. An informal Christmas social was held for the young people at the Cornie Friesen home. About twenty young people were pre­ sent. Each person was asked to bring a gift

for $1.47 to the party. We played a game in which everyone was given a number (one to twenty) and, in consecutive order, we each chose a gift from under the tree or “stole” one from another person. We also played a variety of table games such as Blitz and Boggle. Refreshments were served, which consisted of punch, peanuts and other goodies. It was an enjoyable evening for everyone. Thursday, December 4, we had our adult Christmas banquet at the Town and Country Hotel. We had a really good turn-out — about seventy people. After the turkey supper we had a short program consisting of voluntary items and carol singing. There was a lot of time for visiting and getting ac­ quainted with the new members in our church family. The evening concluded with the film, “The Stable Boy,” which reminded us that an important part of celebrating Christmas is to worship Christ. We closed with the singing of “O Come Let Us Adore Him.”

PAGE 11

r

Around

World TRANS WORLD RADIO RECEIVES OVERWHELMING MAIL RESPONSE EROM CHINA

Chatham, NJ.: Trans World Radio-Guam recently promoted a stamp-exchange cam­ paign for its Chinese listeners. As a result of this project, mail response has increased and several hundred letters a month are arriving at our Hong Kong office. As many as 100 letters per day have been received, representing at least 25 provinces in China. Many of the letters are from new listeners. As people respond from various locations in China, Trans World Radio is better able to determine the areas to target the transmissions. The letters indicate that the Chinese are inquisitive about God's Word and Christianity. The broadcasts present the message of Salvation to them, and give Bible­ centered instruction so they can mature in their faith. More than 340 programs are beamed week­ ly from Trans World Radio-Guam in the Man­ darin, Cantonese, and English languages to over 900 million Chinese.

COOKBOOK, RUNAWAY SELLER In a recent Herald Press news release. Book Editor Paul M. Schrock says, "According to CHRISTIAN CENTURY, Doris Longacre's LIVING MORE WITH LESS (Herald Press, '80) is by far the most packed, internally varied and useful of the 'simple living' books that Christians with credentials have begun to come up with." Released in September, the book already has 60,000 copies in print. "The phenomenal response to MOREWITH-LESS COOKBOOK by Doris Longacre, first released by Herald Press in April, 1976, continues unabated. The latest printing (25th) takes the book to 370,000 copies in print."

CENTER IN ASUNCION SOLD

Akron, Pa. — For almost 40 years it has been a place for Mennonites in Paraguay to gather informally, a place to learn to know, trust and work with each other. It has offered lodging and meals at a moderate price, plus various services for Mennonites living in Paraguay's capital. It has been a home away from home for those living in the colonies. The Mennonite Home in Asuncion, begun by Mennonite Central Committee in 1943, will continue to be all these things, but under the ownership of Paraguayan Mennonites themselves. Last August MCC completed sale of the Home to the Paraguayans, who have been administering it since 1965. The two par­ ties had considered such a transaction for over a decade and had actively pursued it since 1978. The Home is self-supporting and has operated at a profit for many years.

PAGE 12

THE MESSENGER

MCC REPRESENTATIVES MEET ARGENTINE NOBEL PRIZE WINNER

Philadelphia, Pa. — Adolfo Perez Esquivel of Argentina was named 198O's Nobel Peace Prize winner on October 13 in Oslo, Norway. On November 21 two Mennonite Central Committee representatives, Herman Bon­ trager, Latin America secretary, and Urbane Peachey, Peace Section executive secretary, met with the Nobel Prize winner along with 100 others at the Philadelphia headquarters of the American Friends Service Committee. Perez Esquivel, head of Servicio Paz y lusticia (Service for Peace and Justice) in Latin America, is a Roman Catholic human rights leader who has been instrumental in coor­ dinating human rights efforts throughout Latin America. The former professor of architecture was jailed by Argentina's military government in April 1977 and released 15 months later without charges. In spite of the torture and brutal treatment he received and his organization confronts, he is firmly com­ mitted to nonviolence. GERMAN LUTHERANS TO PROVIDE BIBLES EOR RUSSIAN CHURCHES London (EWNS) — Five thousand German Bibles will shortly be arriving at Lutheran churches in the Soviet Union. The Lutheran Bibles, for which import permission has been received by the authorities, are a present from the Lutheran World Council (Genf) and from the World Council of Bible Societies (Stuttgart). Three thousand copies will be sent from Stuttgart by truck, and the rest will be sent from the Altenburg Bible Centre in East Germany. This is the second delivery of Bibles to Christians from the West in the last two years. While this shipment of Bibles is being arranged through legal import channels to registered churches in the Soviet Union, the Christian Committee for the Defense of Believers' Rights in that communist country

last spring issued an open letter to Christians in the West. The religious human rights organization said that "spiritual hunger" in the Soviet Union has assumed "immense proportions". According to the open letter, after decades of atheism and anti-religious campaigns the country had "turned towards Cod and towards the Gospel through recon­ sideration of our thousand-year-old religious tradition." The actual number of Bibles need­ ed "far exceeded the number of Bibles printed or imported by permission of the Soviet government." Every tourist visiting the Soviet Union should therefore bring with him a Bible and a prayer-book, suggested the letter. One of the ten signatories of the docu­ ment is Pastor Gleb Yakunin who has since been arrested. (December/80)

CHINA'S CHURCH "FAITHEUL AND STRONG"

London (EWNS) — "There are many more Christians in China today than there were at the time of the Revolution in 1949," a recent conference was told. The "Concern for China" conference, sponsored by the Overseas Missionary Fellowship, was held at High Leigh Conference Center. Speakers included Theodore Hsueh, China Coordinator Worldwide for OMF; Kenneth Lo, head of Far East Broadcasting Company in Hong Kong, and Philip Leung, head of their follow-up department. Speakers at the conference pointed out that the Church in China is a faithful Church with a strong body life and a deep love for the Word of Cod, where the work of the Holy Spirit is strongly present and there is a lively desire for the second coming of Christ. One of its great strengths is the integration of witness with life, and despite the destruc­ tion of church buildings during the Cultural Revolution its adaptability in meeting in homes and wherever it is possible for people to gather.

E.M.C. Writers’ Conference February 27,28 at the Steinbach Bible College Workshops on different aspects of writing will be given.

For detailed information write to the address below. Writers’ Conference EMC Board of Education and Pubiication Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0