he Messenger
ELICAL MENNONITE EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE CONFERENCi
VOL. NOV. 6/81 < VOL. 19 19 NO. NO. 22 22 Vi^NOV.
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• Family Reading • NFC Annual Conference
The breakdown of the farnily in our socie ty is a serious problem. Particularly fright ening is the increasing occurrence or of this breakdown among Christian families. The habit of family reading can contribute to fa mily solidarity, particularly if this practice becomes a family tradition.
Building Stronger Homes through Family Reading by Leonard Johnson
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t has often been said, “The family that prays togeth er, stays together.” Perhaps it is equally true that the family that reads together enjoys living together. Fami ly reading, that is, reading aloud with the family, has many benefits which modern entertainment media, such as television, can never offer the Christian home. It is important to evaluate the activities that charac terize our homes, to describe the major things our fami lies like to do. My family enjoys reading; it is extremely important to us. Our children have all played at reading before they could actually read, sometimes solemnly holding a book upside down and gazing at it as though in deep thought! Reading is the activity our children prefer most consistently for private as well as family-time en tertainment. It is high quality time together. But what are the Irenefits to be derived from cultivat ing family reading? What values does this practice instill within the Christian home? Why should Christian par ents engage in this activity? Reading aloud with the family can achieve some im portant educational designs. When the father or mother read entertaining stories to the family, the children re ceive help in developing an interest in reading for them selves. They find that reading is fun, that there is a life of imaginative enjoyment in books! Even before they can read books, children can receive help in understanding written material by having re peated practice at hearing written ideas and by having the parents on hand to clear up any confusion. Along with this understanding, children begin to get a feel for how ideas can be expressed in writing. After repeatedly hearing stories, they gain an understanding of how such stories are put into written form and thus they will be better prepared to compose a story themselves. These reasons for reading in the home may not seem to have particular spiritual value. However we must re member that the great message we have to convey to the
world, the whole body of truth we need to communicate, and the authoritative manner in which this truth has been received is the written form. Therefore the ability to understand written material and the ability to convey ideas well in writing are spiritually important abilities for the Christian. Who has a greater message to convey than we? And who more than we, has to be concerned about correctly perceiving and accepting the truth? Cer tainly the ability to read, understand, and communicate in written form is important for the Christian when he considers his relationship to God’s truth. The breakdown of the family in our society is a serious problem. Particularly frightening is the increasing oc currence of this breakdown among Christian families. The habit of family reading can contribute to family sol idarity, particularly if this practice becomes a family tradition. I can’t imagine parents wanting to pass on to their children the heritage of watching television! In contrast, what fond memories come to mind of a father reading the “Sugar Creek Gang” books to the family at home, as was my heritage. This helped unite our family. So now our children in turn want all members of the family to be present for our reading-aloud times. It’s a family experience we treasure. And for each family, the particular books they read, the stories they share, gives them a set of special experiences all their own— making that family unique.
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hink too of the wholesome leadership a father can establish! If he does the reading to the family, he can fulfill a leadership role that is basically pleasant for the children. Rather than only and always being regarded as the awe-inspiring and fearsome disciplinarian, the fa ther has the opportunity to express and demonstrate his love for his children through this experience of family
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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children also like to see their parents en joying the activity they share with them. It is one thing for the father and mother to take time to do things with their children; it's an other and greater thing for the children to see their parents enjoying the time they take together.
reading. It is interesting to note that several of the “classics” of children’s literature have themselves origi nated from a father’s expressed love for his children. The “Winnie-the-Pooh” stories grew out of the situation in which A. A. Milne needed to be away from his family. So in order to continue the bed-time stories he had been telling his boy, Mr. Milne sent home letters that con tained a sequence of episodes. The written form of Ken neth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows had a similar origin. Grahame’s young son objected to going away to the seaside until his father promised to continue his bed time story-telling by letter. Other children’s books have also grown out of the experience of a father telling stor ies to his children. These stories have that quality of a father’s love built right into them. Children also like to see their parents enjoying the ac tivity they share with them. It is one thing for the father and mother to take time to do things with their children; it’s another and greater thing for the children to see their parents enjoying the time they take together. Reading together can provide that type of experience. As C. S. Lewis explains, the really good “children’s” books are ones that can also be enjoyed by adults. Word play is often an important part of children’s stories. This is found to a good degree Alice in Won derhind. And what adult doesn’t enjoy the word-play of the Dr. Seuss stories! Rudyard Kipling’s “Just So” stories are also great for this sort of fun. Just Imagine his “great grey-green greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever trees”! And there are other sorts of “adult” fun in children’s books, such as irony and understatement. As the father and mother laugh together with their children, truly en joying the same things, a real solidarity can be devel oped. Family reading also provides opportunity for spiritual and moral guidance. Of course explicitly spiritual ma terial may be chosen for reading, but even when this is not the case, the situation of reading with the family of fers many valuable opportunities for moral guidance. An interesting story that brings up issues of spiritual concern can serve as a stimulus for serious thought. Good fiction, including children’s fiction, deals with the important issues of life: birth and death, love and mar riage, doing right or wrong, wise or foolish decisions, values worth upholding, accomplishments of life, dreams and aspirations. While reading a story that touches on these issues, the family will frequently be drawn into a discussion of such topics in a natural con versational manner. NOVEMBER 6, 1981
In contrast to watching television, reading makes a flexible demand for attention: the progress of the story can be stopped for discussion. As the parents discuss with their children what the particular story is saying about some issue, they are giving their children experi ence in detecting the philosophy of the author as evident in his written work. This ability to detect an author’s philosophy — his ideas of God and reality, of what is truly valuable, of what one might to do, etc.— will be an ex tremely valuable asset throughout life. Notice also that, contrary to the common experience with watching tele vision, the parents are able to interrupt their story read ing to make comments, criticize, express warnings, or praise the philosophy being presented by the author.
Good fiction, including children's fic tion. deals with the important issues of life: birth and death, love and marriage, doing right or wrong, wise and foolish decisions, values worth upholding, accomplishments of life, dreams and aspirations.
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ome outstanding books, written by committed Christians, not only give good spiritual and moral in struction, but also have high interest value. Two really outstanding authors in this category are George Mac Donald and C. S. Lewis. MacDonald’s A t the Back of the North Wind, The Princess and the Goblin, and The Prin cess and Ciirdie are masterpieces of Christian fantasy. MacDonald, a 19th Century author, was very instru mental in C. S. Lewis’ conversion through his story Phan tastes. So it is perhaps not surprising that C. S. Lewis should also use fantasy to convey spiritual truth. He does this superbly in the seven-book series, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” which many families will find particularly suitable for reading aloud. These books are of such quality that a person is tempted to be excessively lavish in praise. Their popularity is steadily growing, and the first book. The Lion, the Witch, and the Ward robe, has already been shown in animated cartoon form on television. Some other authors that ought to be men tioned are Madeleine L’Engle and Patricia M. St. John. L’Engle’s book. Meet the A nstins, is particularly good for instilling family values. Two good books that provide a list of authors and stor ies, with summaries and evaluations, are Honey fora Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt (Zondervan) and How to Grow a You ng Reader by John and Kay Kindskoog (Dav id C. Cook). The authors are both Christians with an in terest in guiding parents and their children into good reading. Unlike many modern media attractions family read ing is not a corrupting tyrant that undermines the values we want to build in our families. The experience of reading aloud with our families can be a wholesome, stabilizing activity that contributes to the moral and spiritual growth of our children. ■
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spoke of some aspects. Prayer groups were a real support to some. Learning to live together can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Mr. Plett’s next message dealt with the need for Christian education. Many homes do not have Bibles which is in part the reason for much biblical illiteracy. Scientific issues out of order have been the cause of bad publicity and clouded the Word in some cases. To understand the Bible takes serious thought and effort. The influence that secular education in our public schools has on our lives should cause us to re-evaluate our priorities. The evening session gave U.S a look at a number of places. Our tour guide for the first part wa.s Dave Wiebe w’ho took U.S by slide presentation to look in on the Swan River Christian School. Outdoor ac-
Good attendance characterized the 1981 NFC annual conference.
NORTHERN FELLOWSHIP CHURCHES’ ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Christian Education: Theme at Conference by Rose Steppan The conference of the Northern Fellowship churches was hosted by the FJndeavour Fellowship Chapel this year on October 25, 1981. A good attendance from the various churches made for lively visiting between sessions. The theme of the conference was “Christian Education.” A group from the Steinbach Bible College provided special music for all services. In the morning service Mr. Harvey Plett, conference speaker, compared secular education with Christian educa tion. Education is a process of inten tionally guiding people’s thinking.
Therefore a.s Christians we are in part responsible for those lives we have opportunit.v to come in contact with. In light of the fact that the secular view says there are no absolutes, there is a real need for Christian education. The afternoon session gave us a chance to go with Paul Thiessen to the Drop In Centre in Kamsack. The need for a place for counselling or just listening to someone’s problems and hurts over a cup of coffee is very real. Twenty-five percent of the conference offerings were designated for this project. Dorm life was given a plug as students
The SBC Children of Light (2) provided special music at the NFC annual con ference.
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Golden Rule Bookstore, Yorkton, had a book table at the NFC annual con ference.
tivities like hikes and games, as well as serious in-class study, are all part of the curriculum. From Swan River we travell ed over to Hudson Bay to view their building progress. Their little chapel has undergone some growing pains which are resulting in a beautiful new structure. In side there is also growth going on in an active Awana Club. We went down to Ketchen Lake next where we had glimpses of some of the summer activities — Bible camp with many campers, some of whom were touched for the first time with the realization of what God’s Word really means; and a baptismal service where a number of candidates signified THE MESSENGER
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Main speaker, Harvey Plett, president of the Steinbach Bible College (left), with Dave Wiebe, pastor at Endeavour and chairman of the 1987 NFC annual conference.
their desire to follow Jesus more closely. Fred Buhler took over the controls at this time and took us to Nicaragua with a slide presentation. Contrasts were noticeable — lovely green park areas and old unused war tanks. Open air super markets, as well as open air buses, provide a way of life. Outdoor kitchens offered big leaves and fingers as table ser vice in some instances. Theological Education by Extension awards are given to national pastors for their part in educating and training people. “On-going Education” was Mr.Plett’s next topic. He commended the host of volunteer Sunday school teachers. “If you can get one point across per Sunday in a year you will have 52 points and can con sider your mission accomplished,” he said. There is a great need for teaching delinquent parents that we do not out grow the need for studying God’s Word in Sunday school. The pulpit ministry can be considered a success if it gets one point across which is retained. Other areas of on-going education are
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It seems as if Frank (Braun) doesn't have everyone con vinced yet! Listening are (left to right) John Beadle, Benjamin Dyck (both from Swan River) and Jake Warkentin, Birch River.
conferences (e.g. Family Life) where truths that have been preached can come alive, and discussions that create ex change of ideas are helpful. Then there is the home where children are taught in part by observation and many are self-taught by availability of good reading and listening material. Our thanks to The Golden Rule for providing good reading and listening material at their display at the conference and at their store in Yorkton. The need for formal education is also very real. It teaches discipline and prepares us to stand firm in our beliefs. Mr. Wright’s words reflected the deep feeling he has always had for God’s Word and the spreading of it. He remembered that the first services in Endeavour were held in the open air with a gas barrel pulpit and car headlights for light. May we be encouraged with that most profound theology that “Jesus loves me.” In closing, may we remember that all of life is education and live each day to
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His glory and the building up of each other.
Bill and Anne Buhler, now living in Hudson Bay, Sask, (formerly High Level, Alta.), find the Golden Rule Bookstore display a good place to shop for Christ mas cards.
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Children at the NFC annual conference at Endeavour went to their own service in the chapel. NOVEMBER 6, 1981
The 1987 NFC Conference was held in the Ukrainian Hall in Endeavour, Saskatchewan.
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Straight Talk I: A CHRISTIAN WITNESS AND LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS By Ray Friesen
"Chaotic" is not too strong a term to describe the current situation in our country in the area of labour management relations. Strikes, "the great Canadian pastime," affect our lives at various levels on an almost dai ly basis as postal workers, grain handlers, government employees, etc., walk out. Many of us face the prospect of, or are involved in, union membership and its conse quences — strikes. Many are involved in dealing with employers and employees regularly, determining job descriptions, wages, hours, benefits, and so on, often in an atmosphere of suspicion and tension. Within this "chaos" we as a Christian community have two alternatives. We may ignore the situation and simply allow things "to ride," accepting the standards and biases of our society, thereby suggesting that the Christian faith which began in the towns and cities of Palestine and came to new life in the sixteenth century urban centers of Europe is no longer relevant to life in the technological, in dustrial and commercial centers of today, OR, we may face the issue directly, enter the situation as people dedicated to the love ethic and make our discipleship and the lordship of Christ a powerfully felt presence. The former response would be denying any faith we have. The latter will lead to new demands on us as a faithful people and will include sacrifice and the acceptance of Christ's challenge to take up our cross. Guy F. Hershberger says. Carrying the sixteenth-century spirit of brotherhood over into the twentieth-century industrial world, dif ficult though it may be, should be regarded as an op portunity and a challenge, not as an impossibility (p. 289, Way of the Cross). Labour unions had their origins at a time when people were being misused and mistreated — exploited — by the
Letters
wealthy owners and managers. It was, and still occasionally is today, necessary that unions were formed to improve conditions. Unfortunately today the misuse of power is as obvious on the part of labour as on the part of manage ment. The antagonism is as strong and bitter as ever. The church, for various reasons, has often sided with management and has consequently been anti-labour. The feeling in the world of one businessman, was. The rights and intents of the labouring man will be protected and cared for — not by the labor agitators, but by the Christian men to whom God in his infinite wisdom has given the control of the property interests of the country (p. 86, Ethics in a Business Society). Rather than being a peacemaker and a redeeming presence, the church sided ided with power and money and seemed more concerned with status quo than with people's welfare. As Christians, as Anabaptists, and as evangelicals, com mitted to God's Word and its ethic, we need to enter the field of labour-management relations not on the side of one or the other, but as people prepared to change at titudes and lifestyles as the Spirit through the Word urges us to do.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Herschberger, Guy F. The Way of the Cross in Human Relations. Scottsdale, Penn.: Herald Press, 1958. Hess, ). Daniel. Ethics in Business and Labor. Kitchener, Ont.: Herald Press, 1977. Redekop, John H. Labor Problems in Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1972. -------------------"Labour Management Relationships: A Biblical Perspective." A lecture delivered at Waterloo, Ontario in January, 1976 and later at Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Ray Friesen is with MCC (Manitoba), half time with the SALT program and half time with Mediation Services. Straight Talk is sponsored by the EMC Social Concerns Committee. This is the first of four articles on Labour Management Relations.
of a lot of stimulus. We are often so complacent in our Christian tradition. Agatha Grant Box I, Grp. I. R.R.I Selkirk, Man.
THE TREASURES WE ARE MISSING I am responding to the beautiful article by Laverna Klippenstein, “I Give Thanks for My Single Friends," in the October issue of The Messenger. I kept nodding my head in fervent approval as I read, I think (I hope) she has spoken the thoughts of many others like me. who could not have said it so well. Wouldn't our churches be exciting energizing centres if this attitude of loving understan ding and appreciation motivated all our relationships? What treasures in other people we are missing! In a different vein, I often wonder why there are so few personal letters written that touch on anything controversial. Is it the fear of a negative response from other members? I miss such letters! They could be the source
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CONTRIBUTORS: Leonard Johnson, “Building Stronger Homes Through Family Reading," has served as instructor in English at Grace College of the Bible since 1973. He previously taught for eight years at Corn Bible Academy, Corn, Oklahoma. The arti cle is reprinted by permission for Grace Tidings. Copyright 1980 by Grace College of the Bible, Inc. All rights reserved. Dare and Susie Eidse (Pleasant Valley) are in volved in visitation and church planting among the German-speaking people of Mexico. Mary Koop (Kleefeld) is serving in Japan under the New Tribes Mission. Marvin and Wendy Thiessen (MacGregor) are in Brazil with the Janz Team where Marvin is the field director. They are also involved in Bible school and radio work. Rose Steppan, “Northern Fellowship Churches
Annual Conterence," is the Messenger reporter from the Endeavour church. She is the wife of Pete Steppan. They live on the farm.
COVER PHOTOS: These waterfowl at the Mennonite Village Museum, Steinbach, Man, performed quite admirably for the editor when he went to photograph them the other day. They also seem to enjoy the fine late fall weather we're having, I also was again privileged to be at the annual conference of our churches in Region 3, It was a pleasure to meet and talk with a number of old friends and meet some new ones. I also managed to get some reasonable pictures. I trust that through the report and the pictures you will get to know Region 3 a little better. —D. S.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Old Address: Mr. and Mrs. Dan Klassen Box 717 Portage la Prairie, Man. New Address: 133 1st St. N.W. Portage la Prairie, Man. RIN IZI
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Missions Lord and Saviour. In August 1981 her two youngest sisters were invited over and they had a wonderful time together. They asked for Bibles which were provided. Pray that Seiko and Harumi, the younger two, will also accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour and follow Him. The Lord willing they will again be here for a few days for New Year’s, 1982. Thank you for praying for them. Mary Koop
MEXICO
A Year of Trials and Testings
Hifumi San (center) with her two sisters, in 1974. JAPAN
Up-date on Prayer Request Thttuk ijoit for praying Some of you will remember the Japan prayer request in the November 1, 1974 Mes.seufier for the three sisters whose mother was critically ill. Many of you who have been praying for them faithful ly for these eight years may wonder what has happened to them. Their mother passed away five years ago. Again the girls were separated, but many of you were praying for them. God answered your prayers! The oldest sister, Hifumi San, is living with me now. She is eighteen years old and in grade 12. She will be graduating in March 1982 and has asked me to represent her at the graduation. It’s a privilege and new ex perience for me. But, most important of all, Hifumi San, has accepted Jesus as I
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Al! th inffst ii'ork fof/efherfor good . . The year 1981, up to this point, has had its trials and testings. They have come in various forms — sickness, opposition and a prolonged rainy season. All seemed to have a detrimental effect on the work
among the German-speaking people. We know, however, that Romans 8:28,29 are just as true today as when they were written. During the earl.v part of the year travel and visitations were often done on my own because of Susie’s health. Opposition has never had a negative effect in the Christian’s experience. At times we fail to see the purpose of it. The veteran missionary, R. Ebersole, was greatly encouraged by the beloved Bible teacher, W. Petingil. After Ebersole told him of the disappointments and trials he faced on the foreign field, Petingil ex claimed, ‘Brother, that means you’re on the right track. If you never experience any opposition or setbacks in the Lord’s work, you ought to get down on your knees and ask Him to show you what you’re doing wrong!” (Daily Bread), The rainy season has stretched from June through October. This has resulted in overflowing creeks and rivers, washed out and bumpy roads. Travel has been es-
Mission Grams Japan Pat Kroeker writes, “We’re off to another exciting school year at CAJ in Tokyo, Japan. First quarter reports have gone out, athletics are underway, the fall music con cert was a great success, and the senior drama promises to be ‘tops’. My respon sibilities on this busy campus of Japan’s largest MK school are again to teach grade three and to be the advisor for the yearbook staff. In addition, I teach a high school Sunday school class. “As 1 work with the MKs of varying ages, pray that Christ’s love will be abundantly evident in me so that I can pass it on to the kids I work with. Pray, too, for wisdom, as I have so many opportunities to motivate students’ thinking and learning about the Lord.”
Mexico Dora Friesen works with Gloria Trevizo in Sunday school teacher training in the churches. In November and part of December they are slated to teach these short-term courses in six locations. Pray for this ministry. Nigeria On October 12 Elmer Warkentin began teaching in the Advanced Teachers College. This term he is teaching General Biblical Introduction and New Testament Introduc tion. Warkentins’ children, Kelly and Kendra, are attending school at Kent Academy which is approximately 100 miles from home. Kamsack The native ministry workers in Kamsack are working on plans to open a self-help and counselling center. It is felt that this type of center will be an asset in the work here.
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3.1 Left to right: Seiko, Hifumi, Harumi, in 1981. NOVEMBER 6, 1981
Paraguay Helen Koop, a short-term teacher, has been involved in setting up a field library for the missionary families. Presently they have over a thousand books. Brazil Abe and Dee Koop are presently in the USA for medical reasons. Mrs. Koop has improved even though the doctors have not yet been able to diagnose the medical problem. Pray for her complete recovery.
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pecially difficult for Susie during this time as a result of her earlier back injury. Several times our vehicle was pulled out of the overflowing streams. Several ser vices were cancelled and travel was limited. We are aware of the truth found in Romans 8:37-39. Praise the Lord! Even through hardships and trials there have been blessings. The highlight this year was the baptismal service and reception of members on March 8, 1981. Jake Loewen was baptized. Edith Peters and Tina Voth were received into membership. During our stay here in Mexico, ten have been baptized and five have been received into membership. Another highlight was our first wed ding here. Jake Loewen and Tina Voth were married on March 11. A great number witnessed this blessed event. Dave and Susie Eidse
for the nine-day crusade! This was a real encouragement to the church. The first evening some 800 people came. Night after night the crowds grew, to 1700 peo ple on the last three nights. It was in teresting to note that many new people came every evening. This tells us that many heard the message of salvation and many, many responded to the altar call. Please pray with us for these new con verts and for the new dedications. Pray that they will grow in grace and remain faithful in following Jesus. Marvin Thiessen
Good Response in Crusades
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• Did you know that the EMC has a resource library consisting of filmstrips and other teaching material (for both children and adults)? • Did you know that these materials can be rented free of charge from our of fice in Steinbach? • Did you know that this library is ex panded from time to time? If you didn't know all these things we would like to acquaint you with our resource library. We have made a new revised list of the contents of our library and would like to send you a copy. Write to the address below. Some of the recent additions are the following: • Parables from Nature. Stories based on Jesus’ parables. Filmstrips, cassettes, leader’s guides. • Jungle Doctor Filmstrips. Familiar animal friends tell simple yet captivating and provocative stories based on the teachings of Jesus. Filmstrips, cassettes, leader’s guides. • Moody Old Testament Filmstrips. Filmstrips, cassettes, manuals. The following filmstrips are available for the Christmas season: • It Began in Bethlehem. A Biblical account of the events surrounding the birth of Christ as recorded in Luke 2:120. Concentrates on a reverent and devotional presentation of the birth of Christ as one step in God’s master plan for the salvation of man. Filmstrip, record, leader’s guide (15 min.). • Story of Jesus. Series of six filmstrips, with accompanying records and leader’s guides (app. 15 min. each). 1. The Anunciation 2. The Nativity 3. The Presentation 4. The Story of the Wise Men 5. The Boyhood of Jesus 6. The Baptism and Temptation • The Surprise Gift. Kathy and Ted can’t understand why Dad should be sur prised about his Christmas gift - after all the clues they’ve given him. When Mom tells them that the first Christmas gift ever given was a surprise too, they have a mystery to solve. Filmstrip, cassette, leader’s guide (10 min.)
BRAZIL
Message of Salvation Heard by Many The key word for the month of August was “crusades.” For these three weeks of crusades we had evangelist Leo Janz and soloist Jack Stenekes with us. The first crusade was conducted here in the town of Gramado on three successive nights. For the local people this type of evangelism was strange and yet about 30 responded to the call to follow Jesus. Curitiba was the next place where the team ministered. On these three evenings Leo Janz spoke more to Christians on the theme “The Christian in Today’s Society.” On all evenings the large church, seating about 800-900 people, was filled to capaci ty with an overflow crowd in an adjoining hall. Many Christians experienced renewal and a number of young people were saved. It was our privilege to minister in a Christian school in Curitiba. We were amazed at the response. The evangelist said, “If you want to be saved talk to your teacher after you get back to your classroom.” Later we heard that some 90 students responded. In Joinville we conducted a one-night rally in the large church, “Igreja de Paz.” Here it w’as a joy to see how much fruit remained from our big crusade some four years earlier. Many of the 1000 people present had accepted the Lord at that time. Here too a goodly number were counselled. Blumenau was the high point in our crusades. The Lord answered prayer even before the crusade began. The three small churches with limited funds could not see how they could possibly sponsor a crusade of this size and yet they launched out. Then one day the town council said they would donate the hall without cost
BOARD OF EDUCATION RESOURCE LIBRARY
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EMC Resource Library Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Tel.: 326-6401
THE MESSENGER
Messenger News Friesens’ daughter and her husband are both employed as doctors in Russia. Their son, also married, is an engineer in Romania. Mr. and Mrs. Friesen really enjoyed their visit to Canada. Once a year the older couples in our church get together for an anniversary supper. These are the John Koops, Peter Martens, Jake Reddekops, Aaron Janzens, Bill Fehrs, John Rempels and Dave Pletts. They have all been married 39 years or more. These ladies also get together once a week for a sewing circle. Their main project is making blankets for MCC. Mention should also be made of the beautiful bouquets that meet our eye every Sunday as we walk into church. Mrs. Martens, whose flower arrangements are different every week, is truly using her gift from God to honour Him and in return it becomes a blessing for the whole church. Henry and Nancy Friesen from Winnipeg are certainly not senior citizens yet, but we take this opportunity to welcome them into Mr. and Mrs. Bill Fehr celebrated their ou; “church family.” They have taken up residence in Virden and are attending our 50th wedding anniversary on August 2. church in Kola. Henry is employed as an ac OUR SENIOR CITIZENS countant for Penner and Co. Western, Ltd. Kola, Man.: November 8 marks an impor tant day for Bill and Agnes Fehr. Fifty years ago they promised their love to each other “till death us do part.” Mr. and Mrs. Fehr started life together in Hague, Saskatchewan. Later they lived in Swan Plains, Pelly, and Mafeking. Kola has been their home for the last 19 years. The Fehrs have five children, Elizabeth and John Pronyk in Toronto, Mary and Joe Brown in Pelly, Agnes and Walter Kinakin in Kelowna, B.C., Menno and Betty Fehr in Flin Flon, and John and Diane Fehr in Kola. Other descendants include 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Because of the convenience of long weekends and better travelling conditions in summer, the anniversary was celebrated on August 2. Many friends and relatives, in cluding all of Bill and Agnes’ immediate “geschwista,” came out to enjoy this impor tant occasion with the Fehrs. A delicious supper was served outdoors on the beautiful grounds of Erna Klassen’s residence. Later a program was given in the church basement. The family presented their parents with a table and chairs. Refreshments were served. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Martens were recently surprised with a visit from Mr. Martens’ cousin, Heinz Friesen, and his wife, Luta, from Russia. Mr. Friesen, who is now of retirement age, served 16 years in Siberia. While teaching in a university there he met a Russian girl, who was also teaching in the same university. Heinz and Luta were married and had two children, while still in Siberia.
NOVEMBER 6, 1981
Myra Thiessen was baptized at the Heron church on September 27. ONE BAPTIZED Heron, Sask.: September 27, 1981 was a special day^for Myra Thiessen, daughter of Mr. ** and Mrs. Norman Thiessen. She was baptized and accepted as a member of our church during the Sunday morning church service. In, her testmony she expressed a real desire to live for Christ. Because 1981 has been designated as the Year of the Handicapped, we had a special service to commemorate it on October 4, Instead of our usual message we had two testimonies and a short talk. Cheryl Thiessen spoke of her work at the Dr. Harris Centre in Virden, Man. The centre employs mental ly handicapped adults in a workshop setting.
and Cheryl is one of the supervisors. After that Dick Thiessen shared a little about his accident a few years ago and how his resulting handicap had affected him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. After that our new deacon-elect, Norman Thiessen, presented a talk on relating to the handicapped. This was especially meaningful because they have first-hand experience with dealing with a handicapped person. Each year around Thanksgiving our church sponsors a Thanksgiving supper to which we invite all interested neighbours. We find that this is an ideal way to get together with our neighbours for an evening of fellowship and inspiration. This year it was held on October 16, with approximately 100 people present. We had a delicious cabbage roll supper in the church basement with a short program afterwards. THANKSGIVING SUPPER HELD Fisher Branch, Man.: The Bible says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” To show our gratitude to God and for each other we gathered for a thanksgiving supper and an informal time of sharing on October 12. For our Sunday night service on October 18 we viewed the film “Climb a Tall Moun tain.” On Monday this film was shown to the students at the Fisher Branch and Poplar field Schools. Some of the men went to help with the construction of the Thrift Shop building in Riverton on October 13 and 14. Tentative plans are to have the building ready for operation in December. Laura Heinrichs was hostess for the Oc tober young people’s meeting. Serving with several special numbers in our morning service on October 18 were Abe and Tina Plett of the Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship Church. Some of the ladies attended the annual Interlake ladies’ meeting which took place on October 15 at the Mennville church. The Elvin Reimer family enjoyed a brief vacation to Alberta in mid-October. Yours truly and family motored to Sault Ste. Marie in early October. The autumn scenery was fantastic! When we see the awesome grandeur that God has created, we cannot help but praise Him! Also we were happy to be able to attend my youngest brother’s wedding. Jim Penner was married to Linda McCrae at the Bethel Bible Chapel, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on October 10. Esther Fast hosted a bridal shower for Cecilia Thompson on October 14. An inter-lake ministerial meeting is to take place at our church tonight. Rev. Walter Dueck of the Arborg Fellowship Chapel has been asked to have the guest devotional. PAGE 9
MINISTRY SPOTS
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Baptism and reception of members at the Crestview Fellowship on July 12. Left to right: Jona Nordahl, Brenda Klassen, Don Klassen, with the pastor, Ben Friesen.
ANNUAL CAMP-OUT HELD
Crestview (Winnipeg): Our last report men tioned our sod-turning ceremony which took place at the end of May. Since then construc tion of our new addition has been steady. Many of our men have been actively in volved in the work of building and organiz ing. October 18 was the day we held our Thanksgiving dinner. The meal and fellowship made for an enjoyable afternoon. An evening service followed the meal and tour of the church addition under construc tion. It seemed appropriate for our congrega tion to look in on this building on this day because larger new facilities and a growing church are certainly something to be thankful for. Looking back to September, our con gregation packed up sleeping bags and warm clothes to attend our annual camp-out on the
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Labour Day weekend. We rented the Gimli Bible Camp this year. We had very cool, rainy weather but that didn’t stop some of the men from playing football in the mud or the rest of us from enjoying ourselves in doors. Of course we all enjoyed the great meals and snacks that were served and the fellowship with friends. Fireside sharing is also a special time at camp-out every year. Our special speaker this year was Rev. Jake Wiebe. He based his sermons on the song “Take Time to be Holy.” On July 22 three new members were accepted into our congregation. Jona Nordal and Brenda Klassen were baptized upon confession of their faith and Don Klassen transferred his membership from the Morris Fellowship Chapel. On June 14 many of us got together with Frank and Doreen Loewen to help them celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. This was a good day for them and we’re sure there will be many more.
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Parent and child dedication on September 20 in Kleefeld. Left to right: Rick and Roberta Cieciwa and Jordan, Charles and Lorraine Koop and Heidi, Dennis and Luella Friesen and Andrew. PAGE 10
Kleefeld, Man.:What makes a church pulsate with life? “1 am the vine, you are the branches.” There are many hidden “branches” working faithfully behind the scenes which add vitality and substance to the church. In order to create an awareness of these many different ministries existing in our church, opportunity for sharing has been provided every Sunday morning during a five-minute break called “Ministry Spot.” Some of these ministries include Choirs, College and Career, Union Gospel Mission, Men's Prayer Breakfast, Young Adult Fellowship, Personal Care Home, SBC Ladies’ Auxiliary, Sewing Circle, Library and many more. Since there are so many of these reports they have been spread over a five-month period. May these reports spark interest and increase participation and, above all, create prayer support from our whole church family. Only as we join forces and work together in harmony and love can our churches continue to throb with spiritual vitality and life. This year it was Kleefeld’s privilege to ho'st the annual Rest Haven Ladies’ Aid meeting on October 19. The guest speaker, Mrs. Helen Eidse, said they had seen many miracles on the mission field, but would like to see many more. Willing workers armed with Christian love are always in demand. Among the various contributions on the program, one poem caught and held our attention, and created much food for thought, “The good that we might have done.” God has given us many wonderful gifts. Among those are our children. Since the Lord has seen fit to loan them to us for a short time, it makes sense to dedicate them back to Him. This is what three of our couples, Rick Cieciwas, Charlie Koops, and Dennis Friesens, did on September 20. This month our focus is on Missions. We are looking forward to the many blessings that the Lord has in store for us. A belated picture (below) of Ron and Judy Goertzen, attending a seminary in Fresno, California, is a reminder to pray for them.
Ron and Judy Goertzen and their two girls, attending a seminary in Fresno, California.
THE MESSENGER
Around the World EMMANUEL MENNONITE CHURCH DEDICATES BUILDING SITE
associated broadcasters located in Japan, South east Asia, and Indonesia in response to their par ticular programs. With the new equipment in Abbotsford, B.C. - An enthusiastic group of operation, Trans World Radio anticipates an even more than 200 people gathered on August 30 to greater listener response in the months ahead. turn the first sod at the building site of the Em manuel (General Conference) Mennonite Church MCC (MANITOBA) BOARD MEETING at Clearbrook, British Columbia. The daughter APPROVES BUDGET, PROGRAMS fellowship of nearby Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church, Emmanuel recently purchased three and The board of Mennonite Central Committee one half acres on which the building of a new (Manitoba), approved a budget calling for $950,place of worship has now begun. (XX) from member churches, at its sessions in Emmanuel s pastor. Gene Klassen, opened the Winnipeg Saturday, October 24. Representing ceremony with song, a Scripture reading, and eight Mennonite Conferences, the board heard prayer. reports from program staff, approved new staff Finally, the first nine sods were officially turned appointments and struggled with questions rang by members who had been instrumental in Em ing from whether there should be a public state manuel’s beginning stages. The spades were ment on the nuclear arms race (with special atten centered at the focal point of the future sanctuary. tion to the rearming of sites just across the Arnold Fast, pastor of Eben-Ezer, made con border), to the best approach to making the cluding remarks and led in closing prayer. headquarters building accessible to the han dicapped considering the cost involved. New staff introduced included Menno Plett, TRANS WORLD RADIO EXPANDS Voluntary Service Coordinator. Plett has returned OUTREACH TO ASIA from a four-year assignment in Zaire, the last Chatham, NJ: November 4, 1981, marks another three as country director; he and his wife, Lydia, milestone in Trans World Radio’s outreach to are members of the Landmark E.M.C. congrega tion. Ray Friesen was appointed to Mediation China, Eastern Russia, India, Indonesia, Japan Services staff on a half time basis; he has been in and Southeast Asia. Two new 100,000-watt shortwave transmitters and curtain antenna the team ministry of the Aberdeen E.M.C. con gregation, Winnipeg. systems joined the existing two transmitters and While no new programs were accepted, the antennas in broadcasting the Gospel to more than basic directions of the present ones were re one-fourth of the world’s population. affirmed. Priority will continue to be given to Months of prayer, planning, and hard work by Native concerns and to core area problems; in the the Guam staff enabled the new transmitters to go “on the air’’ by the projected target date. This new Offender Ministries program explorations for equipment will double the effectiveness of Trans alternatives to the present justice system that will World Radio’s broadcasting in ten languages to reflect more the judeao-Christian view of recon Asia. Gospel broadcasts will be able to penetrate ciliation will continue. Income from congregations, at $956,451, was more target areas with clearer signals. It will be especially beneficial in reaching the thousands of up from the previous year’s $813,000. Of this Indonesian islands and the furthermost provinces amount, $286,000 came from the thirteen Com munity Self-Help Centres that sell used articles. of China. With four transmitters in operation, Trans Additional funds of $53,000 came from provincial World Radio’s broadcasting facility is literally government sources; another $50,000 was realiz transformed into four stations, all at one location. ed from auction sales in Landmark and Riverton. The MCC Annual meeting, when full reports In order to operate these additional stations, TWR has installed a new automated audio will be presented to the congregations, is schedul system, called a “Programmable Routing ed for November 27 and 28 in the Springfield Switcher." At its core is a small computer which Heights Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. Mennonite Central Committee is the service feeds programs to various transmitters and development agency for the Mennonites of simultaneously turning tape recorders and cassette decks on and off at the appropriate time. North America, with over 800 workers in 43 Programming will be changed to accommodate countries. Evangelical Mennonite Conference board the additional equipment. The evening programs in Mandarin will be divided into units for different members are Willie Dueck, Arborg; Leonard audiences: a half hour for parents, one and a Dueck, Riverton; Tim Kroeker, Landmark; John quarter hours for children, half hour programs Plett, Wawanesa. designed for Chinese who wish to learn English, one and a quarter hours for young adults, and one and a half hours for adults. The remainder of the BROADCASTS TO RUSSIA programs within this time block will be directed to SPUR CHURCH GROWTH university students. Cantonese programs will also increase from one hour to an hour and a half each Chatham, NJ: One of Trans World Radio’s Russian broadcasters reported the effect of TWR day. The mail responses to programs broadcast programs on the lives of the Russian people. After from Guam into China have reached as high as a recent visit to his native land, Alex Leonovich, 2.000 a month during the four years that the of the Slovak Missionary Service, shared his imstation has been in operation. In addition, thou- pressions of how the Lord is using the medium of sands of letters have streamed into the offices of radio to transform lives. He reports:
NOVEMBER 6, 1981
“Over and over again people would come to us and say, ‘We heard you, we heard the programs.’ I was told by Christian leaders that out of 12,000 recent converts that were baptized, 80% of them came in contact with the Gospel through radio. As a result of this initial contact, they sought for churches or believers who were able to instruct them further in their newfound faith. “The Christian faith is not a popular way of life as far as the government is concerned. We have to realize that we are dealing with an atheistic socie ... — ty. Russian Christians are very cognizant of this and they have adapted themselves to a life under restrictive conditions. “I spoke with Christians who told us that there were villages where the sole ministry they had was that of radio. Without a local church, people were totally dependent upon the radio for their source of spiritual strength. And there were also some villages where everyone came to know the Lord as a result of listening to the programs. “The letters that we receive from Russian listeners often request that we increase our broad cast time. In the U.S.S.R., shortwave radio is even more popular than television, and we see radio as a potential outlet through which we are able to communicate the message of God’s love to a needy world.” Trans World Radio broadcasts via shortwave to Russia from its transmitting sites on Bonaire and Guam, and from Monte Carlo on. both shortwave and medium wave (AM).
YOUTH ALIVE '81 November 20, 21, 22 Speaker: Bernard Briscoe Cost: $20.00 (inclusive) Pre-registration: $8.00 (balance on arrival) Pre-registration deadline: Nov. 13
Clip and send to: Youth Alive '81 Steinbach Bible College, Box 1420 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0
Mr. Miss Address
Age Grade Please enclose $8.00 pre-registration. Note: Age limit is Grade 10 or 15 years and up.
PAGE 11
From the Editor YOUR PAPER; USE IT
It is always a source of inspiration and gratitude to me when I meet people who say they read the Messenger (and especially when someone says it is read “from cover to cover”). This was again my experience when I went to the an nual conference of our Northern Fellowship EMC churches (Endeavour, Sask.; Pelly, Sask.; Hudson Bay, Sask.; Birch River, Man.; Creighton, Sask.; Kamsack, Sask.; Arabella, Sask.; Swan River, Man.). When I think of the responsibility involved in making the Messenger it makes me feel a little bit uneasy. Am I making a meaningful paper? Am I encouraging godliness? Am I wise in presenting issues? Or do I opt for a “safe pa per”? Our “Letters” section in this issue has a letter which could indicate that maybe we do steer away from issues? where there is disagreement. Nevertheless, neither would one want to raise matters merel.y to generate arguments. I find, though, that we tend to be reluctant to state our views in print, whether they be letters to the editor or otherwise. This may be for various reasons; I am thinking of two in particular. One is, as the letter in the “Letters” section of this week’s paper mentions, the fear of a negative response from other members. However, if we have a conviction this should not bother us. If I as an EMCer have a con cern I should have a right to voice it, especially in our church organ. It could be that others have the same bur den or conviction that I have. No one person has a monopoly on the truth. Individ ualism may be the trend more and more today, but as the community of faith we have a responsibility towards each other which we often too lightly avoid. Hence we need each other to correct each other, to bear one another’s burdens, to encourage each other. All this may be done through our Conference paper. The other fear may well be that we are not sure what we believe ourselves and think that maybe after a while we’ll change our mind on the issue. Putting some thing in print is so final. What if I’m a voice in the wil derness and find others don’t believe as I do? I think, though, there must come a time when I’m wil ling to stand up and be counted, even if I’m in the minor ity. People in history have made names for themselves in doing so. However, I think too often we have discussions only, without making statements of what we believe. In a way it may be safer not to make dogmatic state-
merits about some current issues because some might only be fads. On the other hand, if we are concerned that silence will bring innovations by default maybe we should speak up. I think that even in Conferences there should be a con cern that wo do not only discuss issues but more often seek to give direction also. This was again brought home to me the other day when a college student, doing research, came to see what the EMC was saying on various issues. But I felt I had to make clear that the paper might be a discussion paper only and not state an official EMC position, to protect myself. According to our recent survey, I would say the Messcnf/('r is quite well read. We believe this is as it should be with a Conference paper. But this puts you only into the audience. Maybe sometimes, as an EMC member, you would like to have the pulpit, to voice a concern or to give a word of encouragement! For that the paper is yours. The purpose or scope for the Messenger was stated in the very first issue that came out: to inform, to instruct, and to inspire. I don’t know how well I have succeeded in that. But that is still my purpose. The Messenger should inform the readership of what’s going on in the Conference. This comes mainly in the Missions and News sections and now lately also in Church Profiles. The instruction part usually takes up the first two page.s after the front cover. We hope also that there will be a balance here between doctrinal teaching and devo tional articles as well as family articles. I suppose the inspiration could come as a result of ei ther one of the above and could also be called a by product. Nevertheless, the inspiration could also come from letters to the editor, poems or other short articles. One hopes so. Anything in the Messenger could also serve to stimu late dialogue in the EMC brotherhood, dialogue which would help us to see each other better. I like the definition of the Messenger as given by one respondent to our recent survey on the question, “What do you like about the Messenger?” is like hearing (and seeing) what the rest of the family is about,” was this person’s answer. Another one said that it was “in formative, distinctively EMC, a much-needed tie.” One is grateful for these expressions of confidence. It is my desire that the Messenger would continue to serve the Conference well. —D. S.
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