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'ANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

VOL.

iEmmanud God With Us I by Glen Koop

ut Christ back into Christmas! I remember a couple of years ago we had a number of billboards in the city of Win nipeg which said just that, “Put Christ back into Christmas.” William Holme says that a group in his community had a noble aim — to put Christ back into Christmas. Through their efforts they had a large manger

Jesus is Emmanuel — God with us. God with us makes life sacred, and that gives it mean ing. scene in their downtown park and a religious display in one of their larger department store windows.. As fine as these efforts were, the question remains. Did they really change anything? Can religious displays in the business district actually put sacredness into life? Is this not a human impossibility? Yes, we can put a figure of the Madonna into a store window, but we cannot change people’s sense of values. We cannot even change PAGE 2

our own. This God alone can do. This God did when he entered the human scene in the Babe of Bethlehem. Jesus is Im manuel — God with us. God with us makes life sacred — and that gives it meaning.

“GOD WITH US” — KING AHAZ (Isaiah 7:1-17) Ahaz was the king of Judah, living in the city of Jerusalem. One day the news came to his ears that the Aramians (Syrians from Damascus) were on their way to Ephraim (Samaria, Israel). The two kings from the North were coming to lay siege and conquer Jerusalem. When Ahaz and his people heard the news they shuddered like trees in the wind, or like leaves in the fall blown here and there at the will of the autumn breeze. The question with them was, as their knees knocked with fear. What can we do? How can we defeat so many with so few? Then the prophet of God comes on the scene. God has told the man of God to visit the fearful king of Judah and God has given the prophet a message for the trembling king. In his poetical form Isaiah the prophet

tells Ahaz not to fear; he is to calm down and not become disheartened. Isaiah tells the king of Judah that those two smoldering stumps of firebrands, king of Aram and king of Israel, are try ing to ruin him. Yes, they have plans to defeat and replace him as king. They have already chosen the son of Tabeal to be king in his stead. But God says it will not happen. Their plans will not succeed. In 65 years Ephraim, Israel, Samaria, will be shattered. They will no longer be a people or a nation. And the same is to happen to Aram, Syria, Damascus. These two who are coming to capture Jerusalem will fail and soon they will come to nothing. Ahaz, “have firm faith, or you will not stand firm (v. 9, NEB). “If you will not believe, surely you shall not be es tablished” (RSV). “But if you do not stand by me, you will not stand at all” (Jer. B.). Next the Lord tells Ahaz to ask God for a sign but Ahaz refuses. Then the Lord says, I will give you a sign. “Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Is. 7:14, RSV). Then the Lord tells Ahaz before this child knows how to refuse evil THE MESSENGER

and choose good, the land whose two kings terrify you will be deserted. God will bring times for you and your people and your father’s house, such as have not come since Ephraim broke away from Judah. In Judah the king, his men, his people, men, women and children were terrorstricken. They saw the terrible scene of death, torture and destruction. But in that moment God sent the prophet say ing, Immanuel. God ivith us.

“GOD WITH US” — JOSEPH (Matthew 1:18-25) Betrothal with the Jews was a serious matter, not lightly entered into and light ly broken. The man who betrothed a maiden was legally her husband (Gen. 29:21; Deut. 22:23f) and an informal can celling of betrothal was impossible. Though they did not live together as hus band and wife till actual marriage, breach of faithfulness on the part of the be trothed was treated as adultery and punished wdth death. Here was the young man, Joseph, look ing forward with great anticipation. He may have been counting the days. Soon, he and this most beautiful girl would be married. But then like a shot from the blue all his expectations vanished. The bottom falls out of his life. He is hurt, deeply hurt. His faithful one is with child, he discovers. I am sure he asked himself the question. How could one as virtuous as Mary be found unfaithful? Joseph knew the law. He knew what should be done. The law said that the betrothed virgin was to be taken outside the city and stoned to death (Deut. 22:23f). But Joseph was a just man, a man who always did what was right, a man of honour. He was not willing to put her to an open shame; he wanted to spare her public dis grace, so he made plans to divorce her secretly. The spirit, the character which Joseph displays to deal kindly, with considera tion and love, is most likely to be open to receive direction from God. And so while he was thinking about the informal divorce the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Ghost. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins” (Jer. B. 20b-21).

DECEMBER 4, 1981

It is the person that acknowledges God with us, who is exuberant, busy and finds meaning in life and meaning to life ... He that hath the Son hath life. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and his name shall be called Immanuel (which means, God with us)’ ” (RSV). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife but knew her not until she had borne a son, and he called his name Jesus. Joseph believed “God with us” and because he believed he acted. His action was one of faith. This meant taking a leap without being absolutely certain of where he was going. It meant burning his bridges behind him without being positively sure how things were going to work. The faith which says, “God with us” knows no alternative for action. Joseph, the young carpenter, the one who had made up his mind that he would quietly put away his betrothed, changed his mind, his heart, when he realized “God with us, Immanuel.” It is the fact, God with us, that changes the life of many an individual.

“GOD WITH US” — PAUL (Romans 8:31-39) Paul in the book to the Romans shows us that God is with us, the Christians. He has spoken of the troubles of the believer, their temptations, and their suffering. And now he asks, “Faced with all this, what can we say? If God is with us, who can be against us?” This scripture, this man of God, seems to indicate that if God is with us, nothing is against us. It is all for our good. There is nothing against us so as to work ul timately for evil. There is no ngahist within the orbit of the interests of the people of God. In other words, the sorrows, the hardships, the sufferings are not a blow against us. They are for our good. This reminds me of one of my employers who who was extremely hard to get along with. Often I would go home at lunch and tell my mom that I was quit-

ting. I was tired of the old grouch. Of course, my mom always persuaded me to return. Since then I have met up with people who were similar and I believe I could understand them much better. That . training back there in the country did something for my good. “God with us.” He didn’t spare his son; He delivered him up. He did it for all. Will he not also freely give us all things? Surely if God has given us life will he not give us the things needed for life? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? If the almighty God has (justified) declared us just, is there anyone who could condemn us? God with us means we stand righteous in his eyes. Who is to condemn? No one! Who intercedes for us? It is Christ Jesus who gave himself for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? What about hardship? Persecution? Hunger? Poverty? Danger? Or death? No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! Through the centuries Christians have had to suffer — prophets stoned, tor tured, mocked, whipped, tied up in prison, killed with the sword. They went

There is no against within the orbit of the people of God. In other words, the sorrows, the hardships, the sufferings are not a blow against us. They are for our good. around clothed in skins, poor, persecuted and mistreated and yet they stood firm in the faith saying, believing, “God with us.” The love of Christ is abiding. The love of God came when we were enemies of God. His love turns apparent defeat into victory. Whether life or death falls to our lot the embrace of Christ’s love is the same. Angels cannot bring separation. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love. The love of God from which we can not be separated is the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. It exists in Christ Jesus; only in Him is it manifested, only in him is it operative, and only in Christ Jesus our Lord can we (Cont'd. on page II)

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Straight Talk Ill: THE CHRISTIAN AND LABOUR by Ray Friesen Having previously considered some principles basic to both labour and management, we need to consider how each is to be influenced by these Biblical teachings. We will consider the Christian labourer this week and in our next issue look at Christian management and ownership. 1) Union membership is not an intrinsic evil. Unions may be a necessity where the size of the company and the work force prevent proper, individual communication. Christians, in the same way that they are citizens of a coun try, will be union members and allow their Christianity to make them a witness within that setting. They should serve as the union's conscience, working for fair wage requests, fair working conditions, honest and fair negotiating prac tices and the discretionary use of the strike. This will often make the Christian unpopular within unions that have no concept of fairness and only a warped view of rights. 2) The strike, whatever it may have been in the past, has become a vicious tool in the hands of irresponsible unions. Too often the people hurt are not the ones making the decisions. An example of this is when nurses or para medics go on strike. The patients suffer the conse quences; the administrators make the decisions and save on their budget. The Christian ethic does not allow its adherents to fight for something by hurting others. The disciple of Christ is the one who is called to suffer for others. He/she will, instead of inflicting suffering on others, work for less and in poorer conditions.

Letters

When strikes are legitimate, and they may be at times, we must still give others the freedom to take a job that we have left vacant. We are free to withdraw our services and to do so jointly, but we cannot stop others from working. When we are non-participants in a strike we must, to be consistent, also be non-participants in the benefits. If we accept the higher wages achieved by strikes we might as well have joined the walkout. Our Christian alternative is to give that increase to charity over and above any regular giving that we would do. 4) As responsible, Christian labourers we need to remember the following: a) As Christians we see our job as a service to God. We try to do our best, no matter what the wages or working conditions are. Instead of doing less, we will do more than our wages might warrant. b) We do not see management as enemies. We are co workers with them and so treat them with respect even though their demands may not warrant that respect. c) We help along fellow workers, never seeing them as competition in advancement but as brothers, working together. Their welfare is as much a concern of ours as our own. d) In negotiations we ask only for what is fair. When we are e given less, we practice contentment (Luke 3:15). e) Our ultimate goal is not our pay cheque. Our goal is to be the people of God in the situation in which we find ourselves.

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.

north, the'city of the great King. God is known in her palaces for a refuge” (Ps, 48:13). Thank you for the Messenger received toRESPONSE TO "YOUR PAPER: USE IT” day; I did not yet read it from cover to cover I read in the Messenger (Nov. 6) the - it will come. However, I was overwhelmed with a flood of memories and a connecting heading “Your Paper: Use it.” So I want to chain of thoughts as I read Straight Talk by take it as my paper. Ray Friesen, the letter by Agatha Grant and I am thankful for the punctual appearance the back page by our Editor. We picked up of the Messenger and being kept informed the mail just before lunch and while my dear about missions and the church. wife was preparing some food I read the I wish you encouragement in the work and above mentioned. The call came and we ate. the Lxird bless you. We were both tired from a very busy schedule over the past three weeks and — Mrs. Margaret Wiebe decided to lie down for a rest after we had Box 1503 finished the dishes. But rest would not come, Steinbach, Man. for the Spirit of the Lord reminded me of the first time when I remember discussions takSOCIAL ISSUES IN A ing place on issues relating to our CHANGING WORLD relationships with people who seemed to Greeting you and the friends of the threaten our lifestyle. Messenger in the name of our Lord with the Back in 1941, when the war was getting words of the Psalmist, “Great is the Lord, hot and going against the allies, the conscripand greatly to be praised in the city of our tion order was passed by our Canadian God, in the mountain of His holiness. government and our churches began to Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole wonder. What is this going to mean for us earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the and our young men? No one had to wonder

long, for soon calls to report for military duty began arriving in the mailboxes. Applications were sent in for exemption from military services and complications began,

Then came a call to many of us to appear in court to defend our faith and give reasons for claiming exemption or wanting that status. There was a rush to the pulpit with verses such as, “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, (Cant’d page II)

CONTRIBUTORS: Glen Koop, “Emmanuel - God With us,” is on the faculty of the Steinbach Bible College, Steinbach, Manitoba. Frank and Mary Braun (Keesee Koose) are involved in native ministries in the Kamsack area. They are with the EMC Board of Missions. Lome and Helen Kroeker (Morris) returned to Pakistan recently where they are serving as houseparents at the Murree Christian School. Alvira Friesen (Rosenort) is serving under the Gospel Missionary Union in Panama. She is involved in TEE, visitation, and Bible studies. COFER: The cover picture this week comes from the editor’s files.

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Board of Education and Publication, Box 126a, 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

Missions 1

PANAMA

Introducing a TEE Class TEE — Achieving Objectives?

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It’s Friday night and I’ve just returned from another TEE class in La Chorrera. This class consists of four members. Ledys and Cristobalina became Christians about three years ago; their spiritual growth is really amazing. They’re not brilliant scholars, but love the Lord and are quick to apply God’s truth to their lives. Both are reaching into their neighborhood with ■ the Gospel. Then there’s Alberto. You could say he is the sole functioning member of his small church. The remaining member of the class is a Christian of many years. Maturity doesn’t come naturally with the passing of time, though. She continues to struggle towards her ideal of abundant living. This class is typical of many, comprised of Christians who are presently at various stages in their Christian pilgrimage. Some are motivated to serve God more faithfully through the TEE program; others gain personal victories; others seem to be content with having acquired more knowledge of the Word. We must stop to analyze our TEE program. Are we achieving our objec tives? Do we need to redefine them? Should our emphasis be on the church leaders or on “all saints”? Maybe our con tent needs to be revised; maybe our teaching methods need to be reviewed. The committee is struggling with these issues. We see that, basically, our churches have not multiplied in the last years; some have merely held their own. Have we been too content-oriented in stead of being obedience-oriented? Jesus’ words — go, make disciples, baptize, teach — keep ringing in our ears! How can we be ever more effective as we seek to obey these commands? Pray that God will grant us His wisdom. Alvira Friesen PAKISTAN

Pictorial Report from Camp 67 Mexico Mary Loewen teaches in a German private school in Mexico. The children come from Old Colony Mennonite parents. Mary first went to Mexico in 1977. The pictures above afford the readers a glimpse into Mary’s school activities al the school at Camp 67. From top (left): 1) Children in the classroom. 2) The curriculum is in German. 3) Mary Loewen, teacher at Camp 67. 4) Student body. 5) The school is new but still needs some shelves and cabinets. 6) “... sechs, sieben ..." (numbers).

DECEMBER 4, 1981

Back at Murree Christian School Pm ger Support Keeps iis Going “Islamabad International Airport.” Was this true or was it only a dream? Just two years ago we had left the school, said goodbye to the kids and staff, thinking we’d probably never see Pakistan again. It soon became reality as the hot humid air hit us. Would there be someone to meet us? Due to the mail strike there had PAGE 5

been little communication for some time. Maybe they had not received our telegram. But we were soon relieved to see Ed Loewen among the hundreds of faces waiting outside the airport doors. After a 40-mile trip of winding road up the mountain we knew we had arrived. Murree Christian School was a welcome sight. We were warmly greeted by students and staff. Even the Pakistani staff was out in full force to welcome us. Their first question was, “How come there are only two of you?” It is very im portant in this culture to have children. We were fortunate to receive all our luggage upon arrival and with no duty to pay which was an answer to prayer. By now we feel as if we never left. Our fami ly has grown to 31 children. We thank the Lord for daily strength and wisdom to love them and care for them. We feel it’s a privilege to serve the Lord in this way. It’s the prayer support of faithful friends that keeps us going. We thank the Lord for the peace and joy He gives in His ser vice. Lome and Helen Kroeker

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Mission Grams Urbana The EMC Board of Missions is sending a representation to Urbana 81. Up to 17,000 people, mostly post-secondary students who are interested in missions, are expected to attend. The EMC will have a display area at Urbana 81 with Walter Reimer and Milton Fast available to counsel and to answer the questions of students who stop by and are interested in our missions program.

Mexico Dora Friesen has purchased a new half-ton to facilitate her getting around to the various national churches which she and Gloria Trevizo are visiting, giving Sunday school teacher training.

Belize Helen Kornelsen writes, “Belize Bible Institute is training church leaders. Seven fellows are sitting under the instruction of Phil Stamm, a well-qualified Bible teacher. Another teacher is needed to accommodate another class.” El Paso Mrs. Alvina Fast reports of good results in her Good News Club. A number of children have accepted Christ. Also two mothers of Good News Club children, who at tend the ladies’ class, have made decisions for Christ during the past few weeks. A young married lady from the Starlight area has started attending church regularly. She had accepted Christ earlier but has now decided to really live for the Lord. She came from Mexico recently, is a doctor, but at present cannot practice here - not until she learns English and writes the required exams to get her license. Her husband is from El Paso and is indifferent to the Gospel.

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Paraguay The Walter Kruses and Helen Koop have finished their short-term assignments as teachers in Paraguay and will be home for Christmas. Sarah Martens is coming home on furlough at the same time.

Frank (left) and Mary (standing) Braun with lohn and Christina Bailey of Kamsack, Saskatchewan. KAMSACK. SASK.

A Transformed Life A Remivder to Pray The Lord Jesus is building His church! It is with real pleasure that we present Christina and John Bailey to our Messevaer readers. We trust that this will be a reminder to pray for your native ortrl cic>4-zi««o ...oiners sisters in in vnrisi.. brothers ana and Christ. Those who seek the Lord find Him. God’s promises haven’t changed. It was a

one day they met and had coffee together. That day God started a chain of events which led to John’s, and later Christina’s, commitment to Jesus Christ. “John’s changed life is a miracle from God,” Christina expressed as we gathered for a service on Sunday. “It is hard to believe that such a change could have happened in our home.” John works at a new business establishment in Kamsack. His cheerful attitude and dependability have led to op portunities to share Jesus Christ. He has also had opportunities of sharing with the other employees how he has found deliverance from alcohol. John says, “My wife and I are now lear ning to know and enjoy each other.” They have opened their home for regular Sunday morning services and their intentions are to start a church in town. — Frank and Mary Braun

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}ohn Bailey is employed at a store in Kamsack.

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joyous day when John recognized that g j,|i people. JFor untO yOU IB bom tljIB bay IH th? City of 8 God was the answer to his life’s problems and habits. John had noticed this preacher uptown and the interest he had in his people. John had made sure not to cross his path. But PAGE 6

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a Saviour, uitfict? is fiThcist ttjc iCorb” (Luke

THE MESSENGER

Messenger News

Herman Bontrager, left, with Jacob Reimer, Paraguay, at the recent Post Abend. POST ABEND SPEAKERS STRESS NEED IN WORLD

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - The tremendous amount of suffering in the world today and our responsibility as Christians to help alleviate it was the main message of several speakers at the second “Post Abend” held at the Rehab Centre in Winkler, Manitoba, on Friday evening, November 13. Guests from Ontario, Saskatchewan and Paraguay were among the 250 people show ing their support for Die Mennonitische Post. They enjoyed a supper prepared by the Rehab Ladies Auxiliary and music by the Wiebe family of Miami, Manitoba. Arthur Driedger, treasurer of Die Post, who as a representative of Mennonite Cen tral Committee has traveled to various parts of the world and worked in Europe and Bolivia, said he saw two great needs in the world today. One need was for food, and the other for spiritual food and Christian fellowship. On a recent visit to Christians in Angola, Africa, Driedger related how they traveled in a jeep and purposely tried to hit small animals on the road for food for the next day. That, he said, had left an impres sion on him, as had the close Christian fellowship of believers, even with those of a totally different culture. Herman Bontrager, MCC Latin America secretary, reported that MCC is working in 40 countries. Referring to the need in the world, he stated that there are some 20 million refugees in the world today, and while that may be too great for us to com prehend, we can and must do our part. Referring to El Salvador as an example, he said that some 14 families there control 75

DECEMBER 4, 1981

percent of the land and the civil war has resulted in some 500,000 people leaving their homes. About 40,000 have crossed over to Honduras and 10,000 to Belize. The United Nations and the government of Belize have decided to help these refugees settle 200 families. Needed, however, were people who know about settlement work, and that is why the Spanish Lookout Mennonites were asked to help, which they have agreed to do. Post board chairman, Abraham Wiebe, also master of ceremonies at the “Post Abend,” endorsed Bontrager’s and Driedger’s comments. “If there is so much need in the world and we do nothing, how long will God be patient with us?” he asked. Bill Janzen, director of the Ottawa office of MCC (Canada), related the role of his of fice in working with refugees. He also related some of the difficulties experienced in ob taining citizenship papers for Mennonites from outside Canada. Post editor, Abe Warkentin, related his concerns regarding a declining readership. “While we are losing our elderly readers in Canada,” he said, “and cannot expect to gain new young readers in this country, there is also concern regarding winning young readers in Mexico and South America.” High costs of mailing the paper and books are other problem areas presently being struggled with.

COLONY MENNONITE GUEST HOME OPENS IN BOLIVIA SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia - Forty people gathered here September 25 to dedicate a new guest home Mennonite Central Com mittee is operating for colony Mennonites in Bolivia. Present were colonists, MCC workers and Mennonite mission personnel. The dedication of the facility — known as Menno-Heim or Casa Menno — and its ser vices was “in a rather quiet way a historic event,’’ believes MCC Country Represen tative Gerald Shank. Since 1977 an MCC couple in Santa Cruz has had special responsibility to be in con tact with the colonies on an informal basis. Contacts include occasional purchase of farm implements for Bolivian farmers and some disaster relief projects. Dick and Mary Plett of Winnipeg, Man. currently serve in this role and also provide some translation and documentation services. The guest home will serve as the Pletts’ of fice and also have German and English books available which are advertised in Die Mennonitische Post. It will also give the colonists, who number some 13,000 in 13 colonies, a place to stay or park their vehicles and store items when they come into town for business. Individuals on the Kanadier Mennonite Concerns Committee, an advisory com-

mittee to MCC (Canada), and MCC Bolivia workers have had a vision for offering the services of a guest home for some time, ac cording to Bontrager. He adds that a visit of Abe Wiebe, chairman of the Kanadier Men nonite Concerns Committee, and Die Men nonitische Post editor, Abe Warkentin, to Bolivia staff reports that now is an ap propriate time to provide this service. The home is within a block of three city bus lines, making it easily accessible to the airport and train station, numerous markets, the city’s center and sites like the city’s botanical gardens. Plett suggests that “for those Mennonites who are traveling through Bolivia and need a place to stay, the Menno-Heim may be what they are looking for.” The home’s personnel are willing to help reconfirm travel plans and make contact with colony Mennonites travelers wish to visit. Ed. Dick and Mary Plett are members in the Fori Garry EMC church in iFinnipeg.

REJOICE! Mennville, Man.: On Thursday, October 8, a lovely event took place in the lower auditorium of the Mennville church as Frank and Lydia Barkman celebrated their 25 years of travel together as man and wife. The whole family, Randy, Arley, Alvira, Marilyn, Wesley, Garry and Darrell, as well as other relatives and friends, were present for the oc casion. After a scrumptious supper, voices were raised in worship and praise for the provision and protection of the Almighty on the Barkmans’ journey thus far. Some highlights and experiences of the past were reviewed and checked over, some perhaps for quality and others for just simple hictoric value. Life seemingly has treated them well. Although maturity is evident, they haven’t really aged that much. Rejoice, for the Lord takes care of his own. Another exciting event took place on August 30 when Luella Dueck was baptized during the worship service upon her confes sion of faith in Christ. We rejoice with you, Luella. Keep looking up! Harry and Levina Friesen and their family have left us for the sunny South for a number of months to serve the Lord in Seminole, Texas where they will, no doubt, miss out on some snowing and blowing. We wish them God’s blessing in their endeavour. In this case I suppose it’s the people in Texas who are rejoicing. Last, but not least, we must mention the Abundant Life meetings with Arden Thiessen which took place on the November 6-8 weekend. Yes, we must deal with sin, forgive others, and ourselves as well, share the good news with others in our walk and talk, and life can be meaningful, exciting and abundant. Rejoice in the Lord alway!

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0 CXJnrstiip tkc Horit in Beauty of Yloliness

Respect for authority comes only by cultivating a relationship with one another, not through dictatorship. Saturday, youth night, we were shown how to relate to one another as youth and adults. It is uplifting to see young people go forward to take a stand for Christ, showing dedication to Christ, a willingness to pay the cost for their decision. Sunday concentrated on encouraging one another in our Christian lives. In the urgency of our times we must be willing to fight the spiritual fight with joy (Heb. 12:2). It is our duty and privilege to tell others who do not know about our Lord (Ezekiel 33:7-9). The evening service culminated with sharing and choruses following a light lunch.

-.1 Baptismal service in Wymark. Front row (left to right): Tony Wolfe, Gwen Friesen, Albert Neustaeter. Second row (left to right): Roger Friesen, Ron Janzen, Ken Wall, James Wieler. Third row (left to right): Stan Friesen, Jerry Funk, Tim Krahn, Edwin Hildebrandt. BAPTISMAL SERVICES HELD Wymark, Sask: On Easter Sunday morning, April 19, a baptismal service was held. Those baptized were Alma Martens, Lorraine Wall, Sandra Peters, Karen Friesen, Jack Funk, Milton Dyck. Received into membership were Mr. and Mrs. Ike Giesbrecht and Mr. and Mrs. Peter Klassen.

(Sorry no picture is available.) Another baptismal service was held on August 23. Candidates were Gwen Friesen, Stan Friesen, Roger Friesen, Jerry Funk, Tony Wolfe, Edwin Hildebrandt, Ron Janzen, Tim Krahn, Albert Neustaeter, Ken Wall and James Wieler.

SERVICES HELD WITH PETER BROESKY

Riverton, Man.: During this past year the young people’s group has been quite busy with several fund raisers and other activities. One fund raiser which I’m sure all will remember well is the early morning “chicken catching spree” which was held at the Ed Friesens on October 4. All the sore muscles were worth the effort; one hundred dollars were raised. Another major fund raiser was our annual Starvathon for World Vision. As a group the young people raised approximately five hun dred dollars. Many hungry stomachs were filled because of this. Other youth activities included baseball games, barbecues and an annual Halloween party and hayride. The most memorable of all events was most likely the youth retreat which is held every year. The weekend was spent at Hecla Provincial Park. Ralph Loewen was the guest speaker, and all went home refreshed. A note of encouragement comes from the youth reporter: “During this last year we have become closer as a group and also have grown closer to the Lord. We were all spiritually uplifted through the Deeper Life meetings with Bro. Broesky and through the Joni film we attended in November. We are all looking forward to what the Lord will provide for us during the coming year.” A few statements cannot fully explain the PAGE 8

great blessings experienced during the week of Deeper Life meetings held at our church November 8-15. Bro. Peter Broesky of the Chortitzer Mennonite Church in Steinbach spoke to us about many aspects of the Chris tian life. The first evening we were told that the Christian needs the correct motive, the love of Christ (2 Cor. 5:14), to spur him on towards a more Christlike life. On Monday we considered the matter of knowing the will of God for our lives (Eph. 5:17). Fullness of the Holy Spirit can come only through dedication and obedience to the Lord. Tuesday night the message focussed on prayer. The importance, the problems en countered, and the power of prayer were dis cussed. Prayer involves “giving God the moral right to interfere in people’s lives.” “Where is the secret of the power of the church?” was the question asked us on Wednesday (2 Cor. 10:4). As children of God we must have faith and develop an in timate relationship with God. Only when we are willing to die to self are we able to be anointed. Thursday night focussed on the matter of going onward with Christ. We need to con tinue to add to our faith and be growing Christians, able to forgive and love, despite opposition experienced. Family night focussed on authority.

NEW MEMBERS ADDED La Crete, Alta.: In late September our church changed its appearance. We ex perienced a good turnout for our exterior church painting bee. With warm, sunny weather we were able to finish the job by late afternoon. The previous week we had a church cleaning bee so we are now prepared for winter with clean, fresh surroundings. Our church membership increased in Oc tober. Ben and Betty Thiessen transferred their membership from the Ridgewood E.M. Church of Giroux, Manitoba; Peter and Telita Janzen from the Neuanlage Grace Church of Hague, Saskatchewan; Gordon and Lillian Peters from the First Mennonite Church of Edmonton, Alberta; and Margaret Dyck from the local Bergthaler Mennonite Church. With these additions we now have sixty members in our congrega tion. Laurella Enns has returned to Prairie Bi ble Institute for another year, while Gerald Hamm begins his first year of studies at the Peace River Bible Institute. Benny Wiebe returned after completing his year with Team Ventures International. Benny visited the Philippines, Korea, and In dia during his missionary travels. He has recently completed a tour of a number of churches in preparation for mission work in Germany. He is presently waiting for his visa. Our pastor returned recently from a series of revival meetings at Arborg, Manitoba. He returned in time to officiate at the marriage of Bill Fehr and Margaret Dyck on November 14.

NO ROAD - NO CHURCH SERVICE Prairie Rose, Man.: “And now here is a special bulletin for the people of Landmark: There will be no church service today at the Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church at Landmark because of impassable road conditions. You are encouraged to attend the church of your choice.” These were the words spoken over Radio Southern Manitoba on two consecutive Sundays this fall, letting the people know whether there

THE MESSENGER

Births FEHR — to Pete and Norma Fehr of Wymark, Sask., a daughter, Korilee Renee, on September 14, 1981. PLETT — to Denver and Viola Plett of Kola, Man., a daughter, Maxine Gayle, on November 20, 1981. FRIESEN — to Henry and Nancy Friesen of Kola, Man., a daughter, Bonnie Lynn, on November 20, 1981. DUECK — to Irvin and Rosalind Dueck of Riverton, Man., a daughter, Jaynette Elaine, on May 25, 1981. FRIESEN — to Klass and Linda Friesen of River ton, Man., a son, Jonathan Grant, on April 19, 1981. KROEKER — to Dennis and Janice Kroeker of Riverton, Man., a daughter, Karla Sherise, on April 12, 1981. KROEKER — to Dave and Agnes Kroeker of Riverton, Man., a daughter, Danae Kristeile, on January 2, 1981. FAST — to Del and Cindy Fast, of Sexsmith, Alta., a son, Patrie Dean Anthony, on October 3, 1981.

u Weddings

Many services had to be cancelled or postponed at the Prairie Rose Church because of impassable roads.

would be worship services in our church or not. This gave many people an opportunity to visit the neighbouring churches. A sincere thank you goes out to the churches that received us so graciously. Heavy road equipment had been working on Provincial Road No. 210 all summer, first cutting it down and then building it up to a 44-ft. wide road, capable of carrying huge loads without restrictions. Just when the stretch by the church was being worked on the rainy season set in. This caused two morning services to be cancelled and the entire fall missions conference was fwstponed one month. Fortunately most of the personnel, even the keynote speaker. Rev. Otto Doerksen (Worldteam), were able to come. The annual Thanksgiving supper and service were held at the Steinbach Bible College where the younger set enjoyed the gym facilities as well. The special missions night, featuring our many summer workers, was also postponed to a later date. Were the people ever glad when they could again attend the house of God in their midst, the Sunday school could again func tion, the offerings could again be given, and even the singing seemed to reveal a deep spirit of praise and gratitude.

DECEMBER 4, 1981

PFEIFER-REIMER: Jim, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Pfeifer of Transcona, Man., and Lucille, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John K. Reimer of Wymark, Sask., were married at the Century Meadows Baptist Church of Camrose, Alta, on October 10,1981 with J. K. Reimer of Wymark, Sask, officiating. The young couple is making their home in Camrose, Alberta. FEHR-DYCK: Bill, son of Mrs. Susan Fehr of La Crete, Alta., and Margaret, daughter of Mrs. Marie Dyck of La Crete were married on November 14, 1981. The wedding took place at the La Crete Christian Fellowship with .................... Elmer Hamm of La Crete officiating. The cou-

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MCC, Louisiana

LETTERS cont’d.

and powers, take no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say; for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say” (Luke 12:11,12), (and praise the Lord He did) or Matt. 26:52, “Then said Jesus unto him, ‘Put up thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.’ ” Then we’d go home from church and wonder whether we could even find such verses in the Bible. Praise the Lord, I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my own personal Saviour the night of November 23, 1941 at 2 a.m., with the help of my dear wife (God bless her!) and had the assurance of salvation but, sad to say, 1 knew very little about the Scriptures. On December 7 the call came to leave for Alternative Service Camp at Banff, Alberta on the 14th. This was God’s way of sending me to Bible school. Praise Him, He also sent a young man whose father owned a bookstore and he said he would order a Con cordance for me and it would help me in studying. I soon learned to depend very deeply on the Author of God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, and He began to teach me, line by line, using some of the young men who had had the privilege of attending Bible school before they were called to camp. The war ended, the pressures ceased and we went back to farming in earnest. At a brotherhood meeting it was decided that we should give strong teaching on nonresistance and abstaining from the world, but we were all so busy farming and enjoying the peace after war that those things soon became dim and we drifted more or less into routine. Praise the Lord, the Holy Spirit did not drift off to sleep, but was moving in some hearts to begin an evening of sharing in sing ing spiritual songs to improve the singing in church. Soon a Bible lesson was read, then some discussion on the portion which had been read. Next, the evening was opened with prayer, the singing became less and the Bible study became more. Soon a time was spent in prayer after the study. Praise the Lord, LIFE was beginning to flow and touch lives; more people came and, of course, some turned away. Then came 1957, ’58 and ’59 where scores were converted, churches were closed and opened; but the love of God flowed. Without urging, people shook hands and embraced one another. There came a need for re organization and new affiliation as to church and Conference. We began to search and to investigate, meeting daily for prayer and guidance. God had His way in answering. Without going into detail, suffice it to say He led us to the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, and upon studying the state ment of faith, constitution and practice we saw clearlyGod’s hand upon us. How does all this relate to today’s copy of the Messenger? What I am saying is this -

DECEMBER 4, 1981

there (at that time) we found truth concer ning evangelism, Christian behaviour, relationship of labour-management, stewardship of self and means and we rejoic ed. We shared these Scriptures freely and en couraged each other in the faith. We had weeks of evening meetings of Bible teaching and deeper life experiences, usually closing with the Lord’s Supper and washing one another's feet. When people were visiting there was the reading of the Word and praying together. But the seemingly inevitable had to come. From the 20-man threshing crew cleaning up about 40 to 60 acres a day, came the transition to the combine. One man on the machine and one on the truck could now clean up 100 acres in the same hours as the 20 men before. What about the 18? Slowly, but ever so surely, began the exodus to the cities and centres to find employment. We did not really know of labour unions and labour strife. We had heard about them vaguely, but not many followed the news very closely and so to a large extent we were ignorant of such matters. But as economic pressures and the ego to get up in the world more and more increased, man felt he had to stand up for his rights. This brought on stronger movements and as a church we began facing these issues. Some concerned young people came and asked, “They want me to join the union. What must I do?” Thank God for some of the counsell ing that was given, and many were helped. But the pressures kept rising. What if a young person feels a call to a vocation and he finds he faces a closed shop situation? The only logical answer then is that he must comply or else he cannot follow the call. But God never calls contrary to the teaching of His written Word! And so it seems we have to become peacemakers within our own ranks. We find church members who do not even know of historic Articles of Faith or even a church statement of faith. We hear expressions like, “What about not swearing an oath? Td never heard of that!” The mean ing of James 5:12 just seems to be totally un known. The answer comes to us by, in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, and how can we know Him? “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” Do we want to know Christ? Do we want to know fulfillment in life? Then let us diligently go to II Peter, “IVherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and elec tion sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:10,11). May the whole counsel of God become ever more precious to usl John H. Knelsen Box 342, Burns Lake, B.C. VOJ lEO

GOD WITH US Cont’d. know the bond of this love of God. In Jesus Christ we truly see “God with us” in all its fullness. We are living in an age that is dominated by the anxiety of meaninglessness and emptiness. People are bored. Friends of ours were out travelling and they met up with a couple who had a big car and were pulling one of these streamlined trailers. They exchang ed greetings and then chatted about their various destinations. Our friends soon discovered that these people had been everywhere and there seemed to be nothing worthwhile seeing anymore. They.were bored with the things of life. People like this try desperately to find meaning in ways that sooner or later fail to satisfy. It is the person that acknowledges “God with us” that is exuberant, busy, and finds meaning in life and meaning to life. “God with us” brings joy. He that hath the Son hath life. He that hath the Christ hath God with him now and forever. When the King of Judah was surround ed with enemies and it seemed as though he was looking death in the face the prophet came from the Lord and said, “God with us.” Have firm faith, or you will not stand firm. When Joseph realized “God with us” he changed his secret divorce plans. He took Mary and she had a son and they called Him Jesus. He was the Saviour of the world. Paul writes that “God with us” keeps us through any circumstances as long as we accept His leading. “God with us” means nothing is against us. “God with us” means no change will stand against us. “God with us” means an open door to the King of kings. “God with us” means He does not leave us. We may leave Him, and finally He accepts our decision, but as long as we have breath he longs to be with us. As you and I look into the future we may hear reports that seem very dark. The picture we see may be dreary, lonely and dark. But when we see Christmas as God being with us forevermore, we will be able to face 1982 with new hope and strength. And so we say to one and all, “Im manuel. God with us.”b JSSEJSStSSt

PAGE 11

From the Editor Jesus; The Light of the World K Fea r no t, for behold I bring you good tidings of I great joy which shall be to all people (Luke 2:10).

8 If ever a message like this was needed it surely K must be today when the world is trying to bring about K peace by the sword, when nations stand in fear of ft each other. R When Christ came the first time it is recorded that 8 the people who sat in darkness “saw a great light.” And to those who sat in the shadow of death “Tight is _ sprung up” (Matthew 4:16). S That was almost 2000 years ago and many flocked to that light and received pardon and forgiveness for - their burden of sin. « But there is also one who seeks to extinguish this ft light so that it will not have its effect — Satan. Paul 8 warns the Corinthians against the god of this world, K who has “blinded the minds of them which believe not £ lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is 5 the image of God, should shine unto them” (II Cor. 84:4). 5 This light wants to penetrate to the hearts and lives w of the unsaved to save them but is hindered by the 5 god of this world. ft But God be praised that the darkness in no way is Jjable to put out this light. “The light shines in darkigness, and the darkness has never put it out” (John 51:5, TEV). ft This is especially in evidence in places like the JI USSR where the state has tried this. It is now over 50 Kyears since the revolution, and Christianity has not “been extinguished in the USSR. A recent report indicated that there were 50,000 SMennonite Christians alone in the Soviet Union. Conversions run into the hundreds. Seven hundred were « reported in a period of two weeks in nine congregacongri Stions (according to a report in the MB Herald), 2tions Herald). ft Georgi Vins writes the following: 8 “Soviet authorities are alarmed by the spiritual reKvival taking place among Evangelical Christian Bapwtists 01 wiisis of uerman German aescent descent living in oioeria Siberia ana and tvaza Kazakh«stan. The KGB is especially upset by the attention a that these Christians give to religious instruction of ^[children. Under extremely difficult conditions, Gerjsmans living in the USSR have succeeded in preservsing iii^ their iiicii spiritual opii iLuai heritage iici I aiiu and iii in paaoiiig passing iitl uii on to vu the uic Syounger generation. Many have been arrested and imgprisoned.”

The light continues to penetrate the darkness. w But probably the most amazing story comes out of S China where some 30 years after the evacuation of ft missionaries the church has been found to be alive. H “According to all reports from friends in China — S sustained through the Cultural Revolution period by m countless small groups meeting for worship in homes B and borrowed rooms — is undergoing an exhilarating 8 and powerful renaissance as church buildings are reopened to packed congregations ...” (International » Bulletin of Missionary Research April 1981). K Again it has been confirmed that the darkness is unable to extinguish the light through restrictions and laws. « And who would have dreamed that from a humble 5 beginning of two EMC missionaries and a budget of * $4500 (1953) the EMC Board of Missions this year g would have around 130 missionaries and a budget of K close to $700,000. Thanks to you, this was possible. » And everyone who contributes helps in smaller or ■ " j1 the darkness in I larger ways to send................. the light to dispel countries like Mexico^Nicaragua, Canada, Panama,I, 8 Zaire, Nigeria, Mali, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Vene- s vnola pQrnnrii*a\r Pakiofon W zuela, Paraguay, Pakistan, rtiiafamala Guatemala, Snoin Spain, Rolivo Belize, S Peru, Ecuador, Kenya and South Africa. B What an opportunity is ours to let the light of the H glorious gospel of Christ penetrate the darkness of sin S and Satan! To the people who sit in darkness the light m has shined and is shining as our missionaries let their « light shine. 8 In this land we have never had it so good. But does 8 our missions giving reflect our prosperity? Or are we 8 selfishly spending all on self? These 130 missionaries are our ambassadors in 8 some 20 countries of the world. They are our repre 8 sentatives. If we contribute to the EMC program we have a « part in their ministry of turning people from the pow- ft er of Satan to God, through the One who said, “I am | the light of the world.” “The light shines in the dark- | ness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5, S ' ft RSV). This light continues to shine during this Christmas I season, in some places maybe dimly, in other places { brightly, but nevertheless it is shining. You and I can have a part in letting this light shine I 5 through the gifts God has given us. May we be faith- ft ful. o »"» rl

-D. S. II

THE MESSENGER

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