Vol. 1, No. 13 June 28> 1963
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MENNONITE CONFERENCE
missEnoEn 1963 ANNUAL CONFERENCE S3
AT ROSENORT I*’
IN THIS ISSUE
I the Spotlight at the Wedding 2
Kamayala Keynotes 3
Rosenort is the site of the 1963 Annual Conven tion of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. This years Convention is the 13th of it’s kind in the E.M.C.
. . LET YOUK CONDUCT BE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST . .
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Young People’s
aptly called her “moment of glory,” plans her wedding around herself and the wardrobe.
EDIT
lAL
IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE WEDDING By Rudy H. Wiebe In many cultures the customs that surround marriage are the hard core of that culture’s peculiar traditions. This is true for several reasons, a major one being that at mar riage a new home is being formed which alone can carry on these traditions if they are not to be lost to the next generation. Small wonder that unique customs at weddings persist long after most other distinctive cultural expressions disappear. The traditional type of wedding in our circles, though varying under certain conditions, usually had the following dlstinctives: the couple walked in together while the con gregation stood singing a hymn; they seated themselves near the front and listened to one, perhaps two, long serious messages; after the marriage statement and blessing, they (and perhaps their parents) prayed; another hymn was sung and then all followed the couple out for the wedding supper. There were no formal attendants at church. The dress of the couple was simple. On the whole, the ceremony concentrated on the Christian message and the home about to be established. The contrast to the modern wedding is fairly obvious. The bride has become center of what, in many cases, can only be called a “spectacular”. The audience (not congregation), the preacher, the groom, his attendants all stand waiting expectantly for her. And she keeps them all waiting. First the flower-girl then, slowly, one by one, the bridesmaids float down the aisle, and, finally, the bride herself—on the arm of her father. And the key words of the minister (of ten ommitted even by our more complying men), “Who giveth this woman in marriage,” are answered by the father: “I do.” The center of today’s wedding is the bride. And not even a lengthy message (if there is one) after that exaggerately slow advance down the aisle will alter it. The veneration of woman, as of man, is pagan. It is true beyond doubt that Christ placed the woman on an equal spiritual basis with man. Christianity is the only world re ligion which does so to this day, but Christ certainly did not place her in the center of creation to be adored. Chivalry driven to its extreme is anti-Christian. The chivalric code, as we know it, arose during the Middle Ages, probably stirred up by the Crusadors’ contact with Arab thinkers, the rise of the Virgin Mary cult in the religion, and the evol ution of the “courtly love” philsophy under troubadors of the 13th and 14th centuries. With such origins, it can hardly be called Christian. And, whereas the early chivalric code cen tered largely in a spiritual veneration of woman, the logical step is the modern adoration of the physical, altars to which can be found anywhere from scummy burlesque halls to our own living rooms. With this unmitigated emphasis on the woman as such and on her distinctive form, it is small wonder that the modern bride, in what has been too
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It would seem to me that we are dealing here not only with a cultural phenomenon but with a pertinent aspect of our faith. We need not incriminate the bride or her indul gent parents. If a minister objects, he can be avoided, but if the groom would talk this over with his bride, the whole ceremony would receive a different slant. Even at this stage of the home relationship the man should be aware of his position of spiritual leadership. In something as signifi cant as the formation of a new Christian home, surely Christ, the head of both persons involved, and not one of the human partners, is most important. Each couple should talk this over very seriously with their minister: what im pression will we give by doing this or this? If the older ceremony no longer suits, we may have to work out our own wedding form which will leave no doubt in anyone's mind (especially those non-Christians who invariably at tend: Christ, and He alone, is the focal point of the cere mony.
Budy Wiebe is the editor of the M.B. Herald, The article is reprinted by permission from that paper.
* * * FAMINE
Hunger Bound the World — 10,000 Die Every Day, is the title of an article in a recent issue of Newsweek magazine. Some 1200 delegates from 100 different countries had come to attend the World Food Congress held in Washington.
“We have the capacity to eliminate hunger from the face of the earth” said President Kennedy as he addressed the meeting. “Victory will not come in the next year . . . But it must in our lifetime.” Behind this arresting declaration of war against hunger were some appalling facts. * Every day of this week some 10,000 people will die of m.alnutrition or starvation — more than at any time in history. * In India alone, 50 million children will die of malnu trition in the next 10 years.
* More than half the world’s 3 billion people live in (Continued on page 4)
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The Messenger Official organ, in the English language, of the EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE. Published bi-weekly under the aus pices of the E.M.C. BOARD OP PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATION. Editor. David K. Sehellenberg. ,5(»2 Flflh Ave. N.W., I’ortage la Prairie. Man. Assistant Editor, Abe P. I nger. All new subscriptions should be sent to .Mr. Alic Kla.sseii. tnv 1447. Stelnbacli!, Man. Authorized as second class mall, Post Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage In cash.
THE [MESSENGER
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MISSIONS KAMAYALA KEYNOTES
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O’r mansions and castles though we have flown. Be it ever so humble there’s a place we call home—Kamayala. Winnipeg—Farewell, March 28. Take off. Height, 33,000 ft., air speed 550, ground speed 650. Toronto—A day with the Peter Reimers. Montreal— Shannon — Paris — Zurich — Basel —Five days with John Peters. Im pressed with the consecrated staff, and comprehensive literature and Sunday School program of the Janz Team. Supper with former Kamayala mis sionary Ruth Gruetter and children. Viewed turbulent Rhinefalls. Snowball fight on the foothills of the Alps Thurs day. Kano—Seventy-nine degrees at 4 a.m. Friday. Lepoldville—Met fellow missionaries, including Mel Loewens, Harvey Barkmans, and Victor Loe wen. Missionary Aviation Fellowship plane took Helen and girls to Kama yala April 9, victorious home-coming. Metadi — Cleared our VW Kombi through customs April 16, but no trace of our baggage although the ship had come and gone. Funds are insufficient In Kenge Province and have resulted in incomplete pay ments to our primary school teachers. Situations like these are difficult to explain, especially if accompanied by suspicion in regard to stewardship of funds (founded or unfounded). Consequenty we had considerable excite ment here a few weeks ago. The work has deteriorated at our Shakombe Post since our last itinerary in ’61. A number of Chris tians had moved away, others had be come discouraged or careless. We sought to strengthen them by a series of studies on the Book of James. The dying chief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day. “Pray for me that I may get well,” he requested feebly. “The Lord may see fit to heal you, but your greatest concern should be to get a dwelling place reserved in the village of God,” we replied. “Make sure of life everlasting.” Chief Mwamutunda had heard the
June 28, 1963
gospel often, but had hardened his heart again and again. Just a few feet from his disease-racked body was his tempel of idols. “Destroy all these,” he cried, “They do no good anyway.” The witchdoctor, standing nearby nodded assent. “Lord, I am giving up all my evil ways. I surrender to you. Forgive me and cleanse me in the blood of Jesus Christ.” Later that evening and again next morning Overseer Paul went to streng then him in the faith. At 10 a.m. Chief Mwamutunda went to meet the Chief of all Chiefs—amazing grace! On our first itinerary seven in quirers came for salvation and three backsliders returned to the Lord. Twelve others were baptized. We urgently need consecrated high school teachers, Is the Lord calling you? The Eidses
* * * PACAAS - NOVOS REPORT By Abe Koop, Brazil Many of you have not heard from us for some time, but we trust that you continued praying for us. We need your prayers . . . the work needs your prayers because we fully realize that, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” Psalm 127:1 As we look over the past year we are grateful to the Lord for the con tinued favorable attitude of the Indian Protective Society. Our work has no’i been interrupted for lack of permis sion. DON’T FORGET TO THANK THE LORD WHEN YOU PRAY. Boat Sinks We as a family have been with the Indians on the Lage River during the last few months. The Lord revealed His keeping hand upon our personal lives when Dee, the children and I went by motor boat to the Indian vil lages to vaccinate their little children. On the way back we brought a load of sick Indians who needed treatment. Half way home we had the sad mishap
of sinking our boat. The Indians are good swimmers and Dee, Sharon, and Bruce had their lifebelts on, so we lost nothing except the box of tools for the motor. Half an hour later we had the boat bailed out and paddled our way home, glad for the Lord’s care. THANK HIM FOR HIS PROTECTION. After the conference I will be bring ing Phil home for his three months of summer vacation. Our whole family looks forward to that time. In Sep tember both Phil and Sharon will be going back to school. 'This will be a new experience to Sharon who has never been away from home. WHEN YOU PRAY REMEMBER OUR CHILD REN that separation from home will not discourage them, but rather that they will learn to lean on the Lord. We want to thank each of you for your continued interest and prayers for our ministry here. Continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare the Pacaas-Novos Indians to receive the message of truth. * * * Hear Mexico Missionary On June 6, Rev. Cornie Loewen, a missionary in Mexico, but now on fur lough spoke in the Ridgewood church. He briefly gave the eight year history of the mission work and challenged the audience with the great need for more workers, making special mention of the great need for teachers. His illus trations of the working of the Holy Spirit in Mexico showed to those in attendance that God is still working mightily. Interest for the work was shown by good attendance and the questions that were asked. Don Thiessen MISSION* BRIEFS
Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Klassen expect to be leaving from Steinbach on July 1 on the first leg of a journey that will take them to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Mr. Klassen will be em ployed as an English teacher under the auspices of the M.C.C.
* * * The Edward Friesens, E.M.C. mis sionaries at La Nortena Col., Mexico have had to come back to Canada un expectedly due to sister Friesen’s health. Shall we remember to inter cede before the throne of grace for the Friesens. Coming along with the Friesens from Mexico was also Dora Friesen who is iiome on furlough.
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CONGO TODAY No doubt many of us have been wondering about the situation in Congo at the present time. The following re ports have been taken from the latest “Congo Missionary Messenger” publication of the C.I.M. I believe these selected excerpts will provide an answer to our questions (Both the Harvey Barkmans and Benny Eidses are in Congo un der this Mission) Ed. Teste The words of Jesus are stiU true today which He spoke to His disciples “. . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). This is a time of severe testing for the Congo church. Satan seems to thrive on chaos and confusion such as we are experiencing here these days. False religions parading under the Christian banner are springing up everywhere and are reaping a rich harvest of converts from among our many unsuspecting and weaker brethren. The tragedy is that once they join such a group it is very seldom that they return. Materialism such as is new in the experience of the Congo Church is causing many to become cold and indif ferent. Tribalism is also driving many further from the Lord. The hands of many of our faithful church leaders are vir tually tied by this enemy of the Church. It is very difficult and often dangerous for these church leaders to cross tribal boundaries even though they themselves carry no ill feeling. In spite of all this we praise the Lord that the Church of Christ in Congo is not dead but very much alive. Some of our Christians have dared to stand and remain faithful regardless of the dangers and hindrances. (Elmer J. Dick) Congo Travelogue Traveling here is so different from America. We must take along enough diesel fuel for the entire trip, plus enough extra for a hundred or two hundred mile detours if ferry boats are sunk or broken; if bridges are rotted out or roads washed out beyond repair. You can buy no fuel, oil, etc. enroute.
“Our biggest hindrances in getting supplies to the mis sion and missionaries have been road blocks and the nasty attitudes of the people at these blockades. Most of the time they are put up by village people who have no authority to do that but because Congo is a land with very little law and order they get by with it. Then you must usually pay them a certain amount and you may proceed with your journey .If you come to a little town with a police force your truck is always examined. If one little parking light bulb is out you are arrested and pay a fine. They confis cated a missionary’s truck because he had a flat tire and put on the spare, and when they examined the truck it did not have a spare with air in it. Yet the trucks belonging to Africans are driving around with both headlights com pletely gone and the police may say nothing about it. Once an official was so mean to us, he forbade us to use a certain road and ferry crossing again. This we reported to a higher official and it took care of a multitude of troubles because he has not shown us his face since. (Sam Entz)
(Cont’d. from page 2)
mental task of charting the strategy against world hunger. (Newsweek, June 17, 1963) * * *
perpetual hunger. To translate these statistics into language everyone could understand Assistant secretary of State Harlan Cleve land said .after a Sparton dinner in keeping with the occasion: “If we were suddenly to join the less fortunate, cur next meal . . . would be a small bowl of rice and perhaps a piece of fish an inch square THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW.” This, indeed, was the situation that had brought the congress to Washington. For the most part the delegates were not politicians. They were agronomists and economists, nutritionists and philosophers, called together by the U.N.’s Food and Agricultural Organization. For two weeks they are to discuss the mysteries of soil and seed and commodity agreements. And in the end their’s would be the monu
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Call to Service ‘^Our people are very right when they say that their country is sick. Troubles and unrest are on every hand. One sometimes wonders what good we can do in the midst of such confusion. However, I feel that the simple fact that we are here means much. We have not left them in their troubles. We are here to be with them and will do what we can. | Hundreds have volunteered for the President’s Peace Corps. Since Independence we have not heard of one new candidate who has applied to CIM for missionary service in any field. Can it be that everyone feels that since Congo has its independence they do not need any more help? TO DAY there is a great need lor those who are willing to serve ... not to be ministered unto but to minister. Are there no volunteers to fill the ranks? Who is ready to stand in the gap?” (Glenn Rocke)
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Thirty percent of India’s literacy results from the edu cational work of Christian missionaries, N.D. Vadivelu, education director in Madras State, declared recently, ac cording to a Religious News Service dispatch from Madras. Mr. Vadivelu is a Hindu. In neighboring Kerala State 18 teachers, six of them Christians, recently were given state awards for outstanding service in education. As a result of its ‘‘Operation Doorbell” visitation cam paign last fall, the church of the Nazarene won 7,084 new members on profession of faith, according to a report by Edward Lawlor, evangelism secretary. * * *
THE MESSENGER
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
TRUTH for youth "YOUNG PEOPLES” AT PORTAGE By Margaret Neufeld
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“.. .He (God) is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think...” Eph. 3;:20. This, God has done for us at Portage. The need for a “Young Peoples” in the Portage church had long been realized, but due to the small number of young people in the church (most were under that age) nothing success ful had thus far been accomplished. This Spring, with the addition of extra help to supply leadership, anoth er attempt was made. One of the dist urbing problems still remained though, —the very small number who would come into the “Young Peoples” age bracket. In order to facilitate as many as possible, the age was lowered to twelve. The Youth Committee of the church then went ahead and appointed John Dyck as the leader of the “Young Peoples”. The first meeting was an nounced for Friday. May 3 at 8’ o’clock. It was decided that two committees, a Social Committee and a Program Committee be elected at this meeting. Each Committee would consist of five members, one of whom would be the convener. In each case the convener is an older person. Both Elizabeth Plett and Esther Loewen who are under the V.S. Program serving in Portage, are active in the group. The following week a girl’s choir was organized. The girls meet at 7:15 every Friday for voice culture and singing. There have been as many as sixteen girls at the practise, and we gather by their singing that it is a time enjoyed by all. The meetings, Friday evening have been challenging and informative. The leader, Mr. Dyck spoke once on the Positive and Negative Aspects of the Christian Life. Film strips and slides, as well as reaadings and special numb ers have added to the interest of the meetings. On June 14, the young people motored to the country, where they thoroughly enjoyed a game of softball and a wien er roast, about thirty young people
June 28, 1963
joined their hearts and voices in test imony and song, praising God. Today we thank the Lord for under taking in this venture. Enrolled in our ■‘Yeung Peoples” are approximately twenty-five with an average atten dance of about eighteen. The youth are kept busy preparing and participat ing in the Friday night meetings. In addition to this they sing every Wed nesday at the Municipal Farm (Old Folks Home) located several miles from Portage. Do thank God, with us. that He has answered prayer. Continue to pray that many in the area and even of our “Young Peoples” would find the Lord and live completely and joyfully for Him.
* * * Young People Serve at Union Gospel Mission
The Young People’s group of Ridge wood has undertaken to render a pro gram at the Union Gospel Mission once a month during the months when the Bible School is not in session. The first program brought on June 2 proved to be a great blessing to those taking part. This work provides multiple op portunities for doing personal work among the men that drift in from the street. Don Thiessen
“An URGENT call goes out for D.V. B.S. workers for this summer, contact the Extension Department” “Pray for V.B.S. teachers. Doors are open — Where are the laborers? Apply now.” These announcements taken from some of our church bulletins herald the fact approach of Vacation Bible School. Many willing workers will again be needed. Are you going to be one of them? I hope so. If you’re saying “I can’t see how I’ll make it.” why not take it to the Lord. He can open a way even in the moun tains of difficulties. Or He can re move the mountain. Of one think we are almost certain; you will not regret your move. Listen to the testimonies of some who have taught VBS in former years. “My heart has been touched as I have again been able to see the need of children and to present the Gos pel to them. If it is God’s wiU for me I hope to be back next year.” “It was a great blessing and a chalenge to teach children who had ne ver heard many of the Gospel stories about Jesus.” “At first when God spoke to me about going I was rebellious because I thought I should earn money to con tinue my education. O what peace filled my soul when I said “Yes Lord I will.”
“I wouldn’t mind teaching another week.” “We had eight decisions for Christ.” “I think it was the best year for me, I had the joy of leading five (children) to the Lord.”
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CHILDREN’S STORY
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Kindness of God Near by, in the large temple of the village, lived a cousin of Mr, Lee. He was priest-in-charge. When he came to visit his relative from time to time, he would bring a little present of bread or mllet from his ample store. The old man, on receiving these gifts, would always say, “It is my Heavenly Fa ther’s grace,” meaning that it was through the care and kindness of God that these gifts were brought,”
The priest did not agree to that way of looking at it, and at last said, “Where does your Heavenly Father’s grace come in, I should like to know? The millet is mine. I bring it to you. and if 1 did not, you would soon starve for all that He would care. He has nothing at all to do with it.” “But it is my Heavenly Father who puts it into your heart to care for me,” replied Mr. Lee.
RAVENS Mr. Lee had stopped worshipping idols, and was wholeheartedly trust ing God. He once heard a sermon based on the text, “Covetousness which is idolatry.” This gave him quite a fright, so much so that he decided to give away his money and property in case these should occupy too big a place in his heart, “For then,” he thought, “if I coveted or loved possessions I should be like an idolater again.” So Mr. Lee handed over his little house and farm to a nephew, and spent his whole time telling the people in his neighborhood about the Gospel, be coming the pastor of a small church. Then, after a while, he opened a home where people who wanted to break off smoking opium could come and be looked after by him. Gradually his money was used up, and he ran short of what he needed, and his faith in God was truly tested. 6
“Oh, that’s all very well,” interrupted the priest. “We shall see what will happen if I bring no more millet.” For a week or two he kept away, although his conscience told him he should help the old man, whom he really admired for the kind and hepful things he did for the people.
This was just the time when old Mr. Lee was especially short of sup plies,. At last there came a day when he had nothing left for another meal, and no money to buy any bread. Kneel ing alone in his room, he brought all his troubles to God, feeling certain that his Father in heaven would not, could not, forget him, and asked that God for His own great Name sake would send him that day his daily bread, and so prove to the temple priest that God truly cared and would provide for him. Then and there the answer came. While the old man was still kneeling in prayer, he heard an unusual cla mour and cawing and flapping of wings in the courtyard outside, and a noise of something falling to the ground. He rose and went to the door to see what was happening. A number of ravens, which are common in that part of China, were flying about in great commotion above him and as he looked up a large piece of fat pork fell at his very feet. One of the birds, chased by the others, had dropped it just at that moment on that spot. Thankfully the old man took up the
unexpected meat, saying, “It is my Heavenly Father's kindness.” And then, glancing about him to see what he had heard fall before he came out, he discovered a large piece of bread, all cooked and ready for eating. Another bird had dropped that also — and there was his dinner bountifully provided! Evidently the ravens had been on a stealing expedition and overtaken by stronger birds, had let go their booty. But whose hand had guided them to drop their prize right above his little courtyard? With heart overflowing with joy and amazement, Mr. Lee lit a fire to pre pare the welcome meal. While the pot was still boiling the door opened, and to his great delight, his cousin, the priest walked in.
“Well has your Heavenly Father sent you anything to eat?” he asked with a scornful smile, keeping a bag of mil let he had brought carefully hidden up his sleeve. “Look and see, replied the old man, smiling, as he pointed to the saucepan simmering on the fire. The Priest Believes For some time the priest would not lift the lid feeling sure there was no thing boiling there but water, but when a delicious smell was unmistak able, he overcame his curiosity and peeped into the pot. What was his as tonishment to see the large piece of juicy fat pork! “Why,” he cried, “where did you get this?”
“My Heavenly Father sent it,” re sponded the old man delightedly, “He put it in your heart, you know, to bring me a little millet from time to time, but when you would no longer do so, it was quite easy for Him to find another messenger.” Mr. Lee told his cousin all the story, about his pray er and about the coming of the ravens. The priest was so much impressed by what he saw and heard, that he began to inquire more fully about his cousin’s God, and later he himself be lieved in the Lord Jesus and was baptized. He gave up his comfortable living in the temple, earned his living as a teacher and, became a deacon in the church. During the fierce antiChristian riots some years later, he bravely endured terrible tortures and finally laid down his life for Jesus’ sake. —Young Pilot
THE MESSENGER
OBITUARY OF MRS. HELEN W.
FROM
HOUSE
TO YO
HOUSE
HOLD THOU MY HAND
Elina B. Dueck
Kerry is one of those active young sters that keep their guardian angels working overtime. The type of boy that the sages say develope into the most useful servants of God if directed into the right channels. When Kerry was about two years old we spent a holiday together with his family at the lake. The holiday turned out to be far from leisurely for his parents. Kerry as inquisitive as always, was not content to stay close to his parents, tout was continual ly running dangerously near the edge of the pier. It left his parents quite distraught.
Finally, after one breath-taking chase hit; father decided to teach him a les son, so he said, “Why don’t you jump in?” Without a moments hesitation he did just that, and found himself floundeiing in 6 feet deep water. By the time his father had rescued him, he was coughing and sputtering! The rest of that holiday we could all enjoy in peace of mind. Kerry was careful to stay close to Daddy and Mommie. The water had no more at traction for him anymore. Does God sometimes use similar methods to teach His erring children that the only safe way to walk is by holding on to His hand, to stay close to Him? He will not let go, unless we tear loose in willful independence. He may even allow one or the other to “fall in” if we insist on walking as close to the edge of this sinful world as possible. But how great is His love and mercy to draw out the floundering ones when they call upon Him in their distress!
“Hold Thou my hand I dare not walk alone If I should choose my course I’d never reach my Home.” Hold Thou my hand!”
June 28, 1963
ever, since she did not feel well she de cided to stay home but insisted that I, BRANDT, MORRIS her husband should go to the Confer It has pleased the Lord to take my ence anyway. With a heavy heart, I dear wife, Helen, nee Dueck, after con decided to go but returned home before siderable suffering to be with Him. We the end of the conference. believe that she is in heaven now with On the 13th of August she got con the Lord Jesus, where there are no vulsions and had to be taken to the tears and no suffering anymore. hospital. After 89 days she was well My dear wife was born March 8, 1910 enough to go home again and was fair in Rosenhof. Her parents, Abram R. ly well up to Mar., 1963. Then she be Dueck’s, passed away in the year 1936. gan to feel worse again and May 2 she Since her parents were not well to do had her convulsions again and she had and her mother somewhat sickly, Hel to go to Winnipeg hospital. The doctor en had to work a great deal for other diagnosed a tumor on the brain and tried some more treatments. All to people. As a two year old child she was ns avail. After two weeks she was saved from drowning by her older taken to the Morris Hospital to be closer to home, where she got very sister, Mary. She accepted the Lord for her Sav good care for three more weeks. The our in her early years and was bap last ten days she was very sick. On tized at the age of 18, July 8, 1928 by Friday, June 7th at 8:55 a.m. she Jacob B. Kroeker. she was happy in passed on to be with the Lord. We her faith and loved to fellowship with grieve for her but have a blessed hope of seeing her again with the Lord Je other Christians. In the year 1933, November 19th, we sus. entered holy matrimony. We were mar She reached the age of 53 years and ried by Rev. Jacob R. Klassen. Seven 3 months less one day. The time of our children were born to us, on of whom, matrimony has been 29 years, 6 months Norman, took sick with Rheumatic Fe and 18 days. ver and passed away at the age of 9 She has left me, her sorrowing hus months in 1939. band, three sons: Alvin, Waldo and On November 19, 1958 we celebrated Dennis, three daughters; Betty. Doris, our silver wedding which proved to be new Mrs. Alfred Friesen and Levina. a great blessing lor our whole family. Then there is her son-in-law Alfred Less than a year later, October 20, Friesen and the little granddaughter, 1959 we became concerned about some Kathleen Joy Five sisters: Mary, Mrs. external symtoms of a highly dreaded Jac. F. Dueck; Anne, Mrs. Jac. K. disease. We consulted a Winnipeg doc Krceker; Agnes, Mrs Lawrence Samis; tor immediately, who advised us to Margaret, Mrs. John P. Reimer; Susan, take an operation at once. We decided Mrs. Lloyd Davies. Four brothers: to go to Savanna. Missouri lor cancer Henry A. Dueck, Abe A. Dueck, Nick treatments, with God,s help. After 41 A. Dueck and Jacob A. Dueck. days of successful treatments we were Sister Elizabeth and John preceded allowed to go home. We were very her in death. thankful that prayers had been an We thank heartily for all sympathy swered. that has been shown to us in our sor Every six months we went back to row, like prayers, sympathy, cards and Savanna lor a check-up and even the letters. The Family last time. May 2,1962 Dr. Kens declared Peter W. Brandt * * * the treatments as having been success ful, so we went home quite happily. The funeral of Mrs. P. W. Brandt We even planned to go to Kitchener took place on Tuesday, June 11 in the in the beginning of August to attend Rosenort Church. P. L. Friesen spoke the Mennonite World Conference. Helen in German taking for his text Psalm had always given her most loyal sup 116:15. “The Death of the Saints is port in all my work as a deacon and Precious.” Melvin Dueck spoke in as a member of the Canadian Menno English on John 14:1-3 “Where I am nite Relief Committee. there ye may be also.” P. J. B. Reimer When we went to Winnipeg, July read the obituary. 27th to do some shopping she sudden Serving with special numbers were ly felt something peculiar in her left the following: Mr. and Mrs. Dave L. leg. We consulted a doctor but he Friesen, a duet, a male quartette and thought it was nothing serious. How- the senior choir.
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PRAIRIE ROSE CHURCH DESTROYED BY FIRE A lire, attributed to lightening, com pletely destroyed the Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennnite Church in the early hour of Thursday morning, June 27. This structure of some 36x70 had replaced an older building about 17
NEWS Deacon Election Sunday, June 9 marked a special evening when the brethren of the Church at Prairie Rose elected a dea con to carry on the important task cf caring lor the needy, and doing the bookkeeping of the various offerings and disbursements. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac P. Reimer were elected to carry on the important work of a deacon, thus making the load lighter for Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Plett, who are on in years already and Mr. and Mrs. I. K. Plett. Rev. Harvey Plett opened the service with I Timothy 3:8-16. Rev. Frank D. Reimer pointed out a number of qual ifications of a deacon and his wife, from I Corinthians 1:4-8 and Acts 6: 1-7. In closing. Rev. A. P. Unger chal lenged the elected family with Joshua 1:6 and 7.
Many friends from far and near came to take part in the well adver tised, interesting and challenging eve ning, June 17, when the Mennonite Hour Men’s Quartette and Rev. Her shey visited the Prairie Rose Church. The Men’s Quartette and Rev. Her shey presented to us the many oppor tunities of proclaiming the Gospel by means of radio and Bible courses, etc. Our hearts went up in praise to God for what can be done to evangelize the masses in these crucial days. Mr. and Mrs. Corny Loewen and Justina Brandt presented the work in Mexico to us in a real challenging way. Sunday, June 16. A Mexican song was brought by the group, followed by reports from Mrs. Loewen and Miss
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years ago. A Sunday school building standing near by was saved. Only a few items were saved from the burn ing building proper, before the flames prohibited any further entrance into the church.
Brandt. With the aid of a map of Chih., Mr. Loewen very vividly pre sented to us the forward strides of the Mexican Mission, and also the challenging fields still waiting for the blessed Gospel. The evening seemed almost too short for Mr. Loewen. * * * Maryfield Speaking to his former con gregation on June 9 was Frank P. Kroeker now of Morris. He gave a chal lenging report of the Paraguay mission field. The Kroekers expect to leave for Paraguay on July 8. , Street Meetings have again been started in Maryfield on Saturday nights. Cn June 16 a group of Young Poeple rendered a program on the Oak River Indian Reserve. Church Doubles Membership The Roseisle E.M.C. Church doubled it’s membership on Sunday June 16 when 13 members were added to the small group making a total of twentyfive members Transferring from the mother church at Rosenort (Morris) were: Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. L. Friesen, Mr. and Mrs. Corny J. L. Friesen, Miss Pauline Flor ence Friesen, Miss Rosella (?). Received into fellowship from other churches were: Mr. and Mrs. Herman Heide, and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Driedger. The following additions were by bap tism: Mr. and Mrs. Harold Warms and Miss Shirley Warms. Officiating at the baptismal service was John K. Reimer (EMC Winnipeg) while Dave Harms, the local pastor, accepted and welcomed those who transferred from other churches.
Br. Harms expresses himself thus “The Lord has done great things for us whereof we are glad” and “It is our sincere prayer and desire that each one may be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” * * *
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Baptism at Washow Bay On June 9 the following 14 young people were baptized and received into the church at Washow Bay. Officiating at the baptism was the Rev. David Thiessen. William Reimer son of K. B. Reimer John Reimer son of K. B. Reimer Paul Friesen son of Jac D. Friesen Peter Reimer son of Frank D. Reimer Edwin Harms son of P. F. Harms Harold Thiessen son of D. P. Thiesesn Dennis Kroeker son of Jac L. Kroeker Edwin Barkman son of John J. R. Bark man Elma Reimer daughter of A. R. Reimer Margaret Barkman daughter of Jac. R. Barkman Katherine Barkman daughter of Peter J. R. Barkman Leona Reimer daughter of Henry R. Reimer Barbara Plett daughter of Frank Plett * * *
COMING EVENTS July 4 to 7 Deeper Life Bible Mes sages with J. J. Toews at Wymark, Saskatchewan. July 3-31. A united tent campaign will be held with Rev. G. Brunk as speaker. The tent will be located at the Central School in Steinbach. July 14 to 18 Mennonite Writers Con ference at the Canadian Mennonite Bible College, Winnipeg. • * * THE MESSENGER
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