The Messenger July 12, 1963

fol. 1, No. 14 July 12, 1963

EVANGELICAL

MENNONITE

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CONFERENCE 1 I

Tins ISSUE Passing of a Pioneer 2

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F. P. Kroekers Paraguay

Thirteenth Annual Conference 4 & 5

MCC Workers to Jordan

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. LET YOUR CONDUCT BE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL. OF CHRIST . .

PHU* 1:37

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THE PASSING OF A PIONEEE “For we know that if our earthly house of this taber­ nacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.’’ II Cor. 5:1 The entire Evangelical Mennonite Conference has been saddened by the home-going of a brother beloived, a fellow minister and a church leader, the Rev. David P. Reimer. Our acquaintance with the late Br. Reimer goes back to the war years when he was very active in the admin­ istration of the C.O. program. But it was not till we too were ordained into the ministry that we really learned to know him and appreciate him. Among the areas that he pioneered in was the field of literature. It was largely through his influence and vision that the “Familienfreund’’ first made it’s ap" pearance 28 years ago next January. My eyes grow dim as 1 gaze upon a cherished “first” copy of this publication. And 1 try to imagine the feel­ ings that must have gone through this young editor as he gazed upon the fruit of his effort, his labours and his aspiration. In Br. Reimer's home-going we have lost an active writer, of which we already have so few. May others be challenged to take up where he left off. He lived to see the ministry of the printed page take a tremendous stride when early this year the conference voted to put out an enlarged German paper plus a separate 8 ])age English bi-weekly. Ills enthusiasm and optimism did much to further this. He will be missed, but we sorrow not as those who have no hope. To mind come oidy the words of the hymn writer who said:

They have laid aside their armour For the robe of spotless white And with Jesus they are walking Where the river sparkle,s bright We have labored here together We have labored side by side Just a little while before me They have crossed the rolling tide. • • •

YEAR BOOKS A church (or Conference) year book is a fine thing. Churches, their beginnings, achievements, members, etc. are listed which we read with interest, and maybe even a little pride at what we have accomplished. Our Sesquicentennial year book is such a book. We read on until we come to the list of members, in the back of the book, and search, almost in vain for

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God’s saving grace is for all. If this is so, how great the non-Mennonite names in our Canadian membership. Here is something that has greatly disturbed us. Surely there should be more names of non-Mennonite origin. What is it that has kept them out? Or is the gospel message only for us and our children. God forbid such a thought! debt to our non-Mennonite neighbors who are just as lost as the heathen in darkest Africa, if without Christ. Yes, year books are fine. But they sometimes reveal more than is intended, as we have revealed above. It is our prayer that before another year book is put out that picture will have changed for the better. Indications already are such that we have reason to hope (See “Bap­ tism at Weekes” this issue and “Church Doubles Member­ ship” in our last number). * * *

The New Africa The new Africa—an old world being born into the 20th century—reveals a thirst for knowledge unprecedented in human history. Schools everywhere are able to admit only a part of their applicants. Illiterate parents demand that their children receive the education they were denied. Where will the teachers come from! Africa will need 70,000 secondary teachers and 7000 university teachers in the next ten years. Teachers Abroad Program (TAP) was organized by MCC to make a contribution to this need. TAP offers Mennonites an opportunity to be a Christian testimony in the African classroom. The outstanding work done by the 20 teachers serving this year has opened up many doors lor service in the future. (Leader)

* * * Report Religious Revival in China A recent report from inside Red China indicates that there is a new religious revival in various parts of the country. The report which came by way of Hong Kong stated that while nearly all church activity ceased for the past three to five years the situation is now changing. The writer reported an increased interest in the Gospel and many new inquirers despite a distressing lack of spiritual leadership. In another area more than 100 new converts were bap­ tized at one time and the church is growing rapidly. (ACTION)

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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 OF PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATION. Editor, David K. Schellenberg, .><12 llftli Ave. N.W., Portage la Prairie, Man. As.sistaiit Editor, Abe P. Unger. All new subscriptions should be sent to Mr. Abe Klassen, Bo.v 1447, Steinbach, Man. Authorized as second class mall. Post Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage in cash.

THE MESSENGER

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MISSION BECOMES CHURCH Baptism at Weekes

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FRANK P. KROEKERS TO PARAGUAY

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On June 16 the E.M.C. Mission sta­ tion at Weekes, Sask, officially became a church when three souls were bap­ tized and five more received into fel­ lowship. Baptized were the following: Richard Salmond Mrs. Jennie Belznar Mrs. Ethel St. Marie Received into fellowship of the church were: Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Funk Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Salmond Mr. John Tyche Other missionaries who have served at Weekes are the John Ungers and the Abe Giesbrechts. Presently serving are the Ernest Funks.

* * * MISSION BRIEFS

Margie, Hannah, Judy, Gary,

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Marjorie, Frank

But you will receive power when the ever the thought of leaving the work Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you with the Conference, the Churches, and will bear witness for me in Jerusalem, our loved ones here at home has al­ and all over Judea and Samaria, and ready caused us some sober moments. away to the ends of the earth. Acts But, His promise: “and, lo, I am with 1:8 NEB) you alway, even to the end of the Since the day that Christ changed world,” is a real consolation to us. As my life and made me a new creature a reward, we are hoping to see the in Him through the Holy Spirit, I have transformation of many lives “from not once doubted the fact He also darkness into His marvellous light” called me into His service. Yet I had as we go forth. little idea in what form or where it We would also wish to express our would be, but nevertheless. He granted heartiest “thanks” to all the Churches a burden for the lost and a desire to of the Conference lor the promised obey His call. Today I’m so thankful financial and prayer support and as that the Lord gave opportunity to re­ well for all gifts and love to us. May spond to the call through the home the Lord bless abundantly in return. Church in the DVBS, extension S.S. The Lord willing, we shall now leave work, and veirious other ways, and Winnipeg on July Sth at 7:00 a.m. and latei' also in the call to the ministry. arrive in Asuncion on July 9th at During the twelve years of our 4:25 p.m. (1:25 p.m. our time). We do Christian life we can now see the dif­ covet your prayers. ferent steps the Lord had to take by “To this end keep watch and per­ way of preparation. Some brought severe, always interceding lor aU God’s tears and sorrow, others joy and bless­ people: and pray for me (us), that I ing. As a result of these experiences may be granted the right words when we have at least partly learned of what I open my mouth, and may boldly and Paul says: “I have learned in whatso­ freely make known His hidden pur­ ever state I am, therewith to be con­ pose, for which I am an ambassa­ tent.” dor . . . Pray that I may speak of it Presently we are happy that Christ boldly, as it is my duty to speak” has counted us wox-thy to be His am­ (Eph. 6:18-20 NEB.) bassadors to a needy Paraguay. The Yours for the lost in Paraguay, “Paraguayan Call” has come our way * « * and we look forward to going. How-

July 12. 1963

The Clifford Keiniers in a recent letter inform us that “school is out” (Clifford teaches missionary children.) During this time they will be helping in “short term” Bible courses at other stations. They also report that in recent weeks almost all missionaries have re­ ported of souls saved or new contacts made. * * ♦

Corny B. Loewen (missionary on furlough) has returned to Mexico for a short time to assist in the work which at present, due to illness, etc. is short staffed.

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Corny Plett (Burns Lake) came from this, our most Western church, to at­ tend the 13th Annual Conference. He has again returned. * * *

John Kornelsens (Mexico) have re­ turned lor a short furlough.

* * * Martha Bartel, former Mexico mis­ sionary has gone back to Mexico for an undetermined period to help in the work. Margaret Unger, teacher on the Mex­ ico field is home on furlough. * * « From a Church Bulletin “Rev. (name) is bringing a series of messages on trials in the Christian life during the month of July.” * * * 3

The Thirteenth Annual Convention of Meeting at Rosenort (Morris) on June 29 to July 1 was the Evangelical Mennonite Conference for it’s 13th an­ nual conference. Theme of the con­ vention was THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST. In addition to the many re­ ports and presentations the theme was developed in five main messages. JE­ SUS CHRIST LORD OF THE CHURCH, JESUS CHRIST LORD OF THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOS­ PEL, JESUS CHRIST LORD OF 'THE SOCIAL LIFE, JESUS CHRIST LORD OF STEWARDSHIP OF MATERIAL WEALTH, and JESUS CHRIST LORD OF ALL. The opening forenoon and afternoon of the conference was devoted to min­ isterial and conference council sessions. The ministerial COUNCIL is composed of all ministers and deacons. This body meets six times a year. The session at the conference is an etxra one. At these bi-monthly meetings topics that are relevant to the conference as a whole are dealt with. The CONFERENCE COUNCIL is composed of all ministers and deacons plus an aUottment of dele­ gates according to membership from each church. Presiding over these ses­ sions is a moderator, elected annually. Saturday Saturday night marked the beginning of the conference proper. P. L. Friesen the host pastor welcomed the guests. F. D. Reimer, moderator of the EMC opened the meeting. He expressed an inward desire that we have Jesus

Christ as Lord of our lives. Christ demands our spirit, body and soul in every area of our lives. The report on Conference Trusteeship was given by Dick Eidse. He gave some pointers on church titles, etc. John P. Loewen gave the report on Coloniza­ tion. He pointed out three special bless­ ings that result when a smaller group is transplanted to a different area. I. The Effect on the Home Church II. The Effect on those Who Go. HI. The Effect on the Conference as such. The first message, JESUS CHRIST LORD OF THE CHURCH was deliv­ ered by John K. Reimer, Winnipeg. For his text he took Col. 1:18. “The church we are now thinking of is not a “local church” but the universal church com­ prising all believers, body of the Christ.” Mr. Reimer developed his message along three lines: 1. Christ, the Founder of the Church. 2. Christ, Meeting the needs of the Church in it’s development. 3. Christ Bringing the Church to Completion. Sunday Sunday, June 30 was conference Sun­ day. Three public sessions took place, morning, afternoon and evening. Speaking in the morning were Peter Schlamp (Wymark) and F. P. Kroeker (Morris) Br. Schlamp took for his text Philippians 1:1-12. He referred partic­ ularly to the main theme of the con­ ference, THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST.

Today, as in Jesus time, there is re­ bellion to His rule over us. He pointed to three conditions of success in pro­ claiming the Gospel. 1) A Personal Knowledge of Jesus. 2) Total Surrender 3) A Joyful Christian Personality. Br. Kroeker spoke on the topic. The Lordship of Christ to us is Conditional. ('Matthew 7:15-27) Jesus Christ, God’s only beloved Son, Redeemer, cannot be Lord to any one individual per­ son outside of the prescribed require­ ments and conditions laid down in God’s holy word. Among these condi­ tions are; Faith and Repentance. Fruit of the Spirit in the life. A Surrender to His Will and Obedience to His Word. Sunday afternoon the Board of Mis­ sions presented candidates and reports. A. P. Unger, chairman of the mission board had the floor. Nine missionaries have been accepted since the last mis­ sionary convention. The candidates came forward and dedicatory prayer was offered. Reports were then given on the three major fields of endeavor. Home, Paraguay and Mexico fields. Home Missions extension report was given by B. D. Reimer. He gave a brief review of the 13 home mission stations. He appealed for 20 couples to take up new areas. F. D. Reimer reporting on the Para­ guay field told of 70-80 baptized mem­ bers. There is now 250 acres of land broken up. Cotton and beans are har­ vested. 'There is an earnest appeal for help from another tribe. A vehicle for

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Left: F. D. Reimer, moderator, EMC; Abe R. Reimer, secretary and P. L. Friesen, assistant moderator. Centre: A voice from the floor at Conference Council. 4

Bight: Youth workers gather between sessions for some business (partial representation).

THE MESSENGER

he Evangelical Mennonite Conference the Toewses is urgently needed. P. L. Friesen told of eight years of outreach in Mexico. Many have been saved. There are 84 baptized members. B. D. Reimer, spoke on the second theme, JESUS CHRIST LORD OF 'THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL. In I Cor. 15 we find the true definition of the Gospel; Christ died for our sins, rising again on the third day. The rec­ onciliation of man to God must be done by us His, body. More laborers are al­ ways needed. He left us an example of how it should be done. If we follow Christ’s example we will be fishers of men. The offering went for general mis­ sions ($614.64) Sunday night was Youth Night. John Kornelsen (Mexico) gave some chal­ lenging thoughts on “Witnessing at Work”. Gordon Reimer dealt with the topic “Challenge of Voluntary Service”. Br. Reimer has seen PAX service abroad. The report for EMC Voluntary Service program was given by A. G. Penner. He told of the origin and con­ sequent development of this new body. It came into being as a result of the need of providing service outlets of this nature for our young people. So far five workers are out in service. One more is going. More could go if they were available. Harvey Plett, Steinbach Bible In­ stitute, in the fourth conference mes­ sage spoke on the assigned topic, JE­

SUS CHRIST LORD OF THE SOCIAL LIFE. “Man is a social being” said Br. Plett. “He is created for fellowship with God and man.” The two main headings of the message were: I. The Lordship of Christ and Social Processes II. The Lordship of Christ in Specific Areas of Life Also appearing briefly on the pro­ gram were Bernie Klassen accepted worker with MOC in Jordan and Helen Barkman who is with Back to the Bible in the Winnipeg office. Monday On Monday afternoon the newly formed (one year ago) Board of Edu­ cation and Publication gave their re­ port. Given was a brief survey of the origin and duties of this board. With the conference growing, an ever great­ er need was seen for a committee that would look after all education and pub­ lication needs. Outlined were also the duties of this board according to the constitution. Some of the areas that the board has already worked with was the conference publications of FAMILIENFREUND AND FAMILY CIR­ CLE. ’This hitherto combined paper had been separated into two papers, one German and one English. They also became purchasing agent for Her­ ald Press S.S. and VBS material. Elmer Hamm, MacGregor gave the VBS Challenge. This was very timely as schools will start in the very near

future. The Conference Report was given by P. P. Friesen, Ridgewood. The fifth conference message dealt with JESUS CHRIST LORD OF STEWARDSHIP OF MATERIAL WEALTH. The speak­ er was Milton Fast, Kleefeld. He stated while America had only 7% of the world’s population, it owns more than 50% of the world’s wealth. He devel­ oped his theme along three lines. 1) Man, Owner or Steward, II) ’The Pur­ pose of Stewardship of Material Wealth and, HI) Choose Ye this day Whom ye will Serve. Monday evening brought the last conference session. F. D. Reimer, mod­ erator of the EMC gave a report on the Conference Council and it’s business at the Saturday mission. Br. Reimer also presented the three new churches; formed: Roseisle, Vcdley Stream and Weekes. As a recognition of acceptance the congregation stood to their feet. Abe R. Reimer gave a report on the Steinbach Bible Institute. He expressed his gratitude for a school such as this. “Modernism, Liberalism und Universal­ ism are trying to creep in on us from every angle’’ said Br. Reimer. And, “To­ day, in the face of so much weaken­ ing of the true doctrine of the Bible it is of the greatest importance that we have an institution where the un­ adulterated word is Implanted into the heart of our young lives”. Over 200 students have been en-

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One of the “fringe benefits” of a conference is the op­ portunity to meet and chat with friends and acquaintences. Here we see on our left Corny Loewen, Steinbach, member of the extension conunittee and Ben Friesen, pastor of our July 12, 1963

Swift Current Church. On our right we have K. J. B. Reimer centre, reminiscing with C. P. Doerksen, left, and K. A. Reimer, right.

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rolled this last winter. Seventy-five of these were in the high school depart­ ment. On the staff are seven teachers. One of the pressing needs is more class room facilities. Income consisted of: Donations $17,(X)0.()0, Educational Dept. 820,000.00, Publications $8,.500.00 Ac­ commodation Dept. $33,000.00. The fifth, and last, message was giv­ en by Henry Kornelsen, Ridgewood. The theme; JESUS CHRIST LORD OF ALL. The text was taken from Luke 9:57-62. It dealt with three would-be followers. “The church is in dire need of disciples who claim Christ as the first authority in their life.” said Br. Kornelsen, and, “May our heavenly Father forgive us, that we are not rather searching for a deeper, yielded, Christ glorifying life . . .” The offering for Sundy night went to the S.B.I. ($442.95) In the absence of Arnold Fast, C, B. Loewen (Mexico) made the Conference closing. “We have been brought face to face with the searching question of our Saviour ‘Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?” and again, “This is still the age of the battle for men's souls. So many Christians and even entire churches are ready, or have called for an armistice . . . there will never be and armistice between Christ and Sat­ an.” He called for repentance and prayer. No amount of activity will be a substitute for prayer. Acknowledgement was given to the local church for their hospitality. Offerings for the six sessions came to over $2400.00. The weather, although very warm and humid the first day, turned more comfortable for the rest of the meet­ ings. To God be the praise and glory for a good conference. May the word spoken find a lodging place in our hearts and lives. The request by the board of Educa­ tion that messages and reports be written out for future preservation has resulted in about half of them being on record. It is hoped that these wUl be made available in book form for perusal at your leisure and for the many who were unable to attend part or any of the 1963 Annual Conference. * * * Raipur, India (E.P.) Christian lead­ ers have applauded a statement from Prime Minister Nehru that India would remain a nation in which the followers of all religions would enjoy equal op­ portunities to practise their faiths. Ad6

dressing a public meeting Mr. Nehru: “India will never become a nation pure­ ly of Hindus. Those who talk of mak­ ing her a Hindu nation are only imi­ tating the leaders of Pakistan who seek to make that country an Islamic state. India has been and will be a country where everyone irrespective of his re­ ligion, will be abe to live peacefully and follow his religion. * * *

M.C.C. WORKERS TO JORDAN

but a kerosene stove. When shopping she will have to learn the art of “bar­ gaining”. Her name will not be Nettie nor Mrs. Klassen, but “Um Anna” (the mother of Anna). The population of Jordan is about two million. The inhabitants are Arabs. The reigning monarch is King Husein. MCC has been in Jordan lor some 14 years having had up to 21 workers serving there thus constituting the second largest overseas unit in MCC. The Klassens wUl be sailing from New York on July 8. Their new ad­ dress will be: '•Mennonite School lor Boys Box 5 Beit Jala Hashernite Kingdom of Jordan * « «

NEWS

Bernie and Nettie Kiassen and four months oid Anna.

TWO BAPTIZED AT KOLA Baptized at Kola on June 16 were the following persons: Don Emerson Ken Fehler Among the scripture passages used were: Matt. 3, baptism upon true re­ pentance; Romans 6:3-5, baptism sig­ nifies the burying of the old life and rising to a new life in Christ. Romans 12:1, 2 challenges to live a holy life ded­ icated to God. Communion service was also celebrated on this day.

M.C.C. WORKERS TO JORDAN BIRTHS Leaving on July 2 for a three year Belated: To Mr. and Mrs. Harvey assignment with MCC in the Hoshe- Plett of Steinbach, a boy, Michael Dav­ mite Kingdom of Jordan were Mr. and id, on April 2. Mrs. Bernie Klassen and four month To Mr. and Mrs. Ben Barkman of old Anna. Washow Bay, a girl, Delores Ann, on In Jordan Br. Klassen will take over May 8. the administration of a newly created To Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Friesen of secondary school for Arabs at Beit Washow Bay, a girl, EVelyn, on May Jala. A school that is being readied 8. lor 48 students, this will later be in­ Chosen: To Mr. and Mrs. Menno creased to 100 students. Duties will Hamm of Austin (MacGregor), a boy, consist of instructing in English, which Gerald Wayne, is a second language in Jordan and Chosen: To Mr. and Mrs. Art .Schwartz, a boy, Kurt Arthur, administrative duties. Mr. Klassen has taught for five To Mr, and Mrs. Frank M. Friesen, of i^ears in this country. Mrs. Klassen too Steinbach, a girl, Marcella Mae, June 8. is a teacher and may also do some To Mr. and Mrs. Jack Klassen of teaching in Jordan. Steinbach, a girl, Lois June, June 26. Mrs. Klassen’s duties will consist of To Mr, and Mrs. Peter W. Hiebert being “house mother” at the school of Steinbach, a girl, Juanita Faye, June which is a residential school. The per- 28. sonell consists of four Arab teachers To Mr. and Mrs. Dave Schlamp of Swift Current, a girl. plus three domestic staff. * * * Things that Sister Klassen win find WEDDINGS different from this country are that Golden: Mr. and Mrs. John. R. Schelwomen are still veiled. In the laundry there will not be an electric washer lenberg of Kleefeld on June 9. Silver: Mr. and Mrs. Pete Peters of and dryer, you wash in a tub! There will be no electric range in the kitchen. Kleefeld on June 5, THE MESSENGER

Christians, to become materialistic in to have much color in its leaves, and outlook. An individual who has been the flower never reached the point of reared in wealth may possibly own a full maturity. Why? It was away from great number of things of great mat­ the light. It should have been in the erial value and still not be materialistic. window with the other flowering plants. FROM HOUSE At the same time, a person may ac­ Like this plant, if we do not stay close tually own very little and yet be so to “The Light”, but mingle too much TO YO HOUSE absorbed in thinking about what he with those in the darkness of sin, our would like to have that he is, in reality, lives will lose their color, and beauty materialistic. It is not the cost of our that only The Light of the World can POSSESSED OR POSSESSING? possessions which makes us material­ put there. istic, but rather a preoccupation with Now, over here is a plant that’s By Jessie Rice Sandberg possessions, whether expensive or not. growing, but oh, so slowly. There is This afternoon a friend whom I see It is a sad thing to be possessed by life, but it is not producing flowers only rarely stopped by for a short visit one’s possessions, to put one’s whole at all. This plant is root-ibound. Yes, and a cup of coffee. She seemed a little attention on values that must be reck­ it wants to grow and puts down roots upset and when I questioned her about oned by dollars and cents. Aside from to grow, but it wants to do all it’s work it, she told me that a neighbor had the spiritual starvation that is inevit­ in one spot. I must get more pots and just told her, rather candidly, that she ably the result of being materialistic, spread out this plant. Then I will this preoccupation with things makes transplant it, even outside of our home. was materialistic and extravagant. “I was so shocked,” she said, “and life never quite fulfilling or satisfying What happens now? It grows beauti­ then I tried to think what I had said because there is always something new­ fully, and produces flowers in all or done to leave that impression. I er, or more fashionable or fancier to these different places. Is there not a think it all started when I mentioned be desired. How much happier it is lesson here for us? Should we do all I was having some drapes made for my to receive joyfully whatever blessings our work in one place? His command dining room. My neighbor thought it and prosperity God gives, and yet to is: “Go Ye . . .” He also said, “Ye shall was foolish to have drapes custom spend one’s thought and interest on be witnesses unto me . .. unto the utter -most part of the earth” (Acts 1:8) made when ready-made ones could be things of greater value. Then I came to a little plant with “. . . for a man’s life consisteth not had cheaper.” beautiful foliage in full flower. But in the abundance of the things which I didn’t try to decide for my friend whether she really was materialistic, he possesseth . . . Therefore, I say unto there is a strange thing about this and I doubted that that kind of judge* you. Take no thought for your life, , plant. I had to make a solution from ment could be made on the basis of what ye shall eat; neither for the body vitamain Bl and water, and feed it. whether or not a person preferred cus­ what ye shall put on. 'The life is more If I want this plant to keep flowering tom-made drapes to cheaper, ready­ than meat, and the body is more than I must do this periodically. Are there not many Christians who just never raiment.”—Luke 12:15, 22, 23. made ones. "We then as workers together with seem to get anywhere, spiritually, un­ If you should ask a number of wo­ him beseech you, also that ye receive less someone is continually pampering men what type of expense they con­ not the grace of God in vain . . . But them, or running alter them? One in sidered extravagant, their ideas would in all things approving ourselves as the this category, if left on his own, often differ a great deal, according to their ministers of God, in much patience, in loses out altogether, and, like the plant, own various backgrounds and economic afflictions, in necessities, in distress­ withers and dies (spiritually). situations. One woman would perhaps One day, in the hot summer we went es ... As sorrowful, yet making many isay that a weekly trip to the hairdress­ away lor a few days. We left no one rich; as having notliing, and yet pos­ er was extravagant, while another to care lor the plants. What a sight sessing all things.”—II Cor. 6:1, 4, 10. would insist it was a perfectly normal met our eyes upon our return. They “Materialism”, What is it? What does looked like they were all dead! What expense. Another woman who hapened to be frugal with herself about (it mean? How does it affect me? All was the matter? No water. The water the amount of money she spent on ihese questions were answered when I to the plant is like the Word of God clothing might be lavish in what she read this article in the ‘Sword of and prayer to the Christian. Without spent for food. I have seen women with the Lord’ written by Jessie Rice these we soon lose interest in ‘grow­ lovely homes and furniture who fig­ Sandberg. This article is reprinted ing’ and ‘going’—to win souls to Him. ured food budgets to save every possi­ by permission with the prayer that we —From a pastor’s wile (Sask.) ble penny. When I was growing up I re­ all win benefit by it and that the mat­ * * * member having a girl friend who was erialistic bug will not get hold of us. AFTERGLOW (Mrs.) Leona Reimer shocked that people as poor as my The sun is set and now it melts * * * family would spend so much money on Its tender afterglow into books and piano lessons! So you see, WATERING PLANTS My heart. I feel its nestling warmth extravagance may very well be a mat­ That seeps my thirsty spirit through. I would like to share some thoughts ter of opinion. However, it is true that in a society with you that came to me as I watered Someday the sun will set again Upon a life—its counted years. like ours, where “things” have become my plants one day. symbols of culture and success and ' Here on a little table in front of a Unspun the reel of time. The joys. The sorrows past. Creeping it nears. pei'sonal worth, it is easy, even for window was a plant that did not seem

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July 12, 1963

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Obituary of th® REVEREND DAVID P. REIMER

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Cor. 5:1. It has pleased the Lord who reigns over life and death, to take up my be­ loved husband and the father of our children David P. Reimer, from this earthly life into his eternal home. He passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 1963 at 12:30 a.m. at the age of 69 years. My hsband was born to his parents, Peter and Maria Reimer, on the 13th of June, 1894 in the village of Blumen­ ort in the vicinity of Steinbach as their youngest child. He received his ele­ mentary education here. At the age of 16 he moved along with his parents and other members of the family to their farm, % mile north of the origin­ al village site. Father resided on this farm until his death. After his conversion he was bap­ tized upon the confession of his faith at the age of 19 by the elder Peter R. Dueck and received into the Kleine Gemeinde, now Evangelical Mennonite Conference. On the 12th of April, 1914 he offered me, Justina Brandt, his hand in holy matrimony. Twelve children were born of this union. Four of these passed on in childhood, of whom Tina and David died at the ages of 3 and 1% years within a period of one month. The influence of his teachers, Ger­ hard Giesbrecht and Heinrich R. Reimer, later helped him decide for the calling of teaching. For four years he taught in the private school in Blumenort and some time later he taught one year in the district school. Because he had taken over the family farm, which began to take more and more of his time, and because he would have had to continue his schooling if he wanted to continue as a teacher, he gave up teaching. In the year 1929 he was called into the ministry of the church. In the years that followed this required much of his time. He travelled much in the interests of the work of the church 8

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and also of colonization. During the war years he minstered to the CO boys in the camps for several months. When his brother, the Elder P. P. Reimer, along with many members of the church moved to Mexico in the year of 1948 he was elected and or­ dained as Bishop of the Blumenort Church. Some years previous, when the need for a church paper was felt, he was appointed as editor of the Christlicher Familienfreund. For 25 years he continued to serve in this capacity. Up until the summer of 1962 he en­ joyed exeptionally good health, in spite of the fact that he had diabetes for the last number of years. Last summer while in Kitchener, Ontario to attend the Mennonite World Conference, he suffered a light attack, likely due to an internal disorder. Shortly after hi.s return he received thorough medical examination. After this he submitted to a very complicated cancer operation an the 3rd of October of last year in the St. Boniface Hospital. He recovered in remarkably short time and en­ joyed another 5 months of apparently good health. During this time he with­ drew more and more from the duties of the ministry. About the middle of May his suffering, due to cancer, be­ came very apparent again. After he had taken part in, and thoroughly en­ joyed a meeting sponsored by the Blumenort Church on the 16th of June in remembrance of the many years of service of four of the older ministers, he went to the hospital the following day. Here he stayed another two weeks. Some of this time he had to suffer much, especially after another small operation, until he peacefully passed way on the 2nd day of July. During this last two week stay in the hospital he has been able to discuss and ar­ range many things with the family and with many friends. Even in these days of suffering his cheerful disposition was very helpful in cheering up even those who visited him and also in overcoming his own suffering. To mourn his depatrure he leaves me, his wife, eight children: Maria, Mrs. Abe P. Reimer, Giroux; Justina, Mrs. Martin Penner, Giroux; Elizabeth,

Mrs. Jake Kroeker, Washow Bay; Hen­ ry, Giroux; Peter, Middlebury, Indi­ ana; David, Giroux; Gerhard, Stein­ bach; and Sara at home. 4 daughtersin-law, 3 sons-in-law, 41 grandchildren (5 grandchildren preceded him in death), one sister, Sara, Mrs. Johan G. Barkman; one ailing brother, Klaas P. L. Reimer; 3 sisters-in-law; 1 bro­ ther-in-law; as well as my brothers and sisters; many relatives and a host of friends. We do not sorrow as those, who have no hope, but we have the as­ surance to see him again on the ressurrection morning with Jesus Christ, We want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have remembered us, in prayer, visitation or in other deeds of love, in this time of suffering and mourning. We would especially like to thank the doctors and nurses who have cared for our father so faith­ fully during his suffering. The bereaved Wife and family * * * The funeral of David P. Reimer took place on Saturday, July 6 in the church where he had until early this year been the leader, Blumenort. It was a very largely attended funeral with friends coming from far and near to pay their last respects to an esteemed friend and brother. John P. Loewen, the present leader spoke in German, taking his text from Hebrews 4. “He rests”, said Br. Loewen from: 1) a prayer life, 2) He has given his last warning, his last words of comfort”. The choir sang the song “Mann Lobt dich in der Stille”, one of the favorites of the deceased brother. Frank D. Reimer took as his text II Timothy 4:7, 8, developing it in three points. He underlined the loss to fam­ ily, friends and the church through the death of Br. Reimer. Messages from former moderator Archie Penner and the Sask, churches of Wymark and Swift Current were read. “We have gathered to say farewell to a brother and minister” said Mel­ vin Penner in his closing remarks. Obituary was read by Jake Kroeker, Washow Bay. * * • DIED The Rev. Cornelius R. Penner, Blu­ menort on Monday, June 8 at 11 p.m. Mr. Penner was 81 years old. He had been a minister in the Blumenort church since about 1925. The funeral is to be held at Blumenort on July 12. THE MESSENGER