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EVANGELICAL

Vol. 1, No. 15 July 26, 1963 &

MENNONITE

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CONFERENCE I I i

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HIS ISSUE

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Piioto courtesy Manitoba Department of Industry and Commerce

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

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-and Clayton Peters, Lincoln, Neb. Jean and Hugo Friesen of Y^lrrow, B.C. will go to Hong Kong; Ella and Peter Kehler and their daughter June of Abbotsford, B.C. to Paraguay; and Nettie and Bernard Klassen, Morris, Man. and Margaret and Herbert Swartz. Willowdale, Ont. to Jordan.

TRAINIE SPONSORS NEEDED WARNING SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL DECLINE

This section is designed to be used as a spiritual barometer to help predict areas of spiritual need for yo-ur life. An area becomes full of concern— WHEN quiet time shortens and becomes irregularOther things apparently become more important and gradually take the time once reserved for meeting the Lord. “Can a bride forget her attire’? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number” (Jer. 2:32). AVIIEN the reading of the Bible is replaced gradually with the reading of books about the Bible. Note: there is nothing wrong with these books unless they replace the BibleWHEN a real burden of prayer for those things that would glorify God becomes a time of offering petitions for satisfying selfish interests. WHEN a burden and concern for lost souls diminishes and witnessing becomes difficult or even ceases. WHEN an active concern and burden for missions gives way to other things-. WHEN real Christian fellowship and the sharing of spiritual blessings become of fellowship centered around things other than the Person of Christ and His Word and work. WHEN the walk by faith becomes a walk by sight. WHEN the fruits of the old life, such as lack of love, lack of consideration, criticism, jealousy, pride, selfishness, hate, etc-, return gradually and displace the fruits of the Spirit. WHEN we find difficulty in getting along with others, especially those we live and wo-rk with. I’ersonality clashes and irritability replaces a spirit of love and understanding. WHEN sin gradually ceases to be sinful to us sothat we excuse or justify sin in our livesA general displacement comes about subtly and grad" ually; spiritual things being replaced by less spiritual or even carnal things. Our completeness and satisfac" tion of life beco-mes dependent upon things and jieople instead of the Lord alone—by Howard Pettman in Gospel Message * • • FORTY-SIX ATTEND ORIENTATION SCHOOL Akron, Pa,, (MCC)—Forty-six persons participated in the June 24—July 9 orientation school held at the Akron MCC headquarters. New in the orientation school schedule was a field daj' in Lancaster where Voluntary Service orientees visited the Child Development Centre. Family and Children’s Ser vice. and Lancaster Guidance Clinic. The purpose of the field trip was to expose VSers to work of welfare agencies before they get into their assignments. Serving in foreign relief assignments in the Congo are Jeanette and Thomas Bechtel. Goshen, Ind., and Carolyn 2

Akron, Pa,, (MCCl—Have you ever considered opening your home to a young person from another country? An opportunity is again being provided for American and Canadian Mennonites to enjoy the friendship of Christian young people from abroad. Fifty-one trainees will be ar riving on August 15. Sponsors are still needed lor ten girls who would like to work in a household with a family, taking care of children and doing housework. A trainee spends one year in America working hall a year in one place and half a year in another place. The sponsor provides a home and work for the trainee and pays into the MCC trainee fund, from which transportation costs are paid. The trainee program is an excellent oppotunity for American Christians to help build bridges of international understanding and to experience the warmth and friend ship of young people from abroad. Your home can be a laboratory where feelings of Christian brotherhood can develop and grow. For further information write MCC, Akron, Pa.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

22 Girish Chandra Bose Road Calcutta 14, India July 5, 1963 Christian greetings from India. By now the annual con ference is over for this year and much we would have liked to take in the blessings with you in Manitoba during that time. Our prayers were with you as they also are in the work of the Lord as it is carried on at home. We appreciate our church papers now more than we have ever before and we ai’e happy to read of the work that is being done. ,,.. I have been in bed the last week with a head fever but should be ready for work again next week. We are having a church delegate and missionary meeting here in Calcutta next week to discuss questions of peace and voluntary service for the India Mennonite churches. Our prayers are that we may be led by the Holy Spirit as we mutually seek to be witnesses for our Lord and Saviour. Sincerely, Vernon Reimer

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. Sciiellenberg, 502 Fifth Ave. N.W., Portage la Prairie, Man. Assistant Editor. Abe P. Unger. All new subscriptions should be sent to Mr. Abe Klassen, Bo.v 141", Steinbach, Man. Authorized as second class mail. Post Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage in cash.

THE MESSENGER

on our way. The service that day was conducted in moist apparel. The people here are showing real interest and we trust the Lord for fruit.

British Honduras is a small country with a population of 90,000, yet there exists a great spiritual need. Pray that we as God’s children in B. H. might work together to meet this need. * * *

OPPORTUNITIES AT NEW HOPE

By Henry and Ramona Klassen The two main phases of our mission endeavor are the day school at New Hope and the Maskall church work. Our residence is at New Hope while Maskall is 14 miles up the road.

the second week for girls while the last week was for young people and adults. Some of the campers respond ed to Christ’s invitation to salvation, while others developed in their Christ ian life, and a few went home still re jecting Christ. We feel that camp is a very effective way of evangelization and teaching of God’s word. Maskall The church work at Maskall is very encouraging in spite of Satan’s op position and the coolness of some pro fessing Christians. At present there are four people taking instruction classes for baptism. The attendance at the services averages around sixtyfive. We are happy to see some of the natives take such an interest and ac tive part in the work.

Melvin Koop writes:

Evangelistic services were conduct ed by Rev. Arnold Fast on June 9-16. We thank the Lord for all the Christ ians who definitely decided to live more dedicated lives and also for one young fellow who made a first time decision. One lady indicated a decision by raising of hand. Please pray for these young people, as they seem so attached and attracted to the things of the world. Prior to the campaign all the Creigh ton homes were visited and personally invited (app. 400 homes). Each home was also phoned a few days before the (meetings and “The Visitor” was sent by mail to confirm sure publicity of (the series of meetings.

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A group of “New Hope” Christians. School June 17th was the opening day of the new term of the day school. The enrolment at present is twenty-nine. We have not only the privilege but also the government’s request to teach religion in the schools. It is a great opportunity to teach these children not only the secular subjects but a;bove all to help and guide them spir itually. Here teachers are trained while they teach and help in the day schools. At present we have two pupil teachers. 'The need is great and Christ ian teachers are few. Who will help us meet this challenge in British Hon duras? Camp During the school holidays in May the mission conducts Bible camps lor children and young people. The child ren leave home for a week of spir itual and physical recreation. This past season we had seventy-seven campers. One week was for boys and

July 26, 1963

Junior girls at camp counsellors.

native

A work at Bomba, which is a village three miles up the river from Maskall. is mainly carried on by the brethren at Maskall. Here the attendance usual ly is between 20 and 25. A few have made professions of faith in Christ. One Sunday not long ago we were paddling along the river when the boat suddenly overturned giving us a good soaking. We turned the boat upright, bailed out the water and went

A Christian blacksmith was suffering great affliction. An unbeliever asked him why God was allowing him to suffer so much. The blacksmith said. “I don’t think I can account for these things to your satisfaction, but I can to my own. I am a blacksmith. I often take a piece of iron and bring it to white heat. Then I put it on the anvil and strike it once or twice, to see if it will take temper. If I think it will, I plunge it into the water. Then I put it back into the fire again. I repeat the operation several times. Then I put the iron on my anvil and hammer it and make some useful article out of it. If, however, when I first strike it on the anvil, I think it will not take tem per, I throw it into the scrap heap. It can never be of service. I believe that my Heavenly Father has been testing me to see if He can make of me what He wants, to see if He can use me. I have tried to bear my suffering patiently. I have daily prayed, ‘Lord, put me in the fire if Thou wilt. Put me in the water if 1 need it. Do anything You please, dear Lord, but don’t throw me in the scrap heap! Make me and use me in Thy service!’ ”

Report on Practical Work at SBI By Ben Hoeppner In Matt. 28:19. 20 Jesus says, “Go number in Beconia. ye therefore, and teach all nations, 8. Special prayer meetings— These baptizing them in the name of the meetings were held to undergird the Father . . . teaching them to observe actual proclamation of the Word and all things ... I have commanded you.'’ to teach the individual the importance According to this farewell com of the prayer ministry. These meet mand of Christ the Church must ings aroused greater interest in the observe a twofold principle—1) the reports brought by the groups when the evangelization: “Go . . . baptizing” they testified of the evidence of the i.e. bring to a saving knowledge of power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus as Saviour and Lord; 2) the 9. S.S, work—a number of students principle of teaching or consolidation: were active as S.S. teachers. This is what the Lord has done “Teaching ... to observe.” The SBI seeks to obey this twofold through the concerted effort of the principle. Students are asked not only churches and of the institute. Let the to study the Word, but also to demon redeemed of the Lord praise Him. strate it in a practical way by deeds, Would to God that in the coming school year the SBI could be a real songs, and words. To make the practical Christian place of Bible training and mission service a little more easy and syste outreach! matic the SBI has what is known as Br. Hoeppner is the director of the Practical Work Committee. This Practical work at the SBI. committee seeks to find avenues of * * * service and assign them to the stu dents. As this service involves expenses STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE and as these expenses have been met Summer finds the teachers of the by donations from the churches and individuals, it is not more than right SBI in various occupations. The follow that the donors should know what was ing information was gleaned in a accomplished with their money. As a telephone conversation with the prin result the following statistics which ciple, B. D. Reimer. Ben Hoeppner is studying at Wheat were drawn up by the committee are on College, Wheaton, Ill, released: Harvey Plett is at the University of 1. Tract distribution in Winnipeg— Minneapolis. Some 14,750 tracts were distributed B. D. Reimer spends about half time (by the brethren in Winnipeg. 2. Tract mailing—About 6,393 envel for EMC extension and plans to go to opes were sent out. Of these 2,500 Saskatchewan and British Columbia later. During the Brunk Campaign he , were sent to Quebec. ,3. Programs—40 programs were ren was in Steinbach, helping with this dered, including those of the chorale. evangelistic effort, Alljert Hiebert is studying. In addition to these programs, trios, quartets and speakers served in var Henry Hiebert and family are look ious meetings. ing forward to going to GMU head 4. Good News Club—13 teachers from quarters in Kansas City. the school reached about 150 children. Lena Dueck is at home in Altona 5. Hospitals— every Wednesday a with her mother. While there she is group had a devotional for half an active in her local church (EMMC). hour. Doreen Reimer has been active in 6. Resthaven—every Tuesday, and later Vacation Bible School work, first in every Thursday, a group of four and Steinbach then in Portage la Prairie. later eight students sang and visited * * * the patients. 7. Home visitations—30 homes were Ben Thiessen, Giroux, a short term, visited in La Broquerie, nearly all the VS worker under the EMC Voluntary homes in Marchand, a few in Sandi- Service program left for Flin Flon lands, and about 30 in Steinbach, most early this month to take up carpenter of the homes in Spruce Siding, and a work. He plans to stay for the summer.

JORDAN SEWING CLASS Akron, Pa., (MCC)— Twenty-eight girls were graduated from the MCC sewing class in Jordan the last week of May. Certificates were given for this achievement. Ranging in age from 12 to 16 years, the class included Arab girls, a Bedouin girl, a shepherd girl, and a married lady who wanted to learn to sew in order to support her only daughter. Her husband had left her because they had no sons. Ruth Keim is in charge of the work with women in Jordan. Her Arab co worker, Sophie Farran, has done the instruction in sewing and also conduct ed one cooking lesson a week. These self-help needlework projects in Jordan have helped Arab women to become financially indpendent. The Overseas Needlework and Craft Project is a part of the MCC relief department. Through this program, women in America help other women in Jordan, Korea, Greece, Hong Kong, Formosa and Haiti by giving orders for the various items made by the women. Items available are slippers, dolls and purses from Korea, Hong Kong and Formosa; olive wood camels, mother-of-pearl pins, handkerchiefs, tablecloths, napkins, aprons and scarves from Jordan; and wooden salad sets and some toys from Haiti, Many needy women whose families would otherwise live in poverty are in this way given opportunity to earn a livlihood. Mrs. J. N. Baker of MCC, Akron, Pa., who began the self-help program 18 years ago, visit’s women’s groups to tell of the needs in other countries .and to display the articles available. She has also prepared three sample kits of articles which are sent through out the U.S. and Canada and from which orders are taken. Mrs. Betty Pauls, Newton, Kan. and Alice Snyder, Kitchener, Ont. assist with the kits. * * * “A flattering mouth worketh ruin” (Prov. 26:28b) And the ruin works more than one way: first to the one who indulges it destroys the virtue of sincerity: and secondly, it plays havoc with the one who is duped by it, since it gives him an unwarranted self confi dence. Flattery may gain it’s end which in most cases is self-interest and selfgrandizement, but the ruin it effects is tragic. The Antichrist will gain his ambitious ends by this means, one of humanity’s greatest curses. —Parnell

THE MESSSENGER

TRUTH FOR YOUTH HACKENHAUSEN, GERMANY Greetings to the Voluntary Service Committee members from Germany. Greetings in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We would like to thank you most heartily for the prayers that nave been such a blessing. We know we couldn’t do this job on our own. I am sure that God is blessing us through all the home prayer support.

With him were two Christian girls, who had penpals among Mary Brandt’s rel atives. We arrived at the Home at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 4. After we had some thing to eat we were asked to see the children, on the third floor. All faces were smiling and happy to see us. They had waited for days to see us. One little one said to me, “Tanti Elizabeth, du wirst doch immer bleiben, ja bitte?” (You will stay with us always, won’t you, please?) It feels as if we just an’ived after a long absence. Four little ones had arrived the previous day, due to the fact that another Child ren’s Home had burned down. So they really had their hands full. Mary was put right to the task to help with the children. After six days she had a .group of seven small ones (1-4 years). She was in full charge as the other girl went on a holiday for two weeks.

I was put to the task of cooking until the George Reimers arrived. That was a task. Everything was so different, the method, food sparingly, how to use it, etc. Now I am doing the laun dry (about thirty-five tubs full a week) and also when possible I put in a little time sewing. Our hours are anywhere between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. You never need to look for work, but sometimes I am not sure what to do first. They have nineteen children in the Home now, ranging from three months to twelve years.

My prayer requests: (1) for full surrender to God and love to my neighbors. (2) for strength and encouragement (3) one very important thing right now is a dryer. The weather is very foggy and sometimes we have the wash drying for three days. Greetings to everybody. We will be waiting for some mail now. The 21st of June we expect to go to the Peters for a week-end. Greetings from Mary. (Brandt) Your sister in Christ in the field, Elizabeth Dueck

PAX WORK IN CONGO

Hackenhausen castle in Bad-Gandersheim site of the Levi Reimers children's home. We had a very nice trip. Right from Winnipeg we travelled with a girl from Briercrest and chatted for hours. This Ciii’iStian fellowship was an answer to prayer. When we arrived in New York, 1 p.m., we were quite tired, so we found a nice room close to the de pot. The next day we had a good look around and at 7 p.m. took a taxi to the boat. At the harbour our baggage was looked after right into our cabin and all went smooth even a smooth sailing. I received great promises on the boat while reading the history of Hudson Taylor. The weather was mostly good except for the second day when it was rough and all of us became seasick. In Bremerhaven, Mr. Levi Reimer met us. July 26, 1963

Victor Loew'en and chauffeur with a load of food for An gola refugees.

Victor writes: Unemployment is high; relief work is continually being carried on by the Congo Protestant Relief Agency, the Catholic Relief Agency, and by UNICEF (the U.N.’s work in helping other or rather underdeveloped coun ties); Angolan refugees are still in a critical condition but in a lot better condition then they were when they

first came; the aid from the United States government is still coming into this country on a good scale; more Congolese are realizing the importtmce of gardens even though many probab ly did not expect to carry on this ted ious work after independence; more missionaries and teachers are return ing to continue their important work for the Congolese; and the need for more literature is great.

CHILDREN’S STORY

and went off in the car with the minis ter. On the way he spoke to her gravely. ‘ Elizabeth, I noticed that when we said the Lord’s Prayer in your class this morning, you did not bow your head or pray with us.” ‘I won’t say, ‘Thy will be done,” Elizabeth said stubbornly. “You say it was God’s will to take my mother, Why? I needed her more than God did.” Can you baby-sit lor us this after “If you love God, Elizabeth, you noon, Elizabeth?” must trust Him to do what is best.” Elizabeth’s eyes shone “I’ll ask Su Elizabeth looked straight at him. “I san; but I know she’ll let me.” don ’t love God any more,” she told There was nothing Elizabeth liked better than to baby-sit at the minis him. The minister sighed. “But God still ter’s house. They had a darling yearold baby and a lovely home, where loves you, my child, and He will find Elizabeth was allowed to read their a way to make you understand.” When they went into the house, the books and get what she wanted from the refrigerator when she was hungry, baby began to smile as soon as he just as if she really lived there. Now saw Elizabeth, and he toddled as fast she ran in quickly to ask Susan while as his little legs would carry him into her arms. She said, “I do love this the minister waited. Susan was Elizabeth’s grown-up sis baby,” and hugged him. The baby’s mother came over and ter, who was trying hard to take their mother’s place in the home and caie put her arms around both of them. “I’m so glad you could come, Eliz lor Father, the two little boys, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was thirteen. She abeth. I do not like to leave the baby had always been a happy child until today because he is just a bit sick. three months ago when sorrow had The doctor left some medicine for him, come into her life. Her mother had and it is very important that he have been stricken with a sudden illness and it on time—at two-thirty. I’ve mea in spite of all the doctors could do sured it out here in this plastic cup— and the fervent prayers of the many with orange juice. “I can manage,” Elizabeth said con who loved her, God had taken her to fidently. be with Him. When she and the minister got home Elizabeth had felt that her heart would break. She missed her mother several hours later, the first thing the so much, and she hardened her heart baby’s mother asked was whether the agcunst God, who had faded to answer baby had taken his medicine. Elizabeth said, “Yes, Mrs. Arnold, I her prayers, and had allowed her to suffer this great loss. She had always, gave it to him at two-thirty just as you been a deeply religious child and had said, and I saw that he got all of it.” Elizabeth seemed unusually quiet and tried to love God and be good. Now she felt that God was cruel, thoughtful, so that Mrs. Arnold won and she did not want to pray to Him dered if anything had gone wrong. “Did he give you a hard time?” she or to go to church. She kept asking, “Why? Why?” The minister had talked asked. “He certainly did,” Elizabeth said to her and tried to comfort her and to assure her of God’s continuing love, so'oerly. “He tried to push it out of but Elizabeth said, “If He loves me my hands and kept shutting his mouth and had to do this to me. He could and turning his head and kicking. I took him on my lap and tried to explain make me understand why.” Yet, because the minister and his to him why he had to have it.” “He’s a little young for that,” said wife were kind to her, and because she had come to love their baby since the minister, amused. “Finally I held him firmly and in having him in her care so much, she was always glad when they asked her sisted that he swallow the medicine. I’m afraid I was a little bit rough with to baby-sit. Of course, Susan was willing for her him, but he did get his medicine” “Good,” the minister’s wife said. to go, and soon Elizabeth was ready

THE WAY

“That’s the only way. He has a will of his own, that young man.” “He wouldn’t have a thing to do with me for the longest time afterward. He cried and cried, and he looked at me ps if he thought I had been mean to him on purpose. “He’ll get over it,” the minister said, “so don’t worry.” “Do you think,” Elizabeth asked quietly, that this is the way God took to show me?” The minister looked at her keenly. He saw that her lips were trembling, and he put his arms around her. “Now do you understand why we should not rebel against God?” Elizabeth nodded. —Olga Hurley in The Sunday School Times

* * * THE ‘BIKE’ THAT FED THOUSANDS

Some years ago a Chinese boy in the Philiplnes was earning money to buy a bicycle. The bike cost only seven dollars it took a long time to earn it. At last he had enough. Then he heard his lather and mother tell about starving children in China. The boy worried about these stories. What could he do? He went right down to the bakery shop and bought seven dollars’ worth of bread. Piling the loaves on a hand cart, he pushed them to the office of the Y.M.C.A. and spread them over the desk of the secretary. “Send them to the starving children in China,” the boy said. But the “Y” secretary had other ideas.. He invited people to an auction and sold the loaves of bread for a hun dred times more than the boy had paid. The money was sent on to the hun gry children. And that’s not all. When the story of the boy’s sacrifice got back to this country, a friendly lady said, “See that the boy gets his bicycle.” Money for the bicycle was quickly sent to the Chi nese boy in the Philipines. Just think how much good was done, all because a nine-year-old boy was willing to give up his bicycle money. His Christian deed was multiplied ma ny times. If we love others, we can do more to help them than we ever dream of doing. One good deed often leads to another. —Young Pilot THE MESSENGER

FROM

HOUSE

TO YO

HOUSE

THE VOICE OF THE LORD (Ps. 29) By Elma B. Dueck

The following is an incident as told to me by my sister; it was a sweltering day in July. The distant rolling of thunder and vivid streaks of lightening forecast a storm. “What is thunder, Mommie?” asked our 3 year old. “It is God speaking.” I Laid. “What does He say?” He asked again. I told him that He was telling us what a great and wonderful God we had! Satisfied he ran off to play. The peals of thunder grew sharper as the storm advanced. Suddenly it was upon us, and a loud crash shook the earth and left me trembling! Where was our youngster? I called him but he wasn’t inside. I looked outside and there he was standing and looking up at the imposing black cloud! The expression on his face was one of rapture and amazement, but with no trace of fear. “You had better come in now,” I said. “But why, Mommie? It isn’t raining very much, and I want to hear what God says.” “Except ye become as a little child,” said Jesus. Do we desire to be in the place where we can best hear what God says, even though it sometimes means bracing the storm? Do we look up in complete trust to our Heavenly Father when the storms of life beat upon us? Or are we sometimes fearful? “Oh God,” I prayed. “Help me to be come as a little child.” * * * A LETTER OF THANKS

' . ir Christian Friends, f want to thank you all heartily for your prayers and sympathy that you have shown to us, by visiting us and sending cards, and also for the dona tion, at the time of our bereavement, and after the funeral. Many times the long day seemed so hard to bear. Then a friend dropped in to see us. The love shown us was a great comfort, and we knew many were sharing in our loss. The 23rd Psalm has been a great comfort to me; also Psalm 121. July 12, 1963

In pastures green? Not always; sometimes He Who knoweth best in kindness leadeth me in weary ways, where heavy shadows be. And by still waters? No, not always so. Oftimes the heavy tempests round me blow and o’er my soul the waves and billows go. And when the storm beats loudest and I cry aloud for help, the Master standeth by and whispers to my soul, “Lo, it is I!” Above the tempest wild I hear Him say, “Be yond the darkness lies the perfect day, in every path of thine I lead the way.” My prayer is that others might also find comfort in time of sorrow. Mrs. Pete R. Friesen R.R. 1, Box 8 Morris. Man. IN MEMORY In loving memory of my husband and the father of our children. Peter R. Friesen who so suddenly passed away on June Sth, 1962. One year has passed since that sad day, When one loved so dear was called away. How can it be? ’Tis hard to under stand. Why? No farewell, no parting hand. Death is a heartache that nothing can heal. Memories are things, that no one can steal Some may forget you, since you are gone But we will remember, no matter how long.

another as they are to their friends. 3. Blessed are they who have a sense of humor, for this attribute will be a handy shock absorber. 4. Blessed are the married couples who abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages. 5. Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another. 6. Blessed are they who attain par enthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord. 7. Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer. 8. Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another and who make their home a place “where sel dom is heard a discouraging word.” 9. Blessed are the husband and wile who faithfully attend the worship serv ices of the church and who work together in the church for advance ment of Christ’s kingdom. 10. Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of adjustment without interference from relatives. 11. Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial matters and has worked out a perfect partnership with all money under the control of both.

No one knows how much we miss you, We have suffered since you left us, And our home is not the same. No one knows, the bitter pain.

With saddened hearts we laid you to rest, God hath so decreed. His ways are the best, Farewell dearest loved one, farewell we must say, Till we meet in the land that is fairer than day.

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BEATITUDES FOR MARRIED COUPLES 1. Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate, con siderate, and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing. 2. Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one

A familiar scene at any church con ference. This one was taken in the base ment of the Rosenort Church during the annual conference.

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NEWS PRAIRIE ROSE REBUILDING ON

•G '

SAME LOCATION

Plans for the rebuilding of the Prai rie Rose Church, which was destroyed by fire in the early morning of June 27 are progressing well.

The plans call for a structure 44x90 plus a 30 ft. Sunday school addition. This new building will have a seating capacity of 400. There will be some 40 Sunday school rooms, mainly in the annex. The total expenditure for the new church is to run between 60 and 65 thousand dollars. The base ment for the new structure has already been dug. Building is to start around the first week in August. The work is to be done by a general contractor. In the meantime the congregation is worshipping in the Landmark Colle giate which is nearby. * * * Ridgewood At the baptismal service held in Ridgewood on June 23, eight young people were baptized. In his message. Rev. Peter Bartel of Kleefeld, stressed the importance of working for Christ after acceptance of Him. Our sincere hope and trust is that those who folIcwed the Lord”s command in water baptism will continue to seek His will as they grow in the grace and know ledge of Him. « * ♦

Order Form

Fourteen Baptized at Blumenort Fourteen souls received water bap tism at Blumenort on Sunday, July 21. Officiating at the baptism was John P. Loewen, local church leader. Jacob P. Dueck, Steinbach, delivered the message.

* * * CORNELIUS R. PENNER

The Rev. Cornelius R. Penner was born on January 19, 1882, in Blumenort He was baptized upon confession of faith in the year 1902. On May 31, 1903 he was united in holy matrimony to Gertruda Loewen. Twelve children were born of this union, five daughters and seven sons. After a married life of 47 years Mrs. Penner died. Mr. Penner married again, this time Sarah Doerksen.

In 1925 Mr. Penner was elected into the ministry of the Kleingemeinde (BMC). The deceased enjoyed good health in his lifetime. Although in 1936 he had to spend six weeks in bed due to a broken leg. Last fall he spent 10 days in the hospital due to a heart ailment. In March of this year he received an operation in the Concordia hospital in Winnipeg, but his health did not improve. His last two weeks were spent in bed. He was 81 when he died.

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NEWS OF INTEREST FROM HERE AND THERE MCI to be Rebuilt Altona—The Mennonite Collegiate Institute, destroyed by fire on May 7, will be rebuilt in Gretna according to a decision by the delegate body repre senting the supporting churches in session here Wednesday afternoon July 17. The ballet vote in which 123 votes were cast in favour of Gretna and 103 against came after a lengthy report by a three man study commission. The commission based it’s report on 26 written oral briefs presented at six public hearings in Manitoba during the past month. (Canadian Mennonite) * * * EMMC Meet at Saskatoon

Meeting at Saskatoon for their an nual Conference this year was the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Con ference (formerly Rudnerweider). Sessions were conducted from June 30 to July 1 in the Saskatoon Teacher’s College auditorium. * * * Almost half of earth’s languages have Bible: The American Bible Society estimates that the task of providing a translation of the Scriptures in aU significant languages and dialects is now nearing the halfway mark. The total number of languages into which at least one book of the Bible has been translated and published stood at 1,202 on December 31. Of this number the whole Bible has been printed in 228, a whole Testament in 285 and at least a complete Gospel or other book in 689. During 1982 Scriptures were pub lished for the first time in twenty-two new languages and dialects, in most instances requiring the first reduction of those languages to written form. * * * Since 1940 the number of persons who have a high school education or better has increased 62 percent. There is an expected parallel between the increaes in education and the increase in reading.

THE MESSENGER