The Messenger October 18, 1963

EVANGELICAL

MENNONITE >• r

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Living, often in object poverty of both body and soul, are Canada’s 185,000 Indians. We have as much or more of a moral obligation to these people as to any Indian in India, Mexico or South America.

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Without Christ, both go to a Christless eternity. But Christ died for them, too. Missionaries have gone forth to these people bearing

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the bread of life, the Gospel of saving grace, and not without effect. Pray for them as they labour, oft in the face of hardship and privation.

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

PHm 1:27

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“And the barrel of meal wasted not neither did the cruse of oil fail according to the word of the Lord by Elijah.” I Kings 17:16. TEN YEAES

We think of these words as we think of the develop­ ment of iiiissio.n.s in the E.M. Conference within the last ten years. Again and again when the call came the churches responded and gave their money and young people to fill the gap. And the Lord has seen to it that the increase and the resources have not failed. To give or not to- give. To share or not to share. These must have been the thoughts that raced through the mind of the widow of Zarapeth when the prophet Elijah came to her with his strange retiuest. But, in faith, she did as the prophet told her. And true to. his word the barrel of meal wasted not neither did the cruse of oil tail. Thus it will always be. God will remain no man’s debtor. He is true to His word. If we will give He will open to us o.f the storehouse of heaven, and pour out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Mai. 3:10) The E.M.C. Board of Missions dates back to 1953. Not that there was no mi.ssionary activity till then, but until then each church had it’s own program, and still has as far as lo-eal effort goes. As we briefly survey what has been accomplished in these ten short years we cannot but in all humble­ ness thank the Lord who has worked in the hearts of the E.M.C. brotherhood to make this possible.

The burden that was placed on the five brethren con­ stituting the first Missio-n Board in 1953 must have seemed, to say the least, monumental. That they had the right vision was soon evident when the first couple was sent out, the Ben Eidses to Africa. From these first missionaries the force grew so. that by 1957 the number totalled 19 requiring a budget of $13,000.00. Faith was still evident when this number increased to 34 workers and total receipts of $56,000.00 by 1959. The 1961 records show that missionary re­ ceipts had again climbed considerably, in fact by some 20^" or to a total of $72,000.00

Not daunted nor discouraged the Mission board con­ tinued to look to God in faith and continued to send out workers. The result: The end of the current fiscal year showed an increase in missionary giving of over 40% from two years ago! A grand total of ,+124,000.0(1. The number of missionaries had climbed to 70, more than double that of four years ago. Certainly here is cause for praise! 2

To the brethren in the Mission Board wrestling with problems and oft almost insurmountable difficulties this must certainly come as a seal of approval upon their work. Shall we more than ever continue to up­ hold them before the throne of grace, as new problems and new needs arise. They stand in need of our inter­ cession. The question that no doubt now comes to us is. “Can we do more than we are doing at the present time’'’ If the missionary conference just over Ls any indication we must answer with an emphatic. Yes. “The peak has not yet been reached.’’ and “We could do m.ore” was heard from two. of the leaders. Here is a vision that God certainly will honour.

And as long as we are giving of our wealth and our young people I believe we also have the pro.mise of God that the barrel of meal will not waste and the cruse of oil will not fail. God will continue to multi­ ply our resources. God i.s faithful. He has promised. * * * SAENGERFEST Song festivals or “Saengerfest?”? is something that is comparatively new in the E.M. Conference. The large crowd that turned out for Sunday’.s “Saengerfest” though testifies to the fact that it is a testimony that is being very well received and for that reason bears cultivating. If an.v part more than another should be emphasized in Sunday’s program 1 suppose it would be the trio of German selections by the mass choir. Hymns remem­ bered from childhood yet rendered in such a, way that made them vibrant and alive and timely. We would encourage those who have laboured for and are making possible these annual occasions. Remember­ ing all the time though that they must not be an end in themselves, but only a means to an end, as was so aptly pointed out in the message of the afternoon. * * *

DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY IN SPAIN For years Spain has virtually been closed to the Gospel —evangelism has been at a standstill because of Govern­ ment regulations and persecution. Now the Government of Spain has approved the distribution and sale of 10 evangelical books. We understand that nothing like this has ever been known in Spain.

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. Scliellenberg, 502 Fifth Ave. N.W., Portage la Prairie, Man. Assistant Editor, Abe P. Unger. All new subscriptions should be sent to Mr. Abe Klassen, Box 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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To the

INDIAN

By Edwin and Anne Heale Labouring amongst the Indians of our far flung North are a band of con­ secrated missionaries holding forth the Word of Life. Often handicapped by lack of modern conveniences, they nevertheless perform an admirable job. Among these are the Edwin Heals working under the Northern Canada Evan­ gelical Mission at Stony Rapids, Sask. STONY RAPIDS Where is Stony Rapids? If you look on your map you will find Lake Atha­ baska just inside Sask, near the North West Territory. We are on the east end of this lake. Stony Rapids can be reached by plane from Prince Albert, a little over four hundred air miles. Freight comes in by water on Lake Athabaska. Stony Rapids itself is only a small settlement. It consists of a public school, hospital, Indian Agency, R.C. M.P.; H.B. Co.; R.C. Mission and our little house, plus a few other families. There is a small Indian Settlement two miles from here, though the ma­ jority of our Indians live at Black Lake sixteen miles from here. We travel this road by truck in summer. We used to travel by dog-team in winter but now we have a Ski-doo. The road is so rough and bumpy that it takes about an hour and a half to get there with the truck in summer. Our natives live mostly in small one room shacks or in tents. They do not possess much of this world’s goods. In fall they pack up what little they have and go north to their trap lines. In spite of the hardships involved, they eagerly look forward to this move. This, of course, keeps children away from school. For this reason most of them read little or nothing at all. Witnessing With Tape Recorders Most of our Gospel work is done by tape recorder. We have short mes­ sages, that some of the other workers have made, Bible stories and singing in their Chipewyan language. Many come to hear these tapes and listen vry attentively. We rejoice knowing that they hear the Word of God in their own lan­ guage. Since these Indians are all Roman Catholic and have never had access to the Bible nor have heard the Gos­ pel before, its all uphill going. We have lived with them now for nearly October 18, 1963

fifteen years and sowed the seed where possible. Even though no de­ cisions have been made we feel that much is being accomplished. Many barriers have been broken. Where people used to be hostile and indif­ ferent they are friendly now, and open to the gospel. When the Misison plane was here in spring with our evangelist for the Chipewyan, Mr. Elford, we had our house crowded every night with eager listeners.

Fon-du-lac Our next nearest settlement is Fond-du-lac, which is fifty miles by

water west on Lake Athabaska. This is a stronghold of the R. C. Church and has no resident missionary. We have been visiting this settle­ ment through the years, by boat in summer or dog toboggan in winter. Now we have a Ski-doo instead of a dog-team. We are looking forward to reaching many of these outlying camps and settlements with the Gos­ pel this winter. Pray that much may be accomplished for God’s glory. Uranium City Uranium City which is a little over one hundred air miles from here has no resident missionary now for our Chip, people. There is a gospel church working amongst the English speak­ ing people. There have been mission­ aries working amongst the Chips, too. but at present there is no one. We have visited these before and trust to visit them again this winter. In our last visit to Uranium and Fond-du-lac we found the Indians very friendly,—no doubt there is a hunger for the truth. (Cont’d on page 7)

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Top left: Edwin and Anne Heale with children, Ginny, Grace, Peter and Al­ bert. Top right: Listening to Gospel record­ ings.

Bottom: A load of whitefish for dog feed. These fish are put on a stage as there is no fishing during freeze-up. In the winter they fish through a hole in the ice. S

Mere Survival

Young men, what are your object­ ives in life? To have a good job, a home, a substantial income, oppor­ tunities for advancement in a secular world, a late-model car, a television By Evangelist George Smith set and aU the little gadgets and con­ Watch out for trends! Backsliding which makes Christianity distinct veniences of (1693)? Young woman, is a process; compromise in its most from our midst. Argue for the need of where are the “keepers at home” devastating form is progressive; great “adjustments” to the times in order which God spoke to Paul about? You apostasies start high and end low. to “win people to something attrac­ will find them in stores and offices, History has proved this. tive” if you will, but where is the dar­ each earning money supplement her A trend is defined as “an inclin­ ing repudiation of carnal fashion, husband’s income, many of them with ation in a certain direction.” Such an which denial characterized us even as absolutely no higher motive than, “Well we can buy all the nicer ‘things’ inclination always precedes a radical recently as ten years ago? departure from any principle. Holi­ The trend is definitely on and only this way.” Such is the scheme of life today. Is ness does not fall into the ditch sud­ men and women of conviction and denly. None of our young people’s cosecration will stem the tide that is it yours? How, then, do you differ groups is immune to the devil’s subtle leading us into world-conformity and from any unregenerate worlding in things eternal? If these are your beckonings. He hopes to persuade “stylish” Christianity. accomplishments, you have settled for them to accept the tendencies that are Superficiality a discount. “If any man will come af­ causing twentieth-century Christian­ Another earthward trend of today ter Me, let him deny himself.” Millions ity to side-step the reproach of the Cross while trying to retain its bene­ is that state of quality of being shal­ perish; they need your money and low, of taking depth. It is simply the your time and your prayers. fits. “Young men shall see visions,” cried But we dare not evade the words to tendency that is coming upon the the Hebrews: “Let us go forth there­ Church to substitute the word fun for the prophet. Where are these young fore unto Him without the camp, bear­ the word joy in describing the basic men—and young women? There is a shortage, a tragic lack of mission­ ing His reproach. For here have we emotional quality of Christianity, There is a vast difference, however aries, evangeUsts, gospel preachers, no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Heb. 13:13, 14) 'This creep­ between the two. When Jesus said, children’s workers and pioneers. We ing paralysis of convenient Christian­ “These things have I spoken unto are not insisting that every saved ity can be detected by certain basic you . . . that your joy might be full,” young person is called to duty in the trends. To mention three, there are He referred to the hazards and the pulpit or on the mission field but the trends toward style, toward super­ heroics of the Christ-life. Paul had many are missing who should be not in mind the trifles of mere “fun” there! The very fact that Communism ficiality, toward survival. when he said, “I take pleasure in in­ has won half the world in less than Style Paul’s and Peters exhortation to firmities, in reproaches in necessities, hall a century while the Church has modesty, sobriety, and simplicity in in persecutions, in distresses for only a relative handful of converrs is indicative of the fact that, among Christian attire and appearance seem Christ’s sake.” He whose joy and pleasure is made other things, our youth are keeping to have been written lor a different generation of Christians. We must of this kind of stuff is a hard fellow themselves out of hearing range of else plead guilty to having traded off to locate these days. In order to win the Holy Ghost, while millions perish. our identity as “pilgrims and strang­ people to something which “satisfies,” The fields are white to harvest, the ers on the earth” for the more con­ we are obliged to insist that the only labourers are few. “But I don’t feel called,” is the venient status of fellow travellers experiental difference between Chris­ with Hollywood. We Imitate Holly­ tianity and the rest of the world is popular defence. Ah, could it be in wood’s looks while shunnnig its lusts. that it is just a cleaner way to have many such cases that our talented, Let us face the music. Not so long a good time. But the challenge is gone healthy energetic young folk have got­ ago our saved young people had real because we are afraid people will not ten their spiritual ears closed to the convictions about the latest fads and accept the rugged element in the Gos­ voice of God by the insatiable quest of survival in a materialistic world? fashions jewelled decorations, pen­ pel. Hence, today’s youth are being lost Are their ears so close to earth they cilled eye-brows, and artificial-looking lips. But the trend is on to accept the won over to the stringencies of Com­ cannot receive heavenly language? invasion of “style” as a necessary munism and the persecutions which Are their eyes so blinded by the props part of this present age. It has become accompany the fanatical street-corner on the stage of life that they cannot simply a “matter of conscience” (with allegiance to Russellism. Even the see spiritual death hovering over the not too much of even that), and any­ diets and routines of the athletic train­ human race, Uke a vulture over a one who dares hold to the line and cry ing table present a greater incentive dying beast? Everywhere are Christ­ out against it is branded as legalistic to “dig in.” “Here have we no contin­ ian young people: in offices, in sales uing city, but we seek one to come.” jobs, in insurance, behind counters— or old-fashioned. Going is the pilgrim spirit, passing The prcclivities of persent-day fun­ yes, but about anywhere people pur' is the “simplicity that is in Christ” damentalism are sweeping us toward sue plenty. (Cont’d. on page 7) superficial sanctity and clowning. vanishing is that wholesome quality

Who Can Stop the Trends

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THE MESSSENGER

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MISSIONARY QUALIFICATIONS

TRUTH for youth ANNUAL CHOIR PROGRAM HELD IN STEINBACH

The annual E.M.C. Saengerfest con­ vened in the Steinbach E.M. church this year. Although beset by problems and difficulties, perseverance won out in the end. One of the major problems was the departure of the director, Henry Hiebert, to missionary proba­ tion school at Kansas City. A substitute director was found in the person of George Wiebe of the Canadian Mennonite Bible College in Winnipeg. He very ably carried on in the last seven rehearsals continuing for an unprecedented two and a half hours at the final practise on the Sat­ urday preceding the presentation. Besides the mass choir consisting of some 100 voices the following choirs

were represented: Morris, Blumenort, and Prairie Rose. Other local church­ es were represented in the form of smaller groups as quartette, trio, etc. The mass choir sang some seven different pieces. These were classed as Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual songs. There were songs in both the English and German language. The last two numbers, “Worthy is the Lamb” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” were sung af­ ter the message. The message of the afternoon was given by C. B. Loewen, missionary on furlough from Mexico. His topic was MUSIC. Chairman of the afternoon was Ben B. Dueck, a Steinbach teacher, himself an ardent choir enthusiast.

These Are the Missionaries We Need Many decades ago Ann Judson of Burma wrote a letter to her mission board, laying down a list of qualifi­ cations that can hardly be improved upon today. “In encouraging young men to come out as missionaries, do use the great­ est caution. One wrong-headed, con­ scientiously obstinate man would ruin us. Humble, quiet, presevering men of sound, sterling talents, of decent accomplishments and of some natural aptitude to acquire a language; men of an amiable, yielding temper, will­ ing to take the lowest place, to be the least of all and the servant of all; men who enjoy much closet religion—who live near God and who are willing to suffer all things for Christ’s sake with­ out being proud of it—THESE ARE THE MEN WE NEED.” * * » The greatest unity among believers prevails where the most intensive soul­ winning is the order. —R. J. Devine.

SEED THOUGHTS FOUND IN GALATIANS By Don P. Shidler

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PERSONAL, Chapter 1 and 2 Paul’s burning indignation against the Galatian heresy and its propagandists appears in his salutation (vv. 1-5), where twice he declares the Gospel of his crucified Sav­ ior. His defense of his apostleship begins with the open­ ing verses. We consider:

Grace saves (Eph. 2:8). Grace justifies (Romans 3:24). Grace establishes (Heb. 13:9; Titus 2:11-14). Grace sustains (2Cor. 12:9; IPeter 5:10; 2Peter 3:18). Grace gives (2Cor. 9:7,8). Grace reigns (Rom. 5:21; IPeter 2:9).

I. His Salvation and Call (1:1-5) A. The source of it—God the Father (v. 1). 1. Out of the loving heart of God (1 Cor. 1:30). 2. Before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20). 3. To the praise of the glory of His grace (Eph. 1:6).

2. Peace. Peace is heaven-sent satisfaction. Peace is the “River of Life” Uiat flows deep and calm through every believing soul. There is no peace for the unsaved (Isa. 48:22; 57:20,21). Peace is prepared for all (Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:14,15). Peace is available to all (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:13,14). Peace left us by our Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:27).

B. The Plan of it—by our Lord Jesus Christ. 1. He gave Himself for us (1:4; 2:20). 2. To deliver us (1.4; 6:14). The thought to deliver is to pluck out, (Amos 4:11,12) or to draw out (Jer. 38:13). The Gospel is a rescue line from this present evil world. 3. From this evil world (1:4). . The present evil world is not only willing to perish it­ self but is intent on corrupting others. It seeks to suck all men into its waters of destruction (1 John 2:15-17). 4. By the will of God (1:4; 2Peter 1:9).

C. The Blessing of it. 1. Grace (1:3). Grace defined: undeserved favor bestowed by a superior upon an inferior. In the Gospel it is love of God through Jesus Christ at work for man’s redemption. Grace abounds (Rom. 5:20,21; 2Cor. 4:15).

October 18, 1963

D. The Purpose of it. Paul identifies himself as an apostle. An apostle is “one sent.” By virtue of our salvation all men are called to get the Gospel to the lost. In 2Corinthians Paul makes this very plain.

Notes We are confident (2Cor. 5:6-8). We labor (2Cor. 5:9). We must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ (2Cor. 5:10).

The love of Christ constrains us (2Cor. 5:14). We are ambassadors (2Cor. 5:20). We are made righteous in Him (2Cor. 5:21). (To be Continued) 5

CHILDREN’S STORY

For Thanksgiving Ellenore Lemon School was dismissed for the day and Penny and her brother, Billy, met outside the schoolhouse to walk home together.

“You ought to see what our room looks like. Teacher had some of the high school boys bring a shock of corn, and they put it in a corner of the room. Some of the others brought pumpkins. We piled them around the shock. Then we gathered red and yellow leaves and decorated the room,” said Permy excitedly. “Were the pumpkins as big as the ones we raised in our garden?” ques­ tioned Billy. “No, Billy, there couldn’t be any bigger pumpkins than we raised this summer,” answered Penny. “In our room we drew and colored turkeys. Penny, I wish we could have turkey for Thanksgiving. Most all of the other children are having turkey. I’ve never tasted one,” said Billy. “I wish we could, too, but I don’t suppose Mother will have enough money to buy one. Oh, look, Billy there’s old Mr. Richman waiting for somebody. Don’t you feel sorry for him? He’s got a lot of money, but

no family. He lives on the hill in that big house with just a servant. They say he just stays to himself most of the time. He really doesn’t look happy. He looks so cranky. Folks say he is mean.” “Poor Mr. Richman, I’m going to speak to him. Our Bible verse last Sunday said, “Be ye kind one to an­ other.’ I’m going to do just what it says.” Before Billy could stop her. Penny had stepped right up to the mean old man and said, “Good afternoon! I know you are Mr. Richman. I’m Penny Worth. This is my brother. Billy.” “Humph,” grunted Mr. Richman. Trying to be friendly with the old man. Penny continued, “Won’t be long until Thanksgiving. We raised some fine pumpkins this year so we’re sure to have pumpkin pie for our Thanks­ giving dinner. Don’t you get lonesome living in that big house alone? Why 6

don’t you come, and eat Thanksgiving uinner witn us.''” Go on,” grumbled Mr Richman “Get on home.” Penny and Billy hurried down the street, leaving tne old man still wait­ ing. 'I’ney soon forgot all about speak­ ing to Mr. Richman. Busy days passed rapidly at school Soon It was Wednesday and, of course, everyone was looking forward to the Thanksgiving holidays. Penny and Billy scampered home as last as they could. They knew that their mother would make something good for the special day. Sure enough, as they en­ tered the kitchen there stood two warm, spicy, golden pumpkin pies. Billy spoke in low tone to Penny, “Wiio cares if we don’t have turkey! I'nose pies look so good.” He didn’t know that his mother had heard him. Mother knew how the cnildren would enjoy a turkey. So many of their friends were going to have a big bird, and her children had never tasted turkey. It made her feel very sad. After supper and the dishes were done, Penny and Billy went in the front room to play a quiet game. As their mother put the last chair in place she knelt in prayer. “Dear Lord, I am so thankful for my children, and all the good things. You have done for us this past year. Please help the children to be thankful for what we have . . Just then on the front door came a “knock, knock.” Penny opened the door. There stood Mr. Richman. He locked different—not nearly as crabby as the day Penny and Billy had seen him standing on the street. “Good evening, girlie,” said the man. “I have come to call. May I come in?” It all happened so unexpectedly, and so suddenly, but here was Mr. Richman talking to Mrs. Worth, Billy, and Penny. Everybody was talking and all seemed so happy. “Do you know that your girl was the first child that has spoken to me in years?” explained Mr. Richman. “I hardly knew what to say to her. I’ve

been alone all these years, and I’ve been so lonesome.” “I have a splendid idea,” spoke Mother. “Why don’t you eat Thanks­ giving dinner with us tomorrow, Mr. Richman? Mr. Worth and I would love to have you. “Thank you, I intended to. You see your daughter invited me the other day. So I came tonight to bring you a bird to roast. That is, if you don’t mind. I have a turkey in the car, ’ Mr .Richman said, with a big grin. “Turkey!” cried Penny and Billy together, and hugged each other. “Being kind to an old man brought a turkey for a little boy and girl on Thanksgiving, and made a lonely man very happy.” —Gospel Herald

MCC News RECORD NUMBER OF CHRISTMAS

BUNDLES CONTRIBUTED

A record number of Christmas bun­ dles—37,500 of them—were prepared by Mennonites in the United States and Canada in 1963 for distribution to needy children in a dozen overseas countries. This year’s total exceeds last year’s, the previous high, by 2,000. Three to sixteen year old children in the following countries will be re­ ceiving bundles this Christmas: Al­ geria, Burundi, Congo, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Korea, Paraguay, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This is the eighteenth year of the MCC’s Christmas bundles program. The total number of bundles contri­ buted during this period now stands at over 450,000. CAPTIVE PAXMAN REPORTED SEEN

Paxman Dan Gerber of Dalton, Ohio, and the two Christian and Missionary Alliance workers, Dr. Eleanor Vietti and Archie Mitchell, who were taken captive by the Viet Cong at Banmethout, Vietnam, in May, 1962, were re­ ported seen recently by South Viet­ namese folk. The three workers were said to be safe and well. The report stated that Dr. Vietti is being guarded closely, presumably to render medical aid to Viet Cong troops. The two men were said to have had a number of opportunities to preach and to witness in other ways. THE MESSENGER

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S.S. Promotion at Valley Stream By the Editor Sunday, Sept 2. was Sunday school promotion day at Valley Stream EMC Church, (Valley Stream, before known as People’s Mission, is one of our new­ er churches having been organized only last summer with a membership of eleven members). Attendance in the Valley Stream Sunday school has about doubled in the last year from some 30 a year ago to a record attendance of 64 now. On this Sunday a crowd of nearly 100 people including guests and visit­ ors pressed into the old converted school house serving as a ch apel. These cramped conditions did not seem to dampen the enthusiasm in any way. Both audience and par­ ticipants seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly.

administration of the E.MC. Exten­ sion Committee, while ministers from MacGregor and Portage la Prairie serve in supplying Sunday speakers (with the exception of one Sunday a month). Brother Henry Neufeld is the chair­ man of the group. There is as yet no local minister. Sunday services consist of Sunday school (10:00 a.m.), Worship service (11:00 a.m.) and occasional evening services. Services date back to 1961 when the EMC was asked to help this group of believers. A. P. Unger, Lorette, was one of the first ministers serving on a part time basis. Organization took place two years later. On May 12 of this year eleven

persons were officially welcomed as members into the Evangelical Mennonite Church (Now 12) and the name changed from People’s Mission to Valley Stream E.M. Church. No one who has been present dur­ ing Sunday school or a meeting the nature of which we described, in this church (about 22x28) would argue the point for more room. But they will need outside help with their church building project. And here is where you and I come in. If we all give a little they will try and take care of the remainder. If you have not yet had an offering for this cause in your local church you may expect one soon. Give liberal­ ly. you are giving for the extension of the kingdom of God.

These came to the S.S. Promotion programme o n Sunday afternoon, Sept. 23.

William Buhler, left, Sunday school superintendant and Walter Pierce, secretary.

valities, you say? But trivalities es­ tablish trends and trends precede tra­ gedies. And the trend is on! This re­ treat from the narrow way has almost become a gallop. And who can stop it? Well, who do you think?

native people. Some think that they have seen this creature and believe that he has power to kill people. Therefore no one ventures out alone, children have to be accompanied to school and very few go out for ber­

With “special numbers”, class pre­ sentations, and prizes the Sunday school made the most of the occasion. Although some of the items may have lacked adequate rehearsals (as when one boy quoted inadvertently, “But my God shall apply all your riches . . .” instead of “My God shall supply all your need.”) yet you sensed a genuiness about the whole program. (Maybe there would be more money in the Lord’s treasury if He did the “applying” too.

One of the immediate needs of this churdh is more facilities to accommo­ date a growing congregation. Steps to this end are now being taken by a local building committee. The church is still under partial

Who Can Stop the Trends? (Continued) Are there not some who will be willing to let go and sell out, move out, start out, go out, all out in the few fleeting years left to the Church to get men and heathen to God? But you are successful where you are, you say? Fine! You are the one God is looking for! Is His work for leftovers who cannot do anything else? God wants and deserves the best. Oh, per­ ish, fond ambitions! Oh, fade, earthly joys! Jesus is calling “Whom shall I send and who will go for Us?” Style, superficiality, survival. Tri-

October 18. 1963

—The Alliance Weekly * * * To the Indian (Continued) Fear and Superstition It is pitiful the way the natives live in fear of the “Withagoo” (boogyman). This is not a make-belief, it is very real to them, that is, the

ries. Will you pray with us that these benighted people may be set free from their superstitions and fears. These are souls for whom Christ died. God loves them. We are His servants, may we be found faithful in that which is committed unto us. (Mrs. Heale is the former Anne Koop of Prairie Rose.) 7

f'=, FROM TO YO

OUSE HOUSE

“MOMMY, TELL ME A STORY”

By Elma B. Dueck “Please tell me a story,’’ are words that all of us mothers, (and fathers, too) are familiar with. We should think twice before we say “Sorry, I am too busy!” Story-time offers us a wonderful opportunity to instruct our children, and certainly binds the family together. How well I remember the pleasant winter evenings at home when I was. a girl. When Father came in from do­ ing the -chores, we would clamor around him and beg for a story. There didn’t seem to be as many meet­ ings at that time, and evenings were spent quite leisurely. Mother would sit close by knitting or mending, while Dad would put on his thinking cap and soon had us captivated with his stories.

The stories we liked best were those of his own personal experiences. What wonderful stories he could tell of his boyhood! And there was hardly a story that didn’t teach us a valuable lesson as well.

I was thinking about this the other day when I just couldn’t think of another story to tell. Why not tell a story of my own girlhood? Of course, it didn’t seem so long since I was a girl, but wasn’t it just as remote to our children, as our Fa­ ther’s boyhood had been to us? What about that time one Spring, with the ditch overflowing at my cousin’s place, I had missed the bridge and fell into the deep ditch of water? How my cousin who was only a half year older, managed to pull me out I can­ not quite understand, except with the help of God. I see in the dewy eyes of my child­ ren that they are touched and grate­ ful thato God spared Mother. Then I recall thte time Dad had taken us to school with Prince and

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the cutter and Prince got scared and ran away with us. The children delighted with the story! A real horse and cutter. And no one got hurt? No. What a wonder­ ful and loving Father in heaven who takes care of us at all times! * ♦ ♦

NEWS SWIFT CURRENT Sunday School Promotion was held in the Swift Current Church on Sept. 29. Our Sunday School attendance stands around the 100 mark, or just a little better. A number of new teachers started teaching on October 6, since so many of our young people left for school. A Thanksgiving Rally was held at our Extension Sunday School at Gull Lake. Rev. B. Friesen gave the message. The Gordon Butlers are heading the work locally, and we send 3 teachers down each Sunday to assist in teaching. It still has only a very small beginning but we are praying for increase. The school is about 45 miles from Swift Current. On September 29 we conducted a Ba­ by Dedication service at which five parents brought their children formessage for the occasion. Brucks brought a very challenging ward i n dedication. Rev. George Special Speakers: Rev. John Unger of the Northern Canada Evangelical Mission was here two nights. He also served at Gouldtown in our church one night. The church was full and a tremendous blessing came out of it. Then we also had him speak on two of our radio broadcasts while he was here. On October 6, Rev. John Machnee, former missionary to India now a teacher at the Miller Memorial Bible Institute, served us twice. Brother Machnee was saved under the minis­ try of the Pete Martens when they were at Canora, Saskatchewan. We al­ so had Ernest Funks and Danny Wolfes with us. All these have been a great blessing.

Grace Bible Institute Twenty-five states and four foreign countries are represented by the 344 students who enrolled for the fall semester at the Grace Bible Institute at Omaha, Nebraska. Monday, Sept. 9 saw the official opening of the 21st year of operation of this school. Stu­ dents came from some 27 denomin­ ations.

Goshen College Tentative enrollment figures at Go­ shen College indicate a five per cent decrease in full-time enrollment over last year. Total full-time enrollment at present is 846 in the college and 45 in the seminary.

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New Church in Charleswood Another Mennonite church in Win­ nipeg brings the total number of Men­ nonite churches in this city to some 19 congregations. The lates't one to be organized will be known as the Charleswood Bethel Mennonite Church. Organizational services were held on September 15 at which time the group was established as an independant con­ gregation. Thirty-one members wer.c received into the group by Rev. Greening, pastor of the Bethel Men­ nonite church. Charleswood is a south­ western suburb of Winnipeg.

* * * COMING EVENTS Oct. 13-25: Evening services at Kleefeld. Speakers: Ben Friesen, Oct. 1319; C. B. Loewen, Oct. 20-25. Special mission emphasis with missionary re­ ports the last five days. Oct. 20-25: Missions Conference at Swift Current with the Mark Gripps. Oct. 27 - Nov. 3: Combined revival and missions meetings at Portage la Prairie with Rev. B. W. Sawatsky of Winnipeg as special speakers. October 24 - November 3: Evangel­ istic meetings at MacGregor with Ar­ nold Fast as speaker. November 3-10: Evangelistic meetings at Valley Stream E.M. Church with John K. Reimer as speaker. THE MESSENGER

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