Skip to main content

The Messenger May 3, 1963

Page 1

May 3, 1963

EVANGELICAL

Vol 1, No. 9

MENNONITE

CONFERENCE

7

IN THIS ISSUE

Steinbach Bible Insti­ tute Graduates Fifty-one !2 Sunday School Pro­ motion in Germany 3 Two V.S’ers to Germany

5

Baptism at Wymark 8

The sacrifice of youth and strength Shall not have been in vain. 1 do not ask for gratitude But only this my child. That yo.u shall live your life so well My gifts be not defiled.

The years of love and care Will amply be repaid if once I see you standing there — An upright and an honest soul On who success has smiled, That I may say with humble pride —“THAT is my child!”

.Y

—Watchman Examiner t

.fri


Letters To the Editor

EDIT

lAL

MOTHER’S DAY "Mom.” “What do you want?” “O, nothing.” He is satisfied. Mother is there and all is well. He grabs his bike or glove and is off, never even bothering to say where he is going. No doubt this is a scene that is reinacted over and over again (after 4) in thousands of homes across the country every day. And it is a tribute athough maybe an unconcious one, by a boy to his mother. Another tribute to Mother, of course is Mother’s Day. Records have it that Mother’s Day was first observed at Norfolk, Virginia, in 1908. In 1914 Congress authorized the President of the United States to designate by annual proclamation the second Sunday in May on Mother’s Day. As with any other holiday (Easter, Christmas, etc.) there is always the danger of forgetting the real purpose of the occasion and make it just another occasion to give gifts and with that believe to have discharged our responsibilites. No doubt many a mother would be much more thrilled by seeing her boy, her girl, live a devoted obedient life throughout the year than to have some scpecial affection shown her on this one day of the year. Then there are those who no doubt will engage in some fond reminiscing this day on a mother who has gone, gome maybe with bitter regrets when they think of the love they might have shown her while she was living. The role of the mother in the home can hardly be over­ stated. Solomon writing about the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 says her price is far above rubies. The purest form of love on earth no doubt is the love of a mother for her child. The greatest influence by far is that which the mother contributes. The following, from an old clipping, is one mother’s legacy to her daughter. We thought, it was worth reprint­ ing at this time. May it prove a blessing and challenge to all mothers. MOTHER’S LEGACY TO HER DAUGHTER WHEREAS my daughter shall be the woman of tomor­ row and WHEREAS I am responsible, in a large measure, for the kind of a woman she shall be, I therefore bequeath to my daughter the following example: THAT she shall ever remember me as a sincere, ear­ nest, true believer in Christ. THAT I was fully surrendered to my Lord. THAT I was always in my accustomed pew in church, Sunday school, and prayer meeting with my family. THAT she heard me give thanks at each meal (if Father did not) and read my Bible, God’s Word. 'THAT if she ever saw me angered, I sinned not. The sun never went down upon my wrath (Eph. 4:26). DAILY praying for my girl’s salvation, I sign my name to this statement to the glory of my God and my Saviour.

2

Some of the Board members encouraged me to write an article on our conference and send it to the Messenger. As we arrived from the field a week ago right from the Conference, this was not too hard to do. If you can use it do so. If not, then just drop it into the basket close to your desk. If you would rather have something else say so. In Spanish we say, “Su servidor” which means “your servant” and that is what I would like to be to your worthy magazine. I have just one suggestion for The Messenger. To make it also serve as a tool for evangelization—why could you not include a message on salvation in every number? There are some who need reading material even more then we church members. C. B. Loewen, Mexico

P.S. Lack of space prevented the printing of this article at this time.

* * *

STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE GRADUATES FIFTY-ONE The twenty-fifth annual commencement exercises of the Steinbach Bible Institute were held on April 7 at the E.M.C. Church in Steinbach. Dr. Frank C. Peters, of the M. B. Bible College addressed the graduates during the afternoon session, basing his message on II Timothy 4:1-6. He challenged them to have insight into issues, to have passion in preaching, to be fraternal in fellowship, and to have depth in dedication in their witness in this decade of destiny. Walter Sawatsky of Winnipeg spoke for the graduating class. Harry Guenther of Hague, Saskatchewan, represent­ ed the undergraduates, and Elsie Kroeker, of Morris gave a testimony. ; During the evening session Rev. John Schmidt of the Gospel Light Hour based his message on I Chronicles 12. He said that the program of the Church is to turn the kingdoms of this world to the kingdom of Christ, and ex­ horted the graduates to be separated, prepared, and dedciated to this task. The valedictory address was delivered by Arden Thiessen of Washow Bay, Manitoba. Frieda Voth of Steinbach testified of her experiences with Jesus Christ this winter, and Dennis Fast of Kleefeld spoke for the undergraduates. Bev. Ben D. Reimer, principal of the school, assisted by Albert Hiebert, presented diplomas to fifty-one grad­ uates. The dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Harvey Plett, teacher at the school. |

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. Schellenbcrg, 502 Fifth Ave. N.W. Portage la Prairie, .Man. Assistant Editor, Abe P. Unger. Authorized as second class mail, Post Office Department. Ottawa, and for payment of postage in cash.

THE MESSENGER


• ••

MISSI SUNDAY SCHOOL PROMOTION IN GERMANY

By John Peters

departmentalized Sunday School. How­ ever, at every convention victories are won. A number of churches have begun adult classes, many are using the de­ partmentalized lesson material in sevral departments, a number have begun the Cradle Roll department. The idea of adults going to Sunday School is completely strange, so it was a real thrill to hear of one church that now has begun four adult Bible study classes. Layman’s Training Course

-

111

, f

1

r

[•

HIIFS MATERIAL »>« BIBfl UNTffiBKHT FiiR AllE ALTERS STUfEN

Material display and speakers at one of the Sunday School Conventions. (Mr. Peters, back row centre.)

Even though Robert Raikes began Sunday School in England in 1781, Europe has not yet experienced the untold blessings of teaching God’s Word to an ages through the depart­ mentalized Sunday School. Commu­ nism and Catholicism are indoctrinat­ ing the young children and thus main­ taining a hold on them for life. The Christian community is far behind in the matter of clear effective Bible teaching. Generally only children from the ages from 6 or 7 to the ages of 12 or 13 receive Bible instruction, mostly in groups, without well-chosen, graded and prepared material, from untrained teachers. Traditionally only the pastor and deaconess are thought capable of doing this work.' i Gra<led Material

Seeing the great need in the church­ es and directed by the Lord, we have launched a program of publishing Blbble-centered, departmentally graded Sunday School material for aU age groups, and making it available to all. Sunday School Conventions Sunday School Conventions seem

May 3, 1963

one of the best means of showing the need for Bible Instruction for old and young alike, for inspiration, for in­ forming churches about materials, and for instructing in ways and methods of teaching and organizing Sunday Schools. Since last fall. Conventions have been held in two German Bible Schools, as well as in Gummersbach, Essen, Duisberg, Loerrach, Kaisers­ lautern, Herborn and Hachenhausen. It is very hard for folks to be freed from tradition and custom and to compre­ hend the value and workability of the

Some participants of the Laymen’s Training Course. John Peters and Dave Hein­ richs on right. Cornie Enns, third from left, back row.

Sunday School Conventions seem incorporated into the follow-up pro­ gram of the city-wide Crusades held in Europe. Do pray for these Con­ ventions and for more personell that know the Sunday School and can as­ sist in this work. At the Conventions held thus far, I have been assisted by Amanda, Corny Enns, Tina Blatz, Sally Young, Dave Wiebe and the Don Ennses, as well as other missionaries. Teach­ er Training Courses for Bible teaching have been produced this winter. Some 38 people took part in the Layman’s Training Course conducted at Hachen­ hausen. The three E.T.T.A. texts on Bible survey, and texts on Child Study, Pedagogy and Sunday School Organ­ ization were translated and published by the Team and taught in this Cburse. The Lord blessed the studies and the fellowship of the Christians that par­ ticipated from different church back­ grounds.

The fields are white unto harvest— the labourers are few—pray therefore’. Unless the Lord build the house they labour in vain—! Pray that the mater­ ials, conventions and teacher training may result in effective teaching of God’s Word, to the end that churches shall be revived, sinners converted and Chirst be uplifted in German-speaking Europe. We depend on your prayers!

i


STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE

Maintaining Right Relationships In The Local Church By John P. Loewen

(Continued from previous issue)

II Relationship between the Young and the Old The local church consists of mem­ bers of various ages, experience and responsibility. Despite the fact that cill may be converted with similar con­ viction to please and serve God, we stiU have the different gifts and interests for the many varied types of services and activities to cope with. This is largely due to the vast dif­ ference in ages and experiences. This is an issue we must face and cope with in order to maintain right relationship. Young and Old must realize that

they need each other. Likewise, the church requires both in order to ad­ vance to meet the times, but still re­ tain its fundamental doctrines. A Ger­ man saying depicts it well by saying, “Die Kraft der Jugend braucht der Herr, der Alten Rat und Tat.” (God requires, the strength of youth, as well as the council of the elders). Therefore it should be the deep con­ cern of the church to create outlets to channel youth into a life of service and responsibility, being aware that soon they must take over. Therefore, let us bear in mind that the future life and condition of the church will to a large extent depend on present unity and understanding.

It is apparent that we have pro­ grams and activities more or less for the interest of the young. Neverthe­ less, there are also some which are of more interest and concern for those advanced in years. 'This tends to cre­ ate problems which we cannot evade. However, these programs can be bene­ ficial to either party, but we must still realize that it can be harmful to sever young and old too much. In view of the fact, that we are one body, the purpose of our programs should be for the spiritual edification of all, and to the honour and glory of God and remain within the realms of wor­ ship and divine service. Efforts should be made by older peo­ ple to show respect and appreciation 4

through promotional work, for the talents and gifts of the young. Likewise, the young should also ap­ preciate the experiences of the old and heed their counsel, as well as attempt to comply with their wishes.

In view of the fact that a person must be trusted in order to become trustworthy, we can be too hesitant in setting our young people on their own feet and handing responsibilities over to them. However, the church must also keep an open eye and have a guiding hand in it.. For example, committees for the activities of the young people, like Young People’s committee, choir committee, etc., may consist of young members, which will naturally create confidence and responsibilities for the church. This however, should be in close connection with the governing and more responsible body of the congregation. Illustration: It would seem rather absurd for a mother to leave the baby in the crib just because it has never been able to walk and considering it dangerous to give it an opportunity to attempt. On the other hand it would likewise be foolish to suddenly set the baby on its own feet simply because it is old enough to walk, without keep­ ing a guiding hand over it. This is exactly what happens when we, on one hand do not put any trust in our young people, or on the other hand allow them to work independently without guidance.

Furthermore, we also have the lan­ guage problem existing in some local churches. Despite the fact that we can be more effective in the mission out­ reach in the national language and since English has been the required language in our schools for the past forty years, resulting that the younger generation is better acquainted with it, we still have those among us, who prefer to have the worship service in their mother tongue. To some this ifactor might be well to apply Phil. 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things but also on the things of oth­ ers.”

“The problem of reaching all nation.s lies not in the lack of harvest, the lack of grace, nor the lack of power, but in the lack of dedicated laborers,’’ stat­ ed Rev. J. J. Toews of the M. B. Bible College, speaking at the annual mis­ sionary conference of the Steinbach Bible Institute held April 3-5. Rev. Toews, the main speaker of the con­ ference, laid special emphasis on the Christian laborer’s relationship t o Christ, “not only as servant, but also i.3 friend.”

The needs and challenges of mission.s in foreign lands and at home were presented by various missionary speak­ ers including Mr. and Mrs. George Peppin of Peru, Mr. Ernest Funk of V/eekes, Saskatchewan, Miss Justina Brandt of Mexico. Mr. and Mrs. Des Warrell of India, Mr. Bill Kehler of Alaska, and Gordon Reimer, Pax work­ er in Morocco and Switzerland.

Rev. Ben Sawatsky, pastor of the Gospel Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, and Rev. Sam Epp, pastor of the E.M. B. Church in Steinbach, both having extensive tours of mission centres of Central and South America, present­ ed the needs of the field as seen through the eyes of visiting observers.

The working of the Holy Spirit was especially evident on the closing day of conference, when many of the studen stepped forth to dedicate their lives anew to the cause of Christ, —Mary Kroeker

* * * ON SENTIMENT

“O don’t be so sentimental,” That’s what you hear folks say; How can you help but be—just that When it comes to Mother’s Day; Perhaps this old world is needing Some sentiment now and then And a touch that wiU make the heart tender Will help e’en the best of men

We’ll plan to be quite sentimental And think of the days gone by We spent with the simple things of life When our mothers were always nigh; They stand for the best and truest That ever a child may know So our thoughts shall be filled with our mothers Each day—and wher’er we go. THE MESSENGER

1


YOUTH RALLY

TRUTH for youth

By Elvira Hamm

The Austin Community HaU was the scene of a highly successful Youth Rally on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21. TWO V.S.’ers TO GERMANY Sponsored by five local Mennonite Churches including the Mennonite Mission churches of Austin and May140 Ml field, the Bergthaler churches of Mac­ ?EEP' . Gregor. The three services of the Rally drew a total attendance of 1,000. One of the main attractions was the 75 voice massed choir under the direction of Marvin Thiessen and accompanied by Elvira Hamm. Smaller voice and in­ Elizabeth Dueck and Mary strumental groups assisted in present­ Brandt at the C.P.B. station ing an interesting and varied program. in Winnipeg, just before The meetings were conducted under their departure. the chairmanship of Mr. Hugo Peters. Another popular feature was the period during the final session when Mr. C. Wilbert Loewen, the guest (speaker, frankly answered questions that had been placed in the Question Box earlier by members of the aud­ ience. At each session, Mr. Loewen dealt with topics of vital interest to youth. The Canadian Pacific Railway sta- tered throughout the station, it was His practical suggestions and instruc­ tion in Winnipeg was the scene of a something new to them, no doubt, to tion were backed by experience as a touching farewell as on April 25, Eliz- have hymn singing in a railway sta­ minister and teacher and he displayed beth Dueck and Mary Brandt bade tion, but to those who participated it a keen interest in, and understanding farewell to parents, relatives, and must have been a fervent prayer. of present day youth. The two sisters are the second to go friends, who had come to see them off The audience listened attentively as on the first leg of a journey who’s out under the Voluntary Service Com­ he challenged young people to wholemittee. (Doris Thiessen is in Mexico) ihearted devotion to God, Who is often destination is Germany. The time had come to go. Someone They will be staying in Germany for ‘limited by our failing to recognize started to sing “God Be With You Till at least one year. Their work will con­ fully who He is. Mr. Loewen’s remarks We Meet Again”, others took up the sist of helping to care for homeless concerning education, vocation, and strain. To the few other people, scat- children at a children’s home in Hack- choice of a life partner were given with enhausen, Germany. deep spiritual conviction, as well as a Scriptural foundation. His closing plea was for youth of to-day to practise VOLUNTEEKS FOB SIMMER BELIEF WANTED these Biblical principles in their daily .. The Extension Committee of the E.M.C. Board of Missions, living. * * * wishes to announce that they are looking for summer relief for their E.M.C. home mission stations. This is to Prairie Bose allow the missionaries to take their annual 3 weeks leave. Mr. and Mrs. W. Neufeld, nee EleaHere is an opportunity for you to contribute in a real way noi Reimer, daughter of Rev. Frank to the extension of God’s kingdom; to broaden your out­ D. Reimer, left for Liberia. Africa look; to see Missions at first hand. March 31 to serve a two or four year Please enquire with one of the following: term under Letourneau Project for Liberia having served as Pax-man for John K. Reimer the M.C.C. two years. 474 Edison Ave. B. D. Reimer Besides working with the poultry, Steinbach Bible Institute Winnipeg, Manitoba many trips are made to the interior Steinbach, Manitoba tribes, bringing them gospel, teaching Henry Thiessen Sunday School, etc. Eleanor will be of Corny Loewen Austin, Manitoba great help, firstly to her newly wedded' 196 Kroeker Ave. or write to: husband, and of course with her Prac­ Steinbach, Manitoba E.M.C. Extension Committee tical Nurses training. We wish them Box 789 Arnold Fast God’s presence, guidance and blessing. Wymark, Saskatchewan Steinbach, Manitoba

May 3, 1963

5


CHILDREN’S STORY

THE BEST

MEDICINE

u.

It was May. The door of the pen­ itentiary clanged behind John McLelland. Ten years later the same door clanged behind him again, and convict No. 5599 received his freedom and re­ sumed his name. He was free once more. The thought sent the blood coursing through his veins. He recalled the words of the governor of the prison the night before he left. “McLeUand,” he said, “you are going to freedom tomorrow. You have had a long spell of prison life, but you are stiU young and during your term here you have shown that there is good stuff in you. See to it that you do not come here again.” The gover­ nor dropped his hand upon his shoul­ der and looked at him keenly. “You feel your sentence was unjust. They all do. Your punishment was deserved. You should thank God your case was no worse. Have you a mother, McLelland?” “None o’ your business,” he snarled. “But if you want to know, I had; al­ ways a preachin’ and prayin’. The governor nodded. “Let me tell you something.” he said. “I am getting to be an old man now. I have been governor here for thirty years, and have seen some of the hardest cases pass through our doors. I have watched you carefully, and there is something in you that is different from most criminals. That something is the pray­ ers of your mother. ,‘So yer a preacher as well as a governor.” he sneered. “No, I' am no preacher,” was the unruffled reply. “But I had a mother like that myself. So think it over. Ask God to answer your mother’s prayers. God bless you.” McLeUand relived his past as he trudged to the railway station. It was ten years since he had last seen his mother. She had come to the prison after his conviction, and pleaded with him to renounce his evil ways. “My son. I’ll be prayin’ for you. The Lord loves you, John, and some day He’ll answer your mother’s prayer and lead you to repentance.”

6

He wondered if his mother had stopped praying for him. Perhaps he was too great a sinner for God to for­ give. That must be it, or perhaps his mother was long since dead. The thought gave him a queer feeling of lonelines and he shuddered. Who would pray for him now? He tried in vain to recall some of the things his mother had told him, and the things he had heard at Sunday school. There was something about sins being like scar­ let and a story about a young fellow in a far country. But it was aU vague He wished now he had asked the prison chaplain a little about it. He wanted to go straight, but how was he to do it? He reached the station a few min­ utes before his train arrived. The government had provided him with a railway ticket to Tromando, the city where he had been convicted. To this the governor had added five dollars to provide for a day or two until he got work. As he climbed aboard the train, there was unrest in his soul. He chose the smoking car as less likely to have passengers in it. He was glad it was empty. Smiling villages and peaceful farms flashed by as he gazed out of the win­ dow, but the unrest in his heart only deepened. What a mess he had made of his life. He was thirty years old now, but he felt a hundred. If only he had something to read, it might help to get rid of his gloomy thoughts. H's eyes searched the smoking car, but i:, discarded newspaper was to be seen. And then he saw a piece of paper half hidden behind the cushion of the opposite seat. He picked it up. The first words he saw rivited his attention. He read, “God Saves Bad Men.” The title startled him. What could it mean? He thought God saved only good people. Curious he read on. Before he reached the end, the arrow of God had pierced his soul. He saw his life in all its hideousness as it appeared in God’s sight. A cry burst from his lips, “O God, what must I do to be saved?” Tempest raged in his soul as he read cn. He saw that it was not good men, but bad men that Christ came to save, that all were guilty before God, and that the Saviour had made atonement for all. Clutching the little piece of paper in hi.s hand, he knelt on the floor of the car and cried with anguish of heart, “O God, I’m only a poor crook, who's

wasted life and broken his mother’s heart. This paper says You save bad men. I believe what it says. I believe Christ died for me.” A deep peace en­ tered the heart of the criminal. Gone was the tumult in his soul. The weight of his sins dropped from him like a worn-out garment, and he rose to his feet a new man in Christ Jesus. It was fortunate that he still had the smoking car to himself. His heart sang lor joy, and he laughed aloud. Ten days later he trudged wearily along a dusty highway in western Ontario. He had to find his mother, if she were stiU alive. He believed that God had saved him in answer to her prayers, and He would help him find her. He had walked from Tromando. Work was scarce and two days had passed since he had spent his last cent. He felt weak and dizzy for lack of food. Car after car passed him, but none offered him a ride. By the early after­ noon, he was only ten miles from his native town. Would he find his mother here he wondered. He trudged on for an hour or two until he felt he could go no farther. A little way off the highway he saw a large building. Perhaps he could ask lor a meal. As he took a step toward the gate the world seemed to go round and round. There was a roaring in his ears, a blackness before his eyes, and he pitched forward on the grass. Fifteen minutes later, when he op­ ened his eyes, a man with a white carnation in his buttonhole was bend­ ing over him. “Feeling better?” he asked. “Yes,” said McLeUand. “Where am I?”

“You are in an Old Folks’ Home. I am Dr. Forbes. I was coming to visit a patient here and found you lying at the gate. You must have come a long way.” “Walked from Tromando.’ was the response. “Hungry?” “A bit.” “WeU, here is Miss Spence with some food for you.” said the doctor. McLeUand felt his strength return­ ing alter his first meal for days. Look­ ing up, he noticed the eyes of Dr. Forbes’ little daughter fixed intently on him. He noticed she was wearing a red carnation, and that her father and the matron were both wearing white flowers. “Are you feeling better now, poor

THE MESSENGER


FROM

HOUSE

TO YO

HOUSE

MOTHERS DAY By Elma B. Dueck

ourselves. We can more fully realize then, her unselfish devotion and un­ tiring concern and patience in times that must often have been difficult and trying. I also am thankful for the examples of godly mothers we find in the Bible. In Hannah we find a challenging ex­ ample as a mother. She wanted her child. She prayed for her child starting before birth, and also prayed with him. She cared for him and loved him. She taught him all about God. She returned him to God as she had promised. She followed him with her loving care and concern all through the years. She was also careful to show her love and faith by daily obedience to God. May God help us as mothers to live lives worthy of the name—MOTHER. * • «

tary service of the conference and Margaret Neufeld, missionary candi­ date, began the survey. Approximate­ ly forty homes were covered. The following day the girls went out again and several more homes were visited. In the evening, ten members of the church at Portage joined the girls. About half of the area is now covered. In the majority of these homes we received a warm welcome. Here are some of the comments made by those visited.

me. I’m just trying to find my mother to tell her that ...” The sentence was interrupted by the sound of a woman’s voice clear and distinct.

a moment in the doorway. Sitting up in bed was a little old woman, her gray hair faUing in wisps over her lined and wrinkled face, McLelland walked forward and knelt by her side. She had stopped singing and was looking at him fearfully. Taking the worn hands in his he spoke softly. “Mother, don’t you know me? Your wandering boy has come home. God has answered your prayers.” A look of wonder and joy broke over the face of the old woman. “It cannot be,’ she sobbed. “John, my boy, is it really you at last'? My boy! My boy!” Her arms were around his neck, and her tears mingled with his. But they were tears of joy. “That is the best medicine she could have,'” said Dr. Forbes, “Papa,” said Peggy, “may I give the poor man my red carnation?” “Yes, dear,’ said the father.

Its Mothers Day! The children come to Mommy with eager, sparkling eyes and present a somewhat unshapely package with the words, “Here, Mom­ my, this is for you!” 'They watch breathlessly as Mother opens it. ’Two flower pots come into view. Mother is thrilled and touched by their gift as she well knows the sacrifice it has cost, to save the money out of their small allowance. Do you realize. Mother what a tre­ SUNDAY SCHOOL CANVASS mendous responsibility or privilege we ) AT PORTAGE have of influencing our children either 1 for good or bad? It demands our best I “And He sent them out two by two and more than that. We must often . . . and they returned with joy.” go to God for help and wisdom, even The Evangelical Mennonite Church at Portage is conducting a Sunday as our children come to us. I eim very thankful for having been School survey which will take in some brought up in a Christian home. I five hundred homes. Monday, April 29, Esther Loewen, think we really begin to appreciate our own mothers when we become mothers Morris, now at Portage under volun-

man?” asked the little girl. “Yes, Miss,” he said huskily.

“Why havn’t you a flower?” she asked in her childish way. “I thought everybody wore flowers on Mother’s Day. Haven’t you got a mother?” Glancing at McLelland, Dr. Forbes sa>v the tears rolling down his cheeks. So this was Mother’s Day. McLelland had only a vague idea of what it meant, but he knew the flowers indi­ cated whether one’s mother was alive or dead. Should he wear a white flower or red?

McLelland struggled to his feet. “I must be going,” he said ‘"Thank you for your kindness. I ain’t got nothing to give you except this little piece of paper that changed my life ten days ago.”

Dr. Forbes took the paper curiuosly, glanced at the title, and looked keenly at McLelland . ‘It’s true. Sir,’ said McLelland. “It says God saves bad men, and He saved May 3, 1963

“Oh, could I see you now, my boy.” McLelland trembled like a leaf. “What’s that?” he stammered. “It’s ar old woman,” Dr. Forbes said sadly, “whose heart has been broken. She had a son who went bad. Three years ago she came here. That is all that she sings, and she still thinks that some day God will restore her son. Listen to her.” Again the plaintive voice went on — ‘'Go for my wandering boy tonight, Go search for him where you will.” I McLelland’s face was ashy “What is her name?” he asked hoarsely. Dr. Forbes looked at him curiously. “Her name is Mrs. McLelland.”

The man was stunned for a mo­ ment. Then with a hoarse cry he stag­ gered from the room. He paused for

One man, who only several days ago moved into the area, thanked us and said, “At least some one shows an interest in us”, and in another home the lady said, “Do come again. I’d love to have you.” ’These certainly are wonderful open doors for future con­ tacts. Of course not all the remarks were as complimentary. The results of the survey were two­ fold. Firstly, the canvassers received a tremendous blessing and were strengthened in the Faith. Secondly, we had several definite promises to come to Sunday School and Church service. It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit might continue to work in the hearts of the individuals contacted.

—Young Pilot

7


I

I). Kleefeld M -bn.

Baptism at Wymark. Left to right: Edith Wider, Ellen Brell, Hilda Rempel, Pauline Unrau, Edna Elias, Justina Hildebrandt. Back row, left to right: Mark Banman, Carl Mills, Ben Schlamp. Missing from picture: Esther Neufeld and Edna Neufeld.

The Wymark Church was the scene of a baptismal service on April 14, Easter Sunday. Eleven souls were bap­ tized. Guests present for the occasion were, Herbert Peeler of the Miller Memorial Bible Institute, Pambrun,

and B. D. Reimer, Steinbach, who both spoke. Peter Schlamp spoke in Ger­ man. Arnold Fast officiated at the baptism. In the afternoon the Lord’s Supper was observed.

1963 STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE GRADUATING CLASS Senior Matriculation diplomas were given to: Gertrude Bergen, Winnipeg Peter Dueck, Kola Walter Dueck, Steinbach Helen Friesen, Kleefeld Jacob Funk, McMahon, Saskatchewan Deanna Giesbrecht, Steinbach June Greening, Lowe Farm Richard Knelsen, Burns Lake, British Columbia Esther Neufeld, Rhineland, Saskatchewan Martha Nikkei, Winkler Edwin Penner, Sidney Stanley Plett, Lorette David Rempel, Blumenhof, Saskatchewan Walter Sawatsky, Winnipeg Violet Schroeder, Steinbach Alvin Stoesz, Chortitz Larry Thiessen, Lowe Farm Frieda Voth, Steinbach Anne Zacharias, Homdean Junior Matriculation diplomas were given to: Mrs. Regina Dyck, Winnipeg Marian Loewen, Steinbach In the Bible Department, the following received diplo­ mas, according to the different majors offered at the school: General Bible William Buhler, Burns Lake, British Columbia Melvin Friesen, Giroux Wilbert Kroeker, Morris Margaret Toews, Grunthal May 3, 1963

Unusual Easter Program at Prairie Rose An unusual Easter program was en­ joyed by all when the married people rendered a program on Good Friday. Many in the choir found their mem­ ories going back to the time when they used to sing as “young people”. A.s a participant I must say I truly enjoyed it, and would encourage other young poeple to try it too. God will bless your efforts. H. Plett

* * *

COMING EVENTS May 12 Ordination Service of deacon Corny Janzen at Swift Current. May 26 to June 9 Southeast Sask. Union Crusade, Exhibition grounds. Swift Current, Sask. Barry Moore speaker.

Christian Education Dick Buhler, Arden Henry Dueck, Steinbach Ken Loewen, Morris Mary Martens, Endako, British Columbia Sally Neufeld, McMahon, Saskatchewan Benjamin Thiessen, Giroux Missions John Bergen, New Bothwell Dave Buhler, Arden Mrs. Katherine Ebner, Steinbach Alfred Friesen, Rosenort Gertrude Giesbrecht, Altona Elsie Kroeker, Morris Grace Loewen, Rosenort Ronald Penner, Maryfield, Saskatchewan Stan Plett, Landmark Luella Rempel, Rosenort Steven Schellenberg, Altona Arden Thiessen, Washow Bay Ruth Unger, Altona Helen Wiebe, Gouldtown, Saskatchewan Pastors’ Pete Buhler, Steinbach Dietrich Friesen, Giroux John Leiding, McMahon, Saskatchewan Sacred Music Ernest Friesen, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Alvin Rempel, Rosenort The school choir and the chorale, directed by Henry Hiebert and assisted at the piano by Margaret Neufeld, sang, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” “Unto the Hills,” “Yea Though I Walk,” “Lord, in the FuUness of ’Thy Might,” and “Glorious is Thy Name.”

THE MESSENGER


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook