The Messenger July 2, 1982

The Messenger r\/AMnri inAi ^/lP^lMnMlTP EVANGELICAL MENNONITE r.nMFFRPMP.R CONFERENCE

vni 9n NO JULY 2/82 VOL. 20 NO. 14 14 ^■^JULY

• Letter to Ottawa

• Nuclear Disarmament • 1982 Missionary Orientation and Fellowship

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The I'nited Niifiiiiis Speeiiil Sess/o/t (»/ Disarniitinent CXSSOZ) (.s iiieefi)i(i .June 7 - .Juh/ !) this i/eiir. The ti)lh)iriu!i is the text nf ii letter irritteu to Ottiiiro by MCC fCiDuuliil jo'ior to HXSSOD os iiu expression ofeneonrinieinent in the tush of iireiniriny for this nieeti)iy. I heliere it outlines our Anuhu/itist eoneerns irell und ire jiriut it here in irhole.

Letter to Ottawa February 24, 1982

Members of the Slandinj; Committee On External Affairs and National Defence Parliament of Canada Ottawa, Ontario

KIA OAli

Dear Members of the Committee: We are writing primarily to encourage you in your task of prejjaring for the second United Nations Special Session on Disarmament, UNSSOD II. It is a task both important and complex. The range of weaponrv is broad and awesome. The number of government.s that need to be taken into account is increasingly large. And the kinds of negotiations that might be pursued are numerous. Moreover, disarmament efforts of the past ha\ e often ended in failure. We do not propose a particu­ lar formula but we want to encourage you to work for disarma­ ment with all possible diligence, imagination, and faith. We would like also to identify a number of particularly im­ portant factors and we would ask you to consider them. One is the threat of a major nuclear war. The seriousness of this threat i.s indicated by various things including: the current stockpiles of about 50,000 nuclear weaitons with a total de­ structive capacit.v one million times that of the Hiroshima bomb; the enormous expenditures on armaments which total more than $450 billion per year; and the apparent readiness of some leaders to use nuclear weapons. The destruction that a nuclear war would bring to people and to the earth is unima­ ginable. We urge you to spare no effort in trying to prevent such a war, to remove the threat, and to achieve disarmament. A second factor refers not to a major nuclear war but to other wars, like those in Central America, Afghanistan, South East Asia, the Middle-East, Iran-Iraq, the Horn of Africa, southern Africa, etc. Some observers have counted 130 wars since 1945, mainly in the Third World. Millions of people have been killed, often with weapons from northern countries. In addition, there is the suffering at the hands of oppressive governments, some of which base their power primarily on military force. Agreements to limit the international trade in arms would not completel.v resolve these problems but the.v would surely limit the destructiveness. Efforts to reach such agreements should be pursued much more strongly. A third factor relates not to war itself, but to the belief that wars solve problems. We would challenge this. World War I, instead of making the world safe for democracy, unleashed dynamics which led to most oppressive dictatorships of both the communist and fascist varieties. In more contemporary settings military superiority, however massive, has been found to be of limited effectiveness, witness 'Vietnam and Afghan­ istan. And some current efforts to increase our securit.v are contributing instead to our insecurity, as is noted in the “Final Document” of UNSSOD I. The idea that war is a tragic but none the less effective means of resolving problems should be critically examined, especially in light of the destructiveness of modern weaponry. We do not have easy solutions for the many serious problems of our time but we believe there are avenues PAGE 2

which entail less suffering and hold more promise than those of war. A fourth factor relates to the sacrifice of young people who are called to serve as soldiers. This is particularly close to us because Canada during times of war has exempted the young men of our religious groups from' military duties. We acknow­ ledge this with gratitude. But our hope would be that all young people in all countries would be exempted from such duties. Instead, the opposite seems to be happening. There are now 25 million people in armed forces, 10 million in para-military forces, 500,000 scientists and engineers doing research and development work for military purposes, and, in some coun­ tries children learn to use gun.s as if it were the normal thing to do. Canada, during the Second World War, allowed con­ scientious objectors to render an alternative national service. Seven thousand five hundred Mennonites participated in this. We are continuing to try to work constructively in service pro­ grams within Canada and abroad, as are other people. But these efforts at constructive service, when seen in light of the need and the potential, are very small. We would encourage government to make arrangements so that the talent of people everywhere could be used to serve and to build up rather than destroy. A fifth factor relates not to the sacrifice of people but to the misuse of other resources. Thi.s is indicated in many ways. Years ago President Eisenhower said: “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in a final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, from those who are cold and are not clothed.” The recent 1 Brandt Report observed that while annual armament expendi­ tures amounted to $450 billion, only $20 billion was given in official development assistance. And some Third World coun­ tries, caught up in international alliances, are using their limited capital to pay for weapons rather than for their own economic development. There has to be a basic reorientation. We are called to be stewards of earth’s resources both for the needy people of our time and for the generations of people yet to come. The UN Study Group, commissioned by UNSSOD I and headed by Inga Thorson, has made a number of recom­ mendations about changes that should be made. We urge that they be considered. A sixth factor relates to the common humanit.v of people. The harriers of nation and ideology, however deep, do not com­ pletely hide the humanity that is common. We are reminded of this by the international distribution of the people of our own faith. There are approximately 55,000 Mennonites in the Soviet Union, 75,000 in Asia including some in Vietnam, 100,00 in Latin America, etc. We have considerable contact with these, our sisters and brothers. The thought of Canada or other west­ ern countries going to war with these people concerns us deeply. But the religious bonds, however significant in them­ selves, also serve to remind us of the very basic human bonds which unite all peoples. In a sense we are all brothers and sis- ters. War, and the preparation for it, represent a most serious ’ violation of this common humanity. Seventhly, we would encourage ,vou to be hopeful and to believe that war is not inevitable, "rhere is considerable pessi­ mism and fatalism and we recognize some of the reasons for this. But that is not the whole story. Peace is one of the deepest and most universal hopes of people. The earth wants to blos­ som forth and yield it.s fruit. And God, we believe, wants peace for all people and in all dimensions of life including the spiri­ tual and the political. The Bible, as we understand it, teaches that the way of peace may include suffering, but this does not detract from its central importance. We want to encourage you to be hopeful in your labours for peace. Finally, we want to point out that it is still possible to work for peace. Canada enjoys considerable international respect and has access to a broad range of governments. Many things can be done, like promoting the pledge against the first use of

THE MESSENGER

nuclear weapons, introducing measures to han chemical wea­ pons, prodding the Soviet Union and the United States in their Geneva negotiations, working for disarmament within NATO, declaring Canada to be a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone, limiting the international arm.s trade, making peace initiatives in Third World conflicts, introducing steps to implement the “strategy of suffocation,” etc. We are not experts on these matters so we do not endorse any one course of action over against others, but we want you to know of the sincere hope of Mennonite Central Committee (Canada) that the work of your committee will contribute to a resolution of this most urgent problem and hasten the day

when disarmament will he a reality. Mennonite Central Committee (Canada) is the national ser­ vice agency of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Churches of Canada whose membership now stands at about 80,000. Our budget is about $12 million of which $4 million comes from CIDA. Together with our sister organization in the United States we sponsor the work of about 850 volunteers in some 48 countries. Sincerely yours, J. M. Klassen Executive Director

Nuclear Disarmament - Quo Vadis? The folloming is o report in port of the United Nations SpeeialSession on Disarmament bei)i!/ held in Neir York Citi/ at this time. This re/iort mas assigned by Meetinghouse and filed by Da rid Hostetler of Gospel

Herald. Mankind today is confronted with an unprecedented threat of self-extinction ui M’u-vAiiiivnuii arising from iroiii the Liie massive inassive and anu competitive cornpeiiLive ^■accumulation of the most destructive weapons ever produced . . . While disarmament is the responsibility of all States, the nuclear-weai)on States have the primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament . . . "From the fimd document of the fast United Nations SpecialSession'on Disarmament in iy7X. The roar of Manhatten’s mid-morning traffic was shut out of Conference Room 4, in the bowels of the United Nations Build­ ing, New York City. Quiet seriousness pervaded the chamber. Jan Martenson, the distinguished Swedish U.N. assistant secretary general also responsible for questions relating to nuclear disarmament, spoke softly to the more than 150 repre­ sentatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) gather­ ed to hear him at the first briefing of the Second Special Ses­ sion on Disarmament (SSD II), June 7. “The First Special Session constituted an unprecedented effort,” he said, “to look at nuclear disarmament on a global scale. It made a significant contribution,” he continued, “in that it produced the political will to talk about disarmament.” The term, /loliticid mill, was heard throughout the opening week. Martenson was obviously taking the NGOs seriously. In U.N. circles, NGO has become an important symbol. It stands for the hundreds of unofficial groups around the world who have become concerned about the state of the arms race and include a prestigious roster of religiou.s bodies, among which are the Mennonites, represented by Mennonite Central Com­ mittee. At 3:30 p.m., U.N. president Ismat Kittani, of Iraq, gavelled the SSD II to order. In his opening remarks, the president re­ flected on the dangerous times through which the world is passing. Then, he observed, “We are concerned primarily with the universal devastation that nuclear weapons could cause, but we must be ever mindful of the fact that as we meet, peo­ ple are dying through the use of conventional weapons.” He spoke about the arms build-up and what has been happening since the Special Session on Disarmament I in 1978. “What has happened in the intervening four years?” he asked. “What measures have been taken that have resulted in a reduction in armaments? “In short, what have the governments of the world done to respond to the fervent demand of the people of the world that this insane arms race be stopped? We all know the answer,” he

JULY 2, 1982

said, “but I want to state it loudly and clearly for the world to hear, "NOTHING.” He continued, “In the years since the first spe­ cial session, the situation had deteriorated ...” Kittani also recognized the worth of the NGOs. “I am like­ wise pleased to note the broad and impressive representation and activities of non-governmental organizations at this ses­ sion ... I should like to welcome them and tell them that their participation is most important, and on behalf of the Assem­ bly, I want to thank them for their continued efforts in the cause of peace.” Echoing these same sentiments, the U.N. secretary-general, Javier Perez de Cuellar, stressed the urgency of the SSD IPs task. "Apocalypse is today not merely a biblical depiction; it has become a very real possibility,” he said. Cuellar also alluded to the fact that more than 100 wars have been fought with conventional weapons since 1945. "World statesmanship faces a new challenge, so it must think anew and act anew. All the peoples ask for a creative response,” he concluded, “which would give a fresh and hopeful direction to human affairs.” Such was the tone of the opening speeches. There was a sameness in those which followed: 1. The situation is bad. 2. The U.N. can do little if the major nuclear powers will not co-operate. 3. There is urgency to get on with real disarmament not only of nuclear weapons but also of all chemical and bio­ logical means of mass destruction. 4. Verification has to be a part of the procedure. As one statesman said, the nations have to develop the poli­ tical will to dismantle the weapons of mass destruction. Three head.s of state spoke during the first week of SSD II: Thorbjorn Falldin, prime minister of the Kingdom of Sweden; Petal- Stambolic, president of the presidency of Yugoslavia; and Zenko Suzuki, prime minister of Japan. The latter spoke for his people by governmental consensus and for the hundreds of Japanese citizens who had come to show their solidarity with the disarmament movement in this country. Major marches were planned to coincide with the opening week of SSD II. On Monday, June 7, the Olympic Torch of Peace was taken to the Dag Hammerskjold by participants in the World Peace March, with many starting points, beginning in Japan. Nearly a thousand people gathered for the ceremony. In another ceremony in the same plaza by the U.N. visitors’ entrance, 90,000,000 signatures were delivered to U.N. offi­ cials, calling for the cessation of nuclear weapons production next page please

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and deployment and for disarmament of the same. But the march that blew the lid off all other marches came Saturday, June 12. An upper estimate put the marchers at three quarters of a million, more than 750,000 people, from all corners of North America and other parts of the world. Their message was simple and clear: GET RID OF NUCLEAR WEA­ PONS. The.v were a representative cross-section of America and their spirit was pacific. Mennonite Central Committee counts on two persons to represent them at the U.N. for matters other than disarma­ ment' Beth Heisey, who is working at the Methodist U.N. offices, and Evelyn Rudy, who is seconded to the Quakers. Heisey serves as a liaison person for MCC constituents who have business or special interest at the U.N. With regard to the question, “Whither bound nuclear dis­ armament'.’’ much depends on the will of the peoples of the world. For years, citizens of the super powers have chosen to ignore the reality of nuclear destruction. According to some observers, it’s as though whole countries have gone into denial, as so often happens with relatives and friends of alcoholics. Pretend the problem isn’t there. But now, a worldwide clamor is arising among the peoples, and it appears as though the politicians and military institu­ tions will ignore them at their own risk, or at least so seems to he the attitude of those participating in this special session’s deliberations. The SSD II runs through July 9.

A Plea for Universal Support for the Disarmament Objectives of the Second United Nations Special Session on Disarmament - June 1982 by Menno Klassen, Winnipeg

tMennn Klassen is II ineniln’rof the Fort Gnrrg Mennonite Felloirship. Winnipeg, a mi’mherofthe lociil United Niitions Assiieiiitiiin, unit iilsn ii member of the Winnipeg Coordinating Cum niittee iin DisiinniimentJ Albert Einstein had very mixed feelings and grave concerns about the development and subsequent uses of atomic energy. He had his misgivings because, as he put it, “When we released the energy from the atom everything changed except our way of thinking. Because of that we drift to unparalleled disaster.” It is important for us to remember that as our power through technological development increased and our use of material resources of the earth escalates, so must our willing­ ness to accept responsibility for them grow. Unless this shift in our thinking, commensurate with the need takes place, our technology tends to became master rather than servant. Dr. Howard Hiatt, a spokesman for Physicians for Social Respon­ sibility, makes it clear in the film documentary, “The Last Epi­ demic,” that no matter what some government officials sug­ gest to the contrary, there is no snrriring ii nuclear iriir. The atomic era, it seems, arrived before we were quite ready for it. However, since it is here we have some catching up to do to learn to survive with it. (Whether or not the human race will ever be capable of using atomic energy safely is a question we will not undertake to discuss here.) At the present time, at any rate, the safety of the planet is in great doubt and unless a great many more of its citizens are going to assume a great deal more responsibility in the use of this technology and national and world affairs, the prospects for survival seem rather bleak. The future of this beautiful green earth, entrust­ ed to us as co-creators with God, is threatened with extinction unless soon we rally with an appropriate response. What sort of response can we offer as Christian citizens at a

time such as this? The prophets, Jesus and the early Christians, as citizens of earth proclaimed the will of God to their rulers. They made their witness known to the powers when they trusted in armies, when exploitation was unchecked and jus­ tice trampled under foot. Jesus, when his teachings and pre­ sence were not tolerated in the temple and synagogues, met with people in the streets and addressed large crowds on the mountain sides, led a parade into Jerusalem and confronted the powers in temple and palace, speaking out for truth, love and justice. His power was in his disarmed weakness and in his obvious willingness to risk his life for the cause. This way of the cross has always made a profound impact on the course of history and it is still the only way of pioneering ways of hope in the world. Christians generally do not hesitate to call on governments to enact legislation to improve their own economic conditions, create employment, lower taxes, or even request conscientious objector status in time of war. If they do not communicate this personally to government, they do so through the church, fed­ eration or union, or at least voice their preference when mark­ ing their ballot at election time. We have this privilege and right because some in the past have sacrificed dearly to win these rights for us. Lobbying by the privileged to maintain their position of power is not what we are talking about here. Rather it is our concern for justice for the weak and needy and for the protection of the earth and its inhabitants that we are dealing with as Christians. Jesus and the early Christians disagreed with, and disobey­ ed, the authorities when obedience to God required it even at the risk of suffering and death. Our Anabaptist forebears, among others, revived the principle of civil disobedience when they rebaptized adult believers and refused military induction where conscientious objection to these practices was not legal. They confronted the political and religious powers with God’s alternatives. It is precisely here where we too, who cannot re­ concile the war system with God’s will, must act if we are going to be faithful to this great tradition in our time. A “Thus saith the Lord” must be announced also in this generation, especially in the face of this grotesque nuclear obscenity to which the world now is exposed. As faithful disciples of Christ we need to proclaim the power of weakness as Jesus did. In terms of today’s situation this means advocating nuclear and general disarmament, even unilateral disarmament. An immediate freeze of the arms race, followed by progres­ sive dismantling of armaments in the order of cost and destructiveness, and the redirection of the resources, man­ power and tax moneys toward peace research and responsible development assistance to hurting people and countries around the world would represent revolutionary improve­ ments in the prospects for peace and wellbeing everywhere.

CONTRIBUTORS: As you begin to read today’s Messenger you will immediately become aware of our theme, the peace and disarmament issue. We trust that it will activate our thinking on the whole matter of war and peace in our time. Comments or responses from readers on this or other issues appearing in The Messenger are welcome. Susan Reimer (Steinbach) is involved in office work for the Japan Evangelical Mission in Brazil. She also teaches Bible classes. COVER PHOTO: Quinton Wiebe, Kola, Man., likes fishing and the editor likes tak­ ing pictures. So when these two came together we got what appears on today’s cover. Fir River, Hudson Bay, Sask.

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conterence. Board of Education and Publication. Box 1268, Stein­ bach, Manitoba. ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail, Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mail­ ed to the above address.

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Missions 1982 Missionary Orientation and Fellowship By Milton Fast Mission Board members, together with their wives, and missionaries met at the Red Rock Bible Camp for a time of orien­ tation and fellowship from June 9-11. Ap­ proximately 50 people attended. After room assignment and the noon meal we met in the chapel for a time of singing, sharing and praying. Introduc­ tions were made which indicated that we were quite a cosmopolitan group, with missionaries present who had served in Canada, the Bahamas, Nicaragua, Ger­ many, Paraguay, Brazil, Mexico, Mali and Venezuela. Harry Neufeld, chairman of the Board of Missions, set a good tone for the meeting in his message on knoieing God in contrast to knowing about God. Each morning we met for a Bible study led by Edwin Plett, moderator of our Conference, who gave us a picture of Christ from Colossians 1:15-20, con­ cluding that in the light of who Christ is. He has the right to demand full dis­ cipleship from us, and that we must be about our Master’s business. Each evening we closed the day with a devotional. John P. Loewen and Walter Reimer were assigned to lead these. Dr. Gerry Doerksen, who was invited to speak on the topic of relationships, stated that communication and self­ acceptance are necessary for good inter­ personal relationships in all areas of life. He shared statistics that stated that com­ munication is 7 percent verbal, 38 percent tone experession, and 55 percent non­ verbal. Four keys for improving our self­ acceptance were given: 1. Frequently review our acceptance by God (Romans 8:14-16). 2. Forgive others (Colossians 3:13). 3. Be generous with others; be content (Romans 5:5, Hebrews 13:5). 4. Be grateful (Colossians 3:15). Peter Hamm, the Associate Secretary for Africa and Europe for the M.B. Board of Missions, added to Dr. Doerksen’s com­ ments on relationships, stating, “Reflec­ ting on the complexities of relationships at the numerous levels of interaction, one readily understands why brotherhood becomes fragile and is so easily disrupted. True brotherhood is brother-oriented while its disruption is usually rooted in self-orientation, and manifests itself in self-seeking, self-agrandizement, selfJULY 2. 1982

pity, self-defence, and self-righteousness. Where such forms of selfishness can be overcome, harmonious brotherhood flourishes despite great diversity and mutual incompatibilities. Where in­ dividual differences result in ruptured relationships, self is usually at fault. No doubt there are other causes, as the sub­ sequent divisions of this paper intimate, but the focus here is upon the principal cause - the pre-eminence of self.” Other topics Mr. Hamm discussed are the following: “Maintaining Standard of Perfor­ mance,” in which he pointed out that we need to be rightly motivated, set proper goals, manage our time effectively, sub­ mit to corporate discipline, maintain con­ stant spiritual renewal to avoid burn-out, “because,” he said, “burn-out does not come from overwork but from failing to refuel.” “Building the Indigenous Church” - Mr. Hamm asked, “Why plant an indigenous church?” and gave the answer, “So that it fits the people” in their culture and socie­ ty, without compromising Christ and His Word. An indigenous church is a church that has the ability to govern, support and reproduce itself. “Trends and Emphases in Missions To­ day and Tomorrow” - Mr. Hamm pointed out that instead of seeing the lost world as more than three billion people, which tends to overwhelm and discourage us from reaching this mass, the people should be divided into people groups, significantly large sociological groupings

of individuals who perceive themselves to have a common affinity for one another, such as language, religion, ethnicity, residence, occupation, class/caste or any combination of these. Some 17,000 separate people groups have been iden­ tified. It is much more conceivable to strategically place a Christian witness among each people group, with a clear goal of reaching this group of people for Christ, than to think of evangelizing a mass of three billion people in our genera­ tion. The multi-media slide presentation, “Ever-widening Circles,” was given its permiere showing on Thursday evening, resulting in a number of favourable com­ ments and some constructive criticism. Friday morning the assembly was divided into five groups to discuss items like missionary/ home church relationships, recruitment of new per­ sonnel, guidelines for good missionary reporting in church, and other items. After 45 minutes of discussion the group again assembled and reported on the dis­ cussions. The last sesson was taken up with wrapping up any unfinished business, sharing, and evaluating this year’s Missionary Orientation and Fellowship. Following are some things that were said: “I received a greater feeling of belong­ ing to the EMC missionary family.” “There was a feeling of openness in sharing and I noted a concern for one another.” A Board member expressed his ap­ preciation of the opportunity such a meeting gives to get to know the mis­ sionaries better. “Stress may come into our lives so that we may learn to know God better.” “I had looked forward to this, and will now need to put into practice the things we have learned.” “Pra,v that when I return I will be able to communicate to the people in such a way that they will be able to understand.”

Knowing God I had the opportunity of attending the missionary orientation at the Red Rock Bible Camp. There were several different areas in which the Lord ministered to our lives. One of the things mentioned was that trials and suffering show whether or not we ktioiv God. When darkness hits, all our knowledge about God is not sufficient. And even though we do not wish for stress, it is in our stress that we learn to know God better. A portion of Scripture that is becoming

increasingly beautiful and challenging with meditation is found in Isaiah 58:1011, “And if you give yourself to the hungry. And satisfy the desire of the afflicted. Then your light will rise in darkness. And your gloom will become like midday. And the Lord will continual­ ly guide you. And satisfy your desire in scorched places. And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden. And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” Irene Kroeker

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Brazil

Outreach Expanding Several Accept Christ Greetings from Sao Paulo, Brazil! Starting in August 1981 I had a children’s meeting once a month in a neighboring development here in the city of Sao Paulo. Rachel, my co-worker, taught the ladies’ Bible study at the same time. We had five to 15 mothers and more than 20 children. Later we changed it to a bi-weekly meeting. Recently exciting things have begun to happen there. A young couple, seminary graduates, moved into that area after Christmas. They are members of a church not too far away and the pastor and some of the members are interested in this work. Now this couple is actively involved in the work. For Easter they, along with a few other Christians in their neighborhood, put on a special program. The directors of the nearby orphanage in­ vited them to have it there. They have room for more than 100 people. 'The in­ vitation was extended for further meetings, so now they have a meeting there on the last Saturday of the month. The bi-weekly Bible studies continue as well. Recently two ladies made a decision for Christ at the Bible study. At the even­ ing meeting on May 28 several teenage girls from the orphanage accepted the Lord. I am concerned that these girls will receive the follow-up that they need to grow spiritually. Since Rachel left for furlough another lady took her place. Almir and Lucy, a young couple in our mission, and I still were in charge of the children’s meetings. On June 9 we finished our work. Another lady or two from the church nearby will take them. We will still help out if needed and especially keep on encouraging them. July 6-10 we will have our second DVBS in our Cidade Dutra church. We had our first one a year ago. I’ve been ask­ ed to teach the five- to eight-year-olds. This is also the age group I teach in our Sunday School. My regular work includes the bookkeeping in the Brazil office, along with some other related office work. Since Rachel left on furlough I’m also fill­ ing in as Mission hostess. As you can see, this gives me quite a bit of variety in my ministry in Brazil. Do pray for me that I will be the kind of vessel that the Lord can fully use as I reach out to my neighbors around me. Susan Reimer >

Mission Grams Nicaragua Francisco Cano, the administrator of Camp Maranatha, reports that with the financial aid of the EMC Missions Auxiliary they have been able to put up the walls of the chapel/kitchen/storeroom complex which measures 23x12 meters. Eighty-seven steel beams have been purchased for the roof. Construction has stopped till they are able to raise more funds to put up the roof. The flooding that hit Nicaragua so severely in May will have a negative effect on the economy. The fraternity of EMC churches was not as severely affected as many others were. However, the Las Lajas community suffered severely in the loss of livestock and horses which died of cold and exposure.

Mexico The Peter Schlamps write, “The people we work together with have done a very good job of making us feel a part of them. They have done their best to show us the way to different places on these almost impossible roads.” News clippings from the Edmar Fasts: “All our Mexico missionaries, as well as Faith and Randall Krahn from Edinburg and Andrew and Minna Plett from Seminole, were present at our Big Bend retreat. Arden Thiessen had some challenging messages on ‘The Servant of Christ,’ studying Timothy and Titus. We slept in tents and ate and had our classes under a roof. We had two very scenic walks. In spite of the hot weather and many flies, we had a great time. “Faith and Randall Krahn fit right into the work, helping in the office and in Juarez. They will soon go to Chihuahua for a while. “Felipe and Cindy have a cute little baby boy. During their stay in El Paso they will be in charge of the Juarez work. Paraguay Notes from Frank P. Kroekers’ letter to their home church: “The East Paraguay radio project is now at the stage where we just ‘hold our breath,’ pray, and wait upon the Lord! The ‘solicitud’ (a 24-page detailed letter of our intentions and plans for setting up a Christian radio station in East Paraguay) has been handed in to the Government (ANTELCO), which has provoked this apprehen­ sion. Now it’s a matter of trusting the Lord to direct ‘them’ in giving us a favourable response; in other words, the license. We feel very keenly the impor­ tance of your prayers at this crucial time. May only the Lord’s will be done! “Due to the amount of time that has gone into the ‘groundwork’ of the radio station, the local church here has obviously not received the spiritual attention they needed. Yet, we can rejoice at the various victories that have been claimed in Christ. Baptism instruction classes are to start now and likely there will be quite a number participating. Pray for great zeal and involvement in our local outreach in witnessing for Christ. “Field administration duties also seem to take a fair share of our vigour. The vast distance between East Paraguay and the Chaco (according to our standards of travel here) is always keenly felt. On the other hand, we are so thankful for the two-way radio facilities (also with Canada) we have which really draws us closer together. By and large, our field staff is gradually diminishing while the individual workload is constantly increasing. Maybe we’re just getting soft! Well, this may be, but one thing is certain - the job in Paraguay is not done yet. Maybe someone has forgotten to pray the Lord of the harvest to send more labourers into His harvest. Please . . . ! “Healthwise it’s Hannah that has suffered most of late. Asthma has succeeded in getting a good grip on her. We’re only now beginning to comprehend the grav­ ity and complications asthma poses. She was in Asuncion for a number of weeks for allergy tests. Believing they were confirmed, she came home to be followed up with a series of shots. The first shot caused such a serious reaction that she immediately landed up in our local hospital for oxygen and other emergency measures to ease her difficult breathing. Her lungs are still heavy with fluid but she is at home recuperating. What direction to take now is difficult to decide. At any rate, once determined, the route to complete recovery could be a long and costly one. Again we know that God can, but we would appreciate your prayers on her behalf.”

Linguistic Training The Paul Thiessens arrived safely at Norman, Oklahoma to take further linguistic training in preparation for a ministry with AIMM in Upper Volta. Both Paul and Lois are enrolled in the SIL course. PAGE 6

THE MESSENGER

Messenger News

I An Appreciation Service teas held at Kleefeld on June 20 for Pastor Ed and Lil Friesen and family after nine years of dedicated service. Front row: Jennifer and Sheryl. Back row: Ken, Lil, Lyndon and Ed.

A seri'ice ii'iis held at Kleefeld on June 13. Left to right: Tom Dneck. journei/miin tnechiniic (Red River Commnnity College), Lois Koop, Bachelor of Education (U. of Man.). Rhonda Hiebert (SRSS), Karen Zachariiis (Niverville Collegiate). Tini Bartel (SBC High School). PASTOR RESIGNS

Kleefeld, Man.: “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Our Kleefeld family is weeping. It is exactly nine years ago on September 10 that Pastor Ed Friesen was installed as assistant pastor in our church. At the end of June he laid down his pastoral duties to take up the calling to

JULY 2, 1982

serve as Conference Pastor in our E, M. Conference. Ed and Lil, you have served us well! We cannot describe in words the gratitude and appreciation we feel within our hearts for your contribution towards the spiritual growth and welfare of our church, but we know the Lord will reward. Just to show to a small degree how indebted we feel, we presented them with a small token of love

in the form of a leather briefcase and an engraved tray with matching cups during an Appreciation Service on Sunday morning, June 20. After the service all 300 of us head­ ed downstairs to a fellowship lunch. Our heartfelt sentiments were expressed on the beautifully decorated cake which read, “God bless you.” Is it possible to “arrive” and “launch forth” simultaneously? At graduation this seems to be the case. In one sense we have “arrived,” but in another sense it’s a “star­ ting point,” An evening was set aside to give special recognition and prayer support for our group of graduates this year who graduated from various colleges and Bible schools. Pastor Ed reminded them not to go through life selfishly, but to look around, grab someone’s hand, and pull him along with you towards spiritual maturity, to help others, to draw others, and to reach out with a “special kind of love” which the Wiebe trio from Steinbach sang about. May the Lord enrich each one of your lives! We were indeed privileged to have a few other musical groups sing about God’s love to us recently. One was a girls’ choir from the North Kildonan M.B. Church, accom­ panied by a band from the Rowandale Bap­ tist Church, both from Winnipeg. They per­ formed a heart-moving cantata called “Life.” Another group, “Justified,” from Blumenort, and the Chamber Choir from S.B.C., sang as well. To all you dear people we say. Thank you for coming. We heartily welcome any other guests that would like to visit our church this summer, but please note that during July and August our worship service starts at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday school takes place from 10:45 to 11:45. Our Stockades participated in a provincial Christian Service Brigade Camp held at Spruce Woods Park. The Batallions had their camp-out at Melloy Lake in the Whiteshell. The young people had theirs the following weekend at Gimli. We appreciate so much the sacrificial dedication of all the C.S.B. and young people’s leaders, and we trust that all of these outings promoted spiritual growth for everyone involved. Does God answer prayer? In his message Al Hiebert pointed out that “if we ask anything in His name” and in His will “He will do it.” He went on to say, “How dare we doubt? God’s honour is at stake,” “With thanksgiving let your requests be made known.” Our church family has launched out on a new venture. We have formed a Prayer Chain where each “link” phones the adjoining “link” until the entire chain has been informed. We are excited about the prayers God has answered and will answer!

PAGE 7

POWER TO WITNESS Steinbach, Man.: YOUTH! What a powerhouse of natural energy and enthusiasm. But when that natural zeal is linked with supernatural power - BEWARE the explosion. Ten of our young people have found that link, the full control of the Holy Spirit, and are being sent by the local Body to various places for summer service. To Red Rock Bible Camp we are sending Gloria Friesen and John Loewen as counselors in training, and Jolene Wiebe as junior counselor. Working with the Cana­ dian Sunday School Mission will be Doris Dueck, and at Camp Arnes, Erma Dyck. Crossing the ocean for their assignments are Sean Fehr, going with TEEN Missions to Kenya, West Africa; Joanne Reimer, with a singing group from Peace River Bible Institute to Ireland, and Diane Zacharias to England, both under Global Outreach. In Germany Cheryl Hiebert will be working with Eurocorps, an arm of the Greater Europe Mission. Going even further away and for a longer term of service is Norman Hiebert who will be working for one year with an organization known as LIFE in Tokyo, Japan. In Christ’s last words to the budding church He promised the Holy Spirit as power-source for the work of building His Church, beginning at home, and eventually reaching the romotest ends of the earth. No less important are those “Jerusalem witnesses” who are faithful in the place Christ has chosen for them. Let us all be faithful, until He comes!

YOUNG PEOPLE ENJOY RETREAT Treesbank, Man.: The young people had their annual youth retreat June 11-13. We had a super weekend both physically and spiritually. Most of us were rather worn out by Sunday afternoon but the spiritual refreshing made up for it. We enjoyed a number of activities, including acting out portions of the Bible. This seemed to make the Bible come alive and also make those passages more real to all of us. Our speaker was Mr. Doug Reader of Swan River. His sessions were centered around “Faith”: “Faith in Action,” “Faith of our Fathers,” “Faith Demonstrated,” “Faith Under Fire.” On June 19 our church was the location of a silver wedding anniversary celebration. Erwin and Esther Plett celebrated 25 years of married life. Their children had a wonder­ ful program planned, followed by supper in the church basement. Many friends and family members came to share this day with them and wish them the Lord’s continued blessings. Our annual Sunday school picnic was held on June 20 at the Wawanesa Park. We had our worship service outside, followed by a delicious cold plate dinner. Frisbee baseball and volleyball were the main activities, along with races for the children. It was beautiful to enjoy God’s creation and spend the day with the body of believers.

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HELENA K. LOEWEN 1904-1982

“Z have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (H Tim. 4:7,8). Sunday, June 13, 1982, at 1:45 p.m., our Lord and Master promoted His redeemed child, Mrs. Helena K. Loewen, from her earthly home to Gloryland, forever freed from pain, sorrow and sin. To witness her peaceful departure were four members of the family, including her husband, John. The severing of intimate family ties is always painful but we are deeply grateful that her suffering was so brief and that her redemp­ tion is now complete. Mother was born to her parents, Cornelius and Margaret Rempel, on August 20, 1904. She attended private (grade) school in Rosenort, and took great pride in pen­ manship. This enjoyment carried over to her faithful record keeping and daily diary which she continued for about 60 years of her life. She reached the age of 77 years, nine months and 24 days. On October 17, 1924 she was baptized upon her profession of faith and received into the fellowship of the Evangelical Mennonite Church by Elder Jacob F. Isaac at the age of 20. She was united in marriage to John K. Loewen on March 20, 1927 by Elder Jacob B. Kroeker. In this happy relationship they lived 55 years and three months. God bless­ ed them with three children and a stillborn daughter, a twin sister to Betty. A highlight for Mother and Dad was the celebration of their golden wedding anniversary with family and friends in 1977. They were thankful for the rich blessings and good health the Lord had enabled them to enjoy. On trips to Niagara Falls, B.C., and the Black Hills Mother enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation to the fullest. This was also evident in the immense enjoyment in farming and gardening. It was quite an adjustment for her to leave the farm for a new home in 1972; there were so many pleasant memories of the former homestead. She was especially fond of music and singing and was in­ strumental in helping her children to get some musical training. She also loved to serve in church-related activities such as sewing for MCC in which she was active as long as her health per­ mitted. An early indication of failing health was her loss of memory, due to hardening of the arteries, which caused her and the family concerns but she remained cheerful and un­ complaining in spite of it. Nauseau and lack of appetite prompted us to seek medical aid. Dad took her in for X-rays on May 18 and she was admitted to the Morris Hospital on the 19th. From there she was taken to Win­ nipeg on June 1 and again on June 9 for

further tests which revealed a tumor in her stomach and cancer of the bowel. Just the day before her death the doctor discovered a blood clot in her leg. She suffered con­ siderably the last few days until her Maker called her home. Looking forward to a glorious reunion in our home beyond the skies are her beloved husband, daughter Betty and her husband Dave Friesen of Morris, daughter Esther and her husband Dave Kliewer of Elkhorn, son Frank and wife Doreen of Winnipeg; 11 grandchildren, Leslie Friesen and wife Aline, Eldon, Ryan, and Don Friesen, Terry and husband Rick Schmidt, Cameron, Byron and Jason Loewen, Blaine, Boyd and Darlene Kliewer; one great-grandchild, Bradley Friesen; three brothers, Jacob, Henry and John Rempel. She was predeceas­ ed by two brothers and five sisters. As family we wish to express our sincere appreciation for the heartfelt sympathy ex­ tended to us in our present bereavement. May God bless you all! The Family The funeral was held in the Rosenort E.M. Church on IVednesday, June 16. Pastor Johnny Loewen chaired the service and also had the main message. Rev. P. L. Friesen had the introduction and Rev. Benny Friesen read the obituary. Following the graveside service, the guests were invited to a fellowship lunch in the lower auditorium.

MRS. HELEN FEHR 1898 1982

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15). Peacefully on June 7, 1982 at ap­ proximately 8:45 p.m. it pleased our loving Saviour to call home our beloved mother and grandmother Helena Fehr at the age of 83 years, 9 months, and 8 days. Mother was born to Bernhard and Margaretha Wiebe on August 28, 1898 in Russia. She immigrated to Canada in 1902 at the age of five with her parents, settling in southern Manitoba. She was baptized and accepted into the Sommerfeld Church on May 28, 1917 by

THE MESSENGER

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Bishop Abram Derksen. On November 6, 1919 she was united in matrimony to our father Diedrich Fehr of Haskett, Manitoba. In 1929 the family mov­ ed to the Gladstone district where they farm­ ed. Four children were born to them, one passing away in infancy. In later years they adopted and raised a girl, Alvina. They shared 24 years together. In 1943 our father was suddenly called to glory, leav­ ing Mother to raise the family. We always marvelled at Mother’s inner strength to cope so beautifully with the many hardships she faced. For the past four years she lived at the Norfolk Resthaven in MacGregor, Manitoba. At present she had been a member and enjoyed the fellowship of the MacGregor Evangelical Mennonite Church. Mother took ill and was hospitalized on May 31 at the Portage General Hospital. The doctors informed us that due to kidney failure Mother would not be with us much longer. She suffered much during her week of illness but at the end she died peacefully. Her last words were, “Help me, Jesus.” How reassuring to realize that no matter how dark the valley our Lord is near and we can call on Him anytime. Mother will always be remembered for her generosity, her love for her Saviour and her concern and love for her children as well as those she met. Mother has left a rich heritage for us to follow. She has left us with many pleasant memories. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Hannah and son-in-law Henry Neufeld of Portage, Manitoba, Alvina and son-in-law Lyal Nichols of Seattle, Washington; two sons, Elmer Fehr and daughter in-law Sheila of Vernon, B.C., and Dick Fehr and daughter-in-law Helen of Tangent, Alberta; 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Mary Bergman and Anne Sidey, both of Winnipeg, and numerous nieces and nephews. We are deeply grateful to our friends and relatives for all the love shown through prayers, flowers, cards, food and calls receiv­ ed. We also wish to thank all those who faithfully remembered Mother with visits during her illness. Special thanks to Rev. Menno Kroeker for officiating and to the MacGregor E.M. Church ladies for serving the lunch. It is all appreciated more than words can ever say. My heavenly home is bright and fair: No pain nor death can enter there; Its glittering towers the sun outshine; That heavenly mansion shall be mine. Let others seek a home below, which flames devour, or waves o'erflow. Be mine the happier lot to own A heavenly mansion near the throne. The Family

JULY 2, 1982

iBook Reviews Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen with J. Robin Maxson Multnomah Press 97266 1980 Reviewed by John Koop, Vanderhoof, B.C. Finding the will of God is often the bur­ ning issue in the lives of young people and continues with older Christians. There is plenty of advice in finding God’s will but ad­ vice and life do not always harmonize; sometimes it becomes confusing and one questions God’s interest on our behalf. Mr. Friesen deals with the “traditional” advice on knowing God’s will in the first part of the book. It sounds very familiar and almost discourages you from continuing reading, but do. The second part is a critique of the “traditional” view where the question is ask­ ed, “Does the Scripture teach the ‘dot’ ” of knowing God’s will? The ‘dot’ referring to “God’s ideal, detailed life-plan uniquely designed for each person.” He raises the question about ordinary decisions. “We quickly learn from experience that certainty of God’s will in every daily decision is a practical impossibility. As a result, in small, non-moral decisions of life virtually all Christians habitually make decisions on the basis of what seems best to them at the time. It is the only liveable approach, but it does not square with the teaching of the traditional view” (p. 120). He further points out that the traditional way of finding God’s will is subjective and cannot be proved. The third part of the book deals with fin­ ding God’s will by the way of wisdom and freedom within the “Moral Will” of God. God has given us wisdom in the Scriptures and promised us wisdom through prayer (James 1). The author also deals with the various aspects of God’s Will, His Sovereign Will, His Moral Will and the freedom we have in them. The book has many diagrams and charts to clarify what the writer has said.

In this it is an excellent resource book for teaching lessons on knowing God’s will. The last part of the book consists of ex­ amples of decisions Christians make, such as, should I marry and whom, am I called to the mission field or ministry or how do I know I can stay home? He also speaks to the issues of tithing, the weaker and stronger brother, and includes a section on the “Pharisaic” brother. The book has a good scripture index as well as a subject index. As a pastor I would highly recommend this book to all pastors and youth workers to help us in clarifying our advice to those seek­ ing God’s will. It will likely challenge your views and you may not agree with all but you will appreciate the author's thorough research and arguments.

The Price of Missing Life by Simon Schrock. Scottdale: Herald Press, 1981. Paper, 110 pp. $3.55. Reviewed by Terry Smith, 298 Larsen Ave., Winnipeg, Man. In this slim, simple paperback, Simon Shrock, an Amish Mennonite involved with the ministry of Choice Books, tells of “at least a dozen expensive price tags” an un­ believer pays for not following Christ. Simon writes, “To miss life as God meant it to be lived carries an enormous price tag. In this book the reader is invited to compare and count the cost of missing life as God planned it.” Designed for non-Christians, the book will also remind Christians of some of the riches which are theirs in Christ (e.g. purpose of be­ ing forgiveness and assurance). The book’s strengths lie in the author’s simple faith and down-to-earth illustrations. Its weaknesses include frequent repetition of ideas and a printing error which finds a line from page 62 repeated on page 63. The book is a simple introduction to coun­ ting the cost of being an unbeliever. Placed in the right hands, it will probably do some good. However, the book is shallow. Look through it carefully before you purchase it.

Family Camp Place: Beaver Creek Bible Camp Date: July 9-11 (Registration: July 9, 11:00 a.m.) Fee: Per person $6.00 (six and under free) Maximum per family $22.00 per day Maximum for whole camp $60.00

When applying please state how many persons will be coming. Send application to: Al Friesen, Box 366, Riverton, Man. ROC 2R0 Phone: 378-2774.

PAGE 9

Around the World MCC (ALBERTA) MOVES TO NEW LOCATION Mennonite Central Committee (Alberta) wishes to announce that it has moved into its own newly constructed office facilities, effec­ tive June I, 1982. The location is 76 Skyline Crescent N.E. in Calgary. Alberta T2K 5X7 and the telephone number is (403) 275-6935. The building accommodates the central MCC (Alberta) offices, as well as SELFHELP Crafts, Material Aid, Choice Books. M2 Prison Visitation, Mennonite Mutual Relief Insurance, Mennonite Foun­ dation of Canada and The Conference of Mennonites in Alberta. It is situated in the northwest corner of the junction of Deerfoot Trail and McKnight Blvd (48 Ave.) in the northeasterly part of Calgary, making it readily accessible from the north and from the airport, as well as for anyone coming north on Deerfoot Trail. A cordial invitation is extended to the con­ stituency in the province and to anyone in the larger Canadian and American con­ stituency to visit the office.

FIFTH AFRICAN AREA TO BE ENTERED

Transkei. southern Africa, will soon be a fifth territory in which the African InterMennonite Mission will minister. Located between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the In­ dian Ocean on the southeastern edge of the African continent, the area is the traditional home of the Xhosa-speaking peoples. A roll­ ing agricultural and grazing land, its seaside has been called for generations the “Wild Coast” because of the treacherous reefs which created hazards for sailing vessels of the East Indies trade. In response to an invitation from the African Independent Church leaders through the Transkei Christian Council, the Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM) is proceeding with the placement of its first per­ sonnel. The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has related to the Transkei Christian Council for several years assisting with com­ munity development. Contacts made by MCC and Lesotho’s AIMM personnel led to the specific invitation. AIMM’s role will be to establish Bible teaching programs for Independent Church persons who have not had access to formal training schools. Patterns for decentralized or extension classes and seminars will be explored. Transkei is a homeland area for the Xhosa tribal group that was granted status in Oc­ tober 1976 as an independent nation by the Republic of South Africa of which it was a part since the formation of the Union in 1910. However, disagreements with South Africa’s policies of separate development

PAGE 10

have caused other nations of the world to withhold recognition of Transkei’s in­ dependence to date. The name “Transkei” is a reference to the "land across the Great Kei River,” a natural boundary in earlier days between the Xhosa peoples and the Cape of Good Hope to the west, a British colony at that time. Transkei has a population of nearly three million grouped in several tribes and sub-tribes with a rich though sometimes tragic history. Its size though small is larger than Switzerland and greater than twelve other African coun­ tries. Though bordering Lesotho its popula­ tion forms a distinct language and cultural group in contrast to the Basotho of the mountain kingdom. VICTOR ADRIAN TO BE NEW GENERAL SECRETARY The board of Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services has appointed Dr. Victor Adrian of Toronto, Ontario, as its new General Secretary, replacing Dr. Vernon Wiebe, who steps down this September after 14 years of service in the mission office in Hillsboro, Kansas. Adrian will assume duties in August, 1983, after he completes another year as president of Ontario Bible College and the associated Ontario Theological Seminary in Toronto. The board is currently working on

an interim arrangement for the year between Wiebe's leaving and Adrian’s coming. Adrian, a member of the Grantham Men­ nonite Brethren church in St. Catharines, Ontario, and serving on the General Conference Board of Reference and Council, comes to the position with extensive ex­ perience in theological education and mis­ sion involvement. After several years of teaching at the Men­ nonite Brethren Collegiate Institute in Win­ nipeg, Manitoba, he did theological studies at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) between 1957 and 1961. He came to Winnipeg’s Mennonite Brethren Bi­ ble College in 1962 and taught Biblical Theology and Church History for five years before becoming president of the college. He said in an interview that he looks forward to the Missions/Services assignment “with a great deal of excitement and expec­ tation,” especially as he fulfills his mandate to continue helping iemerging churches abroad in their theologizing logizing and their development of biblical perspectives. From past observation, he believes that it is missions which have given Mennonite Brethren their drive and their thrust. “It is my perception,” he said, “that the Mennonite Brethren had both spiritual and financial resources to make an important contribution toward reaching the unevangelized in this world.”

Needed: Bookkeeper / Secretary The EMC head office needs a person to fill the position of bookkeeper/secretary, involving the following duties: • Keeping financial records of receipts and dis­ bursements • Monthly payroll of field remittances • Secretarial work for the Board of Missions This position is part of the overall missions outreach of the Conference. As such it meets a very important need in the program God has entrusted to the Conference. Who will respond? If you are interested in this position contact (phone or write):

Office Manager EMC Office Box 1268 Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0 Phone: (204) 326-6401

THE MESSENGER

employment of students for the summer who will be expanding involvement in community dispute mediation: spiritual ministries to Vietnamese immigrants; placement of 20 gardeners in northern communities; 16 per cent increase in constituency giving over the first six months of the current fiscal year; the annual budget approximates $1.5 million. Staff announced new programs relating to refugee programs in Central America and educational/agricultural initiatives in Kam­ puchea. Board members include Willie Dueck, Arborg; Leonard Dueck. Riverton, Tim Kroeker, Landmark and Bert Kornelsen, Morris, from the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.

MRTC TAKES ON MEDIA EDUCATION ROLE 1

Chorles tnnl Lul/t/ni E<hf'in. on left, revont EMC office Phsffor.s. Ven/ Ratzloff fir (Illi. Ilf MC(' (Mitii.i hi-iiiiiilit them nut from Wiiiiiipe!/. In faregroiitid are Henry Kliisseli mill Miltnii Fust iif the Misshiii iiffiee e.reeiitii'e stuff.

% INDIAN COUPLE VISITS OFFICE

Recent visitors to our office were Charles and Lalitha Edwin, India. Mr. Edwin is the assistant to the director of MCC work in In­ dia. He works for an office in Calcutta. The Edwins are presently on a visit to the U.S.A, and Canada. Out of India’s 700 million population, 35,000 arc Mcnnonites. Mennonite Central Committee has been here since 1942. Mr. Edwin has been with MCC since 1976. MCC has some 50 projects in India. Mr. Edwin mentioned two of these specificially.

One is to seek to abolish hand-drawn rickshaws, and they are meeting with some success. There are some 50,000 of these in Calcutta. A further social evil is prostitution. They have been instrumental in rescuing some from this type of life. The biggest challenge of the church in In­ dia is for more Spirit-filled evangelists, said Charles, although the life of a converted In­ dian may not always be easy. Travelling with the Edwins was Vern Ratzlaff, director of MCC (Manitoba).

MCC (MANITOBA) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMED

The Mennonite Central Committee (Manitoba) Board at its spring meeting May 15 announced the appointment of Jake Letkemann as the executive director of MCC (Manitoba). Letkemann, presently com­ pleting a three-year assignment as teacher with MCC in Jamaica, brings a rich background to the position, to take effect in August. 1982. A teacher by profession, with 15 years of experience at the Mennonite Collegiate Institute (Gretna) and at St, John's High School (Winnipeg), he has also been lay minister in the Gretna Bergthaler Church, and executive secretary of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada for four years. Prior to his position abroad, he served as member of the MCC (Manitoba) board, and was instrumental in the emergence of Offender Ministries as well as city core area community groups. He is married to Tina Loewen: they have four children. Vern Ratzlaff, present director, will JULY 2, 1982

be leaving on a three-year MCC assignment in Egypt. The Board also heard progress reports from program areas, indicating strengthen­ ing of the mediation services through the

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - Mennonite Radio and Television (MRTC) has agreed to prepare a resource package for con­ gregations, which will equip them to in­ fluence programing on local radio and televi­ sion stations. MRTC (an inter-Mennonite communications group) decided on this new thrust at its annual meeting held in Kitchener, on May Sth. The concept grew out of an earlier project, initiated mid-1981, when a brief was prepared for presentation to the Canadian Radio-Television and Communications Commission, regarding religious broad­ casting in Canada. As the research came together, it became apparent that current legislation allows community groups to sub­ mit concerns to the Commission regarding the performance of local stations. Public sub­ missions are possible, when the station’s operational licence comes up for renewal. The current situation as to religious programing has been aggravated recently as many stations cut out all religious programs, without any consideration to community consultation or audience response. However, at licence renewal time, stations are held to local accountability. This is the appropriate time to present facts regarding that which pleases, besides that programing which should be included for a positive in­ fluence in the community.

Open Forum is a journal, published quarterly to facilitate and promote interaction and dialogue on issues of the Christian faith. Subscribe NOW for the 1982/83 year. Renewals are now due. Cost: $7.00 Mail your renewal/new subscription to: Open Forum 311 Machray Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R2W 1A3

PAGE 11

From the Editor WHERE IS THE WORLD HEADING?

Fnnstvin, when asked to prophecy what weapons would he used in the Third World War, is to have replied, “On the assumption that a Third World War must escalate to nuclear destruction, 1 can tell you that the Fourth World War will be fouuht with hows and arrows.” In January IhSO Jame.s Taylor, managing editor of the United ('hurch Observer, wrote this, “The one world concern that must be solved during the IhSOs is disarmament. “If we would fail, there may be no l!)9()s. Sophisticated com­ puter projections by variou.s world experts agree: if present arms trends continue. World War III will begin between 1988 and 1998. “Many other crises threaten human survival, from disease and starvation to industrial pollution and energy shortages. But only one — nuclear war - offers instant extinction. “Consider the immediate threat first. The Soviet Union is supposed to have enough nuclear weapons to destroy the United States 25 times over. The U.S., in return, can wipe out the U.S.S.R. 51) times over. Last January U.S. President Jimmy Carter boasted that a single Poseidon submarine, about two percent of his country’s nuclear firepower, could destroy every major and medium-sized Soviet city. “Meanwhile, the stockpile increases at about three bombs per day." Concern for disarmament comes from various quarters. The second United Nations Special Session on Disarmament, now in session (June 7 - July 91, prompted the Canadian govern­ ment to invite representation from numerous groups, includ­ ing the Canadian Council of Churches, the Canadian Confer­ ence of Catholic Bishops and Project Ploughshares. These group.s were heard prior to the United Nations Sessions. Bill Janzen. MCC Ottawa Office, made some observations on the responses. Here is part of what he says, “HetErnie Regehr) emphasized one point especially: that the current nuclear weapons systems are designed to serve a different function from those of the past, that in the past they were to provide a second-strike retaliatory capacit.v and thus deter the opponent from striking first. But now they were smaller, more mobile, highly accurate and more useable for a limited first strike. The threat of such a strike is then to inti­ midate the other side and to make it more cautious in its vari­ ous foreign policy activities, e.g. its activities in Poland or in the third world. “However, to maintain the credibility of such a threat there is likely to be a lot of posturing and image-making, said Regehr. It comes down to the simple belief that if Side A makes Side B feel worried, threatened, and insecure, then Side A will be more secure. He argued that this was unrealistic.

that such developments would prompt Side B to arm itself e\ en more strongly, cause a general destabilization, and make disarmament more remote. “To respond to this situation, Regehr said Canada should work for measures that would withdraw the legitimacy of using nuclear weapons. It should promote the pledge against the first use of nuclear weapons, stop the flight testing of deli­ very systems, stop Canadian production of components for nuclear weapons, stop Canadian participation in the operation of nuclear weapons systems, and declare Canada to be a nuclear weapons free zone. Measures like this, he said, might dissuade the super-powers from their preoccupation with nuclear weapons. “Murray Thomson, also of Project Ploughshares, asked the (piestion: 'What are the realities of the arms race'?’ and then answered it by saying that in the pursuit of security the world has become more insecure, that since 1945 there have been about 130 wars mainly in developing countries, leaving more than 25 million people dead, that the arms race is contributing to inflation and to the general malaise of the global economy, that the international sale of arms has strengthened military forces with the result that they now run many governments, and that the radioactive wastes from nuclear weapons are en­ dangering future generations. “The Canadian Council of Churches’ brief was entitled, ‘Creating a Climate for Peace.’ It dealt at length with the ‘signs of the times’ which point away from peace, including the sharper East-West tensions; the mentality that a nuclear war might be winable; the development of the neutron bomb, chemical weapons and nerve gas; the inabilit.v of the Madrid talks to deal effectively with the Helsinki accords: the conflicts in Iran-Iracp Namibia, the horn of Africa, etc.; the stalemate in the North-South dialogue: and the worsening international economic situation. “The Catholic brief emphasized three concerns: that nuclear war is immoral in a most fundamental sense; that the arms race generally is a scandal to humanity in light of the poverty, hunger, disease, and illiteracy in many countries; and that the sale of military hardware to developing countries is contribut­ ing to oppression on a broad scale.” While the present concern seems to be centered on nuclear warfare, I think it needs to be stated that the Anabaptist (Mennonite) position, of course, is that of non-resistance in the matter of all wars. Our lead article in today’s Messeiiuer carries the text of a letter sent to External Affairs and National Defence prior to UNSSOD II by Mennonite Central Committee (Canada). I think it states the case well. With this there is also a report on UNSSOD II by Meetinghouse. We hope you will read both and thus get a better picture of what is involved. D.S.

PAGE 12

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