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The Messenger EVANGELICAL EVANGELICAL MENNONITE MENNONITE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE
VOL. JUL 16/82 16/82 VOL. 20 20 NO. NO. 15 15 V^JUL
• Annual Convention • Straight Talk • Region 3 Youth Rally • Convention Afterthoughts
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EMC ANNUAL CONVENTION CONFERENCE COUNCIL
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Registration af the Conference Council meeting.
THE EMC Conference Council meeting saw some 140 ministers, deacons, and delegates gathered on Friday, July 2, for the first session of the EMC annual con vention. This first session was devoted entirely to a report by the Board of Missions, followed by a discussion period. The report, given by Henry Klassen, executive secretary of the Board of Missions, consisted of some eleven pages divided into the following topics: 1) Field Activity, 2) Personnel, 3) Administration, 4) Missions Auxiliary, and 5) Issues and Concerns. The section on “Field Activity” gave a brief run-down of activity in all our fields, as well as in Associate Missions. In Canada there were 14 workers the past year. Two, the Paul Thiessens, have left for language study in preparation for foreign service. Due to lack of personnel there has been no expansion during the past year. Plans
call for expanding in Edmonton and southern Ontario. Involvement in Mexico is in four areas: 1) El Paso/Jaurez, 2) Chihuahua City, 3) National Council, 4) German outreach (Camps 67, 75 and 77). The El Paso/Juarez area has three churches. The Spanish paper. El Mensajero, is published here. Chihuahua City has two church groups. The national council employs six persons involved in evangelism, church planting, leadership training and education. In Nicaragua the national church is made up of ten local congregations with a baptized active membership of 230. The believers are involved in evangelism, church planting, bookstore, camps and radio, to name some. The clinic ministry is under the supervision of the mis sionaries. The East Paraguay work is carried on among three groups of people: 1) Indian, 2) Paraguayan, 3) German.
Conference Council met for 1
The Indian church has 16 baptized members. The Paraguayan group has four locals with 49 baptized members. The Tres Palmas (German) church is autonomous. The Board of Missions is in volved in pastor supply and radio, to men tion a few. In the Chaco area of Paraguay the Board supplies nurses for the clinic. The Diedrich Lepps have just begun another five-year term. Their involvement in cludes leadership training, radio, film ministries and translation work. Radio ZP-30 saw an expansion program the past year. Apart from the manager, all staff is local and paid by the station. Expansion in Germany is undergoing a study. This is to be further discussed when the Pletts come home for a short furlough this summer. The report indicates that Associate Missions have almost half of our workers. Another mission is under evaluation at the present time.
days this year instead of the usual one-day meeting.
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SEEN AT CONFERENCE COUNCIL
Syd Reimer, MDS chairman, addresses Conference Council; Menno Kroeker, Aylmer, Ont., member MCC (Canada); Henry Friesen, financial statement; Ed Reimer, Winnipeg, speaks to a point.
Three new couples and two singles have been accepted this past year. Another five persons are being processed while six have been reappointed. In the administrative field, the Board has met eight times, the executive oftener. A retreat, involving the Board and missionaries on furlough and under appointment, took place at Red Rock, June 9-11. The report also included a brief summary of the work of the EMC Missions Auxiliary. The M.A. organizers itself and administers its own program. The Board has also established a fund for major medical expenses. They are also making an appeal for personnel, Immediate personnel needs are for workers for southern Ontario and Ed monton, two nurses for Paraguay and personnel for evangelism and church planting in Paraguay. The construction of another radio sta tion in Paraguay is under study. This one would be located in East Paraguay. In the discussion period one questioner wondered how the Board arrives at a sub sidy figure on Canadian churches. The church submits a budget and the amount is decided on according to this. Another expressed concern that Cana dian expansion wasn’t getting off its feet. The Board is glad for this concern. They are open for direction. To visit students earlier in the year might be one answer. Someone remarked that it would be good to open one church a year. Another one suggested that on the home field we could employ the middle-aged. An SOS should be sent to the churches with a prayer re quest. Some questions directed to the Mexico report: “What happened to the field coun cil?” A different arrangement has been worked out. “What about the proposed July 16, 1982
vocational school?” This has been delayed due to other priorities. Another questioner directed himself to the item of German outreach in the report. “To what extent is this happening?” Dave Eidse answered that they had a partially organized church at Camp 77, there are weekly Bible studies at Camp 75 and there is a public school at Camp 67. One question concerned the connection between our work and the Quellenkolonie. Is there any formal or fraternal connection? There is a fraternal, brotherhood relationship but not anything on the organizational level. On the Nicaragua report one question concerned the point in the report of establishing guidelines for continued
relationships between the church and the Board of Missions in Canada. One questioner wondered if we keep any control over property transferred to the Indians. They cannot sell their property, was the answer. In further business the council made the decision to go ahead on the East Paraguay radio project. Total cost will be around $376,000. Of this the Paraguay constituency plans to raise about 40%. The balance is expected to be raised in North America. Another church Conference will seek to raise half of this balance if the project proceeds. This new radio station has a potential next page please
Mr. Frank Epp (seated introduced the book Mennonites in Canada 1920-1940 at the Conference Council meeting.
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listeningaudienceofaboutonemillion.lt is a concern of the colonies that the station should be a mission outreach, Together with ZP-30 the two stations would reach almost all of Paraguay with the Gospel. Continuing on Saturday, the Conference Council was represented by some 180 in attendance. The day’s program consisted mainly of elections and reports. A guest, Frank Epp, was given some time to present the second volume of Mennonites i)t Canada of which he is the author. This book is now newly off the press. It covers Mennonites in Canada, 1920-1940. He also announced plans for commemorating the bicentennial of the coming of Mennonites to Canadafor 1986.
Board and Committee Reports SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE.They are still trying to continue Straight Talk in The Messenger. They were also in volved in initiating a Peace Day in 1981. “It is my opinion that our peace teaching could be given more emphasis.” Two peo ple had attended the conference spon sored by Christian Conciliation Service. Some concerns they have are the following: 1. TooJew people are willing to write when asked by the committee. ...I 2. There is need for unsolicited input. 3. Young people getting Bible training at schools not in sympathy with the Anabaptist interpretation of Scripture. One respondent felt that the emphasis on Bible training was appropriate. If we’re going to continue on the road we’re on now we’ll get into trouble.” He faulted parents for some of this. Another one drew attention to the Christian Light Sunday school material where the present whole quarter was devoted to peace teaching. One member had a concern for a cer tain bill (CIO) now in parliament. Bill Janzen, who was present for the Ottawa office of MCC (Canada), said that he had been asked to prepare a statement about that bill. Someone also cautioned about “deman ding our rights” in government legisla tion. A final word encouraged the Social Concerns Committee to “not be afraid to raise issues” . . . lest we become like “dumb dogs that cannot bark.” YOUTH COMMITTEE: Gordon Schellenberg, who gave the report, gave some further information on the 1983 National EMC Youth Conference. The date now is May 20-23, 1983 on the cam-
pus of the Canadian Bible College, Regina, Sask. The speaker also an nounced the Youth for Christ youth symposium to be held in Winnipeg in November. Even though they do not expect to have any more EMC sno camps, they want to encourage these on a regional basis. They are looking to the council for suggestions on how to lend assistance to the regions in this respect. He also encouraged those present to encourage youth to attend the national conference, “Abundant Springs,” in 1983. A Saskatchewan council member replied with, “Welcome to Saskatchewan!” EDUCATION ANE BOARD OF PUBLICATION: This report was given by Harvey Plett, chairman of this Board, The report was divided into five main points: 1) Christian Education, 2) Publication, 3) Writers’ Conference, 4) Summer Work and 5) 1982 Objectives, A Sunday school convention for Regions 6-8 is planned for this fall. An expansion in the Resource Library at the head office was announced. Although the editor of the Familienfrewid passed away last " December, publication has continued by other people recruited for that purpose. Some 2100 papers go out. The Messenger has some 2900 subscriptions. The German book Das Dorf Friedensnih has been reprinted. Announced also was another Writers’ Conference. The tentative date is February 1983. A summer worker has been engaged to work in the area of post' J secondary education, Sunday school curriculum, archives and other related subjects. One question concerned the study of private schools. The aim is not to run the schools but to be helpful “in any way we can,” said the speaker. What do you have in mind on the research on the Minister’s Study Fund? The idea is to take a look at the fund and
Garnet Reimer helped with sign language. see whether it needs changes or revision. Another respondent felt that the max imum amount of assistance was comparatively insignificant when compared to the cost of education. The German Conference paper, Familienfreund, came up for some discussion. With the passing of the former editor, the Board is facing a real problem in terms of editorship. The matter again came up on how peopie who no longer appreciate the German paper can get off the mailing list. They were encouraged to keep on trying. ESTATES COMMITTEE: Sid Reimer gave the report. Some of the projects they were involved in are the foHowing: iffhe'Mennonite Foundation oZcanadt £2) 2Stewardship ’ ’ ’ meetings in two churches. ‘ “ New projects are to include the developing of guidelines and procedures for requests to assist in will drafting and continuing stewardship workshops in the Conference. BOARD OF FINANCE: John Olfert, chairman of this committee, reported a budget shortage of $74,000 at the end of May. By the end of June it had risen to
The hard-working Nominating Committee.
THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonlte Conference. 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 Io the above address.
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THE MESSENGER
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EDEN MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE: Gerry Doerksen, who gave the report, is the chairman of the EMHC Board. The hospital has been nearly filled to capacity much of the time. The Centre employs 70 •cux«^« staff members. The EMC has three Board members out of 26. The government pays for nearly all the costs (about !< million this year). They are working at having one staff member stationed in Steinbach. Eden is the only Mennonite mental health centre in Canada. There are six in the United States. What purpose would a staff person in Steinbach fill? Mr. Doerksen answered that although Steinbach does have Jim Harms, Steinbach Youth Director, several mental health workers who are Bill Janzen, MCC (Canada) Ottawa Of (promoted the 1983 National EMC Youth paid by the government, they feel that Conference ~ ’ Eden has a very unique ministry and they fice, spent some time at the Conference Council meeting. almost $100,000. Mr. Olfert wondered if would like to see how this could help along in an area like this one here. maybe there were some areas where Are they prepared to take cases with Brother Kroeker’s report addressed savings could be achieved. He did not think though that we were at the point alcohol-related problems? And if so, itself to seven issues; 1) Finances, 2) Food where missionaries should receive less must they be referred by their local doc- Bank, 3) Organizational Structure, 4) ExPreferably they should be ecutive Committee, 5) Overseas Service, money or 1be recalled because of shortage referred by a doctor. 6) Canadian Program, 7) Ottawa Office. of funds. MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE: MCC (MANITOBA); Willie Dueck The financial report was given by This Henry Friesen. , . report^, w^^giwn ,by Sid Reimer, reported. There are some 38 VS workers MINISTERIAL EXAMINATION AND chairman of'' MDS. 1982 has been “ a* busy as well as six in the SALT program in Arden for MDS. Flood victims were assist- Manitoba. Another program involves PLACEMENT COMMITTEE: Arden Thiessen gave the report. They e^ ^n Fort Wayne, Indiana in sprmg^In Offender Ministries. There are 13 Comhave interviewed nine candidates for or Aprd the tornado season started. The munity Self-Help Centres. Jacob where Letkemann is replacing Vern Ratzlaff as n- ._ Texas m... ...1 dination, five for the ministry and four worst hit area was Paris, 1800 families were affected. Another executive director. for the deaconate. in , STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE: James Seven churches have been involved in project resulted from mudslides looking for (some still are) and choosing California. MDS continues to receive good Penner reported. He began by reading the new pastoral leadership: Creighton, support and volunteers from the E.M. president’s report. The report stated that they,had a full-time equivalency of 64.6 Arden, Braeside, Crestview, Kleefeld, Conference. ^^Do^volunteers pay their own expenses? students in the first "semester” and 74 Kola and Steinbach. Two young men are presently available for minister-in- Mr. Reimer said that when volunteers students in the second semester. The training positions. Mr. Thiessen invited have to travel a distance, like to the report further spoke to the issues of Stu inquiries from pastors for these two men. U.S.A., MCC has a budget which can be dent Services, High School Division, MUSIC COMMITTEE: In the absence of used for travel expenses. On-site support Public^Relations* Businesr'office'Tnd someone to report, the chairman asked IS given by the Red Cross or other Men- staff. Some staff are leaving; others have atiencies. the Council members to read the report. nonite atiencies. been engaged. Dr. Arden Thiessen will be The music committee plans all the music MCC (CANADA): The MCC (Canada serving as acting president during the for the annual convention. They are also report was given by Menno Kroeker. 1982-83 school year. Mr. Harvey Plett is continuing to build the choral music Preceding this report Mr. Kroeker in- on a sabbatical leave. Penner went on to give the Board library. A paper on the philosophy of troduced Bill Janzen of the MCC OttawaI Mr. Praner music is to be written by one of the com office. He shared some aspects of his report. The report indicated that the president search continues. Another issue work in that office. mittee members. ■<
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The SBC Chamber Choir performed at the Saturday night Festival of Singing. July 16, 1982
"The Galileans” performed at the Festival of Singing at the annual convention. PAGE 5
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Must be interesting! ("I Have a Precious Book.")
Youth Spot - Manville (Anita Brandt and Connie Dueck.)
with which the Board wrestled was one of relationships between the school and the supporting constituency. Ben Eidse has been hired as missions instructor. He is expected for the second semester. GENERAL BOARD: Edwin Friesen reported. This is the first year that the regionally represented General Board has functioned. Mr. Friesen spoke to the following points in his report: 1) General Board Initiation, 2) Regionalization, 3) Ministerial/Convention Ladies’ Sessions, 4) Actions Initiated, 5) EMC Relating at Large, 6) Visits to Pastors, 7) Con ferences, Pastor, 8) Our Churches. No new churches were started. The Board is concerned about lack of per sonnel available for Canadian church planting as well as foreign missionaries. Mr. Friesen, who delivered this report, will become Conference pastor on August 1, 1982. NOMINATING COMMITTEE: The report stated that this year an insufficient number of names was submitted for some boards and committees. All churches are encouraged to participate by sending a list of candidates. “We would like to pre sent a geographically balanced slate to the Conference Council. . .’’
EMC JOINS MENNONITE FOUNDATION OF CANADA
FINANCE BOARD OUTLINES NEW LIFE INSURANCE PLAN
AT PRESENT missionaries, pastors and office staff are covered by a $20,000 policy. The new proposal is to raise this to $30,000 for a couple and lower it to $10,000 for single workers. They are also proposing that the Conference will act as a trust for the missionary (beneficiary in trust). The package also contains depen dant and long-term disability. The proposed change was adopted by council. A change in the Conference pension plan was also proposed by the Board of Finance. It would consist of increasing pensions by about 50%. PAGE 6
SOME TWO years of research and investigation of Mennonite Foundation by the Estates Committee has been com pleted. They were ready to come up with a recommendation that EMC become part of this organization. Two representatives of MFC were also present. The function of MFC is to help in stewardship planning. One questioner asked what help was available towards will drafting. This is available on the basis of the individual’s needs. Churches may also make a loan here. There is a 5% administration by MFC for money handled by them. How does the Conference benefit by joining MFC? The church is a charitable organization and can hold contributions for a limited time. MFC is a charitable foundation and is not subject to this legislation. Another respondent wondered why Eden Mental Health Centre would es tablish their own foundation and, second ly, why the EMC could not establish their own. One of the reasons for not es tablishing our own would be the cost fac tor, some $50,000 plus an on-going ex pense, according to Mr. Reimer. If the foundation goes bankrupt and we are a member, do we become financially liable? Yes, as members of MFC we would assume a certain liability. All loans are underwritten by the Conference that that church is a member of. What is the difference between Eden Mental Health Centre’s situation and ours? Why do we have to go that (MFC) route? One answer could be intent. What is their intent in establishing a foun dation? Our main concern is that of counsel in stewardship planning. Would there be an advantage of low in terest loans to churches if we joined MFC? Yes, loans can be had at a lesser
rate than the conventional. With this, MFC representative Howard Loewen presented the formal invitation to membership. After this Sid Reimer presented the resolution to the Conference Council. The resolution was adopted.
EMC MINISTRY ORIENTATION
THIS ORIENTATION seminar proposal came about because it was felt that our leadership people needed more Biblical theology in the Anabaptist tradi tion. Secondly, we need to address the need for volunteers - missionaries and church planters. An information piece handed out pro jects the target audiences as being senior Bible college/seminary students, ministers in training, missionary recruits, church leaders who have begun serving in the last several years, and other people looking for a Conferencerelated ministry. Suggested dates for this seminar are February 11, 12, 1983. MENNONITE WORLD CONFERENCE 1990 BY WAY of report it was announced that Harvey Plett is our member on the planning committee for MWC for Win nipeg in 1990.
1982 BUDGET INCREASE FOR THE FAMILIENFREUND DUE TO the passing of our former editor, Mr. A. R. Reimer, we are faced with added expenses because Mr. Reimer did his work of editor voluntarily. An ad ditional $1500.00 are needed. This request was granted. “TELL IT TO THE CHURCH” SEMINAR
TWO COUNCIL members, Mr. Edwin THE MESSENGER
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Straight Talk Our Dress Code By Menno Kroeker Recently we attended a church function at a Mennonite church where a rather wide spectrum of different Mennonite churches was represented. There were a number of Amish people who drove in with their plain black buggies and dark, solid colour dress. There were others similarly attired who drove black cars. Then there were others, like us, who thought they also sought to dress conscientiously but would not have stood out unduly in most church circles. However, the group reflected rather well what J. C. Wenger refers to as "a testimony to the ethical earnestness and tender con sciences of the (Mennonite) brotherhood" in regard to dress. This has always been and continues to be an important issue amongst Mennonites and no less so within our own Conference. Probably the most original and therefore the most basic purpose of dress is outlined for us in Genesis 3:7, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings." The need for dressing is associated with sin. We dress to
Conference Council cont’d. Friesen and Mr. Stanford Penner, attend ed this seminar in Wheaton, Illinois, May 20-24. Brother Penner reported. The opening paragraph of the report gives the rationale of this conference: “A national conference focusing on obedience to the Biblical mandates of Matthew 18 and I Corinthians 6, which call the church to use its gifts to provide healing and recon ciliation in disputes.” The men were sent by the EMC General Board.
cover our “nakedness." Our sexuality requires that our bodies be regarded as very private and therefore must not be exposed. The Old Testament laws on morality were very emphatic in stating that to "uncover the nakedness" of another is an abomination before the Lord. A person's "nakedness" is reserved exclusively for the marriage relationship and any violation of that principle is sinful. When David watched Bethsheba bathing he noted that "the woman was very beautiful in appearance." The context tells us that David was engaging in an illegitimate and dangerous game. He had no business looking on a woman "to lust after her" and the ensuing story gives us the sad results. Certainly the Bible puts no premium on stifling beauty and making ourselves, including our dress, drab and unattractive. Jesus' reference to the beauty of the lilies and their super iority to the glory of Solomon's dress acknowledges the aesthetic sense of man (his appreciation of beauty). How ever, this beauty must never be derived at the expense of drawing undue attention to or accentuating our human sex uality. Our bodies are private and our dress must ensure that they remain thus.
Mr. Menno Kroeker is the pastor of the Mount Salem E.M. Church, Aylmer, Ont. He is also a board member on MCC (Canada). “Straight Talk” is a column sponsored by the EMC Social Concerns Committee.
THANK YOU TO NOMINATING COMMITTEE
MR. HARVEY PLETT moved that a vote of thanks be given to the Nominating Committee for a job well done. This was followed by an applause.
of the Province (Manitoba) elected into committees. Shortly after 4;00 p.m. the Conference Council meeting at the 1982 convention became history.
A CONCERN
N.B. More convention news is to follow in the next issue of The Messenger.
A FINAL concern expressed was that we should have had more people from out
COVER PHOTO: Blumenort church during 1982 convention.
Needed: Bookkeeper / Secretary EMC MINISTER’S HANDBOOK
MR. ED l^RIESEN announced that a Minister’s Handbook is being worked on which will present a more uniform way of doing things in the churches. The book will contain both ceremonial functions and an appendix with related functions. Target date for completion is May 1983.
ABERDEEN CHURCH MOTION DECEMBER 1981 AT THE December 1981 Conference Council meeting the Aberdeen church moved that the EMC put the Steinbach Bible College on its budget and un derwrite the College in proportion to the number of members we have on the Board (not to include the high school). Since that time, however, the Board has been working on this and the motion is declared out of order.
July 16, 1982
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
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Letters THE ANSWER TO MANY PRA YERS
In March I went up to The Pas for a visit. I related my plans to a group of ladies and one of the ladies gave me a prayer letter which had been written by a nurse from here at the clinic requesting prayer for a teacher to come and teach the missionary children. The lady turned to me and said, “So our prayer has been answered.” Then I came out here, still a bit apprehen sive because I’ve never taught any high school courses, and was met by a parent with these words, “We’re so glad you have come. We’ve prayed for you to come for a long time.” We started classes only six days after my arrival and on the first day of school one of my students said, “We have a ‘real’ teacher who can help us.” I could see what she meant after seeing how they had struggled by themselves for a year. No help could be given to them by their parents because they are not familiar enough with the English language. Just a week ago, after struggling through grade 9 maths last year and again this year, my stvdent said to me, “I don’t know what I would have done without you.” I whispered a prayer of thanks to God for giving me wisdom to help these students, especially the one in grade 9. Looking back now I can only say, “Thank you. Lord, for making your will for my life so clear.” I am very happy down here in Bolivia, teaching missionary children who do not get the same chances as the children in Canada. A school with only seven students does have limitations. We plan to take the month of July as a break and then start with the Manitoba Correspondence Course in August since these are winter months for us here. We will take a longer break at Christmas since that is the hottest season. Helen Koop Cajon 2487 Santa Cruz, Bolivia LABEL OR CONTENT
It is highly probable that this letter is not well advised. However, after thoughtful con sideration, I felt that a dialogue should be carried on with Tim Reimer. I was of the firm opinion that someone other than one who had presented a paper at the study con ference on “Politics and the Christian Faith” (see Messenger April 9, 1982) would have felt an urgency to do so. Since no such letter has been forthcoming, may I ask for the per mission to dialogue? First, let me state emphatically and most appreciatively that we need more young men like Tim Reimer with deep concern for the
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revitalization of our Anabaptist heritage in be rather clearly understood that this ap our time. I deeply share with Tim, as I gather proach in the paper supports our Anabaptist from the letter with its stated concerns, that conclusions on these issues and that the it is crucial that we understand our history, thinking EMCer who is “quite content” to so dearly bought by people with the see “the idea of being a Mennonite” as being profoundest commitment to Christ, the “a sinking ship” might entertain second Scriptures and the cross, even with the price thoughts on seeing the “evangelicals” as a of martyrdom of so many. Our forefathers of sure way of escaping the difficult ethical the sixteenth century re-discovered the issues which every thinking Bible believer Church of the New Testament in a way no must face? Could one not argue that if these other reformer did. so-called evangelicals, which were quoted, Tim Reimer must become aware how had been Biblically and ethically consistent much we appreciate his continued existential they, presumably, would have been much interest and commitment, as well as his anx closer to the Anabaptist/Mennonite view iousness, with reference to the future of the point? Or, could they then not have opted Christian faith, and at this moment par for a nonresistant Christ? In view of these ticularly, the future of our faith. If I may in matters and the purpose of the conference, fer, Tim seems to assume - and to my mind should one have presented an historical sur correctly so - that our Anabaptist heritage vey of the questions to be discussed? Did carries with it such emphasis on the Scrip perhaps the committee have such thoughts? tures and such necessary, Bible-anchored Was it not the intention of those involved to presuppositions for the understanding of discuss theological/ethical matters? those Scriptures that we would suffer A similar question arises with reference to irreparable loss should we throw our heritage the implications that the papers should have overboard. What we do with our history has been exegetical in nature and content. Is it great significance for our future. not permissible, and in the case before us Second, however, I also have some serious highly preferable, to present the results and questions, and some comments, about the conclusions of both historical and exegetical critical evaluations made in Tim’s letter. I studies in terms of a theological/ethical make no apology for the defending aspects paper? Do mere Bible quotes and references of my comments. spell out the difference between sound inter To begin, by what must a product be judg pretation and the absence thereof? Is it not ed, label or content? I have no problem with possible and permissible to distill the results the name “Mennonite.” In fact, I may even of Biblical studies and state them conceptual have been “proud” at times (may the Lord ly for the purpose of presenting a logical not hold this against me) that I was a sort of position? Mr. Mennonite in the classrooms of the I appreciate Tim Reimer’s openness and University of Iowa. But is it really demanded forthright discussion. May many more par that a paper must continually and repeatedly ticipate in these critcal issues at this critical use the words “Anabaptist/Mennonite” in time. Thanks, Tim. Lastly, I am confident order to accord with that faith? I would glad that the author, as scholar, made one un ly submit to that test. intentional slip when he used the word And, further, must a person who firmly “shame.” believes that the contents of his presentation Yours in Christ and are indeed in accord with our historical faith, for the Brotherhood, append the words, “thus saith Menno” or Archie Penner “so wrote Pilgram Marpeck” or “in this way argued Hans Denk”? Can a speaker not assume that there will be an audience when Letters to the editor on topics appearing in the sons of Menno meet which will have dis the Messenger are welcome. Letters should cernment with reference to at least the observe the rules of courtesy and good taste. broader spectrum of Anabaptist/Mennonite Long letters may be shortened. thinking? This must be particularly so when all indications seem to be that the occasion does not call for an historically based paper. Was it really not detectable in the paper Pastoral Vacancy that it spoke specifically to the same con The Crestview Fellowship of cerns which Tim Reimer so well stated? Can Winnipeg welcomes applications for one not use conscious nuances without at the position of pastor. every turn making explicit what is implicit? Please send applications to: Was it really not obvious that the quotations Abe L. Goertzen from “evangelical” sources (not all thinkers Pulpit Committee Chairman quoted would be happy to be classified thus) 644 Dieppe Road had at least two rather clearly defined or Winnipeg, Man. perceptable purposes? The one purpose, of R3R 1C7 course, was to show that not only the Phone: 888-2500 modern Mennonites were wrestling with the excruciating problems of war and the necessary coercion in politics which com promises Christ and agape love. Could it not THE MESSENGER
Missions MEXICO
The Cost of Being Different “I’m both,” Felix said, “a Catholic and a Christian.” Instinctively I wanted to say, “But you can’t be both! You have to be one or the other.” Then I thought about all that Felix had been through to bring him to this point and I was reminded that He who had begun a good work in Felix’s life would con tinue to perfect him. Felix is our neighbour in the village of Santa Ana Yareni. In fact, our houses are so close that when we climb the stairs to our se cond floor we can reach out and touch the walls of Felix’s house. It was through this wall that we often conversed with Felix. He was a surly, demanding Zapotec, who drank too much, and whom we had a hard time lik ing. It was nothing short of a miracle that saw Joan and me attending our first workshop in January accompanied by Felix and his wife as our language helpers. At the workshop, far from the village, Felix saw the love of Christ in action as he had never before seen it, and he liked what he saw. He began to read the Gospels in simple Spanish and he loved to sing choruses. Gradually I found myself beginning to enjoy Felix. Oh, he was still demanding and a know-it-all but he seemed more pleasant, more content, hap pier. We wondered what would happen when we returned to the village. At the workshop, away from the prying eyes of the villagers, it was relatively easy to show interest in spiritual things. But in the village people are very antagonistic to anything that is different - and believing in one, eternal, living God is different, terribly different. It costs to be different, and Felix knew it. It was the Sunday not long ago when the men of the three evangelical families in the village were ordered in front of the village authorities where they were ridiculed and in sulted, slapped about and, finally, fined and thrown in jail for 24 hours to reconsider their stand for Christ, that Felix told me that he was both a Catholic and a Christian. In the anxious days following the village meeting, Felix continued to work with me. One day he asked if I thought it were possi ble for him to “enter evangelicalism.” He put a prefix on the verb that indicated much doubt and uncertainty. I told him, using a prefix that means it’s ^ready happening, that indeed he could. As Felix and I begin translating the Gospel of Mark into Zapotec, I know that God will continue to reveal Himself to Felix so that soon he will be will ing to identify wholly with the cause of Christ. Grace Thiessen
July 16, 1982
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Felix working on the light table with Grace Thiessen watching.
Mission Grams Germany Summer Christian Service Three girls were sent to work with the Germany Youth for Christ: Janet Friesen (Rosenort EMC), Lynette Cornelsen (Rosenort Fellowship Chapel) and Debra Bartel (Neepawa Baptist Church), Missionary Candidate Accepted Bev Dueck (Morris Fellowship Chapel) was accepted for career missionary service in Latin America.
Paraguay Excerpts from a letter from Peter Friesen: “In the last while Dalen and I have been helping in the construction of a church building at Capitancue. Dalen enjoys the work but also some of the side benefits such as Paraguayan food (mandioca) and oppor tunities to drive a team of oxen. The Capitancue church went through some internal problems but the Lord has been working by His Spirit and recently a number of young people made commitments to follow the Lord. We praise the Lord for the enthusiasm of a few fellows in particular. “A young lady, who recently accepted the Lord, was referred to us for further help. She invited us to have Bible studies at her house some six kilometers out of Caaguazu. At the first meeting seven of her immediate family or relatives also made commitments to follow the Lord. “A big thrust is already underway for a Luis Palau Crusade in Paraguay this com ing September. The crusade will be conducted in three border cities and then culminate in Asuncion. The dates are September 12-26. The Caaguazu churches are also plan ning to support the crusade at Stroessner.” Mexico
Peter Hieberts report from Chihuahua City: “May was a month of blessings! On May 18 Dolores Martinez Ovalos made her decision for the Lord. She had been invited to our Bible study by Clara Espinoza. This was the second time she attended. Two of her children accepted Christ the same night. Her oldest daughter had just accepted the Lord the week before in Maria’s Bible class, along with another girl.
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Messenger News
Region 3 youth rally in Birch River.
REGION 3 YOUTH RALLY On May 30 the annual youth rally for the churches of Region 3 was held in Birch River Approximately ninety young people from Creighton, Hudson Bay, Pelly, Endeavour, Swan River and Birch River were present. Due to rainy weather there was change in plans for some of the activities, but the spirits were evidently not dampened. The afternoon started with everyone meeting at the school gym. After getting acquainted, there were relays and games. For supper an indoor barbecue was served at the church. Follow ing supper there was a short program with a time of singing and each youth group presen ting a special number. To bring the day to a close, the film “Welcome Home” was shown which was excellent. In all, the day proved to be a great success, and there was a real unity sensed which we were thankful for.
on Sunday morning. May 9. We trust the Lord will bless these two as they make plans to return to Trinidad. Abe and Kathy Janzen have attended our church for some time. We were pleased to welcome them into our church fellowship as associate members. They will continue to be a blessing to all as they serve and fellowship with us. Alan Sharps of Northern Canada Evangelical Mission gave a report of their work at Little Buffalo, an Indian community located 120 miles south of La Crete. We were encouraged by his frankness and pray that the Lord will grant them the strength to continue to witness in Little Buffalo. The baptismal candidates gave their testimonies on June 6. The baptismal service was held on June 13. We were pleased to welcome Susan Wiebe, Tina Bueckert, Ruby Enns, Elvira Friesen, Betty Elias, Evelyn Klassen, Angie Harder, Joe Unruh, Wes Friesen, David Schellenberg and Jerry Neufeld into our fellowship. We trust that the faith of these young people will grow as we fellowship and share the Word together. A communion service was held in the even ing. Rev Carl Wider of Slave Lake delivered the message on June 13. We are praying that the Lord will provide for the needs of the congregation as they build their church building. Elmer Hamms and Peter Janzens attended the EMC Annual Convention in Manitoba.
BAPTISMAL SERVICE HELD La Crete, Alta.: The cool spring weather did not stop the maintenance committee from organizing a painting bee on May 1. Pleasant weather made it possible for the second coat of paint to be applied to the exterior of the building. During the months of May and June we were encouraged and enlightened by the James Dobson film series on family relationships. A few people travelled to the dedication service of the High Level Christian Fellowship Church. A young people’s program was held on Saturday, May 8. Ben and Marguerite Penner were in La Crete for a few days. Ben gave the message
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Henry and Katie Loewen, Brookdale, Man., were the speakers at the church camp-out of the Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship Church at Red Rock.
CHURCH CAMP ENJOYED AT RED ROCK Steinbach EEC: On Friday, June 25, many families from our congregation headed out to the Red Rock Bible Camp for a weekend of
Missions Auxiliary Membership Meeting Date: July 27,1982 Time: 8:00 p.m. Place: Blumenort E.M. Church Ladies are most welcome!
family fellowship and fun. All of us enjoyed the warm sunny weather, the good food, and chapel, where we were privileged to have Henry and Katie Loewen of Brookdale, Man., speaking to us. They live on a ranch with some of their children and grandchildren. Both of them shared ex periences in family living and how God can work in all of our lives when we stop work ing things out on our own and leave our problems with Him. We were also privileged to have Merv and Eunice Friesen join us; Merv led in some hearty singing, drawing us closer into fellowship with God and each other. We all enjoyed the weekend and praise the Lord for keeping all our children safe.
POWER IN PRAYER Portage la Prairie, Man.: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). On May 11 Ryan, infant son of Garry and Myrna Buhr, suddenly became ill with convulsions. Ryan spent nine days in the Health Sciences Cen tre for tests and observation. The church family was much in prayer. The tests all returned negative. We thank the Lord for answering the many prayers that went to the throne of grace. What a privilege to bring our requests to the Lord. Ken Zacharias, candidate for associate/youth pastor, shared his testimony and spoke to the young people on May 15 and 16. Ken, with his wife, Vai, and family, was accepted to start this position September 1. We are thrilled to have this vibrant couple coming. May the Lord use them to his honour and glory. June 5 was a new exciting Sunday school picnic. Approximately 80 children and adults attended. An enjoyable time of fun and fellowship! Thanks to the superintendent, Larry Dyck, and to the committee for all their efforts. The youth planned a tremendous program on June 6 - instrumental numbers, singing, testimonies and a play. The theme of the evening was “They will know we are Christians by our love.” A job very well done, youth!
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welding tools, piles of supplies for the manufacturing of pie irons, etc., were lost and the final loss amounted to untold thousands. A new structure is presently un derway. Many people wished to convey sym pathy and compassion in a practical, every day way, given the opportunity, and the response has been very good. Our church had their first weekend retreat at Living Fountain Bible Camp in June (a more detailed report later). Our speaker was Sig Wall from Winnipeg. His messages were based on “How to live ‘Christianly’ in the family.” In the past winter months we’ve had the James Dobson Family Life film series so this series at camp fit in perfectly. Enriching the group were our two missionary couples, John and Connie Reimer and Dave and Parent and Baby Dedication at the Wymark church on June 13. Lett to right: Susie Eidse, home on furlough. Pastor John Reimer, Ron and Trudy Oifert and Cameron James, Rick and Lorena _ wishes and prayers go with Special good Kehier and Darrei Jonathan, ike and Betty Giesbrecht and Jason Duain, Pete and our three girls who graduated from high Norma Fehr and Koriiee Renee. school, Joanne Siemens, Joan Loewen, Kathy Bartel. We wish to share the joy of another son, It was a real joy to have a great friend of which are not new in other areas but were Nathan Grant, born to Clarence and the church family, Evelyn Barkman, with us tried as a first here. For these dinners the Marlene Dueck on May 30. A belated but hearty thank you to our on June 13. Evelyn is a missionary to Mali, groups picked their own Sunday when they Africa. She visited many of us in our homes bring along food in the morning and serve it leaders for the extensive study they’ve given and we were blessed by her. It is marvelous at noon. We’ve all enjoyed our turn and us in the past years or so on the basic fund to see the Lord using Evelyn in such a know of only one area which could be im amental beliefs such as the Bible, Holy Spirit, wonderful way. Our prayers are with you as proved. Each one is going to plan his own Christ’s Second Coming, etc. Coupled with you will be going back to the field in August, “fellowship” Sunday a little more wisely, if challenging evangelistic messages we get the given the chance, next year. Since the main balanced diet we need to grow and build on. the Lord willing. The Ladies’ Aid summer wind-up took aim of this occasion is to foster love and place at the home of Abe and Mary Friesen. togetherness and plain old-fashioned visiting, We all enjoyed the barbecue supper, games we want to give more of our time and not and devotional by our pastor. The pastor make so many other plans so that we have to stressed the important truth that God will rush away. never, never, never leave us or forsake us. How often have you wanted to invite Father’s Day, June 20, was a very special someone over and you found it hard to find a time with the Bethel Quartet. Their music time suitable for everyone? Here’s our God Pastor Required was an inspiration to all. Many were touched given opportunity to relax, visit and share. Christian circles everywhere are regretting by their music and testimonies. The Northern Fellowship Chapel, Deepest sympathies to Ben and Helen the lost art of visiting, the Lord’s remedy for Creighton, Sask., requires the ser Enns on the death of their son, Bruce. May “aloneness.” Thank you, committee and vices of a pastor as of this fall. God be especially near to you at this time. group food leaders (Mrs. Rosaline Rempel, He would also be required to superin Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Also Mrs. Arlene Rempel and Mrs. Florence tend a Christian Day School using the our heartfelt sympathies to Henry and Han Friesen), for giving us this chance of reviving ACE curriculum. At present the nah Neufeld on the passing of their mother, and enjoying the companionship of our own school has ten students. A threeHelen Fehr. It is a comfort to realize that spiritual families. bedroom manse with full basement is Congratulations to Merv Siemens and someday soon we will see our loved ones available. again and see Jesus face to face. What a reu Lori Rempel who were married on May 1. Write: May the beautiful weather that day be an in nion that will be! Henry Rempel, Chairman dication of the Lord’s blessings on your lives. Church Board In sharp contrast to the joyous occasion Box 146 FELLOWSHIP DINNERS of this wedding a sudden phone call sent our Creighton, Sask. APPRECIATED co pastor, Bert Kornelsen, rushing from the SOP OAO reception table. The workshop on their yard Tel. (204) 687-5669 Pleasant Valley, Man.: Our Christian was burning and out of control by the time Fellowship committee has had a busy time he and many friends got there. A tractor. this year. Their main objective is to unite the church body even closer together through various functions. Serving in this committee are Allen Reimer, Rudy Loewen, Clarence WANTED - SONGBOOKS Dueck, Mrs. Lena Harder and Mrs. Paulina The Mount Salem EMC would like about 30 German songbooks with the Siemens. We are divided into three groups English script. If you have some available, please notify the church by writing to and during the year each group takes on the following address: Mount Salem EMC, R.R. 6, Aylmer, Ont. N5H 2R5. work duties and responsibilities as they come up. This spring we’ve had fellowship dinners
July 16, 1982
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From the Editor AFTERTHOUGHTS: 1982 CONVENTION I believe it would be the rare person who would not be positively inclined to our 1982 EMC Convention. The weather was very co operative. The facilities were super (Blumenort church). Padded pews, hymnbooks instead of songsheets, good acoustics, dining facilities, to mention a few of the amenities. Further, if some 1000 people could be seated on Sunday after noon accommodations were adequate. The overflow (lower audi torium) no doubt could have taken more. Another advantage of the 1982 facilities was that the Conference Council meeting and the Saturday afternoon ladies’ meeting could be held simultaneously in one building. This made for less driving around. The convention theme was well chosen - “The Authority of the Bible.” This was confirmed by the number of requests for tapes of the main messages by Arden Thiessen. I think this speaks well both of the choice of theme as well as the local speaker. But conventions don’t just happen. And so into this one, no doubt, there went much planning - program, arrangements, sound effects, etc. All who had a part in the planning deserve a bouquet. 1 believe even a casual observer would have noticed that there was foresight and control. I believe the vote of thanks proposed for the work of the Nominating Committee was very much in order at the close of the Conference Council meeting. This committee is to be commended for a job well done. As one looks back one is also impressed with the fraternal tone of the business meetings. Now I grant that lack of tension may not be all for the good, but love and courtesy among brethren, I believe, would come among the top qualities of a business meeting. Granted, we don’t see eye to eye on all matters, yet we need to continue to uplift love and respect for each other lest we break a greater commandment. Program planners are also to be commended for extending Con ference Council time by about 50%. The Conference Council meeting began on Friday at 1:00 p.m. instead of the usual Satur day 9:00 a.m. This afforded 1 '/2 days for Council business and no doubt resulted in more time for individual committee reports and discussions. However, if you were there you will no doubt have noticed the times when the chairman still got nervous: “We’ll have to ask you to make it as brief as you possibly can ...” “I think we’ll have to close on this ... We have a lot of things to thrash through before we close.” “We have a board here that can report in five minutes?” I do not fault these chairmen. Because even with the extended meeting time, things had to be kept moving. However, the time may be ripe for starting on Friday morning and having two full days of Conference Council meeting. There is such a thing as being too intense and these reports, if anything need time for both a hearing plus time for brotherhood input. Only so can we operate with the best possible efficiency. Having said all this, a few nagging thoughts about the convention still persist. One of these, although being the very last concern expressed at the Conference Council meeting, I believe was much more than an afterthought.
It was the concern expressed that not more out-of-the-province (Manitoba?) candidates had been elected into committees. I believe that maybe this brings out the fact that although we have churches in all provinces from Ontario west, we are still in danger of thinking too parochially. MCC (Manitoba) on the official agenda, I believe, is one glaring example of this. I grant we have taken momentous strides in the formulation of regions. Canada is now divided into eight regions with one or more General Board members required of each region. This to me breathes fresh air into our structures. However, the brother is right. We now need committee represen tation from all across Canada in more of our boards and committees. I think the first response might well be distance. Some commit tees or boards stated that they had met six times, eight times, nine times the past year! The cost would be prohibitive. The solution in most cases, of course, is surprisingly simple - fewer meetings. And I mean it. We don’t need that many meetings. And with more across-Canada representation there would be no other i logical alternative. I believe the time has come that we change our mind-set on some of these entrenched traditions. 1 said two nagging thoughts. The other one is the site of our annual conventions. Never has there been an annual convention more than 50 miles from Steinbach, Manitoba! Imagine how you would feel if you had to travel to Wymark, Sask, every year to attend the annual convention. I believe with the years you would get just a little bit disgruntled and feel like com plaining. Is it impossible that the Wymark pieople (or any other people in other provinces for that matter) should start thinking that things can only hapen in Manitoba? I’m not scolding. But I think the case I am presenting for at least an occasional foray to our other constituencies for annual convention is no more than fair. By the way, this is not new. When a restructuring proposal came out in 1979 which resulted in regional territories being made, there also was the suggestion to stagger our annual conventions. If this latter proposal was put on the back burner maybe it’s time to put it on full heat now. I believe our next big step in the Conference will be to make Canada-wide representation in administration mandatory and to streamline our administrative processes to the point where main boards and committees meet only two or three times a year. The new General Board is a good example of this. If the General Board, with its heavy administrative load, can do this, so can other boards and committees. I grant, to wean ourselves from six to nine committee meetings a year to three will be painful at first but once we have accomp lished this I believe we will never want to go back to the old system. 1 tend to feel strongly about these two issues: convention site and representation. And I believe it would foster both growth and amiability in the Conference. In conclusion, 1982 convention for me was a very enriching, albeit strenuous, experience. I trust that all who attended found it en riching as well. D.S.
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