The Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
VOL. 21 NO. 1
JAN. AN. 14/83
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(©lil Mantle OIlDCfe I watched the hands Of the old mantle clock, As it stood alone On the wood-carved block.
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“Why don’t you speed up?” I said to her face; “Stop altogether Or slacken your pace.”
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But time marches on Without turning back; It doesn’t change step Either fast or slack.
: • The hour is coming When I’ll say farewell J To loved ones and life— In eternity dwell.
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So help me, Oh Lord! To redeem each day; Through morn, noon and night To show others the way.
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John R. Dick Kelowna, B.C.
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IN THIS ISSUE
•The Believer’s Authority •Back in Mali
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•IVr/fers’ Conjererxee •The EMC in '83
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Believer’s Authority by C. B. Loewen
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lingshots are not a priority for national defense in our day. We hear of megatons and missiles. Through the centuries God often chose to do His mightier works through mediocre weapons. Many centuries ago the Benjamites had 700 skilled left handed slingers who wouldn’t miss their target by a hairbreadth (Judges 20:16). David, the youngest son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, was a talented musician, singer and poet. He was also very religious and courageous. He must have been athletic as well. One day the shepherd lad came up against what seemed an impossible situation. He met a man who was stronger and bigger, a Philistine warrior. David dared to challenge this 9-foot-plu.s specimen of brawny manhood, his shield and coat of mail and spear and javelin with a sling and a stone and what ability he had. The mockers were laughing. The vultures may well have been flying in formation to pick up the pieces of the lad after the encounter was climaxed w ith the inevitable. Oh, I almost forgot. David did not only have a sling and five smooth stones and an abundance of skill and a mountain of audaci ty (faith) and an ocean of love for God and His people but he also had had an experience which changed his life.
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“Before us in 1983 lies unexplored territory. We enter into a land of un bridged rivers and untun neled mountains . . . the challenge is not for the fainthearted . . . but for the hill people who thirst for the wonder of the divine and the difficult!”
Sometime before a prophet had appeared and had anointed him King of Israel. After the oil dripped down his ruddy cheeks the Holy Spirit had come upon him and had im puted to him divine authority and blessing for his ministry (I Sam. 16:1). Samuel had left. David had gone back to his sheep with a mysterious new dimension, an inner dynamic and authority for suc cessful leadership. God had made His choice. Now he was on a battlefield. Two for midable armies faced each other across a valley. Standing in the center of the stage was the gigantic Goliath. On the one side were the people of God and on the other side the pagan Philistines and over and beyond the hills some invisible spectators watched from the ramparts of heaven. They saw a lonely figure stride out from the crowd - with a mingling of pity and admiration in their hearts at the irony of it all. Goliath applied some psychological pressure by cursing the God of Israel and His followers. David’s heart may have trembled but his knees held firm. He looked the giant straight in the eye and among a few other well chosen words he declared, “1 come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Sam. 17:45). What’s in a name? Had David learned such rhetoric from the Books of the Law, some annals of the seers or some theological journals? What did he mean by those sacred words? Full answers to such questions may only be found in some little place where a man kneels alone in total surrender to God. The phrase ‘in the name of’ refers to the merits or resources of the person mention ed. In this case it was the key to successful spiritual warfare. David professed to have an unseen supply line to a limitless reservoir of divine grace. His sling and stone and skill were only puny symbols of strength. He claimed to draw resources from Someone greater. ‘In the name of’ also meant that David had found God’s will for Goliath and the enemy. Israel must win the war. Personal preferences were immaterial. The will of Another had been revealed to the shepherd lad. The enemy had despised the Lord of hosts and must now face the consequences. Divine authority had been challenged and the challenge must be met. This young man had found a little place in the universal will of his God. Then, too, when he said, ‘‘In the name of...,” he meant that he had come on the orders or commission of Someone else. He was a deputy, a servant, probably not fully realizing that he had become, if only for a moment, the Commander-in-Chief of the Lord’s army. David knew what God willed and now he would do what he could. King Saul could only watch from the sidelines. Human strength, skill and strategy would be totally inadequate. All that really mat-
THE MESSENGER
tered now was authority to do the will of Another. The moment of truth had come. This was not a lion or a bear before him. He now faced the greatest test of his young life. The odds were not in his favor, humanly speaking. The stone slipped easily into place. The delicate fingers of the harpist tightened aroung the sling. A prayer, a twirling arm, a deadly accurate flight and the enemy fell, and an entire pagan army fled in disarray. What made the difference? The key to vic tory was hidden in the Name. There were others strong and skilled. But this young man knew the secret of the ages for victory and that was full alignment with the will of God.
efore us in 1983 lies unex plored territory. We enter into a land of un bridged rivers and untunneled mountains. Enemies surround us and will seek to destroy us. Satan is still at war with God. Unbelief and negativism and pessimism and secularism and humanism infest the trail before us. The challenge is not for the faint hearted, for armchair strategists and fireplace fighters, but for the hill people who thirst for the wonder of the divine and the difficult. And giants, of course! Gigantic enemies that seem totally invincible will cause us to quiver with fear. We will need assurance of our authority to overcome them. Will we know how and when and where to use the Name? As born again believers we are seated ‘together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus’ (Eph. 2:6). The Church has been ex alted with her Lord. He has delegated to us certain inalienable, universal and individual rights. We, by divine decree, are now co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17) and fellow citizens of the Kingdom of God (Eph. 2:19). We are seated with Christ in a place of authority with rights and privileges totally foreign to unbelievers. We can now call ourselves children of God, and as children of this family w'e have the right to ask and receive with all boldness. Prayer is the mightiest weapon in this world. It is in the secret place of the Most High that we can claim sufficient resources for spiritual warfare. Battles are won the day before. A veteran in spiritual conflict is quoted as say ing that God does nothing apart from the prayers of His people. The key of the Kingdom is not ornamental but practical and indispensable for victory. We have received orders to speak, to teach and to baptize in the Name of Jesus. We have a commission from the Lord of the universe. He has anointed His Church to go into the highways and the byways to call rebels to surrender. The call is to cross the street or the ocean, in private or public, to individuals or congregations, and authoritatively speak in Jesus’ Name.
JANUARY 14, 1983
“We must return to authoritative living and ministering. We must ac cept our rights and utilize them within the guidelines of Scripture. ” The Church has been anointed with Agape Love to help and heal those that are hurting, the brokenhearted, the imprisoned, the lone ly and the lost. The ministry may be physical or mental or social or spiritual but it is in His Name that the balm of Gilead flows free ly and fully. With the general and universal authority of the Church there is also the special and specific authorization for certain tasks. Not all receive the authority of kings and apostles and prophets. Leadership rights belong to those whom God calls for the task. Authority is not indiscriminately given. Not all gifts of the Spirit are given to all peo ple. Authority must be treated with caution and concern. True humility is essential to fin ding God’s will. Usurping the rights of others was condemned by God. David’s heart was smitten when he cut off a piece of Saul’s robe (I Sam. 24:5,6). He had learned to respect God’s choice.
ew believers enter into their true potential in spiritual warfare. We are prone to neglect, to be ignorant of, to misuse and even to forfeit through disobedience, what is rightfully ours. We may even covet an authority that is not ours by divine bequeathal. Authority is stewardship of the highest order as exemplified in the headship of the family by the person who genders a child. Though often despised and misused and neglected the burden of answerability remains. In Ephesians 4:7 we read that “to each of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Then in verse 10 we read, “He who descended is also the One who ascended far above the heavens, that He might fill all things. And He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers...” Specific calls and commissions were needed to edify the entire body of believers and equip them for the ministry. Authority is given to “resist the devil” (James 4:7) and to “heal the sick” (James 5:14) in the name of the Lord. In Acts 3:6 Peter is quoted as saying, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Special authority was given to the apostles (Matt. 10:1). “He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kind.s of sickness and all kinds
of disease.” Here was a delegated ‘power’ that demonic forces could not withstand. We must return to authoritative living and ministering. We must accept our rights and utilize them within the guidelines of Scrip ture. In our program of evangelism and mis sions we combat with invisible forces. When converts do not enter into a triumphant lifestyle and return to idol worship (whether at home or abroad) is it probably due to an insufficient treatment of their former prac tices? Do we treat Satanic forces too casual ly? Dare we probe into the lives of others and ferret out enemy forces whether in the form of sin or demons? This may be where the war is won or lost. We can also learn to utilize our in disputable rights to ask and to receive. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because 1 go to my Father. And what soever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:12-14). Twice in this portion Jesus refers to ‘in my Name’ which certainly refers to our authoritative position in Him. He presses us for petitions. He is not recommending helpless whimperings of self-pity but a bold presentation of needs till the Holy Spirit says “yes” and “amen” to our requests. We have rights to ask for divine supplies, open doors, the defeat of the enemy, for new workers and for financial provisions. We can resist Satanic advances into our lives and into our congregations. Much of today’s worldliness and waywardness in the churches can be attributed to lukewarm Christians, but have we considered the insidious attacks of ‘principalities and powers’ which many believers have never learned to overcome? Have we equipped the saints for the ministry if we have never practically entered spiritual warfare ourselves? David’s sling and stone may seem somewhat irrelevant for us today. We may have been only casual observers of the bat tle. Dare we look deeper and see the sovereign will of God in operation? Could that story in context with the declaration of the New Testament inspire us to a new awareness of our rights and potential? Is your place a small place? What is that in your hand? Have you sometimes wondered if there was more to the Christian life than you have experienced? Have you ever really appropriated the position you have in Christ? Our authority as believers must not be ex ercised against human beings but only against spiritual forces. Rightly used we can be greatly used. When you encounter your Goliaths in 1983, and you will, may it be for you a test of faith. Appropriate fully your rights in the Lord Jesus Christ and utilize the Name to the best of your ability. ■
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MISSION GRAMS Missionaries on Furlough Following is a list of missionaries home on furlough who are available to come to your church to speak to a club group, Sunday school, worship service, a special missions program, etc.; Ben and Helen Eidse (Zaire), Edward and Leona Friesen (Mex ico), Wayne and Essie Herrod (Kenya), Elizabeth Koop (Brazil), Frank and Marge Kroeker (Paraguay), Sara Loeppky (Paraguay), Ed and Joy Loewen (Pakistan), Er nie and Mary Ann Loewen (Paraguay), Don and Liz Plett (Nicaragua), John and Connie Reimer (Nicaragua), Walter and Margaret Reimer (Paraguay), Paul and Lois Thiessen (assigned to Upper Volta), Jake and Dorothy Unrau (Germany). Some of these are available only till mid-February and others on a limited basis, so please contact the Board of Missions office for an appointment. The Board of Missions Executive staff is also available to come to your church for reports, etc. Paraguay Peter Friesen called the office and reported that nine believers were baptized dur ing the Christmas/New Year’s season. Much follow up still needs to be done in Caaguazu. Who will go and help bring these souls to Christ? On a lighter note: The Friesens’ son, Dalen, is playing on a junior basketball cham pionship. Their team won against the best team in Asuncion! Zaire Ben and Helen Eidse left Kamayala in southern Zaire on December 8. This com pletes a span of 29 years of involvement with missions in Africa. Nearly all of the time of service in Zaire the Eidses were based at this remote church center near the Angolan border in the high grasslands of southern Bandundu province, not far from the town of Kahemba. For a number of years Ben has been devoting great amounts of time to the translation revision of the Bible in the local Tshokwe language. At great cost to his own physical health he has literally laboured night and day to com plete this project before his departure. With a team of local national consultants and in conjunction with the Bible Society, this tedious but strategic task is soon to be appearing in print, making God’s Word available in the mother tongue to many in this part of Zaire. Rev. Eidse will assume some teaching responsibilities at the Steinbach Bible Col lege in 1983. — AIMM Contact, December 1982
Germany Gladwin Pletts report that their Sunday school Christmas concert was simply over whelming. Every table and chair was taken. Coffee and cookies were served after the program. New people were present - parents of children attending mid-week children’s classes and Sunday school. Nigeria Rachel Bartel tells of God’s provision: School - God put me in a Women’s Teacher’s College. Co-worker - Phyllis Lawson, a Canadian, with 31 years on the field. Climate - God settled me in the hot, dry, sandy, yet beautiful, town of Birnin Kebbie where large shade trees flank the streets. Conveniences - Water and electricity are fairly reliable. Fellowship - He gave me a lovely group of believers at the ECWA church.
Germany Mary Brandt writes of an incident in the ministry of YFC, Germany; “We have open doors. The Holy Spirit still works wonders in people who come to Him repen tant. Chains are broken and souls saved. That is His doing. “Let me give an example. This summer our Tee-Mobiles were involved in a city wide campaign in Amsterdam, Holland. Brian, one of our team leaders, got in to a long and deep conversation with a fellow from Germany who happened to be in Holland at the time. He almost made a decision but went on. A few weeks later he made a stopover in a bigger German city, without really wanting to, seemingly for no reason at all. Maybe you’ve guessed it already. Our bus was now stationed in this city. A co-worker met this fellow uptown and persuaded him to be introduc ed to his friend. This friend was Brian. The startled eyes! Here they stood, face to face. The happy ending, or rather the new beginning, is that this fellow made a deci sion for Christ on his own a week after that intense conversation in Holland. God leads.
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Missions EMC BOARD OF MISSIONS SPECIAL PROJECTS JANUARY 1983 Special Projects are missions needs not budgeted for. Usually they are items that are not too costly and are ideal for a church or a group in the church (Sunday school, club, ladies’ fellowship, youth group, etc.) to pick up as their project. Following is a list of projects that are in need of funds: 1. Nicaragua Leadership Training - This in cludes scholarships to Bible school students and helping fund the TEE Program. $500 is needed. 2. Chaco Radio Programming - The Indian people need assistance in producing their own programs to be aired over ZP-30. This is under the direction of missionary Diedrich Lepp. 3. Paraguay Film Ministry - The film ministry is an effective tool for evangelism in Paraguay. We need to build up our film library. One film costs about $450. 4. Equipment for Radio ZP-30 - Radio ZP-30 has just completed an expansion to the studio in Filadelfia in the Chaco, Paraguay. Equipment is needed to facilitate the production of local programs and to improve transmission quality. 5. Sponsorship of Low German Programs on Radio Chaco ZP-30 - “Die Evangeliumskunde,” produced by Elmer Hamm of La Crete, Alberta, is aired weekly by Radio Chaco ZP-30 in Paraguay. The cost is $20 per week. 6. Radio ZP-30 - Records and tapes for the music library. 7. Bibles for Paraguay - Subsidy for Bibles for the Paraguayan work in Caaguazu. A 50% subsidy for 50 Bibles would amount to about $200. These will be used for follow up work and sales that the people can afford. 8. Medical Instruments for Santa Teresa Medical instruments for the planned Indian clinic for Santa Teresa in East Paraguay. About $250 is needed. 9. Tres Palmas School - About $500 is need ed to finish out the staff and supply room. EMC Board of Missions Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. Tel: 326-6401
THE MESSENGER
MALI, AFRICA
Ell Commitments Made at Girls’ School
Evelyn Barkman giving some help to first grade students. Prayers Answered “O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3). The Lord has answered many prayers dur ing these past months of Girls’ School. Let me just share a few of these so that we can ‘exalt His name together.’ It was a matter of much concern when the Malian woman who was to be the dorm mother could not come. Can you imagine seventy-six active, young girls without an older person to supervise cooking and dorm activities? We could not find anyone to replace her. What an answer to prayer when two weeks afte-- school started Eunice arriv ed unannouno j, to fill this position! She has been a tremi idous asset to the school. Squabbles are quickly squelched, meals are on time, and e /eryone does her fair share of the work.
Home Ec. class.
Sali, a first grade student, managed to keep the school campus in a constant uproar, with her teasing and fighting. We prayed much for her and saw a dramatic change. This sullen, angry child has become a hap py generous girl. Many of our students have little knowledge of the Gospel when they come to school. It was a thrill to see eight girls come to understand the Gospel message and put their trust in Christ. Several of our older girls are engaged to be married to unbelievers. These ar rangements were made by their families. Others are the only Christian young people in their villages so their social activities are limited. The temptation to join in with the unwholesome activities around them is great. Recently, Daniel, a young Malian pastor, challenged the girls to obey the Lord in everything even if this meant persecution from family and friends. Many made com mitments to the Lord. Pray that decisions made at this time will be followed through when the pressure is on. Evelyn Barkman
Sarah Martens (Kola) returned to serve another term in Paraguay, teaching at the Tres Palmas school. Accepted for Missionary Service Ernie Koop of Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship was accepted for career mis sionary service by the Board of Missions. His first assignment will be at the Mt. Salem church in Ontario. Begin Missionary Service Randall and Faith Krahn came home for the holiday season after finishing their Spanish language studies at the RGBI. They now have left for Chihuahua City, Mexico for missionary service. Please pray for them as they begin this service, that the Lord will make their ministry fruitful. CONTRIBUTORS:
John R. Dick (cover) lives in Kelowna, B.C. C. B. Loewen (page 2) is pastor of the Morris Fellowship Chapel, Morris, Man. Harvey Plett (page 12) is on a sabbatical from the Steinbach Bi ble College. Evelyn Barkman (Missions section) is serving under the Gospel Missionary Union in Mali, Africa. She is involved in teaching, prepar ing courses and materials, camp and Bible classes. She is a member of the Prairie Rose E.M. Church.
COVER: When I received the poem which is on today’s cover I thought that a picture of an old mantle clock would be just the thing to go with this poem. But to find one was a different story. I finally had to settle for one from an old catalog. Anyway, it should be authentic. D.S.
WHO GIVES MONEY TO CHARITIES? A RECENT STUDY of those Canadians who in 1979 filed Income Tax returns found that 88 percent claimed only the standard deduction of $ 100.00. This included one-third of those earning over $200,000.00 per year. The remaining 12 percent gave an average of $650.00 each or 4.1 percent of their incomes. The percentage of in dividuals who gave more than $100.00 declined as one went down the income scale, but those in lower income categories gave a larger percentage of their income to charities than those in higher income categories. Also, those in lower income categories seemed to direct the bulk of their charitable donations to churches while those in higher income categories supported educational and cultural institutions to a greater extent. The study concluded that charitable giving is “a habit learned from parents, teachers and religious leaders, and those who have not learned the habit early seem unlikely to acquire it later, no matter what tax incentives may be provided.” — Ottawa Notebook
THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail, Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address. Subscription price $6.00 per year.
JANUARY 14, 1983
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Messenger News Approve budget of $1,297,500 MCC (ALBERTA) ANNUAL MEETING
Katie Funk Wiebe WRITER COMING TO STEINBACH
Coming to the Christian Writers’ Con ference sponsored by the EMC Board of Education and Publication on February 25 and 26 is author and speaker Katie Funk Wiebe, Hillsboro, Kansas. Katie Funk Wiebe was born into a Rus sian Mennonite family in Saskatchewan in 1924. She is Assistant Professor of English at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kansas, where she has taught since 1966. Her columns appear regularly in Christian Leader, Gospel Herald, The Mennonite Brethren Herald and The Mennonite. She has also written for Moody Monthly, Faith at Work, Festival Quarterly, Christian Liv ing, With, Direction, Mennonite Weekly Review, Provident Book Finder, and Rejoice! Among her books are Alone: A Widow’s Search for Joy (1976), Dav of Disaster (1976), Good Times With the Old Times (1979), Women Among the Brethren (1979). Mrs. Wiebe is the keynote speaker at the Christian Writers’ Conference February 25 and 26. She is scheduled to speak once on Friday night and twice on Saturday. In addition to the keynote speaker there are a number of additional workshops on different phases of writing, including one on photography. All sessions will be held at the Steinbach Bible College, Steinbach, Man. Registration is on February 25 at 7:00 p.m. There will be a reduced rate for students. Watch the next Messenger for further announcements.
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CALGARY, ALBERTA - The theme for the 18th Annual Meeting of MCC (Alberta), held November 26-27, 1982, in Coaldale, Alberta, was “God Requires Justice.” The guest speaker was Hugo Jantz, Secretary for Communications for Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services. The MCC Players skillfully depicted some of the past and present activities of MCC in short skits, poignantly showing its strength and its w'eaknesses. There was congregational singing - a joyful, harmonious sound. All this created a fertile setting for a productive conference. A budget of $1,297,500 (somewhat lower than last year) was approved. This includes matching Government Grants and subsidies of $563,000. The Mennonite Mutual Relief Insurance Co. had a profitable year in spite of several large claims, and is contributing $109,000 to MCC (Alberta), $50,000 for the building fund and the remainder to the General Fund. The Youth Orientation Unit project is go ing well and is planning an expansion pro gram. This vision of Peter Rempel is materializing and gaining respect and sup port. The farm at Warburg where problem boys, 12 at a time, are given opportunity to reshape their lives by living and working in a meaningful Christian home has a growing success rate which is recognized by the Solicitor General’s Department. During the past year 35 boys were involved and there is a long waiting list. The Peace and Social Concerns Commit tee was excited about their M2 program which was initiated last year on a half-time basis. They were now given approval to employ the coordinator, Graham Reddoch, full-time. Four penal institutions in the Calgary area have been contacted and 15 volunteers are already working man-to-man with inmates. A lively discussion was precipitated by the report of the participation of the committee at the Nuclear Energy Conference in Waterloo in October. The Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, Edmonton, is a program supported by MCC (Canada), MCC (Alberta), as well as Ed monton churches and the Alberta Govern ment. With Anne Falk, full-time worker, and others, about 5,000 newcomers, mostly Southeast Asians, have already been assisted in areas of employment, housing, and general adjustment. It was felt that because of the present state of the economy, this pro gram should be continued. Kathy Good, Acting Executive Director in the absence of Bill Thiessen, who is on a sab-
batical, highlighted some of the activities of her office, including Voluntary Service pro jects, Recruitment, Exchange Visitor and Intermenno program, and the tremendous response to the School Kits for Kampuchea project. In the absence of a Material Aid Coordinator, she also reported on that area of her work. The improved facilities in the new building and the many volunteers have made the load easier. A Coordinator is be ing sought. Frieda Derksen, from SELFHELP, reported an increase in income. She too ex pressed appreciation for the new building, which provides a pleasant space to work in. The Variety Store in both Calgary and Lethbridge showed a slight slowing down, but nevertheless were able to give over $34,000 to MCC (Alberta). Choice Books has a new Coordinator in Bettie Lim. They report fewer racks and made a plea for volunteers, especially in the cities. Reporting for MCC (Canada) were Waldo Neufeld and John Wider. Wider reported on his findings in China; the church is alive, it has survived the revolution. Two new members were elected to the Ex ecutive Committee: Jake D. Harder (G. C.) and George Loewen (M.B.). The continuing ones are Joe Garber (N.W.C.), Don Plett (E.M.C.), John T. Klassen (G.C.) and Henry Allert (M.B.). In spite of a few of the MCC projects showing a lack of growth, the mood of the conference was not pessimistic, but rather there was a feeling that God is at work and that His justice will prevail. — Irene Klassen MENNONITE FOUNDATION WELCOMES NEW EMC MEMBERS
Calgary, Alta. — The Board of Directors of the Mennonite Foundation of Canada met in Calgary for the first time ever in mid October. It was a meeting marked by several other “firsts,” reports Foundation national manager, C. Blake Friesen. For the first time, two board members representing the Evangelical Mennonite Con ference took part in the semi-annual board sessions. The EMC voted to join the Foun dation at its annual convention last summer. Although the formal acceptance of the EMC partnership will take place at the Mennonite Foundation annual meeting in April, 1983, the Board of Directors extended voting privileges to Syd Reimer and Henry Friesen who will represent the EMC on the board. The EMC becomes the fifth participating Conference in the work of the Mennonite Foundation. The Conferences elect a total of
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24 members to the Foundation, from which a 12-member board is selected. The Calgary sessions, hosted by the Foothills Mennonite Church, also marked the first time that the board worked under a reorganization into committees. Four new committees are now active in the work of finance, public relations, policy and pro cedures, and personnel. Meeting in Calgary “gave a little more ex posure to this community of what the Men nonite Foundation is,” commented Friesen. It also gave board members a chance to tour the new regional office of the Foundation, located in the new MCC (Alberta) head quarters in Calgary. Friesen suggested that the new committee structure will contribute to definite thrust toward having the Foun dation members more involved in helping regional managers promote the work of the Foundation in the area of stewardship education and providing personal counsel to Mennonites on their own stewardship plans. The Foundation now has four regional of fices in Clearbrook, B.C., Calgary, Win nipeg and Kitchener, Ontario, and is con sidering a fifth in Saskatchewan. It is cur rently managing $2.25 million in revocable trusts, endowments, gift annuities and other vehicles for the benefit of various Mennonite institutions. Friesen noted that about threequarters of a million dollars is currently on loan from the Foundation to Mennonite con gregations at a reasonable rate and while the balance of the Foundation’s funds are place in various bonds and debentures. At the October 12 meeting the board was informed that the Foundation has received bequests in the amount of $190,152 in 1982, of which $146,653 already has been distributed to three educational institutions in Manitoba while another portion has been forwarded to a Conference program in Alberta. However, donations are down, Friesen said. “I’m concerned, let’s put it that way. The depressed economy may affect year-end giving.” He added that there is a small operational surplus to fall back on. The Calgary sessions approved plans for the annual meeting to be held in the Kit chener, Ontario area on April 8-9, 1983.
munion service. It was a time of encourage ment and renewal for us. We sensed a spirit of oneness as we shared what the Lord was doing in our lives. Quite a few people ex pressed gratefulness for our church and their sense of belonging here. It was also a time of remembering Christ’s work here on earth and of praising Him for who He is. The Sunday school Christmas program on December 12 was another highlight. All the
Sunday school pupils were able to take part in the presentation of “The Little Fluteplayer.” An adult choir formed and practiced especially for this program and helped to provide some of the music for the play. The candlelight helped to create the at mosphere for this celebration of Christ’s birth. It was a pleasure to see many people bringing their relatives or friends to join us in this Christmas celebration.
A baptismal service was held at the Wymark church on November 28. Back row (left to right): Pastor John Reimer, Trevor Koethler, Jake Schlamp, Thomas Dyck, Bryan Schlamp. Front; Leann Wieler, Marilyn Janzen, Roseanne Friesen.
Reprinted with permission from the Mennonite Reporter
MESSAGES ON BOOK OF ACTS Aberdeen (Winnipeg): This fall the preaching in our church was based on Acts with the main theme being “What happens when the Holy Spirit is present?” The various speakers chose topics like “Lifestyle as Witness,” “Witness and Evangelism in Acts,’’ “The Persecutor and the Persecuted,” “Barnabas, the Son of En couragement,” and so on. These sermons really caused us to think of what it means to be the church of Jesus Christ today. On November 28 we gathered for a comJANUARY 14, 1983
The Wymark church choir led by Stan Hamm brought a cantata on December 19 which was enjoyed by all. YOUTH CONFERENCE
Wymark, Sask.: The second annual youth conference was held December 30 - January 2 with Bob Peters, instructor at Millar Memorial Bible Institute, as speaker. The theme for the conference was “Is There a God?” Topics dealt with were the following: 1) Evidence from Creation, 2) Evidence from History 3) Evidence from Contemporary Life, e.g. transformed lives and answered
prayer, 4) Reality of God’s Presence. The first evening started off with a youth ban quet. The New Year’s Eve service ended with refreshments, singing, sharing and prayer time into the New Year. Saturday during the day the young guys and gals participated in a hockey game against the young married men and ladies. The conference ended with the Sunday morning worship service. PAGE 7
Missions conference speaker Alban Douglas of Prairie Bible Institute.
The 42-voice Christmas choir under the direction of Lome Kornelsen. OCCUPY TILL I COME! Rosenori, Man.: “Occupy till I come” was the main theme of our missions conference in early December, and Rev. Alban Douglas of Three Hills, Alberta was the main speaker. Taking the “missionary spots” on the different evenings were Agnes Friesen (Winnipeg), John Peters (Germany), Don and Liz Plett (Nicaragua), and Board representative Milton Fast. Most of these had slides or filmstrips to show us. What God has wrought is marvelous in our eyes, as well as in the eyes of the missionaries. They certainly need and deserve our prayer support. Also contributing greatly to the conference were the singing groups and individuals from our church, and also the Bethel Quartet from Winkler. Children’s sessions were held con currently with the messages. These were led by Mrs. Frieda Friesen, by Pat Brandt and Myrtle Toews, and by Irene Kroeker. Many others also shared of their talents. Brother Douglas, in expounding the theme, shifted his emphasis each evening from right to left, thus: “Come, ” "I,
cupy". Using vivid word pictures and draw ing frequently from his own storehouse of experience, his enthusiasm proved quite con tagious. Then, at the men’s breakfast on Saturday, he told us his own life story, com plete with frustrations, salvation, missionary calling, marriage, foreign and Canadian ser vice, and finally the salvation of his dad. On Sunday Rev. Douglas brought a message on hell and one on commitment and consecration. He said consecration is sign ing a blank sheet of paper for God, thus allowing Him to have His way with us. Many responded to this appeal and were encourag ed to sign a “4A” card of commitment (Anything, Anytime, Anywhere, Any cost). On December 12 we were privileged to receive as new members of our group: Mr. and Mrs. Harold Brown, Mrs. Melody Loewen, Colin Reimer, and as associate members Mr. and Mrs. David Schmidt. The Sunday school Christmas program on December 19 was very well received. It in cluded songs by the junior department, and a play by the seniors called “The Cobbler’s
a
Reception of members on Sunday, December 12. Left to right: Colin Reimer, Harold Brown, Mrs. Harold Brown, Mrs. Paul Loewen, Mrs. David Schmidt, David Schmidt.
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Guest.” The humble cobbler, while waiting expectantly for a visit from Christ, did not realize that the good deed.s done in the course of duty were actually done to Christ also. On Christmas eve our choir presented their traditional Christmas cantata. It was entitl ed “The Night the Angels Sang” and had been presented at Woodlands previously. Lome Kornelson was director and Doris was the narrator. Welcome home to the Victor Loewen family who have completed their two-year term of service with the Janz Team in Brazil. Welcome also to the Frank P. Kroekers who are enjoying a short furlough, even though it is in a rented home. We also saw the Ben Eidses in our service on January 1. Welcome home! Many other familiar faces not usually seen in our church made their appearance during the holiday season. Among them was Ralph Dueck, much thinner, but more relaxed. The Menno Kroeker family was in our midst for a week, and Menno gave a short report and a devotional on January 1. Larry Eidse brought the New Year’s message on “Clim bing.” He compared our spiritual climb to that of the first Canadians to ever scale Mt. Everest. Challenging! On January 9 we held our leadership elec tions with Pastor Henry Kornelsen of Ridgewood serving as our guest speaker. Re elected were Pastor Johnny Loewen and Assistant Pastor Benny Friesen. Let’s undergird them with our prayers. VETERAN MISSIONARY DEPARTS FOR SPAIN Prairie Rose, Man.: After a short fourmonth furlough in Canada, Evelyn Plett again left on December 29, 1982 for her beloved mission field in Spain with the Bi ble Club Movement. Having served there for about 13 years, she has seen the Lord do miracles time and again. When she first went to Spain she was in volved in learning the language, doing visita tion, having children’s classes, and training teachers. The last two terms or so saw her very busy at the Bethel Bible School. Three years ago the cloak of responsibilities for the
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entire school and its many areas of outreach were placed on her shoulders. It seemed almost too much for her. “I was hoping my assignment would be called off before my departure to Spain at that time,” were her words. To God’s glory she now relates how marvelously He undertook. The school is debt-free, sufficient workers are now busy at the school, engaged in teachers’ classes, children’s classes, camps, retreats and seminars. The “print shop” can hardly keep up with demands for Spanish Sunday school material translated from the BCM “Steps to Faith.” This takes much of Evelyn’s time and dedication. Some 30 churches are mak ing use of this material now. We trust that the furlough has been good to her as she visited many churches, friends and relatives, and above all, spent time with her parents in Portage la Prairie. Evelyn, thank you for the time you spent in the homes and church in Prairie Rose. We appreciated it and we’ll be praying for you. We also were glad to “send” you to Spain with your needed monthly support in. “Bind us together. Lord, Bind us together. Lord, Bind us together with cords that can not be broken.” This blessed chorus has become precious at our traditional New Year’s evening communion service. Yes, ever since it was started about twelve years ago, it has been a real watchnight communion ser vice. Previous to this it was a watchnight ser vice for those interested and concerned. It seems that before that watchnight services were held in the local school, open to all. “Vereinigung” (unity) at Prairie Rose is meaningful to all, young and old, including visitors. It is a time for heartsearching, for testimonies, prayer requests and words of praise. It is a time for fellowship and brother ly love. It is a time for lots of singing of many sound old-fashioned “evangelical” hymns. What better way to end the old year and start the new one than around the Lord’s Table! SPRINGFIELD CRUSADE FOR CHRIST Anola, Man.: “ ... He is coming again. He is coming again. With pow’r and great glory. He is coming again!” The choir sang heartily as they opened the meeting. Fifty voices lifted their hearts in praise to God. They were directed by an enthusiastic Art Perri and accompanied by Prof. Roy Morden at the piano. After two years of planning, the Springfield Crusade for Christ was becom ing a reality. The gymnasium was filling up with people. Barry Moore and his team from Crusade Evangelism International were on the platform. Also seated on the platform were the pastors of the six sponsoring chur ches; the Anola Baptist, the Oakbank Bap tist, the Anola United, Oakbank United, the Pineridge Fellowship, and the Anola Fellowship Chapel. Each of the pastors could speak of time spent in preparation for the crusade.
JANUARY 14, 1983
You are invited to a POST-SECONDARY STUDENT MEETING Date: Thursday, February 10, 1983 Place: University of Manitoba Student Centre, Arborg Room Topic: “Maintaining Your Faith on a Secular Campus” Order of Events 3:30 Coffee 3:45 Presentation - Rev. Harvey Plett 4:30 - 5:00 Question Period Supper 5:00-6:00 6:15 Presentation - Dr. Gerry Doerksen Question Period 7:00-7:30 Note; Arrangements have been made for afternoon parking at the Fort Garry E.M. Church near the University of Manitoba, corner of Pasadena and King’s Drive.
EMC Board of Education and Publication
Members of the Anola Fellowship Chapel were involved in prayer, in committees, publicity, children’s work, counselling and follow up, singing in the choir, and in dona tions of money. The finance committee was pleased to announce that the budget had been met even before the crusade began. The crusade took place from November 21-28, 1982. Each night Barry Moore preach ed from the Word of God. He spoke on such topics as “The Most Unforgettable Fool,” “Heaven,” and “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be.” Barry Moore clearly paralleled the days of Noah to our present day society. He pointed out the similar characteristics - immorality, indifference and ignorance of the Word of God. He spoke about the finality of the flood. The people of Noah’s day were indifferent to the warn ing and suddenly it was too late. He warned us to be ready, for “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of Man” (Luke 17:26). While the meetings were in session, the youngest children were taken care of in the nursery. The older children had meetings with Aunt Pearl. Pearl Faugust is a ventrilo quist and has years of experience in children’s work. Aunt Pearl led the children’s sessions with songs, stories, pup pet shows, and films. The children were given an opportunity each night to invite Jesus into their life. 109 children were counselled. The week of the crusade was filled with activity. Barry Moore spoke to the students at the junior and senior levels. Aunt Pearl travelled to the different elementary schools and met with the children. On Friday even-
ing the young people gathered for a Youth Happening with Mark Moore. On Saturday morning a breakfast was held in connection with the crusade. We have many good memories of the crusade. We thank God for friends and relatives who made commitments during this week. We must remember the 134 adults and 109 children who were counselled. We can pray for the Barry Moore team as they are in Yugoslavia in the month of January. Let us lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for “ . . . With pow’r and great glory He is coming again!” THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST Braeside (Winnipeg): It was a wonderful way to share in thanksgiving as the ladies of the four Winipeg EMC churches and the Church of the Open Door gathered at Braeside to worship the Lord together on the evening of October 4. Barbara Bodner of the Church of the Open Door gave her testimony. It was a blessing to hear how the Lord encouraged her time and again to put her trust in Him when she was facing so many problems. Evie Reimer and Gladys Reimer shared in a reading which exalted “the unspeakable gift” as found in Rev. 5:12. Essie Herrod, our guest speaker for the evening, spoke on the theme of Thanksgiv ing by concentrating on using the gifts given to us by our Maker (Phil. 4). October 31 is always, as we know it, Halloween, which this year (1982) was a Sun day. A few concerned parents made a good effort to have a Family Night at church. There was singing, a drama, games, and PAGE 9
refreshments. It was well worth all the effort, on New Year’s Eve was Larry Hoeppner of Thank you. We hope this will be repeated. Riverton. A very enjoyable evening was spent We are happy that Mrs. Pearl Reimer who November 7 with Ruth Gauvreau directing was hospitalized in early December is back 20 of our church family’s children in a on her feet again. musical called “Kids Praise 2.” We were The men had a work day at church on convinced that the children enjoyed presen- November 30. They spent the day putting in ting it too. A special thanks to Ruth for all sulation in the attic and winterizing the winthe patience and the effort you put into it. dows and doors. May you be encouraged to continue using Jeffrey Plett attended Intersession at SBC your talent in this way. January 3-7. Rev. P. Friesen served at the Hodgson Our church missions conference was enhanced this year with the World Thurst Chapel on January 2. Guest speaker at our Media Presentation (series of 4) by Campus church that morning was Rev. Menno PenCrusade with the theme “The Lordship of ner of Morweena. Christ.” Mr. Wayne Herrod’s messages were “Only one life, ’Twill soon be past. Only on the same theme. In a Christian’s life “the what’s done for Christ will last.” -Anon, lordship of Christ is not optional; it is a must.” He holds us responsible; therefore He also holds us accountable. During the conference the men met for KLASSEN — to Ernie and Noreen Klassen of breakfast on Saturday for a time of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Dana Elizabeth, on fellowship with Mr. Henry Klassen as special November 15, 1982. speaker. Likewise the ladies met on Satur HIEBERT — to Dan and Shirley Hiebert of Stein day afternoon with Liz Plett, Ramona bach, Man., a daughter, Laura Jane, on October Klassen and Essie Herrod. We were challeng- 27, 1982. ed to be strong for our Lord. SAGNES —to James and Sharon Sagnes of SteinWe have so much preparation in the tiach, Man., a daughter, Sara-Jane Louise, on material way for Christmas and tend to November 20, 1982. neglect the spiritual. For this reason it is good DYCK — to Bill and Eileen Dyck of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Leslie Nicole Marie, on to observe the advent season. Advent November 29, 1982. signifies the past, present and future - DYCK — to Dan and Yvonne Dyck of Snow Christ’s first coming to Bethlehem, His Lake, Man., a son, Jesse Dan, on November 27, future coming at the end of time, and His 1982. present coming through grace in the hearts FEHR — to Cornie and Helen Fehr of Steinbach, of men. The advent wreath, an ancient sym Man., a daughter, Melissa Jolene, on October 26, bol of victory and glory, symbolizes “the 1982. fulfillment of time’ ’ in the coming of Christ DOERKSEN - to Doug and Sandra Doerksen of Tres Palmas, Paraguay, a son, Jonathan Douglas, and the glory of His birth. on December 14, 1982. The wreath at our church held four candles, each a different color. The first can dle was purple, signigfying repentance; the JACOB P. D. REIMER second, red, signifying sacrifice; the third, 1903 - 1982 pink, signifying hope; the fourth, white, signifying joy. We took a few minutes of “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and each of four Sunday morning worship ser vices for a short meditation on the four o light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). My beloved husband and our father pass meanings and a congregational prayer. We’ve been bountifully blessed with God’s ed on to be with our Lord at 2:25 p.m. on grace through the Christmas season and the Sunday, December 19, 1982 at the Extendpast year. We wish you all growth in the love ed Care Unit in Steinbach, reaching the age of the Lord for the coming year. of 79 years and 3 days. Dad was born to Peter P. and Elizabeth Reimer in Clearsprings, Manitoba (north of YOUNG PEOPLE ENJOY MYSTERY Steinbach) on December 16, 1903. He receiv SUPPER ed his schooling in Twin Creek. During his Fisher Branch, Man.: “The Sing Along' early years he enjoyed carpentry work and Christmas service at the Broad Valley Hall helping on the farm. He was baptized after was well attended and enjoyed by all. We accepting Christ as his personal Saviour on were pleased with the attendance at our Sun- September 24, 1922 in Blumenort by Elder day school Christmas concert on December Jacob R. Dueck. 23 as well. This concert consisted of a play He was united in marriage to Maria depicting Christmas from heaven’s view Friesen on October 1, 1923 who predeceaspoint. This included singing by the adult and ed him on January 14, 1926. children’s choir. I, Elizabeth Loewen, and Dad were united The young people enjoyed a mystery sup- in marriage on November 19, 1926 by his per and some games on December 20. Then father. Rev. Peter P. Reimer. Prior to the on December 24 they went out carolling. depression years we homesteaded and began Guest speaker at our communion service building up the farm in Pleasant Valfey.
Births
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With an adventuresome spirit, a desire to pioneer and a total dedication to God we en joyed many blessed years of farming. In spite of the many difficulties arising out of the Depression, droughts, floods and crop failures we sensed God’s goodness and direc tion. God entrusted to us seven sons and six daughters. We shared a common joy in beholding the beauty of God’s creation and spending time together travelling to visit family and friends. In September of 1981 we moved to our new home in Rosenort. We spent a lot of time out in the yard and around the house doing all those odd jobs a new place demands. Dad’s life portrayed the characteristics of I Thess. 4:11 and 12: “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we com manded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” Dad was active and contributed freely to the total ministry of the local church. He enjoyed Wednesday night Bible studies and prayer meetings, and was involved in community organizations. Dad had reasonably good health throughout his life. In December 1963 he had surgery and due to complications he spent 35 days in the St. Boniface Hospital and he was in and out of the Morris Hospital several times in early 1964. About a year ago we as a family noticed Dad tiring easily. In February of this year he developed a cold which he never seemed to recover from completely. From July to September he was hospitalized several times undergoing various tests and x-rays and finally was diagnosed as having cancer of the pancreas. With slight improvements he was discharg ed on the weekend of October 16. He en joyed the evening at home but suffered a severe stroke Sunday morning leaving him unable to speak and paralyzed on his right side. Considering his weakened condition he recovered remarkably well. His cheerfulness and patience was appreciated by family, friends and hospital staff. In spite of his en cumbrances he enjoyed visitors, his food, and didn’t seem to suffer extensively. Special moments to be remembered dur ing this time were the celebration of their 56th wedding anniversary as well as his 79th birthday. However, after his birthday his health failed rapidly until Sunday when God saw fit to call him home, after having another stroke. He was predeceased by his first wife Maria, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter P. Reimer, his stepmother Anna, two brothers and two sisters and several stepbrothers and stepsisters, his parents-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Loewen and one sister-in-law. Besides his loving wife Elizabeth, Dad leaves to cherish his memory his sons: Men no and wife Marion (Morris), Pete and wife Tina (Birch River), Leo and wife Eva (Mor ris), Allen and wife Millie (Morris), Jake and
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wife Doris (Swan River), John and wife Con nie (Morris), Lome and wife Delores (Cavalier, North Dakota); his daughters; Minnie (Steinbach), Mary (Steinbach), Bet ty and husband Francis Thiessen (Steinbach), Alma and husband Andrew Friesen (Maryfield, Sask.), Annie and husband Ed Kroeker (Morris), Paulina and husband Les Siemens (Rosenort); and 37 grandchildren, two stepmothers, Mrs. Margaret Reimer (Resthaven Nursing Home), Mrs. Agnetha Loewn (Cedarwood Apts., Steinbach); three brothers: Peter and wife Katherine, Henry and wife Netha, Ben and wife Justina; two sisters; Annie and husband Ben C. L. Pen ner, Margaret and husband Peter Friesen; six brothers-in-law; Peter Loewen and wife Margaret, Jake Loewen and wife Helen, Isaac Loewen and wife Mary, John Loewen and wife Lena, Corny Loewen and wife Mary, Abe Loewen and wife Helen; and three sisters-in-law: Mary and husband Henry R. Friesen, Annie and husband John Rempel, Lena and husband Henry F. Loewen; as well as many other relatives and friends. The love and concern shown during Dad’s illness and passing by relatives and friends is greatly appreciated. Thank you for the many cards, visits and prayer support. God reward you all richly. We look forward to the reunion with him in the presence of Jesus. To God be the glory! — His wife and children
KLAAS P. PENNER 1908-1982
“Blessed be the Lord . . . there hath not faded one word of His promises” (I Kings 8:56). My husband and our father and grand father entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, December 29, 1982 at 12:00 noon in the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, reaching the age of 74 years, three months, and 27 days. He was born to John R. and Sara Penner in Giroux, Manitoba on September 2, 1908. Our dad lived and farmed with his parents until he married Katharine Reimer on November 24, 1929. Shortly after their mar riage they moved to a farm in the Clear spring district where they lived until his demise. Dad’s lifelong occupation was farming. He worked hard to make a “go” of the fami ly farm. He also took a keen interest in com munity affairs. For eighteen years he was a trustee in the Clearspring School District, which included the chairmanship for a number of years. He also served for twelve years on the board of the Steinbach Cold Storage. He loved his family and always had a cheerful greeting when family members came home to visit. Dad loved children, in par-
JANUARY 14, 1983
ticular his grandchildren. During his hospital stay he challenged his grandchildren to live for the Lord. He gave of himself in many ways to his family and friends. We will always remember Dad for his warmth, in tegrity, his sense of humor and his personal concern for each one. He made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ at the age of 20 and was bap tized upon his confesion of faith at the Kleingemeinde church (Blumenort) by Bishop Peter P. Reimer in 1929. In 1954 our church membership was transferred to the Steinbach E.M. Church where he faithfully attended until his death. In the latter years he became active in the men’s fellowship breakfast group and home Bible studies. He also participated in the New Horizons Club which he enjoyed very much. During retirement years our mom and dad lived on a small lot, part of the original farm. During the last summer his health started to fail him and on October 16 he admitted himself at the Bethesda Hospital where he stayed almost 2/2 months before passing on to be with his Maker. As a family we offer thanks to God for the life of my husband and our father that has so richly touched our lives. Besides his wife Katharine he leaves to cherish his memory four daughters. Myrtle and husband Gordon Penner of Steinbach, Bertha of New Westminster, B.C., Marina and husband John Froese of Steinbach, Marge and husband Neil Koop of Winnipeg; three sons, Wilmer and wife Anne of Win nipeg, Vernon and wife Martha of Argyle, Melvin and wife Marie of Selkirk; twelve grandsons and three granddaughters; three sisters and five brothers. He was predeceas ed by a son Eldred John in 1941, one sister and four brothers. The family extends their sincere apprecia tion and thanks to all who offered their gifts of love, healing, thoughts and prayers, and a special thanks to the medical staff at the hospital, the doctors and nurses who look ed after Dad with such loving care and understanding. His beloved wife Katharine and Family EDWIN FRIESEN 1942-1982
“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). Ed was born January 24, 1942 in the Twin Creek area. He was the first child born to Ben and Helen Friesen. It was during the Se cond World War while his father was in a C.O. camp and it was two months before his father saw him for the first time. At the age of six Ed came into contact with some high voltage. The Lord spared his life but the accident cost him his left hand and the other was maimed. Ed grew up on his parents’ farm and at
tended the Blumenort School. At age 21 Ed started operating road building equipment. He worked for Fast Brothers for about three years, for Penner Construction (or Kay’s) for 12 years and for his brother-in-law Bruce for four years. In 1970 Ed was in a serious automoble ac cident. Again the Lord was gracious and spared his life. In 1972 Ed accepted God’s gift of salva tion as provided through faith in Christ and His atoning work. Ed was baptized and join ed the membership of the Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church on February 18, 1973. On December 8, 1973 Ed married Violet Koop. Gerry Doerksen officiated at the wed ding. We enjoyed just over nine years of married life together. After that we moved into our house at the present location. On December 27, after attending a hockey game with most of the family present the Lord called Ed to come Home with Him. Shortly after getting into a car with the fami ly, we realized something was wrong. We could not awaken him. We rushed him to the Steinbach Hospital. Again attempts to revive him failed. Ed suffered earlier in his life and now his passing was peaceful, though sudden. Ed reached the age of 40 years, 11 months and three days. He is survived by me, his wife Violet; two sons and one daughter, Darcy (age 7), Mary Anne (age 4), and Kellen (age IF2); his parents, Ben and Helen Friesen of Blumenort; eight brothers, Harry and Frances (Regina) of Kleefeld, David of Blumenort, Wilbert and Betty of Steinbach, Bob and Patsy of Blumenort, Reynold of Blumenort, John of Blumenort, Stanley of Lorette, Lesley of Blumenort; seven sisters, Wilma, Mrs. Bruce Barkman of Kleefeld; Mary, Mrs. Don Boulet of La Broquerie; Helen, Mrs. Henry Richard of Winnipeg; Cathy of Winnipeg, Julia of Winnipeg, Janet, Mrs. Peter Reimer, of Blumenort, Delores, Mrs. Norman Ross of Lorette; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Katherine Koop of Blumenort; two brothers-in-Iaw, Allen and Elma Koop of Blumenort, and Art and Thelma Koop of Swift Current; one sisterin-law Myrna Koop of Winnipeg and 31 nieces and nephews. During his life on earth Ed sometimes ex pressed a desire to know what it would be like to have two hands. Now he knows. Ed had a concern for those who did not know the Lord. Hi.s voice is now silent here, but his life and death continue to speak. Ed was a happy and friendly man. His passing brings us sorrow, but we are not without hope. "... the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (I Thess. 4:16,17).
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FROM THE EDITOR GUEST EDITORIAL
The EMC in 1983 A BRAND NEW YEAR lies before us. Should eternity begin before 1983 is history we will rejoice to see our Saviour face to face. If, on the other hand, the Lord is pleased to give us the gift of another year, we, as individuals, congregations and a Con ference, would have the privilege of living to the praise and glory of His Name. Provided we have the gift of another year, we will be facing some challenging issues as a Conference. I am happy to have this op portunity to share with you what I anticipate will be areas in which we will be seeking guidance and direction. As a member of the Board of Missions I am concerned about the personnel shortage. Why is there a shortage of workers in the Lord’s harvest? There are at least three obvious reasons for this dilemma: 1) Missionaries are coming on much needed furloughs. 2) Some missionaries are extending their furloughs. 3) We have too few recruits. How can we overcome this shortage? The answer to that ques tion is not easy. It is my considered opinion that this is a spiritual problem. What do I mean? I believe that we have this shortage because there has been and probably is disobedience to the clear will of God. Some who should go have decided not to go. Have we as members of the Conference consistently prayed the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers? When have you last fasted and prayed? When have you last been moved to tears for the lost and dying? Finally, we have an enemy that is doing his utmost to hinder us from fulfilling God’s will. We are engaged in a spiritual warfare. Have we taken this demension seriously? I praise the Lord for the many who have gone forth. The last thing 1 want to do is lay a guilt trip on the ones who are or have been involved. I ask you others. Is the Lord leading you to serve Him in one of our mission fields? A second issue that we will be wrestling with in 1983 is the ques tion of ministerial patterns in the local congregation. We have just completed a decade-plus emphasizing the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Again and again we have heard messages on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It has been emphasized that each one has at least one gift. Much teaching has been given on the truth that we should identify our gift(s), acknowledge them in the church, and use them. The obvious result: a lack of workers and leaders for our chur ches. Are there no gifts of leadership in our churches? At the October 1982 Conference ministerial meeting considerable time was spent discussing the idea of plural leadership in our chur ches. There was a strong consensus that we need to develop plural ministerial patterns. Such a pattern, of course, is not without difficulties, but it has some decided advantages. Some positive aspects of such a pattern include the following: 1) It is using the gifts the Lord has given the local congregation. 2) When there is a change in the position of leading minister the other ministers can give leadership and con tinuity until the change is effected. 3) The shared teaching preaching strengthens the pulpit ministry. 4) More needs in the con gregation can be met better in plural ministerial setting. Not everyone feels free to go to the same minister. When there are several ministers usually there is one that each one feels free to
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approach. 5) The ministers can minister to each other’s needs and frustrations. There is no need for the lonely pastor. Periodically I have the feeling that we as a Conference are in an adolescent stage of development. We are very conscious of what others are doing and feel uncomfortable to “dress differently than our peers.” I would like to see us grow up, accept our self-identity and then with courage dare to be ourselves, even if it means being different. Just because others are doing it does not mean we must follow suit. Of course we want to learn from others. But before we shift let us be sure it will really be better. We have a tendency to make Conference policy in reaction to Conference problems. There are better and healthier ways to make policy decisions. Let us make them on the basis of research and principle. When have you last shared your faith with an unbeliever? When have you last felt awkward or ridiculed because of your faith? Are we more concerned about being accepted than about being “light” and “salt”? I believe the Lord would have us stand up and be counted as individuals at our places of work. I expect to meet many in 1983 who will encourage me with how God has used them in this way. 1 commit myself to be more faithful in letting my light shine. I find that we are tired and bored with so many church services, especially when they come close together, like at Christmas time. We stay home on December 25 so the children can play with their toys. That is really centering into the meaning of Christmas, isn’t it? We have no problem staying up till 2:00 A.M. December 31 but are too tired to get strength and fellowship January 1. We feel few guilt pangs about skipping out Sunday morning. I am aware that missing church is not the unpardonable sin. But 1 wonder whether this apparent lax attitude does speak of something deeper. It is likely that part of the problem is the dry sermons. It is also possible that it may be a sign of “spiritual gluttony.” The solution, of course, is better Biblical sermons and opening a faucet so others may drink from that river of life flowing from you. Ask the Lord to use you to share with someone in 1983. That will certainly improve your appetite. 1983 should be a year in which regionalization should solidify and become more meaningful. 1 expect a stronger Conference and a better working together as a result. I hope it will enhance Con ference loyalty so that Conference projects will receive unapologetic priority. I anticipate that our new Conference pastor will be used of God to strengthen our unity and help us as a Conference be more obedient to God. Finally, I am excited about our national youth conference in May. Much prayer, planning and work has already gone into it. As young people we will learn to know each other. This in turn should result in greater unity for us as a group. I expect some will find their life’s partner at the convention. Above all I anticipate that the young people attending Abundant Springs will be more faithful to their Lord as a result. 1983 lies before us. Let’s make it a great year as we unitedly enter it under the lordship of Christ. — Harvey Plett Steinbach, Man.
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