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The Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOL. 21 NO. 24 DEC. 2/83

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Inora (center) with Leona and Peter Penner (right) and Father Carlos and Pastor Litsore (left).

BUT THEY HAVE NO TEARS LEFT TO CRY

“A Time to Weep” by Leona Dueck Penner

oday, at this very moment, people in the African country of Mozambique are dying of starvation. Babies, mothers, fathers, grandparents, whole families, dy-

The war and the drought have broken their bodies, their spirits, to the point where they can no longer cry. ing one by one because of a drought and a guerilla war which has disrupted their land to such an extent that food, the most basic requirement for survival, is no longer available in certain parts of the country. In many areas of Inhambane Province good rains have not fallen for a.s long as four years, and so the land, parched and

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desolate, lies fallow, unable to feed its people, though the people keep on trying. Time and again, during the past few years, the farmers have planted their seeds in the springtime and have watched in hope-filled agony as the seeds sprouted, sending up questioning green shoots in search of rain, and then, helpless in their despair, watched again as the young plants shrivelled under the hot and cloudless sky. But now the seeds are all gone and the leftover food from better years has been used up or has been taken from the peo ple by the warring “banditos” who ter rorize the villagers, stripping them of the meagre goods they still have left. And the people themselves are dying, despair ing; the war and the drought have broken their bodies, their spirits, to the point where they can no longer cry. My husband and I, together with a Maputo-based MCC worker, and local church and government officials, visited this despair-stricken area recently to check up on an MCC food shipment which was being distributed there. We’ll never forget the stories we heard, the

people we saw. There was the young pregnant mother, whos hands and feet were swollen from edema, eyes dry and empty in a hollow cheeked face, who told us, “We do not cry anymore when a loved one dies. It has happened too often. My father and mother and two children died of starva tion. Two brothers also gone (killed by banditos?) . . . There are no tears left to cry.” As she spoke, her year-old baby whimpered and whined on her back. Tossing and turning, ceaselessly wailing, head lolling backwards like a much younger infant, thin legs dangling from his wrapper. “He’s behaving strangely,” she said, “because he is starving and there’s no food to give him. . .” We left her, and turned to another, a young girl by the name of Inora. Some one asked her how old she was. She could not remember but said she was “still young.” She might have been fif teen or sixteen, maybe much older or

Next, we viewed their * ‘homes. ” No soft furnishings here, no pottery to eat out of either, not even a roof to shield them from sun and rain. younger. We couldn’t tell from the way she looked - emaciated body, skin grey and dry to the touch. No vestige of youthful beauty remained there. Thin arms bandaged from rope burns . . . She told us how she had hurt her arms; how when the food was gone from her village, she left to search for food and, in her desperate quest, “stole” some corn from a farmer; how he caught her, and beat her, and tied her up . . . And how, at last, she managed to free herself, walked many miles till she found a hospital where they treated her wounds, but had no food to give her. She’d not eaten anything for three days and followed us around like a hungry puppy. . . In the late afternoon we were taken by landrover (under military escort for our safety) to a “refugee” camp of 4,000 people who’d been driven from their homes by war and famine. Now the stories were much worse; the people we saw, mere skeletons, phantoms of “reali ty.” And we ourselves had a sense of be-

THE MESSENGER

They told us stories of human bones by the roadside. People walking, walking in their search for food till they collapsed and died. No one to bury or mourn them. A

ing caught up in some horrifying TV docu-drama. In this camp alone, 15 to 20 people dy ing per day, that week, till some relief food arrived. During the months from January to August, 773 registered deaths in a 30-kilometer radius. (Double that in unregistered?) And this was a “better” area . . And they told us stories of human bones by the roadside. People walking, walking in their search for food till they collapsed and died. No one to bury or mourn them. Just a tractor and trailer with sheet-covered “remains” moving towards a strange graveyard .... And the gaunt-faced mothers we saw in the camp, with paper-thin bodies, skeletal faces, protruding teeth, wanting to tell us their stories. Holding their babies (or what was left of them) to be photographed; Tiny things, ancient-faced no baby roundness anywhere sharp jutting jaws and sunken old men’s eyes wide mouths open seeking to suckle dry breasts . . . And again, that ceaseless, desolate whimpering, all around us now, with scarecrow people everywhere pressing, waiting, watching wanting something from us, the white-faced privileged ones, who have the longed-for food . . . And the crowds, with all that silent asking, following us as we toured the premises - the thatch-roofed kitchen where the big-bellied, parasite-ridden children ate their scanty meals. And, under a tree, twenty-eight orphans.

solemn-faced, silent, no energy left to play. Next we viewed their “homes.” No soft furnishings here, no pottery to eat out of either, not even a roof to shield them from sun, and rain (if there ever was any) . . . Only a cleared out space in a dry field, a sleeping mat, a small pot of rationed food on an open fire. Later we looked at the food they ate to supplement their rations: seeds, roots, leaves, of many kinds, which often made them sick. And yet, they tried out everything. Taking the risk, eating to survive. . . And then, at last, we left. Drove off into the sunset, leaving the crying children, the watching, waiting crowd behind us. Wanting to shed the memories of what we had seen as we entered the airplane, ready to jet off to the city, to home, to fire, to food. But we couldn’t forget; the “drama” was not finished yet. Instead, at the last minute, an emergency passenger, a wounded soldier, carried across the tar mac in the rapidly gathering darkness, shoved and pushed up the narrow en trance of the waiting plane. Face and body painfully young and thin. Both legs broken, in bloodstained casts. Injured when escorting relief food into a “danger zone.” Flying with us to the capital, bringing the horror with us, forcing us to remember. And the government official, care-worn, urgently asking what we thought, could we send more food? Then later still, by some trick of memory, the images we had seen, coming strongly into focus, suddenly more real than real: pictures of war-torn, starving, tearless people who were, and are, look ing to us, “God’s people,” to help them meet their urgent needs. Such a heavy responsibility . . .

r Children at the refugee camp visited by the Penners.

Lord, why did you have to say, “Whatsoever you have done for one of the least of these, you have done it unto me”? Now, when we remember the wounded young soldier, we remember you when we see those starving faces, we see you when we hear the whimpering cries of those babies and the ominous silence of the twenty-eight orphans, we hear you when we touch the dry skin of the young girl, Inora, we touch you And, when we look into the waiting tearless eyes of the despairing, pregnant mother, we look into your eyes waiting and tearless also. We cannot turn away . . .

1983-84 FOOD DRIVE WINNIPEG, MANITOBA — Emergency food needs in Lebanon, Guatemala and Kampuchea has prompted MCC Canada to launch a special 1983-84 Food Drive. The Drive, which begins December 1, will last until the end of March, 1984. MCC Canada hopes to raise $300,000 towards the purchase of canned meat for Lebanon, beans and corn for Guatemala, and rice for Kampuchea. Contributions to the 1983-84 Food Drive can be sent to MCC Canada, 201-1483 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2C8, or to your provincial MCC office.

THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct, and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the Conference; instruct in Godliness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Letters, articles, art and poetry are welcomed. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished articles are not returned except by request. Subscription: Members pay through their church. Non-members pay $6.00 per year. Send subscription money to The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0. THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite 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 mailed to the above address.

DECEMBER 2, 1983

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The Evangelical Fellowship church has a seating capacity of about 300. Seated on plat form are Glen Koop on left (minister) and Pastor Dyck. Leading the singing is Ken Toews.

CHURCH PROFILE

Morley Fast was filling in for John Sawatzky as Sunday school superintendent this Sunday.

Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship Church B> Dave Schellenhcrg THE STEINBACH EVANGELICAL Fellowship (EMC) Church is one of the newer churches in the E.M. Conference. It was formed on April 8, 1979 with 60 charter members. Mr. Glen Koop, an instructor at the Steinbach Bible College, was the first pastor. Initially services were conducted at the Steinbach Bible College. They continued here till they moved into their own building in 1981. The church had its beginning in the Stein bach E.M. Church, 422 Main Street. This church of over 600 members decided to start a second congregation in the Steinbach area. Some 50 adults, mainly from the big church, indicated their desire to help begin the new church. The first service of this new group was held

on March 4, 1979 with some 120 in atten dance. Mr. Henry P. Dyck, then pastor of the big church, thanked the Lord for this vi sion which went back to the 50s or so. By 1980 membership had climbed to around 80. They were still fellowshipping at the SBC. The next step came when they purchased a lot for a building of their own. The loca tion was Friesen Ave. and Giesbrecht St. in the west end of Steinbach. Sod turning took place on September 6, 1980. The first service was held, in the basement, at the new church on January 21, 1981. By this time they had elected a pastor, out of their own congregation, Mr. John Dyck. The Dycks, John and Erna, are still there but have tendered their resignation effective at the end of this year. They have offered their

services to the EMC Board of Missions. Dedication services for the new 300-seat building were held on September 13, 1981 with Mr. Edwin Plett, moderator of the Con ference, giving the dedication message. Total cost of the building was around $300,000 of which over half has been paid off. (As of November 1983 the building debt stood at $123,100.) Membership has more than doubled since the work began. The 1983 EMC Yearbook lists it as having 131 members. In addition to the regular Sunday school, with an attendance of some 135, and morn ing services, they also have a Cradle Roll, C.E. Committee, Young People’s and Ladies’ Fellowship, to name some. There is only one ladies’ group. Their wish was that they would all be together, younger and older, in one fellowship. No age barrier! Budget requirement.s for this year come to over $1,800 per week, according to Pastor

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Pastor John Dyck and his wife Erna with their sons, Jonathan Paul and Timothy Mark.

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Cathy Reimer has the children’s choruses this Sunday.

THE MESSENGER

* Gordon Klassen has a pre-primary Sunday school class.

Dyck. Of this, the largest item is the mortgage payment on the new building. In 1982 they also contributed over $16,000 to the E.M. Conference budget. Members at the Evangelical Fellowship Church are engaged in quite a variety of jobs: teaching, factory, business, store, hospital, trucking, sales, mechanic, and far ming, to name some. A number are students. Three are in missions: Peter and Louise Hiebert (Mexico) and Ernie Koop (Aylmer, Ont.). The church ha.s regular Sunday school (9:45) and morning worship (10:45). On October 19 they gathered to choose a new leader to take over from Mr. Dyck (see Nov. 4/83 Messenger “Choosing a Leader”). There were two candidates, Mr. Glen Koop and Mr. Milton Fast, both from their midst. The lot fell to Mr. Fast. He will assume leadership on January 1, 1984. 1 was also curious to know why John and Erna were leaving. “We sensed,” said John, “that our time with the church was coming to an end and that God had a different ministry for us ... he was preparing us for a different work.” In fact, they had felt from the start at the EFC that their stay would be

temporary. The new pastor, Milton Fast, who will step in on January 1, is presently associate ex ecutive secretary of the Board of Missions. He has had former pastorates at Kleefeld, Man. and Swift Current, Sask. He has been

with the Board of Missions for some six years. He and his wife Gladys are charter members of this congregation.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Leona Dueck Penner is MCC co representative MCC, Swaziland/Mozambique, Africa. The Penners plan to be home on leave in December and January. Their ad dress will be Box 123, Blumenort, Man. ROA OCO. Fred and Irene Buhler (Endeavour) are serving under the EMC Board of Missions in Paraguay. Edmar and Alvina Fast (Blumenort) are involved in church planting in El Paso and Juarez. Erna Plett (Treesbank) is a student at the Rio Grande Bible Institute where she is studying the Spanish language. COVER: Top left: Mother and baby in refugee camp in Mozambique. Right: Church and Finances seminar, November 19, in Winnipeg. Bottom: Evangelical Fellowship Church, Steinbach, Man.

Nursery class at the EFC. Debbie Penner is the teacher.

Frank Toews (left) with an adult Sunday school class at the Evangelical Fellowship Church.

DECEMBER 2, 1983

Primary Sunday school teacher, Candace Sawatzky, with her class.

Whatever it is, it must be interesting! Jake Loeppky (left) with John Reimer (center) and John Kornelsen.

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Henry Friesen, Virden, Man. chaired the Church and Finances seminar as well as hav ing one workshop.

Church and Finances Seminar PEOPLE FROM some 24 EMC churches converged on the Braeside E.M. Church on November 19 to attend the “Church and Finances” seminar sponsored by the EMC Board of Finance. Si.xty-six people registered. “Christianity i.s a practical thing,” said

Allan Friesen of the Fort Garry E.M. Church as he spoke in the opening devotional. He believes we can choose who we want to be by what we put into our brains. It is impor tant what we put into our minds. Thi.s then also has a bearing on our financial decisions. Henry Friesen, Virden, who chaired the seminar, confessed that when he had con sidered registrations the day before he had wondered about the wisdom of calling this meeting! In other words, he was gratified at the people who had shown up. A reason for a meeting like this, according to Friesen, is that “money has an impact on every part of our lives.” He claims that 60-70% of family problems are directly related to money in some way. He also feels that if we go to lawyers and bankers when we are in trouble we should also go to pastors or brothers in the church. We need to ask for advice and be willing to give advice. How can the church help people who are in financial trouble? Dan W'arkentin, a deacon and farmer from Landmark, who was a workshop participant, believes in con tacting other people. “We have people in our churches who have money. Ask them to help.” He believes the church can also en courage its members to help those who are in need. He also warned that we should be careful to check our own attitudes and not wait, to our advantage, until the axe falls. He feels it is also important that we be discreet in our helping so that people will not lose their selfrespect. Mr. Levi Brandt, Rosenort EMC, in the same workshop. Financial Counselling and Assistance, gave some case studies where he as a member of the Credit Council Commit tee of their church had been able to give ad vice and guidance. He said his involvement begins when people come for help. The third person involved in thi.s workshop was Herman Loewen, an insurance salesman with Imperial Life in Winnipeg and former ly owner and manager of Loewen Chev Old.s in Steinbach.

Sid Reimer, Lakeview Insurance Agencies, Winnipeg, and Harold Petkau, Mennonite Foundation of Canada, conducted a workshop on Promoting the Stewardship of Accumulated Possessions. According to Sid, what they wanted to do in this workshop was to “encourage all of us to develop a greater appreciation for planning.” Mr. Petkau went a step farther and said he hoped they could convey the urgency in volved in estate planning. He also offered to visit our churches if he were invited. Mr. Henry Friesen had a workshop on Charities and Government Regulations. Among other things, he distributed an “In formation Circular” on Registered Charities pointing out bits of pertinent information from it.s contents. “A registered charily,” the book says, “may not issue official donation receipts for donations which have been designated by the donor to be for the use or benefit of a par ticular individual.” An important statement in the brochure concerned failure to file. “Failure to file an nual returns is cause for revocation of a charity’s registration.” One section of the book emphasized that “certain types of payments made to charities do not qualify as donations and are not deductible for income tax purposes.” Among these are “amount.s received by loose collection, i.e., where a particular donor can not be identified a.s having made a particular donation.” Among other things not acceptable is

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Registering for Church and Finances seminar at the November 19 meeting in the Braeside Church, Winnipeg.

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Lloyd Dueck (standing), of Steinbach, also in the EMC Board of Finance, had a workshop on computers.

THE MESSENGER

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* V Levi Brandt (right), Rosenort, together with Dan Warkentin and Herman Loewen at a workshop on financiai counseiiing and assistance.

“donation of services” or donations of mer chandise, old clothes, furniture, etc. Stewardship Education in the Church was the title for Mr. Hugo Peters’ workshop. Mr. Peters is a member of the Bethel Mennonite Church, coordinator of special stewardship programs.

Mr. Kai Madsen conducted a workshop on Receipting and Disbursement Systems. Kai is a member of the Lutheran church and District Manager of Manitoba for McBee.

Lloyd Dueck, Steinbach, is a member of the EMC Board of Finance. Lloyd had a workshop on Computers. He outlined the method of computerizing the church receip ting and check writing system. The follow ing appeared in one of Mr. Dueck’s handouts: “Called ‘the revolution of the 80s’ by some, computers are earning a byte-by-byte niche in the church office. As computers have shrunk in size and price, church ad ministrative people have become aware of its

Hugo Peters talked about stewardship education in the church at the recent Church and Finances workshop.

potential to assist treasurers, church Worthy of mention also would be the secretaries and pastors in their respon labour of love of the ladies in serving the sibilities. Computers not only reduce the time , Saturday lunch and the morning coffee it takes to do an ever-increasing amount of ' break. paper work, but they also serve to standar Mr. Henry Friesen’s comment on the dize and install discipline in areas such as seminar was, “I was very pleased.” The donation receipting and accounting. Now, response, he felt, was “very good.” Dave Scheitenberg when the office of church treasurer is transferred from one treasurer to the next, the books would take on the personality of the new treasurer. With the computer system the quality of the bookkeeping always re mains the same. “Time is a precious treasure, especially Important notice to those who when the treasurer’s job is a gratis one. purchased a stewardship kit Research has shown that computer will pay at the workshop for itself if it can save 400 hours of time a year . . .” Part E of the Kit includes information A survey conducted at the seminar show regarding U.S. income taxes and dona ed 55 in favour of having another seminar tions. Please ignore this. Obtain profes in a year. Thirty indicated that they wished sional advice if you have questions about to have another one in two years. Canadian income taxes and donations. The EMC Board of Finance would also like you to submit topics of discussion for future workshops.

I I A workshop on receipting and disbursement systems was con ducted by Kai Madsen.

DECEMBER 2, 1983

Sid Reimer (standing) and Harold Petkau, both of Winnipeg, had a workshop on promoting stewardship of accumulated possessions at the recent Church and Finances seminar.

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Missions dlinstnias J^rogram The Mennonite Elementary School, 26 Columbus Crescent (off Rouge Rd.), Winnipeg, presents their Christmas program: Wednesday, December 14 7:00 p.m. You are cordially invited to attend.

A baptismal service took place at Capitancu6 in Paraguay on October 9.

PARAGUAY

Fourteen Baptized A Day of Thanksgiving While the church in Canada was reflecting on God’s goodness on the Thanksgiving weekend, we in the Caaguazu area were also thanking God for the evidence of His work here. October 9 dawned warm and sunny in answer to our prayers. This fine spring day was very special for the congregations of Cantera Boca, Caaguazu and Capitancue. Fourteen people had requested baptism so the three groups were joining for a baptism and communion service. Abe Giesbrechts had guided the preparation for the services and a noon meal which we all shared. By 9:30 a.m. about ninety people had gathered and a hearty song service began. Testimonies, devotional talks and prayer

followed. Il didn’t matter that half of the ser vice was in Spanish and half in Guarani, because we were all united in the same Spirit. We had living evidence that the Lord is building His church, and rejoiced together. About 4:00 p.m., with a time of rich fellowship and blessing encouraging us, we parted for our individual homes. We covet your prayers for these new members who battle with old habits, opposi tions from relatives and friends, and the temptation to seek a way that’s easier than following Christ faithfully. Not every day brings a mountaintop experience, but we trust that times like October 9, 1983 will live on in the memories of the believers here as a day of special blessing and spiritual refreshment. Fred Buhler

EDINBURG.TEXAS

God is For Us Thank you, Lord Buenos dias, hermanos y hermanas en Cristo! (Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ!) “Pues que diremos a esto? Si Dios por nosotros, Quien contra nosotros?” (Romanos 8:31). Thank you. Lord, for a verse like this. It encourages me to know that you are with me here at the RGBI. Learning Spanish turns out to be quite an undertaking. Thank you for the little background I’ve had in Spanish as a child. It sure has been helpful. Looking back over the last three months I know I’ve learned a lot. From not knowing what to say when first being talked to by the Latin

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(Spanish) students, 1 am now able to carry on little conversations. Yes, Lord, you have helped me to pronounce individual letters, e.g., “a”, “g”, “rr”, etc., to understand some phonetic and grammar rules, and to understand a good part of the Spanish messages in chapel. It is great to realize that you are “for me” in learning Spanish, even when at times it’s tiresome and I feel like not caring. You know how complicated the Spanish language is with all its various verb tenses, etc. Knowing your promises are true, 1 know you will further encourage me in my studies and help me to apply myself diligently.

Thank you. Lord, for the practical work. I wouldn’t have guessed that I’d be cooking for as many as 80 people every second Sun day, together with one of my dorm-mates. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me the joy to serve my fellow Anglo and Latin students in this way. It is embarrassing when we run out of a certain dish before the line of hungry students is through, but I’m learning. And then, dear God, I want to thank you especially for all my precious friends here. They really helped to make me feel at home when 1 first arrived at RGBI. And Lord, you keep giving us wonderful times of fellowship and fun. Thanks a lot for our Singles’ Group. It is so good to hear the various testimonies of how you have led in their lives. And still. Lord, you are with us and for us. We all have different obligations and needs and you provide for us accordingly. Thank you, God, for today. You made it for me to enjoy. Thank you for the many blessings that are in it for me. Your child, Erna Plett

EL PASO, TEXAS

Open Doors for Witnessing Friendship Bible Coffee When we moved to McConnell St. I had mixed feelings. I asked myself, “Will 1 find doors to witness?’’ We started Good News Club and slowly got acquainted with some mothers of the children that attended the club. Maria and Dolores (sisters) were among the first ones who came to my house to study God’s Word. They were quite excited about it, but the classes were interrupted when we went to Canada for Edmar’s operation, and later were discontinued. Two years ago, after visiting and getting acquainted with more mothers, Maria, Pilar, and Armida were three new ladies who started coming to Bible classes. This was a Continued on page 9

THE MESSENGER

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Christian Education Resources Prepared by Walter Reimer EVENTS

A friendship Bible coffee in El Paso with Alvina Fast (on right).

Continued from page 8 very regular class and the ladies learned a lot. Even though they knew little of God’s Word, they memorized verses and made their own notes. Maria and Armida both accepted Christ shortly after we started. They are at tending church regularly and Maria has been baptized. We studied John, Philippians, and I John during this time. Three other ladies wanted to join us but couldn’t come in the evening, so we had another class in the mor ning. After two studies Juana accepted Christ. She is also attending church services now. Celia prayed to receive Christ together with her husband when Edmar studied with them one evening. During the summer months we decided to combine these two classes, but to my disappointment, Celia and Juana stopped coming after just a few studies. Early this fall Anita asked for a Bible study. I had contacts with Aurora and was

waiting for an opportunity to invite her to a study. I was delightfully surprised when she came walking half a mile with her big Bible under her arm. She has shown real interest. Recently she brought another friend, An tonia, who has many questions, and seems to be searching. Barbra is in her 70s and comes sometimes too. Also Celia and Juana have rejoined the group again and now are regular. Maria and her sister Lola are now com ing back too. At present we have eight ladies enrolled. Many of these ladies have perhaps never opened their Bibles, so our studies are very elementary. It is exciting to see so many neighbour ladies with a hunger for God’s Word. You can have a big part in this work by praying for the salvation of these ladies who want to know and find Christ personally and teach the Word to their children too. Alvina Fast

Mission Grams Mexico (border news) Edmar Fast came to Manitoba in October to be here when their son, Jerry, had open heart surgery in Winnipeg. The operation took place November 21, and we are happy to report that the operation was successful and that Jerry is quickly recuperating. Three Good News Clubs have been started and are quite well attended. Parents of new children coming are being contacted.

Saskatoon Dave Dueck reports of numerous opportunities to share Christ in his prison chaplaincy work. Recently four contacts came to know Christ as Lord and Saviour. He is having Bible studies with these new converts.

DECEMBER 2, 1983

•A FAMILY CAMP will be held at Red Rock Bible Camp, December 30, 1983 January 2, 1984. The devotional speaker for this weekend is Ed Friesen, EMC Conference Pastor. Brochures are available at the Conference Office or from Red Rock Bible Camp, Box 790, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0. •A MINI BIBLE SCHOOL will be con ducted at Camp Arnes by the Janz Team Ministries, January 8-27, 1984. This three-week program is especially prepared for laypeople who are free for a short period of study. Both ministries and Bi ble content courses are included. Brochures and further information are available from the Conference Office or Janz Team Ministries, 201-2121 Hender son Hwy., Winnipeg, Man., R2G 1P8, (204) 334-0055.

BOOKS LEARNING IS CHANGE by Martha Leypoldt is an inspiring treatment of how adults learn. Well laid out with charts, summaries, outlines, and exercises, this book is a versatile educational tool. Adult and youth Sunday school teachers should find the wide variety of learning ex periences suggested stimulating and useful. AN EFFECTIVE SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT by Kenneth O. Gangel is a helpful 64-page booklet describing the tasks of the Sunday school superintendent. Easy to read and full of ideas for improving the Sunday school, this book should prove to be a real encouragement. AUDIO VISUALS TO YOUTH WITH LOVE and WORTH EVERY MINUTE are the titles of filmstrip/cassette sets for the Teacher Development Series put out by Scripture Press Ministries. For teachers of youth and primaries respectively, they would be an excellent supplement for a meeting of teachers in the young teens/youth and the primary/junior Sunday school depart ments. The materials are instructional and deal enthusiastically with the needs of the specific age groups. Remember the Christmas filmstrips and films 1 listed in The Messenger, Oc tober 21, 1983? Consider these in plann ing your Christma.s emphasis this year. Write or phone: EMC Board of Educa tion and Publication, Box 1268, Stein bach, Man. ROA 2A0, (204) 326-6401.

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Messenger News ing “Should God?” Fred Friesen of Didsbury, Alberta, and former “Rosenorter,” served as our main speaker. He dealth with the following topics: “Be a God-watcher” (see what God is doing in the world today); “Is God’s Word Totally Trustworthy?”; “Are the Heathen Really Lost Without Christ?”; “Are We Investing in People?” (Do we care for our brother?); “Witnessing Joyfully” (Psalm 51:12,13); “God’s Redemptive Plan from Genesis to Revelation.” Reporting on missions from the various fields were Abe Koop, Brazil; Doris Friesen, Nicaragua; Harvey Plett, Board of Missions report; Doug Doerksen, Paraguay; Agnes Friesen (CSSM), Winnipeg; and Alvira Friesen, Panama. Most of these used slides to show us their adopted countries. May the impact of this convention remain with us.

Baptismal service at the Rosenort church on August 21. Left to right; Gilbert Alarie, Kerry Brandt, Chester Bartel, Myron Loewen.

BACK TO THE BIBLE QUARTET APPRECIATED

Rosenort, Man.: A series of expositional messages on 1 John are well underway at our church services. This book is just full of doc trinal truths and practical applications that cannot fail to bear fruit in the life of a sincere Christian. It also helps us to recognize false teachings: for example, see three denials made by false teachers in chapter one, verses 5 to 10. The Ladies’ Fellowship had a career even ing on October 4, getting to know our local career girls better, as well as learning about their joys and sorrows. For their November meeting they had invited Mrs. Gerry Doerksen to speak on depression and men tal illness. Our Thanksgiving program was held the evening of October 14, with the young peo ple bringing most of the items, including a skit about the ten lepers. This was followed by the film, “The Blessed Hope,” in which a young Christian is tortured for his faith, which nevertheless grows stronger in the crucible of pain. The evening’s offering went for better programming facilities at Radio ZP-30, Paraguay. The College and Career group’s Bible study recently dealt with “Secret Christiani ty.” Other topics have been equally thought provoking lately, and the attendance is very good. The youth group drove to Woodlands on October 25 to sing at the Manor Home there.

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Paul Loewen brought a sermonette. On October 16 we had an evening service featuring the Back to the Bible quartet. The church was packed with an appreciative au dience. The leader of the group mentioned apologetically that they would be singing one “rock” song, and that Mr. Epp had given his consent. It proved to be a song honour ing our Rock, Jesus Christ! Don Clark of the Leprosy Mission visited us on October 30, sharing his concern for the 15 million lepers living today. Saddest of all seemed to be the case of the beautiful young woman who was deserted by her husband because she had a start of leprosy. Mr. Clark also showed a film, “Freedom from Bon dage,” in which the Thai people and their leper hospitals were featured. Mrs. John H. Reimer’s 90th birthday fell on November 3, and Mr. John K. Loewen’s 80th came four days later. Both celebrated their special day with an “open house” on Sunday, November 6. Both are still fairly ac tive, although Mrs. Reimer’s home is at the Eventide. Mr. John Warkentin’s 80th birth day fell on November 13. They also had an “open house” which was attended by most of their children and many friends. Walter Duecks of Rossburn (daughter Nita) felt privileged to be there (following her major surgery in Brandon recently.) Our missions convention was held from November 9-13 with the general theme be-

POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS MEET “Relating Your Faith to the Disciplines (Studies)” was the topic for Stan Plett’s talk at the recent EMC post-secondary student meeting at the University of Manitoba. He began by portraying those Christian students who “compartmentalize” their lives. They never get out of the salt shaker. He pointed out that John R. Stott speaks of them as the “rabbit hole Chris tians.” Others may compartmentalize their lives by default, a kind of keeping up a nominal “Sunday Christian” life. Mr. Plett charged the assembled group to “become educated Christians” life. Mr. Plett charged the assembled group to “become educated Christians,” developing both spiritually and academically. Our world view is theistic. At the same time we need to recognize other presuppositions in order to solve our own dilemmas. For instance, the presupposi tions of science will not destroy our faith. He maintains that our Biblical world view is a real key to integration and we need to apply this world view to any studies. “Out of this kind of integrated Christianity will come your life.” Stan’s talk was followed by a question period and supper. After supper there was another more informal gathering for shar ing. A show of hands indicated that they would like another meeting. Stan Plett is the pastor of the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, Rosenort, Man. Mr. Walter Reimer, newly assigned to our Christian Education ministry, chaired the meeting, closing with a brief challenge from the Word.

THE MESSENGER

Child dedication. October 30, at Mount Salem, Ontario. Left to right: Menno Kroeker (pastor), Tina and Peter L. Klassen with Melissa and Brian, Peter W. and Tina Klassen with Adam, Susanna and baby Joseph. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL A HIGHLIGHT

Aylmer, Onl.: Vacation Bible School was an ex citing highlight for our church at Mount Salem, July 4-8. All 57 children enrolled enjoyed the lessons centered on the theme, “Lord of Pro mises.” Peter W. Klassen gave able leadership while Ernie Koop, Ruth Peters. Tina Peters and Chris Klassen were the regular teachers. Kathy Klassen, Anne Klassen, Tina Krahn, Annie Klassen, Don Kroeker and Dorothy Kroeker were the helpers for the different classes. The memory work game and the hearty singing made the evening special. “I’ve Got the Libeny” and our theme song “Lord of Promises” were everyone’s favourites. We are confident the Word sown will bear fruit. Rather than resorting to some local park, we held our annual Sunday school picnic on our church grounds on July 17. The morning worship service consisted of several special numbers by the Lome Kornelsen family and the message by Rev. Johnny Loewen. The Loewens, as well as the Kornelsens, both of the Rosenort EMC, passed through here on their vacations. The service was' followed by an outdoor meal, races, a game of baseball and mini Olympics. We believe that the big maple trees on our church yard made it one of the nicer EMC church premises. Menno Kroeker served with meetings in Seminole from September 25 to October 2. He visited the Jake Kroeker family in El Paso enroute.

Another annual event was our Thanksgiving supper of soup and pie. This was followed by a program of thanksgiving - singing, sharing, special numbers and Scripture readings by our young teens. Is our thanksgiving also backed up with thankful living? October 15 was an important day in that it marked the first MCC Relief Auction Sale which was conducted by the local Mennonite community. The proceeds of almost $9,000.00 went to help pay for the outstanding debt on the Aylmer Mennonite Community Store which was purchased last fall and has been in operation for almost a year now. FALL HIGHLIGHTS

Pansy, Man.: The annual Sunday school picnic held on August 21 at the Grunthal Park was a real success, although it threatened to get rained out for awhile. Beginning with an outdoor morning service, then a barbecue dinner, games, fun time, treats and finally ‘family’ baseball games, all of it drew good interest from the well over 100 participants. A fall highlight in our church was the Thanksgiving dinner on October 9. The hot meal, contributed to by every family, was served buffet style and the line-up never stopped until all 150 people were well fed. The service which followed

Ernie Koop leading the singing, with Ruth Peters at the piano, at Mount Salem DVBS.

DECEMBER 2, 1983

was meaningful, on the theme of “Will you say ‘thank you’ for someone or something you haven’t usually thanked for?” Many shared, some in tears and all with deep feeling. Later, at the end of October, we had a series of deeper life meetings on the book of Ephesians. Speaker was Rev. Glenn Koop from the SBC. Thank you, Glenn, for the uplifting services. While we do not usually report people’s holiday ing adventures here, we have two families whose special vacation may be worth sharing at this time. The Tony Tesarskies, representing Fair Acre Farms, were chosen to attend a conference in Austria. This included some extra time for ‘holidays’ which took them to Switzerland and Germany as well, and has added up to an exciting and unusual vacation. The George Wiebes are away to southern Africa where they are visiting Esther’s sister and brother-in-law, the Joe Reimers. We will be looking forward to hearing about their experiences shortly. OBSTACLES TO MISSIONS

Kola, Man.: Our annual missions conference took place November 13-16 with Lester Olfert as our main speaker. Other missionaries who participated were Ellen Brell (Pakistan), Abe Koop (Brazil), Doris Friesen (Nicaragua), Dick Friesen (prison chaplain). Milton Fast (EMC Board of Missions), Peter Friesen and Doug and Sandra Doerksen (Paraguay). Sunday afternoon two mission films were shown, “And it was good soup” and “Islam: Unlocking the Door.” The faspa that followed featured foods from Nicaragua, Paraguay, and, of course, Canada. Special music was a part of each service. A men’s prayer breakfast took place Tuesday morning and a ladies’ meeting was held Tuesday afternoon. The young people also had a special time after the Tuesday night service as they met for an informal gathering with the missionaries. This year the children again took up their own offering each evening. Their special project was to supply a young heifer to the Paraguayan In dians with whom Doug and Sandra Doerksen are working. The cost of one heifer is $100.00. Im agine the surprise and excitement when the final total reached $221.46! Then came the fun part of naming these two heifers. After some nominations and voting the names Frisky and Calico were chosen. We will be waiting for reports on these two important heifers. Interest in our missions conference was evident by the good attendance at each session.

One of the DVBS classes, with Tina Peters as teacher, at the Mount Salem church.

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1 j

SERVICES WITH HARVEY PLETT APPRECIATED

Mennville, Man.: On October 9 we had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, followed by a program con sisting of voluntary items. This included sharing testimonies, poems, and group, as well as con gregational, singing. The services we had with Bro. Harvey Plett from November 4-6 were a beautiful continuation of the Thanksgiving blessings we shared. Some of his topics were “Selective Sinners” (categorizing sins); “Open Your Mouth Wide” (the abundant life); and “What Do You Have When You Have Salva tion?” His excitement about these Bible truths and some personal illustrations brought about a real enriching series of messages. Mr. Plett had a short talk at the Men’s Breakfast on November 5. By giving examples from Martin Luther’s life, he told of the importance of our deci sions to do right and the far-reaching effect that these decisions have.

A TRIBUTE

Portage la Prairie, Man.: Greetings from the Por tage EMC! Many lhing.s have happened since the last writing. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Pastor Nelson on the passing of his wife An na. Thanks be to God, He is faithful and has a purpose for our lives. Even when to us everything seems to be falling apart, God is there and in con trol, keeping our life together. Pastor Nelson is a man we must pay tribute to, a man of never-ending concern and love for others and a great man of prayer. You are very much needed and loved in the church. Thank you for always being there and putting others before yourself. Also our deepest sympathies go to Mrs. Helen Enns on the death of her husband, Ben. Our prayers are with you; may you feel God’s nearness at this time. It is always refreshing to see growth and we give a very warm welcome to our new members. On July 31 Mary Morrison, Denise Epp and Sharon Epp transferred their membership to the Portage EMC. On November 20 Kelly Voth, Corissa Letkeman, Abe and Susan Dyck and Ed and Maryann Dyck joined the membership. Kelly and Corissa were also baptized at this time. May you feel the responsibility and joys that come with membership. Our blessing and prayerse are with Denise Epp who has left for missionary work at the Black Forest Academy in Germany where she is teaching music. A great time of fellowship and spiritual renewal was experienced at our Family Camp, September 2-5. The speaker was Rev. Jake Froese of Win nipeg. His messages on “Mature Family Living” were inspiring and convicting. October 13-16 we had deeper life meetings with Rev. John Friesen of Saskatoon. Part of this week was a Thanksgiving meal where Rev. Friesen im pressed on us the importance of being thankful for what we have. As the Christmas season is fast approaching, let us remember the joy of the birth of Christ and let us centre our Christmas on Him.

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Baptism and membership service at the Pleasant Valley church. Back row (left to right): Wally Friesen, Gerald Reimer, Ed Rempel. Front (left to right): Kim Friesen, Vai Cornelsen, Shelly Reimer, Jan Rempel. Ed and Jan were accepted for membership by transfer. BAPTISMAL SERVICE HELD

Pleasant Valley, Man.: Our church family retreat was again held at the Living Fountain Bible Camp. Despite “soggy” conditions we all enjoyed the fellowship and the timely, lively messages brought by our speaker, Doug Reader of Swan River. DVBS was held at St. Daniels and Sanford this summer. Workers were Kathy Bartel, Helen Friesen, Vai Cornelsen, Arlene, Pam and Rosaline Rempel, Connie Reimer, Barb Loewen and Lena Harder. The closing program in Sanford was really impressive. A big group and such hearty singing! Two weeks of camp were held, also at Living Fountain Bible Camp. The speakers were Elmer and Elvira Warkentin and Rev. C.B. Loewen for the first week and Pastor F. Friesen for the second week. Involved also was Brian Friesen as co ordinator, counsellors Audrey Reimer, Joan Loewen, Randall and Mark Friesen, and a few of those mentioned above (DVBS). We shared the joy of Elwyn and Annette’s baby girl born to them in August, a sister for Davie and Jeff. Fall brings changes not only to our transform ed landscape but also in our youth leaving for schools. While we delight to see them go for more intense Bible or secular studies, we miss them in our regular services. When trying to round out committees, the church choir, or even singing groups, we certainly notice their absence. Chuck and Wendy Loewen are at the U. of M., Cheryl Cornelsen at BBC (Sask.), Mark Friesen at CBl (B.C.), Audrey Reimer, Kathy Bartel and Joan Loewen at Winnipeg Bible College, and Randall Friesen at Steinbach Bible College. We look for-

ward to seeing all of you home for Christmas. We hope you can take part in the carolling. Our fall baptismal service was held September 4. Rev. Bert Kornelsen had the message. Can didates were Vai Cornelsen (Jake C.), Shelly Reimer (Leo R.), Kim Friesen (Frank F.), Gerald Reimer (Leo R.), and Wally Friesen (Jac. F.). Ed and Jan Rempel were accepted into our member ship by transfer. A hearty welcome to this en thusiastic young couple! Ed and Joy Loewen with their two children left again for Pakistan after a year’s furlough. They report back of many adjustments to be made again. Our prayerful support stands behind them. Reg Rempel, son of John L. Rempels, was or dained into the ministry September 1 by the Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattenooga, Tennessee. Reg and Kim are now going out as evangelists to the deaf under the mission board of BIML Our church always feels a personal interest in their ministries. Dave and Susie Eidse, missionaries to Mexico, flew here for a short visit to see their mother and get acquainted with their new granddaughter. Dave’s message on October 23 was much ap preciated. It was the right start for our deeper life meetings conducted by Walter Reimer and the mis sion Conference with Lester Olfert, beginning Thursday of the same week. To highlight that week there was a men’s breakfast on Saturday, a ladies’ meeting that after noon, with combined sessions that evening. The conference came to a close on Sunday.

APPRECIATION NIGHT HELD Creslview (Winnipeg): On October 30 four new members were accepted into our congregation. Rhonda Kornelsen, Garry Muir, Lome Esau and Vernon Klassen were baptized upon the confes sion of their faith. As fellow believers in Christ, may we encourage them to grow spiritually and also to accept new responsibilities God has planned for them. Campout ’83 was held September 2-5 at Red Rock Bible Camp with 57 full-time and four parttime campers in attendance. The weekend was fill ed with sunshine and pleasant temperatures, allow ing us to enjoy various outdoor activities including canoeing, rowboating, swimming and horseshoes. The waler skiers attracted almost as many spec tators as the ever popular baseball games. The weekend proved to be relaxing and spiritual ly uplifting. Pastor Neufeld shared thoughts on “Unity” throughout the devotionals, and our theme song was appropriately chosen, “We are One in the Spirit.” A film “The Deceiver” was viewed on Satur day evening with emphasis on the reality of demons. It revealed that even Christians deny or

minimize their importance. However, Satan is very active in the lives of those bound for heaven. The thoughts and ideas expressed in this film encourag ed us to examine our own lives and ensure that Christ is the One in control. An Appreciation Service was held on September 18 in honour of our former pastor, Ben Friesen, and his wife Henrietta. We also took this oppor tunity to say farewell to John and Tina Schmidt who have left us and moved to Morden. An even ing program was planned which included singing of choruses, several special numbers, and our guest speaker was Harvey Barkman of Prairie Grove. He recaptured the early days when Ben and Henrietta first started out in the ministry and the good times they shared. At fellowship coffee was served in the lower auditorium at which time words of appreciation were expressed for the eight years the Ben Friesens ministered at Crestview. Several individuals shared how Mr. Friesen had helped them personally in crisis situations. We wish them the Lord’s leading and blessings as they have taken up residence in Steinbach.

THE MESSENGER

H 1.

Graduation banquet at Vanderhoof. John Wiebe and Leane Unrau are the first graduates from the private school there. MISSIONARIES REPORT

Vanderhoof, B.C. John Wiebe and Leane Unrau were the first two students to graduate from our private school in June. We all enjoyed the missionary conference in our church September 25-27. Participating speakers were Milton and Gladys Fast (Steinbach, Man.), Doug Doerksen (Paraguay), Pete and Betty Friesen (Paraguay), and Lester and Darlene Olfert, who have spent several terms in Nicaragua. Each one gave us a very informative report about his work. We were challenged and brought to an awareness of the need of missionaries in all parts of the world. A potluck supper was a highlight of our con ference, with many attending for the close fellowship with our visiting missionaries. Our annual Thanksgiving supper of turkey and ham with all the trimmings was well attended on October 10. Following the supper we had a pro gram of voluntary items and sharing on thankfulness. Our Christian Day School is going fairly well this year. We are happy to have Jonathan Toews of Swift Current serving as a full-time monitor, P.E. teacher, and in many other areas in the church, as well as entertaining us with his violin music. On October 30 Marianne Reimer was received into our fellowship as a member and Jonathan Toews as associate member. We are always thankful for new members and both have already been a great asset to our church and school. Mrs. Marianne Reimer is serving as full-time supervisor

Peter and Betty Friesen (foreground) are happy to be with long-time friends at the mis sionary conference in Vanderhoof.

in our Day School. For our Christian Endeavour program on Oc tober 20 we had the Covenant Players act out Bi ble themes. They are an international team of ac tors, travelling from place to place proclaiming God’s message. We were also very enthused during our special

meetings with Henry Unrau. He is well known in this area since the middle 50s when he first started coming to Vanderhoof as a special speaker. We had a fair number of visitors during our mis sionary conference and also for our Thanksgiv ing supper and program. Among our visitors were the John Koops of Kola, Man.

Darlene and Lester Olfert (centre back), Nicaragua, at the Vanderhoof missions conference.

Pastor John Koop and wife Clara don’t seem to mind being busy in the kitchen when help is needed.

The food committee at the Vanderhoof church looking after final preparations for the feast.

HARRY PERCY SPEAKS AT MISSIONS CONFERENCE

Baptismal service at the Fort Garry EMC. . Pastor Al Friesen and Paul Klassen.

LEADERSHIP SEMINARS HELD

Fort Garry, Man.: The Fort Garry E.M. Church is again experiencing a full house every Sunday morning. A building program is set for the spring of 1984. It is very satisfying to see so many young people attending and making themselves at home in our church. On February 13 we had the joyous occasion of the baptism of one of our young people. Paul, son of Glen and Betty Klassen, was baptized and ac cepted into the church. We have also had several baby dedications: Perry, son of Lawrence and Martha Giesbrecht; Charles, son of Marvin and Evelyn Koop; and Greg and Dale, twin sons of Rob and Irmgard Neufeld. The pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 23, put on by the youth group, was a real success. The 150 pancakes served kept the teenagers hopping, but the smiles when donations were tallied said it was all worthwhile. Four of the young people plus the youth leaders, Russ and Kathryn Loewen, at tended Abundant Springs Regina. In June the entire church group spent a marvelously refreshing weekend at Long Bow Lake. Art Neufeld of Kola was our camp speaker. It was a cool blustery day on September 11 for our Sunday school picnic but we had a good time together at the church in spite of the weather. Good food, lots of games, and much visiting kept the children and adults happy. We have been having leadership seminars at the church. The first one wa.s a talk by James Nikkei on Biblical Patterns of Church Leadership. The second one was presented by Harvey Plett, a com prehensive and interesting account of the history of leadership in the Kleingemeinde and the E.M. Conference. The final talk was by Ed Friesen, E.M. Conference pastor, outlining various pat terns of leadership found in our present day EMC churches. On October 16 the College and Career group invited the whole congregation to join them in a potluck supper at the church. Later they presented us with a delightful program of music, testimonies and song. It was an evening of warm fellowship.

PAGE 14

Kleefeld, Man.: “And you shall be my witnesses.” God has chosen you and me to be His messengers. He is counting on us to fulfill this all-important commission. Our hearts were stirred anew towards greater dedication to carry out this command, as we absorbed the various messages during our mis sionary conference held October 29-November 1. We started out with an early Prayer Breakfast which was most delicious and most efficiently serv ed. An even greater treat was having Bouazza and Hefida Mesrour as our guest speakers. They are originally from Morocco but are presently based in Spain. Their work with the Muslims is extremely difficult. The Muslims are very hostile and suspicious of any religion other than their own. Their belief is that Mohammed was a more im portant man than Jesus. They pray five times a day at regular intervals, starting at 3:00 a.m. However, a breakthrough has occurred by the distribution of Bible correspondence courses, and many have come to know the Lord, to which Bouazza replied, “Praise the Lord!” Ellen Brell is a secretary at the Bach Christian Hospital in Pakistan and also working with the Muslims. She reported that 98% of the people in Pakistan are Muslims with very little or no educa tion. An effective way to present the Gospel is by cassette tapes. Many have responded in a positive way. Many would like to respond, but are afraid of persecution from their families or their church. Ellen requested special prayer for those that would like to respond to the Gospel, but are tormented by this haunting fear of exposure and ridicule. Our main speaker during the four-day con ference was Rev. Harry Percy. He too is involved with Muslims (in Nigeria) and his theme was “Go Ye.” He opened his Bible to Genesis 12 and, together with Abraham, we started out on a long pilgrim journey leading to the Promised Land. We too must act in faith, like Abraham, even though the pathway is sometimes covered with thorns. Move forward. And remember, keep your eyes on the Promiser, said Rev. Percy, and not so much on the promises. The Sewing Circle serves a vital part in missions. Mere words of “God bless, and stay warm,” are not sufficient. Like Abraham, we must act on our faith, and sew warm blankets, baby bundles and bandages and send them gift-wrapped with God’s love to the “uttermost parts of the world.” Before

our Sunday evening service began, our church family gathered for a fellowship supper, sponsored by the Sewing Circle. First on the program that evening were Doug and Sandra Doerksen who are involved with evangelism and community development among the Indians in East Paraguay. Doug began with John 1:6, “There was a man sent from God.” Why? “That all men might believe.” Rev. Percy continued with the life of Abraham and how he lived a life of separation (“Come out from among them.”). The song “Love Became Man” portrayed special meaning on Monday night. Abe Koop, mis sionary to Brazil for the past 33 years, emphasiz ed that we should live missions. He went on to say that if every Christian would have fulfilled his obligation in witnessing, the world today would be evangelized. Rev. Percy again caught up with Abraham as he journeyed along, and we found this man of faith in deep trouble, as chapter 14 tells us, but God strengthened Abraham spiritually and physically through Melchizedek, and gave him a glorious victory in battle. We too must learn to crucify our “whys” and learn to trust. Lester Olfert, who has been involved in leader ship training in Nicaragua, reported on Tuesday night. There are five churches there with 230 bap tized believers. Lester asked us to pray for growth and strength within the churches, as well as among national leadership. “Have you ever thought of the cost of not following Jesus?” asked Rev. Percy during his last message. The ultimate test for Abraham came when he was asked to sacrifice his son. His sur render to God was total, absolute and complete. If we are treated unfairly, how do we react? Lawrence Eck, a lawyer from Albuquerque, New Mexico, gave us some sound advice during our morning service on November 13. Mr. Eck is in volved in a most unusual and beneficial program called “Christian Reconciliation.” It all came about during his time of legal practice when he came to realize that winning lawsuits was not fulfilling, but left a person empty and without meaning. After surrendering his life to the Lord, he felt a growing concern to help Christians settle their disputes within the church rather than in court. We thank Mr. Eck for sharing this impor tant ministry with us. We know it’s important because Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Guest speakers at the Kleefeld missionary conference. Lett to right: Abe Koop, Lester Olfert, Ellen Brell, Doug Doerksen, Rev. Harry Percy.

THE MESSENGER

Larry and Pearl Friesen were ordained to the ministry at the Morris church on November 13.

LARRY FRIESENS ORDAINED Morris, Man.: It was with great joy that many friends, relatives and fellow church members gathered on November 13 at 3:()0p.m. for the or dination of the Larry Friesens to the ministry. Opening remarks by Efnie Siemens included the reading of Romans 8:28, 35, 36. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called ac cording to his purpose.” Two appropriate special numbers in song were rendered by a group, “It Pays to Serve Jesus” and “1 am Thine for Service, Lord.” Yes, God needs all of us for His service, in a variety of ways. Ed Friesen of Kleefeld, the Conference pastor of the EMC, was the guest speaker. “As believers we are all marked people,” he said. “Expectations should be as high of other Christians as of those who are in the ministry.” He stressed the impor tance of spiritual leadership roles. Basing his message, “Charge to the Ministry,” on II Timothy 4:1-8, he encouraged Larry and Pearl to serve in three ways: 1) Preach the Word - Opportunities need to be taken as they come, but also look for oppor tunities, since the Holy Spirit guides other lives to cross our paths. Work as an evangelist. 2) Keep your head - Keep a perspective or keep the whole picture in mind. Difficulties are normal and not necessarily out of God’s will. “Instant discipleship” does not usually happen; it is pieceby-piece work that evangelizes. Also of great im portance is the balance of duties in correcting, rebuking and encouraging. Speak the truth in love. 3) Serve with a balance - Serve with all you’ve got but remember Christ’s work is never done and there’s a limit for one day. Be able to say, “For today the task is done” and then don’t feel guil ty. Keep a balance in the home and family life. Mr. Friesen further challenged the church fellowship to support Larry and Pearl’s ministry with respect, prayer and encouragement. Cornie Loewen, our pastor, spoke briefly on the words spoken by the Apostle Paul, “1 magnify my ministry ...” The ministry for the souls of men is a weighty responsibility. But it is an honourable God-given profession, laced with challenge. Five qualities needed by a minister are purity, humili ty, charity, chastity, and brevity. After the laying on of hands and the invocation by Cornie Loewen and Ed Friesen, Larry Friesen responded with some prayer requests and the

DECEMBER 2, 1983

reading of I Corinthians 2:1-5. Various ministers of other local churches gave words of encouragement and extended best wishes to Larry and Pearl. Tony Friesen made the clos ing remarks and ended with the poem, “May this Be Your Assurance.” Truly he “who does God’s work will get God’s pay.” “Jesus Christ - the Pattern for Missions” wa.s the theme for this year’s missionary conference held November 2-6. Featured guest speaker was Archie Penner, professor at the SBC. Over the four-day period he presented a series on missions in history. Missionaries from various mission fields were present as well each night giving us an insight into their work for the Lord. The first evening a group from the Rosenort EMC came out to bring us some special numbers in song, and Doris Friesen reported on her work in Nicaragua via slide pictures. For his opening message Mr. Penner used the passage in Matthew 28, speaking on the Great Commission. He brought out the historical part of missions. We are in the train of the early church. No person who is saved is saved outside of the church. Outside of the Body there is no salvation. And nobody is a missionary except he is an outreach of the church. This is our heritage — missions! The second night Milton Fast of the EMC Board of Missions challenged us to be an integral part of the missions outreach. We are all called, he said, to be a part of the whole picture of missions through prayer, giving and outreach efforts. The Neil Schellenberg family of the Rosenort Fellowship blessed us with their singing. Mr. Pen ner held our attention by comparing the open doors of missionary outreach of the Apostle Paul’s time to the facilities available to us today. The con trast is very great.

On Friday, the third night, a colourful film was shown, “Echoes of the Incas.” This was a wonder ful and moving story about how these people, once a proud intelligent people, were brought low and their spirit nearly broken because of the influence of alcohol. What a drastic change took place when Jesus Christ entered their lives! It was a real treat to have the Pleasant Valley men’s choir presenting special music and songs to the Lord during this service. Some interesting ques tions arose during Mr. Penner’s address: What made the early church tick? They had an immense compulsion to spread the gospel. Do we in any way measure up to their boldness, daring, dedication and commitment? Does the Bible promise wealth, health and easy living because we’re Christians? Will praying make our life get easier and easier? Were the prayers of the eleven disciples not such that God could surely have saved them from mar tyrdom? What a challenge? Would we dare duplicate the early church’s zealous endeavours to evangelize? On Sunday morning Linda Penner, a missionary nurse to Paraguay, reported on her work with a slide presentation. She took us along on her rounds and duties helping the Indians physically, thereby gaining confidence to also help them spiritually. The morning message dealt with the matter of money - offerings, gifts, tithes and sacrifices. Ac cording to Gal. 6:7 we have an awesome power and responsibilty towards the blessings we receive from God. It all depends on what we do with what we receive. Do we use it within His will? Mr. Pen ner spoke on the importance of a particular type of giving - koininia. It is a sharing in giving, a par ticipation in the lives of those to whom you give. Koininia giving means giving more than what you really can afford to give.

Abe Neufeld at Crestview spoke on “God as Redeemer” at the joint service of the EMC churches in Winnipeg.

“Face to Face” explored conflict in our lives. Here two wives try to move beyond the walls their husbands have built. JOINT SERVICE HELD Aberdeen (Winnipeg): “A great God demands a great people.” The message by Abe Neufeld of the Crestview Fellowship was shared with 300 people gathered August 14 at the St. Vital Park for what is said to be the first-ever joint outdoor service of Winnipeg EMC churches. “What is God doing today?” Mr. Neufeld ask ed. “We answer simply, He is calling out a peo ple for His Name . . . Will you add your voice and a word of testimony and praise to magnify His wonderful Name?” Allan Friesen of Fort Garry chaired the service. John Stoesz of Braeside read scripture. Musical ministry was provided by young people from Braeside, and Ray and Pat Plett from Crestview. “Face to Face,” an MCC (Man.) drama group, explored how conflict occurs and can be resolved in everyday life. Arnold Thiessen of Aberdeen closed the service in prayer, giving thanks for the food shared minutes later.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Advent Meditations TODAY we want to continue in our advent meditations and go to another two aspects of Christ’s coming: 1) the prophecies in the Old Testament and 2) the actual details relating to this event, including the birth of the forerunner, John the Baptist. December 11 Third Sunday in Advent In considering the prophecies pertaining to the first advent of Christ we need to go back to the first book of the Bible, Genesis. Already soon after the Fall we have the promise that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15). Going on, we come to the circumstances surrounding the call of Abram (Gen. 12:2,3) where God makes the promise, “ ... in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Later, after Abraham had been willing to offer Issac, and God sent a substitute, the promise is repeated. ”... in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou has obeyed my voice” (Gen. 22:18). It is obvious that this refers to much more than the nation of Israel. But how would this happen? What is meant by “thy seed”? Paul, writing to the Galatians, plainly says that this seed is Christ. “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not. And to seeds, as of many; but as of one. And to thy seed which is Christ” (Gal. 3:16). The promise, three times repeated to Abraham, was also given to both Isaac and Jacob. ”... in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 26:4). Genesis 28:14 repeats the pro mise to Jacob, ”... in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” God had a purpose and a goal and ”... when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son ...” (Gal. 4:4). But before that happened many other prophecies followed those given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The day of atonement (Lev. 16:7-10) is another picture of one who would one day come to bear the sin of the world. Aaron was to take two goats. “And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat.” In Numbers 24:17 we read, ”... there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel ...” This likely also points to a coming deliverer. Abraham was the founder of the nation through whom the Messiah would come. Some 1000 years later God establishes the family through whom Christ would be born. Ruth, the Moabitess, was the great-grandmother of David to whom it was said, “ . . . thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever ...” (2 Samuel 7:16). Peter, at Pentecost, sees no discrepancy in this promise. He recognizes that it is a prophecy of a future king, Christ (Acts 2:25-30), who would reign forever. Skipping a number of references we go to Micah and we already have the very place of birth named, “But thou Bethlehem Ephratah . . . out of thee shall he come forth ...” (Micah 5:2). He is to be born in Bethlehem which, incidentally, was confirmed by the chief priests and scribes in Herod’s day (Matt. 2:4,5). Finally Malachi gives a forecast as to who will be the forerun ner of the coming Messiah, “Behold I will send you Elijah ...” (Mai. 4:5). Luke 1:17 interprets this as “ . . .the spirit and power of Elias ...” (Elias is the New Testament form of Elijah.) Go ing over to Matthew 11:14 we see that this is one and the same man. “And if you will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come”

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December 18 Fourth Sunday in Advent The long period of waiting is almost over. The time has come for the forerunner to be born. It is on the threshold. The scene opens in the temple in Jerusalem. A priest by the name of Zacharias was chosen this day to burn incense. It was the most coveted of all priestly duties. It gave him the right to enter the ho ly place. It is said that this duty was never given to the same priest in his lifetime. Scripture gives Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth the testimony that they were “ . . . both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). But they were childless. To be childless was a heavy calamity in a Hebrew home. There was no chance of the Messiah being born into it. No doubt it had become a matter of prayer with this couple (Luke 1:13). Yet, I sup pose hope at this stage was almost non-existent. Elisabeth was bar ren and they were both “advanced in years” (Luke 1:7). Yet had not Sarah had a son when she was 90 years old? Yes, with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37). Suddenly, as Zacharias was performing his duty, an angel ap peared to him. Zacharias was troubled and fearful at this. But the angel assured him, “Fear not, Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shall call his name John” (Luke 1:13). What a message this was! Your prayers are answered! You shall have joy and gladness! Let’s not blame Zacharias too much for questioning what the angel said, this breathtaking news. Hereupon the angel identified himself, “I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God.” And further the angel said that because Zacharias had not believed he would be dumb and not able to speak till the day when “these things shall be performed.” When Elisabeth was in the sixth month of her pregnancy it was time for God to act again. This time it would be the announce ment of a coming birth to a young Jewish virgin maiden. Here there was not the problem of age as with Zacharias and Elisabeth, but the fact that Mary had no husband. The angel then, of course, goes on to explain, I think kindly and patiently, that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her. Although strange as the circumstances of this birth would be, Mary did not ask for a sign. She simply agreed with the angel’s announcement. For Joseph, of course, it was a little more difficult to accept. But he too had an angel visitor (Matt. 1:20) to explain to him the nature of this birth. Consequently, as scripture records (Matt. 1:24) “ ... he (Joseph) took unto him his wife.” Mary’s subsequent visit to her cousin Elisabeth, I think, must have confirmed in her that the child that would be born of her was the promised Messiah. And so we come to the culmination of that which, according to Zacharias, was prophesied of “ . . . since the world began” (Luke 1:70), testifying to deliverance and salvation. The blessing was to “ ... all the nations of the earth . . . ” (Gen. 22:18) and to “all the families of the earth . . . ” (Gen. 12:3). This was confirmed in the New Testament when Christ commanded the apostles to go and “ . . . teach all nations . . . ” (Matt. 28:19). At this advent season we should appreciate the fact that redemp tion has come to us at an awesome price. Christ paid our debt on the cross. But “all the world” has not yet heard this message. There is still a job to be done. May those who have appropriated this message be faithful in proclaiming the old, old story of Jesus and His love. D.S.

THE MESSENGER