The Messenger c\/AMP.ci inAi McwwnMiTF EVANGELICAL MENNONITE nnMPFRPNCF CONFERENCE
• Faith Uses A Telescope 9 Community Development
• The Lord Hath Done Great Things
• The Cross
VOL. 21 NO. 6
25IQ3 MAR. 25/83
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Faith Uses A Telescope by John Regehr
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t was 6:55 a.m. when the houseguest broke into a chuckle. “God has a sense of humor,” he said. “I asked God to clear the sky at 1:00 for our fishing ex pedition and he did it five minutes early.” We have used Hebrews 1:1 to support such praying in faith. If we believe firm ly that what we want will happen, it will. “Faith is being sure of what we hope for.” And, of course, we find support in Jesus’ words. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask PAGE 2
whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (Jn. 15:7, also v. 16). Yet we have some uneasiness. There must be a hitch. Surely God will not en courage laziness or selfishness. He can not possibly approve the behaviour of the believing Saskatchewan farmer who in the 1930’s laid his blanket and himself in the shade of his house in the morn ing and semi-circled the house throughout the day as the shadow ran its course. There is a hitch. God is not a cosmic Santa Claus. The asking and receiving
of John 17 are promised in the context of the kingdom of God, of bearing fruit, of being a disciple. And yet God does concern himself with our very real human needs. In those same ’30s my mother prayed for flour when we had run out and there was no money to buy more. And, sure enough, next morning we found a hundred pound bag of white flour on our doorstep. But many have starved, and they prayed too. And children too young to pray die of hunger. God does heal. A mother who believTHE MESSENGER
“Faith sees God at work in a time-frame larger than my life. Seeking to force God to comply to my wish in my time may well be disbelief, making my loyalty to him depend on his performing for me.” The purpose of the epistle, then, is to encourage Christians to stand firm even though they die for it, since what God promised is for later. Faith is to have confidence in God and in his future, even when I do not see the promise fulfilled now. This gives Hebrews 11:1 its context. “What we hope for” has reference to what is beyond. “What we do not see” has reference to the entire span of time. Just as the beginning of creation is the bringing into being of that which is not seen (v.3), so the end of time will bring into view that which we do not see. The second clue comes from the record of the heroes of faith which im mediately follows. The theme that runs through the portraits is that they trusted God even though they could not see the immediate rewards nor the final out come. Abel offered a sacrifice while looking ahead to a redeemer, but he died at Cain’s hands. Enoch believed God to be a rewarder, but the reward was not here. Indeed God took him from here to present it to him. Noah believed and obeyed when there was no evidence that the wicked would be destroyed. Abraham accepted the promise of the land but looked “forward to the ci ty .. . whose . . . builder is God.” (v.lO). Then comes the clincher. “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the ow, then, are we to understand things promised. They only saw them Hebrews 11:1? “Now faith is being sure from a distance” (v. 13). God will not be of what we hope for and certain of what forced into our time-frame. He is the eternal one. Faith is trusting God to we do not see.” The first clue comes from the purpose bring things to completion in his time, of the epistle (read 10:32-39). These not in mine. For Jesus it was not different. “He saints had made a good beginning, and were now in danger of retracting. “Do offered up prayers and petitions with not throw away your confidence,” urges loud cries and tears . . . and he was the writer. How does the writer en heard” (5:7). But he died. For Jesus, courage them? By giving them a faith was not insisting on what he wish telescope and asking them to look ed, but by “reverent submission” plac beyond, to the “better and lasting ing God’s will above his wish, knowing possessions,” to the rich reward, to the that God will achieve his purpose later. How, then, do we bring this all time when “he who is coming will together for ourselves? Faith sees God come.”
ed that her paralyzed son would walk again insisted he try. And he walked. But there are polio victims in the municipal hospital who have not walk ed since 1952. Their mothers prayed too, and believed. God does stave off death. The mother who had undergone open heart surgery, and was not doing well, heard one doc tor say to the other, “She’s slipping away on us.” The mother rallied her family, and they prayed, and she recovered. But the other mother died. All the prayers and the faith of her fami ly and friends did not halt the cancer. So we have questions. Hard, confus ed, angry questions. We feel betrayed. “Why,” we cry, “have you forsaken us?” Jesus shares our experience. “Dur ing the days of (his) life on earth, he of fered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save him from death and he was heard” (Heb. 5:7). Strange assertion: “He was heard,” ^t says. But he died. Maybe faith is something more than insisting that a particular thing will happen right now. “He was hearrd for his reverent submis sion.” Maybe faith is standing in awe of God, and of accepting the will of God for me, not forcing my will on him. To believe God must surely mean that I give God’s will precedence over my wish.
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at work in a time-frame larger than my life. Seeking to force God to comply to my wish in my time may well be disbelief, making my loyalty to him de pend on his performing for me. Faith means standing in awe of God even when he confuses me. Of course, God does work within my time-frame too. Abraham did receive a son, and Israel did cross the Red Sea, and Jericho did fall. God actualizes enough promises to assure us, and keep us believing. So faith is both asking and receiving as well as not receiving and yet standing in awe. The crass juxtaposition is terse ly and graphically sketched in verses 32-39. Here is a list of those on whose behalf God acted within their own history. And then there is the stark list of those for whom God did not act in their lifetime, who believed and were harrassed, and tormented, and killed. And so we live with mystery when we live by faith. Not all things balance in a neat and tidy way within the borders of our years. True, we commit ourselves to the kingdom of God, and so we ask and receive. Many of God’s gracious promise.s come true. But because God is not confined to the covers of our history books, we stand in reverent awe of him, accepting even what seems like a reveresal of promise. We do so in hope. Our faith uses a telescope. IVhen God in grace is answering Your plea for what you need. And demonstrates his power and love By kindly giving heed, Be joyful, and in gratitude Commit yourself to servitude. And when the thing you ask in faith Is firmly turned aside. Your hopes seem dead, and God Himself in silence seems to hide. Then know that in his time and will His promises God shall fulfill. ■
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.
MARCH 25,1983
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Missions individuals - being a catalyst in “personal development.” That may mean paying a hospital visit to the wife of a Shuar health promoter, who tried to commit suicide. It may mean taking time to disciple one of the guides working with me in the Girls’ Club. It may also mean having the love to discipline a Sunday School teacher who is not walking with the Lord. And the list of opportunities goes on.....
Flo Friesen
Girls' camp in the jungle (Summer 1982)
ECVADOR
Community Development . . . Matsuoka HarumI, Mary Koop, Matsuoka Hifumi
........What it means to me
Community Development, for me, means meeting the needs of the whole person. In cluded in this is the active sharing of the love of Jesus with people. I have basically three areas of work where 1 seek to put these pur poses into practice. One area is the Teen Girls’ Club here in Shell. It reaches out to high school age girls. In the club we spend activity time doing various things such as learning to cook basic (and sometimes ‘exotic’) Ecuadorian and American food, learning to sew and do crafts such as macrame and crocheting. At the pre sent we are involved in a three-month unit on personal care of the body. Topics includ ed will be physical appearance and cleanliness, diet and exercise, and care of clothing. Each of these topics is correlated with a Bible study relating to the personal care of our spiritual beings. Another area of opportunity is literacy. I am involved with Shuar and Quichua peo ple, most of them living in jungle villages. They lack primary education. Since many of them live away from literacy centers where they could attend classes to complete sixth grade, we offer them primary education by correspondence. They study on their own time and at their own rate. With an average amount of studying per week they can com plete the entire six grades in three years. Most of the ones taking the courses are men who are either health promoters, or ones who
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desire to improve both their educational stan ding, as well as their economic situation. The ALFALIT program is Bible-based and pro vides excellent stimulation for spiritual growth, and as we have seen in some cases, conviction in those who don’t know the
Lord. A third area of involvement is church development, specifically in music education, women’s work, and teacher training. This, of course, serves the church community. There is a tremendous need for evangelicals in Ecuador to realize the responsibility of sowing the Word of God in the hearts of children. It is important to teach the children with methods that will attract the youngsters, as well a,s creatively motivate them to learn the important truths of the Bible. Each of these areas serves a specific “com munity.” The Girls’ Club serves the teen-age community in the town of Shell, desiring to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of that group. The literacy work serves the illiterate indigenous com munity with its purposes to better the educa tional, social, economic and spiritual situa tion of each student. The church develop ment serves the evangelical community, focusing strongly on educational develop ment and teacher training as these relate to effectively communicating the Word of God. Community Development for me also means personal involvement in the lives of
JAPAN
Precious Jewels A Hunger to Know More November 23, 1982 was a cool but sunny day in Longvalley, Japan. We had been looking forward to this day for some time. It was to be a very special day of praising and thanking the Lord who still works miracles. (November 23 is the Japanese Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday.) This was the day when Hifumi San and her youngest sister Harumi San followed the Lord in baptism. Hirumi San, the oldest of the three sisters, came to live with me in the summer of 1981. During our daily Bible readings she realized that she was a sinner and that Jesus was the only one who could save her. She accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. In March 1982 she went to the big city to become a bus guide. She is at the present time living in a dormitory there. She enjoys her job very much, but there are many temptations; she needs our daily prayers. Harumi San lives in a Christian orphanage until she graduates from high school in three more years. Then, the Lord willing, she will also come and live with me. Seiko San, the middle one, is not saved. Pray for her salvation and her unsaved boyfriend.
THE MESSENGER
A group of “precious Jewels" In front of the church In Japan.
The above picture shows a group of “precious jewels” in front of our church. Some of these girls are saved. Tomomi Chan (front, left) is one who loves to come to Sun day school and learn more about Jesus. At school she witnesses to her classmates and invites them to Sunday school. One day she asked me, “Why don’t we study the Bible at school?” She has a real hunger in her heart to know more about the Bible. At home she faces real problems when she talks about Jesus whom she loves. Her father passed away a few years ago. She and her mother and younger brother live with their grand^^arents. The grandfather is a Shinto priest; ^^he makes his own gods and worships them. Tomomi Chan doesn’t believe in her grand father’s gods; to her there is only one true and living God. Won’t you pray that these “jewels” will stand firm in time of persecution? Jesus has promised to be with them to the end. Praise the Lord! Mary Koop
short course students busy at the books.
seven for the second one - all wonderful young people with a real desire to learn so as to better be able to serve. The courses were very intensive and the students all worked hard. It was wonderful to hear their testimonies in our closing meetings and their enthusiasm in wanting to go back to their churches to put into practice what they had learned. Evelyn Plett
The four teachers who taught in the short courses. Left to right: Woodword Lewis (missionary), Jose Burgillo (national pastor), Evelyn Plett (missionary), Luisa Colio (national missionary).
SPAIN
Work on “Steps to Maturity” Moving Ahead Young People Preparing to Serve It was very good to share with so many of you during the months of October and November of last fall when I visited a number of the churches. I asked you to pray that the Lord would grant that the final corrections on the first part of the series of lessons Steps to Maturi ty would be done quickly and accurately so that we would be able to print it in January as planned. When I got back and checked into the copy that had been corrected by an experienced writer and Bible teacher (Spanish
MARCH 25,1983
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nationality), I realized that there was a lot more work to correcting all these little details on the typewriter than what I had thought, but went to work on it as soon as 1 could. After a week of sitting at the typewriter from seven to eight hours a day, it was ready and before the end of January we had the first 25 books ready for distribution! Thank you for praying! The original pages of the work we have done here are now in the U.S.A, where the book will be printed and made available to Spanish-speaking people in the western world. Please continue to pray that soon we will be able to start the final typing on the second part of this volume. I asked you to pray that the Lord would send students for our short course in February and that they would be ones of His choice. He answered in a wonderful way by sending nine students for our first course and
Elizabeth Koop (Kleefeld) has returned to Brazil for another term of service. She will again take up the ministry to the Pacaas Novos Indians in a Jungle village near Guajara Mirim in western Brazil. CONTRIBUTORS: John Regehr is associate pro fessor of Practical Theology at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College, Winnipeg, Man. The ar ticle is reprinted by permission from Christian Leader, Hillsboro, KS. Flo Friesen (Kleefeld) works in community development in Ecuador. Peter and Louise Hieberl (Steinbach EFC) are in volved in church planting in Chihuahua, Mexico. Mary Koop (Kleefeld) is serving in Japan under the New Tribes Missions. Her work involves church planting, children’s work, visitation, and Bible stories.
COVER: Courtesy of Ministry of Industry and
Tourism, Toronto, Ontario.
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Part of the church group at Ramiro Valles
Church building project in Ramiro Valles
MEXICO
The Lord Hath Done Great Things! Church Building Nearing Completion Many times did the small group of believers in the Ramiro Valles (Cerro de la Cruz) area pray, “Lord, You know we need a church building. We are only a few and the prices are high...” It started when we decid ed to rent a small room for our service.s in stead of having them in personal homes. It was always a bother to the family of the home since they had to rearrange their fur niture so we could all fit properly. Then the children would get into things and so on. The decision to rent a small room lit a small flame among us. Although the rent was low, this already was the first step of faith for us. Would the offering cover the ex pense? In the first month the offerings more than tripled. We were delighted at this result. It encouraged us to take another even greater step in faith, that of purchasing a lot. For some time we hesitated. We had a lot in mind but were afraid to ask the owner for it since she was not at all in favour of the Christian work being done there. Finally we gathered courage and inquired. To our great surprise, the lady offered us a lot right close to the place where we had our services and at a very reasonable price. “Lord, we know this is your doing...” With the help of a loan offered by the na tional ‘directiva’, we purchased the lot. When the official lot size was given to us, it turned out to be about one and a half times as big as we had thought. “Thank you. Lord...” Now to start building. Our faith weaken ed somewhat at the thought of what was before us. “Lord, this is Your house. Help us build it...” At first we decided that each of the brethren would help build as he could, since to hire workers would be too costly.
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This did not work out. The men work six days a week and are tired when they come home. One day we all got together and one man suggested that we hire one full-time worker and all pitch in to pay his wages. “I’m willing to pay my share,’’ he said. Some others said the same. One brother, an experienced builder, offered to do the work and at a minimal price. “Lord, we claim your promise to supply our needs...” So block by block the walls went up. At times
we had to stop for a few weeks because of lack of funds, but never for long. How was it done? We know we were not the ones; rather, the Lord wa.s the one who built it. Praise Him! One Sunday after the walls were finished, the little rented room was packed with peo ple. We offered praise to the Lord for His faithfulness. After the service one little group after another walked down to the new church building. There was a sense of oneness, gratitude and excitement in the air. Our church building project is far from finish-^^ ed, both physically and spiritually, but we^P are growing! The Believers of the Ramiro Valles Church Submitted by Peter and Louise Hiebert
Mission Grams Nicaragua The Nicaraguan EMC national churches had their annual convention March 5 and 6. Francisco Cano, pastor of the Granada church, was elected as president of the National Council. Arnulfo, pastor of the La Paz church, was appointed to take on the responsibility of Executive Supervisor of the national churches. He will serve in this capacity on a half-time basis.
Nigeria Elmer Warkentin writes, “It is hard to believe that we have almost completed two school years at ATC Akwanga. 1 guess the fact that time seems to have gone fast is an indication that we have ‘enjoyed our toil.’ The opportunities for spiritual input have been almost limitless. We have concentrated our efforts mostly on classroom Bible teaching and assisting the Christian students’ club here on campus. It is a joy to teach the Word day after day, right in the midst of a secular campus. Right now 1 am teaching a course on Methodology to our final year students. How I long to help them to become top-notch Bible teachers! I sense a very genuine appreciation for the effort I put into my teaching. “Elvira finds her teaching at the nearby Mada Hills Secondary School very en joyable. She teaches about 150 students the Bible three times a week. Her students are so attentive and seemingly absorb the Biblical input. A new Christian principal of her school has contributed greatly to the increased job satisfaction.’’
THE MESSENGER
Messenger News
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Outdoor activities were enjoyed on February 20 by those attending the Riverton Gospel Chapel.
FAREWELL FOR LARRY HEPPNERS Riverton, Man.: Those attending the Riverton Gospel Chapel spent a lovely day ^btogether on February 20. The weather was beautiful! A bright warm sun and sparkling snow made the planned activities more en joyable. The group gathered at the Mennville skating rink at 3:00 p.m. for pleasure skating and later a game of broomball. After that the group gathered at the Chapel for a bowl of hot soup. A farewell for the Larry Heppners was held after lunch and the church wishes them all the best as they will
be residing near Fisher Branch. The evening ended with a short meditation by Mr. Frank Gustaw, and two films were shown. The day was enjoyed by all who participated. Daniel Reimer was in an accident while working for Riverton Transfer. An explosion of a gas tank caused severe burns to Dan ny’s face and body and also a broken leg. Let us remember him and his family in our prayers as he is slowly recovering from his painful injuries.
GUEST SPEAKERS APPRECIATED
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Arden, Man.: This winter we have been having Wednesday night Bible study and prayer meetings in homes. We have studied Jude, Philemon, and are nearing the end of Titus. Andy Penner directs the studies. February 28 we were happy to have Art Neufelds and Norman Rempels from Kola in our midst, in spite of icy roads and snow. Art’s message on fruit-bearing and abiding in Christ was very appropriate. Thank you for coming! We are also grateful that Dick Thiessen, Ed Reimer and Menno Kroeker came to serve us. Who will come permanently? At our Christian Endeavour program on February 20 Wayne Herrod challenged us to persist in the work of prayer. He also sug gested an “on-the-job” method of training Christians. From his slides and reports we could clearly see what can be accomplished through one person who is yielded and will-
MARCH 25,1983
ing to work. On March 6 and 7 our thoughts were centered on the source of our security - God or hydro? We were astonished at our dependence on this physical power. Although many people were without hydro since 2:00 a.m. the Lord saw fit to bless the church building with hydro until shortly after dinner. The speaker from Gladstone, Henry Epp, arrived safely. In his message he sug gested that “the more excellent way” of 1 Cor. 12:31 means that we use the gift most suited to meet the need. It also includes the love described in chapter thirteen. The promise of Isaiah 40:31 comforts our hearts, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
AN EVENING WITH NCEM REPRESENTATIVES
Endeavour, Sask.: One of the highlights of February was a visit from NCEM representatives, Blain, Rachel, and Robert Buck. They and many of the young people enjoyed a pizza supper before an evening ser vice of singing and testimony. We were especially challenged by Robert as he shared with us. During a fellowship lunch, video tapes of the television program “Tribal Trials” were shown. It was a meaningful evening for all those who attended. The young people have enjoyed several of the various youth retreats over the past month. We pray that the visits will have challenged many of them to consider Bible training in their future. We have also undergone some changes over the past month. Our young people’s program has been revamped. The young people have been divided into different age groups for ac tivities on a trial basis. We have also taken on the responsibility of full-time support for our pastor and his family. We are enjoying the coziness of the wood furnace which was installed this winter and are looking forward to a much smaller heating bill this year. We are especially thankful for the mild winter the Lord has granted us and are looking forward to spring and the new life it brings.
SCHLAMPS RETURN FROM AYLMER
Wymark, Sask.: Rev. and Mrs. Peter Schlamp returned recently from Aylmer, On tario. Rev. Schlamp gave a report on March 13 on the time they spent in Aylmer minister ing to the German-speaking people. He was also very happy for Ernie Koop of Steinbach who is helping with the young people in the E.M. Church in Aylmer. Phil Goosen left March 12 for two months of service in Trinidad. He will be working with the Ben Penners in the construction of a camp.
Open Forum Subscribers Annual Meeting and Colloquium - The future of Open Forum - “Christian Participation in the Economic Systems’’ Date: April 23, 1983 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Place: Fort Garry E.M. Church King and Pasadena Winnipeg
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A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS
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An Appreciation and Farewell service was held at the Kleefeld church on February 27 In honour of (left to right) Levi and Lena Schellenberg, Elizabeth Koop, Margaret and Rev. P. K. Bartel.
APPRECIATION AND FAREWELL SERVICE Kleefeld, Man.: Kleefeld has exciting news! We now have another associate minister. With thankful hearts we welcome Jon and Jean Bonk and family into our midst. Jon was born a son of missionaries in Ethiopia. He has studied in various univer sities and colleges in the U.S.A., Canada and Scotland, and spent two years with the Sudan Interior Mission. He has been a Winnipeg Bible College instructor since 1972, and we praise the Lord for sending him to us! How quickly one year passes by! It seems only a short while ago when Elizabeth Koop came home on furlough, and already it’s time to say “goodbye”! She left on March 19 for Brazil where she will continue trekk ing her way through the jungles in order to reach more of the Pacaas Novos Indians. This will be her 32nd year on the mission field! “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel!” That verse also holds true for our local missionaries and deacons. The P.K. Bartels have served our church for 38 years! We are truly thankful for such dedication. Through joys and sorrows the Lord has been with them and blessed them. With reluctance we acknowledged the resignation of our deacon couple, Levi and Lena Schellenberg. They too have faithful ly served our church for sixteen years, and words cannot express our appreciation. We felt that three such important events called for a special Recognition Service, so on February 27 our church family presented the Bartels and the Schellenbergs with silver trays. To further show our love and ap preciation, we shared a fellowship dinner, with about 300 in attendance. We sincerely wish you the Lord’s richest blessings for the future! How can we reach unsaved families? The Christian Service Brigade is one of many channels. As usual, their annual Father and
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Son Banquet was well attended by about 150, on March 2. John Miller, representative for Christian Service Brigade, was the guest speaker, while Phil and Paul Born, and Bill Fast of Niverville, favoured the audience with some choice songs. What a wonderful time we reporters had at the Christian Writers’ Conference held at the SBC in Steinbach on February 25, 26. Just to be able to rub shoulders with others who have similar interests in writing was a unique experience and a real encouragement. A big “thank you” to guest speaker Katie Funk Wiebe, and to the EMC Board of Education for providing such an excellent variety of workshops, and offering their benefits to us. The challenge was there - the Lord certainly could use more Christian writers!
Aberdeen (Winnipeg): On March 4-6 we had a weekend seminar on the topic “The Church; A Community of Believers.” On Friday night several members of the Grain-of-Wheat Community Church joined us to talk about some principles involved in community life. They had come to under stand the passages in the New Testament on body life as speaking of a deeply shared life. Their moving together into a community was an expression of how they interpreted Scrip tural teachings on supporting, encouraging, and caring for one another. They also em phasized that it was the Spirit that bonded them together. If money was their basis for moving together, it would eventually fail. On Saturday night George Durner from a I’Arche community here in Winnipeg talk ed about the founder of I’Arche, Jean Vanier, and how his desire to care for the mentally handicapped in France eventually developed into him starting a community for them. He did this by buying little houses in the village and asking his friends to come and help create homes with a family atmosphere for the mentally handicapped. Today there are some 60 I’Arche communities all over the world. Durner also talked about the I’Arche communities here in Winnipeg and how they try to offer security and family to the handicapped. On Sunday morning George Durner spoke to US again using Luke 10:25-37 to talk about Christian community. The church communi-^F ty is where we experience love and forgiveness; where our wounds are healed (where we’re brought back to wholeness); where the socially rejected are loved; where we experience how beautiful we are; where we learn the truth about ourselves, when peo
ple love us enough to tell us where we are wrong; and where we learn how to be grateful. Sunday evening we concluded the seminar by having supper together at the church. After this we took some time to sing and also .0 talk about what we had heard about com munity meant for us and what, if any, new goals we as a community of believers wanted to set for ourselves.
ANNUAL EMC CONVENTION July 8-10
Speaker: Jon Bonk, Kleefeld, Man. Mr. Bonk is a minister in the Kleefeld E.M. Church. The Kleefeld church is happy to In troduce to you our new associate minister and family. Jon and Jean Bonk, with children Susie and Jimmy.
Theme: The Church Self-centered Religion or Christ-centered Community? THE MESSENGER
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Bev Siemens, daughter of Clarence and Lottie Siemens, was baptized at the Plea sant Valley church on October 31. Left to right: Rev. Bert Komelsen, Bev Siemens, Pastor Frank Friesen. SERIES OF MESSAGES PRESENTED
Pleasant Valley, Man.: Because of moun ting pressures on the home, and in particular the Christian home, in a society where moral standards seem to erode, our ministers dur ing the months of November and January preached a series of messages re-emphasizing godly standards for the home and marriage relationships under the following topics: The Christian Home; Communication; Court ship; Divorce; Adultery, Divorce, and Remarriage. We trust that through these messages the firm “thus saith the Lord” will have ben reinforced in our faith on these crucial matters. John Reimer left for Nicaragua January ^^10 on a combined business trip and speak ing engagements. Connie joined him on the 20th. Together they cleared up their personal belongings and effects left behind when they came home to Canada for health reasons. Their stay here had been indefinite but there comes a time when firm decisions have to be made, and acted on. They came home February 10. Allen and Millie Reimer had the two children staying with them during this time. Both John and Connie are involv ed in our church activities now. While on the topic of missionaries, Ernie and Mary Ann Loewen have left again for Paraguay. They have five girls of their own, but then went and took along another one! Kathy Bartel, daughter of Henry and Annie Bartel, was challenged to see for herself what
mission work is really like. She’ll be helping out for a few months in various areas such as housework, caring for children, radio work, clinic experiences, etc. The latter will be very useful in Kathy’s future nurse’s train ing. Our young people were encouraged by the church to recognize opportunities such as these as preparations for future vocations. This travelling party had many difficulties and delays before they found themselves at “home” in Paraguay. Kathy, why don’t you write The Messenger a firsthand report on your experiences so far. Missionaries Ed and Joy Loewen are a source of inspiration to us as they involve their efforts in all areas of our congregation. Their furlough will be up in July, and with all their willing “busyness,” they’re finding time going fast. Joy consented to our ladies’ vote asking her to teach a Sunday school course in Philippians. It’s as refreshing as a spring breeze to have it presented from a mis sionary lady’s point of view. Ed has been leading the latest series of Bible studies. We certainly appreciate these wholehearted in volvements, and we’re the richer for them. To us reporters the Writers’ Conference was the highlight of the winter. It was enriching, beneficial and, above all, exciting! Thank you for letting us take part in something worthwhile; we really appreciate it. We pray that the Messenger will see some results forthcoming very soon.
What is wrong with ... Rock music, TV and Movies? Hear,.. Al Menconi Saturday, April 9, 9:30 - 4:30 Steinbach E.M. Church Sponsored by EMC Region 8 (Mr. Menconi will also be at the Grant Memorial Baptist Church in Winnipeg on April 10.)
MARCH 25,1983
PETER D. SIEMENS 1927-1983 “'Blessed are the dead which die in the Lordfrom henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13). On Sunday, in the early morning of January 23, 1983, my beloved husband and our father entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord, of a heart attack. He was the third child born to John W. and Mary Siemens in Rosenhof, Manitoba, on April 21, 1927, reaching the age of 55 years, nine months, and two days. Pete grew up on his parents’ farm and at tended the Rosenhof North School. During his youth he enjoyed helping Father on the farm and playing hockey. On July 18, 1948 he was baptized upon the confession of his faith in Jesus Christ. I, Laura Klassen, and Pete were united in marriage on March 27, 1955. We shared nearly 28 years of marriage. We established our home in the Rosenort area when Pete was involved in running a poultry and grain farm and operating the Rosenort Feed Mill and Valley Farm Equipment. God entrusted to us three sons and five daughters: Lois Marie and husband Leroy Friesen (Morris); Rita Colleen and husband Brad Komelsen (Sanford); Karl Peter, work ing in Alberta; Patricia Ruth, employed in Winnipeg; Kurt Abram, Eric John, Teresa LeeAnn and Lisa Kristine all at home. In 1976 we moved to Sanford, Manitoba where we continued our family farm. Pete enjoyed a very healthy and active life. It was always a rich experience for him to meet new people in his business and travels. He leaves for us an example of unselfish ser vice, putting others’ needs before his. Pete was a concerned husband and father, giving of himself, and supporting us through rough times. He was always ready with words of counsel and advice. He left for me and our children many cherished memories, which will be our comfort. The world has lost a very special person! Pete will be lovingly remembered by his eight brothers and four sisters: Ben and his wife Betty (New Norway, Alberta), Susie and husband John Loewen (Fisher Branch), Clarence and wife Lottie (Rosenort), Helena Siemens (Steinbach), Henry and wife Margaret (Morris), Ed and wife Alice (Rose isle), Jack and wife Loreen (Rosenort), An nie and husband Benny Friesen (Rosenort), Ernie and wife Betty (Morris), Bill and wife Gladys (Beausejour), Betty and husband Ken Barkman (Abbotsford, B.C.), Lome and wife Joan (Rosenort); Laura’s mother, Maria Klassen of Winkler, and Pete’s in laws: Mary and Cornie Funk (La Riviere), Abe and Kaye Klassen (Winnipeg), John and Mary Klassen (Rosebank), Rita Klassen (Winkler), Rudy and Elsie Klassen (Morden), Martha and Frank Wiebe (Australia), and numerous nieces and nephews, uncles and
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aunts, and many friends. He was predeceased by his mother in September 1972, his father in August 1977, and his father-in-law, Abraham D. Klassen on October 27, 1982. My family and 1 would at this time like to extend our sincere appreciation and thanks to all of you for the love and concern shown to us at our time of sorrow. “But we do not want you to be uninform ed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and re main until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Laura and the family ABRAM C. L. PENNER 1911-1983 “Jesus said. In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you I will come again to receive you unto Myself that where I am there you may be also’’ (John 14:2-3) On Tuesday, March 1, 1983, at 5:45 p.m., heavenly messengers were sent to usher Abram C. L. Penner to his eternal dwelling place in glory. Father was actively involved in service un til his last hour. His friendly visits and spriritual concern for his fellowmen will long be remembered in the community. His desire was to be involved in productive activity as long as possible. His last day was spent in cleaning the chicken barn together with his oldest grandson. After the job was well done he mentioned quite casually that he was tired. After a few seconds his soul was released from his weary body and he collapsed out side the south side barn door. Father was born April 14, 1911 to Cor nelius R. Penners in Blumenort, near Stein bach. He has reached the age of 71 years, 10/2 months. On July 6, 1930 he was baptized upon con fession of faith and received into the Evangelical Mennonite Church. March 6, 1932 he was united in his first marriage with Maria B. Reimer with whom he shared joys and sorrows until June 10, 1973 when she predeceased him. This union was blessed with three daughters and one son. In the year 1960 the move was made
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from his dairy farm in Greenland, also near Steinbach, to Arborg where he continued farming. He was married to me, Martha Bartel, Ju ly 20, 1974 and has been my faithful husband and supporter since. We have shared our joys and sorrows for 8 years, 7'/? months. Father served his Lord in different ways, teaching Sunday school, as Sunday school superintendent, fostering a number of unfor tunate children, visitation work, etc. Many times he expressed his thankfulness for the good health he was enjoying. Yet it was not completely void of pain and physical handicap. In 1946 he had emergency surgery due to appendicitis and in 1964 he had a kidney stone attack. In 1970 he noticed his first symptoms of hardening of the arteries. With proper diet and Isordile pills for chest pains, he was able to maintain an active life in spite of this. Since 1971 he received a nee dle monthly to supply the needed vitamin for pernicious anemia. A hernia operation was performed in 1978. A long-standing handicap was that of fail ing eyesight which began some 30 years ago. It gradually worsened until, after what was a hard decision, he voluntarily turned in his driver’s license approximately 12 years ago. He leaves to mourn, but with the glorious prospect of meeting again, me, his wife, Martha, three daughters and their husbands, Tina and Ronald Plett of Arborg, Gertie and Arnold Brandt of Arborg, Janice and Jerry Reimer of Blumenort; one son, Menno, and hi.s wife, Mary, of Arborg; 24 grandchildren; a foster son Ed and Crystal Klassen and their family. La Vergne, Tennessee; a refugee family, Phonexay and Vandy Ly, who resid ed on our yard, now in Winnipeg; his step mother, Mrs. C. R. Penner; two sisters, Elizabeth, Gertrude and Peter D. Friesen; two brothers: Peter and Maria Penner, Ben and Anna Penner; the Reimer in-laws from the first marriage and also the in-laws from my side, the Bartels, plus a host of relatives and friends. He was predeceased by four brothers and two sisters in their childhood, his first wife Maria, and one sister, Margaret and her hus band Cornelius Thiessen. We wish to express our sincere apprecia tion for the heartfelt sympathy and love shown by so many in this time of bereave ment. May God bless you. Martha and the Family
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MRS. ANNA KROEKER 1908-1983 “I have fought a good fight, I have finish ed my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing ” (II Timothy 4:7-8). These verses express some of the thoughts that Mother shared with us during the last few weeks. I She entered peacefully into the presence of our Lord on Wednesday, March 9, 1983 at 3:10 a.m. in the Morris Hospital, reaching the age of seventy-five years and eighteen days. She was born to Jacob R. and Maria Klassen on February 19, 1908 at Rosenhof, Manitoba. On July 19, 1925, upon her profession of faith in Christ, she was baptized and receiv ed into the fellowship of the Evangelical Mennonite Church at Rosenort. On October 20, 1929 she married Peter L. Kroeker with whom she shared joys and sorrows for almost forty-five years. The Lord blessed them with twelve children, one of whom predeceased them in childhood. Mother’s Christian life found expression in quiet, loving service to others. Over the years she was active in church functions such as Sunday school, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and Ladies’ Fellowship. She also enjoyed serving with the ladies’ sewing cir cle in M.C.C. projects and ministering to the elderly in nursing homes. Mother took a very keen interest in mis sions. Whenever we were away from home in Christian service, we knew that we could depend on Mother’s encouragement, support and prayer. She and Dad were able to visit several of us at our various fields of service and it was a real highlight for Mother to spend five months in Paraguay shortly after Dad’s death. It was like a dream come true
THE MESSENGER
for her to be directly involved with some of her children in the work of missions in a foreign country. Mother has been a beautiful example of how to live the everyday Christian life. Perhaps above all we will remember her ex ample of contentment and unselfish love for others. In paging through her Bible we found a note with a verse which she had written out recently and we feel that it must have been her guide throughout her life: I Timothy 6:6-8, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by content ment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” Even during the last few years, when she was suffering much of the time. Mother was always happy and content and continued to cheer and encourage the many friends who visited her and also those to whom she ministered by means of letters. Mother enjoyed a life of good health and hard work. She always had an unbelievable amount of strength and energy to look after the needs of her large family and to take care of Dad in his frequent illnesses. It was only during the last few years that her health began to fail. In June 1981 it was discovered that she had cancer. After a short period of radiation therapy she seemed somewhat im proved and, to her great satisfaction, she was able to continue to work at some of her ^.favorite tasks, especially maintaining a large ^Pgarden and sewing quilts for M.C.C. In the fall of 1982 it was obvious that her condition was deteriorating. She enjoyed having most of the family with her for New Year’s Day and, in spite of pain, took an ac tive part in planning and preparing for the occasion. On February 18 she was admitted to the Morris Hospital for the last time. We praise the Lord that she needed to spend only a few weeks there before He chose to relieve her from suffering and to welcome her to her heavenly home. Mother was predeceased by Father in 1973 and by a son, Willie, in 1943. She was also predeceased by three grandchildren, one sister-in-law and two brothers-in-Iaw. She will be lovingly remembered by her family: Henry and Eva of Morris; Jake and Bertha of El Paso, Texas; Elsie and Ernest Funk of Pelly, Sask.; Menno and Dorothy of Aylmer, Ont.; Ed and Annie of Morris; Mary of Winkler; Peter and Anne of Mor ris; Martha of Steinbach; Lawrence and Helen of Pakistan; Erna and Henry Friesen of Beausejour; and Ron and Wendy of Mor ris; twenty-seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren; two brothers and four sisters with their spouses, nine sisters-in-law and six brothers-in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews. She will also be remembered by many friends and acquaintances. We will miss Mother deeply and look for-
MARCH 25,1983
ward to some day rejoicing with her and Dad in heaven. As a family we want to extend our very warm thanks to the medical and nursing staff at the Morris Hospital. The tender loving care Mother received was greatly ap preciated. We also want to thank all those who through countless acts of love shared with us during Mother’s illness and her passing. The Family
MARGARET FRIESEN 1894-1983 “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.' ‘Blessed indeed, ’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds do follow them. ’ (Revelation 14:13). On Sunday, March 13, 1983 at approx imately 6:45 p.m. our dear mother, grand mother, and great-grandmother, Margaret Friesen, was called home to be with our Lord, whom she loved dearly and served joyfully. Mother was born Margaret Loewen at Rosenhof, Manitoba on October 19, 1894 and passed away in the Concordia Hospital, reaching the age of 88 years, 4 months, and 22 days. On June 29, 1914 she was baptized upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ by Elder Peter R. Dueck and was received as a member into the Evangelical Mennonite Church of which she remained a faithful member until the time of her death. She was predeceased by her husband, Jacob H. Friesen, in 1973, after they had liv ed happily in holy matrimony for 56 years and about six months. God blessed this union with twelve children, five of which predeceased her - two sons in infancy, one son, Abe, at the age of 36; and twin daughters at the age of VA years. Mother celebrated her life fully and shared her love freely with her family and a large circle of friends. Her children, grand children, and great-grandchildren experienc ed the fullness of her unconditional love dai ly. Her heart ws always open and there seem ed to be no end to her energy when it came
to caring for others, in listening to their con cerns, and in praying for their special needs. She had the marvellous ability of com municating to people that the only thing that mattered to her at the time was their personal welfare. This attitude was so much a part of her that, even in her last few days, she said to her visitors repeatedly “I love you, I love you ... I pray for you.” Her way of serv ing the Lord was an unselfish love for others, manifested in her every word and deed. Mother, for the greater part of her life, en joyed reasonably good health. In 1967 she suffered a major stroke which was followed by numerous small strokes within the last few years. For the last twelve years she has suffered from osteoporosis, a conditionwhich resulted in deteriorating vertebrae. However, even though she must have ex perienced a great deal of pain during this period, she seldom complained she remain ed optimistic and desirous of living her life as fully as possible. During her last week, after a fall in the hospital, her situation got steadily worse until her passing. Some of her last expressions were “Halleluja, Jesus Christus,,, ” «<“Bald ja bald,” and “Ewig”; her last word was “Heiland.” She will be deeply missed by all of us, but looking forward to a joyous reunion in our heavenly home is her family: Mary and Nick Eidse of Rosenort; Betty, Helen, and Agnes of Winnipeg; Corny and Helen Friesen of Reseisle; Pete and Evelyn Friesen of Rosenort; Frank and Eva Friesen of Stein bach; Mrs. Elma Friesen of Rosenort (wife of the deceased son Abe); 31 grandchildren and 58 great-greandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Anna B. Dueck and Mrs. Tina Brandt of Morris, Mrs. Elizabeth Plett and Mrs. Lena Friesen of Mexico; one brother, Peter C. Loewen of Mexico, and one brother-inlaw, Ben B. Dueck of Belize; many relatives and friends. We wish to express our heartfelt apprecia tion for your prayers, your visits, and your expressions of love shown during this trying time. May the good Lord reward you for your kindness. We find comfort in the words “To will what God wills brings peace.” The Family
SBC Spring Session 1. Themes from Isaiah by Glen Koop. May 2-6 (one week) 1 credit hour 2. Group Dynamics by Gerald Loewen. May 9-19 (two weeks) 2 credit hours. Classes for both courses will be held evenings from 7:00-9:30 p.m. Tuition For credit - $40.00 per hour For audit - $20.00 per hour Accommodation: Available at the College. $35.00 per week. Registration at first class session. Steinbach Bible College Box 1420 Steinbach, Manitoba
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From the Editor The Cross AN AIRLINE PILOT reportedly once told of an experience when one of the plane’s motors went out over the Atlantic. With this drag on the plane, he feared that he would not reach Gander, Newfoundland. After sending out an SOS, he and the co-pilot saw a strange sight which appeared as a faint outline of a burning cross. This outline followed them till they safely landed. A few days later the pilot remarked, “I can never be the same again. Every time I see a cross, I am reminded that I was saved by a cross.” The analogy, of course, is clear. We too are saved by a cross. “. . . Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). “. . . we preach Christ crucified . . .” (I Cor. l:23). “And having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Col. 1:20). “But God forbid that 1 should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14). “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Eph. 2:16). •Christ's death on the cross saves from sin. This was Paul’s pas sion. To the Corinthians he writes, “. . . I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins . . .” (I Cor. 15:3). This is illustrated over and over, again and again, when people are saved. “We preach Christ crucified,” said Paul. He conceded that to the Jews it was a stumbling block and to the Greeks it was foolishness. Nevertheless, this continued to be his message and it was effective. In this he glorified God as the above verse indicates. It was also “the blood of the cross” which was the means of peace. Peace in the individual and among the nations is what the world needs today. Christ wrought peace by the blood of His cross. • The cross has power. Paul does not want to preach in man’s wisdom lest the cross of Christ be made of non-effect. This tells me that there is something supernatural about the cross. 1 think we too often forget this. Preparation is necessary but never to the exclusion of the wonder-working power of the cross to convert man. The cross brings hostility to an end (Eph. 2:16). Although this refers to the uniting in one body of Jew and Gentile 1 think it could also be applied to the bond that is created between believers in this one body.
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THE MESSENGER
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•He made peace by the blood of his cross (Co. 1:20). The cross was the focal point for reconciling all things to God, the means of making peace. Why then is there still so much warfare and strife in the world? The answer is very simple. Christ says it well when he says to the Jews, “Ye will not come to me that ye might have life” (John 5:40). The reconciling has been done by the cross. This, however, does not bring peace automatically. We must still get in line with God. “As many as received him, to them he gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name ” (John 1:12). •Christ endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). Since the Christian also has a cross (Matt. 15:24) can we learn something from the way Christ looked at his cross? 1 think so. Christ endured his cross. 1 don’t think that he endured in the sense of chafing under it. I think the German erduldete better describes his position. “Endured” seems to typify a teeth-clenching resignation. The German word could be translated more as patient waiting, in my estimation. 1 believe this should also be our attitude towards the cross we take upon ourselves. What is the cross? Simply 1 believe it is anything that goes at cross-purpose with ourselves. The content of Matthew 16:24 seems to indicate this. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me.” May God give us grace to also follow Christ in this manner • There are also enemies of the cross of Christ (Phil. 3:18). Please^^ note that it explicitly says enemies of the cross. What constitutes enemies of the cross? Paul says that “their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Phil 3:19). •The cross can give Christian compassion. The story is told of Mar tin Niemoller as a prisoner of World War 11 and of his change of attitude toward a prison guard who brought him food every day. He had come to hate this guard for what he stood for. Then one day he suddenly realized that Jesus Christ died, on the cross, for that guard. The atonement of Christ took on new meaning for Niemoller; every person was to be loved with the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ (Mark O. Hatfield in M.B. Herald). May we also endeavour to look at people in this way. Yes, the cross can mean many different things. 1 suppose more illustrations could be given. How about making some of your own this Easter? D. S.
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