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The Messenger

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE MENNONITE CONFERENCE CONFERENCES^ EVANGELICAL VOL. 22 NO. 13 JUNE 29, 1984

John Enns (left) is the principal at the Christian school at Swan River.

Built in 1978, the Community Bible Fellowship (EMC) in Swan River is now already too small. Church Profile: Community Bible Fellowship, Swan River, Man.

Church in the Valley AS ONE LISTENS around it seems that two things have contributed to the outreach growth of the Community Bible Fellowship (EMC) of Swan River - Bible studies and the friendliness of the church people. Numerically the church, of course, has also grown through EMC families moving in from elsewhere. “1 really like the people,” said Harv Beselt, manager of Northern Redi Mix. He came to look one Sunday and has come ever since. He teaches a class of junior boys at the Fellowship. “1 enjoy teaching those guys,” he says. He also appreciates that he can get in volved in the church. Alvin Brandt and Don Warkentin, both from Rosenort, went on the land hunt in November of 1978 and settled down on farms in the Valley. “1 liked the land; it showed pro mise,” Alvin said. Both were attracted to the

Fellowship church and this influenced their move. Don wanted to move into an area where the EMC needed lay help. They also have “very friendly neighbours,” according to Mrs. Warkentin. The family also was “very en thusiastic” about the move. The Gerald Rempels, also originally from Rosenort, live in the same general area. Gerald and his wife, Jessie, have been involv ed with youth at the Fellowship. One of the main reasons for their move was to help in the church. When we visited the George Larkins we found a couple who had been Christians for about four years. The friendliness of the church people had drawn them. “No other church mixes like we do,” said George. Now he feels it’s their turn to carry on this practice. Something of the nature of this church can

Pastor Wil and wife Lynn Marie Warkentin (left) with deacon Ben and wife Elma Dyck.

be sensed as one listens in at the prayer and praise session on a Sunday morning. “On a morning like this it is not hard to praise the Lord.” “Pray for us.” “Thank you, Lord, for young people in our church.” “Praise the Lord for filling our church the way He does.” “1 thank the Lord for my husband.” The Swan River EMC Church can trace its roots back to three EMC families who found themselves in this town, the Jake Reimers, the George Brauns and the Ben Dycks. They began with house fellowships but soon mov ed into a rented hall. In the fall of 1976 they had an organiza tion service where George Braun was nam ed pastor and Ben Dyck deacon. Some six couples were involved. By 1978 the group had built their own church. The Conference gave them $5000.00. They had $5000.00 of their own, borrowed another $40,000 and went ahead. They spent about $65,000-70,000, all told. Jessie Reimer and Lenora Warkentine sing a duet.

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Jake and Doris Reimer (left) were among the organizing couples at Swan River. Jake and Betty Warkentin came to Swan River from Birch River. Alvin and Esther Brandt farm some 12 miles from Swan River. Lynelle Warkentin (far right), Don Warkentin.

It was mainly built by volunteers. The present pastor, Wil Warkentin. came in 1980. Previous to this Wil and Lynn had been involved in missionary service in the Bahamas at the Windermere High School. After they returned, Wil enrolled at the Win nipeg Theological Seminary. They have five children. They felt at home in Swan River two weeks after they got there. Someone from the congregation took a load of hogs to Winnipeg and on the return trip brought their furniture. Wil is also vice-chairman of the Swan River Association of Evangelicals which includes fourteen churches in the Valley. It was this body that invited the Janz Team for a crusade this spring. The crusade had a positive impact upon the Fellowship. Wil was chairman of counselling and follow-up. In reflecting on the early years at Swan River, Jake Reimer remembers that they started services in their basement back in 1974 but soon rented the Masonic Hall. People started drifting in and by 1977 they started planning a church building. By the time they moved into the church, attendance was around 35-40. He gives God all the glory for the work at Swan River. Don't say “we started the church,” say “the Lord did.” Frank Friesen was spraying on a 270-acre field of wheat when my wife and I went over for lunch. His wife, Gertie, is on casual

Manitoba

Students in this school do not sit in the traditional rows of seats.

employment at the Swan River Hospital. They came to the Fellowship from the Bap tist church, having lived here before the EMC had a group here. Sunday attendance at the Community Bi ble Fellowship is around 120. There are ten Sunday school classes. Sunday morning wor ship is at 10:00 and Sunday school at 11:00 a.m. The church has 47 members.

Adeline Warkentin teaches this class at the Community Bible * Fellowship.

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As noted before, they emphasize Bible study. “Those evangelistic Bible studies are really something,” says Don Warkentin. He feels they are one of the main reasons for their church growth. Should you happen to be at the Communi ty Bible Fellowship on a Sunday after the last service of the day, you might see strange com motion. The chairs are being stacked (they use chairs in the lieu of pews) as if for some event! And that’s what it is! The sanctuary is being made ready for the day school which operates here during the week. The Community Bible Fellowship Christian School is closing off its fourth year of opera tion this year. They had 47 students, grades 1-12. They use the Alpha Omega curriculum COVER PICTURE

Swan River EMC Church

The church has two adult classes, quite large ones.

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Harv Beselt (right) is manager of a Red! Mix Concrete plant. (Pastor Wil on left.)

Terry Scales is a druggist.

as well as part of the Manitoba curriculum. The first graduates will be graduating this year. Both expect to be at the Winnipeg Bible Col lege this fall. Once they have more room they will be able to enlarge. There are three teachers. John Enns, the principal, is a graduate of WBC/WTS of 1981. The other two are Shirley Reader and Mary Harris. Under the Alpha Omega curriculum each student works through ten books. When they finish they are through for the year. Conse quently, when 1 visited the school around the middle of June, over half of the students had already completed their courses. The cost for EMC parents is $75.00 per child per month. Non-EMC people pay $90.00 per child. But these fees are not quite sufficient for operating costs. Was the

Frank Friesen was spraying on a 270-acre field of wheat when we came for lunch.

school a good move, 1 asked Frank Friesen, to which he replied, “Good, but costly.” Is the church resting on its laurels? No. They have already purchased a 12y2-acre site bordering the town of Swan River for their on going ministry. The search for land to expand began as ear ly as 1981. They had a few areas in mind but these did not materialize. The present lot is in a different area but they felt the Lord led them. One indication of this seemed to be that the lot is already all paid for. To bring the project before the congrega tion they are in the process of getting sketch es made which can be displayed for the in formation of the church. The added room is needed for the Sunday school and worship services as well as for the Christian school. With more room they an

Swan River has a population of 3,782 (last census).

ticipate growth also in the school. If there is one predominant occupation of this congregation it, no doubt, would be farm ing. Some 12 are farmers. The building trade might be second, with a variety of other occupations. The Swan River Valley, in which the town of Swan River (pop. 3782 at last census) is located, lies between the Duck Mountains on the south, the Porcupine Mountains on the north, and maybe the Kettle Hills on the east. Settlers came to the Valley around 1898. The soil is rich and fertile. The general trend is for mixed farming. Other Valley towns are Minitonas, Bowsman, Birch River, Kenville, Durban and Benito. The Swan River Valley lies 192 miles north of the American border, with Saskatchewan as its westerly boundary (according to 80 Years in the Swan Riuer Valley/, a local history book of 1978).

The group at the Community Bible Fellowship has purchas ed a new site for church expansion.

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THE MESSENGER

Missions

PARAGUAY

Radio Opens Doors Need for Follow-up

Radio ZP-30, a household word in all of the Chaco, as well as in many areas of East Paraguay, will start its tenth year of transmis sion on September 15 of this year. After less than five years it was already obvious that the original facilities were too small. Not only was there a demand for extended broadcast time but more and better production facilities were needed. In 1981-82 the studio facilities were more than doubled. With the donations from friends in Canada, as well as the churches and col onies in the Chaco, new equipment was pur-

chased for better production. To date we do not have all the equipment needed for our ex panded production facilities. However, we do have enough to produce the extra program ming needed for more broadcast hours. On December 1, 1983 we started noon hour broadcasting. Before this we turned off our transmitter at 10;00 and began the even ing broadcast at six. We have filled in the broadcast time so that by now we begin short ly after 5:40 in the morning and go right through to 2:00 p.m. Of the additional four broadcast hours, half an hour is in German, half an hour in the Indian languages and the rest in Spanish and Guarani.

Radio ZP-30 in Paraguay

The response to the noon hour broadcast time has been very positive. The government is especially pleased that we are serving the Chaco better than ever. They had been put ting pressure on us for noon hour broad casting of the compulsary daily national government newscast at 12:30. More than ever the response that we are receiving tells us that the people of Paraguay are open to the evangelicals. There is interest in the gospel. Especially evident are the open doors to work in the military camps. We have complete freedom to come in and present the Word of God. In fact, we have been invited to do it time and time again. Will you pray that workers will be found to do the follow up work here in the Chaco? Some time ago we were informed that one of the radio operators at the military camp had become a believer. He was visiting his home community. The Baptists were having a retreat there. The participants were assigned to go out and do personal witnessing. When they met this man, he was open and ready to make a decision. The person dealing with him was astonished that he was so ready and already knew the gospel. He told them that he listened to the programs of Radio ZP-30 every day; that is where he got his Bible knowledge. From another camp we receiv ed a report last week that around a dozen soldiers were either believers or very interested in the gospel. They were inquiring where they could find a Spanish-speaking group to wor ship with. Thus we see that radio opens doors; it influences people. However, we need the visible body of believers to complete the harvest, to provide fellowship. Can you come and help? Ernie and Mary Ann Loewen

Erna Plett (Treesbank) left for Paraguay on June 21 for her first term of service there under the EMC Board of of Missions.

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.

JUNE 29, 1984

PAGE 5

MEXICO Felipe and Cindy Cruz are workers in the national EMC church in Mexico. Felipe was born in Mexico and Cindy is from the United States. They sent this letter of gratitude for sending Alfred Friesen and the Study Tour group to Mexico earlier this spring. Ed.

When North and South Meet We're so glad we said yes! We would like to take the opportunity first of all to greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus. It is our desire that each of you is re joicing in your walk with the Lord. It comes as a special privilege and high honour to be able to express our gratitude to God for the visit we received from Alfred Friesen and eight students enrolled in a crosscultural communications course under his leadership. We thank the Lord for the bless ings we received and witnessed in others as a direct result of their time spent here in San to Tomas, Chihuahua (Mexico) area. Some of the impressions these young peo ple and “Alfredo” made on our Christian circles here were really great. Our people aren’t going to forget for a long time the quali ty Christian life they expressed, not with words, which can deceive, but with lives dedicated to finding and then doing God’s will. To the parents of these young people and to Alfred’s wife and children: You have a lot to be proud of! Words like friendliness, willingness, unity of spirit and purpose, humility, sincerity, openness, all in a superlative degree, are the kind of words we need to describe the way the group conducted themselves in a land where both culture and language are hurdles, some too high to be crossed with the ease of a trained athlete, yet they stayed in the race, and as a result they will be better prepared for whatever future God has for them. They ate everything offered to them with no complaints, they worked with eagerness to lend a helping hand, and they even seem ed to hike and play well despite the disadvan tages. We really appreciate the hard work they did on the dirt road which leads to our sum mer campgrounds (only loaned to us). This involved picks, shovels, axes, etc., to say the least, and they handled themselves like pros. Their testimonies were so down to earth, and Alfred translated beautifully from English to Spanish, in a way which could only be summed up with “The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” Several of the testimonies caused others to be able to praise the Lord along with their Canadian brothers and sisters right in the meetings. We need more of this spirit of openness which leads the Body of Christ into a deep understanding of the spiritual needs of the other members. In this way we can unite one with another in prayer and experience victory. All of us seemed to identify with their spirit; it was evident that their lives were being led by the same Holy

PAGE 6

Spirit. They sounded heavenly; many said it sounded like one sweet, celestial voice, their harmonies blended so perfectly. I tried to thank the group, but it seemed so inadequate. It seemed hard to mention each of the details in the brief moments when time came to say goodbyes. Then I recalled the day when Randall and Faith Krahn came to say, “The Board wants to send a group of students as summer missionaries. They want to know if the idea is alright.” We talked, and decided it looked feasible. The national church leaders accepted and the ball began to roll. The culmination? We’re so glad we said “yes”! Thank you again for sharing your children, your students, your future Christian workers with your “south of the border” brothers and sisters in Christ. And our special thanks to “Alfredo” and his wife and children who sacrificed a part of their vacation time and the chance to be together in order for Alfred to accompany the group. Thank you for the fellowship and encouragement he gave to

each life he reached out to and touched. May God bless each person who in any way en couraged or supported the coming of this fine group of young people. Felipe and Cindy Cruz P.S. Also, we thank those who see to it that our name appears on the mailing list of The Messenger.

Sara Loeppky (Steinbach) left on June 21 for another term of service in Paraguay.

Mission Grams Mexico •The annual conference of the national church was held May 25-27 at La Nortena. A couple made a Christian commitment at the conference. Praise the Lord! •Cathy Thiessen made a visit to her Bible correspondence students in La Nortena at the end of May. She visited around 35 homes. Enrollment in this area is 50. This ministry opens many homes where Cathy has the opportunity to share the gospel. •Congratulations! Julia Fast, daughter of Edmar and Alvina in El Paso, graduated from high school. She is presently involved in Child Evangelism Fellowship’s summer ministry to children. •The El Paso church is planning to again have a camp for children and youth during the week of August 13-17. Pray regarding the preparations. •Pray for Rodolfo Reza who is providing leadership to the Juarez church while Jake and Bertha Kroeker are on a three-month furlough. The church is enthusiastically responding to Rodolfo’s leadership. Germany Gladwin Plett reports that during the first week of June he conducted his first funeral in Germany. A sister in the church, Inge Wolf, is hospitalized. Pray for her. Paraguay Abe Giesbrecht reports on an evangelism thrust in a new village at the end of May. In spite of the cold weather people responded. Twenty persons made a commitment to Christ. Pray for these new converts. Abe also reports that his colportage ministry is doing well.

Africa Reports from some African countries indicate on-going drought conditions, resulting in severe hunger. Gospel Missionary Union has purchased sixty tons of grain which is distributed in Mali through local church channels. Evelyn Barkman, EMC missionary, serves in Mali with GMU. California Esther Penner, EMC missionary, continues to serve at the headquarters of Mission Aviation Fellowship. Esther’s and her daughters’ application for permanent U.S. residence has been accepted. Remember to pray for them as they serve the Lord.

THE MESSENGER

Messenger News TWO DEACONS COMMISSIONED

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Mr. Ben Friesen, Canadian Secretary for the Board of Missions

Mr. C. R. Plett, Steinbach Bible College

MOVE TO AUTONOMY CELEBRATED Hudson Bay, Sask.: On May 27 the Pineridge Fellowship Chapel celebrated its move to autonomy and self-support. Ben Friesen, Canadian Secretary for the Board of Missions, was present for the occasion. Ever since our church was formed we have been aided financially by the Board of Missions. Now we are an autonomous EMC church, and we devoted our Sunday morning service, as well as an afternoon service, to recogniz ing this milestone for our church. After our morning service, we had a potluck dinner followed by a short afternoon service. We were entertained and inspired by the Children of Light from the Steinbach Bible

College. The eleven singers were introduced by one another before they presented us with a full and beautiful repertoire. Mr. C.R. Plett, a teacher at the College, presented a short message. He spoke on the prison epistles, pointing out that these letters from Paul are not myths, but fact in which many truths can be found. Paul can be an example for all of us. After the service lunch was served, pro viding a chance for fellowship. Billets for the group were provided. Their ministry is great, and we hope their tour of Europe will be a blessing to those they meet and to them as well.

GOT

Braeside (Winnipeg): How quickly the months and years go by! John, my husband, often uses the Biblical expression, “And it came to pass.” So many exciting events that were “on the horizon” just a short while ago are suddenly history. Do we ever stop to think and take stock of how these events and pro grams have affected us? Hopefully, through all that is happening in our church, we are helped, we grow and mature to some degree. Much has happened since 1 last wrote and so 1 will give you a few highlights. In March John and 1 experienced our first footwashing service. It was a good and mean ingful experience. In April several new members joined our fellowship: Arnold Voth, Audrey Geib, Jean Berthiaume and Gerald Stoesz (by transfer and testimony). Mrs. Michelle Kehler and Bruce Derksen were baptized and accepted as members on May 6. Also on May 6 we had the deacon election. Elected were Abe and Gertrude Wolfe and Lome and Arlene Loewen. The commission ing service took place on June 24 at our even ing service. Sunday, May 13, was Mother’s Day and our morning worship service included a parent/child dedication. We thank God for these precious little ones whom the Lord has given and for the parents who dedicated themselves in training these little ones for the Lord. On Sunday, June 3, we had our annual Sunday school picnic at Birds Hill Park. It was a gorgeous sunny day and we had a large congregation. There were many who par ticipated in Sunday school, sports, the wor ship service and a barbecue lunch. Judging by the talk and laughter, everyone had a good time. Many stayed for a long time just visiting, sharing or watching a ball game. John Stoesz attended an International Prayer Assembly for World Evangelization in Seoul, Korea from June 5-11. We are en couraged to pray with this Assembly for worldwide revival and spiritual awakening.

NOTICE During their building project the Fort Garry E. M. Church will be meeting Sunday mornings (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon) at the St. Avila School, 633 Patricia Ave., Winnipeg, from June 24 to December 9. The Children of Light from the Steinbach Bible College

JUNE 29, 1984

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Floyd and Pearl Dalzell and son Ross

CRUSADE WITH THE DALZELLS Wymark, Sask.: A lively crusade, June 3-10, took place at the Wymark E.M. Church, with Rev. Floyd Dalzell of Thief River Falls, MN as speaker. With him came his wife Pearl and 11-year-old son Ross. The Dalzells play a number of instruments so we heard a lot of good songs. Ross read and recited psalms and Rev. Dalzell had a very interesting story for the children each evening. We soon found that his wide experience made him really flexible—preaching, singing, telling stories, or just talking to the young people. His message on Sunday morning was bas ed on Hebrews 5:15-16. In the evening he spoke on Luke 15:11. Sometimes there is a danger of doing many things for Christ. We should rather be more like Christ. On Monday night there was a lot of sing ing and music. Mr. Dalzell, in his message (Deut. 30:19), divided the life of Moses into three parts—40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the desert, and 40 years as a leader. Each of us needs to choose life. On Tuesday evening we heard several

The young people meeting after a service at the Dalzell crusade.

numbers with Gilbert Reimer and Rev. Dalzell playing a saw. The message (Luke 23:26-48) portrayed three crosses at Calvary—rejection, atonement, repentance salvation. A ladies’ aid meeting took place on Wednesday morning. Mrs. Margaret Dyck had the scripture reading and prayer, reading Psalm 139. Mrs. Pearl Dalzell spoke on John 19:25-27. We must ever strive to be near Jesus so we may learn to discern His will for us in our daily lives. Having done this we can rest assured that He will lead and guide us over hills and through valleys, in sorrow and joy. We need to set an example so that others may learn to know Him also. Elmer and Lena Hamm sang “1 am thankful. Lord, that thou lovest me” on Wednesday evening. Rev. Dalzell presented a poem, “Jonah and the Whale.” The message dealt with Samuel. Man must hum ble himself and seek God’s will for his life, honouring Him in his undertakings. On Thursday evening Trent Erickson played the trumpet (“Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”). All the ministers went forward to give a testimony and sing “Blest

Be the Tie that Binds.” The children, ten years and under, also sang a song, with Rev. Dalzell leading them. In his message Rev. Dalzell stressed that God is concerned about us. We are to seek the Kingdom of God. Our soul may be required of us this night. There is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. The Dalzells sang several songs on Friday evening and time was given for testimonies. The theme that night was taken from Psalm 27:8—God's call and man’s response to His call. Rev. Dalzell pointed out that God does not wait for man to come to Him; He calls man first and then waits for his response. A special young people’s service took place on Saturday evening. There was a lot of sing ing and music by the Dalzells and others. In his message Rev. Dalzell stated that life is empty, absurd, a rat race. The soul continues to hunger until a person comes to the place

A ladies’ meeting at the Wymark church during the Dalzell crusade.

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Child dedication at the Wymark church. Left to right: Rev. John K. Reimer, Gordon and Hilda Peters and son Jerrod Andrew, Mrs. Leona Reimer.

THE MESSENGER

where he is willing and ready to turn from sin and allow Jesus to lead and guide his every day life. The young people enjoyed a fellowship lunch after the service. The choir sang on Sunday morning. The message was based on Mark 12:13-34. On Sunday evening Trent Erickson played the trumpet and the Dalzells sang. The message was taken from Luke 16:19-31. Turn to God in time. It is a fearful thing to die in one’s sins. How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Several decisions and a number of rededications were made. It was a time of renewal and blessing as we look forward to our Lord’s coming. Child dedication took place on Sunday morning. May 13. Gordon and Hilda Peters brought Jerrod Andrew. Rev. Peter Schlamp had scripture reading and prayer, reading Pro verbs 31:10. It was Mother’s Day and Pastor Reimer spoke on Luke 1:37-38. Men and women today are fitting the Bible into their own lifestyle, accommodating theology. There is Christian approval but no commit ment. We need to magnify God in our fami ly relationships.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDING BEGUN Fort Garry (Winnipeg): The Fort Garry Evangelical Mennonite Church has held its last church service in the old building on the corner of Pasadena and King’s Drive. The converted 7-Day Food Store has been home to this Winnipeg congregation for almost seven years. Now it has to come down to make room for a new church and we are feeling the tug of many happy enriching times we have spent there. However, on the last Sunday at the old church we had to cope with water in the basement and in the main auditorium little bits of plaster were trickling from the ceiling (leaky roof) during the worship service. It helped us to say goodbye to the place. During the building project we are meeting at the St. Avila School on the corner of Patricia and Leach, about two blocks from our church location. God has been good to us and blessed us with many new people in our church to fellowship with. Since our last Messenger news report the following have become members of the Fort Garry EMC: Tim and Cindy Kroeker, Doug and Pat Cattani, Brenda Penner, Mary Bueckert, Darrel and Margi Koop, Tim and Laverna Reimer, and Mike and Barb Siemens. We rejoice and give thanks to God for these new members of our church family. We have also had the happy occasion of parent/baby dedication for Stan and Rhonda Reimer with daughter Angela, Doug and Pat Cattani with son Ryan, and Grant and Celia Plett with son Jeremy. It is a challenge for parents to bring up their little ones to become sons and daughters of God in a restless and uncertain world.

JUNE 29, 1984

Wiebe was the auctioneer. Maybe he gets some credit for the evening being such a suc cess on June 13. The computer, “Fealix,” who used the well-trained voice of Lowell Reimer, was operated and is owned by Henry Friesen of Virden. Fealix, with his accurate and funny remarks, described each of the twenty slaves and made the evening very in teresting. For an added attraction, the slaves (the young people) sang some of the delightful songs of Landmark’s “Heischraitje.” The 25th anniversary of the Kola E.M. Church will be celebrated on August 3, 4 and 5 of this year. All former residents of Kola are especially reminded and invited to come and join in these celebrations of reminiscing, fellowship and praise to God. Wayne and Shelagh Toews

FAREWELL SERVICE FOR MISSIONARIES

Vermilion Bay, Ont.: On May 20 we were privileged to have Rev. Cornie Dueck of Rosenort, Man. speak both in the morning and evening services. About 80 people gathered for a farewell service for Wayne and Shelagh Toews. The service was chaired by Mr. Kleinpeter. Rev. Dueck gave a short message on missions and Rev. Dick Swan son from the Upper Falls Baptist Church gave a word of encouragement to Wayne ad Shelagh. A special song, sung by Syd Wall, was enjoyed. Wayne and Shelagh and Gary Dyck of Dryden all left by car on May 22, travelling to Sarnia, Ont. for the Operation Mobilization Conference. On June 8 they were scheduled to fly to Belgium. Mr. Dyck will be staying in Belgium before going to In dia. Wayne and Shelagh plan on staying with Shelagh’s parents in England for three to four weeks before going to New Delhi, India for a two-year term with O.M. RAIN AGAIN? Kola, Man.: At Kola it is an accepted fact that it always rains on a Sunday school picnic. If this is the case, this year was an exception, The Lord gave us lovely, clear, sunny weather for our annual Sunday school picnic, which was held on Children’s Day, June 10. The combined outdoor morning service and Sunday school program was attended by a recordbreaking number of people. Joining the birds, under the great shade trees, in singing praises to God in His wonderful outdoors, is very special. Food never tastes better than at a Sunday school picnic and there was an abundance of it. That’s one day when we don’t mind sharing our lunches with friends, ants, bees, etc. Harold Klassen, our Sunday school superintendent, chaired and supervised the day’s activities. Our young people raised more than one thousand dollars for their annual camp ex penses at their recent Slave Auction. Henry

Births GIESBRECHT — to Sheldon and Linda Giesbrecht of MacGregor. Man., a daughter, Candace Jean, on May 22, 1984. FRIESEN—to Leo and Lynda Friesen of Stein bach, Man., a son, Joseph Leo, on December 19. 1983. REIMER—to Will and Chris Reimer of Niverville, Man., a daughter, Stephanie May, on December 23, 1983. REIMER—to Mel and Eva Reimer of Steinbach, Man., a son, Kelly Ryan, on February 3, 1984. DUECK—to Art and Joanne Dueck of Stein bach, Man., a son, Nathan Alexander Troy, on March 12, 1984. HILDEBRANDT—to Dan and Nancy Hildebrandt of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Karin Jody Lee, on March 28, 1984. KROEKER—to Mike and Leona Kroeker of Steinbach, Man., a son, Matthew Donovan, on March 22, 1984. DUONG—to Seng and Sia Duong of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Michelle, on March 31, 1984. BROESKY—to Allan and Sharon Broesky of Steinbach, Man., a son, Matthew Kellen, on June 3, 1984. TOEWS—to Arnold and Betty Lou Toews of Steinbach, Man., a son, Michael Jordan, on June 7, 1984. WILKINSON—to Garry and Bonnie Wilkinson of Endeavor, Sask., a daughter, Alician Joy, on June 6, 1984.

Weddings NEUFELD-BUHR: Jeff, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard Neufeld of New Bothwell, Man., was married on January 28, 1984 to Sharon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Buhr of Steinbach, Man. The wedding took place at the Steinbach E.M. Church with Arden Thiessen of Steinbach of ficiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. DUECK-LOEWEN; John Dueck of Pilot Butte, Sask., and Sandra, daughter of Mrs. Marge Loewen of Steinbach, Man., were married on February 4, 1984 at the Steinbach E. M. Church. Rev. Richard Sipley of Regina, Sask, officiated. The couple is making their home in Pilot Butte, Sask. SCHELLENBERG-PETERS; Bob, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Schellenberg of Steinbach, Man., and Carol, daughter of Mrs. P. R. Peters of Stein bach, were married at the Steinbach E.M. Church

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on February 25, 1984. Arden Thiessen of Stein bach officiated. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. SCHELLENBERG—FRIESEN: Peter, son of Mr. and Mrs. John K. Schellenberg, was married to Marcella, daughter of Mrs. Frank K. Friesen. The wedding took place at the Steinbach E. M. Church with Rob Johns of the Steinbach United Church of ficiating. The couple is residing in Winnipeg. REIMER-FRIESEN: Marvin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Reimer, and Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich M. Friesen of New Bothwell, Man., were married on March 10, 1984 at the Steinbach Chortitzer Church with Harry Bartel of the Full Gospel Chapel in Steinbach officiating. The couple is residing in the Mitchell area. GREBA-SCHARFENBERG: Brent, son of Joseph and Isabel Greba of Endeavor, Sask, was married to Cheryl, daughter of Virgil and Velma Scharfenberg of Hudson Bay, Sask., on June 2, 1984. The wedding took place in Preeceville, Sask, with E. Wright of Sturgis, Sask, officiating. The cou ple is making their home in Endeavor, Sask. FROESE—BARTEL: Dave, son of Jake and Louise Froese of Calgary, Alta., and Wendy, daughter of Art and Lena Bartel of Kleefeld, Man., were manied on May 19, 1984 at the Braeside E. M. Church in Winnipeg. John Stoesz of Win nipeg officiated. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg.

Mary Reimer 1911-1984

“His merciful kindness is great towards us. In life and death the Lord be praised” (Psalm 117:2). Mary was born to her parents, Cornelius E. and Helena Reimer, on November 7, 1911, in Ekron, Manitoba. She went to her eternal home on May 29, 1984, at 8:52 p.m. after almost seven months of intense suffering and of yearning to depart and be with the Lord. In Mary’s better days the Lord worked in her heart an attitude of praise and thankfulness. Mary was baptized on December 1, 1929. In 1945 God drew her to a deeper commit ment which was evidenced by her faithfulness in searching His word and seeking to live it. Together with her parents, three sisters and one brother, Mary, at the age of four years, left Manitoba for Meade, Kansas. Four years later the family made a move to Satanta, Kan sas where Mary was at home for 21 years. During these years Mary enjoyed good health and developed good work habits. In 1940, after her mother's death and her father’s move to Mexico, Mary and her sister, Katheryn, moved back to Manitoba. She spent her first years working in numerous local homes. After her move to Winnipeg, she was employed by the Victorian Order of Nurses. In 1972 ill health led to diagnosis and gall bladder surgery after which she again enjoyed good years. Three-and-a-half years ago Mary bought a house from her niece, a home at Moosehorn in northern Manitoba, where she lived and remained active. Here she found

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special opportunities to show hospitality to many. In the fall of 1983 Mary experienced physical pain and distress. In November of 1983 she was admitted to the Bethesda Hospital where diagnosis and cancer surgery followed. On December 1, at the St Boniface Hospital, a second surgery was performed in an effort to help Mary have more good years. Distressful times followed, but Mary recovered sufficiently to be able to move once more to her home in Moosehorn. On March 22, 1984 she was admitted to the Ashern Hospital. Then on March 27 she made the transfer to her sister Anna’s home in Blumenort. On April 1 she was readmitted to the Bethesda Hospital where she remained till the Lord claimed His own. The very last night of her life she said twice, “Goodbye, dear friends, I wish to see you all in heaven.” Surviving are two sisters, Anna, Mrs. A.U. Brandt, and family of Blumenort; and Katheryn of Winnipeg; one brother, George, and his family of Satanta, Kansas. She was predeceased by her mother, Helena, on May 28, 1937; her father, Cornelius, in August 1942; her oldest sister, Helena, on May 23, 1975; her oldest brother, Nick, on May 15, 1979; and one niece, Jessie Brandt, on December 25, 1979. We express a hearty thank you to all friends and hospital staff who shared in making Aunt Mary’s last days richer through sharing and caring. The Family

Herman G. Friesen 1907-1984 “The Lord is my shepherd. 1 will not want" (Psalm 23:1). Dad was born on March 25, 1907 in Giroux, Man. to his parents John and Rosina Friesen. He reached the age of 77 years, 2 months and 7 days. He grew up and got his schooling in the district of Ekron. He lost both

his parents at an early age which was a hard ship for him. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith and received into the membership of the Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church in November 1926. He had spiritual struggles but never gave up. He enjoyed reading the Bible and remained true and loyal to his faith to the end. On July 26,' 1936 Dad was united in mar riage to Agnes Klassen, daughter of David K. Klassen. They were married 47 years and ten months. Six children were born to them. The greater part of their married life was spent on the farm in the Steinbach-Blumenort area since farming was their vocation. They moved to Maryfield, Sask, in 1958 from Blumenort. They lived on the farm till they retired and moved back to Steinbach in 1979. Here they resided in the Birchwood Apart ments. The last S'/z years he enjoyed better health and closeness of relatives and friends. His pastime was reading and he especially en joyed family history. He also enjoyed the Bi ble studies at the Apartments and the Golden Age Fellowship in Blumenort. He started having respiratory problems about 30 years ago which was a hindrance to him in his occupation as a farmer. He had to spend some time in the hospital because of this ailment. This problem seemed to in crease as he grew older. He was feeling ex ceptionally good the last few months. Sud denly on Friday morning, June 1, he became very ill. He was admitted to the Bethesda Hospital and his condition deteriorated rapid ly. He fell asleep and peacefully went to be with the Lord at 10:30 p.m. the same day. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Agnes and his three sons, Ben and his wife Mary (Steinbach), Wilbert and his wife Carol (Kola, Man.), and Harold and his wife Cheryl (Maryfield, Sask.); and his two daughters, Betty and her husband, Ed Reimer (Fisher Branch, Man.), Rosaline and her husband, Wayne Rempel (Kola, Man.); and thirteen grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Edward and his wife Mary, Neil and his wife Marie, and Martin and his wife Agatha; two sisters, Elizabeth and her hus band Jac. Kroeker, and Agatha and her hus band Aron Kroeker; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Mary Friesen and Mrs. Elizabeth Friesen, and also numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one daughter Rosina in 1940, his parents, two brothers and one sister. We would like to thank each one who has prayed, visited or called, or shown love and understanding in other ways. Please continue to pray for us. The Family

THE MESSENGER

Julia Hamm, Saskatoon, Sask., spent nine months with Global Outreach, finishing her assignment this spring. She spent about months of this time in India and England. She gives some of her impres sions in this letter. Ed.

ing classes in missions and in drama. I feel the Lord is calling me into full-time missions, but am not sure where, or in what type of ministry. Pray for me in this area.

Julia Hamm

People Lost and Dying Without Christ LETTERS

Did you enjoy India? Yes, I loved India. The people are very friendly and hospitable. The countryside is beautiful, with green fields of rice, spice plants, banana trees, and lots of palm trees. The culture is very interesting, and there is never a dull moment. What is India likeP It is very colorful. The country is green with lots of trees; there are mountains, beautiful beaches, villages with grass huts, and also dry rocky hills—in the north. When you drive down the street there are cars, trucks, buses, ox carts, bicycles, motor cycles, scooters, rickshaws, cows, goats, dogs, and lots of people that sunound you. There is an expression that says, “Driving in India is like finding the Lord’s will for your life— the path unfolds as you move ahead.” This is literally what driving in India is like. When you look down the street you see open shops and colorful billboards advertis ing different things. What did your ministry consist ofP During the day we spent time practicing, and also had many school meetings during the mornings and afternoon. The evenings were spent con ducting open air crusades. This ministry kept us very busy, but it was very rewarding. There were around one thousand people who made first-time decisions, and many others came for counseling and rededication. Pray for the follow-up ministry. Many of the new believers are involved in Bible studies and others have enrolled in correspondence Bi ble lessons. In some towns, however, it is dif ficult to get proper Bible training. Pray for the new Christians in these towns that they will have a real desire to grow, and that they will be kept in contact. Would you ever go back to IndiaP Yes, I would enjoy going back, if that is where the Lord leads me. What did your ministry in England consist ofP The first two weeks were spent working in a small village in Devon called Morchard Bishop. We had twenty-two meetings in ten days. They consisted of children’s meetings, an open air meeting, a music night, and even ing church meetings. Many children came to

JUNE 29, 1984

know the Lord, and the church was challeng ed to step out and begin an outreach program in their community. It was exciting to see peo ple catch a vision for the lost around them. We had an 84-year-old lady come to us and say, “I’ve been a Christian for many years, but haven’t done much for the Lord. Is it too late to start now?” We assured her it wasn’t, and that God will use us no matter how old we are. The last two weeks were spent in the city of London. Here we worked with an outreach ministry to the Indians in the community. We went door-to-door witnessing, and had a series of meetings. Pray for the contacts that were made. What have you learned this yearP A lot! I’ve seen a world that is full of people who are lost and dying without Christ. I’ve learned that God can use us as long as we are willing to be used. Many times I thought 1 was not talented enough to be used, but God calls us to be faithful, not talented. He will use us in great ways, if we are only willing. I’ve also learned that if you expect great things from God, He answers. This is very exciting to witness. I also realized there are many conveniences a person can live without. Washing your clothes by hand and hanging them on a wash line is a nice change. Cold showers or washing with a bucket and dipper can be lots of fun, especially when you’re allowed to get the whole bathroom floor wet! Sleeping under mosquito nets is cozy, and eating with your fingers is great fun. After all, God created fingers before forks were ever invented. How did your finances come inP The Lord is faithful and supplied our needs. I had the support I needed, and my financial statements came out on top. I’d like to say a warm thank you for all your support, and I pray God will bless you for your faithfulness. You all had a great part in our ministry. What will you be doing nowP In the im mediate future I plan to spend some time with family and friends. Then I’ll be working at Camp Arnes for the summer and possibly in the fall. I would also like to take some even-

Appreciated Article HAVING JUST returned from the EMC Mis sions Study Tour and gaining a new perspec tive on God’s mission in the world, it was a real joy to read Wilbert Friesen’s article, ‘Why EMC Missions?’ Some of the things he men tioned struck a responsive chord because of what I had learnt or observed on the tour. It was exciting to worship with large and small congregations that are in existence because of the witness of our missionaries both past and present. Though, at times, their worship takes on different forms, we still felt a oneness because of our love for Christ. I would hear tily agree with Mr. Friesen that an exciting challenge lies before us as individuals and as a conference. As tour members, we sensed an excitement for the work in the missionaries. And yet, we observed that the work is not always easy and that it can be very discourag ing at times, but God is at work and He is building His church and His mission in the world will be accomplished. Let us be found faithful so that our part in His mission will be done. Randy Hiebert Steinbach, Man.

Pastor Needed Fisher Branch, Man. — Peter and Kathy Friesen are planning to leave for fur ther studies. A replacement is needed by September 1, 1984. Contact Nick Plett. Fisher Branch, Man. ROC OZO, Ph. 372-6633, or Edwin Friesen at the Con ference Office. There is also a need for “tentmakers” at Creighton, Sask. (Flin Flon), Vermilion Bay, Ontario, etc. Please contact: Edwin Friesen E.M. Conference Office Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Tel. (204) 326-6401

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From the Editor By the Way MY WIFE and I have just recently returned from a trip to two of our Manitoba churches for church profiles. As I hear people express their appreciation for and interest in these articles I am also encouraged to keep it up. The two churches in question are in close proximity to one another and since it involves a drive of around 400 miles it made sense to do them on one trip. Since I usually try and include one Sunday at each church the trip necessiated two weekends. Both churches are located in the Swan River Valley. The Valley itself, though, has a good number more rivers and creeks, I suppose because of its location between two mountain ranges. However, we must remember that this is not B.C. The highest point in Manitoba is reached in one of these ranges - Baldy Mountain, standing at 831.2 meters. (Translated into feet it would come to around 3,272 feet.) As I reflect on this week in the Valley and its impres sions on me there is maybe one thing above all others that stands out, and that is the call to faithfulness of in dividual Christians. I understand anew the words of Paul when he says, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (I Cor. 4:2). Faithful! And so there was a minister in southern Manitoba who once, or maybe repeatedly, preached that we should not all sow in one place. Maybe this preacher, faithful to his calling, will never know that one man, on hearing this, pulled up stakes with his family and relocated in the fruitful Swan River Valley and has now sown in another neglected part of the field for 13 years! One could even go beyond this and see godly parents faithfully instilling Christian values into their offspring, preparing the ground so that this man would be receptive to the call when it came. And so, unheralded and un sung, many God-fearing parents may never know this side of eternity what their faithfulness accomplished. How very crucial then is also a charge like I Cor. 15:58 and its call to faithfulness! I feel very strongly that our people who have moved into the Valley have something that we may be in danger of losing. They are a salt and light, permeating their sur roundings in a way that some us could learn from. I suppose one of the reasons may be opportunity, but I don’t think this is all.

How often has someone said to us, “I want what you have,” in a salvation sense? Yet the Bible says that we are witnesses. This enhances the importance of the in dividual life lived for Christ, our daily lifestyle. This will attract people and some will say, “I want what you have.” I saw this happening last week as we visited, ask ed questions and kept our ears open. Even years before our people moved into the Valley in larger numbers, one of our families (he was a school teacher) lived and witnessed here. A young girl was sav ed. Today she is the wife of a school principal in this area. Again we must sow in hope of a harvest, even though it may be a harvest that is long in coming. Greatness, if we aspire to it, will likely elude us. Faithfulness, if we pursue it, will result in greatness, not always in the sight of man, but surely in the sight of God. It may be a very little, insignificant thing or deed in our sight which will make a seeker think and bring him even tually to the foot of the cross. Why would a person, observing how the Christians live, suddenly come to the conclusion that they (the Christians) know something that he doesn’t know? Pursu ing this, a man and wife found what this was, became Christians and are now fellowshipping in one of these two churches in the Valley. Something which I believe we have emphasized for years is the involvement of the individual in the life of the church. This has stood one of these churches (but I’m sure both) in good stead. One of the newcomers to the church shared how this was something he found dif ferent and appreciated. Already the second week of at tendance he was involved and he liked it. And so some have gone and started sowing in other places where both the sowers and the reapers are not as plentiful as here and have found that the Lord is faithful. For some the breaking of home ties has not come easily. One of these “missionaries” shared that it had been a struggle. Maybe for some the struggle is not over yet. Others can confidently say, “We haven’t questioned once that the Lord led us here.” Yet I think that they feel that they are in the place the Lord wants them.

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