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Th© Messenger CONEERENCE EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

VOL. 22 NO. 18

•Confessing Our Hope

•Crusade Plans underway (

•Annual Convention Reflections

SEPT. 7/84

“Confessing our hope means more than just being different. It means giving the sensible answer to whoever asks us why we are what we are! It is not enough just to be faithful in keeping the hope, l/l/e also ought to share that hope.” Charles Christano

Confessing Our Hope by Charles Christano

A MENNONITE WORLD CONFERENCE MESSAGE

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ear Brothers and Sisters,

We are gathered together this evening as part of God’s people. We come from dif ferent backgrounds and walks of life. We have different histories, cultures and tradi tions, but at the same time we have many things in common. We come to Strasbourg as individuals, but corporately we are representing Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches which have become an ever-growing global family. During this conference, we will address the theme, “God’s People Serve in Hope.” But for this evening we shall consider “Confessing Our Hope” which is based on 1 Peter 3:15: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (New American Standard Version.) I want to draw your attention to several points. First, let us begin with the understanding that the recipients of Peter’s epistle were pilgrims. They were those who “. . . reside as aliens, scat tered . . .” (1:1). They knew that they were not to live on this planet forever. They also knew that they were not to build their kingdoms and live comfortably here. They were to anticipate living frugal lives. They knew that they would not get all that they wanted! As a matter of fact, they lived in unfriendly surroundings!

at the same time it is God-oriented: it is for ward as well as upward! Third, many of us think that our situa tion is much worse than that of Peter’s generation. But if we read the preceding verses of our text it is as relevant as if we read our own daily news or magazines. Everywhere there is disharmony, discourtesy, ill-will, retaliation, and lack of compassion! In Peter’s exhortation we hear his master’s voice, “Not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a bless ing instead; for you are called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing” (V.9).

We call ourselves the descendants of Anabaptists. I hope we truly are. I trust that most of us read our Bibles daily. I also believe that some of us have underlined some verses of the Bible. But what did we underline, if I may ask you? I am afraid that too many of us underlined God’s wonderful promises. And there is nothing wrong with that. But if it is credible to be called God’s people (or shall we say, disciples) we also ought to underline His commands, and by His grace we should obey them! Some people think that if we do what the Bible says God is obliged to fulfill His word. As a principle I do agree. But I’d like to add that we need to be honest with ourselves. Take as an example verse 13, “And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?” The logical conclusion is, no one! But it does not always follow that course. I want to remind you

The reason we are in the world, though we are not of it, is because we are to give another alter native to the hopelessness of the whole creation. We are to be witnesses that there is still hope. For Peter and the pilgrims, the antidote for hopelessness was enthroning Christ as Lord in their hearts. Second, we are to understand the mean ing of the word hope. It is related to the future. Hope in its very essence requires uncertainties, doubts, insecurities. Hope also entails difficulties, tensions, pre judices, malice, sufferings, famine, sickness, chaos, enmities, slander, wars, etc. But lest we become baf fled and despairing, we should also notice that in its original meaning hope has nothing to do with elusive and unfounded expectation. On the contrary it is something certain based on Him who is faithful and able to accomplish to perfec tion. So hope is related to the future but

that many people live in situations where they do not enjoy the freedom that some of you enjoy. They know the rules of the game but they live at the mercy of the rulers’ games. Justice belongs to the powers that be. What is right is determin ed by the establishment. Lest we are mistaken, even the simple-minded Peter went on to say, “But even if you should suf fer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled” (v.l4). The tenor of the New Testament teachings is that in spite of, or maybe precisely because of, the unfavorable and desperate situations that

THE MESSENGER

we are in, as God’s people we are to live Teacher, the Miracle Worker. 'Though he " ‘ hope. called differently, confessing our ” him “Lord,” he did not acknowledge Fourth, we need to affirm that the hope His true lordship. More than once he con■' ’ the ■" , tradicted his own statements. “No, which is in us is “a living 'hope through resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Lord . . .,” was his impulsive response dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Mind you, our hope is whenever he did not agree with the not a subjective feeling but objective align- Master’s will. Peter wanted his own way; ment with the victorious Christ. For Peter therefore, he often got disappointed. His and the addresses of his epistle, hope is hope was shattered. But Peter was not u___ _________ __________------------------------------------------------same grounded on, sustained, nourished, and nique. Judas and Thomas did the ----directed by God.'Therefore it is’aimost thing. And I am afraid that among Anabapsynonymous with the destiny promised by Lists, and many other denominations for f 2 " 12 express ,1._ matter, many followed Peter’s God. Hence Peter could the m- that ' „ „ - have „ heritance to which God’s people are called trail. For not a few, following Christ means only one thing — abundant life, a life which (cf. V.9). has no fear, no troubles, no sufferings. Hope, then, is an expression of faith, an Even Matthew 6:33 has a different ring. Yes, we seek first His kingdom and His chored in God! It is a faith which is ex- righteousness so that many other good hibited with confidence, patience, en- things shall be added to us. Sugar-coated durance, but also with eagerness! That gospel entices many itchy ears, but many kind of hope is not weakened but turn away sour-faced and disappointed, strengthened by the apparent impossibiliMight it be that many of us know Christ ty of the outlook. That kind of hope thrives as the Savior but not as the Lord of our on trials and on the experience of righteous lives? Careful study through the New sufferings. For Peter, it is not a blanket Testament has uncovered the fact that, statement! while Jesus is mentioned 16 times as It has been proven again and again that Savior, He is called Lord more than 470 the hope of God’s people flourishes where times! there are persecutions and sufferings, conPeter learned his lesson the hard way. trary to the popular belief that “abundance He failed more than once. But he was and comfort is the sign of God’s blessings.” restored again and again. The story goes But how do we put that hope into practice? that the risen Lord met Peter while he was Well, to be realistic, first of all we need to fleeing Rome. Peter had left in great fear accept this staggering truth: as God’s peo- but, though tired and forlorn, returned to pie we still live in this world. And there is Rome and was no longer afraid. His future only one world! As God’s people we need was still bleak, he was facing a certain to recognize and challenge the futility and death, but it was not a discouraged discithe bondage of the whole creation. We are pie who entered Rome. Instead it was the conscious of our own weaknesses, but at man who had conquered fear, even death, the same time we also need to remind Peter held his chin up, he was full of hope! ourselves that we possess what the other No wonder he could admonish us, “For you people do not, that being our living hope, have been called for this purpose, since Therefore we must not give up but hang Christ also suffered for you, leaving an ex on to the Guarantor of that hope! ample for you to follow in His steps . . . and The reason we are in the world, though while being reviled. He did not revile in not of it, is because we are to give another return; while suffering. He uttered no alternative to the hopelessness of the whole threats but kept entrusting Himself to Him creation. We are to be witnesses that there who judges righteously . . . For you were is still hope. For Peter and the pilgrims, continually straying like sheep, but now the antidote for hopelessness was enthron- you have returned to the Shepherd and the ing Christ as Lord in their hearts. Now, Guardian of your souls” (I Peter 2:21-25). how do we come to grips with that? What changed a frightened Peter into a Let me take the risk of reminiscing on valiant disciple was the recognition and the life of Peter. He knew Jesus as a great acknowledgement that Christ was Lord.

I want to remind you that many people live in situations where they do not enjoy the freedom that some of you enjoy. They know the rules of the game but they live at the mercy of the rulers’ games. Justice belongs to the powers that be.

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Harvey Plett (left), Steinbach, is the EMC member for the Mennonite World Con ference. Here he is being greeted by Presi dent Charles Christano on opening night of the Mennonite World Conference.

.s we are assembled together these days, we are grateful for the rich heritage we have from our common forefathers. But as we become more and more interna tional, we should not cling to the old ethnic mentality, nor are we tq adhere to old con fessions in order to be genuine. I do not mean that old confessions of faith are no longer valid. They were needed very bad ly then. But we are now living at the close of the twentieth century. The world is stag gering in its hopeless course. We need something which is relevant. We need the Now confession. Let’s make the old city of Strasbourg another new historical site. If in 1554, 1555 up to 1607 Strasbourg had the privilege of hosting the early con ferences, let’s make the XI Assembly of MWC an historical event where we, as the now generation of Mennonites and Brethren in Christ, deliberate our Confes sion of Hope. I am not denying that we have fear. Our fear is very real and very close to home. The world is at the brink of self annihilation, but remember that the final issue can be left with God. I do not mean that we should be idle or become fatalistic, God forbid! “Therefore, let those also who suffer ac cording to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (1 Peter Consequently, as God’s people we are urged not to be afraid. But how? Our text suggests that the positive and creative as well as realistic and critical way of facing (cont’d. next page) PAGE 3

SEPTEMBER 7, 1984

our fear is not to give in or give up but to give the rightful place to Jesus as Lord in our hearts. Let Him reign supreme! It is only when we have true fear expressed in our upright behavior and in more in telligent and meaningful answers concer ning our living hope that all lesser fears, fears of men and of other powers, find no room in our hearts. We meet in Strasbourg these days in the year of what is known by some of us as the Orwellian Year, 1984! Therefore pardon me if I utilize some of his “newspeaks” in order to bring home our present situation. Whether we like it or not, we seem to be scrutinized by the Big Brother. His face looms on the screens. It lurks everywhere. Our hearing is being drowned and deafen ed by the slogans: War is Peace Freedom is Slavery Ignorance is Strength.

hat shall we do then? We should not ■ ■ by ■ „ what ■ ’ to us.. be terrorized man can do Our victorious Lord reminds us that the danger in life is not what men can do to us in the flesh, but what God, the ultimate Judge and the Redeemer, can do to us in the end (Matthew 10:28). Brothers and sisters, where there is no security anywhere, remember that our security is in God. Around the world peopie are so confused and frustrated. Untold millions are looking for something or some one to hold on to. Woe to those who do not believe in eternal life. Woe to those who do not have hope for life after death! But we, as God’s people, have ample opportunities to witness. Our hope not only

God’s People Witnessing (Excerpted from another MWC message) by Gilberto Flores The church must see its witness as one of comprehensive evangelism. I define evangelism as the action of pro claiming a gospel of the kingdom with the purpose of penetrating society and presen ting it with comprehensive redemption, salvation for the whole human being. Circumstances in Central America affect and, in a certain way, condition the need to express a message which goes beyond traditional forms of evangelism so much in vogue. We Anabaptists confront a challenging situation; evangelism must be directed toward men and women, offering them answers and alternatives. These are some steps to be considered when we outline the work ahead of us and the practical aspect of evangelism, . . , .■ (Returning to the apostolic understanding of evangelism.) ' It was of utmost importance to the apostles to remember that they were sojourners on earth and that their lives were to contrast with the surrounding world at that time. This situation led them to speak to the reality of the world without losing their identity as children of God. They proclaimed to the world the truth of the gospel of the kingdom, calling on all

marks the boundary between our former to use the ethical principles of Jesus Christ and our new lives, but it also marks the boundary with the world. Not so much that we become completely separated and isolated from it but we that become a witness to it. Thence, confessing our hope means more than wearing a certain type of dress or choosing certain colors. Confessing our hope means more than just being different. It means giving the sensible answer to whoever asks us why we are what we are! It is not enough just to be faithful in keeping the hope. We also ought to share that hope. In fact, confessing our hope, manifesting God’s sovereign rule in our daily lives, is the very issue at stake in times of trouble and persecution, And the way we confess our hope should be filled with gentleness, courage, forgiveness, and reverence (1 Peter 3:10-16). May we be found faithful to the end. God’s grace is all that we need. ■

as a guide for all actions in life, not only with regard to sin in a subjective sense, but with the added urgency of also confronting social sins. The apostles were moved by the desire to better the lives of people, demanding a personal commitment to Christ, inviting believers to live a consistent life characterized by equality, liberty, justice, forgiveness, reconciliation, and a clear awareness of the realities of their surroundings. They sought to have a church made up of disciples, for this was fundamental to the continuity of the church. For Peter, as for the rest of the apostles, the value of evangelism lay in a faith born of com munication and strengthened by commit ment, not necessarily in the number of 'believers. " They strove to maintain the vision of a church which understood its mission to be

establishing a kingdom without manipula tion, escapism, or false hopes.

(The church, a wholistic message) There is no valid distinction between a speaker and his message. In many ways, the preacher and what he says amount to the same thing. Peter exhorts us to give glory to God, making our lives a model for the cause of Christ. Paul tells us, “You are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the Living God” (2 Cor. 3:3) The church can become whole through disciple-making. Many congregations today are growing and developing, boldly setting aside many of their age-old ways of preaching and evangelizing. The Anabap tists of the sixteenth century gave us a clear example of growth, message, and depth of faith, based on a concrete ap proach to discipleship. The church can maintain this same witness by practicing a discipleship composed of four basic elements: 1. A conscious sense of responsibility regarding the life of the kingdom (spirituality, faithfulness, unity). 2. A sense of incarnation, expressing Christ’s interest for human beings . . . 3. Knowledge of faith through communi ty action - disciples in dialogue seek to make Christ central in their individual and community lives. 4. Fulfillment of the church’s global mis sion. To reach this objective, the church needs to mobilize all brothers and sisters, recognizing that it is neither healthy nor valid to expect a few specialists to do the work Christ intended for the entire church.

CONTRIBUTORS: “Confessing Our Hope” is the presidential address at the 1984 Mennonite World Conference by President Charles Christano. Gilberto Flores is from Guatemala. Wayne and Essie Herrod (Braeside) are involv ed in church work and development in Kenya, Africa. Sara Loeppky (Steinbach) is serving under the EMC Board of Missions in Paraguay. Her work involves evangelism and Christian literature ministries. Linda Penner (Blumenort) is a nurse at La Esperanza in Paraguay. Gladii'in and Jean Plett (Portage la Prairie) are ser ving in Germany where they are involved in church planting. Marvin and Wendy Thiessen (MacGregor) are under the Janz Team in Brazil where their work includes crusade evangelism.

COVER PHOTO: School days are again here bringing with it the school patrol. May we use extra caution as we observe their red flags. Photo by the editor.

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.

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THE MESSENGER

Missions

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the Lord is sending more labourers into his harvest by sending the tent team? Perhaps you ought to know that when negotiations for a crusade this year were being made, every hope was squelched. Our prayer: “Lord, your will be done..” Very soon a positive picture developed. And now, as more and more details have been worked out, the outlook is very encourag ing. At least we think so, and feel you join us. The evangelist: Manfred Boening, the leader of the Zeltmission; the children’s worker: Birgit Jacobi, who was with us last year; the youth team: fifteen have registered, most of them experienced young adults. A bus service is being organized for Bad Gandersheim and Seesen, including the surrounding villages. A full-page ad in a household type of paper with a circulation of 10,500 will be appear-

This tent, situated op the Schuetzenplatz, can seat 300 people. For chilly September weather it is “heatable.”

GERMANY

Crusade Plans Underway Pray Ye. “Pray ye the Lord of the harvest...” That’s a text so familiar that it has almost lost its significance of appeal. In spite of this, permit it to speak yet again. Jean and I have been the labourers in Seesen now for the past four years. We are convinced that prayer on behalf of this dif ficult ministry has been persevering. And yet, numerical growth has been non existent. Actually attendance has declined. True, we are being told that the concept

of “being the local church’’ has been ac complished to a degree. However, even that statement needs to become “measurable.” The concept of “being the church” doesn’t guarantee spirituality, and not necessarily added membership. And yet, even in the face of minimal growth and numerous disheartening ex periences, we take courage to launch another all-out evangelistic crusade from September 16 to 28. Would the above ap peal, “pray ye....” be in place at such a time? Would it be correct to believe that

1983 youth group. For September 16-28, 1984 we are expecting 15 young adults. SEPTEMBER 7, 1984

Martin Krautter inviting guests. Pray that many newcomers will come to the “neutral” tent.

ing at the beginning of the month. One hundred large signs will be mounted on light standards and there will be 180 smaller ones for other mountings. Eleven thousand handbills will be distributed on September 2 and 8. 'With much homework yet to be done, we would appreciate your supporting prayers. However, let me present another appeal. I do believe that the Lord would like to build his church in Seesen, like everywhere else. This being the case, let us hold hands in believing prayer for not only further spiritual growth but also for more people who will be glad to submit to the lordship of Christ. The best in “living stones” is not too good for the church Christ came to build. Let us pray that God’s name will be ex alted, that His kingdom will be built, and that His will will be done. Gladwin and Jean Plett

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BRAZIL

Reconciliation and Victory in Crusade “...if only I had acee/ded the Lord long ago... ”

The crusade in Ponta Grossa, Parani was different from many of the other crusades we have conducted. The invitation came from a church denomination called Cristianismo Decidido (Decided Christiani ty - a direct translation). The church this year celebrated its 50th anniversary and has been an influence in that industrial ci ty of some three hundred thousand. Pon ta Grossa is located about 120 km. from Curitiba. The “Conjunto” (a singing group of Bi ble school students), Reg Ewert and I left Gramado on a Saturday morning, having planned a Saturday night youth rally and a Sunday morning service in Lapa, Parana, enroute to the crusade. On Sunday after noon we drove the remaining 90 km. to Ponta Grossa to start the week of special meetings that evening. One different characteristic of this crusade was the mobilization of the church. I had asked them six months earlier to mount a “friendship drive” with the members, to encourage them to make friends with neighbours, colleagues at work and school pals. This they had done and many of these people made com mitments that week. Of the 44 who came for counselling, 25 made first-time com mitments. Sunday we had planned a meeting with the church people, members and adherents. About 127 were there; others had to work. On Monday and Tues day nights I gave a counsellor training course while Reg and the Conjunto ministered in another church in that city. What a surprise to have about 80 there for the first counsellor training session! Even though this dwindled to 60 on Tuesday night we were still very happy for the turn out. No, not all of these registered to be counsellors but they wanted the training to witness effectively at work. About twen ty registered to counsel during the crusade. What a joy to see these people lead souls to Christ Wednesday to Sunday night! One man, after the first meeting, with one com ing forward, said, “Man, I was so nervous, I was shaking, but it was great!” One elderly woman had started a Bible study in her home but had not invited one neighbour (who wouldn’t be interested anyway!). A week before the crusade started this neighbour lady came to her with problems. She promptly invited her to the crusade (and brought her). What a joy to see this 68-year-old lady come for ward and accept Christ as Saviour and Lord! There is also the story of the young docPAGE6

tor who was saved. He came for the first time on Thursday night and, as he later said, “I went away very impressed and thinking.” He decided that evening, “Tomorrow I’m going back again.” But he did not come, because he was held at gun point in his own home. A man had come to his door asking him to help a sick daughter. The doctor said, “I often help poor people who can’t pay. So I said, ‘Just wait here till I put up the dogs.’” When he came back to go with the man, he found a gun pointing at him. Sunday morning as he related this to me in the pastor’s study after the service he said, “The first thing that went through my mind was your message of last night when you said, ‘This may be your last opportunity to trust in

Christ.’ As I looked down the barrel of that gun I wondered. Did I wait too long? Will he pull the trigger?” Well, the episode end ed when a friend of his dropped in and was promptly robbed in place of the doctor. (The thief found no money or gold in the house.) When he finished his story, I ask ed him, “What do you think of this whole thing?” He replied, “1 think God is trying to tell me something.” The result was that there in the office he bowed and prayed to accept Jesus as Lord. On Saturday night a man who had been there every night came forward to accept the Lord. On Sunday morning he was not there but a lady came forward and was con verted. I did not know it at the time but this lady was his wife. They had been separated for some time and they did not know that the partner was saved until Sun day afternoon when we had a special testimony meeting of all those who had been counselled during the five-day

Mission Grams Peru Verna Doerksen is presently travelling to different villages, spending one to two weeks in each village. She plans to visit eleven different locations by the end of November. Her ministry will be to help the teachers in the different villages. Paraguay Erna Plett is experiencing a good orientation to Paraguay. She is learning to know the people, the culture and the country. Pray for her during this time of orientation and language learning in preparation for her assignment in Caaguazu.

Mexico Jake and Marie Plett, who arrived in Mexico during the latter part of July, are actively involved in the German ministries at Camp 67. They report that Mary Loewen had VBS at three locations. Paraguay Linda Penner reports that Miguel, the local health promoter, is doing very well in his training. She also writes of positive results in that the testimonies of believers speak of stable Christian experiences. Pray for Linda and about the need for more nurses needed in the work.

Belize Helen Kornelsen, director of King’s College, writes how God is providing teachers for the coming school year. Pray for Helen in her many and heavy responsibilities.

Notes from the Board of Missions Meeting - September 1 1. The Board decided to study the possibility of going into a new field. A request has come from Bolivia for Board of Missions’ involvement. Pray for the Board as this is carefully studied. 2. Wilbert Friesen, Board of Missions member, who spent the summer in Mex ico, gave a report on his involvement. More personnel is needed to enter the opportunities. 3. Sheldon and Linda Giesbrecht of MacGregor were accepted for service in Canada. 4. Doris Friesen, formerly missionary to Nicaragua, has accepted an assignment to study health care needs in East Paraguay. She plans to leave for Paraguay in early October. Enroute she will also visit Nicaragua and Panama. 5. Jim Kliever was accepted for missionary service with the Janz Team in Ger many. Jim’s home church is Kola EMC. He plans to leave later this year.

THE MESSENGER

crusade. Next morning the pastor schedul ed a meeting with them to try to bring about solutions to their problems. Praise the Lord! Yes, there were other stories of recon ciliation and victory. One woman said, “Oh, if only I had accepted the Lord long ago how different my life could have been!” We left the next morning on our 8()0-km. trip, rejoicing in what God had done. Marvin Thiessen

PARAGUAY

Paraguay - Showing Signs of Progress What About Spiritual Progress^

Wednesday, August 15, was an impor tant day for the capital city of Asuncion and all of Paraguay. It was the 447th an niversary of the founding of Asuncion and the celebration of 30 years since the army general, Alfredo Stroessner, was in augurated as president. Considering that in the time prior to his presidency in the years 1870-1954, in a span of only 84 years, Paraguay had 40 dif ferent presidents, this indeed is a record for the country. One commentator in a dai ly paper called it “30 years of national redemption, redemption in the sense that it was rescued from its condition of chronic crises, of blurred horizons, of viscious circles in which they were turning like in a labyrinth from which they seemingly could never come out of.” The celebrations began in the morning with a parade of different military groups and the police force, interspersed with bands, in front of the Governmental Palace. In the afternoon the religious festivities took place in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral where great homage was paid to the Patron Saint and Marshal of the army, the Virgin “Our Lady of Asuncion.” A choir and musical ensem ble presented their songs of worship to the saint followed by a solemn mass and a pro cession taking the saint back to her oratory. Paraguay indeed has seen great strides of progress economically, educationally and socially in the last 30 years. It would take too much space to enumerate all the new schools erected, roads and bridges built. Mention must also be made of the electrical power plant being erected at Itaipu, the largest one in the world. But what about the spiritual progress? How many new churches have been erected? Have the Christians availed themselve of this time of peace and prosperity? May God continue to be gracious to us and may Paraguay yet see real redemption which i.s found alone in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Sara Loeppky SEPTEMBER 7, 1984

a Missionaries Leave Bill and Anne Buhler (Endeavour) left for Paraguay on August 30 where they will be tak ing on the pastorate of theTres Palmas EMC Church in East Paraguay.

Eva Dyck (Lowe Farm Emmanuel Gospel Church) left on August 31 for Mexico. She will be involved in teaching and in Sunday school work among the German-speaking people.

PARAGUAY

God’s Honour at Stake “Carlito has stolen the child’s soul... ”

Yes, it was difficult to leave home and family, but it’s great to be back here in the clinic at La Esperanza. Already I’ve witnessed some exciting results in our health program, and also some equally discouraging ones. We’ve seen a twenty-year-old father and husband respond to medication beyond ex pectation! Was it a sunstroke? Why was this young man convulsing? Soon he was totally helpless. Could it be tuberculous meningitis? Without the aid of modern day testing equipment this was considered a possible diagnosis and treatment was begun accordingly. It was a happy day in deed for all of us when, seven months later, Wil returned his crutches. As my eyes followed his unsteady walk back to the gate, they threatened to spill over with joy and gratitude. It had been a long difficult grind, but Wil was now walking and talk ing again. What about Hermina? How can I forget the earnest prayers of family and friends around the bedside of this young mother whose life hung between life and death for a month. When the sick don’t respond to medical treatment, fears mount and some one is bound to insist that the medicine man’s help must be sought. This family’s prayers seemed sincere; no mention was made of seeking “other help.” Surely God

would perform a miracle! His honour was at stake! Jacob’s struggle of old (Gen. 32) came to my mind as I pled with Him to this end. Today Hermina is back home with her family. Daily she walks five kilometers to the clinic for her injections. Whether she really had tuberculosis of the heart we’ll probably never know, but she is certainly responding to anti-tuberculosis drugs in answer to the prayers of God’s children. What about struggles between light and darkness, where darkness seems to be the winner? 'They test our faith. For example: Beautiful, eight-month-old Maria Luisa had been sick for a week when her parents brought her to the clinic. Her condition was critical. During the second night here in the clinic, the mother became increasingly restless. Convinced that the evil powers were at work, she left at break of dawn with the convulsing child in her arms. Carlito has stolen the child’s soul,” she said. “I must find Alfonso to pray for the soul to return.” Fear held her in a vise-like grip as she disappeared with her burden. Do these experiences affect me personal ly? Yes, they do. They also remind me that each day I need Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday, today and forever, regardless of my feelings. Because of Him I can say, “Lord, if I may. I’ll serve you another day.” Linda Penner PAGE 7

Post-secondary Student Meeting Date: September 27, 1984 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Steinbach Bible College Gym Theme:“Christian Nonconformity” Speaker: Dr. Jon Bonk All university, vocational, com munity college and Bible college students are welcome to this evening of recreation, fellowship and refreshments.

Sponsored by: EMC Board of Education and Publication Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. Tel: 326-6401

Titus Etau and Wayne Herrod

KENYA

Administrator Wanted

Lokichogio’s First Bible School Student Preparing Nationals for Leadership Every missionary who has properly understood his or her calling works toward and expects the time when trained na tionals will assume leadership of the church. The Africa Inland Church at this time in their history only recognizes men as pastors who have formal Bible training. This does not apply in the case of other church leaders. One requirement to enter a Bible training institute is a formal educa tion and in remote areas the missions have built schools which provide this. Titus Etau Ixjgan his education in an AIC school 75 miles from here. After com pleting grade 3 he transferred to Lokichogio where he continued until com pleting primary school. During his later years in school he manifested Christ in his life. He was involved in Sunday school teaching, was a leader in the youth work, and an initiator of an evangelistic effort by young people who went out regularly to preach the gospel in homes and villages around Lokichogio. Having completed his primary education, he was given an opportunity to enter a secondary school but turned it down, re questing instead a Bible school training. Because of the large investment involved in formal Bible training it was decided by the church to put him into a local evangelistic training program for one year in order to observe him more closely to be certain of the genuineness of a divine call. A year later the church decided to send him

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to Bible school. Titus is now in his second year and do ing well. Each school break he is here working in the church. This August break he is teaching two courses in the evangelist school. We are very encouraged with his development and vision, but he needs our fervent prayers, for Satan’s big guns are turned on such. Pray for Titus that God will keep him in victory and full of zeal for Christ. So often the most promising fall the lowest, and are lost to God’s work. We are grateful to the Braeside church Sunday school for their generous gifts which meet Titus’ training expenses. Thi.s is a very worthwhile investment. At present we are observing another young man who also manifests reality in his spiritual life, and he too has requested Bible school training. As with Titus, he began in the evangelist training program and the church has decided that next May, if he continues as at present, he will be sent to Bible school. Perhaps a future article from U.S will be entitled “Lokichogio’s Se cond Bible School Student.” Wayne Herrod

The Board of Directors of Herbert Nur sing Home Inc., owned and operated by the Conference of Mennonites of Saskat chewan, is seeking an administrator for this 54-bed level 111 facility. Duties to commence tentatively Dec. 1, 1984. Applicant must be mature Christian whose faith would be in harmony with those of the owning body. Experience in Long Term Care would be an asset with preferably some training in the field. The applicant should have an understanding of accounting principles, the budgetary process and computer technology. Ability to communicate in both English & German is desirable. Star ting salary is negotiable. Deadline for ap plications is Oct. 15,1984. Direct inquiries to 784-2661. Applications with full resume should be submitted to: Mr. Albert Jahnke, Chairman Box 520 Herbert Nursing Home Herbert, Sask. SOH 2A0

ANNOUNCING MCC (Manitoba) will be holding its annual meeting in the Altona Bergthaler Church Friday evening, November 23 and Saturday morn ing and afternoon November 24.

THE MESSENGER

Messenger News

Baptismal service at the Rosenort EMC. Front (left to right): Thelma Kroeker, Deb Dueck, Candy Dueck, Laurie Dueck, Clarice Dueck, Mrs. Bev. Friesen (accepted into membership). Back row: Assistant Pastor Benny Friesen, Don Dueck, Russ Brandt, Pat Siemens, Dan Friesen, Pastor Johnny Loewen.

Three Deacons Ordained Rosenort, Man.: Jack and Loreen Siemens celebrated their silver wedding on July 20 with a fine supper and program in our church. Their four boys, two girls and daughter-in-law all participated actively, Sister Justina Brandt came all the way from Mexico to surprise them with her presence. Because of her missionary endeavours she had not been at their “green wedding.” On July 23 our young people did some needed tornado clean-up at Jacob B. Loewens, mostly broken branches and debris. Further damage occurred on August 5 when a massive hailstorm flat tened crops, broke windows, moved small buildings and dented vehicles. Some fields were a total loss, many were nearly so. For some people the double disaster became quite a heavy load. Yet God is able to sus tain all who trust in Him. We welcome Larry and Sandi Eidse and family back home from Alberta. Larry is taking on the position of youth director and will also be teaching in the elementary school here. They are renting a house from their aunt, Mrs. Annie Eidse, who has mov ed into the new housing development in Rosenort. Living Fountain Bible Camp (Gimli) was again the scene of much activity for two weeks in July and August. This was joint ly staffed by the four local EMC churches' and attracted many youngsters from ex-

SEPTEMBER 7, 1984

ttension ' areas as well as our own. Larry Eidse was the director. Agnes Friesen and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schellenberg led the Vacation Bible School at St. Adolphe from August 13 to 17 with help from Thelma Kroeker and Candy Dueck.

Ed and Leona Friesen and girls have left us for the Millar Memorial Bible Institute at Pambrun, Saskatchewan, where Ed will be teaching. A farewell and barbecue sup per were held at the Riverside Park. We wish you special blessings from the Lord in His service. Another farewell at the park concerned Paul and Melody Loewen who are going to Kitchener-Waterloo for further education. Paul has led our youth groups for the past two years. Thank you very much! On August 19 we had a very special even ing service when our three new deacons were ordained into this important ministry. EMC Moderator Arden Thiessen challeng ed us with a message from the Word and also assisted Pastor Loewen with the ceremony. The deacon couples are Ed and Annie Kroeker, Melvin and Mary Friesen, and Art and Martha Dueck. Following the service, a light lunch was served to all. Frank P. Kroeker reported at our August mission night, showing slides of the work in East Paraguay, especially the boat travel and other difficulties brought on by the flooding of so much land by the heavy rains and the new hydro-electric project. That same evening we also had an infor mal program honouring Jake and Bertha Kroeker for their 25th wedding anniver sary. Lester, Lani, Kelly and Jeremy all participated actively. A light lunch was served. The Kroekers, Kelly and Jeremy, left for El Paso again on August 28.

Cradle Roll Graduation took place at the Kleefeld church on August 26. Not all of the eleven grads were able to be present. Back: Dawson Friesen (Paul and Barb). Front (left to right): Kerri Steele (Don and Beth), Chrystal Friesen (Jake and Irene), Cora Peters (Lome and Ingrid), Holly Koop (Merle and Sheila), Trevor Hutt (Glen and Shirley), Jeremy Wiens (Ken and Betty).

Cradle Roll Graduation Held Kleef'eld, Man.: “Let the little children come to Me,- and forbid them not.” Eleven precious little tots reached the awesome

age of two years. To celebrate this impor tant milestone in their lives, we set aside (cont’d. next page)

PAGE 9

a special evening that they could call their very own. 1 am, of course, referring to the Cradle Roll Graduation held on August 26. The song that a group of young ladies sang, “Oh, be careful little eyes, ears, lips...,” corresponded well with the short devo tional that Sally Watson presented. From the cradle to the grave we need to guard our lips. It’s a lifelong battle to bridle our tongues so as not to hurt, slander, or grieve, but rather to uplift, to encourage and to praise. After the diplomas were handed out, Jon Bonk offered a dedication prayer for these precious little souls and committed them to the Lord for safekeep ing. And what better place could there possibly be? DVBS was organized by Bob Bartel and Jim Friesen this year and was well attend ed from August 20 to 24. About 75 to 80 children came to enjoy Bible stories, choruses and skits at our church, with a closing rally on the last evening for all parents to enjoy and participate in.

Open house at the golden wedding of John and Adeline Kroeker. The couple is seated at right center.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Steinbach, Man.: Sunday, September 2, the golden wedding of one of our couples, John and Adeline Kroeker, was celebrated. The Kroekers did this by having open house at their home on Highway 59. Many guests were present for the occasion. This summer again the K.R. Barkman Park was the scene of Sunday night open air services. The Steinbach EMC also took

their turn. One of their services was con ducted on August 26. Mr. Arden Thiessen preached and the Sawatzky Sisters had numbers in song. Another outdoor service this summer was a Michael Card concert. It took place at the Steinbach Park on August 25. It was sponsored by the youth of different Stein bach churches.

Weddings PENNER - REDDEKOPP: Harve. son of Herman and Dora Penner of Steinbach. Man., was married on August 18. 1984 to Myra, daughter of Doug and Doreen Reddekopp of Steinbach. The wed ding took place at the Evangelical Fellowship Church in Steinbach, with John Dyck of Steinbach officiating. The couple is making their home in Pan sy. Man.

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McMAHON - SAWATZKY; Shaun, son of Tom and Shirley McMahon of Niverville. Man., and Valerie, daughter of John and Toots Sawatzky of Gretna. Man., were married on August 19. 1984 in Gretna. The couple is residing in Niverville. Man.

SKOPNIK - PETERS; Gordon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Skopnik of Cranbrook. B.C.. and Sharon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Peters of Wymark, Sask., were married on July 21. 1984. The wed ding took place at the Wymark EMC with John Reimer of Wymark officiating. The couple is mak ing their home in Fraser Lake. B.C.

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The Steinbach church was in charge of a Sunday evening outdoor service at the K.R. Barkman Park in Steinbach on August 26.

CHURCHES CALL FOR HIGHER REFUGEE INTAKE

Representatives of the Inter-Church Committe For Refugees (ICCR), of which MCC Canada is a member, met with government officials early in July. They said Canada should double its current intake and accept 25,000 refugees in 1985: 8,000 from Cen tral America; 8,000 from Southeast Asia; and the rest from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere. They also wanted Canada to do more to help Central American refugees in Mexico and the United States, and to institute special programs for the handicap ped, for minors from Southeast Asia, and for minorities from the Middle East.

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Many came out for the Michael Card concert on August 25.

THE MESSENGER

Around

The World

Physicians approve 7 more SET placements

JACQUELINE KOOP

1980-1984

Jacqueline Koop was born February 4, 1980 and died four and a half short years later on July 20, 1984. Jackie spent her four years actively char ming many relatives and friends. She was well known for making friends and loving people, and it wasn’t at all unusual to be told, “You’re my special friend.” Jackie was looking forward to an exciting year ahead of her. She was going to be start ing kindergarten and was waiting for her bus rides. She also had many plans and dreams for when the baby came. Her dad was going to build a bunk bed for Holly and her, and Holly would have to sleep on the top, so that when the baby cried, Jackie could get up to feed and change him. Jackie loved life, and she learned early to love Jesus. After a talk about heaven with her parents, she looked into the clouds and said. “I see Jesus, and He’s coming to get me.” He did come for her, only a week later. Jesus says in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” With Jackie in heaven, where else could our hearts be. Funeral services were held at the Kleefeld EMC on July 26 at 3:00 p.m. with Jon Bonk and Ron Goertzen officiating. Besides her loving parents. Merle and Sheila, Jacqueline leaves to cherish her memory one sister. Holly, at home: her grandparents, Jacob and Gertrude Koop (Kleefeld) and Klaas and Jessie Reimer (Landmark). The Family

SEPTEMBER 7, 1984

Mother Teresa and the other sisters of Mis sionaries of Charity—an order she founded in 1950—have served 46,000 people who were living in the streets of Calcutta. Since then their work has spread to 64 countries. “Wherever we go, we see so much of real need,” she noted. Volunteers from Europe, the United States and all over the world have come here to help Mother Teresa. She says some of these youth tell her, “Mother, we used to see (poor peo ple) in our country but we never used to look. Now after seeing the Home for the Dying, we realize we must also look. Now we are going back to our country. We have learned not on ly to see but to look and do something.” In the past, MCC has contributed quilts, wheat, milk, soap, and rice to the work of the Missionaries of Charity here in Calcutta.

Mother Teresa Visits MCC Calcutta Office

Calcutta, India — Mother Teresa visited the Mennonite Central Committee office here April 3 and spoke to the staff during its chapel service. In her devotional message she reminded those present that the poor are “as precious to (God) as we are...Jesus said, ‘Whatever you do to the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” She talked about the needs that she sees in Calcutta: “The other day I picked up a child from the streets, a little one, 6 years old. From her face and eyes I could see that the child was hungry. So 1 gave her a piece of bread. And then 1 saw the child eating the bread crumb by crumb. “I said (to the child), ‘Please eat the bread. You are hungry.’ Then she looked at me and said, ‘I am afraid when the bread will be finish ed I will be hungry again.’ So small, and already she knew the terrible pain of hunger,” continued Mother Teresa. She also told about a young Hindu couple, recently married, who gave a large sum of money to her work at Shishu Bawan feeding the hungry. When she asked them why they were giv ing such a huge gift, they responded, “We decided that we would not have a wedding feast or buy new clothes to wear but that we would give you this money...We wanted to begin our married lives together by giving and sharing with the poor—to strengthen our love for each other.”

Bluffton, Ohio — Mobilization for Mission remains “the most exciting dimension of the Mennonite Medical Association,” Erland Waltner, Exec. Sec., told the annual business meeting of the Mennonite Medical Associa tion (with a membership of over 500 physi cians). In the past year 17 applications were approved for medical students to spend a semester at an MMA affiliated and approved cross-cultural setting as part of their medical training. SET (student elective term) centers are in Kentucky, Haiti, Dhamtari (India), Tanzania, Paraguay, Zaire, Taiwan, Swaziland, Lesotho, Nigeria and Israel (Nazareth). MMA usually pays travel expenses for such ex periences and an MMA member at the loca tion helps with the supervision of the student. At the Aug. 13-14 annual MMA business meetings, seven new applicants were approv ed and others registered. “The cross-cultural interest continues to grow and we are glad for it,” said Waltner. This program is entirely sup ported by voluntary donations and cost over $13,000 in the past year. Students apply mostly from the U.S. and Canada, but each year there are also some from other countries. Aim of the program is to provide cross-cultural awareness and hopefully some interest in overseas medical mission service. Lawrence Eby, a long time MMA member, recommended Mennonite physicians give ffo of a tithe to support Mobilization for Mission. In other MMA business a suggestion was made to explore full MMA membership by Church of the Brethren physicians. A proposed MMA statement on the global nuclear arms buildup was presented for a first reading. It will be edited by the executive, sent to heads of both the USA and the USSR and made available to the public. A working budget of $41,500 (separate from Mobilization for Mission) was approved for 1984-85. PAGE 11

From the Editor GUEST EDITORIAL

Annual Convention Reflections FOR ME, THE ANNUAL convention is the highlight of the year. This year I was again blessed and helped greatly by the messages of our speaker. Dr. Don Jacobs. His message in our Steinbach church on Sunday morning probably spoke more deeply to me than his others. His subject was “Bitterness.” He used an Old Testament character and depicted what bitterness will do to a per son, the people around him and to God. How I thanked God that in at least one situation in my life, when bit terness wanted to take control, God won in me, and ab solutely took it away. As he spoke, I sat in tears, thank ing my heavenly Father that he had not allowed me to fall as deeply as Ahithophel. At the convention I really enjoy the special singing that groups from our churches present. Since I like choral music very much, I especially enjoyed the Plea sant Valley choir. Recently I was at a Regional Con ference where a mass choir sang blessedly and inspira tionally. Maybe we can resurrect the mass choir idea again for 1985. One other facet of the convention that gives me excitement is the elections. I’m curious to know who the new officers in our committees will be. If, however, there is one overarching joy that I have at conventions, it is the unstructured agenda of just meeting brothers and sisters from our churches scat tered across the country. It’s like a great family reunion. My problem is that I can’t get around to greeting and chatting with everyone because there just isn’t time. The love that goes into and comes out of meeting each other is most uplifting and inspiring. When I look at that great congregation, I praise God and say, “These are my brothers and sisters in Christ.” We are all here because we love each other, and I sense the love and power of Jesus cementing us together as His very own. No, I can’t imagine belonging to a church and not attending the meetings of the Conference; they are too good to miss. I do, however, also have some wishes and maybe even a few concerns about our conventions. I think we at times exude a tremendous success orientation. It’s not that I wish losers to set the tone. What I am concerned about is that our churches ‘way out there’ and their pastors get the impression that all is going well for us here, and they are struggling away in a community where they are almost totally invisible. This impression brings with it a certain fear which makes it hard for them to relate to us. More specifically, I feel that many of our pastors ‘way out there’ are in one sense lonely men who at times face insurmountable situations. They PAGE 12

66/cT n3N3y NVW •SETSO

need a forum in which they can share their frustrations, their questions and their hopes. They may need help in handling situations and problems. Maybe they themselves are run down, and need a place where these inner needs can be addressed. I am reminded that we were ‘way out there’ too. There were many struggles, personal, workwise, financial, all of this in a rather strange community, away from friends and relatives. There were times when I felt like giving up. In those days, however, we had workers’ meetings periodically. Here we could share our victories and defeats, both in the work and in our own lives, without feeling in criminated. We would pray for each other. We would en courage each other. Then we would return with new vigour and courage to our little churches ‘way out there’. Could we not somehow take our little church ‘way out there’ along with us and let our success orien tation be exchanged for an encouragement seminar? Perhaps we could even establish a situation where the needs, concerns, etc., of our pastors could be addressed? The bigger brotherhood is in a good position to offer such a ministry. I believe also that we could usefully spend more time in working through positions on certain issues which would be helpful to the local church in taking a stand and working through the issue. We are becoming more fuzzy all the time on footwashing. Quietly this matter is being progressively pushed off to insignificance. Chur ches face a lot of pressure to simply avoid it, or at best do it only once a year. Should not the convention be us ed to state preferences and then encourage churches to respect that position? Often small churches and their pastors have to struggle through a divorce-remarriage situation. We could probably deal with methods that would be used Conference-wide in handling such situa tions. I am not with this suggesting debate, or any kind of pro and con situation, but certainly prayer and study. We are in a spiritul battle, and these issues must be ad dressed from a spiritual perspective. If we are truly a brotherhood, and I strongly contend we are, do we not owe it to one another to bear each other’s burden? One purpose of a Conference, in my view, is exactly that. As a Conference we must be sen sitive to the needs of smaller, faraway churches (we have many of them). If we are not, they may well ques tion the wisdom of driving long distances to come to convention. So my wish is that the larger brotherhood would hear the struggles and the blessings of the chur ches ‘way out there’ so there can be mutual burden bearing and mutual rejoicing together. Let’s improve a good thing - convention. Ben Friesen Canadian Secretary EMC Board of Missions

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THE MESSENGER