The Messenger November 2, 1984

The Messenger FVANfiFI lOAl MFNNDNITF EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CDNFFRFNCF CONFERENCE

VOL. 22 NO. 22

Church Celebrates ;

Portage EM Church looks back on twenty-five years of ministry

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UNTIL RECENTLY the leaders of our churches were elected for life. Since there were no terms, no need was seen for any structural procedure for evaluating or reviewing the work of the leader. We suggest, however, that the evaluation of pastors is in order in our present situation. Our pastors are installed to work at specific tasks, and their effectiveness at these tasks will have significant implications for the growth and welfare of their churches. A pastor’s effectiveness may change with time — his abilities and qualifications may change, or the leadership needs of the congregation may change. Consequently, we encourage an occasional evaluation of the pastor’s ministry. Since we believe that the congregation has the right and the responsibili­ ty, under the Holy Spirit, to choose its leaders, it seems right that the congregation also be involved in reviewing the work of the leadership.

Guidelines for Pastoral Evaluation Second in a series of two on pastoral calling and evaluation by Ed Friesen and Arden Thiessen

The Principles of Evaluation

1. The primary purpose of an evaluation is not to find fault with the pastor’s per­ formance, but to set directions for the pastor’s further ministry and to determine if the pastor has the gifts required for the continued effectiveness of his leadership. 2. An evaluation that reaches negative conclusions need not mean that the pastor’s performance has decreased. It may mean that the requirements of the job have changed or that the expectations of the congregation have increased. 3. Evaluation should be seen as a means for improving ministry. A leader may not have all the gifts needed for a balanced ministry and for meeting the divergent needs of a large congregation. One of the purposes of an evaluation should be to iden­ tify and affirm those gifts which he has. If the congregation identifies needs for which the pastor does not have the gifts, they may then be able to locate other people with the gifts to complement the pastor’s abilities. 4. A congregation cannot do an effective evaluation without a realistic understan­ ding of the pastor’s duties. Unless there is a close perception of what is entailed in pastoral leadership, the evaluation may be merely a popularity poll.

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5. The evaluation forum prepared by the Placement Committee may be used. The church may also prepare its own. In any case, the evaluation questions should reflect the actual duties that are expected of the pastor.

“A congregation cannot do an effective evalua­ tion without a realistic understanding of the pastor’s duties.” 6. Evaluations would be beneficial for those congregations with self-supporting pastors as well as for those with salaried pastors. Since the purpose of the evalua­ tion is not to determine if the congregation is getting its money’s worth, but to deter­ mine if needs are being met and to set directions, all pastors should be evaluated. The Terms of Pastors

Our congregations have uniformly ac­ cepted the concept of terms for their pastors. It is important that the congrega­ tion understand the purposes and meaning

of the term arrangement. 1. The term provides an opportunity for the congregation to affirm its support for the pastor. Congregations often have a significant turnover of membership. The term permits new members to participate in the affirmation of support for the pastor. 2. Terms can be seen as an advantage to the young pastor who is unsure of his leadership abilities and hesitant about mak­ ing a life-long commitment to a task. The fact that he accepts the position for a specific period of time may give him the courage to try. 3. For pastors who decide to terminate their leadership ministry, the term pro­ vides a natural point of exit. 4. A pastor may experience some form of spiritual, emotional, or physical problem which makes it difficult for him to continue in effective leadership. The term provides opportunity for dealing with such a difficulty. 5. A pastor may begin to see himself as solely responsible to God and become in­ sensitive to the wishes and needs of the church. The term will remind him that he is responsible not only to God but also to the congregation. 6. The term allows the congregation to sense that they have a role in the directing of the church.

THE MESSENGER

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Once the process of evaluation has been refined to the point that it is an effective tool for improving and affirming the ministry of our pastors, then we may be able to dispense with the “term” concept. We could then engage our pastors on an open-ended basis, marked only by periodic evaluations. If the “term” concept is re­ tained it should not be seen essentially as a terminating point — the point at which one term is concluded and another may begin — but as a point marking the cycles of service and evaluation. The Process of Evaluation

“When a confidence or term renewal vote is taken the Conference pastor or other Con­ ference leader should be present to explain the meaning and impli­ cations of such a vote.”

1. Step I - The pastor, the church board, and the Conference pastor should get -------------------------------------------------------together and evaluate in an informal and brotherly way the progress of the con- explain what a congregation may expect gregation and the ministry of the pastor, of the pastor. Members who vote negativeThis evaluation, however, would only have ly should give their reasons on the ballot, meaning if the board is in touch with the This information would be helpful in case needs and concerns of the congregation. If of a marginal vote. the consensus is that everything is going 4. Legitimate reasons for casting a “no” well then no further evaluation need be vote would be the following: done. The results of this discussion should ■ - - errancy - — Theological be reported to the congregation. Such an - Immoral conduct informal approach to the evaluation would - Indifference or lack of concern for the be particularly appropriate where the welfare of the congregation pastor’s term is seen as open-ended. - Habits or traits that are not in keeping 2. Step II - The decision at the informal with the role of a spiritual leader evaluation may be to involve the congrega- Unwillingness to face up to problems tion in a more thorough evaluation. This and to dialogue with other church leaders may be in the form of questionnaires or - Not having the necessary gifts for that selected interviews. Before this step is particular situation. taken, the congregation should take a 5. Before the vote is taken the church careful look at the principles of evaluation should agree on the percentage of support listed above. Members of the congregation which is required for the pastor to conshould be invited to sign their evaluation tinue. Many churches feel that an 80% afforms. After the evaluation has been com- firmative vote is necessary. The church pleted the board should study and interpret could also decide to have a negotiating the results. They may conclude that new range. They could agree, for example, that needs are emerging that had not been if the vote should be between 70 and 80%, noticed earlier. They may decide that the then the church board would, on the basis congregation needs more information of the reasons given for the negative votes, about the pastor’s work - that there is some counsel with the pastor about further pro­ dissatisfaction due to ignorance. They may decide that associate ministers or deacons need to be appointed. They may also decide that the situation calls for a confidence vote. 3. Step III - When a confidence or a term renewal vote is taken the Conference pastor or other Conference leader should be present to explain the meaning and the

implications of such a vote. He should also

cedures. In any case, the pastor should not resign before he has had a discussion with the church board. 6. When a new pastor is engaged there should be an understanding as to when the first evaluation will be undertaken. Suc­ ceeding evaluations should not be more fre­ quent than once every three years or far­ ther apart than once every five years. The sudden development of a major problem would warrant making an exception to this general principle.

The Termination of a Pastor’s Services

1. When a church terminates the services of its salaried pastor there should be a sen­ sitivity to the financial hardships which this may create for the pastor’s family. It would be unethical to terminate the salary sud­ denly without giving consideration to the difficulties this would create. 2. When a pastor leaves his leadership position the church should look for some way to recognize the positive contributions which he has made. The church should recognize that it has responsibilities for his future and should offer friendship, counsel­ ing, and support as he assesses the past and plans for future ministry. 3. If a pastor, who has left his leadership position, continues to attend that same church, it would be advisable for him to take a leave of absence from the ministerial of that church for a period of time - perhaps 6-12 months. This would give him time for readjustment and allow his successor more freedom to establish himself in the church. The Evaluation of the Ministerial Team

Since we believe that the associate ministers on a plural ministerial team can contribute significantly to the spiritual health of the church, there should be an oc­ casional evaluation of their ministry as well. This evaluation should also be done with a view toward building and strengthening the church, and should be carried out in the spirit of the principles listed under “The Principles of Evalua­ tion.” The role of the Conference person­ nel would not normally be necessary in this evaluation; it could be led by the pastor or some other appointed church official. Otherwise, the same three steps listed above could be followed. ■

THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct, and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the Conference; instruct in Godliness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Letters, articles, art and poetry are welcomed. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished articles are not returned except by request. Subscription; Members pay through their church. Non-members pay $6.00 per year. Send subscription money to The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0. THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Stein­ bach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address.

NOVEMBER 2, 1984

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Straight Talk “TV OR NOT TV? THAT IS THE QUESTION” (This article is the third of a d-part series appearing in The Messenger)

The Christian and Television Dr, Jon Bonk Prevention has long been regarded as preferable to the cure. Habits, once formed, are painfully difficult to break. There are a number of helpful books written on the subject of television, and given the restrictions of this column, perhaps the best way to utilize the space allocated to this final essay would be to review briefly one of these and include a short reading list for the guidance of families and church librarians. The most helpful of the recent books is written by Kevin Perrotta, managing editor of the journal, Pastoral Renewal. His book. Taming the TV Habit: How Television Menaces Your Mind, Marriage, and Family (Ann Arbor; Servant Books, 1982), is well informed, well written, and practical. Addressed to the problem of television’s dominating role in many Christian homes, the book makes sobering reading. In this book, instead of merely attacking the content of televi­ sion programs, with their predictable hash of folly and vice, Perrotta argues that even if all the programs available were good, television would still not warrant the three hours per day (or eight years per life) which a North American typical­ ly devotes to it. On the contrary, he argues, the viewing itself has seriously detrimental side effects on our children’s in­ tellectual and social development, on parental authority, and on family relationships. He concludes with a helpful chapter entitled “Controlling Television in the Christian Home” (pp. 137-155), in which he attempts an inventory of the strengths and weaknesses of television. The Christian, he argues, will necessarily be led to a three-fold television agenda; (1) elimination of harmful uses, (2) development of helpful use,

PROVINCIAL MCC MEETINGS British Columbia ~ Nov. 2-3, Chilliwack Mennonite Brethren Church Alberta - Nov. 9-10, Duchess Mennonite Church Saskatchewan Nov. 9-10, Langham Mennonite Church Manitoba - Nov. 23-24, Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church Ontario -- Nov. 17-18, Scott St. Mennonite Brethren Church, St. Catharines.

The MCC Canada annual meeting will be held January 17-19 in Leaminglon, Onl.

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and (3) discovery of positive replacements (p. 138). In my opi­ nion this is the one book that should be in every church library and which should be read by ministers, youth leaders, and family heads. In addition to this book and those books cited elsewhere in this series, two are highly recommended. The Total Im­ age or Selling Jesus in the Modem Age by Virginia Stem Owens (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980), is a critique of “Christian” uses of media. Television and Society: An Inquest and Agenda for Improvement by Harry J. Skornia (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1965), though not written from a Christian perspective, is a sobering and helpfully critical study of the North American system of television broadcasting. Several articles might also be found useful, among which are the following: “How We Kicked the TV Habit” in Chris­ tian Life (February 1979) by Phyllis Elshof; “Teach Your Child to Watch Television” in Moody Monthly (June 1974) by Maxine Hancock; “Television’s Mind-Boggling Danger” in Christianity Today (May 7, 1982) by Kevin Perrotta; “Watching While Life Goes By” in Christianity Today (April 18, 1980) by Kevin Perrotta; “Who Decides What is on the Tube?” in Christianity Today (April 8, 1983) by Greg Warner; “Only You Can Fight the Boob Tube” in Eternity (December 1973) by Mel White; and “TV and Me” in Moody Monthly (October 1978) by Philip Yancy. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” (Phil. 4:8, NASB).

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Great Things He Hath Done Compiled and written by Anne Klassen, 202 pp,, $2.95. Contents: Reflections Obeying God God in Control God in Time of Crisis Becoming a Child of God As we read these accounts of modern saints, may we ourselves be renewed in our resolve to continue “the race faithfully... “ Horst Rennpferd The Salvation Army Portage la Prairie Order books from: Dan and Anne Klassen 133 1st SI. N. W. Portage la Prairie, Man. RIN IZJ

Jon Bonk is Professor of Missions, Winnipeg Bible College, and a minister at the Kleefeld Evangelical Mennonite Church. Submitted by the EMC Social Concerns Committee.

CONTRIBUTORS: “Guidelines for Pastoral Evaluation” is the final article in a series of two by Edwin Friesen and Arden Thiessen. Bill and Anne Buhler (Endeavour) are pastoring the church in Tres Palmas, Paraguay. Erna Plett (Treesbank) moved to Caaguazu, Paraguay recently where she is in­ volved in children’s ministries. Rod and Carol Kroeker (Steinbach) began a printing ministry recently in Papua New Guinea.

COVER PHOTOS: Clockwise (from top left): 1. Portage E M. Church, Portage la Prairie. 2. Three former members at the Portage la Prairie E. M, Church’s reunion. Left to right; John Dyck, former pastor (Steinbach); John Klassen (Steinbach); Jake Bergen, Morden, Man. 3. Many came out for the 25th anniver­ sary celebration at the Portage E. M. Church. 4. Present pastor at Portage. Ken Zacharias.

THE MESSENGER

Missions We are told that they want to start at 5:00 in the afternoon. My friend and I live on a street which is also a bus route. We leave the house shortly after 4:00 p.m. Within a minute we see a bus coming. On we get and away we go. It stops for a while at the open market, then another stop at the regular bus stop, and finally it turns onto the highway. Eight kilometers further we see the dirt road that leads to the village of Capitancue. We get off and start walking. We see a bus on its way to the village. Quickly we run to catch up with it while it’s stopping at the gate. The road is very sandy, but soon we reach our destination. We meet some of our friends. Nobody’s in a rush. We sit down and visit and drink terere. A few villagers are pre­ sent. They speak mostly Guarani which I don’t understand. After a while some girls go to get some Ferry crossing in Paraguay. sugar cane stalks from the field. The neighbours have a sugar cane press (a PARAGUAY hand-operated machine) under a tree. They squeeze out the juice, then offer us some. First Impressions of Paraguay The juice has a dark colour, but the taste it and having to revise a paragraph in order is really quite good. A Land of Contrasts Eventually a few young girls arrive with to make it understandable. The people here have been very good to some pretty lace tablecloths and some Arriving in Asuncion, we were impress­ us and hardly a week goes by without beautiful plastic flowers. They love decoraed with the contrasts - big beautiful houses, someone dropping by with a pie, buns, tions. More people show up, but the pro­ yards full of shrubs and flowers, and a mandioca, oranges or eggs. Some of the gram still doesn’t begin. The birthday girl short distance away, thatched roof shacks, eggs here have green shells; this should be arrives, dressed in blue. Some greet her (a hardly fit for human habitation, yards with a real boon at Easter time, seeing they kiss on both cheeks) and congratulate her. hard-packed red soil. We found this true come already coloured. A few young people get together and sing. also in people’s lives - some beautiful Chris­ Soon a van pulls up. More friends have We haven’t gone out of Tres Palmas tians, others living in sin and degradation. much since we came but find spending come from a different town. We met several New Tribes missionaries about an hour and a half on the Sea Wolf By now it’s almost 8:00 p.m. and we are and heard of others and were impressed (the local ferry) an interesting experience. ready to start. We pick up our chairs and with the number of missionaries in this We are deeply grateful to our supporting enter the lantern-lit church. A missionary small land. As we learned more about the constituency, for both material and prayer leads the service. We sing quite a bit. Some people, culture and needs we became support. We look to our Father to direct present special numbers and others share aware of the shortage of missionaries. We us in such a way that people will be drawn Bible verses, etc. The items rendered are hear over and over again, in talking with to Him and our Saviour through our word both in Spanish and in Gua.rara. lUums out missionaries here, including our own and ministry. to be a nice spiritual program which lasts workers at Santa Teresa, “We could do so Bill and Anne Buhler about an hour. much more if we only had the personnel. Later, the fifty or so people present are served “empanadas” (meat- and egg-filled The need is there, the opportunities are PARAGUAY there, but the labourers are not.” fritters) and “sopa” (corn bread). We sit A Birthday Party We also found the roads much different in a large circle outdoors. A number of peo­ from what we were used to. Although ple have their picture taken inside. In the Learning to Appreciate My there is now a fair amount of black top, on meantime some games are started. Paraguayan Friends which you see all kinds of vehicles, from Everybody seems to have a good time. Mercedes Benzes to ox carts, the country It’s past 10:00 p.m. and time for us to go I am invited to a birthday party. “What home. No bus goes through the village at roads are something else, particularly the is so special about that?” you ask. Well, it is that time. I take my flashlight and so my bridges. Our church here in Tres Palmas has a Carmen’s 15th birthday celebration and friend and I walk the one kilometer of dirt fairly busy schedule - weekly Bible studies that’s about the most special birthday to road back to the main highway. We’re hopYou see, at 15 ing to catch a bus. However, soon our " in three places, plus a Saturday night celebrate here in Paraguay. friends from town come along and give us prayer meeting in five places. Preaching she becomes a “senorita.” Anyway, Carmen lives in a small village a ride. Shortly after eleven we are home. in Plattdeutsch also is a change. A lot more time is needed for preparation, first about nine kilometers away. The celebra­ I am glad for the new experiences. May tion is to take place in the church. Various studying in High German and English and occasions like this always help me to then trying to translate, often looking for people are invited. Fellow missionaries understand and appreciate my Paraguayan a word to express a thought, not finding help to plan the program. friends more. Erna Plett

NOVEMBER 2, 1984

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A public transportation vehicle in Papua New Guinea.

P.4PUA NEW GUINEA

Arriving in a New Country Observations and Impressions When one arrives in a new country, his senses are assaulted by new sights, smells and sounds. Besides that, one must adjust to hearing a new language and learning a new culture. But, amazingly enough, things become commonplace after awhile and a person forgets his first surprised and sometimes startled reactions. Here are a few impressions and observations, many of which have already become a way of life for us here in Papua New Guinea: - The beautiful bougainvillea bushes in bloom. - The people chewing red betelnut and spitting it anywhere. - The comfortable climate. - The people sitting along the streets and roads selling their vegetables and fruit and bilums (woven bags). - The different shades of the ridge of mountains across the valley, especially in hazy weather. - The way the people sing loudly as they travel along the roads in the back of the trucks. - The way the payback system is so engrained in the culture that even the new believers think they must somehow give God payback for salvation. - The different and scarcity of products in the grocery stores. - Drinking rain water that has been col­ lected in a large barrel. - Using hot water heated by solar panels. (If it’s a rainy day the water may only get warm.) - The mutual friendliness of the New Guineans. - The beautiful bird feathers used to decorate some of the tribal folk. - The strong odor of the people. - Although Pidgin seems partly English, it is still a foreign language and must be learned as such. - Some of the beetles are HUGE and hiss at us if they get bothered. - There is lots of papaya, or pawpaw as it’s called here. After one gets used to the taste, it’s good. - The nights can get cold here in the highlands and we are thankful for the thick woolen blanket our mother made and sent

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along. - The constant smell of smoke in the air,

not at all unpleasant. - We have just arrived and we wish already that our family would come and visit. - Amazingly, there is no known rabies in this country. - It’s a great feeling to unpack our crates and welcome the pots and pans and tools, etc., like old friends. - A well-organized print shop to work in, in spite of the odds against it, such as the difficulty in the cost and obtaining of supplies. - The dedication of a team of people in a variety of ministries, all with the common goal of reaching the people of Papua New Guinea. Rodney and Carol Kroeker

Mission Grams Paraguay Sara Loeppky and Erna Plett moved to Caaguazu a month ago after a period of orientation spent in Asuncion and other parts of the country. Sara is helping the Capitancue congregation since she is conversant in Guarani. Her work involves a ladies’ ministry, Sunday school and a reading class. Erna works with the Caaguazu congregation. She reports that 30 children come each Sunday. Bill and Anne Buhler are happy in their involvement at the Tres Palmas church. They do a lot of visitation. Fred and Irene Buhler appreciated the two-month visit of Irene’s sister Elfrieda. They are busy with the urban ministries and the film ministry. Fred is also the chairman of the East Paraguay staff. The annual missionary retreat is slated for November 17-21. Marvin Thiessen, EMC missionary in Brazil, is the main speaker. Pray that this will be a blessed time of en­ couragement and refreshment for the missionaries. Following the retreat Marvin will conduct a series of meetings in the German language in the Tres Palmas church. Ernie and Mary Ann Loewen continue to provide leadership at Radio ZP-30. Ernie is also the EMC field chairman. Two of their daughters have experienced illness. Pray that Hannah and Monique will experience complete healing. Orlando Giesbrecht, son of missionaries Abe and Justine Giesbrecht. reports on a very fruitful colportage ministry he and his dad have been involved in. Abe reports on special meetings where films and Bible messages were given and three persons made commitments to Christ. Pray for these new converts. On November 11 they are plan­ ning to baptize six persons. Japan Mary Koop reports that the church in the mountains is growing. She requests prayer for Mr. Toguchi who was saved at an early age and is faithfully attending and is active in the church in spite of his heavy school schedule.

Mexico Continued prayer regarding Marvin and Lorraine Thiessen’s visa would be ap­ preciated. Their ministry in El Paso is important and needed. Alvina Fast has started to teach two Good News Clubs and a ladies’ Bible class. Pray that the Word soon would bear fruit in the individual lives. Jake and Bertha Kroeker are praising the Lord for new people that are coming to the Km. 5 church in Juarez. Personnel Needs Pray for urgently needed workers: •Nurses for Paraguay •Personnel for evangelism and church planting in Paraguay •Personnel for Radio ZP-30 •Personnel for Indian Community Development in Paraguay. For further information contact Henry Klassen (Executive Secretary). Box 1268, Stein­ bach. Man. ROA ZAO. Ph. (204) 326-6401.

THE MESSENGER

Messenger News

Piatform participants at the Portage ia Prairie EMC 25th anniversary (left to right): Cecil Nelson (minister at the church), Edwin Friesen (Conference Pastor), Edwin Plett (EMC vice­ moderator), Pev. Bruce Schnurr (Portage Ministerial), John Dyck (main speaker) and Ken Zacharias (pastor of the church). Leading the singing is Jake Bergen, a former member of this church, now living in Morden, Man.

getting the church where it is today. May we never take this for granted. The Sunday school started with 14. The first year it grew to 80 and several years later to 165. Dynamic growth indeed! How visible the hand of God was as the work was blessed beyond measure! The superintendent at the time was Mr. John Klassen, presently residing in Steinbach. Mr. Klassen stressed that the key to this growth was visitation, children's rallies, absentee follow up, and a home department Sunday school. In the home department Sunday school material was taken to the elderly or to those unable to attend church. Then once a week the superinten­ dent would go to the homes and answer any questions they had and teach them further. Jake Bergen described himself as being the chief musician of the church at the

Church Celebrates 25th Anniversary By Laura Falk Property was purchased and on May 2, Portage la Prairie, Man.: “Except the Lord build the house - they labour in vain 1960 there was a sod-turning ceremony that built it.” Our church can, because of and the building began. In February 1961 this verse in Psalm 127, celebrate 25 years fourteen charter members were organized: of being alive and well. Sunday, October Mr. and Mrs. Dave Schellenberg, Mr. and 14, was a great day of reminiscing and Mrs. John Klassen, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Sawatzky, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Sawatzky, looking toward the future. The church was started with a group of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Bergen, Mr. and Mrs. people meeting in a home with Elmer Menno Kroeker, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Hamm and Henry Thiessen teaching the Penner. The services were held in the Word. Soon evening services were moved church basement until 1964 when the sanc­ to the Orange Hall. In 1959 D. K. tuary was completed. In the slide presentation we saw the men Schellenberg, with his wife and family, came to Portage to nurture the group and (volunteers from many areas) building and felt the dedication and work involved in initiate the building of the sanctuary.

The Portage la Prairie E.M. Church choir singing at the 25th anniversary celebration. Young Soo Youn, director,

NOVEMBER 2, 1984

Signing the guest register.

time. It was thrilling to hear the walls ring with praise as Mr. Bergen led the con­ gregational singing. “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 48:1). He also organized a mixed octette that had sung together years ago (Mrs. Helen Klassen, Mr. Glen Sawatzky, Mrs. Frieda Peters, Mr. Henry Giesbrecht. Gordon and Marie Reimer and Abe and Mary Friesen). A comical ending to his reminiscing was the return of a briefcase full of sheet music he had borrowed for the last thirteen years. Our pastor responded by giving the music back to Mr. Bergen as a gift from the church. John Klassen shared of the love he had felt in this church. He stated that when people left there were tears. Conference vice-moderator. Rev. Edwin Plett, and Conference Pastor, Rev. Ed Friesen, brought special greetings and best wishes for God’s continued blessings. Rev. Bruce Schnurr offered congratulations from the Portage Ministerial.

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NEW FORMAT FOR WORSHIP SERVICES

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Former members of the congregation who had sung in the octet.

It was a privilege to have a former pastor. Rev. John Dyck, speak to us. He stirred our hearts to a closer walk with the Lord. Mr. Dyck stressed the importance of prayer. Prayer should not be just a few hurried words to ease our conscience but a constant attitude, asking God to work in a fresh new way in our lives. A “faspa” followed the afternoon service and many met others whom they had not seen for years. There was also an evening lunch with a 25th anniversary cake. This was a great ending to a day filled with the joy of being reunited. Special thanks to the anniversary com­ mittee (Pastor Cecil Nelson. Pete and Peggy Vandermeer and Henry and Han­ nah Neufeld) who organized the invita­ tions, the program and the decorating of

the church.

There is an active program in operation at the church today. In addition to the regular services there are active young people’s and children’s programs. We praise the Lord for the missionaries who received some training with the church and are now out on the mission field. Former pastors of the Portage EMC are D. K. Schellenberg, John Dyck and Gladwin Plett. Present pastors are Ken Zacharias and Cecil Nelson, who is working on a retiral basis. The words of this song say what I, and hopefully many others, feel, “There is only one God, there is only one King, there is only one Body, that is why we sing: Bind us together, bind us together with cords that cannot be broken. Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, bind us together with love.”

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Aberdeen (Winnipeg): Recently there has been an undercurrent of activity at our church. Every so often it erupts into something tangi­ ble. like the Thanksgiving dinner on the 14th of October - turkey, delicate and not the least bit dry; prize-winning size potatoes wrapped and roasted; vegetables: salads and con­ diments. followed by fresh apple pie and pumpkin pie. Thank you. fine cooks, for that meal. Later we were treated to a concert in song by the ladies' double trio from the Evangelical Fellowship Church in Steinbach. Their husbands and children came along for moral support (also for that scrumptious meal)! Thank you. There are some rumblings. Rumours have it that we are celebrating Halloween with a potluck and games evening - a teaching even­ ing too. Let's come prepared. But let's turn to more formal things. We have adopted a more creative format for our worship service as an experiment till Christmas. Then it will be subject to review. Rather than the former 30-minute sermon, the speaker now disciplines himself to a 15-minute talk. Each Sunday's theme is deter­ mined and developed by the Teaching Team and Worship Committee, sometimes lengthened into a teaching series of four or five Sundays. Supporting the predominant theme are readings, both scriptural and in­ spirational. congregational songs and special music, children's features and personal testimonies. Careful, extensive thought goes into each service. We appreciate the effort made by each of the Worship Leaders in this monumental task. Although our Sunday school is strong and well-led. our Pioneer Girls Club has folded due to lack of workers, a real disappointment for our Girls' Club Coordinator. It is true, our church is small, with limited resources already channelled in all directions as tightly as possi­ ble. But we pray that this work will not end but merelt^ be suspended until workers are available. We have a miniature growth boom in the church. From time to time check for birth an­ nouncements! Congratulations to the new parents. MESSENGER NEWS CONT'D. P. 9

Michael Card’s Pre-release offer on his new album “KNOWN BY THE SCARS”

$8.50 album/cassette To order send cheque to: Jim Harms. Box 1892

Steinbach. Manitoba Fellowship lunch following the afternoon service at the Portage E. M. Church's 25th anniversary.

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ROA 2A0 THE MESSENGER

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Youth Sunday school class with teacher, Mr. P. W. Klassen, right rear.

YOUTH RETREAT ENJOYED BY YOUNG PEOPLE

YOUNG PEOPLE IN CHARGE OF WORSHIP SERVICE Mount Salem, Ont.: The youth Sunday school class took the morning worship service July 15. Tina Krahn and Lena Friesen led the congregational singing. After an introduction by Peter W. Klassen the topics of humanism, materialism, negativism and relativism were dealt with by Don Kroeker, Helen Krahn, Judy Loewen and Chris Klassen respective­ ly. John Teichroeb then summarized and con­ cluded the scries. This service grew out of the youth Sunday school lessons. After a year and a half of sharing in fellowship and service with us the Philip Wiebe family returned to Mexico. A farewell was held in their honour Sunday evening, September

Saturday evening banquet at the Stratton youth retreat held at the Sunny Cove Camp.

23. Our congregation has much appreciated their willing service in our midst. On September 30 we were privileged to have Peter and Mary Thiessen with us for the morning worship service. Their report of the work in Mexico and the message were ap­ preciated and challenged us to renewed faithfulness in spreading the good news. After a period of consistent overcrowding, our congregation is planning a new auditorium to be built adjacent to our present building. We are looking to the Lord for direc­ tion as many details prior to the actual building are ironed out and we trust that our dreams will in time become a reality.

MOUNT SALEM

Stratton, Ont.: On the weekend of September 28-30 our young people enjoyed a weekend full of activities, led by assistant pastor Phil Friesen, at the Sunny Cove Camp, east of Fort Frances, Ont. Cliff and Arley Loewen and their wives were special guests on this occasion. Cliff and his wife Pauline concentrated on the musical part during the weekend. Their singing and music was tremendously enjoyed by all. Arley did the speaking for the most part, focussing on having a vision in one’s Christian life. A point of real interest was a skit done by the two couples, showing how the Afghanistans greet and welcome each other. The Arley Loewens wore the traditional dress during the entire evening. Both evenings a film was shown by Cliff Loewen. To climax the eventful weekend, Arley and Janice shared their vision and con­ cern for India through testimony and slides in our church. CHOICE RESOURCES GOES INTO CHRISTIAN VIDEO

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DVBS at Mount Salem, enrollment of 61 children, with Peter W. Klassen as superintendent.

NOVEMBER 2, 1984

Choice Resources Inc., a not for profit, in­ terchurch, book distributing company, has an­ nounced its entry into the field of Christian Video Rentals. Choice Resources is better known by the label Choice Books which identifies the 190 plus book racks in stores and offices through out Manitoba, Northern Ontario and Eastern Saskatchewan. Some of which have been making Christian Books available there since 1968. Using the services of Crown Video. Calgary Alberta. Choice will stock fifty titles in its Win­ nipeg office and will also have available over 1000 titles from which to draw on. PAGE 9

is realized through suffering. God is prepar­ ing us to go through suffering and become better! On Sunday evening supper for 150 peo­ ple was served in the church auditorium by the church ladies. The ladies did a great deal of work in the convention and deserve a big thank you. In the final service, Ernest Funk reported on the General Board meeting and outlined their goals for the 1985 year. In his closing sermon. Mr. Bonk spoke on “Growing in Holiness.” He outlined five steps in this pro­ cess; 1) Prepare your minds for action (basis being the Word of God). 2) Be self-controlled. 3) Focus your hope. 4) Obey your Father; do not conform to the world. 5) Imitate the Father. God's people listen to the music of the Spirit through the Word, and the things of earth shall go strangely dim. The congregation in the evening service at the annuai NFC convention.

MANY ATTEND THANKSGIVING SUPPER

14TH ANNUAL CONVENTION HELD

Hudson Bay, Sask.: The 14th annual con- chairman for the services. In the Sunday morvention of the Northern Fellowship Churches ning service, Arden Thiessen, the Conference of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference was ,moderator, ' _ ' on the ' necessity of; the ; spoke held in Hudson Bay, Sask, on October 6 and Conference, together we can do alfkinds of 7. Members from the churches of our region things that we could not do alone. Encourage - Swan River. Birch River, Pelly. Nut Moun- one another! Mr. Bonk's theme was tain. Kamsack. Arabella, Endeavour and “Kingdom Citizens Abroad - a Peculiar PeoHudson Bay - were present, as well as pie." His first sermon was subtitled “Foreign representatives from Blumenort, Man.; Roots." He commented on the phrase “God's Calgary, Alta.; Steinbach. Man.; Burns Lake. Elect” - we are chosen for obedience, B.C.; Landmark, Man.; Saskatoon, Sask.; forgiveness, and God's protection. God has and Kleefeld. Man. The main speaker was chosen us. He sees potential in us that we Jon Bonk, former missionary to Ethiopia, a cannot see in ourselves; He has a vision for minister, and at present the Professor of Mis­ us. sions at Winnipeg Bible College. During the afternoon service Henry Klassen The Pineridge Fellowship Chapel youth gave a missions challenge and reminded us group sponsored a concert by Dan Plett in the to pray for our missionaries. Jon Bonk spoke evening of October 6 for all the young peo- on the topic “Foreigners in Trouble." He talk­ pie in the region. Our church was full and all ed about Christian suffering, but we rejoice those who came were treated to a great iin the ' midst ................ _ He used the analogy of suffering. musical evening. Danny sang super songs that gold can only be purified through heating", with thought-provoking and inspiring themes. The impurities will come to the top and the Three services were held on Sunday. Oc- Refiner will skim them off. This continues until tober 7. The pastor of the Pineridge the Refiner can see His face in the gold. God Fellowship Chapel. John Kornelsen. was the has a vision of Christ in each of us, and this

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Jon Bonk (left) was the main speaker at the Northern Fellowship Churches' annual con­ vention October 6 and 7. Danny Plett provided a great evening of music. Elmer Plett led the singing.

PAGE 10

Heron, Sask.: September is a new beginn­ ing for many people in our country. This is also true in the Sunday school life at Heron. On September 2 we held a special service to mark the beginning of a new Sunday school year. The three students who had attended Sunday school for at least 50 Sundays dur­ ing the last Sunday school year were recogniz­ ed and presented with a small prize. The in­ coming teachers were acknowledged as well with a special prayer of dedication by Pastor Richard Klassen. Then on October 5 we held our annual Thanksgiving supper at the church. What made it special this year was the capacity crowd of approximately 175 people who came out. Many people, who are regularly there, came, but there were also a number of new faces. The offering which we took up was divided between MCC and Bob and Traviss Thiessen, two young men from our church who are serving in other communities. Bob is working with the Indian Alliance Church in Winnipeg as an assistant pastor. Traviss is with the One-Way Foundation in Hedley, B.C. This organization is dedicated to meeting the needs of juvenile delinquent boys. Our church, together with a few others of the community, is involved in planning for a Janz Team Crusade to be held in Maryfield next April. In connection with this, the whole Christian community in this area has been divided into prayer cells. They meet once a month. The men of our church have started getting together every other Saturday morn­ ing to pray as well. The women's prayer chain is joining in prayer for the crusade too. We are learning about the power that there is in prayer - first of all in our own changing lives, and also as we see neighbours softening toward Jesus. Pray with us that God might work to bring many people into a new rela­ tionship with Him.

THE MESSENGER

Reception of members at the Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship Church. Left to right: Rod and Amelie Thiessen (transferring from Forest Grove EMC, Calgary), Arley and Tina Barkman (Mennville EMC and Aylmer EMMC), Rod and Tina Reimer (Treesbank EMC and Mitchell CMC).

ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE REST HAVEN LADIES’ AID Wilmer and Rosalia Brandt (Treesbank) celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on September 15. Left to right: Wilmer and Rosalia with their children, Arlene, Karen, Glenn, Bonnie, Gari and Jennifer.

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Steinbach EEC: Our church had the privilege of hosting the Rest Haven Ladies’ Aid annual meeting this year. The purpose of the Ladies’ Aid is to raise money for some extras for the Home and to do volunteer work, such as mending, through the year. The Rest Haven Staff was represented by Lois Friesen who sang two songs of the joy of being in the Lord’s service. The other Rest Haven representative was the Director of Nursing. Wilma Stobbe. She gave an interesting and informative report. It was exciting to hear of the move to the new home and how smoothly things were going in spite of having to reshuffle most of their routines. They have 59 residents, plus one bed available for respite care. She also thank­ ed the volunteers for their help. Various ladies’ groups from the area chur­ ches sang for us. As one of them sang "Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee . . .’’we were reminded of the staff at Rest Haven: the dedicated ’hands’ of the

nurses, aides and orderlies who minister to the residents’ needs; the busy 'feet' of clean­ ing, kitchen and laundry staff who provide all kinds of essential assistance; the 'voice' and ‘lips' of the chaplain and director of activities who spread cheer and comfort and, above all, the 'love’ of all the staff as they give of themselves. We need to praise God for their willingness to serve. Secretary-treasurer Elfrieda Plett of Land­ mark read the minutes of the previous meeting and gave a financial report. An of­ fering was taken for a special project for the new home. Mrs. Anne Dueck of Rosenort spoke on “How to Prepare for Old Age." She had many good points but the gist of it seemed to be that we prepare for old age by developing now those characteristics we wish to have in our senior years. The fellowship continued downstairs where coffee and a lovely assortment of tarts were served.

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Pastor Bill and Anna Penner (Treesbank) celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on September 3 with a come and go tea.

SILVER ANNIVERSARIES CELEBRATED Wawanesa, Man.: Many friends and ;elatives came to help the Penners and Brandts celebrate. May God richly bless you and grant you many more happy years together.

ParentfChild dedication at Steinbach EFC. Left to right: Danny and Vai Dyck with Justin, Herman and Linda Peters with Alecia, Kel and Cory Thiessen with Jonathon, Rod and Amelie Thiessen with Derek.

NOVEMBER 2, 1984

PAGE 11

Art and Hilda Schwarz and Garry and Pat Martens were ordained as deacon couples at the Kleefeld church on October 14.

DEACONS ORDAINED

Kleefeld, Man.: "Look around you, and select men of honest and good report.” For quite some time now our church family has been looking around and praying that the Lord would guide us in selecting two deacon couples. We thank Him and praise Him that He has heard us and answered! Art and Hilda Schwarz and Gary and Pat Martens were or­ dained on October 14 by Pastor Ron Goertzen. The congregation arose to signify their faithful and prayerful support. “You shall be my witnesses . . .’’ in Kleefeld and around the world. Albert and

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Norman and Flosella Bartel celebrated their silver wedding at the Kleefeld church on Oc­ tober 14. Left to right (starting in back): Bobm Flosella, Chris, Norman, Tim, Erica, Bonnie.

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them, love them," emphasized Mr. Mid­ dleton, in his dynamic way. “because love always works!" A few more people from our church fami­ ly 'left air for a seven-week singing ministry in Europe this summer. Don Fast and Sherri and Crystal Esau, part of the Children of Light group, were accepted by the Janz Team Ministries and spent most of their time travell­ ing through the eastern countries. They were received with such welcoming warmth, something we can learn from. Many Chris­ tians assured them that they were praying for them and encouraged them over and over to keep on living for the Lord. It had been a thrill­ ing experience to share their faith in such a unique way and. as Sherri put it. "1 can never be the same again.” Before we can share we must be filled. A great opportunity for such a spiritual "filling” took place at our annual youth retreat held at Gimli in September. About forty of our col­ lege and career and young people absorbed topics like "Modern Myths" and “The Chris­ tian Life" in talks given by Pastor Ron Goertzen. It proved to be a most refreshing and rewarding weekend. Silver weddings have a way of sneaking up on you. That’s what happened to Norman and Rosella Bartel on October 14 as they celebrated their 25th anniversary at our church. And what a lovely, joyous occasion it was! While the people enjoyed their cup of coffee, an interesting program was presented with songs, reminiscing and a delightful col­ lection of slides from their family. May you share many more happy years together! Since our last report we have had two more loved ones laid to rest - Kenton Schroeder, son of Dave and Frieda on September 15. and Helen Martens, mother to Abe and Helen, on October 17. Our hearts are filled with love and compassion for the bereaved. Won’t you please help us pray for them? MISSIONARY CONFERENCE HELD

Albert and Elizabeth Friesen of Kleefeld have left for a three-month assignment in Ecuador.

Elizabeth Friesen have responded to this call. A commissioning service for them took place on September 23. They left for a three-month assignment in Shell. Ecuador where Elizabeth will apply her gift of caring for the sick and assisting daughter Flo so she can spend more of her time working with young people. Albert will be doing finish carpentry at the new Shell Hospital. We wish them God’s grace and blessings for each day. What is it that motivates people to 'leave all’ and go to the mission field? At our mis­ sions report on September 23 George Mid­ dleton and Jim Any from the Emmanuel In­ ternational Mission agreed that the one key motivation and qualification for service is “the love for God." “Teach the people, care for

Morris, Man.: Our missionary conference began on Wednesday evening, October 17. We enjoyed congregational singing with special music by the Rosenort Male Choir. Next the Peter Thiessens, missionaries on furlough from Mexico, showed very in­ teresting and informative slides of their work. The rest of the evening was given to Chuck Johnson, our guest speaker. He captivated the audience with his enthusiasm and dynamic messages! There is no valid excuse for not being available to go if the Lord calls was what he stressed night after night. Each session followed the above format, with special music by a ladies’ group, a solo. Spanish songs and special music from the Rosenort EMC. Missionaries reporting were the Peter Hieberts from Mexico, with a slide presentation: and the Frank Kroekers from Paraguay, with a skit, together with their children, Garry and Debbie Kroeker of Mor-

THE MESSENGER

ris, portraying and explaining the work they are involved in. On Sunday evening Ben Friesen, EMC Board of Missions, gave a report on our missionaries. Chuck Johnson closed the meeting, leaving us with a real challenge. May our lives have been touched and a fire have been rekindled. October and November have been designated for home Bible study. Groups have been formed and the attendance and in­ terest are growing. We are studying the book Serving One Another on Wednesday nights.

NEW FAMILY NIGHT ACTIVITIES Crestview (Winnipeg): On any given Wednesday night since the end of August, 35-40 enthusiastic children gather for one and a half action-packed hours. At the beginning of each program the Awana theme song is heard. “Awana holding forth the truth," “Building lives on the Word of God.” and “We'll fight victorious for Christ our king” are some of the phrases in the song. A few more favourites are sung, followed by a prayer. The prayers are the only quiet part of the evening! Children from kindergarten to grade 6 are given a chance to release some energy with indoor relay games. The children are divid­ ed into teams which earn points when a game is won. The cheering is deafening as each team wins an event. While the older children play games, the Cubbies, ages 3 and 4. go downstairs and earn points by reciting memory verses, bring­ ing Bibles and friends and by having gone to Sunday school the past Sunday. They are taught a short Bible lesson by Rosemarie Siemens. After this the Cubbies get their turn to play games while the older children go down for their memory work sessions. The older children are divided into five groups according to grade. The Sparks, kindergarten to grade 2, is the largest group, averaging 22 kids. Their main leader is Rosella Nickel. The grade 3 and 4 girls are known as Chums and are led by Sharon Straub. Grade 3 and 4 boys are Pals with Gary Nickel as leader. The grade 5 and 6 girls are Guards led by Janet Buhler. The same age group of boys are Pioneers led by Ken Siemens. Mary Moore heads the Awana Program in her position as Commander-Director. Her job is to direct each Wednesday night session, to make sure all the points are added correctly and posted on team charts and to order materials needed for teachers and children. Her husband Lloyd teaches the Awana pro­ gram to the leaders once a week. The leaders are tested after they complete the Awana course. This assures that the leaders are qualified. Many helpers are needed to listen to memory work and to add up points. They also answer any questions the kids may have. Helpers include Wanda Wiebe, Lee-Ann Moore, Beverly Funk, Barry and Rhonda Kornelsen, Londa Esau. Jo-Ann Loepp and

NOVEMBER 2, 1984

Barry Straub. To conclude an Awana evening, all the children assemble to sing and receive awards for completed memory work. Team awards are given out once a month for combined points earned from games and memory work. The title "Awana” stands for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed” (Il Tim. 2:15). The objectives of Awana are the salvation of youth and their education in the Word. One of the Awana pledges, which is memory work as well, sums up the main aims of Awana. It states. “I pledge allegiance to the Awana flag, which stands for the Awana Clubs, whose goal is to reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and to train them to serve Him.” Awana also serves as an outreach into the community. The club at Crestview is being at­ tended by Crestview children, by children from other denominations and by children who have never attended church or Sunday school. The Awana Youth Association states, “We are convinced that the most fruitful mission of the church in the homeland is reaching boys and girls.”

CANADIANS TO DISTRIBUTE NEW FILM RELEASE Prints of a new half-hour film entitled Strasbourg: City of Hope, has been placed with Mennonite Resource Centres in Manitoba and Ontario. The film premiered in Strasbourg, France this summer to nearly 19,000 people. The film traces early Mennonite history from its spiritual roots in the reformation through its contemporary identity as an inter­ national family of faith. The film was commissioned by Mennonite World Conference and produced by Daystar, Inc., a nonprofit inter-Mennonite Media Pro­ duction and Marketing Agency based in Henderson, NE. Canadian inquiries should be addressed to either of the two regional Centers: the Con­ ference of Mennonites in Canada Resource Centre, 600 Shaftesbury Blvd.. Winnipeg, MB, R3P 0M4, Ph: (204) 888-6781, or the Ontario Mennonite Centre, 50 Kent Avenue, Kitchener, ON, N2G 3R1, Ph: (519) 745-8458. Strasbourg: City of Hope is ideal for church groups. The rental rate in Canada is $120. (Call for reduced school rates.)

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Kampuchean students received new MCC school kits during the last two years. Now MCC aims to send school kits to Laos, a poor country in great need of educa­ tional materials.

TO RAISE 40,000-50,000 SCHOOL KITS FOR LAOS

In many isolated villages in Laos there are no schools or teachers. Students must walk long distances to school or live away from home to be nearer a school. Educational materials are difficult to find and very expensive, “In this setting, receiv­ ing a brand new school kit means much more to a child than it ever could mean in North America,” says Linda Gehman Peachey, Mennonite Central Committee in Laos. Making school kits for about 40,000 to 50,000 children is the goal of an MCC Christmas-New Year drive. These kits will go to children in three remote provinces. These provinces have even fewer educational resources than those provinces closer to the capital of Vientiane. A short slide set on the need for educational materials in Laos is being prepared by the Peacheys. It will be available from MCC for free-loan by late November. For instructions on how to put together a school kit, or to borrow the slide set, write to any MCC office.

PAGE 13

JOHN DUECK KROEKER 1906-1984 John D. Kroeker, husband, father, grand­ father, great-grandfather, carpenter, avid reader, lover of nature, explorer, star gazer, and insightful questioner is now in a place where his questions have been and are being answered. Instead of viewing the stars and planets through his backyard telescope he now has a view of the heavens that 1 am sure all of us present would like to share. He was born June 12, 1906 in Steinbach, Manitoba. He was one in a family of thirteen children (nine sons and four daughters) born to Peter B. Kroeker and Elizabeth Dueck. On May 20, 1932 he married Esther K. Reimer. Together they had four children: Raymond, now living in St, Catharines, Ontario; Laverna, Eileen and Sylvia, all living in Hillsboro, Kansas. Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother (Jacob), and two sisters (Susannah and Margaret). Until 1949 he lived in Steinbach, Manitoba at which time the family moved to St. Catharines, Ontario. After retiring from his trade as carpenter in 1977 he moved to Hillsboro, Kansas where he lived at 612 S. Lincoln Street. He accepted Christ as his personal Saviour in 1931 at age 25 and was baptized in July of that same year. His church membership was with the Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church until 1982 when he transferred it to the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. John D. Kroeker had a minimal formal education which ended at the fourth grade. He said that his schooling allowed him to first of all read the German Fibel, then the New and Old Testaments. To him, this was exciting and opened up a whole new world. He was always eager to learn. Although his lifetime vocation was being a carpenter, his avocation was reading and stu­ dying everything and anything he could get his hands on. especially books related to astronomy, other sciences, and books and ar-

PAGE 14

tides on Mennonite migrations to North America. The lights at 612 S. Lincoln would often still be on at 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.; he would be sitting in his favorite chair, reading. During the day he would often be found sleeping in a chair in his workshop, with either a book on his lap or a newspaper over his head. A most memorable portrait for all family members is his sitting and reading the Bible, any time, day or night. He was sensitive to others. A more accurate low German word, descriptive of him, would be truortig. He cared a great deal about nature and his natural surroundings. His in­ quisitiveness took him on extended treks all over Marion County, other parts of Kansas, as well as many other states. It was not unusual for him to disappear for the major portion of a day. Upon returning it was discovered that he had been exploring areas north of Marion, turning rocks over looking for lizards and other wildlife creatures. As a result it was no surprise to walk into his workshop and step over a turtle, or see a lizard on the window sill. “After all,” he would say, “the lizards are my fly catchers," Grandchildren knew that Grandpa could answer almost any question they had, especially in the area of science. If an injured bird was found. Grandpa could be counted on to be an expert nursemaid, and build a comfortable shelter for its recovery. He was basically a healthy man all his life, often finding his own homemade cures for common ailments. He was disciplined in his eating and frugal in his lifestyle. Because of his skilled craftsmanship, in­ genuity, and individuality, he made spinning wheels, sewed dresses and skirts for his daughters, repaired his own teeth and cut his own hair. He was one of a vanishing breed of unique people. Two years ago he was diagnosed as hav­ ing multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow). He received chemotherapy from that time on, with little or no side effects. Two weeks ago a sudden deterioration was sens­ ed. One week in the hospital saw this in­ curable disease take control of his body. On October 23, 1984 at 12:05 a m., in a calm effortless way, he stopped breathing. The peace and tranquility of that moment is now forever his. He is rejoicing with Jesus, his Saviour. Often he would sit in a chair with one of his many hymnbooks, begin at song number one and sing song after song throughout the book. He enjoyed quartet and male choir singing. He could never understand why peo­ ple would sing solos when group harmony sounded so much better. A Tabor College Men’s Ensemble sang two of his favorite songs. Amazing Grace and Precious Memories, at the funeral held on Fri­ day, October 26, 10:30 a.m., in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Family

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3n iHemaru In loving memory of our dear son and daughter, brother and sister, Wilmer and Elsie Friesen. Wilmer left us on April 14, 1982 and Elsie on October 15, 1983, to be with the Lord. Two young people in heaven. Walking the streets of gold. Viewing the beautiful city. Till now it had been untold. Crystal clear stream through the meadow. Light from the throne of Cod, Radiant mansions of splendour. Till now by their feet untrod. One by one they entered the gateway, Opened by Jesus' own arm. Awed by the rapture before them. Forever safe from all harm. Oh, but the crossing was sudden. Just for a moment, it seemed. Then just as the earth light faded The heavenly sunlight gleamed.

Said the sister to the brother. Still walking hand in hand, “Remember the Sunday school stories They told of this beautiful land?

THE MESSENGER

/ can hardly imagine we’ve come here, I thought uie might have to grow old. It seemed we might have to wait ages Till we’d come to this city of gold."

“It seems in that faraway desert Where Mother and Father roam. It often was cold and stormy. Do you think it really was home? When we lived there we thought it was pleasant. Though we sometimes had quarrels and fears. But down there they don’t know what they’re missing. Just wait till they see us up here. ” Sometimes we hear in our minds the faint singing Of youthful, angelic song. Two more have joined the choir. And we trust that our tears aren’t wrong. Forgive, Lord, our numb heart’s crying. And our unanswered questioning. Why? Time is short and we soon shall join them In that beautiful land, by and by. Sadly missed by Peter and Mary Friesen, Anne, Harold, and Dennis.

GOD UNDERSTANDS

After today - tomorrow. After the clouds - the sun. There’ll be no pain nor sorrow Nor any crying done. God understands our suffering. He’ll wipe away all tears; Soon will He come to take us And quiet all our fears.

So why be anxious, dear one, When He with strength surrounds, When He with love and mercy And every grace abounds Dr. John R. Dick

Births TOEWS — to Sterling and Lois Toews of Virden. Man., a daughter. Katherine Sarah, on September 7, 1984. NEUFELD — to Don and Jan Neufeld of Kola, Man., a son. Miles Jordan, on August 27. 1984. FEHR — to Roy and Marilyn Fehr of Swift Cur­ rent. Sask., a son, Derek Russ, on August 30. 1984.

PETERS to Jake and Lavina Peters of Ridgewood, Man., a son, Elroy Randy, on June 23. 1984. REIMER — to Ray and Nettie Reimer of Steinbach. Man., a daughter. Stephanie Raelene, on August 29, 1984. PENNER — to Arnold and Mary Penner of Ridgewood. Man., a son, Conroy Glenn, on July 31. 1984.

NOVEMBER 2, 1984

REIMER — to Howard and Claudette Reimer of Landmark. Man., a daughter, Janelle Lindsay, on August 17, 1984.

PLETT — to Doug and Kathy Plett of Donalda, Alta., a daughter, Amanda Laurel, on August 20, 1984. KLASSEN — to Mr. and Mrs. Murray Klassen of Landmark, Man., a daughter, Heidi Marie, on May 25, 1984. REIMER — to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Reimer of Landmark, Man., a son, Evan Peter, on May 13, 1984.

PLETT — to Kenton and Kelly Plett of Landmark, Man., a son, Adam James, on March 18, 1984. KORNELSEN — to Jerry and Elfrieda Kornelsen of Calgary, Alta., a son, Jesse Lane, on September 9, 1984.

PLETT — to Bill and Bonnie Plett of Acme, Alta., a son, Dustin Donley, on September 26, 1984.

FRIESEN — To Brian and Elaine Friesen of Rose­ isle. Man., a daughter. Danielle Nicole, on September 23. 1984. DUECK — to Marvin and Marilyn Dueck of Win­ nipeg, Man., a son, Jason Timothy, on August 10. 1984.

DUECK - to Peter and Trudy Dueck of High Level, Alta;, a daughter, Carissa, on October 14, 1984. PETERS - to Ken and Yvonne Peters of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Aaron Paul, on September 19, 1984. AIKENS - to Stan and Helen Aikens of Prince Albert, Sask., a son. Justin Stanley, on October 4, 1984. PLETT - to Ed and Valerie Plett of Wawanesa, Man , a son, Curtis Joel, on October 12, 1984. PLETT - to Leonard and Luella Plett of Wawanesa. Man., a son, Mark Anthony, on September 20. 1984. SIEMENS - to Jerrold and Marge Siemens of Mor­ ris, Man., a son, Christopher Dwight, on July 2, 1984. LOEWEN - to Jim and Nita Loewen of Morris, Man., a daughter. Jocelyn Beth, on August 2. 1984.

Weddings BARKMAN - KORNELSEN: John, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Barkman of Blumenort. Man., was mar­ ried on March 17. 1984 to Janice, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kornelsen of Ridgewood. Man. The wedding took place at the Ridgewood E.M. Church with Henry Kornelsen of Ridgewood of­ ficiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. PENNER - THIESSEN: Gordon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Penner of Treesbank. Man., and Laura, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thiessen of Ridgewood. Man., were married at the Ridgewood E.M. Church on June 9. 1984. Don Thiessen of

Ridgewood officiated. The couple is residing in Ridgewood. KORNELSEN - BANMAN: Mark, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kornelsen of Ridgewood, Man., was married to Sheryl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Banman of Steinbach. The wedding took place on September 22, 1984 at the Steinbach CMC with Henry Kornelsen of Ridgewood officiating. The cou­ ple is making their home in Steinbach. WIENS - BARKMAN: Arthur, son of John and An­ na Wiens of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, was married to Laurel, daughter of Leonard and Betty Barkman of Pansy, Man., on August 18, 1984. The wed­ ding took place at the Blumenort E.M Church with Leonard Barkman of Pansy officiating. The cou­ ple is making their home in The Pas, Manitoba.

SCHLICHTER - PLETT: Keith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Schlichter of Calgary. Alta, and Alana. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Plett of Calgary, Alta., were married on August 4. 1984. The wed­ ding took place at the Rockview Alliance Church with David Thiessen of Calgary. Alta, officiating. The couple is making their home in Didsbury. Alta. VEENHUIS - PLETT; Hank, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Veenhuis of Upper Stewiacke. Nova Scotia, was married on April 15. 1984 to Eunice, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Plett of Landmark. Man. The wedding took place at the Landmark EMC with Harvey Plett of Steinbach officiating. The couple is making their home in Nova Scotia.

POHL — KOOP: Erwin, son of Mrs. Anna Pohl of Winnipeg. Man., and Myrna, daughter of Mrs. Katherine Koop of Blumenort, Man., were married at the Blumenort EMC on September 22. 1984. Fred Klassen of Blumenort officiated. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg.

WALDNER - FRIESEN: Ray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Waldner of Rosenort, Man., and Corinne daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Friesen of Rosenort, Man., were married on August 25, 1984. The wedding took place at the Rosenort EMC with Rev. Stan Plett of Rosenort officiating. The couple is making their home in Rosenort.

PENNER - BRANDT; Robert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Penner of Winnipeg. Man., was married to Paulette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Brandt of Rosenort. Man. The wedding took place on September 15. 1984 at the Rosenort EMC with Rev. Jacob Pauls of Winnipeg officiating. The cou­ ple is making their home in Winnipeg. FRIESEN — BRAUN: Donald, son of Cornie and Mary Friesen of Steinbach. Man., was married on September 3. 1984 to Crystal, daughter of Menno and Lucy Braun of Landmark. Man. The wedding took place at the Prairie Rose EMC with Harvey Plett of Steinbach officiating. The couple is mak­ ing their home in Landmark. STOBBE -THIESSEN: Paul Theodore, son of Theodore and Helen Stobbe of Stoney Plain, Alta., and Barbara Louise, daughter of Menno and Justina Thiessen of Maryfield, Sask., were married at the Heron EMC Church on September 15. 1984. Richard Klassen of Maryfield officiated. The cou­ ple is making their home in Spruce Grove, Alta.

PAGE 15

From the Editor GUEST EDITORIAL

Hurrah for Handicaps! I have recently joined the ranks of the handicapped. I have not yet written a book of the calibre of I Had a Stroke like A. P. Unger, nor have I done time in a wheelchair like Henry Enns, but I have parked in handicapped parking spots, walked on crutches for a month, and am presently undergoing physiotherapy to get walking again. I am sure my new appreciation for such innovations as curb ramps, self-opening doors and the aforementioned reserved parking for the handicapped would have warmed the heart of Terry Smith many times over. In fact, when I come to think of it, this whole matter of becoming handicapped has been a tremendous boon to my ministry — being given that extra measure of courtesy when you cross the street on crutches or the pleasure of driving right past all those filled parking spaces and taking that spot reserved for the handicapped right up close to the entrance. Then there is also all that extra attention you get at the church from your congregation, including those welcome comments from the ladies who insist that you should definitely be resting at home in bed rather than hob­ bling to your place behind the pulpit on crutches. Somehow you feel that you are finally enjoying some of those perks that we “men of the cloth” have a divine right to anyway! It has been quite a significant ecumenical experience as well. When I walked (or rather “crutched”) into St. Pauls United Church in Aylmer for my first meeting as a han­ dicapped minister, I was overwhelmed at seeing all denominational barriers collapse as ministers from across the theological spectrum converged to offer helpful sugges­ tions and sympathy. There were those of a charismatic lean­ ing who proposed an immediate prayer session for healing so that the crutches could be dispensed with forthwith. But there were also others of a more E.M.C. bent of mind who counseled patience, and it was this point of view that finally prevailed. I was kind of glad too because by this time I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to become “conventional” that fast. My only regret was that my lone Mennonite colleague and closest competitor in the ministry was late that morn­ ing and missed the whole spectacle. This was rather in­ teresting because it was so much out of character. Locally the E.M.C. is notorious for being “,Iohnny-come-late” in comparison to the E.M.M.C. We try to do everything they do - except we do it ten years later. Since the handicapped ministry finds a good precedent in the Scriptures in the example of the Apostle Paul, it might be well for our E.M. Conference to make that a prerequisite for ministers, something the Examination and Placement

Committee might want to consider. Paul's “thorn in the flesh” leads him to exalt “When 1 am weak then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:10). I still have some difficulty with the words in verse 7 when Paul says that this thorn was given “to keep me from exalting myself.” Maybe in ■ time this will come for me as well. Actually I was quite unprepared when I came out of ex­ ploratory surgery a bit over a month ago for the doctor’s verdict that without extensive further knee surgery I would walk again but never run or engage in any physical sports. Both Dorothy and I had never thought of our lives as hav­ ing any terminal points yet. We have a young and growing family who are still very much with us and need us. After a time of often difficult and frustrating ministry our church here in Aylmer was finally growing and we were very ac­ tively planning to build new, larger facilities to accom­ modate that growth. My own background in carpentry had been regarded as a major asset in planning and executing the actual building. I was still looking forward to com­ pleting my seminary program and was busy as it was with several church and community projects. I guess I just couldn’t see how I personally, nor our congregation here, could afford to have me sidelined for any length of time. But as waves of self-pity and depression enveloped me, I soon realized that I was taking myself far too seriously. Had we not so often insisted that Christ was building His church, not we. Had we not been humbled many a time as we acknowledged that it was not our often frantic visitation or our well-intentioned words of wisdom but the quiet ministry of the Holy Spirit that had been working miracles in our midst. Therefore, 1 am thankful that eventually depression gave way to what 1 believe was a more sane evaluation of myself personally and also of our ministry here. When I consulted with my family about the advisability of undergoing further surgery, David, our thirteen-year-old, asked, “Dad, does it mean that we’ll never be able to play badminton or baseball if you don’t'.'” In response to my af­ firmative answer, he replied, “Then I want you to do it.” Somehow that decided the issue for me as well. So as I am fast outgrowing my present handicap I am facing the prospect of a much more major one ahead. I trust that the present trial run has, in a measure, prepared me to entrust all that I am and have into the hands of him who can do far above what we ask or think. Somehow the Lord has given me a quiet confidence that there is still badminton and baseball in the future. Menno Kroeker Aylmer, Ont.

THE MESSENGER

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