The Messenger February 10, 1984

The Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

VOL. 22 NO. 3 VOL

•The marks of a good church

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•Our visit to Asia

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•MCC Canada meets

•The terrifying truth: we are normal

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With this Messenger we are beginning a series of five articles on the New Testament book of First Thessalonians. The writer, Mr. Arden Thiessen, is pastor of the Steinbach E.M. Church. We trust that this series will prove a blessing to you. A

The Marks of a Good Church (I Thessalonians 1)

By Arden Thiessen

IN THE HISTORY of the Christian church there have been many exceptional congregations. Some of these successes have become well known. And the pastors of these congregations have become famous, because books have been written about their successes. But the most successful church story has never been written. That would be the story of the church at Thessalonica. And the name of the pastor isn’t even known. When Paul arrived in Thessalonica in 50 or 51 A.D., it was the most important city in the area. Luke, the first church historian, uses only ten verses to cover Paul’s ministry in this city (Acts 17:1-10). Paul preached here for three Sabbaths only, but that was enough for an awakening to occur. Among the new converts were some Jews, a large number of God-fearing Greeks, and a number of leading women. Then a riot broke out and Paul had to leave by night, in a hurry. As Paul travelled south, from city to city in Achaia, he was anxious. How would those new Christians fare? How would they stand up under persecution? Finally he couldn’t endure the anx­ iety anymore and sent Timothy north to visit the Thessalonians (3:1,2). Timothy’s report, when he returned, was glowing with enthusiasm. And Paul, rejoicing over the good news, then wrote this letter to the believers in Thessalonica. In 1:3 he mentions three characteristics of the church that had impressed him - three marks of a good church.

There Was Work That Was Inspired by Faith Not all those who are busy at work, work for the same reasons. Some work to gain rewards in heaven, some work in the hope of gaining acceptance in the church, and some work out of a grim sense of duty. And then there are those who work because they are inspired by their faith. It wasn’t easy to be a Christian in Thessalonica. The apostle mentions that they had received the word in much tribulation (1:6). The Greek word, here translated “tribulation,” was characteristically used of the pressing of grapes in the wine-making

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process. It speaks of bruising, crushing pressure. The animosity of the Thessalonian Jews towards these new believers is vividly detailed in Acts 17. They even followed Paul to Berea, about 50 miles away, and drove him away from there. But the church couldn’t run; they had to endure the wrath of the enemies (2:14. 3:4). And in spite of this fearful persecution they received the word with joy (1:6). The Thessalonians turned to God from their idols (1:9). Becoming a follower of Christ always involves a break with the past, because every non-believer has certain commitments to the ways of this world. The person who would be a Christian must always be daring enough to change. For the Thessalonians it meant turning away from their idols. The early church seems to have understood clearly that there can be no idols alongside of Christ. While the epistles refer to many lingering moral problems which had to be corrected by careful teaching, they have very few references to the problem of idols. The primitive preaching of the gospel of Christ seems to have left no room for continued allegiance to idols. These believers had not only turned away from their idols, they had turned to God to serve Him. They had recognized that He was now their Master. He was not just another god, He was the true God. He was not just another dumb idol. He was the living God. And they were inspired to live for Him. A good church is made up of people whose faith inspires them to work for God. There Was Labour That Was Prompted by Love The second characteristic of the Thessalonian church was their labour of love (1:3). This term, “labour of love,” has become common in the English language to designate someone’s favourite hobby, or some personal project on which a person has expended a lot of time and work. The word translated “labour” here does not refer to some pleasant, recreative task, however; it speaks of hard, tiring toil. And the love that Paul mentions is not love for the work, but love for the people for whom they worked.

THE MESSENGER

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The Christian life cannot be learned just by listening to a sermon or a lesson.

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Now, what was their labour of love? I believe verse 6 gives us some indication. They became imitators of the apostles of the Lord. That sounds normal, but the order is startling. First im­ itators of the apostles? Yes, that’s the way if was in the awaken­ ing at Thessalonica, and that’s the way it usually will be. The mis­ sionary, the pastor, the Sunday school teacher, the parent must always demonstrate how the new life is to be lived. The Chris­ tian life cannot be learned just by listening to a sermon or a lesson. It must be modelled before the eyes of the learners. New believers need someone whom they can follow. And normally, they will first imitate the one who has brought the good news to them. Then, hopefully, as they mature in their faith they will go on to imitate the Lord. One wonders also, what did this imitation consist of? In what way did they imitate Paul and his friends? Verse 8 suggests that they were preaching or sharing their faith as the apostles had done. The apostles came to Thessalonica as a small team of three or four men. Within a few weeks there was a whole congrega­ tion, a small army of new disciples, who saw it as their calling to speak of Jesus Christ. Paul had travelled from Amphipolis in Macedonia to Corinth in Achaia - more than three hundred miles of Greek coastline. On that tour he had visited at least seven cities and had started new churches in most of them. Now all these believers looked up to the Thessalonian church (1:7). It had become a model for the rest of them. Some commentators suggest that “sounded forth” (v. 8) should be translated “trumpeted forth.” Others suggest it could be given as “thundered forth.” Obviously, it had been an im­ pressive, arresting message that had come out of Thessalonica. It seems that even unbelievers throughout the country had taken note, because Paul adds, “we have no need to say anything.” And note, what they proclaimed throughout the country was not the success story of the church of Thessalonica, but the “word of the Lord.” Surely, this must be the most remarkable missionary church of all time. These believers had probably only been con­ verted for six months or so, and already they had become famous for their faith. What about you? Are you gaining the kind of reputation that the Thessalonians had? Have you accepted your role as a witness for Jesus? Do you have a deep, passionate love for other peo­ ple - a love that moves you to pray, that motivates you to speak of your faith to a neighbour, to become a friend to a lonely per­ son, to pick up the phone and to call someone, to invite neighbours in for a Bible study, or to assist a troubled teenager? A good church is made up of people whose love moves them to labour for God.

There Was Endurance That Was Founded on Hope The third mark of the Thessalonian church was that they en­ dured steadfastly because of their hope in Jesus Christ (1:3). The word which has been translated variously as patience, as stead-

fastness, or as endurance, speaks of the spirit which can bear things, not simply with resignation, but with courageous en­ thusiasm. They could do this because they had hope. Hope allows a person to see things other people can’t see. The person with hope does not make his decisions only on the basis of pre­ sent circumstances. By faith he looks forward to the invisible future. Because he has hope he can endure, even in times when others think endurance is impossible. The Thessalonians were waiting for the Son from heaven (1:10). For the primitive church the doctrine of Christ’s return was of highest importance. Leon Morris says Christ’s return is mentioned once every thirteen verses in the New Testament. And it is even more prominent than that in the Thessalonian epistles. Not only was this church waiting for Jesus, they were an­ ticipating deliverance from the wrath to come. This concept, “the wrath to come, ” is not common in modern preaching. An evangelist of a former era, John Wesley of England, preached it without reservation. And his relentless emphasis, “Flee from the wrath to come,” ignited revival up and down England. How do we escape this wrath? Only through faith in Jesus Christ. He' is the Rescuer

For the primitive church the doc­ trine of Christ’s return was of highest importance. It is important to notice that the verb, “deliver,” in verse 10 is present tense. Unfortunately, some translations have not translated it that way. But Paul wants us to think of Christ as the Deliverer who delivers us now. He saves us now from the kind of life that would lead to wrath. The wrath is seen here as being future. It is coming. It is on the way. But Christ saves us now so that we won’t need to meet it in the future, or fear it now. Do you have hope? Are you looking forward, waiting, expec­ ting some things yet unseen? Does the way you use or give your money indicate that you believe in heaven? Does the way you respond to offenses and disappointments show that you believe in a future era in which all things will be made right? Does the way you arrange your life and make your decisions show that you plan to avoid the wrath to come? Does your steadfast faithfulness in times when your Christian life seems tiresome and uninteresting show that you are waiting for Jesus? A good church is made up of people whose hope enables them to endure steadfastly. On the basis of this chapter, is your church a good church? Who could make the appraisal and give us the answer? Maybe the question is unanswerable. And maybe it is unnecessary. The church is composed of people. And each one of us is con­ tributing something to the character of our church. Are you do­ ing your part to make your church a good church? Is your life marked by the work of faith, the labour of love, and endurance of hope? These are questions each of us must answer for ourselves. And if enough of us become this kind of people then we will have a good church. ■

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.

FEBRUARY 10, 1984

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a number of occasions it was our privilege to share the gospel and to pray with them.

John and Helen Loewen (standing on left) with an Afghan refugee family in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Our Visit to Asia and How We Saw It Visiting the countries of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh last fall were John and Helen Loewen of Blumenort, Man. The Loewens haue a son, Arley, in Pakistan under Opera­ tion Mobilization. John Loewen is the pastor of the Blumenort E.M. Church. In this article he is sharing some of his impressions. Ed. Pakistan After much prayer, preparation, and more than a day’s flight, we found ourselves in a Muslim world, the beautiful country of Pakistan. What impressed us at first sight? People ... the streets in cities like Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore are crowded with peo­ ple. Transportation is done in the most primitive as well as in modern ways. Due to narrow highways, heavy traffic, and minimal traffic laws, travelling is hazardous. The roads are filled with motor vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and animal-drawn vehicles. Since more than 95 percent of the people are Muslim, and most women remain in seclu­ sion, Pakistan is more or less a man’s world. Very few women are seen on the streets. Even though men move and toil to eke out their livelihood, there is a more relaxed at­ mosphere than in our western world. Many have time to rest, relax and just let the day go by. The life and culture is initially characterized by their religion. Moral stan­ dards (at least outwardly) are high. One customs officer boasted something like this, “The president of our country reads the Koran and prays so and so many times a day. There’s no crime, no liquor and no prostitu­ tion in our country.” Every morning at 5:00 the mula (priest), using a powerful amplifier, makes his declaration. “There is only one God; Mohammed is his prophet. It’s time to pray; it’s more important to pray than to sleep.” This admonition is repeated five times during the day. It is not uncommon to see people in public places on their knees or even on their faces in prayer to God. Without a doubt these people seem to be more

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devoted, without any apology, to their religion than evangelical Christians in our country. India India is a country with a population of 700 million. About 80 percent of the people are Hindus. This religion is mainly idolatry and spirit worship. The cow is considered sacred and has freedom to roam the city streets. Another significant element in the Hindu religion is the belief in reincarnation. It is very obvious that their religion has a strong in­ fluence on their culture and the everyday life of the people. The country has made some progress in technology and methods, yet in many ways their livestyle is very primitive. Due to overpopulation and lack of ad­ vancements in methods, poverty is rampant in many areas.

Afghan Refugees A major factor adding to the plight of these countries is the refugee problem. There are more than three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan and India. These people are in a desperate situation. They have fled their country due to the Russian invasion. No country wants them (USA is taking a few), yet they so much desire to have a place they can call home. Our son, who has been involved with these people for more than two years, is presently stationed in Delhi. These refugees are a friendly and affectionate people. A number of times we were invited to their homes for meals and were accommodated most royally. They then also shared with us their difficult and almost hopeless situation. They all related the same story of in­ discriminate Soviet bombing of villages and farms, as well as killings of civilians, including children, by the Russian military. Again and again we were asked, “Would Canada accept us?” The only promise we could give was that we’d tell our people in Canada to pray that the Lord would have a solution for them. On

Bangladesh This is a small country, about the size of southern Manitoba, with a population of about 90 million. This is one of the world’s poorest nations, suffering from gross overpopulation, destruction caused by the war of in­ dependence, and periodic devastating floods. About 75 percent of the people are illiterate. Our hearts were touched as we drove into the city of Chittagong (four million people) to see the many people, mothers lying on the streets with babies and children. Many of them have never slept in a bed nor had a decent meal in their life. The sight of those narrow and dir­ ty streets, crowded with poor people, the many beggars, some crawling around pleading for a gift, and the many half-naked bodies existing beside open sewers is something that keeps haunting us, and raises the solemn question, “What is our Christian responsibility?” Do we truly believe that God sees the whole human race as one family - the millions upon millions of starving people, many never hav­ ing had a home, and us in the western world living in affluence? Do we believe that Jesus meant what he said when he stated, “1 am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6)? 1 do not pretend to believe that there is an easy answer or a simple solution to the pro­ blem. But maybe we as Christians in the West would do well if, instead of constantly raising our living standards, seeking fulfillment in elaborate and well furnished homes, ban­ queting or going out for expensive and more delicious meals, we would go down on our knees, do some honest thinking, check our priorities, shed a few tears and pray, “Lord, help us catch a vision of our Christian respon­ sibility to a lost and dying world.” -John P. Loewen

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Chittagong. Bangladesh.

THE MESSENGER

Straight Talk (Second in a series of three)

Sport By Dennis Hiebert Competition and Personal Attitudes

The fury of the action in sport is often surpassed by the fury of a concurrent struggle for much higher stakes. On the surface, observers of a game will see the deployment of physical and men­ tal skills in playful competition with an arbitrary opponent. On the inside, God will see the deployment of spiritual skills in a dead­ ly struggle with the flesh nature. Many a player has won on the scoreboard while losing in his heart. The bane of Christians in sport is the supposition that sport is not only an escape from the work place, but also an escape from responsibility, as if play suspends spiritual accountability. Hence, even those who may perceive a vague sense of defile­ ment while competing, are embarrassed by their sensitivities. But those ill-defined attitudes are, in truth, where the only action of any lasting substance is. Competition is merely an amoral pro­ cess. Competitiveness is the personal disposition, the attitudes of the heart, for which we must all answer. Sport occasionally takes on the appearance of toying with a time-bomb just to see if it can be defused. Competition, when out of control, easily explodes any pious notions of personal ac­ tivity. And it takes a Spirit-empowered Christian to restrain his competitiveness by transcending its reach. Unfortunately, self­ control is not one of the more popular fruits of the Spirit. There are several attitudes that enable the Christian to com­ pete in sport without violating himself or his God; 1. View both winning and losing as equally enriching. To the extent that the scoreboard will be read with either momentary pleasure or disappointment, the outcome of competition is ad­ mittedly different for the participants. However, winning and los­ ing is something that happens to people, it does not define who

Letters OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE

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We always look forward to receiving The Messenger, I enjoy reading it but somehow never get around to writing. I trust you can use the enclosed article. We are kept busy in the ministry. Much of our time is spent in visiting the old people. We also make routine visits to the hospital, about forty miles away. It is a joy to read and pray with many. There are also those who have put their faith in the Lord. May the Lord continue to bless The Messenger. When we think of mission fields we often think of crossing the ocean. Many do not realize that Canada’s northland presents a real need for the gospel. A number of different missions are working in this vast northland and yet the call is for more missionaries. We have been with Northern Canada Evangelical Mission for more than thirty years.

FEBRUARY 10, 1984

they are as persons. Both can be grounds for positive learning or personal disintegration. Both experiences will fade equally, and simply playing the game will probably change life more than the outcome. The quality of the Christian life is not measured by so-called successes, but by the richness of its constitution. 2. Make excellence, not superiority, the primary goal. When quality of performance is a desired goal of sport, the opposition is usually an insufficient measure. Winning may be the most sim­ ple and objective indication of quality, but it is also pathetically relative; it does not stand on its own merit. Furthermore, focus­ ing on superiority may lead to merely minimizing, frustrating or upsetting the performance of the opponent, often at the expense of one’s own. Granted, excellence is a nebulous goal, but it is also more honorable and less provocative. 3. Be aware of improper motives. The personal needs of the individual that are being met through sport will determine the gravity of the contest, and how easily competitiveness will be con­ trolled. Sport can reasonably be expected to meet physical ac­ tivity, social interaction, and achievement needs, among others. However, it cannot fulfill the more profoundly spiritual needs of security and significance. These are met only in God who loves unconditionally, whether one achieves or fails to achieve anything. And to believe that a win somehow pleases and/or glorifies Him more than a loss is to reduce God theologically to a spectator who sits on the sidelines caught up in the surprises of the game. 4. Do not insist on the protection of personal “rights.” Chris­ tians are occasionally puzzled about their theological position visa-vis law and grace. They are therefore somewhat relieved when they enter the artificially clear-cut sport scenario, where the rules and their enforcement are unequivocal. But they too often are notoriously unforgiving of apparent inefficiencies in the system, venting what appears to be a pent up bitterness when disadvan­ taged unfairly. Yet of all people, Christians ought to be able to suffer injustice without acrimony, even in the heat of athletic competition. To be Christlike in sport, then, our attitudes ought to obtain self-control, lest our spirits grieve the Spirit within us. For if our competitiveness continually causes us to stumble, it would be bet­ ter to withdraw from sport than to be offended by it.

We have seen many changes in our time. Set­ tlements that were closed to the gospel are now calling for missionaries to come and teach the Word of God. We are stationed in Buffalo Narrows. Sask. This is where the NCEM had its beginning. (cont’d. on page 15) CONTRIBUTORS; Arden Thiessen is pastor of the Steinbach E M. Church. “The Marks of a Good Church” is the first article in a series on First Thessalonians. Lome and Helen Kroeker (Morris) are ser­ ving as houseparents at the Murree Christian School in Pakistan. Elmer and Tina Barkman (Blumenort) are under the New Tribes Mis­ sion in Venezuela. They are dorm parents and coordinate the Tama Tama school base. Mary Koop (Kleefeld) is involved in church plan­ ting, children’s work, visitation and Bible studies in Japan. Dietrich and Tina Lepp (Paraguay) are serving at La Esperanza in Paraguay where Mr. Lepp is a counsellor to

the national church. They are also involved in Bible teaching and literature work. Lue/la Loewen (Rosenort) is involved in communi­ ty health and women’s work in Paraguay. Dr. John R. Dick, p. 8, lives at 14-2035 Martens St., Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 5N6. He has contributed to the Messenger before. We are sorry to hear that he is not well. Charles Colson, p. 16, is Board Chairman of Prison Fellowship International. The arti­ cle is reprinted by permission of Prison Fellowship International. COVER PHOTOS (clockwise from top left): 1) Some EMCers got together for lunch at the MCC Canada meeting in Tofield, Alta. From left: Peter Thiessen, Calgary; Dave Thiessen, Calgary: Edwin Plett, Landmark, Man.; Edwin Friesen, Kleefeld, Man.; Leona and Peter Pen­ ner, Swaziland, Africa; Menno Kroeker, Aylmer, Ont.; and Reg Toews, Akron, PA (the last two with back to camera). 2) Vernard Eller, devotional speaker. 3) Banner in front of church at the MCC Canada meeting. 4) Gallery participants at the meeting.

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Missions

BW These three young girls, in their last days of junior high school now, are fruit from our South River Sunday school. On Fridays after school they have been coming to my house for Bible studies, singing, etc. In the coming weeks they will be writing their entrance ex­ ams for senior high school. Pray that they will continue to witness for Jesus as they enter senior high school. Left to right: Miss Tajima, Miss Ozawa, Miss Heranuma. JAPAN

Pressing Toward the Goal His Chosen Ones

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). This scripture has become more and more real to me as my work among these moun­ tain people continues. 1 can say with Paul in Philippians 3:13,14, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” God is drawing out His chosen ones from among these people. Praise the Lord! Mr. Toguchi started to come to our Sunday school

in South River in his early elementary school days. Being born and raised in a home where they were taught to worship their ancestors, etc., he knew nothing about the true and liv­ ing God. After attending Sunday school for some time, Mr. Toguchi was saved, and followed the Lord in baptism a few years later. “When 1 grow up 1 want to be fisherman for Jesus,” he said. We believe God is preparing him for God’s service in this place. In one more year he will enter university. After that we hope he will go to Bible school to prepare himself for God’s work here in this church. Mary Koop

VENEZUELA

Exciting Days Among the Pume Mang Attending Teaching Sessions

December 4 was the day of the presidential elections here in Venezuela. Even our little town was bustling with activity for a few days. Tama Tama was the last place on the upper Orinoco River where people could cast their votes. Since many of the folks had to come from far and travel by river they had to spend the night here. We are very encouraged with the results of the election. We trust that under the new government we will be relieved of some of the political pressures we have ex­ perienced in the last few years and that visas for new missionaries will again become available. We certainly do appreciate each one of you who has taken time to pray for

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the elections here. These are very exciting days for our folks who are working with the Pume Indians. Merril Dyck has been teaching them, over the last several months, stories from the Old Testa­ ment, using the chronological approach. Just in the last few weeks he has started on the New Testament and presented to them the good news of salvation. The Pume have shown a desire to learn and many have faithfully attended most of the teaching ses­ sions. There are a few who seem very in­ terested in the Gospel and we trust that in the very near future we will hear of some of the Pume Indians accepting Christ as their per-

sonal Saviour. Please continue to pray that the Pume might truly understand their need for a Saviour and be willing to exchange some of their old ways for eternal life. Our school is small this year since we have only the elementary kids. Due to a lack of teachers we are not able to offer any high school courses at the present time. We trust that with the change in government, visas will again become available and that consequently we will have enough teachers to teach the high school program as well. The Lord has provided us with the needed funds to con­ tinue the construction of our new school building, for which we are very grateful. Work has again resumed and we trust that before too long the roof will be on. We are still unable to get permits to bring in outsiders so we are working on it as best we can with the help we have here. Thank you so much for each one of you who has any part in the work here, whether it is financially, through your prayers, through encouraging letters, or in any other way. We do appreciate it very much. We appreciate the opportunity of being able to be co-labourers with you together in getting the Gospel to those who have never heard. Elmer and Tina Barkman PARAGUAY

Substitute for Military Service in Paraguay Agricultural Course Offered The Indian Advisory Board has started an agricultural course for Indian boys (1516-year-old Sanapana, Lengua, and Toba) obligated to do military service. It is a tenmonth course. Then the same course is ar­ ranged among the Chulupf Indians. The government recognizes this course as a substitute for military service. Fifty-eight SanapanS and Lengua youths are learning discipline and receiving educa­ tion with application in agriculture. These form six groups who are taught by Mennonite edu­ cators. They receive practical insights as well as Bible instruction. What do they learn in these ten months?

Agriculture -plowing and how to adjust a hand plow, -seeding and planting by hand, cultivating and weeding with the hoe, -spraying for worms with a hand pump, -bringing in the harvest by hand, -building roads with the spade. Building Houses -gettings logs out of the bush with axe and saw, -building a log frame for two rooms,

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-gathering grass for the roof, also how to install a tin roof, -finishing walls so that they are waterproof.

Domestic Affairs -making chairs, benches, beds, and shelves with poles, -building simple latrines, -taming wild cows and milking, using milk at the table, -treating wounds of cattle with medicines.

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Instruction - instruction in Alfalit, elementary school­ ing, and all phases of agriculture, without technology and computer, -Bible teaching and singing, taught by us missionaries. This program works out positively in the spiritual life. We also hope that the prospective “girls’ school” at La Esperanza (directed by Luella Loewen) will prove to be a real blessing. We ask for your prayers for both schools. Thank you in advance. Dietrich and Tina Lepp P.S. A hundred years ago the Mennonites in Canada did not need an agricultural school, but they needed borrowing power. The In­ dians in Paraguay need both. Translated from the German by Walter Reimer

PARAGUAY

He is Able DVBS at La Esperanza He “ ... is able to do exceeding abundant­ ly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians

3:20a). As I reflect on the events and activities of the past year, out of the flurry of thoughts and pictures emerges the distinct evidence of God doing so much more than I asked for or even thought could happen. I will share one such incident. Before I left for our annual November EMC workers’ retreat I notified both the Lengua and Sanapana that during the first two full weeks in December we were planning to have two weeks of VBS for teen girls. Upon returning from the retreat, 1 was informed that only two teachers had applied and we needed at least four. Not knowing which tribe to give the disappointing news, I was quiet. There were plenty of preparations to make. 1 started with the Sanapana girls. Together we cleaned the schoolyard and whitewashed the interior and exterior of the building. We worked hard for two days. Thursday I received the news that there would be four teachers coming. Praise the Lord! However, I had made no preliminary preparations with the Lengua girls. Would they come home for the VBS? 1 would not be at La Esperanza to help with preparations because I had other responsibilities. I decid­ ed to inform the pastor and the community

FEBRUARY 10, 1984

leader. They promised to see to it that the school would be cleaned by Monday morn­ ing and the girls informed. Monday morning we started. The Lengua school had been cleaned. Even the wild bees that had built their hive in the doorway had been looked after. The attendance in both villages was very good. A total of thirty-eight girls participated regularly. Mr. Dietrich Lepp presented the newly translated Lengua ‘Abundant Life’ series, lessons 1-10. The girls were deeply moved and participated in answering the questions as they appeared in the lesson books. The lessons were later reviewed in Spanish by the teachers and answers filled in. Memory verses were learned and several girls learned to pray aloud in a group. All enjoyed the craft activities. New hankies with crocheted borders and little crocheted purses were proudly displayed at the closing program on December 16. The Christmas theme was emphasized by the various bran­ ches, weeds and grasses that decked the walls and candle holders. The girls walked in each carrying a candle. All were excited and happy. Were we tired at the end of the two weeks? Yes, we were. Thirty-five degree centigrade weather saps a lot of energy, never mind the work. Were we happy? Yes, more than hap­ py. There was a certain peace and content­ ment that God had been at work. Did any of the girls make a decision for the Lord? We don’t know. Most of them had made a pro­ fession of faith at one time and been baptiz­ ed. An open invitation was not given (for cultural reasons) and no one asked for per­ sonal counselling. However, we know that they have grown in the knowledge of God’s Word and that many were under conviction. Pray that the seeds planted will sprout and bear fruit. "... to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:21). Luella Loewen

PAKISTAN

My Relationship With God A Day in the Life of Houseparents The bell rings. It’s time to get the boarding kids out of bed. Jolene wakes up and wants her ‘Crunchies’. So does Lome. The children go downstairs for breakfast but they’re soon at our door checking out for school (27 of them). A few need an extra push to get their rooms cleaned. The kids are off to school and now I have from 9:00-3:30 to do my own things. But then there are rooms to check, Jolene to dress and entertain, the door to answer a few times, clothes to wash, lunch to make and endless more things. In the meantime I’m hoping Jolene will take an afternoon nap so I can have a few minutes to myself. Finally at 3:25 she falls asleep. I sit down, open my Bible,

and the kids are home from school. Knock, knock at the door. ‘Auntie Helen, are we do­ ing crafts today?’ Soon eight or nine girls are in my apartment making their precious little gifts for Christmas. Soon it’s suppertime and I go downstairs to eat with the children while Lome looks after Jolene. After I’ve had my supper I bring Lome’s and Jolene’s upstairs (we eat hostel 1I food at supper). During their supper there are a few more knocks at our door. ‘May we use your Uno game?’ ‘Michael is teasing me.’ The study hall bell rings and the children go downstairs for a half hour study hall. During this time we prepare our devotion time for the kids and try to get Jolene into pyjamas. After study hall we have devotions and storytime, the boys and girls separately. Jolene has had a late afternoon nap and is not ready to go to bed until after the kids go. Who will take her during devotions? It’s usually her mother. It’s 9:00 p.m. and the children are in bed but there’s still Jolene to settle down. More stories to be read. I should have my own devotions, write a few letters, but oh. I’m so tired and am ready for bed too. Many of my days this last fall term were spent this way. I often asked God to help me but I didn’t seem to even have the time to listen to what He was saying. I realized that my busyness was causing me to drift away from a close relationship with God. The kids are now home with their parents and we are still at school. Lome is in charge of the maintenance workers. I have now had time to evaluate what’s been happening to me. A letter from a close friend got me think­ ing. She was hurt because I had not been keeping in touch with her. I realized that a deep friendship cannot continue unless there’s communication. This was also happening with my relationship with God. I needed to once more find out who my God is. God is becoming more real. A few weeks ago we awoke and found our three-storey building shaking back and forth. We soon knew it was an earth tremor. I was waiting for the bricks to fall on my head. What a helpless feeling! We found out later that there had been an earthquake in Afghanistan and half of Pakistan had felt it too. 1 know it’s the power of our God that can allow that to happen. In my devotions on Sunday I read Psalm 20. It talks exactly about this type of power that God has, but then also says, ‘The Lord gives strength to His people.’ The Daily Bread I was reading said, ‘God is so much in con­ trol that He can channel that massive strength and allow us to live by it in all the daily demands of life.’ My work as a mother, wife and housemother has a lot of demands. This next term, starting in March, we will have only the boys boarding group (15 of them) but Lome will also be in charge of the Pakistani maintenance workers. My prayer is that I’ll bring these demands to Him who is allpowerful. Helen Kroeker

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J Dave and Judy Schmidt and their children, Anton, Marvin, Geraldo, and Wendy, have left for another term of service in Paraguay.

Then Ask the Lord When the sun hangs low And the clouds look dark; When the storms do blow And the fire lacks spark Then ask the Lord for victorious living; More prayer, more singing, and more giving.

Linda Penner left for Paraguay on February 8 for another term of service at the clinic at La Esperanza.

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For Sale Long, dark green choir gowns; 9 men’s, 10 ladies’ (with white collars). Contact: EMC Church Box 129 Kleefeld, Man. ROA OVO

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When your heart feels weak And the night is dark; When the days look bleak, And your joy lacks spark Then ask the Lord for a load that’s lighter, And soon your paths will look much brighter.

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When the current runs fast And the bridge seems dark; When your strength won’t last And your eyes lack spark Then ask the Lord to give more power, And grant you joy in the darkest hour. Dr. John R. Dick

THE MESSENGER

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MCC Canada has a board of 32 members. The EMC has one member on this board, Menno Kroeker, Aylmer, Ont. (far right).

FOR MEETINGHOUSE

MCCC Annual Meeting (January 19-21) at Tofield, Alta. FOR THE FIRST time at an annual meeting MCC(Canada) was designated as MCCC. This change of name - removal of the word “Canada ” in parentheses - happened’ at a ~ meeting of the MCC (Canada) executive meeting in March 1983. The official changeover date was August 26, 1983. One of the goals presented by the MCCC executive committee to the board at the Tofield meeting was to continue a pro-life position, especially in the areas of abortion, capital punishment and war. The board add­ ed another goal, “alcohol and drug abuse,” to this recommendation. Another recommendation which was ac­ cepted was to send two persons to the 1984 Mennonite World Conference. Before it was accepted, however, there was some concern about the expense of sending two persons on MCCC costs. The recommendation to move towards a full-time Constituency Relations and Informa­ tion worker for 1985 received few comments. This is a new position and would bring con­ stituency concerns to the executive director and vice versa. The person would also be available for short-term overseas assignments. No action is planned to make the MCCC offices in Winnipeg more accessible to han­ dicapped persons due to the fact that a new building is in the planning stages. The project would be undertaken in cooperation with

MCC(Manitoba). Treasurer Paul Peters, in relation to the budget, commented, “We are hopeful and set a budget,” adding, “Somehow every year we manage.” He spoke of it as a “great venture of faith.” He reported that all the money from the food Bank of MCCC has been transferred to the newly organized Canadian Foodgrains

Bank. He emphasized, however, that this money is still MCCC money and MCCC can dispose of it as they see fit. In the “Reports from the provinces” MCC(Man.) reported the establishment of a new church for Vietnamese immigrants. Nine people were baptized recently. Two different modes of baptism were used. The Ontario reporter emphasized that they wanted to strengthen Community Justice Ministries. The Alberta report mentioned the Mennonite Center for Newcomers in Edmonton. The MCC(Man.) board further reported that they had a special board meeting on January 14. Speakers were Archie Penner, Dave Schroeder and Dan Zehr.

Abe Warkentin (second from left), editor, Mennonitische Post, reporting at the Tofield meeting. Seated to the right of Mr. Warkentin are John Wiebe and Art Driedger, Overseas Services.

Messenger News FEBRUARY 10, 1984

PAGE 9

Left to right: Sarah Reimer, in office management at MCCC in Winnipeg; Joan Barkman, Voluntary Service- Reg Toews Executive Secretary of MCC Akron, Pennsylvania; Waldo Neufeld, acting Executive Secretary of MCCC in the absence of J. M Klassen who suffered a heart attack late last year.

The child sponsorship program ad­ ministered by the Overseas Services Depart­ ment generated some comments. The cost is 'very high. The program, said John Wieler, overseas coordinator, is thorough and good. One questioner wondered how much of a Christian witness we can be to the child. This would vary with the country. Edgar Stoesz reported that Christian calendars have been distributed in India. Art Driedger commented that children at Yalve Sanga (Paraguay) get Christian teaching. Dave Redekopp saw it at work in Calcutta and encouraged it. Stephen Lee, now a member of the board of MCCC, reported that he had been a beneficiary of this program and thanked MCCC. Refugees are still arriving in Canada but the need has now shifted more to Central Americans. Are churches still asking for spon­ sorship? The answer was that now it is more a case of MCCC taking the initiative. Another person wondered whether the decline in in­ terest maybe was due to less graphic news coverage by the media. It was felt by one that the program could be revived by bringing special cases to the attention of the churches. The Self-Help section of the Overseas Ser­ vice department is growing and they expect an increase in the overall program. A feature of the Self-Help report was an in­ teresting audio-visual presentation of the “Olive Branch,” a self help store on Hender­ son Highway in Winnipeg. The East/West Concerns reported that the translation of the Barclay Commentary is on target and should be completed in two years. Abe Warkentin in his report on the Mennonitische (Mennonite) Post had two con­ cerns: 1) The increasing illiteracy and 2) the economic recession. The Post has over 5000 subscribers. It provides a communication (German) link between Kanadier Mennonites scattered throughout North and South America.

The Food Bank program came in for quite a bit of discussion. As reported earlier, the assets of the Food Bank of MCCC have been transferred to the newly formed Canadian Foodgrains Bank organized April 13, 1983 with C. Wilbert Loewen as executive director.

PAGE 10

How did the Canadian Foodgrains Bank develop? Apparently the government prefer­ red to deal with only one agency. The Foodgrains Bank is now comprised of six church groups plus MCCC. The member denominations are the follow­ ing: Baptist Federation of Canada, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, The Christian and Missionary Alliance, Christian Reformed World Relief, Mennonite Central Committee Canada, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and the United Church of Canada. The following is now the address of this new organization: Canadian Foodgrains Bank Of­ fice, 400-280 Smith Street, Box 767, Win­ nipeg, Man. R3C 2L4.

Bill Janzen. Ottawa office, in his report, was concerned that we speak in a more united voice to Ottawa. The need for coordination is becoming more and more evident. Reporting for the Personnel Office, Ingrid Schultz said the average age of a Canadian volunteer is thirty-five. They need 350 volunteers for 1984 (in the whole MCC pro­ gram). One board member voiced his con­ cern at the decline in personnel applications. Why is it happening? John Longhurst reported for Information Services. A project that was highlighted was a 60-minute TV special costing $50,000 over a two-year period. Some questioned the wisdom of spending such a large amount of money. However, it carried. The Canadian program report by Coor­ dinator Dave Dueck took up a considerable part of day two of the meeting. Filling in for Mr. Dueck during a nine-month sabbatical was Joan Barkman. Joan will be going to MCC(Man.) where she will replace Menno Plett in the VS program. The two representatives from the Atlantic provinces, Brian Elliot and Campbell Nesbitt, shared briefly of their work. There are three Mennonite churches in Nova Scotia. Camp­ bell is “excited about new oppor­ tunities ... we would value your prayers to know how to respond with God’s love.” Menno Wiebe, who, together with Eric Rempel, carries the Native Concerns port­ folio, said he had been looking forward to

“this half hour with intensity.” Eric feels that we as a church have to develop a stance of understanding and affirmation. One of the board members challenged the first “assumption” under Native Concerns which is given as “The unapologetic pro­ clamation of Jesus Christ in word and deed as a message of salvation . . .’’The member felt strongly it should read “the message.” Some cautions were expressed during the Peace and Social Concerns report (re political involvement). “I do not believe this is the business we should be in,” said one. Dan Zehr, however, felt that with 9000 Men­ nonites in Central America we should say something to our government. Stated assumptions of the Victim/Offender Ministries of MCCC include that “both of­ fenders and victims need a caring communi­ ty and the opportunity for a healing recon­ ciliation to one another and/or to the com­ munity, especially the community of faith.” Dave Worth is in charge of this department. “I’m very happy to see that this building (Tofield Gospel Chapel) is accessible,” said Henry Enns of Handicap Concerns, as he briefly appeared before the board. Among the “Objectives” in his report was the following: “To continue to sensitize the MCCC consti­ tuency concerning the needs and potential of disabled people and to identify ways that the constituency can contribute towards the par­ ticipation of disabled people in society. MDS. according to Syd Reimer, has more applications for work than they can supply. John Elias gave a report on Mennonite. Mental Health Services. There were four submissions under “MCCC members concerns”: 1. The need for a Chinese ministry in Canada (Stephen Lee); 2. Constitutional Concern of an editorial nature (Frank Epp); 3. The development of economic and human resources (J. M. Froese); 4. Paper on development (Otto Driedger). Worship leader during the sessions was Vernard Eller of California who had as his topic “Principles of Christians.” Mr. Eller feels that the peacemakers are more blessed than the receptors of peace. “The vision of peace is God’s ultimate intention ... in the Bible

THE MESSENGER

the path of peace always looks beyond the here and now.” Friday night was a public meeting. Overseas reports were heard from Edgar Stoesz, Peter and Leona Penner, Africa; Rich Sider, Cen­ tral America; Larry Miller, Europe; plus an audio visual, “Love, a Way of Living. This year’s meeting, held in the Tofield Gospel Chapel, Tofield. Alta., was the twen­ tieth annual meeting of MCC(Canada), now known by the initials MCCC. The year end­ ed November 30, 1983 showed total receipts of $13,448,702.83. The new budget calls for about a 672% increase in constituency giv­ ing for the new year. According to Sarah Reimer, Office Management, they are also now totally on computer at the MCCC office. Executive Director of MCCC. Mr. J.M. Klassen, was not present at the meeting due to having suffered a heart attack last year. A letter from him was read to the assembly. Mr. Waldo Neufeld is acting executive secretary in Mr. Klassen’s absence. Dave Schellenberg

ORDINATION - A FIRST Wymark, Sask.: The ordination of Stan and Bev Hamm into the gospel ministry took place at the Wymark EMC on December 28.

FATHER-SON RETREAT

THREE PARTICIPATE IN O.M. CAMPAIGN IN MEXICO Vermilion Bay, Ont.: Our five Sunday school classes joined together for a Christmas program on December 11. The recitations and songs were enjoyed by the parents and the many others who attended; the church was full (50-60 people). A film about the Christmas story and how it relates to family life was shown. Most of the parents of the Sunday school children do not attend church so this was a time for them to understand a little more of Jesus. Lilly, Wayne and Shelagh Toews attend­ ed a ten-day campaign run by Operation Mobilization (an interdenominational interna­ tional training and evangelism movement) in Juarez, Mexico. These ten days were spent with approximately 500 others (almost equal numbers of Canadians, Americans and Mex­ icans) taking part in open air meetings and tract distribution, going from door to door with Christian literature and witnessing in prisons. In between there were days where informa­ tion about the work and needs in various parts of the world were shared and time was taken for prayer. About 450 are believed to have trusted in Jesus Christ during the campaign in the city and many who participated in the campaign made commitments to serve Him wherever he calls them to. Mr. Walter Reimer visited the church on December 18 and shared a message from God’s word with us. Cliff and Pauline Loewen ministered in song. The church enjoyed fellowship with the visitors. Three members from O.M. took the Sun­ day service on January 5 when they stopped here on their way to eastern Canada for meetings. Their program included a juggling act with a story for the children, songs, a testimony and a message from God’s Word.

FEBRUARY 10, 1984

church and became actively involved. They terminated their service here in August 1983 to pursue further studies at Winnipeg Theological Seminary. They are looking to the Lord for further direction in the area of pastoral ministries. Our prayers and best wishes follow Stan and Bev.

Stan and Bev Hamm were ordained to the ministry on December 28.

This was a first-time event in the 25-year history of this church. It was a very meaningful service, not only for Stan and Bev but for the congregation as well. John Toews, pastor of the Swift Current church, also representing the EMC General Board, brought the message of the evening. Pastor John Reimer led in the service of or­ dination. John Toews and Stan’s father, Elmer Hamm, joined the pastor in the laying on of hands and Pastor Reimer led in the dedicatory prayer. Then followed the response by Stan and Bev by way of personal testimony, request for prayer and the singing of a beautiful song of commitment. Other special music was brought by Marv and Deb­ bie Hildebrand. Opportunity for sharing and well wishes was then given to which many responded. A fellowship lunch followed. It was a special honour to have both parents, the Elmer Hamms and the Art Shostals, pre­ sent for this memorable occasion. Stan, a member of this church, spent most of his growing up years in this community where his father pastored this church for almost nine years. Upon graduating from Prairie Bible Institute and Winnipeg Bible Col­ lege he returned to this community and became minister of music and youth for a period of three years. During this time he met Bev Shostal of Hyas, Sask. After she graduated from Briercrest Bible College and nurses’ training in Saskatoon she came to work in the Swift Current Union Hospital and started attending church here. Some time later she transferred her membership from the Hyas Baptist Church. Stan and Bev were married in July 1982. Bev shared Stan’s interests in the work of the

Kola, Man.: This is how one father describ­ ed the recent Father-Son retreat: “Thirty­ seven fathers and sons retreated to Bri-MaDel Bible Camp on the 28th and 29th of January. There they learned to know themselves and each other better through a time of games and messages. The days con­ sisted of indoor as well as outdoor activities, and balmy weather was greatly appreciated. Andrew Friesen and Barry Koop were in charge of the recreational activities. “Although action was the keynote of the weekend, the whole group also came together for quiet times of singing and spiritual learn­ ing. Bernie Brandt and Walter Kruse, the camp organizers, also led in devotional times. The theme song for the retreat was the chorus ‘He is Able.’ Mr. C. R. Plett. who is present­ ly serving as Dean of Students at the Stein­ bach Bible College, was the guest speaker. “The theme of Mr Plett’s first message was ‘You are not what you think you are. but what you think — you are.’ He brought out the point that we really find out what we are when we get into hot water. A teabag only shows its true color when put in hot water; so it is with us. However, if we are as pure as clear water, hot water does not make any difference. “The second session was on ‘Who Controls You?’ Are we really in control of ourselves or are we controlled by our reactions to those around us? If our actions are only reactions, then it is other people or situations that con­ trol us. “The third message was ‘Only Reactions Hurt.’ When difficult situations arise, our at­ titudes determine our reactions. If we are not living a Christ-filled life, our reactions will not be right, and God will not be able to work His good will through us. We have a right to determine our own attitudes. “In summary. Mr. Plett had four points: 1. We must see and admit what our reac­ tions reveal about who we are. 2. Let’s stop defending ourselves and refus­ ing to see ourselves as we are. 3. Let’s admit and confess our wrongs ful­ ly and specifically. 4. We need to live our life being crucified with Christ daily. “Mr. Plett also brought the Sunday morn­ ing message at the Kola EMC. Here his message was based on Matthew 5:5, ‘Bless­ ed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth,’ and on Matthew 11:28-29, ‘Come un­ to me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon

PAGE 11

you and learn of me; for I am meek and low­ ly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.' He brought out that we shall find rest for our souls if we are meek and lowly, and these traits can only be learned from the works and words of Jesus.” Every January the Evangelical Action Committee plans a weekend where the young people of the churches of Virden, Elkhorn, Kola and Heron get together for a rally. Featured at the rally, in three concerts, from January 20-22, were the “Praise” singers from Winnipeg Bible College. Dean Whiteway of WBC was the speaker the first two evenings. The president of the school. Dr. William Eichhorst, spoke on Sunday afternoon, at the closing rally.

MISSIONARIES LEAVE

Rosenort, Man.: David and Judy Schmidt and their young family left us on December 23 to return to the mission field in Paraguay. They spent Christmas and part of January with Dave’s parents in Kansas, and then visited a sister in Florida before proceeding on the final lap of the trip in February. Hannah Kroeker has also returned to Paraguay to live with her parents and help along as cook at the hospital in Tres Palmas. Alvira Friesen spoke a warm farewell to her sending church on January 8 before return­ ing to her field in Panama. Edward Friesen challenged us on New Year’s Day with the admonition to teach the Word of God to our children daily. He used Deuteronomy 6:4-9, with special emphasis on verse 7. Our ministers have again begun an exposi­ tional preaching series for our Sunday morn­ ing worship services. They have chosen 1 Cor­ inthians, a book promoting unity and giving much practical advice. The musical group, “Endurance of Love,” served us with a very meaningful concert on January 22. They encouraged the audience to sing along on choruses and the song. “God is Bigger Than Any Mountain.” On the last day of January our youth group had a unique offer for young parents: “Free babysitting while you have an evening out!” Who could resist such an offer? The following report on Sno Camp ’84 was submitted by Candy Dueck: The Rosenort EMC youth group spent the weekend of January 13-15 at Cedarwood Camp, a recently-opened Youth for Christ camp. The facilities were great. The lodge had everything we needed. The food was good, even better since we knew we had no dishes to do after! The weekend was filled with activities, planned by Paul Loewen and Glenn Friesen. These included soccer, broomball, skits and indoor games. It was also great for getting to know other young people a little better and getting closer to God.

PAGE 12

Our main speaker for the weekend was Allan Friesen, pastor of the Fort Garry EMC. He was excellent! He spoke on the topic “Relationships.” This he divided into three sessions; Our Relationship with God, Our Relationship with Non-Christians, and Rela­ tionships in Dating. Each session had something new for us. All in all, the weekend was great and I’m looking forward to next year’s camp.

NAVIGATORS COURSE BEING TAUGHT

Pleasant Valley, Man.: January being the month of old endings and new beginnings there are always definite areas to report on. Christmas was the usual with enthusiastic programs by first the Sunday school, then the young people’s beautiful cantata, “Reason to Rejoice,” conducted by Rick and Karen Friesen. What everyone missed was the carolling later. It was storming too hard after the program to go out singing so a few of the young people gathered at Rudy and Grace Loewen’s for the planned hot chocolate. It was also the young people that were ac­ tive New Year’s Eve. A progressive supper occupied the evening, ending at church with the film “Blood on the Mountain.” Sharing and prayer ushered in the new year. Merv and Lori Siemens have been elected as the new leaders. The first day of January saw many of the young people going back to local and distant schools. We have eight out of our congrega­ tion going to places of higher learning, so we definitely notice their coming and going. God be with you all in this important part of your lives. This is also the time for elections in all com­ mittees. The ones in responsible positions feel the need for prayerful support. The Ladies’ Fellowship, with Mrs. Lena Harder as presi­ dent, solves their prayer problems by having prayer partners. Feeling the need to draw our younger sisters closer, each prayer couple takes on one girl for special attention in whatever comes up during the coming year. This makes it a three-way partnership which takes on extra meaning for each one. Pastor Frank Friesen reports: Beginning January 9, our ministerial started a series of expositional sermons on the book of Colossians, which is to be concluded the last Sun­ day in March. It is our strong conviction that we are exhorted to “preach the Word ” May it be done in the power of the Holy Spirit. Rev. Bert Kornelsen has just finished a training session to lead the Navigators 2:7 course. Colossians 2:7 is the foundational verse for this in-depth course on a deeper spiritual life, focussing on memorization, witnessing and prayer. One of the women from the group of ten taking it said, “The key verse may be Colossians 2:7 but the key word is discipline. All the memory work, prayer

times, methodical and consistent personal devotions has put my housework into proper perspective. That comes in second place now. The course is demanding, but very exciting. 1 just wish more would sign up for it.” The studies are running into the second year now and there’s no graduating from it for awhile yet. Right now Wednesday evenings are taken up with Gerald Loewen conducting a course on “Relationships.” A special prayer session was held on the afternoon of January 15. Intercession was made for the remarkably many medical pro­ blems attacking our missionary couples all over. The least we can do is to hold them up in prayer. A group of women and children presented the play “Who is My Neighbour?” to our con­ gregation last Thanksgiving. On an invitation from the PTA it was brought again on January 14 in the Rosenort Elementary School. It was done very well and the message came across as the Lord would want it to. Good work, all of you!

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING HELD

PcIIy, Sask.: Smoke detectors are credited with helping to save the lives of the Mervyn Abrahamson family. In the early morning hours of December 26 the parents awoke to the smoke detector's alarm and were unable to extinguish the blaze which, at that point, was in the porch area. Smoke was very in­ tense throughout the house. They alerted their children and got everyone out safely. All of their four children were at home at the time. Two of them were sleeping in the basement and had to be gotten out through the win­ dows. Leaving their burning home with only their night clothes and a few blankets, they drove to the Lewis Anfinson home. The Fel­ ly fire brigade was called and arrived quickly. Many neighbours also came to help. The top part of the house was destroyed. The base­ ment and much of its contents were salvageable. However, there was a lot of water damage. The family stayed with relatives for a time and have since rented a trailer and moved it to their building site. The work of demolishing has begun in prepara­ tion for rebuilding. Cause of the fire is undetermined. The annual business meeting was held in the church on January 20. There was a good attendance with almost every family represented. Participation was encouraging with all the necessary committees and offices being filled. The ladies also had their annual meeting in January. Plans were made for the coming year.

THE MESSENGER

the children, pray for them, hoe in the garden, visit the relatives and observe her grand­ children and great-grandchildren growing up. Close bonds were obvious when Rev. Harvey Plett spoke from God’s Word. Quoting Psalm 90:10 he couldn’t refrain from mentioning incidents in his earlier years at home when Aunt Elizabeth had been their neighbour. “God has given her a sense of humour, a spiritually caring heart, a good in­ terest in hobbies, needlework, knitting, hand­ work, and Bible study. Even the cold winter evenings don’t discourage her from watching her grandsons playing hockey.” Brother-inlaw Rev. Frank D. Reimer too found it dif­ ficult to ask God’s blessing and protection in closing without bringing many pleasant memories to our attention.

Mrs. Elizabeth Reimer and her sons, John and his wife Elsie and Arnold and his wife Annie.

GRANDMA REIMER’S 80TH BIRTHDAY Landmark, Man.; The grandchildren loved and appreciated her. What could they do to show it? One opportunity presented itself, and Marilyn Plett apparently was the one to get all the others excited and motivated about it. Why not have a grand old birthday party? Grandma Reimer would be 80 years of age and was still in good health. Wasn’t that something to celebrate? The special day was January 29 at the Prairie Rose church. It was an open house set­ ting from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with an in­ teresting program following. Some 180 guests came to extend their love and best wishes to Mrs. Elizabeth Reimer (affectionately known as “Taunti Lies” by many). A delicious buffet lunch was enjoyed while visiting around the tables. Sons Arnold and John too were real­ ly delighted to welcome the many visitors and relatives. The entire family needs to be commended for a venture of this nature. John Reimer was given the honour of being the jovial emcee. The great-grandchildren blended their voices in singing “God is so Good.” The Goertzens had come with the harmonica band. The grandchildren cheered Grandma with “Grosser Gott, Wir Loben Dich.” A brass trio played “Count Your Blessings.” Arnold Reimer took the audience all the way back to their early childhood, ably poin­ ting out the high points in the life of their courageous, godly mother, briefly mention­ ing his father’s illness and early homegoing. Mother firmly refused any government social assistance when it was suggested. She said, “No one is going to have a hold on my boys.” Thus she stayed with her parents in Blumenhof for a while, then moved back to Prairie Rose, started farming, built a barn.

FEBRUARY 10, 1984

bought cows and a contract, and shipped milk while her boys were growing up. Uncle Karl stayed with them for quite some time, till (to their dismay?) he got married and started out on his own. The time came when the nest was empty. The boys had both em­ barked on their own - Arnold a successful businessman and John a dedicated teacher and principal. For Mom it was a move to Steinbach where she kept roomers and boarders and also was cook at the Steinbach Bible Institute. Her youngest son had by now “settled down” in the Landmark area, and what better place to retire than right close to their picturesque place, with a big garden. Here she could live in her own house, help

Residential Counsellor Applications are invited by Grosvenor Place (MCC Manitoba) for one immediate full-time posi­ tion as a residential counsellor to supervise and manage a household of men on probation and parole. Contact: Ernie Penner 202-818 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N4 Phone: (204) 774-4265

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Charles and Lorraine Koop have accepted the pastorate of the La Crete, Alta, church. They are seen in the photo with their children, Heidi and Scott.

PAGE 13

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iBook Review

Like a Shock of Wheat, Marvin Hein. Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 1981, $9.95. Reviewed by John Koop, Vanderhoof, B.C.

Four fellows were baptized at the Steinbach E.M. Church on February 5. Seen with Pastor Thiessen (seated) are (left to right): Roger Guenther, Randy Martens, Merrill Friesen and (far right) Kelly Dyck. Martin Fischer (second from right) also took the classes. Martin was an exchange student from Germany fellowshipping at the Steinbach EMC. He has since left.

Births REIMER — to Wayne and Marilyn Reimer of Birch River, Man., twin sons, Jason Daniel and Shawn Matthew, on November 1. 1983. GRAY — to Murray andn Marion Gray of Virden. Man., a son, Allister Bryce, on December 5, 1983. THIESSEN — to John and Adella Thiessen of Cromer. Man., a son, Kelly John, on November 11, 1983. DYCK — to Jake and Phyllis Dyck of Danbury, Sask,, a daughter. Shannon Christine, on December 29. 1983. NEUSTAETER — to Albert and Roberta Neustaeter of Swift Current, Sask., a daughter, Ashley Lynn, on December 21, 1983. DYCK — to Gordon and Marlylles Dyck of Win­ nipeg, Man., a son, Nathan Matthew, on December 12, 1983. THIESSEN — to Dennis and Sara Thiessen of Endeavour, Sask., a daughter, Jennifer Lynette, on June 15, 1983. STUBBE — to Dennis and Sherry Stubbe of Preeceville, Sask., a son. Dale Mervin, on July 4, 1983. GOERTZEN — to Karl and Grace Goertzen of Win­ nipeg. Man., a daughter, Tracy Lynnae, on November 9, 1983. BARKMAN — to Ron and Lynn Barkman of Ridgewood, Man., a son, Shayne Charles Ron, on January 17, 1984. PENNER - to George and Mary Penner of Fort Ver­ milion, Alta., a daughter, Sheila Marie, on December 6, 1983. GOERTZEN - to Herman and Erna Goertzen of Martensville, Sask., a son, Timothy Russel, on Oc­ tober 5, 1983. GOERTZEN - to Martin and Helen Goertzen of Waldheim, Sask., a daughter, Roxanne, on January 12, 1984.

GOERTZEN - to John and Diane Goertzen of Hep­ burn. Sask., a son, Daniel James, on January 27, 1984. POFFENROTH - to Ron and Rosanne Poffenrolh of Calgary. Alta., a son, Benji Conrad, on September 18, 1983. FEHR - to Raymond and Tina Fehr of Calgary, Alta., a son, Anthony Raymond, on August 27, 1983. HELYAR - to Dave and Carmen Heylar of Calgary. Alta., a son, Raymond Charles David, on December 21, 1983. LETKEMAN - to Jake and Anita Letkeman of Calgary. Alta., a daughter. Natasha Ruth, on September 7, 1983.

Weddings BUHLER - FENSKE: Bob, son of Bill and Anne Buhler of Hudson Bay, Sask., and Debbie, daughter of Herb and Lil Fenske of Endeavour, Sask., were married on September 3, 1983. The wedding took place at the Endeavour Fellowship Chapel with Rev. Bill Buhler of Hudson Bay of­ ficiating. The couple is making their home in Endeavour. JACQUES - SAGERT: Norbert, son of Arthur and Nathalie Jacques, was married on July 30, 1983 to Judy, daughter of Daniel and Annie Sagert of Chilliwack, B.C. The wedding took place at the Aberdeen E M. Church in Winnipeg with Karl Goertzen of Winnipeg officiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg.

MARTENS - SIEMENS: Bill, son of John and Aganetha Martens of Vanderhoof, B.C., and Judy, daughter of John and Sarah Siemens of La Crete, Alta., were married on December 3, 1983 at the La Crete Christian Fellowship with Rev. Bill Buhler of High Level, Alta, officiating. The couple is mak­ ing their home in High Level.

“Meditation on Death” is the subtitle of this book but it also deals with pain and suffering. In the first chapter the reviewer found some difficulty in connecting the “shock of wheat" with suffering, but in the second chapter the writer writes, “Our culture confuses us by in­ sisting that answers be ready at hand for every situation . . . That is misleading. We live against a background of darkness.” Then the rest of the book seems to give direction and some answers to the question, “Why death?" In chapter 11 the writer points out the folly of judging God’s timing of the death of some educated or needed saints. He says, “When I reflect on death and life through the eyes of God, 1 think I hear Him say when someone passes so quickly and prematurely from our midst: ‘Be assured that my work, if in reality it is My work, will not go down with one man. My kingdom cannot be thwarted. 1 may lose the best man I could have chosen, but the work will continue” (p. 162). He also speaks to the issue of death by suicide and asks us to suspend judgment; that is God’s business. In chapter 17 he points out that the pur­ pose of an extended life is to praise God. Some interesting facts from research: “As an adult ages his learning ability does not decline appreciably . . . Unlike popular perceptions that the majority of people over 65 are con­ fined to institutions the actual figure is only 5 percent. “Nearly 75 percent of older, retired Americans testify to being satisfied with retire­ ment. Only 25 percent of working Americans expressed that kind of contentment about their jobs. And fewer than 3 percent of peo­ ple up to age 70 are considered senile” (p. 185). The final chapter deals with the necessity and good of change, child to adult, immaturity to maturity, this life to eternal life. It is good. This book should be in church libraries and the reviewer would recommend it for ministers who are involved in counselling and ministering to bereaved and sorrowing believers.

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Chaco^ Challenge NASA is a Busline I just heard it again. Even though 1 was reading intently 1 experienced it unmistakably; the NASA bus leaving on its all-night run, connecting the isolated Chaco with civiliza­ tion. I could just hear the turbo-charged diesel snorting every time the driver shifted gears or accelerated at an intersection. Then it is gone into the peaceful night. Bus travel is more than transportation. A NASA bus is part of the culture. You are almost guaranteed the trip will be both predic­ table and totally unpredictable. (I know - I went last week. I have gone dozens of times.) Totally predictable - the dusty line-up of passengers, family members and spectators - a motely mixture. The subdued hum of voices, the distant purr of the town’s central electrical generator. Lonely figures drifting in on foot - dragging a rectangular brown leather suitcase. Someone slips into the lighted area carrying a small packet or letter. With a drifty gaze, the person searches for a familiar or trusted face, likely to be on the passenger list. The letter or packet is meant for some friend or family member eight hours away in Asun­ cion. If there is a special occasion one might dare to casually present a bigger box with homemade goodies: “Will you personally leave it at the ‘Home’?” The signal for the initiating of farewells in the passive line-up is the starting of the power­ ful diesel engine. No hurry - it won’t leave yet. Besides, the agent goes over his passenger list prior to departure. Another handful of suit­ cases appears. The luggage doors are pried open, then, eventually slammed shut dif­ fidently. You might as well give your spouse and kids the last hug, amble up the stairs, find your seat number and stuff your briefcase, a jar of water, and a bag of grub (just in case) on the overhead luggage rack. Your seat part­ ner is usually unpredictable - some grimy boyish soldier, ranch hand, a local businessman, a tourist - it is never the same. More or less on time the big Marcopolis begins moving. One stop in Loma Plata - then twisting and turning till we reach the Ruta. The FEBRUARY 10, 1984

first 100 kilometers are unpredictable. A slight shower and the bus is bound to slide from side to side. Too often all progress stops. A total­ ly clear sky in Filadelfia at departure is no guarantee that you won’t be stuck forty minutes later. Each occurrence is a story in itself. I have been fortunate - never having stayed more than two nights on a bus bogg­ ed down in the mud. On the way to Asuncion, after around three hours of fighting the dusty, sometimes bum­ py, road, you hit the pavement. Noises have subsided. Familiar odours silently tell you that all is normal. You shift around in the sweaty seat. If you have a talkative seat mate you bid goodnight and then curl up into an oddly, almost comfortable, position. Now for a good relaxing, but likely-to-be-interrupted, sleep. The purring pavement is so pleasant com­ pared to the rough, rutted dirt road. Four hours of sleep goes so fast. The brave lights of military checkpoints, of the big bridge, and finally the big city, pierce your stinging eyes. 8:30 last night seems like long ago. 4:30 you’re at the downtown MCC Home. The iron gates are clanged open by the night watchman - swallowing up the nocturnal traveller in the pre-dawn of the urban maze. Ernie Loewen

LETTERS cont’d. Missionaries came and went but there was no change in the attitude of the people. During these last years people are beginning to seek the Lord, a number have been saved, and some are engaged in outreach ministries. At present we have a good attendance at our Sunday morning service and around thirty in Sunday school in the afternoon. Thursday night Bible study is usually well attended. There are also several home Bible studies dur­ ing the week where groups, who are not yet coming to the regular meetings, gather for studies. Buffalo Narrows is the center for an outreach program. Several other settlements are reached through the missionaries and native Christians. Another outreach is the Pine Ridge Bible Camp serving our area. Besides summer camps there are weekend retreats during the winter. Many boys and girls and young peo­ ple are reached this way. We trust this report will give us all a greater insight of the need in our northland. There are many settlements like the one mention­ ed which are in need of missionaries. Maybe the Lord is speaking to you and you are looking for a field of service. For further information you can contact N.C.E. Mission. Box 2244. Prince Albert. Sask. S6V 6Z1. Mrs. Anne Heal

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION RESOURCES By Walter Reimer Events • An International Centre of Learning Seminar is planned for February 23-25 in the North Kildonan M.B. Church. Thurs­ day and Friday night and Saturday day sessions are for Sunday school teachers and anyone active in Christian education, Friday is Directors’ Day. The contact per­ son in Winnipeg is Rae Larson, phone 477-5320. • A Teacher Development Seminar, sponsored by Scripture Press on March 3, is another training opportunity. It will be conducted at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 877 Wilkes, Winnipeg, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Brochures are available from the Conference Office or John Wiebe, 300 Edmonton St., Winnipeg, phone 947-1365. • Christian Marriage Enrichment and Handling Stress, Change and Depression Seminars will be held at the Windsor Park Evangelical Free Church, March 8-10. Chuck Collett, a counsellor, teacher, and psychologist from Alberta, will conduct these. Registration information may be obtained from the Conference Office or from Jim Gunderson, 920 Cottonwood, St. Boniface, phone 253-1131. Books • Parents in Today’s Society, edited by Lawrence Martin, is a helpful book on improving family relationships. The meaning of parenting, the quest for self­ understanding, and a challenge to greater faithfulness to God’s will for today’s family are topics of concern. A compa­ nion booklet for leaders can make this a valuable study course for adult Sunday school or Bible study. •Introduction to Biblical Christian Education, edited by Werner G. Graendorf, is a textbook which speaks to many major issues in the Christian education field. This volume gives practical guidance and a Biblical perspective to Sunday school teachers, club leaders, and directors. It should be useful for classroom teaching, casual reading and reference. Audio/Visuals • Bible Learning Activities is a set of four filmstrip/cassette training sessions for early childhood, youth and adults. Each one is 12-16 minutes in length and could be used in a departmental meeting of Sunday school teachers or training ses­ sion. Available from the Conference Of­ fice, these materials are put out by Inter­ national Centre of Learning. Please inquire at (204) 326-6401 or write to EMC Board of Educa­ tion, Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0.

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From the Editor GUEST EDITORIAL

The Terrifying Truth: We Are Normal BY CHARLES COLSON IN THE COURSE of research for my third book, Loving God, I discovered a dearth of contemporary writings on sin. After a long search, however, an unlikely source — interviewer Mike Wallace of the “60 Minutes” news program — furnished just what I was looking for. Since Christians are not accustomed to gleaning great theological insights from network television. I’d better explain. Introducing a recent story about Nazi Adolf Eichmann, a prin­ cipal architect of the Holocaust, Wallace posed a central ques­ tion at the program's outset: “How is it possible ... for a man to act as Eichmann acted? . . . Was he a monster? A madman? Or was he perhaps something even more terrifying: Was he normal?” Normal? The executioner of millions of Jews normal? Most self-respecting viewers would be outraged at the very thought. The most startling answer to Wallace’s shocking question came in an interview with Yehiel Dinur, a concentration camp survivor who testified against Eichmann at the Nuremberg trials. A film clip from Eichmann’s 1961 trial showed Dinur walking into the courtroom, stopping short, seeing Eichmann for the first time since the Nazi had sent him to Auschwitz 18 years earlier. Dinur began to sob uncontrollably, then fainted, collaps­ ing in a heap on the floor as the presiding judicial officer pounded his gavel for order in the crowded courtroom. Was Dinur overcome by hatred? Fear? Horrid memories? No; it was none of these. Rather, as Dinur explained to Wallace, all at once he realized Eichmann was not the god-like army officer who had sent so many to their deaths. This Eichmann was an ordinary man. “I was afraid about myself,” said Dinur. “ . . . I saw that I am capable to do this. I am .. . exactly like he." Wallace’s subsequent summation of Dinur’s terrible discovery — “Eichmann is in all of us” — is a horrifying statement; but it indeed captures the central truth about man’s nature. For as a result of the Fall, sin is in each of us — not just the susceptibili­ ty to sin, but sin itself. The 3,500 years of recorded history confirm this truth. Science, evolution and education — which Socrates argued would eliminate sin — have done nothing to alter man’s moral nature. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can change our hearts. But we can’t see that truth unless we first see our hearts as they really are. That being so, why is sin so seldom written or preached about? Dinur’s dramatic collapse in the Nuremberg courtroom gives us the clue. For to truly confront evil — the sin within us — is a devastating experience. If the reality of man’s sin was forthrightly preached, it would

have the same shattering effect on blissful churchgoers that it had on Dinur. Many would flee their pews never to return. And since church growth is today’s supreme standard of spirituality, many pastors steer away from such confrontative subjects; so do authors who want their books bought and read. So do television preachers whose success depends on audience ratings: for viewers confronted with hard truth can simply flick the offending preacher out of their living rooms. The result is that the message is often watered down to a palatable gospel of positive thinking which will “hold the au­ dience.” That’s what Nazi victim Dietrich Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace” — that in which “no contrition is required, still less any real desire to be delivered from sin.” But it’s the very heart of a Christian conversion to confront one’s own sin and thus to desperately desire deliverance from it. And once we’ve seen our sin, we can only live in gratitude for God’s amazing grace. I know this most intimately from per­ sonal experience. It was just 10 years ago that I went, during the throes of Watergate, to talk with my friend Tom Phillips. I was curious, maybe even a little envious, about the changes in his life. His explanation — that he had “accepted Jesus Christ” — baffled me. I was tired, empty inside, sick of scandal and accusations, but not once did I see myself as having really sinned. Politics was a dirty business, and I was good at it. And what I had done, I rationalized, was no different from the usual political maneuvering. What’s more, right and wrong were relative, and my motives were for the good of the country — or so I believed. But that night when I left Tom’s home and sat alone in my car, my own sin — not just dirty politics, but the hatred and pride and evil so deep within me — was thrust before my eyes, forcefully and painfully. For the first time in my life, 1 felt unclean, and worst of all, 1 could not escape. In those moments of clarity I found myself driven irresistibly into the arms of the living God. And in the 10 years since that night. I’ve grown increasingly aware of my own sinful nature; what is good in me I know beyond all doubt comes only through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. And for that fact, my gratitude to God deepens with each passing day, a gratitude that can only be expresed in His service. Dinur, the Auschwitz survivor, is right — Eichmann is in us, each of us. But until we can face that truth, dreadful as it may be, cheap grace and lukewarm faith — the hallmarks of ungrateful hearts — will continue to abound in a crippled church. ■

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