The Messenger April 20, 1984 by The Messenger

The Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOL. 22 NO. 8 APRIL 20/84

Spring Resurrection Spring wakes up the lengthy sleep of winter, Changing her white robe to shades of green — Interweaves a myriad of colors, And in it alt the hand of God is seen.

All the earth becomes alive with new growth; A resurrection gives the dormant breath. It’s like the Easter story in the Bible — The risen Christ gives victory over death.

And we, because the Lord was resurrected. Are given life, a will to grow, nourished by love. Love, because the Father freely gave it. When He sent His Son down from above. Violet M. Wright

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“Most of us have a narrow view of prayer.”

Your Prayers are too Small by Warren Wiersbe

omething was wrong with my prayer life and 1 knew it. 1 also knew that everybody else would know it if 1 didn’t take some drastic action. To be sure, I was enjoying moderate success pastoring my first church; but this did not satisfy me. 1 knew there had to be something better than “services as usual.” Two events precipitated my concern. The first was reading a statement in a book whose title 1 have forgotten: “No Christian rises any higher than his praying.” The second was par ticipating in a prayer meeting with a group of Youth for Christ leaders whose praying at first shocked me, then shamed me. They shock ed me by their openness, honesty, and the courageous way they claimed God’s pro mises. They shamed me because my own praying had often been too timid and too for mal. The impact of that prayer meeting changed my life and ministry. Like most Christians, I had grown up “say ing my prayers” and doing a certain amount of public praying. 1 faithfully conducted the prayer meetings at the church 1 was pastor ing, and 1 even met privately in homes for special times of intercession. 1 fear, however, that I had a commercial view of prayer: 1 prayed in order to get things from God. Not only was my attitude commer cial, but it was also quite mechanical. If 1 met certain conditions and used certain words, God had to answer. I studied books about prayer, hoping to find the right formula to make my prayer life a success. 1 was also at tracted to some of the innovative prayer meetings that sprang up about that time. 1 learned the hard way that novelties are not ■ always improvements. My pilgrimage out of this confusion and into a more mature prayer life was not easy or quick. 1 had much to unlearn. And some of the truths God wanted me to learn, 1 was un willing to accept. 1 have not yet arrived, and still have more lessons to learn in God’s school of prayer. But perhaps what 1 have learned can help you have a more satisfying and suc cessful prayer life. Most of us have a narrow view of prayer.

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The writer of this arti cle on prayer shares with us some of the lessons he learned on prayer. May they help us to be more in tune with God as we pray. But think of it: the God who knows the end from the beginning, who knows mv needs before I voice them, has ordained that His children shall pray. Our stammering prayers can be a part of God’s eternal purposes! This enlarged vision of prayer was the beginning of my pilgrimage. Much of my praying had been selfish. 1 was concerned with my needs, not God’s glory. My prayers were small and selfish because my view of God was small and selfish. 1 wanted a God only big enough to meet my needs. Then 1 discovered that prayer was not a com mercial or mechanical arrangement between me and God. Prayer involves a personal relationship. Perhaps it was the birth of our first child that started me thinking about God as my Father. Three more children followed, and each of them helped me better understand what it meant to be a child in God’s family. I discovered that children usually want their father’s help when they need something, or when they are in trouble. But they are seldom interested in the areas where he can give them the most help. God wanted to help me develop character, grow in facing and solv ing problems, and discover my potential. Yet I thwarted His plans with my “gimmes" and the “help-mes." It came as a shock that my devout prayer requests were actually hindering me from God’s best. I was praying about things and

emergencies, when God wanted to use these experiences to develop Christian character. He didn’t want me to be a spoiled brat anymore than I wanted my children to be spoiled brats. Then 1 began to study the prayers of the Apostle Paul, recorded in his prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians). Not once did he ask for God to supply a material or physical need. I’m sure Paul did pray about the physical and material needs (his account of 2 Cor. 12:7-10 is proof); but the emphasis in his prayers was on spiritual needs and the developing of Christian character. I began to use these prison prayers in my own praying, making them personal; and God began to do a new thing in my life. If you have been praying primarily about material and physical needs, don’t stop. In stead, start including the spiritual needs as well. Use Paul’s prayer in Phil. 1:9-11 and start asking God for mature Christian love and discernment. In Ephesians 1, Paul prayed for spiritual understanding; and in Ephesians 3, he asked for spiritual depth. As 1 used these prayers, God began to change my own at titudes, and 1 began to see the material and physical needs in a new light. 1 learned that there was no need that God would refuse to meet in my life, providing the answer didn’t hinder the growth of my Christian character. Every answer to prayer had to become a tool to make me more like Jesus Christ. Then it struck me: prayer is not something that I do; prayer is something that I am. We don’t obey God’s Word in order to earn celestial trading stamps that we turn in for answers to prayer. We obey God so that we become more like Christ, and then God can trust us with answers to prayer. 1 began to understand better the promise of Ps. 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart.” If 1 truly delight in the Lord, then His desires will become my desires, and I shall be praying in His will. About that time I came across a statement by Archbishop Richard Trench: “Praying is

THE MESSENGER

“I began to listen to myself as I prayed. And (to my shame) I found that my public prayers were sterile and repetitive.”

not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His highest willingness.” Another statement by Robert Law in his book on 1 John, The Tests of Life, added still more light: “Prayer is a mighty instrument, not for getting man’s will done in Heaven, but for getting God’s will done in Earth.” All of this led me into a new study of “The Lord’s Prayer.” 1 had been taught that this prayer was not for believers in this age and that it must not be used in a liturgical way. The Holy Spirit gradually led me to see that these were man-made prejudices. 1 discovered that “The Lord’s Prayer” gave me a perfect pattern for my own praying. To begin with, I saw that God’s concerns had to come before my own concerns. Jesus taught us to pray about adoring God’s name, advancing God’s kingdom, and ac complishing God’s will, before we pray about daily bread, forgiveness, and victory. 1 had usually rushed into God’s presence with a long list. 1 changed my approach and waited before the Lord in silence and worshipped Him. I centered my thinking and praying on His name. His kingdom, and His will. What happened? My own needs and re quests took on a new perspective. 1 could pray more intelligently about them because I had put God’s interests first. 1 was practicing Matt. 6:33 in my praying: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Another result was a deeper understanding of why these needs and burdens had come to my life. God had permitted them so that 1 might, through prayer, use them to glorify God. They were not weapons that God (or Satan) was using to hurt me, but tools which God was using to build me. But “The Lord’s Prayer” taught me another lesson: I must pray with all of God’s family in mind. There is not one singular personal pronoun in this prayer. All are plural! “Give us . . . forgive us . . . lead us ... ” True praying, even for myself, had to consider all of God’s family. I had no right to pray for myself if the answer would hurt anybody else. There is no competition in true prayer. Gradually I learned another lesson: other portions of God’s Word, besides “The Lord’s Prayer,” could be used as the basis for pray ing in the will of God. 1 found that I could ex-

APRIL 20, 1984

press them myself. After all, they are inspired! If these written prayers in the Bible could assist my praying, could not other written prayers do the same? Believe me, this was new territory, and I began to tread very softly. 1 had been taught that only prayer “from the heart” would ever make it to the throne of grace. Then 1 discovered Lancelot Andrewes’ Private Devo tions, a remarkable book of prayers made up almost entirely of quotations from Scripture. 1 found that 1 could use these prayers at special times. 1 also discovered that I had already been praying written prayers by means of hymns. If it was wrong to pray a written prayer, then it was wrong to sing “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” or “Teach Me To Pray.” 1 began to use my hymnal as a devotional aid. But now 1 faced a dilemma: if it was helpful, and not unspiritual, to use written prayers, what about my public prayers as I led the church in worship? 1 began to listen to myself as 1 prayed, and (to my shame) I found that my public prayers were sterile and repetitive. 1 prayed about the same things every Sunday, and often in the same words and in the same

“Instead of asking God to remove problems, I asked Him to make me the kind of person who could face those prob lems and solve them.” order. 1 who had once criticized liturgical prayers was guilty of a barren liturgy of my own! 1 began to prepare my pastoral prayers — not write them out word for word, but prepare them. Each Saturday evening, after I had gone over the morning sermon outline, 1 would take time to think through the pastoral prayer. First, 1 listed the needs of the church fami ly. Then 1 related these needs to the morning message. 1 asked the Spirit to help me organize the requests so that my pulpit prayer would express the desires and burdens of the congregation. I wrote a list of prayer reminders that 1 took to the pulpit. Sometimes I even jotted down a phrase or two that best expressed what 1 wanted to say. The result? My pulpit prayers ceased be ing religious routines, and the congregation began to pray right along with me. The prayers were richer, more personal, more biblical, and they related more to our worship. People began to comment that the pulpit prayers were meeting the needs in their lives. Little did they know that the prayers were meeting needs in my life too!

Soon I discovered that true praying is dialogue. I was in the habit of talking to God, but I was not in the habit of listening. I had always read the Bible before praying, but I had not always paused in my praying to allow the Spirit to remind me of what God had said to me in His Word. The Word of God helped me discern the will of God. I found that 1 could present a matter to my Father, and then wait silently before Him, expecting the Spirit to re mind me of some promise or principle from the Bible. Perhaps my hardest lesson in the school of prayer was that 1 had to be available to God for the accomplishing of the answer. God is willing to work for us if we are willing for Him to work in us and through us. He is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20, emphasis mine). Then 1 began to understand some of the meaning of Mark 10:35-45. James and John and their mother believed the Lord’s promise about sitting on thrones and judging Israel (Matt. 19:28). They dared to ask for the best thrones. But Jesus told them they did not know what they were asking. (How many times 1 have made that mistake.) Were they willing to suffer with Him? True praying always involves paying a price. If God puts something in my hand without first doing something to my heart, my character will lag behind my achievements. This is the way to ruin. So 1 stopped praying about the means and began praying about the ends. Instead of ask ing God to remove problems, I asked Him to make me the kind of person who could face those problems and solve them. A statement in one of Phillips Brooks’ sermons clarified this principle for me: “Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men and women. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.” A remarkable thing happened: the situa tions and people that once annoyed me became tools in God’s hands to refine and strengthen me. I was not always successful in this, and 1 failed God often. But more and more, this new approach to prayer turned crises into challenges that led to growth and maturity. The thing God had tried to say to me all this time was, “Son, your prayers are too small.” 1 had to learn of the greatness of God, the vastness of His eternal plan. 1 had to discover the greatness of prayer as God’s or dained means for accomplishing His purposes in this world. What used to be a daily ritual (reading my Bible and then praying) became an exciting experience of enrichment and enlargement. No longer do I say, “Well, the least I can do is pray for you.” 1 have learned that the most I can do is pray! Whatever bless ings God gives are the result of prayer. My own prayer pilgrimage still leaves much progress to be made. Has your prayer pilgrimage begun? ■

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I In Transit By Leona Dueck Penner

EXCERPTS FROM MY JOURNAL . . . January 29, 1984: Well, here we sit in Toronto Airport, waiting for a connecting flight to Amsterdam; then, on to Nairobi for a few days to get over jet-lag before we arrive back in Swaziland on Friday . . . Incredible ... At this time last year we had no intention of ex tending our term of service in Swaziland, and now we’ve finished our “leave” which was to have been a holiday but which turned out to be something else as well ... So many speaking engagements revolving around our Mozambique experience. Almost overwhelm ing at times. And yet, we felt privileged to share the story of our suffering brothers and sisters with the Canadian churches. People responded so warmly, genuinely interested and wanting to help. February 2, 1984: Nairobi, Kenya Men nonite Guest House. How delightful to be back on the African continent! 1 think all of us had a sense of arriving “home” when the plane landed here. The last few days have been so very relaxing. Sitting in the beautiful gardens of the Guest House, drinking morn ing coffee and afternoon tea - delightful in a way in which one can only be delighted in Africa , . . I’m not sure why this is so. There seems to be a certain “magic” here if you allow yourself to experience it, linked somehow to the sky, the sun, the soil, the vegetation, and, of course, the people, both Africans and ex patriots (“foreigners”). From the Africans, one gains a sense of being rooted more directly in the rhythms of the physical and the spiritual world which we “Europeans” (whites) have almost lost. From the expatriots, one gets the international flavour, a richness of experience and viewpoint and a deep interest in the wider world. For example, the very first evening we were in Nairobi, we attended a potluck sup per at which two people shared of their ex periences in Omman and South Africa. Sud denly, places we had hardly heard of, became real because we “knew” them in a more per sonal way, having spoken to someone who had been there, someone who had seen, had smelled and touched the places. Yesterday, we took a bus into town. The

perfect re-entry-into-Africa experience. You know you’re back as you watch the bus ap proaching, the interior already dark with bodies, the “conductor” hanging onto the doorframe in a precarious position, urging you to get on though you can’t see how another body could possibly be crammed into the already side-listing vehicle. But you get on anyway, even as the bus lurches into motion, and somehow, there is just enough room for one more body, one more pair of feet, one more hand on the overhead grip which turns out to be your lifeline . . . The driver, sens ing your vulnerability, guns the motor, seek ing to impress you with the power of his machine and his driving skills. And you have to admit he’s an expert: weaving in and out among lorries, cars, pedestrians, missing them only by hairbreadths. You’re holding on for dear life, leg, arm, body muscles tensing, as you try to keep from lurching backwards, for wards, sideways, against the other passengers. Then, suddenly, realizing the uselessness of trying to keep some personal distance, you let yourself become part of the whole process; you enter into the “spirit” of the thing and become part of the goodnatured crowd, accepting the rule, the lord ship of the bus driver, even admiring his reckless skill . . .

Letters CONCERNED 1 am responding to the article “Nicaraguan Government is Moderate and Acceptable says Veteran Mennonite Missionary” (March 9, 1984). 1 found the interview MCC had with Mr. Olfert very informative and yet it raised some concerns. Mr. Olfert is perfectly entitl ed to his assumptions; he has spent many years in Nicaragua. 1 do not question the validity of his observations. 1 do feel somewhat apprehensive in our Conference missionaries becoming too deeply involved in the political situation of their field of service, especially when it involves a government that has much controversy surrounding its actions. 1 remind myself that in spite of these prevalent political dangers we must thank the Lord for His continuing protection for our Nicaraguan workers, and praise Him that He is at work in the lives of the Nicaraguans! The harvest is ripe and the doors are still open! The comforting factor is that governments are not in ultimate control; God is. For greater is He that is in us than he who is in the world! Garry Friesen Box 99, R.R.l Morris, Man. ROG I KO

CHURCHES SPEAK OUT AGAINST PORNOGRAPHY

About 750 people came to a pornography symposium in Toronto, sponsored by the Pentecostal, Anglican, Catholic and Salvation Army churches in early February. Speakers addressed the issue from various perspectives. Fred Doucet, President of the Retail Council of Canada said he would press for the removal of pornography from stores that sell “milk and eggs on either side of the Hustler.” A Jewish leader said the church had long been too silent about beatings and other abuse of women in the home. U.S. SurgeonGeneral, Everett Koop said that violence had reached such epidemic proportions that it had become a public health issue (homicide among young white males in the U.S. has tripled in 15 years) and that U.S. television was a major contributor because it failed to show the terrible consequences of violence. Koop is working with U.S. broadcasting ex ecutives to try to correct this. A very large por tion of the pornography in Canada, both that in print and on television, comes from the Unites States. The symposium endorsed a statement calling on President Reagan to deal with this. - OTTAWA NOTEBOOK

CONTRIBUTORS: Violet Wright and her husband Edwin Wright live in Sturgis, Sask. Mr. Wright has in the past served in EMC pastorates. Mr. Warren Wiersbe, former pastor of Moody Church, Chicago, is associate teacher for Back to the Bible Broadcast, Lin coln, Nebraska. This article originally ap peared in Moodly Monthly/ and is reprinted by permission of the author. Leona Dueck Penner, together with her husband, serves under MCC in Swaziland, Africa. Aluira Friesen (Rosenort) is involved with TEE and short Bible institutes in Panama. Elizabeth Koop (Kleefeld) is serving in Brazil under the New Tribes Mission. She is involv ed in medical and teaching ministries. Sarah Martens (Kola) is a teacher in East Paraguay. Doris Thiessen (Blumenort) is involved with ladies’ and children’s work in El Paso and Juarez. She also works in the missions office in El Paso. Stan Hamm, 542 Hanover St., Steinbach, Man., is a student at Winnipeg Theological Seminary, Otterburne, Man. He and his wife attend the Steinbach E.M. Church. Cover Photo: Taken at Keukenhof in Holland. A black and white photo, of course, does not do justice to the beautiful flowers thay have at this park. A place worth seeing if you are ever in Holland.

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Stein bach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address.

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THE MESSENGER

Missions

PARAGUAY

School Relocated Neu) Schoo! Year Begun The 1984 school year has started again! Much work was involved before the school doors could be opened for teaching once more. First of all. a new school site had to be cleared of trees and stumps and leveled out for the school buildings. Bricks were hauled in and the foundation was laid. During this time the road was improved - holes closed up and straightened out - for the school buildings to be moved in with tractors and trailers from Lucero where they were before the water situation rushed in upon us. The tractors mov ed a stretch of 27 km to place the buildings on their new foundation. Now we as teachers and students (mostly teachers) are steeped in our studies. It doesn’t take much for some pupils to groan. Even

then all are given an equal opportunity to app ly themselves and learn new lessons each day which have been faithfully prepared by the teachers. Some try to evade the opportunity at school and also at home and come back the next morning with an excuse like, “I had forgotten how to do it and no one at our house knew how to do it either,” or some would dare to say, “1 forgot.” This can’t be! “Well, 1 just didn’t have the courage to do it.” How true! Through it all, we are pressing on and lay ing upon the hearts of our pupils the impor tance of learning and teaching them the need fulness of being stable in our walk of life as citizens and as Christians. Therefore we as teachers say, “It isn’t the load that weighs us down - it’s the way we carry it.” Sarah Martens

EL PASO, TEXAS

Transformed by the Word It Was Mg Fault

This week I visited Rosa who started atten ding a ladies’ Bible study after Christmas. She is of Catholic background but had been stu dying with Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mor mons. However, when confronted with the Gospel, she claimed that she had already ac cepted Christ as her Saviour, and it certainly seemed as if she had the new life within by the way she drank in the spiritual truths. Just when 1 was becoming quite en thusiastic about her progress, she had a serious quarrel with her husband and took off to Juarez for a while. Apparently this was not an unusual procedure. She missed a number of classes and, of course, prayer went up for her. APRIL 20, 1984

So on the visit now, Rosa told me something like the following: “That fight was my fault. My neighbour wanted me to do her a favour - go to Juarez to pay a bill for her. I thought that was something good to do so I said ‘yes.’ My husband said ‘no!’ So 1 slamm ed the door and went anyway. When 1 came back, my. did we fight! Later 1 read the Bible and saw that I was supposed to obey my hus band. 1 realized that 1 had done wrong, so 1 told my husband what 1 had read and that 1 was guilty. He said nothing, but since then our marriage has improved tremendously, and I’m very happy.” Praise the Lord when the new believers read the Word, letting God speak to them and transform their lives! Doris Thiessen

Marvin and Lorraine Thiessen (Blumenort) arrived in Ei Paso, Texas on Aprii 13 where they wiii be involved in youth work. PANAMA

Does She Understand? Gospel Making Inroads A little slip of a girl raises her hand at the invitation to receive Christ. She is seven years old, but she looks like five. Does she know what she’s doing? I talk to Maria Isabel after class. Her black eyes sparkle as she acknowledges that Jesus is in her heart. She understands, and the joy of sins forgiven lights up her miniature per son. Why doubt that she understands? We

MFC SUPPER/INFORMATION NIGHT

Mennonite Foundation of Canada invites you to a supper/information night on May 4,1984 at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School. Hear the ‘Foundation’ story through an ad dress by John R. Rudy, Stewardship Minister, Mennonite Mutual Aid, Goshen, Indiana. Tickets at a cost of $7.00 are available from Victor Friesen, 326-9227 (home) or 326-1341 (business); Sid Reimer, Winnipeg, 269-8334 (home) or 452-6907 (business); Mennonite Foundation of Canada Office, Winnipeg, 475-3550; or the Conference Office, Steinbach, 326-6401. PAGE 5

have taught God’s Word in Santa Rosa for five summers. Hasn’t God promised to bless the going forth of His Word with fruit? It will not return to Him empty. Later that day a group of people gathers for the evening service. 1 call Maria Isabel and we walk over to where her father is standing. “Why don’t you tell your father what happen ed this morning?” Shyly, but without hesitation, she an nounces, “1 received Jesus as my Saviour.” Her father’s face reflects the joy of salvation she expresses. He will nurture this new life with love. This was the week that seven children made professions of faith in the mountain community of Santa Rosa. For six successive years a small group of G.M.U. personnel has trekked up into the isolated village to share the Gospel message with children and adults. A small nucleus of Christians has been form ed; four adults have been baptized and several others have accepted the Lord. Local leaders are being trained to carry on the ministry within the body of Christ. The work may be progressing as slowly as the proverbial turtle, but just as surely the light of the Gospel is making inroads into this dark place. We will continue to work with the Christians, bolster ing their faith, adding to their joy as still others acknowledge Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Alvira Friesen BRAZIL

Pacaas Novos Indians Hold Conference Exhortation and Teaching One of the Pacaas Novos church leaders from Tanajura, with an eider from the Santo Andre church, decided on a conference for all three groups on the Pacaas Novos River. They set the date for February 24. Soon the 24th dawned and several Indians came from a small village down river. Quite a number were going from Tanajura also, so they decided on taking a bigger boat. After filling the boat with people and food we started off. Shortly after, we came to a place in the river filled with lily pads and weeds, closing the waterway completely. There were three places like that and the boat had to be pushed and pulled through with long poles. That was slow and hard work! The trip which normally takes about three hours by outboard motor, took us more than nine hours. We were glad to get to Santo Andre. 1 stayed with the missionary family and the Indians were settled in the different homes. The next morning Royal Taylor, the mis sionary at Santo Andre, called all the church leaders for a time of fellowship and teaching. In the afternoons and evenings the meetings were open to all. It was a blessing and en couragement to listen to the elders exhorting

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Mission Grams Brazil Marvin and Wendy Thiessen report on a very busy schedule. On February 28 the new Bible school year began with 38 students. Pray for the Thiessen family; Marvin’s ministry takes him away from home a lot. Edmonton April 1 was the day when public church services started in the Northmount Elemen tary School. Jake and Dorothy Unrau, EMC church planters, report that 29 people were in attendance. This included a family from the Calgary EMC, the George Brauns. Your continued prayers for the Edmonton outreach are appreciated. Murray and Delores Barkman moved to Edmonton at the end of March to assist Jake and Dorothy Unrau in the church-planting ministry. Pray for Murray as he looks for a job. The Barkmans are self-supporting missionaries.

Nicaragua Don and Liz Plett inform us that they are healthy and busy. Don is supervising the SEAN training courses in seven centres with seven tutors. Two pastors attended the SEMILLA seminar for leadership training in Costa Rica. They reported a very positive experience. Clifford Fonseca, the new president of the national church council, has been ap pointed to attend the annual EMC convention in July and the Mennonite World Con ference in France which is also in July. Belize Katherine Penner reports that the annual GMU churches’ conference was held on March 9 with good participation from both the Spanish and English churches. Pray for Katherine as she teaches at King’s College.

Mali Evelyn Barkman teaches at the Warsala School for Boys. She writes, “Many of these boys have made their decision to follow the Lord and there is evidence of spiritual growth in many lives. Please continue to pray for these students, remembering especially several boys from Muslim homes who seem to be deliberating rejecting Christ.”

Paraguay Luella Loewen, who works with the native people in the Chaco, writes about her busy schedule which includes teaching at girls’ homemaking schools which are con ducted in the different indian settlements. The rains have interfered with her schedule. When it rains heavily the roads become impassable. Luella reports that another teacher for the girls’ school at La Esperanza is needed beginning in July.

the people and teaching the word of God. A communion service was held the last even ing and it was a precious time of fellowship in the Lord. The next morning we started out early and arrived home in the early afternoon. Since the conference 1 have moved up to Santo Andre. The Taylors went to another village up river. I’m thankful for the oppor tunity to spend some time again with this group which I worked with a number of years ago. 1 plan on being here from three to four months. I’m teaching school in the mornings and will be doing medical work when the government nurse takes his holidays. The elder asked me if 1 would help the young peo ple with singing, so we’re practicing almost every night. The elder is teaching the Old Testament stories in sequence, at the regular meetings. He is a good Bible teacher. Just recently there has been a fight here, involving some of the Christians. Pray that soon fellowship will be restored with the Lord

and amongst them. One of the fellows told me that he wants to get things right; I praise the Lord for that. Pray for the Pacaas Novos elders as they teach the Word and for me as 1 live with these dear people. Pray also that they will be encouraged to walk closer with the Lord. Elizabeth Koop

NEW ADMINISTRATOR

“Voices from the Street” is a publication of Union Gospel Mission, Winnipeg, Man. The April 1984 issue announces the appointment of Mr. William G. McNairn as the Ad ministrator of the Mission. Mr. Mcnairn comes to Winnipeg from the Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal. The same issue also announces that Mr. Peter Dyck, the Executive Director of that Mis sion, is observing his 14th anniversary with Union Gospel Mission.

THE MESSENGER

Messenger News

Warren Benson

to the speaker, is a very tricky concept. Ser vant leadership is exemplified in the follow ing passages in the Bible: Luke 24:24-26: Matt. 20:20-28; 23:1-12; Mark 9;35; Heb. 13:7,17. This does not rule out authority and power, though, as he pointed out. However, there are three kinds of authority according to Dr. Benson: 1) Assigned Authority. 2) Assumed Authority, and 3) Allied Authority. Authority and power in the church can also reside in different areas such as expertise when a person speaks with authority on a cer tain subject. It may reside in people who are informed about what is going on in the com munity, etc. Mr. Benson gave some examples of legitimate uses of power in the Bible (Phil. 2:3,4) - Knowledge (2 Cor. 11:6), authority given by the Lord (2 Cor. 10:8), pure motives (1 Thess. 2:1-6), suffering (2 Cor. 13:4), Christ’s example (Mark 10:40-45). An example of illegitimate use of power is shrewd manipulation or manipulation which leads to a denial of others. Stress in leadership should be used produc tively. One should, however, also establish one’s own limits or ask for help from others. Among his Biblical conclusions were the following: •All power is the gift of God. •The need to understand trusteeship. •There is an awesomeness about this power. •We have been given this power to bring glory to God. REPORTS ON OUTREACH PROJECTS

Two EMC pastors attending the Leadership

Conference at SBC^ were H.W. Kornelsen, Ridgewood, Man. (left) and Milton Fast, Stein bach EFC.

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

April 5 and 6 saw a leadership conference take place at the Steinbach Bible College. Featured guest speaker was Dr. Warren Ben son of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Benson is Vice-president of Academic Administration and Professor of Christian Education. The program listed lecture number one as “Building a Biblical Philosophy of Ministry.” Mr. Benson feels there is a great need to teach people how to study the Bible. There is a need for Christian leaders to invest their lives in others. This is what Christ did with the twelve. Friday morning he began with “Servant Leadership.” Servant leadership, according

APRIL 20, 1984

Pleasant Valley, Man.: This report can start out very positively. Nick Eidse went through a serious illness from what started out as minor surgery, and is now back in circulation. We appreciate the Lord’s healing hand, and it’s good to see him back to his normal self, even checking out library books again! In our February 5 morning service we had a pleasant surprise. Ernie Loewen, Paraguay, had the opening. He had come on a “flying” visit to his folks (especially father-in-law, Nick Eidse) and relatives, seeing he’d been to a Washington, D C. conference anyway. Rev. Archie Penner had the morning message on the theme “Answered Prayer.” The Lord always answers — yes, no or wait! We were so richly blessed by these two speakers we could only say, “Thank you. Father. We have heard; through You we’ll obey.” Our February missions night was very in teresting and informative. We heard from all our various outreach projects. Audrey Reimer and Randall Friesen gave us the student’s view on life in Bible colleges. The John and Leo Reimers and Ed Harders, with their group

from Sanford, gave us a complete and indepth presentation of the work there. Bill Friesen and Esther Loewen showed us God’s leadings in the prison work as they encounter (with their spouses) various experiences with prison inmates (inside or out) in daily life. Ed Rempel and the Henry Bartels challenged us with the effectiveness of local and outside Bi ble studies and coffee groups, e.g., Roland and Sperling. Allen Reimer spoke for the octet - from the time they were formed to the present-day ministry. He also spoke about the spiritual results in the lives of our churchsponsored Laotian family, the Singthongs. Sang Many’s touching testimony appears in our yearbook which has just come out. The Rudy Loewens Leo Reimers, Ken Loewen and Mrs. Bill Friesen, brought out all the hard work (and glowing results) of taking the 2:7 series, a course from Navigators. Everything that was shared gave us new encouragement to continue in all these projects. Each one can add his part to the body and work - from ac tive participation to powerful “closet” prayers. Our men’s octet got themselves a motor home and left February 20 for a two-week singing trip to Mexico. Even enroute they had opportunities to perform; for example, in Kan sas where the H.F. Loewens had made ar rangements in a senior citizens’ home. The main stay was at Dave and Susie Eidses’ in Mexico where they helped with some con struction work on the new church building. The dedication service was held February 26 at which the octet presented the special numbers. They arrived home March 4 and reported having had a most worthwhile ex perience. God had richly blessed their ministry. Two weeks later the missions night evening was given over to them. They presented their program in the Low German language - chairing, slide presentation, sing ing and even the devotional by John. A special treat was the musical number, with three guitars and two harmonicas. We heard it as it was done in Mexico. We enjoyed and appreciated it, as the congregation over there had also. John spoke on “The Good Samaritan,” throwing out the challenge again - Surely someone must feel the call to go and serve in Mexico? Later, coffee was served, providing excellent fellowship with our visiting friends. Some more music and singing follow ed as was the custom in Mexico. Members of the octet are Leo, Allen, and John Reimer, Rudy and Ken Loewen, Levi Rempel, Les Siemens, and Jake Cornelsen. The young people had their annual snow camp at Star Lake the weekend of February 17-19. With Rev. John Houtman as special speaker they reported an exciting, enriching time. February 12 the choir had gone to the Union Gospel Mission to sing and give per sonal testimonies.

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A deacon commissioning service took piece at the Crestview Fellowship on March 18, Left to right: John and Lena Esau, Helen and Abe Neufeld (pastor), Anne and Wilmer Kornelsen.

TWO DEACON COUPLES COMMISSIONED Crestview (Winnipeg): A commissioning ser vice for the recently elected deacon couples was held on March 18. John and Lena Esau and Wilmer and Anne Kornelsen officially entered into the deaconship. The service in cluded a message of challenge by the pastor and two selections by the ladies’ double trio. John and Wilmer spoke in reply, telling how God had revealed His will for them in this area of service. Prayers of dedication for the couples ended the service. Sarah Meybaum of the New Hope M.B. Church in Minneapolis was a featured guest at Crestview on April 1. The Passion Story came alive as she recited and dramatized John chapters 18, 19, and 20. Peter’s denial of his master, the crowds screaming “Crucify him!” and Jesus being mocked and tortured saddened our hearts. The submissiveness of Jesus to His Father was overwhelming. The empty tomb of the Lord and Mary’s surprise at seeing Him alive brought out the message that “He is risen indeed!” Doubtful Thomas showed how human we are. Sarah’s talents and dedication made thirty-five minutes of reciting pass by swiftly. The Covenant Players, a drama group with headquarters in California, performed three skits during the morning service on April 8. A children’s skit showed that God is never too busy to listen. “The Offertory” portrayed a family who came home from church with negative attitudes and remarks. This skit end ed with the line, “Well, what did you expect for a quarter?” “Pall of Darkness” showed what may have been the thoughts and fears of Mary Magdelene and Mary the Mother of James as they stood near the cross just after the crucifixion when darkness fell at noon. Bill and Sharon Esau from Vanderhoof EMC were a special part of this service as they sang

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a duet called “Shall 1 Find Some Star, I Wonder?” “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ mightily bless each of you, and give you peace” (Il Cor. 1:2, L.B.). WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

MacGregor, Man.: This past month has been busy for MacGregor EMC. March 2 our church was host to the Women’s World Day of Prayer. Doris Friesen of Blumenort was present and shared in the message. The theme centered around the Liv ing Water available to everyone. It was fur ther “brought to life” in a short drama presented by two of our young people. The scene was that of Jesus “meeting” the Samaritan woman at the well with these beautiful words, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that 1 shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that 1 shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” A fellowship coffee time followed. There were approximately 275 people out for the Child Evangelism Banquet, in spite of the stormy weather. The guest speaker was Al Siebert, with Laura Bergstresser, accom panied by her husband and young son, ad ding her special message in song. Members of the Christian Service Brigade and their leaders motored to Brandon to com pete in a floor hockey tournament which took place March 16 and 17. The competition was keen and enthusiasm ran high, not only for the boys but for spectators as well. Con gratulations to the Stockaders for bringing home the trophy and to the Battalions for coming in second. The same weekend Dr. Archie Penner con-

ducted a series of meetings on 1 Thessalo nians. The Thessalonian church, established by Paul, who was forced to leave soon after, encountered much persecution. This remarkable church, characterized by their love and faith, was a suffering church, but as Brother Penner stated, “The blood of the mar tyrs has often been the seed of the church.” Paul instructed the Christians on how to live a victorious Christian life. Brother Penner spoke particularly on the fact that this kind of Christian will avoid every kind of evil, and that takes as much of the grace of God as being lifted out of sin’s degradation. He finished with a stirring challenge to the young people to adhere to Christ, in spite of the world’s decep tive lure and ever-increasing Satanic powers. “Take my life and let it be. Consecrated Lord to Thee” were the words to the opening song of our baptismal service. Music has a way of setting a mood and reaching the soul. I’m sure not only the baptismal candidates, but each one of us as well, was “touched” in wardly by this beautiful song of consecration. Pastor Kroeker’s message was taken from Romans 6. Becoming a Christian means we identify ourselves with Christ and so share in his death and resurrection. Baptism gives us a living picture of what has actually happen ed. Those being baptized and received into membership were Phyllis Bueckert, Debbie Giesbrecht, and Kevin Atkcy. This was follow ed by communion in the evening. We welcome the new members and wish them God’s blessing! Where did we “squeeze in” choir and drama practice, Bible study group meetings. Boys’ Brigade, Pioneer Girls, a congregational meeting, ladies’ aid meeting. Child Evangelism classes, service at the Personal Care Home, ladies’ Bible coffee meetings, and even a baby shower? Oh, well, March did have 31 days! MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDIES A BLESSING

Pansy, Man.: Gathering in homes for mid week Bible studies this winter has been a bless ing. We have two regular groups, one geared more for the younger Christians who study I John. The other group tries to glean things from the book of Hebrews which proves to be quite a challenge at times. “All scripture is given by inspiration, for doctrine, for reproof ...” And it’s a joy to work at it in spite of some difficulties. The informal fellowship over a cup of coffee seems then to wind up a perfect evening. Our Prayer Sister Circle held its annual wind-up on February 14 with their “hubbies” as special guests. In March the Circle was re organized for the New Year, and everyone’s looking forward to blessings ahead. The church has just added six new pews, with the intent of having better facilities for the sometimes full-house. Why not come and try them too?

THE MESSENGER

ft Kel and Cory Thiessen transferred their membership from the Forest Grove EMC in Calgary to the Steinbach EFC. Left to right: Gladys (Mrs. Milton) Fast, Cory Thiessen, Kel Thiessen, Milton Fast (pastor).

Dave Thiessen was the speaker at a series of special meetings at the Hudson Bay church.

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Membership transferal the Evangelical Fellowship Church in Steinbach. Left to right: Milton Fast (pastor), Peter and Trudy Dueck (Morwdena EMC), Cecil and Esther Fast (Fisher Branch EMC), Al and Marilyn Thiessen (Stuartburn Gospel Chapel and Graysville Mennonite Church respectively).

PARENT/BABY DEDICATION HELD

Fisher Branch, Man.: On March 18 a parent/baby dedication took place for Bert and Helen Dueck and daughter Crystelle. The guest speaker at our church that morning was Pastor Del Fast of Riverton. Many people came out to view the Joni film at our evening service on March 18. This film was shown at the Fisher Branch Collegiate the next day. The ladies had an all-day meeting on March 22. Some quilting was done and a new telephone prayer chain was formed. Our pastor came out to give a devotional on prayer and a few words of encouragement as well. Lynn McKee, a missionary teacher with

APRIL 20, 1984

Campus Crusade, spent a few days at the home of Larry and Ruby Heppner. On April 1 Lynn showed her slides and reported at our church on the work in Uganda. She also spoke to the students at Poplarfield, Broad Valley and Fisher Branch Collegiate that week. Going out for a well-deserved holiday dur ing the spring break were Pastor Friesen and family. They travelled as far as Alberta, visiting friends and relatives. The John F. Plctt family also travelled to Alberta during the spring break. They enjoyed their visit with the Wes Pletts who live there. Mrs. Lena Beck and children motored to Ontario to visit Lena’s mother.

SPECIAL SERVICES WITH DAVE THIESSEN

Hudson Bay, Sask.: Rev. Dave Thiessen, pastor of the Forest Grove Church in Calgary, conducted special services in our church dur ing the weekend of March 23, 24 and 25, dealing with Friendship Evangelism. His first message dealt with our growth towards being beautiful people who will at tract non-Christians to our lifestyle and beliefs. He cautioned against the harvest approach to evangelism where numbers of converts are more important than careful nurturing of the new believers. Saturday morning the men enjoyed a time of fellowship at the men’s breakfast. On Satur day evening the sermon was entitled “Don’t Just Say Something, Stand There!” Mr. Thiessen stressed the importance of listening to others and being friends with non Christians. On Sunday morning Mr. Thiessen spoke on “Meanwhile Back at the Church,” deal ing with our relationship with fellow Chris tians. We should love and encourage each other and thus let our love for one another attract others. In his final message on Sunday evening. Mr. Thiessen spoke on “Don’t Just Stand There, Say Something!” He said that friend ship evangelism should be inspired by com passion, not compulsion. You cannot be an effective witness if you are silent; people must be told about Jesus by those who believe and live according to His will. The theme verse for the weekend was Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,

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The Nipawin Bible Institute Singers presented a program at the Pineridge Fellowship Chapel on March 4.

and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” The weekend was an encouragement to all of us to live lives demonstrating our love for each other and towards non-believers. On March 4 our church enjoyed an even ing of music presented by a group of Nipawin Bible Institute students. The mixed group of four ladies and four men sang a repertoire of many familiar and inspiring selections.

Miss Geraldine Carter told the children a story illustrating Jesus’ great love for us, demonstrated by his death on the cross. Pastor Barry Brecker delivered a short devotional on the subject “Living Our Faith,” by recounting a part of his testimony. He challenged us with verses in Mark 8 to “prac tice what we preach” - to live our Christian lives so others may see the Light in each of us.

SPRING MEETINGS HELD

Pelly, Sask.: Special meetings were held from March 23-25. The speaker for all ses sions was Mr. Lloyd Lees, public relations per sonnel from Briercrest Bible College. Also a very much appreciated part of each service were the songs rendered by Cynthia and Melissa Koning with Charlotte Harder at the piano. The girls are all students at BBC. At tending with the group was Mr. Lees’ youngest son, Colin. Saturday evening Col in gave a testimony of God’s leading in his life. Friday evening the speaker’s topic was “Be ing Held in God’s Hands.” He used three sub titles: 1) We’re in God’s hands for safety. 2) We’re in God’s hands for service. Our availability is of much greater importance than our ability. 3) We’re in God’s hands for shaping; this is sometimes painful. Saturday morning a men’s prayer breakfast was held. This was a “first” for Pelly but, by all reports from the men, will not be the last. Saturday evening Mr. Lees spoke on “Power of the Gospel”: 1) meaning of the gospel, 2) doctrine of the gospel, 3) demonstrate the gospel — transforming power in the lives of believers. On Sunday morning the topic was “Power of Prayer.” Prayer is lining up our will with God’s will. God is at man’s command, want ing man to ask of Him, similar to our earthly son/father relationship. “Power of the Yielded Life” was the topic for Sunday evening. Why should we be yield ed? Because Christ is the head and we the body. The measure of God’s power in us is in accordance with our yieldedness to Him.

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What are the results of a yielded life? A cleans ed life ... a filled life . . . one that can be used of God. The services were well attended and the group was a blessing and encourage ment to each one of us. A “special” for us during the weekend of meetings was having former pastor Frank Reimer and his wife Olga visiting in the area. April 8 a men’s choir from Rosenort, Man., together with their wives, presented an even ing program. They were served supper at the church upon their arrival. They travelled home after the service — a long drive. We were really grateful that they had included Fel ly in their itinerary.

TEACHING POSITION AVAILABLE The Mennville Christian School (Riverton area) requires a qualified teacher for the 1984-85 school year. Applications may be sent to: Ed Harins Box 338 Riverton, Man. ROC 2R0

Christian Education Resources By Walter Reimer

Events •Winnipeg Bible College/Theological Seminary are closing the academic year with a Graduation Conference at their Otterburne campus, April 27-29. Dr. Walter C. Kaiser of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School will present the Conference Challenges. The final session is the gradua tion service on Sunday, 3:00 p.m., at Calvary Temple, Winnipeg. The public is invited to the sessions of the conference. •Christian Camping International (Man.) will conduct a set of workshops for camp workers at Camp Cedarwood, May 25 and 26. Al Friesen will address the general sessions. Workshop topics include: needs of special campers, the camper’s self-concept, dealing with offenders, friendship building. Camp directors, counsellors, program staff, as well as Sun day school and VBS teachers, will find this instruction valuable. Brochures are available from CCI members or the Con ference Office. Books •Faith at the Blackboard by Brian Hill discusses strategic issues facing the Christian teacher: teaching of religion, relating your faith, a ‘Christian’ style of teaching, integrating beliefs and content, the school and the community. With a keen philosophical bent, the author seeks to help teachers bring their personal faith and their professional life together. •Childhood Education in the Church, edited by Roy B. Zuck and Robert E. Clark, provides a comprehen sive look at a broad range of topics related to the field of childhood education. A reference tool for the Christian educator, this book deals wit the psychological nature of different ages, teaching methods for cer tain age levels, education programs, and the challenge of teaching. It has multiple uses. Audio-Visuals ICL has produced a set of filmstrips especially for teachers of elementary age children. Each filmstrip/cassette might serve as a feature of a teachers’ meeting or parents’ group. The following are available from the Conference Office: •What These Kids Need is . . . •Getting the Most Out of Your Minutes •Leading a Child to Christ •Guided Conversation with Children •Bible Learning Activities - Children Please inquire at (204) 326-6401 or write to EMC Board of Educa tion, Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0.

THE MESSENGER

BIBLE EDUCATION WORTHWHILE

Merits of Bible School/College Attendance Approximately 50-60 years ago in Western Canada began what we call the “Bible school movement.” Many Bible schools were started in the Western provinces by men who had the vision of training prospective missionaries and pastors for full-time Christian service. The world today, including our own country, has benefitted greatly from the efforts of these men. The schools continue to send out mis sionaries, pastors, and Christian lay workers. A question often asked by young people to day is, “Why should I go to Bible school? I don’t plan on being a missionary or pastor. What really then are the merits for me of at tending a Bible school or Bible college?” Bible school can be of benefit whether or not a person is contemplating full-time Chris tian service. The first merit in attending Bible school is

that of seeking to get established and ground ed in the Word of God and consequently in the faith. In the hectic pace of our society it is difficult to take quality time to spend in the Word of God. Bible schools/colleges are committed to the teaching of the Scriptures as central to their curriculum. “Handling ac curately the Word of truth” was Paul’s exhor tation to Timothy (II Tim. 2:15). In this coun try where freedom of worship is granted to us, we are without excuse with regards to the knowledge of God’s Word. Bible school at tendance can be a merit in getting rooted and grounded in the Word of God and in the faith. A second merit can be the development of the total person for a full and rich Christian life. Knowledge is increased through classes in Bible, theology, church history, Christian Life, etc. Chapel services, devotions, sharing

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and praying times with other students, and Christian service assignments contribute as well to the development of a person. Dorm life, the pressures and joys of developing rela tionships, and the interaction with other students all have a way of broadening one’s perspective on life and people. The discipline of studies, i.e., exams, term papers, and other assignments, all contribute to the develop ment of a person. A third merit is the development of good and lasting friendships. A person’s circle of friends is forced to expand when one chooses to leave his/her home and attend a Bible school. It is exciting to hear of fellow classmates going out into missionary service, entering a pastorate, continuing their educa tion, or returning home and becoming actively involved in the local church. A fourth merit of Bible school attendance is that of preparation for Christian service. It is extremely important for a pastor, mis sionary, or Bible teacher to be prepared for his/her ministry. Preparation precedes Presentation is a recognized principle. The greater the presentation, the greater must be the preparation. Paul, in spite of his keen in tellect, persuasive logic, and superior religious background, had a number of years of train ing before he became associate pastor with Barnabas in Antioch. A year later they were commissioned as missionaries. Christ spent three years with the twelve disciples before sending them out. Men and women need to be prepared for ministry. It is also important for the Christian lay worker to be involved, and Bible school education can and should enhance his/her ministry in the church and community. A fifth merit is the value of time spent with other Christians under the influence of godly professors. They are people who have in vested their lives in the training of men and women to be better people for Jesus Christ. Paul’s example and teaching left an indelible mark and lasting impression on many students. The cost of Bible education may be high but well worth it when considering the benefits. Studying and learning can be en joyable and very profitable. Bible school/college attendance does not guarantee holiness of life or a life of holiness but it can and will aid in the maturing process of the Christian who seeks and desires to become more like Jesus Christ. Stan Hamm

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From the Editor Guest Editorial

Needed: A Prophetic Voice By John Stoesz

A film that I saw recently raised the question, “Whatever has happened to the holiness or majesty of God?” This is reminis cent of an earlier question, “Whatever has happened to sin?” Perhaps the two are interrelated. In the experience of the pro phet Isaiah, at least, this was so. When he saw the Lord, “high and lifted up,” and the seraphim calling to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory,” Isaiah was overcome with a sense of his own sinfulness, and he burst out in ominous confession, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and 1 dwell among a peo ple of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” It seems to me this kind of experience is all too rare in our western brand of Christianity, not to mention society as such. We have not learned majesty - to stand in awe in someone’s presence. The country’s leaders, which we raised up by elec tion, are there only to be shot down (sometimes literally) when they double cross our rights. The “honorable member” on the other side of the house is there to be interrupted, booed, and torn to shreds because his views differ from mine. The T.V. cameras in the “house” have often brought rather disgusting scenes to us that have certainly not helped to raise our level of respect for authority. Dare I suggest that there is at least a degree of carry-over into the church? A church member several years ago lamented that his co-worker and fellow church leader had announced the arrival of their pastor, “Here comes our hired man.” But what about our respect for God? Do we come into His presence in a spirit of awe, reverence and worship? And what about our sense of sinfulness and shame? Is sin still “awful,” because God is “awe-full”? We hear much wrangling and debate about abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, prostitution and the like. The Jour nal, which I try to watch, in mid-January carried a rather lengthy debate/discussion on prostitution in Vancouver. They spoke of the problems created, the prostitute’s rights, the citizen’s rights, the solutions, etc., etc., but that God might have anything to say about prostitution, or that some of this might properly be labelled “sin” never came near to surfacing. Likewise, one can read article after article on these moral issues and seldom, even in Christian journals, are they labelled clearly as “sin” with a ringing “thus saith the Lord.” Are there still pro phets in the land that know black from white, or has everything become grey? The question we must ask ourselves today is this, How humanistic have we evangelical Christians become in our think ing or in our way of life? Put simply, humanism says, “There is

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no one up there telling you what is right and wrong.” Or in the words of the humanist, Lamont, “Humanism assigns to man nothing less than the task of being his own saviour.” Every Christian needs to read the humanist bible, Humanist Manifesto I & II, to understand why in the thinking of the man of the 80s there is little room for a holy, awesome God with an absolute standard of right and wrong. I believe pastors, even in evangelical circles, are very much under humanistic pressures to conform to the thinking of the world at large. Nor has our Western/American brand of evangelism been much help in the cause against humanism. The sugar-coated, cotton-candy gospel has made a grandfather of our Heavenly Father, who laughs at all our sinful tantrums and keeps on dishing out the goodies. “Just raise your hand, walk the aisle, your problems are over, instant success is yours!” (The evangelist’s Rolls Royce is tangible evidence.) This is a totally humanistic response to the gospel. What can I get out of it? How can it benefit me? Where is the sinner’s cry of repentance? Where is the holy God that Isaiah saw or that Jonathan Edwards preached? Where is the rugged and radical road of self-denying discipleship our forefathers walked? “Peace, peace,” we cry to day, protesting every threat to our affluent way of life. Do we recognize that we cannot have peace without righteousness? Do we recognize that we will never have righteousness without a high and awesome regard for a holy God, whose eternal ab solutes we must observe or perish? Many times in history God has roused a more godless nation to try and purify his own. If this nation is to be spared the judgement of God, and if our churches are to survive, our message will have to ring with fer vour, “Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.” History began with a Thou/I relationship, and church history has ever been the drama of that struggle. Is God the absolute, supreme determining factor in my life, or is He merely a beneficient resource for me, when I make a mess of things or my own strength fails? Is He the “wholly other” (Holy Other) one to whom I have surrendered in absolute submission, or is He the one with whom I seek equality as did Adam and Eve, “Thou shall be as God”? Humanism is clearly the modern ex pression of man’s insubordination to God, even as man was in subordinate in Paul’s day as described in Romans 1:28-32. Renewal will come to the church, and our land will be heal ed, when God’s people will be a holy people, worshipping in all reverence a Holy God; when the Book will once more become the Holy Book, and the Lord’s Day the Holy Day. The message of His Holiness is not optional, it is the message for our day.

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THE MESSENGER