Steps to Inner Peace II
How Much Are You Worth? by Arden Thiessen
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ome people will probably answer my title question with the involuntary thought, “Not very much.” Someone, somewhere, once calculated the value of the human body, reduced to chemicals and minerals, as being ninety-two cents. And that’s not very much. But my ques tion really is, how much are you worth as a person? How much are you worth to the world? What is the significance of your existence? And again. I’m afraid, some will answer, “Not very much.” In a sense, the feeling of personal worthlessness may seem like a harmless attitude. Why should one have a sense of self-worth? Why should one be aware of one’s own value? Some have embraced such feelings of inferiority, believing that this is what it means to be humble. 1 was in a Bible class that was discussing Philippians 2. In response to the appeal for humility in verse 3, a young woman ob jected, “It seems as if Paul wants all of us to have an inferiority complex.” This is not the only time that humility and in feriority have been confused. Humility is beautiful; an inferiority complex is ugly. This inner feeling of worthlessness has been identified by many counsellors as a source of much in ternal unrest and anguish. The person who feels inferior will find it difficult to respect or accept himself. He may find fault with his physical ap-
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An inferiority compiex makes it difficuit to affirm others, dif ficuit to appreciate the good in others, difficuit to congratuiate or to thank others heartiiy.
pearance or be unhappy about his per sonality. He may be frustrated about his lack of noteworthy achievements. He keeps on telling himself, “I wish I were different.” And so he can never feel com fortable, contented, and relaxed about himself. The feeling of inferiority may lead to a sense of shame, disgust, and self contempt. Such a person may treat himself as his own enemy. And he may get a perverse kind of satisfaction out of his self-rejection. He may feel so trashy that he thinks he is doing the world a favour by hating himself. It is easy to see why the person who
feels inferior has a miserable life. He is not free to enjoy himself or anyone else. His attention is directed only inwardly. He is bound, preoccupied, with the thought of his personal shortcomings. Because the person who feels inferior is always ill at ease, he cannot have true fellowship with others. He will always wonder, “What impression am I mak ing?” He is constantly looking for positive support. He tries to convince himself that others think highly of him, because that helps him to think a little more highly of himself. An inferiority complex makes it difficult to affirm others, difficult to appreciate the good in others, difficult to congratulate or to thank others heartily. The one who feels inferior is waiting for others to notice the good in him. Even though he craves affirmation, he feels he must reject the praise that he receives. Why? Because he now has the praise that he secretly desired, and by rejecting it he has the ex tra satisfaction of knowing that he will now also be known for his humility. In order to understand what a healthy self-concept would be like, we should look at Jesus Christ. He had no problem with Himself. He is an example of bold self-acceptance. He never apologized for what He was; He never excused Himself for His humble origin; He was never ashamed of where He had come from. THE MESSENGER
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Salvation by works doesn’t work. . . trying to achieve self-worth through self-love is simply another form of salvation by works. He stood before the crowds of His day and declared without hesitation, “I am the way,” and “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” And yet He never sounds like a braggart. He was not trying to prove anything for His own sake; He was just speaking the truth. He could act like a master in one situation, or like a servant in another. He was comfortable in both roles, because He was at peace with Himself. Perhaps all of us struggle with some sense of inferiority. And perhaps all of us have tried to prove something about our self-worth. But it doesn’t work, does it? It seems to me that the effort to convince myself 1 am worth something actually keeps me from feeling my worth. It’s like trying to forget some guilt on my con science; the more 1 try to forget, the more the memory is impressed upon my mind. I agree, though, that there are certain techniques that will give some relief from the pain of feeling inferior. Some find they feel better when they keep busy. They work so hard that they forget about themselves. Others have discovered they can accept themselves better if they com mit themselves to a life of service. The danger with this is that if the motives for service are wrong their service may become compulsive. The person may then help others only because he needs to help. And his service then becomes a form of self-service. Many Christians believe that feelings of inferiority can be overcome by learning to think positive ly. And so they enroll in a Dale Carnegie course, or read happy, upbeat books by such encouragers as Norman Vincent Peale or Robert Schuller. But 1 suggest that all of these techniques only provide temporary help. None of them get at the root of the problem.
By now you are wondering when I will remind you of the importance of selflove. Many pastors and counsellors have done this. “Love yourselves,” they preach. Usually such admonitions are based on Jesus’ words, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” This is all it has taken to spawn countless sermons on the virtues of loving ourselves. But this modern and popular approach to our problem troubles me greatly. In the first place, Jesus never commanded us to love ourselves. His statement is merely a tacit assumption that self-love was com mon in His day. Secondly, it seems to me that the attempt to love one’s self is inherently wrong. Self-love is the root of our whole problem. It is man’s original sin. But now, it seems, we are advised to deny or overcome our inner sickness by indulging in more of the same. Maybe 1 can illustrate my concern by an analogy: The Epistles of the New Testament assume, I believe, that a believer may have, and should have, assurance of salvation. But they teach that it is wrong to try to save ourselves. Salvation is wonderful, but it ceases to be salvation as soon as we think we have achieved it ourselves. Salvation by works doesn’t work. And trying to achieve self worth through self-love is simply another form of salvation by works. Like trying to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, it doesn’t work. And it is heretical, because it is completely con trary to the New Testament doctrine of grace. As A. Schlatter puts it, “All is given us in Christ, in order that we may not use God’s grace to build up our own selfglorification.” And this leads us directly to the only solution to our dilemma - God’s love for us, as He has revealed it in Jesus Christ. God’s love breaks in from the outside. It’s not something we generate within ourselves. We cannot earn it; we cannot achieve it by diligent working or discover it through frantic searching. It is simply given, offered to us as a free gift. It is totally undeserved, completely uncondi tional, and has no strings attached. God loves us in Jesus Christ exactly as we are. And this gives us worth. When we understand and apprehend this heaven ly love, then we can begin to feel like somebody. Maurice Wagner says, “God
There are no in ferior people, and there are no superior people. There are just many different people.
+ Me = A Whole Person.” (By the way, I regard Wagner’s The Sensation of Be ing Somebody as one of the better books on this subject.) To see how the experience of God’s love can lead to an exhilarating sense of well-being, one can’t do better than read some of the personal testimonies of the Apostle Paul. Here is a man who had many reasons for being ashamed. He could have felt worthless. His enemies tried hard to make him feel inferior. But they failed, because he kept on reveling in the fact that he had been loved and chosen by God. In Romans 5:1-11 he repeatedly speaks of exulting, rejoicing, glorying, or boasting (depending upon which translation you read). It is the song of a man who feels very good about himself, and it is solely based on what God has done for him. When we can see ourselves as the direct object of God’s love, then we can have peace. Then there is nothing we need to hide, and nothing we have to prove. Then we can say yes to ourselves and be what we are, because God loves us as we are, and that is what matters. Perhaps you will now object, “This ar ticle reads as if the problem is just an in ner feeling. My problem isn’t only a feel ing, I am actually inferior.” And to that I respond, “You can only say that because you compare yourself to other people.” It is the comparison with others that makes you seem inferior. There are no inferior people, and there are no superior people. There are just many dif ferent people. You are you! God wants a person like you here. And God loves you as you are. Will you let Him? Will you accept His love and rejoice in it?
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. The Messenger is a member of Meetinghouse. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0.
JUNE 14, 1985
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By Don Thiessen
isicallv Ct> Sneaking Musically Frozen Music When 1 was about 17 I heard a live performance of Handel’s Messiah in the Steinbach E.M.C. Henry Hiebert was conducting the 70- or 80-voice choir and some soloists. I don't recall whether it was an organ or orchestra with the choir but 1 do remember that as the first time that music sent chills along my spine and brought tears to my eyes as I listened to those choruses. I had never heard music like this before and I knew I wanted more. Periodically I get that same emotional tremolo when 1 hear music - even in styles that I don’t relate to as well. When music is done well it provides that extra zing that is at once emotional, dramatic and spine-tingling. But I have noticed that I cannot recall this happening to me in listening to a recording. It can be ever so professional, but it seems as if frozen music does not have the possibilities of live
|/n Transit By Leona Dueck Penner
A day in the life of an MCC Country Representative THE PHONE RINGS as we arrive at the office at 8:00 a.m. An MCC worker is reporting a theft in her community in which a neighbor woman was assaulted — the second such happening in the area within two days, Our worker is quite upset, worried about the same sort of thing happening to her when she is home alone. We arrange a meeting. I begin working on the end-of-month financial reports. Meanwhile, Peter is on the phone to the Ministry of Health, checking out housing for an MCC family arriving within a few weeks. There’s a knock on the door: a young mother of two enters. Would I be able to keep the sleeping baby for just half an hour while she runs on a few errands downtown? I agree, As soon as she is gone, the baby wakens. begins to cry and messes its diaper. For the next hour, I entertain the baby while Peter drives into town to pick up a telex about an upcoming wheat shipment for Mozambique. The phone rings. Maputo calling. Our workers there need some medicine for dysentery: there is none available in Mozambique. Could we please send it with someone who’s going to Maputo that afternoon? They PAGE 4
music. In spite of the fact that we can buy records and tapes for $10.00 each and play them repeatedly, when the recording ar tist comes in person we pay more than that to hear him just once. Even our “Christian” musicians are able to sell out city concert halls because we want to see them as well as hear them. This is true in spite of the fact that live performances are prone to be less than perfect and often show up the weaknesses of the artist. It is so easy for us to be caught up in all the electronic hard ware that is available to us that we actually almost become dishonest in what we do and are. We can easily give wrong im pressions by putting out a record that cost thousands because of extra back-up music, electronic splicing and innumerable takes. We can make our choir sound big and full by relying on sound systems and orchestrated back-up tapes. But maybe what we really want to hear is live music by live people that we can see. Wouldn’t our pianists rather play than run a sound system? Wouldn’t parents rather hear their junior high children accompany the choir than have a perfectly or chestrated tape? Isn’t it better to let young people do it themselves than play a record? Those of you who know me will realize that 1 too have used crutches but maybe we should reconsider our real goals in church music.
realize it’s rather short notice but it is a bit of an emergency . . . Peter comes back. I tell him about the medicine. He runs back to town. The baby is still crying. I walk back and forth, patting him on the back, wishing he’d been trained to use a soother. Another worker arrives. He wants to talk to Peter about a water project. Also, he’d like some money. Could I give him a cheque? Yes, if he’ll hold the baby ... the phone rings. Could we please make a dental ap pointment for a rural worker? And, what about the airline schedule and “rules for retur ning workers” we promised to send? Peter returns, carrying the medicine and the copy of the telex which he now shares with me . . . The person we had just assigned to work in Swaziland as an agriculturist can’t make it. He’s staying in Canada, getting married instead. The baby screams loudly. My report waits . . . Well, I could go on but I think you’ll get the picture. Many of our days are like the above. Often we get home at the end of the day and wonder which task we’ve actually completed. Certainly, the job is not for someone who is too goal-oriented, but still, there are rewards: A card in the mail from an MCC worker, thanking us for listening; a “boss” of one of the MCCers expressing appredation for high quality work; a Mozambican smiling because he has food in his stomach . . . When I stop to think about it, the work is really very satisfying in spite of the complications and interruptions. Or, could it be because of them?
(The Penners are coming back to Canada this summer to take on a Canadian MCC ministry. We thank Leona for her “In Transit" contributions to the Messenger.) - Ed.
Letters Puzzled In response to your recent feature, “Release from Resentment,’’ I wish to thank Arden Thiessen for his look at this subject. I found the majority of the article interesting and stimulating. However, I was puzzled by the last paragraph which opens with an en couragement for the reader to forgive God and then continues on to give an example of how we should pray. The puzzling element is that the prayer requests forgiveness, and does not grant it. I would like to encourage Arden for the re mainder of the series. A difficult subject sometimes requires difficult words. The use of analogy and example as in Biblical and pre sent day Jewish thought can appear to make discussions on difficult subjects easier by avoiding directness. However, I think we can still communicate the ugly facts of sin, whether they be resistance to God as reflected in resentment or any other sin, despite the lack of that Biblical tool. Let us not make our enemy less than what he is lest we underestimate his power. Call sin what it is. Our resentment to God needs His forgiveness, not our forgiveness. Gordon Dyck Crestuiew Fellowship Wpg.
CONTRIBUTORS: Arden Thiessen is the pastor oL the Stein bach E.M. Church. Paul and Lois Thiessen (Blumenort) are working with Bible transla tion in Burkina Faso, Africa, under the Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission. COVER: These two youngsters are seen at the goat pen at the Mennonite Village Museum, Stein bach, Man., and seem quite taken up with this attraction. Photo by the editor. THE MESSENGER
Missions BURKINA FASO, AFRICA
Free from Fetishes God’s Power at Work
Musa’s son had heard that Abou was a Together, Musa, his son and Abou carchanged man. God had given Abou new life ried the fetishes out into the open to be and new power. Would Abou have the burned. They were earthen pots full of power to help his father, who was a slave skins, bones, skulls and teeth of various to his The fetishes controlled his , yj ; ;; and , — fetishes? ----------------------------------wild animals, such ;as ’ lions, hyenas life, often taking hold of him and making leopards. The pTts with wateriT thTm him behave like a madman. During such made a strange sound as they were being spells he ran around naked in the wild bush carried out. They heaped it all on a pile and with his machete and spear. He would cut added dried grass. After they had lit it, as himself. He threatened people. His son flames licked up the fetishes, shrill cries wanted to help him leave the fetishes, and came out of the fire. Then they set fire to Musa himself wanted to leave them, but he the fetish house itself. couldn't. For fifty years he’d been a slave Musa was a freed man. In their joy he to them. Musa’s son knew that time was and his wives caught two chickens and running out for his old father. prepared rice. Together they feasted in Musa’s son had tried to help him before, celebration of the victory. Twice he had brought a preacher to see his A few weeks after this event, Musa father in the bush, but both times he had became sick and died. But his family re been unsuccessful. On one occasion a Muslim preacher was taken to Musa to help joices in the fact that he was freed from his fetishes before he died. him, and another time it was a Catholic Father. Both men had been afraid of the Abou’s evangelism continues, though not wild man and had concluded that they without opposition. A few weeks after this could not help him. wonderful victory at Musa’s house, Abou received a sinister letter from the Muslim Abou was willing to go. He had faith in leaders of Orodara. They threatened to kill Jesus who had changed his own life. him. It was because of his preaching, they Together, Abou and Musa’s son walked the said, that only half as many people were seven miles to the isolated spot where coming to the mosque recently. Musa and his family lived. When they ar By means of sorcery they attempted to rived at his house, Musa was out in the bush, having one Tf’his* wifd ■spells.'''rhs son“ kill Abou. But again the power of Jesus together with Musa’s four wives, hid inside Christ protected him.^'The Muslims5 were the house to^’waitTbut Abou waiteTouts'ide^ amazed and"recignize. impressed1 that not They thaj Abou did great 1
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Soon they heard a loud cry from the field. Musa’s four wives and the son trembled with fear inside the house. Musa, naked and sweating, exploded into the courtyard brandishing a machete. Abou spoke to the old man: “The Lord Jesus has told me to tell you to gather up all this garbage and throw it away, because it is destroying you. He needs you and does not want you to be destroyed.” TheA.L'.. fetish powers left Musa’j’s body, and he*calmed down. He laid down his weapon as Abou continued: ‘““We We will help you gather up the fetishes and burn them. Repent, and give your sins to Jesus Christ. He will forgive you and you will find peace and be saved.” Musa went into the house to put on some clothes. When he came back, his son and wives were with him. Musa believed in Jesus Christ. In faith and repentance he and his wives and children chose to follow Jesus.
JUNE 14, 1985
Vans Needed Two vans needed for EMC Summer Ministries ’85
power must be with Abou. Since these events, Abou has had numerous dramatic confrontations with powerful soceresses and other evil powers in nearby villages. Each time God has pro tected him and given him opportunities to share the gospel. Pray for him and for those who hear about Jesus through him. (Abou comes from the Samogo tribe. After having been a devout Muslim for many manyyears, years, he he accepted acceptedJesus Jesus Christ Christinin December 1984. His testimony was printed in the February 8, 1985 Messenger, p. 9. Musa and his family are from the Siamou ethnic group which is the group we are working with.)' ' Paul and Lois Thiessen
Older People Serving “Don't forget the retired people,” Jeanette Christensen reminded the Africa InterMennonite Board members. She was reflec ting on eighteen months of voluntary service at Kalonda, Zaire. “The Africans have a special appreciation for the older folks,” observed Jeanette who with her husband Jim had returned to Zaire from retirement. Jim’s assignment was operating the garage at Kalonda which main tains vehicles and equipment of the Mennonite Church in Zaire, CMZ. The Christensens first served in Zaire for three years prior to their retirement in 1981. When they realized the critical need for an experienc ed mechanic they left their home in Arvada, Colorado to serve again in Africa while the Mission sought for another missionary with mechanical skills. Jim’s responsibilities at the Kalonda garage included repairing the Church-owned vehicles of the Medical, Evangelism and Central Ad ministrative Departments, maintaining ham mer mills used by village women, repairing hospital equipment when possible, and keep ing generators and water pumps functioning. With spare parts often impossible to gel, the fabrication of replacement parts or making tools on the lathe were frequent necessities. Jeanette’s skills were put to use as she taught local women baking of breads and cookies and developing recipes that use ingre dients more readily available. One traditional recipe from the Italian Alps found practical usefulness in Zaire’s Kasai region. While several excellent Zairian workers are employed in the Kalonda garage, missionary personnel will still be needed for overall direc tion and training in this high tech field. Gor don Claassen has been continuing the work until Maurice Briggs completes language study and can give leadership. Christensens stress the urgent need for an additional experienc ed mechanic since the workload is more than one person can realistically handle. Because they were needed Jim and Jeanette gave up the convenience of retire ment to fill a gap. The Christensens present ly are at home in Denver. Colorado where they are members of the Glennon Heights Mennonite congregation.
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Messenger News Dhaka •
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MCC Helps Cyclone Victims in Bangladesh AKRON, Pa. — Mennonite Central Committee is launching an emergency response program for cyclone victims in Bangladesh. MCC received details of the program in a June 4 telephone call from MCC country representative there, Mark Nord. May 25 a cyclone struck the coast and offshore islands of Bangladesh, killing an estimated 20,000 people, with thousands more reported missing. Winds of up to 100 miles an hour drove waves 10 to 12 feet high across islands in the Bay of Bengal and onto the coastal districts of Feni and Noakhali, where MCC has had agricultural programs for the past 15 years. Salt water, swept in from the Bay of Bengal, has rendered nearly all of the ground water and pond water in these coastal areas useless, said Nord, who is from Mentone, Calif. June 4 MCC teams had already dug 150 wells. They plan to dig approximately 150 more so that residents have fresh, sweet drink ing water. They are also pumping salt from ponds in the affected coastal areas so that when the rains begin in two to three weeks the ponds will be filled with sweet water again. Water from these ponds is used for bathing, PAGE 6
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irrigation, laundry and other household tasks. MCCer Marilyn Stucky of Newton, Kan., and Angela Carter, a Presbyterian nurse “on loan” to MCC from the Presbyterians, have set up a clinic in Char Ganchil. They are treating many people who are dehydrated and running low-grade fevers. They are distributing oral rehydration supplies and wat ching the situation carefully for signs of a diar rhea outbreak. Disasters like this often bring with them outbreaks of dianhea and diarrhearelated diseases, such as cholera, because of contaminated drinking water. Contributions for the emergency response, which Nord estimates will cost $100,000 U.S., are welcome. In 1970 a worse storm, killing 300.000 people, brought MCC to Bangladesh. MCC has continued its work there since that time. Presently MCC has 24 North Americans working there in agriculture, job creation, sanitation, health, child sponsorship and material aid programs.
Mennonite Graduate Theological Ecuation in Canada Waterloo, Ont. (Meetinghouse) — Some form of Mennonite seminary education is needed in Canada, agreed participants at a consultation on Mennonite graduate theological education on May 24-25. A Cana dian perspective needs to be recognized more adequately in pastoral and theological training. About 25 conference representatives and school administrators from across Canada, and from three Mennonite seminaries in the U.S., met at Conrad Grebel College for the consultation which was convened by Ontario’s Inter-Mennonite Pastoral Leadership Training Board. “It was an historic setting,” stated several participants. Six conferences and their schools met for the first time to discuss their pastoral training needs for Canadian churches. Presenting papers were the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, the Evangelical Mennonite Mis sion Conference, the Mennonite Brethren of Canada, the Conference of Mennonites in Canada, the Brethren in Christ Canada and the Mennonite Church Canada. Representatives agreed on several issues. The undergraduate theological education now in place continues to be essential but needs reinforcement — perhaps new models need to be explored, such as bi-vocational training options for pastors. While seminary training in a Canadian context is needed, that training should remain linked to existing programs (U.S. seminaries). It should also be pursued
in an inter-church context in Canada, not by establishing new institutions. Conference based seminary education in Ontario and the Junior Seminary vision in Winnipeg were cited as possible models. A theological basis for pursuing graduate theological education in Canada was presented in a paper by Rod Sawatsky of Conrad Grebel College. Anabaptist understandings of Christianity emphasize that theology always be related to a particular time and place, said Sawatsky, an understanding often labelled as “contextualizing” the faith. "An Anabaptist-Mennonite theology for Canadian Mennonites, accordingly, needs to be contextualized in terms of the Canadian realities.” Brian Stiller, executive secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, also made a plea for Canadianized pastoral training. In a stimulating speech on Friday evening he outlined 10 distinctives of Canadian culture and urged more cooperation among schools in Canada because there are fewer people to draw on than in the U.S. and fewer religious differences. He also stressed the need for Mennonites to “go public” with their peace stance by engaging in dialogue with other religious groups, instead of downgrading those who think differently. The conference and school leaders were eager to continue the discussion. Tentative plans are to meet again June 6-7, 1986 in Winnipeg. Margaret Loewen Reimer Associate editor Mennonite Reporter. Waterloo. Ont.
Fort Garry EMC Church Dedication (602 Pasadena, Winnipeg, Man., tel. 261-1084)
June 23 Open House
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Dedication Service 7:00 p.m. Come and share in our celebration! THE MESSENGER
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MDS Crews Begin Tornado Cleanup AKRON, Pa. — Mennonite Disaster Ser vice crews have begun helping families in eastern Ohio, northwestern and central Penn sylvania and southern Ontario clean up after tornadoes damaged their houses, barns and properties. More than two dozen tornadoes struck these areas May 31. killing at least 110 peo ple, injuring about 580 more and damaging thousands of buildings. The most extensive damage was in north eastern Ohio and northwestern Penn sylvania where Richard Burkholder, chairman for the Eastern Ohio Unit of MDS Region 11. reports that 23 communities have suffered severe damages. “I’ve called on Landis Her shey of Region I and Virgil Gingerich of Region 11 for volunteers and help.” Burkholder says. “We’ll have lots of work now and all summer long with repairing and rebuilding. ” Delmar Zehr of Tavistock. Ont., director of Ontario MDS. reported June 4 that approx imately 1.000 people worked June 3 and June 4. cleaning debris from the town of Grand Valley. Ont., and farm fields surroun ding it. "Not all of the people helping were Mennonites. We had a lot of high schools come to help, people from Toronto, all over southern Ontario. I’m really pleased,” he said. "I thought the work we got done in the past two days would take two weeks.” The tornado went right down the center of Grand Valley, killing two people and damag ing the business district. Zehr said next week MDS will begin ■ cleanup work in Barrie, Ont., a city of 45.000 people where the tornado touched down, kill ing eight. “We had to wait to begin work there until the insurance adjustors were done with their work.” Zehr explains. After the initial cleanup is completed. MDS crews in the above areas will work on rebuilding projects that are not covered by in surance or the government. The tornadoes were part of a storm system that cut through the Middle West and Northeast sections of the United States and into Ontario and Quebec. U.S. weather of ficials said the May 31 outbreak of tornadoes was the worst since April 3, 1974. when 315 people were killed as 148 tornadoes struck in 10 states.
Health Assembly considers real stress WINNIPEG — “Stress: real life issues” was the theme for 127 people registered at the an nual Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly, April 24-26 at Winnipeg. The conference liv ed up to its theme. Mixed into the regular agenda were personal “journals” of people JUNE 14, 1985
having faced such stress-loaded events as the disappearance and death of a child, a falsely diagnosed illness, working regularly with delinquent adolescents. One workshop had participants take inventories of their profes sional and personal assets and how they "strain" these assets fairly or unfairly. Another study group looked at the dynamics involv ed in relocating and caring for elderly people (the CMHS consists largely of workers with the aged). The third workshop was a study of common family stresses, such as the dependence/independence process in children and dealing with sin in a discipline that also disciples. Keynote speaker. Abe Neufeld, pastor of the (Winnipeg) Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, spoke to the group from a lifetime of ministry in Austria. He said that God’s promises can create stress both when you try to live in trust (e.g., Abraham in Genesis 12), and when you disobey (e.g., Eli jah in 1 Kings 17-18-19). But stress normally wants to move God’s people to positive ac tion and is a constructive component in the flow of life. The annual banquet address was given by Isaac Block, professor of contemporary ministries at Mennonite Brethren Bible Col lege. Block’s theme was “Living with the Question.” He used three images — pain, mystery and celebration — to state his theses. Plans were announced for the 1986 CMHA sessions to be held jointly with the larger Men nonite Health Association. March 1-5, at Denver, Colo.
The Nicaraguan Embargo AKRON, Pa. — The U.S. trade embargo against Nicaragua “will increase human suf fering in Nicaragua by disrupting constructive social economic development” says a state ment endorsed by representatives of Men nonite Central Committee and other relief and development agencies working in Nicaragua. The statement, also endorsed by OxFam America, the Heifer Project and American Friends Service Committee, says the poor in Nicaragua will be hurt most as a result of the embargo. “The majority of Nicaraguan im ports from the United States are for agriculture, including machinery, spare parts, tools, pesticide, fertilizer and seeds. These restrictions will surely decrease food produc tion and cause hunger.” Internationally there has been widespread opposition to the embargo with Mexico. Col ombia. Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argen tina, Uruguay, Cuba, Britain, Canada, Italy, France, West Germany, Japan and Spain all condemning the move. Only El Salvador has voiced support for the sanctions. Mark Hatfield, Republican Senator from Oregon, is opposed to the embargo against Nicaragua. He said, “We are slamming the
Anna by Betty Barkman “Anna's story is told perceptively, without sentimentality and with a grasp of the issues involved . . . An na and John grappled with the powers of hell, and suffered as Christ suffered - indeed as all of us would suffer if we were to follow as they do . . . My prayer is that Betty Barkman’s book will create a thirst in its readers to discover for themselves Anna’s secret glory. ’’ Dr. John White Kenora, Ontario This book, Anna, will be on sale at the 1985 EMC annual convention in Blumenort. The author is also ex pected to be there to autograph books. Published by the Board of Chris tian Literature, Mennonite Brethren Conference, and the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Steinbach, Man.
door to the possibility of peace. We're driv ing them into the permanent embrace of the Russian bear.” MCC has worked in relief and development in Nicaragua since 1979 and has three workers in the country now. MCC works closely with the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches there in development and church leadership training. MCC also works with CEPAD, a Nicaraguan interchurch relief and development agency. PAGE 7
Africa at the end of June. They will be help ing feed the starving people under Emmanuel International. Our prayers go with them. While some go to the mission field, others are coming back home. Mary Koop, a dedicated missionary for 31 years to Japan, working with the New Tribes Mission, came home in April for an eleven-month furlough.
Baptismal service at the Roseisle church. Left to right: Frank and Annie Peters, Theresa Dyck, Lisa Dyck, Pastor Wilbert Friesen.
Rev. and Mrs. Peter K. Bartel celebrated their golden wedding on May 19 at the Kleefeld church.
PEOPLE COMING AND GOING
Kleefeld, Man.; A golden wedding is a rare and beautiful event. Rev. and Mrs. Peter K. Bartel had the privilege of experiencing just such a joyous occasion on May 19. Many friends and relatives came to help make this celebration of thanksgiving a wonderful suc cess. A series of interesting slides took us back over the years, depicting the various ex periences throughout their married life. Hav ing served in the ministry for 40 years is quite an accomplishment! The Bartels thanked and praised the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness to them. We truly wish them con tinued health and happiness! Lee and Grace Bartel, children to the Bartels, have bid us a fond farewell. They left on June 3 for Urbana, Illinois where Lee will be working on his doctorate in music for one year. We will miss them and their music ministry in our church but, at the same time, we wish them success and a well-being in their new surroundings. Two other young men are leaving us for the cause of Christ. Reg and Don Fast (sons of Frank and Helen) are going to Sudan,
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Mary Koop (centre), missionary to Japan, arrived home in Kleefeld for an eleven-month furlough.
In her report on May 26 we received a glimpse of her work of church planting, Sunday school, camp work, etc. However, in the last few years she felt perhaps the Lord was leading into yet another avenue of work, that of Christian counselling, because of the many suicide phone calls she received. One time she apprehensively went to counsel a desperate person living up in the mountains. “You peo ple at home must have been praying,” said Mary, “because I could never have made that fearful trip on my own.” Isn’t it exciting that we can have a small part in bringing the Good News into all the world? Abundant Springs proved to be all that our young people hoped for and more. Twentythree from our church joined about 400 others from all over Canada at Caronport, Sask, on May 17-20 for a time of spiritual renewal. Their main theme was “Living the Giving Way.” Other topics included “Jesus is for Liv ing.” “You Mean Me?” “I’m too Busy.” Helpful suggestions were given on how to ex perience creative Bible study. On May 19 the SBC Choir, under the direction of Rudy Schellenberg, tuned our hearts towards worship and praise by singing old and new favourites like “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” “I Want to Sing in the Kingdom,” and “He is Number One.”
MEETINGS HELD WITH PARSCHAUERS
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Reg (left) and Don Fast of Kleefeld are leav ing for Sudan, Africa at the end of June for one year. They will be working with emergen cy relief.
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Roseisle, Man.: The last three months have been busy ones for our church. On March 17 the young people served a delicious dinner of soup and pic after the morning ser vice. This was one of their fund-raising efforts in order to go to ASC ’85. A free-will offer ing was taken and more than $300.00 was raised.
The Ladies’ Fellowship held their Spring Tea on March 19. Their guest speaker was Mrs. Edna Friesen of Somerset. She had also brought a friend to demonstrate cake decorating. It was an enjoyable evening of fellowship with friends and neighbours. We were privileged to have John and Maureen Parschauer of Schroon Lake, New York come to minister to us during our deeper life services held the week of April 21-24. One message in particular which stands out in my memory was on the topic of “Feet”: 1. We need wide feet in order to ap propriate God’s promises. 2. We need wet feet in order to advance. (Joshua had to step into the Jordan before God parted it.) 3. We need worshipping feet in order to ap proach God. 4. We need walking feet in order to be ac tive for Him. April 28 saw four people taking another step in obedience and devotion to God by receiving the waters of baptism. Accepted into the membership of our church were Lisa Dyck, Theresa Dyck, and Frank and Annie Peters. On May 4 the young people again went to work to raise money by becoming slaves for the day. They raised more than $500.00 which will go toward expenses they will incur in their special project this summer. Their plans are to go to Glenboro for a week to teach at a Day Camp under CSSM. On May 17 ten of our youth packed a van and headed for ASC ’85. I’m sure it was a weekend not soon to be forgotten. Thanks to the speakers, most of us came home with new ideas and new motivation to live the giving way. The day dawned bright and sunny for our Sunday school picnic on May 26. The families participated in various ways in the program. Of course, the races and baseball games were enjoyed by those who participated as well as the active onlookers. It was a great day spent in God’s outdoors. THE MESSENGER
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> /I deacon commissioning and baptismal service took place at the Swift Current EMC on April 28. Back row: Abe Redekopp, Sarah Redekopp, Warren Rya (baptized). Middle row: John Fehr, Betty Fehr, Ida Rempel, George Rempel. Front row: Peter Wieler, Helen Wieler, Linda Fehr, Bill Fehr.
DEACONS COMMISSIONED
Swift Current, Sask.: On April 15 the choir, consisting of about 25 persons, travelled to Saskatoon to minister in the sister EMC Church. Pastor Toews accompanied the choir and delivered the message. A delicious din ner was served by the Saskatoon church following the service. Everyone had an en joyable time and we praise the Lord for safe journey mercies. April 28 was an inspirational day for the congregation with the baptism of Warren Rya and the commissioning service of the deacon candidates in the morning, followed by a com munion service after lunch. The SBC 30-voice chorale ministered with song, music and drama on the 12th of May. The annual Love Loaf distribution took place on May 5, so for about the next six weeks each family can participate by filling the little love loaf with money which otherwise would be spent on goodies. This way the money will rather help feed the hungry of the world. Our youth pastor, his wife and eight young people travelled to Caronport to attend Abun dant Springs, the second national EMC youth conference. On May 26 we had our annual music night, consisting of solos, duets and instrumental groups. The theme was “The Gift of the Ho ly Spirit.” For our Sunday school picnic a fellowship dinner of barbecued hamburgers and sweets was held at the park. Races, games and an inspirational time followed the dinner. The Ladies’ Mission Workers motored to Herbert June 3 to minister in the Senior Citizens’ Home.
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Mr. and Mrs. Peter Reimer (center) celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on May 26 in Stratton, Ontario.
SILVER WEDDING CELEBRATED
Stratton, Ont.: April 28 through May 5 Rev. John P. Loewen of Blumenort held meetings in our church. We had the added blessing of having Brother Charles Esch of France in our midst; he also took part in the services. Brother Esch spoke only German which was indeed appreciated by our European friends. May 26 marked a special time in the lives of Peter and Elma Reimer as they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. The morn-
ing service was well attended by friends and relatives. Rev. Peter Friesen of Arborg, Man., who also officiated at their wedding 25 years earlier, had the message. In the afternoon friends and relatives gathered at the Stratton Hall for a program of music and special numbers, followed by refreshments and visiting. Ed Reimer of Blumenort, brother to Peter Reimer, had a short message.
ANNOUNCING . . .
Disciple Making 85 An all Canada Mid-Decade Institute of Evangelism & Christian Education October 3-5, 1985 — Winnipeg, Manitoba Location: Portage Ave, Mennonite Brethren Church - 1420 Portage Ave.
Watch for further announcements
Conference Council Meeting Friday, July 5, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Blumenort EMC Church The Conference Council sessions are open to non delegates. Non-delegates who wish to attend should in form the Conference Office (326-6401) by June 28. This will help in planning for meals and materials. The fee is $3.00, payable at the meeting. PAGE 9
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Baptism in the Prairie Rose church on May 12. Back: Pastor Edwin Plett, Howard and Claudette Reimer. Front: Jennifer Plett, Cheryl Auckland. Mrs. Jolyn Braun (missing from photo) was accepted by transfer. GIRLS’ CLUB HIGHLIGHTS Prairie Rose, Man.: This year has been action-packed for the Landmark EMC girls’ club. The staff of thirteen, consisting of teachers, helpers, a music director, and com mittee members, worked hard to make it a success. Approximately thirty girls attended club and took part in various activities such as crafts, kitchen work, devotions, and plain old fun times. One of the year’s highlights was a father daughter crokinole tournament for Valentine’s Day. After some stiff competition, box lun ches, made by the girls, were auctioned off. Given the freedom of Dad’s bottomless pocketbook, some of the bidders got a little carried away. Another high point was the Achievement Night held on May 15. Each class prepared an item to present to the parents. These pro ductions included a puppet show, a barber shop quartet, a family feud game, and a number of skits. The parents also enjoyed a mini-musical, “Kids Linder Construction,” as well as the periodic collapse of the puppet booth. With the help of several fund raisers, it was possible to achieve an ambitious and first-time project - a mother-daughter retreat at Camp Arnes. The weekend of June 7-9 the girls and their mothers were able to enjoy each other’s company in activities ranging from miniature golf to a Bible scavenger hunt. Some hard souls even braved the ice cold water of Lake Winnipeg to take a few courageous dives in to the waves. The topic for the weekend was “Mother-Daughter Communication.” Diane Engbrecht and Faye Barkman, girls’ club directors, did a good job of helping everyone improve her communication skills.
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The closing program of the Prairie Pose girls’ club. The year has definitely been one of bless ings and answers to prayer, as well as hard ships and frustrations. However, next year promises to be full of new challenges, and committee members are trusting God to pro vide the staff and ingenuity needed for another successful term. Submitted by Miss Barbara Plett
Births FRIESEN to Bob and Julie Friesen of Wawanesa, Man., a daughter, Carley Giselle, on February 15, 1985. FRIESEN — to Dennis and Margi Friesen of Wawanesa, Man., a son, Tyrone James, on June 1. 1985. PLETT — to Robert and Rachel Plett of Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Kimberly Rynae, on May 27. 1985. HARMS — to Ed and Helen Harms of Riverton, Man., a son, Joseph Kent, on April 22, 1985. BRANDT — to Larry and Irene Brandt of River ton, Man., a son. Rejean Michael Shaun, on May 4, 1985. PENNER — to Harry and Tina Penner of Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Bonnie Lyn, on May 25, 1985. PLETT — to Ernie and Regina Plett of Arborg, Man., a son, Anthony Lynn, on May 16, 1985. POFFENROTH — to Ron and Rosanne Poffenroth of Austria, a daughter, Andrea Helen, on May 23, 1985,
Weddings DUECK - DYCK: Erwin, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dueck of Winnipeg, Man., and Greta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Dyck of Mitchell, Man., were married on May 25, 1985 at the Blumenort E.M. Church. Fred Klassen of Blumenort, Man. officiated. The couple is making their home in Ste. Anne, Man.
Heritage Faith Services The Mennonite Village Museum is pleased to announce a series of Heritage Faith Ser vices. These services will be held in the century-old church at the grounds on the following dates: 1. Canada Days, June 30/85, Rev. Harvey G. Plett, Box 1420, Steinbach, Manitoba. 2. Pioneer Days, August 4/85, Bishop Bill Hildebrandt, Box 452, Steinbach, Manitoba 3. Labour Day, September 1/85, Dr. Archie Penner, Box 1420, Steinbach, Manitoba. The services will commence at 10:30 a.m. and will feature sermons based on traditional Mennonite themes such as non-resistance, shar ing and discipleship. The public is in vited to attend.
Teacher Needed An elementary teacher is needed in the Mennville School. The Manitoba Depart ment of Education curriculum is being used. Call Ed Harms at 378-2810 or send resume to Ed Harms, Box 338, Riverton, Man. ROC 2R0.
« Christian Education Resources
Educational Features by Walter Reimer
A Growing Pluralism IMAGINE a “getting acquainted" session at a retreat for church leaders and educators! Everyone has been asked to get the creden tials of the person next to him for a short in troduction speech. “From which college did you graduate?” “What size is your Sunday school?” “What materials do you use?” “What summer programs do you run?” Let's change that setting to a college and career group “homecoming” in a church in early May. “Was your faith strengthened in college?” “What value do you place on tradition?” “Do you believe in unconditional security?” “How can we help bring about change in our church?” In many of our church settings we like to emphasize our common ground. We do this in worship, baptismal services, holy commu nion, prayer and praise meetings. Even as a Conference we seek to develop a commonali ty through our statement of faith, structures for missions, ministerial examination, publica tion and educational efforts. In other settings we become aware of a widening diversity. We welcome healthy growth in the body of believers from a varie ty of cultures and traditions. We seek for a common ground of faith, and we also downplay some of our peculiarities. We recognize that the gospel of Jesus Christ cuts down the barriers that we in our Mennonite tradition have too frequently erected. Mater nal language, family traditions, legalistic ethics, and ethnic practices are barriers that we seek to lower. We seek to include a greater diversity in our churches because we believe the church of Jesus Christ is more pluralistic than the confines we have often maintained. Is there a danger of becoming so diverse and accommodating that we will lose our identi ty, perspective and vision? Let me cite several ways by which this diversity is growing. At the church level of education, we have bought into the evangelical mainstream in Sunday school materials. Will we thereby educate a genera tion of believers who will be weak in our Anabaptist distinctives? Such distinctives as a believers’ church, believers’ baptism, volun tary and responsible membership, costly discipleship, separation of church and state, worthy stewardship of resources, and a fer vent missionary zeal must be taught in our church education programs. Will our teachers do it unless they are emphasized in the printed materials?
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Another trend we recognize lies in our choice of guest speakers for revival and evangelistic meetings, missions conferences, educational retreats, and conventions. We choose them for their personal, social and emotional appeal or evangelical fervour. Should the theological perspective not be a major criterion in choosing the speaker who shall instruct and inspire our churches? Have we bypassed our own gifted speakers or those in our sister Anabaptist Conferences in our planning for a “better series”? The increasing variety of Bible colleges to which our young people go is also contributing to a growing diversity in our beliefs and prac tices. College students are formative and im pressionable and their college experience helps to shape their beliefs and convictions. More than half of our young people in Bible colleges are not in Anabaptist schools. Our Conference is reaping the results of this pluralism of theological education. Many other influences add to this growing pluralism - books, magazines, radio speakers, interdenominational retreats, camps and seminars. We will need to exercise a growing discern ment along with this growing pluralism. We will need to sharpen our educational pro cesses in our churches to maintain and ex pand our influence for Christ and His church from our Anabaptist perspectives. We need to add to our rich heritage by upholding the Biblical distinctives found in it.
Steinbach Bible College offers you • Bachelor of Religious Studies (3 years) •Majors in Biblical Studies, Chris tian Education, Missions and Pastoral Studies •Bachelor of Church Music (3 years) • Other features: Spiritual At mosphere, Competent Faculty, and Healthful Social Life
Write: Steinbach Bible College Box 1420 Steinbach, Man. ROA ZAO Ph. (204) 326-6451
P.S. Full-time EMC students in the college may apply for $150 aid per semester from EMC Board of Education.
EVENTS A CHRISTIAN Education Convention will take place at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School, September 27-29. Features include three keynote speakers, plenary sessions, 67 workshops, and exhibits. Write the Conference Office for your supply of brochures. BOOKS Creative Camping by Joy Mackay gives valuable counsel on training camp counsellors in outdoor living and camping skills. Helpful tips for devotions, memoriza tion. and campfire meetings are also given. This book is must reading for directors and counsellors. An Introduction to Christian Camping, edited by Werner Graendorf and Lloyd Mattson, is a textbook on Christ-centered camping as a vital arm of the church. It brings together the opinions and experiences of thirteen writers on cam ping foundations, programs, staffing and management. Help . . . I’m a Camp Counsellor by Norman Wright is “everything you wanted to know about camp counsell ing .. . along with a few things you may not have thought of yet” (their own ad). The ABC’s of VBS by Eleanor Daniel is a complete teacher training manual for the VBS director. It’s only 66 pages but it covers such topics as choice of materials, recruitment, promotion, and follow-up. A guide for teaching the ten chapters is included.
AUDIOVISUALS Several series of educational and enter taining filmstrips are available for use in VBS and other summer programs from our Resource Library. Parables from Nature - stories bas ed on Jesus’ parables. Series I Bushy the Squirrel (Luke 12:16-21) Bootsie the Lamb (Matthew 18:12-14) Corky the Crow (Matthew 22:1-14) The Fairy Ring (Matthew 13:24-30) Bruso the Beaver (Matthew 20:1-16) The Wind and the Seed (Matthew 13:1-23) Series II and III each contain six stories as well. Check for these and others with: Board of Education Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Phone: (204) 326-6401 PAGE 11
From the Editor Representatives of Your Church
Why Do They Come? IN A FEW WEEKS approximately one hundred and twenty-five local church delegates, along with about the same number of ministers/deacons, will gather in Blumenort, Manitoba. They will represent at least forty different EMC churches. They will be coming from our churches in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C. and, hopefully, some from Manitoba. Some will pay their own way, while others will receive travel reimbursement from their local church. Still others will apply to the Con ference for mileage. These delegates have been chosen by each local church at the ratio of one delegate for every fifty members or fraction thereof. They have been chosen as representatives of their local church and will join the larger brotherhood of the Conference in discerning God’s purpose and direction for our corporate ministries. Following are some of the things that I hope the delegates will experience as they gather for the Council sessions: First, I hope that the delegates will experience what might be termed “vision stretching.” Many of our delegates come from smaller churches with limited in teraction with the Christian church at large. Others come from larger churches but have paid little attention to what God is doing in other places. Their perspective of what God is doing in this world may be quite limited. At the Council meeting they will hear reports of God at work in sister churches and in the Conference at large through its ministries in Canada and abroad. They will meet people who experience a vibrant walk of faith, and their vision will stretch. Some delegates may not see much visible evidence of God’s work in their church at the moment, but they’ll be encouraged as they hear of the gospel bearing fruit in other places. This will inspire them to continue in hope, believing that if they carry on faithfully in their corner of God’s vineyard, they too will experience a harvest. The annual presentation of missionaries at the public session on Sunday afternoon is probably the best exam ple of vision stretching. To realize that God has used our Conference to sponsor a missionary family so diverse, serving in so many countries, is exhilarating. To sense the dedication and vision with which these people serve is inspiring. It becomes a time to celebrate what God is doing through faithful people. Second, I hope that the delegates will experience “brotherhood.” The Christian life is meant to be lived in the context of mutual submission and service. When
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delegates are called on to vote on issues or select members for Conference boards, they do so in a spirit of brotherhood, that of mutual responsibility and accoun tability. Even if their first choice is not elected, they are still expected to affirm the choice of the majority; that takes maturity. Nominees have also made themselves vulnerable to the brotherhood, knowing they may not be chosen for a given position. That too requires maturity. Delegates need to inform themselves on issues facing the Council so that they can give an informed response. Even in a Council meeting of several hundred people, I have often been amazed at the impact that a delegate can have on the direction of an issue with a few wellchosen words. That is brotherhood. Third, 1 hope that the delegates will give direction to the ministry that God has entrusted to us as a Con ference. For many years that role was essentially taken on by our Conference ministerial. At that time the ministers and deacons approved budgets, elected boards, etc. I’m glad that that role is now shared with the grassroots people of our churches, their delegates. When the Council meets, they are corporately attemp ting to discern the will of God for the various issues. This requires that each delegate be in tune with God’s spirit and open to follow His direction as discerned by the group. Fourth, I hope that delegates will widen their friendship circle. For many it will be a time to renew old acquain tances. For others it will be an opportunity to develop new friendships, some of which may last a lifetime. Like a good extended family get-together, convention time is an opportune time to get to know a few more of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Meal times, breaks, and home visits should provide an excellent opportunity for this. These encounters usually provide mutual encourage ment and enrichment, and all of us need that in our per sonal life of discipleship. Hopefully, when the delegates and others who attend the convention, return home, they will have strengthened their relationship to Jesus, who is the head of the family, and to the other members of God’s family. May our vi sion be stretched, our brotherhood strengthened, our common task better defined, and our friendship circle enlarged. See you there! Edwin Friesen Conference Pastor
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