(See page 6)
•Beginning: Series on Jonah
•Region 3 Conference •Educationai Features
Th© Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
VOL. 23 NO. 21
NOV. 1/85
In this issue we are beginning a series of four messages on the book of Jonah. We today are living in circumstances which are similar in some ways to the times of Jonah, as the writer states. Hence this series could prove very relevant to some of the problems facing us.
Jonah's Problems (Jonah 1:1-17) by Glen Koop
I
t does not seem to be very difficult to point out the problems of another individual, that is, if you know the in dividual. And, of course, the in dividual must ask. Otherwise one would not reveal his problems, I hope. But why is it that a person is so very blind to his own problems? One has better than 20/20 vision when it comes to the shortcomings of others but myopia when it comes to one’s own failures and problems! Some people are ready to tell you that so and so is proud, wordly, in secure, defensive, very dependent, selfish, greedy, etc. But they don’t see themselves as having any negative characteristics or traits. Jonah, the prophet, was living dur ing the days of Jeroboam II. On the one hand, things were going well for Israel. At home there was peace and on their frontiers they were expanding their kingdom. II Kings 14:23ff mentions their tak ing of Hamoth and Damascus (Syria) to the north as well as parts of Judah to the south. The prophet Amos (6:13) also makes reference to the conquest of Lo Debar and Karnaim in Gilead. This would be in the TransJordan area. Then too the international situation was such that it stood in Israel’s PAGE 2
favour. Babylon or Persia were not very powerful, and Assyria, although growing, was still too weak to apply any pressure on Israel. However, it was not because of Israel’s faithfulness to God that they were floundering in trade, architecture and the arts. On the other hand, quite to the contrary, according to Amos (8:7-9), everything in the land was crooked. A great gulf separated the rich from the poor. God was not pleased and so the prophets, Amos and Hosea, warned Israel.
When Christians disobey God by going contrary to scripture and its interpreta tion as given by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they have problems.
Did Jonah realize that Israel would most likely suffer the consequences of their sin at the hands of the Assyrians, the Ninevites? Could this be the reason that he had no desire to bring God’s message of judgement to Nineveh? For bringing the message might lead to repentance and forgiveness, but refusing to deliver the
message could mean destruction to Nineveh at the hand of an angry God. The name “Jonah” means “dove.” But Jonah had no desire to live up to his name. And so when God told his servant, the prophet Jonah, to go to Nineveh, he reacted. Stubborn as a donkey, he turned in another direc tion. Jonah knowingly said “no” to bringing God’s message of judgement, repentance, and forgiveness to 120,000 innocent people, never mind the thousands who were fully accountable. Jonah had a problem; he had other plans. He was God’s servant but he had plans to fight against God. Instead of bringing the story of judgement to Nineveh’s thousands so they could be saved by repenting, Jonah sought to save wicked Israel from Assyria by sailing to Spain. Jonah fought against God by fleeing from His presence. Even today, when theology or doc trine does not agree with their prac tice, men will change their theology to agree with their practice. The circumstances were just right. A boat was going to Spain, he had exactly the correct change for a ticket, there was a berth for him and they were willing to take a Hebrew traveller. Obviously it must be God’s leading. Jonah knew better, but peo ple fighting against God find all kinds of evidence to justify their decisions. When Christians disobey God by going contrary to Scripture and its in terpretation as given by the congrega tion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they have problems. When Christians think God will punish the wicked pagans but allow them to continue in peace, prosperity and plenty without sharing, they have a problem. And when we take circumstances alone to be the leading of the Lord, we have a problem. Jonah, fighting against God, was riding the waves peacefully toward Spain. He most likely thought he had won the battle with God. Jonah was tired from struggling with God. Christians struggling against God tire easily; they just don’t admit it. So Jonah, at the point of exhaus tion, went to lie down. And in a meter of time he was fast asleep, like an THE MESSENGER
have the lot reveal Jonah as the guilty individual. But the sailors are not satisfied with the casting of the lot; they check it out. They interrogate Jonah; On whose account did this storm come on us? What is your occupation? business? Where did you come from? What is your nationality? Christians running from God find themselves in tough situations. Jonah may have been ashamed to answer these men but he had little choice. He answered, I am a Hebrew, I fear (respect) the God of heaven. Creator of sea and land. Jonah lied. If he revered God, why then did he run away? This struck fear in the lives of the sailors. What should they do with A great gulf separated Jonah in order to stop the storm? And even as they spoke the storm the rich from the poor. God got worse. Jonah’s cold response was not pleased and so the was, “Throw me overboard. I know prophets, Amos and Hosea, the storm is my fault.” God’s prophet, rather than admitting, confessing and warned Israel. turning back to do God’s bidding, wants to drown in the Mediterranean Each of the men cried to his Sea. He still battles against the God favourite god. That was not enough he claimed to respect. Jonah wants to to still the storm, so they threw over board their shipment, maybe even the commit suicide. When physically healthy people want to die rather than ship’s tackle, to lighten the load. The captain was frantic. Did he per live they have a problem. But the sailors were not ready to chance go to the sleeping quarters to toss Jonah overboard. Instead they see what else could be thrown over board? Or did he go to warn whoever will try to row to shore with the might be in the sleeping quarters? Ac rebellious prophet. The storm gets even worse; it increases in ferocity. cording to the NEB it seems he They can’t make it to shore. The cir stumbled into Jonah. “What, sound asleep? . . . Get up, call on your god; cumstances were such that Jonah could run no further. perhaps he will spare us a thought The sailors have only one alter and we shall not perish.” Struggling against God hardly gives a moment of native if Jonah is the cause of the storm. They cry to God to not let the respite. innocent suffer with the guilty. And The veteran sailors have done then they take Jonah and toss him in everything they can think of for the to the raging sea. moment to save their lives, but the Next the sailors offered a sacrifice sea is still raging. They now jump to to God and made vows. They were the conclusion that one of them is at terribly afraid. The sea quieted. fault. They come to a consensus to Jonah most likely thought that since cast lots to discover the guilty party. he couldn’t get to Spain he at least And the providence of God would
overtired child who has fought off sleep. Suddenly he is asleep, and sound asleep. Even though Jonah was tired and had fallen asleep from the struggle with God, God was not tired, sleepy or ready to let Jonah off that easily from his great responsibility. God had called Jonah. Now God stirred up a violent storm on the Mediterranean Sea. This was no or dinary storm; even the veterans of the sea were afraid. Evidently they, in all their years of experience, had never seen anything like it. When we fight against God He sometimes allows cir cumstances to take place such as we have never experienced.
would be able to end it all by having the sea swallow him. But as God had called him to go to Nineveh and as God had sent the raging sea to get Jonah’s attention, so God now had a fish waiting.
God has called us as believers to be messengers of peace, and instead of acting like doves we are more like hawks.
Jonah was the first to ride in a man-carrying submarine and live to tell it, because of God’s grace. And for three days and three nights the stomach juices of the fish were unable to digest that prophetic dish. We today are living in cir cumstances which are similar in some ways to the times of Jonah. What are our problems? Things have been going well for us Christians in Canada. Are we now at times con cerned about letting others emigrate to Canada? They might take our jobs. Should we rather let them die in their misery? Do we claim to fear God and respect His Word and yet disobey government? God has called us as believers to be messengers of peace, and instead of acting like doves we are more like hawks. You and I may have Jonah’s pro blem; we may try to hush up the voice of God by whatever means are at our disposal. But God will not be silenced when there are millions, created in His image, dying. Let’s ask God to forgive us for our self-centredness. Let’s ask Him to continue dealing with us so that we will become the true, genuine messengers of peace. ■
THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct, and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the Conference; instruct in Godliness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Letters, articles, art and poetry are welcomed. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished articles are not returned except by request. Subscription Members pay through their church. Non-members pay $6.00 per year. Send subscription money to The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undelivered 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. Unsolicited manuscripts may not be returned except by request.
NOVEMBER 1. 1985
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Missions ed down the aisle to where 1 sat and gave her flower to me. A very heartwarming effect, especially for me! Doris, Sara, Erna. Betty and Ann (missionary staff) were present and sang John’s favorite Spanish song, “A Glorious Tomorrow,” This program of praise ended with the singing of “Fairest Lord Jesus.” September 21, the first day of spring, is celebrated in a big way in Paraguay. In Asun cion a spring festival is held, with folk dances performed by beautiful girls dressed in national dress and decked with flowers, a parade, etc. Also a Miss Spring or Miss Paraguay is then chosen. Yes, spring has arrived in East Paraguay as well, bringing tropical growth and blossom ing fruit trees to life. Even the many coloured birds, butterflies and bugs remind us that spring is here. May each of us experience God’s “springtime” or “new life” in our hearts. “Old things are passed away, behold, all things have become new.” Leona Reimer Harry and Tina Neufeld (Steinbach) left for Paraguay on October 24. Harry will be taking on the managerial position at Radio ZP-30 in the Chaco.
VENEZUELA
Thankful Teacher of Missionary Children PARAGUAY
Spring Has Come New Life The evening of September 29 the Tres Palmas church presented their annual spring program, with the theme “Spring” or “New Life.” As people came they brought bouquets of spring flowers to adorn the front of the church. The chairman, Korny Epp, opened the service, reading Genesis 1:11 and 12, “Let the earth produce all kinds of plants, those that bear grain and those that bear fruit, and it was done. So the earth produced all kinds of plants and God saw that it was good.” The children’s choir, led by Verna Friesen and Stella Reger, sang two songs in German and two in Spanish. Then Dahlia and Levio Janz (ages 5 and 3) recited the poem “Fruehling” (Spring). Both carried beautiful yellow flowers. The choir rendered two songs and a musical group (guitars, accordians and organ) played two numbers. The primary school teacher, Sieghard Wiens, had a devotional based on Psalm 19. Helmine Friesen, holding up a deep orange tulip, very emphatically recited a poem about God’s beautiful creation (very applicable to East Paraguay). When she finished she walkPAGE 4
Students Desirous to Grow This comes to you from Tama Tama, Venezuela, where New Tribes Mission has a school for missionary children. I happen to be one of the privileged teachers in this school. In spite of some trying circumstances we consider ourselves fortunate in these days. 1) We have a new school building to enjoy. 2) We have a piano teacher this year. 3) We have another new teacher who came to help out. He brought with him a few computers and is qualified to teach Computer Science as well as Industrial Arts. This is definitely a first for our students here. 4) We have a qualified Spanish teacher this year. She is a national lady who has joined the mission and is dedicated to the cause of teaching not only our students but the adults and Indians around here as well. One of her goals is to hear us all speak good Spanish. 5) We have a group of students who are eager to learn and willing to apply themselves in their studies. Not only are they concerned about their academics, they are also very desirous of growing in the Lord and learning what the Lord has for them in preparation for their future ministries, not forgetting the im portance of being servants of Christ right now. This has been a blessing to watch.
Thank you for praying and please continue to pray that we all, students and staff alike, will continually be open to the Lord’s direc tion in our lives, in good times as well as hard times. Thank you also for your continued finan cial support which makes it possible for me to have a part in this work here. Amanda Barkman
Burkina Faso Rains Bring Mixed Blessing Rain, rain and more rain! That’s the report from Burkina Faso after years of drought con ditions. The rainy season has come, appear ing to make up for past seasons’ shortages. AIMM missionaries, Dennis Rempel in Orodara and Dan Petersen in Ndorola, report that rivers were flowing, dams filled, and many crops thrived as the rains came over the entire country. In some areas rain fell nearly every day and sometimes twice a day. But the rains kept coming. In the southwestern region where seven AIMM workers are based roads became nearly impassable, dams were overflowing, and bridges were threatened. The rail link with the Ivory Coast was inter rupted for two weeks when tracks near Ban fora were washed out. Rempel reported that the marketing cen tre of Orodara was nearly isolated as the main road to Bobo Dioulasso was flooded. One bridge was tilted about 20 degress, and in danger of slipping into the river. Bridge traf fic was limited in unloaded pickups. “Life here in Burkina Faso has become one of slogging around through the mud. The rains are com ing. That’s good, but mucky,” Rempel said. Sixty miles to the north of Orodara, Dan and Kathy Petersen also attempted to adapt to mud in place of dust. Dan writes, “The corn is high and so are the weeds. The rains came this year like they used to twenty years ago. But everything built or planted in those twenty years was done in the context of a drought, and so just about everything got washed away with the floods. Crops are wiped out, even whole villages recently built near old stream beds are flooded or washed away. All the dams and water retention projects here have had to be broken to keep the water from flooding the villages. If the rains don’t come like this (again) next year, we are back to zero. Even the crocodiles are back and if this keeps up we might see a few hippos in the river again.” AIMM personnel are working in evangelism among several ethnic groups previously un touched by the Gospel. Clusters of believers are now worshipping regularly in four different countries. THE MESSENGER
Mission Grams Pakistan Ed and Joy Loewen are busy with numerous administrative responsibilities at the Bach Christian Hospital. They are in need of a secretary on a temporary or permanent basis. Pray with them concerning this need. Ed and Joy report that they have just completed their annual missionary conference. Sixty-two missionaries were present. The Loewens are planning a three-month furlough this winter.
Brazil Dave and Laura Sharp are requesting urgent prayer. MAE flights to the tribes in Brazil were suddenly banned. This creates difficulty for tribal workers who are located in isolated areas. Stand with the Sharps in prayer.
Nigeria Elmer Warkentin had surgery on September 16. He is recovering well. Elmer and Elvira also report that Nigeria remains calm after the coup in August. Pray for the Warkentins as they carry out their administrative responsibilities at the church/mission headquarters. Kenya Wayne and Essie Herrod recently reported that the women’s conference was well attended and the women shared that it had been a great help to them. They also report that the local church, under the active leadership of Samuel, is growing.
Papua New Guinea Rodney and Carol Kroeker continue their ministry in the printery. They are presently printing material for six different tribal groups. This material serves an important ministry in evangelism and training. Redlands, California Esther Penner, who serves at MAE headquarters, recently moved to a new ad dress. She and her daughters, Pearl and Jewel, are kept busy with the office workload, homemaking, school and other activities.
Mexico Jake and Bertha Kroeker report that new people are coming to the Juarez church. They request prayer for those that are coming but have not accepted the Lord. Their son Kelvin recently sprained his ankle. Paraguay EMC missionaries are planning a missionary family retreat November 18-21. Pray that this would be a time of spiritual renewal and refreshment. On October 30 a group of nineteen persons left Winnipeg Airport to participate in the Tenth Anniversary celebration of Radio ZP-30. Frank and Marge Kroeker are the tour leaders. Nepal Wayne and Shelagh Toews of the Vermilion Bay EMC Church serve in Nepal with Operation Mobilization. They work at the United Mission to Nepal children’s hostel as well as in OM ministries. They report a very busy schedule and would appreciate prayer.
Germany John and Erna Dyck of the Evangelical Fellowship Church (EMC) in Steinbach are serving with the Mennonite Home Mission in Dachau, Germany. They write, “We are presently planning a baptismal service for early winter. This will be a significant step of faith for some. The church will surely be strengthened by it and the Lord will be glorified.”
NOVEMBER 1, 1985
Coming November 15-17: Adult Bible and Science Retreat at Camp Arnes with Mr. Marvin Harms, a science teacher from Fresno, California. For details call the Camp Arnes office at 338-4647. November 14-17: Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) conven tion, Cedar Rapids, Iowa November 22, 23: MCC Alberta Annual Meeting at the Linden M.B. Church. Featured speaker: John Lapp, MCC Ex ecutive Secretary, Akron. January 3, 4, 1986: EMC Ministry Orien tation, Evangelical Fellowship Church, Steinbach. MB. Watch for further announcements. February 14, 15, 1986: EMC Writers’ Conference at Steinbach Bible College (Watch for further announcements.)
Missionary Conference Braeside E. M. Church 1011 Munroe, Winnipeg November 8-10 Keynote speaker: Gladwin Plett, returned missionary from Germany Missionary Reports: - Elmar and Alvina Fast (El Paso) - Mary Koop (Japan) - Joe and Olga Reimer (South Africa)
CONTRIBUTORS: Glen Koop is Professor of Old Testament at the Steinbach Bible College. He is also Christian Service Director. Mr. Koop has been at the school since 1975. These articles on Jonah were first given as a series of messages. Sheldon Giesbrecht is an EMC church planter at Nut Mountain, Sask. (Kelvington). John and Leona Reimer (Wymark) recently took on the pastorate of the Tres Palmas EMC Church in Paraguay. Amanda Barkman (Blumenort) teaches missionary children in Venezuela, under the New Tribes Mission. COVER: Top left: F. C. Peters at the Region 3 con ference in Kamsack. Center: Fellowship at the conference. Right: Chorus time with Frank Braun. Bottom: Parkland Evangelical Free Church, Kamsack, Sask., where the Region 3 conference was held.
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Messenger News
Sunday afternoon at the conference at Kamsack. Jack Cosens of the Kamsack Drop-in Centre, is addressing the audience.
Region 3 Annual Conference
work your faith into your relationships. At his second appearance he talked about the Christian home in a secular society. He stressed, as of first importance, the authority of the Word of God and, secondly, the best in corporate human wisdom. He mentioned three things which characterize our age: 1. People marry earlier than they used to. This could create problems if people marry before they are vocationally secure. 2. Child-rearing practices keep changing. There is a greater permissiveness. The posi tion of the father has changed. Today the father is a dispenser of consumer goods when, he should be a dispenser of affection. 3. We have a much greater emphasis on emotional returns. In other words. Am I be ing fulfilled? My needs are not met. He followed this up with three needs: 1. A Biblical delineation of roles - role
Theme: Family Life By Dave Schellenberg
IT SEEMED APPROPRIATE that the first hymn announced at the Region 3 annual con ference held at Kamsack, Sask, on October 27 was “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.” What better way to begin a conference! And blessings there were from start to finish, not the least of these the guest speaker, Frank C. Peters of Kitchener, Ont. The overall theme was “Family Life.” Greetings were extended by Fraser Gibson, pastor of the Kamsack Fellowship Chapel, and by Bert Moore, representative for the Parkland Evangelical Free Church in whose facilities the sessions were held, with the ex ception of a children’s sessioin at the Chapel. Mr. Peters, as he began the first of three messages, made it clear that he was not talk-
ing about perfect families. “I just talk about good families,” he stated. He would phrase it something like this: “A good marriage (fami ly) is one in which all those involved have maximum opportunity through mutual needs satisfaction to grow toward their God intended potential as persons.” He believes that a Christian home is built on an unconditional commitment — till death parts. He deplored the fact that people now enter marriage as if it is terminal. He further stressed that a Christian home is founded on realistic love, a love which is not selfish. “People go into marriage without realism,” he said. “Realistic love takes the whole person into account.” Lastly, he stated that a Christian home re quires spiritual discipline for maintenance -
tarFTis Karl Goertzen represented the EMC General Board. Fraser Gibson (left), pastor of the Kamsack Fellowship Chapel. Right: Frank Braun, pastor of the Badgerville EMC. PAGE 6
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A musicai number from the Hudson Bay church.
distinction is taught in scripture. 2. An adequate expression of affection - we cannot assume love. 3. A resolution of parent/child conflicts. The final topic was “Making Our Family Relationships Christian.” He feels that “we must become what in Jesus Christ we are.” From Ephesians 4:22-32 he took five Biblical principles: 1. The Principle of a New Standard (Eph. 4:22-24). 2. The Principle of a New Transparency (v. 25). You cannot build solid relationships on deception. We must become honest with each other. 3. The Principle of a New Lifestyle (vv. 26-28). We need to learn how to handle anger and how to forgive. THE MESSENGER
A musical number from Birch River. Left to right: Brenda Thiessen, Tina Reimer, Mary Lynn Unger.
Eldred and Helen Hamm, Pelly, had a musicial number at the conference.
Goodies at supper at the Region 3 con ference. Jake Dyck (foreground with child) is from the Arabella congregation.
4. The Principle of a New Communication (vv. 29, 31). If asked what he would do dif ferently in his family if he could do it over he said that he would praise his children more. 5. The Principle of a New Motivation (vv. 30, 32). (Mr. Peters’ messages will be available on both cassette and video. For information write; Frank Braun, Box 337, Kamsack, Sask. SOA ISO.)
The three sessions were interspersed with a variety of other items such as reports, special musical numbers and scripture readings. Mr. Karl Goertzen, a member of the EMC General Board, brought greetings from the E.M. Conference. He ventured to say that the Bible does not speak of Conferences, but it does speak of family (I Peter 2:9). Ben Friesen delivered a missions challenge. He began by reminiscing on our past missions
involvement in the last 40 years or so. In 1945 there were five churches and no missionaries. This changed when we got missions exposure and young people went to Bible school. Cross-cultural church planting began to take place. Then the EMC organized a mission board. They entered new fields. Workers to day work in some 25 countries. In closing he mentioned a number of areas where workers are needed. He recalled also the new workers that had gone out since last year. Ernest Funk, pastor of the Pelly Fellowship Chapel, and member for Region 3 to the General Board, gave a report on General Board business: The church building fund is under review in relation to raising the $20,000 maximum that may be borrowed. He men tioned that EMC is now a member of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. Also, the annual convention location is being reviewed. The beautiful fall day lent itself to a plea sant conference. Fellowship opportunities were plentiful, which enhanced the occasion. Offerings (after expenses were paid) were designated to three different areas: 1) EMC (50%), 2) General Board (25%) and, 3) Badgerville EMC bus fund (25%). The supper meal was provided by the hosting churches: Kamsack, Badgerville and Pelly. Churches represented in Region 3 are the following: Northern Fellowship Chapel (Creighton, Sask.), Terry Smith, pastor; Pineridge Fellowship Chapel (Hudson Bay, Sask.), John Rornelson, pastor; Endeavour Fellowship, Gary Sawatzky, pastor; Nut Mountain, Sask., Sheldon Giesbrecht, pastor: Arabella Fellowship Chapel, Ernest Funk, pastor; Pelly Fellowship Chapel, Ernest Funk, pastor; Badgerville EMC Church, Frank Braun, pastor; Kamsack Fellowship Chapel, Fraser Gibson, pastor; Community Bible Fellowship (Swan River, Man.), Wil Warkentin, pastor; Christian Fellowship Center (Birch River, Man.), Ralph Unger, pastor. ■
I
Time lor supper at the Region 3 conferences at Kamsack.
Conference guests from Swan River and Birch River were asked to gather for a picture which was to be run in the Swan River newspaper.
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The senior choir presented a special number at the La Crete missionary conference.
4 children's session with Lorraine Koop and Alvina Fast at the missionary conference in La Crete.
WE'VE A STORY TO TELL . . .
La Crete, Alta.: August 23-26 was Steward ship Weekend in our church, with Henry Friesen representing the Mennonite Founda tion and Steinbach Bible College. Topics discussed were life insurance, wills, giving, budgeting. Personal appointments were also available. A large turnout was present for our Sun day school promotion on September 1. September 15 was a beautiful, though somewhat chilly, fall day. The trees had on their best display and the smell of roasted corn wafted through the air. It was the day of the Sunday school staff “Corn-ecue.” The setting was the yard of Gordon and Marilyn Foster, our Sunday school superintendent. Trees hemmed the lawn, with picnic tables scattered throughout. The delicious meal consisted of the corn mentioned earlier, chili con came, fresh buns and butter and a large variety of goodies. The day was enjoyed by all. On the evening of the same day, a program entitled “Harvest Time” took place, with a Bi ble quiz, young people’s summer camp testimonies, “A Chat” between Mr. and Mrs. Peter Goertzen and Mr. and Mrs. Menno PAGE 8
Hamm, regarding the formers’ trip to South America, and congregational singing. “We’ve a story to tell to the nations. That shall turn their hearts to the right, A story of truth and mercy, A story of peace and light, A story of peace and light.” This was our theme song at the La Crete Christian Fellowship annual missionary conference held September 26-29. The message on Thursday night was presented by Ben Friesen, Canadian Secretary, EMC Board of Missions, and was entitled “Is EMC a Missionary Church?” He spoke on the danger of caring for one’s self, of loving things so much that they take away the love for Jesus. “Happiness comes by ser ving,” Mr. Friesen said. We can all be part of the missionary service. He emphasized four points; 1) Believe the Bible is the Word of God (2 Peter 1:20; 2 Timothy 3:15, 16). 2) Believe that Jesus Christ alone can bring salvation to man (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). 3) Believe that people who have not received salvation are lost. 4) Believe that missionaries must be involved in missions. “What Does a Missionary Church Have to Be?” was Friday’s message, also given by Mr. Friesen. Here again certain points were em-
phasized: 1) The church has to emphasize purity. God wishes the church to be pure and holy. Pureness attracts others to the church. We are God’s showpiece in the world. 2) The church has to strive for spiritual revival con tinually. God wants to take ordinary lives and create something extraordinary for Him. 3) The church has to emphasize a mystical rela tionship with Jesus Christ that shows power and joy. We have to focus on Jesus Christ; we have to seek His presence. This relation ship is vital if we are to have the power of Jesus. There is no joy in the world greater than walking close to Jesus. Joe Reimer, who, with his wife. Olga, has been serving in South Africa, gave Saturday’s message. He spoke on questions that mis sionaries need to ask before actually going out to serve: 1) Why is there a need for me? 2) Who will I be responsible to? 3) What will be my job description? 4) What outlets of ministry are there? Mr. Reimer talked about our rela tionship to God and our need for Him. Our desire must be to have Him take over our life. “Perhaps you are not God’s child. Perhaps, if you are, you are not serving Him. Is your sole aim to be successful in life?” Edmar Fast, missionary from Mexico, spoke to us on Sunday night. His message focussed on Acts 1:1-8, Matthew 9:35-38 and Luke 2. Jesus heals not just our illness, but our hurts as well; he has compassion on us. People are helpless, they need to be pointed to the Lord Jesus Christ. What are we doing? Do we see the lost? Do we realize that labourers are few? Other speakers at the conference were Bill Buhler, Olga Reimer, Alvina Fast, and Betty Giesbrecht, from our church. Some other highlights were slides of South Africa and Mexico, special numbers, and singing. The children had evening sessions, which they really enjoyed. On Sunday after the evening service we had a blessed time of fellowship over coffee and goodies. The conference was a real blessing to me and I’m sure to all who were there. The con gregation was large in numbers at all times. Let’s pray that the Lord will send out harvesters. YOUTH RETREAT HELD Stratton, Ont.: The Stratton young people held their annual youth retreat from Friday, September 27, to Sunday, September 29, at the Sunny Cove Camp, about ten miles east of Fort Frances, Ontario. Our guest speaker was Pastor Doug Reader of Offlake, Ontario. He spoke on “Saving Lost Souls” and “The Christian Life.” We invited Judy Schnupp to be our song leader for the weekend. She comes from Dryden, Ontario. The theme song was “The Lord Loves Me.” There were about fifty campers who came out besides the staff and council. It was fairly cold and windy all weekend but everybody seemed to enjoy it. THE MESSENGER
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SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS ATTEND SEMINAR
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Crestview (Winnipeg): Crestview has been humming with activities since the beginning of the fall season. The first Sunday in September saw new Sunday school teachers and newly promoted students meet with an ticipation in new classrooms. The enthusiasm in the Sunday school is encouraging to see. To encourage this enthusiasm even more, a group of Crestview Sunday school teachers took in the excellent Christian Education Seminar held in Steinbach the last weekend in September. Many valuable workshops were offered at the seminar. Topics such as “Discipline and Children,” “Adults, They Can Learn!” and “Ministry with Seniors” covered every age group. The one on “Adults, They Can Learn!” proved to be interesting as well as educational. Dr. Chuck Nichols, who led the workshop, stated that an adult class is unique and that teaching such a class is a challenge in any church. He said that adults have unique ways of learning and of expressing themselves. He stressed that the adult teacher must know his Bible and that he must be sen sitive to the spiritual needs of his class. As in other workshops, dedication and commitment were highlighted. Our teachers returned refreshed and uplifted. Crestview experienced a sad event with the loss of our oldest members, Mrs. Elizabeth Rempel, who went to be with the Lord on September 18. A little less than a year ago she encouraged us all with her testimony of how the Lord had healed a physical illness of hers. We rejoice that she is with her Lord whom she loved! On September 22 the Awana staff hosted a dinner in order to bring the church to a fuller awareness of what Awana is. Approximately a hundred people attended. Kevin Clarke, Awana Regional Missionary, was present to speak about the aims and challenges of work ing with children through Awana. Two Crestview couples have recently celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. Pete and Irma Wiebe hosted an open house on September 22. Many friends and relatives came to celebrate this joyous occasion with them. Frank and Mary Esau celebrated their 25th anniversary on October 13 with a pro gram and a buffet at the church. The Lord bless all of you and give you many more hap py years together. Crestview experienced a “first” with com munion during the Sunday morning service. What a blessing to take part in the Lord’s Sup per where all believers were invited to take part! Rev. Jake Frocse was present to minister to us on this special day. We are grateful for the ministry of Rev. Froesc and his wife Lena as they serve as interim pastor couple in Crestview.
NOVEMBER 1, 1985
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A getting-acquainted activity at the Youth Smash at Peliy.
Some of the gang riding in the dinner wagon heading for the wiener roast at the Youth Smash heid in Peliy, Sask, in August.
YOUTH SMASH ENJOYED
Pelly, Sask.: A summer highlight was the “Youth Smash” on August 17, an outdoor activity day, hosted by the Clifton Abraham son family. A group from Moosehorn, Man. and another from Creighton, Sask, arrived the previous day so were able to help with preparations. Other young people from the surrounding evangelical churches assembled by 11:00 a.m. With 130 young people organized into six teams, each person took part in a series of game activities, using up the whole afternoon and most of the available energy. At 5:00 everyone gathered around a campfire for a wiener roast. There were a few moments of free time before the 7:00 program. Skits, songs and a variety of special numbers were presented from the participating churches. Pastor Brian Hickey of Kinistino ably filled the position of guest speaker with a challenging message on “Being a Good Example,” follow ed by the showing of the film “Zack.” After a quick lunch everyone headed home, tired, but planning to be back next year, the third Saturday in August, the Lord willing. The young people’s group has recently elected their slate of officers for the coming year: Randy Abrahamson (president), Cindy Yanchuk (vice-president), Joanne Neufeld (secretary-treasurer), Kim and Loretta Andrusiak (lunch conveners). We thought you might be interested in an update of many of our young members who have gone away to pursue various avenues
of work or study: Gloria Funk - hairdressing in Winnipeg; Grace Funk - receptionist in a beauty salon in Winnipeg; Thelma Johnson - sales clerk in Saskatoon and taking a univer sity class; Karen Abrahamson - full-time employment in a hotel in Saskatoon; Gary Yanchuk - construction work in Portage la Prairie, Man.; Ferlin Abrahamson - third year at Nipawin Bible Institute; Laurel Abraham son - waitress work in Flin Flon, Man. till January when she will be going for a six-week assignment to Brazil under New Tribes Mis sion; Debbie Abrahamson - second year nur sing at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg; Bon nie Abrahamson - first year at Nipawin Bible Institute; Marvin Anfinson - taking classes at Emil Fries piano training center in Vancouver, Washington. Pam Yanchuk has recently transferred her membership to the Steinbach E.M. Church. A young man from there has won her affection. They were married on Oc tober 26. May the Lord bless and guide you
both. October 20 we had an exchange service with Birch River ministering at Peliy. It was decided to hold our annual Thanksgiving sup per this day to be able to share it with the folks from Birch River. This allowed extra time for visiting and was enjoyed by all. The evening service conducted by the Birch River group was well received and appreciated. Mrs. Donna Abrahamson recently under went surgery at the Yorkton Union Hospital. She is presently recuperating at home. PAGE 9
122 U k I Baptism and membership reception at the Aberdeen church. Front (left to right): Anne-Marie Davis, Debbie Schiedel, Melody Dueck. Back: Allan Davis, Karl Goertzen (pastor), Lynda Ewert, Wes Dueck.
CHANGED LIVES Aberdeen (Winnipeg): October 6 was a very special day for Wes and Melody Dueck and their family and friends. This was the day they were baptized and welcomed into the Aber deen Church. Their testimonies blessed everyone as they shared how Jesus had com pletely changed their lives. Now their desire is to serve Him who convicted them of sin and showed them a better way of life. A group of friends from Rosenort sang some lovely songs and Ray Friesen spoke on the significance of baptism in a Christian’s experience. Many outof-town visitors came for the occasion and stayed to join us for a potluck lunch follow ing the service. The same morning four people joined our church through membership transfer. Welcome, Allen and Annemarie Davis, Lyn da Ewert, and Debbie Schiedel. Our church has been hosting M.C.C.’s SALT unit for the past eight years. This year’s
group of seven girls arrived in Winnipeg from Saskatchewan and Ontario in the beginning of September to serve as volunteers in various organizations. May your year be an enriching one as you Serve And Learn Together. Tim and Laverna Reimer are the new Unit Leaders. In appreciation for the fellowship Sakmony and Sophin Tep have enjoyed with the Aber deen church and their sponsors, they treated everyone to a roast beef supper on September 29. They have worshipped with us for the past six years since they arrived as refugees from Cambodia. They shared some of their ex periences during the last few years in their homeland and the refugee camp in Thailand. They expressed their gratitude for the privilege of now living in a land of freedom and peace. The evening ended with a video presentation about Cambodia during the war of the 1970s.
UNANSWERABLE QUESTIONS Swift Current, Sask.: We all got a greater insight on September 22 when Jake Janz reported on the Far East Broadcasting ministry, bringing Christ to the world via radio. The young people spent a Sunday after noon ministering to the elderly at the Pioneer Lodge and the nursing home. A firsthand report was given by Gilberto Flores, a Mennonite pastor from Guatemala, on how the situation is there. He also shared God’s Word with us through an interpreter on October 13. On October 16 our annual missionary con ference began with Vaughan Durston from Child Evangelism Fellowship sharing the work among children. Then on Thursday evening we had a report by the Edmar Fasts who have spent twenty-eight years in Mexico. They PAGE 10
related via slides and an interview. On Friday Evelyn Plett reported on how the work is progressing in Spain. On Sunday we had Randall Krahn share personal ex periences and how they are claiming God’s promise in Romans 8:28. The main speaker for the weekend was Rev. John Dyck, director of Janz Team ministries. A film on the ministry of the Janz Team was viewed. Rev. Dyck began his messages with four unanswerable questions. Here are a few thoughts he shared; 1. How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? The real essence of mis sions is. How will they call? It has to be a direct call. He asked us, “How about the heathen, ones who have no relationship with God,
those who have had no chance to hear, are they still responsible? If people are sincere and call on a heathen god, is that not enough? Ac cording to scripture there is no favour with God, only calling on the one true God is enough. Are we reaching out to people who call on the wrong thing? What answer are we giving to those who search? What are we allowing to fill our lives? Are we filled with Christ and passing on the Good News? 2. How can they believe on the one they have not heard of? The best of all religions is not enough. There is only one way, the Christian gospel, which is Jesus. People have not heard; that is why they have not believ ed. We need to recognize why we are here. The church has had many hindrances, but to day we have the means so let’s get to work. 3. How shall they hear without a preacher? God has chosen to communicate to the world through His word, the gospel, which is the “Good News." What is important to us? Space, travel and computers. In God’s eyes communicating His word is the main point. What hinders us from telling the good news? 1) Relationship. Are we half empty vessels? 2) Blindness. Blind to men’s spiritual needs. Is it easier to give money than ourselves? 3) Commitment. Are we so committed to Christ that we serve Him no matter what the cost? 4) Purpose for living. Are we just here to live a good life? The real reason we are here is to be something for the glory of God. 4. How can they preach unless they be sent? When someone is sent to preach others can hear and believe. The church needs to be involved in the sending, to help young people to prepare to go and tell. It will require prayer, moral and financial support. Missionaries face many problems, frustra tions, culture changes, loneliness. We need to pray for our missionaries. We also need to be committed, as well as our missionaries. MISSIONARY CONFERENCE HELD Wymark, Sask.: Our annual missionary con ference was held from October 13 to 16. We started Sunday morning with Bud Elford of the Northern Canada Evangelical Mission as the main speaker. Ben Friesen, Canadian Secretary, EMC Board of Missions, gave a report on missionaries that have been placed during the past year. Gladwin Plett gave a report on the work done in Germany and why they were there. They were involved in church planting in the area where Jeff and Laural Ann Plett are presently working. The Sunday morning message dealt with Proverbs 20:27. What is the purpose of light? To dissipate darkness that men may see. Lome and Helen Kroeker showed in teresting slides of the Murree Christian School and the work in Pakistan. A number of ques tions were asked following the slides. Bud Elford read John 5:1 and spoke to us about leaving our comforts to help the hidden peo ple of the world. THE MESSENGER
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Harvey Plett, who is working with the Gospel Missionary Union in the Bahamas, showed a film on Monday night and told about his work of maintenance, bookkeeping and Sunday school teaching. He explained that he was doing this work so other mis sionaries can spread the Good News more ef fectively. Ninety percent of the people of the Bahamas are coloured, 10% are white. Many of them have come from the USA as slaves, with their masters, because slavery was abolished in the Bahamas earlier than in the USA. The climate is even and there is little agriculture because of the rocky terrain. The people are mostly Anglican; some are Catholics. The speaker read Rev. 3:7, 8 and titled his message “How to Recognize Door Openings.” What do open doors look like? Walls, seas, sin - until you look up. God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55). On Tuesday Joe and Olga Reimer of TEAM mission showed slides and told of their work of church planting in South Africa. Bud Elford spoke on John 12. We possess but do not own anything. God does not want us to hoard His blessings. Some of us have gifts to go and some to give. God’s law: You reap what you sow. Seek ye first His kingdom. Edmar and Alvina Fast showed slides on Wednesday and told of their work with the Mexican people. Mexico is a beautiful coun try, the churches are growing and there are many needy people. Mexico has a popula tion of 70 million. The final message dealt with forgiveness and unity in the church (Eph. 4:25, 26, 31, 32). Bud Elford challenged the congregation to stop and fix things up when differences or problems arise because the Holy Spirit does not work where unity is broken. He also mentioned that older people, as well as young people, should be sent to a field of service. Older people, with a good trade and experience, could well fill a position for a few years. We had special numbers in singing and music and children’s features. Mrs. Jean Plett spoke at a ladies’ rally on Tuesday afternoon. We thank Bud Elford, the missionaries and all who had a part in making our 1985 mis sionary conference such a success. CRADLE ROLL GRADUATION HELD
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Kleefeld, Man.: Jesus blessed the little children, and that’s just what we want to do too. A special Cradle Roll Graduation service took place for them on September 8. As one by one they came walking down the aisle, we realized that these same little ones would be our future ministers, song leaders, ushers, Sunday school teachers and praying moms and dads. However, in order to reach these various goals, many years of spiritual train ing are required. Cradle Roll supplies one of the very first concrete steps towards this grow ing proces. Our guest speaker, Mrs. Elma Reimer of Steinbach, confirmed this by say ing, “Everything is instant these days, but not the training of children.” It is a slow day-byNOVEMBER 1, 1985
Peter and Margaret K. Dueck of Kleefeld celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on August 18.
day, year-by-year process. She went on to say that when all else fails, “prayer works.” Thank you, Mrs. Reimer, for coming to share those words of wisdom. A group of young ladies, led by Sherri Esau, delivered a delightful package of choruses, after which Pastor Ron Goertzen offered a dedication prayer for all of the little two-year-old grads. Another memorable night to remember was the celebration of Pete and Margaret Dueck s 47th wedding anniversary on August 17. Many friends and relatives came to wish them God’s best. During an interesting program,
chaired by son Len, we heard of their faithful service to the church, especially the many years Mrs. Dueck has served in Sunday school. Cradle Roll, Sewing Circle, Child Evangelism, and much more. Only the Lord can reward such dedication. May He sur round them with His strength, comfort, and love, especially now during Margaret’s illness. Thanksgiving is harvest time. What an abundance of blessings the Lord has again showered upon us! Would you like to hear what’s happening in the Lord’s harvest? Dur ing our Thanksgiving Mission Night on Oc tober 13 we heard some pretty exciting reports from various parts of the world. Corinne Friesen, daughter of Peter and Betty Friesen, working with Teen Mission, spent two weeks in Boot Camp in Florida, then she continued on to Venezuela for one month, where she helped in the erection of brick buildings, quite a tall order for a young teen. Corinne thoroughly enjoyed it. They also visited dif ferent Spanish churches. She closed by reading Philippians 1:6. Another Corinne Friesen, this time the daughter of Albert and Elizabeth Friesen, spent two years working as a secretary at the MCC head office in Pennsylvania. When all the familiar props of leaving home, family, and friends were knocked from under her, her trust in God deepened, and her spiritual growth matured, resulting in being a more ef fective witness for the Lord on a day-to-day basis. Elizabeth Koop has been on the mission field for 34 years and has been working with the Pacaas Novos Indians in Brazil for 20 of them. During this time she has had the privilege of seeing many a soul come to know the Lord. A thrilling experience! Mary Koop, a sister to Elizabeth, is another veteran missionary. Exactly 31 years ago in September she sailed that big, wide ocean leading to Japan. She assured us that even though times were often difficult, she still would never trade those years for any others. Here, too, precious fruit is evident, because of Mary’s faithfulness.
A Cradle Roll Graduation took place at the Kleefeld church on September 8. Back row: Walter and Bev Toews with son Krister, Bruce and Elaine Peters with son Timothy, John and Martha Gerbrandt with daughter Jennifer. Front row: Ray and Estelle St. Hilare with daughter Francine, Sara Dueck with daughter Bethany, Carl and Luella Dueck with daughter Melissa. (Six grads were missing.)
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ParentIBaby Dedication at the Saskatoon church. Left to right: Tim and Judy Dueck with Corinthia Renee, Dave and Maria Adrian with Regan David.
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Installation of the Peter Friesens with Dave Dueck officiating.
SUMMER MINISTRY TEAM A BLESSING Saskatoon, Sask. On June 30 the church was blessed by the Parent-Baby Dedication service. Dave and Maria Adrian with son Regan David and Tim and Judy Dueck with daughter Corinthia Renee committed themselves to the solemn responsibilities of nurturing their little ones. May these lives be shaped for the glory of God, is our prayer. July 6 was a special day for our church our first wedding. Greg Crawford and Wen dy Sawatzky exchanged marriage vows, with Pastor Dave Dueck officiating. May the Lord bless this union. Peter and Kathy Friesen and children. Jen nifer and Jonathon, arrived in Saskatoon on PAGE 12
July 9 to take on the pastorate of the church. The church is pleased to welcome such a fine family as the Friesens to take up the leader ship. We request your prayers for them. An installation service was held Sunday. July 14. for the Peter Friesens, with Dave Dueck of ficiating. Rev. John Toews of Swift Current gave a challenging message to the Friesens and the church. The Summer Ministry team girls brought the special numbers. The Summer Ministry team, consisting of Harvey Kroeker (team leader), Jennifer Kroeker. Carol Brandt. Ladine Plett and Rachel Wiebe, together with the coordinator. Ken Zacharias, arrived in Saskatoon on July 11. Friday. July 12, the church held a getacquainted social with the team and the Peter Friesen family. We had a wonderful time, singing choruses, testimonies and sharing. The ladies served watermelon and roll kuchen (fritters). The team worked hard for three weeks, do ing a religious survey in the North Park area, conducting two lawn clubs and helping along with church activities such as presenting skits, puppet shows, and special numbers. Harvey brought the message at one service, taught Sunday school and visited a number of homes. A deep bond of love and fellowship developed. A farewell wiener roast was held at the farm of Peter and Eva Giesbrecht. A good time was enjoyed by all. Thank you, group, for a wonderful job done and the friendship. Be sure to come back to Saska toon sometime. The Peter Friesens have been very busy following up the contacts made by the team and trying to get the church people involved in this ministry. The Lord is blessing and just recently a second family from the area started attending our services. Another couple is be ing visited by the Gary Friesens on a regular basis. On September 8 we had our first Sunday
school promotion and teacher dedication ser vice. Following the service we enjoyed a potluck dinner together, with an attendance of 39. Our record attendance stands at 52. After dinner the adults gathered for an infor mal discussion on the purpose and goal of the church. Sunday, September 29, the Gospel Echoes Prison Ministry Team of Canada brought a very challenging and enjoyable program in our church. We had a missionary conference on Oc tober 8. The Joe Reimers had a lot of nice slides about the many wonderful things the Lord has done in South Africa. The Edmar Fasts showed slides of the great things that happened in Mexico through the Lord’s work. The children really enjoyed Danny Dee, the puppet. Ben Friesen shared what the Lord is doing on the Canadian fields and Joe Reimer gave a challenging message. After the service refreshments were served and enjoyed by all. It's always encouraging to see new faces in church. Jeff Kornelsen of Hudson Bay is at tending university in Saskatoon, Reg Dueck came to us from Brandon and is in ad ministrative training at Woolco, and Mark Baltare is also attending university in Saskatoon. The Peter Giesbrechts invited the church family to a Thanksgiving dinner on Monday, October 14. It was enjoyed by all who could attend.
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Kerri Janzen was received into the membership of the High Level church on August 18. With her in the picture are Pastor and Mrs. Peter Dueck. THE MESSENGER
our sins and be freed - God, who has always been, who is absolute authority and ruler, who is absolutely just. We would be damned eternally, but through God’s Son, Jesus Christ, forgiveness is open to us. How has this been done? Jesus died in our place and if we accept this sacrifice freedom from guilt can be a reality to us. In Psalm 51 we also read, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” King David knew he needed to repent of his sin before he could be rid sent him back only to have him killed. of the guilt he felt. God remains unmov God sees everything; God saw what ed by a lot of flashy words or mighty David had done. The prophet Nathan deeds that we do in order to please Him. was sent to show God’s displeasure with Rather, God looks at the attitude of our David. But that’s not the end; David heart; a broken and contrite heart is what finally repented and was freed from his God wants of us. That means that the awfulness of sin is realized, sin sickens us guilt. as we see the impact it has on our lives. Then we come before God with a deep sense of sorrow and brokenness. David came to God and said, “Against David came to God and Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and said, “Against Thee, Thee done this evil in Thy sight.” God has pro only, have I sinned, and mised that if we confess He will be faithful done this evil in Thy sight.” and just to forgive us our sins. Let’s not waste time; make your way God has promised that if clean between yourself and God. A man we confess He will be once said, “Sin may come upon thee by faithful and just to forgive surprise, but do not let it dwell with thee as a guest.” Once repentance has taken us our sins. place, a clean break from sin needs to be made. David asks God to create in him a clean heart, to renew a steadfast spirit within him. A changed and a fresh life In Psalm 51 we read about guilt and is what God wants for us; God is never how King David dealt with it. Our only tired of new beginnings. To let guilt rule our lives is wrong; God hope in dealing with guilt lies in the character of God. Psalm 51:1 says, has provided a way for us to be freed “Have mercy upon me, O God, accor from our sins. Young people, you can ding to thy lovingkindness; according un experience peace and joy, you can have to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot real genuine freedom, freedom from the guilt of sin that tears you down. Jesus out my transgressions.” We can not be rid of our guilt because Christ gives you this freedom if you only of what we have done or are doing or take it. Sheldon Giesbrecht will ever do for God. It is because of who God is that we can have forgiveness of
We can not be rid of our guilt because of what we have done or are doing or will ever do for God. It is because of who God is that we can have forgiveness of our sins and be freed.
Am I Guilty Forever? “NO WAY CAN anyone forgive me!” the teenager cried within. “I am guilty forever. How can God care about me now?” In my own life I have had to deal with these precise feelings. Guilt drags many young Christians down so deeply they give up and say, “Peace and joy are only for adults, so I’ll live it up. Maybe then I won’t feel so guilt-ridden.” But there’s a problem - the guilt feelings con tinue and a question forms. How can I deal with and get rid of these pesty feelings? In the Bible we find two men who had strong guilt feelings. One did not know how to deal with them and one finally learned. One man was Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Once it was done he did not know how to deal with the guilt feelings, so he committed suicide. The other man was King David, who walked after the Lord and did right. One day as he was walking on the roof of his house he spotted a beautiful woman, Bathsheba, as she was taking a bath. David decided that, even though she was married, he desired intimacy with her. He wanted his kicks and that would be that. But it didn’t end there - Bathsheba came and told King David she was pregnant. Now what? David knew he would have to free himself from his guilt so he went for her husband, Uriah, who was in battle. But Uriah refused to go to his house until the battle was over, so David NOVEMBER 1, 1985
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Christian Education Resources
1 Educational Features by Walter Reimer
Acquiring Faith HOW DO YOUNG people acquire faith? In a book entitled Faith Sharing. Stephen D. Jones describes three stages of faith development. An understanding of these stages could help us in parenting, teaching, and leading children and young people (or adults).
Affiliating with Faith “Affiliating is a child’s attempt to identify and stand within the values and faith of the important persons in his or her life.” It is a very normal part of childhood. Faith and tradition which has been practiced and prized in his or her home and church naturally becomes a part of the child’s life. Parents exhibit faith and values. Children identify with these. When parents are lax or apathetic or extremely rigid in their controls or when church is a very unplea sant experience, children develop a negative affiliation. The child’s faith heroes - parents and teachers, youth leaders and ministers - are the important persons help ing this affiliating process. Personalizing Faith “Personalizing is the young person’s at tempt to claim ownership of his or her faith in relation to the faith that has sur rounded him or her in the formative years.” Personalizing faith begins in middle childhood and becomes more active in the teen years. It is sometimes marked by rebellion and sporadic growth. It may be calm, reasoned and cautious. Parents, the youth group, the church help to provide a healthful environment for the young per son to make the faith his own. Affirmation and acceptance are important in helping young persons believe for themselves. Integrating Faith “Integration is the adult’s attempt to build the faith she or he has recently per sonalized upon the faith inherited as a child.” It involves taking the best things from one’s past and molding them together as a foundation for facing the future. It will probably include some discarding of tradition and some addition of new tradition. The quest involved in in tegrating faith should not be stifled by simplistic answers. Rather, the young adult should be guided along a self-discovery path of resolving doubts and placing the faith puzzle together.
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Post-Secondary Students Meet
ON OCTOBER 10 the EMC Board of Education and Publication hosted a student meeting in the University Center, University of Manitoba. Students met to listen to a lec ture, “Why 1 Believe in the Historical Jesus,” and participated in a dialogue on the subject. Arden Thiessen, EMC Moderator, treated the subject from the perspective of a thinker, scholar and believer. He outlined several ap proaches that scholars have used in seeking to piece together a true description of the Jesus who founded Christianity. One of these approaches looks upon the New Testament Gospels as exaggerated stories of the Jesus in whom the early church believed. This ap proach disallows the miracle accounts and describes the gospels as attempts to build up a reputation for the man Jesus. The speaker conceded that the gospel writers were not unbiased historians. They believed very thoroughly in the man whose story they were retelling. But they related his story with conviction and honest testimony. The gospels are not biographies but they do present clear portraits of what Jesus and His teachings were like. The evidences the New Testament writers give of the historical Jesus are quite sufficient for us to believe in Him. There are rather few extra-biblical references in ancient literature. In the discussion period questions were rais ed regarding our personal experience of Jesus, the emergence of a worldwide Chris tian movement, and the need to accept Jesus by faith. It was emphasized that though we may not be able to prove Jesus, we do believe in Him because of the evidences. Our faith is a clear, logical acceptance of the Jesus whom the gospel writers describe. The nature of the discussion was quite apologetic. The students present found a logical way of discussing their Christian faith and expressed appreciation for the meeting. A pizza supper was enjoyed by all. As a Conference we need to support and affirm our students in their faith. They are real ly the church’s representatives on our cam puses and deserve our prayer support.
Note: Mr. Walter Reimer, writer for this page, has resigned his position as Director of Education for the EMC Board of Education and Publication, effective December 31, 1985. His plans call for taking on the pastorate of the Blumenort (Man.) E.M. Church on January 1, 1986.
EVENTS • An Adult Bible and Science Retreat will take place at Camp Arnes on November 15 to 17. Marvin Harms, a science teacher for many years, is the featured resource person. Those teaching or leading youth, college and career, as well as church leadership persons, will find this weekend rewarding. Brochures are available from our office. • Youth Alive, a youth conference at SBC, takes place November 22-24. Arden Thiessen is the guest speaker and Chuck Girard will present a musical concert.
BOOKS • Common Sense About Your Family Dollar by James C. Thomason is a Victor Adult Elective. This book provides help for deciding financial goals, determining pre sent status, and moving towards effective money management. • Training Your Children to Handle Money by Malcolm McGregor will help parents raise a financially responsible son or daughter. It discusses allowances, parttime jobs, the difference between saving and hoarding, overspending, stealing, bor rowing. Wise spending and good manage ment are the ideals emphasized. •Leave Your House in Order by John G. Watts is a highly readable book about Willis, trusts, insurance and charitable giv ing. Principles and finances are clearly and simply explained. • Death and the Caring Community by Larry Richards and Paul Johnson is a Critical Concern Book discussing the ministry to the terminally ill. The underly ing concern is to communicate Christ’s love to the terminally ill. AUDIOVISUALS • Jesus, the Saviour is Born is a new filmstrip in our New Testament Stories series. • Christ is Come is a set of four filmstrips on the Christmas story. Each of the filmstrips is levelled for an age grouping. • Christmas for all Ages tells the Christmas story in four filmstrips of 10-15 minutes each. • Two films in the New Media Bible Films Series are available from our Resource Library. They are based on Luke 1 and 2. The rental is $15.00 per showing. Please reserve your audio-visuals for Christmas viewing with Martha Kroeker, Conference receptionist. Direct enquiries to: Resource Library Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Phone (204) 326-6401
THE MESSENGER
Births
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REIMER — to Wilmer and Pearl Reimer of Fisher Branch. Man., a daughter. Karla Leanne, on September 26. 1985 DUECK — to Tim and Judy Dueck of Saskatoon, Sask., a daughter. Corinthia Renee, on November. 30. 1984. DYCK — to Gordon and Marlylles Dyck of Win nipeg, Man., a son. Andrew Jonathan, on August 11. 1985. GABERT — to Joyce and Lonnie Gabert of Springside. Sask., a daughter, Meghan Jill, on August 17, 1985. LANE — to Chris and Connie Lane of Swift Cur rent. Sask., a daughter. Jasmine April, on October 9. 1985. NEUSTAETER — to Albert and Roberta Neustaeter of Swift Current. Sask., a son. Justin Randall, on September 28. 1985. JANZEN — to Jim and Diane Janzen of Swift Cur rent. Sask., a son, Eric David, on October 9, 1985. PENNER — to Jim and Linda Penner of Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Helen Ruth, on Oc tober 3. 1985. LOEWEN — to Cliff and Pauline Loewen of Blumenort, Man., a son, Christopher Scott, on Oc tober 23. 1985. NUSSBAUMER - to Mark and Margarit Nussbaumer of Barwick, Ont., a son, Jeremy, on October 9, 1985. ADRIAN — to Dave and Maria Adrian of Melville. Sask., a son. Regan David, on June 4. 1985. MclNNES — to Rob and Joyce Mclnnes of Win nipeg, Man., a son. Justin David, on August 13. 1985. REIMER — to Peter and Sandra Reimer of Win nipeg. Man., a daughter. Maria Chantelle. on Ju ly 25. 1985.
Weddings KORNELSEN-SIEMENS: Art Kornelsen and Helena Siemens were married on October 12, 1985. The wedding took place at the Blumenort E.M. Church, with Benny Friesen of Rosenort, Man., officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. CRAWFORD—SAWATZKY: Greg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Crawford of Prince Albert, Sask., and Wendy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Sawatzky of Saskatoon, Sask., were married at the Knox United Church on July 6, 1985. Dave Dueck of Saskatoon officiated. The couple is making their home in Saskatoon. BARTEL—PLETT: Kerry, son of Abe and Nettie Bartel of Rosenort, Man., was married on October 12, 1985 to Myrna, daughter of Erwin and Esther Plett of Wawanesa, Man. The wedding took place at the Treesbank E.M. Church in Wawanesa, with Rev. Bill Penner of Wawanesa officiating. The cou ple is making their home in Morris. Man. REIMER-PENNER: Danny, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dave J, Reimer of Blumenort, Man. and Shirley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Penner of Blumenort, Man., were married on September 28. 1985. The wedding took place at the Blumenort E.M. Church with Cliff Loewen of Blumenort officiating.
NOVEMBER 1, 1985
In Memoriam
C.P. LOEWEN 1926-1985 Cornelius Paul Loewen, well known as C.P. Loewen, was the youngest son of Cor nelius T. and Helen Friesen Loewen, and was born in Steinbach on October 2, 1926. He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers and three sisters. He married Annie Hildebrand on August 24, 1947. Five sons and one daughter were born to them: Paul, Charles, Stuart, Clyde, John, and Che Anne. He died suddenly but peacefully on Sun day, October 20, 1985 at his home in Steinbach. Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 23, 1985 at 2:00 p.m. at the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Steinbach, with Rev. Arden Thiessen officiating. Inter ment followed in the Steinbach Cemetery. Surviving him are his wife Annie, son Paul and his wife Mary, son Charles and his wife Cheryl, sons Stuart, Clyde and John, and daughter Che Anne, as well as six grand children. Mr. Loewen is also survived by one brother, George, and by four sisters, Mary, Mrs. Ben Hoeppner; Anna, Mrs. Aaron Warkentin: Wilma, Mrs. Lome Rempel; and Elvira, Mrs. Melvin Toews. Mr. Loewen worked in the lumber camps operated by his father, Mr. C.T. Loewen, and from 1949 to 1954 he managed Loewen Lumber Company in Rosenort. In July of 1951 his father’s business, C.T. Loewen & Sons, was bought by Mr. Loewen and his two brothers, Edward and George. The business, comprised of a lumber yard and a window factory, was operated by the three brothers until 1971. At this time Edward retired, George took over the lumber yard, and C. P. Loewen assumed ownership of Loewen Windows.
Mr. Loewen was baptized on April 23, 1944 and was a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Church until his death. A man of unusual foresight and integrity, and one who was able to give wise counsel to many, he was always concerned about being a good steward of what God had entrusted to him. As well, he recognized the need to adhere to Biblical values, and the importance of having good relations with employees. He touched and in fluenced many lives, and this influence will no doubt continue to be felt. Mr. Loewen was active in many avenues of service in addition to his business respon sibilities. He was a Steinbach school trustee for many years, was a member of the Gi deons, and was presently serving as president of Golden West Broadcasting. He served on various boards of his home church, as well as on numerous other church-related and civic organizations. Cornie had a great capacity to enjoy live. He loved every bit of it - his work, people, travel, even his many meetings and extra curricular activities. He loved flying, sailing, skiing, though he had little time for it. His sim ple faith never wavered and he never seem ed to have a down day. He was a wonderful husband and father, warm, loving, wise and understanding. How we shall miss his cheery personality, his guidance and wisdom. Already since his death we as a family have experienced the boomerang of the love and care he gave to others. I, his wife, would like to give him this final tribute, which, to me is a mirror of his life. There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave. There are souls that are pure and true. Then give to the world the best you have. And the best will come back to you.
Give love, and love to your life will flow, A strength to your utmost need. Have faith, and a score of hearts will show, Their faith in your word and deed. Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind. And honor will honor meet, And a smile that is sweet will surely find, A smile that is just as sweet.
Give sorrow and pity to those who mourn. You will gather flowers again. The scattered seeds of your thought outborne. Though the sowing seemed but vain. For life is a mirror of king and slave, ‘Tis just what we are and do. Then give to the world the best you have, And the best will come back to you.
The family would also with this express their appreciation for the thoughtfulness of friends, the flowers, food, cards and every sign of caring.
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From the Editor When Reason Fails (A combined editorial and book review) “FAITH is a matter of the will.” “If you can live your faith it is too small!” Above quotations come from the book, IF/iew Reason Fails, by Myron Augsburger. If you have guessed that this is a book dealing with the practical outworking of faith you have guess ed correctly. I think the statement “Faith is a matter of the will” is one that is important to consider. Emotions are necessary but are not the only thing that should propel us to faith. Faith does not restrict a person, as some might say. As Aubsburger says (page 31), ”... to come under the authority or lordship of Christ enlarges life! No one is so much a slave as the person who has lived his own way all of his life . . . when one lives under the authority of Christ, his life is expanded to include all that Christ offers” (p. 31). He devotes one chapter to “Understanding Yourself.” No doubt with insight born of experience, he says, “The last per son in the world you will fully understand is yourself!” (p. 37). In this relation he emphasizes that the most elusive part of self-understanding is the matter of motives. “The question is not as much what you do as why you do what you do” (p. 38). I think the author touches on a very important element of in terpersonal relationships here. Now, we need not get neurotic about this but we need to stand still and question what our real motives are in any given situation. I believe he expands on this when writing about making Christ the center of our life when he says, “Deep within the heart of every person something or someone wears a crown” (p. 44). When Christ is the center of our life we will also be concern ed about social injustice. “Our mission is one of reconciling per sons to God and their neighbours, which includes exposing and opposing social injustice” (p. 47). In the matter of faith he realizes that there are two answers. A person can choose not to have or accept faith. He speaks of this as “ . . . God’s terrible permission to say no, to our own destruction.” In the same chapter he also comes back to the matter of social injustice. “Christian freedom enables us to express valid con cerns about lack of freedom among other people - social in justice.” He further states that ”... we must struggle with the problems of affluence and poverty, of race over race, of ethnic group over ethnic group” (p. 53). In this book on practical faith he devotes a chapter to the education of the conscience. With keen insight he differentiates between a conscience that is “idolized” - a conscience that sets its voice above scripture, and one that is based on the Word. “No one’s conscience is to be idolized and followed in the place of God’s Word.” Here is a very elementary truth, yet one which can easily escape us. But the hard fact remains that he is right. One can see that this may often take the form of separating ourselves from a cultural conscience to one based on Scripture.
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For example, he states that “many evangelical Christians have strong convictions on minutiae but weak convictions on ma jor matters of faith” (p. 59). We would do well to seriously ask ourselves whether this is not sometimes true in our own lives. Maybe we are sometimes guilty of trying to make people over into our image rather than into the image of God. In speaking on obedience in the chapter on “Accepting God’s Will,” he says, “Obedience is like acquiring a new skill: we learn by doing” (p. 62). This is a new dimension of obedience: that we can learn obedience by doing. I suppose obedience when prac ticed this way can almost become a habit, which is good. It will fortify us against the onslaughts of Satan. We need faith to accept non-believers as future members of God’s kingdom. Strange as it may seem, since we are all sin ners accepted by grace, our greatest limitation in evangelism is our inability to accept non-believers as our future brothers and sisters in Christ” (p. 83). I think all of us have been guilty of this at some time or other. Mr. Augsburger says we have been working at this matter backwards, “ . . . always attempting to remake the other per son. Instead we should concentrate on being brotherly or sister ly!” (p. 83). He also expresses a new thought on forgiving offences of others when he says, “Forgiveness is the most costly thing in the universe. No one truly forgives the offence of another per son without paying a price. To forgive one who has wronged you means that you free him from your anger and literally carry your own indignation on his sin ... ” (p. 87). Looking at forgiveness in that light surely answers a lot of questions on the whole matter of forgiveness. A cost is involved. The writer also helps me when he remarks that “only when we have a happy conscience can we have a happy outlook. Good humour is the spirit of joy. As Christians we should not take ourselves too seriously” (p. 101). I exactly have the tendency to take myself too seriously. This brings real problems of self-forgiveness. I want to learn from this. IWtew Reason Fails is a very readable book. It would afford reading more than once to get its full impact. Mr. Augsburger is strong on the Christian and social justice, instances which I have pointed out. In my own life I am still wrestling with the question. To what extent should a Christian be involved with this? I believe he strikes a good balance when he says, “And yet, while working at all of these, we must recognize the deeper cause of these evils: human perversion. Justice works to correct in justice towards God and others. If we would counteract the pro blems of sin, we must seek to correct the sinner” (p. 113). This is a book I would recommend for both layman and clergy. When Reason Fails by Myron Augsburger, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois. $4.95. D.S.
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