The Messenger September 5, 1986

The Messenger FVANGFI ICAI MENNONITE MFNNONITE CONFERENCE EVANGELICAL

VOL. 24

NO. 18

1986 SEPT. 5, 1 9{

Beginning today we are presenting the first of three articles on Anabaptist Missions. The active involvement in the spread of the Gospel by the 16th-century Anabaptists may come as a surprise to some and will hopefully be a challenge to all.

ANABAPTIST MISSIONS (PART I)

The Great Commission by David Thiessen

T

he story of the missionary activity of the sixteenth­ century Anabaptists has been referred to as the missing chapter in the histories of Christian mis­ sions. And what an exciting and provocative chapter it is! The Anabaptists’ view of the Great Commission is a logical starting point in our attempt to understand their missionary zeal. Their concept of the Great Commission assumes its real significance against the background of the territorial state churches of the sixteenth century.

The Reformers generally denied the validity of the Great Commission for their time. Luther believed that the New Testament command to preach the Gospel to all creatures was binding only upon the original apostles. Melanchthon, likewise, held that Jesus directed the Great Commission only to his immediate audience, so there was no longer any general apostolic commission. Each bishop or church leader had his own prescribed church (Next page, please)

The Anabaptists, because of their rejection of territorial Christianity, moved across political boundaries in the propagation of the faith. They felt no land should be closed to the proclama­ tion of the Gospel. role or place. Heinrich Bullinger, Zwingli’s successor in Zurich, criticized the Anabaptists for their literal accep­ tance of the Great Commission. He based his criticism on a belief that a true Christian remains in his calling or sta­ tion and does not wander around. When Adrianus Saravia, a Reformed writer (1531-1613), published a book in which he claimed that the Great Commission had not been fully discharged by the apostles and that it had validity for the whole church, Theodor Beza, Calvin’s successor in Geneva, wrote a counterattack, arguing that the Great Commission had been fulfilled by the apostles and consequently was no longer operative. In contrast, certain post-Reformation Roman Catholic orders, particularly the Jesuits, had a strong missionary consciousness (Littell, Origins of Sectarian Protestantism, p. 197). Another deterrent to missionary activity among the Reformers was the acceptance of a territorial-national church whose boundaries and faith, whether Lutheran, Reformed, or Catholic, were determined by the princes. Any extension of the “faith” beyond those boundaries was done by the power of the sword. Calvin, although he did not deny the validity of the Great Commission, maintained that it was not the responsibility of the church but the duty of the “Christian” government (Kasdorf, Direction, April 1975, p. 304). The Anabaptists, however, because of their rejection of territorial Chris­ tianity, moved across political boundaries in the propaga­ tion of the faith. They felt no land should be closed to the proclamation of the Gospel. This conviction was fre­ quently underscored by a proof-text, “The earth is the Lord’s, and' the fulness thereof.” Even within the territorial boundaries, the missionary motif for the Reformers seems to be missing. All people in a given territory were immediately taken into the church through infant baptism. Then after the child grew up he was required by law to attend church where he listened to preaching and received the sacraments. Very little thought was given to the inner conversion of the population. With respect to their lack of missions con­ sciousness Littell says, “The dominant Protestantism was stagnant until the rise of Pietism nearly two centuries later brought a missionary energy and world-mindedness into magisterial Protestantism” (Littell, p. 117). It was the Anabaptists’ conviction that in contrast to the prevailing pattern of compulsion and territorial conformi­ ty, they should restore the New Testament missionary method of preaching and letter-writing. They believed that at the time of the early church the missionary man­ date had been obeyed most faithfully, they set about to restore this lost virtue. It was through an unreserved obe­ dience to the Great Commission that primitive Christiani­ ty was to be restored. Sebastian Franck, a friend and PAGE 2

critic of the early Anabaptists, said, “They wish to imitate apostolic life . . . move about from one place to another preaching, and claiming a great calling and mission” (quoted in Toews, The Church in Mission, p. 95). Indeed, those called by Jesus were known as ‘missioners’ (Euangelisten) •. Matthew 28 was the first order, and Luke 24 the second. Christ did not conceive of winning by iron or prison, but by the glorious and contagious forthgoing of the inspired community. The Anabaptists contrasted the winning of the world by free evangel with the compulsion which had controlled the Great Church’s fallen estate. The community, organized about an evangelical purpose, like the True Church of the first centuries, was to be a standing testimony to religious liberty (Littell, p. 117). The Great Commission was central to the Anabaptists’ view of calling or mission in life. It was fundamental for both the witness of the individual believer and to the life and task of the Christian community. Court testimonies indicate that few things were given more serious attention than the Great Commission. For Menno Simons the primary Biblical requirement was ethical, and second to that was the missionary command (Matt. 28:19, Mark 16:15). As a corollary to their literal affirmation of the Great Commission, the Anabaptists held that European Christendom, after a thousand-year existence, needed to hear the Gospel. They looked upon the then known world as one great missionary territory. This is of great significance for their evangelistic motivation.

It was the Anabaptist’s conviction that . . . they should restore the New Testa­ ment missionary method of preaching and letter writing. The Anabaptists not only took the Great Commission seriously, they also gave it sweeping application. The missionary command followed baptism and therefore ap­ plied to every believer. Even the ordinary church member was charged with the responsibility of evangelism at the occasion of his baptism, followed by the baptismal candidate’s promise to heed the Lord’s command and go wherever sent. What a revolutionary practice! The baptism of the new Christian, through which he identified with the church, in effect became his commissioning for service and ministry. Truly, this was the priesthood of all believers, a priesthood in which the most simple believer could be an evangelist. All other cultural or vocational callings were subordinated to the missionary task. The great Anabaptist missionary Hans Hut often preached to large crowds. Upon baptizing the thousands who confess­ ed Christ as Lord, Hut would challenge them all to obey the Great Commission to tell others the Good News . . . When asked what compelled them to go, they answered without hesitation: ‘the Great Commission’ (Kasdorf, p. 311). It is this commitment to the expansion of the faith that caused Franklin Littell to assert that “it is not too much to call the Taeufer forerunners of the modern missionary movement” (Littell, p. 113). The Anabaptists believed that the sequence in the Great Commission of preaching, faith, and then baptism THE MESSENGER

was of utmost importance. The Lord had given not only a general command, but a specific order in which things should happen. In August 1525 Oecolampadius, the Reformer at Basel, debated with the Anabaptist com­ munity. “The Basel Anabaptists defended their missionary program on the basis of the Great Commission in Mat­ thew, which sets preaching before baptism, and on the example of the Ethiopian baptized by Philip” (Williams, The Radical Reformation, pp. 146, 147). The court records of a certain Anabaptist missioner from Augsburg, Augustin Wuerzlburger, reports, “He thinks nothing of his first baptism; one must not baptize unbelievers. Only after one believes and the gospel is preached is one to be baptized, if it is so desired” (Hillerbrand, ed.. The Refor­ mation. pp. 138, 140). Balthasar Hubmaier, in par­ ticular, emphasized the proper order in the carrying out of the Great Commission. With reference to Matthew 28 he says, “Here Christ commands two things to his apostles by virtue of the power that God the Father gave him, in heaven and on earth. First, they shall teach men. Second, they shall baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost” (William R. Estep, ed., Anabaptist Beginnings, p. 83). Hubmaier interpreted the missionary command in Mark 16 as follows: “Now it is evident that there must be: (1) going: (2) preaching; (3) he who believes, (4) and is baptized, (5) he shall be saved. Here you see an orderly chain of thought, no let­ ter of which can be omitted if the command is to be obeyed” (Ibid.). The Anabaptists also used Romans 10 as a basis for their belief that man must first hear and have an oppor­ tunity to freely respond to the Gospel before he can be saved from eternal death and be baptized. “Man can believe only when he hears; he can hear only when some­ one preaches; preaching is always based on the Word of God and determined by the Church’s obedience to the Command of Christ. Therefore, they felt compelled to go and to preach” (Kasdorf, p. 305). The necessity for the preaching of God’s Word as a prerequisite to personal salvation was also emphasized by Pilgram Marpeck. He says. The knowledge of good and evil, which is inward in the heart, comes naturally or in the preaching of God's law so that through the preaching of the gospel (those who hear) will become captive to the simplicity of faith in Christ and themselves bear witness to the truth and be baptized, becom­ ing a child again, after the order of Christ (Anabaptist Begin­ nings. pp. 165-168). Hubmaier said, “So faith comes through preaching, that is preaching which is the Word of God, our heavenly Father.”

The Anabaptists held that European Christen­ dom, after a thousand-year existence, needed to hear the Gospel. For the Anabaptists, then, the preaching of the Word of God, through the instrumentality of obedient disciple missionaries, was absolutely essential for the spiritual rebirth of doomed sinners into eternal life. Baptism was

SEPTEMBER 5, 1986

granted only to those who, on the basis of personal faith and repentance, desired it. This conviction was a power­ ful motivation for mission. The Great Commission was the God-ordained method for Kingdom expansion; the preaching of the Gospel was the first task of that mis­ sionary mandate. It should also be noted here that evangelism was one dimension of the Anabaptists’ view of Christianity as discipleship. In their evangelistic travels and witness they believed they were simply following the Lord Jesus who had said, “As the Father has sent me, even so 1 send you.” Balthasar Hubmaier comments, “As a final act . . . Christ sent out his disciples as God his father had sent him . . . And his disciples today, in his bodily absence, represent him and (Rom. 5) proclaim to all believers a sure and certain remission of sins through Christ Jesus” (Ibid., 79).

“It is not too much to call the Taeufer (Anabaptists) forerunners of the modern mis­ sionary movement” (Littel).

So it is important to realize that the concept of love was central to the Anabaptists’ motivation for evangelistic witness. “As nonresistance was love’s negative expres­ sion, missions became its positive affirmation” (Estep, The Anabaptist Story, p. 193). This viewpoint is confirm­ ed by some of the comments of the Anabaptists at the Barn Disputation of 1538. They said. The Gospel of Jesus Christ constrains us to speak about it; we cannot be silent. Christ, the Son of God, came to bring this Gospel; the Apostolic church consisted of men sent out to preach this Gospel. The Apostle Paul said: To be a Chris­ tian is to abandon sin and to preach the Gospel (Matthijssen, The Mennonite Quarterly Review 22. January 1948: 30). They repeat, “Again our preaching is constrained by the love of Jesus Christ for us and in us” (Ibid., p. 31). This testimony points to a dynamic inner experience of the Gospel, particularly the love of Christ, as the basis for the Anabaptist motivation for mission. Nevertheless, in spite of the numerous dimensions of the Anabaptist missionary motivation mentioned above, faith was to be a free, uncoerced response of the in­ dividual to the Gospel. Marpeck asserts, “There is no coercion but a free . . . spirit, in Christ Jesus our Lord. He who does not want, may remain outside. He who is willing, may come and drink freely” (Anabaptist Beginn­ ings, p. 168). Perhaps even this conviction obligated pro­ clamation of the message of the Kingdom by those who had already tasted its living waters. Perhaps it was the conviction that if every man is to be able to choose free­ ly, then he must be given the needed information and the invitation to respond. This radical acceptance of the Great Commission as normative for these sixteenth­ century “apostles” contributed to one of the more ag­ gressive missionary movements in Christian history.

Next time: Demonstration of the Gospel: Demonstration

Verbal

PAGE 3

Letters CONCERNED

It is with interest that we read the Messenger with all its reports from the churches and the mission field. We are glad that the Lord has given us EMCers the vision that we too have the responsibility to send out missionaries and church planters. We live in a country of freedom and plenty so we can afford to send out missionaries and to send relief to the hungry through MCC. 1 hope we can keep it up and even inciease. Many missionaries are asking for help; there is so much to do. When I see how much time and money Christians are spending on non-essentials and how the jewelers are getting rich selling jewelry to Christians, 1 have a concern. I want to touch on several scriptures which deal with this. Paul writes in Romans 15:4, “For whatever was written in former days was writ­ ten for our instruction.” Since earrings are becoming very popular and good Christians are accepting them, 1 hardly feel like writing on this, but 1 don’t feel free not to. According to Hosea 2:13 and Isaiah 3 it seems as if the wearing of jewelry is connected with haughtiness (pride). Genesis 35:4 states that after Jacob’s daughter fell into sin and Jacob wanted to do housecleaning, he buried the idols and earrings, indicating that this meant identifying with the world. Solomon calls the golden chains a blessing, but what kind of an example was he, with his many women? When he got older and his resistance weakened he built altars for their idols (I Kings 11:4,7). In I Tim. 2:9 Paul sug­ gests that women should not be adorned with gold or pearls or costly array. Have these words lost their validity? Why? It’s not my aim to tell people how much jewelry to wear, or how many sports vehicles to own, but to arouse attention to the portions of scripture that, seemingly have been overlooked. What 1 am afraid of is the leanness men­ tioned in Psalm 106:15. John L. Penner Box 2872 Steinbach, Man.

Editorial ^Notes By the editor

WHAT WOULD our reaction be if one day on the evening news we would be informed that former astronaut James Irwin had been successful in locating Noah’s Ark? This will be Irwin’s sixth expedition to find the ark. It is one venture which is associated with severe obstacles, reports the Free Press. I suppose among those of us who have believed the Bible narrative from childhood it need not create too many waves. It would only confirm what we have believed all the time. The unbelieving world would need to sit up and take notice, though. The skeptic would have to change his tune. The doubter would have to examine his beliefs. Whether it would bring many new people into the kingdom is debatable. Jesus said to the rich man in Luke 16:31. “If they hear not Moses and the prophets neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” In Matt. 16:1 we read that the Pharisees with the Sadducees came to Christ seeking a sign from heaven. He remonstrates with them on their lack of discernment, and then adds that ”... a wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign: and there shall no sign be given unto it but the sign of the prophet Jonah.” I believe the Lord is able and does confirm our faithful actions, maybe not always as we would wish. However, this is after the fact, not before, and is different than seeking for a sign before the fact. Now. God is able to do this too. and has in the Bible. But it would seem to me He wants us to trust Him and believe. “Lo, I am with you.” and not rely on signs before we make a move.

STEMMING from a decision of the Latin American Caucus at the Mennonite World Conference (1984 Strassbourg) a consultation related to the mission of the church is to be held in Guatemala September 7-10, 1986. Our Nicaragua missionaries, Don and Liz Plett, as well as Ernie Koop, expect to be there. As well, Henry and Ramona Klassen, EMC Board of Missions, plan to attend. Courier, the quarterly publication of Men-

nonite World Conference, closes its report on this meeting with the following aspirations: "The planners hope that this event makes a forceful contribution to the unity of the Latin American Mennonites and contributes to the expansion of the church’s testimony.” We may sometimes deplore the prolifera­ tion of meetings and their costs. However, looking at it in the light of what we spend on other things. 1 believe we should only say God bless, and pray for its success.

I BELIEVE you will all forgive me if 1 draw a little bit of attention to the innovative way in which the Pelly Fellowship Chapel drew at­ tention to their church at the town’s 75th an­ niversary (see page 8). A church, of course, needs to discriminate where and in what sort of celebration to get involved. However. I believe in this instance it was in good taste and might become an ex­ ample to others as to what possibilities there are to make the church known in the community.

CONTRIBUTORS: In this issue of the Messenger we are begin­ ning a three-part series on Anabaptist Mis­ sions. The material has been prepared for publication by Dave Thiessen, Calgary, Alta. He has excerpted this from a thesis he did for the degree of Master of Christian Studies, “The Church in Mission: Factors that Con­ tributed to the Sixteenth Century Anabaptists Being a Missionary People.” The complete text has six chapters, in­ cluding one each on Discipleship, Suffering, Christian Community and Verbal Proclama­ tion. Both the Steinbach Bible College and the EMC Archives have complete copies. Presently Mr. Thiessen is the pastor of the Forest Grove (EMC) Church in Calgary, Alta. He lives at 52 Castlbrook Rise N.E., Calgary, Alta. T3J 1R5. John and Brenda Cosens (Braeside) are in­ volved in native ministries in Kamsack, Sask. Elmer and Eluira Warkentin (Morris) are ser­ ving in Nigeria under SIM International. They are responsible for personnel administration for Nigeria.

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.

PAGE 4

THE MESSENGER

Missions Q. What made you decide to become a Christian?

A. What made me commit my life to Jesus

was the testimony of my family. I saw my wife and children going to church and it was mak­ ing a big difference in their lives. 1 started go­ ing to services and Bible studies in February. I wanted a better life for myself and the change I saw in my family convinced me to go and see what it was about.

Q.

When and how did you become a Christian?

4 Joe Key and family. Front (left to right): Gar­ field, Carol-lee, Angie. Back: Gerald, Julie (Joe's wife), Joe.

KAMSACK, SASK.

A Better Life I saw the change in my family

Joe Key attends the Badgerville E.M. Church. He has just recently become a Chris­ tian, so I asked him a few questions about himself.

0.

Joe, can you tell us a little bit about your life before you became a Christian?

A. My life was pretty miserable. I got into

all kinds of trouble. I had no respect for myself or for others. I came to a place where I wanted to change but I wanted to do it on my own. About a year ago I went to an alcoholic rehabilitation center to deal with my drinking. I was able to quit drinking but I still felt there was something missing. Just to quit drinking wasn’t enough. After I quit I went back to my wife and family, who were now living in Kamsack. When I returned I found that my wife was a Christian. She and our children were attending services at the Badgerville EMC.

Q.

When was the first time you heard about Jesus and what did you think?

A. At around twelve years old I first heard

about Jesus. I went to a school run by Mennonite Christians. I heard about the gospel there just about every day. 1 believed what they said about Jesus, but I never made a commitment. SEPTEMBER 5, 1986

A. On Friday, July 18, 1, along with my

teenage son, Gerald, made a commitment to follow Jesus. I had decided a while before that this was what 1 wanted to do but some things in my life held me back. 1 was able to deal with them, however, and accept the Lord.

. I realize that it is only a short time since you became a Christian but perhaps you could tell us what changes the Lord has made in your life.

A. I feel 1 can communicate better with my family and others. There is a better understan­ ding of one another in our family. My life is much brighter now that 1 have become a Christian. . Do you haue any plans for the future?

A. The main thing is that 1 don’t give up

my life with the Lord for anything. In time the Lord will show me what He wants for me. I’m just thankful that I’ve gone from a life of hell to a better life. A verse of Scripture that sums up what the Lord is doing in my life is II Cor. 5:17, “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” John Cosens

NIGERIA

Warkentin Update It would be so much fun to just drop in on you and share happenings of the last few months. But since that is not possible let us share a few highlights: Family: All three K’s finished up the school year in Hillcrest with good reports. Kendra performed in the Middle School band while Kelly enjoyed singing in the school choir on tour to Ilorin (500 miles) and area. He pulled off a good piece at the piano recital. Karlene’s out-of-school time was mostly spent in play­ ing with her neighbour friends; Hannah and

Ajibade are her favourites. We enjoyed a ten-day family holiday in June, travelling out of Jos for some days and also just enjoying taking it easy at home. We enjoy our family so much; we praise God for unity and love for each other. Ministry: In March we made a tour of Kwara State and Lagos in southern Nigeria. It was encouraging for us as we visited the SIM missionaries on their stations. What do they do? * Build a house for a pastor’s widow. "Teach Bible in Government schools. "Train Christian leaders in Seminary. "Train teachers in a Christian Teachers’ College. "Run a discipleship program for high schoolers. "Get visas, tickets, generator parts, meet planes, etc., in giant Lagos. "Train doctors, nurses, pharmacists to take full charge of a large hospital. It was encouraging to peek into the lives of our colleagues on these out-stations. We trust we were an encouragement to them too. Spiritual; God is working in our lives. Our children are growing in their devotional lives; it is thrilling for us to see them maturing in the midst of problems which accompany the growing up process. In March Elvira and I spend several days alone as a couple, discuss­ ing, praying, reading, rededicating our lives to the Lord and to each other. We set some personal goals for ourselves as a couple and as a family. We are very conscious of the enemy’s desire to keep us from growing in discipleship and from enjoying a leadership role characterized by freedom and love . . . We pray God’s grace and peace for you as you serve God in the place He has called you to. We do appreciate hearing from you. Thank you to those who have written during the last few months. Elmer and Eluira Warkentin

Position Open Anola EMC Church: A pastor is required, with starting date as soon as possible. For more infor­ mation contact Bernard Wiebe (204) 866-2856 or Edwin Friesen at the Conference Office (204) 326-6401.

PAGE 5

Messenger News

Abe Reddekop was the main speaker at the Region 4 conference in August.

Kola Hosts Third Region 4 Conference Kola, Man.: The third Region 4 conference took place August 9 and 10 at our church after much work, prayer, and anticipation, People active in church building and yard clean-up and maintenance; in program plan­ ning for adults, youth, and children; in meal planning; and in billeting arrangements all paved the way for a conference such as this, Later more were involved in meal prepara-

tion from the participating churches, helping with the children’s sessions, and participating in the music, sharing and preaching. Still more people were involved - the people who came to listen and learn and fellowship. Most of these people came from Region 4 of our Con­ ference which includes Portage, MacGregor, Arden, Treesbank, Brandon. Heron, and Kola churches. The theme for the weekend was “Missions for Everyone,” and the speaker was Abe Red­ dekop, communications representative for Gospel Missionary Union and editor of the Gospel Message. Five sessions were held, starting Saturday afternoon and closing Sun­ day night. The children participated with the adults and were dismissed before the message for films or other activities. Sunday morning there was no Sunday school, but all ages met for morning worship. Extra sports activities were planned in the afternoons for the youth, and a youth afterglow Saturday evening featured the film “Never Ashamed.” Mr. Abe Reddekop made it clear that mis­ sions is for everyone and starts at home. All could and should be involved - young and old. He pointed out that the church has a huge task to help the world. We were remind­ ed to be careful not to become “ingrown.” He challenged us to not be afraid of change if it would help us reach out. Change can help us stay fresh and vibrant rather than being stale and stagnant. Saturday evening some Kola youth (Lowell Reimer, David Kruse, Keith Siemens, Reinhardt Heinrichs) presented a drama that showed what missions is really all about more than willingness to go, more than willingness to give money - rather, willingness

and action where we are now. On Sunday afternoon there was a missions panel with Frank Braun (Kamsack). Henry Klassen (EMC Board of Missions), Bill Pen­ ner (Treesbank), and Abe Reddekop. Dave Wiebe (Brandon) led the panel discussion, and questions could be asked from the floor. Many people mentioned the usefulness of the Sunday afternoon session when Mr. Red­ dekop shared how to pray for missionaries. In the closing session Sunday evening the mass choir, directed by Ernest Reimer and ac­ companied by his wife Sherridan, sang a mis­ sions medley. This was a combined effort of all the churches and was a tremendous bless­ ing to those who participated as well as to those who listened. When talking with others about the weekend, some commented on the fact that this was the first conference with other chur­ ches they had attended. They had never been to our EMC annual convention nor any other Region 4 conference. Getting to know others from our Conference churches had been a highlight for them. Fellowship was definitely a “plus” for many. Abe Reddekop’s sense of humor added a special touch to the weekend. Others said that participating in the mass choir had been one of the best activities of the conference. The weekend seemed to go so quickly, and yet the treasures from God’s Word and in newfound friends made it a valuable time. May we not forget to live what we learned Missions is for Everyone.

T A mass choir, under the direction of Ernest Reimer, sang at the Region 4 conference held in Kola, Man. August 9 and 10.

PAGE 6

Mealtime at the Region 4 conference in Kola, Man.

THE MESSENGER

MANY ATTEND VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Braeside (Winnipeg): Our response to John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” is “Jesus. 1 Love You." This was our theme during our Vacation Bible School. All Bible lessons were from the Gospel of St. John. From July 21 to July 25. from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, we had invited our church neighbourhood to come and learn about Jesus and His love and in return respond, “Jesus, I Love You.” Boys and girls, ages 2 through grade 7. attended. There was also a class for adults. Of the 118 children who attended, 54 do not attend any Sunday school. Of the 54 who attend Sunday school, 34 were from Braeside. We were pleased to be able to reach so many homes with the gospel of Jesus’ love. Our dedicated staff of teachers and workers in the nursery, kitchen, sports, music and advertising were responsible for making Vaca­ tion Bible School a time of learning and wor­ shipping God in this summer ministry. Bruce Derksen was our Vacation Bible School direc­ tor. Bruce began Spanish language studies in mid-August at the Rio Grande Bible Institute, Edinburg, Texas, in preparation for mis­ sionary work in Paraguay. Our closing program took place on Friday, July 25, at 7:00 p.m., with all children par­ ticipating. Our theme song, "Jesus, I Love You,” was sung by the children to begin the program: Jesus, I love You! Jesus, I love You! Jesus, I love You! I’ll tell it to the world that I love You! Oh. the Bible says that You love me. And You’re always thinking of me. And You gave Your life to save me. Then I arose in victory! And I know because You are God’s Son, That You came to see His will done. I will sing and pray, live for You each day.

Region 2* Regional Conference and EMC Ministerial Meeting October 3-5, 1986 Swift Current, Sask. “Evangelism and Discipleship in the Local Church” with James Nikkei FRIDAY

7:30 p.m.

Conference session

SATURDAY

9:00-10:30 a.m. 11:00-12:00 noon

1:30-4:00 p.m. ,7:30 p.m.

EMC ministerial meeting Public session “The Conversion and Integration of Children in the Church” - Walter Reimer Workshops Conference session

SUNDAY

10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

Joint worship (Swift Current Composite High School) Conference session Faspa

♦Region 2 consists of the churches at Swift Current, Sask.; Wymark, Sask.; Saskatoon, Sask.; Calgary, Alta.; and Edmonton, Alta. However, Region 2 is inviting anyone from anywhere to participate in their conference. And tell of Your love for me! Jesus, I love You! Jesus, I love You! Jesus, I love You! I'll tell it to the world that I love You!

CELEBRATING GOD’S FAITHFULNESS Winnipeg EMC Churches October 13, 1986 6:00 p.m. (begins with “faspa”)

r

Celebrating God’s faithfulness to the EMC churches of Winnipeg over the past 35 years. This is your invitation. Former EMC Winnipeg members are especially welcome. Place: Braeside EMC Church 1011 Munroe Ave. Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 667-2970

SEPTEMBER 5, 1986

Bus Charter to Swift Current Join in the fellowship and inspira­ tion of the Region 2 conference and EMC ministerial meeting being held in Swift Current, Sask., Octobers, 4 and 5. A bus has been chartered to travel from Steinbach to Swift Cur­ rent, with pick-ups enroute. (Bus leaves 7:00 a.m., Oct. 3, and returns Oct. 5, 5:00 p.m.) Reserve your seat now by calling Martha at the Conference Office (326-6401). Ministerial members and spouses ride at Conference expense. Others pay $45.00 return. All are welcome. N.B. Please respond by September 19, 1986.

PAGE 7

challenging experience, it was difficult to say goodbye to the campers at the end of the week.” An appreciation night honouring Cal and Anna Dueck was held on August 17. Words of encouragement were given to Cal and

Anne, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.” God bless you, Cal and Anna, as you take further studies and as you leave us to reside in Winnipeg.

s *

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J

SERVING THIS COMMUNITY FOR YEARS dh Tcnna at.

pell/ ■

CHRPEL .i

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Tina and Arley Barkman, the new pastoral couple at the Fisher Branch church.

Pelly Fellowship Chapel float at the Pelly 75th anniversary parade. PASTORAL COUPLE INSTALLED

Fisher Branch, Man.: July 13 was a milestone for Arley and Tina Barkman, the installation day for them as our new pastoral couple. Ed Friesen, Arley’s uncle, was pre­ sent for this important occasion. He spoke to us on I Peter 4:7-11, encouraging us as a con­ gregation to focus on prayer, to have a balance between fellowship and worship, and to use our gifts to serve others and not ourselves. He reminded us to not compare leaders; God has given different gifts to dif­ ferent people. Arley and Tina shared a beautiful testimony in the song they chose to sing. “To glorify Thee, this is my plea. Work out Thy purpose. They plan for me, A yield­ ed vessel. Thine own to be. Thy praise and glory to live for Thee.” A fellowship dinner was held after the service. Many of our people were involved in Chris­ tian service this summer. Some worked at Beaver Creek Bible Camp, others taught DVBS, and two of our young people went to Quebec for Christian service. Let’s not forget all the faithful folk who worked behind the scenes. One DVBS teacher said, “One of the highlights of VBS that I experienced came during the first class 1 taught. I was somewhat surprised at how well the students knew the Bible and Bible truths. This encouraged me because it told me that VBS and Bible camp are serving to instruct children in the way of Jesus.” One camp worker said, “Being counsellor at teens’ camp was a real worthwhile and PAGE 8

75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED

Felly, Sask.: The first weekend in August was a special time for this area. A homecom­ ing celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of the village of Pelly was held. The Fellowship Chapel entered a float, along with about forty others, to make a colourful and giant parade on Saturday morning, August 2. Several of our church family rode on the float and provided music and song. The weekend was truly a homecoming for many; some returned who had not been back to Pel­ ly for years. There were reacquaintances made with some who had been a part of our church fellowship back in its beginning. Sunday morning a joint interdenomina­ tional worship service was held outdoors on the museum grounds. The morning message was given by Ben Eidse of Steinbach, Man. Ben was the first worker sent to this area by the Western Gospel Mission, in 1950. His message was very much in keeping with the times - “The Unchanging One in an Era of Change.” Ben went on to cite changes that have taken place - in this area, in the lives of those they had known here, and in their own lives. He used scripture to provide proof of an unchanging God. His perfection, man’s imperfections, and our need to align with God. At the close of the service, Ben, together with his wife Helen, shook many hands and

renewed friendships from those early years in Pelly. The annual “Youth Smash” was held August 16 - good participation, good weather, good food, good fellowship.

International Sunday School Convention Of Canada

In Winnipeg, Manitoba “Teaching Today . . . for Tomorrow”

October 16, 17, 18, 1986 Sponsored by International Christian Education Association USA - Canada

THE MESSENGER

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Baptized on June 15 at the Prairie Rose E.M. Church were Stan and Jutia Doerksen and Mrs. Madeleine Barkman. Edwin Plett, pastor (back, right). Rueben and Lyse Giesbrecht (picture on right) were accepted into membership May 11. Pastor Plett on left.

Births Secretary Wanted PLACE: Evangelical Mennonite Con­ ference Office

POSITION: Secretary for Board of Missions

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QUALIFICATIONS: Interest in people Commitment to the mission of the church Typing skills

Ability to initiate

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Typing, filing, involvement in production of public relations material, scheduling missionary itineration, and other responsibilities related to the ad­ ministration of the missions program of the Board of Missions.

Enquiries should be forwarded to:

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Office Manager Evangelical Mennonite Conference Office Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Ph. (204) 326-6401

SEPTEMBER 5, 1986

FALK — to Dale and Laura Falk of Portage la Prairie. Man., a son. Kevin Blair, on August 22. 1986. WIEBE — to Harry and Joanne Wiebe of Stein­ bach. Man., a daughter. Nicole Audrey, on June 21. 1986. KOOP — to Bert and Kathy Koop of Kola. Man., a son. Darcy Brian, on August 11. 1986.

Weddings KLASSEN-GUST: Dennis Peter, son of Mrs. Erna Klassen of Kola. Man., was married on June 28, 1986 to Kathleen Joy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gust of Minitonas. Man. The wedding took place at the First Baptist Church in Minitonas. The couple is making their home in Calgary. ROBERTSON-BRANDT: Allen Stewart, son of Mr. and Mrs, Cliff Robertson, and Valone Fay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Brandt of Kola. Man.. were married on June 21. 1986 at the Kola E. M. Church. The couple is residing in Fairlight. Sask. FUNK-WIEBE: Elwin. son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Funk of Steinbach. Man., was married on August 16, 1986 to Tania, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Wiebe of Kola. Man. The wedding took place al the Steinbach Mennonite Church with Paul Dueck of Steinbach officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. KROEKER-FUNK: Ken, son of Albert and Tina Kroeker of Steinbach, Man., and Amanda, daughter of John and Esther Funk of Mitchell, Man., were married on May 17. 1986. The wed­ ding took place at the Steinbach E. M. Church with Arden Thiessen of Steinbach officiating. The cou­ ple is residing in Steinbach. KROEKER-WIEBE: Aldon, son of Clarence and Agnes Kroeker of Steinbach. Man., was married to Priscilla, daughter of John and Nettie Wiebe of Steinbach. The wedding took place on August 16. 1986 at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church in Stein-' bach, with Jim Harms of Steinbach officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach.

QUIRING-KROEKER: Ken, son of Irwin and Bet­ ty Quiring of Blumenort, Man., and Yolanda, daughter of Jake and Bertha Kroeker of El Paso, Texas, were married on August 24, 1986 at the Rosenort E. M Church with Johnny Loewen of Rosenort, Man. officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. Man. HIEBERT-HIEBERT: Norman, son of Mrs. Tina Hiebert of Steinbach, Man., was married on August 9, 1986 to Cheryl, daughter of Floyd and Norma Hiebert of Steinbach. The wedding took place at the Steinbach E. M. Church, with Jim Harms of Steinbach officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. KEHLER-FUNK: Darryl, son of Dennis and Helen Kehler of Steinbach, Man., and Eveline, daughter of Henry and Helena Funk of Steinbach, were mar­ ried on June 21. 1986. The wedding took place at the Steinbach E, M. Church with Arden Thiessen of Steinbach officiating. The couple is residing in Steinbach. TOEWS-FUNK: Brian, son of Gus and Agnes Toews of Steinbach. Man., and Debbie, daughter of Henry and Elvira Funk of Steinbach, were mar­ ried at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church in Stein­ bach, with Jim Harms of Steinbach officiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg, Man. ■ REMPEL-DYCK: Peter, son of John and Maria Rempel of Mitchell, Man., and Marlene, daughter of Herman and Betty Dyck of Steinbach, Man., were married on July 27, 1986 at the Steinbach E. M. Church. Jim Harms of Steinbach officiated. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. FRIESEN-THIESSEN: Andrew, son of Jim and Naomi Friesen of Steinbach, Man., was married to Brenda, daughter of Frank and Linda Thiessen of Steinbach. The wedding took place on June 28, 1986 at the Ridgewood E. M. Church with Don Thiessen of Ridgewood, Man. officiating. The cou­ ple is making their home in Steinbach. PLETT-REIMER: Royden, son of Menno and Jessie Plett of Steinbach. Man., and Karen, daughter of Jake and Darlene Reimer of Steinbach, Man., were married at the Ridgewood E. M. Church on June 21, 1986, with Henry Kornelsen of Ridgewood, Man. officiating. The couple is mak­ ing their home in Steinbach.

PAGE 9

Around the World MENNONITE CONFERENCE MEETING IN SASKATCHEWAN OPENS ITSELF TO DIFFICULT ISSUES

Saskatoon -Worship, celebration and a willingness to discuss difficit subjects occupied delegates of the General Conference Men­ nonite Church in triennial session July 21-27 in the Saskatoon Field House. Over 2,000 persons from across Canada and the United States gathered to focus on “Thy Kingdom Come,” from the Lord's Prayer. Twenty-six new member congregations were welcomed into the denomination. Delegates and guests discussed a major development drive, a statement on human sexuality, evangelism and church planting, ____apartheid. _______ peacemaking and A $17.5 rn'illion fundraising campaign is the symbol of new commitment to four goals: evangelism and church planting, teaching and practicing biblical principles, training of church leaders, and working for Christian uni­ ty. David Ortis of British Columbia caution­ ed against “cheap renewal. " “Renewal,” he said.'■■includes anguish-struggling to find the will of God.” A delegate from Arizona said, “When we follow Jesus truly, the money is there.” Another delegate (from South Dakota) figured that with over 65,000 members, the per person suggested gift to the new fund drive would be about the cost of a new pair of shoes. Conferees gave five hours of discussion and consideration to a resolution on human sex­ uality. The statement recognizes the short­ comings of all in understanding their own sex­ uality and gives particular guidance in the areas of premarital, extramarital and homosexual activity. Delegates adopted a statement calling for an end to violence and apartheid in South Africa. Over 500 Mennonite youth attended a variety of workshops in a separate conference held on the University of Saskatchewan campus, but who also sent representatives to participate in the discussion of issues with the adults. The youth also presented an original musical to the entire gathering on Saturday evening. Harris Loewen, now of Iowa, is the composer.

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After five days a delegate from California expressed the need for “a thriftiness of words” on behalf of those who sit and listen for 11 hours a day at such conferences. The 44th session of the General Con­ ference Mennonite Church culminated on Sunday morning with a mass worship celebra­ tion. About 5,000 people attended.

DAY OF PRAYER ANNOUNCED Nicaraguan evangelicals are calling for a worldwide day of prayer September 15 “to intercede before God so that the war impos­ ed on Nicaragua will stop and peace will be achieved.” CEPAD, an association of Nicaraguan evangelical churches, which announced the day in a pastoral letter, cites 17,000 deaths, thousands of orphans and widows. 250,000 displaced people and over a billion dollars in economic damage.

NEW POSTER INVITES AND EMPHASIZES EVANGELISM

“We sincerely seek the salvation of all humankind, not only at the cost of our posses­ sions but also at the cost of our life blood.” These words of Menno Simons (1496-1561) were a point of dispute between the Anabaptists^and other reformers of the 16th Century. Believing in infant baptism, reformers other than Anabaptists reasoned ‘hat the Great Commission-to preach, teach and baptize--was meant only for the 11 apostles and not for later followers, Not so, argued Menno. “The 16th Century Anabaptists,” says 20th Century Mennonite Stan Bohn, "interpreted Matthew 18:19-20 as a call for all of us. They believed they should preach the good^news of Jesus Christ in from the hangman's ’ fields, „ . . . hedgerows, . -. scaffold, day or night, even at the risk of their own lives.” The spiritual descendants of these "heretics” now have a new poster for distribution to every congregation in the two largest Men­ nonite denominations. It is a call to eyangehsm. The full-color, 11 x 17 inch (or about 335 x 518 centimeters) poster was designed by John Hiebert of Mennonite Press, Newton. Kan. Mennonite Church.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO MCC CONTINUE TO DROP FROM ’85 PEAK

North American aid agencies are experien­ cing a sharp decline in funds received. The August 17 New York Times reported that donations to Oxfam America's Africa program are expected to be only half that received in 1985 and UNICEF's emergency appeal for Africa this year raised only 13 percent of the amount raised last year. Mennonite Central Committee has also ex­ perienced a major drop in contributions since

MCC received $4 million designated for Ethiopia and general famine relief in fiscal year 1985. "MCC had hoped the large giving increases in 1985 represented a long-term increased commitment to overseas assistance,” observes MCC Associate Executive Secretary Reg Toews. “We expected giving to drop back, but didn’t expect such a sharp decrease in giving.” Contributions are significantly down from both U.S. and Canadian constituents. U.S. contributions are running 26.4 percent below amounts received in 1985 and just 6.4 per­ cent above those received in 1984. Current giving patterns would indicate that year-end deficits will be $500,000 greater than budgeted.

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YOUNG PORTUGUESE CHURCH IS GROWING, READY TO SERVE The Mennonite Christian Community in Lisbon lives! It is a community that exists in Anabaptist form as something that surged from the people themselves, without it being delivered by any mission or missionary. The Mennonite community here had its beginning with the book Caring Enough to Forgiue by David Augsburger. Miguel Angelo Jardim and several others recognized the biblical truth of the gospel as a message of peace, and began meeting periodically in a Presbyterian church building. Jardim has maintained contacts with Men­ nonite communities and churches in England, Spain, and Brazil. He also had opportunity to attend Mennonite World Conference ses­ sions in Strasbourg, France, in 1984, and became better acquainted with the church and its activities throughout the world. In Portugal the Catholic Church comprises the great majority of the population-90 per­ cent. However, of these people, only a frac-

(Cont’d next page)

Quellenkolonie Reunion A Quellenkolonie reunion will be held April 26,1987 at the Stein­ bach Bible College, Steinbach Manitoba. All one-time residents are especially invited to a day of wor­ ship, fellowship and reminiscing. Other interested people are also welcome. Voluntary items will be ap­ preciated. More detailed an­ nouncements will follow. Committee members: Willie B. Dueck, Jake K. Friesen, Abram R. Reimer. Inquiries to be directed to A.R. Reimer, Box 36, Blumenort, Man. ROA OCO. THE MESSENGER

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tion are really active in the church. The Assembly of God, with 15,000 members, is the largest evangelical group. Even larger, however, are the Spiritist Associations, with 20,000 members scattered throughout the country. Much of this spirit-worship influence comes from Brazil. Many regions in the north and south of Lisbon have never been evangelized, and there are many cities in the interior of the country which also have no evangelical witness. Literature is important for those who convert, but there is a great scarcity of evangelical books. Just one evangelical bookstore serves all of Portugal. COLONY RESIDENTS TOTAL 93,000 IN FOUR NATIONS

Residents of Mennonite colonies in four Latin American countries-Mexico, Paraguay, Bolivia and Belize--number some 93,020, ac­ cording to the best available figures compiled by Isbrand Hiebert and published recently in Die Mennonitische Post. The census is of total residents of European ethnic background, not only baptized church members. In some cases 1986 figures are us­ ed; in others the totals are the most recent available. The largest concentration of such Mennonites remains in Mexico, with an estimated 50,000 people in 18 locations. Other popula­ tions are 21,815 in Paraguay (including some 400 people of colony origin now living in the city of Asuncion), 16.492 in Bolivia and 4,713 in Belize. Hiebert believes that in each country the ac­ tual total is larger than the published figure, due to the fact that some of the information is incomplete or not current. The overall Latin America figure also does not include several other countries where Mennonites of Euro­ pean background have established smaller colonies, most notably Brazil and Uruguay. The practice of forming Mennonite col­ onies in Latin America began shortly after World War I when many Old Colony members migrated from Canada to Mexico in the face of Canadian government pressure for public schools with instruction in English.

QUEEN OF SHEBA DATING IN NEW DIG

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The visit of the Queen of Sheba to Israel’s King Solomon, described in 1 Kings 10, has often been dismissed as historically impossible. Although evidence of the land of Sheba exists, archaeologists say ruins of that culture date back only to the 7th century B.C., three centuries after Solomon’s rule in Israel. But new archaelogical evidence has in­ dicated that Sheba may be older than previously believed. This support for the biblical account of the Queen of Sheba comes from Dr. James A. Sauer, an archaeologist at the University of Pennsylvania, who has

SEPTEMBER 5, 1986

headed a project in the area of ancient Sheba for the past five years. Sauer’s hypothesis is supported by an ex­ cavation in Waldi al-Jubah, a dry valley about 25 miles south of the remains of Sheba’s capital city Marib. Archaeologists have discovered broken pottery near timber that is from the 13th century B.C., according to carbon-dating. Another dig has produced pot­ tery and evidence of a copper foundry dating to the 7th century B.C., and researchers still have several yards to go before reaching the deepest and oldest layers of their site. Sauer believes that further excavation will show that Sheba was a well-developed trading nation during Solomon’s reign, and could have sent its queen to visit a neighboring monarch. NEW HUNGER SLIDE SET SERIES AVAILABLE

“By the most conservative estimate, about one in eight people is hungry. Each year between 15 and 20 million people die because of hunger. Three-quarters of them are children under 5.” This statement is part of a new three-part slide set series on hunger produced by Mennonite Central Committee. Hunger: Where and why describes the causes and extent of global hunger. Hunger: How to respond sug­ gests ways Christians can help. Hunger: Help­ ing through MCC describes MCC projects that work to combat hunger. Each set is 10 minutes long. MCC is the relief and development agency of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America. There are MCC personnel in more than 50 countries, work­ ing in agriculture, community development, health, education and other areas. A discussion and activity guide ac­ companies the series. The hunger series is available for free loan from any MCC office.

Resident Counsellor El’dad Ranch, a unique offender ministry program of MCC Manitoba for marginally retarded offenders, invites ap­ plications for the above position. The counsellor will help to supervise and manage a household of male adults, who are mentally handicapped, in conflict with the law. Qualifications should include a genuine desire to share your life in the name of Jesus Christ. Emotional stability, maturity and a vision for the work are required. Remuneration: salaried. For further information, contact or send complete resume, including references, to Addison Klassen, Box 9, Grp. 3, R.R.1, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0. Phone (204) 326-1050.

1986 ANNUAL CONVENTION TAPES

Proceedings of the 1986 annual convention public sessions have been recorded and the four messages are available on two tapes. Tape one: The Christian and Entertainment John Koop The Christian and Sexual Morality Dave Thiessen Tape two; The Christian and Addictive Habits Stan Plett The Christian and Vocational Choices - Harvey Plett

Cost: $4.00 each postpaid

Order from: EMC Board of Education and Publication

Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0

N.B. If you ordered your tapes at the convention you do not have to order again.

BRITISH COLUMBIA MENNONITES FOCUS ON DRAMA AND ARTS

“Music, ” says Ken Hawkley, “seems to be the only art form that people use in church services with any regularity. While I am not questioning the place of music in worship, I often wonder why other forms of art are con­ fined to the Sunday school class or considered inappropriate.” Hawkley, Surrey, B.C., was joined by Ger­ da Krause and Ruth Sawatzky (of the B.C. Christian Education Committee) in planning a summer Arts and Drama Festival, held at Peace Mennonite Church here. “Let Us Create for Our Creator” became the theme around which participants discovered how art can be used to enhance worship. Perfor­ mances and art displays were added to workshops. "Many of our artists came out of their closets and had the chance to show their con­ siderable talents,” adds Hawkley. “The Lord acknowledged the work and the spirit that each person brought to the festival. The arts can be a kind of lens, giving us the ability to see our Creator in a new way.” (General Conference News Service) PAGE 11

From the Editor V

Faith and Works THE NEWS coming out of Mali these days surely justifies all the money Christians have invested there. I’m thinking of a farewell letter by one of our furloughing missionaries just before she returned to that field. I particularly noticed one item (a quote from a let­ ter she had received from the field). Among the quotes were items concerning the great ad­ vance of the Gospel. “A letter from Gouantiebugu stated that 83 wanted to accept Christ. We went and the end result was 137 new converts.” There were other en­ couraging reports. But what caught my attention was this line, “The massive grain distribution has opened many closed doors.” Really! Does material aid assist in spreading the Gospel? It would seem so. The EMC’s practice of sharing goes back many years. Mr. Delbert Plett maintains that it was central to our faith and practice (The Golden Years, p. 340). The Mennonite belief of sharing again came to the forefront around 1920 with the organization of Men­ nonite Central Committee for relief to Mennonites in Russia. Here is the testimony of one person who was at the receiving end of the process in Russia. "... famine reigned and it was very difficult to satisfy my little son Hans. Then the American Kitchen came into our village and alleviated our weighty circumstances. To God and the Mennonites in North America a thousand thank yous ...” I think it can be said that the evangelical faith of the Mennonites included sharing and relief. One is gratified to see that this seems to more and more become the practice of evangelicals today. One of the forerunners maybe was E. Sherwood Wirt, long-time editor of Decision magazine, who in 1968 put out the book “The Social Conscience of the Evangelical” (Harper and Row, New York). Mr. Wirt credits the writing of this book as an indirect result of a meeting of some Christian leaders in Chicago in 1965. In the opening chapter of this book he explains: “The typical Gospel church of our day is not the fundamen­ talist enclave it was at the turn of the century. Its con­ gregation still wants its minister to be fervent, dedicated, evangelistic and biblically-oriented, but a new element has entered the picture. Today’s evangelical congregation wishes its pastor also to be imaginatively and effectively congnizant of the social ferment going on about him” (p. 3). Towards the close of the chapter he makes this signifi­ cant statement: ‘The pages that follow are an attempt to explore the works that, according to the New Testament,

invariably follow true faith . . (p. 5). Not long afterward, in 1973, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association created the “World Emergency Fund" to send supplies of food, medicine and housing for emergency needs. The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (the EMC is a member) has a relief arm, “World Relief Canada,” under the direction of Mr. Reg Reimer. They claim that they serve as the “international deacon” for more than a thou­ sand Canadian congregations, including Christian Mis­ sionary Alliance, Nazarenes, Evangelical Free Church, The People’s Church, etc. From a publication by Canadian Foodgrains Bank we share the following: “The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a cooperative agency. Seven Christian denominations in Canada are currently partners in this channel for helping others. The Foodgrains Bank inherited the record and expertise built up by Mennonite Central Committee Canada which had been operating its own food bank for several years.” “World Relief” is the emergency aid, development assistance and refugee service arm of the National Association of Evangelicals USA. They are currently advertising the film “An African Prayer: In His Name,” featuring Moise Napon, a World Relief leader in West Africa. From the pages of the New Testament I believe we have no question but that the proclamation of the Gospel is our primary concern. However, also from the New Testament, we see that there is great concern for the physical person (Matt. 25:31-46; Gal. 2:10; James 2:15-25). After having said all this 1 want to come back to one of the quotes from Evelyn Barkman’s letter, namely that massiue grain distribution has opened mang closed doors. We see here a direct result of famine relief.

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From Ghana (SIM) comes the report that food distribu­ tion during Ghana’s time of hunger last gear has resulted in the establishment of a new church.

I would like to think that Christians who are opposed to giving material aid are in the minority. The great need in the world today should be motive enough. Christian giving, however, should be free, without strings attached. We can, though, hope and pray that it will open doors. And it has, as we saw in the report about Mali. In another place a church was started. Christian compassion for the needy should be motive enough to extend aid. However, if it serves to open doors and extend the kingdom of God it should be doubly so. D.S .»

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THE MESSENGER

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