The Messengers VOL 25 NO. 18
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
SEPT. 18/87
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Feelings and Emotions
Feelings and Emotions By Ralph Unger From the emotions and feelings of a Biblical character - Peter-
we can discover how to deal with our present-day emotions and feelings. he phone rings. Usually the first question is, “How are you?” I don’t like answering that question. I would much rather tell him what I’m doing. I wonder why. Why did God make us with feelings? Wouldn’t we be much more efficient if we acted and reacted like battery-powered toys that can be controlled with a “joy stick”? Bu then, as a preacher friend of mine said, “God didn’t make us sticks nor stones!” I’m fascinated with Peter. He’s such an emotional fellow. Take, for example, his name. In New Testament times, in the Jewish culture, a name bore a lot of weight. When Jesus first met Peter, He said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (John 1:42). The name Simon means ‘hearing.’ Was that name more suitable for Peter’s earlier life when he was in fluenced a lot by what he heard people say about him? In any case, Jesus decided to rename Simon. Notice that Jesus did not say. You are now Peter; rather. He said. You will be called Peter (John 1:42). Jesus knew it would be three years before Simon would become Peter, a rock. Soon after that, Jesus became increasingly popular. An exciting event for all the disciples was to be waiters in an outdoor picnic (John 6:5-15). Five thousand men with their families ate from the five loaves and two small fish that kept multiplying in the hands of Jesus. I can just hear Peter, face flushed with enthusiasm, say to the mayor of Bethsaida, who might have been there participating in the surprise meal, “You see that man over there? That’s my Master!” Everyone likes being a winner, and I think Peter was enjoying himself here on the wave of popularity. But then the crowds got disillusioned with Jesus. He wasn’t putting on those community picnics anymore. Often when they were looking for Him, they were in formed He was away on a retreat with His twelve chosen men. More and more people turned back and no longer
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followed Jesus. One day Jesus asked the Twelve, “You do not want to leave, too, do you?” (John 6:67). Simon Peter, in strong orthodox language, replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God. Waiting for Jesus’ smile of approval, Peter may have been shocked when Jesus said, “Have I not chosen you the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” No doubt that would have sent his emotions spinning. During the Last Supper, Jesus was in the process of demonstrating the principle of humility, when Peter got his hackles up, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” I think Peter felt awkward at the thought of having Jesus, their Master, stoop over and wash the dir tiest part of his body. Why would Jesus take Peter through this embarrass ing experience? Perhaps it wasn’t only his feet but also his pride that needed a wash. When he learned that refusal to be washed meant forfeiting further participa tion with Christ, Peter swung to the other extreme, “Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well” (John 13:9). A little later in the evening Jesus predicted again that one of the Twelve would betray Him. Perhaps Peter’s heart fluttered when he heard that. Only too well would he have remembered his tendency towards mood swings. “Could it be me?” Choked with fear that it might be, Peter motioned to John, who was positioned near Jesus, and said, “Ask Him which one He means” (John 13:24). Still more disturbing news came. Jesus said, “I will be with you only a little longer” (John 13:33). Anxiously, Peter asked, “Lord, where are you go ing?” Like a child afraid of being separated from its mother, Peter seemed afraid of being left alone. Instead of identifying that fear in himself, he made another Peter-like statement, “Lord, why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You” (John 13:37). It wasn’t long after, in fact, only a matter of minutes, that Peter got a chance to put his words into THE MESSENGER
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action. When the temple guard came to arrest Jesus in the Garden, Peter decided to take matters into his own hands. Hadn’t he promised to defend Jesus? Out came the sword from its sheath. Slash! But he missed!
But then it was dark. Perhaps not all the darkness was outside, though; some was in Peter’s understanding of the issue at stake in the Garden. Was Peter’s mind darkened in part by his unresolved emotional involve ment in the drama? I can imagine the dejected look in the frustrated face of the would-be defender as Jesus said, “Put your sword away!” (John 18:11). Peter had blown it again. Jesus had come to walk the way of the cross. Peter had missed Malchus’ jugular, but more important, he had missed understanding the purpose of Jesus’ mission. Were cloudy emotions obstructing his vision? Then in the courtyard of the high priest, Peter con tinued swaying under the weight of heavy feelings. Three times he insisted that there was no relationship between him and Jesus. But now we get to the good part of the story. Several days after Jesus had said, “It is finished,” and the angel had said, “He is not here; He has risen,” the confused disciples gathered on the shore of Lake Galilee. All kinds of questions might have been racing through their minds. “How do we relate to this ‘walk through the wall’ Master? Will He set up a kingdom like David’s? Or will He lead us down another garden path only to be crushed in defeat again?” Perhaps it was in this state of frustration that Peter and six other disciples planned an overnight fishing trip. At least they could still fish! Or could they? That night they caught nothing (John 21:3). Early the next morning the experienced fishermen looked sheepishly at their empty nets and then at each other. Suddenly they heard a voice from the shore. After following the specific instructions of the Voice, they were rewarded with a catch of one hundred and fifty-three large fish. But far more significant, at least for Peter, was the counselling session on the shore after a barbecue with Jesus. The disciples noticed that Jesus kept directing his at tention at Peter. Having heard Peter’s proud claim to stay loyal even if others forsook Jesus, having seen Peter strike for Malchus’ throat, and having been in formed of Peter’s disastrous witness in the courtyard, the disciples, no doubt, wondered what Jesus would do with the proud scoundrel. Beginning with the proud boast, Jesus quietly asked Peter, “Do you truly love me more than these?” Peter answered in the affirmative, but this time in such a way as not to err again by claiming superior loyalty to Jesus, to which Jesus replied, “Feed my lambs.” Those words must have been sweeter than honey. Another chance! Twice more Jesus asked Peter the question, simplify ing it each time He asked it. In each response Peter humbly replied, “Yes, Lord, You know . . .” Although the interrogation must have been painful, especially since there were six buddies in on it, Jesus felt it was necessary for the healing process to take a firm root in the emotionally-ravished disciple. Not only was SEPTEMBER 18, 1987
Jesus apparently willing to forgive, but now Peter was able to raise his eyes from the dying embers of the barbecue, to meet those of his partners. His companions had witnessed a much humbler and wiser Peter face his sin. As their eyes met, they felt an assurance that things would be all right again between them.
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he story of Peter’s emotions has done me good. Although there may be many lessons in it for us, for now let’s see what’s in it for our own emotional health. Are you aware of what you are feeling? Are you able to laugh at the irony of life or with the comedian who points it out? Are you free to cry at the graveside of a loved one? Or do you, too, have a case of frozen emotions? Who has taught us to be stoics? Why is it that we squirm in our seats when a brother or sister chokes up while sharing a meaningful experience in church? Emo tional stability is important, all right, but is it allimportant? I agree that there has been an over-emphasis in some circles on the importance of following the dictates of our own emotions. We are not saved because we “feel” holy. Positive feelings, alone, will not cure a medical problem. Certainly hard work has made more people successful than “feeling rich.” But, then, I am not sug gesting we live by our emotions. Rather, I’m saying, as others have before me, that a cardinal rule of mental health is knowing how you feel. For me that’s been a problem, and I thought perhaps there were a few others in our Conference who had symptoms similar to mine. Take, for example, a situation in which you have been hurt by a brother’s comments in the church. Our first response might be to deny that there is pain. We know that we should not become malicious, so denying that we were hurt seems like an easy solution. Also de nying pain gives us that invincible feeling. If, in reality, you were hurt by the comment, would it not be better to admit to yourself that you Indeed are angry that he insulted you? Now you are being honest with yourself and that frees you to see that you still have a choice in how you will respond to the issue. You tell God about your hurt and explore the Biblical responses that you might choose from in dealing with the hurt. We know that the Bible gives several clear, somewhat hard-to-follow, instructions on what to do. But the point here is that it all begins with identifying to ourselves, at least, how we feel. On the other hand, the person who denies that he has been hurt is really accumulating emotional baggage (sometimes garbage) on his back. If left to itself, these unresolved emotions become somewhat like a tyrant on our backs driving us to all kinds of compulsive behaviour that we can’t even understand ourselves. It’s happened to better people than you or me . . . take Peter’s denial in the courtyard for an example ... so it may happen to us as well. The good news is that there is forgiveness - yes, even for emotional instability. So go for it . . . know how you feel . . . then choose to act and express these emo tions in a Biblical way. ■
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ANNIVERSARY Historical Vignette (8|
KLAAS REIMER (1770-1837) AND THE VISION OF A PURE CHURCH By Al Reimer LOOKING BACK over the 175 years since the founding of the Kleine Gemeinde, we see a man who appeared at just the right moment in RussianMennonite church history, although at the time, and for many years afterwards, most Mennonites did not think so. Bless ed with historical hindsight we can now say with some assurance that had it not been for Klaas Reimer, with his zeal, perseverance and stubborn courage, the reform movement he came to define and lead would never have emerged in nineteenth-century Mennonite Russia. Who was this remarkable man? What were his origins? What was he like as a man and as a successful church reformer? Thanks to the diligent work of recent scholars like Delbert Plett, James Urry and genealogist Glenn Penner we know a little more about Reimer himself, and considerably more about his times than we did at the time of the historic Reimer Reunion in 1954, for example. For information about Klaas Reimer’s early life and later church career we still have to rely almost exclusively on his autobiographical memoir “A Short Ex position,” which he wrote shortly before his death. He was born on October 16, 1770 (the same year as Wordsworth and Beethoven) in the village of Petershagen about 25 miles east of the city of Danzig. The boy received no formal education and grew up, he informs us, without hav ing done much reading or committing to memory, although learning came easily to him. At the age of 20, he was baptized and accepted into the Danzig Gemeinde, although he confesses that he still had per sonal problems and “far too lightheartedly took part in personal pleasures by at tending weddings” and other social gatherings. He sums up his life at this time by saying that he was “too preoccupied
with the world of created things and not enough with the Creator of all things.” Two years later, in 1792, Reimer mov ed to Neunhuben, a village just east of Danzig. In 1798, at the age of 28, he mar ried Maria Epp, the daughter of Elder Peter Epp, a highly influential Flemish church leader who had died in 1789. Ten years older than Klaas, his wife had been working as a housekeeper or steward for her elderly uncle Cornelius Epp, the assistant-elder of the rural church con gregation Reimer attended. A daughter, Aganetha, was born to the Reimers in 1801. Considering that Maria was 41 at the time of her daughter’s birth, it is not surprising that the marriage produced no further children. Maria died in 1806, not long after the family had moved to Russia. On January 24, 1807, less than three months after his first wife’s death, Reimer married Helena von Reisen (Friesen) who at 21 was almost 17 years younger than Klaas. Ten children were born of this second union, and the entire Reimer clan is descended from this marriage. He was elected to the ministry in 1801. He records that he felt unworthy and un prepared for a spiritual role in the church. But he was not the man to reject a call from God or to retreat into self-pity over it. If God had led him into the ministry then He would also grant him the necessary strength and faculties to carry out his spiritual duties. Even as a young minister just past 30, Klaas Reimer showed the dedication, in dependence and firmness of character that would become so marked in Russia later. He immersed himself in the Bible, something he neglected to do before, and began to read Martyrs Mirror as well as the writings of Menno Simons, Dirk Phillips and other early Anabaptist leaders.
Now that he was part of the ministerial, in the inner sanctum, so to speak, the young minister was shocked to find that not all was as it should be with his fellow Lehrer, some of whom were not free of “falsehood” and “folly,” to use his own words (p. 3). He describes at length cases where erring members of the congrega tion were not dealt with with proper severity. Reimer disapproved strongly of the lax way in which church discipline was applied, thereby showing already his zealous concern for purity in the church and his dismay at finding himself in a situation where his own church was not applying its teachings according to scrip tural precepts and traditional precedents. Klaas Reimer was already beginning to shape a vision of a church based firmly on Scripture and the teachings of the Anabaptist forefathers. But how or where could he act on this vision while living in this “sinful Babylon,” as he came to call West Prussia? He would have to go elsewhere. “Children, you must go to Russia, the Mennonites here are doom ed.” So his late father-in-law Elder Peter Epp had urged members of his family on his deathbed. And so Klaas Reimer, along with 30 adult followers, emigrated to Russia in 1804, carrying with him his vi sion of a pure church. CONTRIBUTORS; Ralph Unger, contributor of the second ar ticle in our Pastors’ Series, is pastor of Crestview Fellowship, our EMC church in West Winnipeg. Dr. Al Reimer serves in the English depart ment at the University of Winnipeg. He is also associated with the chair of Mennonite Studies. The article is adapted for Messenger use from a longer one presented at the EMC History Symposium held earlier this year. Helen Kornelsen (Ridgewood) is on staff at King’s College in Belize, serving under the Gospel Missionary Union, Sara Loeppky (Steinbach) is involved in children’s and women’s ministries in Paraguay.
COVER: The month of September to me is one of the best in terms of the colour of God’s creation. This year, as my wife and 1 have done before, we drove out to Hecla Provin cial Park, some two hours north of Winnipeg, for a few days of holidays, and we were well rewarded in terms of fall colours. On our cover we see one of the numerous trails in the park. D.S.
THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Stein bach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address. The Messenger is a member of Meetinghouse.
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THE MESSENGER
Missions by sheer team effort and unity. They play no favourites. They enter whatever house hap pens to be in their path. They come in through cracks, windows and doors. In short order the floor and walls are covered like a carpet of crawly brown ants. The best defence is to move out and let them occupy your house for a few hours. They do you the favour of exterminating other unin vited guests such as lesser ants, roaches, spiders, etc. Ants pick up their little sacs and run in fear. Others huddle in corners, hoping to be overlooked. The church is God’s “marching army.” We have marching orders to cover the entire world, not only to destroy the Enemy, but to build His Kingdom. All corners must be reach ed, all strongholds entered and the Enemy overcome. This requires team effort and unity. The creatures of selfishness, greed, envy, etc., must be routed out and God’s house left clean. Let’s march on!
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The church building in Caaguazu, Paraguay.
PARAGUAY
A Growing Church Three Generations Baptized
One of my pleasures is to observe the growth of plants - to sow the seeds, then see them sprout up out of the ground and watch them grow into luscious green plants. 1 have plenty of opportunity to observe this all year round here, especially travelling out into the country. A greater pleasure, however, is to see church growth. The church in Caaguazu has had this joy in the last year. Attendance gradually increased until our simple church building was not adequate. A bigger one is in the making; one wall is being pushed out several feet and a new roof is being put on, giving it more of a church appearance. Some finances came from Canada but a lot of it is local, and the labour is mostly voluntary. July 12 was an exciting day for us when nine people were baptized and added to the church. Since it was in the middle of winter we didn’t know what kind of weather to ex pect for a baptismal service at the riverside, but the Lord was good and sent us several
days of very warm north winds, warming up the water and making it more pleasant for the candidates. One of the greatest thrills was see ing a grandmother, her daughter, and four of her sons (three generations) in the group. Praise the Lord with us and pray for all of these that they may become strong pillars in the church! We are looking forward to more church growth in the near future. We are having an evangelistic crusade with films of the life of Christ for 17 consecutive nights starting on August 28. Albert Enns, the well-known evangelist here, will be the speaker part of the time. The rest of the time it will be our na tional pastor and two other national evan gelists. We are also planning a children’s crusade for the three Saturday afternoons. Special prayer meetings for this crusade are being held here. Please join us in prayer, especially also for the follow-up work. God bless you. Sara Loeppky
BELIZE
A Marching Army Building the Kingdom
Ants, ants, ants! They come in all sizes and temperaments - from the greedy “um brella” ant to the almost invisible “sugar” ant. We have here in Belize a species referred SEPTEMBER 18, 1987
to as “marching army.” The horde (like Pharoah’s army) marches across the yard, dauntless and determined - no obstacle too great. A creature many times their own size is surrounded, stung to death and carried off
Helen Kornelsen
Urbana ’87 to Feature Third World Urban Ministries Video “portraits” of vital urban ministries in Bogota, Colombia, and Nairobi, Kenya, will enhance morning plenary sessions at Urbana ‘87, according to convention director John Kyle. The video shows will provide a first hand glimpse of urban ministry in the developing world, complementing the con vention’s focus on today’s world-class cities. “The videos will allow westerners to see na tionals involved in urban ministry and will deal with strategies and programs the nationals have put into place,” says Kyle. The 20-minute video portraits will be shown during morning sessions of Urbana ’87, com plementing Bible expositions from the book of Jonah by Sri Lankan Ajith Fernando and messages on city ministry by Ray Bakke, Harvey Conn and Floyd McClung.
Missionary Conference Prairie Rose E.M. Church Landmark, Man. October 4-7, 1987 Sunday morning at 9:00 and 11:15. Every evening at 7:30. Speaker: Gordon Johnson President of Rio Grande Bible Institute, Edinburg, Texas PAGE 5
Messenger News
Pastor Frank Kroeker (left) with recent additions to the Rosenort E.M. Church (reported on in earlier issues). Left to right: Wes and Melody Dueck, Menno Kroeker, Juanita Kornelsen, Dorothy Kroeker, Arietta Bartel, Don Kroeker, Susan Dueck, Chris and Ftevita Kroeker.
DVBS AND CAMP REPORTS HEARD
SAWATSKY APPOINTED EAST-WEST DIRECTOR Dr. Walter Sawatsky, of Elkhart, Ind., has been appointed director of Mennonite Cen tral Committee Canada’s East-West program, effective September 1. Sawatsky, currently visiting professor at the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, has done extensive research on the Soviet Union and served as a research scholar for MCC in Neuwied, West Germany, from 1977 to 1985, and for the Centre for the Study of Religion and Communism at Keston College, England, from 1973 to 1976. Between 1980 and 1985, he was MCC’s Secretary for Europe. As director (on a half-time basis) of the EastWest program, based in Winnipeg, he will be responsible for Canadian Mennonite interests in the Soviet Union. This will include work ing on various leadership, youth, musical and educational exchanges, developing literature needed in the USSR, working on a congrega tional “twinning” plan, providing information for families seeking to be reunited with relatives in the USSR, and in various ways enhancing understanding between Christians in North America and the Soviet Union. Sawatsky is a native of Altona, Man., and has attended Steinbach Bible Institute as well as Goshen College and the University of Min nesota. He and his wife, Margaret, have two children, Natasha and Alexander. They are members of the Hively Avenue Mennonite Church, Elkhart.
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Rosenort, Man.: Menno Kroeker, MCC “Kanadier” representative, spent one month on an assignment to Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. He was acquainting himself with the people and problems there to help him in future dealings with the Mennonites that return to Canada. On July 26 we heard the testimony of Ernie Koop, missionary to Nicaragua, as well as a short report on recent developments there. Our Sunday morning messages now feature a series on Old Testament heroes of the faith; e.g., “Noah, a Model of Righteousness.” Even he was not totally righteous, but he was faithful, consistent, obedient, in communion with God, and con sidered worthy by Him. We can learn much by studying the lives of these saints of long ago. Most of the members of the Frank C.L. Friesen family attended the funeral of son Levi Friesen in North Bay, Ontario on August 7. They were rejoicing in his recent conversion. Mrs Frank Friesen broke her ankle later in August. She is recuperating at home. In the past year they have experienced many dif ficulties and sorrows, but also much evidence of the Lord’s goodness. Mrs. John F. Friesen has moved to Oakwood Place in Blumenort. We wish her all the best in her new home. Dave and Judy Schmidt and family have arrived home from Paraguay and moved into the Larry Friesen place. (Larry, Pearl and family are at Thunder Bay, Ontario now.) Welcome home, Dave, Judy, Anton, Marvin, Jeraldo and Wendyl
The youth and college and career groups met at Larry Eidses for a barbecue and sing and share evening on September 1. At our August missions night we heard reports on both DVBS and camp work. First we viewed the slides from Living Fountain Bible Camp, shown by the campers and staff from our church, and experiences related by a camper, Patricia Loewen, and a counsellor, Vai Dueck. A skit, led by Byron Friesen, il lustrated how some people really don’t want to part with their sins (imaginary fleas, in the skit). Whoever will, may be cleansed by Christ. A total of 122 campers attended, of whom many made decisions for the Lord. The staff numbered 57 for the two weeks and came from all four area churches. Our Vacation Bible School work was por trayed next, with reports from Woodlands and Lake Francis by Mrs. Barb Thornton of Woodlands, who, as a local lady, led the pro ject. Her husband Al told how their weekly adult Bible studies are growing favourably, which he attributed partly to the impact of many years of summer vacation Bible schools in the area. Amos Fehr showed slides of the Woodlands activities, and especially the over night camping and the canoeing along the Morris River, which is becoming a yearly at traction for young teens from Woodlands. Johnny Loewen and Candy Dueck shared some of their experiences at St. Adolphe, where there has also been dramatic growth in the Vacation Bible School and the crowd coming for the closing program. Mr. Loewen will again be teaching at St. Adolphe this com ing school year.
THE MESSENGER
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Endeavour, Sask.: On May 24 the adult club went bowling at Sturgis. Everybody had a good time. For their annual wind-up the ladies’ group had a chicken supper at the Century House in Preeceville. The Children’s Club spent a day at the Ketchen Lake Camp to end this year’s program. Some of these children will be moving into the youth group this fall. In the absence of a pastor, we have been blessed with the messages which have been brought to us by former pastors and Con ference personnel, as well as local men and our Bible school students. The regular Wednesday night prayer meetings have become a time of sharing and encouragement to those attending. Camp at Ketchen Lake went for three weeks this year, with a good number of campers each week. The speaker for teens’ camp was Dave Wiebe of Brandon and for children’s camp it was Jim Gregor of Saskatoon. August 3-7 saw much activity at the church yard as approximately 79 children came out for VBS. Teachers and students alike were excited about the program which followed the Friday evening class. Parents and friends came to see what they had to present. Lunch was served and a time of fellowship followed. At a congregational meeting on August 24 new Sunday school teachers, children’s club and youth leaders were elected. It was also decided at that time to put natural gas heating into the church. Several of our young people will once again be returning to Bible school and university. Our prayers go with them. As we go into a new church year, we would appreciate the prayers of fellow believers that the leadership positions would be filled by will ing workers.
Kleine Gemeinde EMC History Symposium II “The Years of Transition” October 30, 1987 7:00 p.m. Steinbach Bible College
Dr. Arden Thiessen
Edwin Plett
THEOLOGY: Mennonite Anabap tists, Evangelicals and Fundamentalists.
DISPERSION: Following those who moved to Mexico, Riverton, Kola, Winnipeg and elsewhere.
Dr. Archie Penner
Dave Schellenberg
STRUCTURE: From Aeltester, Lehrer und Gemeinde to Boards, Pastors and Conference.
MISSIONS: From private school to China Missions to individual endeavours to Western Gospel Mis sion and MCC to EMC Board of Missions.
A NEW PASTOR!
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Arden, Man.: April 12 was an eventful day for our church. Our pastoral candidate, John Froese of Swift Current, Sask., brought the message. Then on August 24 he moved here to Arden to take on the job as our pastor, together with his wife Helen and their five children, Leighton, Lynnette, Lowell, Lori and Leon. Thanks to many people of the church, they were able to move into a clean house. Between June 28, when our previous pastor Jerry Plett said goodbye, and September 6, when our new pastor took on his position, we had many visiting pastors. Many thanks go out to Cornie Martens, John Loewen, Frank Goertzen, Bert Kornelsen, Henry Loewen, Dennis Paterson, Ed Hoepp ner, Ray Hill and Dick Hildebrand. Thank you also to Bob Goddard who gave a report from the mission field on August 2.
SEPTEMBER 18, 1987
All are welcome! Sponsored by EMC Board Education and Publication Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. Tel. (204) 326-6401
I’m sure that the junior class had an ex perience on July 19 that they will never forget. Together with their teacher, Margaret Plett, and our pianist, Leona Rempel, they spent the afternoon at a local care home. They sang songs and acted out a play for all the elderly who wished to attend. August 28-30 were the dates chosen for our young people’s campout. The group spent several days in the great outdoors at Lake Katherine, canoeing a lot and just en joying the fresh air and relaxation.
Position Available Orderly wanted at Resthaven Nursing Home in Steinbach, Man. Part-time position. Available immediately. Contact 326-6090.
Eleanor
Kathler,
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MINISTERS’ STUDY FUND J
WHAT IT IS
THE EMC MINISTERS’ Study Fund was set up in 1974 to aid ordained ministers to upgrade their education for more effective ministry. The MSF began with an initial $5000 contribution from the Conference treasury. It was then to be maintained by individuals who would pledge $25 for a year for five years. These donors formed the Macedonian Corps and the second five-year period is now expired. The aid for full-time students used to be in the form of a loan, one third of which was written off each year the recipient spent in the EMC ministry after his study program. Part-time students received part of their aid package as a grant. Seminars or short-term courses were also possibilities for receiv ing aid. The maximum for a full academic year of studies was $1000. In 1983 the MSF policy was revised. Under this revision the assistance was made available to three categories of recipients: 1. Seminary students recommended by their local church or persons pur suing church vocations. 2. Furloughing or returning missionaries recommended by the EMC Board of Missions. 3. Active ministers returning for further studies who are recommend ed by their local church. A full-time student is eligible for $1500 for a full academic year. Parttime studies are given assistance according to the number of credit hours taken. Application shall be filed before the term for which the student is registering. The Board of Education accepts applications for any Christian school, college and seminary which they approve. Recipients of these funds will normally be asked to repay a portion of their bursary if they leave the EMC ministry within three years of comple tion of their studies. FUNDING Funding for the Ministers’ Study Fund comes from two sources, the EMC budget and from the program known as Macedonian Corps. The demands on the MSF were so heavy this year that the Board of Education and Publica tion had to go to the Board of Finance for additional funds. This led to the decision to make renewed efforts at enlarging membership in the Macedo nian Corps. “Come over and help us’’ is the call from those studying in preparation for more fruitful ministry. Your investment in their education makes you a partner with them in ministry. Your contribution to this ministry helps to ease the pressures on increased budgets. You may make a pledge for an annual contribution or make a one-time donation. Donations will be receipted. Use form below to send in your contribution.
X-------------X MACEDONIAN CORPS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
As God enables, 1 will give $25, $50, or $ (please circle amount) per year for five years to the EMC Ministers’ Study Fund. Enclosed find $ .
I am making a one-time donation. Enclosed find $ Please make check payable to Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Send to: Macedonian Corps Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0
Date
Signature
Name Street or P.O. Box No. City or Town
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Province.
Code.
1 John and Helen Froese and family.
COVPLE LEAVES TO PASTOR CHURCH
Wymark, Sask.: Sunday evening, August 16, a commissioning service was held for John and Helen Froese and their family, who have left to serve in the Community Bible Church in Arden, Man. They have five children, ages nine to thirteen. Henry Klassen, Executive Secretary for the EMC Board of Missions, spoke on Acts 13: 1-3. Our church moderator presented them with a set of Pulpit Commentary books as a gift from the con gregation. Helen responded with a few words from Hebrews 13 and John spoke on 1 Cor inthians 15:5-8. Bob Davidson, manager of McDonalds in Swift Current, where John worked for the past IV2 years, praised John for his concern for others, his integrity and responsibility on the job. He wished John and his family the Lord’s blessings. We are with you, John and Helen, in our prayers and sup port as you take up residence in Arden. VBS HELD Creighton, Sask.: During the past three months our congregation has seen some of our people move elsewhere. Charlie and Anne Colville, after some years of retirement from Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting, have moved to Dauphin, Man. They are currently attending the First Baptist Church. Harvey and Lori Frame have moved to Prince George, B.C., where Lori serves as a public health inspector. Deb Eby, formerly an in structor at the North-East Community College in Creighton, has moved to Regina, where she will study education and teach on a parttime basis. Surprise farewells were held for each household moving elsewhere, times of togetherness, joy and sadness. The Colvilles, Frames, and Deb will be very much missed. We wish them God’s best! Garvin Smith is taking kidney dialysis train ing, while staying at the Lennox Bell Lodge in Winnipeg. He surprised the congregation recently by coming back up North for a weekend. Vacation Bible School was held August THE MESSENGER
17-21 at the chapel. With an attendance of between 30 and 37 children per day (47 in all), our teachers. Deb Eby and Mary Ann Smith, were run ragged. Carla Abrahamson (visiting from Pelly) and Kaye Smith helped out. The resident “gopher” was Pastor Terry Smith. VBS saw an increase this year from 1986, when a total of 18 children attended VBS held at two locations. On November 21 and 22 our church will be celebrating 25 years since a building was put up in Creighton. There will be a Satur day evening program and a special Sunday morning service. Mel Koop, the earliest liv ing pastor, will speak. Special music is being arranged. Billets will be provided. All former members, friends and well-wishers of the Nor thern Fellowship Chapel are invited to attend.
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Betty and Rudy Enns gave a report at the Kleefeld church on August 9. FAREWELLS
Pelly, Sask.: Pastor Funk and his family vacationed away from Pelly for part of the month of August. Rev. Robert Huse, from the Norquay Con venant Church, filled his place at the pulpit for two Sundays. Farewells seem to be a part of our church too often this year. At the end of August, Mervyn and Donna Abrahamson and Andrew, their youngest son, left for Saskatoon, where they will spend the school term. Mervyn and Donna are both enrolled in university classes and Andrew will be taking his grade 8 in a school there. A potluck dinner was held at the church and a gift of money was presented as a token of our love and appreciation for them. That same day special recognition was given to the young people who have left: Leanne Neufeld to Brandon University, Joanne Neufeld for her second year at SBC, Gladys Funk for her first year at SBC, Boni Abrahamson to Winnipeg to a school of hair dressing, Rodney Abrahamson for grade 12 at SBC. It is always with mixed feelings that we see various ones leave from our fellowship. They are greatly missed and we feel that loss, but we do trust the Lord to guide in their lives as they prepare for the future.
A BREAK FROM THE REGULAR ROUTINE Kleefeld, Man.: A hurting world out there is waiting to hear the Good News. The Lord keeps calling for more labourers. Rudy and Betty (Barkman) Enns have responded to this call. On Sunday morning. August 9, they were our special guests, and shared with us their future plans to enter training for tribal evangelism, with New Tribes Mission. They left August 18 for a one-year boot training camp in Durham, Ontario. After that they plan to go to language school in the USA and then to their final destination. New Guinea. SEPTEMBER 18, 1987
We sincerely wish them God’s best. Singing and music has always been an in tegral part of the Christian church. To better worship and praise the Lord, we need to make “a joyful noise.” Lee and Grace Bartel are leaving us (not for good, we hope). We have appreciated so much their musical con tribution to our church over the years. On August 9 our church family gave special recognition to them during our morning ser vice. They left at the end of August for the University of Toronto, where Lee will be in volved in Music Education. We wish them well in this new venture. Everyone needs a break from the regular routine. Instead of our usual Sunday school during the summer months, we had a onehour church service with a special children’s feature each time. What an interesting varie ty of topics, all of them presented in an im pressive way! We started out with “The Carpenter” building his house on a solid Rock. Next came “The Farmer” sowing his precious seed, hoping for a bountiful harvest. With finely-woven thread, and much patience, “The Tailor” created a beautiful pattern with that same patience. “The Potter” transform ed a lump of ugly clay into a thing of beauty. Then there was “The Cook,” who convinc ed us that half-baked pancakes are as revolting as lukewarm Christians. Next came “The Mason” building a strong brick wall that will withstand the fiery darts of the enemy! “The Steward” told us to be shrewd and “redeem the time because the days are evil.” And, of course, we could not leave out the beautiful portrayal of “The Good Shepherd,” who will leave the ninety-nine, go after the one lost little lamb and carry it tenderly back into the fold. The spiritual impact of all these demonstrations and the messages was most convincing. Another break from our regular routine was having five-day clubs instead of DVBS. The results were encouraging. About 65 children attended, with about 30 from non-churched
A special recognition service was held for Lee and Grace Bartel at the Kleefeld church on August 9. homes. Bible and missionary stories, songs and memory verses were the order of the day. For their closing number, the children, together with their teachers, joined hearts and voices to sing, “Here is my life, I pray.”
Births KOOP - to Phil and Ellen Koop of Manila, Philip pines, a son, Travis Austin, on July 7, 1987. FEHR - to Dave and Erica Fehr of Kleefeld, Man., a daughter, Stephanie Rose, on July 3, 1987. THIESSEN - to Paul and Lois Thiessen of Burkina Faso, Africa, a son, Jonathon Isaac, on August 13, 1987. BALL - to Bob and Judy Ball of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Aaron Raymond Daniel Gregory, on September 9, 1987. REIMER - to Cornie and Eleanor Reimer of Blumenort, Man., a son, Shayne Cordell Abram, on September 6, 1987. BUHLER - to Fred and Irene Buhler of Caaguazu, Paraguay, a son, Andrew Ryan, on August 16, 1987.
Weddings HUNT-ESAU: Elvis, son of Walter and Ione Hunt of Winnipeg, Man., was married on October 11. 1986 to Crystal, daughter of Ed and Myrtle Esau of Kleefeld, Man. The wedding took place at the Kleefeld E.M. Church, with Ron Goertzen of Kleefeld officiating. SCHRODER-ABRAHAMSON: Timothy Patrick, son of Bill and Laurie Schroder of Winnipeg, Man., and Laurel Bernice, daughter of Clifton and Sylvia Abrahamson of Pelly, Sask., were married at the home of the bride’s parents on August 29, 1987. Terry Smith of Creighton, Sask., and Ernest Funk of Pelly, Sask., officiated. The couple is making their home in Creighton. LOEPPKY-FRIESEN: Donald, son of Mrs. Wanda Loeppky of Steinbach, Man., was married to Rosanne, daughter of Donald and Ann Friesen of McMahon. Sask. The wedding took place on August 1. 1987 at the Zion Mennonite Church in Swift Current, Sask. John Reimer of Kleefeld, Man. officiated.
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Edwin Friesen MUCH HAS TRANSPIRED since my first “In Touch” appeared in The Messenger on July 24 and at present I feel somewhat “out of touch.” I moved through some rather unfamiliar territory; e g., a ten-day stay at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg, surgery, etc. Recovery at home has been steady, but slower than my impatient nature would have dictated. I am back at work and look forward to a fall schedule of visits to pastors, churches, etc. Thanks to those who “covered” for me on short notice for speaking engagements, as well as in other areas. This experience of illness has left me with several impressions:
•There appear to be two different worlds - the world of the hospital where everyone is sick and the other world where the people are well and carry on their routine. Fortunately, for those in hospital, there is some overlap, as people visit, shar ing what’s happening “outside” while listening to what’s happening “inside.” •Pain is absolutely essential. Without it we would not tend to physical problems that might be potentially life-threatening. Thank God for pain.
•God did not take me out of pain but walked with me through it. It was very reassuring to know that God was sovereign and in charge. •When a person is healthy, he feels very much “in charge” or “in control” of his/her life and circumstances. When ill, a person to some extent has to submit to cir cumstances, not so much from a fatalistic point of view, but from the realization that our “times” are in God’s hand. In fact, we are like “grass” (Isa. 40:6-8), a truth that has taken on new meaning. •During my worst days, numbed by pain killers, etc., I found that carrying on a conversation took effort, but I was deeply encouraged and drew a great deal of strength from the presence of family and friends.
•Praise God for the natural ability of the physical body to heal itself, an ongoing miracle in God’s creation.
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•Praise God for competent surgeons and dedicated medical staff (and our Medicare system). Thank you for your prayers, cards and encouragement.
IN MY ROLE as Conference Pastor I seek to function as a facilitator for people look ing for pastoral opportunities and churches who have needs. Following are cunent needs:
Swift Current, Sask. The church is looking for a full-time per son to give leadership in the area of youth and music. For details contact Pastor John Toews, ph. (306) 773-2678, or Edwin Friesen at the Conference Office. Riverton, Man. The Riverton Gospel Chapel (EMC) is looking for a pastor. For details contact Albert Friesen, Box 366, Riverton, Man. ROC 2R0, ph. (204) 378-2774, or Edwin Friesen at the Conference Office. Endeavour, Sask. The Endeavour Fellowship Chapel is look ing for a full-time pastor, to begin as soon as possible. For details contact the church board chairman, Peter Steppan, Endeavour, Sask. SOA OWO, ph. (306) 547-5439, or Edwin Friesen at the Con ference Office.
Winnipeg, Man. The Braeside E.M. Church invites applica tions for the position of Youth Pastor, with added responsibilities in other areas, preferably Christian Education. Address inquiries to Walter Dueck, 512 McMeans Ave. E., Winnipeg, Man. R2C 0X5, ph. (204) 222-7915.
SALT Orientation SIXTEEN MCC CANADA SALT VOLUNTEERS ORIENTED
Sixteen SALT (Serve And Learn Together) volunteers were oriented in Winnipeg August 25-29. The 16 young people, between the ages of 17 and 20, will be going to service assignments in SALT units in Markham, Ont., Vancouver, B.C. and Winnipeg. Nine come from the General Conference Mennonite Church and there is one each from the Men nonite Brethren Conference, the Mennonite Conference of Ontario and Quebec, the Western Ontario Mennonite Conference, the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, the Men nonite Church, the Christian Reformed Church and the United Church of Canada. SOVIET OFFICIAL CLAIMS CONDITIONS FOR CHRISTIANS TO IMPROVE, PRISONERS WILL BE FREED
The Chairman of the Soviet Council for Religious Affairs, Konstantin Kharchev, has stated that present laws excessively restricting religious freedom need to be changed and that an amnesty program is in effect which will grant freedom to all prisoners of faith by November of this year. Kharchev said the Soviet Union’s 70-year history includes many difficult pages, saying, “. . . we committed mistakes in our relations with religion. Many problems we are trying to correct.” He affirm ed that the Russian Orthodox Church will be allowed to print 100,000 Bibles this year and that the Evangelical Baptists will import another 100,000 Bibles given to them by the Baptist World Alliance and the United Bible Societies. (ODNS) AMITY PRESSES INSTALLED AND RUNNING Testing has begun at the newly installed Scripture printing presses located at the Amity Foundation’s headqucirters in Nanjing, China. The ultra sophisticated presses, supplied by the United Bible Societies at a cost reputed to be in excess of eight million dollars, have the capacity to print four million books annual ly. Dr. Chan Choi, Regional Secretary of the Asia Pacific Center of the Bible Society, said he hoped to see the first Bibles come off the presses in November of this year, only a few months behind schedule. (ODNS)
THE MESSENGER
MRS. MARGARETHA REIMER 1902-1987 Mother was born on June 6,1902 to Peter R. and Anna Penner of Blumenort, Manitoba. She was baptized upon her confession of faith on July 13, 1919 and received as a member in the Blumenort Kleingemeinde Church. On July 8, 1923 she married Peter F. Reimer, also of Blumenort. They lived on a farm at Clearspring until Father died on April 18, 1932, leaving her with six small children, from six months to eight years old. Then Grandfather built a house for the family behind his store, on the site of the pre sent village of Blumenort, where we lived until 1940. With the deep conviction that her fami ly was her God-given responsibility, she refus ed to accept widows’ allowance, not wanting her children in any way to become wards of the state. Instead, to be as independent as possible, she maintained a large garden, at times growing extra produce to sell. She pick ed berries to preserve and dry, and nuts to add flavour to our food. She gathered dry trees in the woods surrounding the house and cut them into stove-length pieces with a hand saw to supplement our winter wood supply. She kept a few cows for milk and butter for the family, selling the extra butter in Grand father’s store. At times she catered for con struction workers working in the neighborhood. She sewed most of our clothes, making them over from used garments, and made all our toys for Christmas. During these years she also did a lot of sewing for others, using pictures in the Eaton’s catalogue as her patterns. In 1940, when her children were reaching their teens, we moved to a small farm one mile west. That first fall on the farm she had to leave her young family for a few weeks to have major surgery at the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg. Here on the farm, as her children began to assume increasing respon sibility for financial needs of the family and she did not need to devote so much of her time to their physical needs, we became increas ingly aware of how deeply and intensely she cared about the spiritual well-being of her family. When we were out with friends late at night we knew Mother would never sleep until everyone was home. She would be on her knees praying. All her children accepted Christ as Saviour, were baptized, and became members of the local church during their teens. In 1952 Mother sold the farm to Tunney and had a house built in Steinbach in order to take a job in the newly-constructed nurses’ residence, and later also in the hospital kitchen. After four years she had to leave this job for health reasons, and settled into her home close to the hospital. Here she took in roomers and boarders and did custom sewing to help make ends meet. She continued her custom sewing until she was well into her seventies, when she had to stop because of problems
SEPTEMBER 18, 1987
with her eyesight. During her final years in her home in Steinbach, Tunney lived with her. Mother always maintained regular cor respondence with children away from home. In her later years she taught herself to write a virtually flawless and quite expressive English in order to be able to correspond with her grandchildren as well. She learned to do this by copying poems and other beautiful writings that expressed her deep faith and her love for her family, often sending these along with her letters. The most precious ones she MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT PRAISES would cover with plastic wrap and preserve MCCC NATIVE GARDENING PROGRAM in her Bible or some other safe place. Mother also developed a genuine vision for A Member of Parliament praised the Mennonite missions. She followed the activities of mis Central Committee Canada (MCCC) Native sionary friends and relatives closely and sup Gardening program in the House of Commons on ported them regularly with prayer and finan August 13. cial contributions. She joined, and often Dave Nickerson, MP for Western Arctic, visited hosted, a home Bible study group which she MCCC gardeners Brent Petkau and Suzanne Dueck cherished deeply and found a great deal of in Fort Good Hope, North West Territories, earlier support and comfort in studying the Bible. this summer. Following the visit he told the House Mother always loved flowers and plants and that while “soil and climatic conditions are suitable maintained a beautiful garden. Throughout for growing vegetables” in the North, the “lacking her life she appreciated visitors and enjoyed ingredient” is “knowledge and experience on the part of the inhabitants of how to cultivate gardens. preparing delicious and nutritious meals for “Recognizing this,” he went on to say, “Men them. nonite Central Committee Canada has, for the past During the late 1970s her health began to several years, been sending experienced gardeners fall noticeably. On October 20, 1980 she was to the North to teach by example its people the art admitted to Bethesda Hospital where she reof horticulture. This is proving to be a successful malned as a total care patient until 1984 when program .” Nickerson concluded his remarks by saying that she was transferred to the Bethesda Personal the “object of this statement is to thank both Men Care Home. nonite Central Committee Canada and the in From here she left peacefully on September dividual participants for their continuing efforts on 11, 1987 to meet her beloved Saviour and behalf of would-be northern gardeners.” Lord face to face. Twenty-six MCCC gardeners served in 16 com She was predeceased by her parents, Peter munities this summer. R. and Anna Penner, our father, Peter F. GOOD NEWS REPORTED AT Reimer, one daughter, Esther Koop, one sonCFB ANNUAL MEETING in-law, Eric Marner, and two brothers, Isaac The Board of Directors of the Canadian L. Penner and Peter L. Penner, and by one Foodgrains Bank heard a lot of good news at its sister and three brothers in infancy. annual meeting in Winnipeg on June 9-10. Mother is survived by three daughters: The Annual Report indicated that at the end of Carol Marner of Moose Lake, Manitoba; its fourth year of operations, the CFB continues to Anne and John Wiebe of Kimberley, B.C.; receive strong support from donors and government Adeline and Abe Wiebe of Carberry, agencies. The CFB was able to send food shipments Manitoba; two sons: Tunney of Steinbach, totalling 37,315 metric tonnes from Canada's abun Manitoba; and Edward and Evelina of Stein dance to places of great need. The Board of Directors announced a bach; one son-in-law, Peter S. Koop of Stein bach; twelve grandchildren, one step breakthrough in negotiations with the Canadian Wheat Board. The Wheat Board has agreed to granddaughter, twelve great-grandchildren allow the CFB. on a trial basis, to scale, elevate and and three step-great-grandchildren; five load donated grain at licensed elevators for the first sisters: Katherine (Mrs. JohnU. Brandt), An time. In the past, farmers and other volunteers have na (Mrs. Abram K. Plett), Betty (Mrs. Peter had to unload railway hopper cars themselves durK. Reimer), Mary (Mrs. Frank K. Wiebe), and ing grain drives on the prairies. Now the CFB and Helen Penner; two brothers: Abe L. Penner its donors will have access to the licensed elevators’ loading facilities. and John L. Penner. This change represents a generous concession The family wishes to take this opportunity to express deep gratitude to the staff at the from the Wheat Board, which in the past has not allowed non-quota wheat to be handled in this way. Bethesda Hospital and the Bethesda Personal Care Home for their devoted care of our mother during her seven years there and to For Sale the many friends and relatives who have faithfully visited her and given support to the The Blumenort EMC has a family during these trying years. We are also 48-passenger school bus for sale. grateful to our Heavenly Father for taking Mother home to her much deserved glory and Call Denver Reimer at 326-9402 rest. (after 5:00 p.m.) or 326-1323. The Familii
Around
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From the Editor Facins Realities “In view of the financial situation of the Conference, the Board of Finance is inviting all boards and commit tees to a meeting to discuss and seek a solution to the present financial situation. On August 31, 1987 the treasury was short $274,726 of budget requirements. There are not sufficient furfds on hand today to pay missionaries. Conference personnel and other disbursements that need to be made.” It was inevitable. In fact, one wondered why action was postponed for so long when the handwriting was on the wall quite a bit sooner. But be that as it may, I believe the Board of Finance did the right thing in call ing the meeting. The shock emphasis, of course, was greater now than it would have been two months ago when we were still paying bills. And so it happened that some 43 people had followed the invitation to come and grapple with this issue on September 9. Anyone who is familiar with EMC policies and prac tices will know that we’re not known for crying “Wolf, wolf.” We think things over carefully. If that is faith then it certainly is to our credit. In fact, according to the chairman of last night’s meeting, we have never had a meeting of this nature before. Somehow we have always managed to squeeze through, although faith has been sorely tried at times. However, now, I suppose all other options being ex hausted, the meeting was called and took place. And as it was, it was very timely. At some point we have to face reality. Encouragements to give towards our program are quite common, both from the pulpit and otherwise, when the treasury is low. But the present crisis called for dif ferent strategy. As of September 9 the office was actual ly withholding checks to the tune of $16,575 due to lack of funds. Salaries went out, however. As outlined in the Board of Finance statement at the meeting, the prospect is that “should our situation not improve, we will be unable to meet our October 1 com mitments, including missionary and staff salaries, at the time they occur.” The two options facing us, according to the chair man, are 1) cut back expenses, or 2) get more money. To our credit, I don’t think the first option was even considered. The emphasis was on finding ways and means of meeting the shortfall. I believe this is faith God will reward. PAGE 12
But what to do? I think, to the relief of all, sugges tions were quite numerous: bulletin inserts. Focus on Missions, day of prayer and an offering, emissions to churches (we’re too low key on finances). The Board of Finance had another suggestion: Ask the churches how much they can give when budget time rolls around. However, one respondent felt that we need to sell EMC missions to our people. We should know the extent of our needs and our program. One fast thinker (he must have had a calculator) came up with a figure of 644: per day for our program. And he suggested that “our babysitters could give that.” Is that all it comes to, to meet our budget? Why, that’s about what we spend for one cup of coffee! The next day I got out my calculator to double check. Sure enough, at 5800 members and 64C per day, the sum comes to $1,354,000. (I even verified this in the front office.) In addition to this, a leap year would give us an additional $3712.00. With part of this we could put on a supper for our hardworking Board of Finance (once every four years). “The money is there,” said another, a thing we had suspected all along, I believe. One respondent thought that we were stressing budget too much in relation to needs. “Ministries” should get more priority. The plan of action which got the final nod was a combination of three different approaches: 1) a Thanksgiving offering, 2) a letter going to the Messenger mailing list with a self-addressed postage paid envelope, 3) mission conference offerings. The second option was viewed by some as too unac ceptable. It would circumvent the local church by going directly to members. This fear is certainly a valid one. And one would certainly not recommend it as policy. To do it once or twice in 35 years should be acceptable. It is a coverage which will, no doubt, make contact with a greater number of people. And since other fundraising agencies do it all the time we are almost forced to do it too. Hopefully it will not become a practice. If it does, those who oppose it would certainly have a point. The September 9 meeting had to come. Now the air is cleared. Will we rally? I hope so. D. S.
THE MESSENGER