The Messenger s EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
VOL. 25 NO. 2
JAN. 23/87
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A reading of the Old Testament makes it clear that emotions played an important role in the wor ship of the Hebrews.
The Role of Emotions in Christian Faith by Levi Keidel
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t is Sunday morning in a Zaire village. I am par ticipating in the regular worship service of this Mennonite congregation. The neat mud-walled, thatchroofed church is packed. 1 sit squeezed between black people on one of the sturdy bench pews fabricated from local bamboo. The air is charged with expectation. The song leader takes his position beside the pulpit and calls out a number. A portable foot-pump organ, legacy of some past missionary, wheezes an opening chord. We stand. Voices sing lustily. Hands clap the beat. Bodies sway in rhythm. Enthusiasm runs high for all five verses. We sit down. The choir stands. It begins singing an original com position narrating how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Two men enter, carrying on a low rack a “dead” person in graveclothes. “Jesus” steps out of the choir. He gestures a shout. The dead arises. Graveclothes tumble to the ground. The lay pastor announces the offering. The con gregation begins clapping and singing the song regular ly used for the occasion. Each succeeding verse ex horts a group of the congregation to give. Now it’s the women’s turn. They reverently emerge from the pews, form a line in each aisle, and in a slow graceful dance-like gait, proceed to the front. Each in turn curtsies before the communion table and drops her money into the offering basket. I sit taking it all in. There is no question about it— this is authentic joyous worship. How can 1 reconcile this with what 1 saw at that home prayer meeting last night? The joined living-dining room area was packed. People sat on the floor. Others stood lining the walls. With loud raised voices all were praying at once. Some were making strange guttural sounds. Someone shrieked. Some heads shook so violently they ap peared as a blur. To me it was bedlam that made con centration upon prayer impossible. Was that authentic? What is the role of emotions in Christian ex perience? A reading of the Old Testament makes it clear that emotions played an important role in the PAGE 2
worship of the Hebrews. They laughed; they danced; they wept; they shouted; they clapped; they raised their hands heavenward; all as a part of their worship of the Lord. More extreme forms of emotional expression have been a part of most of the great revival movements of the past. The value of such phenomena may be debated. Notwithstanding, Anabaptists spoke in tongues, had visions, prophesied, and fell into comas. During the New England “Great Awakening,” the ministry of Jonathan Edwards produced tremblings, shriekings, convulsions, and faintings. Soon John Wesley in England expressed “profound thankfulness” that such “wonderful bodily effects” became a com mon part of his own ministry. About a century later faintings and prostrations were a common occurrence under the ministry of American evangelist C.G. Fin ney. He believed that the phenomena were “a case of falling under the power of God, as the Methodists would express it.” However, in most cases such extreme forms of emotional expression, when sustained over a period of time, proved counter-productive. The great revivalists had a change of heart. Jonathan Edwards expressed his disenchantment in a published treatise. Persons of his parish manifesting such excesses not only failed to improve their conduct; ultimately they became harden ed of heart and drove him from his pastorate. John Wesley’s ardor for such “signs and wonders” waned as he observed their abuse beyond his control; by the time of his death he felt it was Satan who pushed people to such “extravagance.” In his later years, C.G. Finney came to view his earlier ministry when the fainting manifestations were most prominent as a period of failure. Four of eight evangelists who were inspired by him were forced out of the ministry for sexual immorality. In 1836 Finney said that of all the converts of the revivals of the preceding 10 years, “the great body of them are a disgrace to religion.” The common experience of these men would inTHE MESSENGER
A problem comes when emotions alone are us ed as the criteria for deciding what is right or wrong ... The Word is the primary and essential criterion for deciding what is right and wrong.
dicate that feelings or emotions in themselves should play no role in validating the rightness or wrongness of one’s Christian faith. William James, though a non Christian himself, would agree with them. James, a pioneer psychologist, published his life-long findings in 1902 in a book titled The Varieties of Religious Ex perience. He insisted that the person having a pro found conversion experience into any religion passes through a sequence of six emotional states. He defin ed them as (1) a period of growing despair culminating in (2) an encounter with the divine, followed by (3) a great sense of peace and well-being, (4) a sudden perceiving of truths hitherto unrecogniz ed, (5) the appearance that the world itself has undergone a positive change, and (6) the ecstasy of happiness. Someone is saying, “Those are precisely the feelings I experienced when I became a Christian. Are you saying that they are not valid? Didn't Jesus say that the person who does His will shall know His is the way of truth? (Jn. 7:17). Did not the Apostle Paul say that the mark of genuine Christian experience is the witness of the Holy Spirit within our hearts responding to God as Father? (Rom. 8:14-15). 1 agree. However, a problem comes when emotions alone are used as the criteria for deciding what is right or wrong . . . when emotions of themselves become my final authority. The problem is well illustrated to day by the consensus in secular society which asks, “How can it be wrong when it feels so good?” When we put faith in sensory responses alone, we are in peril. Satan can imitate anything in the sensory realm, and thereby leads many astray. True Christians have always claimed to live not under the lordship of emotions, but under the lordship of Christ. During the earliest centuries of church history and ever since the Reformation, the Word,
both living and written, has been the final authority for the church’s life and practise. The Word is the primary and essential criterion for deciding what is right and wrong. First of all Jesus calls us to obedience. His in dwelling presence in us is contingent upon our obe dience (Jn. 14:23). When we respond by submitting ourselves to Him in our innermost depths, whatever emotions follow are to be welcomed, affirmed, and enjoyed. The prayer meeting described earlier is atypical among the Zaire peoples. I’ve worshipped with them for 25 years. However, they are closer to the Hebrews than we are. They dance, weep, shout, clap, raise their hands, all in authentic worship. We need not en dorse disorderly excesses. Notwithstanding, I recall oc casional worship services in Zaire where verily it seem ed the roof alone kept us from ascending into heaven. Such Christians may have something to teach us about the role emotions should play in our enjoyment of the Christian faith.
CONTRIBUTORS:
Mr. Levi Keidel served for 25 years as a missionary of the General Conference Mennonite Church under the Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission in Zaire. Currently he is instructor of Missions and Evangelism at Columbia Bible College, Clearbrook, B.C. Ar/yn Enns (La Crete) is involved in church planting, pre evangelism and linguistic/cultural study among the N.W. Cree and Chipewyan Indian tribes. Jake and Marie Plett (Steinbach EFC) are church planters in Mexico, under the EMC Board of Missions. Bob and Adeline Storey (Landmark) are serving in field administration and leadership in Thailand. Peter and Mary Thiessen (Morris) are in charge of the New Tribes Mission guest home in Chihuahua, Mex ico. Evelyn Barkman (Landmark) is serving under the Gospel Mis sionary Union in Mali. She is involved in teaching, preparing courses and materials, camp and Bible classes. COVER: Supplied by Abundant Springs promotion.
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, R0A2A0. 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.
JANUARY 23, 1987
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Peter Thiessen bringing suppiies to an airstrip. From there they are flown to the mis sionaries. They have to be taken down by mules which takes another three hours.
MEXICO
Satisfaction In Him Ministry to Missionaries What a change from mountain life to city life! Our responsibility in the guest home is to support the tribal missionaries in various ways. We make doctor’s appointments, arrange flight schedules, receive urgent news from relatives and relay it through the daily com munications we have by radio. We do other jobs such as buy supplies, make supply trips, keep up the guest apartments, submit mon thly books for accounting, wash mission laun dry and make meals for the missionaries besides for our own family and guests. Hav ing our home open and being available is a way we serve our fellow missionaries. Docs this sound spectacular and daring? Not real ly, docs it? We arc finding that the Lord gives us true joy and satisfaction not so much in what we arc accomplishing but in Himself. Peter is helping out in getting the school
and dorm started. Pray for wisdom as deci sions are made as to what material to buy for the buildings, etc. We are fellowshipping in the EMC Church in Chihuahua City. 1 (Peter) am teaching the adult Sunday school class but our personal involvement with the people is very limited due to our guest home ministry. We are grateful for Randy and Faith Krahn who are involved full-time in the church. We see a great need for the national believers to also be challenged to reach the unreached. One of the best ways to save time for the missionaries is to pray for them consistently, that they will walk close to God in overcom ing the many obstacles that are always there to hinder the work. You too are a lifeline to the unreached as you pray for each of us. Peter and Mary Thiessen
to leave the village. If we did not leave the spirit headman threatened to move the village to another location, leaving us by ourselves. Later, at a meeting in the village, during which we were present, we were told that the situa tion could be solved if we would feast the spirits as the Pwo Karen do. Twice a year each household in the village feasts the village guar dian spirits at a special ceremonial site at the edge of the village. Along with our co-workers, the Winston Roan family from Edmonton, Alberta, we evaluated the ultimatum which had been given to us. We had lived in this village for eight and a half years. We had completed for mal language and culture study and had pro ceeded to evangelize the village and, to a lesser extent, other villages in the area. The response after five years of evangelism was minimal. The decision to evict us was made by the village spirit headman and backed up by the political headman. We have been told that the political headman is afraid of the spirit head man and is obligated to follow his dictates. Apart from these two men and a few other influential men, the people would have liked us to stay. However, even though the majori ty of the people disagreed with the decision made by the spirit headman, they are tied in to the system and must do what the spirit headman says unless they would leave the system by turning to Christ. The last week in the village provided abun dant opportunities to share with the people that they were making a choice to follow the path of darkness rather than to turn to the Light, repent and believe the Gospel, which they have been hearing. The political head man summed it all up one day when he said.
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Reaching the Pwo Karen Choosing Darkness Rather than Light The village spirit headman’s rice crop was not doing well. Instead of the deep green color normally seen during the rainy season, the rice was turning yellow and drying up. In ad dition, the chickens in the village were dying off. Through these incidents, the Pwo Karen villagers of Klombc, located in the moun tainous region of northwest Thailand, deduc ed that something was out of harmony in the spirit world. The Pwo Karen believe that when the spirits want to get the villagers’ attention, they attack the spirit headman’s rice, since he is responsible for the well-being of the village. PAGE 4
A meeting was held and the decision was made to consult a spirit medium to find out what the problem was. The spirit headman and two other men dedicated to upholding Karen traditions and ways walked several hours over the mountains to consult with the medium. Later that evening the men return ed, bringing the news that the foreigners (we and our co-workers), were to blame for the situation. The medium, while in a trance, had said the Pwo Karen people live with foreigners who worship God; the Karen people follow the way of the spirits and the two cannot live together. Word was passed along that we would have
Bob and Adeline Storey and family. They are presently located in Chiang Mai, serving in field leadership and administration.
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Skaw Karen believers from a nearby village. The fellow on the far right and the one in the centre are the leaders of the group.
"We have to do what we do because we follow Satan.” At the present time our co-workers, Winston and Linda Roan, are on a medical furlough in western Canada. We have just returned from a very profitable and refreshing furlough in Canada and northern Ireland. During our furlough in Landmark, Manitoba we were able to become associates with the EMC Board of Missions. We do appreciate the common bond of fellowship that we have experienced with the Board of Missions as we serve the Lord here in Thailand. Since returning from furlough in August 1986, I have been serving as field chairman on a full-time basis. We are now located in the northern city of Chiang Mai and are in volved in field administration and the over sight of our missionaries scattered around the country. At present we are working in 10 tribal groups in Thailand. Part of my present responsibilities involves visiting each mission station and working directly with our missionaries. During the Christmas holidays we were able to make a trip into Klombe after almost a twoyear absence. We were encouraged with the positive friendliness and response from the people. We received a warm welcome and were invited to eat with them during our time in the village. Also the little Skaw Karen group of believers has been growing and around six families are now meeting together to worship the Lord. Please remember to pray for the two young men who are the leaders in this little group. Uncle Little is still very excited about the message which we have shared and has asked us to pray that his family would be will ing to turn from their spirit worship and their sins. It is our earnest prayer that God, who commanded the light to shine out of the darkness, will make the Light to shine in the hearts of the Pwo Karen people, to give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ (II Cor. 4:6). Bob and Adeline Storey
JANUARY 23, 1987
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13 Leave for Paraguay ARRIVING in Paraguay on January 16 were three single workers and two families. Top left: Erna Plett (Treesbank EMC). Etna will be located in Caaguazu with the respon sibility of setting up a Christian bookstore. Top center: Landis Friesen (Blumenort EMC). Landis completed a year of language studies at the RGBI in December 1986. After a time of orientation it is planned that she will be involved with youth ministries and assist Erna Plett in the bookstore. Top right: Julia Funk (Landmark EMC). She will in itially be involved in orientation and Guarani language learning in preparation for her involvement with tribal people in Sta. Teresa and area. Center: Fred and Irene Buhler (Hudson Bay EMC), Alicia and Nicole. They have returned to Paraguay for their se cond term of service. They will be located in Caaguazu and be involved in field leader ship and church planting. Bottom: Ken and Vai Zacharias (Portage la Prairie EMC), Nathan, Travis, Taralin and Jared. Ken and Vai completed their language training al the RGBI in December. After orientation and language practice they will be involved in evangelism/church planting in Caaguazu.
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Daniel and Marie Fane.
ed group of baby Christians, but they will need a regular contact for the next several months. We are going into a very busy Boys’ School term. Would you pray that Daniel, his wife Marie, and 1 would find time in our busy schedules to regularly visit this group. We are especially concerned for the wives of the Christian men. There are hundreds of groups like this in Mali. Pray that the Lord, who has given this abundant harvest, will also send workers to gather it in. Evelyn Barkman NORTHERN CANADA
Of Lynx Fur and Feeble Hands MALI
An Abundant Harvest Pressure to Return to Islam The Mali church has seen dramatic growth the past few years. Many new Christians are finding that it was relatively easy to enter ‘the way’ but it is much more difficult to stay in ‘the way’ in the face of opposition. At this stage the young church needs much en couragement and instruction. Let me give you just one current example of this. Three months ago an old man arrived at my door. He had come from Korokoro, a town forty-three kilometers from Warsala, with the express purpose of becoming a Chris tian. He had heard the message via our week ly broadcast on Radio Mali. He said there were others ready to make this decision. Daniel Fane, one of our teachers, and 1 went to visit them. Five men turned to the Lord. On each subsequent visit, four or five more men would commit their lives to Christ. By Christmas there were more than twenty believers at Korokoro. They were excited about their new faith and eager to learn all about it. A number of them travelled the distance to come celebrate Christmas with us at Warsala. Upon their return home, one of the men found that his wife had died suddenly during the night. Even though she was a practising Muslim, the Muslim leaders refused to give her burial rites because her husband is a Chris tian. This put tremendous fear in the hearts of the wives of the other Christian men. They, along with other family members and neighbours, began putting pressure on the Christians to return to Islam. The Sunday after Christmas, Daniel Fane felt an inner urge to go to Korokoro, even though he had preaching responsibilities elsewhere. He went and found the town in a state of hostile confusion as the people were doing everything possible to make the Chris tians return to Islam. Two had already made a public declaration renouncing Christianity, a few were wavering, but most remained ada mant that even in the face of death they would not renounce their Lord. Daniel was able to encourage, comfort, and instruct this hanass-
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An obseruation on intercession Wandering Spirits had not caught much fur this winter, so last week when we were together for the first time since September, we asked the Lord to move some animals onto their trapline. Immediately upon their return to the bush, they found almost as much fur in their traps as they had caught during the previous two months combined! Harry needed a job and had absolutely no leads. A few hours after we brought the pro blem to the Lord, Harry was hired, sight unseen, over-top of a long line of previous applications. Tuccaro has had a serious recurring illness for years, which had never been diagnosed. Not long ago, while out hunting, he became sick again and was continuously close to fain ting. Asking for prayer, he disclosed fears of being under a hex. I sensed that he wasn’t, and prayed, among other things, that his pro blem would be found. He improved enough to still work that afternoon, and two days later a physician flew down to our village and was able to discover the cause of his suffering and begin its remedy. Even Francois Tumu wandered across the lake the other day, and quite surprised me with a request for prayer. He has never heard the gospel or anything, but his last visit of such a nature - to a medicine man - had apparent ly been both much more costly and less ef fective. He seemed surprised that I did not charge him anything. Members of the Cree medical profession, it seems, have not yet heard of banning “extra-billing.” (I also have to assume that old Francois came more upon a referral from the Holy Spirit than from the shaman!) These folk, 1 sometimes think, maybe know a little more about intercession than I do! Several disappointments during recent long-term efforts have emphasized to me that, like my neighbours here, / too need support from those who haue contact with God. In deed, often it seems my prayer is less power ful when focussed upon my own needs than upon those of others. Hence, if my labours and prayers for the nationals are not to be hindered or rendered helpless, 1 in turn need your priestly “cover-fire.”
Arlyn Enns.
Continue to help hold up our only toohuman hands! Pray that they will be clean, consistent, Christlike; and increasingly privileged to work where the Holy Spirit con trols the circumstances. Arlyn Enns
MEXICO
Christmas Away From Home Hope in Jesus Christ Today is Christmas, December 25, 1986! We are at home in our rented house here in Mexico. We have been to three school and church programs. At midnight we had the thrill of being awakened by carollers - our teacher, Eva Dyck, two of her sisters and their husbands, and a couple of local friends. We get letters and many cards to remind us that we are away from many relatives and friends. Some can hardly understand that it is possible to be away so long. Yes, there is nostalgia, there are times when we need to wipe the tears from our eyes so that we can continue reading the letters. We know people who have most of their brothers and sisters and parents nearby but who probably won’t get together as a family because of disunity, an unforgiving spirit, and an unwillingness to make amends. We would like to help people like this and introduce them to the love of God and the joy of sins forgiven. We are expecting company for supper tonight. A turkey is roasting in the oven and there will be all the trimmings to go with it. There are presents under the tree for all the expected company. We also plan a short devotional. All this is going to be strange for our visitors. Many of the people here are very unsettl ed. The devaluation of the peso and the high inflation rate (more than 100%) is making it very difficult for many to make a living here. The fact that they have no assurance of a bet ter eternity drives many to intoxicating drink. Can we get close enough to the people so that they will believe our testimony? Will we be able to point them to the scripture, from where our hope comes for eternal life? May Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit create new desires in the lives of many to be born of the Spirit. May we be faithful in proclaim ing the only message of eternal value. Jake and Marie Plett
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Messenger News to Honduras and five other countries. Jake Letkemann, director of Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba, and Verna Hiebert were asked to “deliver” the supplies and speak to the donors on December 18. Beautiful educational slides were shown on the primitive ways of life in Laos and Honduras. Each student could then gather the various things on display that made up the gift and tuck them into a cloth bag - four notebooks, one ruler, one eraser, one pack of pencil crayons, and two pencils. It was simply heartstirring to hear the 300-voice choir, grades 1-12, conclude the Christmas concert on December 11 with the magnificent “Hallelujah Chorus.” God bless them all! I wonder what it would sound like to hear the 220 recipients of the kits respond all at one time to the good gifts that had come all the way from Landmark, Canada!
Baptism and membership reception at the Wymark church.
NEW MEMBERS ACCEPTED
Wymark, Sask.: It was a glad morning of hope and anticipation at our church when five young people were baptized and one ac cepted by transfer of membership. They each gave a short testimony: Karen Friesen -1 accepted Jesus at an ear ly age. I am so thankful for my parents and the love they have shown to me. As 1 go through high school the Lord is with me each day. God is the right way. He knoweth the best (Psalm 62). Linda Driedger - Committing my life to the Lord was a beautiful experience. 1 am thankful for His grace and love and have found that in helping with Good News Club 1 begin to understand more of the abundant life. Also, 1 am thankful for my family and friends and want to be a blessing to the church (Proverbs 3:5,6). Mrs. Talita Hildebrandt -1 became a Chris tian at an early age and rcdedicated my life when 1 attended high school. Nurses’ train ing taught me much and 1 am so thankful for His goodness and am excited about what the Lord has done for me. My family and friends also give me much reason to be thankful and 1 pray that 1 may be of help to the church (Psalm 37:4). Jackie Peters - Jesus came into my life at an early age. Please pray for me that 1 may be an asset to the church (John 3:16). Clarence Tschetter - 1 am so thankful for a Christian home. When 1 asked God to come into my life after high school 1 realized that He is the answer and my desire is to follow Him. Pray for me. Brenda Wall - My desire is to live for the Lord. 1 am so thankful for my Christian friends in high school where 1 rededicated my life to the Lord. Please pray for me (Romans 8:28).
JANUARY 23, 1987
CHRISTMAS AT CRESTVIEW The children at the Landmark School preparing school kits for students in foreign countries.
GIFTS TO FOREIGN STUDENTS Landmark, Man.: Gifts to students in Hon duras from grades 1-12 at the Landmark School will be appreciated very much, will definitely outlive the holiday season and will have a positive influence on the life of each recipient for a long time. The children didn’t want to exchange gifts; it was to be something more purposeful. It was agreed that MCC school kits were to be given to children in foreign countries who were much less fortunate than they. Funds were to be raised to pay for these gifts. Each child who contributed $1.00 received a beautiful sparkling star (made to decorate the auditorium) as a token gift. Some gave $3.00, or even $6.50, the cost of one kit. A total of just over $1000.00 was gathered, with the staff and Principal Dennis Fast adding $270.00. This was sufficient to send 220 kits
Needed The La Crete Christian (EMC) Fellowship could utilize about 100 used hymnbooks, Worship and Service Hymnal (Hope Publication). If you can help, please contact the La Crete Church, Box 385, La Crete, Alta. TOH 2H0, Tel.: (403)928-3783.
Crestview (Winnipeg, Man.): The Christmas celebrations at Crestview got off to an early start and continued for most of December. The first celebration was that of the Dorcas Sisters on December 2. Catherine Thiessen, a missionary from Mexico, was the special guest for the evening. She showed slides and gave an overview of her work. After carols and the Christmas story, the ladies and their guests enjoyed refreshments. The annual adult Christmas social was held on December 7. This year traditional turkey and all the trimmings satisfied the guests. Throughout the evening, games, gifts and door prizes kept everyone entertained. Carols were sung and Pastor Ralph invited everyone to share in the real meaning of Christmas. A special thanks to Mary Heppner for making and donating a large share of the prizes. December 21 was a full day for Crestview. The morning service consisted of a Christmas music festival. There were selections by our young people’s brass group, the men’s choir, piano solos by Andrea Kehler and Glenda Unger, a mini cantata by the youth choir and a package of Christmas songs and carols by the senior choir. In the evening the Sunday school presented a program that held everyone’s attention. The nursery class, be ing a little shy, presented themselves in their finest outfits without saying a word. Their teacher was proud of them even though they had forgotten what they had rehearsed! Other classes presented verses and plays. The young teens acted out a play that they and their teachers had written. The evening ended with gifts and candy bags for the students and a special gift for Ralph and Mary Lynn from the entire congregation. On December 31a watchnight service was
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held. It was an evening of review and of com mitment. The traditional New Year's cookies were served at the end of the old year. The new year came in during a silent prayer session. The first item of business in 1987 was deacon election which took place on January 11. The people were encouraged to fast and pray during lunch hour and until the service began at 2:00 p.m. Henry and Betty Dyck were elected. May the Lord bless you as you fill this important responsibility. Special thanks to John and Lena Esau who have served faithfully in this position for fifteen years. May the Lord reward you for your efforts. Although a new year lies ahead with all of its challenges and uncertainties, the Bible has an exhortation for all. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, "... let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross ...” May each one of us run our own life’s race in a manner that is worthy of the prize - the Lord Jesus himself. CALLED BY GOD
LaCrete, Alta.; On Sunday morning, November 30, we rejoiced to hear thirteen people share their testimonies of how they
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Baptism at the LaCrete church. Back row (left to right): Pastor Charles Koop, Pat Heglund, Isaac Wiebe, Rod Knelsen, Henry Froese, Peter Driedger. Front: Debbie Friesen, Helen Heglund, Martha Wiebe, Gertrude Fehr, Martha Froese, Martha Driedger.
had been led into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Lord spoke to all of us that morning and our hearts went out with love to these dear people as they shared. There were those who had gone through long and difficult struggles to bring them here, others had had illness in the family, and some heard the message of salvation as a child and receiv ed Him early in life. In whatever way God call ed them, we know it was His working in their lives that brought them to realize their need to surrender their life to Him. We are happy for each one, and our prayer is “that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6). Baptism and membership reception took place on the following Sunday, December 7.
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Announcing 37th EMC Annual Convention July 4 and 5, 1987 Location:
Theme:
Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium on the Brandon University Campus Evangelism
Main Speaker: Art McPhee, church planter and pastor. Formerly speaker on “The Mennonite Hour” and “Art McPhee in Touch.” Author of “Friendship Evangelism.” The convention will begin with an evening session on Saturday, July 4. This session will focus on youth. There will be three sessions on Sunday, July 5: morning, afternoon and early evening. There will be activities for the whole family, including children and youth. Details about the program, accommodations and registration will be published later. Please mark these dates on your calendar and plan to attend. This is the first time our an nual convention is held at a location other than the Steinbach/Blumenort area. It is a new venture for our Conference. With support of members from all areas it can be a spiritually very enriching experience.
Sessions:
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George and Debbie Froese (left) were received into the membership of the LaCrete church on December 7. Seen with Lorraine and Charles Koop (pastoral couple).
CORRECTION In the January 9 issue of the Messenger the report from the Fisher Branch church incor rectly stated that Jeff Plett suffered injuries in a “wedding” mishap. This should have read a “welding” mishap. We apologize for the error.
Church Planter Needed The EMC Board of Missions is in need of a church planter for a new church in Lundar, Man. this spring. If a call is felt and you have an interest in such Christian service, contact Ben Friesen, EMC Board of Missions, phone 326-6401. THE MESSENGER
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The new La Crete church sanctuary will seat over 400.
Committee, revealed how they had a steady flow of volunteers. “Let’s praise God for what He has done.” Greetings were brought from the Bergthaler Church by Mr. Knelsen and By Dave Schellenberg the Tompkins church by Mr. Harder. Mervin Brandt gave greetings from the JANUARY 18 was a day of celebra an affirmation each one of us is making.” High Level EMC. Dave Thiessen sent Mr. Menno Hamm gave an historical greetings on behalf of the Forest Lawn tion for the La Crete (EMC) Christian flashback. There was a small beginning (EMC) Church in Calgary. Fellowship when they dedicated their The dedication message was delivered Bible studies, once-a-month' .programsi new sanctuary to the Lord. Standing, ap propriately, the congregation sang, “We and film nights - apparently not with the by Mr. Arden Thiessen, moderator of the He spoke The Life of ~ ' on “""" have come into this house ...” A thought to start a church, but in the Conference. Fellowship ” (Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-35): English language. reported 311 people were present. 1. In order to have fellowship the peoIt, however, developed into a church “We want to welcome you this after noon . . ,” said Pastor Charles Koop, “to after Elmer and Lena Hamm came and pie must take time together. 2. Fellowship means being of one glorify and praise God for what He’s Elmer became the pastor. A church heart and one mind. done for us.” He went on to explain that building was dedicated in 1978. 3. Where there is fellowship there peo Ray Knelsen, reporting for the Building dedication is self-dedication, “in a sense ple share material goods. The new addition adds almost 10,000 square feet to the La Crete church (right). (The Treasurer John Schellenberg gave a old church is on the left.) short financial report. They wanted to
La Crete Church Dedication
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Pastor Charles Koop at the La Crete church dedication on January 18.
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Mr. Arden Thiessen of Steinbach, Man., guest speaker at the La Crete church dedication.
raise $55,000 before construction was to start; they went over this. Total cost now stands at almost $295,000. On Sunday more than $120,000 had already come in. The pastor and people also took part in the actual act of dedication in a prepared responsive reading. That the church has much musical talent was displayed by the various musical groups performing during the afternoon and also during the evening Celebration of Praise - senior choir, children’s choir, quartet, handbells, guitar and accordion group, and a guest solo. A slide review of the project was given by Lorraine Koop and Gordon Foster at the evening session. The prayer of dedication was said by Mr. Peter Janzen while Mr. Isaak Dyck pronounced the benediction. Ben Thiessen and John Bueckert assisted on the platform. Closing words of the pastor, “1 think we’ve had a great day,” certain ly were not an overstatement. The idea of a new sanctuary came about because of shortness of space for Sunday school as well as for the worship services. Almost two years passed from the time a building committee was elected till the ground breaking. Ground breaking took
Mr. Menno Hamm with picture and inscrip tion of appreciation to Elmer and Lena Hamm for their service to the La Crete church (1973-83).
Melvin Hamm, Sexsmith, Alta., rendered a solo,
place on April 20, 1986. Basically the hired help consisted of a building superintendent, Larry Dueck, Red Deer, Alta., and two other men. The new church adds almost 10,000 square feet to the existing church. It seats over 400. The old church has been renovated and contains Sunday school classrooms. church offices and it also becomes part of the new church’s foyer. The total plant now has some twenty-one Sunday school rooms. By August 18 they could move into
new basement. On November 2 they had their first service upstairs, The church has a wide sphere of in fluence, which reaches approximately from Fort Vermilion (25 miles north) to Tompkins Landing (40 miles to the southwest), plus the village of La Crete, Just around Christmas they reached their record Sunday school attendance of 225. Many people took part in the after noon celebration; we cannot name them all. God keeps the record.
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Children's choir under the direction of Ann Ellas singing at the La Crete church dedication.
Edith Fehr, Trudy Schmidt, Susie Wiebe and Margaret Fehr rendered a number in song at the evening Celebration of Praise.
Ladies' choir.
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Abundant Springs ’87
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by Gordon Kroeker IT MAY BE A bit early to consider Abundant Springs, the biennial Na tional EMC Youth Conference, a tradi tion in the truest sense of the word. Handing down a practice from one age to another really should be a span longer than fours, which is the time since the first Abundant Springs Conference held in 1983 in Regina. In spite of its recent beginnings there are really few young people in the EMC Conference to whom the words “Abundant Springs” are not already familiar. (At least the planners like to think so!) They are familiar as a result of their participation in the past or through anticipation for the next one! The “next one” is now coming up very soon. “Abundant Springs ’87” is planned to be held on May 15-18, 1987 at the Briercrest Bible College campus. This will mark the Third National EMC Youth Conference. The conference theme, “Energized to Glorify,” is based on Ephesians 1:13, 14, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Hav ing believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our in heritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory. ” We trust that all participants will be motivated to glorify God, not only on this weekend but constantly throughout life. Mr. Bob Black has been invited to be our keynote conference speaker. Presently Mr. Black is Campus Life Director for Winnipeg Youth for Christ. He has over the years developed an outstanding ability to relate and com municate with youth. Abundant Springs will also feature JANUARY 23, 1987
two guest musicians this year, both Canadians. Jerry Proppe, a solo artist, from Calgary, will be serving throughout the weekend conference. He is both a singer and a songwriter. A sam ple of his music is available in his 1985 album release. Two Feet Deep, stress ing the need for Christians to get both feet wet in a faith that demands nothing less. On the Sunday night of the con ference Michael Hart of Vancouver will appear in concert. He too is both a songwriter and a performer of his own musical compositions. He received a positive response from his audience when he opened for David Meece in his 1986 spring tour of Western Canada. All three special guests will be featured in a March issue of The Messenger.
Besides our special guests there will be numerous other inspiring opportunities to stimulate young people mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. There will be a choice of thirteen dif ferent seminar topics. Other optional ac tivities will be available, including gym activities, films, music, recreation, etc. The committees are prayerfully preparing and developing the conference plans, trusting that God will meet the needs of many young people. Will you pray with us while we complete the pro gram and other detailed preparations? Pray also that God will prepare the hearts of those who will be having presentations and the young people who will be attending. Pray that God will grant safety and protection during the conference and while travelling to and from Caronport. Finally, if you are of eligible age, please consider seriously this weekend opportunity. If you consider yourself “too old” please encourage young peo ple to attend.
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REGISTRATION FORM Pre-registration Deadline, May 1, 1987 NAME
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ADDRESS.
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CHURCH
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POSTAL CODE
PHONE NO. ( MALE
OFFICE SPACE ONLY DATE RECEIVED AMOUNT RECEIVED. BALANCE 0WING_ BALANCE RECEIVED ROOM NO.
FEMALE
)
Please billet me with: Someone from my area
‘AGE
A total stranger
GRADE
I don't care with whom.
1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
MAIL TO: ABUNDANT SPRINGS CARONPORT '87
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Box 1892 Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 'Registrants must be 15 years old by December 31,1987.
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From the Editor A Mind to Work For the second time within a period of two months EMC congregations have held church dedication events. The first one you read about in the January 9, 1987 Messenger as happening on November 30 in Aylmer, Ont., where our Mt. Salem Church was dedicated. The second, January 18, took place in La Crete, Alta, (see page 9). In both cases it was a matter of crowded facilities in the old sanctuary, a matter of expediency. At the latest dedication (La Crete) it was my privilege to be present. Churches don’t evolve by themselves as a rule! Many people, many volunteers, make possible a building like the ones that were dedicated. Some people spend much of their efforts. Or, as the Aylmer report stated, “Much voluntary labour went into the structure.” This was cer tainly no less the case with this latest one. I said churches don’t evolve by themselves as a rule. I’m sure these congregations could have wished it so; they could have hoped for a new church, all to no avail. The secret, I believe, lies in the words of Nehemiah and the building of the wall at Jerusalem, “So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to half of its height. For the people had a mind to work” (italics mine). Of course, prayer and work go together. Pastor Koop acknowledged at the dedication that “we are forever grateful ... for a building where we can worship and praise you” (God). But I seem to remember a saying something like this, “Pray as if everything depended on God; work as if everything depended upon you.” Prayer in this case was followed up by work. Or how else can you build a sanctuary seating 250 for $110,000 (Aylmer)? Or how can you build a church seating 430 (La Crete) for $295,0(X)? You can figure for yourself the many hours of voluntary labour or other than cash offerings that were made. On November 30, and again on January 18, as people saw the fruit of their prayers and labour. I’m sure they must have acknowledged that it was worth it all. We see here a genuine service to God. Christians serve Christ whether they are witnessing or working with their hands. In the Kingdom of God there is no secular or sacred, as we so often divide it. The only dif ference is that some are called to preach and others to supply the need with their hands. As such, Christians who set their hands to the work can say they are serv ing the Lord - the planner, the painter, the one who cleans up, tears up or carries benches, and the one who makes the coffee are all labourers together with God. No one is inferior; no one is superior, in the eyes of the Lord. Now, however, we can stand back and say, “What PAGE 12
God has wrought!” Because it is He who gives the gifts and talents to build His Kingdom. As a part of the body known as EMC we should praise God together for the blessing He has granted to these churches. But we can do even more. Some EMC churches with a building program invite members from other EMC churches to contribute. What a privilege! This came to my mind as I thought about another church group (Calgary) who, I think, are about ready to embark on a building program this year. Ask God what He would have you do to help them. D.S.
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Are We Using Our Brains? “The average person uses only one-tenth of his brain.” How sad if this is true! According to this, God has given us ten times more brain energy than we are using? Can we then go on talking about geniuses? Or is a genius only a person who uses his brain capacity to a greater extent than we ordinary mortals do? I’m sure Christ used his mental faculties to the fullest extent. And Paul writes to the Philippians that they should have the mind of Christ, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). The context reveals that Paul is speaking here about something which we hold very dear, which we hang on to tenaciously, which we find very hard to relinquish the bent to self-seeking. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (2:4). As we seek to utilize more of our God-given faculties we are made aware of the wrongness of self-seeking. We come to see and experience the blessing and rewards of seeing the larger work of God; that, as in the ocean, there is more and more. This is truly liberating. Then maybe the request of Paul (I Thess. 5:23) will be answered where he says, “May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly ...” Maybe some of this will come through the reading of God’s Word. The psalmist says the following in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” I believe answers are there if we need them, if we use our God-given brain. However, coupled with this is another of the psalmist’s prayers, “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18). Some have to work very hard at gaining knowledge (Bible college or seminary students, for instance). I’m sure they are using more than ten percent of their brain. I would like to think that they are persons who are also thinking about using their knowledge unselfishly; God will reward this. D.S. THE MESSENGER
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