The Messenoer EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
VOL. 25 NO. 4
Feb. 20/87
IL
Storm Within -
Storm Without
I
was 13 that day in July when I was tilling the summer fallow as a thunderstorm rolled in from the West. I was reminded in the fury of the storm of a cousin my age who died some weeks earlier. I thought to myself, “What would happen to me if I should die?” I tried to comfort myself. Really I was not very wick ed, had not committed many great sins. Perhaps God would not deal harshly with me. That was the first time God convicted me of my sin and that I needed a Savior. During the next years at times I would enjoy myself, forgetting that God had spoken to me of my sin. At other times, conviction of sin would come with renewed force. One day I did what many others have done. I told God I would make a decision in the future. I also set the date. I promised God I would accept Christ when I was 19. That made me feel better. At least I now had something to stand on. I started to try to improve
I tried to comfort myself. Really I was not very wicked, had not commit ted many great sins. Perhaps God would not deal harshly with me.
w
My 19th birthday went by. I was not converted. The devil reminded me then that it was now too late. I had broken my promise to God!
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myself, but found out through bitter experience that the opposite was true; I only drifted further into sin. I found that my resistance to sin was weak. When we were together as a gang I would drink again and again,> even though I had promised my mother I would not. My mother would never go to bed until all of her sons were home. Also, she seemed to always know where we were. It was not easy to face her in the wee hours of the morning. I lied more than once to her, then promis ed God, as I went to sleep, that I never would do it again. But I did . . . time and time again. One day in the field another storm came up. A bolt of lightening hit so close to me I felt that God in His wrath was going to smite me. The rain really came down and I was forced to unhook the team and bring them into the little barn we had on the prairie. There in that barn, four miles from home, a storm went on in side as the storm raged outside. I got on my knees, I literally cried to God to spare me and not send me to hell. The storm was over, it was time for dinner. I opened my lunch bucket (a 10-pound syrup pail) and as I removed the napkin covering the food, I saw a cake my sisters had made for me, with the figure “19” in icing. Normally a surprise like this would have brought joy, but it was just the opposite. This was the day I had promised the Lord I would surrender my life to Him. Here I was 19 . . . and, I had promised to give my heart to Christ! As I headed home that late afternoon I had a big load of sin on my back. My heart cried out for help. No one seemed to sense my need, and I lacked THE MESSENGER
the courage to talk to my parents. My 19th birthday went by; I was not converted. The devil reminded me then that it was now too late. I had broken my promise to God! I believed the devil. Life became harder, with cursing, etc. Why not end it all, the devil even suggested at times. I know how it feels to be forsaken by God and man. One day I was supposed to go out into the field, but felt I couldn’t make it. Mother must have noticed there was something wrong with me, so she followd me into the machine shed. While walking to the shed I had told God that if He wanted a wretched sinner like me, “Here I am.” I told my mother this, confessed my sins to her, asked forgiveness, and the bitter tears of repen tance flowed. I feel now that complete peace would have come had Mother been able to lead me through the Scriptures. Yet God had another way to give me that assurance.
As I stood there before the step I had to decide which road I was going to take. In my dream I took the road to the right. It came one night through a dream. I saw myself covered with fog, rubbing my eyes, trying to see. Sud denly the fog lifted and I could see clearly. Before me was a large step and two roads side by side. On the left was a broad road with nice green grass, trees and flowers; it led on downhill. I couldn’t see where it was going. On the right there was a narrow road, with the hot sun beating down on it. It led uphill through moun tains, not one bit inviting to the eye. As I stood there before the step, I had to decide which road I was going to take. In my dream I took the road to the right. After walking a few steps to look around where I was, I could see, through the trees, the left road which was far more beautiful. But I also saw the devil there, all excited, with his pitchfork, looking for someone he had lost. I knew I was the one he had lost. So I decided to stay on the narrow road forever. After seeing where the road really led to, I could see a beautiful city glittering in the sun way back in the hills. At this point I still did not understand what this dream really meant or that it could apply to a spiritual birth.
When I rose the next morning and looked out from the summer kitchen door I felt somewhat strange, something like I felt after I had been away for a while. Everything looked familiar and yet strange. It was the same day or maybe the next day that I picked up a Ger man hymnbook and found a hymn that caught my attention.
I heard the voice of Jesus say ‘‘Come unto me and rest; Lay down, thy weary one, lay down Thy head upon my breast. ” I came to Jesus as I was. Weary, worn, and sad; I found in Him a resting place. And He has made me glad. I read this hymn over and over. It sounded so good! All at once it dawned on me, could it be that what this writer was expressing had happened to me? After this experience peace and joy flooded my soul . for several years. Then one day it seemed the Lord was trying to re mind me of the many times I had made promises to Him. Before I ever was a Christian I repeatedly promis ed I would serve Him if He would only clean up my life - for it was in a mes. At this point I was sure the Lord had done a good job of cleansing it. He had actually cleaned up my conscience and freed me from the power of sin. Halleluja! About a week later I received a phone call from my cousin asking if I would be willing to come and have a cottage meeting in the district where he worked. I might have refused if the Lord had not reminded me of what he had done in my life. Souls were being saved as the meetings progressed. Amen! But this also led to some trying experiences. Today I sing a new song “O sing unto the Lord a new song: for He hath done marvelous things.” CONTRIBUTORS: “Storm Within - Storm Without” is the author’s personal conver sion story, Mr. Klaas Unger is a long-time well-known electrician in the Steinbach area, now in semi-retirement. He lives at 604 Wilson, Box 861, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2AO. COVER: I had to reach into my files again for this scene. It was 1976 and my wife and I were in California for a visit. Among others, we saw Cornie Pletts and Harold Dycks. Harold and Cornie were both stu dying at Fresno. I am indebted to Harold who, with their son Geof frey, took us up into King’s Canyon National Park one day, where I captured the scene on our cover today. Hope you like it. D.S.
THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct, and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the Conference; instruct in Godliness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Letters, articles, art and poetry are welcomed. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished articles are not returned except by request. Subscription Members pay through their church. Non-members pay $6.00 per year. Send subscription money to The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0.
THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address. The Messenger is a member of Meetinghouse.
FEBRUARY 20, 1987
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Missions PARAGUAY
Five Modern-Day Martyrs Editor’s Note: In 1958 Mennonite mis sionary Kornelius Isaak gaue up his life as he attempted to reach the Ayoreo people (then known as Moro) of the Paraguayan jungle with the gospel. Since that time, Mennonites haue not had the leading role in evangelism among the Ayoreo, but haue concentrated their programs among the Chulupi and Lengua peoples. Work with the Ayoreo has continued, however, under the direction of the New Tribes Mission, an organization which has mis sionaries based at the Mennonite settlement ofFiladelfia in Fernheim Colony and uses the Filadelfia airstrip for forays by light plane into the jungle. A number of Ayoreo people have become Christians over the years, with a congrega tion of about 50 baptized believers at Campo Loro, located about 45 minutes to the north east of Filadelfia by road. The Ayoreo at Campo Loro are well-known to the Men nonites since many of them come to work regularly in the Chaco Mennonite colonies. The evangelistic outreach has also been sup ported by the Mennonites through financial contributions, material aid, prayer and volunteer work at Campo Loro. Ingrid Epp of Filadelfia, a corresponding editor for Mennonite World Conference, sub mitted the following report of a new encounter and new martyrdom, written by New Tribes Mission representative Fred E. Sammons. Comments Epp, “These haue been uery try ing times for the New Tribes missionaries as well as for the Mennonites who Hue close by. ”
CAMPO LORO, PARAGUAY-The Cam po Loro Ayoreos are of two main groups, one known as “Guidaigosode” and the other as “Totobiegosode.” In the past they were bit ter enemies, but today they are friends. Only part of the Totobiegosode group lives at Cam po Loro, however. The rest live in the jungle. For years the people at Campo Loro have talked of bringing their families and relatives out of the jungle. On a normal cargo flight to northern Paraguay in December, a pilot spotted what he thought might be an Ayoreo village. When visiting Campo Loro at Christmas, he men tioned this to the Ayoreos there. On December 26 the Ayoreos asked the pilot if he would take some of them to the area to verify if he had truly seen an Ayoreo village. From the air they saw one house and 11 gardens, but no people. On their return to PAGE 4
Cadui, one of the wounded Ayoreo men, recovers at the Filadelfia hospital. Fora while he was in critical, condition after a lance penetrated the right side of his face. He lost a tremendous amount of blood, but walked 12 miles out of the jungle. In the hospital, four of his friends and relatives donated blood for him. Speared while trying to reach a Totobeigosode village with the gospel, Cadui had shouted, “Look at the blood streaming down my head! Look at the spear in my hand! I won't use it to spear any of you! Please recognize that we are friendly! Stop killing us!’’
Campo Loro, the Ayoreos were excited, and eager to return to the village on foot. The next day, at the request of the Ayoreos, 34 men were taken by road on three pickup trucks to a point called Tte. Montania. The following two days, December 28-29, these volunteers walked some 12 miles through dense jungle until they knew they were near the jungle village. Not wanting to contact the people toward evening, they set up camp for the night. The following morning, Tuesday, December 30, at about 7 a.m., the men ap proached the village. They hollered that they were coming in peace and did not want to kill the villagers. After some hollering back and
forth, the men felt it was safe to enter the village. Thus the first group of eight men walk ed in. They did not know that the village had prepared for a fight. The Totobiegosode had erected a brush fence around the settlement and dug up the dirt around the entrances, making it soft and uneven-and thus difficult for any would-be attackers to maneuver in during any hand-to-hand combat. If an at tacker would trip and fall in the soft, uneven dirt, it would be easy to spear or club him. As the men made their entrance, they kept hollering that they had come in peace, and they held their hands up to show they car ried no weapons; they were totally defenseless. One of the Campo Loro visitors took hold of a Totobiegosode villager and told him to put his weapon down. He did. According to custom, putting down a weapon meant a sign of friendship, and the weapon now belong ed to the one who had taken hold of its owner. But as soon as the Campo Loro visitor turn ed his back, the villager grabbed his weapon and the killing started. In the meantime, several more of the visitors started coming into the village. As the men tried to grab the Totobiegosode to stop the killing, some of these were also speared and clubbed to death. Thus within only a few minutes, five of the Campo Loro men were dead (including the pastor) and four others wounded. One of the men, Cadui, was speared in the right side of his head, but the spear did not penetrate. He got out of the immediate strug gle, pulled the spear from his head and made his way back to the village. Spear in hand, he shouted, “Look at the blood streaming down my head! Look at the spear in my hand! 1 won’t use it to spear any of you! Please recognize that we are friendly! Stop killing us!” Some of the Campo Loro men had by now run from the village; others stayed close by, hollering that even though they had guns, they would not shoot (they had brought along hunting rifles to kill game along the way, but had not taken these along into the village). The hollering back and forth carried on for a while before the Totobiegosode were con vinced that they would not be killed-even though they themselves had just killed five men and wounded four others. As the Totobiegosode realized the visitors had come in peace, a friendly meeting follow ed and much of the rest of the day was spent as the visitors tried to convince the Totobiegosode that others would not be com ing to seek revenge. There are a total of 10 men, seven women, one teenager and six children in the Totobiegosode group. Several had run off into THE MESSENGER
the bush, but came back after the fighting stopped. By evening everything was calm, and everyone slept in or near the village for the night. The Totobiegosode brought water for the Campo Loro men and gave them food from their gardens. The next day the men realized the need of getting medical help for the wounded, so four men left camp and headed out to the main road. On Friday morning, January 2, a pilot received word by a radio message from a ranch as to what had happened and of the need for medicine. That day medicine and bandages were dropped by plane for the group. The following day the plane flew to another ranch with a missionary and four Ayoreos aboard, along with a stretcher and more medicine. After a four-hour walk, this group met the people coming out of the jungle with the wounded and gave them medical help. That same day, a tractor and trailer left Cam po Loro by road to give assistance and to return the people back home by road to Cam po Loro. Dejabi, the Ayoreo who was most seriously wounded, was taken out by plane. Early Sunday morning the tractor pulled in to Campo Loro with 24 Totobiegosode peo ple (they had all decided to accompany their visitors back) and 28 from Campo Loro, plus Dejabi arriving by air at dusk the night before. In evaluating what happened, several points stand out: -Was the mission a mistake? Two of the group from Campo Loro had family among the group that was contacted. Is it not reasonable for them to want to reach their relatives and offer them the opportunity of a life without fear? --After the contact was made, the Totobiegosode actually provided food and water for the visitors. And, even more phenomenally, they all slept the night in the same village, and remained close together the next five days. -The Totobeigosode people were not forc ed to come to Campo Loro. They came will ingly. Nor are they being forced to stay. They have freedom to come or go as they wish. --The whole contact was planned and car ried out by the Ayoreos themselves. The on ly help they requested was to be shown the area by plane, and then to be taken by vehi cle to the dropping off point. -The Ayoreos went into the village without arms. The expedition did have hunting rifles along, however. It is obvious that if they had wanted to, they could have retrieved those weapons to shoot and kill the villagers at any time. They were willing to die, however, rather than kill. It is our desire that the Totobiegosodes will find a new life without fear and one of hope for the future.
FEBRUARY 20, 1987
EMC History Symposium March 13-14, 1987 Steinbach Bible College FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 7:00 P.M. Klaas Reimer (1770-1837) by Al Reimer Abr. R. Friesen (1782-1849) by Del Plett Heinrich Balzer (? -1846) by Harvey Plett
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 9:30 A.M. Peter P. Toews (1841-1922) by Clarence Hiebert SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1:00 P.M. Abraham L. Friesen (1831-1917) by Henry Fast Jacob M. Kroeker (1837-1913) by Menno Kroeker Peter R. Dueck (1862-1919) by Roy Loewen This is an event that you will not want to miss. Come and bring a friend. Mark these dates.
Sponsored by the EMC Board of Education and Publication.
MENNONITE COLONISTS FORMING FARM SETTLEMENT IN ARGENTINA
A new settlement of colony Mennonitesthe first to choose Argentina for a homeland-was expected to increase to 100 families by the end of 1986, according to a report by Mar tin Duerksen in Die Mennonitische Post. The settlers have come to the South American nation’s famed agricultural pampas in search of freedom and economic possibilities, report recent visitors. The first new village, named Reinfeld, is located about 75 miles from Santa Rosa, capital of the pro vince of La Pampa, and is about 425 miles southwest of Buenos Aires. The village is on part of a large ranch, nearly 25,000 acres in size, that the settlers have purchased. A second village has already been started, and additional platting has been done for expected newcomers. The first set tlers began arriving from Mexico and Bolivia in March 1986, and new immigrants are ar riving regularly. The German-speaking colonists become the first Mennonites to make Argentina their home with the specific purpose of forming agricultural settlements. Argentina’s Spanish-speaking Mennonite church has 1,516 members in 28 congrega tions scattered around the country, including a church at Santa Rosa. The conference was organized in 1923. MENNONITE LEADER RECEIVES PARAGUAY ORDER OF MERIT
Kornelius Walde of Asuncion, Paraguay, a long-time leader among the Mennonites of Paraguay, received an “Order of Merit” award from the national government in a Dec. 3
ceremony, according to a report in Mennoblatt, the publication of Fernheim Colony. The award was given for Walde’s achievements in the colonization and develop ment of the Chaco. He now serves as business director for the council of administrators of Fernheim, Menno, Neuland, Friesland and Volendam colonies, the first three in Paraguay’s Chaco and the last two in East Paraguay. “To honor Kornelius Walde is to honor the Mennonite colonies,” said Dr. Delfin Ugarte Centurion, Paraguay’s minister of industry and commerce, during the award ceremony. He reported that 21,572 Mennonites live in 63 settlements in the nation. According to reports in national daily newspapers, cited by Mennoblatt, the govern ment regards Walde as the director of the Mennonites in Paraguay, a group Ugarte Cen turion called an “ambitious religious community.” Originally from the Chaco, Walde was part of the migration to establish Friesland Colony in East Paraguay. He went to Asuncion for studies, and remained in the capital. For years he has assisted the Mennonites in transacting business and has represented them to the Paraguay government as director of the col onies’ Social and Economic Committee. In addition to his church duties, he has interest with his sons in an import business he found ed in Asuncion. In his acceptance remarks, Walde said that his purpose over the past 40 years has been to be of service to the community. The Order of Merit medal was presented by Paraguayan president Alfredo Stroessner, in the presence of guests representing the military, industrial and business leadership of the country, the report indicated. Based on reports in Mennoblatt.
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Messenger News Will “Amerika” wake up America? “Amerika” is a $35 million 12-hour TV miniseries produced by ABC and scheduled for broadcasting in February. Not since the same network produced “The Day After” in 1983, depicting a Kansas town the day after a nuclear holocaust, has there been so much controversy over any film. While ABC claims it is simply an attempt to wake up indifferent Americans to the peril of communism, others insist the miniseries is right-wing propaganda intended to stir up McCarthy-like anti-Soviet emotions. This is the story: The location again is a small midwestern town. It is 1996, exactly 10 years after the Soviet Union invasion and complete take-over of the United States. Just how the take-over took place is not reveal ed, but the communists came in by the Cen tral American back door and a Moscowcontrolled puppet is in the Oval Office. The United Nations, portrayed in the miniseries as a tool of Moscow, has its troops patrolling the United States. School children are systematically brainwashed, dissidents are sent to American gulags or psychiatric centers, and American women go to bed with Soviet bureaucrats. There are still pockets of resistance, and the Kremlin is contemplating a “final solution” to this by annihilating a number of carefully selected cities. This will demonstrate conclusively that a limited nuclear missile strike is possible; it will break the resistance movement and wipe away the last vestiges of freedom and democracy. All this supposedly happened because Americans had progressively become indif ferent, selfish and unpatriotic left-wing humanists. So ABC wants to wake up America with “Amerika.” Bob Wright, ABC’s director of publicity, says: “We’re enormous ly proud of the film and feel it will be the big gest non-news or non-sports event of next season” (Los Angeles Herald Examiner, 6/3/86). I offer a few brief observations. Then I’d like to address myself to the question of what could be done in response. First the comments: 1. The miniseries is inflammatory and dangerously misleading. At a time when United States and U.S.S.R. relations are low, America does not need more cold-war propaganda. 2. Dissent is portrayed as left-wing and un patriotic; the miniseries does not show the right to dissent as a pillar of the democratic system and a legitimate way of challenging and changing government policies.
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3. The United Nations is shown as a tool of the Kremlin. This is not only preposterous, it is a slanderous insult. 4. The recurring theme that Americans are not patriotic and would not defend their coun try is simply not matched by the facts. My neighbor, a born-again Christian, flies his flag high and is ready to defend it with life and limb at a moment’s notice. He is a lot more typical of Americans than 1, a pacifist, am. 5. It is a barely disguised intent of the miniseries to diffuse and neutralize opposition to the military buildup, especially opposition to the “stars war” Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). 6. We should remember that more than 96 million people in the Soviet Union claim to be Christians. That’s over 35 percent of the population. About 500,000 belong to the Evangelical Union (AUCECB), made up of the Evangelical Christians, Baptists, Pentecostals and Mennonites. There eire about 50,000 Mennonites in Russia. 7. Only 7 percent of the Soviet Union’s population of 268 million people belong to the Communist Party. Because the film makers of “Amerika” are basically interested in making money they don’t mind heating up the East-West conflict to serve their purpose. To do this they sacrifice decency, morality and even common sense. And they sacrifice truth. “Amerika” is full of untruth. And so the ordinary citizen and especially the Christian has an opportunity and perhaps an obligation to respond. We should not attempt to have ABC cancel the miniseries or change the script. Free speech is not an empty phrase, and we need to respect that. But why not organize a concern group and
Post-secondary Student Meeting March 12, 3:30 p.m. University of Manitoba Student Union (Room 234)
Speaker: Harvey Kroeker Theme: “Biblical Interpretation”
The afternoon includes refresh ments (pizza).
contact the ABC affiliate in your area? Ask for panel discussions of each segment of “Amerika” immediately after it is aired. These panels should be made up to be truly representative of people who are able and willing to present other points of view than those raised in the film. Information packets for grass-roots groups are available from American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, PA 19102. And write to the national ABC network ex pressing your views on the miniseries. Tell them the world does not need more antiSoviet propaganda, but a new climate of trust and good will between the two superpowers. Write to John B. Sias, President, ABC Net work Division, Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., 24 E. 51st St., New York, NY 10022. Beyond those steps consider: 1. One of the best ways of obtaining reliable information on the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe is by subscribing to the news service from Keston College, Heathfield Road, Keston, Kent, England, BR2 6BA. 2. Good bridge-building activities might in clude writing letters to ordinary citizens in the Soviet Union. For information write to Let ters for Peace, 59 Bluff Ave., Rowayton, CT 06853. Or join the innovators like Hiram Her shey, who is now planning to take his choir to the Soviet churches for the fourth time, or the women of Harrow, Ont., who made a peace quilt for a town its size in the Soviet Union. Nebraska children and women, under the inspiration and leadership of Rebecca Linsenmeyer and the MCC Relief Sale Com mittee, are making peace quilts for people in the Soviet Union. 3. Read such books as The Russians by Hedrick Smith, Discretion and Valour by Trevor Beeson, Soviet Evangelicals by Walter Sawatsky, What About the Russians? by Dale Brown and any of Michael Bourdeaux’s writings. 4. Pray for the Soviet people and their leadership and the Canadian/American peo ple and their leadership. George Kennan, former diplomat to the Soviet Union, says it is high time we repress our tendency of dehumanizing the Russian people, of stripping them of all moral human attributes and seeing them as totally evil and devoted to nothing but our destruction. He says: “It is high time that we learned to see the people realistically, as the great body of normal human beings that they are -- human being like ourselves ... in search for the meaning of life.” The miniseries “Amerika” will not help us in that search. Peter J. Dyck
THE MESSENGER
CHURCH BUILDING DEDICATED
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♦
Mrs. P.J. Loewen (right, center) with her dinner guests on the occasion of her ninetysecond birthday.
Birthday Special
*
*
Mrs. Aganetha Barkman Loewen observed her ninety-second birthday on January 25, 1987. In honor of this occasion, John and Abe Loewens from the Morris area took their mother out for a meal and stayed to visit. Two days later Ben Dueck called together the Barkman clan for another celebration for this special lady. Twenty-three people sat down for a tasty noon meal in the Mall Restaurant. Although Aunt Aganetha ap peared a bit overwhelmed at first, she rose to the occasion and, with her usual poise, took her place as honored guest at the table. It was a festive party. During the impromptu after-dinner program everyone recounted specific scenes, experiences and impressions that Aunt Aganetha left with them. She had the unique position of filling the gap between parents and children, a cross-generational friend who is a special gift in anyone’s life. Her honesty, spontaneous sense of humor and positive Christianity made an imprint on all of us. When appropriate, she also shares her own failings and the victories available to her in Christ. The home in which Aunt Aganetha lived, together with her mother, stood for something in the community: cleanliness, dignity and beauty. Nettie Fast remembered the shining example of her floors. For a nephew and his bride, she used her artistic talents to transform a simple wedding cake into a thing of beau ty. While working in the city she answered let ters that Ben Dueck wrote to her - newsy, friendly letters that he still treasures. Neil Dueck recalled how this nicely-dressed aunt walked lightly over their farmyard, posing nieces and nephews for pictures. Fred Barkman, while still a young chap, earned some money for pumping water for Aunt Aganetha at a time when kids did not get paid for their services. For a change of pace, Albert and Elisabeth Friesen sang the song, “Lieber Vater, hoch im Himmel.” Scripture passages that fit well
FEBRUARY 20, 1987
into Aunt Aganetha’s life were chosen by Avril and Harvey Barkman. Mrs. Mary Koop recall ed a low period in her life when she sought comfort and counsel from this aunt. Ella Dueck shared similiar experiences to Aunt Aganetha’s from the time when they both were single. One of her nieces, Annie Barkman, said that she felt as if she had grown up with Aunt Aganetha together. Annie will be eighty on her next birthday. What 1 gathered from all these and more reminiscings was that, in Aunt Aganetha’s life, faith involves more than just hanging on to the end. Her testimony is that there can be joy, beauty and a good measure of happiness in the Christian life. She has the rare quality of listening to what others say, while at the same time joining in the conversation. We do not hear her complain about her aches and pains or about the neighbors. Instead, she is accepting, grateful and a pleasure to visit with. In reply to the comments made. Aunt Aganetha expressed her sincere appreciation for this family get-together in her honor. She also said that she is very grateful for the freedoms and privileges she has as a child of God, and added a little wistfully, “Do come and visit me more often.” -Helena Dueck Box 118, Steinbach Manitoba ROA 2A0
Mount Salem, Ont.: November 30, 1986 proved to be a very memorable event for us at the Mount Salem EMC as we dedicated our church facilities to the Lord. We appreciated the contributions of Mr. Ben Friesen, Mr. Harvey Plett and Menno and Dorothy Kroeker. We are very grateful that we have been able to build a church which adequate ly meets our present needs. It has a seating capacity of approximately 200 with an overflow at the back, presently used as a reception area. Most of the labour was donated by church members; only a building supervisor was hired. This greatly aided in the lowering of the cost so that the cost was kept very close to the estimated $110,000. We praise the Lord that the building has been able to be completed without any major setbacks or accidents. On December 21 we enjoyed two different Christmas presentations. The choir rendered a number of songs on Sunday morning. They did a good job of telling the “Story of Love,” including Christ’s birth and second coming. In the evening it was a joy to see the church completely filled to hear the Sunday school Christmas program. May the Spirit of Love continue to shine forth throughout the year. On January 17 and 18 we were privileged to have Dr. F. C. Peters with us. He brought three inspiring messages, all clearly depicting the ways of building a Christian home. May the new resolutions which were made be ac complished with our Lord’s help. February 1, 2 and 3 were inspirational days for us as we gathered for our missionary con ference. We were grateful for missionaries, Hany and Tina Neufeld, Linda Penner and Sarah Martens, who came out and shared their experiences in Paraguay. Cornie and Tina Loewen were present as well. Mr. Loewen was the main speaker. We always appreciate his Biblical messages; they are to the point, exhortative and encouraging. The authority of the Word came across clearly. Being far removed from other EMC chur ches, we greatly appreciated all of the above people coming out and sharing of themselves, with us. Thank you, and do come again.
Births
CORRECTION In my report of the Dave and Lisa Reimer fiftieth wedding celebration (January 9, 1987 Messenger) 1 made a mistake. The story should read that the Reimers have three great grandchildren instead of only two. The little lady whom 1 omitted is three-and-half-yearold Lindsay Michelle, daughter of Geraldine and Randy Anderson. This makes Fred and Milton Reimer grandparents. Milton is Dave and Lisa’s second son. Helena Dueck
LOEWEN - to Rick and Kathy Loewen of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Krystal Marie, on November 6, 1986. REMPEL - to Gordon and Amy Rempel of Austin, Man., a daughter, Alicia Renee, on February 8, 1987.
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Dan and Hilda Warkentin.
Kroeker. “1 do accept this as a call from God,” was Dan’s response. Tim went on to say, “We have been looking to God since we were mar ried to lead us in the way most effective.” Wonder what the parents anticipated in the lives of their sons when they named them Daniel and Timothy? Did they perhaps give them Bible names for a reason? A full house was gathered to join in the jubilant, yet solemn, ceremony of the ordina tion on January 25, 1987. It was a distinct blessing to have many guests attending. Rev. Ron Penner, who came all the way from Har risonburg, Virginia, spoke in a loving en couraging way on six profound observations from 1 Peter 5:1-5. It also was a blessing to have EMC vice-moderator Milton Fast and dynamic Rev. Frank D. Reimer join the cir cle as the prayers of dedication were spoken. The audience was stirred by Brother Frank Reimer’s closing remarks, “Shall we not in any way sit back now, and leave it to the newlyordained ones, thinking it is four months to harvest. The harvest is now.” Lively, mutual fellowship over refreshments closed off the blessed events of the day. Dan and Hilda have been a deacon cou ple for thirteen years. During this time he was occasionally asked to preach, especially at the Cedarwood Apartments in Steinbach. Besides that, a big farm and hog operation keeps them busy. They have five children; two are mar ried. Tim and Elsie are vitally involved in the Landmark ISCF. He is a trucker and graduated from the Steinbach Bible College last year. Elsie faithfully helped hubby through school with earnings as a part-time nurse. They have two children. “JOYFUL SONG” PRESENTS PROGRAM
Tim and Elsie Kroeker and their two children. MINISTERIAL TEAM STRENGTHENED Landmark, Man.: The Prairie Rose con gregation was called to prayer and fasting shortly after two of its ministers left. Ron Pen ners went to Harrisonburg, Virginia for fur ther studies and Waldo Neufelds to B.C. for an MCC assignment. Plans were made to elect two ministers from the brotherhood. Four helpful, enlightening messages were presented on three Sundays and on the even ing of the elections: 1) Patterns of Leadership, 2) Responsibilities of Leadership, 3) Call of a Servant, 4) Qualities of a Minister. Truly a good Biblical groundwork had been laid by Pastor Edwin Plett and Rev. Harvey Plett. Sunday evening, September 28, the church, under God, elected two couples, Dan and Hilda Warkentin and Tim and Elsie PAGE 8
Endeavour, Sask.: Since our last writing we have had a number of exciting events. Sunday, November 30, “Joyful Song” from Nipawin Bible Institute ministered in a pro gram of word and song. Mr. Dan Buck, an intern teacher at the school, brought the message. He challenged us that true faith pro duces action. God wants both factual and functional faith in our lives. The Children’s Club took part in the annual Carol Festival at Preeceville and also sang at the Hostel where our church is responsible for a service every fifth week. A program of plays and singing was also presented at the church for family and friends. The Sunday school children presented a program at which time the ladies gave out candy bags to all of them. To bring the old year to a close, a watchnight service was held at the church. Skating, fellowship, fun, food and a short ser vice concluded the year. January 18 was a very special time in our church as four couples participated in a parent/child dedication service: Bob and Deb bie Buhler with Tyson, Pastor Gary and Deb bie Sawatzky with Rebekah, Gary and Judy
Schur with Adriel, and Dennis and Sara Thiessen with Karlene. In the evening we saw the film “Candle in the Wind,” describing the persecution of Christians in Russia. We all felt very thankful for our freedom of worship. Our prayers go out to Gary Schur who had the misfortune of breaking his arm while haul ing water. The Swan River church brought us a pro gram on January 25, which was very well presented. Thank you, Helen, for sharing what the Lord has done in your life. God is faithful when we call. We wish all the churches God’s blessing for this year.
u b
DAY OF PRAYER OBSERVED Rosenort, Man.: January 4 was our Day of Prayer where special prayer was made for Paraguay, Mexico, Nicaragua, Germany, Canada and local needs. Merlin Bartel and Lester Kroeker shared the pulpit; they are both preparing for the ministry. Darrel Friesen is very busy in the position of assistant dorm “parent” at Black Forest Academy in Germany. He reported two feet of snow for Christmas. On January 25 we heard Brother C. F. Dueck report on his work as chaplain of the Eventide Home, the Red River Valley Lodge, and the Morris Hospital, as well as the Boyne Lodge in Carman. This has become a half time job for him, and he is seeing good results. Praise the Lord for souls being saved in their twilight years. Also on the 25th, Ross Nigh of MCC Canada spoke to us on caring and serving. In the evening Peter Hieberts and Dora Friesen reported on missions in Mexico. A quilting bee was held at the church on February 4 and 5, with many quilts being made for MCC. Lynford Bartel went with the Missions Aux iliary group to Haiti and is expected back home soon. May God bless the work being performed in that poor country, also by the resident missionaries. The Spencer Quartet from Grunthal sang for us on February 8. Their beautiful harmony matched their sincere testimonies. Brother John Klassen’s children’s story was actually a five-minute ballad on the life of Jonah, recited with animation, flawlessly. Brother Ed Wiebe spoke on Psalm 142, especially verse 4. We are to bear one another’s burdens and help the downcast. Two of our oldest sisters, Mrs. John B. Thiessen (96) and Mrs. Gertrude Siemens (91), were hospitalized in Victoria Hospital with a broken hip. Mrs. Siemens had surgery, but survived the operation by only nine days. Mrs. Thiessen is now in her third week of hospitalization and going through a slow heal ing process, but still in much pain. Mr. Peter L. Loewen was hospitalized at the Concor dia Hospital and has returned home con siderably improved. THE MESSENGER
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A farewell was held for Joe and Carol Guenther at the Kleefeld Church on February 12. They plan to leave for Austria this fall.
Rhonda Hiebert of Kleefeld left on January 6 for Sudan, Africa, under Emmanuel Inter national, for a one- or two-year term.
THE FIELDS ARE WHITE
4
Kleefeld, Man.: Where in Canada is “Samaria” found? According to Jacques Mar coux it is Quebec. He is an evangelist for the Janz Team and has a tremendous burden for his fellow Quebecers. He was the guest speaker at our Missions Night on January 25. The evening started out with an invitation to the St. Pierre Fellowship Church to join us for “faspa,” which they did. Mr. Marcoux went on to say that for the first time in 300 years there’s a breakthrough, an openness of mind, a moving of the Spirit in Catholicism. This same Spirit is also evident in the St. Pierre area. A young couple from a Catholic background gave a heart-stirring testimony of
FEBRUARY 20, 1987
the struggles they were, and are, facing from family and friends because of their commit ment to Christ. In spite of opposition, others are coming to know the Saviour in a marvelous way. Praise the Lord! Another young lady keenly burdened for the lost is Rhonda Hiebert, daughter of Al and Lorna Hiebert. On January 4 she gave us a brief insight into the work that she will be do ing. She left on January 6 for a one- or twoyear term of service in the Sudan, under Em manuel International. May the Lord bless and keep her as she serves in this area. Another young couple from our midst have responded to God’s calling. A farewell for Joe and Carol Guenther took place on February 15, together with the showing of a heart stirring film, “The Wait of the World.” The Lord willing, they plan to leave for Austria in fall. May the Lord bless and keep them also. It’s a real joy to see our younger genera tion active in the church. A group of about 50 Pioneer Girls and their leaders refreshed our hearts as they sang songs of praise and shared of their weekly club activities. And as for our Battalion Boys, it looks like a great weekend coming up for them at Snow Camp on February 20-22. Jim Watson will be their speaker and our prayer is that they might have a safe and Spirit-filled outing. Have you heard of the “Memory Verse Program”? Memorizing fifty Bible verses over a three-month period completes the requirements for receiving a Bible. I’m happy to report that about twelve of our Sunday school students have accomplished this feat and received a beautiful new Bible as a reward. Congratulations! A fund-raising love meal was prepared by our enthusiastic young people and their com petent leaders, Rick and Roberta Cieciwa and Bob and Iris Bartel, on February 15 at our church. As usual, this venture was highly suc cessful, with about 200 or more people in at tendance. Proceeds will be going towards Abundant Springs. The Gospel message was brought to us in a most impressive way by the SBC Drama Team on January 25 as they presented their version of “The House on the Rock” and “The Response of Faith.” Cornie Plett rounded out the program by reminding us of our “Hope of Glory.” Thank you for coming! What a joy it always creates to welcome ad ditional members into our church. George
ueorge and Martha Schellenberg were received as members into the Kleefeld Church on December 21.
and Martha Schellenberg, formerly of Oak Lake, were received into our membership on December 21. We appreciate them and welcome them most heartily! Age has a way of creeping up on us. Mr. Pete H. Dueck (75) and wife Helen (70) and Mrs. Margaret (Martin) Dueck (70) all celebrated their birthdays recently, amid family and many friends. May the Lord continue to bless you richly!
Ministers’ Study Fund Applications for Summer Courses This is a reminder for those who are applying for assistance under the EMC Ministers’ Study Fund (MSF) for summer 1987 courses to have their application in by March 31, 1987. Write for an application form: EMC Ministers’ Study Fund Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0
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3 PAGE 9
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teachers arc involved. The Becchys met ten of this year’s group informally, including one Dutch Mcnnonitc, Erica Boekc, and another Dutch person, Adriana Brouwer, who serv ed nine years with MCC in Africa. Many of the first two groups of Amity teachers have had some earlier missionary or educational connection to China. The Bcechys also visited the Nanjing Theological Seminary and report good news. “We believe God has been at work in China and continues to be at work there. We rejoice in the many evidences of increasing member ship, commitment and vision of Christians all over China. We met Christians in Chengdu, in Nanjing and in Guangzhou. We believe in all of this the Nanjing Theological Seminary has a very important role. The current rela tionship between the Seminary and CEE ap pears to be one of mutual interest, respect and promise of mutual prayer support”.
1987, YEAR OF SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS
Chen Zimin, Dean of Nanjing Theoiogicai Seminary, with Winifred Beechy and two assistants of the seminary. ATLEE AND WINIFRED BEECHY VISIT TO THE AMITY FOUNDATION AND THE NANJING THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Atlee and Winifred Beechy travelled in China in October, 1986, visiting the colleges and universities where CEE (China Educa tional Exchange) teachers live and work. In Jiangsu Province, they visited Herta Funk and Margaret and Everett Metzler, who have been seconded by CEE to the Amity Foundation. Herta Funk is teaching at Suzhou University, along the Grand Canal. Her courses include a Bible course for literature students. The Metzlers are teaching at the Nantong Teachers College, Jiangsu Province. They are the first foreigners in Nantong since 1950. Amity was created at the initiative of Chinese Christians; its program and projects are selected, managed and evaluated by the Chinese. Out of respect for the autonomy and the self-support principle of the church in China, contributions to the Amity Foundation do not go towards the work of evangelism and church building which is the task of Chinese Christians. Amity works in education, health, social services and publications. Beechys met with Stephen Ting, Educational Consultant and Tan Li-Ying, Associate for Programs. Last year Amity invited English teachers to China in a program modeled to some extent after CEE’s program. This year fifty-five
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The United Nations has declared 1987 as the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (lYSH). To over one billion of the world’s people, that is one in four, adequate housing is not available. One hundred million of these do not have any shelter. Half of the people living in cities in the developing world live in slum and squatter settlements. The United Nations estimates that 50,000 people, mostly children, die each day from malnutri tion and disease, due in part to inadequate shelter and services such as water supply and sanitation. By the year 2000, with population and urbanization increases, these problems will intensify. In Canada, it is estimated by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation that one million households do not have ac ceptable affordable housing. Other sources suggest that 10-40,000 Canadians have no shelter whatsoever. In the world, 700 million housing units need to be built and serviced. By the turn of the century 300 million more will be required. International governments can respond financially to only 10 per cent of those needs. lYSH hopes to promote cooperation between governments and the private sector to deal realistically with inade quate shelter. - Ottawa notebook
frequency of the ads; 2) a ban on ads featur ing celebrities: 3) a ban on ads connecting alcohol consumption to an attractive lifestyle; and 4) restrictions on times when alcohol ads could be shown so as to limit their impact on minors. Epp is also working on stricter tobac co controls. Currently the tobacco industry claims to regulate its advertising by itself. Epp has met with industry representatives a number of times, believing that tougher con trols are needed both in cigarette advertising and in restricting smoking in offices. Epp’s health care philosophy is that individuals should take more responsibility for their own health while governments should provide the services and the environment to make that possible. - Ottawa notebook
MCC SUPPORTS LEBANESE BEEKEEPERS WHO CHOSE TO STAY ON THE LAND AKRON, Pa. - Mennonite Central Com mittee distributed 311 hives with bees to 170 farmers living in South Lebanon this past year. This subsidized sale to farmers living in 18 villages is one way in which MCC encourag ed and supported those who may have been tempted to leave their land and homes due to Lebanon’s 11-year civil war. Honey fetches attractive prices on the market with a minimal input so beekeeping is a good source of income for landless and small-scale, diversified farmers, observes Bob Burkholder of Stouffville, Ont., MCC’s Lebanon country representative. MCC purchased 100 hives from a Lebanese apiarist in February 1986. Local beekeepers tended the hives until spring when the swarms began to divide and produce new queens. The beekeepers then placed the new swarms into new hives, expanding the total number of hives to more than 300. A local beekeeper and an MCC-hired beekeeper visited the farmers weekly during the summer months, helping them care for the hives and increase their bee populations. MCC also purchased and distributed a medicine to help protect the bees from varoise, a bee pest that has hit Lebanon as well as other Middle Eastern countries. In 1987 MCC plans to distribute another 250 hives. The cost of producing and distributing one hive, plus the training and supervision, is $20 U.S.
EPP SEEKS RESTRAINTS ON ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO Health and Welfare Minister Jake Epp con tinues to seek stricter controls on alcohol and tobacco. Recently he wrote to the CRTC (the Canadian Radio-television and Telecom munications Commission), because its new “Code for Broadcast Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages” does not include the restrictions he had proposed. Epp had wanted, among other things, 1) a 50 per cent reduction in the
COMING March 13, 14: EMC History Symposium at the Steinbach Bible College, Steinbach, Man. May 15-18: Abundant Springs, Caronport, Sask. July 3-5: EMC Annual Convention, Bran don, Man.
THE MESSENGER
*
Kola Youth Group: An Interview Our church has a “sharp” group of young people who are expressing them selves in exciting and growing ways that make us proud of them. We praise God for their part in building His kingdom and for bringing freshness into our church family. Presently the young people are under the volunteer leadership of two couples, Lowell and Rita Reimer and Bruce and Kim Penner. They began their work in August 1986, and their willingness to serve in this area is great ly appreciated. This report features an inter view with Bruce and Kim Penner. Question: What is the purpose of Young People’s? Answer: There are many ways that a per son could answer this question which would be legitimate. As a minister to youth, it is im portant to help them grow in their relation ship with God, the church, as well as non Christians. It is also important to help them develop the skills they will need to function effectively within the church. Perhaps the most concise answer I could give would simp ly be that my vision of the long-range plan for our youth group is to prepare the next genera tion of church leaders and lay people to be effective and willing servants. Q. How do you perceive your role as youth leaders? A. As youth leaders, we have the unique opportunity to guide young people through the transition from being a demanding child to becoming a serving adult. There are several key areas in which we can encourage and support this change in the youth. Firstly, the example of our lives is critical to the effec tiveness of all other efforts. We must be seen to be the kinds of people that we encourage the young people to become. Secondly, we can direct Bible studies and devotionals on topics which sensitize the young people to the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Thirdly, we need to be the kind of people that the young people will feel willing to share their lives with. This, in some ways, is the most dif ficult of the tasks. It requires a delicate balance between being the kind of person whom the youth can look up to and respect and, at the same time, identify with and relate to. Q. What specific goals do you have in the
FEBRUARY 20, 1987
coming year and how do you plan to ac complish these goals? A. In the coming year we are hoping to ac complish the following objectives in the lives of our young people: -Encourage Bible memory through a memory program. -Develop a vision for Christian service through an escalating program of service in the church and community. -Enhance their image of self-worth through a series of Bible studies. -Encourage an increased appreciation of music in worship by compiling a new chorus book and coordinating youth special music for Sunday morning services. -Create a desire for better communication with God, other Christians, and the world through a series of Bible studies on communication. -Help them discover and follow God’s specific will for their lives by a series of Bible studies. Q. Who are the officers and what are their duties? A. We have a two-level executive in place in our youth group - an executive board, as well as a supporting social committee. The general responsibilities of all officers are to pro vide examples of Christian discipleship for the other young people and provide positive in put and suggestions to the youth leaders. The first-level executive consists of five posi tions: President, David Kruse. Duties: Attend pre-executive meeting briefing session with leaders to discuss agenda and prepare for meeting; participate in making “conceptual” decisions on which to base our planning; chair executive meetings and provide positive leadership toward accomplishing established goals. Vice-president, Wendell Plett. Duties: Attend pre-executive meeting; participate in “conceptual” decision-making; be prepared to chair executive meetings in the absence of the presidents. Secretary/Treasurer, Delores Koop and Trinette Fehr. Duties: Coordinate the financial activity of the youth group; record the minutes of all executive meetings; inform the executive of financial considera tions when required for effective decision making, Social representatives, Leon Friesen
and Sandi Martens. Duties: Provide planning and motivation for all social events; coordinate the implementation of those plans with the Social Committee. The Social Committee cur rently consists of two members. Daphne Pen ner and Howard Rempel. Their responsibili ty is to work with the social representatives in the detailed planning and preparing for socials. Q, How often does the executive meet? A. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. Q. How often do the young people get together? A. We meet for Bible study each Wednes day and for up to two social events per month. Q. Approximately how many attend? A. There are about twenty active members in the youth group. Q. What is the general attitude towards youth meetings? towards church participation? A. In general the young people are willing to respond to direct questions and on occa sion share enthusiastically and spontaneous ly. This indicates an appreciation for the value of Bible study and fellowship. Perhaps, as is the case with all of us, it is easier for the young people to discuss theoretical ideas about church participation than to actually step in to the traces and start working. However, we are starting a program of Christian service which includes church participation, and the response has been positive. A. What is the thinking (as you perceive it) of the Kola youth about themselves? about the church? about society? about God? A. I suppose, like any other group, ours contains a wide range of attitudes and opi nions. Some of the youth have given a lot of thought to their relationships with God, the church and society; others have not. In general, they are capable of creative and in trospective thought if they are encouraged. Q. What changes could be made to im prove the “program”? A. Perhaps the most significant improve ment which could be made to the youth pro gram in Kola at this point would be to recruit a youth pastor who would be able to spend more intense quality time with the individual youth members. There is much that could be accomplished and there are times when 1 am discouraged because of the opportunities that 1 let slip by simply because there are not enough hours in a week. Q. How do you feel about the attitude of the rest of the church toward the youth? How does this influence your work? A, The Kola church has shown a lot of con cern for their youth group in the past year. They rallied around the group during an in terim period in which there was no youth leader by providing sponsorship for the various youth activities. Many of them have opened their homes to the young people’s group. There is also much concern and prayer support.
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From the Editor He setteth the solitary in families (Psalm 68:6).
Families THE PSALMIST may not have had the natural biological family in mind when he wrote this but neither do I think one does violence to Scripture if one takes it as such. I am thankful for family. I am thankful for my fami ly, both immediate and extended. Everyone has family, if not children then mother, father, and maybe brothers and sisters. To have family members in different parts of the country is no longer the exception, and it isn’t in our case either. Three of our children are in this area, three in other areas. This makes us a total of 21 including spouses and grandchildren. Usually my week consists of five days. But it so hap pened that part of January and February it worked out that I was away four Saturdays in a row. This set me to thinking that maybe the fifth Saturday, as well as part of Friday and Monday, plus Sunday, would be a good time to visit family in Saskatchewan (Hepburn). Ad vance booking got us two (for my wife and me) reserva tions on an Air Canada flight to Saskatoon on February 13. From here we expected to be picked up and taken to the home of our oldest daughter and her husband and two children, JoDee (9) and Tania (5). Since it was such a short stay we left our car at the Winnipeg Air port parking lot so it would be waiting for us when we returned (and it was!). Air travel sure beats car travel. Whereas we would have spent about ten hours on the road, we spent about one hour and fifteen minutes in relaxed comfort! They had received our message and were there to pick us up to take us to their home about 45 minutes out of Saskatoon. Needless to say, it was a glad reunion with Wayne and Joy and their two adorable daughters. Their Mustang really is not made for six people plus baggage but we squeezed in and, together with groceries, our baggage too had room. From these close quarters to a number of other events, we spent most of the weekend together. This included a delicious supper of pork chops upon arrival to coffee in the airport cafeteria just before our departure. Saturday morning vvas brunch time. I think this was a favourite with the girls as a Saturday morning meal. After partaking. I’m sure it could soon become popular with anyone - crepes, syrup, whipped cream, etc. (The word “crepes” is just a modern word for the pancakes Mother made at home - man-size!) Saturday morning had been planned before we got PAGE 12
there - the annual Valentine Day banquet. (They had tickets for us too.) It is planned by the ladies of the church but it has an outreach purpose apparently. The event took place at the Bible school (Bethany). They also did the catering. The family of God - I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God - is another family situation and on Sun day we took part in our Saskatoon E.M. Church and also had fellowship with long-time friends, Dave and Lydia Dueck. If you use the EMC Missionary Directory (prayer directory) you will see that Brother Dueck is involved in prison ministries (assistant chaplain, Saskatoon Correc tional Centre). Unfortunately, time did not allow or there would have been the possibility of going to the chapel service with him on Sunday afternoon. I might just add that the EMC Church in Saskatoon is located on 9th in the northeast part of the city. Ser vices on Sunday morning start with Sunday school at 10:00 a.m., followed by a morning worship service at 11:00. I guess we came to Hepburn at just the right time for special events. On Sunday, after we got back from Saskatoon, a birthday celebration had been planned for some of Wayne’s family. The father and Wayne’s sister were the special guests at a party. (I won’t give their ages!) This time turkey was on the menu. Monday came all too soon. The visit was over and it was time to pack for the return journey. In order for the whole family to see us off, JoDee left school a little earlier to be able to accompany us to Saskatoon for our 5:00 flight. We were in good time so this is where coffee break came in at the airport cafeteria. It was nice to have this relaxed time together before we went through security, a last wave, and anticipated our flight back, which was uneventful, bringing us to our destination some 75 minutes later. To bring up a family, and now the added blessing of grandchildren (eight), has been a tremendous experience for my wife and me. It keeps a person young and forward-looking. Just think of the opportunity of keep ing alive and vibrant to keep up with the third genera tion of family members! That takes some real effort at times. But it’s worth every bit of it. It keeps the old young and the young, hopefully, learning some things from the old. D.S. THE MESSENGER