The Messenger April 17, 1987

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The Messenger ™ EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

VOL. 25

NO. 8

APR. 17/87

New Frontiers in Restorative Justice • Reconciliation: Where are the Limits?

• Talk is Better than War • Restorative Justice Task Force

Reconciliation: Where are the Limits? by Byron Burkholder he kid has confessed and should be shot!” Minus a host of expletives, that was the enraged response of Don Temple when he found out who had broken into his house. Gone were his coin and stamp collections, a hand-carved chess set and a couple of radios—all worth over $3000. Several months later, the fifteen-year-old burglar Danny Rice shook hands with Don as he gave him $86 he had earned to pay for a part of the coin collection the police had not been able to recover—and for which Danny still doesn’t take responsibility. Although Don and Danny never came close to being bosom buddies, and some suspicions still linger, dealing with the crime took on a human dimension that the more impersonal court system might not have had. Dan ny said afterwards, “I feel better, because at the end (Don) was saying that he respected me for coming to him face to face.” Don, a statistics instructor at the state university in Fresno, California, and Danny, a high school student from a broken home, were beneficiaries of a program which local police and probation authorities have come to respect—and depend upon: the Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP). VORP was begun in Fresno in 1983 by the current director Ron Claassen, a member of Fresno’s Mennonite Community Church. The non-profit organiza­ tion, loosely modeled on a similar program in Elkhart, Indiana, draws on some 30 volunteer mediators to help

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offenders and victims of crime deal with the offenses themselves—in most cases apart from the court system. If both parties are willing, they arrange a meeting to tell their stories, vent their feelings and work out restitution contracts. ‘‘It’s an outstanding program,” says Joe Walden, director of juvenile probation for Fresno county. ‘‘It’s one of the few programs where we give a total and complete endorsement.” The local police probation teams have referred over 900 cases to VORP—almost all of them juvenile. Last year, out of 309 referrals, 53% resulted in completed restitution contracts, mostly for vandalism and burglaries, but also for battery and forgery. VORP, which has become a model for several other embryonic programs in central California, has had several nomina­ tions or community awards. Strong as the local affirmation is, however, there are some questions as to how deeply a program like VORP can influence the justice system. As for sheer volume, there continue to be far more opportunities than VORP can handle in the area of lightweight crimes such as Danny’s. Fresno County has about 10,000 juvenile cases a year, most of which could be dealt with through a VORP process. ‘‘VORP could be expanded a hundredfold,” says Walden, ‘‘and it hasn’t even been tapped in terms of the adult criminal justice system, where it could have even more of an impact than it does with kids.” In

Local police and authorities have come to respect, and depend upon, the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. fact, VORP is doing its best to recruit new volunteers and spread the word through seminars, literature and the media. Beyond the physical limitations of size, VORP also has to deal with limitations in the level of “reconcilia­ tion” which can actually take place. The case of Don and Danny, for example, didn’t leave Don convinced that Danny had actually undergone a fundamental shift in his values. Shortly after the restitution contract was signed, Danny was arrested for possession of marijuana and sentenced to three months in Fresno’s juvenile hall. The restitution deadline had to be extended—to Don’s chagrin—as VORP staff helped Danny find a weekend custodial job at one of the Mennonite churches in Fresno. The delay only increased Don’s initial reserva­ tions about Danny’s sincerity about making right. “I got no feeling of remorse from Danny,” he says. “In­ stead, it was a feeling of ‘I have to do this.’ ” VORP director Ron Claassen recognizes that the cases of full reconciliation between offenders and victims are rare. However, he sees reconciliation as a continuum. “When the injustice has been recognized clearly,” he says, “when the restitution has been restored, and when the intentions are clear that it won’t happen again, peo­ ple feel different about each other. Any movement in the direction of healing, I would call reconciliation.” Probably the biggest question which VORP and the authorities have to work on is whether the VORP pro­ cess can extend to more serious crimes, such as rape and murder. The question seems to pit the hard realism of the justice authorities against the dreams of people like Ron Claassen who see reconciliation in a total life context—beyond merely physical restitution. Joe Walden cautions that a program like VORP needs to guard its credibility by not getting involved in “over­ reach.” VORP, Walden says, should concentrate on do­ ing what it does well: “working with mid-range to light­ weight offenders; that’s where they have a good success rate.” Walden does not rule out the possibility of working in heavy duty crimes, but he feels the risks would be too great to make the investment worthwhile. “I think the percentage of match-ups that you would come up with would be incredibly low because of the high level of hostility experienced by the victim and his family. Under the right set of circumstances, I think it would be a healthy experience, but cases like this would be few and far between. Claassen, however, has seen VORP principles begin to succeed in heavier crimes and is willing to try. Last year the judicial authorities asked Claassen to step into an emotionally charged situation involving a police shooting of a youth suspected of murderous intent, “It was at the point where the rest of the system was not PAGE 2

working and the community tension was increasing daily that we were asked to become involved in mediation,” he notes. Claassen chaired two meetings in which “the family got a chance to tell police how unfair it seemed and how much it hurt, and the police had a chance to ex­ plain the dilemmas they faced when there’s drugs and a gun involved.” Although the process did not go farther because the family was embroiled in a number of lawsuits, a level of communication was established. Claassen cites another case involving a burglary with losses of $55,000. The victim became so distraught that he bought a gun, vowing to shoot the offender next time he saw him. Through the VORP process, however emotions cooled and the victim not only sold the gun, but gave a substantial donation to VORP. The key to the VORP process, says Claassen, is a willing victim and a willing offender. “If you have a petty theft and you don’t have a willing victim and a willing offender, you can’t do a thing. But if you have a very serious offense, and you have a willing victim and a willing offender, you can do a lot.” Claassen admits that for rape and murder cases, volunteer mediation would be inadequate; a whole net­ work of professional counseling and long-term dialogue would be necessary. Yet in principle, there is no reason for VORP to rule out of the larger cases. “Both the

“The victim became so distraught that he bought a gun ...” skill of the mediator and the amount of structure would vary with the intensity of the crime,” says Claassen. As Don Temple’s initial reaction to Danny’s burglary illustrates, public attitudes toward criminals in Califor­ nia and elsewhere are ripe for programs like VORP. Ac­ cording to Walden there is a “groundswell” in public opinion which says, “First, let’s reduce governmental resources, thereby reducing taxes. And secondly, let’s increase the amount of punishment we impose.” Notes Walden, “I don’t think we’re at the end of that pendulum swing. The level of prison construction going on in California is a clear indication of the senti­ ment that the public wants more people locked up.” Claassen envisions a day when the entire structure of the justice system would be altered in such a way that the possibility of a VORP process would be offered at the moment of apprehension. The offender, Claassen suggests, would be asked if he would take responsibility for what he had done. “If he’d be willing to do that directly with the victim and make things right (through a VORP process), the charges would be dropped at that point.” “This is fifty-year stuff,” says Claassen, admitting that such a change wouldn’t happen overnight. But he feels it is a logical extension of a process which has started to gain a lot of credibility.

The above article was written for Meetinghouse by Byron Burkholder, a seminary student at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California. THE MESSENGER

Talk is better than war By Wilma Derksen

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innipeg’s Mediation Services is the largest legal resolution program in Canada. The program knows no bounds, according to some observers. At the same time the bounds are just beginning to be tested. Mediation in Winnipeg began a direct referral system with the courts in 1984. The new initiative started out with 300 court referrals; in 1985 there were over 600, and in 1986 over 700. In three years, the office, with a small staff of two caseworkers, a volunteer coordinator and a director, has proven itself as a credible alternative to the court system. “Talk is better than war,” says Constable Richard Jones of Winnipeg Victim Services. “I’ve seen it happen many times. Going to court doesn’t resolve anything. In fact it heightens the antagonism. Mediation works. Anything that can be done to spend some time with these people, to bring some meeting of the minds, is desirable.” Paul Redekop, the current director, describes the ser­ vice, “We get the victim and offender in the same room with two mediators and get them to discuss their dif­ ferences and what led to the dispute and we try to get them to resolve the incident.” Nancy Carey had never heard about Mediation until one afternoon when, “I was ready to make a left-hand turn, when a gentleman who was walking in front of my car, turned and kicked the side of the car in, caus­ ing quite a bit of damage.”

Much of mediation is paraphrasing and clarifying what the person has said and making sure the other person is paying attention. Fortunately her husband who was waiting for her in the parking lot, saw what happened, alerted the police and the man was arrested. A few weeks later, “1 got this letter from Mediation Services. I saw the Mennonite Central Committee logo and at first I thought it was something about the global gift shop . . . but when I read the letter I found the whole idea of mediation in­ triguing,” says Carey. Through Victim Services, Paul Redekop has access on a daily basis to the overnight arrest sheets and chooses cases he thinks will fit the program. These choices are then confirmed by the police and the crown attorney. Senior Crown Attorney, Bruce Miller, who makes the final decision, says his choices are instinctive.” “When I look at a police report and see a dispute which isn’t APRIL 17, 1987

domestic and smacks of a misunderstanding, where the witness says something like ‘all I wanted was to ex­ plain . . .’ — I think it’s a candidate for mediation.” Cases generally fall into three categories: diversion mediation, post-plea mediation and community media­ tion. Diversion mediation handles cases in which laws were violated by first-time offenders. Post-plea media­ tion is in addition to the court room procedure where the mediation report becomes part of the pre-sentence report for the presiding judge. A more general category, community mediation, includes neighbourhood disputes and by-law violations. Carey continues, “My husband came with me to the mediation session. It was a little awkward when we in­ itially met the man as we walked in.” The procedure of a mediating session involves two mediators who encourage the accused and the complai­ nant to give detailed reports about what happened. The Winnipeg office has 30-35 mediators. Caseworker coordinator, Glenda Hildebrand, says, «p. “I’m always sur­ prised when people make that commitment to mediate. But I think they must be people who have some com­ mitment to seeing things resolved.” When the program began, most of the mediators were of Mennonite background, but now the volunteer list displays a broader cross-section of society. Mediators take a short 20-hour training session in which they are taught basic listening skills. Much of mediation is paraphrasing and clarifying what the per­ son has said and making sure the other person is paying attention. “The theory is that anyone with a bit of training can resolve or mediate differences between two parties. I think they can too. Often the success of the sessions lies with the complainant and the accused. It’s their willingness to cooperate with each other.” According to Hildebrand, aside from the cases which have a clearly defined victim, a lot of police reports are slanted against the accused. They don’t include anything of what the victim might have done to provoke such a response. Carey continues, “After giving a detailed report on what happened that day, they then asked the man what his version was. The only correction, the only dispute he had was that I had honked at him. I don’t think I honked at him initially. After he kicked my car—then, yes, I did a lot of tooting.” Hildebrand says, “It really helps the victim to hear that the accused didn’t deliberately go out to harm him. In the case of break and entry, it’s sometimes good for them to hear how their house was accessible.” On the other hand, it’s also good for the accused to hear exactly how traumatized the victim was. Even in robbing a house, they need to know they weren’t robbCont'd on next page

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ing just an empty shell, they were violating a person. Carey continues, “Then we spent a little time negotiating over the settlement. We had a $200 deducti­ ble insurance on our car and we felt if he paid that, everything was fair and square. I think we got off easy, he was very cooperative.” Probably this is where Mediation excels. In court, restitution is not always ordered and if it is, it is often not followed through. In Mediation the money is ap­ plied directly to the damage and all agreements are followed through meticulously. “It is monitored very carefully,” says Hildebrand. “Each agreement has a specific date and the payments are made to us. We deposit them in our trust account and wait till the cheque clears and then issue a cheque

“He said he was sorry for what he had put us through and we could feel forgiveness ...” to the complainant. If counselling is part of the agree­ ment, we have to make sure the offender shows.” These reports are often submitted as evidence to the judge and sometimes become exhibits in trial cases. Carey happens to be a psychologist employed with the St. James/Assiniboine School Division. “No, I don’t think I could have erased my psychological training and background from the experience. Afterwards I said to my husband that I could see the mediators were well trained.” She describes what it meant to her, “It gives closure. I don’t mean to throw out clinical terms, but meeting face to face and resolving it together made me feel that I had some control over it, that it was truly ended.” She admits that because of personal events in her life at that time, she was particularly vulnerable. “I was emotionally involved. I felt violated at the time and be­ ing able to talk about it made me feel good inside. It was good for my husband too. Even though he wasn’t the victim, it was his car and he needed to go through the same process I did. We needed to see the fellow in an unintoxicated state and to see that he was really okay . . . Also, he said he was sorry for what he put us through and we could feel forgiveness. That kind of thing doesn’t happen in a court of law.” In 1986, out of the 735 referrals, 35 per cent (255 cases) went to mediation. Out of those 255 cases 88 per cent, or 225 cases, reached agreement. Unfortunately, even if an agreement is reached, not all accused feel vindicated. In another case, the accused who wishes to remain anonymous, describes his media­ tion session: “Here I was in my three-piece suit, ready to be reasonable . . . But the mediation team appeared

to exhibit no control over the session. They enforced the general rule that you don’t interrupt the person talk­ ing and then sat in the corner and listened.” Being from an old Winnipeg family, he chose to have his case mediated rather than risk scandal and publicity in the court system. “The whole thing was dominated by the young man’s mother who quite a few times call­ ed my friend and me liars, swore at us, and I was quite taken aback. I’m old-fashioned enough not to swear back at women. I just back off. I kicked myself for months after. But old habits die hard. I was one-sided to the point of embarrassment.” However, the man admits that paying a mediation agreement of $500 was much better than paying ex­ travagant lawyer fees and risk a permanent criminal record if, in fact, the judge found him guilty. Redekop responds, “We don’t encourage this process as a means of getting out of court. We work towards a genuine agreement.” Mediation Services has already spawned another work, the Community Dispute Centre for the north end residents of Winnipeg. It operates independently with its own board. Redekop says that the skill of mediating doesn’t have to be confined to organized services. “We feel that this is part of the broader mandate to empower the whole community and eventually give them the tools to deal with their conflicts.” He cites models where churches and schools have been using mediation skills for handling dispute in the pews and on the playgrounds. “Our underlying attitude is that conflict can be an opportunity for growth and revival.” He also feels that Mediation could be extended to in­ clude a wider range of criminal charges. “Potentially I don’t think any case is too serious.” Mediation skills could even be the answer to interna­ tional conflict, says Redekop. “The language of punish­ ment that Reagan used in explaining the attack on Libya was ‘to teach them a lesson.’ Such language just breeds resentment .... Obviously your mediators would have to become more specialized and skilled on an international level.” Senior Crown Attorney Miller is also impressed. “Mennonite Central Committee is to be commended for taking the bull by the horns and being the pathfinder and inspiration behind it all.” He would like to see them become pathfinders in the area of mediating domestic disputes. Redekop hesitates. “Not in the immediate future. It would have to be done in conjunction with other forms of treatment. As yet, we don’t have a handle on it and we don’t have the resources.” This article was written for Meetinghouse by Wilma Derksen, Mennonite Reporter associate editor in the Winnipeg regional office.

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Stein­ bach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address. The Messenger is a member of Meetinghouse.

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THE MESSENGER

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1 Participants in the October 29-November 2, 1986 Task Force on Restorative Justice, Guelph, Ontario. Standing (from left): Dean Peachey, Cathy Stolzfus, Russ Immarigeon, Janet Umble Reedy, Wayne Northey, John Horner-lbler, Dave Worth, Lorraine Berzins, Walter Bera, Mark Chupp, Mark Yantzi, Howard Zehr, John H. Yoder. Kneeling in front row (from left): Melita Rempel, Harold Regier, Dennis Witman, Marie Marshall, Ron Claassen, Joan Blatz. Meetinghouse photo by Ron Rempel.

AGREE THAT CRIME IS A VIOLATION OF PEOPLE BY PEOPLE

Restorative Justice Task Force Guelph, Ont. (Meetinghouse)-Spouse bat­ tering, sexual abuse, incest, armed robbery, murder, homicide by an impaired driver. Should these and other violent crimes be left to the courts and prisons? Or is there also a place for “reconciliation” or “mediation” approaches? Further, are these alternative approaches-by whatever name-up to the challenge of the so-called tough cases? These questions occupied 20 people for a unique gathering here October 29-November 2, 1986. It was called the Task Force on Restorative Justice. It brought together workers from selected mediation, concilia­ tion, victim-offender and victim advocate programs from across North America. They each wrote papers ahead of time and mailed them to the others. They swapped case material. They pushed each other on practice. They bared their souls to each other. They grappled with theory. They wor­ shipped together. They strained to find a common vision and a common language for their experiments in dealing with major violent crimes. The issues surfaced quickly, especially on the topic of violence in the home. One agen­ cy, for example, reported the case of a woman raped by her landlord. She agreed to meet her assailant face to face in a “mediation” session. He showed remorse; he agreed never again to come to her apart­ ment unaccompanied; he paid some restitu­ tion. She, in turn, found the mediation helpful-at least more satisfying than going through the courts as an incest victim a number of years earlier. “Where is justice for her? Where is pro-

APRIL 17, 1987

tection of the community?” asked Marie Marshall Fortune from a Seattle Centre for Prevention of Sexual Abuse. When pushed to give her remedy, she said the rapist should have been imprisoned. Criminalizing sexual assault is a step forward, she insisted. Others wondered: are there other ways to say “this is serious” besides criminal pro­ cedures or imprisonment? Are there other ways to protect the public besides the adver­ sarial court system-for example, warning other tenants about the landlord, requiring him to sell the building and to find other kind of work? “Whatever alternative mechanisms are us­ ed,” cautioned Fortune, “don’t minimize or privatize the damages .... When physical violation occurs, this is a qualitatively dif­ ferent situation than simply a conflict (bet­ ween two equal partners) . . . There are no longer two sides. There is a victim who needs advocacy and support; there is an abuser who needs to be held accountable.” Task force participants agreed that crime is a violation of people by people, that justice should ultimately restore both individual and community relationships. In the first rounds of discussion, however, there seemed to be a stand-off between victim advocates (for ex­ ample, the views expressed by Fortune) and conciliation advocates. Mark Yantzi from Waterloo, Ontario, for example, stressed the importance of empathy for both victims and offenders. He directs self-help or support groups for both victims and offenders. Walter Bera, a psychologist from Minneapolis, runs “victim-sensitive of­ fender therapy” programs for teenage sex of-

fenders. He questioned the value of criminalizing sexual abuse. The two sides found common cause as they agreed on the following sequence in justice-making: the victim must first be pro­ tected and empowered to break the silence and to tell the truth about what happened; the offender must first repent (not only show remorse but actually change behaviour); only then is it possible to start working at restor­ ing relationships, whether through mediation or other methods. Cathy Stolzfus Fairfield, an attorney from Bridgewater, Virginia, described the session as a “breakthrough.” “I have been oppos­ ed to mediation in family violence ... I am now open to mediation-if all the prior stuff is done.”

What if the offender never repents? In such cases, suggested Fortune, the goal is “approximate justice.” Other avenues must be found to satisfy the needs of the victim so that he or she “can be free to forgive.” What if the victim is dead? There should be “symbolic acts of contrition,” com­ mented Dave Worth from Mennonite Cen­ tral Committee Canada Victim Offender Ministries. “Something highly visible rather than only low-key community sentence orders.” (He floated some ideas about a penance pilgrimage or a work assignment in an isolated place. Someone reminded him, however, that prisons were originally intend­ ed to make just such a highly visible statement.) “We long for the vision of a new crea­ tion,” said Fortune in a Sunday morning ser­ mon. “I want to honour that (longing), but not prescribe or describe it.” Instead of preaching about reconciliation, she turned to some “texts of terror” or “sad stories” in the Bible — the Judges 19 story of the rape and dismemberment of a Levite’s concubine. Ringing pronouncements from Jeremiah (“Is there no balm in Gilead?”) and from Ezekiel (“ ... get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Turn and live!”) punctuated Fortune’s “memorial” to victims of abuse.

‘Flexing’ the system Woven into the search for how to handle the tough cases were reflections on the criminal justice system. “We’re in a crisis,” declared Howard Zehr from the MCC U.S. Office of Criminal Justice. “The retributive system is not working!” He called for not only minor adjustments or novel programs that are eventually co-opted, but for a new way of thinking—a new paradigm. He summarized a paper which contrasts the old paradigm of “retributive justice” with a new one called “restorative justice.”

PAGE 5

The former defines crime as a violation against the state; the method of dealing with criminals is to punish and deter by impos­ ing pain. The new paradigm defines crime as a violation of one person by another; justice is seen as the restoration of right relationships. One purpose of the weekend meeting was to find a language to describe the so-called new paradigm. Reconciliation? Restoration? Justice-making? New creation? Peacemak­ ing? There was no agreement on terms. There was agreement, however that the ex­ periments should continue, that some changes are needed-without writing off the entire criminal justice system. “The problem is that we’ve given the state total responsibili­ ty,” observed Cathy Stolzfus Fairfield. “But let’s not abandon the corrupt system . . . Let’s make it do what it was in­ tended to do.” The prime example of this stance was pro­ vided by Dennis Witman, who has directed a victim program in the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, Batavia, New York for the past six years. He described his work as “flexing our justice system.” Together with the sheriff, who is also a Christian, Witman tries to tailor the system to individuals. He goes out of his way to spend time with victims. He prepares “pre­ trial affirmation agreements” to give the judge “informed judgment criteria.” He thinks there are better ways to “obligate” an offender than to put him in prison. At the same time he is afraid of the potential for vigilante tactics in the national trend towards victim rights. Witman has also set up special prayer ser­ vices for victims and wants the church to develop more “recognized rituals” for vic­ tims. He wants the church to do a better job of “watchdogging the system.” Dean Peachey described Witman as a “good example of someone doing personal justice . . . Personal justice need not mean being informed or unprofessional.” Peachey works with Community Justice Initiatives in Kitchener, Ontario. Due process, confidentiality, presumption of innocence. These long-standing principles of criminal justice were developed for good reasons, agreed task force participants. The present system limits vengefulness and pro­ tects the public by removing offenders. They also agreed, however, that the system is “in­ adequate at best .... You can’t rely on it, but you can’t do without it!”

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Financial Update From the EMC Board of Finance The following is an update on the Conference’s finances for the first quarter of 1987: Budget Requirements $336,500 Budget Receipts 192,165 Shortfall 144,335 This means that during the first quarter the Conference has a shortfall of close to 43% of the commitment the Conference Council made in December 1986.

What next? The Guelph meetings were sponsored jointly by the MCC U.S. Office of Criminal Justice, MCC Canada Victim Offender Ministries, Offender Victim Ministries (General Conference Mennonite Church) and the Network for Community Justice and Conflict Resolution (a Canadian organiza­ tion formed in 1985 “as a vehicle for shar­ ing information and expertise among those interested in conflict resolution and building new justice models and systems”). The meetings were the first step in a twoor three-year project funded by the Showalter Foundation. The submission for funding, in­ dicated Dave Worth, was at first labelled “Reconciliation and the tough cases.” “How to convince the Mennonite church and the world that reconciliation is the way to go,” he quipped. The next steps will include more consultations-perhaps a larger conference bringing together a wider circle; the papers from the first gathering may be published; there will be videos, posters and other educational materials. Of the 20 people in Guelph about 12 or 13 were Mennonite. They were urged to keep serving as catalysts. Above article by Ron Rempel, editor of Mennonite Reporter

Teachers Wanted A private Christian school requires two teachers, one elementary and one high school, for the 1987-88 school year. Interested persons should apply in writing to Bill Siemens, R.R.6, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2R5, or Ben Klassen, R.R.6, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2R5.

Position Open La Crete Christian Fellowship, La Crete, Alta., requires a full-time assis­ tant pastor, with emphasis on youth and music. For details contact the church board chairman. Ben Thiessen

Box 541 La Crete, Alta. TOH 2H0 Ph. (403) 928-3965

BOOK NOTES September Morning. Mildred Tengbom. Elgin, Illinois: Brethren Press, 1985, paperback. The middle years are a time of intense challenges - a season of anxiety, crisis and continued growth. The “September Morn­ ings” of midlife are unequalled for their im­ pact on the balance of our lives. This prac[ical book shows how to make this season the best years of your life. The Holiness of God. R. C. Sproul, Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House of Publishers, Inc., 1985, $10.95. The Holiness of God is a look at the meaning of holiness and why people are both fascinated and terrified by a holy God. It is a profound, moving investigation of the character of God - holiness - that defines all we are and do as Christians.

Thank God for New Churches. James H. Lehman, Elgin, Illinois: Brethren Press, 1984, paperback. This is a valuable introduction to new church development in the Church of the Brethren. However, it is also a useful tool for church leaders of other heritages who are seeking ways of communicating the gospel and strengthening the church in this world. THE MESSENGER

Missions

Laural Ann and Bible club children.

GERMANY

Happenings in Seesen Friendships Growing Stronger Some of you may be asking, “So what is happening in Seesen?” I would like to give you some insights as to where the work is at since we came more than two years ago. There are some new faces in our small con­ gregation on Sundays. For example, Heinz Alke has been coming since December last year. His wife, Lucie, and children have been turned off to “religion” and do not stand behind him. He is a Christian, loves to sing, and says we are a warm church. Then there is Mrs Schmidt and her two children, who started coming last November. She is a nurse separated from her husband and enjoys the fellowship in our group. A Korean nurse, Juni, has been attending for about a year. She has a lovely voice and has blessed us with her singing on occasion. When possible she brings

her daughter, son and mother-in-law (who can’t understand a word of German) along. An important function of the children’s Bi­ ble club is to get contact with the parents and befriend them so that they will accept Christ and join our church. In December we had a special Christmas program to which we invited the parents. As a result we got to know the Schroeders and Mrs. Glaser. We had the Schroeders over for coffee in February, and after Christopher was born Mrs. Schroeder and Melanie were here for a short visit. Since then Mrs. Glaser, Mattias and daughter, Melanie, have been here for coffee. Mrs. Taulien, a neighbor lady who told someone she would never come here for coffee and also has children coming to Bible club, was also here for a visit after I was home from the hospital with Christopher. She has babysat for

Mrs. Borgeest with daughters, Melanie, Iris and Angla, Laural Ann and Stacy. APRIL 17, 1987

us on occasion and 1 have helped her out a number of times. There are still other families of children who attend Bible club with whom we have had no contact. Some friendships have grown stronger in the past year. The Borgeest family, whom you see in the one picture, is an example. Mrs. Borgeest, a divorced woman, enjoys getting together in her home or in ours. She has been to church occasionally, but still holds back when I invite her to the ladies’ meetings. The girls have all attended Bible club and seem to be interested in a young people’s group. The Michalkes are a busy family, but we have got­ ten together on occasion and gotten to know each other better. The children quit our Bi­ ble club to attend confirmation classes. Jeff has had some good discussions with Mr. Michalke regarding spiritual matters. They have been in church for special programs. We have a Bible study for young adults every Thursday. Martina, Susanne and Chris are nurses; Wilhelm is a mail carrier and farmer. We have had social outings, where we have also gotten to know Martina and Susanne’s non-Christian boyfriends. One of our concerns is that these young adults would attend church regularly. We have seen spiritual growth in their lives and for that we praise God. In November we started with ladies’ meetings. Our goal here is also to reach the family. So far we haven’t had too many non­ church women. However, Mrs. Fabian has been there each time and seems to enjoy it. I believe she would also come to church if she lived closer. From time to time I try to en­ courage the ladies to keep asking friends even if the response is negative at first. So you see, things are happening! We would ask you to especially pray for the tent crusade to be held in September, that lives in Seesen would be touched and people be added to the church in Seesen. -Laural Ann Plett

Left to right: Stacy, Laural Ann, Melanie, Martina Woehler, Chris Kaldenberg, Wilhelm Sommer (College and Career group). PAGE 7

PAKISTAN

Jesus Makes a Difference Eager to Learn

In any village home in the mountains of northern Pakistan, each day brings at least two difficult tasks for the wife - getting water from the village well or spring and gathering enough wood for the cooking fire for the day. The trip for water is usually made when other women are going, so it’s a good time to visit with the neighbours while walking down the hillside to get the water, or climbing back up with the filled waterpot perched on one’s head. Gathering wood is considerably more individual, and more dangerous too. You are wise to have at least one friend or family member with you so that when you climb in­ to a tree to cut off a branch or two, you’ve got someone to run for help when you slip and fall to the ground! Three years ago that’s what happened to one young woman, married only a year earlier. She landed in a sitting position, and fractured her pelvis as well her spine. Within 24 hours she was at Bach Christian Hospital, having been carried several hours down the mountain to the nearest small city and brought the rest of the way in a rented vehicle. Her mother-in-law was with her for a while, but soon returned to the village, leaving her care to her mother and sister. She spent the first long weeks in our special “broken back” bed, to let some healing take place. She had lost all movement below her waist and, even with frequent turning, developed pressure sores on her hips. Discouragement was expressed in floods of tears many days. But during the months she was a patient she heard the Good News about Jesus during the regular mornPAGE 8

ing devotions in the Word. The more she heard, the more interested she became, in spite of the disapproval of her relatives. She listened eagerly to public and private presen­ tations of the Gospel and was happy to listen to cassette tapes of Mark’s Gospel in her own language. By the time she was able to go home, she knew by experience that Jesus was making a difference in her heart and life. She left us after nearly five months, swinging her legs between crutches and able to keep her balance on our smooth floors. We wondered how she would manage on the mountain paths. A few months later three of our staff were able to visit her in her parents’ home. Her hus­ band’s family had not wanted her back because she could not help with the work, even though he had urged them to take her in. Our staff had a good visit with her and were able to encourage her in her trust in Jesus, giving her a few more cassettes, her only means of ‘reading’ about Him. We heard nothing for a long time and wondered how she was. The doctor was especially worried about the possibility of more pressure sores developing during the winter when there was little chance of being up and active outside the house. Then, in June 1986, we found out, when she returned to us, car­ ried on a bed, with a badly infected foot and sores on both hips. Her smile was gone and she seemed too discouraged to hope for im­ provement in her condition. By late July the doctor realized that the in­ fected foot needed to be amputated, but the family refused permission, counting on the ‘good medicine’ here to be sufficient. Even­ tually, in August, she had her surgery, and from then on we could see her improving emotionally and physically. Various relatives came to be with her, some more understan­ ding than others, but she continued to listen eagerly to all the teaching she could get about Jesus. At the end of September we transfer­ red her to an Hospice in the capital city area so she could be near a special hospital which makes and fits artificial limbs. That took longer than we had thought it would, but she benefitted from the Hospice in many ways. She add­ ed to her handwork skills by learning to crochet and learning new embroidery and knitting patterns. In her wheelchair she was one of the most mobile of the residents, and quickly became the helper for others unable to leave their beds. Thanks to the teaching of the nurses, she became much more capable of caring for herself than she had been while at Bach. She returned to us in December. We were delighted with her progress and expected she would soon be able to leave for her moun­ tain home. She stayed over Christmas and enjoyed the festivities thoroughly. And then, while learning to walk with crutches and her new leg, she lost her balance and fell, break­ ing the upper bone of her shortened leg! So she was back in bed for several weeks, but by the end of January was up and walking.

She left us at the end of February to go to her married sister’s home at the edge of the small city near her home. She took with her a few Bible cassettes and her memories of what she has been taught. Due to changes in travel re­ quirements for non-Pakistani people, it will not be easy for any of us to visit her. Please pray for this very special friend - for physical health, for spiritual strength and growth in spite of being alone. Ellen Brell

Mr. Albert Enns was the speaker at the EMC missionary retreat in Paraguay.

PARAGUAY

Retreat Time Newcomers Get Taste of Culture January 20-23, 1987 saw a group of 42 people gathering together for the annual EMC Missionary Retreat in Paraguay. In attendance were all 22 missionaries with their families presently in Paraguay. The retreat was held at a hotel in the quiet countryside of East Paraguay, near a small creek amidst rolling hills covered with trees. This year’s retreat was planned by the mis­ sionary personnel in the Chaco. The schedul­ ed dates were very appropriate as 13 of us had just arrived from Canada. For us new workers, Julia Funk, Ken and Vai Zacharias, and me, it was a good introduction to our fellow workers. Desiring for us newcomers to have a taste of the culture we were each presented with a guampa and bombilla with which to enjoy the famous yerba tea. Mr. Albert Enns, a well-known M B. evangelist from Asuncion, challenged our per­ sonal spiritual lives during the morning sessions. A common language was not found with which to communicate so that all present could understand, and so four different

THE MESSENGER

Baptism at Camp 77in Mexico on March 1. Left to right: Lena Dueck, Betty Dueck, Dan­ ny Reimer, Jake Wall.

Mrs. Albert Enns and Elsie Braun were in charge of children's sessions at the mis­ sionary retreat in Paraguay.

languages were used. Refreshment from the hot summer temperatures was sought via the swimming pool, wading in the creek, soda pop, and terere. Recreational time proved to be a test of memory, speed, humor, and skill. Our talents were revealed during the talent show and singles’ feature. As missionaries we were drawn closer to each other and closer to God through the messages and devotionals, and in fellowship with each other during mealtime conversa­ tions, sharing and prayer times, and visiting. The retreat ended with a communion ser­ vice in which we were reminded of what Christ has done for us. Landis Friesen

Plautdietsch is Alive and Well on Planet Earth By Peter Fast and Tony Gorsline

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Peter Fast speaks with a very slight in­ definable accent. It adds a charming lilt to his conversation, which is further highlighted by his slow smile and twinkly eyes. He exudes a vitality and strength that come from his stur­ dy Mennonite ancestors. I was sitting in the neat but crowded base­ ment of the Calgary apartment that Pete and his wife, Mary, call home. Peter had just shown me PLAUTDIETSCH IS ALIVE AND WELL ON PLANET EARTH, a beautiful slide show that he and his son, Ken, made about a language spoken by Mennonites, called Plautdietsch (plowt-DEECH). I was captivated APRIL 17, 1987

by the sights and sounds of places like Niehorscht and Nieaunluog, Saskatchewan “Mennonite villages,” Pete calls them. Churches, farm buildings, windmills, farm machinery, neat and brightly painted. “Red and white are our favorite colors,” Pete grins. 1 asked Pete Fast to tell me how the Plaut­ dietsch translation project came about. “Mary and 1 drove through Mexico on our way back from Guatemala in the spring of 1976. We saw a little hand-lettered sign ‘CAMPO MENONITA’ with an arrow, and we immediately turned off. Mary’s aunt, Anna Schapansky, had gone to Mexico with a bunch of Mennonites back in 1926, and Mary’s dad had asked Mary to try and find her.” “Daut woat sikj aul muoken loten,” the first farmer they spoke to said. “That will itself already make let.” Mary laughed, “That’s the way we talk.” Anna Schapansky could be found ‘dree Kjriesel romm de Akj” (“three windmills around the comer”). A few minutes later, Mary was greeting her long-lost aunt, now Anna Janzen. Peter was interested to see that Plautdietsch, the language he had learned as a child in Saskatchewan, is still the com­ monly spoken language of the colonies in Mexico, though a few were also fluent in Spanish. Peter knew that having God’s Word in their own language would be of great spiritual sup­ port to the Mennonites. “The Spirit had led us there,” Peter said, “and that was really the beginning of our involvement in the Plaut­ dietsch translation project.” When Peter and Mary returned to Canada in 1976, they went to visit family and friends in Manitoba, and there Pete heard about radio broadcasts by a Rev. J.J. Neufeld who preached in Plautdietsch. Peter found Neufeld in Winnipeg at the offices of Mennonite Brethren Communications. Pete eagerly read over John Neufeld’s carefully indexed files of translated scriptures, about a third of the New Testament. And, as a “native speaker,” Pete Fast immediately saw

that John Neufeld’s translation was very good. But work was needed on the orthography; “the spelling was not standardized” I’ve tried asking some of the people, educated people, school teachers, who speak the Low German just perfectly, 'How do you write it?’ And they say, ‘1 don’t know’.’’ It was obvious to Peter that what was needed was a standard written phonemic alphabet. Peter offered this help, and Rev. Neufeld gladly accepted. Thus began a long train of events that is now coming to a triumphant end. Peter’s connections with Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), Wycliffe’s translation organization, were instrumental in putting the Plautdietsch translation work onto a firm goal of getting the New Testament Scriptures ready for publication and distribution. Peter Fast became orthography checker and coordinator. Dr. Joe Grimes, a long-time SIL linguist, offered to be translation consul­ tant. Vi Reimer, another Mennonite “native speaker,” and also a trained SIL linguist, agreed to work with Dr. Neufeld as editorial secretary. A small computer for word process­ ing was purchased with special designated funds. On March 30, 1983 a joint agreement was signed by SIL and Mennonite Brethren Communications for the production of Plaut­ dietsch scriptures in a practical orthography. On May 27, 1986 Rev. Neufeld celebrated his 73rd birthday. With the rest of the transla­ tion team happily looking on, John Neufeld wrote out the last verse of the Book of Revela­ tion in his manuscript Plautdietsch New Testament. Peter Fast grew up in a Mennonite com­ munity in Saskatchewan. He and his wife Mary joined Wycliffe in 1945, going to Peru where they started the translation work for the Amuesha. The Fasts returned to Canada in 1976 where Pete worked on special projects. Since January of 1982, he has worked full time on the Plautdietsch project. Tony Gorsline is a writer with Wycliffe’s Canadian Division Media Productions.

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Messenger News

Participants at the Region 1 conference. Edwin Friesen (Conference Pastor), Charles and Lorraine Koop (La Crete), Peter and Trudy Dueck (High Level), Allan Friesen (speaker), Ben Friesen (Board of Missions), LeRoyand Marcella Barkman (Vanderhoof). Missing: Abe and Mary Leiding (Burns Lake).

Region 1 Conference Held Vanderhoof, B.C.: The Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, La Crete and High Level churches came together for the annual Regional Con­ ference, hosted this year in Vanderhoof. The theme was “Family Life” and we had a dynamic speaker - pastor, schoolteacher and counsellor, Allan Friesen. The sessions were well attended, with more than 40 guests from La Crete and High Level, as well as those from Burns Lake. On Friday evening, Mervin Brandt brought a report from the High Level church. A few goals the church has set for the coming years include increasing church attendance by 25% and membership by 10%, as well as an in­ crease in Sunday school attendance. The ladies in the High Level church are experien­ cing a positive ministry in answer to prayer.

A ‘positive problem’ was also mentioned - that of the church building and parking lot being too small. Praise the Lord! Conference Pastor Edwin Friesen brought greetings from Arden Thiessen and also reported on the Conference budget (reported in the Messenger a few weeks earlier). Saturday morning some 70-80 people en­ joyed a fellowship breakfast at the Village Inn Restaurant, followed by a session on “Understanding Our Children,” with Allan Friesen. Raymond Knelsen reported from the LaCrete church. They have begun construc­ tion on expanding the church building, and during the conference an offering was taken to aid in covering the cost of this project. At­ tendance around 300, many of these young

Children enjoyed videos while parents took in the afternoon workshops at the Region 1 conference in Vanderhoof, B.C.

couples with small children. The young peo­ ple’s group numbers about 40 - a positive future for the church. They are presently look­ ing at expanding the ministerial by electing more deacons. Four adult Sunday school classes are meeting at present, including a mothers’ class and a special class for new believers. There are six home Bible study groups. The church is considering an assis­ tant pastor to work full-time with youth. Charles (pastor) and Lorraine Koop’s en­ thusiasm has been encouraging to the con­ gregation, and a prayer request was shared for more church leadership to share in the vast responsibility. During the afternoon session, Ed Wiebe of the Burns Lake church brought a report and expressed special appreciation for their pastor, Abe Leiding, whose emphasis is always on “walking with Jesus.” The average church at­ tendance is 150-175. A prayer concern was that of outreach by means of a series of Bible studies and video tapes with the prayer meetings being centered on revival for the church of Christ. The Vanderhoof report was brought by Pete Wiebe. In the Vanderhoof church we have again experienced God’s goodness in providing for us a constant example and guide in a pastor. LeRoy and Marcella Barkman have truly been an answer to prayer, and we praise God for their ministry here. The Vanderhoof church has a little more than 100 members, and in the past two years eight peo­ ple have been baptized. We praise God also for our ever-growing youth group. Twenty to thirty people meet weekly for alternate Bible study and social activities. Youth leaders, Henry and Marianne Reimer and Jacob and Tracey Wiebe, are very much appreciated for their work with this group. Sunday school attendance is between 110-125. Many children from non-churchgoing homes are in regular attendance, thanks to the ladies involved in organizing the Cradle Roll - an effective outreach into the communi­ ty. Our most recent endeavour is that of ‘care groups’ designed to draw those in from the fringes and develop a real concern for each other as members of God’s family. Ben Friesen reported on the EMC Board of Missions. The emphasis was on looking ahead in missions, seeing what needs to be done and pressing on for God’s glory! Mr. Friesen shared how the greatest need in mis­ sions is prayer. Prayer breaks barriers, makes the missionary strong, and convicts hearts of sin. Without faithful prayer, personnel and finances will have a limited effect on spreading the gospel. We were challenged to keep work­ ing and not grow weary. The reward is yet to come! Saturday afternoon workshops included (next page please) THE MESSENGER

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Everyone enjoyed the turkey dinner Saturday evening at the Region 1 conference.

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‘Music in the Church’ with Leroy Penner, ‘Parenting Teens’ with Edwin Friesen, ‘Solv­ ing Family Problems’ with Allan Friesen. While adults attended the workshops, smaller children enjoyed videos and the young peo­ ple participated in gym activities followed by teaching videos related to the conference theme.

The final session Saturday evening was closed with a communion service. We thank the Lord for the opportunity to gather together as believers and experience His blessings through both the ministry of Allan Friesen, and in visiting and getting to know each other better. We have truly been “bound together in love” through this weekend of fellowship!

ceptance. Mr. Schmitt feels that in our fallen state we need grief in order to be aware of God. Suffering is a part of the nature of our fallen state. He feels, though, that persons who have lived yielded lives may go through the grief process more rapidly. “Turn Again to Life After a Catastrophic Death” was the theme of his fourth presenta­ tion. An example of this is suicide on which he spoke at quite some length. He maintain­ ed that the suicidal person tends to see life more as black and white and not so much negotiable, which includes options. He closed off the conference with “A Con­ gregational Response.” How should a con­ gregation respond to death and dying? Peo­ ple need to use their own tragedy in life to make it a ministry to their church. Jesus needs us to be participants of grace, coming to peo­ ple through us. We can be part of Christ’s transformation process. Much of Dr. Schmitt’s presentations con­ sisted of personal experience stories from his practice as a family counsellor. Audience par­ ticipation was also encouraged. Abraham Schmitt is a Christian therapist with a private practice in individual and mar­ riage therapy in Souderton, Pennsylvania. Publications The Art of Listening With Love (1977,

1982) Before I Wake: Listening to God in Your Dreams (1984) When a Congregation Cares (1984) Renewing Family Life (1985) Turn Again to Life: Growth Through Grief (1987)

Dr. Abraham Schmitt (right).

Leadership Conference at SBC

Teachers Needed

By Dave Schellenberg

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This year’s leadership conference at the Steinbach Bible College took place April 9 and 10 and featured the topic “Ministering in Situations of Death and Dying.” Guest speaker was Dr. Abraham Schmitt of Souder­ ton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Schmitt feels that by interacting with the dying, one will find life. This was the theme of his first lecture. “Dying people,” he says, “want to tell someone.” He maintains that people will walk into a room where someone is dying, poised to flee. On the other hand, we should encourage them to talk about it. His second lecture dealt with “The Griev­ ing Process.” How do you help people grieve? His experience working in a funeral home during his schooling brought questions to his mind regarding the grieving process. The stan­ dard approach seemed to him too mechanical. In contrast, he related his recollections of death and grieving in the rural APRIL 17, 1987

country setting he came from. “Everybody was part of it . . . Everybody talked about the person. There was a sense of togetherness.” He set much stock by the community which did the grieving in the rural Saskatchewan set­ ting from which he came. He felt that this car­ ing needed to be recaptured. Mr. Schmitt’s counsel to the grieving counsellor is simple, which is simply to say, “Tell me all about it,” to the person in mour­ ning. He feels that this is what happened where he grew up, and people knew each other. However, in impersonal settings the grieving person should be encouraged to talk about the departed one. He maintains that the key to grieving is to tell the story effectively to someone who will listen. In his third lecture, “Growth Through Grief: A Treatment Model,” he used the stages of the Kuebler-Ross grief process: Shock, Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Ac-

Community Bible Fellowship Christian School invites applications from certified teachers for grades 1 through 9. At present these grades are divided into three classes - grades 1-2, grades 3-5, grades 6-9.

Please send resume to: Mr. John Beadle School Board Chairman Box 1630 Swan River, Man. ROL 1Z0 Ph. 734-4829 (days) or 525-4311 (evenings)

PAGE 11

Haiti Project On January 30 Mr. and Mrs. John Doerksen of Blumenort; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Penner of Blumenort; Tim Klassen of Maryfield, Sask.; Lynford Bartel of Rosenort, and I left for a three-week pro­ ject in Haiti for Mission Possible. The ap­ prehensions I had before we left disap­ peared quickly as we began to see more of the beauty of the country. The warm welcome we received from the Mission Possible staff, as well as the Haitians, soon made us feel right at home. After a weekend of relaxation and sightseeing we got to work. Our first job was to finish the roof on a school building in the small mountain village of Fretas. Our second project was putting the roof on a school in Ruosseau. We learned to love and appreciate the people of Haiti, especially the kids, as they eagerly helped us. After finishing the roof we spent a few days doing odd jobs on the Mission Possi­ ble compound and at their warehouses. The last week and a half was spent put­ ting up a fence around the warehouses. Together with the Haitians who spent long hours digging the holes for the fence posts, we managed to complete the job before it was time for us to come back home. The ladies in our group were also kept busy. They made sure that we did not forget home by baking delicious desserts and buns. Most of our meals were made by a Haitian lady. We always had more than enough great food to eat. Besides baking, Mrs. Penner and Mrs. Doerksen helped with a ladies’ sewing class. Most of their time, however, was spent writing let­ ters from the students in the Mission Possi­ ble schools to their sponsors in North America. Without the help of God we would not have been able to do what we did. It was He who gave us safety and health and helped us to keep the unity in our group. The thing that God really showed me in those three weeks was that we have to re­ ly on Him for everything. He taught me the meaning of Proverbs 3:5,6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Although we always had enough to eat and were blessed with great health, we saw poverty, hunger, and sickness all around us, I would like to express my appreciation to the EMC Missions Auxiliary for making the trip possible. Braden Brandt Blumenort EMC

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Acceptance of members at the Morris Fellowship Chapel. Left to right: Pastor John Heimer, Bruce and Clarice Kroeker, Landis and Wendy Dirks, Claude and Paulette Vermette.

MISSIONARY CONFERENCE HELD Morris, Man.: We started the New Year in our chapel with an emphasis on missions. Our pastor, having been a foreign missionary, presented several meaningful and relevant messages relating to missions prior to our mis­ sionary conference at the end of January. Fred Friesen, our speaker for five sessions, challenged us to be a people of the ‘Book.’ Our ethics and lifestyle should be based on Biblical principles. “Don’t spend time asking, ‘Should 1 be involved in missions?’ but rather ask, ‘Where?’ and ‘How?’ He challenged us to be God-watchers (What is God doing in our daily lives and around us in the world at large?). It gives us an awareness of God’s goodness, faithfulness and omnipotence, replacing pessimism with optimism. February 8 was one of those Sunday mor­ nings when we wished we could forget about time as three couples gave their personal testimonies and were accepted as members in our church. A new venture which was started last fall, with some apprehension, is a Morning Out

for Moms. Our purpose is to make friends with non-Christians and have a non­ threatening place to which we can invite them. One morning a week we gather at the church for a relaxing time of interacting and working at different crafts. We provide free babysitting services. We feel it has thus far been a worth­ while effort and trust the Lord to use it to meet the spiritual and social needs of women. Our hearts were stirred as we watched a video where our missionaries, Peter and Mary Thiessen, Chihuahua, Mexico, shared the traumatic experience of Peter’s abduction in early February. Peter was on his way home from a Bible study when he was taken by force by the police and falsely charged with drug peddling. The Lord miraculously intervened and Peter was released after spending one dif­ ficult and soul-searching night and day in jail. May the officials they witnessed to during that time see their need of a Saviour and may we be encouraged to more diligently and faithfully intercede for our workers.

Henry Klassen conversing with Mel Klassen at the missionary conference at the Mor­ ris Fellowship Chapel.

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Membership transfer at the Calgary church. Left to right: Lydia Janzen, Les and Jan Martens, Jerry and Helen Siemens, Keith and Angie Moline.

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Parent/child dedication took place at the Calgary church on March 8. Left to right: Gerry and Elfrieda Kornelson with Priscilla, John and Elaine Kornelson with Alicia, John and Jo Dueck with Janelle, Dave and Trudy Grimeau with Abraham, Pastor Dave and Merna Thiessen.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED

Calgary, Alta.: Although you haven't heard from us for a while, things have not come to a halt at the Forest Grove Church. For in­ stance, since our last report we have added some new members. On March 22 we welcomed Lydia Janzen, Keith and Angie Moline, Les and Jan Martens and Jerry and Helen Siemens into our membership. All were transferring from other churches. Each one gave a brief testimony of his/her past and hope for the future. Many listeners express­ ed the appreciation for the testimonies, all well-presented and interesting. John and Tina Toews, pastoral couple at Swift Current, visited us that particular Sun­ day and we had the privilege of having Mr. Toews deliver the morning message. He shared his deep inner feelings with us as he related to us the story of the tragic loss of his youngest son a few years ago. We ap­ preciated his sharing with us on such a per­ sonal level. It did more than serve as adequate emphasis for the theme of the message, “Tur­ ing Millstones into Milestones.” May God richly bless you, John and Tina, as you have blessed us. APRIL 17, 1987

New members come in many different packages. Proof of that was our parcnt/child dedication service on March 8. Parents and babies taking part were John and Elaine Kornelson (Alicia Margaret-Anne), Gerry and Elfrieda Kornelsen (Priscilla Dawn), John and

Jo Dueck (Janelle Kayleen), and Dave and Trudy Grimeau (Abraham Christopher). “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord . . (Ps. 127:3). How we need to rely on wisdom from above in training these little ones for Him. Dr. James Dobson, well-known pediatri­ cian and psychologist, has committed his life to the preservation of the family and to educating parents in shaping their children’s lives to be what God intended them to be. His film series “Focus on the Family” is a tool God is using mightily to honour this commitment. Beginning on January 30, and for six Fridays thereafter, we invited the public to join us in viewing one film a week. If we remember and practice what Dr. Dobson has found to be ef­ fective in marriage and in the raising of our children, our homes will surely benefit. The evening of March 29 proved to be a rewarding, challenging and exciting one. A congregational meeting was held, with the agenda including important issues such as Spring Weekend Retreat options and church building plans. The latter included an update of building plans, costs and finances, and a decision on the construction starting date. The result was a unanimous decision to begin con­ struction immediately. With enthusiasm high, the following Sunday, April 5, was decided on for a sod-turning ceremony. With the sunshine warm on our faces and the Son shining in our hearts, we gathered at the building site immediately following the morning service on April 5. We noted the en­ thusiasm of even the youngest witnesses as they dug and/or played in dirt and water, much to the dismay of their parents! With this report I’d like to once again put in a call for help, be it physical labour, finances, materials or prayer. All are need­ ed, with perhaps the most important ingre­ dient being prayer - for unity, for a vision for God’s kingdom to be enlarged, and that we will be a faithful witness to the community of Abbeydale as we meet and mingle with the people there during this project. Thank you for your interest, support and prayers on our behalf in this undertaking.

Child/parent dedication at the Wymark EMC. Left to right: Jack and Joy Funk with Erica Rae, Jerry and Jan Martens with Jenna Lee, Pete and Norma Fehr with Landon Bradley John, Ken and Marilyn Wall with Kari Chantelle, Abe and Kathy Bergen with Lindsay Renae, John and Leona Kornelsen (pastoral couple).

SEVERAL ATTEND REGIONAL CONFERENCE

La Crete, Alta.: Let me share with you some of the things that took place Sunday morn­ ing, March 29, at our church. First of all, dur­ ing the Sunday school opening Riverside Bi­ ble Camp brought a presentation on their summer camp programs. Many boys and girls from this area have been going there the last few years and are looking forward to that again this summer. Several people reported on the trip to Vanderhoof, March 13-15, for the Region 1 conference, during the worship service. Anne Knelsen reported on the excellent hospitality received during the weekend. First the group was welcomed on Friday night with a delicious soup supper, then there were places arrang­ ed for everyone to stay overnight and rides provided. The meals and coffee breaks throughout the weekend provided a good op­ portunity for visiting - getting to know new people or renewing friendships and acquaintances. Nettie Fehr gave a brief report on the ses­ sions held by Allan Friesen on the topic “Fami­ ly Life.” She stated that God must have look­ ed into the future and saw the need for peo­ ple with extra wisdom in this area, and that the Friesen family must have been one of these chosen families. A few things that stood out: the importance of prayer in their family; the fact that they have no TV and even let their newspaper expire in order to have more time for their children! It was a challenge and encouragement to everyone. Isaac Dyck shared some things about the bus ride, which took up a good part of the weekend. The bus was filled, with 32 people from La Crete and seven from High Level. They started out from La Crete at 6:00 a m. on Friday morning and arrived in Vanderhoof just in time for supper at 6:30. There was a lot of visiting, some singing, sleeping, and even some Scrabble games by a few ladies, and, of course, eating! The group left there Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. and returned home at about 10:30 p.m. There were a few more stops to stretch on the way home as well as time for a good meal in Dawson Creek. Pastor Charles Koop had the third message in the series he is doing on the letters to the seven churches in Revelation, relating them to what the Lord would say to us today. The young people were over at the school for the closing of their Youth Shprring weekend, which started Friday night, with guest speaker Gary Semyna from PRBl. The weekend also featured the drama group, “Earthen Vessels.” The theme was “Who is Your God?” About 75 young people enjoyed the fun and games, a banquet on Saturday night, and the film “Never Ashamed.” May this weekend have helped to strengthen and encourage each one of the young people as they seek to make their lives count for Jesus.

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Volunteers Needed Volunteers are needed to help in the construction of the Calgary EMC Church. For more information call John Dueck (403)273-8253.

SALT Reunion May 15, 16, 17

Ten-year SALT Reunion Aberdeen Church For more information phone;

Laverna Reimer (204) 661-5718 or Aberdeen Church (204) 589-8723

May 15-18 Pray for:

• the registrants • Bob Black - speaker • Jerry Proppe - music

• Michael Hart - concert

DAVE UNGER 1913-1987 Dave Unger was born on September 7, 1913 at McMahon, near Swift Current, Sask. He grew up on his parents’ farm as the se­ cond oldest of ten boys. On November 28, 1938 he and Mary Funk were married. They moved to Vanderhoof in 1965, where he worked as a mechanic, welder and carpenter. In recent years he transported laundry bet­ ween the Vanderhoof and Ft. St. James Hospitals, a job which he enjoyed and did very conscientiously. His many interests in­ cluded fishing, camping, music, making videos, and family reunions. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and Lord in 1947. His quiet and gen­ tle testimony was an inspiration to many. His concern was always that others, especially his own family, would also come to know the Lord and walk in His ways. He had a special gift of memorizing Scripture and enjoyed stu­ dying God’s Word. He appreciated Christian radio and television programs, spending many hours listening to Back to the Bible, Focus on the Family, and Jimmy Swaggart. His Chris­ tian walk was also demonstrated in the love and understanding he displayed as husband and father. Through the years he experienced excellent health. Then in June of 1986 he was diagnos­ ed as having cancer. Aside from surgery and radiation treatments last summer, he was able to live at home and function quite normally until his heart attack on March 12. After several days of suffering and much discom­ fort, the Lord saw fit to end his earthly pilgrimage and receive him into His presence. He was predeceased by both parents, three brothers, two sisters, two sons and one grand­ son who died in infancy. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife Mary and five children and their families, Jake and Marge with six children; Ida and Jake Fehr with one daughter; Viola and Thor Ophus with three sons, two daughters-in-law and one grandson; Arnold and Dusty with four children; Linda and Jake Unger with three children. He is also survived by six brothers and one sister.

THE MESSENGER

John F. Plett - Brother, Uncle and Friend One hundred years ago today In Blumenhof, of farmer stock, John F. Plett did come to stay And on this earth began his walk. At thirty years to Kansas they went, Twenty-two years of dust and drought. Still on a farm with hardships spentThen back they came- to North from South.

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Margaret came and Dad and Sue, Mother had gone to her heavenly restThey farmed at Landmark with Peter too, In the place which prairie roses blest.

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John F. Plett

100th Birthday

Celebrated John F. Plett really enjoyed his 100th birthday celebra­ tion with family, relatives, and friends at the Blumenort EMC. Uncle John, Aunt Susanna and Aunt Justine came in style on wheelchairs, transported by the Handi-van. The party began with greetings and eating. The dessert consisted of a beautifully decorated cake. A short pro­ gram included singing and a devotional by Rev. Jacob Dueck. John Sawatzky, the emcee, shared messages from Canadian dignitaries; Joe Reimer, South Africa; Harvey Plett, Bahamas; and Elmer Jones, Arizona. Clarence Plett reminisced about John Plett’s 100 years of varied experiences. It is amazing that at the age of 100 Uncle John can read without glasses, chew his food with his own teeth, and crochet baskets one after another. Margaret Newman shared a poem about Uncle John’s life, which is printed below. Submitted by John Sawatzky APRIL 17. 1987

A small mixed farm was his next trial, A full eighty acres was its extent. Then west of Blumenort John did file Where planting beans and corn many years were spent. Here, too, he walked for vim and pleasure. And on Sundays to church with sisters he went. Enjoying life to its fullest measure Till he found his working years he’d spent. Then to Steinbach Senior Citizens’ Home Where John and his sisters shared their abode. Walking again, for miles he’d roam. Health and eyesight were no heavy load. Now John had time for a former pleasure. Crocheting rugs, baskets and hat-shaped plant covers, Many friends and relations long will treasure His work in nylon twine of many colors. The Lord has blessed John with good eyesight. At Steinbach Home of Personal Care Doing crafts, reading Bible any day or night, On his back in his bed or in his wheelchair.

We all thank the Lord for your content. Your health and happiness, too. Our hopes and love for you are meant To bring you smiling through. Prayers of families and friends. Uncle John, Go out to you today. To keep you well until the New Dawn Of the Lord’s Eternal Day.

My personal wish to you, Uncle John, From your niece, Mrs. Walter Newman, Is for you to continue your life right along In the way of the Lord’s Holy Plan!

Written by a friend, Vera Wylychenko PAGE 15

From the Editor Why Are We Cast Down? Why are you cast down, O my soul?” said the Psalmist. “Why are you disquieted within me?” (Psalm 42:5a). Thus he carries on a conversation with his own soul. I think King David had learned something which maybe we are still learning too - to face his fears. Our fallen state is responsible for our frequent fears and misgivings, or whatever we want to call them, in­ cluding grief and pain. All this and much, much more resulted when man fell in the Garden of Eden. Paul puts it this way to the Romans, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). I interpret this to include the possibility of unwelcome situations, physical and spiritual, as in David’s case. It was enlightening to hear from Dr. Abraham Schmitt, a Christian therapist in individual and marriage therapy, who conducted a conference on “Death and Dying” at SBC recently. He simply attributed the mat­ ter of grief to our fallen state. Why does God not do something? He is limited because of the fall of man and now allows a whole new process. In this new process man has the freedom of choice and He does not in­ terfere, although He will at times. He then went on to say that God’s greater promise is that He will stand with us. He will not abandon us in our grief. The speaker even went as far as to say that we need grief in our fallen state to be aware of God. We receive dividends in part but our bodies are heading for the grave. Once in a while there will be interceptions but our faith needs to be such that signs are not needed. Suffering is a part of our fallen state, he maintained. He decried the fact that so many are misled in this area and he has had to rescue many who became disillusion­ ed when they did not get what they were led to expect. We need to live with a sense of God’s presence all the time. Every event of life needs to be lived with the con­ sciousness of God being present with us. God is grieving even more than you are, he stated. When one is afraid, maybe it would be wise to do what David did when he said to his soul. Why are you cast down? Have a dialogue with yourself. Often we know the answer but are unwilling to take the step we know we ought to take. At other times Satan distorts the situation and makes us cower before him. We should also realize that not all hours of the day are equally conducive to victory. Or maybe you are dif­ PAGE 16

ferent. For me it is often the morning. If feelings were king I think I would not always go to work. But I have also learned that God’s grace will take over as I start moving. The important thing is to have the mastery over your body. And we know this. Paul said it so well. His body did not dictate to him. Listen to his words, “. . . I keep under my body and bring it into subjec­ tion . . .” (I Cor. 9:27a). God did not mean us to be slaves of our bodies but to overcome our weaknesses. Cecil G. Osborne in his book You’re in Charge talks about the thousands of judgemental, condemnatory ser­ mons he sat through in his youth. This distorted his im­ age of God. Later, when he thought of how Jesus dealt with a greedy tax collector, a prostitute, the sick, the weak and faltering, he discovered something of the nature of God, for God is like Jesus. To bring to mind, when our faith is assailed, that God is like Jesus will be liberating. The words of Abraham Schmitt that God grieves even more than we do is also liberating, as well as comforting. And that God is like Jesus is not fancy. Jesus Himself substantiated this when he makes statements like, “I and my Father are one . . .” (John 10:30). “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:19). Statements like this, that Jesus is the embodiment of God, remind us that God is also all that Jesus is and was. The answer of the Psalmist is also our answer. It is both a first and a last resort. “Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11b). One more thing: Paul in I Corinthians, talking about the God of all comfort, adds, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God” (I Cor. 1:4). The final session of the aforementioned leadership conference at SBC dealt with a congregational response to death and dying. Mr. Schmitt maintained that we can be part of the transformation process for people who are grieving. It’s God’s grace and power working through us. I believe we could also say this of any situation in­ volving temptation, failure, discouragement, etc., where we have overcome. We have been comforted in order to comfort others who may be struggling with some of these things. Hope thou in God, I realize, can also become a cliche. It depends on how we use it. If our heart is behind it, it can become the dawning of a new day too. D.S. THE MESSENGER