The Messenger February 5, 1988

The Messenger St

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

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FEB. 5/88

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

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NO. 3

VOL. 26

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

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If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. I

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

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It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

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Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

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It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

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Love never fails . . . And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

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I Corinthians 13 (NIV) ■

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Ecclesiastes: Staying Off Dead-end Streets

Part 2 of 3: MAN IN TROUBLE by John Kornelsen

Only one thing will save our sanity, and that is to leave the difficult questions in the hands of God who is indeed capable, who is indeed in control, and who is indeed an ever-loving Father. Ultimately we will realize that he has indeed “made everything beautiful in his time.’’ 1%^ I%/I any people will avoid serious introspection. XT I. ▼ JLThinking deeply about abou life’s disturbing realities is threatening, so they escape, burying themselves in work or in a thousand different activities, doing drugs or becoming involved in the occult or mystic religions. But the ecclesiastes stimulates us to serious thought. He stings us with “goads” and follows them up with “nails.” They are mentioned in the key verse, 12:11. In biblical times, goads (long sticks with sharp ends) were used to control oxen from behind the plow, and nails were the long spikes used to fasten the tent against the wind. Solomon’s goads are the disturbing reflections of a wise man who ponders man’s existence on earth, and his nails are the truths of God that form an anchor for us. We find many goads in Ecclesiastes. For our conve­ nience, I have summarized them as follows: man is limited; man is oppressed; man is perplexed; man is chained. Man is limited: The old question of God’s sovereignty versus man’s freedom is stirred up by Solomon. He ex­ presses his frustration (3:1-10) at the boundaries impos­ ed on man, starting with man’s limited life span, the beginning and end of which he has no control. Man is so often helpless because of the countless limitations all around him, the climate and seasons, the natural acts of God, civil laws, social customs, economic conditions, etc. Man is a creature of destiny (6:10-12) and a victim of ignorance. He spends a few meaningless days on earth like a shadow. So the ecclesiastes concludes (3:9,10) that God has placed a burden upon man. It is natural then that a wise man without God will become fatalistic and decide that the heavy foot of fate makes everything meaningless. It is true that God has imposed all these limitations, and that in spite of them he has still set a course for us to follow. Human labour is appointed by God - it is part of man’s heritage incurred by the fall (Gen. 3:17). So it is confusing and unsettling to us until we find a solution - a simple one, in fact. Solomon pens it for us (3:11a), “He has made everything beautiful in his time.” Ah, we can rest our case in God, leave it in his hands, because his design is perfect. He has “set eterni­ ty in our hearts” (lib), and therefore given us innate ability to realize infinity beyond the borders of our life

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span (unlike animals), even though we cannot fathom eternity, but we can trust God that all will be revealed as a beautiful design in His appointed time. Mr. Grow Old Graciously has understood all this. He is a blessing to those who visit him in the Seniors’ Home. His eyes twinkle when he talks about his youthful escapades. In a wavering voice he praises God for marvelous provisions for his growing family in the depression. With glistening tears he relates how God gave strength during his wife’s illness and death. He sees everything as a beautiful process leading to a glorious future. Man is oppressed: Where there should be justice, there is wickedness (3:16). Evil men flourish while the inno­ cent suffer. The rich go free and the poor are “brought to justice.” Where is the righteous God who is suppos­ ed to be the ruler of the universe? How do we har­ monize the concept of a loving God with the terrible conditions in this world? The marxist concludes that the benevolent and omnipotent God of the Christians doesn’t exist. Given the power the Bible ascribes to God, what would we do? Would we not quickly cure all terrible diseases, make right the injustices of society, and put an end to human violence? The ecclesiastes concludes that oppressed man is bet­ ter off dead (4:1-3). Even the oppressor is in trouble (4:4). He has entered an arena of competition for money and power, a corporate arena of ruthless men who will stop at nothing to gain their ends. The winner pays dearly in hatred, envy, and compromised words. Stepping continuously on others, he has sold his soul to the devil in the process. Is there any meaning to be found here? Yes, there is. Solomon says it is possible, in spite of oppression, to have quietness and peace within (4:6). This echoes his words in Proverbs, “Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble therewith” (15:16). But what about God’s justice? The answer is that God is, in fact, consistent and just with man. He created us free agents (Who wants to be a robot?), and as such we can choose to sin. Sin entered through Adam (Romans 5:12) and death through sin. In justice, therefore, God allows man to be evil because he opened the possibility for sin to enter this world. However, this freedom has its limitations too. Solomon brings in the THE MESSENGER

true perspective (3:17), “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked.” In the end there will be exacting justice, and no one will be able to evade it.

Man is perplexed: There are many perplexities, but let’s zero in on a few Solomon addresses. (1) The whole topic of death is painful to man. Wise men want to conclude that man is like an animal after death (3:18-20). But Solomon has already said that God has put eternity into the hearts of all men (3:12), and he conclusively adds in 12:7 that man’s spirit returns to

A Christian waiking with Cod accepts his lot, enjoys the good things from cod, trusts Him for tomorrow, and so happiness becomes his way of life. Cod "keeps him occupied with gladness of heart" (v. 20). God. But why must man suffer in his body and even­ tually be snuffed out in death? After God’s pronouncement upon Adam (Gen. 3:17), man became part of the life and death cycle - constantly deteriorating in a world full of change, death, and decay. Knowing this, the ecclesiastes wisely gives us some good advice: (i) We should be more concerned about our heart than our body (7:3). (ii) Look at the end and have patience (7:8). (iii) Accept God’s way - don’t com­ plain (7:10). We can summarize: Learn how to live in the life and death cycle, and prepare yourself for the time of death. (2) Another perplexity Solomon deals with is that society is out of order. Slaves ride the horses while the princes go on foot (10:7). What irony! The truly wise, the righteous, are the “princes” in low positions, while the real fools are in high positions of authority - the Hitlers, Idi Amins, and Marcoses. The righteous are forced to live in evil and atheistic regimes. Quickly Solomon addresses this meaninglessness. These despots will not realize their ambitions (10:12,13). In fact, they will fail because of their flaws of character, digging their own pit (10:8) and being bitten before they charm the snake (10:11). How often we have seen this happen! Meanwhile, what about the righteous? Must they bear this? Solomon cautions them not to rise up in rebellion. It is wrong, nothing is to be gained. Besides, it would be very dangerous (10:20). I guess the Christians in Russia know all this much better than we. Let us thank God for our relatively good nation while we have it (10:17). Man is chained: Have you seen him? He is all alone no relatives or friends - because he is a monomaniac who has isolated himself (4:8a). The miser hoards and is suspicious of everyone. He is to be pitied, because he is caught in a chain of insatiable appetite. Everyone wants to be wealthy - and yet the wealthy are not happy! The increase of power and wealth never increases happiness. So we become like the miser, never FEBRUARY 5. 1988

having enough (5:10,11). “As goods Increase, so do those who consume them.” It happens so easily and subtly. The $200 a month payment on a Chevette becomes the $500 a month payment on a Corvette. We don’t want very much more - but just a little bit more. A trap! The wife of a prominant surgeon is desperately unhappy, although she has a luxurious home and all the money she can spend. But her husband is caught in a vicious cycle, making and spending money just so he can keep up his reputation as the most successful in his field. He is frustrated, irritable at home, and unhappy with life, but he continues in his madness - speeding down a one-way which he realizes will come to a dead end. This man is described in 6:1-7. God has given him wealth, but made him incapable of enjoying it. He is worse off than a stillborn child. His appetite is never satisfied. Will we never learn this lesson? Man is incapable of securing his own happiness. In the end his striving for money, power, prestige will destroy him. The ecclesiastes gives us a tremendous answer (5:18-20), a “nail” to anchor us. The important thing, he says, is not whether we are rich or poor, but that we can accept what we have as a gift from God, and be satisfied with it, and if it is wealth, to enjoy the work (v. 19). God wants His children to be happy, and to en­ joy the good things of this world. But greediness destroys happiness, and lust for wealth enslaves and ruins our character and eventually our soul. A Christian walking with God accepts his lot, enjoys the good things from God, trusts Him for tomorrow, and so hap­ piness becomes his way of life. God “keeps him oc­ cupied with gladness of heart” (v. 20).

"Cod Will bring to Judgment both the righteous and the wicked." In the end there will be exacting justice, and no one will be able to evade it. Conclusion: The parents were grief-stricken. Their beautiful young daughter had been assaulted, raped and murdered. When interviewed by a TV station, the father acknowledged what had happened as the permissive will of God. He knew God would somehow bring good out of it. He was confident their daughter was perfectly happy in heaven. What about the rapist murderer? Amazingly the father expressed no vengeance, although he was happy that the person who did it had been caught and was to be punished. In fact, he and his wife, he said, were praying that this man would confess his sinfulness and believe in Jesus. These parents are representative of the way God wants us to live in this world. Only one thing will save our sanity, and that is to leave the difficult questions in the hands of God, who is indeed capable, who is indeed in control, and who is indeed an ever-loving Father. Ultimately we will realize that he has indeed “made everything beautiful in his time.” ■ PAGE 3

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By Don Thiessen

Crossover In music, crossover is the process by which an artist is able to make the transition from one genre to another, possibly Chris­ tian to secular. Amy Grant is attempting to make that crossover into the secular market and is encountering some criticism and resistance from the church. In interviews that she and her hus­ band Gary Chapman have done they deplore this misunderstand­ ing and continue to emphasize their commitment to the Lord and evangelism. Why might there be dangers in this process? One danger is that in pursuing a wider appeal, the message is diluted. One technique in crossover is to write songs that have double meanings -it will depend on the listener’s interpretation. Possibly the best example of this is Debbie Boone’s You Light Up My life. If you’re a Christian you sing it to the Lord: if you’re

Love adds the chocolate^ by Linda Andersen A house is a house is a house . . . un­ til love comes through the door, that is. And love intuitively goes around sprinkl­ ing that special brand of angel dust that transforms a house into a very special home for very special people . . . your family.

Money, of course, can build a charm­ ing house, but only love can furnish it with a feeling of home. Only love takes the time to arrange the furniture in cozy "talk centers" with comfortable cushions (maybe even hand-quilted ones). Money can paint a wall, but only love cares enough to invent a "kid's korner” and cover that wall with kids’ handiwork —bouquets, poems, leaves, and maybe even a crayoned autograph. Duty can pack an adequate sack lunch, but love may decide to tuck a lit­ tle love note inside. Or a coupon for a "night out with Mom" upon presentation. Money can provide a television set, but love controls it and cares enough to say "no” and take the guff that comes with- it.

not, you sing the song to your Isver. A song of this type never mentions God, Jesus or other outright Christian ideas; it has to remain sufficiently vague so that more interpretations are possi­ ble. It is inevitable that the message will not be clear and forthright when this style of writing is employed. Another danger is that the motivation will be money, not evangelistic zeal. The money in music is in the secular market, not with the church crowd. The secular market is incomparably larger and it is obvious that if an artist is able to penetrate this market the financial rewards will be substantial. Anyone pursu­ ing a goal that will result in more money must determine whether “the love of money” is the motivation rather than a zeal for the Lord. It is difficult, maybe impossible, to present and live two messages. To sing and say. “Look, I’m just like you, even though I’m a Christian,” doesn’t ring true, and it shouldn’t. For a Chris­ tian to gently woo an audience to listen, giving them what they want, can be labeled as hypocritical. When a person gives you one message one time and another at another time you never quite know which one is the true one. Some would say both are true, but they tend to conflict rather than complement. The Christian public cannot be faulted for their caution and reluctance in accepting a crossover attempt. Romans 12:1, 2 is on their side.

Obligation sends the children to bed on time, but love tucks the covers in around their necks and passes out kisses and hugs (even to teenagers)! Loue reminds them at this special sharing time of their Heavenly Father and His great love for them.

Compulsion keeps a sparkling house. But love and prayer stand a better chance of producing a happy family.

Duty gets offended quickly if it isn’t ap­ preciated. But love learns to laugh a lot and to work for the sheer joy of doing it.

Obligation can cook a meal, but loue embellishes the table with a potted ivy trailing around slender candles. Or makes a centerpiece with a nest of Eastergrass and a child’s picture. Or a happily decorated collection-can for a neighbor in need.

Every home has a mixture of duty, obligation, compulsion, and even routine. These are absolutely necessary. But unless they are garnished generous­ ly with love, home becomes merely in­ stitutional. clean, functional, routine, and clearly uninviting.

Duty writes many leters. but love tucks a Joke or picture or a piece of gum inside.

“. . . but the greatest of these is loue. ” ®1982 by Radio Bible Class. Used by permission.

Money buys gorgeous carpets, but love invites the kids for a floor scramble sometimes. And uses that carpet for play­ ing games when it's cold outside. Obligation can pour a glass of milk, but quite often love will add a little chocolate. Love asks itself. "What else can I do to make someone else’s day easier?"

Duty boils the potatoes, but lone adds the parsley . . . and the pat of but­ ter .. . and maybe a scattering of crushed aromatic herbs.

CONTRIBUTORS: John Kornelsen is the pastor of the EMC Church in Wymark, Sask. Don Thiessen, a minister in the Ridgewood EMC Church, teaches music at the Winnipeg Bible College. Elmer Warkentin. on furlough from Africa with SIM, is now living in Steinbach with his wife Elvina and three children.

COVER; Love, our theme for this cover, is the greatest Christian virtue. By the editor.

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.

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THE MESSENGER

Missions initiative of the church in doing this. Sara is giving leadership to the Sunday school. - Erna Plett, manager of the bookstore in Caaguazu, reports that the bookstore has done well during its ten months of operation. In December they had the highest monthly sales, amounting to around $700 (Cdn). She reports that she is seeing many blessings. - Julia Funk, who works with the tribal peo­ ple at Sta. Teresa, reports there are some uncertainties because of lack of personnel. A couple from the local German church, who have worked on the settlement for a number of years, have resigned. They are in need of replacements, especially a school teacher. - Harry and Tina Neufeld report that Jake and Lydia Epp (MP in Ottawa) visited Paraguay in January. They hosted them for a few days in the Chaco. Radio ZP-30 con­ tinues to have a good and fruitful ministry. The Neufelds appreciate your prayer as they give leadership to this ministry.

PARAGUAY

Word of God Freely Distributed A Growing Church

In a recent report, Abe and Justine Giesbrecht, EMC missionaries in Caaguazu, shared the following: During the Christmas season they had many opportunities to distribute devotional calendars in hospitals and among police and army personnel. New Testaments were distributed on a number of occasions. They appreciate the opportunity to freely distribute the Word of God. In December the Paraguayan churches had a conference in Yhovy. Believers from the various local churches were present. Six peo­ ple were baptized at this time. The believers

in Yhovy served a meal which included one hundred kilos of meat. It is a blessing to see this church grow. A sad experience was the suicide death of a 14-year-old girl. The Giesbrechts were able to minister to the sonowing family. As a result, the father of the girl is giving serious considera­ tion to becoming a believer and appreciates the Giesbrechts’ ministry. In the photo above you see Orlando Giesbrecht with a group of young fellows who have just completed their military training. Orlando had invited them into Giesbrechts’ yard as they marched past their home. They were given New Testaments to take home. Henry Klassen

Mission Grams MEXICO - Neil and Nancy Dueck of Camp 77 report that the church had organized a Christmas program which they presented at four loca­ tions. They use the Low German New Testa­ ment on cassette, which is appreciated by the people. The church at Camp 77 appreciates the prayers of God’s people. - Darnell Plett of Landmark arrived in Mex­ ico in early January for a two-month term of voluntary service. He is presently helping the Camp 67 church enlarge their residence for a teacher. - Grace Thiessen, who is a Bible translator with Wycliffe, reports that they have now ap­ plied for resident papers for Mexico. If they can move into Mexico they will be able to do their translation on site. In spite of not being able to live in Mexico, the translation project moves ahead. It would be more efficient if they could live in or close to the village. - Peter and Mary Thiessen, who work with New Tribes Mission in Chihuahua City, report FEBRUARY 5, 1988

GERMANY

- Gladwin and Jean Plett are kept busy with filling in at Seesen for Jeff and Laural Ann Plett, who are on furlough, and with the new outreach in Braunschweig. Plans are that a couple from the Bergstrasse Bible School will serve their practicum at Braunschweig from June to December of this year. NICARAGUA

- Lester and Darlene Olfert were in Canada for their son’s wedding in mid-January. They have returned to Nicaragua where they work with the national church in the area of Chris­ tian Education and missionary counsellor to the national church. Pray for them and Ernie Koop as they continue to serve there.

that their son Joel had surgery in November. His recovery was good. - The Mexico Church youth conference was held at Benito Juarez ai ihe end of 1987. Young people came from ten localities, with a good number attending. Randall Krahn was the speaker for the day sessions. The even­ ing sessions were evangelistic in nature with Edelberto Trevizo, a local pastor, speaking on the second coming of Christ. God spoke through these messages, resulting in a renewal experience for many. The local church show­ ed warm hospitality and provided the meals and lodging for the night. PARAGUAY

- Sara Loeppky, EMC missionary in Caaguazu, reports that they had an enroll­ ment of some 135 children in VBS recently. The average attendance was 100. These children prepared a Christmas program and presented it to the public, with good atten­ dance. She reports that the church at Mboicae had their own VBS and also prepared a good Christmas program. It is good to see the

Gerald and Blanca Dueck have been assigned by the Board ol Missions to teach missionary children in Caaguazu, Paraguay. Blanca left on February 2, with their daughter Lolita, to spend a few weeks with her family in Mexico. Gerald plans to leave February 14. They are members of the Braeside EMC. PAGE 5

Messenger News DEACON ELECTION HELD

1987 Conference Budget Finances Receipts for 1987: Donations from churches and individuals Interest income Total budget income Disbursements on 1987 budget

Balance carried to 1988 The faithful giving of the churches and individuals is much appreciated and has made it possible for the Con­ ference to carry out the mission en­ trusted to us by God. In reflecting on the financial difficulties last summer we praise God for the positive response of His people. 1987 giving by churches and in­ dividuals increased by 14.5% over the giving of 1986. Due to the shor-

$1,327,234 7,946 1,335,180 1,302,192 32,988 $

tage of budget funds during the year, the interest earnings in 1987 were down by 37%. The 1988 budget calls for $1,354,000. Let us praise God for His faithfulness and the faithfulness of His people in 1987. Let us pray that as God’s people we would be faithful in 1988.

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The new Morweena School under construction. The old school is in the background.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Fisher Branch, Man.: Do you have two homes? If you are a member of a heavenly home, and an earthly one, what are you do­ ing about sharing the one with the other? One church 1 know is reaching out to those who do not yet have 'dual citizenship.’ Fisher Branch EMC has held two functions this month to do just that . . . nothing too unusual, perhaps, but worthy of mention just the same. A special pancake breakfast and Sunday school program were promised as soon as we reached a goal of ten Sundays with forty or more people attending Sunday school. Rather than concentrating on the 'reward,' this PAGE 6

Morweena, Man.: On November 29, after prayerful consideration and lengthy discus­ sions at brotherhood and membership meetings, a deacon election was held. Harvey Plett of Steinbach was present to give us an informative message on the history of deacons in the church. However, the election was in­ conclusive; none of the candidates had the necessary number of votes on the first ballot. Another election is slated to be held later this year. We are trusting the Lord for guidance in this area. The students of the Morweena Christian School presented their annual Christmas con­ cert on December 22. It was based on the theme “Worshipping Christ,” and was very well done. The ladies’ sewing circle held their year-end elections in December and Mrs Mary Penner (Menno) was chosen to head the committee during 1988. A highlight for the Sewing Cir­ cle last year was the publishing of a communi­ ty cookbook. The food committee put many hours of work into producing the cookbook of 500 recipes. They were ready for distribu­ tion in early December. VS teachers from Seminole made a quick visit home over the Christmas holidays. Prin­ cipal Harry Friesen presented a combined Low German/English message on Christmas Day. As one teacher put it, it was good to come home to be refreshed and refueled before returning with new strength to another challenging semester at the school for Old Colony Mennonite children in Seminole, Texas. An ongoing excitement since last fall is the construction of a new school. To date, paint­ ing is underway. Parents, students and teachers are eagerly anticipating the move from the old to the new. Marlene Reimer

focussed our attention on our responsibility to share God's Word. Invitations were extend­ ed by young and old alike, and January 10 saw us reach our goal. A number of new faces have become familiar faces and are warmly welcomed. One night a month is family night and the first of this year consisted of a relaxing even­ ing of board games, with entertainment for the little ones, a short sing-song, and refreshments following. Some brave souls even organized activities for ages six and up outside on this frosty evening. This church feels it is moving in the right direction. Let this be our challenge - to share heaven with our earth-bound neighbours; perhaps they will apply for ‘dual citizenship' too! Juanita Weuursky

THE MESSENGER

TESTIMONIES HEARD

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Hudson Bay, Sask.: It was an honour to listen to the testimonies given by Trixie and Gary Verbeek during the morning service on January 17. Gary expressed that God was teaching him to give more of himself to His service. Gary teaches the Automotive Pro­ gram in our Composite High School and related his concerns for the teens there and how he is involved with the Peer Counselling Program. The church stands behind Gary in this and we pray that God will give him the wisdom, love and patience as he relates and

provides counsel to these teens. Trixie, in sharing her faith, also related how she had felt a need for greater commitment to serving the Lord. She related how she had prayed for direction, and shortly after, the Sparkies (the K-2 segment of our AWANA program) needed a leader. Even when this opportunity presented itself, she was very hesitant, but accepted the position anyway, Since accepting the post, Trixie feels God has given her the strength and dedication needed to be a good leader. The children love her and she relates very well to the other leaders. Both Gary and Trixie have shown a deep

dedication and love for the Lord, as well as for the local church. After their testimonies, they were received as associate members, They asked for an associate membership only because they wish to retain the membership in the Winnipeg Christian Reformed Church, The Lord has blessed them with many talents, and the church rejoices with them as they continue to use these gifts in building God’s kingdom. We at Pineridge Fellowship praise the Lord for Trixie and Gary’s commitment. Praise the Lord! Harry Friesen

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LaVerna Klippenstein speaking al the Ladies’ Rally in MacGregor, Man.

Double trio from the Fort Garry EMC. LADIES' RALLY ENJOYED

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MacGregor, Man.: On October 29 our church hosted a Ladies’ Rally. The surroun­ ding churches were invited and responded we had a full church! Our guest speaker, LaVerna Klippenstein of Winnipeg, spoke on the theme, “Christ . . . our hope for happy homes.” The theme verse was Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to pros­ per you and not to harm - plans to give you a hope and a future.” She told us that Christ in our homes would not necessarily make our homes happy always, but our homes would be better. We received a worksheet on the Love

Chapter, I Corinthians 13:4-7. Following are some of the thoughts expressed: Love is pa­ tient: I am slow to get angry with those I love; I never shout at the children or lose my temper. Love is not rude: I am not cruel, nas­ ty, crude, cutting, sarcastic or cocky; but in­ stead am polite, well-mannered, courteous and gracious with employees, friends and those in my family, even my brothers, sisters and husband/wife. We could mark ourselves on a scale of 1 to 10. The worksheet showed us where our “love” really was at. LaVerna then asked us to do an unselfish act for some­ one every day for seven days. The audience appreciated the warmth, honesty and humour of La Verna’s presentation. A double trio from the Fort Garry EMC

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Crafts display at the MacGregor EMC Ladies’ Rally. FEBRUARY 5, 1988

blessed us with special musical selections; it added much to the day. A lunch of soup, fancy breads and sand­ wiches was served in the lower auditorium. There was a variety of crafts, creatively displayed. For those who wished to purchase reading supplies and records, etc., a book room was set up. A time of fellowship and browsing was enjoyed here. After the luncheon, Audrey Wiebe featured “The Art of Vegetable Garnishing.” She made a radish mouse for a cheese and cracker plat­ ter, potato roses and onion mums. How they add colour and interest to a table! It was an encouraging and uplifting day. To God be the glory! Lillian Sawatzky

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Audrey Wiebe, Brandon, Man., demonstrating “The Art of Vegetable Garnishing. ’’ PAGE 7

MISSIONARIES WELCOMED HOME

Baptism at the Evangelical Fellowship Church in Steinbach, Man. Left to right: Valerie Friesen, Rose Petkau, Michael Koop, Heidi Harms, Earl Fast.

NEW MEMBERS ACCEPTED

Steinbach EFC: Christmas has come and gone and already the new year is one month old. How time flies! The Christmas program presented by our children was a very special one. The musical was called “Psalty’s Christmas Calamity.” Psalty, who was a sing­ ing songbook, had one big problem. He depended only on his own strength. We were reminded that we cannot do things on our own but we must depend on God’s wisdom and strength for everything. We thank all of you for a job well done. December 20 was an exciting day for our church. It is always a joy to see people com-

CHALLENGED BY MISSIONARY CONFERENCE Burns Lake, B.C.: Greetings to all from Island Gospel Fellowship in Bums Lake, B.C. Life has been very busy but the Lord has blessed abundantly. Our missionary conference got off to a good start on January 23 with a men’s breakfast that

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PAGE 8

mit their lives to Jesus Christ and seek to serve Him. Five young people were baptized and welcomed as members. Our new members are Earl Fast, Valerie Friesen, Heidi Harms, Michael Koop and Rose Petkau. May God bless you as you continue to grow in Him. On January 24 four people transferred their membership to our church. We warmly welcome Jake and Myrna Bartsch, Emily and Betty Petkau into our church. We have begun the film series “Turn Your Heart Toward Home.” Dr. Dobson has en­ couraged us and also given great advice. Always needing more wisdom, we are also looking forward to the last three films which will be shown in February and March. Debbie Giesbrecht

was very well attended. This was followed by a ladies’ meeting in the afternoon and a general session in the evening with a youth emphasis. Sunday was a full day with afternoon and evening sessions and with Sunday lunch and faspa served at the church. The messages, reports and panel discussions were a real challenge and very stimulating. All who at­ tended were blessed richly. Island Christian Academy is doing very well. We have 53 students enrolled this year from Kindergarten to grade 12. The girls’ volleyball team is busy practicing for local competitions. On April 1 we began construction of a school gymnasium complex and Christian Education facilities. We plan to move in and occupy the new premises in approximately a month. Pastor Leiding quite frequently travels to various churches for revival ministries, under Canadian Revival Fellowship. On January 29 he left for Winnipeg. From there he continued to Lowe Farm, where he is conducting a week of meetings in the Emmanuel Gospel Church. Joellen Leiding

Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): It is a bless­ ing to the church to be able to send and sup­ port those who have responded to God’s call to places away from home. It is also good to renew acquaintances with missionaries. This past fall we welcomed home Miles Reimer and Wayne, Essie, Andrew and Heather Herrod from their full-time missionary assignments. Miles has been working with MCC in Saska­ toon for the past four years. For two years he worked with youth in the YFC program and for one and a half years he assisted in a group home setting. The last half year his assignment was in the area of mediation services. At pre­ sent he is enrolled at CMBC, furthering his Christian education. The Herrods arrived in Winnipeg in August and are now experiencing a change of ac­ tivities, hopefully having time for rest and relaxation. Wayne is studying part-time at WBC, Essie is taking a computer course, and the children are catching up on winter ac­ tivities and are enjoying making new friends. Our church missionary conference featured Abe and Marg Van Der Puy from Back to the Bible Broadcast. Marg (Saint) shared her ex­ periences of Ecuador at the Saturday morn­ ing breakfast and later in a film, “The Auca Indian Story.” Others sharing their work with us were Wayne Herrod, Don and Liz Plett, Elmer and Elvira Warkentin and Dave and Judy Schmidt. Christmas, the church’s special season, was celebrated in various meaningful ways by dif­ ferent groups. The theme of the Ladies’ Fellowship program was “Christmas Around the World.” This was highlighted through costumes, related experiences and ethnic foods. The Sunday school program, “Hark, the Herald Angel,” showed how the angels might have prepared for singing in the heavenly choir to announce the good news to earth. Their “practices” were disturbed by the mischievious, curious Hark, who asked questions (too many) of patient, noble Gabriel. As each person lit a candle, a beautiful scene was set for the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve. By special music, Bible readings and much congregational singing we were preparing our hearts for Christ - the true light of the world - to shine through us. Our church building has been improved by the addition of an elevator. This will be very beneficial to those who are handicapped to be able to attend the many functions that are held in the lower auditorium. C. Kroeker

THE MESSENGER

Births

t

DUECK - to Sid and Bea Dueck of Arborg. Man., a daughter, Pamela Amber Marie, on August 25, 1987. REIMER - to Tim and Alvina Reimer of Arborg, Man., a son, Jason Timothy, on July 13. 1987. FRIESEN - to Ted and Annie Friesen of Riverton, Man., a son, Kevin Theodore, on July 19. 1987. PLETT - to Ron and Sylvia Plett of Arborg, Man.. a daughter, Julieanne Michelle, on November 6, 1987. PLETT - to Jerry and Anne Plett of Arborg, Man., a daughter, Melissa LeAnne, on January 28, 1987. PLETT - to Delmer and Janice Plett of Arborg, Man., a daughter, Jeanette Elizabeth, on June 4, 1987. LOEWEN - to John and Emily Loewen of Fisher Branch, Man., a daughter. Evangeline Christine, on April 24, 1987. PENNER - to LaVerne and Brenda Penner of Stein­ bach, Man., a son, Trenton John, on November 1, 1987. REIMER - to Jim and Marlene Reimer of Steinbach, Man., a daughter. Kimberley Ann, on September 27. 1987. OLFERT - to Norman and Judy Olfert of Swift Cur­ rent, Sask., a daughter, Janelle Alyne, on December 24, 1987. LAMBRECHT - to Ken and Sharon (Friesen) Lam­ brecht of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Melissa Dawn Elizabeth, on January 8, 1988.

Weddings REIMER-PLETT: Rick, son of Abe and Betty Reimer of Arborg, Man., was married on June 6, 1987, to Elaine, daughter of Otto and Frieda Plett of Arborg. The wedding took place at the Morweena EMC in Arborg, with Glenn Plett of Arborg officiating. The couple is making their home in Arborg.

SARA PENNER 1924-1988

“/ haue fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I haue kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that daii - and not onl^i to

FEBRUARY 5, 1988

me, but also to all who haue longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Sara Penner, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, went to be with her Lord early Sunday morning, January 17, 1988, She reached the age of 63 years. Mother was born to Peter and Katherina Thiessen near Steinbach on August 20, 1924. She received her education in Ekron. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and was baptized in the summer of 1943 in Steinbach. She was received into the Kleinegemeinde Church, now the Evangelical Mennonite Church, where she remained a faithful member until her death. Mom and Dad were married on November 19, 1944, sharing just over 43 years of joys and difficulties. Their first home was in Blumenhof where Dad farmed with his father. In 1954 our parents purchased a farm in Ridgewood and moved to their present location. Although our large family prevented Mother from working alongside Dad on the farm, she was wholeheartedly involved in her husband’s and later son’s farming activities. In the early years of her parents’ marriage they struggled finan­ cially, but Mother rarely complained. Mom was hard-working, although at times poor health made work difficult for her. In times of good health, she worked ambitiously. Mom was a caring, sensitive person. She demonstrated her love for God and people in very practical ways, quick to send food or to visit relatives and friends who were going through hard times. Mom enjoyed her in­ volvement in the sewing circle of the church. She looked forward to winter when she would have free time to sew her old and new scraps of material into blankets for the MCC. Mom had a keen interest in the pursuits of her family, and encouraged us to follow our dreams and ambitions. Our parents always had a quiet interest in missions. When two of her daughters made plans to go to foreign countries. Mom supported them, even though it was a sacrifice to have them leave for long periods. She and Dad made trips to Belize and Venezuela to visit the girls. This served to broaden her horizons and increase her con­ cern for mission work. Mother was first diagnosed as having cancer in 1974. At that time she asked God to give her ten more years to be with her growing family. During these years she was free of any symptoms of the disease. So, when she was told in March 1985 that she had cancer of the lungs, one of her first responses was thankfulness to God for having given her those years. Mom accepted the fact that her time to die was close at hand. God, in His love, gave her to us for almost three more years. She suffered quietly and without com­ plaint, but she became increasingly weary of the struggle with this illness. In the last months the longing to be released from her painridden body became stronger, although she

continued to have a desire for life and look­ ed forward to her good days. The past three years have been a time of learning to enjoy the small things of life and of recognizing the importance of each day. Mom always enjoyed vacations with her family. With the benefit of an oxygen tank and fans she was able to enjoy two days at the lake with some of her family members last spring. She loved rides in the countryside because she appreciated the lush spring growth, the brilliance of fall colors, and the bright array of Christmas lights. Mom loved her grandchildren and ap­ preciated their visits, the flowers they brought to her and the little messages of love they sent her. After Mom was unable to attend church ser­ vices regularly, several ladies came to our house for Bible study. Even though she was often unable to participate actively, these times of spiritual fellowship were highlights. This last Christmas will be fondly remembered. With the help of family. Mom was able to do all her Christmas shopping, beginning early in fall. She baked filling cookies especially for her husband and sons. Mom felt particularly strong on December 20, the day of our family gathering, and was able to enjoy the day. That evening she attended the Sunday school Christmas program where several of her children and grandchildren were involved. However, after that Mom’s strength wan­ ed rapidly. She was so tired. By Wednesday morning she was very sick and we took her to the hospital. It soon became apparent that this would likely be her last hospitalization. Her suffering became increasingly intense, but right up to her last evening. Mom responded appreciatively to the care and love of her fami­ ly. The struggle ended at 1:30 Sunday morn­ ing. We are thankful that Mother is with the Lord, relieved of her suffering, but she will be missed by her husband, Ben; her children, Katherine, Phyllis, Russel and wife Martha, John and wife Shirley, Raymond and wife Maureen, Peter, Burton, Donald and wife Shirley, Betty, Yvonne, and Darren; 11 grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Helen Pen­ ner, Mrs. Katherine Penner, and Mrs. Margaret Loewen; three brothers and their wives, Frank and Linda, Ben and Helen, and Dick and Jessie; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Mary Thiessen, Mrs. Katherine Thiessen, and Mrs. Erna Thiessen; as well as Dad’s family, her nieces and nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her son Delbert, granddaughter Shauna, her parents and three brothers, Peter, David and John. As a family we wish to express our sincere appreciation for your love and prayers for us during Mother’s illness and now in our bereavement. We also wish to express thanks to Dr. Peters and Dr. McTavish and the nurs­ ing staff of the Bethesda Hospital for their lov­ ing, tender care of Mother. The Famili;

PAGE 9

PETER J.B. REIMER 1902-1988

After a brief illness, January 11, 1988, while on a visit to Hawaii, Peter Reimer, beloved husband of Marie Reimer of Rosenort, Manitoba, died peacefully in Honolulu at the age of 85. He was bom on the family farmstead at the corner of Main and Reimer in Steinbach Oc­ tober 18. 1902, the youngest son in a pioneer family of five sons and five daughters. As a good student in somewhat delicate health, he received special permission from his church to attend high school and become a teacher. He began his teaching career in 1922 and retired in 1967, having taught a total of 43 years in southern Manitoba schools. During those years he earned his BA degree from the University of Manitoba by completing 14 sum­ mer school sessions spread over two decades. In 1944 he began a second career when he was elected to the ministry by the EMC Church in Steinbach. A natural organizer and innovator, he had already served as its first Sunday school supervisor, choir director and director of youth programmes. During the war years he carried his ministry to Mennonite C.O. camps in Western Canada. He was also actively involved in establishing the Steinbach Bible School and served as its secretary­ treasurer for 25 years. He took a keen interest in the Manitoba Teachers’ Society and held several administrative posts in it over the years. With an absorbing, lifelong interest in Men­ nonite history, he was one of the founding members of the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society and played a significant role in the establishment of the Village Museum in Steinbach. He received the Society’s Order of Merit in 1970 and was honored at a special testimonial dinner in 1982. He was still on the Society’s board at the time of his death. He was also one of the founding members of the Steinbach Credit Union. He was an extensive traveller, and with his broad knowledge of history and retentive PAGE 10

memory he excelled at writing informative and entertaining travelogues for Mennonite papers and journals. He enjoyed writing and for the past 10 years wrote a regular column in Ger­ man for the Scratching River Post in Morris, never once missing a column even when he was sick or on vacation in his beloved Hawaii. As a teacher, minister and writer, he touch­ ed the lives of many people and will be miss­ ed by the Mennonite community in this area. His love for learning inspired many young Mennonites to pursue higher education and to become teachers themselves. He leaves to mourn his devoted second wife Marie, two sons, Al and his wife Joan of Winnipeg, Sydney and wife Helen of Rosenort, and three daughters, Louise Olson of Morris, Nita and husband Guy Hogue of Mililani, Hawaii, and Charlotte Wiens of Rosenort. He is also survived by his youngest sister Sara and her husband Peter D. Kroeker of Steinbach, as well as by 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased in 1946 by his first wife Elizabeth (Kehler), the mother of his five children, and by two sons-in-law, Clarence Olson and Norman Wiens. The Familij

The funeral seruice tuas held Saturdai;. Januari; 16. 10:30 a m., at the Rosenort EMC Church, with interment in the church cemeteri/.

HELEN HEINRICHS 1900-1987

and two brothers, Jacob and Peter. Helen attended public school in the Halbstadt area and got her high school train­ ing at the MCI in Gretna. She then taught school on permit for three years. After a bout of pneumonia, she spent three years in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where she graduated from nurses’ training as a registered nurse. She faithfully ministered as a nurse for a total of 42 years in nursing homes and hospitals in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, in Gretna, Altona, and Winnipeg. Helen was always ac­ tively serving others, knitting and crocheting for natives and for Union Gospel Mission, and caring for her sister Sarah in their 54 years of life together. Helen enjoyed the beauties of nature, especially her flowers, and, together with Sarah, travelled to and fro across Canada, from B.C. to Ontario, as well as in­ to the States. In later years she frequently struggled with doubts and fears and often cried as did the father in Mark 9:24, “Lord, 1 believe, help thou my unbelief” As often as she express­ ed her anxieties she also expressed her faith, and from her hospital bed she sent messages: “Tell Sarah 1 love her; tell Sarah 1 am trusting Jesus; tell the church to pray that 1 will land safely on the other shore.’’ All who knew her personally knew of her strong faith and love for the Lord, which she expressed in in­ numerable ways in loving deeds of service for others. A verse that became precious to her was Joel 2:21, “Fear not, be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things!” (or, as she had it in German, “Fuerchte dich nicht, sondern sei froehlich und getrost, denn der Herr kann auch grosze Dinge tun”). We, her sisters and brother, wish to thank all those who so lovingly cared for her during her illness. Helen greatly appreciated the nurses at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital for the very tender loving care she received from them. Thank you, and may our God richly reward you all. The funeral was held at the Braeside Church, with Rev. John Stoesz officiating. In­ terment was at Green Acres Memorial Gardens. Sorrowing, i/et with blessed hope. Sarah. Margaret and Corni) >

Helen Heinrichs, the daughter of Peter and Sara Heinrichs of the Halbsfadt-Gretna area, was born on November 11, 1900. She pass­ ed away at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital on Monday, September 21, 1987, at about 1:00 in the afternoon, at the age of 86 years, 10 months and 10 days, after about a month’s hospitalization due to cancer. Those who will miss her dearly are two sisters, Sarah and Mrs. Margaret Loewen of Winnipeg, and one brother. Corny P. Heinrichs of Altona, many nieces and nephews and a host of personal friends. She was predeceased by her parents, a sister Mary and a brother Abram in infan­ cy, as well as two sisters, Mary and Agatha,

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fiearh. THE MESSENGER

Edwin Friesen Conference Pastor

Personal Reflections

Ken’s death was unexpected. Not that we were unfamiliar with death. As a pastor, I have conducted many funerals. As a family, we have said “goodbye” to three nieces and two nephews who died of congenital heart problems before they reached their teens. In May of 1986 my older sister Lydia, a wife and mother of seven, died unex­ pectedly. In March of 1987 my father went to be with the Lord. Now Ken. Dad had exceeded the Biblical three score years and ten. Lydia’s death seemed premature. What can I say about Ken’s? Yet none of these deaths could be call­ ed a tragedy; that is, a senseless, painful act of fate. They happened while God was watching, and He chose not to intervene. When a parent dies, that is hard but somewhat expected because they are older than we are. When a sister or brother dies, that reminds us squarely of our own mortality. But 1, for one, was not looking over my shoulder at the next generation. They are the ones who are to carry on the torch, who will continue God’s ministry after we’re gone.

Hl Book Review Profiles of the Kleine Gemeinde: 1874. Delbert Plett, ed. Steinbach, Man.: DFP Publications, 1988, $25.00. Reviewed by Roy Loewen, Blumenort, Man. Here is a book which will meet the needs of the rising number of people interested in family history. In it two researchers, Delbert Plett and Henry Fast, have presented com­ prehensive listings and biographical sketches of a total of 227 Kleine Gemeinde families who pioneered in Manitoba and Nebraska in the early years after immigration. Delbert Plett has thoroughly edited and translated a number of very valuable Kleine Gemeinde documents, including the an­ notated Gemeinde Register and church diary of Elder Peter Toews. Both provide

FEBRUARY 5, 1988

During this difficult time of responding to the unexpected death of our first-born, we have sought refuge by affirming several basic truths. We have the assurance that Ken is now in the presence of God, and at home among the eternally redeemed. We believe that when Christ presented Ken to God as one of His redeemed children. He did so with great joy (Jude 24,25). We also believe that God is good, irrespective of our volatile feelings at present. We also believe that God is Sovereign and as such He can accomplish what He chooses. If God were good but not sovereign; that is, if God were incapable of doing what is good, then what would be the benefit of His goodness? On the other hand, if God is sovereign but not good, how could we trust Him? We affirm that God is good and that He is sovereign, and that His sovereign acts, including death, are car­ ried out in a spirit of love. We pray that in time we will also “feel” these truths. We are experiencing shock, grief, loneliness and painful memories. At the same time, there is the sustaining power of God in response to the prayers of God’s people. There is the reassuring embrace of friends, the practical expressions of love. Some friends have suggested that as soon as we get to heaven, we can ask God why He called Ken to his eternal home so early. Is it possible that when God might be ready to give us the answer, we will no longer be asking the question?

fascinating insights into the nature of the KG at the time of migration. Also of interest are sources that have appeared elsewhere. These include the 1874 and ’75 Quebec Ship Lists, the autobiographies of Abram B. Klassen and Heinrich Ratzlaff of Rosenort. But Plett has also compiled and written a dozen or so family histories himself. Perhaps the most important is the intricate family tree of the Kleine Gemeinde Friesens, which was, no doubt, the most important extended fami­ ly in the Gemeinde. It is interesting to see how the first three elders of the Kleine Ge­ meinde were closely related through blood or marriage. Then too, it is interesting to see how such pioneers as the Steinbach school teacher, Dietrich S. Friesen; the Blumenort Schulze, Abram M. Friesen; the Rosenort preacher, Johann K. Friesen; and the Nebraska elder, Abraham Friesen, were related. The other KG families that Plett gives special coverage include the Kornelsons, Toewses, Rempels, Heinrich Reimers, Ennses, Eidses, and Schellenbergs. Each sketch includes a short family history and a detail-

ed family genealogy covering the 1800s. Family history researchers will welcome two other very useful features of this book. They are an amazingly extensive listing (over 100 items) of previously published genealogies and a comprehensive index. The final chapter of this book is in an en­ tirely different vein. It is an essay which in­ troduces the reader to a defense of Flett’s thesis that the Kleine Gemeinde in Russia was an articulate, spiritual, caring defender of the Anabaptist Vision. The defense comes in the form of a response by Plett to a critique of his work by James Urry. Henry Fast’s contribution to this work is really a book in and of itself. Fast spent a year of sabbatical leave, researching and writing a highly economical, penetrating and well-researched treatise on a “lost tribe,” the Kleine Gemeinde of the USA. Thi.s work has two notable features: a section of biographical sketches of the 60 or so families of Jansen, Nebraska; and a narrative telling of the development and eventual disintegra­ tion of the KG in the USA. It will, thus, be of great interest to those readers who are descendants of this group of KGs and those readers interested in church history and the theme of how a small, traditional-minded, church body struggled to keep its vision alive as more progresive groups formed around and within it. The story is intriguing. It tells how the well-to-do KG settlers bought 15 sections of land from a railroad company in Nebraska and settled the land; how the KG, led by Elder Abram Friesen, re-established their church community, complete with mutual aid societies, German schools, and Anabap­ tist publications; how in 1906 and ’07 the whole body relocated to the western highlands of Kansas; and how the body slow­ ly changed along with its Canadian counter­ part in the 20s and 30s and accepted mis­ sionaries and Sunday school. The story, however, also has painful moments of church upheaval. Within a decade of their arrival in Nebraska, two thirds of the Gemeinde joined other chur­ ches, most important of which were the EMB and the KMB. In the 1920s a conservative section, led by Rev. Martin Doerksen, withdrew from the main body and moved to Mexico. And perhaps, most emotionallycharged, is the story of how the remaining remnant of KG turned against a resolute but insensitive Aeltester in 1943, broke with the Canadian KG and established their own in­ dependent church in Meade, Kansas.

Delbert Plett and Henry Fast have provid­ ed useful tools here for family history resear­ chers, for those interested in the KG during its immigration years, and for those who are curious about what happened to our American cousins. Books may be ordered at $25.00 per copy from the author. Box 1960, Steinbach. PAGE 11

From the Editor Prescription: A Daily Dose of Love HAVE YOU NOTICED the predominance of red items in the card racks of our stores recently? Each year at this time we are urged to express our love and affection for the special people in our lives. No one knows just when and where valentines originated but they have been around for quite some time. The British Museum has one that was sent in 1415! Regardless of their antiquity, their purpose has remained constant — namely, to inform some­ one, “1 love you.” If you wish to express your love more tangibly than with a valentine card, the stores offer a variety of gaily decorated, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. However, if the object of your love is calorie conscious, a gift of flowers may be more appreciated. For the Christian, Valentine’s Day takes on a much deeper and more lasting significance. After all, love was not man’s idea, it was God’s. “For God so loved the world that He gave ...” (John 3:16), and “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts,” (Rom. 5:5), the Scriptures assure us. As we respond to God’s love for us, we begin to love Him in return. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). In the atmosphere of love other Christian graces begin to sprout and develop: joy, peace, patience and gentleness, to name a few. Almost before we realize it, the love from God, developing in our lives, becomes an instrument for loving and caring for others in our sphere of life. God gives us grace to respond to the needs of those around us. The beneficial effects of actions and words motivated by love are far-reaching. Dr. Karl Menninger, influential in modern research in understanding and healing of mental illness, claimed, “Love cures peo­ ple .. . both the ones who give it, and the ones who receive it.” The healing effect of love is powerful, as we have experienced. It appears that life in North America today is largely characterized by self. The urge is for self-fulfillment, self­ gratification and self-glorification. The secular media, the entertainment world and the advertising industry cater to people’s selfish interests. Relationships are thought mean­ ingful only when you get more than you give. Such is not the way of true love, for true love is based on mutual submission under God (Eph. 5:21). PAGE 12

Many couples enter a marriage on the basis of roman­ tic love. Of this, Waldemar Janzen states, “Romantic love is a form of love which, though wonderful in itself, must be transformed to covenant love (Hebrew hesed, loyalty, faithfulness) in any marriage that is to last.” Today there is a rising flood of marriages that are not lasting. We must improve our skills and resources to help couples proceed from romantic love to covenant-keeping love in their marriages. Pastoral counselling must continue well beyond the wedding ceremony. Enduring love is possi­ ble, but it is not automatic; it must be cultivated. True love is a choice, not a chance. We choose to love or we choose not to love. Love is an attitude, not a feeling. Feelings come and go, so are not to be trusted. The attitude to love is not so fickle. Love is a process, not a goal. We don’t arrive at love, we love along the way. Love is active, not passive (I Cor. 13). We are par­ ticipants, not spectators. True love requires a lot of hard work, but it is worth the effort. Love is rewarding. With a regular dose of love, who knows how many conflicts could be avoided, how many marriages could be saved, and how many broken lives could be salvaged. Love ought to be a basic characteristic of Christian living, for by it we are recognized as followers of Christ. Let’s put more loving into our living. M.H.

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THE MESSENGER