The Messenger March 10, 1989

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The Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

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of us all. We like sheep have gone astr but God in lov shows us the v D.

VOL. 27 NO. 5

MAR. 10/89

An Easter Meditation Christ encounters us in many different ways and at many different times because he wants to meet the needs in our lives.

"Close Encounters of the First Kind" by Stan Hamm

Some years ago the publishing company of Grosset and Dunlap brought together a panel of 28 educators and historians and asked them to choose the hundred most significant events of history and then list these events in order of importance. After several months, the committee reported that they considered the most important event in history to be the discovery of America. In second place was the invention of movable type by Gutenberg. Eleven different events tied for third place, and five events tied for fourth place. The events that tied for fourth were the writing of the Constitution of the U.S.A., the development of ether, the development of the X-ray, the discovery of the airplane, and the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus tied for fourth. In a way this really shouldn’t surprise or shock us because the world has forgotten all about Jesus Christ. To many people Jesus Christ is important at times of baptism, marriage, and funerals, but forgotten the rest of the time. I would like to say that Jesus Christ isn’t tied for fourth or even tied for first. He isn’t tied with anyone because He is the risen King of kings and Lord of lords. One day these 28 educators and historians will acknowledge this. When King George III of England went to hear Handel’s Messiah for the first time, it is said that when he heard the opening bars of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” the king stood, not so much out of recognition for the majes­ ty of the music, but because he recognized both in his head and in his heart the majesty of the risen Christ. Jesus is the Lord of life. I find it amazing that Jesus Christ, who is totally supreme, wants to touch each one of our hearts and lives. He wants to encounter us with His truth and with His claims on our lives. These close encounters aren’t of the third kind but of the first kind because they are with the risen Lord. Nothing can surpass that. Christ en­ counters us in many different ways and at many different times because He wants to meet the needs in our lives. Let us consider briefly four encounters that the risen Christ had, how He met the needs of those He enPAGE 2

countered, and how their lives were changed because of the encounter. The first encounter was Christ’s meeting with Mary Magdalene on that first Easter morning. Jesus had cast seven demons out of Mary. Very little is said about her way of life before she met Christ, only that she had had seven demons within her. After Jesus cast out these demons Mary became His follower and helped to support His ministry. Mary was at the cross with Jesus and she was at the tomb when Jesus’ body was laid there. A per­ son can imagine how disappointed and shattered she must have felt. Jesus had done so much for her. She firmly believed that He was the Messiah, and now He was dead. But that first Easter morning she went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus with spices. The body wasn’t there, instead there were two angels, but even that didn’t give Mary consolation. Her only comfort was in encountering the risen Lord Himself, and she did en­ counter Him. “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means teacher)’’ (John 20:16). Her reaction was one of great joy and belief, and she hurried to tell the disciples. Jesus encountered Mary Magdalene in her darkest hour and He will do the same for us. In our difficult moments He wants to reassure us that He is alive and is indeed with us. It’s this encounter in our deepest hour that gives us hope and peace. A second encounter was Christ’s conversation with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). We’re not sure if the one disciple was Luke or not, but the name of the other disciple was Cleopas. This is the only mention of him in Scripture. These two disciples saw Jesus as a prophet who demonstrated the power of God (v. 19). On the way they were discussing the events of the past few days, specifically Jesus’ death and the report that He was now alive. As they walked, Jesus ap­ peared to them and explained Scripture to them. During a meal with these two men, they recognized Jesus and then He disappeared. Notice their reaction (v. 32) - They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us THE MESSENGER

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while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Here were two men, men who were more in the background, not like the prominent, outspoken Peter, but men whom Jesus felt important enough to encounter. And He does the same today. He encounters those whom we consider of less importance and opens their hearts and minds to His truths. A third encounter Jesus had after His resunection was with His disciples. It is recorded in John 20:19-23. This group of men had been with Jesus for approximately three years. They had seen Jesus perform many miracles; in fact, they had even seen Him raise the dead. But now this same Jesus was dead and the disciples were afraid. Afraid that the same fate might happen to them as to Jesus. They were also afraid of the reaction of the Jews to the empty tomb. They were together and the doors were locked. Into this situation Jesus came and said, “Peace be with you,” and the reaction of the disciples was one of joy. Martin Luther was once found at a moment of peril and fear, when he had to grasp unseen strength, sitting in an abstracted mood tracing on the table with his finger the words, “Vivit! Vivit!” (“He lives! He lives!”). This is our hope and strength in an hour of fear. It may be a fear of the future, of a major decision, of possible finan­ cial loss, etc. Jesus comes to us and says, “Peace be with you, don’t be afraid, trust me and I’ll work things out.” A fourth encounter that the risen Lord had was with Thomas (John 20:24-29). Thomas doubted the fact that Jesus had risen from the dead. Even when all of the other disciples said that they had seen Jesus, Thomas still didn’t believe them. In fact, he said that unless he saw and felt the nail marks in Jesus’ hands, and touched the scar in Jesus’ side, he would not believe. A week later Jesus did appear to all of the disciples and Thomas was with them. He encountered the risen Lord and his reac­ tion was, “My Lord and My God.” He changed instantly from a doubter to a believer.

In our difficult moments Jesus wants to reassure us that He is alive and is indeed with us. It may be difficult to believe that Jesus Christ continues to encounter people today. Many people fear such an encounter, maybe because of the consequences. It is disturbing to open up and become vulnerable to God Himself if there is a chance that the convenient lifestyles we’ve fashioned, the priorities we’ve established to meet our needs, might be interrupted or altered. Rather than face such a radical possibility we escape into the routine and, like Peter, go fishing. We’ll wash the car, mow the lawn, do anything to avoid the possibility of an encounter. Peter was encountered by the risen Christ at the shore while he was fishing. It’s like meeting Christ on the trac­

tor, in the barn, at the office, or in the kitchen. We would like to believe that Jesus Christ is alive and wants to encounter us and that He is big enough to, but in a practical sense it is an idea too big to handle and we’re afraid of it. Because it could demand a different and uncertain lifestyle, not one that is conventional, predic­ table, comfortable, and manageable. Jesus Christ com­ forts us and disturbs us. He saves us and judges us. Charles H. Huffman in a sermon entitled, “Encounters

The disciples became new men after their en­ counter with Jesus Christ. They had a new purpose and a new mission. with Christ,” says that there are three basic things which characterize a personal encounter with Christ. The first one is that Christ makes us intensely aware of others or some Other. Our focus and attention is taken off of self to someone else - to Christ, to a neighbour, or to someone in need. A second thing is that Christ compels us to make per­ sonal and responsible choices. What we see and what we’re aware of creates the necessity for choice. We see what we are in Christ now and what we could become in Christ. We see what others are now and what they could become in Christ. It demands a choice: to stay the same or to change. A third characteristic is that Christ calls us forth. We will take risks and do things that the ordinary person will think are strange. We will realize that going forward with Christ is always experienced through self-sunender of old habits and old securities. This is sacrifice, “life through death,” Good Friday and Easter. The disciples became new men after their encounter with Jesus Christ. They had a new purpose and a new mission. Jesus Christ appears to us 99 percent of the time in ordinary, everyday ways rather than in dramatic events. He walked with the men on the road to Emmaus, and He had a fish dinner with Peter. He invites us to have encounters such as these. And if and when we do, we will come to know how Thomas felt when he en­ countered the risen Christ and then responded, “My Lord and my God.” ■ CONTRIBUTORS: D. Nadeau is a member of the Community Bible Fellowship at Swan River, Man. Stan Hamm is the Assistant Pastor at the Ridgewood EMC Church. Leona Penner is a member of the Aber­ deen EMC Church in Winnipeg. L. Marie Enns, a teacher, attends the High Level Christian Fellowship in High Level, Alta. Wally Doerksen, from the Ridgewood EMC Church, is a member of the EMC Social Concerns Committee. Marvin Thiessen (MacGregor), together with his wife Wendy and family, serves in crusade evangelism, camps, retreats, etc., in Brazil, under the Janz Team. Henry Klassen is the Executive Secretary to the EMC Board of Missions. COVER: Easter photo by the editor.

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonile Conference Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Stein­ bach, 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.

MARCH 10, 1989

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iiss Leona Dueck Penner

LETTING GO ... Last year, during Lent, 1 made an “Easter Resolution” (the first one ever!) to write regularly in this column. 1 said then that instead of giving something up for Lent as Christian tradition would have us do, I would rather do something positive to prepare for Easter and, consequently, promised to write about the “new insights and small resurrections” which “ordinary” life brings to Easter people who seek to follow the risen Lord. Looking back over the year, 1 think 1 have been reasonably true to my promise (1 wrote ten Day-break columns over the last twelve months). And hopeful­ ly, some of my “slow understanding of or­ dinary things” will have helped one or two of you in the similar challenges you faced this past year. Now Lent is here again and I’m amaz­ ed that though my last year’s resolution focused on doing something positive in­ stead of giving something up, that, per­ sonally, I have experienced a great deal of “giving up” or rather, of “letting go,” this past year. During the summer we “let go” our two sons. The eldest returned to Ontario to continue his studies and was soon engag­ ed to a delightful young woman who hails from that fair province and, consequent­ ly, there is a pretty good chance they will “settle” there. Over a thousand miles from “home.” Then, our youngest son left for a year in Europe to work with the IntcrMcnno Program and when we return­ ed to our silent house after that trip to the ciirport, we knew, without a doubt, that we were fully in the midst of the empty nest syndrome. We were suddenly faced with the fact that even though we encouraged and ap­ proved of these “happenings” in the lives of our rapidly maturing sons, we still had a sense of being left behind, of being deserted like the used up shell of a cater­ pillar while the butterfly soared. These precious lives, entrusted to us at birth for nurture and care, were now adults and had separated from us physically. Now it was up to us to let them go emotionally as well and to enter into a new stage in our relationship with them. No longer parent and child in the intimate way it was before. But rather, as adult to adult, friend

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to friend. Being there for them when they needed us but no longer involved so directly in their lives. Frightening stuff, especially for me. To let go of our “babies” and our parental identities? What if they, or we, weren’t ready for such changes? (The stress over that “letting go” was so intense that 1 even lost some hair over it. Just like I did when the childen were bom. But fortunately, like then, its growing back!) Then, while we were still struggling to let go of being parents, we were faced with losing parents. My father’s death in mid­ January was not unexpected, and in a sense, was even longed for, but still, it came as a shock and caused an inner rend­ ing. For me, there were feelings of in­ tense loneliness and great responsibility as I watched my “Daddy” die; it was a final saying goodbye to my childhood and 1 realized suddenly, that now we, the children, were becoming the “older generation,” the ones who should have wisdom, the ones more fully “in charge.” That too, was frightening. For awhile, there was a longing to go back to the way things used to be when Dad’s mind was clear and he was busy with his music, his Scrabble and his books. (Interestingly, he was the one who knew where Swaziland was when MCC assigned us to that coun­ try in 1981. “Oh, yes,” he said. “1 know that place. 1 read about it in The National Geographic. It is in southern Africa, a tiny monarchy with a very old king; a place where African traditions are still ap­ preciated and practiced.” Then he went to his bookshelves and promptly pulled out the correct magazine from the dozens ar­ ranged ever so neatly on the shelves. We were impressed.) But now he is gone and will never again share his knowledge and his wisdom with us in quite the same way. That stage of his life is closed forever and we need to learn to relate to him in a new way. Like our children, he has left behind an out­ worn shell and has risen up to join that great cloud of witnesses, who watch our progress from another level of being, still caring for us and urging us onwards, but removed from our line of vision. And therein lies the rub. During our times of transition, we have to let go of our usual ways of seeing each other, and that hurts, even when we are glad that our lov­ ed ones arc moving on into another stage

of living. Somehow, being “of the earth,” we humans tend to resist change and want to keep things as they are — under our control, solid, familiar and easily recognizable — rather than dealing with the trauma of a relationship “in flux,” where borders become less clearly defin­ ed and where literally anything can hap­ pen to ourselves and to the ones we love. So, whenever we are required to “let go” and enter the unknown (particularly in our “primary” relationships involving parents, children, spouses), we experience a good deal of inner pain during the time of tran­ sition. And that is natural, but we can’t let fear of that pain prevent us from freeing our loved ones to become who they were meant to be. Elizabeth O’Connor writes about this ex­ perience of “letting go” in Cry Hope, Cry Pain, as follows; To relinquish the people one loves is especially hard, and yet this is the nature and requirement of love. While I cling to another, 1 can never truly love that person. When I love the other I will free him or her to follow a path that is not my path, to hold opinions that are in op­ position to my own, to have friends that will never be my friends, to live in a city that is not my city, to leave the circle of my love for another’s love. And, 1 might add, “to enter a world which is not yet my world,” as my father did just a few weeks ago. But this letting go is easier said than done. And so, all we can really do is to be open to the process and pray that God will give us the grace to set each other free. To conclude, some words from a prayer my husband wrote recently: Lord, it seems to me that letting go is not synonymous with giving up. I can let go my loved ones: my wife, our two sons, but I could never give them up. That would be a denial of our love which reflects the love of God . . . Lord, help me to let go. I can let go (I think) my Mathematics, but cannot and should not, give up my love for unity, the beauty of harmony and patterns falling in­ to place, being so obviously right. That is the fabric of the Universe which reflects the harmony of God. Nor should I give up my love for Africa — the open-hearted people, the warm wet darkness of a tropical night, throbbing with the beat of life. But Lord, help me to let go and not to own, rather, to cherish and to nurture so that new growth can come. Help me to let go and allow the loves of my life to be free, to be in harmony, together with the Creator, and with me, to be blessed . . . Help me to let go the need to own and control. Help me to let go and let God . . .

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Notes From a Music Teacher The song was written In desperation And, hopefully, With Inspiration, For it was Spring Concert time And I was in a bind To find A song that was new And fit for Grade Two. First a simple melody and words. Then picking at the piano To discover pleasing chords. Singing and pounding out the melody Till childish voices sang with me. Then soon I played the harmony While they sang independently. We added the embellishments Of clanging rhythm instruments. And with me conducting nervously And our pianist playing skillfully. The children in their own sweet way Admonished the audience cheerfully, "Let Easter joy Ring in your Heart Today."

Let Easter Joy Ring in Your Heart Let Easter joy ring in your heart today, And melt away gloom and sadness. Let Easter joy ring in your heart today, And fill you with song and gladness. Joy! Joy! Jesus lives! Joy! Joy! New life He gives! Let Easter joy ring in your heart today. Let Easter joy ring in your heart!

Let Easter joy give you a song today, A new song of glad thanksgiving. Let Easter joy give you a song today. For joy that your Saviour’s living! Joy! Joy! Jesus lives! Joy! Joy! New life He gives! Let Easter joy give you a song today. Let Easter joy give you a song! L. Marie Enns

Straight Talk -PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL CARE By Wally Doerksen

Although Jesus teaches in Matthew 6 that we are not to worry about what we eat or drink or about what we wear, one wonders, How do you impart that teaching to someone whose farm or business is on the brink of financial insolvency? Or indeed to someone who has lost his job? It used to be that the church would care for the needs of those who, through unfortunate cir­ cumstances, could not care for their own needs. Over time the social programs of governments have taken over this responsibili­ ty. This has left the church in a position where it ministers to the spiritual and emotional needs of people, but hardly to the physical needs. In other words, if we want to minister to the whole per­ son we surely need to consider the physical needs of parishioners as well. So how do we minister to the physical needs of one who has lost, or is losing, his farm or business to his creditors? Churches rarely have hundreds of thousands of dollars lying around to in­ ject into capital ventures that are over-extended. So then how can we minister to the physical needs? Referring again to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6, perhaps we can conclude that food and clothing, and perhaps shelter, are the most basic needs people have. Perhaps that is the starting point for churches to care for physical needs. Whether you have a large business/farm that is no longer solvent or whether the job you lose is at the lower end of the pay scale, your basic needs are the same. By adding to the basic physical needs some basic emotional MARCH 10, 1989

needs, like acceptance, security and love, the church could begin to come up with a comprehensive program of caring for its own who are hurting. (It goes without saying that churches are doing a reasonably adequate job at meeting spiritual needs.) How do you show others that you accept them for who they are (and not for what they accomplish) if they are faced with economic reverses? How do you add to someone’s feeling of adequacy when they feel that anything they touch may just turn sour? How do you distribute “important” jobs in the church to people who seemingly have not been able to do “important” things in society? There are perhaps as many solutions as there are individuals. Surely there needs to be a forum where people can get together, to share their feelings and experiences, with others who are like them, or at least accept them for who they are. Can churches set up forums, or indeed should they? Perhaps they can and indeed should. Possibly, though, it would be quicker for individuals to react to situations which they know exist. Sometimes churches are hesitant to tackle “social programs” because they do not seem “spiritual” enough or because they do not want to set “bad” precedents; namely, if we help this per­ son, we will have to help all other people in similar circumstances. Let me conclude by quoting James, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has not deeds?” So if you as an individual see a need, act. Don’t deliberate! Don’t rationalize! Don’t procrastinate! ACT! Take a friend with you, or a deacon. Gather some people together who have gone through hard physical times. Call on “experts” in the needed field. Feed and clothe and shelter. Contact agencies like MCC, who do have some programs to help the bankrupt. Start a program through your own church. Don’t hesitate to involve “experts” from the secular world. They may not have all the answers but they have some. And perhaps in the process those “secular experts” will be impressed by the love that these believers have for each other. So as we act, as we do, as we care and “carry each other’s loads,” we will be fulfilling the law of Christ. A service oj the Social Concerns Committee

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ULTIMATUM IN URUGUAY: SWEAR TO THE FLAG OR ELSE MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - Uruguay is one of the few countries in Latin America that enforces no obligatory military service. As disciples of Jesus, we recognize the blessing we have. The words and experiences of our brothers in other countries have been shared with me. In the face of so many testimonies of persecu­ tion and emigration for refusing to “serve” the country militarily, as a Uruguayan 1 have felt gratitude and shame at the same time. Never­ theless, military persecution comes in many shades. The following testimony falls within this panorama of shades of persecution; concrete­ ly, the nationalistic or patriotic pressures of “civil religion.” Hugo Donatti and his family are, since 1982, members of the La Paz Mennonite con­ gregation in Uruguay. They came to this com­ munity in a severe personal and family crisis. Alcohol was ruining Hugo’s life, and conse­ quently the lives of his loved ones. Problems of personal identity, fear and hatred for life, and a constant sensation of failure had brought him to alcoholism at a very young age. His tormented “landscape” includ­ ed guilt, thoughts of suicide, escapism and spiritism. After a crisis conversion — both at a fixed point in time and as a continuing process — the Lord worked miracles of liberation in Hugo’s personal and family life. His emotional and spiritual maturation is remarkable, and a constant incentive to give thanks to the Lord. Two years ago, Hugo took a position with a state-owned electrical energy firm. For this reason and as a Uruguayan citizen he has to be subject to certain laws of the state. One of those laws — still not repealed — is law 9943, the so-called Law of Military In­ struction, which states: “Every Uruguayan has the obligation of defending the republic militarily; and of fulfilling the legal regimen of military instruction that will train him for that purpose.” Remember, however, that although such required military service exists in law, it is not enforced in practice. Nevertheless, article 28 of the same law is still enforced. It states: “Every citizen is obligated to swear loyalty to the national flag in a public, solemn ceremony.” The law goes on to provide for penalties. In times of democracy these range from not being able to work for any state organism, to losing such employment, to not being able to study in any public educational institution, to being forced to work one month without any salary. In Uruguay, to swear loyalty to the flag means to swear loyalty to the country; that is, willingness to defend it militarily in case of being called. In the time of the former military dictatorship, the propaganda for enlistment warned, “Give to the country, before the

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country demands it of you.” But let’s get back to the case of Hugo. The date June 12 — the birthday of our nation’s founder — is the day the nation swears to the flag. Public employees, those who haven’t done it before, without fail must do it. Upon learning this, Hugo went to his superiors to ask about alternatives to the oath­ taking. The response was, “There is no alternative, it is an order of the management. If you don’t present yourself for the oath-taking you will be penalized with a month without salary and the risk of losing your job altogether.” With just a few days left until the national holiday, the conflict within Hugo was grow­ ing. His family depends on his work and it is not easy in Uruguay to find another job. The temptation to lie about an illness or to justify an absence with a falsified medical certificate was very seductive. What to do? Could it be there was really no alternative? A sincere search in his Bible confirmed Hugo’s decision. Texts such as Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12 were decisive. Ac­ cording to Hugo, “This was the revealing light. In spite of everything, I made my decision: I would not take the oath.” Prayer and the commitment of the com­ munity accompanied Hugo in his decision. Many brothers and sisters, on learning of the case, came to him with moral and material support. They committed themselves to shar­ ing their goods with him for whatever time he would be without work, if indeed he would lose his job or his salary. His family would not suffer. In reflecting about the biblical texts, the community found that they were given within the context of community relationships where brothers and sisters look out for each other and remain in a permanent attitude of prayer. This was another affirmation for Hugo. Just two days before the swearing ceremony, Hugo went to the office of the head of the firm. In effect, the dialogue with the high functionary — who suffers from a rather arrogant self-sufficiency — went like this: Hugo: “I have Christian principles, for which reason I refuse to swear to the flag . . .” Boss: “What do you mean you aren’t go­ ing to swear? Do you realize the risk you’re taking? What is your religion?” Hugo: “That which Christ preached.” The boss was visibly uncomfortable and tried to convince Hugo. Boss: “I respect you. Why don’t you come, but stand outside during the ceremony. When the public act is over, step inside and say that you were present. There will be so many peo­ ple milling about ...” But Hugo refused to accommodate himself to such a deception, tempting as it might have been. Boss: “But my friend! Don’t you realize they

can dismiss you from your job?” Hugo: “1 take the responsibility. I am sub­ ject to whatever you decide . . . but I will not swear to the flag.” Then he was able to give his testimony. He shared of his former life in bondage to alcohol and the liberation that Christ gave him. Coin­ cidentally, his boss was also an alcoholic and began to get interested. He listened sincerely to Hugo’s testimony. Finally, he made a statement: Boss: “Look, Mr. Donatti, we need peo­ ple who have convictions and who stand up for them the way you do. Be firm, and if anyone questions you, say exactly what you said to me. Nothing will happen to you . . .” After the national holiday, Hugo returned to work. His fellow employees commented about the discomfort they had felt about the authoritarian way in which they were treated at the oath-taking. Hugo was summoned, his absence was noted, and again he had the op­ portunity to share his conscientious objection. The final response was, “We won’t bother you any more.” Within a few weeks, Hugo was promoted to a position of greater responsibility. His testimony was made known among the workers, who consult him and respect him. He has taken on the function of a critical con­ science and of a reconciler between the labor union and the management. Here are a couple of concluding points for our consideration: •Prayer and authentic fraternal sharing helped Hugo to make his decision. If a con­ gregation teaches loyalty to the Lord, but no practical alternatives are created to support members in their ethical decisions, failures should be blamed more on the congregation than on the person. To permit brothers and sisters to face the sinful structures alone is a suicidal attitude for the church, and goes against its very reason for being: prayer, testimony and mutual help. •In the light of Romans 13, was Hugo’s at­ titude right or wrong? Why? Washington Brun Monteuideo, Uruguay The writer is a leader in the Uruguay Mennonite Church and a member of International Mennonite Peace Committee.

•Was it not most meet that a woman | should first see the risen Savior? She was t first in the transgression; let her be first in & the justification. In yon garden she was the first to work our woe; let her in that other garden be the first to see Him who works through our weal. She takes first the apple of that bitter tree which brings us all our sorrow; let her be the first to see the Mighty Gardener who has planted a tree which brings forth fruit unto everlasting life. —Spurgeon.

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Missions

Students at the Amazon Valley Academy In Brazil. . BRAZIL

A Breakthrough Confession, recommitment, rejoicing . . . As the plane touched down on the tarmac in the city of Belem, on the Amazon River, many questions went through my mind. 1 remembered the last time I was asked to speak at the UFM conference to the youth and two nights to the 200 missionaries. How God worked in that retreat! Parents could not believe the change in some of the young peo­ ple. I left Belem that time very thankful that God had used me. But this was five years later with the same assignment. Since it will be a new crop of MKs to whom I’ll be speaking at the Amazon Valley Academy, will God again move in our midst as He did five years earlier?

MARCH 10, 1989

Even though it was 10 p.m. when the plane pulled to a stop, there were two VW buses of young people to greet me. Not a bad sign, I thought. Upon anival, some of the mis­ sionaries and parents soon informed me that the situation was totally different this time, much resentment on the part of some of the young people about having to be in Brazil, and much prayer had gone up on their behalf. It was even questioned whether even half of the kids would participate in the retreat, but they did. Only one or two didn’t come. The breakthrough came at the Saturday night fireside meeting. The whole group went on a weekend camping trip, one hour by ferry and another hour by bus. That first night was marked by much exuberance and laughing till all hours of the night. That, plus my first night ever in the hammock and the cold, made for little sleep that night. Participation in the first few meetings was non-existent, a very chilly atmosphere. On Saturday a two-hour boat ride up a tributary of the Amazon was the highlight. We returned burned and tired and at service time the rain came. So much for the meeting, we thought. We decided to wait an hour and, sure enough, the rain quit, so we had our fireside meeting. Well, I wish you could have been there to see God work! Slowly the young people started sharing. It was after one young fellow confessed his bitter attitude to being in Brazil that the dam of resistance broke. What a testimony meeting! In a break between testimonies a young miss said, “I want to dedicate my life to God.” So that’s what we did, all who were there, committed our lives anew to God. What rejoicing! We went to bed after midnight, after much confession and making things right. Next day, Sunday, we went back to Belem to the conference still in session. That night the youth were featured. We asked for some kids to testify. To our amazement, the worst

rebels (or had-been rebels), volunteered. As the first young fellow stepped forward, peo­ ple could hardly believe their eyes! He had been the object of much prayer! What a testimony! He told of his recommitment to Christ and then publicly asked his parents to forgive him for his rotten attitude to their work in Brazil! What a time of tears of rejoicing! Others came and confessed. One girl had been fighting going to Bible school. She said she now wanted to go! Well, it was the kind of an evening that one seldom has the privilege to witness. How thankful the parents, as well as others, were for what God had done in their midst. That night after I had brought the message and ask­ ed for a public testimony of those who had recommitted their lives to God, all these young people as one rose to their feet. Then 1 asked for a commitment from the parents and other missionaries to the young people and they too all stood to their feet. It was a beautiful night of peace and recon­ ciliation. To God be the glory! Yes, our God is faithful. He responded to the many prayers here in Brazil and at home. Did you pray? God answered in a very real way. Thank you for praying. Marvin Thiessen

Missions Exposure at WBC “We are a small Conference, but we have a higher proportion of missionaries than most other Conferences,” said Jon Bonk, chairman of the EMC Board of Missions. The occasion was a supper meeting for EMC students at Winnipeg Bible College and Seminary on February 27. Although EMC missionaries serve in many fields, the emphasis of the evening was on Paraguay. Henry Klassen, BOM executive secretary, related experiences of his recent trip to Paraguay. “The need is great and there are many opportunities,” he reported. Frank Kroeker, now pastor of the Rosenort EMC, has served with his wife Marge and family for many years in Paraguay. He related events that led to his missionary service. Frank and Marge have volunteered to lead a team of young people to Paraguay on a two-month mission encounter this summer. “Few fields offer such a variety of service opportunities,” he said. He cited church planting, medical work, translation, agriculture, development and radio as examples. There is room for more volunteers for the summer mission. Several Board members and their wives and staff members joined approximately one third of the 57 EMC students enrolled at WBC and WTS for the supper and informative mis­ sion exposure. PAGE 7

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GLIMPSES OF PARAGUAY by Henry Klassen

teZf fo rig/if, top to bottom: 1. Honorio Gomez and his family live on Sta. Teresa, an Indian settlement in East Paraguay. Honorio was one of the first believers in E.M.C. missions in Yhovy, a Paraguayan rural community. He is now responsible for the pastoral ministry and the community development on the settlement. For the Gomez family, this is a cross-cultural experience. One of the difficulties Is their children's education. 2. Julio and his wife are a couple on Sta. Teresa. He was one ot the first converts on the settlement. In a recent testimony he shared that one of the most difficult struggles they had was the attack of Satan at night with fear of the spirits of the dead. He re­ quested prayer concerning this. 3. The Sunday afternoon worship service in session on Sta. Teresa. 4. Youth Camp at the Lucero Retreat Center. This past January/February four weeks of camp for young people were con­ ducted by the Tres Palmas church. One hundred and thirty young people attended. Janz Team personnel from Brazil provided the teaching and leadership. 5. Henry Klassen, Board of Missions Executive Secretary, visiting PAGE 8

with two Indian leaders from La Esperanza. On the left is Isaac Fehr and on the right is Elias Gomez. Fehr speaks Low German, Spanish and Lengua. He served as the interpreter. Elias Gomez has moved with a group of people from La Esperanza to a new settlement called Laguna Millon. This move was necessitated due to shortage of land on La Esperanza. 6. The ZP-30 radio board and Board of Missions representation met in February to discuss the future of ZP-30. The present agree­ ment terminates at the end of this year. At that time it is planned that the ownership of the station will be transferred to the Chaco colonies. EMC has been requested to continue their involvement. Left to right: Henry Klassen, Board of Missions Executive Secretary: Hans Balzer, manager of ZP-30: Heinrich Unger, chair­ man of ZP-30 Board and representing Fernheim: Fred Buhler, EMC missionary: Evald Hubert, Neuland representative: Diedrich Lepp, EMC missionary: Andreas Sawatzky, Menno representative: John Stoesz, Board of Missions vice-chairman: Helmuth Giesbrecht, ASCIM representative. 7. Brenda Barkman, nurse at La Esperanza, looks somewhat perplexed when a lady with a snake bite arrives at the clinic on Sun­ day afternoon. 8. The two leaders and their wives of the Lengua community on La Esperanza. On the left is Anastacio, the leader of the church. On the right is Isau Fehr, the community leader. 9. The Lengua church on a Sunday afternoon in February.

THE MESSENGER

I I

1

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A Baker in Community Development Salvation and Service

During my recent visit to Paraguay in February, 1 met Ciriaco Lopez, who with his family operates a bakery. He was friendly and I sensed he was a person who loved the Lord, even though I couldn’t communicate verbal­ ly with him. Later Fred Buhler, EMC mis­ sionary in Caaguazu, shared Ciriaco’s story with me. The first contact Ciriaco had with mis­ sionaries was in 1981. Missionaries Peter and Betty Friesen and Walter and Margaret Reimer had moved to Caaguazu in 1980 to begin a church-planting ministry. At an evangelistic crusade in 1981 Mr. Lopez was present, selling ‘chipa,’ a Paraguayan pastry, to the people who attended. He heard the gospel. Peter Friesen kept in contact with him un­ til 1983, when the Friesens terminated their service in Paraguay. Other missionaries kept in contact with him after that. In September 1987 Mr. Lopez, with his family, attended the largest evangelistic crusade in Caaguazu, sponsored by the EMC missionaries. He requested literature. Fred Buhler brought him the literature and kept in contact with him. A year later Mr. Lopez made his commit­ ment to Christ and started a Bible cor­ respondence course. Fred started a Tuesday night Bible study in the Lopez home. In December 1988 Fred shared with Mr. Lopez the difficulties the people in the Capitancue community were experiencing. At one time there was a growing church in the community. During the last few years many people had moved out. The few remaining families had decided to sell and move out because the land was no longer very produc­ tive. The slash/burn method of farming had eroded the soil. After Mr. Lopez heard the plight of these people he expressed interest. With his ex­ perience in market gardening years ago, he felt he could offer his expertise to the people and be of help to them. Even though his business now was operating a bakery, he became excited about the possibilities. Shortly after this, Fred took Mr. Lopez to Capitancue. It took a little time for Mr. Lopez to create interest in the minds of the people at Capitancue. He was able to convince the people that they had the resources to raise tomatoes and other crops. They didn’t need all kinds of sophisticated equipment and ex­ pensive fertilizers. Mr. Lopez was able to show them how they

could prepare the soil by spreading manure, which they had on hand, and use the oxen, which they owned, to plow the fields. It didn’t take long and the soil was prepared. Then came a rainy day - ideal for planting. Fred and Irene Buhler took Mr. and Mrs. Lopez to Capitancue. Together with the peo­ ple who participated in the project they planted six thousand tomato plants in neat rows. In early February when I met Mr. Lopez the plants were in bloom. A good crop was expected. This project has given new hope to the peo­ ple in Capitancue. It also shows the possibilities of helping other communities in similar situations - all because a new believer willingly shared his time and expertise with people in need.

PERSONNEL NEEDS IN PARAGUAY 1. A nurse is needed fnr La Esperanza by June 1989. 2. Missionary personnel to be involved in evangelism, churcb planting, leadership train­ ing, girls’ and ladies’ ministries, community development, etc. If you are interested in becoming involved contact: Henry Klassen, Executive Secretary EMC Board of Missions Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Ph. (204) 326-6401

Henry Klassen

MINISTERS’ STUDY FUND For your information: •The fund was begun 15 years ago. •Sixty-five applicants have received assistance. •Assistance is available to seminary students, missionaries and active ministers, for study at approved schools. •Rates are $50 per credit to a maximum of $1500 per year. •Eleven students are now receiving assistance. •$4655 has been paid for winter semester studies. •Shortage of funds limited payment to 70% •Funds come from the Conference budget (93.5%) and the Macedonian Corps (6.5%). For your consideration: •There were 25 Macedonian Corps members in 1988. •Members pay $25 or more per year for five years. •You can help those studying in preparation for more fruitful ministry. •Your investment in their education makes you a partner in their ministry. •You can help us reach our goal of 50 members in 1989. •Use the form below to join the Macedonian Corps today.

MACEDONIAN CORPS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION As God enables, I will give $25, $50, or $ (please circle amount) per year for five years to the EMC Ministers’ Study Fund. Enclosed find $ I am making a one-time donation. Enclosed find $ Please make check payable to Evangelical Mennonite Conference Send to; Macedonian Corps Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0

Signature

Date

Name

•The message of Easter cannot be writ­ ten in the past tense. It is a message for to­ day and the days to come. It is God’s message which must echo through our lives.—Frank D. Gerry. MARCH 10, 1989

Street or P.O. Box No. City or Town

Province

Code PAGE 9

Messenger News SENIORS CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY

Another term

IN MEXICO

Faith and Randall Krahn and their children, Amy and Andrew, return­ ed to Mexico in February for another term of service.

PASTOR RE-ELECTED TO FOURTH TERM

Landmark, Man.: The membership meeting had gone well that evening. The at­ mosphere changed, though, when the pastor excused himself and left, and one of the deacons took over. It was the upcoming leadership election. Thirteen years ago the church at Prairie Rose had elected Brother Edwin Plett from its ranks to take over the reins from semi­ retiring Frank D. Reimer. The members were encouraged to pray about this important deci­ sion, and pray they did. It was heartening to hear the pastor himself pray for God’s direc­ tion in this resolution. The evening of the election came February 5, 1989, with a good turnout and good sing­ ing. Conference Pastor Edwin Friesen had ap­ propriate words from the early church in Acts 1, where they “met together, prayed together, and respected God’s choice.” The member­ ship did return Edwin and Lillian Plett to the office of leadership for another five-year term. The entire congregation stood to its feet to af­ firm their support to the election results. In response to the voice of the people. Pastor Plett said, “We have enjoyed working with you; Landmark is an easy church to work with. It is our desire to work in har­ mony . . . with the church.” A few pleasant suiprises of the evening were the songs presented by the entire ministerial (which in­ cludes the deacons), one of which was “Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” and the better-than-anticipated attendance noticeable PAGE 10

Birch River, Man.: Winter months are going by and soon we will welcome spring, which means new life springing up in all of nature. Even the colder months can go by fast, at least for those of us who are healthy and are able to join in on planned activities. It has almost become traditional in our church to celebrate Valentine’s Day by inviting all senior citizens of the town for a noon meal, thus breaking the monotony of the winter. About thirty seniors showed up and seemed to enjoy a hot meal, a sing-song in which all were welcomed to participate and a short message by Pastor John, based on God’s love shown towards us by sending His only Son. An additional nine plates of food were taken to shut-ins. A quilting party is a winter project enjoyed by most ladies. This month we had two of these in the church basement. Some ladies from both the Community Bible Fellowship and the Litte Woody Baptist Churches join­ ed hands with us in quilting a dozen blankets, which are being sold in the Thrift Shop. The proceeds are going towards the Steeprock Ministries camp work. By the way, is there anyone reading this who has a heart for native people? If so, would you like to get involved in reaching them by working at a camp for children this summer, either by counselling, preaching, cooking, maintenance, sports director, nurse or lifeguard? We would be glad to send information and application forms.

Address requests to Walter Oberlin, Box 132, Swan River, Man. ROL IZO. On February 19, we had invited a native missionary, Fred Evans of Grand Rapids, Man., to conduct a morning and evening ser­ vice. We felt the Lord’s blessing on it. Fred and his wife Charlotte sang several songs, then he preached a simple gospel message based on the parables of the lost sheep, coin and son. In the evening he used the theme of several Bible characters and how Jesus sav­ ed the hopeless and most despised people of their day, the thief on the cross, the adulterous woman and Zaccheus, the tax collector; no one is too bad to be able to receive forgiveness for committed sin. Open air services are be­ ing planned for this summer where Fred will be one of the speakers. On Friday, March 3, the women of the local churches in our town got together for World Day of Prayer. This year our church hosted it. Judy Melnechuck of Bowsman spoke to us on the subject, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Our congregation has been offered the ministry of French Canadian Jacques Mar­ coux, who is heading up the evangelism outreach of the Janz Team in Quebec. He will present to us the needs on that mission field by way of reporting verbally and also by a film presentation on March 14. His wife Madeleine, as well as Larry Janz of Rivers, Man., will accompany him. He/en Kroeker

at the enjoyable fellowship coffee. A treat of the year is the annual Apprecia­ tion Night for the Sunday school teachers and club workers. Thursday, March 2, saw a goodly number gather for a tasty supper and a film, “Discipline in the Classroom,” by James Dobson. Honorable mentions were made by the newly-elected superintendent Ray Plett. His predecessor, Leonard K. Plett, had been honoured to have been invited to this banquet and presented with a gift of ap­ preciation. He now finds himself as a student in Sunday school for the first time after twen­ ty years of service in a leadership position. Ray Plett might just find his position a little easier, having two brothers as department superintendents in the executive: Lloyd (Young People) and Dayton (Junior). Then there was the “Spaghetti Hut” at the church on Friday, March 3. The downstairs had been transformed into a restaurant, with drapes, plush partitions and wall ornaments. Groups of two, four or six sat down to a grati­ fying spaghetti supper, complete with tossed salad, ice cream, tea, coffee or pop. All this hard work and dedication by the young peo­ ple and their leaders to raise funds to help a group from their midst to go for a three-week

mission endeavour to Mexico this summer. The evening was a smashing success, the ser­ vice was super, and $1,900 was raised. They were overwhelmed to realize that, together with the $700 raised at the pancake breakfast in November of last year, their goal had been reached in fundraising as a group. Excitement is building as discipleship classes are under­ way under the leadership of Youth Pastor Marvin Thiessen. Harold Plett

Edwin and Lillian Plett

THE MESSENGER

I.

b. ■ Irvin and Shirley Torangeau

CHANGED LIVES Badgerville, Sask.: 1 visited the home of Irvin and Shirley Tourangeau. They live on the Cote Indian Reserve. This young couple was married on May 26, 1979 and have been blessed with eight children; Rickey (12), Charles (9), Allen (8), Justin (6), Gordin (5), Diane (4), Peter (3), and Megan (2). I asked Irvin what his life was like before he met Jesus. This was his response: “My worst problem was alcohol. 1 drank everything pertaining to liquor, mainly vanilla extract. As the result of my alcoholic life I spent three months in jail for impaired driv­ ing. I got caught three times in less than a month. I spent what money I had on liquor after buying groceries, which was every weekend. 1 felt my life was going nowhere. I tried twice to commit suicide but failed to end my life. I had many friends, but now 1 realize that they were my friends because 1 supplied them with drinks.” His wife Shirley had this to add: “We drank a lot but I never drank what my husband drank. I’d quit as soon as the liquor ran out.

Raymond, Martha and Karalee Dueck

TRANSPLANT IN NEW YORK On February 19 Raymond and Martha Dueck left Winnipeg en route to New York with their two-month-old daughter, Karalee. Karalee was born with Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome (SCIDS). She went to New York for a bone marrow transplant to be performed at memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Karalee is the fourth child born to the

I’d leave my children with anyone and if no one was available I’d leave them with the oldest child. I’d fight with my husband and I’d hit him with anything. I recall one incident where my husband brought a friend to meet me. I had never seen him before but I slap­ ped him across his face; that was how bad I was. I never respected anyone at all.” 1 went on to ask how they met Jesus. Shirley said, “My father, Peter Badger, was the one who wanted something better for us. He saw us not only destroying ourselves but our children too. He asked Frank Braun to come and see us.” Irvin related, “I used to go to tent meetings but when the persecution came I’d leave, never really understanding anything at all. Frank Braun entered our lives in May 1987. Two months later my wife and I and our children accepted the Lord and invited Him to be Lord of our lives.” What is their life like now that Jesus is in their lives? Here is their answer: “We have a better relationship with each other. Our children are much happier, we have respect from other people, and we have many Chris­ tian friends we can turn to. When we have struggles, we pray and somehow we always get an answer. We attend church, which is so important, not only to us but to our children as well.” Irvin’s favourite verse is found in James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” After visiting this young couple, I can see that they have come a long way from an alcoholic way of life to a better understanding of how Jesus wants them to live, together with their children. Winnifred Cote

Duecks with SCIDS, a genetic defect that leaves the children unable to fight infec­ tions. Their first two children died of com­ plications resulting from this defect. Karalee’s sister, Renee, had a successful transplant 4'/i years ago. Today Renee is a most energetic picture of health. The Duecks expect to be in New York for three to four months. Much of this time will be spent on an out-patient basis. Dur­ ing that time they will be staying in a short-term rental apartment close to the hospital. Although most of their medical expenses are covered by insurance, they expect to spend $15,000 on accommoda­ tions and other expenses. The Duecks are members of the Mennville Evangelical Mennonite Church near Riverton, Man. “We appreciate every card, every phone call, and every expression of support,” said Raymond and Martha, “and we are especially grateful for the prayer support of all our friends.” Their New York address: Raymond and Martha Dueck, 9A 359 East 68th St., New York, NY 10021. The Mennivlle EMC is raising funds for the support of the Dueck family. Any con­ tributions (for registered receipts) may be made to the Mennville EMC, Box 393, Riverton, Man. ROC 2R0.

NEW MEMBERS ACCEPTED

MacGregor, Man.: Dear Family: This is our first letter to you in the New Year! We are excited about the things that have been happening in our church and would like to tell you about them. Perhaps the highlight of this last month was the baptism of Rod Friesen and Robert Taylor on February 26. Sherry Giesbrecht transferred her membership to our church that Sunday. Sherry and her husband Stacey are our young people’s leaders, and we arc thankful for their enthusiasm in their work. Rod is a grade 11 student and we arc encouraged by his strong commitment to the Lord. Many of us have prayed for Robert for a long time and it was a real blessing to sec him follow the Lord in baptism. Robert’s wife Brenda has been ac­ tively involved in our church for a number of years and it is good to sec them come together as a family now. God is faithful and we thank Him for answered prayer. This year we held a banquet in honour of all our Christian Education workers and their spouses, forty-five in all (which, 1 might add, is almost half of our congregation). After a tasty supper we went upstairs and listened as Al Friesen gave us ideas as to how to reach and teach kids effectively. Two points that he made were 1) Jesus wants to come and help you clean out the closets of your life (you know, the messed up places that you prefer to keep hidden instead of cleaned up) and 2) we should take time to notice the childcn in our church, even though some of us aren’t teachers. (So, whom do you remember from your younger years? The ones who ignored you? Who made an impression on you? Wasn’t it the adults who took the time to talk to you?) A Valentine Tea was held by the Willing Helpers on February 21; the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Some of the ladies had gone to a lot of work to decorate the room with a Valentine theme. We enjoyed the sing­ ing of the ladies’ double trio and the talk by Cheryl Henschel. Cheryl told us of the strug­ gles they have gone through since their oldest son was diagnosed as having leukemia. We listened with sympathy, and thankfulness that we have not had to travel that road and perhaps came away with a better understand­ ing of those who live with life-threatening diseases. Cheryl and Myron’s boy has just finished his last treatment and things cure look­ ing brighter. On February 19 a surprise 25th wedding celebration was held in honour of John and Wenda Dyck. About 150 people came out to enjoy the day with them. We wish John and Wenda many more happy years together and God’s richest blessing. That’s it for this time. Because of Him, Your sister church, MacGregor EMC Submitted by Elaine Giesbrecht

MARCH 10, 1989

PAGE 11

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The Kola Board of Education organized the Kola church winter outing

ANNUAL WINTER OUTING Kola, Man.: On January 29 we enjoyed our annual winter outing at the Maryfield Rink. The Board of Education had done a good job of organizing this event, to make it an en­ joyable time for all. The afternoon activities started at 1:30 with curling. There were fun games, with the win­ ners not necessarily determined by the best curlers. The curling went on all afternoon and into the evening. In the meantime, the skating rink was also the scene of much activity. After a time of pleasure skating, the brooms came out and the young people and older children had a vigorous game of broomball. After that, there were a couple of hockey games, the first be­ ing played by those 14 years and under, the second involving those over 14 years of age. Though the ice was somewhat soft due to the mild weather, the action was fast-paced. After the hockey enthusiasts were tired, the ice was once more turned over to anyone who wanted to skate. During this time of recreation, the canteen was open, serving coffee, punch and cookies to those who were hungry and thirsty. The highlight of the day came at supper­ time with the arrival of the Kentucky Fried

MCC 1989 RELIEF SALE DATES Ontario May 27, New Hamburg Manitoba August 12, Brandon September 23, Morris Saskatchewan June 9-10, Saskatoon June 17, Swift Current Alberta July 21-22, Coaldale

British Columbia May 27, Black Creek September 9, Kelowna September 16, Clearbrook September 30, Prince George PAGE 12

Chicken, baked potatoes and coleslaw. The meal was nicely rounded out with homebaked pies for dessert. It was a great time of fun, food and fellowship for all those attending. On a more serious note, special meetings were held at the Kola church from February 1st to Sth. As our speaker, we had Rev. Elmer Reimer of Associate Gospel Ministries. His straight-from-the-heart messages spoke to the hearts of those who heard them. The music he created on his musical glasses was fascinating to see and delightful to hear. His Gospel Magic object lessons mystified and in­ trigued the entire audience, and especially the children. He left us with this message: “Abide in Christ, that when He shall appear, we will not be ashamed.” Pat Schellenberg FAITH HOCKEY TOURNAMENT HELD

Fort Frances, Ont.: The weekend of February 10-12 featured the annual Faith Hockey Tournament in Fort Frances. Our church team didn’t win any games but felt honoured to receive the best sportsmanship tropy. Sunday, February 12, we were privileged to have the Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship Church’s young people’s group in our church under the direction of Dan and Helen Reimer. The group presented us with several songs. The next Sunday we had a fellowship potluck lunch after church, followed by a shower for Bill Rempel and Sandra Krikke. Bill and Sandra plan to get married on March 25. Pastor Kornelsen built three tables in preparation for this fellowship meal. We are grateful that we now have our own tables for future events, and are starting to work on renovations in our church building so as to better accommodate Sunday school classes. Hopefully we can soon start a youth class. Evelyn Friesen

PROGRAM COORDINATOR Sought by Aboriginal Rights Coalition (Project North)

Based in Ottawa, this person would assume responsibility for implementing the mandate of this interchurch coalition. Responsibilities to include planning and implementing national assemblies, cultivating partnership with member church bodies, networking with aboriginal organizations, and assisting the develop­ ment of regional network groups. Qualifications include written and oral communication skills, commitment to aboriginal /ustice from an ecumenical stance, skills in organizing, managing and interpersonal relationships. Bl - or multi­ lingual capacity is an asset. Salary: $32,000-34,000 Letter of application with resumd and names of reference can be submitted to: Menno Wiebe 134 Plaza Drive Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 Tel. 204-261-6381

Deadline for application: April 25, 1989

•The great Easter truth is not that we are to live newly after death—that is not the great thing—but that we are to be new here and now by the power of the resurrection; not so much that we are to live forever as that we are to, and may, live nobly now because we are to live forever.—Phillips Brooks.

THE MESSENGER

MRS. ELIZABETH FRIESEN 1899-1988 In the early morning hours of Monday, December 19, 1988, the Lord turned the last page of Mother’s calendar, and called her in to gloryland, at the age of 89 years and 9 months. She anticipated moving into a new apartment in Rosenort, but instead she was moved into a mansion prepared for her in heaven. We as a family want to praise God for her life and witness. Elizabeth Friesen was born Elizabeth Klassen, on March 14, 1899, in the village of Rosenhof, Manitoba. She wets the youngest of seven children, and the last surviving grandchild of Mr. David Klassen, who led his people from Russia to this community in 1874. Pioneer life allowed for only three years of formal schooling, and yet she was an avid reader all her life. On January 20, 1918 she was married to Peter W. Friesen and together they broke virgin prairie land to establish their homestead, which is still farmed by family members. The early years were typically dif­ ficult and primitive, but they persevered and God blessed their efforts. Mother accepted Jesus as her Saviour at an early age and became a member of the Rosenort EMC, where she remained a faithful member till death. Her husband was elected to be a deacon in the Rosenort church, and later became a lay minister and then also the acting leader of the congregation. Mother played an important supportive role to her husband in sharing in visits and providing hospitality to visiting preachers and countless others over the years, a role she thoroughly enjoyed, even to the day of her first stroke on September 11, 1988. For at least the last forty years, she had to cope with a hearing loss problem, which later became a little less troublesome with the new advances in hear­ ing aid technology. And so Mother always read the morning devotions at the breakfast table, in order to bypass the listening problem. Mother enjoyed good health throughout her life, but then suddenly on September 11, everything changed when she had a stroke that left her right side paralyzed and robbed her of her speech. She staged a valiant come­ back and was mentally alert. Then on Mon­ day, December 12, she suffered a second massive stroke, which left her comatose until seven days later when she died peacefully. Her final hour came at 3:00 a.m. on December 19, with family members at her side. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter W. Friesen, in January 1959, by one son-in-law, Jacob A. Dueck, in 1968, and by twin granddaughters in their infancy. She is survived by five daughters and five sons: Margaret Dueck (Riverside), Jake and Florence, Frank and Nettie, Pete and Annie (all of Rosenort), Henry and Anne (Stein­ bach), Mary and Harold Whitson (Prince Albert, Setsk.), Benny and Annie (Rosenort), MARCH 10, 1989

Elizabeth and Jake Rempel (Elm Creek), Esther and Ken Loewen (Rosenort) and Clara (Winnipeg). She is also survived by 38 grand­ children and 34 great-grandchildren. We as a family would like to express our sincere thanks to the nurses at the Morris Hospital, and to Pat Porter and her staff of the Extended Treatment Unit of Bethesda Hospital for the respectful and loving care given to our mother. Mother would have wanted to thank the ushers of her church for the many times they were helpful in making her special hearing aids work. We thank each one of you for showing your support and love in our bereavement. We thank you for the cards, the flowers and the prayers. We also thank Mother’s nieces and nephews who visited her frequently while she lived in her own house and often included her in their activities. A special thank you to all who led and par­ ticipated in the funeral service. We will miss our mother deeply, especial­ ly her positive outlook on life, her encourage­ ment, her laughter and her love. The Family

Births HILDEBRANDT — to Marv and Talita Hildebrand of Swift Cun-ent, Sask., a daughter, Brittany Aliece, on February 17, 1989. WONG — to Doug and Ruth Wong of Swift Cur­ rent, Sask., a son, Jordon Douglas William, on February 6, 1989. LOEPPKY — to Don and Rosanne Loeppky of Steinbach, Man., a son, Jacob Donald, on February 13, 1989. SAWATZKY — to Tim and Elizabeth Sawatzky of MacGregor, Man., a son, Timothy Jordan, on January 21, 1989. ENGBRECHT — to Vic and Eileen Engbrecht of Winnipeg, Man., a son, David Jonathon Henry, on February 16, 1989. GRAHAM — to Greg and Valdene Graham of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Jane Elizabeth Emily, on February 6, 1989.

Weddings COOPER — KROEKER: Cameron, son of Mar­ garet and Howard Cooper of Winnipeg, Man., and Kelly-Anne, daughter of Mary and Warren Kroeker of Landmark, Man., were manied on January 7, 1989. The wedding took place at the Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, with John Stoesz of Winnipeg of­ ficiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg. HIEBERT - REIMER; Layton, son of Walter and Marlene Hiebert of Steinbach, Man., and Pamela, daughter of Sid and Corinne Reimer of Landmark, Man., were married at the Full Gospel Chapel in Steinbach on January 19, 1989. Harry Bartel of Steinbach officiated. The couple is residing in Steinbach. ENNS — PENNER: Duane, son of Henry and Rita Enns of Landmark, Man., was married on September 2, 1988 to Jacquie, daughter of John and Rosella Penner of Landmark. The wedding took place at the EMC Church in Kleefeld, with Tim Kroeker of Landmark officiating. The couple is mak­ ing their home in Landmark.

PASTOR The La Crete Christian Fellowship (E.M.C.)

He is not here, but is risen . . . Luke 24:6. •If Easter says anything to us today, it says this; You can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it on a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!—Clarence W. Hall.

is inviting applications for the position of senior pastor beginning July, 1989 Direct inquiries and applications to: Peter Giesbrecht Box 385, La Crete, AB, TOH 2H0 Phone: (403) 927-3443 or (403) 927-3461

PAGE 13

Around the World Living in Cod's hands in the midst of uncertainty Medellin, Colombia: By 7 a.m. the newspaper has been pushed in under the door and you know without looking what it offers: News of more massacres; more kidnappings; more editorials elaborating on the impossibility of securing peace in Colombia; more speculating on which group disturbs the peace the most. Is it the large guer­ rilla armies, the 140 armed paramilitary groups, the druglords who control many others, the mafia with all their in-fighting or the communist factions who may be supported from outside? Or is it all the fault of a corrupted police force, or of the tens of thousands of vagrants and common criminals, or of decent folk turned murderers for the sake of saving the family name? It seems better to have a cup of coffee before facing today’s news. The children finish their breakfast and at 7:40 a private bus stops to pick them up for school. A few times a year there are what we Canadians call “snowdays” when, because of some city-wide unrest, it is considered too dangerous to travel and school is cancelled for the day. The preschooler now takes out his tricycle to ride on the sidewalk. He’s heard the rules so often he knows he can venture only past one or two houses

on either side of his own. Even this is criticized by the neighbors, “Here you cannot let a child out on a bike. Someone will grab it out from under him.” Every five minutes you glance out to make sure your child is still there. Many in the city make their living as thieves. Within the last two weeks there were three rob­ beries on our small street alone. But they will likely go unreported in this country where people are frozen with fears of reprisals and revenge. Cars are stolen openly, the owner willingly surrender­ ing the keys to a gunman. In a country where few murderers are ever accused—never mind apprehended—little reason is needed to use the trigger finger. Last week our phone rang at 4 p.m. A neighbor down the street informed us that she could see three thieves entering the home of a friend of ours. Would Harold check it out? (On a previous occa­ sion Harold scared off two men breaking through a neighbor’s door with machetes. These fool North Americans, our neighbors must think. So bent on justice!) So he approached the house and took up the chase after three thieves wielding knives. When the thieves had been captured and locked into the police van, the police took Harold aside and gave him this advice, “What you are doing is stupid. These fellows have knives now but they will be free in 20 days and come back with guns to get you. What you should do is take them to the coun­ tryside and slit their throats, then they won’t cause any more trouble.” Thanks, police! The moral breakdown of society is evident also in government corruption and an imbalanced distribution of resources. The binding cultural religion of the Latins, which denies the involve­ ment of a personal God in daily life, seems impo­ tent to lift its followers out of their turmoil. Because of the state of the country, our children live indoor lives — school, home, church. Sometimes we worry that this is not a ‘natural’

way to grow up. But the Lord assures us again that we are in his hands. And that’s the best place to be! Dorothy Siebert (Dorothy and her husband Harold are church planters in Medellin, Colombia.) Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services News

Mennonite World Fellowship Sunday, May 14

CAROL STREAM, Illinois—“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact” (Acts 2:32). Taken from Peter’s Pentecost sermon, this verse serves as the theme for the 1989 observance of Mennonite World Fellowship Sunday, which, as in recent years, is being sponsored by Mennonite World Conference on Pentecost Sunday. This year’s date is May 14. Mennonite World Fellowship Sunday is intended as a special opportunity for more than 800,000 Mennonites and members of related churches worldwide to join in celebrating their oneness in the Risen Christ. This year’s observance anticipates the 1990 Assembly 12 of Mennonite World Conference at Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada), which will meet under the theme, “Witnessing to Christ in Today’s World.” As part of the preparatory process, Mennonite World Conference is also making available a study book for “MWC Study Year 1989.” The hope is that many Mennonites, whether they go to Win­ nipeg or not, will have the opportunity to join in an international conversation about the church’s witness. Pentecost is the designated day for Mennonite World Fellowship Sunday. However, churches are welcome to schedule another date if they prefer. Many European churches mark the observance of Reformation Sunday later in the year.

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Pictured are visitors from the Soviet Union who were part of an MCCsponsored delegation January 24 to February 8. Here they speak to the MCC board at its annual meeting held in Phoenix, Ariz., January 27 and 28. From left to right are: Walter Sawatsky of MCC Canada’s East/West program, Peter Ens, Daniel Janzen, Johannes Dik and Evgenii Ruzski. PAGE 14

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THE MESSENGER

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“1 have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and 1 have kept the faith. And now there is waiting for me the prize of victory awarded for a righteous life, the prize which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day. And not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear” (II Timothy 4:7,8, Good News). These are the theme verses for Abundant Springs 1989, the fourth National EMC Youth Conference. It is the desire and prayer of the conference planning team that all those who attend will join “the race” and/or be encouraged to finish “the race.” This year there will be two special guests on campus.

The speaker for Abundant Springs '89 will be Dr. Jim Watson, a professor at Winnipeg Theological Seminary. Jim and his wife Sarah moved to Canada from Texas in 1981, where he took up employment at Winnipeg Bible College. Jim and Sarah are the parents of four teenagers. They make their home in Kleefeld and are active in the Kleefeld E.M. Church, where Jim is a minister. Dr. Watson has a keen interest in young people and has a unique way of communicating the truths of the Word of God. All who attend the conference jim Watson will be challenged and stimulated to run “the race” and to run it well. Pray for Dr. Watson as he prepares his talks for Abundant Springs Otterburne 1989.

Winnipeg Bible College Campus Otterburne, Manitoba May 19-22, 1989

Abundant Springs will this year feature an evening concert with Steve Camp, a contemporary Christian musi­ cian from Nashville, TN. His music will be enjoyed by the youth and all who listen will be brought face to face with Steve’s burning desire, the salvation of Steve Camp unsaved and the sanctification of the believer. This concert will include the songs and message from his newest release, “Justice,” which is his basis for the Steve Camp 1989 Justice World Tour. He says, “... all we do must bring glory to the Lord! God will not share that glory with another... to see people en­ couraged, edified and exhorted to holy living is our cry ... my prayer is to bring justice to my world this year... justice is the holiness and mercy of God put in­ to action (I John 3:16-18).” Steve is also working with Compas­ sion International, a child development organization, and ACCT (AIDS Crisis and Christians Today), which he founded with Tony Campolo. Pray and anticipate the working of God through the ministry of Steve Camp.

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Book Review Driver, John. Kingdom Citizens. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1980. Reviewed fay Dave Wiebe, Brandon, Man. This is a delightful and refreshing study of Jesus. Since He came to show us the Father (John 14:7), it is uplifting to learn at the feet of Jesus. To see as He sees, to think as He thinks, and to believe as He believes! Often I have not known how to understand MARCH 10, 1989

the gospels. Is Paul the final authority, or Jesus, or is it James? In Kingdom Citizens, Driver offers good teaching and interpretation. He explores the teaching of Jesus and shows the beauty of Jesus as a person, and teacher. Driver brings much historical, cultural and religious background together to set a careful frame for the teaching and character of Jesus. You cannot read this book, along with the Sermon on the Mount, and not be refreshed and drawn anew to Jesus. In this age of opinion and beliefs about Jesus Christ, it is delightful to study Him firsthand, as He is presented in the Bible. Those, especially, who claim to know Him, need to look long and intently into the face of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and, with

Thomas, repent of our doubts, and confess “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Jesus spoke so accurately to the deepest needs and feelings of the people. He exposed deception, weakness and hardness for what it was. 1 come away from this book confident that the heart of man has not changed, or evolved higher, and that the teaching of Jesus still pro­ foundly touches me. This easy-to-read, life issues book should be read widely. And when it is so easy to pro­ fess individual piety (just God and I), we need to live, grow and work together as “kingdom citizens.” Driver says it fittingly, “. . . inorder to live up to our best intentions as disciples of Jesus, we need the help of our brothers and sisters” (pp. 135-136). PAGE 15

From the Editor THE MIRACLE OF EASTER THERE IS NO DOUBT that Paul was a believer in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The topic permeates his writings, and he devotes the whole chapter of 1 Corin­ thians 15 to the subject of the resurrection. This is the miracle of Easter. Since that time there have been believers and there have been sceptics. Even in some church circles today, scep­ ticism has become rather fashionable. Often science has been used to defend the arguments of the sceptics. Somehow the notion that religion and science don’t mix has gained favour in many areas, even to the point of giv­ ing science a place of supremacy over religion. In this context the Alberta Report, in 1986, provided a breath of fresh air on the subject. Their article, “Easter: did it really happen?” included the affirmative replies of ten western Canadian scientists and scholars. These people have no difficulty in reconciling their Christian faith with their scientific or scholarly pursuits. Here is what some of them said: One could assume that the scientific laws can never be broken, but that assumption would be a matter (an act) of faith. My act of faith is that God intervenes in his creation from time to time and that the most significant of these in­ terventions after creation itself was the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. —Basil Dunell, professor emeritus of chemistry, University of British Columbia

Given Jesus’ clear statements about his identity as God’s Son, the rather good objective evidence for his resur­ rection comes into spiritual focus: it makes sense. Add to this Jesus’ claim that he would go on affecting human lives for all time—and the fact that he has made this claim good. All sorts of people throughout history have discovered that It is in fact an objective reality, which transforms human life from the sordid and hopeless into a creative integration of meaningful moral goodness. That is my experience too. It is absurd to think that Christian belief conflicts with a working scientist’s belief in scientific truth and love for the adventure of science. Both are expressions of the same attitude to life, of openness to reality. I am in good company. Many scientists, among them great men like Newton, Boyle, Pascal, Faraday, Kelvin and Maxwell, have been and are followers of Jesus Christ. —W.R. Thorson, professor of chemistry, University of Alberta

I can find no rational cause to doubt the most conse­ quential miracle of all: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Miracles do not happen accidentally. They have purpose. Christ’s resurrection is a hope message to all of us. —Alexander J. Matejko, professor of sociology. University of Alberta

PAGE 16

What is available in the written record of the Gospels is a set of reports, recorded from an oral tradition. Read to­ day, these accounts, even with all their discrepancies, still communicate the utter conviction of those who had known Jesus—his friends and followers—that though they had seen him killed by the Roman authorities, they knew him to be alive. They had felt his presence, not as a ghost or a disembodied spirit, but as a living person. And this small group, once utterly defeated and demoralized by the execu­ tion of its leader, was transformed by the experience. They were impelled, at whatever cost to themselves, to tell others what they knew beyond doubt to be true. To me it is their actions more than their words which carry conviction. —Roy E.L. Watson, associate professor of sociology. University of Victoria

By its very nature (the resurrection of Christ) lies outside the realm of phenomena for which natural causes can be sought. But to deny its possibility on scientific grounds is to ascribe to science an omniscience about the nature of reality which transcends legitimate grounds and, in my view, would require enormous faith ... For me the most compelling verification lies in the con­ sequences that followed: the birth and growth of the church and its impact ever since upon the lives of its members, so that today I share in the spiritual power which flows through it. Belief in the unique event of Easter must be a matter of personal judgement and, ultimately, of per­ sonal experience. —Taylor A. Steeves, biology professor. University of Saskatchewan, and editor, Canadian Journal of Botany

The whole development of physics in this century has been a tale of things happening which were contrary to all expectation, things that we “knew” couldn’t happen—but that did happen. So I never say, now, that something can­ not happen. If the resurrection of Jesus Christ seems unreasonable, could it not be that yet again our reasonable expectations are faulty? This event was as unexpected to the disciples as it is to us. I support the view that the hand of God in the affairs of men appears not in the miraculous occurrence of the impossible (which by definition cannot ever happen) but in the occurrence of the least expected. —R.D. Connor, physics professor and former dean of science. Universi­ ty of Manitoba

In conclusion, let us continue to affirm that the Lord is risen indeed. We serve a living Saviour. The world and the sceptics will also believe if they see the evidence in our lives. Paul’s deep desire was to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection. Is that your desire too? We wish you a joyous Easter! M.H. Quotations are from the Alberta Report, Edmonton, AB, March 31, 1986. Used by permission of the publisher.

THE MESSENGER