The Messenger October 26, 1990

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The Messenger FVANOFI ICAI MENNONITE MFNNONITE CONFERENCE EVANGELICAL

VOL. 28 NO. 20

OCT. 26/90

(A paper originally prepared for the October 14, 1989 EMC Ministerial Meeting on behalf of the Board of Missions)

by Jon Bonk (Part 2 of 2)

"Recruiting God's People For God's Work in God's Way" Reflections on Volunteers and the Local Church's Mandate EXAMPLES OF MISSIONARY RECRUITMENT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT O ne of the remarkable features of the New Testament is the

absence of a single instance of a general call for volunteers. Being a book about missionaries and missionary churches, this is rather surprising. The fate of the work Christ commissioned His church to do in the world was not left to individual initiative alone. Our Lord chose and trained the Apostles. In the earliest days of the church as described in Acts, seven were chosen as deacons to wait on tables (6:1-5). Let us look at the way the church operated in its early days: BARNABAS (Acts 11:19-24). When some men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who had been scattered by persecution in connection with Stephen, started evangelizing the Greeks in Syrian Antioch, news of it came to the church in Jerusalem and the account states sim­ ply that “they (the church) sent Barnabas to Antioch. ” We are told nothing of a call for volunteers; we hear nothing of Barnabas’ own personal sense of call. We are simply told that the church “sent” him. The Holy Spirit, who inspired the holy record, makes that single point: the congregation of Christians in Jerusalem sent him. Barnabas appears to have been chosen — not because he went forward after hearing a general appeal — but for his suitable qualities. The church sent him because he was the best man for the task. Note: He was a Cypriot Jewish Christian and therefore known to the Antioch evangelists, many of whom were Cypriots (Acts 11:20). He was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24). While his name was Joseph, his nickname, Barnabas, mean­ ing “Son of Encouragement,’’ indicates an aspect of his character very important for the task at hand. SAUL. Saul got to Antioch also, not because of a subjective, individualistic call, but because Barnabas “went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch” (Acts 11:25). In spite of Paul’s very clear call on the Damascus road thirteen years earlier, it was the initiative of another which brought him to Antioch.

BARNABAS AND SAUL. When, one year later, Barnabas and Saul set out on the first missionary journey, it was no individualistic decision. Acts 13:1-3 makes it clear that the Lord spoke through the Holy Spirit to the whole group of leaders in Antioch, including the two men who were sent. Hear what it says: In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Bar­ nabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. This was no general appeal for missionaries! Two men were specifically singled out and commissioned to foreign mission work. MARK AND SILAS. Later, when Barnabas and Paul parted company, we are told that Barnabas “took Mark” (Acts 15:39), and that Paul “chose Silas” (Acts 15:40) “and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. ” Judas and Silas were sent by the Jerusalem Council to visit Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia (Acts 15:22-35). TIMOTHY. Subsequently, Paul “wanted to take (Timothy) along on (his missionary) journey, ” precisely because “the brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him” (Acts 16:3). All this is in considerable contrast to the way we do things to­ day. We seem to have emphasized almost exclusively the in­ dividual’s subjective sense of a highly personal call of God, and often reinforced this by emotional appeals for individuals to volunteer. The New Testament, on the other hand, stresses either the corporate initiative of congregations or the informed initiative of missionaries in selecting suitable people. Furthermore, we seldom send out our own leaders, choosing instead to send more expend­ able, inexperienced youth who have taken some personal initiative in response to some kind of appeal.

HOW COULD OUR CHURCHES RECRUIT AND SEND MISSIONARIES? SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS

•EMC church leaders should make every effort to be aware of the members (gifts) within their own local Body of Christ. As part of their spiritual ministry, the pastor, ministers, deacons, youth leaders, missions committee and other leaders in the church should take special note of those in their church who show an interest in missions, and who demonstrate dedication to Christ, a cooperative spirit, the ability to communicate, dependability in inconspicuous tasks, and other qualities essential in a missionary. Such children and young people should be singled out for special counselling con­ cerning full-time service and the possibility of missionary ministry. They should have opportunities for discussion with visiting mis-

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sionaries and mission representatives as a part of missionary meetings and conferences, and should be encouraged to enroll in programs that incorporte sound missionary training. •EMC churches should make every effort to be familiar with their own mission agency, with the way it relates to other chur­ ches, and with the mandate it has received from its own family of churches, the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. •EMC church leaders should be familiar with the personnel needs of their church agency, and take practical steps to supply these needs. If local congregations make it their goal to become aware of specific personnel needs in those parts of the world for which we

THE MESSENGER

“I believe we can and we must take our global missionary mandate just as seriously as we do our local leadership, and that a serious commitment to the ‘Great Commission’ will be reflected in the attention we pay to recruitment of missionaries from among our churches.” as a Conference have assumed responsibility, the following steps might be followed: (1) When personnel appeals come to the church from the mis­ sion agency, the ministerial/missions committee should not treat them lightly, but prayerfully, with a view to ascertaining whether there are those from among their own rank or within the larger membership who might be qualified to fill the need. (2) Looking first among themselves as group leaders, and second­ ly, through the church membership list, the ministerial should seek to discern — through prayer and fasting — whether there is in­ deed a person or persons in the congregation with the required qualities and experience needed to fulfill the task. (3) Should there be members who, in the prayerful opinion of the church’s leaders, are qualified spiritually and vocationally to meet a specific personnel need on one of their mission fields, that person should be contacted directly. A general appeal to the con­ gregation will not do. (4) From this point on, the procedure would correspond to that used in the choosing and ordaining of ministers or deacons within our congregation. (5) Should the chosen member, after prayerful consideration of the request, sense the leading of the Spirit in the matter, he or she would be presented to the membership with a view to affirming (or otherwise) the perceived direction of the Spirit. •In order to give the church a better sense of the close ties be-

tween them and their missionaries, several practices could become a considered part of each local church’s method of operation: (1) Pastors and leaders should be encouraged to visit the various fields in which their missionaries work, and to provide extensive reports to the membership upon their return. A fund could be established to ensure that at least once every two or three years one or more church leaders (including our youth leaders) visits one of the church’s mission fields. (2) Work groups should on occasion travel in the winter time to some of the fields to help in the construction, renovation, and/or repair of church-related facilities. (3) Church young people (including those of College and Career age) should be encouraged to engage in a group mission assign­ ment at least once every three years. (4) Church young people should be encouraged to attend mis­ sion conferences such as Student Missions Advance, Urbana and Missions Fest. The cavalier approach thus far employed in the selection of our missionaries would never be tolerated in the selection and appoint­ ment of pastors, ministers, and deacons in our local congregations. I believe we can and we must take our global missionary mandate just as seriously as we do our local leadership, and that a serious commitment to the ‘Great Commission’ will be reflected in the at­ tention we pay to recruitment of missionaries from among our churches.

INFANT DEATH RATES REFLECT LATIN AMERICAN ECONOMIC CRISIS Children’s play usually revolves around dolls or lively games of ball and tag. In northeast Brazil, however, children fre­ quently play “funeral.” One child, the “dead body,” lies on the ground; playmates place flowers around the child. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) workers find this play disconcerting. They also realize that the children are enacting a grim reality that forms part of their earliest impressions. Former MCC worker Kathy McDon­ ough, of Minneapolis, Minn., estimates that women in impoverished Pernambuco state in northeast Brazil give birth to an average of 15 children; eight or nine sur­ vive. Survivors frequently attend funerals for siblings, cousins and neighbors. Infant mortality rates, which decreased throughout Latin America in the 1970s, increased during the 1980s. 3,000 children under age 5 die daily in the region, according to UNICEF. “No natural disaster in history has taken such a toll.” notes the Latinamerica Press, a weekly news bulletin published in Lima. Peru. Malnutrition, at the root of much illness and death, is on the rise. By some estimates, more than a third of the Latin American population — some 130 million individuals — suffer some form of malnutrition. Another indicator of the region’s worsening health situation is the reap­ pearance of diseases believed eradicated or that can be controlled through vaccina-

OCTOBER 26, 1990

tion. Malaria, typhoid and measles are examples. The region’s economic woes are largely to blame for the health crisis. In many parts of Latin America per capita income today is lower than it was 10 to 15 years ago; a 40 percent loss of purchasing power is not uncommon for those for­ tunate enough to be employed at all. At the same time that personal finances have eroded, governments have slashed services in attempts to meet foreign debt payments. In the mid-1970s Latin American governments allotted an average 15 percent of their budgets to health. By the mid 1980s, the percentage fluctuated between 4 and 12, according to the World Health Organization. MCC programs in Brazil and Bolivia, although small, attempt to enable com­ munities to work at their own health care issues. International health experts now view grassroots initiatives as the most hopeful trend in meeting health care needs. In Bolivia, which has the highest infant mortality rate in Latin America, MCC health workers are training promoters in isolated rural zones of Santa Cruz depart­ ment (state) to recognize, treat and ex­ plain common ailments. These health pro­ moters manage small health posts in their communities and cooperate with health of­ ficials in larger endeavors such as vaccina­ tion campaigns. In Recife, Brazil, an MCC public health

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4 child in the Berlin region of Bolivia. worker began a growth monitoring project to assess preschoolers’ nutritional status in two land reform communities. She and three Brazilian health workers weigh children monthly and work with mothers whose children are undernourished. Recognizing women’s role in maintain­ ing family health is increasingly seen as one key to improving community well­ being. Too many mothers feel powerless to affect their children’s health; MCC workers in northeast Brazil lament the fatalism that feeds into infant mortality. It may be awhile until children in Brazil abandon their macabre “dead baby” play in favor of jump rope and jacks. MCC workers, however, believe that through in­ itiating community-owned programs, in­ dividuals can take charge of their own health needs and save their children from unnecessary deaths. Emily Will. MCC Mexico Emily Will visited MCC programs in Bolivia and Brazil last summer.

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New members at the ministerial meeting (from left to right): Frank Winsor (pastor at Kola), Abe Hildebrandt (deacon at Portage), Robin Brignall (pastor at Pelly), and Eldon Penner (deacon at Ridgewood).

Interaction over lunch at the ministerial meeting. Kola, Manitoba

MINISTERIAL STUDIES LEADERSHIP, NON-RESISTANCE AND ENVIRONMENT Sixty-six ministers and deacons, represent­ ing 33 of the 51 E.M.C. congregations, met at Kola on October 13. Frank Winsor, the new pastor at Kola, welcomed the group and opened the session with a short meditation on the theme of “Anchors.” He drew spiritual comparisons from his experiences at sea off the coast of Newfoundland. His comments gave new meaning to the opening song, “Will your Anchor Hold?” After the minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed, Harvey Plett called on John Koop to present the paper “EMC Church Leader/Church/Conference Relationships. ” It was prepared by John Koop, Leonard Barkman, and Edwin Friesen, at the request of the General Board. The purpose of the paper is to outline the basic ministry relation­ ship between a church leader, the church and

the Conference within which he serves and what to do when that ministry trust is threat­ ened or broken. With a number of recom­ mended changes, relating mainly to prevent­ ative and restorative processes, the paper was accepted. Arden Thiessen then read his first draft of “The E.M.C. Position on Non-Resistance,” a statement intending to inform persons join­ ing our Conference of our position. Several such people at the meeting expressed their appreciation for the statement. Some of Thiessen’s statements about what nonresistance does not mean troubled a number of participants. Changes were suggested, and a revised statement will be prepared for the next meeting. A delicious lunch, prepared by a group of Kola ladies, proved a welcome diversion from

CHRISTMAS AUDIO-VISUALS FROM THE EMC RESOURCE LIBRARY Enhance your Sunday School, club or church program with one of the following audio-visuals: IT BEGAN IN BETHLEHEM. A Biblical ac­ count of the events surrounding the birth of Christ as recorded in Luke 2:1-20. STORY OF JESUS. Series of six filmstrips, with accompanying records and leader’s guides (app. 15 min. each). 1. The Annunciation 2. The Nativity 3. The Presentation 4. The Story of the Wise Men 5. The Boyhood of Jesus 6. The Baptism and Temptation CHRIST IS COME. Series of four filmstrips, with accompanying cassettes and leader's guides (app. 8 min. each). 1. The Baby Who Was Born in a Stable (Pre-school-Elementary) 2. Behold the Star (Lipper ElementaryAdults) 3. Christmas - Take it Personally (YouthAdults) 4. Merry Christmas, World (Youth-Adults) CHRISTMAS FOR ALL AGES. Filmstrips. cassettes, manuals.

1. Christmastide (15 min.) 2. The Christmas Story (15 min.) 3. Holy Night (15 min.) 4. When the Littlest Camel Knelt (10 min.) THE SURPRISE GIFT. Kathy and Ted can’t understand why Dad should be surprised about his Christmas gift - after all the clues they’ve given him. When Mom tells them the first Christmas gift ever given was a surprise too, they have a mystery

to solve. Filmstrip, cassette, leader’s guide (10 min.) NEW TESTAMENT STORIES. Filmstrips and cassettes 1. Jesus the Saviour is Born (12 min.) 2. Jesus’ Boyhood (10 min.) REJOICE! CELEBRATE! IT’S CHRISTMAS. 1. Annunciation - Luke 1 2. Nativity ■ Luke 2 Includes filmstrips, cassettes, a 15-minute 16 mm film and guidebook. Avoid the rush. Reserve your choice now. Contact: EMC Resource Library Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. ROA ZAO

(204)326-6401

the heavy thinking and discussion. It appeared that the fellowship around the tables was en­ joyed almost as much as the food. No doubt many church leaders would prefer some ad­ ditional time simply for casual interaction.. The meeting resumed with a period of shar­ ing church reports in which pastors and deacons told stories of blessing and pain, of growth and loss. There simply wasn’t enough time to hear from everyone. Specific requests were addressed in a period of prayer. The last item on the agenda focussed on the Christian response to environmental pro­ blems. The General Board had asked Arden Thiessen to prepare a study paper for this pur­ pose. Following his presentation of “Toward a Theology of Earth-keeping,” the audience was divided into six groups for discussion. The conclusions of each group were briefly shared before adjournment of the meeting. Coffee and faspa prepared the participants for their journey home.

CONTRIBUTORS: Leona Dueck Penner, a member of the Aberdeen EMC in Winnipeg, is coordinator, with her husband Peter, of the Peace and Social Concerns section of MCC Canada. Karen Penner (Roseisle) is studying Spanish at the Rio Grande Bible Institute, in preparation for missionary service in Paraguay. Peter and Mary Thiessen (Morris) are in­ volved in the management of the New Tribes mission home in Chihuahua City, Mexico. Henry Klassen, a member of the Steinbach, Man. EMC, is the executive secretary to the Board of Missions. Abe and Dee Koop (Kleefeld) are serving in Brazil in field leadership and office duties. Royden Loewen is a member of the Blumenort, Man. EMC. COVER: Agripino, a graduate of CEMTA, the Mennonite Bible college in Asuncion, Paraguay, is the pastor of the national EMC church in Caaguazu. Photo by the editor. CHRISTMAS MATERIAL NEEDED; Submit your poems, stories, photos, artwork, to the editor by November 30. Thank you.

THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct, and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the Conference; instruct in Godliness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor Menno Hamm, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Letters, articles, art and poetry are welcomed. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished articles are not returned except by request. Subscription Members pay through their church. Non-members pay $6.00 per year. Send subscription money to The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference 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.

PAGE 4

THE MESSENGER

Leona Dueck Penner

Summer of Plenty: Summer of Discontent (I) Summer has come and almost gone since I “spoke” with you last. Already, the nights are getting cooler and I see a stepped-up autumn busyness not only in the human population but also among animal friends who frequent the trees in our neighbourhood. This morning, as I glanced out the kitchen window, 1 saw a bushy-tailed squirrel busily eating his nut­ ty breakfast, perched safely out of reach of our chase-crazy cat, on the tip of a near­ by telephone pole. The empty shells dropped thick and fast as he expertly cracked each nut, deftly scooped out the “meat” inside and ate his meal with unbridled enthusiasm. Somehow, I had a feeling he knew that the easy plenty of summer would soon be a memory and so he needed to fatten up quickly before the first snows of winter covered his vast and easily accessible store of food. Looking back on my own summer, I, too, see evidence of plenty. There are memories of “fattening up” at Mennonite World Conference. Forgive me the use of that somewhat vulgar phrase to describe a quite elegant event, but really, it best describes how I sometimes felt at the end of a 15-hour “feast day” when 1 returned home, filled to overflowing with heavenly music, marvelous sermons, stimulating workshop discussions and heady unex­ pected encounters with friends from all over the world. One night in particular stands out in my memory. It was that memorable evening when the Guatamalan children’s choir sang and spoke with such natural and beautiful simplicity that it couldn’t help but

Personal Concern Column . . PRAYER Prayer is one of the most ineffective of human activities. It is ineffective for three reasons. First, when most of us pray we are telling God lies because we are telling ourselves lies. The most difficult thing in life is to discover the truth about ourselves. We tell God how much we honour Him when we

OCTOBER 26, 1990

warm the hearts of the listeners, an even­ ing when, on a personal level, my “spiritual cup” was full to the brim and I left the meeting almost walking on air, ready to savour each moment on my journey homeward. But when I entered the chartered bus for the trip to Fort Garry, it seemed that, as far as my Creator was concerned, the evening wasn’t quite over. There was to be more blessing, more celebration, more bounty spread out on the table before me. Maybe it was an answer to a personal prayer in which I had asked that somehow through Mennonite World Conference, this part of the world would “catch some of the spirit of Africa,” or maybe our heavenly Father simply felt that now that the Mennonites of southern Manitoba were finally celebrating (not separately in small ethnic and Conference groups but in an abandoned way which left behind old grievances, old divisions and which mixed up the glory of all the tribes of the earth), it was time to pour out a little more of the abundant life promised to those who followed him. Maybe there was even a hope that this “extra glimpse of heaven” would beckon us on to break down more barriers and to live more radically — even more as one — in the days and years to come. Whatever the reason, soon after the bus lurched into action, carrying its delightful­ ly colorful mix of Conference-goers, a woman from Zambia was inspired to add a little more “food” to the party. Being African, she found it natural “to sing her way home” and so, as we traveled along, she expressed her wish to learn the Gerreally mostly honour ourselves. We tell God of the burden we have for the poor when we are selfish about our money and time. We tell God how much we love Him; however, our actions indicate that we love mostly ourselves. We are simply not truthful. A second reason for ineffective prayer is that much of prayer is just making speeches, and we do not listen to the reply. We pro­ claim God’s bountifulness in public while we selfishly consume creation’s resources at an alarming rate. We thank God for our peace and prosperity while participating in the struc­ tures which leave a great many of God’s peo­ ple on His earth wanting. Thirdly, we ask God for the wrong things.

man words to the song “Ich weiss einen Strom”* — a song which had been sung towards the close of the evening meeting. And surprisingly, the woman who sat beside her (presumably a Canadian of Germanic Mennonite origin), quickly over­ came her normal reserve and the two of them began to sing. Before long, more and more voices joined in, voices both high and low, male and female, voices which pronounced the words in a variety of accents and rhythms, voices which strengthened in volume and rose with enthusiasm as the bus rolled along, voices which praised God together for that wonderful stream of life-giving, healing and purifying water, which is open to people of all nations, all races, all ethnic origins. It was a beautiful moment for all of us. And for me personally, this song, which had always been a favorite, became even more holy as we sang. Not only because it reminded me of my childhood when the singing of this hymn in a Kleinegemeinde Mennonite Church helped me to under­ stand the compassion and love of God more fully, but also, and maybe more so, because before my wondering eyes, and through my listening eeirs, this song was lifted right out of its ethnic origins and wafted way above all human boundaries, as people from so many countries “made it their own,” by singing it over and over and over again, on this hour-long journey homeward, on a Winnipeg City bus. I don’t know what the bus driver thought (he seemed to enjoy the singing!). Nor do I know how meaningful this song-filled ride was for the rest of my traveling compa­ nions, but I do know that for me, it was a banqueting moment, a moment of “fat­ tening up” and celebration which I shall never forget, and which will, no doubt, carry me through some lean times, some winters — or summers — of discontent. And for that I am most thankful. 'English title: “O haue you not heard of the beautiful stream?”

We ask Him to do what He is asking us to do, and we try to do ourselves the things we should leave to God. We ask God to provide for the hurting in our world; that is our task. We pray for prisoners, orphans, poor, the elderly and the sick without addressing their needs ourselves. At the same time, we at­ tempt to produce faith in others when that process is really between God and the individual. Communicating with God will start when we stop telling lies to Him, listen to the Spirit, and start acting. The beauty is that we can all pray effectively; it begins simply with honesty. Russell Loewen Winnipeg, Man.

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Missions i f (

Some of my Latin friends at RGBI. Left to right: Samantha, Emma, Blanca. Edinburg, Texas

Something New Every Day Practicing, Learning, Laughing

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in euerything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiuing, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6,7, NIV). “Hola.” “tComo estas?” - familiar words now, when meeting fellow students and mis­ sionaries. As single missionaries, Irma Plett and I have the privilege of joining the Bible

Students display flags from 11 of the 14 nations represented in the 1990-91 student body at RGBI: Venezuela, Mexico, USA, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, Panama, Spain and Canada. (Karen Penner is on the right, carrying the Canadian flag.)

institute students for meals in the dining hall, where our practical use of Spanish is need­ ed, even if it is to have someone pass the salt. In the afternoons, four days a week, we spend an hour with a tutor, practicing, learning and laughing {“practice makes perfect”). The point is to learn to laugh at oneself. In language learning it means there is a willingness to learn. Some events that have taken place in the past few months are Mexican Independence Day, exams in both the Bible institute and language school, and Canadian Thanks­ giving. Mexican Independence Day is important because of the many Mexican Bible institute

students. It was celebrated September 15, with a parade around the campus (the actual date is September 16). The morning was fill­ ed with games, followed by a potluck lunch. Exams, of course, the highlight of a stu­ dent’s life, caused many to stay up and cram for the next day. Canadian Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Canadians on staff and Canadian language students. Around twenty people came and enjoyed the turkey, stuffing and, of course, the pumpkin pie! Praise the Lord for a learning attitude and a spirit of peace as He teaches us new things each day, whether it be language, culture or meeting new people. Karen Penner

Board of Missions Sets New Direction for Germany On October 12, 1990 the Board of Missions made a decision to terminate the four-year evangelism/church planting mission in Braunschweig, Germany. This decision was made after a BOM delegation made a report to the Board on their visit to Germany in September. The delegation and EMC mis­ sionaries, Gladwin and Jean Plett, came to a mutual recommendation to terminate the four-year endeavour. In 1976 EMC started its church-planting mission in Germany. Levi and Elizabeth Reimer, who had served at a children’s home in Germany for years, were assigned to work with an existing group of believers in the Seesen area. Shortly after, this group was organized and incorporated. Gladwin and Jean Plett followed the Reimers in 1980. Since 1985 Jeff and Laural Ann Plett have been serving as pastoral couple in the small church at Seesen. After eight years of involvement and very slow growth, the BOM decided to do a thorough evaluation of the Germany ministries. Serious consideration was given to terminating and having another organization take responsibility for Seesen. When the evaluation was completed, and the Seesen church requested the BOM to continue, the PAGE 6

decision was made to continue in Seesen and to expand to a city not too far from Seesen. On the basis of a research done by Glad­ win and Jean Plett, the BOM decided to start an evangelism/church-planting thrust in Braunschweig. The Pletts were appointed to this assignment and moved to Braunschweig in the fall of 1986. During the four years, the Pletts have work­ ed hard and have fulfilled the mandate of the BOM in Braunschweig. They have faithfully planned and strategized with the BOM and have followed through with the evangelism/ church-planting plan in various phases. This has not resulted in a committed core group. The Pletts’ ministry has not been in vain. We believe the seed they have sown will bear fruit. They have also made positive contribu­ tions to the witness of the small Christian com­ munity in Braunschweig and area. Their team work and involvement in Seesen has been appreciated. The BOM representatives and the Pletts came to the mutual recommendation to terminate the Braunschweig mission. Gladwin and Jean Plett made themselves available for another assignment with the BOM. Hans von Niessen, administrator of the Mennonitische Umsiedlerbetreuung, has had

discussions with Gladwin and with the ex­ ecutive secretary over the past months. He requested a couple to work in one of the six refugee centers in Germany. German­ speaking people from East Europe are tem­ porarily housed at these centers. The Umsiedlerbetreuung focusses on ministry to the Mennonite people that come from Germany. This ministry includes visitation, counselling, Bible studies and preaching. In view of the job description and the warm invitation from the Umsiedlerbetreuung, the BOM appointed Gladwin and Jean Plett to a two-year term of ministry at Unna Massen. After a lengthy discussion between BOM representatives and the Seesen church membership, the church decided 1) to study and evaluate possible organizations they could affiliate with; 2) to make a decision by July 1991 as to which organization they would want to join; 3) to implement the decision by July 1992. Jeff and Laural Ann Plett’s present term will conclude in July 1992. Their future ministry will be worked out prior to this. Your prayers are solicited for both Plett families. Henry Klassen THE MESSENGER

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Flood damage at Chihuahua, Mexico.

MEXICO •k.

A Night of Horror Jesus — the Rock

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“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the Rock” (Matthew 7:25). Saturday, September 22, 1990, was a night of fear and horror for many people here in the city of Chihuahua, Mexico. The rain came pouring down, flooding many homes, ruining all their belongings. Other houses built in the lower eireas or right by the river crum­ bled and were swept away by the water. Around 45 people died in this episode. Here is one of the many stories we heard. Inez, one of our Christian friends, said she was ------ —

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Tribal ministry in Northwestern Brazil. BRAZIL

Peace Under Stress Confidence in the Lord

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The Scriptures clearly state that the Lord has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). The Lord’s plans cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2); He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and with the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand (Dan. 4:35); what He opens, no one can shut; and what He shuts, no one can open (Rev. 3:7). “So is My word that goes out from My mouth : It shall not return to me empty; but will ac­ complish what I desire and achieve the pur­ pose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). What a series of truths that strengthen and give con­ fidence that the Lord is in control even in times of trouble, especially for the missionary working with tribal people! We as a field are preparing to open a work in the Mayoruna tribe. Permission was re­ quested from the government and three families and one single missionary are anxiously waiting to open the work. Months have slipped by, with no permission granted, in spite of repeated requests and visits to the authorities in charge. There is always hope that it may come through “next month.” Did not the Lord send us here? Did He not ask

OCTOBER 26, 1990

Serving food to the flood victims. coming home from her daughter’s baby nouncements were made on the radio not to shower when suddenly it seemed as if a river publicly preach, but tracts were put into each came gushing down the street. Her car flood­ bag of food and personal witnessing was ed rapidly, with water up to her waist. She done. Peter helped in buying the food and stayed in the car, anxiously waiting. A distributing it to the different locations. We busdriver nearby shouted out to her to leave trust that many will come to know Christ and the car since the car in front of them had just build their future home on Jesus, the Rock overturned. The people in the bus tied belts of all ages. We praise the Lord for the national together and threw it out to her. With fear and believers who are involved in many lives here trembling, she grabbed the belt and swam in the city. At the same time we trust that they safely to the bus. No sooner had she arrived, will also catch the vision beyond the city to when her car was swept away. If Inez would the unreached tribes in the Sierra Madre have drowned she would be with her Saviour Mountains. now, but one wonders about the many that As we minister here as support workers to did drown. facilitate the missioneiries working in the tribe, The Baptist churches here in the city joined we also want to continue to be open to op­ together to make and serve meals to the many portunities God gives us here in the city for homeless. Some of the Mennonites donated the furtherance of the Gospel. food, clothing and money to buy food. An­ Peter and Mary Thiessen us to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation”? The missionary who knows in practice that the Lord opens and closes doors can be pa­ tient without disappointment, being confident that the Lord is in charge of what is happen­ ing, even if it means going to another tribe. Pray for the missionaries and the field leader­ ship as we reach out to the unreached with the Gospel. As the missionaries taught the Word to the Yanomami people in the tribal tongue, presenting it in greater detail to build a solid background, it resulted in more than one hun­ dred natives placing their faith in Christ. It is a thrill to see what is happening among these people and other tribes also. These young Christians need much additional teaching, especially those in villages with no other believers. They struggle with sins not even ac­ cepted in their culture. John, one of these believers, committed adultery, then foolishly threatened to kill the husband, who chal­ lenged him to fulfill his threat in the center of the village. The tribal culture demands that a threat be fulfilled, unless someone takes his weapon away from him so he can say, “1 would have killed him but someone took my weapon away from me.” Surrounded by a yelling, accusing crowd of men and women, the two men started to fight with knives, which were soon taken away from them. Then, after an hour of fierce anger and chest beating, they were exhausted. John walked out of the village as an enemy, still angry, with no in­ tention to return. Did Jesus not pray to the Father for believers, saying, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that You pro­ tect them from the evil one”? Did the Lord forget this young man? We know that man has a free choice of action but the Word also tells us that “the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts

as a son.” Will the Lord’s love and grace not follow this young man, no matter where he is? Does the missionary have confidence in the Lord’s faithfulness and love even when everything looks hopeless? Did not the Lord say, “So is my Word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the pur­ pose for which I sent it”? Many other stressful circumstances could be shared that face the missionary on the front lines. Pray for us, that we will have great con­ fidence in the Lord, peace of heart and a fer­ vent zeal that will not count the cost of reaching our fellowmen for Christ. Abe and Dee Koop

Nicaragua Project The Nicaragua church camp com­ mittee presented a building project to the Board of Missions. This project was approved by the Board on October 12, 1990. Project: Construct a cabin for fifty campers. The cost of material is estimated at $7500. It is planned that the cabin will be constructed by volunteer workers from both Nicaragua and Canada. Six persons from Canada are needed. Some experience in a building trade would be helpful. Construction dates are January 7-31, 1991. Accommodations and food will be supplied by the church in Nicaragua. If interested, contact Henry Klassen, Executive Secretary, Board of Missions, Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0, Phone 326-6401. Please send your donations for the . project to the Board of Missions, i PAGE 7

Messenger News NEW MEMBERS ACCEPTED

Swan River, Man.: Summer has taken flight on wings that soared with incredible speed, masking the events of those passing moments in a slightly distorted way, by the distance spanned. Praise God for special moments that continue to glow in our hearts, while many other events become less tangible. Baptism should delight the heart of every Christian. Sharing this special moment with those who declare their love for the Lord is one we can cherish forever. Listening to the testimonies of each can­ didate stined our hearts because their words expressed a sincere desire to live for God in every way. May our prayers help them to live their lives in commitment and obedience. Sunday, June 17, Paul Warkentin, Curtis Brandt, Brent Besselt, Trevor Warkentin, Audrey Sercombe and Richelle Scales shared their testimonies and were baptized. Rita Vandenbogerd shared her testimony as well and was accepted by transfer of membership. Friends and family members welcomed each new member with great joy and appreciation. Praise God for these young people who have joined the family of God, as His children. Linda Beadle

NEW PASTOR INSTALLED Pelly, Sask.: As you will know from previous reports, Robin and Donna Brignall and their three children moved to Pelly in early June to assume pastoral duties after Ernest and Elsie left to return to Paraguay. August 5 was the day set for their installation. Our Conference Pastor, Ed Friesen, was here for the occasion and spoke at the morning ser-

Baptism at the Swan River church. Back: Pastor Wil Warkentin. Middle row: Rita Vandenbogerd (transfer of membership), Paul Warkentin, Curtis Brandt, Brent Besselt, Trevor Warkentin. Front: Audrey Sercombe, Richelle Scales.

vice. Robin and Donna were accepted into the membership of our church. We extend the hand of welcome to them and trust they will feel a warmth and a real sense of belonging here. As it turned out, this day had a double meaning - it was also time to bid farewell to Tim and Laurel Schroder and son Rylan. Tim and Laurel spoke briefly about their future plans. They left later that day for Durham, Ont., where they are enrolled in a missionary development program for about a year. Following that, they will be in language school, in preparation for mission work in Papua New Guinea. Word has since been STEWARDSHIP SERIES

Robin and Donna Brignall and their sons, Nathan and Naaman. Missing from picture is seven-month-old Erin.

1 Tim, Laurel and Rylan Schroder. PAGE 8

Rosenort, Man.: Our adult Sunday school department this quarter is viewing the Lany Burkett film series, “How to Manage Your Money.” Mr. Burkett is certainly one of America’s foremost experts on financial mat­ ters, especially from a Christian perspective. We find his advice to be sound and helpful. After each film, our class has a discussion period on what has been presented, as well as on our workbooks. This helps us to apply the lesson to our own situations. Discussion leaders to this point have been Levi Brandt and Benny Friesen, and the main topics, “What is Wealth?” “God’s Will in Finances,” “The Perils of Money,” “Release from Servitute,” “Financial Planning - God’s Way,” and “Motives for Accumulating Wealth.” Debts, credit cards and greed have come under fire. Mr. Henry D. Brandt’s 96th birthday was celebrated with a family gathering at Frank C.L. Friesens’ home on September 16. He has since suffered a bad fall that necessitated a brief stay in hospital, but is back home again. His daughter Elizabeth keeps him company.

received from the Schroders and we are happy to hear that they have settled in well to the work and studies there. When you read this, Tim and Laurel, please accept greetings from all of us here. Our Sunday school picnic was held on September 2. Following the morning worship service, everyone headed for the Pelly Park, where the men fired up the barbecue and everyone enjoyed hotdogs, coffee, juice and dainties. Then it was time to tax a few muscles in a fun game of softball, where young and old participated. The weather was perfect for a picnic and we all enjoyed the afternoon. Vivian Anfinson Our college students this year include Greg Kroeker at SBC, Luella Loewen and Travis Loewen at WBC, Curtis Friesen, Gwen Friesen, Shell! Friesen, Calle Friesen, Russ Brandt, Don and David Kroeker at U. of M., and Audra Kornelsen at U. of W. Darren Reimer is at the U. of M. School of Medicine. We gave thanks to God at our morning worship service on October 7 (shouldn’t we always?). Nick Friesen’s uplifting message was based on Psalm 103:1-5. The evening pro­ gram was brought by the musical group, “The Language of Love,” from Prairie Rose, on the same theme. The harvest has truly been bounteous. May we be good stewards of all that God has given, including our talents. On October 14, Larry Eidse spoke on “Steward­ ship of our Gifts.” The AWANA program is again in full swing every Wednesday at the school, with Larry and many others utilizing those God-given gifts. Cornie and Tina Loewen have gone to On­ tario to conduct three weeks of evangelistic meetings in Virgil, Leamington and Mt. Salem. May God bless this ministry with many genuine responses! Levi Dueck THE MESSENGER

—j 9. YOUNG PEOPLE BAPTIZED

Rosenort Fellowship (Man.): Greetings from the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel! Our church is presently in a period of transition — We have said goodbye to our pastor and his wife, Stan and Alma Plett, and are in the pro­ cess of searching for a new leader. Stan and Alma are living in Vancouver, where Stan is studying for his master of divinity degree. Ken and Yolanda Quiring have been hired to fill the Youth Pastor position. They come to us from the Fort Garry EMC. Welcome! Ken and Yolanda have already endeared themselves to us as they plunged into the work with the youth. In June (yes, it was a long time ago) we welcomed 22 young people into the fellowship, 20 by baptism and two by a transfer of membership. We want to continue to encourage these young people as brothers and sisters in the fellowship. The summer was a time of welcome, but also a time of goodbyes. Besides Stan and Alma, we bid farewell to Jim and Terry Eidse, Norman and Brenda Thiessen and Gerald and Dianne Hiebert and their families, who have all moved to Kelowna, B.C. This summer Isaac and Mary Loewen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Gary and Laura Friesen, as well as Benjamin and Dianne Plett, celebrated their 25th an­ niversaries. Congratulations! Ang Brandt has been hired as part-time secretary for the church. Please pray with us as the pastoral search continues. Pray also for the deacons and Church Council as they take on the respon­ sibilities of leadership. Marj Heinrichs

MAINTAIN YOUR COOL ’90 Treesbank, Man.: Greetings from Treesbank! We have experienced an unusual “first” for our church - three funerals within a few weeks. In July, Joan Henderson, wife of our oldest member, Joe, was buried, with her seven sons and one daughter present. Daughter Katie has since taken her dad to Calgary and has committed herself to take care of him. On August 13, Vera Clark was laid to rest with family, many friends and neighbours at­ tending. Sunday mornings are not the same without Vera’s cheery “good morning.” Then, on August 1, Mr. P.D. Friesen was finally relieved of his earthly pain and suffer­ ing. Again, all his family and many friends had come to attend the memorial service. To all the lonely and grieving families, we wish for you the “peace that passeth all understanding” from Him who said, “Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me.” Thanksgiving has come and gone. About 120 people came to attend our annual sup­ per, after which we enjoyed a musical pro-

OCTOBER 26, 1990

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V Baptism at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel in June. Back (left to right): Warren Brandt, Steve Thiessen, Jon Kroeker, Garth Friesen, Jeff Brandt, Dustin Waldner, Paul Remple, Mar­ shall Zacharias, Myron Dueck, Chad Friesen (membership transfer). Pastor Stan Plett. Front: Michelle Thiessen, Sophia Eidse, Candace Martens, Ruth Rempel, Tanis Friesen (transfer), Angela Friesen, Monica Thiessen, Lola Eidse, Julie Giesbrecht, Sharon Cornelson, Tara Zacharias, Trish Rempel.

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Parent/child dedication at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel. Left to right: Shelley and Eldon Reimer with Danika, Shan and Dan Eidse with Tyson, Kelly and Nancy Rempel with Jennifer.

WANTED! Volunteers with training and experience in agriculture. Sample openings: •Horticulturalists, Agronomists - Bangladesh •Market GardenlTree Nursery Supervisor - Nigeria •Agronomy Instructor - Zaire •Reforestation Worker - Haiti •Agriculture Development Worker - Haiti

For these and other openings, contact MCC Canada Personnel Services, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9. (204) 261-6381.

gram by musicians from Nesbitt, Wawanesa, Glenboro and Treesbank. A big thank you to the organizing committee; we all appreciate your efforts. We’re looking forward to Deeper Life serv­ ices with Mel Koop and a missionary conference. Esther Plett

We give God thanks for the successful weekend, even though we experienced some tense moments getting everything organized. I was encouraged by the positive attitude of the young people and their willingness to help. I encourage you to keep striving toward perfection in your Christian life. Glen Brandt

On August 10-12, “Maintain Your Cool ’90,” our annual youth retreat, was held along the beautiful sandy beach of Lake Manitoba. We enjoyed piles of games in the famous “Treesbank” style, namely “Weird.” These in­ cluded blindfolded baseball and “Homemade Commercials.” Much of the free time was spent on the beach. In our sessions we were taken on a trip through the life of David, making him a pat­ tern for our lives. When God chose David for a king, he seemed the least likely, according to human standards. This should encourage us; God can use us, no matter how insignifi­ cant we feel. Thank you, Gari and Cindy. A special thanks to our cooks, Bill and Bon­ nie of Portage, and Kerry and Myrna of Rosenort. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us.

REGION 2 CONFERENCE Dates: Saturday, November 3, 1:00 - 9:00

Sunday, November 4, 10:00 - 4:00

Theme: “Stewardship” Speaker: John Koop

Place: Swift Current Bible Institute Swift Current, Sask. You are welcome!

REGION 8 LADIES’ DAY Saturday, November 3 Blumenort EMC, Man.

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Edwin and Tina Barkman ceiebrated their 50th anniversary at Landmark on June 9. GOLDEN WEDDINGS CELEBRATED

Landmark, Man.: Mrs. Tina Barkman thoughtfully put away her diary for the day, a practice since their wedding day. Quite com­ posed as usual, she thought, “Well, whatever will be, will be.” Their eleven children and grandchildren were busy secretly preparing for the big day, June 9, at the Prairie Rose church. Even their daughter Evelyn had been able to have her furlough include this day before going back to Mali, Africa. Golden weddings are special, and the guests were to hear and see some of the events the Barkmans had experienced. The previously recorded conversation of pioneer days by the Barkman siblings was interesting. A good slide presentation rolled back the time to the courtship, marriage and family of Edwin and Tina Barkman. The children and grandchildren went to great lengths to dramatize events recorded in “The Diary of

KATHERINE REIMER 1902 - 1990

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25). It has pleased the heavenly Father to call to himself our mother on September 27, 1990, at 6:00 a.m., at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach. She reached the age of 88 years and SVz months. She was born to her parents, John and Anna Klassen, on May 16, 1902, in Kleefeld, Man. She grew up in the Twin Creek School district. After she accepted Christ she was bap­ tized and received as a member of the Kleingemeinde church (now EMC) by Rev. Peter Dueck. Although she experienced spiritual struggles, by the grace of God she overcame and was concerned about the spiritual welfare of her children and grandchildren. She married our father, Peter Reimer, on June 22, 1919, with Rev. Jacob R. Dueck officiating. They shared life together for 67 years. Mother loved gardening, cooking and hard work, was an avid reader, and was involved in chiropractic work. She felt fulfilled in pro­ viding a foster home for six-year-old Frank Reimer for a few years. Our parents resided in Blumenort, PAGE 10

Kiass and Mary Plett and their family on the occasion of the Pletts' 50th anniversary celebration.

Tina Barkman.” With the litany appropriate­ ly written for this occasion, the audience agreed, “Because we have experienced God’s faithfulness in the past we can say with con­ fidence, ‘Surely the Lord will be with us.’ ” A delicious, hot supper, followed by “an open mike,” brought this celebration to a blessed conclusion. Can you picture Uncle Klass playing his harmonica for the children just before bedtime years ago? The familiar tune was “Lass die Herzen Immer Froehlich” (Let Your Hearts Be Ever Joyful). This proved to be so precious that they asked him to play it again at their golden wedding, July 26, at the Prairie Rose church. (The actual date was July 7.) What a celebration for Klass and Mary Plett! The whole family of eight children and their spouses and the grandchildren were present. Missionaries Bob and Adeline Storey were home on furlough from Thailand and the Richardsons flew in for a short one-month

furlough from Colombia. Two grandsons shared of the good times they had enjoyed on the farm with their grandparents. A skit on their courting days drew chuckles from the audience. The immediate family members shared of the pleasant and difficult times of yesteryear. Aunt Susana’s home­ going on the mission field had had a solemn influence. Two daughters subsequently went to Bible school and further training, found their “men” and went to the mission field. A precious poem dedicated to the honoured couple was read by Viola Plett, now with the Lord. The delicious supper that day somehow did not end this blessed event. The next day the whole family of 41 continued this homecoming at the Star Lake Keswick Center in the Whiteshell Provincial Park for the weekend, with fun, games, laughter and sing­ ing. Before they parted, they all joined hands in a prayer, singing “Bind Us Together, Lord.” Harold Plett

Wawanesa and Kleefeld, with their later years in Steinbach. Mother spent considerable time at Rest Haven Care Home, Extended Care Unit, and the last 12 years at the Bethesda Personal Care Home. She had several ma­ jor operations and other minor ones in her lifetime. In the last few months she became weaker and also experienced some heart problems. Lately she expressed a desire to go to be with the Lord. Left to mourn her passing are three daughters: Anna, Mrs. Ed Toews (Steinbach), Mary, Mrs. Tony Kornelsen (Steinbach), Tina, Mrs. Henry Kornelsen (Fort Frances, Ont.); two sons, Levi and wife Annie (Clearbrook, B.C.), Peter and wife Elda (Steinbach); two brothers, David and Abe Klassen, as well as 48 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Peter; one daughter, Betty Harder; one grandson, Norman Reimer; one great­ grandchild, Danae Barkman; one great-greatgrandchild, Jonathon Thiessen; four brothers, Peter, John, Cornelious and Jacob; two sisters, Anna and Justina Plett. We are looking forward to meeting her in the heavenly mansions prepared for us. The family wishes to thank all those who visited, prayed and expressed love during her illness. A hearty thank you to her special friend, Mrs. Falk, and the Personal Care Home nurses and staff.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 1, 1990, 2:00 p.m., at the Ridgewood E.M. Church, with Bill Penner and Fred Klassen officiating. Arrangements were by Loewen Funeral Chapel. The Family

CORRECTION: Mrs. John F. Janzen’s name is GETRUDA, and not Gertruda, as printed in the Oct. 12 Messenger. \Ne apologize for the error. T/je Editor

Weddings KUNTZ - HAMABERG: Garry Kuntz and Gloria Hamaberg were married on August 11, 1990. The wedding took place at the Brandon E.M. Church, with Dave Wiebe of Brandon officiating. The cou­ ple is making their home in Hudson Bay, Sask. SCHELLENBERG - KOOP: Harvey, son of Neil and Judy Schellenberg of Rosenort, Man., was married on June 9, 1990 to Jeannine, daughter of Harry and Norma Koop of Rosenort. The wed­ ding took place at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, with C.S. Ginter of Winnipeg officiating. The cou­ ple is making their home in Winnipeg. ISAAC - SCHELLENBERG: Glenn, son of Donald and Norma Isaac of Rosenort, Man., and Laura, daughter of Neil and Judy Schellenberg of Rosenort, were married at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel on August 25, 1990. C.S. Ginter of Win­ nipeg officiated. The couple is residing in Winnipeg. THE MESSENGER

CONFERENCE COUNCIL MEETING SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M. KLEEFELD, MANITOBA •Board and Committee Goals for 1991 •1991 Budget •Constitution Revision Church Administration Conference Administration

OBSERVERS ARE WELCOME

Book Review Plett, Delbert F. Pioneers and Pilgrims; The Mennonite Kleine Gemeinde in Manitoba, Nebraska and Kansas, 1874 to 1882 (D.F.P. Publica­ tions, Box 1960, Steinbach, MB, 1990) 604 pp. Index. $25.00. Reviewed Rodden Loewen Here is “Volume Five” of Delbert Plett’s “The Mennonite Kleine Gemeinde Historical Series.” Like his previous book. Profile of the Kleine Gemeinde: 1874, this is a fascinating collection of writings, some written by our Kleine Gemeinde ancestors and some by present-day historians. There are five diverse sections in this book. The first section is a rich collection of let­ ters by the pioneers of the Manitoba and Nebraska communities. The letter writers in­ clude several forefathers of present-day EMCers; they include Steinbach’s merchant Klaas R. Reimer, Delegate David Klassen from Rosenhof, Rev. Abraham Kornelson of Heuboden, Jacob Barkman, Cornelius Friesen and others. The letters contain intri­ guing descriptions of the problems and joys of migrating to a new land, Canada, and establishing village communities in the wilderness of Manitoba. In total there are 192 letters or notes of letters in this collection. The second section of the book includes personal reminiscences of the pioneer years in Manitoba. Several of these memoirs have been published earlier but have been out of print for years, while other have never before been translated into English. Their ap­ pearance here is, therefore, welcomed. Section three contains six works by local historians including Delbert Plett, Henry Fast and John C. Reimer. Plett’s essay about the socio-economic background of the 1874 im­ migrants stands as an important revision to the idea that these people were “poor and

OCTOBER 26, 1990

Over the years a number of people have raised the question as to why the EMC does not have a Conference-wide women’s organization. This concern was focused recently in a letter received from the committee responsible for the 1990 convention ladies’ session. This commit­ tee suggests that if there were an ongoing “women’s executive” there would be greater continuity in planning the conven­ tion ladies’ sessions from year to year and other matters of business and concern would be facilitated. May I suggest a few other reasons for considering a Conference women’s organization: 1. Other Conferences have one. At some point in their history they must have decid­ ed that there was a meaningful role for such an organization. 2. It would initiate and facilitate Conference-wide fellowship of women. 3. It would provide a channel for explor­ ing and giving direction to issues of par­ ticular concern to women. 4. A women’s organization might help to more fully tap the tremendous strengths and resources that women bring to Kingdom work. 5. At present we’re not always sure where to direct issues which would normally be directed to such an organization; e.g., relating to AIMM Ladies’ Auxiliary, etc., as well as who is responsible to address social issues of particular concern to

women. But before we proceed with structuring a Conference women’s organization, we should also note some other considerations: 1. In the letter referred to earlier, the com­ mittee notes that originally the purpose of the convention ladies’ session was “to ac­ commodate wives of delegates. Then it was open to all women. However, now that women are also elected as delegates, having a session for women only may not be adequate. Should there also be a ses­ sion for men only?” This quotation hints at some of the change happening re women’s role in the Conference and raises the question, “In view of greater participa­ tion of women in Conference affairs, is now the time for a women’s only organization?” 2. Though an ongoing women’s executive would provide more continuity to planning the annual convention ladies’ session, there is also something creative about hav­ ing the women of the area where the con­ vention is held (e.g.. Swan River and area, 1991) do the planning and hosting, draw­ ing on the strengths and resources of their region. 3. Given the geographic spread of our Conference (4500 km east to west), it would be a challenge to make the organization representative and effective. 4. We should also check with other Conferences. What is the mission statement of their women’s organizations? Has it changed over the years? What do they envision as their key focus for the nineties? Having listed some of the pros and cons, the floor is now yours. What do you think (aside from the fact that I as a male am out of my field in commenting on the issue)?

simple.” Plett shows, through careful research, that both the Bergthaler and Kleine Gemeinde immigrants were “average to above average in their financial standing.” Henry Fast’s article is a detailed description of the early Mennonite fire insurance agency in Manitoba, the “Brandverordnung.” With the help of recently discovered fire insurance books from the 1870s, he describes how buildings and animals were assessed, how in­ surance money was collected and how fires were fought. An interesting appendix to the study describes each of the 36 fires in the Kleine Gemeinde areas around Steinbach and Rosenort between 1875 and 1897. Genealogical researchers will be excited about section four of the book. Mr. Plett has carefully put together the family trees of ten more Kleine Gemeinde families: these include the Jacob Barkman, Gerhard Schellenberg, Johan Harms and Peter Epp families, as well as lesser known Esau, Fast, Harder, Heide­ brecht, Warkentin and Wiens families. Some

of these, like the Epp family, have been traced back to 1690. The final section is the most detailed ac­ count to date of the Holdeman/Kleine Gemeinde schism of 1882. The eight different first-hand accounts of this painful church split recreate the day-to-day drama of John Holdeman’s visit to Manitoba in the winter of 1881/82, the decision of Elder Peter Toews to leave his Kleine Gemeinde flock, and the inner turmoil of leaders like Jacob Kroeker of Rosenort who were left to pick up the pieces in the old church. Plett has chosen to present both sides of this story, with four Holdemans and four Kleine Gemeinders giving their reasons for decisions they made, and offer­ ing frank opinions about their neighbours who belonged to the “other” church. This is a fine collection of historical writings that add to the already rich history of our Con­ ference and its founding families. Delbert Plett needs to be congratulated for serving us in this way.

Edwin Friesen Conference Pastor

EMC Women's Auxiliary

PAGE 11

From the Editor MISSIONS: FRILL OR PRIORITY? THIS IS THE SEASON of missions conferences. About onehalf of our churches are having a missions conference during October or November. Other churches have similar events at other times, such as winter or spring. But the concentration seems to be heaviest in the fall. Why, I don’t know. I would think a missions conference is appropriate anytime. Usually a missions conference includes the presence of one or several missionaries. The only thing more effective than receiving a firsthand report from the missionary is going to the mission field yourself. Not many are able to do that, so we gratefully listen to the missionary reports. Apparently a few of our churches have found a way to have a conference without missionaries. I wonder how they do it? It seems to me the mis­ sionary is the core of the event. Obviously, with so many conferences clustered in a short space of time, it puts a lot of stress on the missionaries. They are expected to travel from place to place, spending many weekends of their precious furlough time away from “home.” It dispels the myth that furlough is a relaxing, restful holiday, away from the rigours of missionary service. I suppose the little boy who wanted to be a “missionary on furlough” when he grew up, had never accompanied a missionary to conferences week after week. Come to think of it, I have never heard a missionary com­ plain about having to report in churches. They seem genuinely pleased to do so, even if they cannot relate glowing stories of masses of people coming to the Lord. They are actually real, ordinary people, not much different from the rest of us. They seem to appreciate the teamwork of the task shared with the churches — praying, giving and going. And surely we, likewise, seek to do our part in this partnership. Often the full effect of the missionary presence is not im­ mediately realized. Marguerite, who has served in the West In­ dies for many years, was asked what had influenced her to become a missionary. She replied, “The missionaries that my mother invited to our home.” The Lord had used the personal contact, indirectly, to call her into His service. Parents, invite missionaries to your home. Expose your children to these choice servants of the Lord. In our conferences various means are used to get the message across. I recall one conference where numerous attractively-prepared mottoes were hung on the walls of the sanctuary. No matter where you looked one of the mottoes grabbed your attention. The one that has stuck with me is: “God had only one Son, and He was a missionary.” Jesus Christ was sent to earth from heaven to provide and proclaim salvation from sin. He came. He said, to seek and to save the lost. On another occasion He said, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). He commissions us to be His ambassadors, representing Him to others.

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Abe Koop, Brazil

WE WERE BLESSED this summer to have several national Christians from Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Zaire at our convention. When one of the Nicaraguan believers was introduced, he smiled warmly at the interpreter beside him and said, “This friend led me to the Lord.” That was a stirring mo­ ment. Here, before our eyes, was one example of the whole business of missions. One person, who without Christ would be lost, forever separated from God, was standing among us, a beloved brother in the Lord. Furthermore, he is active in Chris­ tian ministry in his country. Last winter, in the mission office in Manaus, Abe Koop showed us a map of Brazil. Pins stuck into the map identified the locations where the Gospel message was being proclaimed. We met Brazilian Christians preparing to minister to the tribal people. It thrilled us to sense the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Arrows on another map, in the Radio ZP-30 building at Filadelfia in Paraguay, showed the extent of coverage of the radio signal. Word had just been received from a new area in northern Chile where people were listening to the programs. The report told how a congregation there had printed invita­ tions to listen to the broadcasts, and were handing them out in their community. The dedicated staff of Paraguayans, Mennonites, Indians and Canadians al ZP-30, who broadcast the gospel in seven languages, are encouraged to hear that the message is being received. Early on a March Sunday morning at La Esperanza our hearts were touched to hear a Lengua pastor read the Scrip­ tures to his people in his own language. The missionary who had translated those Scriptures was in their midst. The con­ gregation sang hymns, some with tunes familiar to us, translated into their language, while others were of their own composition. More than ever, missions must be a priority for us, not a frill or an option. We commend those in our churches who are seeking to keep the vision alive, for “where there is no vision the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). We dare not slacken our efforts. By working together we can fulfill the responsibility God has given us. The physical and spiritual welfare of people is at stake, both for this life and the life hereafter. This calls for fervent prayer, sacrificial giving and sending those who are willing to go. Time is running out. Jesus said, “night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Menno Hamm THE MESSENGER