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EVANGELICAL

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i But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 And when the day of Pentecost was come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from hea ven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, as as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another. Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Acts 2:1-8 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them three thousand souls. Acts 2:41

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IN THIS ISSUE

i Eidses Back to Kamayala

Called to Holiness

United Youth Rally 5

Forty Attend Instruction Classes 7

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“IF YE LOVE MZ^ KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.”

ST. JOHN 14:15

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THE FEAR OF THE LORD

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.’’ thus writes the late A. W. Tozer in his book, “The Knowledge of the Holy.’’ In order for the statement to produce effect we must let it sink in; we must stop and ponder it. All who take the time to do this will in the end have to agree with the writer. “. . . thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself . . .’’ says the Lord to Israel (Ps. 50:21) This low thinking; this equating of the Lord with mortal man was one of the factors which contributed to Israel’s back sliding. “I think God turns His back when I do wrong,” said one man. Again likening the Holy one of Israel with man. Thinking of this nature can end only in inconsistant, de feated living. Because of this philosophy we find multi tudes today with no fear of God before their eyes. Our lives are shaped by what we think of God. Tozer goes so far as to say that, “Were we able to extract from man a complete answer to the question, ‘What comes into your mind when you think about God?’ we might pre dict with certainty the spiritual future of that man.” When man is in the presence of the Lord, all argu^ ments cease. Isaiah cried out “Woe is me, for I am un done,” (Is. 6:5) and confessed his transgressions. Peter ex claimed “Depart from me for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” (Luke 5:8). When God manifested His glory to Moses the sight was so terrible that Moses said “I exceedingly fear and quake.” Heb. 12:21). Daniel’s encounter with God was maybe the most dread ful of all. He sees one whose face is as the appearance of lightening and His eyes as lamps of fire and the voice like the voice of a multitude. Writing about this he says, “. . . there remained no strength in me; for my comliness was turned in me into corruption and I retained no strength.” (Daniel 10:6, 8). The account in Acts tells us that first century Christians walked in the fear of the Lord. (Acts 9:31). Where do we see this manifested today? That ours is a day of moral and spiritual decay none can deny and remain truthful. This is the result of small, light thinking about God. People who realize that choices determine destiny do not act that way. Yet, sad to say, many Christians too seem to get caught in the web of the spirit of this age. And far from being useful in the king dom of God they are a stumbling block and a hinderance. A return to the fear of God and to “the knowledge of the Holy”, would solve many a problem in individual and church today. I believe we would be safe in saying, every problem. Convicted of sin by God’s faithful prophet Nathan, the storm of his fault raged in David’s brea.st. But David had not utterly forsaken God nor had God for saken him. He realized that God was just and would be justified in whatever sentence. He imposed upon him. Here David cast himself upon the Lord and found that a

broken and contrite heart was acceptable to God (Ps. 51). Many a young person, we fear, is out of the will of God today because of having lost the fear of God. Vows have been broken, promises forgotten, goals set in Bible school fallen by the wayside. In their place is worldly ambition, keeping up with the Jonses, and personal gain. Where else can lie the reason for the lack of Christian workers. Thus it is imperative that we, you and I every one who names the name of Christ to be useful Christians mu.st walk in the fear of the Lord. Herein lies the secret of be ing used of Him. ♦ ♦

Glancing. . a FOR THE BUSY READER SOUTH AMERICAN MENNONITE TOURING NORTH AMERICAN CHURCHES Akron, Pa. (MCC)—Martin Duerksen, an Evangelical Mennonite Brethren pastor from South America, will be touring churches in the U.S. and Canada from May 14 co June 2. He is in North America to study Voluntary Service, become acquainted with his Peace Section as signment for MCC, visit the various conference offices, and speak in a number of churches on the Christian wit ness in South America and his own particular assignment. During his itinerary, Duerksen will visit churches in Manitoba, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Indiana, and Ohio. He will also attend the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Executive Committee Meeting at Oma ha, Nebraska, on May 25.

RUSSIAN BAPTISTS ACCEPT INVITATON TO VISIT NORTH AMERICAN MENNONITES Akron, Pa. (MCC)—The Baptists of the Soviet Union have accepted an invitation from the Mennonite Central Committee to send a delegation of four church leaders to visit Mennonite communities in the United States and Canada for three weeks in May and June. Arrangements for the visit were made in cooperation with the Baptist World Alliance, Washington, D.C. Their U.S. intinerary includes visits to Goshen-Elkhart, Ind.; Bluffton, Ohio; Chicago, Ill.; Kansas; Kalona, Iowa; and Scottdale, Lancaster County, and Franconia, Pa. Ar rangements for a visit to Ontario are also being worked out . The puropse of their coming is to give the Mennonites an opportunity to fellowship with Christians from the Sov iet Union and to discuss with them the subject of Biblical discipleship and peace.

The Messenger Official organ, In the English language, of the EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE. Published bi-weekly under the aus pices of the E.M.C. BOARD OP PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATION. Editor, David K. Scliellenberg, 502 Fifth Ave. N.W., Portage la Prairie, Man. All new subscriptions and change of address should be sent to Mr. Abe Klassen. Box 144", Steinbaclt, Man. Subscription price to non-members $1.00 per year. All EM.C. members pay through the church. Authorized as second class mall. Post Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage In cash.

THE MESSENGER

MISSIONS In the beginning of March several of us returned by plane for a few days to Kamayala (CIM) and Kajiji (a Mennontie Brethren station 65 miles southwest of here). Later in March and in the beginning of April we came back to occupy the two stations. Helen and the girls expect to remain in Leo poldville until June 6th, the end of the school year — although at pre sent Helen, Hope and Grace are here for a week’s visit. Terrorist Activity We have been made keenly aware of the problem of communication these days. Reports to the contrary, Kama yala has never been attacked nor burned, though Kandale another CIM station was destroyed by fire. Terror ists are still active across the Kwilu River 25 miles from here but have never come any closer. The army is on the offensive and has launched at tacks into the area. On such occasions the rebels invariably go into hiding rather than engage the soldiers in op en combat

Tribal Friction Considerable tribal friction (no ac tual fighting though) between the Ba lunda and Bachoke has caused grave concern here. Regional chiefs are sel ected mainly from the minority, Lun-

EIDSES BACK AT KAMAYALA da tribe. The Chokwe, the larger tribe, is dissatisfied with this subservient position and has been negotiating with the central government concerning the formation of a province of its own. It maintains that this would not ex clude the other tribe. This has stirred up the consternation of the Balunda who regard this as a threat to their status. Consequently, they have fab ricated numerous false charges against Bachoke leaders in an attempt to quelch this movement known as “The Alliance of Tshokwe of the Con go, and Angola and of Rhodesia.” Our school director, Mbuyuyu Pierre was one of the many imprisoned on false charges. Pastor Manuel, his fa ther, was beaten severely and held hostage until his son gave himself up. I witnessed Pierre being brought in to prison on a truck filled with sol diers. By that time he had great diffi culty walking, but they still kept on beating him. After two months' im prisonment he was acquitted. His vic torious testimony thrilled our hearts. You might see it in “The Messenger”. (See next issue. Ed.) Crucial Issues In recent days our church council has been confronted with a number of crucial issues. Due to the involvement of some of the church members in the

tribal quarrels the council decided not to serve communion until there was re conciliation. As soon as the mattei was discussed a pastor who had been involved broke down saying, “I know I have sinned grievously, and have al ready cried much to the Lord for for giveness.” It should be noted that many took a firm stand on the prin ciples of the Sermon on the Mount in spite of slander and abuse. Special meetings have been announced for next week, designed to encourage Christians to get right with the Lord and with one another. A teacher, en gaged to a state official’s daughter, had fallen into sin. The stateman threatened to send soldiers to bum the mission village if he was taken off the job. In fear and trembling the affair was cut. No soldiers have ar rived yet. Eternal Life Fourteen people were baptized at the local state post last Saturday. Monday was homegoing day for Chief Mose of our leper colony. “I’m not afraid to die,” he said shortly be fore his call came. In spite of the fact that his wife left him because of his disease he fought a good fight: he fin ished his course. His robe of white bears no trace of leprosy. The Eidses

THIRTY TAKE PART IN HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSES l l.lN FLON

First hand information was received here this last week-end from Mission ary Harvey Barkman, who recently returned from the Congo. One session was lield on Saturday, April 25th and three on Sunday. It is our prayer that the reports and challenges given will linger in the hearts of the hearers to bring forth further eternal fruit. We are comforted in the thought that confusion may reign in the hearts and minds of men but God is never con fused. God is always Sovreign! Fields White to Harvest At this time we want to express our thanks to the church at MacGregor May 15, 1964

and Steinbach for the fellowship en joyed and also for the opportunity to briefly report of the work here in Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. We trust the Holy Spirit will be able to convey some of the spoken word as a challenge to some youthful heart. The fields are indeed white unto har vest, but “labourers” are few! Presently we are planning on a brief teachers training course in or der that some of our local people will be able to fill the vacancies which will be left by our now present teaching staff. Seemingly, half of our Sunday school staff will leave us for the sum mer months. Already, we see the Lord providing us for the coming needs.

Bible Study Courses Over 30 Home Study Bible Courses have been distributed and the Lord is blessing. Correcting and answering the extra questions on the work sheets seems to keep me busy and hopping. Besides the lessons, it seems to be a real witnessing course. We are grateful to our Conference for the purchases of a tape-recorder. This will certainly prove to be a tre mendous asset to the radio work. This being a special project we invite cheerful donors to send their desig nated gifts to our Conference Secre tary: Rev. P. L. Friesen, R.R.1, Mor ris, Man. Thank you. Melvin and Mary Koop 3

Called to Holiness By Archie Penner Holiness Defined “Holiness” seems to be a word which is fast becoming obsolete. It is a word which does not seem to fit into our way of life anymore. It might have been a word which was much used by our forefathers, but today, well, times have changed, we are told. Per haps, if we were to take a census on what people today understand by “hol iness”, it might not come as surprise to hear something like this; “To be holy means to be an oddball.” To oth ers, it might mean prudishness. Others again might equate it to puritanicalism in a bad sense. While still others would call it fanaticism or misfitism. Needless to say, all this sounds sacrilegious to the spiritually sensitive mind. And so it should be. If these at titudes were only brought to expres sion outside of the Christian Church, it would be understandable. But this is not only the case. So powerful has the impact of our surrounding cul ture become, that such thinking is al ready eating like a cancer at the vital organs of the Church. Whatever may be the modern atti tude on holiness, one thing is cer tain. Down the hallowed corridors of sacred history comes the living injunc tion of a Holy God: “BE YE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY”. (1 Pet 1:16; Cf. Lev. 11:54). Harmoniously in accord with this truth beats the redeemed heart in the breast of the saint when he reads, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14). Fin ally, the meaning of “holiness” be comes of highest importance when Paul reveals to us the mystery of the purpose of our election in Jesus Christ. He states pointedly: “According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame be fore him . . .” (Eph. 1:4). Mark care fully: “THAT WE SHOULD BE HO LY . . .” You and I, then, are chosen or elected to fulfill God’s purpose of holiness. I ask, therefore: Can there be any responsibility more charged with agony, or, any privilege more vibrant with triumph and victory? Scriptural holiness is God’s eternal command, Christ’s supreme gift, man’s utmost need and the saints’ consum ing desire.

The word “holiness” is rich in meaning. One part of its meaning is “difference’’ and “separation”. These ideas are then combined with dedica tion to God and used on behalf of God. To be holy, then, refers to that which is different from the ordinary and the common, and thus separate from these, while at the same time, being wholly dedicated to God and existing for His exclusive use. A temple is holy because it is differ ent from other buildings. A priest is holy because he is different from oth er men. A victim of sacrifice is holy because it is different from other ani mals. God is supremely holy because He is absolutely different from men. 1 hu3 it is that when God chooses man to be His son. He chooses him to be different from other men. Here is the fact and the challenge which the Church in our time has been so slow to face. William Barclay, the noted Scottish Biblical scholar at the University of Glasgow, in his book — The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians — re minds us that “In the early Church the Christian never had any doubt that he must be different from the world; he in fact, knew that he must be so different that the probability was that the world would kill him, and the certainty was that the world would hate him.” But, we have a right to ask: Is this the tendency today? Hardly! The strikingly apparent desire seems to be that the modern church member seeks to play down the difference between the Church and the world. We have taken the position, it seems, that if only our lives are decent and respect able according to current modes and standards it is quite alright to be called a Christian. But, says Barclay emphatically, the Christian should be indentifiable in the world. He goes on, “It must always be remembered that this difference on which Christ insists is not a differ ence which takes a man out of the world; it makes him different within the world. It should be possible to identify the Christian in the school the shop, the factory, the office, the hospital ward, everywhere.” “And,” the Scottish author contin.

ues, “the difference is this — that the Christian lives and works and be haves, not as any human laws compel him to do, but as the law of Christ compels him to do. A Chirstlan teach er is not out to satisfy the regula tions of an educatonal authority or headmaster, he is out to satisfy the demands of Christ, and that will al most certainly mean a very different attitude to the pupils under h i s charge.’’ Barclay goes on, “A Christ ian workman is not out to satisfy the regulations of a Trade Union, but of Jesus Christ, which will certainly make him a very different kind of workman, and which may well end in him being so different that he is expelled from the union.” So speaks the Scottish di vine. It must here be added that where an organ or a segment of society ex ists, and that the reasons for its ex istence are based on principles con trary to the principle of holiness, which includes in its very core agape love and all that this love means, there the Christian, who is different, does not identify himself with this organ of society only to be expelled. Ra ther, as a witness to man and against sin and strife, violence and injustice, he declines membership. He is com pelled to do this on the basis of his own principles of holiness. A Christian doctor or nurse cannot a.s an exponent of divine holiness, which is their dearest treasure, re gard a sick person as a case. The ail ing one, regardless of his illness or in firmity or age, is always the person, whom God loves and for whom Christ died. In this also the Christian doctor and nurse are different. “Or,” says Barclay, “a Christian employer who takes holiness serious ly will be different. He will be guided by the laws of Christ whether he pro fits by them or not. He will not, as Christ would not, use men and love things. Rather, he will share all the “graces of life” and use aU things for the mutual benefit of employer and employee. “It is the simple fact of the matter,” says Barclay finally, “that if enough Christians became hagios (holy), dif ferent, answerable solely to Christ, they would revolutionize society.” In deed, holiness will revolutionize our being, our speech, our personal and social ethics, our mission, our all. May the “very God of peace sanctify (make holy) you wholly” is the will of your God. the messenger

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TRUTH for youth My Testimony “Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.” About four years ago I claimed this promise as my own. I can still distinctly ' remember that night when the peace of sins forgiven was mine for the first time. Since that night this peace has often been shattered by the onslaughts of the Devil, and some times even doubted whether fighting the . ■ Christian battle was worth the effort. These discouragements and times of uncertainty were due largely to the fact that I didn’t have a real time of fellowship with my master each 1^ day. The problems of having a regular quiet time is still very real to me today, but as with other problems Christ has always been ready and willing to help me in this too. Through teaching Sunday School and D.V.B.S. I have found that ii. is truly a pleasure to serve the Lord. It has led me to a deeper spiritual life in making me realize that I in my own strength can do nothing for Christ. I found that only as I put my faith on Him and relied on Him completely could He use me in His service. Seeing some of the homes in which Christ had no place also made me much more thankful for my Christian parents and church. As I finish high school it is my earnest prayer and desire that I might be found in such close fellowship with my master that he can clearly and definitely lead me wherever he wants me to go. When I try to visualize for myself the suffering that Christ had to endure for me on that cruel cross I realize that I can never begin to repay him, but it is my desire that I might be completely surrendered to his will so that he can use me in whatever way he sees fit. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” Psalm 84:11-12 Menno Kornelsen R.R. 1, Box 95 Morris, Man. (Menno is 18 and taking Grade XII at the Boesnort Collegiate. Ed.)

“FOB EVEBYTHING” I am not satisfied to say “Thank Thee, Lord,” three times a day; For all around me everywhere There is so much to show His care; So many good gifts I can see That whisper of His love to me, I want to run and laugh and shout And let the gladness all come out. So I have made this song to sing: “Thank Thee, Lord, for everything.” —Author Unknown

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UNITED YOUTH BALLY HEARS DR. PETERS In spite of rainy weather and mud dy roads last week-end, the Austin Community Hall was filled to capacity three times during the second annual United Youth Rally, held Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3. The theme of the Rally was “Am I a debtor—to my home, to my community, and to my Creator?”

May 15, 1964

The well-attended Rally was spon sored by six Mennonite Churches of the MacGregor, Austin and Gladstone districts. The meetings were chaired by John Bergman of Austin, and Marvin Thiessen directed the singing and con ducted a 65-voice choir of local Young People. Pianist for the choir was Nor ma Peters. The programs were round ed out by duets, trios, quartets, in« strumental music, and a skit. ,

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The main feature at each of the three sessions was an inspiring ad dress by the guest speaker. Dr. Frank C. Peters of Winnipeg. Dr. Peters, an instructor at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College, is an experienced youth worker. His talks were spiced with il lustrations gleaned from years of ex perience. In discussing the theme Dr. Peters pointed out that our debts to our home, community and God arise from values and benefits received from these sources. Since these values cannot be measured quantatively in dollars and cents, we are unable to put a price tag on what we owe to our home, our community, and our God, he said. In view of these physical, moral, intellec tual and spiritual benefits, young peo ple were encouraged to consider their position and responsibilities. They were challenged to maintain high standards in their lives, using the Bi ble as the guide for faith and practice. Experience has proved, he maintained that inner happiness is achieved by those who faithfully follow these prin ciples. 5

CHILDREN’S STORY

CHUMA FINDS A BABY By Charles Ludwig Without answering Chuma handed the new baby to Limoni and crawled inside with Tuti. At first she could see nothing, and was only conscious of a damp musty smell. But soon be came accustomed to the darkness and could see a good way into the cave. It was fairly large, and in the centre it was high enough for them to sit up comfortably. Chuma estimated that there was about twice as much space in it as there had been in the hut that had burned. All at once she felt something cold and clammy run across her foot. She started to cry out, and would have; but she knew that if she did they would be discovered and the new baby would be thrown away. Then she noticed that it was only a lizzard. It was about as long as her foot, and had a huge puffy htad like a cobra when it’s about to strike. Tuti noticed the green thing slither by and started to cry. “Hush, Little Fat Brother,” whispered Chuma des perately, “a lipongo (lizzard) wouldn’t hurt you!” After she had quieted him she sat him down by Limoni and then went over to the mouth of the cave to lis ten. 'The voices of the people were clear, although the only one she recognized was that of her father. “We’ve got to do something about these white peo ple,” he was saying. “They are spoiling my business. Before they came all the boys and girls had their teeth pried out. No one had to urge them to have it done. If anyone waited it was be cause they didn’t have enough beans to pay for the work. Now if’s differ ent. The young people all want to keep their lower teeth, and whenever I see anyone with his lower teeth it makes me sick in my stomach! Chuma, my own daughter, has refused to have hers out! “This morning when she struggled with me I was angry enough to beat her with the Kiboko. But she is a brave girl and did save Tuti’s life, and I’m thankful,” “Why dont’ you make a medicine that will make her want to have her teeth out?” suggested a voice she did not recognize. 6

“I already have,” returned the witch doctor grimly. “I’m not worried about that. The thing that bothers me most is Sabetti. As you know she had twins. One of them died, and I made her throw the other one away. She put it in a pot by an old osiolo tree. Yester day I went through the tall grass by the tree to see how it was, and the pot was empty. I . . . Chuma didn’t get to hear the rest of the sentence, for at that moment Li moni started to shout, “Ingwe! Ingwe! (Leopard! Leopard!) ” As she turned to see what it was her heart leaped into her throat and then seemed to turn into water, and her breath stopped coming, “Wwhere?” she stammered. Limoni pointed to the back of the cave, and there Chuma saw two pairs of eyes watching her! They glowed like coals of living fire, and made her think of the eyes of Shatani. The only thing she could think of was Tuti and the new baby.

Chapter 5 Leopard’s Teeth

Let’s run!” shouted Limoni as she crawled toward the mouth of the cave. “Be quiet!” ordered Chuma, doing the best she could to control the teror that raced through her body. “You can’t run from a leopard, and if you don’t keep still the people on the rock will hear us!” The babies were now crying at the top of their voices, and the glowing eyes at the end of the cave bobbed up and down. Limoni was so overcome

with fear she started for the open again. Quickly Chuma grabbed her leg and pulled her back. “Do you want to be killed?” de manded Limoni angrily. Chuma start ed to reply, but the words stuck in her throat; for the eyes had started to advance toward her. She prayed that God would help them, that the babies would be protected, that she be permitted to live a little longer so that she could tell the story of Jesu to others. Damp sweat formed on the palms of her hands. She tried to take her eyes off those of the leopards but she could not. The burning spots advanced for ward a few feet then they stopped as if the owners were crouching for a spring. Chuma held up her arm to ward off the slashing claws she felt certain were about to descend upon her. Then a bright ray of light lit up the cave, and she saw that the leo pards were only kittens. This brought a sigh of relief, but she didn't relax for she knew that the mother must be nearby; and she knew that nothing is quite as fierce as a mother leopard whose children are in danger of any kind. “Tsia! (Go!)” she shouted, waving her arms toward the spotted animals. The eyes retreated, and she heard the leopard spit. They sounded just like a pair of tomcats getting ready for a midnight fight. “Tsia!” she shouted again. Another flash of light beamed into the cave, and she saw the kittens back up into the darkest corner. They were about the size of a full-grown cat. Hoping they would cause no more trouble, Chuma crept as close to the entrance as possible to see if the peo ple were still on the rock. A soft wind was blowing, and she could hear the faint rustle of dried banana leaves. She thrust her head out into the open, and this time she could hear the voices of the people on the rock. The sound wasn’t as clear as before, but occasionally she could catch a word. She cupped her hands to her ears and heard her father say, “I cer tainly hope the hail doesn’t ruin our crops this year as it did last year. If it does I’ll know it is because of this twin . . .” The rest of the words were drowned by the dull humming of bees. (To be continued)

Used by permission Scripture Press Foundation THE MESSENGER

FROM

HOUSE

TO YO

HOUSE

WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK

By Laura Siemens

Rash! Ch how it itches! Pain I can endure. If it gets too bad I can take some pill for it. But a rash just per sists in such an irritating way. When I sit down to rest or read, it soon drives me back into a frenzy of work. At night I turn over and over in bed hoping for sleep to come and over power this smarting, itching master. Finally I get up and walk about. So wide awake, I try some powerful anti rash lotion that also makes the rash burn besides itch, itch, itch. Thus it was the other night. At 2:30 I was still wandering from bedroom to kitchen. Then my husband said, “Let’s get up and pray.’’ We knelt be side the bed and prayed God to give sleep. We went to bed. I relaxed and fell asleep at once. We saw God’s power. He hadn’t moved mountains for me but He gave me what I needed immediately. Next morning I realized once more the power God can unleash -for us if we pray. 'The Bible stresses prayer again and again. Phil. 4:6 and 7 says, “Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understand ing shall keep your hearts, and minds through Christ Jesus.” James 5:16 says, “The effectual fer vent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Matthew 21:22 says, “And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 18: 19 and 20 say, “If two of you shall agree on earth as touch ing anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” If we take time to look through God’s word we will find many more passages about prayer. God wants us to pray but He will not automatically say, Yes, to each thing we ask. In some way and in His own time; He will anMay 15, 1964

swer. But He has also laid down con ditions as: We are not to worry but leave our cares with God. We are to give thanks. We are to pray fervently (not just a quick sleepy prayer we say when we’d rather be in bed). We are to be righteous. We are to believe. We can also gather together to pray. When our youngsters grab the but cher knife we take away from him no matter how much he cries for it. God, in His wisdom, sees the dangers ahead of us much better than we can ever realize how dangerous the knife can become in the hands of a toddler.

When He doesn’t seem to answer it may be because His answer is. No. As we look back we can see that God has delayed some of our requests for a later, better day. Other times He has given us something much better in stead. We might even be wasting time by asking for something God wants us to do ourselves. One thing we can be sure of — God answers our pray ers if we will keep His rules for pray ing.

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NEWS I

MISSIONARY CONFERENCE AT MACGREGOR

Our 11th annual missionary confer ence which took place Apr. 14-19, has become history. Speaking to us nightly as well as giving illustrated reports of missionary work was Rev. Mark Gripp, Canadian representative of the Gospel Missionary Union. Other mis sionaries who were with us during the course of the week and shared with us some of their experiences on the mission field were the Melvin Koops who are serving the Lord at Flin Flon; the Henry Loewens and Elizabeth Koop back from Brazil; also Mr. Harvey Barkman returned from the Congo. Special features by the way of songs were provided by the local young people, and each evening saw the house of the Lord well filled. Our young people are busy prepar ing a program which they will be bringing to the Swift Current, Gouldtown and Wymark E.M. churches on the long week-end of May 16 and 17.

FORTY ATTEND INSTRUCTION CLASSES AT WASHOW BAY Evangelistic Services were held at Washow Bay from March 30 to April 12. Rev, Peter Schlamp from Wy mark was our speaker. The great love of Christ was very vividly presented to us. Many Christians have rededi cated their lives and promised the Lord anew to be more faithful. Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in the lives of Christ ians as well as convicting those who are still rejecting the Lord as their Saviour. At the first instruction class about 40 young people gathered to be further instructed in the precious Word of God. On May 7th Bro. Arden Thiessen was elected as a missionary minister by closed election and is also to be ordained at some future date. The Arden Thiessens are at present sta tioned at Gouldtown. * * * LANDMARK SEES “REGIONS BEYOND”

An overflow audience at the Land mark Collegiate was deeply moved and challenged when the Kola Young People presented the heart rending play “Regions Beyond.” From start to finish the audience was witnessing real African native and missionary struggles, superstitions and fear. We witnessed a lonely mother in early dawn preparing the morning meal. We saw the white missionary struggling against over exertion, black fever and the desperate fiendish at tempts of the witch doctor to keep his tribe in fear and subjection. All the while plotting to rid his family and tribe of this white intruder. Finally, he too found himself overpowered by the Love of God through the steadfast ness of the missionary. Yes, even the straw huts, the wail ing of the hopeless at the death of a loved one, the reaction of the fearful tribe to the peels of thunder, or the tom-toms of an approaching enemy tribe was realistically done. The dark skinned people, and the apppropriate musical accompaniment all helped to portray the dense darkness in heathen dom, and the power of God changing these benighted people into shining witnesses for Him. Yes, we are most grateful to the Kola Young People for the challenge in depth, however let us not forget, “’The Story Must be Told.” 7

CANO* Good Attendy Meetings o" God ha" by means of his faith. ... this last month. We have h amber of speakers and missionaries visiting u s. Tuesday, March 31, Brother Ed. Friesen report ed on the work in Mexico. Sunday, April 19, Rev. Dan Buhler served us with a challenging message. From Ap ril 19-26 many of us went to Yorkton to enjoy the blessings in a Crusade lor Christ conducted by the Barry Moore Team. The Harvey Barkmans were with us for a series of revival meetings from April 27 - May 3. Bro. Barkman served us with a message from God’s Word and some pictures and reports on the work in Congo. We praise the Lord for the good attendance seen in these meetings. Our little chapel was almost filled to capacity each eve ning. On Tuesday, the 28th we also had a group out from the Nipawin Bible Institute to serve us with music and present to us the activities of the school. Elizabeth Koop presented to us the work of the New Tribes Mis sion in Brazil on Monday, May 4th. Tract Club Anniversary The Ladies group have been faithful in coming together to fill and address a few hundred tracts every month. On April 4th it was four years since the tract club started here in Canora. They had a tea to celebrate this occasion. A time of fellowship was enjoyed, and again tracts were sent out to those who need to hear the gospel. Gerald Owchar, from the University of Saskatchewan, and Ruth Machnee from Caronport Bible Institute are with us again for the summer months. Their presence with us and their ser vice for the Lord will give our Young People’s an extra boost. • » » REVIVAL BLESSINGS AT PRAIRIE BOSE Would God ever send revival to Prairie Rose, or would the people of Prairie Rose ever attain that status again, was the question of many a be liever some time ago, however Praise God! He has worked miracles once more. It seemed the ministers and mem bers were waiting and hungry for a demonstration of God’s saving as of bygone years. Before long many a heart was humiliated and sobbing 8

when sinners boldly went forward, members who had fallen by the way side were restored, and became alive and active once more as an answer to many a prayer. The services and prayer meetings swelled in number, the choir which for some time had difficulties; found itself singing sweeter and more mean ingful with many reinforcements join ing in. Grudges, feuds, variences and bar riers were broken down by the power of love. The concluding evening when our beloved evangelist Rev. Arnold Fast invited all those who had made a first time decision, or rededication to come foi'ward for a final word of counsel and farewell, some seventy warriors stepped forward, signifying once more tliat they had decided to follow Jesus. It is very encouraging to know that 25 to 30 people above the age of four teen are now attending instruction classes twice weekly. We are anticipating rich blessings on May 17 when many will follow the Lord in baptism also the next Sun day, May 24 at the Communion ser vice. * * * KOLA SEWING CIRCLE PROJECTS The proposed camp for Indian child ren of Northern Manitoba, needs blan kets. etc. so the Sewing Circle has made some quilts and teatowels. Another project is the printing of tray cards for the patients at the Vir den Hospital. A suitable Bible verse is put on a decorated card and each Sun day a card is placed on each patient.s tray. Recently an afternoon and eve ning was spent sewing for James, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Loewen, missionaries to Brazil. The items made were to help outfit the boy prepara tory to the Loewens returning for another term on the field. Newcomers We welcome to Kola the John Mar tens and the Albert Wiebes both for merly of Winnipeg. Indian Children and Young People Present Program The Frank Brauns, working on the Oak River Indian Reserve, brought a group of children and young people with them and presented a challeng ing program. 'There was singing, a skit, poem, and a message by Bro. Frank on reaching the children for Christ.

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Martin Diierksen South America (See page 2)

BIRTHS KOLA To Ml’, and Mrs. Elmer P. Siemens, a boy, Lester Abe, April 9. To Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Klassen, a boy, Timothy Paul, May 4. To Mr. and Mrs. Leo Reimer ,a boy, May 6.

Invitation . . to come and share the bless ings at the dedication services of the Portage la Prairie Church, to take place on June 7 at 2:30 p.m. Evangelical Mennonite Church 502 Fifth Ave. N.W. Portage la Prairie, Man. Phone: 857-4146

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COMING EVENTS'»♦♦♦♦«»

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Jlay 17-24 Evangelistic services ♦ ♦ at the Steinbach E.M.C. church ♦ ♦ with Rev. Henry Unrau of Brier ♦ crest Bible School, as speaker. ♦ « * * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ June 26, 27, 28 Annual Confer ♦ ♦ ence of the E.M.C. at Steinbach. ♦ * * ♦ ♦ ♦

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THE MESSENGER