Issuu

EVANGELICAL

56. 1964 No. 13

MENNONITE

mrssEnoj n J

Steinbach Site of

1964 Annual Conference

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IN THIS ISSUE

Evangelical Mennonite Church, Steinbach

Russian Baptists

Voluntary Service

Kamena Slave Girl

Russian Baptists Visit Scottdale

religious entity by the Soviet Government. Early Menno nite evangelism in the 186O’s, to which Ivanov referred, was one major source of the Baptist faith in the Soviet Union. Ivan Motorin, a senior member of the delegation and also on the Council of the Baptist Union, had made a re cent trip to Mennonite settlements in different parts of the Soviet Union. He reported that Mennonites in some places use Baptist church buildings. They have preachers and choirs and sometimes hold services in their native German language.

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WORST FLOOD IN MONTANA’S HISTORY;

MDS VOLUNTEERS HELP CLEAN UP

Left to right: Ivan Motorin, Ilia Ivanov, Anotolij Kiriuchatsev, in back Adolph Klaiipiks, interpreter, speaking before MPH editors, adininstrators, and the Scottdale Association of Churches pastors; in Market Street Church basement, Scottdale, Pa,

“We will never forget that Mennonites have contributed to the origins of our Christian faith.” A Baptist minister and church leader from the Soviet Union, Ilia Ivanov, spoke these words of greeting to the Mennonite congregation at Scottdale, Pennsylvania on May 21. “Many of the first Baptists in Russia believed because of the preaching and evangelizing of Mennonite Christians. So your forefathers have contributed considerably to the religious awaken ing of our Russian people.” The man who spoke was one of a team of four Baptist churchmen from the Soviet Union which came to share and fellowship in Mennonite churches in North America from May 20 to June 1. The group was sponsored by the Mennonite .Central Committee in cooperation with the Baptist World Alliance. Its one-day visit at Scottdale gave that community a clearer impression of Baptist and Mennonite church life in the Soviet Union. Early in the afternoon of May 21. the four Baptists ac companied by Edgar Metzler of MCC and Adolph Klaupiks, translator, sat with 30 community church leaders and ed itors of the Mennonite Publishing House to exchange

viewpoints and questions. Cne question uppermost in the minds of the Mennonites was the relationship between Baptists and Mennonites in the Soviet Union. Said Mr. Ivanov, head of the delegation and treasurer of the Baptist Union in Moscow, “We have keen in best relations with Mennonites in the Soviet Union, although until now we have had no organizational unity with the Mennonites . . . We have given directions to local congregation to show them deepest respect and con fidence. If they wish to, they are invited to participate in church life.” Although Mennonites have lived in Russia since the eighteenth century, they are not now recognized as a

Akron, Pa. (MCC)—Flood water covered 5,000 square miles of Montana in the worst natural disaster of the state’s history during the second week of June. Montana’s governor said: “We can’t even begin to estimate the da mage. It will run into tens of millions of dollars.” Towering walls of water escaped from river beds, fled down valleys, and churned across feirmlands. The Sun River, which flows into the Missouri at Great Falls. Mon tana, became swollen and unruly, knocking out bridges and tearing riverside roadways from their beds. 'Thirteen hundred homes in the low-lying section of Great Falls (population 70,(XX)), were submerged. The residents were evacuated to safety. Rescue operations were set up immediately. The Red Cross undertook the feeding and housing of evacuees, some of which were placed in private homes. On Saturday, June 13, a team of Mennonite Disaster Service men drove 350 miles to investigate and offer assistance. A Red Cross official, remembering the cleanup done by MDS following flooding in the Ohio Valley earlier this year, pressed them into action and urged them to recruit men to undertake cleanup operations in the Great Falls area. By the end of the third week in June, 22 Mennonite Dis aster Service men from Glendive, Bloomfield, and Wolf Point were cleaning out Great Falls houses that had been swamped. Although the immediate crisis is over, flood conditions still exist. Therefore, the Red Cross does not permit any one to remain in the cleaning up area during the night. It is reported that similar flooding occurred on the west ern side of the continental divide and that MDS men are at work at Kalispell, Montana, where 1,(XX) homes were rendered unlivable.

The Messenger Official argan, In the English language, of the EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE. Published bi-weekly under the aus pices of the E.M.C. BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATION. Editor, David K. Schellenberg. 502 Fifth Ave. N.W., Portage la Prairie. Man. All new subscriptions and change of address should be sent to Mr. Abe Klassen, Box 1447, StelnbacM, Man. Subscription price to non-members $1.00 per year. All E.M.C. members pay through the church. Authorized as second class mall. Post Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage In cash.

the messenger

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E.M.C. Voluntary Service Program Once more we would like to solicit the interest of our young people in the Voluntary Service Program of the EMC. We believe Voluntary Service has .a tremendous potential in the Conference. In fact we do not see why every young person should not seriously think of spending at least some time at some form of voluntary service. Voluntary service may be a rich and rewarding experience, as this V.S.er of last summer testifies. “I would like to thank you (The V.S. Committee) for getting me out here. I would certainly encourage many of the young people of our church to go out in this way. I’m sure this will be a very worthwhile experience in my Christian life”. The most urgent need at present seems to be in the field of nursing and teaching. Carpenters are also wanted. Following is one of the most recent ap peals coming from Mr. Elmer Plett af the Canora Fellowship Chapel. This is only one of such letters which have come this spring. Why not write in today for more information or application forms to: Voluntary Service; D. K. Schellenberg, Secretary 502 Fifth Ave., N.W.; Portage la Prairie, Man. * ♦ * iour. PLEA FOR V.S.ERS Canora, Sask. I understand that you are now the Box 1152 person to write to in connection with June 17, 1964 V.S. workers Dear Brother Schellenberg, A small town where we have been Greetings in the name of our Sav-

SICK, AND YE VISITED ME By Henry Koop

Hospital work is very much the same in the different locations. We have the confused, depressed, and dying patients. All need T.L.C. (tender, loving care). This is one job the Christian nurse can do. 'They can do more. They can leave a message be hind that no patient will forget. Of ten one thinks that the little things are not noticed but these can speak for your Lord or against. Opportunities to witness can differ from one day to the other or even from one hospital to another. M.any ■people in Flin Flon do not go to church but they listen to the Radio Program that our church has each Sunday morning. Often a patient has made mention of this program. Then there is an opening for further conversation. Others state they have read Melvin Koop’s article in the paper (some ev en think that I am the writer since we have the same surname). This too gives us an opportunity. When we are not too busy in the evening me (my wile and I) will take our Bible to work to study our Sun

June 12, 1964

day school lesson. This has been an opening more than once. There are many other ways that one could use to bring the message into the hospital. Literature is another means. We got quite a few Cree-speaking Indians in to our care. Most of the older ones can read Cree. In this case I bring

conducting Sunday school some time has a vacancy for a teacher (The place is Tadmore) It seems to me that it would be tremendous if this school could have a Christian teacher. Is there someone available at this late time of the year? There are some 20-30 children in school. Grades one to seven. There is a teacherage. Then we also need a number of car penters in Canora. Especially with a building program of our own (church) coming up.

The hospital has for some time been short staffed and the situation is be coming more acute at the present time. Registered nurses are needed NOW! (Seven by the end of June). Trusting the Lord to send forth labourers, Elmer Plett

At present there are 7 V.S.ers serv ing in the Voluntary Service program. Four are in Mexico, one in Germany, one teaching in Manitoba and one in Fort Garry.

them the Cree Witness put out by the Northern Evangelical Mission. Now my question is, can you come and help us? The hospital is quite short staffed. Therefore any R.N. or L.P.N. could apply and have a good chance of being hired. Apply directly to: The Director of Nurses, Flin Flon General Hospital Flin Flon, Manitoba (Or inquire with Voluntciry Service. See above article. Ed.)

Br. Koop and an Indian boy with a broken leg.

KAMENA SLAVE GIRL By H. R. Bidse

Kamena first made her appearance at Kaniayala as a seven year old girl rescued from the Slave Trader. ’ She grew up and married Wyindama, a teacher. Together they faced life’s trials but also joys. But their most severe testings maybe came early this year during the Jeunesse uprisings. Swiftly, silently, one night the feared rebels were upon them. Wyindama is beaten, the house set afire and it seems that the end is near.

« » « If I Die, I Die for the Word of God! In that hour the Lord drew near and spoke peace to Wyindama. “If I am engaged in politics,” he testfied, “you may kill me. But if I preach the Word of God, the Lord himself will protect me.” At that moment a fourth youth appeared and commanded, “Don’t kill him.” Thankfully Wyindama turned to sit, with his family, by the stuff they had saved from their burning house . “Move over,” ctune the blunt or ders. And then those things too were cast into the devouring flames . Now the three turned their attention again on Wyindama. “Take off your pants, your shirt, your shoes, your watch, your glasses. As he obeyed each item was thrown on the fire. The glasses and shoes were dropped on the ground in front of them and hacked to bits. The watch merely changed owners! Turning now to Kamena and the children, the same humiliating process followed. One youth more humane than the others said, “We will not burn the children’s things. They have no guilt in this affair.” (i.e. Probab ly because they had not yet voted and were not responsible for who was run ning the government.) But the rest of the gang yelled back, “Yes, the child ren’s clothes too, the children’s things too.” And when wiry ten year old Gideon took the shirt off his back and held it out unflinchingly, for these tor mentors, as he had seen his father and mother do, the parents’ hearts blwl for him. Yet, as they told me the story, I knew they had been proud of him. Their little boy had been put to the test, and he had stood it like a man. At this point the fourth youth left them and Wyindama once more fell to the mercy of the three would-be assassins. More beatings and threats 4

followed. “If I die, I die for the Word of God,” was his only rejoinder. They WUl Surely Kill You! Kamena, who could not bear the sight any longer, burst out, “Don’t mention the Lord’s name. It will only aggravate them.” But Wyindama had received the needed strength and replied, “If I for get God, He will forget me.” Harsh voices broke in, “Stretch out your arm. I’m chopping it off.” ‘I cannot give you my arm. It has done nothing for which it should be cut off.” “Kneel down. Stay right here,” and the three walked off to check with their comrades. Soon they were back. “Pastor, are you here?” “Yes, I’m here.” “Are you afraid?” “No, I am not afraid.” “Give us Ernestine, to join the Jeu nesse.” “I cannot give my child to the Jeu nesse.” For that reply they kicked him in the neck and commanded, “Stay here, we’re coming back.” 'This time Kamena, in desperation, pled with him. “Flee now, or they will surely kill you when they return.” “No, Kamena, was his soft reply, “my life is in God’s hands. They cannot kill me. What about Pierre’s child? If we flee we have no hope of finding her. Let’s just stay nearby in the grass Slowly they went then, and laid their children down to sleep. There Pierre stayed with the women and children. (Samuel and Bernice had already fled from Kandala with their family.) Wy indama went once more to the scene of the tragedy, in search of the eight year old Clorine. This time he was relieved to find that the Jeunesse had gone. “Come here,” he called to the group

huddled in the cold wet grass. “Come here to the fire and warm your selves.” What a sight! The pitiable victims of that night’s horror, warming them selves at the smouldering ruins of their own homes!

For three days they stayed hoping to find Pierre and Ernestine’s girl, but they could not locate her. Thursday the Missionary Aviation Fellowship plane flew over. The pilot saw the mis sionaries and the Bible Institute stu dents beside their burnt out houses, busy making an airstrip. This was the first the outside world heard about their plight. The U.N. helicopters, which had been alerted after the MAF pilot reported his findings, arrived on Friday. There was room for all the missionaries. But they did not want to leave till the last Bible Institute stu dent was safely on his way home. Therefore Charles Sprunger, who with his partner, had reached Kandala on Wednesday night, declared his inten tion to wait for the second flight. This the U.N. pilot would not accept.

“We’ll be back he promised,” as he pulled Charles in and closed the door. (To be continued) * « •

NO CASE A Scottish physician, noted for his skill and piety, had died. When his books were examined, several accounts were found with this written across them in red ink; “Forgiven—too poor to pay.” His wife, who was of a different dis position, said: “’These accounts must be paid.” She therefore sued for the money.

The judge asked her: “Is this your husband’s handwriting in red ink?” She replied that it was. “Then,” said he, “there is not a tribunal in the land that can obtain the money where he has written, “Forgiven’.”

So likewise, when Jesus writes the word “Forgiven” across our account in the ledger cf heaven, we are released from our spiritual indebtedness, and no power can bring us into condem nation before the throne of God.— Prairie Overcomer TTTF. MBSSENGEIR

TRUTH FOR YOUTH r

My Testimony When I was eight years old I attended a Bible Camp. It was there that I first accepted Christ as my Saviour. What a joy I had found! Then I returned home and my faith having no spiritual food did not grow. Some years later my life was due for a change. When the Mafeking Fellowship Chapel was built I be gan to attend services there with a new Christ ian friend. Once more I accepted Christ as my Lord and Master. Now, three years later, on May 17, 1964, I was baptized. That day was full of spiritual blessings for me. One of my favorite Bible verses is: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phillipians 4:13. This verse has been and will be a great help to me as I remember to look to Christ for strength and courage. It is my sincere prayer that I will serve Him always to the best of my ability. Betty Geary Betty is a grade 12 student attending Birch River Collegiate. She teaches the primary class in Sunday school. She is age 18. 4

CANOBA YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVE

For the last few months we have spent quite a bit of our time with the young people in singing practice. As a result there is a fair sized choir to help out for some special music in our Family Worship Services on Sunday mornings. Also a result the young people enjoyed the presentation of a program at the Kamsack Fellowship Chapel on June 7th. I am thankful for the group that is willing to sing for the Lord. A few weeks ago we went for an outing with the Kamsack young peo ple for a time of fellowship in honor 01 some of the grade 12 graduates. A wonderful campfire service was en joyed by all. We are looking forward to an interdenominational meeting at the Crystal Lake camp grounds on Friday, June 19th, with the young people of surrounding churches. Mr, Plett visited the homes in a new rural school district regarding D.V.B.S. for the summer. Most par ents were interested and welcomed the D.V.B.S. program. Praise the Lord for this new opening. June 26, 1964

STEINBACH YOUNG PEOPLE VISIT PBAIBIE BOSE A very enjoyable music night was held by the Prairie Rose Young Peo ples in the Landmark Park. As guests they had with them the Steinbach Young People. After a program of music with both groups participating. Rev. Harvey Plett delivered a short message on the topic of music. A wie ner roast brought the evening to a delightful close.

BUBNS LAKE ENDAKO MINES — When do they open? How many men wiU they need? Will it mean working underground all day? Where will the townsite be? These and many other are the ques tions of the day. The answers? Well, there are many rumors — but if you will be available, willing to put in an honest day’s work then there should be a place for you soon, that is if you’ll be willing to show forth the love and righteousness of Jesus (for it may well be a rough place). Under ground? No, it is to be open strip min ing so you can enjoy the sunshine and

the beauties of B.C. as you work. Word has not been given as to how many men nor just how soon they will be needed but there is much activity at the minesite as preparations are be ing made for the all out work. John Knelsen (For more information write: John Knelsen, Burns Lake, B.C. * • * 2 HF MOMENT OF DECISION Orpah and Ruth lived in a country that knew not the Lord God. They knew only idol worship—worshiping idols that were made of “silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them” (Ps. 135. 15-18). These girls learned of the Lord God through Naomi, their mother-in-law. However, it is one thing to know about the Lord, quite another to really know Him. A crucial moment of de cision faced both girls as they walked side by side with Naomi. Naomi encouraged the girls to return to their mother’s house, back to the land of Moab. Orpah had not yet made a heart decision. Ruth may have, but they appeared to stand together: “They said unto her. Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.” Moments of passion often cause those of different thoughts to stand togeth er temporarily. Orpah stood by Naomi and Ruth until it came down to the crisis, then she was ready to turn back. If Orpah had been really sincere, and deter mined to go with Naomi, as Ruth was, all Naomi’s persuasion to return to her own land and gods would not have affected her. She would have stood by her convictions. How do you face your moments of decision? Are you an Orpah, never really willing to leave the old life for the unknown future of a new life? Are you a Ruth, ready to take the Lord as your Saviour and Guide and follow Him, with your back forever turned on the old life? Are you a Naomi, familiar with both the old and new lives, ready to begin again with a forgiving, loving Lord, who will guide you as you cling to Him? May be this is your moment of decision! May you decide for the Lord!—Beryl Musselman.

CHILDREN’S STORY

CHUMA FINDS A BABY By Charles Ludwig

The baby which Chuma and Limoni rescued is becoming more and more of a problem. Where to keep it! Sa betti, the baby’s mother might take it back, but she is not a Christian. To day we see Chuma going to see Sabetti. Chapter 6.

A New Hut

Chuma had seen many husbands beat their wives, but never had she see a man as angry as Fundi. He swung the kiboko with all his strength while he kept shouting, “I’m sorry I ever married you. You are the laziest woman I ever saw.’’ He beat her so hard Chuma was afraid she would be killed, but she knew she could do nothing about it and so she returned to her mother’s hut with a heavy heart. She met several people on the way and when they asked what the scream ing was all about she told them. They merely smiled and one of them said, “She is indeed a lazy woman. Last week Fundi beat her because she wouldn’t cook for his guests.”

Her mother pointed to a small wick er basket of wimbe. “I have run out of flour,” she said, “and I want you to grind some more. I worked so hard in the garden my back feels as if I had been bitten by a crocodile. I'll take care of Tuti while you work.’ Chuma took the grain over to the long, smooth grinding stone at the side of the hut. She dusted it off with the palm of her hand. She made a pile of grain at the level end of the stone. Next she picked up a smaller stone and proceeded to rub it up and down over a few grains of wimbe at a time on the main grinding stone. This was hard work, and it was a long time before the reddish flour began to show. As she ground the tiny grains she thought of Sabetti and the new baby. A voice seemed to whisper in her ear that the mother of the twin would never become a Christian, that she was trying to do the impossible.

But she knew that God answers pray er, and she prayed that He would help her to do the right thing. She kept grinding long after the herd boys had returned from the mea dows with the cattle and sheep and goats. She knew that her father would be hungry, and that she should make enough flour to cook a lot of obusuma.

By the time she was finished her spine was damp with a tiny river of sweat. She called her mother and pointed to the little mountain of flour on the bottom of the grinding stone.

“Please make the obusuma,” said her mother with a smile. “I’m so tired. The garden is just too big for me to do all by myself. And then besides I carried three pots oi water from the spring in the valley . .

Chuma placed a medium-sized pot of water on the three stones in the centre of the floor, and stirred up the fire. She waited until it had started to boil, and then she began to slowly pour in the flour while she stirred gently with a wooden paddle and put it in a shallow, tray-like dish made of

split reeds . While the obusuma was cooling Chuma’s mother made a small pot of greens to eat with it. Chuma took the food over to her father’s hut so that he could eat first. This was the custom of Bunyore.

When he was finished, and after she had taken him a basin of water in which to wash his hands, she brought the remainder of the food back for her mother, herself and Tuti. As Chuma curled up on the floor with Tuti in Limoni’s hut she was glad Omusala had not pried her with questions. Thoughts of what she would do kept her awake and, she heard al most every hyena in the country. But the feeling that God would never leave her kept going through her mind, and it was this thought that finally allowed her to go to sleep. The moment the sun was up in the

morning she went over to the mis sion to see how Limoni and the new baby had gotten along.

“No one came to see me,” said Li moni thankfully, “but he cries all the time. I think maybe he likes you best!I”” Chuma took him into her arms, and by the way he snuggled up to her it oeemed that he did indeed love her the most. “He’ll get used to you after a while,” said Chuma with a smile. “Have you given him any milk yet?”

‘"rhen I’ll get you some,” said Chu ma getting to her feet. “I’ll go over to the square house with the tin roof where the woman of the white man lives and she’ll give me some.” After Missi Wilsoni had filled the bottle with warm milk Chuma said, “Missi Wilsoni, I wish you would con tinue to pray that Jesu Christo will help us to know what to do with this new baby. We can’t keep it here all the time. And if it would hail and Father would find that I had kept it alive he would beat me with a ki boko and refuse for me to go to the Day of Rest School.” She related what she had seen at Sabetti’s village, and told how she was praying that she would become a Christian and take her baby back. “Did you know that on the First Day of each week Daudi is having special services at the home of Eli jah?” “No, I didn’t know anything about it,” replied Chuma thoughtfully. “Elijah’s home is larger than most and the people have been gathering there to pray and to hear Daudi preach. Why don’t you go and ask them to pray for Sabetti?” “That place is near Sabetti’s vil lage,” said Chuma happily, “Maybe we could even get her to attend. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if she would become a Christian?” “It most certainly would,” agreed the missionary, “and I shall be praying for you every single day. And whenever you need more milk just come here. I can always spare some for the new baby.”

(To be continued) Copyright, 1956. Scripture Press Foun dation. Used by permission THE MESSENGEIR

FROM TO YO

HOUSE HOUSE HOMES

(Mrs.) Helena Dueck, Steinbach Home. How beautiful and abiding this word is. God has not left any de tail as important as the establishing of the home to chance. The guide posts for the Christian homes are clearly set faith in His Word. I especially remember my girlhood home. It was a large rambling, old house, situated in a little obscure set tlement in Manitoba. But such a loyal old house — a house that sheltered from the biting wind of winter; the hot sun in summer, and the loneliness of night. It had stood for generations, sheltering, remembering—babies were born here, children grew up, brides dreamed and young men went forth with eyes of hope and promise. Upon entering the big old-fashioned kitchen invited you to sit and chat and eat. It was the heart of the home. Here most of our tasks were done. Two doors leading out of the kitchen showed the parlor, a large room, gay with geraniums and shiny old furni ture. The other, my parents bedroom, was large too, with severed closets that kept secrets when Christmas or birthdays were in the offing. Upstairs the bedrooms were cool ev en in summer. Mine was the east room. This room particularly breathed of dear yesterdays and beautiful young years. Here I spent much of my time, sitting at its windows in the twilight, letting my thoughts roam far and wide in the realm of fancy. I could see our woods where the miracle of God’s power was forever unfolding itself, from the heaped up snows of winter to the shimmer and glow of young leaves and blossoms. At my bedside I knelt together with my mother, when I dedicated my life to the Lord. Love and romance and bridal joys lived in it and kept their secrets when I left home to return no more. Home, yes, home because father and mother, brothers and sisters were there. Home because Christ was the

June 26, 1964

So for us, the fathers and mothers of today the challenge is big. We are responsible for the spiritual growth of our families, for the creation of a home where pleasant memories abide. I feel very inadequate to fulfill these responsibilities but God has invited those who feel their lack to ask Him, “who gives to all men generously and without reproaching.” (James 1:5) head of this household. From infancy on I felt His presence in the atmos phere of warmth, forgiveness, co-oper ative work habits, wise discipline and mutual respect. I read once that “the road to tomorrow leads through our yesterdays.”

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IN IVIEMORIUM Diedrich D. Reimer

Rev. 14:13 “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” It hath pleased the Lord, who hath control over life and death, through his all wise counsel, to take my husband and our father from us and call him home to heaven in a so sudden death. My husband was born March 13,1913 on a farm close to Steinbach. In 1920 when he was seven years old, his par ents with their family, moved to Prai rie Rose a new settlement at that time. At the age of 22 he realized his lost condition and accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and found peace. He was then baptized upon the confession of his faith and accepted into the fel lowship of the E.M.C (Kleingemeinde). On the 24th of September of that year we entered the holy bond of matrimony. His father officiated at the wedding. Hence we have had the privilege of sharing our joys and sorrows for 25 years and 8 months. During this time the Lord has granted us 5 children: 3 sons and 2 daughters. Soon after our wedding he entered into a partnership with his brother, John, who had a transfer business. Af ter a few years in this business, which meant the handling of heavy milk cans, he noticed discomforts and dizzy speUs. At the advice of the doctor we moved to Yarrow, B.C. Here we had a butcher shop for about 3 years. We then moved back, sold our farm and the transfer business and opened the Macleods busi ness in Steinbach, again together with his brother, John Reimer. Although we have enjoyed days of

heaRh, for which we thank the Lord, He has also sent us days of tribulation ar.d testing. About nine years ago he lost the sight of his right eye through a hemorrage. About three years ago i.c received such a stroke we thought he would die. It seems that from this stroke he never completely recovered. His hetilth improved so much, however, that he was able again to help along in the business. After this a number of attacks followed, some heavier and some lighter, so that he was in and out of the hospital. On February 29th ho was admitted to the Bethesda Hos pital in Steinbach due to serious breathing difficulties. From here he was transfered to the Winnipeg Gen eral Hospital. There he again recov ered, and was released from the hos pital on May 9. He was happy and encouraged to again be at home with the family, and looked with joyous anticipation into the future. Sunday, May 24 we had the privilege of visiting some relatives, and he was again driving the car. The last call came Sunday at 11:45 through a stroke to which he suc cumbed. He passed on suddenly with out a word. He is now with the Lord. We thank the Heavenly Father for this living hope. He leaves to mourn, his so sudden and early passing, his wife, Alvin with his wife, Eleanor; Amanda, Victor, Jake and Edna, my parents, brothers and sisters on both sides, and a host of relatives and friends. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who have shown us their love and prayers during this time of bereavement. We would es pecially thank the doctors and the nursing staff who have so lovingly cared for him during his iUness. Wife and children « * * Gerald Plett

son of Mr .and Mrs. P. E. Plett The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21 Our little Gerald was born to us on April 8, 1963. He was a very lovable friendly fellow; yes, the very sun shine of our home; appreciated and loved by the whole family. Almost daily, he, with two of his sisters under school age, would roam and play around on the yard outside. On this fateful day Gerald was out side alone, and unnoticed by anyone,

sion. All these have sown good seed. May God be pleased to give the har vest

was accidentally run over by a big truck. When noticed, he was quickly rushed to the doctor but was pro nounced dead on arrival. Gerald passed away on June 3, at the age of 14 months. He is survived by his parents, four brothers and three sisters, to mourn his so sudden and untimely departure. We, the bereaved, though feeling the loss keenly, are thankful to our Father in heaven for the Hope that is ours of meeting Gereild in the heaven ly mansions above when the Lord calls. We would like to take this oppor tunity to express our heartfelt grat itude for all sympathy and love shown to us during this time of sorrow. The family.

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ABDEN NEWS The Lord has done great things for us whereof we are glad. Psalm 145 We have been very privileged in having different missionaries in our midst, who have brought interesting and challenging reports of their work. The Harvey Barkmans from Congo, the Henry Toewses from Paraguay, Mr. Durstine from Child Evangelism, Mr. and Mrs. Snider from the Cana dian Sunday School Mission and Dan ny Wolfe of Mali Republic. Sister Annie Brandt from Blumenort has taken on responsibilities at Neepawa, ministering to an Invalid lady and her two children. This lady has been sick for many years and longed for help a long time. The Peter K. Plett family moved in to this district a few weeks ago and have proved to be a blessing already. They help with street meetings at Neepawa every Saturday evening and different other activities, like singing at the hospital and the services at Minnedosa. We thank God lor such servants in this needy area. Who wUl be the next one to heed God’s call to come to Arden? We are looking for ward with anticipation towards the building of the new church in town * * * 8

WINNIPEG Reimers Return from Germany The Rev. and Mrs. John K. Reimer returned on May 29th from a 6 week trip to Europe. They report of numer ous interesting experiences in coping with strange customs and people. (If you would like to know how to wash your face without soap or hot water they could give you the answers, I’m sure). The highlight of the 6 weeks, how ever was reunion with their loved ones, the John Peters and Levi Rei mers. They also met many missionary friends and acquainted themselves with the spiritual conditions as they exist in Europe today. Though Rev. Reimer was relieved of his full schedule of service as Pastor, he teUs of many opportunities of serving the Lord in Europe. He was called upon to counsel at the Janz Crusades, hold a workshop at a first time S.S. Convention, preach at a street meeting, etc.

Winnipeg Church Expands The Church has recently purchased the lot and house adjacent to the church. This will be used by the Pri mary E>epartment of our Sunday School. At present S.S. facilities are extremely cramped and thus the build ing will meet a great need at least till further expansion will be necessary.

ENDEAVOUR As the friends of our congregation rush through their seeding opera tions, to make available sufficient days for the maturing of their crops, one is reminded of the Lord’s teaching about the sower and the seed, tind about the harvest being ready now. The sowing in the Chapel goes on week in and week out, by different means and bv different sowers, and it is our prayer that the harvest may be reaped as hearts that hear the word and re ceive it, prove to be good ground. In addition to aU the regular services we had missionaries, 'Miss Elizabeth Koop, Rev. and Mrs. Harvey Barkman, and Rev. M. McKenzie of South Africa, with the Evangelical Alliance Mis-

The grounds have been landscaped, and the floor of the Chapel and Sun day school rooms have been covered with plywood and tile. The plywood was the gift of various young peoples groups in the home area. The Greenway Crusade meetings have had to be postponed until Octo ber. Prayer for this crusade will still be appreciated though, as they wUl for the E.M.C. Youth Retreat to be held at Madge Lake, from July 3-5. • ♦ ♦

BIRTHS To Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Reimer, India, a girl, Lynette Ruth, on March 22. To Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Reimer of Kola, a boy, Kenton John on May 16, To Mr. and Mrs. Dave Kliever of Kola, a boy, John Boyd on May 30. Prairie Rose

To Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Penner, a boy, Fenton Stuart, March 4 To Mr. and Mrs. John Reimer, a boy David Glen, March 26. To Mr .and Mrs. Daniel Glesbrecht, a boy, Rodney Dale, April 13. To Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Plett, a girl, Denise Elaine, May 10. To Mr. and Mrs. Alvin K. Plett, a boy, Myron Elliot, May 19. To Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Koop, a girl, Rosalie Joy, June 2.

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:******C0MING EVENTS******:♦ ♦

♦ ♦ June 26, 27, 28 Annual Confer- : ♦ ence of the E.M.C. at Steinbach. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

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Conference Theme: “The Chturch ♦ of Jesus Christ in it’s Contem- t porary Age’’ Titus 2:11-14 J ♦ July 5 (evening) election of min- ♦ ister at Pleasant Valley E.M. ♦ church. :

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