Issuu

1964 To. 16

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE is-;

I mrssEnoE IN THIS ISSUE

j i ’ Ninetieth Anniversary

(

SBI Report

Youth Retreat

Our Trip to Europe 7

Manitoba Department of Industry and Commerce Photo “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalms 107:23, 24, 31.

“WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.”

BOMANS 6:8

*•

EDIT

lAL

NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY This week Steinbach is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the coming of the Mennonites to Manitoba. It is good periodically to stop and review where we have come from. It is equally, if not more, important to also ask. Where are we going? The speakers at the Monday afternoon an niversary services effectively presented both issues to the audience gathered at the Steinbach Collegiate auditorium. Of special note is the question raised by Bev. H, K. Schellenberg (Chortizer Church). Among other tilings he asked, “are we following in the faith of our fathers?” I believe every person present was convicted of taking his faith lightly and too much for granted. We, as E.M.C., have come a long way since July, 1874, when the first Mennonites disembarked in this province. It has, however, not been all on the “narrow”. We changed our stand on preaching the Gospel to every creatures and are now busy in outreach hi various lands. We have also changed our attitude about education. We see it as helpful. Are we not almost in danger of making it a cure all? We have tremendously improved our material aspects of lite. These are good signs out do they tell the whole story?

COLONIZATION FOB CHRIST We must commend the Rosenort E.M. church for their active colonization program. To our desk not too long ago (May) came a letter entitled “Colonization News Letter”, r'rom this letter we learn that two meetings had already taken place this year, and officers were elected for the coming year. A new venture by this board is the buying and renting of farms in other areas. We understand that it works this way. Those who have a burden for the lost and are finan cially able, buy a farm in some needy area where a witness needs to be established or strengthened. Others who are also burdened for the lost are given the oppor tunity to rent these farms and thus help along in mission and church work, adding that, “they must be willing to work hard and take an interest in the farm they buy.” We shall try to keep our readers posted on the devel opments of this unique project which we wish every suc cess. Mr. Dick B. Eidse is the secretary of this committee. * * »

Illi

to to the the EDITOR EDITOR

O J

INVITATION Evangelical Mennonite Conference Rev. David K. Schellenberg 503 5tli Avenue, N.VV. . Portage la Prairie, Manitoba Brethren: The Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Conference is cele brating its Seventy-fifth Anniversary this year. We are grateful to God for His manifold blessings to us through

What about our moraUty? Society has been able to get many of our people to succumb to a laxity m sexual morality. Tliis is painfully illustrated by the lact that in one of our larger churches, of six consecutive weudings four of the brides were pregnant or no longer virgin. - Our business morality gives no brighter picture. Com petition is keen and the urge to make money is irresistable. Consequently we are noted lor paying the lowest wages the years. To give public expression of our thankfulness to God, to our workers. We are quite adapt at adding extras to we are making our Annual Convention this year one our contracts and cliargmg the luil price on these and thus fillmg our pockets. We are quite capable at using of Commemoration. We hereby invite you to our convention held at Dalmeny, ev^ry degal technicality possible to avoid paymg income Saskatchewan, Canada, July 15-19. tax. , Ruben E. Dyck Even our convictions on non-resistance have sunk into Conference Secretary, Omaha, Neb. limbo and we do not know where we stand on this basic We are sorry that the letter came too late to include and integral teachmg of the Gospel. The sin of litigation in the previous Messenger. Nevertheless we would like is given lip service only. The uivolvenient in the power to thank for this expression of brotherly love. Ed. struggle in our complex society is justified by the pious platitude that we are called to witness everywhere. War, yes there is no question but that it is sinful but if my ego is hurt or I am wronged than any legal means of self justification are wliite-washed. Official argan, In the English language, of the EVANGELICAL It is imperative that you and I ask and answer the MENNONITE CONFERENCE. Published bi-weekly under the aus question raised by Bev. Schellenberg. U our lives are to pices of the E.M.C. BOARD OP PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATION. be a living memorium for Christ as suggested by brother Editor, David K. Sclielleiiberg, 502 Filth Ave. N.W., Portage la Schellenberg, than we wUl have to answer in repentance Prairie, Man. All new subscriptions and change of address should be sent and confession. Our morality needs a drastic renewal if to Mr. Abe Klassen, Box 1447, Steinbach, Man. we would live in the faith “once delivered.” The case now Subscription price to non-members $1.00 per year. All EAI.C. resides in mine and your hands. members pay through the church. Authorised as second class mall, Post Office Department. Ottawa, Guest editorial by Harvey Plett and for payment of postage In cash. • • •

rhe Messenger

the messenger

---

NEW HELP TO LA ESPERANZA

MISSW jMr. and Mrs. Ernest Funk who have labored at Weekes for the past while are accepted candidates for Paraguay and will be leav ing for that land shortly. Seen here are the Funks with baby Gloria.

MEMBERSHIP RECEPTION

AT GOULDTOWN We felt the presence of the Lord as we observed the Lord’s Supper at the EMC mission church on June 21. Fif teen local people, plus several ministers and their wives from Wymark, took part in the service. Later, two couples, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Penner and Mr. and Mrs. Abram Friesen were official ly received into the fellowship of the Evangelical Mennonite Church. All the communicants felt drawn together in mutual love and fellowship . We thank God for the precious things He has done for us here. Please pray that this church may now grow in love and grace, and that it may point many others to the only source of salvation and peace.

« • * SPEAKS ON HOLY LAND

Visiting speaker in the Pelly Fel lowship Chapel for July 1 was Mr. Russel Dell from Minneapolis. (A bro ther of Mrs. Giesbrecht.) He and his wife visited here and provided an in teresting and profitable evening as Mr. Dell spoke on conditions in the Holy Land in the light of prophecy. The Dells spent several months in the Holy Land as part of seminary training. He also showed many pic tures.

A NEW CHURCH IN NORTH VIETNAM

About two years ago two tribes of ficers were sent to an isolated mili tary post near the Communist bor der of Vietnam. Before going on their lonely and dangerous post they visited a Bible House on their way and bought some Gospel Portions in their own language. While on duty they spent much time reading their Gospel Por tions. The more they read them the more precious their message became to them. Nothing was heard of these two of ficers for a long time. Then astonish ing reports began to come in to the missionaries in that area of a group of people in a distant village who were meeting together to study the Scrip tures. This was surprising because no Christian workers had ever lived

* * « I

“Tis not for man to trifle. Life is brief. And sin is here. Our age is but the falling of a leaf — A dropping tear. We have no time to sport away the hours: All must be earnest in a world like ours. Not many lives but one have we, — One, only one; How sacred should that one life ever be — That narrow span! Day after day filled up with blesesd toil. Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil.”

July 24, 1964

there or even visited it. Missionaries set out to see what was taking place. On arriving at the village they found, to their delight, a group of no less than fifty people who had become interest,ed in the Gospel Message. They were further delighted to find that one of the young military officers on com pleting his term of military duty, had returned to his home village and had given a true Christian witness by word and deed. When the missionaries com mended him for what he had done he said, “What else could I do when I came home but to teU my own people that this precious Word brings life and complete happiness when we trust in Jesus Christ”. Your gift wil help to place the Scrip tures in many lands. (This story is provided by the Rev. H. Curwin Smith, retired Bible Society Secretary, formerly of Indo-China).

SEVENTY-NINE CAMPERS E.M.C. MISSIONARIES TAKE PART IN BIBI.E CAMP

By Rev. E. J. Wright

Crystal Lake, sixteen miles north of Canora, noted for its crystal clear water, was the setting for the annual Crystal Lake Bible Camp from July 5th12th. This interdenominational Camp supported by local evangelical churches had 146 campers and 26 workers registered. The Camp was directed by Mr. and Mrs. Dave Pollard of the Miller Memorial Bible Institute. This camp is of particular interest to the E.M.C. since many of the campers come from the Weekes, Endeavour, Canora, Danbury, Pelly, and Mafeking areas. The number camping this year from these areas was Canora 12, Mafeking 12, Pelly 15, Weekes 20, Endeavour 20. Among the workers and counsellors were Mr. and Mrs. Abe Giesbrecht, Pelly; 'Miss Ruth Machnee, Miss Delores Owhcar, Canora; Miss Sharon Johb, Macnutt (formerly Canora); and Miss Ruth Downey and Miss Dianne Hoffer, Endeavour. This numerical picture gives some idea of the influence of the Camp on the E.M.C. mission stations in the area. Rev. E. Wright has been a member of the camp committee for many years.

S.B.I. Report Although the school year has just ended, students and teachers are al ready in the groove of a variety of summer activities in widely scattered parts of this continent. The summer plans of the faculty and staff are as follows:

B. D. Reimer will continue his min istry in Meade, Kansas until some time in September. He was in Stein bach at the end of June to attend the sessions of the EM Conference.

C. W. Loewen will tend to the ad ministrative duties of the school. He is slated as camp speaker at Red Rock for one children’s camp.

Ben Hoeppner also wiU serve at Red Rock for one camp, and will then in struct at Summer Bible session here at the school from August 4 to 14. Harvey Plett is spending his sum mer in private studies at home, but's taking time out to speak at a camp at Red Rock, and to teach the Summer Bible session here at the school. H. Hiebert is supervising the reno vations of the shop building to more adequately house the music depart ment. That work is well underway, Then he too will go to Ped Rock for one week.

Doreen Reimer is attending summer school at the University of Manitoba.

Henry K. Friesen also is attending summer school in the Faculty of Ed ucation at the University.

Abe Neufeld, maintenance man, and Mrs. Neufeld, head-cook, are on vacation in Saskatchewan during the month of July. Albert Hiebert has left the school after two years of teaching. For the summer he has been appointed direc tor of Red Rock Bible Camp, and then will move to Winnipeg to attend Un ited College.

Three teachers have been added to the staff for the coming year. ’They are Ed Plett, Jake Peters, and Stan Plett. Both Ed Plett and Jake Peters grad uated this year from Goshen Seminary. Plett has taught at the SBI one year previously. His home church is Prai rie Rose. Peters’ home is Blumenhof, Sask. Stan Plett graduated from Go-

No Bitterness A British statesman, after being voted out of an im portant office, said, “I will allow no bitterness to poison my soul.” It was a very wise attitude. No office, no sphere of Influence, no place of power and prestige, is important enough to cost a man peace of mind, gentility of spirit, magnanimity of soul. It is ever so much more to be de sired that man should rule over his own spirit than that he should manage his fellows. The author of Hebrews (12:15) admonishes us to see to it that no “root of bit terness” springs up to poison the stream of life. Many people come to possess a bitter spirit. There are frequent life experiences which, if we so allow, will throw in the wormwood flavor. Disillusionment, injustices, re proof, rivalry, fancied slights, gossips, and falsehood may contribute the acid touch. But we can prevent this if we will. Bitterness is a sin, and a loving, powerful Christ can keep us free from this evil thing. The indwelling Spir it Is able to provide the antidote that will turn every bit terness into sweetness.

And so, if someone takes by fair means or foul some thing that is ours, we will allow no bitterness to poison our souls. If we are cruelly misinterpreted and misrepresented, we will not surrender to bittterness of spirit. If we are the subjects of neighborhood gossip, we will try to get only profit from the experience. If we are corrected, even if we do not deserve the check, we will suffer in acquiscence. If a rival in love or business or position triumphs over us, we will cherish no resentment. If we suffer loss at the expense of another’s gain, we will not begrudge his advantage. If what we have done is not appreciated, we will leave the matter with God, who sees and rewards in secret. If we are disappointed in someone that we had held in high regard, we will not fall into a misanthropic cyn icism. If life seems to turn all the breaks of fortune against us, we will not give up to self-pity. We will not yield to that ugliness of soul which writes hard lines upon the face. We will not let the whine of faultfinding creep into our voices. If we must lose all else, we will not lose self-mastery and self-respect. A very good Christian mot to is that: “I will allow no bitterness to poison my soul.”

—Paul Erb

Reprinted by permission from the book, “Don’t Park Here”

shen College this year. He will teach in the High School. His home is Lorete, Man. Harvey Barkman will instruct French during the coming year. This will be an evening class, and is open to anyone Interested. Barkman is well qualified, both from training and past experience.

Other preparations for next year are being made as buildings are being

repaired and redecorated. ’The tile floor in the boys’ dormitory has been laid and the woodwork has been complet ed. The white houses have been re painted.

A reminder to prospective students: it is not too early to send in your ap plications. Many have already come in. Also on-campus accommodation will be at a premium, so reserve yours ear ly. THE MESSENGER

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN

TRUTH for youth My Testimony \

Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble.” This verse held very true during the first years of my Christian life. It was in our own church, during a revival meeting that I went forward to give my heart to the Lord Jesus. It was in the month of April and I was fourteen years young. I wasn’t worried to much of what my friends would think of me in school, because I wouldn’t tell them. As far as I know they never found out. , ! Then on August 12th, 1962 I became a mem ber of our church. Now everyone would know that I was a Christian, though not a very good cne. I didn’t have any unsaved friends at the time or any close Christian friends so I thought it didn’t make much difference what people thought of me. It was during this time that I was looking for close Christian friends, but I didn’t find any. At home I didn’t get along well with my brothers and sisters. I got the idea of isolating myself. I would go to Young Peoples meeting and choir practice but I wouldn’t speak to any of my fellow servants because I thought no one cared for me. You might call this self-pity. I went against the teaching of the Bible, because there we are told to have fellowship with one another. It was difficult and I led one of the most miserable lives and I will never forget those years. Five months ago, I am happy to say a change took place. I got my school-time chums interested in a community project. Most of them were not Christians at the time. We worked at it during the winter, then had to quit in spring. I won some of the boys’ friendships and I prayed for them constantly. I was almost content during these months except that they were not Christians. Then in spring we had revival meetings. I’m glad to say that many were saved. Today I am a joyful Christian with close Christian friends. I’m happy to say that I can also say with the Apostle Paul, “For me to live is Christ and die is gain.” Amen! Ridgewood

Ken D. Plett Box 288, Giroux, Man.

(Ken is 17 and works on his Dad’s farm at Giroux, Ed.)

ATTEND YOUTH RETREAT The first E.M.C. Youth Retreat planned by the Sask. Man. Council mis sionaries, was held July 3rd-5th., at beautiful Madge Lake, near Kamsack, Sask. The Canadian Sunday School Mission Camp resounded with the fel lowship of 107 workers and campers. Under the direction of Arnold Wiebe, camp director, and Ed. Wright assist ant director and registrar, both camp ers and workers were subjected to in tense but inspiring programming. The Program Special speakers were Rev. E. Towns, principal of Winnipeg Bible College, who dealt with the topic ‘Won and Winning”, £md Rev. Ben Friesen who spoke on the subject “Christ, Lord of All. These speakers proved an inspi ration to all, and some 25 campers re sponded to the dedication calls. Mr. Marvin Thiessen, Austin, Manitoba, led the musical program. About 60 of the campers participated in a mixed choir. This choir sang five numbers during the services. Other numbers were presented by various groups from different churches. The last ser vice was taped, for presentation to the conference churches during the year. The sports program was directed by Dave Dueck, Mafeking, and Walter Haljeski, Kamsack. Mrs. Abe Giesbrecht was in charge of the kitchen, assisted by Mrs. A. Wiebe, Mrs. D. Dueck, Mrs. P. Keller, and Miss E. Rempel. The delicious meals prepared by these ladies will long be remem bered by all.

Where Did They Come From? Campers and workers came from Fort Garry, MacGregor, Kola, Prairie Rose, Morris, Steinbach, Swan River, Mafeking in Manitoba, and from Kamsack, Creighton, Hyas, Pelly, Endea vour, Macnutt, Canora, Maryfield, Swift Current. There was unanimous agreement that the retreat should be held again in 1965.

Liberia President Stresses Value of Missions “Any attempt to oust, underrate, or uproot missionary work and missionaries from this country would mean virtually uprooting the stability and progress of the nation.”

So said President William V. S. Tubman of Liberia, speaking at ceremonies marking the retirement of Bishop July 24, 1964

Prince A. Taylor. Jr. veteran Methodist leader in Liberia. President Tubman said he considers himself a product of the board of foreign missions of the Methodist Church. “I state with all of the emphasis at my command,” Presi dent Tubman added, "that we need them now and will need them always in the future . . .”

CHUMA FINDS A BABY

By Charles Ludwig

The Secret is Getting Out

The day before Chuma was to re turn to her new hut Chuma called on Limoni and found her very excited. “Our secret is getting out,” she said. “What do you mean?” asked Chuma holding her breath . “Yesterday,” began Limoni in a loud whisper, “I heard a noise outside. When I looked to see who^ it was I discovered it was Osaka.” “Osaka?” questioned Chuma with a frown. “Yes, you remember him. He was the one who came over to the square house with the tin roof where the woman of the white man lives. I told you then I thought he was a spy.” “Well, what did he do?” Limoni peered outside to make cer tain no one was listening. “He looked in the hut and saw the baby and asked whose it was.” “And what did you say?” demanded Chuma eagerly. “I said I was taking care of him for a friend.” “Then what did he do?” “He patted the baby on the head and left.” “I hope that’s the end of it,” said Chuma taking the baby in her arms. Its legs and body were filling out, and it looked at her and smiled. “I don’t think that’s the end,’ re turned Limoni. “I’m just sure some one told him to come. I’m so worried I-I j-just don’t know what to do ... ’ “Don’t worry anymore. God will help us,” said Chuma.

“How?” asked Limoni with a shake of her head. “I don’t know, but he will.” The sound of people caught their attention. Chuma put a finger to her lips and thrust her head out the door. “How are you?” asked Licomia with an exaggerated smile. “I-I’m just line,” gulped Chuma. “Licenti and I came over to see how Limoni is getting along with the strange baby we hear she has,” said Licomia with a knowing look. “Who told you she had a strange baby?” asked Chuma, stalling for time. A heavy mass of fear formed in her stomach and she had a great urge to run away. But she knew this would be the wrong thing to do. With a great effort she forced herself to smile even though her heart was racing like a funeral drum. “A linyonyi (bird) told us,” replied the girl with a mocking sneer. Her gums had healed, but the mean look on her dark face was worse than ever. She loved heathenism and hated Christianity. Making fun of those who listened to the woman of the white man was her favorite sport. Chuma bit her lower lip as she tried desperately to think of a good plan to keep the girls on the outside. But she wasn’t quick enough. Licenti and Licomia brushed by her and into the hut before she could say a word. “Is it not the custom to ask per mission to come in before you enter a hut?” asked Chuma, a dark flush spreading over her face. “Didn’t your parents teach you any manners?” “Il I were you I wouldn’t talk,” re torted Licenti. “With those lower teeth

in your ugly mouth you look like a baboon. I wouldn’t speak of manners if I were you . . .” “That’s a fine baby you have,’ re marked Licomia after she and her cou sin had seated themselves on the floor. “I think it is a very nice baby,” re turned Chuma. “Would you like some obusela?” “Don’t try to change the subject,” said Licenti angrily. “We came to see the baby and to learn whose it is.” “Well, it isn’t mine,” replied Chuma. “And it isn’t Limoni’s.” “We know that. Stupid,” said Licen ti. She was so angry her lips quivered and her eyes became dark orbs of hate. “Now tell us Whose baby is it?” “What if we don’t want to tell you?” asked Chuma crisply. “Then we’ll use other methods to find you!” sneered Licenti. She pulled the bottle from the baby’s mouth and ripped the nipple off. ’Then she dashed the remaining milk into Chuma’s face.

“But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, ‘Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.’ ” Luke 18:16. It is wonderful that the Almighty God, ruler of heaven and earth is in terested in little children and is calling them unto Him. This is the experi ence again during these days. To Him be praise and glory both now and for evermore. Presently the school at the church in Bums Lake is in progress with three more planned at other plac es. The Lord is opening doors for this work. Shall we pray that a God planned follow up program be grant ed. New faces in the district are the Jake Klassens from the Steinbach area and Henry Barkman from Morris, a hearty welcome is extended to them and the invitation is open to others as there is yet much room lor new comers to the area. « » *

COMING EVENT August 3-10 Jubilee Bible Camp for Boys and Girls at Delta on Lake Manitoba. Sponsored by the Evangelical Mennonite church at Portage la Prairie. Rev. Elmer Hamm of MacGregor is the camp speaker. THE MESSENGBat

FROM

HOUSE

TO YO

HOUSE

HELPERS (Mrs.) Elma B. Dueck A group of mothers, including my self were discussing the pros and cons of training our children to help in the various tasks in the home. Said one mother, “Saturday I al lowed my young daughter to prepare custard filling for an empty pie shell. Feeling very important, she proceeded with her task. After much fuss and much ado, she finally opened the oven door to put in the pie, when plop crash she let the pie fall right into the

hot oven! Of course the pyrex pie plate smithered into myriads of pieces, mingling well with the golden custard. You can well imagine what a messy, silvery, baked-on-mess I had to clean up. And I was so busy that day!” We could all laugh at it now, but at the time it must have been far from amus ing. Another mother spoke up, “I got my boy to wash the kitchen floor. He left it in such a wet state that it took an hour before it was dry enough to walk on, and I could prepare supper.” “I thought I would never get my bread dough kneaded yesterday with two extra pairs of small hands in the pan to help me,” sighed a third mo ther. And so the various helpful (?) ef forts of our children was discussed. It would be so much simpler and easier to do these things ourselves, wouldn’t

OUR TRIP TO

EUROPE Mrs. Leona Reimer

With this issue we are beginning a series of articles on the recent trip to Europe by Rev. and Mrs. John K. Reimer of the Aberdeen E.M. Church in Winnipeg. Since Mrs. Reimer is no stranger to tills page, we are happy that she is prepared to make this e.xtra contribution. Her articles will come under the heading, “OUR TRIP TO EUROPE”. A Home Away From Home

An experience not soon to be for gotten was ours this Spring when my husband and I had the good fortune to take a trip to Europe, and in par ticular, Germany and Switzerland. In Germany we were to visit at the home of my husband’s brother, Levi Reimer and family, a Free Church missionary at Bad Gandersheim. In Switzerland we were eagerly looking forward to meeting my sister Mrs. Amanda Pet ers, wife of EMC missionary John Peters who is with the Janz Team. The Peters’ home is situated on Florastrasse, in Reinach a suburb of Basel in the beautiful little country of Switzerland. Although some distance removed from the Alps, the country side around them is beautiful wooded

hih country. When we arrived, on April 15 everything was in fuU bloom a marked contrast to the snow drifts we had left behind just 24 hours ago! At the Peters we arrived just in time to share the birthday supper of their eldest son, James. Then five days later it was Mr. Peters birthday. How good it was to be able to share these special days. As you can imagine, making our selves at home here, was no prob lem, We were constantly surrounded by sisterly love and hospitality. And often, after a mealtime or before re tiring for the night, we would just linger a little longer to reminisce of days gone by. Of home. Of loved ones. Again we thanked God for these pre cious moments together. Many things around us were now quite different. Looking down the

it? But how would our children ever learn anything worthwhile if they were never allowed to try? They need to do things themselves to learn how to do them. Only then can they be come helpful and useful. If God permitted us to do only those things we could do perfectly, what woud remain for us to do? God could easily get along without us; yet He patiently puts up with our bungling efforts. What continues to amaze me is that God has even planned it that He needs us to be His helpers in His great work of redemption here on earth. We are bound to make mis takes, but this should not keep us from trying again and again. Only as we earnestly try to do something for Him in obedience to the instructions in His Word, can we learn how to be useful in God’s household.

street in the morning, wo would see all the bedding out on the balconies or hanging out of the windows. There were big square pillows; and high fluffy featherquilts; mattresses (They are sectioned especially for this pur pose) sheets, etc.

Also catching my eye were the beautiful decorated baby carriages. The fuss they make over little babies' A carriage will often be seen with beautiful lace curtains, the baby covered with a big pillow covered with lace, feathers, angora or nylon pile. Always on hand for emergencies (in case of ram) is a rainhood. This covers the whole carriage with only the little one’s face showing.

Something we will long remember while with the Peters is a trip into the Alps. We stopped in a small town by the name of Frutigen and stayed in the home of a Christian who built Chair Lifts. Their home was a typical Swiss chalet, in typical Heidi country. The view of the Alps from here was breath taking and beyond description. God was especially good in granting us a clear day to behold these wonders of His creation. A man of God once said after visiting Switzerland, “God could have made a more beautiful world but He didn’t,” This was also the way we felt. We thank God for aU these bless ings while in the home of the Peters, truly a — “Home away from Home.”

July 10. 1964

7 /J - *

F ■

1 NEWS I MACGREGOR Two of our members have recently been laid aside on beds of sickness. Mrs. Isaac Hamm underwent a major operation in the Portage General Hos pital, but is now at home convalescing. Bro. Dave Giesbrecht had the misfor tune of losing parts of his three fin gers on his right hand in a farm acci dent. We praise the Lord that He has restored and undertaken for both of these His children and as we continue to pray, we know that He is able to restore them to complete health again. • • * BAPTISM AND ELECTION AT BLUMENORT

On Sunday, June 21, baptismal ser vices were held at the E.M. Church at Blumenort. Nine candidates were bap tized and received into the fellowship of the church. Also, on the evening of June 21 a ministerial election took place. We

needed an ordained minister to work in Pansy area. Bro. Leonard Barkman was elected by closed election. Bro. and Sis. Barkman moved to Pansy a few years ago to take up th? extension work in this area God has blessed the work and we felt the need of an ordained minister there. Regular morning worship services have been held in the Pansy Chapel since September of last year. May the Barkmans especially feel the nearness of God at this time as they will be taking up the duties of an ordained minister. » » •

D.V.B.S. AT ROSEISLE One week of Daily Vacation Bible School was held at Roseisle from July 6 to 13. It seemed to be a record at tendance for Roseisle with 63 children enrolled. These were transported to and from school every day, by local church members. As only 3 teachers volunteered for the work in our com munity four others from Pleasant Val ley and Morris area helped out. Lo cal teachers were: Rev. David Harms, Mrs. John Klassn, and Miss Rosella Friesen. Others were: Miss Helen Loewn, Miss Elma Bremdt, Miss Marion Eidse, Miss Gladys Kroeker. Even

ANNOUNCEMENT WE INVITE ALL TEACHERS, TRUSTEES, DEACONS, AND MINISTERS TO THEIR ANNUAL aiEETING

though no financial reward will be given for helping in this work. The Lord will repay. This is a tremen dous opportunity to bring the chUdren to the Lord, as some of these chUdren never attend Sunday School or church. Shall we pray that the Word that has been sown will bear fruit for eternity. * * * RIDGEWOOD Baptismal services were held on June 7th in Ridgewood. Ten young people were baptized and one was ac cepted into our membership. Rev. Abe Unger delivered the message. June 14th was an important day at Ridgewood. The Communion Service which was held in the afternoon fol lowed a period of heartsearching and as a result was a time of spirtiual blessings. In the evening the unity in mind and spirit of the brethren was shown when brother, Gerry Doerksen, the high school principal at Blume" ort was elected minster after the first vote. By meeting the Doerksens we also pledge to uphold them in prayer. May the Lord bless them in their work. Ridgewood Young People Hold Retreat On June 30 and July 1 the Ridgewood Young People went out for a youth retreat. The fellows left for a park near Hadashville on the 30th and there received a very practical mes sage from Rev. C. Wilbert Loewen. Next morning the girls joined them and the day was spent by morning devotions, an afternoon service at which Rev. John Barkman from the Grace Children Home spoke, and a wiener roast in the evening followed by testimonies and singing. During the day volleyball was also played. Each young person attending left with a blessing and everyone felt that it had been a worthwhile day. • * •

JlflTHS

Date: August 21, 1964 Time: Supper 6:00 P.M.; Program 7:30 P.M.

Place: Prairie Rose Evangelical Meimonite Church An interesting program has been planned. The main address, “Educating the Pupil - for Whom?” will be given by I. W Redekopp.

PLAN TO ATTEND

Board of Education and Publications

To Ml’, and Mrs. BUI Neufeld of Steinbach, a son, Allen Kent, on June 16. To Rev. and Mrs. Henry Komelsen of Ridgewood, a daughter. Mavis EJma, on July 7. To Rev. and Mrs. Dave Harms of Roseisle, a girl, Eleanor Elizabeth, on April 9. To Mr. and Mrs. Jake Driedger of Roseisle, a daughter. the

MESSENGE21