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The Messenger October 2, 1964

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a. 20 1964

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SAID DMO THEM, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND FREAtH THE GOSFEL TO EVERI CKEAITKE.”


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EDIT EVANGELISM We commend the committee responsible for drawing up the program for our tenth annual missions convention, on the choice of their topic, “The Christian and Evangel­ ism”. On the other hand it immediately speaks of failure on our part that a theme like this is necessary. And it is necessary only because we have departed, so far from fol­ lowing as the first church did. What to the Christians in Paul’s days seems to have been natural, we have to learn over and over again. Namely that the propagating of the Christian faith is not the job of a few ordained clergymen, deacons or Sunday school teachers, but that every believer is a witness. The Thessalonian church in the New Testament is a striking example of this. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians was written about a year after he had preached there and it has been estimated that he labored there no longer than five months. Certainly he could not have taught more than the fundamental truths. Yet so thoroughly had they grasped this truth that after a year Paul in writing to them could say, “. . . from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything.” In appraising this situation we would certainly say that Paul made no mistake in so soon (after five months) leaving these new converts on their own. But his faith in them was justified. To me, one of the secrets of their success is the truth of one small verse that may have escaped us heretofore. I am referring to verse six where Paul says, “. . . ye be­ came followers of us and of the Lord.” We might be in­ clined to say that Paul should have written, “of the Lord and of us”. But I believe that the rendering is correct. Coming from heathendom to Christ, they had, at first, no other living example to follow except the Apostles. But the time would come (and came very shortly) when Paul Timothy and Sylvanus would step aside and leave for other parts. By that time these new converts would have learned to “follow” the Lord. On the part of Paul, this soon withdrawed naturally involved risk. But it seems to have been a risk which he was willing to take and as it turned out was justified in taking. The question now comes to us whether we can apply Paul’s principles to our situation today. Bas­ ically I think since we take his example in other areas we can also take his methods in establishing churches. Con­ sequently I am convicted that we have sometimes stayed too long nurturing and nursing those who have become Christians, received the Holy Spirit and may have been able to function as a church, had they not received the impres­ sion from us that they were not capable. In doing this we are unknowingly fostering dependance on the missionary, exact­ ly that which we are trying to avoid by an extended per-

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iod of probation and oversight. Paul must have been a master at stirring up “gifts”. Something I believe we could well have more of today. That each Christian has spiritual gifts I believe we would be the first to admit. That we have failed to stir up these gifts in certain strategic areas, we too must admit. As it is that great body of Christians comprising the Evangelical Mennonite Conference stiU has lamentably few names of non-Mennonite origin in it’s own land. Could it be that we have misread the command of Jesus to say “. . . ye shall be witnesses unto Me (to all Mennonites) both in Jerusalem and in all Judea . . Could it be that there is a different way of evangelizing? A way that has escaped us thus far? A way which would produce greater results for the glory of God? To these and other questions I trust we will find the answer at the forthcoming conference. Shall we also be much in prayer for the entire convention program. And lastly shall we pray that we may come to the meetings with an open heart, ready and willing to receive the spir­ itual truths God has for us and then go and put them into practise. Only as we do this will we be able to say that the effort has been successful. * * *

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THANKLESSNESS AND IT’S CONSEQUENCES Among the last exhortations of the aged Moses to the children of Israel was the warning against thankless­ ness and ingratitude, when they should come into the land that God was going to give them, saying, “And it shah, be, when the Lord Thy God shall have brought thee into the land which He sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaak, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildest not. And houses full of all good things which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; ’Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, (Deut. 6:10-12) Exacty what Moses warned against, came to pass. A warning to those of us who follow after. How does God’s goodness find expression in our lives? Are we truly thank­ ful this thanksgiving season? • • * Willard Claassen (page 4) is the executive secretary of the General Conference Board of Education and Publication, Newton, Kansas. ♦ *

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Front Cover: Our front cover picture is representative only and not an attempt to portray all EMC missionaries. We do trust however that it will move us to greater prayer effort.

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The Messenger Editor, David K. Sciicllenberg, 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, Steinbach, Man. Subscription price to non-members $1.00 per year. All EJd.C. members pay through the church. Authorized as second class moll. Post Office Departanent, Ottawa, and for payment of postage In cash.

the messenger

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First Indian Bible Camp a Success

Kola Indian Bible Camp By A. Neufeld

We are grateful to the Conference Churches, sewing circles and the fer­ vent support of the local church for making our first Indian Camp a pos­ sibility and success. We also are thank­ ful for the donations sent for the In­ dian work as a result of the programs rendered by the Indian children (under the supervision of the Frank Brauns) in various churches. The total receipts received from all sources amounted to $947.83. The expenditures amounted to $780.24, Balance 194.59. Beginnings

The idea of a camp for the children of the Oak River Reserve was born in the mind of Mrs. Peter (Olga) Martens, now a missionary in Paraguay. ’The challenge was further pursued by the Frank Brauns. Bro. Corny Martens donated the beautiful spot for the camp. Others donated lumber, and all labor was voluntary. As a result the two camp buildings, one 12x24 and

one 12x30 were built very economic­ ally. One was used for kitchen and the other for dormitory for girls and boys.

Forty-seven Campers Forty-seven youngsters were enrol­ led from ages 5-16. They were trans­ ported by cars and one big truck from the Reserve and back. All class ses­ sions, chapel services and meals were held outside. God granted a rain free week during the days. We praise Him for this. Food Donated Mrs. Peter F. Martens was our cook in charge, and did a wonderful job together with the kitchen help. Most food was donated by the women of the Kola church, also the Heron church helped. The total grocery bill was about $100.00 lor the 8 days camp; feeding an average of 60 persons a meal. Teachers were:

Happenings in the Mali Republic

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Kita-Sirakora Mali Republic, W, Africa August 19, 1964 Dear Friends, Vacation comes but once a year— usually. We were grateful to the Lord for being able to take one this year. The month of July was spent in the coolness of Dalaba, Guinea. The high­ light of the month was Eugene’s mid­ term vacation of twelve days. His school at Mamou is only forty miles from Dalaba. It was so good to have the family all together again. He start­ ed his second grade August 3rd, and enjoys school for which we’re thank­ ful. Irene will soon begin her kinder­ garten classes at home with Mommy as teacher. Before going to Dalaba we are able to make several trips into the bush during May and June. It was a joy to visit the believers so far removed from our station. We trust that the teaching they received was a real help to them, as we probably won’t see most of them again until after the rains October 2, 1964

have quit in October. Pray for these scattered and isolated believers.

During July while we were at Dalaba, the only woman convert in the village here passed away. She was an elderly woman and a convert of one month, but had been sick for several months. Do pray for the many women here who have heard the Gospel and have not accepted it. We long to see a real working of the Spirit at Sirakora, that a living church will soon be established.

Please pray lor Flamoro, a believer in a distant village who witnesses faithfully. Since he is a blacksmith and gunsmith, people go to him from distant villages to have work dpne. In May we gave him a small phono­ graph and Gospel records to use in his witness, and he said now all who come to him will hear the records be­ fore they leave. A few years ago he started paying dowry on a second wife and is now almost finished. Pray that he might be delivered from this snare.

Peter Dueck — Senior Boys Mrs. Sally Dueck — Senior Girls Miss Eliz. Reimer — Primary class and camp nurse Miss Sarah Martens — Primary class Mrs. Mary Braun — Beginners Frank Braun — Choir & sports Peter F. Martens — Camp supply man Art Neufeld — Camp director Evening service speakers came from the Kola and Heron churches. We believe that genuine decisions for the Lord have been made. Pray for the work on the Reserve and lor the Frank Brauns. We are anticipating a larger camp in 1935. More buildings and more ded­ icated workers will be needed. Funds will be needed. Will the Lord under­ take for the future as He has in the past? Yes, lor He remains the same. Let us go on in faith! Once again thankyou for your do­ nations and prayers.

MISSll" fcfc •l;

He recently promised to break up plans to take her. This will meet with op­ position from his unsaved relatives and friends. The last time we were at his village the end of May, his wife said she would accept the Lord the next time we go there. His six year old daughter will begin attending our Mission Girls’ School in December. Bala is an elderly man and an old hunter in another village. He accepted the Lord about four years ago and has grown in grace, witnessing for the Lord. For the last few years his wife has been sick mentally. At first we thought it was bodily sickness affect­ ed her, but we are now convinced that it is demon possession. Bala also says that it’s a demon. Pray for her deliv­ erance and for us as we deal with her. We praise the Lord for the oppor­ tunity of serving Him, and are con­ fident that His word will not return unto Him void, but shall accomplish that which He pleases and shall pros­ per in the thing whereto He sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Yours in Christ, Larry and Kathryn McNeill

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The Roll of the Teacher i

TEACHERS ARE LIKE WINDOWS By Willard Claassen

In one of his books Paul Vieth tells about Sunday School workers discuss­ ing their experiences as pupils in Sun­ day school. “It was decided that each was to name the most important influences that had come into his life. Without exception each named a person or persons and not abstract truths. One after another could point to some one teacher who, as a person, had done more toward shaping his life than had any other factor.” Teachers are like stained glass win­ dows: they color the light passing through them, but they do let in the sunshine of God’s truth. Some let in more light: others less. No two are alike. Their background in education differs. Their experiences vary. Abili­ ty to analyze, to cooperate, to put ideas into words is not the same, but all have the common responsibility of sharing the truth of the gospel. The Christian teacher stands at the center of the church’s teaching ministurity. Persons growing toward matry. Good equipment is important. But good equipment and good curriculum are not enough. Curriculum development has dem­ onstrated clearly the need for im­ proved teaching. Harry Munro ob­ served that teaching is ninety percent of curriculum. This is why improving the quality of teaching is so important. The Bible Itself emphasizes the im­ portance of training. The Apostle Paul, counseling young Timothy, said “Try hard to show yourself worthy of God’s approval, as a laborer who need not be ashamed, driving a straight furrow, in your proclamation of the truth” (I Tim. 2:15, NEB). Our first need is for teachers whose lives show qualities of spiritual ma­ turity. Persons growing towards ma­ turity will not find teaching burden­ some or distasteful. It wiU be a stimulating and challenging experi­ ence. But in the work of the church. 4

workers are often given a responsibi­ lity before they have enough training for it. The teachers themselves fre­ quently feel the need for more train­ ing. A worker who is already involved and has had to face up to some of his inadequecies has motivation for se­ rious study that is hard to match in a pre-service training program. Fortu­ nately, local churches can now pro­ vide opportunities for additional train­ ing. What kind of training is available? Some programs can be set up within the local church; other kinds can be secured through the conference or from councils of churches. Churches are Alert to the Need Perhaps the most familiar and most widely used form of training is the leadership class. The training is given in institutes, workshops, training con­ ferences, and conventions often held by denominations. Frequently, local churches work together, through coun­ cils of churches, in community lead­ ership schools. In addition, demon­ stration schools and skill shops of various kinds are sometimes available. A most important and simple training opportunity can be provided in a lo­ cal church in which the workers dis­ cuss and evaluate their work. The worker’s library is also an aid in teacher training. Through it a lo­ cal church can provide a helpful se­ lection of books and magazines for its workers. Many good books are available in the area of leadership training, providing a gold mine of in­ formation . Obesrvation is the answer to an alltoo-common objection. “But it won’t work in our school.’’ By observing another teacher use new methods, deal with special problems or use new materials, the observer may become disposed to try them. „ The teacher-consultant is an expe­ rienced teacher in the local church who is available to teachers to talk about their problems and to make

suggestions for improvement. The church that has a capable, mature, ex­ perienced leader, has an opportunity to apprentice to him a student teacher. The laboratory school is a form of training in which counseling teachers working with pupils are associated with student teachers who observe and assist in the teaching process. Christian Maturity is Basic People are impressed and changed far more by truths they see demon­ strated than by those they hear spo­ ken. In other words, we can learn best from teachers’ lives rather than their words. A basic need in our church schools is for teachers whose personal­ ities and whose Christian experiences will make the Christian life both de­ sirable and attractive. Teaching the Christian faith is a great privilege. No matter how well we are prepared, the deeper we get into the teaching ministry the more we are aware of our inadequecy. Train­ ing is not just a matter of acquir­ ing skills, but of deepening our own Christian insights, coming to under­ stand what the Christian message really is, and letting God speak through us — both in our words and in our lives. If the teacher is the critical factor in the teaching-learning process, im­ provement in teaching becomes a tre­ mendously significant factor. Today the need of a trained mind and a skilled hand are recognized almost universally. This may be observed among doctors, surgeons, lawyers, mu­ sicians, and public school teachers. If our automobile is in need of repair, we take it to a trained mechanic or later come to regret our thoughtless­ ness. Surely God does not want His fol­ lowers to be less trained as Christians than they are in their various voca­ tion. If training can bring joy and confidence to the task of teaching, let us seek it! THE MESSENGER

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My Testimony

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Upon frequent occasions I find my faith tried tried in the sense that items of thought before me tend to diverge my attention on things, purely in a naturalistic way. That is to say, to think of them apart from their association with God. I find today there is so much that confronts M and presses upon us which tend to spiritual con­ flict that as a younger generation, its extreme­ ly trying and difficult. Billy Graham stat­ ed an English scientist as saying, that science today is developed to such a point, according to these scientists, it has made possible the elimination of the necessity of God completely. This would mean, so to say, the origin of all causes was not with God. We find this trend more than just in the intimation of words. No doubt as a result of the influence and the products of such minds corrupt thinking, much of our environment today is so indifferent, it seems never to have come in contact with strong reason or evidence in support or the existence of God. It appears as though they have lost all trace of the reality of God and that they are responsible to beings none other and no higher than themselves. To them as far as the Scriptures are concerned, its just a myth. Viewing the situation as a whole, one wonders whether these things in our day are not a beginning of the time spoken of in Dan. 7:25; where describing a certain king, it says, “he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High.” At least many of the things confronting us in our day give much reason for the reviewing of our position and deriving sound and thorough going answers from the Scriptures, to the challenges that are lacing us. However, in spite of the deceitful suggestiveness of present day think­ ing, there is one thing that enables me to continue in the faith and to stand up against the violence of this influence. It is this: the very appropriatness and practicalness of Jesus Christ as a solution to our every personal and personality need, as supported by a combination of several reasons. First, the unreasonableness of denying the existence of God against the reasonableness of equating all existent created things with the existence of God. Secondly, the content of the Scrip­ tures themselves, substantiated by extensive and graphic historical data, which speak of the activities of God so fitting to the existing human needs. Thirdly, of very practicalness of the core element dwelt upon throughout all of the Bible as described through; the creation and original co-existence of man with God as a personality being created in the image of God, the incourse and consequences of sin, the prom­ ise and its fullfilment of the solution making provision for the re­ establishment of man’s relationship with God, through the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, I look forward to the fulfillment of the promise and hope of the again appearing of Jesus Christ: to the time when He, in His power and great majesty, shall meet us with that final deliverance; when that w^hich He has here begun to accomplish, midst so many crippling hindeiances, shall be delivered and delivered indeed. Therfore, I press on to Him, knowing that the promise of His solution and the power of His Strength shall not fail, but shall quicken to the praise of His glory. He shall and must do so, since, I believe. He is the Image and Power of God and as such He cannot fail. Harry Heinrichs Winnipeg

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October 2, 1964

A letter from a V.S.er Gouldtown, Sask. August 28, 1964 Dear Rev. Schellenberg, We are extremely thankful for the Lord’s care over us in the last while. We arrived here at our new home at about 9 P.M. on Tuesday the 25th. We made our journey without inci­ dent. We had hardly expected this as the trailer and the car were both loaded with furniture and other living supplies. We received a warm welcome first of all from the school children who were running after us as we passed through Gouldtown to our new home. The Arden Thiessens were also glad to see us, and I can assure you that we were glad to see them, as we didn’t know anybody else around here. Since then we have learned to know and love many people here. Especial­ ly is it a joy to fellowship with the Christians here. To our surprize Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hamm were here at Bible Study on Thursday night and then came to fellowship with us after the church gathering . At the present I have my hands full preparing for school. I will have to do a lot of extra studying as the books and curriculum here is quite different from that in Manitoba. The Lord will undertake for us. We are also beginning to see the spiritual need here and trust that Je­ sus Christ will use us to alleviate this need.

Yours for Jesus sake and His service, Don and Adeline Warkentin ♦ ♦ ♦

YOUNG PEOPLE STUDY CULTS The young people of the E.M.C. in Steinbach have been studying the var­ ious cults that are prevalent in our day. In this connection they have stud­ ied Christian Science, Mormonism, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Wit­ nesses, and the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong. To end the series on a positive note. Rev. C. Wilbert Loewen is scheduled to speak on “Christian­ ity” on September 24. • • • “It is not so much the high cost of living which keeps us from giving as we sTiould, but rather the cost of high living.” — Archie Penner


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Congo is a Sick Country The following “Impressions” are given by Rev. Reuben Short, Execu­ tive Secretary, Congo Inland Mission, of a trip to Congo made earlier this summer. Lack of room proliibits us­ ing the whole report but we thought these “Impressions ’ would give us an overall up-to-date view of the Congo situation. This piece which came at the end of his longer report is re­ printed from the CONGO MISSION­ ARY MESSENGER, July-Sept, issue.

Impressions At best, an impression is not to be considered a bonafide fact. So what I say here is intended only as im­ pression and not to be construed as an

absolute or even relatively correct eval­ uation. The human factor, knowledge­ ability, and experience on my part is freighted with inadequacy. However, having been mantled with the privi­ lege and responsibility of this visit I will venture a little. 1. The image of Congo to the U.S. presented by the secular press, radio, and TV is uniquely colorful and geared to popular appeal with isolated inci­ dents of eruption played up as reflect­ ing the attitude and mood of all of 3ngo. I saw a different Congo than that of the news. 2. Congo is a sick country wearing a tattered and torn shirt, riding in an amateurly designed political vehicle.

PONGO REBELS HOLD STANLEYVILLE; MCC PAXMEN REPORTED SAFE Akron, Pa. (MCC)—Paxmen Jon Snyder, Canby, Oregon, and Eugene Berg­ man, Paso Robles, California, are among the 300 expatriate whites detained at Stanleyville since rebel forces invaded this northern Congo river town seven weeks ago. Stanleyville is the chief rebel stronghold and capital of the newly proclaimed People’s Republic of the Congo as reported by the New York Times on Sep­ tember 16. It is headed by Christope Gbenye, a leader of the group that con­ trols approximately one-sixth of the Congo. Latest communications from Stanleyville reveal that all University staff and Protestant missionaries are unharmed. A message from an Unevangelized Field Mission missionary states that they are safe and have enough food but that they are not free to move about as they wish. The two Paxmen have been assisting in the program of the New Protestant University of Stanleyville. Indications are that the rebel government wants normal civilian activities restored as far as possible. It appears that they do not wish toi harm mission­ aries and other foreign civilian personnel because of the very bad pubilicity it would obtain for the rebels. This notion is further strengthened by the fact that the Organization of African Unity is discussing the Congo situation and has appointed a nine-nation commission to achieve “national reconciliation” within the Congo. At this time the revolutionaries are not likely to engage in actions which would give them a poor public image. Why were MCC workers at Stanleyville not evacuated before the rebels took over the city? Director of the Congo MCC program Elmer Neufeld explains that the rebels came to Stanleyville from the east faster than expected. The city fell into their hands with relative ease and speed. On August 1 all was calm. The next day. August 2, fighting broke out in the Stanleyville vicinity. By August 5 the airport was closed to normal air traffic. One plane tried to come in and was fired upon. “We really do not know why the University staff and other missionaries failed to come out on August 4,” says Neufeld, “But in any case all . . . in the area apparently stayed until evacuation became impossible. “As a rule mission-related people are reluctant to leave a troubled area too soon for fear that this will add to the panic and instability . . . they look upon their assignments as being made under the guidance of God and thus do not want to leave their ministry before it is really necessary.” In Leopoldville Elmer Neufeld is in continual communication with Embassy, United Nations, Government, and Mission offices. He is keeping the Akron MCC headquarters fully informed on all developments. 6

with a flat tire economy, a broken steering wheel and shimmering front wheels to ride the road to recovery, openly vulnerable to internal exploi­ tation, and erternal ideology. 3. Congo will need to choose very soon a course of direction to survive as a national entity. 4. The missions have a sobering re­ sponsibility in the crucial hour. 5. Under the present political cir­ cumstances, the life and activity of mission will require constant review. 6. Of a certainty, we can plan for long years of participation in an edu­ cational program, medical program and other service programs—if the , k door remains open. 7. Hopefully and dynamically we are under command to plant and pre­ pare the church all over the world in longing anticipation for the imminent return of our Saviour and Lord. 8. It would be tragedy for the mis­ sions to abandon this country now rather we should reinforce our efforts with additional personnel in most of our going programs. What did Daniel say? “That all people, nations, and lang­ uages should serve Him; his domin­ ion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be de­ stroyed.” Will Congo have a remnant in that Kingdom because of us? Our current response makes a difference either way. ♦ ♦ *

CAPTIVE PAXMAN TO HAVE TERMINATED AUGUST 31 Paxman Daniel Gerber, Dalton, Ohio, was to have terminated his three-year assignment in Vietnam on August 31, 1934. Gerber was captured by the Viet Cong at Banmethout, Vietnam, in May, 1962. He had been loaned by the MCC to the Christian and Missionary Alliance’s leprosarium located eight miles south of Banmethout. Gerber was one of three American church workers kidnapped by Com­ munist guerillas. The other two* were: Dr. Eleanor T. Vietti of Houston, Texas, and the Rev. Archie Mitchell of Ellens­ burg, Washington. They are believed to be alive and being used to do medi­ cal work for the Viet Cong.

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“Of the twenty-two civilizations that appeared in history, nineteen of them collapsed when they reached the moral state the U.S. is in now.” —Arnold Toynbee, Historian. THE MESSENGER


D.V.B.S. WINNIPEG 1964 By Lillian Friesen

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Elda Kroeker and Myrtle Doerksen have been teaching DVBS in Winni­ peg for 5 consecutive summers. Again this year they gave many children an­ other opportunity to decide what they would do with Jesus, the Word of God having been sown in their hearts in previous years. For other children it was the first time they came in con­ tact with the gospel.

V.B.S, in Homes

The Benny Klassens again opened up their home for Vacation Bible School as they have for several years. The H£irry Fasts, Jac. Kroekers, Pete Kroekers and Henry Dycks had D.V. B.S. in their homes for the first time. In the neighborhood of the Harry Fasts the women expressed their ap­ preciation for the work done with the children. At the Jac. Kroekers all except the few children from Christian homes had had no Sunday school teaching at all. A girl who attended a private catho­ lic school came to D.V.B.S. at the home of Henry Dyck’s. Here the enrollment rose from 6 the first day to 20-30 by the end of the week. Mostly the younger set of children appeared at the Pete Kroeker home. This is a great challenge to continue the work in that area.

vassing in the area the teachers were faced with some heart-searching news. Myrtle inquired cheerfully, “Will Car­ ol be coming to D.V.B.S. again this summer?” The reply was no. Carol had passed away just a month ago. She had been a faithful pupil for the past two years. Now her place would be vacant.

No definite decisions have been re­ corded on paper for 1964 but God knows if there have been those made in hearts and homes of the children. We trust Him to work in the lives of those who have heard the way of salvation and that in due time there will be much fruit.

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MCC TO APPEAL FOR 65,000

BLANKETS IN OCTOBER

The Mennonite Central Committee will appeal for 65,000 blankets this autumn. The month of October has been set aside for the blanket drive, although one group has already indicated that they will not hold their drive till No­ vember 8. The blankets will be collected in October and early November so that many of them can be distributed that same winter. Shipments are scheduled to be sent to Algeria, Burundi Congo, Hong Kong, India, Jordan, Korea, Laos Paraguay, Taiwan, and Vietnam The first MCC blanket drive was held in 1962. Over 50,000 blankets were received at that time.

And in the church

D.V.B.S. in the church was held for 2 weeks during the evening. This af­ forded opportunity for the young peopie with jobs to render their service during the evening. Many have been faithfully aomg laitniuiiy doing the me work woik. ui of teaching icavinng _ D.V.B.S. for a number of years. The enrollment here rose to an all time high of 226 as compared with last year’s high of 106. The children showed great enthusiasm in the DVBS pro­ gram and in inviting their friends.

In Halls and Schools

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11NEWS I

ROSENORT SENIOR CHOIR

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Our D.V.B.S. in Creighton was well attended with 100 students enrolled which includes those that came only for one day to a perfect attendance. The lowest attendance, on a rainy day, was 50 and hightst 68, average 60.5. Of the students 32 stated that they did not go to any Sunday School, some went to the Boman Catholic; 9 to the Baptist; 14 to the United church; 11 Salvation Army, 7 Penticostal, 2 Luth­ erans, and 16 are coming to our Sun­ day School. Never before had we seen so many parents and interested friends come out for the closing program of a D.V. B.S. About 130 chairs were filled and some were standing. Let us continue to pray that the Lord will speak in His own way. Here for His Service, Henry, Shirley and Bradley Koop * • * ENDEAVOUR

Rev. and Mrs. E. J. Wright, En­ deavour, Sask, are pleased to announce the arrival of Bradley Wayne, two and a half years, (by adoption), on Sept. 10th. Birthdate is March 30th, 1962. Evangelistic Campaign The Endeavour Fellowship Chapel is soliciting prayer support for a special , effort in evangelism in the chapel. Oct. I 4th to Oct. 11th inclusive. EhrangeUst • and Mrs. R. Greenway who, are ac­ complished musicians, will be the ev■ angelistic teeim. Mrs. Greenway wiU I play the electric organ, Irish harp, and I accompany her husband as he sings, I plays his violin, and the Theremin. !L J The Theremin is an unusual and very H rare electronic instrument played withH out being touched in any way. Brother ■ Greenway will preach the old-fash■ ioned Gospel at each service. It is I harvest time in western Canada. Pray H for harvest of souls in this “Venture ■ in Evangelism”.

In the Point Douglas area the Uk­ rainian Hall was rented. The Euclid Mission room already was too small to accommodate all the pupils. Many " IW parents who would not send their children to anything like a church Pictured in front of the Rosenort gladly sent them out to this Hall. church is the Senior Choir after their The Red River School was again 'recent trip to Flin Flon. (See last is­ available in Old Kildonan. While can- sue).

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October 2, 1964

WELL ATTENDED CLOSING PROGRAM

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MOTHER JOINS MISSIONARY CHILDREN IN EUROPE

Mrs. P. D. Reimer and her daughter Marina have left their home in Stein-

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Fast Milton »• East bach to joii. erland for a visit. Mrs. Rei­ mer is the mother of Mrs. John Peters. Marina, who was employed at the Steinbach Town Office until her de­ parture, is expected to help the Peters with their work.

ABBOBG The Lord has blessed us richly with the harvest so may we use it to further His kingdom. A lot was bought in the town of Arborg and the foundation is in the process of being made for the Morweena chapel which is to be moved there in the near future. Better accom­ modations for the winter were required as our previous rented building was not big enough. The attendance had grown quite a bit after D.V.B.S. A basement has been dug for a new church at Morweena. Plans are that church services will be held in the basement as the main auditorium will not yet be finished. Mr. and Mrs. Art Plett and family are back from Mexico where they have been doing missionary work for about a year, Mr. Plett had the privi­ lege of helping the earthquake vict­ ims at Mexico.

BIRTHS Arborg Mr. and Mrs. John W. Loewen a son Johnny, June 26. Mr. and Mrs. Pete F. Reimer a son Darrel James, July 8, Rev. and Mrs. Henry P. Friesen a daughter Gertrude Bettina, July 25. Mr. and Mrs. Walter K. Plett a daughter Laurel Elma, Sept. 1 Mr. and Mrs. John K. Plett a son Clinton, Sept. 3. Portage la Prairie To Mr. and Mrs. John Klassen of Portage la Prairie, a son, Gordon John on July 11. Steinbach ‘Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Koop, a girl, Connie, April 21, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reimer a boy, Wendel Scott, May 17. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Toews a girl Mir­ iam Helen, May 21 Mr. and Mrs. Bill Neufeld a boy, Allan Kent, June 16. Dr. and Mrs. Allan Lysack, of Winni­ peg, a girl, Margaret Ann, July 4. Mr. and Mrs. Willie Rosche a girl,

Sandra Lyn, Aug. 8. Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Klassen a boy, Darrel Peter, Aug. 29. • • * ORDINATION Ordination services were held at Pleasant Valley on Sept. 13 for their newly elected minister, Frank K. Frie­ sen. The ordination ceremony was car­ ried out by Rev. Peter L. Friesen of the Rosenort Church. The message of the afternoon was given by Rev, Frank D. Reimer, moderator of the E.M.C. This addition to the ministerial at Pleasant Valley brings it to two minis­ ters and one deacon. Br. Friesen is the son of the late Rev. Peter W. Friesen, a former minis­ ter of the Rosenort congregation. « « *

OBITUARY OF MRS. NEIL DUECK Ps. 116:15 — Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. It has pleased the Lord to take from our home my beloved wife and the mother of our children, Mrs. Elizabeth Kroeker Dueck. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! My wife, Elizabeth was born Oct, 21, 1925 into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peter T. Kroeker at Rosenort (Morris) and passed on to be with Jesus on Aug. 30, 1964 having reached an age of 38 years and 10 months. She found forgiveness of sins and salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ in the year 1948 and was baptized by the Elder Jacob B. Kroeker and received into the fellowship of the Evangelical Mennonite Church. On July 1, 1951 she entered into the bond of holy matrimony with me, Cornelius Dueck of Kleefeld, Man. We have thus walked together and shared together all the joys and sorrows de­ termined for us by our heavenly Fa­ ther for 13 years and 2 months. Selflessly she served, both in the home and church, being for some years a Sunday School teacher of little children. She passed through a critical kid­ ney illness about five years ago but God graciously restored her again in answer to many prayers. Since Easter of this year her health began to fail and she entered the Steinbach hospital on Aug. 14 to re­ ceive a blood transfusion. In seeming good health she was discharged 4 days

later but immediately contracted pneu­ monia which complicated her kidney condition and she had to be readmitted on Aug. 21. Tuesday night, Aug. 5 I accompanied her on the ambulance trip from Stein­ bach to Winnipeg General Hospital. God alone knew she had only 4 more days to live but it was thrilling to hear her surrender herself complete­ ly to His will. I recited to her the 23rd Psalm and also sang for her verses of “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me.” Then she comitted me and the children to God’s keeping power to whom also we now look for comfort in this great hour of grief. She leaves to mourn her early de­ parture, her loving husband, 4 child­ ren: Clarice 9, Gloria 7, Lorraine 6, and Brenda 4. Her mother, 3 sisters: Helen, Mrs. Bill Zacharias, Winnipeg: Annie, Mrs. Isaac T. Reimer, Meade, Kansas and Gladys, Mrs. Martin B. R,eimer, Meade, Kansas; 2 brothers: Peter of Morris and Frank on the Paraguay mission field. Also many relatives and friends. Please remember us in your prayers. The Family.

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CARD OF THANKS We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses and hospital staff who attended my de­ parted wife and mother of our child­ ren. We also thank the ministers of the Kleefeld EMC and all who have prayed for us visited us or sent flowers, cards in sympathy and in other ways have helped to bear the load of sorrow. May the heavenly Father reward each one of you accordine to his grace. C. B. Dueck and family

COMING EVENTS Sept. 27 - Oct. 4 Missionary Con­ ference at the Winnipeg Aber­ deen E.M.C. church.

October 9 - 11 Annual Mission­ ary Conference of the E..MC. at Prarie Rose, October 18-25 Missionary Con­ ference at the Pelly Fellowship Chapel, Pelly, Sask. t

Oct. 25 - Nov. 1 Revival meetings at MacGregor with the Rev. Ben Friesen of Swift Current a s speaker.

*i*n w* MESSENGER

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