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EVANGELICAL

2, No. 22 30, 1964

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MENNONITE

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CONFERENCE

Missionary Conference at Winnipeg Front row, left to right Sara Koop, Brazil Elizai)etli Reimer, Mexico Don Shidler Mrs. Harvey Barkman, Mr. Harvey Barkman, Congo Back row Elizabeth Koop, Brazil Betty Wiebe, Africa Mr. and Mrs. Flumbaum, Winnipeg Mr an.d Mrs. Abe Giesbrecht, Sask. Mr. Curt Bork, Shanty man WINNIPEG

Shidler spoke to us from the book of Ephesians and portions of Acts. His timely illustrations from the mission fields served both as an in spiration and a missionary challenge. We believe that many have purpost anew to carry on the work of wor evangelization. The Conference was concluded wij a fellowship supper on Saturday ternoon and final service on Sur, night.

The Sth Annual Missionary Conference of the Winnipeg E.M.C was held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4. It was a time of receiving informa tion, inspiration, and a time of dedi cation. Missionaries from 11 different fields gave us much information of past re sults and present needs on their re spective fields of service.

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I I < * IN THIS ISSUE War and Peace

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Revival at Endeavour 3

Peace Literature

EMC Missionary Conference

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AIX THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.”

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WAR AND PEACE

According to the words of Christ in Matt. 24:6 “wars and rumours of wars” is one of the signs that will char acterize the endtime. Not only wars, but also rumours of wars. They tell us that the word “rumour” has undergone a change over the past 300 years. At that time the meaning was, “the fact of being generally talked about”. Today it is generally taken to mean a statement or report of which there is no clear evidence. Taking the former meaning then, we immediatey see that it is exactly adaptible to the age we are living in. I doubt if there has been a generation living where there has been more “talk” of war than the one we live in. We have gotten used to to it and merely call it the “cold” war, without thinking that it is the di vine fulfillment of Scripture. Making a study of this as far back as 1951, Wilbur M. Smith found these amazing statistics. In the six years period (1900-1905) he discovered that 29 volumes had been published on armaments military arts and sciences, and war. Then, in 1938, in one year alone there were 64 vol umes published on this subject, plus about 100 volumes on the European War. In the first six months of 1950 as many books were published on war and military sciences as in the first six years of this century. On the other hand he found that in 1938 fiftythree books had been published on peace; in 1949 the number had fall en to fifteen! Certainly these statistics speak for themselves. History reveals that the great majority of armament races have ended in war! Norman Cousins in a recent book reveals these startling figures: “Since 600 years before Christ there have been 156 major armament races, and e\ery one of these except 16 resulted in war, and those sixteen ended in national bankruptcy.” To emphasize the peace witness some Mennonite church bodies place special emphasis on the peace teaching dur ing one Sunday in November. Usually the Sunday nearest Remembrance Day, Nov. 11 is designated for this. Which this year would be on Nov. 8. I have not heard that the E.M.C. churches are doing this. Maybe it would be a good idea to start. • • • NORTH AMERICAN MENNONITE MINISTERS CONFERENCE

Chicago has again been chosen as the location for the meeting of the North America Mennonite Ministers’ Con ference. The planning committee of this conference met at the Sherman House, Chicago, October 6th, to finalize the plans for the second such meeting in the history of the Mennonites of North America. The conference is to be held at the Atlantic Hotel, Clark and Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois, next May. Present at the planning committee meeting were Henry

H. Dick (MB), Shafter, California; Erland Waltner (GO; Nelson Kauffman (OM), and Archie Penner (EMC),— the latter three of Elkhart, Indiana. Bishop E. Swaim of Duntroon, Ontario, and Dr. John C. Wenger, temporarily re siding at Princeton, New Jersey, could not attend. Tuesday, May 4th through Thursday May 6th, 1965, are the dates set for the conference. There are to be three days of fellowship, discussion, sharing, Bible study and prayer. The day will begin with the study of the Word. Then will follow a time of discussion in the form of pan els, small groups, and plenary sessions. These activities will be interspersed with breaks for meals and personal acquaintances and fellowship. If any overall statement concerning the purpose of the meeting would be given, it would perhaps be best expressed by “to know, to love, and to trust.” The central theme chosen for the conference is “Our Fellowship in the Gospel.” Paul's letter to the Philippians is to form the basis of the Bible studies and discussion. This overall theme is broken up into more specific themes for each day. The themes for the respective days are to be as follows: “The Center of Fellowship—union with Christ,” “The Evidences of Fellowship — the mind of Christ,” “The Extension of Fellowship — making Christ known.” It is anticipated that there will be one hundred parti cipants. The respective church conference will appoint their participating members. The costs of the conference will be kept to a minimum. However, because of the need for adequate facilities of meeting rooms, a small registration fee will be charged. « * «

HELL, A PLACE OF TORMENT Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, pre pared for the devil and his angels. Matth. 5:41 To the modern man the subject of hell is a joke; to the liberal theologian it is the disappointments in this life; to some only the grave; to others something too horrible for a loving God to punish His created beings. But to Christ it was real when on the cross He cried, “My God, my God, why has Thou forsaken me.” He tasted the separation from love and mercy in order to save us from hell. For those who will go there the mercy door is shut. The flames of damnation will wrap around their souls in eter nal misery. The darkness will be intense and they will desperately call for help but the only answer will be wail ing and gnashing of teeth. Fellowship will not be found there though there will be multitudes there. Oh the alone ness, no great God, no friend, no love, no hope. H. Kornelsen

The Messenger Official organ, In the English language, of the EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE. Published bi-weekly under the aus pices of the E.M.C. BOARD 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, Steinbach, Man. Subscription price to non-members $1.00 per year. All EM.C. members pay through the church. Authorized as second class mall, Post Office Departanent. Ottawa, and for payment of postage In cash.

THK MESSSNGER

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YOUNG PEOPLE ATTEND S.B.I.

Canora Expansion Program

ENLARGEMENT PROGRAM AT CANORA

Things are beginning to move now with the bulding project of our church. On Oct. 14 the building was moved

to the back of the lot so as to clear the front for making the basement. (The picture shows the church from the back at the time of moving.) Now we are daily waiting for the caterpiller to come and make the excava tion for the basement. As soon as this is done the men can go ahead with work on the basement and further building. Mr. Jake Klassen, a carpen ter from Winnipeg, has arrived here to help with the bulding. We are thank ful for help such as this. I trust the Lord will reward those who are will ing to labor for Him in this way. The project mentioned above con sists largely of putting in a basement as well as enlarging the present build ing. Tile whole project is to cost in the neighborhood of $5000. Ed.

“A LITTLE PENTECOST”

GREENWAY CRUSADE AT ENDEAVOUR r

“To God be the glory, great things He hath done.”

Truer words could not be spoken of the “Venture in Evangelism’’ held in the Endeavour Fellowship Chapel, October 4th-llth. Pre-campaign messages, publicity, prayer groups in the Endeavour Assembly, and supporting prayer by numbers of interested outside friends, all contributed to the unlocking of the Gates of Heaven. That God was going to work was evidenced by the two adult conversions just prior to the Campaign. The campaign itself could only be described as a little Pentecost, because “The Lord added to the church daily .such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47). Each night souls were found accepting Christ as Saviour, and the final night saw three conversions, and at least 35 out of a congregation of 128 at the altar for dedication. Truly we can say “To God be the Glory, great things he hath done.” Thirteen first time decisions were made during the campaign. Of these, two were children (the Lord bless them), four were married men, three were married women, one a widow, and three single young men. Pre viously a single man, and a married lady had accepted Christ as Lord. In all fifteen trophies of grace, and an assembly dedicated to the Lord’s service. Surely the age of miracles is not over!

While we wish to give all the glory to the Lord for this manifestation, we would be remiss, if we did not thank all those who have stood with us in prayer and support, and to the evangelists. Brother and Sister Greenway. Their ministry in music (hammond organ, violin, harp, and the theremin), in song, in testimony, and in the preaching of the old fashioned gospel to the congre gations that averaged about 103 per night was inspiring and used of the Lord. The Lord bless them. We can recommend them heartily for the ministry of evangelism. We are His servants, Edwin and Violet Wright October 30, 1964

Four of our Young People from Kamsack are attending school else where. Margaret and Ellen Zeitsoff, and Karen Keller all at S.B.I. taking their grade ten. Sandra Kasakoff at tending Teacher’s College in Regina. Child Evangelism workers held four “Five Day” clubs, in Kamsack this summer. Attendance totalling in the eighties. A Good News club was organized by Mrs. Keller in her home, as many as 20 attending on Friday afternoons at 5:00 o’clock. She also is taking tape recordings of a Russian Evangelical program to Russian homes. This is the work of the Evangelical Doukhobor Fellowship, a new organization en deavouring to reach the Russian Doukhobors in Canada. They use tape recordings, literature and visitation. Tuesday, Oct. 13 in the evening we partook of the Lord’s Supper, seven teen were present. Rev. Edwin Wright from Endeavour was with us for the evening. We rejoiced and will rejoice in the finished work of Christ for our salva tion. Could you put our Missionary Con ference, with Rev. Russell of South Africa General Mission as guest speak er in the Coming Events. (Bro. Koop failed to say when. Ed.) « « •

MISSION BRIEFS Mary Brandt, V.S., Germany has been elected as supervisor of the “Pflegenest” (Children's Home) at Hackenhausen, Germany. Care is given for some 20 needy or homeless children at this Home, start ed by the Levi Reimers some time ago. Sister Brandt requests prayer for her new duties which will mean making contacts with Welfare, Dept, of Health, etc.

TRc Ed Friesens have gone back to Mexico after about a year in the homeand. The Ernest Funks have gone to Edin burgh, Texas to take up languge study before proceeding to Paraguay.

MISSW” 8

Peace Literature In keeping with Peace Sunday we present here the reviews of two of the more recent books on the subject.

The first one “Biblical Realism Confronts the Nation” is edited by Paul Peachey and reviewed by Howard Charles, Goshen College Biblical Seminary. The second, “Envoys of Peace” by R. Pierce Beaver and published by Eerdman Publishing Company is reviewed by J. B, Toews.

BIBLICAL REALISM CONFRONTS THE NATION erlited by Paul Peachey. Published in association with The Church Peace Mission by Fellowship Publications, 1963. (Distributed by Herald Press.) 224 pages. $4.00. Re view by Howard Charles, Goshen Col lege Biblical Seminary Ever since that fateful day in 1945 when the first atomic bomb was deton ated over Hiroshima a new dimension has been added to human anxiety over the question of war and peace. In the years since then the mounting EastWest tension and the ever spiraling nuclear arms race have added a note of urgency to attempts to find some escape from what appears to many to be the ultimate logic of the present course of events. Frequently the an swers proposed are concerned with tactics protected within the framework of what is consistent with American security and national interests. While this may appear as political realism surely the church should not and can not rest until a more basic question is raised and discussed. What does God have to say about it?

The witness of the church to the whole question of warfare, however, has not been given with clarity and consistency desirable. 'This concern prompted the Church Peace Mission to sponsoi’ a three-day conference in 1962 at which various Biblical scholars were invited to present papers on the Biblical imperatives on the question of wai- and peace. 'The present volume is the product of that conference. In addition to an introduction and a summary there are ten major es says which are divided into four gj-oups. Two help to bring the prob lem into focus by reviewing the dev elopment of the classic Christian an swer to war and by offering an analy sis of the contemporary subservience of the church to national ethos. Then 4

follow two papers which deal with Old Testament perspectives. The themes investigated are “God and the Nations’’ and ‘Prophetic Faith and Contemporary International Relations.” The third group of thee essays offers certain New Testament perspectives. Here, among others, occurs a very in teresting discussion of “The Mission of the Church in Relation to Civil Gov ernment.” The final section is entitled “Some Proposed Solutions” and in cludes three essays. One deals with a hermeneutical stance that enables the Christian to deal with the teachings of Christ that seem to undercut the very structure on which society is built. An other offers a careful survey of the Testament teachings on loving one’s enemies. The third is an attempt to find in the minstry of Jesus a pattern for Christian discipleship today. The vol ume is concluded by some discerning observations on the foregoing essays by the editor.

The contributois represent various theological traditions. Only two are Mennonites (Paul Peachey and William Klassen). Many of the others are wellknown figures in present day Biblical scholarship (Norman Gottwald, Kris ter Stendahl, Otto Piper, Clinton Morri son ,etc.) One is a British scholar (J. J. Vincent) who is the author of Clirist in a Nuclear War. Not all are pacifists; but all agree that the Bible has a rele vent and revolutionary word for our present situation which the church first must hear and then proclaim to all men. It is impossible here to summarize or evaluate adequately the content of these illuminating and provocative es says. They deserve to be studied and discussed by all who are seriously in terested in wrestling with the Biblical word on the question of war and peace. Members of the historic peace church es in particular will find this volume stimulating because it opens new vis-

tas which in some cases challenge our traditional formulations and invite us to re-examine our position critically. It is not a book of final answers nor neat blueprints for action. But it can assist, if read thoughtfully and pondered, in hearing more clearly that Word by which all action that lays claim to being Christian must be shaped. * * » Envoys of Peace, The Peace Witness in the Christian World, by R. Pierce Beaver, Eerdman Publishing Company, 1964, 133 pages, $3.00 Reviewed by J. B. Toews “Envoys of Peace” by Dr. Beaver is a clarion voice which calls for a his toric self-evaluation of the church in its mission. The review of Christian influence (chapter 1) in a non-Christian society reflected from history of the past cen tury is scholarly, documented, and breathes a warmth of deep spiritual concern. The criticism against Christian mis sions from those non-Christian reli gions (chapter 2) touches basic prob lems of the relationship between pro fession and practice, doctrine and char acter, Christianity as a religion and the true spirit of Christ in its relation to the world. The identification of the Christian message and its messengers with the political and national developments and objectives emerges clearly from Dr. Beaver’s treatise and raises the basic questions related to the position of the church as in the world but not of the world. “T h e Gospel of Reconciliation,” (chapter 3) treats the redemptive pur pose of God from a very narrow frag mentary premise. There is an ab sence of reference to the central is sues of redemption related to sin, righteousness, and judgement. Tlie significance of the cross in the pro vision of reconciliation appears rather irrelevant and the answer to the cry for peace and mutual understanding among men is not offered by the au thor. The discussion of the ministry of reconciliation in its relation to witness and service (chapter 4) raises some very pertinent questions which con temporary Christianity must answer. The absence of a Biblical analysis of the principles offering some of the answers to the issues raised is some what disappointing. THE MESSENGER

The need for a united church to voice the message of peace (chapter 5) speaks loudly to the conscience of Christianity and Christian missions in particular. The Biblical premises for a greater unity of the Christian wit ness, however, is not offered in the treatise. The final chapter suggesting some approaches towards the realiza tion of a more effective peace witness is practical and stimulating, however, insufficiently related to the resources of fellowship and character arising from men’s relationship to God through the redemption provided in Christ. “Envoys of Peace” is rich in its fac tual analysis, scope of reference, and expressed urgencies of vital concerns. For those who consider the mission ary assignment of the church in our contemporary setting serious, the book is a must for their careful study. It raises many questions in a masterful setting of the peace witness and offers an excellent basis for further study to establish the Biblical principles for crucial issues which Christian mis sions of today must answer. • • • OTHER PEACE LITERATURE

WAR AND THE GOSPEL by Jean Lasserre. Translated from French by Oliver Colburn. The author has made an important contribution to a most urgent ques tion. He asks, “If Christ is preached by a church which submits to mili tary laws, is He still the Christ of Scriptures? What real significance can Jesus Christ have, if His disciples join in collective hatred and violence so readily, if they too gamble with hu man life?” The three main division headings are: The Commandment of Love, The Christian’s Obedience to the State, and the Sixth Commandment. Here is a contributtion to the com mon search for true faithfulness to God in our day. Herald Press distributor to North American continent, 18 pages refer ences, 7 pages bibliography. 1962. 243 pages. Cloth. $3.75.

Declaration of Christian Faith and Coinniitiiient with Respect to Peace, War, and Nbnreslstance Official statement of the position of the Mennonite Church as formulated by the Peace Problems Committee and adopted by the General Conference of the Mennonite Church in regular ses-

October 30, 1964

sion at Goshen, Indiana, on August 23, 1951. 1952. 6 pages $.40 per doz.

War, Peace, and Nonresistance by Guy F. Hersliberger

The New Testament, the Christian, and the State by Archie Penner A Biblical study of the relationships of the Christian to God and to the state. Mr. Penner gives the history of the church’s relation to the state. Ex amines the teachings and example of Jesus. He interprets the Sermon on the Mount in regard to retaliation and war. The remainder of the book con siders the teachings of Paul, Peter, and John on the question of state and church relationships. The author does not claim or at tempt to spell out details of conduct for the individual. He does set forth clearly the principles that must guide a Christian in his conduct relating to the state and government. Herald Press distributor for the United States. 1959. 128 pages. Cloth. $2.50

A comprehensive work on nonre sistance, its application and practice by the church through history. Bibli cal nonresistance and modern paci fism are analyzed and contrasted. Prac tical suggestions are given for vigor ous program of teaching and prac tice. Included is a discussion of the broad social implications of nonresist ance. Revised 1953. 375 pages. $3.50

Jesus and Human Conflict by H. A. Fast An easily read but penetrating study of Scriptures dealing with the Christ ian’s response to political, religious, domestic, and personal aggression. Here you will see what the everyday character and attitude should be for the person in whom the rule of God has become a living, working real.ty. Here is valuable, fresh, course mat erial for study groups. 1959. 215 pages. Cloth. $3.75.

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Meditation is simply thought pro longed and directed to a single class of objects. Of what vast consequences is it whether such meditation is fixed on what is pure, true, guileless, ele vated, or on what is defiling, debas ing, degrading! How sure an index of what one really is at heart would be supplied if the character of his habit ual meditations were known.— A. T. Pierson. ♦ ♦ ♦

Today as Christians in a stricken world we feel that a crisis is upon us, and only God can help. With humility of spirit and with confession on our lips for our smugness and unconcern we are asking Him to do it. We are not trying to divert God from His holy purpose, but by our prayer we are trying the best way we know to put ourselves in the place where God can do. in and through us. His holy will.—Rev. W. Bassett.

E.M.C. Youth Rally November 8, 2:00 p.m. THEME:

“Will a Man Kob God”

2:00

WORKSHOP.S 1. Money: Milton Fast, Kleefeld 2. Time: Ben Hoeppner, Steinbach 3. Talents: Harvey Plett, Steinbach 4. Opportunities: H. P. Dyck, Steinbach

3:00

LUNCH

4:00

PROGRAM Main Address by Ben Hoeppner

at the Prairie Rose EMC Church 5

CHUMA FINDS A BABY By Charles Ludwig

“I wonder who that could be?” asked Daudi, a slight look of annoy ance on his black face. Before anyone could answer, the man searching for beer, thrust his head through the door and eagerly repeated the question, “Kavoli?” “Come on in,” said Daudi much to the surprise of Chuma. “I’m so thirsty I don’t know what to do.” said the mem as he stumbled in. “I’ve been dancing until my tongue is as dry as a hot stone!” When he said this a great silence came over the room, for many of the people had recognized his voice and knew that it was Fundi! Chuma was so startled she found herself staring at him as she had stared at the leo pard kitten in the cave. “Where’s the beer?” he demanded gruffly after his eyes had become ac customed to the darkness and he could see that there was no pot in the center of the floor. “We don’t have any beer,” returned Daudi kindly. “We are Christians and we are having a church service . . .” “Then I’d better leave,” interrupted Fundi getting up and starting for the door. “No, don’t do that,” said Daudi, mo tioning him to a place on the floor next to a former drunkard who had been converted a few weeks before. “We are going to sing some songs and I know you will enjoy them.” Fundi hesitated a bit, then he said, “Oh, all right. I’ll stay since I’m al ready here and I need a rest.” Presently the crowd began to sing, “There is Power in the Blood.” Chuma watched Fundi carefully as they sang. At first it seemed that he

wasn’t listening—that he wanted to leave; then a dark look came over his face and his eyes filled with long ing, like the eyes of a hungry man who sees a steaming plate of food. She hoped the dark look was because he was thinking of his sins. They sang three other songs and had prayer. Then Daudi preached a sermon on how to become a Christ ian. He explained that everyone who has ever lived with the exception of Jesu Christo was born in sin, and that all have lived in sin. He told them how Jesu died on the cross in order to pay the price of sin, and that any one who would believe that Jesu Chris to died for them personally couid have all their sins forgiven and receive a clean heart. Then he pointed to var ious ones in the house and told how they had become Christians by doing just this. Fundi’s mouth was open as he lis tened. He was like a child being told an exciting story. Suddenly Daudi pointed right at him and said, “Wouldn’t you like to give up your heathenism and come to Je su?” Fundi didn’t answer, but big drops of sweat formed on his face and streamed down his neck, washing off some of the paint. Chuma hoped he would accept the Lord Jesu right then, but when he just sat there without saying a word a deep fear took hold of her. She be gan to pray, and she noticed that many others Eilso were praying. “You need Jesus Christo right now,” continued Daudi. “I know you’re not happy. Jesu Christo will come into your heart today if you’ll only let

Him. Won’t you say ‘yes’ to Him this very moment?” The silence in the hut increased as everyone waited for a decision. ’The sounds from the outside seemed much louder than usual. The wind rustling the dry banana leaves sounded like distant thunder. Then Fundi got up and reached for his beer stick. All eyes were on him, and Chuma felt a lump forming in her throat. She was just certain that he was pr eparing to leave in order to hunt for some beer. But instead of going out the door, he slowly pulled the slender tube from the wooden holder and proceeded to break it into short pieces. “I have drunk lots of beer through this thing,” he said. “But I wiU never use it again. From this day forward I am giving up beer, heathensim and the dance. I want to accept Jesu Chris to right now.” He got on his knees next to Daudi and Daudi showed him the way of salvation. As he prayed, Chuma not iced a look of happiness come over his face, and she was so happy her eyes filled with tears. Suddenly Fundi was on his feet. “Oh, I’m so glad I made the mistake of coming here this evening. It was a glorious mistake! I feel happier now than I’ve ever felt. But don’t think this is the first time I’ve thought of becoming a Christian. I’ve thought about Jesu Christo come into my heart ever since I heard Bwana Wilsoni preach last year. That is one of the reasons I danced and drank so much. I was trying to stop the little voice that kept telling me I should give up heathenism. “I’m so happy I want Chuma and Daudi to come over to my place to morrow night for supper. I will have meat and wimbe obusema and you can tell me more about Jesu Christo and the Big Words in the Book of God. I am glad to hear that Fundi is a Christian,” said Limoni after she had heard the story. “But this still won’t help us with the new baby. It is Sa betti who must be saved. And I don’t think she ever will be!” “Well, I do,” returned Chuma with more confidence than she had had for a long time. “Daudi and I are going over to their hut tonight for supper, and I want you to bring the new baby.” (To be continued) Copyright 1956, Scripture Press Foun dation. Used by permission.

the messenger

MGG (Ganada)

MCC (Canada) office in Winnipeg. Approval was given to a plan in which the working relationships be tween MCC (Canada) and the Mennonite Disaster Service is set out. It provides for close relationship on both the provincial and national levels. M. D.S. will stand ready to provide man power for projects accepted and fi nanced by the appropriate MCC office. Some time was also given to the planning of the future program of

MCC (Canada). 'The conference rep resentatives coming to the annual meeting in February of 1965 will be asked to react to some suggestions and to make recommendations of their own. In this way MCC (Canada) will be able to do what the churches ask it to do.

All members of the MCC (Canada) Executive Commitee were present for the meeting on October 16-17, 1964, held in the MCC office in Kitchener, Ontario. Also present, were guests and observers from several Ontario The Executive Committee will meet peace and relief committees. The Ex again on December 18-19, 1964, in ecutive Committee meets three or four Winnipeg. times a year to take action on the var ious items of business that need at tention between the annual meetings of the full committee of conference representatives. The Executive Secre tary is responsible to the Executive Committe and receives his instructions and guidance from it. This summer has passed quickly and ized Saturday morning. Oct. 17 in the The various reports and recommen will especially be remembered for the town of Arden for our new church. dations were all mimeographed and challenging programs that were Rev. Elmer Hamm read 1 Cor. 3:11-19 many of them sent to the committee brought by groups from Roseisle and with a challenging dedication message members in advance. In a spirit of Rosenort, and also for the different and Mr. Henry Thiessen led in dedi unity the committee worked through missionaries that brought the need of cation prayer. It was a milestone for the 19 points on the agenda. their specific fields before us. each one of us who looked on as Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Ken Johnson from the Hamm and Mr. Thiessen turned the Friesland Colony, because of last year’s crop failure, needs immediate New Tribes Mission showed a heart first shovel of sod and we thanked help in meeting its commitments re stirring film about the heathen dark God in our hearts as we left. Leslie sulting from a land purchase. MCC ness in Bolivia, Miss Elizabeth Reimer Plett finished the basement hole with has given the colony $10,0CX) to be used challenged us with slides from Mex Martens’ “Cat” he is operating. It is for debt repayment. MCC (Canada) ico and the Danny Wolfes with little very encouraging that more people are has undertaken responsibility for $5,- Debbie came with the film “A Soul’s buying farms in this area and plan 000 of this. Congregations are asked to Destiny in Quebec” which was a real to move into this district. The Lord has make a special effort to help the col eye opener and our prayer is that we blessed with a bountiful harvest but ony over this diffilculty, by giving will obey the Holy Spirit and do some what about the harvest of souls? May generously to the cause of relief thing about it as the Lord directs. A God give grace to realize our responsi Sod Turning Ceremony was solemn- bility. through their regular channels. Considerable time was spent in dis cussing the future role of the MCC facilities in Kitchener. Specific action IN APPRECIATION was deferred until the Ontario con stituency has had time to organize Many, many callers, letters and cards have found their MCC (Ontario). This is to take place way to our home these past weeks. Each one of them in November. touched a spot in our hearts and lifted a loneliness that The Executive Committee opened the harboured there. We cannot thank you enough for all the door to the possibility of beginning a kindness that you have shown. Voluntary Service program in Canada. The following thought which was enclosed in one of the It was felt that the present Summer cards wrought a special comfort to us. Service program needed to be reviewed He is Just Away and perhaps restructured. You cannot say, you must not say Reports were received from the pro That he is dead, he is just away! vincial relief committees, the Material With a cheery smile. Aid Centers and from the Eden Men And a wave of the hand tal Health Center in Manitoba. A pro He has wandered into an unknown land gress report on the incorporation of And left us dreaming how very fair MCC (Canada) was also read. It needs must be, A special bulletin highlighting MCC Since he lingers there; (Canada )’s Peace Booth at the Cana So think of him faring on, as dear dian National Exhibition in Toronto In the love of there as the love of here. will be issued in the near future. Think of him still Conferences or churches wishing to As the same, and say have additional copies of this bulletin He is not dead, he is just away. will be issued in the near future. Mrs. Klaas Reimer and family

Ground Breaking Ceremony

October 30, 1964

CAN YOU QUALIFY? Charles Fox writes -God’s fiveranked army of g human weakness. Ce.ay many Cof us ca- i•. u'SV*e: ,j depend on Him fool for wi.s. WEAK ugh to be empowered with His strength. BASE enough to have no honour but God’s honour. DESPISED enough to be kept in the dust at His feet. NOTHING enough for God to be ev erything. —Sunday School Times

MOC HAS URGENT NEED FOR THREE UNIT HOSTESSES The Mennonite Central Committee has three overseas openings for unit hostesses that require immediate fill ing. They are in Frankfurt, Germany; Henchir Toumghani, Algeria; and Kaiserslautern, Germany. Experience has shown that unit host esses always play roles in creating a wholesome “home” atmosphere which goes along way toward maintaining good unit morale. It is a real boon to overseas relief workers after a day of demanding work to return to a congenial household.

EMC Missionary Conference “The Christian and Evangelism” was the theme of the Tenth Annual Mis sionary Conference of the E.M.C. held at Prairie Rose Oct. 9-11. Main speakers on the theme were Ben Friesen, Swift Current; Arnold Wiebe, Fort Garry; C. B. Loewen, Morris and Melvin Koop, Creighton, Sask.

The topics were developed along the following lines. 1. The Christian and the Great Com mission to Evangelize. 2. The Christian and the Urgent Need to Evangelize. 3. The Christian and his Responsi bility of Co-operation in Evangelism. 4. The Christian’s Reward for Evan gelizing. Following are some of the state ments made by Sunday’s speakers: “Too many think that missions means “foreign” missions. This is not true.” (C. B. Loewen) 8

“Evangelism is introducing the Sav iour to sinners.” “All Christians should be soul win ners.” To illustrate this Br. Loewen related of his experiences in Mexico, “As soon as people are saved they go from house to house evangelizing.” “The soul of Missions is sacrifice.” said Melvin Koop in his address. “The greatest setback in Missions is that we are being rich instead of making rich.” he continued. He spoke on “The Christian’s Reward for Evangelizing.” Betty Plett, a missionary candidate said in her testimony “It is my de sire that whether at home or else where that Christ be magnified in me.” Agatha Fast, candidate to Europe commenting on delays remarked, “As I look back I wouldn’t exchange a year or a month of it.” Her desire, “To become a wise counsellor.” The financial report revealed that $139,796.30 had been entrusted to the Board of Missions for their work in the year Sept. 1, 1963 to Aug. 31, 1964. Of this $8,771.06 went to the Pub lication fund of the Conference as the Board of Mission is also the collecting agent for this money. Members of the Board of Missions divide their duties into three fields of endeavour: Mexico, Paraguay and Ex tension. All three had reports on their respective work. “We cannot be neutral. In the light of eternity what type of a decision will you make?” were the words di rected to us in the closing of the con ference. A question and a challenge now facing all who had attended the conference!

REIMERS LEAVING WINNIPEG

Rev. John K. Reimer has felt the call to take up the Pastorate in the Meade Emmanuel Mennonite Church. The Reimers plan to leave Winnipeg some time before the middle of Nov ember. (They have served this church since 1955 when services were still conducted in the little bulding on Red wood Ave. Ed.)

Rev. Corny Plett from Burns Lake P.C. spent a week visiting and taking part in the various activities of the church.

The Pete Heinrichs are leaving Win nipeg and moving to Melville, Sask, at the end of October. Grace Loewen and Richard Knelsen were united in marriage on Sept. 25th. Rev. John K. Reimer officiated.

The organ placed in the church on trial basis during the Missionary Con ference has now been purchased.

* * * Correspondents this issue:

Winnipeg: Lillian Friesen iCanora, Sask.: Tina Penner, a nurse Kanisack: John Koop, missionary Arden: Mrs. N. A. Dueck, housewife

COMING EVENTS October 31 The “Manitoba-Sask atchewan Council” which con sists of Extension workers in those Provinces, meets at Creigh ton. Time 10:30 a.m. C.S.T. Among the items on the agen da are the following items Stu dent Scholarships, Election of Officers, Literature, Reports, etc. Nov. 1 - 8 Missionary Conference at Kleefeld. Ed. Wright speaker. Nov. 1-8 Evangelistic Meetings at Pleasant Valley. Andrew Plett is the speaker.

Oct. 29 - Nbv. 1 Missionary Con ference at Roseisle. Harvey Barkman is the main speaker. Nov. 1 - 8 Missionary Conference at Portage la Prairie. B- D. Rei mer is the main speaker. Nov. 6, 7 and 8 Annual Mission ary Conference at Kola.

IHE MESSENGER