The Messenger NOvember 27, 1964

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EVANGELICAL

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Vol. 2, No. 24 Nov. 27, 1964

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MENNONITE

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CONFERENCE

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missEnoE CAN GOD? W. Elwyn Davies* and Douglas C. Percy* It was November 5, 1857, just ten years before Confederation in Canada. In the embryo town of Hamilton, Ontario, (then known as ‘Canada West’), some Methodists, hungry for God and for revival in their midst, had been waiting upon God. On the day mentioned, in some inexplicable way that historians can­ not ferret out, twenty-one souls were bom into the family of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In the next few days, between three and four hundred more professed conversion. In ‘The Second Evangelical Awakening in America’, wliich was a dvelopment of his doctoral thesis, J. Edwin Orr states: “It is somewhat significant that Hamilton’s ‘gust of Divine power’ reportedly sweeping through the entire community ‘took its rise in the laity and was entirely spontaneous. The rise to lead­ ership on the part of laymen became typical of the great movement that followed. Indeed the Hamilton revival bore all the marks of the subsequent American revivals, save one, the unlon-prayermeeting feature that developed in New York City and was pop­ ularized throughout the United States”. (Continued on page 2) * * * 'Mr. Davies is the Canadian Director for Bible Christian Union. *Mr. Percy is Director of Mission, Toronto Bible College.

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IN THIS ISSUE

Congo Church Grows 3 p^Idol Worship

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! Our Churches and Missions

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Farewell

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“AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.”

CAN GOD?

(Continued from page 1) It was this revival in Hamilton tliat stirred the longings of many wistful pastors in the greatest Methodist-Episcopal Church, which was America’s largest and most evangel­ ical body at that time. It was this expectancy that led to the great revivals that swept thousands into the Kingdom of God during the late winter and spring of 1858.

A revival in Canada? Did something happen here, tliat had an influence and impact on other parts of the world? There is every evidence, that, in the burgeoning country that was soon to be led into Confederation that united provinces from “sea to sea”, the Spirit of God worked tiirough the prayers and pleas of God’s people and did a mighty work of grace that covered the rest of the conti­ nent.

In 1967, Canada will be celebrating the Centennial of that Confederation. With fairs and fan-fare, it will boast its one hundred years of development and growth. In Industry, the Arts and Science, there will be portrayed the growth of the pa,st and the possible development of the fu­ ture. But in the realm of religion, there will be little to show for 100 years of preaching and teaching. There are great stretches of Canada still “unevangelized”, as we understand the term; there are places where there is no Gospel witness, and where men and women live in spiritual darkness, that is as great today as that which confronted David Brainerd when he sought to win the first “Canadians’' to Christ. Tliere are enough Churches, ministers, Christian work­ ers and Bibles available, through whom, if the Spirit of God were permitted to work, there could come a “third evangelical awakening” that could once again shake North America and the world. But alas, there are far too many of this group who are too busy seeking to “update the Bible and bring the Church into the 20th Century” to be concerned about the souls of men and the deadness of the Church. There is a great deal of money and energy being expended to “demythologize” tlie Word of God, and to make it “relevant to the 20th Century mind”, instead of humbly and fervently declaring: “Thus saith the Lord”. As in 1857, just ten years before Confederation, it seems that God will have to move on the hearts of the “laity” and all w'ho, with them, love the Lord Jesus Christ and await His appearing, if there is to Iw another awakening.

Can God? We believe He can! And in the hearts of some who have met for prayer and fellowship, there is a growing conviction that, with the Centennial reminding us of our great heritage, we must meet again God’s provision for “doing it again”: “IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, SHALL HUMBLE THEM­ SELVES, AND PRAY, AND SEEK MY FACE AND TURN I ROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND”. OH CANADA! with your great forests and mighty rivers; with your wealth in minerals and productivity of soil; with your vast prairies and breathtaking mountains; with your countless hamlets and great cities: WILL NO­ VEMBER 5, 1857, BE REPEATED IN YOUR MIDST?

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OH CHURCH OF CHRIST! with your great Churches, increasing wealth and decreasing power, will you feel afresh the burning of God in your soul, and see your fcllowman swept by repentance and faith into the family of God? OH CHRISTIAN BELIEVER! does your lieart long to see God at work yet once again: to see righteousness pre­ vail and sin denounced and darkness flee? Do you pray and work, that God may be seen and heard in you? We cannot set dates for a revival or put a time clock on God. But we humbly believe that the year 1967 (or 1964, 1965, 1966 . . . only that it be His time), could see a spir­ itual awakening that knows no denomination, no mere effervescence that goes so often as “revival”, no tag or tie . . . only God and His Holy Spirit. “IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, AND SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND”. GOD CAN ... IN' 1967 OR ANY OTHER TIME . . . IF WE MEET HIS CONDITIONS. PRAYING FRIENDS: We pass on this Canadian Centennial Challenge to you as the people of God, who must PRAY, and PRAY and PRAY.

As God speaks to you, deal with Him personally; then gather those of like preciou.s faith., to form a prayer chain or a prayer group, and pray for REVIVAL in Canada. Let there be no organization, just obedience; no committees, just consecration; no leadership, save the Holy Spirit.

GOD CAN!

* * * SOME THROUGH THE FIKE

Assurance (if the safety of Dr. and Mrs. Melvin Loewen and family has been received by Br. Loewen’s mother in Steinbach. It came in the form of a telegram dispatched from Leopoldville after the Ijoewens had l>een safely air­ lifted from Stanleyville earlier. They liad been captive in Stanleyville since about August 4tli. The telegram was the first personal work since July 20. The Loewens, formerly with the Congo Inland Mission, were now at Stanleyville where Mr. Loewen was dean at the Christian University. In other parts of Congo mission work is still carried on (see page three). Shall we continue to pray for both mis­ sionaries and Congolese believers.

The Messenger Official organ. In the English language, ot the BVANGEUOAL MENNONITE CXJNFEBHNOE. 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. AU 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 E.M.C. members pay through the church. Authorized as second class mall. Post Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage in cash.

THE MESSENGER

KAMAYALA keynotes

CONGO CHURCH GROWS By Mr. and Mrs. Ben Eidse

tegic positions again on this itinerary. Pray for them as they face this chal­ lenge. Pray also for the pastor whose eyes seemed to open as he saw the fruit of his neglect. On the tour several backsliders came back to the Lord, and one man came for salvation. Baptismal Services Other districts are more promising. In all 328 people have been baptized so far this year. The Lord knows their hearts and what the future holds. Pray for them, will you?

No Service The other day Helen had partially destroyed by the soldiers as a conversation with a Christian lady a retaliatory measure for association who had just come out of rebel-con- with the youth groups. trolled territory. Since independence the area had Helen: Did you have any services? been sadly neglected by the pastor re­ Tshilefu: No, the Jeunesse did not sponsible for this region, and it had permit it. Only behind closed doors gone into the R.C. camp. We were able to place 5 teacher evangelists in stracould families have devotions. Helen: Do you have a Bible? Tshilefu: Yes, we have a Bible and a song book, and my husband and I IDOL WORSHIP IN MEXICO have devotions with our children. By Elizabeth Reimer Helen: Why did you have to have your devotions behind closed doors? Tshilefu: We had to keep our Bibles hidden. If the rebels had seen them they would have burned them. Incidentally, we wrote earUer that one of our overseers, Mundu James, had joined the rebels and had been killed. We have learned since that this report was false. He has been seen alive, and according to last reports has left the Jeunesse. We are hoping that this word is true, that he has repented, and that he will return again to a path of service for the Lord. Air Service Now that road contact is broken with all other CIM stations (this has been the case since the up­ rising in January), the aeroplane and radio telephone have taken on a new significance. MAF’s Cessna 180 trans­ ported 26 of our secondary school stu­ dents to the Nyanga and Tshikapa Pyramids to the Sun Guadalupe Shrine stations. Several cargo flights have brought in much needed supplies (the Whlle engaged in language study at Mexico City in 1963, Elizabeth Reimer, main road to our shopping center has EMC missionary at Picacho, Mexico (now on furlough) had the opportunity also been dug up). Daily check calls to visit several famous landmarks. The two which impressed her the most were from MAF’s Leo headquarters keep the “Pyramids of the Sun and Moon” and the “Guadalupe Shrine.” Here she missions posted on local situations. writes about these two places. As we read shall we thank God for the sim­ Preaching service Oct. 17 - 21 found plicity of the Gospel and our knowledge of it. Ben on a 125-mile bicycle tour in the north west section of our constituency. Pyramids to the Sun god of the sun. Likewise, many beau­ This district had epxerienced consider­ The Pyramids to the Sun and the tiful women were sacrificed because able rebel activity. Seven villages had Moon are believed to be around 2000 of envy amongst the tribesmen. How alligned themselves with the pillaging years old. The largest having a height gruesome! Yet, they believed pardon gangs who had swept down from of 216 feet, the largest artificial mound and release from their sins would be neighboring Feshi Territory. But these on the American continent. At the granted as they worshipped in thi.s villagers are now settling down and summit of the pyramid to the Sun the manner. They prayed—but they prayed evidently intend to behave. It was a ancient Indians, persumably the Tol­ amiss! joy to preach the Word to them! It tecs., had a temple with a huge statue Guadalupe Shrine of gold to represent the pagan god of Then my experience at the Guada­ was so applicable! Most of the people had fled to the the sun. It is believed that hundreds of lupe Shrine, the present day pagan grass when the insurgents attacked; thousands of prisoners were sacrificed god, impressed me even more. It is atop the pyramid, being marched in the holy of holies to our Mexican peoothers had resisted. ’Two of the vil­ lages visited, had been completely de­ mournful procession up the stone steps pel and to many other Catholic coun­ where priests (wearing ugly masks) tries. The humbler people of Mexico molished by the raiders and their lo­ cal accomplices. Another one had been yielded up the victim’s hearts to the often trudge hundreds of miles on foot

November 27, 1964

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IDOL WORSHIP IN MEXICO

(Continued from page 3) to make a pilgrimage to this spot, it is the greatest and most shining hope in their lives. Even now we saw many approaching the altar tired and weary with some on their aching knees. The majority of pilgrims arrive around the 12th of December, the memorial day when a humble Indian is supposed to have met the Virgin Mary (Gua­ dalupe is another name for the Vir­ gin) who demanded a church to be built on that spot. Therefore, around this time many, many are seen ap­ proaching the altar on their bleeding knees and aching hearts but deter­ mined to reach the altar. The Red Cross Agency is said to be busy con­ stantly with the fainting and even dy­ ing victims on this date, “They ask— but they ask amiss,” The impressive story goes back to 1531 when the Virgin is said to have appeared to Juan Diego, As a sign of her actual appearance to him she asked him to go and pick roses on a barren hill and bring them to her. She touched them and then told him to put them in his mantel and take them to the Bishop, which he did. Upon op­ ening the mantel they were amazed to see a figure of the virgin herself upon the mantel. The news of course, was received with great commotion and thousands came to see the image. This some mantel is on display behind glass in the church which was built as a result and enlarged since, I was so impressed to see hundreds believe so firmly and reverently in this story. The Sunday I went, a parade three miles long marched toward the church where the image was displayed in front on a large screen. Every time the screen was unrolled a little more pathetic cries and shrieks arose, while drums were beating and Indians were dancing to make the whole affair very emphatic, I guess. All this they do in order to be pardoned and released from sin. The “Virgin Mary” has be­ come the patron saint of Mexico and is seen and revered in almost every Catholic home. Our hearts ache as we labour and toil amongst these con­ fused people. We serve a Living God in the Light of God’s Word (Or do we?) Therefore, it is our responsibility to proclaim God’s Divine Plan for pardon and re­ lease to the many who ask—but ask amiss. Pray!

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M.C.C. CALCUTTA POULTRY PROJECT by Vernon Reimer MCC India Director

The poultry project in the GariaLaskarpur Government refugee col­ ony near Calcutta, where MCC also has some other projects, was begun about five years ago by Bill Voth, Chilliwack, B.C. At that time the greatest obstacle apparently was to create an interest in the villager for poultry raising and the realization that this could provide an income for him. The MCC worker had to show the villager that when poultry is raised not only as scavenger birds, but fed and looked after properly, it can bring in a profit for the family. By actual poultry raising Bin Voth showed that this could be done.

Rudy Klaassen, Laird, Sask., carried the project from where Bill left it and continued the difficult task of con­ vincing villagers that in order to be successful as poultry raisers they must feed, house, and take care of the chickens properly. MCC then built its own 20 by 20 foot poultry building with a grass roof. It was completely wired in to keep out crows. Day-old chicks were bought from the Govern­ ment poultry farm at subsidized rates, cared for by Klaassen to the age of six weeks, then distributed to the vil­ lagers.

To encourage the villager to feed his chicks properly MCC subsidized feed and emphasized to the villagers that chicks must receive good feed to become good layers. To the Indian farmer the chicken is a scavenger. As such it requires little care and outlay of capital. Consequently, it is also highly exposed to diseases, undernour­ ishment, and does not provide cash income. At the present time the vil­ lagers have learned to feed the chicks properly and to keep a good water supply on hand. We regard this as real success in the project.

system and signs are hopeful that this will be done successfully. Up to now the villager has wanted to deal only with our agency since they feel they will receive honest and efficient treatment from us. Often the Government is slow and unaccessible to the ordinary villager. However, with' the increase in poultry raising all over India encouraged by the Government, we hope in a few years to move our poultry project to a new vicinity, leav­ ing the present area in the hands of the villagers who are interested and know how to raise poultry. Goals in the poultry project are to create an active interest in poultry raising, to teach the villager to feed, house and take care of the chicks pro­ perly, including medical attention for the birds. He also needs to know whc/e and how to market the eggs profit­ ably. When he has learned all these he is set to supplement his income or even to make a living from it. How successful we have been in attaining these rules is perhaps best seen in the number of villagers who request chicks. Two years ago 30 vil­ lagers received chicks, last year 60, and for this coming year well over 100 wish to raise poultry.

• * • MCC HAS TWO NEW FILMSTRIPS

The Mennonite Central Committee Information Service has prepared two new filmstrips which are ready for public viewing. They are “The Other America” and “The Teachers Abroad Program to Malawi.” 1. The Other America—42 frames, color, script, tape-recorded narration. 15 minutes. A look at the poor and de­ prived people of the United States and Canada. Challenges Christians to look for ways to help the people of the “other” America.

2. The Teachers Abroad Program In Malawi—55 frames, color, script, taperecorded narration. Ted and Karen Drier, MCC teachers in Malawi, de­ scribe their school, church life, and the people and culture of Malawi. (For­ merly Nyasaland, Malawi achieved in­ dependence July 6, 1964). A further service that MCC provides These two filmstrips are available is to purchase the eggs from the vil­ for use on a loan basis from MCC lager and in turn sell these either pri­ (Canada), 104 Princess Street, Winni­ vately or to Government poultry farms. peg 2, Manitoba; Mennonite Central They take whatever we bring them. Committee, 50 Kent Avenue, Kitchener, At present we are encouraging the vil- Ontario; and MCC Information Serlagers to set up their own marketing vices, Akron, Pa., 17501. the

MESSENGER

OUR CHURCHES AND MISSIONS (VIII)

S.B.I.

Kamsack Fellowship Chapel BiEie

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Enrollment

Mission work at Kamsack dates back to the winter of 1948 when a certain John Unger (now with the Northern Canada Evangelical Mission) worked there under the Western Gospel Mis­ sion in school visitation for one win­ ter. In the Spring of 1949 a young man fresh out of Bible school spent the summer months at Kamsack in school visitation, VBS, etc. His name was Benny Eidse (now in Africa). In the fall of 1949 the Dave Schellenbergs took up residence in Kam­ sack and began with school visitations, Good News club, etc. When they left in 1952 the John Harms took over the work. During the Harms’ stay a chapel was constructed. This served both as living quarters and church. This was now a decided advance and improve­ ment in the work. Dedication services took place in the spring of 1953. The work was starting to build up, although slowly. Setbacks came during the time when no missionary was available to fill the place.

others serving here for longer or shorter periods have been the Harvey Barkmans (later Africa), the Jake Hoeppners (now with the Western Tract Mission) and the Arnold Wiebes. The Wiebes saw the work grow to the extent that the entire building had to be converted into church space. This was commendable. Today the John Koops (formerly Kleefeld and Canora) are the fulltime missionaries here. Rendering also val­ uable service are the Bernie Brandts who look after the outstation of Veri­ gin some nine miles to the west of Kamsack. Among the activities are Sunday school (enrollment —), Church service (attendance —), Old Folks Home ser­ vices, hospital singing, etc. We believe the work be on a solid footing with a great potential. The only other Evangelical work in this centre of some 3(XX) is the Salvation Army. Shall we be faithful in bearing the Koops up in prayer before the throne of God.

CALLING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE We keenly feel the need of relevant material for our Youth Page. We be­ lieve that you as young people of the Conference can assist us to make a youth section to which you will want to turn upon receiving the Messenger. Here is where we want to solicit your help. Certainly you have sometime.s wished that a certain item would be discussed, or a certain subject featured. Will you now sit down and share these burdens with us? We would like to encourage you even though you may feel that your idea is not worthwhile. Share it with us. It may be just what we need! Since we are looking forward to Incorporating your ideas and suggestions in 1965 please write today. Thank you. Simply address your letter: The Messenger, 502-5th Ave. N.W., Portage la Prairie, Man. stating your problem. The answer to your problem will then ap­ pear in the Messenger. (Your name will not be mentioned).

November 27, 1964

The Steinbach Bible Institute has been humming with activity again since October 1. One hundred and six­ ty-eight students have enrolled. Of these, 86 are in the Bible Department and 82 in the High School Department. To keep all these minds occupied takes 10 full time teachers and four parttime. We are grateful for those who take time out from an already full schedule to teach part time.

French Class A new feature for the school this year is a French class. Harvey Bark­ man, principal of Landmark Colle­ giate, comes in two evenings a week to teach Conversational French. There are 21 students enrolled. Tres bien. Monsieur Barkman! David Berg, pastor of the Emmanuel Mission Church, assists in the Christ­ ian Education department. Pat Frie­ sen takes care of 24 piano students. Glenn Klassen, teacher at Blumenort High School, teaches Grade XH Chem­ istry.

Visiting Speakers Frequently visiting speakers make brief stop-overs, inspiring and chal­ lenging our hearts anew with the needs in the world. One such occasion was Thursday. November 19, when Dr. Frank C. Peters gave a report of his tour through India and showed slides of the Mennonite work in India.

Music Night

Saturday, November 28, will be mu­ sic night at S.B.I. Entertainment con­ sists of violin music by Bill Derksen, former graduate and Henry Hiebert. music director as the soloist. For the informative part of the program there will be a panel discussion.

« « * If God has called you, do not spend time looking over your shoulder to see who is following.—Selected.

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FAREWELL FOR JOHN K. REIMERS

FAMILY LEAVES FOR SOUTH

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David

John,

Arvella,

Wayne

Rodney,

Lucille,

FOURTH ANNUAL 3IISSIONARY t;t)NFERENCE AT PORTAGE

Serving as main speaker for the 4th annual missionary conference at the Portage E.M.C. during the week of Nov. 1-8, was Rev. B. D. Reimer, Steinbach. Other speakers were Miss Agatha Fast, Europe; Misses Eliza­ beth and Sara Koop, Brazil; Miss Betty Wiebe, Africa; and Miss Eliza­ beth Reimer, Mexico. The reports and slides gave us an insight into the work and needs of the various fields. Also with us for one evening was Rev. Ben Friesen, Swift Current, who brought us face to face in a most vivid way, of the impending judge­ ment, both that of the Christian and the unsaved. Reporting on the extension work of the church Rev. Reimer spoke on the text Acts 1:8, bringing out forcefully the ALL Judea, with implication that in our case it would refer to ALL Manitoba. On enlarging on the theme “A God Glorifying Church’’, Rev. Reimer spoke on sub-topics such as a) ’The game of Life - That as a player in a game puts forth his utmost to win, so also should we. b) A God-planned Life, c) Vessels used by God. d) What is God Like The greatness of God and yet stoop-

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I.eona

Many friends, relatives, members and former members gathered at the Aberdeen EMC church on November 16 for the farewell service of the John K. Reimers. Among the items on the evening’s program were: several numbers in song rendered by different church groups; a reading on the Reimer family composed by one of the church members; poems; well wishes by church officials, and others and two short addresse.s one by F. D. Reimer and another by D. Schellenberg. Mr. F. D. Reimer who has been connected with the work since it’s beginning in Wesley Chapel some 12 years ago, made remarks on the growth of the work. Also called on for a word were the departing pastor and his wife. As a parting gesture, gifts were given to both Mr. and Mrs. Reimer from the congregation. After the service upstairs, a lunch was served to the guests in the lower auditorium. The Reimers were to leave the next day for their new pastorate at Meade, Kansas. Thus terminating a period o.T over nine years ministry in Winnipeg. Chairing the evening’s program was Lee Toews, who has been intimate­ ly connected with the Winnipeg church since it’s beginning.

ing down in His love and mercy to re­ deem us. We trust that this week of services will not have been in vain, but that we might have received a greater vis­ ion of the souls perishing around us and that the desire expressed in our theme chorus “Love this world through me. Lord’’ would become a reality in each ones life. » • »

FELLY

Only the Lord knows what has been accomplished in the hearts and lives of those who had the privilege of at­ tending the missionary conference at the Felly Fellowship Chapel in Oct. with Rev. Ben Dyck of Saskatoon as main speaker. Thurs. evening the min­ istry of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Wolfe in song and word was much enjoyed as they revealed to us their work as it was in the Mali Republic and now their new duties of bringing the Gospel to French Canadians. Fri. evening Miss Elizabeth Reimer showed slides de­ picting the contrast of the Christian and non-Christian in Mexico, her field of service. Saturday evening a fellow­ ship supper was held in the church, followed by special numbers in song. Then Rev. Jake Hoeppner presented the work of the Western Tract Mission.

He and his wife then left for their home in Saskatoon. It had been good having them with us for the week. Rev. Hoeppner had a children’s rally each evening where a good number of children gathered eager to listen and learn. Sunday brought the con­ ference to a close with a.m. and eve­ ning messages by Rev. Dyck. Also for the evening we had with us Miss Lula Morgan who expects to return to South Africa this winter.

Since harvest has been completed the men have done considerable on building the pastors’ home. The ro -f is shingled and the siding of the walls has been started.

Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Abrahamson and family left recently for Williams Lake, B.C. where they will spanl the winter months. We are sorrv to see them go but we wish them God’s bless­ ing where they are. V.A. P.S. A note from Br. Giesbrecht in­ forms us that they would appreciate anyone coming to help w'ith the build­ ing. Ed.

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Without holiness, power and know­ ledge do not render any being more lovely, but rather more hateful. —Jonathan Edwards the messenger

THE .MCC NEEDLEWORK LADY

Foreign Self-Help Project (Airs. Edna Ruth Byler) by Esther Eby Glass

Mrs. Byler in storeroom On a crowded rooftop in Hong Kong a woman is knitting, her slender fin­ gers moving swiftly and skillfully, her slinking needles knitting the soft wool­ en yarn into sweater with an intri­ cate design. As she works she is think­ ing in this wise; “Thank God for the woman in America who ordered this sweater, although she has never seen me, and for the MCC lady who takes the orders. With the money I earn f can buy a bit of food for my hungry children.” Her thoughts are repeated by other women in Hong Kong who sew silk and cotton nightgowns and pajamas and robes, trimming them with ap­ plique and fine embroidery. And around the world the words are ech­ oed in a variety of languages and dia­ lects by refugees in Calcutta, Christ­ ian widows in Korea, poor women of Vietnam, Formosa, and Jordan, of Haiti and Greece. These women sew and embroider household articles and clothing, knit sweaters and dress dolls, make souvenirs of any material at hand, not as hobbies, but as a means of earning a little money to provide the bare necessities of living. And they depend on Mrs. Edna Ruth Byler of MCC in Akron, Pennsylvania, to sell

November 27, 1964

their completed articles for them, just as she has been doing for 17 years. “How did you stait the needlework project?” I asked Mrs. Byler, as we sat together in her basement store room, with the wall shelves filled with fascinating objects from faraway plac­ es. “Did you have some kind of vis­ ion, and work to bring it to fulfillment?” “It was nothing like that,” she an­ swered. “The vision belonged to wo­ men working in foreign relief fields, but they trusted the fulfillment to God and me! It began in 1947 when I ac­ companied my husband (J. N. Byler) to Puerto Rico where he had been sent on an MCC assignment. I assure you that nothing was farther from my mind than starting a needlework pro­ ject. “Mrs. Harry Martens, and Mrs. Mel­ vin Lauver, wives of MCC workers, took me into a locked room and showed me a display of needlework. The love­ ly pieces of fine embroidery had been made in tiny huts on the steep moun­ tain sides by the poor women of the countryside.” She went on to say that the two women asked her, “Will you take sam­ ples of this needlework back to the States and try to interest women in or­ dering it, to help these poor women here?” She took the samples with her, but she had no idea how she could begin publicizing the project. God had a plan all ready for her, she told me. She was invited to speak at the semiannual meeting of the Lan­ caster County Sewing Circles, to tell about Puerto Rico. She said that she felt no self-confidence, before the meeting she laid her notes on her bed, knelt, and prayed for guidance. Then, forgetting her notes, she went and made her speech, still trembling, but depending completely on the Holy Spir­ it. This meeting marked the beginning of numerous invitations to display the needlework and take orders, both from women’s organizations and from in­ dividual women who invited in their neighbors. In the six years of this

pi oject she sold $29,000 worth of Puer­ to Rican needlework. She did this free­ ly giving her time. In 1951 Mrs. Byler went with her husband on another MCC assignment, this time to Hong Kong. She and Mrs. Daniel Stolzfus taught sewing ma­ chine classes for Chinese women who lived nearby in a house crowded with r,U0J refugees. Mrs. Byler had been embroidering a piece of needlepoint for relaxation, when a refugee begged to be allowed to take it home and finish it. She sent one piece of needlepoint to friends in the United States, who sold it for her, and the Hong Kong needle­ work project, which continues today, was begun. Among articles the re­ fugees make are scuffs, belts, beaded pieces, as well as many useful articles of clothing, and sweaters in six dif­ ferent styles and colors. One blind man embroidered a large needlepoint piece by touch instead of sight. The work was uneven and rough, but Mrs. Fred Augsberger of Youngstown, Ohio, bought it and used it for the top of a hassock. Around this hassock she gathered her child­ ren for worship and prayer. You can be sure they did not forget to pray for the blind refugee. (To be continued) * * *

1 NEWS I HERON D.V.B.S. We are thankful for the open doors in our district where the word of God could be taught during this summer. In five different schools D.V.B.S. was taught. Ryerson, Antler, Mair, Ebor and at the Heron Church, with an at­ tendance of 10 to 30 pupils. We es­ pecially thank the three sisters, Verna Reimer, Phylis Penner, and Loreen Penner from Blumenort who came to help us in our work. Our prayer is that the seed sown might fall on good ground, and bring forth fruit. Ordination The ordination for our newly elected deacon Bro. Dick Thiessen, was held on Aug. 30. The message was brought by Rev. John Harms and the ordina­ tion ceremony was carried out by Rev. David Thiessen of Riverton. 7

KOLA Our congregation has begun a sys­ tematic reading of the Bible. Month­ ly schedules are distributed to anyone interested in reading through the Bi­ ble in a year. Four different refer­ ences, including Old Testament his­ tory, poetry or prophecy as well as New Testament portions, provide a varied daily “diet” of 4-6 chapters. What They Said Some excerpts from messages by our missionary conference speakers: “God makes a PROMISE but only as man is PERSUADED that God means what He says is God able to PERFORM.” C. B. Loewen. Rev. Ken Johnston, N.T.M., regard­ ing whether missionaries require a special call. According to Scripture all Christians are to be filled with the Spirit, walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit. God’s problem is not stopping us, but getting us started. A stationary object cannot be directed or controlled. Therefore God wants His children to move so He is able to lead and guide . . .” Rev. Tanner, Leper Mission, “When you cease to be a missionary you be­ come a mission field.” (Rev. Taimer) “Between the birthstone and the tombstone is the grindstone.” (Curt Bork). A priest was chiding an Indian Christian with “Why do you stick with those Evangelicals; they cannot help you for we have the keys to the King­ dom.” Whereupon came the reply “We have the DOOR.” (St. John 10:9) November 22nd has been set aside for the ordination service of Mr. and

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Mrs. Frank Braun. Commission ser­ vice is planned for the afternoon. The Young People of the church have started an Extension work at Vandura, Sask. A service is to be held every two weeks on Sunday afternoon. * ♦

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RIDGEWOOD Ordination Ordination services were held on October 18 at Ridgewood. Bro. Gerry Doerksen was ordained as minister and Bro. Erwin Friesen as deacon. The visiting speaker. Rev. D. P. Thies­ sen, Washow Bay, challenged them with, “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in pray­ er.’’ Rom. 12:12. November 1-8 was a week of rich blessings lor us. Rev. Harvey Plett served us with live messages with the emphasis on a deeper spiritual life. This was followed by lour sessions of missionary conference. Rev. Melvin Koop, Flin Flon, served as main speak­ er. Other missionaries taking part were Miss Agatha Fast and Miss Elizabeth Reimer'. Anniversaries Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Toews commem­ orated their silver wedding anniver­ sary on October 22. Many friends and relatives were present. Rev. Jac. P. Dueck addressed them and the choir provided the music. Another silver wedding was cele­ brated in honour of Rev. and Mrs. P. P. Friesen on November 15. An in­ teresting item on the program was a poem giving the life story of the Frie­ sens composed by Mr. Peter A. Plett,

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Landmark. Rev. John P. Loewen brought the message. The congrega­ tion presented the Friesens with a deep-freeze as a token of appreciation for their service. * * ♦

OTHER NEWS

Church Giving According to a report by the Na­ tional Council of Churches the Free Methodist church tops the list in per capita giving with contributions aver­ aging $358.17 (1963). Others following were: Church Amount Pilgrim Holiness $264.20 Southern Presbyterians 109.46 Lutheran, Missouri Synod 102.26 United Presbyterians 90.46 The lowest per capita donations were •sported by the nations two largest Protestant bodies: Methodists averaged 59.60 in gifts. Southern Baptists. $53.49 60,000 Ask Graham’s Advice in Election Evangelist Billy Graham reported that he has received an estimated 60,000 inquiries from people asking him for advice in the presidential election. Most of the requests came by tele­ gram. Although no exact tabulation was made, the majority of messages want­ ed Graham to back Republican Sen. Goldwater. Graham said he was taking a neu­ tral position in the presidential elec­ tion. I

New $55,000 Building Erected by Lowe Farm, Manitoba Church Altona, Man.—The new Lowe Farm Bergthaler Mennonite Church, erected at a cost of $55,(X)0, was dedicated re­ cently. Bishop David Schulz of Altona gave the dedication message, and Pas­ tor Peter Dueck led in the dedicatory prayer. The new brick church has a sanc­ tuary seating 300 and a lull basement with a kitchen, reception area, and classrooms.

Arcliie Penner Speaks at Topeka The Topeka (Ind.) Mennonite Church is conducting a Spiritual Renewal Week, Nov. 1 through 8. Guest speaker is Rev. Archie Penner, who has served as moderator of the Evangelical Men­ nonite Conference and is currently on the faculty of Mennonite Biblical Sem­ inary, Elkhart.

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