EVANGELICAL
MENNONITE
missEnoE IN THIS ISSUE
Keepers at Home
2
Why Pentecost?
4
How to be a Teen-age Success 5 Souris Swinging Bridge, Souris, Manitoba. (Courtesy Manitoba De partment of Industry and Commerce).
“IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY CXMEHAND MENTS.”
ST. JOHN 14:15
EDIT S’ KEEPERS AT HOME The second Sunday in May will again be set aside in honour of the mothers of the land- Records have it that thi.s day was first o-b.served at Norfolk, Virginia in 1908, and recognized by the president of the United States in 1914. Many changes have taken place in the roll of the mother since then, one of the most signifi cant being the number of women working away fro<ni home. In the United States, we are told, women make up about 45 percent of the labour force- Among these there are a reported eight millio<n working mothers with children under 18. This is a far cry from the Biblical injunction that women should be “ - . keepers at home . .. ” (Titus 2:5) and that they should “. . guide the house . .” (1 Timothy 5:14) To be l>itied is the mother who has to- be absent from her family for any length of time either by choice or necessity. Children, as young and tender plants, need all the care and protection they can possibly get. Along with insti'uctio.n and censure they need to behold before their eyes an hourly, daily example of what is being taught. This the mother in the home can give. Not give in the sense that it is a burden, but in the sense that it is a blessed opportunity, and privilege to transmit her faith to her child as Paul could say of Eunice, Timothy’s mo-therWe learn so slowly, here a little, there a little, line upon line, precept upon precept. This is also true of children, there must be the constant vigilance and concern which only the mother who is in the home can give. Wiliam Ro-ss Wallace realized this and said, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” * * *
Glancing.. • FOR THE BUSY READER Sudan to Deport Missionaries
The Sudan government has announced it will deport all foreign missionaries- Roman Catholic and Protest ant alike, working in southern Sudan. The officials said the step is only one of a series o.f moves “to restore and maintain public order-” —World Vision * * *
Catholic Books A total o.f 1,176 Catholic books was published in the U.S- during 1963, according to the director of libraries at the Catholic University of America in Washington. DC. 2
Among the 219 publishers represented in the 1963 to tal, the leader was Doubleday and Co-, of New York, with 53 title.s. In second place was Newman Press of Westminster, Md.. with 4.5; and in third. Herder and Herder of New York, with 41. In addition to the books, 276 Catholic pamphlets were issued by 43 publishers. | * * *
MDS in Alaska
Akron, Pa- (MCC)—Mcnnonite Disaster Service is recruiting 10 skilled constiuiction workers for Afognak Island. Alaska. Their job will be to relocate and re build 2-’J houses that collapsed when the ground on which they were situated dropped eight feet during the Good Friday eartlniuake and subsequent tremors. Ivan Martins and John Garman, chairman of MDS international and Canadai, respectively, have investi gated the areas destroyed by the (piake and are retemmending that AIDS furnish six carpenters, two plumbers, two electricians, and possibly one nurse. The men must be able to read blueprints and follow con struction codes. The construction will be carried on in three phase.s of six weeks each. Ten skilled perso-ns will be recruited for each phase* ♦
»
SHOCKING STATISTICS Eighteen children and adults died in fires this winter in Greater Winnipeg. Winnipeg’s citizens and officials are aroused over this shocking loss of life. They are de manding stricter laws that would ensure the safety of tenants. If the same concern were shown over the hundreds of deaths due to alcoholism the bars and beer parlors would be closed. —News Letter, Union Gospel Mission * * * ......................................................................................... .
When Moving In order to keep The Messenger coming to. your home be sure and inform us in advance of your new address. Change of address should be sent to Mr. Abe Klassen, Box 1447, Steinbach. UillllllliUUlllillltllllillitllliui
iiiiiiiiiiiuiiniuiiiituiniiiiHtiiiiiiiJiiiiiiiiiiiP.iiniiiiiiiiiuiiitl
The Messenger Official organ. In the English language, of the EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE. Published hl-weekly under the aus pices of the E.M.C. BOARD OP PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATION. Editor. David K. Schellenberg. 502 Fifth Ave. N.W., Portage la Prairie, Man. All new subscriptions and change of address should toe sent to Mr. .\be Klassen, Hi>\ 144*. Steinbach, Man. Subscription price to non-members $1,00 per year. All E.M.C. members pay through the church. Authorized as second class mail. Post Office Department. Ottawa, and for payment of postage In cash.
THE MESSENGER
MISSI ENDEAVOUR Rudder or Rock A statement recently uttered by a speaker as she enunciated the im portance of direction and purpose in life gripped our hearts. The state ment was this: “He who will not an swer to the rudder, will certainly an swer to the rocks.” As the import of this striking statement penetrates the mind, and we see its reality in the multitudes around us, we realize afresh the purpose in Christ’s incar nation, ministry, suffering, and death; and also the puropse of our being to gether a part of the church, who the same speaker called “God’s rescuing system” for those heading for the rocks. In that light we are happy again to report from this part of God’s vine yard, as we endeavour by His direc tion to do His work here in Endeavour, Sask. One Saved Our regular services have been owned of God especially our special interdenominational youth rallies. The last one held in the Chapel saw some where between 130 and 140 people out, and one married lady definitely re sponding to the claims of Christ on her life. Our womens’ group is grad ually coming to that state of matur ity that Mrs. Wright would like to see it. Visiting Speakers Our regular services have been sup plemented by visits from Rev. Jake Hoeppner, Missionary Ed. Friesen, the Steinbach Bible Institute quartet, and also the chorale from S.B.I. All these visitors have inspired us to be better channels for our blessed Lord. The literature by mail program is being sustained by the sacrifice of the local people, and is reaping results. Servetl in Winnipeg As pastor, I was privileged recently to speak at the deeper life meetings in Winnipeg at the Evangelical Mennonite church. I am sure the Lord did much for me. My prayer is that the people of the church were inspired to trust the Lord for great and mighty things. These meetings were conducted un-
May 1, 1964
der the stress of leaving our daughter Denise in hospital at home, with a pos sible serious disease. But our God i.s able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask. He answered prayer for my .need in Winnipeg, and also for Denise. I want to say thank you to all who prayed for us then. The Canora and Weekes congregations looked after our services in my absence un der the leadership of their pastors, and were a source of blessing for the En deavour folk. Saskatchewan at present is gripped with election fever, and our concern is that so few are under any restraint to make the eletcion of their eternal welfare sure and certain. Pray with us that many may do so, as we plan and pray for an Evangelistic crusade to be conducted in June by the evangelists “The Musical Greenways.” E. J. Wright
E.M.C. Youth Retreat — July 3 - 5 at the C.S.S.M. Camp Grounds, Madge Lake, Sask. Speakers: Rev. Ben Frie sen, Swift Current; Rev. E. Towns, president Winnipeg Bible Inst., Wpg. Marvin Thiessen - director of music. Camp fees - $3.00. For information and registration, write Rev. E. J. Wright, Endeavour, Sask. » ♦ ♦
Word for the World”. A campaign is underway in the churches to en courage their members each to donate or sell one Bible a year to their rel atives and neighbors. * * *
PELLY SEWING CIRCLE HEARS MISSIONARY
The activities at the meeting of the ladies Sewing Circle on April 1 were somewhat changed. To begin with we had ,as our guest, Mrs. Ed. Friesen, missionary from Mexico. She gave a short talk on her life there as wife and mother. She brought to our at tention the fact that being a mission ary’s wife in some distant area was really no different than the life of any Christian wife. The duties in the home; seeing to the needs of the children and the precious responsibility of mold ing those young lives, with always a desire to be a light for Qur Master. Later in the P..M the S.B.I. Chorale arrived, rendered a few numbers in song and then the Kamsack and Pelly ladies together served supper to them before they left for their next appointment. Just a word about our building pro gram. The lumber is all sawed. At the time of writing there is still some to be dry piled.
» * *
GUARANI TO GET GOSPEL The Reverend P. O. Mydske, Secre tary for the Bible Societies in the ar ea in South America which includes Paraguay, reports that the country is going through a hard time of increas ing unemployment and decreasing in come, but that the Bible distribution does not seem to have suffered. He expects to report a new record for Scripture sales this year.
The Bible Society will give to the Guarani speaking people, numbering 500,000, a copy of the Gospel of Mark recently translated into their tongue. This Gospel will soon be printed. The translators will continue with further work until at least the New Testament is translated.
The Swedish Pentecostal group has a systematic colportage work going on, in addition to their evangelistic work. A Consultative Committee has been established for the first time in Par aguay to help the Bible Society in leaching the whole country with “The
BURNS LAKE Since the last report the experiences have been many and varied in thl.s area; from earthquakes to beautiful spring sunslune, yet through it all praise be to the Almighty that God is still on the throne. Among our visitors have been; Rev. Ben Sawatsky, E.M.M.C., Winnipeg, with the very timely message, “Be coming of Age” according to Joshua 5:10-15. Also Rev. and Mrs. Jac. Dueck, Steinbach, with the message, “Things to Remember” according to Eph. 2. Thank you all for serving the church here in this way, may the Lord con tinue to bless you all. Praise be to the Lord for His bless ing upon the Radio Broadcast over the Smithers station, it now appears that He is directing to a second Broadcast, please be much in prayer as the Lord’s will is sought. Another note of praise is the way God is in the preparation work for the United Crusade dated for May 31 - June 5, please continue to pray for this also.
3
WHY
PENTECOST? 1
THE PROMISE
II
THE PURPOSE
III
THE PLACE
Dr. Andrew Telford Pentecost is a Bible word (Acts 2:1). Pentecost is a historical fact; it was a happening at Jerusalem (vss. 1-14). Pentecost produced a personal exper ience; “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Pentecost was a nec essary movement of the power of God among the children of men. Pentecost was the intervention of new power; “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Notice three things in the text— The Promise. “But ye shall receive power alter that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Here is a promise of power; this word “power” has within it the thought of authority or dynamic. The Church of Christ needs them both today. Do we need less than they did? Are we strong er than they? Our hearts should yearn lor that same power to empower us. Here is a promise fulfilled at Pente cost. In obedience to the Master's command they waited (Luke 24:29). They waited patiently, prayerfully, and purposefully. Rest assured that they did not rest in vain: they received the induement, thus they did the “mighty works’” (comp. Acts 4:8-10). The Holy Spirit indwells every believer today, to produce mighty works. This verse also speaks about— The Purpose. “Ye shall be witnesses unto me." They were receiving power to witness by life and by lip. They were re ceiving power to live victoriously. There is an abundant life to be lived and enjoyed. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Too many of God’s people are living like spiritual paupers. There is a life to be
4
lived—according to Bible standards, “it shall not have dominion over you” (Rom. 6:14). At Pentecost they received power to live fervently. “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 5:5). Peter tells us to “love one another with a pure heart fervently.” We need fervent love among the brethren in this day when iniquity is abounding and the “love of many shall wax cold.” How is your love life? At Pentecost they received power to pray effectively. Prayer facilitates the divine plan, but prayer also frustrates the devil’s plan. In Acts 12 the enemy sought to kill Peter, but God answereu the prayers of earnest saints. Now do you want to see the will of God done’:" Then start praying for it. Do you want to see the devil’s plan defeated or frus trated? Then start praying that his power shall be broken in the realm of your desires. At Pentecost they received power to testify courageously (Acts 4:21). Weak men were made strong ■ bac’cward men were made bold; shy men were made zealous; cowards were turned into heroes by the Holy Ghost. Icebergs melted, grace flowed freely—burning embers became holy flames. The Ro man empire was shaken to its foun dation and the Word of the Lord pros pered. They received power at Pentecost to give to the cause of Christ in a gener ous way. When the Spirit took control
blinded and lying in the lap of the evil one; the devil has bled it to death. He has drained out its mortal blood. Oh, for a new experience of the power of Pentecost! Adapted from Gospel Herald (abridged) * * «
MCC SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR CANADIANS
of their hearts, their pocketbooks flew
Akron, Pa. (MCC)—Canadians are virtually the only North Americans gaining ready visa access to India and Pakistan. Therefore, the Mennonite Central Committee personnel office will need Canadian volunteers to take up assignments in these two coun tries, There are openings for one Pax man builder in West Pakistan and one relief assistant, with experience in poultry, for Calcutta, India. The Mennonite Central Committee has other overseas projects which are not approved by the Selective Service Board for U.S. conscientious objectors. Accordingly, MCC needs Canadian vol unteers to take up assignments in Ag ape Verlag, Switzerland, and to oper ate a small offset printing press for LEOO in Leopoldville, Congo. LECO is the publishing, printing, and book selling arm of the Congo Protestant churches. * * * 15TH TRAINEE GROUP ARRIVING IN JULY
open and helped to promote the whole cause of God. How they served and suffered to carry out the will of God! The Holy Spirit gives us holy endeavor as well as songs in the night of surfering. Notice also in this text— The Place. “Ke shall be witnesses unto me both in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Je sus said. The field is the world.” He also said, “Go ye into aU the world.” What kind of a world was it? “The whole world lieth in (the lap of the evil one).” To that world we must go. This revolting world needs our witness. The majority of the world is pagan, pagan religion and pagan practices. They know nothing of the joy of sins forgiven, neither can they love God nor their fellow man. This ruined world needs our witness. Ruined by sin, only Christ can deliver it. Ruined by Satan,
Akron, Pa. (MCC)—The 15th trainee group in America, primarily members of Mennonite churches and consisting of more than 40 young men and wo men, is arriving on July 28. Over the past 14 years American families have been providing work, room, and board for trainees. Sponsors are again be ing sought for the incoming group. Thirty-nine are from Europe: Ger many (14), the Netherlands (12), Switzerland (8), France (3), Austria (1 first one from Austria), and Greece (1). Two are from the Middle East: Jordan (1), and Algeria (1). There likely will be additional trainees from India, Africa, and South America. Families, church groups, or other organizations who wish to sponsor a trainee to give him a meaningful ex change experience during his year in America should contact Emma Schlichting, Mennonite Central Com mittee, Akron, Pennsylvania. the messenger
TRUTH FOR YOUTH
HOW T s BE A TEENAGE SUCCESS By Warren Wiersbe
David knew how . . . and the same principles he followed will work for the teenager of ’64
9^
. I I
1 /
David knew how to respect and obey his father. It was this attitude of heart that made him a success as a teen and as an adult. When Samuel came to Bethlehem to choose a king, David stayed right with the sheep while his brothers marched home, each one of them expecting to win the con test!
Success is never an accident. It al ways comes to those who obey Godordained principles. You take any of th.e sucessful people of the Bible (and David was a teenage servant, not I’m not necessarily spelling that word a teenage celebrity. Even when he $ucce$$) and you’ll find that they all kUled that lion and bear, he kept quiet followed the definite principles, prin about it. And serving as the king’s ciples that you can follow today. I musician didn’t turn David’s head. want to use a familiar Bible teen as When Saul was through with David, my example, a young man named David who went from being an ob the boy went right back to his sheep! scure shepherd boy to Israel’s greatest Today’s teens would have organized a “Little David” fan club, and David king; and you’ll see in his life that would have sold his story to some tomorrow’s success depends on to teen publication. (I can see it now: day’s preparation. “I Was a Teenage Harpist!”) Basically David’s experiences fol lowed God’s three success principles. The teenager who doesn’t know the They are summarized in Matthew 25: meaning of respect and obedience to 21, a verse you should memorize: day will never feel the crown on his “Well done, thou good and faithful head tomorrow. We start by being servant: thou hast been faithful over servants. When God sees we can be a few things, I will make thee ruler trusted as servants. He makes us over many things: enter thou into the rulers. joy of thy Lord.’’ These three princi Look at the second principle. David ple are really quite simple. They are: (1) You start as a servant before be started with a few things and God coming a ruler. (2) You start with a gave him many things. few tilings before God trusts you with Most modern teens think that life many things. (31 You start with work is made up of “things” and the more before you discover joy. Simple, aren’t the merrier—TV sets, transistor rad they? And they work! Let’s see how ios, clothes, cars, credit cards, and a they operated in the life of David . hundred other items. They forget that David started as a servant. This has Jesus once said that “a man’s life conalways been God’s pattern. Joseph sisteth not in the abundance of the started as a slave, Moses as a shep things he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). herd and Joshua as Moses’ personal It’s really amazing how much David valet. Even Samuel got his start tak didn’t have—and yet the fellow was ing care of the furniture in the taber happy. And the fact that David was nacle. David knew what it was to faithful to use the few things he had, start at the bottom. While his brothers prepared the way for him to receive were in the public eye as soldiers in many things later. ' Saul’s army, David was at home with He started out as a teenager with a the sheep, obeying his father. (I won der what would have happened to Is few sheep. When he was an adult, God rael if David’s father had let him do gave him an entire nation to shep everything his older brothers did!) herd! It’s too bad when teens think they David killed a lion and a bear in are too good to do things at home. May 1, 1964
private. And God permitted him to slay a giant in public.
David sang to himself (and God) while caring for the sheep. And many of those songs God wrote down for eternity in the Book of Psalms. (Sort of makes today’s teen “singers” (?) look sick, doesn’t it?)
As a lad, David delivered some bread and cheese to his brothers at the camp. When an old man, he delivered millions of dollars’ worth of materials to his son Solomon for the building of the temple. You’d better write it somewhere in your heart: the way you use your few “things” and opportunities today is going to determine how much God will put in your hands tomorrow. Jobs at home, high school assignments, earn ings and allowances, abilities, timeall of these can be wasted or invested today. If you’re faithful with them to day, you’ll receive the dividends to morrow. Now the third principle. David knew what it was to work before he exper ienced joy. Too many people want hap piness without the work. And it just doesn’t work that way. Of course, there’s a lot of enjoyment in your teen years right now. But not everything can be “fun” (whatever that is). You are going to have to accept the re sponsibilities, the work, and the disciphne today if you expect to be any thing tomorrow. I’m sure Daivd spent many a weary day watching those sheep. But his faithfulness to work won him the blessing of happiness. This may surprise you, but the most miserable people alive are the ones who have nothing to do. People who retire are in danger of death from boredom. You may pant for the day when you won’t have to work. But I guarantee that that day will never come until you do work. God puts no premium on laziness. (Read Proverbs 6:6-11; 20:4; 26:13-16.) Now, the master key to David’s life is found in Psalm 78:72 — “So he (David) fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.” That word “integrity” simply means sin gleness. David didn’t have a double heart. His heart was united in one thing: faithfulness to the Lord. He was faithful to work and God gave him joy. And these same principles will work in your teen life today and (Continued on page 7) 5
CHILDREN’S STORY
CHUMA FINDS A BABY By Charles Ludwig Fortunately there were many rocks on the sides of the path that wound irough the green meadow and that led to this place. Several times people .■ame along the path and the girls had to hide and pray that the babies would keep still.
piece of the white pulp and chewed it until all the juice was gone. She spat out the empty libers and added, “Let’s pray that Jesu will speak to her and that she’ll become a believer.”
Tuti stretched out his chubby hands toward the sugar cane, and threw his Chuma broke down a long piece of body forward. sugar cane from a patch of it that “All right. Little Brother. I’ll get grew by the creek, and then the girls you some,” said Chuma. She broke off climbed the little hill that led to their a piece and handed it to him. The new place of refuge. baby started to cry. Limoni put the They took the sugar cane up with bottle to his mouth, and after a little them and sat down between the rocks. struggle he went alter the warm milk. After they had made sure that they The girls prayed that Jesu would were all alone Chuma said, “Do you help them think of a plan, and that have any good plans?” He would speak to the twin’s mother, “I haven’t thought of anything,” re Sabetti. turned Limoni. “But I know the idea “Now, where will we put him to of staying in a cave isn’t good.” night?” asked the ever practical Li “But what will we do?” asked Chu moni. ma. “I can’t take the new baby with “Father will get a new house built me, and Missi Wilsoni doesn’t have within a week, then I can keep him there,” said Chuma. room for him.” “But that won’t take care of him "Maybe we could hide him in the home of one of the Christian women.” tonight . . .” “Look! Look!” shouted Chuma al “I've already thought of that. The only trouble is that someone is bound most beyond herself with excitement, to see him, and you know what will ‘Some people are coming up the path. happen to the baby and to us if Fa It looks as if they’re coming here!’’ moni, looking around for a way of ther finds out!” There was a long silence while escape. “Let’s slide down the back of the Chuma broke the sugar cane stalk in two. 'Then Chuma’s lace lit up. “I rock and hide in the cave. We can know the best way,” she said with stay there until they are gone,” said real enthusiasm. “The best way is to Chuma quickly. get the baby’s mother to take him “But what if a leopard is in there? back.” asked Limoni, her eyes bulging out “That might be a wonderful thing,” like a chameleon’s. returned Limoni scornfully. “But she’d “We’ll just have to take that never do it. It would be easier to tie chance!” an elephant’s trunk in a knot! . . . You Getting down the back of the rock are talking about the impossible.” wasn’t easy, because it was at least “She’ll take him back if she learns thirty feet from the ground and was to love Jesu Christo,” replied Chuma very steep and dangerous. But there warmly. was no other way. “I’ll slide down “But she’ll never be a Christian,” first,” said Chuma, “then I’ll be able argued Limoni. “She likes her beer to stop your fall and protect the new and pipe too much. She says all baby.” Christians have lizards in their heads.” Clutching Tuti as tightly as pos Chuma beat her piece of sugar cane sible she worked herself over to the against the table-like rock in order edge of the huge boulder and start to expose the sugar-laden pulp be ed down. The first part was not quite neath the tough, bamboo-like shell. as steep as the last. She managed to “Anything is possible with God,” she get to the halfway point without any replied thoughtfully. She bit off a trouble; but she had just started 6
down the last part when she slipped and skidded to the bottom. She tore her dress and bruised her shins. But She didn’t think of the pain. Her only concern was to help Limoni. Her friend tossed her the bottle, and squirmed out to the place where Chuma had descended. She started to go down, and suddenly lost her courage. “I—I can’t do it,” she stam mered, her voice broken with fear. “Come on!” encouraged Chuma. “You’ll be all right. I’ll pray for you!” “I—I’m not afraid for myself,” she replied weakly. “B—but I—I d—don't want to f-faU on the new baby!” she stood up and went over to the other side of the boulder and looked down into the valley. Then she burst into tears. “Chuma, y-you m-must help me. The people are coming, and I think you father is with them! Oh, what will I ever do?” “Well, just come down like I did,” said Chuma, motioning wildly with her hands. The voices of the approaching peo ple could now be heard, and Chuma felt a cold lump forming in the pit of her stomach. “Hurry!” she shouted, muffling the sound with palm of her hand. Limoni dropped over the edge and slid to the ground, hurting herself ev en more than had Chuma. But the ba by was safe and the girls were happy. “Now, where will we go?” she asked rubbing a place on her leg that had been skinned. “We’ll go into the cave,” said Chu ma. “We can stay there until the people have gone and then we’ll be sure to think of something.” The cave she referred to was just a few feet away. Its narrow mouth opened just beneath a wide granite boulder. Chuma had often seen it, but she had never been inside because she had heard that it was the home of a leopard. “Give me the new baby, and after you’ve crawled in I’ll hand him to you,” said Chuma. Limoni hesitated a bit, then she got down on her stomach and pusher her self in feet first. “My, it’s dark in here,” she shud dered. “Don’t you think we should go some other place?”
Used by permission Scripture Press Foundation THE MESSENGER
(
FROM
'HOUSE
TO YO
HOUSE
THE TRAITS OF A MATURE
Lastly a mature Christian mother will surround her children with a wise, deep abiding love. Even though her very love wiU discipline them when necessary, they will always feel cer tain of her love, in which from boy hood on they have always been secure. May the Lord help each one of us to grow to spiritual maturity. * * *
CHRISTIAN MOTHER
♦
1
By Elma B. Dueck As I was looking into the mirror this morning while combing my hair, I noticed the telltale gray strands of hair insidiously creeping in among the darker ones, reminding me that I am not as young as I used to be. I asked myself, “Am I as mature in the spir itual being as I appear in the physi cal? Or am I staying immature and inwardly retarded? In the physical to day our beauty starts to fade as we grow older, but in the spiritual the opposite is true. The more mature we grow, the more beautiful we will be come! Now that Mother’s Day is approach ing when we as mothers are put in the limelight again, its probably a good time to take a close look at our selves—to evaluate how we rate as Christian mothers. What are the traits of a mature Christian mother? I think we find the best answer in Gal 5:22-23, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (or self control). The more we grow in the Spirit, the more these fruits will re veal themselves in us. First, a mature mother will radiate joy. This does not mean that one has to wear a perpetual smile on one’s face at all times. It means to be free from temper tantrums, grouchiness, and the habit of complaining; to meet disappointments without making ev eryone else unhappy about it. It simp ly means to “rejoice in the Lord al ways.” (Phil. 4:4) Moreover, a mature mother will try to preserve peace in her home, being always serene, well poised and pa tient; she will be an example of faith and goodness; she will have the self control she expects of her children; she will be kind, consistent and rea sonable in all her dealings; she will be honest and frank, and treat her children with respect and considera tion.
May 1, 1964
GOD MADE IT By (Mrs.) Rosaline Loewen “Mommy, see the pretty birdie!” Pausing with our work for a minute we stop to admire the bird. “God made it,” we say. “He gave it a sweet voice with which to praise Him.” We tell him the name of the bird and talk about it’s nest. It if is a flower he is admiring, we say, “God made it. He made it bea utiful He loves us.” In winter we study the intricate pat terns that the drifting snow forms on the windows. The pre-schoolers will be delighted with the animals and trees they discover there while the school boy will find maps of different con tinents. But always it is God who makes it all so beautiful and inter esting! In summer our children may bring home bouquets of wild flowers, just for Mother, because they know she loves flowers. They may look wilted and straggly, and we may be tempted to say, “throw them out; they are just a bunch of weeds.” But instead we thank them for their loving deed and find a jar of water to put them in. We help them name as many flowers as we can and encourage them to find the names of others in a Flower Guide. (Some may turn out to be just weeds!) Our toddlers may follow the example of brother or sister and bring us a bouquet of dandelions from the back yard, which we also admire and provide with water. A lot of bother? Of course not; we mothers love doing this! Teaching our children to appreciate the beauties and wonders of God’ creation is our joy and privilege. “O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom thou hast made them all: The earth is full of thy riches.” Psalm 104:24 “Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great;
Thou art clothed with honour and majesty.” Psalm 104:1 ♦ * *
HOW TO BE A TEEN-AGE SUCCESS
(Continued from page 5) help carve out for you a fantastic, God planned future! Before I close, let me remind you of another young man in the Bible whose failures are as famous as Dav id’s success—the prodigal son. I’ve met scores of teens like him, out to get the best out of life and finally ending up in the pigpen. He wanted to “live high on the hog” and ended up living with the hogs!
Now, why did this sincere young man turn out a failure instead of .a success? He followed Satan’s princi ples for “success” instead of God’s. The prodigal stcirted off as a ruler, witn a host of friends around him; and he ended up as a servant, starving in the fields. He started off with many things and ended up with nothing! He started off with happiness (“No more work for me!”) and ended up with misery, homesickness, and hun ger,. Proverbs 4:18 guarantees the faith ful Christian a bright and exciting future: “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more (brighter and brighter) un to the perfect day.” Follow these three God-given prin ciples as David did. And that fantastic future will be yours.
Reprinted from Moody Monthly’s TEEN FOCUS. Copyright Moody Bible Institute, 1964.
* * *
GOD SPOKE (Genesis 46:2)
Any man may hear the voice of God. When man would listen, God speaks. When God speaks, men are changed. In the ancient days God spake, and the wonderful things which He told Moses on the mountain-top have in spired mankind for centuries. Down through the years men of God have heard His voice. God spoke to George Muller and he became the modern apostle of faith. Hudson Tay-
7
Past Oton T>. Kleefeld Man. lor heara Him speak, as he walked by the seashore on a memorable Sab bath morning, and in obedience to that voice he launched forth into inland China, establishing Mission Stations in every province of that vast country. God spoke to Dr. A. B. Simpson and he stepped aside from a well beaten path, and like Abraham of old “went forth, not knowing whither he went. ' Today, the Christian and Missionary Alliance, operating in more than twen ty Mission Fields of the world, is the result of his obedience and untold numbers have been blessed through his ministry. Charles Cowman heard the “soft and gentle voice,” when God spoke say ing, “get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy f» ther’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” The result — The Ohiental Mission station dotted all over the Orient! And now its activities embrace the wide world. God is not dumb that He should speak no more. If thou hast wanderings in the wilderness And finds’t not Sanai, ’tis thy soul is poor: There towers the mountain of the Voice no less. Which whoso seeks shall find, but he who bends Intent on manna still, and mor tal ends. Sees it not, neither hears its thun
dering lore. Lowell From “Springs in the 'Valley”, used by permission Cowman Publishing Co. Los Angeles, California
I NEWS I. REPORT FROM THE STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE A Youth Conference, a new venture of the SBI, was enthusiastically received by 65 young people from various parts of Manitoba who gathered for a week-end of fellowship and activities, April 3 to 5. A series of devotional talks was given by Rev. H. H. Voth of the Mennonite Brethren Bible College,
8
Winnipeg. Rev. C. Wilbert Loewen, a faculty member at the SBI, served as organizer and leader of the conference, assisted by other staff members and senior students of the school. On April 6, the third semester ac tivities began. Besides the 85 regular high-school students, 20 short-course high school students, and 12 spring session Bible school students now make up the student body. The short course high-school enables students to complete a few high school courses in three months. The spring session Biblr school is a new innovation, whereby students will be able to complete the regular course of three years in two years.
« * *
REVIVAL BLESSINGS
AT RIDGEWOOD
The evening services held at Ridge wood from March 30 to April 12 have been a tremendous blessing. Rev. Ben Friesen from Swift Current spoke boldly, preaching the Word as it is written. From the beginning large numbers came to the prayer meetings and God began working among saved and unsaved. Christians were revived and received answers to their prob lems, backsliders were restored, and the unsaved came to God. At the first instruction class on April 15th over forty young people came for coun selling. “To God be the glory, great things He hath done.” On April 16 Rev. Henry Toews, a missionary from Paraguay reported about the work among the Indians. He challenged everyone by present ing the spiritual and physical needs of these people. Especially nurses and teachers are needed according to his report. The questions that were asked showed an interest in the work. • • • WINNIPEG Deeper Life Meetings We have experienced a week (Ap ril 5-12) of blessings during the deep er life services held in Winnipeg. Rev. E. Wright was the guest speaker. The one main emphasis of the messages was that there is no human need which Jesus cannot satisfy. This truth was made more real to us as we saw how God enabled Rev. Wright to faith fully conduct the services in spite of his daughter’s serious illness at home. The final service ended with the chal lenge “Let us not be weary in well
doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Many Christians pur posed anew to take up their cross and follow Christ more fully.
Pastor and Wife to Europe Two days following the Revival meetings our pastor and his wife, the John K. Reimers, left for a six week trip to Europe. We trust that they will be enjoying a happy reunion with members of the family, missionaries, and friends also that God will use and bless them in His service in Europe. Keeping the home fires burning are the Edgar Reimers. Arvella is at pre sent staying with the Bill Zacharias’ in the city and later will go to Kola, Man. Two to British Honduras Adina and Elizabeth Dueck have al so ventured out on a long distance trip. We hope that at present they will be together with family and friends in British Honduras. Adina left Winni peg, April 7th. In the meantime Eliz abeth was on her way back from Eur ope. New Orleans was their meeting place and from there they took a plane to British Honduras.
BIRTHS To Mr. and Mrs. Frank B. Reimer, a boy, Frank Stewart, March 12.
To Mr. and Mrs. Jake Kornelsen, a boy, Warren Bruce, February 22.
To Mr. and Mrs. Leo Plett, a boy, on March 27.
!
f ‘“’’COMING EVENTS’’’’’’: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ April 26 - May 5 Revival meet ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ings at the Pelly Fellowship Cha ♦ pel with Rev. John Unger of ♦ ♦ ♦ Dauphin as speaker. ♦ * * * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ May 17-34 Evangelistic services ♦ ♦ at the Steinbach E.M.C. church ♦ * ♦ ♦ with Rev. Henry Unrau of Brier ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ crest Bible School, as speaker. ♦ ♦ ♦ * * * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ June 26, 27, 28 Annual Confer ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ence of the E.M.C. at Steinbach. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ * « * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦>♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦<*
I
THE ivnrssF.T<rnKR
Ji
I I