The Messenger November 6, 1992

The Messenger EVANGELICAL MENN^K CONFERENCE

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VOL. 30 NO. 19

V^NOV. 6/92

PIONEER iR

Region 3 Conference

Being Fit for Spiritual Warfare PELLY, SASK.: Pastor Munay Vader and the congregation of the Pelly Fellowship Chapel (EMC) hosted the 22nd annual Region 3 conference in the Pelly Hall on October 25. The spacious hall was well suited for the three sessions and two meals, which attracted about 150 people from the seven churches in the region. The one-day conference included children’s items, and special music from Endeavour, Hudson Bay and Swan River. Eldred Hamm led enthusiastic singing to begin each session. In the afternoon the children and young people enjoyed separate activities in the adjacent school gym, with Gary Sawatzky of Preeceville in charge. A significant moment came when Ferlin Abraham­ son presented Frank and Mary Braun with an en­ graved plaque, in appreciation of their many years of service in Kamsack and participation in the Region 3 ministerial. Tim and Laurel Schroder of Pelly out­ lined their plans to leave in a few months for Papua New Guinea to serve with New (continued on page 8> Photos (top to bottom, left to right): 1. Pelly is a farming community northeast of Yorkton, Sask.; 2. Region 3 pastors and their wives (back, I to r): Lynn and Wil Warkentin (Swan River, Man.), Mar­ garet and Lome Moorhead (Endeavour, Sask.), Lin­ da and Murray Yader (Pelly, Sask.), Liz and Ferlin Abrahamson (Birch River, Man.); (front, I to r): Terry and Mary Ann Smith (Creighton, Sask.), Mary and Frank Braun (Kamsack, Sask.) Irene and Fred Buhler (Hudson Bay, Sask.); 3. The conference was held in the spacious Pelly Hall; 4. The ladies’ trio from Endeavour: Sharon Karcha, Debbie Sawatzky and Margaret Moorhead; 5. Frank and Mary Braun received a plaque from Ferlin Abrahamson on be­ half of Region 3; 6. Special music from Endeavour by Kendall, Sara and Lorissa Thiessen.

In Nicaragua, extending a life of dignity. By Hernaldo Lara Translated by Donald Plett Translator’s note: My wife, Elizabeth, and I first met Hernaldo in 1979 when we started pastoring the small rural Mennonite church in San Jose de Gracia in southern Nicaragua. Hernaldo was a youth at the time. He was active in the congregation, teaching a Sunday school class, painting the church name on the front of the build­ ing and participating in leadership training classes. He came from an average farming family in the community. Due to the Sandinista government’s generous educational goals — allowing everyone to study, even those with very few eco­ nomic resources — Hernaldo was able to enroll in the medical faculty at the university. He achieved the highest academic stand­ ing in the medical school in the country. During one of his last years of studies he lived with us. It was hard to imagine how he could live with so little sleep. Often he would study far into the night, till 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning, and by 4:00 we would see his light was on again. He received his medical degree in the fall of 1988. Hernaldo is a member of the Fraternity of Evangelical Mennonite Churches of Nicaragua. He was married to Evelyn Morales in 1992. This is Hernaldo’s story of serving Jesus Christ by attending to the needy in his country.

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welve or thirteen years ago there were only a few Christian students at the National University of Nicaragua in Managua. There was little encouragement to develop a Christian identity or main­ tain a Christian spirituality. Out of this felt need a few decided to enter into active contact with other Crhistians. Little by little, with much effort, the students formed a group called "Hosanna.” Upon graduation, the group of medical doctors and dentists dis­ persed to begin their practices in various parts of the country. Some of their number and remaining students asked, what now? Is this where this movement, begun by a few students, comes to an end? The question gave rise to a type of revival. A new movement was generated, now involving the organization of Christian stu­ dents from the University of Managua, as well as students from a broader range of faculties, including those from psychology, jour­ nalism, engineering, social work, and others, in addition to medi­ cal and dentistry faculties. Alongside this movement, there were those new professionals who organized themselves in order that as Christians they might strive to create a forum where the practical outworking of their faith might meet the needs of the poor. It was 1987, our country was suffering the wounds of the war. Although all of the country was affected, the mountainous regions of northern Nicaragua and the Atlantic coast were most affected. The counter revolutionary forces attacked health workers. Medi­ cal doctors and nurses were kidnapped and assassinated. Health clinics and hospitals were destroyed. For these reasons the minis­ try of health in the Sandinista government began to abandon the health needs of a major part of this region. This is where the challenge began. As we looked into each other’s eyes, we realized we had noth­ ing more to give than a willingness to serve and a handful of faith. There was no money, but thousands of needs. There were many people who had not received any medical attention for years, in the midst of much danger from the war. A group began to form, calling themselves “The Christian Medical Action.” In 1988 more energy was poured in to make the work effective. This is when a new phenomenon took shape in the Atlantic Coast PAGE 2

region. Hurricane Joan brutally destroyed most of the southern part of the Atlantic Coast region. Days of intense work followed, but at this point it was not a permanent work. It was not until 1989 that a volunteer work was initiated with a team of four medical doctors in the Atlantic Coast selva, in the midst of great obstacles. The majority of the commu­ nities were Miskito, a local indigenous group of people; a differ­ ent culture, remote areas, much rain (it is considered to be the most rainy region of the world, 2000 to 6000 mm of water annually), staggering mortality rates, and too many diseases out of control, including malaria and tuberculosis. Many communities had been without medical attention of any kind for five to eight years.

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ow four years have gone by and it is beautiful to hear what peope are saying, “Now we are not dying like we did before when it was common for children to die in mass numbers.” However, it has been a work that has been very, very demanding. Our strategy consists in working with the community itself, or­ ganizing and educating health leaders and midwives. The popular educational system has been the fundamental tool in the struggle to transform a situation of death and disease to one of a more dignified human existence. We believe that as Christians it is our responsibility to serve the poor, for in them we find the presence of Christ (Matt. 5:21). Concerning my own experience, I have lived in the area of Rama Cay for one year now. It is a small island inhabited by 800 in­ digenous Rama people. They speak Creole English. Their religion is Moravian. They make their living by fishing and some agricul­ ture. Before the hurricane, most of them lived in palm-roofed homes. In the hurricane everything disappeared. Organizations have moved in and helped in the reconstruction, building houses of tin. With help from the community, we have built a health center in which we conduct workshops to educate midwives, health lead­ ers and volunteers.

“Our strategy consists in working with the community itself, organizing and educating health leaders and midwives . . . to transform a situation of death and diseases to one of a more dignified human existence. ” Beyond attending to the health needs of this island, I also look after a number of mountain communities. I visit them every six weeks for twelve days. I travel by river, which at first is naviga­ ble, but soon becomes very difficult to travel. The hot sun, rain, wind and storms add to our difficulties. At night we sleep under the stars. With the mosquitoes and insufficient nourishment, in addition to our tired bodies, even the nights become something undesired. Nonetheless, we never lack joviality. We call these trips the “medical mobile brigade.” We generally travel in apanga, an outboard motorboat, carrying medicines, food, all our backpacks, vaccines and educational materials. Normally I am accompanied by a dentist, one or two nurses, an aid, and one or two health promoters, in addition to thepangero, the one who drives thepansaThere are frequent armed conflicts, which make our work very dangerous. Last October (1991) one of our health leaders was as­ sassinated, together with a brother and his father. For security rea­ sons I have not been able to return to this community. An exceptional situation took place last year when a large num­

THE MESSENGER

“zl// of us in the Christian Medical Action group feel that from the one whom we serve, the Lord Jesus, comes the strength and the desire for a life of dignity for even the least of our brothers and sisters. ” ber of repatriated persons, about a thousand people, came to start a new community in the mountains, about six hours by foot into the mountains. We built a health clinic there, for which I am responsible. In total I visit ten communities, travelling from one to the other. I attend to about 3,500 persons, scattered in a difficult, miseryfilled area. One of the greatest challenges is nutrition. It is sad for me to see that many children do not eat anything but cooked rice. As a result, many are sick, pale and weak. We do not have many resources to bring about changes. Nonetheless, we make a great effort to see that the community gets involved in its own develop­ ment. Malaria, as a tropical disease, presents a serious problem in the area. Tuberculosis is also a serious problem. At present we have difficulty getting medication. Many of us work voluntarily. For financial support we depend on a Swedish organization, RadaBarnen.

When I visit the communities outside of Rama Cay, I miss the island where there are hardly any mosquitoes. 1 live in a house that we have built overlooking a beautiful valley. Even there, at any hour of the night, they come to call me to take care of a sick per­ son or attend to a birth. Despite my tiredness and the remoteness itself, it is my obligation to tend to the need, for there is no other doctor there. All of us in the Christian Medical Action group feel that from the one whom we serve, the Lord Jesus, comes the strength and the desire for a life of dignity for even the least of our brothers and sisters. Donald and Elizabeth Plett, from Blumenort, Manitoba, were EMC missionaries in Nicaragua from 1978 to 1987. They and their two children live at Elkhart, Indiana, where Donald graduatedfrom Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries in 1991. Elizabeth is cur­ rently enrolled in the Counselling program.

MCC, MCC Canada Executive Committees Learn About Shared Mission, Resources, Future WINNIPEG, Man. — Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and MCC Canada execu­ tive committees met here September 18 and 19, for the first joint meeting since 1989. The two executive committees learned about the ministries of MCC and MCC Canada and how they work together as a “Christian resource for meeting human need.” MCC and MCC Canada share a common mission. Both groups serve as the relief, serv­ ice and development arm of the North Ameri­ can Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches. But they have divided the labor. MCC Canada, together with the provincial MCCs in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatch­ ewan, Manitoba and Ontario, ministers to hu­ man need in Canada. Programs in Canada include, among others. Victim Offender Minis­ tries, Native Concerns, Employment Con­ cerns, Mental Health, Handicapped Concerns, Peace and Social Concerns and the Ottawa Office. MCC ministers in Latin America, the Mid­ dle East, Africa, Asia and Europe. (MCC U.S. serves in the United States.) MCC and MCC Canada also work together to carry out their respective missons. MCC Canada and the provincial MCCs, in addition to the work they do in Canada, recruit personnel and gather financial resources for the work of MCC overseas. In MCC Cana­ da’s fiscal year 1991-1992, MCC Canada for­ warded to MCC $6.5 million Cdn. This includes $2.4 million Cdn. of government grants, $2.3 million Cdn. of which was from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) via a block grant applied for by MCC Canada staff. MCC Canada also shares material resources with MCC. In the past 10-month fis­ cal year, MCC Canada, via the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, forwarded to MCC some 19,552 metric tons of grain. Of this amount, 8,720 metric tons was donated by Canadian

NOVEMBER 6, 1992

farmers; CIDA matching funds provided the balance, as well as covered shipping and deliv­ ery costs. The total value of this contribution was $7 million Cdn. In addition, another $800,000 Cdn. were used to purchase food overseas. Currently 284 Canadians serve overseas with MCC and 61 Canadians serve in the United States with MCC. MCC has 544 work­ ers overseas, 293 workers in the United States and 255 workers in Canada. Future trends MCC and MCC Canada also face similar challenges in the coming years. John A. Lapp, MCC executive secretary, observed that MCC is entering a new, less prosperous epoch than the 1940 to 1980 epoch. Between 1940 and 1980 MCC opened 11 offices across North America in order to be closer to its constituency. MCC Canada was formed in 1963; MCC U.S. was formed in 1979. MCC spent its first 20 years -1920 to 1940 - without staff and without an office. Daniel Zehr, MCC Canada executive direc­ tor, noted that 1992 hjs been “organization-

ally unsettling” for MCC Canada. Much of the “unsettledness” has come as the six MCC boards in Canada work to implement the Red River Accord, which they approved January 1992. This accord, among other things, spelled out a formula for dividing cash resources among the provincial MCCs, MCC Canada and bina­ tional MCC. This accord, and the recommit­ ment to giving about 60 percent of the Canadian constituency’s cash contributions to MCC work overseas, has sparked questions about the roles and functions of the national and provincial offices. “I’ve seen a similar unsettledness in most other agencies, both church and secular this year,” noted Zehr. “Business as usual or merely doing better or more of what worked in the past is being called into serious question” by agencies and businesses as well. The 10-member MCC Canada executive committee is made up of representatives from the MCC Canada membership and meets four times a year, including an annual meeting with the full membership. The 12-member MCC executive committee is made up of representatives from the MCC board and meets five times a year, including an annual meeting with the full board. (MCC Information Services)

An Urgent Prayer Request . . . In April of this year we were informed by Canada Post Corpora­ tion (CPC) that The Messenger has been reclassified as a “newslet­ ter.” It is no longer considered a “periodical” and therefore is not eligible for special postage rates. The effect of this ruling could in­ crease mailing costs by as much as 350 per cent. We have appealed this decision, showing that The Messenger meets CPC’s requirements for a “periodical” and is therefore enti­ tled to second class mail status. In a few weeks an adjudicator will make a ruling on the case. Please join us in prayer that God may intervene so that The Mes­ senger, as well as other denominational periodicals in Canada, may continue distribution through the mail at the second class rate. The Board of Church Ministries PAGE 3

Article Circulated Worldwide Terry Smith’s article, “Three Surprises for Menno Simons,” has been selected by Mennonite World Conference (MWC) as a special feature for circulation among Mennonites around the world. MWC’s head office is in Strasbourg, France. The article, based on a 1988 Reformation Day, was first printed in The Messenger (June 19, 1992). Congratulations are extended to Terry, pastor of the Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC) in Creighton, Sask.

After a successful first Christian writing competition in 1992, organizers of the “God Uses Ink” (Ontario) writers’ conference have announced that the contest will continue and that 1993 guidelines are available. This year a category for humorous writing has been added. The category of non-fiction article, subdivided last year because of the quantity of entries, will be permanently divid­ ed into personal perspective and non-personal perspective material.

C.O. Reunion

Letters One-sided Views It was surprising to see “Mennonites and the Referendum” by Al Hiebert in the October 9, 1992, Messenger. Is the Conference’s official periodical a forum for political issues and par­ ticularly one-sided views? If, in fact, it is to be the practice to print po­ litical opinions, then it would seem appropri­ ate to have all sides of an issue represented. To what extent does the Conference hold to the position of “separation of church and state”? C. Wilbert Loewen Winnipeg, Manitoba

Freedom of Speech I was pleased to see the Personal Concern Column written by Al Hiebert addressing the topic of “Mennonites and the Referendum.” Personally, I had been inundated with infor­ mantion from both the yes and no side, but all this information came from a worldly and secular viewpoint. I was glad to discover that others of my faith were seriously considering this issue, and willing to offer their advice. However, I was surprised by the reaction of many of the people in our church body. They seemed concerned that The Messenger would print a political article, and especially that only one side of the issue was portrayed. A living faith must address all areas of our lives; we need to be taught how to integrate our beliefs with our actions - even politically. Freedom of speech is not administered when a column cannot be printed just because no one has submitted another column with an opposing view of the issue. Thank you. Messenger staff, for your con­ cern and your work. May God bless and guide us as we strive to understand how He would have us be salt and light to this world. Bailep Olfert Winnipeg, Man.

FOR RENT One-bedroom suite, with a den. for seniors, at Prairie Rose Apartments in Landmark, Manitoba. Ph. 355-4076 or 355-4466 PAGE 4

Christian Writing Awards Contest

CLEARBROOK, BC - The BC Mennonite Central Committee's Peace and Service Com­ mittee had chosen the weekend of August 7, 1992, for a reunion of Mennonite Conscien­ tious Objectors (CO) of World War II. Approximately sixty men and women registered. Most of them represented the thousands who had done alternative service of one kind or another, while others spoke for those who had been incarcerated, and still others remembered those who had served in the non-combatant medical units. Marlene Epp presented the case for the role the wom­ en played in support of non-combatant in­ volvement. The reunion sessions followed three main emphases. Lawrence Klippenstein, Winni­ peg, outlined the history of church/Conference structures through which alternative service measures were processed with the Canadian government and with the Conscien­ tious Objectors themselves. The second emphasis, the CO position as part of a committed Christian life-style, drew the heaviest discussion. It was pointed out how the life in camps had strengthened the Christian faith for many, produced future leaders for the church and community, and left a graphic witness of Christian commit­ ment and involvement for generations to come. But in assessing the importance of their CO experience, some panel members included the glaring ambiguities and incon­ sistencies in the processing of the CO appli­ cants, and in the camp life. The third emphasis emerged from the com­ ments of a second panel and from Dr. D. Schroeder’s banquet speech. The need was underlined to provide records of the CO ex­ periences for present and future generations. The reunion participants voted overwhelm­ ingly in favour of asking the Peace and Serv­ ice Committee to prepare such records either in written or taped format. Reliving the experiences revived a renew­ ing of commitment to live the Christian life as based on the precepts of Jesus’ teaching. (MCC B.CJ

“We were pleased with the first-time response,” said conference director Audrey Dorsch, noting that more than 60 works were entered.” Contest winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the 1993 conference, June 10 to 12, at Redeemer College in Ancaster, Ont. Prizes are $150 for the book categories and $100 for short story, article and humor. Humor is a speciality category that will change each year to cover such areas as poetry and children’s material. The competition is open to Canadian writers regardless of where they live or where the material was published. Entry deadline is January 15, 1993. For contest guidelines, entry fee structure and entry forms, send SASE to God Uses Ink awards. Faith Today, Box 8800, Stn. B, Wil­ lowdale, ON, M2K 2R6. Faith Today is a bimonthly news/feature magazine published by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

Contributors: Jake and Mprna Bartsch (Steinbach EFC) are teaching at Camp 67 in Mexico. Josiah Thiessen is the son of Paul and Lois Thiessen (Blumenort), who are missionaries in Burkina Faso, Africa, under AIMM. Josiah is 11 years old. Stan and Marian Houghton (Steinbach) are serving in Ecuador at Radio HCJB, where Marian does secretarial work and Stan is in­ volved in the technical aspect of radio work. Ken and Vai Zacharias (Portage la Prairie) are serving as church planters in Paraguay. Abe and Dee Koop (Kleefeld) are in Brazil with New Tribes Mission. They are involved in field leadership and office work.

Note: Christmas material is due by November 27. THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct, and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the Conference; instruct in Godliness and victorious living; inspire to ear­ nestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor Menno Hamm, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Letters, articles, art and poetry are wel­ comed. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished articles are not returned ex­ cept by request. Subscription Members pay through their church. Non-members pay $6.00 per year. Send subscription money to The Mes­ senger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0.

Conference Council Meeting December 5, 1992 Ridgewood E.M. Church Agenda Board Reports and Goals 1993 Budget Statement of Faith Revision

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Church Ministries, Box 1268, Stein­ bach, Manitoba ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address. The Messenger is a member of Meetinghouse.

The public is welcome to attend.

THE MESSENGER

Family Rules That Work Betty N. Chase “Tommy! Why haven’t the wastebaskets in the bedrooms been emptied? And, look, the bathroom baskets are full, too.’’ “But,” Tommy protested, “when you said to take out the trash, I thought you meant just the one in the kitchen, since it’s always the fullest and messiest.” “You’ve got to start obeying our rules!” Mom said. “Sure,” thought Tommy, “if I just knew what the rules were around here.” Every family needs rules, or chaos exists within that family. Rules don’t need to irri­ tate family members. They can be effective and create a more peaceful atmosphere in the home, if parents can follow some sim­ ple rules about rules.

Know the rules at your house. What are the rules in your home? Would your spouse answer differently than you would? Have your children been clearly in­ structed, and do they understand the rules?

Effective rules are definable. A definable rule is clearly and precisely stated in detail. It is well defined in the child’s mind. Which rule is fully defined? a. Mark, I want you to be home early af­ ter the game. b. Mark, I want you to be home at 10:30. If the game runs late, give me a call as soon as it’s over and we’ll adjust the time. Effective rules are reasonable. The task needs to be in line with the child’s capabilities; he or she needs to be able to do it. Which rule is reasonable? a. (To a four-year-old child) “Please make your bed each morning.” b. (To a seven-year-old child) "Please make your bed each morning. I’ll show you how. First, find the sheet and pull it toward the top . . .” A reasonable rule is not only in line with the child’s age and capabilities, but also in­ cludes instructions and encouragement.

Effective rules are enforced. Don’t make rules unless you are going to en-

force them. If you enforce a rule one day but not the next, the child doesn’t know what to expect and becomes confused. This cre­ ates insecurity in the child. If you do not en­ force a mle, drop it and announce that it has been dropped. One of the most effective ways to enforce rules is through logical consequences. For ex­ ample, “If you ride your trike into the street, I will take it away for one week.” Logical con­ sequences help the child experience the log­ ical results of irresponsibility, and give the parent a matter-of-fact way to respond that avoids constant nagging and yelling. Don’t have too many rules. If you have too many rules, it is difficult to enforce all of them. It is also discouraging to the child.

All parents struggle with rules — even very disciplined parents. Following these princi­ ples will help you with this critical area and provide more peace in your home. Betty N. Chase is the Director of Parent Enrich­ ment Seminars. She Hues with her husband and son in Placentia, California. A seruice of D.C. Cook Publishing Co.

Missions MEXICO

Sufficient Grace A Difficult Beginning And the Lord said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made per­ fect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Cor. 12:9). We have been in Mexico now for two months. Moving back to Camp 67 meant a rough start for us again. We expected part of it since the weather change always affects a person, but we didn’t expect it to be this difficult. The children all had a bad flu and the youngest and Jake got a severe infection in the intestines. Jake was very sick for a week so the school start was delayed a few days. With the convenience of having the doctor next door, things were well taken care of. We’re renting a smaller two-bedroom suite, which will keep us warm and cozy during the cold winter months. The church room, which is rented by the EMC, is in the same building. It’s a nice modem church room. We have a regular Sunday morning church service, with about seven families attending, which we appreciate very much. We have not yet started with Sunday school. On Friday nights the church room is almost filled up with people coming for a time of singing and a story for the children. The majority of these are young people. We have gotten to know many new people. NOVEMBER 6, 1992

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dueck, our pastoral couple, are very faithful in coming here every weekend if possible. We have had a few guests speakers on Sunday morning. We have been richly blessed with the preaching of the Word of God. May the Lord grant that this will fall on good soil and bring fruit. The schoolhouse fills up with 24 students every school day. Jake teaches 11 students in grades four to eight and Tina Fehr (from Camp 67) teaches grades one to three. Most of the children are transported by the school van from distant areas. A 13-year-old school­ boy is the driver. This way the van stays at school all day and only makes half as many miles. So far things have worked out pretty well. Our children adjusted to the new lan­ guage and school, and Jake enjoys his class and teaching. He is partially supervised by Mary Loewen, who also trains teachers on Tuesday nights. This week we’re working on a program, together with a young couple and some young people. A group from Camp 67, led by Wil­ bert Petkau, are also working on it, and together we plan to go to Durango in the near future and serve at the church among the German-speaking people. The program in­ cludes a message by our pastor, a few testimo­ nies and lots of singing. We plan to present it in different areas. May the Lord keep and bless us while travelling and visiting other brothers and sisters in the Lord. Myrna is working on starting a women’s Bi­ ble study. With the help of Elizabeth Dueck, she got some practical material. Please pray

The Bartsch family

especially that the Holy Spirit would guide and that the women’s role in the family and neigh­ bourhood would be improved. Pray also that the families who come to church would feel a deep need in their hearts to get to know Jesus as their personal Saviour. Some of them are not a good example in their daily life and this hinders others in the area from coming to church. We certainly see that God is working in the hearts of these people. We have had many people dropping in this week to look at our four-year-old girl, who was bitten by a dog while staying at her friend’s place. Her nose and ear were badly damaged. In spite of all the opposition and sickness in our house, God’s grace has been sufficient for us and we have felt His peace. We praise and thank the Lord for what He is. Jake and Myrna Bartsch

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AFRICA

The Lidara Puddle “When you pass through the waters ... ” It had been a long day in Tin and we were tired and ready to go back to Orodara for the night. As we drove out of Tin it started to rain, and rain it did. When we drove up the Tin hill the rain was coming down so hard that we could hardly see. One of the windshield wipers got stuck on the rim of the windshield. Dad reached out through the open window and tried to free the wiper. (On the way to Tin the exhaust pipe had broken and since there were holes in the floor we had to keep the windows open to let the exhaust out.) Suddenly we heard a snap. The windshield wiper had broken off, leaving only a small stub behind. If visibility had been poor before, it was doubly so now. Slowly we inched our way up the hill. Dad struggling to see through the blinding torrent of rain. Rain was leaking into the back of the truck. Jony and I were quite wet al­ ready, and still the truck puttered along. Presently we reached the top of the hill, and before long we began ascending a second one. 'Water was rushing in torrents past our tires. Finally Dad switched off the motor and we sat there in the rain. Water swirled and rushed past us down the hill. It turned out that by a stroke of luck there was some food in the truck, and Mom began handing out some bananas. Once our hunger had been appeased and the banana peels sent on their way down the river, we turned our attention to the problem of getting home. The rain had subsided quite a bit by then and so once again we set forth on our jour­ ney. Presently the sun came out and accompanied us as we drove down the bumpy road. We had imagined our troubles were over until we rounded a curve in the road and came in sight of the Lidara Puddle. It was a sight to behold! In front of us stretched two long puddles. On one side of the first puddle a stream of rain water gushed down the hill into it. The brown water churned and bubbled, concealing unknown depths and mud holes beneath the surface. After debating a while as to whether or not we should risk going through the pud­ dle, Dad got out of the truck and waded into the water. I followed him. Instantly we came across thick, gooey mud. ECUADOR

Our Bible Study Group Victory in Suffering May I invite you to join us in our Bible study today? We are going to Ceci’s house. My friend Eleanor, who keeps the group together, takes us there in her big carry-all. We pick up Yolanda. Alicia says she isn’t coming any­ more. The rest of the ladies are neighbors of Ceci and will walk down. We go to a nice residential section of town and are very warnly received. Each of the la­ dies takes a turn to have the class and the first order of the day is always coffee with a snack. After all, we have to visit a while to get caught up on all the news before we can settle down. The class togay is on the Universal Letters,

PAGE 6

Dad, struggling to get out of an extra muddy hole, broke his thong and had to proceed barefoot. In the place where the stream joined the main pud­ dle, the current was swift and it was some­ what difficult to cross; nevertheless. Dad and I continued. Finally we made it past the Josiah Thiessen (front left) and his first puddle. The se­ family. cond puddle was longer and deeper than the first, but there was less mud. Eventually we had crossed both puddles. Then we turned and began wending our way back to the truck. Dad was convinced, after he had tested the puddle, that he would never make it across with the truck, but he was not about to stay here for the night without even trying. So Mom, Ruth and Caleb decided that I would lead them through the puddle while Dad drove the truck. Jony couldn’t find his thongs so he had to ride with Dad. With that. Dad slowly backed up the truck to take a speed. Dad knew that if he stalled in the middle of the puddle the water was so high that it would seep through the cracks between the doors and flood the interior of the truck. But he decid­ ed to try anyway. He revved up the engine and plunged into the water. 'The motor roared and the truck churned the water into a foamy cauldron. Suddenly it got stuck. Dad revved the motor even more and the truck finally lurched its way out of the first puddle. Without hesitation he con­ tinued on into the second. The truck looked as if it was swimming. The water seethed and boiled over the front of the hood, and then, with one last lunge, the truck emerged from the turbulent waters. Later, at home, we thought about the verse in Isaih: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you” (Isa. 43:1-2). Josiah Thiessen

concentrating on I Peter and suffering. It is a very revealing time for all of us. Elvia, who has undergone cancer surgery and is in chemotherapy, says she would not have been so keen to study God’s word if she hadn’t had this time of suffering. We pray for her as she continues further treatment. Yoli had just lost a dear aunt, who was like a mother to her. The woman was brutally mur­ dered in her house and the family does not understand why this should happen to such a sweet lady. The eighteen-year-old daughter says she doesn’t believe in a God who would allow such a thing. We pray that the daugh­ ter will come through her sorrow and rebel­ lion and get back into fellowship. Ceci and her mother have been Christians for a while and are more stable in their faith. We thank the Lord for Ceci and her witness, which has brought several of these women into our group.

Marta is happy at this time. She has a very hard life at home, but is learning to trust the Lord for her joy. We all sorrow for Alicia, who is letting her trials get her down. She says she has prayed for six months and nothing is changed. “God is deaf,” is her statement, and she does not want to join us anymore. Our time of prayer is very sweet. Each one remembers those who are suffering. Each one prays fervently for Alicia. We leave with a light­ er load than we had when we came. Thank you for coming, and please pray with us and for us in our daily walk. Later: It is now October and we are begin­ ning our classes this week. A phone call to Alicia revealed that she is under treatment for a physical ailment and is feeling much better. She is rejoicing and ready to join us again. Praise the Lord for victories won! Marian Houghton THE MESSENGER

PARAGUAY

A Second Church in Caaguazu People are Receptive Caaguazu, Paraguay, is by now a familiar name to Messenger readers. The city of 20,000 people is the home city for three mis­ sionary families and four missionary singles with the EMC. All of these workers use Caaguazu as their home base, although much of the actual ministry is located in rural areas or in ministries not directly in the established churches. Caaguazu is also the home of the first EMC church stcirted within a Paraguayan city. The church, with its own Paraguayan pastor and church committee, is at this point operating almost completely on its own, without mis­ sionary help. There are a few of us with serv­ ice ministries (Sunday school, ladies, young people) but the direction and vision of the church is decided by the nationals themselves. Caaguazu has grown quickly and there are suburbs that are located four or five kilome­ ters from the city center where the evangeli­ cal churches are located. The vast majority living in these newer suburbs are young fami­ lies with small children. The present church and missionaries recognize that it is difficult to expect that these families will realistically be able to walk to and from services with

sleeping children in their arms, dragging another two or three behind them. (We had trouble walking two blocks when our four chil­ dren were all four years old and younger.) One of these suburbs is Bernardino Caballero, in the southeast corner of Caaguazu. Bernardino Caballero has been chosen as the suburb where a second church in Caaguazu will be stcirted. The present church is help­ ing to set gocds, with Chris and Revita Kroeker and Vai and me heading up the work. There are three young people committed to help in the Sunday school, which has already start­ ed. There are also others who will help with the preaching and teaching. It is still too soon to say that a base group has been established but there are a handful of adults (five to ten) who have come faithfully to the Bible studies that we have in the home of Olfido and Car­ men Paredes, baptized members in the Caaguazu church. There is a project under way to purchase a lot and to build a small church building, which will be important dur­ ing the hot summer, eillowing us to study un­ der shelter. Bernardino Caballero is a new suburb and the people are friendly. (It is difficult to say whether the people eire friendly or open to the

BRAZIL

Tribal Evangelism Barriers Who Obeys Whom? Have you ever wondered why native believers come to know the Lord as their Saviour but seem not to grow to maturity in Christ? Also, why do they continue to fear shaman (witch doctors) and evil spirits and, when in desperation, secretly seek the shaman’s witchcraft powers? Unfortunately, it is often concluded that the Bible teaching is un­ derstood and accepted when basic doctrines are clearly quoted by the natives and they outwardly perform as believers. After all, they regularly attend the meetings, pray and sing heartily in church and at home. They read Bible stories to their families. Beautiful! It thrills our hearts. At the same time the missionary has a distant, uncom­ fortable feeling that all things are not right. TTien comes the thought, “Do they really, REALLY interpret the Word correctly?” Let me share one recent situation that surfaced on our field. Take a careful look with me at the native’s reasoning. Ever since child­ hood they were taught, in their old tribal beliefs, that the spirits live in a land up in the sky. The shaman, by taking drugs, fasting and dancing for days at a time, calls spirits to enter his body. These spirits are considered the shaman’s “sons” and are subject to him and do obey him. The shaman, in turn, is the “father” of these spirits over whom he is master with full authority. As you read on, keep in mind that, in the tribal people’s reasoning, the spirits do not control the shaman; to the contrary, he controls them. Now, the missionary, unaware of such details in the tribal be­ liefs, comes along and teaches them about God and that He is the most powerful Spirit, the Creator of all things, including theangels, even those that fell and now are evil spirits. In the native believer’s reasoning, the Lord has taken their former spirit’s place. God and the other angels (spirits) live up in heaven, a place up in the sky, just like their beliefs. They also are taught that God’s Spirit lives in the believer’s heart, very similar to their former understanding

NOVEMBER 6, 1992

gospel.) Door-to-door visitation is easy in this suburb because people are receptive and al­ ways ready to offer a good refreshing drink of terere. Through our door-to-door visits, we recently were able to minister to a 68-year-old man who was dying of cancer. He accepted the Lord and died in peace on October 16. His 19-year-old granddaughter has also made a decision for Christ. Bernardino Caballero was also the location where we held a four-night video/preaching campaign from October 15-19 (Saturday was rained out). Each night there were 200-300 people who came and reactions were positive. During these days there were five adults and one youth who accepted the Lord, with a sixth adult since, as a result of the crusade. One couple who accepted the Lord were neigh­ bours of a family whose roof the EMC helped replace after the June tornado that hit this suburb. They came to see the Jesus video at this home in August and now were convinced that Jesus was who He said He was and they were ready to accept Him. We never know when a seed has been planted. Bernardino Caballero needs your prayers. Mission teachers would say that this suburb contains the necessary dynamics to start a new church. There will be opposition, however, and your prayers are so very im­ portant. Ken Zacharias

of spirits in the shaman. The missionary, of course, teaches them to pray and ask the Lord to heal their sick, as well to meet other’s needs. Is that not similar to the sha­ man’s orders to the spirits? What could go wrong with such a back­ ground? The natives, naturally, will follow their already known knowledge of spirit ac­ tivity, reasoning that God obeys their re­ quests. For example: A native Christian ' mother has a very sick baby. The missionaries have done every­ thing they could medically. Missionaries and the native believers prayed together with the mother. What if God does not heal the sick baby, what is the mother’s conclusion going to be? No doubt she will sneak off in the dark to get the shaman’s help because God has not “obeyed” her. Who obeys whom in their reasoning? Can you see how this reasoning, to a large degree, causes the whole relationship with God to be distorted? Yes, such and similar barriers can be over­ come if the missionary is aware of their beliefs and pitfalls and teaches them the relationship between God and man through the Old and New Testament. In other words, they must learn to know their Lord and how He functions and His ways of dealing with mankind by justice and grace. Confidence in the Lord grows as they learn to know Him and trust Him. TTiere is nothing as encouraging as a native brother in Christ put­ ting his arm around you and calling you “Brother,” knowing he me­ ans it, or one of them sharing his spiritual struggles, asking for prayer for his walk with the Lord. Is there spiritual growth among the natives? Yes, there is. Is it worth the missionary’s sacrifice? Frankly, much more then than that; it is a joy even for us field leaders as we visit the tribal work. We greatly appreciate your prayer for the native believers, for mis­ sionaries who teach the Word and for us in the field leadership. Abe and Dee Koop

PAGE 1

Messenger News Continued from page 1

Region Three Conference Tribes Mission. Offerings at the conference went for the Schroders’ support. L.W. (Bud) Elford, former General Director of Northern Canada Evangelical Mission, spoke with conviction on the theme “Spiritual Warfare.” He quoted Revelation 12:10,11 as the legal ground upon which we face the Enemy and resist him. He illustrated the effec­ tiveness of resisting Satan with stories of the experiences of his fami­ ly serving as missionaries in northern Canada for 30 years. The speaker pointed out four characteristics of our warfare: It is spiritual (we must be fervent in spirit); it is moral (good versus evil); it has a purpose (to succeed); and it is terminal (the end is in sight), “God does not intend for His church to fail,” he said. “He does not send us forth to mock us.” Satan is so dangerous because he works in the very same sphere as God does. That’s why it is essential that Christians give their

thoughts to God and put on the helmut of salvation, invoking God’s means of protection. Victory over the devil requires using the sword of the Spirit, the spoken word of God. “Give your testimony to the devil, and tell him whose side you are on.” Elford stressed the importance of recognizing God’s voice. “If you can’t tell the difference between the voice of the shepherd and the voice of the stranger, you probably won’t listen to either one,” he said. The result is a defeated Christian. It is critical that Satan be resisted on every front, claiming the authority and ability Christ has given. It was obvious from the participation in the discussion period that the topic was a relevant one and that the speaker had provided keys for practical involvement and victory in spiritual warfare. The conference is an opportunity to meet friends and to be en­ couraged. Our brothers and sisters in Pelly deserve our congratula­ tions and thanks for their gracious and warm hospitality. M.H.

CONFERENCE REFLECTIONS

Pelly, Sask.: Having seen the Messenger editor busy with camera and notebook at Pelly on Sunday, I know he will do a good cover­ age of the regional conference so I just want to pass on a few reflections from the host church. The last time the regional conference was in our area, it was held at Kamsack and co­ hosted by Pelly, so it was a number of years since it had been held in our town, and we looked forward to it with enthusiasm. Even as the ladies planned for the evening meal, there was a real willingness and cooperation. It was held in the Pelly Community Hall so there was ample room, as well as good kitchen facilities. It was nice to see folks whom we don’t get to see throughout the year, and to join hearts and voices together in praising God. It allows opportunity to see and hear talent from other churches. The puppet shows brought ideas that can help us in our daily living, and the musical numbers were all a blessing. This was a first-time regional conference for our pastor and family, since this is their first year here, and they were favourably impressed. Mr. Elford, the speaker, had a captive au­ dience as he enlarged on the theme “Being Fit for Spiritual Warfare.” Following the afternoon session, all those who were able to take part, divided into dis­ cussion groups, thus allowing feedback, as well as helping thoughts to remain with the hearer and become of more value. No doubt, there were some ideas that were foreign and would cause some searching of the scriptures, something we should all be doing — seeking to know more of God’s Word. From beginning to end it was a good day and we were happy to be a part of it. Vivian Anfinson

Speaker, Bud Elford

Swan River quartet

The Tim Schroders Afternoon gym

A baptismai service and reception of members took ptace at the Anota church on August 9. Back row (left to right): Pastor John Cos­ ens, Art Koop, Stefany Eschuk. Front: Carman Cosens, Thelma Koop, Stanley Koop.

NEW MEMBERS ACCEPTED Anola, Man.: On August 9 our church held a baptismal service. We have veen richly blessed by the presence of an active, growing youth group. Three of these young people. Carman Cosens, Stefany Eschuk and Stan­ ley Koop, took a significant step of faith and were baptized. Through their testimonies, we were reminded of how God works differently with each person. God cares about individu­ als and works within our individual ex­ periences to draw us to Himself. Even though their experiences differed significantly, the results were the same - a saving knowledge of Christ. Our prayers are with these young people as they continue to grow and mature

GUEST SPEAKERS APPRECIATED Rosenort, Man.: Our Sunday school and AWANA programs have been supplied with workers, “new” and “old,” for another year. They need our earnest prayers if they are to be successful. The “Moms in Touch” group is again doing just that (praying) as teachers in public schools begin a new school year. We have had two members’ meetings where church discipline has been discussed in “work­ shops.” This is helpful in promoting a fresh unity on the matter. Ernest and Elsie Funk were in our worship service on August 23 for a mission “spot.” Er­ nest also spoke on Matthew 19:16-26, “What Shall I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?” On September 6, Pastor Menno Kroeker brought a very forceful and positive message on Mark 1:21-28 and I John 3:8b: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” Pastor John Wiebe of the Steinbach Chortitzer Church spoke to us on September 13. His topic was “The Church.” On October 4 we heard John Reimer ask, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Thank you both! Mrs. Anna (Dick) Eidse has been in and out of the hospital frequently this summer as they seek to stabilize her blood sugar. Mr. Jacob K. Loewen has been hospitalized for some weeks now with a stroke. Mrs. Bev (Kelly) Friesen and Mrs. Betty Anne (Elmer) Friesen have both had major surgery and are doing well at home. Mr. Henry D. Brandt celebrat­ ed his 98th birthday by harvesting potatoes! Is this a record? NOVEMBER 6, 1992

Parent/child dedication at the Anola church: Manfried and Bon­ nie Kiammer and their chiidren, Zacharias, Stacy and Tessi, with Pastor John Cosens.

in the faith. During the same service. Art and Thelma Koop were received as members of our church. They transfened their membership from the Blumenort EMC. They began attend­ ing several years ago with the purpose of serv­ ing the church. Art has been leading the adult Sunday school class and Thelma has also been active in the Sunday school department as a teacher and Sunday school superinten­ dent. Their ministry here has been very effec­ tive and much appreciated. On September 20 our church held a par­ ent/child dedication service. Manfried and Bonnie Klammer publicly dedicated them­ selves to raising their children, Stacy, Tessi and Zacharias, for Christ. The Klammers have

just recently returned from southern Ontario, where they had spent the last year. We are glad to have them back; their presence is a real blessing to our congregation. The message, “The Heart of a Child,” point­ ed out that as adults we can learn much from our children. Jesus said, “. . . anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mark 11:15). Chil­ dren can teach us much about faith. They are quick to believe, quick to trust and quick to forgive. As adults we not only need to take notice of these characteristics but we also have a responsibility to nurture these characteris­ tics in our children. John Cosens

The harvest was truly bountiful this year, and we are so thankful for favourable weather (even if it came a bit late) to gamer it in. May we prove our gratitude by sharing gladly with those less fortunate. Rio Grande Bible Institute’s Gordon John­ son and his back-up crew (singers) were in our church on September 23, but attendance was low because of the good harvesting weather. The Ladies’ Fellowship heard Mrs. Ruth Thiessen of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Steinbach on October 6. There was also a Thanksgiving theme. On Thanksgiving even­ ing, almost the whole church family gathered to praise God along with Mrs. Hilda Martens, who presented her first entire concert of sacred

music. She sings with much sincerity and feel­ ing. Thank you! Harry Neufeld of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank combined a message from 11 Corinthians 9:6-15 with a report on Foodgrains’ relief ef­ forts. He told us that 50 farmers in the MorrisRosenort-McTavish area had donated eight carloads of grain in the 1991-92 crop year. Thanks to the government’s foreign aid arm, CIDA, which adds four bushels for every one donated, the eight carloads swelled to 40, enough grain to feed 42,000 refugees for one year! It’s almost as miraculous as the five loaves that fed 5000 people in Jesus’ day! Leui Dueck

THANKSGIVING CELEBRATED

hereafter. Crestview always celebrates Thanksgiving a week after the official holiday. “Morning Out For Moms” held a Thanksgiving charity sale on October 17. The proceeds went for the Keystone of Hope Crusade and for the MOMS’ ongoing programs. On the 18th, we had our Thanksgiving supper. The splendid meal was organized by the Dorcas Sisters, and the basement was filled for the occasion. In the evening service, Harold Huege was our guest speaker and he shared a lesson on rely­ ing on the Lord, as he spoke on the events surrounding the illness of his daughter. Our condolences go out to Rey Schellenberg, Jackie Warkentin, Patrick Derlago and Anne Kornelson. All of these families have suffered the death of a father in the last month or so. We wish them the Lord’s comfort at this time. John Rempel

Crestview (Winnipeg, Man.): Greetings from Crestview! It seems that summer and fall have flown by since our 25th anniversary celebrations in May. “Son Mountain” was the theme for our VBS program this year, which was held in the even­ ings from August 10-14. Attendance was good and the children enjoyed presenting a mini musical on Friday evening for their par­ ents and friends. Sunday school restarted in September af­ ter our summer break. In addition to our regu­ lar children’s classes, we have three adult classes this year. Dick and Helen Toews are each teaching one of the Navigator 2.7 series of classes. Attendance is very good and the students are excited about the program. Henry Dyck is leading another class that is explor­ ing what the Bible has to say on the life

PAGE 9

A CHANGED LIFE

Birch River, Man.: Sheldon Steuenson of Mafeking, Man., shared the following testimo­ ny at our church family camp at Wellman Lake on August 9. He is faithfully attending our church. My mother, my sister and 1 went to church every second Sunday. By the time I was ten, I had made a decision that I wouldn’t go to church any longer. As time went on, 1 became a young teenager, making decisions for myself. I ex­ perimented with alcohol and different types of music. On September 1, 1987, I lost a very good

friend in a helicopter accident. This destroyed me and left me bitter inside. My mother had become a Christian by this time. She explained what a Christian was and how her life had changed. Little by little I start­ ed to learn about the Bible and how impor­ tant it is for our daily lives. I wasn’t going to church at this time so I started watching a native Christian show, “Tribal Trails.’’ I watched almost every Sun­ day and felt I had more meaning in my life as a result. In the days to come, we as a family were invited to a church supper. “The Singing Hills” performed that evening. Mr. Hill told us that someone can be the nicest person on this

earth, but if he/she refuses to accept Jesus Christ as personal Saviour, that person will never have eternal life with the Lord. This shocked me because I knew Jesus loved me. I became mad at Mr. Hill’s words, but I knew he was telling the truth. Many months later I was watching a Chris­ tian television show, “The 700 Club.’’ I was shown a simple prayer: “Lord, I’m a sinner. Please forgive me of my past, come inside and live in me now and forever. Amen.’’ Since January 1991 my life has really changed and I thank the Lord for this change and for His goodness in giving me forgiveness. Sheldon Steuenson Reporter: Helen Kroeker

- 'C

The artists responsible for our summer series art displayed at the front of the sanctuary. Left to right: Margaret Bartel, Eleanor Filer, Suzi Bonk, Jana Van Duin, Elsie Kliewer, Debi Van Duin, Bruce Peters, Daniel Peters, Bob Bartel.

SUMMER SERIES A HIGHLIGHT Kleefeld, Man.: Greetings from Kleefeld! It’s been many months since you’ve heard from us because we’ve been without a report­ er since January. Mrs. Nettie Fast retired from her position at the beginning of this year after 20 years of faithfully reporting for our church family. I hope to bring the same enthusiasm she had to my new role as reporter. We’ve been blessed this year in that we’ve seen our church family grow. Early in the year, on February 16, Ken Harder and Kevin Schellenberg were baptized and accepted into membership, and Corey and Karen Herlevsen were accepted as members as well. The next Sunday, February 23, Leah Friesen was also baptized. On May 31 we were glad to wel­ come Ivan and Diane Naylor into our church as they were baptized. Also, on June 28, Danea Goertzen and Suzi Bonk made their commitment to Christ public as they followed

I

Drama was an important part of our summer series. Following were the people involved: Judi Peterson, Naomi Dueck, Rollin Pen­ ner, Debi Van Duin, Belinda Penner, Al Peterson, Rhonda Fergu­ son, Jason Harder, Chris Bartel, Dave Reimer, Jerlene Dueck, Ashley Dueck, Jim Bonk, Anders Toews, Bob Bartel.

Him in baptism. We pray for God’s richest blessing on these people as they continue their walk with the Lord. Another highlight of our year was our sum­ mer series. Beginning in July, our church serv­ ices revolved around the theme of the book of Revelation. We were encouraged to read the whole book through in one sitting, ena­ bling us to see the basic themes of the book. This, together with special dramas, stories, music and art, helped all of us realize that Revelation is a book with a message of God’s sovereignty, which gives His church hope in troubled times. A special thank you to all those who contributed to the series, making our summer a time of learning new truths. Another exciting part of our summer was hosting a VBS program in our church, together with the Kleefeld Christian Commu­ nity Church. Bonnie Bartel was the director from our church. She put a lot of time and

■fit.

» Leah Friesen, shown here with Youth Pas­ tor Abe Bergen, was baptized on February 23, 1992. Photos were not available for Ivan and Diane Naylor, Danea Goertzen and Suzi Bonk, who were also baptized last spring.

hard work into this important and valuable ministry. An average of about 65 children came every night for a week to hear about God’s love for each of them. We’re so thank­ ful for all the people who made this program possible. We can make things happen if we work together! /ris Bartel

1

t

Baptism and membership reception took place at the Kleeteld church on February 16. Left to right: Ken Harder, Corey and Karen Herlevsen, Kevin Schellenberg, Pastor John Koop.

PAGE 10

MacGregor, Man: Baptism at the MacGregor church. Left to right: Jerry and Phyllis Plett (pastoral couple), Audrey Boschman, Mika Hiebert, Ben Hiebert. THE MESSENGER

By the WAY

By Dave Schellenberg

u

Kaylene and Dean Buhler NEW YOUTH PASTOR WELCOMED

La Crete, Alta.: Greetings from La Crete! We are pleased to introduce to you our new youth pastoral couple, Dean and Kaylene Buh­ ler. The Buhlers came to us from Calgary to fill the position vacated by Dave and Sharon Siemens. Dean is a graduate of Millar Bible College and Kaylene is a graduate of Stein­ bach Bible College. Dean and Kaylene met while on short-term mission duty at the Black Forest Academy in Germany and were married in the summer of 1990. Both express an interest in the challenge of this work and the small town atmosphere of La Crete. Perhaps, if we extend enough of our hospi­ tality, Dean will become on Oilers fan! A warm welcome from the youth and the congregation! Linda Krahn

Births FAST - to Reg and Lois Fast of Steinbach, Man., a son, Eric Luther, on January 20, 1992.

DUECK - to Larry and Esther Dueck of NiverviUe, Man., a daughter, Laurissa Katherine, on March 25, 1992. HERLEVSEN - Corey and Karen Herlevsen of Kleefeld, Man., a daughter, Jessie Rebecca Kim, on April 3, 1992. BARTEL - to Tim and Jodi Bartel of Kleefeld, Man., a daughter, Caycie Jade, on May 15, 1992. PENNER ■ to Darcy and Vera Penner of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Kari Lahreasa, on May 25,1992. KAUFMAN ■ to Terry and Peggy Kaufman of Otterbume, Man., a son, Robert Allen, on July 22,

1992.

Weddings TOEWS ■ CARLOW: James, son of Dick and He­ len Toews of Headingley, Man., was married on July 4, 1992, to Tracy, daughter of George and Mary Carlow, of Winnipeg, Man. The wedding took place at the Morrow Gospel Church in Winnipeg, with Glen Wiebe of Nipawin, Sask., officiating. The cou­ ple is residing in Winnipeg. FRIESEN ■ PLETT: Kelsey, son of Allan and Gla­ dys Friesen of Bowsman, Man., and Alicia, daugh­ ter of Erwin and Esther Plett of Wawanesa, Man., were married in Wawanesa on October 24, 1992. Ralph Unger of Winnipeg, Man., officiated. The cou­ ple is making their home in Bowsman.

NOVEMBER 6, 1992

WHEN TRAVELLING, or away from home, I enjoy going to other churches on Sunday mornings. This happened again recently when we were in another western Canadian city. Some­ times we can even learn things we could profitably use at home. And there were things about this church which I liked. In fact, when opportuni­ ty was given (brave soul!), I got up and went to the front to the mike and told them so! What had I noticed that im­ pressed me? I had a good word for designated parking spots for visitors, VISITOR PARKING, on the parking lot. When we came in, a man and a woman were there as greeters. I also thought that to have the message at the beginning of the service was a nice variation from the usual. All in all, it was a worthwhile experience. I was glad we had been steered to this church - Mill Woods Mennonite Brethren. Another thing I sometimes do after I come home is to share a church bulle­ tin from another church with my church. I have been blessed by some innovative ideas in some of these wor­ ship folders. To occasionaly look at other bulletins I think could be profita­ ble, and, no doubt, the same could oc­ cur when others look at ours. I think how a church presents itself to a visitor is very important. The visi­ tor can sometimes notice inconsisten­ cies, which escape the regular attenders.

IT WAS A LOVELY sunny fall day in October. I suppose death would have been the farthest thing from the minds of city dwellers until they saw the funeral procession pass by on the way to the cemetery. ROWLAND - ZACHARIAS: Cam, son of James and June Rowland of Langley, B.C., and Holly, daughter of Dick and Eleanor Zacharias of Rosenort, Man., were married in Niverville, Man., on October 24,1992, with Steve Masterson officiating. The cou­ ple is making their home in Langley.

SCHMIDT - MARTENS: Marvin, son of John and Marie Schmidt of Kleefeld, Man., and Sharon, daughter of Frank and Lucienne Martens of Kleefeld, were married on August 1,1992. The wedding took place at the Kleefeld E.M. Church, with John Koop of Kleefeld officiating. The couple is residing in Kleefeld.

The Struggle with brain cancer had been long and painful, a period of almost two years. At the time, no one realized what still lay before him. However, when the time came, the Lord called him home. Andreas died at age 32, certanly when all young people want to live. He was the husband of Tabea Reimer, daughter of long-time missionaries, Levi and Elizabeth Reimer. Since many of our readers know the Reimers (or at least know about them), I thought it might be in order to include Andreas’ obituary (eulogy). Eulogy of Andreas Helmut Gisbert Jaeger 1960 - 1992 Andreas Helmut Gisbert Jaeger, son of Erwin and Dorothea Jaeger, was born on July 11,1960, in Peine, Germa­ ny. He spent his school years in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, where he lived un­ til he married Tabea Priscilla Reimer on June 14, 1980, and moved to Darmstadt. In May of 1981, they immigrated to Canada and settled in Edmonton, where he was employed by Wood­ wards. They spent two years, from 1984 to 1986, in Calgary. Having relo­ cated in Edmonton, Andreas attended NAIT for 2'/2 years, graduating as a Systems Analyst in August of 1989. They both attended Central Baptist Church where, in August 1991, An­ dreas was baptized. He had been employed by Canadi­ an Utilities for 1 ’/2 years, when his bat­ tle with cancer began. Following two difficult years for both him and his fa­ mily, his suffering ended on October 5, 1992, when he went to be with the Lord. WIEBE - FRIESEN: Ron, son of John and Mary Wiebe of Steinbach, Man., was married on Febru­ ary 22,1992, to Rhonda, daughter of Herman and Alice Friesen of Kleefeld, Man. The wedding took place at the Kleefeld E.M. Church, with Abe Ber­ gen of Kleefeld officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. HAMM - TOEWS: Johnny, son of Walter and He­ len Hamm of Winnipeg, Man., and Cherilyn, daugh­ ter of Dick and Helen Toews of Headingley, Man., were married August 1, 1992, at the Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, with Glen Wiebe of Nipawin, Sask., officiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg.

PAGE 11

From the Editor Promoting Missions at Home and in the Church THIS IS THE SEASON of mission conferences in our churches. As with other events, what we get out of them is probably propor­ tional to what we put into them. If attendance at such conferences is any indication of the importance of missions in Christians’ lives, then we have reason for concern. Involvement in missions ought to be a natural part of every Chris­ tian’s life. Jesus Christ was concerned about the lost, and we, His followers, ought to be concerned too. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few,” Jesus said. “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest to send out workers into His har­ vest field” (Matthew 9:37, 38). In a day when there are more open doors than ever for ambas­ sadors of the Gospel, we face a growing shortage of workers and the resources to equip and support them. Unless the tide turns, and there is a re awakening of missionary zeal, the situation will become even more critical. A church that loses its vision for missions is only a generation away from becoming merely a social club. Therefore it is important that we promote missions actively and creatively in our homes and churches. Let me suggest some ways that parents in their homes can stimu­ late the natural curiosity and interest children have in missions; • Read missionary stories; children love them. • “Adopt" a missionary family and correspond with them. Share their letters with your children. • Talk about the missionaries whose pictures you have displayed. • Use maps or a globe to locate the countries where missionaries work. Learn as much as you can about these countries. • Involve your children as you pray for missionaries. • Discuss and promote giving to support a missionary child or a specific mission project. • Whenever you have the opportunity, host missionaries in your home. They are ordinary people who appreciate your hospitality. Make sure your children are involved in the visit. Promoting missions in the church needs to be more than a oncea-year event. Although a great deal depends on the attitude of the pastor, he cannot be expected to be the only promoter of missions. The formation of a missions committee, consisting of three to five people keenly interested in missions, is advantageous. The commit­ tee can encourage missions programs in all departments of the church. They can be helpful in brainstorming ideas, stimulating in­ terest, making contacts and evaluating progress. It has been my pleasure to observe a great variety of methods of mission promotion in the churches I have visited. Perhaps I can men­ tion a few to get you thinking about what can be done in your church: • Prominently displayed maps and/or pictures of missionaries are silent, permanent witnesses to missions. They may be simple or more elaborate. I have seen one that has a button beside each mission­ ary’s name. When the button is pressed, a light on the map shows the place of service.

November 12-15 COMING Ralph Bell Crusade EVENTS Convention Centre

Winnipeg, Man. Phone: (204) 943-9960

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November 20 - 21 MCC Ontario Annual Meeting Summer’s Comers Public School Aylmer, Ont. Phone: (519) 745-8458

• A bulletin board may be used to post letters or news from mis­ sionaries. Articles and pictures from periodicals may be included in the display. It is important to change the contents regularly. People will be more likely to stop if they can expect something new each week. • Mission periodicals may be made available on a literature table or in the library. Part of the library budget should be used for the missions section, including stories and biographies. • A missionary of the week or the month may be featured in a para­ graph in the Sunday bulletin. Include new specific information. • Churches that do not have missionaries of their own may “adopt” others. Build a relationship with them and invite them to visit you when they are in your area. • Mission films and videos are an excellent resource because they take the viewer to the field, or rather bring the field to the viewer with sight and sound. Only the smell and touch are missing. • Promotion of missions is not only for adults. It is important that children be exposed and involved in missions in Sunday school and clubs. Stories, pictures, missionary visits and letters to and from mis­ sionaries make missions meaningful to children. They may select a missions project for an offering, or participate in MCC-sponsored projects such as school kits and health kits in Third World countries. • Young people like action. They need opportunities to experience vcirious forms of service. They want hands-on activities to develop compassion for others. This may include picking up leftover pota­ toes in a field to donate to the needy, bringing a program in a senior citizens’ home or a trip to a more distant location. Through such involvement they discover the blessing of giving of themselves and strengthen their own Christian commitment. • If a monthly missions night does not work in your church, try an occasional short missions spot on Sunday morning. This may be a missionary or someone chosen to report some significant news in missions. • During your missionary conference create opportunities for closer contact between your people and the missionaries. The distance from pew to pulpit is too great. Some have success with breakfasts, neigh­ bourhood coffees and discussion or prayer groups involving mis­ sionaries. My intention was not to give you a complete list of suggestions, but to stimulate your interest and thinking of what you can do to promote missions in your home and in your church. Be prepared to gain ground slowly, but don’t give up. Interest in missions must be cultivated — diligently, regularly, creatively and with much prayer. What a thrill it would be to see missionaries overwhelmed by a surge of genuine interest in the work to which they have committed their lives! How exciting it would be to report that the mission board was flooded with new volunteers begging to be sent out, and that there was enough money to send them! The heart of God would be warmed too. Menno Hamm

November 27 - 28 MCC Manitoba Annual Meeting Bethel Mennonite Church Winnipeg, Man. Phone: (204) 261-6381

December 5 Conference Council Meeting Ridgewood EMC Church Steinbach, Man. Phone: (204) 326-6401

THE MESSENGER