Issuu

The Messenger

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

VOL. 30 NO. 5

MAR. 6/9: 6/92 •

e we fit in the puzzle of ourselves

pieces created nilar, yet distinct you are sunshine/ i am shadow

picture revealed us to achieve maximum effect Julie C. Dueck Winnipeg, Man.

Caracol Falls

near Gramado Rio Grande du Sul Brazil

Second Thoughts on

the Wrath of God by Arden Thiessen suppose that one of the more uncomfortable ideas that people find in the Scriptures is the theme of the wrath of God. For most preachers it is not their favourite choice when they think of encouraging their Sunday morning congre gations. When 1 reflect upon it, it seems to me that I found it easier to preach on God’s wrath when I was younger than I do now. However, regardless of how we feel about it or what we do about it, the idea of God’s wrath or anger is there in the Scriptures, and wherever we choose to read. Old Testament or New Testament, we soon encounter it. In the earlier writings of the Old Testament the wrath often seems quite capricious, and even sometimes irrational; it is often difficult to see what it has to do with justice or morality (Exodus 19:21-24; 2 Samuel 6;6,7;24:1). Later, in the prophets, the anger becomes much more personal and it is clearly connected to the terms of the covenant. God breaks out in fury against His people be cause they have sinned against Him and have rejected His covenant; this emphasis is especially prominent in Hosea, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Sometimes the vengeance of God is

that when the Bible speaks about God’s wrath or anger these terms should be understood as figures of speech. They say that formerly people thought of everything that happens as be ing caused directly by God, and so the tragedies of life were understood as expressions of His wrath. They see “the wrath of God,” then, not as a personal attitude of God, but simply as the conditions under which unbelievers will find themselves. One theologian has called it, “the structural justice of the universe.” He says wrongdoing always carries within itself the seeds of its own penalty. And the biblical term, “the wrath of God,” is that condition of life which unbelievers choose when they choose against God. The view I have described means that God is not personally and directly responsible for the “wrath” under which un believers live. God loves all people with a deep, sacrificial love, and this does not change when they turn their backs on Him. And this spares us from wondering how a God of love can also be a God who is angry. There is much about this kind of thinking that appeals to me. And my conclusion is that the specific New Testament

The biblical term, "'the wrath of God, ” is that condition of life which unbelievers choose when they choose against God. presented in such vivid figurative images that the modern reader cringes before their ferocity (e.g., Isaiah 9:19; 10:1-6; 63:1-6). The tone of the New Testament is remarkably different. Je sus never referred specifically to God’s wrath or anger. He did, however, speak of the severity of the Father’s judgment (e.g., Matthew 18:34,35; 23:29-36). While the apostle Paul used the concept of God’s wrath freely, he did so with much more reserve than is common in the Old Testament. He spoke of it in the past tense, as something from which we have been delivered (Ephesians 2:3). He also saw it as a present condi tion, experienced by those who reject God and disobey Him (Romans l:18ff). And then he used it of the future judgment, from which we shall be saved by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9; I Thessalonians 1:10). Throughout the Scriptures, there is little evidence that the writers saw a conflict between God’s anger and God’s love. The prophets can move easily from their gruesome metaphori cal descriptions of wrath to the most exalting praise of God’s compassion and loving-kindness. Jesus speaks with equal authority about the love of the Father and the unquenchable fires of hell. And while Paul is keenly aware of the reality of God’s wrath, he always speaks of it with hope; Jesus Christ has come to deliver us. And there is no suggestion, as Christian theology has sometimes taught, that Jesus had to die in order to turn God’s wrath away from us. The atonement was necessary because of our sin, not because of God’s wrath.

ut what do we do with this doctrine today? Can we still preach it in the words and images used by the prophets and apostles? Can we think of our Father as a God of wrath? Is it possible to love an angry God? In the last century or so, various scholars have suggested

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references to the wrath of God would allow us to hold such a view. Never does the New Testament speak of God being an gry, of God hating anyone, or of God being filled with anger or wrath. In eleven cases, God’s wrath is referred to without the mention of God. It seems as if the wrath stands by itself (e.g., Romans 4:15; 9:22; I Thessalonians 2:16). And Romans 1:18-32, which is usually seen as a key passage on the wrath of God, can easily be understood as teaching such a wrath. God’s wrath is here the deterioration of character, the harden ing of conscience, and the increasing insensitivity to right and goodness of those whom God gives over to their own ways. And the vivid images in Revelation about pouring out the wine of God’s wrath can be seen as describing how the conse quences of sin and unbelief work themselves out in history. Such an impersonal view of God’s wrath need not mean that God created the system so that rebels would get what they deserve. I don’t think we need to say that God planned a universe in which evil would always lead to bad consequences. It is not as if God ever decided that in His world sinners would always, eventually, suffer. Rather, it seems to me that since the Creator is the Holy God and since all of His work agrees with His nature, this is simply the way the world has to be. The world works the way it does because of who God is, and because of what He is like.

hile the concept of wrath, as briefly sketched above, seems very appealing, 1 have to conclude reluctantly that it is, by itself, unsatisfactory. I think about God and I wonder: Can a strong character see evil done to people He loves, see people whom He loves ruin themselves by the rejection of His love, and not feel anger? Doesn’t a deep, pure love, even within the human family relationships, some times necessarily give rise to a sense of outrage and anger? THE MESSENGER

God's wrath is never irrational or vindictive ... It it the pained, sorrowing response of love to the rejection of His love. Does it make sense to explain, as has often been done, that God is angry with sin, but not with sinners? What is sin apart from the sinner? Isn’t anger against an impersonal thing, which sin is, irrational? And doesn’t our worship and prayer demand an active anger of God? In prayer we are to think God’s thoughts, agree with His will, and pray that His will may be done. How can I pray to God about the horrible in justices in the world and about the pathetic way people bring their own condemnation upon themselves by their sinful living if I have to picture God without the feeling of anger that I be lieve He has given to me? And so, I conclude, maybe we can think of God’s wrath in both ways, as personal and impersonal. Wrath is the natural condition under which unbelievers live; God never needs to de cide that He will now afflict people with His anger. Wrath is abiding upon them (John 3:36) because of the way the world

is constituted. The unbeliever can no more escape the conse quences of his sin than he can escape the world. The only es cape out of this downward spiral of corruption is through a faith-surrender to the Saviour, Jesus Christ. But then, when we Christians think about our God, whom we worship and to whom we pray, we should think of Him as deeply, feelingly angry over all that opposes His will. Every thing that is against His will is an affront to His love. His wrath is never irrational or vindictive, never a desire to get even, never a desire to injure or destroy, and never a need to display His superior power or wisdom. It is the pained, sor rowing response of love to the rejection of His love. And in this sorrowful anger we are to feel with Him. Dr. Arden and Helen Thiessen (Steinbach) have recently returned from a two-month study leave at Oxford, England. Arden is the senior pastor of the Steinbach EMC Church.

MCC Listening/Learning Tour Gets a Big Dose in Middle East Jerusalem (Meetinghouse) — “Don’t cross your legs,” was our repeated instruction upon entering six Middle Eastern countries for three weeks, January 21 to February 8. It is an in sult to show someone the sole of your shoe. Mennonite Central Committee invited twelve people, representing its constituency, to listen and learn in Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Is rael, West Bank and Cyprus. One person was from the Netherlands, three were from Can-

How to arrive at peace? How to help peo ple feel secure enough to trust each other? “Friendship" emerged as a catchword. When Christians and Muslims and Jews, when Arabs and Israelis become friends, they will feel secure.

ada, and eight from the United States. MCC country representatives served as organizers/guides. In recent months two delegations of Middle Easterners toured Canada and the United States. This investment was in response to the Gulf War and the continuing need for communication on every side. We learned, like twelve disciples, to keep our feet flat on the ground and our ears open. “It is an honor that you need us and we need you,” the Greek Orthodox patriarch, Ignatius IV Hazim, told us in Damascus. “Our only bi lateral relationship is with the Mennonites. We witness to our Lord Jesus Christ in his own land.” Everywhere we heard about the psychic and physic^ pain caused by the Persian Gulf War, the crushing influx of refugees from the Gulf. “It’s the equivalent of 40 million refugees com ing to the United States,” said the Crown Prince of Jordan. “But to close our borders (during the Gulf War) would have contradicted everything we believe in.” We heard the enduring pain of people who have been uprooted for decades or who feel vulnerable. “I watched them kill my father,” several Palestinian Christians told us. On the MARCH 6, 1992

other hand, some Jews repeated the fearful rallying cry, “They will push us into the sea.” Always, always, we heard the hope for peace. How to arrive at peace? How to help people feel secure enough to trust each other? “Friend ship” emerged as a catchword. When Chris tians and Muslims and Jews, when Arabs and Israelis become friends, they will feel secure. Clearest examples of friendship-building criss-crossed religious and racial lines. In the religious community MCC, in its 40 years in the region, has started with the existing Chris tian base, the ancient churches that began in Middle Eastern culture. “You in the West en joy the fruits of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have forgotten the roots,” (Coptic) Bishop Athanasius admonished us gently when we sat with him in Egypt. Between Arabs and Israelis we saw only a few places where friendship and trust was a possibility. One is the “Palestinian Centre for Rapprochement Between Peoples” in Beit Sahour, a half hour from Jerusalem. Its handful of members has organized public events, each with a title, like “Let’s break bread, not bones” and (last Christmas) “Light a candle for peace and freedom.” Three thousand people came. At our February 3 meeting at the Rap prochement Centre a Jewish rabbi said, “A hundred times a day we say, ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord, King of the universe,’ not Is rael, the universe.” “I am committed to nonviolence,” said the Palestinian man (who also served us tea). But everyone in the group, which meets up to five times weekly, agreed that the Israeli govern ment quashes any attempt for the media to report that Palestinians and Israelis can be friends. Another place where an unusual friendship bridge is made is in Beni Suef, Egypt, where the archbishop has allowed Muslims, as well as Christians, to enroll in English classes. “They become friends,” said MCC worker Deb Schapansky, who serves as an English teacher. Two other of the rare examples where

Arabs and Israelis relate “normally” are in Hai fa and Nazareth, north of most of the intifada (Palestinian uprising) activity. The “Messianic believing” congregation welcomes and includes Palestinian Christians. And at the Nazareth Hospital, Mennonite Board of Missions wor kers Robert and Nancy Martin told us that several Jewish physicians on staff work un der an Arab administrator. Our group comes away from this brief, in tense three-week experience with the commit ment to communicate what we have heard to our congregations and to our governments (Canadian, U.S. and Dutch). “Take our voice to the world,” they told us from the many sides

Holy Spirit Waves ‘Mennonites are different. You haven’t gone entirely to a social message. You still are in terested in the work of the Holy Spirit. We in the Middle East have the privilege of the joy of crucifixion, the joy of the cross. The Holy Spirit has its waves, more powerful than any laser. It pierces through the people. Christian ity has been telling us for centuries that these waves are more powerful than anything. Je sus Christ, through incarnation and crucifix ion, has removed the debt on us and prepared us to receive the waves of the Holy Spirit. TTie Holy Spirit is the way of speaking to the world. When we have only a social message, we are evacuating it from its energy." (Bishop Athanasius, Beni Suef, Egypt, Coptic Orthodox Church)

of the Middle East dilemma. The greatest hope would seem to be lodged in (Melchite Catholic) Father Elias Chacour’s affirmation: “I refuse to hate. Hate destroys.” He added, “Don’t pray for us. Pray for your selves. And remember, Abraham (from Ur of the Chaldees) was an Iraqi.” Muriel T. Stackley, editor of The Mennonite, Newton, Kansas PAGE 3

Recovery of Hope to Consider Satellite Office in Steinbach Recovery of Hope recently opened a satel lite office in Altona (one day a week) and is currently exploring the feasibility of opening a similar office in Steinbach. This could be one or two days per week or as needs dictate. Recovery of Hope is a counselling agency with a specific focus on helping troubled mar riages. As a part of our counselling we offer two unique programs: • A once-a-month Saturday seminar in Winnipeg where couples have the oppor tunity to listen to presenting couples tell their story of how they struggle through pain and frustration to recovery and recon ciliation. • Intensive Week Marital Counselling where couples, while staying in a host home for one week, receive 15 hours of counselling along with daily assignments and psychological testing. Steinbach area pastors, church leaders cind any other interested people are invited to a meeting to discuss the needs and possible responses: Date: Monday, April 27 Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: Steinbach Regional Secondary School Theatre For more information contact: Harry Koop (275-6649).

Two Sisters

Student Luncheon Held at U of M A modest number of EMC students munched on pizza, pop and fruit while they interacted with a panel discussing the challenges students face on campus.

Been uiith people a lot — and nouj so much alone. It seems unfair. But she doesn't comploin. No taint of bitterness.

Dr. Al Hiebert was assisted by several lead ers of campus ministries.

I >1

The SBC Leadership Conference for March 20-21 has been cancelled.

Ernie Koop, returned missionary from Nicaragua, chats with students.

All former students and teachers are invited to attend the

A Call for Ministry Island Gospel Fellowship of Burns Lake, B.C., is in need of a person to serve as pastor, beginning in September 1992. Please contact Art Segal (604-692-3372, evenings) or write Pastoral Search Committee Box 145 Burns Lake, B.C. VOJ 3A0 or contact Conference Pastor Edwin Friesen for information

Gruenfeld School Reunion (Cloverfield) Friday, July 31 - August 2,1992 at the Kleefeld Park Contact: Brian Schellenberg Reunion Coordinator Phone: (204) 377-4450 Address correspondence to: Gruenfeld School Reunion Box 352 Kleefeld, Manitoba ROA OVO

COMING EVENTS April 24-25 Region 1 Leadership Retreat Peace River Bible Institute Sexsmith, Alta. Phone: (604) 567-9198 April 27, 7:30 p.m. Recovery of Hope Exploratory meeting SRSS Theatre Steinbach, Man. Phone: (204) 275-6649

She lies in bed day after day, Surely she knows every crack in the ceiling. Aluuays lying doujn, sc much quietness — fl living death. Still there is humcr — She laughs as lue share a joke. The becks, the candles. everything the same. But she deesn't complain. She is lonely, I knouu. She's hod o full life.

May 15-17 EMC Leadership Retreat Brandon, Man. Phone: (204) 326-6401 June 13-14 Mount Salem Reunion and Autonomy Service Aylmer, Ont. Phone (519) 773-8569 June 3-5 EMC Annual Convention Speaker: David Mains Morris/Rosenort, Man. Phone: (204) 326-6401

She's going home — uje both ore. Only she'll probably arrive before I. My responsibilities before me . . . Hers completed. She's knoujn much heartache — I so little. My husbond so kind and good; Hers inflicted so much pain. My children, small and teachoble, Hers grown and tought. I've learned to love her — Her laughing, her quietness . . . ULIe're sisters. Rosonne Poffenroth

Mennonite Central Committee (Alberta) invites interested persons to apply, before April 30th, for the position of

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR effective the summer of 1992

Enquiries and/or completed applications and personal resumes should be direct ed to; E. Jack H. Elias 943 Cannock Road S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2W 1M6 (403) 296-8027 bus. (403) 296-4114 FAX (403) 281-1729 res.

CONTRIBUTORS: Dora Friesen (Rosenort) is involved in visitation and church plant ing in Mexico. Aluira Friesen (Rosenort) returned to Mexico recently after spend ing several weeks in Canada on a missions tour. Her work includes leadership training and responsibilities in the bookstore in Santa Ana. Ron and Rosanne Poffenroth (Calgary) are serving as church planters in Austria with the Gospel Missionary Union. Abe and Regina Giesbrecht (Bergfeld EMMC) returned to Paraguay in November after a furlough in Canada. They are involved in radio work. COVER: Photo by the editor.

THE MESSENGER is published every other week by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Church Ministries, Box 1268, Steinbach, 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. Editor: Menno Hamm.

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THE MESSENGER

Musically Music in Our Mission Fields In North America music is as available as yam in Africa. We can listen to it on a $10 radio; we can purchase cassettes and compact discs; we can buy books and sheet music; we sing it from our hymnbooks; we play it on our home instruments. Chil dren take pre-school music classes; later they take piano lessons; music is taught in elementary school; bands begin in junior high; high school offers band, choir and operettas; colleges and univer sities offer music degrees. Concert halls host opera and sympho nies; stadiums and arenas are the scenes of popular music concerts; there is even “ballet in the park.” I remember all this and miss some of it as I prepare for my class es in Nigeria. Very little of the above that we accept as the norm, and almost our right, is available here. Any music education is sporadic. Books on music are difficult to acquire: there are very few. Instruments from the West cire far too expensive and often deteriorate quickly because of the climate. The seminary here has had little music instruction since its inception in 1941. There is, however, a very active music community in the semi nary led by students with some training and considerable talent. The seminary choir, led by a senior student, sings at Sunday even ing services. The male quartet has an apprenticeship program where members are added each year for rehearsals to train for the following year when they become bona fide members. There is a Hausa ladies choir and mixed choir. One evangelist heads a rap band and another student leads a singing/dance group. The singing in the chapels is enthusiastic, harmonious, and sincere. So the question might be, “If formal training hasn’t been neces sary till now, why worry about it?”

There are several reasons why we should consider more seri ously what contribution we could make to music in our develop ing countries. Because of the innate musicality of all peoples, they are keenly aware of the potential of music in their culture. The technology and education of the West is the desire of many. The seminary here has been requesting a music teacher for many years but no one comes. Second, when I spoke with David Buremoh, the Nigerian prin cipal here, he indicated the need for guidance to church leaders and musicians in the development of church music. In some ways he feels the music is static, needing a new approach and the in tegration of sound theology with more musical variety. Music train ing is needed to accomplish this. Third, there is a need for musicians who will not simply import the music of the West but will develop the uniquely indigenous genres. The principles of theory have application in all musics and with creativity can be utilized in all styles. There is an abun dance of indigenous music that is loved and valued by the churches. Musicians need training to work with this more knowledgeably. Fourth, very little of the indigenous music is notated and/or print ed. Compositions are often sung once or twice and forgotten. Good music is lost because it is not recorded in any way, mainly because there is no one with the necessary training. To develop a hymnody or performance repertoire that will have some longe vity, musicians will need to develop skills in notating compositions. The opportunities for music teachers in developing countries are probably endless. In this seminary and in this country there are great opportunities. A seminary educator from Indonesia in dicated that the greatest need in their schools was music teachers. One missionary who had been to my college in Canada bemoaned the fact that she had not studied more music before she went to Mexico. The need for education in many countries is great. We have the means. We should provide it.

Dr. Thiessen, a minister in the Ridgewood EMC Church, is teaching at ECWA Theological Seminary at Igbaja, Kwara State, Nigeria, while on sabbatical leave from Providence College and Seminary.

BC Mennonites to Send 1,000 Boxes of Food to Former Soviet Union CLEARBROOK, B.C. - British Columbia Mennonite church members are being asked to add Russia to their shopping list. The request is coming from Mennonite Cen tral Committee (MCC), the relief and develop ment arm of Canadian Menonite and Brethren in Christ churches. The agency is asking its supporters in Canada to help it send 5,000 boxes of donated staple food items for the former Soviet Union this month. BC Men nonite church members will be asked to donate $53,000 towards the cost of 1,000 boxes of food. Each box will contain groceries such as flour, sugar, rice, canned meat, powerded milk, dehydrated soups and fruit juices, cooking oil and macaroni — all items which have been specifically requested by relief agencies in the former Soviet Union. Each box will weigh just over 16 kilograms (36 lbs.) and cost eiroung $47 to fill with food. Additionally, MCC is asking for a donation of $6 per box to pay for shipping costs, for a to tal of $53 per box. The food will be distributed in Moscow and St. Petersburg by an interdenominational church relief committee to the elderly, to hospi-

MARCH 6, 1992

tals and orphanages and to people with large families. According to Mary Raber, MCC Secretary for the former Soviet Union, “we are confident that this shipment of food will reach the peo ple who truly need it, and we know that the food we are sending is the kind that people can use. The reporting from the organizations we are working with is very thorough.” MCC has established close links with local relief groups because of reports of donated food not getting to the people who need it most. The agency also wanted to be sure to send the kinds of food that would be the most useful. The food will be shipped by the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The agency has a practice of sending one container of food at a time on a fixed schedule, so as not to overwhelm the loccil agencies which will dis tribute the relief. Donations to the Russia Food project are welcomed. Make cheques payable to MCC BC, and mark “Russia Food.” Mailing address: PO Box 2038, Clearbrook, BC V2T 3T8, Tel ephone: 850-6639/857-0011, Fax: 850-8734.

Youth Orbit '92 at MCI “Who’s got the Remote - Me or the T.V.?” is the theme for the Mennonite Collegiate In stitute’s Youth Orbit "92 happening at MCI on March 20-22. MCI’s current students and young people in grades 8-11 will attend this weekend of fun and learning. The guest speaker, Jerry Holsopple, a producer for Mennonite Media Ministries in Harrisonburg, Virginia, will explore the theme of media in four sessions: “Who’s the Con sumer?” “Watching Music,” “Listening to Mo vies (or am I confusing my verbs?),” and “Religious Images in Media.” While Youth Orbit is a time of learning, it is also a terrific time of getting to know other young people through activities such as sports, singing, sharing talents and workshops. Gym nastics, photography, mime, and hairstyling are only some of the workshops that have been planned. The weekend at MCI also gives young people an opportunity to see more closely what being a student at MCI is all about.

For more information contact: Daue Regehr, MCI (327-5891)

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Lee Delp of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, has been appointed president of Mennonite Eco nomic Development Associates, a 2,000-mcmbcr organization that operates overseas development programs and pro motes a Christian witness in the marketplace. Delp, 45, comes to MEDA from a long career with National Liberty Corporation, a multi billion dollar insurance and financial serv ices company based in Valley Forge, Pennsyl vania. He joined the firm in 1972 as a

management trainee and rose to the position of senior vice president. “I left NLC last fall because 1 felt the strong call from God to use the abilities he has en trusted to me in the Mennonite church,” says Delp. “1 want to give my remaining work years directly to him in service.” Delp sees business and professional abili ties as gifts that need to be used for God. “MEDA has an important responsibility to help us understand what it means to be faithful where God has put us,” he says. “We’re called to give ourselves as a living sacrifice, and that includes our professional and business life.” Delp sees the two streams of MEDA (Busi ness Resources and Economic Development) as flowing out of the same mission. “As profes sional and business people we can work at mission through the impact we have on our colleagues, our customers and people less for tunate than ourselves through economic de velopment.” Delp takes office immediately. He will con tinue to reside in Lansdale and will work out of both MEDA offices in Lancaster, Pennsyl vania, and Winnipeg, Manitoba. There will be a period of orientation and overlap with former president Neil Janzen.

each of our churches who shared their homes and their meals with us, and not only that, they also gave of themselves and allowed us a glimpse of their struggles and joys. You en couraged us and we hope that in some small measure we were able to repay your kindness. This was also a memorable trip in that it marked the end of Mr. Ben Friesen’s position as Canadian Secretary of the Board of Mis sions. Thank you, Mr. Friesen, for your direc tion throughout the trip. We trusted you to steer our ship safely to shore and you did. My personal thanks goes out to Tina and Henry

Komelsen, Paul Thiessen, and Fred Buhler for being cheerful and helpful travel companions. We belong to a great fellowship of believers and a trip of this nature allows us to appreci ate that fact more fully. We can participate in the outreach of these and other churches as we pray that God’s power will be evidenced through each of our brothers and sisters. There is strength in unity, and a cohesiveness of purpose speaks mightily of love and gives credibility to our united witness that Jesus is the risen Saviour and Lord. Aluira Friesen

Canadian Foodgrains Bank Announces New Partner The Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) is pleased to welcome World Relief Canada as its newest member. This brings to eleven the number of church partners within its consor tium. The World Relief Canada membership is on behalf of six Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) denominations, which represent over 600 congregations. Each of the six organizations has specifically nominated World Relief Canada as their offi cial Relief and Development Agency. Their new association with the CFGB under the World Relief ‘umbrella’ will allow participation which was not feasible individually. The six participating denominations represented by World Relief Canada are the Evangelical Free Church, Baptist General Con ference, Evangelical Covenant, Associated Gospel Churches, Apostolic Church of Pente cost, and Free Methodist Church in Canada. Founded in 1982 by the EFC, World Relief Canada functions as the designated overseas relief agency for a broad spectrum of evangel ical churches. World Relief brings to the Foodgrains Bank consortium broader church connections and overseas delivery channels.

as well as experience in relief work. “We’re looking forward to working with World Relief - this anangement will help uni fy and strengthen our commitment to people in need overseas,” commented Al Doerksen, adding that he secs the new membership as timely. “It will also facilitate the gathering of grain resources, particularly in the prairies, where many farmers arc more than willing to share their resources.” The Canadian Foodgrains Bank gathers and ships Canadian grain to food deficit coun tries on behalf of its partners.

MEDA Appoints New President

Missions MEXICO

Memories... Partners Together Alvira Friesen Memories linger of trailers and more trail ers at High Level, wooden geese flying through Vanderhoof, huckleberry pic with homemade ice cream at Burns Lake, babies and muffins at Grande Prairie, an energy-plus youth night at Abbcydalc in Calgary, breakfast and an open forum on a Saturday in La Crete. Even more lasting, however, are the memories of the wonderful people we learned to know and love during the annual western tour missions trip, which ran from January 21 to February 12. On January 21a group of six left Manitoba for our first destination: the La Crete Christ ian Fellowship Missions Conference. From here our travels took us to missionary confer ences in High Level, Bums Lake, Vanderhoof and Calgary, as well as a missions night in Grande Prairie. Along the way, we stopped in at five Bible institutes and colleges to make contact with and to seek to encourage some 27 EMC students. Today, after 30 nights in 17 different beds, and 8,2^ kilometers later, I thank God for His protection and His daily sustaining pow er. I am sure that I speak for the six of us when I give a heartfelt thank you to the people in

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MEXICO

Still Searching The Power of God’s Word “1 don’t know if there is a heaven, but if there is, I think it is like this world.” “My father died an atheist. That is the in fluence 1 grew up in.” “I doubt that there is a personal devil.” These are comments made by my neigh bours. What ignorance of God’s Word! Yet I have six Bibles (three Spanish, two English and one German). 1 have been challenged and encouraged of late to know that the Word of God is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Rene, my neighbour (age 25), has been searching for God for years. He studied for the priesthood but quit. He bought a few books in the bookstore, and we have been wit nessing to him. One time he commented, “I sin and repent, and sin and repent. Is that the way it is supposed to be?”

iff

On December 28, 1991, Rene said he had repented and would follow Jesus. J Could this be a Cath olic renewed? We didn’t know. Soon, however, we realized that Dora Friesen he had received Christ with the light he had. We studied the Word with him and he thanked God for sal vation, only two sentences and no ‘amen’ (so what?). Sometime later he prayed with more confidence. Some comments Rene makes give us evidence that God’s Word is living and powerful: “May I tell my friend that I have eter nal life? Are the people who have not received Christ actually lost? Now I understand when I read the Bible.” It is all so new to him. Doha Emma is another person who reminds me of the wonder of God’s Word. She went

THE MESSENGER

to be with the Lord in April 1991. Due to dia betes she had lost her eyesight, but she memo rized about twenty Bible verses during her Christian life. She “mastered” fifteen complete ly and with ease quoted the verses, with the reference. Her non-Christian visitors were amazed at her Bible knowledge. Her favourite verses were John 1:12, 8:12; 1 John 1:9; 1 Peter 5:7. She had her foot amputated and had a fractured hip, so she was bound to her bed and wheelchair. Often she could not at tend church, but she learned “to feed herself,” repeating and meditating on the verses she had memorized. Hortencia and 1 have started a Bible study with Victor and Martha, a young couple with three children. They were baptized by the Mor mons last year. Victor said, “1 have read part of the book of Mormon. Are we Mormons, or Catholics, or what are we?” Still confused and searching! Carlos and his wife, Cecilia, are willing to read the Bible with us one evening a week. Both are schoolteachers, so they have a babysitter for their seven-month-old Indiera. Please pray that both these couples will ex perience, like dofia Emma and Rene, that the Word is living and powerful, and that it will transform their lives if they only repent and receive Christ. Our Sunday services have great variety. The willing people all take turns in teaching the Word. This Sunday Arnaldo Gonzalez of Chi huahua City, formerly of Picacho, will be the speaker. God’s Word will bear fruit. Christ will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). 1 appreciate your prayers. Dora Friesen

AUSTRIA

On Family Relations Caring for One Another In Austria the family unit is highly valued, and that includes the extended family. True, there is a very high divorce rate and other seri ous family-related problems exist but family and relatives are very important for the aver age Austrian. Holidays, especially birthdays, are celebrated by the extended family. An Austrian marries not only his partner but also the family of the partner. Very often the young couple will move in with either set of parents. The houses are built so that the par ents have their quarters on the main floor and the young couple has their own apartment up stairs. There are houses and apartments that are vacant for years because the children of these homeowners will someday move in. And if the children are small. Dad misses out on a lot of rent he could have collected in the meantime! The expectations and demands of the par ents can be squelching. The children will in herit the whole house eventually (besides living rent-free under the parents’ roof) under the condition that the parents will be cared for in their old age in their own home. This can be threatening to both. And there are many instances where this living together arrangement has brought a lot of heartache into the family. The parents think the manied children must take their advice whether it is asked for or not. And raising a family can be quite a chore where either the young wife takes advantage of the “live-in

The Poffenroth family babysitter” or the grandparents do not cooper ate with the wishes of the parents in child raising and the inconsistency has its effect on the little ones. The strained relationship can go on for years. There are families, however, who make this lifestyle a positive experience. The “rights and privileges” of both are respected and a very intimate relationship can develop between grandparents and grandchildren where a posi tive influence and example is passed on, es pecially where the grandparents are Christians. Children and parents can be a real support and encouragement to each other in sickness and other hardship. What becomes of Grandma and Grandpa when they reach their late seventies or eight ies? Many remain with their families, often in very sad situations. It is becoming more com mon for old folks to be placed in care homes. Of these, there are also many who have been pushed out, taken advantage of. Very few have experienced true religion and cling to remnants of what they have been told all their life. Praise God for the small number of older folks who know Jesus as a Friend, and remain sweet and fruitful even in old age! Our family structure and lifestyle may vary from the average Austrian but our responsi bility of caring for one another certainly re mains the same. Ron and Rosanne Poffenroth

PARAGUAY

Furlough - Not Getting Involved? Back to the Chaco

Okay, so we were going on furlough. Easy! We’d go home a few months, spend time with family, give a few reports and come back to “the ministry” at Radio ZP-30 in Paraguay. After all, illness in the family was why we were taking this early break. We’d give Mom lots of time with the grandchildren now that it was sure that she couldn’t come visit us in Paraguay. And, we’d let the children get to know cousins, uncles and aunts cind the other grandparents. Then, back to the Chaco to continue with our work at the radio station. It would be family and business, but no time for “getting attached” to friends and the home church. We arrived in Winnipeg on April 17. From there our furlough plans not to make ourselves “at home” began to unravel. Dad made his car available to us. The house my brother lived in was ready eind waiting for our family. A box of groceries was at the door. The next day more food arrived, along with an offer for milk and meat. Invitations for meals came. Then it was seasonal clothes for the children, bicycles, boots, babysitting. What could be next? Well, Henry Klassen of EMC Missions reminded us that furlough was a time for reporting and refreshment. He mentioned that be cause our home church, the Bergfeld EMMC, had been so faithful in its support, perhaps, rather than look for a job, we should use spare time to help out in the church and to help friends with odd jobs. That was the start of a summer of “not getting involved” by MARCH 6, 1992

helping with youth, driv ing tractor, haying, paint ing, picking vegetables, cleaning, combining, trucking beets and many other “Fll give you a hand for a while” chores. Now, try spending Regina and Abe Giesbrecht that kind of time with Amy, Douglas, Patricia good friends and not getting attached to the kinship and fellowship of being together. Much time was spent talking, discussing, comparing, challenging, and encouraging. All this time friends continued to show support and friendship with their offers to help, the short visits and the invitations. Finan cial and other gifts helped us stock up on some items to take back. As we settle back in to life in the Paraguayan Chaco, we remem ber special times with family and the health God gave. We think back to the opportunities to present the work of Radio ZP-30 and the many new friends we made. And we are reminded of the con cern of a home church that would not let us be aloof, but cared enough to make us a part of their lives for the few months of our furlough. Abe Giesbrecht

Ed. Note: Abe made an emergency trip back to Canada to be with his dying mother. The funeral was on Feb. 25. Pray for the family.

PAGE 7

Messenger News 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED Pleasant Valley, Man.: A wonderful way to end the old year and bring in the new is to celebrate an anniversary. We celebrated our 30th anniversary on December 31, with a meaningful program of special music by our former octet and their wives and by our present quartet; sharing of memories, statis tics and testimonies by past and present pas tors and church members. The Lord has blessed and He promises to be our Guide in the future. New Year’s cookies and games, fol lowed by a time of prayer and praise, brought in the new year. Our men have been fine examples in volun tary service during slack time in their jobs. Danny Loewen, Nathan Bartel and Pat Sie mens travelled to Juarez, Mexico, to give two weeks of their time and talent in a church building project. Ernie Loewen, Rick Friesen, Gerald Reim er and Wally Bartel went to the RGBI in Texas to work on a building project. Glowing reports on enriching times included a desire to go again, but with two vans next time - one for the women and the other for the men! Dave Eidses joyfully and prayerfully travel to Iowa for ten-day periods each month, to shepherd the German-speaking group there. Their positive reports of meaningful interac-

Membership transfer service at the Pleasant Valley church. Left to right: Ernie and Mary Ann Loewen, Cory, Stephanie, Karen, Karmen Nita and Dan Giesbrecht.

tion encourage us to support them in prayer. Our congregation has been blessed by the Dan Giesbrecht family, returned missionaries from Australia. They have shared their talents in our Power and Praise group and in teach ing Sunday school. So we became richer when Dan, Karen, Stephanie and Cory transfened their membership to our congregation. The large attendance at our Wednesday night Bible studies is testimony to the exper tise of Dr. Harvey Plett, who is dealing with the topic “Occult Power Encounters.” For a Valentine special our Ladies’ Fellow ship invited friends to join us for a red and

white evening of games and special sharing of reaching out. Eva Reimer told us about her involvement with ladies in the Lowe Farm church; Esther Loewen talked about Bible studies with native people in the inner city; and Marilyn Kornelsen shared how she spends time exercising little Christina Waldner. Challenging messages during our morning worship services have included a series on the book of Colossians, as well as the following topics: “Should we Fast Today?” “Vision for Mission,” “The Day of the Lord,” urging us to remove the ashes from our altars. Florence Loewen

KINGS CHALLENGE CONGREGATION Swift Current, Sask.: B-r-r-r-r-r! January. and likenesses of Christ as we could. Every The very word creates images in our minds one could rattle off a few . . . Wonderful, of high snowdrifts and harsh, cold winds. Counselor, Mighty Prince of Peace, Mighty What a contrast then to have mild tempera God is He! Personally, I was intrigued by the tures leaving only skiffs of the white stuff here vast anay of names and likenesses in Scrip and there atop black fields. February, too, is ture. Did you know our Lord is likened to no almost gone but who knows what the remain less than seven birds in Scripture, and while ing weeks of winter will bring. In any event, no one has a final count, it is generally agreed a full slate of activities has helped the winter the number of names of Christ is in the days in southwestern Saskatchewan pass hundreds? Congratulations to Betty Fehr who found almost 300 names and won a book as quickly. KINGS, our energetic group of 11- to a prize. Betty’s daughter, Kim, and Sheldon 13-year-olds, presented a challenge to the con Penner were the winners from KINGS, each gregation in January to find as many names with approximately 225 names. Kim was delighted with her book and Sheldon with his cassette tape. Congratulations to all who ac cepted the challenge and for a job well done. Our annual leadership retreat was held at Cypress Hills Regional Park January 31-February 2. It was a time of spiritual renew al and bonding. Discussions focused on our building/renovation project and future growth. Undoubtedly we need to saturate this very im portant issue with prayer and thoughtful con sideration. May God grant us wisdom and grace in doing so. Indeed we are a fortunate congregation. We have in our midst some imaginative and crea tive youth who used their superb talents to de sign our church bulletin February 2. It was a refreshing change. Your efforts are very much appreciated. Bulletin designed by S.C. youth.

A hearty soup and pie dinner was served by the youth group February 9 to a hungry and enthusiastic crowd. Over $400 was donated, with proceeds going towards Sno Camp ex penses. Thanks for a lovely dinner, and we extend our best wishes for good fellowship and spiritual growth at Sno Camp. Friendship Circle activities included family skating in January and our curling “bonspiel” in February. Connie Peachey demonstrated her expert skill at “skipping” (to and fro across the ice), while the rest of us struggled just to maintain a vertical position (not always with great success!). Everyone enjoyed the ex perience, at least until the next day when large amounts of Absorbine Jr. were applied to ach ing muscles we’d forgotten we had! Special guests February 16 were Gordon and Sharon Skopnik and daughters, Ashlyn and Alyssa, home on furlough from their ministry to refugee camps in Germany. Gord’s personal testimony grabbed everyone’s atten tion. They also shared exciting stories about their ministry, including a slide presentation of their work. A real treat was the German song sung by three-year-old daughter Ashlyn and a duet by Gord and Sharon. Winter is fast fading away and spring is just around the corner. In fact, perhaps spring is already here, with the arrival of three beauti ful baby boys born within a week of each other, and there are more on the way so watch the birth announcements for details. Cindy Penner

PAGE 8

THE MESSENGER

CARING AND SHARING

our town. About thirty guests came to enjoy the meal and a sing-song after. Our young people joined the youth group of the Community Bible Fellowship of Swan River on February 21-22 for a 30-hour star vation project. The proceeds of the people sponsoring our youth goes for World Vision. A highlight for Ben and me this winter was a trip to Belize. It was my first trip by plane, which for many of you readers will be no novelty. We enjoyed a safe trip, good health, and an enjoyable time visiting old friends and acquaintances, who showed great hospitality. Helen Kroeker

Birch River, Man.: A song we often sing in our congregation is “I’m so glad I’m a peirt of the family of God.” It includes these lines: When one has a heartache, we all share the tears, and rejoice in each victory in this fam ily so dear. One such occasion of sharing a heartache came shortly after Christmas when our sister Marj. Krahn lost her only son, George, in death through cancer. It was especially hard for her since there was no funeral service, so we held a memorial service in the home of our pastor, Ferlin and Elizabeth Abrahamson. We rejoiced with Wayne and Marilyn Reimer, who were able to move from a small home into a lovely log house, which had taken them some time to build up. We joined them one Sunday evening as a group to share their joy in this event. On February 14 the ladies of our church served a noon meal for the senior citizens of

Grande Prairie, Alta.: March 1 was another exciting day for us as a number of people were received into membership. This is the second time that our young church has had a service of this kind.

DEEPER LIFE MEETINGS Rosenort, Man.: Mary Loewen of Mexico and the Jake Kroeker family of El Paso came for the funeral of Mr. Peter Loewen on Janu ary 3. In our worship service a few days later, they shared some highlights of their work. Kel Kroeker gave his testimony and was accepted as a member of our church. May God be your constant guide wherever you serve! On January 13 and 14 our ladies gathered for a quilting bee. They managed to do 35 MCC blankets and one large quilt. Those needles were very busy! Dr. Jon Bonk of Providence College served us on January 19 with a Sunday school lec ture on Christian stewardship and also a ser mon dealing with Revelation 5:9 (Christians from every tribe and nation). Alvira Friesen shared some highlights of her work in Mexi co. Thank you both; it was interesting and en couraging. Dr. Archie Penner of Steinbach Bible Col lege is teaching an extension course in our church on Thursday evenings called “The Holy Spirit and the Believer.” He portrays the topic with a graph on a large white panel board. The sub-topics cire “The Gift of the Holy Spirit,” “The Filling of the Holy Spirit,” “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” and “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” We had a commissioning and a farewell fel lowship for Karen Dueck, who plans to return to San Jose, California, to begin full-time missioneiry service. She is, however, still waiting for her USA residency papers. We are pray ing with her that these will be coming very soon. The SBC Chorale, under the direction of Rudy Schellenberg, served us well on Febru ary 2. Professor Jerry Hildebrand brought the message, “The Help of the Lord.” Thank you! It was also our church family day with plenty of games and activities in the afternoon eind evening. Supper consisted of “sloppy joes,” vegetables and pie.

Our senior youth group spent a weekend at Youth Encounter at Providence College, and another at Lake of the Woods. Later, they served with a program at King George Hospi tal in Winnipeg. It was well done and much appreciated. C. F. Dueck had a chaplaincy report for us on February 9. He works at the Eventide Home, the Morris Hospital and the Red River Veilley Lodge, a difficult but rewarding service through which souls find Christ and are nur tured in Him. Comie and Tina Loewen were in Mexico for a few weeks, spending time with his dying sis ter and also conducting evangelistic meetings in the Mennonite colonies. On Februciry 16, Amos and Wendy Fehr were ordained to the ministry. Harvey Plett, our moderator, brought a very fitting message and Pastor Kroeker conferred the office on the young couple. He then asked Harvey, Larry Eidse, Cora Friesen and Don Dueck to assist him in laying on of hands and the dedicatory prayer. Amos and Wendy accepted the task with joy and the congregation promised to support them in prayer as they take on the added responsibility. A week of deeper life meetings with Marvin Thiessen resulted in much heart searching and blessing. Each service was preceded by a pray er meeting led by Nick Friesen, and each even ing he asked the question, “Why pray?” Among the answers were some very obvious

MARCH 6, 1992

NEW MEMBERS ACCEPTED

One of the people involved in this service was Kathy Reid, a mother of four beautiful children. Her life has already been an inspira tion to many of us. Here is her testimony: “I grew up in La Crete, Alberta. When I was seventeen I became a Christian. I was baptized and joined the E.M. Church in La Crete when I was eighteen. Two months later I was mar ried to Craig Reid and we moved to Rocky Lane, where we lived and farmed for four years. We then left the farm and moved to Grande Prairie. We have been here four and a half years and now have four children. In the nine years I have been a Christian there have been many changes in my life, and through these changes God has taught me how to trust and have faith in Him. I have ex perienced a great deal of love and satisfaction in the Swan City Christian Fellowship. My desire is to become a member of this church and give of myself in the area I am needed.” Betty Brandt

Karen Dueck

Wendy and Amos Fehr ones: “God commands it” and “God honours it.” Also each evening we heard special sing ing groups and heart-warming testimonies. Brother Marvin is a real down-to-earth preacher who knows the battles faced by real Christians in our beloved Canada, where they are becoming an even smaller minority. In Brazil the birth rate is being outsripped by the “born again” rate. Social action must take se cond place to the preaching of the gospel, although both are needed. One of our biggest sicknesses is “cancer.” (When we are asked to serve in some way, we reply, “I can’t, sir.”) God measures our love for Him by our obe dience to Him. We need the “heartbum" of Luke 24:32. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent Me, so send I you.” Let’s obey. Levi Dueck

YOUTH PASTOR The La Crete Christian Fellowship is in need of a person to serve as a Youth Pastor. The position is available June 1,1992. Contact: Pastor Milton Fast Box 385 La Crete, Alberta TOH 2H0

PAGE 9

BERNHARD (BEN) KRAHN 1913-1992

Ben Krahn of Swift Current, Sask., passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 26,1992, at the age of 78 years. The funeral service was held on Thursday, January 30, at 1:30 p.m., at the E.M. Church in Swift Current, with Pas tor Lester Olfert officiating. Interment took place at the Blumenhof Cemetery. Ben was born on February 7, 1913, at Blumenhof, Sask., on his pcirents’ homestead. This is where he grew up and received his schooling and farmed till his retirement to Swift Current in 1967. He was a long-time resident of the Imperial Hotel. He was baptized on the confession of his faith in 1938. In 1958 he became a member of the EMC Church in Wymark and later transferred to the Swift Current EMC. He loved his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, which was evident in his faithful attendance at church, his concern for the work of vari ous missions, and his volunteer work for MCC. He enjoyed walking, reading, visiting with friends, and was always glad to be a part of family get-togethers. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Peter and Susanna Krahn and Peter and Elizabeth Harder of the Gretna, Man., area; his father, Johann, in 1918; his mother, Elizabeth (Harder), in 1954; his brothers, one in infancy, John in 1949 and Pete in 1987; one sister-in-law, Mary, in 1981. He is survived by one brother, Jacob, and his wife, Tena, of Swift Current; nine nieces and nephews: Ver non and Mary Krahn, Myrna and Ward Elliott, Corinne and Ed Lai, Kevin and Melinda Krahn, all of Los Angeles, California; Elizabeth and Clarence Rabuka (Regina), Allen and Bon ita Krahn (Edmonton), Alice and Arnold Elias (Swift Current), Sandra and Herb Tacholsky (Hodgeville) and Randall and Faith Krahn (Winnipeg); and 14 great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one uncle, Klaas Hard er (Gretna, Man.) and one aunt, Mary Kehler (Altona, Man.). As well, he will be greatly missed by many relatives and friends. However, we rejoice in the fact that Uncle Ben was ready to meet his Lord and Saviour and one day we will sec him again. The Family ELVIRA PENNER 1943-1992 “Teach us to number our days and recog nize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should” (Psalm 90:12). Elvira Penner was bom September 8,1943, to Jacob and Anne Krahn of Steinbach. She

PAGE 10

passed away January 11,1992, in the Stein bach Bethesda Hospital. Elvira was married to John Penner on Au gust 28, 1960. She leaves to mourn her hus band, John, her children, Kelly and Lorri, Boyd and Brenda, Lionell, Fabian and Liz, Sherry, and grandchildren. She also leaves her par ents, Jacob and Anne Krahn; her brothers, Henry and Betty, Victor and Annie, and one sister, Martha. Immediately after marriage, Elvira and John settled on his dad’s farm. She continued work ing in the sewing factory while John helped Dad on the farm. While there, their first son, Kelly, was born. Then Elvira and John moved to their own farm in the Giroux district, where they farmed until now. The rest of the chil dren were born there. Elvira helped establish the farm, working alongside John and her family as long as her health permitted. When John became municipal councillor, he spent considerable time off the farm. Elvira supported him fully in this, as well as in all his endeavors, putting extra effort into the farm to keep it going well. Severe health problems then developed, which required several extended stays in the hospital. Due to her deteriorating condition, Elvira spent less and less time with the family farm. Special thanks go to Rev. Bill and Anna Penner for all the time they spent with her. Sin cere thanks go out to the doctors, nurses, and all the special services personnel that have helped Elvira in her illness. Thank you to the many friends who have shown love to Elvira by visiting her in the hospital. The Family The funeral for Elvira Penner was held on January 15, 1992, at the Ridgewood EMC Church.

PETER KROEKER 1918-1992 Dear Brother Pete, When the news reached us that you had so unexpectedly slipped out of this world into the next, I could not help but write to you. You will not be there any more as a faithful brother. We will miss you! Pete, on behalf of our Kroeker family, I want to reiterate some precious thoughts that come to mind as we reflect on your life. You were the oldest in our family (except for Margaret, who has reached heaven long before you). As I was told, you were born to Dad and Mom (your mom) way back in 1918, on February 6. Right from the start it seemed you had some

“odds” to fight in life. Bom with a hearing and speech impediment set you back (or aside) so often, which must have caused you much frus tration. Later that year, when you were still a little babe, your dear mom passed away in the flu epidemic. Fortunately Dad soon found an empathizing companion in “our mom,” whom he married on April 21,1919. You and Margaret were again well cared for. Your school years were obviously very difficult ones, because often you did not “fit in” with other children. Consequently, you grew up doing the menial and physically hard jobs. Much of your life was spent as a com mon labourer, at which you always proved your dependability and faithfulness. Fm sure your best working years were the ones you spent at the Manitoba Sugar Factory in Fort Garry. You “hung in” there for twenty-five years! Then they were going to “pension you off,” but you wouldn’t accept it, remember? They, like so many of us, had underestimat ed your intelligence and integrity. Because of your speech and hearing han dicap, 1 think God gave you an extra gift, a “sixth sense.” You could always find us quickly in the dark in our hide-and-seek games. If, in her sewing or patching. Mother would drop her needle, she would call, “Pete!” Without any further words you sensed Mom’s problem and quickly retrieved the lost needle — like magic! I remember, when Dad ran the transfer bus iness, he always made sure the truck drivers and helpers made thorough lists of things they had to do. You never made a list; you simply stored the items in your “computer” mind and recalled them at the right time. Or when things were missing around the home and yard — you were always the one who knew where they were. You were one of the best checker and crokinole players I knew. And you were a good sport, too. I also remember your streak of hu mour. Often, while we others were talking, you had your own private entertainment. Your “side-splitting” smile gave you away. Very likely those practical jokes and clean fun often kept you from depression and self-pity. Probably your greatest ministry in life, Pete, was your staying with Mother for those many years. The two of you kept the Kroeker “home fires burning.” You know how lonesome Mother was after Dad passed away in 1948. As one by one we others got married and/or left home, you stuck with Mother. She often said, “Yes, my own children have all left me — and if it wasn’t for Pete, I don’t know what I would do.” We will never know what sacrifices and feelings of resentment you ex perienced while we “went our ways” and you were left to keep Mom company. But the Lord knows and will reward you for it! Pete, one concern we always had was about your spiritual life. When we were together — maybe because of your hearing problem — we never talked much about spiritual things. However, by your sensitive spirit you evi denced a simple trust in Jesus. You were bap tized upon your faith in Jesus Christ in 1939 and became a member of the Rosenort EMC

THE MESSENGER

(then Kleinegemeinde). One overwhelming thrill for us was to see your enthusiastic participation in the Golden Age Fellowship. We thank those who drew you in and entrusted some responsibilities to you: ushering, handing out songbooks, and taking the offerings. You served the Lord wholeheartedly with the talents He had given you. You obviously also enjoyed the friend ship and fellowship of your age-equals, even though you did not always understand all the talk around you. Fm sure that if you could add something, Pete, you would mention the many close friends you had, people who took time for you, who went out for coffee with you, took you out for a meal or brought you some gooses (including sister Helen, who felt the responsi bility of a mother). You had friends all over, and appreciated everyone of them. And now you have moved into your heaven ly mansion, the place Jesus has prepared es pecially for you (John 14:2,3). We can imagine your excitement. It’s so thrilling to envision you now in a new healthy body, with perfect hear ing and speech, being right in the center of the discussion. We can almost see you visiting with others who reached the glories of heaven before you: your mother, sister Margaret, Dad, sister Betty, our mother, our dear little Wen dy, and many other loved ones! While we as a family will miss you greatly, Pete, we are relieved that you have escaped some of the misery and suffering that old age could have brought you. We praise the Lord for His wisdom and timing in taking you Home now! Yours, in loving memories till we see you again, Frank and Marge Kroeker, in Paraguay, on behalf of the family: Jacob and Anne Dueck (Rosenort), Bill and Helen Zacharias (River side), Isaac and Annie Reimer (Meade, Kan sas), Neil and Alice Dueck (Ste. Anne), Martin and Gladys Reimer (Meade, Kansas); all the nieces and nephews, and your many other relatives and friends.

Births FRIESEN • to Roger and Carol Friesen of Winni peg, Man., twin daughters, Shannara Kimber and Kayla Michelle, on August 23, 1991. FRIESEN • to Robert and Joyce Friesen of Swift Current, Sask., a son, Kevin John, on February 18, 1992. SIEMENS - to Pat and Kim Siemens of Rosenort, Man., a son, Tjaden Boyd, on January 3, 1992. FRIESEN ■ to John and Barb Friesen of Swift Cur rent, Sask., a son, Timothy Andrew, on February 10, 1992. WIEBE - to Bill and Ruth Wiebe of Swift Current, Sask., a son Travis Michael, on February 15,1992. GESBRECHT ■ to Stacey and Sherry Giesbrecht of MacGregor, Man., a daughter, Courtney Renee, on February 10, 1992. JANZEN - to Gerry and Debbie (Abrahamson) Janzen of Carman, Man., a dau^ter, Ashley Dawn, on January 26, 1992. MARCH 6, 1992

By the WAY By Dave Schellenberg THE OLDSTERS at a recent Men’s Fel lowship breakfast at the Steinbach E.M. Church, in addition to a good breakfast, were treated to some good fatherly advice -1 think more than they bargained for. The speaker was our pastor, quite a bit younger than most of the guests. Brother Thiessen is a keen observer of life and is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects. 1 suppose because he is aware of the danger of becoming com placent as we grow older, he drew attention to some things that should still characterize the homes of older couples. Although most of this could probably be applied to any peri od of life, in this instance the comments were addressed to seniors. He began by saying, “Enjoy the compan ionship.” He went on to recommend that one remain sweet and gracious, guarding against “irritableness.” One should also develop the art of being tender and thoughtful and find ing new interests. He also recommended serving the Lord together. Well taken, wouldn’t you say? However, it’s easier to talk about these qualities than to put them into practice. Usually we want to, but how often we fail! Maybe you recall my sharing with you about falling heir to dry ing dishes and vacuuming. Well, recently 1 had to learn a brand new thing. Fm not sure exactly into which of the above categories it would fall. My wife, Helen, had eye sur gery, which required administering eye drops four times a day, at first. And guess who did it! Yes, yours truly. But come to think of it, maybe that’s eas ier than some of the other items. We have, of course, served the Lord together for many, many years. But there’s always the danger that we will neglect, carelessly or intention ally, some of the other things on that list. So 1 think the “fatherly” advice was much in place. Thank you, Arden.

WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY CAME to assist in the wheelchair transportation of an ETU (Extended Treatment Unit) patient to the PCH (Personal Care Home) for the Sun day morning service, I volunteered. And you’d better be there in time because it’s a long way to go. You have to go down in an elevator, through a long underground tunnel, with twists and turns (easy to get lost), and finally up in another elevator to get back to ground level at the PCH. From the elevator it is only a short trip to the assembly hall, where your patient joins about two dozen other people, some in chairs and others in wheelchairs. As hospital staff tenderly care

for physical needs, so the messenger of the gospel provides food for the soul. 1 feel fortunate to have previously acquired the skill of handling a wheelchair. Many years ago I got my orientation at the old Invalid Home, the forerunner of the present Resthaven. I worked there as an orderly, as I recall, for a while during my Bible school days. Later I came back as full-time staff, and still later, 1 served as administrator for about three years. This was valuable training. Steinbach churches take turns in conduct ing this half-hour service at the PCH. With the cooperation of the hospital, churches and some volunteers, it becomes possible to offer this service to those who, for the most part, would likely not be able to go to church. 1 don’t know how long my services will be re quired; nor do 1 go every Sunday. While for me it means missing Sunday school at my local church, 1 feel it is a worthwhile cause.

1 LIKE SMOKED FISH but had never smoked them myself. When I saw some mullets at a local supermarket a while ago, I purchased some. However, when I ap proached my friend Jake, who had smoked fish for me before, he said I could do it my self, using his smokehouse. Well, this was a challenge! Was it that simple? The smoke house was not at all fancy; it looked like a piece of an old culvert, the kind that may be used in farm driveway approaches. It had a door in the bottom to stick in the wood and a cover for the top, plus a rack on which to lay the fish. The instructions were simple: Keep a low fire burning and smoke the fish for about three hours. I followed these instructions pretty well and, presto! smoked fish, with a taste and quality you would find hard to beat. Of course, a smokehouse is not new to me. I grew up in the days when hog slaughtering was still in vogue, and we had one of these contraptions on the farm, too, for smoking meat. Now Fm waiting for the sucker run this spring and hoping some kind benefactor will steer some fish my way. I understand that the smokehouse is there, ready to be used again.

WELL, DIDNT MARCH come in like a lamb! On March 1, with the temperatures above the zero mark, 1 couldn’t resist taking my trusty cycle for a spin (and 1 wasn’t sor ry). Let’s hope it is a harbinger of spring. So long for now. PAGE 11

From the Editor On Growing Older I CANT SAY that I am looking forward to growing old. But like it or not, I can feel that I am not as young as I was twenty years ago. I am aging. Actually aging is a process that begins as soon as one is born, and it continues relentlessly until one dies. Since the number of our days are in the con trol of the Eternal God, we continue here until He calls us home. What is it about growing old that I dread? I am not looking forward to diminishing strength and energy, accompanied by the dulling of vision and hearing. There will likely be increas ing aches and pains, requiring an array of pills and medica tions to keep me functioning reasonably well. As I grow older I fear the gradual loss of my independence; I want to be in control of my life, not dependent on others and a burden to them. I wonder how I will be able to main tain a sense of self-esteem when I must submit to others for personal care. Many of our elderly people endure the loss of a spouse, which leads to intense feelings of loneliness. Many, engulfed by a fear of being abandoned, cry with the psalmist, “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone” (Psalm 71:9). We wonder why it is necessary for so many to conclude their lives in such a miserable state. Now that we are becom ing accustomed to the slaughter of unborn infants through abortion, we are noticing a growing interest in euthanasia (mer cy killing) and suicide as a means to escape the misery of old age. Humphry’s book. The Final Exit, a “user’s guide to sui cide,” has become a bestseller. Suicide rates among the elderly are now the highest of any age group. One study found that in 65% of these cases the victims suffered from serious depression. In the light of these developments in society, Christians must demonstrate better alternatives for the elderly. There is a lot we can do to improve the quality of life for the elderly. Our churches must make them feel accepted and useful. We can honour and affirm them in many ways. They can be included in more of our functions. They deserve our attention. For three months the Brandon church, for example, changed the format of their Sunday school time. Instead of each age group having its own class, the children, teens, adults and seniors remained together to learn and share (see The Messenger, Feb. 21, 1992, p. 6). This week the MacGregor church is hosting a “Seniors Appreciation Day” with a meal and a program. The following recommendations are taken from a brochure from the Inter-Mennonite Council on Aging: • Involve persons of all ages in creatively using the abilities and meeting the needs of all within the ministries of the church and community. • Consciously activate inter-generational task forces or com mittees to enhance the physical, social, mental, and spiritual PAGE 12

well-being of all ages and especially of older people. • Provide continuing opportunities for interaction, sharing wis dom and experience, and giving mutual assistance among all ages. • Recognize the resources and gifts of older adults so that their talents can be used in the church. • Have programs on preretirement planning in midlife, includ ing health and leisure, social and psychological issues, le gal and financial affairs. I believe churches also need to affirm and encourage those who work with the elderly. Loving and compassionate care is so vital to the well-being of the aged and infirm. Blessed are those who consider their work a ministry, not merely a job. 1 would also encourage families and individuals to involve themselves on a person-to-person basis with the elderly. Visit them, send them a card, a letter or some photos, take them out for a drive or a meal, help them with their shopping. Their gratitude would amply repay you for the extra time and effort required from you. If your own parents or grandparents are far away, adopt some elderly people in your community who may not have relatives nearby. And don’t forget to include your children in your contacts with the elderly. I can still see my mother’s face light up when some of her great-grandchildren came to see her. She loved to watch them and enjoyed their company. Seniors themselves can do a great deal to enrich their own lives, depending on their ability. Some Steinbach seniors volunteer for the school safety patrols, for example. Others with musical abilities have formed the New Horizons Orches tra. Their programs enrich both themselves and the audiences they play for. This is evidence that the righteous “will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (Psalm 92:14). Recently we visited an older lady who knits woollen mitts by the dozens. She donates them to the MCC, thankful that she can still perform a useful service. Another grandmother offered a free evening of babysitting so the pastor’s wife could accompany her husband on an out-of-town speaking engage ment. The young mother was overwhelmed and refreshed by this expression of love. A retired couple, for whom the pleasure of criss-crossing the country in their motorhome was wearing off, stopped at a children’s home they had noticed near the highway. After donating a week’s worth of much-needed painting and makng new friends with the children and staff, they began to look for more opportunities to serve. We read that Abraham lived to a “good old age,” and died when he was “full of years” (Gen. 25:8). So, if that is what the Lord has in store for me, I want to meet the years ahead with confidence and trust, counting on His grace to carry me through this life into eternity with Him. “Even to pour old age and grap hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain pou. I have made pou and I will carrp pou; I will sustain pou and I will rescue pou” (Isaiah 46:4). Menno Hamm THE MESSENGER