The Messenger September 24, 1993

The Messenger EVANGELICAL EVANGELICAL MENNONITE MENNONITE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE

VOL VOL. 31 31 NO. NO. 16 16 V^SFPT SEPT. 94/93 24/93

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER Thank You. God, for the sunrise, its splendour and majesty, the trees with their myriad colours blending in harmony. The plenteous fruit of gardens, growth that the rains have made, the stand of golden grain fields awaiting the cut of the blade — show that the Heavenly Father is not unmindful of man. Thank You for food provision and beauty the eyes to scan.

Thank You, God, for the songbirds that voice their message of cheer in a world now shadowed in darkness of war. of hatred and fear. For every part of creation — the sea. the heavens, the land. All praise to the Heavenly Father who holds the world in His hand.

Violet IV. tvright

''And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

Convention Messages

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The Effective Small Church

Planning For Effective Ministries by Fred Buhler

w

hen I considered the topic of effective ministries, I was reminded of Acts 6 where the church was just beginning and the apostles faced a problem. Certain widows were being overlooked in the distribution of goods. Things weren’t be­ ing handled the right way. The apostles said, “It’s important for us to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.” So they elected deacons to look after the physical needs. Effective ministry, using the gifts that people have, contributing together so that some can be released to the ministry of prayer and to the Word, is vitally important. The passage in Ephesians 4:7-16 underscores the importance that people with their gifts have in the body of Christ. The Lord gave different gifts. He gave “some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers, to pre­ pare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (vv. 11-14).

Organizing for Effective Ministry What we want to do in effective ministry in the church is to use gifts that God has given to develop the whole body, so that all people participate in the ministry. That’s easy to do in a small church. You don’t have to look very far to find people who need to be in­ volved. 1 know if I had grown up in a large congregation, I would prob­ ably have hidden among the crowd and really not gotten involved in leadership positions. But growing up in a small church I couldn’t hide, and I was almost pushed into trying things, even if they didn’t turn out very well. I appreciate people who encouraged me to keep on trying. “You’ve got potential,” they said. “Serve the Lord with the talents He has given you.” Sometimes it seems as if we run around a lot but we don’t get very much accomplished. We organize our ministries to use peo­ ple’s gifts and talents, but Ephesians 4:14 gives us another reason for organization. We want to become mature so “we will no longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves, blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men with their deceitful scheming.” This is a picture of a lot of movement and commotion, but not very much happening. We don’t want to see that. We want to be effective in the ministry. Paul says that he doesn’t run aimlessly, he doesn’t fight like some­ one that’s beating the air but he disciplines himself and presses on toward the goal that God has given him (cf. I Corinthians 9:26,27). We organize so that we can stay on course. We also need to organize because there’s a big job to do and we want to do it as effectively as possible. It’s easy to become so busy in doing all kinds of tasks and looking after the immediate and the urgent that we lose sight of what we really want to accomplish. In Exodus 18 we find the story of Moses being visited by his father-in-law. Jethro encouraged Moses to delegate the work of judging the people. Moses implemented the plan, the work was done more efficiently and the people were happier. We work much more effectively when we plan, when we organize our work and give everybody a responsibility and we all work PAGE 2

together. What are some of the reasons why a small church has difficulty in being effective?

Barriers to Effective Ministry One of the first things I observe is that we often try to imple­ ment a structure or pattern that doesn’t quite fit our situation. Maybe somebody has got good theories from a book, or he comes out of Bible college with some good ideas about how to structure church ministry. He takes his first pastorate and tries to implement them, but they somehow don’t seem to fit. If we as a church try to adopt an organization that doesn’t fit, we are going to be hampered in our efforts; we are not going to be effective in doing the ministry God has called us to. Another way that the small church can be hampered in effective ministry is in paying too little attention to organization. It is easy to say, we’re just a family, we all know each other, we’re used to our way of doing things. The choir doesn’t have to rehearse much because we’re all mediocre anyway. If people make mistakes dur­ ing the Christmas program it’s no big deal, because we all under­ stand each other. That kind of approach to organization can certainly hamper the ministry. I think another barrier to effective ministry happens when the administrative structure is just from the top down. It’s easy in a small church for the leader or for a few people in leadership to take control of everything and think they’re the ones who have the answers. I know that it’s important to have leaders who know where they are going, but if they try to control and dominate everything, they are going to stifle the whole work. Some of the best advice I got when we first started in Paraguay was from a mature Paraguayan who had seen efforts of different missionaries on the field. He sat me down one day and said, “I’d like to explain a little bit about my people’s mentality. You are go­ ing to find the Paraguayan people very nice to work with. They are very graciou.s and accepting. “If you come as a foreigner, a Bible student or a worker in the church and you start implementing ideas and programs, they will cooperate most of the time. But if you do too much of that, one day they will stop responding the way you expect them to. They are not going to necessarily withdraw or challenge what you are doing, but they are just going to stop responding. If they are not included in what’s happening, there will come a point where there will be no response.” I think another thing that can happen in a small church is that sometimes we get a great burst of enthusiasm and we really run with a project for a little while. After a bit we feel overloaded and we slacken off. It can sometimes happen because there tends to be a fairly high turnover rate of pastors or leaders in small churches. Some of the statistics I read were that every 33 months some small churches have a turnover of pastors within their denomination. Last summer Dale, our student minister, organized a 25th an­ niversary celebration for the church. On the Monday morning fol­ lowing the celebration on Sunday, the former leaders, the present church board, the intern pastor and I had a breakfast together.We had a great time of sharing stories and experiences from Hudson Bay. After that breakfast. Dale said, “You know, when 1 first came

THE MESSENGER

to Hudson Bay, I couldn’t believe how tolerant and supportive these people were of someone entering the ministry. After this weekend I can understand it a lot better. Most of the seven leaders that this church has had in 25 years, have come without any full-time leader­ ship or ministry experience. No wonder the church is experienced at helping new people come into the ministry.” With a rapid turnover of leaders there can be bursts of enthusiasm with new ideas. But after a while the people get tired and weary. The same thing happened when Ezra brought a group of people back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city. In time the people got tired, and instead of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, they began working for themselves. They were busy, the way I picture it, basically try­ ing to survive. When Nehemiah heard about the people’s discouragement and the lack of progress, he fasted and prayed. He determined to go and try to rekindle that vision of a glorious city. He led the people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. They had a tremendous dedi­ cation. It is a wonderful story of how a person can come to a tired, discouraged and disillusioned group and lead them on to victory. Another area where a small church sometimes struggles in ef­ fectiveness is the resistance to change. One of the men on our church board put it this way, “As a church board we need to be proactive, not just reactive.” It is not enough to just deal with issues as they come up, but rather to set a direction, a course, to avoid becoming static. It’s more comfortable to just remain where you are because you never stub your toes when you’re standing still. But if you move, you’re bound to get some bumps and bruises, but you’re going to accomplish something. I read about the four M’s of an organization. They begin with a MAN or MEN who have vision. They want to see something done. In our Conference people with a vision were instrumental in get­ ting us active in missions, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. When that begins to develop, it becomes a MOVEMENT, with more and more people joining in. If you have a man of vision and he’s setting a good direction it’s easy to join in and follow along and become part of that movement. After a little while, if you’re not careful, that whole movement can become a MACHINE. And you think, well, if I just oil it and maintain it, it will keep on running smoothly. We’ve got everything in place, and it’s going to run nicely. But you know what happens if you try to carry on indefinitely that way. Enthusiasm goes down, the vision is lost and everything becomes a MONUMENT.

Assessment for Effective Ministry So what can we do about it? How can we become more effec­ tive? I believe the first thing we have to do is a bit of assessment, to sit down and analyze exactly what is going on. A lot of the deci­ sions that we have to make as churches are just routine decisions. They come up regularly. When you take a pastorate in a new church, within the first year you run through the whole cycle of activities. And after that first year you have an idea of what happens at Easter, at Christmas, in spring, etc. A lot of that can be maintained, it can run quite nicely. But ev­ ery once in a while a crisis comes along. And I think we’re fairly good at dealing with crises. Even in a small church, we may sud­ denly realize that we’re way behind budget. So everybody pulls together and we make it. When the roof leaks we get together and fix it. We’re fairly good at dealing with such crises. Maybe we need a bit of improvement once in a while with inno­ vation. We need to learn to innovate. When it comes to assessment, I think it’s important that we don’t fix what isn’t broken. If some­ thing is working well and doing its job, support it, encourage it, keep it going. One way of doing assessment is to listen to what is happening.lt doesn’t necessarily have to be a formal exercise. I found when I came to Hudson Bay, that the people had a good idea of what kind of church they wanted to be. After we had been there a very short SEPTEMBER 24, 1993

time I had heard several stories that told me what was important to these people. One lady told how she had grown up in the church as a child because a family took her under their wing and picked her up, brought her to children’s club and to youth group and gave her a lot of support and encouragement. But during her teenage years she drifted away. After she was married and starting to raise a fa­ mily, she realized there was a need in her life. She wondered what would happen if she went back to church. So one Sunday morning she showed up at church. She said, “When you’re met at the door with a hug, it tells you something.” The church didn’t have to have a big banner that said, “Our vi­ sion is to be a caring community.” But they practised it. They cared for and accepted people both inside and outside the walls of the church. We also need to do some assessment of our community. Com­ munities like Hudson Bay and those of other churches in that region are going through quite a bit of change. An area that depends on one industry faces real difficulty when that industry starts declin­ ing. So we need to look at the situation and ask, “How can we ad­ dress this problem? What kind of special needs are arising out of this situation, and how can we deal with them?” We need to ask, “Who are we? Where did we come from? Where do we want to go?” And out of that should grow a vision. We need to define that clearly.

Vision for Effective Ministry Paul Johnson wrote an article about church planting in Leader­ ship magazine, in which he said that when he first began a church­ planting ministry he aimed to identify needs and address them. He thought that would produce an effective ministry. But the needs kept growing and growing until he finally became overwhelmed. So over a period of years he refined his philosophy. He said, “I would like to see us identify a vision and then together as a group move toward that vision, and then attract people to fol­ low in that direction with us.” I believe it’s important to involve people. As I mentioned at the beginning, people have been given gifts and we need to involve them in our ministry, building on their strengths. A recent article in Reader’s Digest talked about how we often identify a certain weakness in our life and become almost obsessed with trying to overcome that weakness. It said we forget all about our strengths and the good things that are happening and spend all our time and energy trying to address that weakness and cor­ rect it. I suggest that in the church we often do that as well. We get dis­ couraged and tangled up because we are trying to correct all the weaknesses and we’re forgetting all about the strengths. We need to stop and refocus on what we can do well. A small church in a community simply can’t do everything well. In Hudson Bay, for example, we became overwhelmed with trying to run a big children’s club. And yet we have a youth program that is attracting young people from other churches who simply cannot provide an adequate youth program. It is better to have one good strong solid youth group in a town than to have three that are floun­ dering. We need to build on our strengths. It’s exciting to work in a small church. I want to really encourage everyone who is in leadership in a small group, whether it is your family around your kitchen table, a small care group, or a youth or other group. Whatever small group it is, there is a lot of poten­ tial for organizing and guiding it, using the gifts and the strengths its members contribute. Psalm 78 talks about how God dealt with Israel and how He brought them through so many different things. The last verses tell how God used David, and conclude, “David shepherded them with integrity of heart, with skilful hands he led them.” I trust the same can be said of each one of us who leads a small group for God’s glory. ■ PAGE 3

MCC Overseas Assignments Joan Barkman Winnipeg, Man., is be­ ginning a four-year

MCC assignment in Beirut, Lebanon, in September 1993 where she will work as MCC country repre­ sentative. MCC began working in the country in 1976, but for the last eight years its pro­ grams have been interrupted due to increased fighting. Barkman received a bachelor’s degree in ad­ ministration from the University of Winnipeg. She previously served with MCC in Winnipeg as a personnel assistant and in Akron, PA, as administrative assistant. Joan is a member of the Aberdeen Evan­ gelical Mennonite Church. Her parents are Ed and Tina Barkman of Landmark, Man. Carol Thiessen of Steinbach, Man., is beginning a one-year MCC

SALT

assign­

ment in Sikalongo, Zambia, where she will work as a high school teacher with the Brethren in Christ Church. SALT (Serv­ ing and Learning Together) International is a one-year MCC program for young people in­ terested in living, learning and working overseas. Thiessen received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Carlton University in Ottawa, Ont. She was last employed as a reporter for The Carillon in Steinbach. Carol is a member of the Steinbach Evan­ gelical Mennonite Church and is associated with Pinegrove Bible Chapel in Ottawa. Her parents are Arden and Helen Thiessen.

COMING EVENTS

MCC Ottawa Director On Leave WINNIPEG, MAN. - MCC Canada’s long­ time Ottawa office director is taking a two-year leave to work for the agency in the Middle East. Bill Janzen has been working with the Ot­ tawa office since it opened in 1975. He and his wife, Marlene, and their two children are living in Cairo, Egypt, where he will study and report on the indigenous Christian churches of the Middle East to determine how MCC can best support them. Marlene will be teaching English in Cairo.

CAMP POSITIONS Camp Arnes has the following positions available immediately:

Cook — Experience required. Lifeguard

Call Lowell Enns at 642-7618 for further In­ formation. Camp Arnes 1151 Henderson Highway Winnipeg, MB R2G 1L5

Gratitude Banquets Rio Grande Bible Institute of Edinburg, Texas

Friday, October 1 6:30 p.m. International Inn Winnipeg, Man. Winnipeg: 448-4032 Rosenort: 746-8228 Steinbach: 326-1334 Tuesday, October 5 6:30 p.m.

Church of the Open Bible Swift Current, Sask. Phone: (306) 778-2317

1475 Pembina Highway Winnipeg, Man. Phone: (204) 477-HOPE (4673) October 3 25th Anniversary Rosenort Fellowship Chapel Rosenort, Man. Phone: (204) 746-8360 October 5 Gratitude Banquet Rio Grande Bible Institute Church of the Open Bible Swift Current, Sask. Phone: (306) 778-2317 October 14, 15, 28, 30 Eden Foundation Banquets 14 — Winnipeg 15 - Winkler/Morden 28 — Steinbach 30 ■— Altona Phone: (204) 325-5355 October 16 Sonlife Seminar Phone: (204) 326-6401 Growing a Healthy Church October 2, 9:00 a.m.. with Dan Spader Recovery of Hope Winnipeg, Man. Seminar tor troubled marriages Phone: (204) 669-0415

September 30 - October 2 1993 Prophecy Conference Elim Chapel Winnipeg, Man. Phone: (204) 254-7843 September 30 - October 3 Annual conference Canadian Revival Fellowship Prairie Bible Institute Three Hills, Alta. Phone; (306) 522-3685 October 1, 6:30 p.m. Gratitude Banquet Rio Grande Bible Institute International Inn Winnipeg, Man. Phone; (204) 448-4032 October 2 Ministerial Meeting Spouses included Morweena EMC Arborg, Man.

PAGE 4

October 18-21 Billy Graham School of Evangelism Lake Louise, Alta. Phone: (612) 338-0500 October 28 - 30 MCC Canada and Alberta Annual Meetings Calgary, Alta. Phone: (204) 261-6381 or (403) 275-6935 October 29-30 Writers’ Conference Wordpower '93 Columbia Bible College Clearbrook, B.C. Phone: (604) 853-6959 November 12-13 EMCup Hockey Tournament Phone: (204) 257-1682 November 19 Teachers’ Conference Manitoba Association of Christian Schools Portage la Prairie, Man. Phone: (204) 857-3726 or

(204) 364-2466

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY

Industrial table saw Finish nailer Heavy duty router to buy or to have donated Inner City Youth Alive Darnell Plett Phone: (204) 878-9589 or 488-5040

z-

EMCup d Hockey Tournament November 12 and 13 & If interested, contact Doug Friesen (204) 257-1682

CORRECTION: Wg regret that the two photos of Maria Enns and Jacob Koop were accidentally switched in the September 3 Messenger. We apologize to the respective families for this mistake.

CONTRIBUTORS: Violet W. Wright is a free-lance writer from Sturgis, Sask. She and her husband, Edwin, served in ministry for several EMC churches before their retirement. Fred Buhler is the pastor of Pineridge Fel­ lowship Chapel (EMC) in Hudson Bay, Sask. The article is condensed from his message at the annual convention in July. The full text may be requested from the Conference Office (free), or it may be ordered on cassette tape ($3.00 -I- postage). Elmer Barkman (Blumenort), a former mis­ sionary in Venezuela, is a representative of New Tribes Mission in Manitoba. Daue Schellenberg, former Messenger edi­ tor, is a minister in the EMC church in Stein­ bach, Man. Ernie Koop, under assignment from the Board of Missions, organized and directed the Summer Service ’93 program. Ernie and his wife, Diane, have two sons and are members of the Evangelical Fellowship Church (EMC) in Steinbach. Verna Doerksen (Blumenort) is a mission­ ary in Peru with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Cathg Thiessen (Mennville) is involved in a church-planting ministry in Chihuahua City, Mexico. 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 and Canadian Church Press. Editor: Menno Hamm Phone: (204) 326-6401; Fax (204) 326-1613

THE MESSENGER

A Church Acquainted With Grief: Suffering a Way of Life for Many by Paul Schrag, for Meetinghouse BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — After watching The Radicals, a movie about the persecution of 16th-century Anabaptists, Pedro Nsiangangu said, “This is what we experience now in Angola.” Nsiangangu, president of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Angola, was not the only Mcnnonite World Conference General Council member who could identify with persecution. A theme that ran through the meeting was that church members in a number of countries are suffering, whether due to persecution, the breakdown of law and order or poverty result­ ing from national economic woes. Each asked council members to go home with messages for Mennonites around the world to pray for their people. “We have to pray to win the struggle against the powers of this world,” said Mukanza Ilunga of Zaire. In Angola, suffering is caused by a civil war that flared up again last year. Nsiangangu’s mother was killed when rebel forces attacked a government-controlled area. In January, a Mennonite church building was destroyed in ethnic violence that has erupted along with the civil war. “The church always trusts in God,” he said. “If we did not, we would not be here today.”

Delegates from Zaire pleaded urgently for prayer. The country has descended into vio­ lent turmoil and economic collapse as Presi­ dent Mobutu Sese Seko tries to keep the grip on power that he has held for more than 30 years. Nkumbi Shambuyi told of civilians killed in­ discriminately, a million people driven from their homes, widespread hunger and disease. “You can’t imagine the suffering of your brothers and sisters in Zaire,” he said. “The world thinks everything is all right, but peo­ ple are dying.” One thing he appreciated about the coun­ cil meeting in Zimbabwe was that he got three meals a day. Many Zairians can only afford one. Inflation last year was 6000 percent, and unemployment is 80 percent. “In spite of their situation, the church in Zaire is alive,” Ilunga told an estimated 1500 wor­ shippers at Lobengula Brethren in Christ Church in Bulawayo on July 18. “There is joy in spite of hard problems.” Cesar Moya said the church in Colombia is witnessing for peace in a nation plagued by violence linked to the drug trade. “Those who stand up to denounce injustice have been put to death,” he said. “We don’t go out alone from

■t Z *

» 4

<»' The Hon. Clayton Manness (at the microphone) and Frank Dueck, vice-chairman of the Association, during the actual lease transfer.

the [church] work, because we know at any time they could take one of our leaders.” Seventy percent of Colombians live in poverty, Moya said. Two delegates from Nicaragua said their people were suffering due to a disastrous econ­ omy. Blandon Meja said the living conditions of many people have fallen from poor to mis­ erable. Unemployment is 60 percent, but the rich are getting richer. Agustin Flores said the Nicaraguan churches are growing, but “we don’t know how we can get through all these problems.” Still, he spoke for many when he said, “We feel sup­ ported here, and we will go home with more strength.”

Paul Schrag, the managing editor of Mennonite Weekfy Reuiew, Newton, Kansas, attended the trien­ nial meeting of the General Council of Mennonite World Conference in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, July 13-21.

Applications Invited to the Epp Memorial Fund WATERLOO, Ont. — The administrative committee of the Frank H. Epp Memorial Fund invites applications for study/work projects which further Epp’s vision for mission in Canada and throughout the world. The award of $2500 supports projects deal­ ing with history, peacemaking, Mennonite ecumenicity and the Christian faith. Preference is given to Mennonite and Brethren in Christ persons who are studying or working in Canada. Application forms are available from: The Administrative Committee, Frank H. Epp Memorial Fund, Conrad Grebel College, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G6. All applications should be received by November 15, 1993. The award will be announced in February 1994.

Historic Mennonite Landing Site Leased Sunday, September 19, turned out to be a beautiful fall day. To the uninformed, the small crowd gathered in close proximity of the Red River west of Niverville, Manito­ ba, would probably have evoked questions. To those who were part of this assembly, some sitting comfortably on lawn chairs, it was the witnessing of an historic event. The occasion was the presentation of the Mennonite landing site lease to the Men­ nonite Memorial Landing Site Association. This lease involves a 2/?-acre tract of land at the junction of the Red River and the Rat River, where the first Russian Mennonites arrived to settle in Canada in 1874. During a short program, the Hon. Clay-

SEPTEMBER 24, 1993

ton Manness, Minister of Education for the Province of Manitoba, presented the lease. The group was welcomed by Mr. Cyrille Durand, reeve of the R. M. of Ritchot, the municipality in which the site is located. Also included in the ceremony was a brief history of the landing site’s sig­ nificance by historian Royden Loewen. Rev. Bill Hildebrandt, bishop of the Chortitzer Mennonite Conference, spoke on “Remembering.” Rev. Menno Kroeker, of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, led in prayer. Chairing the program was C. Wilbert Loewen, chairman of the Men­ nonite Memorial Landing Site Association.

B.C. Christian Writers'

Conference “Wordpower ’93,” a Christian writers’ con­ ference, will be held October 29-30 at Colum­ bia Bible Colley, Clearbrook, B.C. Luci Shaw, senior editor of Harold Shaw Publish­ ers, will be the keynote speaker. A total of 24 workshops will range from fic­ tion writing to publishing. The conference is sponsored by Mennonite Brethren Hera/d. Mennonite Reporter and Columbia Bible College. Contact Jim Coggins, Mennonite Brethren Herald, 302-32025 Dahlstrom Ave., Clear­ brook, B.C. V2T 2K7, phone (604) 853-6959, fax (604) 853-6990.

PAGE 5

Reflections on MCC Assignment — Counselling (Sept. '91 to Sept. '93)

Hope Counselling Services Society We are leaving our place of MCC assign­ ment here at Hope Counselling Services in Courtenay with mixed feelings. Feelings of pain! Feelings of joy! Feelings of sadness! Our hearts would like to simultaneously stay here and move back home. We have become attached! There is much we appreciate here — friendships, church fa­ mily, close counselling relationships, a sense of ownership of the Centre as we have seen it grow and expand. There is pain as we separate ourselves from all of this. Pain and joy are closely interwoven. It seems they go hand in hand and we can’t experience one without the other. Again we are experiencing the reality of this truth. Needless to say, the great outdoors, the scenic beauty surrounding us wherever we go, has been most enjoyable. The majestic moun­ tains beckoning us to explore their exciting hik­ ing trails, the ageless ocean with many walks along its coast, the exhilarating early morn­ ing cycling excursions: we will miss them all. However, the heartstrings pull back home. We are looking forward with anticipation to new challenges that await us there. These two years have changed both of us. The experiences and involvement with peo­ ple, sharing pain and joy, despair and hope, have impacted us deeply. They have brought significant change regarding several areas in our lives. First, our faith has grown and expanded. Two years ago, when we drove up to our new home, we had no idea what awaited us here. We were embarking on a new venture with much trepidation. It was faith in God’s presence with us that we clung to at that time. As we look back we can see there have been many opportunities for faith-stretching. See-

ing deteriorating marriages rebuild, seeing despairing individuals receive hope again, have amazed us time and again. What a faith builder! In contrast, when the results weren’t what we hoped for, it required even greater faith. This was a time of personal searching, a time to re-establish our security base. And in this we realized that the results of our coun­ selling were not in our control but in God’s. Our faith expanded and we knew peace in spite of our pain and hurt. Second, our view of life has been affected. More than ever we have realized there are no easy answers to life’s problems. Life is com­ plex, complicated and unfair. This we have seen time and again in our counselling ex­ perience here. The emotional pain and trau­ ma in broken, abusive and dysfunctional families has deeply impacted us. Life simply isn’t as black and white as we would like it to be. We have been deeply challenged to ask ourselves questions that are somewhat threatening to our inner well-being and we are

Interim

still grappling with. In the meantime we con­ tinue to commit ourselves to come alongside these hurting individuals, doing what we can. In light of this, materialism and competitive power don’t have quite the same hold on us. We are beginning to see in a greater way what really matters — people in relationship. Third, our understanding of people has broadened. We have seen many people from various backgrounds of belief, culture and tra­ dition. In greater ways we have come to regard all people with dignity as created image­ bearers of God, regardless of their walk in life, regardless of their moral and ethical stand. It is difficult to grapple with the tension that ex­ ists when a client’s values differ from ours. However, as we sought to understand them and their background, we received a greater acceptance of them and understanding of their problem. Our appreciation of these individu­ als became ever greater as we were open to learn from them. In this we are indebted to our clients. These two years have been a time of growth, adjustment and challenge. We would like to thank MCC and Hope Counselling Services for extending this opportunity to us. Aluin and Adina Kornelsen Vancouver Island, B.C.

Director For MCC

WINNIPEG, Man., - John Dyck of Win­ nipeg has begun serving as interim Executive Director of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada. A long-time educator in Manitoba, John is also known as the director of the Canadian office of the Mennonite World Conference, in which capacity he coordinat­ ed Assembly 12 in Winnipeg in 1990. Dyck is expected to serve from 12 to 18 months while the search for a permanent director continues. Dan Zehr, the previous Ex­ ecutive Director for MCC Canada, resigned from the post at the end of June.

Canada

Zehr has completed an impressive 29 years of service with Mennonite Central Committee, the last 15 as Executive Director of MCC Canada. He has travelled to 50 countries, in­ cluding three years of service in Latin America. Dan and his wife, Elaine, have moved to British Columbia, where Dan is pastoring the Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford. While in Winnipeg the Zehrs were members of the Crestview Fellowship (EMC) and later transferred to the Fort Garry EMC Church. (From reports by MCC and Mennonite Reporter.)

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WORKING TO RELIEVE L HUNGER Canadian

Foodgrains

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ships food assistance on behalf of 12 church groups. fopreseniifsg 10.600

EMC Leadership Retreat

congregations m Canada.

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Date: April 8-10, 1994 Location: Camp Arnes, Gimli, Manitoba

bines Since 1983. over b2 million metricc tonnes of food has been shipped overseas.

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Theme: The Nature of God and How it Affects our Ethics “The Great I Am! Who am I?” Speaker: August (Gus) Konkel, Providence Seminary

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helping to relieve hunger.

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reaching beyond its borders.

For more informaiion. call or wnle

PAGE 6

ftGinadian t^fboderai lie 'j’l AChnjtiui loHuDrr

CANADIAN FOODGRAINS BANK Contributions mav be made to the account ol

Box 767 Winnipeg, MB R3C 214

MENNONFTE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Toll Free Number: (BOO) 665-0377 Local: (704) 944-1993

Cost; $46.50-67.50 per person (depending on choice of lodging)

THE MESSENGER

9

service team

"'"'"summer service 1993 WHO

Orientation: For the first week the group went to Betula Lake for a time of orientation and preparation. This allowed the group to spend time bonding, preparing ministry materials, and work­ ing at functioning as a group. Daily devotions led by different group members became an important part of their preparation. Activities: The summer was filled with a variety of different ministries and activities. This provided variety for the team and also helped them develop a wide range of gifts and abilities. Some of the involvements: DVBS — The group spent a number of weeks working with DVBS. This not only included teaching the children but also or­ ganizing, leading singing, games, etc. This ministry was done together with local church people. Drama — The team prepared a variety of mime and drama sketches that were used for local church services, camp work, outreach and evangelistic services, and ministry to seniors. This included monologues, readers’ theatre, mime, as well as larger sketches. Camp work — During the summer we were able to work in quite a variety of different camps — Steeprock, Madge, Welman and Ketchen. The team spent the day getting to know cam­ pers and staff, organizing games for the campers, and then participating in the chapel programs. At Steeprock, members of the team also spent a few days as counsellors because of a shortage of workers.

- Layton Friesen (Mennville EMC) - Kevin Dickhaut (Steinbach EEC) - Maury Friesen (Mount Salem EMC) - Wendolyn Schlamp (Aberdeen EMC) - Tamara Friesen (Steinbach EEC) - Maria Doerksen (Braeside EMC) - Ernie Koop (Steinbach EEC) Director

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WHEN

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July 2 - August 23 Orientation week — practicing our singing.

WHERE Region *3: Birch River, Swan River, Creighton, Belly, Arabella, Endeavour, Hudson Bay

WHAT Summer Service is a program designed to give high school and college age youth an opportunity to minister and develop their spiritual gifts. Commissioning: The summer service team was commissioned at the annual convention and also had the opportunity of presenting a drama at the convention.

The team was commissioned on Juiy 4.

SEPTEMBER 24, 1993

Seniors — It was a privilege to be able to bring services to the different seniors’ homes and lodges in the region. These pro­ grams were usually filled with lots of singing, special numbers, and short devotionals. On several occasions the group was able to teach them a few ‘rowdy’ camp songs. Even the seniors en­ joyed some hearty singing! Service Projects — Following are some of the things we did: -Clean the mud and silt off a yard in Birch River after the flood. -Help a lady in Swan River do general repairs on her farm. -Fix the church sign and paint the fence at the chapel in Creighton. -Mow lawns for seniors in Endeavour. -Hang ceiling tile in the basement of the Hudson Bay » church. / The different service assignments allowed the group / to reach out in a tangible way and minister to people I in the different communities. / Evangelism — We had a number of evangelistic ser/ vices during the summer. In Birch River we had an out/ door service together with a native evangelist. In g Creighton the team had a service on the beach at Jan ■ Lake. Witnessing, door-to-door or on the street, was also 3 an interesting experience. t Youth — The team got together with the young people from the different EMC churches and developed many won­ derful friendships. As much as possible, local youth were also integrated into the different ministries and activities of the team. Ernie Koop PAGE 7

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TEAM MEMBER TESTIMONIES Kevin Dickhaut: I think one of the greatest eye-openers for me this summer was Steeprock Bible Camp. 1 had never worked with native kids before and found it to be a super ministry. It was great to work with the people of the churches, helping them in sharing the gospel with kids. 1 find it amaz­ ing how God works in our lives through different experiences and 1 have learned to trust Him more this summer. 1 feel Sum­ mer Service was the best way 1 could have spent my sum­ mer. —

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Organizing games at camp can iofs of fun and rather ch^ ing as well. The campers had a be great time and so did the^ team members!

Maury Friesen: The summer with the Summer ’93 Team was a time filled with growth, challenge and, of course, fun. I think the best part of the summer was the people — the six great team members who have all found a dear place in my heart, the pastors and other church leaders, the people who billeted us, the young people, and many others with whom we developed friendships. My eyes were opened to some of the struggles and joys that people experience on the mission field. Hidden talents were developed. I grew closer to God and He became a closer friend to me. He gave me the strength 1 needed in difficult times.

Maria Doerksen: This summer, being a part of this close-knit team, 1 attempted things I never dreamed of doing, shared my Christianity with many different people and experienced God in a new way. It’s unbelievable how much 1 learned this sum­ mer. For me the highlight was working in VBS. God also worked in my life as we travelled. 1 have become excited about devo­ tions and about talking to God. 1 have learned what an awe­ some God we serve.

The summer service team put ceiling file into the church base­ ment at Hudson Bay. Here they are painting strips of wood used to cover the joints in the tile.

Tamara Friesen-. Summer Service ’93 has been a time of spiritual growth. We had the privilege of teaching two weeks of VBS in Arabella and Endeavour. 1 learned so much during that time. When I was at my lowest point God gave me the strength when I asked Him for it. 1 still have a lot to learn about God but this summer has definitely helped me to learn more about how awesome God is.

Mime and drama were an integral part of the ministry at the Bible camps and at the different churches.

(Photos are by various team members).

Wendolyn Schlamp: The summer of ’93 will be remembered as one of the best of my life! It was very exciting to discover some of the gifts God has given me to use in ministry. Many of the activities we were involved in helped me to grow closer to God and to depend on Him when 1 needed strength. 1 disco­ vered many new ways in which God can use me. PAGE 8

I

Layton Friesen: One aspect that really made my summer enjoyable was the homes we were billeted in, where we ex­ perienced genuine hospitality. I spent a few weeks in Region 3 and in every place I felt like part of the family by the end of the week. Summer Service ’93 helped me understand people better. Working with six other people helped me to appreciate the different gifts God has given to differ­ ent people and gave me insight into how people get along (and how they don't get along), which 1 feel will be beneficial for me in whatever church work 1 may be in­ volved. My prayer is that the fruit of our ministry will last and that Region 3 will be a better, more godly place because we were there.

THE MESSENGER

SUMMER

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RESPONSES FROM THE CHURCHES Our overall reaction to the group was very positive. They in­ fused a fresh boost of enthusiasm and energy into Steeprock Bay Bible Camp. Their physical work of flood cleanup raised the perception of our church in the community. The team members were a great help and encouragement to our own young people. Adults also were encouraged and challenged to serve wholeheartedly. B/rc/j River

Maria and Wendy put another coat of paint on the fence at the chapel in Creighton. They must have just started — they are not covered with paint yet!

The team made a very positive impact on V.B.S., the youth and the whole church. The unity of the group was excellent — they supported one another ... They were enthusiastic, their singing was infectious — got our children singing and gave a lift to the church life. They came to minister and they had a real spiritual ministry here. The fact that the team worked in V.B.S. did not mean our people had nothing to do. I believe there was more involvement than in past years. In fact, it was a lot of hard work, but everyone seems to think it was more than worth the time and effort. The Lord has used this ministry above all that we could have hoped or imagined... It was a super idea — we want them back again! Endeavour Tamara giving her rendition of ’Love Letters’" at an outdoor evangelistic service in Birch River.

The group had a very positive attitude toward each other and the people they were meeting. I appreciated their willingness to adapt and try new things ... The youth especially were en­ couraged by seeing such a positive group of Christian kids. Hudson Bay

' lunch in the dining hall at Steeprock Bible Camp.

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vas a definite positive quality they displayed, eciated. They were eager to take part and do whatever was asked of them. rked well as a whole, they displayed servant atere eager for ministry opportunities — went out 1 work to do. Pelly-Arabella

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Singing and ministering to seniors in the different communities was also a wonderful part of our summer.

SEPTEMBER 24, 1993

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Why Pray? by Elmer Barkman How important is prayer? Does it make much difference whether we pray or not? Is God that interested in us, in the details of our everyday lives, that we should bother talking to Him about them? If He knows everything about us before we talk to Him, even knows our thoughts and attitudes, why should we bother telling Him what our situation is like? If we were asked whether we think that prayer is important, we would not have any problem answering in the affirmative. We would even add that prayer is the lifeline of every believer. It is through prayer that we avail ourselves of the bountiful resources that we have in Christ. We know that without Him we can do nothing and that everything we have comes from Him. Yet when we consider our actions, how much time we spend before the Throne of Grace, most of us would probably have to admit that this is one of the weak areas of our Christian life. How often do we pray for our government and for those who are in decision-making po­ sitions in our country? How much time do we take to pray for our pastors and other church leaders? How often do we remember our mis­ sionaries who have gone to foreign countries to share God’s Word where it has never been shared before? How important actually is pray­ er to us? In I Timothy 2 we are exhorted to pray for all those who are in authority so that we will be able to live quiet and peaceable lives. In II Chronicles 7:14 we are told that if God’s

people will humble themselves and pray and seek His face, then He will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land. What a challenging responsibility! It is so easy to criticize and to find fault, but how often do we take time to pray? In Hebrews 13 we are told to remember our leaders, those who communicated to us the Word of God. Paul says on a number of oc­ casions, “Pray for us.” In Col. 4:3 and 4 he says, “Pray that God may open a door for our message...Pray that I may proclaim it clear­ ly.” How utterly important it is to pray for our ministers, our Bible teachers and our mission­ aries, that they will proclaim clearly the whole counsel of God. Jesus says in Matthew, “The harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth labourers into His harvest” (9:37,38). This world has many, many peo­ ple who have never heard of God’s love for them. How we need to pray that God will raise up labourers who would be willing to go into His harvest field! Today many doors which have been closed for many years are open to the preaching of the Gospel. There are many who are begging for someone to come and share the good news of salvation with them. Are you praying for labourers? Would you be willing to go? The Apostle Paul also asks for prayer that the message of the Lord would spread rapid­ ly and be accepted and that they would be deli­ vered from evil men. There will always be those who are opposed to God’s Word, those

Six Steinbach Men Join 50,000 in Colorado by lim Reimer Six Steinbach and area men attended Promise Keepers ’93 in Boulder, Colorado, July 30 and 31. This international gathering of Christian men from the U.S.A.. Canada and every continent in the world more than doubled last year’s event with 50,000 at­ tending. Promise Keepers was begun through the vi­ sion of University of Colorado Buffalos’ coach. Bill McCartney. His desire was to see men realize their full potential as Christian men, husbands and fathers in a world that has been undermining spiritual and moral foundations. This deterioration has caused men to shirk their responsibilities in their homes, churches and in their world. Focus on the Family has played an important role in supporting and promoting this organization. In the opening session. Pastor Greg Laurie led us face to face with God the Father. He showed that when we come to the end of our­ selves, we have just come to the beginning of God. That evening 3000 men came forward to invite Jesus into their lives. Saturday morning as the crowds were pour­ ing into Folsum Field Stadium, the Maranatha Praise Band led us in dynamic praise and wor­ ship. The sound of 50,000 men raising their voices in uninhibited song was unbelievable.

PAGE 10

The cheers and rallying of the masses were heard for miles. Howard Hendricks’ testimony was a demonstration of what happens when men in­ vest their lives in younger men. Every man needs an older, wiser man to look up to for guidance, as the apostle Pau! was to Timo­ thy. We also need a younger man to coach to spiritual maturity. Finally, we all need a peer who will be tactfully honest with us when we blow it, just as Barnabas was to Paul. Men need men. Speakers Ken Canfield, Gary Smalley and James Dobson dealt with themes of personal integrity, family relationships and values that endure in our homes. Coach Bill McCartney gave the final challenge, “Go out there equipped to do bat­ tle.” Contend for the truth. Men have not been taking on the front lines. We have allowed our nation to be corrupted. We need to come face to face with God, with our wives and with our children. Men need to pray for our pastors and for one another. Men need to break down the racial, cultur­ al, social and denominational walls. Men need to break the silence and isolation in order to be effective people of God.

who have ulterior motives. How we need to pray for our missionaries, those who are out in the battlefront! Many of them are in areas where the forces of darkness are very real. The enemy of our souls is doing everything in his power to keep as many in darkness as he can. In January of this year three New Tribes missionaries working in Panama were kid­ napped by a group of ungodly men. We do not know where these men are being held, but from recent communication we believe that they are still alive. Please pray that they will soon be released and be reunited with their families. Pray also that as these men share the Word of God with their captors, it might find an open door into the very hearts of those who are holding them captive. Yes, we know that prayer is important. Prayer does make a difference. God is interest­ ed in every detail of our lives. He has com­ manded us to come to Him with all of our petitions and to do so boldly. He has promised that He will hear us and that He will answer our prayers. He does not always answer in the way that we think is best; He knows better what is best for us than we do ourselves. “This is the confidence that we have in approach­ ing God: that if we ask anything according to His will. He hears us. And if we know that He hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of Him” (1 John 5:14,15). In James we are told that we do not have because we do not ask. Let us avail ourselves of the tremendous resources that we have in our heavenly Father. Spending time in prayer with our loving Father is not only a privilege, it is also an awesome responsibility. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like ea­ gles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Resources for World Food Day Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has produced a variety of new resources for con­ gregations, schools and interested individuals who want to take another look at hunger in the context of the 13th annual World Food Day on October 16. The resources include the following: MCC Feeds Hungry People, a 38-minute video produced in 1993. shows how people in North America participate in a variety of programs to provide food for the hungry. The Doubled Harvest, a 16-minute video produced in 1993, shows how people ministered together to counteract the effects of the 1992 drought in Zambia. HungerFest is a packet for discovering more about hunger through drama, worship, activities and fund-raising suggestions. Other related resources are also available. Contact your provincial MCC office or MCC Canada, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, Man. R3T 5K9.

THE MESSENGER

Missions PERU

I Can Read! The Lord is Faithful b,

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Warm greetings from Peru with II Thess. 3:3-5, “...pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly...And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men...But the Lord is faithful...” Two weeks ago I arrived back from the community of Materyato after more than three months of steady teaching of the adult read­ ing class. We were getting tired after the long stretch without a break, but the students were so faithful in coming. One day while singing, like we usually did, I said to my students, “Let’s read the words in the hymnbook.” Even though they had tried to follow the words before, they had not real­ ly recognized them. But that day it dawned on them that they could really read. You should have seen their smiles. It was fun to watch the students’ responses as we read Scripture portions together. When we read Acts 17:26, Allene said to them that God planned for them to live in the pajonal (place abounding in tall grass). Did their faces light up! Or when reading Genesis 4 about Cain and Abel, they were deep in thought, maybe sad. I have a feeling it hit close to home.

I thank the Lord that there was very little sickness in Materyato. But we had a serious­ ly ill lady who needed medical attention in Pucallpa. Alicia, the wife of teacher Ruben Velasquez, had a “tumour” in her abdomen for almost a year. When Dr. Munoz operated he found a torn gauze left inside when Alicia had had a Caesarian Section in a small town. Dr. Munoz said that if Alicia had come several days later she probably would not have made it. We thank God for his timing in bringing her in from the village. During Alicia’s recovery, she and Ruben read the book of Genesis and really enjoyed it in their own language. They had heard the Gospel in Spanish through the Seventh Day Adventist church, but I think now they are dis­ covering what it really means. This week Victor Huascar, leader of the community of Alto Chencoreni, who suffered a broken pelvis and torn urethra in an acci­ dent a year ago while working on an airstrip, is back in the hospital for one more surgery to reconstruct the urethra. For the last year he has had a suprapubic catheter. The urolo­ gist gives him only a 20% chance of success with this surgery. Victor wants so much to be normal again! We pray for God’s will to be done physically and spiritually. The nurses at the Swiss Mission are taking care of Victor at this time. Verna Doerksen

Botswana Christians Identify Priority Needs During Peacemaker Festival In a first-of-its-kind festival bringing together Botswana Christians from across the church spectrum, participants set out peacemaking priorities for this desert African country. While the peacemaking needs of countries like South Africa have often grabbed the headlines, Bot­ swana Christians indicated an urgent need for fostering peace in families, communities and in churches that are often plagued by un­ resolved strife. (There are nearly 200 differ­ ent registered denominations in a country of 1.3 million people.) The festival, organized with the help of Mennonite Ministries workers, unfolded under a larger banner bearing the Biblical greeting peace be with ^u. The light blue banner, sewn with the help of refugees from several neigh­ bouring countries, had been circulating among local churches for several weeks before the fes­ tival as an invitation to participate. Between 150 and 200 Christians did so. The three-day event, which took place at a community hall in Old Naledi, a squatter set­ tlement, included the showing of the film “Je­ sus”; a choir festival highlighted by the participation of Dutch Reformed Singers from Bushman communities in western Botswana; community drama groups; a Saturday momSEPTEMBER 24, 1993

ing procession led by a uniformed brass band from an African Independent Church; work­ shops dealing with peacemaking needs in such areas as gender violence, alcohol abuse, AIDS victims, refugees and human rights; as well as small group discussion. One of the speakers, a traditional chief, who is also a minister in one of the African Indepen­ dent Churches, made a plea for leaders to see the laying of a foundation for strong marriages as a critical peacemaking activity. The chief reflected on the breakdown of families as a cause of much of the conflict brought to his court. The theme of gender and family vio­ lence was also taken up powerfully by the community drama groups and by workshop leaders. This message was particularly apt when seen against the backdrop of the poverty and social stress of the surrounding squatter settlement. Youngsters from the community came to participate in special children’s activi­ ties centered on the story of Jesus stilling the storm. They later formed a choir and processed into the main hall with a boister­ ous song, “I will never lose my faith!” Among participants from such nearby coun­ tries as Swaziland and Lesotho was Graham Cyster of the Broken Wall Community in

DEPARTURE To Mexico

Gerald Reimer BACKGROUND: Grew up on a farm in the Rosenort, Man., area. His parents are Leo and Eva Reimer and he has four siblings.

EDUCATION: High school at Rosenort Collegiate. BA in Biblical Studies at Providence College. Spanish language studies at Rio Grande Bible Institute. SPIRITUAL HIGHLIGHTS: Grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus as a child. Experienced growth through Sunday school and youth group. Bap­ tized in the Pleasant Valley EMC.

HOBBIES AND PERSONAL IN­ TERESTS: Outdoor sports, reading, photography and music (plays guitar). ASSIGNMENT: Be part of a church­ planting team focusing on youth minis­ try and leadership training.

STATUS: Career missionary

PLEASE PRAY FOR GERALD

Cape Town, South Africa, who shared sto­ ries of the search for peace in Kayelitsha and other troubled townships. Cyster also preached at the closing worship service that included footwashing and the Lord’s Supper. Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission worker Jonathan Larson explained that the festival approach was an attempt to make the peace­ making theme accessible to everyday Chris­ tians. Previous regional gatherings on peace­ making have been seminars and workshops for the top level of church leadership. Larson indicated the festival was to be Botswanaspecific: to focus on local needs and resources. The festival approach also recognizes the need to go beyond a crisis understanding of pea­ cemaking and places it in the context of every­ day living. “As with any new idea, there is a need to overcome the reticence of Christians who have often been manipulated and exploited,” said Larson. “There is a long-term task here to en­ courage the full breadth of the Christian com­ munity to consider the Gospel call to (continued on page 12) PAGE 11

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An early morning hike

Cathy doing the song leading.

MEXICO

Some Fell on Good Ground Camp 1993 is History The Retreat Center at Santo Tomas stood quietly on top of the hill. Except for the leaves rustling in the breeze, there was no noise. Ex­ cept for a snake hunting for mice, there was no life. Suddenly the whole scene changed! Vehicles started to pull up the hill. There were voices, laughter, greetings and running of feet. There was life. Aromas started to come from the kitchen. Why the change? What was go­ ing on? The occasion? Children’s camp, which took place July 19-23. The theme was “Victories in Canaan" — studies on Joshua, Gideon, Barak. Deborah and Samson. The staff and teachers did their part in making the camp a success: Rubi, Iracema and Mayra (teachers),

Egla and Doris (cooks), Veronica (crafts, de­ votions and missionary story), Tomi and Blanquita (puppets), Cathy (director). For the children the highlights were obvious­ ly eating and singing. Every time we had a tes­ timony period or a time of praise, one little guy would pipe up and say, “1 praise God for the cooks and for the food.” His love for food seemed to rub off on the other kids; they all ate well and heartily enjoyed mealtime. During free time the whole group would often sit together someplace and sing their hearts out. Sometimes before it was time for a session to start, they would all be in their places raising their voices in song (not neces­ sarily on key but they didn’t care). We were reminded of Jesus and His attitude towards children. “Forbid them not...do not hinder them...if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” The stones didn’t cry out. Children’s praises rang to the high heavens, reached the ears of our Lord and I’m sure He was pleased.

-2 4^'Time for a rest!

(Botswana, continuted)

peacemaking. The real significance of this gathering will be seen in time as we build with patience on this delightful beginning. “One of the little clues to what happened here was to see that the peace banner got soiled when it was dragged in the dirt during the opening procession through the squatter settlement,” chuckled Larson. “1 believe that

PAGE 12

Teens’ camp took place August 2-9, 1993 — a very different group of kids, a different emphasis, different interests and different high­ lights. We couldn’t get them to open their mouths or raise their voices, but they did open their Bibles. The themes we studied included the following: How sin entered the world, the world’s need of a Saviour, God’s part in redemption, man’s part in redemption, steps to spiritual victory. We memorized Philippians 2:5-11 and learned it well. They remembered their Creator in the days of their youth. Camp 1993 is history — The seed has been sown. I’m sure it has fallen on various types of soil. Some probably has fallen on hard ground, some among rocks, but other on good soil. Some has sprouted and I trust that it will take root, continue to grow and yield much fruit. The seed has been sown. If the home churches will do enough watering, the seed will grow and give the increase. Cathy Thiessen

‘ k Egla getting ready for the next meal.

our peacemaking mandate as Christians in Botswana has hit the road. We’re talking true grit here.” Among the peacemaking activities that Mennonites in Botswana are considering is a Victim Offender Reconciliation process that the government prison system wants to dis­ cuss. There will also be peacemaking festivals held in scattered locations to stimulate local

congregations to engage in peacemaking work and witness. Funding for the gathering was provided by MCC, whose regional represen­ tatives, Leona and Peter Penner, encouraged the festival project. Jonathan Larson Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission

THE MESSENGER

BURKINA FASO

Where There is No Doctor “I will watch over you...” The Peugeot pickup truck rattled and shook as it bounced over the unpaved road. Lois and I sat in the cab with Jonathan and Caleb, watching occasional palm trees, nere trees and baobab trees pass by on either side. The parched fields, burned black in places, reflect­ ed the heat of the relentless sun that was ris­ ing higher in the cloudless sky. The last load of our household possessions tightly packed in the back helped make the ride a little more tolerable. Behind us lay the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. Eighty kilometers ahead of us was Orodara, where Josiah and Ruth were in boarding school. Ten kilometers beyond that was the village of Tin, our destination. Our stay in Bobo had been enjoyable. Lois and I had completed the 12 beginners lessons of the Jula language and were now looking ahead to continuing work among the Siamou people. We had met many friendly people there, but we were looking forward to living in Tin, where melodic birds are the first sounds you hear early in the morning, unlike the roar of motorcycles that greeted us at 6 a.m. in Bobo. The early morning motorcycles and trucks not only were noisy, they also created a lot of dust. The thick dust in the air bothered us all, but Jonathan suffered most. Jonathan’s asthma symptoms became more acute as the months went by. We hoped optimistically that the fresh, clean air in Tin would help Jona­ than to be able to breathe more easily. Dur­ ing the four years of living in Tin during our last term, I had had some trouble with asth­ ma myself, but Jonathan had been fine. Both of us did very well during our furlough year in Canada. However, both Jonathan and I be­ gan having asthma symptoms when we land­ ed on Ouagadougou in July of 1992. A few crisis experiences in Bobo made us very thankful for the medical help available in the city — a highly qualified African doctor, experienced missionary nurses, and five phar­ macies to choose from. Living within a phone call or a ten-minute drive of these medical resources was certainly another positive thing about city life. But Tin was our home; it had been for four years already. We had many friends there and an unfinished job waiting for us. We arrived in Tin at noon that day; finally we were back in our beloved village. The challenge of once again tackling Siamou was at the same time formidable, as well as inviting. Our minds were filled with many thoughts; These people need the Scriptures in their mother tongue...God has called us here to bring them the message of truth and to establish the church of Jesus Christ among them...Soon we will be able to actually begin translating...’ However, even as we drove to Tin that day, Jonathan had been wheezing slightly, not enough for us to be very concerned in the ex-

SEPTEMBER 24, 1993

citement of our busy day, though. That first night in Tin he wheezed and coughed, and we sat beside his bed watching his breathing be­ come more and more laboured. The next day, as his difficulty with breathing increased some more, we wondered what to do. Our friends coming to greet us looked at Jonathan with sympathy and concern. By late afternoon it was obvious that we would have to get help; that reality hit us like a blow. One night in Tin and already we had to hurry off for help. Dis­ couraged and frustrated, we threw a few items back on the truck and returned to Orodara. There Beckie Klassen was more than willing to do what she could for Jonathan. She gave him two shots. We stayed in Orodara for night and in the morning Jonathan was slightly bet­ ter, but we drove back to Bobo on that bumpy road to see Dr. Tall, the kind African doctor who had helped Jonathan a number of times already. Again we returned to Tin, but this time with new apprehension. How could we live in Tin

“God has chosen some special servants to help us and to encourage us. Through them He lifts us up out of our anxiety and show us His almighty power.” and continue our work there if Jonathan need­ ed help which was not available in Tin? Mak­ ing frequent emergency trips to Bobo was not practical with that kind of a road. The resources available in Orodara were very limit­ ed, and even that was a 35-minute drive from home. With the rainy season ahead of us, even the possibility of going to Orodara quickly would be in question. The enormous puddle in Lidara, halfway between Tin and Orodara, would be an obstacle to be reckoned with. We found that out last summer! We prayed and asked God to help us find solutions to these problems and to make it possible for us to stay in Tin, to have good health and to do His work. February was a marvellous month; Jona­ than had no asthma whatsoever. March was good too. In April he had some minor difficulty, but it was not serious till the end of the month. Meanwhile, we discovered that Gordon and Beckie’s niece in Winnipeg had asthma worse than Jonathan and that her parents were very experienced in taking care of an asthmatic child. Through them we also found out about two devices that are very useful in monitor­ ing and treating asthma. Gordon and Beck­ ie’s sister-in-law, Sylvia Klassen, purchased these items for us in Winnipeg and mailed them to Orodara. At the end of April 1 had to go to Ouagadou­ gou for a week, leaving Lois at home in Tin with the children. I hoped and prayed that Jonathan would be okay during my absence. The day 1 returned to Tin, I brought with me the AeroChamber and Peak Flow Meter,

which had arrived in Orodara. That very even­ ing Jonathan started an asthma attack. The Peak Flow Meter measures his breathing, giv­ ing us advance warning when an attack is be­ ginning. The AeroChamber helps administer the doses of Ventolin. We used both of these devices that day and found them to be effec­ tive. God’s timing was excellent! The very day we needed help, it was there. June 24 was a special day for me. That morning 1 read God’s promise to Jacob dur­ ing his dream in Bethel (Genesis 28): “1 am with you and will watch over you wherever you go...I will not leave you until 1 have done what 1 have promised you.” A few hours later a package came in the mail for us from Sylvia Klassen. It contained a very informative booklet, “Childhood Asth­ ma,” as well as a bottle of cough syrup and decongestant tablets, especially chosen for Jonathan, with instructions on how and when to use them. That was not all — She wrote a long detailed letter giving information on eight different asthma medications, in response to some questions Lois had asked her. She was writing this letter two days after Lois’s letter had anived there, and had already gone to the pharmacist to get information for us! At the end of the letter she offered to help us more and to do her best to answer our questions. She also included her phone num­ ber in case we would need some information immediately. As 1 read that letter 1 was overwhelmed with awe at God’s love and care for us, and He reminded me of the verses 1 had read in the morning. 1 remembered the anguish with which we had left Tin in January to get help for Jonathan. We had wondered whether we would be able to stay in Tin to do our work. God spoke to me as 1 read Sylvia’s letter. He was saying to me, “1 am with you and will watch over you wherever you go...I will not leave you until 1 have done what 1 have promised you!” There is no doctor in Tin and we have no telephone. Transportation and communication are slow and unreliable, but God is here with us. He has chosen some special servants to help us and to encourage us. Through them He lifts us up out of our anxiety and shows us His almighty power. Today the prospects of continuing our work in Tin look good. We are thankful to God for Dr. Tall and Beckie Klassen, who helped us in Bobo and Orodara. But in a special way we are grateful to God for Sylvia Klassen, a person we have never seen, who was willing to become involved, and went out of her way to answer our questions and to mail packages to us that helped us immensely. Through these people we have experienced God’s love. Through them we have grown sig­ nificantly in our understanding of God’s care and provision for us. Through them our faith in God has increased. We praise God, our Shepherd. The Great Physician is present where there is no doctor. Paul Thiessen PAGE 13

AIMM Executive Secretary Retires years. They plan to continue their residence in Elkhart, Indiana. The Board is planning a retirement dinner for the Roths on October 23 during their Board meetings in Eresno, Califor­ nia.

The Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission is cur­ rently seeking applications for the position of Executive Secretary. AIMM is a partnership of six Canadian and American Mennonite Conferences, with missionaries in five African countries. Interested persons are requested to address their inquiries to Harry L. Hyde, Chair, 1420 Kerrway Court, Ft. Wayne, Indiana 46805.

Earl Roth

Earl Roth, Executive Secretary of the Afri­ ca Inter-Mennonite Mission since September 1, 1986, retired August 31. Previous to Rev. Roth’s appointment, he and his wife, Ruth, served as missionaries with Africa InterMennonite Mission in Zaire for thirty-three

Gcutive Secretary, effective September 1, 1993. She will oversee the administrative serv­ ices of the Elkhart, Indiana, office. Until an Ex­ ecutive Secretary is appointed, she will also coordinate the general program of AIMM. Leo­ na served as a missionary in Zaire for 21 years. She has worked in the AIMM offices in Elk­ hart since 1990.

Leona Schrag

The Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM) has appointed Leona Schrag as Assistant Ex­

Messenger News

Wymark church high school grads. Back (left to right): Kevin Peters, Jerry Froese, Darrell Kehler (youth pastor). Front: Kim Fehr, Corinne Banman, Connie Funk, Esther Driedger, Elaine Kehler (youth pastor’s wife).

Wymark church family camp

TURN YOUR HEARTS TOWARD HOME Wymark, Sask.; Greetings from the EMC of Wymark! Fall has arrived and with it comes the busyness of different events. One is the Ladies’ Aid bazaar, where the ladies’ winter projects of knitting, sewing and quilting are auctioned off. The money is used for mission projects, the kitchen and other needs of the home church. We had another special evening to which the neighbourhood ladies were invited. Our guest speaker, Sharon Penny, shared of God’s grace in her life. She was given up for adop­ tion when she was a baby. She is now mar­ ried, has a family of her own and has found both her parents and her siblings. When she was given up, none of them were Christians. Now they are all Christians and they shared their first Christmas together. The wonder of God’s grace! The “Young at Heart” (our seniors) had a workday on May 23 at Westbank Bible Camp,

PAGE 14

in preparation for our annual Eamily Camp, which was held June 25-27. David Koop, our speaker, chose the theme “Turn Your Hearts Toward Home.” He challenged all ages with his timely messages. Parents, especially fathers, were challenged to take their rightful place in the home. Young people were en­ couraged to choose the right path when they are young and not to be sidetracked from that path by the many distractions the world has to offer. He presented the messages very clear­ ly, with object lessons; even the children watched and listened with interest. On June 20 we had a special high school grad presentation in church. Each grad was presented with a gift, a challenge and a pray­ er of dedication for the Lord’s leading in the future. Ten of our young people were out in sum­ mer missions — working with Child Evan­ gelism in clubs, counselling in camps, and

going as far as Romania, counselling people in tent meetings. We were touched as we heard the reports of many hearing the gospel for the first time, of souls saved and of many encouraged in a country under communist rule for so many years. A very rewarding ex­ perience, though not always easy! Quite a number from our church took part in the distribution of the “Jesus” video. There were many different reports of the homes en­ tered: many accepted the video. Only eterni­ ty will reveal what really was accomplished through them as people continue to view them in their homes. Summer is over and students and teachers have returned to their classrooms. Many of our people have been on vacation. It will be good to have our pastors and congregation back home again and to get into a regular routine of winter programs. Mary Kehler

THE MESSENGER

50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED

Portage la Prairie, Man.: John and An nie Enns of Portage la Prairie, formerly of Elm Creek and Oakville, celebrated their 50th wed­ ding anniversary oh May 2. The celebration was in the Herman Prior Center in Portage. The motto; “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good” (Psalm 107:1). Fifty-four members of the family were in at­ tendance at the dinner, which included all the children and grandchildren, as well as some of the sisters, brothers and in-laws of the cou­ ple. Son Frank of Saskatoon welcomed the family and asked the blessing. A come-andgo tea was held at 2:30. Punch, dainties, coffee and tea were served by the couple’s 19 grandchildren. Two hundred fifty friends and

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family members came to extend their wishes to John and Annie. Annie’s mother, Mrs. Katherine Froesc (97 years of age) of Donwood Manor, was unable to attend due to poor health. It was a lovely Sunday enjoyed by all and will long be remembered by John and Annie. John and Annie were married in Elm Creek on June 26, 1943, with Abram B. Peters of Winnipeg officiating. The farmed in the Oak­ ville area and retired to Portage in June 1990. They enjoy their comfortable home and love the visits of their children, grandchildren, rela­ tives and friends. They also enjoy the fellow­ ship at the Portage Evangelical Church. Written by Annie and Family

Annie and John Enns

The Portage Church Family Enjoys a Picnic

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The two youngest Sunday school members at the Portage church Sunday school picnic on June 13.

Food — Ed Nikkei serving, Annie Enns, Dan Klassen

Rewards for all at the Sunday school picnic.

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Pastor Karl Goertzen

SEPTEMBER 24, 1993

Junior church

Bag races

PAGE 15

TEACHING CHILDREN Riverton, Man.: Many people have spent much time and effort during the summer months teaching children the truths of the gospel, either at camp, 5 day clubs or VBS programs. Our own VBS program again proved to be a success, not only in numbers, but in contacts made. The schedule ran smoothly under the capable direction of Gaylene Kornelsen and Debbie Kornelsen. 1 have asked them to share their thoughts with you: “From August 9-13 our church was filled with 50 energetic children, eager to learn. They were greeted by our Zoorific Ark Park (super job. Shannon!) in the front of the church. Our theme was ’Of All Animals Great and Small, God Loves You Most of All.’ “We had record attendance this year. We expected between 35-40 children, but we had an exciting response of 65. Needless to say, we were a little understaffed and short on material. What an exciting challenge! “Our teachers were Kendra Plett and Eliana Friesen (Kindergarten), Janelle Klassen (Grade 1), Debbie Kornelsen (Grade 2), Eileen Plett (Grades 3 and 4), Carol Kornelsen (Grades 5 and 6), Linda Kroeker and Diane Goertzen (Crafts), Shannon Kornelsen and Evonne Plett (Helpers). Snacks were provided by our church ladies. We had swamp water with Sea Foam, Chicken Feed, Hay Bales, Jelly Fish and Buffalo Chips. Use your imagination! “The Bible stories centered around animals and how God uses them, together with the people. Leroy L. Cub was the feature puppet in skits, which taught Bible truths. The sing­ ing was enthusiastic and enjoyed by all. “The children’s favourite time is usually crafts. They enjoyed the various projects: mak­ ing bird houses, marionettes, ceramics, Noah’s Ark and kites. “The closing program was a highlight. The challenge was given to parents to realize that these children are our future generation and we have an obligation to raise them in the ways of the Lord.” A come-and-go tea and a program present­ ed by the family celebrated a milestone in the lives of Frank and Mary Derksen this year. Having been married 50 years as of January 21, a celebration involving family and friends was held at the Arborg Christian Fellowship Church on July 3,

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Parent/child dedication at the Fort Frances church. Left to right: Pastor John Hiebert, Becky Hiebert, Sandie and Lyle Siemens with Amy Elisabeth, John and Penny Franz with Dalton, San­ dra and Bill Rempel with Matthew.

PARENT/CHILD DEDICATION SERVICE

Fort Frances, Ont.: Great excitement filled our church on Sunday morning, June 20, as three babies were dedicated to the Lord by their parents and welcomed by all the church family. May God shine His face upon all of you! Pastor John Hiebert gave a wonderful mes­ sage, “The Kernel of Wheat,” during the July 11 service. A potluck lunch followed the church service, which proved to be good time of fellowship. Henry Kornelsen gave the message at the July 18 service when our pastor and his fami­ ly were on holidays. Karla Ans led the con­ gregation in some fine singing and Evelyn Hicks read the scripture. Thank you, Henry and Tina, for joining us and driving all that way to be with us. Ike Friesen led the congregation in singing at the July 25 Sunday service. We were blessed by Phil Friesen’s thought-provoking message. Thanks, Phil.

Carol Kornelsen

Gloria and Randy Fehr with their daughters, Brittany and Tiffany

YOUTH PASTOR INSTALLED

Mary and Frank Derksen celebrated 50 years of marriage this summer.

PAGE 16

Mount Salem, Ont.: We had been wait­ ing with great anticipation for the arrival of our youth pastor couple. Finally, on June 14, a Ryder truck pulled into Mount Salem and Ran­ dy, Gloria and their daughters. Tiffany and Brittany, had arrived. The youth are especial-

A men’s fellowship breakfast was held on August 7. Sharing and good fellowship was experienced by all who attended. A Family Night was hosted by George and Toots Rempel at their home on August 8. Fol­ lowing a delicious barbecue meal, children and adults alike joined in some fun games. 1 missed this barbecue because of prior commitments but 1 hope 1 can attend the next one. By the way, do you know who had a birth­ day on August 21? Pastor John Hiebert! Be­ lated happy birthday, John! On August 29 we had the privilege of hear­ ing Garry and Sharon Kornelsen sing for us and share their missionary work with us. We hope to see you again in the near future and trust that the Lord will bless your ministry. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like ea­ gles; they will run and not be weary; they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Euelt/n Hicks

ly glad they have come. They have quickly made themselves at home in spite of the hot and humid summer. Gloria’s parents, Ernest and Elsie Funk, helped them move before they left for another term in Paraguay. An installation service for Randy and Glor­ ia took place on June 25. The speaker for the evening was Jake Friesen, the youth minister at the Aylmer EMMC. Coffee and cookies were served to complete the evening. We cer­ tainly feel that Swift Current’s loss has become our gain. Our fourth annual Mennonite get-together took place on August 1 at Summers Corners School near Aylmer. This event is sponsored by the Mennonite churches in our area. It’s a time for all Mennonites of Low German back­ ground to meet together to visit, learn, make new friends and meet old friends. 1 met some friends for whom 1 had babysat when 1 was in my teens. 1 hadn’t seen them for many years so that was exciting. Guest speaker was Abe Wiebe, minister and businessman from Winkler, Manitoba, who spoke in the Low German language on sto­ ries of the Mennonites in Mexico, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. Mr. Wiebe also THE MESSENGER

showed slides of his recent visit to the Mennonite colonies in South America. A large adult choir from the Port Rowan M. B. Church, led by Peter Driedger, and accompa­ nied by his wife on the piano, sang. We also enjoyed a children’s choir of about 160, led by Hilda Friesen, our pastor’s wife, A faspa followed the service. A highlight of the season was the Sunday school picnic, which took place on August 8, with a potluck-style dinner and barbecue. A lot of singing followed, accompanied by a mus­ ic group. The young people had a skit, with the audience guessing what they were acting out — the Ten Commandments and Noah’s Ark. Faspa consisted of rollkuchen and watermelon, which was followed by a base­ ball game. Let’s remember to pray for the sorrowing, the sick and the lonely. Mr. Frank Dyck

passed away on Friday, July 30. The funeral was in the Old Colony church. Let’s pray for Mrs. Katherine Dyck, Ike and Maria Froese and George and Sara Dyck, as well as the rest of the family. Also pray for Mrs. Corny Fehr, who is really suffering, and for the family. Wilbert Friesen, our pastor, had a series of meetings in Seminole, Texas, from Septem­

ber 12-19. During the morning service on August 29, Maury Friesen gave his testimony on his Sum­ mer Missions trip. He said that he had really enjoyed it and it brought him closer to God. Our church brought a program in the Leamington church on Sunday evening, Sep­ tember 5. The following report was written by Patrick Friesen; This year’s DVBS brought with it some new and interesting surprises. Sassy-want-a-lot,

Murray-in-a-hurry and M. C. Scriber hosted the two-hour evening event, to start the week of DVBS, August 16-20. Neil and Nancy Klas­ sen, along with the help of Jake Klassen and Nettie Froese, provided entertainment for the children with a daily puppet show. They act­ ed out the skits, which taught the children about Bible characters such as Adam, Abra­ ham and Isaiah. Some other highlights were the film “Cross Current,” as well as an Adven­ ture Scavenger Hunt. The attendance was great, considering that it was limited to ages 5-11. Ninety-nine children were registered throughout the week. It was encouraging to see that more than half of the children came from outside of our immediate church family. A special thanks to all the teachers, musicians, recreation staff, helpers and kitchen staff for their hard work throughout the week. Kathy Klassen

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The “Keenagers” choir led by Helen Friesen.

Children’s group at the Braeside church, led by Ruth Gavreau.

APPRECIATION NIGHT FOR RETIRING PASTOR

Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): Our pastoral couple, John and Ellen Stoesz, retired from full-time ministry as of August 31. After 27

years in the ministry, the last eleven in our church, an appreciation night was held on Au­ gust 29 to honour them and reflect on their ministry and the work that the Lord has done through them. The congregation at Braeside and special guests gathered around the love­ ly laid tables in the banquet room, fragrant

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Murray Doerksen presenting an appreciation gift to John and Ellen Stoesz.

SEPTEMBER 24, 1993

with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and an array of tempting dishes for a special fel­ lowship supper. At 7 p.m. we gathered in the sanctuary for a program of praise, thanksgiving, reminisc­ ing and well-wishing. Harry Fast, the chair­ man, welcomed everyone and led in prayer. Wendy Froese led the congregation in sing­ ing several favourite songs of John and Ellen. This was followed by a delightful medley of choruses by a lively group of Braeside’s chil­ dren, led by Ruth Gavreau. Marge Wiebe, daughter of the Stoeszes, in­ troduced herself as her dad’s most faithful and devoted parishioner for 27 years. She had received Christ at age seven, was baptized at age twelve by her dad, who was also the speaker at her graduation, officiated at her wedding and at the dedication service for her three children. She had learned the power of prayer by the example of her parents as they prayed for specific needs. She and her sister Pat showed some intriguing slides of family camping trips, music and other family activi­ ties. This was followed by the “Keenagers” (a seniors ministry started and led by Pastor Stoesz), conducted by Helen Friesen on this

occasion. Evelyn Wiens had a reading of some gems of wisdom. I believe we all agreed with her that Ellen is a great example and role model of a pastor’s wife. A beautiful bouquet of roses was present­ ed to Ellen by Kathy Loewen, chairperson of our Ladies’ Fellowship, in appreciation of her ministry. Gari Brandt, youth pastor, had the devo­ tional. He said that he had not found anything in the Bible about retirement and had come to the conclusion that youth is a matter of the will and vigour of the emotions. When we have courage, cheer and optimism, we are not old. We grow old by deserting our ideals, by be­ coming cynical and bitter. John and Ellen have demonstrated youth at heart and have made good, lasting investments in people’s lives. They are able to look forward with courage to new adventures and childlike wonder at what will be around the next bend, the next chapter. “Shyrah,” our ladies’ group, sang several beautiful songs, among them “May all behind us find us faithful, and cause the footprints we leave to make them believe.” We had 14 people as our guests from the Winkler M. B. Church, where Pastor Stoesz pastored for nine years before he came to (continued on page 18) PAGE 17

(Braeside, continued)

Braeside. Murray Enns spoke for the group and shared these reflections: John was a teacher — his messages always had practical applications; he was approachable, had a vi­ sion for the future and a deep commitment to God and the church. There was membership and spiritual growth, revival, evangelism and renewal. John taught by precept and exam­ ple. Greetings were also received from Kelow­ na, B.C., the Stoeszes’ first home. They too had many wonderful memories of his service there. Finally it was Pastor Stoesz’s turn to speak. He said, “God has a plan for my life and 1 can’t wait to find out what He has in store for me.” He divided his years of service this way: 13 years of teaching, 3 years of Bible school, 27 WARREN KENNETH DYCK

Warren Kenneth Dyck was born on August 16, 1993, and passed away on September 3, 1993. His parents are Harv and Elma (nee Wiebe, formerly of Pansy and Steinbach)

Dyck of Waterhen, Man. “He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart” (Isaiah 40:11). Dear Mommy, Daddy and Your Many Friends: Believe it or not, where 1 am now, even twoweek-olds can speak, and I’d love to share at least a few of my thoughts with you. Mommy, for nine long months you carried me close to your heart. You and Daddy loved me even then and dreamt of a happy future, which very much included me being around. Then came August 16, a very traumatic day for all three of us. It must have been around 8:30 that evening when I, Warren Kenneth, made my appearance, arriving by very special delivery, and the doctor said I looked just like you. Daddy! Right from the start, and every day that fol­ lowed, I felt so secure and cuddly warm, so welcome, so precious in your arms. You took me to church, you showed me to your friends, you cared for me in every possible way. I would have liked to stay • to grow up and make you proud. - to go to Sunday school where I’d learn all the stories of Jesus. (I’ve met Him now and He is wonderful!) - to ride with Daddy on the tractor. - to drive my own trikes and bikes and whatever else. - go get to know my grandparents and all my uncles and aunties and cousins. Wow! But God had other plans. When I turned so very ill so suddenly, you found it shocking and unbelievable. You did your very best for me. You arranged that special air-ambulance just for me. When I hurt you hurt along with me; all of you prayed and prayed... PAGE 18

years of ministry. God had always upheld him and especially precious to him were his pri­ vate times of prayer and meditation. He recalled the revival they had experienced in Kelowna and Winkler. Ellen had been his greatest support, encourager and critic. His children had been encouraging and willing helpers in the church. He thanked the congre­ gation for their prayers and support. Murray Doerksen (moderator), presented John and Ellen with a gift of appreciation for their selfless, devoted service. A short time was given for sharing from the congregation. Love, appreciation and well wishes were freely expressed, emphasizing their warm hospitali­ ty and excellent preaching. Thank you, John and Ellen. God bless you and your family. Elma Dueck

On September 3, in the late afternoon, I ar­ rived at this new home — again by special delivery. And you know what? I now under­ stand the mystery, the reasons, and wish I could explain them to you, but they tell me that may have to wait till you get here too. This much I can say, though — it’s so won­ derful here it makes up for every prick and nee­ dle and the awful pain. And there are lots of other folks here, happy faces everyone. I’ve met your little sisters, Mommy — Di­ ana and Ruthie. They’re doing great! And Je­ sus, of course — He is the greatest! ni have to go now. My friends are calling me, out in the gardens, I think. But remember. I’ll be looking for you — watching that door. I want to see EVERYONE of you with me FOREVER. Your son, Warren Kenneth

KATHERINE HOMINUK 1918-1993

Katherine (Kae) Hominuk was born to her parents, Peter and Susan Fleming, on Decem­ ber 16,1918. After travelling a rocky and stor­ my road for many years, and suffering a stroke, which left her partially paralyzed, she turned to the Lord. Upon confession of her faith and assurance of sins forgiven, she was baptized and received into the Sterling Mennonite Fellowship in Winnipeg on May 25, 1986. Soon after this she moved to a seniors’ apartment block at 595 Mountain Ave. and started attending the Aberdeen E. M. Church. Her membership was transferred to Aberdeen on September 30, 1986. Kae loved the fellowship of God’s people. She attended Bible studies, prayer meetings and church services regularly and faithfully when her health would allow her to. She was a generous and caring person, always con­ cerned about the well-being of others. She spent much time in prayer for the church in general, her church in particular and for each one individually, including the children, all of whom she knew by name. She was a person who, in spite of her handicap, found reason

to be thankful for so many things, things that many of us simply take for granted. Above all, she so often expressed thankfulness for sins forgiven. In early spring it became apparent that her health was declining to the point that she was not able to function on her own any more. At the end of June she moved into the Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home in Kenora, Ontario, where her daughter works. It was here that she was diagnosed as having cancer of the liver, less than two weeks before her death. She died peacefully, with her family at her side, on August 22. Kae was predeceased by three husbands, Gilbert Snell, David Carmichael and John Hominuk; her parents, four brothers and one sister. She is survived by four daughters, Audrey, Judith and Mitz, Dae and Al, Joan and George; five grandchildren and four great­ grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, four sisters and nine in-laws; three stepchildren. Rose, Geraldine and George, and their families; and a host of relatives and friends. When Kae died we lost a dear sister, a friend and, above all, a prayer warrior. Who will take up the torch that she has laid down? Kae, you have run your race, you finished your course, you kept the faith. Rest in peace! We miss you here! A graveside service was held at the Glen Eden Memorial Gardens in Winnipeg on Au­ gust 26. The poem that follows is one that she requested to be read at her funeral: When 1 am gone, remember I’m with Jesus Then do not mourn because I’ve passed away Life holds so many griefs and disap­ pointments And will you cry because 1 did not stay?

’Tis only for a spell we must be parted Not many years on earth to us are given And when my Saviour tells me you are coming Ill go with Him and welcome you to heaven. Grieve not because the eyes that looked upon you Shall never see your face on earth again Rejoice because they look upon the Saviour Who gave His life to ransom sinful man. Weep not because I walk no longer with you Remember, I am walking streets of gold Weep for yourselves, that you a while must tarry Before the blessed Lord you may behold. - By B. C. Ryberg Submitted by Aberdeen Church

Births NIKKEL - to Rod and Wendy Nikkei of Portage la Prairie, Man., a son, Jesse Lee, on August 25, 1993. DYCK - to Darrell and Corrina Dyck of Niverville. Man., a son, Kenton Joel, on July 8, 1993. THE MESSENGER

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REMPEL - to Ben and Lena Rempel of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Julia Lynette, on July 16, 1993. ZACHRIAS - to Dennis and Anita Zacharias of McMahon, Sask., a son. Darby Lyle, on April 27, 1993. NEUFELD - to Archie and Sylvia Neufeld of Wymark, Sask., a daughter, Katrina Rosanne, on Au­ gust 12, 1993. HILDEBRAND - to Marvin and Talita Hildebrand of Wymark, Sask., a son, Jordan Mathew on June 9, 1993. ANS ■ to Michael and Karla Ans of Fort Frances, Ont., a daughter. Hosannah Joy, on August 31, 1993. SCHLAMP - to Bryan and Lorie Schlamp of Bran­ don, Man., a son, Austin William, on July 22,1993. PLETT - to James and Maryanne Plett of Blumenort, Man., a son, Dawson James, on Sep­ tember 3, 1993. PLETT - to Darren and Pearl Plett of Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Kari Ryanne, on September 2, 1993. KAMPEN - to Bruno and Audrey Kampen of Blumenort, Man., a son, Andrew Ryan, on Septem­ ber 1, 1993. KOOP - to Ernie and Diane Koop of Steinbach, Man., a son, Christopher Daniel, on August 12, 1993. PENNER - to Waldo and Laurel Penner of Winni­ peg, Man., a son, Harrison Caleb, on September 6, 1993. REITMEIER - to Bob and Verna Reitmeier of Win­ nipeg, Man., a daughter, Amy Annalee Kathleen, on August 6, 1993.

Weddings FRIESEN - SIEMENS: Chad, son of Larry and Pearl Friesen of Rosenort, Man., was married on Septem­ ber 4, 1993, to Crystal, daughter of Jack and Loreen Siemens of Rosenort. The wedding took place at the Rosenort E M. Church, with Larry Friesen of Rosenort officiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg, Man. FRIESEN - McGILL: Ron, son of Frank and Lena Friesen of Rosenort, Man., and Eleanor, daughter of Alvin and Katie McGill of Killarney, Man., were married at the Fort Garry E. M. Church on July 31, 1993. Jake Buhler of Alberta officiated. The cou­ ple is residing in Winnipeg, Man. THIESSEN - DUECK: Wally, son of Henry and Lor­ raine Thiessen of Altona, Man., and Karla, daugh­ ter of Art and Martha Dueck of Riverside, Man., were married on July 10, 1993. The wedding took place at the Rosenort E. M. Church, with William Wiebe of Winkler, Man., officiating. The couple is making their home in Altona, Man. GERBRANDT - BRANDT: Scott, son of Harry and Lena Gerbrandt of Herbert, Sask., and Colleen, daughter of Peter and Alvera Brandt of Blumenort, Man., were married at the Blumenort E M. Church on August 7, 1993, with Tom Gerbrandt officiat­ ing. The couple is making their home in Pambrun, Sask. HASLAM - KOOP: Ken, son of James and Marie Haslam of Landmark, Man., and Jenn, daughter of Allen and Elma Koop of Blumenort, Man., were mar­ ried on August 21, 1993. The wedding took place

SEPTEMBER 24, 1993

nUH

All groups are faced with situations that require decision-making. Groups, depend­ ing on their reasons for existing, perceived goals, history, constitution and numerous other factors, resolve their conflicts, whether serious or trivial, in different ways. At one end of the continuum is the authoritarian style, where the leader makes the decision and the rest acquiesce; on the other hand, a group might require absolute consensus, or, for that matter, avoid decision-making. Are there any biblical models for decision-making, especially in the church? We have made much of democracy and the attendant practice of voting. The vote has become the authority, the vehicle by which everyone has equal input into a de­ cision. This seems so right in our society but actually has no biblical precedent. The book of Acts records at least three incidents of decision-making by the early church. The first is in chapter one, where the disciples chose Matthias to replace Ju­ das. In this case two men were nominated and lots were drawn to determine whom God had chosen. Our present-day equiva­ lent would be the flipping of a coin. The advantage is that if it makes a difference to God, He can intervene. At times our

minds prevent us from determining God’s will. In Acts six the Twelve recognized the need for deacons so the larger group of dis­ ciples chose seven men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We are not told how the choosing was done. Finally, in Acts fifteen, the apostles and elders meet to discuss circumcision. After a lengthy discussion and major presenta­ tions by Peter, and Paul and Barnabas, James summarizes the issues, cites sup­ porting Scriptures and concludes with a so­ lution. A letter of encouragement is written and sent to the Gentiles in Antioch. This brings us back to voting as a decision-making tool. We have considered it fairly sacrosanct as the final word, mostly because our democratic society does so. We do realize, and the Bible teaches, that the majority can be wrong. Should voting not be only a part of the evidence submit­ ted when a decision is made? A final flip­ ping of a coin (pulling lots) to make the decision, when done prayerfully, does have biblical precedent. Not only does it have biblical precedent, some of our churches practice the pulling of lots or its equivalent. One church some years ago chose its pastor in this way when two candidates were both willing and able. Another church uses the lot to make final decisions in filling some positions in the church. I have to admit that after some years of involvement in decision-making, I have much more sympathy for this method than I used to. In fact, I am very close to suggesting it as one of the better ways of decision-making in the church, es­ pecially when the solution is not clear af­ ter considerable discussion.

at the Blumenort E. M. Church, with Barry Plett of Blumenort officiating. The couple is residing in Blumenort. PENNER • MIDDLETON: Sheldon, son of Peter and Lorna Penner of Blumenort, Man., was mar­ ried on August 8,1993, to Melanic, daughter of Mur­ ray and Marion Middleton of Bums Lake, B.C. The wedding took place at the Blumenort EMC, with Darren Plett of Blumenort officiating. The couple is residing in Steinbach, Man. REMPEL - GIESBRECHT: Henry, son of Ben and Justina Rempel of Aylmer, Ont., and Agatha, daugh ter of Peter and Sarah Giesbrecht of Aylmer, were married at the Mount Salem E. M. Church in Aylmer on September 4, 1993. Wilbert Friesen of Aylmer officiated. The couple is making their home in Aylmer. NEUFELD - BERG: Herman, son of Abe and Mary Neufeld of Langton, Ont., was married to Lisa, daughter of John and Margaret Berg of Learning­ ton, Ont. The wedding took place on August 14, 1993, at the Mount Salem EMC in Aylmer, Ont., with Wilbert Friesen of Aylmer officiating. The cou­ ple is residing in Tillsonburg, Ont. REDDEKOPP - ENNS: Ben, son of Peter and Anna Reddekopp, and Margaret, daughter of Cornelius and Susana Enns of Aylmer, Ont., were married on July 24,1993. The wedding took place at the Mount Salem E. M. Church in Aylmer, with Wilbert Fries­

en of Aylmer officiating. The couple is making their home in Tillsonburg, Ont. KROEKER - HEINRICHS: Anthony, son of Erwin and Caroil Kroeker of Winnipeg, Man., was mar­ ried on September 3,1993, to Monica, daughter of Alfred and Annelur Heinrichs of B.C. The wedding took place at the Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, with Erwin Kroeker of Winnipeg officiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg. THIESSEN ■ FRIESEN: Jeff, son of Ben and Eleanor Thiessen of Riverside, Man., and Lynelle, daughter of Al and Laura Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., were married at the Braeside EMC in Winnipeg on August 28, 1993, with Al Friesen of Winnipeg officiating. The couple is residing in Winnipeg. PLETT - BROWN: Byron, son of Joseph and Anne Plett of Winnipeg, Man., and Hieu, daughter of Steven and Tuyet Brown of Medway, Ohio, were married on July 31, 1993. The wedding took place at the Medway Baptist Church, with Mr. Benson of Jackson, Michigan, officiating. The couple is mak­ ing their home in Jackson, Michigan. HILDEBRAND ■ FUNK: Martin, son of Comie and Betty Hildebrand, was married on August 21,1993, to Teresa, daughter of Jake and Frieda Funk. The wedding took place at the Whyteridge Baptist Church in Winnipeg, Man., with Lester Olfert of Steinbach, Man., officiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg.

Don Thiessen Conference Pastor

Pastorallp Speaking

Flipping a Coin?

PAGE 19

From the Editor Guest Editorial

Summer Service in Canada FOR SOME YEARS NOW we as a Conference have

provided opportunities for our youth to get involved in some type of mission experience. Usually this has meant visiting one of the foreign fields in Latin America (Mexico, Nicaragua, and Paraguay). This year the Board of Missions sponsored a program for mission involvement in Canada. One of the benefits or features of a foreign mission experience is the exposure, especially when the group goes to a culture in a Third World setting. Our youth come back with their lives changed forever by the experience. Having a summer missions program in Canada does not have the same kind of effect in terms of exposure. Generally the culture is quite familiar. However, the opportunity for ministry, personal growth and being stretched are tremendous. The same could not be said for a cross-cultural experience because of the language and cultural barriers that first need to be bridged. 1 also believe that a summer service program in Canada is very important because it helps us to bond and build relationships as a Conference family. The ’93 team built many wonderful friendships in Region 3, not only with the youth but with the children and adults in each of the different churches. Any mention of Region 3 in the Messenger will be read carefully by team members from now on! Another rewarding aspect of a summer service program is the opportunity that it provides to high school and college age youth for the development of their spiritual gifts and abilities. The variety of activities and ministries

helps them to gain a measure of confidence and stretches them in areas where they have had little or no experience. Participants are better able to evaluate their gifts and abilities after a variety of different involvements. Summer Service is also a wonderful way of allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to the youth and to cultivate a burden in their hearts for others. Whether they all become missionaries or pastors later on in life is not the issue. They have been challenged to reach out and many of them might point to that experience later on in life as having been something that drew them towards some kind of service. It also goes without saying that a Summer Service program is a wonderful way of coming alongside our own churches to support and encourage them. I am confident that the churches of Region 3 were blessed and encouraged by the interaction with the team. 1 hate to mention funding but cannot help but note that the costs to the youth, our churches and the Conference are much lower than for a foreign ministry. Foreign mission trips definitely have their place but funding could NOT be an issue when discussing the value and cost of a Canadian summer service program. Am I excited about Summer Service? YES! If we want to see more of our youth become missionaries and Canadian church planters I think we can not afford to allow these kinds of opportunities to pass us by. Where will the team go in 1995? Calgary? Winnipeg? ■?

Ernie Koop

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•• rSu. Team members loosen up before a chapel service at Steeprock.

PAGE 20

Maury and Maria practicing a drama during orientation week.

THE MESSENGER