The Messenger June 7, 1995

The Messenger

FVANAFI IP.AI MENNONITE MFMNDNITF CONFERENCE CDMFFRFNPF EVANGELICAL

VOI VOL. 33 NO. 11

JUNE 7/9! 7/95

Abundant Springs ’95

THE RAY OF HOPE JESUS CHRIST They travelled by bus, car and van anywhere from two to 22 hours. Their goal? To reach the campus of Briercrest Schools in Caronport, Sask., before 6 p.m. on Friday, May 19. No one wanted to miss supper! Their purpose? To be part of Abundant Springs ’95, the seventh biennial EMC youth conference. The 344 young people from 27 churches in Al­ berta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba were accom­ panied by 103 leaders, supervisors and others for a total attendance of 447. Registrar Marv Thiessen of Landmark counted 213 guys and 234 gals, with the majority in their mid-teens. The age breakdown was 44 age 14, 82 age 15, 84 age 16, 83 age 17, 28 age 18 and 7 age 19. Although the attendance was down slightly from the peak of 502 in '93, the event was rated one of the best in quality. Planners had chosen the theme “The Ray of Hope,” based on Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Such a conference does not come together au­ tomatically. A committee of seven, under the leadership of Gordon Kroeker, had been planning and working diligently behind the scenes for more than a year, to ensure that every component would be ready. Also in the churches the young people and their leaders were busy for months with fund-raising events to make their participation possible. Pray­ er accompanied all stages before and during Abun­ dant Springs ’95.

(more on page 3)

May 19 - 22, 1995 Caronport, Sask. Top to bottom: 1. Worshipping God in song; 2. The Swift Current huddle during time-out; 3. “We are hap­ py people, praise the Lord’’; 4. Speaker Mark Vincent shares a story; 5. Gib Hinz talks to teens about Chris­ tian sportsmanship; 6. The red team members hop through the hoop during Kick Off.

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THE RAY OF HOPE by Mark Vincent CAbfONPOI^r '95

71 compilation of messages at Abundant Springs '95 by guest speaker, Mark 'Vincent, from Sturgis, Michigan

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hen Solomon became king of Israel, he asked God for wisdom so that he might rule well. God was so pleased with the request that he added riches and a long life to the wisdom He gave the king. This weekend we are going to consider some of Solomon’s dis­ coveries when he looked for meaning in life. He begins the book of Ecclesiastes by declaring that “Everything is meaningless" (1:2). The theme of the book is that life under the sun is meaningless. My wife enjoys doing crossstitch and I love the beautiful pic­ tures she produces. What I find fascinating is the flip side with all the colourful, dangling strings, that doesn’t look like the picture. That's what life is like under the sun. To make life worthwhile you have to have a connection with something above the sun. That connection is the person who is all God and all human, who sewed these two realms together in His life, death and resurrection — Jesus Christ, the eternal Lord of the universe. He loves you and wants to surround you with Mark Vincent with emcee Barry His love. He is the ray of hope in Plett at AS ’95. a meaningless world. WISDOM — In Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 Solomon describes his search for meaning in the pursuit of wisdom. He set out to study, to master the body of knowledge that already exists. He explored, seeking out new knowledge. He tried alternative knowledge. Wisdom did not satisfy. He concluded that God has laid a heavy burden on us. The more you know, the more you know you don’t know. The more wrongs you try to right, the more wrongs you discover that you can’t right. That’s life under the sun — emp­ tiness. But there is another choice, wisdom that comes from above the sun in the person of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18-21,30). He gives you hope in the midst of a fragmented, broken and meaningless world.

RIGHTEOUSNESS — People have different ideas about what makes a person righteous — have the right beliefs, practice the church rituals, memorize Scripture, manifest the gifts of the Spirit, live the Sermon on the Mount. But none of these things bring you closer to God. In spite of our good intentions, Solomon realized that wicked­ ness will not let go of its hold on us (Eccl. 8:8). Sinfulness is a condition we can’t change. Jesus condemned the Pharisees be­ cause they were trying to achieve godliness by their own effort. Paul gives the answer in Titus 3:3-8. Here’s the sequence: you are lost, I am lost, and there’s nothing we can do about it; but by God’s kindness and mercy, eternal life is offered to us; if we receive that gift (something we don’t deserve and can’t earn), then we have the fuel to go out and do all those right things.

LIFE AND DEATH — Some of you are thinking that you can deal with God's business later, you first want to experience life your own way. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes 9 basically tells us that time is not on our side. We all have a common destiny and it’s death. Your existence is meaningless, he says, but it’s better to have that than no existence at all. Better to be a live dog than a dead lion! Although we are all trying to enjoy life, we all suffer the same random end. Time is meaningless, a vanishing commodity. I believe there is something above the sun that makes our time here on earth meaningful, which is described in 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. The hope of Scripture is that we are not subject to death any longer. We have a reason for living because we are a part of eternity. The dangling strings on our side of the cross-stitch of our lives are part of a beautiful picture God is creating on the right side. Make this your commitment: "I want to live as someone who understands what it means to be eternal and how temporary this life is. Because I am part of God’s eternal agenda, I am going to live this life helping to build God’s kingdom and drawing other people in." That’s my challenge to you. Anointing, as a symbol of commitment

PLEASURE — Solomon next describes his search for reality in pleasure (Eccl. 2). He tried laughter, drinking and folly, but found them to be empty, like soap bubbles. Constant pleasure loses its effect. He also got busy with projects, building houses, vineyards and parks. He acquired slaves, herds, treasure and a harem. He de­ nied himself nothing that his eyes desired. The result? "Every­ thing was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun" (2:11). He realized he couldn’t keep it, he would have to leave it behind. You can’t find lasting, satisfying pleasure in this life underneath the cross-stitch; you find real pleasure and joy from something above the sun. “God has set eternity in the hearts of men,” Solo­ mon said (3:11). When you choose to have Jesus fill that place in your life, you see that everything in your life is a gift from God for your enjoyment. PAGE 2

THE MESSENGER

Mark Vincent, a man gifted to reach young people with a message of hope.

Dorms and Meats The dorm rooms served as a place to go to and come from oc­ casionally, and briefly, to sleep. Food lines were long and some­ what slow. But the meals were generous and the ice cream bar was popular among those who needed just a bit "extra" under their belts.

Seminars The young people attended two seminars from an excellent selection of seven. Some found the choice difficult, wishing they could attend more. In Stan Flett's seminar the group examined a Christian's responsibilities in the environmental scene. John and Charity Scheilenberg dealt with practical approaches to violence in our lives and in our world. ■youth have many questions, and Gari Brandt showed how they can begin to find answers. Merlin Bartel focused on exposing the philosophies aimed at the teen culture through music, video, mo­ vies and magazines. Tye Gamey shed light on the struggle of sex­ ual identity and how Christ brings healing to those who turn to Him. Many came to hear Sherryl Koop's advice on "How to Get Along With Yourself" Young athletes (and wannabe's) enjoyed Gib Hinz's wisdom on being a Christian in sports.

The Say of Hope In a series of five messages and a wrap-up, speaker Mark Vin­ cent showed young people from the book of Ecclesiastes that all goals in life "under the sun" are not satisfying. He pointed them to Jesus Christ, "above the sun," as the source of hope and ful­ fillment. Vincent, from Sturgis, Michigan, with 12 years of experience in working with teens, related to his audience both in the ses­ sions and on the campus during the weekend. He spoke directly and plainly, without dramatics or props. And the teens respond­ ed, giving him their attention and recognizing the truth of his message. Many came to indicate their need for prayer, healing or con­ secration. In the wrap-up before departure on Monday morning, Mark used bread as a symbol of fellowship, caring and apprecia­ tion. He stressed the importance of maintaining the choices made to follow Christ, the Ray of Hope. The response was awesome. (more on page 6) Top to bottom: 1. Mark Vincent makes a point with Amos Fehr; 2. Spectators during a game of floor hockey; 3. Enjoying the sun and sand at beach volleyball; 4. “Climbing the Wall,’’ a test of stamina and strength; 5. Gordon Kroeker (left) and Hans Rahn (right) directing traffic to the seminars; 6. Two gals have a go at Big Bomb Boxing; 7. A trio of guys tries out the hockey game; 8. One of many “after-dinner” dis­ cussions; 9. Merlin Bartel leads a seminar on Media Madness; 10. Curt Reimer with Amber, the youngest member at AS ’95; 11. Singing “God is a good God, Yes, He is!”; 12. The foursome from Endeavour touch base during an interlude; 13. Smile, you’re on candid camera; 14. Food line-ups are anything but dull; 15. Living in a Violent World seminar led by John and Charity Scheilenberg.

June 7, 1995

Letters Who Receives the Glory? Over the years. The Messenger has come to our home with information and challenges from our Conference. 1 would like to commend the editor and staff for consistently putting out a quality paper such as this. In the Dec. 7/94 issue, more than half a page was utilized for coverage of the EMCup. Then in the Apr. 19/95 issue two new sports events were advertised. Is this a new direction that The Messenger and the EMC are taking? Will we soon see a centre pull-out sports sec­ tion in The Messenger with all the latest sched­ ules and church standings? Sporting events may be useful to raise money for various mission projects. Is it good enough, however, for us to plan a day where we can play to our heart’s content, eat to our stomach’s content, and perhaps win scads of prizes, and then donate the “leftovers” to mis-

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z MENNONITE FOUNDATION OF

CANADA

invites applications for

STEWARDSHIP CONSULTANT This position will commence in fall of 1995 and is located in the Winnipeg office. Applications will be received until June 30, 1995.

The position carries responsibilities in the areas of stewardship education and charitable financial planning. The individu­ al filling this position will be expected to promote Biblical stewardship through congregational, seminar and workshop presentations. This person will meet with individuals and organizations and assist them with charitable giving plans in rela­ tion to estate and financial planning. The person filling this position will pos­ sess good communication and interper­ sonal skills. Individuals with experience in the areas of financial planning, busi­ ness or public relations in a church con­ text should consider this opportunity. Please direct inquiries and resumes to: Edgar Rempel, Manager Mennonite Foundation of Canada 4-117 Victor Lewis Drive Winnipeg, MB R3P 1J6 Phone: (204) 488-1985

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Fax; (204) 488-1986

COMING EVENTS June 9 - 10 MCC Man. Relief Sate at The Forks Winnipeg, Man. Phone: (204) 261-6381 June 16 -17 MCC Sask. Relief Sale Hague, Sask. Phone; (306) 665-2555

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sions? Are we perhaps legitimizing a day of pleasure and self-indulgence in the name of a missions project? Hockey is by its very nature a sport where the competition to win is so keen that good sportsmanship and Christian principles are often tossed overboard. This has also hap­ pened in the EMCup tournament. Who receives the glory and honour at the end of the tournament? How does the Biblical winlose principle apply in this kind of sport? I too love many of the sports in our coun­ try, and have played and coached as well. May I suggest that we would promote better fellow­ ship and sportsmanship if we did not play church against church, but placed players from various churches on the same team.

SBC Faculty Appointment STEINBACH, Man. - Steinbach Bible Col­ lege is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Terry Hiebert to its college faculty. Hiebert, who re­ ceived a PhD in Religion from Baylor University in 1994, most recently taught Contemporary Think­ ing, Knowing God and Christian Evidences at Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask. From 1987-92 he Dr. Terry Hiebert was involved in pastoral and youth ministry at Warman Gospel Church. He was also form­ erly active in lay youth ministry at Glencross Mennonite Church (EMMC). Hiebert says he is committed “to equipping Bible college students with theological minds and committed hearts for the mission of the church in the world.” Terry, his wife, Luann, and their three chil­ dren will move to Steinbach from Warman, Sask., in summer.

Still Room on the Bus Go to the annual convention in Calgary, Alberta, in the carefree comfort of a bus. Departure: Thursday, June 29 Return: Monday, July 3 Cost: $110 per person ($35 (or ministerial members, delegates and board members) For reservations and information, contact: E. M. Conference Office Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 Phone: (204) 326-6401 Fax: (204) 326-1613

June 17 EMC Mixed Slo-Pitch Tournament Steinbach, Man. Phone: (204) 326-6573 June 30 ■ July 2 Annual EMC Convention Theme: Peace Speaker: John B. Toews Calgary, Alberta

Phone: (204) 326-6401 or (403) 273-6222 July 14-15 MCG Alta. Relief Sale Coaldale, Alta. Phone: (403) 275-6936 August 12 MCC Man. Relief Sale Brandon, Man. Phone; (204) 261-6381

If we are really concerned about missions, should this not be a priority instead of a “leftover”? Perhaps we could say we need to raise $50(X) or $10,000 for a missions project. When the goal is reached we will celebrate with a recreation day. If there is enough money left we will celebrate further with a banquet. The net proceeds could then be designated for prizes or added to the missions fund. Bert Kornelson Morris, Man.

MCC Canada Staff Appointment Dale Taylor of Winnipeg has been named the new Associate Executive Director for Men­ nonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada. Taylor taught En­ glish in China for two years, following which she was the Executive Director of the Men­ nonite Centre for New­ comers in Edmonton from 1986-88. From 1988-91 she studied at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Taylor Fresno, California, where she received her Master of Divinity degree. Since that time she has been working at Concord College, as as­ sistant professor of theology and director of student development. She is a member of River East MB Church in Winnipeg. In her new assignment at MCC, which be­ gins in July, Taylor will be responsible for coor­ dinating MCC Canada’s communication, development education, fund raising and Canadian Programs activities.

SUMMER MESSENGER SCHEDULE; The next three Messengers will be dated June 28, July 19 and August 16.

THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: inform con­ cerning events and activities in the denomina­ tion; instruct in godliness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. Let­ ters, articles photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own, and do not necessari­ ly represent the position of the Conference. Subscriptions: $7.00 per year. Members pay through their church. Manitoba residents add PST, total: $7.49. All correspondence should be addressed to The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main Street, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscrip­ tions should be mailed to the above address. The Messenger is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Editor: Menno Hamm Assistant: Martha Kroeker Phone: (204) 326-6401; Fax: (204) 326-1613

THE MESSENGER

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Father’s Day — June / 8 Grandpa Neufeld

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It was a bright, sunny, shiny day when Grandpa Neufeld passed away we rushed to the plane and flew to Steinbach and from there we drove to Grandma's home we picked out a coffin — it was maroon a really nice coffin, fit for the moon We went to the viewing which was very sad but knowing Grandpa was in heaven, it wasn't so bad we went to the funeral and heard the speeches They made us remember how he loved to teach us Then he was buried and we started to cry because we weren't quite ready to say good-bye When I was at home adjusting a cord I decided I would fill his shoes and follow the Lord Joshua Johnson (11)

"Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust..."

Psalm 40:4

PAGES

from the past by Dave Schellenberg

Tragedy Strikes As we haue mentioned before, last year was the 120th anniversary of the coming of the first Mennonites to Manitoba from Russia. In ad­ dition to the usual hardships of pioneer life, there were two separate tragedies in the first years which left three men dead, two by drowning and one by freezing to death. The following is an account of the drown­ ing incident. It is excerpted and adapted from a writing by the late Rev. Peter J. B. Reimer, a grandson of one of the drowning victims, Rev. Jakob Barkman. (Taken from The Mes­ senger, Sept. 20, 1974, with slight adap­ tations.)

Rev. Jakob Barkman was the leader of a group of emigrants who left Russia for Manito­ ba in the summer of 1874. He arrived with his group on September 15, and disembarked a few miles west of the present town of Niver­ ville, on the eastern bank of the Red River. June 7, 1995

Savannah Koop is secure with her daddy, Conroy.

Fhanks, Dad, for the love and example you give. You’ve always been there when we’ve needed help — giving encouragement and direction. May God give to you a wonderful Father’s Day and return to you all His love you’ve given away. Shortly after their arrival, Mr. Barkman preached a thanksgiving sermon on Deu­ teronomy 27:6,7: “Thou shaft build the altar of the Lord thy God of whole stones; and thou shaft offer burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God: And thou shaft offer peace offerings, and shaft eat there, and rejoice be­ fore the Lord thy God.” The sermon was read before a full house of the congregation. Then, as he recorded, he preached on three Sundays in the village of Blumenort, about three miles away. The fourth Sunday, Novem­ ber 22, he walked to the village of Gruenfeld, now Kleefeld, eight miles away, to preach again, but arrived a little late because of the death of their nine-year-old daughter, Anna, that morning. The first winter was long and severe; at least so it seemed to the settlers, who were so short of adequate housing and supplies. Finally spring came. New hope filled the hezirts of the pioneers. Small patches of land, which were clear of bush, were seeded with the precious seed grain they were able to obtain. Then came the great tragedy. ft was June 3, 1875. Jakob Barkman and Jakob Friesen had gone to Winnipeg with their ox carts to do some spring shopping. Having made the 38-mile trip, they found that the ferry was not ready to take them across the Red River from St. Boniface into the city of Win­ nipeg. There was a high wind and also high water. When, apparently, the ferry people were not too accommodating. Barkman and Friesen decided to ask a Mr. Lindolph to take them across the river with a boat. About 20 yards from the shore the high winds drove the boat

against the ferry cable and the occupants seized the cable. The boat then moved away from under them and they were all suspend­ ed on the cable. Mr. Lindolph was nearest the St. Boniface shore and so started to make his way along the cable, followed by the two other men. In the centre of the river the cable was somewhat under the water, but near the shore it rose to some height above the water. Mr. Lindolph dropped from the cable near the shore, and managed, in spite of heavy clothing, to swim to the shore. Barkman and Friesen could not swim, so when they dropped into the water they sank and drowned. A son of Mr. McVicar heard the cries of the other people on the shore and set out with a boat, but could not reach them be­ fore they sank for the last time. The bcxfy of Jakob Barkman was found af­ ter Mr. Hespeler had some grappling irons made for the search the same day. His cighteen-year-old son, Jacob, took the lifeless body of his dear father home to Steinbach on the ox cart. When they came to the village of Blumenort, they stopped at the gate of the par­ ents of Johann B. Toews, who came out to see the body of the dear relative. How grief-stricken Mrs. Barkman and her children were, is hard to imagine. The family had lost a loving father and husband; the com­ munity and church had lost a strong but un­ selfish leader and pastor. Jakob Barkman had served his beloved church less than 2 ’/j years as a minister and shepherd but left his mark as one of our great leaders of the Small Church.

PAGE 5

THE RAY OF (continued from page 3)

Recreation Games of different kinds interspersed the other activities of the weekend, beginning with a "Kick Off’ on Friday evening. The relays were a good "mixer” by dividing teens from each church among four teams. Saturday afternoon was reserved for tournaments — ping-pong, Dutch Blitz, basketball, beach volleyball, verbal Pictionary and floor hockey. Teens were limited to one event each. Finals on Sunday afternoon competed for attention with spe­ cial events — horizontal bungee, the jousting tower, "Big Bomb” boxing and pseudo mountain climbing (scaling the specially designed gym wall). Winning teams received their prizes at the finale on Monday morning amid noisy cheers and jeers. Concerts

"The Fire,” a group of four musicians and three assistants, from Fridley, Minnesota, performed in a high-energy concert on Satur­ day evening. While many participated in the concert, hearing the message of hope through Christ shedding His blood when He died, others chose to engage in other activities in the student centre. In a special appearance, Danny Plett and Liberation (Brian Delamont and Heinrich Reisisch) gave a concert on Sunday even­ ing. Drummer Eric Boorman joined them for their Canadian tour. The group has an extensive ministry in Europe.

Worship and Drama Terry Loewen led the worship sessions prior to each message. He was assisted by Jason Dueck, Becky Eidse, Gwen Friesen, Reg Friesen, Jon Loeppky and Carol Reimer. A variety of new choruses, familiar choruses and gospel songs was chosen to lead the audience into the worship of God. Well-prepared skits by several church groups drove home spiritual truths and values. Offering The project chosen for the Abundant Springs offering related to fellow youth in the churches of Nicaragua. Gifts for the pur­ chase of instruments and sound equipment totalled almost $800. A challenge to raise that to $ 1000 was successful — the final count was $1180! Comments/Impressions The comments and impressions in this section are from teens and leaders: "I have really enjoyed the weekend, especially the Ray of Hope sessions. The speaker had a good message, and the singing with the worship band was probably the highlight.” "Abundant Springs '95 was a thrilling, enhance-your-Iife' ex­ perience. We enjoyed the generous amounts of food, meeting new friends and seeing old pals. It seemed that there was something that appealed to everyone, from the high-energy vibes of 'The Fire,’ to the spirit-filled lyrics of'Danny Plett and Liberation.' Mark Vincent was a solid and exciting speaker, addressing such topics as peer pressure, God's wisdom and His will. A wonderful ex­ perience." 1. Sit down, everybody, and take a rest!; 2. There is keen competition at the ping-pong tables; 3. The descent of the cloud of balloons is fol­ lowed by much popping, as people look for prizes; 4. Marv Thiessen lays out the basketball rules to two teams; 5. One of several wellpresented skits by church groups at AS ’95; 6. Wall-to-wall people listening to the speaker; 7. The audience gets actively involved dur­ ing the concert by “The Fire.”

THE MESSENGER

HOPE Abundant Springs *95 “The speaker's Michigan humour was great. The food was awesome. Beach volleyball was good, too bad the courts weren't. The walls were solid. The beds were good for sleeping in.”

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KAY

HOfe

"Ifs amazing to see so many young people in one place, all excited bout God. It’s encouraging to know that there are others out there who feel the same as 1 do" “The times of worship and singing were very effective. By the end of each session, most of the youth had a worshipful attitude. The Holy Spirit has been working this weekend. It's neat to be together as a Conference and feel the unity.” “My impression of Abundant Springs '95 was good. I enjoyed the worship team, meeting some new people and the sessions. Also learning more about the Saviour was great.”

"The weekend of Abundant Springs '95 was awesome! It was great to make new friends and meet old ones. The best part of the weekend was praising God with our singing!” "Thank You, Jesus, for the refreshing. You have dipped us into your righteous blood and given us reason to celebrate.”

"I think Abundant Springs was quite great and a very helpful learning experience. The food was good and the ping-pong was very competitive.” Credits To make an event the size and extent of Abundant Springs come off so smoothly and successfully obviously requires an enormous amount of work. Credit must be given to the EMC Youth Com­ mittee, their assistants and all the youth leaders and sponsors in the churches. Credit is also due to parents and church members with their backing in prayer and financial support. Coordinator Gordon Kroeker led a fine team. Barry Plett did an incredible job as host and emcee, as well as in recreation, in which he was assisted by Rhonda Blanchette, Sharon Kroeker, Colin Peters and Pat Siemens. Hans Rahn looked after the program, Marv Thiessen took care of registration and Deidre Plett saw to services and decorations (which were festive and tasteful). Les Martens was assisted by Carol Reimer in the worship depart­ ment, while Amos Fehr was in charge of music. Vai Doerksen served capably as the nurse and Marilyn Dueck designed an at­ tractive handbook — a fitting souvenir. Everyone appreciated having Ralph Unger, Conference Moder­ ator, on hand for the weekend. "1 was impressed with the quali­ ty of leadership our youth pastors, leaders and sponsors provided during the retreat,” he said. “The servant attitude was evident as they related to each other and to their kids. Also, 1 was im­ pressed with the working of the planning committee in looking after all the details. Thanks!” We all join in appreciation for a job well done. Menno Hamm 1. DP & Liberation (Heinrich Reisich, Danny Plett and Brian Delamont) in their Sunday evening concert; 2. The Old Chapel is filled during Ray of Hope sessions; 3. Ernie Koop and Gari Brandt exchange stories with Conroy Koop; 4. Barry Plett competently emceed the sessions; 5. An ideal day for beach volleyball; 6. Worship band members pose (left to right): Jason Dueck, Reg Friesen, Becky Eidse, Jon Loeppky, Carol Reimer, Gwen Friesen and Terry Loewen (leader); 7. The semi­ nar on violence drew a large audience; 8. Abundant Spring’s first (and maybe last) Jeopardy contest, based on EMC facts.

June 7, 1995

Millions Lose a Friend WINNIPEG, Man. — When Harry Neufeld died, 16 million peo­ ple around the world lost a friend. Neufeld, 67, died March 31, shortly after retiring from his po­ sition as Grain Drive Coordinator for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, a Winnipeg-based interchurch agency which collects and ships donated grain to people overseas. During his time with the Foodgrains Bank, Neufeld was in­ strumental in getting Canadian farmers to donate nearly 3 mil­ lion bushels of grain for hungry people in the developing world; enough grain, when matched by Canadian government funds, to feed 16 million people for one month. As Grain Drive Coordinator, Neufeld crisscrossed the prairies to encourage farmers to share with the world’s hungry. Altogether, the grain Neufeld helped to collect would fill 902 train cars — a train over ten miles long. Foodgrains Bank Executive Director Al Doerksen recalls that Harry loved to tell stories; one of his favourites was the Bible story of how Jesus fed 5,000 people with only a few loaves and fishes. “Harry was a salesman, always wanting to top the latest record — by the time he’d finished with the story, he was challenging farmers to feed 50,000,” Doerksen says. “He always wanted to inspire people to reach for higher goals.” For Neufeld, retirement from the Foodgrains Bank was very difficult. “His heart was in the work,” says Doerksen. “He didn’t want to leave.” Shortly after he left, he was invited to return on a part-time basis; he retired again in February this year, but soon was attending grain drive meetings, encouraging farmers to be­ lieve every tonne made a difference. When Foodgrains Bank staff recall Neufeld, they remember the story he told about his family’s Thanksgiving table. Around the table were Harry, his wife, Tina, and their children and grand­

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Harry Neufeld, Grain Drive Coordinator for the Foodgrains Bank (right), and a southern Manitoba farmer watch donated grain be­ gin the first leg of its journey from a prairie grain elevator to hun­ gry people overseas. (Photo: The Carillon}

children. On the table would be the steaming mashed potatoes, the gravy, the turkey, the cranberries, and so on. He would describe the scene in terms of passing the food across the table. Someone calling for carrots. Someone else noticing a neighbour’s plate needed more turkey. People of different tastes and differ­ ent ages, all responsive to each other’s wants and needs. This picture — a world in which families get along, in which people enjoy each other’s presence, in which all have enough to eat — was Harry’s vision for the world. Neufeld is survived by his wife, Tina, five children, nine grand­ children, two brothers and a sister.

Missions MEXICO

Furlough Feelings

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Questions and Uncertainties Furlough time brings with it many uncer­ tainties and questions. The Mexicans often ask us about furloughs. They wonder why we have to go, how we decide when it is time and what we do during furlough. As missionaries we also have many questions on our minds as we think of furlough. We wonder how the work will progress in our absence, what we will do during our stay in Canada, besides reporting and renewing family and church rela­ tionships, and maybe, most of all, how we will fit into what used to be our close circle of friends and even family. It may sound strange that missionaries who are supposedly very out­ going people, usually befriending the friend­ less, and well able to make themselves overly busy, will suddenly face their furlough with such insecurity. For us the approaching furlough has brought with it many uncertainties. We have been on the field for five years now. Our assignment was to start a new work in the city of Chihua­ hua. When we look back, we feel grateful for what the Lord has done. We began our work by making a study of the city to find the area PAGE 8

with the fewest churches. Together with the church already there, we chose an area. We began by doing door-to-door evangelism. We found this to be the most effective means. Af­ ter we had home Bible studies for a while, we rented a small car garage and began Sunday services. As the group grew, we felt the need to purchase our own property. Thanks to all of you who faithfully support the mission, we did not have to battle with funds as many others have in the past, but were able to buy an old house. Bit by bit, with the help of all the church members and other friends, we have remodelled the building to the point where it is a fairly comfortable little chapel. Af­ ter three years of services, we have three more payments left to finish paying the church loan. There is a fairly regular attendance of 35 or more, sometimes up to 60. In spite of the blessings, there are still many questions and many shady areas. Some of the members are very irregular in their attendance. We have people who have joined our church because it is in their area and therefore the church is made up of Christians of all kinds of backgrounds — Pentecostal, Baptist, Methodist and other independent groups. Then there are those who are just new Chris­ tians and arc still struggling to clear up past miseries, such as divorces and separations. We sec there is still much need for growth and

learning to work together. At the same time, we do not want to just create another church that is so used to having a missionary that they just can’t manage without one. When is it time to leave? The other thing on our minds is the next year ahead of us. The children wonder if they will make friends. What will school be like in Canada? What will a snowy winter be like? Our hearts long for a rest from the responsi­ bilities of always being the leader. We look for­ ward to sitting through a service without having some active part in it. We look forward to watching others do what we have been do­ ing and learn from them. Another aspect of furlough that we need is to be off the pedestal for a time and just be one of the group. On the other hand, we look forward to sharing the many blessings and hardships we have ex­ perienced over the last years. It is with mixed feelings that we prepare to leave Mexico for a year. Please don’t stop praying for your missionaries when they come home. We need your help in our time of refreshing and refilling so we will be ready for the next door the Lord opens for us. Louise Hiebert Louise and Peter Hiebert (Steinbach EFC) are church planters in Chihuahua dtp, Mexico. THE MESSENGER

couple’s home just down the road because the woman was sick and couldn’t leave the house. So some chairs were loaded on Schmidts’ truck and the service was moved. We were warmly received and 20 minutes later the service resumed. Interspersed with singing, Dave taught from the gospels in the Guarani language. A number of the group in­ teracted freely as the Word was expounded. The host, an elderly man in the 80s, said that for some time he had believed but now for the first time he was making a public confession.

Church Beginnings in East Paraguay “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed...though it is the smallest of all gour seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches” (Matthew 13:31, 32). In our visit to Paraguay in April, David Thiessen and I saw evidence of the growth of the kingdom of heaven in different places and at different stages. The missionaries and Paraguayan church leaders from the estab­ lished churches are sowing the seed in differ­ ent ways and places. We had the privilege of visiting some of these congregations. Repatriacidn. On April 23 some eighty people gathered under some large shade trees in Brigido’s yard. (Brigido is the lay leader of a developing congregation.) Christians had come come from' from the the ” Caaguazu, Caaguazu, Bernardino Bernardino Caballero and Pastoreo churches to celebrate th7wo7k"of God7nThe lives of a middle-aged couple who had made commitments to Jesus and wanted to publicly confess Jesus as Lord in water baptism. Since they had lived common-law, they first exchanged marriage vows in a ceremony conducted by Agripino Presentado, pastor of the Caaguazu Mennonite Church. Then we walked a quarter mile to the river where the couple was baptized af­ ter giving their testimonies. Forty-eight Chris­ tians formed a circle to break bread and partake of the cup, proclaiming Jesus’ death. It was a glorious afternoon of celebration! The beginning of the congregation goes back to 1991, when Brigido made contact with the bookstore Ne’e Pora (Good Word), looking for answers to spiritual questions. He was a catechist in the Roman Catholic church at the time. Through Bible study he began to have questions about salvation and infant bap­ tism. Six months later he and his wife, his par­ ents, a sister and a nephew were baptized. Now there are fourteen baptized believers, other new believers and sympathizers who meet on a regular basis. Plans are being made to construct a church building.

Part of the congregation in Pindo.

er, had gone away to work but had left another lay leader in charge of the services. The sow­ ing of the Word began in this rural communi­ ty about four years ago when a Christian family from Yhovy went to visit thejr rel^ives shared their_ faith. Ernest and Elsie Funk <and ------------------and some believers from the Yhovy church began visiting this family and others in£he community and started having services. The seed sprouted and grew. Now there are twelve baptized believers and a number of new believers. It was heartwarming to see individuals get up and testify how God had been working in their lives. At the end of the service a teenage girl rededicated her life to the Lord. After the service, while we were sipping terrere, the Christians excitedly shared their construction plans for a church building.

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Lay leader leading the Sunday morning serv­ ice in Pindo.

June 7, 1995

Sommerfeld. Here we attended a Monday evening Bible study, where 60 adults and a number of young people and children gathered. The children and youth had separate clas^es^ Pastor Heinrichs le but men and women shared their insights and asked questions. The Word of God has taken root and• there was clear evidence of growth ■ ■ in faith and obedience. It was a thrilling ex­ perience to see the development of this con­ gregation in just a year. A large multi-purpose building (now used for school and services) has been completed. Plans are being made to

Dave Schmidt sharing the message of the Bi­ ble in Guarani at Chaco-i.

Chaco4. Dave and Judy Schmidt took us to a home in this community for a weekday even­ ing service. The men came in their work­ clothes, right from the job. After sharing mate, the singing began. After a few choruses, one lady suggested the service be held at an elderly

Pindo It took us (Ernest and Elsie Funk, Dave and me) 2’A hours to travel 73 kilometres. (Ernest said the roads were excep­ tionally good.) We arrived at 8:30 a.m., just as the service was about to begin. Twenty adults, plus children, gathered to worship and hear God’s Word. Antonio, the main lay lead-

New multi-purpose building at the EMG, Som-

merfeld Colony, Ea^af^aguaj^ tuary, Christian day school and fellowship hall,

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'Cottage meeting at a Paraguayan home in

Bible study in the EMG. Front row (I to r): Mrs. Heinrichs, Elsie and Ernest Funk. Bishop Jacob Heinrichs, David Thiessen.

build a sanctuary this year. Two ministers and a deacon have been elected. Amidst opposi­ tion and trials, the congregation is growing. These are a few examples of the growth in the kingdom of heaven in Paraguay. Many in­ dividuals are finding refuge as the tree (church) grows and they are drawn to Jesus. You, the EMC constituency, are a part of this ministry as you have prayed and given. Do continue your support. The returns are out of this world. Lester Olfert

In April, David Thiessen, a member of the Board of Missions, and Lester Olfert, foreign secretary, made a three-week administrative yjgjf Paraguay during which they visited the new churches in the foregoing report.

PAGE 9

PARAGUAY

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A New School in the Colony Sommerfeld Interview with Aeltester Jacob Heinrichs For many years Aeltester Jacob Heinrichs led the Sommerfeld Church in East Paraguay. His suggestions for necessary changes in areas like Bible study, youth work and missions were cons­ tantly rejected by the church. When he decided to introduce cer­ tain changes, he was no longer accepted as Aeltester. So about a year ago he organized a new church of about 150 members, registered as the Evangelische Mennoniten Gemeinde (EMG). This year it became a member of the Gemeindekomitee in Paraguay. Besides Bible study, prayer meetings, youth work, Sunday school, Singstunde and missions outreach, they have also started their own elementary school. How did the new church in Sommerfeld and later also your school get started? That is a long story....When I accepted the call to become a minister in Sommerfeld in 1978,1 already knew that I didn’t agree with everything that was happening, especially in the areas of edu­ cation, youth work and missions. Often I expressed my views on these issues, but didn’t get much support. Eventually it came to the point where I started a Bible study with my own family in our home. At the brotherhood meeting I extended an official invitation to everyone, which apparently caused more opposition than support. But we continued and slow­ ly people started joining us.

One of the classes in the new school.

In our group we became more convinced that we needed to do some spiritual work to reach the young people. But, in gener­ al, the church didn’t support the idea. When we decided to do something and I presented a plan to the church, a split was the result. The issues in question were youth work and Bible study. The school wasn’t really on the agenda at that point, even though I had seen the need for it and had also emphasized it. The problems with the young people in our settlement were part­ ly a result of something lacking in their education in our schools. We had to do something about that, and so. after our second church in Sommerfeld was founded, we soon agreed to expand our education system. But since we could not come to an agree­ ment with the other church on this issue, we stared our own school. How is this school of the EMG in Sommerfeld differ­ ent from the other schools? The curriculum is divided into more subjects. We never used to have subjects like Social Studies, Health or Traffic Education — things obviously not directly related to the Bible. Our only sub­ jects were Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, which were being taught well. The Bible was read and explained. Now there is Bib­ lical teaching and application, which is better for the children, since they have to think and work themselves. Some people insist that the new church has taken the Bible out of the school. Do you agree? No, we have brought the Bible into the school even more, not taken it out. Although the children don’t use the Bible as a read-

Students and teachers sing during assembly.

er any more, our new way of Biblical teaching makes it possible for the children to actually understand the content of the Bible and accept it personally. You have teachers from Sommerfeld in your new school. Have their teaching methods changed to make it easier for the students to understand the content? Just the new teaching material we are now using already makes it easier for the children to understand the content. Will you also need teachers from the outside to help along in the school? We’d like to keep our own teachers, who, of course, will need more training and preparation to become better equipped for their ministry. For now we’ll need somebody to help us train these teachers...which is already happening. Is this school fully supported by the EMG as a whole? 1 would say yes. Are you planning to teach only up to grade six? This year we’ve started with grades one to six only. But we plan to expand that in order to train students to become useful members of the community and the church. The EMG has brought tremendous changes, which ob­ viously weren’t understood by many people in Som­ merfeld. Then the terrible traffic accident happened in your family. Are you able to face it all? Well, as far as changes are concerned, 1 realize that people sim­ ply need time. Some people who a year ago were concerned about the changes happening too fast, have already changed their minds and are now supportive. That’s how it will be in the future as well. We can’t start at the top step of the stairs, but need to begin at the bottom. That way we gain more understanding of the situa­ tion and the church moves forward. In regard to the accident in our family, it is a test for us to check whether we really want to serve God in this new church, or if well allow this accident to make us back off from it. I’m convinced that God is with us. This church has been God’s work from the very beginning and He will continue to guide it. What His pur­ pose is behind this terrible accident still remains a mystery to us. But I am convinced He will reach His goal, even though we may not understand. The church will go on. That is very encouraging. Thank you for the interview. Benny Goertzen Benny and Esther Goertzen (Filadelfia EMB) work in a radio ministry at Caaguazu and assist the church in Sommerfeld.

The funeral of six members of the Heinrichs family, victims of a tragic accident.

Messenger News NEWCOMERS WELCOMED

Kleefeld, Man.: We were privileged to have Ben Eidse minister to us during the four Sun­ day morning services in February. These serv­ ices were set aside for our missions conference, giving us a chance to focus on the work being done by Christians both far and near. We also enjoyed a slide show with Flo Friesen and Rudy and Betty Enns on Febru­ ary 26 in the evening. On February 7 many of the women of our congregation gathered to welcome three little newcomers to our church. Stewart Ferguson (son of Scott and Rhonda), Alairic Penner (son of Don and Dorothy) and Ivan Bartel (son of Robert and Iris) were the guests of honour at a fellowship shower. These showers have be­ come an important way of showing support to the young families in our church and are much appreciated. A group of women in our church saw a need for a chance for the young mothers and ladies of our church to get together for fellowship and a bit of a break once a month. Sandy Toews has been heading up a committee that or­ ganizes a “Morning Out for Moms” program. We’ve met two times now for some good visit­ ing, a devotional and a craft while some very helpful women took care of our children (no small feat!). We’re looking forward to continu­ ing this program in the fall, after a summer break. Easter is the highlight of the church year as we gather to celebrate God’s greatest gift to us — our salvation. We also praise Him for

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Parent/child dedication on May 7. Left to right: Crystal Hunt with Shaun and Amy, Bob and Iris Bartel with Ivan, Tim and Jodi Bartel with Joseph, Don and Dorothy Penner with Alairic, Scott and Rhonda Ferguson with Stewart, Pastor John Koop.

His victory over death and humbly reflect on His infinite love for us. This Easter Sunday morning many members of our church met at the graveyard for a resurrection service with singing and meditation, before the regular morning service. Another important day in the life of our church was April 23, when we welcomed Al­ bert and Beverley Dueck into our church through baptism, and Randy and Carlanna Schultz through membership transfer. We’re so happy to have these two couples join our family and look forward to serving with them. On April 25 we enjoyed having the drama group from Nipawin Bible Institute perform for us. They did a wonderful job of sharing truths in a dynamic way. Danea Goertzen of our church is a member of this group. The next generation of women in our church gathered together with their moms, pals and

guides on May 3 for the Pioneer Girls Wind­ up evening. Mary Lou Driedger was the guest speaker, bringing us three stories of special women who followed God. It was a chance for the girls to share what they had been learn­ ing during the winter and to say thank you to the faithful women who had been leading them. Parent/child dedication was held on the morning of May 7, where the parents of seven children dedicated themselves to raising their children for the Lord. Pastor Koop led us in this special service. Iris Bartel

60TH ANNIVERSARY —-—

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Albert and Beverley Dueck (shown with their son Ryan) were baptized in the Kleefeld church on April 23.

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Lori and Bill Rempel and their son Kelsey also participated in the parent/child dedication.

A highlight of the Easter morning program at the Kleefeld EMC was our own orchestra, as­ sembled and conducted by Kathy Bergen.

June 7, 1995

I:-:#!

Peter K. and Margaret Bartel celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 21.

May 21 was a special day for Peter K. and Margaret Bartel as they gathered with their children, grandchildren, great­ grandchildren and friends to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Their children. Norm and his wife, Rosella; Elsie and her husband, John Hodges; Myrtle and her husband, Ed Esau; and Lee and his wife, Grace, together with their children and grandchildren, all participated in the celebration. Al Hiebert had a devotional, after which we moved downstairs for a luncheon. Congratulations on 60 years together. Grandma and Grandpa! PAGE 11 r.

] VISITORS APPRECIATED Sioux Valley, Man.: We continue our Sunday morning services with good attendance. We often ask, “Where are the children?” To­ day’s children are the church of tomorrow. The children and youth of Sioux Valley need our prayers.

Parent/child dedication on March 26,1995. Left to right: Helen Mar­ tens, Hazel Bell with great-granddaughter Kayle, Kim McKay with Te­ nan Budd, Evelyn Tacan with Blake, Pastor Jake Martens.

Rene Pashe, age 16, with his cousin Tenan at our Easter serv­ ice. A fellowship lunch followed the service, with good attendance, good food and good fellowship.

Back (left to right): Tannis Antoine. Olive Hart, Milly Pashe, Hazel Bell, Irene McKay. Front: Lindsay Antoine, Mary Braun, Marilyn McKay, Helen Martens, Ella McKay, Carol Kennedy, Florence Mazawasicuna, Kim McKay and Tenan.

Thursday evening is Bible study night. We are studying 1 Corin­ thians at this time. We were blessed to have Frank and Mary Braun join us one evening this past winter. The five men were outside {they do come too!). We have visitors from time to time who are willing to share a tes­ timony in word or song. We thank God for our Landmark Support Group, and others who are praying for us here at Sioux Valley. Lester and Sharon Thiessen, who have served with Shantyman Missions, ministered to us in music. They sang a number of very meaningful songs at our parent/child dedication service.

Dan and Evelyn Giesbrecht reading the Scriptures.

Sharon and Lester Thiessen ministering in music.

SPRING ACTIVITIES Brandon, Man.: Welcome spring! It has been a few weeks since our last snow and things are really starting to green up. Every­ one is busy with their yards, gardens or base­ ball and soccer. Our young people have been busy with bowling and outdoor games of soccer. This month they enjoyed Danny Plett and Libera­ tion and Vision Be^iond in concert. What a great way to praise the Lord! We held an evening service on April 13, “Peace Through the Blood of the Cross,” and the congregation participated in readings about Jesus, the cross and what the Easter weekend was truly about. The ladies had a special evening out in April where we had a guest speaker, Julie Friesen.

PAGE 12

Children are adorable and so trusting! Tenan probably got his first driving lesson from Pete!

On April 23 five couples came to our service: Peter and Caroline Loewen of Arborg, Alvin and Adina Kornelsen of Winnipeg, Leonard and Elfrieda Plett, Henry and Anna Plett and Stan and Rose Pen­ ner, all of Landmark. We appreciated Stan sharing God’s Word with us. Back then the flood waters were already across the highway and Hwy. 21 was closed that day. This was almost four weeks ago and the water is still there, but it is beginning to recede. Many people suffered great hardship because of the flood at Sioux Valley. Helen Martens

“Roses for Mother,” May 14. Left to right: Kim McKay, Carol Kennedy, Hazel Bell, Wanda Hart, Milly Pashe, Olive Hart, Helen Martens, Irene McKay.

She taught us how to make a eucalyptus swag. It was a fun evening of fellowship, food and crafting. In Sunday school the children have given their offering to Catherine Thiessen of Mexi­ co for the purchase of sports equipment for the summer camp. The older class is collect­ ing soap for MCC to be sent to Sudan. April 21 was another gym night — a family event. The evening started with silly group games to get warmed up and then we had teams playing floor hockey and volleyball. The banner committee had a fund-raiser by babysitting on April 22. Many thanks to all who donated their time or food to make the fun day for all the kids. In April we had a farewell potluck lunch to say goodbye and good luck to several of our university students. Some are just gone for the

summer, while some have gone to new homes to start their chosen professions. We wish them all a great summer. John and Janet Leigh and family from The International Nepal Fellowship in Nepal ministered to us during the morning service. Three of their girls demonstrated a dance and how it is used as an outreach tool in teaching about Jesus. John also gave the morning mes­ sage on how we, the church, are God’s army here on earth and the job we have to keep Sa­ tan out of control. Quite a challenge! May is our month for elections, and a big thank you to all who are finishing up terms and to those who will be taking on new responsibilities. God will richly bless those who do work in His name. Syd Chihonik

THE MESSENGER

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Easter morning at the Prairie Grove church.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Kevin, Stuart and Mitcheii enjoying their Easter breakfast.

cinnamon rolls and Honeycombs were chomped up eagerly while we chatted. Does food foster a family feeling? The men’s prayer breakfast is held once a month from October to May. All cholesterol concerns are shelved for one morning as the men stomach platters of fried eggs and sausages, crunch on

buttery toast and sip steaming coffee. The for­ mat is varied, including teaching, visiting speakers, personal sharing and prayer. The group isn’t large but the chance to refocus can be powerful. Jolyn Braun

Prairie Grove, Man.: What a good thing it is to come to church, back bent with bur­ dens, experience the focussed care of a friend, and leave upright, the pain now diffused by peace and purpose. Not every Sunday, of course. Selfishness wars. But often enough to experience the power of God. Godly fellow­ knowing the Lord, 2) his repentance of his selfGUEST SPEAKERS ship rejuvenates. reliance, 3) the Pentecostal fire that enabled Food forms one avenue of fellowship for us Birch River, Man.: May 15 — Brrr. We him to be a witness to God’s saving grace to at Prairie Grove. On Easter morning we be­ should be past that stage, but not so. The ther­ many listeners. gan our celebration of Christ’s resurrection mometer still drops below freezing for the Charles Thiessen, son of Harold cind Laura, with our annual breakfast. Quiche, fruit salad. night and we see and hear of snowfall all graduated from a three-year course of studies around us. This makes for an overall late seed­ at Steinbach Bible College on April 30. He has offered to work alongside Pastor Ferlin at ing for the farmers. But we don’t give up hope JOINT EASTER PROGRAM Steeprock Bay Bible Camp this summer. for summer because God’s promises in His Angela Thiessen has been accepted as fullWord of seed-time and harvest stand firm, as time counsellor at this camp as well, giving her Lowe Farm, Man.: This year’s Easter pro­ recorded in Genesis 8:22. the credit needed in cross-cultural Christian gram, together with the Bergthaler and Em­ Pastor Ferlin and his wife, Elizabeth, and service for her Bible school course. Many more manuel Gospel churches, was entitled their children chose to take their holidays from workers are needed. If you are interested, write Portraits of Darkness. It was a one-hour serv­ March 22-April 4. They travelled to the West to Ferlin Abrahamson, Box 10, Birch River, ice on Good Friday morning, which present­ Coast, visiting family members and friends Man. ROL OEO for an application form. ed the full passion account in the Gospel of along the way. The mothers in our church were duly During this time we had the Gideons replace Mark. Readers from the three participating honoured by our youth group, who were in churches shared the Scriptures and offered Ferlin in the pulpit for the first Sunday. Kip meditations on eight different portraits Mark Fullerton of Swan River spoke on how ignor­ charge of the Sunday morning worship serv­ ice. Elaine Sigurdson chaired the service. paints of the darkness which encompassed Je­ ing the Word leads to disaster, and reported sus. After each meditation, except the last, a on the work that the Gideons are doing in plac­ Three Sunday school classes joined the youth in recitation and song. The annual mother and candle was extinguished and the choir and/or ing and distributing Bibles around the world. daughter event took place at the Tea House The following Sunday, Dennis Anderson, the congregation responded with an appropri­ in Swan River on the Friday before Mother’s ate dcvotioneil hymn. At the conclusion of the missionary to the natives in The Pas, gave a Day. It is truly a blessing to be a mother! service the one candle remained lighted as a short report on happenings there. He then Helen Kroeker sign both of the light which lingered in the spoke on Peter, by the fire; 1) his denial of minds of Jesus’ most faithful followers and as an image of the far greater light which breaks A MOTHER’S TEARS, A MOTHER’S SMILES forth on Easter morning. An occasion like this requires a lot of plan­ Mainly due to the continuing drought in High Level, Alta.: Greetings from High ning, dedication and hard work on the part of Mexico and the resultant meagre income to Level! Our Mother’s Day Brunch was actually a many ladies. It was wonderful to see the four make ends meet, several families have returned to southern Manitoba and a few of Mother’s Day Lunch this year, held on Satur­ committees unified under an umbrella of God­ them are making Lowe Farm their church day, May 13. Martha Driedger of La Crete was given guidance, for which they consistently home. This sort of compensates for the depar­ the speaker and she did an excellent job of prayed. The food was super and the decora­ ture of previous members — one family to the addressing the theme “A Mother’s Teeirs, A tions absolutely beautiful. Somehow the Lord Interlake area and one to the Winkler United Mother’s Smiles,” which was based on Psalm takes all these things and ties them all together 30:5b, “Weeping may endure for a night, but to leave an impact that otherwise would not Pentecostal Church. On Sunday, April 30, we observed Holy joy cometh in the morning” (KJV). There were be left. Praise be to Him! Another exciting event is about to begin at Communion. The sharing time was especial­ also several specicd numbers, all correlated ly meaningful since the occasion followed only very well, serving to increase the blessing of our church — our building project. As I men­ four days after we concluded the Rosenort the morning. We could feel the presence of tioned last time, we will be adding on to our the Holy Spirit as He encouraged, comforted, existing building this summer, and the Lord area revival crusade. The first Tuesday of the month the ladies refreshed and blessed the 90-plus ladies has worked a series of small, but timely, mira­ serve at the Valley Lodge in Morris with a" half- present. Since we sec this occasion as ein out­ cles to make everything possible. Our finan­ hour hymn sing. This Personal Care Home fa­ reach to the ladies of High Level, several of cial goal has not yet been reached, but there cility has also seen several regional EMCers these ladies were non-Christians. Pray with us are many who have sacrificed and more who make this their final “earthly refuge.” that the Holy Spirit will continue to reveal Je­ will. We trust God for this. Gert Knelsen J. Loewen sus Christ to them. June 7, 1995

PAGE 13

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New members at the Steinbach church. Back (left to right): Earl and Lori Funk, Elizabeth Dueck, Mary Hildebrand, Marie and Rudy Fehr. Front: Helena McAlpine, Tina Teichroeb, Helen Penner, John and Clara Doerksen (missing are Loren and Beth Koehler).

Left to right: Sara Loeppky, Marian Houghton, Stan Houghton

ing (May 19. 1950) was the need for support for an out going missionary, Marian Loewen. They prayed “God’s fullest blessing on her un­ dertaking.” While on the field, she married Stan Houghton, a fellow missionary. Their field of service the last years was with radio station HCJB, where Stan was an engineer. On May 28, 1995, Marian, together with her husband, Stan, was back at the church which sent her out, now retired. Sara Loeppky went to Paraguay around 1960. Her work there, under the EMC Board of Missions, included teaching, sewing and cooking classes, the bookstore and follow-up. In his challenge, Henry Klassen encouraged the church to be faithful in sending out new

ambassadors to take the place of those who are retiring. The three retiring missionaries have given a combined 110 years of service. Dave Schellenberg

AMBASSADORS HONOURED Steinbach, Man.: The second membership reception this spring took place at our church on May 28. Together with those received earli­ er, the number comes to thirteen. In the pho­ to are those who were accepted on May 28, as well as those who were received at an earli­ er date. Sunday, May 28, was also the occasion of a celebration in honour of Sara Loeppky and Stan and Marian Houghton. To mark the event, a 4:00 faspa was announced and a good number of people responded. In 1950 our church created a Foreign Mis­ sions Committee. On the agenda for the meet-

IN A COUNTRY GARDEN Endeavour, Sask.: For the past couple of years a group of the younger married women have been meeting once a week for a time of Bible study together. This April they hosted a Women’s Night Out to which the ladies of Endeavour and the neighbouring towns were invited. 1 have asked Sharon Karcha, one of the women, to submit the following article: “For quite some time our ladies Bible study group had talked about the possibility of hav­ ing an evening out for women. We’ve received blessings attending special functions put on by various groups in our area. We also recog­ nized the tremendous outreach tool this could be so we decided to set a date. On April 24 we hosted more than ninety women in our community hall. Our theme was In a Country Garden so our special feature was on garden­ ing, presented by a local greenhouse. We had a very inspirational singer, Vai Hallick, who sang several songs during the evening. The evening ended with Marie Edwards of Tisdale sharing her life story, successfully turning her mourning into joy! The response to the even­ ing was what we had been sensing. Women in our communities are hungry for the Lord and for fellowship with one another." This program came at a time when people were finally able to venture out on the gravel roads. For over a month the road conditions made it almost impossible for some to get out to church. Only those who are fortunate enough to live on paved roads were able to get around without a great deal of difficulty. The entire evening really gave us a promise of the spring to come! The weekend of Mother’s Day found our young people very busy. On Saturday they.

PAGE 14

along with some adult help, gave our church a spring cleaning. The next day they prepared and served a soup and sandwich lunch after the morning service in honour of mothers of our congregation. This weekend of activity was their way of raising funds to help with the expenses of attending Abundant Springs. From all reports the three youth and their lead­ er had a great weekend. Margaret Moorhead

Weddings KEHLER - HIEBERT: Gary, son of Ben and Mar­ tha Kehler of Steinbach, Man., was married on March 4, 1995, to Lynette, daughter of Dave and Edith Hiebert of Steinbach. The wedding took place at the Full Gospel Chapel in Steinbach, with Jim Harms of Steinbach officiating. The couple is mak­ ing their home in Steinbach. FRIESEN ■ REIMER: Steven, son of Abe and Lin­ da Friesen of Steinbach, Man., and Jacqueline, daughter of Annie Reimer of Steinbach, were mar­ ried on April 8, 1995, at the Steinbach EMC. Arden Thiessen of Steinbach officiated. The couple is mak­ ing their home in Steinbach. CHORNOBOY - FRIESEN: Rick, son of Brian and Vemecia Chornoboy of Steinbach, Man., and Ange­ la, daughter of Jake and Irene Friesen of Grunthal, Man., were married at the EMC church in Kleefeld, Man., on March 4,1995, with John Koop of Kleefeld officiating. The couple is residing in Steinbach. SZYSKA ■ HARDER: Roland, son of Herman and Emma Szyska of Lindsey, Ont., was married on April 22, 1995, to Leona, daughter of Frank and Maria Harder of Kleefeld, Man. The wedding took place at the Kleefeld EMC. with John Koop of Kleefeld officiating. The couple is making their home in Ontario.

IN MEMORY In memory of my niece, Rachel Heinrichs, on her birthday, June 13, 1994. Rachel was swiftly taken from us on August 23. 1994, in a traffic accident. One year ago, pre­ cious Rachel, you were with us... We celebrated your 18th birthday with a summer-scented picnic in Assiniboine Park. We did not quite know how to be joyful with your big brother, Jon, gone...only 3’/z months. Rachel Heinrichs No kites were flown that day. But bravely we all sought to make your day special. Special with age-old tradi­ tions of gifts, cake and candles...cherishing be­ ing together. Posing for pictures under your new umbrella, your infectious smile glowed out at all of us. Thank you for your smile. 1 miss you so very, very much. No one is quite like you in grace and beauty. No one quite as sensitive and thoughtful when they ask, “How are you feeling?” You would crook your pretty little head to the side in concern. With gentle feel­ ing in your soft eyes, you would empathize. Oh, I need you...always...in my life! Confused and thistle-thorned emotions within me don’t understand. But in my heart burns a very bright candle of love for you. I know: “I’ll love you forever. I’ll love you for al­ ways, As long as Pm living, my baby you’ll be.” - Robert Munsch, Love You Forever. Lonely and with longing beyond words, I plead with God to help me. For you. He gave me the comforting assurance of John 3:16. You and I share that good old faithful promise...true until the end...so simple! And I believe it set you free, free from all pain both emotionally and physically. I do need to see you soon. But until then, I remain your faithful “second mom.” Aunt Julia

Edberg, Alta. P. S. Let Jon blow out one of your candles as you celebrate together up there, ’kay? THE MESSENGER

I

j ELISABETH LOEWEN 1900 - 1994

Elisabeth Loewen passed away on Monday, May 8, 1995, at the Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, at the age of 94 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Isaac f F. Loewen, in 1967, their son Leonard in 1933; one grandson, Kevin Friesen, in 1967; and one greatgrandson, Lucas Pen­ ner, in 1991. She leaves to cherish her memory, her chil­ dren, Mary and Aaron Friesen (Nelson, B.C.), Minna Loewen (Steinbach, Man.), Peter and Caroline Loewen (Arborg, Man.), George and Katherine Loewen (Riverton, Man.), John and Esther Loewen (Steinbach), Edwin and Lydia Loewen (Winnipeg, Man.), Wilma and John Linger (Landmark, Man.), Anna and Bill Pen­ ner (Steinbach) and Valida and Vic Friesen (Steinbach). She also leaves to mourn her sis­ ters, Sara (Mrs. Peter J. Loewen), Helen (Mrs. John D. Loewen) and Margaret (Mrs. Cor­ nelius J. Loewen), all of the Steinbach area; her brother, Abram and Cadia Unger (Pontrillas, Sask.), and her sister-in-law, Mary (Mrs. Peter Unger). Elisabeth was bom the third daughter of the late John and Maria Unger. She attended school in Blumenhof, and upon confession of her faith she was baptized and became a member of the church in Blumenort. She mar­ ried Isaac Loewen in 1921 and together they farmed in the Twin Creek and Blumenhof area until they retired and moved to Steinbach. Family, friends and church were very dear to her. She had a keen interest in their spiritual growth and commitment. Her love of beauty was expressed in the flowers she grew and the handwork, crafts and fine quilts which she loved to make and give away. An avenue of service which gave her a purpose and influence far beyond the sphere of home and family was her active involvement in MCC and other relief agencies. She sewed garments and made many blankets to be given away where need­ ed, in the name of Christ. The funeral was held in the Steinbach E. M. Church on May 11, with Arden Thiessen and Dave Harms, the Resthaven chaplain, in charge. The family is very appreciative of all the love and care they have received, for the wonder­ ful care our mother received at the Resthaven Nursing Home and for the care given by Dr. Paul Peters. We thank each of you who came to the funeral or sent cards and flowers. Your expressions of sympathy are appreciated. The Family

Births FRIESEN - to Byron and Calle Friesen of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Hannah Emily, on March 10, 1995.

June 7, 1995

By the WAY

By Dave Schellenberg

I WAS DEBATING, before I began this article, whether I should ask all young people to switch off, because what is coming is mainly for seniors. But then, on the other hand, maybe preparations for senior living should be made long before one becomes a senior. And cer­ tainly, the best advice is from Amos, “Prepare to meet thy God...” (Amos 4:12). One must also be very much aware that one may never reach the senior years. The future of each one of us is in God’s hands, but I don’t think this precludes preparing ourselves for old age. For instance, the Psalmist prayed, “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth” (Psalm 71:9). And again, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Paul also assumes that parents will live to “lay up” for their children (2 Corinthians 12:14). From something I said in my April By the Way column, some of you were made aware that we were planning to move. Well, what was “future” then, is now here. And when the future is upon you, it is altogether different than when it is still on the horizon. And so things have been moving at a fast pace lately: finding an apart­ ment, taking stock of accumulated possessions, deciding what to keep, what to sell, what to give to MCC SelfHelp, what to throw away. So you see that one is faced with dealing with real­ ities. Sentimentality is sometimes forced to take a back seat in situations like this. To complicate all this is that old age comes at a time when one is least able to cope with it. And this includes a relocation at this stage of life. Generally speaking, this is only one of many times we have moved in our married life. But I cannot recall that any affected me emotionally like this one. But now, having lived in one place since 1967, emotions suddenly come into play. Hence, I believe there is

some truth in the above statement that, as one grows older, it becomes harder to cope with life situations and change. At least I find it that way.

BARTEL - to Merlin and Sigi Bartel of Caronport, Sask., a daughter, Jasmine Sky, on April 6,1995. BARTEL - to Kerry and Myrna Bartel of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Kaitlyn Marie, on May 19,1995.

REMPEL - to Bill and Lori Rempel of Kleefeld, Man., a chosen son, Kelsey, on October 13, 1993. DYCK ■ to Amy and Lisa Dyck of Fort St. John, B.C., a son, Coulton John, on April 6, 1995. PETERS - to Cam and Gwen Peters of High Level, Alta., a daughter, Amy Nicole, on April 11,1995. REIMER - to Dave and Sharlene Reimer of Land­ mark, Man., a son, Donovan James, on May 10, 1995. REIMER ■ to Rick and Elaine Reimer of Arborg, Man., a son, Michael Damian, on May 4, 1995.

TETRAULT - to Rick and Jeanette Tetrault of Win­ nipeg, Man., a son, Marc Aaron, on April 20,1995. DUECK - to Rick and Pam Dueck of North Van­ couver, B.C., a son, Zachary Dillon, on May 9,^ 1995. KEHLER ■ to Darrell and Elaine Kehler of Altona, Man., a daughter, Lindsay Tiana, on May 5, 1995.

SENIORS AND CHURCH MINISTRIES was the topic of a recent seminar at the Steinbach Bible College. Let me share some helpful things that older adults want out of this last period in life. This may also help us to cope with some of the things associated with growing older and enable us to meet changing situations. • To live with meaning and hope— to have an identity. • To cope with the unique fears and stresses of this period. • To maintain a vital faith until death. The next theme was “The older adults’ responsibility in changing the stereotype of this age group.” Some suggestions: • To accept that moving from one life stage to another is natural. This in­ cludes learning to say goodbye to what is left behind and to say hello to what is in the present and ahead. • To be positive in outlook — no self-pity. • To learn to heal bitter memories, grudges, etc. • To accept that God is where you are, not ahead. Accept God’s promise of support and strength and that of others as needed. • To celebrate the transitions of life, and to laugh more. • To encourage younger people. • To simplify your lifestyle. Get rid of the clutter. • To maintain an active, farreaching prayer life. The paper from which I copied this included more, but let this suffice. I think the advice given is good and will help anyone to adjust better when faced with old age. (to be continued)

PAGE 15

From the Editor TWO CONVENTIONS WE HAVE, in our Conference, two major Conference­ wide events, both of which involve a lot of work in preparation. Both, I believe, produce many positive results. One often-ignored benefit is the Conference awareness they produce. It is so easy to become fully occupied within our own church and remain quite ignorant of the wider picture. For our own good we need that wider view of what God is doing and how He is working throughout our Conference. Abundant Springs, the biennial youth convention, is one of the major events I am referring to. The seventh one convened just a few weeks ago on the May long weekend, and I was privileged to be there. Mind you, it does feel a little strange to be among a crowd where you are old enough to be father of the leaders and grandfather of the teens. But it also feels good, especially to share in the blessings that accompany such a massive event. Also, being with young people helps to keep one young at heart. Where I draw the line is in trying to keep up with them. Getting about 40% (my guess) of our Conference youth together is an awesome achievement. The activities of the weekend produce not only an emotional high, but confirmations and decisions on a deeper level. Many have testified that such commitments have been life-changing. But one can stay on the mountain-top only so long, and anyway, not much grows on the top of a mountain. Growth takes place in the valley where quiet rivers run. So back at home, with nurture and encouragement, the fruit appears. Often we tend to think of our youth as the “church of tomorrow.” To an extent that is true, but 1 believe we need to see our young people as an important segment of the church right now. They want to serve — let them. Their performance may not be as polished as the professional, but so what. How else will they learn? We

dare not keep them waiting in the wings to make their appearance in Christian service years down the road. And let’s be more supportive than critical. The other major event I was referring to is our annual convention. And that has me puzzled. If Abundant Springs can attract over one-third of our youth, why does the convention attract only 10% of our members in a good year? What is wrong? Obviously the majority of our members don’t realize they are missing something by never showing up. They find other things to do with their time and money. Either the information does not get to them, or the program is not appealing enough to say they can’t miss it. 1 am not speaking here of those who have a deep desire to participate in the convention, but for health or other reasons are prevented from doing so. There are many in that category, I know. Are we content to “do” conventions as we have in the past? I believe an excellent trend was started in 1987 when the location was first moved away from southeastern Manitoba. So far we have met in Brandon, Regina, Swan River, Morris and Winnipeg. The convention in Calgary this year is a real challenge, being farther from the “core” than ever before. We will demonstrate by our presence or absence whether we consider ourselves part of a “national” Conference. For a start, we must have every one of the 49 congregations represented. Pay the way for your delegates, if necessary. Don’t let the circle be broken! Do you know that if, for example, every member of the Conference decided to participate in the convention only once every five years, the attendance would double? That would still be only 20%. Our young people are doing better than that. Let’s follow their example! — Menno Hamm

SK. . >

This is your last call to the...

1995 ANNUAL CONVENTION June 30 to July 2, in Calgary, Alberta Dr. John B. Toews will speak on Peace

Everyone must pre-register in advance to be as-

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THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0

*

.lion • A Mennonite Central Committee publication • May 1995 •vol 18 • no 2

Published a.s an insert in: THE MESSENGER, EMMC RECORDER, CHORTITZA CHRONICLE, MENNONITE REPORTER and MB HERALD

1

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The front cover design combines three MCC Contact newsletters over a 15-year period symbol­ izing past, present and future.

From circle letters to cyberspace "Write the vision; make it plain upon tablets... "

(Habakkuk 2:2). How can we best communicate MCC’s vision, making it plain'.’ And what tablets should we use’.’ MCC Communications staff have struggled with these ques­ tions for years.

Prior to 1977 MCC staff produced the Women's Activity Letter, primarily to inform women's sewing circles how many and where quilts, and other material resources, were needed. MCC Contact replaced this newsletter in 1977: its expanded content included features about MCC volunteers’ lives and issues of war, poverty and hunger. Now. in mid-1995, when younger constituents are likely to spend more time at computer terminals than at quilt­ ing frames. MCC continues to look for new ways to communicate its service vision. In a recent MCC-commissioned survey, constituents under age .5.5 said they would like to receive MCC communications through computer networking/on-line access. MCC is inching onto the information highway by putting some pres.s releases on the Internet.

Additionally, young respondents indicated interest in receiving an MCC publication in their home. As a result. MCC Contact, MCC's main newsletter, is being discontinued and MCC will launch a magazine this fall. The magazine, not yet named, will share the perspectives of MCC partners and workers and interpretation of world events. It will also include some features current­ ly in MCC Contact, such as listings of material resource and giving projects. Debbie Fast of Kitchener, Ont., who previously served with MCC in Kenya, will edit the magazine.

The first issue of the new magazine will be inserted in Mennonite periodicals and will explain how readers can be put on the mailing list. To mark this time of transition, writers of articles in this final issue of MCC Contact look at the past and the pre­ sent. and attempt to peer into the future.

••• Pearl Sensenig MCC Communications

J 2 MCC Contact/May 1995

A look at the yNay

MCC Contact was first published in November 1977, replacing the Women's Activity Letter. In the early years, MCC Contact was a four-page newsletter, produced monthly except for a com­ bined July-August issue. MCC Contact focused on MCC volunteers' lives and their interactions with new friends and cultures. Initially, the readers were mostly women.

In the December 1979 MCC Contact, the editor introduced yet another phase for MCC Contact, now MCC's major publica­ tion. MCC Contact was to be typeset and published six times yearly. "Although many of the items may be of primary interest to women, it is hoped that the entire fam­ ily will enjoy and benefit from this expanded paper," wrote editor Amy Rinner.

'■3

1

the year of the child

Hof and lonely in Upper Volta

Afternoon in an Indonesian longhouse

Pineapples, free shoes, costly bullets

Under this heading, the first MCC Contact fea­ tured the daily lives of three women volunteers in Upper Volta, now called Burkina Faso. The women, who lived along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, coped with bugs in their flour and blistering heat. The women often dragged their beds out on the veranda when the temper­ ature soared, but "although it offers the most comfortable night's sleep, this practice requires one to be up early or become a neigh­ borhood attraction," observed Sarah Eby of the MCC Information Services staff. Due to their isolat­ ed locations, "the ability to be at ease when alone" was essential, noted Eby.

In the December 1978 MCC Contact, MCC Indonesia volunteer Dorothy Beidler wrote about tea time with Mama Rini, a woman she met while living in a longhouse, or communal dwelling. Mama Rini, one of the few literate village women, delighted in sounding out words in her prized hymnal. "Although in her mid-20s, hard work and illnesses had left her thin and hollow-cheeked. The thick callouses on her feet represent miles of walking, padding silently along the well-packed mud paths, squishing her way through swamps as well as crossing fields and jungle areas on tree­ logs," related Beidler.

A sampling of MCC Contact in the 1980s and 1990s: • "Should Filipino land not be used to grow food for Filipinos—60 percent of whom suffer from malnu­ trition—rather than pro­ duce luxury crops to export to First World countries," questioned MCCers and their Filipino friends in the December 1984 issue of MCC Contact. The Philippine subsidiary of the American-owned Del Monte corporation had acquired land from small farmers, sometimes through intimidation, for their pineapple planta­ tions. Farmers could no longer grow food for their families, laboring instead for meager wages.

"How much I need to grow in the trust, patience and acceptance that describe Mama Rini," concluded Beidler.

4 MCC Contact/May 1995

• "Material resources: When helping hurts," the lead article in the April 1989 MCC Contact, fea­ tured a fictitious story about a North American who rescued surplus shoes from a factory dump and shared them with needy people over­ seas. The arrival of free shoes drove the local shoemaker out of busi­ ness. This introduction to the complexities of mater­ ial resource distribution helped explain MCC's pol­ icy of sharing resources that are "culturally appro­ priate and that do not sig­ nificantly disrupt the local economy," in consultation with local partners. • What is the "cost of war"? pondered the writ­ ers of the November 1991 MCC Contact. "Much of our service today occurs as a result of war, includ­ ing a great deal of our food assistance ... ," noted John Longhurst, MCC Canada Communications. "If we want to feed hungry peo­ ple, we should try to find ways to end the wars that disrupt their lives and economies."

A look at the way we

5

People delight in direct service.

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■ This amazing peoplehood Eaii Martin. MCC storyteller. has visited ___________ ___ church___ some 100 es. schools and community grotips across North America during the past year. He reports on his experiences with MCC constituents: It was a free morning, so I joined builder Jim Shaum on a roof reshingling job. The shingles were stiff in the morning coolness. Jim showed me how to use a shingling hammer to make the correct alignments. We talked as we worked. Bluebirds darted playfully about a spruce tree nearby.

Jim is a kind, thoughtful man who ha.s walked gently on the earth and close to his God for more than six decades. After several hours of gleaning some of his life learnings, I asked him directly, "Jim, if you were asked to give counsel to Mennonite agencies, what would you say?"

Hi.s hammer fell silent. All I heard was the chattering of the bluebirds. Finally. Jim said, "I'd just say, try to do things as near as possible to the way Jesus would do them." Over the last year I been moved by the humble, inspiring wisdom of folks like Jim Shaum. Seeing the church in action across the continent hearten.s me. Oh, I suppose there's plenty to be concerned about as well, but primarily my impressions are hopeful:

Faith and piety are alive and well. The graces around the table. Teen-agers of hosts going off to Mennonite Youth Fellowship meetings. The posters and mottoes on the walls. The church I encounter on the road, for all its flaws, seems deeply connected to a loving, present God, While the ordinariness of routine jobs remains the reality for many, beneath it all I sense a simple but profound awareness that we walk in the presence of the Spirit.

A sense of peoplehood is strong. For better and for worse, we are part of a family. As a fami­ ly we are marked by scraps and various dilemmas. But at least we know we're a part of something bigger than our­ selves, and yet small enough that we have a place.

Many persons and churches contribute regularly to mission and service beyond their home communities. I visited one congregation where on the previous Sunday the 105 persons attending had offered $14,000 for missions and service. I'm always awed at generosity. Beyond such financial donations, however, I observe that folks want to be involved in action, in direct response. I think of the circle of women at Martin'.s Mennonite Church in Orrville, Ohio.

After sharing our stories together, they invited me to join them around the quilt being made for an MCC relief sale. At some unexpressed level we knew that each stitch repre­ sented a bond to unmet friends in a faraway land. And the women were gracious enough not to rip out my uneven stitches—at least not in my presence! I encountered many people who volunteered many hours in MCC stores, Mennonite Disaster Service or other communi­ ty service. When I queried Leono Dyck of Lethbridge, Alberta, why she and her husband did so much volunteer work, she responded out of simple joy: "Why wouldn't we serve if we're healthy. It's so interesting out there," she said simply.

Serve all in need, but the need always includes the spiritual. Share food with Buddhists, communists, Muslims around the world'? Of course. Nowhere did I encounter resistance to helping anyone in need, regardless of their life traditions. But just as clearly comes a reminder; Remember, our call is not just sharing the cup of cold water or drilling wells together with fanners in Cambodia. Our deeper call is to share the good news of the One who is called the Living Water. Jim Shaum. with shingling hammer by his side, expressed no desire to second-guess or to control the actions of Mennonite mission and service agencies. In fact, I sensed from him and the myriad Mennonites and Brethren in Christ I've encoun­ tered a deep sense of respect and trust. Our people, deeply committed to practical service, also emphasize that we do not live by bread alone. The tangible elements of bread or water or shingling hammers are but symbols of the deeper communion of God's Spirit to which all are invited. • •• Earl Martin MCC Communications

Hence, I sense a strong ownership—at least among adults— in our church agencies, be they colleges, mission boards or service agencies. As a visitor sent from MCC, for example, 1 often sense people feel that "MCC 'R Us." I've caught the spirit both of Kansas farmers meeting to do MCC meat canning, and professionals in British Columbia giving witness against a military air show in their town. 5 MCC Contact/May 1995

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Meeting human need—together

A look at the way we will

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f Global vision for the Anabaptist family MCC's current, growing multi-cultural constituen­ cy (African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians) has similarities to the con­ stituency that joined together to form MCC 75 years ago. Although not wealthy, the earlier con­ stituency, consisting of people with Russian, German and Swiss back­ grounds, had commit­ ment, energy, passion and a desire to assist their brothers and sisters in war-ravaged Russia. MCC's multi-cultural con­ stituency has brothers, sisters, sons and daugh­ ters who are suffering from racism, joblessness, lack of educational oppor­ tunities, crime and impris­ onment. This constituen­ cy has the personal expe­ rience, the passion and the vision to engage in meeting these needs. MCC's traditional con­ stituency has become increasingly affluent but remains compassion­ ate and caring. It still generates vast resources to meet human need worldwide. But it does not have many natural connections to the diverse, marginalized constituency.

Service: Mysterious transformation

The number one future challenge for MCC will be to give profound focus to God's plan, according to Isaiah 65: 17-25. Each act of service in the fields of agriculture, health, education, technology, environment, etc., would be like small signs of "the new order" or "the Kingdom of God." The biblical basis for an Anabaptist theology of service must be rein­ forced. Another challenge for MCC will be to promote connections between Mennonites around the world—churches, schools, farmers, women, profes­ sionals, artists, etc.—to facilitate human warmth. I hope that MCC, with its history of service, will be an instrument to promote global vision within the Anabaptist family.

••• Ovidio Flores Latin American Mennonite layleader

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4

MCC is not a static insti­ tution that needs to be preserved at all costs. Rather, it is a people-cen­ tered, dynamic view of life and service that is firmly rooted in a non-violent faith tradition and a histo­ ry of suffering.

This view of life was transmitted to Mennonite children of my generation by MCC representatives who visited our churches to report on relief and service involvements in faraway lands. They were able to stir our hearts to respond to a challenge beyond ourselves. As a result, thousands of us spent many years volun­ teering our time and tal­ ents, both at home and abroad. Somewhat to our surprise, we returned home telling stories— stories about experiences that led to personal trans­ formation; stories of exceptional love, richness and celebration in the midst of poverty and suf­ fering, stories of getting far more than we gave. . . This mysterious transfor­ mation through service is the essence of my vision for the future direction of MCC. My deepest hope is that MCC will continue to provide similar opportuni­ ties for many more gener­ ations of Mennonite children.

Mission equals evangelism plus social action

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Like other agencies, MCC will have to redefine its vision as it seeks to involve youth. In an instantaneous society, staying relevant is crucial if the younger generation is to be excited by mis­ sions. Agencies once depended on videos, let­ ters and speakers to share their message; today the emphasis has shifted from hearing about to experiencing ser­ vice. The "buster" gener­ ation does not have a year or more to commit to ser­ vice, but a short-term opportunity will help develop the concept of a long-term commitment. As an African living in Canada, I have observed that North American churches tend to empha­ size either evangelism or social action. But empha­ sizing just one or the other does not help fur­ ther the great commis­ sion. God's kingdom is about transforming both lives and communities. My prayer is that through MCC we shall see a single avenue that encompasses both evangelism and social action. ••• Imbenzi George MCC board member, church youth worker

••• Leona Dueck Penner MCC South Africa country co­ representative

Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, Pa.

The challenge for MCC U.S. in the next decade is to confront institutional and structural racism so that its traditional and multi-cultural constituen­ cies can work together to meet human need.

••• Lynette Meek MCC U.S. executive secretary 7 MCC Contact/May 1995

What matters: Whether the villages get the wells

Call us "Generation Why"

Feed the hungry I like the way MCC works with people, offering assistance with no strings attached, emphasizing holistic services, not just evangelism. That gives MCC credibility among people my age. We are also impressed by the respect the non-Christian world has for MCC.

One negative aspect for my age group, however, is that the MCC board, at least in Canada, still looks much like an "old boys' club." As a new board member. I'm aware that I fill a demographic and gender need for MCC. But I hope it's not a token position. As well, people in my age group aren't excited about hierarchical approaches to leadership. At the volunteer level, MCC seems to be collabo­ rative. But at the leader­ ship levels, it still seems "top down."

If MCC is going to reach my generation, it cannot patronize us. Not all of us spend our time worrying that we don't have the right clothes or shoes. Don't assume we don't care about the world. We've been called "Generation X," but I think a better name is "Generation Why." "Generation X" suggests we have no substance or direction.

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When my son was in Africa, they had to close a school because the stu­ dents didn't have enough to eat. I see that we need to feed the hungry, even though there are so many. I try to make a quilt for the MCC relief sale every year; one year I made two. I started quilting in 1934 for my hope chest, hoping I'd need it some­ time. After my husband passed away in 1983 I really got down to busi­ ness and quilted.

I'm just a simple plowboy from northern Saskatchewan so I don't always see the complexity of situations. But my hunch is that the best path from a need to a solution is a line with as few stopping points as possible. Simply put, if what we do doesn't feed the hungry, doesn't give dignity to the powerless or doesn't give hope to the despairing, it doesn't matter how neatly drawn our structural and flow charts are. When we get more occupied with ideological concerns or where the money comes from, well, the people I worked with in Egypt didn't give a tinker's whistle about whether funding for an irrigation project came from Canada or the United States (actually it came from Holland), or how many board members were needed to authorize it. The line ran from congregations to the wells.

"Leave the quilts alone," some people tell me. But I can't. That's my mission if it means I can raise money to help out.

Short lines. That's what we simple peasant stock understand. • •• Vern Ratzlaff pastor, former MCC worker

MCC U.S. Summer Service, Philadelphia, Pa.

//

• •• Wilma Graber Volunteer quilter, MCC Central States workroom

But many of us are asking questions about life and are interested in issues of peace, conflict resolution and practical service. We want to be challenged.

• •• Lori Unger MCC Canada board member, college student

Our vision as a church and its institutions—as MCC for its next 75 years —is to keep that line, and the size of the junctures on it, to an absolute mini­ mum. The confidence of the constituency lies not in the elaborate nature of information, the illusion of involvement or the mean­ ing of representation (no board member can be expected to be very knowledgeable about a S50 million Cdn.-plus pro­ gram) but in whether vil­ lages get wells.

8 MCC ContacVMay 1

“5

Mennonite Central Committee’s 75th anniver­ sary mark recalls the source of our motivation in the past and our focus for the future.

The cross opening out suggests a passion and power giving birth to love and action out of propor­ tion to human ability.

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MCC 75th anniversary resources ••• Through new eyes, a 23minute video, shows how 75 years of service have shaped MCC, MCC volun­ teers and MCC's support­ ing churches. It focuses on five dramatic chapters in MCC's history: the 1920s, World War II, Teachers Abroad Program in Africa; work in Vietnam and work in Central America. It includes a study guide. Available for free loan from any MCC office, or to purchase a copy, send $25 Cdn./$20 U.S. to the MCC Akron office. Anniversary photo essay, a 24-page booklet, contains a photographic time line of MCC's history and sev­ eral short articles. Available free from any MCC office.

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News from MCC ••• MCC contributed $47,000 Cdn./S35,000 U.S. to assist people left home­ less by the Chechnya con­ flict. Additionally, MCC shipped medical supplies sufficient to care for 90,000 refugees for a month and two 40-foot containers of soap, school kits and other material resources. In late January MCC workers helped dis­ tribute MCC canned beef and other supplies to refugees northwest of Moscow. "Last week these people wept tears of bitterness. They were isolated, forgotten, no one cared. This week they weep because they feel your compassion,” the MCCers were told.

• •• They didn't know it at the time, but the two young men who vandalized 22 properties in Elmira, Ont., in 1974 started a revolu­ tion in the way courts around the world deal with offenders. The two youths were the first par­ ticipants in a courtordered program that is today known as the Victim Offender Reconciliation Project (VORP). Started by MCC Ontario in 1975, VORP programs can now be found in 200 communi­ ties in North America, as well as in Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. VORP holds "offenders accountable for their crimes," but also seeks ways to "restore them to the community," explains Wayne Northey, MCC Canada's VORP director.

Celebrate, reflect, recom­ mit, an MCC Sunday resource packet, contains a litany, a children's story and sermon suggestions. MCC is inviting its sup­ porting churches to set aside September 24 as "MCC Sunday," to cele­ brate MCC's 75th anniver­ sary. For more informa­ tion, contact your nearest MCC office.

• •• MCC anniversary speakers bureau includes 44 speak­ ers who are available to tell MCC stories in church services and at special events in 1995. Contact your nearest MCC office.

9 MCC Contact/May 1995

MCC Contact (ISSN 1060-34921 is published in February. May. August and November by Mennonite Central Committee. PG Box 5<X). Akron, PA 17501Editors arc Charmayne Denlinger Brubaker, Pearl Sensenig and John Longhursi, Design by Ronald Tinsley. Copies are sent in bulk to church addresses upon request. Address correspondence to MCC Contact Editor. 21 South 12th Street. PO Box 5(M), Akron. PA 17501-()5(K). In Canada, address correspondence to MCC Contact Editor. MCC Canada. 134 Plaza Dr.. Winnipeg. MB. R3T 5K9. Second class postage paid at Akron. Pa., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO Box 5(ML Akron. PA 17501 -(>5(K). Printed in Canada Photo credits: page 2. Dave Klassen: page .3. Lowell Detweiler. Linda Shelly. Lorin Beidler; page 6. Pearl Sensenig. John Lcekie. Howard Zchr. Mark Beach. Emily Will, Ruth Brenneman. Alonna Gautsche Sprunger. Jodibeth McCain; page 7. Howard Zehr; page 8, Howard Zchr; page 9. Dave Klassen. G. Bruce Hildebrand. Lorin Beidler; pages 10,11. Howard Zehr; page 12. Jon Warren. Howard Zehr.

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MCC country profile

Haiti The Haitian military ousted Aristide, Haiti's democratically elected president, in September 1991 and unleashed terror and repression on Haitians.

Haiti Population: 7 million MCC present since: 1958 Number of North American MCC staff: 13 Number of Haitian staff: 35 1994 program expenses: $341,151 U.S./$464,151 Cdn. 1994 material resources: $177,467 U.S.Z$241,452 Cdn.

How will Haiti emerge from its latest three-year plunge into a political whirlpool? The question remains unanswered as the island-nation prepares to assume greater responsibility for maintaining and improving security after the departure of foreign troops. The troops' presence permitted reinstatement of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in late 1994.

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MCC agriculturists taught soil conservation methods and supported local tree nurseries. MCC health workers provid­ ed health lessons, with emphasis on safe birthing techniques. One health worker facilitated the training of 60 traditional health attendants.

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Mass deforestation worsened, as hungry peasants cut even prized mango trees to sell to charcoal-makers. The situation prompted one MCC worker to question God as the prophet Habakkuk did: "Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?" (Habakkuk 1:3). To address growing hunger in the Bwadlorens area, MCC in 1994 distributed seed to 1,000 families, a quarter of the area's population.

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Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest country, was further impoverished by international sanctions intended to force military rulers to yield power but which instead created unspeakable hardship for the poor.

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MCC Haiti is exploring new work in mediation and reconcil­ iation, believing this is a key need for Haiti over the next few years, and is also developing relationships in poor neighborhoods in Port au Prince.

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Is God calling you to fill one of these urgent personnel openings? Haiti: country representa­ tive, two agriculturists, com­ munity development worker, job creation coordinator and two health workers.

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Cambodia: country repre­ sentative

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Washington, D.C.: program coordinator

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Labrador: adult basic education/computer literacy

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Saskatchewan: social worker

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British Columbia: social worker, mental health worker

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Florida: nurse

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Nigeria: medical doctor

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Bangladesh: soybean research agronomist

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Akron, Pa.: secretary, canner operator

African-American and Latino Anabaptist team leaders and participants are needed for "Our stories, our lives: A drama team exploring racism." The team will tour North America in summer 1996.

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If you are or someone you know is interested in any of these positions, contact MCC Personnel Services, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500; (717) 859-1151. In Canada, contact MCC Personnel Services, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9; (204) 261-6381.

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Selling charcoal in Haiti

Giving projects • •• (July) Camp for Palestinian refugee children: MCC helps fund summer activi­ ties that educate and stimu­ late. $6.95 Cdn./S5 U.S. enables a student to visit historic sites, such as the Dead Sea, Jericho, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. $278 Cdn./$200 U.S. pays for a bus and fees for 40 children.

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(August) Education for Indian street children: MCC supports a school in Calcutta where 150 street children learn to read, play and feel loved. $15.95 Cdn./$11.50 U.S. helps edu­ cate a child for 1 year. $3,735 Cdn./$2,688 U.S. is the total budget.

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Nap time at Center of Hope, a home for Rwandan orphans and children separated from their parents, eastern Zaire.

(September) Halting erosion in Haiti: MCC teaches Haitian farmers to construct living barriers of trees and grasses to prevent topsoil from washing off hillside fields. $20.80 Cdn./$15 U.S. pays for a farmer to take agriculture extension lessons. $208 Cdn./$150 U.S. covers one group's lessons.

Material resources projects • •• (July) Towels: Good qual­ ity, dark colored bath and hand towels are needed for schools and health clinics. The versatility of towels make them a fre­ quently requested item!

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(August) School kits: Include a school kit for a needy child on your backto-school shopping list. This year MCC shipped 3,700 school kits to Nicaragua, 3,600 to Russia and 13,000 to Iraq. Workers in Iraq reported "delight on the children's faces" and "squeals of pleasure" as Iraqi children received the MCC school kits. Call any MCC office for a list of school kit con­ tents.

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(September) Blankets: Single/twin size blankets for hospitals, refugee camps and orphanages. MCC also keeps blankets on hand for emergencies such as the Rwandan refugee crisis last year when MCC was able to quickly supply 28,000 blankets.

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