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The Messenger FVANOFI ICAI MFNNDNITF EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFFRFNGF CONFERENCE
VOL. 33 NO. 18
OCT. 25/9 25/95
Commemorative Cairn: Fuel for Revival? by Wes Kroeker Wednesday, February 22, 1995, found me driving north on Highway 200 on the way to visit a hospitalized friend in Winnipeg. As the bridge carried me over the Rat River, the modest entrance to the Mennonite Landing Site caught my eye. I decided to stop and check out this historically sig nificant site — not so much because the history of the Mennonites holds strong personal appeal, but because of a friend with a deep appreciation for the Mennonite history. His presence in my life obligated me to visit this site, not out of mere duty, but out of the duty or obligation of love. What did I see as I passed under the sign declaring this to be the location where thousands of Mennonite settlers stepped into the promised land? Through the quiet barren trees I saw what struck me as a tombstone {memorial, for the politically correct). A tombstone? Can we call a memori al to our ancestors a tombstone? This tombstone declares and recalls the event but it also declares the end of an era; the era of Mennonites in Exo dus. Looking at how complacent Canadian Mennonites have
become, it is impossible to imagine another Mennonite ex odus. Canada is a great country to live in and it seems fool ish to imagine leaving a land so prosperous and comfortable. I would like to believe that this complacent situation is only in my imagination, but the evidence is overwhelming. Men nonites are thoroughly involved in every aspect of life in Canada — from business to politics, from health care to entertainment, from education to tourism and every other conceivable aspect of life. What kind of crisis would cause us to move en masse? A few more steps through the snow and I was able to read the story of how the Mennonite settlers disembarked from steamboats and were welcomed to the promised land. Sud denly I realized that this location was a part of my own roots. My great-grandparents probably stepped off that boat, onto the rich fertile soil which would sustain them. They stepped into a place of hope, of anticipation, of fear and a new start. A land suitable to live out their faith and establish a home for the generations to come. The large cold granite stone in the cold forest declares a significant historical event. On one hand it is tempting to look at history as large, cold and impersonal. But this is a bold-faced lie! History is about people, about dreams. It is about broken and fulfilled people. It is about broken and
How to Love to Wholeness hv Irono Krnokor oy Irene \roeKer
gy to converse if you are severely depressed,
After the response I got from my articles kept delivering food to my car. What a nice to an hour is plenty. If you are sensitive to “Loved to Wholeness,” I felt I needed to fol- surprise at the end of a school day! Love in their feelings, you will soon sense their limilow them up with “How to Love to Whole- action. tations as well as their progress. ness.” What can the family, church and Pray. One brother in the Lord gave me a Read some good books to better under community do to help the depressed person? ride one day. Before I got off he said, “I don’t stand the emotionally distressed. Some ex Value the person for who he/she is, not know what you are going through, but I want cellent books are: 1. David Seamands, Healing for Dam for what they can or cannot do. Don’t ask you to know I’m praying for you.” I’m not aged Emotions “How are you?” unless you are prepared to usually given to tears, but that morning I 2. Erwin W. Lutzer, You are Richer than listen and pray and have earned the right to cried in gratitude. One of my former teachers You Think be personal. Even worse, is the question and his wife let me know in a letter that they , How to Say 3. from well-meaning people, “What are you do- had “covenanted together to pray for me, No to a Bad Habit When You Feel ing now?” The chances are they have no job that God would bring me out into a large and Like Saying Yes. and feel it keenly. Rather than the above wealthy place.” I cannot express in words , How to Man4. questions or similar ones, you can say, “It’s what that has meant to me. Prayer is so age Your Emotions good to see you,” “You look good” (if they powerful, 5. Dr. John Lockley, A Practical Work do — many depressed people can put up a Maybe you have the gift of encouragement book for the Depressed Christian good front), “I’m glad you came,” “It is nice and/or helps. Sometimes all a depressed per6. Hannah Hurnard, Hind’s Feet on High seeing you again,” “I admire your courage for son needs to hear is reassurance, “You can Places coming out” (in 35-degree weather or rainy do this, Fll help you.” Often self-confidence 7. Ruth Senter, Longing for Love — Con or stormy conditions — whatever). has been shattered so the confidence of versations With a Compassionate Do not quote Scripture to the severely others can help the person get back on their Heavenly Father depressed, lest they twist it; rather general- feet. You may need to encourage the person 8. John Haggai, How to Win Over ize a Biblical truth. The best one I got was to express his feelings and thoughts. Some Worry from my psychiatrist at the end of my first people cannot cry. They need to talk through 9. John White, The Fight visit with him, “Consider yourself as the their problem. Others need to cry it out. 10. F. J. Heugel, Forever Triumphant sheep safe in Jesus’ arms.” All these years Visit the very distressed if you can do it This is not an exhaustive list of what you that image of love and security has never left as a heart ministry. Don’t expect a welcome. me. A good friend told me, “When the sky You are an intruder in their world of dark- can do to “love people to wholeness,” but is the darkest, the stars shine the brightest.” ness and confusion. However, if you are pre- hopefully it can encourage you to continue Yes, present hope and comfort. pared to appear regularly and love patiently or motivate you to start. You may not feel you can counsel or help with a listening ear, you may win their friendverbally. Not all need to. Maybe you can ship and trust. A visit does not need to be Irene Kroeker lives in Rosenort, Man., where listen. Maybe you can bake or cook. Perhaps “spiritual” to be helpful and uplifting. Your she works as a resource aide in the Rosenort you can do both. One of my choice listeners undivided attention is what is called for. (For- School. PAGE 2
THE MESSENGER
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''What kind of history will be engraved by those who follow my generation?'" fulfilled dreams. On one side of this rock is a piece of history. As I care fully stepped amongst the trees, I saw the other side of the memorial cairn — the other side of history, perhaps. The other side, hidden by a few trees, was smooth. So smooth that I saw my own reflection. What did 1 see on the other side of history? I saw a young, modern Mennonite. A person unsure about embracing a centuries-old faith. A person trying to live out this faith in a world so different from the world of Menno Simons. I saw one of the “Mennonites” making tomorrow’s history. Suddenly I wondered, “What kind of history will be en graved by those who follow my generation? What will they see as the driving force behind our decisions, our actions, our faith?’’ We are not in the midst of upheaval. Events are not caus ing us to make hard choices about our faith and our way of life. Future generations will not be able to find landmarks and events at the end of the 20th century to commemorate. Yes, life continues on, but in true Canadian fashion, we are ambivalent about most of life and willing to live with the contradictions found in accepting others without question. So what kind of event would be worthy of commemora tion in the year 2094? The list of possibilities could be end lessly mind-boggling and impressive. But what kind of event would faithfully convey the Mennonite expression of faith? A REVIVAL! A revival of depending on the Word of God. A revival of living in Christian communion. A revival of love for neighbours. A revival leading us back to the way God wants us to live. A revival bringing us into the presence of God. Yes, a revival sounds great! Let’s start a committee, do some advertising, find our funding and get this revival or ganized .... Wrong! The only committees needed are com mittees of prayer; the advertising comes in the form of changed lives. God will be our Sponsor and the Holy Spirit will organize this revival. If the Mennonites of 2094 would be able to look at the end of the 20th century and recognize a revival that started with a few faithful Mennonites, they would have an event worth commemorating with celebration. Are we willing to allow God to use us in this way? Are we willing to sacrifice our comfort, our individualism and status in society for the sake of revival? For the sake of a revival that could sweep the nation and change history? There would still be broken and fulfilled people, broken and fulfilled dreams, but they would have the flavour of
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God. History would have the evidence of a holy and mighty God in action. It would take a bold lie to declare that histo ry is stone cold. Could anyone honestly declare the story of God’s grace being poured out on the nation of Canada as cold? Let’s pray for a revival! Let’s pray that revival will start with ourselves. Let’s pray that revival will start with our churches. Let’s pray!
Lord, You are the unspeakable; the Holy One The One who has been at work in the lives of our ancestors. It is You who preserved their faith. Lord, You are I AM; the present One The One who is at work in our generation, our lives. It is You who offers us faith.
Lord, You will always be; the Everlasting One The One who anticipates the faith of those who follow. It is You who will offer them faith. Lord, we have trampled on Your holiness We have denied Your presence in history. We are unwilling to recognize YOU in action — We are poisoning the future for those who follow; We recognize our need to change direction.
Lord, we are thankful for all You give; We appreciate the faith You gave our ancestors. We have gratitude for the grace You give us each day. We are thankful for what You will do in the future. We appreciate Your patient prodding. Lord, You are the unspeakable; the Holy One. Inspire us by the faith of our ancestors; It is You who will preserve our faith. Lord, You are I AM; the present One. Cause a revival within our generation, change our lives; It is You who will increase our faith. Lord, You will always be; the Everlasting One. Use our generation to lay a foundation of faith for those who follow... It is You who will use our faith. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN Wes Kroeker is a minister in the St. Vital EMC Church in Winnipeg, Man.
Shrinking World Food Stocks Winnipeg, Man. — Reports of shrinking global food stocks, rising food prices and declining aid budgets paint a bleak picture for many of the world’s poor, says Al Doerksen, Executive Director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, a Winnipeg-based aid agency. While shrinking world food stocks may mean higher prices for Canadian farmers, Doerksen says it’s not such good news for people in Third World countries. The food im port bill for low-income food-deficit countries will rise by about $2.3 billion US in 1995; many poor people will have to buy less food.
October 25, 1995
At the same time, because Canada and many other developing countries are slashing their aid budgets, about 20% less food aid will be available globally. This is a double blow for people living in poorer countries. “We can’t assume hunger is someone else’s problem, or fault,” says Doerksen. “Markets are not sympathetic to the biological needs or psychological desires of a person. Rather they are influenced primarily by those with the most purchasing power. It is said that the richest billion people consume 60 times as much of the world’s resources as the poorest billion.
Perhaps now more than ever, the commitment to share is as important as increased produc tion of food.” Will the world starve? “It needn’t,” says Doerksen. “I think much depends on how we in Canada respond — we can produce more food, urge MP’s to maintain commitment to aid, and be more generous with the resources we do have.” Canadian Foodgrains Bank collects dona tions of grain and cash in order to respond to the food needs of people around the world. This year, the agency hopes to collect 20,(XX) (continued on page 4)
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Food Grains (continued) metric tons of donated grain on the prairies, and 2,500 in Ontario. “Last year, close to 2% of all permit holders on the Prairies donated an average of 8.8 mt apiece to the Foodgrains Bank — we’d like to see their numbers in crease to 5%!” This year. Foodgrains Bank food shipments will support people affected by the Rwanda crisis, refugees in Bosnia, and vulnerable peo ple in countries in southern Africa, where widespread drought has caused a massive drop in cereal production. Canadian lentils and
canola oil will provide much-needed food to refugees in Guinea; a shipment of potato gran ules will sustain refugees from the RussianChechnya conflict. Canadian Foodgrains Bank began in Win nipeg, when a small group of people worked with the Canadian Wheat Board to find a way for farmers to share their grain with hungry people overseas. Now, 12 church agencies make up the Foodgrains Bank, and the Cana dian government supports their work by shar ing the cost of shipments at a ration of four to one.
Now Showing At MCC: "Empty Barns H" AKRON, Pa. — Mennonite Central Com mittee (MCC) is writing a sequel to one of its 1994 dramas — to be called “Empty Barns II.” An unusually high number of requests for material resources is rapidly depleting MCC’s stock of school kits and bar soap in particu lar. Current inventory, in fact, is insufficient to fill current requests, says Kevin King, an MCC coordinator of material resources. “We are grateful for last year’s outstanding response and now we hope this outpouring of generosity will be repeated,” King says. “This year we anticipate shipping twice as many school kits as we have in each of the past couple of years,” he adds. MCC typical ly sends some 22,000 school kits annually. School kit requests for this year already total more than 37,000. More school kits are being requested be cause of civil unrest in an increasing number of locations, says King. “There are more dis placed persons and makeshift schools for chil dren and we’re being called upon to provide school supplies. This year 80 to 90 percent
CHURCH DEDICATION High Level Christian Fellowship High Level, Alberta
of the school kits are going to places ex periencing unrest.” And MCC has recently agreed to send 1,400 cartons of new bar soap to southern Sudan — with only 272 cartons remaining in MCC warehouses. Each carton contains some 170 bars. Squeals of Pleasure Upon receipt of United Nations approval, MCC will send 14,000 school kits to Iraq, for distribution at 55 schools in the central region. Iraqis are being economically hamstrung by 1990 U.N.-imposed sanctions. Many of the some 28,000 children at these schools had fathers killed in either the Iraq/Iran war or the more recent Gulf War. Many are also from fa milies displaced by one of these wars. After a 1994 distribution of MCC school kits in Iraq, a relief worker wrote, “It was a real privilege to see the delight on the children’s faces as they opened the bags. There were squeals of pleasure, as all these items are be yond most families’ purchasing power.” Soap and other material resources are sorely
!? LIVING LETTERS QUARTET 25th Anniversary Concert
November 12, 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Phone: 403-926-4177
Ridgewood EMC Church
Everybody welcome!
Free Admission
Church Saskatoon, Sask. October 29 Phone: 306-665-2555 Region 3 Fall Conference November 12, 3:00 p.m. Community Bible Fellowship Church Dedication Swan River, Man. High Level Christian Fellowship Phone: 204-734-4829 High Level, Alta. November 2 - 3 Phone: 403-926-4177 MCC Canada Meetings November 13-15 Willingdon Church Midwestern Pastors’ Conference Burnaby, B.C. Speakers: Vern Heidebrecht, Phone: 204-261-6381 Leith Anderson, Mark November 3 - 5 MacKnight M2/W2 Alberta The Meeting Place Celebration of Healing Justice Winnipeg, Man. with Ruth Morris Phone: 204-661-5984 Edmonton/Calgary/Rosemary, November 19, 7:30 p.m. Alta. Living Letters Quartet Phone: 403-275-6935 25th Anniversary Concert November 10-11 Ridgewood E.M. Church MCC Sask. Annual Meeting Steinbach, Man. Mount Royal Mennonife Phone: 204-326-2814
COMING EVENTS
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November 22 Understanding Canadian Culture Seminar with Brian Stiller Bethany Bible Institute Hepburn, Sask. Phone: 306-947-2175 November 24 - 25 MCC Manitoba Annual Meeting Winkler, Man. Phone: 204-261-6381 December 1, 9:00 a.m. EMC Ministerial Meeting Braeside EM Church toil Munroe Ave. Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401 December 2, 9:00 a.m. EMC Conference Council Meeting Mennville EM Church Riverton, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401
needed and much appreciated in southern Sudan, ravaged by civil war for 28 of the past 38 years. In late 1994 the United Nations es timated 4.25 million war-affected Sudanese need some form of relief assistance. Of these, 3.6 million reside in southern Sudan. How To Make a School Kit To help meet these needs, send a contribu tion of new soap, school kits or money to the MCC office nearest you. To make a school kit, place these items in a 28- by 41-centimetre (11- by 16-inch) drawstring cloth bag: 4 un sharpened pencils; 1 plastic metric ruler, 30 centimetres long; 1 package of 16 to 24 crayons; 1 pink block eraser; and 4 spiral note books, a bit smaller than the cloth bag and 70 to 75 pages each. The following two MCC-produced videos, available from any MCC office, may be use ful to groups wishing to help restock MCC’s “barns” this year: • “No Hands But Ours," 13 minutes, VHS, follows the chain of caring hands that provide MCC material resources, such as school kits and comforters, to people in need. • “School Kits,” 15 minutes, VHS, presents a lively, fun look at a group of North Ameri can children preparing school kits and Nicaraguan children receiving them.
Impact '95 STEINBACH, Man. - Steinbach Bible Col lege will host its first annual Youth Ministry Discipleship Weekend November 17 and 18. IMPACT ’95 will replace Youth Alive and will focus on discipleship. The theme, “Vital Signs,” will call youth and youth workers to worship, pray, serve and make a stronger commitment to Christ. Resource person for the weekend will be Jim Harms, Director of Youth for Christ Backstage in Steinbach, Man. 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 7“/,, PST, total: $7.49. Ail 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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Left to right, top to bottom: 1. Endeavour Fellowship Chapel was founded in 1961; 2. The unique village office is across the street from the chapel; 3. Jay Steppan, son of Brad and Carol, loves his new boots; 4. Pastoral couple Margaret and Lome Moorhead have led the congregation for almost eight years; 5. Duane and Sharon Karcha and their sons, Ben, Joel and Nathan. Duane is the church board chairman and Sharon is Sunday school superintendent; 6. Gary Sawatzky greets Bill Krutz at the door.
CHURCH PROFILE
Endeavour Fellowship Chapel Endeavour, Saskatchewan Looking over the Etoimami Vallep from the crest of a hill in the village of Endeavour, stands a prairie lighthouse, an edifice known as the Fellowship Chapel. Because some prop er warriors, stalwarts offaith, had praped, and some of God’s children had been willing to be obedient to His will, a living tangible thing, a church, came into being (Minna Scharfenberg in Past Endeavours).
Location Gently rolling farmland, dotted with scat tered bush, surrounds the little town of En deavour in eastern Saskatchewan. Just west of Highway 9, about 75 miles north of Yorkton. Endeavour was founded in 1928 when the CNR built a railroad north from Preeceville to Hudson Bay, Sask. Before this time, settlers of various nation al origins had followed crude trails to take up homesteads in the area. After the coming of the railway, they were followed by another wave of settlers, many of them escaping from the drought and dust conditions on the prairies.
The principal occupation of the area is farm ing, both grain and cattle. With the provincial forest reserve beginning only a few miles north and extending to the Porcupine Hills on Saskatchewan’s eastern border, logging and lumbering have been a mainstay and source of income for many residents throughout the area. In the early years much of the local poplar bush was cut and sold as cordwood. Hunting and trapping have also been a liveli hood for several residents. As in many western towns, the population of the area is diminishing as young families migrate to urban centres in search of stable incomes. Enrolment in the Endeavour school peaked with 181 students in grades K-8 in 1975. There are now about 84 students in grades K-8. Students in higher grades are bussed to Sturgis.
Sunday morning October 8 was perhaps not a typical Sun day in the life of Endeavour Fellowship Chapel. There were quite a number of visitors — relatives who had come back to celebrate
Grandma Hoffer’s 90th birthday the day be fore were present. And it was Thanksgiving Sunday, evidenced by a beautiful fall display of produce donated by various members and arranged by Laurie Steppan and Sara Thies sen. A large open Bible formed the cen trepiece. Shortly before 10 a.m. cars and vans begin arriving from all directions, including a num ber from Preeceville. As we enter, a brass and woodwind ensemble of six youth, coached by Sara Thiessen, is just finishing their practise session. Adults meet in the sanctuary in a class team-taught by Dennis Thiessen and Pastor Lome Moorhead. The discussion centres on the pros and cons of formal and informal styles of worship services. Members freely share their ideas. Brad Steppan teaches the youth class in a room in the basement, while the children (ages 5-12) enjoy singing and a lesson from the life of Noah, told by Margaret Moorhead. They are fascinated by the bottles of coloured water she creates in all the colours of the rainbow. During the latter part of the hour they divide into smaller groups for memory work and other activities. This arrangement, a new ap proach using the Discovery Club materials, seems to be off to a good start. (continued on page 6)
Left: The pastors group at the 30th anniversary of EFC in 1991, included Anne Buhler (Bill, pastor 1968-77, passed away in 1990), Audrey and Dave Wiebe (1980-84), Debbie and Gary Sawatzky (1984-87), Betty and Peter Friesen (1966-68), Henrietta and Ben Friesen (Ben, Canadian Secre tary, was the guest speaker), Margaret and Lome Moorhead (1988-present), and Edwin Wright (1960-66, Violet was not present). Right: Looking into Dave Schellenberg’s camera at the Region 3 Conference at Endeavour in 1975 were George Braun (pastor at Arabella and regional chairman), Arden Thiessen (guest speaker), and Bill Buhler (pastor at Endeavour).
Left to right, top to bottom: 1. At worship on Sunday morning; 2. Lome Moorhead and Dennis Thiessen team-teach the adult class in Sunday school; 3. There is much to be thankful for; 4. Friendly greetings in the foyer; 5. Margaret Moorhead mixes the colours of the rainbow; 6. Brad Steppan teaches the youth class; 7. Sara Thiessen is one of many who expressed their thankfulness.
Endeavour (continued)
By the time Sunday school ends, more peo ple have arrived for the worship service, chaired this morning by Gary Sawatsky. Af ter singing “This is the Day,” the children march in to introduce the Thanksgiving theme. Sunday school superintendent Sharon Karcha gives each one an opportunity to say what they arc thankful for. TTic service continues as Gary leads in more singing and invites people to share their thank fulness. Many respond. The two songs played by the band arc well done and much appreciat ed by the congregation. Pastor Moorhead’s text is Romans 1:8, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of through out the world.” He points out that Paul’s thanksgiving was directed to God, as ours should be. In this instance Paul’s reason to be thankful was that people were hearing about the faith of the believers. Pastor Moorhead then answers the ques tion, “How do people find out about you as a Christian?” He identifies three ways: by the life you live, by your words (both spoken and written) and by your good works, your acts of kindness. When Christians live out their faith in these ways, God is honoured, he con cludes. PAGE 6
History/Development The work that developed into the establish ment of an EMC church began in 1960, when Edwin and Violet Wright of Canora were in charge of a vacation Bible school in En deavour. In a sense the work had begun much earlier. Tom Downey, a convert of the great Irish revival, now a long-time resident of En deavour, had been praying many years for an evangelical church in town. The attendance and interest at the VBS in dicated that a gospel work should be started. Minna Scharfenberg describes the beginning: “In the late summer of 1960, they held their first service at T. Downey s. This service was held outside. A gas drum was used for the pul pit and car lights for lighting. Some hearty sing ing to the accompaniment of guitars and an accordion started the service. Many of the fa milies presently attending the Chapel were in attendance at that first gathering in Mother Nature’s Tabernacle.” Later the town halls were rented, with Ed win Wright commuting about 50 miles one way from Canora to lead the services. By the following spring the group had grown to the point where they began looking for a place of their own. Ben. D. Reimer and Dave Schellenberg were sent by the Board of Missions to look around. They were attracted to the Red Cross Out
post Hospital, which had been vacant for some years. With two stories and a basement, it could easily accommodate a chapel and a suite for the pastor’s family. The village accept ed their offer of $2CXX). Work crews trans formed the previously unfinished upper floor into a chapel and the congregation happily be gan to worship in the “Upper Room.” Toward the end of 1962 the Wright family moved to Endeavour to devote their full time to this new church. By the following year the Sunday school reached a record attendance of 104. A youth group began as well with good attendance in various recreational and serv ice activities.
Edwin and Violet Wright (with Denise and Robert) pioneered the founding of the En deavour Church. (DKS photo)
THE MESSENGER
Endeavour Fellowship Chapel, with 13 members, was welcomed into the Evangelical Mennonite Conference at the annual conven tion in 1965. The first pastoral change took place the following year when Peter and Bet ty Friesen came to replace the Wright family. The mid-week Bible studies were well-attended and new people began to attend. When the Friesens left in 1968, Bill and Anne Buhler and their family moved to En deavour and Bill took on the pastoral role. Since the Buhlers lived in a trailer, the chapel was remodelled during this time: reinforcing the foundation, installing a new oil furnace and, with the help of four men from Blumenort, Man., the roof was lowered, bring ing the sanctuary to the main floor. Some events became very popular. The Messenger reports, “On June 14 about 400 people gathered at the Johnny Wilkinson farm for the annual musical and wiener roast. Num bers from various places were enjoyed by all present” (Aug. 15, 1969). That fall, Dennis Thiessen came from Manitoba to teach in the local school. He is still there. In 1975 he brought his bride, Sara, back with him, who became the first full-year kindergarten teacher. Dennis and Sara have been actively involved in the church through the years, in music, choir and teaching Sun day school classes, and Eire currently leading the youth group.
When the Buhlers moved to High Level, Alta., in 1977, the Endeavour Chapel was to be without a pastor for three years. This was not by choice, but the Lord undertook during this time, with local men and visiting ministers providing the messages. Fred Buhler, by this time a student at Briercrest, helped as much as possible, especially during the summers. Af ter Fred married Irene Reimer from Hudson Bay, they went to Paraguay as missionaries. Finally David and Audrey Wiebe accepted the invitation to pastor at Endeavour and re mained until 1984. In addition to the usual pastoral responsibilities, they were heavily in volved with Ketchen Lake Bible Camp, with Dave as director. They were followed by Gary and Debbie Sawatzky from 1984 to 1987. After living elsewhere for a few years, they have returned and are actively involved at Endeavour. They operate the Lucky Dollar store in Preeceville, where Gary is the mayor. Lome and Margaret Moorhead came from Flin Flon at the beginning of 1988, with Lome serving as pastor since that time. He is a mem ber of the EMC Board of Missions and will be accompanying Lester Olfert on a trip to Nicaragua in November. The Endeavour group is active in church programs such as children’s club, women’s ministry, youth activities and community out reach. They are also heavily involved in inter
church ministries, including services in the Preeceville Lions Hostel (a care-home for the elderly and disabled) and the Ketchen Lake Bible Camp (successor to Crystal Lake Bible Camp). There are now 44 members at Endeavour. Sunday school attendance averages 33 and Sunday morning worship 51. Duane Karcha, the church board chairman, is quite optimis tic, although they recognize a number of is sues that need attention. Conclusion Admittedly, this has been a mere glimpse into our sister church at Endeavour, and hope fully there are no serious inaccuracies in this report. Elvina and I enjoyed our visit very much and appreciate the gracious hospitality of the Moorheads and the church family. We regret not having time to get to know more people. In addition to information gladly provided by Lome and Margaret, 1 would like to thank Duane and Sharon Karcha, Gary Sawatzky, and Dennis and Sara Thiessen for their help. The book Past Endeavours and the lovely al bum prepared by Clara Wilkinson for the church’s 30th anniversary were also very helpful. We jpin in wishing Endeavour Fellowship God’s blessing and guidance in their 35th year and beyond. — Menno Hamm
Left to right, top to bottom: 1. The youth band praises the Lord with their music; 2. Pastor Moorhead preaches in the chapel; 3. The children enjoy the lesson about Noah and the rainbow in Sunday school; 4. Young adults visit after the service; 5. Endeavour has a large modern school; 6. Part of the congregation at the service.
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Bosnian Refugees Urgent Appeal WINNIPEG, Man. — Churches are urgently called to consider sponsoring refugee families who are waiting to get out now. This an nouncement supersedes our usual update on refugees from Bosnia. Mennonite Central Committee, together with Immigration Canada, is undertaking to move families from Bosnia due to the deteri orated situation in the area. Embassies have families ready to go right now. MCC Manito ba has already pre-signed sponsorships and some families are now on the way.
We need churches to take responsibility for these who are presently on the way. We will sign additional papers as churches come for ward. All cases are for one-year full sponsor ships. The government ananges up-front costs (travel, etc.); medical coverage is immediate. The Canadian government has announced it will pay support for the first three months (up to a certain maximum). Please sign up as congregations, Sunday school classes, Bible study groups or family “clans.” For more information, call Ed Wiebe at MCC, 204-261-6381.
Collection for a Refugee Kit WINNIPEG, Man. - MCC Canada has been asked to prepare 1000 refugee kits contain ing items such as soap, shampoo, detergent, toilet paper, toothpaste and toothbrushes. A contribution of $45.00 will allow the assem bly and shipping of one kit. All of the aid will be distributed by MCC’s partners in the former Yugoslavia — Bread of Life in Belgrade, Serbia and Duhovna Stvarnost in Zagreb, Croatia. Over the past two years, MCC has sent aid worth $796,000 to victims of violence in the former Yugoslavia.
Missions
Evelyn trains girls as teachers aids and Sunday school teachers.
MALI, AFRICA
God Knows Our Needs His Promise Confirmed “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8). “Before they call I will answer” (Isaiah 65:24). The Lord con firmed to me the truth of this promise. One evening in June, while we were away, a thief broke through the security bars on my bedroom window. What a shock to walk in and find papers scattered about and the window wide open, know ing full well that many valuables were missing! A quick check re vealed three purses, four wallets and the contents of my little safe, including all the Girls’ School funds, gone. That was a big loss, but the purses also contained many impor tant papers, including a passport, which would be almost impossi ble to replace out here. We prayed specifically that the papers would somehow be returned to us. That night I heard thunder. The crops desperately needed rain, but if it rained, any papers scattered on the ground would be ruined. I prayed for rain anyway, and it came in torrents! The next morning a young boy found the papers, wet and dirty, in his father’s field. Amazingly, after a cleaning, they were all in good shape. Surely an answer to prayer! However, the money was still gone. The Lord knew about that too. About this time 1 got word from my home church saying that donations to the Sunday school project for the Mana Girls’ School had far exceeded the proposed amount. The “extra” helped cover the loss due to theft. At this time a friend I had not seen or heard from for many years began sending generous monthly donations. I was grateful but didn’t know how much 1 would need those extra funds until our students arrived on August 18. Instead of the anticipated 80 to 90 students, PAGE 8
Health and child care class. Fanta displaying sewing projects.
137 showed up! That meant making more desks, buying more sleeping mats, dishes, cooking utensils, school materials, and food for about 50 more students than we had prepared for. It also meant buying grain, their staple food, just before harvest, at more than dou ble the usual cost. Those extra funds are helping us meet these un anticipated expenses. I praise our faithful God, who knows our needs before they arise, and sets in motion the means to meet those needs. I praise Him for friends who are obedient when he prompts them to give, even though they may not know the reason why. — Eueign Barkman Euelyn Barkman (Prairie Rose) is inuolued in administration and teaching at a Girls’ School in Mali, Africa.
There are 54 students In this first-grade reading class. THE MESSENGER
GERMANY
A Remarkable Couple God leads and provides!
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Kiko and Geisy are two students in my group at the German Bible Institute (GBI), where I work. One afternoon Geisy called, ask ing if they could celebrate their first wedding anniversary at my place. If I could supply something to drink, they would bring the piz za (all they could afford). I offered to give them money for an evening out on their own. No, they wanted to celebrate together with me and they would be coming in an hour. Luckily I had things on hand, so I arranged the table nicely with matching serviettes, can dles and flowers. Their eyes sparkled with delight and the two small pizzas they brought gave us a nice meal. This remarkable couple has come against unbelievable odds all the way from Brazil to study at GBI in Germany. Geisy, a city girl, grew up in Londrina in southern Brazil. She has taken teacher training at the university. Geisy’s parents, Wilson and Delci Munhoz, are marriage counsellors in their church of 800 members. Her father owns a Christian music shop and is also director of the local Chris tian hospital. She has five brothers and sis ters who are all Christians, active in the church. Amarildo Aparecido Antunes (we call him Kiko) grew up on the farm, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Emesto-Lurdes Antunes. Kiko, the youn gest of five children, became a Christian 11 years ago. He attended Bible school in Brazil for two years and worked as a missionary for seven. He helped to found a church, which al ready has 100 members. Two of Kiko’s brothers are Christians. He and Geisy, with a deep loving concern, eire praying for the salvation of his parents and other family members. During their years of courtship, Kiko and Geisy prayed a lot for the Lord’s guidance and often fasted as well. Their uppermost desire was to do God’s will. When their applications to a Bible school in Germany were accepted, they believed this to be the direction to take. So they began to pray specifically for money for tickets, money for living expenses in Ger many, visas and a place to stay. They began to prepare by giving away the furniture they had accumulated to people in need. “We can’t ever give too much,” Geisy
Geisy and Amarildo (Kiko) Antunes from Brazil celebrated their first wedding anniversary in Germany with Mary Brandt.
they have always received at least $300 more, often from strangers. From whatever they receive, they tithe conscientiously. Two more miracles must be mentioned. Someone gave them a tiny 1986 VW, with just enough horsepower to get up and down the hills going the 20 km to school. “Just the right thing,” Kiko says. “We couldn’t afford to buy gas for a bigger car.” Meanwhile Geisy had been praying for money for tuition so she could attend Bible school too. Then a lady (who has seven chil dren) phoned Geisy to tell her that they had received a raise in family allowance and had decided to give this money to her — exactly enough for tuition each month. “Isn’t this a great miracle?” Geisy asked in simple German. “But many earnest prayers and times of deep fellowship with the Lord had to come first, a high price.” It’s simply amazing how quickly they are learning German. Kiko (with Geisy’s help) al ready completes all the written lessons along with the regular students, although he has more difficulty understanding test questions. “We do not know what our future holds,” they say, “but we want to always work for Him. For the time being, our place is here.” The foregoing report was compiled from in formation sent bp Marp Brandt (Mennuille), who is a staff member at the German Bible Institute in Germanp.
Messenger News DEDICATION
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said, “He gives us so much more in return.” Just then they received return tickets to Ger many. On their wedding day another need was met — $2000 for living expenses. Very soon they also had tourist visas for three months. That was a clear enough answer to their prayers. It was time to step out in obedience. Kiko and Geisy booked their flight and packed their bags, praying that God would clearly lead each step ahead. Immediately upon their arrival in Germany in February 1995, their faith was put to a se vere test. TTie Bible school had cancelled their acceptance! They were driven to their knees at the youth hostel where they were staying temporarily, “What is it that you want of us. Lord?” A few days later, a lady in a church they visited noticed their German/Portuguese dic tionary, and invited them over. By helping with the chores, Geisy and Kiko got their room and board free while they looked for direction. They were given addresses of other Bible schools and so came into contact with Bibelschule Bergstrasse (GBI) in southern Germany. The obstacles seemed impossible — class es at GBI are in German, but Kiko and Geisy knew practically no German. However, GBI promised to accept them for the 1995-96 school year, provided they met three condi tions: a visa to study in Germany (which re quires a minimum guarantee of $1400 for room and board), health insurance coverage and the German language. In a series of events that can only be described as miraculous, God began to pro vide their needs. They were required to return to Brazil to apply for their visas. Before they went, a church in northern Germany, where they were asked to give their testimony, promised to pay for tuition and find them a place to live. With a new flicker of hope in their hearts, Geisy and Kiko went back to Brazil. After a tense period of praying and waiting, they received four-year visas to study at GBI in Ger many. Meanwhile their home church promised to give $200 per month. Back in Germany, a farming couple agreed to rent them a suite at a greatly reduced rate. In exchange Kiko and Geisy help as much as they can on the farm. Their income, after rent, health insurance and tuition, is $8.00 a month for food and extras. But month after month
Rosenort, Man. (Roscnort Fellow ship): Late summer has been one of dedica tion. Our pastor and his family moved to our community, eliminating the need for him to commute from Winnipeg to Rosenort daily. What a relief for him and his family! To celebrate this, and to dedicate their home to the Lord, as well as to signify that their home
October 25, 1995
is an open door to all in the community, Pas tor John and Anita invited the church family for an open house on August 27 in the after noon. It was perfect weather to be hosting an outdoor activity; when time came for people to disperse, rain started falling. May the Lord richly bless you and those who find refuge in your home. The new deacons, Harry and Norma Koop and Neil and Judy Schellenberg, were dedi
cated as part of a Sunday morning service. Af ter a year of rest, Rick and Lavina Kroeker were welcomed back as deacons as well. Having searched for a full-time youth pas tor and not getting the results hoped for, we decided to open the door for a half-time pas tor. We were richly blessed when one of our own, Carla Reimer, offered herself to work with our youth. Carla, married to Milt Reimer (continued on page 10)
PAGE 9
Pastor John and Anita Klassen, Harry and Norma Koop, Judy and Neil Schellenberg
Rosenort Fellowship (continued) and mother of two active little girls, is excit ed and looking to the Lord for whatever it is that He has in store for her and our youth. Milt is very supportive in her role and will help out whenever time allows. They were dedicat ed to this new venture on September 24 and their job began in earnest on October 1. May God richly bless you and make you a bless ing. We support you as you work with the ones who are so dear to us. Sunday lunches in church are always a great time to spend together and the one hosted on October 1 as a fund-raiser for Inner City Youth
Rick and Lavina Kroeker
Enjoying food and fellowship at Pastor John and Anita’s open house.
Alive was no exception. Kent Dueck shared with us during the morning service of the great things God is doing through this avenue of working with the youth in the city of Winni peg. Right now the board of ICYA is looking to the leading and direction of the Lord for a permanent downtown location and ask the church family as a whole to pray for strength, wisdom and discernment as new opportuni ties present themselves and decisions need to be made. Kent was very thankful for the gener ous donation that was received at this lunch eon. His excitement and enthusiasm in the project of ICYA is contagious and there
Milt and Carla Reimer and daughters, Chloe and Lauren.
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ICYA fund-raising lunch at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel. PAGE 10
is much opportunity for others to get involved in it. May we continually strive to give of our best to our Master and to dedicate our time and efforts to His will. — Judy Schellenberg
BRIDGING THE GAP
Burns Lake, B.C.: The twenty-first year of my life has been filled with adventure, learn ing and great experience. I have just complet ed a year on Venture Teams International, an interdenominational missions organization which Bridges the Gap between Bible school education and practical ministry experience through drama, music, puppetry, discipleship and teaching. This was the best but toughest year of my life. A busy training camp in September and October taught us what we needed to know. In November we made a tour of our home churches to share our ministry. Then off we were. Our team went to Hermosillo in Sonora, Mexico, south of Arizona, for 4’/? months. There we were involved in a church-planting experience, working alongside Canadian mis sionaries, to establish their ministry. We learned the Spanish language so our programs were completely in Spanish. I learned to love the language and the people. In the spring we returned to Canada. Our spring ministry consisted of visiting Christian schools, teaching Vacation Bible Schools, street ministry eind other such work. This was trying, but very rewarding. The summer was spent working at several children’s and youth camps. Showing children the way to Christ was why we were there. Throughout the year, God did Bridge the Gap for me in many areas. 1 practiced leader ship and interpersonal skills and skills in the arts. During my three years of Bible school 1 wondered what God had planned for me. As a result of my year, I discovered His plan. “Go into all the world and make disciples of all na tions...” (Matthew 28:19). This has now be come my goal for life. I thank God, my very supportive church family, as well as my Mends at Venture Teams, for helping me to Bridge the Gap. — Laura Hopper
THE MESSENGER
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Youth In Touch ScutMatteC Calgary, Alta.: It was early in the morning (we’re talking 7:00 — on vacation!). August 12, 1995, when nine teens and three adults headed off on the first ever Abbeydale Chris tian Fellowship Youth missions trip. The des tination? Portland, Oregon. After recommendations from the families that had attended the MCC program there (called Port land Learning, Outreach and Worship, or PLOW), our youth leaders decided to take us there for a week during the summer. So off we went! The time travelling was spent raving about music groups, whining about the food, sleep ing or, in some cases, asking when the next bathroom break was coming! We travelled for thirteen hours the first day and ended up in Richmond, Washington, where we stayed overnight in a church basement. The next day we only travelled about four hours before com ing to Multnomah Falls. After a bit of sight seeing, we headed on to Portland, where we met our hosts. Les and Gwen Gustafson-Zuk, and their two children. Si and Sadie. That night we were also able to grab a tour of down town Portland, to become a bit more acquaint ed with our new ‘home.’
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A. -S Leaving Calgary! Back row (left to right): Jason Plett, Tina Reimer, Crystal Friesen, Doug Reimer, Duane Plett, Mike Boehlig, Rod Reimer, Calvin Friesen. Front: Kirsten Sandland, Henry Boehlig, Renae Plett, Carmen Janzen.
as weather proofing houses and working with Habitat for Humanity. We also spent time sorting food at the local food bank alongside members of the local correctional centre. We met and talked to a lot of interesting people and, in the process, many of our previous stereotypes were dispelled by the frankness, honesty, charm and charisma of these people. Besides our daily “jobs,” we also had recrea<11
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We met daily with our MCC hosts to learn, discuss and evaluate.
The rest of the week we fell into more of a routine. Each night we’d be assigned a team to work with, as well as a job site. The teams were made up of as many as seven people or as few as two. The following day was spent at our job site. We spent time in soup kitch ens, cafes and meals on heels: serving lunches, setting up, cleaning and visiting. Some peo ple cleaned a handicapped man’s apartment for him; others visited someone who was to go into the hospital the next day. Many of us had an opportunity to work on projects such
tional activities every night. One night we played volleyball, another night it was frisbee football, but the best night (and I think we all agree) was at the beach. It was raining hard outside and it didn’t look as if there would be any chance of a let-up, but we all agreed that we couldn’t miss the beach, so we headed out. After the 1 ’/2 -hour drive, we finally arrived and ended up with the beach all to ourselves (sur prise, surprise) and had our hotdog roast. By the time we finished, most of us were cold and ready to go home, but some of us still had to
swim in the ocean. (Hey, we’re from the Prairies. This is a novelty for us!) So we swam. And the keys — the only keys, I might add — were lost, and are probably sitting at the bottom of the ocean. Since all our warm, dry clothes were in this locked van, and since we couldn’t go into the van to warm up, we hud dled in the public washrooms, trying to warm ourselves up and at the same time dry our clothes under their hand dryers. (I’m sure we burned out every single one of these dryers before we left!) In the meantime, our faithful leader went and found us a locksmith. Our hero finally made us a key, and we were on our way home — not before the three-hour de lay, however! But still, we had a good time and a...um...bonding experience! All in all, we had a great time! We would recommend this trip to anyone — youth groups, families, or just on your own. We be came great friends through working together, the pranks (of course), the food (always remember that rice!) and the fun. I think the most important lesson we learned, perhaps one that you already know, is that people are people, despite their living conditions, their lan guage, race, occupation...no matter what. Peo ple are people and we are to treat them as such. One verse that really sums up what we learned is this one: Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth (I John 3:18). Submitted by Lorraine Koop
We were involved in many different jobs such as helping in a food bank and cleaning storage areas for charitable groups.
DVBS children at the Birch River church.
FAMILY CAMP
Birch River, Man.: Our beautiful summer has come to an end, regretfully...but it stretched into a likewise wonderful fall with all the lovely colours of the trees being changed from green into gold, rust, purple and red. Who can refrain from praising our Creator for all the beauty around us! The five weeks of camp in July at Steeprock Bible Camp saw many children receiving les sons from the Bible, learning from the book of Daniel, plus many other enjoyable times of play and activities. Our annual church family camp at Wellman Lake on August 19-20 was well-attended.
Sunday morning was a time of fellowship around God’s Word as Pastor Ferlin spoke on Habakkuk 3.T7-19. Is our joy in the Lord, or is it in having circumstances to our liking? Can we rejoice even though there are heavy rains and it looks as if our grain will not be harvest ed (as was the case right then)? We see now that our heavenly Father had good harvest weather in store for us. DVBS followed the next week. Fifty-two children were registered and an average of 40 attended the morning activities daily. Laura Thiessen again did a lot of planning and took leadership. She had many helpers for teach ing the lessons, music, sports and crafts. The theme was on feimily relationships. Even
though every family has its problems and rival ry, we can learn, with God’s help, to get along. On Friday evening many parents attended the closing program. Earlier this summer we had a Sunday morn ing worship service at Steeprock Lake. It al ways reminds us of the times recorded in the Bible where Jesus preached His sermons at a lake. This time we had Jonathan and Janet Leigh report on their mission work among Muslim people in Nepal, India. There are more opportunities opening for evangelism because there is less persecution now than in years gone by. On October 1 it was our turn to visit the Community Bible Fellowship in Swan River, and render a program, which consisted of two songs by a Sunday school class, a skit on ath letics (and how it applies to our daily devo tional time), a song by three girls of the Junior Sunday school class and several songs by the choir. Then Fcrlin had a short message on the character of Daniel, his choices and his wis dom. A fellowship lunch followed, where we did a lot of visiting. At the time of this writing, we are in the midst of a series of Sermons from Science held in the Swan River Collegiate. Dean Ortner is showing many and vcirious object lessons in science. Even though we don’t understand the results of the combinations used in the experi ment, it works. In the same way, even though we don’t understand all of the Bible, it works, and is truly God’s message for us today. — Helen Kroeker
MANY ATTEND DVBS
DVBS closing program at the Morris Fellowship Chapel.
Jake J. and Helen Dueck celebrated 60 years of marriage with an open house for friends and family at the Davidson Centre on April 15.
PAGE 12
Membership transfers at the Morris church on March 26. Left to right; Pastor Ward Parkin son, Annie Kroeker, Helen Kroeker, Betty Bar tel.
Morris, Man.: Praise the name of God! It is Thanksgiving season again and we have much to be thankful for. We see the beauty of nature all around us. God seems to spend the summer growing what will become the marvellous palette for His artistry. On June 11 we had our annual church pic nic at the St. Jean Park. The weather was beautiful and the afternoon was spent play ing ball, with races for the children and lots of food and fellowship. Our DVBS took place July 3-7. The atten dance was good, with many from town who
Ed Baldwin making a farewell speech Easter Sunday morning with his wife, Vicki, j their children at his side. j|
THE MESSEI,
Baptism and reception of members at the Morris Fellowship Chapel on May 28. Left to right; Frank and Eva Stoesz, Sandi and Mark Grafe, Jennifer and Anthony Siemens (baptized). Pastor Ward Parkinson.
Parent/child dedication on June 4. Left to right: Chester and Ruth Bartel with Leah, Angela and James Siemens with Nicole, Myrtle and Marvin Janzen with Marshal, Pastor Ward Parkinson.
do not regularly attend our Sunday school. Let’s remember that God is faithful and pray that His Word will not return void. Many peo ple volunteered to teach and to help in many other ways.
We have again seen God’s goodness in the lives of our pastor cind his family. On Septem ber 11 they left for Toronto, where their fiveyear-old daughter, Amanda, underwent open heart surgery on September 14. On Septem-
ber 21 they flew home from Toronto and on September 24 Amanda was back, looking happy and spry. God still works miracles. Praise His name! — Helen Klassen
LEARNING ABOUT “KING JESUS”
dren visited a different castle location each evening. They travelled to the Banquet Hall, the Castle Construction site, the Royal Treasury, the Throne Room and the King’s Inn, hearing parables that Jesus told and learning how they too could know Jesus. Summer also meant farewell for our church as we said goodbye to Pastor John and Leona Kornelsen. On June 25 we had an evening program and lunch to bid them fcirewell and to wish them all the best as they move to Edmonton to establish a church-
planting ministry there. As heirvest draws to a close, all of our regu lar church activities are resuming. Youth group, adult Bible studies and Discovery Club are all under way for another year, and in the absence of a senior pastor, many in our con gregation are capably assisting in the many roles that are needed to carry our program and Sunday morning services into another year. We pray for God’s blessing and guidance as a church as we enter this new season.
Wymark, Sask.: Summer has passed quickly, and we are able to look back on a wealth of summer events that took place at Wymark EMC. As always, summer means the end of high school for some students, and this year our church had one graduate. Robbie Schlamp, son of Bill and Mary Schlamp, was honoured at a potluck dinner at the church on June 18. Family and friends gathered to honour him and to convey their best wishes. May 26-28 was the annual family camp at Camp Elim on Lac Pelletier, with the theme being “First Place.” Cal MacFarlane of Caronport was our speaker. It was a fun weekend of learning, sharing and playing. After weeks of cool spring weather, we were given the gift of a perfect weekend of camping weather, and water activities, ball games and an outdoor Fa mily Fun Fest all provided enjoyment for both adults and children alike. Summer is also Vacation Bible School time, and what a VBS we had this year! Over the course of our VBS week, about ninety chil dren from our community joined a staff of thirty-five workers to hear atwut “King Jesus.” Based on the theme of a medieval castle, chil-
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VBS director “Sir Conroy” calling the stu dents into the castle.
John Kehler and the “Family Camp Express” at the Wymark church Family Camp.
October 25, 1995
— Gay Rushka
Robbie Schlamp was honoured at a church graduation potluck.
The fishpond at the Family Fun Fair at Family Camp.
PAGE 13
GUEST SPEAKERS APPRECIATED
Mount Salem, Ont.: With this report, I would like to invite all readers to southern On tario. The Lord God, our marvellous Creator, has again brought out His awesome paint brush and splashed incredible beauty as the maple leaves turn into colours of red, orange and yellow. Truly the beauty of the Lord is seen in brilliant splendour, as autumn hues blend with the rustle of corn harvest and the farewell of the summer birds! At Mt. Salem there has been a bustle of ac tivity this summer. We had a very successful Vacation Bible School led by Hilda Friesen. Many important lessons were learned and the children especially enjoyed the skits showing us how to relate to each other. MaryLu Neu feld, Tami Krahn and Chris Loewen were great actors. Even a severe thunderstorm that blacked out one evening did not dampen the enthusiasm. The week after VBS, men, women and
youth gathered to give the church a thorough cleaning. Now we are just waiting for some in the West to come and pay us a visit. Some of you have visited us. We have been blessed to have several guest speakers. Ernest and Elsie Funk came to visit their children and granddaughters, Randy and Gloria Fehr, Tiffa ny and Brittany. Ernest and Elsie shared of their work in Paraguay. Our adopted mission aries, Peter and Louise Hiebert, with Kevin, Rochelle and Justin, came to spend a week with us in August. It was special to get to know them and to hear about their work in Chihuahua City in Mexico. Also speaking to us about missions in Papua New Guinea were Dave and Judy Wright, who plan to leave for those faraway islands in January 1996. We also enjoyed Pastor John Taylor from the Swift Current EMC, who spoke to us on preparing the soil of the soul by listening care fully to the Word. On October 1, Mel Koop
MARION ELIZABETH LETKEMAN 1948-1995
“Mom loved animals and was particularly fond of lambs. Because Mom was constantly surrounded by the wonder and beauty of God’s nature on the farm, it is no surprise that she grew up loving the One who made it all. Mom’s favourite season was spring. She loved to sec new life after a long winter. “Mom brought Darren and me to Sunday school at the Olivet Church in B.C. After mov ing to Portage, we visited many churches be fore deciding to attend the Portage Evangelical Church (EMC). The three of us soon started attending the church services as well. When Dad became a Christian, I can remember the glorious feeling of worshipping as a family. Dad was baptized and Mom transferred her membership to the Portage church on April 24, 1983. “Thank you for sharing this day with us — for grieving with us, and rejoicing with us. It is comforting to know that Mom is singing with the angels and praising our Lord. She touched so many lives — more than she ever knew. Even in her pain, she helped and prayed for so many of you here today. I know she is living in her mansion — the new house she always wanted — and she’s wearing her re wards, her crowns for all her efforts. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15)." The funeral service for Marion Letkeman was held at the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church, MacGregor, Man., on Friday, Sep tember 22, with Pastors LeRoy Barkman, Karl Goertzen and Abe Janzen officiating. Interment followed at the Sommerfeld Cemetery, Austin, Man., with Omega Funer al Home in care of arrangements. Marion’s Testimony At the funeral, daughter-in-law Teri read a testimony written by Marion, part of which follows: “For God so loved the world [me] that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever [I] believeth in Him shall have eternal life. This Bible verse was given to me after I found my
Following a courageous battle with cancer, Marion Letkeman passed away on Septem ber 18,1995, at the Portage General Hospital, having reached the age of 47 years. Marion was born on April 26,1948, to Cor nelius and Elizabeth Unger
of
Austin,
Manitoba, where she was raised and re ceived her education. Marion accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour in 1960. She was baptized upon confession of her faith in 1966 and received as a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church at Austin. Marion married her sweetheart, Frank Letkeman, on June 4, 1967. They lived in Winnipeg until 1969, when they moved to Ab botsford, B.C. In 1975 they returned to Por tage la Prairie, Manitoba. Here she was employed at the Met for a number of years and more recently at the Portage Bible House until cancer forced her to retire in 1993. Marion was predeceased by her mother in December 1988; her father in June 1994; and a niece, Ramona, in March 1991. She is survived by four brothers and two sisters-in-law, seven sisters and six brothersin-law, a stepmother, five stepbrothers and sis ters, eight stepbrothers- and seven stepsistersin-law, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many, many loving and supportive friends. Marion will be missed by her husband, Frank, daughter Corissa and husband Wayne Dyck, son Darren and wife Teri, and her pre cious grandchildren, Justin, Jenessa and Mor gan Dyck. The following is part of the tribute given by Corissa at the funeral:
PAGE 14
from the Steinbach EMC spoke to us on the foxes that ruin our spiritual gardens (Song of Solomon 2:15). Mel Koop also served as speaker at our first Married Men’s Retreat at Forest Cliff Camp on Lake Huron. We were challenged to be spiritual leaders in our homes, to handle temp tation, to regular spiritual growth and to wise use of our time. This retreat comes as a result of many men having made promises to be “men of integrity” this past spring. Also a highlight of our summer was the fourth annual Mennoniten Treffen. It was again held at the Summers Corners School, and Bill Janzen, who spent two years in Egypt, gave us an interesting report of his time there. Our Thanksgiving Supper took place on Oc tober 8. The Bible League presented “Smoky Mountain Hymns,” a combined video and music showing God’s creation, accompanied by favourite gospel hymns. The canisters for the “Bibles for India” were collected. — Wilbert Friesen
way down to the altar at a Barry Moore cru sade that was held in our home town of Austin. There, at the age of 12, I confirmed my belief in Christ. “...Many doubts and fears have been part of my thinking, but I know that Jesus paid for my sin on the cross of Calvary. [I am] thank ing God today for a husband who has en couraged me to not lose faith, and thanking God for my children, grandchildren and in laws for their encouragement to keep the fight of faith. “Isaiah 49:15 says, I will not forget you, for I have held you in the palm of my hand. This verse has been very real to me as many of my days were [filled with] uncertainty. I just had to claim that God is in control and that He cares for me as if there were only me He had to look after. “No one knows what tomorrow holds. We do know that the one who holds tomorrow will never leave us. We move forward into an uncertain future certain of God’s promise. “My prayer for my family and Frank’s fami ly too, is that we will all meet in our heavenly mansion and be united where we will praise the Lord forever.”
Births KORNELSON - to John and Elaine Kornelson of Calgaiy, Alta., a daughter, Caylie Elizabeth, on Sep tember 16, 1995. FEHR - to Crystal Fehr of Calgary, Alta., a son, Austin Taylor, on October 2, 1995. WIELER - to Jake and Marlene Wieler of McMa hon, Sask., a son, Thomas Lee Isaac, on July 19, 1995. LOEWEN - to Henry and Anna Loewen of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Michelle Ann, on A,ugust 18. 1995. LOEWEN - to Corny and Hilda Loewen of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Tanya Lyn, on May 29, 1995.
THE MESSENGER
REDDEKOPP - to Ben and Margaret Reddekopp of Langton, Ont., a daughter, Melissa Ashley, on April 23, 1995. FRIESEN ■ to David and Anna Friesen of StaffordVille, Ont., a son, Rudy Ronald, on January 7,1995.
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LOEWEN ■ to Rick and Tina Loewen of Port Bur well, Ont., a son, Jeffrey Paul, on January 9,1995. DYCK - to David and Marie Dyck of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Jared Quenton, on April 9, 1995,
WALL - to Abe and Nettie Wall of Vienna, Ont., a son, Anthony Tyler, on May 9, 1995.
f
DYCK - to George and Sara Dyck of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Brandon Frank, on May 19, 1995.
NEVILL - to Dave and Lisa Nevill of Tillsonburg, Ont., a son, Ryan Daniel, on June 26, 1995. FEHR - to Abe and Helena Fehr of Vienna, Ont., a son, Leonard, on June 27, 1995. BRAUN ■ to John and Margaret Braun of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Frankie, on August 24,1995 (died Au gust 25).
KLASSEN - to John and Lisa Klassen of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Frankie, on August 23, 1995. ENNS - to George and Lisa Enns of Langton, Ont., a son, Michael Alan, on September 29, 1995. GRAFE - to Mark and Sandi Grafe of Morris, Man., a son, Josiah Mark William, on August 14, 1995.
BRANDT-MURENZI - to Evasio and Alissa BrandtMurenzi of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Malaika Rose, on September 14, 1995.
Weddings
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a
THIESSEN - ELIAS: Douglas, son of Ed and Elsie Thiessen of Morris, Man., and Cheryl, daughter of John and Loreen Elias of Winnipeg, Man., were mar ried on September 9,1995. The wedding took place at the Kilcona Alliance Church in Winnipeg with Kenneth Johnson of Winnipeg officiating. The cou ple is residing in Morris. DYCK - FRIESEN: Abe, son of Mrs. Katarina Dyck of Aylmer, Ont., and Maria, daughter of Frank and Anna Friesen of Aylmer, were married at the Mt. Salem EMC on June 24, 1995, with Randy Fehr of Aylmer officiating. The couple is making their home in Aylmer. ENNS ■ WALL: Isaac, son of Rev. and Mrs. Cor nelius Enns of Aylmer, Ont., was married on Sep tember 23,1995, to Tina, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abram Wall, of Courtland, Ont. The wedding took place at the Mt. Salem EMC, with Wilbert Friesen of Aylmer officiating. The couple is making their home in Aylmer. SIEMENS - LOCKER: John, son of Bill and Hele na Siemens of Aylmer, Ont., and Tawny Lyn Lock er, daughter of Ann Fisher of London, Ont., were married at the Mt. Salem EMC on August 19,1995. Randy Fehr of Aylmer officiated. The couple is mak ing their home in St. Thomas, Ont. \, THIESSEN - PENNER: Pete, son of Frank and Mar\ ia Thiessen of Springfield, Ont., was married on May 27, 1995, to Anna, daughter of George and Maria Panner of Aylmer, Ont., with Wilbert Friesen of Aylhner officiating. The couple is making their home in Tillsonburg, Ont. MARTENS - SEIB: Doug, son of Jim and Carol Martens of Wymark, Sask., and Melissa, daughter of Harvey and Betty Seib of Swift Current, Sask., were married at the Eastside Church in Swift Cur rent on July 29, 1995. Conroy Koop of Wymark officiated. The couple is residing in Wymark.
October 25, 1995
GIESBRECHT - ANDRES: Hans, son of Ben and Mary Giesbrecht of Aylmer, Ont., and Mary, daugh ter of Jake and Maria Andres of Tillsonburg, Ont., were married on May 20, 1995. The wedding took place at the Mt. Salem EMC, with Wilbert Fries en of Aylmer officiating. The couple is residing in St. Thomas, Ont.
NEUFELD - WALL: Abe, son of Kias and Tina Neufeld of Aylmer, Ont., was married to Cathy, daughter of Peter and Nettie Wall of Springfield, Ont. The wedding took place at the Mt. Salem EMC on September 30, 1995, with Wilbert Friesen of Aylmer officiating. The couple is making their home in Aylmer. HAMILTON - FRIESEN: Christopher Darryl, son of Darryl and Michelle Hamilton of Bowsman, Man., and Janet Michelle, daughter of Neil and Anita Fries en of Wawanesa, Man., were married on May 27, 1995, in Wawanesa, with Ferlin Abrahamson of Birch River, Man., officiating. The couple is mak ing their home in Bowsman. SCHLAMP - KLASSEN: Tom, son of Bill and Mary Schlamp of Swift Cunent, Sask., was married on May 20, 1995, to Tanya, daughter of Robert and Barb Klassen of Swift Cunent. The wedding took place at the Church of the Open Bible in Swift Cur rent, with Paul Clerc of Swift Cunent officiating. The couple is residing in Saskatoon, Sask. THIESSEN - LOEWEN: Peter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich Thiessen of Mexico, and Anita, daughter of Hein and Susana Loewen of Staffordville, Ont., were manied on July 22, 1995. The wedding took place at the Mt. Salem EMC, with Wilbert Friesen of Aylmer, Ont., officiating. The couple is residing in Aylmer. KLASSEN - FRIESEN: Michael, son of Ted and Nettie Klassen of Landmark, Man., and Tamara, daughter of Henry and Mary Friesen of Blumenort, Man., were married on June 3, 1995. The wedding took place at the Blumenort EMC, with Marvin Thiessen of Landmark officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. SCHELi .ENBERG - BOEHLIG: David, son of Pete and Gerti'ide Schellenberg of La Crete. Alta., and Sharon, de ughter of Henry and Ann Boehlig of Cal gary, Alta., were married at the La Crete Christian Fellowship on July 22, 1995, with Charles Koop of Calgary officiating. The couple is residing in La Crete. REDEKOPP • LOEWEN: Peter, son of Peter and Betty Redekopp of Plum Coulee, Man., was mar ried to Marian, daughter of John P. and Helen Loe wen of Blumenort, Man. The wedding took place on August 19. 1995. at the Blumenort E. M. Church, with Clifford Loewen of Blumenort officiat ing. The couple is making their home in Pilot Mound, Man.
kinfl Don Thiessen Conference Pastor
PASTOR APPRECIATION Now here's how to continue showing appreciation to your pastor and receive appreciation in return. The following form is meant to be cut out and given to your pastor, indicating your commit ment to pray. I hope your pastor (and other ministers) will receive a number of these. In fact. I wouldn't mind receiving some myself. So, complete this form and next Sunday put it in the offering or in your pastor’s mailbox.
My Prayer Commitment As the Lord enables, I commit myself to pray for you, my pastor. I want to pray for the Lprd to meet your needs in areas such as • preaching ministries • counselling opportunities • family • administrative responsibilities • times of refreshing • conflict situations • bereavement ministries • evangelism/discipling
I plan to □ pray daily □ pray weekly □ as the Lord reminds I would be interested in
□ meeting for prayer □ being informed of special requests □ being asked whether I've prayed Name Address
Telephone
IN MEMORY WIEBE - In loving memory of our mother, Margaret Wiebe, who passed away Oc tober 16, 1994. Because she was so dear to us Her memory still lives on Just as the fragrance of a rose Still lingers when it's gone... The beauty that was hers alone in thought is with us still, And In our hearts that love her She still lives and always will! “I thank my God upon every remem brance of you.” — The Family
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From the Editor Sister Churches IT IS EASY in our churches to become so wrapped up in our own programs, problems and pastimes that we fail to appreciate the larger picture. The sense of relationship within the larger body, the Conference, is often lacking. In some families, siblings have developed much closer and warmer ties with one another than others. They encourage and support each other, often across great distances. Such relationships are helpful and healthful. Around a year ago, the General Board discussed the benefits of developing closer relationships between congregations in the Conference. It was agreed that the values to be gained were worth expending some effort to promote such ties. The mandate was given to the Board of Ministers and Deacons, which undertook the development of a “Sister Church” program. In his proposal, Don Thiessen, Conference Pastor, stated that “the churches will be paired for a three-year period for inspiration, encouragement, fellowship and other exchanges.” He also said there should be no requests for material assistance from the sister church. Although several criteria could be used to link churches, size was chosen in this case, larger churches with smaller churches. Each church (pastor) was informed of its sister church, including a certificate to that effect. My curiosity led me to call several pastors to find out how their relationship is developing. What did I discover? In some cases, nothing has been done. One pastor admitted he could not remember the name of their sister church without checking the file. But he indicated they were very much involved with an unofficial sister church, a new one developing in the region. In some cases the “Sister Church” program may compete with regional interaction, especially in those regions that are more active in inter-church involvement. Some pastors have begun some form of interaction, such as meeting at the annual convention to get to know each other and explore possible ways to build a relationship between their congregations. Exchanging
Sister Churches Blumenort Steinbach Mount Salem Rosenort Ridgewood Prairie Rose La Crete
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High Level Burns Lake Grande Prairie St. Vital South Calgary Pansy Aberdeen
Kleefeld Steinbach EFC Braeside Vanderhoof Rosenort Fellowship Kola Wymark Calgary Mennville
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photo posters and bulletins were two ideas that surfaced. One challenge in many cases is the great distance between the “sisters.” More direct connections arc being made. Pansy and Prairie Rose have arranged pulpit exchanges. During his vacation last summer, Pastor Arden Thiessen of the Steinbach church preached in the sister church, Burns Lake (a church he pastored years ago). Roseisle hosted a hay ride, which attracted about 60 from Kleefeld. The Kleefcld congregation may respond with an invitation to the Roscislc group for a faspa followed by their Christmas candlelight program. The seed kernel has been planted, which is sprouting more quickly in some areas than others. But building relationships takes time and energy. Since most pastors are already well-loaded down with programs to promote, this could well be one area that could be taken over by an interested individual or a small group. How about targeting specific groups in the church for exchange of ideas and activities? Youth, seniors, club workers, care group leaders, etc., could be challenged to connect with their counterparts in the sister congregation. If the distance is too great for a personal visit or program, maybe a video tape of a service or program could be exchanged. Some churches may wish to exchange prayer requests, music or even favourite recipes. On a suitable Sunday have a picture taken of your church family, enlarge it to poster size and send it to your “sister.” Even if the distance is far, pay the expenses for a delegation to travel to the “sister” to bring a program. And share their enthusiasm when they return! I think we would all be interested to hear about attempts, successes and failures in the “Sister Church” project. Write to The Messenger and we’ll set up a little Sister Church column to stimulate each other in building inter-church relationships. “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). May we hear from you? — Menno Hamm
Roseisle Taber Treesbank Brandon Swan River Prairie Grove Hudson Bay Lowe Farm Endeavour
Fort Garry Swift Current MacGregor Morris Portage la Prairie Pleasant Valley Morweena Crestview Stratton
Anola Riverton Birch River Fisher Branch Pelly Arden Fort Frances Creighton Leamington
THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0
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