The Messenger June 5, 1996

The Messenger

FVANOFI lOAl MENNONITE MFNNDNITF CONFERENCE CDNFFRFNCF EVANGELICAL

VOL. 34 NO. 11

JUNE 5/9( 5/96

God made fathers to shepherd the family flock,

To keep it strong in Christ,

solid like a rock.

Jonathan Smith and his dad had a great hunt!

FATHER^SDAY Jmie 16

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by Jeff Plett

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rett Hull set a National Hockey League scoring record in 1990. By 1991 he was the premier right winger in the world. His records included the first father-and-son pair to score fifty goals in a season. “To have my father in the stands that night was very exciting — because in my mind Dad is the greatest left winger ever.” A few years ago the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series. Besides the victory story, another story highlighted the star opposition player, Jose Canseco. Canseco hit safely only once, but it was a grand slam, his first. “When I hit, the first thing that went through my mind was, grand slam, national TV, my father’s here to see it.... »i Following the Gulf War in 1991, General Schwarzkopf was asked how he felt about his part in the victory over Iraq. With a tear in his eye he replied, “My dad would have been proud of me.” A father-and-son relationship is very special. No other is like it. You ask a small boy what he wants to be when he grows up. “I want to be like my father,” is the usual answer. Between father and son there is a special bond. It is something that is unique, something that is hard to describe, yet definitely masculine. A boy is very deeply impacted by his experiences with his father. The special things they do together leave deep impressions. In days past it might have been missing a day of school in order to go to the city with Dad. A boy longs for his father. He wants to be with Dad. A son gains something from his father which no other person can give him.

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he father/son relationship seems to be a neglected subject. We may hear a good Father’s Day sermon once a year, but rarely do we talk about being sons of our father. And even less frequently do we discuss wounds and disappointments caused by relationships between fathers and their sons that are not what they should be. I believe every son has at one point or another asked the question, “Dad, do you love me?” Perhaps for some this question is unsettling. Others may answer, “Dad never said so, but I’m pretty sure he loved me. He provided for me; he did the best he could or knew how. He wasn’t a man of many words; he didn’t show his emotions.” But have you really answered the question? Have you, as a PAGE 2

son, deep in your heart, answered the question, “Dad, do you love me?” Have you come to terms with the answer? To help us see the significance of this topic, let us review a story in the Old Testament. The well-known story of King David and his son Absalom is told in 2 Samuel 13-20. Absalom’s brother Amnon dishonours their sister Tamar (actually Amnon’s half-sister). Absalom is very angry when he learns about this violent act. Two years later he takes revenge and gives orders to have Amnon killed. Fearing retaliation for the murder, Absalom flees to Geshur.

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eanwhile, after recovering from his grief over the death of his son Amnon, King David longs for Absalom. But he does not invite Absalom to come back home. Joab, David’s servant, persuades a woman from Tekoa to trick King David into declaring that he would spare the life of one who had murdered his brother. The plan works, and Absalom returns. However, there is not much warmth in the reunion with his father. The reconciliation fails, and Absalom begins to conspire against his father. The relationship deteriorates into war. Although David instructs his troops to save Absalom’s life, the orders are not heeded, and Absalom is killed. David sorrows. With Absalom’s death the story ends — very sadly and very tragically. Why did it have to end in such a way? Both father and son longed for each other. What should have been a happy reunion ended in tragedy. Something was missing. There is a clue in 2 Samuel 14:33. Absalom has been in exile for three years, and now King David summons his son Absalom. The key to the mystery is not in what is recorded but in what is omitted. Remember that father and son longed for each other. Absalom comes and bows before the king; the king kisses him. AND THAT’S IT! Just a very formal, ordinary Middle East greeting, very controlled and predictable. We can almost hear Absalom asking, “Dad, just between us, do you love me? Dad, tell me that I’m your son and that you love me.” Asking such a question would have required much boldness and courage. He would be taking a great risk. King David also had a choice. He could have embraced his son and told him, “Let’s put all this pain behind us, Absalom. You were wrong to kill Amnon. But I’ve forgiven him for dishonouring Tamar. Now I forgive you too. You are my son — I longed for you. I missed you!” But foolishly King David and his son kept all these feelings to themselves. David could not confess his love to his child face to face. It was easier to slay enemies. THE MESSENGER

administer a great kingdom, kill a giant, than to confess his feelings and love for his son. A stubborn unwillingness to be reconciled blocked the way. The feelings and longings for each other were left unexpressed. The unspoken question, “Dad, do you love me?” was answered with a deafening silence. It is hardly surprising that Absalom immediately began to plot a rebellion. With the help of some trickery, he won enough followers in four years to declare himself king. King David and his followers fled to the hills. The events that followed sound like a great Hollywood adventure: spies and counter spies, messengers hiding in wells, the destiny of a nation hanging in a balance. In the end David’s spies won the upper hand and David engineered a decisive battle. But before he sent his troops out, he gave them a special order, “Don’t harm young Absalom.” At this point we are almost surprised. Spare Absalom? A rebellious son whose conspiracy threatens the kingdom? David does care for his son. He cares for Absalom very deeply! In the battle that ensued, Absalom was killed. David was crushed. Weeping shamelessly in front of his troops, he cried, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son. If only I had died instead of you” (cf. 18:33). David loved his son even more than his own life; he claimed him as his own. Absalom had longed to hear these very same words from his father while he was still alive. But where were David’s tears earlier? Tragically, in their pain and fear they were not man enough to share their feelings when they had the opportunity. Death can be cruel! Absalom’s death forced David to come to terms with his feelings for his son.

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his ancient story tells us a lot about the father/son relationship. It gives us a clue to what a son longs for from his father — reconciliation, love and affirmation. Simply put, it is a son’s need to come to terms with his father. Something dies in a son’s heart when this does not happen. I suggest that inside every business suit or faded pair of overalls beats the heart of a boy — a boy longing for his father’s love and affirmation. There is a boy, a son, longing for an answer to the questions, “Dad, do you love me? Can you accept me for who I am? Do you love me even if I do not meet your expectations, expectations in the area of occupation, marriage, raising a family, being a church and community leader? Do you love me in spite of having different values and lifestyle? Dad, do you love me even if I have disappointed you?” As you think about your relationship with your father, what comes to mind? Are there wounds and disappointments? Are you plagued with thoughts of rejection, fear and isolation? Are you secretly hoping for your father’s approval? Do you have an unhealthy attitude, such as low selfesteem, toward yourself? Are you able to bond with other men? Do you mistrust women? What is your attitude toward those in authority? Do you resent authority? Are you suspicious and fearful? Problems JUNE 5. 1996

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such as these may be rooted in a broken relationship with your father. I challenge each man to come to terms with his relationship with his father. If there has been injury between you and your father, admit it. But let’s not be too hard on our fathers. Be thankful for what little love there may or may not have been. And finally, look to Jesus. He also experienced total rejection, isolation and abandonment from His Father. But He showed us how to overcome — by being broken. Real sons will come to terms with their father. They will admit their need for love and affirmation. They will honestly, deep in their hearts, know the answer to the question, “Dad, do you love me?” Coming to terms may require brokenness. It may require reconciliation, it may require vulnerability, it involves the will. Restoration involves humility. As we are broken over this question, the heavenly Father is patiently waiting. He desires to meet us exactly where we are. He knows our need for love and affirmation. What is your relationship with your father like? Every son has a choice: to rebel like Absalom, or to be broken like Christ. As we are broken, God, our heavenly Father, will meet all our needs. He will meet your needs in a much greater way than even the best earthly father ever could! Jeff Plett lives at Fisher Branch, Manitoba, where he was a member of the now dosed Fisher Branch EMC church. PAGE 3

Letters Responsible Bible Interpretation Wg are responding to Mr. Hiebert’s letter in the April 17, 1996, issue of The Messenger about how church doctrine is determined. We write this letter hoping it will bring about fur­ ther discussion regarding the EMC’s under­ standing of Biblical interpretation and the role interpretation has in establishing church doctrine. Mr. Hiebert asks the question, “How do we determine doctrine in the evangelical church today?’’ To ask how doctrine is determined is important; however, in understanding the EMC’s way of developing its theological posi­ tion, it is consequential to remember that in addition to being evangelical, the EMC is also Mennonite, which gives it a history of more than 400 years. The Anabaptist movement was strongly congregationally based and this remains an integral part of EMC identity. It is in the context of such a congregational em­ phasis that interpretation of the Bible and de­ velopment of church doctrine takes place. This communal discernment helps ensure that Bib­ lical interpretation and the church doctrine of the EMC are not based on a fleeting trend or on an individual’s charisma. We believe that it was with the above understanding that the EMC distributed the articles [Sunday school lessons] on doctrine and practice for all con­ gregations to comment on (an occasion referred to in Mr. Hiebert’s letter). We believe that this is a faithful understanding of the “priesthood of all believers,” and it is inap­ propriate to label this process as “the shifting opinions of the masses,” as Mr. Hiebert does. Mr. Hiebert suggests that the Bible should be taken as the authority for determining church practice in the context of his discus­ sion of women in church leadership. While we agree that the Bible is the primary source for determining church practice, reading the Bible requires more care and attention than Mr. Hiebert allows. It is impossible to read the Bible without interpreting it. The many books that make up the Bible were written thousands of years ago, and they arise out of many differ­ ent contexts. To ignore these differences is to read the Bible naively and disrespectfully. One obvious example is the different way various churches described in the New Testa-

ment involved women in teaching and leadership. The Corinthian church and Paul (in writing to that church) seemed to have no difficulty with women proclaiming God’s Word to the congregation (1 Corinthians 11), whereas the church in which Timothy was a leader seemed to have only male leadership. Paul asked the Roman church to accept Phoebe as a deacon (Romans 16:1), whereas the instructions in 1 Timothy restrict this same role (deacon) to men. We should not depend only on the in­ structions given in 1 Timothy for determining whether women should be in leadership posi­ tions, as Mr. Hiebert does, but must ask why different churches had different practices. Is it responsible Biblical interpretation, in light of the various church practices in the New Testa­ ment, to see one as authoritative while ignor­ ing the others? In addition to acknowledging the variety within the New Testament, it is also impor­ tant to understand the Bible as written in cul­ tures and contexts in which people held very different assumptions than ours. For example, we do not accept slavery as a Biblically sanc­ tioned practice, even though Paul’s instruc­ tions to Philemon do nothing to change the _ physical reality of slavery. Likewise, the in­ structions in Ephesians assume that slavery is not problematic for Christians (Ephesians 6). The church has come to see that the Gospel teaches the full dignity of humanity and \that slavery is contrary to God’s desire, even though there are instructions in the New Testament which endorse slavery. While in the past■ Christians .............. have used Philemon and Ephe ' ­ sians to support the practice of slavery, we be­ lieve that such an interpretation of the New Testament, which gives precedence to in­ dividual texts rather than the broader message of the Gospel, is wrong. The Gospel teaches that there is neither slave nor free, male nor female, Jew nor Greek (Galatians 3:28). The specific instructions regarding slavery or any other ethical endorse­ ment within the Bible are then accountable to the framework of this broader message of sal­ vation which Jesus proclaimed. And so. New Testament texts which restrict women’s in­ volvement in leadership must also be interpret­ ed in light of the life-giving message of salvation which Jesus proclaimed. This Gospel teaches that God’s gifts have been given to all for use in the church, and since there are women in the EMC who have been

Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 1-800-349-0588 Juns 14-15 July 5, 9:00 a.m. MCC Sale and Auction EMC Ministerial Meeting The Forks (including spouses) Winnipeg, Man. Native Spirituality with Wendy Peterson Phone; 204-261-6381 Relativism June 18, 9:00 a.m. with Harvey Plett EMC Golf Tournament July 5-7 Fly-in Golf Course Annual EMC Convention Steinbach, Man. The Close ol This Age Phone:204-326-3307 Speaker: Arden Thiessen June 21-22 Steinbach, Man. Promise Keepers Seminar: Foundations for Effective Phone: 204-326-6401 Men's Ministry July 6, 2:00 p.m. EMC Annual Convention Immanuel Pentecostal Church

COMING EVENTS

PAGE 4

Women’s Tea The Bridegroom Cometh! Blumenort, Man. Phone; 204-326-6401 August 9-10 MCC Sale Brandon, Man.

Phone: 204-261-6381 September 21

MCC Sale Morris, Man. Phone: 204-261-6381 January 6-12,1997 Mennonite World Conference Assembly — INDIA 1997 Calcutta, India Phone:513-571-0060

given the gifts of leadership and teaching, to deny them full participation in the building of God’s kingdom is contrary to the message of the Gospel. It is our desire that the EMC continue to strive to interpret the Bible responsibly, keeping in mind that as humans we will always be encountering a God who is beyond our definitions and church practices. It is in this spirit that we submit this letter. Kerry Fast Winnipeg, Man. Bonnie Loewen Blumenort, Man.

CORRECTION Chuck Friesen was the author of the report Challenge From Cameroon in the May 1,1996, Mes­ senger, not Ernie Loewen. I apologize for my error and its consequences. — The editor

COVER: Terry and Jonathan Smith live at Creighton, Sask., where Terry is the pastor of Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC). SUMMER MESSENGER SCHEDULE; The Messenger will be published less frequently 5.^ summer -........ months. TJ ____ during the Take note of the foifowing pubiicatton'dates7and'the due dates material for each issue. ISSUE DATE DUE DATE June 17 June 26 July 8 July 17 August 5 August 14 August 26 September 4 September 16 September 25 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. 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: (2041 326-6401; Fax: (204) 326-1673 E-mail: emcont&mts.net

THE MESSENGER

Dad: Faithful in Trial by Anne Klassen

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Bom in the Old Country, my dad, together with his young wife and three little children, started a new life in a strange land. FREE­ DOM was the key word. Needless to say, life was far from easy; it was almost impossible to start out, being almost penniless and hav­ ing a huge debt (we heard endlessly about the Reiseschuld [travel debt] having to be repaid). If that was not burden enough, there were also farming debts, plus the depression years.... Despite all these humongous setbacks and hurdles in life, Dad al­ ways trusted in a big God, who was involved in all our daily affairs. Every morning, rain or shine, harvest time or a normal day, Dad would read the Bible at the breakfast table, followed by an audible prayer, asking God to lead and guide each one of us in our respective work. When finally things began to took somewhat brighter on the farm, tragedy struck. At the prime of his life. Dad was diagnosed as hav­ ing Multiple Sclerosis! For someone like Dad, who was always going in high gear and for whom the days were never long enough, it was a great struggle — frustrations and many unanswered questions as­ sailed him. Why? What now? Early retirement seemed to be the only answer. „ worked a slow, gradual change in my dad’s heart. The restGod

Christian Youth Camps in Russia “Since I came to the camp two years ago, my life has changed completely,” said 19-yearold Sergei Kulkov of Krasnador, Russia. “I made my decision then to follow Jesus, and I have not stopped growing in favour with God and man. I am very sorry that I could not coun­ sel here this summer, but I have to look after my family. We have no father. “I am enjoying studying the Bible and teach­ ing it to a group of ten young people every week. On August 6 I was baptized in my church. “Call me any time,” Sergei told Dave Loewen. “If I can, I will help you. God bless you.” Christian youth camps are spreading into many areas of Russia and the New Indepen­ dent States (NIS) today. Seventy-five years ago Lenin organized the communist youth and built thousands of Pioneer Camps to indoc­ trinate the youth in communism and atheism. After the fall of communism, God put the desire for Christian youth camps into the hearts of many young and budding Russian leaders. Dave and Elfrieda Loewen of Winnipeg, Canada, left Camp Arnes and entered Rus­ sia in 1991 to train Russians to organize and lead Christian camps. From three camps in 1991, the number of Christian camps has grown to over 100 in 1996. Christian camps are led by Russians, Ukrainians, Moldovians, Latvians, etc., and they use the same camp­ sites the communists used to teach the youth that God doesn’t exist. For three generations the youth were denied the opportunity of knowing God. North Ameri­ can youth have no idea of the deep sense of betrayal felt by the youth in Russia and the NIS. This sense of betrayal drives thousands JUNE 5, 1996

less, inquiring spirit found peace. A deep submission to an Almighty God developed. Likewise, my mom’s life changed drastically. During the period of more than twenty-five years while the disease claimed Dad’s entire body, she stood faithfully by him. Caring for her husband became her 24-hour-a-day job. We never heard her complain. Both were a blessing to the countless people who came to encourage them. Finally the day came when God gave Dad the desire of his heart and took him Home. Mom never tired of relating how God set his soul free. One morning when she was sitting at Dad’s bedside, she became aware that there was no response from his eyes (his speech by now was almost nil, as were all his bodily movements). Suddenly Dad’s eyes opened and turned to look upward. With a glow on his face, his arms went straight up. This was most unusual since he hadn’t moved a finger in years. Watching this phenomenal change come over him. Mom felt she was going with him. However, his arms soon came down limply, the glow faded, and she was left behind. So was his crippled body. Dad’s spirit had soared to realms above. Anne Klassen is a member of the Portage Evangelical Church (EMC) at Portage la Prairie, Man.

of youth to the Christian camps. They are seeking Truth. They want to get rid of their guilt. They want peace. The Loewens were sent on the “wings of prayer” by Kingdom Ventures Inc. (KVI), to organize youth camps. Christian Camping In­ ternational (CCI) supplied staff and financial and prayer support to help get the project started. Camps in Russia were immediately linked with this international organization. CCI/USA officially became the western part­ ner of CCI/Russia. In 1994 Christliche Freizeiten International (CFI) in Germany came on the scene to take over from Logos International who initiated this movement and invited the Loewens to Russia. The Mennonites play a vital role in the de­ velopment of Christian youth camps in Rus­ sia and the NIS. With their roots in Russia, compassion for Russian youth comes natur­ ally. Many Mennonite resource people have joined the Loewens in Russia to train leaders and to model good camping. A major portion of the voluntary donations come from the Mennonite constituency. They are also among the most faithful Prayer Partners for CCl/Russia. Camps are organized and staffed by local churches and missions, who take full respon­ sibility for the operation and finances. CCI/Russia provides the program and the training to implement the program. Seminars for camp directors are held in January, and workshops to train counsellors and program staff are held in spring. The youth camps oper­ ate in June, July and August. Growing corruption — the absence of the observance of the Ten Commandments — is the main problem faced by Russian camp or­ ganizers. This spiritual darkness is keenly felt in the souls of all people. The common opin­ ion among Russian leaders is that Russia will

not change until the youth are taught Chris­ tian morals and ethics. What KVI needs is more Prayer Partners and more financial resources. Prayer Partner and Russia Report are published regularly to keep those informed who wish to help. KVI can be contacted by calling 204-224-4175 or by writing Box 18, Group 540, R.R 5, Winni­ peg, MB R2C 2Z2.

Stan Hamm (Ridgewood), who serves on the KVI Board of Directors, went to Russia in 1993 to help in the Christian camp minis­ try for several months.

$50 SPONSORS A

RUSSIAN YOUTH TO CAMP

$50 covers KVI’s costs for program supplies, literature, first aid supplies and sports equipment for one youth between the ages of 11-17 to attend camp for 12 days. 100 camps expected in 1996. Camps, individuals, families, Sunday Schools and Youth groups are invited to be sponsors. Notification ofintent to sponsor is requested by June 1. Tax deductible receipt will be sent.

». Make cheque payable to

Kingdom Ventures Inc. Box 18 Group 540 RR 5 Winnipeg MB R2C 2Z2

PAGE 5

Mennonite Foundation distributes $22,600

in grants to 13 projects

LIKE DADDY 1 took my little laddie once, And drew him to my knee — And whispered to my little lad, “Do you want to be like me?” “Like Daddy, ” said my little lad, “I’m gonna be like you.” I bowed my head in humbleness. And suddenly I knew

If my small boy would be like me. There’s one thing I must do — The steps I take, the things I say Had better all ring true. As in the night I lay awake While my wee lad slept on — His words re-echoed through my mind Like some old haunting song. "Like Daddy,” that’s the thought we need To help to keep us straight — Upon the way we fathers walk Depends our children’s fate. — Glenn Wagoner

Winnipeg, Man. — Mennonite Foundation of Canada’s executive committee recently ap­ proved 13 projects for funding from the earn­ ings of the MFC Grant Fund. The 13 were chosen from 26 applications received. Earnings for $22,600 were available for dis­ tribution this year. Individual grants ranged from $1,000 to $2,500. The following projects were approved for funding: Barnabas House, a home for needy mem­ bers of the community, operated by Gospel Mennonite Church in Winnipeg ($2,500). LCD Colour Video Projector for use by the Kola Evangelical Mennonite Church in the education program of the congregation ($1,200). A piano to enhance the worship experience at the Bluesky Mennonite Church in Bluesky, Alberta ($1,000). Congregational Conflict Resolution work­ shop sponsored by the leadership commission of the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Cana­ da. The event took place in late March ($2,000). Nature Trails and Trail Guides at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Centre near New Hamburg, Ontario ($1,300). Life Skills Program at Mission Services of London, Ont. ($2,500). The grant will provide resources for members of Agape Fellowship House churches to assist in this program directed to the poor and needy in the com­ munity. New Hymnals for the Bethel Mennonite Church in Flora, Ontario ($1,800). Notebook Computer for use by recruitment personnel at Canadian Mennonite Bible Col­ lege, Winnipeg, Man. ($1,000). Furnishings for a conference/mceting room at Lowe Farm Bergthaler Mennonite Church,

Lowe Farm, Manitoba ($1,500). Research and Symposium Funding that will eventually lead to the publication of a history of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada ($2,000). Phase II of the Mennonite Memorial Land­ ing Site at the joining of the Rat and Red rivers I

The Bridegroom Cometh! EMC Annual Convention

Women's Tea Saturday, July 6, 1996 2:00 p.m. at the Blumenort Church Babysitting will be available PLAN NOW TO ATTEND Cost: S5.00

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 417 Hanover Street Steinbach, Manitoba is looking for a full-time Associate Pastor with emphasis on Youth

C.F.C. is a growing independent Mennonite Church with an attendance of approximately 300

Please send resumes or enquiries to: Harry Dyck (Pastoral Search Committee) Christian Fellowship Church Box 1748, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 or phone Harry Dyck: 204-326-1572 by June 15, 1996

Duties may commence August 1996

PAGE 6

south of Winnipeg, Manitoba, $2,000 as seed money to plan for placement of highway signs, washroom facilities, etc. The site is being de­ veloped as a memorial to the arrival of the first Mennonite settlers from the Ukraine in 1874. The Mennonite Foundation of Canada Grant Fund is a permanent endowment fund generated through designated donations, be­ quests, and a portion of the Foundation’s Ofrerating surpluses. At the end of 1995 the fund’s principal balance was $182,000. Grants are made once a year with the ap­ plication deadline for future grants set at July 30 for fall distribution. While preference is given to applications from the Foundation’s five participating conferences and their mem­ ber churches, any related organizations and institutions are also eligible to apply. Funding is available for organizations with a charitable, religious, or educational objective. To be considered, projects must be in a start­ up phase or new initiatives in existing programs.

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Applications Invited The Mennonite Foundation of Canada Grant Fund is open to applications from participating Conferences, churches and related organiza­ tions and institutions. Funds are available for projects that have a charitable, religious or educational objective. Funded projects will generally be new programs in a start-up phase or new initiatives in existing programs.

Annual application deadline: July 30 Guidelines and application forms are available from any Foundation office WINNIPEG OFFICE 4-117 Victor Lewis Drive Winnipeg, MB R3P 1J6 204-488-1985 Fax 204-488-1986 KITCHENER OFFICE 50 Kent Avenue Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1 519-745-7821 Fax 519-745-0064

CLEARBROOK OFFICE 303-32025 Dahlstrom Ave. Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 2K7 604-850-9613 Fax 604-850-9372

YOUTH PASTOR

The Kola EMC Church is looking for a part-time Youth Pastor to work with our engergetic youth group. Around 25 youth attend on a regular basis. This position would be start­ ing September 1, 1996. Send your resumd to: Youth Pastor Search Committee c/o Pastor Henry Plett Box 40, Kola, MB ROM 1B0 or call 204-556-2635 or fax 204-556-2604.

THE MESSENGER

Steinbach Bible College

Ben and Helen Eidse Brought Global Awareness to SBC by Faith Eidse Kuhns From twenty-foot crocodGe skins to bags of smoked caterpillars, my parents, Ben and Helen Eidse, brought an international flavour to SBC. From the African students they spon­ sored to study at SBC, to their own lifestyle changes after decades spent among the Chokwe-Lunda of Zaire, they raised SBC’s global consciousness. This awareness deve­ loped during both the early sixties and mid­ seventies when Dad was an instructor, and during the eighties and early nineties when Dad was President and Mom was alumni news editor. During his years as an SBC instructor my dad never had a proper desk, but studied in our dining room at a sheet of plywood, sup­ ported by filing cabinets. With a house full of daughters, his preferred study time was 2 a.m. You could catch him then, dark head bent un­ der a swath of fluorescent light, five books open in front of him at once. One of them might be a psychology text, another a modem translation of the Bible, a third a Greek lexi­ con, a fourth an anthropology text, a fifth his three-ring binder of class notes. He read, pen in hand, underlined, cross-referenced, made marginal notes. Dad considered himself a generalist; his goal was nothing less than the renaissance man.

He studied what his interests led him to, and he sharpened his recall by reviewing and ap­ plying his knowledge. He taught his students to do the same. “Review your notes right after class, and try to apply them to your lives,” he told us in an Introduction to Psychology class. “Then read them again a week later, and you won’t have to cram for the exam. You’ll just have to brush up a little before finals.” Dad appreciated how computers are chang­ ing the way we learn, so he helped bring those changes to SBC. Because he valued applied knowledge, he welcomed media which gave priority to application over memorization. Wanting to satisfy his natural curiosity also led him to the vast resources of the internet. Consequently, Dad worked hard to bring com­ puters to SBC and to provide access to them for everyone. Through computer virus epidem­ ics and hardware updates, he helped keep SBC current with new technologies. After Dad was installed as president, the cooks in the school kitchen could no longer throw away leftovers without thinking of railthin Africans. Mom was convinced she and Dad could survive on collected kitchen scraps alone, so Dad gave a portion of his salary back to the Bible College, and Mom retrieved

Revised Mennonites in Canada Media Guide Released WINNIPEG, Man. — How many Mennonites are there in Canada? What do they think about issues such as euthanasia, abor­ tion and lotteries? Why are they involved in job creation? What are Mennonite foods? The answers to these and other questions can be found in Mennonites in Canada: A Me­ dia Guide. The Guide, first published in 1990 on the occasion of the Mennonite World Con­ ference gathering in Winnipeg, has been up­ dated, with new chapters added. “The purpose of the Guide is to help the me­ dia report accurately about Mennonites in Canada,” says John Longhurst, the Guide’s editor. “It’s also a way to help them through the Mennonite maze. With so many different kinds of Mennonites in Canada, it’s hard for reporters unfamiliar with the church to know whom to call. The Guide can point them to

Summer Services at Calgary Notice to travellers to and through Calgary:

Abbeyda/e Christian Fellowship (E.M.C.) welcomes you June 30 - August 30 Sunday service starts at 10:00 a.m. 1352 Abbeydale Drive S.E. Calgary, Alberta

JUNE 5, 1996

places where they can get more information.” The Guide also contains a brief essay about the 500th anniversary of the birth of Menno Simons, the 16th-century church leader after whom the Mennonites are named. A list of selected statements by Menno on such things as the centrality of Christ, the Bible, the need for conversion, on war, violence, capital punishment and sharing with the needy is in­ cluded. Copies of the Guide are available by send­ ing a cheque for $5 to MCC Canada Resource Library, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9. The Guide is also available on the World Wide Web at http;//www.Mennonitecc.ca/ mcc/mennoguide/index. html. Needs at ICYA Inner City Youth Alive is looking for the following used Items for their Youth Centre: 2 - 20” colour television sets 1 - Video cassette recorder 1 - Small microwave oven 2 - 4’ X 8’ slate pool tables If you are interested in helping out with any of these items, please call 204-582-8779. Tax-deductible receipts will be issued.

leftovers by the ice cream pail full. One of those ice cream pails made it all the way to Boston for Christmas dinner 1990. Mom served white-sauce fish by candlelight to us and our downstairs neighbours, an MIT professor and his nutritionist wife. The nutri­ tionist couldn’t stop exclaiming over the fish. Dad says he did not realize until Mom’s stroke last year how much she took care of physical concerns so he could study. I recall Mom’s awe over Dad’s drive to lezirn. “Your father is always studying,” she used to say. “How does he do it?” Was it a thirst created by hours of droning tractor work in the rich black soil of a Rosenort farm? Dad wanted to increase knowledge and improve lives among his many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. It was a drive that translated easily to Mom and Dad’s medical and language work in Zaire. With the translation of the Bible in modem Chokwe circulating in Zaire, and SBC, a healthy, growing institution in Canada, their efforts have had global impact. At SBC, no doubt, there’s a lingering smell of smoked caterpillars.

Faith Eidse Kuhns, the second of the Eidses' four daughters, is a doctoral candidate in Crea­ tive Writing at Florida State University. She recently won an outstanding Creative Thesis award for her memoir, “Deeper than African Soil.”

Whot? Annual Convention

When? July 5-7

Where? Steinbach, Manitoba

Who? Hundreds of EMC members from five Canadian provinces, missionaries from oround the world and VOUI

Why? To hear what God is doing In and through our churches. To be challenged by Dr. Arden Thiessen's three messages on "The Close of This Age." To worship God in the concluding climax of "Prayer and Praise.” To fellowship with other members of our Conference family.

See you there! PAGE 7

To Copeland, Seminole and Tigertown With Love — by Gladwin Plett Last fall, Willie Dueck, chairman of Morweena’s Committee on Missions, ananged for the annual supervisory visit to three congre­ gations in Kansas and Texas. Jean and 1 were invited to join him and his wife, Elizabeth, on the trip south. One of the by-products of such a three-week tour is a report. Hopefully, the diary will give the necessary information. With supper at Burke’s in Morris, we were off on Thursday, Oc­ tober 5. Travelling with a seasoned couple like the Duecks makes for a certain assurance when choosing routes, rests and lodging.

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e.g., one owner of 160 acres is enlarging to 320. Feed? Com, and lots of it. 9-10. Had devotions with students in school. The pulpit ministry emphasized “The Family,” “Membership,” and “Encouragement.” Jean’s stories always add that extra touch. 11. Motored into Seminole, Texas, late. The Neil Thiessen family billeted two weary travellers. Neil sells cellular phones and insurance, manages a book store and serves his congregation as deacon as well. 12. Devotions for the students of this church school with well over one hundred enrolled. The enthusiastic principal gave a tour of the well-supervised Christian school. 13. Harry and Levina Friesen, the pastoral couple, had us over for supper and a whole lot of “visiting.” Two assignments tonight: a devotional for the school staff meeting, and a talk to the large body of teens. 14. Breakfast out with the school staff (spouses and children in­ cluded), with the Willie Duccks as hosts. Was invited to take part in the ministerial meeting, to encourage them with a meditation on “Becoming Involved.” 15 (Sunday). The congregation in Seminole is huge! Refreshing to see so many of our kinsmen from various church backgrounds.

1. rC’SS Teachers Jake and Helen Harder (back, right) with their students at Montezuma, Kansas.

6. Bedded down in a Best Western (three hours from Salina) after a full day of driving. 7. Reached Copeland, Kansas, and had supper in Loeppkys’ restaurant. Andrew Plett pastors the Copeland congregation on an interim basis, seeking to lead it into a more complete organization. The church school receives leadership from Jake and Helen Harder of Roseau River, Manitoba. 8 (Sunday). Until this congregation builds a church in Copeland, where they own land and the school, they meet in Montezuma. Three sessions had been planned for today, with potluck dinner and after­ noon coffee. And they also quickly agreed to have two more even­ ings of services in spite of the harvest. Learned about large feed lots;

MCC Sales and Auctions Mennonite Central Committee is hold­ ing several Relief Sales and Auctions in Manitoba:

Winnipeg at The Forks June 14 and 15 Brandon Keystone Centre August 9 and 10 Morris Stampede Grounds September 21 Money raised at the sales will be used to support MCC’s work with children. For more information, please call Kathy Fast, 204-261-6381.

Second Annual €MC Golf Classic Qt the Steinboch Fly-in Golf Course

June 18, 1996, 9:00 o.m. Contact: Ken Toews 204-326-3307

PAGE 8

Attendance on Sundays reaches 400 at the church/school com­ plex at Seminole, Texas.

Mennonite World Conference

Hear What the Spirit is Saying to the Churches Mennonite World Conference’s next assem­ bly will meet in Calcutta, but planning for In­ dia 1997 is happening on five continents. Committees in Europe, North America, Afri­ ca, Latin America, and Asia have each been assigned one day of “Assembly Gathered” — the six days in which all India 1997 par­ ticipants will meet in Calcutta. Their task is to plan a day of workshops, worship, and prayer that reflects the lives of the churches in their part of the world. According to Larry Miller, MWC General Secretary, this approach follows naturally from the India 1997 theme: Hear What the Spirit is Saying to the Churches. “Given this theme, we felt it was important to give most of the planning over to continental committees. ’Hearing what the Spirit is saying’ to churches in all parts of the world means giving them the opportunity to speak out of their own partic­ ular experience.” For the Latin Americans, this means a day focussed on the endurance of hopeful faith in

spite of suffering and oppression. Beginning with prayers for faithfulness, hope, and con­ viction, Latin America Day will feature tes­ timonials from conscientious objectors, native persons, women, and youth who have resist­ ed oppression in various forms. The morning Bible study is titled “Faithfulness and Suffer­ ing,” and afternoon workshops will relate to the day’s theme. European planners have chosen to commu­ nicate the need for recovery of vision in their churches. Confessing the decline of church membership in Europe in recent decades, Eu­ rope Day will feature stories of how Europe­ an churches are being renewed. Activities will also celebrate the beginnings of the Anabap­ tist movement in Europe in the sixteenth cen­ tury, and examine the original Anabaptists as a source of vision for churches today. Asia Day activities will hinge on the “life” of Asian churches, with worship and Bible study themes such as “Living Christ, the Lord of the Church,” “Living Word, the Strength of THE MESSENGER

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it has to be “trailer manufacturing.” Peter J. Thiessen of “P. J. Trail­ ers” employs many welders and will need even more once the next phase of expansion is complete. The spiritual ministries included the usual devotionals at the church school, the unique monkey (Toto) stories by Jean each evening, and emphasis on a variety of topics suitable for sisters and brothers from differing denominational backgrounds. The ministry throughout was in Low German, with the exception, of course, of school devotion­ als. Visiting the families, both youthful and older, was an added challenge and blessing, in spite of my cold. Yes, we actually did get to shop a bit in Paris, the name we as­ sociated with the Tigertown church for the longest time.

The new church/school building and principal’s residence at Tigertown, Toxas, where sixteen couples declared their interest in organizing as a church.

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Both of us were involved in Sunday school, Jean with the women and I with the men. Then there was a message for the worship serv­ ice, and another for the 6 p.m. service, which was followed by a con­ gregational meeting. The highlight here was the upcoming election for a deacon couple. Otherwise, “Don’t Mess With Texas,” as the road signs declare. “Ten thousand dollar fine for littering.” As it concerns oil and cotton, this county ranks first in all of Texas in both. I’m not aware that our people are much into oil, but cotton and peanuts provide considerable employment. There are land­ owners and labourers, and those who do custom combining. Both peanut and cotton crops are fascinating, particularly to newcomers. Each crop calls for its own equipment. A late-night farewell to Neil Thiessen, who is working on citizenship papers, sort of closed off the visit to the Mennonite Evangelical Church in Seminole. 16. Tigertown, Texas (a small hamlet near Paris) is said to be a full day’s drive away. We bedded down early because of a late start, planning to arrive tomorrow. It seemed we all needed time out. 17. Coasted into Henry P. and Elizabeth Friesen’s yard in Tiger­ town around noon. The Friesens, although retired, have their hands full in giving leadership during the organizing of the congregation. On the final night sixteen couples declared interest in “joining hands and hearts.” Peanuts figure strongly in this area’s economy. For the church

the Church,” and “Life-Giving Deeds, the Evi­ dence of the Church.” Since Asian AnabaptistMennonites are a minority in a continent of many religions, some workshops will centre on living peacefully and faithfully among neigh­ bours of different faiths. African planners have not yet met; however, one planned contribution from the African The Indian churches and Mennonite World Conference encourage North Americans to attend India 1997. Assem­ bly Gathered takes place in Calcutta, January 6-12, 1997. Assembly Scattered is scheduled in various locations before and after Assembly Gathered. Registration forms are available from local congrega­ tions, or from Mennonite World Confer­ ence, Kitchener, ON, phone: 519-571-0060, and MTS Travel, Ephrata, PA, phone: 800-874-9330. Reduced fees for early regis­ trations are available until June 30, 1996,

churches is the Essengo Zaire choir, which will begin a six-month world tour at India 1997 (“Essengo” means “joy” in Lingala). The first meeting of African planners took place in AdJUNE 5, 1996

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Principal Benny Bergen (left) and students at Tigertown, Texas. Teacher Lisa Friesen is at the right.

23. The service tonight generated a certain uneasiness because this “group” would be given “their voice” as to what direction it would be taking from here on. I believe Fm correct to say that all in leader­ ship were much relieved and happy with the interest shown by those in attendance. 24-25. Final farewells, a prayer, and we’re off to the place we call home. The sun was smiling on us upon entering Manitoba. South Dakota had just had a bad snowstorm when we halted for the night. Let me assure you, there was a good deal of conversation in that ’86 Olds for much of the way home. How had the three weeks gone? Worth the trip? What of the future? Really, we all shared the feeling that we had had a hand in promoting the Kingdom in the congrega­ tions we’d visited.

dis Ababa, at the end of May. North Americans will also have their day. A group representing MWC member confer­ ences is currently finalizing plans. Details will be released in a forthcoming cuticle. The Indian host churches are planning the opening and closing ceremonies, lending a dis­ tinctive flavour to the gathering. Folk dancers, traditional music, flower petals, and rose water— all of which are common in Indian AnabaptistMennonite communities — will be featured in these services. “Assembly Scattered,” an opportunity for In­ dia 1997 participants to visit local churches throughout India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, is also being planned by host churches in sever­ al locations. This “decentralized,” world wide planning process has created some interesting logisti­ cal challenges for MWC staff, but all agree that it is worth the effort. “It’s always a treat to receive word from planners around the world— to get a sense of the unique message that each continent wants to offer the world church,” says Larry Miller. “We are in for a truly global church gathering in Calcutta.” — Marcus Shantz, MWC Release

CHANGE OF ADDRESS Dora Friesen Box 21652 Steinbach, Man. R5G 1B3 New address: 3604 McConnell El Paso, Texas 79904 Effective: June 1996 to June 1997

PASTOR POSITION

Pastor position open at Pineridge Fellowship Chapel Hudson Bay, Sask.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Pastoral Studies, pastoral ex­ perience. Please submit resume to: Elmer Plett, Box 545, Hudson Bay, Sask. SOE OYO, Phone: 306-865-3274, 306-865-3919, or Fax 306-865-3481; or Dennis Reimer, Box 1282, Hudson Bay, Sask. SOE OYO, Phone 306-865-3618.

PAGE 9

Missions PERU

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Street Children Jesus said, “Allow the children to come to me and do not hinder them..." (Matthew 19:14). I am sure that none of us would purposely do anything to hinder needy children from coming to Christ. But what do we do to bring street children and their families to Christ? - Reliable sources estimate there are 100 million street children in the world. Most of these live in the cities of the Two Thirds World. These children live or work on city streets. - About 40,000 children die daily as a result of malnutrition and preventable diseases. - Mexico City has 1.9 million under­ privileged and street children, with 240,000 totally abandoned. - Latin America has the largest number of street children, with Brazil alone hav­ ing as many as 7 million. About 5,000 of these children in Brazil were murdered last year. - In the Third World, more than 250 mil­ lion children, some as young as six, spend their childhood years labouring for pennies. Many work up to 14 hours a day under unsanitary and unsafe con­ ditions. - It is estimated that as many as 10 mil­ lion children are caught up in the sex in­ dustry: child prostitution, sex tourism and pornography. Jesus obviously considers children to be important. That is why He said, "Al­ low the children to come to me...." What is our response to this oppressed and abused group of persons? Response by prayer. Jeff Anderson, who has seven years' experience in street kids' ministry, says that he is convinced that intensive and continuous periods of concentrated prayer and fasting is the bottom-line solution to setting these cap­ tives free. Response by going-. If one missionary ministers to a group of 5,000 children, 20,000 missionaries would be required to reach these 100 million needy street children. Will you pray? Who will go? — Henry Klassen Executive Secretary

PAGE 10

ing that three Chitonahuas had been captured. In March 1996 we heard that a group of Chitonahuas had come out of the jungle and were in contact with lumbermen and a priest. Communicating with the priest, Merrilee learned that he had met the Chitonahuas in January, and that they were sick. On March 29, Merrilee, Ivagene and Mary Ann arrived at the village to meet the people. These were the people they had seen from the

Orchestrated by God! Our hopes and faith of the past number of years have become reality. Many prayers have been answered. God’s timing and orchestra­ tion of events are beyond comprehension. Contact has been made with a group of previ­ ously uncontacted people. Prayer for the Moronahua people began many years ago. In 1993 a pilot spotted a clearing in the thick jungle and, with the newly installed GPS (Global Positioning Sys­ tem) receiver, marked the precise location of it. Then in July of the same year, gift drops were made. At first the people scurried for shelter. At a later drop they came running to show their previous gifts to the plane. In July of 1994 a pilot saw that the houses in the clearing were burned down; it seemed that the people had crossed the border The Chitonahua women receiving clothes. into Brazil. Years ago, perhaps forty, some Yamina- plane! With the help of a Yaminahua inter­ huas had taken wives from a group called the preter, they were able to communicate. The Chitonahuas (naked people). \Ne believe this Chitonahuas showed them their gifts, machetes, cloth, cooking pot, etc. group to be a Yaminahua clan in isolation. After one of the lumbermen had been shot In September 1995 rumours began circulat-

Board of Missions

1996 Convention Offering Projects 1. Canadian Church Building - The church in Taber, Alberta, continues to grow and is in need of facilities. This project will provide assistance for a building to this young and growing congregation. The present congre­ gation of 132 represents 30 families. The church expects the congrega­ tion to grow to 350 in five years. 2. Evangelism/Church Planting in Zaire - The Mennonite churches in Zaire are doing evangelism/church planting among the refugees on the Zaire/Rawanda borders. This project provides assistance to the churches in Zaire which find themselves in economic difficulties due to the economic/political situation.

3. Leadership Training in Latin America - Church-leadership training is an important and essential responsibility in missions. This project provides assistance to the churches that EMC relates to in Mexico, Nicaragua and Paraguay, for their leadership-training programs, such as Saturday Bible Institute, weekend training seminars, TEE and full-time Bible school students. Objective: To raise $17,000 at the Annual Convention, THE MESSENGER

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in the chest and leg with arrows, the lumber­ men, feeling vulnerable to attack, sought to capture several of the Chitonahuas in August 1995. In the attempt, one Chitonahua got shot in the leg. The lumberman, however, treated them well. He and the injured man are now friends! When the injured Chitonahua re­ covered and returned to his people, he decid­ ed to bring the group of thirty-five out of the jungle. Praise God for the peaceful contact! We have been calling them Moronahua, knowing that they probably would have a different name for themselves. Now we know that the people to whom we dropped gifts were the Chitonahua. Merrilee was able to vaccinate most of the people. Amazing that they even allowed that! The lumbermen and the priest have given the people clothes. Yaminahua Scriptures were read to those interested. The Chitonahua chief adopted the ladies as his sisters. What an­

swers to prayer! Who lives in the houses that were spotted over the border into Brazil that we thought were the same peo­ ple? It appears that there is a splinter group of Chitonahua, as well as several other as yet uncontacted groups. Pray for wisdom as Mary Ann will analyze the language data she collected, for guidance in decisions in future involvement with the Chitonahua, and for deter­ mining whether to do an adaptation of the Yaminahua translated Scriptures. Merrilee giving a vaccination to a Chitonahua woman. Verna Doerksen Verna Doerksen (Blumenort) is inuolued in literacy and Christian education in Peru.

Messenger News REPORT ON YOUTH ACTIVITIES Riverton, Man.: This year as I share activi­ ties and experiences in our church with you, I will be doing so through the eyes of others, ril be inviting the individuals involved in vari­ ous aspects of our church to share their in­ sights with you. Here is a youth report, as it was presented to me by our youth leaders. Rod and Jen Friesen. This has been a year of growth for the youth, as well as for us youth leaders, since it is our pioneer year. One of the goals of the group is to bridge the gap between themselves and the non-Christian kids of Riverton. It’s been great to see community youth come out

YOUTH PRESENT DRAMA Mount Salem, Ont.: Easter took on a new and more personal meaning for many youth and their leaders this year as they immersed themselves in the story that has changed lives for many centuries, and continues to do so to­ day. Here is what Nellie Neufeld had to say about her experience; 1 am a youth sponsor at the Mount Salem church, and this year 1 had the pleasure of directing an Easter drama, which was presented by our youth group. About forty people were involved in the production, and we were able to perform it in four churches, Thedford, Bell Mill, Leamington and in our home church. It was a great experience for us, and it provided the youth with a great opportunity to share their faith, and in doing so the Easter story came alive, not only for them but also for those watching the story unfold. 1 also be­ lieve that as a result of all the research, plan­ ning and practices, we became better acquainted with the Easter story, and we also realized more clearly just how important JUNE 5, 1996

to gym night every other Friday. During these gym nights we play sports, goof off, and have a short devotional. 1 believe God has worked in the unsaved as we talk about God and how He affects us in practical ways (in relation­ ships, choices, speech, conduct, etc.). It is very encouraging to see how God is working in the youth of our church. Our core group is small, but they reach out to their friends and have a desire to grow and learn. Presently at our Bible studies we are watch­ ing a video series by Josh McDowell entitled “Setting Youth Free to Make Right Choices.” We see the need to solidify the fact that there really is a right and wrong in today’s permis­ sive society.

Some fun activities we’ve done this year are roller skating, bowling, watersliding and at­ tending a Bomber game. We also went to the Newsboys concert and had a chance to hear Josh McDowell speak. Another activity was a fund-raiser, a soup and pie meal after a Sun­ day service. As we continue together, we pray that God will bring the group closer to Him and to each other. It has been wonderful for Jen and me, as well as Dale and Gaylene (assistant youth leaders), to get to know these great young peo­ ple in a closer way. Reporter: Carol Kornelsen

Christ’s sacrifice is for us. Seeing the tears in the eyes of people, both on and off stage, made all the practices, frustrations and hard work worthwhile. The youth worked very hard to make this a success and should be given a lot of credit for working together so well, and for putting so much effort into it. 1, for one, have never enjoyed Easter more. Directing the drama was a big challenge for

me, but it was also a blessing for me, as well as for many others, I believe. It would not have been possible without the prayers and support of others — but the best part of all was that God was glorified through this drama. May He be praised! Nellie Neufeld Reporter: Netti Harder

“Mary” and “Elizabeth” talking about Jesus.

“Pilate” and his “mon” deliver the verdict.

PAGE 11

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a. New sign at NFC, constructed by Eugene Tal­ bot (right), helper Bob Imrie.

Easter Sunday breakfast with Ken and Carol Sebum.

< FURNACES AND FINANCES

Back: Kristen Funk, Cory Thiessen, Marcie Funk; middle: Tracey Thiessen, Mary Ann Smith; front: Jonathan Smith, Alex Nicholls.

Jonathan Smith fishing with Marlowe Rem­ pel. Region 3 ministerial meeting

PAGE 12

Creighton, Sask.: On February 12, Don Thiessen met with our church board to pro­ vide counsel, encouragement and supervision. Maureen Pogue, originally from Creighton, gave us an insight into the country of Latvia, where she is serving under Greater Europe Mission. The slides of Latvian people brought us in touch with the struggles of real life situ­ ations in another country. We appreciated her earnest desire to be a missionary. Bob Bradt Sunday school class (back): Deb Odegaard, of Medicine Hat was in the hospital in Flin Flon Janice Imrie, Mary Ann Smith; (middle): Royal for many weeks and has now returned to Riehl, Shyla Miller, Kevin Imrie, Derek Hillier; Medicine Hat. He provided us with musical (front): ? Riehl, Dorothy Hillier, Jonathan Smith, numbers on the violin. We hope he pays us Shannon Hillier. a visit in September! On March 4 the congregation met to look morning breakfast at the church. Ken Sebum, at our budget. The board and congregation are a Baptist minister, was our guest speaker, and working at restructuring ourselves financially guided us through a Communion Service as as we look to the future. We are becoming self- we rejoiced in our Lord’s death and resurrec­ supporting. We are grateful to the wider Con­ tion. Terry, Mary Ann and Jon were at the ference for the financial and prayer support Menn Ville EMC from April 11 to 14, where we have received over the years of our being Terry had a series of speaking engagements. subsidized. Your prayers are welcome as we On April 27 and May 4, Dorothy Hillier and make the transition. her “crew” held a two-Saturday basement sale On March 15, Terry, Mary Ann and Jon in order to raise money for the general fund. were at a seminar for Region 3 in Birch River. New propane furnaces were installed May 7-9. On March 17, the Smiths were in Swan River The church had received a grant through the on a Region 3 exchange visit. Madge-Hogarth Foundation. The congrega­ In April, Mary Ann’s parents and nieces and tion, friends and Sunday school of the NFC nephews treated us with a special musical have raised almost $7(X) to cover extra costs. number. We have expanded our program to The old oil furnaces kept maintenance expert provide “junior church” for preschool during Phil Odegaard very busy. With our new fur­ the sermon. We also had a major clean-up at naces, he will now join the Maytag repairmen! the church where the turnout was great. There A mid-week Bible study has started, where was much sorting and cleaning out of those the book How in the World Can I Be Holy? neglected corners. by Erwin Lutzer is being studied. Terry and Mary Ann took a week of holi­ A Turkey Shoot was held on May 11. Pic­ days in April during Mary Ann’s college break. tures and details will follow in the next report. On April 7, Easter Sunday, we enjoyed a Janice Imrie Maureen Pogue (centre), with Lisa Hillier (left) and Shannon Hillier (right).

THE MESSENGER

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50-DAY ADVENTURE

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Morweena, Man.: Greetings from Morweena! Here is that promised report on the 50-Day Adventure we experienced in our church be­ ginning February 18. The 50-Day plan and materials came from Chapel of the Air Ministries. Sunday morning sermons, music and special numbers, Wed­ nesday night Bible studies and daily journal­ ing all centred around the theme “What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do — Trust­ ing Christ When Life Gets Confusing.” To quote David Mains, “For most of us...just liv­ ing for a while is enough to experience our share of complexities. Sooner or later, we reach a point where there seems to be no exit or entrance, no escape from some terrible pain-filled dead end.” Sub-topics during the seven weeks included the following: 1) Choose to believe Christ will make a way for you through the maze. 2) Embrace the great promises of God’s Word. 3) Discover how Je­ sus identifies with your struggles. On Easter Sunday, Day 50, we ended with the sub-topic, “Place your hope in the God of surprising outcomes.” Just as Jesus’ resurrec­ tion was a joyous, surprising outcome after the disciples’ confusion and struggles, so God is able to and does work things out for His peo­ ple today.

There were more than a hundred par­ ticipants (to varying degrees) in this spiritual adventure. For an active participant, one week would have gone something like this: Start­ ing Friday, the daily journaling introduced the sub-topic for the week, including a Scripture study with personal application questions, praying an “1 believe” prayer, making an “1 be­ lieve” statement and jotting down a joy ex­ perienced. Sunday morning service corresponded with the daily study. On Wed­ nesday the participant was to make it a point to give joy to another. The evening was spent in Bible study in his designated group. (Groups were split by age; we had ten groups. The youth helped with children’s Bible study and babysitting on Wednesday, and then had their study later in the week.) Response to this 50-Day Adventure has been highly positive. Several testified to how very relevant the topic was. Perhaps this was in part the reason for the exceptional open­ ness and high attendance at Bible studies. Other factors mentioned positively were in­ volvement by whole families, united effort by the church family, Sunday morning features by children, keeping track of daily joys and co­ hesiveness in sermons. Personally 1 found the intense emphasis on clinging in faith to my Lord and His Word through confusing times was just what 1 need-

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ed to help me cope with a tough maze I was in at the time. Special thanks to Glenn and Norma, John and Emily, Elmer and Vai, Henry and Vivian, and Christy for working so hard to help this Adventure happen. Most special praise goes to the God who knows the way through the maze and can be depended on to carry us through, often with outcomes we never dreamed possible! Janice Plett

Births REIMER - to Darren and Andrea Reimer of Stein­ bach, Man., a son, Evan Jacob, on April 24,1996. WASKUL - to Wayne and Tammy Waskul of Stein­ bach, Man., a daughter, Kaitlin Aganetha, on April 29, 1996.

Weddings FRIESEN - REMPEL: Matthew, son of Gerald and Frieda Friesen of Mitchell, Man., was married on March 2,1996, to Bonnie, daughter of George and Marie Rempel of Randolph, Man. The wedding took place at the Steinbach Mennonite Church, with Paul Dyck of Steinbach officiating. The couple is mak­ ing their home in Randolph.

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▼ • ** t LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH i PRAISE THE LORD Ps. 150:6 PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MAN.: The front portion of the renovated sanc­ tuary at the PEC.

Wall mural beautifully done by Marge Hildebrand.

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Baptism and membership transfers at the Portage church on February 11: John and Margaret Krause, Krista Barkman, Julie Phillips (baptized), Carlana Barkman.

JUNE 5, 1996

Dedication of elders at the Portage church on January 28; Brian Rushton, Ed Nickel, Larry Neufeld, Geoff Boese, Dave Thiessen, Bill Plett. (Photo by J. Abbors)

PAGE 13

MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

Pleasant Valley, Man.: In March we were challenged in our walk with God at “Spiritual Formation Week,” with Peter and Trudy Dueck as our speakers. Following are some important thoughts to remember: “Let God be God.” Prayer — a privilege to communicate with our Father. God responds to the attitude of our prayers. Prayer is a realization that we need help. The power of prayer is in the One who hears it. We need to work on our broken foundations to restore our relationship with God and man. Gayle Reimer returned after serving with YWAM for six months. She reported personal growth and spiritual enrichment during the first three months at the YWAM base in Hawaii. After that they did mercy ministries with street children and spent time interceding for the country of Vietnam. From there they went to Bangkok, where they were involved in present­ ing drama and coffee shop ministries and oneon-one friendship evangelism in Chiang Mai. Dave and Susie Eidse spent two months at Camp 77 where they helped with the mission outreach. While there, Dave had the oppor­ tunity to preach nine times. Since the Eidses were missionaries there ten years ago, this was IN MEMORY In memory of my niece Rachel Heinrichs on her birthday, June 13. Rachel was taken from us on August 23. 1994 (six months after her brother Jona­ thon also died in an accident), along with Cou­ sin Tom (in background in photo) and

friend Mike. When I read the following poem, I caught a glimpse of Rachel as she was.. .ador­ ing of children and so sensitive to those in need. THE LEGACY When I die, give what is left of me to children. If you need to cry, cry for your brothers walking beside you. Put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give me.

I want to leave you with something, something better than words or sounds. Look for me in the people I have known and loved. And if you cannot live without me, then let me live on in your eyes, your mind and your acts of kindness. You can love me most by letting hands touch hands and letting go of children that need to be free. Love does not die, people do.

So when all that is left of me is love... Give me away....

Author unknown

My love and loyalty for you lives on... Auntie Julia

PAGE 14

a great time to meet old friends. Bill and Helen Friesen spent one month do­ ing voluntary work with Wycliffe Bible Trans­ lators in Dallas, Texas. Helen worked in the sewing department, and Bill did maintenance work. Johnny and Elly Rempel were in Florida and Georgia during the winter months, spending time with their children, as well as helping out at the SIM Mission Center in Sebring, Florida. Hannah Loewen and Joanne Thiessen graduated from SBC this spring. In the begin­ ning of May they went on the Macedonia Project to work alongside our Mexico mission­ aries. The flood of ’96 gave us the opportunity to host members of other churches which were closed due to flooding. Mike Friesen and “Mixed Blessing” present­ ed an evening of great music at the Rosenort Credit Union in April. There was a good at­ tendance, and the evening was successful in raising funds for Inner City Youth Alive.

The Ladies’ Fellowship had a bridal show­ er for five brides, Lisa Giesbrecht, Christina Loewen, Christa Loewen, Renee Reimer and Carla Zacharias on May 7. It was an evening of fellowship and fun with a sing-song by Joyce Cornelsen, devotional by Marilyn Gies­ brecht and games by Kim Siemens and Shel­ ly Loewen. In April our Sunday school had a special offering project for camp fees for Living Bible Explorers, who work with inner city children. We have had positive results and good at­ tendance in our Sanford outreach. Mike and Vicki Friesen, with a team of volunteers, plan monthly children’s meetings to keep in touch with the VBS kids throughout the year. In February they had an overnight party at our church. In March, Connie Reimer did a spe­ cial feature on the Easter theme. The April meeting had to be cancelled due to flooding, but for May a group from Grant Memorial is coming to Sanford for a puppet meeting. Florence Loewen

ABRAM KROEKER LOEWEN 1889-1996 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.” “Yea,” saith the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labour, and their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13). Our dear husband, grandfather, great­ grandfather and great­ great-grandfather was bom to his parents, Abram D. and Mar­ garet Loewen of Rosenhof (Morris), Manitoba, on May 15, 1889. He was the se­ cond of ten children, who have all gone on before him. Peacefully, Dad went to meet his Maker and Redeemer on April 23, 1996, at the ripe old age of 107 years, less 22 days. He leaves to cherish precious memories, his wife, Mary (Rosenort, Man.); one son, Abe and Annie (Rosenort); daughter-in-law Ellie Loewen Mar­ tens and Abe (Kleefeld, Man.); daughters, Mar­ garet and Dave Doerksen (Steinbach, Man.), Susie and Peter Martens (Steinbach), Lillie and George Bartel (Morris, Man.), Annie and Hen­ ry Bartel (Sperling, Man.); thirty-one grandchil­ dren, fifty-one great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; also seven step­ children and their families. Dad was united in marriage to Helena Cornelson on November 28, 1915. They shared joys and sorrows together for nearly sixty years, when Mother was taken to her eternal reward. This union was blessed with eight chil­ dren, of whom two (twin boys) died in infan­ cy. Another son passed away in 1970. Three sons-in-law, one grandson and two great­ grandchildren also went before him. After nearly two years of widowhood. Dad found another partner in Mary Neufeld. They were married in February 1977, when Dad

was 87; they honeymooned in Hawaii. Mother is now a resident of the Eventide Nursing Home in Rosenort. Dad grew to manhood on the family farm where he was born. He had a strong desire for a higher education to equip him for some­ thing “better” than farming. This idea was generally frowned upon by our “spiritual lead­ ers” in those days, and, being a peace-loving man, he frequently conformed to traditions, such as selling a car after he was warned that this was too worldly. Dad was a successful farmer during his working years. He also tried his hand at sever­ al different sales ventures. Dad was baptized upon his confession of faith in Jesus as Redeemer and became a member of the Kleingemeinde (now EMC) church, longer ago than anybody here can remember. He loved his God to the end of his long life and had a burden for all of his fami­ ly, praying for their spiritual well-being and en­ couraging them to read the Bible. Dad, Grandpa, will be remembered as a positive thinker open to new and better things, but firm in his old-fashioned faith. Be all the more eager, then, fellow Chris­ tians, to make sure you’re God’s called and chosen ones. If you do this, you will never fail. Then with rich gifts you will be welcomed into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11). The Family

Thank God For Dads

Thank you, lord, for Dads, and hear us uuhen uie pray, asking you to bless each one, on this joyous Father's Day! THE MESSENGER

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IN MEMORY Criscilla Kaye Plett September 30,1981 — June 5,1995 Criscilla Plett died June 5, 1995, in an ac­ cident a mile from her home. About a week before she died, she wrote the following note to her school friends. There’s a time in life * you can’t know at all what’s going to happen or how to put feelings into words. There’s also a time when you Z just want to call it quits I and close your eyes — 1 forever. But, all in all, I you just keep on living, I and even though your I life is crap, it might turn into something bet­ ter eventually. You have to find people to re­ late to and that you can trust; otherwise you’re probably not going to get anywhere. Learn to listen and learn to cry. For without these two you can never be truly happy, unless you let your feelings go or let someone else pour themselves out to you. You need someone to listen to you, and so does everybody else. Develop self-confidence and use it where you go. Love life and enjoy it to its limit. But in all of life’s pleasures, remember whom you believe in. God is always watching you, so don’t do anything stupid — you’ll regret it in the end. If you want some­ thing real bad and you think that Jesus does too, then go for it, and don’t quit till you get it. Don’t doubt your feelings but learn to know what they’re saying. Go anywhere you need to, to get what you think is right. Find out what God has in store for you and help Him with His plan. Tell Him cJl your worries, because I know He cares. Crissy May J 995 Dearest Crissy, The baseball season Is here again. HOW I would love to catch ball with you again. It's been such a long time since you left us. You would rarely pass me in the kitchen without pausing for a hug. I still can't watch the school bus going by. It never stops here any more. I will never again hear you yell, "Anybody home?" as you come into the house, slinging your schoolbag up the stairs. Your roller blades are gathering dust. Your very busy pencil is no longer sketching houses or writing stories. The piano is so quiet. Your last song, "Castle on a Cloud," still lingers on the air. No calls, "I'm ready now!" as you wait in bed for us to come and pray with you, tuck you in and kiss you good-night. There are no giggling teenagers here for Friday night sleep-overs. They tell us you are happier where you are. We still ask, "Why did you have to go so soon?" We miss you so much and love you always. Mom, Dad and family

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JUNE 5, 1996

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By the WAY

By Dave Schellenberg

MAYBE IT’S SMALL COMFORT to find that others too are absent-minded or misplace things, but at least one be­ comes aware that one is not alone in this dilemma. We had gone to observe some flood waters on the Red River the other day. Of course, my friend and I took our cameras. I believe it was the next morning when my friend said that the lens cap for his camera was missing. So off we went in search of it. We thought it might be on the back seat of the car where he had been sitting. We were rewarded, because there it was. We were still in the foyer of our apartment building, when another tenant came along and told us he had lost his wallet. Well! As we continued to talk, a light suddenly dawned on him. Now he knew where the wallet was — in a place where he didn’t usually carry it. Well, other people also have their anxious moments. But the sequel was yet to come. When I got back into our apartment, the phone rang. Were those my keys that had been discovered downstairs on a chair? After searching my pock­ ets, I admitted, yes, my keys were missing.

MY WIFE IS QUITE WELL aware of my stock of neckties. So the other day when she looked at me, she asked where I got that necktie. I had to tell her that I got it at the MCC Thrift Shop, and for a good price too (25 cents). With the price of ties nowadays, this amounts to a real saving! I find MCC Thrift Shops a good place to browse. Usually it’s only for books, but occa­ sionally also for other things. Other people’s cast-offs may become my treasures! I recall being in Hillsboro, Kansas, and, needing a tie, I went to the local MCC store. It has a unique name in that place, “The Et Cetera Shop.” Any­ way, they were able to accommodate me. In fact, I think I bought three more for a very nominal price. Not only can you find help in an emergency, you can also contribute to

the world-wide relief projects of Mennonite Central Committee by buying there. Then there is another angle. When we moved last year we had to dispose of a number of items, including two cabinet record players and other small items (not junk, though). The MCC Thrift Shop is a place where one may donate used items for resale, and know that the proceeds contribute to relief funds “In the name of Christ.”

HOW DOES A GOOSE know that when spring comes she has to prepare a nest and lay eggs? This is a marvel of none less than the Creator, God. But even more amazing, how does she know that after the eggs are laid they have to be incubated for so many days? If you want to observe a goose sit­ ting on a nest, go to Fort Whyte Centre on the outskirts of Winnipeg. (Although by the time this reaches you, the goslings may already have hatched.) That’s what my wife, Helen, and I did the other day. Billed as “Just 20 minutes from downtown Winni­ peg,” Fort Whyte Centre is situated at 1961 McCreary Road on the southwest edge of Winnipeg. It consists of an interpretive centre, small lakes and paths meandering through the bushes. As you walk along the paths you can observe nesting birds at this season of the year. Upon inquiring when they would hatch, we were told it would be around the begin­ ning of June, later than usual. The amazing thing is that, as far as I can recall, none of the nesting birds were disturbed by us humans intrud­ ing into their nesting area, parts of which were close to the path. I guess they felt safe with their watchful com­ panion near at hand. Usually if we looked a little beyond the nest, we could spot a guard on duty. At least that’s what they appeared to be. Some greeted us with soft hisses! “All thy works shall praise Thee,” says the Psalmist (145:10). Surely this graceful bird is one that does. Till next time.

PAGE 15

From the Editor Quiz Time A PROJECT THAT was begun three years ago is about to be unveiled. After many hours of research, writing, revising and re­ writing, Seeking to be Faithful is nearing completion. That is the ti­ tle of the book about to be released, a layperson’s history of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. With his interest in history, vast knowledge of the past, and downto-earth writing style. Dr. Harvey Plett was an obvious choice to pen this volume. And he has not let us down. He has described the neces­ sary facts and augmented them with insights and stories of the peo­ ple involved in the formation and development of our Conference. To whet your appetite for the book, we suggest you try the fol­ lowing quiz that tests your knowledge of EMC history. Choose the best response for each statement: 1. The new group was called the Kleine Gemeinde. This means a. new church b. little church c. little conference d. clean church 2. It was started in the year a. 1749 b. 1804 c. 1812 d. 1874 3. The founder of the Kleine Gemeinde was a. Klaas Reimer b. Abraham Plett c. Peter P. Friesen d. Menno Simons 4. The Kleine Gemeinde started in a. Canada b. The Netherlands c. Poland d. Russia 5. One of its main concerns was to a. follow the teaching of the Bible b. separate from sinful practices c. follow a favourite leader d. establish a new colony 6. The Kleine Gemeinde was criticized by a. government leaders b. the church they had left c. the police d. Ukrainian neighbours 7. Ideas of emigration were stimulated by a. the need for more land b. a new law, requiring military service c. both of the above d. neither of the above 8. Migration began in 1874 to a. the East Reserve b. Nebraska c. Scratching River d. all of the above 9. Many members left in 1881 to join the a. Krimmer Mennonite Brethren PAGE 16

b. “Holdeman” church c. Chortitzer church d. none of the above 10. In 1956 the name was changed to a. The Evangelical Mennonite Conference b. The Evangelical Mennonite Brethren c. The Conference of Mennonites d. The Evangelical Mennonite Church 11. Suzanne Plett, the first EMC missionary to go to a foreign coun­ try (1945), went to a. Brazil b. China c. Belgian Congo d. Mexico 12. Several EMC churches in Canada were started by a. division b. proselytization c. colonization d. emigration 13. In the 1991 revision of Conference administration, the number of boards and committees was a. reduced b. unchanged c. increased d. doubled 14. The Conference periodical which began in 1935 was a. The Missions Informer

«

b. Die Rundschau

c. The Messenger d. Christlicher Familienfreund

15. The Evangelical Mennonite Conference in Canada has grown from one church, in five meeting places, to a. 49 churches and 116 missionaries b. 49 churches and 135 missionaries c. 53 churches and 135 missionaries d. 53 churches and 116 missionaries So much for the quiz. I hope you enjoyed the challenge. The an­ swers are given below. How many did you get right? 13-15 You could have written the book! 10-12 You are really well informed. Not bad, but room for improvement. 7-9 Buy the book and read it. 4-6 Take Harvey Plett out for coffee. 0-3 In spite of obstacles, trials and divisions, the EMC has grown. Loss­ es have been regained, slowly but steadily, to a membership of over 6400. The Lord has guided and blessed as our predecessors have studied the Bible, Seeking to be Faithful to the Word. It has meant keeping to the narrow way that Jesus spoke about, avoiding the broad. We are the custodians of the faith today; we must keep it strong and true. With God’s help we will. May future generations (if the Lord tarries) see evidence that we also were Seeking to be Faithful. — Menno Hamm

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

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