Issuu

The Messenger

CONEERENCE EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE

VOL VOL. 34 NO. 12

JUNE 26/96 26/<

EMC's newest church is organized in Steinbach, Manitoba, with eighteen members

Conference Pastor, Don Thiessen, officiated at the Stony Brook Feiiowship chartering service on June 16, 1996. . . . more on page 5

2 Ministering to the Grieving 8 Lengua Bible in Paraguay 15 The Worship Service V

Ministering to the Grieving r

by Stan Plett

ow can we as friends, family and church communities most effectively minister to those who are going through deep personal valleys of grief? What are some pitfalls to avoid?

On June 23 of last year we as a family entered such a valley with the sudden accidental death of our daughterin-law and grandson. In addition to our own grief, we needed to stand with our son for whom the terrible pain was much more intense. Just a few weeks previous to this accident, our 13-year-old niece Crissy was killed in an accident. As close friends of the family, how could we walk with them through their valley of pain? Within half a year our nephew Howard Loewen passed away. The death of Howard continues to leave a vacuum in the Loewen household. The years I pastored in Rosenort gave many opportunities to develop a sensitivity to the needs of the grieving and to extend love to the hurting. As a result of my pastoring experience and recent grief, I have read various articles and books dealing with the topic of grief and ministering to the hurting. My understanding of Scripture and its teaching on grief and pain is coloured by my experience. I am not suggesting 1 am an expert on “ministering to the hurting.” This introduction simply provides the experiential basis for the thoughts expressed in this article.

HOW NOT TO MINISTER • Resist the urge to theologize! As there is a time to weep and a time to rejoice, so there is a time to theologize and a time not to theologize. From what I have personally experienced, from what I have learned from loved ones and from what 1 have read, speculations about the nature and purpose of God generally do not help those in the deepest valley of pain. Why is there pain and evil? Where is God in all this? These are questions Christians need to wrestle with. However, THIS IS NOT THE TIME! To be sure, those in the deep valley of grief will frequently ask “WHY?” This question calls not for a thesis on the causes of wealth and poverty but for food given in love. Avoid the following common patterns of speaking for God: “God knew this was the best time to take your loved one(s) home. ” No matter how well intentioned, such a statement tends to simply add to the hurt. In addition, the theology itself is suspect. Is God responsible for drunk drivers? Does God decide it is time to “take His child home” by means of resulting accidents? Or is this due to the inherent risk of living in a sin-cursed world? PAGE 2

“God desires to use this apparent tragedy so you can minister to others more effectively. ” This is clearly a biblical truth (see John 9:3; 2 Cor. 1:3,4). However, when pain is most intense this is not necessarily a consolation. The very thought that grief, pain and the death of a loved one are to be used as positive theological object lessons is a heavy burden to bear. “It will soon get better. ” Don’t even try convincing the grieving that it will soon get better. In a strange, contradictory way one who has lost a loved one wants the hurt to go away and at the same time wants to nurture it. Anticipation of better days to come shortly seems to trivialize the loss of such a beloved member.

• Don’t attempt to “counsel.” Beware of the “professional comforter” tendency. Don’t see the grieving through some kind of “5 stages of grief” grid. Although there are common threads or similar stages of grief, there are differences in ways different grieving members deal with their grief. Individuals are unique, and this is reflected by grieving patterns. Seeking to figure out which particular “stage” they are in and sharing this insight with the grieving one is not particularly helpful. • Don’t say, “I know what you are going through!” Nobody really knows what another is going through, no matter how similar the situation. To be sure, those who have experienced similar grief will most likely be able to empathize and minister. Deep new friendships are formed by members of this exclusive club of suffering. However, identification with the hurting comes from the quiet loving presence, not from such comments, which, however well meaning, come across as trite and glib.

• Don’t avoid those in grief. People often feel uncomfortable relating to those going through the valley of pain. They just don’t know what to say or do. Since those going through grief are emotionally vulnerable, gestures of support are easily misinterpreted. If ministering to the grieving is such a touchy matter, with so many potential pitfalls, then why not simply stay away. That might well be the most serious pitfail of all. Those going through grief are keenly aware of friends who never showed up when they were most needed. Far better to blunder than to ignore the hurting.

HOW THEN TO MINISTER • Just be there. I know it sounds like a cliche, but it’s the truth. Men THE MESSENGER

in particular find this extremely difficult. Job’s friends initially did well. For seven days they quietly suffered with their friend Job. Then they blew it. When Job in his pain expressed what his friends perceived as impious thoughts, they could not resist the urge to defend God, to speak for God.

• Send cards with notes. The notes are very therapeutic. We received many cards, and at the time they seemed somewhat redundant to other expressions of sympathy. The other day I locked myself in a room and spent a few hours reading notes and thanking God for friends. • Give freedom to the grieving one to express feelings. These expressions might not always sound totally orthodox. Is that not normal? Did Jesus sound orthodox when he cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Did David sound orthodox when he cried out: Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you

hide yourself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1). Is it normal for one who has lost a loved one to smile happily and express immediate words of praise and thanksgiving? Even if there is confidence that the loved one is with the Lord?

• Show practical love. We have a rich heritage of showing practical love. Bringing food. Helping with other practical chores that those who are in deep grief do not have the energy to perform. • Don’t quit too soon. Obviously life goes on, and the intense support of the larger community inevitably diminishes. God will call at least a few to continue for long periods to extend special support. Be open to that call. I have heard many expressions of deep gratitude for those who “continued.”

Stan Plett is the President of Steinbach Bible College.

Leadership Retreat — Region 1 The toy of the Lord is My Strength Our Leadership Retreat was held May 11-12 at Peace River Bible Institute in Sexsmith, Alta. It was a blessing to all who attended from Burns Lake, Vanderhoof, La Crete, High Level and Grande Prairie. The topic, “Biblical Keys to Joy in the Ministry,” was excellent. Pas tor Victor Zacharias started Friday night’s session with his personal testimony. He stressed the importance of having a willing spirit and knowing whom you serve. Saturday morning we had the word JOY defined for us. Joy is embracing the will of God. In his messages Mr. Zacharias stressed that it is God who calls us, and that our role will not always be easy, but if we keep our focus on Christ we will have JOY. In order for us to have this JOY in ministry we need to have a personal relation ship with Christ and a willing spirit to serve. Leadership, as Mr. Zacharias pointed out, is fulfilling God’s agen da in caring for the people He puts in our path. Leadership is being an example in attitude, actions and in conduct, not only in words. During the retreat we had some time to have JOY together as we visited with others, played volleyball and relaxed. I don’t recall who won the volleyball game, B.C. or Alberta, but there was JOY in the game. On Sunday morning everyone was invited for a service at Mission Heights Community Church in Grande Prairie. It was a JOY to have so mciny of you join us for the service. It was also a JOY to have

Relaxation time

JUNE 26, 1996

Part of the group at the Leadership Retreat.

Pastor Richard Klassen from the High Level church bring us an ex cellent message on Mother’s Day. After the service it was a privilege and a JOY to have so many of you join us for the soup lunch. We are so grateful for our building and the opportunities we have to serve others. FOOD FOR THOUGHT; Are we aware of God’s ability to ena ble us to have JOY in the ministry and the relationships He has called us to? Eluira Wiebe

er at the Region 1 Leadership Retreat.

Burns Lake people, Elmer Klassen, Rosalee Bueckert, Bill Bueckert, in the food line-up.

PAGE 3

Letters Why Struggle Against Equality? I am writing in response to “Determining Christian Doctrine” by Henry Hiebert in the April 17/96 Messenger. Two additional passages speak to the gender issue of church leadership. Acts 2:17-18 emphasizes that both men and wom en are gifted by the Spirit to prophesy. Romans 17 lists examples of women leading house churches. What is the spirit, rather than the letter, of the New Testetment on this issue? Second, why is there a struggle against equality at all? I, personally, am afraid to take responsibility and exercise power in situations

normally controlled by men even when I have an interest and ability to participate. Converse ly, I am also fearful in giving up power and be coming vulnerable in situations that I am accustomed to controlling. After all, if I do the task myself, I am more sure of the outcome. When I hear stories of the powerful shar ing their control and the powerless finding their strength, I feel excitement and hope. The re wards of equality, mutual respect, understand ing, unity, and freedom to be unique, are exhilarating. Brother- and sister hood, for me, is the definition of salvation and abundant life. It becomes possible in Christ, whose perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Liz Plett Friesen Rigolet, Labrador

Attention: Ministers, Deacons and Spouses

MINISTERIAL MEETING Friday, July 5, 1996

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Steinbach EMC

422 Main Street Two papers will be discussed: Native Spirituality by Wendy Peterson

Relativism by Harvey Plett The agenda includes elections, church reports and lunch.

Winnipeg Sale Raises $48,000 for MCC Children's Projects WINNIPEG, Man. — Warm weather and a variety of activities helped attract large crowds to the third annual Winnipeg MCC Festival and Relief Sale held June 14 and 15 at The Forks. The event raised $48,0(X) through the sale of antiques, quilts, arts and crafts, experienced goods, baked goods and meals. The money raised at the sale will be used for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) projects which aid children. Most of the money is matched on a threeto-one basis by the Canadian International De velopment Agency (CIDA). Most of the over head costs are covered by donations from sponsors of the sale. “We didn’t reach our target of $50,000, but the sale was a success on many counts,”

Correction: The following nominee should have been listed under Eden Health Care Services (May 22 Messenger), not the Board of Church Ministries. We apologize for the error.

Ben Klassen, Box 339, Riverton, Man. ROC 2R0 (Mennville) Ben has served on the Church Council and the Church Board and been involved in church administration. Has taught Sun day school and a seniors Bible study and done some preaching. He has been ex posed to a variety of people, enjoys meet ing new people and works well with people. Is a good listener and has a heart for handicapped individuals.

COMING EVENTS July 5, 9:00 a.m. EMC Ministerial Meeting (including spouses) Native Spirituality with Wendy Peterson Relativism with Harvey Plett July 5-7 Annual EMC Convention The Close of This Age Speaker: Arden Thiessen

PAGE 4

says Peter Peters, executive director of MCC Manitoba. In keeping with the festive nature the two-day event featured main stage enter tainers, buskers, children’s entertainers, face painting and other children’s activities. The Winnipeg sale is one of three relief sales in Manitoba. Peters says organizers of the Manitoba sales believe people would be will ing to pay higher prices at the auction sale if they could receive tax-deductible receipts. Peters says he would like to see the Cana dian tax laws changed so that charitable or ganizations, such as MCC, could issue receipts for items sold at auctions. One op tion would be appraising the item and issuing a receipt for the portion above the appraised value. Gladys Terichow MCC Manitoba Communications Announcing Available Suites for members 55-i- at Oakview Manor in Blumenort, Man. ► 2-bedroom suites are 850 square feet ► 1-bedroom suites are 655 square feet ► Air-conditioned ► Large common area, kitchen and game room for family gatherings ► Paved walk to church and Oakwood Place ► Live church services via closed-circuit TV ► Ample parking Fall construction start is planned. For more information contact; Henry K. Plett al 326-3038, or Jac. Driedger at 326-1552

Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401 July 6, 2:00 p.m. EMC Women’s Tea The Bridegroom Cometh I Blumenort, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401 August 9-10 MCC Sale Brandon, Man. Phone: 204-261-6381 September 19-21 Prophecy Conference Theme; Israel, the Church

and the New World Order Calvary Temple Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-254-7843 September 21 MCC Sale Morris, Man. Phone: 204-261-6381 January 6-12, 1997 Mennonite World Conference Assembly — INDIA 1997 Calcutta, India Phone:519-571-0060

SORRY, WE SLIPPED! We gave a wrong answer to one of the questions in Quiz Time in the June 5 Messenger. Suzanne Plett first went to Bolivia for a term as the first EMC missionary before she went to Brazil. Thanks to Mrs. Katherine Kroek er, Suzanne’s sister, for pointing this error out to us. Menno Hamm

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: We want to re mind our readers and reporters that there will be only one Messenger in July and one in Au gust. Due dates are July 8 for the July 17 is sue, and August 5 for the August 14 issue.

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: (204) 326-6401: Fax: (204) 326-1613 E-mail: emconl®mts.nel

THE MESSENGER

The eighteen charter members of Stony Brook Fellowship: Wes Kroeker, Pat and Judy Martens, Cliff and Jeannie Reimer, Heidi and Elroy Friesen, Emery and Bev Plett, Myra Kroeker, Lucille and Kenton Penner, Vallda and Victor Friesen, Dave and Fran Harms, Pearl and Jeremy Hartley.

Chartering Service at Stony Brook Fellowship Steinbach, Man.: The congregation and numerous guests gathered in Steinbach Bible College’s chapel on June 16, a beautiful sunny morning, for the chartering service of Stony Brook Fellowship. Coffee, juice and pastries in the foyer awaited those who arrived early, giv ing opportunity to mingle and get acquainted. Following lively congregational singing, led by Bev Plett and ac companied by piano, guitars and drums, Don Thiessen, Conference Pastor, installed the pastoral team of Wes Kroeker and Dave Harms. Wes and Dave then conducted the reception of membership trans fers, fourteen from EMC churches and four from other churches, for a total of eighteen charter members. Don Thiessen led the chartering ceremony and prayer of dedica tion. A number of guests expressed words of blessing and encourage ment, both personally and on behalf of other EMC churches in the region.

Since last November, the core group has been meeting weekly for Bible studies and fellowship. Sunday morning services were begun on February 4, using SBC’s chapel as the sanctuary. Although not a large group yet, the members are enthusiastic about growing in their faith and helping others establish a relationship with God. Kevin and Cori Friesen’s song, expressing a prayer for God’s will to be done, suited the occasion very well, as did Don Thiessen’s mes sage of challenge to the new church. Basing his comments on Romans 12:9-13, he outlined four characteristics of a healthy, growing congregation: love, zeal, faith and generosity. We congratulate the courage and vision of this new group in the Conference family. May we be supportive by our prayers and greet ings of encouragement.

Many guests joined the congregation in the Steinbach Bible College chapel.

The leadership team consists of Myra and Wes Kroeker (with Tara) and Dave and Fran Harms.

JUNE 26, 1996

Menno Hamm

Cori and Kevin Friesen provided special music.

Refreshments and conversation start the morning at Stony Brook Fellowship.

PAGE 5

Wind and Fire: Anabaptist Women Doing Theology by Susan Brandt WINNIPEG, Man. — All the senses were en gaged at this third conference of Anabaptist women doing theology which convened May 9-11, at Canadian Mennonite Bible College, Winnipeg. The conference was sponsored by CMBC, Concord College and Mennonite Cen tral Committee. A wind chime hung in the entry to the meet ing room and the fire of the candles burned during the worship times. Listening between the words and the silence allowed the par ticipants to hear and to contemplate. Oppor tunity was also given to respond — in words, in singing, in dance. Those attending came from all parts of Canada, and some from south of the border. They were mainly women who felt the need to engage other women in conversation and discussion in order to define their own under standing of God and the Bible. Papers by theologians and scholars formed the basis for the discussion at the conference on the general topic of an Anabaptist feminist hermeneutic. Respondents to the papers ques tioned and critiqued what it meant to have an Anabaptist feminist hermeneutic, and en couraged the participants to be open to listen to the community. Nadine Pence Frantz, associate professor of theology at Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Indiana, presented a paper titled “The (Inter) Textuality of Our Lives: An Anabaptist Feminist Hermeneutic.” She indi cated that a reading of a particular text is shaped by our experience — a text will be read differently each time it is read or written. However, a danger arises when women feel they must master or reduce the text to one final meaning. Dialogue with others needs to continue in order not to become masters of the text in a feminist way, in contrast to what is often considered a patriarchal interpretation of Scripture. MaryAnn Janzen included in her response an analysis of the poetry of Di Brandt and Sarah Klassen. Janzen stated that Brandt deconstructs in her raw anger with maleoriented Christianity, while Klassen is more positive in her challenge to the interaction of theology and life.

Needs at ICYA Inner City Youth Alive is looking for the following used Items for their Youth Centre: 1 - 20” colour television set 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.

PAGE 6

Ruth Krall, in her paper entitled “Anger and an Anabaptist Feminist Hermeneutic,” gave five guiding principles for interpreting Anabap tist Christian faith from a feminist perspective. Krall is a professor of religion and psycholo gy at Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana. She indicated that all humans need to be trans formed from selfishness and domination over others. There needs to be an acceptance of ongoing revelation inside history and culture which leads to transformation. History is im portant, but only insofar as it provides a bedrock for a constant re-examining of our faith and the paradigms which shape our lives. She reasoned that justice-making and peace making are at the heart of the biblical texts’ messages about human relatedness in the Christ community and that feminist women must commit themselves to making a differ ence in the lives of people around them. But what was picked up most from the response to Krall’s presentation was the anger present in many women as they shared their stories. They spoke of anger at the church, at the way they were raised, and at the in justices around them. The sense of hermeneu tic seemed to be lost because of the anger that was still invading many women’s lives. Other presenters were Veronica Dyck, a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Religious Studies at McGill University, who challenged the attenders to consider changing their think ing more than just changing their language about God. She stated that Jesus’ use of “Father,” particularly in the Gospel of John, was not meant to be a description of, or a proper name for, God; rather, it indicates an intimacy of relationship between Jesus and God. She also indicated that many of the words associated with God in Hebrew arc feminine in form: shekinah (God’s presence), hokmah (wisdom), ruah (spirit). Vange Thies sen of Abbotsford challenged the participants to use both male and female metaphors for God, and to be open to the thinking about God’s greatness by using many images. Eleanor Epp-Stobbe also encouraged the women to think of God in new ways within the community. She reasoned that women arc not the only ones who feel the exclusivity of the church, but that there needs to be a con nectedness within the community. Individuals long for community at the same time they seek Summer Services at Calgary Notice to travellers to and through Calgary:

Abbeydale 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

autonomy. Our worship holds great potential for building community in today’s society. A willingness to change our worship in a way that will include as many people in our com munity as possible needs to be evident. Although there was anger expressed during the weekend, there was also joy, joy in wom en being together and worshipping in ways they felt most comfortable, with symbols, music, dance, sharing their pain. Absent was a recognition of the grace of God in our lives, the grace to accept; the Gelassenheit, accord ing to one participant, that has characterized Anabaptist women in the past. The weekend ended with the premiere presentation of “Bom Again,” a work by three Winnipeg artists. Sarah Klassen’s set of poems inspired by Canadian astronaut Roberta Bon dar’s experience aboard the space shuttle were set to music by Linda Schwartz. Soprano Hei di Klassen and an ensemble performed the work for an appreciative audience, receiving a lengthy standing ovation. — A Meetinghouse release Susan Brandt is Managing Editor of the Mennonite Brethren Herald, Winnipeg, Man.

•••

EVDad Ranch

(continued from page 16) on him and he has developed special skills. After a temper tantrum, he will sit down on his own and figure out why he did what he did. He is gifted in analyzing his own be haviour. Kenny, who landed at El’Dad after stealing quarters to play video games, is on his second stint at El’Dad, but will be graduating soon. He has a place to stay in nearby Steinbach, and staff arc helping him find a job.

When George came in October 1995, he ran away frequently, hitchhiking to Winnipeg to avoid the work. While he still takes off oc casionally, staff have seen progress. He is in creasingly able to put in a full day’s effort, especially if staff work alongside him c»nd give him lots of affirmation. Not every resident who goes through El’Dad’s program is an obvious success sto ry, but each in his own right shows El’Dad’s unique compassionate role in the justice sys tem — a role that could well be duplicated. This is the only MCC program like this in Canada, but the need elsewhere is strong. Across the country there are mildly mentally handicapped people who fall through socie ty’s cracks. If they don’t have supportive fa milies and haven’t learned self-discipline, they have difficulty staying out of trouble. But El’Dad is filling a need in southeastern Manito ba, giving residents a sense of worth and the skills to live productive lives. What better proof of the usefulness of this alternative to jail than the image of residents slinging sandbags, while the nearby prison lay in ruins. Carol Thiessen is a freelance writer based in Winnipeg.

Are you interested in hearing about “The Close of this Age”?

Hear Arden Thiessen’s three messages on the parables of Matthew 25 The Wedding Feast • The Talents • The Sheep and the Goats at the EMC Annual Convention, July 5-7, at the Steinbach EMC Church. Manitoba Cyclists Will Tour The Whiteshell to Raise Money for Bomb-clearing Project WINNIPEG, Man. - Throughout the Province cyclists are preparing for a weekend bike trip designed to provide an enjoyable cy cling experience and raise money for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). The oldest registrants, Elfrida and Frank Penner of Winnipeg, are not worried about having the stamina to complete the 150-kilometre cycling tour through the scen ic and rugged Whiteshell Park, July 6 and 7. The Penners, both 62, are active retirees who hiked 400 kilometres in central Ontario last month. Elfrida Penner swims three kilometres each morning before breakfast, and Frank Penner, who started mountaineering at age 50, plans to climb the Matterhorn Mountain in Switzer land in August. In Brandon, one of the youngest cyclists, Maclean Thiessen, 13, is working out at the gymnasium and cycling 40 kilometres a day to help him meet the challenge. “Fm a skinny little kid but I have quite a bit of endurance,” says Maclean, who will be using his father’s bicycle because his own bicycle was stolen last year. “Me and my grandpa are going together,” says Maclean. “We both like staying fit and we both like cycling,” he says, adding that his grandfather, George Wiens of Stein bach, had invited him to participate in this weekend event. Ninety-five cyclists will participate in this in augural “Bike the Whiteshell for MCC” cyclathon. The organizing committee is hoping the bike tour will raise $8,000, the amount need ed to clear unexploded bombs and other live ordinances from the Laotian village of Ban na

hoi. This small village has 43 families. Many of these families have experienced deaths and injuries from bomb-related acci dents, explains Kathy Fast, a member of the organizing committee. These bombs were dropped by American planes during the Vietnam War. From 1964-1973 the United States dropped the equivalent of a plane load of bombs on Laos every eight minutes. Many bombs failed to ex plode as designed. Over the past twenty years, Laotians have attempted to clear their fields and villages by picking up bombs and other live ordinances and setting them aside in ravines, under bush es or in other out-of-the-way places. As time passes, these bombs and many others still buried are disintegrating and be coming increasingly dangerous. Now Laotian bomb technicians, supported by MCC and trained by Mines Advisory Group, are travel ling from village to village to safely explode these items. Cyclists and volunteers helping with the cyclathon will have opportunity to hear a firstATTENTION! University students and others moving to Brandon — We would love to have you come and join us in ministry. We are located at 20th & Van Horne Ave. Pastor Wil Warkentin (for the Brandon EMC) Telephone: 727-4397 (church) 725-1899 (home)

hand account about the bomb-clearing project at their campground Saturday evening from Winnipeger Margaret Fast, who visited Laos last November. They will also have opportu nity to find and uncover items hidden in a simulated “bomb field.” Gladys Terichow MCC Manitoba Communications

UIANTCDI Short stories (750-900 words) of personal experiences ore wonted for future issues of The Messenger. UUriters may choose from a variety of topics relating to the Christian life; ■ Personol renewol ■ Rn answer to prayer ■ Parenting experiences ■ R service opportunity ■ Rn event in Sunday school, VSS or comp ■ Coping with illness and/or disability ■ Rn unexpected blessing ■ Relationships ■ Rn exerience at work The stories must be true, but moy be writ ten for someone else. They must hove a Chris tian component, but must not preach. R token honorarium will be sent to outhors of stories selected for publicotion. Send your submissions or inquiries to: The Messenger Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 or bring Uiem to; 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Man. or e-moS to: emconf(@ mts.net or fox to; 204-326-1613

Opera Superstar to Sing for MEDA TEACHERS NEEDED High Level Christian Academy is a private school associated with Koinonia Christian Education Society. We are seeking quali fied teachers for the 1996-1997 school year.

• 1.0 FTE Grade 7-9 teacher to teach core subjects, options and Bible • 0.5 FTE Grade 1-2 teacher maternity leave position with 0.5 FTE Teacher Aide position • 0.4 FTE E.C.S. teacher with E.C.D. diploma combined with 0.6 secretary po sition. Possibly more E.C.S. time. Send or fax resume by July 15, 1996 to: Randy Hume, Chairperson High Level Christian Academy Box 58, High Level, AB TOH 1Z0 Phone; 403-926-2360 Fax: 403-926-2430

JUNE 26, 1996

Ben Heppner, one of the world's lead ing operatic tenors, will present a benefit concert at this fall’s convention of Mennonite Economic Development Associ ates (MEDA) in Winnipeg. Heppner is in demand in opera houses around the world, with bookings lined up four years in advance. The concert, open to the public, will be held Saturday evening, November 2. Pro ceeds will go toward MEDA programming. The MEDA convention, whose theme is The Art of Business, runs from October 31 to Novembers. The convention will ex plore the role of business in supporting the arts, as well as artistic dimensions of business management. MEDA is a 3500-member organization devoted to puttting Christian faith to work in the marketplace and using business skills to help the poor. It operates micro enterprise assistance programs in Haiti, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Russia.

. • ’

The Bridegroom Cometh! EMC Annual Convention \X/omen's Tea Saturday, July 6, 1996 2:00 p.m. at the Blumenort Church Babysitting will be available PLAN NOW TO ATTEND

Suggested donation: $5.00

PAGE 7

Missions PARAGUAY

Complete Bible in Lengua A joyful celebration! May 11,1996, a most beautiful and balmy fall day — as the early morning sun casts the eastern sky gloriously aglow. All nature’s awakening and seems to applaud the day, as gentle breezes whisk through the green foliage. Birds flit about excitedly and chirp their songs in an unusual hurry. Barking dogs chase trac tors pulling trailers loaded with people, both young and old. Still others follow on bicycles, while multitudes on foot come streaming from their villages. Excitement is in the air, and everyone seems to be going somewhere — with great enthusiasm! Yes, it is exciting, to say the least! It is the celebration- and presentation-day of the com plete Bible in the Lengua language. After many years of hard labour by translators, co workers, Bible Society and printers, anxious recipients are finally to receive all of God’s Word into their hands, in their own language! Dietrich Lepp, missionary under EMC Board of Missions for many years, laboured for more than twenty years at this project. To day, this celebration takes place in two loca tions among the Lengua. In a very full and lengthy program, Mr. Lepp also gave his report. Following is a translation of part of what he said: “...Already more than a hundred years ago, missionaries from the Anglican Church of En gland arrived in the Chaco, crossing over [ the Paraguay River] at Conception. Their goal was to translate the Bible into the Lengua lan guage. It’s some 85 years ago when the Len gua had the first translations — the four Gospels and the Book of Acts — in their hands. “Sixty years ago missionaries under Licht den Indianern [from the Chaco Mennonites]

1996 Budget

began learning the Lengua language for the purpose of eventually translating the Bible. It is 48 years ago that I came on the scene here in the Chaco and also started to learn this lan guage, but I did not have translation work in mind at that time. “As the Lengua churches prospered and continued to multiply, the American Bible So ciety eventually offered assistance to bring about a translation of the Bible. They asked

Tina and Dietrich Lepp are now tn “retire ment,” iiving in Filadeifia, but stiii active in translation work and a private Christian video lending library.

E. M. Conference

Financial Update May 31

Budget Requirements Receipts Shortfall

1996 $573,750 382,320 $191,430

1995 $566,667 372,109 $194,558

The Board of Trustees expresses appreciation to those who have given during the first five months of 1996. God loves a cheerful giver. A general pattern in charitable giving is that during the summer months the giving is usually lower. We want to encourage the constituency to keep up the giving in summer so missionary personnel and programs will not suffer due to a shortfall in giving. Your continued prayers and cheerful giving is appreciated and will be blessed by God. EMC Board of Trustees

PAGE 8

me to help with the Lengua language, and Gerhard Hein with the Chulupi. The Bible So ciety made this possible by asking me and Brother Hein to come to a seminar at the Wy cliffe Bible translation centre in Yarina Cocha, Peru, for some training. “Five years later the first complete New Testament in Lengua was published. I had worked at it for 350 full workdays, with Nito Acevedo as my Lengua assistant and language informant. The New Testament was now put to good use in the Indian Bible School and in the churches. “In 1970 the EMC Board of Missions of

EMC Board of Missions: For some years I have worked with your colleagues in Paraguay as transla tion consultant in the Northern Lengua Bible project. These Bibles have now ar rived in Paraguay from the printers in Korea, and the dedication of the Bible is planned to take place on May 11.1 hope to represent our Translation Department at that ceremony. On behalf of the Paraguayan Bible So ciety and the United Bible Societies, I would like to express our warm thanks to the Board of Missions for your initia tive in undertaking this project, and for your commitment and support of it dur ing the long years of translation. We honour the faithful service of Dietrich Lepp, Nito Acevedo and others. We have been privileged to share with you in this important task, and join with you in thanking God that this Bible will soon be in use in Lengua homes, churches and communities in the Chaco. We pray that the Word of God will have its own trans forming impact among the Lengua peo ple, living as they are at a crucial moment in their own history. These are important days for the church in Paraguay. Just over a year ago the Chulupi Bible was dedicated; now the Northern Lengua arc about to receive their Bible. The typesetting of the Bible in Guarani is well advanced, which me ans that by the end of the year the Paraguayan people will have the com plete Bible in their national language for the first time. The New Testament in Southern Lengua has just been complet ed and will be typeset soon. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that while the media report a struggling democracy and attempted military coups, the real news is that God is doing something very spe cial in Paraguay. Bill Mitchell Translation Consultant Andean and Southern Cone Regions United Bible Societies

THE MESSENGER

60 .YEARS

1 936 . 1 996

jjp

• for 60 years of God's faithfulness •

1 936 . 1 996

60 years of growth for school

Steinbach Bible College Marks Anniversary by Doris Penner

Steinbach Bible College had its beginnings in the early 1930s with two teachers and 9 students meeting in the Mennonite Brethren Church. Today the college is situated on a 13-acre campus in Steinbach, Manitoba with an enrollment of 80 students and another 135 in the associated private high school. This year the college also marks its 60th anniversary - counting from 1936 when it became an official Bible school with a slate of celebratory activities. The focus will be on thanksgiving for the way God has blessed the school in the past and a prayer for guidance in the future. The anniversary celebration official ly began at the graduation exercises on April 20 and will continue with a float in Southern Manitoba parades and a time of celebration during the final weekend of October. This will include an appreciation banquet, an alumni homecoming and a mass celebration service with Faspa. At this time a 60th anniversary illustrated history book on the college written by Dr. Jerry Hildebrand will be unveiled.

First Classes The purpose of the first Bible School classes instituted in 1931 was for “char acter building” and secondly, to prepare people to teach Sunday School in their churches. John G. Baerg served as the first president (principal) and stayed in that position until 1944. The day classes were discontinued after the first year, but evening classes were taught until 1936 when Steinbach Bibelschule (Bible School) formed with the Mennonite Brethren (MB) church. (In 1947 the school became known as the

Steinbach Bible Academy.) The first school building was erected on First Street in 1939 under a governing board known as Steinbach Bible Society with representatives from five churches. In the mid 1940s, a type of mission ary revival swept through the Steinbach churches, particularly among the young people. Increasingly it was seen as impor tant to evangelize not only at home, but also in other parts of the country and abroad. On this wave of missionary empha sis, Rev. Ben D. Reimer of the EMC con ference began his service to the school in 1943. Over the next few years, partly through his influence, the goal of the Bible school took on a wider scope. The purpose became more and more one of training Christian workers and missionaries for home and foreign fields. Reimer became the school president in 1945 and remained in that capacity for the next 19 years.

The campus today (L) and circa 196O’s (R).

High School Program

Because many adults in the commu nity lacked secondary education, a high school component was added in 1947-48. It was dropped in 1951 but reinstituted in 1953. With both the Bible and high school programs in full swing, there was increas ing enrollment and it soon became obvi ous a larger classroom building and dor mitory space were needed. In 1955, the school moved to the present campus where an administration and classroom building was erected as well as a dormi tory which slept six people to a room. With the move came the name Steinbach Bible Institute. The enrollment continued to increase, reaching a peak in the early 1960s. In 1972 a gymnasium was built which enhanced the sports program, par ticularly in the high school, as well as

Enjoying the fruits of their labour. Students returning from strawberry picking June 1956.

Volleyball, SBC style, winter of 1956.

allowed for large assemblies (with a seat ing capacity of 1,000). In 1978 a music building housing practice rooms and a 360-seat chapel was added. Ten years later an administration wing, which included new library facilities, was built. Through the last decade, the college and high school segments have been gradually separating. Today they are practically two separate entities although they share common facilities such as the gymnasium, chapel, library and dining room and some staff for economic pru dence.

1983 to 1993) were both involved as lead ers during the transition period. Today the college offers a variety of academic programs. Some of the areas in which students may study include: coun selling, music, missions, youth ministry, pastoral or urban church planting. Programs from one to three years in length are offered through the accredited college. In recent years, students have benefited from increased credit transfer privileges at various North American uni versities.

Degree Program Offered

An important component of SBC has been the Christian service aspect - in other words, students are encouraged and given opportunities to put theory into practice by spending time in the inner city of Winnipeg, visiting churches with pro grams and conducting Bible studies and clubs. The music program has been strong since the college’s inception while in

The junior Bible college program was expanded in 1977 to a three and four-year program under a Manitoba government charter which ushered in the name Steinbach Bible College to better reflect the nature of the school. Harvey Plett (president from 1964 to 1983) and Ben Eidse (president from

Christian Service

more recent years drama also offers stu dents the chance to gain skills in stage performances as well as build it into a Christian ministry. Today the Steinbach Bible College is owned and governed by four church groups - Evangelical Mennonite Conference, The Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference (Manitoba), the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church of Steinbach and the Chortitzer Mennonite Conference - who appoint representatives to the college’s Board of Directors.

Doris Penner is a reporter with the week ly newspaper The Carillon (Steinbach, MB) and a member of the 60th Anniversary Alumni Homecoming Committee.

Gregory

5<tO -($:

L - iTP'

College Choir during Sunday morning deputation in 1972.

____

Dr. Terry Hiebert teaching a first year class this past year.

Reflections on How SBC Has Helped in Training for Ministry >

Training in Music Ministry Teresa Giesbrecht ‘90

In the Fall of 1983 I start ed grade 10 at SCHS (a divi sion of SBC). During my High School years I was very involved in music ministry at my church. After graduation from SCHS and enroling in SBC I continued to be involved at church. I taught private piano, guitar, theo ry and a program called Music for Young Children at home. Jacqueline Brandt, a fellow graduate and I work together as music coordinators at church. With our combined efforts we have planned several special services, directed choirs of various kinds, developed young talent, and organized new groups. I am thankful for the training and sense of direction I received at SBC. My musical training has been invaluable to my teach ing at home as well as benefitting my involvement at church. But what I am most grateful for is the Bible training I received alongside of the music training. This gave me a deeper challenge which was to live a Christian life in everything I do. I took this challenge and prayed that God would use me through my teaching at home, as well as through my ministry at church. I have learned that I need to place God first and give Him my time if I am going to be effective in ministry.

Training for the Pastorate Darryl Peters '93 I consider my training at SBC to have developed me mentally, socially and spiri tually. Much of the training was not in the classroom, but in profes sors’ offices or homes, in a prayer room with a prayer partner, in chapel services, in concerts of prayer... But to be specific, there are two areas I consider very important in my training as a pastor. First, I have been trained to make disci ples NOT converts. I was continually reminded that faith and obedience are not separate, but part of the same package. The training 1 received at SBC instilled a bur den in me to reach those who are on a path which is walking away from Christ. I was

taught to share my faith openly and call people to faith in Christ. Second, I was shown how important it is to be a servant leader. In other words, I have learned that to lead does not mean to push, shove, and get your own way. Rather, to lead is to put on a Christ-like attitude. To lead the Jesus way is to look not only at my own interest but also to the interest of my brothers and sisters whom I serve. I am thankful that I have had the privi lege of studying and learning at SBC. My training at SBC has taught me much, including that I am and always will be a student. Training for Missions Gladwin Plett ‘53

Prayer must be listed as an important reflection of my SBI days. Mr. Wittenberg’s teaching and Hallesby’s book on prayer are with me today, perhaps stronger than ever! Ministry in missions is borne along in prayer - the work and the worker. Bible knowledge, in theory and practice formed an indispensable part of my “out fit”. Let it transform you and it will trans form others in follow-up Bible studies, street meetings, mid-weed studies and the pulpit. C. Wilbert Loewen and Acts, quite the team, liked by all. Archie Penner made Galatians very foundational, and Ben D. Reimer gave us the overall view in the Synthesis classes. In tandem with the Bible, B.D. Reimer must be honoured for the emphasis he put into the Personal Work class. Of course we all aspired to emulate him in this strategic ministry. A further reflection of significance is the Wednesday noon “Practical Hour”. Wow! What an assortment of presentations were given from a “Prayer Meeting” to a “Street Meeting”; from teaching a S.S. class to an evangelistic service, Billy Graham style. These presentations were put on by the students and then evaluated by the Faculty. Hard times, but education al. Another class, very worthwhile, but one which produced clammy hands or a dry throat, was Public Speaking with C.

Wilbert Loewen. It wasn’t unusual for that 5-minute talk to be done after only a minute or two. Taped and played back for instructional purposes, these classes left deep impressions. Reflections? .These and many others have supported my ministries over the years. Thank you SBI!

Training for Ministry Ed Reimer ‘56

Drama

Recently when going through some old files, I came across one titled “Pageant - The Prodigal”. The file con tained a rough draft of a script, complete with musical interludes and asides by the Good Spirit and the Bad Spirit. The script was dated February 11, 1955. Notations identified Ben Andres as the Prodigal, the late Melvin Dueck as Father, and Art Neufeld as the Older Brother. Elvira Hamm was at the piano, Menno Hamm played the accordion and Archie Penner preached the accompanying sermon. This file brought back memories of early attempts at student drama “on the road” at places such as a church in Lowe Farm and Wesley Chapel, the first (EMC) Kleinegemeinde meeting place in Winnipeg. Considering recent renditions such as “Where’s Charley?”, musical drama has come a long way since our early endeavours. When I was asked to reflect how my training at SBC had helped me in Christian drama ministry, I drew a total blank -1 had never pursued a Christian drama ministry. Then I began to think again, and I remem bered - skits in Sunday School classes at special events...the many high school drama classes where I shared my love for Shakespeare with students literally playing the roles of all characters...the Music and Speech Festivals I initiated at Lynn Lake...the packed community centres at repeat performances of high school dra mas...and the packed gyms at the annual Inkster School “real” Christmas Concerts. Perhaps my early involvement in drama at SBC had a bigger influence on me, and the students and teachers I worked with, than 1 had realized.

Schedule of Events Watch for continued 60th Anniversary articles in conference periodicals and bulletin covers in your church. 2^ Watch for the SBC 60th Anniversary float in Southern Manitoba parades this summer. Plan to attend the October 25-27, 1996 60th Anniversary weekend celebration with the following events: Friday Appreciation Banquet October 25, 6:30 p.m. • For free tickets call SBC at 204-326-6451 • Reserve early!

Saturday October 26, all day

Alumni Homecoming • Pancake breakfast • Visit classes • Crokinole Round Robin • Volleyball* • Meet former classmates • School tours • Concert

Sunday October 27, 2:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving Service • Speaker; Dr. Don Posterski, World Vision Canada • Faspa • Alumni Choir

Alumni Homecoming Come Celebrate • 60th Anniversary • Steinbach Bible College October 26, 1996 If you are interested in attending the SBC Alumni Homecoming on October 26 for the day or any part of it, please fill in this registration form.

Name Address

City

Prov.

Yes, I wantto reserve places at the following meals: Pancake breakfast 9:00-10:00 a.m. donations accepted Lunch 12:00 noon $3.75 Supper 5:30-7:00 p.m. $4.00

Phone

number of persons number of persons number of persons

Yes, I want to reserve seats at the Saturday evening concert, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Yes, I need billeting for persons Yes, I want to sing in the mass choir on Sunday afternoon Yes, I am interested in sports activities - volleyball crokinole tournament Yes, I am interested in attending a mini-College class

ping pong

Send your registration form to; Steinbach Bible College • Box 1420 • Steinbach, MB • ROA 2A0 or call 204-326-6451

Canada made it possible for me to work on the translation of the Old Testament at La Es peranza. This required some 950 full days of diligent work. “...[During this time] Bruce Derksen came [from Canada] to put the translation materials into the computer, and he actually prepared the revised New Testament in Lengua, ready for print. Besides that, Bruce also prepared [put on computer] a Lengua-Spanish and

Spanish-Lengua dictionary. This was a tremendous contribution made by him, for which we are still very thankful today. “Later the computer work for the Old Testa ment in Lengua was done by Irmi Lepp, our daughter-in-law, which she finally completed in 1992-93. (...Corrections and formatting were basically done by the Bible Society in Bolivia...and the printing was done in Korea.) So today, May 11, 1996, the complete Len-

SPAIN

Preparing For Summer Activities Eager to Learn Summer is almost here again — this means bringing winter minis tries to a close soon and preparing for summer camps. Already they are almost fully booked, and we are thankful that most of the staff is also confirmed. Please pray for some staff still needed and for Elisabeth and Isabelle as they complete the programming. During the winter months it has been our privilege again to have a ladies’ Bible study and a children’s class here. This winter there have been several times when new women have attended. The lady on the left in the photo came for the first time this week. It is highly possible that she will not come again, but she heard the gospel and 1 gave her a little booklet explaining the way of salva tion. Her name is Julia. Pray that what she heard in the class and reads may awak en spiritual hunger in her. Next to her is Pilar, a fairly new believer, not yet baptized but eager to learn. Tina (the one with , glasses) just start Julia, Pilar, Tina, Pili and Evelyn Plett ed coming a few months ago. She showed great interest right from the beginning and accepted the Lord just a few weeks ago. She is a mother of five and comes from a home with many problems, including a husband who beats her. Pray for much wisdom in teaching this babe in Christ and that she may be a testimony in her home. Pili (to the right) has been a Christian for some time and is eager to learn, but she is not yet baptized. She is so enthused with the classes that she has me tape them so her husband and other family members can hear them too! So, you see, in this way this little Bible class reaches out beyond our home. Sadly, not all the women of this class respond so eagerly to the Word. MariCarmen (not pictured) has been coming for years but seems very pas sive and does not see her need. Feli (not pictured either) takes active part in discus sions, but has not committed herself to the Lord, possi bly due to selfrighteousness. Pray for the sal vation of these two women.

Easter week conference with Dr. Clemens

JUNE 26, 1996

gua Bible can officially be handed over to the Convention of Lengua Churches. We are in deed very grateful for the support from the EMC Conference, their field director Frank Krocker, for BOMAS, and for all those who worked together to make this great work pos sible. Again, our innermost thanks — and to God be the Glory!” Dietrich Lepp Translated bp Frank Froeker

We have also hosted a good f f number of retreats and con ferences this winter. This spring it was a blessing to have Dr. D. Clemens with us. He did J not have great numbers to J speak to, but his practical mes- I sages have left a tremendous fl impact on a number of people B with great needs. For this we H praise the Lord! H We praise the Lord for ex- I tra help to make possible the up keep of our grounds and ^^^Taquin at wwk"* buildings. When some stop coming, like Nacho, He sends along others, like Joaquin, Hans and Elisabeth. Joaquin, a believer from one of the southern churches of Spain, was with us through the month of March and will be with us again during the month of May, renovating all our bunkbeds and doing a few other welding Jobs on the grounds in preparation for camps. He has a real desire to serve the Lord with his hands. Hans and Elisabeth are a dear older couple from Switzerland, who are here for three weeks, doing geirden work and a number of other maintenance jobs this spring. As we look into the future, with the building and all, there will be more manual work than ever. Pray with us that we will have wis dom in the coordination of voluntciry workers whom the Lord sends and that their time may not only be a service to the Lord but also a spiritual blessing to them as we work together. In closing, 1 thank each one of you for standing with us in the work, for your prayer and financial support and for your letters that help to encourage us so many times! May the Lord bless you real good! The Lord willing, 1 hope to be home for a brief furlough from the end of September till the end of the year, and will be very glad to report in person all that the Lord is doing here. Evelpn Plett Euelpn Plett (Prairie Rose) is involved in camp and pouth ministries in Spain.

The building project as it appeared in spring. If you are interested in assisting in the completion of the project, contact Evelyn Plett.

PAGE 9

PARAGUAY

EXPOLIT Guiding the Church An exposition of Spanish Christian litera ture, Expolit, took place May 17-21 in Mia mi, Florida. I had the privilege of attending to see what is available in the Hispanic language. I travelled with a woman from Asuncion, who is also a bookseller. A lot of planning had gone into preparing for this event, which consisted of general ses sions, special concerts, devotionals, work shops, exhibition times, and a banquet. The schedule was too packed to participate in everything. The devotionals I attended dealt with the importance of daily committing ourselves to

the Lord for service, seeing different needs cirising in the church and what should be done about these needs; for example, is there a cer tain group of people that your church is not ministering to, specifically? The overall theme of Expolit was “Guiding the Church to the 21st Century.” It was good to see speakers and singers whom I’d heard or read about, and whose tapes and books we sell, but whom I hadn’t had the opportunity to see in person. The ex hibition booths (editorials, bookstores, and gift shops) gave me the opportunity to see what is available in Spanish. There is quite a varie ty, and a lot of it would be helpful to have in our bookstore here in Caaguazu. I left various orders of materials and hope they’ll be sent shortly so we’ll have a greater variety of help ful materials for our clients here.

It is encouraging to see how the Lord bless es the ministry of the bookstore. I am thank ful for this avenue of service and how the Lord uses me as different people with their individu al needs come for help. We are in our tenth year of ministry, and more and more people are coming for spiritual help. Sometimes it seems as if the work has only just begun. Thank you for your continued prayer sup port, and please keep on praying for us. My co-workers in the bookstore presently are Pas tor Agripino and Osmar, one of our youth here. May we always become more sensitive to the needs of people as they come to the bookstore for help and lead them to the feet of Jesus. Erna Plett Erna Plett (Treesbank) is in charge of the bookstore ministry in Caaguazu, Paraguay.

Messenger News Charles Thiessen and his brother Steven are at present tree planting at Ear Falls, Ont. Steven is earning his Birch River, Man.: Springtime spells new next year’s Bible school tuition fees this life. The smell of new growth, the serenade way. of birds heard in the early morning hours till On May 12 the young people pre late at night, strikes a chord in human hearts pared a Mother’s Day brunch in honour in new joys and hope in the Lord. And it is of mothers. Donations were accepted, also the time when we celebrate His death and which were pooled to support Angela resurrection. Our church family got together Thiessen, who plans to help with Inner on Good Friday morning for a worship serv City Youth Alive in Winnipeg this sum ice and to celebrate Communion, in remem mer. Travis and Stephanie Linger gave brance of His death. We praise and glorify a report on this work in our church on Him, together with all His creation, for this March 24. Angela graduated from wonderful act of salvation. Steinbach Bible College this spring from Parent-child dedication at Birch River (left to right): We had invited the Caronport High School a three-year course. Pastor Ferlin and Elizabeth Abrahamson, Kelsey and students, thirty-five of them, to present their The Kids’ Bible Club wind-up was drama, “The Door,” in the Birch River School celebrated with a hayride and lunch on Alicia Friesen with Kendra Nicole. on April 9. They, too, portrayed very vividly April 23. The children had been busy all winter meditation on a Scripture portion. And how in action and songs the last week of Jesus’ life on Tuesdays, learning Bible verses, besides the people enjoy it when our “little girls,” as on earth and how He is the only hope of sal listening to Bible stories told by Elizabeth we call them (Bethany Abrahamson, Cindy vation, the Only Door. We were deeply Abrahamson. Prizes for memorization were Lou Napinak, Dana Johnson, Chelsea Kroektouched. given out this last evening. er and Danae Reimer), sing for them! It was The young people were in charge of the Different churches in the Valley take turns our privilege to be in charge on March 6 and April 14 morning worship service. They did in bringing a Christian service to people living May 22. A skit was presented at one of these a good job of song-leading, kids’ corner and in the Personal Care Home and the Lodge in evenings, and the “little girls” sang at both oc scripture reading. The service also included a Swan River. The elderly enjoy singing the oldcasions. message by Charles Thiessen, who spoke on time suggested hymns with us. When our Two parent/child dedications took place this I Timothy 4:12. A potluck dinner followed. turn comes, Ferlin, our pastor, has a short spring on two different Sundays. On March 7, Kelsey and Alicia Friesen dedicated Kendra Nicole to the Lord. Due to the stormy weather that day, Dave and Betty Parker of Dawson Bay could not come. So on April 21 they dedi cated Eric and Miranda, and indicated their desire as parents to bring them up for His honour and glory. Our first attempt at getting a refugee fami ly did not work out as planned. Lome and Lena Friesen tried once more, prompted by the Lord to do so. The family of seven, Vinko and Almasa Strbac, daughter Irena, son Davor, son Dario and wife Bemada and baby Winnipeg, Man. (Fort Garry): On April 28, Laurie Dueck, Arnie and Judy Friesen and Cliff Ana, arrived in Birch River on June 5 and have and Diana Reimer participated in our worship service through personal faith stories and Scrip settled into the home prepared for them. We ture readings. All of these people have already blessed us through their fellowship and service at Fort Garry. On this morning it was a joy to accept these servant Christians as new members hope and trust we will be of help to all of them. in our church. Welcome! Helen Kroeker NEW LIFE

PAGE 10

THE MESSENGER

■

K 'I I

1 Al Friesen talking to Sunday school teachers.

FAMILY LIFE SEMINAR

Leamington, Ont.: In April we had Al Friesen in Leamington for a Family Enrich ment Seminar, for the third consecutive year. Most of the teaching was done in the Low Ger man language. Al’s gift of using stories, many from his home and school experiences, kept the attention of parents and children for 1 ’/z hours each evening. The fact that people have requested about 400 tapes of his sessions is a good indication of the benefit of these

Stories and overheads kept the attention of all.

sessions.

The last two years we sponsored the semi nar together with the EMMC church. Last year we did not have our own church building yet, so it was convenient to have the meetings at the EMMC church. This year we were able to do the hosting in our new facilities. While in southern Ontario, Al also ministered at the CMC in Thedford, the EMC in Mount Salem and an evening at the EMMC in Blenheim. Peter Reimer

COMMISSIONING/ORDINATION SERVICE

La Crete, Alta.: School picnics, ball games, wiener roasts and barbecues sizzling in the back yard assure us that a new and longanticipated season has arrived. With the arrival of spring and summer, we also remembered our “latest arrivals.” A parent/child dedication service, led by Peter Jan zen, was held during the morning worship service on June 2. A commissioning/ordination service was held in the evening for our newly elected dea con couples and lay minister. Henry and Agatha Wieler and George and Frieda Bochlig were commissioned as deacon couples, and Peter (wife Telita) Janzen was ordained as a lay minister. Our former pastoral couple, Mil ton and Gladys Fast, travelled from Manito ba for the occasion. Pastor Richard Klassen of High Level came as the Conference representative and officiated at the service. As a church we want to uphold our ministerial

and deacon couples in prayer and work together with them, as servants of our Lord, bringing His love to those around us. Joyce Fehr

Ordination and commissioning at the La Crete church (left to right): Peter Janzen (minister) and his wife, Telita, Henry and Agatha Wieler (deacon couple), George and Frieda Boehlig (deacon couple).

Parent-child dedication at La Crete (left to right): Kaylene and Dean Buhler (Randall), Wally and Esther Wiebe (Caleb), Mike and Dora Schellenberg (Jonathan, Karalee), Suzanne Braun (Kyra), Keith and Deanna Martin (Rachel, Kevin), David and Sharon Fehr (Jeremy), George and Susan Fehr (Meghan), Interim Pastor Peter Janzen, Willie and Betty Wieler (Kelly).

Between sessions Al gave personal en couragements. Here he talks to John and Helen Neufeld.

MOTHER’S DAY SERVICE Rosenort, Man. (Rosenort Fellow ship): The Easter Sunday morning worship service highlighted the events of the season. Special music, the church choir, the youth group and the pastor’s message all contribut ed to an inspirational, communicative whole. Outstanding was the tenor solo, an imaginary narrative by Simon, who carried Jesus’ cross. Some listeners made it a point to make a copy of the audio cassette available after the church service. Our Mother’s Day service featured the par ticipation of an enthusiastic choir of young sters approximately ten years and under, directed by Pam Comelsen and Shan Eidse. All the mothers received colourful carnations. Fifteen men attended the Promise Keepers convention in Minneapolis. Their favourable experiences were somewhat marred when one of their number, Jerry Friesen, needed hospitalization after he suffered a heart attack. His wife, Nancy, and their son, Ryan, escort ed Jeny home later in the week. An interesting “mob” of forty women and men, younger and older, all inclusive, teed off in Roland. This golf tournament received high marks by all participants. (After all, Roland’s golf course was not submerged in Red River flood waters.) Lome Rempel of Pingelly, Western Austra lia, formerly of Rosenort, and his sons, Cleon and Ryan, wish to thank all relatives and friends who prayed, sent flowers and cards during the illness and after the passing of Marilyn Salmond Rempel, formerly of Neely Lake, Sask., and Mafeking, Man. Elizabeth Rempel

PAGE 11

“NOT FORGETTING...BUT DOING”

ill

Grande Prairie, Alta.: But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forget ting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed by what he does (James 1:25). Here’s a look at what some of us in Grande Prairie are ‘doing’ in His service.

I A 4. Renewing the mind: eight students upon completion of the first TEE course taught at our church. Left to right: Patricia and Gary Bergen, Bill Martens, Eva Klassen, Pastor John, Wayne Friesen, Darcy Clarke, Bill VA/izoKo Wiebe, Pz^tor Peter Tioiz'P»r/-kr>l-» Teichroeb.

sa _

PARENT/CHILD DEDICATIONS But as for you, continue in what you have learned and haue become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you haue known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14,15).

S'M ijOs

•

♦ —

'MMBfeliii F

9 * 7. Lome and Rebecca La Rochelle and their children, Max and Melissa, Pastor John and Tina Toews

1. Pastor John and J'ina Toews, our interim pastoral couple for eight months, but also teachers, counsellors, substitute parents and grandparents, and especially, beloved friends.

ok*" ’

■

V .I

laai

’ll

■s

5. Dan and Helen Siemens with Dylan, Pas tor John and Tina Toews IM ■A

h’

t f if

_ Fill

2. Missions experiences: George and Esther Wiebe spent three months helping Joe and Olga Reimer in South Africa; Philip and El vira Wiebe returned from a nine-day tour of Nicaragua; and Lenora Klassen about to depart'for Serbia with a Campus Crusade team.

i -

Duane and Zona Sceerey, Sabastian and " Tiffany, Pastor John and■ -T-. Tina -TToews

8. and 9. Fond farewells: saying ‘so long’ to a couple who has beautifully enriched and blessed our lives by their faithful examples of selfless service and unconditional love. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasiue words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that pour faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power (I Corinthians 2:4,5). Audrey Friesen

F-

r V

3. Pastor John ‘looking intently’ into the Word with the Sunday morning message “He Is Worthy.” PAGE 12

::sa

1 fe:

ij.

1, fi

..J

■Mtl

THE MESSENGER

rl ■

OUR GOD REIGNS Winnipeg, Man. (Braeside): While con templating this article and the deadline, I was trying to come up with an opening other than talk about the weather, etc., etc. What came to mind was a song we sing at Braeside on occasion: “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of them, who bring good news, good news. Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness, our God reigns...Our God reigns!” Yes, our God reigns, and we give Him our praise! Good Friday was a true blessing. We start ed our Easter celebrations with a morning communion service. On Easter Sunday our church hosted an Easter breakfast. Invitations went out to friends and family who normally do not attend a church; the response was overwhelming. The morning worship service followed the breakfast. The worship team led the congregation in worship, along with the special music groups and a drama depicting the lives of those who played important roles in the life of Jesus. It was a day full of bless ing! On April 22 we celebrated the baptism and acceptance into our church membership of Julie Friesen, James Peters and Debbie Kovich (transferred in). It is so refreshing to see peo ple publicly dedicate themselves to a life that

BLESSED BY VARIOUS SPEAKERS

Easter celebration at the Braeside EMC. Left to right: Murray Doerksen, Allan Dueck, Arnold Voth, Earl Spencer, Andrew Herrod, Sandra Dueck, Mary Schellenberg, Elyse Hartman. Kneel ing: Becky Goertzen.

is committed to Christ. The Ladies’ Fellowship hosted the annual bridal shower on April 22. The brides and brides-to-be who were honoured were Kendra Bartel (fiance Mike Ens), Leigh Dueck (hus band Allan Dueck), Thelma Klassen (fiance Mike Klym), Laurel Stanley (fiance Lenard Pugh), Vai LaRose (husband Steve LaRose). On May 5 we invited our sister church, Treesbank, for faspa and an evening of praise and worship. It was a wonderful experience

to be able to be together with another church from the Conference. On Saturday, May 18, a Braeside care group had a yard sale on the church parking lot to raise money for school tuition for the Turcana children in Africa. Nine hundred dol lars was raised so that these children can go to school. Praise the Lord! Braeside has been a blessing to many. Yes, our God reigns! Audrey) Goertzen

shared what has been taking place in her life. A potluck followed the service, after which everybody lingered to visit; it seemed as if no body wanted to go home. The members of our church are indeed drawing closer to each other as we carry on without a pastor. Praise the Lord, He never fails us! On May 10, Mother’s Day, Mark Mast gave us an inspirational message, and John Lowe led the singing. At the end of the service, the children were asked to come to the front of the church and pick up a beautiful plant to bring to their mothers. Some of the members of our congregation took part in the “March For Jesus” rally on May 25. This year people from Fort Frances and our Christian friends on the American side (International Falls) met on the bridge that spans both countries, to join hands, pray and praise Jesus. About 150 people took peirt. Pastor Bob Masters gave a most encourag-

ing message on May 26. We felt the presence of the Holy Spirit as we joined hands and prayed after the sermon. Bob has been an en couragement to us many times as he urges us not to give up in our search for the right pas tor for our church. Thank you. Bob. We had spring cleaning time in our church recently. Almost all the members, as well as a few friends, turned up, and a thorough clean ing was done — walls, floors, windows, cup boards, etc. The lawn was cut, and plants were planted in the flower beds. Everyone shared a lunch of pizza and pop later, and much good fellowship prevailed. Let’s continue to pray for John and Lorraine Lowe, Ken and Shirley Brandrick, and Hal and Kim Mickelson as they struggle with sickness. “Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The ef fectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:15,16). Euelpn Hicks

Fort Frances, Ont.: Hi, everyone! We fi nally have some nice warm weather. Praise the Lord! The birds are singing and the flower ing trees in Fort Frances are gorgeous. I am writing to let you know that our church is doing well, even though we still have no pas tor. The Holy Spirit is here, though, to lead and guide us, and we praise God for the way He is working. We ask that you keep us in your prayers. Each Sunday we have a different speaker. On March 24, Kendell Olsen presented God’s Word to us, and we were blessed. He brought his family and many members of their congre gation with him, filling our little church. Thank you to Mark Mast for delivering the sermon “The Giant that David Fought,” based on I Samuel 17. We were all blessed, espe cially the children, who seemed to greatly ap preciate the children’s _ story acted out by Mark. ■ Thank you for using I your talents for God’s W glory. ■ We were once again ■ blessed on May 5 as I Henry Komelsen gave us I a very interesting talk on I “Christ’s Credit Union.” I He certainly has a way I with words! Barb Hicks k read Scripture and Ike Friesen led us in singing. ■ Henry’s wife, Tina, was Ladies’ gathering at Sandra Rempel’s home. Recognize also in attendance and anyone? JUNE 26, 1996

Ladies’ group at Sandra Rempel’s home: Mar ilyn Friesen, Kim Mickelson, Ann Marie Rempel.

PAGE 13

BONSPIEL WINNERS Creighton, Sask:

NCF bonspiel “A” event winners (left to right): Bob Imrie (skip), Judy Kozak, Mary Ann and Jonathan Smith, Jessica Hillier, Blaine Schiltroth.

February bonspiel (Creighton) “B” event winners (left to right): Mel Schiltroth, June and Amy Riehl, Tom Fehr (skip) with nephew Jason Fehr, Travis Fedak.

IN MEMORY In memory of Mary-Anne Plett and Bran don Plett who passed away on June 23,1995.

■

I I I 8

I I I

( j

MARY-ANNE PLETT Marv-Anne, we know you’re enjoying heaven. That's what you lived for we re happy for you. But you've left such a void in our family circle. You left us so suddenly. After a year's absence we were so looking forward to meeting you again. To see your smile To enjoy your enthusiasm To give you a great big hug! We miss you, Mary-Anne. Now we look forward to meeting you in heaven.

BRANDON PLETT Brandon, Your life was so short We had so little time to be with you. We treasure the memories of the few months with you. Then we followed your development through pictures and videos You had grown so much since we last saw you We could hardly wait to hold you to hug you to love you in person. You were such a happy child so energetic Heaven must be an even better place with you there We love you very much Someday we will see you again.

Mom and Dad Plett

Grandma and Grandpa Plett

ANNA BARKMAN 1912-1996 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Anna Barkman passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 20, 1996, at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Manitoba. Her sudden cardiac death fulfilled a number of her expressed desires. She was waiting to meet her Maker, and, despite her love for her husband, Mr. Jacob Barkman, she desired to leave this earth before him, if not with him. She desired to be spared physictd suffering and cognitive impairment. Anna was born on December 26, 1912, to Abram P. and Margaret Reimer. She reached the age of 83 years. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour early in her life. At the age of 18 she was baptized and became a member in the Evangelical Mennonite Church. She married Jacob Barkman at the age of 20, and together they were blessed with a family of twelve children. Mom and Dad lived their first years of mar ried life in Blumenort and Blumenhof, Manito ba, which was followed by thirty-five years in Mennville, Man. In 1987 they returned to Blumenort to live their latter retirement years. Mom committed her life to caring for the faPAGE 14

mily, which included years of caregiving to Werner, a special-needs son. Her greatest con cern for the family was that they live lives pleasing to God. Despite the demands of a large family, Mom spent a lot of time and ener gy sewing for Mennonite Central Committee, as a member of the community sewing circle. Most recently, she dedicated her time to at tending to Dad. She missed him greatly dur ing his frequent hospitalizations over the last two years and his recent residency at the Per sonal Care Home in Steinbach. We will remember Mom for her faithful and steadfast faith in God; quiet, gentle but deter mined nature; enjoyment in being with peo ple; and her love for nature, gardening and picking berries. Mom was always a very hard working woman and was known for being neat and tidy. She always loved to have her friends and family close and anticipated their coming. Mom was predeceased by one son, Abe; a daughter-in-law, Caroline; her parents; two sis ters and two brothers. She is survived by her loving husband, Jacob R. Barkman; her chil dren, Adeline and Dave Brandt (Blumenort, Man.), Elma and Peter Reimer (Leamington, Ont.), Ben and Phyllis (Mennville, Man), Tina (Winnipeg, Man.), Cornie and Erna (Arborg,

Man.), Melvin and Arlene (Mennville), Mar garet and Neil Reimer (Grunthal, Man.), Jake and Ruby (Mennville), Werner (Blumenort), Anna (Calgary, Alta.), Orla and Martin Loeppky (Stuartburn, Man.); fifty-three grand children, eighteen great-grandchildren, three sisters, three brothers, and other family and friends. Although we miss our mother dearly, we re joice knowing she is now in heaven doing what she always enjoyed, singing praises to her God and Father. The Family

Births LaROCHELLE - to Lome and Rebecca LaRochelle of Grande Prairie, Alta., a daughter, Melissa Ann, on March 23, 1996 PETERS - to Melvin and Kari Peters of Three Hills, Alta., a daughter, Meagan Elizabeth, on April 18, 1996. SIEMENS - to Eric and Adrienne Siemens of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth, on June 5, 1996. THE MESSENGER

JACOB F. DUECK 1916-1996 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Jacob F. Dueck, husband, father, grand father and great grandfather, was taken by our heavenly Father to be with him on May 30, 1996, while in the Red River Lodge in Morris, Manitoba. Jacob was bom to John and Aganetha Dueck on April 21,1916, in Rosenort, Manitoba. He grew up in a farm ing community in Rosenort in a family with six brothers and seven sisters. He was bap tized September 29, 1935, by Bishop Jacob B. Kroeker in the Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church. He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret Kroeker, in 1939, after only two short years of marriage. He then married Marie Dueck in November 1940. Their chosen chil dren are David, Dorothy, Marguerita and Marcel. Marie passed away in October 1985 in Steinbach, Manitoba. He married his present wife, Anne Perlette, in September 1986. Dad lived in various locations throughout his life, first in Rosenort, then Kola, Arden, Steinbach, Virden, and finally back in Rosenort. He worked at farming, millworking, business and missions. Dad loved the Lord and loved sharing his faith in words and in song. He loved people and enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. Dad will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Anne (Rosenort); his children and grandchildren, Dave and Bernice Dueck, Melanie, Teresa and Vince Green, Kathie and Sheldon Doherty (Calgary, Alta.); Dorothy Greatrex, Darren, Guy, and Twyla and Mark Pearson (Mission, B.C.); Marguerita Roberts (Winnipeg); and Marcel Giesbrecht (Stein bach); four great-grandchildren; one sister and three brothers, as well as many relatives and friends. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The Family

TRIBUTE TO UNCLE JAKE DUECK If you happen to be one of the older grand children in a large family, there is the distinct possibility of having unmarried uncles who have quality time for you when you come to visit Grandma and Grandpa. That was my pleasant experience during my childhood and teenage years. Although every person has some character traits inherited from Adam and Eve that are less desirable them others, today I want to dwell briefly on a few charac teristics of Uncle Jake’s that are quite admira-

JUNE 26, 1996

Don Thiessen Conference Pastor

The Worship Service V In writing on worship, Isaiah 6; 1-9 is often used as a model for a worship serv ice experience. An outline that is distilled from this passage is a simple one: 1) Revelation, 2) Response. Isaiah sees God in His glory — God reveals Himself; Isaiah responds to God — he responds with a willingness to be sent. Essentially worship is that — revela tion and response. The ultimate revelation to us is Christ incarnate. His coming is the culmination and watershed to all of God's communi cation to us. Second, the writers of the Scriptures give us the verbal record of God’s dealings with humanity and in structions for life. Third, as believers, we, by example and word, instruct each other, revealing in tangible, immediate ways, God's truths in action. All of these are some form of revelation to us. The ultimate response for us is to respond to Christ in commitment to Him as we seek His forgiveness and entrust our lives to Him. Any attempts at wor shipping God without this basic response are futile. Second, we respond to the Scriptures in obedience, patterning our lives after the words left for us. Third, we respond to the teaching of other believers

ble. Uncle Jake took the Lord’s command of evangelism as a very personal matter, whether it was a one-to-one confrontation, whether it was colonization, or whether it was support ing missions organizations financially. AU was done in his unassuming manner. The biblical injunction “Owe nothing to any one” was a principle Uncle Jake strived to ad here to. If at aU possible, he wanted to be debtfree. At the same time, he made it his policy to be tenderhearted and generous towards others. He would not readily turn down a request for help. Some might call it being strongwilled; others might call it being overly ambitious; some, an adventurous spirit; but I would like to call his desire to get things done, difficult as they might have seemed to others at times, an exercise in determined faith. Finally, a characteristic that will have pleased the Lord highly was the fact that he was not noted to speak ill of his neighbour, but usually spoke words of commendation. He was a no-nonsense person, which perhaps is why he had such an attractive chuckle! The world is minus a genuine pilgrim. May we, who follow in his train, continue

as the Scriptures are interpreted and ap plied for us in our society. Although, obviously, our worship of God is never limited to a Sunday morn ing worship service, in this column the activities of that time are the particular concern. The message, Scripture reading and possibly prayer and music will be a revelation to us. God is speaking, prob ably through one of His messengers, ex pecting us to listen and understand. We are then to respond. We do that when we sing a song of dedication or commit ment, when we give, when we make an nouncements. (That's right, the announcements are, or should be, con sidered worship.) The activities of the church for the week are some of our responses to God, who has revealed Himself to us. The reason why we often don’t see the announcements as part of our worship is that they come at the wrong time in the service. We put them at the begin ning or some other place to get rid of them “so we can worship." They ought to be at the end, just before the benedic tion, to send us out into the week to serve. The offering also ought to be con sidered a response and might be better placed toward the end of a service rather than the beginning. A worship service might have a bet ter flow to it and would be understood better if we first received a revelation, and, second, we responded to Him. Wouldn’t it be alright to begin with the sermon?

toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. “It’s too late for you to hear this, Uncle Jake, but thanks for being my uncle!” Your nephew, Johnny Loewen

Weddings DERKSEN - LOEWEN: Dan, son of Donald and Aganetha Derksen, and Darlene, daughter of David and Tina Loewen, all of La Crete, Alta., were mar ried on June 1, 1996, in La Crete, with Dean Buhler of La Crete officiating. The couple is residing in La Crete. WIEBE - NEUFELD: Dale, son of Abe and Edna Wiebe of La Crete, Alta., was married on May 19, 1996, to Michelle, daughter of Bill and Martha Neufeld of La Crete. The wedding took place in La Crete, with Dean Buhler of La Crete officiating. The couple is making their home in La Crete.

PAGE 15

El'Dad Ranch by Carol Thiessen The images were powerful, one following the other. The horrific aftermath of an utterly destructive jail riot; the sight of a community saving local houses from rising flood waters. On Friday, April 25, Winnipeg was reeling after news of the riot at Headingley Correc tional Institute — leaving the prison in sham bles, and numerous prisoners and guards injured. One local TV station led off its local news with the story of the riots and then followed with a happier flood story. It showed a group of men from a nearby group home slinging sandbags, a look of glee on their faces as the camera panned over them. The group came from El’Dad Ranch, a residential treatment centre for mentally handicapped men in con flict with the law. As an agency of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Manitoba, it pro vides an alternative to incarceration. The juxtaposition was stark. Were it not for El’Dad, some of these men would likely have been in Headingley, part of the first story. In stead they were aiding society, helping a com munity in need. That is the essence of El’Dad — rehabilitat ing young men, who lack the coping mechan isms to deal with prison life, in a more nurturing environment. Since it was launched in 1979, El’Dad’s goal has been to provide a caring, supportive, and disciplined living and working environment for borderline mentally challenged adult men who are, or have the potential for being, in conflict with the law. At ElDad they are motivated for positive change and assisted in the move towards independent living and full integration in the community. El’Dad, which is Hebrew for God has loued, endeavours to promote the treatment of the offender by the Christian community as a fel low human being created in the image of God, a person capable of responsible behaviour, realizing that, regardless of his action, the in dividual always remains a part of the whole. Situated on 18 acres of wooded land, ElDad has the feel of a quiet retreat centre. Trailers serve as housing for the resident staff, and a dormitory tucked in the bush houses the residents. On a recent morning, with soft sun shine filtering through the tall oak and poplar trees on El’Dad’s premises, the residents and staff were hard at work raking lawns and cleaning up scattered debris from a long winter. At noon the residents clambered into the small

PAGE 16

El’Dad Ranch residents and staff build a sandbag dike around a home in St. Adolphe, Man., protecting it from the flood.

dining area, eager for lunch. The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial — jokes were shared, hockey opinions traded — as staff and resi dents mingled naturally. After downing home made borscht, potato salad and buns, the residents had some free time before going back to work for the afternoon. The daily program is fairly regimented. Af ter a 7;30 breakfast, the residents do their share of chores, such as washing dishes and shovelling snow, and then spend the rest of the morning and afternoon working. In winter they spend their time in the wood lot. El’Dad

While some destroy a jail, others save a home! provides firewood to numerous Winnipeg fa milies as wejl as a few restaurants. The resi dents cut and split the wood into fireplace length and help deliver it. In summer, the work is more varied — yard maintenance, gardening and some communi ty work. Some months ago they helped tear down a neighbour’s barn. Sometimes they cut down dead trees for neighbours and then haul them home to be used in El’Dad’s own wood stove. El’Dad staff always keep their eyes open for work they can do to gain community visibili ty, as well as occasional work for wages so the residents can develop self-esteem and the concepts of employment. At El’Dad, budget constraints mean residents have their room and board paid for, along with vacation time, but they don’t receive regular pay cheques.

There are a few variations in the daily sched ule. Wednesday is cleaning day, and residents and staff knock off early and have fun together or watch a teaching video. As well, each resi dent spends an hour or two a week working on life-skills one-on-one with a staff member. Evening staff take over at supper and spend the evening together, doing things like play ing games and watching videos. Weekends are also more relaxed, with fun outings usually planned. One staff member sleeps in the dorm with the residents. The seven Christian staff keep things run ning smoothly, sharing their lives with the resi dents. They include a nutrition and life-skills coordinator, program directors and the execu tive directors, Brendan and Jewel Reimer. Although El’Dad runs under MCC Manito ba’s umbrella, it is expected to run on a budg et based on wood sales income and government funding. MCC covers a small overrun and helps with capital expenditures. Residents are referred to El’Dad from agen cies of the Manitoba Department of Family Services and the Manitoba Department of Corrections. They stay on average for two years, although some special cases are more long term. It is the residents who tell the real story of El’Dad. Each of the five current residents has a unique story; they come from varying back grounds and deal with different problems. Andrew came to El’Dad in May 1994. He was angry and destructive with wild, scared eyes. He had been in a youth detention centre before coming to El’Dad, a result of a num ber of minor run-ins with the law. Over the two years, El’Dad has had a calming influence

(continued on page 6)

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