The Messenger September 4, 1996

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EVANGELICAL M E N N O N I T E CONFERENCE VOLUME 34 NUMBER 15 SEPTEMBER 4, 1996

EditoTial Learning for Life THE CALL OF THE classroom has been diminishing for this ex-teacher. While I no longer feel as strong an urge to return to school around the beginning of September, my awareness has been reawakened. Two of our granddaughters will be returning to school this week, both in grade two. They have overcome the hurdles of grade one — and we have been awed again by the miracle of learning to read. When the foundation has been laid well in developing readiness skills, and fostering an interest in stories, the youngsters quickly take off into the world of literature. It is a world that stimulates the imagination and furnishes vast stores of information. Gradually the request “Grandpa, please read me a story,” becomes “Grandpa, let me read you this story.” Although the youngsters are becoming more independent, they appreciate an audience while they exercise their reading ability. Learning, of course, begins long before the start of formal schooling, probably even before birth. A young woman, for example, told how the melody of a new piece of cello music seemed very familiar. She learned it almost effortlessly. When she later told her mother, herself a cellist, about this, her mother asked for the title of the music. “That’s the piece I played a lot just before you were born,” she said. They agreed that the daughter had more or less “learned” the music before she was born. Following birth, active learning begins in earnest. The baby learns to distinguish voices and faces, and soon senses the difference between a member of its family and a stranger. Motor skills develop: reaching, grasping, sitting up, crawling, standing, walking, running, jumping. While adults struggle to learn a new language, a young child seems to absorb it easily. Some youngsters even learn a second language. Social skills are learned as well, some with difficulty. “Mine” is a favourite word, and it takes time and tears to discover the blessing of sharing toys with

other children. The pre-school years are most important, and we applaud those parents who accept the responsibility for the their children’s pre-school development and provide a nurturing environment for them. Children grow up so quickly, and the opportunities to teach and enjoy them are soon gone.

BUT SCHOOL BELLS are ringing again. Young and old (and in-between) are into another year of education. What will they learn? Will their teachers be considerate of their needs? What negative influences will they encounter? What values will they be taught? How can we encourage them? Will they become contributing members of our society, church, community? Will they be ready to lead when their turn comes? What kinds of trails will they blaze in the field of work they choose? How successful will they be? Success may be measured in different ways. Teachers tend to remember two kinds of students: the bright ones and the ones who struggled with learning. 1 remember students from my teaching years whose style of learning didn’t match our usual method of teaching; many of them were not interested in books and reading. They learned in other ways. But 1 learned not to despair, and tried to encourage them too. I discovered, as the years went by, that lack of success in school did not close the door to success in life. They may not be surgeons and professors, but they fulfill necessary roles as welders and chefs. Who decides which role is more significant? As the year begins, let us commit ourselves to pray for our schools and all who are involved in education: students, parents, teachers, aides, support staff, administrators. We wish you all a satisfying year. Above all, accept Jesus’ invitation, “Learn from me, for 1 am gentle and humble in heart...” (Matthew 11:29). That’s learning for life. — Menno Hamm

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: Numbers 16 and 17 will be published one week earlier than planned. The revised dates are: No. 16, Sept. 18 (material due Sept. 9) and No. 17, Oct. 2 (material due Sept. 18). No. 18 will be published Oct. 23 (material due Oct. 14) as planned.

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EDITOR Menno Hamm

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Martha Kroeker

THE MESSENGER is the publi­ cation of the Evangelical Men­ nonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: in­ form concerning events and ac­ tivities in the denomination; instruct in godliness and victori­ ous living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpub­ lished material is not returned except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own, and do not necessarily represent the posi­ tion of the Conference. THE MESSENGER is pub­ lished twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of the Evangelical Mennonite Confer­ ence, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba. Subscriptions: $7.00 per year (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total: $7.49). Members and adherents pay through their church.

THE MESSENGER is a mem­ ber of Meetinghouse and Cana­ dian Church Press.

Second class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. Registration Number: 0591 Mailing inlormation: All cor­ respondence, including un­ delivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Messenger P.O. Box 1268 Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0

Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcont@mts.net COVER: The past comes alive during Pioneer Days at the Mennonite Heritage Village, at Steinbach, Manitoba. By the Editor.

“...Each one will receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we arck God’s fellow workers... ” (1 Cor. 3:8,9). THE MESSENGER

The Close of This Age

THE SEPARATING OF THE PEOPLE by Arden Thiessen Matthew 25:31-46

M

y guess is that some of you have become very skeptical of end-time ideas. For years you have heard predictions by end-time “experts” which contradicted the teachings of other “experts.” You have lived long enough to recall various end-time scenarios which were at one time preached with great conviction but which have had to be discarded because world events took a different course than was announced. You are in danger of becoming eschatological agnostics. 1 hope the previous messages assured you that a few doctrines about the close of this age are still nailed down solid. Now we come to another such basic premise — the judgment of all the people. It is difficult to know how one should classify Jesus’ story of the separation of the people. Parts are clearly parabolic, as when the separating is compared to a shepherd dividing his sheep and goats. Other parts seem to be straight description. Parts of it would be recognized as poetry, if it had been printed that way. While recognizing these aspects of the passage, please allow me to keep it simple and call it a parable. Before we discuss the judgment scene in our text it may be useful to note that judgment is always going on. The record of this judging can be seen in the history of this world. Many governments, ideological movements, and world leaders have been judged by the great King who observes everything from behind the scenes. Many Biblical references to judgment are in the present tense. And there are Biblical examples of such judgment — the people of Korah in the Old Testament and Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. But this is not the complete story. History will not simply run its course and then be finished. The close of this age will involve the consummating judgment of all people. The doctrine of judgment is important. It gives meaning to life. It reminds us that we are accountable to God and that we are responsible to Him for what we make of life. If there were no judgment, would my actions have any more meaning than that of the mosquito which flies around aimlessly, stings me once or twice instinctively, and then dies? If there were no judgment, then neither the bad life nor the good life would have any meaning. Our humanness, our godlikeness, requires that we anticipate judgment.

The Parable In the Context of Matthew’s Gospel Here in Matthew, this is the conclusion of Jesus’ teaching. Matthew, the Inspired editor, saw this as the SEPTEMBER 4, 1996

capstone to the message of Jesus. Throughout the Gospel there have been references to the necessity and the characteristics of the righteous life. Here, the Lord’s emphasis on true righteousness comes to a head; it’s all going to be judged. This parable is then immediately followed by the passion account. That account shows us that Jesus, in a supreme way, did exactly what He expects of other people. By suffering and giving up His life for us He followed the principle of compassion rather than the instinct of self-interest. Throughout the Gospel the message of Jesus has been presented in Kingdom language. Here, finally, we see Jesus as the King. The next two chapters then go on to show us how He qualified to be our King; He laid down His life for us. And so, at the close of this age, Christ will appear as the great King to judge all people. This is the finale; this is the most complete and the most dramatic picture of judgment. It is final in that it marks the end of earthly history; it is final because of the finality of the two destinies. The Parable In the Context of Christian Theology As I survey the diverse interpretation given to this parable I observe that it all hinges on two key questions: Who are “the nations’’? (v.32), and who are “these brothers of mine, even the least of them”? (v.4O). While 1 respect the careful scholarship of many who have expounded this passage, I cannot follow all of them; 1 have to make a choice between views. Here is how the account makes best sense to me: I propose that by “all the nations” Jesus meant all the people who have ever lived, including true believers. We have here a picture of how those who have the Spirit of Jesus will have lived. They saw the poor, and they responded to their needs, as Jesus did. This parable

Arden Thiessen, the speaker at the 1996 EMC convention, is the senior pastor of the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Steinbach, Manitoba. He and his wife, Helen, have five grown children.

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“It is simply a matter of following in the steps of the Lord, of putting the desires of His heart into action where we live.” does not necessarily teach that all kind and thoughtful peo­ ple will be saved. I think we have to understand that those on the right are placed there because they belong to the Lord. The evidence of their relationship to the Lord is their compassionate ministry to others. The Lord does not ad­ dress here the question of how the Judge will deal with compassionate unbelievers. The “least of them” can simply be seen as the poor and the suffering of this world. And the crucial question is, could Jesus have called them “these brothers of mine”? (v.4O). Some expositors argue He must mean His fellow Jews; others say these can only be His disciples. Could Je­ sus have called the poor of this world “His brothers’? I say yes, because He has bound Himself to all of humankind in the Incarnation. I say yes; the One who called Himself “Son of Man” could call all fellow humans His brothers. I say yes, because Jesus suffers with all suffering people; in fact. He Himself was one of the poor and needy. So we have here Christ, as a King, on the throne of judgment. It’s a universal judgment; all people are account­ able to Him. And the process of judgment is pictured as a shepherd dividing his mixed flock of sheep and goats. 1 un­ derstand the Eastern shepherd would have them all grazing together and then separate them for the night. This is the picture Jesus uses. When Jesus comes to the reward and the penalty, then the picture abruptly changes. To those on His left it is eter­ nal fire. To those on the right it is an invitation into the everlasting kingdom. The Parable and Its Implications for the Christian Life This parable shows us how God sees the world. The poor and the suffering are important to Him. His will is that they receive help. Nothing in the Gospels teaches more clearly that our Creator and our Lord cares about “the last, the least, and the lost.” They matter to Him. This does not mean that Jesus is in the poor, that is, that they are His followers. They are His fellow humans. But what we do for the poor is seen by Jesus as being done for Him. Of Jesus it is said, “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). This must also be true of the community that continues here in His name. You may have wondered, “How do we serve an invisible Master?” We do that by noticing and serving the poor around us. We cannot minister to Him directly, as did Mary with her precious ointment. But we cannot excuse ourselves on that account; we cannot claim that He is now out of reach. He has left us here among His proxies. For every purpose of devotion — for giving Him pleasure, for expressing our gratitude, for earning His praise, for affirm­ ing our love for Him — when we minister to those who suffer it is as if we are directly serving Him. It is simply a matter of following in the steps of the Lord, of putting the desires of His heart into action where we live. In contrast to the popular American maxim that God helps those who help themselves, the message of the gospel is that God helps those who can’t help themselves. We who were helpless have received that help. Now we are expected to share the divine compassion we have PAGE 4

received. If we fail to do that we deny the Lord with whom we profess to be united. When Christ announced that He had come to seek and to save that which was lost. He was setting the course that all those would walk who would follow Him. Every bleeding, hungering, weeping, confused, unbelieving fellow person should be treated as a brother or sister. We easily say Jesus lives in us. Does He? If He really does we will see the world as He saw it. The Scriptures teach that salvation is not earned by our good works but is granted us by God in His grace. Our text makes no reference to the grace of God, to saving faith, or to forgiveness. However, these doctrines are so central to the message of Jesus that we can assume Jesus expected us to remember them when we would interpret this parable. God saves those who believe, that is, those who let themselves be saved. And the new life which the saved people receive will be visible and concrete. It will be lived out in the public domain, and it can, on that basis, be evaluated. So vital and direct is the connection between what God has done in our lives and the visible life we live in this world that the eternal judgment is always — not only in our present text — said to be based on what we have done, or not done. People divide themselves now, by choice, into believers and unbelievers. The judgment will be based on the visible evidence of that faith, or unfaith. The Christian life is a “show and tell” kind of affair. We have a message to tell, and we have a life to show. We are to speak about the love of Christ, and then we are to show what that love is all about. Both, the showing and the telling, are up to us. Those who are filled by the Spirit of Christ will constantly be showing and telling. It seems highly significant, here, that those who have served Christ don’t know it. This need not mean that they haven’t known Christ. Rather, it tells us something about the nature of their service. Their service was not done to gain anything, to accomplish anything for themselves, or to make an impression on God or on people. People who serve with such motives know very well what they have done. They are always noticing themselves. The surprise of these compassionate people here suggests that they had helped others, simply because they saw the need. By the inner presence of the Lord they were changed to see the needy and to feel for them. They were Christian enough to act like Christ. And this is the evidence that they belong to Him. So, can we who profess to believe in the saving grace of God still believe in judgment? Are the cross and the cour­ troom compatible metaphors? We affirm again that God’s desire is to redeem and restore all of fallen creation. However, the Bible teaches that the outcome of world his­ tory hinges not only on God’s intention but on human response as well. History is not only like a schoolyard game of marbles, where each player retrieves his marbles at the end of the day and goes home happily — nothing gained, nothing lost. No, something of eternal significance is going on here. My life, and your life, really matters. At the close of this age it will be the right side or the left side, the blessing of the Father in the eternal kingdom or the fire prepared for the enemy.

THE MESSENGER

If

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Youth In Touch Learning and Serving in Toronto July 8, 1996, 10:55 a.m., marked the beginning of a week of God-sent adventures for fifteen excited youth and leaders from the Steinbach EMC senior high youth group. After months of plan­ ning and fund raising we were more than ready to get to work for the Lord! Getting to the airport and realizing that our flight to Toronto had been cancelled was the first obstacle we had to overcome. Here we realized that, as Christ’s ambassadors, Satan was trying his hardest to beat us! Finally we arrived in Toronto, only three hours behind sched­ ule, to learn about life in a city of close to 4 million people. Our first experience of life in Toronto started as we began our ven­ ture to the Riverside Missionary Church. Hopping from subway train, to street car, to bus, with luggage in hand, made the trek

The group from the Steinbach EMC spent a week in Toronto.

quite interesting for us! But, nevertheless, we made it to our home for the week and got settled in. Our schedule was full, and we were given many opportunities to work as the true hands of God! Each afternoon our team split up into groups and went into Somalian immigrant homes to help them learn English. Many of us experienced that not only were we going into the homes to help the families but we were going there to be a friend. As the week went by we realized that each of our families had been through a separate heartbreaking ex­ perience, each with the same destination — PEACE. Our eyes were definitely opened as we learned of Somalian life in their home country. The rest of our time we worked in various agencies that help the homeless and street-working communities of Toronto, as well as learning more about why these people live this way. Having a chance to interact and talk with some people helped us to break down the barrier that many of us have toward the homeless, and we saw them as people just like us. One evening we were able to take a STREETWALK, which took us into various areas of Toronto. Our eyes were opened as we

SEPTEMBER 4, 1996

Teaching English to Somalian children.

walked through the parks that were evidently home to many people, or as we walked through the many prosti­ tution areas. It was so evident that we, as God’s people, had work to do! We were also able to go on a SAND­ WICH RUN — handing out a bag lunch to people sleep­ ing in the park, or offering a drink of ice tea to a street worker. We were able to learn so much about the streetlife in Toronto through a talk on AIDS from a Christian point of view. We also learned how hard it is to make ends meet with a welfare cheque through a WELFARE SIMU­ LATION, where we made a budget based on the income of a welfare recipient. Then we were given only one dollar to buy lunch, a reality these people have to face every day. Each evening we ate a meal from a different culture. It was so interesting to taste the different ethnic foods. One of our favourite meals was the Somalian supper which we had to eat with our hands. Or the East-Indian supper where all the water in the world couldn’t cool off our fiery hot mouths! Our last day was spent in a hotel, fellowshipping and praising God for the work that He did through us. His ambassadors, through this week. It was evident that we had made many memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. — Cherise Kroeker

Eating at the Somalian restaurant, with no cutlery!

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With our missionaries PARAGUAY

Delivered From the Depths of Sin

1/

Christ fills the inner vacuum William Candia is an evangelist in East Paraguay. He and his wife, Lucila, have three children: Rodrigo (6), Sandi (5), and Zoraida (1). In March they moved to Caaguazii, leav­ ing their nice house, family, friends and church. They are living in a one-bedroom shack in Bernardino Caballero while they wait for a house to be completed for them on the B.C. Church property. Although they receive support, via the Na­ tional Council, from the EMC Board of Mis­ sions, from MBM, and from the national EMC churches, their salary also tests their faith. William continues producing a number of ra­ dio programs for MBM. Lucila is involved in the B.C. Church, teaching Sunday school and giving leadership to the women's work. Even­ tually, we hope to involve her in a radio pro­ gram for women as well. Please pray for these, your missionaries.

I’d like to share with you my personal tes­ timony about how I came to know Jesus Christ. My prayer is that this will help you in some way. For me, every time I think back regarding my testimony, I am strengthened

and encouraged to keep going forward spiritually. I thank God because he has delivered me from the depths of sin to perfect and mould me (as a potter a piece of clay) so that I now can walk in His Way. 1 don’t do what I used to with my life, namely, please the enemy, Satan. Rather, God has now given me this magnificent opportunity to do what pleases Him — preaching the message of salvation. I was born into a normal Paraguayan fa­ mily. My parents were both elementary school teachers. During my childhood, they were at home very little because of their jobs and so they gave us children very little at­ tention and care. So we grew up being edu­ cated more by other people than by our own parents. When I turned 13, my father became involved in politics. He had a very high position in a political party, with all the gifts and qualities needed for this work. He was very well known and respected in the whole district. From him I learned what can be accomplished with manipulation, promises and lies to gain a following. I thought it was fantastic

William and Lucila Candia and their children Rodrigo, Sandi and Zoraida.

that my dad could attract so many people with what I would now call falsehoods. 1 thought I could also attain popularity and whatever I wanted, using these same tricks, So, that’s the way I lived my life. At 17,1 started to rebel against my parents, I was in high school, but I was turning more and more corrupt. My dad tried to enrol me in different courses, but I was very rebellious. The time came, when I was 18, that my

GERMANY

A Missionary — Missing Church? Surrounded by Hurting People I do not encourage missing church on Sun­ day morning; in fact, I strongly encourage at­ tending church. We need the church for Christian fellowship, for encouragement and for our spiritual growth. 1 must have attend­ ed more than 1400 Sunday morning church services in my lifetime, but I have also missed a number, maybe four to six Sundays a year. This morning was one of those. I had been invited to the official Open House of Kandern’s new shop and offices of the Public Works Department. The opening was scheduled for 10:30 Sunday morning, the same time that our church service started. I weighed the options, but felt it was impor­ tant that 1 represent Black Forest Academy at this function on behalf of public relations. (I also had a new American hammer that I wanted to present to them!) I arrived shortly after 10:00 and was given a personal tour by the mayor of the town. I also met the Ortsvorsteher (chief magis­ trates) of the various surrounding villages, the architect, the real estate agent from town, the vice-mayor and other town councillors. Af­ ter the official opening speech by the mayor, I continued moving around and met various business people from the town, including the man who used to do our registrations in Kan­ dern and who has since retired. Eventually PAGE 6

I sat down to have coffee and found myself at the same table as this retired town clerk, Herr K. and his wife. When I asked them how they were doing, it did not take long for them to open up and tell me about his cancer, followed by throm­ bophlebitis. Mrs. K. has multiple sclerosis and is taking care of her husband now. She shared with me how he struggles with depression and how the cancer and the thrombosis has changed his life so much, to the point where he can hardly walk. She was thankful that she was mobile enough to be able to help him at home, as well as when he is hospitalized. He got up and walked around the shop a bit, and I could tell that he had an interest in town affairs, but that it was hard for him. His circulation was poor, his hands were cold and his colour was quite pale. My heart went out to them. Mrs. K. talked about how they had always helped other peo­ ple, but now could not do that anymore. But other people were there for them now. I agreed with her that when we need help, there are people there for us, but often not those whom we have helped. Help and kind­ ness is something that is passed along; very often it is not something that comes back from the same sources that have been

helped. This is not negative in any sense at all, it is just how life works. I spent the better part of an hour listening to Mr. and Mrs. K., and when I got up to leave she asked me for my name. When I told them who I was, he remembered me from the many times I had been in his office getting the BFA missionaries registered in Kandern over the years. Before 1 left, I reminded them that our greatest hope and help comes from our lov­ ing God; He loves and cares for us. Mrs. K. assured me that she believes in Jesus Christ as her Helper and the Person who will take care of her husband. She had tears in her eyes as she thanked me for taking time to listen to them. She told me she had been en­ couraged by our time together and by being able to share. I assured them of my prayers. I went to pick up my wife from church, and I felt uplifted because I knew that the Lord had been able to use me to minister to two people that morning. Again I felt the impor­ tance of allowing ourselves to be used of the Lord. We are surrounded by hurting people, people who need to be able to share with us and whom we can tell about Jesus Christ and His love! Albert Martens

Albert and Edna Martens (Steinbach) are at the Black Forest Academy in Germany, where Albert is responsible for administra­ tion. THE MESSENGER

parents punished me and sent me to do my two years of obligatory military service. 1 left the military with a lot of pride, tell­ ing myself I was a “man,” 1 had done my duty and now 1 could do with my life whatever 1 pleased. 1 really thought 1 was somebody. At that time, my dad gave me a knife and a 38-calibre revolver. He told me that from now on 1 would have to fend for myself, and that I would need to know how to protect my life. Thanks to the knife and the revolv­ er, I felt taller than a 100-story building. So I left home. I was confronted by differ­ ent gangs. 1 loved fights. 1 remember one time, after a soccer game, there were two guys drinking beer. 1 walked past them, and, accidentally, my foot bumped their bottle, spilling the beer. The guys got real mad; one got out his knife and the other drew his 22-calibre revolver. When I saw this, I ran about five metres away from them, also drawing my revolver. There were lots of people around, but they all took off and gave us room. One guy start­ ed shooting at me — thank God, he didn’t hit me — and 1 fired back at him till my barrel was empty. The other guy also started shoot­ ing his revolver at me. 1 don’t know what happened to the bullets, but 1 was not hit at all. During a lull in the shooting, a lady jumped between us and, with her arms spread out like a cross, implored, “My sons, please stop!” The woman was crying. My cousin grabbed me, and some other guys grabbed my attack­ ers, and the fight was ended. This was only one of the many incidents 1 got into. I was face to face with death there. God was giving me another chance. He had a purpose for my life. When 1 think back to that day, 1 am filled with a deep shame, and, at the same time, 1 wonder at God’s marvel­ lous grace and thank Him for another chance. There must have been about ten shots fired at my body from a distance of only

William in the radio studio.

SEPTEMBER 4, 1996

five metres, and not one of them hit me. And 1 thank God that I did not become a murderer that day. Later 1 studied to become a radio reporter/announcer. When 1 was almost 21,1 start­ ed working for Radio Nasaindy AM in Santanf, the town where 1 lived. They helped me a lot, and 1 advanced rapidly in the world of reporting. I had many friends, many clients, and 1 was also a DJ (disk jockey) for the many fiestas. 1 remember that every evening, Thursday through Sunday, 1 DJ’d for the most famous discotecas. It came to the point that the discotecas had to take me if they wanted to become popu­ lar, because my work was very well accept­ ed among the young people of that whole area of San Pedro, the northern part of East Paraguay. A discoteca might have all the powerful equipment and good music, but if William didn’t DJ, people just wouldn’t show up. So they contracted my services for 150,000 Guaranies (about $110) an evening. 1 was popular with the youth because 1 made them do all kinds of interesting and exciting things — in their eyes. 1 became quite famous through this and also because of my radio programs, one of which was extremely popular. So, I got the taste of fame and money, and 1 had the world by the tail, so to speak. I tried everything that the world has to offer. Everything 1 put my efforts into just worked perfectly,and 1 had it all — fame, money, power, and the “pleas­ ures” of life. But, something deep down inside of me was crying out for something to fill the emp­ tiness. 1 was earning lots of money, both at the radio station and DJ’ing. 1 had all the clothes and things 1 wanted, but there was a vacuum inside of me. Wanting to fill this vacuum, 1 travelled to P. J. Caballero (a border city known for cor­ ruption). 1 got together with some friends who had been car thieves, and we worked together. 1 smuggled a lot of things, includ­ ing marijuana. In time 1 also tried the drug, but it gave me a stomach ache and a threeday headache. However, 1 got used to it, and 1 liked the high it gave me. 1 got to know a number of Mafia gangs and their ways, and one day they decided to kill me. At 3 a.m. one morning, two of them were waiting for me. One stabbed me on my left side, and the other shot at me and hit my right leg. 1 tried to defend myself, but they had fled. Because 1 lay still on the ground, they thought 1 was dead. At 5 a.m., a man on a horse came by and took me to his house. 1 contacted my parents in Santanf, who came to get me and brought me to the hospital in Asuncion. After three months 1 was healed and went back home. Dad and two of my brothers were prepared to settle accounts with the guys who had tried to kill me. Dad gave me money and arms to kill those who had done this terrible thing to me. Filled with hate and wanting vengeance, we got on a bus to P. J. Caballero. On the bus, 1 sat next to a man

a*!

nW** "" Don Thiessen Canadian Secretary Placed Since March 1995... ...in Canada a pastor in Crestview a pastor in La Crete a pastor in Pelly a pastor in Portage la Prairie a pastor in Ridgewood a pastor in Vanderhoof a pastor in Wymark a youth pastor in Rosenort Fellowship a youth pastor in Steinbach EFC Low German church planter in southern Ontario Low German youth worker in southern Alberta Low German youth worker in southern Ontario ...in Mexico urban church planter ...in Paraguay teacher for missionary children ...in Burkina Faso teacher for missionary children

Now You Need... ...in Canada a pastor in Creighton, Sask, a pastor in Fort Frances, Ont. a pastor in Hudson Bay, Sask, a pastor in Treesbank, Man. a Low German church planter an urban church planter tentmakers to assist in church-planting locations ...in Botswana a Bible teacher ...in Burkina Faso an evangelist, church planter ...in Lesotho a Bible teacher ...in Mexico urban church planters rural church planters elementary schoolteachers ...in Nicaragua a pastoral counsellor/advisor a church planter ...in Paraguay urban church planters a rural church planter ...in Senegal frontier missionaries

who, it turned out, was a minister of God. He shared God’s Word with me as we travelled. 1 liked this man and what he was saying — it seemed to be the truth. In my heart was hate, wrath, vengeance, and destruction. 1 was anxious to get to our destination, so that we could get on with our (continued on page 10) PAGE 7

SOUTH AFRICA

No Longer Safe Political Changes The political changes that independence has brought to South Africa are generally spoken of as being positive. The process that brought this about, however, has left injuries to lives of people that will take more than a generation to heal. The following is the sto­ ry of one such life: Thabani Nyandeni comes from a povertystricken home in our neighbourhood. He was a student in the local high school when we got to know him. The schools were charged up with political static, and Thabani (pronounced Ta-ba-ny) had a great interest in that. He was, in fact, associated with a po­ litical party that was not so well known by many in our circles at that time, but very powerful. Thabani was not well liked by many neighbours and had few friends. This was so, in part, because he was an illegiti­ mate child, whose father was not Zulu and not from this area, and also because of his political association. We latched on to him with the hope that we could help him and hired him from time to time during school holidays to help him with school fees. We had lost track of Thabani until May of last year. He came after his sister had been killed in one of South Africa’s political clash­ es in a town where she had stayed so that she could attend university there. She was his only sister, and he went through a difficult grieving process. Thabani was also going through another struggle, as is so common in these circles — he wanted to take revenge on the killers of his sister but was fearful that

Delivered (continued) “mission." As this man talked to me in such a loving way, somehow it seemed that the vacuum I had felt in my soul was being filled. He talked to me about Jesus, about His love for me. His sacrifice for me, and so on. After many months of not being able to laugh anymore, I was happy — 1 was laugh­ ing with this man. I came to the conclusion that I should not go through with my sinister plans. When we got to P. J. Caballero, we got off the bus, and 1 told my brothers, “Okay, we’re getting back on a bus and going home.” Thank God, 1 was able to convince them, and we made it back. Again, God had given me another chance. I got my previous job back again at the ra­ dio station. One time there was a two-week evangelistic campaign in a soccer stadium in Santanf, which included Christian films. Ev­ ery day, we promoted their activities over the radio, but 1 wasn’t interested in going there myself. On the last evening, one of my colleagues invited me and another operator to go. So we went, just out of curiosity, to see the film. The film. Hidden Island, really touched me. I guess the seed had already been planted previously and now was bear-

PAGE 8

he would end up being the loser if he did. During one of his visits he announced that he had become a Christian and had severed all ties with his political party. He also resolved that it was wrong to take revenge on the killers. He was now going to make ev­ ery effort to study the Bible and let God lead him in his life. He became abnormally zealous for the Lord, memorizing every Scripture that 1 suggested and filling in ev­ ery question on the question sheet with good answers. Though his first language is Zulu, he wanted the lessons in English. We would read a verse from my English Bible and he would interpret it into Zulu. He would then go on to tell me what that meant to him. Thabani was looked on with great suspi­ cion after he severed ties with his political party, and he feared for his life. At one point he was shot at while he was on his way to school, after which he ran to the nearby police station for cover. Later he became friends with some of the policemen, who saw something in him that could benefit their cause. He got involved in helping them as an informant. __ The police helped Thabani get into another school away from home, but he finally left school altogether and went full-time with the police. They used him very successfully in Mozambique, Durban, Pretoria and in some parts of rural KwaZulu/Natal. Thabani became aware of our repeated break-ins and wanted to help us. At one point he got the police to appoint him as an infor­ mant so that he could find the thief who had stolen our welder. He found out who had it and also the radio that had been stolen out of our pick-up. He reported this, but the police apparently did not follow up the in­ formation. Thabani’s life was threatened

again, and our problem of break-ins seemed to get worse. At one point the situation got so bad that we advised Thabani to leave the area altogether. We assured him that he could call us collect whenever he needed to talk or needed help, which he has done a few times. In early June, Thabani was here and reported that Mkuze, somebody who was mistaken for him, had been shot and killed. He is no longer safe here, so he is being sent from place to place by the police for doing informant work. Thabani is earning big money for his work now, but has little idea what to do with it. He was with the police during a robbery at one point when he had R. 8000.00 ($2000 American) in his pocket. Suddenly the rob­ bers started shooting. They had to run into the bush for cover, and he lost the money. He returned later with the police to look for it, but it was gone. Apparently the robbers had picked it up. At present, Thabani can not visit us be­ cause of the problems that it creates with our neighbours. We see him from time to time but do not associate with him in public. He still loves the Lord, but is very confused about what it means to be a Christian. Since the local elections are over and the promise of peace seems more possible, we are hoping that we can welcome Thabani “home” again soon. We also fear that one day it will be announced that a young man whom we love as our son has been attacked and killed by rebels. Joe Reimer

ing fruit. That night, God harvested my soul. After the man in the bus had planted the seed, God was reminding me daily that 1 was far away from Him and on the way to hell. The preacher talked about the only Way to eter­ nal life, and at the close of the service, made an altar call. I responded and got up from my seat. That night I came to know the Lord. A bunch of my friends were all around me, but 1 was unaware of them. It seemed as if 1 was floating all the way down to the front. 1 didn’t see anybody, but someone, or some­ thing, was pushing, pulling, me to go to the altar that night. The Christians prayed for me there. I felt an incredible peace. Someone was touching my heart and telling me, “Wil­ liam, you are now a different person.” 1 had realized that 1 was in bad shape before God, and as I repented of my sin, great joy flood­ ed over me. 1 felt that 1 had placed my sin into Someone else's hands and that He was now carrying my burdens — and this Man was Jesus! Jesus touched my life and changed my be­ ing. The power of God is immense. Nothing had changed my life nor filled my emptiness — no whipping, police, prison, fighting, fame.

money or pleasures of this world could do it. Only the Lord could change me. My life has been given fullness through one Man, Je­ sus Christ, who died for me, for you, for everyone. Since then 1 have walked in the new Way. I was already participating in church when 1 got to know a girl, who is now my dear wife. I had lost all faith in girls, because the ones

Joe and Olga Reimer (Blumenort) are church planters in South Africa, with TEAM.

William preaching at one of the evangelistic campaigns.

THE MESSENGER

1 had known lacked integrity, and 1 just didn’t trust them. 1 lacked confidence in myself as well. This girl, Lucila, was different somehow. She had clear Christian convictions, and 1 liked being with her. We went out for two years, and we planned to get married. 1 was still working at the radio station at this time. I had asked for baptism, and the date was set for June 11, 1989.1 told my fel­ low workers at the station about it. After I had become a Christian, 1 was persecuted a lot and made fun of. However, 1 gained their respect, and my boss, seeing that 1 was more responsible, trusted me with more, even giv­ ing me the keys to the safe containing a lot of money. Anyway, I told the others of my baptism— and that seemed to unleash the devil. Every­ one was against me in this decision, and one of my comrades challenged me and said that if 1 would go ahead with it, he would kill me. The old William wanted to challenge, to fight, but 1 rejected the temptation — Christ lives in me. My boss told me, “William, if you ac­ cept baptism, we will transmit live and direct everything that happens there that day." This upset me a bit and 1 went to the pastor for counsel, who really helped me and strength­ ened and encouraged me. 1 said, “If they broadcast it, praise the Lord!” The day of the baptism we all gathered be­ side the river, singing and praising the Lord. 1 saw the station’s vehicle approaching, so 1 went to greet them and invite the three staff members to come closer. No, they were go­ ing to set up their equipment and start broad­ casting. They explained every detail to the

radio audience, and did a very good job. When it was my turn, it sounded almost like a soccer game, because this was the cli­ max for my colleagues. “Here comes Wil­ liam...he’s getting into the water now. They’re singing a song...What a sight! There’s the pastor. Now William is getting baptized into the evangelical church. They’ve put him under the water...he’s coming up again...and out of the water. Incredible, what an occa­ sion!” and so on. This step-by-step broadcast was listened to by thousands in the northern part of the country, because it is a popular radio station. My colleagues wanted to make fun of me that day and humiliate me, but the Lord had something else in mind. Five months after the baptism, two people came to me during a live Christian program 1 was doing and told me, “Brother William, we’ve wanted to get to know you for a long time. We listened to the transmission of your bap­ tism that day, and Christ touched our hearts.” Instead of making sport of me, my colleagues helped to bring two people to the Lord. Isn’t that amazing? 1 have grown much since those first days, and have been given responsibilities in my church. Right now 1 am working in an evan­ gelistic follow-up team under MBN (Good News Ministries) and EMC’s national church in Caaguazu, preaching the good news of Je­ sus Christ all over the area, using Christian films and personal visitation. So, instead of working as a popular DJ, Thursday through Sunday, 1 now preach Christ on those evenings. Chris Kroeker, Benny Goertzen and Dave

Schmidt help with transportation and oper­ ating the equipment. Abram Buhler from the Sommerfeld EMG is also a full-fledged mem­ ber of the team. Wherever we go, 1 observe that there are people who have a thirst for God. We are seeing miracles — people com­ ing to Christ, people being healed, lives be­ ing changed — but there is also persecution. One time Benny, Abram and 1 went to Chacore, where many people from the area came to the meeting. After showing the first film, 1 was preaching, and when 1 gave the invita­ tion, many people raised their hands. At that moment, projectiles were shot into the crowd with sling-shots by those who were opposed to the euangelicos. A number of people got hit, but one that stands out in my mind is the lady holding her two-year-old in her arms. The instant she raised her hand to indicate her decision to follow Jesus, her child got hit on the fore­ head, although not seriously. In spite of this, she came to the front to pray. That was quite something for us! In Barriento-cue, after the meeting, a num­ ber of drunk men hit the ground with their machetes and threatened to kill all the evangelicos if we didn’t leave the place. 1 am really not surprised by these things because of my background, my wild past. And 1 think the Lord has prepared me for this type of work, confronting the enemy. “I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Recorded Spanish testimony of William Candia, translated by Chris Kroeker

With our congregatiofis

VBS at Riverton Gospel Chapel is obviously a hit.

SUMMER HIGHUGHTS Riverton, Man.: Following are reports on some of the summer highlights at the River­ ton Gospel Chapel: Vacation Bible School Boisterous songs, incredible stories, terrif­ ic crafts and fun 'n games — this is what was waiting for the children who attended Camp Courageous, the Vacation Bible School at our church this summer. By studying adventures of bravery and dar­ ing, VBS delivered a challenge to be coura­ geous for Jesus. Psalm 31:24 emphasized our SEPTEMBER 4, 1996

Some daring adventures at the church picnic.

challenge: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.” Through the Bible lessons, songs and puppet skits, the children were introduced to real Bible people who made a difference for Jesus. In each lesson we saw the effect of God’s awesome power at work. VBS provides a terrific opportunity for the church to have an impact on the lives of chil­ dren from many different backgrounds. It was exciting to see kids coming from the community and also getting involved in the different activities. Our camp mascot, Zoomer the Eaglet, started off the evening, and ex-

citing stories, sports, crafts and snacks fol­ lowed. The singing really brought out the energy from the kids and was the highlight for many. The songs were not only exciting but they also held words of truth and en­ couragement. It is our purpose that through the fun ac­ tivities the children experienced, they may feel the love of God and desire to know Him. Jennifer Friesen Sunday School The Sunday school department kept busy this summer. Being a small church, we are (more on page W) PAGE 9

Riverton, continued proud to say that attendance was kept up. We did change the format a little. Ages 2-12 met in a group setting. It was great to see younger and older kids cooperate together. Our youth class stayed together, studying and discussing practical youth issues and problems. The adult class also adjusted to the summer months, as a variety of leaders led discussion topics: "Effective Prayer,” "Using Our Spiritual Gifts,” and "The Holiness of God" (a video series). One of the highlights of the summer was the Sunday school picnic in the park. We used the theme "Great Men of Courage.” It was amazing to see how many actors we have in our church, acting out the stories of David and Goliath and Noah and the Ark. We are also looking forward to our church camping weekend in September. Summer seems to have come and gone so quickly, with people going on holidays, family gather­ ings and other outings, but we praise God that our church stayed strong and alive. Dale Kornelsen Baptism According to Webster, baptism is "the ap­ plication of water as a sacrament symboliz­ ing spiritual cleansing or acceptance into the church." Two young people, Evonne Plett and Shannon Kornelsen, took this step on Au­ gust 4, when they were baptized and accept­ ed as members of our church. Pastor Dick Unrau presided at the service, choosing Acts 2 as his text for the morning. "Repent and

Baptism at the Riverton Gospel Chapel. Left to right: Deacon Waldon Plett, Shannon Kornel­ sen, Evonne Plett, Pastor Dick Unrau.

be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Both Shannon and Evonne shared with the congregation some of their personal strug­ gles on the road to repentance, how Christ became the centre of their aspirations, and how they want to follow His example and live a life that is yielded and submissive to God. They each have a desire to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading in their lives. Evonne shared several verses with us: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever­ present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7). Shan­ non shared Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and cou­ rageous. Do not be terrified; do not be

Mount Salem church afternoon baptismal service led by Pastor Wilbert Friesen.

STUDYING THE LORD’S PRAYER

Mt. Salem, Ont.: It has been a beautiful, though somewhat muggy, summer here in southern Ontario. It is hard to believe that it is time for students to return to the class­ rooms for another year. Before we forget about the summer, however, I would like to share a couple of Mt. Salem highlights. June 16 was a special day for us, not only because it was Father’s Day, but also because it was the day when eight young people chose to receive baptism and become mem­ bers of the church. Four of these young peo­ ple, Peter Wall, Susie Redekop, Dave Blatz PAGE 10

Lett to right: Frank and Mary Doerksen, Frank and Chris Long. Both men celebrated their 80th birthday at the Riverton church picnic.

discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” and Psalm 25: 4 and 5: "Show me your way, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.” As a further testimony, the girls presented us with a song, "Here I Am.” Following the close of the morning serv­ ice, we made our way to the lakeside sum­ mer home of Frank and Chris Long, where the baptismal service was completed, and a fellowship lunch was enjoyed. The support of friends and family on this special day of commitment was very encouraging. Carol Kornelsen

Baptismal candidates (left to right): Eddie Loewen, Sara Peters, Catharine Bergen and Lydia Friesen.

and John Gunther (not pictured), were bap­ tized during the Sunday morning worship service, while the other four (pictured) chose baptism by immersion. They were baptized at Springwater Park later in the afternoon, giving people a great opportunity to bring out the lawn chairs and enjoy a warm summer day with the church (and with others who were not sure what to make of such an event!). July was Safari time as an average of eighty-five children gathered for five nights to learn more about prayer by studying The Lord's Prayer. They learned some catchy new songs, worked on craft projects, memo­ rized The Lord's Prayer, and then presented

a mini-musical for those who were not for­ tunate enough to join this safari. This summer has also been a time for launching a new project in the church. To better meet the needs of the entire congre­ gation, care groups have been formed within the church body. These groups, led by vari­ ous laity, have met for wonderful times together — playing volleyball, barbecuing or simply becoming acquainted with each other. It has indeed been a summer blessed by God, and we trust that will also be the case this winter, as we consider starting another church in the area. Netti Harder THE MESSENGER

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Charles Koop and Danny Unger seem dwarfed by the debris of rock fragments on the slopes of Mt. Kidd. (Photo by Perry Metheral, fellow hiker)

THE THRILL OF THE CLIMB

Calgary, Alta.: Whether it is taking an ener­ getic stroll along the well-maintained trails in Johnston Canyon or attempting a daring scramble in the scree high on Mount Kidd, hikers of all types have many things in com­ mon. All are inclined towards discipline, en­ durance, determination and a desire to grow and accomplish new things. All are challenged by the test of skill and fitness. For many, the pleasure is made all the greater if they can enjoy the experience in the com­ pany of like-minded comrades. It was on one such climb that 1 had time to reflect on how some of the people in our church family had also climbed personal mountains recently. The first group who came to my mind were the half dozen teens who took the step of baptism in early June. Donovan, Dorita, Hei­ di, Rachel, Carmen and Carmen shared how they had become Christians and how they sometimes struggled and fell in the climb of Christian growth. All, however, wanted to grow in obedience and to accomplish whatever God wanted them to do. We as a congregation were able to cheer these climb­ ers on in a meaningful and beautiful serv-

View of mountain tops seen near the summit of Mt. Kidd (elevation 2958 metres).

ice on the shores of Sylvan Lake. The second group of climbers were four adults in our church, who, after many years of evening classes in the SEAN course (Semi­ nary Education by Extension for All Nations), finally attained graduation by completing six levels of instruction. Geraldine, Bev, Neil and Anne shared how they had persevered through the prayers of friends and family and with the encouragement and patience of their instructors. All were thrilled with the rewards of disciplined study of the Word. They became more Bible literate and got to know

God and others in a deeper way. These four leaders are excit­ ed about using their sharpened skills to help others in their quest for spiritual growth. Anyone who ap­ proaches a mountain trail for the first time wonders if he will Baptism at Sylvan Lake. Left to right: Donovan and Dorita, son and have the necessary daughter of Garry and Sharon Korneisen; Heidi Koop, daughter of skills needed to com­ Charles and Lorraine Koop; Rachel Sandland, daughter of Einar and Debbie Sandland; Carmen Dick, daughter of Wes and Brenda Dick; and plete the hike. Like­ Carmen Janzen, daughter of Abe and Virginia Janzen. wise, the unknowns in our Christian walk sometimes cause us to carry it on to completion until the day of fear. However, we do not climb alone. God Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). promises that we can be confident, knowing Lorraine Koop that “he who began a good work in you will

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MY TESTIMONY

Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon, Banff Nation­ al Park.

SEPTEMBER 4, 1996

SEAN graduates (left to right): Geraldine Fair, Bev Kavanagh, Neil Friesen and Anne Boehlig.

Portage la Prairie, Man.; Growing up in a Christian home and attending church regu­ larly, along with being involved in AWANA Club and Pioneer Girls Club, 1 always thought that I was going to heaven. But 1 was miss­ ing one very important thing — I had not ac­ cepted Jesus Christ into my heart. While at a Word of Life camp at Schroon Lake in the U.S., I accepted Jesus into my heart, just a couple of days before my fourteenth birth­ day. It was a Christian Peace Officers Retreat, and the speaker was a former chief from Los Angeles. 1 truly believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and when the speaker gave the opportunity to those who wanted to be saved, I took that opportunity. My dad is a retired police officer. He was on the force for seventeen years and now is an ordained minister. My mom started up a Ladies Time Out and was a director in

AWANA. My brother entered Grade 12 in September, his final year of high school. 1 have had the won­ derful opportunity to be a leader in AWANA, to be in­ volved on a worship team, and to play the piano for Sunday school and services. Janet Schonewille I’m looking forward to furthering my studies in music at Bible college and to teach band at the high school level. Psalm 28:6 and 7 are two verses 1 hold dear to my heart as 1 face tomorrow’s obstacles. The Lord is always with me, and one day I will see Him in heaven. Janet Schonewille Reporter: Catherine Epp

PAGE 11

Young people at the Sunday school picnic.

VBS TAUGHT IN SANFORD Pleasant Valley, Man.: On Father's Day our church family gathered at Riverside Park for our annual Sunday school picnic. We enjoyed worshipping our Creator in the beautiful out­ doors, with Pastor John Reimer encouraging the fathers in their Christian walk, singing led by our praise and worship team, and heart­ warming singing by the younger Sunday school children led by Connie Reimer. Lots of delicious food, races, visiting and baseball made the day complete. Fifty-three children attended Vacation Bi­ ble School in Sanford this summer, with twenty-two staff volunteering their talents in teaching The Lord’s Prayer, with the theme “Kingdom of the Son” in a jungle setting. Mike and Vicki Friesen directed the VBS again this year. They also did follow-up throughout the year with the children. This helped the children to know their leaders so they felt at home with them, and the atten­ dance was constant all week. On August 11 we had a baptismal service, where Angelica Loewen was baptized by her dad, Ernie Loewen. John Reimer had a timely message on Romans 6:1-14, “Baptism: Our Death, Burial and Resurrection.” Florence Loewen

Angelica Loewen was baptized at the Pleasant Valley EMC on August 11. Left to right: Ernie and Mary Ann Loewen (Angelica's parents), Angelica Loewen, John and Connie Reim­ er (pastoral couple).

Vicki Friesen, director of VBS in Sanford, with students. (VBS photos by Vicki Friesen)

Mike Friesen (VBS director), Carl Loewen and Jared Siemens leading choruses.

Darren Kornelsen in the safari skit.

PAGE 12

Alicia Dueck’s class

Nathan Dueck with a VBS student.

Worship service at the Pleasant Valley church Sunday school picnic.

Sanford VBS

VBS class in a jungle setting

THE MESSENGER

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The “disciples in Seven Days (left to right): Peter Oakes-Munroe, Dave Leibel, Terry Scales, Fred Neff and Don Warkentin. In the back is Scott Hiebert, who played the part of Jesus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHURCH!

Swan River, Man.: Looking back to Febru­ ary, our ladies’ social committee planned a memorable sweetheart banquet. A supper was catered, and each couple was to relate a romantic/humorous/interesting event in their married lives. Some of the humorous ones had us laughing till tears came, and I’m sure each of us could relate to all the stories shared. It also reminded us that marriage is never predictable and that each moment should be cherished. Pastor Darryl had a series of messages in the beginning of the year focused on the fruit of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22 and 23. How lovely it would be to continue to de­ velop these fruits in our lives! Happy birthday to the church! “Celebrat­ ing Pentecost” was our theme on May 26 for our Sunday morning worship service. First of all we gathered in the sanctuary for the call to worship through singing, praying and Scripture reading. Then we were each given a number from one to six. These groups then met for various activities: 1) A Bible study on wind and fire — the Spirit at work. 2) A Bible study on “Scattering,” where they read the story of the Tower of Babel (Acts 2) and wrote a mission statement for the church. 3) A look at missions, where the group discussed steps to being more missionminded and named fears that keep many people from being mission workers. 4) Mus­ ic — this group learned the actions and words to “We Are the Church” and then taught it to the congregation. 5) Worship/drama — they learned the drama “Upper Room” and presented it to the congregation. 6) This group decorated cupcakes for the birthday party. After half an hour in these groups, we gathered again for worship and the responses and presentations of the different groups. Af­ ter a closing chorus and the benediction, we ended with birthday cake. (I should also men­ tion that the young children learned “Jesus Loves Me” in another language.) Our benediction: Once we waited in silence and fear, Once we were no people. But God has made us a people, the Holy Spirit has breathed on us. We go forth filled, empowered. As the living presence of Christ in the world. Praise be to God! Garth and Betty Kroeker, along with SEPTEMBER 4, 1996

chaperons Cheryl Reimer and Jack and Win­ nie Dyck, took the youth to Winnipeg for the March for Jesus, May 24-26. All were im­ pressed with the record turnout that the march had this year. The youth have been busy with different enriching events to challenge and encourage them in their Chris­ tian lives. “Seven days changed our lives” — This phrase comes from the musical Seven Days, which was written, conducted and produced by Martyn and Jackie Snell. In the six even­ ings (April 24-26 and June 6-8), close to 1200 people attended the musical, which focused on the last seven days leading to the crucifix­ ion. Approximately fifty people were in­ volved from our church, neighbouring churches and the community. This certainly has been a powerful witness in the commu­ nity, and our prayer is that many seeds have been sown in the lives of people. It was also a tremendous blessing and time of reflection for the Christian. The performers also com­ mented how it brought them together with people from other churches and how it strengthened their faith. If any of you are in­ terested in obtaining a video of this musical, please contact Jackie Snell at 204-734-4581. The cost of the video is $10 plus postage.

scene from Seven Days. Left to right: Caiaphas (Jack Dyck), Annas (Joey Dyck), Priest (Andy Belair).

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada called a nationwide Day of Prayer for June 2. Our sanctuary was filled that evening with people from various churches who gathered to pray for the “six R’s” — rejoicing, repent­ ing, resisting, requesting, receiving and recommitting. Our Sunday school picnic was held at the church on June 23. After the morning wor­ ship service we had a potluck lunch, followed by games for different ages. The children had a great time — chasing bubbles, sack/wheelbarrow races, etc. After the games, there was ice cream and a baseball game. We are so thankful for our Sunday school teachers and their faithfulness in teaching. Many events take place in our church which our unchurched friends would feel comfortable attending. Let’s take the initia­ tive to invite friends to a church event and let our witness as a church family direct them to Christ. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him” (11 Corinthians 2:14,15). Karen Peters Reporter: Ken Geddert

True Olympic form!

Watching the events at the Swan River church Sunday school picnic.

The race is on!

PAGE 13

VERNA HELEN FAST 1938-1996 When we think of our sister Verna and her life, we say with the Psalmist: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Verna Helen Fast was born on October 4, 1938, to the late Henry D. and Helen Fast of Kleefeld, Man., k where she grew up and lived until 1966, when the family moved to Steinbach, (5 Man. She received her schooling in Kleefeld, and, thanks to the patience of her teacher, Mr. Richard Reimer, Verna learned to read and write quite well, which gave her many hours of entertainment. Verna passed away on May 1, 1996, at 9:30 a.m., at the Bethesda Hospital after a brief illness, which was diagnosed as congestive heart failure. She was 57 years of age. She will be fondly remembered by her fa­ mily: Arnold and Anne Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.), Elsie and Jake Kliewer, Elvin and Del­ la Fast, Frieda Fast (all of Steinbach), Marian and Bert Kliewer, Bernice and Len Bartel, Harry and Marion Fast, Eleanor and Al Neustaeter (all of Winnipeg), and Dennis and Frie­ da Fast (Kleefeld). She was predeceased by her parents. Mom in 1968 and Dad in 1977, and her brother Clarence in 1993. When Verna was born, it was soon evident that she was a special child, but she was one of us and she was loved. When she grew older, she enjoyed going to Sunday school and studied her Bible diligently. When we didn’t know where to find a certain verse, we needed only to ask Verna and she knew. Her birthdays were the joy of her life, and each day she anticipated her next one! In 1967, when the Occupational Centre was

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IN MEMORY In memory of Catherine (Granny) Hardonk Born March 27, 1902 - Died June 27, 1994 We at Abbeydale Christian Fellowship in Calgary miss your Scottish wit and your amazing ability to quote favourite Scrip­ tures by the chapter. Whenever someone thought they might encourage you with a visit to the nursing home, inevitably they were the ones encouraged by you and your great faith. As a “young” church family, we miss your wisdom and your prayers for us. We will not forget how you reminded us to focus our attention on God and not on our­ selves. PAGE 14

moved to Elmdale Dr., in the former MCC building, Verna began her working career. She learned a lot and was capable of doing many things. She stayed with this organiza­ tion until about a year ago, when she became one of the senior group and didn’t have to go to work anymore. In September of 1973, Kindale Manor was ready for occupancy, and Verna was one of the original ten clients who moved in. She was very happy there and enjoyed the family-style living with other residents. She is the fifth one of those first ten to have passed away. We are indeed grateful to the past and present staff at Kindale, who loved and cared

for her all these years. A special thanks to Dr. Thiessen and the two night-shift nurses who were so patient and caring during her brief illness. Our grati­ tude also to Shirley and Maureen, who were there for us and were almost constantly at her bedside. Though we will miss Verna, we cannot grieve but only rejoice that the Lord took her Home and spared her from a lingering illness. To Him be praise and glory! Gratefully, the Family The funeral service for Verna Fast took place on Monday, May 6, at the Steinbach E. M. Church, with Mel Koop officiating.

MRS. MARY BRANDT 1911-1996 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the name of the Lord from now on!" "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labour, for their deeds J will follow them” g (Revelation 14:13). J® Peacefully, on July ® 15, after a lengthy stay W in the Morris Hospital A due to a heart attack, aB our mother, Mrs. Mary |||H Brandt, entered into the presence of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She reached the age of 84 years, just two weeks short of her 85th birthday. She was predeceased by her loving hus­ band, Jacob, in 1985 and by two sisters, one sister-in-law, one brother and two brothersin-law. She leaves to cherish her memory, Rosaline and Levi Rempel, Doreen and Jake Dueck, Elmer and Anne, Diana and Alvin Rempel, and Harry and Audrey; sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great­ grandchildren. She is also survived by seven sisters, three brothers and their spouses, and many other friends and relatives. Mother was born on June 29, 1911, to Frank and Aganetha Kroeker in the village of Rosenort, Man. She made a spiritual com­ mitment to become a follower of Jesus and to accept His forgiveness and grace and was baptized on her faith on August 2, 1931, by Bishop Jacob B. Kroeker. Her marriage took place on September 16,1934, at the Rosenort EMC (then Kleingemeinde). Many times our mother unselfishly consi­ dered the needs of others before her own. She has sewn blankets and many articles of clothing for MCC and for other needy peo­ ple, and we remember the enthusiasm and joy she had in attending the Greenbank la­ dies’ sewing circles. Her specialty was mak­ ing quilts for her family, which were done very intricately and beautifully and will be cherished by all of us for years to come. Her cooking was second to none, and we all looked forward to her meals. Mother was a hard worker, assisting Dad

in their farming operations — combining at harvest time or doing the chores at home. Another evidence of her hard work, and something she enjoyed very much, was her garden, her multi-coloured flower beds and the brightly painted picket fences. She loved the outdoors and took great pride in a yard kept in meticulous order. Our mother was a praying mom, and that’s what we will miss so much. She was truly concerned about each one’s spiritual welfare, and we know she prayed that when Christ comes for us we would all be ready. Even though our mom was rather han­ dicapped because of her hearing loss in the 1980s, she loved our family get-togethers. Ac­ cording to her we didn’t get together often enough. It was after our dad passed away that she frequently expressed her desire to go to be with him. She experienced relatively good health until a few years ago when she quite frequently suffered dizzy spells, which led to a severe attack a year ago in June, from which she never fully recovered. She suffered another attack on May 28, which we believe hastened her home-going. Many times she claimed verbally the verses such as 1 Corin­ thians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempt­ ed beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it,” which confirmed her faith. We as a family will miss her, but we rejoice in the fact that she has gone on to a better place, a place of love, where there will be no more tears, no more fear but total peace. After Dad’s passing away, she decided to move into the new Rosewood Apartments, which she truly enjoyed for eight years. She made beautiful friendships with the residents. We as a family want to thank all of her friends and tell you how much we appreci­ ate you for what you have done for our mom. We also thank the Morris Hospital staff and Dr. Manness for the care and compassion they gave to Mom during her stay in the hospital. Thank you to all of you who have shown support by your prayers and your visits.

■

#■

THE MESSENGER

GERTRUDE PLETT KOOP 1912-1996

>

Death has again won a victory, but we as family are looking forward in hope to the time when death will be swallowed in total victory (1 Corinthians 15:54,55), Gertrude Koop, our wife, mother, grand­ mother and great­ grandmother, was suddenly taken away from us and gently carried home by God’s angels on the evening of July 5, 1996. She was born on June 17, 1912, the daughter of John K. and Margaret Plett of the Willow Ridge School district in Prairie Rose. She grew up on their farm, where she enjoyed the work outdoors with her eight sisters and eight brothers. Upon her confession of faith in the Lord Je­ sus, she was baptized and received into mem­ bership in the Prairie Rose E. M. Church. She married Jacob J. Koop of Hochstadt, Manito­ ba, on October 13, 1932, and they resided in the Kleefeld area for most of their mar­ ried life. They started their family in the Greenland area, moved to her parents’ farm in Willow Ridge, and then to the in-laws’ farm business in Hochstadt, but their longest time was in Kleefeld. Mother enjoyed her family of nineteen chil­ dren, which has grown to include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved the Lord and frequently encouraged us to faithfulness and to love, which she ex­ emplified throughout her life. She prayed for US.

*

Mom was predeceased by her daughter Mabel, son Wayne, son-in-law Doug Peattie, granddaughters Karen Koop, Jacqueline Koop and Elaine Koop Giesbrecht, and grand­ son Thomas Koop; as well as her parents, John and Margaret Plett; brothers Abe, John, Peter and Martin Plett, and sister Margaret Reimer. Mother will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by her husband, Jacob (Rest Haven, Steinbach, Man.), children and spouses: John and Clara (Kleefeld, Man.), Har­ ry and Norma (Rosenort, Man.), Mel and Mary (Steinbach), Rosella and Norman Bar­ tel (Kleefeld), Leanora (La Crete, Alta.), Glen and Betty (La Crete), Nettie and Gordon Jen­ sen (Standard, Alta.), Larry and Patricia (Mitchell, Man.), Elvera and Alan Holmes (Grunthal, Man.), Brian and Eva (Steinbach), Marion Peattie (Winnipeg, Man.), Betty and Edmer Reimer (Lorette, Man.), Joanne and Patrick Reimer (Foxwarren, Man.), Eldon and Adeline (Kleefeld), Elda and Ken Firth (Tap­ pen, B.C.), Charles and Lorraine (Calgary) and Merle and Sheila (Kleefeld). Her seventy-four grandchildren and fifty great-grandchildren will miss her love, active concern and prayers. She is also survived by her brothers Frank, Klaas and Mary, Cornelius and Olga, and Aa-

SEPTEMBER 4, 1996

ron and Annie; and by her sisters Elizabeth Plett, Mary Koop, Sally and Henry Koop, An­ nie Schultz, Helen Funk, Katie Hildebrand and Bertha and George Neufeld, as well as by many other relatives and friends. We want to thank the medical staff of Bethesda Hospital and St. Boniface General Hospital for their care and for attempting to restore Mother to full health. A wife [and mother] of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her....She speaks with wisdom....Her children arise and call her blessed. Her husband...praises her (Proverbs 31). Brothers and sister, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of humanity who have no hope (I Thess. 4:13).

JACOB R. BARKMAN 1907-1996 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more; And its place acknowledges it no longer. But the loving kindness of the Lord is from everlast­ ing to everlasting on those who fear Him (Psalm 103:15-17a). Jacob Barkman passed away peaceful­ ly in the early morn­ ing of August 3, 1996, at the Bethesda Personal Care Home in Stein­ bach, Manitoba. Dad has now joined Mom, who passed away just over two months ago. Dad was born February 5,1907, to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob G. Barkman. He reached the age of 89 years. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour in his early twenties, after which he was baptized and became a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Church. At the age of 26, he married Anna Reimer, and together they were blessed with a family of twelve Adults Teaching Adults: Lifelong learn­ ing in the church This course is designed for adults who are working or planning to work in a church setting­ leading study groups, working on committees, preparing worship services, teaching adult classes and a variety of other activities.

It will provide information about how and why adults learn at different phases of life. A varie­ ty of educational methods suitable for adults will be presented. Plenty of opportunities to practice techniques learned will be given. Wednesday evenings, Sept. 18 to Nov. 6, 7 to 10 p.m. Instructor: Rosabel Fast, at 2B14 Bryce Hall, University o( Winnipeg Fee: $140 For more information, contact: Ms Patti Clark, Faculty of Theology University of Winnipeg 515 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9 Phone: 786-9857

children. Dad and Mom lived their first years of mar­ ried life in Blumenort and Blumenhof, Manitoba, which was followed by thirty-five years in Mennville, Manitoba. In 1987 they returned to live their latter retirement years in Blumenort. As a farmer. Dad committed his life to providing for the family, which included lots of hard pioneer labour. He frequently reminisced about the years he spent logging and clearing land of bush and stone. Together with Mom, Dad was also very committed to caring for Werner, a special needs son. His greatest concern for the family was that they learn the skills for successful living, as well as live lives pleasing to God. In the last cou­ ple of years. Dad’s health progressively de­ teriorated, which led to repeated hospitalizations and, most recently, the move to the Bethesda Personal Care Home in Stein­ bach. We will remember Dad for his sense of hu­ mour, love for farming, willingness to work hard, orderliness on the farm, consistent Bi­ ble reading, commitment to the church and his steadfast belief in God. He always loved to have his family around and waited for their visits. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Anna, son Abe and daughter-in-law Caroline, his parents, one sister and one brother. He is sur­ vived by eleven children: 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), Margaret and Neil Reimer (Grunthal, Man.), Jake and Ruby (Mennville), Werner (Blumenort), Anna (Calgary, Alta.), Orla and Martin Loeppky (Stuartburn, Man.); fifty-three grandchildren, nineteen great­ grandchildren, six sisters, three brothers, cmd other family and friends. Although we will miss our dad, we rejoice in knowing that he has now gone Home, where there is only perfect health and peace. The Family

dfesl dlauen HCursiny dfome of <3feinbacli, dac.

Gelebrafiny 50 ffears of Geroice 1946 - 1996 you are cordially inoited fo a

noth annioersary celelraiion

Sunday, ^epiemher IJ, 2:00 p.m. Ul mill be held af l/ie

lloanyelical Idelloais/iip Ghurch

fUdoodhaoen lAuenue and Siesbrec/il Sireel Sfeinbacfi, fjKaniloba

UProgram, coffee and fours fo follow

J PAGE 15

SBC Appoints New Youth Ministries Coordinator

YOUTH PASTOR The Kola EMC Church is looking for a part-time Youth Pastor to work with our energetic youth group. Around 25 youth attend on a regular basis. Send your resume to: Youth Pastor Search Committee Pastor Henry Plett Box 40, Kola, MB ROM 1B0 or call 204-556-2635 or fax 204-556-2604

SALE OF PROPERTY at Kamsack, Sask. including chapel and lot, AMPE Drop-in Centre and lot, church pews, piano, hymnals and other equipment

Friday, September 20, 1:30 p.m. at the Kamsack Fellowship Chapel Comer of Windsor Ave. and Saskatchewan St. Direct inquiries to Frank Braun Phone: 306-542-3795

Introducing EMC’s latest book:

SEEKING TO BE FAITHFUL by Dr. Harvey Plett Written with the casual reader in mind, the book relates the story of the Kleine Gemelnde (little church), as it was

called,

from its begin­ ning in 1812 in South Russia to the present

Mennonite Conference congregations in Canada. Price: $6.95 each

The book may be ordered through your church, or at the Conference office. Postage for mail orders is $2.00 for one copy, $3.00 for two or more. Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0

copy/copies of

SEEKING TO BE FAITHFUL Amount enclosed at $6.95 each... .$___ Postage, if applicable

TOTAL Name: Address:

PAGE 16

graduated from Steinbach Bible College with a Bachelor of Religious Studies. From 1993-96 he was the Minister of Youth at the Winni­ peg Evangelical Free Church.

dition to coordinating the program, he will be

MCC Appointment

helping resource church youth leaders. Tim was the youth pastor at the Altona Tim Ryan EMMC Church from 1985-91 and Program Director at Steinbach Youth for Christ from 1991-93. In 1993 Tim

WINNIPEG, Man. — Lorena Doerksen oi Winnipeg, Man., began a two-year MCC assignment in May 1996, in Winnipeg, where she works as a k -k receptionist. She previ­ ously served with MCC in Nicaragua.

PASTOR POSITION

diploma in medical secretary from Herzing Career College in Win- Lorena Doerksen nipeg. She was last employed as a statement clerk for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. She is a member of EMC Morazan Church in Nicaragua, and is affiliated with Fort Gar­ ry EMC Church in Winnipeg. Lorena and her husband, Henry, have three children: Can­ dida, Daniel and Eric. Her mother is Rosa Fonseca-Mendoza of Managua, Nicaragua.

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.

PASTOR NEEDED at the Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC) Creighton, Sask. Contact: Deborah Odegaard Box 685, Creighton, SK SOP OAO Phone: 306-688-2996 or Don Thiessen Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 Phone: 204-326-6401

Evangelical

I wish to order.

STEINBACH, Man. - Steinbach Bible College is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Ryan as Youth Ministries Coordinator and Dean of Men. In ad­

$.

COMING EVENTS September 19-21 Prophecy Conference Israel, the Church and the New World Order Calvary Temple Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-254-7843 September 21 50th Anniversary Reunion Western Gospel Mission Kleefeld E. M. Church Kleefeld, Man. Phone: 204-326-6050 September 21 MCC Sale Morris, Man. Phone: 204-261-6381 October 4-6 EMC Youth Leaders Retreat Crossroads Range St. John, North Dakota Phone: 204-355-4168

Lorena

received

a

Reserve July 4 to 6, 1997, to attend the EMC Annual Convention. You will not want to miss the messages by Dr. Neil Anderson of Free­ dom in Christ Ministries, La Habra, California. Hosted by EMC Region 5 at Riverton, Manitoba.

October 25, 6:30 p.m. Fund-raising Banquet Eden Foundation Mennonite Brethren Church Winkler, Man. Phone: 204-325-5355 October 25 & 26 Small Town and Rural Ministry Seminar Speaker: Ron Klassen Community Bible Fellowship Swan River, Man. Phone: 204-539-2271 October 25-27 60th Anniversary Celebration Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Manitoba Phone: 204-326-6451 October 27 Region 3 Conference Speaker: Ron Klassen Community Bible Fellowship Swan River, Man. Phone; 204-734-4829

October 31-November 3 Annual Convention Mennonite Economic Development Associates Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-956-6430, or

800-665-7026 November 1, 6:30 p.m. Fund-raising Banquet Eden Foundation Douglas Ave. Mennonite Church Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-477-4673 November 2, 8 p.m. MEDA Benefit Concert with Ben Heppner Canadian operatic tenor Winnipeg, Man. Phone:204-956-6430 January 6-12, 1997 Mennonite World Conference Assembly — INDIA 1997 Calcutta, India Phone; 519-571-0060

THE MESSENGER

MCC and Mexican Colony Mennonites Assist Tarahumara AKRON, Pa. — Mennonite Central Commit­ tee (MCC) is joining with colony Mennonites in north-central Mexico to assist the in­ digenous Tarahumara, neighbours to the colonists. Both the colony Mennonites and the Tara­ humara are suffering due to drought. But the Tarahumara have been especially hard hit. And because the colony’s food stores are also low, they are not able to assist the Tara­ humara as they have been doing. Thus, the colonies have requested help from MCC. In mountainous areas where the Tara­ humara live, “the streams have dried up and many villages are looking for water,” reports MCC administrator Bill Janzen. The ’Tara­ humaras’ goats and cattle are dying of star­ vation, and the people are becoming desperate.

New Principal at SCHS STEINBACH, Man. - Steinbach Christian High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Randy Dueck as principal of SCHS. Randy received * his Bachelor of Education from Brandon H University in 1987. ■ From 1987 to 1994 he n taught in the Hanover |H School Division in Ti Randy Dueck Blumenort before taking a year to teach at the Lithuania Chris­ tian College in Klaipeda, Lithuania. SCHS is also pleased to announce the ap­ pointment of Helen Toews and James Kornelsen as teachers at Steinbach Christian High.

MCC will provide CAN$6,165 to purchase beans and corn flour for tortillas for some 2,500 Tarahumara, particularly schoolchil­ dren, living in mountain villages west of Cu­ auhtemoc, the city central to the colonies. This assistance will help alleviate hunger until crops are ready, now that rains have begun. Colony Mennonites will purchase the beans and corn flour locally and deliver them to Tarahumaran schools. Any food not need-

Making Music MEDA-Style WINNIPEG, Man. — What do art and business have in common? Plenty, say planners of this fall’s convention of Mennonite Econom­ ic Development Associates (MEDA). They’ve recruited a best-selling author, a world-class tenor and a top CEO to help explore the theme. The Art of Business. The artistic side of running a company is often overlooked, says Carol Suter, MEDA’s vice-president of Member and Resource De­ velopment. “Running a business is a form of creative expression for people who have this gift and calling,” she says. Both aspects will be celebrated October 31-November 3 at the Westin Hotel in Win­ nipeg. With its rich tradition of Mennonite music-making and the arts, Winnipeg was seen as an ideal location for a convention of this type. The three headliners are Laurie Beth Jones, author of Jesus, CEO and The Path, speak­ ing on “The Art of Developing Divine Excel­ lence”; Howard Brenneman, CEO of Mennonite Mutual Aid, speaking on “Keep­ ing Your Organization in Tune”; and Ben Heppner, renowned operatic tenor, perform-

• No Little Places • When Limitations are Not Limiting • The Down Side of Familiarity at the Community Bible Fellowship (EMC) Swan River, Manitoba Phone: 204-734-4829

Everyone is welcome!

Rural Home Missionary Association, Morton, IL at Community Bible Fellowship Swan River, Man.

Are you committed to Peace-building and experienced in Conflict Resolution or trained in Mediation?

Afternoon (1:30-5:00): CHANGE □ Trends in Small-Town and Rural Societies □ Rural and Urban Contrasted and Compared □ Helping the Traditional (Rural) Church to Change

Cost: Friday and Saturday: $15,00 Saturday only: $10.00

For registration information, call: David R. Johnson, 204-539-2271

«

Region 3 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Sunday, October 27, 1996 with speaker Ron Klassen

Be Part of a Vision for Healing and Change

Saturday, October 26 — for pastors and lay people Morning (9:30-12:30): CHURCH PLANTING □ Would Christ Go to Mayberry? □ The Small-Town Apologetic: Five Core Values □ Church Planting in the Small Town □ Evangelism in the Small-Town/Rural Community

-k

ing a benefit concert on November 2. The annual convention is a key event for MEDA, an organization of more than 3,000 Mennonite business persons. The gathering offers encouragement to bring a Christian witness to business activities, and provides updates on MEDA’s economic development activities in ten low-income countries. In addition to plenary sessions, there wll be tours, workshops, and a variety of events in the arts. For more information, call 1-800-665-7026.

Small Town and Rural Ministry Seminar with Ron Klassen

Friday, October 25 — lor pastors Evening (7:30-9:30) □ Penetrating Your Local Culture □ Overcoming Common Problems in the Small(-Town) Church

r

ed by the schools will be packaged and dis­ tributed to families in the area. The Tarahumara have relocated several times in search of isolation and freedom to follow their own ways. They now live in north-central Mexico’s rugged high plateau, which is cut by deep gorges and the awe­ inspiring Copper Oinyon — deeper and wider than the Grand Canyon. The group often summers in the cool, pineforested plateau and descends to the Copper Canyon’s sub-tropical base for the winter,

MCC Sale September 21 Morris Stampede Grounds Money raised will be used to support MCC’s work with children. For more information, please call Kathy Fast, 204-261-6381.

SEPTEMBER 4, 1996

If so, LISTEN TO THE CALL from leadership people in North and South America. They have caught the vision and are e^er to have you work with them to promote conflict resolution and mediation programs in their communities. Right now, there are several exciting MCC service opportunities available: MCC and local Mennonites are calling for an experienced Conflict Resolution Worker with strong cross-cultural skills to work with them in developing alternative ways of responding to conflict within Brazilian communities. Verbal communication skills in Portuguese will be necessary in this three year assignment, community mediation committee is inviting an experienced Mediation Trainer and Program Planner to ’take major responsibility* in setting up a Mediation Services office. This one-year assignment would be a highly stimulating and meaningful 'sabbatical* for the right person.

Mediation Services is asking for a Mediation Trainer to join them in their well-established community-based organization which responds creatively to local conflict resolution and mediation needs. This two-year assignment (minimum) includes designing and running training workshops and helping to plan professional development programs for trainers.

Accept the challenge of MCC service. Please contact:

o

Mennonite Central Committee 134 Plaza Drive. Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9

(204) 261-6381 Fax: 269-9875 E-mail: MCC0mennonitecc.ca

Accept the Challenge of MCC Service

PAGE 17

BRADEY MYKELL PENNER On June 23, 1996, our precious son was born. The day that we had dreamt of and made plans for, shattered before us. Due to Bradey’s heart complications, we never were able to comfort his cry or just sit and watch him enjoy life. He was taken from us so soon. His life was so short, but long enough to make an incredible impact on every person who loved him. He has taught us so much, changing us for life. We learned how to pray, with the faith in God that he knew what was best for Bradey; we learned to allow God to hold us when we felt disappointed and let down; we learned to feel God’s peace in the midst of grief, and to live each day to the fullest, knowing Bradey is waiting for us in heaven. Bradey is sadly missed by his parents, Shel­ don and Angela Penner; his grandparents, Ben and Mary Friesen and Peter and Kathy Penner; uncles and aunts, Merrill and Marcy Friesen, Leonard and Christine Dueck, Brad and Kelly Penner, Brian and Bev Friesen and Desmond Penner.

I'm just a little fellow Who didn't quite make it there, I went straight to be with Jesus, But I'm waiting for you here. So, sweet Mommy, don't you sorrow. Wipe those tears and chase the gloom, I went straight to Jesus' bosom From my lovely mother's womb.

Thank you for the life you gave me, It was brief but don't complain, I have all of heaven's glory. Suffered none of earthlings' pain.

I'll be waiting for you. Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa too. I'll be with you there forever. Then I'll give you Daddy's kiss.

PIERREPONT - SCALES: Brent, son of Lome and Sharon Pierrepont of Swan River, Man., was mar­ ried on February 24, 1996, to Richelle, daughter of Terry and Lorrel Scales of Swan River. The wed­ ding took place at the First Baptist Church in Swan River, with Wayne Church officiating. The couple is making their home in Swan River. REIMER - FRIESEN: Dawson, son of Jake and Doris Reimer of Swan River, Man., and Bonita, daugh­ ter of Albert and Lee Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., were married on July 21, 1996, at the Westwood Community Church in Winnipeg. Lorlie Barkman of Winnipeg officiated. The couple is residing in Winnipeg.

Births PETERS - to Darryl and Karen Peters of Swan River, Man., a son, Joel Henry, on April 15, 1996.

PENNER - to Sheldon and Angela Penner of Stein­ bach, Man., a son, Bradey Mykell, on June 23, 1996.

NEUDORF - to Carl and Lori Neudorf of Portage la Prairie, Man., a son, Mitchell Abram William, on August 12, 1996. THIESSEN - to Dave and Janice Thiessen of Por­ tage la Prairie, Man., a daughter, Nicole Joy, on August 8, 1996. BRANDT - to Del and LuWanna Brandt of River­ ton, Man. (Menville), a daughter, Brianne LaDawn, on July 12, 1996. BARKMAN - to Del and Pat Barkman of Arborg, Man., a son, Kyle Delaney James, on July 29, 1996. PETERS - to Willie and Justlna Peters of Leader, Sask., a daughter, Jody Renae, on June 20, 1996.

DOERKSEN - to Don and Vai Doerksen of Niver­ ville, Man., a daughter, Shania Lauren, on July 25, 1996.

Pass On the Baton One often wonders about the past; Of elders on old Model T's, Of black suits and frowns, no sportscast, No elaborate cruise overseas. If our fathers' fathers came back for awhile, Assessing our dally affairs, our night outs; About our affluence, they might not even smile. About our spirituality, have their doubts. They likely would question our schedules, appalled; Our leisure, they could not comprehend. The baskets, the volley, the puck and the ball. Most music and mingling, they would not defend. Ah, but let them that had faith continue to rest, While we tend to time and to tedious task; They were In their time quite reverently blessed, While we in our money and magnitude bask. Lord, what of our future, our children's and theirs. Will You be to them what You are to us? will there still be leaders, to shout out bewares, or will it just all be stubble and dust? This world Is complex with various folk; Some seem too simple, some just too smart. Ip'But Lord, let us remember the words you once spoke, HOW You’d like to live In everyone's heart! Alfred Dueck Morris, Man. PAGE 18

Wsddings

We cherish every memory of you, Bradey. And we will always hold you close to our hearts. With all our love, Dad and Mom

WARKENTIN - BOGOSLOWSKl: Donny, son of Don and Adeline Warkentin of Swan River, Man., and Jennifer, daughter of Zen Bogoslowski and Joan Mohr, were married at the Community Bi­ ble Fellowship in Swan River on July 13,1996. John Kornelsen of Edmonton, Alta., officiated. The cou­ ple is residing in Edmonton. WALDNER - REIMER: Jerry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Waldner of Rosenort, Man., was married to Renee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Reimer of Pleasant Valley, Man. The wedding took place at the Pleasant Valley EMC on July 20, 1996, with John Reimer of Pleasant Valley officiating. The cou­ ple is making their home in Morris, Man.

MATCHETT - JACOBSON: Al Matchett of Calgary, Alta., was married on June 29, 1996, to Debbie Jacobson also of Calgary. The wedding took place at the Abbeydale Christian Fellowship in Calgary, with Charles Koop of Calgary officiating. The cou­ ple is residing in Calgary.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of thirteen churchrelated agencies which provides a reliable channel for relief and development aid to food-insecure countries.

Position Avaiiable EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The successful applicant will administer the programs and poli­ cies of the Foodgrains Bank, and negotiate and secure funding and commodities from government and other agencies for use in overseas relief and development work of the member churches.

Qualifications: 1. An active Christian commitment 2. Demonstrated leadership ability and interpersonal skills 3. Demonstrated competence in the area of administration and organization development 4. Familiarity with global issues, food needs and resources 5. An understanding of international relief and development work, overseas experience, and international commodity ex­ change experience would be assets. This is a four-year renewable term. Full job description supplied on request. Apply in writing with resumd to: Mr. Gordon Miles, Chair Canadian Foodgrains Bank 400 - 280 Smith Street P.O. Box 767 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2L4 Deadline: October 1, 1996

Canadian ^ibodgiains ®anV flx A Christian Response 'S’

to Hunger

THE MESSENGER

t

«

By the WAY

By Dave Schellenberg

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DO YOU EVER find yourself in such a quandary that you think. This time there is no way out? Or do you almost despair as you think of the commitment you have made? You get in over your head and wonder how things will be resolved. What we need in these situations is the word of Moses to the children of Israel at the Red Sea. “It had been better for us to serve the Egyptians,” they said, “than to die in the wilderness” (Genesis 14:12). Then Moses comes up with these words, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord....” And they did experience deliver­ ance by the mighty hand of God. This is what I, by the grace of God, have been able to do more and more in the past year or so. “Stand still and see....” There came obligations which scared me. I shared my fears with my wife, something I don’t do very soon. (We males think we can take care of whatever comes!) And I experienced what Paul found when the Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you....” I remember one instance where I just thought there was no way out. But the Lord undertook in a marvellous manner, and the situation was resolved. I don’t know how it is with other seniors, but I find that with age and time, my faith is increasingly tested. The strong faith I had in other years seems to be challenged more and more, so that I am cast more and more on the Lord. That, of course, is good. Peter talks of a “trial of faith” as something of which we will be proud at the appearing of Jesus Christ. James talks of “various trials” as something to be welcomed! Don’t get me wrong — I’m sure their trials were of an altogether different nature. However, we can learn by waiting on the Lord even for the smaller things we worry about. I have found that it has been good to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” There is a verse of a hymn which says.

Each victory will help you some other to

tional in your house, or maybe didn’t read it or have forgotten what it said, let me summarize it. J. David Branon writes the short piece, “She’s Worth Listening To.” The person referred to, obviously, is your wife. The article has to do with listen­ ing to our spouses when they talk. I’m sure to many of us the word was well spoken, and maybe we even secretly resolved to improve. A wife must be the most longsuffering creature. She wants to talk but the husband hides his face behind the paper. Why? It must be very depressing. In a letter to Ann Landers, one woman complains that “for years” she has been trying to get her husband to talk to her. Fortunately, I don’t think any of my read­ ers can identify with that. I think to say that one is the quiet type is a copout. By nature I am not talkative; usually I would rather listen. And maybe we can learn more from listening, but this should not rule out contributing to conversation. Maybe we men have to learn this; I believe it can be practiced. We need to express ourselves in talk­ ing. “Talking every day, even if only for ten or fifteen minutes, helps keep resentments and misunderstandings from building up” {Ladies Home Jour­ nal, June 1995). I believe this is good ad­ vice. And when there is nothing to talk about, invent something. The weather is always a ready topic: the cold in winter and the heat in sum­ mer. We can share an article we have read. (Or even aches and pains!) Well, Mr. Branon not only exposes the case, he also gives some good advice as a starter to remedy the problem. “Look at your wife when she talks to you. Respond when she makes a state­ ment. Participate eagerly in conversa­ tions with her. Show by your attitude that your other interests can wait.” She may wonder what happened to you, but why not try it sometime. There’s another reason for a husband

win. There is a certain amount of truth in this, but it must be learned too. One so easily forgets past victories.

Sixth Annual Winnipeg Prophecy Conference September 19-21, 1996 at Calvary Temple, Winnipeg, Man.

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HUSBANDS, HOW MANY of you read the June 10 page of Our Daily Bread? You did? I wonder how many of us had to say, “That’s me.” Just in case you don’t use this devoSEPTEMBER 4, 1996

Theme: Israel, the Church and the New World Order

with various international Bible teachers Phone: 204-254-7843

and wife to keep lines of communica­ tion open. When your wife wonders why you don’t talk, it might be because you have nothing to say. But talk is also for mutual assurance that you are “still there.” This time it is not so much the content, but assuring her that, as far as you are concerned, all is well. I believe John M. Drescher makes a strong case for open conversation when he says, “Marriage is really a lifetime of relationships dependent upon commu­ nication.” If that is so, then it seems to me that talking should be a top priority.

DO YOU EVER write a note to your wife? Well, I did the other day. Under the cir­ cumstances, a conversation would have been difficult due to the fact that we were sitting in church. And the service was in progress! You see, since I feared we might be late for church, I had been in quite a hur­ ry. I dropped Helen off at the door and after I parked the car, I couldn’t locate her right away. When I did find her, I was obviously a little frustrated, and likely showed it. After we had been seated it started to bother me. What if I had spoiled the whole service for her by my reaction? That’s when I had the idea of a note. Notes are usually handily available in our pews. We have small blue en­ couragement cards we may fill out and stick in someone’s mailbox. Only this time it was in the form of an apology, and I handed it to my wife sitting next to me. I did not question her forgiveness, but I know I had peace about it.

REUNION Western Gospel Mission Workers, Board Members, Associates This year, 1996, is the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Western Gospel Mission. A reunion is planned:

September 21, 1996 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kleefeld E. M. Church Kleefeld, Man. Cost: $15.00

If you were associated with the Western Gospel Mission (1946-61), this is your in­ vitation to attend. For further information, call or write: Dave Schellenberg Box 1661 Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Ph. 204-326-6050

PAGE 19

The Personal Touch SBC History Memoir No. 3

Yes, That's the Book For Me PAGING THROUGH ONE of my dad’s old Bibles is a breathtaking experience. Right now 1 have three of them laid out on my desk. Each one is worn out — the cover gone or hanging by a thread; tattered pages from Genesis, the concordance, and the Pauline epistles coaxed from their bindings. Each one is a Holman black face edition of the King James version of the Holy Bible. From as far back as 1 can remember, this Bible was Dad’s study text, his source of inspiration, and his constant companion. Other translations and editions lined his shelves, but this one, validated by a lifetime of faithful use, was truly his own. 1 don’t know how many Holman Bibles he owned, successively, in the span of years beginning in 1939, when he was initiated into serious Bible study at Winnipeg Bible Institute, and ending in 1994, when he ultimately finished his course. But with each successive one, the words were burned more deeply into his mind and heart. Appropriately, Dad carried his “sword” in his right hand. 1 can see him now, striding toward some podium, steps firm and bearing purposeful, with no other visible preaching help but his Holman Bible. Whether the message was to be given in German, Low German, or English, this Bible was fully adequate — he could “read” all three languages out of the same book. Countless times, ready to set out or to return home. Dad would place his Bible on the cartop so that his right hand would be free to open the door. Usually he remembered to retrieve it before he got in. But not always. One day his Bible could not be found. Retracing the day’s events, he concluded that this time he had failed to rescue it from its perch. It must have slipped off on a stretch of bumpy road or at one of many possible turns. Several years later this conclusion was verified when the lost Bible was returned with the finder’s profuse apologies for the long delay. By that time its successor was showing signs of wear. Turning the worn pages of Dad’s old Bible — numerous clues date this one from the forties, years that saw the first exciting surge of SBC enrolment, as well as the first wave of students preparing for

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The late Rev. Ben D. Reimer at his desk

missions overseas — I am drawn into his mind and heart by the evidence of close reading. Blue, red, and black lines, underscoring and connecting words and phrases, circled words, and marginal jottings form a personalized map of much-loved territory. Between the pages I find intriguing bits of history: a blank Credit Union cheque with a hastily-scrawled five-part sermon outline on the back; a poem, “Go as a witness for Jesus”; a visiting speaker’s sermon outline, dated February 24, 1948; a program, “Nach Golgotha,” bearing the official Steinbach Bible School stamp, the list of participants reading like a missionary roster; slips of paper noting questions from the audience (“What is repentance?” “In a government where the people rule, is it a Christian’s duty to vote in the election?”); and, in his characteristic hand, the chorus he taught the students: “Let’s talk about Jesus, the King of kings is He; the Lord of lords supreme, through all eternity; the great 1 Am, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Door. Let’s talk about Jesus more and more.” The truths Dad read, memorized, and taught he also applied to his own life with rigorous faithfulness. Gripped by the message, he was energized to share it with everyone. To commit the Word “to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” was his constant joy. 1 hold his Bible, I remember, and I thank God for the legacy passed on to me. — Doreen Reimer Peters Steinbach, Manitoba

Do you have an idea for a story for this page? Contact us at the address below, or phone or fax us (numbers are on page 2). We’d love to receive your suggestion.

PAGE 20

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

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EMC Missionary

PRA YER CALENDAR October 1996

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Vol. 10

No. 6

We should speak of prayer as God's instrument to release the power of the gospel. - John Piper 1. During the month of October many churches have mission conferences. Pray that these conferences and other mission emphases will challenge and encourage churches in God’s world­ wide mission. Birthday: Glenn Loewen 2. Pray for Alvira Friesen (Rosenort), who has just completed a short furlough in Canada and is returning to Mexico for another term of service in Cuauhtemoc. 3. Pray for Venus r Cote (Kamsack) as * she does follow« up work with the J 1 1 - children and in | homes of people | Jwho were contact- I ed in the summer I activities of camp | X ■ “ and Vacation ’ Bible Classes. Venus Cote

Ernest and Elsie Funk 4. Ernest and Elsie Funk (Felly) work with the church in East Paraguay. Pray for them as they encourage and teach church leaders. Pray also for their health and safe travel.

Elvira Cole, Melissa and Alice

Pray for Elvira Cote (Endeavour) and her daughters in Lac la Biche, Al­ berta. Elvira works at the Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute, a training centre for na­ tive people. Birthday: Daniel Cosens (John and Brenda) 5.

Elmer and Elvira Warkentin and their fami­ ly Kelvin, Kendra and Karlene

6. Pray for Elmer and Elvira Warken­ tin (Steinbach), who work in adminis­ tration with SIM in Toronto. They appreciate prayer as they promote mis­ sions in Canada.

7. Kent and Sandy Dueck (Fort Garry) and their children, Jillian and Madison, live in Winnipeg. Kent is director of In­ ner City Youth Alive, a ministry that fo­ cuses on inner city youth.

huahua City, Mexico. The Koops are in­ volved in a new church-planting minis­ try in their growing city.

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8. Evelyn Barkman (Prairie Rose) returned to Mali, Africa, in August af­ ter a few months of furlough in Cana­ da. Pray for Evelyn as she directs the girls’ school.

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Ben and Henrietta Friesen 9. Pray for Ben and Henrietta Friesen (Steinbach). Ben is involved in a parttime hospital chaplaincy ministry in Winnipeg. Birthdays: Peter Fast (Les and Mari­ anne), Kathy Friesen, Jeremy Kroeker (Jake and Bertha) 10. Tim and Brenda Dyck (Prairie Rose) and their children, Andrew, Mark and Aubrey, live in Dallas, Texas. Pray for Tim as he provides computer exper­ tise to Wycliffe’s Bible translation ministries. Brenda works part-time in the library.

Garry, Cynthia and Kevin Barkman 12. Pray for Garry and Cynthia Bark­ man (Blumenort) in Venezuela. Garry appreciates prayer for safety in flying, which can be difficult at times. Cynthia takes care of the home base, which in­ cludes radio communication.

13. Pray for Wayne and Essie Herrod (Braeside), who live in Winnipeg and promote missions on behalf of Africa Inland Mission. 14. Today is Thanksgiving Day. Let us thank God for all His blessings and remember to pray for the less fortunate people in the world. As an expression ’ of thanksgiving, let us give of our ~ resources to help them.

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Jake, Bertha and Jeremy Kroeker

Diane and Ernie Koop, Michael and Christopher 11. Pray for Ernie and Diane Koop (Steinbach EFC) and their boys in Chi-

15. Pray for Jake and Bertha Kroeker (Rosenort) and Jeremy in El Paso, Texas. The Kroekers have a ministry across the border in Juarez and re­ quest prayer for the national pastor, Pablo Flores. Birthdays: Arlyn Enns, Dave Schmidt, Lavina Wiebe

16. Henry and Florence Goertzen (Mennville) and their children live at Briercrest Bible College during this year of furlough. Pray for the family as ‘ they attend classes. Henry, Florence and Twylla are taking Bible college courses, while Tyler and Trenton are • attending junior high and high school. Birthday: Laura Sharp

17. Pray for the Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission Board as it meets in Winnipeg, starting today and going till Saturday. EMC is a partner in this mission, which works in Burkina Faso, Zaire, Lesotho, Botswana and Transkei.

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20. Pray for Frank and Marge Kroeker (Rosenort) in Filadelfia, Paraguay. Frank is helping to prepare manage­ ment persons forZP-30 Radio. Pray for the transition that is slated for early 1997 when Frank completes his term as manager of ZP-30.

21. Loren and Beth Koehler (Stein­ bach) and girls, Katrina, Victoria and Priscilla, live in an outlying area in Zaire. They request prayer for health and wisdom for their translation and literacy projects. Birthdays: Essie Herrod, Garry Kernelsen 22. Sarah Martens (Kola) teaches half­ time at the Tres Palmas elementary school in Paraguay and serves the other half-time in church-related minis­ tries. Pray for her ministry and also for her retirement plans.

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Revita and Chris Kroeker, Cory and Stefan

18. Chris and Revita Kroeker (Rosenort) and their children live in Caaguazu, Paraguay. They request prayer for the evangelistic/radio follow­ up team, which is made up of a nation­ al and a missionary. Chris works parttime with the team. 19. Pray for David and Judy Schmidt (Rosenort) and fami­ ly in Asuncion, Paraguay. The Schmidts are involved in a new church-planting minis­ try in this city. Pray that peo­ ple would respond to the Good News. Birthdays: Joanne Martens, Benny Goertzen

Arley, Janice, Rachel and Rebecca Loewen 23. Arley and Janice Loewen (Blumenort) and their daughters live in

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'A Judy and Dave Schmidt and their family, Anton, Marvin, Jerald and Wendy

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Toronto, where they work with Iranians and Afghans. They request prayer for their ministry of hospitality, visitation and production of radio programs and literature.

24. Pray for Al and Robyn Thiessen (Landmark) as they teach and counsel in the Rosslyn Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, a missionary children’s school. 25. Glenn and Mary Loewen (Blumenort) and their son, Christian, moved to Asuncion, Paraguay, this past summer. Pray for Glenn as he teaches at the Asuncion Christian Academy and pray for Mary as a homemaker. The Loewens are also studying Spanish and want to be in­ volved in ministry with the Schmidts as time allows. Birthday: David Sharp

26. Julene Peters I (Wymark) works I with refugees in | Germany. She re- I quests prayer for I Selman and her fa- I mily. Pray also for ’ 1^’ Julene as she wit- | nesses and has Bi- I ble studies. She | completes her term of service in Julene Peters early December. Birthday: Rebecca Loewen (Ariey and Janice)

ministry as they work with personnel and set direction for the mission.

Birthdays: Candace Cosens (John and Brenda), Dustin Skopnik (Gordon and Sharon) 28. Pray for John and Lorna Wall (Mt. Salem) and their sons, Harry and Steven. The Walls have just started in a new church-planting ministry in southern Ontario.

29. Pray for j Grace Thiessen | (Steinbach), who I works with the I Zapotec people in I Mexico. She re- I quests prayer for I the translation and I literacy projects I she is involved in | and for the distri- | bution of translat- I ed Scriptures. |

Birthday: Brenda Dyck

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27. Bill and Anna Penner (Ridgewood) live in Thompson, Man., where they provide leadership to the Continental Mission. They request prayer for the

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Grace Thiessen

30. Pray for Harvey Plett (Blumenort), who works at the Windermere High School in the Bahamas. He requests prayer for his health. 31. Evelyn Plett (Prairie Rose) is on a short furlough in Canada. Pray that this would be a refreshing time for her and that her reporting of what God is do­ ing in Spain would be blessed.

For further information write: EMC Board of Mlatlons Box 1268 - 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0 Phone (204) 326-6401

Anna and Bill Penner

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