The Messenger February 7, 1996

The Messenger

FVAMPFI IPAI MENNONITE MPNMDMITF CONFERENCE PDNFFRFNCF EVANGELICAL

VDl VOL. 34 NO NO. 3

FEB. 7/96

Saturday Bible Institute Holds First Graduation by Lester Olfert “This graduation is the culmination of 120 Saturdays of classes over a period of three years,” said Ana Maria Reyes de Blandon, assistant director of the Saturday Bible Insti­ tute, as the graduation exercises began on December 2, 1995. Imagine giving up Saturday leisure time, walking three hours on Friday afternoon to catch a crowded bus for another twohour ride to get to the study centre for classes on Saturday morning. That is an example of the commitment some of the students had to get Bible and Pastoral training over the past three years.

More on page 6...

Left fo right, from the top; 1. The graduating class singing their graduation hymn composed by one of the students; 2. Lester Moreno escorting his mother, Elsa, in the graduation processional; 3. Nicolas Sequeira receiving his diploma from Lester Olfert while Francisco Cano, director, looks on; 4. Teacher Bayardo Blandon with the first-year class of the Satur­ day Bible Institute.

The Road of Life At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable ... It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead. He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness. He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are You taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust.

Wayside Nugg^zts

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. And I'm learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do any more. He just smiles and says... "Pedal." — author unknown Submitted by Elisabeth Friesen Steinbach, Man.

• • •

RIPPLES That Keep Spreading by Betty Barkman When I was a young teen I had ample opportunity to receive gra­ ciously given blessings from my neighbours, the Brauns. One day, when I had just been given yet another free ride in their car, I felt overwhelmed by their kindness, and tried in my own “stuttery,” timid way to express my gratitude. Mr. Braun turned off the ignition, and with his full attention and deep feeling, he told me some things I will never forget. Referring to his own traumatic youth he shared gently for a moment from his deep well of memories and then be­ came very intense as he concluded: “This thing 1 have learned,” he said with fervent gestures of em­ phasis, “there is only ONE appropriate way, only ONE worthy way, only ONE effective way of saying thank you to the people who have helped and blessed you. You take your blessing and spread it on to SOMEONE ELSE, who in turn will spread it to still some­ one else, who in turn will spread it. . . and it becomes like the rip­ ples from skipping stones, they keep spreading on and on end on.” Fve seen your theory work, Mr. Braun, and often in mysterious ways too. Who knows which deed of ours will set one of those ripples in motion or how far such may reach? (In all fairness, may God send a little angel to you with these thoughts and add perhaps another sparkle of appreciation to your crown.)

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During April’s baptismal testimony every eye got moist as she shared her story. She’d not been encouraged to go into detail, but she NEEDED to, it seemed. The abuse, the heartbreaks, the pains of her past were horrendous. During the course of our friendship, while referring to her conversion, she said softly one day, “I could never have gone through with this; I would never have had the courage to believe it was possible, at least not for me, if it hadn’t been for Raynee and the story I heard her share.” Raynee’s past was a very simi’ ; story, and when in the sharing of it, the pain had become overwhelming, her adoptive father lov­ ingly helped her out. All listeners — and the church was full — will long remember the impact of this testimony. Now, when 1 told her of April’s comment, she said, “But 1 would never have had the courage to do what I did, if I hadn’t heard Vinnie share her faith story.” Again, Vinnie’s story, although a little older now, had the very same twist. Agonizing pain slowly giving way to hope and faith and increasing steps of victory and forgiving. And guess what she said when 1 shared these comments with her! She couldn’t have done it. Not really. And she listed the people who helped turn her life around — one schoolteacher, one foster home, a few friends — her list went on. Talk about ripples and their far-reaching effects. Think about the ripples you and 1 can make — with one kind word, one loving deed at a time — and never know just where or how far they’ll go. Note: The three girls never knew each other originally, and had no idea who was in the audience when they shared their faith sto­ ries. The Mr. Braun is the late Henry T. Braun of Steinbach, form­ erly of Blumenort, Man. THE MESSENGER

LOVE

According to 1 Corinthians 13^

Some years ago my class of young teens at La Crete, Al­ berta, was studying the subject of love in Sunday school and how it applies in daily life. They were asked to select an occupation and rewrite 1 Corinthians 13 in light of that occupation. Three young ladies in the class accepted the

ARTIST , by Gina Janzen Though I draw and paint along with the best of artists and have the touch of an angel, but don’t care about those around me, all my efforts are nothing. I’m like old paint and ruined sketches. And if I have all the talent I can use and know all there is to know about fine art and famous artists, and if I have the confidence to become a master, but don’t have any love and goodhearted con­ cern, I am, and I gain, nothing. And should I become fa­ mous and give all my earn­ ings to the poor and needy family next door, and if I would sacrifice anything, including myself, for art, but don’t feel the need to better this world, all my sacrifice is useless. Real love is longsuffering, kind and not envious. Love isn’t proud. Love doesn’t be­ have badly or "seek her own.” Love isn’t easily an­ gered. Real love doesn’t think any evil or rejoice when she sees evil, but rather is glad when she sees goodness. Love will bear all things, even when the going gets tough. Love always looks for the best and hopes for the best in all things. Love

always endure anything. Love won’t ever fail when you need it most. Real love is eternal, it can’t fade away or die when "put through the fire." When I was younger, I wasn’t a very mature artist,

I saw and drew things as a child. Now I am older and able to feel and express more deep beauty in art. One thing life has taught me is that love, hope and faith will last forever. The greatest of these three is love.

STUDENT

endless notes will come to ures, but now I am faced an end but love will be there with the problems of my felforever. Noisy students will low students and the come to an end but love is teacher who needs coeverlasting. School will operation. I have learned these come to an end but love never will. things; patience, hardship Before I went to school, I and love, but love is the was surrounded with pleas- greatest of allthese things,

by Allison Wiens Ifl were a top student, but did not love my classmates, I might as well be at home all this time. And if I knew the answer to every question ever asked, but showed no love for my fellow stu­ dents, it would be useless. And if I were well-liked but did not like them back, it would be meaningless. Love is patient, when you have to let your friend bor­ row your eraser every ten minutes. Love is kind, when you lend your pencil to someone and never get it back. Love isn’t jealous, when you hear of a person who always gets A’s, while you get A’s and B’s. Love is not proud, when your report card is excellent. Love does not demand its own way, when you don’t know the answers to a test, and would like to ask a friend for them. Long tests, short stubby pencils, tired hands and

... the greatest of these is love! February 1, 1996

challenge and submitted their work. Though they have not precisely followed the careers they describe here, it has been a joy to see them demonstrate the principles of 1 Corinthians 13 in their lives. Menno Hamm

by Kelly Kincaid Though I could play a Beethoven symphony on the piano, without notes, and did not have love, 1 might as well play "Mary Had a Little Lamb” on four keys. And if I could play any instrument I want to the first time I tried, or could play any piece of music on the violin the first time I saw it, and did not have love, I would be wasting my time, And if I gave my whole life to music, and did not have love, it would be useless. Love is patient when there aren’t any orchestra jobs available. It is kind when you are at a concert, and someone jeers at a mistake. It does not envy someone who can play the violin, harp, flute and French horn when you can only play the organ. Love is not proud when you are ALWAYS

asked for an encore. Love does not demand its own when you do not feel like practicing, and would rather make up for lost time “tomorrow.” Tiring practices, difficult pieces and grumpy conductors will come to an end, but love will last forever. Noisy audiences and out-of-tune instruments will come to an end, but there will always be love. When I was a child, I played, understood and thought of music as a child, but now that I am older, I think of it in a different way. At first I knew nothing about music, and now I know only a little, but one day I will know everything about it. The three things I have learned from music are endurance, patience and love, but the greatest of these is love, PAGE 3

Letters Give AH You Can After reading Elma and Tim Koop’s thoughtful letter on the theology of money (The Messenger, Jan. 10/96), I thought I would venture to guess they understand the bases behind John Wesley’s “Biblical Principles of Money.” Brother Wesley, who was never particular­ ly coy, listed them simply as follows: 1. Make all you can; 2. Save all you can; and above all, 3. Give all you can! In a balanced Christian life these maxims would naturally be tempered by many other principles requiring time and attention in balance. Our Roman Catholic neighbours here have been deeply taught that the passive accep­ tance of their poverty is one of the more vir­ tuous and efficacious atonements for their sins. Jesus, on the other hand, has called us to imitation of Himself, “Who being rich, yet for [others’] sakes, made Himself poor!” Truly Christian poverty is: — not the result of passivity, but of height­ ened activity. — sacrifice made not for oneself, but for others. Arlyn van Enns Fort Chipewyan, Alta. Eden Mental Health Centre

Mental Health Workshops Dr. Bernie Wiebe, Menno Simons Col­ lege, Winnipeg, will lead two one-day-long workshops entitled “Forgiveness That Heals." Dr. Wiebe will explore the con­ nectedness between healing and forgive­ ness. He believes that genuine forgiveness contributes to healing while a pseudo-forgiveness contributes to men­ tal anguish and more brokenness. Plan to attend either workshop: — Tuesday, March 5, at the Winkler Bible Institute, 121 7th Street S, Winkler, Man., or — Tuesday, March 19, at Canadian Mennonite Bible College, 600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, Man. Both workshops will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For brochures call Eden Mental Health Centre: 1-204-325-4325, or fax 1-204325-8429.

Steinbach Bible College

Professor Studies Evangelism Practices in Winnipeg According to a recent survey by Dr. Jerry Hildebrand of Steinbach Bible College, Men­ nonite churches are statistically the slowest growing group among the ten main evangeli­ cal denominations in Winnipeg. Based on the number of bap­ tisms, the Chinese, Spanish and Tagalog (Philippine) people have the fastest- 7' a) growing evangelical f ' churches. Dr. Jerry Hildebrand Hildebrand’s study also found that many churches see mass evangelism as the most im­ portant means of shctring the Christian faith. Yet, participants in the study expressed a need for churches to equip members for outreach in their everyday lives. Another finding which Hildebrand calls “sur­ prising” is that there appears to be very little

MCC, MCC U.S. Annual Meetings — Feb. 15-17 AKRON, Pa. — The annual meetings of Men­ nonite Central Committee (MCC) and MCC U.S. members will be held in Calgary, Alta., February 15 to 17. At these sessions, board members will dis­ cuss proposed program plans and budgets for the coming year. The 36 board members are elected representatives of MCC’s 17 consti­ tuent groups. An evening program will be held Friday, February 16, at 7 p.m. at the Dalhousie Men­ nonite Brethren Community Church, 551 Baroc Road N.W., Calgary, Alta. Speakers in­ clude Manjula Patnaik, MCC India staff mem­ ber; David Nyonzima, Moderator of Evangelical Friends Church of Burundi, an MCC partner; and Jasmina Tosic, Co-director of Bread of Life, Belgrade, Yugoslavia, an MCC partner. Also, Rod and Keithal Wilson, of the University of Alberta, Edmonton, and MCC Kenya, will speak on “The Church and the Pastoral People of Kenya.” Phil Rich, MCC chair, will present “MCC in 1995.” Special music will be provided by the South Calgary Inter-Mennonite Choir. Business sessions are also open to the pub­ lic and will be held at the Dalhousie Mennonite Brethren Community Church as well. MCC U.S. sessions will be Thursday, February 15, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MCC annual business

February 16 -16 March S and 8 Mental Health Workshop EMC Leadership Retreat February 9-11 with Or. Bernie Wiebe with John and Mary Regehr Missionfest March 5: Winkter Bible Duck Mountain Lodge Kamsack, Sask. Institute, Winkler, Man. o Speaiidr: Tony Campolo March 6: Canadian Mennonite Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-3286401 Bible Ccrflege, Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-462-2727 February 23 - 26 Phone: 204-326-4325 Canadian Revival Fellowship February IS -17 MCC Blnational and MCC U.S. Conference IMarch 21 ■ 24 Speaker: Wesley Duewel Mennonite Health Assembiy Annual Meetings “Caring and Healing in our Osihousie MB Commurtly Church Regina, Sask. Fragmented Worlds" Phone: 306-522-3685 Calgary, Atta. Chicago, Illinois Phone: 204-261-6381 gMone; 1.800-348-7468

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prayer among Winnipeg evangelical pastors and church members. These findings emerged from Hildebrand’s research for his doctoral dissertation, “A Sur­ vey of the Evangelism Practices of the Evan­ gelical Churches of Winnipeg, Manitoba.” The dissertation was completed under the super­ vision of missiologist Dr. Paul G. Hiebert of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) in Deerfield, Illinois. Hildebrand successfully defended his disser­ tation on November 13 and was awarded a Doctor of Missiology degree by TEDS in ab­ sentia on December 5. Dr. Hildebrand and his wife Marjorie served in Brazil from 1961-76. A teacher by profes­ sion, he took his earlier education at Mennonite Brethren Bible College, University of Manitoba and Wheaton Graduate School. He is currently Professor of Missions at Steinbach Bible College.

sessions will be Friday, February 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, February 17, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some board and staff mem­ bers will speak in area churches on Sunday, February 18.

CORRECTIONS: Please note the follow­ ing corrections to the St. Vital church profile in the January 24 issue: Sam Lercara is chair­ man of the Building Committee. John Doerksen has only agreed to be a consultant for the building program, not manager. We apologize for the errors. Editor

THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: inform con­ cerning events and activities in the denomina­ tion; instruct in godliness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. Let­ ters, articles photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own, and do not necessari­ ly represent the position of the Conference. Subscriptions: $7.00 per year. Members pay through their church. Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total: $7.49. All correspondence should be addressed to The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main Street, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscrip­ tions should be mailed to the above address. The Messenger is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Editor: Menno Hamm Assistant: Martha Kroeker Phone: (204) 326-6401; Fax: (204) 326-7673 E-mail: emconf@mts.ne1

THE MESSENGER

MHSC Annual Meeting The Mennonite Historical Society of Cana da (MHSC) board and executive met on Satur day, December 3, 1995, at the Mennonitr Heritage Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, for its annual meeting. The Society discussed marketing and dis­ tribution of the third and final volume in the Mennonites in Canada history series, which deals with the period 1945-1970. It is to be released by the University of Toronto Press in spring 1996. Pre-publication sales of Volume 3, at a discounted rate of $24.95, will be handled by the MHSC. After April 30, Mennonite Books will distribute Volume 3 in Canada at the regular rate of $29.95. Discus­ sions are under way with a potential United States distributor. Plans are under way for Dr. T.D. Regehr, the author of Volume 3 in the Mennonites in Canada series, to tour Canada in May and June this year, promoting the book. The author’s tour will begin with a book-launching in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Provincial and regional Mennonite historical societies are en­ couraged to cooperate with the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada in planning Dr. Regehr’s itinerary. A major North American Mennonite histo­ ry conference is planned to celebrate the com­ pletion of the Mennonites in Canada history series and the United States Mennonite Ex­ perience in America history series. It will be held in western Canada, probably on the Pa­ cific coast, in fall 1997. The conference will focus on what is common as well as distinct between Mennonite experiences in Canada and the United States and examine possible integrative or collaborative ideas and agenda. MHSC members on the planning committee are Dr. Roy Loewen and Dr. Reg Good (co-chair). The Society also examined ideas for future publications. Dr. T.D. Regehr and Dr. Roy Loewen were authorized to prepare a twopage prospectus for a 350-page volume that

Tony Drledger Stewardship Consultant

The Cure for Intestacy Have you ever heard of “intestacy”? It’s not a disease of the intestine. In fact, it is not even a medical term. It is a legal term and a legal condition having to do with dy­ ing without a will. It concerns the laws which regulate the distribution of your pos­ sessions when you die without a will. John H. Rudy in his book, Monepwise Meditations, says that it is a stewardship disorder. It describes Christian irresponsi­ bility. The prophet told King Hezekiah “to set [his] house in order” (Isaiah 38:1). My King James Version of the Bible gives a column entry of “Give charge concerning thy house.” That means: take care of your family and accept responsibility. How can you treat “intestacy”? There is only one way and that is to make a will of your own. A will is one way to give charge will be a comprehensive his­ tory of Mennonites in Cana­ da from 1786 to the present. Lawrence Klippen­ stein was authorized to pre­ pare a single-page prospec­ tus on the writing of a fortypage pamphlet about Men­ nonites in Canada. The board re-elected its executive members: Ted Friesen, former co-owner of D. W. Friesen’s in Altona, Man., president; Linda Huebert Hecht, treasurer; Dick Epp, vice-president; and Dr. Reg Good, secretary.

VIDEO SEMINAR Resolving Personal and Spiritual Conflicts

featuring Dr. Nell Anderson author of “The Bondage Breaker" and "Victory Over the Darkness”

Dates: Times: Location: Costs:

February 12-17 Monday - Friday, 6:45 to 9:15 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church 422 Main Street, Steinbach, Man. $45/person, $25/each additional family member living at home. Materials included.

Topics included: Renewing the Mind Healing Damaged Emotions Freedom of Forgiveness Protection of the Believer Steps to Freedom in Christ Walking by Faith, and others. February 7, 1996

to your house. A will helps to tcike care of specific future family needs that a spouse or children might be presented with, should you die. A will lets you dispose of your pos­ sessions the way you would wish. It lets you make some final contributions to char­ ity and to the work of God’s kingdom. Often people don’t make a will because they don’t expect to die just yet; they think they have lots of time to do it. We all know of stories that show that may not be the case. My daughter says it’s morbid, “Don’t talk about dying.” The condition of “intestacy” is curable. You don’t have to succumb to the “grave” problems of intestacy. Make a will. If you already have one, check it to see if it still says what you want it to say. John H. Rudy says that Christians who make wills and get their financial house in order may even live a little longer. That makes a lot of sense because they’ve taken a load off their mind. Would you like some help with your will or estate planning? Give me a call at home at 204-661-6367 or leave a message at the Conference office. Fll return your call as soon as possible.

Inner City Youth Alive BUILDING PROJECT Volunteers Needed! Inner City Youth Alive will be starting their building project on February 5 and will be working until May 10. We are calling on individuals and church groups who can come to help out in the following areas: Drywalling Taping Plumbing Roofing Cleaning Finish Carpentry Painting Miiiwork Framing Masonry Electrical insulating Demolition Please contact Kent Dueck at 204-582-8779, or stop by at the building at 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, Man.

FINANCIAL UPDATE Evangelical Mennonite Conference The Board of Trustees expresses appreciation to the constituency for the financial giving in 1995. A prelimi­ nary financial report for the year shows that the receipts more than covered the expenses. $1,296,000 Receipts for 1995 budget Disbursements for 1995 budget 1,285,000 Receipts over disbursements $ 11,000 Thank you to all who contributed to the Lord’s work of the E. M. Conference. Your faithful and generous giving will be blessed by God. We encourage you to continue to give generously in 1996. The 1996 budget for the ministries of EMC is higher than the 1995. It is expected that the mission outreach in Canada and abroad will see an increase In personnel. May each of you experience a blessed 1996! Board of Trustees PAGE 5

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Missions NICARAGUA

Saturday Bible Institute First Graduation (continued) The First Mennonite Church of Colonia Morazan, Managua, Nicaragua, was filled to capacity as friends and families of the graduates came to celebrate this event and give praise to God for his faithfulness. The sanctuary had been decorated with balloons, streamers and bouquets of fresh flowers. The banner above the stage read “First Graduation ‘Evangelical Mennonite Conference’ — Diploma in Pastoral and Anabaptist Theology.” The staff, students and board of the Institute had decided to dedicate this first graduation to the Evangelical Mennonite Con­ ference for their valuable contribution in the realization of this project. During the service, Elizabeth Vado, chairperson of the Christian Education Committee, presented a scroll to Lome Moor­ head and me as a token of appreciation. This was the inscription: “First Graduation — Mennonite Fraternity Bible Institute presents: RECOGNITION to THE EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CON­ FERENCE for its valuable cooperation with the brethren of the Mennonite Fraternity. Managua, Nicaragua - December 2, 1995.” Lome Moorhead responded with words of greeting from the Board of Missions and congratulations to the faculty and students. This training institute had its beginnings in the early ’90s with the vision of Jose Francisco Cano, who later became the director. A Bible Institute graduate himself, he saw the need for trained leadership. As he shared his vision with others it began to grow. They asked the EMC Board of Missions for assistance. They were

Left: Emcees Jairo Arce and Ana Maria Reyes, right: Elizabet Vado, chair of the Christian Education Committee, presented a scroil of recog­ nition to Lome Moorhead and Lester Olfert in appreciation of support from the Evangeiical Mennonite Conference.

encouraged to present a plan. For one year they had meetings and working sessions, with technical assistance from SEMILLA (an Anabaptist Extension Seminary in Guatemala) in establishing a cur­ riculum. In February 1992 the Saturday Bible Institute was launched with two study centres. Each year they developed and wrote the materials for the courses. It was very moving to see the processional of the graduates ac­ companied by their escorts: teenagers bringing in their parents, a husband escorting his wife or vice versa. Tears blurred my vision as I realized how the grace of God had helped these individuals to persevere. I was reminded of Philippians 1:6, “...He who be­ gan a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 also came to mind: “I [Paul] planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow .... we are God’s fellow workers.” Many had con­ tributed to the success of the Institute. Among the graduates were second-generation Christians and people whom we (EMC mission­ aries) had won to the Lord and discipled. One student from each study centre gave words of appreciation, thanking the teachers for their faithful instruction and patience,

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Many friends and relatives came to celebrate the graduation of the 15 students from the three-year Pastoral and Anabaptist Theology Studies program of the Saturday Bible Institute. (Photos by Pedro Luis Espinales and Lester Olfert.)

the churches for their encouragement and prayers, and the Chris­ tian Education Committee for their administrative guidance. They mentioned times when they had felt like quitting because of the heavy demands. They said the instruction they had received had already been put into practice in their ministry. Having been asked to give the graduation challenge from the Word, I based my message on 2 Timothy 2, where the apostle Paul outlines a plan for a multiplying ministry. Depending on and be­ ing empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome timidity, practice self-control and love (2 Timothy 1:7) is of primary importance. A second aspect of this plan is to entrust the message of the gospel to reliable persons who will be able to teach others. This principle had been exemplified in the Bible Institute. 1 challenged the gradu­ ates to go out and teach others who would carry the torch. Paul also gives illustrations of the soldier, the athlete and the farmer that display the qualities of perseverance, commitment and hard work, important requirements for a fruitful ministry. The climax of the service came when Jose Francisco Cano, the director, and 1 handed out the diplomas. As the name of each graduate was announced by the masters of ceremonies, Jairo Arce and Ana Maria Reyes, the congregation broke out in applause. This moment of triumph and celebration was enjoyed by all and would be savoured in happy memories. Glory and praise was given to God. After the service everyone was invited to a fellowship meal, Nicaragua-style. There were no tables, so we ate our plates of chop suey, Valencian rice and chopped meat and rice while standing. This gave opportunity to mingle and visit with a lot of acquain­ tances. As the celebration came to a close and the people began leaving, I felt a reluctance to go because it had been such a satis­ fying day. However, 1 realized that this was just another step in the building of the church in Nicaragua and worldwide and there would be other equally significant events to anticipate.

Left: Fidelina Castillo de Chavarria receiving her diploma from Fran­ cisco Cano, director of the Bible Institute; right: The engraved leather scroll that was given to the Evangelical Mennonite Conference of Canada.

THE MESSENGER

My First Impressions of Nicaragua by Lome Moorhead My impressions of Nicaragua can be set out in the form of a series of surprises. The first surprise was to receive an invitation from the executive of the Board of Missions to accompany Lester Olfert on this trip, from November 24 to December 7. I am grateful to my church board for giving me time off to go. Nicaragua would not have been my first choice to visit. I had sometimes thought I would like to visit the missionaries and churches either in Mexico or Paraguay. But now I would return in an instant if I had a good reason to do so (or even without one).

inner office where he worked on my Span­ ish — not with a lot of success. I was surprised one week later, on Satur­ day, December 2, to find the Morazan church (the Evangelical Mennonite Church of the Fraternity in Managua) beautifully decorated with flowers attached to every pew, streamers, balloons and large bouquets on the platform. The church filled up with an overflow crowd. It was Graduation Day for the third-year Saturday Bible Institute students. Fifteen (nine men and six women) received their diplomas. It was a joyous and beautiful service. Lester was the graduation

THE GRADUATES’ COMMITMENT We present ourselves to God, grateful for His call Wid the oppbrtuhity to serve the community of believers. We recognize that along with the train­ ing, we also accept added responsibility in the church. We put ourselves at the disposal of the Kingdom and we commit ourselves before God and the brethren to dedicate what we have learned to the service of the King­ dom and the communities of faith where the Lord has placed us. I was surprised by the heat as we stepped off the plane at the Managua airport at 8 p.m., even though Lester had told me it would be warm. I still wore my sweater and jacket and by the time I collected my bag­ gage it was getting hot! Another surprise was the drivers of Managua — they don’t drive like that in Steinbach or Endeavour! It could be described by the term reckless abandon-, I be­ gan to get used to it. Lester had to readjust his driving habits and he turned out to be as wild a driver as any Nicaraguan. I was surprised that singing was coming from the fraternity office building when we arrived there on Saturday morning. The stu­ dents of the Saturday Bible Institute were having chapel before classes. We were in­ troduced and warmly greeted. One student said I looked like Menno. Did he mean Men­ no Simons or Menno Hamm? I’m not sure. The students divided up into first, second and third year, meeting in separate areas. Ar­ nulfo Vado and I found ourselves in the

Bl

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Pastor Ramiro of the Ciudad Sandino church dedicating two children to God.

February 7, 1996

speaker; he wept before he could begin. Un­ doubtedly, it was a moving event for him to see many years of effort culminate that day. It was one of those precious moments that come rarely. I wept quietly as the significance

Teachers of the Bible Institute, left to right: Francisco Cano, Oscar Zepeda, Bayardo Blandon, and Ana Mara Reyes de Blandon, dependent on outside help? The churches of Nicaragua have come a long way in becom­ ing self-reliant. It is hard to do it, but it is better to keep hands off. The service that night was a joyful occasion. Pastor Ramiro Moreno dedicated two young couples and their infants to the Lord. I was to see evidence of dire poverty among some of the rural churches later, but poverty does not seem to hinder these won­ derful Christians from loving the Lord Je­ sus nor keep them from wanting to reach out to other villages with the gospel. I wasn’t surprised to meet Arnulfo Vado, pastor of the Los Cruces church, because he was at a Region 3 Conference a few years ago, so I knew he was there somewhere. It

Lome Moorhead in a meeting witn the La Paz Church Board and Youth Committee. (Where is Lome?)

of what he was experiencing began to dawn on me. It was a pleasant surprise to see school stu­ dents of all ages wearing neat uniforms — the girls in white blouses and dark skirts and the boys in white shirts and dark trousers. It was surprising, when we stopped at a traffic light, to have a young boy step up and begin to wash the windshield. It needed it, so he got paid. Can it be that some of the children have to work instead of going to school? One evening we stopped at a pizza place for supper around 8:30. Immediately, a young girl of ten or eleven was offering to guard the truck while we were inside — another way to earn money. I was surprised and concerned that the Ciudad Sandino church could not afford to complete work on their building. The first impulse is to urge the Board of Missions to do something to help this church. But is it wise to step in with finances and make them

was a surprise to find myself preaching in his church, with Lester translating. I may have come away from the Nicaraguan churches with an idealistic view of their church life. However, having sat in on several meetings of church organizations and committees has helped make it more realistic. They have problems and difficul­ ties just as we do. This was not a surprise. The thing that impressed me most of all was that these churches were organized and functioning without any missionary. This is a credit to those of our missionaries who were previously in Nicaragua and trained leadership to take charge of the churches so they would become self-sustaining. One last observation — these churches are poor, but in their poverty they are rich. Lome Moorhead Lome Moorhead, pastor of the Endeavour Fellowship Chapel (EMC), is a member of the Board of Missions. PAGE 7

NAIROBI. KENYA

Rosslyn Academy: First Impressions An Essential Support Ministry August 14, 1995 A young married couple gets into a school van in the Westlands area of Nairobi, Kenya. It’s a long way from Landmark, Manitoba, where they had been enjoying a quiet, secure life just a few short weeks earlier. They gaze in wonderment at the new sights around them as the van begins the 15-km trip to Rosslyn Academy. The couple is excited about their new life but also feel tension, nervousness and anxiety as they wind their way northward through the choked rush-hour streets. The van turns off the busy Nairobi roads and takes a quiet street past the United Na­ tions compound. The relative peace found here allows the couple to ask themselves a few questions; What will the campus be like? What kind of students will we be working with? Will we fit in with the students and the established staff? Will we be able to adapt to the un­ familiar aspects and expectations of our new jobs? The couple is anxious because they have already felt somewhat overwhelmed by the culture shock experienced in their first few weeks in Nairobi. One kilometre past the UN compound the van turns onto a tiny side street. A small wooden sign reads Rosslyn Academy, and the new teachers crane their necks for their first glimpse of the campus. “There it is!” The first question, at least, is answered favourably — the campus is beautiful. The on-campus staff houses look like quaint little cottages with brick walls and red-tile roofs. An expanse of grass soccer fields, red clay track, and an out­ door basketball court separates the housing from the main school buildings. As the van drives slowly to the main gate, the couple glimpses tree-covered sidewalks and flowersunounded classroom buildings. The couple has come to Rosslyn Academy to fill two staffing needs. Al will teach high school social studies and assist the athletic program. Robyn will be the school’s guidance counsellor, a completely new experience for her. As the first school buses arrive, Al and Robyn reflect on what they know about their new students. Rosslyn Academy is a school with 380 stu­ dents from K to 12. The students come from fourteen different countries and represent sixty different mission agencies, diplomatic families and a few Kenyan business families. It’s an eclectic mixture that is sure to provide many challenges and rewards to the new teachers. The Thiessens are here because they recog­ nize the importance of providing a quality edu­ cation to the children of missionaries. Even though this is not “front-line” mission work, it is an essential support ministry. Rosslyn Academy’s mission is to help each student de­ velop God’s gifts for service in the world com­ munity. The new teachers are excited about their opportunity to help Rosslyn reach that goal. PAGE 8

November 27, 1995 Four months of the school year have passed. It has been every bit as exciting, re­ warding, challenging and frustrating as was an­ ticipated. Robyn enjoys her counselling work -----------

but finds some of the paper work to be tedi­ ous. Al is enjoying his classes but does get tired of the hours of evening preparation. Both have many stories and experiences to relate but they will have to wait for another time. The school van is leaving for another day. Al and Robijn Thiessen Al and Robi^n Thiessen (Landmark) are serving at Rosslyn Academy under Eastern Mennonite Mission.

> SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOUR 3►

Here is the fourth Sunday school lesson in a series of five spon­ sored by the Conference Assessment committee. This one, writ­ ten by Dr. Arden Thiessen, deals with social consciousness in the Conference. All adults are urged to study this lesson in advance and bring it to their Sunday school class on February 25 for discussion. — Conference Assessment Committee PERU

Rewards in Heaven Planned by God A very meaningful song depicts a Christian’s dream of dying and going to heaven. There the Christian is welcomed by individuals who come to thank him for his influence on their lives. The impact he had on them was unknown to him; he was overwhelmed. Peo­ ple kept coming to say, Thank you for giving to the Lord because I am a life that was changed.... How will it be for you and me? Will there be people in heaven because you gave, and prayed? Yes, I believe so. Thank you for al­ lowing me to serve the Lord here in Peru. When Liselotte Spring, from the Swiss Mis­ sion, and 1 left for the Pajonal, an area in the Andean foothills where the Asheninca people live, we had intended to go to one village but were unable to land there due to an uncut air-

Amelia and baby Timoteo

Incopi and Fidel

strip. Instead, we went to Shumawani, the place God intended for us. We arrived unexpectedly, but Incopi and Amelia, a young couple, graciously allowed us the use of their house, which was furnished with two big beds. We made ourselves com­ fortable. The roof was good...no need to worry when it rained. How well God had planned it! We were able to help many who were sick, some with the flu, others with whooping cough. Incopi’s six-year-old son, Fidel, had whoop­ ing cough when we arrived, and the baby boy got it when he was about three weeks old. With a few simple medicines and nursing care both came through it very well. The baby also has a club foot, which we are now in the process of having corrected. This family was so helpful to us and they were also ready to be taught to read better. But better yet, they were eager to receive teaching from the Scriptures. Both Incopi and Amelia asked Jesus to forgive their sins and live in their hearts. One evening as we sang around the cook­ ing fire, Incopi requested that we sing “How Great Thou Art.” How could he know that song? I wondered. Before there was a school in Shumawani, ten to eleven years ago, Inco­ pi went to school in a neighbouring commuTHE MESSENGER

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nity where the teacher had sung it with his stu­ dents. In all these years Incopi had not for­ gotten. It was a teacher who influenced Incopi, and I like to think that I influenced that teacher. It is very likely that I taught the teacher to sing “How Great Thou Art.” Your gifts to a missionary, the cup of cold water, the words of encouragement, a written letter, a hug — all will be rewarded someday, if not here on earth, then in heaven. “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? In­ deed, you are our glory and joy” (I Thessalo­ nians 2:19,20).

Their experiences could be described as scary, exhausting and more — scary when a large jaguar wandered too close to the camp, ex­ hausting when they travelled upriver by foot or canoe to check on the gift racks that were put up earlier, and exciting when gifts were missing and fresh footprints were seen. They learned much about living in the jungle and saw many answers to prayer for their protec­ tion and safety. As time went by, there was no further evi­ dence of the people. Pray that the Moronahua people would desire contact. Besides the Moronahua we are seeking to contact several other groups of people. Verna Doerksen

• * • •

Verna Doerksen (Blumenort) serves with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Peru, where her work includes literacy and teacher training.

The team of three single women spent four months living in a remote area on a riverbank.

CANADA

My Missionary Training Experience The People of the North

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Our trip to Garden River and Fox Lake started a day later than expected. One of our two boat motors needed fixing. It took longer than we thought and so we waited. That’s one thing Fve noticed about working in the North — you do a lot of waiting. Even as I write this report we have been waiting two days for the weather to clear so that Ron Knightly can fly us out for Recap. Both Arlyn and I were pleased when our friend Mary Wandering Spirit and her grand­ daughter decided to go along with us to Garden River. Mary has lots of relatives in Garden River and we felt doors would be more open to us if she came, so we had prayed she would come. Our trip would take two days so we planned to spend the night in Peace Point, a very small village with six or seven log houses. Only three of these houses are inhabited right now. A Jolly guide On a river, water levels change and sand­ bars shift. Arlyn hadn’t gone up the Peace River for sometime so it was a blessing to see how the Lord provided a ‘guide boat’ to go ahead of us. A guy named Orville had been visiting in Fort Chipewyein and just happened to be on his way home to Peace Point at the Scime time we were starting out. As we went along, our guide and his friends were drink­ ing, but the Lord had His hand on us and we all arrived safely. Our guide was in such a jolly frame of mind by then that he opened the one-room school­ house for us to stay in for the night. This really was another blessing from the Lord since it was late and putting up our tent in the dark with the mosquitoes eating us alive would have been difficult. As our happy, helpful guide was ready to drive away, his last words to me were “My name is Orville but my friends call me Elvis.” Arlyn said Orville is normeilly quiet and shy. I thought it was interesting to see how God February 7, 1996

uses whom he chooses, even our tipsy friend, “Elvis.” The next day we had a long ride ahead of us. There was a five-mile stretch of rapids to go through and so Arlyn put an old prop on the boat motor just in case we hit rocks. We went through slowly but even then we hit bot­ tom several times, stalling the motor and chip­ ping our prop badly. It took us three hours to get through these rapids. Visiting In Garden River We finally arrived in Garden River at 10:30 p.m. Some of the children in the village were still up and they ran along the edge of the cut­ bank watching us. We walked to Mary’s sister’s home. Geor­ gina and her husband, Moses, were very kind to us and fed us, even though it was late. Then they told Arlyn and me that we could stay in their teepee, which was not far from our house. Living in a teepee was actually a very nice experience. There were only two things I could have done without — the rain that came ev­ ery day just as I was trying to cook our sup­ per over an open fire and the mouse that would run over my bed at night and eat our bannock. A warm welcome The warm welcome we received was a pleasant surprise. When Arlyn had last been to Gcirden River, many of the people had been cold and unfriendly. One of the elders had even told Arlyn to stay away from his family. Many payers have already gone up on behalf of this village. We and many others had prayed that God would go before us and pre­ pare hearts. All the time we were there we saw over and over how God had answered that prayer. Mary’s sister and her husband, staunch Ro­ man Catholics, had been quite cold to Arlyn and used to argue angrily with Mary when she tried to tell them what Christ had done for her. (continued on page 10)

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Mission Board Meets A look in the window of the Confer­ ence Office Board Room on January 19 revealed one woman and eight men tending to the agenda of the Board of Missions. Following are some of the items on the agenda of this TVz-hour meeting: • The financial report showed a 1995 shortfall of $79,806 in receipts over dis­ bursements in the Conference. A couple of churches, however, had not yet sent in their December contributions. Ninety percent of this shortfall is in the Missions department. • I reported on the Nicaragua field visit that Lome Moorhead and I made in December. Excerpts of a video from the graduation of the Saturday Bible Institute (see report in this issue) gave the board members a sense of participating in the celebrations. It was gratifying to hear of church growth: three new outreaches into new communities. There was con­ siderable discussion on how to continue supporting the church in Nicaragua in light of Revenue Canada's regulations and sound church growth principles. • Three missionary candidates were interviewed and accepted. John and Lor­ na Wall are under appointment for church planting in Canada. Juanita Wevursky will go to Paraguay to teach missionary children and be involved in other ministries. As they shared their sto­ ries of God's leading in their lives, we re­ joiced at the way they had responded to God's grace. • The reports from furloughing mis­ sionaries are a highlight at most meet­ ings. Danny Plett reported of their service in Germany with Janz Team. He has just recorded a children's tape to be released soon. Dave and Judy Schmidt told of their plans to begin church planting in Asuncion, Paraguay, changing from a rural to an urban ministry. • Dave and Susie Eidse of Pleasant Valley left for Mexico January 22 for two months to fill in for Pastor Ralph Dueck of the Camp 77 church while he attends a three-month Bible school. Rosenort EMC is sending Joel Dueck to Mexico for a month's exposure to missions. • The executive secretaries presented Goals and Projections for EMC Missions, 1996-2000. Discussion and approval of these goals was tabled until next Lester Olfert Foreign Secretary

PAGE 9

Training Experience (continued) This time they began to ask questions and listened with real interest to the Bible video tapes we had brought. 1 tried to befriend Georgina as well and went walking with her in the evenings. 1 was so happy to see Mary, one of the first believers in our village of Fort Chipewyan, wit­ nessing to her family and reaching out to them in ways we could not. On Sunday, Mary in­ vited her two sisters and her older brother to come and pray with us. They came and we had a good time singing Cree hymns and read­ ing the Bible together. Later Mary’s brother Alexander even said he would be willing to set

up a lending library in his home with the set of Cree videos we gave him for the village. Even before we left, at least five people had come to his house to watch these videos. Praying while others talked Personally, 1 found my ministry was often simply praying while others talked. Both Garden River and Fox Lake are Cree-speaking villages. Even though most of the middle-aged people understand and can speak English, they almost always used Cree unless they were speaking directly to me. Often when Arlyn or Mary were chattering away in Cree with the people and when 1 would give up straining to catch the few Cree words 1 do

know, 1 would simply sit there and pray, ask­ ing God to give wisdom to Arlyn and Mary and to touch the hearts of these people with a desire to know Him. Besides praying, the Lord gave me the op­ portunity to tell Bible stories to one 11-yearold boy named Wayne. He often came to our teepee and 1 took these opportunities to teach him Bible songs, verses and stories. Ann uan Enns (to be continued) Ann uan Enns (La Crete) and her husband, Arlyn, are church planters in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, under Northern Canada Euangelical Mission.

Messenger News Can unto me ai lu« » ■heeiJertw

REACHING OUR NEIGHBOURS

Pansy, Man.: The church was packed out on November 12, when April Sutherland and Alvera Wiebe were baptized. The sharing of their faith stories deeply touched and blessed us, and we certainly want to stand behind them in prayer as they continue to walk with the Lord. December has a unique slant for us this year because we were privileged to stand aside and see it through the eyes of someone who had never seen it before — Manitoba, Canadastyle. Eugenia Solano, a 22-year-old Costa Ri­ can travel adviser, who had spent five months here in the summer of 1994 practicing English and then got saved and baptized here in the process, now came (on the merit of a generous-hearted sponsor) for a visit. Eu is one absolutely loveable gal and many of us were enriched by her delightful enthusiasm and joy. WHO ARE THE KRINGLERS? Calgary, Alta.: How would you feel if one dark night in December your doorbell rings and when you go to answer, no one is there, but just as you begin to shut the door you spot a large box on the step? The box contains a beautiful homemade centrepiece, chocolates and some Christmas oranges.

E

iV I ■ i Eugenia Solano

January can stand — this time — for reach­ ing deeper into the heart of our neighbouring French community of St. Malo. 1 personally have had the privilege of being involved in be­ ginning a women’s Bible Coffee there and have

Or what would you do if you walked into church and spotted a brightly wrapped gift box in the foyer with your name boldly written across the top? Then things get serious. One day you go to retrieve your mail and there in the mailbox is a little note and a bag containing five freshly washed knit hats. You are instructed to arrive at a certain restaurant at a certain time and

Gary and Darlene Friesen and family arrive at Atlas Pizza, where a waiter takes their picture as their “kringlers” (Willie and Trudy Leiding) come out of hiding from a nearby booth! Nice hats, eh?

PAGE 10

Alvera Wiebe and April Sutherland were bap­ tized at the Pansy Chapel on November 12.

already been thoroughly blessed. I pray that God will truly guide us and “grow us” accord­ ing to His perfect plan. Betty Barkman all of your family must be wearing these hats...or what?? Or the doorbell rings and a masked man is standing on your doorstep. Without a word he points to a waiting van (which you do not recognize) and you realize this person intends for you and your family to come with him to...to where?? Well, believe it or not, all this activity actu­ ally has a name. It’s called kringling. Kringling, according to the Sandland dictionary, is “the act of giving a pleasant surprise to another in the month of December.” Einar and Debbie Sandland, members of our church, ex­ perienced kringling when they lived in Squamish, B.C. They introduced the idea to our church family this year. Each family who chose to get involved received the name of another family. Three inexpensive but unique gifts were given anonymously, with the fourth gift revealing who the kringlers were. Although December can sometimes be a hectic month, our church found kringling to be a fun, daring and heart-warming way to draw members of our congregation closer together. Some of us are already plotting little ideas for next year. So beware...Calgarian kringlers are on the loose! Lorraine Koop

THE MESSENGER

DUAL SERVICES STARTED

Portage la Prairie, Man.: Having dual services is a new venture for our area. I am writing this report from Abbotsford, B.C., and guess what — the church we attended on January 7 had dual services. “We’ve always had them!” was the reply I got when I told them that our church had started the two-service format in September. Fve asked Vai Hourie for her comments on the early service and Sharon Kroeker for the second service. Early Service “A new beginning, the peace of God, a time to be still and know Him! God’s presence is in the praises of His people and we are strengthened by the Word. Our first service has many empty pews, but we have the full­ ness of God, as we cure pruned and ready for growth. Thus, a challenge for the new year for us is not to become weary in doing good, in doing our part in bringing others to the house of the Lord. We will reap in due season, if we faint not. “There is a closeness in our small family group. I truly enjoy the testimonies of what God does for us and the openness to be able to ask for prayer. As our service grows in num­ bers, we will be stretched and used of God in new ways. My prayer is that we not give up on the vision that God has given us for others.” c . Service c . Hourie Second

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“We are coming to the end of a five-month trial period during which our church has held dual services. At first the second service had a higher attendance, leaving the early service very small. To balance the attendance, the leadership made the decision to change serv­ ice times from 8:30 and 11:00 to 9:00 and 11:30, with Sunday school from 10:15 to 11:15. This solved the problem of the low at­ tendance for the early service. “As a family attending the second service, the main changes we have experienced are missing the fellowship of those attending the early service and sitting down at the Sunday dinner table a bit later than usual. The fellow­ ship outside of the worship service is more im­ portant and appreciated — a chance to see those whom we have missed. Sunday school and combined services with a potluck in a larg­ er location arc both occasions during which we have such opportunities. “There are some inconveniences to dual services but they arc minor if this can en­ courage the growth of our church, a part of God’s kingdom.” Sharon Kroeker

Trial Period It was in March 1995 that the leadership first came up with the idea. Studies show that a church doesn’t grow past 80% capacity. Our capacity with extra chairs set up is 150. Our highest attendance is 167 and we’ve had a winter low of 47 (storm?). With a new pas­ tor, new people come to church, and we had no room for expansion. A video on the twoservice format was viewed. There were a lot of issues to be dealt with. Leadership wanted February 7, 1996

(

to see 1) church growth, 2) individuals ministered to, 3) people come to know Jesus Christ. All agreed, and the goal was to begin with two services by September 10, 1995. There are pros and cons to everything — the extra pressure on the pastor, extra workload on the worship team, the effect on the Sun­ day school. But when the question came up, “How many would like to try?” the response was 100%, with a trial period from Septem­ ber 1995 to Januciry 1996.

After many planning meetings, ads, phone calls and a lot of effort, dual services began Sept Jtember 10. The vote comes at our annu­ al Ineeting on January 20. So by the time you mi read this in The Messenger, more decisions will have been made; well keep you informed. Today’s Dailp Bread quote: “When you come through the tunnel of testing, youll shine brighter for the Lord.” May that be true of all of us for 1996. Catherine Epp

■BOW 1

The Vanderhoof cholr/Chrlstmas program, "Listen to the Voices."

f

A sign language group with “Silent Night.”

PASTOR INSTALLED Vanderhoof, B.C.: “When he ascended. He led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.

Our church welcomes Dave and Audrey Wiebe into the pastoral position. Their chil­ dren are Jolene, Naomi and Jordan. They came to Vanderhoof in mid-July and have been very busy over the past few months — remembering names and faces, attending new schools and Audrey starting work at the hospi­ tal. They arc also building a new home, which they hope to have completed in January, and at the same time putting in the work and time to lead our church. Pastor Dave has had many excellent messages since their arrival here. He is also leading the Navigators 2:7 discipleship course. The installation service was held on Novem­ ber 5 during an evening service. John Harms shared many scriptures with the congregation, one of which was Ephesians 4:11-16. Judy Wiebe, sister-in-law to Dave and Audrey, shared verses from Hebrews and then sang the song “Find Us Faithful.” Conference Pas­ tor Don Thiessen shared that we arc sheep and we need to follow the shepherd. God is our shepherd and he places someone to lead us so that His work can be done. “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be

shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseer — not because you must, but because you arc willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those en­ trusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (I Peter 5:1-4). Dave and Audrey have been an answer to prayer; let’s continue to pray for all our pas­ tors, that they would have God’s direction in leading their flocks. Donna Peters

Audrey and Dave Wiebe and their family, Jolene, Naomi and Jordan

PAGE 11

Representing the family in “Destination Bethlehem” are Shannon Kornelsen, Darren Kornelsen, Quinton Johnson (in the back seat), Kelsey Plett and Evan Kornelsen (hidden),

The cast in “Destination Bethiehem” representing the four journeys to Bethiehem at Christmas.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Riverton, Man.: This is my final submis­ sion before annual elections are to be held in our church and I conclude my duties of this past year. I missed my previous deadline, I’m sure due to the passing of our church deacon and friend, Albert Friesen. Since his tragic ac­ cident in November, we as a congregation have felt the void left in his family and in our church fellowship. It brings to reality our need of the comfort in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is

made perfect in weakness.” We must face the challenge of new beginnings of 1996. 1 would like to share with you the highlights of our Sunday school Christmas program held on December 17. The play performed was en­ titled “Destination Bethlehem.” In it a presentday family, journeying to Grandma’s house, recalls the four famous journeys which were made to Bethlehem that first Christmas, cen­ turies ago: 1) Mary and Joseph went to Beth­ lehem for Caesar’s census. 2) The shepherds

came to Bethlehem looking for Jesus. 3) The magi came to Bethlehem looking for the Christ-child. 4) Jesus came down from heaven to be born as a baby in Bethlehem. Through their discussion, they realize that there is someone else who journeys to Beth­ lehem at Christmas. Jesus came down from heaven to bring us to God, but it’s not enough for us to just know about that. Each one of us must make a personal journey to Jesus to receive the forgiveness and salvation that only He can give. Carol Kornelsen

•

■'ta Gruffy the Bear (Sheldon Kuhl) and the nar­ rator (Deb Kuhl) in the Christmas musical “Three Wise Men and a Baby” at the Roseisle church.

Nursery age up to the youth class were part of the cast in “Three Wise Men and a Baby.” In the foreground are some of the stable animals who wondered, Who's this in our house?

MISSIONARIES HOME ON FURLOUGH

Roseisle, Man.: I’m not sure where to start with my first report of 1996, but I will back­ track a bit and tell you about some of the hap­ penings in the last months of 1995. November brought two new babies to our congregation. Peter and Tina Wiebe welcomed their fourth son, Paul, to their family. We (Dar­ rell and Eleanor) were thrilled to add a daugh­ ter, Katelyn, to our crew of three boys. There are now six 1995 babies attending our church with their families. Needless to say. Pastor Randall has some competition at times! Our missionary conference was held November 10-12. The missionaries who reported and ministered to us were Peter and Louise Hiebert, Chris and Revita Kroeker, Wayne and Essie Herrod and Sara Loeppky. A highlight for the Sunday school children was PAGE 12

a special report from Essie Herrod during the Sunday school hour. I understand she had some exciting stories to tell and a terrific slide show. On December 17 approximately thirty peo­ ple from our congregation motored to Kleefeld to pay our sister church a visit. We were in­ vited to attend their annual Christmas candle­ light service. We enjoyed a delicious faspa beforehand with some lively visiting around the tables. Many faces were familiar from our first get-together in fall but somehow the names were harder to remember. The service was definitely worth the drive. We thoroughly en­ joyed the evening of music and singing in the beautifully candle-lit sanctuary. A big thank you to the Kleefeld EMC for their kind hospi­ tality.

Our Christmas program was presented to a full house on December 22. All of the class­ es from nursery to youth participated in the musical “Three Wise Men and a Baby.” It was obvious that a lot of time and effort had been put into it, not only by the Sunday school classes, but also by those who directed and helped in other ways. Faith Krahn, Elaine Friesen, Dolores Dyck, Annie Peters and Mary Penner deserve some recognition for the hours they spent to make it all come together. It was an excellent performance of the Christmas sto­ ry and we enjoyed the humour in it as well. Some of our members spent some time in warmer climates in the last month. George and Mary, Ang and Phyllis Penner flew to Paraguay to visit their daughter and sister, Ka­ ren, over Christmas. As most of you will know, Karen is a health worker in Yalve Sanga under EMC missions. Peter Dyck partici-

THE MESSENGER

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pated in a three-week work project in Africa. He left on December 29 to help put a roof on a church building. We look forward to hear­ ing about these trips. The first event of 1996 was the return of our missionaries, Dave and Judy Schmidt. For some time we had planned for and looked for­ ward to their furlough. They flew from Paraguay to Texas in early December, bought a van and then headed north to Canada, mak­ ing numerous stops in the USA visiting fami­ ly and friends. They arrived in Roseisle on December 30, in time to bring in the new year with us at our New Year’s Eve service. Together with their children, Jerald and Wen­ dy, they settled into a house in Roseisle for approximately three weeks. During that time they managed to visit in almost every home and squeezed in a couple of trips to Winni-

peg, Rosenort and Steinbach. Dave had the message on January 7 and they gave a missionary report on the 14th. Also during their time here they participated in our annual curling bonspiel on the 13th and an adult and college and career sports after­ noon on the 14th at the Miami Collegiate gym. These events proved to be good visiting times as well with the Schmidts. At the present time Dave and Judy are on a tour of western Canada to report in several churches. They plan to return to Paraguay the third week in February. Having missionaries come home on furlough was a first-time ex­ perience for us as a congregation. I feel our relationship with them has been strengthened as we were able to visit and share in church and, more personally, in our homes. It brought their work so much closer to home for us as

Pleasant Valley, Man.: “Proclaim Free­ dom for the Captives” was the theme of our November one-day mission conference. Work­ shop speakers Flo Friesen, Revita Kroeker, Alanna Bartel, Lester Olfert, Joy Loewen and Terry Loewen made us aware of needs out­ side our comfortable community. Ed Loewen was our main speaker. Pakistani cuisine was a highlight at our noon meal. Specied offerings went for Jesus videos for Muslim contacts in Ed and Joy’s ministry. Our Sunday school Christmas program in­ volved all classes this year, with each class presenting their own special peirt. The true meaning of Christmas was well portrayed in the songs and plays presented.

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The Schmidt family. Back: Jerald, Marvin, Dave, Anton. Front: Wendy, Judy.

we heard about the joys and sorrows they have experienced in the past four years. To Dave, Judy, Jerald and Wendy; We enjoyed sharing your “whirlwind” furlough with you. Our thoughts and prayers go with you as you return to your work in Paraguay. Eleanor Friesen

Connie Reimer leading the Pleasant Valley church Sunday school chil­ dren in hearty singing.

The young teens class presenting the nativity scene.

YOUTH TO SNO-CAMP

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Our pastor, John Reimer, challenged us one Sunday morning to pray for the salvation of three unsaved people throughout the year. To solidify this commitment we wrote the names on paper and dropped them into a designat­ ed box. We are regularly reminded in our church bulletin of these prayer triplets and urged to name them, claim them and save them. We have also been encouraged to listen through the New Testament via the “Faith Comes By Hearing” cassette tapes. Interest­ ed individuals purchased their own tapes and started listening on January 1. Our Sanford outreach involves planned chil­ dren’s programs once a month. In December our church joined the Sanford people in carol-

TEE classes have begun with our pastor teaching about twelve people. The senior and junior young people braved the bitterly cold temperatures and had their Sno-Camp on January 19-21 at Camp Assiniboia with Chris Eidse from Inner City Youth Alive as their guest speaker. Our church fcimily benefitted with the young people’s fund­ raisers for camp. The seniors made and sold pizzas, while the juniors served everyone a de­ licious meal after the Sunday morning service. Ernie Loewen, Chuck Friesen and Wally Bartel went to Cameroon, Africa, for three weeks to help with the construction of a roof for a large “fish”-shaped church building. Florence Loewen

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February 7, 1996

Happy children with the traditional tut/es [goody bags).

PAGE 13

HEART-WARMING ACTIVITIES Morweena, Man.: Greetings form the Morweena EMC! As I write, we’re in the midst of the coldest snap we’ve had yet! Maybe I’ll warm up by remembering when things wer­ en’t quite so chilly.... On Thanksgiving Day we rented the near­ by Vidir Hall for the annual church/community Thanksgiving supper. The evening provided an opportunity to enjoy lots of good food and fellowship and to express our thanks to God in the short program that followed. Each class of the Morweena Christian School presented an item, and there were some volunteer con­ tributions as well. Thanks to the ladies who donated and prepared the food and to the high school students for their help in setting up, serving and cleaning up. One of November’s highlights was the ar­ rival of the Beaver Lake Gospel Team from Sioux Lookout. The Morton Beardy family, as well as three other members of the team, shared both the Sunday school and worship service time with us, in word and music. Another highlight of that month was the joint Interlake missions conference, hosted by MennVille. Those who were there will remem­ ber, among other things, how Henry Unruh of Union Gospel Mission challenged us to compassion for those around us. In December the students of MCS were ex­ tremely busy getting the Christmas program ready, and on December 19 the results were witnessed by a church full of family and friends from near and far. The program’s theme was “Unto Us a Child is Bom,” and the students showed, in drama and song, what that birth meant to various Bible-time characters. The high school girls were particularly busy this month. Their music group, HeartCry, present­ ed their own program at Riverton, St. Vital and Morweena on consecutive Sunday mornings. Among those who returned “home” for Christmas were Brad and Lisa Plett and Christy Reimer, all of whom had recently com­ pleted short-term mission assignments with REACH. Brad and Lisa were in Phoenix, Ar­ izona, while Christy’s team was working in a remote cirea of Russia. Well, it’s still cold out, but the memories are warm. Now we’re looking ahead to February, when the 50-Day Spiritual Aduenture will be­ gin. We’ll be learning “What to do when you don’t know what to do: Trusting God when life gets confusing.” It should be an exciting time! Janet Hamm

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PAGE 14

OLGA BRAUN 1945-1995 Olga Braun was born on May 26,1945, at Hepburn, Sask., to Peter and Margaret Jan­ zen. She grew up with two sisters and three brothers. Olga accepted Jesus as her Saviour at the age of 11 while attend­ ing DVBS. She was baptized on August 23, 1987, at the La Crete Christian Fellow­ ship by Pastor Charles Koop. On October 12, 1966, she married Henry Braun. Their marriage was blessed with one daughter, San­ dra, and three sons, Douglas, Larry and Jason. Olga leaves to mourn her loving family, her husband, Henry; two sons, Lany and Jason; and two grandchildren, Jerad and Andrea; her mother, Margaret Janzen; her brothers, Jake and Rose and children, Corey and Charmaine; Henry and Joyce and children, Trevis and Randy; John and daughter Amanda; her sis­ ters, Anne and Bill Fleeur and children, Shel­ ley, Jim and Bonnie; Evelyn and Orest Markowski and daughter Gerri. She is also survived by her husband’s family: parents, George and Margaret Braun; one brother, George and Margie and children, Gerald, Jen­ nifer and Adam Zylstra, Marlene and Barbara; one sister, Martha and Ken Knelsen and chil­ dren, Dennis, Todd, Tyler and Corrine. Olga was predeceased by her son Douglas on April 15, 1987; her father, Peter Janzen; and a brother in infancy.

Sandra and Isaac Wieler

SANDRA LYNN WIELER 1966-1995 Sandra Lynn Wieler was bom on January 10,1966, to Henry and Olga Braun in Taber, Alberta. The first few years of her life were spent in Taber. Then her parents moved to High Level, where she started school. When she was about eight years of age, her parents moved to La Crete. While attending a revival meeting at the age of ten she accepted Jesus Christ as her per­ sonal Saviour and in the fall of 1982 rededi­ cated her life to the Lord. It was Sandra’s sincere desire to serve the Lord by commit­ ting her life fully to Him so that he could lead and use her for His honour and glory. Upon

this faith she was baptized on June 24,1984, in the La Crete Christian Fellowship Church. She finished her high school in La Crete while at the same time working part-time at Betsy Bee Grocery store. This enabled her to attend Bible school at Peace River Bible In­ stitute. She returned to La Crete, where she worked at the Treasury Branch for several years. On November 1, 1986, she married Isaac Wieler. Their maniage was blessed with two children, Jerad and Andrea. They lived in La Crete for a few years before making their home in the Blue Hills area. Sandra enjoyed being a mom and homemaker. Of great concern to her was that she and Isaac raise their children for the Lord. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Peter Janzen, and by her brother Douglas in 1987. Sandra will be sadly missed by her children, Jerad and Andrea; her father, Henry Braun; her brothers, Larry and Jason; by the Wieler family; and by her grandparents, aunts and un­ cles, and other relatives and friends.

ISAAC WIELER 1962-1995 Isaac Wieler was bom on April 1,1962, to Abram and Judith Wieler in Fort Vermilion, Alberta. He was the fifth child in the family. He received his education in the La Crete Pub­ lic School. He grew up on their farm in the Blumenort area. Later he worked as a truck driver and then farmed in the Blue Hills area. He married Sandra Braun on November 1, 1986, in La Crete. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Jerad and Andrea. Isaac is remembered as friendly and easy­ going. This past year he frequently ex­ perienced emotional struggles. He found it very difficult to open up and share. This past sum­ mer he was hospitalized for a period of time and he was on medication. This fall he was attending baptismal prepa­ ration classes. We are convinced that it was not his wish for things to happen as they did. We cire deeply saddened and unable to under­ stand it, but we wish to commit his soul to the loving grace of God. He will be missed by his children, Jerad (5) and Andrea (3); his parents, Abram and Judith Wieler; his brothers and sisters, Abe and Ann Wieler, Neil and Mary Klassen, Isaac and Anna Krahn, Agnes Wieler, John and Susie Wieler, Daniel and Judy Friesen, Jake Wiel­ er, Peter and Tina Wieler, George Wieler, David and Helen Wiebe and Elizabeth Wiel­ er; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and other relatives and friends. The funeral service for Olga Braun and San­ dra and Isaac Wieler was held on November 7, 1995 in the Bergthaler Mennonite Church in La Crete, Alta. Peter Janzen of the La Crete Christian Fellowship (EMC) and Phil Schlamp of the Tompkins Evangelical Church (Berg­ thaler) officiated. Dean Buhler led the grave­ side service at the Bergthaler cemetery.

THE MESSENGER

Births DUECK - to Dennis and Sara Dueck of Stratton, Ont., a son, Nathaniel Chad, on January 3,1996. LOEWEN - to John and Maria Loewen of Stratton, Ont., a daughter, Asenath Grace, on October 15, 1995. COX - to Patrick and Laurie Cox of Steinbach, Man., a son. Mason James, on November 13,1995, DUECK - to Ray and Ren^e Dueck of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Brayden Reece, on October 25,1995. GUENTHER - to Tom and Sharon Guenther of Steinbach, Man., a son, Joseph Thomas John, on October 4, 1995. SALISBURY - to Trevor and Joanne Salisbury of Ccinmore, Alta., a son, Joseph Peter, on Decem­ ber 8, 1995. FEHR - to Jake and Mary Fehr of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Amanda Marilyn, on January 7, 1996. SAWATZKY - to Pete and Margaret Sawatzky of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Matthew Peter, on January 8, 1996. BOULTON - to James and Arietta Boulton of Akron, Pennsylvania, a daughter, Victoria Suzanne, on December 18, 1995.

Weddings HILDEBRANDT - REMPEL: Pete, son of Jacob and Mary Hildebrandt of Steinbach, Man., and Sheila, daughter of Ben and Agatha Rempel of Tourond, Man., were married at the Christian Fellowship Church in Steinbach on July 15, 1995. John Neu­ feld of Steinbach officiated. The couple is making their home in Steinbach.

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KOOP - BALAN: Chris, son of Rudy and Linda Koop of Steinbach, Man., was married on Decem­ ber 31, 1995, to Kimberly, daughter of Nestor Ba­ lan. The wedding took place at the Steinbach EMC, with Mel Koop of Steinbach officiating. The couple is residing in Steinbach. GINTER - PLETT: Alfred, son of John and Tina Ginter of Steinbach, Man., and Sheila, daughter of Comie and Grace Plett of Steinbach, were married on October 21, 1995. The wedding took place at the Steinbach E. M. Church, with Richard Martens of Steinbach officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. NEUFELD - TURGEON: Michael, son of Edward and Sharon Neufeld of Steinbach, Man., and Don­ na, daughter of Donald and Jerri Lynn Turgeon, were married at the Steinbach EMC on November 18, 1995, with Mel Koop of Steinbach officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach. REIMER - LUDKE: Jeffrey, son of Reg and Luella Reimer of Steinbach, Man., was married to Corrie, daughter of Leonard and Norma Ludke of Saskatch­ ewan. The wedding took place on October 7, 1995, at the Steinbach E. M. Church, with Merlin Bartel of Caronport, Sask., officiating. The couple is resid­ ing in Steinbach. DUECK - MARTENS: David, son of Henry and Katherina Dueck of New Bothwell, Man., and Laura, daughter of Betty Ginter of Steinbach, Man., were married on October 14, 1995. The wedding took place at the Steinbach EMC, with Arden Thiessen of Steinbach officiating. The couple is making their home in Steinbach.

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By the WAY By Dave Schellenberg IF A PICTURE is worth a thousand words, I guess I will have a lot of ex­ plaining to do concerning my January By the Way column. I’m, of course, referring to the photo of myself. First, I cannot deny that I was in Calgary — I was. Second, my purpose in going there was to attend the 1995 annual EMC convention during which time the picture was taken. And last, I was not an accomplice in getting the picture published. Okay? So we’ll go on and let bygones be bygones.

streets. I remember the time I used to jog on the school track close to our former residence. I think my best time was around twelve minutes for four laps. An article listing all the benefits of exercising, in a recent issue of the Winnipeg Free Press, greatly en­ couraged me. Exercise fights heart at­ tacks, hypertension, depression, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and arthritis. Quite an impres­ sive list, isn’t it?

c OUR SHARP FROSTY air here In Manitoba is hard to beat this winter, but warm houses and clothing help keep us warm. People in lands of per­ petual summer may miss something — our seasons. Warm, sunny spring when trees awake and birds sing. Sum­ mer with its opportunities for picnics, outings, etc. Then our gorgeous fall months with golden leaves and nippy mornings. And even though the tran­ sition to winter was somewhat sudden last fall, it brought lots of that precious commodity, snow. If it weren’t for the snow I would not have found myself on skis, breaking trails in the field a short distance from our apartment. Although a wellgroomed trail cannot be maintained. It, nevertheless, is good exercise. (If only my friend Jake would get out more often, maybe we could keep a better maintained trail!) I don’t think people realize the benefits of dressing warmly and going for a walk in the bright, crisp winter air. But one must have the right attitude, otherwise it becomes a hard, boring task. The other Sunday I set out and walked as far as the Dairy Queen on Highway #12. After hot chocolate and a good rest, I was on my way back. People who speed past in cars don’t know what they are missing. Of course some people (my wife, for instance, and I too sometimes) can walk the long hallways of our apart­ ment building. Five to ten rounds add up to quite a distance. And in winter it is much safer than the slippery sidewalks and

THE STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE is celebrating a milestone in 1996, the sixtieth year of operation. We under­ stand that this will also be heralded by a book containing its history. My wife, Helen, and I have both attended this school. When Helen was a student, I believe it was known as Steinbach Bible School, as it was when I started in 1946. In 1947-48 the name changed to Steinbach Bible Academy, due to the introduction of a high school depart­ ment. Then, I think around 1954, it be­ came the Steinbach Bible Institute. The present name, of course, is Stein­ bach Bible College. Thus you can see the institution has a long history, involving many changes, and recording this is certain­ ly due, maybe overdue. These years have also produced a large number of alumni. This happened to be the subject of my caller the other day. The school is concerned that this alumni be visible. My caller prompted me to think about what alumni are there for. I had to do some hard think­ ing. I think some of the reasons we agreed on were: promoting the school, maybe recruiting where practical, pray­ ing and giving. Directing my attention to the SBC alumni also convicted me that I had been too silent a participant in the past, and I want to try and be more faithful in the future. I believe a school’s alumni are an integral part of the school. We shall look for further develop­ ments as the year progresses. Till next time.

February 7, 1996

PAGE 15

4.. ..

From the Editor Partnership With God YOU MAY HAVE thought of yourself as a child of the heavenly Father, a citizen of the kingdom whose ruler is God, or a disciple (student) of Jesus, the master Teacher. You may have contemplated the depth of meaning of other relationships of the believer with God: the Shepherd and the sheep, the Vine and the branches, or the Potter and the clay. But have you ever considered being a partner with God? Just as the shaping of a diamond into many facets magnifies its multi-coloured brilliance, so the many facets of a believer’s relationship with God add to the richness of our position in Him. Each one contributes another sparkle to the splendour of how we relate to our Lord. The aspect of being in partnership with God is one that came to my attention recently, and I have been challenged by the concept. It is not directly stated or explained in the Bible, but the idea is there, if you look for it. Adam and Eve partnered with God by taking care of the Garden of Eden He had created. It appears that the partners met during the “cool of the day” (Genesis 3:8), to talk things over, make plans and enjoy each other’s company. Sin disrupted that relationship. Mary became a partner with God in bearing God’s Son and raising Him. Joseph, a third member of the partnership, worked with Mary and God in providing for and protecting the young mother and her Son. The men who wrote the sacred Scriptures were also partners with God. “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). It was a cooperative endeavour in which God provided the message and the writers recorded what they received. Paul wrote about planting, Apollos watering, and God giving the increase. He first shared the Gospel with people, planting a spiritual seed in their minds. Later Apollos explained it so people could understand, watering the soil so the seed could sprout. God’s part was to bring the seed to life and cause new growth, adding new believers to the family of God. Paul concluded, “We are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). God invites you and me to be His partners. It is not PAGE 16

that He needs us, or can’t get along without us. But he has deliberately chosen to limit Himself, in order to work in partnership with all who accept His invitation. We are not mechanical robots, programmed to automatically perform specific functions. God gave us a free will, and desires our voluntary working in partnership with Him. The choice is ours; we can choose to go our own way, or we can choose to be active partners with God. What is involved in being God’s partner? Does it mean becoming a pastor or a missionary? It means that for some people, but not for all. God needs His partners in all vocations (except unethical ones, for example, professional thief). You can be God’s partner in farming, building, computing, homemaking, raising children, etc. Preparing a sermon and doing the laundry are equally useful roles for partners with God. Whatever one’s vocation, there are other aspects of partnership with God. One of these is the ministry of intercessory prayer. As we pray, God answers. If we fail to intercede for others, neglecting our role in the partnership, we limit God in His role of answering prayer. Our partnership with God includes activities like giving food to the hungry, inviting strangers into our homes and visiting those in prison (Matthew 25:34-40). Partnership involves helping others to find new life in Christ and grow in Him. It includes sharing our resources of time, energy and money unselfishly. Partners in business share common goals. They devise strategies to meet those goals, and define roles for each partner. And they share the dividends of their efforts. Last year in Nicaragua, we saw numerous teams of oxen pulling loaded carts. Their yoke was fastened to their foreheads and horns, and together the pair moved their load along. 1 was reminded of Christ’s loving invitation to the tired and the weary, “Take my yoke on you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Has life become a drag? Has the zip withered? Accept Jesus’ offer to be your partner. He will bring new joy and vigour to the relationship. — Menno Hamm

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

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EMC ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL SERIES A Project of the Conference Assessment Committee

LESSON FOUR

(fourth in a series of five) PLEASE STUDY IN ADVANCE AND BRING TO YOUR S.S. CLASS ON FEBRUARY 25, 1996.

SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE Written by Arden Thiessen INTRODUCTION The basic issue before us is, how do we relate to each other? How do we live out our Christian commitment together? As members of a congregation, and then as congregations in a conference, what responsibilities do we have for, and to, each other? As we face the ethical pressures and dilemmas of these times, in what way do we function as a gathered group? The questions do not end there. We also need to ask, what responsibilities do we have to those outside our church? When government policies permit or encourage oppression of certain peoples in our land, should we get in­ volved? When cultural trends seem to destroy traditional family values or undermine healthy lifestyles, should we be concerned? And in what way should we express our concern, individually, congregationally, or as a conference?

A. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Mennonite people have traditionally had a very strong sense of social con­ sciousness, but it was usually a consciousness that was quite narrow in its focus.

1.

STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY

We have had a strong sense of peoplehood. This meant that we cared for one another. Mennonite people saw themselves as part of a separated com­ munity of believers. Every individual had his or her life invested in the cor­ porate life of the group. The Christian community (the church) was expected to formulate principles and give direction by which the people would live. One of the key reasons why the Kleine Gemeinde (now E.M.C.) separated from the mainstream Mennonite body in 1812 was that the founding minister, Klaas Reimer, and his supporters, objected to the lax moral standards and the lack of church concern that had become prevalent in their day.

The minutes of our past brotherhood meetings sometimes deal almost to­ tally with interpersonal relationships and the transgression of church stan­ dards. And the approach was not as legalistic as the modern generation sometimes supposes. There was usually a strong emphasis on admonishing, rebuking, and helping the errant person get back on the narrow road. 2. AVOIDING THE WORLD

On the other hand, this social concern did not extend much beyond the church community. The world was seen as the kingdom of darkness. Mennonite people did not seriously concern themselves with social conditions around them. Harmful, destructive living patterns in the larger community were not seen as something to be changed but as something to be avoided. Governmental injustice was not seen as their problem, unless it infringed upon their rights or freedoms; in that case they might make petitions to the authori­ ties and plead for fairness. 3. AUTONOMY AND RESPONSIBILITY

As our conference has grown we have developed a strong concept of con­ gregational autonomy. This has allowed us to win new people and to estab­ lish new churches with relative ease. The requirements for belonging to the E.M.C. are not very high. This may have led to a lowering of our sense of responsibility for each other within the congregations as well. In most of our churches there is now a good deal of freedom for members to make their own ethical decisions. And there is almost no interaction between the con­ gregations on the principles of Christian living. Is this as we want it to be? B. THE BIBLICAL BASIS FOR CHURCH RESPONSIBILITY

Brief reflection on some of the ethical issues that have concerned us in recent years — divorce and remarriage, abortion, homosexuality, euthana­ sia — soon convinces us that we have to approach these matters together. The principles that should guide our conduct in these areas cannot simply and easily be pulled out of the Scriptures. The individual believer will need help. There will have to be corporate action; there is a need for the hermeneu­ tical community to function very carefully. 1. SOME CURRENT MORAL ISSUES

Divorce and remarriage: There is a significant difference in the words of Jesus as recorded by Matthew (5:31,32; 19:9), and as recorded by Mark (10:11,12) and Luke (16:18). And then there is the different slant of Paul, writing to a new Christian church in a pagan milieu (1 Cor. 7:10-16; 26-28). How do we use these diverse Scriptures in our churches today? Abortion: While social historians say abortion was a common practice among the Greek and Roman people of the New Testament era, our Scriptures do

not speak directly to the issue. We will have to base our convictions on general biblical principles. A key issue is, how is the fetus to be seen? Is it a person? If it is a person then the biblical teaching against killing people applies. But how do we determine if God views the fetus as a human person or not?

Homosexuality. The Old Testament and the New Testament have an unam­ biguous view of homosexual practice. But what does the Bible teach about homosexual orientation? Is it wrong to feel, or to know, that one is homosex­ ual? And how do we deal with groups in society, or individuals in our churches, who say that the biblical teaching against the homosexual lifestyle only refers to homosexual promiscuity and not to homosexuals who are monogamous? Euthanasia-. We may easily agree that killing the aged or infirm is wrong, but how do families and caregivers distinguish between causing death and letting a person die? 2. DISCIPLING ONE ANOTHER The New Testament clearly teaches that we are to help one another with our Christian living. We are to build each other up and help each other avoid sin (preventive discipline). We are to teach and admonish one another (Col. 3:16). Those who are qualified should teach others (2 Tim. 2:2). We are to encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13; 10:25). The New Testament also shows us that we are to notice the fellow believer who transgresses and that we are responsible to help along (corrective dis­ cipline). If a brother sins we should rebuke him (Luke 17:3). If the personal reproof is not successful then others are to be involved (Matt. 18:15-17). If a person is entrapped in some sin then those who are spiritual are to give gentle help (Gal. 6:1). If people behave disorderly and do not respond to Christian counsel, they are to be avoided (2 Thess. 3:6-15). In the Pastoral Epistles there is a strong emphasis on the discipling work of the church leaders, both preventive and corrective (1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:13; 2:15). Clearly, those who have oversight over congregations must feel responsible. 3. THE CHURCH IN AN IMMORAL SOCIETY The Bible does not tell us directly that we are responsible to deal with the social problems of the world. The teaching on separation and avoidance is more obvious (Psalm 1:1,2; 26:4; Prov. 4:14; 2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Cor. 10:20,21; 2 Tim. 3:5; 2 John 1:10; Rev. 18:4). Further, Jesus had nothing to say about the sins of the Greeks and the Romans. And while Paul frequently catalogues the sinful practices of society in his church letters (Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-6), he does this to warn the believers, not to correct society. On the other hand, our responsibility to help the world can be deduced from the following biblical themes: We are to be the salt of the earth and

the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16). Undoubtedly, this speaks of the ex­ ample we are to be with our conduct. But does our responsibility end there? If we can be an influence for the good by our teaching, shouldn’t we share it? If we know what is right and wrong for people, shouldn’t we tell them? An example of this would be John the Baptist rebuking Herod (Luke 3:19). The apostle Paul explains that we are not to imitate the works of darkness, but that we are to expose, or reprove, them (Eph. 5:11). Further, we are to imitate God, our Father (Eph. 5:1). And He loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son (John 3:16). If we are going to be like Him, can we ignore the world around us?

C. QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION 1. As Christian witnesses in an ungodly world: a. In how far should we be concerned about the moral problems in the world around us? b. What can your church do to promote healthy morality in your local environment? c. How do we deal with the tension between the biblical teaching on sepa­ ration and our mandate to be the salt and light of the world?

2. Within the church, what do you see as important for the guidance of church members on moral issues — pastoral teaching, member-to-member admonition, discussion at membership meetings, directives from the Con­ ference Ministerial, revival services, prayer? 3. Looking at the teaching on moral issues given in the E.M.C. Constitution: a. Does the section on “The Christian Home’’ (p. 15) give the right kind of guidance on the issue of divorce and remarriage? Is there enough freedom for local congregations to deal with individual cases accord­ ing to the particular conditions? Do churches need more help than is given here? b. Of how much concern is it to us that we have no statements on such current issues as the practice of homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia, and gambling and lotteries? Do we need statements on these issues? How specific should they be? c. In what other ways should the Conference help congregations deal with moral issues? d. Consider the section “Responsibilities of Members” (p.21). How can the local church promote and encourage these duties?