The Messenger VOL VOL. 34 NO. 7
FVANOFI ICAI MENNONITE MFNNDNITF CONFERENCE CDNFFRFNCF EVANGELICAL
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APR. 3/96
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Singleness and the Purpose of God (Third in a three-part series)
by Stanley Grenz
B
y 1980 the number of households in the USA headed by a single person had risen to 23 per cent, and the number continues to grow rapidly. Not only are more people choosing the single life, their ranks are being swelled by formerly married persons, a trend fuelled by the ever-expanding number of broken marriages. In the midst of the upsurge in the ranks of single persons, the question concerning the place of singles in the purposes of God emerges forcefully. Is the single life an option for only a select few? Does the Biblical teaching concerning marriage mean that single persons do not share in the image of God? Are they secondclass citizens of God’s kingdom? Are they not living in accordance with the divine will? Should singleness be afforded an equal place alongside of marriage in God’s purposes? Simply stated, both marriage and singleness are expressions of God’s desire to bring about community. Therefore, like marriage, singleness, when lived out within the community of Christ, can be an opportunity to serve God’s goals and thereby reflect the image of God.
Varieties of Single Existence Singleness is no simple phenomenon. Several quite different situations of life may be grouped together under the term. “Singleness” may refer to the beginning stage of each human life; everyone has many years to live before one is even eligible for marriage. The word can also refer to the ongoing unmarried existence into adulthood, even though there has been no conscious decision on the part of the individual to choose the single life. Other unmarried persons do affirm singleness as their chosen lifestyle. Certain people move even farther and choose both singleness and abstinence as a means to some higher end. They may want to serve the church in clergy or missionary roles or speak out against some aspect of modern Western society. Whatever the motivation, this constitutes a new type of single existence, celibacy as a volitional decision. A final situation subsumed under the term “singleness” is the unmarried existence that follows when a person’s marriage has ended through divorce or death. Despite affinities with the other situations, post marriage singleness is singular in that it follows marriage. Consequently, post-marriage singleness is PAGE 2
characterized by several unique attitudes and requires certain unique adjustments.
The Alternatives of Marriage and Singleness Foundational to the general affirmation of singleness is the assertion that God’s intent is that not all persons marry. There is a place for singleness in the divine program. Hence, marriage and singleness constitute two equal options for expressing our identity as sexual beings. Neither is to be elevated above the other, nor is either life choice to be deprecated as being of inferior worth. The assertion that marriage and singleness are alternative ways of life arises from a development in outlook from the Old to the New Testament. The ancient Hebrew society clearly viewed marriage as the norm, and gave little place to singleness. A woman’s place was within a man’s household—father, husband, or relative—and an unattached woman was a threat to the social structure. Singleness was hardly an option for men, for marriage and the continuation of the genealogical line of one’s fathers was simply expected as the natural course of life. Rather than being a deviation from the norm, singleness enjoyed a place within the New Testament church. The early Christians viewed the single life as one means through which believers could fulfil their divine vocation. Lying at the genesis of this important change were three grand examples—John the Baptist, Paul, and, above all, Jesus.
"Foundational to the general affirmation of singleness is the assertion that God's intent is that not all persons marry." Each of these men carried out a God-given mission within the divine economy as a single person, indicating thereby that singleness is no barrier to service in God’s program. In his discussion of marriage, Paul takes this matter a step farther. Based on pragmatic consideration, he advises that the single life may in certain circumstances actually be preferable to marriage. For the unmarried, singleness offers flexibility to do the Lord’s work (1 Corinthians 7:32-35), given the “present crisis” (v. 26). And the widow, he adds, “is happier if she stays as she is” (v. 40). In the New Testament, then, single persons are THE MESSENGER
"Like marriage, singleness, when lived out within the community of Christ, can be an opportunity to serve God's goals and thereby reflect the image of God." welcomed as full participants in the work of the Lord. Their single status even offers pragmatic advantages for such service. Still, neither the single option nor a commitment to lifelong celibacy are ever set forth as the higher road to spirituality.
Singleness in a Theological Context The role of singleness in the plan of God involves more than pragmatic considerations. This lifestyle choice also carries theological meaning. Foundational to the role of singleness within God’s program is the fundamental fact that as embodied persons all humans are sexual creatures, whether or not they engage in the sex act. Singles who are not sexually active, therefore, remain sexual beings even though our society finds it difficult to view priests and “old maids” as sexual creatures. The deeper reality of our sexuality remains operative. Singles continue to see themselves as male or female, and this affects their way of relating to the world, to other persons, and to themselves. The deeper level of human sexuality remains operative. We express this sexuality in bonding to overcome our fundamental incompleteness, inner restlessness, and desire for love and intimacy.
"Marriage and singleness represent different but equally important aspects of God's love and God's program." Bonding in the single life differs, of course, from marital bonding. Single bonding is neither permanent nor one-person centred. It is seldom entered through formal covenant, and it is not to be expressed in genital sexual activity. Nevertheless, singles bond on different levels and in several ways, including the bonding of friendship, and, for the believer, bonding with the community of Christ. The New Testament indicates that the primary bond formed by each believer is to be the covenant with God in Christ and by extension with the covenant community. The single Christian often experiences this primary bonding in a more vibrant way as the church becomes the source of highest fellowship and the focal point for the development of close relationships. Single believers readily look to their congregation as their “family.” The drive toward bonding in the single life provides the foundation for singleness within the program of God. Singleness provides a powerful imagery of a specific dimension of God as the One who loves in a universal, non-exclusive, and expanding way. Compared to married people, singles form bonds that are less defined and therefore more open to the inclusion of others. The “family” formed by the love of single persons is not the product of the intimate sexual acts shared by two people, but arises more spontaneously out of a dynamic of a love that exists beyond exclusive boundaries. APRIL 3, 1996
The less formal bonding of singles reflects the openness of God’s love, which seeks to include within the circle of love those yet outside its boundaries. Hence, the single life can express the divine reality as characterized by a love that seeks to love inclusively. Singleness, like marriage, also expresses God’s goal of establishing community, but again in a different manner. The fellowship God desires to share with human beings is exclusive. The Bible presents God as a “jealous God.” God demands holiness and hates idolatry. The community God’s activity brings into existence is an intimate fellowship characterized by a close bond between God and humans. Marriage represents God’s intent to form a close community of fellowship on the basis of exclusive love and fidelity to covenant. At the same time, the community willed by God is not limited to a few. It is open to “whosoever will.” It is always seeking the outsider, so that still more persons can enjoy the fellowship with God. This dynamic is represented by singleness. The single life represents the expansive nature of God’s purpose that seeks to encompass all of humanity in His community. Marriage and singleness represent different but equally important aspects of God’s love and God’s program. Neither represents every dimension of the nature of God. For this reason both are significant. Both lifestyles are legitimate options for Christians, and both have a gift to offer the body of Christ in the task of reflecting the image of God. In the church we need single persons who understand their vocation in the purposes of God. Singles have a mission in life to fulfil. This task includes reflecting the expansive love of the Redeemer, who wills that all share in the future community, the foretaste of which may even now be found in the church, the fellowship of Christ.
"The simple life represents the expansive nature of God's purpose that seeks to encompass all of humanity in His community." Lifestyle choice—whether to remain single or to enter into marriage—is an important matter that is not to be taken lightly. Ultimately this choice must give consideration to one’s own sense of divine direction: to which way of life has God called me? All believers must come to terms with their own vocation in the kingdom of God and to the way of life that best allows for the fulfilment of that personal vocation. God must be glorified as we bear witness to His love and His program in the world.
Dr. Stanley Grenz is a professor at Carey Theological College in Vancouver. This material is excerpted from his book Sexual Ethics: A Biblical Perspective, and is used with permission. Sexual Ethics has been reprinted and is available through Regent College Bookstore. PAGE 3
Mennonites From Mexico Video Helps Canadians Understand WINNIPEG, Man.—Every year several hundred families living in Mennonite colonies in Mexico travel to Canada. Some come for seasonal summer jobs. Others say good-bye to their friends and relatives and move to Canada. About 27,000 Mennonites from Mexico are living in Canada. Why are they leaving Mexi co? What is their historical connection to Men nonites in Canada? A new 45-minute video called Migration North: Mennonites from Mexico, provides an swers to these questions, together with a brief orientation of their history, culture, values, spiritual beliefs and reasons for leaving
Mexico. The video, produced by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada, will give Canadi an Mennonites a better understanding of the difficulties Mennonites from Mexico may exPOSITION AVAILABLE... Administrative Assistant/Secretary for permanent 80% position, beginning mid June, with Manitoba Pioneer Camp/lntervarsity Christian Fellowship. Enquire at 204-663-1481, 209-159 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg, Man.
perience when they move to Canada. It will also be useful for people who work in profes sions which provide services to Mennonites from Mexico—people such as teachers, health care professionals, social workers, police and others. Production of the video was funded by MCC Canada and Canada Employment and Immigration. Released last November, copies are available from all MCC offices in Canada for $20. Video producer Bruce Hildebrand and script writer Gladys Terichow spent several weeks in two of the oldest Mennonite colonies — the Manitoba Colony near Cuauhtemoc, Chihua hua, and Durango Colony near Nuevo Ideal, Durango. They also talked with people who had recently moved from Mexico to southern Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta. From a Canadian perspective, it appears that illiteracy, large families, high unemploy ment, uneven distribution of wealth and ineffi cient farming methods are contributing to economic hardships in the Mennonite colonies. But, says Gladys Terichow, who did research for the video and is also the narra tor, “At the same time we realized how difficult it must be for Mennonites in Mexico to address
Be part of a Vision for Healing and Change
Be part of a Vision for Healing and Change
MCC Canada
MCC Canada
is inviting applications to the position of;
i.s inviting applicaliun.s lu ilie posilions of: Ji’
• ACCOUNTANT•
Records Manager
Qualification'; expected: • A strong Christian faith, active church membership, and a commitment to nonviolent peacemaking. • Professional Certification and minimum three years experience. • Voluntary .Service or Salary. • Starting date: June I, 1996.
Qualifications expected; • A strong Christian fiiitli, active church nienibership, and a coininitinent to nonviolent peacemaking. • Voluntary Service: living allowance, stipend and all the benefits and privileges of MCC Voluntary Service.
Inleiesled persons please conlaeC
Interested persons please eonlacl:
o
Mennonite Central Committee
o
Mennonite Central ( Committee
Marsha Jones, MCC Human Resources 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 Phone: 204 261-6381 Fax: 204 269-9875 E-mail: MGJ(!!>Mennonitecc.ca
Marsha Jones, MCC Human Resources 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 Phone: 204 261-6381 Fax: 204 269-987.5 E-mail: MGJ(s>Mennonitecc.ca
Consider serving with MCC
Consider serving with MCC
COMING EVENTS
April 11 — Region 6 April 20, 7:00 p.m. Rosenort Fellowship Chapel Steinbach Bible College April 8-11,18, 7:30 p.m. April 18 — Region 5 Qraduation Ceremony Regional Public Meetings E. M. Church, Steinbach Riverton Gospel Chapel EMC Assessment Committee Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401 April 8 — Region 4 April 19, 7:30 p.m. Phone: 204-326-6451 Brandon EMC Spring Concert May 10-12 April 9 — Region 8 EMC Region 1 Steinbach Bible College Steinbach EFC Steinbach, Man. Leadership Retreat April 10 — Region 7 Phone: 204-326-6451 Sexsmith, Alta. Winnipeg, Aberdeen EMC Phone: 403-532-2660
PAGE 4
these issues, since they are connected so closely with their faith and their church. Mexican Mennonites are descendants of hardy pioneers who moved to Canada from Russia in the 1870s. When their private school privileges were removed following World War One, a number of Mennonites emigrated to Mexico between 1922-26. Those who moved were members of the Reinlaender Mennonite Church, commonly referred to as the Old Colony Church. About 90 per cent of the 50,000 Mennonites in Mex ico are still members of the Old Colony Church. Today, Mexican Mennonites still maintain the German-language private schools and other traditions. But the belief that traditions must be upheld at all costs is contributing to economic hardships. In the more conservative colonies the church leadership condemns pick up trucks, rubber tires on farm implements, electricity, television and radios. The educa tion system assumes young people will con tinue with their traditional way of life on the farm. But many families don’t have land and can’t afford to buy the land that is available. As a result, those who have lost hope of ever get ting ahead in Mexico, and who still qualify as Canadian citizens, are willing to retrace the steps of their ancestors and move North. MCC Canada Communications
COVER: The whites and grays of a long prairie winter finally give way to the vibrant colours of spring. The new signs of life in na ture stir a renewed sense of hope and joy in the heart. God is good! In the photo Jadene Peters admires a clump of daffodils in Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C. (Photo by the 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 jo/e PST, lolai: $7.49. All correspondence should be addressed to The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by The Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main Street, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba, ROA 2A0. Second Class Mail; Registration Number 0591. Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscrip tions should be mailed to the above address. The Messenger is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.
Editor: Menno Hamm Assistant: Martha Kroeker Phone: (204) 326-6401: Fax: (204) 326-1613 E-mail: emconl@mls.nel
THE MESSENGER
Mennonite Foundation
Edwin Friesen is New Stewardship Consultant
Graduation ’96 SPRING CONCERT Friday • April 19 • 7:30 p.m. SBC Chapel
featuring Chorale • Free Servant • New Creation
ALUMNI Dessert & Coffee Friday •April 19 • 9:00 p.m. SBC Dining Hall
featuring the grads of 1946 • 1956 • 1966 • 1976 • 1986 introducing the grads of 1996
GRADUATION CEREMONY Saturday • April 20 • 7:00 p.m. Steinbach EMC
422 Main Street Speaker: Arden Thiessen Join us to renew friendships, celebrate with the graduates, welcome them as new alumni and praise God for His un failing goodness.
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WINNIPEG, Man. — Edwin Friesen of Stein bach, Man., was appointed in November to the position of Stewardship Consultcint for Mennonite Foundation of Canada. He will work out of head office in Winnipeg to serve Foundation clients in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Friesen’s churchrelated experience in cludes a church planting assignment in Edwin Friesen Hudson Bay, Sask. (1969-73), pastoral work at the Kleefeld EMC Church (1973-82), and Canadian Secretary for the E. M. Conference (1982-92). He has also been a farmer, carpenter and contractor, and for the past three years he was a realtor with Homelife Riverbend Realty out of Steinbach. In making the announcement at a board meeting in Clearbrook, B.C., on October 21, Lloyd Plett, MFC chairman, expressed the board’s pleasure in having attracted a person with Friesen’s experience: “Since our work is NURSE NEEDED for Carberry Bible Camp for July and August 1996
'
The Bridegroom Cometh! EMC Annual Convention
If you are a registered nurse and would like to spend a week or two at this CSSM camp, contact John Hiebert, phone 204-637-3005.
U/o/nen's Tea
Saturday, July 6, 1996 2:00 p.m. at the Blumenort Church PLAN NOW TO ATTEND
Small Luncheon Fee
Woodhaven Manor
PASTOR POSITION TheTreesbank E. M. Church is looking for a vibrant leader to pastor the congre gation and lead in a variety of church ministries in the community. Contact: Pastor Search Committee Treesbank EMC Box 172 Wawanesa, Man. ROK 2G0 Phone: 204-824-2475 (Leonard Plett)
- Phase 9 The Board of Rest Haven Nursing Home of Steinbach, inc., is pleased to announce Phase 2 of Woodhaven Manor. Occupancy is expected to be the fall of 1996 or spring of 1997. A few suites are still available.
Featurins: • On-site support services such as meals and emergency response • Life-lease financing concept with fully refundable entrance fees • All two-bedroom suites — sized from 965 to 1086 sq. ft., plus balconies • Garage and carport parking
For .more information call: 204-346-0126 or write: Woodhaven Manor, Box 3730, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0
APRIL 3, 1996
TEACHER NEEDED The Mennville Christian School (a rural K-10 school, with an enrollment of 57) has a teaching position available for grades 7-10 for the 1996-97 school term.
Must be certified, have a good Bible knowledge and strong qualifications in maths and science. Send resume to: Ray Kroeker Box 358 Riverton, Man. ROC 2R0
done in the context of participating Confer ences, we believe Ed’s broad church ex perience and his hands-on background in business will make him a natural for the posi tion. We are anticipating that he will help us significantly in serving our Manitoba and Saskatchewan constituencies.” In accepting the appointment, Friesen said, “I believe that good stewardship is vital to king dom work, and I see MFC playing a key role in this. I want to work at stewardship educa tion both at the church and individual levels, as well as at building a base for long-term fund ing for Conference programs.” Edwin graduated from Steinbach Bible In stitute in 1968, from Winnipeg Bible College in 1976 and from Winnipeg Theological Semineiry in 1979. He attained journeyman status as a carpenter in 1972 and in 1992 became a licensed realtor. Edwin and Lily have three surviving children (one son died in 1988 at age 19) and are presently living in Steinbach. He is available to assist individuals, churches and other church-related groups and organizations with financial, retirement and es tate planning, will preparation and trust deposits. He is also prepared to accept invi tations for speaking engagements on steward ship themes and to conduct seminars on related topics. He can be reached at head office in Winnipeg (Phone 204-488-1985; FAX 204-488-1986). Welcome to the staff, Edwin!
Regional Public Meetings The EMC Assessment Committee is inviting all members of EMC churches to attend the meeting in their region to give feedback to the Committee on matters related to our Conference. Region Date Location 4 - April 8 - Brandon EMC 5 - April 18 - Riverton Gospel Chape! 6-April 11 - Rosenort Fellowship Chapel 7 - April 10 - Aberdeen EMC, Winnipeg 8 • April 9 - Steinbach EFC
All sessions start at 7:30 p.m. Dis cussion papers are available at your lo cal church. EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP CHURCH (EMC)
of Steinbach, Manitoba, is inviting applications for the position of
Associate/Youth Pastor Please send resume to: Norman Rempel Box 20188 Steinbach, MB ROA 2T1
For more information, contact: Norman Rempel: 204-326-5138 or Pastor Harry Friesen: 204-326-9028
PAGE 5
Missions PARAGUAY
Leadership Training Weekend Seminar
had been tried for several years, but because of language problems the students with a poor education benefitted little from TEE. There was an urgent need to train lay leaders, lead ers who would be able to share the Word cor rectly, recognize false teaching, prepare and deliver sermons, and help new Christians to become established in the Word and in the church. Thus the alternative of training lead ers locally seemed to be the answer. Training Centre
In the classroom. Front row (left to right): Juan, Virginio, Julian, Porfirio. Back row: Dionisio, Francisco, Ernest Funk, Rolando, Onofre, Agripino, Jose Domingo, Brigido, Felix.
The last weekend of every month the book store in Caaguazu, Libreria Ne’e Pora, buzzes with activity when about fifteen leaders and potential leaders from the various EMC churches in Paraguay gather for the leadership training course. Their “coffee break,” or ferere, is frequently interrupted by a good laugh or a serious informal debate. These leaders are getting to know each other. Because of dis tance between the various locations, they have remained strangers to each other; that is, un til the training course began.
dents from the interior; they felt at home main ly in their mother tongue. Guarani. A decline in the number of church planters, plus a num ber of new churches springing up in various locations, put a heavy demand on the church planters. Moreover, we were not reaching our goal of making the churches indigenous, and we were limiting our outreach operation. New Alternative Theological Education by Extension (TEE)
Caaguazu was chosen as the most central location, accessible by bus from the various locations. Each national church would assign their student or students. The classroom was already in place; the teachers, Agripino Presentado and Ernest Funk, were ready to teach; and the cooks, Doris Friesen, Lucy Presentado and Elsie Funk, were eager to try their culinary arts. The believers from the lo cal church would billet the students. Our EMC Mission offered to foot the bill for students’ travel costs and meals. (Previously the Mis sion offered scholarships to students attend ing a Bible college in Asuncion; part of this was now being applied to the training of the lay leaders.) Launching
Approximately twenty students showed up for the first class in May 1995; they came from
Urgent Need The Mission’s aim from the beginning was
to plant indigenous churches wherever the doors would open, or where the need for an evangelical church was evident. After several years we saw a number of churches come to life, but many of them could not carry on without the help of the missionary; local leadership was lacking. Very few of the stu dents who studied in the Bible colleges in Asuncion actually came back to their churches to take up leadership. Studies in the Spanish language were especially difficult for the stuMEXICO
Training Future Leaders "Let the...children come....’’ Twelve-year-old Toni, sitting with his head propped up on his elbow on the table, waits for the Sunday school class to start. The teacher walks in, greets the five students and announces the theme of the lesson, “The Trini ty.” Toni pipes up, “Teacher, before you start, I have a question. The other day you said that when Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will rise. When somebody dies, everybody says that person has gone to heaven. Now, I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, and my question is, ‘Where are the dead? Are they bu ried and waiting for the Lord to return, or are they up in heaven?’ Now 1 want you to explain that to me.” PAGE 6
'■ A
Terere break at the Training Centre in Caaguazu.
That question started a discussion: What will we do in heaven? Will we know each other in heaven? What will happen to the shoes and clothes we arc wearing when Jesus comes? What happens to a fetus when it dies? If a man enters your house with the intentions of kill ing you, but if you, in self-defence, grab his revolver and kill him instead, would that man go to heaven or to hell? The answer to that last question is, “If he died without Christ he would go to hell. But 1 would rather have someone kill me and have him send me to heaven than that 1 would kill someone and send him to hell." They all raise their eyebrows; that is a new thought for them. Again Toni pipes up: “Wouldn’t God forgive if you repent ed?” “Certainly God forgives, but forgiveness doesn’t always change the consequences. That man would still remain in hell.” The discussion goes on for forty-five
minutes. The class is over, and the teacher an nounces the theme for the next Sunday, “The Trinity.” God says, “Go ye and evangelize...train up a child...train leaders.” My prayer has often been. Lord, raise up leaders. Mexico needs strong church leaders. God has put these five lives into my hands. Future leaders in the church? 1 trust that they will be. We have a job to do — evangelize... teach...train...disci ple. Is there a better place to start than in the life of a child? Cathy Thiessen Cathy Thiessen (Mennuille) is a missionary in Chihuahua City, Mexico, where she is inuouled in Sunday school, ladies’ classes and uisitation.
THE MESSENGER
Caaguazu, Aguila Real, Canetekue, Pindo, Yhovy, Juan OTeary, Santa Teresa and Som merfeld Colony. Each one came with his own expectations, fears, level of education and lan guage preference. Would they be able to han dle classes after so many yeeirs of being away from the classroom? Could the teachers adapt to all the various needs? On-going Education
Every last weekend since May 1995 (except for a break in December and January) students have been studying at the Training Centre. Some of them put their newly acquired knowledge to immediate use. Take, for in stance, Antonio, with his grade two level, who helps lead a fast-growing group of believers. The missionary visits this group once a month.
helps with problems that arise, helps with the training of new believers, and seeks to en courage the leaders and the group of believers as a whole. The students who continue to study find this method to be affordable, prac tical and helpful in the overall growth of the church in Paraguay. Your Part Thank you to each of you who donates to our EMC Board of Missions; you have a very vital part in the training of these students. We commit them to you for prayer support. Elsie Funk
Elsie Funk (Felly) and her husband, Ernest, are church planters in Paraguay, with the EMC Board of Missions.
AFGHANISTAN (Part Two)
The Cry for Peace Allah Akbar! Allah Akbar! (God is great! God is great!) That is the cry one hears from the minarets all across Afghanistan. Islam is the religion of Afghanistan. It has been the religion of Afghanistan for over a thousand years. It is difficult, if not impossible, for an Afghan to think of his fellow-countryman not being a Muslim. In other words, an Afghan is a Muslim! Their belief in one God seems to be abso lute. Their conviction that Mohammed is the final prophet, who came to conect and com plete the revelations of the past, is unwaver ing. And so the Koran is the book of God that supersedes all that has come before. Nevertheless, it is all too easy to stereotype Muslims. Many Muslims of Afghanistan are what could be called “cultural Muslims.” They were born in a Muslim country and so they are Muslims. However, their faith has never been a real faith. Many of these turned to com munism during the 1970s and ’80s. This group today suffers with bitter disillusionment. They have seen what communism has done and now they see what Muslims in Af ghanistan are doing to each other. Many other Muslims in Afghanistan, while devout in their faith, are steeped in animistic and pagan traditions. They visit tombs of the dead and mix ancient superstitions with their Islamic faith. We often refer to this as “Folk or Popular Islam.” Many are gripped in fear, wondering how they can be released from the daily anxieties of life. It is utterly confusing and embittering for them to see the warring Mus lim factions struggle for political power. All they want is enough food and shelter so that they can carry on with life. Of course, many Afghans today still see Is lam as the answer to peace in their country. “Islam is the way of peace,” they say. They hold on firmly to Islam, calling for a return to the true principles of their faith. One such group, a fanatical association of Pakistantrained Muslim students called the Taliban, has taken over a large portion of southwestern Afghanistan and is threatening to throw the whole country back to first-century Islam, APRIL 3, 1996
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PROJECT PAMIR Dari Language Media making neighbouring Iran look modern and liberal! When challenged with the present situation of bitter civil war among different Muslim fac tions, the response often is, “The present bloodshed of our country is not true Islam.” Can there be peace without the Prince of Peace? Project Pamir has the goal of present ing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Dari speaking people of Afghanistan and so works to produce quality media materials, so that people, in their disillusionment, in their fears, and in their hunger for peace, will hear of Je sus Christ, the true Prince of Peace. The present bitter war in Afghanistan has created an openness to the Christian message, a spiritual hunger which has not existed in Af ghanistan for centuries. Culturally relevant me dia, therefore, is absolutely critical at this point of time when hundreds, if not thousands, of Afghans are groping for a foundation for peace that will not slip away. Pray that Project Pamir may continue to work, in conjunction with other organizations, towards this end.
Submitted by Arley and Janice Loewen (Blumenort), who have worked with Opera tion Mobilization since 1981, and are also EMC associates. Arley will be teaching the course “Strangers Within (Our Gates" at Provi dence Seminary’s 1996 May Institute.
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EMC/AIMM TODAY'S WINDOW will give you a glimpse of the relationship between EMC and Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM). The EMC Board of Missions (BOM) was organized in 1953 to facilitate the send ing of missionaries to other countries. Ben and Helen Eidse made themselves available to the BOM, who then searched for a Mennonite mission organization with which the Eidses could be sent. This search resulted in establishing a relation ship with Congo Inland Mission (CIM), an inter-Mennonite mission working in the Congo (now Zaire). By late 1953 the Eidses were in Zaire with CIM, sponsored by the BOM. This relationship has continued to the present. Till the early 1970s the BOM had observer status on the board of CIM. When CIM changed its name to Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM) its man date was broadened to include all of Afri ca. EMC was invited to become a full partner in AIMM. This invitation was ac cepted, and EMC now considered AIMM's fields in Africa as EMC fields, ad ministrated through AIMM. Presently the partners in AIMM are the Evangelical Mennonite Church (USA), Mennonite Brethren, General Confer ence, Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference and Evangelical Mennonite Conference. These partners are commit ted to doing missions in Africa through AIMM, which now has programs in Zaire, Burkina Faso, Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa. Financial responsibility in AIMM is prorated according to the number of mis sionaries of each partner. The salaries and benefits of the missionaries are paid by the sponsoring conference, while the field ministries/projects and the North American administrative costs are prorated. EMC missionaries with AIMM are Paul and Lois Thiessen in Burkina Faso, who are involved in Bible translation/literacy/evangelism; and Brian and Tricia Reimer in Lesotho, involved in Bible teaching in Africa Indigenous Churches. Henry Klassen Executive Secretary
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SENEGAL
An Error in Communication Seldom a Dull Moment There’s seldom a dull moment in our lives. One day a radio message came from a remote mission station requesting us to check up on one of their loyal believers who was brought in on a medical emergency. This seemed to be a simple enough request. 1 then talked with the tribal elder from the same tribe as the sick man. (Rather, 1 should say, I attempted to talk with him.) Between his poor French and my limited French, we managed to communicate. He told me that the sick man was very fa tigued, had not eaten for several days, and that the family needed to come right away. Being clever, somewhat culturally adjusted, 1 thought. This is serious; he is telling me that the sick man is dying. The next radio contact with the remote sta tion didn’t seem to come soon enough. 1 let them know how serious the situation was. They were going to tell the relatives
and believers and leave the next morning on the three-hour trip to see the sick man before he died. After the radio contact, 1 left to see the sick man myself and try to be of help. Af ter asking around a bit, I found him sitting in a chair visiting with some friends. I was very surprised; he looked healthy and quite strong. I realized then that 1 had made a serious mis take. 1 felt sick and frustrated, and wanted to wake up from this nightmare. In the meantime, back at the remote mis sion station, the families were packing up to come and see their relative and friend who was dying. They were, of course, very upset, as were the missionaries, since this was one of the strongest believers, and he was dying. For me the next radio contact seemed like eternity. I was praying that they would not have left yet. When the radio contact finally came, they were all getting in the Landrover to come out to see the sick, dying man. 1 tried to explain my big communication mistake in French. Finally, 1 switched to English and apologized for everything. As it turned out, the tribal elder was try
ing to tell me that the sick man did not have money to buy food, he was tired of living here in Kedougou and wanted his family to come and pick him up and take him home. For tunately, everyone was so happy that he was healthy instead of dying, that they forgot to get upset with me! Instead, they came out and took the man home to Madina Bafe. He is do ing well today. Please pray for the few believers at Madina Bafe. Pray for their spiritual growth and un derstanding. Pray that steady teaching of the Word will take place again soon. Pray also for more workers; there are so many people here in Senegal who don’t have the slightest chance of hearing without somebody to tell them. Conrad Wiebe
Conrad and Lauina Wiebe (Anola) and their children, Starr and Benjamin, Hue in Kedougou, Senegal. Conrad and Lauina are seruing with New Tribes Mission.
Messenger News WINTER RETREAT FANTASTIC Winnipeg, Man. (Braeside): Warmest greetings from Braeside! We have finally made it through a very long and very cold winter. Our church has been busy despite the cruelty of winter. Among the highlights that have kept us busy was the parent/child dedication service on January 21, involving the following parents with their children: Garry and Elma Bergen with Justina Elizabeth, Mike and Barb Dueck with Jesse Michael, Nelson and Kim Olfert with Joshua Taylor, and Wayne and Shelly Wiebe with Chelsae Linay. On January 13 we held the first of a twopart annual membership meeting, where the elections were held. The second part of the
meeting took place on February 22, where the budget was reviewed and accepted. We praise God for the willingness and dedication that Braesiders have to God and the church. This year’s first Praise and Pie night, led by the worship team, took place on February 4, with an abundance of singing and praising our God together. Following the singing we all shared in a wealth of different kinds of pies that were brought by numerous families. Thanks to all who gave of their time and pie. (I heard that the pie was good!) Many of the Braesiders attended the Ladies’ Fellowship fundraising lunch on February 11. The homemade soup was absolutely fantas tic! Fm sure everyone who attended will agree. Valentine’s Day was special for many cou ples. The youth donated their time by offer -
The Merry widows of Blumenort Here is just a brief report The game is played by four or two, Of the merry widows of Blumenort. The rest have something else to do. we live in peace and harmony. Some crochet, sew or do some knitting, Enjoying each other's company. some while away the time, just sitting, we re glad that we can get together in hosting sewing circles, we In stormy or in pleasant weather. Take turns. Some days it's up to me. Sometimes we have a quilting bee, we like to go out for a meal. Making quilts for MCC. Depending on how good we feel. In Bible study, twice a week, A few of us still own a car; The meaning of God's word we seek. To offer rides If It's too far Some evenings we play crokinole, To walk, we re aging fast, Trying our best to hit the hole. we re not as spry as in the past, But long before the time is o'er, we have enough and even more, we find that no one kept the score. There'S so much to be thankful for. Thus we don't know who won or lost By this report we let you see. And no one's dignity is at cost. That we re as happy as can be. Sara Loewen, Oakview Manor, Blumenort, Man. PAGE 8
ing their babysitting services to anyone who wanted a romantic night out without the kids. The Men’s Fellowship Breakfast was held on February 24 at the Windsor Park Inn, and after breakfast they put their service into ac tion by volunteering their time and strength at the Inner City Youth Alive project. February 25 was the date for the Region 7 Music and Drama Night with the SBC drama group — a very enjoyable evening. Thank you to the students from SBC and to all the Region 7 churches that took part. The biggest highlight for me (being the reporter I can be selective) was the annual Braeside Winter Retreat on the weekend of January 26-28.1 took the liberty of using sec tions of the Braeside Beacon, written by Becky Goertzen, to highlight the events of the weekend. The theme was “Characteristics of a Healthy Church.” Mel Koop was our inspir ing leader and blessed us all. Twenty minutes before each group session, the worship team led in singing. The first session was titled “Do I Know Who I Am?” “We are significant, ac cepted and secure.” The topic for Session 2 was “Sensing the Presence of God.” “Does Braeside have God’s blessing?” Session 3 focussed on “Caring for Each Other,” and the last session was titled “Outreach.” All the ses sions were fantastic! The small group discus sions following each session were enlightening. The free time was spent visiting, swimming, playing games, sleeping, playing jokes on each other, and a very short (it was only -40C) game of broomball. The temperature may have been frightful, but the warmth we all felt came from our hearts. We came home refreshed, with an excitement for serving God and our church. What a fantastic weekend! Audrey Goertzen THE MESSENGER
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Brenda Neufeld and some of the Portage church children with the new library books.
OUR CHURCH LIBRARY Portage la Prairie, Man.: “The Christian does not substitute Christian books for the reading of the Word, the Bible. Christian book reading is supplementary: it clarifies, amplifies and applies the truths of the Bible” (The Church Library Handbook by LaVose New ton). How do you create interest? How do you decide which books to buy? How do you ade quately add to the library within your budg et? These are questions every church librarian has asked at one time or another. I have brief ly outlined our library activities to encourage and share ideas with fellow librarians and readers. A wise friend once said to me. The success
of the library will depend largely on your pro motion! The library needs to be “sold” to the congregation. Know your library well enough to be able to share books during your conver sations. Wow! This is a tall order, especially for the average librarian who is elected for a one-year term. Often librarians feel they must read the whole library and all new arrivals. I found that even the weekly straightening of books and returning them to the shelves gave me a good idea of what we offer. Being in the library during open time is an excellent way to ask readers their opinions on books read or books to purchase. Asking the bookstores for latest arrivals and their own ideas is also helpful. (Remember, they deal with books ev ery day and probably read a few too!) With the high book prices, it’s difficult to
provide new selections and stay within your budget. Letting your congregation know that any book donations are appreciated, and then promoting those books, is encouraging. Book of the Month is an ideal way to pro mote books. Having people in the congrega tion share their favourites also promotes participation. This past year the Library Letterlocker was started, which was a monthly section in the bulletin. It included new arrivals, a book of the month, upcoming library events, lost book ti tles and other details. A Book Borrowing System is another way to make more selections available at no cost. Ask your congregation if anyone has books to lend to the library for a limited time. Our first Put the Library on Your Christmas Gift List program was a great success. A poster was made showing book titles for ideas and a list showing book titles missing from the series already in the library. The books were wrapped and put under the tree. Christmas morning during the service the children came forward to open these gifts and present the books to the church. This program has en couraged me to have a list available year round to give the members ideas as to which books they can donate. I encourage you to discover the joys in your church library. It is there for YOU! I trust you have already enjoyed reading this past year and have found that Christian read ing works for, to and through you. Brenda Neufeld Reporter: Catherine Epp
MEXICAN FIESTA NIGHT
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Steinbach, Man. (EFC): Pastor Harry has started with a series of sermons on the fami ly. “Wives Who Free Their Husbands” en couraged wives to free their husbands from meeting needs that only God can meet. Another sermon title was “The Fathers Eat Sour Grapes and the Children’s Teeth are Set on Edge.” Children are not responsible for the sins of their parents, and parents are not responsible for the sins of their children. Each one is guilty only of his own sins. On January 28 six children were dedicated to service for the Lord by their parents, who also committed themselves to teach and train these young lives for the Lord. Pastor Harry spoke on the topic of presenting children to the Lord. The Ladies’ Fellowship Mexican Fiesta Night was well attended and definitely enjoyed by all. Recipes and Mexican cooking lessons were provided by several ladies who prepared a variety of dishes. The food was thoroughly appreciated by the ladies! Another highlight of the evening was the pifiata, which contained the names of the women attached to candy. Those who wished to participate picked a can dy and arranged for a time of coffee and fel lowship for a later date at their convenience. Brenda Reimer APRIL 3. 1996
Membership transfers at the Steinbach EFC on January 14 (left to right): Brenda and Greg Reimer (Rosenort EMC), Lois Loewen Epp and Gord Epp (Hodgson Bible Church), Wilma and Carl Doerksen (Blumenort EMC), Margaret and Dave Dueck (Pansy Chapel).
Parent/child dedication at the Steinbach EFC. Left to right: Gregory Theodore with mom Cathy Sawatzky, Natasha Joiene with parents Henry and Sara Klassen, Tyler Scott with parents Ron and Rosie Loewen, Debbie with parents John and Margaret Petkau, Kristan Shawn and Tanya Cora-Lee with mom Ursula Giesbrecht.
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Henry Krahn presented honourary gifts to Dan Fehr (centre), chair man of the Building Committee, and to Willy Driedger (left), project manager. Thanks, guys, and may God richly bless you for your hours and hours of work.
And the result of all this? A new and bigger home for High Level Christian Fellowship.
«
A. well several visitors catnc Asweil , sever a. {g^ words
Even though our bnildng is new, our shepherds remain the same: Pastor Richard Klassen with his wife
as the enu eiiLi c, — rather the be^hning _ glad to haw Dan
chil Karina r'3' and David. Thanh, for— all1 your support.
Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; Praise Him, O servants of the Lord You who stand in the house of our God Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is louelp (Psalm 135:1-3). The Holy Spirit’s presence was felt as hearts were lifted in praise to God. What an encouraging afternoon November 12 was! Pastor Klassen led us in the dedication of the b, 'uilding to the Lord.
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Manv friends and visitors from High Uv.i U Crete, and some ratuAu came ioin us from hours away, came to to join us in our celebration.
“Professor Poof,” from Child Evangelism Fellowship of Calgary, helped us out tremendously by entertaining the children downstairs with some fun spiritual teaching.
And, of course, afterward we all gathered in the basement for some food and fellowship.
The afternoon included several special numbers, and some spe cial presentations.
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testimonies and were again encouraged by them. We hope we as a congregation can also be a blessing to them. We had our month ly Christian Endeavour Program on February 18, with a slide presen tation from Christy Pastor Glenn and Norma Plett with new members at the Morweena Reimer, who was in church, Janet and Marvin Hamm. Russia under the REACH program. REACH is a program of MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE Rosedale Mennonite Mission based in Irwin, Monveena, Man.: Greetings from Morwee- Ohio. Chris worked mainly with the young na! Let me tell you of some of the happenings people. She blessed us with her burden and zeal for the work there. We want to continue around here. On February 2 we had a full church as to pray for the many young people who are friends and family came to show support and searching wholeheartedly for the truth. We encouragement to Marvin and Janet Hamm. also heard from Juanita Wevursky, who has We have enjoyed and appreciated their input been accepted by the EMC Board of Missions in the community since they moved here a to go to Paraguay and teach missionary chil year and a half ago. Now they officially joined dren. We wish her God’s blessing and peace the church body of believers here in Morwee- as she prepares to go. Sid and Bea Dueck had the privilege of gona via transfer of membership. We heard their
ing to India and Bangladesh on a Canadian Food Grains Food Study Tour. They showed their slides and gave an interesting report on the evening of March 3. Their lives have been impacted by the poverty and seeing for them selves what CFGB and also MCC are doing to help those poor people. Bea also gave a report at the Ladies’ Sewing Circle, focusing more on women’s needs and also what we are doing as we sew blankets for MCC. Then the following Sunday we heard another report and saw slides from Russia. Tom Plett was there distributing Bibles under Revival Fires Ministry. Mr. Plett told us of how one time they had distributed 30(X) Bibles in two hours. The people there are hungry for the Word of God. He challenged us to pray and also to give to the work. There are so many opportunities for us; may we be found faithful. Right now we as a church are experiencing the 50-Day Adventure, “What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do” — but you have to wait until our next report to hear all about that! Trudy Loewen
Salvation is more than fire insurance. S — Separated from my past A — Adopted into God’s family V — Victorious E — Entered into the abundant life D — Dwelling place of the Holy Spirit On Sunday morning Chuck tried to con vince us that we are all saints, and that Holi ness is more than a pious look. H — Having an attitude of alertness O — Operating in the light of what I am L — Letting God be your example V — Yielding all to Him daily At our final session on Sunday night, we learned that Loue is more than a warm fuz zy feeling. L — Look at others through the eyes of God. O — [Love] Opens itself to people. V — [Love] Values people, not things. E — Exhibit it [love].
Another activity that went along with the weekend was youth emphasis night on Friday. The session was followed with coffee and doughnuts and a video featuring Steve Bell. Saturday morning we enjoyed fellowship around the tables at a family breakfast, potluck-style. We appreciated the folks who came from neighbouring churches for several of the sessions. Music was led by the worship team, and special numbers were provided by the youth group, ladies’ double trio and the children who attend kids club on Wednesday nights. We are grateful for servants like Chuck, who make themselves available to speak to us and allow God to work through them. It was an
MORE THAN...FOR MORE LIVING Roseisle, Man.: The weekend of March 15-17 was set aside for our spring meetings. The messages we heard all included a “more than” phrase. If you are a little confused, don’t worry; I was too when I first saw the topic heading. Our guest speaker was Chuck Nichols, who came to us from Providence Seminary. He spoke to us four times through out the weekend. On Friday night we heard that Faith is more than wishful thinking. To help us remember the main points. Chuck provided us with an acrostic at each session. F — Fixing your eyes on God A — Acting on God’s commands I — Identifying with God’s calling T — Taking God at His promises H — Having a proper view of the future On Saturday evening we were reminded that
ALL-GERMAN CRUSADE
Mount Salem, Ont.: The writer of Ec clesiastes says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (Eccl. 3:1). For us at the Mt. Salem church, this past week has been a special time of growth, renewal and challenge as we, together with our neighbouring EMMC church, hosted our first-ever all-German crusade. For many this crusade meant months of planning, pray ing and preparation, but it was well worth the effort to see up to 700 people come out and, more importantly, to see some of them give their lives to Christ. Praise God for giving us this time of grace during which both adults and children could hear about God’s forgiveness! We are also grateful for some of the spe cial events we have been able to celebrate. January was election time, and all the regular positions were filled. We also elected four new deacon couples to help meet the needs of a PAGE 12
growing church. In February we celebrated this by having a special deacon commissioning service, combined with a “send off service for our very own missionary couple. Bill and He len Friesen, who are now serving in the Leamington EMC. Last, but certainly not least, seven new mem bers were added to the
excellent weekend of learning and growing in the Lord. Thank you. Chuck, for coming to minister to us. Eleanor Friesen
bring to each one of our lives so that our ac tivities ‘under heaven’ may bring rewards in heaven. Netti Harder
membership following
their baptism on Febru ary 4. In retrospect, it is hard to believe that the winter season is end ing, but spring is in the air, and we welcome it. Yet, as we anticipate all that this new season will bring with it, may we also anticipate and welcome the changes the Lord may wish to
Baptism at the Mount Salem church. Left to right: Jim Froese, Chris Loewen, Jake Sawatzky, Jake Redekopp, Pastor Wilbert Friesen, Irene Reimer, Mary Peters and Tina Penner.
THE MESSENGER
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Stan and Irene McKay, elders in our church, have been attending regularly since the church’s beginning. Stan is also our faithful Chapel caretaker.
Hilton Elk and Jennifer McKay were married on December 30, 1995.
Dave and Milly Pashe doing a reading at our Christmas concert on December 24. Dave teaches at Assiniboine Community Coliege in Brandon. He is on a one-year leave of absence, taking university courses. Milly works as a nurse’s aide. They have four sons. Praise God for Christian couples, who are serving the Lord!
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IA, Victor Rodgers and Ella McKay on their wedding day, December 23, 1995.
GOSPEL CONCERT ENJOYED
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Sioux Valley, Man.: Praise God, spring is just around the corner! We had many snowstorms and lots of cold weather this winter, which caused the cancellation of our Bible studies a number of times. One Sunday morning service was also cancelled because of blocked roads. The Buffalo Lake Gospel Singers were at the Band Hall for a concert in December. A very vicious storm came up, suddenly, after the singing group and we, Jake and Helen Martens, got to the hall. About two dozen peopie came in spite of the storm. The concert and fellowship, as well as the hall, were warm! The local people all made it home safely; however, the rest of us had to spend the night in the hall. Praise God for some gym floor pads that helped us have a reasonably com fortable rest! After a late breakfast the next morning (leftovers from the previous night’s lunch), the storm was almost over, and we all went on our way. “With Jesus in the boat, we can smile at the storm.” We would welcome any gospel singing groups to Sioux Valley to bring us a concert, storm or no storm. Our Bible studies have been at Victor and Ella Rodgers’ apartment this winter. Because of our high power bill, we have the chapel heat ed only for Sundays. Victor and Ella have gone to Quebec, which is Victor’s home province, where they are having services in different homes and reserves, for the month of March. Reg and Hazel Bell are hosting the Bible studies during this time. We are just finishing our study in I John. For a number of winters, Doris Pratt has taught in Winnipeg. This winter she is in Brandon, so she has a lot less travelling to do. APRIL 3, 1996
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Joseph and Sheila Jolly (and son Joseph Seth) are with Native Gospel Ministries in Ottawa. They had a series of evangelistic meetings at the Reserve Fellowship Chapel.
What a lovely birthday surprise for Jake, by our congregation!
Our congregation has had services in different homes in Sioux Valley this winter when, because of illness, people have requested services, as a result of home visitations done, These services with family groups have been a great blessing to all involved, We are thankful that God protected Evelyn Tacan, her daughter Charmaine and niece Alexi Lerat. One evening, on their way home from Brandon, suddenly there were about ten horses on the road right in front of them, Three horses were killed, and the vehicle was badly damaged, but, praise God, Evelyn and the girls were not badly hurt! The Lord has brought a number of speak-
ers to our church this past winter; Roy and Leona Cardinal (Rocky Mountain House, Alta.), Venus Cote (Truro, N.S.), Bill and Mary Martens (with Continental Mission), Terry and Bev LaBlanc (with World Vision), Joe and Sheila Jolly (Ottawa, Ont.), Scott Gillespie (with Shantyman Mission), and Dave and Dorlene Petkau (travelling with Buffalo Lake Gospel Singers). Thank you for your continued prayers for all of us at the Reserve Fellowship Chapel. We will give you a hearty welcome when you visit us. We are also open to invitations to serve the Lord in other places. Helen Martens
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Pastor Arden Thiessen with new deacons, Sara Loeppky, Cornie and Grace Plett, Henry and Corinne Nickel, Al and Arlene Riediger, at the installation service at the Steinbach EMC.
NEW DEACONS INSTALLED
Steinbach, Man.: Sunday, March 17, was the day when the church celebrated the instedlation of newly elected deacons; Sara Loeppky, Henry and Corinne Nickel, Comie and Grace Plett and Albert and Arlene Riediger. Together with those already serving
or re-elected, this brings the number to twenty. Heading up the deacon committee are Dave and Tina Nickel. Among the various functions of our deacons, maybe one of the more visi ble ones is the Care Groups, made up of in dividuals and couples assigned to a deacon’s care ministry. Daue Schellenberg
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GOLDEN AGERS MEET
Rosenort, Man.: Our sermon series from Thessalonians is slowly coming to a close. These epistles certainly have a wealth of material to help Christians form a closer walk with the Lord, but how much do we remem ber of that which we have heard? Apparently the Thessalonians remembered what Paul had taught them, and he was able to praise and encourage them many times. Bert Kornelson of Pleasant Valley spoke to us about “Marks of Spiritual Health,” from Psalm 37. Benny Friesen has been elected as our as sistant pastor and was ready to fill in for Men no Kroeker when he flew to Egypt and Israel for a two-week tour at the beginning of Febru ary. Dorothy and Leanne Kroeker went on a shorter flight of their own, visiting son and brother David in Ottawa. We were happy to see Ralph Dueck of Por tage la Prairie in our church on December 31. His health is still not too good, though. Mrs. Jacob K. Dueck spent a week in the Morris Hospital and is now back at Eventide with im proved health. We wish the same for Mr. Abram K. Loewen, our oldest member, who is also in Morris at present. Mrs. Dora Fries en spent a while in the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, and is feeling better again. Elmer Friesen had surgery in Winnipeg. The Region 6 Golden Agers met at our church on February 7 to hear Mr. and Mrs. Abe Neufeld of Winnipeg sing, as well as share of their long-time missionary service in Europe, especially Austria. They had slides from their early and later ministry, and Abe brought a short devotional. We then had a fellowship meal of soup, bread and squares. Joel Dueck spent a month in Mexico, help ing Gerald Reimer and the church in Chihua hua City. On his return to Winnipeg’s airport, a small crowd of junior youth welcomed him home with cheers and banners! He is enthused about the mission work, even though the lan guage was a big obstacle. Jake and Bertha Kroeker are also encouraged by recent de velopments in the Juarez church, especially the ministry of Pablo and Lola. The Kroekers brought us a short report on February 4, hav ing come to Manitoba for the funeral of Ber tha’s mother. Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg was the recipient of a youthful work crew from our area. They loaded old lumber and plaster onto a couple of big trucks to make way for reno vations at the new location at 418 Aberdeen. Mrs. Benny Friesen gave a lively report at the Ladies’ Fellowship meeting on March 5 of her work in Russia under CoMission. The women were moved to thankfulness for all the privileges we have in Canada. They were also encouraged to support the work of children’s Bible camps in Russia. A house has been purchased by the Rosenort Housing Corporation and is being readied for the Jake Peters family. Donors for this project come from several area churches, young people’s groups and our Ladies’ Fellow ship. What a blessing to work together like PAGE 14
this! The young people’s successful fundraising dinner also helped to pay for Joel Dueck’s flight to Mexico and their own Snow Camp (still future). Leui Dueck NETTIE REIMER KLASSEN 1913-1995 Nettie Reimer Klassen was born on April 26,1913, in the Clearsprings School District near Steinbach, Manitoba. Here she early developed the remark- I able strength and de- I pendability which I characterized her to I the very end. She cared I deeply for her family, I going to work in Win- I nipeg as a teenager to I help out her parents | and her siblings. i She was predeceased • by her father, John T. Reimer, in 1958, and her mother, Anna, in 1978. She will be fond ly remembered for her generosity and kindness by her brothers and sisters: Elmer and Leona (Steinbach), Mary Froese (Steinbach), Dan and Mary (Steinbach), Edna and Harvey Pen ner (Greenland, Man.), Gladys and Aaron Eidse (Enderby, B.C.), and Jessie Reimer (Steinbach). She is also survived by her Klas sen in-laws: Abe and Margaret Klassen (Blumenort, Man.), David Klassen (Steinbach) and Sophie Klassen (Steinbach). In 1932, Nettie manied Cornelius Unger Klassen. As a young married couple, they dedicated themselves to Christ and became active members of the Steinbach E. M. Church, where they served as a deacon cou ple for many years. Mother directed her energies to loving and nurturing thirteen children, making each of us feel special. She was predeceased by her daughter Leona in 1976. She will be truly missed by her children: Jack (Connie), Alto na, Man.; Bernie (Nettie), Winnipeg, Man.; Glenn (Betty), Winnipeg; Alfrieda (Harold) Dyck, South Bend, Indiana; Ron (Esther Tennenhaus), Vancouver, B.C.; Lisa (Ray) Bruneteau, Omaha, Nebraska; Peter (Luella), Steinbach; Linda (Delmar) Wall, Ajax, Ont.; Daniel (Valerie Palmer), Wawa, Ont.; Julia (Ronald Dalloo), Winnipeg; Sandra (Richard) James, Winnipeg; Ken (Roxanne), Steinbach. Mother’s circle of love and concern grew to thirty-six grandchildren and their spouses and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Their impor tance was visible in the abundance of pictures, cards, art work and love notes they left for her. Soon after being predeceased by Father in 1979, Mother left the big family house and yard on First Street in Steinbach, which they had built together, and moved to an apartment close to the church. Although her life was still full, with family and friends, she did miss her large, beautifully flowered yard and garden. In September of 1990, Mother lost much of her independence due to a stroke, which left her physically challenged but still capable of witty remarks and words of concern and
love for those around her. During her four-year stay in the Rest Haven, she became progres sively more dependent but continued to en joy the friendship of two special volunteers, Marlene Hiebert and Nettie Voth. The family would like to express their gratitude for the care she received from the staff at the Rest Haven in the final years of her life. On November 23,1995, early in the morn ing, Mother reached out, took the hand of her Lord and went home to be with Him. The funeral service was held at the Steinbach E. M. Church on Monday, November 26. Pall bearers were her grandsons Paul Klassen, Paul Shaefer, Mark Dalloo, Neil Klassen, Ray Klas sen and Kevin Dyck.
WILLIAM G. ZACHARIAS 1916-1995 Bill was born October 1,1916, to Peter P. and Katharine Zacharias in Bergfeld, Manito ba. It was in this community that Bill grew up and got his education. At the age of 22 he went to work for the Loewens of Rosenhof, Man. Upon his confes sion of faith he was baptized at the EMC church in Rosenort, by Bishop J. B. Kroeker. It was during the time that he was working for the Loewens that he met his wife-to-be, Helen Kroeker. They were married on Septem ber 15, 1940. Four children were bom to them, Lavina, Sharon, Bradley and Bonnie. We mourn Bill’s passing and pay tribute to him. He enjoyed playing baseball, singing and playing the piano and violin. He also loved fishing and hunting. When Bill and Helen lived in Reinland, Man., Bill was usually called on to be umpire at the ball games. And when he called a strike, and you had your doubts and would look at him, he would give that smile and say, “I said that was a strike.” In later years he followed his grandchildren around and en joyed watching them play baseball and hock ey. He was very proud of his family and loved to talk about them. Bill loved life and was always fun to be with. There was always a lot of laughter when he was around. He loved to tell jokes, but wasn’t very good at it. By the time he got to the punch line, he was laughing so hard that he could not finish, so we would laugh more at him than at his jokes. Bill spent many years selling Watkins products in the Winkler and Morden area, and to this day he has many friends there. As a matter of fact, when I go to Winkler, people will come up to me and instead of asking how I am, will ask, “How’s Bill doing? Please say hi to him from us.” Bill’s best love, though, was singing. I don’t know what heaven is like, buf I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s gotten together with Dad, brother Pete and maybe Uncle Henry, and they are singing right now. Bill loved to get together with the brothers and sing, and. THE MESSENGER
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without fail, we would all gather around and sing whenever we had a family gathering. He was also involved in the choir in the Winkler Bergthaler Church and served as choir director for many years. He was very in strumental in organizing a choir in the EMC church in Rosenort and was choir director there for many years. On January 27,1981, Bill suffered a stroke and was hospitalized for some time, and his working days were over. But that did not dis courage him from being involved in music and Bible study wherever he was. He also took up rug making, and has made some beautiful rugs, but after four more strokes and two an gina attacks, even rug making became a chore. After moving to the Oakland Apartments, he loved going out for coffee with his brother Ed and his buddies. This took them all over southern Manitoba. Bill loved the Lord and enjoyed serving him wherever he could. He was very concerned that his family would all know and follow Christ. On Thursday, December 14, 1995, he en joyed a day of music and singing at a Christ mas social. In the evening he went to watch his brother Ed call a bingo game in the activi ty centre. After a bit he went home and talked to his wife, telling her what a wonderful day he had had. At about 10 p.m. he told Helen he was tired and would lie down for a bit, and very shortly after that he peacefully slipped away to be with the Lord. He reached the age of 79 years, 2 months and 14 days. He leaves to mourn his wife, He len, of 55 years; three daughters, one son, three sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, and nine grandchildren; Lavina and Cliff Dyck, Lindsay and Ryan; Sharon and Henry Penner, Cindy and husband David, and Jaret; Brad ley and Peggy Zacharias, Steven and David; and Bonnie and Tim Friesen, Luke, Joanna and Kelly. He also leaves five sisters, seven brothers, four brothers-in-law, six sisters-inlaw, many nieces and nephews and many friends. Bill will be greatly missed.
Births
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LETKEMAN - to Pat and Jackie Letkeman of Stein bach, Man., a son. Brock Avery Neil, on February 2, 1996. SAWATZKY - to Ron and Charlene Sawatzky of MacGregor, Man., a son, Dawson Jared, on Febru ary 6, 1996. WIEBE - to George and Verna Wiebe of Arborg, Man., a son, Travis Jonathan, on March 2, 1996.
Weddings GIESBRECHT - SINNOTT: Gordon, son of John and Dorothy Giesbrecht of MacGregor, Man., and Jennifer, daughter of Patrick and Beverly Sinnott of Winnipeg, Man., were married on October 7, 1995, at the Morrow Gospel Church in Winnipeg, with Al Friesen of Winnipeg officiating. The couple is making their home in Arnes, Man.
APRIL 3, 1996
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By the WAY By Dave Schellenberg I CAN HARDLY BLAME PEOPLE for looking at me strangely when we met, especially when they looked at my left eye. No, I didn’t play floor hockey..., but I did have cataract sur gery, and my eye was quite dis coloured for a while. I guess it could have been called a black eye. I couldn’t see it so it usually didn’t bother me. (Apparently, this discolou ration doesn’t always occur.) This type of surgery seems to be quite common—some 650 per month at the Misericordia Hospital. Nevertheless, one of the questions on the four-page pre-op question naire asked if I was concerned about any difficulties after leaving the hospital. I couldn’t think of any so I made a mark between yes and no. Another question was whether I had been given a full explanation of this surgery. I suppose these questions are included for any unexpected eventuality. I declined, however, to answer the question of whether I wished to see a chaplain. After about an hour in the operat ing room, I was on the way out. My vision? By all appearances it is bet ter than before. Certainly God is to be thanked for this new technology.
I WAS HURT AND UPSET. There was no denying it, and I’m sure the other person was well aware of it. Why had this decision been made without my involvement, since it af fected me directly? And I’m afraid my response was not very cordial. Has this ever happened to you — being left out of some important de cision making? How did you react? How did I react? I no more look for ward to patching up hurts where I am guilty than you do, but I knew what I had to do. A meeting was arranged, and I realized that I had jumped to conclusions; I had read between the lines. As we talked it over across the table from each other, things took on quite a different perspective. By nature I am not the kind of per son who relishes these encounters, especially when I am hurt or upset.
But how thankful I was that this ses sion, which threw a different light on the situation, had been possible, and God smoothed over the troubled waters!
FINALLY A NOTE of interest from the past. My grandfather Kornelsen came to Canada in 1875 as a young man of eighteen. The next year he was hired as teacher in the newly founded village of Steinbach, Manito ba. The school term lasted some five months. Enrollment in the Steinbach village school was fourteen, ten boys and four girls. The salary was $40.00 (for the whole term!), plus some amenities. In all he taught some thirty-three years (but not forthat sa lary!). After twenty-five years of teaching, his students honoured him with a celebration, including the following tribute (translated from German). It fittingly shows the respect and honour in which he was held. Certain ly, in those twenty-five years he had the opportunity to be a positive role model for many Steinbach citizens, which I’m sure he was. To G. E. Kornelsen, teacher In Steinbach, a loving and honourable teacher: First, a greeting of love and regards. We as your students bring to you, out of love and respect, a chair in remembrance of your twenty-five years of teaching, as a jubilee gift. We recognize that this item is little and perishable but hope that you will accept it as a sincere token of love. It is also our wish that the Lord, ac cording to His will and pleasure, will give you many years of health, and that whatever He plans for you will also be your pleasure. We, a small part of your large stu dent group, undersign ourselves with regards. I thought you would enjoy this lit tle glimpse of some of the education of yesteryear. Till next time.
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From the Editor Very Good News LAST SUNDAY WE heard a fascinating story during the Sunday school hour at Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C. The pastor related that, during the week, an East Indian man had come to his office with some questions. The recent immigrant had been learning English in an ESL class conducted in the church. Noticing Bibles lying around, he had become so curious about their content, that he overcame his shyness and approached the pastor in his office. Having been raised a Muslim, the man was completely ignorant about the story of the Bible. He wanted to know what the Bible was about. Very simply the pastor explained the basic message of the Bible, telling him about the universality of sin and God’s plan of salvation. He told the inquirer about Jesus, the Son of God, who died on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all people. Then he explained that Jesus, having risen from the dead on the third day, is the living Saviour. The man thought for a while, apparently processing this information in his mind, and asked, “Is it really true that Jesus was resurrected?” “Yes,” the pastor answered, “it is really true” “That’s very good news!” the man said. Alive Forever Those of us who have heard the story of the Bible from our childhood have become so familiar with it, that we are no longer thrilled by its wondrous truths. Sure, we believe that Jesus lived, died, and rose again — so what? To use a current expression, “Been there; done that!” It’s no big deal. Just a moment. This story is the biggest deal ever; none is more mind-boggling. It packs more power than an earthquake; let it jolt you again through your layers of humdrum existence. Read the gospel story as though you had never heard it before, and see if it doesn’t come alive again. There are many religions in the world, and each one has its heroes, its saviours. But they are all dead and buried — every one. Statues and graves sustain their memory. Only Christianity has a resunected Saviour, a living Lord. There is no other like Him. Jesus is alive, and He is here — a living, loving presence wherever He is welcomed. Sunny Side Up Michael Green has written a little book. Who Is This Jesus?, to introduce the uninformed to Jesus Christ. A
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nontechnical, highly readable volume, it glows with the author’s enthusiasm for the Christian life For example: “1 sat next to a man on the old blue settee in my study in Oxford. I wept as I heard him blurt out a confession to God and simply ask the risen Christ to come into his life. And then the joy broke out. And the laughter. It was wonderful. It would have been wonderful if it happened once. But it has happened literally millions of times. You see, Jesus is alive, and once you put your life in His hands you discover the truth of it for yourself.” After relating a few more stories of lives dramatically changed and empowered by the living Christ, Green says: “I have deliberately begun with experience. Because that is what it is all about, this Christian life. Real Christianity is not some coolly argued case, culminating in conclusions which are at best probable. It is a friendship with the risen Jesus. It is knowing this vibrant, living person for yourself. It turns your whole life sunny side up.” A Living Relationship How is it with you? Is the resurrection a fact tucked away in some dusty cubbyhole of your mind? Or is it a daily, living relationship with Jesus Christ? Peter Marshall said, “The Resurrection never becomes a fact of experience until Christ lives in the heart of the believer.” Yes, Jesus really arose from the dead — and that’s very good news! — Menno Hamm
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can you and l really have communion with Christ as we would with earthly friends? Can we know personally that same Jesus whose words are recorded In the New Testament, who walked the dusty trails of Calllee two thousand years ago? I don't mean can we treasure His words or try to follow His example or imagine Him. I mean is He really alive? Can we actually meet Him, commune with Him, ask His help for our everyday affairs? The Gospel writers say "yes.” A host of men and women down the ages say "yes." The church says "yes." — Peter Marshall Mr Jones, Meet the Master
THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0
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