The Messenger June 10. 1998 by The Messenger

»! •• hnsy — March 1 ► Kevin Funk, Michael Braun, Vanessa Fehr, Peter Derksen, and Lorna berksen.

LeamingtonI —March 29 ▲ Bock: Rich ichard Penner, John Neufeld, Abe Berg, John Froese, John byck, Aaron Neufeld, Peter Neufeld, Pastor Peter Reimer. Front: Margaret Fehr, Netty Loewen, Errin (Livinston) Berg, Mary Schmidt, Lina Giesbrecht, Helen Klassen, Helen Fast.

◄ Wymark — January 4 tw

F (For church news, see pages 6-12)

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 36 NUMBER 11 JUNE 10, 1998

Corrie Banman (centre). Pastors Conroy Koop and Len Harms stand with him.

Messenger

[Editoricil^

EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Art's Request 1 HAD RETURNED from Hudson Bay, Sask., and a Region 3 seminar: “Why are we in the EMC?” I presented; Dr. Harvey Plett fielded questions. Dropped off in Austin for a family gather ing, on Sunday morning 1 drove to worship with the Community Bible Church (EMC) in Arden. Art Plett is the church’s leader. Art is a solid, thoughtful, intelligent Chris tian. Hearing about the seminar, he said, “Maybe Terry Smith can share why he is part of the EMC.” 1 did briefly then — and will more now. Like all of us, 1 could be part of many de nominations and be spiritually nurtured; the broad make-up of most ministers’ personal libraries is a simple witness to this. 1 am part of, indebted to, and delight in the wider Christian church in history and around the world. In 1979, though, I joined the EMC and have remained within the Mennonite Church since then. Why? The EMC today has a mixture of beliefs which are both evangelical and challeng ing to evangelicals. While a study of our post-sixteenth-century history can make us humble and conscious of our inconsisten cies, in the late twentieth century we re tain a combination of positive beliefs which 1 appreciate. We combine personal evangelism and social concern. We have a clear, conserva tive appreciation for the Word of God, the finished work of Christ, and the call to per sonal conversion and discipleship. George Whitefield, the Anglican evange list, was asked why he preached so often on being born again; he said it was because people must be born again. “Born again” is an overused, abused phrase, yet it is a scrip tural description of what people need: new life in Christ. Along with the wider Mennonite Church, though, we also display a solid social con cern. This is prominent through the work of Mennonite Central Committee, while certainly not limited to it. David 0. Moberg, an American university professor, has said evangelical churches were very socially minded until the theo logical controversies of 1910-1930. They began to leave social action to the liberals. He calls this The Great Reversal. Today many evangelical churches are shifting direction. Raised in a socially ori ented denomination, 1 am clearly indebted to its awareness of the social implications of the gospel in Jesus. Being a member of PAGE 2

the EMC allows me to affirm this within a conservative understanding of the Christian faith. We care about church planting. My minis

terial training began twenty-one years ago with two years at Central Pentecostal Col lege in Saskatoon and an internship in a Pentecostal church. During my three years of involvement within The Pentecostal As semblies of Canada, 1 became aware of the PAOC’s strong emphasis on evangelism and church planting; this emphasis is shared by the EMC. I’m glad for the continuity. We strive to balance faith as a personal and a communal act. As part of “the believ ers church tradition,” we see faith as per sonal but not private. Faith is shown in life with other believers; this goes far beyond any discussion about “paper” membership. As a gathered community, there is security and expectations. Ronald Sider, Mennonite minister and author, says the Mennonite Church counters an unhealthy individual ism. 1 agree. We have a public, corporate position on

peace. The EMC has an official, corporate stand for peace. This includes being against war and Christian participation in war, with a cautious view of the state. While the state might call much of this “conscientious ob jection,” it is more than a personal matter of conscience. Ours is a corporate conviction about what we see as scriptural, a joint stand — like our view of baptism. Pacifism is not weakly tolerated among other choices; it is our EMC position. This places the EMC in a rare place among evangelical churches, and is an important difference. We display an increasing concern about

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Martha Kroeker THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: inform concerning events and activities in the denomination; instruct in god liness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpub lished material is not returned except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the posi tion of the Conference. THE MESSENGER is pub lished twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of the Evangelical Mennonite Con ference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba. Subscriptions: $12.00 per year (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total: $12.84). Sub scriptions are voluntary and op tional to people within or outside of the EMC. Members and ad herents pay through their church. THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. Registration Number: 0591 Mailing information: All correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Messenger RO. Box 1268 Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0

unity. The EMC is a tiny part of Christ’s church, yet we can do more together than we can as independent churches. Like the wider Protestant church, the Mennonite Church has a history of fragmentation. We have sometimes seen independence as a Phone: 204-326-6401 blessing, while society looks on our frag Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emconf@mts.net mentation as a burden. Today there are inter-Mennonite efforts (MCC, MDS, SBC), involvement within The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and Cover: For church news, see starting on page 6. Have you more. On an EMC level, by working together thanked your reporter lately? as a Conference we make a small state ment for Christian unity. We need to do MESSENGER SCHEDULE: more than this, of course, but unity starts at No. 13 - July 22 home.

(material due July 10) Terry M. Smith No. 14 - August 12 (change) (material due July 31) THE MESSENGER

BibUcAl Anorexia James D. Regehr IMAGINE A QUAINT little scene of a nice lady with a flannelboard telling the story of Elijah being fed by ravens to a wide-eyed group of children. (Incidentally, this story is found in 1 Kings 17.) The nice lady tells how the Lord told Elijah, the prophet, to go to a certain brook. Elijah went, and stayed there. Every morning and every evening the Lord sent ravens with bread and meat for Elijah to eat, and he drank the water from the brook. After some time the brook dried up, and the Lord then told Elijah to go to a place called Zarepheth, where He appointed a widow to look after Elijah’s needs. After telling this story, with all the flannelboard pictures being put up in turn and the ravens moved back and forth, indicating the bringing of food for Elijah, and so on, the nice lady turns to the group of children and says, “Now, the meaning of this story is that the Lord will always look after those who serve Him and obey Him.” Just then a travelling preacher happens to be passing by, stops, and says, “Wait a minute, nice lady, that story says that the ravens brought bread and meat for Elijah every morning and every evening. Did you children know that in those days most people only ate meat at very fancy feasts? Well, it’s true! “In those days most people couldn’t afford to buy meat. Most people had some bread in the morning for break fast and didn’t have any lunch. Then at supper time they usually had more bread with a vegetable/fruit sort of stew. The only ones who ate meat were the very rich ones. “The real lesson, children, is that the Lord will not only look after those who serve Him but He will look after them in a way that is far better than anyone else possibly could. The Lord treats His followers as kings! If you follow the Lord, He will always give you things that are better than anyone else has.” Just then, another man comes by and says, “Now wait a minute! I have been debating about buying a certain plot of land on which to build a house, and the land has a well on it. I have been concerned that the well was going to give me problems and run dry. If this would happen 1 would have to dig a new well, and 1 cannot afford to do that. “In the story of Elijah that you just heard, it says that the brook ran dry, and when that happened the Lord told Elijah to move on. This story tells me that the well on the land that I was going to buy is going to run dry and that 1 should move on and look for another piece of land to buy.” Just after he has begun his story, another man comes along and listens to this interpretation of the story. Then he says, “It seems to me that the Lord has no control over water. The Lord does seem to control animals, or at least ravens, because He orders them to deliver food to Elijah, but He didn’t seem able to control the water, for when the water ran dry. He told Elijah to move on.” Someone else then adds, “I think the Lord can only get ravens and widows to look after His prophets.” Someone else says, “The ravens brought bread, not flour JUNE 10, 1998

for Elijah to make his own bread. The ravens stole some one else’s bread that was already made. It must be all right to steal if you are going to give it to someone who really needs it!” We forget that the Bible says nothing about what that story means and that any meaning or principle we get out of this story is our own invention. I am told that during the Depression, some farmers used to cut their livestock feed with sawdust in order to make it go farther. The result was that the animeils would feel satisfied and the feed would last longer. As the feed ran lower and lower, there would be more and more saw dust in the mix, until the animals would one day die of malnutrition, all the while having a full stomach. I fear that many of us have sawdust mixed in with our spiritual food — the Bible. Are you game to take a short quiz to see how you are faring? A Bible Quiz [ 1. Where in the Bible does it actually say “Jesus Loves Me"? We sing this song and teach it to our children, all the while singing, “The Bible tells me so.” And watch out, John 3:16 doesn’t work, because it says | only that God loved the world so much that He sent His Son.... It doesn’t actually say that Jesus loves us. i 2. Where are the Ten Commandments? i Can you recite them in order? Or if you are more j New Testament-oriented, how about the “Be-Atti- j tudes”? ; 3. Give one example where someone prayed silently \ in the Bible. j 4. What is God’s actual name? ! There are many descriptions of God — the great Shepherd, the rock of my salvation, the provider, ; the Lord, the King of kings, the Father, but do you j know what He Sciid His name is? I’ll give you a clue i where to look: Someone asked Him, “But what if they ask what your name is, what would 1 tell i them?” and He replied, “This is my name forever:

How did you do? Based on how you did, what conclusions would you draw about the importance of the Scriptures in your life? What conclusions would you draw about your church’s Sunday school or Christian Education program? What conclusions would you draw about your daily de votions? What conclusions would you draw about the Christian books you read? What conclusions would you draw about the Christian programs you watch or listen to? What conclusions would you draw about the trends in our churches? PAGES

“The problem today is not a Biblical famine in our land, it is more like a Biblical anorexia. The food is there, but, increasingly, we don’t seem to want it!” There is no famine of the Word Amos wrote, "...but they do not know how to do what is right, ” declares the Lord (Amos 3:10). We are walking down the same road! The less we hide the Scriptures in our hearts, the less we will know the difference between what is right and what is wrong! The problem is not that we have a famine in the land — the famine of the Word of God, like it says in Amos 8:1112. No, the Word of God is plenteous in our land! At almost any time of day a person can turn on the televi sion or radio and hear some kind of “Christian” program. We are all able to buy our own Bibles, and most of us have several. The problem today is not a Biblical famine in our land, it is more like a Biblical anorexia. The food is there, but, increasingly, we don’t seem to want it! How excited do you think the people in your home would be about a special meeting for scripture memori zation? How about a day of Bible reading? By and large, we don’t want it. To be sure, sometimes the reason that people do not want it is that they have had some experiences where they thought that they were getting the Bible, but all it was, was sawdust, and they didn’t like it. But I would hope that these kinds of experiences would be the ex ception rather than the rule in our churches. The real problem today is not the fact that we don’t know the Scriptures, the real problem is that, increas ingly, we don’t want to know them. If we would want to know them and value them as the psalmist in Psalm 19 did when He said, “More to be de sired are they than gold, even much fine gold...,” it would be a relatively small hurdle to live according to them. Perhaps the reason that we increasingly do not want to know them is that we find the ways of the Lord to be outdated and boring. Perhaps it is that we know that if we knew the ways of the Lord, we would not be able to continue in some pet pleasures of sin with a clear con science. Perhaps we know that we would become convicted of our sinful ways, and perhaps we prefer living in igno rance rather than being confronted with our sin and need to repent and change. Without a solid rooting in the Scriptures, how can a congregation know if the decisions they make are in deed pleasing to God? How can a congregation know if the trends the church is adopting are acceptable in the sight of the Lord or not? A strong statement 1 am about to make a strong statement here, but it re flects my passion and heart —I belieue that euery church leader or aspiring church leader, whether a pastor, dea con or committee chairperson, ought to either teach a mid-week Bible study where the goal is really teaching the Bible, or attend one! Let our leaders set an example, and let us all follow! If people do not or cannot learn the Scriptures in church PAGE 4

or in the church program, where do you think they will learn them? Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of wa ter, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish (Psalm 1, KJV). James D. Regehr is the part-time pastor of the newly-renamed Treesbank Community Church (EMC) in Wawanesa, Man. He is the president of Myrtle Ministries, and the author of Bible study and Sunday school materials.

A Tribute to Fathers FATHER’S DAY IS COMING. If you still have a father, make sure you respect and honour him so he can do the same for you. A father has a big job, raising a family, looking after each one and showing or teaching them the way of the Lord. Fathers are human and will sometimes make mistakes, but love them and help them where you can. You’ll never be sorry. 1 don’t have a father I was twelve years old when he left us and went to be with Jesus, his loving heavenly Father. One memory of my father stands out: When we had company, we would sing a song together before the company left. How beautiful and precious to sing together and praise the Lord! Do you have a Christian father, One who daily prays for you? One who reads his precious Bible, Teaches you God’s word so true? Then thank God for such a father. He is worth his weight in gold. His example thus will lead you. Right into the Saviour’s fold. As a loving heavenly Father, God wants children of His own, So He sent His Son to save them. And prepared for them a home. Heavenly home of glorious beauty. Place of many mansions fair, All is yours if you’ll take Jesus, As your loving Saviour here. God bless you, fathers! Have a blessed Father’s Day together with your family. Helen Plett (Blumenori, Man.) THE MESSENGER

With Our Missionaries

Henry Klassen Executive Secretary

THE WOLOF PARTNERSHIP— A NEW MISSIONS MODEL Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM) made a historic decision at the April 1998 Board meeting by approving the forma tion of the Wolof ftirtnership. This is a partnership involving three part ners — AIMM, Friends of the Wolof and the Mennonite Board of Missions. The purpose of the Wolof Partnership is to evangelize and plant churches among the Wolof people in Senegal. AIMM is a partnership of five Mennonite conferences, of which EMC is one. After research and prayer, AIMM decided a few

PARAGUAY A YEAR OF LEARNING Almost a year has passed since I arrived in Paraguay. I have learned many things, but there have also been memories from the time when I was here twenty years ago, with my parents. Work in the hospital keeps me very busy. We recently got another nurse, so we now have three nurses who work in the hospi tal and one who runs the pharmacy and the doctor’s office. There is never a lack of variety in my work, and now, with a full-time doctor, we get more serious cases. We have saved several women who almost bled to death after having a baby. We also had a case of a ruptured appendix recently. The sevenyear-old was very sick, with a massive ab-

Alana Harder (Pleasant Valley) is a nurse in East Paraguay. JUNE 10, 1998

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years ago to seek to recruit a team of mis sionaries to reach the Wolof people in Senegal. Two years ago a couple was sent to be forerunners of this AIMM mission to Senegal. A local church, Communion Fellowship, in Goshen, Indiana, became interested in the Wolof people and sensed God lead ing them to become actively involved in a mission to minister to these people. After a period of prayer, discussion and plan ning, this church referred to themselves as Friends of the Wolof. A relationship was established with AIMM, with the aim of jointly reaching the Wolof people. The relationship between AIMM and the Friends of the Wolof resulted in a joint prayer and research visit to Senegal in November 1997. After hearing the report of the group which visited Senegal, AIMM decided that a joint venture would be welcome. Since Communion Fellowship was a member of the Mennonite Church, they

were interested in involving their confer ence Board of Missions. The Mennonite Board of Missions (MBM) in Elkhart re sponded positively to this new partnership venture. The Wolof Partnership Council will ad minister this venture in Senegal. This Council is made up of three representa tives from the AIMM Board, two members from the Friends of the Wolof and one from the MBM. AIMM staff will provide the administration for program direction and team support. At the AIMM board meeting in April, a couple was accepted to be members of the team that plans to go to Senegal in 1999. Other team members are being re cruited by AIMM and the Friends of the Wolof. Pray for the Wolof Partnership as it pre pares and becomes involved with this large people group, estimated at four mil lion, in Senegal. Pray for the team that is being recruited.

dominal infection, but with God’s healing power she returned home after a week. In March we had a set of twins. No one had realized until the woman was ready to deliver that there were two babies. The twelve brothers and two sisters were ab solutely thrilled with their two baby sisters. God’s power is evident in so many of the cases we see. Many times we can only do so and so much, and then the healing is left up to God. Sometimes He heals and sometimes He chooses not to, but I am realizing more and more how much God is in control of our lives. We serve four main people groups in our hospital: Indians, Paraguayans, Brazilians and Low German-speaking people. This makes for a very interesting cultural expe rience and has given me an appreciation for the different races that God has created. At the end of January 1 had the opportu nity to go to camp — as a camper, believe it or not. It was an exciting experience, seeing God at work in the lives of young people. The speaker was Dick Harms of Texas, and the camp was conducted com pletely in the German language. The lan guage was a bit of a barrier for me, but it was not as bad as I expected. God’s hand was plainly evident in the Fri day night fireside. It began rather slowly with the usual sharing of a good time and a lot learned. After about two hours the leaders were ready to close. Then one of the boys got up and said he wanted to give his life over to God. He was into smoking and drinking, and he wanted to quit. He then threw his cigarette lighter in the fire and asked for prayer. This started a chain

reaction as people started leaving the cir cle for counselling and prayer. The fireside continued for another three hours. The tone of the camp was different the next day. Many of the young people came mostly to have a good time and left with a changed life. We praise God that He is working in the lives of many of them. Alana Harder

PARAGUAY

IT’S A BOY! It’s a boy! There’s something exciting about the birth of a child, and even greater joy, in trigue and awe at the birth of your first child. How we long to see that child grow, develop and mature! As this happens, we rejoice, because that is what is expected. How much greater the joy when a new child is born into the family of God and when we see the anticipated signs of ma turity! As Glenn and I look forward expectantly to the birth of our second child, we re flect on the birth and growth of our son, Christian. We have learned much about the joys, struggles, and triumphs of par enthood. It gives us great pleasure to see Chris tian singing songs about Jesus, running around the soccer field, and becoming more independent. We are grateful to God that he is maturing as a two-year-old should. We look forward to seeing con tinued maturing in Christian, as well as the rapid growth and development of our second child. PAGES

As teachers, we are also encouraged by the spiritual birth and growth of our stu dents. Some of these young people, like M.J., are just beginning in the faith. In talk ing with Glenn, she affirmed her decision to follow Christ and to believe differently than her staunch Roman Catholic parents. Paul is growing and maturing in his re lationship with God. He continues to ask pertinent, thought-provoking questions of his teacher. Still others, like Wendy, Trevor, Shana, Monique, Justin, Renee, and Mat thew, have decided to be set apart and declare publicly their desire to walk on with Christ in the act of baptism. We have no greater joy than this, to hear of our “children” walking (and growing) in the truth. Our desire for these young people is that they continue to grow and mature in their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what the Bible tells us should be happening. Constant growth and maturity are desir able and joyous to us, whether in our own children or the children of others who have been entrusted to us to teach and train. To God be the glory, great things He has done — and continues to do! Mary Loewen

Does Talk About Praying For Missionaries Make You Feel Guilty?

Glenn and Mary Loewen (Blumenort) are teaching at the Asuncion Christian Acad emy in Paraguay. They have one son, Christian.

Experiences differ, but it can be tough for people to find time to pray. Does it make a difference if you have young children underfoot? An empty nest? Or are retired? This is an invitation, not a burden. The EMC Prayer Corps is a prayer and an information network. Missionaries send information which is shared with people who sign up for various fields: Canada, Mexico, Africa, Paraguay, Nicaragua, and Associate Missions. Some people pray much. Some pray. Others benefit from the information. While respecting the sensitive nature of some requests, use this material to encourage our workers in Canada and elsewhere. To begin to use the material as you see fit and time allows, let the Confer ence Office know which fields you are interested in.

Participants in the ladies’ retreat were Margaret Braun, Gloria Allchin, Lois Schultz, Ruth Reimer, Eldena Duch, Laurie Lynds, Pat Plett, Irene Buhler, Carolyn Allchin, Linda Klassen, Lenora Reimer and Bryce. A GET-AWAY WEEKEND Hudson Bay, Sask.: To “retreat” means to retire or withdraw. With all the busyness that we get ourselves into through the winter months, a group of la dies decided to do just that — retreat, withdraw, retire. Eleven women went to Hazel and Clarence Grant’s cabin at Marean Lake for a get-away weekend, February 6 to 8. The scenic view from the cabin overlooking the lake and the hoarfrost on the trees re minded us again of God’s magnificent creation. When we arrived on Friday, Hazel had a warm, inviting supper waiting for us — chili, spaghetti and a delicious trifle. The rest of the evening was filled with games, puzzles and conversation. The video The Cinderella Syndrome by Lee Ezell con-

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Eldena Duch and Hazel Grant enjoyed playing Scrabble.

eluded our evening. The highlights of Saturday were the cross-country skiing and the fondue sup per, which was a very interesting and tasty experience. Scrabble was the game of choice for a couple of ladies. Most of the women enjoyed walking up and down the hills that make up the terrain of the resort. The second video. The Missing Piece, left us with the knowledge that each of us holds the key to our own happiness. Sunday morning — and we have to go home! We watched the third video by Lee Ezell, had lunch and cleaned up. Those of us who were there hope that this week end was the first of an annual event. Thanks to Clarence, who kept the cab in’s water supply up over the weekend. We appreciated the comforts of home and

Hazel and Clarence’s hospitality. May God bless you! Submitted by Lois Schultz Reporter: Irene Buhler

Lenora Reimer tried out the cross-country skis.

THE MESSENGER

SPRING REVIVAL MEETINGS Rosenort, Man.: The week before Easter brought us spring revival meetings, to gether with the Pleasant Valley congrega tion. Our choir swelled from twenty to fifty as word got out about the tremendous voice and energy of the director, Larry Thiessen. The music ministry through out the services was powerful. Children bounded down the aisle in en thusiastic anticipation of hearing Uncle Harold Field tell up to four Bible stories an evening using Willie (his puppet), chalk talks, flannelgraph and a variety of sound effects. A large group of young people enjoyed the Rosenort EMC youth enow camp.

Unde Harold and Willie animatedly ministered to the large crowd of children at our spring meetings.

Marvin Thiessen kept us spellbound with his vivid descriptions of life with and without Christ, the reality of Satan’s effort to destroy the joy of believers, judgement day and hell. Now is the time to take up our cross daily and tell others what Christ has done for us. We have varied our worship services in the past two months with eight different speakers sharing God’s Word with us. The new stage design and monitors have re ally helped make the musical numbers more meaningful. Open sharing time has always been a special part of our morn ing worship, and many have responded in the last months with Scripture, prayer requests and praise items. The young children (ages two to six) have been enjoying our newly created children’s church this last month. Many young parents and several youth are try ing their hand at leading singing, telling stories and playing games to make church a highlight for the little ones. Our prayer is that we will teach our small children to love church and Jesus in this manner. Easter Sunday was a true celebration in music and Scripture. We were greeted with coffee and Easter bread, enjoyed a vivid Easter story by Pat Anderson, the harmonies of a men’s quartet, excellent congregational singing, an amazing offer tory by Leanne Kroeker and her fiance, JUNE 10, 1998

ence in Winnipeg at the Delta Hotel. Rick mentioned that everyone who was mar ried should mark next year’s conference on the calendar, save a few toonies a week and make it a date to remember.

Trevor Olfert, and the ministry of the Word by Frank R Kroeker. In February, five of our members, stu dents at SBC, served the Lord in various hands-on mission outreaches. Blaine Friesen (second-year student), with two schoolmates, ministered to the children and youth in the First Nations reserve in Pikwitonee near Thompson, while Stacey Barkman (third-year) served with a small group in Thompson. Kevin Friesen, Patrick Kroeker and Alisa Barkman (first-year) volunteered with Inner City Youth Alive for their practical mission experience. Several of our youth attending Bible col lege have also been involved in writing Bible study/Sunday school guides based on the Minor Prophets and Hebrews. Our church and conference have enjoyed ownership of Steinbach Bible College for many years. It is exciting to see how pro grams have grown and developed to chal lenge our youth. Others in our congregation have sought spiritual winter retreats. Rick and Alanna Friesen and two of our deacon couples, Ed and Anne Loewen and Ed and Annie Kroeker, took in the Family Life Confer-

Early in February, eleven of our youth cozied up in our church van and travelled to Bethany Bible College in Saskatchewan for a weekend of spiritual challenge. Some renewed their resolve to follow Christ. The King George Hospital is a favourite visitation site for our energetic youth, and on February 16 they shared time with these friends confined by polio. Sixty-two youth and sponsors attended Camp Arnes for a winter retreat March 2022. Three speakers, Rick Friesen, Bryan Loewen and Derek Eidse, delivered chal lenges based on strong characters of the Bible, and the singing was energetic. Three to four inches of freshly fallen snow provided ideal conditions for snowball fights and snowman-building contests. The youth also spent time swimming in the pool. Lorilee Scharfenberg

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There were ten new additions by baptism to the Rosenort EMC family on April 26. In front are Erik Eidse, Clinton Brandt, Keith Eidse, Kenton Eidse, and Alex Loewen. In the back are Meredith Loewen, Sherrilyn Dueck, Jacqueline Friesen, Heather Kroeker, and Jaime Dueck.

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YOUTH PASTORAL COUPLE WELCOMED Kleefeld, Man.: Sunday, May 3, was a special day in the life of our congrega tion; Matt and Kathy Funk were installed as our new youth pastoral couple. Pas tor Abe Bergen also welcomed them into membership. Matt grew up in Landmark. He has worked at a variety of jobs, including at both sports and grocery stores. He has also served in summer Bible camp min istry. He hopes to complete a Bachelor of Religious Studies degree from Steinbach Bible College next year.

Kathy is from Niverville. She com pleted a one-year program at Capernwray Bible School in British Co lumbia. Matt and Kathy are very new parents; their son, Jonah, arrived in Feb ruary. Matt and Kathy, we appreciated your heartfelt response to our church. We noted your thankfulness to God, your willingness to serve God to the best of your abilities, and your desire to model Christ and to see others grow as Chris tians. Welcome! Wendy Dueck

PARENT-CHILD DEDICATION Pelly, Sask.: The Lord has been gracious and has bestowed His blessings upon His followers. Certainly this has been the ex perience of our congregation. There have been answers to prayer. Two families, Eldred and Helen Hamm and Clifton and Sylvia Abrahamson, have recently taken foster teenage girls into their homes. April Trott, who became a Christian in the early part of 1997, has joined the Hamm family. Trish Shingoose has joined the Abrahamson family. The Sunday school enrollment has seen an increase in attendance of younger chil dren from within the community. The group of young people has also grown in number. They continue to hold Bible stud ies and other activities. One day they picked up garbage along Highway 49 be tween Pelly and Arran and ended with a wiener roast.

On Mother’s Day there was a special parent-child dedication service. Pastor Kenton and Lucille Penner promised that they would bring up their daughter, Megan, “in the Lord.” Lewis Anfinson, in his address to the parents and the con gregation, cited Hannah as an example. He challenged us to be responsible for Megan’s spiritual well-being while she is covered by the blood of Jesus Christ until the choice will be hers. As part of a new series of messages on the book of Romans, it was fitting that Pastor Kenton’s message that morning would be from Romans 5, entitled “What happens to children when they die?” In his message on “The Sin of the World” from Romans 1, we once again realized that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The pastor had a series of messages from the Book of Proverbs. These messages have been good for the

soul. The speakers for this spring’s Deeper Life Services were John and Marion Tibberts, long-time missionaries in Co lombia with New Tribes Mission. The cen tral message theme for the April 24-26 weekend services was on seeing God’s work through His power. To accomplish the work God has for us in the home, church, work, and other ar eas, we must be totally dependent upon Him and His power, resulting in victory through Him. He also mentioned that we can see God work through answered prayer. His infallible Word and the pre cious name of Jesus. It seems that there were many activities occurring at church. The basement floor was painted, and the library is being relo cated to the basement. We are truly grate ful to God for His mercies. Phyllis Dych

A MESSAGE OF HOPE Birch River, Man.: The Easter season has passed, but the messages are still fresh in our minds. On Good Friday we had a morning serv ice where Harold Thiessen referred to many prophetic messages from both the Old and New Testaments which prove that the shedding of blood is the only way for us to receive forgiveness of sin. From the beginning of time this has been the only way of salvation — shown from when Adam and Eve sinned (when God killed an animal to clothe them) until the ultimate sacrifice was made by His only Son, who gave His precious blood to re deem us. Jesus is the Lamb of God, whom we love and adore and to whom we will give praise for all eternity (Rev elation 5). On Easter Sunday a retired pastor from Edmonton, Alberta, Pastor Pipke, preached on the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection, according to 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 12-17. Without the resurrection of Christ from the dead, Paul says, all the preaching and also our faith

would be useless. How sad that many churches do not have any message of hope, whose preachers turn to mere philosophy of hu man thinking! Pastor Pipke said that those in greatest danger of turning people away from Christ are not atheists or skeptics but some clergy, the false witnesses of God. How thankful we are that we are being taught the whole counsel of God, which produces a living faith in a living Saviour. Our pastor asked for a release from pas toral duties for several weeks this spring. It was granted, and within a short while he and Elizabeth were asked to help with maintenance work at the Key-Way-Tin Bible School in Lac la Biche, Alta. They enjoyed their involvement with staff and students there for five weeks. Their en ergy was renewed, and they came back with new enthusiasm. The sixth week they went to B.C. to visit family and friends. During this time we had different speak ers to take the morning worship services. One Sunday, Bernie Thiessen led us in a song service. Other speakers were mis

sionary Henry Enns of Winnipeg, Fred Buhler of Hudson Bay, Sask., and Pete Reimer, from our congregation. Thank you, and may God bless! On April 12, John and Elaine Sigurdson celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with church family, their own family and friends. A light lunch was served in the church basement. Bernie Thiessen and Wayne Reimer made up an interesting skit

Kathy and Matt Funk were installed as the youth pastor couple on May 3. Their son, Jonah, arrived in February.

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John and Elaine Sigurdson, with their sons. Bill and Dennis, at their 25th wedding anniversary celebration.

THE MESSENGER

of a typical day’s events, in the Sigurdson home. Elaine’s dad, Mr. Pipke, presented a short devotional. On May 1 a drama group from Prairie Bible College in Three Hills, Alta., pre sented a program of interesting and thought-provoking skits, accompanied by

beautiful music, teaching Bible truths in word and action. Charles Thiessen and Angela Thiessen have been asked to be the camp direc tors for Steep Rock Bible Camp for the month of July. There is still an urgent need for counsellors and speakers. If you have

any interest (or a call from the Lord), talk or write to Angela Thiessen, R.R.l, Bowsman, Man. ROL OHO (Ph. 204-2384242) or board member Pete Reimer, Box 125, Birch River, Man. ROL OEO (Ph. 204236-4317). Helen Kroeker

PROGRESSIVE SUPPER Roseisle, Man.: The adults of our con gregation enjoyed a progressive supper on February 14. It was a delicious supper of soup, salad, and lasagna, each of which was enjoyed at a different location. Our

supper took us to the homes of Pete and Dolores Dyck, Dennis and Marion Klassen and Brian and Elaine Friesen, where members of the youth group eagerly served us. For dessert we travelled to the youth centre in Carman, where we also helped Pastor Randall Krahn celebrate somewhat of a major birthday. The themes were “black,” “over the hill” and “mustangs.” Need 1 say more? A parent/child dedication service took place on February 22. That same evening Sheldon and Debbie Kuhl shared their

faith story about dealing with the birth of their son, Tristan. There were many ups and downs, but through it all they kept their faith and trust in God. Their open ness and willingness to take us into their personal lives was a blessing and encour agement to many. The youth group hosted their annual curling bonspiel on February 28. The weather and road conditions kept a few people at home, but those of us who were able to participate had a great time. Eleanor Friesen

Pastor Randall was made to “walk the line” at his birthday party.

Many of us helped Pastor Randall celebrate his birthday at the youth centre in Carman.

Through their work in the church, the youth and children are involved in proclaiming the message of Jesus.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS Grande Prairie, Alta.: Our church has been continuing to grow in numbers over JUNE 10, 1998

The Roseisle EMC held a parent/child dedication on February 22. Participating were Dennis and Gloria Hoeppner with Marcus (son Jarret is in front), Sheldon and Debbie Kuhl with Tristan, Randall and Faith Krahn with Rebecca.

the past seven years as a witness to Grande Prairie. The numbers have been encouraging. Even more encouraging has been the development of ministry in the church. By continuing to focus on the aspects of biblical teaching and fellowship of believ ers, we have seen the development and growth of people spiritually. At this point in our body we see some of the same in dividuals who were involved in beginning the church serving in ministries beyond the church. Our people are able to see our needs change and the possibility of developing and exploring new avenues of service. Let me list several examples. 1 have been asked to not mention names of some of the individuals who have been involved in outreach; however, 1 must share some of the exciting things that have

happened. We have had individuals in volved in short-term missions to Mexico, Serbia and Paraguay. We have seen a newly established youth ministry begin to thrive. We have become involved in sup porting a church-planting effort in a small town nearby, which is being led by an Evangelical Free church. Part of the excitement in this is that there are those who have stepped in to fill the needs within our immediate family during this time. Each new involvement requires another person to take up the challenge, and our needs as a body are being met. We presently have care-group meetings for fellowship and Bible study scheduled for four nights of the week to allow for varied schedules and needs to be accom modated. Our ministerial has been faith ful in meeting these needs. PAGE 9

Although your Christmas (and even Easter) services will have passed, 1 feel it is important to show you some of the newest ministries of our church in action. The pho tos include a number of our youth and small ones putting on the Christmas pageant. Incidentally, one of these small girls re cently led her friend to Jesus. Can you pick her out of this crowd? She and others of this beaming mob are taking to heart the mes sage of Jesus and carrying it outside the walls of the church building. Their mommies and daddies are also sensing the needs of those outside this fellowship. God continues to heal and empower His people in our church. Many have had hands laid on Ihenn for physical healing, and we have seen answers to these prayers as God has blessed us. We want others to have the good things of the Lord. We continue to evaluate our ministries and ask ourselves what we may improve to better accomplish His work. Please pray that we will continue to recognize and re spond to the call of Jesus for our church in Grande Prairie.

Many of the youth and children of the Grande Prairie church were involved in the Christmas pageant.

Floyd Van Bergen

TIMES OF FELLOWSHIP Steinbach, Man. (Stony Brook): Our spring agenda has been full of wonderful times of fellowship. The Bible study groups have been winding up their year of studies, and we have had two special services. On Good Friday morning we met at the home of Dave and Fran Harms for a pot luck breakfast and service. We began with singing and then went upstairs, leaving the children in the capable hands of Donna Penner and her brother, TJ. Bev Plett shared in her testimony how God continues to have her rely on Him throughout the trials in life. No matter how many times God had challenged her to give all of her hopes and dreams over to Him, this last trial still was difficult. She shared how last fall she and her husband,

Emery, had medical confirmation that they could not have a family. After her tes timony, we held communion and footwashing. Then we all had a chance to share. The time was meaningful for all who attended. On Mother’s Day we began with a re sponsive reading from Proverbs 31 on “The Wife of Noble Character.” Four women shared their thoughts. Doreen Penner shared thoughts on her mother; this was difficult because her mother passed away several years ago. Myra Kroeker talked about being a granddaughter. She told us she was no longer a granddaughter because her only living grandmother had died two weeks before. Judy Martens shared on being a mom and how her crying baby had shat tered her self-confidence. Esther Wiebe

BAPTISM — AN EXCITING OCCASION Pansy, Man.: March 1 was the exciting occasion of water baptism for five young Christians, and the church was packed with a record attendance of joyful support ers. Peter, Lorna, Vanessa, Michael and Kevin, may you continue to have joy in your walk with the Lord, and may we to gether grow as we love and trust Him more and more. Looking back to winter, one Sunday evening service that went very well was a “Singspirational” organized by the wor ship team, song leaders and program committee. Special guest speakers have included Elmer and Tina Barkman (representing New Tribes Mission), Peter and Elma Reimer of Leamington, Ontario, and Mr.

and Mrs. Ben Unger of Rosengard, Man. A hearty thank you to all of you. For our mid-week Bible studies we took an eight-week course on Solomon by Charles Swindoll, which all the partici pants genuinely appreciated. Over Easter the special music was pre sented by a choir, the worship team and some Sunday school classes, which were all warmly enjoyed. Unfortunate accidents in December and January seriously interrupted the lives of several families in our midst. Yet, in spite of the pain and tragedy, we have seen God work things out, resulting in recommit ments, new conversions and growing faith. For this we are thankful, and we appreciate every prayer on behalf of those involved.

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spoke about being a grandmother and the fun of playing with her grandchildren. Interspersed were choruses and a short devotional by Dave Harms. His mother passed away when he was twelve, so his memories of her are few. At the end of the service flowers were presented to everyone because we are all children and to remind us that we are all children of God. We are looking forward to our church picnic and a communion service in June. The pastoral search committee is process ing applications, and we anticipate hav ing a congregational meeting in the near future to hear the results. Thank you for praying for us in this regard. Heidi Friesen

Leonard and Betty Barkman enjoyed meeting our missionaries in Mexico. They are seen here with Veronica Grenades and EMC missionary Aivira Friesen.

THE MESSENGER

Pastor Leonard and his wife, Betty, have, for the second time the last several months, taken a one-month leave of ab sence to follow a flame in their hearts — working with Low German-speaking Mennonites. This time it was in Mexico, where they conducted a one-week series of revival meetings in each of four churches. Camp 67, Camp 77, Durango and Camp 79. Although they left part of their hearts out there with so many lovable people and pressing needs, they are back with joy and eagerness to tell you all about it, if you ask. Betty Barkman

GROWING IN FAITH Leamington, Ont.: It is exciting to see people come to the Lord and grow in their faith. A number of things have been going on lately to help people grow. Our youth pastor. Bill Friesen, is teaching a SEAN class, with about twenty students. Pastor Reimer has just finished two Christian Life classes. One class was especially geared for those who wanted to follow the Lord in bap tism. At the March 29 worship service four teen people gave their testimonies and were baptized upon the confession of their faith. In the afternoon we partook of the Lord’s Supper and washed each other’s feet. Several of those baptized in the morning testified later that this had been a very meaningful experience. The footwashing ended with hugs and a time of sharing. May we continue to minister God’s love to one another. More than fifty women gathered on April 4 to hear Hilda Friesen speak on the topic “Healthy Attitudes Toward Yourself.” Singing and testimonies, plus lots of pizza, made it a worthwhile day. For June 20 the three EMC congrega tions in southern Ontario plan to close their church doors and meet at the United Mennonite Educational Institute

ENRICHED BY VARIOUS SPEAKERS 5^ymark, Sask.: The first three months of 1998 have flown by so fast! Let me fill you in on some of the exciting activities which have occurred in our church. We started the new year on January 4 with the baptism of Corrie Banman. Wel come to our membership. Corrie! You are very important to us, and we will stand behind you! We welcomed more new members, Anne Friesen and Blaine and Donna Friesen, on March 15. Those in attendance on Sunday morn ing, February 15, were blessed when Jim and Larissa Dunn spoke to us about hon JUNE 10, 1998

Kathy and Peter Friesen and Jennifer Loewen (EMC missionaries in Mexico) are pictured with a good part of the congregation at Camp 67.

Eight people, seen with Pastor Peter Reimer (centre), transferred their membership to the Leamington church on March 22: Kathy Bergen, Linda Bartsch, Sara and John Bartsch, Daniel and Tiena Dick, Sara and John Unger.

near Leamington for the first Region 9 convention. Harvey Plett has consented

to be the guest speaker,

esty and how important it is to be vocal about our love for one another. They have travelled around as guest speakers at mar riage enrichment seminars and men’s and women’s retreats. Thank you for your dynamic message, and may the Lord bless you as you continue to reach out to the world. Many from our church and the surround ing community gathered at the Wymark School gym on March 21 for the annual craft and bake auction sale. Numerous items were donated, which were auc tioned off by Benny Banman and Ernie Froese. Not just anyone could get those

hands up and bidding, but they did a great job! The funds raised will help pay for our fortieth-anniversary celebration com ing up this summer. On the morning of March 22 a hush fell over the congregation and tears rolled freely as Erik Reimer, a second-year stu dent at Briercrest Bible College and a member of our church, challenged us with the first message he’d ever preached. The only word to describe the impact it had on us that morning is “Wow!” Erik emphasized how important it is to not only preach and teach the Word but to live it! He also reminded us that Some-

Peter Reimer

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one is always watching. God bless you, Erik, as you continue your studies and go into the ministry. The homebuilders group held at spring tea in the Wymark School gym on March 31. The theme for the evening was “Growing in God and His Grace.” Bev Fritzke presented the Word of God with her lovely voice, and Carla Wiens edu cated us on the art of growing and har vesting apples. To complete the evening, Donna Klassen spoke to us on how to become free from the guilt and worthlessness we sometimes experience from situations which have oc curred in our lives. Let go and let God set you free, Donna emphasized. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard at making this spring tea a reality. God bless you as you witness the miracle of His creation unfold in the months ahead! Thank you to Kori Fehr for contributing the following article for the youth group: Our youth had an enjoyable weekend at Snow Camp 1998, March 5-7, at Crowsnest Bible Camp near Fernie, B.C. Our weekend started when we left Swift Current at 11 a.m. on Friday morning (we got to miss school!). We made a seven-hour journey to

BODY BUILDERS FUNDRAISER Ridgewood, Man.: On May 2 our Cou ples Fellowship group had an evening of fun playing volleyball in the gravel pits, followed by a time of fellowship and re freshments around the campfire. To close off the evening we had a very inspiring report by Bruce and Kim Penner on their experiences during the past four years in adopting four children from Ethio pia. They mentioned the seminars they at tended, the complications in adopting children from another country, and the re search their doctor has done due to their children coming down with various health complications. They have felt the Lord’s hand guiding them in this “mis sion.” The church and the community have benefitted from having these four beauti ful children from another country in our midst. May the Lord continue to bless. A “Cowboy Corral” fundraiser was held in our church on March 14 by our Body Builders. They served up some great grub for all the “cowboys” who came out that evening. Old and young alike, dressed in their western duds, had a great time in an “old-time” setting. The disturbers of the peace were put in jail to do their time. The money collected that evening will be going toward a missions trip by the Body Builders in the year 2000. Our church and many other people have spent a lot of time in prayer for Melody Penner. She was diagnosed with chronic

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Some of the Wymark EMC young people stopped for a break at Medicine Hat, Alberta, during their trip to Snow Camp at Fernie, B.C.

Crowsnest and met up with the youth groups from Calgary, Taber, Edmonton and Swift Current, a total of approximately fifty-five youth and ten youth leaders. We listened to the inspirational singing of Guy and Dennis O’Grady and were challenged by Dennis’ devotions. We enjoyed a beautiful day at the Fernie Ski

Resort skiing and snowboarding, and only a few “minor” casualties were reported. By Sunday we were stiff and sore and ready to go home after a weekend of great fellowship with other young people and heart-searching messages about anger control. Brenda Schlamp

The Body Builders and their leaders held a fundraiser on March 14.

leukemia a year ago and told she would have to have a bone-marrow transplant. March 12 was the big day! The new bone marrow has taken, and she was released from the hospital three weeks later. We thank the Lord for how He has shown His power in the healing process. We continue to uphold her be-

fore the Lord, praying that no serious com plications will set in. Tiffany Barkman was baptized on No vember 30, and Mrs. Anna Reimer was also received into membership. Wel come to our church body! Norma Hildebrand

THE MESSENGER

John Koop Conference Pastor

WHY PLANT CITY CHURCHES? Why is it important for the EMC to plant churches in the cities of Canada? In a manual on church growth, I found these projections for growth in Canadian cit ies by the year 2001: “In Alberta, 75.7 percent of the population will reside in Calgary and Edmonton. In Nova Scotia, 41.8 percent of the population will live in Halifax. “The cities of Toronto, Hamilton, Ot-

:■

ELIZABETH REIMER 1918-1998

Elizabeth Reimer, late of Abbotsford, B.C., passed away April 1,1998, at the age of sev enty-nine years. Elizabeth was born on the homestead of her parents, Mary and George Kornelson, on October 18,1918, in Morris, Manitoba. Always a delicate child, Elizabeth missed a lot of school for health reasons. At the age of nine a contagious eye disease caused her to suffer and hindered her schooling. How ever, she loved to read and in a real sense educated herself by reading books and the daily newspaper. She enjoyed writing and pen pals. Elizabeth was the first person in her fam ily to own a camera — won through a pro motional contest Kodak had for people born in her year. Many treasured photographs of her family dating to the 1930s exist, thanks to her. She grew up within the Rosenort EMC and, as a young woman, was baptized there af ter accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Sav iour of her life. She was always very sincere in that decision; God placed on her heart a real burden for the lost. Elizabeth had a lifelong love and talent for plants and gardening. She persisted in her idea to plant evergreen trees near her par JUNE 10, 1998

tawa, London and Windsor will contain 58.7 percent of Ontario’s population, while Montreal and Quebec City will account for 65.4 percent of Quebec’s population. “In Manitoba, 66.8 percent of the popu lation will live in Winnipeg; in British Columbia, 43.9 percent of the popula tion will live in Vancouver and Victoria, and 30.8 percent of Saskatchewan’s population will live in Regina.” This means that cities will need more churches to meet the need of growth. Even now there are fewer churches for the number of people than we have in our rural areas overall. In our conference we feel most com fortable in rural settings — with the church building situated in the middle of a settlement with a neat hedge or trees around it. Perhaps we forget that

buildings are not the centre of the church — the church is people. It is true that there are many dangers in cities, but they also have the greatest need. Someone wrote, “In the city you find what you want.” There are more opportunities for ministry, as well as temptations toward evil. God created two people in the Garden, but he promised us a city where all be lievers will be united, a place called heaven. In John’s vision of heaven, Jesus said to him, “Behold, I am coming soon...! Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:12-14). That in vitation needs to be lived out in our Ca nadian cities.

ents’ home to improve the landscaping. To day the trees stand sixty to seventy feet tall as a reminder of her vision and persistence. She was very musical. She sang Christian songs, played the guitar, and gave guitar les sons to her younger brothers and sisters. Later she and her husband, Peter, passed on the love of music to their children. They sat together as family and sang favourite songs. She worked in housekeeping in Winnipeg, returning home on the weekend. After min istering in a Winnipeg seniors home, she took a ride home with Peter R Reimer. Peter was actually going far out of his way when he gave her the ride, but he knew it was worth the extra miles. They were married in July 1955. Their first home was on a farm in Blumenort, Manitoba. Five years later, with three small children, they moved to a farm near Arborg, Man. They and other families were seeking to start a new congregation there. Much hard work went into clearing the land and building a new house and farm stead. Elizabeth loved little children, and they loved her five children (Marvin, Julie, Wanda, Bonita, Darryl) and three grandchil dren (Braeden, Caston, Rea-Jayne). She cherished special moments with her chil dren and kept a “brag book” of pictures of her grandchildren. Making her faith and devotion to Jesus evi dent around the home was important to Elizabeth. She sang songs and listened to Christian music. She always encouraged her family to read the Bible and have devotions around the breakfast table. Her strong devotion to others and her gift of encouragement for family and friends alike were very evident in the way she re membered every occasion with a special greeting card — always completed with a meaningful Bible verse handwritten and specifically chosen for the recipient. Mom

remembered all occasions with a card of love and encouragement — and we will miss these small reminders of love, care and concern. Her children remember Mom as a talented and skilled seamstress. She did not have the strength to run the treadle sewing machine at her parents’ house, so her youngest sis ter remembers being recruited to rock the pedal while Elizabeth sewed. She sewed for her siblings and much of the clothing for her children during their childhood. After eighteen years near Arborg, and with the children grown and moved out, Eliza beth and Peter moved to Steinbach, Man. They later retired to Abbotsford. None of us expected a few weeks ago that Mom would take up another home. We know she is totally and completely happy with the home God has given her now. We know that now she is perfect and that she is using the gifts and talents He gave her to perfectly worship and serve the King. Elizabeth is survived by her loving hus band, Peter; their children, Marvin (Abbotsford), Julie and Greg Smith (Abbotsford), Wanda and Greg Young (Port land, Oregon), Bonita and her friend David (Winnipeg), Darryl (Vancouver); one brother, John and Agnes Kornelson (Steinbach); four sisters, Mary Dueck (Steinbach), Esther and Dave Dueck (St. Francois Xavier, Man.), Lottie and Clarence Siemens (Morris, Man.), Eleanor and Abe Martens (Kleefeld, Man.); sisters-in-law Susie McClelland (Winnipeg) and Rosie Kornelson (Rosenort, Man.); and grandchil dren Braeden (Portland) and Caston and Rea-Jayne (Abbotsford). The funeral service was held April 6 at the Grace Evangelical Bible Church in Abbotsford, with Pastor Dwayne Holsapple officiating. Internment was at Maclure Road Cemetery in Abbotsford. Her Family

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I MARY THIESSEN 1910-1998 Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it Io pass (Psalm 37:.5). Mom often recited this verse, clinging to each word and drawing strength from its ageless promise. On April 27 she entered into the pres ence of her Lord, in whom she had placed this trust. Our mother was born to Klaas and Maria Penner on March 23, 1910. In 1918, as an eightyear-old girl, her young faith was tested when her father died. Although there must have been questions and uncertainties following her fa ther’s passing, her trust continued to grow. On July 20, 1929, she was baptized on the confession of her faith. This was her public acknowledgement of her faith and her desire to commit her ways to the Lord.

WILHELM (BILL) LEIDING 1911-1998 Dad was born on March 20, 1911. He grew up in Rhinefeld, .Sask., and married Elizabeth Funk of Hamburg, Sask., in 1936. They farmed in the McMahon and Hamburg area. Seven children were born to them: Margaret, Anna, Elizabeth, Abe, Refer, Kathy and Willy. In October 1954, Mom passed away due to cancer. In Dad’s loneliness, and the realization that the older girls were getting married and moving away from home, we needed a mom to love us and look after us. In April 1959, Dad married Sarah Dyck of Taber, Alta., bringing five stepchildren into the family. We remember the trips we made to Taber on weekends. We would have to sing most of the way home on Sunday evenings to keep Dad awake and alert.

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That same year, on December 1, Mom was married to Peter R Thiessen. A strong Christian home was established, in which six sons and three daughters were loved and raised. Mom and Dad spent twenty years in Maryfield, Sask., where they bought farmland in the Heron dis trict. In 1978 they moved to Blumenort, Man., where they spent their retirement years. Dad passed away in the Steinbach Bethesda Hospi tal on August 31, 1987. Throughout her life. Mother was active and enjoyed keeping busy. She loved gardening and spent many hours lending her vegetable gar den and other plants. The sight of an African Violet plant will remind many of us of the mother we love. Mom also enjoyed having com pany and was known for her hospitality, which was extended to all. Another trait of Mom’s which will always be remembered by her family is her meticulous ways. Whether it was in regard to the garden, home, yard or her sewing, all was done in a particular and meticulous fashion. This trait was viewed as either positive or negative by her children, depending on what was required of us in order to maintain this immaculate state! Mom and Dad spent many summers working at Kenosee Lake Bible Camp. Here Mom worked in the kitchen, enjoying the campers who passed through the dining-hall doors, as well as the fellowship of the other workers. This was just one more way in which her commit ment to God was demonstrated. Another example of this ever-growing com mitment was the year that she and Dad spent working in Paraguay, where they helped Frank and Marge Kroeker in moving a mission from one location to another. Together with their

daughters Trudy and Susan, Mom and Dad ex emplified what it was to give of their time and their talents. Once again a strong faith shone through. Following Dad’s passing. Mom was admitted to the Steinbach Rest Haven on June 5, 1989. For almost nine years this was her home. We as a family are thankful for the care she received during her time there. Particularly in the last weeks, the love extended to her by the staff was greatly appreciated. Thank you. Mom passed away at the age of eighty-eight years, one month and four days. She leaves to cherish her memory, Norman and Leora Thiessen (Maryfield, Sask.), Betty and Dave Plett (Kleefeld, Man.), Menno and Jessie Thiessen (Virden, Man.), Leo and Leona Thiessen (Drayton Valley, Alta.), Peter and Betty Thiessen (Cromer, Man.), Gordon and Norman Thiessen (Blumenort, Man), Levi and Edna Thiessen (Blumenort, Man.), Trudy and Tim Shaner (Calgary, Alta.), Susan and Neil Duncan (Quatar, Middle East); as well as numerous grandchil dren, great-grandchildren and two sisters. Mother was predeceased by Peter R Thiessen, her husband of almost fifty-eight years; two grandchildren, J. J. Thiessen and Jennifer Janz; as well as five brothers and two sisters. Psalm 37:5 speaks of a commitment to God and a trust in God. Mom exemplified both of these, and for this we thank her. God has “brought it to pass,” and now our mother is with her Lord. Thank you, Mom, Tor passing on this rich Christian heritage both in word and deed. May we too be faithful in demonstrating this commitment and trust in Cod. Her Family

Many Saturdays, when the farm work was fin ished and the sun was shining, out would come the fishing poles. We dug up earthworms, made sandwiches and Kool-Aid and went to Duncan Dam to spend the day fishing or drowning worms. We remember the large family gatherings when the two families would get together at Easter and Christmas, and the big farm house did not seem big after all. Bill Zacharias would get out his guitar and sing German songs that we had never heard but left a lasting impres sion on us. Dad was plagued by poor health for most of his life, and in 1967 he was forced to retire from farming and moved to Swift Current, Sask. He was not one to sit and do nothing; he soon pur chased saw-sharpening equipment and set up shop in the basement of his house, where he was kept fairly busy sharpening saws and saw blades. He loved to have people drop in to chat while he was working, and he still took time to go on fishing trips to the local fishing spots. Over the years Dad willingly sacrificed his own needs and wants in order to provide for us. He often reminded us of the importance of read ing our Bibles, saying that God’s Word was the final authority, and encouraged us to live for God. In 1977, when Dad was going through a par ticularly trying time, Cornie Kehler of Swift Cur rent visited him and explained, in a way that Dad finally understood, how much God loved

him and that God had been with him through all the hard and hurtful times that had been a part of his life. He finally experienced the love and acceptance of God and Jesus as Saviour. “Unless you are born again you can never get into the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Dad’s wife, Sarah, passed away in May 1977. Once again he was very lonely, and we chil dren all had our own homes and families. We encouraged him to find someone to love and to spend the rest of his life with. In December 1977 he found that person — Margaret Martens of Vanderhoof, B.C. He moved to Vanderhoof in January 1978 and was mar ried the next month. They spent the next twenty years together, learning to love through good times and bad. They especially loved going to Lake Nuki to fish. Besides fishing. Dad loved gardening and enjoyed their flower gardens, as well as his woodwork, building birdhouses and benches. We know that he deeply loved the people whom God placed in his life. Over the years he spent many hours on his knees, talking to God about each one of us by name. He repeatedly exhorted us when he saw things in our lives that he believed were not pleasing Io God. His suffering and discomfort is finally over. We believe that he is in the arms of Jesus, where he was longing to be. We will miss him a lot, but we have a hope that we will see him again when Jesus sees fit to call us home or returns Io receive us to Himself. His Family

THE MESSENGER

Additional nominee for

mte coLLeqe:

Abe Bergen, Box Z29, Klee/eid, Man. ROA OVO (Klerfdd) Abe is the pastor of the Kleefeld EMC and is presently serving as chairman of the SBC board. He has good vision to plan for the future. 1

UPDATE ON CONVENTION ACCOMMODATIONS i Through an unforeseen set of circumj stances, the motels in Morris were dou- j ! ble-booked and are not available to us. Four rooms are available at the Ste. Agathe Motor Hotel (20 minutes north of Morris), phone 204-882-2354. i Rooms may also be booked in Winni- j peg (30 minutes north of Morris). Bil I leting, as usual, continues to be ar- ! ranged through the EMC office. Accommodations Committee

Births

■

HARDER - to Pete and Ann Harder of Lowe Farm, Man., a son , Joshua Jon, on February 24, 1998 BARTEL - to Lynn and Betty Bartel of Morris, Man., a son, Evan James, on March 9, 1998. BRANDT - to Kelly and Ang Brandt of Rosenort, Man., a son, Joshua Elmer Donevan, on January 17,1998. SIEMENS - to Pat and Kim Siemens of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Tria Breanne, on February 16, 1998.

MFC Grant Fund MENNONITE FOUNDATION or

c A N 4 0 *

Applications Invited

The Mennonite Foundetion of Canada Grant Fund is open to applicetions from participeting Conferences, churches and related organizations end institutions. Funds are eveileble for projects that have a charitable, religious or educational objective. Funded projects will generally be now programs in a start-up phase or new initietives in existing programs.

■X-C' Dave Schclienberg Steinbach, MB.

THE OPENING CEREMONIES and the lows: “To establish an institution for the open house of the new Eden Health Care nursing and healing of the mentally ill.” offices and the remodelled Eden Mental And so when Eden Health Care Services Health Centre in Winkler on May 24 had its twentieth-fifth anniversary in 1992, draws my mind back to the humble be the centrefold of The Bridge diagrammed ginnings of this institution. Checking a flashback of events, beginning in 1955. back, one finds that our Conference (the The EMC received this recognition, EMC) had a small but significant part in A mandate to promote the idea of an calling this institution into being. institution to serve the mentally ill is given David R Reimer, pastor of the Blumenort to Archie Penner, John P Loewen, and EMC Church, could hardly have visualized PJ.B. Reimer, ministers of the Evangeli this vast complex when he shared his cal Mennonite Conference. burden about an institution to care for the Other conferences picked up on this mentally sick, at an EMC ministerial meet mandate, and soon a committee was ing on April 2, 1955. formed to pursue this vision. Some twelve To the credit of the EMC ministerial, the years intervened until the opening of the suggestion of Rev. Reimer resulted in the Eden Mental Health Centre on April 24, immediate election of three ministers to 1967. Other fields of health care added carry on this torch and report back. The later were Eden Residential Care Services, three elected were John P. Loewen Trainex Industries, and Recovery of Hope. (Blumenort), Archie Penner (now Kola) In 1988 Eden Health Care Services was and R J. B. Reimer (deceased). established as the “umbrella” organiza The saying goes that big doors swing tion for all the fields mentioned above and on little hinges. This move on behalf of which are now a part of the total organithe EMC ministerial back in 1955 is a clas zation. The grand openings mentioned earlier sic case. 1 think that God used us to create the interest which eventually resulted were those of the new location of Eden in Eden Mental Health Centre, and later. Health Care Services’ new offices in the when expanded into other fields, Eden Winitoba Mall in Winkler, as well as the Health Care Services. newly renovated Eden Mental Health CenThe idea took hold right away as these tre. brethren consulted and talked to other Eden Health Care Services, which in churches about it. It seems it was an idea eludes Eden Mental Health Centre, now whose time had come, likely more than has an annual budget of six to seven milcome. lion dollars and employs around 130 peoThe first general organizational meeting pie. took place in the summer of 1957 with One thing the Eden story shows is that an assembly of delegates representing many church conferences working tothe constituency of a number of churches gether can accomplish great things for the and conferences. At this organizational Lord. Praise His name! meeting the purpose was stated as fol-

Annual application deadline: July 30 Guidelines and application forms are available from any Foundation office

WINMIPEG OFFICE 4-117 Victor Lewis Drive Winnipeg, MB R3P IJB 204-488-1985 Fax 204-488-1986 E-mail: mfcwpg@menno1bundation.ca

KITCHENER OFFICE 50 Kent Avenue Kitchener. ON N2G 3R1 519-745-7821 Fax 519-7454)064 E-maiJ; mfckft@mennonitecc.ca

JUNE 10, 1998

ABBOTSFORD OFFICE 303-32025 Dahlstrom Ave. Abbotsford, BC V2T 2K7 604-850-9613 Fax 604-850-9372 E-mail: mfcabtxjt® betel.ca

The ribbon cutting for the renovated Eden Mental Health Centre took place on Sunday, May 24, in Winkler, Manitoba.

PAGE 15

Shoulder Tapping^ Steinbach Bible College, an evangelical anabaptist college affiliated with a Mennonite constituency, invites applications for the posi tion of professor of church music. The successful applicant will have a graduate degree (doctorate preferred) with competen cies in choral conducting and related fields of church music. A willingness and ability to inte grate current trends and technologies with tra ditional music is desirable. Agreement with the statement of faith and life style of the college will be required. The posi tion starts August 1, 1998. Submit applications and resumes to Dr. Don Thiessen, academic dean, Steinbach Bible College, Box 1420, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0. Phone 204-326-6451 or E-mail: Don_Thlessen@SBCollege.mb.ca. Determined church in beautiful northern Canada is looking for a pastor who enjoys scrip ture even more than scenery! Half-time salary and modern housing provided. A trade is use ful for other work. Contact: Search Committee,

Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC), Box 35, Creighton, SK SOP OAO. Or call board member Deb Odegaard at 306-688-2996 or Conference Pastor John Koop at 204-326-6401.

Herbert Mennonite Church, an independent congregation of 75-100 average Sunday morn ing attendance, is looking for a pastor. The pas tor is to have a passion for preaching and peo ple, be able to relate to all ages, and help the church grow spiritually and in numbers. It Is seeking a team player whose preaching is practical. Please send your resume, doctri nal statement and references to: Herbert Mennonite Church, Attention: Kathy Siemens, Box 67, Herbert, SK SOH 2A0. If you prefer to speak to someone before sending your resume, contact Kathy Siemens (Phone/Feix 1-306-7842935) or Bernie and Doris Andres (1-306-7842764). Mennonite Foundation of Canada seeks a book keeper for its Winnipeg office. This is a half time position with potential of moving to full-

time in the future. Responsibilies include main taining all files and data entry for MFC invest ments, trust agreements, bank accounts, A/R A/R, G/L, and payroll. Experience in the fol lowing areas is preferred: bookkeeping, particu larly with a charity or not-for-profit organization, computerized accounting, MS OFFICE software, specifically EXCEL and ACCESS. Familiarization with loan amortizations and interest-rate cal culations would be an asset. Review of applications will begin June 15, 1998, and continue until an appointment is made. Submit inquiries and resumes to Rick Braun-Janzen, 4-117 Victor Lewis Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3P 1J6. Phone 204-488-1985, Fax 204-488-1986, E-mail: mfcwpg@mennofoundation.ca.

Inner City Youth Alive Inc. is looking for a moti vated, spiritually mature female staff person with a love for youth. Please send your resume to Inner City Youth Alive, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7 or phone 204-582-8779.

Ill ‘YOU’RE TOO YOUNG!’

The Big Move Anne Klassen

“YOUR NAME IS CURRENTLY at the top of the list. In four weeks, you may move into one of our suites,” came the voice over the telephone one day. Very surprised at this sudden news, I handed the phone to Dan, my husband. Yes, we had put our name in for a suite, thinking we’d be called in about a year or two (not four months!). “Yes, we’ll take it,” I heard Dan say. / can’t be hearing cor rectly! As usual, when it comes to moving, I tend to dig in my heels. However, after praying about it, I did get peace. Furthermore, we managed to get rid of a lot of surplus “bag gage” — selling some, giving to thrift shops and discarding a lot of accumulated junk. The balance was sufficient to fill the suite. The big move took place on May 2. With the help of friends driving three trucks, the move took merely four hours, even though it was bedlam for some time. However, now we’re enjoying our new, cozy environment, overlooking God’s wonderful creation, with the newness and freshness of spring in the air.

When the news first broke that Dan and Anne Klassen were moving into a suite, we were practically overwhelmed with the many unsolicited comments and advice we were receiving from well-meaning friends; You’re too young to be living in a suite! Dan, you could never survive without your garden. Apartments are for people who are near death. What in the world will you people be doing in a crammed suite?

We’re hoping to beat all those odds (with God’s help). All of us are on the move in life — to higher ground. When our name appears on God’s list, we’ll be moving, whether we want to or not, whether we’re ready or not. Jesus offers us free passage to heaven, including forgiveness of sin and eternal life. As Dan says, “This is our last round-up.” Anne and Dan Klassen live in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. They are part of the Portage Evangelical Church (EMC).

Do you haue a story for The Personal Touch? Il must be a true account (although names may be changed, if necessary) illustrating the Christian life or character. Send your 700-uJord story and a photograph of yourself or suggestion for a story to the address below.

PAGE 16

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

Subsidy Reminder: Haue you giuen consent thmngh your c/iiiich?