The Messenger June 24, 1998 by The Messenger

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 36 NUMBER 12 JUNE 24,1998

48th Annual EMC Convent!

Details Dates July 3-5,1998

I ► I Dr. Jon Bonk

All Welcome

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Overseas Ministries Study Center New Haven^ CT

Messenger A Repulsive Topic SHE TALKED OF A person who died. Now the person’s suffering was over, she said. Not wanting to be calloused, 1 said it was over for some people. She looked at me and said she had never thought of it that way before. Maybe not. I’d rather not. Society says that death is the end of pain. It’s in the background of the euthanasia de bate: if death is the end of pain, why pro long a person’s suffering? It’s sometimes said, if God exists and there is a heaven, everyone goes there when they die. I wish that were so! Yet theology is not based on what a person wishes for — and those unsure of God or heaven can’t safely say who goes into God’s presence in heaven. Years ago, during a small-group discussion in a hospital training session, I said that it is hard for a minister to officiate at a funeral where it is unclear where the person stood spiritually. A surprised person looked at an other minister in the group; he confirmed it. Jesus talked of heaven — the full presence of God. He also spoke of hell — the eternal separation from God. Dare we accept what Jesus said about one and not about the other (Matthew 25:46)? There is no way to make hell palatable; it is abhorrent and agony to think of. Its very nature makes it horrible, terrible, and dread ful. This does not mean we can set it aside; it is good reason to consider what is at risk (Mark 9:42-48). C. Andrew Lawson, former pastor of Timo thy Eaton Memorial United Church (Toronto) wrote, “At least one good thing can be said about the doctrine of hell. That is its assur ance that man is free. God made man in his own image and then gave him freedom. If freedom means anything, it means the free dom to throw life away or use it wisely. The choice is ours.” If people object to the idea of hell, the An glican writer C.S. Lewis replies, “What are you asking God to do?...To leave them alone? Alas, I am afraid that is what He does.” God does this — despite His desire that no one be apart from Him for eternity (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4); hell was never intended by Him for humankind (Matthew 25:41). Everyone — even the most belligerent athe ist — is dependent upon God for life, air, strength and much else. If a person rejects J

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EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Him, who can imagine what is left when God removes all the good He has given! R B. Meyer, Free Church pastor in England (1847-1929), says the word hell comes from EDITORIAL an old English or German word meaning ASSISTANT Martha Kroeker “any covered place.” He said it was used, in THE MESSENGER is the part, for “the dark hole into which a tailor publication of the Evangelical flung his waste shreds.” The Greek phrase Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. translated as hell (gehenna') originally re Its purpose is to inform, instruct ferred to a valley turned into a garbage dump and inspire: inform concerning and activities in the (Mark 9:43). Jesus “predicted the peril of events denomination; instruct in god being cast among the waste products of the liness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for universe,” he said. the faith. The ugly truth of hell is it is possible to miss Letters, articles, photos and one’s purpose of existence. There is misery poems are welcomed. Unpub lished material is not returned in such knowledge. Such stark reality causes except by request. The views horror — a horror Christ came to spare us. and opinions expressed by the What of the darkness and flames? There writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the posi are many Christians who say these are meta tion of the Conference. phors. Does darkness which “can be felt” THE MESSENGER is pub twice a month (once a (Exodus 10:21) frighten? Does an uncon lished month in July and August) by the trolled fire scare? We are to be as instinc Board of Church Ministries of the Evangelical Mennonite Con tively afraid of being separate from God! 440 Main Street, In a Christian funeral service we can say, ference, Steinbach, Manitoba. based on the grace of Christ and the marks Subscriptions: $12.00 per (Manitoba residents add of a believer (such as in 1 John), that a spe year 7% PST total: $12.84). Sub cific person has entered into the full pres scriptions are voluntary and op ence of Christ (Luke 23:43). We comfort tional to people within or outside the EMC. Members and ad believers with the joyous knowledge that of herents pay through their when loved ones in Christ are absent from church. THE MESSENGER is a the body, they are present with the Lord (2 member of Meetinghouse and Corinthians 5:6-8). Canadian Church Press. Paul was a believer who knew that to die Second-class postage paid at Manitoba. was gain (Philippians 1:21); his example in Steinbach, Registration Number: 0591 vites us to rejoice in God’s grace in our lives Mailing information: All (1 Timothy 1:15-16). Death for believers — correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of as for Stephen who “fell asleep” (Acts 7:60) address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: — is to enter into rest. The Messenger Likewise, we teach that rejection of Christ RO. Box 1268 until death is to be separate from Him for Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0 ever. In doing this, we dare not say a spe cific individual is in hell. The Judge alone Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 knows a person’s final thought, intent or E-mail: emconf@mts.net desire. As stewards of Scripture, however, we are to repeat what the Judge has said: people will be separated based on their re- Cover: The convention is July sponse to Him in this life (Matthew 25:31- 3-5 at Morris. 46). MESSENGER SCHEDULE: The Christian teaching on hell is revolting, No. 13-July 22 yet because of some people’s revolt, it re- (materiardue'july 10) mains. It’s a horror, but there is no safety in No. 14 - August 12 silence — only in Christ. (material due July 31) Terry M. Smith THE MESSENGER

A church-planting model

The Cell Church John Kornelsen HAVE YOU EVER heard about the cell church and won dered what it was all about? As you read about it, did it raise many questions in your mind and make you feel a bit uneasy? Maybe you’ve read about a 750,000-member church in Seoul, Korea, and were amazed to find that all of them are in small cell groups that meet in homes each week. This church has 80,000 cell groups throughout the city of Seoul, and all members are within ten minutes walking distance from their home to the house cell church. How is such a thing possible? Oh well, it must have something to do with a different culture, right? But that doesn’t explain the cell churches springing up all around the world, in countries such as Korea, China, Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Abijan, South Africa, all over the continent of South America, Domini can Republic, Australia, England, United States, and yes, Canada. Oh well, it must be connected to those other people — the charismatics. But no, the cell church is growing in Baptist, Presbyterian, Full Gospel, Methodist, Catholic, Mennonite, Vineyard, Associated Gospel, Pentecostal, and other denominations. Okay, what is the cell church?

Basic Christian communities In a nutshell, the cell church is built on the principle that all Christians are ministers and that the work of the ministry should be performed by every Christian. Such a church is a clustering of believers in “basic Christian com munities” or “cell groups,” which are small enough so that no one becomes just a number. Therefore the cell church is truly people centred, and the focus of ministry is the intimate needs of each believer.

A decentralized ministry The ministry is decentralized and occurs in the homes and lives of the church members and in the community rather than in church buildings. This frees believers to spend more time to build relationships with non-Christians and reach them and minister to them where they live. The organizational structure of the cell church is based on ministry through the practical use of spiritual gifts, which takes place in the cell church gatherings. Servant style leadership is selected from the members and de veloped in apprenticeship alongside of the pastor. These are the basic facets of the church — in a nut shell. But what does it all mean?

Eight characteristics Let’s take another look at the character of the cell church. The following characteristics are ideal, and in practical cases there are variations, depending on the preferences of individual groups. JUNE 24, 1998

1) The basic church unit is a small number of Chris tians led by a voluntary staff. The basic unity of the cell church is the small group that meets weekly at one of the members’ homes. As the cell in the human body is the basic building block to life, so the cell in the cell group church is the building block of the church. It is the most important unit. In it the participants find that they are all ministers, and in it new believers are discipled and baptized. In each group the Lord’s Supper is celebrated in a very personal meaningful way. The “one another” passages of the Scriptures become alive, and the use of spiritual gifts is demonstrated on a personal level. 2) The human body grows as each celt grows and mul tiplies; this is the way the cell church grows. When the cell through evangelism grows to about fifteen adults, it multiplies and two cells are formed. This principle of multiplication is very foundational to the cell church. When this is ignored, the church is no longer a cell church. The larger a group becomes, the more formal it is. 3) The cell is the most important unit, the building block of the church. The new cells are still related through their leaders and meet from time to time for celebration, wor ship and teaching, but these celebrations cire not the most important and meaningful events of the church. The in dividual cell retains this distinction. 4) When new people come to the celebration service and want to Join a cell church they find that the only way to Join the cell church is to become part of a cell group. 5) Discipling new believers is done on a personal oneto-one basis. The material is prescribed, the new believ ers do their homework and meet with the disciplers once a week.

John and Leona Kornelsen are church planters in Ed monton, Alberta. They are using the cell church model. John was ordained within the EMC in 1965 and has served as pastor at Hudson Bay and Wymark, both in Saskatchewan. PAGE 3

“In a nutshell, the cell church is built on the principle that all Christians are ministers and that the work of the ministry should be performed by every Christian. The cell church is truly people centred, and the focus of ministry is the intimate needs of each believer. ” 6) Euangelism is not incidental in the cell church but a definite part of its purpose in a practical and on-going way. The cell church emphasizes relational evangelism. This involves building lasting relationships in a non-threat ening environment with those in your family and friend ship zone, and then presenting the claims of Christ to them. The ones who are interested are brought into the cell group, where they can see love and ministry in action. This method is so effective that in many places the church has grown remarkably fast.

7) The organizational structure of the cell church is based on personal ministry to indiuiduals. The cell serv ice is structured toward this end, not to draw people through entertainment but for edification and practical ministry — to enable people to use their spiritual gifts to experience Christ, to minister to the needs that are shared, and to encourage and lift up under the leader ship of the Holy Spirit. The leader (pastor) becomes the facilitator rather than the prime exerciser of spiritual gifts. Prayer is one of the most important elements of the cell church service — prayer for one another, prayer for those

relationships that we hope will win someone to the Lord, and prayer for special needs. When members need spe cial encouragement, others will gather round them, put hands on them and pray. When a member has a special event coming up in the following week or month, there may be some structur ing to assist in some way. The cell church is organized to minister.

8) Organizational structure outside of the cell is also based on ministry. This is because the purpose of it is to help the cell groups to become more effective. When there are more cells, the leaders of the cells meet regu larly to help each other and pray. As more cells are formed, more organization is needed, but it is all formed with the purpose of facilitating the cell groups, and plan ning the celebration times. In Edmonton John and Leona haue a group that meets regu larly, but they need more core group people to help them. They say that if the Lord is calling you for this work, you are wel come to contact them: 11032 - 153 St., Edmonton, Alta. TSP 2E4, telephone (604-489-7218) or e-mail: jeona@msn.com.

O Canada! Our Home and Native Land! Leona Dueck Penner RECENTLY, ON OUR FIRST-EVER road trip from Win nipeg to Waterloo, Ontario (where our children live), my husband and I were awestruck by the vast beauty of our land. On the second day of our travels, when we spent the whole day driving around Lake Superior, a lake which truly lives up to its name, we were especially impressed by the grandeur of the Canadian landscape. At one point, on Nipigon Bay, when we rounded a curve and saw yet another incredible lake view, I breathed, “O Canada!” quite spontaneously, and then realized that this awe-filled prayer encompassed the opening words of our national anthem, words which held some meaning for me as a child in a rural one-room school when we all stood up together to sing it at the beginning of the day. 1 also remembered an embarrassing moment, decades later, when we were living overseas with our own young children and felt a need to teach them the song in order to instill a bit of a Canadian identity in them. My husband had just finished “standing on guard” and belting out the anthem with unusual fervour, when a fel low teacher from Yorkshire walked into the house and gave him a hand, along with the wry comment: “I didn’t know you were so patriotic!” We still blush when we think about that experience. In more recent years, peace and justice issues related PAGE 4

to First Nations’ land rights and the threat of Quebec sepa

ration have, at times, tarnished those earlier feelings for the Canadian anthem. But now, on our holidays, a lake view refreshed and renewed my appreciation of that important song. Suddenly, 1 saw the anthem as an exclamation of joy: Joy over the rugged, almost overwhelming beauty of our “home and native land.” Joy over a place “glorious and free,” which cannot be contained (or owned!) by anyone. Joy over the understanding that 1, “a merely human be ing,” can indeed “stand on guard” in awe of this great land. Joy over a land which we, in our best moments, are determined to shield from harm. The harm comes not from “enemies” outside our geo graphical boundaries but the harm that comes from the enemies within ourselves. There is harm from enemies who would grasp the land for their own end, from those who would rape and pillage the forests and lakes and rocks for short-term, thoughtless greed or personal power and ambition... And so 1 pray again: O Canada! I thank God for your speech-defying beauty: for echoing hills and ualleys THE MESSENGER

for rippling lakes and riuers for rustling forests and whispering meadows which speak to me of strength andjoy and generosity. Grant that I will not grow weary of truly standing on guard for thee, so that the beauty and the riches of this land

Letters

A MESSAGE TO EMC YOUTH Over the past few years. I’ve noticed a lot of young people (mostly friends) leav ing the Mennonite church. They head to churches or “worship centres” with flashier youth programs and more excit ing worship styles, taking their friends with them. Some of them leave for churches that focus on emotionalism and “feeling” God’s presence, also known as ahe “Jesus is my girlfriend” movement. (“Jesus is my girlfriend” is a movement named after the tendency for worship styles and references to Christ to be phrased in romantic terms. It is a fast growing movement in emotionalistic cir cles and, while not negative in intent, the emphasis is pulled away from Jesus as Saviour and Lord to Jesus as lover and friend.) The standard defense is that the EMC is for their parents — a boring, traditionalist church with little or no room for a younger generation and their experimentation. This, 1 suppose, is understandable for those who have had their sincere at tempts at church involvement and lead ership resisted or looked down on. But I have a theory as to why our older genera tion may be reluctant to hand us a part of the church reins right now. As young leaders we expect to preach and teach the Word of God in our Mennonite churches, but we don’t even know what makes a Mennonite church different from others. We point out things like “conservative worship styles” and “traditions” and forget that there is a rea son we are separate from mainstream Protestantism. Youth of the EMC, we have forgotten who we are! We cling to contemporary heroes like singers, leaders and artists but forget the heroes of the past, the ones who should actually be imitated. We are the ones who are slowly killing the Mennonite church, not our parents and grandparents, whose “ancient” hymns and worship styles we claim are driving people away, to churches that will let them do as they please, complete with an easier-to-follow faith and “fulfillment,” with no responsibility. Have we never heard of the thousands of Mennonites who died for a faith we to JUNE 24, 1998

may be shared justly and fairly with all the inhabitants, now and always. Amen. Leona Dueck Penner is spending time on “reading, writing and personal renewal.” She and her husband, Peter, are mem bers of the Aberdeen EMC in Winnipeg.

’-hl day treat like a birthright? Can we not re member what those martyrs believed so passionately that they were willing to die? Why do we remember names like Kurt Cobain, Calvin Klein and Cindy Crawford but fail to even recognize names like Conrad Grebel, Dirk Willems, Dirk Philips and Orrie Miller? How many of us can even describe with any certainty what Mennonites believe? As I’ve travelled in Canada, the United States and South America, I’ve been asked why I’m not wearing black, how come 1 drive a vehicle and how my “colony” feels about my decision to be a missionary. Most of them don’t even now what the way of peace is, our belief regarding be liever’s baptism, or even the high empha sis we put on demonstrating our faith in Christ with works. The sad thing is, most of us don’t know that either. 1 don’t mean to be condemning. It was only a year ago that 1 picked up a book on Mennonite theology and history — picked it up and read it, that is. For years 1 thought we were some small insignificant faction of some “bigger” church who had cho sen to split over some equally small in significant detail. But when 1 cracked open an old, dog-eared copy of “An Intro duction to Mennonite History” by Cornelius J. Dyck, 1 was shocked to read that our church stood for something — something important. A long time ago(January 30, 1536), in a faraway land (Friesland, Holland, to be ex act), a man named Menno Simons broke with all that was politically correct and ac ceptable, and followed his heart to the cross. He was certainly not the first to do so, and he is (thankfully) not the last, but he did provide the leadership needed to unite a people divided by their opinions on faith. We bear his name, not because we worship or agree with everything he said but as a reminder to us and the world that we are different. We are different because of what we belieue. It matters not the style of music, the clothes you wear, or the way you preach. What does matter is the content of the music, the purpose of the clothes, and what you preach. When we demon strate to our elders that we understand this truth and are committed to it, then 1

expect they’ll be a whole lot more will ing to try different ways of communicat ing that truth. But, as I’m sure you’ve no ticed, the first step is ours. Steuen Friesen Calary, Alberta.

ARE WE TO LOVE GOD’S ENEMIES? In the counsel of the godly, there is wis dom. In recent days I have been reflecting on the subject of providing assistance to peo ple in need. I am sure that we have all heard sermons and lessons on loving one another and helping those in need. What has sparked my interest in this matter is the time that I have been spend ing with a man in our church, where we have been systematically working through the Scriptures in a discipleship-style for mat. Jesus said that we are to love our en emies, and we all know that we should. Many have undertaken great efforts to demonstrate their love for their enemies. This is quite obvious in the New Testa ment; however, it is not so clearly defined in the Old. Some may write off the Old Testament as being obsolete and thereby license themselves not to deal with its contents in a holistic manner, but it is the whole Bible that is inspired and profitable for reproof, correction and training in right eousness. In the Old Testament, we find a drasti cally different emphasis than “love your enemies.” The Psalmist, when making reference to the wicked, not once prays for their salvation or repentance; rather, he prays for their demise and utter de struction. Only the righteous are upheld as worthy of help and love. There is frequent emphasis throughout the Old Testament on God having regard for and supporting the widows, orphans and helpless and that all those who would serve God should do the same. Yet, at the same time, Isaiah 9 qualifies that God does not have compassion on godless widows and orphans, and 2 Chronicles 19:2 says that supporting enemies of God invokes His wrath. PAGES

Jesus also seemed to exemplify anger against the deliberate godless ones, while having compassion on those who did not understand. He said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.” He also said, “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees,...brood of vipers....” These latter words do not sound like words of endear ment to me. He also instructed His disci ples to shake the dust off their feet from the places that would reject the Gospel. In the counsel of the godly, there is wis dom. Are we to differentiate between our en emies and God’s enemies and the en-

emies of His chosen people? If so, on what basis is a person or nation labelled as an enemy of God? What should be our attitude toward the enemies of God? 1 invite dialogue on this subject. 1 under stand that we are to love our enemies, but are we to love God’s enemies (based on the Scriptures)? What are the implications of our stance? James Regehr Wawanesa, Manitoba SALVATION A PROCESS? My husband and I have difficulty in under standing some of the statements made by

Paul Lederach in his article “The Wholeness of Salvation” (April 22, 1998). One sentence reads, “Salvation is a proc ess.” When 1 accepted forgiveness for my sins from God, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, I accepted it as a personal gift from Him (John 3:16). A soul that searches for peace does not ponder about “process” or “community.” Thank you for meaningful articles about motherhood in the May 16 issue. There was, however, no mention of Ascension Day (May 21). Where would we be without the Com forter (John 16:7)? Mary Reimer Winnipeg, Manitoba

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MCCER DIES IN CRASH Krista Hunt Ausland, 26, a worker in Bo livia, was killed May 20 when a bus she and her husband, Aaron, were travelling on went over an embankment and down a steep ravine. Four Bolivians were killed in the crash. Krista and Aaron would have celebrated their third wedding anniver sary on May 26. HONDURAN RELIEF In partnership with the Honduran Breth ren in Christ Church, MCC is sending corn and beans to Livre, a mountainous area. Many farmers have lost most corn crops and much sorghum to drought caused by El Nino weather patterns. SUDAN CRISIS A famine caused by civil war and drought threatens 400,000 people in the south. MCC has shipped 31 tonnes of meat, 17 tonnes of clothing, and 35 tonnes of soap. It recently committed itself to $550,000 to purchase grain in East Africa for Sudan. NORTH KOREA Raised on a farm and trained in agricul ture, administrator Kevin King visited the Sambong farming community. $275,000 in seed, fertilizer, plastic sheeting, and other items had been given to this area within North Korea’s western plains “rice bowl.” He found dilapidated farming equip ment; three tractors being stripped to keep a fourth running; mechanics fixing a rice transplanter with a pair of pliers, screwdriverand mallet; and plows pulled by oxen whose hair was falling out. King saw men, women, and children carry backpacks of manure to fields and rebuilding rice paddy dikes destroyed by floods. “Every meter of land is being cul tivated,” he said. He saw the spring barley harvested from the seeds donated, estimating that for each dollar spent on seeds, seven dollars PAGES

of food was produced. “Farming and food production are definite priorities for North Koreans,” he said.

WHAT POOR PEOPLE? Drought has affected as many as ten million people in northeast Brazil, accord ing to the Roman Catholic Church. Conflict resolution worker John Hutton lives in the northeast region. His Brazilian teacher told him one-third of Brazilians have more than enough to eat, one-third have enough, and the remaining one-third have less than they need. “Now what the top two-thirds want is for the bottom third to simply go away,” she said. Since they can’t make 40 mil lion people disappear, the wealthy and middle class pretend the poor don’t ex ist. In response, the Roman Catholic church, groups of rural and urban poor, and oth ers inside and outside of Brazil are chal lenging the assumption that the country cannot afford to look after its poorest citi zens.

PEACE IN IRELAND Bereavement counsellor Sara Wengerd, living in Belfast, Northern Ireland, says of the May 24 Stormont Agreement: “This indeed is a new opportunity for peace af ter thirty years of conflict that people here call ‘The Troubles.’” In the community of both Catholics and Protestants where Wengerd lives, morning prayer focused on the miracle of God’s hand in bringing the peace process to this point after years of violence. COMMITMENT APPRECIATED When MCC workers accept assignments in developing countries, they leave the comforts of North America to live and work with people who are experiencing poverty, oppression and injustice. This commitment to a simple lifestyle sets MCC workers apart from foreigners working for other non-governmental or

ganizations, says Brenda Javier Recana, administrative assistant at the MCC Phil ippines office in Manila. “So many missionaries in Manila live in expensive subdivisions,” she says. “They live a typical North American lifestyle. 1 like the idea that Mennonites live in the community with the people. They talk with their neighbours and interact with them. They don’t separate themselves from the community.”

CANADIANS CONVICTED IN MOROCCO Four people, two of them Canadians, were convicted on June 5 in Morocco of charges of violating customs duties, re lated to Bibles brought into the country, according to information received. Kelly Viinikka and Antero Ylikangas of Canada, Graham Hutt of Britain, and Serge Dechoz of France were given two-month suspended sentences and fined a total of $42,000 U.S. A yacht with an estimated value of $250,000 and a motorbike of $3,000 were confiscated. A total of 486 Bibles and 1200 New Tes taments were seized by police after one person was found to be transporting Bi bles from a yacht by motorcycle to an apartment. The charge was reported to be one of failing to declare there were materials on the yacht which were subject to a 2.5% customs duty. One person convicted has reportedly said he “does not accept this is really a customs charge, although that is what is written on the charge sheet.” The value of the Bibles and Testaments has been estimated at $3,988 U.S. According to a press release, the duty would have been $99.70 U.S. The case is under appeal. Prayer has been requested about the situation.

THE MESSENGER

With Our Missionaries

EMC ANGLES IN SEMILLA BUILDING PROJECT SEMILLA, a seminary operated in Guate mala City, Guatemala, by ten Central Ameri can Anabaptist Mennonite Conferences, has purchased land toward the housing of ad ministrative offices — and there are a number of ways the EMC is involved. The churches linked to the EMC in Nica ragua are in one of the conferences operat ing SEMILLA. The EMC is a partner in Mennonite Central Committee, who con tributed $99,644 toward land purchase re cently. The EMC-linked Missions Auxiliary has donated $10,000 toward this project, according to Henry Klassen, EMC Execu tive Secretary. The new site will bring under one roof SEMILLA and its cross-cultural program CASAS, which now operate from two dif ferent rented offices. SEMILLA dean Mario Higueros says the next phase is to build a structure to house both program offices and dorms for CASAS participants. “The goal is to have some common space, a library and a big room we can use as a chapel or for holding meet ings,” he said. “We also plan to rent office space to generate a little income for SEMILLA.” Since its inception in 1983, SEMILLA has provided biblic^ and theological education by extension for Mennonite pastors and laypeople. Currently eighty full-time stu dents are enrolled from Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. Instructors travel to various exten sion locations to teach and evciluate stu dents’ work. MCC/EMC Sources

Unanswered Prayer I prayed and prayed and prayed. And nothing happened. My prayers remained unanswered. (.

But I had trusted the Lord, and prayed. For what reason, then, did my prayers remain unanswered?

Then finally my Lord showed me. "You trusted me with your prayers, child. Can you also trust me with the answer?" Laura Plett Siemens Kola, Manitoba JUNE 24. 1998

The leaders of churches In East Paraguay, who gather monthly for weekend seminars, pause during the final class of the 1997 year. Ernest Funk is on the left.

PARAGUAY WEEKEND SEMINARS After a young people’s retreat [on Janu ary 1-5, reported in the February 11 Mes senger], the leaders of different groups take up the challenge of further discipling the young people. The leaders of the different church groups meet here at the bookstore once a month for the weekend seminar. They are self-supported, mostly making their living off the land. The photo shows the gathering for the last class of the 1997 year.

We celebrated with a cake. When we were ready to take the pic ture one fellow got a call from his sister, so that is why he is talking on the phone. Ernest Funk, seen in the photo, is one of the teachers. My part is not in the class room but rather in the kitchen. Doris Friesen Doris Friesen (Blumenort) directs the pub lic health/nutrition program in East Para guay and is involved in children’s clubs and other church ministries.

With Our Congregatig^ CHURCH GOING THROUGH CHANGES Pleasant Valley, Man.: Our church has gone through some fairly major changes during the first part of this year. One of the biggest changes probably revolves around the excitement of our first full-time pastor! We have not had a pastor since July 1997, and we are very excited about the arrival of our new pastor couple, Darren and Pearl Plett and family. They moved to Rosenort at the begin ning of May and have taken on the lead ership of the church. We realize that this was not an easy decision for them. They have left the comfort of their home, fam ily and friends to move to a strange com munity, start a new home, build new friendships and join a new church. We thank the Blumenort church for sup porting them in this move, it is hard for a

church to see instrumental people within the congregation go out to serve in other areas, and our prayers are with you as well, that you will find capable people to fill the positions that they have left. We have also been working at restruc turing the various committees within our church in an effort to streamline the func tions that each one has, as well as to en courage closer communication between the different committees. We are already beginning to see the positive effects that these changes are making, and we look forward to seeing some of the plans that these committees are working on for the future. Because of the changes that were tak ing place in our church we decided not to hold our regular spring meetings this year. We were encouraged, however, to attend the meetings at the Rosenort EMC, PAGE?

led by Marvin Thiessen and Larry Thiessen of Janz Team Ministries. They presented a powerful challenge to each one of us, to make sure that we are right with God now. We may not have the chance to make changes tomorrow, so now is the time to do it. The children were ministered to by Un cle Harold during the week. They could hardly wait for the next evening service

to begin so they could see Uncle Harold again. 1 wouldn’t be surprised if there were kids who begged to sleep at the church out of fear that they might miss the next presentation by him. He has an entertaining and very simple way of ex plaining the gospel to children. We thank the Rosenort church for the invitation to attend and take part in these services.

Many people in this area are thinking back to how things were here one year ago and how much better it is this year. We have a lot to be thankful for as we see how God can bring us through difficult times and use them to make us stronger individu als. With the dry conditions in the area, it was possible for the farmers to begin seed ing during the last week in April. Mike Friesen

Pastor Lome Moorhead spoke at the service on Easter Sunday. The poster reads, / asked Jesus, “How much do you love me?” “This much, ” He answered. Then He stretched out his arms and died.

THANK GOD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Endeavour, Sask.: Several exciting things have happened over the past months. Easter services were very spe cial. The old Christmas tree was made into a cross, beautifully depicting how Easter follows Christmas. The ladies’ night out was again a beauti ful evening of outreach to the community. Our congratulations to Stephanie Steppan and Levi Konkel on their gradu ation from high school, another step in life. We wish them God’s blessing. Kendall Thiessen and Melinda Steppan have completed one year of Bible school. Kendall is planting trees in On tario. Melinda is working as a flag girl on road construction until June 18, when

she will be leaving for Ireland with Euro Corps on a summer mission trip. We pray that God will bless both of them as they serve Him. Our Sunday school picnic took place on June 7. During the service. Pastor Lome asked Lorissa Thiessen about her desire to be baptized. Lorissa then gave her testimony, relating some joys and struggles. Her desire to serve God and have a closer relationship with Him is wonderful to see. Our prayers are with our young people, and we thank God for them. Camp is just around the corner, and we look forward to seeing many of you there. Rose Steppan

FAMINE IN OUR COUNTRY? Leamington, Ont.: All across Canada youth were getting a taste of what it’s like to be without food. Teenagers and food just go together, so when the 30-Hour Famine, headed by World Vision, was first introduced to our youth, the feed back was pretty much what 1 expected: “What, no food for thirty hours?” We were very happy to have thirty-one of our young people take part in the drive to raise funds for those suffering from starvation. We went without solid food for thirty hours, but the thirty hours we spent together as a youth group will not soon be forgotten. The thing that impressed me the most was that, during the concert of prayer, all the young people prayed aloud. 1 mean all the kids, even the shy ones who nor mally don’t say anything in a large group. And they didn’t just pray little muttered prayers, these kids prayed from the heart! Praise God! It was an awesome experi ence! We spent a lot of time together in prayer for the needy and reflected on our lives here in our country. We also did a few service projects — cleaning up a local park and helping clean up some shin gles. We wrapped up the Famine with an encouragement circle (this has be come a regular thing with our group), which lasted several hours. It never ceases to amaze me how encouraging young people can be. This is one of the responses from the PAGES

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The Leamington youth group helped clean up shingles.

youth; “The needs in Sudan are so great, and what we did seemed like such a small thing, while in Sudan the people don’t know when or if they’ll get their next meal.” It is encouraging to hear comments like this from the young peo ple. Not only did we take part in a good thing, we had a chance to appreciate all that we have. We realized that we not only have pretty much all we need but

we also take a lot of it for granted. But if we would all do the small things God entrusted to us, I think we would be amazed at what we can actually accom plish. The young people did so well going without food that 1 recommended that we go without food on our youth retreats. Needless to say, that idea did not appeal to them at all! Bill and Helen Friesen THE MESSENGER

DARKNESSAND LIGHT The sun is blocke^rom sight as the dark cloud descends enveloping me in its shroud of darkness, immobilizing me till life slows down to a dull trickle of what it used to be. It invites feelings of worthlessness, and uselessness, and hopelessness, choking out my desire to live. Where do I go now? I am like a soul that has lost its way.

The Leamington young people are gathered around a pile of garbage they picked up in the park.

But then the Lord comes. He is the one who says. “I am the Light.” The darkness leaves as His light shines out. The road is clear before me because He also says. “I am the Way.” Laura Plett Siemens

LIFE AT THE “U” Prairie Grove, Man.: From Portage and Main, head west down Portage, turn right after the bus depot, and enter another world — a world of the learned and the learning. Can a Christian stay afloat, or even swim forward with strong strokes, in this whirlpool of knowledge. New “Ageism” and the ever-present pressure to be politically correct? Trent Giesbrecht, a member of our church, studied at the University of Win nipeg this past year and will be returning in September. 1 asked him to describe life at the “U.” “For me, entering university life was the obvious choice after high school. It was time for life to move on and time to grow up. Also, 1 felt going to Bible school was the traditional thing to do, and I like be ing an individual. “When first year began, 1 was aware of only three other Christians on campus. 1 had heard of Christian groups at the Uni-

versify of Winnipeg, and I was on the look out for them, but in the commotion and bustle of getting my studies under way, 1 wasn’t successful in finding Christian fel lowship. “1 was excited when 1 chanced upon InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. The two social directions at the U are this group and dorm life. And from what I’d seen of dorm life, this was a lot more promising. (The Christian support I’ve received and the friendships I’ve made are fantastic.) “It’s interesting to see all the changes that take place in one’s life at university. You take your own notes, you choose your own classes, you go to class (if you want to), you do your homework (if you want to), and you make time for God (if you want to). My thoughts on this to anyone considering this route are these: “Where is your heart? Will you take time for God and for making Him known on campus? Are you going to seek out Chris tian groups to have others support you

while you attend? “How shaky are you in what you believe and what evidence do you have to sup port those beliefs? (I’m a science student going into chiropractics, and 1 get evolu tion thrown at me in class. Profs can be quite opinionated in class, but I’ve found them open to discussion one on one. Even in class, a respectful, thoughtthrough comment is acceptable.) “Think through what you’d negotiate for a test, even though you and your prof know it’s not what you believe. “I’ll sum it up this way. If you’re strongwilled in God, want to seek Christian com munity and are self-motivated, you should be able to keep the faith at university. Bi ble school is great, but with seven years of education ahead of me, it wasn’t what 1 was looking for. Take a good look at your self, honestly answer some questions, and be determined in the way you choose.”

YOUTH — THE CHURCH’S LIFELINE Kola, Man.: It is kind of hard to imagine a snow blizzard at this time of year when hot, dry and dusty weather prevails, yet it was a blizzard that caused the cancella tion of the Region 4 Marriage Seminar, scheduled to take place in Brandon, Feb ruary 27 to March 1. It has been resched uled for the fall. Although we do not, as yet, have a youth pastor, our young people manage to re main an active, vital part of our church family. Their annual ski trip again took

them to Ochapowace at Broadview, Sask. Snowboarding was the sport of choice for most, resulting in many aches and bruises, particularly for the novices. In stead of being a deterrent, however, 1 can imagine those aches and bruises only proved to be a challenge for improve ment. Isn’t that a lesson for all of us? More recently the youth participated in a thirty-hour famine for Canada World Vi sion. A total of $4,246 was raised. A chance to meet with other youth in the surrounding area was realized when

Kola hosted a baseball tournament on May 22. Young people from Oak Lake and Maryfield, Sask., accepted the invitation to the tournament, and after all was hit and caught, Oak Lake came out on top as the undefeated team. A wiener roast followed, after which Eugene Enns, who is the pastor of the Berean church in Oak Lake, spoke to the kids on “How to Know You Are a Chris

JUNE 24, 1998

Jolyn Braun

tian.”

Currently the youth are planning a fundraising barbecue dinner, which is a highly PAGE 9

successful, annual event. Lawrence and Lenore Penner, who had been coordinating the youth activities for the last two years, were given recognition for their time and efforts at an apprecia tion night on March 13. They said their home will continue to be open to the young people. With their own trio of teen agers, they may not have a choice on that matter, anyway. We are thankful that another couple has volunteered to “fill the gap” for the time being. Roy and Viola Kroeker are presently directing the youth activities, while Rick Ostromann is leading the Bible studies, which is greatly appreciated as well. The AWANA staff hosted their second an nual soup and pie fund-raising dinner on March 15. At the closing program on May 3, clubbers had an opportunity to recite for their parents and grandparents some of the scripture verses and other things they had

learned throughout the year. Deeper Life meetings were held March 22-25, with Larry Janz as speaker. Addi tional meetings included a men’s prayer breakfast and a ladies coffee, where Christa Janz spoke on “Women: Gifts are for Sharing.” Their display table and Christa’s Moments in Russia talk provided interesting insights to the ministry they have been and are doing in Russia. Afro Info was the name of the presenta tion done by Wayne and Essie Herrod, to gether with Warren and Mary Kroeker of Landmark and Henry and Esther Dueck of Winnipeg, as well as six African young people who sang for us. With more than six hundred feet of eye catching displays, several testimonies and a slide show, it was indeed an Afro-infopacked afternoon. This gave us a greater awareness of the Africa Inland Mission and the needs and opportunities that abound

in the continent of Africa. The harvest, indeed, is plentiful, but where are the workers? “Plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out more labourers to help you...” (Luke 10). A farewell was held for Ed Thiessen and his son Lyle on April 26. Having been a schoolteacher in Kola for many years, Ed has retired and is moving to Winnipeg. We wish him much joy and contentment as he and Lyle adjust to a different lifestyle. Members of the Kola and Maryfield com munities have united in an effort to produce 180 acres of grain for Canadian Foodgrains Bank. For those involved it is an exciting venture, and we trust that the Cross Bor ders Community Project will have far-reach ing effects. As we think of the physical har vest, let’s also pray that God would send the needed rains. This corner of Manitoba/ Saskatchewan is extremely dry. Florence Penner

River rafting was enjoyed at family camp. Brad and Lorraine Friesen and their sons, Dillon, Garret and Trevor, and Michael Bouchard are on the left, Lency and Carolyn Bouchard with daughters Jessica and Chantelle are on the right.

FAITH IN ACTION Kleefeld, Man.: May 29 to 31 was our second annual family camp. It was held at Roseau River Bible Camp with Denver Kroeker as speaker. Denver and his wife.

Elvera, have three teenage children and pastor the St. Pierre Christian Fellowship. He challenged us to make our faith a verb (full of action), not a noun. He also encouraged us to keep our “fence posts”

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THE MESSENGER

Starting at a young age for riding a horse are Kayla, Alairic and Graydon, children of Don and Dorothy Penner.

Denver Kroeker, camp speaker, told the story of “Slinky the Minky. ”

Karen Friesen and Wilma Barkman served breakfast with a smile.

(referring to our life in Christ) in excellent condition. Otherwise, as his story of “Slinky the Minky” goes, Slinky will find a way through the holes in the chicken fence and cause a lot of trouble! Denver also used a life illustration, with Matt Funk as the lion and Dwayne as the door, opening or closing as the lion at tempts to leap in. This was a reminder that we are all responsible for our actions in regard to sin. We choose to allow the lion (temptation) in or out of our lives. In his last session, Denver encouraged our church to live in harmony, using the symbolism of a box of chocolates in the sun, melting together (no, this is not from Forest Gump) rather than ice (freezing

toward each other) or popcorn (flying in different directions or constantly bump ing each other with grumbling and com plaining). Our sessions were the main emphasis of the weekend but, of course, there was also time for horseback riding, river raft ing, visiting with old and new friends and, for those who can still do addition after midnight, an exciting game of ’99! We came home refreshed, encouraged and challenged to face our different situ ations in life. We want to follow the ex ample of the song that the young people sang about Christ, “1 want to fall in love with you,” by Jars of Clay. Lucy Dueck

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John Loewen, Elaine Friesen, Mary Loewen and Brenda Klassen rolled the dough for the perogies.

FUNDRAISER FOR MISSIONS Roseisle, Man.: March 11 was perogymaking day for our Ladies Fellowship group. It was a fun day of working to gether, and the enthusiastic help of John Loewen and Pastor Randall Krahn was an added bonus. 1 wonder if next year there will be a line up of men eager to help? Our perogy supJUNE 24. 1998

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Pastor Randall, Helen Friesen and Martha Klassen helped with the perogy-making project.

per was held on March 13, a fundraiser for our ladies’ group to support mission aries and a variety of missions projects. We held a Good Friday service on April 10, which also included Communion. On Easter Sunday we gathered at 7 a.m. in the picnic shelter at Stephenfield Provin cial Park for a sunrise service. It was a little chilly outside, but the roaring fire and

the warm fellowship kept our bodies and hearts out of the cold. Later, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, Easter buns and Easter bread filled our empty stomachs. On April 25 we celebrated the wedding of Helen Friesen (my mother-in-law) and Jake Friesen at the Blumenort EMC. We wish them God’s richest blessings and many happy years together. With the celPAGE 11

ebration also came a little sadness as Helen has now left our congregation and community. On Mother’s Day each mother was given a carnation by one of her family members or by a friend, if family wasn’t present. Pastor Randall spoke on “The Creative Touch” of a mother.

Most of our congregation participated in a “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” on May 31. There was an atmosphere of ex citement and secrecy following the serv ice. The hosts had been told for how many people to prepare, and the guests were told where they were going that morning. This was the first time we tried

this, and my suggestion would be that we do it again sometime. That same day we enjoyed an inspira tional evening of music brought to us by the Hoeppner Sisters and the Glencross Quartet, all of Morden. Of course, “fel lowship and food” followed. Eleanor Friesen

Brian Friesen had a devotional for the children at the Roseisle church sunrise service.

The sunrise service inciuded a children’s story told by Ben Loeppky.

The summer workers are seen with Youth Pastor Hans Rahn. Front: Theresa Hiebert, Adrienne Reimer, Cara Friesen, Shauna Patram, Jayda Wiebe, Laura Hiebert, Leighton Friesen. Back: Jolene Bergen, James Riediger, Cheri Dueck, Kevin Friesen, Barry Penner. (Missing in the photo are Evan Schellenberg, Amanda Davis, Solomon Beaulieu, Dana Klassen, Jill Giesbrecht and Ang Penner.)

The Steinbach EMC experienced the joy of a baptismal service on May 31. Those baptized were Dana Klassen, Michael Kornelson, Roxie Banman, Nolan Koop, Theresa Hiebert, Kevin Friesen. (Photo by Menno Hamm)

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SUMMER WORKERS PRESENTED Steinbach, Man.: Two of the main func tions for which the church exists were demonstrated in our church recently; a baptismal service and the presentation of young people going out for summer serv ice. 1 say main functions because the fi nal commission of Christ includes both baptism and missions (Matthew 28:19 and Acts 1:8). The summer youth workers were pre sented on June 7, with Hans Rahn, youth pastor, officiating. These workers will be engaged in various fields of activity: France (Cheri Dueck), Fiji (Jolene Bergen), Mexico (Shauna Patram), and Winnipeg (Kevin Friesen). Others will be participating in Urban Plunge, an inner-city youth ministry in Winnipeg. They will work at agencies like Agape Table, Habitat for Humanity, Win nipeg Harvest and Union Gospel Mission. They also plan to visit Main Street Project, Indian Family Centre and Mennonite Cen tral Committee. Sara Loeppky led in a commissioning prayer, and a fitting challenge for the oc casion, “Equipped for Service,” was given by Dr. Christopher Smith of Providence Seminary. The annual men’s and ladies breakfast was held on June 6, with the Gospel Light Singers from Winnipeg providing special music. Harvey Kroeker, chairman of the Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, served as chairman; and Ben B. Dueck, secretary. THE MESSENGER

also addressed the group. Dave Schellenberg

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Ben B. Dueck gave the secretary’s report at the breakfast.

Harvey Kroeker is the chairman of the Men’s Fellowship Breakfast.

The Gospel Light Singers sang during the breakfast at the Steinbach EMC.

Regional Notes ABBEYDALE INVITES TRAVELLERS A notice to EMCers travelling this sum mer: Worship services at Abbeydale Christian Fellowship, 1352 Abbeydale Drive SE (in the east end), Calgary, will start at 10 a.m. from June 28 to August 30. Please join us if you can (phone 403-2736222). RETREAT JOTTINGS The Region One Leadership Retreat was held on the campus of Peace River Bible Institute in Sexsmith, Alberta, May 15-16. Fifty-four persons represented the five churches in the region — Burns Lake, Vanderhoof (B.C.), Grande Prairie, High Level and La Crete (Alberta). Following are some jottings from my notebook: The Pizza Hut staff in Grande Prairie worked valiantly to serve a large influx of EMCers at supper time on Friday. More than forty showed up to fill the requested twenty-five seats! We moved into a men’s residence — thin walls, single beds, “shcinge” fixtures in the ladies washroom, but comfortable and adequate. Volleyball: what a marvellous outlet for ecclesiastical exuberance! Group Sessions; The opening by each church was unique. Vanderhoof featured Joy to the World, celebrating the joy of Christ’s birth, His death, and His preparation of our home in heaven. Burns Lake began with the benediction, which led naturally to Living (Joyfully) for Jesus. High Level focused on Nehemiah 8:10, “...the joy of the Lord is your strength.” La Crete gave the reverse side of joy with a reading on suffering from Job. JUNE 24. 1998

Grande Prairie emphasized the words of Isaiah to Israel with a dramatic reading of chapter 40, ending with “...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” The theme, announced by speaker Stan Plett, was Bringing Joy Back to the Church, based on Galatians 5:22. Message one: Bringing Joy Back to my Personal Life Why have we lost our joy? Maybe be cause of wrong views of our Mennonite work ethic, sin, success, our standing with others, or our “worm theology.” If we see ourselves as worthwhile in the eyes of God and have faith in our service to Him, we will experience liberty and joy. Message two: Bringing Joy Back to Au thentic Church Leadership Stan gave characteristics of phoney lead ership and contrasted that with authentic leadership, the latter being Christlike to the core. Message three: The Church: Structured or Re-structured for Joy Stan gave various definitions of “church” (building, organization) but said the main emphasis should be on the believers who are the church, both gathered and scat tered. “Those with the right attitude min ister, whether ministers or truck drivers.” Message four: The Joyfully Ministering Church “Everyone has areas where their gifts are natural for ministering in their areas of giftedness. These need to be affirmed.... The pastor helps others to minister ... identifies gifts, encourages, discerns, and exhorts on a personal level.” A reflective communion and footwashing service was led by Confer ence Pastor John Koop. His presence all weekend and his openness to listen and

The food was delicious, Betty says, and she was glad the participants did not have to wash dishes.

Eugene and Sandra Peters chat with John Koop, Conference Pastor.

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Marian Bueckert and Anne Dyck relax between sessions. PAGE 13

dialogue were appreciated. His wife was missed by those who might have benefitted from her wealth of experience as a pastor’s wife. (We realize Conference funds are limited and that our women are strong, but does only the male section of our leadership need counsel and encour agement?) The business meeting, sandwiched be tween other good things, was inspiring in its own way: New officers were elected,

with thanks to the out-going ones, who did a great job of organizing this retreat; church-planting plans were discussed; the regional conference was set for next April in Vanderhoof. The meals were great, and no dishwashing was required from us! At supper, Ed and Ruth Ann Peters of Burns Lake and Mark and Diane Brown of High Level were serenaded and liber ally strewn with beautiful dandelions in

Getting acquainted are Peter and Telita Janzen (La Crete), Bill Bueckert (Burns Lake), Stan Plett (Steinbach), Kathy and Richard Klassen (High Level).

Tony Driedger Stewardship Consultant

STEWARDSHIP MATTERS! Stewardship training is more important than ever. How are we using the time, talents, and wealth that God has en trusted to us? Are we using them in such a way that God is honoured and praised and lifted up? Our families have changed dramatically over the last generation. No longer are they as large as they used to be; they are small, with two to four children. This leaves large amounts of money available from estates which have grown in opposite directions to family size. We have a much greater opportunity to practice charity. We have more wealth than ever before. At the same time we have more broth ers and sisters in deep financial trouble than ever. We need to be especially care ful to not get seduced into irresponsible lifestyles, such as FREEDOM 55. The world is forever showing us new ways to spend and to increase our needs. How do you use your time, talents and wealth? Are you as generous as you were five years ago? We might not be as generous as we think we are. Are you increasing your level of giving as God is blessing you, or are you staying at the “magic” ten-percent level? PAGE 14

honour of their anniversaries. Their dainty “flowergirl” was Dave Wiebe! Sharing, singing and supportive prayer circles at the evening session were touch ing, special, encouraging, informative — a suitable climax to a weekend of rich spiritual food, robust recreation and, it is hoped, renewed energy and reflection. Betty Koop

This is part of the evening sharing circle with the Grande Prairie church in charge. (Photos are by Eva Elias)

Pastors Find it difficult to preach about money and giving because their paycheque comes from the offerings, and it appears to put them in a conflict of interest. Yet stewardship goes far be yond money. It’s about what we eat, the clothes we buy and how we live. It’s a lifestyle issue; it’s about how we relate to people and their needs. Stewardship is also recognizing that we are not the landlord but the tenant, the debtor, the servant and the receiver. We are charity cases ourselves, depend ing on divine welfare for our sustenance. Whatever we have is only for us to use for God’s greater glory. We need to practice being faithful with what God has entrusted to us. We also need to practice depending on God’s faithfulness to supply all of our needs. I acknowledge how difficult I find doing that. We need to grow in God’s suffi ciency and His faithfulness. Malachi 3:10 says, “Test Me.” May God’s richest blessings fall on you as you grow in your salvation in Christ.

Editor’s Note: This is Tony's final column as our conference stewardship consult ant. Thanh you, Tony, for writing.

WIEBE - McKEEGAN: Stan, son of Ed and Violet Wiebe of Brandon, Man., and Patty, daughter of James and Laurie McKeegan of Fort Pierce, Florida, were married at the Grace Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Fort St. Lucie, Florida, on March 1, 1998. The couple is residing in Rawleigh, North Carolina.

IN MEMORY In memory of our dear parents, grand parents and great-grandparents, Jac. Brandl (June 1910 — June 1985) and Mary Brandt (June 1911 —June 1996). When thoughts go back as they often do. We treasure the memories we have of you. This day is remembered and quietly kept. No words are needed, we shall never forget. Lovingly remembered, the Brandt family THE MESSENGER

Births WIEWEL - Mike and Sherry Wiewel of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Jennifer Rhonda Lynn, on April 21, 1998 PLETT - Lynn and Cathy Plett of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Cassidy Lynn, on April 15, 1998. RODGERS - Barry and Marlys Rodgers of Ste. Anne, Man., a daughter, Shania Mae, on January 14, 1998. WIEBE - Rod and Evie Wiebe of Grunthal, Man., a daughter, Julia Elizabeth Helena, on January 9, 1998. REIMER - Keon and Christal Reimer of Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Madeline Joy, on February 4, 1998. MANN - Danny and Marilyn Mann of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Mikala Danielle, on January 16, 1998.

,'3IB THIESSEN - Ftete eind Anita Thiessen of Springfield, Ont., a son, Jordan Lee, on March 30, 1998. PLETT - Milton and \aierie Plett of Arborg, Man., a daughter. Charity Grace, on April 9, 1998. PLETT - Ron and Sylvia Plett of Arborg, Man.,a daughter, Lorelei Nicole, on April 21, 1998. BRAUN - Dennis and Audrey Braun of MacGregor, Man., a daughter, Janelle Alyssa Faith, on March 6, 1998. DUECK - Jason and Natalie Dueck of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Dayvia Leigh, on November 7, 1997. FRIESEN - Roy and Judy Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Stephen Elliot Jacob, on December 8, 1997. NICKEL - Garry and Sandra Nickel of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Trevor Braeden, on

November 28, 1997. YAROWY - Mike and Sharon Yarowy of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter. Cassia Kathryn, on September 28, 1997. EIDSE - Chris and Rebecca Eidse of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Hailey Auriana, on April 25, 1998. HARMS - Don and Connie Harms of Chilliwack, B.C., a daughter, Cassidy RaeLinda, on February 27, 1998. BERGMANN - Derik and Roanne Bergmann of Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Kadrie Merielle, on June 5, 1998. PENNER - Wes and Shawna Penner of Lorette, Man., a son, Josieih Daniel, on March 28, 1998.

R, G/L, and payroll. Experience in the fol lowing areas is preferred: bookkeeping, par ticularly with a charity of not-for-profit organi zation, computerized accounting, MS OFFICE software, specifically EXCEL and ACCESS. Fa miliarization with loan amortizations and in terest-rate calculations would be an asset. Review of applications continues until an ap pointment is made. Submit inquiries and resumes to Rick Braun-Janzen, 4-117 Victor Lewis Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3P 1J6. Phone 204488-1985, Fax 204-488-1986, E-mail: mfcwpg@mennofoundation.ca.

Windows applications and HTML. Apply to; The President, Menno Simons College, 3rd Floor, 380 Spence St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9. Phone 204786-9895; fax 204-783-3699; e-mail; george.richert@uwinnipeg.ca. assistant professor with a Ph.D. in Develop mental Studies or a related discipline, plus lo cal and/or international field experience. Teach ing ctnd research interests could include: devel opmental theory and research methods, com munity development, gender, environment, in digenous peoples and conflict resolution in de velopment. MSC is a Christian college rooted in the Anabaptist Mennonite tradition offering IDS collaboratively with The U of W. Applications, including summary letter of applicants qualifi cations, C.V, names and addresses (with e-mail addresses) of three references and one sample of written work, should be sent to: IDS Coordi nator, MSC. This ad is directed to Ceinadicui citi zens and permanent residents. MSC is commit ted to the principle of employment equity. assistant professor with three-year term ap pointment with a Ph.D. in conflict resolution studies or international development studies or in a discipline related to these two programs. Principal duties: coordinate the local and in ternational practicum experiences of students; coordinate the laboratory experiences of stu dents in conflict resolution studies; work with program coordinators to develop and coordi nate non-credit college short courses; teach courses and conduct research in one of the college program areas. Appointment will begin ASAP and no later than Jcuiuary 1999. Applications or inquiries, includ ing a summary letter of qualifications, a C.V, names and addresses (with e-mail addresses) of three references, should be sent to the Presi dent. (For phone, fax, and e-mail, see above.)

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 competencies in choral conducting and related fields of church music. A willingness and ability to integrate cur rent trends and technologies with traditional 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 204-3266451 or E-mail: Don_Thiessen@SBCollege.mb.ca. Determined church in beautiful northern Canada is looking for a pastor who enjoys scripture even more than scenery! Part-time salary and mod ern housing provided. A trade is useful 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 con gregation of 75-100 average Sunday morning attendance, is looking for a pastor. The pastor is to have a passion for preaching and people, 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, doctrinal 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/Fax 1-306-784-2935) or Bernie and Doris Andres (1-306-784-2764). Mennonite Foundation of Canada seeks a book keeper for its Winnipeg office. This is a half time position with potential of moving to fulltime in the future. Responsibilities include main taining all files and data entry for MFC invest ments, trust agreements, bank accounts, A/P A/

JUNE 24, 1998

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.

Church members! We are still looking, so we ask you: Do you know of a young Christian cou ple? Do you know that they feel called of God to the youth and music ministry? Do they lack the opportunity to serve? Do they need your encouragement to apply for the position? Please tap them on the shoulder. Please pray for them. Please send their address to Search Committee, La Crete Christian Fellowship (EMC), Box 385, La Crete, AB TOH 2H0 or call 403-928-3783. Menno Simons College, cin inter-Mennonite col lege located on the campus and affiliated with The University of Winnipeg, has four positions open (June 30 deadline): college recepUonlst/faculty secretary famil iar with Windows word-processing applica tions and open to working in other programs, who will support faculty in preparation of in structional materials. student services responsible for initial pro gram counselling or screening of students; some student recruitment; development of data bases; a college newsletter; working with MSC student organizations; college calendar; updat ing the web site; work with related university departments and other colleges in Federation; work with program coordinators; work with

Mennville Christian School requires a grade 45 teacher for the 1998-99 school year. Please include a personal testimony with your resume. Fax or mail to: Ray Kroeker, Box 358, Riverton, MB ROC 2R0. Fax: 204-378-5710, Phone: 204-3782984 PAGE 15

“YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN” is a term with which we would all agree. To go back in time and transport one self into a bygone situation, is impos sible. There are times that are past, situations that will not present them selves again no matter how much we may wish. What has been has been. On the other hand, to “go home” and reminisce is possible. When fam ily gets together we can laugh at an tics, enjoy recalling old stories (which through the years may even have un dergone changes). One day last fall my brother and 1 spent an enjoyable afternoon “going home” in memory. He had earlier broached the subject of going back to the place we farmed when we were all at home. 1 likewise had a desire to once more walk those fields and see some of those landmarks of yesteryear. It wa.s one of those beautiful fall days — warm and pleasant. It was a day where one does not have to seek shelter from wind and cold, a day to be enjoyed, where time was of little essence. We could stand in one spot and point out a vaguely familiar landmark, or even recall some event which hap pened in the distant past. (There was the time my horses, hitched to a mower, bolted. I was not harmed be cause 1 had gotten off the machine at the time.) We tried to establish where the old fence line had been, dividing our eighty acres from the neighbour’s land. I think we were both quite elated when, while exploring the bush where this fence could have been, we came across what looked like old fence poles. We found some lying partially embedded in the ground.

Finally we could establish where we thought this boundary had been. Some of these supposed fence poles were hard to distinguish from pieces of trees. However, when we found an old pole with several nails embed ded, we could be confident we had found the location of the old bound ary fence. The afternoon ended with us visit ing a nearby cemetery. You see, the farm we moved to was on the edge of the German Lutheran settlement south of Steinbach. The school we attended was in this settlement and consisted mainly, or totally, of chil dren from the settlement. We saw familiar names on some of the headstones, which brought back memories. There were names of former schoolmates 1 could still recall. It seems such a short time ago when I knew them. Again, it was a time of remembering. It was a day well spent and re minded me of how brief life is. Though in some cases many years had passed, we could easily recall some of the events and people we were reminded of that afternoon. o o o

FEELING DEPRESSED, stressed out, as if the world is passing you by? There’s hope for you. Volunteer at the various activities of a nursing home in your area. Do it once a day, once a week, or even once a month, and you will get an entirely different outlook on life. It will help you to “Forget about your self...,” as the chorus goes, and see how fortunate you are; rather than be served, you can be the one who can still serve. Our Rest Haven Nursing Home is, of course, in very close proximity to where we live; it is, in fact, next door, and one

doesn’t even have to step outside to go there. While visiting my brother, who is a resident there, 1 took part in the weekly sing-song, helping the visiting ladies who had come on that Tues day. Some of the residents come out for the sing-song, some in wheelchairs, others on their own. 1 found myself sitting between two residents. Now my hearing is not what it used to be, but to my amazement 1 was able to check the announced number with my seatmates, who apparently (in some cases) had sharper hearing than I had. This was an eye-opener for me. I thought I was the strong, capable one — yet here were these two, who, by reason of their infirmities, were resi dents of a care home, helping me out! This taught me a lesson. We dare not view these individuals as worth less or incapable. The surprise that awaits us is that they are still people capable of emotions and feelings, and sometimes even able to teach us something! So, for thirty minutes or an hour, “let’s forget about ourselves” and minister to others.

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

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

Suibsicly Reminder: Heine yon giuen consent l/ironghyour church'^