The Messenger March 11, 1998

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 36 NUMBERS MARCH 11, 1998

PCs'

Editorial

Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Life and Scripture AMERICAN EVANGELIST Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) visited a school in Scotland. He asked a class, “What is prayer?” Many hands went up. One boy stood and recited from the catechism of the Church of Scot­ land, Moody was impressed, and told the fellow to be glad he was born in Scotland. Unlike Moody, some people are not so impressed with an answer from a cat­ echism. The use of a catechism is less common in Mennonite church circles than it was. In many EMC circles, the catechism was displaced by the discipling guide. The Christian Life.

Why the change? Perhaps people can memorize a catechism and repeat it with­ out understanding what they say; Christian education is more than “cramming” to re­ peat and then forget soon after. A cat­ echism is no substitute for direct Bible study. Some catechisms can be weak in evangelical truths. However, both a catechism and a discipling guide can be used to prepare people for baptism and church member­ ship. They have common strengths. Both share a systematic core of basic beliefs and practices. A common core of study allows inquirers and believers to become familiar with our Christian teachings. Though it depends on how it (or a cat­ echism) is used, a discipling guide can have one advantage: the lessons are de­ signed for an inquirer to study the Scrip­ ture with a bit of help. People come in di­ rect contact with the Word of God. Similarly, Sunday school or group Bible study is a time when the church interacts with the Word; together we listen and in­ terpret the Word and apply it to life. This is our common privilege! There are a few cautions. The first has been said many times: a particular Bible verse is not “what it says to me”; we are to test our interpretation against the wider church. Second, we are not to teach Bible fragments — isolated portions of Scripture with little awareness of history or context. Memorization is fine; distortion is not. Fi­ nally, the cross-denominational form of some study materials can require supple­ ments on some teachings. PAGE 2

It’s important that children (in age-appro­ priate ways), teens and adults be helped to grasp the Bible’s over-all teaching, his­ tory and structure. God honours the tiniest fragment of his Word, but the church was never intended to live by fragments alone. The local church is the only Bible college most believers will ever attend. The course of instruction needs to have much method in its gladness. How many people say, “1 went to Sunday school as a kid...” but dropped out? Why? Many answers could be given. Perhaps in some cases there was no real connection between what children heard at a worship service and faced in life. Does that reflect on the child and home life? Sometimes. Can it also reflect on how a church carries out its teaching role? Yes. A teacher works at connecting students with the Scriptures; this is done best by connecting Scripture with what the stu­ dents face in life. In a sense, the students bring the agenda; the teacher brings the perspective. In doing so, God’s agenda and perspective are to come out on top. We want all students to learn about and serve Christ in the life they face. There are many reasons people become Sunday school or spiritual dropouts; some are not within a church’s control (and the intention is not to make parents feel guilty). How the church, teachers and parents, though, connect life and Scripture is so im­ portant; we do have some control over this. What about these possibilities? You are to speak at a Bible camp. Some kids from the community face alcohol abuse at home — and the physical danger that in­ cludes. Would you talk about this? A youth group leader wants you to “speak on jewellery and clothing.” Would you “speak”? How would you deal with perhaps differing views of parents and

F 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

Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emconf@mts.net

teenagers? Consider this start to a discus- Cover: There is room for sion: “If your parents knew 1 was to speak more people on our EMC mison this, what would they want me to say? sions team.

What do you not want to hear?” Do we make the connection between life and Scripture? Do we give people more than Bible fragments? Terry M. Smith

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 7 - April 8 (material'due March 27) No. 8 - April 22 (material due April 10)

THE MESSENGER

Tolerance

As I See It

Ralph Unger I WAS A YOUNG MEMBER of the church, a teenager. On the agenda at the brotherhood meeting was a discussion about the upcoming evening services. The ministerial wanted to invite a minister from a sister conference to be the featured speaker. They realized that there might be some apprehension. 1 remember one of the advocates for the proposed guest speaker admitted that the sister conference allowed the use of pianos in their churches. He re­ assured us, however, that the speaker we were con­ sidering definitely had his own standards regarding the choice of music. We were told that he would not tolerate any upbeat music. So the decision was made to invite him! That was in the 1960s. In those days the EMC was still much closer to the “village mentality” than we are today. To tolerate differences was often seen as too much compromise. Sameness was not quite synonymous with holiness, but almost. Diversity was often frowned on, if not by direct teaching then by implicit messages from the pulpit and in the home.

The way it is Now we are in the 1990s, and 1 am no longer an adolescent. By now it has become quite fashion­ able to be tolerant. No longer is the issue whether we tolerate musi­ cal instruments in church. Now we may wonder whether young people should dance at Christian rock concerts. No longer do we cast that disapprov­ ing look at the neighbour who just bought a red sports car. We watch many of the same television shows that our neighbours watch. At the arena our boys play hockey with their non-church friends. We fellowship with believers who support military action against Saddam Hussein; this is just part of our new understanding of tolerance. In fact, some of our own church members may argue for getting rid of the man. Some Christians might even say that Jesus died for all and so all are going to heaven. Don’t all roads eventually lead to Rome? Where there used to be many church splits among us, now there is more talk of having joint services with other churches, even churches of other de­ nominations. In some circles there is heavy talk of church mergers. The Mennonite Church and the General Conference have joined hands and are now doing many things together in North America. If we want to be politically correct, we need to ad­ mit that all religious views are equal. Last August, Peter Warren, talk show host on CJOB, who likes to MARCH 11, 1998

think of himself as an open-minded person, inter­ viewed Koss Reineking of Promise Keepers. During the interview Warren kept asking his guest whether Jesus is the only way to get to heaven. Reineking tried to be as diplomatic as possible, but when pressed, he admitted that Jesus claimed to be the only way to God. Warren had heard enough. He told Reineking in no uncertain terms to leave the studio. Warren had made earlier arrangements for a critic of Promise Keepers from the USA to dialogue with Reineking on the air. Since Reineking was not allowed to stay, Warren interviewed the American critic himself. 1 noted how interested Warren seemed in what the critic had to say, but he did not have the tolerance to allow someone who disagreed with his own views to say his piece. (To the credit of CJOB 1 should say that the pro­ ducer of the talk show later offered an olive branch to the evangelical community by featuring a talk show, entitled “Stairway to Heaven,” in which sev­ eral evangelical leaders were allowed to speak their minds freely on the air.) The dangers of too much tolerance On that sunny day in August 1 saw more clearly them ever before the limitations of today’s “tolerance.” The current definitions of tolerance do no allow for absolutes. We may be approaching the time when we will need to decide whether it is the Human Rights Commission or the Bible that is our author­ ity. We may be forced to decide as churches whether we go by what is politically correct or by what we see as the clear standards of the Bible. It is possible that some of us may be asked to forfeit that won­ derful status of being a registered charity, qualified to write tax-deductible receipts.

Ralph Unger is moderator ofthe EMC and is senior pastor of the Ridgewood EMC (near Steinbach). He has served other EMC churches at Birch River and in Winnpeg (Crestview). All are in Manitoba. PAGE 3

■ “Loving each other is a lot more than tolerating each other. As disciples we don’t I have the option of just putting up with our differences. We have marching orders ' i from a General with nail-scarred hands. You and I have a calling to be more than ! tolerant. We are called to love. ’’ At the EMC ministerial meeting in Portage in De­ cember 1996, TV. Thomas spoke on the issue of tol­ erance. He contrasted the secular view of tolerance with that of the Bible. The secularist argues that all belief systems have equal value. On the other hand, the evangelical grants every­ one an equal right to speak, but maintains, as the Bible does, that Jesus is, in fact, the only way to God. Though this may be seen as bigotry by the secular­ ists of today, we have no authority to change what Jesus has said. The opportunities in a tolerant society In 1996 our family was camping at a place that seems to attract a lot of New Agers. I met a middleaged man who was definitely into yoga. He seemed interested in talking, so one rainy day, when we couldn’t ski, we sat in the gazebo and chatted. As we got acquainted I found that his grandfather had been an evangelical pastor and that he had experi­ enced some pain in that connection. As he talked I began understanding his worldview. He objected to the idea that Christians fight wars under the shadow of the cross (e.g.. The Crusades). He was turned off by believers who forced their beliefs on others. A light went on inside my head. Suddenly Anabaptism made sense. At that moment I saw how Jesus voluntarily went to the cross when “He could have called ten thousand angels.” He came to die for His own people, the Jews, who had given Him mostly criticism and rejection ever since He began His public ministry in Palestine (John 1:11-12). Be­ cause Jesus voluntarily died. He disarmed and tri­ umphed over Satan. The implications for us are far-reaching. The power of the gospel is in its powerlessness. We, like Jesus, are to offer the uncompromising gospel to those who have not yet accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour. We are unapologetic in offering this life-changing message, and we may even plead with them to accept it, but we must always stop short of pressuring them to make that decision. It is a choice that must be made because people have seen their own need and now want to be connected to the Saviour. So we acknowledge that in this pluralistic society there are atheists, agnostics, nominal Christians, and those who adhere to the Eastern religions. We live among them and are interested in them as neigh­ bours and friends. We are not threatened by their views but rather learn more about them so we can PAGE 4

I

best communicate the gospel to them when the time is ripe. At times we become aware that they are trying to win us over to their side. We do not consider that offensive. We, too, spend more on missions than on any other cause in our Confer­ ence. We’re also aware that this tolerant society may af­ ford us an opportunity that we need to utilize. I com­ plained, several years ago, to the principal of a re­ gional school in Winnipeg about the many New Age courses they were teaching in their evening classes for adults; I found out that he might also be open to having an evangelical teach family life courses un­ der the secular label. What other opportunities are waiting for us to be discovered? Who will lead us to explore the av­ enues that are now open to us because people have become so much more tolerant? Perhaps we should challenge our Christian edu­ cators to develop modules for classroom teachers that will challenge evolutionary theory. Could students be encouraged to beef up the “See you at the pole” prayer meetings and make their presence felt in the secular high schools year round? Should we write more letters to our editors affirm­ ing positive action in our communities? What are we saying to those who are planning the Jesus March? If we don’t like all aspects of it, can we give constructive criticism, put our shoulder to the wheel and make it better? Can we encourage our articulate leaders to make themselves available on the ever-popular talk shows in the media?

Our calling is to be more than tolerant The early disciples were a marked bunch. In a sense they were unschooled, ordinary men, but when the Holy Spirit filled them, secular society around them noticed that they were definitely not ordinary. They made the assumption that being with Jesus had made the difference (Acts 4:13). Jesus Himself said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Loving each other is a lot more than tolerating each other. As disciples we don’t have the option of just putting up with our differences. We have marching orders from a General with nail-scarred hands. As we march we meet many who are not in sync with us. We dare not just ignore them; neither must we oppose them. But we are compelled to show them the more excellent way. You and 1 have a call­ ing to be more than tolerant. We are called to love. THE MESSENGER

The Wider Church MDS IN MANITOBA AND ONTARIO Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is continuing to repair and rebuild homes in the Red River Valley damaged by flood­ ing last spring. Crews have worked at 837 sites to date when clean-up work is included. “We’re currently working on eight re­ building projects and expect work to pick up some more in spring,” said Paul Friesen, an MDS Red River flood response coordinator. Four new houses are planned as well as an estimated ten re­ builds, which involve fixing up base­ ments and main floors. Approximately $1.2 million in donations has flowed in for MDS’s Red River Flood response, and $460,000 has been spent. “We expect our building projects this summer will use up a big chunk of what’s left,” said Friesen. MDS is looking for qualified tradespeo-

Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta

KATHERINE UNGER THE TRACTOR alternately groaned and whined as it made its way along the muddy trail that was called a road in Prai­ rie Rose back in the spring of 1941. As the crawler lurched through yet an­ other swampy mudhole, the driver and those in the trailer behind were getting splattered with rich gumbo that stuck where it landed. The passengers were a group of relatives anxious to attend the funeral service for their mother, grand­ mother and aunt, Katherine Unger 0880-1941). Her body was laid to rest in the old Blumenort cemetery. Whenever my father spoke of his mother, we were left with the sense that she had been a woman of faith and sin­ cere prayer who had her large family’s spiritual welfare deep in her heart. That faith was tempered, as Uncle Klaas wrote in the Unger Family Record Book, with fear that perhaps she was not good enough to face an angry God. But, he says, “Several days before she passed on ... Mother expressed the peace and joy that had come to her soul, and the

pie volunteers to help out beginning in April. Some expenses are paid for de­ pending on the length of time a person volunteers. Those interested should call Friesen at 204-261-6381 or toll free at 1888-240-5480. MDS has ended its clean-up efforts in eastern Ontario but has offered addi­ tional help to local officials if it is needed after the snow melts. More than 160 volunteers worked to clean up 445 properties in three areas north of Kingston after a severe ice storm hit the region earlier this year. The prop­ erties were identified in consultation with township and provincial officials. Local communities provided housing, food, gas, some supervision, and vehi­ cles to the effort. Volunteer crews brought their own chain saws and other tools. Volunteers came from as far away as

Leamington. Others came from the Niagara, Aylmer and Waterloo districts. “The volunteers indicated they felt they were doing something that was both practical and a good Christian witness,” said Ruby Schmitt of the MCC Ontario office. There was only one injury during the effort, a broken arm. Volunteers re­ ceived plaques and thank-yous from the townships where they worked. Mennonites in the area, George Best, Neil Dyck, and Osiah Horst, coordinated the effort in the early days of the re­ sponse. They also made the connections with local officials. They were joined later by Orlan Martin, Henry Weber, Russell and Millie Scheerer, Delmer and Clara Zehr, and Edgar and Marianne Konrad, who provided leadership until the end of the projects.

assurance that all was well.” My father, Abe Unger, was convinced that it was his mother’s prayers that brought him back home where he made his peace with God and set out on the road of faithful service. We always enjoyed hearing the stories of his escapades as a young man who had followed the call to “go West” in the 1920s. He knocked about engaging in copper mining in Montana, worked the harvest on the Prairies, went to barber school, cut a woman’s hair (an unset­ tling experience), and had a one-day career as a door-to-door salesman. After five years, he found himself at a railway station. This was not where pas­ senger trains took on passengers; it was the rail yards where freight cars were shunted and prepared to go either east

freight. When he told us this story, he always said, “1 know it was my moth­ er’s prayers that changed the schedule that day. If it hadn’t been for her prayers, where might I have ended up?” He was welcomed home sedately, as was the local Mennonite custom in those days. He did sense, though, that his mother was very thankful and grate­ ful that God had brought him home safely. Within a year he had committed his life to Christ, joined the church, and married the sweetheart who had waited for him those five years. In the years that followed, his service blessed many (he was a minister, and first chairman of the EMC mission board). As mothers, we pray for our sons and daughters. We commit them to the Lord when they are born; we follow them to school with our prayers; we pray that God will guide them to select the right career and the right life’s partner. Above all we pray that they will commit their lives to the Lord and follow Him faith­ fully. In this modern age we have the means of communicating quickly and often, even if our children are far away. In con­ trast, my grandmother had received, at the most, one letter from her faraway son in those five years. But she contin­ ued to pray, and God bridged that gap in a marvellous way. Maybe our commu­ nication satellites are not so new­ fangled after all!

or west from Calgary.

He decided to hop the first freight that left. If he took the train going east, he would go home; if the westbound, he’d see more of Canada. He had been told the one going west was leaving first, and that was just fine. As the train started moving, he jumped into an open boxcar, along with others who needed to travel without paying for a ticket. They had to be quick and board at just the right time so that the railroad police would not be able to catch them and throw them off. As the train picked up more speed. Dad discovered he was on an eastbound

MDS Canada

Editor’s Note: Betty's February 11, 1998, column should have read, “My mind went back to my own baptism more than forty [not fifty] years ago. ” This was not her error, and she was too gracious to ask for it to be corrected.

MARCH 11, 1998

PAGES

IfiM MEXICO GOD DID SOMETHING SPECIAL At our regular prayer meeting on Thurs­ day night, 1 asked the Lord to do some­ thing special during our Sunday morning service. He answered in a quite unex­ pected, but meaningful, way. The answer began on Saturday after­ noon when, via a phone call, 1 learned that a young Christian man from Mexico City was planning to visit us the following day, with the intention of worshipping with us on a permanent basis once his new job with the MCC was finalized. Memo came the next morning; by all ap­ pearances he enjoyed his introduction to the group. He could be a great asset in the youth ministry. The present youth sponsor has been asking God for help. Could Memo be the answer? Another answer bounced onto the seat beside me during the preliminary session. Six-year-old Evelin, her brown eyes shin­ ing, greeted me with enthusiasm. Before a minute had passed, her two-year-old

brother had come to sit on my lap. Their mother, after many invitations, had come to the service for the first time! Nancy’s mother, a devout Christian who died a few years ago, had prayed for this day. What joy to know that God does work in peo­ ple’s lives! God, however, had more “specials” for the service. A high school girl, who had attended church as a child, was back with a husband. We trust that God is speaking to her, and we pray that He will touch their lives with spiritual healing. Later, Josefina Rempening preached a powerful message. God touched hearts and several Christians repented of their lukewarmness and determined to keep their spiritual lives refreshed by the water of life which Christ offers. People stayed to chat longer than usual after the service, as though reluctant to leave this place that the Lord had visited with special blessing. We have been worshipping in our new building in Cuauhtemoc since December

EXCELLENT MISSIONS CONFERENCE Kleefeld, Man.: The first two weekends in February our hard-working missions committee presented a well-planned mis­ sions fest at our local church. Keynote speakers were Stuart and Janet McIntosh, Scottish “missionaries in residence” at Providence College. The Mclntoshes spent thirty years teaching Christian lead­ ers in Peru. The first weekend included a Sunday faspa and a panel discussion on women in missions. It certainly sparked our in­ terest in women’s giftedness in ministry. The second weekend was full, begin­ ning on Friday night with a focus on youth, with Kent Dueck of Inner City Youth Alive highlighting this dynamic ministry and Danny Plett presenting a short concert. Saturday began with breakfast followed

by a panel, including Flo Friesen and Harvey Plett, discussing spiritual warfare. In the evening we took on the clothes and roles in an African village, with John and Charity Schellenberg guiding us. We were confronted with a strange mission­ ary family arriving to live among us. A final panel discussion challenged us as a church to continue to equip our members for missions, both here and, if God should direct, in other places in the world. Sunday, February 15, was a joyful and important day in the life and history of our congregation. Abe and Kathy Bergen were officially installed as our senior pas­ toral couple by John Koop, our former pastor, and mentor to Abe and Kathy. Abe accepted the office, acknowledg­ ing the leading and support of God in his life, and asked for our support, even as

Aluira Friesen (Rosenort) manages a Christian bookstore in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, and assists in the church.

14, 1997, and wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the help received in this project from Canada. We are planning a fund-raising concert for April 25, with the help of local talent. The building is functional, but not yet finished. Aluira Friesen

Moses relied on the support of his peo­ ple. Ralph Unger, Conference modera­ tor, spoke to us, also taking lessons on leadership from the life of Moses. As well, our new deacon couple, Abe and Trudy Esau, were ordained to their ministry by Abe Bergen. They also asked for our prayers as they committed them­ selves to this new venture. As a church, we wish Pastor Abe and Kathy God’s richest blessings and a fruit­ ful pastoral ministry as they guide our congregation into the next millennium. We wish the blessings of God on Abe and Trudy as they come alongside people in our church as deacons. Potluck lunch fol­ lowed this happy occasion in the Kleefeld church. Wendy Dueck

'Xi

L'xjia J

1 IS-

r

T■

■\?l

!

o

r«’ Janet and Stuart McIntosh were the keynote speakers at the mission conference.

PAGES

It i'

Abe and Kathy Bergen were installed as pastoral couple at Kleefeld on February 15. Pictured are EMC moderator Ralph Unger, Abe and Kathy, and Conference Pastor John Koop.

Ll Trudy and Abe Esau were ordained for service as a deacon couple. Here they are (right) with Pastor Abe and Kathy Bergen. THE MESSENGER

1998 — THE FIRST TWO MONTHS Roseisle, Man.: The first two months of 1998 have come and gone. This is my opportunity (and responsibility) to share with you some of the occur­ rences in those two months in Roseisle. Rocks were thrown and sometimes frantically swept in our community (not church) curling bonspiel the weekend of February 6 and 7 in Miami. It was a busy Friday night and Satur­ day as all eighteen rinks played at least three games, and it was also a won­ derful way to spend time with our fel­ low Roseislers. Our pastor’s wife. Faith Krahn, flew to Toronto on February 9 to attend her grandmother’s funeral. Faith was deeply grateful to her church family for making it possible for her to go. Small groups are meeting in homes for our weekly Bible studies, led by Pfete Dyck and Frank Peters. Excited children gather at church every Wednesday night for Kids Club. The club leaders are Elaine Friesen and Phyllis Penner. These evenings are filled with music, Bible stories, crafts and snacks. Is the dream of a new church build­ ing coming closer to reality? The fund­ raiser thermometer has gone over the top of our projected goal, and the building committee continues to make decisions and plans. Services for the seniors at the Boyne Lodge and Towers in Carman were our responsibility every Tuesday in Janu­ ary. Thanks to those who faithfully ac­ companied Randall and Faith in this act of service. Lots of pain interrupted Karen Penner’s studies at SBC. She was in the hospital for several days in Febru­ ary. Please continue to pray for her as at times the pain is almost more than she can bear. Early-morning risers continue to at­ tend the men’s prayer time at church every Tuesday morning at 6:45. These prayer meetings have been a part of some of the men’s lives for almost two years now. Eleanor Friesen

1997 TEE graduates: Sandra Peters, Anne Olfert, Caroline Krahn, Mary Ann Fehr and Dan Fehr. Pastor Richard Klassen (TEE Instructor) presented the certificates. MARCH 11. 1998

I WANT TO KNOW HIM Portage la Prairie, Man.: On November 30 we had the joy of accepting two mem­ bers into our congregation. Lori Plett was baptized, and following is her testimony: “1 don’t know exactly when 1 became a Christian; it wasn’t really a big event for me. 1 was probably around four or five years old. When 1 first became a Chris­ tian, it didn’t mean that much to me. 1 believed in God and everything; 1 never doubted He was there, but it didn’t have a special meaning to me.

Lori Plett shares testimony.

her

“I usually thought about God only when 1 had to: during devotions, in church and when 1 prayed before eating and going to sleep. He hardly ever crossed my mind when 1 didn’t have to think about Him; 1 took Him for granted. “One summer, when I was about ten, my family was in a car accident while we were on vacation. It wasn’t really that bad, but I was scared. 1 started praying con­ stantly that we’d be all right, and 1 began acknowledging God in my life as some­ one who really cares, listens and is always there. 1 knew all these things, but now they began to have a deeper meaning for me.

“I think God used that accident to bring me closer to Him, kind of like a wake-up TEE STUDENTS GRADUATE High Level, Alta: In December we had the privilege of observing the graduation ceremonies for one of the TEE (Theologi­ cal Education by Extension) classes. The graduates of this course receive credit at Steinbach Bible College. The course consists of six books, and each book takes thirteen weeks to complete. Those who have graduated show remark­ able dedication in their relationship with God to endure to the end of the course. The graduation ceremony, held during the morning service, gave the graduates the opportunity to share a testimonial on how this course has impacted them. Many shared that they learned things that they had never learned in Sunday school, not because Sunday school is lacking but

call, telling me to start acknowledging the best Friend 1 could ever have. “Since then I’ve grown steadily in my relationship with Christ. Church, Sunday school and youth activities have all helped me grow. My Christian school has been a big part of it too. My parents, teachers and youth leaders have all influenced my spiritual life in some way, and 1 am thank­ ful for all of them. “1 want to be baptized as a public sym­ bol of my faith in Christ and my desire to follow Him. 1 believe with my whole heart that He died for me; the Bible says that God sent His Son to die so we may have eternal life. 1 believe God has a plan for me and that He is always watching over me. I have a deep desire to follow and obey Him in whatever 1 do and to thank Him for the things He has done for me. “1 attended a Christian youth leadership conference in September where 1 learned the following words to a song that de­ scribes how 1 feel about God: 1 want to know you, I want to hear your voice, I want to know you more, I want to touch you, I want to see your face, I want to know you more. "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Him­ self forme (Galatians 2:20).” Anna Plett

Lori Plett and Mary Richards were accepted as members of the Portage church on November 30. They are pictured with Marcella and LeRoy Barkman, the pastor couple.

because the TEE course is that thorough. Some also shared how they have person­ ally grown closer to God by taking this course. The TEE course is not only beneficial for gaining knowledge but also for drawing us closer to God. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to salvation, as well as the way to a fuller and deeper relation­ ship with God for those who have already obtained salvation. C. S. Lewis puts it this way: “The gospels...were written not to make Chris­ tians but to edify Christians already made.” We should not neglect the gos­ pel of Christ after we become Christians but rather pursue it even further because Jesus Christ is our life. Tim Krahn PAGE?

A parent/child dedication service took place at the Morris church on November 16. Back: George and Patti Nickel with Kaitlyn, Terry and Clara Reimer with Jennifer. Middle: Laval and Pam Penner with Natasha, Carol Vermette with Kristin. Front: Byron and Tammy Klassen with Jessica, Lori and Greg Dueck with Gregory.

of prayer — prayer is our lifeline! On December 4 we had our Christmas banquet. We had the complete turkey supper catered this year. In order to warm up our vocals, Jennifer Siemens led us in singing “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Each table was assigned an individual line to the song. We were totally uplifted by Lome Siemens’ and Chester Bartel’s duet as they represented one table. Following the meal, we were favoured with special music by the Sweet Harmony quartet. Our Sunday school Christmas program was held on the 21st. Of course, the high­ light is watching the young children sing­ ing “Away in a Manger” and “Come on Ring those Bells.” Many hours of practice went into the main drama, The Absolutely, Without-aDoubt, Most Fantastically Perfect Christ­ mas Euer! The drama suggested combin­ ing the traditional Nativity with a more contemporary version and ended with the cast encircling the church with candle­ light and everyone singing “Silent Night.” Traditional goodie bags for the children ended the evening on a thrilling note. The entire service on February 1 was by a group from the local Hutterite colony. Following the service we had a soup and pie fellowship meal. Ruth Bartel

LADIES FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS Morris, Man.: Lucille Reimer shared her testimony at our November Ladies Fel­ lowship. Thank you, Lucille, for your sin­ cere testimony and for opening up the past two years of struggles you and your

family have faced. God remains faithful and a constant help when we are chal­ lenged with difficulties. A dessert buffet was the highlight of our February Ladies Fellowship. It was quite a treat. Our theme was on the importance

SIX NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED Steinbach, Man. (Stony Brook): Our church had an exciting Christmas season. The first thing we did to get us into the spirit of giving was supply the items for four hampers, which our church people then packed and delivered. The recipi­ ents did not receive town hampers; both the giver and recipient were blessed. The next thing we did was go carolling on December 23 in the trailer court. We sang at a number of places, and then a family invited us in for hot chocolate and snacks. On Christmas morning several of our congregation went to bring a Christmas

service to the residents at Cedarwood and Rest Haven. We had a breakfast potluck on Decem­ ber 28 to meet “our” missionaries. Pearl and Jeremy Hartley, who are living in To­ ronto, raising support for going to Niger. On February 8 we heard testimonies of six people who transferred their member­ ship to our church. Marilyn Thiessen shared how working with Janz Team had been her support during a difficult time. Her husband, Wayne, spoke about how God makes a difference in his life. Doreen Penner related how the many deaths of loved ones in a short span of time made her cling to God. Rick Penner

shared how he has had an exciting ten years as a Christian. Cheryl Peters talked of her difficult child­ hood and how moving to Manitoba to live with her aunt and uncle had changed her life. Darrell Peters mentioned that being laid off had been a time where his faith was tested and he learned to trust God. The message of the morning was based on James 1:1-18, which talks of being vic­ torious in and growing through trials and testings, and seemed to fit perfectly with the testimonies that were shared. Heidi Friesen

PARENT/CHILD DEDICATION Burns Lake, B.C.: A parent/child dedication service took

place at our church on Sunday, Febru­ ary 8. We were challenged by Pastor Ed Peters to support and encourage all the

parents within our church body. Esther Pearl

J

jc

'-■J

After their dedication, Vicki and Jordon Thiessen stand with their daughter Jaimee, Brenda Levick with Starla (a foster daughter), and Pastor Ed Peters with Brenda’s foster son, David.

PAGES

On January 18 two girls from our congregation made a public confession of their faith in obedience to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ: Cynthia Driedger, Janette Manning, Pastor Ed Peters.

We had the joy of accepting three more members into our church on January 18: Marie Petkau, Rita and Carl Wiebe with Pastor Ed Peters (left). THE MESSENGER

and gave out prizes on March 16. The enthusiastic participation was great to see! We had deeper life meetings in April with Peter Dueck of Arborg. He spoke on the challenging subject “Finding God.” Do we use God to get through our problems, or do we use our problems to find God? May 4 was a special Sunday when four of our young people were baptized. Their testimonies had a common theme of thankfulness for the support of Chris­ tian parents and friends. We have seen their commitments put into action as all have been involved in camp, DVBS, Sun­ day school or music ministries. Later on in summer we received three additional members by transfer: Al and Marilyn Thiessen and their son Mark. We have appreciated their presence in our community, not only as principal of our school but also in their involvement in music and other ministries. In the months leading up to the July convention, many of us were involved in committee meetings, preparations and practices. Working together with other EMCers from Riverton, Morweena and Fisher Branch was a great experience. Being able to serve and meet a lot of you at the convention was a definite highlight of the year.

There was not much time to relax after convention; we went right into involve­ ments with Beaver Creek Bible Camp and DVBS at Grindstone Provincial Park. After that it was time to get ready for a new school year. We were happy to welcome Chad and LisaJo Peters and their son, Riley, to our community. Chad is the new Grades 5-7 teacher at the school. Our regular Sunday service was can­ celled on October 19 when we met with three other congregations in Riverton for a joint service and potluck lunch. November was missions month. Norm Niemeyer, representing TEAM, chal­ lenged us the first Sunday to follow God — wherever, whenever. We also had a weekend conference a few weeks later with John Dyck of Steinbach as the guest speaker. It was good to hear reports of what God is doing in the ministries of Roger and Cheryl Harder (Taber, Alberta), Brenda Barkman (Venezuela), and our own missionary, Cathy Thiessen (Mexico). The Christmas reminders of the peace and salvation that Jesus brought are a beautiful way to end each year. As our schoolchildren portrayed in their Christ­ mas program, may we live out Christ’s message to people around us. Sherridan Reimer

in their role as preacher/teacher, pastor and leader of our congregation. On December 7 we welcomed four new members, one by baptism and three by transfer. We were uplifted as they shared parts of their lives with us. The way the Lord works in people’s lives is rarely the same but always miraculous. The peo­ ple he uses and the events that shape us into what he wants us to be always seem to fit perfectly in the finished product. Our congregation has been so blessed by the gifts that God has brought to our church. There never seems to be an end to the music and sharing of how God has worked in the life of the church and the community. I’ll recap other things that have happened since we last re­ ported. We’ve said farewell to some dear friends who t have moved to B.C. Frank and Gertie ' I Friesen have semi­ retired to Radium. (We all find it hard to believe that Frank and Gertie will ever % really retire!) Lj Ptelly EMC brought a The Swan River church had the joy of accepting new members in service in our church December: Sanna Kastrukoff (transfer). Lorelie Finnic (baptized), on November 30. It’s Ken and Karla Reader (transfers) with Jarred. Pastor John Reimer is always great to share on the left.

with the other churches of our region. Gerald Reimer, who has served as a mis­ sionary in Mexico, visited us at the end of November with his new bride, Sandy. Vivian Loewen has been back to see us a couple of times while home for a short time from the Philippines. Of course, there were the Christmas celebrations. The youth group saw the new year in with a bang, and one of the more “senior” youths was able to stay awake all night! Jack Dyck

i

Baptized on May 4 were Karyn Harms (parents: Paul and Mildred), Danya Plett (Roger and Clarice), Julie Friesen (Klass and Linda), Corallee Klassen (Benjamin and Edna).

MEMORY WORK REWARDED Mennville, Man.: Last year opened with a Sunday school memory contest for school-age students. The Sunday school committee put on a pancake breakfast

STANDING IN THE GAP Swan River, Man.: On Sunday, Novem­ ber 23, we had the privilege of welcom­ ing our new pastor couple, John and Connie Reimer, to our fellowship. Of course, John and Connie are no strangers to many of you within the Conference as they have been involved in many aspects of ministry — missions, the pastorate, and serving on Conference boards. Both John and Connie gave their testi­ monies on Sunday morning, after which Pastor Ferlin Abrahamson of our sister church in Birch River encouraged them in their ministry. Ferlin then exhorted us as a congregation to stand behind our pastor couple as they “stand in the gap”

n.:

MARCH 11, 1998

Swan River installed a new pastoral couple on November 23. Pictured are Ferlin Abrahamson, Terry Scales, Betty and Jake Warkentin, Teresa and Ken Geddert, John and Connie Reimer (kneeling).

PAGE 9

PILGRIM’S PROGRESSION Prairie Grove, Man.: How did you come to know Jesus? What is your journey like? Ian Duncan and Travis Ferguson recently told our church family their stories. They are members of other churches, but be­ cause they are two of our College and Career members, part of their testimonies is shared. Ian: 1 grew up in a Christian home in the Isle de Chenes and Lorette areas. I asked Jesus into my life at the age of seven and always attended local churches on Sun­ days and went to boys’ club. In 1990 my dad died, and 1 slowly drifted away from God. Stealing, cheating and lying became habits, and 1 was often in trouble with the law. My friends, both Christian and non-Christian, got me thinking and back on track with God. 1 attended Christian growth classes, taught by Darnell Plett and Wilma Unger; they were a blessing to me. In 19961 rededicated my life to the Lord, and in 1997 1 was baptized. 1 am now trying hard to live my life for my Lord and Sav­ iour, Jesus Christ. Travis: The Lord saved me; He saved

me from death. I was on a dead-end road of sin. 1 was involved in sex, drugs, and other kinds of worldly immoralities and soon felt that 1 had no direction or pur­ pose in life. There was an emptiness in me that 1 kept trying to fill. The drugs and booze weren’t working, so 1 gave them up. 1 tried to fill the void with various kinds of knowledge. A missionary aunt reminded me about God and His Son Jesus. 1 soon started to read the Bible and study it. 1 now realize just how full of life God’s Word really is. As I read, the seed of God’s Word was planted in my heart and began to grow, and 1 found, without even considering what exactly 1 was doing, that 1 had asked Jesus to come and be my king. These past months have been so life changing. The power of God is moving in every area of my life. In February 1996, when I made this decision, the void 1 had felt was immediately full — full of love, joy , peace, hope and faith. Shortly after, 1 took a Christian study course here at this church. Jolyn Braun

J ^ri J

I '1

Sid Koop and Harry and Margaret Peril enjoy the company and fine dining at the Christmas banquet. The banquet, which attracted forty people, was organized by the Ladies Fellowship.

r

Jesus (Ellory Ferguson) rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, while Jonathon From is one of many waving palm branches.

I

The life of Jesus is portrayed in a Christmas musical put on by the Prairie Grove Sunday school department. In the manger scene, Rochelle and Cameron are sheep, Tanner and Susan are Joseph and Mary, and Ashley is a guest bunny.

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Straffordville, Ont.: The beginning of a new year is a time to look forward and a time to reflect on the past. In the future, we see for our congregation a building in which to hold worship services, more suitable than the school gymnasium which we rent at this time. We also see an increase in the awareness and knowl­ edge of God for believers, bringing revival and new strength to the body of Christ. We remember many highlights from the past year. The first of these is the charter­ ing service, with nineteen people taking up membership, including pastor couple John and Lorna Wall. Don Thiessen for­ mally accepted our church as part of the EMC, and many came to witness the event. PAGE 10

Baby Michael and Mom Gaylene Dueck cherish a moment together at the banquet.

The first baptismal candidates were bap­ tized and added to our number in June. On the same day two couples took up membership and devoted themselves to fulfilling their functions within the body of believers. The following is the testi­ mony of Dave Wiebe, who was baptized that day: “I asked Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Saviour some years ago. The joy that I felt that night was great, but it passed over, and 1 started living in sin again. For about five years 1 was into drinking and smoking. 1 remember one time when 1 had smoked a cigarette 1 felt so sick that 1 told God that 1 would never smoke or drink again if He would let this pass over. What a lie! Once that passed over 1 went right back into it.

“One Sunday 1 went out with my cousin Pete Wiebe, and he asked me how my Christian walk was going. 1 just sat there silently, not knowing what to say, but fi­ nally I just told him everything. 1 was re­ lieved to find out that 1 wasn’t the only one with this problem; he wasn’t perfect either. He showed me a passage in the Bible, Romans 7:14-25, which has really helped me. 1 was also reminded of Ro­ mans 6:23. “On June 14, 1996,1 rededicated my life to the Lord, and 1 give my testimony to this congregation to tell you what God has done in my life. 1 haven’t had a drop to drink for three months and haven’t touched a cigarette for two months, only with the help that God has given me.” In October some of the young people THE MESSENGER

i

attended Promise Keepers in Washington D.C., where approximately 2.4 million men joined in humility and prayer for re­ vival in the land. This was a prelude to the revival meetings held in our church in November. More recently, we held the first-ever Straffordville youth Christmas banquet. The decorations were beautiful, and the food was excellent. Between thirty-five and forty youth attended ( a big increase in number since the 1996 Christmas party, when the youth group consisted of six guys and one girl!). The youth group also celebrated the sea­ son by going caroling and ending the year

with a party at Ike and Maria Froese’s house. Many New Year’s resolutions were made, and some have probably already been broken. However, many of the youth resolved to walk closer to God this year, to live more like Jesus lived when He was on earth, a resolution which we pray will never be broken. Church committee elections were held on January 17. We voted for ushers, song leaders and Sunday school committee members. It was wonderful to see the names of some of the youth on the list of nominees, and it was even better to see some of them elected. On January 18, Jake and Mary Fehr, Abe

Some of the participants in a Promise Keepers event in Washington. Front; Benny Wiebe, Will Reddekopp, Pete Reddekopp. Back: John Funk, Ike Froese, Cornie Froese, Dave Reddekopp

CHOIR PRESENTS CANTATA Rosenort, Man.: Agnes Friesen reported on the work of the Canadian Sunday School Mission in Manitoba, especially camp work, on November 30, and Frieda Johnson told an excellent children’s story. Conference Pastor John Koop delivered an advent message to us on December 7, Preparing for Christmas Through Repent­ ance, based on Matthew 3:1-12. One of our Bible study groups went to Portage la Prairie on December 10 to sing there and spend the afternoon with Ralph Dueck; he enjoys visits. Our choir and Pleasant Valley’s joined forces on December 14, under the capa­ ble direction of Lome Kornelsen, to present the cantata From the Realms of Glory. Most of the group were able to re­ peat some of those beautiful songs on Christmas Day. The AWANA Grades three to six went caroling on the 17th, while the younger children had a Christmas party. The SunMARCH 11, 1998

and Netti Wall and Lisa Fehr were ac­ cepted as members of the church. Many came to hear their testimonies, and we pray that those testimonies will be used as seeds in the hearts of those who do not know our Lord. Though we have not yet found a site on which to build a church, spiritually speak­ ing the foundation of our church has al­ ready been laid. We have decided to build on the Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ. We continue to pray for the Lord’s guidance as we look for a building in which to wor­ ship, and we ask all the readers to join us in prayer. Katherine Reddekopp

New members were accepted in the Straffordville church in June. Front; Dave Wiebe, Elmer Zacharias, Frank Wiebe, Yolanda Wiebe, Albert Froese, Dave Froese, Cornie Froese (all baptized). Back: Pastor John and Lorna Wall, Abe and Margaret Thiessen, Lisa and George Enns (accepted by transfer of membership).

day school Christmas program was held on the 21 st, with the Nursery to Grade four children doing the singing and reciting. It was a joy to be present. In the evening some of our older members drove to the Union Gospel Mission to bring a program and also to deliver the warm mittens do­ nated by the children that morning.

On January 18 we were privileged to receive three new members into our church: Mary Eidse (with her husband, Dick), Donna and Howard Friesen. We welcome them with joy.

Karen Dueck told us of her Christmas in San Jose when she reported on the 28th. She has distributed thousands of toys to kids of the inner city of San Jose, Califor­ nia. While hospitalized in Morris, Henry R. Friesen suffered a bad fall and a broken hip. This required surgery in Winnipeg and a long convalescence in Morris be­ fore he was able to go to the Rest Haven in Steinbach. Henry K. Dueck was also hospitalized in Morris, with a severe case of the flu. We hope he will soon be re­ stored to his former moderate health. (Both of these men were pictured in the December 17 issue of the Messenger with their marriage partners.) Jake and Bertha Kroeker of El Paso, Texas, have taken up residence in Rosenort. They returned home because of health problems; Jake is now on kid­ ney dialysis. How they would love to be back in their home, serving the Lord in Juarez, Mexico! PAGE 11

Percy and Liz Loewen, recently of Steinbach, are living in his father’s house now and also fellowshipping with us again. Percy’s health has improved con­ siderably. Our pastor recently shared some verses and ideas on how to conquer worry. From Philippians 4:4-9 he showed us how to rejoice in the Lord for what He has done, is doing and will do. He encouraged us to talk to the Lord without anxiety, with a forgiving spirit. We need to bring Him our requests, leave them there, and think on positive things. God is at work and in control. A parent/child dedication service took place on January 25. This was followed by an exciting children’s story about Samuel by Pat Anderson and then a mes­ sage by Larry Eidse on Conquering Dis­ couragement. He said, “I have no con­ trol over the cup God hands me, but I have choices as to how much or how deeply I will drink from it.” Elijah felt deserted and despondent but was eventually delivered to serve His Lord again. “God’s loving and protective arms encircle us.” Levi Dueck

The Rosenort EMC held a parent/child dedication service on January 25. Back: Gary and Karen Hildebrand with Jason, Merv and Susan Dueck with Lance, Arlin and Lori Scharfenberg with Evan, Carl and Jo Stevenson with Allison, Kerry and Myrna Bartel with Kourtney, Howard and Donna Friesen with Kyle. Front: Kerry and Barb Brandt with Ashton, Amos and Wendy Fehr with Rachel. (Missing are Mike and Martha Stoesz with Zachary.)

“What do you know about the people who live on earth?” Hark replies, “The people down there are called human be­ ings. I’ve heard that humans fight and cheat and hate and lie and kill and....” Gabriel cuts in, “God knows that. Hark, and it saddens His heart to realize that the people He created have turned out so badly. He realizes that man is by nature a sinner.” Then Gabriel explains that the time has come for God to go back to earth to show human beings what He is really like, and that He is going to show them love by becoming a human baby. The choir overhears, and they all start whispering among themselves, “A baby?” Gabriel continues, “The baby’s name will be Jesus.” Two questions come to Hark’s mind:

The angels in the Christmas musical at the Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship.

A NEW SLANT ON AN OLD STORY Vanderhoof, B.C.: How many different ways have you heard the Christmas story? In our church we saw and heard it from a different viewpoint this year. We got a glimpse of how heaven and the angels may have dealt with this momentous event. The program began with our ladies’ group singing How should a King come? and then Sylvia Chow singing Heirlooms. The scene is heaven, where the angel choir is preparing to announce the birth of the Son of God. An inquisitive young PAGE 12

angel named Hark wants to know all the “whys” and “wherefores” of this memo­ rable event and God’s plan. When the choir director, Audrey Wiebe, announces a new verse to the song “Glory to God in the Highest,” which is “And peace on earth to men of good will,” the angels start talking: “But there has never been peace down there on earth. They like to fight each other. Nobody down there knows what peace is. Those earth­ lings don’t want peace.” All this brings Hark to go and talk to Gabriel. Gabriel asks Hark a question.

Hark (Tyson Penner) is talking to the archangel Gabriel (Leroy Penner).

THE MESSENGER

Children gather around the Christ Child with Mary (Ashley McAvena) and Joseph (April Penner) during the manger scene of the Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship’s Christmas program.

“But how will our big God ever fit into a tiny baby, and why would God leave this beautiful place to go down there to earth?” Gabriel was glad that Hark asked, and he answered, “He will love them so much that He will pay the price for their

SBC/Tri- Conference

Leadership Seminar

TAe

•1 <

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Don Thiessen. Worship: Encounter with Qod^^ Worship: Encounter with People

Worship: Encounter with Self

Workshops

March 20-21,1998

sinning by dying for them.” “Boy, He re­ ally must love them very much,” is Mark’s response. This may not be exactly how it hap­ pened so many years ago but it does give us a new slant to an old story.

Congratulations to Helen Giesbrecht and Audrey Wiebe for doing a great job in or­ ganizing this Christmas musical drama. Thank you also to Betty Penner, our pian­ ist. Shirley Funk

Fish Creek Christian Feiiowship, the EMC Calgary South church plcint, is anticipating starting Sun­ day services in the near future. We appreciate your support and prayers in this regard. For those wishing to get involved in another tangible way, we are in need of chairs, tables, a piano, rug, a set of drums and more. For more in­ formation, you can contact Cana­ dian Secretary John Koop at the EMC head office, or me in Calgary (403-281-3747). Thank you and God bless. Garry Kornelsen

How Do We Know God Cares? EMC Post-Secondary Students Luncheon

Monday, March 23. 1998

11:30 a.rii. to 1:30 p.m.

Rooms 205-207 University Centre.

. The University of Manitoba Come and Go! Lunch Supplied.

Bring a Friend. A student panel will share, and discussion.

■ will follow.

. For more information, contact Wally at 204-326-9444, Ed at 204-326-1644, or Terry at 204-326-6401. ‘

Sponsored by the EMC Board of Church’Ministries

Apart from the Bible, what have you read lately? J-

Steinbach Bible C Phone: 204-326-6451 Fax: 204-326-6908

Free to church or Bible camp: a Gestetner model 2002 photocopier in good working order. Send letter of response on organization's letter­ head to: Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel Business Committee Box 2, Group 20, R.R. 2 Lorette, Man. ROA OYO MARCH 11. 1998

The ladies’ group sang “How Should a King Come?” They are Sylvia Chow, Rachel Martens, Verna Harder, Agatha Schlamp, Carol Penner, Trisha Penner, Audrey Wiebe, and Darlene Wiebe.

SEEKING TO BE FAITHFUL

THE LIFE OF FAITH How to discover God’s gift for life!

Th/s (S the story of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference written by Dr. Harvey Plett. Price: $6.95, five or more $5.95 each.

This book can ass/sf believers “to gain access to the inner core of God’s resources for spiritual maturity. ” It is written by Dr. Arden Thiessen. Price: $5.00 a copy. (Study guide

lhe Life of EMTH liiin k<dh

byArden Thiessen

available.) Order through your church or from the Conference office. Postage is extra: $2.00 for one copy, $3.00 for two or more. Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 PAGE 13

Tony Driedger Stewardship Consultant

Health Care Directive — Living Wills Advances in medical research and treatments have, in many cases, ena­ bled health care professionals to ex­ tend lives. Most of these advances are usually welcomed, but some people fear that life can be prolonged regard­ less of the quality of life or the pa­ tient’s wishes. The Health Directives Act (Manitoba) acknowledges and respects that peo­ ple have the right to accept or refuse medical treatment. There are similar acts in other provinces.

Shoulder Tapping Stony Brook Fellowship, a young, newly established EMC church, is seeking a pastor for a half-time position starting in summer 1998. Average attendance is 3040. Interested people should submit their application and resume by April 15 to: Stony Brook Fellowship Search Commit­ tee, Box 4088, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0. For more information contact Vic Friesen at 204-326-4227 or Brian Penner at 204377-4551.

Health Care Directives have been around for a long time, only we haven’t called them that, and they haven’t been in writing. Many of us have been told by our parents that they want us to let them die peacefully and don’t want us to interfere with all kinds of medical intervention in case of severe illness and old age. A Health Care Directive is a written document that allows you to express your specific wishes as to the level and type of medical treatment you want performed if you are unable to say so because of mental incompe­ tence or your inability to talk or com­ municate. A Directive also allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions on your behalf, should you be unable to do so. In order for the Health Care Direc­ tive to be valid, it must be in writing, signed and dated.

•'it-ing provided. A trade is helpful for other work. Interim ministry possible. 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.

Pastoral vacancy since August 1996 (except for appreciated interim ministry). The weather is warmer than Portage and Main in Winnipeg. The Good News still needs to be shared in a multi-cultural set­ ting. Half-time salary and modern hous-

The EMC needs ministry personnel. Mexico: a church worker in Juarez, a youth worker, a discipleship/leadership trainer, elementary school teachers (Ger­ man), a director for an ESL program. Nicaragua: a pastoral counsellor/advisor. Paraguay: an urban church worker, a rural church worker, a discipleship/lead­ ership trainer, an ESL director, a compu­ ter technician/programmer. Burkina

“CHURCH WORSHIP SONGS” SEARCH Sponsored by the EMC Board of Church Ministries We are looking for people who write and create worship songs, medleys and arrangements. The songs should reflect our EMC biblical theology, church environments and worship styles. They should be appropriate for use in our churches. What You Can Do • Write fresh, new, biblical worship songs! The word songs here is used to describe a wide variety of styles such as hymns, gospel, contemporary, folk, spirituals and choruses. Write a note

about the special meaning of the song, how it is to be used and other appro­ priate instructions. • Create special medleys of choruses, hymns and other songs! Write out your instructions on the special mecining of the medley and how it is to be sung. • Revise and refresh “public-domain” hymns and songs! Public-domain songs are those songs that do not have copyright information assigned to them. Many of the older hymns are public domain. You are free to revise these types of hymns and songs and adapt them to your liking. Many of our older hymns could be greatly enhanced with some creative

i

PAGE 14

You should discuss your intentions with your immediate family so they are fully aware of your wishes. You should also inform your family doctor of your Health Care Directive. Reading up on this issue before mak­ ing a Health Care Directive is very im­ portant; be well informed. Information on this important topic can be obtained from your local sen­ iors centre or from your local Mem­ ber of the Legislature. Tony Driedger, Stewardship Consult­ ant with the EMC Board of Trustees, is available to discuss stewardship concerns, assist in planning a church stewardship program, and help indi­ viduals or couples with financial con­ cerns, charitable gifting, estate plan­ ning and will writing. Call Tony at 204-661-6367 or leave a message at the Conference Office (204-326-6401).

Faso: a pioneer evangelism worker. Sen­ egal: pioneer evangelism team mem­ bers. Canada: individuals to assist with church planting in Edmonton, church planters, pastors and youth pastors. For further details, contact John Koop (Canada), Lester Olfert (Latin America) and Henry Klassen (Africa) at the Con­ ference Office.

Eagle Lake Bible Camp is looking to hire a mature, certified lifeguard for the 1998 summer Bible camp season. Camp dates are July 1 to August 15. Please con­ tact: Cornellie Plett 204-326-1644 or mail to Eagle Lake Bible Camp, c/o Box 114, Blumenort, MB ROA OCO.

musical work and updated language. Add your special instructions, notes and scripture readings. Send a copy of your material to Terry Smith, Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2AO, fax it to 204-326-1613 or E-mail to emconf@mts.net. What We Will Do • We will get in touch with you, en­ courage you and discuss your work with you. • We will provide a way for you to share your work with the rest of the EMC family. • We will “feature” chosen songs at our next EMC convention.

THE MESSENGER

Weddings

•1

HILDEBRAND - KLASSEN; Sheldon, son of Corney eind Clara Hildebrand of Winkler, Man., and Janelle, daughter of Benjamin and Edna Klassen of Riverton, Man., were married on August 10, 1997. The wedding took place in Winkler, with Terry Dueck of Riverton, officiating. The couple is making their home in Winnipeg. FUNK-PENNER: Kevin, son of Frank and Norma Funk of Waldeck, Sask., and Theresa Penner, daughter of Lorraine and Lance Sawatzky of Swift Current, Sask., were married in Swift Current on February 14, 1998, with John Taylor officiating. The couple is residing in Whideck.

MARGARET PENNER 1915-1998

After a long and valiant battle with heart disease, Margaret Penner (Harder) passed from this world into the waiting arms of her personal Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of January 8, 1998. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of sixty-three years, Peter; two sons and two daughters: Margaret and Wes Schapansky (Whldeck, Sask), Mary and Abe Leiding (Sardis, B.C.), Harold and Agnes Penner (Swift Current, Sask.) and Myles and Cindy Penner (Swift Current); thirteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Abram and Agatha Harder; four brothers, John, Abram, Peter and Isbrandt; and six sisters, Tina Wiebe, Agatha Dyck, Mary Harder, Justina Harder, Susie Wiebe and Annie Friesen. Margaret was born on July 2,1915, to Abram and Agatha Harder of Silberfeld near Hague, Saskatchewan. As the youngest of eleven children, and one of the children who went to school, her dad often asked Margaret to read and write for him. She obtained her Grade 8 and, al­ though German was her native lan­ guage, she had superior spelling and grammar knowledge in both German and English, especially considering she MARCH 11, 1998

Births

it'’-

BERG - to Abe and Erin Berg of Kingsville, Ont., a daughter, Alyssa Lynn, on January 27, 1998. NEUFELD - to John and Helen Neufeld of Steinbach, Man., a son. Deion Nathan, on December 26,1997, FRIESEN - to Jacob and Susanna Friesen of Leamington, Ont., a son, Johnny, on February 4, 1998. SIEMENS - to James and Angela Siemens of Morris, Man., a son, Collin James, on November 17, 1997.

SCHROEDER - to Curt and Briggy Schroeder, a daughter, Leeza Anne, on February I, 1998. GRAFE - to Mark and Sandi Grafe of Seven Sisters, Man., a daughter, Alexandra Anne, on January 29, 1998. WIEBE - to Wilf and Rose Wiebe of Morris, Mcin., a son, Solomon Curtis, on October 6, 1997. THIESSEN - to Jordan and Vicki Thiessen of Burns Lake, B.C., a daughter, Jaimee Madison, on Januciry 4, 1998.

had only achieved Grade 8. She was united in marriage to Peter R Penner on December 13,1934, at her parents’ home in the Gouldtown area, Margaret vvas baptized in 1934 by Elder David Doerksen. Margaret and Pete farmed in the Gouldtown area from 1934 to 1947. The first year they lived with Margaret’s parents. They then moved to a nearby farm in the area and farmed in the Gouldtown and Main Centre areas. In 1948 they bought a quarter section of land at Gouldtown. Theirs was not an easy life on the farm and, although Margaret was tiny, she milked cows, fed calves and took pride in planting, nurturing and harvesting a very large garden. In 1966 they moved to Waldeck, where Margaret went to work at the Horseshoe Lodge and Harold’s Place, cooking and baking. For years she con­ tinued to use some of the recipes she learned to cook while employed, and they became some of our favourite foods. Margaret experienced years of health difficulties, including a long list of sur­ geries and many trips to Regina and Saskatoon. In January 1989, Margaret and Pete moved to Golden West Manor in Swift Current, where they lived contentedly for the last seven years. After suffering a stroke in August 1995, Mom’s health slowly and steadily declined. Her eye­ sight and walking were seriously af­ fected. On November 12, 1997, Mom went to the Pioneer Lodge for what was expected to be a month of respite care. On November 30 she was admitted to the hospital because of health diffi­ culties. She returned to the Lodge, where she stayed until December 22, after which she was moved to the Swift Current Care Centre. Her health de­ clined rapidly, and on January 7 she was admitted to the hospital due to congenital heart failure. After weeks of change and disruption. Mom’s strug-

gle to live ended peacefully while sleeping. On December 13, Mom spent the day at home with Dad and their children and in-laws to celebrate their sixtythird wedding anniversary. We didn’t know it at the time, but this was her last day spent at “home.” Margaret had a deep, personal rela­ tionship with Jesus Christ and took op­ portunities to share her faith. She loved to read her Bible, and it is well worn and taped, and the pages are soft from turning and stained with tears from praying for loved ones and friends. She wrote notes of things she learned from its pages and took opportunities to share her knowledge with others. She loved to teach children, and she often wrote her own dialogues and taught countless lessons with flannelgraph, insisting that parts that were recited for programs were done with expression. Grandchildren re­ member her teaching Wednesday evening club classes and the stickers given for memory work. Margaret found great enjoyment and satisfaction in gardening, with a spe­ cial love for flowers; she found her garden to be a place of refuge. Other enjoyments included baking cuid visit­ ing. She had a good sense of humour and liked to tease. Although she led a simple, quiet life, she has left a profound impact on many who knew her. Margaret often spoke of heaven and her desire to be there one day. In recent months she looked forward to that day with great anticipation. This past week, when family assured her that the next move she would make would be to heaven, she made eye contact, smiled and faintly said, “That would be the best.” Mom, you will be missed more than you could ever imagine, but we rejoice in knowing that you are free of suffer­ ing and pain. So long. Mom. You’re Home now — Home at last! Her Family PAGE 15

•1’

I Was Waiting, You Were Praying Elizabeth Rempel

I

lady continues, “My name is Ibu Nina. 1 have partici­ pated in English classes at DESPOS in the past. You may have heard my name.” “Oh, yes,” 1 reply, “1 have seen your name in class lists of previous instructors.” That was the beginning of an acquaintance and friendship with Ibu Nina, an administrator who has a van and driver. Every working day when Ibu Nina is at the office, 1 get a ride home at 3:35 p.m. with pleasant company. Friends at the office tease her, saying she is receiving free English lessons. For the future, I hope she will learn English well enough to carry on a very mean­ ingful conversation. You were praying. mouth, “Do you Elizabeth Rempel sits with Ibu Luarni, Pak Suharno, and assistants from the You were praying, want me?” They all Department of Social Affairs (DEPSOS), Jakarta, Indonesia, where she teaches generally and specifi­ nod, smile and re- English. (In late 1997 Elizabeth fell and broke her arm; her arm is better now.) cally, and the Lord lax. 1 gingerly move forward, threading my way among granted me this favour. Thank you to all my prayer part­ the motionless motorbikes, cars, vans, and mini-buses. ners and to my loving Lord Jesus Christ. As 1 near the van, the lady at the front door says, “We’re from DESPOS.” 1 relax and think, “These are good peo­ Elizabeth Rempel is a member of the Rosenort Fellowship (EMC) in Rosenort, Man. She currently Hues in Jakarta, Indo­ ple,” as 1 notice the lady’s Caribbean blue office uni­ form. nesia, where she teaches English to adults at the Department 1 get into the van. Traffic now moves forward, and the of Social Affairs. ■ / am waiting.

1 am waiting for one of three vehicles: Pak Suharno’s new air-conditioned van, the shabby, comfortable nonair-conditioned DEPSOS (Department of Social Affairs) bus, or a reliable taxi. From the right, the direction of oncoming traffic, my eyes sweep across the congested traf­ fic lanes and come to a halt directly in front of me. All traf­ fic has now stalled. A van next to the median has its doors open, and all the passengers are beckoning to some­ one on the side­ walk. They seem to look at me. 1 don’t know them. 1 hesitatingly point to myself and

COMING EVENTS

March 23 Post-Secondary Students Meeting How Do We Know God Cares? University Centre, Rooms 205-207, University of Manitoba Phone: 204-326-9444

April 18 Annual Preaching Seminar with Dr. Haddon Robinson Union Gospel Mission Winnipeg, Manitoba Phone: 204-943-9904. I

March 15-18 Janz Team Ministries Encounter Christ '98 Ridgewood EMC, near Giroux, Manitoba Phone: 204-326-2957

March 26-29 Mennonite Camping Association Convention God’s Hospitality: Journey to Intimacy, Journey to Service Camp Arnes, an hour north of Winnipeg Phone: 204-896-1616

April 24-25 Promise Keepers Canada Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Phone: 905-331-1830

i

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 to the address below.

PAGE 16

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

«