The Messenger September 8, 1999 by The Messenger

Moding idith the Spirit

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

BURKINA FASO John and Charity Schellenberg (Stein bach) left for their assignment in Africa on September 1. For the first three months they will be in language study and then they will serve as AIMM co ordinators in the country.

Loren and Beth Koehler (Steinbach), with their daughters, Victoria, Katrina and Priscilla, returned to Africa in mid August. Their assignment is Bible translation in the Budu language. While the DRC is experiencing civil war, the Koehlers will be located in nearby Kenya.

PENNSYLVANIA, USA I ( Crystal Friesen (Abbeydale) is beginning a two-year MCC assign ment where she will work as an administrative secretary for Ten Thousand Villages. Friesen holds a biblical studies diploma from Steinbach Bible College. Her parents are Harold and Sandra Friesen of Calgary.

BURKINA FASO Evan Schellenberg (Steinbach), John and Charity’s son, will ac company them and serve in a one-year assignment with youth.

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 37 NUMBER 15 SEPTEMBER 8, 1999

Messenger

Keeping our Conscience Sensitive AS MANY CHURCHES resume regular Chris tian Education programs, how do we keep our collective conscience sensitive to the hor rors of war? Canadian enlisted personnel, not con scripts, were involved in wars in the Persian Gulf and in the Balkans. What if EMCers faced conscription in the near future? A retired minister recently asked me, how important is opposition to war in Mennonite churches? 1 replied that officially such a posi tion is held, but the unofficial picture is more complicated. A year ago MCC circulated an article which began, “Some leaders in the Mennonite com munity fear that Mennonites’ commitment to the church’s peace theology is fading.” In it an EMC minister said he noticed the influ ence of a form of American evangelicalism which wraps Christianity with defending the U.S. way of life. I agree with the minister that we do deal with some negative influences. 1 suggest, however, that we also need to look within at the choices we make. First, our practice suggests our historic peace position is a secondary matter of faith. Do our churches accept ministers without pacifist convictions so long as they are willing to learn and to not speak against our historic position? While accommodating, what is the end result? Do messages of peace get shared from the pulpit or in the classroom? As a re sult of leadership decisions, do EMCers be come more conscious of the tension be tween war and Christ? Or is the reality that a strong pastor with weak pacifism trains churches to have a strong ministry with weak pacifism? This is not intended as a statement against such min isters; it is to ask whether accommodation without monitoring and further expectations gives us the results needed for our long-term well-being. Teachings can die by neglect. Second, is the teaching of nonresistance scriptural and intellectually defensible? This was once assumed in EMC circles. The as sumption is not safe to make today. Not to discuss the teaching or to defend it is to risk losing it among a significant portion of the EMC. Many committed evangelicals and other believers do not share pacifist beliefs. We PAGE 2

EDITOR Terry M. Smith

must go beyond merely saying, “If s in the Bi ble.” We cannot appear to beg the question EDITORIAL when other options are apparent and ques ASSISTANT tions remain. Martha Kroeker THE MESSENGER is the How much discussion and agony did the of the Evangelical recent war in Kosovo evoke from EMC publication Mennonite Conference. It is churches? During Britain’s entry into the Sec available to the general public. ond World War, Methodist leader Leslie Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: inform concerning Weatherhead said to pacifists that war is events and activities in the wrong and evil, but when violence is already denomination; instruct in god and victorious living; happening, what do we do in the meantime liness inspire to earnestly contend for to help those at risk? He defended a wrong the faith. Letters, articles, photos and being done to protect people in order to pre poems are welcomed. Unpub vent a greater wrong (Thinking Aloud in War lished material is not returned Time, 1940, Mosson). Having observed from except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the afar the horrors of Kosovo, how do we re writers are their own and do not spond to Weatherhead’s thought? necessarily represent the posi Third, the voices of Conscientious Objec tion of the Conference. THE MESSENGER is pub tors are being stilled by a lack of public op lished twice a month (once a portunity in congregations to tell their stories. month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of It is important the stories be told while peo the Evangelical Mennonite Con ple are still around to tell them! For instance. ference, 440 Main Street, Park Prisoners: The untold story of Western Steinbach, Manitoba. Subscriptions: $12.00 per Canada’s national parks, 1915-1946 (Bill year (Manitoba residents add Waiser, Fifth House, 1995) includes a chapter 7% PST, total: $12.84). Sub scriptions are voluntary and op on “Conchies” (conscientious objectors, in tional to people within or outside cluding those from Mennonite churches). of the EMC. Members and ad When has a CO from the Second World War herents pay through their church. or the Korean War been given an opportunity THE MESSENGER is a to explain why they followed the Prince of member of Meetinghouse and Church Press. Peace as they did? COs could individually or Canadian Second-class postage paid at in a panel discussion tell their stories during Steinbach, Manitoba. Sunday school, the worship service, or both. Registration Number: 0591 information: All As Sunday school superintendents plan this Mailing correspondence, including year’s educational events their decisions undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, make a difference. should be addressed to: Recently the Conference of Mennonites in The Messenger RO. Box 1268 Canada published a volume of sermons on Steinbach, Manitoba peace. Preach Peace and Pursue It: Peace ROA 2A0 Sermons by Canadian Mennonites (ed. Jeremy Phone: 204-326-6401 Bergen, Resources Division CMC, 63 pp. $8). Fax: 204-326-1613 As Tom Snowdon of MCC has said, the vol E-mail: emconf@mts.net ume is commendable. It is a challenge in the EMC to see a personal Cover: moved by the Spirit faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour as Christians serve where they are and where connected with a lifestyle of active peace- they are sent, making. To pursue peace without evangelism, or evangelism without peace, is to risk irrel MESSENGER SCHEDULE evance in the eyes of some we would reach. No. 16 - September 22 (copy due Sept. 10) How shall we keep our conscience sensi No. 17 - October 6 tive? In part by sensitive teaching. (copy due Sept. 24) Terry M. Smith THE MESSENGER

CONVENTION MESSAGE #3

What Will Renewal Look Like? Dr. Vern Heidebrecht

MY WIFE, CAROL, and I were in a bookstore looking for ideas for our daughter’s wedding. As my wife was thumb ing through several books, a woman doing the same struck up a conversation with her. This new acquaintance informed my wife that she was being married and was looking for a church in which her wedding could take place. The thought of entering into marriage and looking for a church seemed to go hand in hand. We had a number of visits with Kathy and her fi ance, Wayne. By God’s grace, they turned their lives over to Christ and are radiant in their witness. Conversion stories are not always that simple, but there are people around us who are searching for faith and are reaching out at critical times in their life’s experiences. Jesus had such a conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. She had come to faith and immedi ately drew a whole circle of her own friends to Jesus. It is true that the ends of the branches bear the new fruit! Jesus sent the disciples for food. Upon their return. He wasn’t ready to eat, but He announced. My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to accomplish His work (John 4:34). Jesus was informing them that in doing God’s will they were receiving heavenly nurture and energy. It reminds me of Elijah, who was famished and tired after a long ministry. God sent an angel to feed him, and he was able to travel on that food forty days and forty nights (1 Kings 19:7-8). That was high-energy food! Immediately after Jesus had refused to eat He said. Well, I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good took at what’s right in front of you. The Samaritan [Canadian] fields are ripe. It is harvest time! (John 4:35-38, The Mes sage). If Jesus were at this convention, what would He say to you? What vision of renewal and revival do you believe Jesus is giving us today? Let’s begin with the definition of evangelism: Evange lism is being, doing and telling the gospel in the power of the Spirit and leaving the results to God.

Being: ‘shake and shine’ Jesus declares that we are salt and light wherever we go. Being always precedes doing and telling. You are the salt of the earth. There is nothing as distinctive as salt. It is a preservative, as well as something that gives bite to food. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5; 13-14). There is a compelling charisma that surrounds every believer—the presence of Christ. Ralph Waldo Emerson once declared, “What you are thunders so loud in my ears 1 can’t hear what you are saying!” Doing: ‘basin and towel’ Our faith in Christ is translated into real life. Jesus gave SEPTEMBER 8, 1999

the supreme example; He [Jesus] now showed them the full extent of his love (John 13:1). He took the humblest task, that of washing feet, and revealed the full extent of His love to the disciples. Whenever a Christian shows genuine love, God’s agape love, it makes an impression which cannot be sidestepped. Acts of love motivated by Christ bring an attractive fra grance to the Gospel, creating a curiosity and interest that goes far beyond hearing words.

Telling: ‘storytelling’ Telling is giving your story of what Jesus has done in your life and what He can do in the lives of others. We usually make this far too difficult. Yes, we can learn skills on how to answer questions and enter into solid biblical background, but 1 am always amazed how new Chris tians, in their artless way, tell their story with attractive effectiveness. If we have a fresh experience with Christ we have a refreshing witness. A new book that has come out on the Canadian mar ket, Transforming Our Nation, edited by Murray Moerman, has a chapter on harvesting principles by researcher Reginald Bibby. It lists seven keys to spiritual-harvesting principles in Canada today. They help us to understand what we face in our witness as a church. Church participation is down sharply Since the late 1940s there is a pronounced drop in weekly church attendance in Canada. Polls show that in 1945, 60 per cent attended church; in 1960, 50 per cent; 1980, 30 per cent; and in 1988 it was 20 per cent. Not only is the church attendance curve going down sharply, the church attenders in Canada are becoming disproportionately old. Weekly attendance of people 55 and over is 37%, age 35-54 is 23%, and those between ages 18-34 a slim 14%. If things continue as they are, the church is a dismal failure in achieving its goal to evangelize our nation. However, could God be preparing this nation for a new harvest by letting it go to where Canadians become des perate for real faith and meaning in life?

Religion a la carte is rampant A la carte means going to the restaurant and ordering separate items rather than the whole meal. Let’s apply this to the church. Canadians are fussy shoppers. We have a wide range of choices in virtually every area of life. We can pick from an array of possibilities when it comes to grocery shop ping, entertainment, education, medicine, finances, poli tics, lifestyle, family structure, sexuality and morality. Research shows that Canadians have two primary per sonal concerns today: We don’t have enough money, and PAGES

we don’t think we have enough time. This bites into church attendance. We have a culture of church-goers who practice selec tive consumption. People pick and choose the parts of church life they feel apply to them. Some participate in two or three churches, picking and choosing the things that touch their fancy the most. Individualism is the order of the day, and it shows itself in the way people approach church. Religious memories are everywhere Though most Canadians do not attend church, they have very definite feelings about religion. Almost 90 per cent of adults and 80 per cent of teenagers identify with one religious group or another. When you put that along side the less than 20 per cent who attend church, it is rather amazing. It has also been discovered that when people do go to church, they tend to head in the direction of their religious familiarity. In the church 1 pastor we identify our target audience as “people who have a nostalgia for faith but lack a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” That is most Canadians. When it comes to weddings, funerals, and special fes tive events, many people begin to search out the church that ministers to them effectively. Receptivity to spirituality is extensive Ironically, when interest in organized religion seems to be hitting an unprecedented low, there is considerable evidence that fairly large numbers of Canadians are highly receptive to what religious history has addressed. People across the country, young and old, are intrigued with mystery. They are attracted to the supernatural. Ca nadian author Peter C. Neumann has stated, “People are becoming increasingly spiritual as they are leaving the church!” Canadians also indicate that they are searching for meaning. Organized religion may be in trouble, but great numbers of Canadians are looking for the supernatural and spiritual.

Most people are not looking for churches The research is clear that the majority of Canadians are not in the market for a church. Approximately seven per cent of the unchurched world tests out a church a year. This is a clear opportunity for all of us. It is important to note that Canadians are in the market for things that religion has historically offered to the cul ture. They are interested in answers that lie beyond the human plane, and they are open to and fascinated by the supernatural. They are trying to make sense out of life and to find out how to make their own existence more meaningful. They are trying to find out how to get more out of life. Canadians also want to feel good about themselves, to have a solid self-esteem and a sense of personal worth. Besides staying alive and well, there is nothing that Cana dians, young and old, say they value more than good rela tionships. PAGE 4

Most churches are not looking for people It is easy for us to say we are in the market for new people, but research shows that a major reason why Ca nadian churches are not ministering to larger numbers of people is that they typically wait for people to come to them. It is not at all clear to outsiders whether they are wanted or welcome. As one minister said, “People in my congre gation say they want more members. If they were really honest, what they would say is they want more money but not more members.”

The heart of the problem is churches Reginald Bibby says his research shows that churches today are collectively failing. What makes the situation so disturbing is that they are failing at a time when conditions suggest they should be flourishing. If religious groups are not ministering to significant numbers of Canadians at a time when many people are exhibiting both openness and need, then questions need to be raised and asked about the church. A dynamic model Let’s look at a dynamic model to follow (1 Thessalonians 1:4-10): This was a church that had been planted by Paul. They were young in their faith but dynamic in their wit ness. It is almost unbelievable when we read the words that describe what this church looks like. It should be the passion of every pastor and every church member to be like the Thessalonian church. They were young, vibrant, and surprisingly successful at evangelism. What do we learn from their story?

The Word’s impact The message we preach came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened to you. The Holy Spirit puts steel in your convictions (1 Thess. 1:5, The Message). Evan gelism that came impacted their being, doing and telling; it literally turned their lives upside down. As a result of that, the way they lived and talked and conducted their daily business was transformed. They had not only expe rienced renewal but also revival. The impact of the Word is most clearly put on display in transformed lives. The leader’s impact Look at the simple yet powerful sentence. You also be came imitators of us and of the Lord (1 Thess. 1 ;6). It is a proven fact that those who are brought to Christ begin to mirror the life of their spiritual mentors in their own wit ness. George Barna, in his book Evangelism that Works, speaks about how the evangelism impulse usually begins in the church. He declares categorically that the drive for evangelism begins with the intense desire modelled by the senior pastor. (1 would add, the church leadership.) The following statements were written by staff mem bers, elders and congregational participants about the importance of the senior pastor’s passion for reaching the unreached: THE MESSENGER

• It is the single most important reason we are evange listic. • It is totally important; evangelism is his heartbeat. •That’s the key: He has a heart for souls and a passion to see lost people saved. • It is everything: It is 100 per cent of the reason why we are so driven evangelistically. • It is the core; it simply wouldn’t happen without him. •It is extremely important; he sets the values and vi sion. There needs to be a philosophy of ministry in which evangelism is the centrepiece. Every person is an evange listic agent. Evangelism is a lifestyle, not a program. Evan gelism is more caught than taught. Evangelism is not, first of all, defined by the number of converts but by faithfulness in witnessing. When we see how many people in the congregation intentionally and obediently share their faith with nonbelievers we begin to define what an evangelistic church is like.

The tidal wave The record simply states. As a result, you yourselves became an example to all the Christians in Greece (v. 7). It is important that a church begin to reflect a philosophy which invites and enables everyone to get involved. Research shows that about ten per cent in the church have a gift of evangelism. That means that ninety per cent have the gift of inviting by their witness. This provides for 100 per cent to get involved. If each person in your church has a network of twentyfive people they relate to on a regular basis, that makes a sizable field of witness for the church. If 100 attend the church, there would be 2500 people in their field of wit ness. However, if 500 people attend, the witness field is over 12,000 in number. Surely as we live our faith before that number of peo ple, there are individuals who are hurting, seeking and searching. God is ripening the harvest field.

A parable of apples Think of the parable of apples. This metaphor helps to see the people around you. Green apples can’t be pulled, picked or manipulated. You just let the warmth of your love and the presence of

-d SEPTEMBER 8, 1999

Dr. Vern Heidebrecht is the senior pastor of the Northview Community Church (MB) in Abbotsford, B. C. This message is based on his written texts. The tapes ofhis messages have been misplaced. It is still hoped they will be located. This was his final message at the convention.

Christ ripen the apple. In the same way we love people, teach them, and expose them to the gospel. We give them information without any pressure. God will ripen them. Redapples are ready. When it is ripe it doesn’t take much to shake this apple off the tree into the pail. People often reach out and ask for help when they come to this point in their life. Usually they have gone through a tragedy or have their interest piqued through the witness of people. God is ripening people every day. Rotten apples are people who feel they have had too much religion. They speak about having Sunday school and church pushed down their throat. Often I say, “Tell me about the God you don’t believe in!” After hearing the description, a response is, “I don’t believe in that kind of a God either.” Then 1 have the chance to tell them about the God 1 discovered in the Scriptures. Rotten apples create good humus for new seeds to be planted.

The enthusiasm The Scriptures simply say. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia andAchaia—your faith in God became known everywhere (w. 8-9). We got involved in “The Power to Change” ministry in our valley in February. Individuals visited their friends and neighbours and handed out gospel information. We made an appeal for those invited to turn their lives over to Christ. We had more than forty decisions in one weekend. Many other “seeker-friendly” activities have huge im pact possibilities. We need to structure them to fit our church size and the community interests. Make it possible for people to experience the love of Christ in the setting of the saints. We get so used to that we don’t appreciate it enough.

The evangelism momentum The witness of the Thessalonians was so powerful that Paul said, Your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we haue no need to say anything. What would that look like in your community? The expectations These people now have turned from their idols to the true and living God (w. 9-10). Beyond that, they are eagerly awaiting the return of Christ and His glory. What a trans formation in the lives of a community! God is ripening the harvest in Canada. He is not overlooking your community or mine. It is up to us to “open our eyes” and see the op portunities for us to have a witness. When Christ returns, what He will look for is “faithfulness.” There is no impact without contact. We need to de velop ministries and programs that bring us in contact with unbelievers. Be creative in doing this and the Spirit will lead you. Learn to tell the gospel daily, at the corner store or at the job site. I have very seldom found someone object to a conversation which draws them into discussing things that pertain to God. People are more interested in hearing the gospel than most of us are ready to tell the gospel. Let’s transform this nation for Christ! PAGES

‘EXHIBIT A; MK’

not an Josiah Thiessen

“I SAY we see if we can get Jo’s bike off the ground,” put in insist. What cross-cultural experiences? A brief autobiogra Tom. “Okay, let’s go.” I kicked her into gear and headed for phy, perhaps? the sandpit, channel surfing rapidly with the gearshift. “Oh, just tell us about what it’s like growing up on the Crashing his Suziki 185 in the most unique places and mission field. You have such opportunity—such a unique ways was Tom’s idea of fun in the village. We had a great experience growing up there!” time — since my own private recreational preference is Oh, 1 see. Shall 1 repel you with vivid descriptions of the trying to crash my dad’s motorbike as successfully as Tom cultural food I’ve eaten? crashed his (without actually damaging anything my dad “You can’t be serious!” would notice). Or wax eloquent on the mind-numbing grammatical My buddy Zach and 1 were carrying out a brilliant complexities of the language 1 can proudly claim to speak scheme we had hatched for Easter vacation entertain fluently? ment; driving our dads’ motorbikes cross-country in “Say something...anything. Noway...that’ssocool! How search of the village where do you say...?” Allow me to share with Tom’s family worked, about 200 kilometres away. you the anthropological iJ. We knew Tom from aspect, transition experi school but had never been ences, re-entry, my rich multi-cultural background', to his village, so he was or lay on your heart the thrilled when we showed burden of overcoming the up. Of course, we and our language barrier and deal motorcycles found plenty ing with culture shock. to occupy ourselves: hon Words in italics can be de ing clutch control in the fined by your standard mis sandpit, exploring local sionary handbook (avail trails and hacking our way up and down dry river able at a discount price for anyone who can explain beds. Back at Tom’s we em the concept of a flush toi let in more than four differ ployed the services of some loitering African kids to ent languages), or they wash the mud off our bikes may be determined from the context of your on the promise that we’d church’s next missionary shoot a bunch of bats for them the next morning. slide presentation. Perhaps 1 could describe They immediately fell to contesting vigorously Josiah Thiessen (back left), 18, Hoes in Burkina Faso, West how effectively 1 have among themselves for the Africa, where his parents, Paul and Lois Thiessen, are EMC learned to understand and job opening. adapt to this culture — missionaries with Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission. only after a fierce struggle So what does this brief glimpse of MK life tell you about MKs? Nothing in particu with my unquenchable western mind-set (another great lar. No, it does not represent the experience of a typical word). Actually I am not an acculturated African, nor a naively intrigued tourist, but neither am I an MK on display, MK. If you are interested in the experiences of a typical MK, 1 would be happy to refer you to your local TMK. waiting to be analyzed. TMK, for the unenlightened, stands for Typical Mission So what, you demand, is the purpose of this fragmented ary Kid: a well-balanced individual who, having spent a piece of literature? Naturally, it’s another analysis of MKs significant part of his life in a culture different from that of or, more precisely, an analysis of our dislike of being his parents, has developed an implicit understanding of analyzed. both cultures and is on exhibit as an example for those Speaking for myself. I’m a person, not an MK. less fortunate. He may be located in the telephone direc tory between Elvis and the Tooth Fairy. This article is reprinted with permission from the AIMM Messenger [Vol. LXVI, 1999] where it appeared under the title “Exhibit A: MK. ” “Tell me about your cross-cultural experiences,” you PAGES

THE MESSENGER

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THANKFUL FOR FREEDOM 1 am very thankful that the Mennonites came to Manitoba 125 years ago. My grandfather, Jacob L. Dueck, and his fam ily were with the first group of settlers here in the East Reserve. My father, Heinrich R. Dueck, was nearly two years old when the first boat load of Mennonites arrived at The Forks. 1 recall my father mentioning the hardships and difficulties they experienced in those beginning years. 1 thank God for the freedom we have here in Canada to worship God, a privi lege we would not have if our forefathers had remained in Russia. It is my prayer that future generations will continue to have prayer and Bible reading in the schools and the freedom to worship in the churches. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will 1 hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal the land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Margaret Dueck Kleefeld, Man.

GUNS AND PRAYERS We have all heard about the shootings this spring in two schools — Littleton, Colorado, and Taber, Alberta. Many of us have also heard about the recent effort to ban prayer in the Saskatoon public schools. 1 think Messenger readers will be interested in the testimony of Darrel

Edwin Friesen Stewardship Consultant

DEATH AND TAXES THOUGH CANADA DOES not have “death taxes,” there are some taxes that may be triggered by death. That may sound like a contradiction, but let me explain. All income, regardless of how or when it’s earned, must at some point be considered as taxable income. Usually this happens each spring when we file our annual income tax return, but there are some exceptions. Revenue Canada allows us to defer the taxes payable on several types of income. The two most common areas of deferred taxes are capital gains and SEPTEMBER 8. 1999

Scott, the father of two victims of the Columbine High School shooting in Littleton, as he gave it to the House Judi ciary Committee on May 27: “Since the dawn of creation there has been both good and evil in the heart of men and women. We all contain seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher and the other children who died, must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers. “1 am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy, it was a spiritual event that should force us to look at where the blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fin gers of the accusers themselves. 1 wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written be fore 1 knew 1 would be speaking here to day.” Your laws ignore our deepest needs — Your words are empty air. You’ve stripped away our heritage. You’ve outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms and precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere and ask the question, “’Why?” You regulate restrictive law through leg islative greed. And yet you fail to understand that God is what you need! “Men and women are three-part beings.

We all consist of body, soul and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. “Spiritual influences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation’s history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historic fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honour God and, in doing so, we open the doors to hatred and violence. “The young people of our nation hold the key. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will not be quenched. We do need a change of heart and a hum ble acknowledgement that this nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God. “As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. 1 defy any law or politician to deny him that right. 1 challenge every young person in America and around the world to realize that on April 20,1999, at Columbine High School, prayer was brought back to our schools. “Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your conscience and denies your God-given right to communicate with Him.” Bernie Brandt Kamsack, Sask.

registered pension plans. A capital gain is the increase in value of capital property; in general, it is the difference between the purchase price and the selling price. At the death of the owner, most capital property, un less held in joint title, or willed to a spouse, is deemed to have been sold at fair market value, and any increase in value is considered taxable income. This might include shares of a private company, shares of a public company, and real estate (other than the princi pal residence). There are some ex ceptions, subject to some restrictions, for farms and small businesses, which are rolled over to eligible family mem bers. The other main area of deferred taxes is contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan. Contribu tions made to such plans reduce the contributor’s taxable income and are allowed to appreciate tax deferred until

the death of the plan holder. At that time, unless there is a spousal roll over, any remaining RRSPs and RlFs must be included as income in the fi nal return. The tax rate could be as high as fifty percent. Some would argue that the fees for probating a will should also be consid ered an estate tax. Though it may seem like an estate tax, it is technically con sidered a fee for services (more on that in a future article). Good estate planning can help to reduce the tax bite.

Edwin Friesen is a stewardship con sultant serving, in part, the EMC and SBC constituency. He is available to meet with groups or individuals to dis cuss will/estate planning, family fi nances, and charitable giving. He can be contacted at 204-488-1985.

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Resources

CONFLICT CONSULTANT RECOMMENDS VIDEO Conflict in the Church, a new 40-minute video produced by Mennonite Concilia tion Services, received a recommendation from Speed Lees, senior consultant for the Alban Institute, specializing in conflict management in churches and synagogues. “The acting was not stilted or phoney. They seemed like real people in real situ ations. I recommend this video. Get it for your church,” he wrote. The video is produced by Mennonite Conciliation Services. It discusses healthy versus unhealthy division in a church body and how to tell the difference. Viewers find practical information for leading a con gregation in conflict and for helping church members understand whether conflict is handed well or poorly. The video is available through MCC for rental or purchase. MCC

DeMOSS TO SPEAK AT SEMCEC Robert DeMoss Jr. will be the keynote speaker at the South-Eastern Manitoba Christian Education Convention (SEMCEC) to be held at the Steinbach (Man.) Regional Secondary School on October 1 to 3. DeMoss is currently president of Enter tainment Today, Inc., providing tools to teens, parents, educators and youth work ers to think critically about pop entertain ment culture, movies, the Internet, adver tising, and television. He previously served seven years as youth culture specialist for Focus on the Family. DeMoss’s approach is both humourous and hard-hitting. He has debated the is sue of explicit and violent lyrics on national

Robert DeMoss

U.S. television, including on Donahue, Geraldo, and Good Morning America. DeMoss is slated to speak at three ple nary sessions and to conduct a seminar entitled Sex and the Single Person. His key note addresses will be When Hollywood Rocks lhe Cradle; Engage the Mind, not the Rocker; and Why the Spiritual Wear Goggles. With Equipping of the Saints as the theme, more than one hundred work shops are to be featured during the threeday event. In partnership with Student Ministries (Steinbach), the workshops will be in ten church-ministry areas: children; youth; family; educational techniques; Christians in public education; music, drama and worship; special ministries; missions outreach; leadership/management; electives; youth conference. The Student Ministries seminars, de signed for parents and youth leaders, will feature Walt Mueller from The Centre for Parent/Youth Understanding. A Parent Seminar will be held at the Christian Fel

lowship Church, and an Adult Youth Lead ers Seminar at the Steinbach EMC. All other SEMCEC workshops and ple-

Becoming a More Caring Congregation

Leader’s guide with appendices to copy for class use Suitable for adult Sunday school or small group study. Discussion topics inciude:

Available now

•Grieving •Disabilities •Mental illness •Underemployment and unemployment •Supporting aging parents •Forming support groups

Mennonite Central Committee

$15 per copy Order from:

Mental Health and Disabilities Program 134 Plaza Drive Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9

(204)261-6381 PAGES

nary sessions will be held in the Steinbach Regional Secondary School, with the ex ception of the final plenary session, which will be at the Emmanuel Free Church. Bro chures and registration forms are available from many points in southeastern Mani toba — churches, church conference of fices, Christian bookstores, private col leges, and Christian schools. The event is also intended for and attended by many people outside of Manitoba. Those outside of the province can contact their church, inquire by fax 204-433-7158, or e-mail at ebartel(S)providence.mb.ca Further information is also available by calling 204-433-7488 or 284-2923 (in Winni peg). SEMCEC Sources

MENNONITE FOUNDATION Of

CANADA

Managing God's Good Gifts One quarter study series on stewardship-related topics:

1. Good News 2. Contentment 3. Generosity 4. Money 5. Accumulation 6. Estate Planning 7. Skills & Abilities 8. Time 9. Creation Available From Mennonite Foundation of Canada:

12-1325 Markham Road Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6 Tel. 204-488-1985 Fax 204-488-1986 1-800-772-3257 or on loan from the EMC resource center in Steinbach 204-326-6401

One study book with video discussion starters $35 Additional lesson books $3.00 (postpaid) THE MESSENGER

^lul®**’ Lester Olfert Foreign Secretary

IENSENANOS TUS CAMINOS! (TEACH US YOUR WAYS!) HOW WOULD YOU LIKE to send your chil dren back to school without resources such as textbooks being available to them? How eager would you be to lead a Sunday school class if you did not even have a teacher’s manual? That is precisely the situation faced by the Christian church in the developing world. Many people groups do not have even a portion of the Bible in their mother tongue, let alone resources for Bible study or teaching. In other areas where Christi anity is established (Latin America, for

GERMANY

SOMEDAY YOU WILL FLY I felt as though I was in a black hole by myself. I knew the way out was up, but for the life of me I couldn’t find the foot holds or any ridges or cracks to grab on to. Even if 1 had found something, anything, to help me up I would not have the strength to lift myself out of that pit. 1 had done my share of calling for help. 1 had scratched and clawed in a panic at first when I no ticed myself slipping in. I thought to myself that I could endure many things, just not the black hole again — the black hole of depression and anxi ety. It would have been easier to find out I had cancer. At least cancer is something for which the doctors have an organized treatment. A physical illness, it seemed to me, does less to isolate one from one’s fellowmen than does depression. AH I wanted was to know that I would get bet ter, and sooner rather than later. I asked less, “What can I learn from this?” than “How soon will this be over?” My wife, Sherri, and I had shortly before decided to come to Germany as mission aries through music. We had spent a year carefully deliberating, praying and asking advice from parents, pastors and spiritual advisers about leaving Canada. All the lights flashed green, so we decided to go. Then came the black hole. Why now? Just when I needed my physical and psy chological energies they were sucked out of me like blood out of a butchered pig. Was this the red light to stop us from go ing? Was God saying no? A thousand ques tions — no answers. SEPTEMBER 8. 1999

example), more resources are available, but they are often expensive and beyond the economic reach of the average Sun day school teacher. Now things are changing for the Anabaptist-related churches in Latin America. In 1997 work began on develop ing a Spanish Christian Education curricu lum for children age five to grade eight. In 1998 seven Mennonite mission agencies and MCC accepted a plan to work with SEMILLA and CLARA in this important pro duction. We encourage churches to consider rais ing money for the project, iEnsenanos tus caminos! (Teach us your ways). This would make a good Sunday school project. Bulletin inserts and more information are available from the Conference Office. The curriculum will have an Anabaptist focus and will be affordable. It is being written by Latin Americans in their own context. The first year of the curriculum is being tested by churches throughout Latin

America and is receiving very positive re views. The EMC Board of Missions is one of the partnering agencies which help fund the production so that it will be affordable in the developing countries. We believe it will benefit the children of our sister churches in Mexico, Nicaragua and Para guay. In North America we have access to an almost inexhaustible supply of resources for teaching and learning. Some of it may be quite expensive, but usually we can find something that is affordable. For our Sunday school departments we can choose from David C. Cook, Scripture Press, Gospel Light, Standard or denomi national publications. If what they offer is not suitable, then we can go to our local bookstore for Bible study guides for different ages and inter est groups. We have a wealth of materials. Through this project, we are sharing the wealth.

I couldn’t imagine raising support, leav ing home with our support networks, and going to a foreign country in a state of de pression. It seemed impossible. Yet the alternative — to stay after all the indica tions to go — seemed equally implausi ble. During this time 1 talked with a lot of people. Many were encouraging, and a few went to battle in prayer for me. 1 was particularly encouraged through a mission ary couple who also experienced health problems. As 1 shared my anxiety, 1 heard that someday 1 would fly again. My depression did not end that day. It eased like a tide receding over the follow ing months. 1 didn’t learn the reason for my depression then, though; that came later. We went to Germany, but my depres sion followed. During my last stmggle in the Black Hole 1 was forced to ask ques tions which led to the source of my de pression. In the past all 1 was interested in was getting out of the Pit as quickly as

possible. This time I wanted to learn why I entered it in the first place, and God was faithful to teach me, though it was very painful. In the past three to four years God has done a work of healing in my life. During the songwriting phase of my lat est solo album I wrote a song called “Someday You will Fly.” When 1 played it for Sherri she immediately reminded me of the couple who encouraged me, and the statement that one day I would fly again. 1 hadn’t thought of the conversation in years. I was amazed at how the words had stuck in my mind and how true those words became in my life. God does heal! He gives us wings to fly as the prophet Isaiah speaks of: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). Danny Plett

Danny and Sherri Plett (Steinbach/Kleefeld) and their children, Lindsey and Jason, live in Germany, where Danny serves in a music ministry with Janz Team Ministries. PAGE 9

GERMANY BEING THE BODY, SHARING THE VISION God seems to be bringing hearts and likeminded people together in Straubing, Germany. Working together with nation als and the local church is a growing desire of our team. God is opening doors for us to be witnesses of what it means to be the wider Body of Christ and how we do need one another to accomplish what He has laid before us. We desire to look at where God is working and to go there. As we meet people from

various churches and the city, God seems to be bringing us people with some of the same dreams and visions. They are excited about what could happen in their city. Our team’s vision is to work with refu gees and to tell them the good news of Christ. Within that has developed the idea of a centre where the refugees could feel welcome and accepted. As the team grows in numbers, the vision of a centre is more plausible. As well, there is a desire to have the local churches involved; new team members have increased contact with other churches. We also seek to have more local government contact and sup port. 1 have been involved in prison ministry for years without the support sought from our local church. Recently we met a man, a prison guard, from another church. He wants to see the prison ministry increase, and has even offered to give up his free day to watch over the meeting so the min istry can expand. This man’s wife, after hearing of our de sire to have a centre or coffee- bar minis try, said, “1 have had a dream to be in volved in such a ministry for quite some time. How exciting that there are others with the same vision!” Her desire is to reach out to German youth; they need God as much as the refugees. One church is getting a new pastor shortly; the pastor’s wife has a heart for refugee work! She has previously met someone from International Teams and is impressed with what we stand for and our

desires in outreach. Who knows how God will use her to strengthen our team! A young woman is reaching out to neigh bourhood children who are often left on their own. She has developed a kids club ministry and would like us to promote this. She is willing to talk with the mayor about a room in which to have the club. A couple in another church wants to reach youth in their village who are not neo-Nazis but could well be on their way. They want them to understand foreigners and refugees and to avoid violence. They have invited many youth to visit the con centration camp in Dachau; it is a starting point for discussions about the love of God. Who knows, perhaps one day these young people will work with us in the cen tre! The biggest evangelical church in town has hired a street worker to reach out to Russian youth. The congregation is open to working with refugees and foreigners; we need to make more contact to encour age them to use their gifts, talents and re sources to make a difference in lives. We need to see what kind of partnership can be established. In all these opportunities, it is evident that God is moving here in Straubing. These programs could possibly be brought un der one roof, with many people involved. There is a growing sense that the evan gelical churches in town would like to work together more. Maybe we can be a catalyst. Gordon Skopnik

AUSTRIA TRAINING IN DISCIPLESHIP Summer camps are over, and now I have time to do some work that has been piling up on my desk. We had a good summer with camps and training courses. We were able to attend the church family camp in southern Austria. This was refreshing as we relaxed in the sun and were encour aged spiritually through the daily devo tional times. We had a ten-day discipleship training course in Romania for youth ages 15 to 18. Normally we combine this with a canoe trip or bike tour. This year I felt it would be good to expose the youth to missions in a neighbouring country where people are rich in spirit, despite visible poverty. Our youth were challenged and spiritually en couraged as they met other youth who have learned to be content with what they have. Our group consisted of twelve young people and four leaders from Austria. One leader and 1 had previously led such a train ing course in Romania. We had a good idea of what awaited us, yet our goals for the course were attained beyond what we expected, despite the language barriers. Two main goals were to deepen our rela-

tionship with the Lord and to know and understand ourselves better. The personal evaluations showed these goals were ac complished. Many participants asked, “When is the next training course?” and “Can you come back to Romania again next year?” Our group of sixteen spent the first three days in a summer cottage in Hungary en route to Romania, getting to know each other and to allow for bonding. When the time came to continue to Romania, I felt it would be better to stay there as a small group and complete our course alone. Fortunately we were committed to hold ing the main part of the course in Roma nia, otherwise we would have missed a special blessing that God had prepared for us. The youth were challenged to endure fifty hours of being cramped in a mini-van, to share of themselves through personal testimonies, to leave their comfort zone and become integrated into a foreign cul ture and language. Foreigners from the West are often treated by the Romanians with the best they have. This was evident at mealtimes, where the Romanians ate poorer-quality food on plastic plates. For the first two days we accepted this, then I

challenged our group to mingle with the others. Almost immediately the relation ship to our new friends changed and we began to be united as one body. Many youth spoke broken English, and bonding took place during further lessons and ac tivities. One day was spent on an outing with Romanians and Austrians split in smaller

Sharon and Gordon Skopnik (Wymark) and their family, Ashlyn, Alyssa, Dustin and Dylan, Hue in Germany. They haue a min istry with refugees from uarious countries.

PAGE 10

Ron andRosanne Poffenroth (Abbeydale) are serving in a church-planting ministry with GMU in Frankenburg, Austria. They haue four children, Andrea, Jordan, Michael and Benji. THE MESSENGER

groups. The youth were to plan their own cooking and the day’s activities and to collectively carry out the group’s respon sibility. This was new to the Romanians; in their churches a few carry responsibil ity while the others follow. The lessons and combined sessions were conducted by our team and translated from German into Romanian, with two translators. One translator was Rodica, a 29-year-old, very ambitious lady. She or ganized a two-hour farewell for us. Later that evening she travelled six hours to be the main speaker at the next youth camp. Shortly before arriving she fell asleep at

the wheel and hit a tree. Rodica had inter nal injuries and died five days later. We were shocked to hear the news! Though we are limited in our understand ing of God’s ways, the fact remains that we plan our ways but the Lord determines our steps. Rodica was needed in youth ministries in Romania, but God chose to call her home. I’m sure God greeted her with, “Well done, thou true and faithful servant.” This summer has challenged me anew to be faithful in what God has for me and to leave the outcome with Him. 1 am thank ful for the opportunity to be involved in

the lives of young people, and my prayer is that God will have freedom to accom plish His will in my life and those of the youth. Pray for the youth group in Voecklabruck (twenty kids, ages 13 to 18) and the three college-age leaders in our team. On Octo ber 1 -3 many youth leaders from all over Austria will meet for a weekend retreat. Many churches have poor youth programs or no youth. Materialism and the attrac tiveness of the world have captivated many church youth. Thank you for your support and prayer for this ministry.

PASTOR ORDAINED Straffordville, Ont.: In the afternoon of April 25 we had an ordination service for Pastor John Wall. Harvey Plett and Don and Minna Thiessen were with us for this occasion. John and Lorna’s sons, Harry and Steven, expressed support for their parents. John and Lorna have faithfully served us for almost three years, through both good times and difficulties. It’s not al ways easy to start something new. John and Lorna, may God bless you and your sons. We appreciate the work you are doing. Let’s pray for our pastor couples and their families. Earlier on April 25 we received thirteen members. It was encouraging to hear the

testimonies of how God worked in their lives and brought them to where they are today. One couple joined on May 8. On June 25-27 we had our first church family camp, with about half of the church families participating. Thanks to Peter and Susan Rempel and Larry and Elizabeth Zacharias, who organized it. We enjoyed games, swimming, fishing and canoeing during the day. In the evening we had a wiener and marshmallow roast, singing around the fire, sharing and testimonies.

Everyone went home feeling tired but refreshed, with new and stronger friend ships. The youth had their camp on June 18-20, but they still had enough energy left to come to the family camp and pull a few pranks! God has blessed us in many ways. We were able to purchase the church build ing we’ve been renting for a year, as well as two lots, one behind the church and the other beside it.

Ron Poffenroth

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John and Lorna Wall with their sons, Harry and Steven. John was ordained as a minister on April 25.

New members at the Straffordville EMC are Peter and Sara Klassen, Pete and Sara Friesen, Martha Klassen, Dave and Aggie Blatz, Norman and Justina Kornelsen, Abe and Sara Klassen, Neil and Hilda Loewen, Jake and Margie Guenther (not in the photo). John and Lorna Wall, the pastor couple, stand with them.

A COURAGEOUS VISION Swan River, Man.: Why not combine some relaxation with building spiritual vi sion for our church? Our pastor couple, John and Connie Reimer, together with the elders and their wives, Alvin and Esther Brandt, Terry and Lorrel Scales, Jake and Doris Reimer, spent some time at Watrous, Sask., for prayer, discussions and “casting

a courageous vision.” “Casting a Courageous Vision” is our theme for 1999. Through the year we want to catch the vision of building the church by reaching others with the message of hope and salvation and moving toward maturity in our faith. In January thirty-five women got together for a breakfast at the beautifully decorated

SEPTEMBER 8, 1999

Walter Zinkew home. We really appreci ated a meal out, where we could chat with out interruptions and get to know each other better. Gwen Ketel came out from Pine River, and her talk, interspersed with songs, clearly presented the salvation message. She also talked about the blessings of strength and kindness that are for everyPAGE 11

one who seeks the Lord. Jesus Christ can satisfy our basic hungering needs; mate rial things do not last. Ted and Sharon Enns moved to Edmon ton, Alta., in January. They lived in Swan River for twenty-six years, and we will miss them. We wish them God’s blessings as they begin a new phase in their lives. We had an evening of sharing and a good ol’ country song for Sharon to remember us by! Joey Dyck has arrived back from Austria, where he attended Capernwray Bible School. Welcome back! A Valentine dessert and coffee evening on February 14 was an information evening of celebrating our love as couples and also our love for each other in the family of God. Jeanette Salmond presented a spe cial love poem for her brothers and sisters in Christ. Teachers from our school went to Three Hills, Alta., in February to attend the an nual teachers conference. This is a high light for the teachers as they exchange and get ideas from a Christian perspective. They enjoyed a day in Calgary before they came home. Our care group finished the course “The Contagious Christian” in March. This course

Elda Reimer poses with students.

MEASURING, CUTTING, FOLDING Prairie Grove, Man.; They measured, they cut, they folded, they sewed, they worked and worked as fast they could; the hours went by quickly. That quote, from a story teller’s version of Cinderella, came to mind as 1 reflected briefly on a highlight of a mission exposure trip to Paraguay in May. The quote describes how the mice worked hard to make a pretty dress for their beloved Cinderella to wear. The work 1 was reflecting on was cutting paper for two hundred schoolchildren to make Mother’s Day cards. Renita Plett and 1 ac companied Doris Friesen as she taught Bi ble classes in a public school in Caaguazu (preschool to Grade 7). The classes were an hour long. Using bright, colourful flannel pictures, Doris told the story of creation and explained God’s PAGE 12

Received into membership by transfer were Dwayne Kiassen and Ann and Jake Buhier. Pastor John Reimer stands with them.

is about communicating our faith in a style that fits us, and we found that as the weeks went by, we had opportunities to share what we were learning. Through a variety of formats, including video vignettes, group discussions, role playing and teaching seg ments, we learned how to communicate the message of Christ in our own personal, God-given style. It is exciting to see how God can prepare each of us to touch the lives of others for eternity. Together with six churches in the Valley, our church went through the Freedom in Christ seminar. We hosted the seminar.

purpose in making us — to be with Him forever in heaven. The children listened intently. (By the time Doris told the story in Spanish for the twentieth time 1 could almost understand it in another language.) Renita and 1 helped with singing (it’s easier to learn songs than to converse in another language). We ended the classes by helping the children assemble the Mother’s Day cards, in which they took great care and pride. Teaching these classes in public schools is definitely a window of opportunity to reach many Paraguayan children, families and communities for Christ. Along with telling many children about Jesus, going into the schools gives opportunity to con verse with the teachers. After one class a teacher shared a per sonal prayer request, and 1 was touched as the four of us joined arms and brought her request before the Lord as the students finished their projects. The cards and other projects that the children took home, Doris explained, were chosen carefully in hope of reaching their parents and families with the Good News of Jesus. This Mother’s Day card had Prov erbs 31:30b on it: “...a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." While we did not cut fabric for a dress, like the mice in the fairy tale, my prayer is that many people will come to accept and be clothed with the “robes of righteous ness” which God gives to us. His beloved people. / delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed

and many from our church participated. Sometimes the simple truths that we can rattle off finally become real to us and we understand who we are in Christ. Some people dedicated their lives to God for the first time, and many of us were touched by this ministry. The various committees of our church have been encouraged to organize fish ing-pool events, events that can include our neighbours and unchurched friends and acquaintances. One such event was An Evening of Coffee and Classics, held on May 9. The program consisted of a string quartet, piano solo, brass quintet, clarinet and flute solos and fun quips from our in house comedian, Martyn Snell. Pastor John, in his sermon for the parent/child dedication service in June, re minded us that God calls both parents to be spiritual leaders, standing together in giving direction to the home. The church family has a responsibility in the support of each other. Submit yourselves to the Lord and in time this will benefit your re lationship with each other. Those dedicated were Brian and Tracy Burick with Benjamin, and Barry and Arlene Stroud with Isabel. Karen Peters

me with garments of salvation and ar rayed me in a robe of righteousness... (Isaiah 61:10-11). Elda Reimer Reporter: Jolyn Braun

Leon Doerksen and Rosie Neufeld, shown with Pastor Darnell and Emily Plett, were baptized on June 6.

Pastor Darnell and Emily Plett were happy to welcome Matilda Unrau, Tammy Reimer, Bernice and Glen Brandt into the membership of the Prairie Grove church. THE MESSENGER

ADDING TO OUR NUMBER Steinbach, Man. (EFC): And the Lord added to their number.... Our church has experienced growth in numbers this year, both in members and babies. On March 14 we had a parent/child dedi cation service. Andy and Vai Schinkel (son Zachary), Mo and Karen Friesen (daugh ter Adriana), Steve and Joan Fuellbrandt (son Sean and daughter Ashleigh), and Gus and Ursula Giesbrecht (son Taran) dedi cated their children to the Lord and com mitted themselves to raising them for God’s glory. Four people were added to our number through baptism on March 28. On April 25 twelve transferred their membership to our fellowship. We had a full service on June 6, which included parent/child dedi cation, membership transfer, baptism and communion. Taking part in a parent/child dedication on June 6 were Cheryl and Pat Melosky with Hannah, Elisa and Scott Peters with Lauren, Dennis and Rose Plett with Tanya, and Ron and Kami Unger with Aaron.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day were cel ebrated by having various people describe the different stages of parenthood. These testimonies were thoughtful, touching and sometimes amusing. The mothers were presented with a carnation and the fathers with a ball.

New members at the Steinbach EFC, are Dennis Plett (transfer), Tricia Friesen (baptized), and Melanie Krause (baptized). Missing are Becky Unrau, Nancy Rae Fast and Diane Reimer, who were baptized on March 28.

Wanted: YOLTR GIFTS! EMC Post-Secondary Students Luncheon

Tuesday, September 28,1999 11:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Room 205-207 University Centre The University of Manitoba Come A So! Lunch supplied. Bring a Friend! Students will shore, A discussion will follow.

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Our church picnic at the Mitchell Park on June 27 was well attended. Peter and Louise Hiebert and their children, Kevin, Rochelle and Justin, shared a brief report on their work in Chihuahua City, Mexico. They were home for a brief furlough. Brenda Reimer

Transferring their membership to the Steinbach EFC on April 25 were Abe and Anita Thiessen, Arley and Tina Barkman, Scott Peters, Elma Brandt, Rod and Leona Parmer, Sheila Sackman, Colin and Alysia Loewen and Lynn Dickhaut. With them are Pastor Dick and Tina Unrau.

NEW MEMBERS Fort Frances, Ont.: On Sunday, June 20, five people were welcomed into our church membership by Pastor Jeff Plett and the congregation. The church service was held at the Legion Park, a block from our build ing. It was a beautiful day, and we were touched as we listened to the members tell of their walk with the Lord; most of us could identify with their struggles and triumphs. Praise God for His grace! Our membership is now twenty-five. We are not a big church, but God is working, bringing people who support us and participate in our efforts to tell others about Christ. Please pray for these new members. During the service our youth performed a skit, led by Randy Ricci. Laural Ann Plett led us in new songs, and the Sunday school children sang. On May 29 we went to Ike and Bonita Friesen’s country home for a disco (a Mexican outdoor stir-fry.) Our two Bible study groups take turns putting on an outreach event (barbecue, volleyball game, bowling com petition, a dinner) to which we invite friends and neighbours. They have been very succesful, especially the disco, attended by sixty people. I attended the EMC convention in Winnipeg in July, along with Pastor Jeff Plett, his family, and Ike Friesen. 1 stayed with Henry and Tina Kornelsen and travelled to Winnipeg with them. The speaker was very good as he spoke on “Building a Healthy Church.” Several people shared their testimonies, and the food was delicious. We found the convention enlightening, enjoyable and heartwarming, and appreciated the opportunity of meeting EMC people, including mis sionaries. God’s hand was on this event, and 1 hope that you will get the opportunity to attend at least one convention. Evelyn Hicks

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Sponsored by EMC Board of Church Ministries SEPTEMBER 8, 1999

Carol Pollard, Kelly Cunningham, Tanya Cunningham, Dianne Bell and Dave Bell joined our church in June. Standing with them are Laural Ann and Pastor Jeff Plett.

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A PUBLIC COMMITMENT Blumenort, Man.: On May 16 we had the joy of seeing ten young men publicly com mit themselves to Christ in a baptismal service. It was a blessing to hear the testi monies of how God has worked in their lives, leading them on in spiritual growth. Praise God for these men! Trevor Esau

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Baptized at the Blumenort church in May were Ken Wall, Kallen Friesen, Louis Plett, Paul Budala, Jerald Plett, Kevin Plett, Joel Doerksen, Charles Plett, Adrian Fast and Barry Wiebe. With them are Trevor Esau (youth pastor) and Pastor Melvin Penner.

STEPS ON THE WAY

La Crete, Alta.:

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j Baptism and membership reception took place at the La Crete church on June 20: Abe Doerksen, Benji Friesen, Susan Schmidt, Gert Knelsen, Richard Harder, Jayson Bueckert, Melissa Wiens, Nettie Driedger, Ellen Doerksen, Norma Goertzen, Gert Harder, Judy Friesen. Pastor Glen and Betty Koop stand with them.

A TRAVELOGUE — PART TWO AFTER AN enjoyable extended weekend with children and grandchildren in Hepburn, Sask., we’re on the way again. We make a brief stop at Canadian Tire in Saskatoon, where we say farewell to our granddaughter, who works there. Then we head for Hwy. 5, which will take us to Canora, Sask. Canora, thirty miles north of Yorkton, is former Western Gospel Mission (WGM) country. Here, of course, we have to see if we can find the chapel where services were conducted in the 1950s. 1 well re member helping Pete Martens with the PAGE 14

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Ten people were baptized in the La Crete church on June 27: Pete Fehr, David Friesen, Sarah Fehr, Tena Friesen, Jake Friesen, Cindy Wiebe, Tina Ginter, Mary Jane Goertzen, Mary Fehr, Melanie Friesen. With them are Pastor Glen and Betty Koop.

construction of this building. Pete was a person who could adapt. The way the building was constructed seems very primi tive now. 1 drive around where 1 think the church stood in the ’50s and, sure enough, I locate it. It is no longer an EMC work, but it is good to see that it still has a church sign in front of it. From Canora it is only a short drive to Kamsack. However, we turn in first at Verigen, which is Doukhobor country. This was also a WGM outreach post which we served. We can’t find the little church building where we held services; it must have been demolished or moved. A ten-mile drive brings us to Kamsack, a place with significance for my wife and me. It will be fifty years this fall since we, with four children, arrived as WGM missionaries to take up a home-missions assignment. It was memorable when we located the house where we used to live. A kind gen tleman was willing to take a picture of us, with the house in the background, for a souvenir. Our ministry consisted mainly of teach ing Bible classes in the schools, distribut ing literature, conducting services, and teaching Sunday school. In summer we

held street meetings and taught Vacation Bible School. We enjoyed visiting the schools — eight schools, with an attendance of 230 chil dren. The children were usually very at tentive, and the teachers were, as a rule, cooperative. Hopefully the instruction has not been in vain. (1 doubt if any of the school buildings are still left.) Our destination after leaving Kamsack is Swan River, Man., also a place with memo ries. It used to be a trading area of Penner and Co., located some fifty miles further north at Mafeking. At this lumber camp 1 served as both missionary preacher and store clerk. We had services for camp resi dents and operated the small company store. 1 got supplies from Macdonalds Con solidated in Swan River. Since the camp was beside the Steep Rock River, we enjoyed excellent fishing, and fish often appeared on the lunch or supper table. Before then 1 wasn’t a fish erman, but 1 became one there. Today the Steep Rock Bay Bible Camp is across the river from this former camp site. After a night’s stop at Clear Lake, we head home, thankful for a good trip. 1 hope you have enjoyed this little journey into the past. Till next time! THE MESSENGER

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SCALES - KASTRUKOFF: Kevin, son of Terry and Lorrel Scales of Swan River, Man., and Sanna, daughter of Paul and Ruth Kastrukoff, were married in Swan River on November 28, 1998, with John Reimer officiating.

THIESSEN - to Kenton and Lydia Thiessen of Hadashville, Man., a son, Jediah, on April 1, 1999. FRIESEN - to James and Marina Friesen of Steinbach, Man., a son, Ashton James, on May 9, 1999. KORNELSEN - to Menno and Irene Komelsen of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Felina, on June 2, 1999. PETERS - to Darrell and Cheryl Peters of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Angelica Diana Belle, on May 23, 1999.

PASHE - PADFIELD: Trevor Jason, son of Dave and Mildred Pashe of Brandon, Man., and Jennifer Ann, daughter of Peter and Lesley Padfield of Dartmouth, N.S., were married at the Sioux Valley Reserve Fellowship Chapel on April 17, 1999, with Jake Martens officiating. The couple is making their home in Binscarth, Man.

NICKEL - to George and Patti Nickel of Morris, Man., a son, Joshua George, on March 10, 1999.

BARTEL - to Lynn and Betty Bartel of Morris, Man., a daughter, Olivia Kaylyn, on May 28, 1999. GUENTHER - to Jake and Margie Guenther of Vienna, Ont., a daughter, Yolanda Rose, on April 9, 1999. WALL - to Joe and Netti Wall of Sparta, Ont., a son, Caleb Josiah, on March 19, 1999.

THIESSEN - to Pete and Anna Thiessen of Kitchener, Ont., a son, Noah Nathaniel, on May 12, 1999.

PETERS - NEUFELD: George, son of William and Mary Peters of La Crete, Alta., was married to Trudy, daughter of Jake and Helen Neufeld of La Crete, with Glen Koop officiating. The couple is making their home in La Crete.

FRIESEN - NEUDORF: Jake, son of Henry and Kathy Friesen, was married to Melanie, daughter of Bill and Sarah Neudorf, all of La Crete, Alta. Glen Koop officiated. The couple resides in La Crete. GUENTHER - WIEBE: John, son of Frank and Helen Guenther of Delhi, Ont., and Yolanda, daughter of John and Margaret Wiebe of Port Burwell, Ont., were married at the Mount Salem EMC on April 10, 1999. John Wall of Straffordville, Ont., officiated. The couple lives in Port Burwell. GIESBRECHT - SIEMENS: Henry, son of Ben and Mary Giesbrecht of Aylmer, Ont., was married on June 12, 1999, to Lisa Siemens of Aylmer, daughter of the late John and Anna Siemens. The wedding took place at the Mount Salem EMC, with Wilbert Friesen officiating. KRAHN - REMPEL: Dave, son of John and Mary Krahn of Port Burwell, Ont., and Lorie, daughter of Cornelius and Tina Rempel of Aylmer, Ont., were married on June 5, 1999, at the Mount Salem EMC, with Bill Friesen of Leamington, Ont., officiating. The couple is making their home in Aylmer. PETERS - HAMM: Pete, son of Mrs. Helena Peters of Aylmer, Ont., and Mary, daughter of Abram and Helen Hamm of Gallon, Ont., were married on May 29, 1999. The wedding took place at the Mount Salem EMC, with Bill Friesen and Wilbert Friesen officiating. The couple resides in Norwich, Ont. HEPPNER - RIEDER: Carl, son of Jack and Ruth Heppner of Steinbach, Man., and Kathy Rieder, daughter of Dean and Kaylene Buhler of Calgary, Alta., were married on May 28, 1999, at the Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, with Harvey Plett officiating. The couple is residing in Winnipeg. WALDNER - SIEMENS; Dustin, son of Ben and Grace Waldner of Winnipeg, Man., and Tammy, daughter of Randall and Mary Anne Siemens of Rosenort, Man., were married on May 28, 1999, at the Pleasant Valley EMC, with John Klassen officiating. The couple lives in Rosenort. KLASSEN - BRAUN: Joe, son of Gerhard and Nancy Klassen of Leamington, Ont., was married on May 29, 1999, to JoLane, daughter of Earl and Dorothy Braun of Winkler, Man. (formerly of Rosenort). The wedding took place at the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, with Rick Schellenberg of Bethany Bible College officiating. The couple resides in Leamington. SEPTEMBER 8, 1999

Editor's note: An ad is free. Unles,s ar rangements have been made, it can be removed after two insertions. Please in clude more than one telephone number and contact person, fax number, e-mail, whether the position is full- or part-time, when the application deadline is and du ties begin, and a brief description of edu cation and qualities sought.

Church planter needed for Tillsonburg, in southern Ontario. The worker would be under full-time EMC Board of Missions support and is needed as soon as possible. The ability to speak Low German and an understanding of con servative German-speaking Mennonites are assets. Contact Canadian Secretary John Koop at 204-326-6401 or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, Lester Olfert) at the same number. Seeking! Seeking! Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC) continues to need a pastor. Part-time salary and housing available currently; posi tion could become full-time. Applicants should be well-grounded spiritually and personally. Other employment is available, depending on training and experience. Contact: Search Com mittee, Box 35, Creighton, SK SOP OAO. Call board member Deb Odegaard at 306-6882996 or Conference Pastor John Koop. EMC ministry opportunities in Mexico. A youth worker is needed to work with youth in the Spanish churches. Duties include discipling youth and training/mentoring youth leaders. A pastor for a short-term (5 to 6 months) or long-term (2 to 3 years) ministry is needed for a new Low German-speaking church in Oa sis, Chihuahua State. Contact EMC Foreign Secretary Lester Olfert or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, John Koop).

EMC ministry opportunities in Paraguay. Church ministries workers are needed to follow up contacts, disciple new believers and train for leadership. Church organizational skills are an asset. Involvement would be within rural and urban settings. Contact Lester Olfert or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, John Koop).

Evangelical Fellowship Church (EMC) of Steinbach, Man. (a growing city of 10,000), is accepting applications for senior pastor. The successful candidate will be a godly person; have previous pastoral experience; have strong preaching/teaching gifts; be committed to pas toral care; train and equip the congregation for ministry and outreach; and have good pub lic relations skills. An information packet is available upon re quest. Direct inquiries to Lester Olfert at 204326-6401. Send resumes to EFC Pastoral Search Committee, Box 2758, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (EMC) invites applications for its position of youth pastor. If interested, please contact the search committee: Ron Penner at 250-5679983 or Lindsay Janzen at 250-567-4905.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC) seeks a stewardship consultant for the Kitchener, Ontario, office. Responsibilities: office manage ment; assisting with charitable, estate and will planning; general financial counselling and promoting of biblical stewardship. Candidates should be creative, organized, and self-moti vated; possess good communication and pres entation skills; be knowledgeable in financial counselling and gift planning; be interested in stewardship education; be a church member in a participating conference; and contribute as part of a team. Deadline: September 24. Send resumes to MFC, 12-1325 Markham Rd., Winnipeg, MB. R3T 4J6, Fax: 204-488-1986; E-mail: mfcwpg@mennofoundation.ca. Mitchell Community Fellowship seeks a pas tor on a half-time basis. The congregation, with a Sunday morning attendance of around 100, is covenant-based and is not linked to any denomination. It is located in the growing community of Mitchell, Man., three miles west of Steinbach. Experience and a commitment to preaching, teaching and pastoral ministry are essential. Send resumes to Search Com mittee, Box 49, Randolph, MB ROA ILO. For inquiries please contact committee chair Garry Neufeld at 204-377-4283 (phone) or 204326-9933 (fax).

PAGE 15

‘LIKE A BOLT OF LIGHTNING’

Dealing with Grief and Loneliness Helen Unger IT’S BEEN SAID that if Christ lives in us we are not lonely. In my human weakness, I have never been able to under stand this. I have also heard some pastors preach that we can be lonely in a crowd, which 1 personally have never been able to understand either. When my beloved husband suddenly passed away, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. At first the meaning of life was gone for me. I thought I heard John’s heavy foot steps, but they were not there anymore. My children did all they could to help my wounds to heal, but to no avail. Friends took me to do ceramics for some time, but it all had no meaning for me. 1 had to fight the feeling that God had wronged me in taking my husband so suddenly at an early age, although 1 knew he was quite ill. I prayed that God would heal him, but His ways were different. The last few weeks 1 noticed that he was getting ready to meet his Lord and Saviour, especially the last evening, when he asked me to send some money to a favourite TV preacher, whom he listened to regularly, as well as to some other programs that he watched. 1 prayed that God would give me strength and wisdom to understand that this was all in His providence. I also COMING EVENTS September 16-18 Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Immanuel Pentecostal Church Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-889-8099 September 24-25 InScribe, Christian Writers’ Fellowship Fall Conference King’s University College Edmonton, Alta. Phone: 780-988-5622

September 28 Wanted: Your Gifts! EMC Post-Secondary Students Meeting Room 205-207, University Centre University of Manitoba Phone: 204-326-6401

asked Him for forgiveness, and a peace came over me. I moved into an apartment block where, for the first ten years, all the tenants were Christians. 1 still haven’t been able to completely get over my lone liness, even though it’s been twenty-five years since John went home to be with the Lord. My memories of him are as real as if it all happened just yesterday. Every so often I find myself subconsciously talking to myself to fill the void of an empty suite, which is one thing we single people have to live with. In summer I have the privilege of joining other seniors on bus trips. Soon after 1 became a widow I devoted myself to visit ing seniors in the Tabor and Menno homes to share their loneliness. Each one has a story to tell, and some are hun gry for the Word of God.

Helen Unger is a Messenger reader who lives in Abbotsford, B.C.

October 1-3 SEMCEC ’99 Equipping the Saints Steinbach Regional Secondary School Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-433-7488 November 10-13 A National Conversation on the Gospel, Church and Culture in the Postmodern Era Prairie Bible College Three Hills, Alberta Phone: 800-705-7481

March 3-5, 2000 EMC Leadership Retreat Speaker: Abe Block Camp Arnes, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401

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

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