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EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 37 NUMBER 16 SEPTEMBER 22, 1999

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EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Hogs and Heaven S THE year 2000 approaches, there are advantages to being raised on a _ —hog farm. Years ago, while living at home, I left on a countertop a booklet written by a charis­ matic evangelist from Alberta. That was a mistake! My parents were concerned enough about my spiritual well-being to have me baptized in infancy and send me to Sunday school and church camp. Later as a teenager 1 moved increasingly in evangelical circles; if my folks were concerned about this, they kept it mostly to themselves. But not this time. Dad had read in the booklet that the world was a pigsty com­ pared to the one to come (or heaven), and asked me if 1 believed this. Foolishly, I said, “Yes.” He told me 1 was wrong. It is not a favourite memory, but that does not change its value. My father was raised on a farm, and he took over a neighbouring farm before he was of legal age. For many years mostly a farrow-to-finish hog farmer, he worked hard and knew what a pigsty was. Dad suf­ fered hardships in his life, yet he carried on. He was convinced that though life can be hard, it is good. Now his son had a booklet which seemed to spurn the goodness of life, so he spoke up and taught me. Sour news — whether possible computer glitches or a world event — is seen by some followers of Christ as proof that the world is falling apart. Yes, planet and people are hurting, but Christians know this is not the whole story. While we await the second coming of Christ (with the date unknown), to be preoccupied with bad news as a con­ firmation of biblical truth seems an awk­ ward way to express our Christian hope. William Barclay, the Church of Scotland scholar, tells the story of a seriously ill priest who had a vision of an angel. The priest asked the angel, “And is it a beautiful world to which 1 am going?” The angel replied, “It is a very beautiful world you are leaving.” The man realized he had neglected the beauty around him. He asked for more time on earth to enjoy it as a preparation for heaven. PAGE 2

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heav­ EDITORIAL enly lights” (James 1:17). “For everything ASSISTANT God created is good, and nothing is to be Martha Kroeker THE MESSENGER is the rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, publication of the Evangelical because it is consecrated by the word of Mennonite Conference. It is God and prayer” (1 Tim. 4:4-5). In knowing available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct what it was like to “be in need, and...to have and inspire: inform concerning plenty” and yet to be “content” (Phil. 4:11-12), events and activities in the Paul displayed a balance 1 have yet to learn. denomination; instruct in god­ liness and victorious living; Paul could say, “For our light and momen­ inspire to earnestly contend for tary troubles are achieving for us an eter­ the faith. Letters, articles, photos and nal glory which outweighs them all” (2 poems are welcomed. Unpub­ Corinthians 4:17). Like others, 1 wonder lished material is not returned how the Apostle could consider the hor­ except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the rors of life — starvation, war and other vio­ writers are their own and do not lence, cancer, natural disasters, abandon­ necessarily represent the posi­ of the Conference. ment, abuse, persecution — “light and mo­ tionTHE MESSENGER is pub­ mentary troubles.” lished twice a month (once a At first glance, Paul seems to be minimiz­ month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of ing people’s pain. Yet he inflicted pain (as the Evangelical Mennonite Con­ Saul), suffered it as a Christian (ending with ference, 440 Main Street, being beheaded) and taught us to endure Steinbach, Manitoba. Subscriptions: $12.00 per it. His counsel and teaching comes out of year (Manitoba residents add intense experience. Knowing this as we do, 7% PST, total: $12.84). Sub­ scriptions are voluntary and op­ if Paul dares to say that our suffering is small tional to people within or outside compared to “eternal glory,” such glory of the EMC. Members and ad­ herents pay through their must be great indeed! church. That said, heaven or the second coming THE MESSENGER is a of Christ is not made sweeter by overlook­ member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. ing God’s blessings or presence experi­ Second-class postage paid at enced here and now. While wary of beliefs, Steinbach, Manitoba. values and lifestyles which exclude Christ, Registration Number: 0591 Mailing information: All Christians are to see goodness in life as signs correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of of God’s good presence. and new subscriptions, As we approach the new millennium, the address should be addressed to: more useful materials we read call on us to The Messenger RO. Box 1268 await our Lord’s return in practical faith Steinbach, Manitoba and service to others. Our calling as believ­ ROA 2A0 ers does not shift because the next calen­ Phone: 204-326-6401 dar year contains three zeros. Fax: 204-326-1613 We live in the awareness, partly now and E-mail: emcont@mts.net more yet to come, that “The kingdom of Cover: the world has become the kingdom of our Grace was amazing in a South Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for African courtroom (p.3), ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). We live in God’s world. Though life touches MESSENGER SCHEDULE 18 - October 20 us all with sadness, will we live in His world No. (copy due Oct. 8) also with wonder and hope? No. 19 - November 03 Terry M. Smith

(copy due Oct. 22)

THE MESSENGER

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MAGINE THIS SCENE from a recent courtroom trial in South Africa: A frail black woman stands slowly to her •feet. She is over seventy years of age. Facing her from across the room are several white security police officers, one of whom, Mr. van der Broek, has just been tried and found implicated in the murder of both the woman’s son and her husband some years before. It was indeed Mr. van der Broek, it has now been estab­ lished, who had come to the woman’s home a number of years back, taken her son, shot him at point-blank range and then burned the young man’s body on a fire while he and his officers partied nearby. Several years later, van der Broek and his cohorts had returned to take away her husband as well. For many months she heard nothing of his whereabouts. Then, al­ most two years after her husband’s disappearance, van der Broek came back to fetch the woman herself. How vividly she remembers that evening, going to a place beside a river where she was shown her husband, bound and beaten, but still strong in spirit, lying on a pile of wood. The last words she heard from his lips as the officers poured gasoline over his body and set him aflame were, “Father, forgive them.” And now the woman stands in the courtroom and lis­ tens to the confessions offered by Mr. van der Broek. A member of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Com­ mission turns to her and asks, “So, what do you want? How should justice be done to this man who has so bmtally destroyed your family?” “1 want three things,” begins the old woman, calmly, but confidently. “I want first to be taken to the place where my husband’s body was burned so that I can gather up the dust and give his remains a decent burial.” She pauses, then continues, “My husband and son were my only family. 1 want, secondly, therefore, for Mr. van der Broek to become my son. I would like for him to come twice a month to the ghetto and spend a day with me so I can pour on him whatever love I still have remain­ ing within me.” “And finally,” she says, “I want a third thing. I would like Mr. van der Broek to know that 1 offer him my forgiveness because Jesus Christ died to forgive. This was also the wish of my husband. And so, I would kindly ask someone to come to my side and lead me across the courtroom so that I can take Mr. van der Broek in my arms, embrace him and let him know that he is tmly forgiven.” As the court assistants come to lead the elderly woman across the room, Mr. van der Broek, overwhelmed by what he has just heard, faints. As he does, those in the court­ room, friends, family, neighbours — all victims of decades of oppression and injustice — begin to sing, softly, but assuredly — Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. SEPTEMBER 22, 1999

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Now, what words should one use to describe what is happening in this incredible scene? Is this peace? Heal­ ing? Wholeness? Justice? Well-being? Salvation? The answer...is yes! And when we come to realize the power of what we have just affirmed, we are well on the road to capturing the essence of what God’s cosmic plan for the universe has been about all along. The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:10: “[God has] set it all before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth” (The Message). Central to God’s intentions of “bringing everything to­ gether in Christ” is the Hebrew idea of shalom. The noun Shalom occurs some 235 times in the Old Testament and over 100 times in its Greek translation, eirene, in the New Testament. Shalom is a broad concept for the Hebrews. It is “human well-being in all its dimensions.” Personal and social. Physical and spiritual. Inward, outward and up­ warp rpHAT IS why words like peace, justice, righteousness I and salvation are often used interchangeably in the A. New Testament. They are all different aspects of what Jesus has come to bring, to be and to do. In God’s cosmic plan, Jesus restores peace (Eph. 2:16). Paul gets more emphatic: Jesus IS our peace (Eph. 2:14). And the peace Jesus makes possible is much bigger than we usually im­ agine. It is all-encompassing. Comprehensive. As expan­ sive as the universe. As up-close-and-personal as you and me. It is good news. The gospel. The “gospel of peace” (Acts 10:36). The evangelistic message God has asked us to make known to the world. In word and in deed. To the last, lost and least. At home and abroad. On the streets of our cities. In the courtrooms of justice. Until everyone everywhere has had the chance to hear the sweet sounds of Amazing Grace and experience God’s love, peace and forgiveness. It is not only indefensible to separate “peace work” from “evangelism,” it is heretical. Anabaptists, grounded in the scriptures and focused on Jesus, should know better. Yet, too often, we manage to diminish the Kingdom project and become enamoured by something less than the whole gospel of Jesus. Paul opened virtually every one of his epistles with a prayer that the church might receive God’s “grace and peace.” Amazing grace. Abiding peace. It is no less im­ portant now to keep these two together than it was 2000 years ago.

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James R. Krabill is Mennonite Board of Missions vice president for Mission Advocacy and Communication. This article is re­ printed with permission from the PJC newsletter (June 1999). PAGES

POEMS COMPOSED AT ABUNDANT SPRINGS ’99 To Know Him Like a Child

Scairching I used to look above the apple blossoms swabs of cotton candy on that tree in my backyard. I used to search for you. Usually a few orphaned birds found their way into my sight weaving their pattern through the silk of blue above. Sometimes even an airplane red and white and sweet hummed along to an unknown melody and flew away. But I never could find you. So I stopped searching. I found the soil instead embalmed myself in a carpet of grass let ladybirds tickle their way across my arm I had something so easily found and I didn’t need you. When all grew cold the blossoms disappeared. I found myself trembling and alone and needing you traipsing up that tree naked branches poking at my skin I glanced above without even a thought and 1 found you. With a silence you smiled and a glowing quilt of soft cotton candy wrapped its way around me. Candida Doerksen Fort Garry EMC (Winnipeg)

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The children approach silently, cautiously. This man is a stranger But they know Him somehow And trust Him. They have heard the stories of this man Told by their relatives and friends. He is from Galilee, performs miracles. And some say He is the Son of God! Though the children believe what they’ve been told. These stories aren’t why they trust Him. It’s His face. His eyes shine in love. His mouth smiles and shouts greetings. And His ears are always ready to listen. To Him, they are special. He never turns them away. When they sit on His lap. He whispers to them of a kingdom With no crying, where love conquers all. And they laugh and shout, and know He would never lie to them. For His kingdom is heaven. And He reigns as the Son of God! Heather Klassen Crestview Fellowship (Winnipeg)

God Gentle is God Faithful is God Kind is God Peace is God Good is God Patient is God Joy is God Strength is God Truth is God Love is God Great is God Near is God HERE IS GOD! Heather Klassen

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THE MESSENGER

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RESPONDING TO TURKEY’S QUAKE Donations are welcomed by MCC to as­ sist earthquake victims in Turkey. With many relief agencies already present, it is trying to determine how to respond to the area’s needs without duplicating other ef­ forts. Donations will be used in MCC pro­ grams or channelled through other organi­ zations. “In a disaster of this magnitude, needs will remain serious for many months,” an MCC spokesperson said.

CHILDREN’S STORIES SOUGHT MCC is seeking stories from adults and children about how to live “contented, joyful and generous lives in a world of lim­ its and great disparities.” The resource, to be available in 2001, is intended to coun­ ter advertising power that tells children their worth is measured by what they own. Stories of one to four paragraphs are welcome to be received by November 30. Send to Deborah Fast, 21 South 12th St., Box 500, Akron, PA 17501, or e-mail <dlf@mcc.org>. The e-mail subject line should read “creators.”

KROEKER WINS AWARD God’s Week Has Seven Days by Wally Kroeker of MEDA has received the award of merit from Excellence in Media as “a positive contribution to our society.” The book of 52 reflections which celebrate the “work week of God” is published by Her­ ald Press. Proceeds from the book are used to support MEDA programs around the world. AIDS IN BOTSWANA In September 1996 Botswana’s president gave a national address facing the prob­ lem of AIDS. He called for a partnership in education and research with churches, the most widespread grassroots network in the country. The rate of infection continues to climb because some in society see it as a curse rather than a medical problem, or deny a connection between promiscuity and AIDS, according to Rudy Dirks, who, with his wife, Sharon, began serving in Bot­ swana in 1996 with Mennonite Ministries. “It’s very wearing when every week someone else in our circle of acquaintcinces — colleagues, church leaders and their families — experiences death be­ cause of AIDS,” he said.

WN COORDINATOR NAMED Kathryn Mitchell Loewen of Winnipeg is the new Women’s Network Coordina­ tor within MCC Canada. She and her hus­ band, Russell, live in Winnipeg. In 1987-90 they served with MCC in Newfoundland.

SEPTEMBER 22, 1999

‘STICK NECK OUT’ “I figure that people like me have got to stick out their necks on victims’ issues,” said Howard Zehr, a leading authority on restorative justice. At one point he had felt victims were “a kind of a nuisance.” He has begun to see how central victims are to the process and how offenders sometimes aren’t held accountable, he said at a recent fomm on Victims’ Restora­ tive Justice. The forum was held by MCC Canada on August 19 in Winnipeg.

SCHOOL KITS GIVEN, NEEDED MCC has (by July) sent 54,223 kits to chil­ dren in nine countries; supplies are still needed. For information about kit con­ tents and drop-off points, call 888-622-6337 or check the website at <http://www.mcc.org/updates/ donating.html#school >. BALOCHISTAN VICTIMS NEEDY In 1998 southwest Balochistan, a normally bone-dry portion of Pakistan, suffered flash floods in which initial reports said over 300 people were killed and 85 villages de­ stroyed. Exact figures are hard to come by. MBMS International is helping to build sunshelter homes, and funds have been used for water supply projects, blankets, fixing a water pump and repairing school grounds. “Everything was so parched, and that was during the cool season — even the chick­ ens looked thirsty,” reported MBMS Inter­ national worker Craig Hallman after a visit to villages in the region.

PATHWAYS EXPLORES GRIEF A new bi-monthly journal for victims of violence, edited by Wilma Derksen, helps tell the personal stories of people who have lost loved ones to murder. The journal began in 1998 and is part of the work Derksen does as director of MCC Cana­ da’s Victims’ Voice program. Pathujays is free to victims of violence. MCC Canada can be contacted at 204-261-6381. BREAKING GUNS, SECURING PEACE After decades of war, Cambodia is awash in guns which threaten the nation’s fragile peace, according to Edgar Janz of MCC. Guns are commonly used in robberies, domestic disputes, murders and kidnappings. Corrupt authorities often sup­ plement meagre wages by using weapons to extort bribes, protect smuggling, or by illegally selling surplus guns. In Phnom Penh, the nation’s capital, an AK-47 assault rifle can be purchased for as little as $60; prices can drop to $ 15 in areas of recent fighting. On May 5 the government of Cambodia

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publicly destroyed more than 3,300 AK47s, M-16s and B-40 rocket launchers, col­ lected from local households. About 10,000 people witnessed the event, including Mennonite volunteers serving with the Working Group for Weapons Reduction (WGWR) in Cambodia. Plans are to sculpt the twisted metal into a statue of a knot­ ted gun. “By publicly destroying these weapons we have here the guarantee that these weapons will not be recycled by any traf­ ficking rings and that they are now de­ stroyed once and for all,” a WGWR mem­ ber said in a speech at the event. Among the WGWR workers are Neb Sinthay, who has served as a guerilla medic. “1 do not want other families to experi­ ence the same problems that my family has suffered,” Sinthay explains. With national elections held in July 1998 and the capture and defection of remain­ ing Khmer Rouge troops, Cambodia is en­ tering a period of peace. Small arms — assault rifles, handguns, and machine guns — are responsible for most deaths, soldier and civilian, in armed conflicts worldwide. PRAY FOR IRAQ “Who will care for the children?” is a question haunting Carmen Pauls, MCC project coordinator in Iraq. In a U.S./U.K. air strike on July 18, Ayad and Layla, par­ ents of seven children, were killed. Ayad’s aunt asked the question. Pauls invites prayer for these and other suffering chil­ dren and asks North Americans to reflect on their role and responsibility in Iraq’s trag­ edy. HONDURAN FARMERS HELPED Hurricane Mitch almost completely de­ stroyed 1998’s crop and in many places changed the soil’s composition. Among other actions, MCC has donated com from both the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and U.S. farmers to 485 families involved in a replanting and soil rehabilitation effort.

BALKAN CHRISTIANS MODEL FORGIVENESS Life is returning to ravaged areas of the former Yugoslavia, says Gerald Shenk, a former MCC worker there who has trav­ elled to the region. Only in the churches did he find the conviction that true peace is more than a worthy goal. People who invest their lives around faith are finding the resources to forgive. Each faith com­ munity becomes a rallying point where shattered lives again find meaning, he re­ ports. Shenk served in the former Yugoslavia from 1977-83 and 1987-89 with Eastern

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Mennonite Missions and MCC. Since then he has averaged one trip there per year. He is director for seminary development at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Virginia. INQUIRY HEARS MIXED VIEWS While John Aitchison, a commissioner for a church-led inquiry, called the treatment of people in Cross Lake, Manitoba, a “moral catastrophe,” David Newman, Manitoba’s minister of northern affairs, said the provin­ cial government has “done more to bring these matters forward in positive ways than anyone in the history of this province and in this country,” according to information from MCC. Both men, and more people, were in­ volved in the inquiry held in June in both Winnipeg and Cross Lake which looked into some of the effects of northern Mani­ toba hydro development. Major hydro-electric development in the 1970s on the Nelson and Churchill rivers al­ tered the traditional lands and waters of northern aboriginal peoples. In 1977 the fed­ eral and provincial governments, Manitoba Hydro, and five aboriginal communities signed the Northern Flood Agreement. The commissioners are expected to issue a final report this fall.

THERE ARE MORE REASONS TO INVEST WITH US EVERY DAY.

WHAT A SHAME. ranariian jl^wdgiains

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, Mennonite Central f Committee

As God has giaclously provided for us, so too should we provide for those who are less fortunate. Invest in the lives of hungry people throughout the world by making a donation to your church's account at Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

Grain donations can be made at any licensed facility on the Prairies or in Ontario. Cash donations to Canadian Foodgrains Bank are also welcome. Call 1-800-665-0377.

Wanted: YOMR 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 AAanitoba Come A Go! Lunch supplied. Bring a Friend! Students will share, A discussion will follow.

Robert J. Veitch

MFC APPOINTS MANAGER Robert J. Veitch of St. Jacobs, Ontario, has been appointed manager of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC), effective September 1, 1999. Veitch previously served as stewardship consultant in MFC’s Kitchener office. MFC’s head office is in Winnipeg, which meant a move for Veitch and his wife, Grace. They have two married daughters, one in Ontario and one in Manitoba, and a son in the Kitchener area. Following the announcement, Veitch said, “I am firmly com­ mitted to the mission of MFC and believe that my experience as a stewardship consultant will assist me in providing the lead­ ership that is required to guide the Foundation into its second quarter-century of stewardship service.” MFC received a federal charter as a charitable public founda­ tion in late 1973 and is celebrating twenty-five years of service to its five participating Mennonite conferences. That history is told in a book due for release this fall. MFC’s asset base grew to $40 million at the end of 1998. In its first twenty-five years, the Foundation distributed $13 million to Canadian charities. MFC PAGES

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EGYPT TIME TO LOSE WEIGHT? My biggest problem in bus riding is, how are people to squeeze past me down the aisle to the door? 1 don’t take up an inordi­ nate amount of space, but my backpack does. My happiest trips are when 1 carry noth­ ing. I’m free to pay attention to others and become involved with them. Is it any won­ der that Jesus advised the rich young ruler to sell all he had to follow Him? The bur­ den of riches could really weigh him down. At times we all get rid of unnecessary weight. How else could garage sales be so trendy? When making a big move don’t

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we cull useless stuff? Remember that sense of cleanness and freshness? Yet on a smaller scale, 1 keep carrying my bag of stuff for today or tomorrow. 1 weigh myself down with the mundane burdens of the day. Max Lucado writes of a bag of rocks, the burdens and concerns that keep us from experiencing fullness of life in Christ. Have you checked your pockets lately? In travel, worship, or a meal we need to be burden- and care-free. At the seminary it is easy to be under a continual burden of books, papers, assign­ ments. At the door of the chapel we di­ vest ourselves and enter for worship, yet I have often carried my stuff in with me. My classes, assignments, fmstrations and plans continue to jabber at me throughout the worship hour. To take it a step further, when we visited historical mosques, we had to leave our shoes behind. As we walked in socked feet, 1 felt tranquillity. Shoes are a symbol of readiness in the armour of God. How many times have you waited for some­ one to put on their shoes to prepare to go somewhere? Can you imagine how dif­ ferent our worship would be if we left everything we carry, including our shoes, at the door of the sanctuary? At the school cafeteria we abandon everything at the door so nothing will get in the way of our enjoying the food and

Lois Unrau (Steinbach) is an MCC volunteer teaching English at the Coptic Evan­ gelical Seminary in Cairo, Egypt. She be­ gan her three-year assignment in August 1998.

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The Tungag people rejoice over the arrival of eighty-nine boxes of New Testaments in their own language.

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA ASOUNG: LAUNCHING THE TUNGAG NEW TESTAMENT We travelled from other parts of the world to visit the island of Lovangai for the July 11 launching of Akus Ro, the New Tes­ tament in Tungag. It was the culmination of thirteen years of work for SIL transla­ tors Lesley and Marianne Fast and others. The formal launching, or asoung, was held SEPTEMBER 22, 1999

company. We have to learn to abandon, cast away, leave, to let go, so that the life intended can come to us, as we simply wait with open empty arms.

The Tungag translation and literacy team: Tenaen, Makago, Lesley Fast, Anicka, Siavor, Kunak, Renson, Temetun, Karin, Tapak, Peter Fast, Ainui, Peter Passingan, Ngurle (holding Evinni), Gertruth, Lauskap, Kerek, Marianne Fast.

in the village of Umbukul, on the western tip of the island. Tungag is spoken by 16,000 people, on Lovangai and a few nearby smaller islands. Most of the locals speak Tok Pisin (Pidgin English), the trade language of PNG, but they strongly prefer their mother tongue. A small minority with a high school or uni­ versity education are fluent in English. We were moved to learn of the Christian

faith’s local history, showing the longing and effort to understand and communi­ cate the light of God in Tungag. Tapak, a former teacher and pastor, told the story, passed on to him, of the night when young men fishing saw an unusual star; the wise men of the community un­ derstood that this indicated the coming of a new and very great person. The people of Umbukul sent a delegation to the neigh­ PAGE?

bouring island of Soson, where Christians were teaching and praying. They agreed to invite teachers to come to Umbukul and bring the knowledge and faith they pos­ sessed. This was in the late 1920s. These Methodists (now in the United Church) translated the Bible, hymns and liturgy into the Kuanua language, which were then used by many language groups in the islands. Pastors clarified the truths in Tungag. In the 1940s a Catholic missionary at the Lovangai mission station. Father Stamm, learned Tungag and translated hymns and liturgy. Pedi Anis, a former pre­ mier of New Ireland Province, recalled how concerned the late United Church bishop. Bias Maris, was for a vernacular Bible. We heard from Wilma Matalas, a young woman from Umbukul, employed by Sum­ mer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) in the early 1980s, who used to tell her home community about the feasibility of a ver­ nacular Bible translation. Ri Mauna remembered when a group formally decided to invite SIL to come to Umbukul. She and Ri Kerek cooked a meal, one of hundreds of meals women of Umbukul have prepared for translation committees over the years. In 1986, Umbukul welcomed Lesley and Marianne Fast, sent by SIL in response to their re­ quest. Tapak recalled with humour when the strangers first stepped out of a boat on the beach in Tengelik. He went over to shake their hands, and Lesley introduced himself, his wife, Marianne, and two little girls, Anicka and Karin, in Tungag. We treasured conversations with people who worked at this project persistently over the years. Many people learned skills and were involved in work they had only vaguely, if ever before, visualized: teach­ ing Tungag to Marianne and Lesley; pre­ paring first-draft translations; checking the translation; rechecking it; back translating the Tungag text; teaching others to read; writing reading material; printing reading material. Others dedicated the work they were

Marianne and Lesley Fast are EMC workers serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators in PNG.

very good at; preparing food, driving boats, building houses, and maintaining equip­ ment. The diverse group who form the Tungag translation team have experienced in­ tense pain, frustration, and apparent fail­ ure as gifted people dropped out. The re­ alization of the dream, which at times seemed unlikely, was worth it, they said, and they glorified God for His strength. The newly published books, in eightynine boxes carried among five boats, had been brought from the shipping wharf in Kavieng to Umbukul weeks earlier. The people of Umbukul, who had longed, prayed, and worked to see God’s word in Tungag, told of their awe and sense of God’s presence as the boats came in for­ mation to the village. Many people heard the boat motors and ran to the beach. Many could not sing a hymn because they were weeping. On the morning of asoung a large group

of young men, decorated with flowers and leaves, carried the unopened cartons on their shoulders from the church building to the school grounds. Konsikei, a pastor from the village of Meteselen, led the pro­ cession, blowing on a large conch shell. Also ahead of the boxes were some who have worked long and hard on the transla­ tion, including Lesley and Marianne and their children. The men set the cartons in long rows. Peter Passingan, the foundation of the translation project, opened the first box and carried a book up to Bishop Gerson Kapman of the United Church. The bishop prayed, publicly dedicating the book and thanking God for the arrival of this authori­ tative vernacular Good News. The launching continued with choirs and speeches; book buying in the school class­ rooms; and a feast of taro, sweet pota­ toes, beef cooked with coconut, pork, and fruit. The sun shone on the celebration. The children and young teens of 1986 are now young adults. Some were vitally involved in the translation and are taking leadership in what they see as an ongoing, crucial literacy program. Peter, Tapak and other fathers and mothers of the commu­ nity are exhorting these young people to maintain their commitment and involve­ ment. The launching is more than a culmina­ tion; it is the arrival of the most funda­ mental tool, the basis for the development of the spiritual and social life of the entire Tungag community. This newly arrived authoritative text, Tapak said, will be like the light of the sun: it rises over the moun­ tains in the east, begins to make its heat felt, and the warmth gradually extends over the entire island. Frances Fast

Frances Fast was in Papua New Guinea for the event cetebrating the completion of the New Testament into the Tungag lan­ guage. She is Lesley’s sister.

£)tvv NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED Steinbach, Man.: On May 30 three cou­ ples publicly committed themselves to the training of their children for the Lord. Eighteen members were added to our church on June 20, seven by baptism and eleven by membership transfer. Those transferring their membership were John and Helen Banman, Stephen Bilski, Leroy and Emily Barkman, Gary Dyck, Nettie Hildebrand, Stan and Alma Plett, and Pe­ ter and Dorothy Schellanberg. On August 15 farewell services were held for Loren and Beth Koehler who were on their way back to Africa after a year’s furPAGE 8

« lough. They are missionaries under Wycliffe, working with Bible translation. The Koehlers have been members of the Wycliffe Bible Translators since 1988. In 1990 they were assigned to work with the Budu people in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (then known as Zaire). They have three daugh­ ters; Katrina, Victoria and Priscilla. Because of the war in Congo, they expect to reside in Nairobi, Kenya, for the coming year. Two weeks later, on August 29, we bid farewell to John and Charity Schellenberg and son Evan who left for Burkina Easo, Africa, on September 1. The Schellenbergs

will be team coordinators/church planters under the EMC and AIMM. Their job will consist of team building among mission teams which relate to unreached peoples in Kenedougou prov­ ince, building relations between the mis­ sion and national Mennonite churches, and continuing the work of church planting among the Senufo people. Ten years ago their stay in Burkina Faso was interrupted by illness. Photos of Koehlers and Schellenbergs were published in the September 8 Mes­ senger. Dave Schellenberg THE MESSENGER

«

Participating in parent/child dedication in the Steinbach EMC were Kim and David Field with Reece Gideon, Barb and Dean Theisen with Lenden Carl, Jacqui and Mike Broesky with Christian Michael Scott. Pastor Arden Thiessen stands with them.

FOUR BAPTIZED Pelly, Sask.: Four people were baptized on the confession of their faith on July 11. Pastor Kenton Penner baptized them in the Assiniboine River. Here is a bit of their testimonies before they were baptized.

Tricia Shingoose: “I am a 16-year-old teen­ ager from Saskatchewan. I am also a bornagain Christian. Praise the Lord! Before that, I was something else...I grew up in an environment that wasn’t too positive ... Coming from a background such as mine, an individual would not come out to be an angel or positive...While I was breaking the law, my actions were catching up to me. “I met...a fine Christian man. He told me about Jesus and how he died on Calvary’s tree so that I may be redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus...When I was hurt­ ing so much, I called on the name of the Lord. Wow! I can tell you when I chose to call on His name. He helped me. He

Baptized at the Steinbach EMC on June 20 were Crystal Nickel, Shauna Patram, Amanda Davis, Brennan Klassen, Russel Reimer, Solomon Beaulieu and Nathan Dueck.

walked with me every minute I was in custody and is still with me and living in my heart.”

Donald Hamm: “As 1 got into my teens, 1 began to think that maybe 1 did make a commitment to the Lord when 1 was smedl. Then 1 pretty much left it at that...I started doubting 1 was a Christian...On April 29, 1998,1 accepted the Lord into my heart. I then felt a big change in my life. “After this commitment, made with Pas­ tor Kenton’s help, 1 finally had the joy and peace I was searching for. If we have His love in our hearts we can come to Him with every problem and temptation that we face in day-to-day life...l am taking this step because of my faith in the Lord and to show that I am a Christian.”

Connie Rudachyk: “I would participate in Sunday school and listen to the sermon, but only one day a week. 1 would be cut­ ting people down, swearing or doing what­ ever it was to try to fit in...Then I realized I wasn’t doing what 1 was supposed to, just because I was going to church. 1 was being a ‘convenient Christian.’ “1 realized I had to either change or not pretend, so 1 changed and 1 asked Jesus into my heart and life...1 see such a change in my life. Now it’s hard to believe 1 am still the same person. 1 want to see other peo­ ple become Christians and the change that takes place in their lives.”

ful for that...Continue in prayer for those of us who are being baptized.” Phyllis Dyck GOLDEN ANNIVERSARIES Landmark, Man:

Arnold and Annie Reimer celebrated fifty years of marriage on June 20. They were married on June 19, 1949.

Shannon Dyck: “My Sunday school teach­

Baptized on July 11 were Tricia Shingoose, Donald Hamm, Connie Rudachyk, and Shannon Dyck. Pastor Kenton Penner stands with them. SEPTEMBER 22, 1999

ers were an inspiration to me, and because of them I wanted more than anything to become a Christian, and I did become a Christian. However, as I got older tempta­ tion played a part in my life. I felt I had no control over what I did, but I knew that God wanted me to change.... “To describe the change that took place in my life, I could tell you only half, because the change is still happening. God has turned my life around and I’m thank-

Elma and Ben Plett celebrated their golden

wedding on July 11. They were married on July 3, 1949. Harold Plett PAGE 9

MEMORABLE FAMILY CAMP Kleefeld, Man.: We held our family camp on June 4-6. This is a time to get away from our daily routine and meet with our church family. We camped at Roseau River Bible Camp and enjoyed the facilities, horseback riding, tennis and river rafting. Our speaker was Harvey Plett, and his

main sessions were on communication. By playing a few games of skill, we learned how some of us communicate. We know that Vik and Martha Sawatzky learned lots about communication, as we all did. The final evening closed with a session on the importance of forgiving each other and ourselves.

New members as of April 25 are Rob and Jen Reimer, Dave and Wanda Giesbrecht, Wayne and Patti Unger, Tom and Mary Peters, Dean and Lisa Kamstra. With them are Youth Pastor Matt and Kathy Funk (left) and Pastor Abe and Katherine Bergen (right).

See you at RRBC next summer! If you come again, Mr. Plett, please remember to bring an extra pair of dry pants, or ask Ken Zacharias if we are using the spare raft before we hear that deflating sound halfway down the river! Lucy Dueck

Baptized on April 25 were Rob Reimer (transfer), Cara Peters, Robyn Penner, Roger Bohren. Our pastoral couples stand with them.

A Brenda and Gordon Hiebert were baptized on May 1. Pastoral couple Katherine and Abe Bergen stand with them.

Cradle Roll graduation included Riana Bartel (Tim and Jodi), Bailey Funk (Brian and Lara), Jaime Loewen (Ken and Angela), Emilie Bartel (Bob and Iris), Graydon Penner (Don and Dorothy), Malachi Kamstra (Dean and Lisa), Lofton Barkman (Russ and Jen), Austin Plett (Kyle and Merle), Janessa Reimer (Darrel and Suzanne).

9

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i

Vacation Bible School was held in Reynosa, Mexico.

The team played with children before the rallies.

‘NOT EXTRA SPECIAL’ Mount Salem, Ont.; Young people and sponsors participated in a missions trip to Reynosa, Mexico, from July 9-19. The first

week was an orientation in La Grulla, Texas; the second week found the group responsible for VBS and rallies in one of the poorest areas in Mexico.

PAGE 10

Judy Janzen shared her testimony with the help of an interpreter, Becky Garza. Many, including those on the team, were touched by it. The team spent one to two hours playing with the children before the rallies. They loved to play and were full of energy and life, with seemingly not a care in the world. On the final day there was a water-balloon fight. Sue Loewen shares her experiences: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced them­ selves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10). “My jeans look worn; 1 need a new pair. Our car has some rust; we need a new one. We need a bigger house, a better job. Money! Take that away and our griefs would be few, and the burdens would be THE MESSENGER

much lighter. That life of simplicity was evident in Reynosa. “During our orientation we were told that none of us are extra special. The people have youth groups come every year, teach­ ing VBS and holding rallies. 1 thought, What? Nothing special? We worked for months to get the money, made sacrifices over and over, and he's saying I’m not spe­

cial? 1 was shocked and hurt, as were many others. We were no longer confident as we entered Mexico. After all, who were we to tell these people about God! “That was what God wanted of us — to be on the level of the people. He wanted all of us so He could mould and shape us according to His image. He wanted us to learn to totally tmst Him.

“Jesus was everywhere, especially in the children’s eyes. Nowhere in our material­ istic world can Jesus be seen as clearly as in the eyes of children. We found Him among the poor and destitute, yet blessed, people. That’s where Jesus is — because no one else is.” Tami Wall

KNOWING GOD BETTER Winnipeg, Man. (St. Vital): On February 21, our growing congregation began meet­ ing in the gymnasium of Samuel Burland School, 192 Burland Ave. in south St. Vital. It has given us much-needed space for classrooms, visiting, and for children to run and play. Prior to our move, we welcomed two new members: Victor Degtiarev trans­ ferred his membership on January 31, and Larry Storey shared his testimony and was baptized on February 7. Larry shared how he came closer to God when he stopped merely believing in God and started to actually know Him. It was a reminder that we have to spend time with God, getting to know Him so that our faith does not stagnate. The church ladies spent a weekend (Feb­ ruary 12-14) at Camp Cedarwood getting to know each other and God better. Audrey Harder spoke to us from Isaiah: •Trusting God — even when He seems to do contradictory things. •Forgetting things by choosing to put them behind us and not dwelling on them. •Knowing who we are, who God is, and what life is.

• Remembering whom we serve and why we serve Him. We also enjoyed games, an outdoor hot tub, sleigh rides, indoor wall climbing, tube sliding, cross-country skiing, hiking and visiting. The candlelight banquet on Sat­ urday evening was a highlight. It was a re­ juvenating weekend. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to bring it together! On June 6 a bridal and baby shower was held at the home of Gordon and Mary Bueckert, honouring parents Jeff and Lynelle Thiessen and their new daughter; a newly married couple. Merle and Loma Kroeker; and engaged couples, Doris Helbig and Sean Miller, Jenya Gnatyuk and Victor Degtiarev, Julie Dueck and James Chychota. Our Sunday school picnic was held in a large, private clearing in St. Vital Park, with people praising God during the lively sing­ ing. Steve Warkentin illustrated how God fills up the God-shaped hole in our lives, bring­ ing us intact through trials. Volunteers held balloons. Those filled with air exploded when a flame was held beneath them, but the balloon filled with water came through the trial by fire intact. God’s Spirit

in us is the water that will enable us to come through the trials of life (John 7:3739). A meal and an afternoon of games was held. God blessed us with good weather. Natalie Dueck

Victor Degtiarev, here with his fiancee, Jenya Gnatyuk, was accepted into St. Vital’s membership in January. (They were married on August 14.)

A second parent/child dedication service took place on May 30, with Nathan and Genevieve Kroeker with Mia, and Lynelle and Jeff Thiessen with Brynae taking part.

FOLLOWING GOD Winnipeg, Man. (Fort Garry): Paul Klassen, Jesse Dyck and Alana Neudorf were baptized in June. Here is Alana’s testimony: “Then he said to them all, ‘If anyone de­ sires to come after me, let him deny him­ self and take up his cross daily and follow me’ (Luke 9:23). 1 believe that by being

baptized today 1 am showing everybody that this is exactly what 1 am doing — for­ getting my selfishness and deciding to fol­ low God throughout my life. “1 grew up in a Christian home and learned the ways of God early in life, and at the age of six or seven I became a Chris­ tian. “My life has always revolved around

SEPTEMBER 22, 1999

Larry Storey was baptized at the St. Vital EMC.

A parent/child dedication service was held at the St. Vital church on March 28: Pastor Al Friesen, Shauna and Derek Kroeker with Emily, Jennifer and Cory Wilson with Cameron.

God, at times more so than at others. God has tested me a few times, and these tests have made me stronger. 1 have experi­ enced the truth of Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “My commitment to Jesus means so PAGE 11

much to me, and recently I have felt the Lord’s presence deep within me, with such an overwhelming peaceful feeling. After this experience 1 knew that baptism was the next step that God wants me to take in my spiritual journey. “1 know that the road He will lead me on will not always be easy, but 1 also know that 1 will get through the difficult times with the Lord at my side. I believe that I will continue to have a stronger relation­ ship with God every day.” Glen and Belly Klassen

EMC KIDS’ CORNER

Alana Neudorf, Paul Klassen and Jesse Dyck were baptized in June. COMING EVENTS

EVER STOMPED IN A MUD PUDDLE? DO YOU THINK God enjoys watching you stomp through mud puddles or crunch through small frozen puddles? Does He chuckle as you look at a giraffe? Or laugh when you see icicles hanging from a house? Does He smile when you ride a skateboard or sees you zip down a waterslide? Who gave you a smile? And Who gave you the ability to laugh? Or to have fun? Jesus did. Jesus enjoys it when kids are kids! Can you name a man whose last name is a day of the week'!’ Billy Sunday was a base­ ball player who became a Christian. He be­ gan to tell others about Jesus. He told a crowd that God must have a sense of hu­ mour. How did he know this? Billy said God must have a sense of humour because He created funny-looking animals. Have you ever looked at a lizard's tongue? Or felt inside a kangaroo’s pouch? What good does a horn do for a rhino if it doesn’t take music lessons? (Why is a rabbit’s nose shiny? It’s because the powder puff is on the wrong end.) Lizard and kangaroo, rhino or rabbit, many beautiful, funny creatures have been made by God. My son, Jonathon, likes a duck-billed platypus. I like guinea pigs. (My dad once had a guinea pig sit on his leg. He decided to feed it a bit of orange peeling. Don’t do that!) Are you different from your brother or sis­ ter'? Are you short, tall, big, small, thin, solid? Do you have freckles, red hair, black hair, brown hair, blond hair, or no hair? God like.s people of all shapes and sizes. He enjoys that we are different, unique, spe­ cial. He enjoys you. So stomp through a mud puddle for Jesus. (Just ask your mom if it’s okay first.) If she says no (and she might), then you and Jesus can have fun some other way. Terry Smith

Editor's note: We are looking for a column­ ist to write monthly for kids ages 5-12 years.

PAGE 12

The E. M. Conference invites applications for the position of General Secretary Responsibilities include: Overall administration of Board of Missions programs Management/coordination of conference office personnel and facilities Administration of conference finances Coordination of conference events A job description is available upon request. Preference will be given to applicants with experience and/or training in missions, administration and accounting. Duties to commence July 1, 2000 Submit application with resume and cover letter to: Stan Plett, Chainnan EMC Search Committee Box 1420, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Phone: 204-326-6451 • Fax: 204-326-6908 E-mail: splett@sbcollege.mb.ca

MORWEENA TO HOLD THANKSGIVING AND DEDICATION WEEKEND The Morweena EMC invites friends from the surrounding communities to a Thanks­ giving celebration and new building dedi­ cation on October 10 and 11. On Sunday, October 10, 3:30 p.m., there will a time of celebration and consecra­ tion. A light supper and an informal time of fellowship will follow the afternoon session. On Monday, October 11, 6:30 p.m., there will be a Thanksgiving Supper and celebra­ tion of the completion of our new build­ ing. For more information call Joe and Grace Reimer (204-364-2400), Glenn and Norma Plett (204-364-2271), or Tim and Alvina Reimer (204-364-3008).

September 24-25 InScribe, Christian Writers' Fellowship Fall Conference King's University College Edmonton, Alta. Phone: 780-988-5622

September 28 Wanted: Your Gilts! EMC Post-Secondary Students Meeting Room 205-207, University Centre University of Manitoba Phone: 204-326-6401 Sept. 28-Oct. 1 Canadian Council of Christian Charities Annual Convention Religion and Law Phone: 519-669-5137 September 30 RGBI Gratitude Banquet Bethel Bergthaler Mennonite Winkler, Man. Phone: 204-324-8283 October 1 RGBI Gratitude Banquet Grant Memorial Baptist Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-254-1883

October 1-3 SEMCEC '99 Equipping the Saints Steinbach Regional Secondary School Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-433-7488 October 4 RGBI Gratitude Banquet Church of the Open Bible Swift Current, Sask. Phone:306-778-2317 October? RGBI Gratitude Banquet Ebenezer Baptist Saskatoon, Sask. Phone: 306-254-2023

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 Ames, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401

THE MESSENGER

ARCHIVES USES COMPUTER DATABASE

Julie Friesen, of Steinbach, Manitoba, worked in the EMC archives from July 12 to September 4, organizing personal col­ lections and entering files on a computer database. Friesen worked under the direction of the Archives Committee within the Board of Church Ministries (BCM). Archivist emeritus David K. Schellenberg provided

a.

IL

supervision. Schellenberg has been in­ volved with the archives for many years. At the time of Friesen’s employment The Messenger received two computers to op­ erate a new layout program. This freed a computer for archival use. Funding for Friesen’s summer employ­ ment came out of the EMC/BCM budget and through Manitoba CareerStart.

Julie Friesen entered more than 1,600 files into the archives computer database.

Have Sclielleiil>erj»' Steinbach, MB

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE YEARS ago, on July 31, the paddlewheel steamer International docked at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers at Fort Garry (now Winnipeg). On board were more than 300 individuals representing the first contingent of 7000 Mennonites from Rus­ sia who would migrate to Manitoba in the 1870s. “Why do we celebrate thik coming?” asked Royden Loewen, speaking on his assigned topic. Remembering, when the coming was celebrated at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach on August 1,1999. The theme was 7b This Land Has the Lord Led Us. He continued, “We celebrate this coming for the simple reason that these women and men are our heroes of faith. They made Hebrews 11 a reality — faith, the acceptance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. They left the security of their town in Borosenko [Russia] and headed westward 125 years ago.” On the boat were the precursors of the EMC, then known as Kleine Gemeinde (small church). Two of the passengers, Cornelius Toews and David Klassen, had been in Manitoba the pre­ vious year as delegates of the Kleine Gemeinde, sent with other delegates to investigate immigration possibilities. Toews and Klassen had returned with a report favouring settlement in Manitoba. Before their return journey, they and other delegates had received favourable concessions for Mennonites from Ot­ tawa, including the following privileges: complete exemption from military ser­ vice; a free grant of land in Manitoba; the right to conduct their own traditional

SEPTEMBER 22, 1999

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schools, with German and Bible as the main subjects; the privilege of affirming in court instead of taking an oath; a cash grant for passage from Hamburg to Fort Garry. The grant was thirty dollars per adult, fifteen dollars per child under eight years of age, and three dollars per infant. After the delegates’ return to Russia, preparations began for mass emigration. “The enthusiastic reports of the Commit­ tee and the information that land could be had in any quantity and on easy terms, with religious freedom, in both the United States and Canada, aroused great interest throughout the colonies in the winter of 1874 and 1875,” says historian C. Henry Smith. However, difficulties which tested their faith lay ahead; Everybody wanted to sell, and there was nobody to buy. Getting passports permitting emigration from the country was frequently a tedious process. Government officials at St. Petersburg sought to stem the immigration tide, real­ izing there was a strong likelihood of los­ ing 40,000 of the Czar’s industrious farm­ ers in South Russia. Adjutant General von Todtleben said that he was called into the private office of the Czar and instructed to go to South Russia to try to persuade Mennonites to remain in Russia. Todtleben offered those who would re­ main certain exemptions from the most objectionable features of the new military law: civil service as a substitute for the compulsory military service required in the proposed conscription act. While the majority seemed satisfied with these con­ cessions, there was a strong minority who preferred emigration to any compromise with their conscience. However, unsubstantiated reports

fuelled cause for fear about America. A rumour spread around Prussia stating “that the whole Mennonite settlement in Kansas had been wiped out by the Indians. The men had all been killed and the women carried away into captivity.” A Russian settler received a letter from friends in Russia “in which the writer stated that it was reported among his people that Yankton had sunk, that the people in the region nearby were starv­ ing and that war with the Indians was inevitable” (Smith). One can readily see that such reports, if believed, could cause some to fear and doubt. Migration was not new to the Mennonites. Eight thousand people had migrated from Prussia and elsewhere to Russia from 1778 on. By 1874 the popula­ tion had grown to 45,000; of these, 18,000 would leave. Almost all of the Kleine Gemeinde left — first in 1874 under Toews and Klassen, and then in 1875, under Elder Peter Toews. They settled mostly in five vil­ lages on the East Reserve: Gruenfeld, Rosenfeld, Blumenort, Blumenhof and Steinbach, and in two settlements on the West Reserve: Rosenort and Rosenhof; the remainder, under the leadership of Abraham Friesen, settled in Jansen, Ne­ braska. The worship folder at the August 1 com­ memorative service carried the follow­ ing tribute to our forefathers who set­ tled this land: “With the deep apprecia­ tion of our hearts we recall the names of all who came in faith and courage to set­ tle this good land. They gave all that they had to lay the foundation of the blessing we now experience as the fact of our living. “Keeping true to their vision, let us, like them, dedicate ourselves to the love of God and neighbour, respect for the land, and preservation of the living hope that is given in the name of God, revealed by the Holy Spirit through the gospel of Je­ sus Christ.” Today we sing. Faith of our fathers, liv­ ing still. Can we truthfully sing that? May it be so.

PAGE 13

Church planter needed forTillsonburg, in south­ ern Ontario. The worker would be under fulltime EMC Board of Missions support and is needed as soon as possible. The ability to speak Low German and an understanding of conserva­ tive German-speaking Mennonites are assets. Contact Canadian Secretary John Koop at 204326-6401 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 306-688-2996 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 Oasis, Chi­ huahua State. Contact EMC Foreign Secre­ tary Lester Olfert or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, John Koop). EMC ministry opportunities in Paraguay. Church ministries workers are needed to fol­ low up contacts, disciple new believers and train for leadership. Church organizational skills are an asset. Involvement would be within mral and urban settings. Contact Lester Olfert or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, John Koop).

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

FEHR - to Isaak and Mary Fehr of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Nathanael Paul, on May 18, 1999. REMPEL - to Henry and Agatha Rempel of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Julia Christy, on June 24, 1999. DUECK - Darcy and Connie Dueck of Stephenfield, Man. (Roseisle EMC), a daughter, Rachel Nicole, on June 22, 1999.

FROESE - to Joe and Sally Froese of La Crete, Alta., a son, Jared Laine, on June 17, 1999. BRAUN - to John and Barb Braun of La Crete, Alta., a son, Alexander Nicholas Wilhelm, on June 26, 1999. FRIESEN - to Henry and Mary Friesen of Brantford, Ont., a son, Nathan William Dmitri, on May 30, 1999.

DUECK - to Kent and Sandy Dueck of Winnipeg, Man., a son. Brock Alexander Kent, on May 27, 1999. DERKSEN - to Harvey and Annie Derksen of La Crete, Alta., a son, Dustin David, on May 18, 1999. LOEWEN - to Norman and Bev Loewen of La Crete, Alta., a daughter, Brittney Mae, on May 12, 1999. HIEBERT - to Gordon and Brenda Hiebert of New Bothwell, Man., a daughter, Katherine Naomi, on April 14, 1999. REIMER - to Darrel and Suzanne Reimer of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Cheyleah Kristanie Sharone, on June 22, 1999. PENNER - to Myron and Darlene Penner of Blumenort, Man., a son, Alex John, on June 8, 1999. UNGER - to Jake and Christine Unger of Kleefeld, Man., a son, Riley Cody Abram, on May 1, 1999. BURICK - to Brian and Tracy Burick of Swan River, Man., a son, Benjamin Calder, on February 3, 1999. BARKMAN - to Garry and Cynthia Barkman of Panama, a son, Kaleb Austin, on June 15, 1999.

VERSTOEP - to Marteen and Amy Verstoep of Spruce Grove, Alta., a son, Thomas Parker, on August 11, 1999. THIESSEN - to Jeff and Lynelle Thiessen of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Brynae Sarina Mae, on April 27, 1999. FRIESEN - to Ryan and Sandra Friesen of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Taysia Ryanne, on June 24, 1999. REIMER - to Tim and Alvina Reimer of Arborg, Man., a daughter, Mikaela Brooklyn Joy, on August 3, 1999.

PAGE 14

PLETT - to Stan and Liz Plett of Arborg, Mem., a daughter, Keandra Roxanne, on August 7, 1999. LOEWEN - to Dale and Coralie Loewen of Sarto, Man., a son, Texas Tracy, on July 8, 1999.

TEICHROEB - Eric and Anne Teichroeb of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Nicole Alexandra, on August 12, 1999.

FRIESEN - to Gil and Elma Friesen of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Kaitlyn Danae, on August 19, 1999. KAMPEN - to Bruno and Audrey Kampen of Blumenort, Man., a son, Oliver John, on August 17, 1999.

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).

Senior pastor position is available at the Mount Salem EMC, Aylmer, Ontario. Duties are to begin in the early spring of 2000. Contact search committee mem­ bers Arnold Loewen 519-773-2728 (fax at same number) or David Dyck 519765-1409.

PLETT - to James and Maryann Plett of Blumenort, Man., a son, Trenton James, on April 15, 1999. PLETT - to Mark and Sandy Plett of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter. Holly Simone, on May 25, 1999. KORNELSEN - to Lowell and Carolyn Kornelsen of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Noah Henry, on July 24, 1999. BOURGEOIS - to Glenn and Lynn Bourgeois of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Nathan Wyatt, on April 3, 1999.

NEUFELD - to Jake and Mary Neufeld of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Jordan Gabe, on July 9, 1999. REDEKOP - to John and Tina Redekop of Tillsonburg, Ont., a son, Michael Shawn, on July 21, 1999. ENNS - to Isaac and Tina Enns of Port Burwell, Ont., a son, Michael Anthony, on August 6, 1999. HAMM - to Dave and Lisa Hamm of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Julie Chantele, on August 17, 1999. DYCK - to George and Sara Dyck of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Stephanie Yvonne, on September 1, 1999. PLETT - to Mike and Deidre Plett of Landmark, Man., a son, Nolan Michael, on July 5, 1999. REIMER - to Gerald and Sandy Reimer of Rosenort, Man., a son, Andrew David, on September 7, 1999.

THE MESSENGER

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ZACHARIAS - PENNER; Ron, son of Jake and Tina Zacharias of St. Thomas, Ont., and Helen, daughter of George and Maria Penner of Aylmer, Ont., were married on August 14, 1999. The wedding took place at the Waterworks Park in St. Thomas, with Wilbert Friesen officiating. The couple resides in Steinbach, Man. SIEMENS - KRETCHMER: Greg, son of Ed and Vi Siemens of Newton, Man., was married on May 29, 1999, to Sonya, daughter of Tim and Wanda Kretchmer of Blumenort, Man. The wedding took place at the Blumenort EMC, with Barry Plett officiating. The couple lives in Blumenort. BRANDT - AYERS: Lydell, son of Peter and Alvera Brandt of Blumenort, Man., and Renae, daughter of Gordon and Myrna Ayers of Manyberries, Alta., were married in Medicine Hat, Alta., on June 26, 1999, with Dave Shaus of Etzicom, Alta., officiating. The couple resides in Blumenort. CHYCHOTA - DUECK: James, son of Roger and Donna Chychota of Dauphin, Man., and Julie, daughter of Jake and Diana Dueck of Rosenort, Man., were married in Winnipeg on July 17, 1999. MILLER - HELBIG: Sean, son of Ron and Ann Miller, was married on July 10, 1999, to Doris, daughter of Siegfried and Ingeborg Helbig. The wedding took place at Henry’s Steak House in Winnipeg, with Al Friesen officiating. DEGTIAREV - GNATYUK: Victor Degtiarev and Jenya Gnatyuk were married at the Portage Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg on August 14, 1999, with Al Friesen officiating. The couple resides in Toronto, Ont.

HENRY W. LOEWEN 1924-99 The Creator of life and death, in His all­ wise plan, took our loving father and grand­ father unto Himself on June 29, 1999. Dad was the fifth child of Abram P. and Maria (nee Warkentin) Loewen, born on Febru­ ary 27, 1924, in Rosenort, Manitoba. He received his education at the Greenbank School in Rosenort. When he was sixteen doctors told him that he had a weak heart. His heart affected him increasingly in later years. At the age of nineteen Dad acknowledged his lost condition and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. He was baptized on the confession of his faith and received into church membership by Bishop Jacob B. Kroeker on June 27, 1943. During the Sec­ ond World War he served in CO camps, where he faced a variety of hardships. Dad moved to Mexico in 1948, where he married Maria Thiessen on September 3, 1950. Mom and Dad lived in Central and South America. They moved to Canada in 1982, and lived in Aylmer, Ontario, and SEPTEMBER 22. 1999

ABRAM R FRIESEN 1942-1999 I have fought the good fight, I have fin­ ished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of right­ eousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day (2 Timothy 4:7,8). Mr. Abram P. Friesen was born on Au­ gust 29,1942, to his parents, Gerhard and Maria Friesen, in Chihuahua, Mexico. He would have been fifty-seven on his next birthday. On Sunday morning. May 30, he suf­ fered a stroke and was admitted to the

Fisher Branch, Manitoba. When Mennonites from Belize moved to Northfield, Nova Scotia, in 1984 they also moved and lived there until they passed away. Dad had a heart attack in 1992, followed by several strokes a few years later, which affected his speech. During the past two months he seemed to feel better, but on June 24 he awoke with severe pain and was taken to the Halifax Infirmary. His in­ testines were perforated, but because of Dad’s poor health the doctors decided not to operate. Dad was in a lot of pain and rapidly lost strength. He had another stroke, and passed away after a five-day hospital stay. We thank the doctors and nurses at the Halifax Hospital for their help and loving care of our father during this difficult time. We also thank those who have visited us, brought in meals, and prayed for us dur­ ing our bereavement. Dad reached the age of seventy-five years, four months, and two days. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maria,

St. Thomas/Elgin Memorial Hospital. On Wednesday evening, June 2, after a sec­ ond stroke, he finished his course here on earth and went to meet his Saviour. Abe grew up in Mexico and came to Ontario in 1960 to find work. In 1964 he was baptized upon his confession of faith in the Old Colony Church by Bishop Jacob Penner. That same year, on June 28, he mar­ ried Aganetha (Nettie) Giesbrecht, with whom he shared almost twenty-eight years of companionship. He faithfully cared for her during the time she suf­ fered with cancer. Nettie passed away on April 3, 1992. On July 26, 1992, Abe married Susie Neudorf, and they enjoyed almost seven years together. Abe was a friendly, faithful and loving friend to all. He will be deeply missed by many friends and neighbours, espe­ cially by Abe and Justina Klassen, their next-door neighbours for many years. Abe loved to travel and made many trips to Mexico and Texas. He enjoyed gos­ pel hymns and learned to play some of his favourites on the organ he bought with money he saved when he quit smoking. He worked at Imperial To­ bacco for thirty-three years. He is survived by his wife, Susie. He was predeceased by his first wife, Nettie; his parents, Gerhard and Maria Friesen; two brothers, Jake and George; and two sisters who died in childhood. He will be missed by his wife, Susie, many friends and relatives, and the commu­ nity. His Family

his parents, three sisters and one half­ brother. He leaves to mourn his passing, six sons and seven daughters: Elizabeth and Peter Penner (Nova Scotia), Daniel and Maria (Ontario), Margaret and Ben Penner (Mani­ toba), Elma (Nova Scotia), Mary and Ben Wall (Ontario), Helen and Gerhard Dueck (Nova Scotia), Susan (Nova Scotia), Abe and Trudy (Manitoba), Henry and Margaret (Ontario), Peter and Maria (Nova Scotia), Tina (Nova Scotia), John and Martha (Nova Scotia), and Ben and Linda (Nova Scotia); thirty-one grandchildren; one sister, Tina and Dietrich Dueck (Belize), and one brother, John and Susie (Manitoba); and many in-laws. We are thankful that Dad has been re­ leased from his suffering, but we will miss him greatly. We sorrow not as those who have no hope, for we have the confidence that we will meet him again in heaven. His Family

PAGE 15

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PACT

Living witk Mixed Blessings Diane Koop 1 FIND MYSELF living in a very strange neighbourhood. Terry Smith’s editorial (The Messenger, June 23) said 1 have never lived anywhere in the world where neigh­ that Jesus sent us into the world as He was in the world (John 17:18). He gave several examples of people living in bours interact as much as mine do here in Mexico. Dur­ their world trying to reach out to the down-and-out. I find ing our second year in Mexico we moved to the end of a that this is a difficult task. It is very easy for Christians cul de sac and were warmly welcomed by our neighbours (though more difficult for missionaries) to live in our safe upon our arrival. We thought that aside from the occa­ sional greeting when we met outside, we wouldn’t do and comfortable “Christian” world. In trying to live with non­ much with them. We were Christians in our social circle, mistaken. Like 1 said, this is 1 have found one thing to be an unusual neighbourhood. true: You must enter their Even before we arrived world if you want them to here, they had signed a neigh­ come to yours. 1 don’t nec­ bourhood pact: rules to fol­ essarily enjoy some of the so­ low for good neighbourly re­ cial events, but through go­ lationships. This group, about ing we have gained their re­ ten families (some have spect. They have come with since moved), get together us occasionally to a special for many reasons: birthdays, church service or a Christian anniversaries, holidays. music concert, and have also When the kids play on the come to our home. street, 1 can rest assured that Have we seen any results they are being watched not of our lifestyle evangelism? only by me. There is a real sense of family, of commu­ Diane Koop (centre), with her husband, Ernie, and two sons, The first time we had the nity, of caring one for the Michael and Christopher, Hues in Chihuahua City, Mexico. Ernie neighbours over for a meal other. This experience has is involved in developing church leadership. The Koops are their children were heard saying, “The only time our been a blessing in many members of the Steinbach EEC. parents don’t get drunk is ways. The challenging side is that we are the only evangelical when we come to the Koops.” They’ve been over many times since. Christians; most of the others would say they are Catho­ Salt and light? We have introduced our neighbours to lic. Our social activities include great food, fun, loud mu­ table games and other forms of entertainment which have sic, smoking, drinking and at times dancing — this is the environment we socialize in. Our goal has always been to changed the way we party. We invited them to a Valen­ win them for Christ. We don’t drink, smoke, tell dirty jokes, tine’s party, where we played the Newlywed Game; they said they hadn’t had so much fun in years. They’re a tough and we don’t dance. So what do we do? This is where we crowd to win; our Bible study attempt turned sour fast, encounter our mixed blessings. We are living in the world but God is working. For this reason we must leave our but trying to stand apart. We cannot isolate ourselves safe environment and step out. from the world we wish to win, but this world is also influ­ We may never see the results of living with our neigh­ encing our children. Our boys have learned some pretty ugly language, some of which has been specifically taught bours, but we know we have tried to be faithful in doing our part. / planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God to them. Some of our neighbours find it cute to hear the made it grow (1 Cor. 3:6). little gringo boys swear. 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

FRIESEN..

fiLBERT K.

PO BOX 21562 STEIHEiPiCH MB

1.12S

R5G 1B3

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