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AT 21, STEVEN FRIESEN IS already CONSIDERING HIS legacy (PAGE 3)
INSIDE A Call to Nuclear Pacifism....... Regional Youth Leaciers’ Retreat Region 3 Family Get Together .
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 37 NUMBER 19 NOVEMBER 3, 1999
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Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith
A Call to Nuclear Pacifism THE DECISION of the U.S. Senate to oppose a nuclear test ban treaty should concern the Christian church. Little demonstrates more false logic than the claim by any na tion to protect itself or the world through the use of weapons which can destroy us all — nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons held by any nation pose a fundamental threat to creation. The pos sibility of nuclear war is “wrongfully en croaching on the domain of the Creator. God has given us a natural environment which we did not create and have no right to destroy” (referred to in Roland Bainton, Christian Attitudes to War and Peace, Abingdon, 1960). Rejecting the ban treaty, a senator said that the U.S. needs to retain its nuclear testing ability. That is ironic, given that America knows well the horrible power of nuclear weapons. Fifty years ago the need for test ing stopped when America dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The majority of the dead, wounded, and suffering were civilians. Given the effect of nuclear weapons, the U.S. dare not decide what it will do in isola tion. When the most powerful nation in the world defends its right to test such weap ons, its example to smaller countries is a move away from peace. A Jewish rabbi tells the story of three fel lows in a boat. Two watched as the third began to drill a hole through the boat’s bot tom. When the two protested, the third re plied that the hole was on his part of the boat. When it comes to harm through nu clear weapons, we are in the same boat. As we approach Remembrance Day, we can be appalled at the destructive power of nuclear weapons and the rationalizing power of the human mind. Whatever our views of Christians and violence, we should be nuclear pacifists. John Stott, an Anglican evangelical minis ter, says, “1 am not a total pacifist.” He also said, “The possibility of a nuclear holocaust is easily the gravest threat which hangs over the world today. So Christians, of all peo ple, because we should never be afraid to look reality in the face, must take up a care fully considered position on this issue. PAGE 2
“For myself, I cannot see any conceivable moral justification for using weapons of in discriminate mass destruction, which EDITORIAL would kill millions of noncombatants, and ASSISTANT I have therefore declared myself to be a Martha Kroeker THE MESSENGER is the nuclear pacifist” (Sider and Taylor, Nuclear publication of the Evangelical War and Christian Hope, IVR 1982). Mennonite Conference. It is What if nations retain nuclear weapons available to the general public. Its is to inform, instruct and to threaten with, rather than to use? As many purpose inspire: inform concerning people note, this is strange logic. To threaten events and activities in the the use of nuclear weapons is immoral, and denomination; instruct in god liness and victorious living; a bluff known to be empty is ineffective. inspire to earnestly contend for (Experienced criminals are not afraid of a the faith. Letters, articles, photos and person with a gun; they fear those who are poems are welcomed. Unpub prepared to use it.) lished material is not returned Canada’s involvement in the nuclear arms except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the industry is more subtle than in the U.S., but writers are their own and do not it is a matter for concern. It produces ura necessarily represent the position Conference. nium, which can be diverted for war. Nu of the THE MESSENGER is pub clear submarines dock in Canada, and the lished twice a month (once a federal government wants to annex land in month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries British Columbia so this can continue. of the Evangelical Mennonite Given the risk to life and the environment Conference, 440 Main Street, Manitoba. for many years, Canadians have reason to Steinbach, Subscriptions: $12.00 per year be scared of improper disposal of waste (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, from uranium mines and nuclear power total: $12.84). Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people plants. The proposed destruction of pluto within or outside of the EMC. nium from dismantled weapons poses Members and adherents pay their church. problems, much as we would like it to be through THE MESSENGER is a gone! member of Meetinghouse and Assurances of safety from government of Canadian Church Press. Second-class postage paid at ficials often ring hollow. As recently dem Steinbach, Manitoba. onstrated in Japan, the only certainty in liv Publications, mail, registration No. 09914 ing near a nuclear power plant, let alone a Mailing information: All nuclear weapons facility, is that a terrible correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of danger exists. address and new subscriptions, The Royal Canadian Legion has asked us should be addressed to: The Messenger on November 11 to observe two minutes of RO. Box 1268 silence across our nation. Somewhere else Steinbach, Manitoba it has been suggested we need to think R0A2A0 about two seconds of silence — the first Phone: 204-326-6401 two seconds of silence which looms if the Fax: 204-326-1613 planet we are on is destroyed by nuclear E-mail: emconf@mts.net weapons. “Some trust in chariots and some in Cover: Steven Friesen invites us horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord to look at our personal legacy our God” (Psalm 20:7). The weapons of war (page 3). have changed, but the call to place our ul timate trust in God, not weapons, remains MESSENGER SCHEDULE No. 21 - December 01 the same. m c -.1, (copy due November 19) Terry M. Smith
no. 22 - December 15
(copy due December 3)
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‘KIDS, LEAVE THE ROOM DURING THIS PART OP THE movie:
What will our legacy be? Steven James Friesen A WEALTHY, OLD MISER, having spent his entire life in the accumulation of wealth, was shocked to learn that he was about to die. Stubborn to the end, he called his doctor, his minister, and his lawyer to his bedside. “I’ve been told my whole life that my wealth is useless Steven James Friesen because I can’t take it with me, but I’m going to prove them all wrong,” he said. With this he handed each of 1978 - 2068 them an envelope containing $250,000 in cash. “As they’re lowering me into the ground,” he explained, “each of you Beloved Husband, will throw your envelope in after me.” The three were shocked at the request, but instruc Father, Grandfather tions were clear and, sure enough, when the miser passed away and was being buried, the three gathered at his open grave and threw in their envelopes. “Always faithful, my friend” Later that afternoon the three got together for coffee at a nearby cafe. “1 can’t take it anymore,” sobbed the peistor, “our church building fund was seriously in the red, so I took out $50,000 and threw in the rest.” “I have something to confess as well,” added the doc tor, nervously playing with his napkin. “The hospital needed $ 100,000 to keep the children’s wing open, so my I • 1 envelope was also lighter when 1 threw it in.” The lawyer stood up and indignantly waved his finger at his two companions. “1 am ashamed of both of you!” he hissed. “We were given a sacred trust by a dying man and all you two could think of was your precious build J UUUUiUUAUUiUUUUU? ‘ ings.” Slowly he sat back down and took a casual sip from his coffee. “I, of course, placed the entire amount into his grave...in the form of my personal cheque.” k'v L A K V k A A. k A v.i
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This humorous story is an excellent example of what I want to talk to you about this morning. The rich man in this story had built his life entirely on money. It was his highest priority and the pursuit of his life. In the end it was all he had, and he wasn’t willing to leave this planet with out it. How sad! His only legacy was his greed, and that died with him.
This message was delivered at the Cornelson reunion in Swift Current, Sask., on August 29, 1999. Steven Friesen is part of Abbeydale Christian Fellowship (Calgary) and is pursuing a Bachelor of Theology degree at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C. He is the 21-year-old son of Harold and Sandra Friesen of Calgary.
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
The legacy of a name On our deathbed, will we be any different? What will our legacy be? A legacy is something resulting from or left behind by a person. For example, we are gathered here today because we share the common legacy of a last name: Kornelsen. For hundreds of years this name and variations of it have been passed down from generation to generation. The name Identified us with a family, a group, and of ten, with an entire religion. In fact, because we tend to pass on facial characteristics as well, it’s not uncommon for someone to identify us without even knowing who we are. PAGE 3
How will people around you, those who saw you in the office, on the football field, at home, remember you? The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of Sod lives forever (1 John 2:17).
The legacy of a father A name is an Important legacy, but it is even more valu able when it carries meaning with it. Many of you have met my father, Harold Friesen. 1 deeply love and respect my father, and nothing delights me more than when peo ple say 1 remind them of him, particularly if they see me work hard. That’s a very clear legacy my father has left me — a strong work ethic. In fact, when people hear the name Harold Friesen, it wouldn’t surprise me if they im mediately assume the job has been done right, and the proof, of course, is the piles of shelled sunflower seeds around the work area. Now this legacy that my father has left me did not hap pen overnight. My father did not have a “good day” and earn this positive reputation for all time. It was years of consistent modelling; that’s the nature of legacies. Who will be missed? Two men were involved in a local charity. One man, Bob, gave a large amount of money every year to the or ganization but rarely dropped by to see how things were going. Dennis, on the other hand, invested large amounts of time in the charity, doing whatever job needed to be done. He was never too busy to stop what he was doing and be a listening ear. Now, if they were to both leave, who would be missed more? To the board members and accountants who had little to do with the actual charity, the rich contributor. Bob, would be missed. But he will be forgotten as soon as another rich patron comes along. To the people who de pended on the charity and were involved in its work, Dennis will be missed for a long time. Another can come to help, but he as a person, as a listener, as a janitor, as a friend, will never be forgotten. He invested himself in oth ers, so he will be remembered. Bob invested money in others, so his money will be remembered. A lasting legacy Now coming back to you and me, what is our legacy? How will people around you, those who saw you in the office, on the football field, at home, remember you? The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:17). Only those who seek the will of God will have a lasting legacy. But what is the will of God? Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and pa tience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever griev ances you may have with one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:1214). Wow, 1 expect you’d remember a person like that! 1 know 1 would. 1 know 1 do. I’m very fortunate to have two godly grandfathers alive today. Everyone needs heroes, and these two men are mine. They love their Lord and serve Him. Their commitment to Him is unquestioned, and PAGE 4
their light is strong. I want to be just like them — and that is a legacy.
Watch your actions! If you really want to leave something behind when you die, then your life should reflect the kind of characteristics and attributes you want your kids to have. 1 think there is a serious problem when parents do things but refuse to let their children do those same things. Many parents regularly smoke, abuse alcohol, and read whatever trash they can get their hands on, yet forbid their children to do the same. In the nineties, the age of per sonal rights and freedoms, this is considered good parenting. Their words tell their children that these things are bad, but their actions communicate a very different attitude. For those of you who can’t relate to this example, how about this one: You kids leave the room for this part of the movie. If something is too violent, sexually explicit, or just plain evil for your children, then why are you, their exam ple, continuing to watch? Let’s be realistic: Nobody who wants to leave a legacy behind in the hearts and attitudes of their children is go ing to model negative behaviour for them. We all want our kids to turn out well; we all want what’s best for them. We all want them to cherish the things we cherish and value the things we value. What is your legacy? When you look at your life today, what can you expect to see in your kids ten years from now? And when people hear your last name, six genera tions from now, what strength or weakness will immedi ately pop into their heads? 1 expect that if we were to go back two hundred years, it wouldn’t be that difficult to find our ancestors. We leave behind more than dust when we die. The greatest proof of this is Jesus Christ, who said. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away (Mark 13:31). And they never have! The greatest legacy What is the greatest legacy you can leave your children? The answer is found in Proverbs 14:26: He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. _______________ Great is God’s Faithfulness A Pictorial History commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Kleefeld Evangelical Mennonite Church Available at the Conference Office, at Schellenberg’s Hardware in Kleefeld, or by calling 204-377-4467.
$12 (plus postage and handling) THE MESSENGER
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Editor’s note: Sadly, on October 10, Shannon Dyck, along with her parents, Jake and Phyllis, and brothers, Kelvin and Cameron, died in a two-vehicle accident near Norquay, Saskatchewan. They were part of the Pelly Fellowship Chapel. Shannon would have been 16 on December 29. She was baptized on July 11. A bit of her testimony was published in the September 22 issue of The Messenger. Out of respect for the Dyck family. Shannon’s baptismal testimony is now pub lished in the slightly longer version supplied by her mother, our reporter for the Pelly Fellowship Chapel. May God grant strength and grace to the Dycks’ extended family, the congrega tion at Pelly, and the wider community.
‘God is the Lord of my life’ AS A YOUNG girl attending Sunday school, 1 was learn ing stories from the Bible 1 wouldn’t forget. My Sun day school teachers were an inspiration to me, and because of them 1 wanted more than anything to become a Christian, and 1 did. However, as 1 got older, temptation played a part in my life. 1 felt that 1 had no control over what I did, but 1 knew God wanted me to change. One verse that really helped me was Philippians 4:13, / can do all things through him who strengthens me. 1 started to change my life; I knew this was what i ' God wanted me to do. Other people could see the difference. To describe the change that took place in my life, 1 could only tell you half, because the a i change is still happening. God has turned my life around and I’m thankful for that. 1 attended camps, as well as Probe this year, which made me look at my life. Is this the way Christ wants me to act towards others? Do people know by the way I act that I’m a Christian? 1 knew the answer was sometimes “no,” but with work (and God’s help), it will be “yes.” Continue in prayer for those of us who are being baptized. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you; God is light, in him there is no darkness at all. God is the Lord of my life.
AGENCIES PROVIDE BOOKS, GOSPEL WITNESS IN MOSCOW “Who could have guessed during the decades of the Cold War, while we were producing Anabaptist-related books at Scottdale, that the opportunity would come to strategically place many of them in Moscow!” commented Paul M. Schrock, about Herald Press’s involvement with the Moscow Mennonite Center (MMC). Schrock, director of HP’s trade books, was referring to how the MMC has recently enlarged its library. In Russia, books have always been an important part of the social fabric, and people still do an enormous amount of
MMC is a joint project of the Mennonite Central Committee, the Commission on Overseas Mission and MBMS International. Most of the centre’s books are in Eng lish, but more and more young Russians, especially in the big cities, are studying English from elementary school right through university. Most Bible schools and seminaries teach English so that their stu dents can read theological books that have not been translated into Russian. “These are very significant contributions, and we are grateful for the help,” said Donald Loewen, MBMS International mis
reading. Joyce Schertz of Books Abroad
sionary and MMC Director. “One of our
was in Russia in 1992. “There was a real desire for literature,” she remembers. “We would pass out books and people would start reading as they walked away.” Through donations from two Mennonite publishing houses and a distributor of used Christian books, MMC has been able to expand its library considerably. Faith and Life Press, Herald Press and Books Abroad each made generous contributions of Anabaptist- and Mennonite-related works.
main tasks here in Moscow is to provide information on Mennonite history, doc trine, and ethics for students, researchers and seekers. Now we’ve managed to fill quite a few gaps on our shelves.” “We’re pleased that the centre in Mos cow can use some of the extra books we have here,” said Byron Burkholder of Faith and Life Press. MBMS International
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
WHO’S WORKING FOR PEACE IN MEXICO? Eduardo Rodriguez On one of my bus trips in Chiapas, Mexico, 1 sat next to a young man, who, by the way he was dressed, seemed to be a military man. Upon greeting him, I could smell alcohol on his breath, which discouraged me from continuing the conversation. Several hours into the trip, he asked me where I was going. I responded that I was headed to work. “Where do you work?’ he inquired, “and what is that on your shirt?” On my shirt I wore a pin showing two hands breaking a rifle. “I work in indigenous communities,” I replied, “in a preventive health program. I also help in a school in which we facilitate meetings between people who have dif ferent points of view.” The young soldier listened with interest. “In this school,” 1 continued, “we have taught courses on conflict resolution, non violence, and peace.” “1 also work for peace,” reflected the young man. “My assignment is in Altamirano, on a military tank, and my re sponsibility is to support the communities in that area so that peace is maintained.” I turned to him, “And do you like your work?” “Yes, especially when there is action and when we are sent to rebel communities...although, at times I am afraid, thinking of my wife and daughter, because if the rebels kill me I don’t know what my family would do.” “Have you ever killed anyone?” I ven tured. “Not yet,” he replied, “but if it were nec essary in order to defend the indigenous people, 1 would do it...and you?” “I could not kill anyone because I have respect for the lives of all people, even if they think differently than I do.” After a moment of silence, the soldier continued, “Well, I like my work a lot, but 1 am here because I get a good salary and in my home town 1 couldn’t find work. So, it’s a good job, but 1 would really prefer to be close to my family.” “How interesting!” the soldier then ex claimed. “Both of us work for peace.” 1 answered, “But the peace you work for is quite different than the peace 1 work for.” I got ready to disembark, for we were approaching my stop. The soldier offered, “If you are heading out to the communities to give classes, maybe we’ll see each other again.” “Maybe,” 1 said in farewell.
Eduardo Rodriguez is an MCC volunteer working in the state of Chiapas in south ern Mexico.
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Edwin Friesen Stewardship Consultant
GUARDIANSHIP MANY PEOPLE PUT OFF the writing of their will because they think their earthly possessions are few and do not warrant the effort and expense of do ing a proper will. Granted, it probably doesn’t make much difference who in herits the CD player, the Corelle dishes, or the dining room suite, but this may be overlooking our biggest asset: the children God has entrusted to our care. That is what motivated Lil and me to draw up our first wills. We were living in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan. Our net financial assets were minimal, but we had one child and were expecting an other. We couldn’t brush aside the care
ASIA THE WAIT OF THE WORLD Mushviq looked up from his book. Clos ing the distance between us with his eyes alone, his words broke the silence: “Our people need God.” It was that simple. No more, no less. I was drinking tea with one of the fore most religious leaders in the region, and the most important words he could think of to share with me were these four, and he repeated them, “Our people need God.” It was not the mere simplicity of the words which struck me but the realiza tion that this man had just admitted some thing to me which had taken great cour age and incredible faith. Instead of brag ging about the record attendances at the regional services, or the devotedness of his nation to the tenets of the faith, he chose to share with me, a foreigner, that the situation was indeed dire. His people were without God, without His healing, without His grace, and without His love. I have been working as a language sur veyor in Central Asia for the last six months. In this capacity, 1 have travelled extensively and have met many individu als who have opened my eyes again and again to the reality that this part of the world finds itself in. In our area alone there are over a dozen languages, representing several million people who do not have God’s message
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of our children in the event of our un timely death. One of my siblings agreed to act as guardian and we, in turn, accepted the same appointment for their children. Though it felt very awkward to ask someone to serve as potential guard ians, once done, it certainly took a load off our minds. In Canada, if both parents die and there is no will, or the will does not name a guardian, the courts will de cide who assumes responsibility for the care of our minor children. Usually some relative will step forward and apply to the courts for guardianship. If, in the opinion of the court, no suitable person comes forward to ask for guardi anship, the province will take charge of placing the children at their discre tion. To ensure that you, and not the courts, decide who becomes responsi ble to care for your children, you need to name a guardian in your will. Look for people who are of a similar back-
in their heart language, their mother tongue. How can they know Him if they have no opportunity to hear of Him in a meaningful way? The result? They are waiting. While they wait, changes in ideology in this area are creating a vacuum which is being filled with a myriad of substi tutes. Among these the most impor tant are religious. What these various religions have not been able to do, however, is bring God to a majority of the population. One of the major rea sons is language. Language is at the heart of an indi vidual’s reception of God’s message. It is to this end that our work here in Cen tral Asia is being done. Language sur vey is an essential component in the work of bringing God’s message to the peoples of Central Asia in their own language. Before translation, literacy or any other project can be effectively started here, it is very important to know about the social and cultural situ ation of the area. We are at present gathering informa tion about the various languages, cul tures, and societies with which we are working. When this information is gath ered, we will be able to make recom mendations for placement of transla tors, literacy workers, and others. Is language survey absolutely neces sary? Yes! In the past, many problems
ground, faith, age and lifestyle. Ask them if they would be willing to serve as guardians in the event of your un timely death. You might consider doing a reciprocal arrangement where you name each other as guardians. It is also advisable to name an alternative guardian in the event that the named guardian is un able to serve when called on. Of all the things we leave behind, it would seem most irresponsible if we failed to give carefully considered di rection about the care and spiritual nur ture of our underage children. That de cision is simply too important to be left to chance.
Edwin Friesen is a stewardship consult ant serving, in part, the EMC and SBC constituency. He is available to meet with groups or individuals to discuss will/estate planning, family finances, and charitable giving. He can be con tacted at 204-488-1985.
have arisen from rushing into the work of translation. Translators need language survey before a translation project can be started. Without language survey a translator cannot know the needs of an area. Choosing the best village in an area to work in or choosing the best dialect to make a translation in is very impor tant. There are many social, cultural, politi cal, geographical and linguistic factors in volved in making decisions regarding translation. Language survey allows all of these factors to be accounted for be fore valuable resources are spent on a project. Please continue to pray for us as lan guage surveyors as we seek to ad equately discover and present to the world the need of these unreached peo ples for God’s message and its presenta tion. Pray for our safety as we travel and for the seeds which we are sowing in communities which have been waiting far too long for the coming of God’s changing power. Calvin Tiessen THE MESSENGER
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Lester Olfert Foreign Secretary
GOD BLESSES IN NICARAGUA DO YOU REMEMBER Elizabeth Vado? In October and November, 1998, she was one of two delegates who visited the EMC in Canada, representing the Fraternidad de Iglesias Euangelicas Menonitas de Nicaragua (Fraternity of Evangelical Mennonite Churches in Nicaragua). She is the director of the Saturday Bible Institute. Recently she wrote a letter to me, and here are some excerpts: “First of all, 1 want to thank the One who is our strength, our guide and the One who deserves our best — our Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of the trials and the difficult times. He is taking us from victory to victory. “1 want to thank the brethren of Canada, who are our source of blessing because they make the Christian edu cation in our churches, in our outreaches and in the Bible Institute possible. May God continue to bless you in all aspects. “At times 1 think and tell God in prayer, ‘How long. Lord, until we will be able
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to get out of such poverty and misery, and not have to bear so many injus tices in Nicaragua?’ Only God has that answer, but we are able to contribute to bringing the shalom of God to our beloved country, continually teaching the great love of God to the sinners, and practising that love everyday as Christians. “We ask for your prayers for us, for the leaders of our country, and for the spiritual leaders. “In regard to the Bible Institute, 1 want to inform you of the following. We started the Saturday Bible Institute with twenty-five students, twelve in the first year, seven in the second year and seven in the third year. “We have also opened extension stud ies in four different rural centres where we have had a total of thirty-six stu dents. Some of the courses we have taught in the extension institutes are The History of the Church in the New Testament, Biblical Introduction, and The Life of Paul. There is a lot of en thusiasm in the extension classes, and two new centres are being opened. “The education in our churches is im proving, and there are many spiritual blessings. There are new Christians in the churches. There are changes in the Morazan church. God is doing a great work through the new pastor. Brother Ramiro. The church is growing. “1 was in the Granada church, where 1 taught some classes, and 1 was happy
to see new people there, as well as those who have come back to the Lord. “In Los Castillos, the church has ex perienced renewal as well. Forty peo ple are gathering there, and ten are ask ing for baptism. Brother Arnulfo is pre paring them for baptism. “Brother Lester, God is faithful and His word will not return void. God has blessed and is continuing to bless the work that the EMC started in Nicara gua. “Thanks be to God for each mission ary the EMC sent to us. God bless you.”
ALBERTA HOW CAN I PRAY FOR YOU? Our young friend Michael from Alberta gave us permission to share his letter with you. We are very happy to be able to do so in order to communicate information re garding our work and as an inspiration with reference to God’s love of kids. We have left things pretty much intact so that we may be reminded of the ability of active, ordinary children to (already) live lives of faith and eternal value. Parents, perhaps this is an article your children will enjoy reading or having read to them! 7b Uncle Arlyn and Aunt Annette:
What do you do when you work with the Natives? We ask the Holy Spirit to begin bother ing certain people about their sins and to show them that Jesus cares about them and would like to forgive them. Then we spend lots of time with these folks.
Hi! This is Michael Reimer.
Arlyn and Annette nan Enns (La Crete) are seruing in a church-planting ministry among First Nations people in northern Alberta.
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
I’m in Grade 4, and my teacher’s name is Miss Takaski. In school on Wednesday during the last period we have Bible Time. At the end of the day I go to boys’ club with my brother Justin. We learn verses and are going swimming on the fourth. 1...enjoy Sunday school in our church. Now I want to know what you are doing, so Tm going to ask you some questions because 1 want to know what to pray for you.
Elizabeth del Carmen Vado Sandoval
Is the church growing? Only two people have been baptized from among the local people, and they are still growing spiritually. We are very concerned that most still seem afraid to be totally committed to Jesus. 1 hope, Michael, that this Thanksgiving you thanked the Father for putting you into a family where your parents both follow Christ and always tell you the truth. You will never understand how much fear kids who do not have parents like yours, have all their lives. Our northern people seem to be most scared of offending (making mad) a strong false god called “BlessedVirgin spirit.” What do you do during the day?
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something like this: pray, make a fire, eat, study, plan, look after the mail or other business (sometimes for neighbours, es pecially those who never went to school), fix equipment (especially when we have to travel), visit homes. In the winter, do the children go to a church club? From about October to July the kids have Sunday school on most Sunday evenings at 7:00. Auntie Annette must be a great teacher, because most of the kids want to see her during the week too!
Do you have any difficulties? Yes, we have a lot! One of the toughest is to show that our Lord Jesus is kind and honest, and not the way they have been told. On Good Friday we had a skidoo accident after a sleigh mnner broke going up very, very steep ice. This was far away in the bush where we were leading meet ings with trappers. 1 have had lots of prob lems since. Can the Indians read English Bibles? Almost all of those who can read, can read English. Many, though, do not read any language. Do they enjoy hearing about God? Most people enjoy very much talking in general ways about some kind of a god. Not as many like to talk about the Lord Jesus, who is alive, strong, coming back.
John Koop Conference Pastor
COUNTING MY BLESSINGS THERE IS A SONG that begins with the words, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one.” We have just had our Thanksgiving service and sup per, and we were reminded of God’s blessings in a number of ways. I would like to add to my list blessings from the Lord through the years. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, ...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Thankful people are attractive and approachable, whereas gmmblers and complainers repel and are avoided by people. 1 am thankful for my work, not only be cause it has been a way of feeding my family, but it has also been fulfilling — a needed service to others. Many jobs fit
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and wants us to obey Him.
Do the people who attend church have Bibles? Those who read, Michael, have Bibles. Most of them are beginning to get used to bringing them along. Have most of the Natives asked Jesus into their hearts? In a few places, like in northern Ontario, many have. There they were never taught nearly as many bad or silly things about God. But there are some people living for Christ here now too. One girl, who is your age, says she became a Christian last Easter. While 1 was giving Lisa and her mom a ride recently she said she is already hoping to get baptized when she is in junior high school, if that is old enough. Does the church have Sunday school? Please pray that the children will come regularly. It is getting better, but there is still a very different group every week.
Do you have something for us to pray for? Yes! The other area we have worked in a lot is the Little Red River Tribe. We camped in one of their villages last July and took a Jesus Miina Nehiiyawew (Je sus Speaks Cree too) video to each of the homes with video machines. Last month a mission airplane flew us back for a while, and for the first time ever — after many years of contact — we were
that criterion and are a blessing to soci ety. Have you given thanks for your work? Our children, and now our grandchil dren, have been and are a blessing to us. Their hugs and kisses, their phone calls and visits, convey their love to us. Chil dren’s children are a crown to the aged (Proverbs 17:6). We have experienced this and thank God for grandchildren. Unfortunately, this is not true for all grand parents; some have been deeply disap pointed. 1 am thankful for the blessing of friends, within the church community where 1 have served, as well as the larger Chris tian family, people 1 have met, had cof fee with, conversed with at Bible school, college or seminary, and visitors to our home. 1 am reminded of two individuals who made an impact on me for life. One is Stuart Gunzel, who visited churches as a representative of TEAM. He was an indi vidual who gave good counsel regarding church ministry and practical theology. The other one is Curt Bork. He knew the Scriptures and could recite lengthy portions from memory. He was an en-
able to have a series of meetings. The headman was very upset, but the leading elder had asked us to speak to his clan at least. Several of them whispered later that they wished they could be Christians too. Pray that they will realize that Jesus is so very strong that they do not have to be frightened by their spirits and priests anymore. Please pray that I won’t be sick any longer. Where we live, here in Chipewyan, it is not considered normal for folks to keep promises. Please pray that more of our people will understand that we always have to obey Jesus and keep our word to Him. Michael, thank you very much for writ ing. You asked very good questions. 1 should have written this long ago, but I received your letter while 1 was getting ready to teach a new course up at the Na tive Bible College. The following month, after we got home from there, 1 was not able to quickly catch up with everything — like the week before last, when 1 had to bury a lady who died suddenly. You can tell your dad for me that 1 used the book he sent me. The Open Church, when 1 was teaching. Please say hello to your mom, Justin and Vicki for us. We hope you’re all having fun and learning lots. 1 hope Richard soon learns to play hockey with you guys too. Love, Uncle Arlyn
courager and spoke well of other believ ers. He acknowledged their weaknesses, but would add, “But his heart is in the right place.” We have also experienced the blessing of having many fellow Chris tians in our home. Many other blessings could be men tioned — health, education, communi ties where we have lived. The final one is that of studying, meditating, teaching and preaching on material that has long term value, is never out of date, and is always relevant to our situation in life — the Scriptures. Thank you. Lord, for the Bible, which tells us God’s story, who we are, and where we fit into His story. The Bible teaches us about creation, our rebellious beginning, and the offer of salvation through Jesus, the Son of God, the One who became human, lived among us, and died for us. Finally, He rose from the dead, giving us the assur ance that we too will rise from the dead, to be with the Lord forever. This will be the crowning event of the blessings of life for everyone who trusts in Jesus. Thank you, God!
THE MESSENGER
:3,
REGIONAL YOUTH LEADERS’RETREAT
Worship, Fellowship, Ham and Pineapple
W si
Cam Rempel, youth leader at Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, led our time of worship.
On the drizzly Saturday morning of Oc tober 16, thirteen youth leaders came to gether at the Fort Garry EMC to break some new ground. A fly on the wall would have noticed several unusual happenings in the church basement. Don’t think all we did was eat pizza! Through his gift of leading worship. Cam Rempel, the youth pastor of the Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, drew our attention to Christ. The songs we sang brought us to gether in an understanding that “informal” worship moves one to being more com-
fortable and free. We realized that we be long to a community of believers who have been equally covered by God’s grace. A few ice-breaker games helped us to relax. David Kruse, youth pastor of the host church, shared where he was at in his own journey. He related a story of sev eral converted Muslims in Saudi Arabia who had recently taken the story of Jeri cho literally. They had gone to Mecca and proceeded, in faith, to walk around a mosque for seven days. After they had finished, nothing seemed to have hap pened. Later, they heard reports that on that very same day fifty Egyptian Muslim lead ers had seen a vision of Christ above the mosque. Christ had pointed at them and spoken words of deliverance; He said He was the only way of salvation and that they needed to move away from Islam. This story of God’s moving in the lives of the “impossible” challenged David to trust in God’s ultimate control more com pletely. Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Min ister, shared some thoughts from Scrip ture that encouraged us to understand Christ’s love for us through His life and death. Because of that, we can love Christ and others more purposefully. After ordering pizza, we sat around for several hours and shared where each leader was at personally and with their
Is this what you call a group hug or what? NOVEMBER 3, 1999
respective youth groups. This interaction was of great benefit; it allowed everyone to see a wider picture of the various churches, united by the Conference. Similar struggles and highlights were noted. Carl Heppner, youth pastor of Braeside EMC, shared his struggle to find applica ble Bible study material. Frank Harder, youth leader of the Morris Fellowship Chapel, said that as a volunteer he found his schedule almost too full to be in volved in the ministry. Frank continues on because he sees the need; there is a need for more people to take on the re sponsibility. As we parted ways, several people said that they were thankful this event had taken place and would appreciate seeing it happen again in the future. In the end we sensed the importance of coming to gether and moving forward with a con tinued Anabaptist vision to challenge our youth. The event will be evaluated to see if our goals were accomplished and how best to accommodate more people. However, one matter is clear: There is no doubt that our youth leaders love young people, both Christian and non Christian alike, and have a passion to reach out to them. Gerald Reimer Conference Youth Minister
No, we were not dancing! PAGE 9
About 100 people from north-central Saskatchewan and Manitoba attended the EMC Region 3 Family Get Together ’99.
“Aunt Dorothy” Currie of Saskatoon held children’s meetings at the Endeavour Fellowship Chapel while services were held at the community hall.
REGIONS
To be contagious, get involved in lives! If you want to be a contagious Christian, take risks by becoming involved in the lives of people around you, said Dave Wiebe, speaker at the Region 3 Family Get To gether '99 in Endeavour, Saskatchewan, on Sunday, October 24. “And then love them as Jesus loved them. Give your life to them. Let them become dear to you. Let them tear your heart out a few times. Jesus would do that, you know,” said Wiebe in the final of three messages on Being a Contagious Christian. Fteople at the morning service were wel comed by Kenton Penner, chairman of the regional ministerial. Host pastor Lome Moorhead chaired the services, held at the Endeavour Community Hall.
Dave Wiebe, who has served as a pastor in Region 3 and eisewhere, encouraged peopie to get involved in others’ lives. PAGE 10
Churches from five of six churches in north-central Manitoba and Saskatchewan were represented: Endeavour, Pelly, Hud son Bay (Sask.), and Birch River and Swan River (Man.). Creighton, Sask., is the re maining congregation within region 3. The Endeavour congregation provided the music team for the event and offerto ries. Church representatives provided Scripture reading and prayer, and special music. In the morning service Terry Smith, ex ecutive secretary to the Board of Church Ministries, brought greetings from the BCM and the national office staff. He read greet ings from EMC moderator Harvey Plett. “As the Bible puts it, we are living in ‘perilous times.’ That is both somewhat disconcert ing but also challenging,” said the mod erator. “It gives us opportunity to witness to the saving and transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is good to be part ners with you in Christ, bearing witness to our great Lord.” Bill Penner, director of Continental Mis sion, spoke of the mission’s Bible school, a soup kitchen (for which the region brought vegetables), a drop-in centre, and of spiritual seeds being planted. In his opening message Dave Wiebe remi nisced about his ministry at Endeavour, then looked at the family images in 1 Thessalonians 2. We must set our hearts to honour God, regardless of people’s re sponse, he said, and be as caring and con cerned for the people around us as a mother, brothers, sisters, and a father are for family members. After a bag lunch, people gathered for a short memorial service for a family which was killed two weeks earlier in a two-vehicle accident near Norquay, Sask. Jake and Phyllis Dyck, with sons Kelvin, 20, and
Cameron, 18, and daughter Shannon, 15, were likely on their way to a Sunday morn ing service at Pelly on October 10. The family’s funeral was held on October 15 in Norquay. The driver and sole occupant of the other vehicle was also killed.
WHO WON THE FLOOR HOCKEY GAME, ANYWAY? When a family gathering takes place, there i.s always a natural sepa ration that occurs. In the case of the Region 3 Family Gathering, the youth also had their own time. Brad Steppan, youth leader of the Endeavor church, organized a time of interaction at the local school gym nasium Sunday afternoon from 2:30 until 4:00. With twelve youth in at tendance from several churches within the region, we quickly got to know each other as we played vol leyball, floor hockey and basketball. Although the desire to win was mixed in with fun, of greater impor tance were the friendships that were made or rekindled. It was encourag ing to see how everyone partici pated, with smiles and laughter regu larly seen on faces. (Who won the floor hockey game, anyway?) Besides the building of friendships within the region, the youth were drawn toward a wider understand ing of belonging to a community of believers which knows no bounda ries. Gerald Reimer Conference Youth Minister
THE MESSENGER
Lome Moorhead opened the memorial service. Vivian Anfinson of Belly read po ems on loss and acceptance. A time of silent prayer was followed by Pastor Moorhead leading in prayer for family members, the Belly church and its young people, and for all with a sense of loss. Beyond the Sunset was sung by those gath ered. In the afternoon service Clifton Abrahamson of Belly read the Ten Com mandments from Exodus 20. Ed Friesen, a stewardship consultant with the Mennonite Foundation of Canada, said churches need to talk more about money, not to make people feel guilty but to as sist stewardship. In 1998 MFC gave $2 mil lion to charity, Ed said. Dave Wiebe spoke from 1 Thessalonians 1. He said that Baul is seldom found alone; in a similar way we need to work along side people. He cautioned, “In our day 1 think we look for people who have it all together...and those are the people who should be doing ministry. If you believe that, there’s nobody who’s going to be ministering. All of us have to do ministry in the midst” of our pain, struggles, weak nesses, and failures. He said that we must be people changed by the gospel. We are to find rest in God. We are to stand between God and people and bring people to Him. “We must be those mediators,” he said. The church is to be a place where peo ple can come to in spite of “all the trash they are tangled in.” It must be prepared to take in those who don’t “fit.” Wiebe said, “If we want to take no risks, then let’s not talk about reaching out. It’s a very, very serious issue.” The Endeavour Fellowship Chapel women prepared a hot supper. In the evening service Gerald Reimer, the Con ference Youth Minister, was introduced. His wife, Sandy, and six-week-old son, Andrew, were also present. “His divine power has given us every thing we need for life and godliness,”
Gerald read from Scripture. “That is the only reason we are able to do this kind of time, the only reason we are able to come together and from here go forth and be contagious, by His power,” he said. In his final message Dave Wiebe shared of seeing a picture of a couple eating, while in the background a person sits eating alone. He said, “1 saw that person by them selves in the back. I’ve been that person in the back.” Dave said that “one of the reasons peo ple are lost is that they believe lies.” The church is to touch lies with the truth. “God is a God of hope, and there is hope for every person,” he said. He challenged people to let Jesus touch them in such a way that they are willing to carry the bur dens of others. Lome Moorhead said that Dave’s mes sages were an encouragement. He called on Ferlin Abrahamson, pastor at Birch River, to have the “finale.” Ferlin spoke about being a teenager who came to con ference to play football on the tarmac near the Legion Hall in Swan River. As the re gional ministerial’s treasurer, he estimated that about $1,000 would be divided be tween the day’s two giving projects: schol arships for students at the Saturday Bible
Institute in Nicaragua, and the support of missionary Elvira Cote, who serves at KeyWay-Tin Bible Institute in Lac la Biche, Al berta. Ferlin led in a closing prayer and then encouraged people to hold hands and sing I'm so glad I'm a Part of the Family of God. Terry M. Smith
June and Willie Jakubowski of Endeavour provided offertories.
Host pastor Lome Moorhead chaired the services and kept people’s attention by occasionally changing the service order.
The day was planned with time for visiting.
B *1
The Endeavour Fellowship Chapel music team consisted of Clifford Scharfenberg, Debbie Sawatzky, Carol Steppan, and Gary Sawatzky.
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
I
Special music was provided by Hudson Bay’s John and Eldina Duch, and Velma and Virgil Scharfenberg. (photos by editor)
PAGE 11
A BUSY SUMMER Swift Current, Sask.: Summer passed by quickly, but it will not soon be forgotten. Bryon and Janice Benzanson flew at a whirlwind pace with many and varied youth activities, including a trip to Calgary, youth camp-out at Cypress, and an evening concert in Saskatoon. They did a superb job of leading and organizing Vacation Bible School, with an attendance that grew nightly, from about forty to almost eighty by week’s end. Thank you, Bryon, Janice and everyone who helped make it such a successful event. We pray that the seeds planted in the hearts of the children will one day bear fruit for Jesus. We welcomed Mel and Mary Koop as our senior pastoral cou ple in August with a customary grocery shower. Bags of sugar and flour, canned goods and an assortment of grocery and house hold items were graciously received. Mel and Mary are well acquainted with our Conference and come to us with many years of knowledge, training and experience. Although we are just getting to know them, we appreciate their warmth, hospitality and sincere willingness to serve and help our church family. There’s no shortage of humour when Mel is around. Welcome, Mel and Mary! We look forward to working with you and getting to know you better. About eighty from the church family retreated to the quiet shores of Lac Pelletier on August 20-22 for this year’s family camp, “Home Improvement.” It was a pleasure to have Murray and Dianna Schmidt from Medicine Hat, Alta., minister to us; the messages were timely and thought provoking. The weather was exceptional, the food was fantastic, and there was a lot of just plain fun! Sunflower-seed-spitting contests, relays and water fights were among the activities which helped create fond memories. One of the highlights of family camp is mealtime. Several families are assigned to a group for each meal and are respon-
ENCOURAGED TO SHINE FOR JESUS MacGregor, Man.: “We Shine for Jesus” (WSFJ) was the theme that Bev McCaskill (director) incorporated into
Mary and Mel Koop were welcomed to Swift Current with a grocery shower.
sible for all aspects — set-up, preparation and clean-up. What sometimes appears chaotic to onlookers can often be deceiv ing. The task of providing a meal for eighty people is much lighter and enjoyable when we work together. As the colder days of fall, and even colder days of winter, approach, I’m thankful that we can reflect on the past summer activities and warm memories we cherish. Cindy Penner
the Sunday morning worship services in place of Sunday school during the sum mer months. Believers were encouraged from week
Pastor Jerry Plett and assistant pastor Ray Hill stand with new members: Tim Moore (transfer), John Roels, Sam Sawatzky, Aaron Hill, Steve Weber, Anna Moore (transfer), Marie Roels, Candace Neustater, Kathy Lloyd. The baptism took place on May 30.
PAGE 12
to week by a variety of visitors from Bi ble times, songs led by a junior worship team, and the TV hosts, Ashleigh Bright (Kathy Lloyd) and Matt Flicker (Bill McCaskill). Enthusiasm ran high through out the church and into the community, from babes to seniors, as the congrega tion was encouraged to “shine for Je sus.” Regular Sunday school resumed in Sep tember and reached a record enrollment of 151 on opening Sunday, which began with a pancake breakfast and hayride through MacGregor. Classes grew to the point where the youth had to be moved across the street to the site of the pro posed new church building. This also provides a non-threatening location for the young people to invite their school friends to youth events. Sunday morning attendance grows weekly, and we are reminded of the growing need for our new building. This is also evident on Tuesday mornings when up to twenty-eight women meet to study Philippians. Mary Kehler Giesbrecht
THE MESSENGER
The opening Sunday for Sunday school included a hayride. (The building on the right is being used by the youth.)
Candace Giesbrecht and Alicia Rempel lead the congregation in singing “We Shine for Jesus.”
Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (EMC) invites applications for a youth pastor. If interested, please contact the search committee; Ron Penner at 250-567-9983 or Lindsay Janzen at 250-567-4905.
Senior pastor position available at the Mount Salem EMC in Aylmer, Ont. Duties to begin early spring 2000. Contact Arnold Loewen at 519-773-2728 (phone and fax) or David Dyck at 519-765-1409.
Editor’s note: An ad is free. Unless arrange ments have been made, it can be removed after two insertions. Piease inciude more than one telephone number and contact person, fax number, e-mail, whether the position is full- or part-time, when the ap plication deadline is and duties begin, and a brief description of education and quali ties sought. The Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC) in Creighton, Sask. (pop. 1700), near Flin Flon, Man. (pop. 7500), seeks a pastor gifted in outreach with a vision for the future. Part-time salary and housing available. Information pack age sent on request. Applicants are to be well grounded spiritually and personally. Other em ployment is available, depending on training and experience (trades welcome). Contact: Search Committee, 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 in the Spanish churches. Duties include discipling youth and training/mentoring youth leaders. A pastor for a long-term (2 to 3 years) ministry is needed for a new Low German-speaking church in Oasis in the state of Chihuahua. Contact 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 rural and urban settings. Contact Lester Olfert or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, John Koop).
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
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, Chairman EMC Search Committee Box 1420, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0 Phone: 204-326-6451 • Fax: 204-326-6908 E-mail: splett@sbcollege.mb.ca
Youth for Christ in Carman, Man., is looking for a person to fill the position of executive direc tor of a drop-in centre. The successful appli cant needs to be excited about the challenge of ministering to youth and have a good grasp of dealing with people. For more information, contact Ang Penner (204-745-6186) or Mel Toews (204-745-6062), E-mail: yfchrist@mb.sympatico.ca. The Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, Man., invites applications for the position of volunteer coordinator on a volunteer basis. Responsibilities include recruiting volunteers and assisting the director of recreation serv ices in management/coordination of volunteers. A job description is available upon request. Call Peter Enns (204-326-2206), Monday to Fri day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Mennonite Central Committee is looking for applicants for the following positions. Qualifi cations include a personal Christian faith, ac tive membership in a church, and a commit ment to nonviolent peacemaking. MCC’s ad dress is 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, Man. R3T 5K9. Phone: 204-261-6381. Open Circle program coordinator. Open Circle is a prisoner visitation program. Con tact; Ken Reddig, MCC Manitoba. Fax: 204269-9875. Application deadline: December 3, 1999. Maritimes regional representative to start June 2000 and be located in a central city in the Maritimes. The work includes program development, personnel supervision, admin istration and constituency relations. The appliPAGE 13
cation deadline is November 26. Contact: Marsha Jones, MCCC, mgj@mennonitecc.ca. Assistant director, visitor exchange pro gram, and assistant director, global family program, in Winnipeg. Starting date is De cember 1, 1999. Contact: Marsha Jones or Marilyn Funk at MCC Canada. E-mail: mgj@mennonitecc.ca or mrf@mennonitecc.ca. Youth for Christ Steinbach welcomes inquires and resumes for the position of ladies’ youth guidance worker as part of a team in reach ing out to troubled youth in Steinbach, Man.
JUSTINA PENNER
ANNA BARKMAN 1907-1999 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are beany laden, and I will give you rest (Mat thew 11:28). Our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Anna Barkman, age ninetytwo, of the Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, Man. (formerly of Riverton, Man.), entered her eternal rest on Sunday, September 12, 1999. Mother was born on March 10, 1907, to Peter 1. and Katherine Wiebe of Twin Creek, near Steinbach. She married our father, Pfeter J. R. Barkman, a widower with nine children, on January 1, 1946. This was an enormous challenge for her, a task made possible with God’s help. Two more daughters were born to this union. Before Mother’s marriage she worked as a housemaid, as well as in the canner ies in Ontario. When her only sister, Tina, passed away, Mother fostered her daughPAGE 14
The successful candidate will be required to raise her own support. Qualifications: vital and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, keen desire to share the life-changing mes sage of Jesus Christ, agreement with the YFC Statement of Faith and Conduct. Contact: Jim Harms, Executive Director, Box 1791, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0, Phone: 204-3264366, Fax: 204=346-0620, E-mail:yfcs@ccco.net.
Aylmer EMMC, a growing congregation of 400, seeks a pastor of discipleship to help de velop and carry out a plan for making biblical
disciples of Christ, with a special emphasis on children and youth. The primary responsibility will be the development and coaching of lead ers who are involved in the church’s educa tional programs, especially the youth ministry. The person will have strengths in teaching, planning, and leadership development. For a job description and information about the application process contact: Abe and Helen Martens, 38 Hawthorne Cr., Aylmer, Ont. N5H 3C3. Phone 519-773-8253, E-mail martens@kanservu.ca.
JUSTINA PENNER Mrs. Justina Penner, age 83, of Steinbach, Man., formerly of Ridgewood, Man., be loved wife of Martin R Penner, passed away on October 21, 1999, at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital. Besides her loving husband, Martin, she leaves to cherish her memory five daugh ters: Jessie and Menno Plett (Ridgewood), Edna and Rueben Plett (Ridgewood), Annie and Abe Suderman (Niverville, Man.), Elfrieda and David Hildebrandt (Landmark, Man.), Florence and Bernie Dupas (Wilcox, Arizona); two sons, Elden and Annie (Ridgewood), Roland and Connie (Ridgewood); eighteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; two sisters; Elizabeth and Jake Kroeker (Riverton,
Man.), Sarah Reimer (Winnipeg, Man.); three brothers, Peter and Edith Reimer (Middlebury, Indiana), David and Helen Reimer (Blumenhof, Man.), Gerhard and Rosemary Reimer (Goshen, Indiana); one sister-in-law, Margaret Reimer (Blumenort, Man.); many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, David in infancy and Henry; two sisters, Tina and Marie; two sons in infancy; one granddaughter, Erin Hildebrandt; one great-grandson, Cody Reimer. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 26, at the Ridgewood EMC, with Travis Thiessen and Ralph Linger officiat ing. Her Family
ter, Lena, for a number of years. Mother was baptized on her confession of faith in God and Christ Jesus, her Sav iour, and became a member of the Kleine Gemeinde (now EMC). Her sincerity was portrayed in the way she lived and set an example for the rest of us to follow. She was deeply concerned for the salvation of her family — children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 1952, Mom and Dad moved their fam ily to Riverton to start a new homestead. These were difficult years, which involved a lot of work, often accompanied by a great deal of stress. There was always so much to do, with so few conveniences. It was then that she taught us many skills in main taining a home, such as cooking, garden ing and sewing. She amazed us in the way she was able to put enough food on the table when more guests arrived than she had expected. Mom controlled her emotions very well, and often others didn’t know about her inner hurts. She belittled her aches and illnesses, trusting God to take care of her. Her determination to complete whatever she had started meant that things got done, no matter what. In years gone by she sewed a lot of blan kets for MCC, and later resorted to cro cheting and knitting blankets, scarves and mittens for the family as well as for needy people. Her keen interest in gardening was evident even this last summer.
In 1983 our parents moved to the Birchwood Apartments in Steinbach, where the facilities for seniors were more suitable than in the Interlake area. After Dad passed away in 1988, Mom decided to move back to Riverton to be closer to most of her family. In the fall of 1996, when she could no longer take care of herself, she
moved into the Rest Haven Nursing Home. She appreciated the excellent care, in cluding the spiritual care, she received here. She loved to interact socially with other residents. We are grateful that her think ing was clear almost till the last day. We will miss her but rejoice with her that she is in a better place. Mother is survived by five daughters and four sons: Minna and Jake Reimer, Frank and Helen Barkman, Annie and Abe Brandt, Abe and Mary Barkman, Helen and John Wiebe, Albert and Teena Barkman, Peter and Mary Barkman, Kathy and Pete Reimer, Trudie and John Kehler; fortythree grandchildren and eighty-six great grandchildren; and a number of in-laws. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter Barkman; two daughters, Margaret and Mary; one daughter-in-law, Lydia; and two grandsons, Donald and Eldon Reimer. We sincerely thank the staff at Rest Ha ven for the loving care they gave our mother and to all who helped with the funeral preparations. Her Family THE MESSENGER
JOHN BRAUN DOERKSEN 1915-1999 John B. Doerksen was born to Frank and Maria Doerksen on November 19,1915, and passed away peacefully in his sleep at around 7 p.m. on March 13, 1999. He married Clara Funk in 1939. At the age of thirty-two, John accepted Jesus as his Saviour; he later described it as a spec tacular event. The hayloft, where his con version occurred, became bright at the moment he accepted Christ’s forgiveness
QAJeddingg
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,■■■■*.-■
BERGEN - WIEBE: Eddie, son of Ron and Mary Bergen of La Crete, Alta., was married on October 2, 1999, to Darlene, daughter of Jake and Helen Wiebe of La Crete. The wedding took place at the La Crete Christian Fellowship, with Glen Koop officiating. The couple lives in La Crete. DERKSEN - FRIESEN: Peter, son of Henry and Catherine Derksen, and Judy, daughter of William and Mary Friesen, all of La Crete, were married at the La Crete Christian Fellowship on September 25, 1999. Glen Koop officiated. The couple resides in La Crete. FRIESEN - GINTER: David, son of George and Eva Friesen of La Crete, Alta., was married on August 14, 1999, to Tina, daughter of Martin and Lisa Ginter of Winkler, Man. The wedding took place at the La Crete Christian Fellowship, with Glen Koop officiating. The couple lives in La Crete. BRAUN - JANZEN: Benji, son of Abe and Helen Braun, and Melissa, daughter of John and Tina Janzen, all of La Crete, Alta., were married at the La Crete Christian Fellowship on August 29, 1999, with Glen Koop officiating. The couple resides in La Crete. DYCK - REIMER: Jake, son of Jacob and Maria Dyck of Leamington, Ont., and Christyn, daughter of Harold and Marlene Reimer of Arborg, Man., were married on September 18, 1999. The wedding took place at the Morweena EMC, with Tim Reimer officiating. The couple is residing in Morweena. TOEWS - GIESBRECHT: Mike, son of Ray and Marlene Toews of Arden, Man., and Amy,
NOVEMBER 3. 1999
and renewal. His love for the Scriptures was evident in his study of the Bible and the enthusiasm with which he shared his faith with those around him. The majority of John’s eighty-three years were spent in the Grunthal and Steinbach, Man., areas, except for a year in Paraguay in 1928 and five years in Abbotsford, B.C., and Saskatoon, Sask. He worked at a va riety of jobs throughout his life, as a farm labourer, in construction and factory work. Although a man of many talents, he would not have described himself that way because of his humility. He had a great love for music, sang, and played many stringed instmments. This attribute has been passed on to their children; John and Clara have spent countless hours sing ing praises to the Lord together with them. John is survived by his wife, Clara; his brother, Frank (Grunthal, Man.); seven children and their spouses; twenty-one grandchildren and fifteen great- grandchil dren. His children and their families are as follows: Alvin and Eva Dueck (Edmonton, Alta.), and their children, Lynal and Tania, Mario and Karen, Carey and Sandra, Michael and Wendy, and one grandchild; Marlene and Robert Reimer (Stony Creek, Ont.) and
daughter of John and Dorothy Giesbrecht of MacGregor, Man., were married on June 12, 1999. The wedding took place at the residence of the bride’s parents, with Jerry Plett officiating. The couple lives in MacGregor. WEBER - FRIESEN: Steve, son of Ed Weber of Sydney, Man., and Bev Weber of Carberry, Man., was married to Lori, daughter of Jake and Agatha Friesen of MacGregor, Man. The wedding took place on July 24, 1999, at the Portage Alliance Church, with Jerry Plett officiating. The couple makes their home in Winnipeg, Man. HIEBERT - BARKMAN: Tim, son of Bill and Ann Hiebert of Steinbach, Man., and Krista, daughter of Murray and Margaret Barkman of Winnipeg, Man., were married on March 27, 1999. The wedding took place at the Eastview MB Church in Winnipeg, with Adam Wiggins officiating. The couple resides in Winnipeg. FREY - OLIVIER: Eric, son of Marvin and Ardith Frey, and Genevieve, daughter of Art and Doris Olivier, all of Winnipeg, Man., were married on October 9, 1999. The wedding took place at the Aberdeen EMC, with Ardith Frey officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg. LOEWEN - LOEWEN: Stan Loewen, son of Abe and Eva Friesen of Arborg, Man., and Tara, daughter of Arlene Loewen of Fisher Branch, Man., were married on July 24, 1999. The outdoor wedding took place at the home of the bride’s mother, with Tim Reimer officiating. The couple is residing in Fisher Branch, Man.
their children, Kim and Dave Baturin, Bradley and Jackie, Scott and Brenda, Cory and Debbie, and eight grandchildren; Paul and Joyce Ens (Saskatoon, Sask.), and their children, Andrea and Jeremy; Joyce and Henry Doerksen (Steinbach, Man.), and their children, Laurie and Michael Kroeker, Mathew and Jennifer, Robin and Pasob Phommarath, and two grandchil dren; Carole and Lloyd Lewis (LaCombe, Alta.), and their children, Julie and Nor man Honecker, Jerrold and Catherine, Tracy, and four grandchildren; Milton and Roberta McLaughlin (Didsbury, Alta.) and their children, Celina and Joseph; Cynthia and Michel Amyot (Calgary, Alta.) and their children, Maxim, Felix and Alexis. His parents; three sisters, Katherine Funk, Helen Klassen, and Mary Pell; one brother, David; and one son-in-law, Jerry Janz, predeceased him. We thank Dr. Thiessen, the staff at the Bethesda Rehab and the Bethesda Per sonal Care Home for their kindness and care-giving over the past few months. His Family
1999 EMC Convention Tapes Dr. Vern Heidebrecht spoke on The Power of Purpose in a Healthy Church: What is Your Mission as the Church? What do you Value as the Church? What would Renewal look like in your Church? Dr. Heidebrecht is senior pastor of Northview Community Church (MB), Abbotsford, B.C. The two-tape set is $7.50, including postage and handling. Please con tact the Conference Office. (The Ladies Session was not taped. It will be taped in 2000.)
FRIESEN - to Layton and Glenda Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter. Carmen Brooke, on July 8, 1999. KITCHEN - to Chris and Rhonda Kitchen of Portage la Prairie, Man., a daughter, Naomi Rhonda, on September 14, 1999. BANMAN - to Gordie and Becky Banman of La Crete, Alta., a daughter, Danielle Rachel, on August 12, 1999. BRAUN - to John and Barb Braun of La Crete, Alta., a son, Alexander Nicholas Wilhelm, on June 26, 1999. DRIEDGER - to Bill and Melanie Driedger of La Crete, Alta., a son, Mitchell David, on July 16, 1999. BUECKERT - to Cornie and Cheryl Bueckert of La Crete, Alta., a daughter, Leah Raquel, on October 1, 1999. GRETSINGER - to Mark and Lisa Gretsinger, a daughter, Anika Jean, on September 11, 1999.
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Dave Schellenberg DIARIES AND MAILINGS ONE NIGHT IN September my wife and I attended a book launching at McNally Robinson at Grant Park in Winnipeg. It was a new book authored by a friend from Steinbach, and 1 had a small part in the production of this volume. (I translated some of my great-uncle’s diary from German to English and made available some art work of a long-de ceased relative, Gerhard Schellenberg.) From the Inside Out, written by Royden Loewen, chair of Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg, is a book of old selected diaries kept by twenty-one Mennonites in Canada between the years 1863 and 1929. You might ask. Who would be inter ested in such a book? People will be interested because it features the dia ries of different age groups, both
younger and older. It shows the simi larities and differences in what people thought was valuable enough to record and the areas of mutual interest. For instance, recording daily tempera tures seems to have been of interest to both old and young. Another sub ject was the wind, its direction and ve locity. These facts were much more crucial to them than they are to us to day. If these diaries had been kept con sistently, it might have become an in dicator of weather patterns for years to come. Many entries might seem mundane to us, but they do open a window into the life of people; they recorded what was important to them. Where before we only heard about them, they now take on flesh and blood. The main feature at the launching was the introduction of the book by the author. He gave us a little idea of what was in the book, thereby creating a desire in people to acquire one. Mr. Loewen is also the author of Bturnenort, A Mennonite Community in Transition (1983) and Family, Church and Market, 4 Community in the Old and the New Worlds (1993). * * * EVERY YEAR HAS twelve months, but fall seems to be a time for fundraisers in churches and missions. Our confer ence also sends out special appeals at this time of year. 1 suppose the reason
COMING EVENTS
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
November 13-14 Les Miserables William Glesby Centre Portage la Prairie, Man. Phone: 800-230-8478 November 14 International Day of Prayer lor the Persecuted Church
is that people slacked off during the preceding nine months and now the handwriting is on the wall — a huge discrepancy between the budget and actual giving. One day recently saw about ten vol unteers in the board room of the con ference office in Steinbach, Man., stuff ing envelopes, labelling and sealing them. Three items went into the mailings: a letter from the conference’s General Secretary, the 1999 budget, and a self-addressed return envelope. By the time you read this, you likely will have received your mailing. I assisted in both stuffing and sealing (no licking, though). While sealing I of ten sneaked a glance at where the mailing was going, and it was interest ing, to say the least; / didn’t know these people Hued there! This person is still at this address! One of the names re minded me to pray for that person. I noticed that many envelopes were going to places where there had been no EMC church in the past. Somebody must have had a vision to start a church there. A church where I had pastured might have had less than a dozen mailings when we started but now had sixty envelopes going there. What could easily have been a boring job became exciting and challenging. The number of envelopes that will come back will, of course, show how successful this venture ha.s been.
December 4 EMC Conference Council Meeting Steinbach EFC Steinbach. Man. Phone: 204-326-6401
November 19-20 Impact'99 Steinbach Bible College Steinbach. Man. Phone: 800-230-8478
January 23,2000 World Fellowship Sunday Mennonite World Conference Phone: 204-326-6401
December 3 EMC Ministerial Meeting Ridgewood EMC near Giroux, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401
March 3-5 EMC Leadership Retreat Speaker: Abe Block Camp Arnes, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401
December 3 Annual Christmas Concert Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. Phone: 800-230-8478
March 17-18 SBC Leadership Conference Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. Phone; 800-230-8478
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.
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THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0