The Messenger March 24, 1999

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EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 37 NUMBERS MARCH 24, 1999

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Messenger

An Interrupted Funeral THE MINISTER was reverential to God and polite to the family. Partway through the fu­ neral service, he stepped from behind the pulpit, went to the casket, opened it, and said, “In the name of the Lord, young man, I say to you, get up!” The congregation was aghast, the mourn­ ing family became angry, and the funeral home operators went into shock. The young man did not arise. There were hurried whis­ pers. One funeral home operator gently es­ corted the minister to a side room, while another asked a minister in attendance to carry on with the service. The above story is fictitious (and probably unoriginal), yet Scripture does tell of a fu­ neral interrupted with a young man raised to life. Jesus was entering the town of Nain as the body of a widow’s son was being car­ ried out. The Lord’s heart “went out to her.” Jesus said, “Don’t cry,” and touched the cof­ fin. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The young man sat up and talked. Je­ sus gave him back to his mother (Luke 7:1118). The widow was vulnerable because she did not have a husband to provide for her and to protect her; her son’s death had left her more lonely and financially vulnerable. Jesus gave the young man his life, turned a widow’s grief into joy, and protected her fi­ nancially. How many Christians wish they could in­ terrupt a funeral by the Lord’s power to re­ turn a loved one to a grieving family! Why did Jesus arrive too late to raise the widow’s husband? Why did she have only one son who died so young? Why did Jesus raise this son, and not someone else’s? How can this story mean anything to people who sit through funerals which are endured, not interrupted? Grieving Christians can have many questions. As Leslie Weatherhead, a Methodist minis­ ter, has said, in this life of body and spirit, freewill and lives intertwine for good and ill. Natural laws affect us; many unforeseen fac­ tors can touch us. While this is true, these words are hollow. Were some people inclined then to say, “Widow of Nain, your son came back to life, so you can believe. But our child did not, so PAGE 2

EDITOR Terry M. Smith

it is not possible for us”? Partly because of our pain the story of the widow’s son is preserved for us. This story EDITORIAL reveals our Lord as one who “carried our ASSISTANT sorrows” and who can raise the dead. Our Martha Kroeker THE MESSENGER is the Lord’s touch can reverse what death brings. publication of the Evangelical His word of command contains a veiled Mennonite Conference. It is promise that He will one day reverse the pain available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct of all who look to Him. and inspire: inform concerning His ministry veiled, our Lord was misun­ events and activities in the derstood and publicly executed, discarded denomination; instruct in god­ liness and victorious living; by Roman and Jewish leadership, mocked inspire to earnestly contend for by a crowd, considered a failed pretender the faith. Letters, articles, photos and to Israel’s messianic crown and affection. poems are welcomed. Unpub­ His death disappointed his followers. Jesus lished material is not returned was not what they hoped He would be; in except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the that sense, his followers were right. writers are their own and do not Jesus was actually more than they thought necessarily represent the posi­ of the Conference. He was — as revealed on Easter morning. tionTHE MESSENGER is pub­ Witnesses saw the risen Lord and the empty lished twice a month (once a tomb. If at first for some it seemed too good month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of to be true (Matthew 28:17), the list of wit­ the Evangelical Mennonite Con­ nesses is impressive (1 Corinthians 15:3-11), ference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba. with unusual, heart-warming choices. Subscriptions: $12.00 per Women were not trusted in the courts, yet year (Manitoba residents add Jesus trusted them to be messengers to the 7% PST total; $12.84). Sub­ scriptions are voluntary and op­ Eleven (Matthew 28:9-10). The Eleven were tional to people within or outside men of a common or unflattering back­ of the EMC. Members and ad­ pay through their ground. And what of Jesus’ half-brother herents church. James (Acts 1:15) and, later, Saul of Tarsus THE MESSENGER is a (Acts 9), unbelievers who became believers member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. through Christ’s resurrection? Second-class postage paid at This Easter Season, do you feel strangely Steinbach, Manitoba. Registration Number: 0591 moved by our Lord’s death for us and by His Mailing information: All being raised for our eternal life? If so, remem­ correspondence, including ber Jesus’ words to Thomas: “Because you undelivered copies, change of and new subscriptions, have seen me, you have believed; blessed address should be addressed to: are those who have not seen and yet have The Messenger RO. Box 1268 believed” (John 20:29). Steinbach, Manitoba The Apostles’ Creed says, “On the third day ROA 2A0 he was raised from the dead...I believe in the Phone: 204-326-6401 forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the Fax: 204-326-1613 body and the life everlasting. Amen.” This E-mail: emconf@mts.net sums up some of the thrilling truths of the Gospel. Cover: “So, whether we live Beyond our questions and grief, we have or”d'ie, we^belong t7the Lord” hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Because our (Romans 14:8). Lord has interrupted funerals before and conquered death, we await our good future MESSENGER SCHEDULE: 8 - April 21 in Him. More people are welcome to cel­ No. (copy due April 9) ebrate with us. No. 9 - May 5 Terry M. Smith (copy due April 23)

THE MESSENGER

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AN EASTER REFLECTION

Arden Thiessen FOR YOUR Passion Week reflection, please think with me about the sacrifice of Jesus. You know the events of the crucifixion, the suffering, the death, and the burial of Je­ sus; they are detailed in each of the four Gospels. We now need to ask, “What did it all mean?” I’ve already called it a “sacrifice.” That word, by itself, suggests that what happened outside the gates of Jemsalem was more than just a random historical incident. It had a meaning and a significance for others. To help us with our thinking we will use Hebrews 10. We don’t know much about the person who wrote this essay which we call “Hebrews.” His name isn’t given, the initial readers are not identified, and we’re not quite sure what relationship the writer had with his readers. We do, however, know two things about him: He had a masterful grasp of the history and theology of the Old Testament, and he had thought through the meaning of the death of Christ as nobody else in his day had. That’s why we listen to him. Over the course of several chapters the writer discusses how the believers of earlier times dealt with their sin and guilt. He emphasizes the uselessness of animal sacrifices; they cannot take away sins. They had to be repeated year after year, without effecting any permanent changes in the lives of the worshippers. But now Christ has given His life, and with one sacrifice He has changed everything. That one sacrifice is enough.

Three emphatic declarations I notice three emphatic declarations about the results of Christ’s death. First, we have been sanctified once for all (v. 10). Regardless of how much or how often we have sinned or of how deeply sinful we have become, there can be and there need be no other sacrifice. Second, Christ has now sat down at God’s right hand (v. 12). In the old tent of sacrifice, and in the Holy Place in the temple, there were no chairs. Nobody sat there; they stood to worship (v.l 1). But Christ has sat down and is now seated at the right hand of God. It’s a statement of finality. Mission accomplished! Third, Christ’s work is effective for all time (v.l4). Re­ gardless of how long the world may last or of how many new expressions of pride and selfishness people may in­ vent, there need never be another provision for dealing with human sin. Regardless of how many times you your­ self may promise to obey and then fail, there will never be another way to atone for your sin. Christ has done it for all time. These verses speak forcefully to some important issues on the current religious scene. Many Christian people have been wondering if our message is actually as par­ ticular as we previously were led to think. MARCH 24, 1999

In recent years we have become aware of other reli­ gions — Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and others. We have discovered that many of the adherents of these religions are very nice folks. They may even have challenged us to be nice as well. We realize that in order to live together in the same communities we must be tolerant and respect­ ful of each other. In fact, as followers of Jesus, we agree that we should lead the way in the practice of love and kindness for all people.

The finality of the gospel However, the book of Hebrews is an uncompromising apologetic for the finality of the gospel. The blood of bulls and goats can impossibly take away sin (v.4). If that is so, then neither can the five pillars of Islam, or the many gods of Hinduism, or the gracious ethics of Buddhism. There is only one Saviour for all people for all time. His name is Je­ sus; He is the Son of God. And His one sacrifice is enough. Guilt is a common experience for many Christians. But there is no need for us to attempt any sin offerings of our own. Now, we will likely not start dabbling with animal sacrifices. That is not part of our tradition. But it is com­ mon for human nature to feel that something should be done about our failures, that in some way we will, person­ ally, have to make up for our sinning. I see that urge as evidence of our godlikeness. God has made us to feel responsible. The feeling that we should stand up for our sins is a noble inclination. At the same time, however, it can become an obstruction. Our own sense of responsibility can get in the way of God’s grace. Occasionally, I meet believers who tell me, with some anxiety, that they actually experience more guilt now than they did before they gave themselves to Christ. I’m not surprised. When people look at their lives with Christian eyes they see things they never noticed before. And so new believ­ ers may walk in deep despair. They may look at their past in disbelief. For the first time ever, it may dawn on them what they really are. And it may not be a happy revelation. Some people are surprised that they, even as Christians, keep on incurring new guilt. In the initial joy of forgive­ ness, they had thought they had become totally new. But people don’t stop living when they receive Christ. They carry on with the same habits in the same old spoiled body, living in the same world among the same old rela­ tives. And so their life easily slips back into the same old pattern. But they have become more sensitive to God’s demands for righteous living. They have a new respect for the teach­ ings of God’s Word. And they have with them the Holy Spirit, who is a first-rank guilt producer; one of the Spirit’s stated roles is to convict of sin. Have you noticed His pain PAGES

ful reminders? Listen then also to His promise of forgive­ ness. For some people the grace of God is hard to accept. Grace seems contrary to how things should be. The mo­ rality of the universe demands that each person pay up, tit for tat, an eye for an eye. But forgiveness is by grace; it can never be earned or deserved; it is simply offered to us freely, as a gift. It’s tough to accept a genuine gift. A true gift never seems quite fair. How do you receive a gift? All you need do is say thank you. That completes the transaction. But some will add. Very nice ofyou. I must remember to return the favour soon. Such a person doesn’t understand the meaning of a gift. 1 realize some givers actually expect a gift in return. Phoney generosity! May that kind perish! God’s giving is not like that. It’s pure giving, pure grace. Some people don’t like to receive gifts because they don’t want to feel indebted to the giver. You may have noticed that some people are harder to receive a gift from than others. 1 hope you have no such problem with God, because the only way to get His help is as a gift.

Perversions of grace However, our enemy, the devil, will always stand be­ tween us and the grace of God. The tempter will tell you you’ll have to start doing something about your sins, that you are so bad it will take some real sacrifices on your part to make matters right. And since Satan knows you want to please God he will likely take something God wants you to do and entice you to try to earn your own forgiveness. The enemy regularly distorts what is good into an unholy effort to satisfy God with our works. 1 mention four such perversions. First, there is the commitment to serve the Lord. These imperatives show up all over the New Testament. We are to present ourselves to God in service. But how many people have given away money, gone into mission work, been hyperactive in church, to make up for the past? The service may be exemplary, but the motive may be evidence of a sick religion. There is no longer any offering for sin. One sacrifice is enough. Second, there is self-denial. Jesus actually called for it; to follow Him we have to be willing to lose our lives. I’m sure Jesus is pleased with the simple, uncluttered life. But the simplicity may lead to a perverse sense of pride and satisfaction, that one has so thoroughly rejected all visible sin. Unfortunately, it may also lead to ever-increasing criti­ cism of those who seem to be more attached to this world. But self-denial cannot, ever, serve as an atonement for our sins. One sacrifice is enough. Third, 1 mention humility. 1 think it is Andrew Murray who calls it the queen of the virtues. Jesus requires humil­ ity of His followers. But one sometimes sees an abusive self-incrimination that is a grotesque perversion of what Jesus must have meant. Some people think they are doing God a favour when they put themselves down. They think they are upholding the cause of righteousness when they heap abuse upon themselves. They may even hope, secretly, that God will punish them with some dreadful tragedy because that PAGE 4

would enhance their self-styled humility. Humility won’t do as a sacrifice. One sacrifice is enough. Fourth, consider confession. Confession is normal for Christians, because confession is just being honest. Con­ fession means we stop hiding, we stop evading, and we admit the painful truth. And true confession hurts. But some people relish it. They search their lives for ever more things to confess. Confession has become an obsession because it seems to them they earn forgiveness by confessing. But it can’t work because there is no longer any offering for sin. One sacrifice is enough. Forgiveness in the heart of God Forgiveness cannot be earned; it cannot be purchased by money or by good works. To try to do so is an insult to Jesus Christ. He gave His life for us. That death on the cross has taken care of all sin for all time. There is enough forgiveness in the heart of God for all. And, “where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offer­ ing for sin” (v. 18). One sac­ rifice is enough!

Dr. Arden Thiessen is the senior pastor of the Steinbach EMC.

9th Biennial EMC Youth Conference Abundant Springs ’99 “I Believe!” May 21-24 Caronport, Sask. The feature band at A.S. ’99 is Hokus Pick. This Vancou­ ver-based band has a solid ministry with their popular music. We are looking forward to their concert and hav­ ing them minister to our youth all weekend. Jon Buller will lead in an incredible time of worship. Jon, who lives in Winnipeg, is known for his ability in leading Praise and Worship. We are looking forward to meeting God in worship. Lou Leventhal is a world-renowned illusionist. He mixes stunning mind-boggling illusions with a powerful Christian message. It will a treat to be blown away by the power of God shown to us by Lou Leventhal. Please pray that these artists will be able to communi­ cate the truth of God to our young people. For more info call Deidre Plett at 204-326-4855 or Gordon Kroeker at 204-669-0465.

THE MESSENGER

SEette/ts STATEMENT CORRECTED In response to our conversation earlier, 1 am writing to correct a statement that appeared in your February 24 issue (page 8) regarding MCC’s action in support of the people of Cross Lake, Manitoba. Under a photo taken at one of seven MCC-initiated consultations with Mennonite pastors and church members, the impression is given that MCC will now proceed with its originally planned diversion of ten percent of its Manitoba Hydro bill into a trust fund for the people of Cross Lake. A correct statement is that MCC has decided to pay its entire Manitoba Hydro bill and then contribute a self-imposed surcharge of ten percent to the Pimicikamak Cree Nation of Cross Lake. Manitoba Hydro will be receipted for this money as pre-payment on their outstanding debt to Cross Lake under the terms of the Northern Flood Agreement (NFA) signed twenty-two years ago. Key NFA provisions for the long-term viability of the community have not been fulfilled. XATiile MCC continues to support those who choose diversion of funds as a prophetic way to confront the governments responsible for our public utility, MCC has chosen to act in a way that takes into account the concerns we heard from those who attended the meetings mentioned above. The present course of action acknowledges that we in southern Manitoba benefit greatly from inexpensive electricity while the people of Cross Lake pay the unaccounted human costs. MCC invites others to broaden this ac­ tion by participating as congregations and individuals. We see this as an opportunity for Christians to act on God’s call to the collective healing of Jubilee. Rick Zerbe Cornelsen Aboriginal Neighbours Program Winnipeg, Man. Editor's note: The error is acknowledged and

regretted. I suggested that a letter would bring the correction to readers' attention.

WHO SETS THE STANDARDS? Regarding some recent letters to the editor on the subject of women in leader­ ship, allow me to make some comments expressing my views. Both those who are for women in leadership and those against use scripture to back their claims. Does that mean it’s a tie? Or does the group who lists the most references win? And if one group “wins,” what happens to the other group? Are they allowed to remain in the Conference, or do they have to start a new one? Or will the “losing” group simply have to adopt the views of the other side? MARCH 24, 1999

Or will there be a vote that is won by a simple majority? Will it be held at the annual convention, and will it be the highest attendance ever because everyone wants to vote on this issue? Or if it is a leadership question, does the vote carry only with an eighty percent majority? Who will set such standards? Will we? Will we find scripture references, or will we rely on a direct communication from God, perhaps through an angel? While these deliberations are ongoing, our Conference continues to carry on what we believe to be the work of the Lord. We have one church who currently has a woman as a pastor and another where the church would cease to exist if women stepped out of leadership. We support and send out women missionaries who perform many tasks of leadership in their particular fields. The February 24, 1999, issue of The Messenger re­ ported that the church in Cuauhtemoc has two women in its leadership team, one of whom preached at a “seeker service.” 1 see here a huge problem of inconsistency. If women in leadership is not a problem then the inconsistency goes away. If women in leadership is a problem, indeed if this is a sin, then we should be taking active steps to correct this situation, All women on the mission field should be prohibited from preaching and giving leadership, or be recalled from the field, We would also need to deal with “home” churches who are thwarting the Conference position and let churches die, or whatever, if they can’t survive without women leaders. To be credible, we have to be consist­ ent! If we find consistency too hard because of where we are and what we are doing, then we shouldn’t make an issue of women in leadership! In case my position has not been clearly identified, 1 will say that 1 am for women in leadership; 1 am also for men in leadership — not just any women or any men, but those whom God has gifted. I am prepared to hear their teaching and listen to their counsel. Wally Doerksen R.R.l, Steinbach, Man.

culture may take. The move to license and ordain women reflects the direction our society is taking, and so it is natural that we should feel pres­ sured to follow suit. God, however, has not called us to follow society. He has called us to follow Him, and this will often put us in conflict with the ways of the world. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you (John 15:19). One of the reasons for the pressure to conform to worldly standards is the false notion that gender equality is determined by roles. In the body of Christ we are all of equal value and importance, regardless of the role God may have ordained for us (Galatians 3:28). The problem is not with the current policy of our Conference on licensing or ordaining women, for it is based on the clear teaching of Scripture. We are, how­ ever, concerned that the Conference is again debating this issue. In Ephesians 4, Paul admonishes us to use our gifts to bring about unity, which is a sign of a mature church. Allowing this issue to come up for debate is doing just the opposite. The unwillingness to accept the author­ ity of the Scriptures and the church will plant seeds of division. Let us stand firm on the truth. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching... (Ephesians 4:14). We at the Anola Fellowship Chapel are deeply concerned that should we submit to worldly pressures on this issue, we will soon be questioning the authority and va­ lidity of the Scriptures in many other areas as well. If we choose the path of liberal­ ism we will soon be accepted by the world and find a comfortable place here. But what then will we have to offer it?

LETTER TO CONFERENCE Recently our Conference has been wrestiing with the issue “Women in Leadership.” We of the Anola Fellowship Chapel believe that the Scriptures speak clearly to this issue. We believe the command that a woman not be allowed to teach or have authority over a man (1 Timothy 2:12) is theologically based, not cultural (w. 1314). Therefore we must stand firm on God’s Word, regardless of the direction our

To be published they must include the writer’s signature, address and phone number. Names and general location will appear, except for extraordinary circumstances, on letters published. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, and charity. It can refuse publication when the material does not conform to the editorial policy approved by the Board of Church Ministries (November, 1997).

Anola Fellowship Chapel Anola, Manitoba Letters to the Editor Letters for publication, commenting on issues raised in The Messenger, are welcomed. Their tone should be charitable, dealing with subjects rather than individuals.

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KENYA

WHY ARE WE HERE? On Friday, August 7, at 10 a.m. a truck pulls into the U.S. Embassy lot in Nairobi, Kenya, and is denied access to the underground parkade. Minutes later a powerful bomb blast destroys the Embassy building and the adjacent office buildings, killing more than 100 people and injuring 5000 more. Miles away, a group of Rosslyn teachers are observing lions in the Nairobi Game Park. These teachers, just arrived in the country and chauffeured by Al, were to have gone to the Embassy that morning to register ex­ cept for a last-minute schedule change. They thanked God for safety but felt very unsettled with their welcome to Kenya. One month later, American missiles target military sites in three Islamic countries in retaliation for the earlier terrorist attack. The U.S. State department issues travel warn­ ings, and Rosslyn teachers are advised to stay out of the Islamic areas of Nairobi. No teacher experiences any physical danger, but the obvious hostility of local shopkeep­ ers and anti-American sentiment in the city again causes psychological anxiety. As the fall months pass, the teachers set­ tle into normal routines, and a sense of well­ being, peace and security increases. Then, on the morning of November 23, the school administrators send out a memo informing everyone of a bomb threat to the school. Within minutes the school is evacuated and the students and teachers spend a tense day in a nearby school gym. The police bomb squad eventually pronounces the school to be safe, but the anxiety, doubts and feelings of trauma have returned. Christmas preparations help dispel the anxiety once again. Decorations are put up, presents wrapped, banquets attended, and Rosslyn Academy closes for the holidays. Just before Christmas Day, the U.S. military begins a full-scale bombing of Iraq’s mili­ tary sites. Immediately, the Islamic world reacts, and areas of Nairobi and coastal Kenya again become unsafe for travel. A man at a nearby mall overhears a con­ versation that he repeats to U.S. embassy personnel. Men were discussing retaliatory acts on American schools in Kenya, naming Rosslyn as a target. Rosslyn beefs up secu­ rity and teachers stay at home for several days. The festive mood turns sombre, and some teachers openly question their deci­ sion to move to Kenya. With the start of a new semester comes the hope that things will be much quieter, but not for long. A group of university stu­ dents and other activists converge on Karura Forest to protest the illegal development (involving government officials) that is tak­ ing place in this forest reserve. The access to Karura Forest is only a quar­ PAGE 6

ter mile from Rosslyn Academy’s gate; on Saturday morning peace on campus is shattered by sounds of yelling, gunfire and the popping of tear gas canisters. A full-scale riot has erupted within sight of the Rosslyn campus, endangering the safety of the unsuspecting teachers, ineluding Robyn, out for their Saturday morning errands. Eventually, the police, with the help of armoured vehicles with gun turrets, quell the riot near Rosslyn, but sporadic riots and demonstrations occur during the next four days over the city. We are forced to leave our Sunday church service as the tear gas from a nearby demonstration becomes overpowering. On the same weekend, we receive word that one of our teachers is in Nai­ robi Hospital, the victim of a stabbing during a robbery attempt on a downtown street. Thanks to the quick action of a bystander and a skilled surgeon who repaired his severed brachial artery, the damage is much less than it might have been. Rosslyn teachers are wondering, what next? What else can go wrong? Why are we teaching in an area where security and safety seem to be a daily concern? The fact is that this year has been an anomaly. Our first three years at Rosslyn Academy were a pleasure. There have always been some security concerns, tropical diseases are an ever-present is­ sue, and we’ve often been reminded of the frailty of life, but the general atmosphere at school has been positive and enjoyable. Even this year we know that this is where we are supposed to be teaching, We have to use our God-given common sense and trust in God for safety and health. Perhaps the lesson of this school

Al and Robyn Thiessen (Prairie Rose) are teachers at Rosslyn Academy in Nairobi, Kenya.

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year has been to put our faith in a sovereign God, regardless of the source or in­ tensity of the next attack. Al and Robyn Thiessen

MEXICO PRAYING AT ALL TIMES The first Wednesday of the month we meet at 8:30 a.m. to pray. When we began, we were two — one concerned mother and 1. Now we are four. Our purpose is to pray specifically for the children and grandchildren of these three women, who total some one hundred people. We pray for their salvation, for their spiritual growth and for the work of God in their lives. We sense opposition to this ministry. Sometimes we are tired; sometimes we wonder whether our prayers make a difference; sometimes we despair when we consider the mixed-up lives and emotions of their children. Every little step of progress toward God, however, is cause for rejoicing. And God does answer prayer! A friend of mine, Estela, who died five years ago this March, prayed earnestly for her husband and six children. Last month the oldest daughter became a Christian, motivated by unfortunate circumstances. Her simple tmst and spiritual hunger are heartwarming. Last Sunday her eight-year-old daughter was born again. On the way home from church she explained, “1 had never understood the new birth; now 1 know it’s a spiritual birth.” Words of wisdom! As more of the family come under the direct influence of these new Christians, God will continue to work, answering Estela’s prayers. And so we pray — in informal moments, in groups of twos and threes, at breakfasts, in scheduled weekly meetings, alone, with fasting or anointing. As we pray, ac­ knowledging God’s sovereignty and His power, we find rest and strength. Ah)ira Fripspn

Alvira Friesen (Rosenort) serves in a churchplanting ministry in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico. THE MESSENGER

ARIZONA HE SAT IN MY WHEELCHAIR Recently 1 had the joy of attending a lead­ ership seminar at our New Tribes Mission headquarters in Sanford, Florida. In our meetings we discussed our model of lead­ ership, who is, naturally, Christ himself. The style of leadership taught and dem­ onstrated by Christ was “servant leader­ ship.” “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,” He said. To be an effective servant leader, it is crucial that we personally know and un­ derstand those under our care. Paul com­ manded Timothy to “know the flock.” This concept, which we were taught at the seminar, was especially driven home to me while visiting my father, Abe Koop, in the nursing home in Orlando, Florida. One of the training elements used by the nursing home management is “Sensitivity Training.” The training objective is to give the management and staff a feel for what it is like to be on the receiving end of their service. The staff spends time in a wheel­ chair. They wear clumsy gloves to simu­ late old-age lack of dexterity and heavy glasses to match old-age vision. Participants then struggle to eat the very food the nursing home serves their pa­ tients. Water is poured in their laps to help them experience what it is like to sit for hours with a wet diaper. All this is to help them be better servants to those, like my father, who are under their care. They can actually identify with him as “they have sat in his wheelchair!” Is this a new concept, or a new leader­ ship philosophy? Hardly! It is 2000 years old. God himself came down and “sat in my wheelchair.” The God who spoke this universe into being, chose to learn what it

was like to be a helpless newborn baby. Unable to communicate hunger other than by crying, he was totally dependent on someone else to feed him and change his messy diapers. Just as my father in the nursing home depends totally on others to care for him, God understands my dad’s weaknesses, because He himself has been there (Hebrews 4:14-16). As a child, Jesus experienced what it was like to crawl, then learn to walk, and to get along with brothers and sisters. He began with the ignorance of a young boy and learned the skill of carpentry from his father. Did He ever cut a board too short? As a carpenter, did He have to deal with demanding customers or one who didn’t pay his bills? The Scripture says that He was tempted in all things like you and 1, and yet was without sin. It is awesome to realize that God spent the first thirty years of his earthly life “sitting in my wheelchair.” We can approach the throne of grace with confidence, receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. I can find comfort because He is able to sympathize with my weakness. Why? Because “He has sat in my wheelchair” (see Hebrews 14:15-16). We are all leaders in some way: as mis­ sion or church leaders, as fathers to our children or as husbands to our wives. Are we out of touch with those under our care? Are we distant? Have we taken the time to listen, to understand, and to de­ velop genuine relationships with those under our care? Have we failed to follow our leadership Model and Great High Priest, the Servant, the Lord Jesus Christ? As leaders, do we have the love and hu­ mility it takes to sit in someone else’s wheelchair? Do we even understand the

need for it? If our heavenly Father, who is all-powerful and all-knowing, felt the need for “Sensitivity Training,” where does that leave you and me? Ellen and 1 have been serving with the Aviation branch of New Tribes Mission since 1982. We have recently been given more responsibilities in leadership. Our prayer is that we will humbly “sit in their wheelchairs” so that we can effectively serve our co-workers with understanding hearts. Phil Koop

Phil and Ellen Koop and their family, Mat­ thew, Dennis and Trauis, Hue in Arizona, where Phil manages the auionics depart­ ment and Ellen does home-school teach­ ing.

SIX BAPTIZED Mount Salem, Ont.:

INTERIM PASTOR Pansy, Man.: We now have an interim pastor, Ben Unger. Welcome, Ben and Erna! Pastor Unger began his duties at the beginning of March. Our long-time pastor, Leonard Barkman, and his wife, Betty, left on January 7 to do mission work in Kansas. They are planning to be gone for two years. All the best to you, Leonard and Betty; we miss you. We had a communion service on Janu­ ary 3. At our December 27 service we were pleased to welcome Rick and Susan Fehr of Sarto and Sheila Barkman of Pansy as members of our church. Lorna Doerksen

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Baptized on Sunday, January 17, were Jesse Loewen, Peter Loewen, Henry Giesbrecht, Juanita Thiessen, Jessy Neufeld and Lisa Siemens. MARCH 24, 1999

Congratulations to Katharina and John Fehr, who were married fifty years ago on January 29. May the Lord bless you and continue to make you a blessing! PAGE?

Bill Friesen was ordained as a minister on January 17. Bill and Helen have three children, Kevin, Kurils and Shayna.

On December 6 three couples acknowledged that their children are a gift from the Lord and committed themselves to train them in the fear of the Lord: Mary and Henry Fehr with Benny, Annie and Abe Fehr with Curtis, Helen and Peter Sawatzky with David Peter.

YOUTH PASTOR ORDAINED Leamington, Ont.: An ordination service for Bill Friesen as minister was held on January 17. In 1996 the EMC Board of Missions sent Bill and Helen Friesen to Leamington for a three-year term to serve as youth pastor. They have become one of us, and their ministry has been much appreciated. During the last year the congregation has made several decisions which show we appreciate their work with the youth and

others. Almost a year ago the church asked them to continue their assignment beyond the three years. With this request we also com­ mitted ourselves to take up the financial support that had been coming from the Conference. At a closed election last fall the church further affirmed that they recognized gifts of ministry in Bill and Helen and voted to ordain Bill as a minister. At the ordination service on January 17,

PRAYERS ANSWERED

La Crete, Alta.: Speaking on behalf of the youth of La Crete Christian Fellowship, we have been blessed with several youth lead­ ers, pastors and sponsors. Since Richard Krahn, our last youth pas­ tor, decided to move on, we have been praying for a new leader. As we prayed, and the search committee kept their eyes open, we gave everything into God’s hands. While we waited, Dave and Sharon Schellenberg faithfully served us in lead­ ership, with the assistance of Henry and Judy Harms and Peter Fehr. All have been a great encouragement to us. In September we were very excited to meet Brian and Tricia Reimer, led by the hand of God, to fill our need. Through their arrival, we have seen God’s faithful­ ness in answering prayer. We are blessed to have the Reimers with us and are thor­ oughly enjoying their dedicated involve­ ment with the youth. Matilda Peters LeRoy Siemens Melissa Wiens

PAGES

Tricia and Brian Reimer are giving leadership to the youth in La Crete. They have two children, Alex and Tasha.

Stan Plett gave a challenging message to Bill and Helen, as well as to the church. John Koop, our Conference Pastor, con­ ferred the office of minister on Bill. We covet your prayers as we look at vari­ ous ways of ministering to a growing con­ gregation. We are talking about the need for more deacons, more room and maybe even another congregation or two! Peter Reimer

CATCHING CHICKENS FOR FUNDS Roseisle, Man.: Does the Roseisle EMC youth group want to go to Abundant Springs? Apparently they do. That, or they have a peculiar way of having fun. Why else would they spend four evenings catch­ ing thousands of our fine-feathered friends in February? Our enthusiastic, energetic youth have once again started raising funds for AS ’99 with our tried and true fundraiser — chicken catching. Some of us “older” catchers are “celebrating” more than twenty years of catching, thus the term tried and true\ The youth are under new but not inex­ perienced leadership with Wes and Brenda Klassen and Brian and Elaine Friesen. As a congregation we are thank­ ful that they are willing to serve in this very important and challenging depart­ ment in our church. Also in February our Big Action Kids Club got under way; they meet on Thursdays after school. This program will run for ten weeks, and we are hoping to reach out to kids in our community and surrounding area. We have been encouraged with the

THE MESSENGER

attendance so far, with numbers some­ times close to thirty. Dedicated helpers make this an enjoyable time of fun and learning for the children; their act of serv­ ice in this program is much appreciated. Six couples took in the Marriage Enrich­ ment Seminar in Morris, Man., held on the weekend of February 12-13. This was a Promise Keepers event, and the ministry

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CHANGES EXPERIENCED Viymark, Sask.: As the days and months go by, our church has also experienced change. Conroy and Sheila Koop, our youth pastor, had announced that they would be leaving and following the Lord’s leading to the Fish Creek church in Calgary and prepared to do just that. Before they left, however, we had the privilege of ordain­ ing Conroy as a minister. Mel Koop, Conroy’s dad, gave the message. About a month later we had a farewell for Conroy and Sheila. Though we were sad to see them go. Pastor Len Harms shared a timely comparison of a little red wagon that just doesn’t give a very good ride when someone is dragging it down from behind. We were sad, but felt privi­ leged to send them on to Calgary. We were glad to accept Kevin and Darcie Peters into the new youth pastor position (this is Kevin’s home church). On January 10 we had an installation service for them. In fall we celebrated life by supporting the parent/child dedication service. Par­ ticipants were Conroy and Sheila Koop with Mitchell, Pastor Len and Sharon Harms with Jaden, and Blaine and Donna Friesen with Mandy. Later we accepted Darcie Peters, Andy Schlamp and Ryan Schapansky into our church membership. The Christmas season once again brought a lot of Christ-birth celebrations, which included a music night (an effort with other churches), a Sunday school pro­ gram and a Christmas morning service. January 3 we had a farewell for Mrs. Lena Hamm to show our appreciation to her and wish her God’s best in her move to Manitoba. Julene Peters

MEMBERSHIP MEETING EXCITING Landmark, Man.: The membership was taken aback (especially the older genera­ tion) when the late Frank D. Reimer, at age sixty-five, announced that he would not let his name stand for re-election as pastor. What would we do now? Well, the majority rallied and a younger leader was chosen. Eight years after his ordination to the ministry, in 1976 Edwin Plett became the third pastor of the Prai­ rie Rose EMC, succeeding pastors Henry R. Reimer and Frank D. Reimer. At an exciting annual membership meetMARCH 24, 1999

of Steve and Jackie Masterson was very meaningful. It was a weekend well spent. February 21 was Talent Night in our church. Some people were concerned that we might not be able to fill an hour, but two hours later we were still going strong! We had several “guests” perform: Manuel was back with some vacation tips for travelling to Mexico (please bring salsa}.

Sharon and Len Harms stand with their family, Jaden, Crystal and Amber. Jaden was dedicated in fall.

Kevin and Darcie Peters are filling the youth pastor position at the Wymark church.

Roseisle’s newest singing group, Sage, Pars­ ley, Rosemary and Thyme (they looked vaguely familiar), performed their newest hit single. Larry the Cucumber hopped down the aisle to sing about how much he loved his lips. Much, much more took place that evening. It was an evening with f^un and laughter not soon to be forgotten. Eleanor Friesen

Con and Sheila Koop and their children, Joey, Mitchell and Savannah, have moved to Calgary to give leadership to the new EMC church there.

Paula, Donna, Mandy, Blaine, Andrea and Grant Friesen pose for the reporter. Mandy was dedicated in fall,

ing on January 16, Pastor Plett was given a 95% yes vote to carry on until his retire­ ment at age 65 in the year 2000. This was only the beginning. We thank God that all the committee positions were filled. The 1998 bountiful receipts and dis­ bursements, as well as the 1999 budget, were reviewed. The 1998 Yearbook was unveiled, bursting with good reports and goals, listing the committees and contain­ ing an updated membership list and, of course, the budget. This 26-page yearbook just came together on its own, didn’t it? Oh, no! There

were many who contributed, but it was a dedicated mother of three who worked long hours to get it done properly and on time. Eileen Engbrecht needs to be sin­ cerely thanked for this, her second year­ book. Mrs. Engbrecht also does the Sun­ day morning church bulletins. Unsung volunteers like Eileen make heaven smile and the pastor’s load lighter. Our pastor used to do the yearbook him­ self for years, with never a complaint, just like Eileen. Harold Pled

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On December 9 Awana leaders and students presented a Christmas program at the Crestview church.

Edwin and Lillian Plett have served the Prairie Rose church faithfully for many years.

••Vfc’ Eileen Engbrecht worked many hours on the Yearbook. With her are her husband, Victor, and their children, David, Jessica and Rachel.

VILLAGES SALES UP Sales at Ten Thousand Villages Canada have grown forty percent over last year, and the organization will show a small sur­ plus on operations for 1998. Sales out of the New Hamburg, Ontario, warehouse reached approximately $3.76 million by the end of February 1999, the fiscal year-end. That is thirteen percent higher than Villages budgeted for the year. Director Doug Dirks credits the strong sales to the hard work of hundreds of vol­ unteers and staff in thirty retail stores and over a hundred consignment and special sales held across the country. The growth is also confirmation that Vil­ lages’ strategy of placing new stores in highly populated areas is working. In Canada, the financial good news means jobs for approximately 3000 peo­ ple overseas. And that’s the real bottom line, says Dirks. “We feel that, at this point at least, the best strategy to generate new work for artisans is to establish new stores in places we haven’t been before,” said Dirks. New stores are planned for Toronto and Ottawa in the next year. As well. Villages is look­ ing at moving or upgrading some other stores. PAGE 10

SHARING THE JOY Winnipeg, Man. (Crestview): A great thing about belonging to a church is shar­ ing in the joys of others. On November 29, Ray and Pat Plett invited us to celebrate their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. It started with a renewal of vows, and was followed by a light supper and a program. Thank you, Ray and Pat, for sharing your love with us. We got a very busy December started by having our adult Christmas social on De­ cember 5. After a meal we were enter­ tained and blessed by the group New Cov­ enant. December 8 was our ladies’ ministry Christmas tea. The ladies enjoyed their tea, sang carols, made crafts, and took part in a dainty exchange. Awana leaders and students took the stage December 9 as they presented their Christmas program. These dedicated chil­ dren and adults put on a wonderful pro­ gram. On December 24 we had a service of sing­ ing and sharing to fully remind us of the true spirit of Christmas. It took many peo­ ple and many hours of work to make all these activities happen. Thcink you to each of you; God will reward you for your faith­ fulness. Shannon Esau

Ray and Pat Plett celebrated their 25th anniversary on November 29.

■ On December 22 the children did a great job at the Sunday school Christmas program. THE MESSENGER

Menno Hamm El Paso, Texas

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WATCH YOUR STEP! OUR FIRST day in El Paso was quite enjoy­ able with the Ernie Koop family on hand to help us get settled. Even the heat, not much more intense than Manitoba in July, was tolerable. After the Koops left for the evening, Elvina and I resumed our unpack­ ing. As I stepped out the door to get some­ thing from the car in the backyard, I sensed another presence. Out of the comer of my eye, I was startled to see a rather large snake coiled up beside the rock wall only five feet away. The trip to the car was no longer urgent, and I quickly slipped back into the house. From the safety of our bathroom win­ dow, 1 watched the motionless reptile. Was there, in its beady stare, a resentment of our intmsion into its domain? I decided not to tell Elvina, because her abhorrence of snakes is even greater than mine. But she was working in the laundry room near the back door. What if she stepped outside? There was no telling how the shock might affect her. So 1 quickly men­ tioned what I had seen. She was horrified. Not knowing what action to take, we decided to wait until the Koops returned. Ernie would know how to deal with the snake. As the evening passed we looked out the window from time to time — the snake did not move. When the Koops finally returned, we told them our dreadful story. Together we went to show them the snake — it had van­ ished. Where had it gone? No one knows.

Steinbach Bible College ©raSuotion wccftcnS

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Harvey Plett Appreciation Evening April 16, 1999 7:30 p.m. SBC Chapel

Alumni Brunch April 17, 1999 11:00 a.m. Blumenort EMC Graduation April 18, 1999 3:00 p.m. Steinbach EMC 422 Main Street

It hasn’t been seen again. What kind was it? We don’t know, but did not see a rattle on its tail. Where had it come from? Mr. Phillips, our neighbour, said that sometimes snakes come down off the nearby mountains dur­ ing a heavy rain. It had rained the previous evening. Perhaps it was the pet python that was rumoured to have escaped in the neighbourhood. This hair-raising experience was not all bad. We definitely have become more cautious. It also makes us wonder why the fear of snakes is so widespread. Some are actually quite pretty; some, by eating mice and other pests, are helpful. Although many are quite harmless, a few are deadly. So those of us who don’t “know” our snakes, fear them all. Can it be that our revulsion toward snakes is also related to Eve’s temptation in the Garden of Eden? It was the form Satan used to appear to Eve and tempt her to eat the forbidden fruit. If so, when we see a snake, we think of the devil, and are repulsed. Satan is still in the business of tempting people to sin and disobey God. But he doesn’t, as a rule, use the snake disguise. The Bible talks about the devil going around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour. That’s a fearful image too, but one that we don’t often see. He is a master of disguise, and maybe we have the most trouble recognizing his favourite “angel of light” one. In that form Satan can easily catch us off guard and make his subtle, reasonable suggestions. Before we know it, we’ve made a wrong decision, often with far-reaching conse­ quences. The Bible has good advice: “So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are des­ perate times!” (Ephesians 5:15,16, Peterson).

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Believe! I Abundant Springs ’99 I I I May 21-24 I I I Please pray for the musicians I I I and the illusionist. I I I I b ..

!CH 24, 1999

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-'U Book Reviews

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By EMCers

Evangeline Christina Emily Loewen Self Published, 1998,160 pp. Reviewed by Lorraine Koop Calgary, Alberta APRIL 24,1987, brought joy to John and Emily Loewen as they welcomed their first child, Evangeline Christina, into the world. Full of love for each other and for their newborn baby, they were excited about the future. Joy, however, soon turned to concern as it became apparent that something was wrong with Vangie. Early diagnoses included pos­ sible heart defects and hip joint problems. Doctors assured the Loewens that these conditions could be treated, and life took on the normal routine of a household with preschoolers. Brother Shawn was bom two years later. By age five, Vangie’s recurring fevers and infections led doctors to discover that she suffered from Fanconi Anemia, a rare ge­ netic disease usually leading to severe bone marrow failure. Despite a bone marrow trans­ plant, Vangie experienced intense suffering and died at age six. In the book’s introduction, Emily, Vangie’s mother, says she hopes readers will benefit from reading their story. This book stirred many emotions within me. First, I appreci­ ated Emily’s inclusion of many everyday details of their lives. This reminded me that the Loewens were a regular, average family just like many other families; what happened to them could happen to any one of us. Second, 1 was moved by the honesty of John and Emily in sharing their feelings about Vangie’s suffering. Though they trusted in a loving God, they experienced anger at the suffering; fear and doubt about the decision to allow Vangie to undergo the bone mar­ row transplant; and heartbroken agony as they watched their little girl suffer. This book opened my eyes to what fami­ lies experience with a critically ill child in a hospit^ setting and how friends and family can come alongside and support these fami­ lies in practical ways. 1 recommend this book. It is a strong testi­ mony to how, although God allows us to go through pain. He holds us during trials and never fails us. Emily quoted from Psalm 73 at the end of the book: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever...But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” After reading their story, 1 knew the Loewens did not quote these words glibly. PAGE 11

John Koop Conference Pastor

THE APOSTLES’ CREED JON, THE nine-year-old son of our Mes­ senger editor, has memorized The Apos­ tles’Creed. My congratulations to him! 1 wonder how many of our EMC family know the Creed? Do any of our churches read it occasionally? It is in many of the songbooks we use in our churches.

The Apostles’ Creed 1 believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

1 believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit And born of the Virgin Mary.

Dave Schellenberg ONE OF MY favourite authors is John R. W. Stott of London, England. His book The Sermon on the Mount is invaluable. When we were in London in 1977 we visited the All Souls Church, where he was the pastor emeritus. Unfortunately, he was not there at that time. A news item in the November 17,1998, issue of ChristianWeek caught my eye: He had been speaking in Canada, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Stott was the keynote speaker at the Anglican “Essentials” conference in October. The conference was the latest effort of the “Essentials” movement to chal­ lenge and encourage the Anglican Church, according to the article. The conference theme addressed the con­ cern of some Anglicans that their church is becoming too polarized. Stott had a stern warning for his hear­ ers when he stated, “Young people are floundering in a swamp of relativity, and even the preachers don’t seem to know PAGE 12

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven And is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, The holy catholic [universal] church, The communion of saints. The forgiveness of sins. The resurrection of the body. And the life everlasting. Amen.

Creeds were written to give a brief sum­ mary of the Christian faith — to, in a few words, say what you believe. They also focus on the one in whom our salvation lies — the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Apostles’ Creed is a balanced and biblical affirmation of our Christian beliefs. It also reminds us of the community of the church rather than the individualism which our

what they believe.” This certainly sounds like a strong as­ sessment. One would hope that this severe criticism to the “Essentials” con­ ference of the Anglican Church of Canada would not be true of us. 1 don’t think it is. On the other hand, 1 think we could always try and learn from people of Stott’s stature. * * * 1 HOPE that 1 was at least of some help to my friend as we discussed the mat­ ter of making right choices. “How can we be sure of always choosing the right way?” is the question. Many readers. I’m sure, have struggled with that at some time in their lives. The Lord has given us a mind and av­ erage discernment. However, in an im­ perfect world we will often come to the point of not knowing which of two alternatives is better. We choose and then seek to live with the choice, even if it doesn’t meet our expectations; at least, that is how 1 have experienced it. The Lord does give grace if we feel we have chosen unwisely. The saying you win some and lose some could be applied. The trouble is, we soon forget that we won and con­ tinue to mull over and disparage what we lost or what seems to be a bad choice. I’ve had to remember the times where the choice seemed to be right; it proved to be a tremendous blessing, and 1 then went on in that strength. It’s easy to blame people or circum­ stances when things don’t go as wished. Be that as it may, we should not let other

culture promotes. Finally, the Apostles’ Creed points out that to believe is to belong. Putting your faith in Jesus Christ unites you with the believers you fellowship with and also reaches back to all Christians, of which you and 1 are a part. We are “the body of Christ,” the branches on the vine,” “the stones of the foundation,” “the sheep of the fold.” Looking forward, we will be part of “...a huge crowd of people. They stood in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb. There were so many that no one could count them. They came from every na­ tion, tribe, people and language. They were wearing white robes. In their hands they were holding palm branches. They cried out in a loud voice, ‘Salvation be­ longs to our God, who sits on the throne. Salvation also belongs to the Lamb’” (Rev­ elation 7:9,10). Allister McGrath has written / Believe: Exploring the Apostles’ Creed (IVP, 1997). This book would be a good Bible study guide.

people set our agenda with undue in­ trospection, when we feel like shifting blame. * * * 1 HAVE BEFORE me the annual report of the school tmstees of the School Dis­ trict of Blumenort for the year ending November 15,1899, a hundred years ago this fall. A teacher’s salary for six months was twenty dollars a month, coming to $ 120. One teacher, Gerhard K. Giesbrecht, put down $121, but he had also ex­ ceeded teaching days by one day, to 121. There were 38 pupils, 24 boys and 14 girls. The Teacher’s Annual Report had 51 questions on it. Here are some of them: 37. Are authorized Religious Exercises used? Yes Is school closed with prayer? Yes Is the Bible used? Yes 39. Are the Ten Commandments taught? Yes 40. Is instruction given in moral prin­ ciples? Yes If we want to make some observa­ tions, the salary for a year then would almost be required for one day of teach­ ing today. One would also hope that questions 37, 39 and 40 would still appear on the Teacher’s Report. The original document from which these facts are taken come to us cour­ tesy Mrs. Ed Reimer of Winnipeg. It is an example of the items which are valu­ able and to be included in our EMC Ar­ chives.

THE MESSENi

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Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta

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DELORES THE TALL, emaciated man paced up and down, back and forth, along the paths of the walled gardens outside the nursing home. Delores, his wife (or Dee as everyone called her) was getting winded trying to keep up with his long strides. Finally, she coaxed him to sit down in a shady gazebo. She took his hand and smiled up at him. Since his mind was slowly being de­ stroyed by Alzheimer’s disease, com­ munication was increasingly difficult. When he tried to speak, it seemed to her the words were in his mother tongue. Low German, which she could not understand. As she sat with him, her mind went back to that day almost fifty years ago, in sunny, tropical Goianas, Brazil, when she stood beside him, very loved and in love. They had promised before God, and with their missionary family as wit­ nesses, that they would be faithful to each other as long as we both shall live. He became restless again, and Dee began to sing. The old, well-loved hymns seemed to soothe him and they strengthened her faith. God was in con­ trol. She had promised to love, honour, cherish and sustain her husband, and she had meant every word. She had vowed to be true to him in joy and in sorrow. Pictures began to

form in her mind. What a joy it had been when the children arrived — four of them! They had bom in different coun­ tries; Brazil, Bolivia, the United States. The South American births had been difficult, with limited medical facilities. Each child was a precious gift from God. She loved them and trained them, nursed and taught them until that dreaded day when each turned seven years old. That meant boarding school, and the sorrow of being apart from her children for many months at a time. As they embarked on the river launch in Manaus and travelled down the Ama­ zon River to the New Tribes Mission school for missionary children. Dee was determined not to cry when she said goodbye to her young son. She and her husband must go back into the deep jungle to continue the slow proc­ ess of making contact with the Pacos Novas tribe. These people too needed to hear of the love of Jesus. Her smile was tremulous as she re­ membered how, year after year, when school vacations were done, they had brought the children back to the school. Her resolve not to cry had always dis­ solved into unstoppable tears. She re­ membered how sweet it was when her children tried to comfort her: “Mom, don’t cry. We’ll be all right.” Today she had come, as she did al­ most daily, to feed Abe. It was almost an hour’s drive, but her commitment to him would let her do no less. For richer, for poorer. She smiled at the word poor. Some folks would prob­ ably label them so; they had never owned a home, not even in retirement. Paying the bills for Abe’s care was a chal­ lenge; it would be great to help out their

COMING EVENTS April 9-11 Women in Ministry Retreat Speaker: Jan McIntosh Roseau River, Man. (CSSM) Phone: 204-377-4251

April 23-24 Men’s Retreat Speaker: Marvin Thiessen Roseau River, Man. (CSSM) Phone: 204-377-4251

April 10 Renew Your Worship! Robert Webber (Tyndale Seminary) First Baptist Church Vancouver, B.C.

April 24 Renew Your Worship! Robert Webber (Tyndale Seminary) Emmanuel Baptist Church Saskatoon, Sask.

April 17 Renew Your Worship! Robert Webber (Tyndale Seminary) Steele Heights Baptist Church Edmonton, Alta.

April 30-May I Women’s Retreat Speaker: Pris Wride Roseau River, Man. (CSSM) Phone: 204-377-4251

April 19 Renew Your Worship! Robert Webber (Tyndale Seminary) South Calgary Community Church Calgary, Alta.

May 1 Renew Your Worship! Robert Webber (Tyndale Seminary) St. John’s College Winnipeg, Man.

H 24, 1999

missionary children sometimes; the car might give out on her. But, no, they were rich! Rich in friends, in family, in true contentment. They were rich in the joy of having reached the tribe, persisting after twice coming under physical attack. Now the tribe was open to the gospel, churches had been established, new believers were reaching out to others. Were there any greater riches than bringing to the Lord those who had been living in despera­ tion and darkness? Again her husband became agitated. Though they could not communicate through speech, he seemed to sense her love as she hugged him. She had vowed at the marriage altar to be faith­ ful in sickness and in health. During their years of service they had mostly been spared serious illness, but now sickness was a sad, daily reality. Dee had decided, she told me, that she would not just sit around feeling sorry for herself. “Just accept,” she said. “Know that the Lord has something better.” She volunteers weekly at a Juvenile Detention Home, where she can speak freely of the Lord to any girl who comes to sit with her. She loves to visit her children and grandchildren, al­ though none are nearby. When Aunt Dee and Uncle Abe vowed to be faithful as long we both shall line they realized that true faith­ fulness has its source in God. A writer says, “...faithfulness is first and foremost not a human but a divine attribute. All we human beings can do is to become empty, in order that God’s character of perfect faithfulness may flow into us.” How faithful cire we to our marriage vows?

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Dr. Vern Heidebrecht

49th ANNUAL EMC CONVENTION July 2-4, 1999 Calvary Temple Winnipeg, Manitoba TOPIC: GROWING A HEALTHY CHURCH

PAGE 13

Apply now for MCC Canada’s aboriginal neighbours summer program (formerly, Native Gardening). The key activity is co­ operative gardening in reserve or urban settings, but this year it also includes as­ sisting local aborginal people in construc­ tion projects and child care. Orientation begins May 2. For more information, phone immediately 1-888-622-6337. Church planter needed for Tillsonburg, in southern Ontario. A core group (with the bless­ ing of the Mt. Salem EMC) is meeting in this city of 16,000 without a Mennonite church. The worker would be under full-time EMC Board of Missions support and is needed as soon as possible. The ability to speak Low German and an understanding of conservative German­ speaking Mennonites are assets. Contact Ca­ nadian Secretary John Koop at 204-326-6401 or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, Lester Olfert) at the same number.

Senior pastor position available at the Rosenori EMC. Duties to begin September 1, 1999. Send resume to: Search Committee, Larry Eidse, Box 218, Rosenort, MB ROG IWO. Phone: 204-746-8422 (home) or 204-746-8355 (work). E-mail: leidse®hotmail.com.

come full-time. Applicants should be wellgrounded spiritually and personally. Other em­ ployment is available, depending on training and experience. Contact: Search Committee, Box 35, Creighton, SK SOP OAO. Call board member Deb Odegaard at 306-688-2996 or Conference Pastor John Koop at 204-326-6401.

EMC ministry opportunities in Mexico. Guest home hosts, a couple to run a guest home in El Paso, Texas, for a one- or two-year volunteer term. Housing and utilities are included. Du­ ties include hosting and occasional pastoral visits to missionaries in Mexico. A youth worker is needed. A single or a couple is needed to work with youth in the Spanish churches. Duties include discipling youth and training/mentoring youth leaders. Contact EMC Foreign Secretary Lester Olfert at 204-326-6401 or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, John Koop) at the same number. 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 at 204-326-6401 or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, John Koop) at the same number.

Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC) continues to search for a pastor. Part-time salary and housing available currently; position could be-

Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC) is ac­ cepting applications for these two positions located in our Winnipeg office: Bookkeeper — This full-time position will be responsible for all day-to-day bookkeeping functions for MFC investments, trust agree­ ments and bank accounts; reconciling bank and brokerage statements, GST, payroll, and other required tax reports and remittances; and assisting in preparation of year-end and audit working papers. Bookkeeping experience for a charitable organization and computerized accounting experience is desired. Experience with MS OFFICE software, specifically EXCEL; data base programs and structures; investments;

ELIZABETH H. DUECK 1914 - 1999 / know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day (2 Timo-

thy 1:12). Our mother, Elizabeth H. Dueck, began tasting the joys of heaven around noon on Wednesday, February 17, 1999. Welcom­ ing her were her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served; her dear husband, Peter H. Dueck; two sons, Peter and Franklin, who died in infancy; her parents; three sisters, Anna, Maria and Margaret; one brother, Jacob; and many other relatives and friends. Mother was born on November 22,1914, to Jacob and Maria Klassen. She lived her life in the Rosenort/Rosenhof community, within three or four miles of where she was born. When she was seventeen, she was baptized by Jacob B. Kroeker on Sep­ tember 25, 1932. She joined the Rosenort E. M. Church (then Kleingemeinde), where she remained a faithful member. She was married to Peter H. Dueck on

Pansy Chapel (EMC), a rural congregation of around 100 people, invites applications for its position of pastor (leading minister). Please send resumes to the Search Committee, Box 4, Pansy, MB ROA 1J0, or phone Dennis Friesen at 204434-6386. Duties are to begin after June 1.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (EMC) invites applications for its position of pastor. If inter­ ested, please contact the search committee: Ron Penner at 250-567-9983 or Lindsay Janzen at 250-567-4905.

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loan amortization and interest rate calcula­ tions would be preferred. Receptionist — This half-time position will be responsible for front desk and telephone reception, processing incoming and outgoing mail, word processing and various other cleri­ cal duties. Experience in a computerized of­ fice environment, experience with MS OFFICE software with proficiency in WORD is desired. Applicants should enjoy interacting with the public and possess strong interpersonal and telephone skills. Common to both positions is a need for ex­ cellent organizational and computer skills, to be self-motivated, and to contribute as part of an interdependent staff team. Salaries will be commensurate with experience and qualifi­ cations. MFC offers a comprehensive benefits pack­ age. Starting date will be May 1, 1999, or as mutually agreed upon. Applications should be submitted no later than April 9, 1999, to Rick Braun-Janzen, Assistant Manager, Mennonite Foundation of Canada, 4-117 Victor Lewis Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3P 1J6; Phone: 204-488-1985, Fax:204-488-1986, E-mail: mfcwpgig mennofoundation.ca. Youth for Christ Altona is looking for an execu­ tive director to develop an outreach ministry via a teen drop-in centre known as The Sta­ tion, targeting teens falling through society’s cracks. The director will report directly to the board, provide supervision and training for lo­ cal adult volunteers who assist in the outreach process, promote the ministry in the commu­ nity, and supervise any future employees. The candidate is required to raise his/her per­ sonal support through deputation. Applicants should have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and be able to comply with and sign the YFC Statement of Faith and Conduct. Resumes are submitted to Harv Schroeder, Chairman, YFC Altona, Box 1837, Altona, MB ROG OBO. Phone: 204-324-5292.

October 9,1937. Eleven children were bom to them, of whom two died in infancy. She was always concerned about the spiritual welfare of her children. Some of our earli­ est memories are of her and Dad kneeling together by their bed every morning and evening. We remember her reading to us: Bible stories, devotionals, and stories from the Martyrs ’ Mirror. Many evenings she and Dad would sing for an hour or two, some­ times joined by the children. Mother worked hard to keep her family fed, clothed and clean. She had a huge garden, and an extensive and gorgeous flower garden. Although Mom and Dad were never dea­ cons, their visitation program would put many a deacon couple to shame. They believed in James 1:27 and were an eni couragement to many. At family gathc^ ings, she would prepare banquets. THE MESSEI

»

After Dad died in 1986, Mom was not the same. She missed him dearly, and shortly afterward fell into a deep depression that required therapy. She recovered, lived in her own house in Rosenort, then enjoyed living her last few years in the communi­ ty’s Rose Lane Apartments. About five years ago she had a pacemaker installed. When her eyesight started fail­ ing, operations were not successful. In the spring of 1998 she fell and broke her hip. She remained in good spirits during the recovery period, but her difficulty in walk­ ing and failing eyesight plunged her into depression. We are thankful that once more she recovered from this and was able to enjoy her home, family and friends for about two months. More and more often she longed to go to her heavenly home. She would quote from

AGNES BRANDT 1911-1998

Agnes Dueck was born to her parents, Bernhard and Anna, on March 5, 1911, near Morris, Manitoba. Here she spent her early years and attended the local school. She accepted the Lord as her Saviour as a young teen and was bap­ tized in the Rosenort EMC. Being one of the older children, she took responsibility for many of the do­ mestic chores, especially during her mother’s sickness and death. Then in 1948, several months after her mother passed away, her father and nine sib­ lings moved to Mexico. She accepted the challenge of helping to set up their new home. She was also instrumental in starting a colony hospital in Mexico, where she worked as cook and nurse. During this time she attended to many births at the clinic. Agnes Dueck married our father, Henry P. Brandt, after the death of our mother. They were married in June 1968 in Mexico. Mom and Dad returned to live on the family farm near Blumenort, Man. Mom accepted the MARCH 24, 1999

the song Von der Erde reiss mich los, say­ ing, Daut vood aul nich fehl riete brooke. (The song says, “Tear me away from the earth,” and she would say that for her “that wouldn’t need a lot of tearing any more!”) She developed shortness of breath and fluid accumulation around her heart, and was hospitalized the day before she died. On her last day, according to the doctor, she had eaten well and was cheerful. She declined to eat her lunch, and when nurses checked shortly after noon, she had suffered a heart attack and was gone. Left to cherish her memory are seven sons and two daughters: Walter and Nita (Winnipeg, Man.), Henry and Leona (Sanford, Man.), Dan and Bev (Sanford), Mary and John Dyck (Winnipeg), Jake and Diana (Rosenort, Man.), Alvin and Elma (Riverside, Man.), Ben and Elvira

(Rosenort), Clarence and Marlene (River­ side), Leona and Arnold Warkentin (Leduc, Alta.); fifty grandchildren, thirtysix great-grandchildren, one great-greatgrandchild; one brother, Henry (Maryfield, Sask.), one sister, Tina and Dave Loewen (Rosenort), two brothers-in-law, John Barkman (Belize), C. U. Kornelsen (Rose­ nort); and many friends and relatives. She appreciated her co-residents in the Rose Lane Apartments and many friends who visited her at home and in the hospi­ tal. Thanks to all of you! Family reunions were special times for Mother, and right now she is anticipating with joy our next one with her and Dad in heaven. We also look forward to this re­ union. It will be very soon. Her Family

role of mother and homemaker, filling a very special place within the family. She had a deep concern for the physi­ cal and spiritual well-being of her fam­ ily. She loved playing games with the grandchildren and in the last few years with the great-grandchildren. She was especially delighted when they sang for her. Mom loved to sew blankets for oth­ ers. She also enjoyed cooking and mak­ ing meals for her visitors. We remem­ ber her cherry moos and candied pop­ corn. Another one of Mom’s joys in life was gardening and flowers. Her window sills were full of blooming flowers, no matter what the season. Plants she touched seemed to flourish under her gentle care. Her pantry was overflow­ ing with the produce of her garden. Even this summer she had potted to­ mato plants growing on her patio. Mom shared joys and sorrows with Dad for almost sixteen years, until his death in April 1984. About two years later Mom moved into a new house in Blumenort. In 1992 she moved to Oakview Manor, where she enjoyed the fellowship and support of each of her neighbours. After she could no longer attend church, she was encouraged by participating in the services via video. Mom enjoyed good health for most of her life. In the later years she under­ went several major surgeries. With the assurance of family and home care, she was able to continue living in her apart­ ment. In the last several months we sensed a gradual deterioration in Mom’s general health. On November 20, 1998, Mom started hemorrhaging and was admitted to the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach. After a

week in the hospital her condition de­ teriorated rapidly. The family was able to be present at Mom’s bedside when she went to be with her Saviour on Thursday, Decembers, 1998, at 11 p.m. She reached the age of eighty-seven years. Left to mourn, with anticipation of meeting again, are Peter and Alvera Brandt and their children, Reinnie, Braden and Rachel, Colleen and Scott Gerbrandt, and Lydell; Edna and Levi Thiessen and their daughter, Annette; and Bob and Linda Brandt and their children, Rob and Jenn, and Brenda; six great-grandchildren; four brothers, Peter, Cornie, Willie and Elizabeth, Menno and Elizabeth; four sisters, Lena Loewen, Annie Brandt, Tina Reimer, Eva Thiessen; and three sisters-in-law, Maria Dueck, Justina Dueck and Mary Dueck. Mom was predeceased by her hus­ band, Henry, in 1984; one daughter-inlaw; two grandchildren in infancy; six brothers and four sisters. We thank Dr. Gordon Dyck and the medical staff at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital, Mom’s home-care workers, her friends at Oakview Manor, and the relatives and friends who have so faith­ fully stood by us and our mother in our need. We are not as those who mourn with­ out hope, but as those who are looking to a glorious reunion! Her Family

The funeral service for Mrs. Agnes Brandt was held on Monday, Decem­ ber 7, 1998, at 2 p.m., at the Blumenort EMC, with pastors Melvin Penner and Ed Johnson officiating.

PAGE 15

Ash Wednesday and the Wau Cathedra Menno Plett

ALTHOUGH I grew up with Ash Wednesday marked on calendars, it wasn’t till recently that this celebration gained in meaning. On Wednesday of last week 1 flew to Wau to spend a week with colleagues there. On Wednesday af­ ternoon we shared in an Ash Wednesday service, to mark the beginning of Lent. The Wau Cathedral was crowded to overflowing. Hun­ dreds of school children stood in the back and along the sides, eager to participate. After a very appropriate mes­ sage, the priest called on the faithful to come up for the mark of ash on their foreheads. Palm branches used in last year’s Palm Sunday services had been reduced to ashes and saved for this year’s service. One by one the people went up, knelt, and received a sign of ash, as a reminder of our mortality — “Ashes to ashes and dust to dust.” This symbol holds a lot of meaning for the people of Wau. The camp of 15,000 people across the river, the many families on the verandas, under mango trees, and squat­ ting in houses and abandoned buildings in town, are also stark reminders of how tenuous life here can be. The following morning we received news of a church truck being ambushed and another truck hitting a land mine. Here today, gone tomorrow! The service and the reality of life in this garrison town both bear witness to the fragility of life. That should behoove one to live life to the fullest — to live in such a way as to give meaning to life, in the face of the awesomeness of God and all his creation. 1 have often tended to be critical of “high church.” Pompous cathedrals and services replete with ceremony and liturgy seemed so stilted and inappropriate. In some strange way, 1 have come to cherish the large cathedral in Wau. The unabashed display of the twelve stations of the cross, pictures and icons of Mary and Jesus, seem right in a town where political and spiritual battles are being fought on a daily basis. A number of priests have been banished from town, but those remaining clearly and bravely pronounce the Word of God. They speak peace into a situation of war. They speak love into a climate of hatred. They plead for understanding where many promote confusion. The meaning of Easter is borne out daily in the lives of the faithful in Wau. My life has been greatly enriched by

working alongside so many people willing to give and serve so that others may live. Menno Plett (Prairie Rose) is heading the relief effort in Wau, a town in southern Sudan. He is working for MCC, seconded to Norwegian Church Aid.

A Closer Walk With You As the tree is firmly rooted In the ground. Lord, so do 1 want to be rooted In you. As the deer quenches its thirst At a running stream. So do 1, Lord, want to satisfy my thirst For your Word. As the rose reaches up To fully embrace the sun. So do 1, Lord, want to reach out And grow closer to you.

Ks a new mother cradles her child With unconditional love, So have 1, Lord, experienced Your love for me. As a man sacrifices his life For his friend. So have 1, Lord, been given the gift Of salvation through Your Son. As a child looks up in adoration To its father. Lord, so 1 look upwards To you, my heavenly Father. Marylu Neufeld

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