The Messenger June 7, 2000

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 38 NUMBER 11 JUNE 7, 2000

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Centre for Evangelism a World Mission Regina, Saskatchewan

1051-2000

^Messenger Creighton Needs a Pastor! NESTLED WITHIN A lovely part of northern Saskatchewan is a small tenacious congrega­ tion with potential for growth. Since August 1996 the Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC) at Creighton, Saskatchewan has been without a permanent pastor. The com­ munity of Creighton, about 1713 people, is lo­ cated near Flin Flon, Manitoba. While Flin Flon has evangelical and non-evangelical churches, the NFC is the only congregation meeting in Creighton. With its building located at 433 - P' St. West, the congregation meets on a street which once served three congregations; United and Salvation Army churches left Creighton long ago. The NFC remains as it began - an evan­ gelical witness for Christ in a community in need. On May 28 my wife Mary Ann, son Jonathan, and 1 worshipped with the congregation. There were 23 people in attendance (includ­ ing visitors), with a good mix of men and women. Though well aware of it, I was re­ minded of this church’s need for a shepherd. Mary Ann and I were privileged to be the pas­ toral couple learning from and serving this con­ gregation for eleven years. Other ministers have served this church: Arnold Wiebe, Mel Koop (organizing minister), Dan Koop, George Braun, Arnold Leister, Harvey Kroeker, Dan Thiessen, Dick Unrau and Henry Kornelsen (the final two were appreciated short-term interim pas­ tors). Who is next? That is the question! The church’s search committee has talked with or considered a few people. A good match has not been found. Does that mean the peo­ ple who applied are not gifted or committed? Certainly not! Does that mean the congrega­ tion is being fussy? No. The church has an awareness of its needs and the strength of spiritual character not to be desperate. 1 respect the dedication of local NFC lead­ ers, the assistance of other local churches, the involvement of EMC churches and ministers of Region 3, and the help of the national con­ ference. 1 know Conference Pastor John Koop wants a pastor to be found! Some people talk of Creighton or Flin Flon as being remote; this is an overstatement. Calgary, High Level, Leamington, and many other places are further away from Winnipeg than is Creighton (nine hours). Depending on your definition, the area is not isolated. There are many stores in Flin Flon (with a popula­ tion of about 6861) and a few in Creighton. PAGE 2

EDITOR Terry M. Smith

The ministerial is broad-based and churches in the area cooperate with one another, yet there remains a need for more people to live out the Good News of Christ. EDITORIAL If you enjoy a multi-cultural setting, a com­ ASSISTANT munity with diverse Interests, wider evangelical Rebecca Buhler fellowship, golf, hunting and fishing, and a small, THE MESSENGER is the caring church, this is a beautiful place to live in! publication of the Evangelical Does Creighton and area have needs? Yes, but Mennonite Conference. It is isn’t that why we are called to live out the Gos­ available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and pel and not just to lead comfortable lives? inspire: inform concerning Why, if we love the church and enjoyed the events and activities in the area, did Mary Ann and I leave? After eleven denomination; instruct in god­ years I recognized that, though I am called to liness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for be a pastor and have gifts, the church needed the faith. someone with certain strengths to assist in its Letters, articles, photos and next stage. (That, and I did not have trade skills poems are welcomed. Unpub­ lished material is not returned helpful to work part-time in the area.) Leaving except by request. The views was difficult and staying away has been hard. and opinions expressed by the A pastor with certain gifts would help the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position church. What are these gifts? Rather than me of the Conference. THE MESSENGER is pub­ say from my perspective, it is appropriate to twice a month (once a check with the search committee or John lished month in July and August) by Koop. While the smaller church has needs and the Board of Church Ministries faces challenges, be sure to ask the commit­ of the Evangelical Mennonite 440 Main Street, tee and John about the congregation’s Conference, Steinbach, Manitoba. strengths. There are many! Subscriptions: $12.00 per year Our 50'”' anniversary convention theme is (Manitoba residents add 7% PST $12.84). Subscriptions are Christ Through Us to Others. This fits the call­ total: voluntary and optional to people ing of the church in Creighton and everywhere within or outside of the EMC. else. The conference’s national gathering is an Members and adherents pay through their church. important time to reflect on our responsibility THE MESSENGER is a jointly to share and live out the Good News. member of Meetinghouse and We gather to support churches in Canada and Canadian Church Press. Second-class postage paid at elsewhere in their ministry. It would be nice if Steinbach, Manitoba. in its 40"’ year our Creighton congregation Publications Mail Registration No. 09914 would find a pastor of God’s choice. Mailing information: All Thank you for praying for Creighton in its correspondence, including on-going ministry and its pastoral search. Per­ undelivered copies, change of haps you are, by God’s grace, the answer to address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: the church’s prayer for a pastor. If so, 1 en­ The Messenger RO. Box 1268 courage you to go where Christ wants you. Steinbach, Manitoba (Likewise, if the Lord is calling you to go else­ R0A2A0 where in Canada or in the world, I encourage Phone: 204 326 6401 Fax:204-32&1613 you to go there.) new E-mail address: You might be aware that a Bible camp in the Note emcmessenger@mts.net Creighton area needs a part-time director. If two needs can be met (in a full-time equiva­ Cover: The EMC’s 50'” con­ vention is on July 7-9. Are you lent position), fine. If you are interested in part- curious about the topics of the time church work, but not in camp work, ap- f5”st oneTsee pagZe? ply. The church and camp work can be linked, MESSENGER SCHEDULE: but they do not have to be. No. 12 - June 21 Creighton has some good leaders; it needs (copy due June 9) a pastor. No. 13 - July 19 Terry M. Smith (^OPV due July 7) THE MESSENGER

Part Two of Two

Who sits on the judgment seat?

The Sermon on the Mount And the Deity of Christ J. Gresham Machen

THEN 1 BID YOU read on to the end of that Sermon on the Mount. “Not every one,” says Jesus, “that saith unto me. Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). That is one of the favorite texts of unbelievers. If the whole Sermon on the Mount is their favorite passage, this perhaps, within the Sermon on the Mount, may be regarded as their favorite text.

A favourite, misused text It is a favorite text with unbelievers not because of its real meaning, but because of the meaning which they wrongly attribute to it. They take it as meaning that if a man is what the world calls a good moral man then he will enter the Kingdom of God no matter what his attitude toward Jesus may be. But of course that is not what the text says. The text does not say that if a man does the will of God he will enter into the kingdom of God whether he says “Lord, Lord” to Jesus or not. It does not say that any man who does not say “Lord, Lord” to Jesus will enter into the kingdom. But what it does say is that even among those who do say “Lord, Lord” to Jesus there are some who will not enter in. Those are the ones who say “Lord, Lord” only with their lips and not with their hearts, and who show that they have not said it with their hearts because they do not say it with their lives. However, though for bad reasons, it is a popular text among unbelievers. They ought then to be willing to examine carefully what it says, and we all ought to examine it with them. Jesus, God’s unique Son When we do examine it, we discover that it involves the most stupendous claim on the part of Jesus. For one thing, it provides an instance of the strange way in which Jesus speaks of God as being His own Father. “Not every one that saith unto me. Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven,” He says, “but he that doeth the will the my Father which is in heaven.” “My Father,” says Jesus, not “our Father” or “the Father.” We spoke of that in the talk just preceding this one. We noticed how it appeared in the answer of the twelve-yearold Jesus in the Temple, and how it runs all through the Gospels. Well, here it is, in the Sermon on the Mount. You cannot get away from it. We do not particularly notice it as we read this verse, because we have become so used to it. But that does not destroy its tremendous significance. Indeed, it vastly increases it. Everywhere Jesus thinks of JUNE 7, 2000

Himself as being Son of God in some entirely unique sense. But now let us look at what this verse itself says. We must take it in connection with the following two verses. These verses also are favorites with the unbelievers of our day. They read as follows: “Many will say to me in that day. Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then 1 will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Unbelievers, 1 suppose, interpret those words as disparaging miracles, and as disparaging the active profession of religion. They interpret them as teaching that if a man leads what the world calls a moreil life he does not need to accept any creed or make any definite profession of faith. That interpretation is of course quite wrong, in the same way as that in which the corresponding interpretation of the preceding verse is wrong. These verses do not say that miracles were unimportant in the apostolic age (when miracles still happened) or that orthodoxy was unimportant then or is unimportant now. They only say that nothing else matters unless a man’s heart is changed and unless that change of his heart is shown in a good life. They do not say that orthodoxy is unnecessary or that mighty works in the external world are unimportant, but they only say that orthodoxy without right living is a sham, and that real orthodoxy results in obedience to the commands of God. But the fact remains that these verses are favorites with unbelievers; they are favorites with those who think that it does not make any difference what a man thinks about God or about Christ and that all that is needed according to Jesus is to live what is ordinarily called a moral life. Who sits on the judgment seat? All right. Let us just look at these verses so popular

An articulate and thoughtful defender of historic Christianity, Dr. J. Gresham Machen (18811937) served for many years as a Presbyterian minister. He was a principal founder of West­ minster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he served as professor of New Testament. (Westminster Theological Seminary)

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I do just beg you to think of that for a moment, my friends. Jesus of Nazareth certainly did believe - no good historian can deny it - that He would sit upon the judgment-seat of God at the terrible last judgment day, that His word would be final, and that life in His presence would be heaven and departure from Him would be hell.

among unbelievers. Do they really teach that it does not make any difference what a man thinks about Jesus Christ? I tell you, my friends, the exact reverse is the case. These verses, like all the rest of the New Testament, present a stupendous view of Jesus Christ, and like other sayings of Jesus they present a stupendous claim made by Jesus Himself. What is the scene to which we are transplanted in these verses? Is it some scene in the course of ordinary history or some scene of merely local or temporary significance? No, it is nothing of the kind. It is the tremendous scene of the last judgment, the court from which there is no appeal, the final decision that determines the eternal destinies of men. In other words, it is the judgement-seat of God. Well, who is it that is represented here as sitting on the judgment­ seat of God; who is it that is represented here in this supposedly pleasant, purely ethical, practical, ultra­ modern, non-theological Sermon on the Mount, and by this supposedly simple teacher of righteousness who kept His own person out of His message and was careful not to advance any lofty claims - who is it that is represented here in this supposedly purely ethical discourse and by this humble Jesus as sitting one day upon the judgment­ seat of God and as determining the eternal destinies of all the world? There can be no doubt whatever about the answer to that question. The one represented here as sitting on the judgment-seat of God is Jesus Himself. We may not like the answer to that question, but the answer is as plain as plain can be. “Many will say to me," Jesus says, “in that day. Lord, Lord.. .and then will / profess unto them, 1 never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Who is that “1” and who is that “me”? Is it God the Father? No, it is Jesus; it is the one who speaks these words. Upon Jesus’ decision depends the fate of all men. And what is that fate? What is the meaning of that “Depart” which is Jesus’ sentence upon those who work iniquity? About this question also there can be no doubt. The Sermon on the Mount itself gives the answer: “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from

This article, prepared for radio, is the second half of chapter twelve from Machen's The Christian Faith in the Modern World (1934, reprinted by Eerdmans, 1974), pages 160-173. Other than Scripture references being included in the text (rather than footnotes), additional paragraphing, and subheads being added, the original form has been retained. The article and photo are reprinted by permission of Westminster Theological Seminary. Among Machen's works are Christianity and Liberalism (1923), What is Faith? (1925), The Origin of Paul's Religion (1927), The Virgin Birth of Christ (1930), The Christian View of Man (1937), and God Transcendent (1949).

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thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:29). The answer is given also in the whole teaching of Jesus, and it is implied even in the verses with which we now have to do. No, there can be no doubt whatever about what Jesus meant by that word “Depart”; He meant that those upon whom He would pronounce that sentence to depart would be cast into hell.

A definition of heil The thought of hell as well as the thought of heaven mns all through the teaching of Jesus; it gives to His ethical teaching that stupendous earnestness which is its marked characteristic. But how is hell here designated? It is described elsewhere in the Gospels; and never let us forget, whether we call the language “figurative” or not, that it means an eternal and terrible punishment, a punishment of which there is no end. But how is hell designated in this particular passage? The answer may be surprising to some people, but it is perfectly plain. Hell is designated in our passage as being banishment from Jesus. 1 do just beg you to think of that for a moment, my friends. Jesus of Nazareth certainly did believe - no good historian can deny it - that He would sit upon the judgment­ seat of God at the terrible last judgment day, that His word would be final, and that life in His presence would be heaven and departure from Him would be hell. What has become of the weak, sentimental, purely human, purely ethical Jesus of modern reconstmction; what has become of your Jesus who was a simple teacher of righteousness and advanced no claim to be God? Have you found your purely human Jesus, and have you escaped from the divine Christ of the creeds, by appealing from the Gospel according to John to the Sermon on the Mount? No, indeed, my friend. The Jesus of the Bible is everywhere exactly the same. What will you do with that Jesus? Will you treat Him with mild approval? Ah, people are so patronizing in the presence of Jesus today. They say such kind, polite things about Him. They are good enough to say that His ethics will solve the problems of society; they are good enough to say that He enunciated some maxims that are better than Jefferson’s ten rules and go far beyond Socrates and Confucius and Buddha. They are perfectly ready to let Him influence some departments of their life. They will not receive Him as their Saviour; they are not interested in His atoning blood: but they are so complacent in His presence. God grant that it may not be so with you, my friends! God grant that you may never treat Jesus with this polite, patronizing approval! God grant that you may not treat Him as a religious genius or as the founder of one of the world’s religions! God grant that, instead, you may say to Jesus, with doubting Thomas: “My Lord and My God.” THE MESSENGER

I rani a Son to his Father

.Dad^ you are teaching us alH -IL ❖

Note: This is a personal letter written by Wally Plett of Landmark, Manitoba, to his father, Alvin K. Plett, who is terminally ill. Both father and son are members of the Prairie Rose EMC. The letter was submitted for publication by Alvin's daughter, Arlene Schulz, after consultation with Wally and other family members. Permission to publish the letter was granted to the editor from Mr. Alvin K. Plett.

Dad, 1 HURT MY back the other day. It hurt really bad and knocked the air out of me. That hadn’t happened to me since 1 was a little kid. So now I’m feeling a tiny bit like you feel. Dad, 1 guess. 1 even have to lift my leg with my arm to move it when 1 get up from a chair. It has made me think about some things. I’m thinking about the frus­ tration this pain has brought me; the need to be gracious with this pain; the fear of what this pain might mean, what it’s doing to my body. 1 can understand a little bit of how you feel about your family and Mom, how you don’t want the pain to make it difficult for your family. 1 feel the need not to burden Angie [wife] Alvin K. Plett with my pain. She is already so very busy. She doesn’t need my extra load, even though she loves me more when she is able to take care of me. 1 guess you must feel such concern and yearning for Mom as well. How will she be when you go? That must be such a powerful feeling of apprehension, worry and.. .well... fear! But you know Dad, we will take care of Mom when you no longer can, although 1 admit we may not be able to do it as well as you. We will never be able to understand Mom the way you do. After all these years, you are able to read her every nuance and body language, like no one else. But we will do our best. (By the way.. .Mom will tell you what nuance means.) And then there’s always the pain. Pain that clouds your thoughts. 1 can’t think properly these days. 1 feel lousy about myself and my body. 1 can’t straighten up, so 1 feel like I’m old with this little bit of pain in me. I begin to imag­ ine why you can’t write poems like you used to. Dad. 1 was trying to do some work at home, just some reading, but 1 couldn’t. It seems you need your whole, healthy body to think and write. It’s strange that you would need a healthy body to write a poem. And Dad, you probably also need to be sitting on a combine, enjoying the task, or doing some­ thing in “real” life to write your poems the way you are known to write poems, and you have written some beau­ tiful poems in your time. You’ve gotta be “sharp” to really JUNE 7, 2000

create from the soul. So if Ken’s [a son] birthday poem (I think you’re writing him a poem) isn’t your greatest mas­ terpiece, that’s perfectly okay by me. And I’m sure that you have so many more feelings, joys, fears and questions that you don’t even know how to ap­ proach or define them. What will heaven be like?... You ask that a lot. Dad. You also told me, with tears, that you feel sad for this world, which you plan/hope to leave soon. 1 wonder what’s all behind that feeling of sadness. Per­ haps there’s hope, perhaps there’s guilt, perhaps there’s fear of the unknown; perhaps it’s just plain sadness, and nothing more. My own pain made me restless, something 1 have seen in you as well. Dad. Pain does that; it makes it hard to sit still sometimes. Pain makes it hard to sit quiet and enjoy moments of stillness. I’ve been moping around for the last two days with no desire to do anything specific. Or when 1 start something, 1 lose interest; it’s the pain, it Invades your thought processes. It makes me think about how Mom has lived with physical pain all these years. How she could keep a straight head so much of the time is amazing to me. For her to do a crossword puzzle is a big thing, 1 guess. Dad, lately you’ve been wearing your heart on your sleeve. What 1 mean is that you are such an open book, so very honest; or at least as truthful and open as you can be about what’s going on inside yourself. That must be very hard for you. Dad. You have made yourself so vulnerable to so many people this last year. Your tears fall so easily; your emotions are just right there, immediate and com­ plete. You are teaching us all about how to be true to yourself and completely open to whatever the moment brings you, whether it’s a song, a memory, or just a rush of feelings for no real reason. And it may be a painful or sad thought, or it may be sheer joy. Or it may be all these things wrapped up in one big emotional jumble. And it’s beautiful to watch. Dad. That is your gift! Just to be here with your family, teaching us open honesty. So Dad, go ahead and feel sad, feel pain, feel joy, feel love! We are right here with you and we will take care of you. Go ahead and cry! Go ahead and mow the whole lawn when your body allows it! Go ahead and write poems that don’t come out like they used to! Go ahead and sleep when Wally Plett you want to! Go ahead and tell your family you love them; say it as often as you like! Go ahead and ask about what heaven will be like.. .it’s a good question.. .we can talk about it together. Wally PAGES

Pride and Missions

Pages from The f*as7]

The Beginnings of Annuai EMC Conventions Dave Schelienberg and Menno Hamm EVENTS WHEN THEY occur are not gener­ ally foreseen as becoming of historical sig­ nificance. When, in 1951, the church lead­ ers decided to hold a convention to deal with certain issues cropping up in the Con­ ference, they likely saw it as a one-time event. But as it is said that big doors swing on little hinges, so in this case, conven­ tions became an annual happening in the Evangelical Mennonite Conference to this day. This year marks the 50"' anniversary of that first convention held in 1951. The occasion of the calling of the first convention was the felt need, by the EMC Ministerial on May 26,1951, to address two issues: Pride (Hoffart) and Missions. It was decided to hold another meeting of the Ministerial on June 1 to plan this event, including the agenda, date, and place. At the June 1 meeting, attended by fif­ teen ministers and six deacons, there was further discussion on the matter of pride, as related to dress, weddings, etc. Much was also discussed about missions. It was moved and seconded to elect a commit­ tee of five persons to plan the conference on pride and missions. The motion was carried. We must give credit to this committee of five brethren. They acted with all dis­ patch, and came up with a two-day pro­ gram to be held only two weeks later. Held in two locations, in Rosenort on June 18 and in Steinbach the following day, the convention consisted of four day-time ses­ sions with messages on the following top­ ics;

1. Obligations and responsibilities of the Conference ministers as overseers of the church, the place of church members in their walk, obedience, prayers and inter­

cession, and the reasons for this conven­ tion — David R Reimer; 2. Pride in General — J. B. Kroeker; 3. Missions and Its Hindrances Due to Pride, Etc. — John R. Friesen; 4. Worldiness in General — R R Friesen; 5. Weddings and Worldliness, and How It Should Be — C. R Dueck; 6. Unbecoming Entertainment (Sports) — Frank D. Reimer; 7. The Importance of Missions Accord­ ing to the Word of God — Peter W Friesen. Each topic was followed by discussion. Most of these message are still extant in printed form. In addition there were two evening services, each with two messages. R K. Bartel and H. R. Reimer preached the first evening, and C. R Dueck and R J. B. Reimer the second. (Of these ten speak­ ers, R R Friesen, C. R Dueck and R K. Bartel are still living today.) Thus the precedence for annual con­ ventions was set. The next year, at the Ministerial meeting on June 7, 1952, the matter of another convention was broached and it was decided to have one again. Again a committee of five was elected to plan the program. On June 12, 1953 the question came up again. Do we want to have another gen­ eral convention? A vote was held, result­ ing in seventeen in favour and five op­ posed. Since this carried well, another convention was in the making for 1953. In 1954 there is no record of a vote. The minutes simply state that the fourth yearly convention will be held on such and such a date. From then on annual conventions became an institution. From the printed programs it seems that for the first five conventions the German language was still predominant. In 1956

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Editor's note; Both writers are previous editors of The Messenger, David K. Schelienberg having served from the magazine's inception in 1963 until 1987 and Menno Hamm from 1988 to 1997. It is significant when all editors of this magazine still help to shape it. It's a fine example of multiple leatfprshipl

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there appeared one item in English. In 1958 there was one English session (Youth), as was also the case in 1959 and 1960. Slowly German gave way to English, and by 1964 the whole program was printed in English. Although singing was not mentioned in the program for 1951, it soon became an important part of the conventions. In 1952 there were songs from the Steinbach, MacGregor, Kleefeld, Blumenort, Prairie Rose and Morris (Rosenort) churches, as well as the Invalid Home. In most cases these were unaccompanied choirs. Song leaders from the different churches led the congregational singing. The first convention consisted of one day each in Morris (Rosenort) and Steinbach, but in subsequent years each convention was held at a single location. Blumenort was chosen in 1952 and Prairie Rose the following year. Somewhere along the way it was de­ cided to have delegates, because at the April 10, 1954 EMC Ministerial meeting the matter of churches electing delegates came up. It was agreed to select one del­ egate per 50 members or part thereof. Main speakers, at least up to 1964, it seems, were selected from EMC ranks, with several speaking at each convention. In 1967 there was one main speaker throughout for all five services, Archie Penner. As far as can be determined, it

was not until 1974 that an outside speaker was invited for all main messages, J. B. Toews. However the next year we again reverted to multiple speakers. The presentation of reports began at the second convention. That year they in­ cluded: Sunday schools (John Peters), Youth work (R L. Friesen), Invalid Home (John R. Toews), MCC and Missions (G. S. Fast), and Congregational singing (B. B. Dueck). The 1953 convention included two new church reports: MacGregor and Mennville, and also a message on missions by missionary Ben Eidse. That year is also the first indication of offerings being re­ ceived, all five of which were designated for various home and foreign mission pro­ grams. Our church leaders obviously began a good thing when they agreed to hold a church-wide convention 50 years ago. The annual conventions that followed, with­ out interruption, have continued to be a means of instruction, information and in­ spiration for the members of the Evan­ gelical Mennonite Conference.

THE MESSENGER

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Moderns before their time?

The Contributions of Anabaptism: a Word from our Sympathizers Archie Penner May joy, peace and mercy from our Father through the atonement of the blood of Christ Jesus, together with the gifts of the Spirit - Who is sent from the Father to all believers for their strength and comfort and for their per­ severance in all tribulation until the end, Amen - be to all those who love God, who are the children of light, and who are scattered everywhere as it has been ordained of God our Father, where they are with one mind assembled to­ gether in one God and Father of us all: Grace and peace of heart be with you all. Amen.... Schleitheim Confession, 1527

OUR ANABAPTIST faith has often been looked at skeptically and mistrustfully. In the rather recent past, however, many non­ Anabaptist Christians and scholars have changed their minds. They have concluded that Anabaptist theology and practice have made significant contributions to the larger community of the Christian faith and to modem culture, including politics. We introduce the evaluation of five Christian scholars and historians. Only one of them is of Anabaptist faith. George Huntston Williams The first is a professor at Harvard Uni­ versity, George Huntston Williams. In the hook Spiritual and Anabaptist Writers, ed­ ited by Williams and Angel M. Mergal (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1957), Williams evaluates the Anabaptist move­ ment of the sixteenth century in this way (p. 19);

hands of those in power, both Church and State, equally in Roman Catholic and Prot­ estant countries, the Anabaptist movement was one of the most tragic in the history of Christianity; But, judged by the principles, which were put into play by men who bore this reproachful nickname, it must be pro­ nounced one of the most momentous and significant undertakings in man's eventful religious struggle after the truth....It is the first plain announcement in modern history of a programme for a new type of Christian Society, which the modern world.. .has been slowly realizing - an absolute free and in­ dependent religious society, and a State in which every man counts as a man, and has his share in shaping both Church and State.

Walter Koehler Walter Koehler, of the University of Heidelberg, most likely a Lutheran, wrote of the Anabaptists, our forefathers in the first half of the 20’’' century. He was per­ suaded of their importance. Translating from the German, we hear him say, the significance of Anabaptism "is not ex­ hausted in its tolerant endurance, their faith­ fulness in work, nor their cultural diligence....Nol Mennonites may without self-exaltation claim a place in world his­ tory as pioneers in a modern world-view with their freedom of faith and conscience" (...erschoepft sich nicht in dem Duldermut, der Arbeitsreue, der kulturellen Fleiss...Nein, die Mennoniten duerfen ohne ueberhebung einen Platz in der Weltgeschichte, beanspruchen als Bahnbrecher der moderne Weltanshauung mit ihrer Glaubens und

From all sides we are coming to recog­ nize in the Radical Reformation [the Anabaptist movement] a major expression of the religious movement of the sixteenth century. It is one that is as distinct as Lu­ theranism, Calvinism, and Anglicanism, and is perhaps comparably significant in the rise of modern Christianity.

According to this assessment, the uni­ versal Christian Church would have been much impoverished had not Anabaptism occurred. This would seem to be a per­ missible deduction from this evaluation. Rufus M. Jones Rufus M. Jones, a Quaker, in Studies in Mystic Religions (London, 1908) wrote the following about the significance of Anabaptism for modem times (p. 369): Judged by the reception it met at the JUNE 7, 2000

Gewissensfreiheit).

Harold S. Bender A fourth scholarly witness comes from the pen of Harold S. Bender, the dean of Anabaptist studies in North America. He voiced this evaluation of our heritage, in his classic The Anabaptist Vision (Herald Press, 1944, p.4): There can be no question but that the great principles of freedom of conscience, separation of church and state, and voluntarism in religion, so basic in Ameri­ can Protestantism, and so essential in de­ mocracy, ultimately are derived from the Anabaptists of the Reformation period.

Charles S. Anderson A modern Lutheran scholar, Charles S. Anderson, complied the Augsburg Historical Atlas. On page 50 he wrote the following: Modern Christianity is deeply indebted to this martyr church [Anabaptist] for its major emphasis on the congregational sys­ tem of polity, along with the absolute sepa­ ration of church and state and the notion of voluntarism in relation to church member­ ship. The Anabaptists were also the fore­ runners in the whole matter of religious free­ dom, a concept not really shared by either Catholic or Protestant in the sixteenth cen­ tury.

Perhaps we were moderns before their time.

COMING EVENTS June 15-17 God Uses Ink Guelph Bible Conference Centre Guelph, Ont. Phone: 905-479-6071, ext. 255 July 7-9 50” EMC Convention Landmark, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401

'<! Archie Penner, a long-time minister and educator within the EMC and elsewhere, holds a Ph.D. He is part of the interim leadership at the Kola EMC and is listed as a minister within the Steinbach EMC. He lives near Elkhorn, Manitoba.

September 14-16 Winnipeg Prophecy Conference I Am Alpha and Omega Immanuel Pentecostal Church Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-889-8099 September 29-30 inScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship The King's University College Edmonton. Alta. Phone: 780-467-7723

PAGE 7

Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta

JUDY “MAY 1 SIT WITH YOU?” 1 heard a timid little voice beside me as we were mak­ ing our way upstairs to the first pre-serv­ ice counsellor’s session. It was Judy. Little did she know 1 was just as shaky and uncertain as she seemed to be. 1 was just better at covering it up! The Janz Team was in town for a cru­ sade and this was the first evening of the series. We had counsellor training sessions and should be prepared to help inquirers who might respond as the Word was preached. However, there is always a certain feeling of trepidation, of not knowing what is ahead, that one feels on such occasions. Judy was no exception. Judy had joined our congregation just a few months ago. She is a delightful person and her faith is genuine. With her permission, 1 am sharing a small part of the testimony she gave at her mem­ bership transfer. “1 want to tell you about that friend that 1 have who sends me flowers every sunny, summer day. On bright, winter days He gives me pictures painted with the most amazing colours. Of course, 1 am talking about my friend, Jesus. When His sun shines the flowers open especially for you and me. In the win­

ter, He sends me sunrises and sunsets that only His hands could paint. On cloudy days when 1 can’t see the sun He just loves me the way He has since He created me.” Now as we gathered in the basement to pray together, to let God know how very much we depended on His guid­ ance, her faith was strong as ever but her body and voice were shaking. The service began and our prayers continued. The Spirit was at work and several people came forward for help. As counsellors were assigned, Judy took a young woman to a separate room to speak with her. 1 happened to be there when she and her friend emerged. I’m not sure whose face glowed more brightly, that of the girl who had committed her life to Christ or Judy’s, because she had her first “midwife” experience; as she watched a soul being born anew. The transfor­ mation of both of them was wonderful to see. Judy was present every night and found deep joy in counselling others. She seemed to blossom into one of the flowers she mentioned in her testi­ mony. When Judy and 1 met to discuss this article, we talked about her faith jour­ ney. She had struggled to gain assur­ ance in her walk with Christ as a young girl. She knew that Jesus had saved her because she asked Him to, but walking the walk was hard. While in university in Lethbridge, she took the step of baptism in a small Mennonite church where, she said, “I experienced an awesome love. They

loved me like Christ, unconditionally.” It was a special joy and a complete sur­ prise to have her parents drive all the way from La Crete to Lethbridge (about 13 hours) so they could be there for her baptism. When she began teaching, the stress of the new job and trying to help trou­ bled students nearly overwhelmed her. That was when she learned an impor­ tant lesson: hand everything over to the Lord and try not to take it back. At present, Judy is back in the La Crete area. We see her joyfully serving as she participates in Young Adults and teaches a junior high Sunday school class, among other things. Just a few weeks ago, she joined a mission team to Jaurez, Mexico to help with a work project there. Again, the joy on Judy’s face when she reported about this eventful week was an inspi­ ration to the congregation. It is possible that the Lord may be leading her back there for a longer term of service. 1 sometimes wonder where she would be in her Christian walk now if she had not taken that first, tentative step to try to help others in their search for faith. When 1 think back to that quiet voice beside me on those steps, 1 know 1 have been privileged to witness God’s power at work in a miraculous way. When we let Jesus take control of our lives. He does. Before He does, though, we have to take that first step out of the safe boat onto the water and walk towards Him. How wonderful to have the assurance that He will catch us before we sink!

50“’ Annual Convention Offerings Friday, July 7** Session This offering is designated for Steinbach Bible College in which EMC is a partner in the ownership. The funds do­ nated to this project will assist the school in providing theo­ logical training to EMC students.

Saturday, July S'" Session This offering is designated to help with the costs of the Convention. An event like this needs financial resources.

Sunday, July 9“* Afternoon Session This offering is designated to two projects presented by the Board of Missions: 1. Spanish Sunday School Curriculum The Anabaptist Mennonite Congregations in Latin America are producing Spanish Sunday school curriculum material for children. Eight Mennonite missions/agencies, including EMC, are supporting this three-year project. $2,000 will be designated for this project. 2. Leadership Training in Latin America Leadership training is a very important part in missions. This project provides assistance to the leadership training programs that EMC is involved with in Mexico, Paraguay and PAGES

Nicaragua. These training programs include: - The Extension Bible Institute in Nicaragua. In the past year seventeen students have completed the courses taught. - Leadership Training Seminars in Paraguay. Leaders from the different churches take a weekend per month to attend these seminars, which assist the leaders in improving their skills as well as building relationships in the leadership. - SEAN (Basic course in Bible knowledge and practical teachings) and the “Purpose Driven Church” seminars in Mexico. The objective is to raise $8,000 for these two projects. Sunday, July 9“* - Evening Jubilee Celebration As part of the Jubilee celebration, an offering will be taken. This new offering is designated for new church plants in Canada and in Paraguay. One half of the offering will go to the building project of the new church in the capital city of Asuncion, Paraguay. The other half will go to the two new church starts in southern Ontario.

If you cannot come to the Convention, you may send donations for the above projects to the Conference office. The Board of Trustees THE MESSENGER

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Sebastian: A man of wisdom Linda Witmer A GERMAN plantation in the isolated mountains of Alta Verapaz, in Guatemala, was the birthplace of Sebastian Cue Tzi’. His family has lived in the small K’ekchi’ village of Se’mesche’ for centuries. They thought the land was theirs, even though they did not have land titles. Due to illiteracy, lack of education and inability to speak Spanish the K’ekchi’ peo­ ple in Se’mesche’ were unaware of the land registration laws. Around World War 1 the Germans were given land to produce coffee for export. The village of Se’mesche’ is one of the many indigenous villages on the 16 plantations of the Diseldorf family. Sebastian grew up in a very religious family. It upheld both the Catholic and Mayan faith and traditions. His father and mother were religious leaders in the com­ munity. Passed on to him by his parents is the belief that all God’s creation is sacred and it is our responsibility to care for the environment, including the land, water, trees and com. Com is sacred. Much of their life and many celebrations revolve around the preparation of the land and the planting and harvesting of corn. Se­ bastian’s family of six consumes approxi­ mately 125 tortillas daily, half the calories of their diet. Sebastian was asked by participants in a recent Mennonite Central Committee learning tour how he brings together his faith in Christ and his Mayan culture which revolves around corn. Very simply he stated, “Corn is life to us. Without it we would die. Christ came to give us eternal life. Both are sacred and essential for life.” The tour group asked other questions about his faith and culture. He explained, “We have not lost much of our culture in becoming Christians. It added to what we already believed. We as church leaders to­ gether processed where the light of Christ is already present in our Mayan culture, and we also looked for spots where there is darkness, places where we need to change.” He explained areas where they have changed and how they have substituted some of their Mayan ceremonies with Christian celebrations, such as com plant­ ing and the blessing of a new home, cow, truck or other purchase. Sebastian asked the group of North Americans, “Are you preserving your culture? Have you thought about the darkness in your own culture, the areas to which Christ wants to bring light?” The group pondered that question. JUNE 7, 2000

Sebastian was a pastor for many years and the writer of Sunday school materials for the national church. He served as vicepresident of the K’ekchi’ Mennonite Church for the past ten years. He is seeing the fruits of his labours. The Bezalel Edu­ cation Centre was part of his vision, and now he has three children studying there. Sebastian completed grade six two years ago, and now he is almost finished with his Bible institute courses. He con-

tinues to struggle to learn Spanish. He hopes that his children will be better equipped than he is in a Latin-dominated society where the indigenous people are oppressed. Recently the new Bezalel administra­ tors were having some discipline problems with the students. When Sebastian heard about this he immediately visited each class and repeated the school’s rules and regulations, letting the students know that he loves and cares for them, but that there are certain rules they need to abide by when they live together in Christian com­ munity. His wise words to the young peo­ ple curbed the problem. Even though Sebastian’s education is limited, he is a respected and capable ad­ ministrator. He visits churches, attends dis­ trict meetings, serves on church commit­ tees and helps to oversee all the church programs. He is accountable and reliable, doing his work carefully and in an organ­ ized fashion. Many hard questions and problems come to him. One of those ques­ tions came from me. 1 was feeling pressure about the finances of the health program since the govern­ ment was late in giving us our promised allotment last month. Workers and com-

munities were depending on us, and we were not able to fulfil our commitments. 1 suggested that the church loan some money to the health program. Sebastian said, “No, 1 don’t think that would be wise.” 1 didn’t like his answer, but 1 went away from his office feeling that an important goal had been achieved. Sebastian is a confident leader, and he was able to say no to both his North American and Latin co-workers. In the Executive Committee Sebastian suggested that each year there be a spe­ cial offering of corn to be stored for future disasters. He explained that the K’ekchi’ church had been the recipient of MCC corn and beans after the droughts and floods they experienced during the past two years. Having visited MCC in Akron, he was impressed by the way in which they prepared ahead of time for disasters. Sebastian suggested that the K’ekchi’ church not wait for outside funds but pre­ pare themselves to take care of those suf­ fering among them. A proposal was brought forward that each year there would be an offering of corn given to the central church offices for times of disas­ ters. It passed unanimously. Water has been a point of stress at Bezalel during the past few months. Se­ bastian came to me a day later after a well was successfully dug and said, “So many times we work hard for something, then we get it, and we fail to recognize the giver of the great gift. We need to have a special thanksgiving service for our well. We also need to demonstrate to our youth, in keep­ ing with our culture, that you take nothing for granted. God is the giver of all gifts and we need to take the time to thank God.” Sometimes 1 feel as though 1 am on holy ground when 1 am with Sebastian. His wis­ dom has brought great leadership to the church. During the past ten years that we have worked together, 1 feel that I have been the beneficiary. His friendship is a gift to me, and 1 have been changed be­ cause of his life. Linda Witmer has worked with the K’ekchi' Mennonite Church in Guatemaia for 20 years in health, development and church administration. She is currently the program coordinator. She is supported by MCC and Eastern Mennonite Mission. The above article was originally written for the Franklin Mennonite Conference newsletter. The Burning Bush. It was submitted by the Mennonite World Conference.

PAGE 9

Lillian, 13, lost her father last year to AIDS. She and her mother are HIV positive. “Most of the patients wait anxiously for our visits,” write David and Judy.

Maria and Zuni Two young women we visit regularly are Maria and Zuni. Maria is so thin she hardly makes a dent under the sheet that covers her. She is blind from complications com­ mon to people with AIDS. She has become a Christian in the hospital and has a hun­ ger for the Word. Her spirit of joy encour­ ages us every time we are there but she has almost no energy. How can we help? Zuni is also emaciated and has diarrhea and severe pain in her abdomen. Her rela­ tives have abandoned her, and Christians from her community are caring for her lit­ tle girl. She had been a Christian and was married in the church, but the marriage broke up and she threw herself into a life of disobedience. Now she has repented, but still doubts God’s forgiveness. How can we help? Maria’s doctor prescribes a blood trans­ fusion, but there are no donors. One of our group offers to give blood and the transfusion is made. She responds well to the treatment and is soon released from the hospital to go home. There is much rejoicing as she leaves. Have we helped her? Later, Zuni’s doctor also prescribes a transfusion. None of us can give, but a rela­ tive that is spending some time in Para­ guay is a willing donor and the transfusion is made. That same night she passed away. There is much sadness as some neighbors come to take her away. Have we helped her? In an environment where death is al­ ways near, we are pressed to find a pur­ pose for life beyond the present. That is PAGE 10

David and Judy Schmidt minister to AIDS patients in hospital. The woman sitting on the bed is a single mother who lost her vision because of AIDS, but her love for the Lord is contagious.

where Jesus shines. He has been beyond death’s door and came back to tell about it and to offer His eternal life to whoever would receive it. We have the privilege of offering this “health and healing” (Jer­ emiah 33:6) to the most needy both in the hospital and beyond. We are planning presentations in public plazas and for church groups. We continue to make regular hospital visitations along with other volunteers, and are waiting on

the Lord for a place on or near the hospital grounds where we can provide more serv­ ices to many very needy people living with AIDS and their families. Thank you for sup­ porting us in this work. Dave and Judy Schmidt

BOARD OF MISSIONS

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE What interests you? CANADA - MEXICO NICARAGUA - PARAGUAY AFRICA

We plant churches, serve in evangelism, discipleship, leadership training, radio, public health and development.

Contact us!

Judy and Dave Schmidt (Roseisle), along with their daughter, Wendy, are involved in pastoral ministry in the Roque Alonso church in Paraguay. They also minister to those with HIV//MDS.

Box 1268 Steinbach, MB ROA 2AO Phone; 204-326-6401 Fax:204-326-1613 E-mail: emconftS'mts.net Website: www.sbcollege.mb.ca/EMC/ indexhtm

THE MESSENGER

North A^frica

The Warmth of the Living Word

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There are millions of people all over the world who recognize they are spiritually cold. They yearn and search for warmth, but warmth is elusive. Then sometimes someone introduces them to “The Book,” the living Word. As they read, begin to understand, and accept the promise, they feel the warmth. Read the story that follows. It’s real. It happened. It’s still happening. It puts warmth where there was none. “1 would like a Bible, but 1 can’t get one anywhere in this town,” Samir said to Fred, one of our workers in North Africa. “1 think 1 know where 1 can get one!” Fred replied, after recovering from his surprise. A friend who works in the same cafe as Samir introduced Fred to Samir. Samir speaks English well and a friendship de­ veloped between the two. Fred gave Samir a New Testament, and within two weeks, Samir had read half of it. “The Bible is different from the Qur’an because the Bible speaks to the heart whereas the Qur’an is just words,” Samir said. Fred shared a little of his testimony with Samir. Afterwards, Samir said that while he was talking, he felt a heat pass­ ing through his body. He began to ask ques­ tions like, how did Fred pray and was there a set pattern like with Muslims. During their

conversation, Samir said that he realised he had to make a decision. Fred stressed the possible consequences of making that decision and explained to him that it wouldn’t be easy. However, Samir was determined. “1 have been waiting to find the truth for the past three years,” Samir said. A few nights later, Samir said to the Lord, “God, I have been like an animal in the dark but now Your light has come. Please convince me of that light.” Samir said he again experienced a heat in his body and felt something like a cloak being placed on his shoulders. Samir explained to Fred that the next morn­ ing he felt joyful and not his usual grumpy self, and that he felt like a different per­ son. If you’re feeling cold, read the living Word. It warmed Samir, and it can also warm you. Please pray for the hundreds of thou­ sands like Samir, searching but not finding the source of the warmth. Pray for hun­ dreds like Fred, who does what he can but there’s not enough of him to get to all of the people like Samir. A Follower of Jesus The names have been changed for security reasons.

Mexico

God's blessings at the end of the road After all these years. La Nortena is still at the end of the road, although much more accessible now than a few years ago. For many people attending the family retreat, held from May 5-7, it was their first visit ever to this mountain town situated in the pine forests beyond Madera. The forests are now perilously dry and brown; it looked as if one lit match could wreak untold havoc and loss in a moment’s time. 1 would like to share personal observations relating to this week­ end experience. First, La Nortena is not a dead town! There are many young families with any number of children. While work is available in the logging industry and in the local sawmill, the families will stay in the town. The church can grow! The church is seeing its need for educa­ tional material, both for use with adults and with children. We saw men in the services, and one of them received baptism on Sun­ day morning. This is exciting to see in a place where women have been responsible for everything in the church for years. The La Nortena Christian women have JUNE 7, 2000

wonderful servant hearts. They did an ex­ cellent job of providing beds and meals for all the visitors. Since the number of visitors outnumbered the local congregation, this was no small task for them. Veronica and 1 stayed at the home of Dona Eulalia, an eighty-year-old widow who lives alone at the edge of town. 1 asked her to share her faith story, and the telling of it caused us to be late for the scheduled break­ fast at the church. 1 was as encouraged in the hearing of it as she was in the telling of it. God does such amazing things in people’s lives in order to bring them to Him! An effort was required to get us all to share in this retreat, but I’m convinced that God blesses such efforts with personal and church growth. As Christians from different churches meet, we can listen to each other and encourage each other to keep on in the faith. Alvira Friesen

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What? Annual EMC Convention \iheu2 .July 7 - 9

Where? Prairie Rose EMC Landmark, Manitoba Who? Hundreds of EMC members from 52 churches in five Canadian provinces, missionaries from around the world, and YOU!

Why? •To hear what God is doing in and through our churches. •To be challenged by Dr. T. V. Thomas’s three messages on “Christ Through Us to Others.” •To worship and praise God in the concluding service; The 50^*' Anniversary Celebration. •To fellowship with fellow mem­ bers of our Conference family. See you there!

Aivira Friesen (Rosenort) serves in a bookstore ministry in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico. She is also involved in a variety of church ministries. PAGE 11

United States

People-Purpose-Partnership New Tribes Mission, of which we are part, desires to be on the cutting edge, yet not trendy, experienced but eager to grow. If we don’t have people to do the work, though, the gospel will not be taken to unevangelized places. As well, if God’s people don’t have a purpose they won’t desire to be partners with the few people doing the massive job of reaching the lost world with the Good News of the Gospel. In our ministry at NTM International headquarters, Dave and 1 are continually encouraged with reports from remote ar­ eas where missionaries are diligently work­ ing to build the Church. Tribal people are being taught lessons that follow God’s pat­ tern of progressively revealing Himself and His plan of redemption. The groundwork of first learning the language and culture of the people and then teaching about the coming of the promised Messiah, makes it possible for people to understand who Jesus is, and accept Him as their personal Savior. Our missionaries in Ivory Coast recently reached the point where they were suffi­ ciently fluent in the Palaka language to begin teaching the scriptures. Their mate­ rials were prepared and the people were ready. For the next three months they pro­ ceeded to spend hours each day teaching chronologically through key passages from the Old and New Testaments. After laying the foundation they built upon it, trusting God to open the eyes of the Palaka to their lost condition and God’s greatness and provision of salvation. Last month they presented the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, which is the culmination of the Gospel story. After the presentation, the missionaries asked the crowd of 400 tribal people if anyone had anything to say. The response was excit­ ing. Many testified of their new faith in Christ. There was so much interest that the missionaries were kept busy answer­ ing questions and talking to individuals and the group as a whole until 1 a.m. In the months ahead the missionaries will continue translating the New Testa­ ment. They will also be discipling the new believers and helping them evangelize other Palaka villages. They will be looking to God to raise up godly leaders for the new Palaka church. Bible translation and church leadership development are key elements in developing faithful leaders who will be able to teach others, ensuring that the gospel continues to go forth to future generations. Reports like this are a constant encouragement to be faithful in the job God has us in, in the big scheme of world evangelization. None of the above could happen withPAGE 12

out some of the Lord’s people being will­ ing to give their life to reach others, and others who are willing to give of their fi­ nances to make their going possible. Cer­ tainly it has to be people with a purpose, or the conditions and sacrifice of mission­ ary life could cause the Lord’s servants to become discouraged and give up. We are also convinced that no one can do this job alone. We count on your partnership with us, and others of God’s people who are in­ volved in teaching the Word. Would you pray with us for the missionaries and new believers in the Palaka tribe, and believe God to multiply the harvest that is being realized these days in this remote part of Africa. Laura Sharp

Laura and Dave Sharp (Steinbach) serve with New Tribes Mission in Sanford, Florida, where they are involved in publications and promotion.

Spain

Bible Conference at Easter Time Easter week in Spain is a time when the adults, young people, children and babies; vast majority of Spaniards take advantage this meant a full program - messages, chil­ of getting away from home for a holiday - dren’s classes, nursery, and a very busy a break from work. Many already head for kitchen team. Though the weather was the beaches at that time, but a lot of be­ rainy, it was a time for showers of spiritual lievers can be found at a blessing for many. Our theme was Con­ Bible conference, combin­ ing a time of rest with a fronting My Problems. Do time of spiritual fellowship others have problems like and feeding on the Word. mine? Is there a reason For several years Dr. for my problems? Where David Clemens from New do problems come from? Jersey, working with Bible were some of the issues Club Movement, has been Dr. Clemens spoke on. Dr. coming to Bethel to be the Clemens proclaimed, speaker at a Bible confer­ “We are often one of the ence. Each year the at­ sources of our own prob­ tendance has grown as a lems because we disobey result of his very practical the clear principles of the way of applying biblical Word of God, then when we get into trouble, we principles to daily Christian living, even though he blame Him for it.” Evelyn Flett (Prairie Rose) is a speaks through an inter­ Before the conference missionary at the Bethel Bible preter. Dr. Clemens has Centre in Spain. She is director was over it was evident ministered in some 28 of the Centre, which is run by that many had come in countries of the world and Bible Club Movement and search of answers to dif­ his three-volume series serves as a camp retreat ferent problems in their on practical Christian liv­ facility. The Centre is active in lives. Some expressed ing, called Steps to Matu­ how they had been publishing Christian educat­ rity, is well known. We helped. Just before leav­ ion material. have just finished printing ing one young girl said to part one of volume two in Spanish at me, “Just a few days be­ Bethel. fore the conference 1 was ready to sign Wednesday evening of Easter week, myself into a psychiatric hospital, then in­ once again, many people from different stead 1 came to this conference and now 1 parts of Spain made their way to Bethel don’t have to! 1 have my answers from the for the conference. We had a full house - Word of God.”

THE MESSENGER

While the adults listened to the Word in the new chapel, the children had their Bi­ ble class and other activities in the lounge of the camp building and the baby-sitter kept the tiny ones entertained in the din­ ing room. How good it was to have a place for each group because of the wonderful blessing of being able to use the chapel in our new building for the first time! No, the chapel is not yet finished (only the main floor is). We don’t have the oc­ cupancy license yet and we have not come to the end of all our legal problems with the new building. Despite this, the conference was special this year, because it was a “foretaste” of how great a help and blessing this building will be in edify-

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During the Easter Conference, children’s classes were held in the lounge of the camp building.

Dr. David Clemens spoke at a Bible conference held at Bethel in Easter. His interpreter was Woody Lewis.

ing lives for eternity.

has brought us thus far! We have yet to see what God has in store for the future, but whatever that is, we can trust Him. To Him be the praise!

The chapel is a testimony of the faith­ fulness of God. Despite many years of op­ position from the enemy, who has des­ perately tried to stop the building, God

Evelyn Flett

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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.

SIX JOIN KLEEFELD EMC! Kleefeld, Man.:

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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).

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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.

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On March 12 two couples joined the church through membership transfer - Dennis and Sara Thiessen and Gary and Lynette Kehler.

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JOY IN LIFE AND DEATH Morris, Man.: A baby dedication was held on April 2, during which two couples dedicated themselves to training their chil­ dren for the Lord. Heartcry, a group of young women from the Morweena EMC had the special musical number for us during the worship serv­ ice on April 9. A potluck lunch followed where we had the chance to visit with our special guests. Our church family was saddened by the recent loss of a well-respected member, Henry Siemens. He died on April 16 at the Morris hospital with his wife, Margaret, and family by his side. He was one of the original members of the Morris Fel­ lowship, which began in 1966. Henry Siemens played an active role in our church, serving on various committees throughout his life. We rejoice, though, that he is in heaven where illness cannot touch him anymore. On Easter morning we celebrated the resurrection in a way that is becoming a tradition in our church. A brave bunch of us gathered outside at 8:30 a.m. to celebrate Christ’s rising by holding a “Sonrise” service. Breakfast followed, served by the church council. The men dished out pancakes, sausage, and plenty of smiles! The Ladies’ Fellowship hosted a special mother/daughter event on May 4. The evening started with everyone making their own small pizza. After the meal we were entertained by a puppet performance brought to us by the Waverly Baptist Church youth group. The cast of nearly 20 portrayed a riveting Christian message. It was an amazing show, complete with special effects and lighting that captivated all ages. JUNE 7, 2000

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Kristine and Keith Friesen joined the Kleefeld church on March 12 by baptism. Lucy Dueck

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Two couples participated in the baby dedication service at Morris Fellowship on April 2: James and Angela Siemens with Jordan Pierce, and Melanie and Nathan Bartel with Abigail Heather. Standing with them is Pastor Ward Parkinson.

PAGE 13

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w. Seventeen people were baptized on May 7. Front: Mary Martens, Lisa Wall, Martha Wall, Just! Giesbrecht, Peter Reimer (pastor). Middle: Chris Ingratta, Lisa Quiring, Monica Klassen, Nancy Weibe, John Reimer, Judy Klassen, Abe Unger. Back: Jake Penner, Peter Quiring, Ben Quiring, Jake Heide, Jake Banman, Willy Friesen, Bill Friesen (youth pastor).

A COMMON LINK Leamington, Ont.: What do ordination, baptism, and parent-child dedication have in common? Commitment! We have had three special Sundays of celebrating com­ mitments. On April 30 there was the ordination service for Jake and Anna Enns, when they committed themselves to the ministry of the Gospel. Harvey Plett, who was teach­ ing at a series of meetings at the Leaming­ ton EMMC, was the guest speaker. Jake had graduated from Steinbach Bi­ ble College two weeks earlier. In 1992 the Enns’ came to Leamington from Aylmer as tentmaker missionaries. They have helped in the work here in a variety of ways. The EMC Board of Missions has as­ signed them to plant a new church in Tilbury, about 40 kilometers northeast of Leamington. On May 7 seventeen people made a public profession of their commitment to Jesus Christ by being baptized upon their confession of personal faith in Christ. We cancelled Sunday school in order to give them time to share their testimonies. The church was packed to overflowing as friends and relatives came to support these new believers in their walk of faith.

In the afternoon we celebrated the Lord’s Supper. When these new members were asked what had been significant about the baptism and communion serv­ ices, many said it was the love and accept­ ance they sensed; the “right hand of fel­ lowship” given by our youth pastor. Bill Friesen, after the baptism received the top vote! At the communion service, the foot­ washing ceremony with a time of sharing and praying for specific requests had been meaningful to many. This testifies to how the body of believers needs to be com­ mitted to close fellowship, but not closed to newcomers. On Mother’s Day seven couples took part in a parent/child dedication service, committing themselves to prayerfully train, nurture and admonish their “gifts” for the Lord. Lester and Darlene Olfert were with us to share what God is doing in EMC Mis­ sions. Lester challenged the congregation to give their best to the Lord. The mes­ sage fit well with the parents’ promise to surrender their children to God so that He can use them as He chooses. In all three of the services it was also important that the congregation pledge to stand with those making a commitment. Peter Reimer

Jake and Anna Enns (front right) were ordained to the ministry on April 30. Standing with them are Harvey Plett (front left), pastoral couple Helen and Peter Reimer (back left), and youth pastoral couple Bill and Helen Friesen (back right).

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DYCK - to David and Eva Dyck of Leamington, Ont., a son, Dennis, on October 8, 1999. FRIESEN - to Neil and Margaret Friesen of Leamington, Ont., a daughter, Rachael, on October 28, 1999. BERG - to Hein and Lena Berg of Leamington, Ont., a son, Jimmy, on January 7, 2000. FRIESEN - to John and Katy Friesen of Leamington, Ont., a son, Travis David, on January 16, 2000. UNGER - to Frank and Helen Unger of Leamington, Ont., a son, Andrew James, on January 19, 2000. NEUFELD - to Aaron and Helen Neufeld of Essex, Ont., a daughter, Sofia Emelina, on February 8, 2000. DYCK - to John and Lina Dyck of Wheatley, Ont., a son, Jonathan David, on March 25, 2000. FEHR - to Pete and Eva Fehr of Leamington, Ont., a son, Joshua, on April 3, 2000.

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A parent-child dedication was held on Mother’s Day, May 14: Pete and Eva Fehr, with Joshua; Isaac and Tina Braun, with Zackerie; John and Katy Friesen, with Travis; Hein and Lena Berg, with Jimmy; Frank and Helen Unger, with Andrew; Aaron and Helen Neufeld, with Sofia; and John and Lina Dyck, with Jonathan.

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In March, ministers and deacons from the EMMC and EMC churches in Leamington joined for two weekends of training in care-giving taught by Jerry Hildebrand (centre back). THE MESSENGER

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La Crete Christian Fellowship Church is pres­ ently looking for a youth pastor to begin in July 2000. Candidates should have a love for youth, have some experience in youth leadership, be willing to teach and be self-motivated. Is this you? La Crete is a predominantly Mennonite com­ munity with a population of about 6000, which includes the surrounding farming area. The LCCF has an average worship attendance of about 400, and a youth group that runs up to 40 peo­ ple. The LCCF is a member church of the EMC. If you feel God is calling you, we'd like to hear from you. Please contact the pastoral search committee chairman, Peter Fehr, Box 385, La Crete, Alta. TOH 2H0 or leave a phone message at 780-928-2045.

Since August 1996, the Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC) has been without a permanent pastor. Located in Creighton, Sask. (pop. 1700), near Flin Flon, Man. (pop. 7000), it seeks a pas­ tor gifted in outreach with a vision for the future. (The worker could also direct a local CSSM Bi­ ble camp part-time, but this does not have to be.) Salary and housing package worked out with church in consultation with the EMC Board of Missions and, if necessary, with CSSM. Infor­ mation package sent on request. Applicants are to be well grounded spiritually and personally. Contact: Search Committee, Box 35, Creighton, SK SOP OAO. Call board member Deb Odegaard at 306-688-2996, EMC Conference Pastor John Koop, or CSSM Manitoba director Dean Davidson at 204-667-8311. The Mount Salem EMC in southern Ontario is looking for a full-time senior pastor. This is a rural, growing church with an average Sunday morning attendance of around 350. For more information and applications contact Randy Fehr by phone at 519-773-9021 or e-mail: r.fehr@kanservu.ca, or Peter Froese by phone at 519-773-8069.

Rainbow Christian School in Vanderhoof, B.C., invites applications for the following teaching positions for the 2000/2001 school year: Grades 3/4 combined, 17 students; Grades 7/8 com­ bined, 18 students. This is an interdenomina­ tional school with 115 students, K to 10. Con­ tact: Wilf Loewen, Principal, Rainbow Christian School, Box 710, Vanderhoof, B.C. VOJ 3A0. Phone: 250-567-3127 (work), 250-567-5124 (home); Fax: 250-567-3177. Endeavour Fellowship Chapel (EMC) is look­ ing for a mature spiritual leader. Is the Lord leading you into full-time ministry? Prayerfully consider if this is where He would have you. Contact: Gary Sawatzky, Chair­ man, Box 650, Preeceville, Sask. SOA 3B0. Phone: 306-547-2027 (home), 306-547-2959 (work) or E-mail: gs_dega@qlo.com.

island Gospel Fellowship (EMC) in Burns Lake, B.C., is seeking a full-time pastor to begin July 2000. The church has an attendance of approxi­ mately 100 people. Candidates should have a vision for growth and a compassion for people. JUNE 7, 2000

If you believe God may be calling you to min­ ister here, please contact Bill Bueckert by phone at 250-692-3362 or write to Box 145, Burns Lake, B.C. VOJ lEO. Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, near Birch River, Manitoba, seeks junior and senior coun­ sellors, and a certified lifeguard. The camp is for native children and those who apply for these positions should have a love for God and a heart for children. Contact Ang Thiessen, camp director, at 204-238-4926 or Dale Buhler, camp board chairman, at 204734-3512.

Eagle Lake Bible Camp, near Vermillion Bay, Ontario, is hiring lifeguard assistants for the 2000 camp year. Camp dates are from July 23 to August 12. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older and have a National Lifeguard Services certificate, Canada Bronze Medal­ lion, or equivalent. Inquiries and applications can be forwarded to: Camp Committee, Blumenort EMC, Box 114, Blumenort, MB ROA OCO or to Howard Plett at 204-326-3198 or Pat Plett at 204-326-3268. Do you love being with youth and helping them grow deep spiritual roots that will help them stand against the pressures of this world? If this description matches your de­ sire, please consider applying for the posi­ tion of half-time youth pastor at Mission Heights Community Church (EMC) in Grande Prairie, a community of 36,000 in northwest­ ern Alberta. Average Sunday morning attendance is 190 people, with many young families. About 30 youth attend the weekly youth meetings; the group is continuing to grow. We are looking for someone to help coor­ dinate and continue to develop our youth min­ istry. The position has potential to become a full-time position. Please contact: Merv Brandt, c/o 8321 Mission Heights Dr., Grande Prairie, AB, T8W 2H4 or phone 780-831-4170.

Community Bible Fellowship Christian School requires teachers for the 2000-2001 school year. Located in the beautiful Swan River Valley of Manitoba, CBFCS is sponsored by an EMC church, but has a diverse student population. If you are a bom again Christian teacher who wants to impact the lives of chil­ dren and youth for eternity, we would like to hear from you! Two teachers are needed in grades 3-6. Also, one full time and possibly part time teacher are needed for grades 7-12, with strengths in Math and/or English Language Arts. Other subject areas depend on the strengths of the candidate(s). A pastoral reference is required. Inquire with the Principal, Ken Geddert, at 204-7342174, or send resumes to CBF Christian School, Box 1630, Swan River, MB, ROL IZO. Applications will close when a suitable pool of candidates is found. High Level Christian Academy has the follow­ ing full-time positions available for the 2000/ 2001 school year: principal/part-time teacher (the principal will be responsible to

teach some courses, allowing teachers prepa­ ration time); E.C.S./special needs worker (it would be an asset, but not necessary, to have training in special needs); and a grade 3/4 teacher. Contact: HLCA, Bag 5800 High Level, AB TOH IZO, phone 780-926-2360, or fax 780926-3245.

Kola EMC at Kola, Man., is seeking a full-time pastor to start immediately. We are also open to an interim position. The candidate should enjoy preaching and teaching, be effective in pastoral care, and encourage community outreach. Please send a resume to Jim Penner, Box 70, Kola, MB ROM IBO, phone 204-8452105, or contact EMC Conference Pastor John Koop. Wymark EMC has a full-time associate pas­ tor position available, with emphasis on youth ministry. Musical ability is an asset. Duties are to begin in fall. Average church attendance on Sunday morning is 150 people. Please send resume by June 26. Contact Marv Hildebrand at 306-627-3545 or write: c/o Pastoral Search Committee, R.R. 1, Wymark, Sask. SON 2Y0. You may also contact the church by faxing 306-773-0952 or by e-mail at wymarkemc@sk.sympatico.ca.

Mitchell Community Fellowship seeks a pas­ tor on a half-time basis. The congregation, with a Sunday morning attendance of around 100, is located in the growing community of Mitchell, Manitoba, about 5 kilometers west of Steinbach. Experience and a commitment to preaching, teaching, and pastoral ministry are essential. Send a resume to: Pastoral Search Committee, c/o Donna Snider, Coordinator, Box 4093, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0. Phone 204-3461973 or E-mail: mennovil@mb.sympatico.ca The Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, Manitoba, invites applications for the position of volunteer coordinator on a volunteer ba­ sis. Responsibilities include recruiting volun­ teers, and assisting the director of recreation services in management/coordination of volun­ teers. A job description is available upon re­ quest. Call Peter Enns at 204-326-2206, Mon­ day to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Steinbach Bible College invites applications for the position of library technician. This position is three-quarter time (28 hours per week). Responsibilities include: circulation and reference service, serials management, library supervision, and high school collec­ tion development. The successful candidate will have a li­ brary technician diploma or equivalent ex­ perience, excellent organizational skills, the ability to deal courteously with student and community users, and must be in agree­ ment with and willing to abide by the col­ lege’s Statement of Faith and Life-style posi­ tion. Experience with computers and the Internet is essential. Salary will be com­ mensurate with experience and qualifica­ tions. The position is to start as soon as pos­ sible. Resumes will be accepted until a suit­ able candidate ha.s been found. Please send cover letter and resume to: Vic Froese, Librarian, Steinbach Bible Col­ lege, Box 1420, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 or e-mail vic_froese@SBCollege.mb.ca. PAGE 15

‘The hardest part of being a mother’

Lord,. Ifeu Were There? Evelyn Rodgers WATCHING YOUR teenagers struggle with self-esteem and their faith is the hardest part of being a mother. For teenagers it is equally tough — and many times it is especially so for the oldest child. Such was the situation I faced as Mark was nearing the end of his last year in high school. There was an identity crisis with the church kids he had grown up with and so he found other friends. These friends led him down the wrong path. He felt uncomfortable living at home and trying to lead a double life. I could see the struggle that was going on and so I really started to pray. The harder I tried to communicate with him about spiritual things, the further he pulled away. I spent many hours praying, fasting and looking for opportunities to talk to him. Then, he started dating a lovely girl, but she wasn’t a Christian and that concerned me more than ever. One day as 1 sat on a hilltop behind our house praying, the Lord spoke to me. He said, “Evelyn, get your hands off that boy. Let me do it.” I knew what the Lord meant. I was to leave Mark’s spiritual condition to the Lord. My task was simply to love him. As I did this, I could see the Holy Spirit at work and now I could begin to praise the Lord. One day Mark came home and as we were talking he said, “Mom, you’ve brainwashed me.” When I asked for an explanation, he said, “I can’t get out from under what you’ve taught me. I can’t go and have fun. 1 have to get out from under this.” “Well,” I told him, “praise the Lord. You’ll never get away from the Lord.” This whole process was also teaching me some lessons. One day in my rendezvous with the Lord, He asked me, “Evelyn, why are you so concerned about Mark? Are you really concerned for his salvation or are you concerned about what others will say about you?” I had to really wrestle with this issue before I was finally able to say that it didn’t matter what others said, Mark’s spiritual welfare was my main concern. In the meantime, Mark and his girlfriend, Tracy, started coming to church. They were married and moved to Winnipeg where a friend invited them to church right away. We could sense they had a real spiritual hunger and I kept on praying. About five months after they were married, I couldn’t ask for their salvation anymore. The

Holy Spirit seemed to be directing me to start thanking and praising even if I couldn’t see the answer. What a wonderful experience! They were now attending church regularly and talked a lot about what was happening. A few weeks later, one Sunday at noon, Mark phoned to tell us they were getting baptized that evening and invited us to come. That was one of the biggest highlights of my life. To attend the baptism and hear them testify to their love for Jesus was such a blessing. Why I have been blessed to have my prayers answered so quickly 1 don’t know, but I will ever praise and thank our Lord for the way He has answered. To see Mark and Tracy living for the Lord and involved in reaching out to others is a blessing for which I will ever thank the Lord.

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Evelyn Rodgers and her husband, George, farm in the MacGregor, Manitoba area. They attend the MacGregor EMC. Evelyn enjoys reading of others’ experiences, and of how the Lord works and answers prayer.

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