The Messenger March 8, 2000

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Mennonite Central Committee Phone Numbers

MCC has a toll-free number (1-888-622-6337) which connects people to their nearest provincial office.

Here are the provincial numbers: BC 604-850-6639 Alberta 403-275-6935

Mike Mclnnes:

A Cheerful and Immediate Obedience

Saskatchewan 306-665-2555 Canada/Manltoba 204-261-6381

Ontario 519-745-8458

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 38 NUMBER 5 MARCH 8, 2000

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Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Give to help Mozambique! MOZAMBIQUE is in desperate need! News shocks us of people and animals suffering, clinging, and dying in the floodwaters. MCC and other charities are responding. Thank the Lord for helicopter crews plucking people from trees and housetops! Nicaragua’s need was on our minds a year ago. Now it is Mozambique. Later this year, or next, what country will it be? We don’t know, but we know nations will have desperate needs. Charities are aware that some donors go through giving fatigue. The needs of our world can seem never ending and people experience various degrees of emotional stress and financial strain in trying to respond. Yet Paul counsels us, “Be not weary in well doing” (2Thess.3:l3). There is a strong basis in Scripture for giving to the social needs of people. John the Bap­ tist told a crowd that a sign of repentance

was practical, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same” (Luke 3:11). Our Lord cared for, died and rose for, both our body and soul. The elder John wrote, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear chil­ dren, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in tmth” (1 John 3:1718). With so many needs around, the Christian Church cannot risk being weary in giving. Let’s pray, study, reflect, give, go - even lobby gov­ ernments. There are many desperate needs in Mozambique, Sudan, Venezuela and else­ where. What if it were our family clinging to the treetops? Hungry, thirsty, even naked strangers need our help (Matthew 25:31-46). Terry M. Smith

When it isn't a marriage IN HEBREWS we read, “Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (13:4). What if marriage is not honoured or the bed is not accepted? What if major lies or disturbing ways are quickly revealed - if a woman is beaten on her wedding night or a spouse is uninterested in sex after the wedding night? Within the EMC we agree on the sanctity of marriage, are concerned over marriage breakdown, and regret when divorce is the best that can happen in a bad situation. We do not officially agree on remarriage, but this is not an editorial about that. Rather, 1 suggest that some relationships are not real; there is a place, in some cases, for a decree of annul­ ment. (Was this editorial prompted by an Ameri­ can television show where a woman was se­ lected to marry a multi-millionaire? Annul­ ment was an issue before this, prompted by concerns in church circles. The show, how­ ever, provided occasion for reflection.) Annulment is not divorce. It is not a state­ ment of marriage breakdown; it recognizes a breakdown has prevented a marriage from occurring. PAGE 2

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Martha Kroeker THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: inform concerning events and activities in the denomination; instruct in god­ liness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpub­ lished material is not returned except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference. THE MESSENGER is pub­ lished twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba. Subscriptions: $12.00 per year (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total; $12.84). Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Members and adherents pay through their church. THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. Publications Mail Registration No. 09914 Mailing information: All correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Messenger RO. Box 1268 Steinbach, Manitoba R0A2A0

In Canadian civil law and some churches a marital union can be declared invalid, for ex­ ample, if a person was forced into marriage against their will or if their partner is already married to someone else. In these and other circumstances, I suspect many EMCers would say that no real marriage has occurred. Is this just another sneaky way to allow di­ vorce orjust a further example of how com­ mitment to marriage and its sanctity is break­ ing down? No. Recognizing annulment can uphold the sanctity of marriage; going through a ceremony is not the essence of marriage. What if annulment, properly ap­ plied, is simply just? Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God “judges the thoughts and attitudes [intentions, KJV] Phone; 204-326-6401 of the heart.” “1 the Lord search the heart and Pax; 204-326-1613 E-mail: emconf@mts.net examine the mind” (Jer. 17:10). When the heart can be deceitful (Jer. 17:9), its intentions matter to Christ and His Church! While our major emphasis will be on posi- Cover: Mozambique is hurttively teaching, modeling, and preparing peo- '^9- We can help, pie for marriage, we know we are also called MESSENGER SCHEDULE to be skilled and sensitive to hurting people. No. 7 - April 5 Annulment is one more tool to be consid- (copy due March 24) ered. No. 8-April 19 Terry M. Smith (copy due April 7) THE MESSENGER

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‘PREACHING WAS NOT IN MY REPERTOIRE.’

iate Mike Mclnnes

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■ 1 HE EXPERIENCE OF the prophet Jonah leaves ■ no doubt in my mind that as a father God exI pects cheerful and immediate obedience to His I instructions. His methods of discipline, a stormy A sea, a great fish, a fast-growing vine and a hun­ s gry worm, are perhaps a bit more dramatic than most parent’s, but the desired result is the seime: “service with a smile.” Unfortunately, in the case of Jonah, we never find out how well, or even if, the lesson is learned. Like the elder brother in the story of the Prodigal, Jonah fades into ob­ scurity. We are left to ponder our own response to God’s call to obedience. It’s a fair question. God is continually challenging us to greater heights of devotion, obedience, and service to Him. How do we respond? I think that all of us at some point in our life will be faced with a call that we feel is unfair. Oh, we’ll have our reasons all right: it’s too hard on us, too soft on them, we’re slow of tongue and speech, she could do a much better job, and on and on. In the end, however, we’ll be faced with the scime temptation that Jonah was: to flee from the pres­ ence of the Lord - or, at the very least, to just ignore Him. Yet God has not left us without hope! “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work, for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13, NASB). Without His transform­ ing presence in our lives we would all succumb to de­ spair. “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24). But now we can all join in chorus with the Apostle Paul: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25).

We are the clay We are all like clay in the hands of the Potter (Isaiah 64:8). Yet, it is the clay that molds most readily to His pur­ poses which receives His greatest blessing. Those who cooperate with the Potter are His greatest pleasure. I%ul encouraged the Philippians to “work out 1 their] salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). God is at work within us, but He will not work against us. Those who “work out their salvation” will seek only to please the Potter. Paul worked out his salvation with the Potter in mind: “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). Paul desired above all else to receive the blessing of his Father when he stood before the judgement seat of Christ. His goal was to hear the words: “This is My beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.” Too often as Christians, we are content with an attitude of aimless anticipation. However, the old adage is correct: If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time. If we are to please God, then we must make it our goal, our passion, our life! As a child walks hand in hand with his Father, so MARCH 8, 2000

we must also place our hand in the hand of the Potter so that He may freely work “in us that which is pleasing in His sight” (Hebrews 13:21).

Jesus is the Model He is at work within us. The Father is the sculptor and He is re-creating us into the likeness of His Son, for Jesus Christ is the perfect model of cheerful and immediate obedience (Philippians 2:5-8). Our Heavenly Potter is at work in our lives in two cmcial areas. First, He is at work within us “to will.” Sincere change begins on the inside. It is that which proceeds from within that defiles a man and displeases God (Mark 7:20-23). And so, God is at work: changing our desires, renewing our minds, softening our hearts. Second, God is also at work within us “to work.” A changed heart is demonstrated through a transformed lifestyle. Where our spirit is willing, God desires that our flesh (not our “fleshly desires” but our behaviour) become strong - or godly - also. For it is our lifestyle that confirms our faith and ultimately determines whether we are God’s sheep or His goats, whether we are subject to His pleas­ ure or His wrath (Matthew 25:34-40). So God is at work within us: changing our work, transforming our lifestyle, modifying our behaviour.

‘Change my heart, O God!’ One of the last things in the world that 1 ever wanted to do was to preach! For, although 1 was often very jovial and fun-loving, 1 could also be quite shy and withdrawn — particularly in front of a large group of people whom I did not know! 1 was also subject to stage fright. 1 can remem­ ber that during my first-grade piano recital 1 blanked out at the same spot three times in a row. At times 1 would get so nervous when 1 was on stage that my legs would start to shake. During my wedding ceremony I shifted my weight from leg to leg to keep them from shaking so much! Preaching was definitely out of my repertoire. But God had different plans! Time after time He led me into opportunities to preach. Oh no, it wasn’t that 1 sought out after them! I was a youth pastor. A little fun and games, some drama, some music, a small-group Bible study — that was my ministry. Preaching was not in my repertoire! 1 could preach, and people were certainly quick to praise my efforts. And I did feel the presence of the Holy Spirit most often while 1 was preaching. But preaching was not in my repertoire! 1 can remember the moment when 1 clearly understood the lesson that God had been trying to teach me for so long. 1 was leading a youth service and playing guitar as a member of the worship band. The service had a number of glitches up until the point of the sermon (not a few of which 1 was personally responsible for!). As 1 unstrapped my guitar and headed for the pulpit, a wave of relief swept PAGE 3

over me. I got to preach! This was something I knew I could do without a hitch. Preaching was suddenly in my repertoire! 1 look back on that moment as one of the landmarks of my faith journey - a moment when I realized that God could change my innermost desires. 1 no longer dread the thought of preaching but now do it out of an attitude of cheerful and immediate obedience. Thank You, Lord, for overlooking my obstinate refusal to accept what You knew all along was Just right for me. Thank You, Lord, for your patient work in changing my heart’s desire. Thank You, Lord, forgiving me the gift ofpreaching!

Pleasing God A newly engaged or married couple will spend a tre­ mendous amount of time together, almost to the exclu­ sion of all other relationships. Their whole focus is to dis­ cover what is most pleasing to their partner and to be­ come that very thing. In the same way, as our goal to please God rises on our list of priorities, the time that we spend in trying to learn how to please God will also increase. God informed Joshua, who was the newly ordained leader of Israel, that he needed to study day and night to learn how to please God! “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Joshua 1:8). Learning to please God was Joshua’s number one prior­ ity. Pleasing God is an acquired skill because His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). In order to please God we must go back to school. In effect, learning to please God is like learning to walk all over again. But this time we are learning to walk in love (Ephesians 5:1) and as children of light (Ephesians 5:8), “trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10).

God will often choose areas of service in which we ap­ pear to be the least skilled. This forces us to rely on Him! God can really work miracles through “desperadoes.” Fifth, practice, practice, practice! For many areas of serv­ ice this means simply doing what you need to do. For other areas, though, you will actually need to spend additional time in practicing certain skills (such as playing a guitar in a worship band or preaching). Sixth, be prepared to “let go,” if it becomes apparent that your gifting is not in a certain area. Sometimes it seems as if the areas that we desire to be involved in most strongly are the ones for which we are the least gifted. We must tmst that God knows our innermost being better than we do and follow His lead to another area. Finally, do not take yourself too seriously. Remember that you are in training. Learn to laugh at your mistakes. Learn to rejoice in your service to the Lord. God is faithful. He will work within you to change your desires to His de­ sires, to change your thoughts to His thoughts, and to change your ways to His ways. Trust in Him and He will make your paths straight. 1 once saw a poster that read. If it pleases you to please God, you can do as you please! Only as our highest priority becomes pleasing God can we truly respond with an atti­ tude of cheerful and immediate obedience to our Heav­ enly Father. How are you trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord?

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‘Little by little’ God can certainly change your desires, but it’s bound to happen sooner if you will become a partner with Him in the process of transformation. Here are seven ways you can cooperate with the Potter. First, keep an ear open for the whispers of the Spirit. Do you sense a longing within your heart to serve God in a certain way? Go for it! Trust that God will provide further guidance as you step out in faith. Second, be prepared to work hard. The greater the gifts you are given, the harder the work will be. Those with the greatest gifts must work the hardest to ensure that they are good stewards. “To whom much is given, much is required.” Third, be prepared for improvement “little by little.” Do not expect to be immediately appreciated, become fa­ mous overnight, or even notice a dramatic change in your own abilities. God is patient with you, so be patient with yourself, too! Fourth, is there an area of service that you have vowed to “never do”? Take a second look at that area of service. PAGE 4

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Mike Mclnnes is the pastor of the Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship Church (EMC). He has previously served as a youth pastor and holds a Master of Arts degree (Christian Education) from Providence Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Dorothy, have three children.

THE MESSENGER

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VENEZUELAN RELIEF BUCKETS Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is asking for 23,000 relief buckets, similar to the Hurricane Mitch buckets, which will be sent to communities in Venezuela af­ fected by the December 15 landslides that took the lives of nearly 30,000 people. Tens of thousands of Venezuelans con­ tinue to suffer the consequences of the massive flooding and landslides that wiped out entire communities and buried the homes of an estimated 300,000. “It looks as if a giant animal scratched pieces of the mountain off and sent them into the city,” said Abe Janzen, MCC Alberta director, describing the landslides around the capital city of Caracas. Many of the homeless are living in tem­ porary shelters. A shelter, located in a large stadium, has housed 1200 people for more than a month. Although there were plenty of mattresses, visitors, including Janzen, found the building dark, with few activi­ ties for people. “It’s an unhealthy situation for them socially and psychologically,” said Janzen. Over the next six months, MCC and its partners in the region will work to provide relief in affected areas by providing $44,500 for local purchase of food, toys and basic supplies; 10,000 health kits; and 23,000 re­ lief buckets. In cooperation with Venezuelan Mennonite churches. Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM), and Mencoldes, an MCC partner from Colombia, MCC has formed a preliminary plan for a $469,500 response to landslides in Venezuela. Contributions for Venezuela flood relief may be mailed to any MCC office, designated for project 5931-2000. ■i

BUCKET CONTENTS: 4 bars of antibacterial soap 1 bottle of shampoo (450-830 ml/13-24 oz), in plastic bag 10 cups of powdered laundry detergent (please double bag in 4 litre/1 gallon resealable plastic bags) 1 tube of toothpaste (minimum 130 ml/8 oz.)

4 adult-size toothbrushes (in package) 4 new bath towels (medium weight, not white) 1 hairbrush, wide-tooth comb, and nail clipper 1 box of adhesive bandages (minimum 40, assorted preferred) 1 package of 18-24 sanitary pads (thin maxi or ultra thin)

Please follow the instructions carefully, and limit your generosity to the contents. MARCH 8. 2000

Cards and letters of concern are appreci­ ated. Deliver the boxed contents to the nearest MCC collection site. Funds are needed to purchase a Spanish-language Bible and to cover the cost of shipping and distribution. Please include a cheque for $15, payable to MCC, in an envelope taped to the outside top of the box. MCC/EMM

FARMERS VISIT INDIA AND BANGLADESH Ten Canadians, including seven farmers from Manitoba and Alberta, have returned from a three-week food-study tour to In­ dia and Bangladesh with a new apprecia­ tion for the gifts God has given them. Albert and Hedy Janzen (Arnaud), Marg and Ron Rempel (Ste. Anne), and Frank Plett (Landmark), all from Manitoba, re­ turned to Canada on January 31. Three other people were from the Christian Re­ formed Church in Alberta and Ontario, while two other participants are Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB) staff members. In the food-study tour to a developing nation, held annually since 1987, these people saw the difference their support can make to hungry people. Participants toured several projects man­ aged by MCCC local partners and made possible through the resources contributed to the MCCC account at CFB. They agreed this direct exposure helped them under­ stand how Canadian food aid benefits the hungry as they work at relief, rehabilita­ tion and development projects to improve their communities. They learned about different cultures, discussed food-production issues with farmers, and saw the challenges faced by the people of India and Bangladesh as they work to feed their people. Dan Wiens, CFB hunger-information co­ ordinator and tour leader, said the partici­ pants were impressed with the progress being made in food production, especially in Bangladesh, where food production has doubled in one generation. “The effort put forth by these people is visible, but natural disasters and unequal distribution of food are still contributing to major food shortages in both India and Bangladesh. As a result, much more work still needs to be done,” said Wiens. “Villagers were very pleased to show us how Foodgrains Bank resources have made their lives better and given them brighter futures,” said Albert Janzen. “I think we all have become much more thankful for what we have in Canada after visiting India and Bangladesh.” CFB

AIDS IN ZIMBABWE Stephen N. Ndlovu, a former bishop of the Brethren in Christ (BIC) Church in Zimba­ bwe, was interviewed on the effect of AIDS in this African country. Bishop Ndlovu is a senior church leader and a former mem­ ber of the Executive Committee of Mennonite World Conference (MWC). He was interviewed by Doris Dube, a BIC member and Africa editor for the MWC communications team. Doris and her hus­ band live and work at SOS Children’s Vil­ lage, a home for children affected by AIDS. (The interview is shortened.) How has AIDS impacted your community and the whole country of Zimbabwe?

AIDS has taken a great toll on our peo­ ple. It has taken our young people. It has taken adults and babies. We have learned to recognize some of the patterns. People are sick. They seek medical help. Some are admitted into hospitals...After a cer­ tain period, despite still being ill, they are discharged and sent home with an eva­ sive message. However nicely it is dis­ guised, it means the same: “Go home and die.” Are people willing to change their lifestyles to avoid AIDS? Are there cultural factors to consider?

In a way we have lost a component of our cultural fibre because of urbanization and the economic factors governing our lives. We no longer live in a close-knit, extended family unit where young peo­ ple grow up in the same village or home with grandparents, aunties and uncles...Now some people live together outside marriage. Sometimes they move from partner to partner. They do not want to change. Because we no longer have the village-teaching forum, I believe the church needs to step in and take the place of grandparents, aunties and uncles to teach our young people. Even preachers should talk about AIDS. Is it possible or realistic in the face of the AIDS scourge and in the face of cultural re­ alities to promote the Christian position of celibacy and fidelity?

As far as 1 can see, it is the only way we can hope to eradicate AIDS and have a healthy nation. As Paul teaches, a man should be the husband of only one wife. As a church elder 1 am called upon to do a lot of counselling too. Even Christians are sometimes caught up in infidelity. All we can do is teach. Sometimes this even re­ sults in the birth of children outside the PAGES

official marriage. This, as you know, can cause untold stress to all those involved. How do you see the prevalence of AIDS af­ fecting your community, the Christian com­ munity and the country as a whole? We are living in difficult times. As fami­ lies we have to look after people dying of AIDS. Since a cure has not yet been found, the best we can do is try and make the lives of the dying as comfortable as possi­ ble. They need food and good care. They need love. Our economy has suffered. A sick and weak person cannot work. A sick nation is not productive. The reputation of our country, and in­ deed of our continent, is at stake. We Chris­ tians have an obligation to visit the sick and comfort them. Though their bodies may be dying, we can point them to a bet­ ter life in Christ. 1 know many fear infec­ tion. We should love and care for people with AIDS, but avoid being infected. In our culture, if 1 wear gloves while at­ tending to an AIDS patient, 1 will be ac­ cused of pride. We should close our ears to such accusations and do the best we can. Unless there is a drastic change in people’s lives, many people will find them­ selves looking after AIDS orphans. As fami­ lies and as the church, we have to be pre­ pared to care for both the suffering and their offspring.

Do you have any message for your local community? We all need to work together to fight AIDS. The medical people, the church, the community and the family all need to work together. While 1 was a pastor at Matopo, the local people from Bezha and

Dula did something that 1 found touching and encouraging. They organized them­ selves and called for a united prayer day. Believers and non-believers came to­ gether to pray. They consider the AIDS scourge as a curse and punishment from God. They met to pray and cry to God. They have been crushed by the death of their children. Many see God as the only answer.

How about the people In the West? Do you have anything to say to them about AIDS in Africa?

We are grateful to the Westerners. They brought us the Gospel. Now we walk in the light. However, I am sad to say they brought us some bad influences as well. They deceived us while setting a death trap for us. Culturally we had our ways of teaching about abstinence. They came and said sex was for pleasure and anyone could indulge in it. Now they tell us about the use of condoms. All those are foreign to us. PAGE 6

We thank [MCC] for funding and sup­ porting the Brethren in Christ Church AIDS program. Our coordinator, Mrs. Makhwili, is doing a good job in teaching people vari­ ous topics related to AIDS. Many people have been helped. Some spouses have been helped to share their concerns and problems with each other. People have been taught how to better care for people with AIDS. AIDS patients have been taught how to live positively with their problem. 1 think we are making headway.

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Do you have anything else to say on this topic?

A NUDGE TOWARD MERGER Putting Our Feet Together (editorial, Feb.9) — what an appropriate title for the nudge toward joining the EMMC! The North American part of our histories is quite dif­ ferent, but presently our faith and mission are similar. That is certainly a good basis and maybe a good time for “putting our feet together.” And yes, the office would probably end up being in Winnipeg. Edwin Friesen Landmark, Man.

For the present it looks like we have to learn to live with AIDS. Let us look after the afflicted and teach the rest of the peo­ ple around us how to be safe from AIDS. MCC/MWC

Letters to the Editor Letters for publication, commenting on issues raised in The Messenger, are welcomed. Their tone should be charitable, dealing with sub­ jects rather than individuals.

Gerald Reimer Conference Youth Minister

THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE WHEN YOU THINK of spiritual warfare, you may feel the same as 1 do: “1 know that it is part of my Christian life, but I’m not sure 1 know how to deal with it.” Don’t be alarmed, but do not take this lightly either. Spiritual warfare is real, but that does not mean that all Christians are prepared to deal with it effectively. Dramatic battles with the enemy are not a daily occurrence in my life, but I have slowly been discovering that the small, daily struggles with temptations and pet sins take away from my effec­ tiveness as a Christian. 1 may be striving to be more Christlike, but the resemblance is often slow and lacking. Perhaps you never feel this way, and if that is the case, don’t bother read­ ing on. If you have similar struggles, though, let me offer a word of encour­ agement from the powerful Word of God! As those who fight the addiction bat­ tles on a day-to-day basis with programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, so too we as Christians need to arm ourselves each day with the right weapons to overcome the devil’s attacks. Ephesians 6:10-20 talks about the “ar­ mour of God.” Recently 1 have been learning how to use this in my own life and in interceding for others. When 1 pray the armour of protection upon myself and others, 1 like to systemati­ cally go from top to bottom: helmet of

salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, shield of faith, sword of the Spirit, and sandals ready to carry out the gospel message ofpeace. This helps me to remember the items of armour and leads me through a functional prayer. In doing this initially, however, 1 failed to see the key ingredient that makes this armour of God effective. The key is in verse 14, where the first piece of ar­ mour mentioned is the belt of truth: Stand firm, with the belt of truth buck­ led around your waist.... Isn’t it ironic that almost 2000 years ago God let Paul know that the most impor­ tant part of living is to believe in ulti­ mate truth? In fact, truth is what holds our armour in place, in essence as a belt. Without truth, the rest of the armour would be useless. In the debate about truth and relativ­ ism today, we see society demanding that there is no such thing as ultimate truth. Why do you suppose they oppose truth so much? Believing the lies of Sa­ tan is what controls the world, and truth is what can conquer their wicked schemes. So what is truth? It is the written and spoken Word of God! Why is truth the key to our spiritual battles? Because all of Satan’s tactics are lies, based on the truth of God’s Word. We need to actively live out the truth of God’s Word daily. As 1 begin my day in prayer, covering myself and my family with the armour of God, believing in the truth of God allows me to have a victorious Christian walk. ff you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).

THE MESSENGER

of | <ii< Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta

TINA MY HUSBAND AND I were in a bit of a di­ lemma. As we crossed from Lesotho into South Africa and travelled to Bloemfontain, we had fun trying to think of ways to solve our problem. We drove into the city and parked out­ side a modest hotel. We had arrived to pick up some passengers, but our dilemma was that we had never seen them. We had talked on the phone and had ex­ changed numerous letters, but we had never seen a picture of them! We rode up the lift and knocked on the designated door. It opened, and Glen in­ quired, “John and Tina...?” of the man and woman who faced us. As soon as they responded, we recognized their voices and we were “old friends” who had finally met! Tina and John were the senior mission­ aries in Lesotho with Africa InterMennonite Mission. They had gone on a short furlough a few months prior to our planned arrival date so they would be back to provide orientation to our new country and work. But plans can change suddenly. While out cycling in British Columbia, Tina had a serious accident. A fractured skull left her with extensive brain injuries. Once she was off the critical list, the long.

CANADA CELEBRATING THE GOSPEL’S ADVANCE “Your display must cost a lot!” com­ mented the christianweek reporter as she stopped under the red helium-filled bal-

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Elvira and Elmer Warkentin (Steinbach) are serving at the SIM headquarters In Scarborough, Ontario. MARCH 8, 2000

difficult road to recovery began. She had to learn basic life skills again and spent long, tedious months in therapy. Since she had been an energetic, active and deci­ sive person, this was a difficult time for her and her husband, but they persevered. After eighteen months in North America (rather than the planned four months), the doctors gave them the go-ahead to return to Lesotho. Tina still had problems focus­ ing her eyes, which caused strain and head­ aches, and had also not regained her sense of smell and taste. We were very happy to finally meet them face to face. Our two-hour drive back to Lesotho was a good time to become better acquainted, even though they were tired from their long flight. Already that love that binds us together in Christ was blossoming. Finally we had colleagues who could answer our many greenhorn questions! They moved into our mission’s guest apartment, a self-contained unit in the lower level of our house. To them this was like home. They had stayed here many times over the years when they came into the capital city from their work in an out­ lying village. Even their small orange Suzuki 4x4 was waiting in our fenced yard. However, Tina was still recovering from her injuries. To prepare a meal without being able to smell and taste was daunt­ ing. She made delicious food whenever we met at their home in the village, but was never quite confident that it really tasted right. To her, most dishes tasted flat and unappetizing. Then it was my turn to experience un­ planned change! Six weeks before our

two-year term in Africa was up, I had a bad fall. 1 had surgery to remove bone splin­ ters from my fractured kneecap and to repair tendons and ligaments. When 1 re­ turned home with a heavy, hip-to-toes plas­ ter cast immobilizing my leg, 1 felt so help­ less. And we had to sort and pack, sell furniture and clean the house, not to men­ tion continue the work of the church. Tina came to the rescue. No, this was not glamorous missionary work. Rather, every weekend they came in from their village. She cooked, cleaned, washed dishes, stayed with me when Glen needed to be at the office, and even started the packing. Her life demonstrated so clearly that loving Jesus meant serving others. 1 was touched and blessed and humbled. 1 tried not to complain but felt that 1 was a burden. I think Tina sensed that. One day she sat writing letters at our dining room table. She looked up and said, “Betty, may I read what 1 just wrote?” She had written that 1 was helping her...to regain confidence and feel needed! Since her injury had somewhat limited her involvement in their village ministry, it was almost as if my injury was her good fortune (not that she would ever have wished it on me). I admired and loved her then, and still do. They have since retired to the USA, continuing their quiet ministry. When we visited them a few years ago, 1 felt as if we had come home. That love was as warm and fresh as ever. And her dry sense of humour was still intact! We travel this way but once. Will my life and your life touch others in the way that Tina’s touched mine? 1 pray that it will.

loon flying high in the sails of the Vancou­ ver Trade Centre with bold white letters, SIM, on it. “Why do you come to Missions Fest?” she asked. What a good question! Yes, at Mission Fest 2000 in Vancouver we have heard the great speakers: Brother Andrew, Bruce Olsson, George Verwer and Chris Marantika. The Vancouver venue and the Edmonton Shaw Conference Centre hosted more than two hundred different booths representing various colleges and ministry opportunities. Missions Fest is a time for celebration for what God is doing. Our SIM booth became a meeting place for the SIM family. SIM retirees, short-term alumni, those on home assignment and others who have served with SIM either volunteered their help or came to say hello. Prayer and financial supporters stopped by. One such supporter, an elderly man, stopped by to give some cash. Excited about being able to help a young woman get to India, he came again and gave a second time. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to say, “Thank you. Without you we

could not do the job.” Informing people of needs and recruit­ ing missionaries are key reasons for being there. A young couple, who had done a short term, asked, “How do we prepare for long-term service?” A student inquired about doing a medical elective with SIM. Missions committee members were ex­ cited to be able to pick up materials for their churches. An SIM teacher challenged her former students to consider missions after university. A young pilot’s career plans changed. Referring to the plenary session, he said, “I just gave my life away in there!” We celebrate the advance of the gospel, but the job is not yet done. The gospel was shared at Missions Fest. Two exam­ ples are witnessing to an Iranian Muslim who came to the booth and sharing Jesus with a waitress in the hotel restaurant. Brother Andrew’s comment sums up well why we were at Missions Fest: “Heaven has put a fire in your hearts that no one on earth can put out!” We will continue to celebrate! Elvira Warkentin

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EMC MISSIONS AUXILIARY DONATES OVER $1,000,000, SEEKS NEW MEMBERS During the past twenty-seven years the EMC Missions Auxiliary (MA) has donated more than $1 million to mostly EMC-related missions projects. It wants you to know what, by God’s grace, has been ac­ complished, and that more members are welcome. Since 1973 the MA has sponsored a total of eighty projects, amounting to over one million dollars in donations. Projects in­ clude two radio stations, three houses for missionaries, campgrounds in Nicaragua and Mexico, a media centre in Paraguay, a school in Mexico, an Inner City Youth Alive capital project, church buildings, community health and development projects, and building projects for Third World Bible schools/colleges. The MA was organized in July 1973 for the purpose of propagating the gospel by giving financial assistance to special projects and other needs related to the total operation of the mission programs of the EMC Board of Missions (BOM). At its first annual meeting in the fall of 1973, the MA designated $5,000 to the Mis­ sionary Vehicle Loan Fund, which was set up in partnership with the BOM. This fund makes interest-free loans available for the purchase of vehicles by the EMC mission­ aries. The first major project of MA was the construction of the ZP-30 radio station in Paraguay. During 1974-75, the MA raised $ 165,000 to purchase all necessary equip­ ment to set up the radio station. For die past twenty-five years, this station has ef­ fectively operated under a local board. The ownership of the station was trans­ ferred to the Mennonite colony in the Chaco. The original purpose of the MA was

KENYA. AFF/CA A PEAK EXPERIENCE On January 2 five Rosslyn Academy stu­ dents and I were bouncing up an ap­ proach road on the lower slopes of Mt. Kenya in a battered Nissan Patrol. The plan was to spend three days hiking to the highest peak on the mountain that can be accessed without mountaineer­ ing skills. We had decided to carry our own gear (most people use porters) and, since none of the students had attempted the mountain before or done any serious backpacking, we knew we were in for a challenge. To the Kikuyu people who live around Mt. Kenya, the mountain is called Kirinyagga and is respected as the home of their god. To the tourists who flock into Kenya by the thousands, Mt. Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa, PAGES

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One project MA has contributed to is the Bonga Refugee school building project in Ethiopia. Angela Friesen, an EMC missionary, teaches a girls’ class at this school.

amended in 1981. It now reads: “The MA is a membership organized for the pur­ pose of propagating the gospel through expertise in feasibility evaluation, finan­ cial assistance, project development management or other needs that may arise, with priority preference to the mis­ sion program of the E. M. Conference.” The present members of the executive committee, elected by the members, are Alvin Plett (chairman), Ray Dueck (vice chairman), Don Friesen (secretary), Ron Friesen and Elden Penner (members). This committee directs and promotes MA. They research projects and present them

topped only by the more famous Mt. Kili­ manjaro a few hundred miles to the south. To the Rosslyn students making this summit attempt, the mountain repre­ sented the climax of their many years spent in Africa. Climbing the mountain was something they had wanted to try for many years, and this was the last chance for the four seniors in the group. For me, this trip was a chance to con­ tinue the relationship building that I had been involved in for the past few years and to enjoy God’s awesome creation in the process. There’s nothing like a little shared sweat and suffering out in the beauty of nature for bonding purposes. For three days we humped our packs up and down the soggy mountain trails and slept in well-below-freezing nighttime temperatures. The final 3000foot climb was done in the pre-dawn

to the membership for approval. If you are interested in becoming a member of the EMC Missions Auxiliary, you may contact one of the executive members or Henry Klassen at the Con­ ference office. New members are wel­ come. For more information contact these Manitoba numbers; Alvin Plett (Landmark), 355-4980 Ray Dueck (Mennville), 378-5686 Don Friesen (Steinbach), 326-3388 Ron Friesen (Rosenort Fellowship), 746-8150 Elden Penner (Blumenort), 326-1584 MA

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4 Climbing Mount Kenya was a challenge for Al Thiessen and five Rosslyn Academy students.

darkness in a state of nausea and fatigue from high-altitude mountain sickness. The mountain tops out at just over 17,000 feet and, although hikers only climb to 16,300, the elevation affects almost eve­ rybody to some extent. THE MESSENGER

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At the end of the trip each member of the group claimed that the pain had been worth it, that the sunrise and the high altitude scenery was too spectacular to miss. Stephen Allen, a junior from South Carolina, claimed that “the scenes up there were the most impressive that I’ve ever seen.” To a man, the hikers agreed that this trip was the hardest thing they had ever accomplished. Nate Sapp, a senior from Kansas, said, “1 expected to be physi­ cally and mentally challenged by the strenuous climb. At one point after ‘summitting,’ 1 was exhausted, 1 fell asleep at every break, and my body did not want to continue. 1 learned that 1 could push my body through the unpleas­ antness and carry on. That’s a valuable lesson to learn in life.” The time spent together was a great opportunity for all of us to reflect on our years spent in Kenya, the lessons learned, and the fond memories. Aaron Schmalzle, a senior from Ohio, who has spent three years in Kenya, feels that “the many experiences, problems, and even day-to-day happenings have helped me to better understand who 1 am.” Stephen, who has lived in Kenya for thirteen years, says that living here has been “an experience that most kids and adults will never get. Most people can’t expand their world view this way to be exposed to so many interesting cultures.” All five of the students have no regrets about leaving North America for the Ken­ yan savanna. John Helfers, a senior from Indiana, is graduating from Rosslyn this spring even though his parents left the mission field at Christmas. Jon can’t stand the thought of leaving his friends of ten years a few months early. Rosslyn Academy has been an integral part of the African experience for all five of the intrepid mountaineers. Nate has attended Rosslyn for eight years and sees the school as a place where “a good education is received in a spiritually up­ lifting environment.” Aaron has enjoyed meeting people from all over the world, from different backgrounds, countries, races and creeds. In fact, the experi­ ence of attending Rosslyn has “caused our family to discuss our faith, and that has strengthened our family and spiritual relationships.” Stephen honestly admits that he doesn’t always agree with school policy but that he “wouldn’t want to be any­ where else. The people who make up Rosslyn are, in general, the finest peo­ ple 1 know.” High praise indeed from a high-school junior! Actually, each of the young men echoed the sentiment that the teacher/student relationships are what separates Rosslyn from other schools they’ve attended. Our little mountain adventure is now just another part of our long-term memoMARCH 8, 2000

ries. As I look back I realize that these are the types of experiences that work­ ing with young people is all about. Just as my mountain-climbing buddies have no regrets about living in Kenya, 1 can honestly say that 1 have no regrets about having spent the last five years teaching at Rosslyn Academy. The students, the mission community we are supporting, the Kenyan people, the beautiful coun­ try, adopting a precious little Kenyan girl — this truly has been one of life’s peak experiences. Al, Robyn and Hailey Thiessen

PARAGUAYAN MISSION NIGHT Rosenort, Man.: On January 30 we had a Paraguayan mission night, featuring Chris and Revita Kroeker. Chris presented a slide show introducing the new radio station. Radio Mensajero, while Revita told a chil­ dren’s story. Jeremy Loewen, who had a devotional in the morning service, also spoke briefly. He will join the Kroekers in Paraguay for a two-month missions exposure trip when they return in March. He is looking for­ ward to seeing and helping with the radio work. Jeremy has served our church for several years as a soundman. The monthly Low German service on January 16 included a testimony by a local man, Juan Neufeld. Lisa Reimer told a children’s story about a woman who years ago received smuggled Bibles in Russia as a gift. Then, to the audience’s surprise, the Russian woman came to the front to share! Our outreach in Storm Lake, Iowa, contin­ ues; several couples go once a month to help with Low German services. A variety of speakers in January brought messages on the 50-Day Adventure, in­ cluding Don Dueck, Bryan Loewen, Pas­ tor Frank Kroeker and Benny Friesen. The College and Career group led the morning service on the 30'". Traci Friesen chaired the meeting, with special numbers by Bernie Schellenberg and Heidi Friesen. Steven Froese and Shaun Eidse had a chil­ dren’s feature, and the group performed a skit on the issue of smoking. On January 26 the eight Bible study groups in our congregation met together for an evening. Two groups were viewing video series (Old and New Testaments), while others were studying minor charac­ ters in the New Testament. Some were participating in the 50-Day Adventure and others studying Hebrews. Many of the groups have outreach ministries, includ­ ing visitation, serving at Union Gospel Mis­ sion, and palliative care. We were encour­ aged to view them as care groups. Lorilee Scharfenberg

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Al and Robyn Thiessen (Prairie Rose) are teaching at the Rosslyn Academy in Kenya, Africa.

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Revita Kroeker had a story for the children.

Jeremy Loewen is leaving in March for a two-month missions exposure trip in Paraguay.

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r Dwayne Klassen and Steve Bird have been elected as elders at the Swan River church. Standing with them are Pastor John Reimer (left) and Connie Reimer (right) and Melanie Bird.

NEW ELDERS ELECTED Swan River, Man.: Together with other churches in the Valley, the coming millenium was celebrated with a supper and praise evening at the Swan Valley Museum. It was a meaningful time of wor­ ship as we gathered with fellow Christians. What a way to bring in the new year and millenium! Our future is always secure in the hands of God, no matter what hap­ pens. In October we welcomed Andrea Reimer, Shelly Dalman and Marty Dyck to our membership. Shelly moved here from Winnipeg in 1997 to teach at our school. She is grateful for a church that teaches accountability and commitment to a body of believers. She is thankful for friends who showed her Christ’s love at a young age, which led her to where she stands in her faith today. Andrea mentioned in her testimony that it had been great to reflect on her Chris­ tian life by writing out her testimony. There is always room for growth. Andrea came back from Australia, with YWAM, in Sep­ tember and is now employed at the Swan Valley Credit Union. Marty Dyck grew up in Swan River and is graduating this year. He participates in the worship teams, is involved with the youth group and is experiencing the presence of God in his life. He is working part time at Powell Motors. Steve Bird and Dwayne Klassen have been elected to be on the elder team. They commented on what it means to them as fairly young “elders.” Steve said, “Over the past few months 1 became part of a fantastic team, the Elder Board team. It’s been both humbling and encouraging to sit and listen to the enthusiastic vision that our leaders have for our church. 1 have witnessed miracles this past year that will be remembered as long as 1 live! How exciting to see God at work right here at CBF!” Dwayne commented, “Since my election to the Elder Board, 1 have appreciated hav­ ing the opportunities to learn and take in PAGE 10

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Ashley, Candice, Ryan, Dana and Mary Johnson at Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg.

the role of leadership from the other mem­ bers. 1 realize over and over that leader­ ship is not a position that can be ultimately attained, but rather it is an ongoing learn­ ing curve that continues to change and grow. My desire is that 1 might change and grow in order to better serve our congre­ gation by providing Christ-centred leader­ ship.” Part of our lives in Swan River is saying farewell to friends. Alvin, Esther and Joanelle Brandt, who have been part of our congregation for many years, moved to Winnipeg in July. Marty and Jackie Snell and family moved here from England ap­ proximately ten years ago and moved back to England last summer. Brenda Klassen, who taught at the Community Bible Fel­ lowship School for three years, accepted a teaching position at Linden Christian Academy in Winnipeg last fall. When 1 think of these families and indi­ viduals 1 think of service. These people

contributed and exercised their spiritual gifts willingly for the good of the church. We miss you but know that you will carry the love you have for your Lord to what­ ever congregation is blessed to have you. Eight-year-old Ryan Johnson and his mom were able to come home for one week in February. Ryan was diagnosed with leukemia in October, and the next day he and his mom were whisked off to Winnipeg for tests and treatments. Of course this has been an extremely trying time for them. Mary said that Ryan’s prayers have often blessed and encouraged her. He is a de­ termined little guy! He has often asked his mom to call the prayer chain to inter­ cede for him. We have witnessed answers to our prayers, and we praise God for this. Please continue to keep this family in your hearts and prayers. A trust fund has been set up for them; contact the church (204734-4829) for more information. Karen Peters

Join us for our 50“^ Anniversary Celebration (1950-2000) and Deeper Life Meetings! Pelly Fellowship Chapel (EMC) Pelly, Saskatchewan March 24-26, 2000 Guest Speakers: ‘The Three Bens’* Friday Night: Ben Friesen (1953-1957) Saturday Night: Ben Andres (1957-61) Sunday Morning: Ben Eidse (1950-53) Men’s Breakfast on Saturday Potluck Lunch on Sunday For more information, call: Pastor Kenton Penner at 306-595-4511/2074 e-mail: Kpenner@sk.sympatico.ca or deacon Lewis Anfinson at 306-595-4743 *Early pastors

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YOUNG PEOPLE BAPTIZED Pleasant Valley, Man.; We were blessed with a great start to the year 2000. On January 2 our church was packed with friends and relatives to witness the bap­ tism of and show their support for seven young people. In their testimonies the young people thanked parents, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders and Pastor Darren for guid­ ing and encouraging them in their Chris­ tian walk. They are already involved in Praise and Worship, prayer meetings, Sun­ day school. Vacation Bible School and camp programs of the church. On January 16, Darlene Reimer, daugh­ ter of Leo and Eva, and Gayle Reimer, daughter of Allan and Millie, were com­ missioned for Christian service with Youth With a Mission. They are working on a hospital mercy ship in Gambi, West Africa - Gayle in the accounting department and Darlene as a nurse. Carl and Lisa Loewen were commis­ sioned January 23 for mission work in the Philippines, where they plan to disciple street boys. Arnold Olver, director of Ac­ tion International of Three Hills, Alta., and Gerald Reimer, representing EMC mis­ sions, were here for the service. Carl and Lisa and their son, Isaiah, left for the Phil­ ippines on February 6. Twenty-five of our young people, with their leaders, Luke and Twyla Bartel, Rudy and Grace Loewen, and Pat and Kim Sie­ mens, went to sno-camp in January. The kids enjoyed guest speaker Jim Harms of Steinbach, who spoke on Vital Signs. Florence Loewen

tv®* Men nn Hamm Returned from El Pi», Teio

SHOPPING (PART ONE) “WE’LL NEED TO GET some groceries while we’re in town,” Elvina announces as we finish breakfast. And so, list in hand, we are soon guiding the shopping cart up and down the aisles of one of the super­ markets. Making a list beforehand makes our shopping easier, and cheaper, although 1 usually can’t resist adding a few items that are not on our list. The displays are so ap­ pealing! Sometimes shopping is deliberate; we know what we want and where to get it. At other times it may be quite casual; as we wander around in a store, something grabs our attention and we make a purchase on impulse. It is especially tempting when the prices are deeply discounted. For examMARCH 8, 2000

Baplized at the Pleasant Valley EMC on January 2 were Patricia Eidse, Jerry Loewen, Brenda Kornelsen, Matthew Friesen, Tania Kornelsen, Janae Siemens and Blaine Dueck. On the left is Pastor Darren Plett.

4 On December 19 a parent/child dedication was heid in the morning service. Participating were Geraid and Sandy Reimer with Andrew, Gordon and Esther Siemens with Cody, Cari and Lisa Loewen with Isaiah, Renee and Jerry Waldner with Austin, Mike and Vicki Friesen with Carson, Cam and Debbie Bartel with Dylan and Kailyn. Standing with them is the pastoral couple, Darren and Pearl Plett.

pie, a few weeks ago 1 wasn’t able to resist buying a fine dress shirt for $9.99, a bargain at one-third of its original price. The dynamics involved in purchasing a car are more complex. As ads are con­ sulted, car magazines studied, and car lots visited, a mental list of desirable features begins to form. For some the list includes basics such as the make of car, the engine, transmission, and drive train. Others are more concerned with options like air con­ ditioning, upholstery, power locks, and col­ our. My last three cars have been bought from the same dealership. From the time of my first purchase 1 have been treated with re­ spect and dignity. Their service has been prompt and efficient. The company has earned my loyalty. So why would 1 go else­ where next time? Shopping for a church home is not a com­ mon practice, although it is increasing as the population becomes more mobile. When we move to a new location and look for a church to attend and become involved in, what expectations do we have? What items do we include on our shopping list?

Denominational loyalty may be a factor, especially if our home church has fostered an awareness of and appreciation for the larger denominational family. Elvina and 1 faced the challenge of finding a temporary church home when we moved to El Paso, Texas, for a year. We hoped the Lord would lead us to a church that would be a comfortable “fit” in its worship, teach­ ing, music and atmosphere. We decided to try several churches before we made our choice. Since we could find no Mennonite or similar churches in the city, we could not rely on denominational loy­ alty. We had to broaden our field. So we began, and by the time we chose our “church home,” we had been to seven different ones, returning more than once to a few of these. There was good preach­ ing in every church, with well-prepared messages delivered effectively. The con­ gregations varied in size: small, medium and large. Our choice came as a bit of a sur­ prise. Elvina and 1 had always agreed that we preferred a smaller church, but the one we finally chose was by far the largest of the seven! PAGE 11

Steinbach Bible College (braSuation Reviews rr’in Book By EMCers

Spring Concert April 14, 2000 7:30 p.m. SBC Chapel

LET’S TALK: Communication Skills and Conflict Transformation, Barry C. Bartel. Faith & Life Press, 1999. 80 pp. $13.29. (Revised from 1983 student guide on Communication Skills and Conflict Resolution.) Reviewed by Gerald Reimer, Confer­ ence Youth Minister. (Highly recom­ mended for Senior High youth, premari­ tal instruction, adults and for church groups.}

Alumni Brunch April 15, 2000 11:00 a.m. Steinbach EMC

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IN AN AGE WHEN people seem to be very opinionated and individualistic, this curriculum teaches a powerful and ef­ fective message. As the author explores the various styles of conflict manage­ ment, he challenges us to take a Bibli­ cal view of conflict. He suggests that conflict does not have to end up being a win/lose scenario, but if done correctly

Graduation April 16, 2000 3:00 p.m. Steinbach EMC 422 Main Street

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Dave Schellenberg THE WGM, MISSIONS, AND PRAYER FOR SOME TIME 1 had felt that there was a story that needed to be told, one which took place in the late 1940s and ’50s and is closely linked to our confer­ ence. The story goes back to when we were still known as Kleine Gemeinde (small church, changed to EMC in 1952). It dates back more than fifty years, before the missions movement had taken root in the EMC. It’s the story of EMC young people who were awakened to the need of the world for missions and be­ gan to find an outlet for their fervour in the Western Gospel Mission. Finally, this winter I started working on this story. 1 decided to write a longer, detailed version for the EMC Archives, where it will be accessible to research­ ers. A shorter summary will be published

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in The Messenger in the coming months. Watch for it. Much research and a lot of time on my word processor has gone into this project. A lot more could have been in­ cluded, but this is a beginning. If it chal­ lenges others to heed Christ’s Great Commission and launch out, it will be well worth it. As I look back, being well past the na­ tional age of retirement, 1 rejoice at the steady influx of new recruits applying for missions. 1 agree with Gordon Kroeker’s assessment after the EMC youth event. Abundant Springs, in 1999. He shared with the editor of The Mes­ senger that he wants Conference peo­ ple to know that the church has a good future. What we need is youth with a vision and, thank God, we have many of them. This is evident in the EMC Missionary Prayer Calendar and in the accounts of current developments in our missions outreach at home and abroad. We used to know most of the mission­ aries in the monthly Prayer Calendar, but now there are more new names and faces. Their home church is given, so we can sometimes make the connec­ tion with their parents. This new influx speaks well of EMC missions. Keep coming, mission workers! However, we seniors are not off the hook. Even though we don’t do active church planting or serve in foreign mis-

can have a win/win resolution. This curriculum not only gives some pointers on how to handle conflict; it goes one step beyond that in address­ ing our style of communication, encour­ aging “preventative measures.” Chap­ ters on Honesty, Speaking without Words, Active Listening and more ad­ dress an improved style of communi­ cating. The curriculum includes a discussion on how to be a “third party” in resolving conflicts, in essence being a “peace­ maker.” In our culture this third party involvement is often looked upon as sticking our nose into someone else’s business. The Scriptures talk, though, about how we are to work towards peace in our relationships, including those around us. The author closes by letting us know that we have rights as individuals who are created in God’s image. These rights invite us to go beyond allowing our­ selves to be intimidated and walked on. Rather, we can confidently state our opinions as we learn to understand the other party and together strive to com­ municate effectively.

sions, we can still be involved in mis­ sions in some way. While 1 realize that the challenge of active missions around the world belongs to youth, 1 trust that 1 am still useful to the Lord today, even though 1 am beyond the age of big ex­ ploits. Recently 1 heard Foreign Secretary Lester Olfert as he updated on some phases of EMC missions. He reported that we now have fifteen churches in Nicaragua. He showed pictures of houses being constructed after the re­ cent floods, with money we had con­ tributed. It is encouraging to see that the people are making good use of the money we send. “This is part of your work,” he said. It is also encouraging to hear of fast­ growing churches on the home front, especially in Ontario, and of investiga­ tion into starting a third church in Calgary. With the proliferation of modern com­ munication, radio, television and Internet, let’s not miss out on the news being disseminated by our Conference through The Messenger, prayer requests, and mission conferences. 1 encourage you to use the Prayer Calendar. It may require some effort and discipline, but 1 assure you, it will be worth it - and our missionaries on the field need our prayer support.

THE MESSENGER

ices 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. 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 leader­ ship, 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 people. 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 2R0 or leave a phone mes­ sage at 780-928-2045.

Prayer is requested as the Taber EMC, with a Sunday morning attendance of around 80, looks for a full-time pastor to begin in the spring 2000. Candidates should have some pastoral ex­ perience and be fluent in Low German. The church and the EMC Board of Missions take joint responsibility for hiring the pastor. Candi­ dates can write to Dave Thiessen, Taber EMC board chairman, 5004-45 Ave., Taber, Alta. TIG 1A8, or phone him at 403-223-2240. The EMC Conference Pastor, John Koop, can also be contacted. The Northern Fellowship Chapel (EMC) in Creighton, Sask. (pop. 1700), near Flin Flon, Man. (pop. 7500), seeks a pastor gifted in outreach with a vision for the future; the worker would also direct a local CSSM Bible camp part-time. Salary and housing package worked out with church in consultation with the EMC Board of Missions and CSSM. Information pack­ age sent on request. Applicants are to be well grounded spiritually and personally. Contact: Search Committee, Box 35, Creighton, Sask. 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.

EMC ministry opportunities in Paraguay. Church ministry workers are needed to fol­ low up contacts, disciple new believers and train for leadership. Church organizational skills are an asset. Involvement would be within rural and urban settings. Contact Lester Olfert or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, John Koop). Senior pastor position available at the Mount Salem EMC in Aylmer, Ont. The congregation is younger, and the Sunday morning attend­ ance is 350. Duties are to begin early spring 2000. Contact Arnold Loewen at 519-773-2728 (phone and fax) or George Krahn at 519-7735061 or write Pastoral Search Committee, Mount Salem EMC, R.R.6, Aylmer, Ont. N5H 2R5.

The Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, Man., invites applications for the position of volunteer coordinator on a volunteer basis. Responsibilities include recruiting volunteers and assisting the director of recreation serv­ MARCH 8, 2000

MCC Canada invites applications for its 2000/ 2001 youth internship program (YIP). YIP places Canadian college and university gradu­ ates in 12-month assignments (beginning in August 2000) in their field of study. YIP assign­ ments include human rights research in Haiti and the Philippines, conflict resolution in South Africa, counselling and social work in Zimba­ bwe, marketing and craft production in Cairo, refugee support work in Cairo and Zambia. Applicants must have completed a university degree or college diploma by August 2000; be un/underemployed, or not working in their career field; be under 30 years of age; have a desire to serve overseas and a clear sense of career direction; have a commitment to Chris­ tian faith, active church membership, and non­ violent peacemaking. Inquiries and requests for applications can be directed to MCC provincial offices (1 -888622-6337) or to Chris Derksen Hiebert, YIP coordinator, at 519-699-9282 or E-mail: chrisdh@web.net. Deadline for applications is March 31, but apply ASAP YIP is funded with a grant from the Canadian International Devel­ opment Agency.

Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary Schools Inc. (WMES) invites applications for the position of principal for the school year commencing in August 2000. The principal will be expected to be an educational leader and assume respon­ sibility for implementing and managing stu­ dent education and recruitment, supervising and guiding staff, and maintaining good parent/school relations; have a strong desire to support teaching and modelling of the Chris­ tian faith as interpreted in the Mennonite Anabaptist tradition. Direct inquiries to The Executive Commit­ tee, Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary Schools Inc., 250 Bedson St., Winnipeg, Man. R3K 1R7, Attention: Richard Klassen, Chairman; telephone: 204-885-1032, fax: 204-897-4068, E-mail: wmes@mbnet.mb.ca. Hepburn Gospel Church (EMMC) is seeking a full-time pastor committed to following Christ, with a strong emphasis on God’s Word and the furthering of His kingdom. The position is to begin ASAP The congregation is about 75 on a Sunday morning. Direct inquiries and resume to Pastoral Search Committee, c/o Jim Fehr, Box 131, Hepburn, Sask. SOK 1Z0 or phone 306-947-2809.

Applications are invited for Restorative Jus­ tice Coordinator and Peace Ministries Co­ ordinator, Mennonite Central Committee, in the Winnipeg office. General qualifica­ tions include personal Christian faith, active membership in a church, and commitment to nonviolent peacemaking. Both positions require a university degree and experience and/or training in peace or restorative jus­ tice work. Contact: Marsha Jones or Dale Taylor, MCC, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, Man. R3T 5K9. Phone: 204-261-6381 or E-mail: mgj@mennonitecc.ca.

program offers volunteers, from college age to seniors, the opportunity to work coopera­ tively with Aboriginal people in reserve or ur­ ban settings. Placements include gardening, youth recreation, or other work depending on volunteers and the host community. Orienta­ tion begins May 4. For more details, please contact MCC: 888-622-6337(toll free).

Mennonite Central Committee is looking for educators in many locations around the world: principal and teachers in Old Colony private school (Seminole, Texas), drama and education specialist (Philippines), English, ESL (Northern Sudan, China), math/science teach­ ers (Tanzania), elementary teacher (Lebcinon), speech pathologist (Jamaica). Applicants eu'e to have a personal faith, an active church mem­ bership and be committed to nonviolent peace­ making. Phone: 888-622-6337 (toll free). Rainbow Christian School in Vanderhoof, B.C., invites applications for the following teaching positions for the 2000/2001 school year: Grades 3 and 4 combined, 17 students; Grades 7 and 8 combined, 18 students. This is an interdenominational school with 115 students, Kto 10. Contact: Wilf Loewen, Principal, Rain­ bow Christian School, Box 710, Vanderhoof, B.C. VOJ 3A0. Phone: 250-567-3127 (work), 567-5124 (home); Fax: 567-3177.

Endeavour Fellowship Chapel is looking for a mature spiritual leader. Is the Lord leading you into full-time ministry? Prayerfully con­ sider if this is where He would have you. Con­ tact: Gary Sawatzky, Chairman, Box 650, Preeceville, Sask. SOA 3B0. Phone: 306-5472027 (home), 306-547-2959 (work) or E-mail: gs_dega@qlo.com. MCC Alberta seeks applications for Commu­ nity Justice Ministries (CJM) director position. This is a full time salaried position beginning May 1, 2000. Duties Include leadership in program management and evaluation (exam­ ples: prison visitation, family support, work with partner agencies and programs). Public rela­ tions and education (examples: church con­ stituency, the general public, partner agen­ cies); program administration (examples: budget preparation management and staff su­ pervision), and program development. CJM wishes to be active in the Alberta com­ munity within the realities of changing needs and opportunities. Qualifications include meet­ ing MCC personnel requirements, understand and be committed to principles of restorative justice, and related experience. Submit resume with three references to MCC Alberta via mail to 76 Skyline Cr. NE, Calgary, AB. T2K 5X7, Fax: 403-275-3711, or E-mail: mccab@cadvision.com. Deadline for Appli­ cations is March 20, 2000. For more informa­ tion call Abe Janzen at 403-275-6935.

Mennville Christian School, near Riverton, Manitoba, has an opening for a teacher/administrator for the 2000-2001 school year. This rural school has a K-10 program with an enrollment of 60. For more information, call 204-378-2984. Resumes should be sent to: Ray Kroeker, Box 358, Riverton, Man., ROC 2R0. Email: raykroeker@mb.sympatico.ca or fax: 204-378-5710.

Apply now for MCC Canada’s Aboriginal Neigh­ bours Summer Program! This sixteen-week

PAGE 13

beddings LESNAR - to Chad and Jennifer Lesnar of Kola, Man., a son, Caleb Richard Leo, on February 10, 2000. REIMER - to Darren and Andrea Reimer of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Emma Rachel, on December 2, 1999. KOOP - to Doug and Helena Koop of Steinbach, Man., a son, Samuel Wesley, on November 15, 1999.

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NAOMI WOLFE 1949-2000 Naomi Wolfe was born on September 29, 1949, in Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Andrew and Minna Plett. We rejoiced with Naomi that she was able to

celebrate her fiftieth birthday, albeit in the hospital. As the firstborn in a family of nine children, she learned to carry re­ sponsibilities at an early age. At the age of fourteen, Naomi, with her parents and siblings, moved to Blumenort, Manitoba, and later to Arborg, Man. She was married to Harold Wolfe of Morden, Man., on February 14, 1976. For many years they were in the gravel business and Naomi did the bookkeep­ ing. She also spent many years working as a nurse's aide and for home-care, in Mexico, Steinbach, Winnipeg and Morden, a job she greatly enjoyed and found fulfilling. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, calligraphy, and mak­ ing cards for friends and family. Even though she did not have her own children, Naomi and Harold had the privi­ lege of raising Leslie for about eight years. Naomi developed a close bond with her, and Leslie and Tyler's welfare remained a primary concern for her. Six years ago Naomi was diagnosed with breast cancer. After 2/2 years of alterna­ tive treatment, it was discovered that the PAGE 14

TKACHUK - to Chad and Arlene Tkachuk of Sandilands, Man., twin sons, Zachary Dylan and Brayden Kristopher, on January 13, 2000. THIESSEN - to Peter and Nancy Thiessen of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Karmen Kristine, on December 28, 1999. PENNER - to Doug and Carrie Penner of Swift Current, Sask., a son, Brayden William, on November 21, 1999.

SIEMENS - HARDER: Heinz Uwe Siemens of Paraguay and Alana, daughter of Ed and Lena Harder of Rosenort, Man., were married at the Pleasant Valley EMC on June 19, 1999, with Frank R Kroeker officiating. The couple lives in Paraguay. DYCK - DUNFORD: Jeff, son of Clarence and Lorna Dyck of Mitchell, Man., was married on October 10, 1999, to Robyn Dunford. The wedding took place in Winnipeg, Man.

cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Although this was very disappointing for Naomi, she continued to be positive and submitted to a series of chemo treat­ ments. As her health continued to decline, Naomi started to spend more and more time in God's Word and prayer, trusting that God would carry her through. Her renewed relationship with her Lord was a source of great strength and comfort to her. At a family Christmas gathering two years ago, Naomi related that she had come to the point of being able to thank God for her cancer because it had brought her back to the Lord. The Lord indeed was gracious in allowing life be­ yond what the doctors predicted. She continually challenged all of us to spend more time reading the Bible and praying. Naomi's determination and positive at­ titude during these last years was an en­ couragement to all of us who saw her suffer. Even though she was in pain, her concern was that God's will be done and that He alone would be glorified. She mentioned that no one should mourn for her at her funeral because she would be forever free from pain. Family and friends were always an im­ portant part of Naomi’s life. She had a host of friends, and she never tired of going out for coffee. When this was no longer possible, phone calls became an impor­ tant means of staying in touch. Though we can't mention everyone by name, we as a family appreciate so much all the special friends, nurses, home-care workers, as well as Dr. Bob, who helped make life easier for Naomi in the last six months. A special thank you to Dorothy Dueck, who attended to Naomi in her last hour, on Tuesday, February 8, as her spirit peacefully left her body at 7:15 p.m. and went to be with her Lord, whom she loved and longed to see. We praise God for releasing Naomi from her suffering and taking her home to heaven. We are looking forward to see­ ing her again. Until that time, memories of her will be a comfort to us, her family: husband Harold; four stepdaughters:

Joey Wider with sons Brent and Ryan (Winnipeg), Debbie and Chuck Miller (Whitehorse, Yukon), Geraldine and Ri­ chard Wiebe (Morden), Valerie Wolfe with daughter Leslie and grandson Tyler (Winnipeg); her parents, Andrew and Minna Plett (Steinbach); five sisters and three brothers, Allan and Susie (Steinbach), Elsie and Peter Enns (Steinbach), Vernon (Steinbach), Dennis and Rose (Steinbach), Florence and Earl Penner (Kola, Man.), Doris and Wilbert Petkau (Blumenort), Marlene and Nor­ man Petkau (Steinbach), Kathy and Eddy Komelsen (Mitchell, Man.), and their fami­ lies. Naomi was predeceased by her grand­ parents, Henry R. and Elizabeth Plett, and Abram U. and Katharina Komelsen. Her Family The following poem was written by Trish Murdy, daughter of Bill and Alice Hamm of Ottawa, Ont., friends of Naomi:

NAOMI Naomi was a beautiful soul Giving, loving, sharing. It is so hard to let her go. Flying, tumbling, soaring. She was a woman That everyone loved, She was a friend Sent from above.

She held on so long. She had so much pain. It's good she is gone. But we want her again. She was an angel on earth, A friend to us all: Now she's an angel for real Responding to God's call.

We'll miss her and love her. Thanking God all the while. Think of her often. And remember her smile.

THE MESSENGER

TINA REIMER 1913-1999 / am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far (Philippians 1;23). Our dear mother, grandma and great­ grandma was born on September 25,1913, in Blumenhof, Man., and died peacefully at the Steinbach Bethesda Personal Care Home on December 31, 1999, at the age of eighty-six. Mother accepted Christ as her Saviour at a young age, was baptized and joined the Blumenort EMC. Her schooling took her up to Grade six; she excelled in geogra-

phy. On September 27, 1936, Mom married Isaac Reimer, and together they raised a family of twelve children. She sewed for her family, did huge laundries and lots of canning. Together they farmed in Land­ mark, Man., and later in Fisher Branch, Man. She was involved in sewing circles - sewing blankets and baby clothes to send to Third World countries. In her heart and in her home she always had room for more people, looking after the needy or having people in for a meal or visit. Mom taught a women’s Sunday school class, which was very meaningful to her; it made her study her Bible. Retirement in Blumenort in 1979 continued to bring her joy - visiting people, having family in, and gardening, especially her flowers. When Dad died suddenly at home in September 1992, Mom was heartbroken and very lonely. Her daughter Betty had just passed away a month earlier of can­ cer. Through this she depended even more on God, as evidenced by her faith­ ful devotional life, which included pray­ ing for all her children and grandchildren. In the fall of 1999 it became necessary for Mom to receive more personal care due to medical problems, including a fail­ ing memory. She moved to the Bethesda Personal Care Home in October. One of her biggest disappointments here was

the fact that she could not serve coffee and lunch to her guests. To the very end. Mother never tired of having people around her, especially her family. We re­ member her positive spirit and gracious attitude in spite of the adjustments she had to make. The nurses testified to her praying on her knees regularly. Mom is survived by three daughters: Esther and John Barkman (Kleefeld, Man.), Lil and Ed Friesen (Landmark, Man.), Bertha and Henry Harder (Winni­ peg, Man.); eight sons: Elvin and Tina (Lethbridge, Alta.), John and Madeleine (Landmark), Walter and Margaret (Steinbach, Man.), Leonard and Mary (Three Hills, Alta.), Arnold and Minna (Blumenort, Man.), Wilmer and Pearl (Calgary, Alta.), Clarence (Lloydminster, Alta.), Vernon and Flora (Blumenort); one son-in-law, Dave and Sylvia Froese; fiftysix grandchildren, and thirty-three great­ grandchildren. Also left to mourn are three sisters and five brothers. We look forward to meeting her in heaven. Mother was predeceased by Dad, Isaac Reimer, daughter Betty, seven grandchil­ dren and one great-grandchild. We express our gratefulness to the staff at the Bethesda PCH for the loving care you gave to our mother.

MARGARET REIMER 1929-1999 Margaret Reimer was born on October 6, 1929, to Abraham D. and Margaretta Reimer. She was rewarded the “crown of righteousness,” as she went to be with the Lord, on September 12, 1999, at the age of sixty-nine years. Aunt Margaret was the youngest of ten children. As her brothers and sisters started aging, they greatly appreciated her loving care and many visits. Each niece and nephew was precious to her, and her love extended to the great-nieces and nephews as well. When her sisters passed away at an early age, she opened her heart to their families in a special way. In her hospital bed, in pain, her eyes still lit up and she was excited when she had a visit from a great-niece, Bev, and her daughter Madison. Family was one of her priorities. She was involved in planning many family re­ unions and compiled the Abraham D. Reimer genealogy book. She provided each niece and nephew with a copy of the latest edition of the Plett-Koop family book. Margaret had various job experiences. When she was younger she hoed beets and worked in a cannery in Ontario, until she was called home when her dad died. After her mother remarried. Aunt

Margaret and her sister Mary moved into their own home in Blumenort, Man., where she worked as a telephone op­ erator. Then she went to work at the Blumenort Co-op (now Granny’s). She worked in the office there for 32'/2 years. Margaret and Mary also opened a tex­ tile store in Blumenort. During this time they took in their mother, who was once again a widow. In 1972 they moved to Steinbach, where Margaret lived until she passed away. Margaret loved to work in the yard. Their flowers were beautiful and the grass was always cut. Their gar­ den always produced the biggest toma­ toes and best watermelons. She also had a lot of talent and creativ­ ity and used her gifts to serve the Lord. She taught Sunday school for many years and was in a singing group. She had a solid faith in the Lord and was deeply concerned that each individual in the Reimer family would be ready to meet the Lord. Prayer always seemed to relax her. She was very thankful for care she got and very rarely complained. She was always cheerful and had a great sense of humour. In January 1995, Margaret had major cancer surgery. Later she commented, “The Lord has been very good to me and healed me.” Last spring she started to have aches and pains, and on July 27 was

again diagnosed with cancer. When her pain became unbearable at home she was admitted to the Steinbach Bethesda Hos­ pital on August 26. During the last few weeks Aunt Mary was constantly at her side. Aunt Margaret passed away peace­ fully with Mary and a few nieces by her side. She was predeceased by two brothers and their spouses: Abe and Marie Reimer, Frank and Helen Reimer; four sisters: Gertrude and Peter Barkman, Anna and Jacob Barkman, Katherine and Ben Plett, Helen Dueck; two sisters-in-law: Anna Barkman and Margaret Reimer. Left to cherish her memories are three brothers: Erwin and Elizabeth (Blumenort), Willie (Steinbach), Martin and Gertrude (Blumenort); one sister, Mary (Steinbach); one brother-in-law, Cornie Dueck (Morris, Man.); nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-neph­ ews, and a host of relatives and friends. We will miss Aunt Margaret greatly but rejoice with her that she is walking the streets of glory. We thank Dr. lllchyna and the staff at Bethesda Hospital and Home Care for the excellent care they provided. We are also grateful for the many deeds of kindness and expressions of sympathy.

MARCH 8. 2000

Her Family

Her Family PAGE 15

Following Christ as a teenager Helen Unger 1 WAS EIGHT YEARS old when 1 accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour at Daily Vacation Bible School in our school. At age thirteen 1 felt convicted to rededicate myself to a deeper spiritual life. 1 was often awake at night, crying. Henry R Fast of Steinbach, Man., came to our town to hold revival meetings. That’s when 1 really started to pray, and my prayers were answered in his first message. I felt that 1 needed to earn my salvation, but that night Mr. Fast preached on salvation by grace through faith. 1 soon joined the young people and started singing in the choir. One Saturday night a close friend, Aganeta, in­ vited me to go with her to an evening of spiritual fellow­ ship and praise. That meant 1 had to walk a mile and a half to Aganeta’s place, and from there we travelled by horse and buggy. On the way we had to cross a bridge that had two big holes in it. Ole Annie, the horse, was not in a hurry, so it took some time before we reached our destination. An orchestra of fifteen musicians was there, and they were tuning their instruments. In the kitchen the food was being prepared. The evening included music, vari­ ous performances and socializing. It’s wonderful how music stirs our emotions. “Praise Him with the harp and lyre” (Psalm 150:3). “How good it is to sing praise to our God” (Psalm 147:1). It was almost midnight by the time we left for home. For the horse’s safety, we decided to take a detour to avoid COMING EVENTS March 12 SBC Annual Fundraising Faspa 4 p.m., Steinbach EMC Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-326-6451

the bridge; this meant that the distance to Aganeta’s home was 3’/2 miles. On my way home from there, I noticed many cars heading south, going to a barn dance. I asked God to protect me and, with every oncoming car, 1 hid in the ditch. I knew that my parents would be anxiously waiting for me by now. 1 also knew what could happen if someone stopped to pick me up. 1 crawled through a barbed-wire fence and took a shortcut home (1 had about half a mile left to go). When 1 got closer to home, 1 started singing so my mother would hear me coming. She was crying when 1 met her. 1 ex­ plained what had hap­ pened and why 1 was so late. She said she had been praying for me. At age nineteen, in 1938, 1 met my wonderful, future husband. In 1939 1 was baptized at the Blumenort EMC, and we were married the same year, on October 15. God blessed us as we kept our hand to the plow. Helen Unger is a Messenger reader who lives in Abbotsford, B.C.

March 25 MCC Women’s Concerns Committee Conference Moving Towards Wholeness Bethel Mennonite Church Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-324-9537

March 17-18 SBC Leadership Conference Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. Phone: 800-230-8478

April 7 SBC Youth Night With Free Servant and New Creation Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-326-6451

March 18 Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary Schools Spring Banquet Bethel Mennonite Church Winnipeg, Man. Phone:204-261-9637 Or 204-885-1032

April 14-16 SBC Graduation Weekend April 14: Spring Concert 7 p.m. April 15: Alumni Brunch 10:30 a.m. April 16: Graduation Ceremony3 p.m. Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-326-6451

May 5-7 Living Justice: Choices in Brokenness and Community National Conference co-sponsored by The Church Council on Justice and Corrections and the Institute for Ethics in Society Queen’s Theological College Kingston, Ontario Phone: 613-563-1688 May 12-13 Steinbach Christian High School SO” Anniversary Celebration Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-326-3537

September 29-30 Inscribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship The King’s University College Edmonton, Alta. Phone: 780-467-7723

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 Io the address below.

PAGE 16

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