The Messenger March 22, 2000 by The Messenger

The

J VJsL 1

Disciples in Process <

Ben Friesen, a retired minister, reflects on teachers and lessons (page 3)

About a million words later, Ferlin Abrahamson feels challenged by Martyrs Mirror (page 11)

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 38 NUMBER 6 MARCH 22, 2000

^Messenger

Gambling and good government GAMBLING IS a source of income used by governments, communities, charities, and some churches, but what is the effect of such reliance? Governments say that such revenues fund needed services, with some resources be ing set aside to help problem gamblers. Some communities see a casino or a bingo hall as a way to provide more local jobs and revenue. Charities and some churches might say they pull in more money by gam bling revenues with less effort than through other means. A question rarely voiced in the House of Commons is, however, whether a reliance on gambling revenues conflicts with good government. Gambling is a potentially ad dictive behavior that depends on there be ing more losers than winners. How does this connect with responsible management of our economy and the need to give hope to various Canadians? As an example in priorities, it would be in teresting to see how a government decides which programs are dependent upon lot tery revenue. Would a federal or provincial cabinet minister decide, for example, whether he or she gets a pension by the roll of the dice? A difficulty in gouernment by gambling, as it’s called, is that those in power step back from part of their social responsibility. Years ago religion was called “the opiate of the masses” - it was a means of quieting the people so they did not call for social change. In some cases the criticism was and is accu rate. Today, however, gambling is at risk of being a new secular opiate that the govern ment supports by flashy ads and modern fairy tales of average Canadians who win. While some people rely on food banks, though, the lottery as a government initia tive reflects poorly on the people in power. In the short term, gambling brings in strong revenues - as do taxes on alcohol and to bacco. The long-term effect on Canadians from these three activities, however, is more harmful than helpful. Why don’t govern ments talk more about the effects of prob lem gambling on families and society? As is said, places like Las Vegas are built more by losers than winners. PAGE 2

EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Communities, First Nations among them, would do well to shy away from gambling as part of a solution to complex problems. It EDITORIAL is hard, however, to turn away from such ASSISTANT revenues when provincial and federal gov Martha Kroeker THE MESSENGER is the ernments do not provide alternative forms publication of the Evangelical of help. Those who govern should have the Mennonite Conference. It is responsibility to come up with alternatives available to the general public. Its is to inform, instruct and that support community well being, with purpose inspire; inform concerning out introducing a potentially addictive ele events and activities in the instruct in god ment. (The bright minds behind TV lottery denomination; liness and victorious living; ads could better serve Canada in other inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. ways.) Letters, articles, photos and Will governments turn away from gambling poems are welcomed. Unpub revenues in the near future? There are no lished material is not returned signs of it. While the hope of winning mil except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the lions remains attractive to many, our finan writers are their own and do not cial future has less to do with a lottery ticket necessarily represent the position Conference. than how we use the money we have (as a of the THE MESSENGER is pub recent ad series suggests) — and the social lished twice a month (once a conscience and commitment of our provin month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries cial and federal governments. of the Evangelical Mennonite Is the Christian Church beyond criticism Conference, 440 Main Street, Manitoba. on the gambling issue? The New Testament Steinbach, Subscriptions: $12.00 per year points toward supporting congregational (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, activities by voluntary giving; in that light, to total: $12.84). Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people rely on bingo or other forms of gambling within or outside of the EMC. reflects a distorted stewardship. Within the Members and adherents pay their church. wider teaching of Scripture, our faith calls through THE MESSENGER is a us to seek social justice as part of sharing member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. the good news of Jesus in Canada. Second-class postage paid at One danger in discussing gambling, how Steinbach, Manitoba. ever, is that some of us risk becoming self- Publications Mail Registration No. 09914 righteous. Non-gamblers might reflect on Mailing information: All whether they spend some of their money as correspondence, including casually or with less thought than some peo undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, ple do on recreational gambling. should be addressed to; The Messenger In Creighton, Saskatchewan, I sat on the PC. Box 1268 board of a centre responding to alcohol and Steinbach, Manitoba drug abuse in the community. Part of the R0A2A0 revenue was garnered through volunteer Phone: 204-326-6401 ing at a bingo hall and tag days. 1 declined to Fax:204-326-1613 serve at the bingo hall and am unsure if I E-mail: emconf@mts.net served at a tag day, yet, to my embarrass ment now, I never made a direct donation Cover: Ben Friesen and to the centre. Ferlin Abrahamson are EMC Fifteen cents on the dollar, raised through ministers, a bingo, means more to a charity than a full MESSENGER SCHEDULE dollar that doesn’t come its way. 8-April 19 Big government, however, isn’t a charity No. (copy due April 7) case - even if it sometimes acts that way. No. 9 - May 3 Terry M. Smith (copy due April 21)

THE MESSENGER

A DISCIPLE REFLECTS

A Tribute to Twelve Men Ben Friesen JESUS CHOSE TWELVE MEN whom He discipled; the discipling ratio was twelve to one. Sometimes the lessons were long — The Sermon on the Mount. At other times they were as short as Put away your sword. In this tribute, I have chosen twelve men of the many who have had an impact on my life and ministry. The ratio is twelve disciplers to one disciple. I’ll give a short account of how they contributed to my discipling. I appreciate and honour each of these dear brothers, and I am thankful to God for bringing them into my life and for their influence on life’s journey.

Rev. Elmer Hamm My brother-in-law, Elmer, was my hero and model when I be came a Christian at age fifteen in the ecirly 1940s. No one accepted me like Elmer did, and he an swered many of my questions. He was my first Sunday school teacher and was helpful to me in so many ways as a new Christian and later in life when we were both in ministry. One day we were sharing and talking about the Christian life, and 1 said, “When people are really spiritual, unspiritual Christians seem to avoid them.” Elmer immediately de tected the problem: This new Christian brother was now seemingly super-spiritual, a “holier-than-thou” saint. Very kindly he pointed out the dangers of such a path. Spiritual pride would be the ruin of this new Christian. I can’t say that I’ve not had spiritual pride since, but his point rescued me. Thank you, God, forgiving Elmer the gifts that so often ministered to my needs. Henry Friesen My dad was a good man and a good father, but I am not sure whether he was a Christian when 1 accepted the Lord. The follow ing experience took place after I had openly confessed to being a Christian. My parents were farm ing, and we had cattle, including young calves. When you feed a calf milk from a pail in the middle of the yard, it will aggressively follow the empty pail that you are carrying. This particular day the calf did it again, and I was so angry that I kicked it and hit it right between the eyes. Stunned, it fell to the ground, and momentarily I thought 1 had killed it. My dad saw this, and he seiid to me, “If you call yourself a Christian, you shouldn’t do such a thing.” That was all he said, but the message went straight to my conscience.

I’

MARCH 22, 2000

I had been angry and cruel to an animal, one of God’s creatures. 1 had many such experiences with my dad. I love him. He died in 1989.

Isaac Hamm My father-in-law was a man of few words, but when he spoke the message was effective. When I went to Dad and Mom Hamm to ask for Henrietta’s hand a few weeks before the planned mar riage, Mom’s answer was positive and immediate. Dad waited for what seemed like a very long time, but finally he said in Low German, “Well, it’s too late to say no now. If we were against it, we should have said so sooner.” Being a practical man, he didn’t mince words. He meant. Why ask when everything is in place? The lesson: Tell the truth perfectly. Don’t fake it or be dramatic. I’m still learn ing this. He lived up to what he said. The answer was posi tive for me. I never felt that 1 wasn’t wanted. His answer was in no way a rejection of me. Dad died in 1984. f

Rev. Abe Unger Mr. Unger was a minister in the Prairie Rose EMC and the first chairman of the EMC Board of Missions. When the Western Gospel Mission was absorbed in part by the EMC, I felt that our support was Inadequate. I went to Brother Unger and shared my need. The Ungers did not have a high living standard either at the time. He smiled his usual smile, a signal that something witty was coming. “Brother Friesen,” he said, “if the Board would increase your allowance from $ 125 to $ 1000 a month, do you think you could make it?” As far as I can remember, I had my answer, and a re sponse to his question was unnecessary. The lesson was clear and simple: A servant of the Lord must live within his means, because every dollar he gets is money given to God for extending the Kingdom, not for lavish living. I’m still learning this lesson. Thank you. Brother Unger. Rev. Abe Teichroeb Mr. Teichroeb was the principal of Elim Bible Institute in Altona, Man., where 1 attended in 1946-47. He was a gra cious, loving, and very principled man. He was a good teacher, loved his students and cheerfully sought to help them succeed. One day after school, the men went outPAGES

side and a rowdy snowball fight ensued. After a few min utes, the principal appeared on the school steps. After he got our attention, he said, “Brueder, denk daran welches Geistes Kinder ihr seid” (Remember, brethren, whose chil dren you are.) That was the end of that! The lesson: Always remember, wherever you are, that you are modeling what a Christian is. Christians are disci plined followers of Jesus. My conscience was smitten. The words were few, but they were very effective; Don’t let your emotions run away with you. I’m still learning. Thank you, Principal Teichroeb. He went to be with the Lord a few years ago.

Rev. Peter L. Friesen Brother Friesen was the pas tor of the Rosenort EMC, modera tor of the Conference, and treas urer of the EMC Board of Mis sions. In the early years of our Western Gospel Mission experi ence we very seldom, if ever, at tended Conference functions, so 1 didn’t get to know the leaders of the Conference very well. Later that changed and at one meeting Brother Friesen invited me to his home for the night. The topic of discus sion was working within the Conference or outside the Conference structure. Mr. Friesen was a strong Confer ence supporter, and 1 became convinced that 1 too wanted to work within the Conference. 1 felt support, love and encouragement from him. A while later we moved to Swift Current (1961) under the new EMC Board of Missions. In the years that followed, 1 appreciated knowing and working with Mr. Friesen. Thank you. Brother Friesen, for letting God use you to help me set direction for our future ministry, forty wonder ful years within the E.M. Conference.

Rev. Peter Schlamp Mr. Schlamp is a retired minis ter in the Wymark EMC. His con tribution to my life didn’t come so much in the things he said but in his loving, kind and patient dis position. He had a way of empathetically listening to every spo ken word and unspoken word that 1 shared with him. I have al ways admired his example and am trying to follow it. 1 have an aggressive, opinionated personality; now 1 am trying hard to listen, to understand, and to use few words when trying to help others. In my hospital chaplaincy work these characteristics were not optional, they were mandatory. Thank you. Brother Schlamp, for modeling them long be fore I took a course in chaplaincy, where these Christian character traits were also taught. (Editor’s note: Thanks to David K. Schellenberg, Ben and Henrietta Friesen, Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Schlamp. Kathy Schlamp, and Len Harms for their efforts in locating a photo of Mr. Peter Schlamp.)

PAGE 4

Rev. Harvey Plett Harvey, whom most Messenger readers know well, was “my boss” when 1 worked at Steinbach Bible Institute (now College) from 1965-1974. As many of you know, having Harvey as a boss is a privilege. He has the unique characteristic of bringing together authority without de manding it and a strong sense of where we need to go without insisting on having his own way. 1 learned many lessons from Harvey over the years, both from his example and our discussions. What stands out is his sense of commitment to the task, and as “my boss” he expected that the commitment 1 had made would also be honoured. 1 will always be grateful for this lesson Harvey taught me. / lone you, Harney. Rev. Ben D. Reimer Mr. Ben D. Reimer was my men tor and my teacher at Bible school. He was also the chairman of the mission board 1 worked under, and he greatly influenced the direction of my life. Many were saved when he came to MacGregor to minister. It was during that time that we were encouraged to return to Bible school and later to go into mission work. These decisions were all, in one way or another, influenced by Mr. Reimer. During the summer of 19521 was in a quartet with Peter Reimer, Menno Hamm and Henry Hiebert. We travelled, sang, and taught Vacation Bible School (VBS), and Mr. Reimer preached. We set up a tent for VBS in a commu nity without a gospel church, just west of Canora, Sas katchewan. We were going to start on Monday, but there weren’t enough children, and I was left without a class. What would we do? “No problem,” said Mr. Reimer. “It will probably take you [meaning me] all week to visit all the homes in this town.” For him, the matter was resolved. That was my introduction to a ministry that I was in volved in for the next forty-five years - home visitations. That was absolutely the hardest thing 1 ever did, visiting strangers, most of whom were of Slavic origin, but 1 am thankful for the experience. Thank you. Lord, and thank you, Brother Reimer.

Rev. Archie Penner 1 got to know Rev. Archie Penner a few months before we came to Steinbach to attend Bible school. After graduation in April 1953, we moved to Felly to be involved in Western Gospel Mission. In 1961 when this mission and the EMC Board of Missions merged, we were asked to apply to the EMC board. The Board of Missions then had a ruling that its work ers were not to wear any rings. In our Sommerfelder and Bergthaler background, as well as in the inter-Mennonite THE MESSENGER

church in MacGregor, rings were very much a part of mar riage. Henrietta wore both an engagement and a wedding ring. We did not feel that this was wrong and could not see ourselves taking them off for conscience’ sake. We were reluctant to go ahead with the application, but we did want to be in ministry; we were in limbo. Should we go to another conference? One day when 1 happened to be in Steinbach 1 decided to talk to Archie Penner about this. It was God’s timing. Archie listened, thought with me, and then made two points that would resolve the matter. He said that some times we do things differently because of other people’s conscience, and Scripture does speak to this. The second point was a question: Would we forfeit ministry for two rings? The rest is history. We were accepted and moved to Swift Cunent to serve. These were direction-setting experiences, and Brother Pfenner was an instrument in God’s hand to resolve the stalemate, and we carried on. Thank you, Archie. Cornie R Loewen Mr. Loewen, of Steinbach, was a member of the EMC Board of Missions. The Board had devel oped smaller committees for each of the fields, and 1 was chair man of the Canada committee. At one of the Board meetings, there was a discussion on fi nances. 1 had come to the Board with a plan that would give more finances to the Canada committee. 1 don’t remember the details of the plan, but it must have been sort of an “under the table” plan. Cornie, a sharp businessman, considered the plan to be flawed and let us know that it would not be honest, moral or legal to go ahead with it. I felt chagrined, and I was upset not only that the scheme was not accepted but that it was actually very wrong. After the meeting, this caring man, instead of arguing with me, came in love, forgiveness and acceptance. 1 didn’t get the money, but I learned a lesson that would often come in handy along life’s road. Often business people are blamed for being dishonest, but here was a business man and a brother who had to tell this preacher that what 1 was planning to do was wrong. Thank you, God, for bringing Cornie into my life so that he could set me straight.

Rev. David K. Schellenberg Dave has been like an older brother to me. For years I have sought his counsel when facing decisions. 1 knew that he would consider what 1 shared with him and would give me a straightfor ward but thoughtful answer, whether it was what 1 wanted to hear or not. He did not simply try MARCH 22, 2000

to please me or affirm me if he thought what 1 was pro posing would not be good for me. We still have this rela tionship; 1 can share things with him in confidence be cause 1 am convinced he wants my best. When Dave was the fieldman for the Western Gospel Mission, he came to check on us at Wynyard, Sask. 1 had taken the freedom to get a part-time job to help with fi nances, but it was a year’s commitment, and 1 had not consulted the Board. Dave asked me one simple ques tion, “Do you think you can live with the consequences?” It was, on my part, actually an act of insubordination be cause the Mission had clear guidelines on earning money on the side. The consequences could have ranged from a slap on the wrist to termination. Thank you, Dave, for being my older brother.

Mr. Ben Friesen, 11, was ordained as a minister at MacGregor in 1955. He and his wife, Henrietta, served as mission workers or pastoral couple at Pelly (1953-57), at Wynyard (1957-61), and at Swift Current (1961 -65), all in Saskatchewan. He was invited to Steinbach Bible Institute (now College) as its first public relations director and evangelist from 1965 to 1973. He served as pastor of Crestview Fellowship in Winni peg, Man. (1974-82). From 1984-92 he served as Canadian Secretary under the EMC Board of Missions. In 1992 Ben be came involved in hospital chaplaincy in Winnipeg. Ben and Henrietta are retired in Steinbach, Man. They have four married children and nine grandchildren.

Brush up on your history! This is the story of the

Evangelical Mennonite Conference written by Dr. Harvey Plett. Price: $5.00

m ■

I EUTHFIL

l)i>.-.'irytrtivi*falNnMiiirijrtnciitT

tetr

Order through your church or from the Conference office. Postage is extra: $2.00 for one copy, $3.00 for two or more. Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 PAGES

LENTEN THOUGHTS

Keeping the Message Alive WHEN 1 was in Catholic grade school back in Ohio, we spent part of Good Friday at mass demanding the release of Barabbas. The reading from the Gospel of Matthew was divided into parts. While one reader stood on the altar speaking the reason able words of Pilate, exhorting the Jews to have mercy on Jesus, we in the congre gation read the part of the rabble: “Cru cify him!” The priest would wrap up the reading by telling us that, once again, the mob won and Pilate handed Jesus over to die. 1 never liked this and refused to join in. 1 had seen enough Westerns to know what the people in the crowd were supposed to do when the innocent man was sent to the gallows - charge in on a horse and rescue him. 1 believed that the mob had indeed freed Barabbas, but 1 knew 1 would not have been one of them. 1 struggled with peer pressure like anyone else, but 1 wasn’t about to crucify the Lord.

Eric Timar The nuns who taught at the school never went deeply into the theology of the drama. We were supposed to under stand that we were sinners and Christ was making a sacrifice for us just as he was for the crowd. 1 wish those nuns would have said: “We read the gospel that way at mass because the peo ple rejected Christ, and we want to remember that we ourselves re ject Christ whenever we...,” and we’d supply examples. 1 have not sent anyone to his death here in Honduras, but 1 do reject Christ when 1 get upset with panhandling street kids, for exam ple. 1 tell myself that 1 don’t dislike them. I’m just concerned for their safety. But 1 get callous. I’m sure Jesus would not yell at these kids to keep their squeegees off his windshield.

One of the biggest tests 1 face here in my work is remaining patient and having respect for everyone’s opinion. Every time 1 cut someone off verbally-and 1 find this hard to avoid in this country where going off on tangents is something of a national pastime - 1 am rejecting Christ’s teachings to love and respect my neighbours. This seems to me to be a good thing to remember during Lent. What do 1 do to reject Christ? I cannot send him to the cross. I’m lucky enough to live now, not then, and not face that temptation, but how do 1 ignore his message today? What kinds of things can 1 do to keep the message alive? Eric Timar is from Cleveiand, Ohio. He is a member of St. Stephen's Cathoiic Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ethiopian Church Shows Resurrection’s Power Linda Hovde MAY WE PONDER the hope and power of Growth is synonymous with life, and the released after 4/2 years, the church an the resurrection as we prepare for Easter Meserete Kristos Church experienced nounced their freedom with the follow and for drinking the cup and eating the rapid growth throughout that decade of ing verses about the hope and power of repression. Although the circumstances the resurrection. “For we would not, broken bread. The hope and power of the resurrec were dreadful, God’s transforming pres brethren, have you ignorant of our trou tion transforms suffering and death to re ence brought life-bearing fruit. Today the ble which came to us in [Ethiopia), that joicing and eternal life. The hope and church continues to grow throughout all we were pressed out of measure, above our strength, insomuch that we despaired power of the resurrection transforms de regions of the country. One Meserete Kristos Church leader even of life. spair from depression to hopeful expec “But we had the sentence of death in tation. The stories of the martyrs show said during his imprisonment he was sup the hope and power of the resurrection. ported by the prayers of the believers ourselves, that we should not trust in our For example, Stephen’s face shone with who were interceding for him. He shared selves but in God which raise th the dead: Who delivered us the glory of God, as from so great a he kept his eyes death, and doth fixed on Jesus The hope and power of the resurrection transforms deliver; in whom rather than on his we trust that he circumstances. Any suffering and death to rejoicing and eternal life. will yet deliver us; anger was trans Ye also helping to formed into forgiv 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “For which cause gether by prayer for us, that for the gift ing love. In Ethiopia during civil war, famine, op we faint not; but though our outward man bestowed upon us by the means of many pression and persecution under the Marx perish, yet the inward man is renewed persons thanks may be given by many on ist regime in the 1980s, the Meserete day by day. For our light affliction, which our behalf ” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11). Kristos (Mennonite) Church was closed, is but for a moment, worketh for us a far assets confiscated and church leaders im more exceeding and eternal weight of Linda Hovde is from Normal, Illinois, and glory; while we look not at the things is a member of New Hope Fellowship in prisoned. The hope and power of the resurrected which are seen, but at the things which Bloomington. She is also affiliated with Christ kept those who were imprisoned are not seen; for the things which are seen Koinonia Mennonite Church in Chandler, within the prisons and sustained those are temporal; but the things which are Arizona. She is co-director of MCC programs in Ethiopia. on the outside who were imprisoned by not seen are eternal.” When the church leaders were finally the government restrictions.

PAGES

THE MESSENGER

Edwin Friesen Stewardship Consultant

FRUIT TREES THREE YEARS AGO we landscaped our third yard. Each time we planted young trees, including apple trees. Each time we knew we would have to wait several years before we would enjoy fresh apples, but we felt it was worth the investment and the wait. We were not disappointed. Once the trees started bearing fruit, they pro vided a fresh crop each year. The current owners of the two yards we have left behind are now enjoying the fruit of our planting. Vegetable gardens pro duce food for a season, but fmit trees usu ally bear fmit for years to come. That is the reward of vision and patience. Many Christians are torn between two choices. They are aware of the pressing needs of their favoured charity where the

dollar given today was needed yesterday. Even Jesus acknowledged that dilemma (Mark 13:7). At the same time many do nors would like to see some of their funds, particularly those coming from a charita ble bequest, provide a long-term legacy of support for their chosen charity. It is not a question of current donations (vegeta ble gardens) versus long-term charitable funds (fmit orchards). Charities need both - immediate funds and a steady stream of long-term income that allow them to im plement long-term programs. Though we encourage and facilitate cur rent charitable giving, at MFC we also help people plant financial fmit orchards that will provide a charity with annual earnings for years to come. These long-term funds, often referred to as endowment funds, are funds with a difference. Instead of using the capital for meeting current needs, the monies are invested (planting fmit trees) and only the annual earnings (apples) are used to support the chosen programs. It is a gift that will keep on giving year after year even long after you are gone. Think of the benefit and encouragement this might be for the Con-

’

CENTRAL ASIA WHY AJIE WE GOING? “Why are you going?” Many people have asked us this question this past year as we have been preparing to leave for Central Asia to church-plant among Muslims. Friends have asked the question - as have family and even unbelievers. It is hard for people to understand. What makes people want to leave their dear friends and family, be dependent on oth ers for their income, live in a poor country where no one understands you and where there is very little health care? Sometimes we have wondered these same things. One reason for our going might be to learn from a different culture and have more world experience. Besides, it will be cool to come back to Canada and be able to speak a language that no one else knows. We thought about this one for a little bit, and it excites us, but it is not the real reason for going. We are not going to

are going. Maybe the reason we are going is that it is commanded in Scripture. We take the words of Matthew 28 seriously, where Je sus said, “Go and make disciples of all na tions.” It is our duty as Christians to go and tell others of Christ, and we want to be faithful servants. This is a good reason, but after much more thought, it still is not the driving reason that Andrea and 1 are going. We are not going into full-time overseas ministry in order to make a sacrifice of ourselves or to gain recognition from God. The driving reason for our going to be missionaries - and, finally, the actual an swer — is that God is worthy. His glory is like no other. As our worship and love for God grew, our calling to bring others to worship Him in a spiritually dark land also grew. It is the glory of God’s own call that constitutes our calling, just like the prophet Isaiah, who found himself one day in the presence of the Lord: Then I heard the

look good or so it will make us better.

voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I

Perhaps it is because of the need that we are going. There are more than 1.5 billion Muslims in the world (almost as many as Christians), and the majority have never had one chance to hear the Gospel. Many are responsive to the Gospel, and only a small percentage of them are fun damental militants. We thought about this need a little longer, but it still is not the real reason that we are going. It certainly helped us figure out, however, where we

send? And who will go for us?” And / said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). We love God and want others to share in this love. There is nothing in the world that compares to the beauty and value of God. It is our desire to lead others to Him and follow His ways. As Christians we value what is most worthy. For God this means He must value His own glory the most because it is most worthy. To not do so would be to commit idolatry (just as it

MARCH 22, 2000

ference, SBC, or your church. Often those who plant a tree never get to sit under its shade or eat of its fmit, but that does not mean we should not be planting trees. We plant trees because we believe in the future. We plant trees for the common good. We plant trees be cause we want to leave behind a better world for our children and others who fol low us. Those who establish these funds may never personally benefit from the program, but the legacy they leave will certainly strengthen the work of Christ for years to come. Giving options include donations, the gifting of publicly traded shares, charita ble bequests, and charitable life insurance. Contact your area MFC stewardship con sultant for more details. Plant a fmit tree today. Edwin Friesen is a stewardship consuitant with the Mennonite Foundation of Canada serving, in part, the EMC and SBC constitu ency. He is available to meet with groups or individuals to discuss will/estate plan ning, family finances, and charitable giving. He can be contacted at 204-488-1985.

... HI 1^

would be for us). God has created this world for His glory, and He calls out to it to worship Him, for He alone is worthy. Missions is temporary. Worship is forever. “When this age is over, and the countless millions of the re deemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity” (John Piper). Why are we going? We are going be cause we worship God and want the na tions to join us in this worship of the one great God forever. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise (Psalm 96:3-4). Gary Dyck

Andrea and Gary Dyck (Steinbach) are preparing to leave in April for Central Asia. They are dressed in local clothing of a Central Asian people. Gary's hat is, however, actually worn by an older man. PAGE?

The group is at the airport ready to depart. Bill Rambo (left), the trip coordinator, stands with them. (Photos by Mark Hildebrand and Don Doerksen)

The crew completed a 1200-square-foot building to house a classroom and a library. Here the project is close to completion.

BLESSED AND CHANGED

Seeing God at Work in Mali Mark Hildebrand I’M SITTING HERE at home watching the snow and my tan disappear, thinking back to January 19 when a group from Landmark, Manitoba, were filled with excitement, board ing an airplane bound for Africa. It seems like a long time ago since we said goodbye to our families and friends and left on this two- to three-week adventure of a lifetime. We were travelling to Mana, Mali, to build a school building for the Gospel Missionary Union (GMU). The story actually begins back in early summer 1999, when Evelyn Barkman, a missionary with GMU in Mali, approached her home church, the Prairie Rose EMC in Landmark, about funding a building project for the mis sion where she works. Her request was that the church

consider raising the funds to purchase building material for a much-needed school building, as well as sending a work team to construct it. The mission in Mana, a tiny village about seventy-five kilometres from the capital city of Bamako, was home to a Bible school complex for the local Bambara people as well as a primary school for girls. Having only three small classrooms, the school was in need of more space. The plans called for a brick building of roughly 1200 square feet with a cormgated metal roof, to house a classroom and a library. After reviewing the proposal, the church agreed to take on the project and set to work raising the funds for the building material and putting together a team that would complete the work. The final team consisted of Don Doerksen, Jake Friesen, Denis Keating, Ivan Giesbrecht, Ed and Eva Peters, Lucy Braun, Laurel Plett, Fiona McCullum, and me from Prairie Rose, and Cam and Jennifer Friesen from Rosenort Fellowship Chapel. A considerable amount of planning was required. Most of the tools that were needed, as well as some of the build ing materials, would have to be brought from home. With

”1

J’ f f

Local women teach Lucy Braun how to pound grain.

PAGES

Students in the Bible school are hard at work. THE MESSENGER

the tools, our personal items, gifts for the local people, and food (including fifty pounds of farmer sausage) we had to carefully watch our luggage weight restrictions. After an exhausting 2'/2-hour flight to Toronto, an eighthour flight to Paris, and a 5’/2-hour flight to Bamako, we finally arrived. What stmck us first as we came down the airplane steps was how un-North American everything looked; what got our attention secondly was the heat. It’s amazing how the weather can change from winter in Manitoba to such heat in Mali in a few short hours. Unfortunately, our luggage took an extra twenty-four hours to arrive since it missed the connecting flight from Paris. Trying to make twelve baggage claims to a clerk who spoke no English cind could barely type our claim into the computer proved to be quite a welcome to Mali. Fortu nately for us, the security is not quite the same as it is in Canada and Evelyn was eventually allowed into the se cure area to help us out. Although our living quarters were more than accept able (cold running water, electricity only between 7:30 and 10 p.m., flush toilets), it was shocking to see how the local people lived. Everyday scenes are mud huts with thatched roofs and mud floors, drawing water by hand from wells, pounding grain by hand, carrying heavy loads on the top of the head, and cooking over a small outside fire. On the job site we discovered a foundation with one comer about five inches higher than it should have been, a huge pile of handmade cinder blocks, a large sandpile for hand mixing the mortar and six wooden planks that served as our wood for the entire project. Much of what we take for granted at home did not apply here, to the dismay of some of the seasoned tradesmen in our group. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for everyone in the group to find their role. Roof trusses were soon welded and painted with primer, the brick walls went up, window and door openings appeared, concrete lintels eind comer posts were poured, roof sheeting was screwed down, and the floor was poured. The project was completed in less than the two weeks we had counted on, despite working in the hot Malian sun where the temperature went over 100° Fahrenheit every day.

’

I-

Attending the church in Mana was a highlight of the trip. This photo was taken after the Sunday morning service. MARCH 22, 2000

A typical sight before supper was to see women carrying water.

Other small jobs were completed after the building was finished, including installing a new pump in a well, putting a lean-to roof on an older classroom to provide shade and shelter, along with fixing and welding desks and chairs. At the end of each busy day, supper was eaten outside followed by visiting, planning, singing songs, listening to testimonies by the missionaries, and relaxing. We spent a lot of time getting to know each other and making new friendships, both within the group and with the mission aries. Another highlight was attending the church in Mana. Local people run the church, with the message and sing ing in the Bambara language. Congregational singing and special numbers were done enthusiastically, accompa nied by bongo drums and various gourd and shell percus sion instruments. There was not a piano in sight! Although we could not understand a word that was said or sung, the Malians’ joy in the Lord was obvious. We were blessed by their worship services. North Americans tend to think that we need to do the teaching and can’t be taught anything new. How wrong we are! Following the project’s completion, we took a few days to shop in Bamako, where we sharpened our bartering skills. We flew to Timbuclo, just to say we had been there. It’s safe to say that each of us was especially blessed by seeing God working among the Bambara people and that we have been changed in some way since we left Mani toba. A special thank you goes to all of those who helped this project financially, who prayed for our safety, and to the family members who supported us in this work. PAGE 9

ARIZONA JUST A PILE OF STONES? In our busy lives we don’t often look back and appreciate all that God has done. We miss out on the blessing of seeing God in action. As finite beings we know nothing about the future and have only fading memories of the past. We are only famil iar with the present, but even then we “see but through a glass darkly.” To im prove our awareness and appreciation of God’s faithfulness we must often listen to those faithful believers who have gone before us. Remember how Joshua instructed the Israelites to create a pile of twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan River and an other on its bank? (Joshua 4:8-9). Like the Israelites, we must see the milestones around us and ask why. What does this mean? The old men in Israel could point to those stones and tell the young about how God had divided the Jordan River and given them the land of Canaan. 1 would imagine that the young saw little but dust as they plowed the same old soil of Canaan year after year. But to the old that very soil represented a great provision from God. Those elderly men and women had known the barrenness of the Sinai Desert. They had seen their own horizons change from sand dunes and rocks to “a land flowing with milk and honey.”

Loreena Thiessen Winnipeg. MB

BEST FRIENDS HAVE YOU GOT a best friend? Who is your best friend? Is it someone with whom you can laugh, who never laughs at you? Is it someone whom you want to be with a lot, who likes to do the same things you do and makes you feel good? Is it some one you want to help and protect from anything that might hurt him? Is your best friend someone who keeps your secrets, someone who shares his things with you, and is not selfish and greedy, but kind and gentle? These are things that make a good friend. Someone who does them best is a “best friend.” Two characters in the Bible are best friends. Can you guess who they are? Yes, they are David and Jonathon. When King Saul did not obey God, God chose another man to be king. That was David. Because King Saul had not obeyed God he was no longer happy. In fact, he often became sad and angry. He needed PAGE 10

Ellen and I are serving with New Tribes Mission Aviation at its new facilities on 640 acres in Arizona. We serve NTM with twenty-eight aircraft in nine different coun tries. Like the Israelites 1 must ask, How has all this come to pass? The retirement of the founders of NTM Aviation has caused me to look back at what God has done through these godly men who have gone before me. We, as young people, seldom realize that what we take for granted today was nothing but a prayer or a vision in the hearts of our forefathers. In 1969, Jim Ferguson and Forest Estelle, the founders of NTM Aviation, began with nothing. They had no money and no airplane. In Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, they began by faith in a cornfield to build a runway and a shed for a future airplane. In a few months God provided the first air craft. Since then the faithfulness of God has been demonstrated at every step to bring us to where we are at today in Ari zona. God has provided us with first-class re pair facilities. We rebuild and send out air craft. We train and send out the pilots, me chanics, and technicians to the mission field with those aircraft. Our worldwide fleet transports an average of 22,000 pas sengers and almost five million pounds of cargo every year for NTM missionaries. So what is the conclusion? Like the pile

of stones in the Jordan River, the testimo nies of those older believers among us are there to remind us of the past so that we can face the future with confidence. God will continue what he has begun. What is the known future today will someday be the past; a past littered with the footprints of God and milestones of His faithfulness. Phil and Ellen Koop

someone who would cheer him up. David was that person. David made beautiful music playing the harp. David’s music helped King Saul feel better. It took away his anger. Saul needed David to cheer him, but he admired him too. The Philistines were Saul’s enemy. They seemed so fierce and powerful that King Saul and all of his army were afraid. Only David was not afraid. David knew God was with him, and he was sure God would help him kill the Philistine giant. He was right. God did help him. Like Saul, Jonathon admired David for his bravery. He knew King Saul had not obeyed God. He understood that God had chosen David to be the next king. He was not jealous. David was very popular after he killed the giant, and King Saul’s admiration turned to jealousy. His anger returned and he plotted to kill David. Jonathon loved David as though they were brothers. He felt very hurt that his father. King Saul, wanted to kill David. Whenever King Saul wanted to hurt David, Jonathon would protect him by warning him. During these dangerous times David and Jonathon made a prom ise that they would always look out for each other. When David was in danger Jonathon warned him. In this way he

saved his life so he could become king. Many years later when Jonathon died in battle David grieved for him. He had lost his best friend. He wrote a song to honour and remember Jonathon. He instructed that children should learn this song too. David kept his promise to Jonathon even after his death. When Jonathon died he had a son who was only five years old. As a young child he fell and got hurt. He be came crippled. His name was Mephibosheth. When Mephibosheth was a grown man David looked for him because he wanted to keep the promise he made to Jonathon. The promise was that he would always look after his family. And David kept that promise. When he found Mephibosheth he invited him to live with him in his pal ace. He provided for him by giving him the land that used to be King Saul’s land. All of King Saul’s servants became Mephibosheth’s servants. They would work the land to produce a harvest for Mephibosheth. A true friend, David kept his promise to Jonathon by taking care of his son. Their friendship went on even af ter Jonathon’s death. If you want to read this story about two best friends, you can find it in 1 Samuel 15 through 2 Samuel 9.

Phil and Ellen Koop (Kleefeld) live in Arizona, where they serve with New Tribes Aviation. They have three sons, Matthew, Dennis and Travis

THE MESSENGER

the forthright stories of conscientious men and women whose faith cost them dearly. Horrific torture, sense less killing and awful emotional pain are a very real part of this story, but so are biblical faith, an unstained con Book Reviews science, and a God who is enough. By EMCers Here are stories of people “of whom the world is not worthy,” those who chose to “suffer loss” rather than MARTYRS MIRROR, Thielman J. van Braght. Scottdale: stain their conscience. They leave a memory that’s worth honouring and a faith that’s worth practicing. Herald Press, 1938. Translated in 1886 from the Dutch I’m glad I kept reading this book. Quickly scanning original. 1158 pp. Hardcover $85.50, Soft $53.50. Re viewed by Ferlin Abrahamson, pastor, Christian Fellow through it, one is impressed with the continuity of per secution and how all of Christian history is stained by it. ship Church (EMC), Birch River, Manitoba. A more careful search reminds us of the reality that the greatest threat in history to Christian faith has come Wow! It’s a bit more than a year behind schedule, but 1 from within organized religion or the church, just as it just finished reading Martyrs Mirror. Two times now did in Jesus’ day. I’ve given up reading it, but something kept Further reading left me overwhelmed with compelling me back to finish reading this the wealth of biblical knowledge, the depth enormous work - and it is big! of theology and the intensity of faith experi The 1141 pages of text, with about 1000 enced by these poor persecuted Christians. words per page, is a bit overwhelming and Their zeal, integrity and wisdom displayed can leave you looking forward to the occa under pressure and their letters and confes sional illustration that shortens a page. There sions of faith show very clearly that these is, however, another factor that makes this saints of old have much to teach us. book even more formidable. Written in 1659 Written at such a tense time in history that in Dutch, in 1886 it was translated into Eng antagonism can’t help but come through a lish that seems to try to follow the original Ferlin Abrahamson: bit, the author tries hard to remain compas Dutch structure; as a result, the English is “overwhelmed” sionate and loving toward the enemies of both old and awkward. Phrases like make of twain one, quit yourself valiantly, which he so highly these believers. Convicting, compelling and challenging stories are enjoined upon and who being enciente are not really disguised a bit by antiquated language and fine print, part of our street language today. but they are worth digging for. Don’t make the mistake So why did I read 1141 pages of Martyrs Mirror? It 1 did, though, and get bogged down in the 60,000-word was partly stubbornness, I guess; 1 made a commit preface and introduction. Understand that the author’s ment, and 1 really wanted to keep it. But there is an purpose is to show that the Anabaptist faith is the true other reason - it’s bigger, nobler and may well be the Christian evangelical faith, and dive straight into the sto reason that this book is still in print. ries, especially those from the sixteenth century. What drew me to the book is its greatest strength;

r Steinbach Bible College *

■a

Jfewji Learn about God's agenda in this world Listen to God's call in your life

Steinbach Bible College (BroSuotton xoceRcnS

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

SBC Chapel Alumni Brunch April 15, 2000 11:00 a.m.

Steinbach EMC Graduation

Ans degrees in General Studies. BWe/Theotogy. PistaaL I. Church Planting. Worship Arts. Marketplace Mnsuia CoS us lor mot mformatior.

Bl^

♦I

MARCH 22, 2000

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

204-J2fr64SI • wwwSBColicgcmO ca

PAGE 11

PRISONERS’ FUND FOR VICTIMS A group of prisoners serving life sen tences has established a fund to help vic tims of crime set up healing programs. The concept behind the newly estab lished Candace Derksen Fund captures all of the intricacies of the journey from vio lence to healing and forgiveness, says Wilma Derksen, mother of Candace. Her daughter was thirteen when she was ab ducted and murdered in 1984. The inspiration for the fund came from an unexpected source. Rene Durocher spent twenty-three years in jail for bank

robbery and is currently the national di rector of Life Line, a program of the John Howard Society, which works with lifers. After hearing Derksen address an assem bly of inmates of Stony Mountain Institu tion on the needs of victims in today’s so ciety, he challenged the men to give their words meaning by acting on them. They quickly took him up on the idea and ex pressed a desire to establish a fund to help survivors of homicide and other victims of serious crime. Durocher then approached Derksen, who heads up Victims’ Voice for Mennonite

BM'

Central Committee Canada, for her ap proval. Derksen said that her family discussed the plan at length with Durocher. “My son asked all the hard questions,” she said about eighteen-year-old Syras. He won dered what the lifers’ interests were. Would participating in the trust fund help them get parole? According to Derksen, her daughter Odia put it all into perspective when she asked, “Mom, isn’t this what you’ve been preach ing all of these years?” Derksen also consulted with other vic tims of crime. “The bottom line to our discussion was that victims need money. The government spends billions of dollars on the rehabilitation of offenders and com paratively nothing on the healing of crime victims. The needs are enormous,” she says. So far, the lifers’ groups at Stony Mountain Institution and Rockwood Institution in Manitoba have raised approximately $4000 through various fundraising efforts. Re cently business and other individuals are catching the vision. Durocher, who remains excited about the fund, says that $7500 is needed before the fund is activated. MCC

THE JOYS OF GROWTH Taber, Alta.: Twelve people were welcomed as members in the Taber church on Decem ber 12; Abe Wiebe, Willy and Anita Dyck, Abe and Annie Fehr, John and Lisa Enns, George and Agatha Giesbrecht, Peter and Anna Wall, Henry Reimer.

The Taber EMC experienced the joy of a baptismal service on December 12, when Abe Wiebe and Henry Reimer were baptized.

Faith Family Focus Interactive youth and adult curriculum based on Anabaptist values AVAILABLE UNITS;

❖ Getting to Know God ❖ The Nature of the Church ❖ Our Faith Heritage ❖ God's Mission

❖ Reconciling Relationships

TROPHIES OF GRACE Landmark, Man.: Seven “trophies of grace” joined the Prairie Rose EMC by baptism or transfer: David James, Matthew Plett, Paul Warkentin, Vera Barg, Doreen Plett, Angela Unger, Meghan Plett (not in the picture). On the left is Pastor Edwin Plett. Harold Plett

PAGE 12

Each with four expandable lessohs. Adult: student and leader in one manual .... Youth: teacher's guide with student reproducible^!;|15.95 Kindred Productions

169 Riverton Ave., Winnipeg , MB R2L 2E5 1-800-545-7322 669-6575 kindred®>mbconf.ca THE MESSENGER

CHRISTMAS AND VISITORS

Sioux Valley, Man.:

It was good to have former missionaries Frank and Mary Braun and their son, Delton, attend our Christmas service. Delton (right) and Trenelle McKay used to be good buddies when they were young. They enjoyed reminiscing.

TA (

Our Christmas concert was very well attended on December 23. This was the first time that a number of friends from Kola attended. The children presented the story of Jesus’ birth. Kaden Hart did his part perfectly lying in the manger. Others in the presentation were Tiersa and Jaclyn Kejick, Mamie McKay, Lindsay Antoine, Kelly Antoine and Tenan McKay.

Venus Cote (light top) spent a few days with us on her way home to New Brunswick, after attending her sister’s funeral in Saskatchewan. We were greatly encouraged by her ministry at our Sunday morning service. Venus is part of our congregation and she would appreciate your prayers. Her ministry in New Brunswick is often very difficult. She works in a couple of First Nations communities, as well as among non-natives. With Venus in the picture are Liliane Weingartner, Hazel Bell, Ella Rodgers and Irene McKay. Helen Martens MARCH 22, 2000

SAME-SEX BENEFITS BILL PROMPTS ‘GRAVE CONCERNS’ The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has grave concerns that the unique sta tus of marriage is being watered down in the Modernizing Benefits and Obliga tions Bill, Bill C-23, tabled before the House of Commons on February 11. The Justice Minister argues that the bill is necessary to comply with Supreme Court of Canada rulings. The EFC is also concerned about the federal government’s fast track of the bill. It says many Christians have phoned to say that they are worried that they will not have a chance to express their concerns before the bill alters Canadian law. The bill includes a number of changes that amend some sixty statutes cover ing such things as the extension of pen sion benefits to same-sex survivors, im migration sponsorship of same-sex part ners, and changes allowing for tax de ductions that are currently only ex tended to heterosexual couples. While the term “spouse” is retained for married couples, common-law and same-sex couples have many more of the rights, benefits and obligations cur rently reserved for married spouses. The EFC maintains that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman. We base our understanding of the value of heterosexual marriage on the Bible. In EFC’s view, God instituted marriage for the express purposes of companion ship, partnership in the task of procrea tion and for fulfilling a stewardly respon sibility for the earth. The uniting of man and woman is unique, described in the Bible as becoming “one flesh.” From EFC Releases

PAGE 13

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 204-378-2985. Resumes, including your per sonal testimony, should be sent to: Ray Kroeker, Box 358, Riverton, Man., ROC 2R0; E-mail: raykroeker@mb.sympatico.ca, fax: 204-3785710. 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 Mexico. A youth worker is needed to work in the Spanish churches. Duties include discipling youth and training/mentoring youth leaders. A pastor for a long-term (2 to 3 years) ministry is needed for a new Low German-speaking church in Oasis in the state of Chihuahua. Contact Lester Olfert or other missions staff (Henry Klassen, John Koop). EMC ministry opportunities in Paraguay. Church ministry workers are needed to folPAGE 14

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 ices in management/coordination of volunteers. A job description is available upon request. Call Peter Enns at 204-326-2206, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 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 univer sity 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 student education and recruitment, supervising and guiding staff, and maintaining good parent/ school relations; have a strong desire to sup port teaching and modelling of the Christian faith as interpreted in the Mennonite Anabaptist tradition. Direct inquiries to The Executive Committee, Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary Schools Inc., 250 Bedson St., Winnipeg, Man. R3K 1R7, At tention: 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 ASAR 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 IZO 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 qualifications include personal Christian faith, active membership in a church, and commitment to nonviolent peace making. Both positions require a university degree and experience and/or training in peace or restorative justice work. Contact: Marsha Jones or Dale Taylor, MCC, 134 Plaza Dr., Win nipeg, Man. R3T 5K9. Phone: 204-261-6381 or E-mail: mgj@mennonitecc.ca.

Apply now for MCC Canada's Aboriginal Neigh bours Summer Program! This sixteen-week 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 educa tion specialist (Philippines), English, ESL (North ern Sudan, China), math/science teachers (Tan zania), elementary teacher (Lebanon), speech pathologist (Jamaica). Applicants are to have a personal faith, an active church membership and be committed to nonviolent peacemaking. 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&4 combined, 17 students; Grades 7&8 combined, 18 students. This is an inter denominational school with 115 students, K to 10. Contact: Wilf Loewen, Principal, Rainbow Christian School, Box 710, Vanderhoof, B.C. VOJ 3A0. Phone: 250-567-3127 (work), 250567-5124 (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, Chairman, Box 650, Preeceville, Sask. SOA 3B0. Phone: 306-5472027 (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 approximately 100 people. Candidates should have a vision for growth and a compassion for people. If you believe God may be calling you THE MESSENGER

to minister here, please contact Bill Bueckert by phone at 250-692-3362 or write to Box 145, Burns Lake, B.C. VOJ lEO. Steinbach Christian High School, an evangelical-Anabaptist school, invites applications for a choir/band leader position for the 2000-2001 school year. The successful applicant should be qualified to teach the provincial curriculum in both choir and band and express a willingness to inte grate their Christian faith into their teaching. Applicants interested in this position should submit a letter of application, and a current

resume with three references. Police and child abuse registry checks will be expected of all interviewees. The closing date for applications is Wednes day, April 26, 2000. SCHC appreciates all ap plicants; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted further. Inter views may begin before the closing date should a suitable applicant be found. Send all applications and resumes to: Mr. Randy Dueck, principal, Steinbach Christian High School, Box 1420, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0. Phone: 204-326-3537; Fax: 204-326-6908; E-mail: schs@sbcollege.mb.ca

Q^Jeddingg MARTIN - BRANDT: Mike, son of Dennis and Hilda Martin of Steinbach, Man., and Angeline, daughter of Paul and Myrtle Brandt of Rosenort, Man., were married at the Rosenort EMC on February 25, 2000. Amos Fehr officiated. The couple lives in Steinbach.

The EM Conference invites applications for the position of

Office Secretary MARGARET REIMER 1922-1998 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heav ens (2 Corinthians 5:1). About nineteen months ago, on Sun day, August 30, 1998, our loving wife and mother, at the age of seventy-six, went to her mansion in the sky to meet her redeemer, her friend, and Saviour. Our mother was born on March 26, 1922, to Abraham and Helena Reimer at lie des Chenes, Manitoba. She grew up in the Linden area and later moved to Blumenort, Man., with her parents. She accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized upon the confession of her faith on July 9, 1939. She met Dad in Blumenort and mar ried him on July 19, 1942. The first twenty-four years of marriage they farmed in the Blumenort area and spent some winters in bush camps. In 1965 they moved to Arborg and went into full-time farming. Mom and Dad were blessed with eight children. Mom kept herself busy with a greenhouse, foster children, her own children and a large garden. She had a burden for the less fortunate chil dren and showed it by taking them in. In 1972 Mom experienced the home going of one of her sons, to be with his Keeper. She had major surgery in 1967, which gave her more strength. Mom and Dad moved back to Blumenort in 1978, where Mom took pride in her garden and also loved houseplants. They had a car accident in November, which re sulted in some physical problems. In the last years she suffered from heart failure, asthma and a broken ver tebrae, restricting her physical abilities. Since she couldn’t do her own house work, she did a lot of crocheting and spent a lot of time praying for her fam ily. Though Mom was unable to attend

MARCH 22, 2000

church services, she never missed her devotions. Mom and Dad moved to Fernwood Place in 1966, where she en joyed the Bible studies, services and programs. She expressed her longing for heaven and was concerned that her whole family would one day join her there. Our mother enjoyed singing, and we can almost hear her sing now. She left to mourn, her loving hus band, William; eight children, twentytwo grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Alfrieda (Steinbach, Man.); Art and Nettie (Grunthal, Man.); Helen and her children. Crystal and Mike Kissack (Steinbach); Jerry and Janice (Steinbach) and their children, Gwen and Mike Perrault and Daman (Grunthal), Chris and Shirley Reimer and Travis (Grunthal), Diane and daugh ter Michelle (Steinbach), Roseabel, Lome and Ashley (still at home); Elvera and Neil Schroeder, Amanda and James (Steinbach); Kelvin and Barbara, Marcel, Nathan, Terrance and Alishia (Steinbach); Joanne and Cliff Dueck, Savannah, Chantelle and Nigel (Ridgewood); Tanya and Darren Orchyk, Justin, Colin and Tristan (Steinbach); two foster sons, Larry and Earl Thomas (Winnipeg); four stepchil dren, Alair, Roxane, Debbie, Christine, with their spouses and ten children. She also left to mourn two brothers, Jake and Minna, Dave and Anna; three sisters, Mary and Pete Plett, Gertrude and Martin Reimer, Helen and Ben Friesen; two sisters-in-law, Mary Eidse and Lorraine Reimer. She also leaves many other children who were a part of her life. Mom was predeceased by her par ents: Abraham and Helen Reimer; two sons, Lome at age twelve, and Willie in infancy; one grandson, Steven, and one foster daughter, Linda Thomas; two brothers, Abe and John; and one sister, Elizabeth Reimer. She was dearly loved and is sadly missed by her family and friends. Her Family

Qualifications: Secretarial skills Good computer skills Friendly and relates well to people Responsibilities/Duties Include: Assist the Editor of the Messenger in the basic roles of typing, proofreading and circulation duties. Provide secretarial services for the Conference Pastor.

Duties are to begin immediately or as soon as available. To apply please contact: General Secretary Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268 Steinbach, MB ROA 2AO Phone: 326-6401 Fax: 326-1613 E-mail: emconf@mts.net

NEED A BOOK FOR SPRING? Managing God’s Good Gifts $3 Robert Veitch, Edwin Friesen, David Kroeker

'V’-il.l' I. .1

(e^'S

The World at War, The Church at Peace $3 Jon Bonk (includes study guide)

Postage is extra. Contact the Conference office.

PAGE 15

STRANDED AT 1 A.M.

Anne Klassen

WHO IS A TRUE FRIEND? This question was posed to the adult Sunday school class by Les Kroeker, the teacher. We had been studying various topics: What does a hug do? What about a meaningful touch? How many people do we touch during the course of a week or a day? According to the author of The Blessing, most people have no more than one or two friends. Some have none, no one to confide in. The days following this particular lesson, I mulled this around in my mind, not knowing that ten days later a pre cious friendship would be tested. Dan, my husband, and I flew to the West Coast where we thoroughly enjoyed the reunion with family members and relatives and the beautiful B.C. weather. However, the tail end of our trip was anything but beau tiful. First of all, because of mechanical problems, the plane was forty-five minutes late leaving Abbotsford. When we got to Calgary we were unable to land because there was a foot of snow on the runway and a whopper of a storm raging. We finally landed and were detained for seven long hours. Our only consolation was that we were in a dry and warm place. The worst was yet to come! Finally we landed in Winnipeg, our destination, not at 6

p.m. as scheduled but at 1:00 in the morning. First, there was no one there to pick us up. What now? After five attempts to get a ride proved fruitless, we looked at each other despairingly. Lord, what are we to do now? I prayed in my heart, when suddenly Dan said, “Why don’t we call someone in Portage to pick us up - like Doedy?” Not having the heart to do it, 1 gave the phone to him. After a short conversation, he hung up the telephone, smiling from ear to ear. “They’re on their way,” was all he said. Some sixty minutes later Doedy and her husband, Henry, pulled up at the door, and we were on our way home. “We feel terrible doing this to you...,” I started apologiz ing. “Getting you out of your warm bed and making you venture out on this blustery night....” “Anne and Dan, you are the only ones I’d do it for. You were always there for me when Mike passed away,” said Doedy.” (I am not as sure about “always.”) A true friend? I’d say, “She certainly is!” Yet God’s love through Christ is vastly more - unconditional love. When they're not travelling, Anne Klassen and her husband, Dan, live In Portage la Prairie, Man., where they attend the Portage Evangelical Church (EMC).

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

COMING EVENTS April 2 Manitoba Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship Grace Mennonite Church Winkler, Man. Phone: 204-325-9441 Aprils Manitoba Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-325-9441

April 4 Manitoba Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship Portage Avenue MB Church Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-325-9441

April 14-16 SBC Graduation Weekend April 14: Spring Concert 7 p.m. April 15: Alumni Brunch 10:30 a.m. April 16: Graduation Ceremony 3 p.m. Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-326-6451

May 5-7 □ving 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 July 7-9 EMC Convention Landmark, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401

September 29-30 Celebrate the Word I InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship 20* Anniversary Fall Conference 2000 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 to the address below.

PAGE 16 HrtMM..

MENNO

po bo:-: STEIHBPCH

702 MB

.1223 ROP 2P0 9912

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