Portage's Ladies Fellowship
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Portage, Man.: The Ladies Fellowship from Portage Evangelical Church pam pered itself with a Wellness Escape for the weekend of June 1-3 at Circle Square Ranch. The theme for the weekend was wellbeing in all areas of life: mind, body and spirit. We were advised to leave be hind daily chores, stress and to-do lists. We had a guest speaker (Mary Loewen), teaching videos and many activities to choose from. Our planning committee did a great job and the Lord gave us perfect weather for the weekend. Horses Fred and Barney gave a hayride to a group of ladies. Three generations of women attended the retreat: Michelle Yanchuk, Marge Hildebrand and Ksenia Yanchuk. During the past six months when you walked into our church basement, you entered a camp setting. Some of the themes were: Do right, not wrong (Jesus teaching on forgiveness). Give away Je sus’ iove (Jesus teaching on love), and Bring your friend to meet Jesus (four disci ples meet Jesus). We held our Sunday school picnic on June 17, beginning with a morning service at Island Park. A barbecue and other ac tivities took place in the afternoon. For our Sunday school wind-up, we trav elled by church bus to the home of Paul and Regina Laprotte. We had our Sunday school lesson, games and a wiener roast in a beautiful outdoor setting. Catherine Epp
In this issue: •Developing Healthy Family Relationships.... 3 •Conference Youth Session.........................5
•The Trevizo family—after 24 years • Ready to study hard?.................
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 39 NUMBER 15 SEPTEMBER 5, 2001
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Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith
Persecution and prayer WHILE REPORTS of persecution in other countries might seem a distant matter to believers in Canada, our prayers are needed to support Christians elsewhere. November 4 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. News of Christians who suffer because of their faith comes to this office—most recently from China, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Bmnei, Bhutan, Russia, and Viet nam. The circumstances vary according to the country. Christians are kidnapped, questioned, im prisoned or killed. Buildings are destroyed. A local church or a denomination is not le gally recognized. A missionary cannot renew a visa required to stay in a country. Imprisoned several times and then killed
for his faith, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith” (2 Thess. 3:1-2). Jesus said, “.. .A time is coming when any one who kills you will think he is offering a service to God...I have told you this, so that when the times comes you will remember that I warned you” (John 16:2,4). These words have haunted Christians for centu ries. Jesus also promised his presence (Luke 21:15). Pray also for men and women who, like Saul of Tarsus, persecute the church today, yet might be converted into defenders of it. Terry M. Smith
A full message? HOW FULL is the message we proclaim? Some Pentecostals might say the full mes sage is Jesus as Saviour, Baptiser, Healer, and Coming King. Some Anglicans might want a particular liturgy, a doctrine of apostolic suc cession, and a view of effectual sacraments. In the Mennonite church, what do we de fine as a full message? Is it the Bible as God’s Word, with faith expressed in Christ’s deity and atonement, his resurrection and soon return? Is it when evangelism is our empha sis? Is it to emphasize community, a peace witness, and the need for social justice? Defining a “full message” can be presump tuous work; it can give an impression of oneupmanship among parts of the Christian Church. Yet, considering the gospel’s rich ness and our human capacity to be selec tive in memory and in action, each branch of the Christian Church risks proclaiming, teaching, and living out a message that is not as full as we think it is. Each denomina tion has much invested in its interpretation both of Scripture and of church history. Be cause of that, we risk not hearing certain portions of Scripture. We dare not confuse familiar with full. Just as Christ is more majestic than our greatest picture of Him, the Christian message and calling is certainly greater than any particu lar denomination’s view of it. PAGE 2
Are we to be concerned for “orphans and widows” (James 1:27) and for providing for our family (1 Timothy 5:3-8), yet be uncon cerned about evangelism in Canada or about taking the message of Christ to other lands? Are we to preach about personal sin, yet dismiss concerns about structural evil? Did Paul share a full message when he evan gelized (Acts 13:13-52), remembered the poor (Galatians 2:10), and appealed to Cae sar (Acts 25:11)? What limits do we place on Micah’s words: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord re quire of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”? Do we preach joyfully on Isaiah 55 with its invitation to forgiveness of sin, yet shy from preaching on Isaiah 58 where God expects employers to be fair to workers? Do we sepa rate Christ’s expectation of the Great Commis sion (Matthew 28:18-20) from his expectation of the Great Compassion (Matthew 25:31-46)? Evangelism and social justice, personal faith and community, worship and daily lifestyle, personal peace and social peace are parts of the message. Paul said he had a “commission...to present to you the word of God in all its fullness” (Col. 1:25). What are we missing?
Terry M. Smith
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler 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 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs. 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 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax:204-326-1613 Note new E-mail address: emcmessenger@mts.net www.emconf.ca
MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 18- October 17 E'l'ASS (copy due October 26) THE MESSENGER
Convention message #2
Developing Healthy Family Relationships John Reimer I’M NOT SURE if the implicit qualification for being a Convention speaker this year was to come from a family larger than ten. Dave Thiessen comes from a family of 14; Al Friesen from a family of 14; Don Thiessen from a family of 12 and I from a family of 13. A sobering thought is that our mothers, collectively, were pregnant close to 40 years. We should have a moment of silence in respect for mothers who gave us life and trained us, raising large families in less than ideal conditions. Much of what 1 share with you comes from the influence of my home and experience.
Heiilthy relationships take work! The title. Developing Healthy Family Relationships contains several thoughts. 1. Healthy affinities require development. Strong relationships require effort and intentional involvement. Planning, prayer, strategy and evaluation are expected if any relationship is to flourish and mature. Dynamic relationships don’t just happen; they either stagnate or grow. Communication is a key ingredient to develop relationships, as stated in Eph. 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (emphasis added). 2. Children most naturally turn their hearts and lives over to the Lord within a healthy relationship—where selfesteem is nurtured and cultivated; where people are equipped to make responsible. God-honouring choices. Human relationships, like the human body, require the right diet to be healthy. 3. Healthy relationships flow from how we are designed. God created us in his image: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness...’’’(Genesis 1:26). Looking at the relational dynamics displayed in the Triune Godhead, we clearly see that God is relational. At Jesus’ baptism, the affirmation of God the Father and the presence of the Holy Spirit are wonderful pictures of how families should be supportive. 4. Healthy family relationships are to reflect God’s covenant with his people, the nation of Israel. “The relationship between God and the children of Israel has proven to be the most fruitful model for the development of a theology of the family” (p. 20, Balswick and Balswick, The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home, Baker). A covenant relationship is characterized by love, care, grace, forgiveness, nurture and respect. Covenant, unconditional love provides the basis for family relationships. 5. Healthy family relationships grow out of a pure concept of God (Deuteronomy 6:1-11). God wants authentic Christian homes where believers live as he SEPTEMBER 5, 2001
commands. As the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they faced intimidating challenges. They were about to enter a pagan culture. How could they, as a covenant people, not only survive but also thrive? For God’s family to survive, they had to be permeated by a contagious love for God. Loving acceptance, both demonstrated and spoken, can lay the foundation for building trust, confidence and self-acceptance. We need to communicate to children, in tangible ways, how God sees them. God loves us the way we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way. From Scripture, we understand that the primary role of parents is to pass on to their children an awesome and healthy fear of God, an attentive ear to His voice, and a life of obedience. From Deuteronomy 6:1-11, we see that parents are to be intentionally involved with their children, to foster life change and positive character development. “To us as parents, then, is entrusted the vital task of character development, of helping our children develop the distinctive stamp of godliness upon their lives” (p. 73, Maxine Hancock, Making the Most of the Preschool Years: Creative, Confident Children, Harold Shaw, 1992). Parents who know they are deeply loved by God and who return that love will look for many ways to affect their children constructively. When parents shape their lives and choices with the healthy fear of God, their lives will be a consistent model for their children. If there is a gap between what parents say and do, wrong thinking by parents about God and where life is found, children can be confused (w. 4-5). Parents need to have understanding and God’s love in their hearts. Life’s great principles are to be carried wherever they go, and verified and underlined when they enter their homes. To bring proper attitudes and values to work and the mundane routine of life has far-reaching implications. Moral and character development is more caught than taught, although teaching is needed. Moral development.
John Reimer is the pastor of Community Bible Fellowship (EMC) in Swan River, Manitoba. He has served as an EMC missionary in Nicaragua and as a pastor in Morris and Pleasant Valley, both in Manitoba. PAGE 3
the process whereby the Holy Spirit internalizes godly standards of right and wrong within an individual, comes by observing good models. At a conference 1 attended on Moral Development and Character Building in the Christian School, the keynote presenter Dr. Milton Vecker said, “Children acquire moral values by actively participating in adult-child and child child relationships that support, enhance, and guide their natural moral inclinations. “Children’s morality is little affected by lessons or lectures for which they are, at best, passive recipients and, at worst, captive and recalcitrant audiences. Further, as with the rest of a child’s social life, the quality of the school interactions communicates a moral message that is more enduring than any explicit statements that teachers might make.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “These commandments that 1 give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” It’s easier for parents to impart values that they make personal. Life-changing commandments are to be impressed upon our children. To impress means to intentionally imprint. Teaching, modeling and training is intentional, not passive. To transfer truth that develops character is an investment of time and effort. Parents will not always recognize the impact they leave, even with an insignificant, shared experience. One day as a child, James Boswell, later the famous biographer of Samuel Johnson, went fishing with his father. He reflected often upon what his dad taught him that day, yet his father’s journal contained only one sentence: “Gone fishing today with my son; a day wasted.”
Three methods of instilling character A. Teaching-. Stories with real-life examples and of Old Testament and New Testament heroes of faith need to be part of the foundation for early character development. Larry Richards, in his book Creative Bible Teaching, suggests children move through levels of learning as they mature. 1. Rote; Repetition without thought of meaning. 2. Recognition: Recognizing biblical concepts. 3. Restatement; Biblical concepts are understood within the bigger framework of Scripture. 4. Relation: Relating Bible truths to life and seeing appropriate response. 5. Realization: Actualizing a consistent biblical response to daily life. B. Example or Modelling: Modelling is more important than teaching. For Paul, teaching and modelling were equally consistent and necessary. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice” (Phil. 4:9). Our children observe negative and positive examples. Parental attitudes will be caught by their children—toward laws and people in authority; our blame of others for personal mistakes; and toward work, neatness and punctuality. C. Training: Training differs from teaching. Training sees that the child follows through on what is taught. Teaching PAGE 4
focuses on the mind, while training has to do with the will. Training repeats acts until they are a part of us—cleaning up after a meal, hanging up clothes, doing homework, and practicing piano. Since habits and attitudes are more easily shaped than changed, parents should start training early. Maxine Hancock, in her book Creative, Confident Children, says, “Character is the internalized structure of values that govern behaviour. Without character, both confidence and creativity can be wasted.” Six character traits to foster 1. Honesty: Honesty is integrity in word and action, saying and doing what is true. Insist on truth in action. Help your child take ownership of items stolen or broken at the store or school, making restitution with an appropriate apology. 2. Responsibility: Give your child tasks according to their competence. Do things together initially to model what you expect. 3. Submitting to God-ordained authority: A judge in Saskatoon commented, “On Monday morning 1 will go into my courtroom and see sixty young people. 1 am willing to bet that not more than one or two parents will be there. And when 1 open up a new case, 1 will ask for a present tense report on the past of the young offender. “Before 1 ever read the report, 1 can tell you what will be said: ‘So and so never learned to submit to authority at home, school or community; he couldn’t take discipline at school and dropped out early; resisted the authority of the boss on the job; rebelled against every authority.’” Kids who talk back to parents will do so with peers, teachers, law enforcement officers and, ultimately, God. Children who learn to obey their parents find it much easier to learn to obey God, the long-range goal of parents. 4. Self-control: Train them to control one’s body and emotions. This involves control of our temper, of indulgences and of destructive urges. To allow a child to scream, to kick, to hit or to smash objects will not reduce their anger; it will increase their aggressiveness. 5. Self-discipline: Teach them to do what they have determined to do despite obstacles—to finish the course or to complete the exercise. This addresses laziness and low ambition, teaches perseverance, and leads to a productive life. Responsibility is the active side of morality, it includes taking care of self and others, fulfilling our obligations, contributing to our communities and building a better world. James describes this well: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (1:22). 6. Reverence for God and respect for others: The first and second commandments are emphasized here. Respect means showing regard for the worth of someone or something. It includes respect for self, for the rights and dignity of all people, and for the environment that sustains life. Parents develop healthy family relationships by moral leadership. They articulate and communicate the goals of the home, model values, consistently enforce rules and values, encourage siblings to appreciate and support each other in observing these values, and, last but not least, love God relationally. ■ THE MESSENGER
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Al Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., discussed dating with more than 100 young people during a youth session at the EMC annual convention.
Baseball, scrub hockey, and volleyball were among youth activities at convention.
Convention 2001
Youth Session
Youth attend general, youth sessions YOUTH PARTICIPATION at this summer’s annual convention was nothing short of overwhelming—it was double that of a year ago. The Saturday afternoon session with Al Friesen saw 100 youth and leaders in attendance. With undivided attention they were caught up in the “dating” topic. The presence of youth among the adults was noticeable and refreshing. Through out the weekend the youth attended the general sessions. Many youth from Region 9, the host area, were also involved in serv ing in different ways, such as in the wor ship team and performing offertories. Saturday featured a full day of activities. The morning began at the Tillsonburg Community Centre with organized base ball and volleyball, and scrub hockey. Af-
ter lunch, the group met in the gymna sium at Broadway Baptist Church in Tillsonburg. There was time for praise and worship, serious dramas and light-hearted skits, group games and a one-hour session with Pastor Al. Al’s major idea was that Christian youth should be aware of and follow Christ’s guidelines given in the Bi ble about respect in relationships, includ ing in dating: they should not chase after the world’s idea of intimacy outside of God’s boundaries. Special thanks must go to every church’s youth leadership team. Not only did they help to plan a great event; they brought out their own youth groups for the entire weekend. Several youth from churches in Manitoba
and Alberta were privileged to enjoy the hospitality of Region 9 in southern Ontario. We hope for a wider cross-section in fu ture years. Gerald Reimer Conference Youth Minister T
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE Passionately Christian, Academically Competent: Where Is The Balance?
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EMC Student Luncheon Room 205-207 University Centre University of Manitoba
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BRING YOUR FRIENDS! Contact:
Travis Rose Gerald
779-2888 355-9259
32&e4O1
EMCers enjoyed playing hockey in July.
Wednesday September 26, 2001 11:30 am ~ 1:30 pm Pizza & Veggies
We'll See You There!
Sponsored By The EMC Board Of Church Ministries SEPTEMBER 5. 2001
Youth participation this year doubled that of a year ago, but an even better representation is sought in the future.
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of Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta
SANDRA THE ATMOSPHERE in the Ridgeview School gym in La Crete, Alberta, was con genial and relaxed. We expected two busloads of delegates from southern Al berta to arrive shortly for MCC Alberta’s annual general meeting. Billeting personnel were ready at our ta bles scattered throughout the gym. It was a joy to see various Mennonite churches in the area working together to host this event. MCC seems to have that special quality: it inspires people to work together to help the needy around the world. Maybe it is because we all desire to serve out of love for Christ. People who signed up to host delegates in their homes began drifting in, sitting down to visit as they waited and waited. No one seemed upset. We live at “the end of the world” so we know it takes a while to get here. Apparently, the bus passen gers were experiencing the same thing! When the first bus arrived, there was a flurry of activity as hosts and guests were matched and luggage was sorted. Then we settled down to wait for the second bus. However, 1 noticed that a few people were still busy unloading boxes from the bus and stacking them around the display
and registration tables. One of these, a slim young woman, seemed much too slight to be handling those heavy boxes. It turned out she was the one who had worked long hours coordinating travel and food ar rangements for delegates. It was called “being in charge of registration.” But she didn’t stop at that. I noticed she was help ing others with sorting and setting up their displays. When we met later, she introduced her self as Sandra. She seemed to know who 1 was. In fact, she said she enjoyed reading Women of Faith in The Messenger] Right then 1 realized that here was a woman who knew how to make another person feel special. 1 noticed Sandra throughout the week end—not because she was in the spot light. Rather, she was in the background seeing that things were in order so that others’ presentations were successful and effective. Serving in the background seemed to be her preference. Some months later 1 heard again of Sandra’s gift of serving. A phone call came from our eldest son. In a strained voice, he told us that his wife Angela’s father had been involved in a se rious accident at a B.C. mountain resort and was medivaced to a Calgary hospital. Ang and her two sisters had flown from Winnipeg to Calgary that morning to join their mother as she watched beside her husband’s bed. Things were very difficult and the stress was overwhelming at times. Since they had no other place to go, they were stay ing in a motel. We felt helpless—too far
away to hold or to hug them; phone calls seemed so inadequate. Shortly thereafter our son phoned again, this time from Calgary. When their pastor told them of the suffering family, a kind couple from Abbeydale Christian Fellow ship had offered the use of their home. It was Sandra and her husband, Harold. They were leaving for a short trip and wanted the family to stay at their home. My daughter-in-law, Ang, spoke warmly of Sandra’s hospitality: “She was very quiet, but so generous and kind. Sandra even told us to help ourselves to whatever we needed from the fridge and freezer.” It was so good to have space when one needed to be alone. At the same time, the family room provided a place where they could be together as they waited, wondered, and prayed during their dad’s agonizing fight for life. Interestingly enough, Angela mentioned the same trait 1 had noticed when 1 first met Sandra in La Crete. “She made you feel good. She had the talent for true hos pitality.” This bears out what Gladys Hunt says in MS Means Myself'. “Hospitality is never just the meal or the bed; it is the message you give a person about his value and your own personal values in the gracious giving of what is yours.” As women, we are often the ones who make the bed or prepare the meal. 1 trust Sandra’s example will help us to share what we have, graciously and without fuss, simply letting God’s love flow through us.
Mexico
Easter program shared at churches Camp 77, Mexico.: A highlight from our church was to prepare an Easter program and show it at several churches; the suf fering, dying and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ was presented through songs, poems and skits. The first weekend in May, several of our church families attended a Spanish family retreat in Santo Tomas. Families left the retreat refreshed and more devoted to having a Christian family life. In the morning service of May 27 Eloy Loewen, Robert Loewen, Jennifer Kornelsen and Jacqueline Kornelsen shared their testimonies, were baptised by pastor Peter Wiebe upon confession of their faith in Jesus Christ, and were re ceived into the church. In the afternoon we were blessed in joining for a commun ion service. Teresa Dueck
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On May 27 Jacqueline Kornelsen, Jennifer Kornelsen, Robert Loewen and Eloy Loewen were baptized and received into membership of the Camp 77 church. Pastoral couple Anna and Peter Wiebe rejoiced with them in their step of faith. THE MESSENGER
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Vacation Bible School at Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, 1968.
The Bachiniva church was planted as a result of the Trevizo family’s witness. Edelberto Trevizo is the pastor.
Mexico
The Trevizo family: After twenty-four years Abe Plett IN THE summer of 1968 we received our first assignment as EMC missionaries; to plant a church in a new Mexican village called Lazaro Cardenas. When we first got there, there were merely twenty to thirty buildings. The only contact we had was a Christian lady named Dolores. She was not very outgoing, but she opened her home for us to conduct Vacation Bible School classes that first summer. Kitty-comer from her home was another house that was considerably larger. Since this house was one of the more suitable to hold meetings of any nature, a Catholic priest conducted mass in this home when ever he would visit Lazaro Cardenas. Dur ing our week of VBS classes, we were al lowed to conduct evening gospel meet ings in this house as well. The owners of this house were Eduardo and Enedina Trevizo. They had nine daugh ters, five sons, and also raised a grand daughter as one of their children. The Trevizo family was mostly a secular family working hard to make a living. Religion was not a bad word to them, but neither did they pay much attention to it. Looking back to our early time of minis try, I remember commenting to Mr. Trevizo about his great family. I stated the impor tance for him as the father to make provi sion for his family to be able to receive and accept the gospel. He accepted Christ many years later and has since gone to be with Christ. His two teenage daughters, Gloria and Josefina, were first to receive the gospel. About six months later, they were bap tised upon their faith. It is hard to pinpoint the development of the gospel in this home. Josefina was much involved in the youth ministry, while Gloria was more ad venturous, spending some time in Bible SEPTEMBER 5, 2001
school and travel, including two visits to Canada. Gloria also had a strong calling for evan gelism. Her almost fearless disposition, her commitment to Jesus, and her articulate linguistic abilities helped her lead many people to the Lord. No doubt, a very con sistent and open-minded Christian life modeled by Gloria and Josefina had a strong influence on the rest of the family. During our nine years of ministry in this community we were able to see five daughters and one son come to accept
Jesus as Saviour. Our ministry in Mexico ended with officiating at Josefina and David Heide’s wedding. Now, twenty-four years later, we had the opportunity to visit Mexico again. Since we had arranged to stay at David and Josefina’s house for nights, that was the first place we went. We arrived at their house on Thursday about two in the after noon. David was on an errand, but Josefina was dressed in white, awaiting our arrival. Needless to say, we received a very warm welcome.
Abe and Tina Plett (Blumenort) served as EMC missionaries in Mexico from 1968 to 1977. Returning to Canada, Abe has since worked as a heavy truck mechanic and Tina in homecare. They later produced gospel music programs on a local television channel. With the band The Heaven Bound Singers, they present programs in senior citizen homes and elsewhere.
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iu ■ Josefina and Gloria Trevizo (right) were baptised in 1972, and became active for the Lord.
After we were settled and warmly re ceived by David, they announced that there would be the regular Thursday prayer meeting at 5 p.m. in their church. Edelberto, Josefina’s brother, and his family had come from Bachiniva and would be at the prayer meeting. We could come, if we had the energy and felt like coming. Of course, we wanted to go. This would give us the opportu nity to meet to meet a lot of people in a short while. Haydee, Josefina’s sister, was a few minutes late. She asked the songleader to wait with the next number so that she could give us both a proper welcome hug. We felt that we were hugged right back into the family. By now the Trevizo family has grown into a large extended family of over a hundred members. Our hearts were filled with awe and bubbled over with joy when we were told that thirteen chil dren and most of the extended family are now Christians. Because Mexican people move around a lot, it is difficult to establish large churches. Still, members of the Trevizo family have established churches, one in Bachiniva and another in Lazaro Cardenas. It is a joy to see that the gos pel has spread beyond the boundaries of the Trevizo family. The flip side of the migration problem is that Jesus’ wit nesses (in this case, members of the Trevizo family) are representing Christ in many different parts of the world. More recently Guillermo and Humberto, the oldest and youngest sons, have ac cepted Christ. Both are experiencing medical problems. Guillermo suffered a brain hemorrhage and, by medical stand ards, should have died. He survived, but his left side remained paralyzed. Humberto has a problem with fluid gathering in his brain. Close to $20,000 U.S. has been spent on surgeries. We PAGE 8
David Heide (middle) pastors the Lazaro Cardenas church. Josefina, his wife, was one of the first Christians in the Trevizo family. Their children are David Jr. and Vanesa.
were made aware that the family not only cared for the spiritual needs of each other, but provided financially in emer gencies. The family still has a big con cern for the salvation of their eighty-yearold mother. We dwelt on the evangelical growth of the Trevizo family, but we also left be-
hind the Morenos, the Ordonez, the Bojorques, the Millans, the Dominguez, the Rempels, the Dycks and other fami lies that have committed their lives to live for Jesus. Witnessing such a mani festation of the power of the Holy Spirit in these believers has left a very deep impression on our hearts. ■
EFC has new pastoral couple
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Steinbach, Man. (EFC): On July 15 Ruth Anne and Ed Peters were installed as pastoral couple at Steinbach EFC, with EMC moderator Harvey Plett officiating. Ed’s service as pastor began on July 1.
THE MESSENGER
Serving with stitches Rosenort, Man.: During the winter months 15 to 20 Rosenort EMC ladies spent three days serving the Lord in a practical way—quilting. The ladies, whose ages range from late 30s to early 90s, created a log cabin quilt, to be sold at the September MCC sale in Morris, Man. They also pieced together 19 blankets for MCC. Our church’s quilting group began in the 1940s. Mrs. Helen Loewen, who has quilted for the church for almost 50 years, said they began creating quilts for needy individuals and mis sionaries. Ladies of all ages met in homes to hone their embroi dery and applique skills. One of the most exciting sales took place at the crowded Rosenhoff South school, with Mrs. Abram K. Eidse pushing the bidding high. The money went directly to missions. Later, auc tions were held in the church basement. In the early 1980s the quilting group made a record 70 quilts in one year. It is exciting to see these gifts still used for the Lord in our church.
Margaret Siemens, Elsie Dueck, Marion Dueck, Sarah Loewen, Mrs. Helen Loewen, Margaret Dueck, Lena Dueck, Anne Loewen, Naomi Dueck, Nettie Bartel, Annie Kroeker, and Anne Waldner work hard at quilting.
Lorilee Scharfenberg
Long-time member goes on to wider service Fort Frances, Ont.: On April 24 we said farewell to Evelyn Hicks, an active member in our church. Evelyn, a charter member, has gone to work for Stonecroft Ministries in Kan sas City. Evelyn has served for years—as church board mem ber, Sunday school teacher, church treasurer and usher; she has also been a Messenger reporter. At her farewell party, Evelyn spoke of God’s goodness to her through the recent deaths of her husband and infant grandson. Evelyn will be working for Stonecroft Ministries as their Canadian representative, setting up Christian Women’s Clubs in communities where she is sent. Evelyn, we’re sure God has a special plan for you in this work. Marilyn Rittau
On May 13, Mother’s Day, delighted parents promised to raise their children to serve the Lord: Rick and Alanna Friesen with Bennett, Lynette and Greg Kroeker with JesseRae, Trevor and Cora Friesen with Sierra, and Don and Juanita Dueck with Mitchell.
Membership transfers Winnipeg, Man. (Aberdeen): Amy Epp wrote the following poem, which was shared as her faith story when she was received into membership on February 11.
Russ Schmidt and Carol Thiessen transferred their membership to the Aberdeen EMC on February 11.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2001
Amy currently is an MCC Voluntary Serv ice worker doing volunteer coordination for Joint Inner City Ministries, including churches on St. Matthews, West Broadway, and in Osborne Village. Aberdeen EMC also enjoys Amy’s energy as she takes part in music and worship leading. Amy chose to join Aberdeen for various reasons. She says, “It is a smaller church; it is willing to push some bounda ries; and it has a commitment to remain ing in the North End.” Amy was bom in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and spent her childhood in Eston, Saskatch ewan. She lived in Jordan while her par ents were MCC workers there. She at tended Rosthern (Sask.) Junior College, and was baptized in Zion Mennonite Church in Swift Current. She received a Bachelor of Theology degree at CMBC in Winnipeg. Elizabeth Plett
jAt+ention: 7AII Ladies You are invited to the 5*^ annual Mother/daughter retreat! September 28-30,2001 Swift Current EMC Swift Current, Sask. Speaker; Jean Barsness
For information contact Marion Engel at 306-587-2438 or Frieda Funk at 306-773-5759 PAGE 9
2001: A Faith Odyssey words for a transfer Called and bound, with so many unknowns, history is in my favour, countless others before, I am in awe of them a journey through people and places, varied in faith and continent, 1 come back to this: what’s bred in bone becomes my own
Family my example community, Pointing out where Prussia used to be (you mean Russia, don’t you. Daddy?) on the globe on top of the piano. Committee involvement the norm church banners in the basement and youth group.s in the living room. Long across the deep ocean to where the ancient story merges with immediacy, the canonised history still beating. Reluctant hut wide eyed, I absorbed by parents actions, openness to engage watched the world stage players act out pageants of a conquest proclaiming a different religion. Asked to explain, I walked in the footsteps of Moses and Jesus, and learned to claim Christianity hut declined a youthful Jordan baptism. Converted to service, first, before the Schleitheim confession of my forebears was known to me. I learned this document later in a context of study and my peers. My soul allowed to explore and sing and eat faspa, I grew into myself and my faith grew into me, surrounded by a church of my choosing.
A day in the park Prairie Grove (Lorette, Man.):
An easy move to further education, called with a snap of God’s fingers to minister, hut how, but when, and in the company of men? Loving the God of my mothers, She who gave me birth, I pressed on. A brief departure, defined for me that other world shallowly reflected, valuable in its trust lesson. I am moved to a different intimacy with the city and God's people, who suffer and thrive between skyscrapers, invoking God’s call to them, to me, reinventing creation. Within the web of service again, with women of faith my mentors, observing the other sects. Discipleship becomes tangible, observing the marginal, we can recognize each other. 1 speak with a voice, however meagre. Helpless in the corporate shadow. Confident in God’s kingdom desire.
Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel enjoyed their annual church picnic on June 10. Duo dodgeball was a highlight. Dave Funk and Karalee Koop are eager to dodge the missiles.
1 choose now, a family in the crux who likewise have chosen. Valuing generations of fellowship, neighbours to a peripheral community. Care for each other, care for the world. And all the family flaws that Together we characterize, I enter with open eyes. Ready for struggle. Ready for love. Amy Marie Epp
Carol From, a clown for the afternoon, entertains children and offers to paint faces.
J Amy Epp Joined Aberdeen through membership transfer on February 11.
The heat takes its toll on Michael Dueck, sitting on father Jason's shoulders. “Are you sure we want to play, Dad?”
Jolyn Braun
PAGE 10
THE MESSENGER
A Time of Revival: Abundant Springs Calgary, Alta. {Abbeydale): On Friday, May 18,31 youth and six spon sors boarded a bus for Abundant Springs. Parents were praying that not only would they experience spiritual revival, but that the group would be unified and friend ships would deepen. We watched them come off the bus, tired but excited, changed. Russell Dick learned that “by the power and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ” he could “command all evil to get outta here.” He realized how awesome is God’s power and was reminded of how little power he had in himself. Amanda Dueck learned to believe in her self because God believes in her. She also saw that she could forgive the seemingly unforgivable because God forgave her. When those who were willing to commit themselves to full-time service were in vited to come forward, she resisted, but as she prayed she was propelled to the front. Karla Reimer has suffered from panic at tacks for the past two years. It was a huge
Amanda Dueck
Haley Hauck
step of faith for her just to board the bus, but she testified that “God was faithful, I did it with the aid of Jesus.” By the end of the weekend she declared that she wanted to live her life for Jesus, no matter what the cost. Christina Teske admitted that she didn’t sign up to go hoping for any kind of spir itual renewal. She went to meet “hot guys, but God had other plans. God spoke to me like never before”; she listened to His voice and rededicated her life. Haley Hauck appreciated the opportu-
nity to get closer to others in our youth group. She was excited to see the unity of such a large group worshipping together. As God’s spirit moved in her heart, she too rededicated her life. Devin Reimer reported that he was “touched not only by the speakers and seminars, but also by being with the other people; worshipping together with such a large, diverse number of Christians was encouraging.” Malcolm Koop, a youth sponsor, called the weekend an “eye-opener.” He was es pecially moved by the session on forgive ness; “through the act of forgiving, 1 found a new freedom in Christ, renewed my passion for the Word and for working with the youth.” We praise God for these and other sto ries. We thank God for the weekend, for the faithfulness and commitment of the planners, the speakers, and everyone else who was willing to give time and effort to be used by God for His mighty purposes. Brenda Dyck
Thanksgiving in Tilbury Tilbury, Ont.: A lot of exciting things have happened recently in in the Tilbury EMC. It was only last September when we started holding church services, and now we are a member congregation of the EMC. Praise the Lord with us! Last January nine students began Chris tian Life classes. We also held member ship classes for those who wanted to trans fer their membership to TEMC. On June 24 we had a chartering service, where 20 people transferred in. Six young people publicly confessed their commitment to Christ through baptism, bringing charter membership up to 26: Henry Braun, Corny Wall, John Wall, Annie Neudorf, Eva Neudorf, and Linda Neudorf. Conference pastor David Thiessen spoke at our char tering service. Thank you, David! On July 1, we had our first communion service. It was a good time to celebrate and reflect on the grace God has given us in his Son, Jesus Christ, and to remember the way he has led his people in this com munity. On July 8, our church participated with many other churches in the EMC Conven tion in Tillsonburg, Ont. For almost all of our members this was their first time at tending convention. At convention our church was received as a member con gregation in the Conference. The women in our church organized a Father’s Day supper on June 16. Pastor Leonard Barkman from Mount Salem EMC SEPTEMBER 5, 2001
presented an encouraging message for fathers on the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood. It was a special evening for men; one father said that the evening was so good, he wouldn’t mind having Father’s Day once a month! The youth had a fund-raising barbecue in June. They enthusiastically sold ham burgers and hotdogs to raise money for a trip to Canada’s Wonderland. The youth are also working on a food drive to collect
food for a poor family in a nearby commu nity. Fun activities combined with minis try makes the youth work a joy to observe. When you think of Tilbury, please re member to pray for us. Thank God for all the good things happening, but also pray for the strength of this church. Satan is also at work in Tilbury and we experience his work of destruction on a daily basis. Jake Enns
On June 24 during a chartering service of Tilbury EMC, our conference’s newest church, 20 people became members through transfer: Jake Enns, Anna Enns, Lina Dyck, John Dyck, Niel Friesen, Nancy Sawatzky, Ben Sawatzky, Margret Friesen, Margaret Neudorf, Jake Neudorf, Isaak Klassen (in back), Tina Klassen, Tina Neudorf, Isaak Sawatzky, Lisa Sawatzky, Justina Neudorf, Mary Giesbrecht, Martha Wall, Jake Wall and Maria Wall. Conference Pastor David Thiessen (right) spoke at the service.
PAGE 11
Building community Winnipeg, Man. (Fort Garry): June 8 saw us pack up and head to Camp Nutimik for our yearly church camp weekend. Although we fervently hoped to avoid a rainy repeat of last year’s retreat, the perfect weather we enjoyed all three days surpassed our expectations. Weekend activities were hiking, baseball, volleyball, a campfire sing-along, and even swimming in the frigid waters of Lake Nutimik. Worshipping together during the sessions was a highlight. The theme Faith Journeys gave us the chance to hear faith stories from several congregation members. Each was unique and encouraging; we were inspired to faithfulness in our pilgrimage to wards experiencing Christ to the fullest. Susan Nisbet Fast and Sandra Nisbet shared their testimonies with us during the Sun day morning worship service. Afterwards, we joined them in a processional down to the lake where they were baptized into our congregation. As Susan and Sandra spoke, we were touched by their willing ness to share openly with us—each giving a glimpse into their journey to reach the place of wanting to publicly commit them selves to be part of Christ’s body. At Fort Garry, we strive to be a welcom ing church and on Saturday, June 17, we literally opened the church doors. The sec ond annual community party we held that evening was a great success. The weather was pleasant and a variety of activities were planned for both kids and adults, including a visit from a fire engine. The large turnout
c<-«***' IMenno Hamm returned from El Paso. Texas
Summer Holidays PEALS OF YOUTHFUL laughter and girlish giggles are sounds not often heard in our home. But they were like delightful music when our two granddaughters from Edmon ton came to spend their holidays with us this summer. Except for a week at Bible camp and a few weekend outings, Cheyanne (12) and her sister, Jadene (9), were here for six weeks. Observing their playful games and serious activities stirred memories of our own al most-forgotten carefree childhood days. Just as they do now, we had always looked for ward to the summer holidays, with a pre cious freedom from a clock-regimented life. Summer fun included staying up late in the evening playing games or reading a fascinat ing book, followed by sleeping in next morn ing. PAGE 12
Susan Nisbet Fast and Sandra Nisbet (middle) were baptised in Lake Nutimik on June 10. Irma Janzen, interim senior pastor, and David Kruse, associate pastor, stand with them.
of community residents confirmed that this event will continue for years to come. Adding to June’s fun, we also held our Sunday school picnic on the 24*". To begin, we gathered at the church for a special serv ice of energetic and lively singing, compli ments of our Sunday school kids. After the service we went to King’s Park to enjoy a bountiful spread of burgers, salads and des serts. Although the heat and humidity slowed us down, many still managed to muster the energy to play a game of base ball while others enjoyed just visiting in the cool shade. Thanks to the many people involved in planning events to build community within and without our congregation. Although we continue on the road to find a full-time sen ior pastor, many—including Irma Janzen (interim senior pastor) and David Kmse (as-
sociate pastor)—have stepped up to the task so admirably that church activities and programs have hardly skipped a beat. Four others lending a hand are Peter and Anna Kroeker and Alvin and Esther Brandt, who were commissioned to assist the min isterial in some of the pastoral care duties. There are many others, however, who have also taken initiative to “fill in the gap” where needed. As we pass the one-year anniver sary of being without a pastor, we are thank ful to be blessed by the faithfulness of our church workers and the faithfulness of God. From time spent on a retreat to time spent in the daily responsibilities of making a church work, we have pulled together as a congregation, growing in love for each other —and having fun, too.
As we watched the girls we couldn’t help but marvel at the rapid development of the mind and character of children. In their crea tive play, Elvina and 1 served as willing cli ents in their restaurant, or were recipients of a thorough-going massage in their studio. Equipped with a stack of popsicle sticks and a glue gun, their vivid young imaginations produced a rich variety of masterpieces. The most amazing discovery came unex pectedly one day when Cheyanne had been in my study for a while, working at my com puter with a graphics program. When she came upstairs, she showed us a beautifully illustrated poem she had just created. The poster was artfully done, with four illustra tions: an illuminated star, the serpent in the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, a vinecovered cross, and a seated Christ beckon ing with His hand. But it was the content of the poem that really grabbed my attention:
Keep going steady and strong My life shall begin to go quite straight Maybe it isn't too late
My life hangs on a thread of gold It spins and twirls doing not what It's told Perhaps I'm not telling it right Maybe my decisions are wrong
If I head towards the light
Daphne Thiessen
Life's thread is strong as rope Knowing God I can cope With life getting low With nowhere to go I have seen many days And I will see many more
Cheyanne had just allowed us to look through the window of her soul, letting us see hope winning over despair. While she realizes the effects of wrong decisions, she has also discovered that knowing God and following His light is the source of victory. 1 was deeply impressed by the depth of thought and perception of someone so young. Already at their age, children ex perience strong temptations. We must pray that God will protect them from the pitfalls that Satan places in their paths. As summer holidays end and a new school year begins, may the Lord remind us to pray for the children and youth, as well as those who teach them. Let it be great year for everyone. THE MESSENGER
ELSIE SIEMENS 1921-2001 Our Mom and Grandma was bom July 26, 1921, to Peter and Anna Brandt in Rosenort, Manitoba, where she lived all her life. She grew up on a farm in a large family of eleven brothers and sisters. While attending a Canadian Sunday School Mission camp, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour and Friend. He has been with her through all trials, hardships and many good times of her life. Mom married our dad, Frank R Siemens, on November 5, 1944. They were blessed with six children and one who died in in fancy. Tragically, on September 10, 1966, she lost her husband through a sudden heart attack. We often wondered why God allowed this happen since Mom was so dependent on Dad for emotional and moral support. This was a very difficult time for Mom as she dealt with her own health and raising a young family. Mom’s love for gardening and the out doors was evident in abundant crops of vegetables, which gave her opportunity to share with all her friends and neigh bours. She loved to work and passed this love to her children by having them work alongside her. Together with a couple of other ladies. Mom started the first MCC Self Help store in Manitoba in the early 197O’s. The grandkids have fond memories of going to work with her at the MCC Self Help store. She was also a big inspiration in the Christian Women’s Club. Mom inherited a passion for quilting from her mother and, as a result, has left us many precious heirlooms. Her hands were always busy with quilting, knitting and many other crafts. The past few years have been most diffi cult for Mom. In February 1999 she started having recurring trouble with congestive heart failure and ended up in hospital sev eral times. The last of these trips to the hospital was on Monday, March 5, 2001. We thought she would survive this trauma as she had before, but the Lord chose to call her home. On Wednesday, March 7,2001, as her fam ily stood around her bedside singing Amazing Grace and praying, she was reSEPTEMBER 5, 2001
leased into the arms of Jesus, free from fear and pain. Many times she expressed her love and appreciation for her friends in the apart ments, and for care groups and for her church family who dropped in and cared for her. Mom will be deeply missed by her children: Doris (Jake) Reimer, Swan River, MB; Leslie (Paulina) Siemens, Rosenort, MB; LouAnna (John) Krueger, Winnipeg, MB; Sandra (Albert) Pries, Brandon, MB; Randall (Mary Anne) Siemens, Rosenort, MB; Mervin (Lori) Siemens, Rosenort, MB; her twenty-two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Lilly (Bruce) Dale, Dauphin, MB; her brothers: Dan (Helen) Brandt, Steinbach, MB; Albert (Mary) Brandt, Los Angelos, CA; Andrew (Lena) Brandt, Abbotsford, B.C.; Walter (Alice) Brandt, Winnipeg, MB; her sisterin-law Helen (Mrs. Jack) Brandt, Santa Anna, CA; Dad’s sister Susie Isaac, Rycroft, AB; his brother Jake (Tina) Siemens, Rosenort, MB; her many nieces and neph ews. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank, one daughter in infancy, four broth ers, and one sister. Mom will be missed for her courage, gen erosity and love for others expressed in so many practical ways. “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, 1 would have told you. 1 go to pre pare a place for you. And if 1 go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and re ceive you to Myself; that where 1 am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). Goodbye, Mom, until we meet you there. Her Family
BERGEN - to Mark and Tracy Bergen of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Haily Grace, on June 13, 2001. REIMER - to Marc and Laurie Reimer of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Kinsey Carlene, on June 28, 2001. STEWART - to Matthew and Nancy Stewart of Morris, Man., a daughter. Heather Marie, on July 6, 2001. DRIEDGER - to Bill and Melanie Driedger of La Crete, Alta., a daughter, Madison Rose, on July 8, 2001. STANFORD - to Jamie and Mary Stanford of Calgary, Alta., a son, Zachary James, on July 15, 2001. KORNELSEN - to Mervin and Nancy Kornelsen of Morris, Man., a son, Colin George, on July 21, 2001. SCHELLENBERG - to Mike and Dora Schellenberg of La Crete, Alta., a son, Spencer Brock, on July 27, 2001. FRIESEN - to Layton and Glenda Friesen of Vancouver, B.C., a son, Mcircus Cornelius, on July 31, 2001.
QAkkfoigs WIEBE - ENNS: Robert, son of Irma Wiebe of Winnipeg, Man., and Priscilla, daughter of Harry and Mars Enns of Chicago, III., were married on August 4, 2001, at the Douglas Mennonite Church, with Darryl Klassen officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg. KRYMUSA - PENNER: Philip, son of Paul and Debbie Krymusa of Morden, Man., and Kirsten, daughter of Ron and Ruth Penner of Winnipeg, Man., were married on July 15, 2001, with Paul Krymusa and Ron Penner officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg. BENNETT - WIEBE: Mel Bennett and Vinora Wiebe were married on June 9, 2001, at the Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, Man. Ron Penner officiated. The couple lives in Winnipeg.
People Movement
John and Leona Kornelsen of Winnipeg, Man., are beginning a 10-month MCC as signment in China, where John will teach English. Leona’s assignment is pending. They attend Fort Garry EMC in Winnipeg and are members of Wymark (Sask.) EMC.
Louella and Peter Toews of Steinbach, Man., most recently of Akron, Pa., are be ginning a three-year MCC assignment in Switzerland, where they will be office as sociates and hosts. They have previously served with MCC in Akron. They are mem bers of Steinbach EMC. They attend New Joy Brethren in Ephrata.
PAGE 13
Educational Opportunities
nailed!
U. of W. Mennonite History Courses
Fall 2001 History of Russian Mennonites The experience in Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union, 1789-1989. Course #33:3203/3 Wed. evenings 6-9 p.m. Starts September 12. Mennonite Studies I - The story and theology of Anabaptists and early Mennonites, 1525-1700. Course #33.2101/3 Mon./Wed. 2:30-3:45 p.m. Starts September 10.
Courses taught by Prof. Royden Loewen. For course information, call 204-786-9391. For registration or auditing details, call 204-786-9159. Ample evening and daytime park ing.
TeptemherZ^ ^:00 pm
/ sms Campus
morrow
Steinbach Bible College & Steinbach Christian High School
Have an exciting VISION for the Future! • our enrolments are increasing! • we’re training and discipling more students!
• we’re adding programs! Providence College Evening Course Marriage and Family - What is actu ally happening? What does God think about it? Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 11 to Dec. 11 at Steinbach Regional Secondary School. Course taught by Dr. Dennis Hiebert. Cost: $492 for college credit, $246 for audit. Phone 204-433-7488, 1800-668-7768 or e-mail info@providence.mb.ca or see www.providence.mb.ca Steinbach Bible College Module one courses Courses offered at Steinbach Bible College from September 5 to October 12: Introduction to the Old Testament, Spiritual Formation, Faith and Science, Interpersonal Processes, Health/Fitness/ Recreation, World Religions, Genesis, Spanish, and Music Leadership. SBC operates a modular system of six- and three-week courses. Students have six, rather than two, entry points. They and professors benefit from concentrating on fewer courses. Courses are completed in a short period, a benefit to part-time students. During a six-week module full-time students take two three-credit-hour courses. Each class meets daily for 75 minutes. SBC has a toll-free number: 1-800230-8478.
PAGE 14
, we ptan to huilda new facifit^.
"Pfeasejoin us on Sunday 2.^ ai^:OO pm on de dPC/dC'TS Campus to Cefe^rate anilJlaancl flte
Imagine Tomorrow Campaign
BBQ included!
Blumenort Senior Citizen Housing Inc. IS PLANNING TO HOLD AN
INFORMATION MEETING FOR
ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN
A 55+ RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM
Steinbach Bible College is pleased to announce the inauguration of Abe Bergen as sixth president of the college Friday, September 14, 2001 11:15a.m. in the College Chapel.
IN BkUMENORT, MAN. The MEETING WILL BE HELD AT
Oakview Manor in
Blumenort
on
September
26 AT 7:30 P.M.
Call Ken Loewen at 204-3261986 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
THE MESSENGER
Coming Events Mennonite Christian Academy, Grunthal, MB, is accepting applications for teaching staff for school term 2001-2002. MCA is a non-denominational K-12 school with 30-40 students. For information call John Schroeder at 204326-0803 (day), 204-434-6755 (evening). Resumes can be mailed to Box 545, Grunthal, MB ROA ORO.
Morweena Christian School is accepting appli cations for full-time teaching positions for fall 2001: grades 8-9. MCS is a K-12 school with about 100 students. Preference will be given to teachers with certification and experience. Please apply with resume, stating grade pref erence and areas of specialty/interest, to Harold Reimer, Box 858, Arborg, MB ROC OAO. Fax: 204-364-2218. Phone: 204-364-2346 or 204-771-5239. Rainbow Christian School in Vanderhoof, B.C., is accepting applications for 2001-2002: grade 7/8 homeroom teacher. RCS is a Protestant interdenominational school following the B.C. Ministry curriculum. For Information call 250567-3127. To apply, please fax (250-567-3177) or mail resume, including philosophy of edu cation, to Search Committee, Rainbow Chris tian School, Box 710, Vanderhoof, B.C. VOJ 3A0. Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, MB, has openings for volunteers: Sunday morn ing worship host; handi-van drivers on standby (A class 4 license is required. Rest Haven will pay for a medical, if needed.); ma ture visitors to encourage residents between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m.; ladies to assist in Oma's Kitchen (one-on-one baking and cooking); and many other opportunities for men, women and youth. Your labour of love will make a difference in someone’s life. Please call 204-326-2206 or 204-326-3942 or apply in person.
Taber EMC seeks a youth pastor who under stands Low German but will minister mostly in English. This is a tent-making position with some remuneration. Contact Pastor Edwin Plett at 403-223-1418 (office) or 403-223-1726 at Taber, Alberta.
Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (EMC) in Rosenort, MB, invites applications for a full-time senior pastor. Send resumes to Kel Zacharias, Box 203, Rosenort, MB ROG 1W0, phone 204-7462866 (home) or 204-895-1412 (work), or e-mail: zachs@mb.sympatico.ca. Mennville EMC is searching for a pastor. Mennville is located approximately 10 miles north of Riverton, MB, with a regular Sunday morning attendance of 125-150 people. This position is open on either a half- or full-time support basis, beginning July 2001. Housing is available, with a K-10 school within walking distance. Forward applications or information requests to: Terry Dueck, Box 433, Riverton, MB ROC 2R0, phone 204-378-2257 or Roland Friesen, Box 826, Arborg, MB ROC OAO, 204-378-2907 (evening) or e-mail rfriesen@riv.mb.ca
SEPTEMBER 5, 2001
Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship of Canada seeks a university staff person for the mid West, to work on the University of Manitoba campus in Winnipeg. The job description in cludes: supporting and equipping student lead ers of the campus IVCF group; assisting clear vision setting for student mission on campus; participating in evangelism and discipleship/ leadership training among students; working with other IVCF university staff in strategic plan ning and to coordinate region-wide events; personal fundraising, and networking with other campus ministries and the church com munity. The ideal candidate will be passionate for student ministry and evangelism; be self-start ing; work independently and innovatively; pos sess a post-secondary degree and/or familiar ity with university culture; be able to communi cate Biblical truth clearly, to mentor and disci ple; to relate inter-generationally and to diverse groups of people. For information about IVCF, visit our web site at wvwv.ivcf.ca Please direct inquiries about this position and resumes to: Stephanie Unger c/o IVCF Mid West Divisional Office, 230 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B6. Phone 204-772-0717 or e-mail sunger@ivcf.ca
Crestview Fellowship (EMC) in Winnipeg, MB invites applications for a full-time pastor. Send resumes to Alex Wiebe, Board Chairman, c/o Crestview Fellowship Church, 271 Hamilton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0H3, phone 204-3532780 (home) or 204-982-0322 (work). Tribal Trails, a television ministry of Northern Canada Evangelical Mission, seeks volunteer typists to transcribe television programs; the material would be made available to inter ested viewers. The work can be done by email. Contact administrator Brent Wahlstrom at 306-764-3388 or tribaltrailsfrpncem.ca
Enlarging the Circle A cross-disability conference about Inclusive worship and church life
October 12-13 Calvary Temple Winnipeg, Man. Contact Irma Janzen at
204-261-6381 (MCC) or phone 204-982-4689
September 13-15 11Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Worship God, for the Testimony ofJesus is the Spirit of Prophecy Immanuel Pentecostal Church Winnipeg. Man. Phone: 204-889-8099 or
204-254-7843 September 27-30 Global Focus 2001 Where's Your Heart? Briercrest Family of Schools Caronport, Sask.
Phone: 306-756-3213 September 28-30 Mother/daughter retreat Speaker: Jean Bareness Swift Current EMC Swift Current, Sask. Phone: 306-587-2438 or 306-773-5759 October? World Relief Sunday Grow a Miracle Your church World Relief Canada Phone: 1-800-567-8190
October 12-13 Enlarging the Circle 4 cross-disability conference about inclusive worship and church life Calvary Temple Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-982-4689
October 14 2001 Christian Education Conference Equipping the Congregation Conference of Mennonites in Manitoba Mennonite Collegiate Gretna. Man.
Phone:204-896-1616 EMCers Welcome!
November 4 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Your church Phone:613-233-9868 November 15-17 Second National Congress Church Planting Canada Igniting our passion for the lost Montreal, Que. www.outreach.ca/cpc
Remember the
11“ Annual Winnipeg Prophecy Conference September 13-15, Immanuel Pentecostal Church, Winnipeg, Man. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy Phone: 204-889-8099 or 204-254-7043. PAGE 15
CO’" Loreena Thiessen Winnipeg. MB
READY TO STUDY HARD? IN THE brilliant summer sun the white sand sparkles like a million diamonds. The lake stretches out as far as you can see. Sunlight glints on the waves that rise and fall like bob bing mirrors flashing signals to a cloudless sky. As you dig deep into the sand it’s cool and wet You carve and smooth the walls of your sandcastle. To keep coo swim and float in the sun-warr ter. Ah, the glorious days of surr That was a few short weeks Now your attention is on teache books, and homework'. Are you ready? You may find settling into class difficult after an excit- ‘ ing summer. Others like school as much as a holiday. There are many reasons why wi study. One is to get informatic Facts can help us understar something better. Long ago a rich man who loved money more than anything else in the world learned a lesson about facts. He didn’t know how much money he had, so he hired a little girl to count it for him. In six days she reported back to him. “You have forty-two million dol lars,” she told him. The greedy man asked her how much pay she wanted for counting his money. He thought that because she was little she wouldn’t want much. “1 worked for six days,” she said. “Give me two pennies for the first day. Each day after that just give me the amount you gave me the day before multiplied by itself.” On day one he gave her two pennies. Day two he gave her 2 times 2 pennies, or four pennies. On day three she got 4 times 4 pennies, or 16 pennies. On day four he gave her 16 times 16 pennies, or 256 pennies. “That isn’t much at all,” the rich man thought, greedily. Each day the man gave her the amount he had given her the day before, multiplied by itself. By the sixth day the little girl had all the rich man’s money'. How did this happen? On day four she got 256 pennies. On day five she got 256 times 256 pennies, or 65,536 pen nies. On the sixth day she got 65,536 times 65,536 pennies. That amounts to more than forty-two million dollars! She had all his money! To multiply a number by itself is to
square a number. The little girl understood that squaring a number quickly creates a huge number. Four hundred years ago a man called Galileo invented the telescope. Observing the moon he discovered moun tains and craters. Before this everyone believed the moon was completely smooth. Other observations proved that the planets revolve around the sun. Galileo’s evidence changed people’s minds about what they thought was true about the universe. One hundred years earlier Leonardo da Vinci carefully studied people and nature. He always car ried a sketchpad so he was prepared to draw what he saw. He also learned from the best painters and sculptors. His paintings, the Mona Lisa and the ' ■ " ™r, have been admired for 400 years! OU play music you know that prac; is very important. The famous cel list, Yo Yo Ma, plays for large audi ences all around the world. Yo Yo Ma says that he practices up , to five hours each day. People everywhere enjoy his music. Moses was the greatest man of his time. In Pharoah’s palace he learned all the wisdom of Egypt. Read that in Acts 7:22. God chose Moses for a very imoortant job, to free the Israelites im the Egyptians, but first he had ;arn to believe that God would help . His job began when he was 80 s old! Throughout his life, Moses learned to trust God. Read about Mo ses in Exodus, chapters 3 to 19. Does God want you to study hard? Paul says you should study so that God will be pleased (2 Timothy 2:15). Proverbs .3:13 says that finding wisdom and unk derstanding brings happiness. Does God want you to study hard? 1 think the answer is yes!
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Here are twelve job titles of people who work in schools. Can you unscramble them? ERUHS
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TRACERYES
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Do you haue 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-uiord 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