$10 million Imagine Tomorrow campaign launched n ambitious 10 million dollar campaign for a new campus for Among those on the platform during the launch of Imagine Tomorrow were MLA Jim Steinbach Bible College/ Penner, SBC president Abe Bergen, MP Vic Toews (podium), and Randy Dueck, SCHS Steinbach Christian High principal. School—with the slogan Imagine Tomor row—was launched at the SBC/SCHS campus on number 12 high way on Sunday afternoon, September 23. The new college and school campus will be located on Hespeler Street in Steinbach. Former SBC president Harvey Plett and former SCHS teacher Henry Fast gave a history of the institution. From its modest beginning in a Steinbach church, the school moved to a site on First and Reimer, and then to its current location. A music chapel was added and, later, an administration annex and a library. Dr. Archie Penner, a long-time faculty member, gave the main address of the afternoon. Speaking on Open Doors and Adversar ies, he emphasized that we are a part of a tradition. Do not scorn tradition; use it, he stated. “Without tradition faith and life is impossible,” he said, meaning “radical Anabaptist” faith. Present also was Provencher MP Vic Toews who stated that, “This campaign speaks of hope.” He commended those who committed themselves, Steinbach MLA Jim Penner read the prayer of the Legislature. The mayor of Steinbach, Les Magnussen, was another platform guest with well-wishes. He was thankful to be present. “It’s great to be here,” he stated. Abe Bergen, president of Steinbach Bible College, said he was personally excited by the campaign. The funds for the new campus are to be generated by the sale of the current campus, and through donations raised by friends, With a symbolic balloon launch, the campaign Imagine Tomorrow churches, mailings, and alumni. The afternoon closed with a fel took off on September 23 at the site of Steinbach Bible College lowship lunch. and Steinbach Christian High School. (photos by OKS)
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Dave K. Schellenberg Editor Emeritus
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 39 NUMBER 17 OCTOBER 3, 2001
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EDITOR Terry M. Smith
The grace of Christ IN THIS Thanksgiving season, we are grateful for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace in Christ is the central feature of Christianity. As Thanksgiving Day comes and goes, the wonder of the cross remains the same. Churches are communities of the needy. They are intentional families of people who admit we need more help in life than is pro vided by our own wisdom. In the recesses of our hearts, Christians know our hurtful fail ures and our inability to set right what we have done wrong. We need the grace of Christ, the undeserved free kindness and favour that removes guilt and assures of forgiveness. Grace is the central mark of the Christian faith, the centre point of which is the cross of Christ. In ancient times, the cross was the means of death by execution; it became the divine means whereby God executed his plan of forgiveness and of eternal life. Why do we rejoice in the cross of Christ? It is because the cross is not a ladder to climb
through our own achievements; rather, we climb to heaven on the achievements of an other—Christ. It is not a set of scales, where the good is to outweigh the bad; rather, we rejoice that Jesus has thrown his whole weight on the side of the scale to tip us into heaven. We don’t make ourselves deserving of grace; rather, Christ accepts us when we are unacceptable (Rom. 5:8). Grace does not come to us because we have the proper last name, are born to the right family, have a par ticular religious heritage, or are good people (Phil. 3:4-7). We are equally needy, and grace comes to each of us as equally as freely (Eph. 2:8-10). “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14). Terry M. Smith
AIDS and the EMC AIDS AFFECTS the EMC. Canadian pastors, church members, and congregations have varied contacts with people with HIV/AIDS. EMC missionaries in Africa and elsewhere encounter people affected by AIDS. By 2010 nearly 28 million children in Africa will lose one parent to AIDS, according to a report at the 13**' International AIDS Conference. The effect of HIV/AIDS is being compared to the bubonic plague. Life expectancy in some regions in Africa is expected to decline to age 30 by the end of the decade. Joe and Olga Reimer in South Africa “feel a burden for AIDS sufferers they see all around them.” They request prayer for wisdom whether “they should discontinue other ministry to make time for an AIDS ministry” and for the church’s involvement in a semi nar on AIDS starting in late October (April, October 2001 Prayer Calendar). David and Judy Schmidt serve people with HIV/AIDS in Paraguay. Melvin and Kari Pe ters, working in Lesotho, Africa, request prayer that Youth With A Mission will be al lowed to establish a home for babies born with HIV; the need for this home, they tell us, is urgent. MCC recently sent two counsellors to Af rica to assess how to respond to the HIV/ AIDS crisis in that continent; they have re turned from touring several countries, and MCC continues to form its response. AIMM PAGE 2
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 ROA 2A0 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax:204-326-1613 Note new E-mail address: emcmessenger@mts.net www.emconf.ca
workers Rudy and Sharon Dirks, of Ontario, find their Bible-teaching work in Botswana, where up to one-third of adults between 15 and 50 is HIV-positive, is “consumed by a disease,” according to a recent MCC release. Some EMCers might be cautious about AIDS ministry, linking the condition to life style choices. Christian teaching on absti nence before marriage and faithfulness in heterosexual marriage is necessary and helpful. The effect of AIDS is, however, more complex than any simple judgment. When a husband contracts AIDS from a prostitute and then infects his unknowing wife (and their unborn child), the effect is wide. Everyone affected needs help. To hear the gospel, people need to be alive; to re spond to the gospel, they need prayer, teach ing, and to see Christian compassion in ac tion. Menno Simons counselled Christians to minister to those affected by the plague. Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian in Am sterdam during the time of the plaque in 1601, visited a family to give them each a drink of water. Simons and Arminius both believed that people suffering from serious illness need a MESSENGER SCHEDULE: compassionate response. No. 19 - November 7 A kind response is still needed. (copy due October 26) Terry M. Smith No. 20 - November 21 (copy due November 9)
THE MESSENGER
Convention message #4
The Family and the Great Commission Al Friesen JESUS SAID, “As you go, make disciples” (Mt 28:19-21). Does this mean that 1 make disciples as 1 get up each morn ing? Have breakfast? Drive to work? As 1 am at work? As I have lunch? As I shop? As 1 spend my supper hours? My evenings? My bed-time? Leisure time and weekends? To help our pruning process, let’s take a quick glimpse at what Jesus said in Mt. 7:22-23. “Many will say to me on that day (Jesus’ second coming), ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy (teach and preach) in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘1 never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”’ We ask, how is this possible? Where did these people go wrong?
Finding the answer To begin answering these questions, we find two clues in the seven verses before 22-23, especially verses 16,20, and 21. It has to do with the fruit we bear (by which we recognize the tree it comes from). Namely, if you pick an orange off a tree, someone would be hard-pressed to con vince you that it’s an apple tree. Another clue has to do with keeping our fruitfulness in line with the will of our Heavenly Father. We may find another clue by turning to the very last words of Jesus. In Acts 1:9, as friends and relatives watched, “[Jesus] was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Thus, verse eight gives us the very last recorded words of Jesus. Here is his parting statement, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Bea witness! Here, Jesus says three things about how we, his followers, need to live. First, we live our lives solely in the power of the Holy Spirit, not our own strength. Secondly, we are witnesses of Jesus; and thirdly, we be gin this Spirit-empowered witness as close to home as we can (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth—in that order). Let’s clarify what it means to be a wit ness. A very helpful passage is Galatians 5:19-23. The first three verses (19-21) give fifteen relationship-wrecking characteris tics that work against the witness that Je sus had in mind. Verses 22-23 give us nine relationship-building character traits that make up the witness Jesus wants to em power us to become. In fact, these describe “the fruit (singular) of the (God’s) Spirit.” To become more and more like Jesus in OCTOBER 3, 2001
our witness, we shun the fifteen relationship-wrecking characteristics, and grow in the nine relationship-building character traits. It’s all about relationships. The account of Jesus’ second coming, as given in Mt 25:31-46, and the story of the Good Samaritan fully support this concept. The closest to home is the person I see when I look in the mirror. As I establish my vertical relationship, I prepare to go ahead, in the Lord’s strength, in building my hori zontal relationships. If 1 am married, for example, my spouse is the first person I regularly witness to. If I permit anyone or anything to get between my spouse and me, as a way of life, God withdraws his blessing from that part of my life, which gives the devil a greater chance to edge into our marriage. This all begins as close to home as possible in the power of the Holy Spirit. I begin with my spouse, roommate, or those whom God has placed closest to me, and branch out with my witness to my children, my extended family, my friends, my fellow-workers, my neighbours, my fellow church attendees, etc. 1 am becoming a solid-core Christian. If I’m a “great” witness away from home, while 1 am contribut ing to the wrecking of my own home-base. I’m afraid that the words of Jesus, in Matthew 7:22-23, may sadly become my reality, and I live as a hollow-core (or lukewarm) Christian. Permit me to go to the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 28:19, “...As you go, make disciples of cdl na tions....” Is it possible that if you connect these words with the last words of Jesus (Acts 1:8), that we need to make disciples (or witness) as we look in the mirror (Deut. 6:6)? As we work at marriage? With our family from morn ing to evening (Deut. 6:6-9)? As we com mute, work, shop, and interact with neigh bours? As we go on vacation? As people abuse us? Unhealthy, hollow-core Christians keep long accounts, especially close to home. Healthy, solid-core Christians keep short accounts, beginning as close to home as possible (Eph 4:26).
Al Friesen is pastor of St. Vital EMC
in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and involved with ENRICH ministries. He has previously served as pastor of Fort Garry EMC and as a schoolteacher and a principal.
Setting boundaries Is a verse like Proverbs 22:6 true? “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” God has given all of us two gifts: salvation, if we want it, and a free will whether we like or not. I can force a four-year-old to sit down on the outside, but whether he sits down on the inside is entirely his choice. If a child usually sits down on the in side when mom or dad asks her to sit down on the outside, the cheinces of that youngPAGE 3
ster following her parents’ faith-walk when she becomes an adult is very great. However, if a child usually does not sit down on the inside when asked to sit down on the outside, it is much less likely that the youngster will follow mom and dad’s faith-walk. The key is not just firmness; it is a growing friendship. We are willing to do almost anything for a close friend and our children are no different. If you, their parents, are friends with your children, they will normally want to please you. The “five ‘F’ theory” may hold the key to our chil dren’s faith walk. Firm, friendly, fair fences equal freedom; for both the person who gives the fence and the person who gets the fence. This concept never fails. Stubborn children will push hard against the fence we have estab lished. If the fence moves, insecurity sets in. Children are not ordained to set fences, parents are. Children and teens, alike, “scream” for the security of these firm, friendly, fair fences. Judge Baryluk, a Manitoban judge who presided over juvenile cases, told of a friend who did the same kind of work in the United States. This friend took a year off and personally asked 1000 boys, if they could start again as a baby in their parents’ arms, what one piece of advice would they give their parents? All but five of the 15 to 17-year-olds said exactly the same thing, “I would ask my parents to mean ‘no’ when they say ‘no’”! The judge pushed them a bit on the full meaning of this statement. Many of the teenagers re sponded, “If my dad would say, ‘You can’t go out tonight,’ he would be willing to sit on me till morning, to help me fill his request.” None of the dads and moms had been that serious about fences for their children in their growing years.
Synchronised child-rearing A good way to have children miss heaven is if mom says and does one thing and dad another; forcing the child to choose between mom and dad. An even more difficult situation is created if 1, the parent, say one thing and do another. Now the child is forced to choose between me and me. Can you imagine how simple life and obedience would be for a child if mom and dad would synchronise their words and actions with each other, with other significant adults in their children’s lives, and with God’s precepts? The child would stop having to choose between mom and dad, parent and teacher, parent and God, or what one parent says and does. A maxim my dad left me was this: “Don’t choose your number one choice and go it alone, but rather take your second, third, or fourth best choice and have everyone on board.” This is not in relation to sin. Sometimes, in our stubbornness, we become irrational enough to call some thing sin when the Bible doesn’t. We fathers need to read Biblical chapters like Matthew 23 once in a while, when ever we stubbornly have to have it our way, even though it may not be God’s way. The Great Commission, according to the last words of Jesus, echoes the resolve of Joshua, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Families, as units, as households, fulfill the Great CommisPAGE 4
sion. We do this in the power of the Holy Spirit as a witness of Jesus by consistently modelling, teaching, and sharing “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithful ness, gentleness, and self-control.” We begin as close to home as possible to empower family to carry that witness to neighbourhoods, schools, work-places, churches, “and to the ends of the earth,” in that order. May God bless you and your family as you carry out the Great Commission.a
1 Corinthians 13
A Student Paraphrase If I speak in the tongues of jocks and of keeners, But have not love, I am only a ringing bell or a droning professor. If I have a brilliant mind and can fathom all algebra and all chemistry, and if I write essays that can revolutionize the world, but have not love, I am nothing. It I give all my answers to my classmates, and surrender my body to my team in broomball tournaments. But have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient when others don't catch on as fast. Love is kind to the third grader who needs his skates tied. It does not envy when others score more goals in soccer. It does not boast when it scores more. It is not proud when it achieves better marks. It is not rude to its teachers. It does not concentrate only on what it needs to get done, but is willing to put others first. It does not easily get mad at bad calls. It also keeps no record of bad calls or other offenses. Love does not delight in bending the rules, but rejoices in doing what is right. It always protects those who aren't as cool, Always hopes, seeing the rainbow in the rain. Always perseveres, even after failing for the third time.
Love never fails. But where there are records, they will be broken. Where there are fashionable clothes, they will go out of style. Where there are brilliant professors, they will get Alzheimers. For we know in part and can only teach what we know. But when perfect wisdom comes, our little knowledge disappears. When I was a primary, I talked like a primary, I thought like a primary, I reasoned like a primary. When I reached high school, I broadened my horizons.
Now we see but a poor reflection, like a hazy picture of a place we've never seen; Then we will see it with our own eyes. Now I know the little a human mind can fathom; Then I will know fully, even as I am fully known. Now these three remain. Faith, hope, and love; But the greatest of these is love.
Joanna Flett, 16 Morweena EMC
THE MESSENGER
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‘Any of us should easily be able to do a sermon.’
My first sermon Cole Clifford IT WAS 7:30 on a Thursday evening and the church board was in a bind. Our pastor needed to be away, leaving suddenly before the weekend; the pulpit would be without The Message. 1 recalled that in times past, and with more forewarning, we had always been able to ar range a guest speaker. One time, with even less notice, our moderator had prodded two others to give testimonies, after leading off with his own. But that had been only three weeks ago. To the five other people at the meeting table, 1 blurted out, “Any of us should easily be able to do a sermon.” Five pairs of eyes under strangely-arched brows slowly turned to focus on mine. Mistake, 1 thought. Cold fear seemed to surround me. 1 wondered who had been speaking.
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was home again at 10 p.m. My wife, Mary, met me with the usual smiling question: “How was tonight’s meet ing?” Quickly calculating the time interval until Sunday morning, 1 countered with, “How much weight might 1 lose in 60 hours without eating?” Clever woman that she is, three seemingly unrelated comments came out machine-gun fashion: “That good, eh? About seven pounds. Pfepto Bismol?” Efficiently con serving conversation time, I replied, “Mmm..., good. No, scotch.” She said, “You don’t drink whiskey anymore.” Dang, that was one of those things I’d given up. Only a fitful sleep ensued. Now it was Friday morning. Like waves crashing onto a shallow beach, idea after idea flooded into my mind and, just as quickly, out. Many seemed quite brilliant for a minute or two, but there was still nothing “on paper” by noon. Is this how all pastors prepare? 1 wondered. It occurred to me that standing before about eighty people, all of whom supposedly believed the same things 1 did, and illuminating further something they probably already understood better than 1, might not be the easy task 1 had suggested to my fellow board members not 24 hours previously. Oh yes, James, my little tongue is indeed capa ble of making great boasts. During university, all-night as Cole Clifford is a member of the Island Gospel Fellowship in Burns Lake, B.C. He was baptised at age 46. His testimony Confession of a Two-Year-Old Christian was published in November 5, 1997. He is a tree feller. OCTOBER 3, 2001
signments and study ses sions had been common; 1 tried to think back to what fac tors had produced what seemed to be great results. The conjured mental picture showed a desktop littered with books and papers, pens, highlighters, a bright cone of light from a desk lamp, a half-full cup of lukewarm cof fee, a cigarette smoldering among innumer able butts. Eureka! That’s it! “Mary,” 1 cried, “Get me a cigarette.” From the kitchen two rooms away, 1 heard, “You don’t smoke anymore.” How had I forgotten that? 1 thought sullenly. Bleakly, 1 studied the small areas where, just recently, fingernails had flourished. Surely on Saturday morning things would look brighter. Despite the sun’s appearance, more or less on cue, “things” didn’t. With pen in hand, 1 sat at my desk poised to jot down any errant thought that might flit through my mind which could possibly be “fleshed out” to twenty minutes or so; and could conceivably lead to affirmativelynodding heads during its recitation and hand-shaking wellsaids near the exit afterward. 1 had read somewhere that ideas did indeed come from God, that He would put the words in my mouth where necessary, and that one of Jesus’ main teachings was “Don’t worry.” 1 decided, again, to believe all that. My nerv ousness began to subside. 1 thought of the EMC convention my pastor and 1 re cently attended, of all that we’d learned, and of the con versations we had. 1 knew that if 1 could just get a few of them down on paper, on Sunday morning God would sort it all out the way He wanted it. There, that took a load off. 1 began.
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s usual, in a “churchy” setting, we were told what we already knew: that in an unhealthy world, we _ —have the awesome privilege of mirroring back healthy relationships, relationships with our spouses and our children. These relationships, in turn, are impossible without a solid foundational (love) relationship with God. We can’t, and don’t, do well on our own. We were advised to con sult Galatians 5:22-23 and to note that all nine fruits of the Spirit are relationship-building characteristics that we are to cultivate intentionally. None have to do with talking much, but with being. Pastor Henry Plett and 1, billeted together at the EMC convention, talked far into the night. Being a Christian sometimes seems like being a fighter who, after initially triumphing over a tough opponent, immediately finds another to face. After that one, there is yet another. 1 sugPAGES
gested that we probably shouldn’t tell the “new people” this, and he agreed that this was almost policy already, that the understanding of Christianity on this level was called “maturing.” The next day we were reminded that a child would be unlikely to obey God if he couldn’t respect and obey his parents; the same youth who wouldn’t obey his parents would have a hard time obeying his teachers, his employ ers, or the criminal justice system. Then came the challenge: as parents we are to foster certain traits in our children by constantly modelling proper behaviour (being respecf-able), “honing them toward God” much as we sharpen a knife by many equal and repetitive strokes. What are these traits? Honesty with in tegrity, self-control, self-discipline, respect for God and for others, and submission to God’s will for us.
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lastor Henry and 1 agreed that being nice and re spectable all the time is not easy. Attaining to the perfection of Christ might take a long time, not to mention intentional and conscious effort. The process might never be really “over”; but there is nothing better to do with life than to try, and we would. We were reminded that the family was God’s first cre ated community, in the garden He equally blessed both man and women. Today, God still wants both parents to be godly leaders in our homes; He wants the new genera tion of men to take on a more equal role with their wives, who have formerly done most of the child-rearing. Our families are to be a commentary written by God, cured of our so-called natural self-centredness. As such, we are to serve as a witness, reflecting God-likeness to a watching world. As parents and neighbours, we are to be gentle, honest, humble and self-controlled. Our task as parents as we raise our children is to make them gently less dependent on us, and more dependent on God. We want them to leave the nest, yes, but not to become totally independent and autonomous. We want them to move into the larger family of God, the church family, to do Kingdom work, to work in the world and to serve it knowing God as the source of all our experiences, and passing this knowledge along, in turn, to their own fami lies. Passing on the beliefs and skills that God wants in His children is to be our desire and our goal.
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Cole Clifford (back left) stands with ministers who have served or currently serve as pastor of Island Gospel Fellowship in Burns Lake, B.C.: John Toews, Ed Peters, Henry Plett, and Arden Thiessen. Since all EMC churches are his parish. Conference Pastor David Thiessen appears too. This photo was taken at the EMC Convention in Tillsonburg, Ontario, where Cole attended as a delegate.
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aving written down what 1 considered to be the main ideas of the annual convention, the next step ■for me before Sunday morning was to get it into “speech form.” From school days, 1 recalled a concept for examination preparation: condense the needed informa tion to certain key facts of phrases, the reading of which would stimulate recollection of the greater amount. When ten pages was reduced to four and studied hard, the same procedure was again applied, until the conden sation process produced one page. This 1 did Saturday afternoon and again in the evening, until the notes 1 would use for Sunday morning’s sermon took only a file-sized card, to keep me “on track.” The cool, grey drizzle at 8 a.m. didn’t dampen my spirit. 1 was confident! 1 was prepared! 1 applied the condensa tion process to my little file card one last time, had break fast with my family and drove to the church. Moments later 1 was introduced as the bearer of The Message. 1 climbed the three stairs to the podium and faced the congregation. It wasn’t a good sign—they looked nervous. My mind went blank. Ten seconds went by (or was it ten years?) in total silence. “Look at your card,” my wife silently mouthed to me. Card? What card? Oh, that card! 1 did. 1 laid hold of God’s promise to help me. He would have to be totally in charge this day, because, by now, the con densed version of my sermon said only, “Be nicer to eve ryone.” And so, 1 began.... ■
Peace Packet The 2001 Peace Sunday packet invites Ca nadian Mennonite and Brethren in Christ con gregations to join in a faithful, prayerful act of solidarity with churches in Colombia. At Such a Time as This: Anabaptists in Co lombia and Canada Respond to God’s Call for Peace in Colombia is designed to be used in congregations around November 11. It was prepared by MCC Ontario. The Peace Sunday packets will be sent to most Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Canada. For more information, contact your provincial MCC office.
17** annual EMCup Hockey Tournament November 9-11, 2001 Hoping for 20 teams this year! Games in Steinbach and Mitchell, Man. Toonies for Nicaragua Phone 204-.'i26-650.3 or e-mail rdyckl2(d home.com
MCC Canada
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Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta
PEACE 1 WALKED along the lovely dike path along the Peace River where it flows though the town of Peace River, Alberta. Across the gentle eddies and swirls of the water was a large island. 1 watched the deer feeding peacefully in the warmth of the early morn ing sun. All around was peace, but my heart was in turmoil. Tears flowed. 1 had to be careful 1 didn’t lose my footing and tum ble down the steep banks of the dike. My thoughts went to the hospital where my husband, Glen, lay waiting to be trans ferred to Edmonton for open-heart bypass surgery. The doctor had warned us it was unsafe for him to leave, since severe block ages to the blood vessels feeding his heart could cause a massive heart attack at any time. Then someone prayed and God sent His peace. We had left La Crete in good spirits, be ginning our trip to Manitoba for our young est son’s wedding. The stop in Peace River was supposed to be brief. One simple stress test and then we’d be on our way. Then we received the devastating news; our plans changed. Glen urged me to go to the wedding any way. The doctor said he was sure the sur gery would not be scheduled for about two weeks, so it was all right for me to leave. It was hard to leave him. A two-hour drive to Grande Prairie and several plane changes brought me to Winnipeg. My sons and their wives were there to support me. The wedding was lovely, but 1 missed my husband so much. Reading a welcome to Jill, which Glen had written from his hos pital bed, proved too much for me. Thank fully, my oldest son rescued me and fin ished the reading. Tears flowed. Then someone prayed and God sent His peace. Surgery was scheduled for Monday. Glen would be medivaced on Sunday. We were excited and happy that the wait was fi nally over. Then the news: two heart trans plants had been done on Wednesday and there would be no beds available until Fri day. We rejoiced that two people had re ceived new hearts, but it was hard to wait
again. Our hearts were heavy. Then someone prayed and God sent His peace. Friday Glen’s surgery was bumped again, with a new date set for Tuesday. Early Sat urday morning my sister phoned, “Mom has gone home....” We had received news earlier that week that my mother was not doing well, but this seemed very sudden. 1 drove to the hospital, and we wept together, even though we were thankful she had been released and was now at home where she had longed to go for so long. What to do? My family was willing to wait with the fu neral until after Glen’s surgery; but would he be bumped again? Decisions had to be made. It was difficult. Then someone prayed and God sent His peace. Surgery was in process. My daughter-inlaw and 1 sat in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) waiting room, waiting. The surgeon had stated that it would take four hours. Those four hours had passed without any word. The clock just didn’t seem to be moving. Anxious thoughts chased each other around my mind. Then someone prayed and God sent His peace. Wednesday mid-morning Glen was trans ferred from ICU to his room. We sat with him, but talking was hard for him. The tubes had been removed from his throat, but the irritation had made him hoarse. I had to leave by three that afternoon to fly to Manitoba for my mother’s funeral. How could 1 leave him in this state? Guilt and anxiety threatened to take over. Then someone prayed and God sent His peace. It was wonderful to see our children again and feel the love of the extended family. The funeral was a celebration of my mother’s life, but it was difficult to say this final goodbye. How wonderful is the wider Christian family! So many greeted and hugged me on that day, assuring me of their love and prayers for Glen. And 1 could answer confidently, even through tears: Yes, I know you prayed because God sent His peace. This column is written to encourage you. Women of Faith, to keep on praying and interceding. Pray for those suffering be cause of recent terrorist attacks. Pray for world leaders that they will act with wis dom and restraint, so that suffering may be mitigated rather than escalated. God does answer your prayers. I know from experience.
This column is written to encourage you, Women o£ Faith, to keep on praying and interceding.
SHE DIDN'T WANT ME . . . She didn't want or need me To dust, do laundry, mop the floor. Or do her annual cleaning. Help plant the vegetables and flowers.
She didn't want or need my help To cook, and bake, do canning. Or stock the freezer, fill the shelves. Slave over the stove for countless. She wanted me just to relax. Put up my feet, enjoy my tea. We'd sit and talk, we'd laugh and cry, And have our heart-to-heart again. She wanted just to be together. We'd watch the children romp and play. We'd sing and laugh, we'd tease and giggle. Each day was different, none the same. She wanted me to share the fun Of bathing twins so full of life. To marvel how God made each one How they are precious in His sight. She wanted me to make new memories As with the oldest one I'd play. We'd make a tent; we'd play with Legos, We'd wrestle and pretend to fight.
We gazed at photos, old and new. Reliving and remembering. We dreamed of future things to come. And knew God shaped our destiny.
The gift of time spent in the sharing Was treasured more than any help. She didn't need what I could do. She wanted me for me. Karin Ristau Edmonton, Alberta Several times throughout the year I visit my daugh ter and son-in-law, Evelyn and Rev. Timothy Krahn, in High Level, Alberta. They have been serving the Lord in your conference church there for a while now. I wrote a poem about my visits and how my daughter has taught me a valuable lesson... I hope that other mothers will also learn that the gift of time spent with our children and grandchildren has a more lasting value. Some how, all the other stuff eventually gets done too. Karin Ristau ?.t.
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OCTOBER 3, 2001
PAGE 7
Excerpts since September 11 From a sermon on September 23 by John Schlamp at Aberdeen EMC, Winnipeg, Manitoba:
certain of what might happen tomorrow. Evil was no longer a facade or dressed up in a vague disguise. Hatred had a major playday. Yet love
From an open letter to the evan gelical community by Gary R. Walsh, president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
IMAGINE FOR just one brief moment, if will reign for all eternity. We saw a glimpse of heaven and a you dare.... WE, AS ALL Canadians, were horrified by If, instead of our aid workers leaving Af miracle in the meltdown of people's the events of September 11, 2001. We ghanistan long before they had a chance hearts. condemn all acts of terror. We have also to consider the danger they were in, Where we were on the morning of Tues been moved by the heroic efforts of res Christians from all over the world, includ day, September eleventh, will never cue workers, family members and private ing southern Manitoba, would have made fade from our memory. citizen volunteers as they have struggled their way over there—to be there, to help The Bible says, "Love must be sincere, to cope with the enormity of that day. set up refugee shelters, to accompany our to hate what is evil and to cling to what As Christians, our first response is to pray. aid workers and the local Afghani is good, loving others above ourselves." We pray for peace. We pray for wisdom people...Would it then be as easy for our Jesus said this from the start. for the world leaders-that they would be We will one day reign with Him. There destruction-minded governments to set wise and just in their response to the acts sail with mill might? will be a sweet victory. of violence. We pray for the families of ...Jeremiah weei or he would have if those who were killed. We also pray for he could he ve found the tears. God From a letter sent September 14 by the perpetrators of the violence. We pray weeps. It’s G )d's voire we hear through MCC Canada Executive Director that God will touch their hearts and that Jeremiah. Je; us said a similar thing: Donald Peters to Prime Minister they will turn away from violence. We often 1 woulq hc^fc|atnered everybody Jean Chretien and The Honourable pray that people’s minds and hearts will John Manley, Minister for Foreign Af in a group h mother hen not turn to violence when faced with vio refused to fairs and International Trade: lence. All persons of faith pray that love join ^^^ian>6pecies has will overcome evil in the hearts of all. y to decia«4ts own LIKE PEOPLE all over the world, we are We call on our government, and all world Htftdxiurselv&s^Hcjs, horrified by the terrorist attacks in New leaders, to seek an appropriate and just fate. The of our own'^oirig?'^ " and Washington on September 11. response to these acts of terror. Such a Individuals arqjiol nearly alv^ys in con WBjgds can adequately describe the response demands that the perpetrators trol of their des^S^*ftig^^oiJ< 'ork ®Ci(|pg Hof thfescTrcts^-Wejoin with millions in be brought to justice, that innocent per workers did not chob&^/to?Bl*»i^igj>T3fe^ng for ths.;yi c ti msaTlcHhakj^ i I i e s. sons not be harmed, and that in so doing, tember 11. But we, as eahhfings, creaf?^»tln^,^O»eless,, wefhave very deep~Pon~ Hienjle of law and due process is rethe world we live in. These cir&-«njr peo- cerns atSio^the vvfesl^ if ifegjfr^^that specf5tb-We^eek justice, not vengeance, pie, together we have fashione9'Hie^2'S6em§_^ be^e^ming. po<-f f ^m^propriaJe just response will world the way it is, we are responsible7"''^TbiJity^51^«Ct}§;nqni wk^lj^^TOlaaeBtfijraland muTfiha■Uional police, we have guilt. The nobility of having say the supporrftat-oiji^ [tries, inch „lJLI!lliiilijiiiii|fldIjnteffigence nii^i I IL L initi. initiatrV^ as well ichactior/ as initiativ^lWBtsaddlg^t^Wpkilitical, in our destiny means also that we can ing Canada, might give" Even if it is eventually fouiHb|faatltB£^ ecOiTOHaiiLand social coffHBhuj^a^the have some effect in changing the world we live in. individual perpetrators come froiTLCoum JLhat often givesnSse jusflftsponseis^lso We may not be able to exert enough tries outside of North America, it is cleaY-^ -TO acts of vioieriCe7-A4uS?fcsponsej»^lso influence to turn around the USS that these countries include millions of measured and transparent, and alone can Theodore Roosevelt with 15,000 soldiers people of many faiths, who are as oplead to healing and understanding. aboard, but we can treat our neighbours posed to terrorism as we are. If all these To our neighbours in the Muslim commu with dignity. And, to take a lesson from people will be made to suffer because of nity, we extend our hand of understanding Jeremiah, we can identify today with the actions of a few, then the world will and friendship. People of faith, and indeed those who are suffering today. Suffering become less secure, not more secure. We all Canadians, have reason to be deeply the loss ofloved ones in a crumbling high- believe that violence begets violence, concerned with recent acts of violence suf rise office tower. Suffering the loss of and, while a military strike may serve to fered by the Muslim community in Canada. home because of the impending danger, satisfy demands for swift and decisive Assigning blame to a group for the actions These are our people. These are the action, it will likely invite more violence of a few, whether the group is character daughters of our friends. They are not to ’ in the " future. ‘ ized by race, country of origin or religion, is The search for security requires careful contrary to the principles of justice, the rule be known primarily as Muslims; instead they are to be known primarily as chil consideration. of law, and the right to be free from op We believe that the best foundation for pression. Those who verbally or physically dren of the Creator God, in the same way we are. And so we weep and hope and long term security is justice. Sadly, this is assault innocent persons mirror the acts of pray: Let there be peace. seriously lacking in contemporary inter terrorism that have caused our nation and national relations. We urge you and your others to mourn for all who have suffered From a poem by Roberta Loughrin, colleagues to strengthen Canada’s efforts loss. We all suffer from these acts. to promote justice and mutual respect Kleefeld, Manitoba: In our pluralistic Canadian society there for all people. should be room for faith diversity. Toler On Tuesday September eleventh the ance and religious freedom go hand in hand, We believe that the best and are the cornerstone of a free society. entire country watched in horror. We were numbed by the unspeakable Soundation (or long term We call upon all Canadians to be respectful attack that took the world by surprise. Security iS jUStlCe. of the faith beliefs of others and to treat This continent came to a stop and felt unthem with dignity and sensitivity. PAGE 8
THE MESSENGER
Missionary Fellowship held on August 23 The EMC Missionary Fellowship was held on the evening of August 23 at Steinbach Bible College. After supper and introductions. Confer ence Youth Minister Gerald Reimer led in singing. Jake Knelsen, Board of Missions chair man, gave a devotional from Acts 14. He found there a pattern of church planting involving preaching, teaching, discipleship, leadership, and reporting to the church. Knelsen then moved to Acts 15, where a council decided not to add burdens to Gentiles coming to the Lord. The workers went on a missionary journey. At Lystra, Timothy, a young leader, was recruited by Paul. It was good for Timothy and churches along the way; it was also good for Timo thy’s home church to be part of the wider church. The workers had a message—the coun cil’s decision—to counter suspicion that Gentile conversions were invalid. Like young people from one Canadian prov ince surprised to meet Christians from another, the picture of the church needs to grow. The EMC is a small church and we need Christians from other countries to tell us that the church is there also. He led in prayer. Lester Olfert, foreign secretary, read 1
Retired, active and newty-appointed mission workers, board members and some national missions staff met on August 23 for a fellowship evening. (photo by editor)
Chronicles 16:8, which focuses on making God’s glory known among the nations. “That’s what we want to do tonight,” said Olfert. Workers were asked to share briefly. Among comments were: it is a year after surgery; an estimated 500 Mexican work ers live in Brandon; pray for “the fire that burns within”; pray for leadership for Burkina Faso; adult children raised in very
conservative settings struggle to know when they can disobey parents; praise God for people going to Mexico. The missionaries sang a song that in cluded the words All that we are, all that we see; We sacrifice all to Thee. They were encouraged to move into small groups for sharing and prayer. Terry M. Smith
November 4 set aside to remember persecuted Christians November 4 is the date chosen for the International Day of Prayer for the Perse cuted Church, an event supported by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, of which the EMC is a partner. Christians from all over Canada and from more than 130 countries will pray for those who are persecuted for their faith. Daily in over 60 countries around the world, Chris tians face potential curest, torture, and even death simply because of their faith in Je sus Christ. The World Evangelical Fellowship, glo bal sponsor of the IDOPJ estimates that 200 million Christians face persecution for their faith at the present time. A resource kit is available for $25. Re sources include country profiles, sermon notes and other worship materials, a fiveminute video, a 21-day devotional guide, and a PowerPoint presentation. Prayer con cerns can be found at www.idop.ca For further information or to order the resource kit, phone 905-479-5885, fax 905479-4742, or e-mail idop@efc-canada.com IDOP sources OCTOBER 3, 2001
Determined to plant more churches! On August 23, the EMC Canadian Church Planters’ Consultation was held at Steinbach Bible College. Present were (back) Edwin Plett of Taber, Alta.; General Secretary Len Barkman; Jake Enns of Tilisonburg, Ont.; John Wail of Straffordville, Ont.; Conroy Koop of Calgary, Alta.; Board of Missions chairman Jake Knelsen; Hernan Benitez of Winnipeg, Man.; Trudy Dueck of Arborg, Man.; (middle) Peter and Elma Reimer of Leamington, Ont.; Anna Enns of Tilbury, Ont.; Lorna Wall of Straffordville, Ont.; Dave Wiebe of Tilisonburg, Ont.; Canadian Secretary David Thiessen; Peter Dueck of Arborg, Man.; (front) Faye Barkman of Landmark, Man.; Anna and Abe Bueckert, now of Taber, Alta., Audrey Wiebe of Tilisonburg, Ont.; and Merna Thiessen of Winnipeg, Man. (photo by editor)
PAGE 9
Abe Bergen installed as SBC’s president On Friday, September 14, Abe Bergen of Kleefeld, Manitoba, was installed as the sixth president in the history of Steinbach Bible College. Don Thiessen led in song. Reg Toews, a friend and local administrator, spoke supportively of Abe Bergen. Toews also spoke of challenges facing the college: to examine its role in the community; to re tain its Anabaptist distinctives; and to work with, yet not be absorbed by, Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg. Don Thiessen, acting president, passed on to Bergen a scroll symbolic of being presi dent. The chair, Dave Reimer, thanked Don Thiessen for serving as interim president, and conferred the office of president on Bergen. Guests brought greetings from Providence College and Seminary, Canadian Mennonite University, Catherine Booth Bible College, the city of Steinbach, and the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges. Because SBC is an inter-Mennonite college, moderators of three conferences prayed for the col lege’s new president. A lunch followed. Terry M. Smith
On September 14 Conference moderators Dick Wiebe of Chortitzer Mennonite Conference, Frank Friesen of EMMC, and Harvey Plett of EMC prayed for Abe Bergen during his installation as president of Steinbach Bible College. (photo by editor)
South Africa
Chickens, CHEs and AIDS I WAS going home after a men’s meeting in the country. It was late and the visibility was poor as I passed a busy intersection, Beside the road, people were waiting for taxis. In the middle of the road was a chicken. I didn’t see in time that a large brood of baby chicks accompa nied their mother. I tried to swerve, but couldn’t miss some baby chicks. I was upset with myself for the brutal end to life that I brought on these innocent little lives. 1 was also upset with whomever the owner was, that he would let his chicks be destroyed on the road. And what about the bystanders who saw the danger of the chicks, but did nothing to protect them? Consider yourself an owner or bystander and you have a responsibility both to those who by their lifestyle expose themselves to HIV/AIDS and to those who suffer from this dreadful disease. As members of the body of Christ God expects us to be the responsible person and to act on His bePAGE 10
half (1 Peter 2:9). It doesn’t appear that God will answer the prayer for a cure to this disease until we change our lifestyle. Many who con form to this lifestyle be long to a low level of soci ety. The gospel, when it comes on wheels that ad dress the needs of the whole person, can change that lifestyle. We will host a Medi cal ^Ambassadors Interna tional seminar (Oct. 29 to Nov. 3) to which we are inviting the church to send suitable persons. They will be trained to select and prepare promising men and women from their congregations to be Community Health Evangelists (CHEs). After two years, these CHEs will work with families in their communities and minister to their physical and spiritual needs. The emphasis is to minister to the whole person and to the whole family. Each one will be taught to address AIDS prevention and to minister to AIDS victims and their families.
This is a church-based program and re quires the church to be on board from the start. It’s a big commitment because the program needs funds to function, and most of our folk come from very low eco nomic backgrounds. Joe Reimer
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Olga and Joe Reimer (Blumenort) serve in Natal province, South Africa, in church development and education. THE MESSENGER
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Campout capers V:1
Rosenort, Man.:
Baptism and picnic
On Sunday, June 3, Rosenort EMC held a baptism service. New members through baptism and transfer are Ainsley Friesen, Tyler Kornelsen, Josh Friesen, Norm Peters, Becky Friesen (transfer), (front) Lindsay Brandt, Carly Loewen and Joel Brandt. Pastor George Toews officiated. In the evening we celebrated communion and footwashing, praying together in small groups afterwards.
Our Sunday school picnic took place on June 10. The hayride was a highlight for the children: Chase Yellowquill, Angelena Peters, Andrew Fehr (standing), Brittany Kroeker, ____ ..a,Hildebrandt, Christina Fast, Rebecca Penner, Hannah Penner (standing), Jonathon Terrilee Waldner, Riley Scharfenberg, Evan Scharfenberg, Susan Dueck, Nicolas Reimer, Jeremy Stoesz, Julia Fast, Angela Dueck, Lindi Dueck, Lance Dueck, Calvin Dueck, Rachel Waldner, Carlos Bartsch, and Joseph Penner. Loriiee Scharfenberg
OCTOBER 3, 2001
could
based organizations. For more informa tion, contact Bob Wiebe, ministry employment@providence.mb.ca The job bank is found at http:// wvvw.ministryemployment.com
either bike or hike. A wiener roast beside -=**-— *-=' the lake followed. On August 23, we welcomed home Nicole and her parents, Pete and Dolores Dyck, with a party at Cam and Pam Dyck’s. They spent nearly five weeks in a Lon don, Ont. hospital where Nicole under went testing and brain surgery as treat ment for seizures she has experienced in the past years. We thank God for the way Nicole has recovered and for what appears to have been a successful surgery.
PTS
Eleanor Friesen
Providence launches job bank MinistryEmployment.com, an interactive job-bank, was launched September 20 as a free ministry service by Providence College and Seminary. It is a job search and placement resource for employ ment Ccindidates and Christian ministry-
Roseisle, Man.: On the evening of July 27, we pitched our tents and leveled our campers as we set up for our bi-annual church campout at Stephenfield Provin cial Park. This is an event we always look forward to, and this time was no excep tion. Friday night found us getting acquainted with our weekend teammates in some unusual ways—each team tied itself in a knot and then tried to untangle themselves without letting go of each other’s hands. Some managed to accomplish this success fully. There was one team, however, who, if we had not insisted they stop trying, might still be there today! We also met our guest speakers for the first time. Albert and Maureen Dean came to us from Winnipeg where they work with CSSM. They affectionately came to be known as “Mr. and Mrs. Moose” because of a visit from one of Maureen’s “little friends.” Albert encouraged and chal lenged us in our Christian walk through the four sessions during the weekend. Maureen shared valuable lessons through her puppet ministry. Saturday kept us busy with a variety of activities, such as sand sculptures, relays and a “wet and wild” five-gallon pail bas ketball game. We all came to know and respect Maryanne in a new way during that game! The day ended with a delicious ice cream trough and, like the night be fore, a fun and laughter-filled late night campfire. Those who had energy left spent Sun day afternoon participating in a bike rally, boating and water skiing. Most of us went home that night very tired and rather sun burned, but with pleasant and happy memories of another terrific weekend spent together with our church family. Other activities of the summer have in cluded working on our building and prop erty. A permanent stage was built and our parking lot was developed after the demo lition of our old building. Promotion Sunday was held on August 26, with promotion exercises held during the morning worship service. The afternoon activity included an ABC scavenger
PAGE 11
9
Winnipeg, Man. (Fort Garry): My name is Emily. 1 have schizophrenia. My faith story has been rather complicated maybe partly because of it. I came to live with my foster family when I was five. Although my foster family loved me very much, they sometimes expected me to do things 1 could not do. Sometimes 1 couldn’t concentrate. Sometimes I talked to pastors and they thought my problems were because of my sin so it became difficult to trust them. I felt very confused and misunderstood and that God was too busy to listen to a person like me. Later in life I talked to a friend who also has depression. He said if depression was due to sin then everyone should have depression, because we’ve all sinned. Fi nally it seemed as if people were begin ning to understand mental illness! 1 went to the Selkirk Mental Health Cen tre and even there 1 often felt misunder stood. 1 spent about four and a half years in Selkirk. 1 had lots of downs. My autoharp and Irma’s Saturday visits were my only comforts. Often when 1 got up in the morn ing 1 would play Be Still and Know That I Am God on my harp until 1 stopped crying and could face the day. When I found out 1 was leaving the hospital 1 played How Great Thou Art. I was one happy Emily. Eventually I went to live in the commu-
Emily Neufeld, a member of Fort Garry EMC, shared part of her faith story at her church’s camp earlier in summer.
nity. This was not a good experience ei ther. So again 1 played. Be Still and Know on my harp. One weekend my landlady went to visit her daughter. She left another boarder who also had schizophrenia and me alone to take care of things. I didn’t know what to do except to commit sui cide. I ordered all my pills and got the other boarder out of the house. He was just leav ing when the phone rang. It was Irma call ing to tell me to get ready because she
would pick me up for the weekend in about half an hour. When she heard how things were going she told me 1 would not go back there again. I was totally overwhelmed. I cried a lot. Irma understood schizophrenia a lot better by then so she was able to under stand me better. It was easier to believe that God was lis tening even though not all my prayers were answered. When 1 looked back I could of ten see how God had carried me even when it felt as if He was off skiing in the Alps. And one night 1 had a powerful dream. 1 dreamt that I was holding unto a narrow ledge with my right hand. When 1 looked down it was dark and scary. It looked as if there were spikes below pointing up to wards me. Three fingers slipped and 1 was holding on with just my pinky finger. I knew 1 couldn’t hold on much longer. 1 closed my eyes tightly and let myself fall. Instead of falling into the spikes, 1 fell into some thing soft and cuddly. 1 opened my eyes and looked around and noticed that it wasn’t spikes at all. Rather 1 had fallen into the hand of God. Instead of doom it was a new beginning. That doesn’t mean 1 haven’t had any bad days since, but it reassured me that God was there, somehow, somewhere, and that things would work out. Emily Neufeld
Greetings from the Brandon EMC Brandon, Man.: June 24 was the last Sunday school be fore the summer holidays! The Sunday school depart ment had their wind-up, which included outdoor games and baking some goodies. They invited the adult class to share the refreshments with them. In the evening, our church group went to Esther and Erwin Plett’s in scenic Wawanesa, Man., for a chicken barbecue. Thanks to our great chefs, the chicken was excellent! The trampoline in their backyard was a hit with the younger generation. Aug. 3-5 was our annual church campout at Max Lake (was it too hot for anyone?) The weather was fantastic for the many water activities we enjoyed. About five families came out on Friday and stayed until Sunday afternoon. A few more came out on Saturday and Sunday. We enjoyed water skiing, knee boarding, wake boarding, waterfall building, collecting rocks, snorkelling, fishing (we even had a tiny taste of fish for supper) firesides, singing, and the fellowship with our Christian friends. On Sunday morn ing we gathered together to make a joyful noise to the Lord in song, and charades (acting out different characters in the Bible), a reading and prayer. As of Sept. 2 our students have once again started school, college and university. A prayer was said for the students re turning to university; Jon Warkentin, taking engineering at the University of Toronto; Lisa Warkentin, at the University of Mani toba (Brandon) for nursing; James Warkentin at Prairie Bible College; Krista Warkentin, working towards her bachelor of PAGE 12
On Sunday morning a service was held at Max Lake.
education at Brandon University; and John Chihonik, at Brandon University getting a bachelor of arts. We ask you, the conference, to pray for our church family as we will be deciding the future of our church. Sylvia Plett THE MESSENGER
The way of the cross is home Mount Salem, Ont.: This was the theme of this year’s Easter program held on Good Friday. The program was very well at tended (standing room only) and very well done. The combination of narrative and song was balanced well, effectively telling the story of Christ. One of the songs, / will follow the way of the cross, has been modelled by many in our church since then. Some of the youth followed the way of the cross when they went on a missions trip to West Virginia in July. A group of seven, and youth pastor Jaime Froese, left on July 14 to assist for a week in flood relief. They spent the week cleaning up mud and doing a few VBS nights with the kids.
Sue Loewen, a university student home for the summer, took on the task of organ izing VBS this summer. She did an amazing job of pulling together willing helpers and gave the kids a week to remember. Thank you. Sue and all your diligent helpers! It is hard to believe that September is already here. Although there were Sun days during the summer when families away camping made the church seem empty, there will now be some semi-permanent empty spaces in our pews. These are the spaces of all those who have gone off to school, some to university and oth ers to college. We again have a number of students who have followed God’s lead ing to SBC. All our absent students will be
missed. We wish you Godspeed as you journey along the path where God is lead ing you. Helena Guenther
John Enns, a participant in the youth’s mission trip, moves mud off a playground in West Virginia.
The combination of narrative and song was balanced well, effectively telling the story of Christ during the Easter program held on Good Friday.
Youth help to clean a church basement.
Members, breakfast, and an election Taber, Alta.: On May 6 David Sawatzky and Tina Klassen were baptised into the body of believers in Christ. The church also received two members Tina Dyck (May 6) and Henry Guenther (May 20). On June 16, a ladies breakfast was held at the church. After the meal, prepared by a few church ladies, guest speaker Leona Friesen from Wymark, Sask., gave an en couraging and humorous message. Leona used practical object lessons to illustrate how we could combine meditation and intercession with household chores. After congregational prayer for a deacon couple, Pete and Anna Wall were elected unanimously. Their commissioning serv ice was held on June 17. Willie Thiessen brought the message; he is a brother-inlaw and pastor of Tween Valley Christian Fellowship, a nearby Kleine Gemeinde church. The couple has accepted their new position with joy; Pete and Anna look for ward to serving the Lord in this area. The church enjoyed a beautiful day at Barnwell Park on June 24. Starting at 10:30, the outdoor service included singing, per OCTOBER 3, 2001
sonal testimonies, and a brief message by pastor Edwin Plett. The day’s activities included a barbecue lunch, games, races, a balloon toss, pihatas for the youth and children, and a sponta neous water fight. It was a chance for the church family to interact and grow closer both on a personal and spiritual level. Tina Wiebe
Henry Guenther was received into membership on May 20 by pastor Edwin Plett.
I
David Sawatzky, Tina Klassen and Tina Dyck became members on May 6 at Taber EMC. Pastoral couple Lillian and Edwin Plett stand with them.
Anna and Pete Wall were commissioned as our deacon couple on June 17. Conference Pastor David Thiessen led the service.
PAGE 13
TRI-CYA church planters appointed
Church finance seminar
The TRI-CYA Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew and Arnie Reimer to the church planter position in north-end Winnipeg. Andrew is a member of Steinbach EMC and Arnie is a member of Altona EMMC. The TRI-CYA Church Plant is sponsored and supported by 1 EMMC, CMC and EMC with a relationship with ICYA ministries and programs. The long-term Arnie and Andrew Reimer goal is to initiate a church in Winnipeg's North End that will affiliate with a wider body of evangelical believers. This church will be self-governing and will express itself in ways that are relevant to local culture. The Reimers' assignment commenced September 15, 2001. You are requested to pray for Andrew and Arnie as they begin this exciting, as well as challenging, outreach ministry. TRI-CYA Council
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Of use to church treasuers, church board/council mem bers, and pastors.
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Topics: designated giving and receipting, payroll is sues, legal basis for operating charities in Canada, accounting and financial controls.
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KLASSEN - to Denver and Tammy Klassen of Steinbach, Man., a son. Tanner Jayden, on February 24, 2001. KRAHN - to Peter and Sue Krahn of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Brielle Payton, on April 30, 2001. FROESE - to Jaime and Mary Froese of Vienna, Ont., a daughter, Kayla Marie, on May 9, 2001. FRIESEN - to Nathan and Bobbi-Jo Friesen of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Kirsten Randi, on June 6, 2001. REMPEL - to Camden and Jennifer Rempel of Rosenort, Man., a son, Jameson Isaiah, bom June 5, 2001 and placed in their home June 12, 2001.
CWatt^ BANMAN - KLASSEN: Isaak Banman and Margaret Klassen were married on April 28, 2001 at the Mount Salem EMC, with Menno Kroeker of Rosenort, Man., officiating. The couple lives in Aylmer, Ont. KLASSEN - MULLIGAN: Joel, son of Ernie and Noreen Klassen of Steinbach, Man., and Erin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mulligan of Brandon, Man., were married on May 26, 2001 at the Steinbach EMC with Hans Rcihn officiating. The couple lives in Steinbach. SUDERMAN - JANZEN: Anton Suderman of Delhi, Ont., and Katherina Louise Janzen of Langton, Ont., were married on May 26, 2001, in Mount Salem, Ont., with David Wiebe of Tillsonburg, Ont., officiating. The couple lives in Delhi. BANMAN SIEMENS: John Banman of Kitchener, Ont., and Beki, daughter of Bill and Kathy Siemens of Aylmer, Ont., were married on June 23, 2001 at the Mount Salem EMC, with Leonard Barkman of Mount Salem, Ont., officiating. The couple lives in Kitchener. WOLFE - REMPEL: Jason, son of Dave and Martha Wolfe of Virden, Man., and Jennifer, daughter of Norm and Emily Rempel of Mitchell, Man., were married on June 23, 2001 at Ttirtle Mountain Bible Camp, Boissevain, Man., with David Thiessen of Griswold, Man., officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg. PAGE 14
Presenters: Henry Friesen, C.A.; Reinnie Brandt, C.A.; Henry Thiessen, EMMC head office. Time: 9:3O-4;3Q Cost $15 (includes lunch and cof fee breaks) )
s Places: s%
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■ avcwww*
October 27 Braeside EMC, Witinipeg, Man. November 3 Westmount Evangelical Church, Saskatoon, Sask. November 17 Aylmer EMMC, Aylmer, Ont.
Register by phone (204-326-6401), fax (204-326-1613), or e-mail henryk2@mts.net or mail: EMC, Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0. Please include name, church, and choice of location. For information, call Henry . Klassen at 204-326-6068.
Food for Fun and Fellowship is back! Did you think they were gone for good? Your last chance had disappeared? You were sadly missing out?
Well, think again! Featuring around 600 recipes from the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Food for Fun and Fellowship, first printed in 1998, is back. You can once again get your copies at the Conference office in Steinbach, Hull’s Family Bookstore in Steinbach and in Winnipeg (as of Nov. 1), or use this form to order your copies by mail. (Cookbook orders received before Dec. 7 will be shipped by the IO”, allowing two weeks to get to you for Christmas giving.)
Name:
Address:
z'
Phone:
Church: Send me
books at $14.00 each
Plus shipping and handling Total enclosed Return to: Melanie Frayle, RO. Box 8, Grp. 18, R.R.1 Steinbach, MB ROA RAO (cheques payable to Melanie Frayle) Phone: 204-355-4060
Shipping and Handling: To Manitoba or Saskatchewan: 1-3 books $4.50, 4 or more books $5.80 To Alberta or Ontario: 1-3 books $6.00,4 or more books $7.00 To B.C. or Quebec: 1-3 books $6.80, 4 or more books $8.20
THE MESSENGER
Camp Ames is looking to hire a full-time cook for its year-round ministry. If interested pleeise call 204-338-4647.
Wynyard Gospel Church (EMMC), located in southern Saskatchewan, seeks a full-time pas tor with an appreciation for small-town, rural life. The congregation averages 40 to 50 on Sunday morning, and comes from various church and cultural backgrounds. A pastor who could do well would be strong at visiting and relating to people, be able in preaching and teaching, and have at least limited administra tive ability. The pastorate is currently available, with a flexible starting time. Contact Dennis Dell, congregational chairperson, by phone 306-554-3117, fax 306-554-3118, or Box 371, Wynyard. SK SOA 4T0. 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 IWO, phone 204-7462866 (home) or 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 STS-
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Main speaker: Dr. Nancy Eiseland, associate professor, Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, Georgia
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 OCTOBER 3, 2001
Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg, MB, seeks a full-time volunteer coordinator. Applicants must be self-motivated and eager to build relationships. The successful candidate will be responsible for recruiting, processing, and training volunteers for all aspects of ICYA's ministry. They will participate in ministering to youth through the various ICYA programs and will be required to raise their own support. ICYA is a vibrant and growing ministry in Win nipeg's north end, striving to bring hope and a future through Christ to youth and their fami lies in the inner city. For a job description, contact Chris Eidse: phone 204-582-8779, 418 Aberdeen Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7, e-mail: icya@escape.ca Information on ICYA Is available at www.innercityyouthalive.org
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), or email alwiebe@escape.ca Kleefeld EMC, in Kleefeld, Man., is looking for an associate pastor to primarily work with the youth program in a support and relational capacity. Other duties include Christian education and music ministry, with minimal administrative duties. Please direct applications and inquiries to Dean Kamstra, Box 21, Kleefeld, MB ROA OVO or dkamstra@elifeswine.com
Red Rock Bible Camp, in southeastern Mani toba, seeks a year-round maintenance direc tor. Experience and training in maintenance and construction industry is preferred. Agree ment with the camp’s mission and statement of faith is necessary. Must be service oriented, work well with people, and be a team player. Housing, partial board, salary, medical and dental benefits provided. Send resume to RRBC, Box 790, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0. Phone: 204-326-9784. Fax: 204-326-1387. Email: rrbc@redrockbiblecamp.com Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support re quires a community development worker to work with volunteers to design and co ordinate community support programs for refugee claimants in Kitchener-Waterloo, On tario, MCRS has supported refugee claim ants in Kitchener-Waterloo for over 15 years. Main duties will be recruiting and training volunteers; working with refugee claimants, community and government agencies; ad vocacy; and public education. Desired quali fications include volunteer co-ordination ex perience, ability to work on many projects simultaneously, cultural sensitivity, strong in terpersonal skills and strong personal support network, basic computer skills, and fluency in English (other languages an asset). This fulltime (part-time possible) position Is to start December 1. For more information contact Cathy Woolner at MCC Ontario, 519-745-8485, or MCRS at 519-571-1912.
Coming Events October 7 World Relief Sunday Grow a fyliracle Your church World Relief Canada Phone: 1-800-567-8190 October 12-13 Enlarging the Circle A cross-disability conference about inclusive worship and church life Calvary Temple Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-982-4689
October 12 Banquet Rio Grande Bible Institute Dining hall Former site of Concord College 169 Riverton Ave., Winnipeg, Man. Phone by Oct. 10; 204-488-4042
October 16 Banquet Rio Grande Bible Institute VyinklerEMMC Winkler, Man. Phone by Oct. 12:866-379-1883
October 14 Christian Education Conference Equipping the Congregation Mennonite Collegiate Gretna, Man. Phone: 204-896-1616 (for info.)
October 18-19 Breakaway Grade 11 or more? Check us outl Providence College Otterburne, Man. Phone: 800-668-7768 November 4 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Your church Phone: 613-233-9868
Nov. 5 to March 25 Adult Co-ed Indoor Soccer Steinbach Bible College, Monday evenings Phone; 204-326-6451 (Corrie Thiessen) November 9-11 17" annual EMCup Hockey Tournament Steinbach/Mitchell, Man. Phone: 204-3266503
November 1617 Second National Congress Church Planting Canada Igniting our passion for the lost Montreal, Oue. www.outreach.ca/cpc
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WHO ARE YOO? M
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HAVE YOU met any new kids since the beginning of this school year? Did you wonder who they are? What about you? Who are you? Are you a student? Are you a musician? An artist? A reader? A singer? A skater? A friend? A son? A daughter? Are you a city dweller? A country dweller? Sometimes when people ask us who we are we tell them our names. “1 am John,” you say, or Kim or Michelle. You last name may be Reimer, Friesen or Penner. Your name is like a label. It sets you apart. Your last name gives information about your family life. But your name is not who you are. Sometimes we identify ourselves by our country. You could be Canadian, Ameri can, Italian, German, Chinese, Puerto Rican or Mexican. This says which country you are part of, whether by birth or by choice. Some people identify themselves by col our; they may be white, black or another colour. Have you ever met a prince or a prin cess? A prince or a princess is the son or daughter of a king or queen. They are heirs to a royal throne. If they get to be king or queen they will be the head of a king dom. They will have a title and special honour will be given to them. If Jesus lives in your heart you, too, are a child of the King. Our King is God—the King of all the earth, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords (Rev. 19:16). He is the King forever and ever (Psalm 10:16). He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Rev. 21:6). He is everlasting, eter nal (Psalm 90:2). He is holy: “1 am the Lord...l am holy,” God says in Leviticus 11:45. God is love (1 John 4:8). God is tmth. He cannot lie; He keeps His promises (John 14:6, Titus 1:2). God is the judge of sin and wickedness. He is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11). He is our healer (Exodus 15:26). He is our protector, our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1 and Psalm 91). He is our Sav iour: “1 am the Lord, you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour,” God says in Isaiah 43:3. He is our provider. Just as He provides the flowers and grass with colour and life. He will provide for us, Jesus says in Matthew 6:28-33.
All the earth belongs to God (Psalm 24:1); He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). God is omnipotent, all-pow erful. He upholds all things by His power (Hebrews 1:3). Our King does not change. “1 am the Lord, 1 change not,” God says in Malachi 3:6. He is the same yesterday, to day and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is our Father and we are His sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18). Because we are His children, we are His heirs (Galatians 4:4-7). Always remember whose child you are! You are a child of the King of kings!
Lorcena Thiessen Winnipvn, MB
Puzzle answers for Sept. 5 Kids’ Corner: Coach, teacher’s aide, janitor, guidance counselor, librarian, nurse, monitor, teacher, sub stitute teacher, cook, secretary, principal
L s QPWETVUSIN M u ROYA KLOEPU T B OWENHE I RFS W J X ETUO PEVYI V E C ROWNUDAKE G C B EAKORUNAJ I T O SSBUTITLE O S CE PTREASEW POWA LAKEREYE RYELOYALTYUL S KI NGDOMEWES TOPK LMAFT ERI Find twelve things that belong to a King.
Budget Update Evangelical Mennonite Conference It is wonderful to see God at work in many parts of Canada and of the world through EMC personnel and programs. God has entrusted us with a tremendously far-reaching program in missions, and with the support and nurture of churches in our Conference. As a Conference, we have committed ourselves to a budget to finance these projects. Our overall expenditures are well within our budget to date; however, we are concerned to note that as of August 31, our receipts were $300,000 short of our budget and $210,000 short of disbursements. As you plan your giving to the Lord's work, please consider the needs of our Conference. (« In His Service, Board of Trustees, Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Do you have a story for The Personal Touch? Il must be a true account (although names may be changed, if necessary) illustrating the Christian life or character. Send your 700-word story and a photograph of yourself or suggestion for a story to the address below.
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THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0