I^WIi .A-
rbI
/■
all-
Z- ; ' WHEN I WAS growing tai^, my Wn Involved in church and most oS our so-^ cial life revolved around family and friends from church. One year a friend invited me to attend Scouts. I went to one meeting ... See Page S-
0 A
■Y-
kl
■■
' - V
,
•.'J.
il-
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 39 NUMBER 1 JANUARY 17, 2001 •7;
^Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith
Wanted: more unwise people!
I
N MY HOMETOWN in Alberta, a Baptist minister had a Christmas display on the .wall of his house. Passers-by saw fellows with camels under a star along with a saying Wise men still seek him. (That phrase ap peared in a December church bulletin at Steinbach EEC.) Magi heeded the heavenly sign and arrived in Bethlehem, “Where is he that is born king of the Jews?” they asked. “We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). January 6, known as the feast of the Epiphany in the western church, celebrates the arrival of the wise men. Joseph C. McLelland, professor emeritus of The Pres byterian College, Montreal, suggests, “This was a strictly Gentile revelation, geared to their distinctive way of seeing things.” Through the heavens, God spoke to the priests in a language they understood so they were led to greater understanding through Christ. The wise men have come to symbolize peo ple of many nations being drawn to our Lord. As McLelland says, “They’re our forebears, these non-Jews” (Presbyterian Record, De cember 2000). Jesus himself said later, “Peo ple will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29). God is anxious to lead people to Himself. Christians in Canada and elsewhere grap ple with how He goes ahead of us. How has God prepared people of every tribe, tongue and culture to find life in Christ? How does His meaning fill what they already know? God speaks through our awareness of beauty, a sense of conscience, the gift of rea son, an inner need for meaning and a sense of wonder. In response, we search for fulfillment, which is ultimately in Christ. Yes, Wise men (and women} still seek him. However, there’s more to the story: God also wants unwise men and women (1 Cor. 1:26). He seeks those who do not seek Him. The Bible is only partly a story of people searching for God; it is first and foremost the story of God’s search for us. In crea tion, in Israel’s deliverance, and ultimately in Jesus, God searches for us, seeking our
wholeness. Graciously, our all-wise God became flesh among us as our Saviour (John 1:14-18) .
God comes to indifferent people turned off by religion, those who thumb their noses at Him, or who couldn’t care less. Jesus came to religious people and some of them cmcified Him. “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost,” our Lord said (Luke 19:10).
The Good Shepherd searches for lost sheep (Luke 15) and gave us “the message of rec onciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19). “God is patient...not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). In the sixteenth century Mennonites were called Winckel-predikers, bootleg-preachers (sometimes translated hedge-preachers), meaning they were preachers unauthorized by the Roman Catholic Church. Menno Simons objected. He wanted people to refer to them properly and notice that they “seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness with all their hearts.. .and wish no evil to any one on earth” (Complete Writings, pp. 400, 674 and footnotes). Early Mennonites were Christians sharing the meaning of Jesus despite restrictions imposed by society and state churches. If they were hedge-preachers, it’s because they were obedient to Jesus who said, “Go out to
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
the highways and the hedges” (Luke 14:23 KJV) and “make them come in.” They cared about relatives, friends, neighbours and strangers, travelling near and far to share what others don’t always know they need to hear. As in the sixteenth-century, many people today with a loose church connection know less than they need about Christ’s deeper meaning. David Thiessen, our conference pastor, said recently that our congregations share Christ’s meaning in creative ways; the EMC is far from alone in this. Much is being done among the thousands of congregations that form the many parts of the Christian church in Canada. However, there is more to do. We need to make more MESSENGER SCHEDULE; unwise people feel at home in Christ. No. 3 - February 14 Wise people still seek him, (copy due Feb. 02) unwise people still need him. No. 4 - February 28 Terry M. Smith
PAGE 2
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Rebecca Buhler
(copy due February 16) THE MESSENGER
*A tension in my heart’
Turtles, Butterflies and Songbirds
w
George Toews
HEN 1 WAS growing up, my family was involved in church and most of our social life revolved around family and friends from church. One year a friend invited me to attend Scouts. I went to one meeting and although I enjoyed it, my parents were reluctant to let me participate because it was not in our church and they were afraid it would involve events on Sunday morning. They were trying to protect me from the influences of the world. A few years later when in my teens, 1 had a strong urge to be like everyone else and so became involved, for a little while, in lifestyle practices that did not fit with being a Christian. After a while, 1 decided 1 didn’t need that kind of life. Some of my friends had more difficulty leaving that lifestyle and some even became addicted to behaviours that later became a problem for them. After attending a Christian high school, going to Bible school and then seminary and becoming involved in church work, it didn’t take very long before my whole life was lived in a Christian context. 1 had no non-Christian friends, 1 did little with unbelievers and 1 forgot how to relate to non-Christians. All the while, a great tension was present in my heart. Over the years, 1 began to wonder about my relationship to the world as 1 asked myself. How does God want us to Hue our life as His children while we are in this world?
What’s commendable about this lifestyle is that it recog nizes an evil world is out there. Is this, however, the kind of lifestyle that God has called us to? There came a time when 1 became concerned about such a lifestyle. 1 thought about the fact that although the world out there is evil, the evil is not only out there, it’s also within. Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19). 1 met people who had nothing to do with the world, but the world was very much within them - in jealousy, hatred, quarrelling, gossip and more. Avoiding the world does not necessarily mean that we will avoid the world’s evil. 1 also wondered, How effective is my witness to the world? 1 came to understand that God has not left us in the world to hide from it, but to be salt and light within it (Mat thew 5:13-14). 1 struggled with this: when our church would present a Christian film and encourage us to invite our non-Christian friends, 1 didn’t know whom to invite! 1 was involved in an evangelistic effort in which we went door to door to present the gospel. 1 found the experi ence artificial. I kept asking myself, “How can 1 speak to people if 1 don’t know their needs?” 1 now believe that it is impossible to reach unbelievers without knowing them and developing relationships with them.
Live as a turtle? At times in my life, 1 have lived like a turtle. Turtles are known for hiding. While paddling along a river in my ca noe, as we approached 1 have often seen them slip quietly into the water. 1 have also seen them quickly disappear into their shells. When we as Christians live like turtles, we do so be cause we realize that the world is an evil place. Many peo ple live by values that are opposite to those of Christ. What ever danger presents Itself, whatever appears to be of the . world causes us to crawl into our shell and hide from the I ®vil that is out there. Second Corinthians y ] 6:17 is the verse we use to W / support this kind of a lifestyle: “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and 1 will receive you” (NIV). When we fear the world, we agree with the reaction suggested by this verse. We are comfortable having only believers for friends and conducting all our activities with believers. The times we have to do business with people who are not believers, we fecu- to do so and often do so with an “us/them” attitude. We do not understand unbe lievers and are very uncomfortable in their presence.
Live as a butterfly? For a short time, 1 lived my life like a butterfly. Butterflies flit along enjoying the world, totally unawcire that they are in great danger and
JANUARY 17. 2001
windshield as they flit across^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ the highway. When we live our faith like a butterfly we engage in the lifestyle of the world, but we are unaware of the great spiritUcd danger we are in. We do not realize that friendship with the world is en mity with God (James 4:4). We do not understand that focussing on the enjoyment of things takes our focus off God. We do not realize that what God calls sin is not iden tified as sin simply because he has made an arbitrary set of rules, but because he wants the best for us. It is sad to see how when we adopt this lifestyle we eire hurt — sometimes physically, often emotionally and al ways spiritually. Often suffering follows such lifestyle choices. Addictions, broken relationships and spiritual confusion are frequent consequences of living in the world and adopting its values. 1 am saddened by the many peoPAGE 3
pie I know who just can’t seem to let go of the butterfly lifestyle. Live as a songbird! Over the past number of years, 1 have come to under stand that God wants us to live our life like a songbird. This spring, 1 was watching a wren build its nest in a birdhouse I had put up. It was flying around. cheerfully singing its song. Yet as I watched, 1 also noticed that it was very
cautious. Its head was always going back and forth watching out for danger. God has left us in this world to brightly and cheerfully sing the song of Jesus, but He also warns us that we are living in enemy territory. This has some significant implications for our lifestyle. It means that we must find ways of singing the song of Jesus. To start with, we must learn to know people who are not believers. We need to move out of our comfort zone and make friends with people in our circle of influ
Editor’s note: What does the world mean? “To clarify our thinking, we must distinguish between three uses of the word world in Scripture. Some times it refers to this planet and therefore has impli cations for ecology and aesthetic beauty. The same word is also used to refer to the whole human race. This relationship to the world of people is crucial in pinpointing our role in Christian living. Then often, the word world refers to the system of values and attitudes accepted by a society which has aban doned God” (Erwin Lutzer, How in this world can I be hob>? Moody Press, 1974, emphasis added).
ence who do not know the Lord. We need to learn to be comfortable with them. 1 am always amazed at the way in which Jesus was so comfortable with tax collectors and sinners. Equally amaz ing is that he conducted himself in such a way that they were comfortable with him. He treated them with respect and not as objects of evangelism. He met them at the point of their need with a word of grace and hope. We can sing the song of Jesus! This is not a difficult thing to do. We do not have to be evangelists to make a friend. We do not have to be Bible scholars to tell a friend what Jesus has done for us. Each of us has unique opportunities to have an influence and through love and telling the good news we can all sing the song of Jesus in the world. At the same time, we must be aware that we are in a world under the influence of Satan. He is the enemy who is prowl ing around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). That means that we must always be aware of the dangers that present themselves. We must be aware that the danger of sin arises, first of all, within us and not in the world. We must be aware that there is much in the world that will feed our sinful heart and draw it into acts of sin that will destroy our witness and take us away from a relation ship with God. It is only as we live in a close relationship with the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can live victoriously in this world. 1 believe that God has called us to be songbirds, so let us sing the songs of Jesus, fully aware of the dangers in the world. George Toews is pastor of the Rosenort EMC. He has served as pastor of Mennonite churches in The Pas, Mather and Manitou, Manitoba. He and his wife Carla have three grown children.
Only a Child? FORTY YEARS ago a Philadelphia congre closed its doors because only children gation watched as three nine-year-old boys were joining. Forty-five years ago that were baptized and joined the church. Not church gave me a Robert Raikes Diploma long after, unable to continue with its dwin that now hangs behind my desk. This dling membership, the church "* award, named for the founder of Sun day school, has space for six seals, sold the building and disbanded. '\ one for each year of perfect SunOne of those boys was Dr. Tony , day school attendance. I have Campolo, Christian sociologist at only five. The church disbanded Eastern College, Pennsylvania. I before 1 could get my sixth. “Years later when 1 was doing re search in the archives of our de This award says more about who 1 am today than all the educational nomination,” Tony said, “1 de 1? cided to look up the church re diplomas or adult awards 1 could disn play- It’s a visual affirmation to the port for the year of my baptism. teachers, who when 1 was only a There was my name, and Dick _ White’s. He’s now a missionary. “ child in a dying church, lit in me a Bert Newman, now a professor of theol- lifelong fire for Christian education. In ogy at an African seminary, was also there. God’s eyes, the phrase “only children” is “Then 1 read the church report for ‘my’ meaningless. year: ‘It has not been a good year for our Marlene LeFever church. We have lost 27 members. Three joined and they were only children.’” Only children! Give children a few years Used by permission from Teacher Touch, the Christian education affirmation news of Christian nurture and these “only chil letter, Cook Communications Ministries. dren” will change our world for Christ. 1 too went to a church that eventually
9
Vi
PAGE 4
You are my everything Lord, You are the foothold of truth To the lost and searching. Lord, You are the provider of protection To the scared and hurting. Lord, You are the measure of strength To the weary and weak. Lord, You are the utmost of rewards To the determined and those that seek. Lord, You are the giver of assurance To the worried and confused. Lord, You are the gift of love To the lonely and abused. Lord, You are the satisfier of all my needs Now and till the end of time.
Marylu Neufeld of Langton, Ont. attends the Church of Living Water (Tillsonburg)
THE MESSENGER
4
»
Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta
HWAN “YOU SPEAK English, don’t you?” The Ko rean man facing me in the kitchen door way smiled triumphantly as he made his point. “Yes, I do, Joeng,” I replied, “but as 1 said before, I’m not a teacher, nor do I have training in teaching English as a second language. It wouldn’t be fair to your wife to say 1 would teach her English.” The Material Aid Committee of our church in Masem had just completed their meeting and 1 was busy refilling refresh ment platters and teacups for the group. The Dutch-German meat perishky and fra grant apple rolls seemed especially popu lar. Joeng did not give up easily. He had not become a successful businessman with athletes’ wear shops in several cities with out being persistent. “My wife needs to learn English. You speak English. You can teach!” was his philosophy. Finally, I conceded. Hwan came to our house a few days later for her first lesson. This was the beginning of a special friend ship and a little English-learning. Since 1 had no materials or curriculum, it was fortunate that she had books and tapes from a previous attempt at learning English. She had taken English in school in Korea, so she could read fairly well, but her comprehension was lacking. We met twice a week for up to two hours. We worked on vocabulary build ing, using words in sentences, and practiced by having conversations. At her request, we used the Bible during each lesson, since she wanted to follow the sermon in church more closely. Hwan was delightful to teach. She tried hard and no doubt was often frustrated, but her never-failing courtesy kept her from being critical of my bumbling efforts at teaching. 1 remember one good laugh we shared. In a practice conversation I asked her, “What is your favorite food?” She looked puzzled for a moment, then smiled when she understood. “Lice,” she replied. 1 was non-plussed, then I realized she meant “rice.” When 1 explained, we both laughed heartily. 1 tried to explain the difference between the L and R sound, but it was difficult for her. We went to a mirror to see how the tongue was placed for each sound. The lessons continued. One day she said in her careful English that they would like us to come for dinner at their house. She JANUARY 17, 2001
wanted to make a traditional Korean meal for us. We had experienced many differ ent national dishes by then and gladly ac cepted. What a feast! She had, quite literally, spent days cooking. One of the dishes took 14 hours to cook, to say nothing of the prepa ration time. Course after course was served until we simply could not eat anymore. Our hosts beamed with pleas ure. Joeng explained that in order to hon our someone, they made a feast of many courses and it would be a shame to them if there were not enough food. There was no danger of that! Since Joeng’s shops in Johannesburg were growing, they decided to move to that city. Hwan and 1 had been meeting for lessons for more than a year and had developed a close friendship. It was hard to see them go, but Johannesburg was only about four hours from Maseru, so we did see them occasionally. When the time came for us to return to Canada, I was laid up with a bulky cast on my leg from knee surgery. Hwan and Joeng dropped by shortly before we were to fly out. When they discovered that we had a long layover in Johannesburg, they insisted that we come to their house dur ing that time. They picked us up at the airport. Our visit was warm and special. Hwan and I enjoyed being together again, even for a few hours. At the airport as I sat in my wheelchair, Hwan bent over and we shared a hug. “I miss you,” she said in tears. “1 never see you again.” My tears were mingling with hers as I tried to say goodbye. Today as I sit here, fingering the lovely blue-star necklace she gave me as a part ing gift, I realize it’s been a long time since we said goodbye. But the joyous truth is, we will see each other again! I look forward to standing beside her in that great multitude “that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9), praising
our wonderful Saviour for the precious gift of salvation! Is there any greater vision than that glori ous truth to take us into uncharted, un known 2001? Maybe we should practice our praising while we wait for His coming!
’EACE AND AT DIALOGUE LOOKS AT PEACE CONSTANTINIAN SHIFT Mennonites and Catholics met in Ger many on November 24-30, 2000 to ponder “What is a peace church?” and the impact of the Constantinian shift on the church. Held at a Mennonite conference centre near Karlsruhe, the third of an anticipated five annual meetings of the MennoniteRoman Catholic international dialogue examined peace in light of Mennonite identity as a Historic Peace Church and recent Catholic statements. Papers were presented by Andrea Lange (Mennonite, Germany), Mario Higueros (Mennonite, Guatemala), and Drew Christiansen, S.J. (Catholic, USA). The Constantinian shift’s impact on the church was examined by Dr. Peter Nissen (Catholic, The Nether lands) and by Dr. Alan Kreider (Mennonite, USA). The dialogue’s purpose is to better un derstand positions about Christian faith and to overcome prejudices existing since the sixteenth century, contributing to a heal ing of memories. Co-sponsored by the MWC and the Pontifical Council for Pro moting Christian Unity, the dialogue be gan in 1998. After five sessions it will issue a report.
Dr. Helmut Harder (Mennonite, Canada) and Bishop Joseph Martino (Romcin Catho lic, USA) are co-chairmen. The dialogue’s fourth session is scheduled for November 2001. MWC/PCPCU
l..—
BMlafaBodySs?;/
yi:-
Spri ngs 2001
Prayer Item The theme for this year speaks to the spiritual journey that we are on. 2 Tim. 4:7 tells us that we need to endure to the end: “I have kept the faith.” We will en counter the enemy, but we will overcome him because of Jesus’ blood. Fight the good fight! For more information contact Mark Herron at 204-253-7675 or Gerald Reimer at 204-326-6401 emcger@mts.net www.abundantsprings.com
May 18-zl Caronport, Sask. PAGE 5
A battle of Alberta
Calgary defeats La Crete to claim EMCup In a close-fought contest, Calgary prevailed 4-2 over La Crete on Sunday, November 5, to win the 16"' EMCup. The game was fast-paced, well-played, and penalty free. Calgary led 2-1 after two peri ods, extending its lead to 3-1 in the third. La Crete scored late, only to have Calgary se cure the win with an empty net goal. A record 18 teams competed in the an nual tournament held November 3-5 in Steinbach and Mitchell, Manitoba. Teams represented churches from the western Rockies and from the east as far as south ern Ontario. Calgary, Grande Prairie and La Crete returned from Alberta while Mount Salem participated for the first time, joining Fort Frances as a team from Ontario. To accommodate the increased teams.
four tournament games were played at Mitchell arena, in addition to 33 games played in Steinbach. The 2000 EMCup started Friday night. On Saturday Barry Plett, pastor of Blumenort EMC, chai-
The game was East-paced, well-played, and penalty free. lenged players, referees and friends at a fellowship breakfast. Barry spoke of how the apostle Paul often taught using sports analogies. Advancing to semi-finals were Fort Frances, Calgary, La Crete and Steinbach. La Crete advanced by defeating defend-
ing champion Blumenort 6-3 in the final round-robin game. In Saturday night playoff games La Crete defeated Fort Frances 9-3 and Calgary defeated Steinbach 7-4. Other teams participating were Mennville, Morweena, St. Vital, Morris, Kleefeld, Rosenort, Fort Garry, Ridgewood, The Alliance (players from Portage, Ridgewood and Steinbach), Land mark and Steinbach Bible College. Funds were raised for the project Toonies for Nica ragua. Tournament organizers thank players, referees, timekeepers, arena staff and fans for another successful tournament. See you next November!
Russ Dyck
Is it time for a Tune-up? EMC Post-Secondary Students Luncheon Wednesday, February 28, 2001 I 1:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Room 205-207 University Centre The University of Manitoba
Come and Go! Lunch supplied. Bring a Friend! Sharing and caring, discussions and repercussions?!
In an all-Alberta final, Calgary defeated La Crete to win the 16th EMCup. After a close contest, teams from La Crete and Calgary pose together.
SEette/is Responding to MCC’s election primer
Contact: Travis 779-2888; Rose 355-9259 Gerald 326-6401
Sponsored by EMC Board of Church Ministries
PAGE 6
1 was disappointed in the MCC election primer [November 15, 2000] and, al though the election is past, 1 would like to respond to it. Except for the mention of restrictions on abortion, the article may as well have said vote NDR A much bet ter election primer was put out by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. 1 had three specific concerns about this arti cle: priorities, errors of fact and political assumptions. The first priority in getting good gov ernment is to elect individuals and par ties who demonstrate integrity, moral up rightness, wisdom and a willingness to learn. As long as we elect people who
favour political craft and duplicity we will not get good government. The second priority is to vote for candi dates and parties that view the role of the state as Scripture views it. The following roles are supported by Scripture: defense, law enforcement, protection or personal and property rights and protection of God given institutions (this list may not be ex haustive). Based on these, the important questions to ask candidates would include their po sitions on the sanctity of human life (i.e. abortion, mercy killing, assisted suicide); on justice for victims of crime and for the exploited; on the exploitation of children
THE MESSENGER
and youth by purveyors of pornography and violence; on the God-given institutions of marriage, family and parental authority; and on freedom of conscience and reli gion. The MCC election primer mentioned only restrictions on abortion, which was placed in the same category as the lobster fishery dispute and the Kyoto Protocol. My second concern is with errors of fact and assumption. According to the article child poverty stands at 21 per cent. What is the definition of poverty? Based on the definitions I’ve seen, my children grew up in poverty. For this, by the way, they are very grateful because it taught them val ues which would have been difficult to learn if we’d had abundance. If we use a global definition of poverty probably less than one per cent of Canadian children live in poverty. The error in assumption is that increased government programs will solve the problem, when in fact a major part of the problem is the breakdown of family which current laws have contrib uted to. The statement on global warming is not actually a fact, but a political position based on a theory or vice-versa. There is good evidence that global warming is due to natural cycles of climate and, based on past history, is actually globally beneficial. I don’t want to minimize the importance of reducing pollution, but the Kyoto Pro tocol is based on questionable assump tions and has real potential for increasing poverty. There are other assumptions relating to First Nations peoples and criminals which need to come under close scrutiny. The politically correct views are not necessar ily correct, and in some specifics 1 believe they are seriously flawed. My third area of concern is the underly ing assumption that expropriating property is okay if the cause is considered “wor thy.” It is clear the government has the right to tax to pay for the cost of perform ing its God-given mandate. It is clear that we have an obligation to pay taxes even when the funds are misused. The ques tion is, do 1 have the right to vote to take money from you, by force of majority vote, to give to myself or my neighbor? This letter can’t address a question of this scope, but it needs to be asked. The MCC election primer seems to buy into the idea that expropriation and govern ment borrowing against our children and grandchildren’s income is appropriate to meet all the social concerns on their agenda. The election primer asked some good questions; unfortunately, they were mostly of a secondary nature and central issues were largely ignored. I must, therefore, ask, “Are these the questions MCC thought to be most important, and, if so, what should our response be to MCC?” Harold Dueck Calgary, Alta.
JANUARY 17, 2001
Len Barkman General Secretary
BRINGING TOGETHER WEALTH AND ZEAL? HOW CAN the EMC be most effectively involved in the overwhelming task of world missions? In the past few decades we have be come familiar with major initiatives to bring the gospel to all the nations of the world. This is, of course, not a new idea. Christ clearly taught, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my wit nesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Mission endeavours through the ages have had this goal of global missions, seeking to mobilize people and re sources to proclaim the gospel. In re cent years missions outreach is aided by easier global travel and information exchange. This prompts traditional evangelical mission agencies to work in partnership to more efficiently take the message to all areas of the world. Our EMC missions program has for much of its history worked in close part nership with other missions. We are dif ferent from most other denominational mission agencies: we not only admin ister our own fields (in Paraguay, Mexico and Nicaragua), we also have partnership arrangements with associ ate mission agencies (thirteen to date). Part of the purpose in this arrangement is that we as a conference want to en courage and assist EMC missionaries as they respond to God’s call to serve. Our partnership with the Africa InterMennonite Mission is an example. We provide full support for EMC mission aries who serve with AIMM, while as suming administrative responsibility through the mission’s executive and board council. The concept of partnership is rapidly moving beyond cooperation between mission agencies. It is now focusing more on partnership with the national church. The cost has escalated in pre paring and sending North American mis sionaries overseas and into foreign cul tures. At the same time, in many coun tries the national church has become indigenous and has developed leader ship completely capable of providing
direction and training to its people. National churches are often charac terized by evangelistic fervor and a commitment to serve, even in the midst of intense persecution. For the national church in the less developed countries the limiting factor is not the people re sources but the lack of material re sources to mobilize its missionaries. The Global Anabaptist Missions Con sultation held in Guatemala this past summer demonstrated the dilemma facing the Anabaptist segment of world missions. With over 200 mission lead ers from 50 different countries, this conference was heralded as the larg est and most comprehensive meeting of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ mission leadership. It was noted that the global Anabaptist church now has a greater membership in the continents of Africa, Asia and South America than in North America and Europe. The conference’s purpose was to develop a forum for interaction with worldwide Anabaptist mission leadership and to explore ways for greater partnership and communion within the global context. A question quickly surfaced: how do we develop a partnership of western mission agencies having material re sources and administrative power to gether with a less affluent church else where that is rich in evangelistic zeal and relational gifts? The challenge, whether as a global Anabaptist community or as the EMC, is to develop a model of partnership in which the gifts of the national church in the less developed world and the gifts of the western church can be brought together to compliment and enrich each other. This concept raises many questions, some valid, others not. Who controls the program? How do we maintain ac countability if we are not on site to di rect the money invested in the pro gram? How do we organize an admin istrative partnership? How do we iden tify, recruit, train and deploy workers? May God give us wisdom to move re sponsibly toward a vision for missions in which the good news of salvation may be most effectively conveyed. Our purpose in missions is to walk to gether in harmony and dignity with our brothers and sisters in the national church. Pray for wisdom for our mis sion and for our board and staff to ef fectively share our God-given gifts and resources so that many may be drawn to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The concept of partnership is rapidly focusing on cooperation with the national church. PAGE 7
Mexico
Paraguay
V^Jorkers in Radio Ministry
Among the Association of W Christian Communicators of M Paraguay (ACCP) are: Ernst Weichselberger (TransWorld Radio), Erwin Wiens (ZP-30), Chris Kroeker (MBN), Waiter Franz (Aiternativa), and Arnoido Wiens (Obedira). Photos supplied by Benny Goertzen Benny Goertzen (Filadefia EMB) oversees the radio ministry of Good News Ministries in East Paraguay.
William Candia, Radio Mensajero staff person, records a listener’s testi mony.
ANNOUNCING THE FIRST ANNUAL
Saying 'thank you’ is not always enough While our Canadian churches were pre paring for Christmas, we here in Mexico were celebrating Thanksgiving. Sunday, November 26, was a time for praise and thanksgiving, hosted by Camp 67. This is an annual event we celebrate with Camp 77. This year Oasis was invited; we were pleased to see them so well-represented. Between 150 and 200 people filled the church. The words of Grosser Gott, wirloben Dich (Great God, We Praise You) filled the sanctuary and wafted out the open doors as the congregation sang. Our hearts were filled with praise and thanksgiving as we listened to the special numbers in song and music from the vari ous churches. Pastor Peter Wiebe from Camp 77 brought the message, When Saying Thank You Isn’t Enough. There must also be “thanksliving.” Here at Camp 67 we are very thankful for our new school/gym. We all had ample room to enjoy our dinner set up in the gym. The ladies had prepared enough food for everyone. After dinner we gathered in the church for a time of singing and sharing. Thanks were expressed for family, friends, pastors, teachers, restored health, protection dur ing travel, provision during hard times, sal vation, and much more. We are so blessed! Following the sharing we returned to the gym for coffee and pie, and a time of in formal interaction. This was the second event shared by the three EMC churches in Mexico. January 29-31 was the first: a conference hosted by the Camp 67 church. We anticipate more events together where we can get to know each other better, to share and encourage each other. We are thankful for our brothers and sisters at Camp 77 and Oasis. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Peter and Kathy Friesen
EMC Women’s Hockey Cup! Fans are welcome; please come out and watch! Tournament to take place on January 27 at the St. Pierre, Man. arena. Practice begins at 9 a.m. and the first game at 11 a.m. Last minute players are still welcome. To sign up as a team, group of friends, or individual call: Laura Thiessen at 475-1419 or Ang Wallace at 783-6956 Je,
PAGE 8
Kathy and Peter Friesen (Stony Brook) serve in Mexico; they pastor the Camp 67 EM church. THE MESSENGER
«
laiBKMWiai
Numerical and spiritual growth Winnipeg, Man. (St. Vital): The St. Vital EMC is alive, well and growing. Growth is measured in various ways. One way, usu ally the most obvious, is increased num bers. During the year six precious newborns made first appearances in the church fam ily. Four adults transferred their member ship from sister churches on September 10: Denise Brandt, Ruth Krahn, Sherry and Mark Herron. On two separate occasions, involved St. Vital regulars experienced the milestone of water baptism. Ben Dueck and Jennifer Wilson were baptized at a poolside serv ice held in La Salle at Mark and Maxene Pelletier’s home on August 13. On Sep tember 17, Matthew Hiebert, Tracy Goertzen, Lyndon Brown and Randy Pe ters were baptized in Lake Nutimik during the church camp weekend. Camp Nutimik provided opportunity for further growth for about 100 church fam ily members. Professor Gus Konkel of Providence College outlined how confes sion, the acknowledgement or declaration of our faith, is fighting the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12). Professor Konkel showed
that praise, baptism, commitment to a church body and individual testimony is confession by which we declare our Chris tian faith. He pointed to Psalm 22 and 23 as confessions; Psalm 22 restates what God has said to us and Psalm 23 declares what God is and does for us. The Saturday carnival at Camp Nutimik kept us focused, entertained and outdoors in beautiful, summer-like temperatures.
Ben Dueck and Jennifer Wilson were baptized on August 13, with pastor Al Friesen conducting the poolside service.
The talent show kept us in stitches and pondering anew the life and calling of Moses! What a fabulous weekend to end the summer! Loreena M. Thiessen
Chuck and Laura Thiessen led children in a treasure hunt at Camp Nutimik.
Seasons of blessing ■*
&._2
t •A
I .■»
1
I
parent can testify that children are a bless ing! On September 17 we had a first, a tmckers’ service. It was well attended and a blessing. In November we had a week of revival meetings with speakers Neil Thiessen from Seminole, Texas, and David Thiessen, Conference Pastor, from Winnipeg, Mani toba. Both challenged those attending and some received Christ for the first time. Many others rededicated their lives to serv ing our Lord and Saviour. Helena Guenther J
On August 6 Cornelius Nickolai, Helen Harder, Mary Harder, and Annie and Cory Hamm were baptized. Pastor Menno Kroeker stands with them.
Mount Salem, Ont.: Just as lately the snow does not stop falling in southwest ern Ontario, we know that God does not want to stop showering blessings on those who love Him. He wants us to know what it is to receive His blessing; our church is a great example of that. Although we have been without a fulltime pastor for over a year, God blessed us by sending Menno and Dorothy Kroeker to minister in the interim. They agree to JANUARY 17, 2001
stay until the end of January, possibly Feb ruary (we hope), when our new full-time pastoral couple is scheduled to join us. We will miss Menno and Dorothy dearly, yet we are excited that God answered our prayers for a pastor to lead us. We have been blessed by church growth. In August we received seven new mem bers, six by baptism and one by transfer. Another way of growth is through babies born; we expect more babies in 2001. Any
J
i
On August 13 Abe Neufeld was baptized by immersion at Springwater Conservatory Park. His wife Sheryl was received into membership during the service that morning.
PAGE 9
Ministerial team developing Creighton, Sask.: We are alive and well among the lakes, rocks and trees in the Creighton area. Thanks to Terry Smith for being ever faithful in advertising our need for a pas tor. However, there is good news on the horizon! We don’t really have a pastor com ing, but we decided to be a bit more crea tive in meeting our needs. We dialogued with our neighbouring Mennonite Breth ren church and we are going to cost-share a ministerial team. The MB church supports a full-time pas tor, Dale Warkentin, who will be our sen ior pastor. Peter Dueck will be our youth pastor (he is completing his fourth year at Bethany) and Lome Moorhead will be our visitation pastor. This team will encourage the congregations of two neighbouring churches, allowing each church to main tain contact with its own conference and maintain its own style of worship. We are excited and quite relieved to have this team in place. Our thanks to David Thiessen, EMC conference pastor, who has encouraged us. Our 1999 Christmas concert was based on an advent theme. Each family was given an advent log (we have an abundance of trees here!) and candles for the four Sun days prior to Christ’s birth.
Children’s participation made the 1999 Christmas program special.
In February 2000, we held a funspiel at the Ross Lake curling club, arranged by Tom Fehr. We invite friends and neigh bours inside and outside of our congrega tion. A potluck supper and handing out of trophies closed an entertaining afternoon. We maintained a steady stream of speak ers from within our region 3 (Swan River, Endeavour, Birch River, Pelly, Hudson Bay) and south. Without speakers who sacri ficed their time in preparation and travel, we would long ago have ceased to exist. Thank you to all who came! Our typical Sunday morning begins with an active session of Sunday school. On average, 12 children attend. It’s a busy but fun morning: opening songs, collecting for our MCC project (for a maternity home in Uganda), stories and drama, a craft with Diane Hillier, and a snack. Janice Imrie (aided by children Kathryn PAGE 10
and Kevin) is quite involved; some other moms stay to help. Heaven Young capa bly leads the opening songs. Deb Odegaard assists where possible, though since the arrival of little Karina in July, Deb and husband Phil have been busy parents. Jeffrey is proud of his little sister! Marg Cone and Kay Smith are ever-faith ful greeters and opening scripture read ers. Offertory is often given by Kevin Imrie, occasionally by Kathryn Imrie, or by Carol Sebum whenever her husband Ken is our guest speaker. We enjoy our congrega tional singing led by Deb Odegaard and appreciate each speaker. In October, Ken Sebum began an eightweek Bible study on Ephesians. Lome Moorhead started an adult Bible study class on Sunday mornings. Youth group contin ues to meet at Marg and Dale Warkentin’s
on Sunday evenings. We did not find the personnel or energy to hold a vacation Bible school this sum mer. We hope to resume VBS in 2001. Kristen Imrie graduated from Bethany Bible Institute with a Diploma of Biblical Studies. We have dealt with stressful situations this year. Dorothy and Jack Hillier have ex perienced many health problems. In May 2000, Bob Imrie passed away after a sixteen-month battle against lung cancer. Please continue to pray for us as we ven ture down the road with our pastoral team. Thank you for your prayers and concern. A special thank you to John and Clara Koop who, as our previous Conference Pastor couple, amazed us with their love, com passion and care. Janice Imrie
Celebrating marriage Rosenort, Man. (Pleasant Valley): In 2000 there were three golden and three silver wedding anniversaries celebrated, and three weddings held in our church family. Dave and Susie Eidse, Johnny and Elly Rempel, and Jake and Florence Friesen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversa ries with family and friends at the Pleas ant Valley church. Randy and Mary Anne Siemens, Elwyn and Annette Eidse, and Duane and Arlene Rempel celebrated 25 years of marriage this summer. Marc Loewen and Amy Neufeld ’•i were married in Boissevain on ___ July 1, Marsha Loewen and Andrew Oeste 11 were married on August 26 here, and Terrilee Sie mens and Brent Friesen were
pletely different and completely open. Next was One Man and One Woman with Children, looking at their function and their gift. Darren said, “Isn’t it interesting that the first relationship that God created was the husband/wife relationship. 1 believe this says something about the heart of God. Of all human relationships the one clos est to the heart of God is the husband/ wife relationship. As a result 1 believe it is also the one relationship which will be most viciously attacked by Satan. “We see this happening to day from all sides. Satan is x,) working fero ciously at ripping apart marriage rpif relationships driving wedges I between hus bands and wives. He is married in ruthless and Rosenort on Johnny and Elly Rempel, Florence and Jake Friesen, uses whatever September 30. _________________ and Susie and Dave_Eidse celebrated 50th weddingj means he can working too In this day anniversaries in 2000. when most lives hard, working are touched by the sorrow of marriage too little, gambling, alcohol, thoughtless break-up, we rejoice to see couples stay ness, insensitivity, pornography, lust, faithful to their vows for 50 and 25 years. women’s liberation, male domination We also praise God for Christian mar whatever he can. And time and time riages. again he succeeds and as God cries, he Pastor Darren Plett gave a series of mes laughs.” sages on God’s Original Intentions from This is a challenge for all of us to pray Genesis 1-4. The first message was One and uphold the God-given ordination of Man and One Woman for Life. The sec marriage. ond was One Man and One Woman Side Florence Loewen by Side; they are completely one, com
a
THE MESSENGER
!
On December 10, Prairie Grove began its morning service in its former building in Prairie Grove, west of Lorette, ending it at the newlypurchased larger building in Lorette (right). Used for a quarter-century, the older building holds many fond memories for members; the congregation is adjusting to its new surroundings.
After 25 years, Prairie Grove moves Lorette, Man.: Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel has moved. After 25 years in our former building, years of joy and stmggle and of precious family fellowship, we were ready for a larger structure. We purchased the building which formerly housed the Lorette Evangelical Free Church. With the building’s purchase, there is ex citement in the air. It seats 200 and is an attractive place of worship. However, there is also grief. The context of our fellowship affects us and we are in the midst of ad justing to new surroundings. On Sunday, December 10, we had part of our service in our old building and part in the new. These comments were shared
during the first part of the service: “I have precious memories of coming here as a 16-year-old to help start the Sun day school program. I can still see Margaret Peril waving me down at her mail box and asking if her children could have a ride.” “Coming back from Africa, we had to decide on a church family. After visiting several churches, we had a family vote. We are very glad to be part of this family. The welcoming hug John gave me meant so much.” “Music has been my life. This has been a place for me to serve with music.” “I started attending 28 years ago. Coming home from our honeymoon, Edmer was
asked to be church treasurer.” “1 really can’t remember any other church. I was basically born here. No mat ter where I’ve been, this has been my home, my extended family. So this is quite a move. I’m so glad my family’s coming with me. We need to remember this is only a building: wood, stucco, wire and nails. Jesus said, ‘Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.’ Thank you, Jesus, that no matter where we’re gathered - in a house basement or the largest of cathe drals, there you are.” Jolyn Braun
First-hand missions in Mexico Leamington, Ont.: This past summer a group of 13, including leaders Bill and Helen Friesen, experienced foreign mis sions first-hand in Tecate, Mexico. We went with Adventures in Missions. On July 29, we flew from Detroit, Michi gan, to Phoenix, Arizona, and then to San Diego, California. Met by some of our lead ers, we rented a van and drove across the border into Tecate. We stayed at a camp not far from Tecate with two U.S. groups. On Sunday, we visited a Spanish church.
A team of youth from Leamington EMC with leaders Bill and Helen Friesen went on a summer missions trip to Mexico.
JANUARY 17, 2001
A team member translated the service for us; it was a great help to have along a Spanish-speaking person. The camp was a retreat centre for mis sionaries in Mexico. We did our construc tion work there. Building a basketball court and mixing cement without a mixer was difficult, but we finished half the court. We held Vacation Bible School with chil dren in Colonia, close to Tecate. With our translators, we sang, told stories, coloured, and played with the children. The two evening’s highlight of VBS came on the last night: several kids accepted Jesus into their hearts. Praise the Lord! We went on prayer walks, an awesome experience. Walking the streets and pray ing for people we saw, or asking people to let us pray for them, was very touching. Every evening at the camp we had a serv ice on the “Rock.” It was a huge rock, big enough to gather on. Pastor Martin would then speak to us. He pastors the church we visited on Sunday and arranged some of our outreaches. We went to Colina de Luz, an orphanage in Tijuana. Our hearts were touched as we heard the story of how the orphanage improved as a man stepped out in faith
Participants pour hand-mixed concrete for a new basketball court in Tecate, Mexico.
and followed God’s call. The children tugged at our hearts; their stories were sad, but we praise God for a place like Colina de Luz. The children are well-cared for and do not have to leave the orphanage until they finish their education and are ready to work. This whole trip was life-changing for us. We thank those who made it possible through financial and prayer support. Most of all, however, we want to thank God. All honour and glory belongs to Him! Linda Bartsch Margaret Krahn
PAGE 11
VBS and speakers Sioux Valley, Man.: We had our annual Vacation Bible School at the chapel July 10-14. This summer we were privileged to have a group of Korean friends from Ca nadian Central First Nations Mission church of Winnipeg conduct the VBS. Rev. Jang Ho was the director. He and his family have been in Canada for five years and are cur rently studying at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg. The group of eight, sometimes more, people brought their supplies, food and chef - Mrs. Chung, a delightful lady in her sixties who spoke mostly Korean. (How ever, when it comes to food, every lan guage seems to be the same.) They cooked, taught, and slept at the chapel during their week here. Jake and 1 also camped at the chapel. We enjoyed the Korean meals we were invited to and were brave enough to try chopsticks. Dave and Millie Pashe camped at Sioux Valley and were helpful all week. Dave put up two teepees and we used the big one for a classroom. We had 70 children in attendance, for which we praise the Lord. The salvation message of Jesus Christ was given to them plainly. They returned enthusiastically all week. The reserve’s youth workers were helpful in bringing many of the children. This was truly a busy and memorable week. Keeping the water tank filled at the chapel was the daily, sometimes twice daily, responsibility of the Sioux Valley water truck. We have been blessed with various speakers in past months; Doug Reader, Curt Bork, Terry and Mary Ann Smith, Bert and Liz Genaille of Lynn Lake, Rick and Liz Greer of Hilbre Bible Camp (29 chil dren and young people of Sioux Valley at tended the summer camp). Bill and Mary Martens with Continental Mission, Art and Marie Neufeld (once a month at the Da kota Oyate Lodge), and others.
We are encouraged and blessed when churches invite us to report and sing. Along with church members, we reported and sang at the Kola and MacGregor missions conferences. On December 3 we took part in the Oak Lake community Advent Con cert. We held our Christmas concert on Thursday, December 14. We wish every reader God’s best in 2001. Maranatha! Christ is coming soon! Thank you for the prayers, support, and encour agement you have given us at Reserve Fel lowship Chapel. Helen Martens
Dan Sawatzky ties heating pipes in the floor of the new building.
Church building in progress
One evening was “culture night.” Beautiful traditional Korean costumes were modeled and a full Korean meal was served to everyone who attended. The skits presented were entertaining and portrayed the gospel clearly.
MacGregor, Man.: June 11,2000 we held a sod-turning ceremony at the site of the new church building. We look forward to our move-in date, targeted for April 8. June 11 was the beginning of a changed life for Nathaniel, 16-year-old son of Dan and Sandra Sawatzky. Travelling in a van with five other friends to The Gathering (a praise and worship event), Nathaniel suf fered a spinal cord injury in an accident in Brandon. Since then, he has been at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. He undergoes rehabilitation and enjoys visits of family and friends. The community and church have been affected by the acci dent. Much prayer and care is being given to the Sawatzky family. In May, five of our youth were baptized: Donavon Giesbrecht, David Moore, Chris Moore, Candace Giesbrecht and Amy Plett. Peter Moore’s baptism was held in August. These celebrations took place in Ray and Dorothy Hill’s backyard. In early November the congregation said good-bye to Dennis and Audrey Braun and family as they moved to Weyburn, Sask. We have welcomed a number of new peo ple from the community into our church. The church pews seem to be bursting most Sunday mornings; it’s a problem we love to have. Mary K. Giesbrecht
■
Helpers Olive Hart and Millie Pashe pose here with the pre-school class.
PAGE 12
Donavon Giesbrecht was one of five youth baptized in May by pastor Jerry Plett.
THE MESSENGER
L
the Lord wholeheartedly. Tina Folden struggled for many years to find her spiritual iden tity. Different influences in her life made it difficult to believe Calgary, Alta. (Fish Creek): Family camp for our church that God was the only one she needed. Tina’s young son Jeff family was special, including a baptism on September 3. The has been a great witness to her and she is now fully committed water at Barrier Lake in Kananaskis was cold, but there was to Christ. excitement and rejoicing as nine Vance Folden spent many years people were baptized. We praise looking for fulfillment in drugs and the Lord for these believers. alcohol, but still had a void in his Neil Fehr accepted the Lord at a life. Vance now believes that God young age and is thankful for Chris will meet his needs and is commit tian parents. He desires to be a ted to follow Him and be the spir consistent Christian witness at his itual leader in his family. school, though this is challenging. Tracy Jankoaics was abducted as Derek Kornelson has loved the a young child and grew up in an un Lord since he was a child. He has derground world of many forms of enjoyed the experiences of grow abuse. As a safety mechanism, she ing up in a missionary family and developed multiple personalities. wants to be a faithful servant of Through Bible studies and prayer Christ. ministry Tracy now firmly believes Bobbi Lyons is excited about that God is her Father and Jesus what God has in store for her. She Christ is her Saviour. accepted Jesus into her heart as a Chindavanh Sicilay came to child and appreciates her two Canada as a refugee at age seven. Christian families. Her mother was a Christian who Chris Doty made a commitment Neil Fehr, Derek Kornelson, Bobbi Lyons, Chris Doty, Chris died in a refugee camp in Thailand. Zanidean, Tina Folden, Vance Folden, Tracy Jankovics and to follow Jesus on May 15. He has Chindavanh’s life in Canada has Chindavanh Sivilay were baptized on September 3. had a difficult life of abuse and been difficult and included a pe lived in many foster homes. He riod of teenage rebellion. She had no Christian influences until tries to put that life behind him and now looks to God as his she worked at Youth for Christ during the summer of 1998. She Father. is now excited about trusting God and desires to be a faithful Chris Zanidean grew up with a mixed heritage, Muslim and witness to her father and brothers. Christian. He found his own faith recently and seeks to serve Anne Boehlig
Baptism at Barrier Lake
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS FAMILY CHRISTMAS celebrations saw some 20 of us gather in the spacious meet ing room at Woodhaven Manor (Steinbach, Man.) where we have lived for the past five years. Although being “Home for Christmas” was true for most of our family, we missed seven family members. However, all of them were home for our 60“^ anniversary celebrations in April. For this we were grateful. A new note was injected info our cel ebrations. Babies were missing at our fam ily gatherings for the past 18 years or so. Illis year we were thrilled to have sevenmonth-old Natalia Diana (Karla and David) and five-week-old Kai Nathaniel (Krista and Nathan). This certainly was an added joy. Of course, this means our son and JANUARY 17, 2001
daughter-in-law are grandparents and my wife and 1 are great-grandparents. How the years fly! It seems a short while since our children were at home, but they grow up, go to school, get married, and give us grandchildren. Through the years I was editor of The Messenger they were sometimes featured on the cover. I must confess that I did this with some pride. However, that lasted only so long and I knew when to stop featuring them in such a bold way. If I was still editor, I could start over with great-grandchildren! God has ordained that we only have one chance to bring up our children. Often, there are things we would change if we could do it over. Doesn’t God realize that we are inexperienced and ignorant at rais ing children? We do the best we know how. At Christmas we celebrate by giving gifts. Some people don’t agree with this prac tice. I like to think the custom comes from Scripture where we read of “God’s inex pressible gift” (2 Cor. 9:15) and “the gift of eternal life” (Romans 3:23). John 3:16 tells us that God gave this gift because He loves us. In the case of our giving Christmas presents, it is also often an expression of love. In a way, Jesus seems to endorse par ents giving gifts to their children, even good gifts (Matt. 7:11). These gifts may differ. We can give our children material
gifts, as well as the gift of instilling spir itual and moral values. I never thought that genes could be a gift or that my children resembled me. Yet the other day when I met my son at his place of work, a receptionist (not knowing me) could see the resemblance between my son and me. This was a bio logical gift to my son, one he could not escape. From time to time children will express gratitude for moral gifts inherited from their parents. This is deeply humbling. What if we had missed the way? I’m sure it happened often. Nor can we underestimate the value Christmas celebrations may have in fu ture days. One of our children who could not be present at our gathering one year wrote a beautiful letter emphasizing remembrances of Christmases past. Children also give gifts to their parents. These come in different shapes and forms. They can be material and emotional. Though not often thought of as such, emo tional gifts — cards, phone calls, e-mails, hugs and well wishes — are such because they are freely given to the recipient. These gifts are greatly appreciated. Though the Christmas season often seems abused and commercialized, there remains a meaning in our celebration. Thank God for His precious gift.
PAGE 13
Please send resume, including references, to Corinne Klassen, 107 Ruttan Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3T OHS or phone 204-453-5563 for information.
Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (EMC) in Rosenort, Manitoba invites applications for a full-time sen ior pastor. Send resumes to Kel Zacharias, Box 203, Rosenort, MB ROG IWO, phone 204-746-2866 (home) or 895-1412 (work), or e-mail: zachs@mb.sympatico.ca.
Part-time and casual positions are available at El’dad Ranch (MCC), a unique and exciting op portunity to share God’s love on a mission field near Steinbach, Manitoba. If you are interested, please call Jewel Reimer at 204-326-1050.
Fort Garry EMC in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is search ing for a senior pastor who will take major leader ship responsibility in the church and work with the church council and other ministries. The candi date should be an effective preacher and teacher, and be good at caring for and relating to people in the congregation and community. Pastoral experi ence and theological education are important.
MCC Canada invites applications for its 2001/2002 Youth Internship Program. YIP places Canadian college and university graduates in 12 month assignments in their field of study. Assignments include community development in Philippines and Guatemala; conflict resolution in South Af rica; human rights in Jamaica; environmental research and promotion in Guatemala; refugee support in Cairo; therapy and vocational training
HELENA (BRANDT) DUECK 1912-2000 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ” “Yes," says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them” (Revelation 14:13). On March 17, 2000, Helena Dueck’s la bours ceased when she slipped peacefully into the presence of her Saviour. Today she is blessed and so are we as we reflect on her life and deeds. Born in January 20, 1912 at Rosenort, Manitoba, the twelfth child of Henry W. and Elizabeth Brandt, she grew up a hard working energetic lady, full of the joy of life. It was these traits, among others, that especially impressed our father Cornelius R Dueck and on May 11, 1941, they were married. Mother committed her life to the Lord at an early age and on August 1, 1931, was baptized on confession of her faith. Mother considered her calling to be a life of servanthood; this she did with all her heart as long as her strength permitted. It was with great difficulty that she learned to allow others to serve her in her last years. After their wedding our parents lived in Steinbach a few months before moving to Rosenort where they farmed, worked and ministered until 1966. Here she raised all six children. Mother seemed to have more hours in the day than most. She tended a huge garden, canned and enjoyed her
beautiful rock and flower gardens. She sewed fine clothes for her family, quilted, knitted and crocheted. She frequently hosted visiting speakers and missionaries in our home for meals and lodging (a rich experience for us all) and had guests for Sunday faspa on a regu lar basis. She kept our home spotless, helped with field work and combining, encouraged others with meals, cleaning and whatever other help they might need. She had time for visitation, shopping, singing with her daughters, reading to her children, for playing games with them and rocking them to sleep, and countless other things. She even had time to travel with dad. Looking back she seemed to be able to do the work of several women. 1 won der if the lady in Proverbs 31 would have been able to keep up with Mom. In spite of her endless tasks she never seemed to tire and her determination never seemed to waiver. She lived life with passion, loved deeply and prayed continu ally. Mom always strove for dignity and wanted her children to be polite and dig nified. She believed that this honoured the Lord. Although she was a woman of deeds, it was her faith that sustained her. Until the very end she never seemed to doubt her salvation because her faith was rooted firmly in the finished work of Christ. Mother had a strong desire to see others have a personal relationship with her Sav iour and experience this assurance. In the fall of 1966 our parents sold the farm in Rosenort and moved to Wawanesa. This move was hard on Mom. The farmland was poor, finances were tight, the yard, the landscaping and the garden all had to be developed from a run down farm where the old had to go be fore the new could take its place. New friends were made and Mom soon en deared herself to her new neighbours. Mom’s desire was to reach as many peo ple in the community for Christ as possi ble, although she didn’t know how to ac complish this. In 1973 our parents sold the farm at
PAGE 14
for people with mental illness in Jamaica. To qualify, applicants must have completed a university degree or college diploma by August 2001; be un/underemployed or not working in their career field; be under 30; desire to serve overseas with a clear sense of career direction; be committed to Christian faith, active church membership and non-violent peacemaking; be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants. Direct inquiries and application requests to MCC provincial offices (1-888-622-6337), to Marsha Jones at MCC Canada (l-204-261-6381),or by email: Marsha_G_Jones@mail.mcc.org Check MCC’s website (www.mcc.org) for more information. Application deadline is April 13, 2001, but apply ASAR Assignments begin in late August 2001. YIP is contingent on funding from the Canadian International Development Agency.
Wawanesa, moved to Blumenort, and en tered their retirement years. Here they again established a new home, beautified a new lot and entered a new phase of ministry. Over the ensuing years our par ents visited countless people to encour age them. Mom especially enjoyed this ministry and she continued it as long as possible even until the last summer of her life. During these years our parents would take semi-annual trips out west to visit chil dren and grandchildren. At first they came by car but later it was usually by bus. Mom was too frugal to fly but she also enjoyed getting to know people on the bus. She always had stories of people she had met on the bus and had shared the gospel with. By the early 199O’s the yard work on their large lot became increasingly difficult so in July of 1992 our parents sold their home and moved into an apartment in Steinbach where they lived until November 1999. At this time they moved into Woodhaven apartments. Mom enjoyed their new apartment and especially enjoyed watch ing the children tobogganing on the hill west of their living room window. Her love for children, including her own, remained strong until the end. In spite of enjoying her new home her increasing frailty made her long for her heavenly home. Our mother has finished her moving and now has that perfect home and garden. Mom is lovingly remembered by five daughters: Myrna and Harry Chudyk of Abbotsford, B.C.; Sara and Vernon Braun of Winkler, Man.; Elsie and George Braun of Calgary, Alta.; Eileen and Brian Thiessen of Ridgewood, Man.; and Mildred and ?\lvin Reimer of Landmark, Man., one son: Harold and Marion Dueck of Calgary, Alta., sixteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one brother: Nick and Ida Brandt of Califor nia, and one sister: Margaret Barkman of Rosenort, Man. Her husband, Cornelius R Dueck, followed her into heaven just three months later. She was predeceased by her parents, five brothers and four sisters. Her Family
THE MESSENGER
CORNELIUS R DUECK 1910-2000 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin is destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes - I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27). On June 23, 2000, the yearnings of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather were realized as he entered the presence of his Redeemer. Born January 18,1910 in Steinbach, Mani toba, the tenth child of Rev. Peter R. and Sara Dueck, he learned early about faith and ministry as the son of a bishop. At the age of nine he lost his father, and in his sorrow, wondering what would become of him, the Lord comforted him with the as surance that He would be with him, and that some day Dad also would serve in the ministry. This assurance was realized in 1943 when he was elected into the ministry of the Rosenort EMC. After recommitting his life to the Lord, Dad was baptized on confession of his faith at the Steinbach EMC on July 19, 1936. On December 21, 1938, he married Anna Kroeker. Their brief marriage ended with her death on July 4,1940. On May 11, 1941, Dad married our mother, Helena Brandt of Rosenort. The Lord gave our parents al most 59 years together and a long and fmitful ministry. Dad was a gentle and patient man with a love for God and for the work of the king dom. He was also a man of vision who was not constrained by tradition in areas of king dom importance. Early in his ministry he began having one-on-one Bible studies with new believers, a practice that met with some concern in the church but was greatly appreciated by the new believers. Some fifty years later the evangelical church is promoting mentoring as one of the church’s great tasks. Dad practiced it with out ever having heard of the word or the concept. He was just doing as the scrip tures taught. Missions, Sunday school and Jugenfarein (youth meetings), all new concepts in the EMC during the early years of Dad’s minis try, were wholeheartedly supported by our JANUARY 17, 2001
father. He had an understanding of scrip ture, a passion for ministry and a vision for the advancement of the gospel. On peripheral matters Dad was always con cerned not to cause his brother to stum ble. If, for example, neckties were a stum bling block he wouldn’t wear them. At home he set the example by daily lead ing in family devotions and prayer for mis sionaries, and teaching us with his life not to be judgmental. Dad always had an adventuresome spirit and enjoyed travelling to visit family and missionaries. He also enjoyed telling sto ries of his adventures to his children and grandchildren. In 1966 this spirit, as well as his longtime desire to live in an area where he could reach out to neighbours who had not heard the gospel, led our parents to move to Wawanesa, Manitoba, with the three youngest children. Here Dad worked at establishing relationships with his neighbours and also served as a minister in the Treesbank EMC. Throughout his life Dad had a love for learning which he encouraged in his chil dren. He read extensively, even books by Christians whose views challenged his own. Dad read not to be critical, but to humbly learn from others and to receive a greater appreciation of other people’s viewpoints. When Dad was in his early sbcties he went to a Campus Crusade Lay Institute for Evangelism at Briercrest Bi ble College, to learn how to share the gospel more effectively. Reading, listen ing to tapes and the radio, and sharing his knowledge and wisdom Dad did right un til the end. In 1973 our parents sold the farm at W&wanesa, moved to Blumenort and en tered their retirement years. For our par ents retirement was not taking it easy, rather it was a time to pour themselves more fully into the ministry. It involved endless hours of visitation to the lonely, shut-ins, to family and friends and to any one who might be in need of a visit. Visitation was not always easy. Although years of practice helped, it was not truly in Dad’s nature; yet Dad was committed to the ministry and he loved people. Dad also continued to teach adult Sunday school, preach at seniors’ lodges and write articles for various publications. Dad’s min istry continued as long as he was physi cally able and even in his dying days he ministered to family and friends. His legacy of faith continues to minister even though he has gone to his reward. In the early 1990s upkeep on their large yard became too much and our parents moved into an apartment in Steinbach. Finally in November 1999 they moved into the Woodhaven apartments, but God had better accommodations in mind. After los ing his lifelong companion on March 17, 2000, Dad’s health deteriorated rapidly. Mother no longer needed him to look af ter her. The loneliness combined with the
loss of purpose resulted in his frail body collapsing. Much of the last two months of his life were spent in the Bethesda Hospi tal in Steinbach. Today Dad is reunited with those who have gone before. May we fol low the example he has set right into the gates of heaven. Dad is lovingly remembered by five daughters and one son: Myrna and Harry Chudyk of Abbotsford, B.C.; Sara and Vernon Braun of Winkler, Man.; Elsie and George Braun of Calgary, Alta.; Eileen and Brian Thiessen of Ridgewood, Man.; Mildred and Alvin Reimer of Landmark, Man.; and Harold and Marion Dueck of Calgary, Alta.; sixteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother. Rev. Jacob R Dueck of Steinbach, Man.; and one sister, Catherine Friesen of New Brunswick. He was predeceased by his first and second wife, his parents, four brothers and five sisters. His Family
COMING EVENTS January 26-28 Senior Youth Retreat Camps With Meaning Camp Koinonia Boissevain, Man. Phone: 204-896-1616 January 26-28 Youth Encounter Strange and Unusual Wonders Speaker: Bill Markham Providence College campus Otterburne, Man. Phone: 800-668-7768 March 2-4 Families with mentally handicapped person retreat Camps With Meaning Looking Back with a Keen Eye on the future Speaker: Terry Burkhalter Camp Assiniboia, Headingly, Man. Phone: 204-896-1616
March 16-17 SBC Leadership Conference Steinbach Bible College Chapel Steinbach, Man. Celebrating God's Generosity Speaker: Mark Vincent Phone: 204-326-6451 May 3-5 Forum 2001 A National Conversation on Church, Gospel and Culture Prairie Bible College Three Hills, Alberta Phone: 800-705-7481 May 18-21 Abundant Springs 2001: A Faith Odyssey Speaker: Dave Park Caronport, Sask. Phone: 204-326-6401
PAGE 15
A pilgrim ponders
This World is not my THE NESTING INSTINCT is well developed in me. As a young teen, I enjoyed drawing house plans of places where I’d like to live. A difficulty about deciding to be a missionary was leaving home. Of course, home was not just a house but a place with a warm, caring family. In the excitement of going to Ecuador, this desire went to the back of my mind for a while. How we il moved during our time there! It seemed like every /U year or two we were asked to go somewhere either to fill in or for a building job. Though we always had adequate housing, we moved so often I couldn’t consider those places home. / Once we were allowed to build a house to our specifications and I thought perhaps we would live there for a while. Not so. After a furlough, we were asked to move 11 back to Colta. The two Quichua ra- j I dio stations remained our responsi- I J bility, but we could live in either I place. The time came when our children 1 started leaving home. Not only were they J out of the house, they had to go to another country, the U.S., for further education. Eventually, we followed them and lived in Silverdale, Washington, for five years. Later, we moved to Everett. Then we re turned to Ecuador for ten more years of service. Even on furloughs I desired a place to live. At times I would see a nice house on our travels and wonder what it would be like to live there. Some of our missionary col leagues were returning to their homeland able to own their home. Once after we visited classmates of Stan, I burst into tears, saying, “I don’t want to go to any more places where friends have bought or built their own homes.” Fortunately, Stan was understanding and tried to ease such situations for me. After the decade in Ecuador, it was time to think of re tirement. Someone asked me where we would live and I answered, “The Lord has promised to give us a house if we have given one up for His sake.” Then the awful thought came, What if that isn’t so? What if we won’t haue a place
dmeS
to Hue when we return to the United States? I fretted and stewed about this for several months and knew I was not pleasing the Lord by doing so. 1 prayed for peace and joy. 1 read the Psalms, knowing that David always has something good to say in times of stress. One day 1 read Psalm 77:17-18, “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day 1 declare your marvelous deeds. Even u when 1 am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till 1 declare your power to the next generation.” Somehow God’s peace came to me and 1 knew it would be all right. 1 had such peace about anything that could happen in our future. 1 could have lived in a shack and been happy in the Lord. 1 promised the Lord that no matter where we lived, I would do it with dignity and without complaint. In time God worked it out. ______ Friends offered us a lovely four-bedroom house on one floor (which Stan wanted), and a dishwasher (which was my specification). We still thank the Lord for this abundant provision. It is far beyond anything we dreamed of or needed. Here’s the point: 1 realize that I’m still not home. Now I understand better the words in the song: This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. I am thankful that I have a home in heaven and I can look forward to that, regardless of where I live. We have two lovely babies there and that makes heaven even closer. I’m looking forward to my eter nal home!
'r
J
Marian Houghton served for many years as a missionary in Ecuador. She and her husband, Stan, live in Silverdale, Washington.
Do you have a story for The Personal Touch? It must be a true account (although names may be changed, if necessary) illustrating the Christian life or character. Send your 700-word story and a photograph of yourself or suggestion for a story Io the address below.
PKGE 16
THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0