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EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 39 NUMBERS FEBRUARY 14, 2001

Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Elders/Ministers and Deacons WITH LEADERSHIP by the Board of Ministers and Deacons, the EMC needs to continue to work toward common understanding in local church government, particularly in the role, re lationship, and accountability of ministers, dea cons and elders. What does it mean to be a minister, a deacon or an elder? What is their relationship in local and wider church government? Currently, that depends on where we look in the EMC and it’s confusing. It’s awkward when positions and their meaning vary. In current practice, local church government involves ordained ministers and lay leaders in varying relationships. Some emphasize minis ters and deacons, others elders. This leads to interesting results! If a church struggles to find deacons, should it move toward elders? If the intent is to ease ex pectations, the decision is ironic; in scripture, an elder has wider responsibility than a deacon. How can churches move from deacons to elders when both are affirmed within scripture (1 Tim. 3:1,8) and play complementary roles (Phil. 1:1)? In the New Testament elders are the pastors of the church, its ministers. Elders were appointed in each church (Acts 14:23) and town (Titus 1:6). Elder and overseer (1 Tim. 3:1) are terms refer-

ring to the same person’s maturity and responsi bility of oversight. There seems, in early church practice, a subtle distinction between administrative and teach ing elders. While all elders are to be able to teach and administer (1 Tim. 3:2,4), some worked hard at preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5:17), which implies that others focussed more on adminis tration. When churches move from a ministerial to an elder board, they use synonyms in a counter productive way. It is redundant to have elders and ministers in separate categories within the same church structure. Elders need to be examined by the Board of Ministers and Deacons. When, in current vary ing practice, elders (currently unexamined) re place ministers or deacons (who are examined), there is a loss in accountability to the wider con ference. Local churches need to govern themselves. This does not mean that the form of government is up for grabs. Though every denomination is influ enced by historical and emotional factors, we need to be careful to carefully examine and re spond to scripture. The Board of Elders/Ministers and Deacons can assist us with this. Terry M. Smith

Whose crisis is it, anyway? CANADIANS SHOULD express their disappoint ment at the federal government’s lack of re sponse to the farm crisis. A year ago a farmer drove a combine from B.C. to Ontario, chatted with the Prime Minister, and seemed to see him as responsive to farmers’ needs. Now another federal election is over, the farmer has repeated his trip (with other farmers joining him in protest in Ottawa), and little fed eral help is on the way. While there are wealthy farmers, many others stmggle and some are being forced off the land. Are the family farm and a new crop of farmers at risk? Agriculture got weak attention from political parties during the federal election campaign and received no attention in the federal throne speech. The Canadian government seems to have lost touch with how basic farming is here and elsewhere. Unlike entertainment industries, farming is essential - food is a means of survival for us and for others. Many voices speak on the farming crisis. Some question if there is a crisis. Some say govern ment should provide subsidies or compensation for past bad policies; others say government should interfere less, allowing freedom to sell produce to the highest bidder. 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 R0A2A0 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax:204-326-1613 Note new E-mail address: emcmessenger@mts.net www.emconf.ca

Some say we need to ask why food costs so much while farmers receive a small portion for providing the basic product. Others suggest that we need to pay more for food to give farmers a fairer return; at the same time, there’s no guar antee that if prices rise, a farmer’s share will. As well, like it or not, farmers are involved in moral questions. Growing wheat for bread is fine, but there is a problem in growing rye for whis key and tobacco for cigarettes. How do we help farmers move away from producing crops ear marked for harmful products? Most Canadians, including this editor and most farmers, are not scientists by training. Together, however, we are entangled in issues surround ing genetically-modified crops. Recently, scien tists recommended that an independent com mission be established to look into this; this is needed. Both rural and urban folk, farmers or not, want to trust their food. In a complex world, we need help to do this. Is a farming crisis far removed from a largely urban, non-farming population? Not really. Those who produce food so others can live need to make a living at it. Without farmers, life can get messenger schedule: tough. As one farmer put it, a country can get No. 5- March 14 (copy due March 2) hungry quickly. No. 6-March 28 Terry M. Smith

(copy due March 16)

THE MESSENGER

^So-Odious and So-Touchy

■

OUIC*

spiritual Vision

John Koop Trust God in your circumstances Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Phil. 4:45). Paul was joyous, but was it easy for him to counsel as he did? We might say, Paul can easily make such spiritual remarks, but he does not know what 1 face! And we’re right. Most of us have little sense of what goes on in the life of a person sitting near us. Unless we feel safe to share our struggles, we only Be a peacemaker where you are! share the tip of the iceberg. Paul said, “I plead with Euodia and I plead John Koop has served the William Barclay, a commentator, says EMC in many ways: as a with Syntyche to agree with each other in the pastor in three provinces, when Paul said, “Rejoice!” a picture flashed Lord. Yes, and I ask you, true companion, help as moderator, and from into his mind of what was to come. Paul these women who have contended at my side 1997-2000 as Conference was lying in prison awaiting almost certain in the cause of the gospel, along with Clem Pastor. He and his wife death, while the Philippians were setting ent and the rest of my co-workers, whose Clara live in Kleefeld, out on the Christian way with dark days, names are in the book of life” (4:2-3). Manitoba, where they are dangers, and persecution ahead. The apos Henry Ironside said that the right pronun actively retired. tle says, “I know what I am saying. I’ve ciation of these two names was So-Odious thought of everything that can possibly hap and So-Touchy. That seems to be a reason pen. And still I say it: Rejoice!” able commentary on many church problems. Such a com Christian joy is independent of what happens to us be bination of personalities creates difficulties. One person cause its source is Christ’s continual presence. A Chris says harsh, insensitive things, while another takes them tian need never lose their joy because we can never lose personally. We say, “He’s a real pain on the committee. Jesus Christ. When we trust in Him, we are secure with a She is always negative about any suggestion. They com loving heavenly Father who is almighty and able to coun plain about anything we do.” Yet, seldom is it always the ter any enemy attack. other person’s fault; sometimes it’s us. Paul says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Phil. Notice the focus isn’t really on women in church con 4:5). The word gentleness is translated as moderation flict. Conflict has always been a human problem - of men (KJV), patience (Wycliffe), forbearance (RSV). Williams and women, older folks and youth, and leadership. Apos translates it: Let all the world know that you will meet a tle Paul and Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, had a man halfway. The meaning is a person who knows when conflict over Mark (Acts 15:36-41). If these gifted, spiritual to relax justice and to introduce mercy to others, not just leaders separated in ministry, don’t be surprised when to friends and good neighbors. After all, anybody can be conflict happens in your church. gracious to family and friends! Rather, look at Paul’s counsel. He writes, “I plead” with The Christian must act with mercy, gentleness, forbear you “to agree with each other.” He urges them to agree, ance, goodwill, fairness, and patience in everyday life, in whatever it takes. Others are to help these people because stead of giving “What they deserve!” Remember Jesus, they laboured for Christ “by my side.” Rather than avoid who offered grace and mercy to the woman caught in involvement, Paul pleads with the antagonists and coun adultery (John 8). According to Jewish law, she deserved sels others to help these two. to die, but our Lord offered forgiveness and life. When we The implication is clear: Christians are team players who are gracious to a Christian in a dispute, we greatly assist in are to work at restoring relationships. Why? Our names restoring the body of Christ. Grace would help the strug are written “in the book of life” (Phil. 4:3). We are God’s gle between Euodia and Syntyche - those who are ob children and belong to the same family. We need to make noxious and those who are overly sensitive. peace so we can have a family gathering every Sunday. Resolve to intimately care for fellow Christians with Tell your Father whom you worship, work, and minister. Creating a fire is “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, normal among humans, but to keep it burning is sinful for by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your Christians. Call the spiritual fire department and douse requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends the flames. Waiting for a better time usually creates more all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds harm, just as does leaving a fire unattended. IS YOUR SPIRITUAL vision 20/20? Is it bal anced? Based on Philippians 4:2-13, here are four resolutions towards balanced relation ships: to be a peacemaker within the family, the church and the community (4:2-3); to trust God despite your circumstances (4:45); to talk to God about your life and tmst him (4:6-7); to think God-honoring thoughts about life around you (4:8-9).

FEBRUARY 14, 2001

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deceptive. Who hasn’t been fooled by advertising prom in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7). Someone wrote, “To care is a virtue, but to foster cares ises that prove false? That isn’t serious when it involves a is sin, for such anxiety is not trusting in God, but tmsting in few dollars for an almost useless gadget, but it is when it oneself, which comes to inward suffering, fears and promises a lifetime of happiness, health and money. It is worry.” Believe it or not, this world can get along without wiser to set one’s thoughts on what we can rely. you and me! You and I are not in control, but we have Focus on what is right orjust, not on pleasure, comfort, contact with the One who is. and easy ways. A Christian’s thoughts are to be on duty to C.S. Lewis wrote, “Can a mortal ask questions which God and others. Paul says, think on “Whatever is pure.” God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All He encourages us to think about what is morally pure, nonsense questions are unanswerable. How many hours undefiled. As a guideline, when we serve God, think of are there in a mile? Is yellow square or round? Probably what is cleansed and proper to give back to Him. half the questions we ask - half our great theological and metaphysical problems - are like that.” God qualifies the called! As the hymn goes, Be not dismayed what-e’er betide, Resolve to be a person who seeks wisdom from the God will take care ofyou. We are to think, plan and act Holy Spirit to think clearly about each situation in daily life faithfully according to our gifts and leave the results in a of work, play and worship. As we do so, the Lord will progood, loving Father’s hands. vide for us, sometimes in quiet Barclay writes, “There is nothing too We know Him best through ways and sometimes dramati great for God’s power; and nothing too the life, death and resurrection cally. From the Internet came small for His fatherly care.” Paul goes on of Jesus Christ, our Lord and this story told by Josh and say this is why we should “always pray, pe Savior. Karen Zarandona: tition and give thanks.” In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus Brenda was a young speaks about worry. Looking woman who was invited to go at the flowers and birds. He concludes that our Heavenly rock climbing. Although she was scared, she went with her group to a high granite cliff. She put on the gear, took Father provides for all nature, so why are we so concerned about ourselves? Hasn’t God demonstrated throughout hold of the rope, and started up the rock face. history and especially through Jesus Christ that He is tak She got to the ledge where she could take a breather. ing care of His children? As she was hanging there, the safety rope snapped against Barclay writes, “There is nothing too great for God’s her eyes and knocked out a contact lens. Now her vision was blurry and she was on a rock ledge, with hundreds of power; and nothing too small for His fatherly care.” Paul goes on say this is why we should “always pray, petition feet of granite above and below her. and give thanks.” We can pray for forgiveness for the past She searched, hoping the lens landed on the ledge, but failures, for present needs and for guidance and future it wasn’t there. Now, far from home, she was desperate help. We can take our past, present and future, with our and upset, so she prayed to the Lord to help her find it. shame, deeds, and fears into God’s presence. We can pray When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and for others, commending to God’s care those near and far, her clothing, but the lens was gone. and then we can give thanks. Brenda sat down, despondent, waiting for the rest of the party to climb the cliff. She looked out over mountain What can happen then? “The peace of God, which tran scends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your range, thinking of the Bible verse, “The eyes of the Lord minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). Those who resolve to run to and fro throughout the whole earth.” She thought, tmst God in life’s circumstances can find God’s peace, like “Lord, you can see all these mountains. You know every an alert guard protecting us from harm. His peace gives stone, leaf, and you know exactly where my contact lens hope in this world and of eternal life. Such a peace can be is. Please help me.” ours whether we live or die. Finally, they walked down the trail, where a new party of climbers was starting up the cliff face. One climber Think God-honoring thoughts shouted, “Hey, you guys! Anyone lose a contact lens?” That “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, what is startling, but do you know how the climber found it? An ever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever ant was moving across the rock face, carrying the lens! is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or Brenda’s father is a cartoonist. When she told him the praiseworthy - think about such things” (Phil. 4:8-9). story, he drew a picture of an ant lugging the contact lens with the words, “Lord, I don’t know why you want me to Barclay observes that “it is the law of life that if a man thinks of something often enough and long enough he carry this thing. I can’t eat it, and it’s awfully heavy, but if will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about this is what you want me to do. I’ll carry it for you.” it. His thoughts will quite literally be in a groove out of When our personal life or our church life has difficul which he cannot jerk them.” ties, it can be worthwhile to say, “God, I don’t know why We say of a person, “He has a one-track mind.” That can you want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it, and be positive or negative: we want a surgeon to be focussed, it’s awfully heavy. But if you want me to carry it, I will.” but then so is an alcoholic! We are to be focussed, but there Remember, God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies are good things to reflect on. We have a choice. the one called. Paul found in his own experience: “1 can do Take truth. Some statements are true, while others are everything throughHim who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13).

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THE MESSENGER

Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta JUNIA CAREFULLY 1 negotiated a right turn into the campus of the Technical Institute in Masem, Lesotho. Driving the car on the left side of the road and making the turns still required a lot of concentration as 1 had to unlearn all the right-hand driving techniques of my earlier life. It was Thursday morning and 1 was picking up Junia* for our ladies’ Bible study, Junia had a full-time job to support her family, but had arranged her hours so that she could attend Bible study; studying God’s Word was top priority for Junia. As we drove down a street of lovely homes, she pointed out a large, multistoried house. “That’s where 1 used to live,” she said. 1 thought back to our first meeting. It was at a Welcome Tea at our new pastoral assignment, an international church in Masem. After shaking endless hands, and concentrating hard to make out names pronounced in so many accents, a radiant young African woman greeted us. She looked so young in her lovely African costume that 1 assumed the young man with her was her brother. It turned out he was her son! She welcomed us warmly: “You are an answer to my prayers. 1 prayed and prayed that the Lord would send us a pastor, and He has answered me again, He always answers my prayers.” It was rather interesting to be told that we were an answer to prayer. Quietly 1 wondered whether she was one of those people who thought they could just tell God what to do and He’d do it, like a puppet on a string. When 1 heard her story, though, 1 realized her words came from a deep faith, which had gone through the school of much suffering. Junia had moved to Maseru from Uganda about ten years prior to our ar rival. At that time she was married to a dentist and they had four little boys. Life in Uganda was very difficult because of the reign of terror by Idi Amin and its aftermath; many Ugandans looked for new homes. Lesotho, a quiet country at that time, seemed a safe haven. They enjoyed their new life. Her hus band’s profession made them “upper class.” They enjoyed their large house

and all the benefits money could buy. Life was great! However, that soon changed drastically. Junia’s husband went back to Uganda and married an other woman, without bothering to le gally end his first marriage. This left Junia destitute. She had four children and no means of support. She was in danger of being deported because she had no legal papers to continue residing in Lesotho. At that time, women were considered the property of their husbands and no separate papers were issued for them. In a sense, she became a non-person. Junia sank into a deep depression and saw no hope for the future. In her desperation, she seriously considered jumping out of an upstairs window to end her misery. God, however, sent a woman from our church across her path. Junia never told me all the details, but this woman, together with others from our church, stuck with her. They helped Junia find a job and an apartment. They showed her a lot of love, the kind that God has for each person, which requires action - not just a warm, fuzzy feeling. With time, Junia committed her heart and life to God and became a radiant Christian. That didn’t end her suffering, but now she had a genuine source of strength to see her through hard times. A son went back to Uganda, but his fa ther did not seem to want him and the boy lived with relatives. Soon Junia got the heartbreaking news that he had died of an undiagnosed disease. Junia found it very hard to stand at the grave of her dear son, facing the husband who had abandoned her. She stmggled with forgiving her husband for the grief and hardship he had caused her. This is an on-going conflict as her circumstances remain difficult. She has to cope with inadequate income, non-person status, and the knowledge things are not likely to change. All the same, she is determined not to let her experiences make her bitter. In God’s eyes, she is not a non-person. She has great worth. To me, she demonstrates that the love of God can give victory over deep hurts, and security and serenity in the midst of suffering. Junia has found a special ministry to many suffering women around her. Her deep assurance of the presence of the “God of all comfort” enables her to “comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Cor. 1:4). Do our difficult circumstances make us bitter or better? *Not her real name

She looked so young in her lovely African costume that I assumed the young man vuith her was her brother. It turned out he was her son!

FEBRUARY 14, 2001

SEette/tg WE ARE CALLED TO SOMETHING MORE I am curious as to why The Messenger has taken such a social justice and political tone lately. On several occasions, attempts have been made at aligning (or at least compar ing) the EMC to both Anglican and United churches. The January 31 issue of The Messenger discusses balancing the faith and evangelical zeal of the Baptist church with the social justice of the United. Why should we desire the brand of social justice that we find in the United Church? It seems that these types of churches have decoupled the meat of the gospel from their social work. They go so far to accept the person that they forget the sin. Some are ordaining homosexual ministers. Is this the model of social justice we want to follow? While it may be true that the United Church endorses many useful causes, we can also see that they have become works-

Is it time for a I\ine-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?!

Contact: Travis 779-2888, Rose 355-9259 Gerald 326-6401 Sponsored by EMC Board of Church Ministries

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oriented. Their gospel has suffered. In fact, in many cases, they are affirming causes that we see in the secular world, such as work ing against poverty, spousal abuse, violence, racism, etc. These causes are all wonderful, but even the secular world advocates them. 1 believe that as the Body of Christ, we are called to something more. We are called to take on causes that the world is unwilling to tackle. We are called to be salt and light in this sinful world. Obviously, our presenta tion of the gospel must include modeling the Christian life, but evangelism must be the top priority. Of what use are deeds if there is no gospel? As a conference, we now have a Social Concerns Committee. 1 am curious to see

Gerald Reimer Conference Youth Minister e-niail:emcger@nit8.net

HOW DOES THE GOOD NEWS CHANGE US? ACCORDING TO a U.S. survey of 1,002 adults: • 60% believe the Bible is totally accurate in all that it teaches • 58% believe the devil is just a symbol • 39% believe Jesus was human and com mitted sins • 44% believe it doesn’t matter what reli gion you follow •61% believe the Holy Spirit is a symbol, not a living entity • 75% believe that God helps those who help themselves •81% believe that angels exist • 87% believe that God created the universe • 40% read their Bible every week •An average of 7.5 minutes a day are spent reading the Bible •Among households that own a Bible, the typical count is three Bibles per household. Almost every household in America (92%) owns at least one copy of the Christian Bi ble (1993). (Barna Research Group, 2000)

If the Good News is in our homes, why do those 7.5 minutes a day seem to have so little affect on our lives? Obviously, posses sion and belief are not equal. Where has the power of God’s Word gone? Where is the evidence of changed lives? Don’t we believe it? Doesn’t it challenge us? Don’t we feel it’s relevant? The EMC Board of Missions has sent forth dozens of workers whose specific task is to translate and teach the Bible, even teach ing literacy for those who can’t read. Yet here in North America, the impact of the PAGE 6

whether their focus will be on hammer ing away at mainstream causes or whether they will work with those is sues that require Christians to take a unique stance - causes such as preser vation of the nuclear family, the constant erosion of Christian values in the gov ernment and media, rehabilitating those involved in homosexuality, etc. 1 think it is telling that Anglican and United churches are being forced to close their doors due to lack of members. They offer their attendees nothing more than what the world can offer, that is, merely being socially conscious. Their version of the gospel has no teeth. Why are evangelical churches that

preach the gospel with urgency (such as Baptist and Pentecostal) growing? It’s be cause they have a different worldview from the secular person. They have something different to offer the world. As Christians, we have something that makes us unique - the gospel. If we mask the hard-to-swallow truth of the Bible in favour of taking up more popular social themes, we have lost our saltiness. In Matthew 5:13 Jesus himself said, “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Matthew Plett Landmark, Man.

Bible seems less then impressive. As a result of owning and reading our Bibles, shouldn’t there be a more noticeable change within us? The Bible and its message are the main reasons we are involved in missions. A personal relationship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we get to know through the Scriptures, is the focus of our efforts. We truly believe that the Bi ble is the Good News for all people. How, though, has it changed your life? How does it affect you for the glory of its Au thor? Many of us have several Bibles in our home and we want others to have the written Word of God in their own lan guage. Why? Because the Scriptures lead us toward a belief in Jesus (John 20:31). The Good News is that we can belong to Jesus who is the only Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6). In essence, God’s Word is the power for our salvation (Romans 1:16). The Lord is the everlasting Creator who never tires, and His understanding no one can fathom (Isaiah 40:28), yet He has revealed Himself. Discovering this truth opens the door to everlasting life. As evangelical Chris tians, we ground our lives in God’s truth as we meditate on His Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Is 7.5 min utes a day enough? As we accept the Good News, God de sires accountability, calling us to be per fect as He is perfect (Matthew 5:48). We cry. Impossible^ Right? Wrong! Our per fection comes from the Holy Spirit work ing in us, not ourselves accomplishing the task. In Him we are holy, blameless and priestly! God’s Word moves within us a desire to share its life-changing message. It tells us to be prepared to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2), sharing this treasure though we are jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7). On the basis of what the Bible is, we are called to mission work. Let’s be careful, though, that our words and our lifestyle

match the message of the Good News (Acts 17:11). The Good News of God’s Word needs to be shared so that others can see the Light of Life, Jesus Christ. As you diligently medi tate on the Scriptures, allow it to change your life. God will change your life, so be sure to share the gospel message with those whom God places on your heart. Perhaps you would even consider giving away one or more of your Bibles as gifts. What an opportunity we have to share the Good News!

The Spiritual Journey: Healing after Sexual Abuse

Saturday, April 7, 2001 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church Landmark, Man. Lois Edmunds, Ph.D. - Two main sessions, then Question and Answer. Dr. Edmunds is a psychologist in pri vate practice experienced in assist ing churches in issues of sexual abuse. She is a member of Mennonite Church Canada.

Workshops provided by: David Thiessen, EM Conference Pastor; Adina Kornelson/Larry Friesen, Recovery of Hope $10 fee (includes lunch) Pre-registration encouraged by March 30. Walk-ins welcome. Call 204-326-6401 (day) or 204-3559915 (evening).

Sponsored by EMC Social Concerns Committee, Board of Ministers and Deacons

THE MESSENGER

■

A paraphrase of John 4

Jesus and the young aboriginal woman Jesus and his friends were travelling from one town to another. His friends usually took the detour around the reserve, but Jesus insisted on taking the road that took them through the First Nation. They no ticed the KFC sign in the Northern store window, and decided to stop for some Chicken-to-go. Meanwhile, Jesus walked down the snow-packed footpath by him self. He met a group of girls, laughing and chatting together as they carried water up the steep path into the village. Then he saw another young woman com ing up the path alone, with her eyes down. She was carrying two pails of water and gave no indication that she had seen Je sus, yet she intentionally chose a fork in the path to avoid meeting him. “Tansi,” Jesus said. “That looks like good water. Could 1 have a drink?” Without look ing at him she said, “Why would you ask me for a drink? 1 am an Indian, what do you want from me?” Jesus said, “If you knew who I am, you would ask me to give you living water.”

“Really?” she said, “but how could you do that? Are you greater than Chief and Coun cil?” “1 am the son of the Creator of all the world.” “If you are the son of the Creator, tell me. Our ancestors taught that all of crea tion is spiritual and must be taken care of. Your people believe that only the Creator is to be worshipped. What do you say?” Jesus answered, “The time is coming when all peoples will know the truth of God, and will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.” “We have many preachers from differ ent places come to our village. Their teach ing does not agree. Then some of our elders say that we should only follow the traditions of our ancestors. How can we know which is the right path to walk? Which is that path that will help us to be strong and to go to a good place after we die?” “You have the Bible. It has My words,” Jesus replied. “In it you will see that I am

• 1

ills

SBC Leadership Conference for all church leaders

ill

March 16-17,2001 , 1

Steinbach Bible Cctlefe

Speaker: Time: Cost: Place:

Mark Vincent • Stewardship Educator Friday, 7:00 p.m. to Saturday 3:30 p.m. $20 Single/$35 couple (includes Saturday lunch) Steinbach Bible College CHAPEL

Registration deadline: March 9, 2001 late registration is $25 single/$40 couple Gall SBC 204-326-6451 or 1-800-230-8478 www'.sbcollege.mb.ca • info@sbcollege.mb.ca

FEBRUARY 14, 2001

the Door, the Truth and the Life. No one will go to that good place except through me. Read the Bible for yourself, and ask my Spirit to help you understand it and walk the Jesus way.” Then he added, “Take me to your parents’ house.” “1 have no father, and my mother is never home.” “You are right,” Jesus said, “Your father left before you were bom, and your mother ‘runs around’ and drinks a lot. You live with your Nookum and there is never enough food for all her grandchildren, and your uncle abuses you.” “Your spirit must be powerful. How do you know all about me? 1 have never told anyone about my uncle. He said he would hurt Granny if 1 told,” she said. Her eyes filled with tears. Here was someone who understood her shame and loneliness. Dropping her water pails into the soft snow, she ran after the other girls. “Hey, wait up!” she called. “Did you see that man over there? He talked to me and he knows all about me. He is the son of Creator God!” The girls ran from house to house, and quickly the news spread through the vil lage. The Creator’s son had come to their community! Meanwhile, Peter and his friends re turned from the Northern. The delicious smell of hot chicken wafted around them. “Here, Jesus, have a piece of chicken,” Peter offered. Jesus responded, “1 am not hungry anymore. I am satisfied just to be doing the work that my Father has for me.” Pe ter wondered whether someone brought him food while they were gone. Then he looked up and saw all the villagers coming out toward them. Jesus said to his friends, “When will you be ready to bring the Good News to these people? Look they are ready now to listen and believe. Now is the time to reach them.” Then Jesus taught all the people about God. The Chief and Council came to him and said, “We are honoured that you came to our village and your teaching is strong. We invite you to stay with us for a while and teach our people.” So Jesus stayed a few days and the peo ple loved and accepted him. Many had come to hear Jesus because of the girl’s testimony. They began to walk the “Jesus path” because they believed in Him. Anna Penner

Anna and Bill Penner (Ridgewood) live in Thompson, Manitoba, where they minister in native communities under Continental Mission.

PAGE 7

Germany

Job descriptions, police, and relationships As a missionary, one is often told to be flexible, doing some work that is not in the job description. 1 find myself involved in work that 1 would never have associ ated with mission work. We wear various hats at different times, but as a Christian one always wears the “helmet of right eousness.” It doesn’t matter what we do, but in everything we do, we should do it as unto the Lord. Through circumstances 1 have gotten in volved in and gained a love for the police. Over the years 1 have developed an inter est in these special people and during fur lough a while ago 1 made a point of taking some pictures with them together with our daughter. In our town of Kandern, population 3000, we have three police whom 1 have gotten to know fairly well over past years. When our students or staff are involved in a traf fic accident, a theft (one of our staff was robbed), or a minor break-in at the school, 1 get called upon. One year, when our school chaplain’s wife was robbed of her Christmas shopping money right after she had gone to the bank, 1 helped police go through garbage cans in the vicinity to see if the empty wallet had been thrown in one. A few years back 1 translated when some of our students got caught for shop lifting. The local public school had large graffiti on it and the police wondered if our stu dents were involved. Since the writing was in English, our kids were suspect. How ever, when 1 looked over the school with

Two staff members received tickets for leaving their cars unlocked and the win dows open. One car was parked on pri vate property when the ticket was issued. The lawyer told me the police are within their rights to issue a ticket for not secur ing the car. A staff member had her cam era lying on the car seat; the police re moved the camera and she had to pay to get it back. Edna, Shauna and I were on our way home from Rheinfelden one evening. The road we travel is curvy with heavy, fast traffic on it. Only at places are there pass ing lanes and there were impatient driv ers behind us. When we entered a pass ing zone, two cars and a motorbike passed us, obviously racing. Just 300 meters further the two lanes merge back into one. One car was lying on its roof with the motorbike parked be side it. The passenger was suspended up side-down by his seatbelt. We stopped and set up a warning triangle to slow traf fic. Within ten minutes there were about five police cars plus ambulance on the scene. The driver escaped without inju ries and the passenger had only minor in juries, although the car was on its roof and the roof was flattened to hood level. I again observed the police in action when a sudden thunderstorm rolled in on a sweltering hot afternoon and one single bolt of lightening hit a tree at Kandern’s swimming pool. Of people seeking shel ter under the tree, one lady was killed and

another who was five months pregnant lost her baby. Three people were revived by resuscitation. To see five police, three ambulances and three emergency helicop ters coming to the rescue and watching them work was unforgettable. 1 was im pressed with the work of the police and other emergency workers. A photographer was taking pictures of me in regards to my work and the run 1 had planned. 1 asked a policeman 1 knew if he would come to the school for pho tos. He was hesitant but when 1 explained that these photos were not to be used in a negative way, but rather for promotional purposes, he consented and came to the school. When we were finished, he mentioned 1 had once asked him to have a picture with my daughter and he had declined. If she was around, he would like this photo done as well. 1 was thrilled when he asked for copies of the photos we had made. 1 am thankful most of all that God’s love could be shown to the police. 1 give the Lord Jesus the praise and honor for the spirit of love, for working out of differences when needed, and for the opportunity He gives me to be involved with the police. Albert Martens Albert and Edna Martens (Steinbach) are involved in administrative work at the Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany.

the police, 1 did not feel it was our stu dents. We found evidence on the scene and about a week later they caught the person when he came back to continue the job - not one of our students, thank fully. A refugee home was across the street from us and two people staying there broke into a sports storage shed to get a ball to play with. A neighbour noticed and called the police. The police came to my office the next morning to ask if we wanted to press charges. One day a student was at the border crossing into France but his residency per mit in his passport was expired. 1 was called to sort this out. A dorm was robbed of con siderable cash and this had to be reported to the police. Police check vehicles to see if the tires have enough tread; if they don’t, there are heavy fines levied on the vehicle owner. Speeding tickets also need to be taken care of. (Yes, there are speed restrictions in Germany, 100 km/hr on the country roads and 50 km/hr through towns and vil lages.) PAGE 8

BLACK B| •OREST 1 ACADEMY I a

iternational Christian Education

Albert Martens talks with a friend in the police force.

THE MESSENGER

I Papua New Guinea '

Martha, a challenging testimony Thank you for your prayers. Let me tell you about a funeral. On a Friday afternoon in November, Martha passed away after being sick for two months. We tried to help her with our limited medical knowl edge until she was tired of medicine. When she was ill, her oldest son Agus took her upriver where he lives with his third wife. Agus was affectionate to Martha, we heard, never getting angry or hitting her. Martha’s funeral was different from most in Canada and even somewhat different than here. Her body was brought down the river. Custom says that someone needs to be beat because they did not properly care for the person who died. Komiti, a relative, tried to beat Agus who was held back, possibly for show. In the morning many people were at the house, a few draped over the wrapped body, crying and wailing about the good the person did and what they did together. Usually, they also sing to spirits. They waited for people to arrive and for a grave to be dug in a rocky spot. Alfons, the main Bible teacher and a translation helper, ensured things were done properly. He helped prepare the body, but didn’t say much at the house. Martha’s body was buried in late afternoon. 1 could not understand much of what was said, but what 1 could was encouraging. After Martha’s body was lowered into the grave, Alfons gave a clear challenge. He quieted people and then prayed, “God you made us from the ground and to the ground we go again. But Martha’s spirit is in Jesus’ hand. She does not feel the pain any more. We still feel pain and we sor row for her, but she no longer has pain.” Alfons started to cry, then repeated that Martha was trusting in Jesus and she knew that Jesus had saved her, not her works. His challenge came through his mourn ing. Later, some ladies walked by, saying they were going to the gravesite. 1 went along. They checked to see what had stepped on the grave at night - a dog, a baby, and a small kangeroo-like sikou, and said some thing about spirits. Sometimes we are dis couraged because we want them to drop old ways at once and follow what is bibli cal. We forget that not all our ways are biblical. We need to let the Holy Spirit work. He will continue to teach them about what is right and what isn’t. We keep hearing of Martha’s faithful tes timony. A granddaughter said Martha had told her to do her wash on Wednesday; on Thursday she was coming to this village and on Friday she was being buried. Martha told her, “Don’t cry for me. Don’t worry. 1 am going to have no more pain.” Agus shared that Martha had kept praying, that

FEBRUARY 14, 2001

to the end she did not give up on God. When she was in pain, she would pray to God. We’re uncertain where Agus is at spiritu ally. We pray that God could use this to soften his heart. It’s wonderful to talk to people who repeat that Martha prayed to the end and now she is with Jesus and feels no pain. Mark is a church leader. He desires to read and has taken the class three times, but he remains a slow reader. Because he stmggles with reading, he is not a key Bi ble teacher. He told us that when people are absent from the village, staying in the jungle towards the mountains, they con tinue to meet on Sundays and Thursday mornings. They meet with people there and Mark teaches from Bible lessons he has. It was encouraging to hear this. Recently Alfons and Ronika were gone for a long time, but when they came back, Ronika told me how after the kids have gone to bed, they sit in the lamplight and go over the lessons. She asks Alfons ques tions and he explains lessons. We have to remember that we are in a different culture and need to measure change by local growth rings. Laurel Schroder

We hear of Martha’s faithful testimony.

Tim and Laurel Schroder (Pelly) with Rylan serve in Papua New Guinea with New Tribes Mission. They serve in Bible translation and leadership training.

Ser Vffu at the

51^^ EMC Convention July 6-8,2001

Speakers: John Reimer, Don Thiessen, Al Friesen and David Thiessen Tillsonburg Community Centre Tillsonburg, Ontario Phone: 204-326-6401

Tkavel Options Flights arc available to Hamilton, Toronto or London. Please book directly with Christy at Holiday Travel (1-800-376-1303). State that you are with the July EMC Convention. The option to charter a bus is open. The bus would leave Wednesday and return on Monday. If interested in the bus, please contact the Conference office (204-326-6401) by March 23. Accommodations Call Beth at the Conference office to place your name on a list for billets in private homes. This will be first-come, first-served.

Motels: When booking, please state that you are with the Evangelical Mennonite Conference Convention, and have your credit card ready to reserve a room. Super 8 Motel, Tillsonburg, call 1-800-800- Travel Lodge, Ingersoll (near Tillsonburg), call 8000. E-mail: super8@execulink.com 1-800-578-7878, www.travelodge.com Single - $85 plus taxes Please give confirmation number 000007-29Double - $95 plu.s taxes EMCC when booking. Single or double - $78 plus times (includes a Hill Top Motel, Tillsonburg, call 1-888-254- continental breakfast) 2574 Single - $58 plus taxes Countrys/de Jnn, Aylmer, call 1-519-773-8136 Double - $65 plus taxes Rates are $59 to $68 plus taxes

Please book your accommodations directly with the motels, and as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. There are several campgrounds in Tillsonburg, as well as several sites on the Convention grounds.

PAGE 9

For Ever, For Always - No Matter What Swift Current, Sask.: About eighty women and girls of all ages and descrip tions descended upon our church Septem ber 22-24 for the fourth annual mother daughter retreat. This year’s theme was For Ever, For Al ways - No Matter What with guest speaker Chris Brown. The weekend’s event in cluded messages, food, music and enter tainment, hours of visiting, laughter, and even a few tears. A highlight of the annual event is the Sat urday banquet that is cooked and served by some of Swift Current EMC’s men and boys dressed in black pants and sharp white shirts. I’m not sure who enjoys it more, the girls or the guys! Women from various denominations and across the prairie provinces participated wholeheartedly in the weekend retreat. It was thrilling! The retreat runs from Friday evening to Sunday morning and focuses on building and strengthening relationships between mothers and daughters. This year one fam ily had four generations represented: Susie Dyck, her daughter Mary Driedger, Mary’s daughters. Barb Neufeld, Wilma Driedger, Karen Schlamp, Elaine Schapansky, and Elaine’s daughter, Dominique. Wow! What a legacy in building on the promise For Ever, For Always - No Matter What. The idea for a mother-daughter retreat was born at our 1996 church family camp by a handful of enthusiastic, visionary women. Today, the organizing committee has grown to include many women to pro mote and carry out the retreat’s many as pects - guest speaker, advertising, deco rations, food, entertainment, music and more. The mother-daughter retreat has grown

Barb Neufeld, Mary Driedger, Wilma Driedger, Karen Schlamp, Susie Dyck, Elaine Schapansky and Dominique Schapansky (not pictured) represented four generations at the annual mother-daughter retreat.

to become an annual event. There have been growing pains, but each year the tes timonies of young and older women af firm the value of the two-day event. Each year has its highlights, and the positive and encouraging feedback has a rippling ef fect as the retreat grows in strength and popularity. Our church building, which was formerly the Swift Current Bible Institute, is suited to this type of ministry. We have a wellfurnished kitchen and dorm rooms to ac commodate weekend participants. This year we were full to capacity. In fact, sev eral guests bunked on mattresses on the floor! Those wishing information on this event may contact Marion Engel at 306-587-2438 or Linda Fehr at 306-773-3199. Special thanks to Linda Fehr for help in writing this report. Cindy Penner

2001-a faith odySST)'

Helen Janzen and her daughter Helen Redekopp won the privilege of having their hair styled by Tanya Atkinson for the Saturday evening banquet.

A well-worn pair of shoes and the theme o faith odyssey imply a series of adven tures on a lifelong journey, making clear the focus of Abundant Springs 2001.

Urgency motivates Wycliffe leader

Our theme verse describes the end of this journey: 2 Tim. 4:7 says!have fought the good fight, t have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Abundant Springs seeks to equip, encourage and empower our youth to begin or continue their odyssey of faith in Jesus Christ.

The new director of Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada wants to speed up Bible translation by involving more Canadian believers. Dr. Roger Gilstrap says at the current rate, Bible transla tion for 250 million speakers of the 3,000 ' remaining language groups could take 150 years to complete. “What that means, in terms of real hu man lives, is that five generations will have come and gone without access to God’s Word in their language,” he says.

May 1 B-2 1 C,

I I I I I I

Pray for God’s Spirit to prepare recep tive hearts within our youth.

Spri

Gordon Kroeker, Coordinator

WBT

PAGE 10

THE MESSENGER

Reasons for thanks and celebration Steinbach, Man. (Stony Brook): Walch Us Grow was the theme for our annual church camp held September 29-October 1 at Gimli Bible Camp. Our guest speaker was Dr. Chuck Nichols from Providence Theological Seminary. His enthusiasm inspired us and his messages challenged us. He encouraged our growth, pointing out that spiritual growth doesn’t only happen corporately, it requires indi vidual attention. We serve and worship a holy God; this should reflect in our lives and our church. October was a time of thanksgiving. Stony Brook family and friends enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal. The group Higher Ground brought special music. We heard an inspiring testimony by Pierre Gilbert, acknowledging how God changes lives in unique ways. Parent-child dedication seems to be a regular event for us. On October 29 sev eral proud parents committed themselves to raising their children for God. On November 19 we heard eight testi monies of how God draws individuals to Himself and how He continues to work in their lives. Two people were baptized and six transferred their membership. What a blessing it was to hear of God’s grace at work in each life! Our church ladies gathered together for our annual dessert night in December. The evening was fun and informative. Judy Martens gave a report on the Moms and Tots’ morning out, inviting others to join them. Doreen Penner reported on the Women’s Encounter Group, and Debbie Rempel invited ladies to join the Precept Upon Precept Bible study which began this January. Each of these provides ladies with different opportunities for involvement. We feel blessed by the good work God is doing in our church and in people’s lives. We anticipate continued growth and change as we seek to serve a wonderful God.

Heidi and Rob Driedger, Ron and Jeanette Karney, Heather Moore, Barb Perusse and Marvin Bergen became members on November 19. Pastor Earl Unger is in the middle. (Jocelyn Bergen is missing.)

On October 9 parents dedicated themselves and their children to the Lord; Anna Unger with Rachel, Wayne and Marilyn Thiessen with Philip, Miryam and Chuck Bueckert with Hannah, and Barb Perusse with Douglas.

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Heather Moore and Barb Perusse were baptized on November 19.

FEBRUARY 14, 2001

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In the 1960s a congregation was formed and a chapel built to respond to the community’s needs. Now because of changing needs and growth, the congregation needs a new building.

The first wedding in the Riverton Gospel Chapel was held in 1975. Wendell and Rita (Loewen) Kroeker step into their future together.

Hear the laughter, the sorrow? Riverton, Man.: In 1960 the Riverton Gospel Chapel opened its doors to the community. Thus started forty years of serving the area and its people. Now we have outgrown our chapel and its ameni ties and are seeking to rebuild. As we embark on a new chapter in our church life, it seems fitting to share our history. Fall suppers, choirs, family nights, prayer meetings, young people’s groups, good news clubs and the ladies’ friendship circle “became the founda tion to the backbone within the church and outward to the community as a symbol of newfound strength and hope in the Christian pilgrimage. Its journey had just begun” (Eileen Plett, church history record). By 1966 the church was a growing and vibrant part of the community. On Janu ary 1, 1967 the church choir sang in a centennial service at the Riverton hall. In 1968 the first baptism and receiving of new members took place on Febru ary 18. Ten families joined the chapel that year. The first church wedding took place in 1975; Rev. Menno Kroeker offi ciated at the wedding of Rita Loewen and Wendell Kroeker. The first baby dedication was held in 1977 for Eileen and Waldon Plett and their daughter, Kendra. In 1979 the Riverton Thrift Store opened its doors in a rented building across from the Riverton Co-op Hard ware. It served the community well over the years, not only providing people PAGE 12

with affordable clothing, but also shar ing the gospel through Christian litera ture, cards and books. Edwin Wright, with his wife Violet, served as pastor from fall 1966-1969. Menno and Aurelia Kroeker served from

On August 3, 1978 Christine Geldart was baptized at Camp Arnes by pastor Menno Kroeker, ten years after the Riverton Gospel Chapel held its first baptismal service.

1969-1978. From 1978-1983 Larry and Ruby Heppner pastured. Following that, Delbert and Cindy Fast were pastoral couple from 1983-1986. Dick and Tina Unruh served in 1986-1996. Our current pastoral couple, John and Helen Froese, has served from 1996. If we sit quietly and alone in the church sanctuary, we might hear the singing voices of those who came before. Can

you hear the laughter, the sorrow? Can we hear a strong voice bellowing out “God is all around us” as we intently lis ten to a Sunday morning message? Sit quietly in the sanctuary and listen to how loud that silence can be. It will be sad for us to leave these walls behind. Many years ago, when the chapel was built and we moved into it, the small congregation felt excitement and pride to sense that their plan to reach the com munity was coming together. Those feel ings hold true today, in the new church that is being built. The message of outreach is still a goal today. We want local people to find the Lord, young peo ple to grow up and serve Him, and for the church to be self-supporting. As we celebrate one more church Sun day school picnic, youth outing, or Christmas pageant, our spirits grow and yearn to share the Word of God with others. Building a new church is an awesome burden and task, but also an exciting time of reawakening and commitment for church members. Riverton Gospel Chapel is open to any donation.s of time or money to our building project. The detail of the history of the chapel is credited to Eileen Plett and her Sun day school class from former years, and to many church members. If the walls of your church could talk, what would they be saying to you? Christine Peters

THE MESSENGER

Making peace while answering a different call THE MUSLIM CALL to prayer resounds through loudspeakers before dawn. A few who hear may answer it differently than the 90 percent of Indonesians who are Muslim. Christians, about 6 percent of In donesia’s population, may awaken to read Bibles and pray in the name of Jesus Christ. “I can talk quite easily with Muslim peo ple, and they don’t reject me, because they know I am formerly Muslim,” said Tulham Prabu, pastor of a Mennonite congrega tion in Welahan, a village in central Java. The church is next to a Muslim mosque. Of 215 million people in Indonesia, 87,802 baptized Mennonite members make it the country with the fifth-largest group of Mennonites in the world. They belong to three denominations, known as GITJ, GKMI and JKI. Mennonites have often suf fered persecution, but they’ve also peace fully coexisted with their Muslim neighbors, along with Hindus, Buddhists, Javanese animists and mystics. Mennonites, mostly Chinese and Javanese in culture, live among Indonesia’s 300 eth nic groups, across the world’s largest ar chipelago of more than 13,000 islands strad-

CORNELIUS K. UNGER 1905-2000 “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, ” says the Spirit, “they will get rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them ” (Revelation 14:13). It has pleased our Lord to take our hus band and father from our side to his eter nal rest in heaven. After a time of sick ness, Dad passed away at Rest Haven Nurs ing Home at 12:45 p.m. on December 2, 2000 at the age of 95 years. Dad was bom on November 19, 1905 in Blumenhof, Manitoba, to Cornelius and Aganetha Unger. He grew up and received his education in Blumenhof. Dad accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour at the age of 19 and was baptized and became a member of the Blumenort EMC. On October 30, 1927, Dad married our FEBRUARY 14, 2001

dling the equator between Southeast Asia and Australia for about 3,100 miles. Mennonite presence in Indonesia began when Dutch Mennonites sent a mission ary in 1851. Missionaries from North America and Russia, and Indonesian lead ers, played key roles in the Mennonite churches’ development. Like their Muslim neighbors, Mennonites strive to feed their families, worship and find stability in their nation. Indonesia stmggles to give birth to more democracy after rule by the Dutch and Japanese, and dictator-like governments after independ ence in 1945. In a nation torn by political, ethnic and economic conflict, Mennonites deal with the tensions in various ways. Tensions get labeled as religious ones, but politics and economics fuel the con flicts, as people stmggle to balance power and wealth. "These conflicts and independ ence movements have sparked killing, fighting and church burnings. In recent years two Mennonite churches were burned, one on Sumatra and one on Java. Laurie L. Oswald. Meetinghouse

Mom, Anna Dueck. They started their life together on Dad’s parents’ farm. A few years later he had a deep spiritual experience and received assurance of sal vation which he kept to the very end. Dad had and showed concern for the spiritual welfare of his children, grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren. Dad and Mom worked very hard to sup port their family. They lived in New Bothwell, Blumenhof and Steinbach, Manitoba. Dad was employed at the Blumenort cheese factory when he was hired by the New Bothwell cheese factory to start their plant as the first cheese-maker. He took great pride in his work and won prizes and trophies for his cheese. For seven years he made cheese, after which they bought land and moved back to Blumenhof to start farming. For many years Dad did carpen try work for additional income. Dad served on numerous boards, such as the school board and the local tel ephone line board. He also loved to lead Bible study groups in the church. In 1969, after a lengthy illness, our Mom passed away. After a lonely year of living by himself. Dad married Margaret Dueck on March 20, 1970. One of the highlights of Dad’s life was when he and Mom took a trip to the Holy Land in 1973. It gave him great joy to walk the same streets as Jesus walked. Other highlights were his fishing trips with Mom, his children, grandchildren and other friends.

Gereja Injili Tanah Jawa, or GITJ, has 48,000 members, 89 congregations and 112 mission churches. Formed in 1940, GITJ has Javanese histori cal roots and is based mostly in cen tral Java.

Gereja Kristen Muria Indonesia, or GKMI, has 15,200 members, 40 con gregations and 100 mission churches. Formed in 1941, GKMI has Chinese roots and is based mostly in communities surrounding Mount Muria, a string of volcanic peaks in central Java. PIPKA, its board of mis sions and charities, plants churches in other islands, such as Kalimantan. Jemaat Kristen Indonesia, or JKI, has 12,000 members, 41 congregations and 75 mission churches. An offshoot of GKMI, JKI grew out of the 1970s charismatic renewal movement. It’s based primarily in Indonesia but has five churches in California and one in Australia.

In his retirement years. Dad and Mom took great pleasure in visiting family in B.C. and Oregon. A tragic car accident on March 9, 1982, which took the lives of one daughter and three sons-in-Iaw had a great impact on his life, from which he never fully recov ered. Dad was pre-deceased by our first mom, Anna, daughter Evelyn and husband Willie Manky, daughter Erma and husband Otto Unger, son-in-law Benny Plett, step-son Arley Dueck and wife Verda, his parents Cornelius F. and Aganetha Unger, three sis ters and two brothers. Dad is survived by our mom, Margaret, three daughters, Elda and Ben Penner of Blumenort, Man.; Mabel and Wilbert Plett of Quesnel, B.C.; Nettie and Ellis Penner, of Blumenort, Man., three sons, Charles of Kamloops, B.C.; Ruben and Natalie of Vernon, B.C.; Dan of Kelowna, B.C.; on step-daughter Alvina and Peter Wiebe of Steinbach, Man., numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, three sisters, Tina; Lisa and John Reimer; Helen and John Wiebe, and one sister-in-law, Helen Unger. We would like to thank the Resthaven Nursing Home staff and Dr. Krahn for tak ing such good and loving care of Dad. We sorrow, yet not as those who have no hope, but are confident that our Dad is resting with the Lord in whom he be lieved. His Family

PAGE 13

LINDA WIEBE 1965-2001 He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young (Isaiah 40:11). Linda was bom on March 18,1965 in Chi huahua, Mexico, to her parents Evelyn and Cornelius Reimer. She was joined by her twin sister, Lydia. She was an active and creative child, filled with curiosity and ambition. She played with her twin sister and other siblings in the creeks and hills around their home and never ran out of imaginative things to do. At the age of 12 she, together with her family, moved to Blumenort, Manitoba. A few months later her father led her to the Lord. She committed to live for Jesus and to remain faithful to Him. Two years later the family moved to Arborg, Manitoba, where she made new friends and enjoyed attending youth activities. She and her twin sister Lydia were bap tized at the age of 15 at the Morweena Evangelical Mennonite Church. Linda vol unteered for many mission projects and church activities. In 1984 she went to Seminole, Texas, where she taught for two years in a mission school. She was a natu ral at teaching because she loved children. Before she returned to Manitoba, she started to falter in her relationship with

God. However, not long after, she realized that she needed the presence of God in her life and rededicated her life to the Lord. Upon her new commitment to the Lord, she hungered for His word and de cided to attend Rosedale Bible Institute in Ohio. She enjoyed making new friends and soaking in God’s word. She discovered that she could truly enjoy her Christian life. Praise and worship time was always a high light for Linda, which in the last few years she and her husband enjoyed at their home church. Calvary Chapel in Steinbach, Manitoba. After completing her term at Bible school, she travelled to Leamington, On tario, to visit a friend. There she met a young man named Peter Wiebe and they started dating. She returned to Manitoba and, for a while, continued her long dis tance relationship with Pete. They were married on January 30,1988, in Manitoba, where they decided to make their home. They remained faithful and committed to each other for almost 13 years until her death. During their union the Lord blessed them with a son, Calen Daniel Peter, on March 1, 1992. Linda loved her son whole-heartedly and dedicated her life to him. She trained him in the way of the Lord and they had a very close bond. She loved family gather ings where she always played with her nephews and nieces. Her cheerfulness and optimism made her everyone’s favorite aunt and sister. Linda had a great sense of humour and a lot of love to give. She began to feel ill two years ago and her condition continued to worsen. In June of 1999 her doctors scheduled emer gency surgery and were alarmed to dis cover that she had advanced ovarian can cer and that her condition was extremely serious. Linda faced cancer with such courage and optimism that she amazed everyone who knew her. Her battle with cancer took her through many dark valleys, such as

chemotherapy, radiation and pain. She held onto the Lord whom she loved with all her heart and testified for Him. She had a fierce determination to survive for her son Calen. In November of 2000 she was told that her cancer was terminal and the doctors couldn’t help her. She walked through another dark valley but continued to draw strength from her beloved Jesus. On Janu ary 1,2001, she fell very ill and was admit ted to the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Manitoba. A few days later she was told that she had a few weeks to live. She continued to fight for her life, but the Lord had other plans. On January 18, at the age of 35 years and ten months, she was received into the loving arms of Jesus where she no longer experiences pain or suffering. In her last days she expressed her desire to drink from the everlasting water of life and rest at the feet of Jesus. She was predeceased by her father in November of 1981, and by a sister and a brother in infancy. She is survived by her beloved husband, Pete; their son, Calen; her mother, Evelyn Reimer of Blumenort; and her siblings: Irma (Howard) Dueck of Mexico, Margaret (John) Kornelsen of Mexico, Lavina (Jake) Peters of Blumenort, Bernie (Anna) Reimer of Blumenort, Alvin (Mildred) Reimer of Landmark, Anne (Jerry) Plett of Arborg, Liz (Stan) Plett of Arborg, Cornie (Helen) Reimer of Leamington, Lydia (Neil) Reimer of Seminole and Evalina (Bruce) Reimer of Arborg; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Wiebe of Gretna; her large extended fam ily, as well as her many nephews and nieces. She was a precious wife, mother, daugh ter and sister. Her bubbly spirit and love will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held on Monday, January 22, at the Blumenort EMC with Dave Kehler of Calvary Chapel officiating. Her Family For information on Mennonites visit

Third Way Cafe

2001 Canadian Prayer Assembly to be held in Winnipeg Canadian Christians of all denominations are invited to a united time of celebration, prayer, and praise in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on May 19 at the 2001 Canadian Prayer As sembly to be held at the Winnipeg Arena. The event’s theme is Celebrating the Church and the desire is to work toward unity captured in Jesus’ prayer “that they maybe one” (John 17:22). “In this prayer,” says Gary Walsh, presi dent of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, “Jesus is alluding to something

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non-negotiable. If we don’t do it together, the world won’t notice.” The assembly will feature an afternoon for teenagers and young adults with bands and special speakers. It will affirm youth’s role in building the church. The 2001 assembly is a follow-up to the first assembly held in Ottawa in May 2000. Information is available at 888-320-8844, or e-mail pray@canadainprayer.com or www.canadainprayer.com EFC

www.thirdway.com

The Messenger on cassette The magazine is available on 90 minute cassette for those who have a visual impairment. The postage is free. The reader is Helen Kroeker, Steinbach.

THE MESSENGER

'^Utlks BARTEL - to Lynn and Betty Bcirtel of Morris, Man., a daughter, Sophia Elizabeth, on November 13, 2000. BOULTON - to James and Arietta Boulton of Morris, Man., a daughter, Katrina Emmalynne, on November 16, 2000. RITTAU - to Chris and Marilyn Rittau of Devlin, Ont., a daughter, Annalise Emilie, on October 26, 2000. CUNNINGHAM to Kelly and Tanya Cunningham of Emo, Ont., a daughter, Hannah Elizabeth, on October 30, 2000.

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Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship (EMC) is look ing for a full-time senior pastor. Steinbach EFC is a big town/small city church with an aver age Sunday morning attendance of 250. Expe rience and a college degree are preferred. Send resume to Dan Reimer, PSC chairman. Box 2758, Steinbach, Man. ROA 2A0; phone 204326-3684; e-mail dan@mb.penn-co.com or Colin Loewen at 204-346-1380. MCC Canada invites applications for its 2001/2002 Youth Internship Program. YIP places Canadian college and univer sity graduates in 12 month assignments in their field of study. Assignments include community development in Philippines and Guatemala; conflict resolution in South Africa; human rights in Jamaica; environmental research and promotion in Guatemala; refugee support in Cairo; therapy and vocational training for peo ple with mental illness in Jamaica. To qualify, applicants must have com pleted a university degree or college di ploma 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 com mitted to Christian faith, active church membership and non-violent peacemak ing; be Canadian citizens or landed immi grants. Direct inquiries and application requests to MCC provincial offices (1-888-6226337), to Marsha Jones at MCC Canada (1-204-261-6381), or by e-mail: Marsha_G_Jones@mail.mcc.org. Check MCC’s website (www.mcc.org) for more information. Application deadline is April 13. 2001, but apply ASAP Assignments begin in late August 2001. YIP is contin gent on funding from the Canadian Inter national Development Agency.

Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (EMC) in Rosenort, Manitoba invites applications for a full-time senior pastor. Send resumes to Kel Zacharias, Box 203, Rosenort, MB ROG IWO, phone 204746-2866 (home) or 895-1412 (work), or e-mail: zachs@mb.sympatico.ca.

Fort Garry EMC in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is searching for a senior pastor who will take

FEBRUARY 14, 2001

KRAHN - to Dave and Lorie Krahn of Lyons, Ont., a daughter. Aliyah Taylor, on October 28, 2000. HARMS - to Jamie and Amy Harms of Riverton, Man., a son, Quentin Skyler Michael, on September 26, 2000. BARKMAN - to Garry and Pat Barkman of Riverton, Man., a daughter, McKenna Sherise, on November 30, 2000. FRIESEN - to Nevin and Angela Friesen of Landmark, Man., a son, Noah Riley, on September 2, 2000.

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major leadership responsibility in the church and work with the church council and other ministries. The candidate should be an effec tive preacher and teacher, and be good at caring for and relating to people in the con gregation and community. Pastoral experience and theological education are important. Please send resume, including references, to Corinne Klassen, 107 Ruttan Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3T OHS or phone 204-453-5563 for infor mation.

Have you considered SOOP? Service Oppor tunities for Older People is administered by three Mennonite organizations, including MCC Canada. It provides people over 50 an oppor tunity for service and travel in Canada and the U.S. Volunteers use their talents - carpenters, lis teners, poets, cooks, gardeners, and electri cian among them - in service opportunities. Recent assignments are as diverse as work ing with a home repair agency and assisting families of people on trial for murder. Volunteers cover their own expenses of travel, health insurance, medical costs, and occasionally food and lodging. For more in formation call Anna Ens or Lydia Braun at 204261-6381. MacGregor EMC is accepted applications for the position of youth leader for an enthusias tic, vibrant youth group. This is a self-support ing position for the first two years at which time the terms will be reviewed. Contact church board chairman Andy Penner by phone at 204-466-2792 or mail (R.R.1, Austin, MB ROH OCO).

Kleefeld EMC is looking for a senior pastor to work with a ministerial team in church lead ership. The candidate should be an effective preacher and a good team player who relates well to people in the congregation and com munity. Send resume with references to Sharon Fast, Box 20111, Steinbach, MB ROA 2T1 or email jsfast@escape.ca 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 403-233-1418 (office) or 403-233-1726 (home) at Taber, Alberta.

PLETT - to Kelvin and Kathy Plett of Landmark, Man., a daughter, Mikayla Katherine, on August 30, 2000. PETERS - to Colin and Gwen Peters of Landmark, Man., a son, Colson Tyler, on August 5, 2000. DOERKSEN - to Don and Vai Doerksen of Niverville, Man., a son, Keenan Donald, on December 21, 2000. MOERKERK - to Chris and Sheri Moerkerk of Regina, Sask., a daughter, Aidyn Olivia, on October 22, 2000. DUECK - to Corey and Candace Dueck of Steinbach, Man., a son. Coltin Tye, on November 2, 2000. KOOP - to Doug and Helena Koop of Steinbach, Man., a son, Noah Renton, on November 22, 2000.

COMING EVENTS February 26 Benefit Recital for MEDA Tenor Ben Heppner/Consort Caritatis Centre in the Square Kitchener, Ont. Phone: 800-265-8977 March 2-4 Families with mentally handicapped person retreat Camps With Meaning Looking Back with a Keen Eye on the Future Speaker: Terry Burkhalter CampAssiniboia, Headingly, Man. Phone:204-896-1616 March 16-17 SBC Leadership Conference Celebrating God's Generosity Speaker: Mark Vincent Steinbach Bible College Chapel Steinbach. Man. 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 May 19 2001 Canadian Prayer Assembly Winnipeg Arena Winnipeg, Man. Youth celebration: 1-4p.m. General celebration; 6:30-11 p.m. Phone: 888-320-8844

July 6-8 51 “EMC Convention Groiv/ng Healthy Families Tillsonburg Community Centre Tillsonburg, Ont.

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Jesus, the Light of Life

Lighthouses, Safe Harbours, and the Lord Elma Dueck

Y DAUGHTER Lois and 1 are fond of light houses, sea, ships and harbours. They are sym bolic of our spiritual journey on the sea of life. We yearned to view them again in the serene setting of Nova Scotia’s coastline. So in 2000 we flew for a delightful, lei surely two-week holiday, touring along the Atlantic Ocean through quaint fishing villages. On calm, sunny days the sea is quiet and tran quil with the harmonious sounds of sea gulls, gen tle lapping of waves shim mering in the sunshine, fishing boats or the occa sional ship in the dis tance. These are symbolic of good days when all is well. Invariably, there also come stormy, turbulent days; the sea turns treacherous and menac ing, the waves are high and pounding. We are sorely afraid that our small boat will capsize or be swamped and we will perish in the cold, dark sea. There are days when the sea is shrouded in fog and we can’t see a thing. Let us rejoice in the hope we have in Jesus, who said in John 8:12, “1 am the light of this world. Whoever follows me will never be in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We desperately need the lighthouse or the foghorn to guide our way back to the harbour. Also, all who have accepted Jesus are to be beacons of light pointing the lost and perishing to Jesus, the Light of Life. A dark time was when our precious children wandered away from the Lord. My husband Henry and 1 cried to the Lord, “Jesus, save them at any cost!” The Lord answered. Within a year, all three were gloriously saved and safe in the harbour. What rejoicing there was in our family! Next followed days of relinquishing completely each

one to fulfill Christ’s commission to seek the lost, even in far-away places. Particularly challenging were the five years Lois served in Ukraine, beginning a church and a compas sionate ministry to the homeless. When the Lord brought her safely home, it was one more harbour reached for our family. Henry’s last illness and passing were difficult, but the Lord gave me peace about it. Henry is now rejoicing in the Heavenly Harbour. 1 am thankful for the extra 28 years we had after his near-fatal accident in 1968. God is so good! What about the present journey? 1 have mostly good, sunny days. Special joys are having Lois close. She is recu perating from the exhaustion and trauma of living in Ukraine. Son Roy, Juanita and family live relatively close, bringing me joy. I’m grateful for son Gerry’s visit in June and my visit in fall to him and his family in Germany. 1 appreciate family times, renewed friendships and making new friends (in cluding visits with Kosovan and Bosnian refugees) and singing with the Keenager choir. 1 struggle with getting old and its accompanying infir mities and fear losing my independence. 1 prepare to “cross the bar.” Still, “1 know whom 1 have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve com mitted unto Him against that day.” Hallelujah! If we allow Jesus to be our Pilot and Captain, He will guide us safely into the Heavenly Harbour. That is my prayer for you and me. God bless you!

Elma Dueck is a member of the Braeside EMC and has served previously as their church reporter and as a columnist for The Messenger. She and her daughter Lois visited Nova Scotia this past September.

Do you have a story for The Personal Touch? It must be a true account (although names may be changed, if necessary) illustrating the Christian life or character. Send your 700-word story and a photograph of yourself or suggestion for a story to the address below. PAGE 16

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