EVANGELICAL
28, 1965 ., No. 11
■ MENNONITE
CONFERENCE'
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nite onference 7 1 lE licated
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MAN THIRST, RET HIM COME UNTO ME AND DRINK.”
aiATT. 7:37b
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EDIT WE ARE A BROTHERHOOD
Summer time is conference time. The E.M..C. as well as a number of other Mennonite bodies large and small will be gathering for a time of fellowship and legislating. Among these the largest may well be the General Conference Men nonite Church with its 55000 members in three countries gathering at Estes Park Colorado for their Tri-Annual ses sion, July 10-17. Compared to this the E.M.C. with it’s 3204 members is a handful, yet we believe not without signifi cance. The Lord wants to use us with our insights, our backgro i.nd and our understanding of the Holy Scriptures to make a contribution to a lost and dying world and to en courage believers to stand fast in the faith. The purpose of any church conference I believe could be summed up in three points. Namely, Fellowship, In spiration and Legislation. All three are of vital importance.But everyone will not be able to participate in all three as is evidenced by those who say, “All we hear is messages’’ at the annual conference’’. They feel that they would like to be more intimately involved in grappeling with the issues and concerns. And rightly so. We are a brotherhood. In this Brotherhood, if I understand Scripture correctly, there is no distinction. None better than the other (“. . . let each esteem others better than themselves’’.) We are all poor, lowly sinners saved by grace. A look at the pit from whence we have been dug ends all controversy and class distinction. And we take our hat off to the minister, also a College professor, who remarked that he refused to wear a black tie for this very reason that it would distinguish him and set him apart in a brotherhood where there should be no distinction. Here is where we as ministers, leaders, deacons and del egates must be most careful to preserve and respect the voice of the member. The camel fallen human nature craves to rule; to exercise authority. “The kings of the Gentiles’’, says Jesus, “exercise lordship over them...’’ then adding, “But ye shall not be so...’’ The greatest shall be as the . J Hilt,-r; he that is chief as he that serves. This is a sub mission which is not easy, but necessary. This is an atti tude that calls for a hearing on issues even if they are pain ful and we would rather avoid them and go on to something we are more sympathetic with. We must listen to all if we want to continue to function and operate as a brotherhood. This does not mean that any and all new inovations must be voted on and blindly adopted, not at all. But it does mean that we give a respectful and sympathetic hearing to any brother who has a concern or a contribution to make to the whole. Having established this we go on to the method of expression that is open to the one who says, “All we hear is messages”. “We have concerns that should be dealt with”. These concerns may be brought to the Conference Council via the local church. The matter is then taken
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up at Conference Council which is in session once or twice a year (twice last year) and given a hearing. The Confer ence Council is made up of ministers, and deacons plus local church delegates (one delegate to each 50 members or fraction thereof). Thus your delegates become your spokesman. According to the constitution Article VIII section 3, point C. it shall be the duty of the delegates, . . to attend the Conference Council sessions, to deliberate on the problems and business of the Conference, to make the necessary decisions as directed by the scriptures, in Conference, and to help build a mutual relationship between the local churches and the Conference with it’s total programme.” To “deliberate” and “decide” maybe we should have added, “declare” (In this case to stand and speak to a point). Here is where we come into conflict with “Mennonitische demut” “I would have something to say, but he is such a fluent speaker what will they think of me if I say something in my stumbling way”. And so we let the opportunity pass and let someone else, who may have no real contribution to make, speak. Or, “I was about to get up, but before I could rise to my feet someone else who had already had had the floor five times on the one point, got up.” Rightly or wrongly stated we do know that we have both the voluble and the reticent in all meetings. The prob lem is how to give fair hearing to all; to give all who have a contribution to make a chance to speak. A suggestion which I believe would be a partial answer would be to adopt, a simple code of order, or ethics. Parliameniary procedure for brotherhood. This would often guard against “endless” discussion on minor issues, and sooner bring to a point, major issues. Permit a reference to F. C. Peters booklet on the subject “Parliamentary Procedure in a Brotherhood” section IV on “Rules of Order.” 1. Brethren should stand when addressing the assembly. 2. Statements must be made to the chairman. 3. Remarks should be confined to the particular motion under discussion. 4. If a brother has spoken to a question once, he may not speak a second time on the same question so long as any member who has not previously spoken desires the floor. He also should not ask for the floor more than three times. That we have often been in default on the above I be lieve none would deny. On the other hand that our meet ings be they Brotherhood, Ministerial or Conference Council would benefit greatly we would all have to admit. Very appropriately the theme of our 1955 Annual Con ference is, “Contending for the Faith”. That this is getting increasingly harder all the time is evident all around. But each of us has one voice let us faithfully use it as oppor tunity affords.
The Messenger Official organ, In the English language, of the EVANGEUGAL MENNONITE OONPERENGE. Puibllahed bi-weekly 'Uider the aus pices of the E.M.C. BOARD OP PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATION. Editor, David K. Schellenberg, 502 Fifth Ave. N.W., Portage la Prairie, Man. Authorized as second class maU, Post Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage in cash.
THE MESSENGER
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Man’s Part In God’s Redemption XI The Author: Rev. Archie Pen ner is interim Professor of Greek and New Testament at Mennonite Biblica1 Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana.
By Archie Penner
HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY AND GRACE L J
In our last study we suggested that therefore responsible to use these. einem zuegellosen Leben miszbrauchwhen one sees God’s grace and man's Because man is and can be responsible en . . .”) The unbelief, or decision responsibility correctly, they are not to God, the latter deals with man as against God becomes fully, with aU its consequences, man’s responsible in contradiction to each ether. It will responsible. Because of the facts, we must con act. The damnation becomes Ml the be remembered that we contended that all that man is and has is com clude tliat salvation, in all of its total greater because he is misusing that pletely of God. It is God’s gracious ity, is of God and only of God, for which is not his own, namely the pow gift This includes, therefore, his spir even the decision in every respect is er of God, for his own selfish will and purpose. In the decisions and acts of itual, physical and material being and made possible only by grace. We must also conclude that it is unbelief and sin, God’s responsibility possessions. And yet, we said, that while all is of grace man is fully re precisely at the point of the fact of ha.s ceased. sponsible. To bring these two, seem God’s grace, therefore, that man’s re An illustration will help. Let us ingly discordant, truths, together, we sponsibility and grace meet. It is imagine a merchant with limitless hl e r e that man’s responsibility facilities. His ships are plying the must look at them more closely. These two truths—man’s responsi can be understood. And since God seas. He is the sole owner and oper bility and God’s grace — supplement has done all, it becomes clear ator of his concern. Somewhere he each other. They do not contradict. why man, in a sense becomes picks up a little orphan boy. He feeds This can be said because it is precise fully responsible for his faith and his him and rears him. He trains him. ly grace, by which man receives the destiny. All possible benefits are lavished on However, at this juncture another the orphan. Furthermore, the boy has gifts of faith, of repentance, of the power of decision, etc., which brings factor enters. While God in the Scrip an incurable disease which would have man to the point of the possibility of tures is the One who accomplishes been his sure and immediate death, exercising these functions. Therefore, salvation in every respect. He is not had not his merchant benefactor had because man has received grace, he is the author of sin, nor is he responsi the skill and the means by which he there by “liberated” to act. And since ble when man dies in his unbelief and could be healed and kept alive from he now by grace has the power to act, is lost. (John 5:40; Rev. 22:17; Rom. hour to hour. It costs the merchant he thereby becomes responsible to act. l:18ff.). The question is; How does much but he trains him to become an Let me put it in other words. Be this square with the doctrine of God’s efficient captain. Now the merchant, cause God has given man faith, by grace as we have tried to describe it? to whom already the young man owes We have said that grace elevates everything including his very life each grace, and has given him the power to choose and believe, by the same man to the place of responsibility and moment, puts at the latter’s disposal grace, therefore man is responsible to capacitates him for faith and decision. the finest merchant ship which he God for exercising these powers. God Wc have also said that it is precisely owns. Again the owner provides for asks man only to do what he can do. the enabling of God which is grace, everything possible. The young man (And for the theologians: what man whether this enabling is given by com makes the first journey and returns could have done had he not fallen mon or special grace makes no differ with great success. If we can now into sin). And what man can do is ence. But the giving of God’s grace imagine that literally the only possi only that which God has enabled and is always wholly related to the divine ble reason for this success is uncondi is enabling him to do. And now, it purpose. When He gives grace it is tionally what the benefactor has done must be said that it is only by virtue only for the purpose of fulfiling His and given, to whom actually belongs of the responsibility which comes from will. Whenever, grace, the divine en the praise and honor, as well as the the fact of the capacity or power to abling, is used for those decisions returns for this successful journey, believe, to act, to decide, which comes which are apposed to His will or pur which may have resulted in a grand by divine grace, that God can and pose, then the divine grace is “turned profit? It is clear, if we can really does demand of man to believe, to into lasciviousness,” as Jude puts it. think in absoute terms, that all be repent, and to be converted. God gives (Menge: “. . . die Gnade Gottes zur longs to the merchant. Really, what the capacity and the power. Man is Absschweifung verkehren (oder: zu (Continued on page 9) .May 28, 1965
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MISSI FLIN FLON
The Dan Koops, our new workers, are hard at work and enjoying it. Monday is hospital visitation, Wed nesday Bible study and Prayer Meet ing, Friday Young Peoples. Then there is the radio work, teaching Sunday School; and the Sunday evening Ser vice to keep them busy. Allan Hagen, a new convert who was baptized early this spring appears to find interest elsewhere. Please pray for him. Mrs. Shirley Koop’s mother, Mrs. E. Korman has been up for a few weeks to help out with the new baby Flin Flon will be a busy place the 23rd of May. Many of the families of the N.F.C. (Northern Fellowship Chapel) are expecting visitors from the south. The Prairie Rose 30 voice choir is scheduled to be here Sunday, the 23rd of May. May the Lord bless them. Rev. Ben Friesen visited us on Wed., May 12.
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April 8, Rev. Len Penner, super intendent of the CSSM in Sask., from Caronport, Sask., brought a challeng ing message to our young people, speaking on Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Dan. 3:—the theme being how they would not bend, budge or burn, on Numbers 32:23. Be sure your sins will find you out. Apr. 9, Rev. Ben Reimer, chairman of the commit tee spoke and discussed with the Christians here, organization of the church. Apr. 16, Good Friday, our chapel was quite filled with ardent listeners, as the Easter story was portrayed in word and song by the Sunday School Classes. May 2-9, Rev. Ben Friesen, Evangel ist of Steinbach Bible Institute brought to us inspiring messages. All exper ienced many blessings, as the pre cious word was brought. Several souls were saved and Christians rededicated their lives to their heavenly maker. The Sewing Circle ladies have been
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quite faithful in coming out every second week during the past winter. Scarves were knit and bandages made for foreign countries. Tea towels and pillow ca.,es were m?J2 for visiting missionaries and friends. Clothes have been distributed among the needy. Bibs and toys have been given to our local hospital, our Senior Citizens’ Home was also remembered, as these two places are visited each Wed, py a group from our Chapel who sing and proclaim His Word unto these people.
* * * ENDEAVOUR A baptismal service, and reception of members service was held in the Fellowship Chapel on April 11. Rev. B. D. Reimer was guest speaker. The Fellowship Chapel co-operated with the St. James Anglican church to hold 3 special pre-easter services. The Billy Graham film “Jerusalem” was much enjoyed, having over 200 in attendance. The “Golgotha” film was shown to well over 100 people, and the presentation of the cantata, “He is Risen” by the Community Choir also had a fairly good attend ance. In March, 15 young people of the Youth Fellowship journeyed to Porcu pine where they participated, by song and music, in the N.E. Saskatchewan An interdenominational Youth ser vice was held in our chapel in March, with a panel discussion on “Christian Youth in the Community.” The Angli can young people presented this pan el. The Field Council of the E.M.C. Ex tension Committee met for its reg ular meeting at the Endeavour Fel lowship Chapel on May 8. There were over 38 present, not including child ren.
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VOLUNTARY SERVICE
GERMANY
3353 Bad Gandersheim Hagenmuehlenweg 1, Germany Greetings in Jesus name with Psalm 78. That Word is precious to me. Out of it I will just quote verse twenty, hoping that you will read the rest, “Behold, he smote the rock, that the
waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? Can he provide flesh for his people?” Do We too, so soon forget the help of the Lord in the past and question Him like that in present difficulties? My heart overflows with praise because our Heavenly Father bothers to an swer also my earnest prayers. Take heart dear friend, whoever you are, in need, He will answer yours, too! Let us not tire waiting upon Him. At present we have 23 children which is more than we’ve ever had be fore. Of this bunch I’ve picked out a family of five who came to us Jan uary 25 and were going to stay only three weeks but are still here, to write about. They’ve been here twice or thrice before for shorter periods of time. The mother is in the hospital. The father of three of them, fled from police to the East Zone. Not only the hearts of the parents are dark and filthy, but so is also the home. The oldest are in my group, boys 6 and 9 years old. In spite of their background these children are far from backward. These five like, all our others, are sent to us instead of elsewhere for a purpose planned by our Saviour, I firmly believe. Therefore the follow ing story and the prayer requests; One of the very first things, Ralf, the oldest boy, told me when coming here was about their sad Christmas last year. Apparently his 13 year old brother committed suicide. I do not mention this to excite you—should I have omitted the happening? These children live in that atmosphere, I see and hear about it, and I hope that you’ll join in prayer as you already do, now for these five in particular. .Pray that they may be grounded firm ly during their short stay here, es pecially for Ralf. Pray as well for the mother, but also' for little Franky (1%) who eats only porridge without bringing up. The Doctor says he has to slowly get used to vegetables like a little baby since he seemingly never got any before. Thanks for remem bering us all. Lastly, to all you dear folk who wrote since my last letter, a special “thank-you!” So good to hear from anyone of you! Let us praise Him who ever stays near us, also in times of trials. May He continue to bless us all. Psam 78. In bonds of love, Mary Brandt
THE MESSENGER
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i South America Travel Diary By Art Neufeld
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J ASUNCION We arrived at Ascuncion 12:45 p.m. on January 12. Here to greet us were the Frank Kroekers and the Pete Martens. We were glad to see them and had a good meeting. The Kroekers then took us to Pete Martens place in Ascuncion where we emptied all the goods we had brought for them, stretched our legs, visited and drank iced tea. Out on the street we saw the dis order and mixed up activity of the city. Big trucks, cars and oxcarts all traverse the main street. Sales men and saleswomen are on the streets everywhere. For the night we went to the Menno Home (MCC) Frank and Pete thought they should not go along to the Chaco. But we asked them to radio Henry Toews of our coming. To East Paraguay The next day, after some more fel lowship and visiting we left for Coaquaza (East Paraguay) with the Kroekers. The first part is a paved highway. Here we saw many drive with park light. The horn is the most important part of the vehicle since there are no stop signs! Here we also saw trucks parking in the middle of the highway with people sleeping on the pavement under the truck! The road from the highway into the col ony was very muddy. After getting out ro push a few times we arrived at Frank Kroekers at 12:30 a.m. Brother Kroeker i s enthusiastic about the Indian work in the area. The Indians are Guarini, which lan guage the Martens are also learning. In the area is also another Indian Tribe (Quadjaki) which they hope to contact. On Jan. 15 we got up early to go to the Brazilian border and into Brazil to see the Iquazu Falls. In order to
May 28, 1965
do this we had to cross the Parana River which forms the boundary be tween Paraguay and Brazil. Heie we hired a taxi and went to a cafe for dinner (the fish tasted very strange!) After dinner we again took a taxi to go to the faUs. We had a real rough ride! In many things people here are not in a hurry but in driving are real daring. Back at Brazil border I bought a souvenir. I showed the girl a Canadian dollar bill and she refused to give it back. I think she liked the picture of the Queen. I told her to give me some thing in trade and we settled. Back across the river and into Frank’s V.W. we found ourselves in trouble getting out of the river bot tom on a .slippery road. The towns folk thought it was a real joke when those, “wealthy” whites had to get out and push. (I saw one lad even holding back on the rear bumper!”) On Sunday we went to Sunday school and church. Transportation — tractor and trailer through three feet of water! We enjoyed Sunday school. Johnny was the teacher. We sang from the Evangelium Lieder and Spir itual Life song books. I had the mes sage, from the book of Romans. In the evening we had another service where we sang a quartett (Not too good!) We said a few words to the group and all of us shook hands with everyone at the door. There was a spirit of warm fellowship. Our short stay had come to an end. To the Chaco January 18, In the morning (after only some four hours of sleep) we left for Ascuncion and arrived there at 1:00 p.m. Due to the rain we do not know when we will be able to get into the Chaco and the Henry Toewses and the plane going in is overfull. In Asuncion also I and Ed
took a haircut. The barber operates a hand clipper (like Dad used to use on us in the ’3O’s.) January 19: Today we’re going to market! One block to go and the smeil is getting stronger! Here we see piles and piles of fruit. I bought a bunch of bananas for 30c (six dozen). Choice tomatoes go for a song. January 20: This is the day when we fly into the Chaco. We’re up at 2:00 a.m. and a pickup takes us to rhe airport. Here, together with empty egg crates, which smelled, we were loaded into a DC-3 and we were off to the Chaco, and Henry Toewses, (To be continued)
Unloading- supplies at the dock at Asuncion. (MCC photo) I do not know what next may come Across my pilgrim way, I do not know tomorrow’s road. Nor see beyond today; But this I know—my Saviour knows The path I cannot see. And I can trust His wounded hand To guide and care for me. I do not know what may befall Of sunshine or of rain, I do not know what may be mine Of pleasure and of pain; But this I know—my Saviour knows. And whatsoe’er it be. Still I can trust His love to give What will be best for me. —Selected
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Inter-j>Ieniioiiite .Ministers .Meeting, May 4-6, ’65 Program Committee: (1. to r,) Arciiic; Penner (Evangelical M»“nn. Conf.) Sec.; E. J. Swaim (Brethren in Christ); Eiland Waltner (General Conf. Menn. Church) Clirn.; Nelson Kauffman, (Mennonite Church).
Nine Meiinonite Groups Share In Chicago Meeting
Mennonite Ministers Meet Carrying out a vision of the late H. S. Bender for the Mennonite Church were some 70 inter-Mennonite minis ters from nine different official Mennonite groups of North America who met for a three-day session of fellow ship in Chicago, Ill. May 4-6, 1965. It was the concern of the late Dr. Bender, moderator for the last three Mennonite World Conference sessions, that Mennonites of North America get together for fellowship more often than five years between Conference sessions. Further, it seemed as though inter-Mennonite educators, doctors and missionaries were able to get to gether and find common goals, but that ministers were the last to see this need. Primary among the goals of the Chicago meeting was the increase of understanding and deepening of fel lowship between Mennonite groups. “The matter of differences came up fiequently,” reported Nelson Kauff-
man, co-chairman of the meeting “but these weren’t discussed because it was decided that we needed to get to know each other as brethren first.” Rally Around Fellowship Based on the book of Phillhppians, the theme for the meeting was “Our Fellowship in Christ.” The first day’s discussion focused on “What does it mean to be in union with Christ”; “What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?” the second day; and “How to make Christ known?” the third day. Each of the fellowship topics was first discussed by a Bible study group, then by a panel, after which the breth ren broke into small groups to further dissect the subject. Another part of the “getting to know each other” activity included each man choosing a brother he did not know on the first day and intro ducing him to the group. The second day each man was instructed to choose a member of the group to whom he
One o£ tiiree panel discussions held during the convention.
had not yet talked and find out from him what experience in his congrega tion or conference best illustrated the mind of Christ. Over a cup of coffee on the third day, each man was en couraged to discover a fellow pastor’s most successful venture of making Christ known. The ministers found this exchange meaningful,” says Kauffman. “One man found a fellow minister who min istered to a congergation for exactly the same number of years and who had the same number of children.” Is Compromise Necessary? Is fellowship possible without giv ing up something of ourselves to the other person? was the lively issue. And is this giving up something a compromise? One cannot have gen uine fellowship in one’s family with out giving up some personal interests and desires, one brother pointed out. Giving up things scares us, someone introspected. It seemed to be the concensus that fellowship can be had without giving up essentials. “We have to assume Ihat there will be differences,” sum marized co-chairman H. H. Dick, “but we need to emphasize our fel lowship in Christ.” Some felt that the group evaded important doctrinal issues. At the end of the three day meeting, each group had opportunity to present a mes sage to the group. Suggestion was made by some to include other small er Mennonite groups such as the Beachy Amish Mennonites and the Old Colony Mennonites in any similar meetings in the future. No Union Proposed “No one proposed any organic union of the groups,” concluded Kauffman. It seemed the concensus of the group that a common fault of all was the lack of real knowledge of each other.” Program committee secretary Archie Penner further made it clear that a group merger was definitely not among the objectives of the meeting. The General Conference Mennonites
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(membership: 52,800) had the highest rcipresentation at the meeting—18. The (Old) Mennonites, numbering 86,600 had 17 representatives there; Menno nite Brethren (28,000) had 13; Bretiiren in Christ (8,000) and the Evangel ical Mennonite Conference of Canada (3,000) each had six; the Bergthaler Mennonite Church (4,000), Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (7,000) and Evangelical Church (2,500) all had thiee representatives; and the Evan gelical Mennonite Brethren (3,000) sent two representatives. The Evangelical (Mennonite Mission Church sent a tele gram, stating their regret at not be ing able to send a delegate. Planning the program was a com mittee made up of: Erland Waltner, chairman, General Conference Menno nite; Archie Penner, secretary. Evan gelical Mennonite Conference; E. J. Swaim, Brethren in Christ; Nelson Kauffman, (Old) Mennonite; and Henry H. Dick, Me inonice Brethren. Kauffman and Dick shared chairman ship of the Chicago meeting.
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Fourteenth Edition of Mennonite Hymnary Printed The fourteenth edition of The Men nonite Hymnary is being printed by the Faith and Life Press to be avail able May 15. Since the publication of the first edition in 1940 and including the fourteenth edition, 71,500 copies have been printed. The popularity of this hymnbook continues and increases.
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BIRTHS To Mr. and Mrs. John Sawatsky, Steinbach, a daughter, Sharon Joselyn Rae on March 20. To Mr. and Mrs. Otto Unger, Stein bach, a daughter. Pearl Ann, April 9. To Mr. and Mrs. Peter K. Koop, Steinbach, a daughter, Sheila Michelle, on April 12th. To Mr, and Mrs. John Penner, Win nipeg, a son. Terrace Boyd, April 7. To Mr. and Mrs. Menno Thiessen of Heron a girl, Karen Gay on March 21. To Mr. ond Mrs. Abe Klassen of Flin Flon, a girl on May 4. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kocp of Flin Flon, a boy, Mark John on May 9-
May 28, 1965
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1 NEWS! STEINBACH April 14 to the 25th was a time of revival in our church, with many ded ications and decisions being made. Rev. Ben Friesen served us as speak er during these evenings and special efforts were made, by the choirs, counsellors and many others who prayed for a renewal of lives accord ing to God’s purpose. Following the revival meetings, our pastor. Rev,. Arnold Fast, has been having instruction classes for those who desire a more complete know ledge of the Christian faith and es pecially for the ones who have decid ed to be baptized. There were 48 young people enrolled in these classes. The baptismal service is being planned for June 6. jjiJ ' Baptism at Kesthaven Mr. Erick Ostrom, a resident at the Resthaven, had requested baptism from our church, and his wish was fulfilled on March 14th. Brother Os trom is 83 years of age. Musical Bally A special program with various in strumental groups from Steinbach, Maryfield, Prairie Rose, and Winnipeg was prepared by the Young People and enjoyed by the large audience who attended the musical rally on May 16 at the Steinbach E.M.C. church. The Hereamier Band, which includes young people from Twin Creek and Steinbach, has also been providing music at a number of other evening services in our church. This musical expression of our Christian faith has been greatly appreciated by many, as evidenced by the increased attendance at the services. WEDDINGS Miss Martha Friesen of Steinbach, to Mr. Stanley Barry Suess. Miss Adina Toews Steinbach, to Mr. Alfred Brooks, Callander Ont.
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BURNS LAKE On Sunday, May 16th, we trust to begin Evangelistic services with Rev. John D. Friesen, of Saskatoon, week days of which the messages are to be in the Low-German language. It
is with anticipation that we look forward to these meetings as it will be the first German language campaign for a number of years; though it is not language nor man that can bring a revival yet these means are needed to reach people. Plans are moving ahead well for the season of Vacation Bible School which lies before us and it is expected that four or five places will again be open to the Gospel in this way in and around this area. The need for teachers is always great so there is an invita tion to any dedicated young person willing to give a few weeks in the service of the Lord in this particular avenue of service. Please contact Mr, Elmer Klassen, R.R.l, Burns Lake, B.C. if you would offer your services. It has given special joy in the past weeks as a family of six children, for which prayer has been made for years, have been coming to Sunday School regularly now for a month. Brother Arden Thiessen is picking these up every Sunday morning. Let us pray that the parents of these children will come too and that the Spirit of our Lord might be able to reach their heart and lives. * * • KOLA
Rev. Ken Johnston, of the New Tribes Mission, showed very interest ing pictures, depicting the activities of the four brethren who were in South America last winter. This was or Good Friday night. The Choral from the Steinbach Bi ble Institute presented a musical pro gram here Saturday evening on April 10. Some more work has been done on the church. Inside, the men built the kitchen and the ladies varnished it. Outside, the painting has been done. Harvey W. Taves Dies Kitchener, Ontario - Harvey W. Taves, 39, who for the past 12 years served as an administrator of the Mennonite Central Committee pro gram in Canada, died of a heart at tack Tuesday morning. May 11, after having been hospitalized for several days with pneumonia and a severe asthmatic condition. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon. May 13, in the First Mennonite Church, Kit chener.
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THE CHRISTIAN HOME By Ben Hoeppner
POINTS ON CORRECT INSTRUCTION Frequently the question arises: “How can I teach the child correctly? It seems to be an imipossibility.” This is probably a timely question. In the following paragraphs are several points pretaining to it; 1. Assist the child to do the right thing—Two childern are playing to gether. One has a small automobile for a plaything. The other one has none but would also desire to have it. The first one in his selfishness clings to it aind refuses to share it. The mother who had watched the proce dure, now quietly aipproaches the children and tells the selfish chap to share the toy. Thereby the mother takes the toy and shows him how to do it. Inspite of the fact that the boy does not relish the idea much, never theless, tolerates the situation. Here by, the mother illustrates to the first boy the act of sharing. At another occasion, a child wished to play at the neighbour’s house. One day he had amused himself there with numerous blocks. When it was time to go home, the father of the house said to the child.” Before you leave, pick up the blocks and place them into the box!” However, the child made haste for his coat, and thus dis regarding the request. It was reluctant to do the assigned work. The man took the child by the hand “First these blocks have to be placed and returned to the blocks, saying; into this box!” With the child’s hand in his, he picked up a few and set them into the box. The child demand ed: “Let go of my hand!” The man released his hand, after which the child again proceeded for his coat in order to leave. 8
Again the man took the child’s hand and repeated what he did pre viously. Again the child retorted: “Let go of my hand!” The man once again released his hand. Now, however, he remained standing and watched hew the man gathered up a few blocks. “Gather up the blocks!” the man again repeated. Now the child dug in and helped. The man won. Even though he did more of the work than the child, and it took more time; but the child learned to obey. Instead of avoiding this home in the future, the child probably appreciated it even more. While the child was learning the right thing at the same time. It was the result of the assistance of the man. 2. Do not go back on your Word— A mother called her son: “Johnny, come to eat!” Johnny, however, did not heed her call. Shortly after, she repeated her call. Again he ignored her command. She called for the third time. One of the children informed Johnny: “Your mother is calling you.” He responded: “I do not have to go as yet.” Thereby the mother called lor the fourth time. This time she was somewhat annoyed. Now the son realized that he was due at home. Why did the mother have to call repeatedly? And why did he respond only after he was aware that his mother was aggravated? Evidently, he knew that he was exepected to come until the mother got impatient. Her command was ignored until she got excited. Had she shown her son previously that she did not go back on her word, even though spoken calmly, he would have obeyed her first call. 3. Be positive in training — There was a small chap in a Children’s
Home who liked to bite other child ren. With the aid of the Home, he gradually got rid of this habit. How ever, one day he desired to have the toy which another child had in his possession. Despite the fact that he had not practised his bad habit for a long time, he now rushed viciously at the child and bit it. The guardian ladles of the home sprang at the two children immediatey and tore away the culprit. He was taken into the privacy of a room for counselling. One of the guardians looked at him sol emnly and inquired; “Did you forget yourself and bite again?” With a guilty conscience he answered in the positive. The lady continued: “Why don’t you ask for the toy. That is the only way to obtain something.” The child was ignored for some time. Shortly after this dilemma, the boy approached the other child and asked for the plaything which he so greatly desired. Since the guardian reminded the boy of his good progress in getting rid of his habit, and taught him how to obtain what he desired, she was giving him positive instruction, 4. Watch over your domain—Occa sionally events tend to pop up un expectedly in the home, which might be difficult to analyse and to cope with. A person ought to discipline himself not to act according to feel ings but rather on better judgement. The biblical exhortation to be slow to anger is applicable here. If we ap proach the situation in an angry mood, we teach anger by the example. Par ents ought to examine the situation personally in order to obtain an all over clear picture of it before at tempting to correct any mishap or error. This, however, is only possible through living faith in Christ Jesus, daily Bible reading and prayer. Much time ought to be taken for it. 5. Have a right attitude towards the negative acts of your children— When children are undergoing ten sion they are prone to react unnatur ally and rebellious at times. This ought to be detected by parents and corrected.. This can be dealt with in a patient and gentle manner. Even though a child cries bitterly, it should not have his own way at such occa sions. However, this can not be cor rected in a day or two but takes time. The prayer found in Psalm 143:10 is most suitable: “Teach me to do thy will.” THE MESSENGER
TRUTH FOR YOUTH
It is my desire for the young people here that we might let the word of Christ dwell richly in us, hence going forth with a song in our hearts pro claiming the glad news of salvation to the dying masses.
With this issue of the IMIiSSENGER we are beginning a new series on our Youth Page. We hope you will like it; find it inspirational and helpful. For some time we have been planning on these two new features. One is a TEEN PANEL where some of the Young People’s groups will ask questions which some other group will answer. The other is a series of essays on various ac tivities or projects in which different young people’s groups engage in. This should be helpful in planning programs and other activities. Our first contribution in the series comes from Washow Bay Young People's and David Tliiessen tells us of some of their activities in outreach among the people of their area. Peter Friesen is the Young People’s leader at Washow Bay. 1
WITH GRACE IN OUR HEARTS By David Tluessen
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and sipiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts lo the Lord.” Col. 3:16. I’m thankful that the Lord has given the young people of Washow Bay the opportunity to sing, and to sing with grace in their hearts to the Lord! According to God’s Word singing is of ine.stimable value I believe many of us can point back to a time when a well chosen hymn or gospel song has encouraged us in our Sipiritual warfare. Many lost sin ners have first heard of God’s love through a song. Of course, singing is also a means of praising and wor shipping our Redeemer for the boun tiful blessings which He showers upon us
Singing
Singing is one of the primary ways in which the Washow Bay young peo ple are able to serve the Lord, al though there are other important avenues of service such as tract work, teaching S.S. and D.V.B.S. Programs are rendered periodically at the town of Riverton and at Homer, a small community several miles west of here. At these programs we have received many blessings as we ministered in song. An appropriate song, sung har moniously and with the power of the Holy Spirit, may often do more to wards leading a soul to Christ then a sermon. For Christmas and Easter our choir usually practices a special program. It is certainly gratifying to note the number of places the Lord has opened up where we can come in and present the Gospel through a
rMay 28, 1965
Christmas or Easter program. Our last Christmas program was rendered at thirteen different places. Many peo ple who do not make it a general prac tice to go to church, will come out to hear a program that is composed mostly of songs. These programs take us up north among the Indians, who are no more civilized than many In dians in heathen countries, to places further south as far as Winnipeg Beach. Street Meetings Open air meetings are a relatively new field of service for our young people, but we believe it is a means of reaching forth with the Gospel to people who might seldom pass through the door of a church. A P.A, system has been purchased, which receives its power from the battery of a car; thus we can make ourselves, heard throughout a large area. These meet ings are being held at parks in Gimli and Winnipeg Beach during the warm summer months. Programs of this type consist of songs, and a short, tothe-point message. Hospital and Old Folks Home In addition we have also been ex periencing God’s blessing while sing ing at the hospital and Old Folks Home in Gimli. The hospital at Gimli is operated by Catholics, but the Lord saw fit to grant us entrance with the Word through singing. At the Old Folks Home we have enjoyed the many handshakes received from el derly people who appreciated the songs that brought to their remem brance the songs they learnt in their childhood. We trust the songs will also help them to realize that there is a God, who loves and cares for them.
Peter Friesen, Y.P.’s leader at Washow Bay
HUMAN BES*p6nSIBILITY AND
GRACE (Cont’d.) the captain did, it can be said the mer chant did. However, after the ninth trip, this young man gets grandiose ideas of his own importance and dreams of the possibility of awning all which lies at his disposal as captain. Finally he makes the fateful decision. He steers his ship off course; harbours where his benefactor cannot find or help him. After he has wasted all of the mer chant’s substance in riotous living, he himself perishes. On whom rests the total responsibility for this lost and the death of the young captain? The answer again seems clear. It is thus with God’s grace. When man steers his own course, using God’s grace to do so, and wastes all in sin and unbelief, he is guilty and it is completely man’s doing, (Rom. 2: 1-16). But whatsoever is according to the will of God and made possible by His grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit is what God has done. We have been but instruments in His gracious hand. This is why Paul could write. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:13).
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I
THE TEST
Charles Ludwig Ndama smiled as he noticed Mariamu in the large group of women lined up in front of All’s platform scales. There was a secret between the two that no one in the whole town of Luanada knew. It was a sec ret that would tell him whether or not his susiplcions were true. He hoped they were not and wondered what he would do if they were . . . All’s store, in front of which the worn scales stood, was one of 20 or so dukas that faced Luanada’s only street — a muddy road in which ox carts and lorries were constantly get ting stuck. The rickety building like the others was made of corrugated iron sheets crudely nailed to a wooden framework. His store was filled with yard-long bars of purple soap, soap that was sold to the natives by the inch; wide wooden trays filled with sugar, tea, salt, matches and other useful items. Long lines of cheap cotton dresses and red-trimmed shirts fluttered in the breeze. Ali made a few shillings from these things, but his biggest earnings came from buying corn from the women and then selling it in Kisumu, 20 miles away. The crowd in front of All’s store was larger than the crowd in front of the other stores down the road. That is, it was larger than all of the others ex cept that of Rugnath Gokaldas’ trim building Ndama knew that the large number of people who were anxious 10
to trade with Ali was because of him. Everyone in Bunyore knew that he was a Christian and that he often went on long trips with their mis sionary, John Green. He was thankful lor the job he had with Ali. From the shillings he would eat (earn) he would have enough money to pay his tuition at the mis sion school, and he might have enough cents left over to buy some sugar to put in his obusela (a thin mush). It had taken him a long time to get this job. He would rather have worked for Rugnath Gokaldas because he knew this man was a Christian and was honest. But when he had asked for work the squat Indian told him that he had already hired another man. He motioned to Mariamu that he was ready to start, and that she was to be the first one to place her heavy basket on the scales. Deftly she lifted it from her head and gingerly placed it on the scales. Ndama placed a .50 pound weight on the end of the brass bar, and skillfully pushed the guage toward the end until it balanced. Then he whispered softly to himself. “What’s the matter?” asked Mar iamu. ‘The scales are crooked!” whispered Ndama softly, in such a low voice the other women couldn’t hear. ‘When I weighed your corn at Bwana Green’s house it weighed 64 pounds. Now it only weighs 60 pounds- Did you take any out?” “No the corn is just like it was when you weighed it this morning.” Ndama looked at the corn, and then at the women. It was true the scales, as he had susipicioned, had been changed so as to cheat the people. But they were not as crooked as some scales he had seen. He wondered what to do. As a Christian he didn’t feel that he should help cheat people. But if he didn’t continue with the work he was hired to do he would lose his job, and then he couldn’t go to school. “What are you waiting for?” de manded Ali sharply, glaring at him with his good eye. “Don’t you see the big crowd? If you don’t hurry up, the women will go down to Rugnath Go kaldas!” A voice-seemed to whisper in his ear, “Go ahead. They’ll only lose a few cents, and no one will ever know. It would be better for them to be cheated a little than for you to lose your job . . .”
He started to reach for the money bag in order to get the copper pennies to pay Mariamu. He was thinking, “I had better do what Ali wants; after all, I am working for him and if he wants to cheat it is his business.” Then he remembered how John Green had taught them to be honest at all times, and how he said that if any one helped another to be dishonest he was dis honest too. All at once he got hold of himself. “I cannot pay you what the scales say,” he said in a loud voice so that everyone, including Ali, could hear, “because the scales are crooked, and I am a Christian.” Ali glared at him as if he were a cobra. “What did you say?” he de manded, his voice shrill with anger. “I said that your scales are crook ed,” returned Ndama coolly. “I weighed Mariamu’s corn on another set of scales this morning and . . .” “Get out,” shouted the storekeeper v/aving his hands wildly. “You’ve lost your job and I’U never hire you again. Never! Never! Never! Sick at heart, Ndama left the place. He wondered how he would get enough money to continue in school so that he could learn to be a teacher. He had never felt worse in all his life. He started for home, then some thing prompted him to go over to Rugnath Gokaldas. As he shuffled over to the other place of business ne suddenly noticed that the women were following him. But he decided that he would pay no attention to them. Rugnath, himself, was weighing the corn when he approached. In a mo ment he saw Ndama. “What are you doing?” he asked eagerly. “Oh, I just came to watch,” replied Ndama casually. “I’m sure glad you came,” said the Indian. “I had to fire my helper be cause he was cheating me. Would you like to take his place?” “Would I!” exclaimed Ndama hard ly believeing what he had heard. He asked Mariamu to place her bas ket on the scales, and this time it weighed 64 pounds. That day Rugnath Gokaldas did more business than he had ever done before, and the little bird that had been singing in Ndama’s heart ever since he had been saved sang the sweetest song he had ever heard.
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THE MESSENGER
FROM
HOUSE
TO YO
HOUSE
I I WILL COME AGAIN
Mrs. Laura Siemens “Daddy is coming, Daddy is com ing.” Two little boys have been watch ing at the window to see him as soon as he comes. Now they rush to greet him while Baby follows on all fours. From the time they got up they’ve been asking, “When will Daddy come? Is it supper time soon?” Finally the time has come.
What s Real ? Paul F. Barkn^an, Ph.I.X Imagine that an American tourist arrives in a foreign city where he does not understand the language, and the people do not understand him very well (or maybe just don’t care to understand him). Our American is completely out of money, and he is trying to find his way on a dark night to the home of a friend. Perhaps this has happened to you. It’s quite con fusing, isn’t it? Don’t people some times do strange things under those circumstances?
Well, the baby who arrives in our families is in some ways in a similar situation. The sights, sounds, smells, and movements around him are pret ty meaningless at first. All through his childhood he hears words he does not understand, is taken places by strange ways that he could never re trace is unable to take charge of sit uations because he has no resources of his own, and is, in fact, inclined to live by a whole set of rules which are foreign to the world in which he is forced to live. He lives by the rules of his body and of his immediate needs. He does not understand our ways of frustrat ing one’s self by waiting for meals. He does not know that one could be hurt if he stepped on that odd-looking thing in the corner. He doesn’t know, either, that this huge thing which is to ter rifying noisy and active is not dan gerous at all. Many of the most real things of of some times That reminds when I had to leave the house while life, he must discover, are not even three little boys stayed inside by physical. The American tourist finds themselves. Once a pair of eager out to his dismay that one can get brown eyes searched mine while ask into serious trouble by driving on the ing, “Will you be gone a long time, right side of the road; and the child Mommy?” I wasn’t gone long. When must master such concepts as time, I came back in, the kitchen was a sea distance, and even abstractions as of dish water. A penitent little boy when one says things exactly the way said, “I’m sorry. Mommy, I didn’t they are, and when one puts them into “polite” language or hides them comthink you’d come so soon!” pletey. Grownups can get very exThese little happenings remind me thing at all. forcefully of another person’s coming. In such a state of affairs it is a Christ said, (John 14:3) “I will come blessed child who finds himself with again.” Do I look and long for His sympathetic parents. Parents who coming? Or do I wish he would not know that a four-year-old often can come “so soon”? not tell the difference between what • • • he saw when he was dreaming. ParMay 28. 1965
ents who know that a little child can’t tell when they are joking and when they are serious. Parents who under stand how little he knows, and who understand that his little mind can not really understand some things at all. Parents who teach patiently and carefully.
Some things move and some things only seem to move (like the sun, when you are walking.) Some things are always the same and some things are different under different circumstanc es (like the taste of eggs in cake?) Things change mysteriously when when one is not watching (like the weather and the tricycle one left out side in the evening.) And, unfortunate ly, the same thing that was true yes terday isn’t true today. (One of tht most confusing of these is the ques tion of which is today, which is to morrow, and which is yesterday.) Any way, things are very difficult.
The real, the imaginary, and the untrue are hard to separate. And some things which a little child knows per fectly well to be true, he must pre tend are not true. (“I do hate that little boy, and I want to hit him with this board, but mother says I musn t say that and that it isn’t true. She says I really like the little boy.”)
So, it’s confusing and its very good to be able to look away from the puz zle from it all into father’s face—or mother’s—and see the smiling eyes telling one that he’s got it right. Or maybe the eyes just say that he’s all right and mother will take care of everything he can’t understand, and all the things that are too big and overwhelming. Well, if things are going to be safe and all right, maybe our little fellow can be brave and look them in the face for what they are. Maybe he can beat things around, and push them, and taste them, and feel them until he understands them. If he finds out about this strange world he may just find out that it is a pretty good place, and that he can do good things with it.
U
urch Dedication at Arden •;
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MacGregor Octett
Newly Dedicated Church
By the Editor
Sunday, May 23 was a day of par ticular blessing for the small group which compromises the Arden E.M.C. church. It was a day that had been looked forward to, church dedication. On the church yard, playing appro priate hymns, on their brass instru ments, were the Salvationists from nearby Neepawa to greet us. We un derstand that the Arden group and the Salvation Army hold street meet ings together in the town of Neepawa. The service proper was chaired by Rev. H. P. Dyck from McGregor. Br. Dyck is overseer of the Arden work. Rev. B. D. Reimer, chairman of the E.M.C. Extension Committee deliv ered the main dedicatory address based on Matt. 16 where Christ says, “I wiU build my church” He went on to ex plain the meaning of “church”. For one thing it is a “. . . group of be lievers gathering regularly for wor ship,” he said. He went on to empha-
size that the Bible is God’s word; that which it teaches we hold to be true. Mr. Reimer closed with the dedicatory prayer. Also invited, but unable to be pre sent, was the. minister of the local United Church, Campbell Conner. Nevertheless he had expressed his sentiments in a letter that was read at the service. “I personally must apologize for not being able to be with you . . .” said the letter “It is most fitting on this day” it went on, “that we turn our mind toward the heart and center of our function as the body of Christ. This function remains the same, in essence, as it always has been, regardless of denomination, doc trine or dogma; To bring men to God through Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Saviour . . .” Numbers in song were provided by a inixed octett from McGregor with Menno Hamm at the organ. Br. Hamm
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Annual Conference | June 25-27 at Blumenort S.iuiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiuiiitiiiiKiiiHiiiiitiuiiiiiiiiiiuiuiiiiiiiiiuiiiitiiiiiiiimiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiKiniiiiluuuliiiini
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also played for the congregational singing. (The organ by the way was a gift from a local resident.) A short sipace was also allotted for greetings from other churches or in dividuals. Several took the opportun ity to express their well wishes and encouragement. The service was concluded by Mr. Henry Thiessen who closed with pray er. The final part of the afternoon ac tivities was a fellowship lunch served to all who could stay. A long cherished desire and prayer has now been fulfilled. This new church (it is actually an old church moved in and renovated) is situated in Arden. The former one was in the country some five miles north. (See MESSENGER Feb .7, 1964 for an article on the beginning of the work at Arden.) The new church is known as The Community Bible Church.
Credits: Paul F. Barkman, page 11, is head of the Psychology Department at Taylor University. At present he is on leave of absence studying at the Reiss-Davis Clinic for Child Guidance. “What’s Real” is reprinted by permission from Grace Children’s Home Messenger. Reporters this issue: Endeavour, Mrs. Violet Wright. Burns Lake, John Knelsen; Kola, Mrs. Laura Plett; Flln Flon, Henry Koop; Kamsack, Mrs, Jack Leis; Steinbach, Mrs. Johnny Barkman. THE MESSENGER