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■:i Z)octrinaZ Series (I)

Missionary Letter Annual Conference

" They that go dobm to the sea in ships^ that do buss in iness in great waters; These ' see the works of the LOPD, and his wonders in the deep". Psalm 107:22,24

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FOUR NEW CHURCHES The fact that four new churches have been accepted into the E M C at the last annual conference is a sign of h eaZthy growth. With the decline of receiving new churches in the last few years (four i.n 1962, three in 1963 and two in 1964) we were beginning to get a little uneasy asto what would happen in 1966. Nevertheless we must remember that all the new churches accepted this year have been started from three to eight years ago but only now met the qualifications far membership. Thus in order to be able to accept ehurches each three or four new churches year we must also begin that many every year. To do this we must wholeheartedly support the Missions Committee and be ready to move where the Lord calls. The statement " the world has yet to see what the Lord will do with a man whoUy yielded to Him", was once made in the pre sence of D.L. Moody. He determind to b e that man. The results we can still see. The Lord is still waiting for such vessels. Dare to trust Him with your all!

LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN IT'S GIVEN TO GOD

the kingdom of God would come to a very disastrous halt. Looking back to the topic Scripture, we find that Jesus took the five loaves and two fishes, blessed them, and they were multiplied. Five thousand men ate until they could eat no more! But that’s not all—the fragments of the barley loaves that remained uneaten filled 12 baskets. When God calls us into the field to work for Him. He gives us each some task to perform. If we had enough faith in God to be willing to do what He bids us do, He would take our small talents and multiply them until great things could be accomplished for Him, and souls would be won. All it takes is a willingness to obey the voice of the Lord. What do we have to offer the Lord? We have bodies to be presented to Him and lives to be used for His work. What are we among such a vast world of sin ners and other Christians? We are children of God who must get a vision of so many lost souls that we can help win simply by using such as we have and leav ing it to the Lord to work the miracles. “The harvest truly i.s plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37,38). “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; tor thev are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). There is so much work to be done, so few to do it, and such a little time in which to do it all. The Lord has need of each one of us. Let us be true and faithful servants so that we may help to bring the lost sheep into the fold. And some day, perhaps very soon, we shall enter into the joys He has prepared for us; and for all who will work until Jesus calls them home. Are you among them?—The Christian Messenger.

______________ DOCTRINAL SERIES: Beginning in this issue we are starting with a series on the great topios of the Christian Church. The first of these articles ( The Availing Prayer) is written by Rev. John K. Reimer of Meade, Kansas. ( See Page S )

Rev. M. H. Woods “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9).

Christian people have a tendency to sit back and leave the labor in the church to others, saying, “There are so many others who could do the job much better than I. I can do so little.” Then they forget all about the little that they could do had they tried, and they do nothing at all. We may think that we are very small and insignifi cant, having very little to offer; but we must remember that it takes many individuals, whether small or great, to make a multitude. If everyone would sit back be cause his talents are few the wheels of progression for 9

The Messenger Official organ, In the English language, of the KVANr.igT.Tr.Ai. MENNONrrE CONPEHHNOE. Published bi-weekly -mder the aus pices of the E.M.C. BOARD OP PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATION Editor, David K. Schellenberg, 502 Fifth Ave. N.VV., Portage la Prairie. Mun. AU new subscriptions and change of address should be sent to Mr. Abe Klassen, Box 1447, Steinbach, Man. Subscription price to non-members #1.00 per year. All E.M.C. members pay through the church. Authorized as second class maU. Post Office Department. Ottawa and for payment at postage In cash.

THE MESSENGER

DOCTRINAL SERIES (I)

THE AVAILING PRAYER

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By John K.Reimer f.

The subject of prayer has been giv en much attention. Many volumes have been written, countless sermons preached each placing great stress on the importance of prayer in the Christ ian life. We are certainly grateful for all this effort and one would has ten to add that there is no danger of over-emphasis. But what of the impact. Does it tell in the prayer-life of Christians today? Sad to say, this great God-given privilege, so endued with divine power, is neglected by so many. It would almost appear as if to many Christians prayer has be come optional. I mean the real min istry of prayer. But do not the Scriptures make prayer mandatory? There are indeed scores of Scrip tures that speak about prayer; that encourage us to pray. Dr. O. Hallesby, in his book on prayer, says and I quote: “The many and various ad monitions to prayer in the Bible shed remarkable light on prayer. They show us that prayer is the heartthrob in the life of a saved person.” And a verse that is to challenge us at this moment is James 5:16, es pecially the last part of the verse which reads: “The effectual frevent prayer of a righteous man availeth

THE AUTHOR:7?ev.j?ewer is the former Pastor of the E.M.C. church in Winnipeg.He is now postering the Emmanuel Mennonite church at MeadeKansas

July 9, 1965

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much.” Are we interested in prayer that avails; prayer that brings re sults; prayer through which God’s power can be demonstrated? If so, then we must first of all determine what, according to Scriptures, con stitutes such prayer and secondly we must be willing to comply with any rules and conditions given to us.

Who Qualifies? What then do the Scriptures say? Notice again James 5:16, for it shows us who qualifies for the prayer that avails, which also implies that not every person does. It is the righteous man that qualifies; the man who has been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ and has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. It is the person with this experience who is on praying terms. It is the one who can address God as Father. (Rom. 8:15). Here then is the basic condition. But not ice further in that same verse the kind of prayer that avails. It is the ‘fervent’ prayer; the prayer that is deeply earnest and Impassioned. Therefore, if we would have our prayer effort avail we must realize that it cannot be superficial. It re quires seriousness In depth.

Faith Another scriptural condition for the availing prayer is ‘FAITH’. I must be ready to believe that God can and will answer my prayer. He will give me what I ask for. ’This is what Jesus so positively states in Matt. 21:22, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall

ask in prayer believing, ye shall re ceive.” My dear reader do you believe this? Does this truth both comfort and challenge you? What a tremen dous source is placed at our disposal! And O, the glorious possibilities in the ministry of prayer! This is the kind of prayer our missisnaries are depending on to uphold them from day to day. This is the prayer that pastors evangelists and all Christian workers need. Yes, this is the prayer that will save souls and, whats more, here is the all-important ministry in which every born again believer can participate. ’The prayer of faith will produce results. “Nothing shall be im possible unto you”, were Jesus’ words to His disciples. "It is our Lord’s will that we who have received access to these powers through prayer should go through this world which needs it sorely”, writes Dr. Hallesby. Perseverance ’Two more conditions are set forth in Luke 18:1-14 where Jesus gives a lesson on prayer through parables. Notice first of all the lesson on “per sistant prayer’ in vv. 1-8. We should be careful here not to place the em phasis on the reluctance of the judge to comply with the request before him for God never needs to be persuaded nor convinced, nor pressured into ob liging. The lesson here is persistency. We are not to grow weary in pray ing. Therefore, parents, keep on pray ing for that wayward child. Sunday

(Continued on page 8) 3

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MISSI^ Santiago, Veraguas Republic of Panama April 25, 1965 Dear Friend, This is Sunday night and it is al ready 11 o’clock, but we can’t go to bed another night with our conscience bothering us, so we must write. We’ve had a good day and the Lord has blessed! This week we are enjoying the visit of Zulay Carmona from Cos ta Rica and Sheila Hargraves from the States, both working with Latin Am erican students in Washington, D.C. We’ve had a series of youth meetings and God has worked in hearts, es pecially in the heart of a young teach er, who is a leader and leans toward communism. His name is Charles Wesley. Pray for him. This summer has been a busy one! We held 7 Vacation Bible Schools, reaching 200 children with the Gos pel. Gil and two Christian fellows spent three weeks in country areas. Glen and I were always glad to have Daddy home after each VBS. Gil had the joy of directing the Fellows camp this year with 27 present. Now sum mer is over, the rains have begun and tomorrow morning, students and teachers return to the halls of learn ing. Pray that the Word given out these months will not return void but bring forth fruit. Thank you for praying for the Ba tista family . . . don’t stop now, the Lord is answering YOUR prayers. They’ve lost money and possessions, and now the Lord has taken away Mr. Batista’s health. They were in church tonight as a family for the first time in months. They told Zulay that the Lord was dealing with them and they wanted a victory in their lives. Con tinue to pray. God has given us many new con tacts. Our Doctor and his family have begun attending our services regular ly. Mrs. Chi is a Christian and now growing in the Lord. Dr. Chi still has not confessed Christ openly but is so interested. We’ve had good times of Bi ble study in our homes with them. Pray for Dr. Chi’s salvation. A student priest from El Salvador who was Music Professor in the Catholic College up

the hill, spent time in our home and also attended church with us one night. Later he came to the house telling us he was leaving the priesthood and re turning to his land. Pray for St. Gal damez that he soon might be saved. The 4 American nuns who have been our neighbours have moved to the country. Before they left, we had some wonderful opportunities to wit ness to them and explain salvation by faith. Now we have new neighbours, and at last Glen has a little play mate. They are professors at the Catholic College. We had them in for coffee this week and how surprised we were when the professor told us that the Gospel was not strange to him, as his father was an Evangelical Pastor in Guatemala. Pray that we might be used of the Lord to lead them to Christ. Glen is now 15 months old and loves the outdoors., He owns two chickens and loves to chase them. Also he de lights in gathering the ripe tomatoes that grow in our yard. He has started to say words, half in Spanish and half in English. Thank you for cleaning out the cob

webs from Apartardo 49! Your letters and cards have been a blessing and encouragement. The Ecumenical movement is on the march and we need real wisdom from the Lord in this time. Pray for us that Christ might have complete control of our lives and use us for His glory . . .

“that in ALL things He might have the preeminence.’’ Rejoicing in Him, Gil and Jean Reimer (From a prayer letter)

Scripture Circulation Crisis A worldwide survey of the Bible distribution by the American Bible Society estimates one-half of the world’s Christian home have no Bible of their own—and seven of eight Christians in the world do not possess a New Testament. With approximate ly 150 million Scriptures currently in circulation it will take 60 years for the Bible society to reach their goal—at least one Scripture for every person in the world. He is bold for Christ who has forti tude enough to confess his faults op enly.—Jonathan talwards.

MCC Workers Safe Two MCC Mexico workers, Roger Springer, Illinois, and Wayne Miller, Nampa, Idaho, were vacationing in San to Domingo at the time of the upris ing. They also were safely evacuated to Puerto Rico and have returned to their assignments. Word has been received that all Ev angelical Mennonite Conference mis sionaries in the Dominican Republic, with the exception of the Van Vleet family, have left the island. The Van Vleets are remaining in San Juan. Springer and Yoder are waiting for the turmoil to subside and will return to their projects at the earliest safe opportunity.

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PRAYER The more I pray, the more I feel my need of the Word, and rejoice in it. The more I read God’s Word, the more I have to pray about, and the more power I have in prayer. One great cause of prayerlessness is that we read God’s Word too little, or only superficially, or in the light of human wisdom. It is the Holy Spirit through whom the Word has been spoken who is also the Spirit of prayer.—Andrew Murray.

KAMSACK On Fri., June 11, a blessed time was spent with Mr. Janzen and singers Priscilla Soderstrom, Hildie Reimer, Louisa Olson and Jean Berg lund of Prairie Bible Institute. Three Hiils, Alta., as they brought us their heart warming program of music, song, testimony and a film of the In stitute. On this day also a carload of ladies attended the Joint Annual Fel lowship Sewing Circle, held this yeaj at Canora, Sask. June 23rd, funeral services for the late Mr. Andrew Kuzma (70), Verigen, Sask, were held from the funeral home here in Kamsack, with Rev. Jake Hoeppner, Saskatoon, officiating. June 27th, the Gideons of Church bridge brought an inspiring program to interested listeners, telling of their means of distributing Bibles and Tes taments everywhere. Madge Lake Bible Camp days are here from July 12 to 31. Many are eagerly awaiting these Happy Holi days.

next school term. Mr. and Mrs. Leo Thiessen have left for Cromer, Man. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bartel have left for Kleefeld, Man. where Norman has been asked to take over the Young Peoples work. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bartel have left for their holidays but expect to come back again for next school term. * * *

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FLIN FLON Meetings Increase Seventy-five Percent In order to keep the young people coming, we have started handicraft with them., The boys are doing plastic work and may go into model planes. The girls are working with crocheting. The results were a 75% increase in attendance, more interest shown, and some older ones coming. D.VJB.S. will be held July Sth to 16th. We are quite glad that the local people are taking a more active part in D.VIB.S. as well as Sunday School. Our ladies group have been work ing on baby bundles to be sent to Belize, Br. Honduras. They also have had new election of officers with all local members. Mrs. Cone, president; Mrs. M., Meachem, vice-president; Mrs. Dianne Salmond, sec.-treas. New comers to this work are: Mr. Wilbert Friesen from Kleefeld work ing for Bird Construction, who are building the new High School and Mr. Ken Wiens from Sask, working for the CNR. We praise the Lord for these two. Are there more that would like to come? We need you! On Sunday, June 27 we had a fare well program for Mr .and Mrs. Abe Klassen who have been up here for several years, teaching and now have left us to move to Dauphin for the

July 9,1965

ShoM here is the result of the recent appeal for gar den cultivators. CULTIVATORS FOB PARAGUAY Three hundred and thirty-five one horse garden cultivators are on their way to Paraguay. Several weeks ago MCC (Canada) initiated a drive for these implements in response to an appeal from the Indian Settlement Board of the Mennonite colonies in Paraguay. The response has been good: British Columbia sent 44; Al berta 44; Saskatchewan 160; Manitoba 76. Last year a drive in Ontario brought about 70. This type of cultivator is no longer being made in North America. Those produced in South America are quite expensive. Since the U.S. government pays the ocean freight on this ship ment the cidtivators can be brought to Paraguay at very little cost to MCC. To all who contributed cultivators and to those who worked hard to promote the project a hearty thank you. Those who were unable to deliver their imp’ements during this drive may be given the opportunity to do so at a future date.

WINNIPEG Special Speakers Rev. and Mrs. A .A. Dyck and fam ily missionaries in Ecuador under the G.M.U. visited our church. May 30. Mrs. Dyck spoke to the children at Sunday School, illustrating her talk with pictures of some of the many idols which the Ecuadorians worship. Rev. Dyck gave the message. Miss Betty Friesen, missionary ap pointee to Mexico, spoke briefly at a Wednesday night prayer service. She told of her year of language study in Edinburgh, Texas and of her desire to leave for the field in Mexico as soon as the way would be open. Rev. Mark Gripp of Saskatoon spoke at our morning worship on Fa ther’s Day. He stirred our hearts with the reading of letters received in re sponse to their French language radio broadcast, aired in Quebec and other French-speaking communities in Can ada. We were also happy to have with us Rev. and Mrs., John K. Reimer from Meade, Kansas, on Conference week-end. Rev. Reimer brought the message Sunday morning and many friendships were renewed during their too short visit to Winnipeg. New Members In the past few weeks, fivg mem bers were accepted into men^ership at our Winnipeg Church. We bid wel come to: Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Unger (Steinbach, Emmanuel, and Swift Current, EMC), Mrs. Harvey Harder (Prairie Rose, EMC) and Mr. and Mrs. John Penner (Prairie Rose, EMC and Steinbach, EMC). Farewell A short farewell service was held for Miss Helen Dyck on June 23; her parents. Rev. and Mrs. A. Dyck of Ecuador, and two brothers were also present. A short musical program, a time of well-wishing, and the presen tation of a book as a token of appre ciation from the congregation were followed by a light lunch. Helen has been living at the Ben Klassen home lor the past three years while she at tended the MJB. Bible College. Her services in the church at the organ and piano and in the Sunday School are already missed. * *

Bless the Lord^ 0 my soul: and all that is within me^ bless His holy name. Psalm 10S:l 5

A Special Number is Rendered.

Blumenort ohurohjWhere the 1965 annual conference was held.

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John K.Beimerj Peter B.Reimer A'cnold Fast and Elmer Harm in an informal pose.

foocZ for the Body.

The fifteenth annual conference was held at Blumenort, June 25-27. Many had come from different areas to take part. In addition to the church pro per and the Sunday school addition, a tent had been set up to accommo date the overflow crowd. A public ad dress system carried the speaker’s voice to all places. People came from as far as Mexico, Kansas and British Honduras. From closer to home they came from Sask atchewan and other Manitoba churches. The theme of the conference “Con tending for the Faith” was developed under five headings. Harvey Plett, in an address on “Contending for the Faith in Theology”, stressed that the basic point is to keep the Bible as a divinely inspired guide in matters of doctrine. “Contending for the Faith in Edu cation” was discussed by John K. Reimer. “The responsibilty for the re ligious education of a child rests not on the Sunday school or the Bible school, but directly on the home,” he said. All social and world problems are the result of problems in family life, according to H. P. Friesen, who spoke on ‘Contending for the Faith in Fam ily Life.” A challenge to the church, to em ployers, and to employees was given by H. P. Dyck in his talk, “Contend ing for the Faith in Business Rela-

The Messenger

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AT BLUMENORT

tlons”. It is well to remember the verse, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’” in all employer-employee relations he stated. “We are all re sponsible to our great employer Jesus Christ.” How can we effectively and sucessfully retain and propagate the faith in the face of social trends of today? This question was raised by A. P. Un ger in the final message of the con ference. “Meet these trends with sound Bible teaching and practice,” he ad vised. “The Bible says, upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell (or even social trends) shaU not prevail against it.” There are over 20 local churches in the Evangelical Mennonite Conference at present according to F. D. Reimer. Four new churches were welcomed into the conference at this session. These are loafed at FUn Flon and Mafeking in Manitoba, and at Endea vour and Gouldtown in Saskatchewan. The membership of the conference now stands at 3,321, as compared to 1,740 members in 1950. The present moderator is P. L, Friesen. In addition to this we must mention the special numbers, poems, reports, etc., which all proved a blessing. Reports were given of both Senior Citizens homes, Rest-Haven and EV entide. Both homes are filled, with people waiting to get in. Conference proceedings are to be published later in book form.

Rev.Harvey Flett one of the speakers on the main theme.

B.D.Reimer addressing the Conference Covncil on Sat urday afternoon.

Renewing F-piendshws.

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n July 9, 1965

Savior and that it is only on the merits one of us resolve to engage in prayer of what He has done that we have the that avails. AVAILING PIAYEH(Cont'd. right to ask lor anything at all. But from page three) The devil’s best work is done by now, praise God, we may also come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebr. many who claim to love the Lord. School teachers keep on praying for 4:16). By the grace of God let each —Selected. * * * that unsaved pupil. God has promised a sure answer. The Lord’s concern is far greater than yours can ever be. G L A N C I N G...FOR THE BUSY READER. Trench has said, “Prayer is not over coming God's reluctance; it is lay WITNESS ing hold of His highest willingness.” A new law providing six month’s imprisonment for direct attempts to co We are not faint despite apparent de vert Jewish minors h,as been adopted by the Parliament of Israel. Orthodo.< lay in answer. It may take a gradual Jewish leaders have been seeking such a law for years without success. course. Leave the fulfilling of your (Moody Monthly) request to God. A second condition is given to us in vv. 9-14, namely, a true “I am 69 years old. I have flown across the world and back again. I have attitude in prayer. The false and true worn out several cars travelling over America. I imagine I meet 10,000 new attitudes are contrasted. Notice the self-righteous prayer of the Pharisee. people every year; yet in all these years only 4 people cared enough to speak He prayed with himself. This prayer to me about my souL Once when I was 7 years old, a good woman irf^a Sun did not reach God. It did not go be day school class said with trembling lips, T pray for you children every day. yond the sound of his voice. His at I will never give up till all of you are saved.’ I wish she had told me how to titude stood in the way. He thanked be saved, I would have listened. Maybe she didn’t know how to teU it, but at God, yes, but not for salvation from least she cared.” (John R. Rice in Sword of the Lord) sin as he had never seen himself as a lost sinner. A long list of enviable CHANGE ’The total worth of the chemicals in the human body, which used to be 98c claims proceeds from his lips which in 1930, is now about $800, according to Charles A Thomas former chairman perhaps puts many of us to shame. But he tried to come before God on of the huge Monsanto Chemical Corporation. grounds of his own good works, a bet Religious influence is on a gradual and continual decline in America, ac ter than thou attitude, and this was cording to a recent Gallup poll. In 1957 only 14% of the people questioned felt not and never will be acceptable to God. He prayed in vain. Now notice that reli'gion was losing its influence. By 1962, 31% felt this way, and in a poll in 1965, 45% thought this way. “Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the the prayer of the publican in v: 13, “—standing afar of, would not lift up ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, wherein is the good way, and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls/’ (Jer. 6:16) so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be PUBLICATIONS merciful to me a sinner.” Here we The Mennonite, the official English language organ of the General Con have illustrated the true attitude in ference Church, is in its 80th year, having been begun in 1885. Since the be prayer which avails. It is the humble, ginning the paper has carried as its motto “Other foundation can no man penitent prayer. There is nothing to lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:11 (Mennonite Encyclo boast—totally unworthy. He comes pedia. ) on grounds of God’s mercy and grace, and says in effect, “Lord, I have no The Upper Room, the world’s most widely used daily devotional guide re thing to show for, no good work, but cently added a German edition. It is now published in 36 languages. It was I have a great need which I bring to first published back in 1935. Thee, please have mercy.” This pray>er brought the hoped for results. He BOOKS went home justified and subsequently What are Canadians and Americans reading? The following 5 categories lead rejoicing. The cry of his heart was the list of new books published in 1964. (1) Sociology-economics (2) Fiction answered. (3) Science (4) Juveniles (5) Religious. There were 1830 new religious books published in 1964. (Moody Monthly) In His Name In closing, permit me to point out one more condition as found in John SCRIPTUBES The Gospel of Mark in Auca was completed and came off the press earlier 14:13, 14, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that this year. This was nine years after the death of the five missionaries who the Father may be glorified in the attempted to reach the Aucas. The Wycliffe Bible Translators printed the Son. “If ye shall ask anything IN MY Auca Gospel of Mark at their newly constructed headquarters in Mexico. The new translation of the New Testament into modern day Russian has NAME”. Thi.s implies that we have only one way of approach to God and just been completed. Russian scholars took 12 years to complete the work. that i.s through the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be willing to recognize Him submitted by W.K.Sahellenberg. in His lightful place as our Lord and 8

The Messenger

EXAMINE YOUR TICKET

TRUTH FOR YOUTH YOUTH

ACTIVITIES (IV)

Our news of youth activities acmes from Lloyd Penner who tells us of a Young People's which proved to be a real blessing. On June 3rd, the Prairie Rose Young People were treated to an evening of entertainment and blessing. The pro gram was opened with singing ted by Raymond Plett. This was followed by scripture reading and prayer by Alvin Plett who read from Ecclesiates. Then the chairman, Leonard Bark man led the group in a series of in teresting games. The first one was called, “It’s Your Move”. Generally, this game Involved the acting of Bible characters within a certain time limit. Following this the chairman led in a Bible quiz centered around verses referring to a garden. This was quite thought provoking after another game called, “Where are your Eyes” had been thoroughly enjoyed by all, a per iod of testimonies, choruses and verse recital followed. Many participated in this time of spiritual enrichment. After the receiving of an offering for the Vernon Reimers, the message was brought by Rev. Henry Kornelsen of Ridgewood. This proved without a doubt to be the highlight of the eve ning. The following paragraphs con tain a summary of his talk. The tendency for Christian Young People in our communities is to be come too accustomed to our present state of Christian development. Isaiah 5:1-7 speaks of Israel as a vineyard to which God has given His best. But inspite of all His efforts, the vineyard brought forth wild grapes. Tn judge ment God commanded the clouds to drop no rain on the vineyard. Simi

larly Israel was judged for not re sponding to God’s care and love. It is like setting an alarm clock in order to get up on time. If day by day you ignore its ring to get that extra five minutes of sleep, you will soon not hear it a‘. all. We need God’s rain of grace to grow. If God’s judgement de prives us of this grace, our preachers preach without power the Word is dry and prayer is a mere formality.

July 9,1965

We possess an abundant supply of means with which to grow spiritually and to spread the Gospel. However, if the Gospel and all it entails does not grip our hearts to the very core, the result will be no repentant backslid ers, no delights or triumphs but only lukewarmness. How does this luke warmness reveal itself? You receive no benefit from the church services. Young People’s or God’s Word. Instead there is a feeling of weariness, a cri tical spirit and neglect of duties. Some other people show their immaturity by not acting upon their words. This is related to the larger problem of our means being out of proportion to our spirituality. Several remedies for this sad state of affairs can be suggested. First, you must look to Jesus. Put Him at the center of your thinking and then he will be at the center of your actions. Seek to show the wo'rd that you are not working for Christ but that Christ is actually living in your physical bedy. This is a partnership in which Jesus supplies the spirit and you the body. This makes the Christian life in reality both quite easy and extremely enjoyable. Secondly, you must per sistently fight back at the devil using the Word of God. ’Thirdly, there fol lows a response to Christ and his de mands. However; absolute obedience must follow the response. Otherwise your conscience wiU become seared and God will sadly be forced to put you “on the shelf”. In conclusion, the secret to spiritual success therefore is to act immediately when He talks. ’Then He will lead you on to greater things. Lloyd Penner *

"Slogan thinking and speak ing is exceedingly catchy but notoriously inaccurate" — Archie Penner

“Without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb. 9:22). “Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:6). “Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that THROUGH THIS MAN (the Lord Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38, 39). God’s way of eternal bliss then Is through simple faith in a crucified and risen Christ, as one’s personal Saviour, Reader, is He yours? There is no getting to the Great Glory Terminus apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know Him? “Kindly examine your ticket.” To what are you trusting? Is it the church, ordinances, or religion? Is it altruism, education, or morality? Is it character, creed, or culture? These things are advantageous down here, but will never give you a title to Hea ven. 'The precious blood of God’s Son is the only passport there. It alone can fit you for that realm. Abandon every other hope imme diately and rest in the merit of :ttie Man of Calvary. Bld Him welcome now to your heart and say; “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; L will sing and give praise.” * * •

Conscientious Objectors Need Not Believe in God The United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously in March that any person whose “religious” beliefs cause him to oppose war can qualify as a ccr.scientious objector. The historic de cision struck down a law limiting qiialification to those who profess be lief in a Supreme Being. Justice Tom C. Clark handed down the decision, stating the Court inter preted the Universal Military Train ing Act as embracing all who oppose military service because their beliefs require it, irrespective of formal re ligious convictions, including any type of belief in God- An amendment to the Act in 1948 said the objection to serv ing in the armed forces must derive from a belief in a Supreme Being “involving duties superior to those arising from any human relation.”

CHILDREN'S

STORY

GO, DADDY!" u

P among the branches of a large oak tree Mr. and Mrs. Robin Redbreast had put their nest. It was a glorious, bright, and sunny day. The leaves of the oak tree and other trees around were dancing in the light breeze. A birdling moved restlessly about in the nest. Perhaps, he was getting ready to make his first flight. “Well, John, it’s one grand day. today. Look at that blue sky! Doesn’t it make a picture! God is a wonderful artist, son,” said Mr. White. “Yes, Daddy! I like to look up at the sky and watch the clouds,” re plied the boy. He looked into his father’s kind face and smiled. Then he raised his head a bit and threw his very dark eyes upward and looked at the “picture.” “Jesus lives up there with God, doesn’t He, Daddy?” Johnny asked, “Yes, my boy. He’s now sitting on a throne beside God.”

BRITA WICKLUND

“Is it many , .years ago „ since Jesus went to heaven?” the nine-year-old youngster asked. “That it is, John. You haven’t forgotten the story, have you? You remember God sent His only Son to this earth to help all people, and ...” “I remember. Dad! Let me tell!” John exclaimed happily. His father nodded his head. Then he settled back in the comfortable porch chair to listen to his son’s story, As he did so, he glanced over to the big oak tree that was near to their house. He noticed that the young Robin Redbreast was much more restless now than ever before. “Well, tell the story, my boy.” “Jesus was on this earth just like we are now,” began Johnny. “He did so many kind things. He loved 1 help 1 \ the poor people. When some to people began to be restless, and many of them did things that were wrong, God" saw that the world needed to be helped. So He let His Son be the

Helper—and Jesus had to die on the cross.” “That’s right, son. I’m glad you remember that. Always remember it, too. Well, it certainly is a good day! Makes one feel like doing good all the time, doesn’t it?” said his father. “I like the days when the sun shines. Dad. Oh, look! Daddy, look! Look over there! In the bird nest!” Johnny jumped up from the bench on which, he was sitting. He ran over to his father and climbed up on the arm of the chair. He threw his sturdy arm around his dad’s neck. “I’ve been watching that little bird, John. Looks like he’s impatient to try out his wings.” Sure enough, the birdling had hopped up out of the nest. He was sitting upon the very edge. He was moving back and forth. Perhaps he was trying to see how well he could balance himself.

The Messenger

“There he goes. Daddy,” Johnny cried. The birdling flew from his perch. His tiny wings flapped and fluttered. It looked as though all was well for the moment. But then, suddenly, he made sort of a “loopty-loop” and down, down he fluttered. He dis appeared right into the midst of some thorny bramble bushes! His little wings were not ready. They were not strong enough to carry him. He did not know how best to use them. Poor little bird! The bushes were close together. Only a human hand would be able to take the baby bird out of his prison. “John, it looks like someone will have to help him out of the bushes,” suggested Daddy White. “I’ll go, Daddy! I want to help the bird.” Johnny ran down the steps of the porch and over to the bramble bushes. He could see where the little bird lay on the ground. Johnny knew that in order to get the bird safely through the thorny bushes he was going to be hurt himself. Johnny wasn’t afraid of the thorns. Hi.s thoughts were only for the little, frightened bird. Very carefully he put his hand into the bramble bushes. He made his way to the bird. Very gently he picked the little fellow up and withdrew his hand. As he did so the thorns dug deeply into his flesh. A thin trickle of blood appeared on his hand, but Johnny didn’t mind. Hadn’t he helped the bird? “Here he is. Daddy!” cried Johnny with triumphant joy. “He’s not hurt. I guess he’ll be all right.” Into Daddy White’s big and tender hand Johnny laid his little friend— the bird. Johnny’s father climbed the oak tree. He put the birdling back into the security of his nest, much to the mother bird’s joy. Back again on the porch of their comfortable house, Johnny’s father said: “You know, my boy, you’ve done a great thing, a kind thing, when you rescued that little fellow. Does your hand hurt?” “No, Dad, it’s all right,” spoke up sturdy John. “Oh, I’m glad I was able to help!” “John,” said his father, very seri ously, “that’s just like the story you told me about b little while ago. Re member? You said that when God

July 9,

1965

saw that the people became restless and did things that were wrong He sent His Son to save them. Now, this little bird was restless, too, and did wrong. He needed help, didn’t he? I told you to go and help him out of his prison. Even though you knew your hand would be hurt, you went and saved the little bird. The same with our Lord Jesus. ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16).’’ “I’ll never forget the story now. Daddy,” replied John. Mr. White smiled happily. His heart said, « A____ _l” “Amen!

(Gospel Herald)

FROM

'HOUSE

TO YO

HOUSE

Christian. In telling the pastor about her wish she also told him how she had been led to become a Christian because her daughter had first told her the stories about Jesus. She also told him that Ou Ma would like to join the church with her. Would that be possible? The pastor thought it would be possible. Even though Ou Ma was only twelve had she not done the one thing above all else that a Christian should do? Lead some one to believe in Jesus? So Ou Ma and her mother was bap tised together and became members of the Christian Church. A few Sundays later as the mission ary was entering the church be met Ou Ma and her mother. Leaning on the mother’s arm was an old lady. Cu Ma’s mother turned to the mis sionary and said, “Meet my mother. She is eighty years old. I am bringing her to church that she too may be come a Christian”. The missionary marvelled at the way the love of Jesus steals from one heart into another. Remember, it all happened because a little girl could not keep to herself the good things she had heard.

DO NOT KEEP GOOD THINGS • • * TO YOURSELF Good things become better when you share them! Some years ago in a church in Chi na. several people were to be baptised Ridgewood on a Sunday morning. The baptismal Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Doerksen, a son, service was a little different because among those to be baptised was a Garth Benjamin Perry, on June 3. Mr. and Mrs. Menno Plett, a son, little girl just twelve years old. The Chinese pastor wished to explain to Royden Bruce, on June 16. the people why one so young was to Blumenort receive baptism., Here is his story: Mr. and Mrs. Dan Klassen, a boy, It was a very strange thing that little Ou Ma had come to Sunday Phillip Mark (adopted), Dec. 17, 1964. Mr, and Mrs. Dietrich Friesen, a School at all. No one in her family was a Christian. Maybe she had seen girl, Lynette Pearl (adopted). Mar. 1, boys and girls on her street going 1965. Mr. and Mrs. Jake G. Plett, a girl, there and so had decided to find out Gwendolyn Faith, March 19, 1965. about it all for herself. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Penner, a boy, At first everything was very strange in the large brick building. But it was Gordon Keith, April 22 ,1965. all very interesting and she was es Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Reimer, a boy, pecially impressed by the stories Larry James, April 27, 1965. about a man named Jesus. That Sun Mr. and Mrs. Dave Schroeder, a girl, day morning when she returned home Maries Marie, May 2, 1965. she explained to her mother where she Mr. and Mrs. Neil Wiebe, a girl, had been and told her the stories she Jolene Cheryl, May 14, 1965._ had seen and heard. This aroused the mother’s interest and she began to go to church with Ou Ma. She was deeply impressed and after going for A first failure is often a blessing. some time, she decided to become a —Selected.

BIRTHS

4. The Hunger for Health Liquid oozed through the little Haitian child’s brok en skin. His body was so swollen that his features were unrecognizable. The mother was frightened by her infant's grotesque appear ance; she wondered if there was any hope. She walked many hours to get to the A Mennonite volunteer and a Haiti?'' nurse treat hospital at Grande Riviere an infant in another hospital in .aiti. du Nord. Her baby was qui ckly admitted, but it took several days of anxious waiting before the doctor need to be hospitalized if she would fol was finally able to tell her that her low the nurses' advice. child would live, and, furthermore, that Similar stories could be repeated ■■ he would not lose his sight as so many many times in Haiti, and in other coun children do with this disease. She tries as well. This particular story has breathed a prayer of thanksgiving to a hopeful ending because there was a hos God for His love and the hospital. pital at Grande Riviere du Nord. The MCC Once her baby's survival was as program at Grande Riviere does not provide sured she hurried home to her other medical care alone, however. It also shovs two children, who were beginning to people how they can avoid illness through look much as her infant had before she the cultivation and proper preparation of took him to the hospital. The people healthful foods and the abservance of ba at the hospital had given her some in sic rules of hygiene. struction in cleanliness and food pre ■ You can help those in Haiti and many paration and selection during her days other countries who are hungry for health of waiting. Perhaps, she thought to by contributing generously to your church's herself, her other children would not relief and service offerings or by send ing a gift directly to the address below.

Information for the above story was submitted by Mrs. Naomi Hunsberger. MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (CANADA) 104 PRINCESS ST. WINNIPEG 2, MAN.