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Life

Letters

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o Sis disotvuly is but- the Labourers are ye therefore the Lord , that He viill send into Sis harvest. " (Matt.9:27, 28)

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WHERE WILL IT END? The recent announcements by both Premier Roblin and Prime Minister Pearson of vast sums of money to ba made available to the country for educational purposes looks very good and is commendable. But what wiU this academic acceleration mean to the church? If we take seriously the words of one of our college (Bible) educators recently we view the whole field of secular higher education with alarm. Said he "We live in a day that produces intellectual giants who are spirit ual morons.” Together with this we remember the state ment by a University student who is reported to have said, "When you go to University you forget about God,” The whole problem for our young people boils down to keeping the spiritual academic balance. If they cannot do this it were better to stop short of a secondary education. However, all blame cannot be laid at the door of the student, the church, too must share in the blame. We have been guilty of neglect here and the souls of ship wrecked mariners (students) may well one day be laid at our door. In the Ught of this we whole heartedly endorse the recent appointment, by the EMC, of a man to be responsi ble lor keeping contact with our young people studying in Universities, etc. (See announcment in another part of this paper. This is a step in the right direction and we shall keep our ears open to hear of further developments FROM RAILROAD SWITCHMAN TO PULPIT Joseph T. Larson

■ Mr. James Boyd was a railroad switchman, serving the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railway Company in Kansas City, Mo. They handled many freight cars and at times these were opened. When they saw boxes of cookies or pails of candy, they helped themselves. This was known as “pilfering.” It reaUy was stealing. The police detectives caught this man and his fellow employees in the very act of pilfering. Mr. Boyd was sentenced to seven years in the Wy oming State Penitentiary at Rawlins. After some years there, he heard the gospel with such power that he was led of the Lord to repent of his sins, and to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. After some time the state parole board worked in his favor, and he was released and sent back to his wife and family in Kansas City. How happy his family were for his freedom and his release.

But the problem of employment remained. Mr. Boyd confessed his faith in Christ before his former employers. They were much impressed and restored him to his former job as switchman. It was a very unusual thing to do. He was thankful to God that had so arranged it, for he was determined to make good. As he continued confessing Christ others were influ enced by his faithful testimony. He later became pastor of the Christian Union Church of Kansas City. The writer has spoken in that church and met this man. This story proves the effectiveness of the gospel in prisons, hospitals, and various institutions. “It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). Christian workers should be encouraged by such incidents and they are many. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Cor. 5:17). (Selected) INFLUENCE ■ Influence! What is it? Do we realize that each one has an influence, whether it is good or bad? Each one has it. Someone is affected by our life. If we live to please ourselves, we are miserable; we do not want to be touched and we are very unhappy. But if we are living to please God, and are thus living for others, we are happy and others feel it. We are told in the Word to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). When we walk in the Spirit, what a difference it makes in the life of the believer, and in the effects it has on other lives! Do we realize someone is watching us in our everyday walk? How do we walk? Are we walking in the Spirit? Are we living the life that we would like someone else to live? Our fife is a benefit to someone, or we are dragging someone down to de struction. Are we encouraging someone to follow the Lord and to launch out into the fullness of God? Dear reader, have you thought of the influence you have? Can you say with the apostle, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (I Cor. 11:1) ? Remember your influence.—Ruby Bennett.

CHURCH LEADERS PLEASE NOTE; MCC Annual Report: The 1964 MCC Annual report was available at the Annual Missionary Conference in Stein bach just past If you were not present and would like to have copies for your church please write to the editor. If you took some copies but would like more please also write or phone. A note of explanation might be in order. The report was originally intended as a Messenger insert but due to extra cost of mailing it was distributed in this way.

The Messenger Official organ, in the English language, of the EVANGELICAL HENNONITE CONFERENCE. Published bi-weekly under the auspices of the E.M.C. BOARD OF PUBLI CATION AND EDUCATION. Editor, David K. Schellenberg, Box 25, Station "F*. Winnipeg 5, Manitoba. All new subscriptions and change of address should be sent to Mr. Abe Kla ssen, 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 mail. Post Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage in cash.

The Messenger

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DOCTRINAL

SERIES

VII

HOLINESS OF LIFE by

C. B. Loewen

In this age of loose morals, spiritual apostasy, and false cults, there is pro bably nothing more urgent than true holiness of life among so-called pro fessors of Christianity to bring con viction of sin upon the hearts of un believers; and salvation to their souls. Holy living is expected of Christians. Too often our outward acts betray our inward motives. It may even happen that we mis take holiness for hypocrisy. Many Christians are dreadfully afraid lest they present an overly pious appear ance or expression in and by their lives. False concepts of God and His holiness have corrupted our ideas of personal holiness. The Apostle Peter admonishes us to holy living in I Peter 1:13-14, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fa shioning yourselves according to your former lusts in your ignorance; but as he which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conver sation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Man is Corrupt God’s description of human corrup tion and degradation is in no way flat tering. A quite thorough declaration is given in the first three chapters of the book of Romans. In verse 12 of chapter three the apostle writes, “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable: there is none that doeth good, no not one.” The depravity of man is individual and universal. As man was separated from God, he also was separated from His holiness. Only by the transforma tion of the New Birth can man attain true holiness of life once more. With out holiness no man shall see the Lord, according to Heb. 12:14. Holiness can be defined as some thing set apart to the worship of God,

The Author: Rev.Loewen^form erly Mexico^ now resides at Morris where he helps with the Morris EM church. October 15, 1965

something hallowed or sacred, or some thing spiritually whole, of unimpaired innocence or proved virtue. How can this be applied to human experience?

Holiness Similarity With Our Creator Firstly, I would suggest that holi ness of life, according to the Script ures, has as its ultimate goal or mean ing SIMILARITY WITH OUR CRE ATOR. Man was originally created in the likeness of God Himself. "God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him....” Genesis 1:27. In other words, man was created to be ‘God like’. Peter gives the reason for holy living as ‘Be ye holy,. We are not to be holy mainly to inherit heaven but we are to be holy because God is holy. We are to seek godliness. Notice the words in Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiiness.” The new man of the new birth is created once more in God’s likeness. The Williams translation puts it thus: “. . . and 'TMiif put rvm on the natir new coif self which has been created in the likeness of God . . .” Our text says ". . . but as he which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation . . It is the will of God that the original holiness of God in man be re-estab lished and that this holiness perme ate every area of the Christian’s life. Holiness, Submission to God’s Commandments Secondly, holiness of life will re quire SUBMISSION TO GOD’S COM MANDMENTS. Peter writes, ". , . as obedient children . . .” Holiness of life means obedience to the Word of God. We can recognize no spirituedity or profession of holiness which is not obedient. Disobedience caused man to fall from his original state of holiness. Let us briefly consider Romans 5:19, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Jesus Christ) many shall be made righteous.” Disobedience made sinners. Obedience makes saints. John says, “Whosoever practices sin belongs to the devil because the devil

has practiced sin from the beginning.” Notice also Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of ooeoience unto righteous ness?” True holiness requires submis sion to the Word of God. Holines, Separation from Sin’s Contamination Thirdly, holiness of life is main tained only by SEPARATION FROM SIN’S CONTAMINATION. The doc trine of separation of the clean and the unclean is clearly taught in both the Old and the New Testaments. Paul writes, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from aU filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” II Cor. 7:1. Sep aration unto God through Jesus Christ now requires rigid self-discipline on the part of man. In I Corinthians 9:27 the apostle writes: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 'This separation in volves our whole attitude and aU mo tives in life. Again God says, "Where fore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you . . .” II Cor. 6:17. Not only must we ourselves seek this sep aration but God uses His own meth ods to perfect our holiness. “For they (our parents) verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.” Heb. 12:10. Holiness of life has its beginning at Calvary. “There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins; and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.” Immediate holiness is attained at con version. Progressive holiness is ob tained only by an unbiased study of God’s Word and will, diligent prayer, and continuing self-discipline. Perfect holiness will be ours in the day of Christ’s coming. "We know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” I John 3:2. Only by the operation of the blood of Jesus and the Spirit of God can our inner man be sanctified. May we seek this inner holiness that can per meate us until our whole being re flects the glory for which we were created.

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MISSI CENTRAL AMERICA Box 290, Belize, B.H. We would sure like to share the blessings at the Mission Conferences In October, but the plans made by the Field Council call for our furlough to begin in November.. We trust to see you then. We are grateful for the two teach ers that have come to help in the schools. The school here at New Hope which has been open for the past 6 years has an enrolment of 45. Miss Helen Kornelsen is principal here. Miss Thiessen is the principal of the school we opened 14 miles from here. This school has 40 children enrolled. At both schools we have native teach ers helping. There is a real need for a school at three of our other stations. At our last Field Council meeting it was decided to open a secondary school together with a Bible depart ment two years from now. I have been asked to head this project. There are many things involved and we are looking to the Lord for His leading in this project. Earnest prayer is re quested for this project. For the past three years we have had the responsibility of the Maskall Church. We have experienced many blessings amidst trials. Sunday night we usually have a number of unsaved present. Pray for the spirit’s working. In Sunday School here we have seen a steady growth. Most of the classes are taught oy the natives. The church work here at New Hope which is also our responsibility is In need of prayer. Very few people in the district are Interested in spiritual things and hard to reach with the gos pel. We greatly appreciate the Church’s interest in the work that the Lord has called us into and are grate ful for the prayer and material sup port that they have given during the years that we have been engaged In mission work. We trust that both Conferences In October will be greatly blessed by the Lord. May there be a renewed effort In reaching lost mankind during the short time that remains for the Church to do its work. In His service, Henry and Ramona Klassen

A LITTLE HELP MARGARET SANGSTER There’s help in seeming cheerful When a body’s feeling blue. In looking calm and pleasant. If there’.s nothing else to do; If other folks are wearing. And things are all awry. Don’t vex yourself with caring; ’Twill be better by and by.

There’s help in keeping tally Of our host of hanoy days, There’s never one that dawneth, But it bringeth cause to praise The Love that ever watcheth, The Friend that’s ever near, So, though one tryst with sorrow. One needs must dwell with cheer. When troubles march to meet you Salute them at the door; Extend both hands to greet them. Their worst will soon be o’er. Beat down their stormy bugles With your own rejoicing drums. And, mailed in lofty courage, Accept whatever comes. —Youth’s Companion.

na direction for better reception in different parts of the world. Just re cently a new night shift was started from 11 to 2 in order to give better reception in Europe and especially Russia. Sometimes in aU this tech nical work it is easy to forget that aU these electronic devices really are necessary for the Gospel to go to all th world. You also asked for information about us and our family so will try to give you some of that too. It was 15 years last August since Marian first arrived on the field. Stan had arrived the year previous. We now have three children in school in Quito, Jack 10, Lois 9 and Laurie 7. Becky 5 is still at home with us. The U.S. In ternal Revenue Service is making it rather difficult for faith missions these days, and the Gospel Missionary Union is now obliged to send us an equal amount of support every month. This has caused us some concern, be cause when our support does not come in it means that our account, or the Mission’s goes in the red. A praise item is that we have been able to get

The following missionary reports were gleaned from letters received by the Steinbach Church for their mis sionary conference (Oct 3-7) and came to us through the courtesy of Arnold Fast who had solicited them and kindly made them available to us. ED.

SOUTH AMERICA Quito Ecucador It is with full hearts that we write to you at this time. So many things have passed since we’ve written last that we hardly know where to begin. Last week we had a very successful vacation Bible school in Pifo with Marian as the director. There were over 50 children in attendance, many of which have never gone to Sunday school or other church service, Our aim was to present Christ as Saviour hear again. Now the seed has been planted and it needs to be watered with prayer and further contact in order for the Lord to give the increase. We had the closing program on Sun day morning in order to get them used to the idea of coming every Sun day. We hope it will work. As you probably know, Pifo Is the HCJB antenna farm, with about 15 antennas scattered over a 65 acre area. One of Stan’s responsibilities is to change the frequencies and anten

a better car and have been able to sell our old one, so that as soon as the old one is paid for the new one will be, too. Thank you for the gifts that were sent for this project. We would like to greet each one of you in the Name of Christ. In Christian love, Stan and Marian Houghton

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PANAMA Santiago, Veraduas, Panama Santiago, a city of about ten thou sand, is the site of Panama’s Normal School. The predominant religion is, of course. Catholic; there are two other churches in town—the Four square Gospel Church and the Evan gelical Church (GMU), plus several sects that meet in homes—Jehovah’s Witness, Seventh Day Adventist, and others. Santiago is also considered to be the stronghold of Communism in Panama, Our church is located near the cen tre of town. We have Bible study and prayer meeting on Friday nights, Sun day school on Sunday morning and Worship Service on Sunday night. Our Sunday school attendance is generally about 40. At evening service we have about 25 as a rule. Although our church is not organized, there are some fifteen adults who are saved and a part of the church. Expansion To accommodate the children at Sunday school it was necessary to make classrooms; so in May and June We built an annex, giving us two large rooms and an office. It was (tone most ly by volunteer labor. We were for tunate to have two experienced build ers in our congregation. The total cost was some $700. In August our young people put on a drive to distribute Bibles, New Test aments and Scripture portions, both in Santiago and in surrounding towns. In aU we passed out about 800 portions and sold 7 New Testaments and 6 Bibles. Besides the work of the church in Santiago proper we also have weekly children’s classes in two suburbs of Barrios of Santiaga On Saturday mornings we go first to El Barrero, a very poor area. Enthusiasm is high and we generally have about 40 in the class. This barrio is strongly Jeho vah’s Witness. After the class in El Barrero we go to the Airport, a much smaller barrio, and not nearly so poor. One of our Christian families lives here, and have offered the use of their house for the class. Here the average attendance is 20. We would also like to begin classes in another area called El Coco. Please pray with us that this may be possible in the near fu ture. Our little "family of one” is doing well. Glen is an excellent door-opener for us. Everyone knows him, and Pan amanian ladies likes to touch that

soft blonde hair! He just loves to have the children from next door come over to play with him. In closing we want to thanky ou, our missionary partners, for your prayers and your financial support. We really enjoy the cards and letters we get, too, and would like to hear from you more often. "If there be those whom we have won. Redeemed by Christ, God’s only Son, To you shall be the same reward; Through prayer you led them to the Lord.” Gil, Jean and Glen Reimer

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highest attendance of 31 and 69, We had a well qualified staff of teachers. There were five local teachers plus helpers and three came up from Blumenort. 'Three decisions for Christ were made. Pray for Karen Anderson who comes from a Christian Anglican home. D— and C— come from a typ ical Flin Flon home where both mo ther and father are employed and not in the least interested in the gospeL These girls also have not been attend ing Sunday School. Pray that they may hunger and thirst after right eousness. Both of us enjoyed a week of coun selling at Beaver Lake Bible Camp. ’This also was a fruitful harvest. Some of these boys and girls are now at tending Sunday School. Services Lagged The attendance at our church ser vices has been rather low during the summer months of July and August. This is the time of year when every one seems to enjoy himself in more greener pastures either on long trips or just for weekends. However, now that school time is here again every one seems to be more or less settled in their nests and the numbers in the services are on the increase. Pray for us, “that utterancee may be given unto us, that we may open our mouth boldly, to make, known the mystery of the gospel”. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Koop

FUN FLON Creighton, Sask. Greeting friends with the beauty of Flin Flon. Many of you have never had the privilege of seeing FUn Flon in its gorgeous summer apparel. Truly it is beautiful! When we arrived in spring the rocks peeped through the .•mow with a cold hardened look. Now they are dressed in soft velvet moss, skirted with various tinges of green grass and dotted with trees clinging to the crevices in the rocks. Yet the truth remains, underneath you still find the hard cold rocks. The above description is also the sad situation of the people we are trying to reach with the gospel. They are dressed in a warm friendly man ner but this stems from a heart of cold indifference. The Lord asked Jer emiah, “Is not my word like as fire, saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces.” Jeremiah 23:29. Truly, man’s efforts are futile, only with prayer and re liance upon God can these people be reached with the gospel. SASKATCHEWAN We are attempting various meth ods to reach these people. One Endeavour, Sask. As Paul longed to be with his con method was a door to door canvass. This did not prove very effective. verts. yet was prevented, so are we— Now we want to contact the homes We would love to be there to enjoy from which we draw our Sunday the fellowship. However our prayers School and Vacation Bible School pu are with you. As requested, here is a brief ac pils. In this way we desire to cultivate an interest in God’s Word and begin counting of our service for Him. We a Bible Study. The old apostolic meth were married in 1942, just three years od of house to house evangelism is after I had started in full time mis still the best way of meeting people sionary work. The years since then have been spent in ministry under the on their level of spiritual need. C & M Alliance in Sturgis, Sask, and V.BS. Vacation Bible Sch<x>l was a very Vermillion, Alberta, and under the busy part of our summer. There were Western Gospel Mission and the E.M.C. in Canora and Endeavour. Our work 90 enrolled with the lowest and the

October 15, 1965 I

asked to head up this department. After several years of tireless efforts, particularly on the part of Mr. Peters this work is now almost completed. This was an enormous task! Now comes an even greater task; to con vince the people of Germany that this material will solve many of their problems of reaching their thousands of children and young people for Christ. And this is where I come in. Upon the invitation from John Peters I came to Germany to assist in this effort. The past two years I have had the privilege in helping conduct Sun day school conventions in several are as of Germany. The purpose of these conventions is to acquaint the people with the material and the system. One could say that most of the children’s and young people’s work in Lorrach is in a state of bankruptcy. Lorrach has a popuation of approxi mately 30,000 people, but there are only about 200-300 children in their Sunday schools. Their young people’s groups are in similar state. Sad to say, Lorrach is hardly an exception to the rule. The majority of churches are losing out in reaching their child ren and young people for the Lord. However, two great groups, the Meth odists and Gemeinschaft (the latter is a branch of the State church) are concerned and have consented to try the material beginning in October. I am looking forward to working with GERMANY these groups, but I would request Lorarch/Baden, Germany your prayers for me that I might A good, old-fashioned missionary have the right approach and wisdom conference! This is one of the things in every situation. I really miss. It certainly would be Vacation Bible School wonderful if I could be there to pre This summer we tried a new thing sent my work personally. A letter is — Daily Vacation Bible School. C, you such a poor way of communicating. say, this is not new. We have had it However,I am happy that it is neces for years. Well not so the churches of Germany? Except for the Mennonites sary for me to use this means of com munication. who are doing a fine work among their own people, DVBS is unknown. It is almost two years since I board ed a plane leaving Winnipeg for the When making inquiries at the differ ent churches if it would be possible land of Germany. The first two months were spent in language study. to conduct a VBS in the area, we soon I soon discovered though, that there discovered that most of the people felt that it would not work. They be was more to be learnt than just the lieved that least 85'7o of the children language. I was in a different land, I came in contact with different peo were on holidays. But one Pfairer of ple, and I had to adjust to a different the State Church was willing to try it. To his amazement (to ours also) culture. After almost two years I am some 100 children enrolled. After ob still adjusting and learning. serving the school for several days, Nature of Work he had this to say, “I stiU can’t believe People often ask me, “What exactly it works, but I have to admit it does.” is your work?” Perhaps most of you He was grateful and encouraged. So know that the Janz Team undertook to translate the Scripture Press Sun were we! There are many other opc ortunities day School material. John Peters was

in Canora commenced in August 1955, and from there we started the En deavour work in 1960. serving this new station for two years from Can ora, then moving in 1963. Fruit As reported to you, and through the Messenger, we have had many blessings; many difficulties over come; problems solved; and salvation coming to many with a good number of young people going on with the Lord. There have been times of re joicing and praise—yet we are told “In everything give thanks!” As you know the work of missions is fraught with opposition and even conflict in the work itself. We have tried to see things as they are through the per spective of this being the work of the Lord and thus try to realize that “All things work together for good”—and thus praise Him for all things. Prayer requests would include a prayer for patience, perseverance, and trust in our lives as His servants. We would also request prayer for renewed physical strength. 'Then there is the perennial problem of transportation for mission work. Pray for us breth ren, that we may be worthy of Him, who has called us to be His Ambassa dors. Yours in Him for souls. Edwin and Violet Wright

of service such as campwork helping along in the crusades, girls clubs, etc. but the Sunday school work does come first. Do pray especially for the Sunday Schools who will use our material beginning in October. Pray for me that I might have the right approach and wisdom in every sit uation. Before I say “auf-wiedersehn” I would like to challenge you with the words of the song the Basel crussade choir sang ast night: “Gottes Volk darf nie ermueden. Kampfen musz es Tag fuer Tag.” “Auf-wiedersehn und Gott befohlen. In Him, Margaret Neufeld

WEEKES New Work Planned On September 5, 1965, the farewell service was held for Harry Friesen who had been absent for a month, but returned with his wife for the day. A blessed time of fellowship was had by aU who attended. This same date also marked the be ginning of a new life for Mr. and Mrs. Lester O’fert, who came to take over the work Harry left. The desire and need for fellowship and learning together from God’s Word, brings many to the Sunday morning services, when the roads al low. Each Sunday we see new faces in the congregation and our hearts swell in praise to God. The ladies of the church gathered for their first meeting, since folding up last spring, and discussed ways in which to fill profitable their time for the coming months. A real incentive to work as God enabled them was felt. To begin a work at Hudson Bay i.s in its planning stages. We trust that soon the door will be opened and ser vices will be conducted regularly. Miss Florence White, was chosen as the delegate to represent the Weekes Fellowship Chapel at the Missionary Conference. Miss White' is a member of the Chapel, as weU as a -Sunday School Teacher, and seeks faithfully the fellowship of other Christians. The work is very encouraging, and we ask the prayers of all our readers, this is the Lord’s doings, and we are grateful for His workings.

The Messenger

Walter Zurfluh (left) Germany, and Dave •‘The Night Cometh . . Bev, and Mrs. Corny Plett (pastor) gaze at a scene symbolical of the vast harvest Nigeria (SIM) in front of the EEM display. fields of the world, (Display at front of church).

Schultz,

Winnipeg Holds Tenth Annual Missionary Conference by the Editor

GOOD ATTENDANCE MARKS CONFERENCE I

A. A. Dueck, Ecuador, Don P. Shidler, Dave Ooertzen, Winnipeg and Walter Heinrichs.

The Messenger

The aniiual missionary conference was held at the Aberdeen church Sept. 26 - Oct. 3 this year .The main speaker was Don P. Shidler of the Gospel Missionary Union, Smithville, Missouri. His timely messages out of 2 Timothy were much appreciated. He also told us of the disasterous flood they had experienced when 21 inches of rain fell in as many days inundating a large part of Smithville. The Gospel Missions Headquarters alone had suffered some $50,000 damage. Since that time many have rallied to the call for aid and much of the equip ment destroyed, has been replaced. The Gospel Missionary Union has 330 missionaries in the field. Veteran missionary. A, A. Dyck from Ecuador told of victories won for the Lord in that land of darkness where the inhabitants stlU shrink heads. Others came from Germany, the West Indies, and Africa as well as missionaries in our own land. During the conference also pledges were taken towards the 1966 fiscal year budget which was set at $23,290.00 (1965; $21,655.00). Of this amount $11,425.00 is to go for church operation and $11,865.00 for missions.

Annual Missionary Conference by the Editor "It is with pleasure that we can be host to the Missions conference of the (EMC”, were the words of welcome that Arnold Fast spoke to the guests who had assembled on opening night of the BMC Missions convention in Steinbach. (Mr. Fast then gave a number ol reasons for a conference such as this. Among these reasons were the follow ing. 1. To vitalize our missions program 2. That God will call more of our young people. 3. That we would pray more “For this said he, “we are looking to God.’’

Taking over from here was Rev. Abe Unger, chairman EMC Board of (Missions, who also chaired all the meetings. “It is good to see so many” said he, “on this our eleventh annual missions conference.” Missionary Reports and messages interspersed with songs, was in gen eral the pattern of each sessions’ pro gram. The Report on opening night was given by C. B. Loewen, Mexico. In spite of a sober view of the difficul ties existing and encountered over the past year or tw^, the report was op timistic. There are some 100 members in the Mexican E.M. church. The radio and literature work looks promising. There are at present three radio programs, one Spanish and two Low-German. *toer Fannilienfreund” is a paper that is used with good success. The main part of the report was dealt with under 8 heads: 1) Immigra tion, 2) Educational Institutions, 3) Clinical Work, 4) Bible School, 5) Ra dio, 6) Literature, 7) Personal Evan gelism, 8) Indigenous Church. A short report given by Elmer Hamm told that a delegation of three brethren, Nick Friesen, Ed. Friesen and Elmer Hamm have been delegated to go to Mexico early in November to look into some ol the matters that need attention at this time. 8

The main address on opening night was given by Corny Plett, Winnipeg, He spoke on the first topic, “Obedi ence to Christ in Prayer”. The Blumenort choir provided the special numbers in song. The offering (for Mexico) amount ed $172.97. Second Session. The service again started off with some hearty singing led by Harry Neufeld. Opening was made by Alfred Friesen, Mexico. The Report on this night was by Gladwin Plett, St. Lucia. The report centered around the “Missionary Home” on the foreign field. No doubt many re ceived for the first time a clearer in sight of what the missionary family has to cope with. The main message of the evening was delivered by Ben Friesen, S.B.I. “Obedience to Christ in Preparation” (For missionary service) He dealt with the topic under two heads. 1. General Preparations 2. Specific Preparations Offering taken by H. W. Kornelsen ■came to $143.37 and went to the Stein bach Bible Institute. A short report of the school was also given. Third Session The third session was held on Sunday afternoon. Jac. P. Dueck, Steinbach, made the open ing. The Kleefeld choir was in attend ance. The financial report was given by secretary P. L. Friesen, Morris. He expressed his thanks for past giving. The income this year showed $9,000 less than the previous year. He challenged young people with, “If God calls you He will also supply the means.” The General Report and presenting of new missionaries was conducted by Abe Unger. Twelve new missionaries had been accepted in the last twelve months. Dan Koops to Flin Flon Alvin Doeiksens to Gouldtown John Koops to Kamsack Lester Olferts to Weekes

Gertrude Toews to Paraguay Doris Thiessen to Mexico Lenora Koop to Bredenbury, Sask. Peter Friesen (not determined) The message was delivered by Mil ton Fast, Kleefeld. “Obedience to Christ’s (Command in Fulfilling His Purpose.” This was dealt with under two heads. 1. "I Have Appeared Unto Thee for this Purpose.” 2. “The Highest Purpose of Life is to do the Will of God." The offering amounted to .$360.05 and went for Paraguay missions, F. D. Reimer, in connection with taking the offering, also gave a report on Paraguay. Closing was made by Vernon Rei mer, India. Lunch was served by the Steinbach church. John Loewen, Blumenort, was in charge of the prayer meeting which convened from 6:00 - 6:30. Fourth Session: Melvin Dueck, Mor ris made the opening. Said he “You cannot honestly pray for laborers un less you are willing to go yourself.” The Prairie Rose choir was in attend ance. A special feature on this closing night consisted of testimonies by some of the members of our Extension Work churches. The following gave their testimonies. Delores Owchar, Canora Ruth Downey, Endeavour Florence White, Weekes Mrs. Josephine Swerhun, Kamsack Valajean Swerhun, Kamsack This was followed by a testimony by Harry Friesen formerly Weekes. An other new item on the program was a question box. Art Neufeld was in charge of this part of the program. The final message of the convention was given by Gladwin Plett, St. Lucia. “Obedience to Christ’s Command in Perseverance”. In his message he mentioned Noah who persevered in the face of unbelief; Paul who per severed amidst persection; and Abra ham; who staggered not through un belief. The offering went towards the St. Charles building project and amount ed to $555.43. Please Note The message and re ports mentioned in this report are to be included in the 1965 Year Book due to be released later this year. Look for it and obtain your copy when it is available. Pictures taken at the conference are to be published in the next issue of the MESSENGER. The Messenger

Saviour, Helper, Guide.

'<0 I <

In our Youth section today we present three young people from two of our Home Mission stations. They are Gerald and Delores Owchar from the Canora Fellowship chapel and Ruth Downey from Endeavour, All three have been Home and School Academic award winners while in high school. Today, Gerald and Delores are studying at the University of Saskatchewan in third and second year respectively. When in Canora they take active part in the activities at the chapel. Ruth is employed at the Preeoeville Bank and is active both in Youth and Sunday school work at the Endavour Fellowship chapel. Here are their personal testimonies of their faith in Christ.

I was led to the Lord at an early ag^ f for which I shall I never cease to be S thankful. Through out my school years, the Lord kept me from drifting into the world. Nevertheless, so much of my Christian ity was more head knowledge than real Delures Owchar ity. True, I was seeking God's plans1 for the future, but my day to day life was an endless waver ing between victory and defeat. The more I tried to gain victory, the more I met defeat. Finally, I realized I could do nothing by my own strength - the Lord showed me it had to be all Christ and none of me - both the battle and vic tory are his. All I have to do is sim ply trust - for "my grace is sufficient for thee; my strength is made perfect in weakness." Praise God for this vic tory. Confident that I am in God's perfect will for my life, I am looking foirward to whatever He may have in store for me.knowing that He alone can provide strength for whatever lies ahead. Please pray that I may never lose sight of His leading. October 15, 1965

Romans 5:1 says, "Therfore being jus tified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." I am so thankful to day that I have the peace about which this verse speaks. I accepted Christ as my Savior eleven Bl years after return ""Rulh Downey ing from a summer Bible Camp and I can truly say that I have never regretted my decesion. I have found that Christ alone can save, keep and sat isfy. Regardless af our feelings or cir cumstances, we can turn to Him, for He has promised to meet our every need. Because He is such a wonderful Friend, I can say with Paul that I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the AU of Christ and None of Self

At a very early age, I accepted the claims of Christ upj on my life so that I J would not perish, and i have not only everlast ing life, but also i Christ's guidance durI ing my life on earth. I I thank the Lord for all that He has been I to me these many years: Savior, an ever pre Gerald I sent,Help in time of need, and Guide. How amazing it is that we can turn to the One who created this universe to guide our lives and yet too often we refuse to let Him lead us in His infinite wisdom. Another verse precious to me, especially in my studies,' has been Phil. 4:6,7. "Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplica tion with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus'.' Truly there is no rest and peace of mind without Christ. It is wonderful to know that He who holds tomorrow also holds us in His power and protection. I ask for your prayers as I continue my studies.

CHILDREN'S

STORY

The next day Dick took his red we gon, that Uncle Ben had given him for his birthday, and went out to the cucumber patch. ’

Old Shoes To Mend Dick wanted a puppy more than anything else in the whole world. Fred had a little black one that was as fat as a butter ball which he purchased down at the pet store, but Dick’s mo ther was very poor and could not give Dick a doEar to buy a pup like Fred’s. “If I had a puppy I could play with him while you work over at Mortan’s,” he told his mother one evening as they sat in the kitchen eating bread and milk for supper. ‘Xian you think of any way that I could earn a dollar. Mother?" “No, I don’t know how a boy your age could earn that much money just now. Son, I’m afraid you wUl have to forget about having a puppy this sum mer.” But Dick could not forget, and While he was pulling weeds out of the cu cumber patch (behind the house the next day he was still trying to think of some way to earn a dollar. “You better start pickling our cu cumbers soon,” he told his mother that evening., “They are just the right size now.” “I’m afraid we won’t be able to make any pickles this year, Dick. Mrs. Morton needs me every day now, and I must earn enough to buy our win ter fueL” “Then what are we going to do with the cucumbers. Mother?” “I guess you might as well give most of them away. Son.” Dick’s eyes sparkled with a new idea, but he said nothing to his mother as he went on eating his bowl of bread and milk. Id

Taking the wagon, loaded with cu cumbers, he started down the street. At the first house no one was at home. At the second house an elderly lady in a funny lace cap opened the door when he rang the bell. “Four cucumbers for a nickel, lady,” said Dick, and he smiled a big smile. “Where, Son?” ‘In my wagon right here; how many do you want.” “Well,” laughed the lady, glancing at the fine cucumbers, “I didn’t say that I wanted some. I do need some for pickles though, and these are such nice ones—yes, I’ll take twenty of your nicest ones.” “‘Five nickels! I’ll soon have my pup!” Then Dick told her about the puppies for sale for one dollar apiece down at the pet shop. The little lady told him he was a fine boy and very industrious as she gave him five nickels for cucumbers. Before noon Dick had sold all of the cucumibers and when he reached home and counted his money he had exactly one dollar and fifteen cents. “I’ll get that puppy this very afternoon!” he thought. “I’ll go just as soon as I eat the peanut-butter sandwiches Mother left in the bread box for my lunch.” While Dick was eating, a rap came at the front door. When he opened the door, a man wearing a leather apron and carrying a wooden box with a handle on the top greeted him. “Is your mother at home today. Son?” “No, sir, she is working. Did you wish to see her?” “I fix shoes,” he said, “and I thought she might have some that need re pairing.” “Her Sunday shoes have holes in both soles and need sewing up, but we haven’t any money to have them fixed.” Then Dick thought of the

twenty-three nickels he had in his pocket which he had earned selling cucumbers. His mother needed her Sunday shoes to go to Sunday school and church more than he needed a puppy, but—oh, how he did want that coal-black pup at the pet store. The cobbler put on his hat and start ed to turn away. “Just a m—minute,” said Dick, “I'll get her shoes, and you can look at them.” "But you have no money,” suggest ed the cobbler. "Tell me how much it will cost to fix them anyway.” Dick hurried to the closet and came back with the shoes. The man took them and examined each one carefully. “It would cost one dollar and twenty-five cents to fix them uj, in good shape,” he said. “I have twenty-three nickels of my own money. Mister; could you fix them for that?” “One dollar and fifteen? Yes, I guess I could.” “Then here are the nickels’,’ an swered Dick, taking them from his pocket and slowly counting them into the m’cin’s hand. “Be sure you fix them good.” Dick returned to the kitchen and his peanut-butter sandwiches. He could hear the rat tat tat <rf the shoe cob bler’s hammer out on the porch. “I wanted that puppy awfully bad, but I’m glad that man came along. Mother needs her Sunday shoes more than I need a dog.” It was a busy week for Mother, and a lonesome week for Dick; and it was not until Sunday morning and Mother was getting ready for church that she noticed what her boy had done for her. It took quite a bit of explaining—and Mother’s eyes filled with tears. “You are a good son, Dick. Mother appreciates what you have done. And —and Dick, night before last Mrs. Morton’s Scotty had eight puppies— too many puppies for one mother dog, really. And there is a wee, tiny one— the runt—that she said she would have to give away, for it isn’t saleable. Just as soon as it is weaned, shall I get it for you?” Dick’s eyes were answer enough and as he walked to Sunday school by his mother’s side, and looked at her neat, well-mended shoes, it seemed to him that this Sunday was just about the happiest day he had ever known. —George Elpin

The Messenger

SERVES AS DEAN IN EATEN GIRLS’ DORMITORY Rio Grande Bible Institute 1 owe you all a big “thank you” for your prayers. Since I wrote my last prayer letter in April I have exper ienced that to trust my Heavenly Fa ther is always best “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” Romans 11:33, In spring I was very hopeful of get ting my immigration papers and soon return to Chihuahua, Mexico. In May I was asked to be the dean of the Latin girls’ dormitory for the coming school year. At first I did not consider it because I was very anxious to go back to Mexico. Miss Linda Sveiven, missionary to Venezuela, was the dean of the Latin girls at the time.. She has . now returned to Venezuela. She said \ to me one day, “I think you are the 1 one” Another staff member remarked, n talk to fkizi T nVirtiit- it it” A-f. “‘nXZ/i We’’ll the Lord about ”. Af ter a few weeks I felt that I had to seriously pray about the meeting. How unwilling 1 was. Surely, I loved the Latin girls and it was a great challenge, but soon my immigration papers would come through and It seemed so unreasonable to become willing to work at RGBI. One day I went to the classroom, not to study but to settle things with the Lord. What struggle it was. Reading Romans 11:33 again and again I fin ally prayed, “Thy will be done”. Oh awards will be based not on the abili the joy and peace that I experienced! ty of the student, but far more on In the beginning of June went to his faithfulness — how he has used Coahuila, Mexico, to work with the these talents God has given to us. Gospel Missionary Union, It was a rich Here the girls were lovely in their experience in Bible camp work, DVB3, white graduation dresses and shining which is one of the greatest joys. The eyes. There in heaven everyone visitation work, etc. Souls were saved washed in the blood of the Lamb will which is one of the greatest joys. The be gloriousy transformed and trium future was unknown to me, but I was phant in white robes, with crowns happy in Him. On July 16th I received adorning their heads. The angels in v.ord that my immigration papers heaven wi’J play the harps and all were cancelled for the present. In the redeemed join the special num August Martha Heinrichs went home bers in song. I am sure that there to B.C. for a short furlough and I will be many speeches of praise and went to Chihuahua for almost two thanksgiving. Loved ones gone on be weeks. I had a wonderful time of fore will be there to welcome us and blessing there. The work in Chihua hua is going forward in spite of all congratulate us. The climax of this great graduation will be as the Lord our immigration problems. Souls are being saved and indigenous churches hands us our diplomas with the words are being established. “Well done, thou good and faifthful When I arrived back in Coahuila a servant,” and we will be ushered in to letter from RGB! was awaiting me, the graduation or marriage supper of our King. ‘Would you please come for an inter view at your earliest convenience”. My prayer is that each one of us Many a time I had committed the fu may be one of the graduates on that ture unto Him and had rejoiced in final graduation day.

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE

(Srailuattnn (

I by Elma B.Duea'k

Many graduation exercises have been held in our various schools and colleges this fall. As I attended the graduation in our local CoUegiate here in Rosenort Saturday I thought of the many opportunities and priv ileges our young people have nowa days of getting a good education to prepare them for their life’s work. Many of us, especially older people, may never have the privilege of being one of the graduates in our higher in stitutions of learning. I almost felt a little envious, until I thought of the one graduation Day coming—the very greatest one that ever was or ever will be—the final one—when our Lord will come to get His own. Here the graduates were only those who had passed the final exams. At that final graduation only those will pass who have accepted Christ’s work of redemption. There will be some who just barely pa,ss—those who have accepted Christ but whose works will burn up, others wiU re ceive special awards. (I Cor. 3) These

October 15, 1965

A CONGO PLANE DEDICATED A new airplane for use cn the Congo mission field was dedicated at Lake Wawasee airport, Syracuse, Indiana, on Thursday afternoon. August 26. ’The new Cesna 185 was flown to Lake Wawasee by Ernie Krenzin, Missionary Aviation pilot. Reuben Short, executive secretary of Congo Inland Mission, was in charge of the dedication service. The airplane was on display at the Marion, South Dakota, airport on August 19-22 at the time of the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Conference and at Bloomington, Illinois, airport on August 19 in the afternoon. It was taken directly to New Orleans for crating and shipment to the field. It is expected to arrive in September or early October. Gifts from the supporting conferences — Genei'al Conference Mennonite, Evangelical Mennonite Brethren, and Evangelical Mennonite—made possible the purchase of the airplane.

Missions In spite of an obvious deplorable spiritual decline, there is little evi dence that Europe as a whole feels any real need of the gospel. There is no more difficult group to reach than a sophisticated, self sufficient people. Evangelistic campaigns of Billy Gra ham have attracted considerable at tention, but the impact on Europe as a whole has been something less than spectacular. (Moody Monthly)

Harvey Plett Rev. Harvey Plett has been appoint ed to serve as EMC representative to our College and University students studying in Winnipeg. His address is Box 1420, Steinbach, Man. Phone DA 6-3521.

COMING EVENTS oct 31-Nov. 5 Revival meetings at Prairie Rose with A. G. Neufeld. Oct. 31-Nov. 7 Missionary Conference at Portage la Prairie with C. T. Paul son as main speaker. Nov. M. Missionary Conference at Prairie Rose with Ben Friesen as main speaker.

Jb.

doing so. Once again I wanted to be very sure that I was doing God’s will. Once again I “put out the fleece”. Suffice it to say that I arrived at RGBI on August 22nd. I live in the Latin girls’ dormitory with thirteen Mexican girls and one Chilian. ’These fourteen girls are tak ing the three years Bible course, pre paring to go back to their own coun tries to give the Gospel to their own people. They can do this much better than any other missionary, because they know their own people and they have no language barriers. Let me share with you some incidents from the dormitory. It was after “lights out” time, and I noticed the light was still on in one of the rooms. I rapped gently on the door. One of the girls giggled, another one switched out the light, and a third one raced down the hall to her room. Another incident: Last Sunday one of the girls burst into my room with a beaming face. She had just returned from teaching S.S. in Mexico She said, “I led a soul to the Lord today”. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with greatness of the task before me. One morning I read in Living Letters, ‘"This is my work, and I can do it only because Christ’s mighty energy is at work within me.” Colossians 1:29. What a challenge and encouragment these words were to me. I know the Lord has called me, not to be a failure, but to be a success. “He Who calls you is utterly faithful and He will finish what He has set out to do.” I Thessalonians 5:24. In Christ,

Dora Friesen Box 840 Edinburg, Texas 77539, U.S.A. P.S. We are in great need of a secondcook here. Would you please pray that this need will be met. Thank you.

PRAY FOR THESE MISSIONARY CONFERENCES FELLY

ARABELLA KAMSACK CANORA l ENDEAVOUR PORTAGE la PR. PRAIRIE ROSE

Oct.14-17 Oct.18-20 Oct.21-24 Oct.24-27 Oct.28-31 Oct.31-Nov.7 Nov.6,7