Issuu

IS ISSUE

iter with the Indians 2 ryone Should Have nough to Eat 8

Steinbath Bible Institute Opening

ing-up” features to be mentioned for girls. It is associated with female pu berty ceremony. At the climax the celebrated girl is dragged by a group of youth until she faints. When she is revived with cold water, everyone re joices that the girl has died and a woman has been bom.” If we again look at the use of poijh as a test of one’s own -valhoc, there is an instructive experience told by missionary G. B. Giesbrecht. 'The Yalve Sanga mission herds were being deciminated by a tiger by Jaoob A.Loewen that was killing both sheep and calves. Something needed to be done. First, (Part Two of a Three Part Article) the carcass of a sheep was poisoned with strychnine, and next, an Indian, Just how the -valhoc developed and ternEil concern for the child, for mo who was called “Father-of-Tiger” was nurtured informants did not seem thers have been known to plead in because he had single-handedly killed to be able to answer. The Chulupi, tears with their children, but they seven of them was delegated to ac who have a very similar outlook, would not resort to force. tually hunt down the marauding explain that man's innermost, devel Several missionaries who could not beast. Early the next morning the ops through breast feeding and atten bear to see such “careless mother hunter shouldered his old muzzletion (love and instruction) from the hood” reported occasions at which al loader and set out. Shortly after noon mother.. We can thus suggest that ter much pressure they had been the hunter returned. His clothes were breast feeding builds the -vanmong- permitted to use force in administer in shreds, his one arm and leg were cama, while attention, love, and in ing the medicine. In one case this caked with blood from some deep struction build the -valhoc. In both involved a series of injections. When gashes that were visible on them, and cultures fathers have very little re even after this effort the child stjll the butt end of his gun was ragged sponsibility beyond the couvade. died, the mother wept daily lor more and chewed up. Obviously something When a child was eight days old it than a year. She was continually “re serious had happened. The missionary underwent the first of a series of penting” that she had permitted the hurried out and asked him, “What festivals. This celebration, called application of force when the child happened?” But the Indian only an “tayjaycoc,” involved the piercing of itself "wanted to die.” In her disre swered with an unemotional poijh. He the child’s earlobe with a cactus prick spect of its Intent, she had made the kept on repeating poijh so many times er this marked its entrance into the child suffer all the pain of the injec that the exasperated missionary fin human race. From now on it was tions. This mother considered herself ally left him. A full four hours later, considered to save both a -valhoc and as having failed morally in a very when the hunter’s innermost found its and a -vanmongcama. To kill a child serious way. She had not respected even keel again, he finally recounted after the piercing of the earlobe was the innermost of her child. his experience. considered murder. Once the child’s To encourage the developing inner I went to the poisoned sheep and earlobe had been pierced it was also most (self-consciousness) both boys found that the tiger had been there. accorded the respect of a person. Mo and girls become the object of a sec So I followed his tracks. Not too far thers tried as much as possible to do ond festival somewhere between eight away in the bush in a little clearing what the “person” wanted. Out of re and ten years of age. The festival fol I found the tiger lying down. Since spect for the innermost of her child lows the first “grown-up” deed of the one never knows if there is a deceased a mother would not force it to take youngster, such as the first killing of shaman’.*. soul living in the tiger, one medicine when it resisted. She would game or the performing of a difficult must always speak to him before kill try to persuade the child, but if it errand all by oneself. At this time ing. So I said, “Father Tiger, you have would not accede, she would not use the whole community recognizes the become bad, very bad. You kill sheep. force. The missionary’s threat—if you emerging personality and the chief You kill calves, Il you only killed to don’t give the child medicine it will gives the child a pep-talk to continue eat, we would not be angry, we know die—would be met by a shrug and in this way, for then he or she will that you too get hungry. But you have possibly the slowly spoken woirJs, become a person of great worth and become bad, you kill many more ani “But he/she wants to die.” This cer respect. mals than you eat. You have become tainly does not mean a lack of maThere is another interesting “grow- a killer. So I must now kill you.” I

A Mennonite Encounter with

the “Innermost”

of the Lengua Indians

The Messenger Official organ. In the English language, of the EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CON FERENCE. Published bi-weekly under the auspices of the E.M.C. BOARD OF PUBLI CATION ANO EDUCATION. , „ , , „ Editor. David K.Schellenberg. 502 Fifth Ave.N.M.. Portage la Prairie. Man. All new subscriptions and change of address should be sent to Mr. Abe Kla-

ssen. Box 1447. Steinbach, Man. Subscription price to non-»wnbers $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

A Cliiisliaii Indian and his family who have been setlkxl. pointed my gun at him while I was still talking, but it wouldn’t go off. Then I noticed the tiger was becoming restless; so I said “Father Tiger, lie still, my gun is old. It will not go off. But I must kill you.” I tried to adjust the gun but it still would not fire. Then the tiger jumped. I threw my self down and the tiger jumped over me. The tiger turned, jumped, and missed again. The third time he knocked the gun out of my hand and tore my clothes and clawed my arm and my leg. Then growling he began to chew the butt of my gun. I then said to him, “Father Tiger, I must get my gun and kill you.” I reached out slowly, slowly until finally I was able to grab the barrel of the gun. Then I pulled the gun out of the ti ger’s mouth, aimed it and fired. This time it went off, I had blinded the tiger. Then I jumped on his back and finished him off with my knife. The incredulous missionary imme diately went to investigate and found •the scene just as described — the marks of the tiger’s jumping in the sand, the pieces of wood gnawed from the gun butt and the dead beast. The account illustrates dramatically that while his innermost was perturbed and excited the old hunter did not talk. He was a great hero, who knew how to control his innermost both in and away from danger. Regardless of what the circum stances may be, the ideal adult will not lose his even keel. This same mis sionary related a very humbling ex perience with a Lengua in connection

I November 12, 1965

with an Indian’s horse that was al ways grazing on the missionary’s pas ture and garden. The missionary had spoken to the owner of the offending animal a number of times and had explained that he did not want the horse there. This was his own pri vate property.. But next day the of fending horse was there again. After several weeks of this the missionary was exasperated and felt that other methods were now legitimate. He got a club and rather unceremoniously beat the animal as he drove it from his property. To be sure the horse did not return next day, but one of his Indian friends came and spoke to him about his deed. “You did not live like a man: You beat a horse that did not know better. You were angry. It is not good for a missionary to be angry.” The missionary realized that in Lengua eyes he had acted very unwisely. After serious inner battles he went to the owner of the horse and apologized. The Indian’s face lit up and he said, “It is good. You are a man.” Mennonites, too, believe tn "right eous wrath” and that this was a con stant source of frustration and prob lem for the Lengua was evident in the universality and the frequency with which Indians made mention of this situation during the anthropolo gical investigation. One of the Lengua bitterly remarked that it was impossi ble to keep the Mennonite innermost calm. “You teU them the truth and they get angry So you tell them the opposite—a lie, and they still get an-

gry., 'What shall you finally say to them?” According to the Lengua, should a situation develop in which a person's innermost cannot maintain an even keel, then he must first keep quiet. If this does not solve the situation, he must leave the scene or the com munity as his individual case might require. It is not too difficult to believe that in their desire to; keep the Mennonites’ innermosts from becoming upset the Lengua told lies. In fact, in discussing this during the ethnographic research, the Indians confided that it was very difficult to live with the Mennonites because of their unstable innermosts. “You can tell them a lie to try and keep them calm, but they get angry. Sc next time you tell them the truth, but they still get angry.” Nor is it hard to understand that Mennonites often suffered because of this. Take the Indian who had a diffi cult message to deliver, and who found the receptor in an excited state. He said that which he felt would keep the Mennonite’s innermost from ex citement. Then, three or four days later, often too late, the Indian finally felt that the atmosphere was stable enough to deliver the actual truth, i In a way, the Lengua are indeed re- ■ lativist whose culture insists that they , say that which will calm the inner most—if possible, of course, the truth. Before we leave the discusson of the use of poijh, we must describe another experience o f Missionary Lcpp. During his earlier mission work he had become so upset about Indian “lying,” as he termed the use of poijh, that he decided to preach a series of messages on the subject. As he waxed eloquent in his denunciation of thi.s universal “lying” pattern, the congre gation patiently heard him to the end, but afterwards a group of elders came and expressed their grave con cern over the state of the missionary’s innermost. It must be very immature that it would go “wild” about the use of the word poijh.

In the current trend of culture change and with the introduction of the school, the demand for respect for the other’s innermost is giving rise to some serious problems. As the younger generation begins to develop insecurity and rebellion, the older, the teachers, are in a serious dilemma. The Mennonite pedagogy instructs them to discipline with the rod—but

what about the respect for the child’s innermost? Hurting the Innermost Whenever the innermost of a per son is not respected, hurt results. Though one must honestly admit that every phase of Lengua existence is associated with innermost and there fore it can be hurt at almost any point, informants were able to single out at least four major areas in which hurts were most frequent. These are gossip, embarrassment, disapproval of action, and disregard of person. Gossip appeared to be by far the most common source of hurt. Inter estingly enough Christianity has helped increase both the incidence of gossip and the potential for h.urt. The tormer resulted from the catalogue of specific sins that missions have intro duced.! These now serve a ready yard stick to measure short-coming and provide “gossip material” in the be haviour of one’s fellow. The potential for hurt was increased through the downgrading of spirit fear. Formerly fear was the most powerful emotion. It drove people to stick together close ly. This was seen most clearly in their village layout. When a village was subject to excessive fear, they al ways built their houses in a circle,

gossip, but it also goes beyond. Take him, but to no avail. The man contin the young man who was observed by ued walking away. There was nothing a missionary when he left the sleep left but to follow. Occasionally ‘he ing quarters of a girl to whom he was missionary called his name, but the not married. He was immediately man just kept on walking and repeat deeply embarrassed and though no ing, “I cannot come back.” Finally the word was spoken the young man im missionary offered, “If you cannot go mediately left the community for a back to your own home, come and number of months. live at my house. I will be your bro On other occasions parents, em ther.” Gradually the Indian slackened barrassed by some negative behavior his pace. Then he turned and said, on the part of their children, have “Yes, I will come to your house.” disappeared from the community. Es However, the missionary noticed pecially if siblings quarrel or resort to how inwardly torn the man was, so physical aggression, 'parental embar he suggested prayer to God. Together rassment becomes acute. they knelt down. The missionaiy In the case of marital infidelity, it prayed first in his own language. Then was generally the “innocent” partner to the missionary’s surprise the Len that was embarrassed and who at gua, who had never prayed before, once left the community.. Missionary poured out his heart to God about the Glesbrecht illustrates this well in the hurt of his innermost. He asked for following account of an experience strength to be calm. After a few days with his informant and early convert. of living with the missionary, he ap At the end of a day of working on peared one day with his former wife translation with the missionary, the and announced that he himself re informant went home. This day he turned and continued to work with came home a little earlier than usual the missionary. and surprised another man lying with Disapproval of behavior could also his wile. Right after the informant’s be linked to embarrassment, but it departure the missionary decided to generally involves the “confession” of take a walk to the Indian camp some wrong behavior (not one’s own) at 100 meters away from his residence. some public gathering. Missionaries When he arrived in the Lengua vil- have found this aspect of Lengua cul ture somewhat objectionable. Either There is the half-secret wish in the “innermost” of the writer that even during an evening gathering around though not all of the readers may have experienced contact with “exotic” the fire, or at a Scheduled public culture.s, that the “dailiness” of the experiences recounted may make possible meeting a person will begin to “con flashbacks of personal encounters with “impossible?’ people even in the “home” fess” the shortcomings of his child, culture. Maybe there will even be awakened a strong enough feeling of “guilt” marriage partner, or relatives. While about these “negative” encounters that the individuals will be stimulated to this certainly is not ideal, by our become Inquisitive about the covert factors that were the real basts of the standards, it seems to be an accepted pattern of overt confrontation for the misunderstanding. innermost, parents and children, hus band and wife and relatives seldom lage he noticed his informant was just house against house, and then at night air their differences in a face to face huddled around the common fire try leaving with a small bundle of his encounter. If a problem is brought ing to draw courage in togetherness. belongings over his shoulder. The mis into the open, it is almost always in As the settlers raised doubts about sionary hurried and overtook him. public- But we must point out that in “Are you leaving?” validity of these spirit fears, and faith such a public airing the audience “Yes, I am leaving.” in the gospel brought about much serves as witnesses and as checks “Have I hurt you in some way?” release from former fears, the hurts against violent manifestations. If “No, you are not responsible. I am of the innermost began to climb in “confessions” are made, it is generally the value hierarchy. Paralleling the loss leaving now and I will never return.” done without any display of emotion. With this the Indian began walking of fear was the disintegration of the If one compares this with the violent clan, which now separated to live resolutely down the trait face to face encounter between hus The missionary walked after him with individual employers. This band and wife in the Spanish environ brought social distance, personal in and pleaded for the reason. Suddenly ment, the Lengua institution has security, and interpersonal rivalry. the Indian stopped and said, “It is of many advantages. However, because One must conclude that the mission no concern for you. When I came it goes against Mennonite “grain.” the program greatly fortified both inci from your house I surprised another missionaries are generally discourag dence and degree of hurt to the inner man lying with my wife. This man is ing it. a shaman. I am now leaving. I •Will most. Embarrassment as a source of hurt not return." The missionary tried to reason with (To be continued) could of course be closely related with

The Messenger

SBI BEGINS THIRTIETH YEAR OF OPERATION

a “On behalf of the local congregation (EMB) I would like to extend a hearty welcome to aU of you who have come to the opening of the Stein bach Bible Institute'’ Thus said pastor Wilbert Loewen as he greeted the as sembled guests at the opening exer cises of the SBI on Oct. 24. Opening devotional by B. D. Reimer consisted of reading Romans 1:1-18. Harvey Plett, chairman of the three man presidential committee, chaired the program. Guest speaker for the occasion, the thirtieth year of operations, was Rev. Died. Gerbrandt, teacher and pastor from the EMMC Church at Morden. He spoke on the topic, “True Great ness in God’s Kingdom’’. Said he, “The great in God’s kingdom are not those who are being served, but those who serve.’’’ Enlarging on the place of the private school in God’s kingdom he stated, “It is justified only if it be comes the means to an end of true greatness in God’s kingdom.” The speaker also commented on being aware of the Theological trends of our time. He challenged the stu dents to learn to reflect and think and have a burden for the needy. “This is our time of preparation,” said he, “If we have prepared for a task, God in His time, wiU find a place for us. I can wish you nothing better than that you have a successful year”. There were two student testimonies. One by Wilbert Friesen and the other by Carol Peters, Thompson, Man. Brother Friesen related of blessings experienced through the summer as he engaged in various activities as; Camip, Sunday school and also on one occasion with MDS in Minneapolis af ter the hurricane there last Spring. Miss Peters told of conflicts before coming to school but also of victory over same.

November 12, 1965

■fc The school report was given by C. Wilbert Loewen, school administrator. He gave a brief survey of the cur riculum and of school Improvements done. An item of praise was that on Mr. Plett and Mr. Reimer talking June 30 school was declared debt free! The instructors have also received an with guest speaker, D. Gerbrandt increase in allowance. Manitoba .. 101 On the staff of the school this year Saskatchewan ...... 6 are the following. Ontario ..... 4 B, D. Reimer Dean U.S.A 2 Wilbert Loewen British Columbia 1 Business Administrator Mexico 1 Harvey Plett Bible School dept. Class Classification is Henry Friesen Dean of High School 38 First Year Edwin Plett Bible School dept. 22 Second Year ....... Bill Derksen High School dept. 10 Third Year .......... Stan Plett High School dept. 17 Grade XII Ben Friesen Public Relations 15 Grade XI Ben Hoeppner Bible School 10 Grade X Gertrude Giesbrecht Office 3 Grade IX ........ Betty Banman Office Mary Komelsen Kitchen Mrs. Ben Friesen Kitchen In attendance t o render musical MCC WORKER TO HOLLAND numbers was the chorale and a La dies trio. The evening offering went ^>0 to the general fund of the school. In closing remarks, chairman of the board, Henry Kernelssn expressed his thanks for the students. He thanked also for the prayer support. Closing hymn was, “O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee”. STATISTICS Our Total Enrollment is 115 Bible Department ......................... 70 45 High School Department Female ................ 69 Male ................................................ 46 Average Age of the Student is 21 We Have Students living in the dormitory 44 Arnold Thiessen (Ridgewood EMC) Students living at home 48 left on Aug. 11 for Holland under the Students living out 18 MCC Youth Exchange program for a Students doing light-housekeeping one year term. He writes that he is on campus 5 working for a gardener (Mennonite) Our Students Come From and finds the experience rewarding.

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"■fl-

MM 1INEWS NRWe I. . __________ __

on October 17. This gave the mothers in our church a special challenge lo be faithful in their work with their children in the home.

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ImhhhiB

BLUMENORT During the weekend of Oct. 9th the Blumenort Senior Choir left for Sask atchewan via chartered bus. They vis ited and rendered programs at Gouldtown, Wymark and at Swift Current. They all expressed joy at having been able to visit some of our churches which they had never seen before.

WYMARK The Edmar Fasts, missionaries to Mexico and the Gladwin Pletts, mis sionaries to the West Indies served us on Sun,, Sept. 26 with a mission challenge. In the afternoon of Sept. 26, Helena Leiding, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Abe Leiding was baptised and joined VALLEY STREAM the local church. She is now attend New Chairman ing the Steinbach Bible Institute. Since the Henry Neufelds have We had the privilege of being served moved to Portage la Prairie, Mr. Bill with a program from the Blumenort Buhler has temporarily become the Man. choir on Oct. 10. The program new chairman and Mr. Gordon Neu w-a s entitled “From Darkness t o feld has become the Young People’s Light.” leader. Mrs. Henry Neufeld has been Ernie Heinrichs, 11 year old son of replaced by Mrs. Gordon Neufeld as Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Heinrichs, was news reporter. We are looking for accidentally shot through the abdo ward to Revival meetings in Novem men in his home on Sun. Oct. 10. He ber with Rev. Ben Friesen. is progressing favorably and we FIRST HOLY COMMUNION praise the Lord for His sustaining hand FOR ST. CHARLES FELLOWSHIP as it could have been much more On Sunday afternoon, October the serious. On Oct. 17 we had our Thanksgiv 24th, thirteen people gathered at our ing Service in the forenoon. The sis- home for the fellowship and spiritual '.3 brought chicken, etc. and we refreshment of the Lord’s Supper, had a fellowship dinner in the church. feet washing was observed according In the afternoon we had a mission to John 13:1-17. The blessing of the commemoration rally. Martin Harder of the Blumenhof EMMC church served us with the of our Lord’s death, resurrection and message. Bro. Harder had been in imminent return was shared by Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Solnik, Mr. Germany a few years as a paxman. A number of brethren and sisters and Mrs. Art Fehr, Mr. and Mrs. Jac. of our church attended the MCC Sask Peters, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Koop Mr. atchewan Annual meetings on Oct. and Mrs. Milton Fast and Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Koop. 26 and 27 in Saskatoon. Prior to the communion Brother Fast challenged the group to an hon est dedication and consecration for so KOLA worthy a cause as the supper por Sunday School Teachers Hold trayed. Further explanations regard Fellowship The Sunday School teachers had an ing the ordinance and its purposes was expounded by Melvin Koop. evening of fellowship at the church on After this a number of testimonies October 3.. It consisted of a supper, program, sing-song, and a short film were given and prayer requests made which stressed the importance of a for individual short comings- The pre sence of the Lord was sensed and the teacher’s preparation. All the members of this church and spiritual invigoration left us with a visitors had a Thanksgiving supper greater determination t o remain on October 12. After supper everyone steadfast in the Lord. In closing I would request that you congregated upstairs for the church pray especially for three teen-age service. The Winnipeg ladies presented their girls who have decided for the Lord program “Time Soon Writeth Mem and attend our services quite regular ories and Painteth Pictures There’’ ly. Also pray for the Bible studies

that will take place at our home this coming week. Melvin Koop

The St. Charles work was begun by the Kleefeld E.M. Church and just lately came under the administration of the Extension Committee, Melvin Koop, formerly Flin Flon is the lead er of the group.

BURNS LAKE WELCOMES YOU! Bi-monthly cottage meetings have begun at Vanderhoof, led by our pas tor, which have been well attended. As almost a third of our membership now resides at Vanderhoof it is im portant that these meetings be sup ported by prayer that the flock be well pastured and watered. Members away from home do not always re alize the value and help they have been to the home congregation; nor does the church at home always realize the longing and hunger in the hearts of the members away for the fellowship and help formerly received from the church. Yet the Lord has various plac es for each of us and it is not good that we all congregate in one small localty, as long as it can be said, “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word.’’ Acts 8:4. It is with anticipation that we look forward to our series of meetings planned for the middle of Nov. with the Gladwin Pletts. The meetings are to take the form of deeper life study and conclude with a missionary conference. Pray with us for a real manifestation of the power of God working in hearts and lives. It has been a busy summer every, where, it seems, but now that fall has arrived maybe there are those who would like to get better acquainted with this area and the spiritual work here; we would like to extend an in vitation to come and enjoy a time of fellowship and get acquainted here. A warm welcome awaits you.

SWIFT CURRENT Swift Current Sunday School Holds Visitation and Attendance Drive Sunday morning, the 26th of Sep tember. we had Sunday school promo tion and teacher dedication. Our visiting speaker, Rev. Gladwin Plett, gave a timely message to teachers and parents.

The Messenger

Since Lester Olfert, our Superin tendent, left us, Ben Schlamp was elected to fill his place. Pastor Dueck has taken the new English adult class and it is well attended. At present the Sunday School has launched into an attendance drive and visitation pro gram. A group gathered at the church last Monda.v night and after a sea son of prayer, went to different homes spreading sunshine in song and medi. tation of <3od’s Word. From reports, it was enjoyed as much by the group as those who were visited. Missionary Conference The annual missionary conference was held September 3(Xh through Oc tober 3rd. Rev. John Unger from Lac Vert, Sask., was our main speaker. Rev. and Mrs. Gladwin Plett. West Indies missionaries, and Edmar Fasts, Mexico, brought reports and pictures from their respective fields. Also with us for two evenings was Miss Dick son, regalled in full African custom, thrilling both young and old with stories from Africa. Especially heart warming were the dedications made by our young people to serve the Lord. The Ministerial Ass. of Swift Cur rent has various functions in which the different churches take part. About twice yearly each church has a week of fifteen minute programs of Morning Meditations over the local radio station. The same week that church also takes a service at the Geriatric Centre and the Pioneer Lodge. Once a week all classes grades 3-8 receive neligious Knowledge in the public school of the city. Rev. Dueck is responsible for four classes every Tuesday. A wonderful opportunity to bring boys and girls the gospel.

A narrated film strip was shown of from time to time. For a Sunday in Sept, we had the special interest to the children. Fri day saw the arrival of guest speaker. Larry Janzes with us. They are pre Rev. Gladwin Plett and we made use paring to go to the land of Germany, of him on every possible occasion, and need support. Next Sun., Oct. 24 we expect to have even at the Ladies Sewing Circle. Seeing that Mrs. Plett was not able a group from the Gideons to present to be here we invited him to have a a program. part in the meeting and he graciously accepted., It proved to be a very in teresting hour as Rev. Plett talked of family life for them on the Island of St. Lucia and also showed some pictures. During the evening meet To (Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Kroeker ings Rev. Plett showed many pictures. of Arden, June 30, Lenora June. These trips to their adopted land To Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Plett of Ar were very interesting and much know den, Aug. 3, Jonathan Keith. ledge was gained from them. The To Mr. and Mrs. Nick Dueck of children took a special interest in the Arden, foster children, July 3, Anne curios he had brought along. Sat. eve Marie, March 14, 1959, Donald Roy, ning a Thanksgiving fellowship sup Dec. 3, 1964. per was held in the chapel, after which Rev. Plett brought a message Steinbach on “Being Thankful’’ not for material To Dr. and Mrs. Allan Lysack, things alone but for God’s blessings daughter, Margaret Ann, July 4. which we so often take for granted. To Mr and Mr«. Dave Ginter, a son, Other topics were “Having a concern Roger Merle, Sept. 18. for the lost”. “Being tested and ap To Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bartel of proved” from I Peter 1:6-9. “Simon Flin Flon, a boy, Sheldon Boyd on Peter’s Brother” (the lesser noticed Sept. 25. Christian worker) and “The Call of the Christian”. So the conference came to a close but the messages we were privileged to hear will remain to be an inspiration and challenge

BIRTHS

HONDURAS MISSIONARIES COME HOME

FELLY Fall Missionary Conference Thurs. evening, Oct. 14 found a num ber of folks gathered in the chapel for the beginning of the fall mission ary conference. ’The speaker we had planned to see there had not yet ar rived, however, a profitable evening was spent with Betty Plett and Le nora Koop, E.M.C. workers from Churchibridge, each giving a few words of testimony and insight into what they have been doing and are presently doing. Mr. Ross Lester, a construction worker, who is spending some time in Pelly then gave a brief address of testimony and exhortation.

The Messenger

Arriving at tlie Winnipeg International Airport in the early hours of I'riday, Nov. 5 were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Klas.sen and children, Philip, Terry and Ladine, to begin their furlough. The Klassens have been away for almost four years. Mr. Klassen was a teacher at the New Hope School, a school operated by the Gospel Missionary Union.

Post Thanksgiving Thoug-hts

Everyone Should Have Enough to Eat

3^ A 1?’^’

by Helen R. Tieszen The other night I had something of a shock which has stuck well. That is, I learned something which I had always known with my head, but now it is written deeply on my heart and I pray that I will never forget it. Korean friends had come for sup per. They noticed I wasn’t eating much so I explained that I’d taken a pill to reduce my appetite. They were amazed that such medicine exists. We mentioned again in a rather trite way hew American customs and Korean customs often seem so opposite. The American problem seems to be eating too much and the Korean problem is to get a little flesh between bone and skin. It wasn’t until later in the evening that the full import of this situation came home to me. We were sitting out in the porch and discussing mat ters relative to cultural assimilation; the rapid Westernization in Korea as well as what assimilation to Korean ways might be important for Amer icans working in Korea.. I was in favor of pro-Korean ways and my Korean friends were in favor of pro-Western ways. Suddenly one of my friends leaned over and said very intensely, “But everyone should have enough to eat!” I looked anew at my three friends. Each of them had experienced severe hunger in chidlhood. Each was strug gling now only for a little something for themselves to eat, and besides, they had other family members to feed. And I had to take a pill so as not to eat too much! Not only my own friends, but most every citizen of this city of 760,000 is daily faced with the problem of where the daily bread will come from. They are all my immediate neighbors. I live beside them, walk beside them on the street and ride the same busses. When the problem gets to severe there are suicides, murders, abandoned ba bies, a nd desertions. What father wants to come home emptyhanded to a household of hungry childern? 8

Before it had seemed true enough when we said, “Isn’t it terrible that we in the United States have such a food surplus and so many people in the world are hungry and starving?” We utter the words and then eat, eat. eat. When we go on a diet, even take pills to curb appetites, it is not be cause we want to save food so that the hungry may eat. Sometimes we diet for health reasons but don’t we usually diet because we want to have a certain kind of personal appearance that will appeal to other Americans? When in college, we sometimes had a starvation diet supper in order to contribute the savings for relief. Later the college restaurant bulged with students buying hamburgers, myself among them. We saved money only to spend it, or to spend other money on food for our overweight selves. Is this really sharing: is it realty giving of our substance so that we who are in abundance may give meaningfully of it to those who know hunger in their bones? We Americans are quite generous. We are quite willing to give some of what is left after we have overeaten.

overheated our homes, purchased the largest TV set and the most highpowered car. I belong in this category, too. I was taking pills so that I would not eat too much—not because I wanted to save nourishing food lor the poor but because I wanted to be slender in order to look all right to other Americans. But I sincerely hope never again to eat so much of the world’s supply of food that I must take a pill to curb my appetite. It is true, everyone should have enough to eat of wholesome nourish ing food. Could those of us who eat much learn to be satisfied with just the nutritious foods the body really needs and forgo the heavy desserts and too-rich foods which abound on our tables? Then indeed we might see the day when everyone would have enough to eat. These are our friends and neighbors whether they sit in the same room with us or whether they live far away across many oceans.

The Author: Miss Tieszen is an MCC Relief worker. She comes from Mar ion, S.D. The Messenger

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The following testimonies are vne answers given by some of the students of the Stein bach Bible Institute to the question, "Why I Am In Bible School" We hope they will be an inspiration to many. More are to foll ow in the next issue. ED. My Soul Cried Out for Salvation Trees towering all around, birds singing sweetly, and a huge rock being beaten by the sun light I Sitting pn the rock was a tear stained lad with a New Testament grasped in his shaking hands, reading Eph esians 2:8-10, trembling in fear of not finding salvation. In fear and anxiety he leafed around in his little Gideon Testa ment, praying to get enough knowledge to find the way to Christ. Accidentally he came to the Gospel of John, and reading John 3:16 grasped the meaning! There and then he cried to God, kneeling and pour ing out his heart to God! Promising God to educate and learn His Word to the point that he'd be able to teach and witness to the world; telling them of His love and their need to accept Christ. Yes, my beloved readers, may this teach us the need to proclaim God's salvation; not leaving the world ignorant of it. I was saved at the age of twelve. No one had witnessed to me, or proclaimed salvation to me. Being a lad reading a lot I received a Gideon Testament and became very interested in it. My father's bush land had a huge rock and here is where I had my devotional readings. By mere Provi dence my soul cried out for salvation and I was led to Christ. No Christian witness had been given to me. This is my reason for being in Bible School. Isaac Friesen (Winnipeg)

Felt Need of Knowing Scriptures I had a well-paying job at the mine-site at Thompson and had no apparent need for education. However I was a Christian who November 12, 1965

had experienced many blows of Satan in my spiritual life. I was testifying to the men at work, but was not really meeting their need and helping them with their problems. I knew that in order to deal with men effectively, I must have a work ing knowledge of the Scriptures. Then, also, there were my own inner conflicts and doubts which had to be settled. Since I had lived at Steinbach previ ously and had friends who had gone to S.B.I., I decided to go there, too. Then I did not even realize the need for prayer in a matter like this. However, the Lord was guiding and I started my Bible train ing. I am very thankful for my parents who encouraged me in the step I took. Steve Peters (Thompson) 3rd year, SBI

Three Reasons John 3:30, "He (Christ) must increase, but I must decrease." Three reasons for my coming to Bible School are: to study the Word, to know my Lord better, and to be prepared for fur ther service. As I was serving in various ways in the local church I felt the need for greater knowledge of the Bible. Loving children, having our own child, and seeing hundreds running about on the streets of our Pro vincial Capitol, made me think, 'Where will our next generation stand if we are not faithful in giving them a good foun dation? ' Therefore, one must have a good working knowledge of the Scriptures in order to lay a firm and solid foundation, which is Christ Jesus. This is one reason why I came to Bible School. Secondly, I had a yearning to know the Lord more intimately. I wanted to be as sured of that which I felt He had called me to. I wanted Christ to increse in my life and self to decrease and to have this spiritual growth continue in me until my Lord returns. Thirdly, as in most other phases of work, there must always be a preparation for further avenues of service. Likewise I believe that as I am studying at the Bible Institute, the Lord will lead me to more spiritual work as I obediently follow Him step by step. Glen Koop (Kleefeld)

A true story by Esther L. Vogt

NIGHT

“THIS CABIN’S awful musty. Mother,” Callie Lou Benson swung the cornshuck broom around to the corner and sent the cobwebby dust flying into every direction. Her black curls flew almost as fast as she worked, and her long brown skirt swirled about her bare ankles. She had to move carefully so she wouldn’t step on Baby Arthur, who was play ing in the cleanest spot of the room. Mrs. Benson unpacked the last of the chipped yellow bowls from the pasteboard box and set them on the oilcloth-covered table. “Be thankful your pa foimd this homestead with a cabin already on it, Callie Lou, even though it’s been empty for a long time. Let’s try to get all the boxes unpacked by the time he comes back with that other load of our things. The Rasmussens were kind enough to drive the wagon for us till Weston.” A tingle of fear slithered down Cal lie Lou’s spine. “I wish Pa would hur ry and get back. I don’t like this old cabin! No ceiling, no windows—and no door! Why, anything could come in and eat us up!” “We’ll tack a quilt over the door opening until your pa gets back, Cal lie Lou. Then he’ll put the door in,” Mrs. Benson said cheerfully, and Cal lie Lou wondered how her mother

could be so calm! Coming all the way over the endless prairies by covered wagon in these gullied plains just to live in a lonely homestead—well, even God didn’t seem to be out here! She paused and looked out toward the setting sun. The hills dipped and swelled and in the pinkish-gold light they were outlined in purple. It was a pretty country, all right, and maybe in time she’d get to like it here as well as Indiany. With a sigh she swept the last of the musty dirt out of the doorway and placed the broom in a corner. Then she began to help her mother with the unpacking. There was the old Seth Thomas clock, now drowsing silently, and the glass butter dish, with its blue daisy lid, wrapped up in the old pink handsewn quilt. Her mother busied herself with fix ing a cold supper of meat and bread and hummed a tune as she worked. “Will Pa be home by dark, do you think?” Callie Lou insisted as she placed a stone crock on the shelf be side the wooden water bucket. Mrs. Benson stopped her humming. “I—I hope so, child. Just don’t wor ry! Let’s eat our supper now and you and Arthur can go to bed. Every thing will be all right. I’m sure it will.” Callie Lou tried to eat but the food tasted like gravel and when she went to bed, the bed covers on the mattress pricked. She felt a bit better when she heard her mother hammering away at the old pink quilt over the open doorway. If only Pa would hurry and get home! “Mother—”

“The quilt is securely fastened over the door, Callie Lou. God is able to protect us, don’t forget!” her mother said as she crawled under the covers beside Callie Lou. The stillness of the night soothed Callie Lou and she shut her eyes tightly, willing them to sleep. For a long time she lay and let her thoughts roam. Then she began to drowse. Suddenly the bloodchilling scream of a panther broke the deepness of the night. It appeared to come from one of the gullies over the hill. Callie Lou groped for her mother’s arms and began to cry softly. “Hush, child!” Mrs. Benson whis pered, pushing her gently aside and picking up Baby Arthur and placing him between them. “Let’s be very quiet. . .” Just then - -the scream came again, closer this time. And the wild, high

scream just outside the cabin door! Callie Lou pressed her hands over her mouth to keep from crying out. She felt frozen even under the warm covers. There was an awful ripping sound, as sharp claws tore the quilt over the door into shreds. Callie Lou knew the beast was in the room with them! She expected any moment to feel the claws tearing at the bed covers— at her throat. Had God forgotten them after all? Had He left them to the mercy of wild animals out here on the lonely plains? And why hadn’t Pa come back? A bit later the noises that she heard made her realize the panther had crawled up on the rafters of the unceilinged room. It settled down and all was quiet—a creeping, awful si lence. Callie Lou’s heart hammered so hard she was afraid the panther could hear its frantic beating. She was al most scared to breathe! If only Ar thur would sleep soundly and not cry out! As the night wore on and all was quiet, she realized the panther had been using the long-vacant cabin as its sleeping quarters! Minutes dragged into hours. Callie Lou was stiff and sore from lying in the same position. And suddenly it was morning. Light streamed through the jagged tatters of the quilt that still clung to the doorway, Callie Lou blinked and stirred at a quick step by the doorway. “Yoo-hoo! Everybody all right?” A familiar voice called out from out

side the cabin. Pa! It was like a voice from heaven! But what about the panther? It was gone. Then Callie Lou realized that long before dawn it had crawled from its perch and disappeared into the gullied hills. It wasn’t until much later that the Benson i'jmily sat down to breakfast. First, Pa cut out a sturdy door and replaced the torn quilt in the open ing. Then, by nightfall his wellaimed rifleshot had provided a tawny rug for the hearthstone! No, Pa hadn’t been there to take care of them. But God had. He was out on the lonely plains with them after all, just like He’d been in In diany! He was everywhere. Callie Lou even remembered the verse in the Bible about “My God hath sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths. . .” And it was true! “Oh, I guess I needn’t be afraid!” she thought joyfully. The End

The Messenger

FROM TO TO

HOUSE

MOTHER, TAKE A HOLIDAY

Are you a tired mother? You work hard every day but your work is nev er finished. Instead, it seems to in crease, . even multiply some days. Most of the time you are running after little children — everyone of whom has more energy than you have. Yours is the 24-hour a day, 365 days a year job. Do you need holi days? Why don’t you give yourself some? A good holiday month for mothers is January. Christmas is over; winter sewing is done; no gardening to do. (A few summers ago was very busy for me. Whenever I felt like quitting the job I told myself “Just wait till

January. Then I’ll take my holidays.” By then my three diapered babies had changed to one big boy and two ba bies. A big snow drift had covered my crop of unmolested weeds which had tried to choke the life out of my veg etables.,) Do you never have time to make some of your husband’s favorite dishes? Make them in January. Do you wish you had more time for enter tainment—reading and playing with your children? Why don’t you tell them a few extra stories in January? Do you like to read? Do you like to knit? Spend some time in January on neglected hobbies. Let no qualms of conscience bother you. Just sit there and read if you feel like it. Try to cut your house work down to a minimum. Maybe those peppy youngsters can set the table, pick up their things. Do you spend some time studying God’s Word. Just rest in His presence a while. Finally also dig down. Find the deeper meaning hidden for those who are willing to search and dig, and pray for it. After a month’s holidays you will feel refreshed physically and spiritually. Your family will appre ciate your holidays too. Instead of a hurried, harrassed mother they have a rested one. You don’t have time for holidays? You owe it to yourself and family. You can now easily make up your “lost” time in the other eleven months. Try it. Happy holidays! Yours sincerely, An interested Christian mother ■

ADVICE FROM THE KITCHEN If your words are spoken With a cruel, painful thrust. Sweeten them with kisses, broken Up in words of sincere trust. Everybody has a temper And it’s awful hard to hold; Just say, “Get behind me, tempter,” And he’ll step out in the cold.

EUS ALIETII REX If your thoughts are bitter. Salt them with a little love. Don’t give up and be a quitter If you’re often spoken of. Everybody has his troubles. And it’s awful hard to win. But the worst are only bubbles— ’Think of what they might have been!

November 12, 1965

If your heart is tempted. Season with some peppered will; You can’t quit and be exempted Even though you do keep still. Everybody has his heartaches, And it’s awful hard to smile; Try some friendly, spicy handshakes And you’ll soon be in the style.

If your tongue boils over With the heat of cruel deceit, You can give yoxir heart to Jesus And He’ll hand you a receipt; You can have a heavenly mansion, And can wear a jeweled crown; Yes, from evil have protection. For your all in Him is found. —The ’Watchword.

OVER

LAND AND SEA by Mrs. P. D. Reimer In Strassburg we made -the ac quaintance with Christians who were deeply spirtiual and conscientious, liv ing the Word. We were able to attend many prayer meetings and Bible studies. Not soon will we forget the experience. Nearly everyone in Strass burg understands the German, never theless Brother Janz’s messages were always translated into the French also. The choir sang in both lang uages. Strassburg is approximately two hour’s drive from Basel. Without a pass you cannot cross the borders. Thus the ever-present pass is a must. Often did I muse, “What kind of a pass will it take to enter heaven”? The police on the French border are dressed in natty blue uniforms with white trim mings and white gloves. Very snappy! In Basel we attended the Schaenzli■Mennonite Church where Samuel Ger ber is the Pastor. Always we left with a blessing. The choir sang beautifully the old familiar songs (Kernlieder). As the future lies before us un known, we did not know the tests and trials soon to come upon us. The doc tor Informed Amanda that an imme diate operation was necessary to re move a suspicious growth on her left side. This gave us no little anxiety! Decision as to hospital, doctor, etc. had to be made. As John was away at the time and couldn’t be home for a week, he had to be reached per tele, phone. He assured us of his prayers and comforted us with Scripture. On Nov. 17, Amanda underwent sur gery for cancer. The Lord was gra cious and it wsis a successful opera tion. Many prayers were answered, and many doors were opened for wit nessing! Psalm 46 became a special blessing to us during the weeks and months in which treatments had to be con tinued. “Say it with flowers” is es pecially true in Europe, and our house resembled a florist shop! ’The Janz Brothers, too were ready sympathi zers, while to their children I was “Grandma”. (To be continued)

for the SUBVEJY Church Building on the Mennonlte Scene: Meade, Kansas—A ground breaking service for the new Emmanuel Mennonlte Church in Meade was held on Man., Oct. 4. The breaking of ground was pre. ceded by an address by the pastor, John Reimer (formerly Winnipeg EMC). The L-shaped building will be 90x120 feet seating 350 in the sanctuary, with provision for overflow seating. Completion date is next spring or early summer. Vancouver, B.C.—The rapidly growing First Mennonlte church here dedicated Its second meeting place recently. The new structure is 85x50 feet. Present membership is 568. Hillsboro, Kansas—The First Mennonlte church here plans a ground breaking ceremony for a new $205,000 church plant on Oct. 31 The new sanctuary will seat 320 with 112 seats on the balcony and overflow space for 88 more. Present membership is 390. Eaglesham, Alta.—Dedication services for the new Eaglesham (OM) Mennonlte church took place Sept, 12. Eaglesham is located in the Peace River districtabout 50 miles S.W. of Peace River. Lloyd King is the pastor of the congre gation. Henderson, Neb.—^Ground breaking services were held here on Sept. 5 for the new educational wing of the Henderson M. B. church. Cost, $60,000.

WHAT I s IS PEACE Peace is like snow on a hillside That has not been touched. Peace is like the clear, shining stars in the midnight blue sky That helps us have faith in One greater than ourselves. Peace is in the quiet ways of baby lambs That live calmly in their fields. Peace is in a child's face As he looks to his parents for help. Peace is in people like Jesus After He had helped the dishonest tax collector 'Aacchaeus. Peace can be everywhere in the world As people care about others, as they help and are unselfish. Peacet 0 God, is needed so much in our world That we pray for wisdom in learning how to work together To make this word have real meaning in people's minds and hearts. Amen.