The Messenger May 29, 2002 by The Messenger

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 40 NUMBER 10 MAY 29, 2002

Peter Passingan: Friend, Mentor, Papa Remembered by Lesley Fast (page 3)

V\0'' Delmer Plett asks the question: (page 6)

Tolerance?

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Messenger EDITOR Terrv M. Smith

The Spirit of Jesus Christ

ANY PEOPLE believe in some sort of spirit—a force, a power or a presence, vague and undefined. This Pentecost we do well to remember that Scripture is clear on the nature of the Holy Spirit. Paul describes the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:19). Jesus said, “When the Counsellor comes, whom 1 will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about me” (John 15:26). Our understanding of the Spirit of Christ is to be grounded in the historical Jesus who came among us, lived, taught, did miracles, was crucified, rose, ascended and will return. Our view of the Spirit’s work is to be tested against the work of Christ in the written record that the Spirit Himself inspired (2 Peter 1:21). The Spirit of Christ will always act in accordance with how He has revealed himself there, for He is not “a God of disorder.

but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33). While all Christians receive the Spirit at conversion, yielding to the Spirit is an on going process. A question that points to this is, “You’ve got the Spirit, but does the Spirit have you?” Whatever our theology, no single part of Christ’s Church has cornered the market on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to us not to simply become Christians, but to enable us to live more like Christ, and to have the strength and gifts needed to further His kingdom. The Spirit of Christ enabled 16“* century Mennonite martyrs to die confident in their faith, just as He today helps modem martyrs in many places where His wider church suffers. He assists Christians in all countries where they are present, strengthening many millions who dare confess that “Jesus is Lord!”(l Cor. 12:4). Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Terry M. Smith

Pentecost and many tongues

N THE DAY of Pentecost, the Spirit of I God filled believers, and people heard the gospel preached in their own languages. That remains part of our task today. Often seen as a reversal of the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, Pentecost shows the early church was entrusted with responsibility to share the good news of Christ in languages known to people. EMCers have been linked through history to many languages by birth, trade, migration, and choice—among them, Dutch, Low German, High German, Russian, English, and Spanish. New EMCers bring backgrounds in other languages—Swedish, French, Cree, Dakota, Ukrainian, and more. Through our mission workers, we are involved with more languages. Still, we barely scratch the surface of the diverse languages existing in the world; sadly, the gospel waits to be shared in many languages and dialects. Papua New Guinea, for instance, has over 800 languages. India recognizes 18 PAGE 2

languages in its constitution, while its census indicates 1600 minor languages and dialects. On continents and in countries many hundred of languages and dialects exist. Even beyond the wonder of the first Pentecost, a much larger world with more languages exists than known to early pilgrims, Roman Emperors, or most modern disciples. Apparently some Christians of German descent thought God spoke German because God asked, “Adam, Wu bist du?” (Adam, where are you?). In a way they were right. God speaks German and every other language on earth with no distinction of persons—as the day of Pentecost gives witness (Acts 2:7-11). As on the day of Pentecost, people continue to be “amazed and perplexed” by Christian witness through the Spirit of Christ. People ask one another, “What does this mean?” And just as Peter spoke on the Day of Pentecost, Christians have an on-going task of explaining the call and wonder of Christ. Terry M. Smith

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: inform concerning events and activities in the denomination; instruct in god-liness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not nec essarily represent the position of the Conference. THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba. Subscriptions: $12.00 per year (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, to tal: $12.84). Subscriptions are volun tary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Members and ad herents pay through their church. THE MESSENGER is amembet of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. Publications Mail Registration No. 09914 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs. The Messenger occasionally gets requests for use of its mailing list, usually a one-time use from usually conference-related institutions. Approval for such use comes from the executive or complete Board of Church Ministries. If you prefer to opt out from such requests, please notify the editors. Mailing information: All correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Messenger RO. Box 1268 Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net Portions available at WWW. emcont. caiMessenger

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 12 - June 26 (copy due June 14)

THE MESSENGER

Remembering a Christian leader

Peter Passingan—Friend, Mentor, Papa Lesley Fast

ETER PASSINGAN was born in the late 1930s in Umbukul, a village on Lovongai Island in the South Pacific Ocean. When Peter was a young boy of five or six, he and the others of his home village would often hear war planes overhead. These planes were taking part in the fight for control of the South Pacific in the Second World War. They would sometimes hide in small caves in the cliff near the shore, waiting until the planes had passed by. Peter’s father was a good sailor. He carved his own large outrigger canoes and rigged them with mast and sail. He would sail around the island of Lovongai or out to the small islands of Tingwon, about 25 kms southwest over the open sea. Peter was still a young boy when he learned how to spear fish with a hand-crafted spear. As a young man he was known for his prowess in diving very deep along the edge of the reef to spear fish. In those days there were no plastic goggles; divers just opened their eyes in the salt water.

A Methodist mission About twenty years before Peter was born the church came to Umbukul village. A pastor was sent from the headquarters of the Methodist mission located at Rabaul. At this station, established in the 1870s, there was by this time a training school where young Christian men were ISilBIlft

Lesley Fast—with his wife Marianne and children Karin, Peter, Anicka, and Nelly—has been involved in Bible translation work on Lovongai Island since May 1986. The New Testament in Tungag was launched on July 11,1999. Currently on study leave, Lesley plans to return in fall to Lovongai Island, Papua New Guinea. (Lovongai Island is also known as New Hanover Island, in New Ireland province of PNG.)

MAY 29, 2002

trained to be sent out to lead village congregations and to teach the people the basics of the Christian faith. For this reason, by the time Peter was a young teenager, he was able to attend the school that was run by the church in his home village. A few years later he attended school in Ranmelek, the new mission station that had recently been established on the east end of Lovongai Island. It was here that he began learning the Kuanua language. This is the language that the church used for all its liturgy, including much-loved hymns that were translated from the English Methodist hymnbook. Peter learned many hymns by heart. He also learned how to read notes and sing in parts. Some years later, when he was in his early twenties, Peter was one of those chosen to attend the mission’s teacher’s training school in Rabaul at the main station. When he completed his years there, he was qualified to be a teacher as well as a village pastor. His first posting as teacher was back on Lovongai at his old school at Ranmelek station. Life before the church Often during his times at home Peter would sit and talk with older men and ask them about how life had been before the church came. One of the men he liked to talk with was Samson Maripas. Maripas told him of how he as a young man was selected to be groomed and trained to be a Vosap (strong leader, lord). A Vosap in those earlier days was a strong leader who led his people with the wisdom, power and personal charisma he had gained from his special grooming. A Vosap took full responsibility for all the village matters in those days: building houses, fishing and gardening. Of PAGE 3

course, none of these things were done in isolation from the senior men of the village and the senior clan members, since most rites were carried out by clans, not by individual families. Division and transfer of land, marriages, and the intricate system of mortuary feasts were clan oriented. A Vosap was also responsible for the safety of his village and sad to say, hand-to-hand battles were often waged between villages. Moses Isana, a respected pastor Peter also loved and respected deeply the man who was pastor of the Umbukul church when he was a young man, Moses Isana. Moses was pastor there for thirty years. Until recently some of his rulings and advice were still quoted as guidelines for how to proceed in church or community matters. Moses was not born on Lovongai and did not speak the Tungag language when he first came. He learned very quickly though and came to be considered a real Lovongai. He married a woman from Umbukul and settled there permanently. They had three daughters and six sons. His oldest daughter is Kerek. When Peter was teaching at the Ranmelek station, Moses decided to go pay him a visit. To go to Ranmelek from Umbukul is a two- or three-day paddle. When he got there he asked to talk with Peter. Peter may have had an inkling of what he wanted to talk about. Moses told Peter that he had been looking for a good husband for his oldest daughter and that what he had seen of Peter pleased him. He wanted to ask him to consider marrying Kerek. They talked about it and Peter was happy about the matter. When the time came, Peter went home to Umbukul and he and Kerek were married.

Peter, the teacher For the next twenty years Peter and his growing family lived sometimes at Umbukul but also often in different parts of the province. He taught school in a number of villages on Lovongai island and in the Tigak as well as the distant Tabar islands. One of his earlier schools was Tingwon, the small island group out in the open sea. Tingwon was not an easy place to live. There was a serious plague of rats and mosquitoes were particularly notorious there. On a flat small island it can be uncomfortably hot because there is no cool land breeze at night. In those days there were hardly any outboard motorboats, so passage home was on large outrigger canoes. One year when Peter, Kerek and their three small children were paddling home for the year-end school break they encountered bad weather—high wind and dangerously big waves—and had to stmggle hard to make it across. Their third child, little Isana, was a baby in his Peter was a leader in his clan, his community and in the wider Methodist denomination. The respect that he was given as leader was an earned respect. When the translation project got underway he was known around Lovongai Island as the man who was translating the Bible. His self-assigned task was to advocate this work.

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Peter was a teacher for many years. This photo is from 1986 or ’87. mother’s arms. Peter was exhausted and greatly relieved when they finally reached shore that afternoon.

A man of steady faith In about 1983 Peter retired from teaching and he and his family settled back in Umbukul village. Their house was set away from the rest of the houses of the village. One Sunday at noon when no one was at home, the house caught fire and burned down to the ground very quickly. His second daughter Ngurle was in grade 7 or 8 at the time at a boarding school off the island. She told of how she heard the news some time later when her school made a trip into town. Peter had also come into town by boat. When Ngurle saw Papa she was bitter and asked why this had to happen to them. Peter told her, “God gives us good things and he takes them away sometimes; it is for us to be thankful to God.” Peter’s younger brother and nephew helped them build a new house. They had not moved in yet when we arrived on Lovongai to settle in Umbukul in March 1986. Peter knew exactly why we were coming to live on Lovongai; he had been instrumental in the discussions among church and village leaders that led to their decision to invite us to help with a translation project. From the very beginning Peter was involved in helping us to settle in and learn the Tungag language. 1 can still recall clearly some of the contexts in which he taught me how to say certain words THE MESSENGER

A family gathering was held in 1991.

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III EMC translator Lesley Fast and church leader and translator Peter Passingan celebrate the launch of the Tungag New Testament In 1999.

A recent photo of some of the Passingan family—Peter, wife Kerek, sons Isana and Kevin, and a grand-daughter—along with Fast children Karin, Peter, and Nelly.

and phrases. One day after I had visited with him at his place he was seeing me off along the path a short distance. When we could not walk side by side he said, “Ku aino” (you first). Peter’s first major translation project was the Gospel of Mark, which was published in 1989. Peter and I learned together about translating. I think, though, that I learned more than he did because he had been translating mentally and orally between languages for many years. Translating was part of his life because he spoke four languages, and he had been involved in education and church work where many people spoke Tok Pisin or Kuanua and used English texts. Over the years of the project we have spent countless hours and days together, working and talking about everything under the sun. Peter was to us a friend, a mentor and a papa.

wider Methodist denomination. The respect that he was given as leader was an earned respect. When the translation project got underway he was known around Lovongai Island as the man who was translating the Bible. His self-assigned task was to advocate this work. In private conversations or in church and government meetings he tried to get people to really understand what this Bible in the Tungag language would mean for them. Not only did he promote the awareness of the work, he also persuaded people to sit on checking committees and to take training courses in translation and literacy. It didn’t seem to matter to him whether a person was young or old, male or female, from his church denomination or not, Peter would encourage them in their involvement, Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45). On Monday, November 5, 2001, Peter Passingan died at his home in Umbukul. Like his Volaua (Lord Jesus), he too “gave his life” for many. Peter’s wife Kerek; his two daughters Evini and Ngurle; his five sons, Kevin, Isana, Ngen, Passingan, Angele; and three grandchildren all mourn him and deeply grieve for his strong, wise and loving presence in their lives. Many others, close relatives, in-laws, friends and co-workers miss him sorely. This includes us. ■

A man who motivated One activity Peter loved to do since his youth was choir singing. He was good at teaching parts and leading a choir both musically and spiritually. He led school children to sing for visiting dignitaries, he led congregational singing, he led choirs for thanksgiving services, and choirs to perform at province-wide church gatherings. Often he would teach the choir a song that he had translated from an English or Kuanua hymnbook or one that he had composed himself. Peter was a leader in his clan, his community and in the MAY 29, 2002

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Jesus did not pick a fight, but...

Tolerance? Delmer Plett

'HAT PLACE does tolerance have in the life of a follower of Jesus? What should be our response . to attitudes such as live and let live or one belief is as good as another? G. K. Chesterton gives this definition of tolerance: “Tolerance is the virtue of the man without conviction” (Donald Posterski, True to You, p. 138). Donald Posterski writes. Rather than taking people seriously, tolerance treats people superficially. Instead of conveying “Who you are and what you believe is to be valued,” tolerance says, “1 will endure you....” Tolerance can serve as an escape hatch which replaces responsible caring. Using the issue of single parenthood as an example, tolerance simply accepts the reality that lone parents are more common now. “So what? People create their circumstances, let them live with the consequences of their decisions.” Religious tolerance is not always a sign of goodwill either. Often, it can be a sign of ignorance about the claims of a given religion, a simple failure of someone to take the time to sit down and listen to what a religion says about itself. Religious tolerance can be nothing more than a careless religious indifference, which is an offence to all religions. Simply wrapping one’s arms around other people and their beliefs may be motivated by good intentions, but that doesn’t mean it is marked by thoughtfulness or integrity (pp. 138-139).

Posterski concludes that although tolerance as he defines it is not the Christian way, neither is intolerance: When left unchecked and allowed to run their course, both tolerance and intolerance fall short when it comes to the issues of abortion, euthanasia, and mercy killings. Tolerance trivializes and produces passivity. Intolerance generates harsh judgment (p. 140).

Let’s consider how tolerance was played out in the life of Jesus. John states, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6). In John 4, how did Jesus relate to the Samaritan woman? Here we see Jesus interacting with a sinful woman of a different faith (w. 18,20). Jesus did more than put up with her; He asked a favour of her. He listened to her. She started asking questions. Jesus responded by giving a loving, firm answer. Delmer Plett is a member of the EMC Social Concerns Committee, a member of the EMC Board of Ministers and Deacons, and a deacon within Mennville EMC. Sources: Don Posterski, True to You: Living our Faith in our Multi-Minded World (Wood Lake Books, 1995): Ron Sider, God's People Reconciling (CPT booklet, undated).

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F«f7/i in aciioii

EMC Social Concerns Committee

He did not say that her life was okay, but spoke of absolute truth: God is Spirit and His worshippers should worship in spirit and truth (v. 24). 1 believe the woman felt that Jesus understood her, after which she responded in faith. Jesus did not judge her sharply, but rather spoke the good news of God to her, and accepted water from her. This is an example of how we ought to relate to people we encounter. Each person has value, regardless of his or her set of beliefs. We must seek to understand them and be willing to receive good things from them (water from the well). But then we must also lovingly speak the truth, the good news of God, with the conviction that all faiths are not equal and that there is one absolute truth from God. How did Jesus respond to those of a different faith who challenged and confronted Him about His faith and practice? In Matthew 15, Jesus was confronted about eating with unwashed hands. Jesus was not accepting of their beliefs, but rather exposed their false teaching (v. 1314). He also taught the love of God. The people were offended. Their hatred of Jesus grew. We must be bold when we are confronted and challenged to tolerate and accept any belief. We must be willing to expose false teachings and teach God’s truth even if we are hated for it as Jesus was. Jesus did not pick a fight, but lived out His faith and conviction even when it offended another group of people with different beliefs. In the following examples of Jesus’ interaction with His own Jewish people. He was straightforward and spoke authoritatively against evil practices both in public and private teaching. Jesus used forceful words against Pharisees, and even used physical force when cleansing the temple. Jesus did not kill or use violence, but neither did Jesus tolerate the abuse of God’s temple. When Jesus was hit in the face during the trial. He confronted the justice system on account of the act (John 18:19-24). What are the implications for us as Jesus’ followers today? Ron Sider in a speech at the 1984 Mennonite World Conference in Strasbourg, France, speaks to this: Jesus would never have ended up on the cross if He had exemplified the isolationist pattern of withdrawal. Nor would He have offended anyone if He had simply conformed to current values as we are often tempted to do when we abandon the pattern of isolation. Rejecting both isolation and accommodation, Jesus lived at the heart of His society, challenging the status quo at every point where it was wrong.... Repeatedly in our history, the terror of persecution and the temptation of security have lured us to retreat to the safety of isolated solitude where our radical ideas threaten no one. But that was not Jesus’ way (God’s People Reconciling, p. 6). Lastly, how does Jesus treat enemies? Sider states, “The cross is the most powerful statement about God’s way of dealing with enemies” (p. 8). Jesus taught us to love our enemies and showed by example that this love is not limited to the personal sphere of private life. “Zealot violence, Jesus knew, would lead to national destruction. THE MESSENGER

It was an illusion to look for peace through violence” (God’s People Reconciling, p. 7). Sider goes on to say: ...Those who have believed in peace through the sword have not hesitated to die. Proudly, courageously, they gave their lives...Why do we pacifists think that our way—Jesus’ way—to peace will be less costly? Unless we...are ready to die by the thousands in dramatic vigorous new exploits for peace and justice, we should sadly confess that we never meant what we said. We did, of course, in earlier times. In previous centuries, we died for our convictions. But today we have grown soft and comfortable. We cling to our affluence and our respectability (pp. 9-10). Ron Sider had a key role in establishing Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). Participating in these teams is certainly one way to live out Jesus’ way of non-violence in the battle for peace. Let’s take Sider’s challenge seriously. We are under severe pressure to succumb to violence

and retaliation. Jesus has shown us a better way—His way is the way of love, including love for our enemies. He has taught us to hold onto the absolute truth of God and confront evil. Not only has Jesus set an example for us, He has given us the Holy Spirit, putting His love inside us, enabling us to walk as He did. Let’s take courage from Hebrews 12:1-3; Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Jesus walked before us! It is a battle, but it is a battle we will win! ■

SEette/ts Searching for emotional highs Why change our mode of baptism? Why indeed! It seems like we’re looking for emotional highs. Let’s celebrate! Life! Death! Baptism! Everything! Laugh, laugh! Laughter is not necessarily joy. We can’t handle silence, solitude, mourning, weeping—that scares us. Why? The church is evolving to what? Some changes are good, but some others? From ultra-conservative attire to ultra modern, from a cappella singing in unison to fourpart-harmony to praise and worship bands. From segregated seating for male and female to mixed seating. From church held in private homes to a separate building, later including Sunday school rooms, and now the gymnasium. From observing Epiphany, Ascension Day, and Pentecost to none—and yet our faith is based on them. From ministers being elected from local congregations to being hired. From plural ministers to going it alone, and no bishop for guidance or encouragement. Sermons can be anywhere, even satire. From legalism to no accountability. Some churches have changed their name, even dropping the word Mennonite. From our mother tongue to the language of the land and back again. This opened up our church doors to the wider community, and that is good. From no missionaries to several. Now that the church has assimilated into the world with their attire and style of music, let’s change the mode of baptism. Why? What is baptism? It is a step of obedience after repentance. Repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). Baptism is the time of reflection on what we’ve been saved from and a public declaration to say that we now are a follower of Jesus Christ. We MAY 29, 2002

have realized that life with Christ is our only hope, our only reason to live! Our sinful lifestyle is past and we now make Jesus our Lord and Master of everything (Luke 10:27). One person told me that baptism was a special event, and for that reason the place of immersion should be where the candidate felt that it would have significant personal meaning—that is, the creek on the family farm, the Sportsplex, or another waterway. It sounds to me that the candidate is looking for an experience, an emotional high. But did they not realize that at conversion, where they realized their own need of repentance and Christ’s saving grace? We do not know where or when an individual will accept Christ. It’s a free choice, and each one will experience it in their own way. I do wonder if our churches need to explain the reason we do certain things in church more often, as Ron Penner did in the April 24, 2002, Messenger [Baptism— to pour or not to pour]. Just recently I explained to one of my children the meaning of pouring for baptism. She was then reassured, as she had not realized the significance of pouring. Where will it end? When should we say enough is enough? Let those that want to be baptised by immersion then attend that church. Why make everyone like them? Is it now the “modem” thing to do? Why not accept baptism by pouring? Why is the mode of baptism so important? It is our conversion that saves us. It is our daily step of obedience that keeps us (Joshua 22:5 and Mark 12:29-31). Agatha Rempel Kola, Man.

Kennert Giesbrecht

New Editor at Die Post Kennert Giesbrecht, formerly of Loma Plata, Menno Kolonie, Paraguay, has been hired as editor and manager for the German language newspaper Die Mennonitische Post.

Giesbrecht brings nearly 10 years of writing and editing experience to the position. He was a teacher and principal in Paraguay for 12 years and he also spent a year teaching junior high in Germany. He speaks Low German, High German, Spanish and English. Kennert, his wife Gredel, and their three children moved to Winnipeg in February 2002. MCC Canada

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SBC graduation

What would Jesus have me do with my training? The SBC class of 2002 concluded their year with a graduation ceremony at Steinbach EMC on April 21. The words of valedictorian Curtis Reimer were probably true for all graduates when he said that the day came with mixed emotions.

He challenged graduates to not be afraid of Jesus and his words. Reimer encouraged them to offer themselves as sacrifices, using Romans 12:1-2. The grads would now go into the world, but they will not be conformed to it. He also asked that we pray for the graduates as the evil one will attack, realizing the damage SBC grads can do to him. We are also to pray that Jesus’ words will not be extinguished. Colleen Brinen gave the under graduate response. expressing appreciation for the example that grads gave to them. The grads were seen as a group who gave all glory to God.

The commencement address was given by Leander Rempel, Canadian Director of SEND International. He started by realizing that many grads ask the question, “What do 1 do with the degree received?” He indicated that this is the wrong question because it assumes that there is no God and God is not interested in what we do. Rempel highlighted these principles from Matthew 25:14-28: we own nothing (God owns everything), we are entrusted with all, we are accountable for all, and the Lord rewards all. He then challenged that the right question is, “What does my Lord and Master want me to do with my degree?” After the grads were given their degrees and diplomas. President Abe Bergen closed with a benediction, saying the diplomas were given as a trust that the knowledge they gained at SBC may be turned to wisdom.

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Leander Rempel of SEND International challenged graduates to focus on how God wants them to use the training they have received.

Debbie Funk, assistant editor. The Chortitzer Chronicle

Curtis Reimer gave the vaiedictory at SBC's 2002 graduation ceremony. ►

Grad, a great success! SBC’s annual graduation weekend was a great success. Many alumni, supporters, and friends came out to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. The weekend began with an upbeat Spring Concert to a full chapel. The theme All that hath life and breath praise ye the Lord! was expressed through a wide variety of music styles performed by the Chorale, including sacred hymns, moving a cappella pieces, and other inspiring works. The Free Servant worship team got the audience participating during their contemporary praise songs. An evening highlight was when the mass Alumni choir performed two pieces. Alumni from almost every decade joined the Chorale on stage, and made it clear that they had not lost their vocal touch. The Alumni Brunch on Saturday, April 20, proved to be a fun-filled event dedicated to the Pedalling Profs. During the program, each professor was briefly introduced by a current or former student, who shared a fond memory. Colin Peters noted the time Professor Harvey fell Graduates were congratulated by family and asleep while videotaping himself giving a lecture. Curtis Reimer expressed friends. appreciation to Don Thiessen for his (Grad inside photos by Debbie Funk, back cover photo by SBC.) PAGE 8

mentorship over the years. Jason Hiebert introduced Ernie Koop, joking about their love of engines and Ernie’s ability to talk a lot. Ron Zacharias introduced Gord Penner and shared fond memories about the professor’s many trips to southern Ontario. Rueben Singh introduced Mark Koop, mentioning how another student recently accidentally broke Mark’s nose. Jenn Clace reflected humorously about when Corrie Thiessen sanctioned her to the library as a result of curfew violations. In addition, the food and fellowship were terrific. In fact, some alumni stayed until 2:30 p.m. catching up on old times. Prior to graduation Lorissa Thiessen received the Delta Epsilon Chi Honor Society Award given by the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, as well as the Timothy Award. Wendi Kehler, the first graduate with a Church Planting Major, received the Pi Alpha Mu Honour Society Award given by the Association of Canadian Bible Colleges. In total, ten student,s graduated with a Diploma of Biblical Studies and 18 students graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Susan Penner, SBC

THE MESSENGER

Philippines

Honest Hands Discipleship Home

What would you do if you lived two feet from a busy railway track and had little kids who were running all over the place? Teach them to jump and jump fast! That’s the secret to living in Parcel, according to a local pastor. Parcel is a squatter community in Manila, Philippines, squeezed between railway tracks and a highway. Two Honest Hands students come from this community, and we spent two days in January helping their church build a learning centre for nursery and kindergarten children. We tacked on siding, poured cement, and cleaned up garbage as rats and cockroaches scurried everywhere and commuter trains roared by with horns blaring. It was an excellent experience for everyone. At Honest Hands we are trying to teach our students to share their talents and sweat with other ministries as well. In mid-February Honest Hands staff and students packed their bags again and managed to catch the six a.m. ferry to the island of Marinduque for an eight-day mission trip. We worked on a campsite being developed for local youth. We mixed and poured a cement floor for the chapel, dug the footing for a bathroom, and put in fence posts. The students had a great time swimming and looking for starfish, and in the evenings we enjoyed great times of fellowship as ocean breezes wafted over us. The highlight was our final night when over 50 local teenagers showed up at the campsite for a youth night. All four Honest Hands guys shared how God had worked in their lives, and brought them from the streets of Manila to serve Him at a campsite in Marinduque. Of course, not all of what we do at Honest Hands is as exotic as trips to other islands. We spent many hours here at our 2nd Mile campus studying the Word of God

Helping Hands graduates—Jessie, Ambet, Jun, and Dante (names changed).

MAY 29, 2002

with students. I enjoyed teaching the Life of David, and two Filipino houseparents, Melchor and Mike, taught the Life of Joseph and a basic Bible overview course. Students enjoyed learning how to make cards out of old newspaper, create watercolor paintings, and do silk-screen printing on T-shirts. They have lots of opportunities to serve in their sending churches as well, and often come back with reports on how they were able to teach other kids using material from Honest Hands. It is rewarding to see disciples of Jesus helping disciple others. On March 27, students walked forward to receive grad certificates and special awards in a ceremony held at our 2nd Mile campus. Each of the four young men sang a solo, and we were blessed and encouraged by their music. It was great to see their friends come out to encourage them, and two moms actually showed up, which was great to see. Thanks for your prayers as we worked our way through the first-ever Honest Hands course. 1 praise God for the way He worked in the lives of these young men as they grew strong and committed themselves to living for Him. 1 would like to say a big thanks to each of you who have prayed for us as we developed this new ministry over the past year. EMC’s prayer and financial support has played a big part in helping us offer a discipleship course at Honest Hands to former street boys from Manila. Right now the houseparents and 1 are working on follow-up for graduates as they have returned to their churches and agencies in Manila. We are recruiting the next class of former street boys to start in mid-May. We are praying for eight students, and plan to lengthen the program to one year. The new program will include daily tutoring to help boys get ready for regular school, along with a continued emphasis on being a disciple of Jesus. So you can understand what type of kids we are working with, here is the story of a graduate, with his permission. Jessie (not his real name) started hanging out on the streets of Manila when he was four years old as a result of family problems, and eventually started to use dmgs and sniff glue. To survive he stole cell phones and sold them for cash. He was caught by police a few times and spent about a week in jail each time, but he would always go back to stealing. Jessie says that he thought life was pretty good, but now he realizes that without God there wasn’t much hope for

The railway side of Parcel Learning Center, a project we worked on in Parcel, a squatter community in Manila.

him. Some of his friends were “salvaged” or murdered by police because they were habitual thieves and “a nuisance to society.” Eventually Jessie realized that he needed God to forgive his sins and accepted Jesus as his Savior. A street kids ministry in Manila found him on the street and started to work with him. They sent him to Honest Hands where we discipled him for five months. Recently he shared his testimony with a group of youth: “1 could have been murdered too, but now 1 stand in front of you, serving God!” Jessie was praying that he could find his dad somewhere in Manila, among the 10 million people who live there. During our work project in Parcel, Jessie ran into his father whom he hadn’t seen for four years. Another prayer was answered when his mom attended the Honest Hands graduation on March 27. She shared her amazement with me at how well Jessie knew Bible verses and that he could use them to encourage his family. Pray that his family would become followers of Jesus. Pray for Jessie, age 17, as he will be returning to school for grade 6 this June. Carl Loewen

Carl and Lisa Loewen (Pleasant Valley) serve in discipleship ministry in The Philippines. More information about Honest Hands is available at WWW.honesthands.org

PAGE 9

Mexico

Chavi’s journey When 1 first met Oscar (Chavi) he was 15, a pleasant teenager who had been in the U.S. for a while and could speak English. He came home to Oscar Soto Maynez (OSM) for his father’s funeral. After the funeral, Chavi did not go back to the U.S. He worked as a mail carrier for a while. Chavi’s cousin Armando often came to my house to watch Christian videos. Since they are not only cousins, but good friends and only two months apart in age, Armando soon brought Chavi along to watch videos. In 1994 a Christian group from the U.S. put up a big tent in OSM and conducted services for a few weeks. The gospel was clearly preached and many people attended. Chavi was there every evening. The Word brought conviction of sin, and Chavi became a Christian. The boys continued to come and watch videos, and also to memorize Scripture. One lime Chavi memorized 24 verses from 1 John. Here is a quote from my diary: “December 24, 1994: Armando and Chavi were here for supper. We had a Bible study and played Skip-Bo.” After New Year’s Chavi went to Chihuahua City to find work, and 1 retired and moved to Canada. I received letters from Chavi, but they were always painful for me. He felt alone and miserable. He did not know how to live the Christian life. 1 tried to help by correspondence but finally lost track of him. After a while he wrote again. He had a girlfriend named Lupe. It was nice to correspond again. They were married and continued to work in the U.S. They had a baby girl who they named Bernice (Bere) and seemed a happy couple. However, there was a void in Chavi’s life. He wrote, “As 1 reflect on my life, 1 think, if only 1 had

Dora Friesen (Steinbach) was a missionary in Mexico for many years. She is now retired and living in Steinbach.

PAGE 10

sBi

Lupe, Oscar (Chavi), and Bernice (Bere) live in Oscar Soto Maynez, Mexico.

continued like Armando, but I didn’t. I don’t know how to live for God.” In 2001, they were still living in the U.S. One day Chavi was reading the Bible by himself when he decided to unconditionally yield to the Lord. He shared his decision with Lupe. At first she did not understand, but when he explained it to her, she too was willing to repent and

believe and become a child of God. This last winter 1 went to Mexico again. Chavi and Lupe and four-year-old Bere now live in OSM. We had a happy reunion and did much reminiscing. They have Bible studies with missionary Cathy Thiessen. Pray for Chavi and Lupe as they continue to grow in the Lord. Dora Friesen

AIMM council votes for mission restructuring At its annual meeting on April 5-6, 2002, the council of Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission passed a three-part motion to create distinct partnership councils to oversee each of its current ministries and to create a networking structure to relate these councils to one another. It set January 1, 2004, as the date for implementing the new organization. The intention and hope is that this restructuring will continue the pattern of relating to churches and ministries in Africa in a unified way, but also intensify the connection between particular constituencies in North America and specific ministries or churches in Africa. Each of the North American Mennonite mission agencies presently within AIMM is being invited to commit to participating in councils for one or more of AlMM’s current ministries. The partnership councils will also provide a structure where AlMM’s partner churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burkina Faso can participate in decision-making about ministries of interest to them. In addition to separate meetings of each council as needed and possible, the councils will also meet jointly at regular intervals. These will be occasions for sharing information, considering topics of common concern, coordinating joint initiatives and connecting with shared counterparts. Some functions such as fund-raising could also be shared and coordinated through a networking structure. Various developments within AIMM and

within its member agencies as well as broader developments in international missions and church relations, prompted the AIMM Council to review its purposes and organization. Rick Derksen, a former long-term mission worker of AIMM in Congo, conducted the review and returned in October 2001 with the main recommendation that AIMM become a networking, facilitating and educating agency. The current ministries of AIMM are: support for Mennonite churches in DR Congo; Scripture translation, evangelism and church planting among several ethnic groups in southwest Burkina Faso, and support for the Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso, Bible teaching and HIV-AIDS Counseling with African Initiated Churches in southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho); and evangelism and church planting among a large ethnic group in a West African country. Previously these ministries were governed by a council of all AIMM members; administered by a central staff based in Elkhart, Indiana; and supported by contributions from all AIMM members. Members of AIMM are mission agencies of Evangelical Mennonite Church (U.S.); Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference; Mennonite Brethren conferences of Canada and USA; Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA. Peter H. Rempel, AIMM Chairperson

THE MESSENGER

Ot«4z

God, our parent Aberdeen (Winnipeg, Man.): It’s a funny thing about God, there’s always more to learn—about who God is, about how God loves us. When Ardith first mentioned this topic to me, 1 wasn’t sure what I would say. 1 didn’t know what 1 was learning about God—probably because I was and am too busy learning about Sam. But the question gave me the opportunity to step back and to think of the impact that new parenting is having

on my faith. It’s a weird thing to think about, kind of surreal. I’m not sure I really believed that today would happen, especially with a newborn. So I’m learning about miracles. I’m learning about generosity. And I’m learning about community: a whole community of folks who have welcomed Sam into their lives. Thank you. Then I started thinking about the parts in the Bible that say we’ve been adopted by God. I go from there to thinking that if Heather Block spoke at Aberdeen's parent child dedication on February 24 based on her recent experience of adopting Sam.

my feelings are any reflection of God’s, then he loves me simply because 1 am his own. God is in awe of me. His creation, and can’t believe how lucky He is. That not how we usually think of God. When I think of God as a parent, 1 usually think of my adult relationship with my parents: loving me, constant, available, and long distance. I don’t usually think of God, the parent, as just watching us in awe, enthralled by how wonderful we are, enraptured by our actions and development. And even when I do think about it, it’s hard to take it in, thinking of God as being breathless about us. Yet, God must love us at least as much as I love Sam. That humbles me and strengthens me at the same time. I found a poem recently by Kathy Coffey that compares God’s love to that of a parent and it seemed to echo much of what 1 was thinking. Part of it follows.

High Level says sad farewell to Krahns High Level, Alta.: On February 19 we held a farewell for our associate pastor Tim Krahn and his wife Evi and their four children, Joshua, Joseph, Abigail and Simon. We bade them farewell with sadness as they had been part of our church body for the past six years. May God bless them richly as they take on the pastoral position in Mennville, Manitoba. Our annual missions conference was held during March 1 to 3 weekend. The theme Listen to My Cry was taken from Psalm 5:2, “Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.” Ministering through the weekend were Erna Plett (Paraguay), Lester Olfert (Board of Missions Foreign Secretary), Peter and Telita Janzen (returned from Mexico),

Lillian Haus (Burkina Faso), John and Charity Schellenberg (Burkina Faso), and Henry and Anne Boehlig (Youth for Christ, Calgary). It was exciting to hear about God’s work from across our nation, and seeing the enthusiasm the missionaries carry for their work. The women of our congregation had the opportunity to attend a ladies’ retreat March 16. The event was organized by women of neighbouring churches. The theme Hope in a Hopeless World, was taken from Hebrews 6:19. Throughout the day we enjoyed singing, special music, testimonies, a talk by Gwen Hagerman from Sexsmith, lunch, prayer, and sharing. Gert Harder

God, I ike mothers. Quick to see our loveliness: Formed from God’s sinew Nurtured with God's breath Harbored under God's bone Warmed beneath God's wing God of our origin and end. Guide us back to our beginnings when we realize that we’ve never left your womb. Coming into God, we enter the embrace we've yearned for, but rarely expressed.

“She looks like her mother!" people say, never suspecting now in motherhood we discover God, and in God find motherhood. Heather Block Reporter: Liz Plett PAGE 11

MAY 29. 2002

Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): Three significant events occurred at Braeside in the first three months of 2002. In January we had an ordination service for Hernan Benitez. Hernan and Landis are pastoral couple for Spanish ministries at Braeside. Did you know that you are an important part of this ministry through the support of the EMC Board of Missions? On the same Sunday Antonio and Esther Pitta were commissioned to initiate and lead Bible studies among many Hispanics that work at Maple Leaf Foods in Brandon. Ken Zacharias clearly outlined responsibilities of a leader; to shepherd, to mentor and to equip others to assist in the work of the Kingdom. A potluck luncheon followed the morning service. A month later, Carl and Kathy Heppner’s covenanting (installation) service took place. Don Thiessen, using young Timothy as an example, reminded the congregation to let Carl proceed freely, to support him with our prayers and encouragement, to mentor him, and to give him second and third chances. At the moment Carl wears two hats: in addition to being senior pastor, he continues to work with youth (we eagerly await God’s choice to apply for this position). Carl is a busy young man, but is showing qualities that are required to handle a full load of activities. Kathy teaches high school and is actively involved in church, including leading a worship team. In March Braeside celebrated a baptism and membership reception service. Baptised were Paula Black and Ivan Garcia. Cheryle Loewen transferred her

membership to Braeside. In mid-May Arnold Fehr, and Carlos and Aida Pitta will follow the Lord in baptism as well. This group will be joined by Ricardo and Suzanne Medina Suazo from Brandon. The candidates’ testimonies, as to how the Lord led them to this decision, were an encouragement to all of us. Ordination, commissioning or sending out, baptism, membership reception and making a covenant to work with and bless a young couple assuming church leadership—these are all part of enlarging the kingdom of God. We are privileged to be part of this work. Al Dueck

Kathy and Carl Heppner are now Braeside’s senior, but young, pastoral couple.

Commissioned to work with Hispanic people in Brandon are Antonio and Esther Pitta, with children Janet and Stephanie. Ordained as a pastoral couple for Braeside Spanish ministries were Hernan and Landis Benitez, with children Monica and Giovanni.

The congregation of Steinbach EMC invites you to a Service of Appreciation and Thanksgiving in honour of the faithful years of service given hy

SWiir

Arden and Helen Thiessen Sunday, June 23, 2002 at 10:45 a.m.

and Braeside celebrated baptism membership reception with Ivan Garcia and Paula Black, baptised on March 10, and Cheryle Loewen, accepted as a member through transfer.

PAGE 12

A fellowship meal will follow. Arden and Helen Thiessen THE MESSENGER

of young children or mothers of pre schooler groups about helpful guidelines around allowances.

Mike Strathdee Stewardship Consultant

Allowances can be habit forming AN IMPORTANT part of teaching our children to love God with all their hearts, minds and strength is to pass on healthy understandings about material possessions. 1 frequently hear church treasurers and others bemoan the sad reality that younger people don’t support church and other Christian institutions the way that older people do; giving just doesn’t seem to be a habit they have grown up with. I’ve also heard long-time church leaders remark that the most generous people they ever met learned the habit of generosity when they were knee-high, or thereabouts. Those two comments taken together constitute tremendous challenge, threat, and opportunity for any parent who cares about future financial support for the church’s work. Let’s focus on the opportunity. The opportunity, and responsibility we have as Christian parents or grandparents, is to teach children and grandchildren the three S’s of money—spending, saving and sharing. Spending comes all too naturally for most. Saving is a more difficult lesson for some. Sharing, perhaps the most important, is often overlooked and sometimes never learned. Sadly, the three S’s aren’t commonly taught in the public school system. Modelling these three concepts and the need to keep them in balance is necessary but not necessarily sufficient. Some people give their young children coins to put on the offering plate. Taking things a step further is an even better idea. Giving children a regular allowance, from the age of five or six onward, can be an excellent teaching tool. It’s a useful way to address children’s lack of understanding.

EMC Archives Committee seeks a voluntary archivist who lives near or in Steinbach, is interested in EMC history, knows or can learn to read German, has beginning computer literacy, and is willing to contribute regular hours. Contact executive secretary Terry Smith at 204-326-6401.

MAY 29, 2002

demands and frequently unrealistic perceptions about money. Build in clear expectations from the outset that agreed-upon percentages are to be used for saving and sharing, as well as spending. The percentages and amounts of allowances given will vary according to family situation and age of the child. Some suggest giving 50 cents to $ 1 a week per year of the child’s age. What a child is expected to purchase with that money, be it lunches or clothing, will also play a role in determining the appropriate amount. Over time, we can help our children to understand the choices and challenges that come with money, generosity and responsibility. We can help them get into good habits that, God willing, will last a lifetime. Mennonite Foundation consultants are available to talk to parents

For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office: Abbotsford - Dave Kroeker, I-888-212-8608, NiagaraDarren Pries-Klassen, 1-888-212-8731, Kitchener - Mike Strathdee, 1-888-2127759, Winnipeg-Edwin Friesen, 1-800-7723257.

8*’’ annual EMC Golf Classic JuiVe 13, ■'•it

I -

Steinbach* ,J ■ly-ln Coif Course ITS. Coffee at 8 a.iTi. / Goff at 9^.fh.

le: W Fast at 204-256-4051 or ie Penner at 204-947-7185

•

Steinbach Bible College and Steinbach Christian High School invite applications for the position of

Director of Development The Director of Development is a senior administrator position for Steinbach Bible College and Steinbach Christian High School.

The Director of Development develops the philosophy and long-term strategy of development that includes operational giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowment development.

The successjul candidate will have a background in donor development or business experience; ejfective administative/leadership skills; relational skills and work toward C.ER.E. certification. Application deadline: June 14,2002 or until a suitable candidate is found. Duties are to commence as arranged. Job description will be sent upon request. Submit application with resume and cover letter to: Abe Bergen, President Steinbach Bible College PO Box 1420 Steinbach Steinbach, MB R0A2A0 IB Bible ie E-mail: abe_bergen@sbcollege.mb.ca College rcoi PAGE 13

AARON PLETT 1921-2002 Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Dad was born February 1,1921, to John and Margaret K. Plett of Willow Ridge (now Prairie Rose). Dad grew up as the 15"' child in a family of 21 children, 17 of which reached adulthood. Dad was predeceased by our mom Sarah in 1988 and by his grandson Morley in 1995. Dad is survived by three brothers and six sisters. Dad was baptised on confession of his faith and joined Prairie Rose EMC on June 14, 1942. Like any young man. Dad had big dreams for his future. He finally started farming with his brother Marten on his parents’ farm. In 1951 they purchased a farm in the Washow Bay area north of Riverton, Manitoba. On October 11,1952, Dad married Sarah Plett of Prairie Rose. He moved with his wife to their farm in Washow Bay, now known as Mennville. Dad told us the first few years on the farm were quite hard and they were tempted to leave and go back to the community they came from. Uncle Marten Plett and Uncle Frank Schultz had both moved back. However, a friend

^'Ultk

DUECK - to Richard and Connie Dueck of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Naomi Helen, on January 30,2002. DICK - to Kevin and Sandra Dick of Calgary, Alta., a daughter, Emily Elizabeth Gordon, on March 12,2002. WIEBE - to Dale eind Michelle Wiebe of La Crete, Alta., a daughter. Journey Elizabeth, on March 18,2002. WALL - to Joe and Nettie Wall of Sparta, Ont., a son, Logan Micah, on March 19, 2002. BERGEN - to Wes and Kellie Bergen of Winnipeg. Man., a son, Brendan James, on March 22, 2002. FRIESEN - to Dave and Tina Friesen of La Crete, Alta., a daughter, Alexis Renee, on March 24,2002.

PAGE 14

challenged Dad saying that if they could only stick it out for five or six years, things would start getting easier. During these early years. Dad supplemented his farm income by hauling wood with his truck for the neighbours. During the sixties things did start looking up. Dad began purchasing new equipment and, by the time the boys were old enough to help, things were going well. Elden remembers Dad bringing home a record player following one of his wood hauls. Dad loved music and this record player was put to good use by Dad, as well as by others in the family. Dad played several instruments including violin, guitar and mouth organ. He taught several family members how to play them as well. Dad and Mom were quite involved in their community. Dad taught Sunday school and directed the youth choir for many years. Dad also served as a song leader and Mom and Dad served as volunteers at the Riverton MCC Thrift Shop. Five children were born to our parents. Elden lives in Mennville. Flora (with her husband Vern Reimer and their three children, Kris, Kelly and Karlton) lives in Blumenort. Glen (with his wife Betty and their two children, Vanessa and Todd) lives in Mennville. Kelvin (with his wife Esther and their three children, Jordan, Carson and Kendra) lives in .Angus, Ontario. Betsy (with her husband Steve Brandt and their two children, Jason and Terri) lives in Blumenort. The children remember many good times with their parents. Birthdays as well as the completion of seeding and harvest would call for celebration. During their years on the farm. Dad enjoyed very good health and never seemed to get ill. In 1980 when Glen got married. Dad and Mom built a semi-retirement home two miles south of the farm on Dad’s favourite quarter. Here Dad and Mom enjoyed many happy hours planting trees, a garden, etc. Dad would regularly walk to the farm to help Glen with the chores.

FRIESEN - to Mike and Vicki Friesen of Rosenort, Man., a son, Jory Benjamin, on April 1, 2002. THIESSEN - to Delmer and Judy Thiessen of Tolstoi, Man., a son, Cordell Ryan, on April 3, 2002. HUME - to Randy and Anne Hume of High Level, Alta., a daughter, Rachel-Anne Lois, on April 6, 2002. KOOP - to Garth and Carly Koop of Calgary, Alta., a son, Tysen Brendan Ballantyne, on April 13, 2002. BENNETT - to Mel and Venora Bennett, a daughter, Haley Miah, on April 17, 2002. MASSEY - to Robb and Christa Massey of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Orien Theodore, on April 23, 2002.

In 1985 Dad suffered a minor heart attack. This put an end to Dad’s boundless energy. In 1988 our mom passed away. On November 11, 1989, Dad married Annie Brandt of Blumenort. They lived in Mennville until 1997, when they moved to Oakview Manor in Blumenort. Moving away from Mennville was quite hard on Dad. He must have left many good memories there. In Blumenort, Dad and Mom still kept themselves useful crocheting blankets and covering coat hangers. Until recently, they were also responsible for unlocking and locking the outside doors to Oakview Manor every morning and evening. Dad really enjoyed going out for coffee with his brothers every two weeks. During their years in Blumenort, Dad was hospitalized several times. In June 2000 he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Each stay in the hospital seemed to knock another prop out of Dad’s normally healthy and cheerful life. On March 18, 2002, Dad was again hospitalized at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach. This time Dad’s resolve to get well seemed to have left him and he lost all interest in eating. Mom faithfully sat by Dad’s bedside for six weeks. Fortunately for Dad, at 6:20 a.m. on April 29, with Betsy at his side, the Lord took him home. Revelation 21:4 says, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Dad no longer needs to keep track of the funeral announcements on CFAM every morning. The family would like to thank Dr. Minnaar and all the staff at the Bethesda Hospital who did their best to make Dad’s last few days on earth as comfortable as possible. They would also like to thank all the friends and relatives who dropped in and expressed their well wishes. May God reward you. His Family

Correction from May 8 issue: RANDALL PETER LOEWEN OCTOBER 30,1953-JANUARY 17,2002

He frequently verbalized that he was “totally surrendered to God’s will throughout his cancer journey.” THE MESSENGER

Coming Events MCC Canada has the following opportunity in the Winnipeg office: Low German program coordinator. Overseas Services Department (available September 1, 2002). Excellent communication skills and an understanding of Low German speaking communities throughout the Americas is essential for this highly relational position. This position could be shared by a couple. All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership and nonviolent peacemaking. Contact Marsha Jones mgj@mennonitecc.ca or Marilyn Funk mrf@mennonitecc.ca in the MCC Canada office at 204-261-6381. Application deadline is July 1, 2002. Mennville Christian School invites applications from certified teachers committed to teaching Manitoba curriculum from a Christian perspective for the following two multigrade positions to commence August 26,2002: grade 1 -3, grade 4-7 or grade 8-S2. An ability to enrich the school's program through music or other specialization is an asset. If you are excited about work with children in a team-oriented environment, are a caring and compassionate individual, and are committed to professional development, we would welcome your application. MCS is an independent, government-funded school with 50 students, located near Riverton, Man., and Hecla Provincial Park. MCS offers a competitive salary and benefits package. A variety of housing options are available in the area. Please include a statement of faith and one pastoral reference with your resume. Send it as soon as possible to Roger Friesen, MSC board chairman. Box 448, Riverton, MB ROC 2R0 or fax 204-364-2454 to his attention. MCS thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.

MCC Manitoba seeks applications for the position of executive director. Specific qualifications include: Previous experience with MCC desirable; an ability to relate to all Mennonite conference groups with the vision of building peoplehood; a vision for MCC programs, both provincially and internationally. The executive director is the chief executive officer of MCC Manitoba, and directly responsible to the board. Please direct inquiries to: Search Committee, c/ o Eleanore Martens, 1168 Kildonan Drive Winnipeg, MB R2G 1J4. Phone 204-338-0037 or e-mail elsis_99@yahoo.com Review of applicants will continue until a suitable candidate is found. All MCC workers are to be committed to a personal Christian faith, active church membership, and non-violent peacemaking. MCC Ontario seeks a radio station manager operator for a Low German station to begin, subject to CRTC hearings in May, at Aylmer, Ont., under the Aylmer and Area Inter-Mennonite Community Council. This can be either a VS or a salaried position. Applicants should have a real appreciation for Low German people and language, a good command of Low German, managerial and speaking skills, and a vision for the project. Applications will be received until the position is filled, but those received before June 15 will have priority. Contact Abe Harms at 519-765-3024 or abeh@mennonitecc.on.ca

Steinbach EMC in Steinbach, Man., seeks a full-time senior pastor to be part of a pastoral team that includes a pastor of discipleship ministries, a youth pastor, and a minister of music. This individual would be expected to

MAY 29, 2002

be a spiritual leader to a multigenerational congregation of about 600 people. The applicant should feel comfortable in preaching and teaching, visitation, administration, working together with a pastoral team, and caring for and relating to people in the congregation and community. Previous pastoral experience and a Bible college or seminary degree are important assets. This individual should share our evangelical Anabaptist beliefs. Please forward your resume to Abe Hiebert, Box 754, Steinbach, MB ROA 2AO. Phone 204-326-1851, fax 204388-4393, e-mail hnickel@stacoop.com Inner City Youth Alive seeks a full-time outreach coordinator to work in our drop-in centre in the north end of Winnipeg, Man. Applicants must be self-motivated and eager to build relationships. The coordinator joins a team responsible for developing and maintaining a strategy of outreach, evangelism, and discipleship training for youth. Inner City Youth Alive trains and equips its staff to raise their own support. ICYA is a vibrant and growing ministry striving to bring hope and a future to youth and their families in the inner city. For a job description, contact Kent Dueck: phone 204-582-8779; mail 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; email icya@mts.net. ICYA information is available at www.innercityyouthalive.org

June 13 8” Annual EMC Golf Classic Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-256-4051 or 204-947-7185

July 5-7 52”’ EMC Annual Convention God's grace and the rhythms of life Speaker: Herb Kopp Swift Current, Sask. Phone: 204-326-6401

June 13-15 God Uses Ink Christian Writers' Conference Guelph, Ont. Phone:905-471-1447

July 15-19 Bezalel Arts Camp 2002 Providence College Otterburne, Man. Phone: 204-433-7488

June 15 MCC Peace Consultation Ste. Therese MB Church Ste.Therese, Quebec Phone: 204-261-6381

August 11 Twin Creeks Sunday School Reunion Aaron Reimer Farm, 10 a.m. Phone: 204-326-6068 or 204-326-2649

Braeside EMC, a Winnipeg, Man. church with a Sunday morning attendance of 200 to 250 people, seeks an associate pastor to work primarily with youth. Send resume to Irven Hiebert, 76 McLennon Rd., St. Andrews, MB RIA 2W7 or Carl Heppner, Winnipeg, MB R2K 0V6. Call Irven at 204-338-9114 or Carl at 204-6635438. Two teachers are needed for schools in Mexico, at Camp 67 and Oasis. Teachers will instruct in English and will work with local teachers who instruct in Spanish and German. Knowledge of Low German and Spanish would be a great asset, but is not required. The positions could be short-term (one year) or career (four years). For information contact Lester Olfert at lolfert@mts.net or 204-326-6401.

Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, near Birch River, Man., requires counsellors, lifeguards, and a handyman from July 1 toAugust3.Some wages are available for counsellors and lifeguards. The handyman, who could start in June, receives free room and board with accommodations on site. Contact Dorothy Pot at 204-734-5507 or Ang Thiessen at 204-725-2783. The camp serves aboriginal children. Good News Mennonite Church seeks a full-time pastor to begin fall 2002. The successful candidate should have proven leadership skills, a passion for youth ministry, and planning for church growth. Pastoral training and some experience is an asset. The church is located In west St. James, Winnipeg, Man., and has an attendance of about 80. Please send resume to: Pastor Search Committee, 34 Amarynth Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0C1. E-mail: edwint@mts.net

High Level Christian Fellowship, a growing church in a thriving northern Alberta town, seeks an associate pastor of discipleship to lead in discipleship of new Christians, small group ministries, and education and outreach programs for youth and children. Contact Scot Leys (780-926-2942 or ssleys@telusplanet.net) or Eugene Peters (780-9264126).

Twin Creek Sunday School Reunion All people who were part of Twin Creeks Sunday School, located northwest of Steinbach between 1943 and 1965, are invited to a reunion on August 11, 2002, 10 a.m., at Aaron Reimer farm (one half mile north and one half mile east of where the school was located). Coffee and juice will be provided. Bring your own food. There will be time for reminiscing, testimony, singing, and fellowship. For information, contact: Peter Klassen 604-504-0351 Henry Loewen 204-326-4361 Aaron Reimer 204-326-2649 Henry Klassen 204-326-6068

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