The Messenger April 10, 2002 by The Messenger

Thinking of living together before marriage? ■■■_ •_ ■_

• I pray you will tind the happiness God gives us in loving a spouse who also loves Him/ (page 5)

•Church News: Fort Garry, Portage, Burns Lake

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 40 NUMBER? APRIL 10,2002

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^Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

ANY Christians in Canada are con cerned about what is happening in Israel. Many of us are horrified by suicide bombings and other acts of violence by Palestinians, and by Israeli countermeas ures that exceed what some people would see as self-defence. In light of the teaching of Jesus, 1 cannot sup port the eye-for-eye cycle of violence between Palestinians and Israelis. I am troubled when Palestinian leaders and Muslim clerics do not openly object to suicide bombings and to the deaths of many people through them. There has been much discussion about the need for peace in the Middle East and how this can happen. Because of the unique role of the nation of Israel in biblical revelation, many Christians are supportive of the mod ern state of Israel; 1 am one of them. One question that arises, though, is whether a Christian can be properly critical of deci sions by leaders of the modem state of Israel. Some Christians might consider any criticism to be improper and a sign of unbelief. From the standpoint of Scripture it isn’t that simple. Though within history Israel is a chosen ve hicle of divine revelation and of the Messi ah’s coming. Scripture reveals the nation is not beyond sin or criticism. While Israel’s prophets spoke out against the failings of various nations, much of their criticism and instruction was for their own nation precisely because of its unique role in human history: “You only have 1 chosen from all the families of the earth, therefore 1 will punish you for all your sins” (Amos 3:2). Long ago in Romans 9 to 11 the apostle Paul described Israel in a paradoxical fashion: “As

far as the gospel is concerned, they are en emies on your account; but as far as elec tion is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gift and his call are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:28-29). These same chapters give evidence of how in God’s providence the chosen people has been ex panded to include the Christian Church (in cluding people of Jewish, Arab, and count less other backgrounds). Both Israel’s para dox and the establishment of the Christian Church complicate matters. The escalating, deplorable violence be tween Palestinian and Israeli is not one-sided and a workable solution is obviously diffi cult. We must pray and act, though, out of the conviction that there is a way for Israeli and Palestinian to live in peace. For good or ill, other nations will influence the decisions that are made. Throughout its biblical history, Israel was affected by many countries, including the superpowers of its times—Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. Through the United Nations, many countries were involved in establishing the modern state of Israel, and various coun tries have been involved since then through initiatives of war and peace. What, then, should Christians in Canada and other nations do? Confessing no supe rior wisdom about the Middle East, 1 can only repeat the obvious: We should support po litical and diplomatic efforts toward an end to violence by both Palestinian and Israeli, and seek deeper change within that compli cated society so that people can live in peace. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Terry M, Smith

Fantasy and reality

l^jECENTLY a Canadian was convicted on two counts of possessing child pomogX Vraphy, while his personal writings were considered to have artistic merit. Where the actual sexual use of children is involved, society must be concerned. Such use of children is improper. Laws are an expression of morality. Members of society need to make moral judgments in many instances. Such decisions are needed to protect our children, and if our laws can do this better, then they need to be tightened. PAGE 2

There is, however, another aspect. While we cannot control the thoughts of others, thoughts can be proper or improper. Our concern as Christians should extend even to improper sexual fantasies. Jesus warns us that improper sexual fantasies can hurt us (Mat thew 5:27-30). Sexual fantasy about children is improper. If it progresses to become adults acting sexu ally with children, both child and adult are hurt—and that’s reality. 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 a member 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. emconf. ca/Messenger

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 9 - May 8 (copy due April 26) THE MESSENGER

A Lutheran source, a common concern

Unceremoniously married? Don Schiemann and Ian Adnams

INE OUT OF TEN—a wonderful score on a math ematics exam, but a troubling statistic when it comes to couples arranging for their wedding. Re cently, a pastor reported that of the couples who approach him to officiate at their wedding, nine out of ten are al ready living together. Other pastors quote similar statis tics. Rev. Robert Krestick, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Ontario says of all the weddings he has performed in the past four years “1 have had two wed dings where 1 knew the couples were not living in the same home.” If the climbing divorce rates cause us con cern, so should what is happening before cou ples are married. According to Reginald Bibby’s research published in his 2001 book Canada’s Teens, 86 percent of teens strongly approve or J approve of couples living together before marriage. A report from a youth < focus group discussion at the LCC Youth Gathering last summer (The Canadian Lutheran, September 2001) found similar attitudes among our church’s youth. Writer Meg Johnstone noted that the focus group “generally ap proved of an unmarried couple living together, although some felt the word ‘husband’ sounded more permanent and serious than the word ‘partner.’” Contrary to teaching What has happened? In confirmation classes, adult instmction, Bible classes and sermons, pastors teach and preach that living together before marriage is against God’s will. Yet, many people still decide to share the same address before marriage. The voice of our pastors and other church workers has been clear. However, it faces louder competition from the world. When H the church says this is against God’s will, the B common response is “Everyone is doing it, "i so what’s the big deal?” To that logic comes the response: “If everyone was jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you do it too?” The problem is that “everyone” tends to be high-pro file, and often, credible people: actors, sports heroes, teachers, next door neighbours, friends and even family members. These role models tell us it is smart to live with someone first before you commit. Dr. Colleen Hammermaster, counselling psychologist at Concordia University College in Edmonton and a mem ber at Riverbend Lutheran Church, believes living together before marriage shows “a lack of tmst in God, in ourselves APRIL 10, 2002

and in the people with whom we are choosing to be in a relationship.” She says that for some it’s like playing house. “It gives a feeling of being grown up, but the truth is, it is very Immature.” Pastor Krestick acknowledges that living together is an accepted norm of society. “You’re in love, and you’re al ready having all kinds of consensual sexual relationships so why not move in together?” The rationalization is that you need to find out if you cire compatible, to see what the other person is like in a mar riage-type situation before you say, “1 do.” After all, it is said, marriage is important and you want to minimize the risk of divorce. Add to that the hormones usually crying out for at tention and action and the result is nine out of ten. ‘Trial period’ hurts If this trial period was so important, how does one explain the higher inci dence of divorce among couples who have lived together before marriage? A “living together” relationship is built on mistmst and a lack of commitment. « It says “1 love you, and 1 would like you to invest in me economically (we’ll share an apartment and maybe a car and other items); I want you to invest in me with sexual intimacy (which may result in pregnancy, par enthood, etc.), but I don’t trust you « enough to commit my future to you.” Some would argue: Isn’t it better to get to know each other and to see what marriage would be like with that person before you commit? Pastor Krestick _______ believes that is a false premise. “If that were true, then you shouldn’t marry until you are dead because you never truly know the person you’re married to.” In addition one can ask: How can you know what marriage would be like unless you are actually married? And how can you say you finally know the other person well enough when you haven’t seen what he or she is like over the long haul? What will your spouse be like after living through the phases of parenthood? How will he or she respond to job loss, career change, death of friends or family? What will he or she be like in middle age? How will advancing years impact him or her? You can’t know these things unless the relationship is lifelong and for that you need tmst and commitment. These are the values that see couples through the stress PAGE 3

of parenthood, the changes of middle age, the advancing years, and so on. Trust and commitment are given and received freely in marriage, not in living together. Churches and parents have roles A good place for young people to see and discuss the values of trust, faith, and commitment is in the church, claims Dr. Hammermaster. “The church can be useful for young people to discuss these things among peers in youth groups. Youth leaders are often excellent at getting young people to open up in way they maybe wouldn’t when talking with their parents.” She emphasizes that youth Bible classes and youth groups are important and “can be very influential at particular times in a young per son’s life. It’s really something unique that’s offered in the church.” Parents also have a responsibility to model the values of faith, trust and commitment. “As parents we often for get to look at our own relationships,” Dr. Hammermaster warns. “The relationship we have with our spouse speaks volumes to our children about marriage relationships. How do we treat each other? How do we deal with disa greements and frustrations? We are modelling a relation ship that either gives our children a sense of confidence in how they approach their relationships or a sense of inferi ority in being equipped to deal with these things.” The same is tme of parents’ attitudes toward the church and Biblical teachings. “Mom and dad should go to church with the children,” says Pastor Krestick. “They should participate in Bible class, place a strong value on confirmation and not put other things ahead of the church, the Word of God and the Sacraments. They should be there and make it important so the child grows up with that understanding.” But most important is the spiritual dimension of mar riage. God’s will is for a man and woman to live together in a marriage relationship, not outside it. God’s Word is clear: “Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4). Ecclesiastes 4:12 says that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. “Christian marriage creates a cord of three strands,” reminds Dr. Hammermaster. “Without God, peo ple lose the primary strand in the relationship. Two strands are easily broken. So if you don’t have God, all that’s left are human beings and sin.” In light of scripture, how can a couple expect God’s blessing on their relationship if they are living together outside of marriage? A call to repentance To those who are in a common-law relationship—and those who are caught up in sin of any kind—there is a call to repentance. Confess the sin and turn away from it. Know that Christ has paid for your sin at the cross and that for giveness is available for this and for all sin. St. Paul writes, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1). In the power of Christ’s forgiveness, seek a God-pleasing relationship with that person who is so special in your life. If that means PAGE 4

living with that person, then do so in marriage, not outside of it. When couples come to Pastor Krestick asking him to perform a wedding he takes them through a 10 to 12 week course which he considers like marriage counselling. “1 say to them up front ‘You’re already married. Let’s work on God blessing your marriage.’ And 1 talk about commit ment and instmct them in Lutheran doctrine.” He says that even for those who have completed Lutheran confir mation as teens, much of what is covered sounds like new material.

larents can let their children know that living together is not acceptable, but Dr. Hammermaster cautions that they need to “stay in a relationship with the child in a way that what you say still matters. If you’re openly judgmental and condemning.. .you lose them. That doesn’t mean you water down the law, but if you want them to listen to you and care about what you say, you need to have a relationship that demonstrates you care about them. And because you care about them and love them, you have a concern for the choice they are making.” For pastors, dealing with this type of living arrangement is “the worst time and the best time,” says Pastor Krestick. “It can be the worst time if you just yell at them and get all self-righteous, then they’ll leave and you don’t have the problem anymore. Or you can say, ‘Well, here’s cinother sinner come to see me. I’ll deal with it.’” We all grapple with uncertainties in life and relation ships. God does not promise us a life free of difficulties or tragedies. That, however, does not change His call to faith fulness. As we seek, by His grace, to be faithful in all things, God speaks these promises: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; tmst in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:3-6). ■

Rev. Don Schiemann is president of Lutheran Church—Canada, Alberta-British Columbia district.

Ian Adnams is editor of The Canadian Lutheran.

Reprinted by permission from The Canadian Lutheran (March 2002). THE MESSENGER

A shared faith makes a strong marriage

Choosing a partner for life

T WAS once a teenager like you. It seems like just a couple of years ago 1 was I plagued with the same choices you now face. It’s easy to say you are not Xlooking for a “mate for life” yet and 1 certainly hope you’re not. Being a teen, just looking for a date is pressure enough, whether you’re male or female. As you have probably heard from parents, guardians, your pastor, and from anyone who loves you—choose wisely! These people all speak from knowledge, from listening to God, and probably from personal experience. 1 want to share my personal experience with you, not to tell you what to do with you life, but for you to see how an unwise choice as affected mine. 1 love my spouse. He has been a tremendous support to me over the years, providing well for his family, fun to be with, attractive in my eyes, an excellent lover, father and husband in all ways but one. He is not a Christian. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” 1 can easily say, “No one told me that when 1 was a teen!” (1 probably wouldn’t have listened anyway.) Our hearts usually follow our raging hormones and our brains get left behind. If 1 had thought, 1 mean really thought about choosing this person for a lifetime partner, I may have made a different choice. Sometimes Christians like to believe we can change people, make them see the light. I didn’t even entertain this thought when we decided to get married. 1 knew his beliefs, or should I say lack of them; it didn’t bother me much at the time. He had no problem with me attending church services, or raising a family in the church as long as 1 did it by myself and left him uninvolved. He wanted noth ing to do with it. At the time, 1 thought 1 could it all alone. 1 was wrong! It is incredibly hard to raise a family in a Christicin environment when you are alone. In many ways it’s like being a single parent. 1 live with someone who 1 look at every day and see no love for God in his eyes. 1 can’t pray with him, can’t talk to him about my faith at all. 1 live with and love someone who may not be in heaven with me someday. That’s heartbreaking. It’s exciting to think of spending the next 50 to 60 years with a person you love, but think about spending forever without them. iV Towadays when people are unhappy in a marriage, they I XI just get up and walk out. Easy to say, hard to do if X you care about someone. I love my spouse, and 1 know God loves him too. And that’s my secret weapon against the unbelievers of this world. 1 gave my spouse to God a long time ago and asked Him to let His Holy Spirit work in his heart. There is nothing on earth I can say or do to convince an unbeliever. There’s an amazing amount God can do. 1 know 1 have done the best thing 1 can for my husband—I’ve given him to God. And now I just have to be patient and loving and let God do His work in His time. 1 cannot and will not tell you what to do with your life. It is your choice, but please remember to always make God part of your decisions. You may be pleasantly surprised where He leads you in your faith, in your choice of a mate, and in all your relationships. 1 pray you find the happiness God gives us in loving a spouse who also loves Him. ■

It is incmdBCy ftorcf to raise o-famify in a Christian environment wbenyon are atone. In many n’ays it’s like being a singte parent

APRIL 10. 2002

The author of this article, who requested to remain anonymous, is a member of a Lutheran Church-Canada congregation. Reprinted by permission from The Canadian Lutheran (March 2002).

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We are not closed, but we have to show that we are open This is regarding a February 27 article on Mennonite identity, where the editor Terry Smith suggests that we as EMCers should stop using Mennonite to refer to a cultural group. Although 1 do believe you were well intentioned in suggesting that we start re ferring to our culture as Low German, 1 feel that you are misled in thinking that this type of change is needed. Having the same name for our cultural tradition and for our faith tradition does not deter from our witness. Our faith and culture are as well intertwined as the Christian Re formed Church is with its Dutch ancestry. The problem is not accuracy. We can re fer to our culture as Mennonite and still be historically correct. While Low German might be somewhat accurate, it really isn’t that specific. Low German is a language that we (the Mennonites) learned in Prussia, and is still spoken in many parts of the world, not only by Mennonites, and sometimes by groups who have been speaking it longer than Mennonites have. This is not to mention that many “Low Germans” no longer speak Low German. If the problem is perception, then a name change only makes people speak differ ently about their stereotypes. Changing from the Reform party to the Alliance party did little to alter their perception among the general population. Other religious groups also have to deal with incorrect

perceptions from the general public. Look at the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Most people only see them as a group set on door-todoor evangelism, and they forget their other theology. For me, it is their door-todoor ministry that 1 admire most about them, while 1 feel that their beliefs on blood donation and apocalypticism are misinformed. If the problem is that we are perceived as a closed cultural community, our re-

sponse should not be to change the words we use, but to show people that their per ceptions are false. We are not a closed community, and our congregations reflect that. Maybe we could reflect that more, but we have to show people that we are open, not just change the name of our culture and hope that people will assume that we are open. William Loewen Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont.

Photos do not fit article The thoughts running through my mind are so many 1 hope 1 can make it short enough and still get to the point. 1 received the February 13 Messenger the other day and was totally shocked at the front page picture. Considering the posi tion we as Mennonites hold regarding war versus peace, a picture from the Armed Forces does not need to be on the front page. We get enough of those types of pictures in other news publications. Secondly, with such an article that Dr. Penner wrote explaining so clearly about war and us as peacemakers, why in the world would the editor put such pictures throughout Dr. Penner’s article? And why would they need to take up half a page? 1 know Dr. Penner did not, and would never have chosen such material to decorate his position or his article. Maybe the editor should be a little more discreet in what

pictures will best portray the position or subject of the article and not publish some thing the author does not okay. If Dr. Penner would have seen this before pub lication he would not have permitted it to happen. I’m positive. Let’s keep our position of peacemakers as Mennonites clear for our next genera tion. If we’re not careful it will be lost. 1 delayed the sending of this letter, but after reading Erica Fehr’s letter to the edi tor [March 13], 1 feel this is important and the readers of The Messenger need to know that Dr. Penner had absolutely noth ing to do with the pictures that appeared with his article. Maybe the editorial staff should ’fess up and clear up this issue. Thank you. LucI Yutzy Kola, Man.

Steinbach Bible College

Graduation weekend Spring Concert featuring the SBC Chorale & Free Servant

April 19,2002 •7:30 p.m. SBC Chapel Alumni Brunch April 20, 2002- 10:30 a.m. Steinbach EMC Graduation April 21,2002 • 3:00 p.m. Steinbach niviv. EMC 1 oieinoacn .1 \ 422 Main Slrcct^_^^

V PAGE 6

THE ARMED FORCES PHOTOS The photos were CAT publicity shots ob tained through MCC and were used to il lustrate an article on war. Neither Dr. Penner nor any other writer influenced photo choice or size; it was an editorial decision. With Canada at war, use of the relatively mild photos served to carry forward a necessary discussion in EMC circles. Thank you to all readers who have commented on them, Terry M. Smith Editor

REQUESTS FOR MAILING LIST The Messenger occasionally gets re quests for use of its mailing list, usually a one-time use from usually confer ence-related institutions. Approval for such list use comes from the executive or the complete Board of Church Min istries. If you prefer to opt out from such requests, please notify the editors. This statement is made because there were two recent requests for list use, and the board discussed the matter at its March 21 meeting. The board is con cerned about protecting the privacy of subscribers. The Board of Church Ministries

German Hymnals wanted German Mennonite Brethren hymnals are sought for Oasis EMC in Mexico. Thirty-five to 40 copies are needed. Contact Lester Olfert at 204-326-6401. THE MESSENGER

fc.r

Sandra Friesen says they hope to do it again Sandra Friesen and her friends still rave about it. And she says they’ll do it all over again if given the chance. Friesen is talking about the MCC Interna tional Visitor Exchange Program (IVEP) mid-year conference and their experience hosting 52 overseas visitors from over 20 different countries. “1 can’t say it any other way. It was amaz ing,” says Friesen, whose family hosted four international students for the week-long event. “The people who stayed in our homes touched our lives as well as the lives of the other people they met.” Friesen is part of Abbeydale Christian Fellowship (EMC). IVEP participants gather three times dur ing their year-long stay in North America— when they arrive, six months into their term and just before they go home. MCC organizes the mid-term event as a way of continuing dialogue and fostering longerterm relationships between them. The conference location, which rotates throughout Canada and the U.S., was held in Calgary from February 4-11. Friesen’s family and 24 other families from the city volunteered their homes for overnight accommodation. “Some of the host families said that they had never had the experience of having someone from another culture in their home,” says Friesen. “The visitors who stayed in our home were from Indonesia, Taiwan, Switzerland and the Ukraine. We

don’t realize the rich cultural background they bring with them,” she says. Participants in the program range in age from 19 to 30, must profess their faith and participate in their local church. They are referred to the exchange program by MCC’s overseas country representatives, through Mennonite church connections or by other church organizations. Students are granted 12-month work visas and placed by MCC in positions that allow them to gain work or cultural experience in Canada and the U.S. “These young people were put together for a week to get to know each other again,” says Friesen. “As their host fami lies, we got to know them too.” Friesen says conference organizers kept participants busy during the day but the schedule did leave time for extra-curricu lar activities. She says that while some host families chose to take their guests to see such sights as the Olympic Oval or the Calgary Tower, her family chose to visit a Hutterite colony. “We also spent time visiting, just so we could get a better feel and to understand where they were coming from,” Friesen says. In addition to sightseeing and visiting, host families also had the opportunity to take their billets out and to their respective church services. “We had eight international guests in our church,” says Friesen. “They all come from

different countries so it is natural that they all have different styles of worship as well. But it all worked out fine. We were able to introduce each one and hear something about their home country.” Now that the mid-year conference has wrapped up, where does this leave peo ple like Friesen and the other host fami lies? Friesen says she expects more op portunities in the future. In fact, with IVEP on the lookout for potential job place ments and host families, she says she’s looking to get more involved. “My family had a great time and we hope to do it again,” says Friesen. MCC Canada

FORGIVE THEM Forgiven them, Abba Father For they know not what they do With Your strength and Mighty Spirit Help me forgive them too

Forgive them, Abba Father Open their eyes and let them see The greatness ofYour love As You pour it out through me Forgive them, Abba Father For they do not know You yet Their minds Satan has blinded And Your Son they have not met Forgive them, Abba Father Sine Your light in this dark place With Your love, Yourjoy and peace Let them see You in my face

Forgive them, Abba Father Draw them to the Saviour’s side Hold not their sins against them Twas for this Your Son had died Forgive them, Abba Father Their hearts are as hard as stone Show them The Way, The Truth, The Life And claim them as Your own Brigette Toews

Harold, Crystal, and Sandra Friesen look forward to hosting more international visitors like Yu-Chun Wang (Taiwan), Cestavina Mebri (Indonesia), Inna Lobach (Ukraine) and Sabine Allemand (Switzerland).

APRIL 10, 2002

Luke 23:34; Ps. 119:18; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Peter 1:19; John 6:42; John 14:6.

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Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta

GLENDA EVEN THOUGH we have been married for more than 38 years, the prospect of a trip with just the two of us is still exciting. Last spring as we prepared to leave for Van couver, B.C. for a three-day seminar at Regent College, that same excitement was there. But 1 believe it was more than that. My husband, Glen, had spent so many years as a student when we were first married that it was a bit like going back in time to be heading for a college setting again. We have very good memories of those years in spite of inevitable struggles. When we arrived in Vancouver, blos soms, spring flowers and lush greenery greeted us everywhere. What a feast for the eyes and for a winter-weary soul! Fighting early morning rush hour in a city where public transportation drivers were on strike wasn’t quite as pleasant. But eventually we arrived at the beautiful UBC campus and registered for our seminar. Since we hadn’t had time for breakfast, we especially enjoyed the coffee and muf fins and break time. All around us, it seemed, people were meeting friends. Were we the only strangers present? Then a voice behind us made us turn. Layton, a former student of Glen’s at Steinbach Bible College, greeted us warmly. He and his wife Glenda and baby daughter were now living near the col lege while he pursued a second master’s degree. We chatted happily. He said that we must come for supper at their home before we went back to La Crete. After he consulted Glenda, we agreed on Wednesday. Layton took us home via a scenic route so that we could see the harbour and other Vancouver attractions. That was a bonus! Glenda and little Carmen greeted us warmly when we entered their basement apartment. It was homey and functional, reminding me a lot of some of our student-days’ accommodations. Their kind hospitality made us feel very much at home. And the meal Glenda had prepared was delicious. After several days of res taurant food, it was great to have a homecooked meal.

I asked Glenda how she felt about her husband’s many years in school. Surely life as the wife of a student would have many difficulties. But her answer was refreshing: “I’m en joying the benefits, such as seeing my hus band fulfill his dreams, which are really our dreams. 1 get to take some courses, too, which is enriching and gets me out of the house regularly.” She also continued using her training in piano to take on a few students, which she enjoyed. When 1 chatted with her on the phone before writing this column, she did men tion some difficulties. Living with the con straints of a limited budget year after year is definitely a challenge. Carmen was only seven weeks old when they moved to Vancouver from Winnipeg and it was very hard with family and church support groups far away. At first, finding new friends and church family was a challenge. But, on the plus side, Glenda said it was wonderful how God supplied their needs through both old friends and new. “1 don’t think I’ve purchased more than two or three clothing items for Carmen in her first three years,” she told me with a chuckle. “Someone’s child was always growing out of their clothes or stroller or whatever!” New friends and church family helped to fill the family gap. Later Glenda shared how having their needs met so generously gave her a deeper glimpse into the mercy of God. “Living as a relatively poor student family in an affluent, but generous neighbour hood has helped me toward a posture of humble openness and receptiveness...to really receive God’s mercy at a deeper level,” she said. Of course our husbands were discussing books. When Glen enthused about his lat est purchase. The Mystery of Marriage by Mike Mason, Layton’s grin said it all. His com ment was, “Yes, we read that book to each other and it revolutionized our marriage!” This told me that their marriage was ob viously not taking second place to his stud ies or her homemaking. 1 liked what 1 heard. So student-spouses, enjoy these days of struggle and stretching. These are the days when your existence is stripped down to the essentials: your love for each other, your caring for each other, and your fulfill ing of a dream together, all against the background of an awareness of real de pendence on God. Serving each other and the Lord together in this way, whether as students or partners in other starting-out roles, is special. Do so with joy!

‘Living as a reiativeiy poor student famiiy in an affluent, but generous neighbourhood has helped me toward a pos ture of humble openness and receptiveness...to really re ceive God’s mercy at a deeper level,’ she said. PAGE 8

MENNONITES AND CATHOLICS FIND SOME COMMON GROUND ON ADULT BAPTISM Mennonites may be surprised co learn that Catholics believe in baptizing adults on confession of faith. Wasn't voluntary adult baptism at the root of the turmoil and persecution of Anabaptists in the 16th century in Europe? Baptism and the Lord's Supper were topics discussed November 27 to Decembers, 2001 at Assisi, Italy. It was the fourth of five dialogues begun in 1998. ''There is much more convergence between a Mennonite and a Catholic understanding of baptism and the Lord's Supper than has generally been assumed," said Helmut Harder of Winnipeg, Manitoba, who presented a paper on these topics. He added that the Catholic spokesperson's "reading" of the import of Vatican II and subsequent discussion is that adult baptism is becoming normative in the Catholic church, with less emphasis on infant and child baptism. Catholics accept persons baptized in non-Catholic communions, if it is done with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Larry Millet MWC executive secretary and a member of the Mennonite delegation, said in a recent interview that he felt an "affinity" with this Catholic theology and practice of baptism. "It is significant for Mennonites to hear the Catholic position on the theology of adult baptism and of its frequency," said Miller. Mennonite and Catholic participants in the dialogue on sacraments agreed that "the primary sacrament is Christ and the Body of Christ (the Church)," said Harder. They also agreed that the water of baptism and the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper should be spoken of as "signs," pointing to a reality beyond themselves. For the Catholics, noted Harder, the emphasis on the objects themselves conveying salvation may be lessening. He added that the Catholics found it attractive that the Mennonite paper on a theology of baptism and the Lord's Supper saw participation in these ordinances as bringing spiritual change to the recipient and to the community of faith. The general focus of the MennoniteCatholic dialogues has been better understanding and the healing of memories and prejudices, said Miller. Mennonites carry painful memories of persecution endured by their 16th-century ancestors. Catholics see the Anabaptist departure from the church as an abhorrent fracturing of the unity of the Body of Christ. MWC THE MESSENGER

Mexico

Translation can be joyful work I remember years ago when my pastor, acknowledging the discouragement I was feeling after what seemed like a terrible setback in our translation program, asked me if there were also times when, for seemingly no reason at all, 1 found myself smiling. I’ve often thought about that— the joy that comes from God, the satis faction that comes from having a job that’s worth doing, the little things that put a song in one’s heart, that encourage one to keep going—that put a smile on one’s face. Today was a song-in-the-heart kind of day. After some hours of revising the book of Philippians in Aloapam Zapotec, Clemente and 1 were just chatting about things. He wanted to know if there were more copies of the Gospel of John in stor age. The previous Sunday Clemente,

Marilyn and 1 had gone to one of the little churches on the outskirts of Oaxaca City where Zapote-speaking people attend and had sold 11 books. That was another smile-on-the-face kind of day (in spite of car problems we had). Now Zapotecs— from a neighbouring church, hearing that people in the other church had received their own copies of John, were asking Clemente to come and present the book to them also! That was what prompted his asking if there were more copies. But, back to today. After our morning break Odilon and 1 were going over the same passage in Philippians in his Zapotec dialect. When 1 suggested we leave out a word that seemed to me unnecessary in the Zapotec text, Odilon said, “You’re right. You know my language better than 1 do!” We had a good laugh over that because.

Odildn, Clemente, and Grace work together at language translation among the Zapotecs in Oaxaca, Mexico.

of course, it’s not true, although 1 do know a lot about Zapotec after all these years. It seemed fitting somehow to be work ing on a book in which the apostle Paul frequently refers to joy—his own when he remembers the Philippians and their involvement with him in the work of spreading the gospel and their joy because of their relationship to Christ. Joy is a pow erful thing! Check it out: Nehemiah 8:10. Grace Thiessen

t" MissionX, a highlight MissionX is always a highlight for SBC stu- deserve. God has blessed me immensely dents, and this year was no exception. Stu- and through this experience I’ve come to dents were able to put their learning into appreciate that more.” practise by being exposed to the hard re Second year student Heather Johnson ality of life for many peo was also affected by the ple. time she spent in Thicket Inner-city Winnipeg Portage, in Northern Mani MissionX left a life-long toba. impression on first year “During the Saturday student Betty Klassen. evening service, it was “MissionX definitely announced that an 11was an amazing experi year-old girl, Brittany, had ence. My highlight oc accepted the Lord earlier curred on the second that day. It was so amaz day. We were on a prayer ing to hear that! The best drive with Major Peter of thing about it was that students Betty Klassen the Salvation Army. We First-year ' none of the team mem and Amy Friesen served in inner stopped at the tracks, Jcity Winnipeg. bers had anything to do which was, apparently, with it. Brittany had asked home to many street people. Though it if we were all Christians, and that was it. was broad daylight, this area was quite Her conversion shows the work that God dangerous, but we ended up going under is doing in the community. It also gives the the tracks to get a small idea of what it reassurance that there is a Christian sup was like. port that Brittany can rely on. Praise the Lord!” “Well, it was dark, cold, dirty, and a very Lara Penner was moved by the generosity sad sight. There were a couple of mat shown during her third MissionX experience. tresses, some jeans belonging to a child, a “When 1 went to Nicaragua this past fall doll, piles of pigeon feathers, and empty with third year MissionX, 1 was touched paint cans. The walls were completely mostly by the openness and welcoming graffittied. 1 couldn’t believe my eyes. Peo feeling we received from the people that ple lived there. It just isn’t right.” we met down there. Even though we “My eyes were opened to a whole new couldn’t speak their language, they wel way of life. My heart goes out to those comed us as friends and even though they people, and at the same time. I’m much had so little compared to us, they offered more thankful for the way God has pro it all with a smile. That was amazing.” vided me with the many things 1 don’t SBC’s MissionX is a powerful experience

APRIL 10, 2002

Third-year student Lara Penner served in Nicaragua.

for many reasons. Through the challenges students face during MissionX, they learn firsthand what it means to tmst God. They also gain a greater understanding of those living in different cultures and the posi tion of privilege with which they have been blessed. Most importantly, MissionX is a powerful experience because students come away with a greater understanding of how desperately the world needs Christ. Each year all first year students, this year 57 of them, are privileged to spend five days in inner city ministries as part of the Intro duction to Church Ministries course. The second year students have a similar oppor tunity for ministry on a northern reserve as part of the Introduction to Mission course. The third year students have an optional three-week international event. SBC PAGE 9

Small and big blessings Winnipeg, Man. (Fort Garry): The Christ mas season of 2001 saw us not only cel ebrate the birth of Christ, but also the bless ing of young lives in our congregation. On November 25, six couples stood be fore us and publicly dedicated their chil dren to Christ and committed themselves to created God-centred homes which ex emplify Christ’s love. Each of the parents prayed words of gratitude for the gift of these new creations: Abigal and Jillian, daughters of Krista and Travis Friesen; Emma, daughter of Amy and Chris Kroeker; Liana, daughter of Marcia and Mario Fonseca; Minar, daughter of Siil Park and Sukyoung Cho; Siobhan, daughter of Rod Thiessen and Karen Toews; and Zachary, son of Caron and Roy Hiebert. The prayers became visible reminders to us all of the bountiful blessings that God bestows on us—as well as the responsibil ity we have to take care of, and be re sponsible for, those same blessings. As we moved along into the heart of the advent season, a perennial favourite, the Sunday program, came due. Little did we know that we would be privileged to see a premiere performance! Oh Abby is the story of a sincere and free-spirited angel, played by Janelie Falk, who is sent on a journalistic mission. She discovers the im portant part she and the rest of the angelic choir play in announcing Christ’s birth. Needless to say, proud parents’ smiles abounded. All the more impressive was the realiza

Sukyoung Cho, Siil Park, Kent Fast, Linda Peddie and Trish Loewen became an official part of Fort Garry EMC on February 24.

tion that Fort Garry’s own Wanda Falk not only fabulously directed the play, she also wrote the script and, along with her par ents, made the costumes and sets. Her hard work definitely paid off; the show came off without a hitch. This spring we also celebrated the offi cial addition of five adults into our mem bership. On February 24 we were pleased to accept Kent Fast, Linda Peddie, Siil Park, Sukyoung Cho and Trish Loewen into our Fort Garry family.

On a final note, we are very happy to announce the upcoming arrival of two more children to our congregation: Car men and Marcus Friesen. They will be joined by their parents, Layton and Glenda Friesen who, in addition to raising their children, will be taking over the pastorate of Fort Garry EMC. They are four more blessings whose arrival we are greatly an ticipating. Daphne Thiessen

And the Lord added to their numbers

Portage la Prairie, Man.: Church mem bership and baptism are so very impor tant in a believer’s life and we were blessed by witnessing both in recent months. First, we held a membership service on December 9, 2001. Ben and Mary Harder and Mary Irvin took up membership in Portage Evangelical Church. Then January 13, 2002 Sunday evening four young peo ple were baptised. Excerpts of their testi monies follow. Melissa Giesbrecht'. I grew up in a Chris tian home. I guess it was assumed that 1 become a Christian, so I did when I was about four years old. I do not think I thought much about it, but as the years went on, I understood what I had done. I am learning more every day about the faith I accepted as a child. I am trying every

PAGE 10

day to be the best Christian I can be. I am learning more about God and what he wants to do in my life. To me getting bap tised is a symbol that 1 will not get into the stuff that 1 did and to proclaim that 1 am and always will be a Christian. Jonathan Giesbrechf. “I was born into a Christian family and was taught about Je sus just like the rest of my brothers and sisters. 1 cannot remember when 1 became a Christian but 1 do remember that it was my sister Laurel who brought me to Jesus. As 1 got to be about 15 1 was getting sick of someone else’s religion being pushed on me and started to drift away from God. “Larry Neufeld has helped me a lot through my teenage years...if it were not for him, 1 probably would not be up here now. Church has always been important to my family and through the last couple

of months it has been really important to me because that is when 1 can charge myself up for the week.” Kevin Plett: “For as long as 1 can remem ber, 1 have attended Portage Evangelical Mennonite Church with my mom, dad and sister. From a young age 1 learned about all the Bible stories and the basic plan of sal vation. When 1 was four or give 1 first asked Jesus into my life. 1 reaccepted God into my life when 1 was 10... 1 was so filled with joy...but...my life went back to the same routine. “In my grade eight year, 1 fell away from God’s path. In spring of that year, God de cided to give me some help to get back on track. He brought some amazing peo ple into my life... not like my other friends. One night at a worship night, there was an opportunity for others to lay hands on me THE MESSENGER

Ben and Mary Harder, and Mary Irvin became members of Portage Evangelical Church on December 9, 2001.

and pray for me that the Holy Spirit would fill me and work through me. 1 took that opportunity and the feeling was so amazing.” Brian Chapman: “1 was born into a non Christian home and didn’t have a Chris tian influence until 1 was six years old when 1 was put into a Christian foster home. This is when 1 first met Jesus. 1 attended that

’■ It

On January 13, Melissa Giesbrecht, Jon Giesbrecht, Kevin Plett, and Brian Chapman shared testimonies and were baptised. Pastor LeRoy Barkman and youth pastor Les Kroeker stand with them.

church until the age of 12 when 1 was put into a group home in Winnipeg. From 12 to 17 1 had no relationship with Jesus. At 17 1 moved to Portage where 1 lived with my mom before moving out on my own. 1 was at a very rebellious point in my life. 1 got into a fight at school and was expelled. The school directed me to Brian Rushton at YFC and 1 began getting counselling.

“At the factory I was approached by David Scheider who asked me if I would like Jesus to be part of my life and I said yes. That Sunday I attended PEC and I’ve been here for five years now. Now as becoming a member of PEC I continue to give God the control to lead me in decisions in eve ryday life and grow in him more and more.” Catherine Epp

Witnessing the work of God many of these people found themselves to be in a life crisis of Bums Lake, B.C.: June 5 was a landmark day for us at Island some sort or another, and 1 just didn’t feel 1 was. Gospel Fellowship. Our church moderator. Bill Bueckert, called “1 had a good, solid marriage, an understanding and supportive a special meeting for the heads of all boards and committees. It husband, and children that 1 was so incredibly proud of and that was electrifying, spiritually edifying and strengthening for our 1 loved more than life itself. 1 had a very full and complete life. unity to sit in a circle with no agenda but to encourage each “It wasn’t until, completely out of the blue, my son David, five other in our areas of service. years old at the time, said to me, ‘Mom, 1 want to go to church Bill started us off with some words of encouragement from and learn more about God.’ 1 said, ‘All right, which church should Scripture and then moved right into specific examples of how we go to?’ He said, ‘The one by he was blessed by the efforts of the bridge.’ Now David had various people. From there is been in the auditorium at Island just blossomed and soon all of Gospel a few times during a play us took the opportunity to he and 1 were involved in. Per breathe words of blessing and haps it was this exposure, or encouragement into each oth f maybe gentle words offered by er’s lives. The “encouragement X Christians in his life that evening” ended with refresh K-‘ prompted him to want to learn ments. Every person left with a If more—but for me it was a very renewed fire in their heart for clear calling, out of the mouths serving the Lord wholeheart of babes. 1 told the rest of my edly. family that David and 1 were go September 9 was a day to wit *1 ing to church the next morning, ness the work of God in the and they were welcome to join lives of two women from our us if they wanted to. Out of cu church. It was a cool, somewhat 11 riosity, more than anything, but drizzly afternoon when we j.'Ui also to support me, Steven (our headed to Ootsa Lake Bible son, age 12) said he would Camp for a baptismal service. come. So off we went. Candace Little writes, “1 have “As 1 have told many of you often listened to testimonies already, there is something very 'H from people who came to know the Lord at a point in their Candace Little and Esther Bahen were baptised by Henry Plett in difficult about walking through the doors to a new church for life similar to mine. However, Ootsa Lake on September 9, 2001.

APRIL 10. 2002

PAGE 11

the first time, and I had no idea what to expect. Of course, I have come to know and love about this church family, we were welcomed with open arms. Right after the service I was invited to attend the Alpha course. “After the fourth session, I sat down in my bedroom and from the bottom of my heart asked the Lord to forgive me for all the mistakes I had made in my life, thanked Him for all the peace and joy He had already brought to my life, and asked Him to come into my heart and walk be side me forever as my Lord and Saviour.” Esther Bahen testifies, “I was an athlete, being a two-time Olympian. I have always considered myself a Christian, having been brought up Lutheran, baptised as a baby

1*7 Book Reviews By EMCers

The Fragmentation of the Church and Its Unity in Peacemaking. Jeffrey Gros and John D. Rempel, editors (Michigan: Eerdmans, 2001), 230 pp. $43. Re viewed by Dr. Arden Thiessen, senior pastor at Steinbach EMC.

and confirmed in my early teens. Yet I hadn’t been to church in 30 years and was very nervous. Pioneer Clubs at Island Gos pel Fellowship led me to this church fam ily. “1 feel 1 really became a true believer in January of 2000 while out skiing. 1 would ski and pray, asking for forgiveness and understanding. Then in July of 2000, Don left me. “1 know God is patient and kind toward us all and is waiting for us all to repent of our sins so we can be His children. 1 feel extremely blessed to have been able to come to understand the gift of the cross and what it offers to me personally, giving me a new beginning on a clean slate. 1 know the Lord is helping me to be the

mother I long to be, and knows about my yearnings to be a family again. I am learn ing that God’s ways are not always our ways and often I’m finding that it takes courage and patience to wait for the truth to reveal itself. “By coming to Christ I feel that I can see and be more on the positive side, and I’m very grateful for the things I have, not for what I don’t have, which is a real trial for me at times. I would have to say that my favourite verse is Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.’ I really feel like a part of a won derful church family for which I am for ever grateful.”

ditions. The essays are largely confes sional and historical; they are not de signed to persuade but to inform. Each gives an account of the contextual re alities that have shaped their specific expression of Christ’s peace mandate. All the participants agree that peace is the will of God. Beyond that, however, there seems to be little evidence that the hope expressed in the title can be achieved. While the Just War Theory does not get much support as being currently relevant, many traditions sim ply cannot see how nonresistance can be practical in this world. The problem is identified by the Baptist writer who

says that when he lectures on peace, he rarely gets any questions about his interpretation of the biblical material; the concerns always are about how his ideas will work in specific situations. Since most of the mass violence in the Western world in recent centuries has been the story of Christians killing Christians, any attempt to speak and listen to each other is laudable. There are memories of centuries-old of fences and judgments that need to be dealt with before we can have a com mon Christian witness. As the Lu theran contributor says, “There must be peace among Christians before there can be peace in the world.” One theme on which there seems to be agreement is that we are not dealing with a simple fight-or-flight issue. The book may serve to edu cate both sides on the possibility of another approach, that of crea tive confrontation. Instead of run ning for their lives or fighting for their rights, Christians should learn to take the more dangerous course—naming the evil, unmask ing the sin, and exposing the injus tice. For me, the most satisfying essay in the book is by the Mennonite writer, Lois Barrett. I’m glad the editors allowed her to go beyond the historical and descriptive and let her present a clear and gracious exposition of the biblical essentials 5?^ for being a people of peace. Her central idea, that the peace posi 1' tion comes out of our conviction about the nature and purpose of Christ’s church, resonates well with my understanding of the bib lical message.

RECENT essays in The Messenger have reminded us forcefully of the widely divergent views that Chris THE tians may have over the matter of participating in war. Historically we have held to a po sition of peace. We have agreed of the Church and Its Unity in that the kingdom that Jesus came to establish is to be a community of peace. However, we live in a world of violence, terrorism, and war. We remember the Kosovo situ ation—a defenseless people seemed to need some kind of pro tection from violent aggression. 5 Many Christians agreed that mili tary intervention was justified in '1-1; that deplorable situation. The cur rent war against terrorism, I under stand, receives almost unanimous support from the American people. ■A We wonder then, how can it be .. .. that the peace doctrine, which has seemed so central to our under standing of the Christian life, does not get more respect in other faith communities? This book helps us wrestle with edited by this urgent question. The contribu Jeffrey Gros & John 1). Rempel tors come from ten major faith tra-

Cole Clifford

FRAGMENTATION PEACEMAKING

to! Ci

PAGE 12

THE MESSENGER

have Schdlenbei^

Steinbach, MB

■v

Bishop Peter Toews and a time of sehism MY PRIZE find within the past year surely must be a copy of a German devotional book Die Wandelede Seele (The Wander ing Soul) with the inscription of the owner Peter Toews. Why am 1 so excited about this book? Not the book itself—The Wander ing Soul seems to have been quite common among German Mennonites in Russia. The his torical value of this particular copy lies in that, as 1 believe and have verified, it has the personal signature of Bishop Peter Toews on the flyleaf, along with the inscription in beautiful Gothic Erhalten uom Vater ano 1862 [receiued from my father in the year 18621. This Peter Toews (18411922) is significant to us. He left the EMC (then Kleine Gemeinde) with about onethird to a half of our member ship in 1882 to join the Church of God in Christ (Mennonite), known as the Holdeman church. Mr. Toews was the bishop of that larger part of the EMC that came to Manitoba from Rus sia in 1874-75 (a smaller group went to Nebraska under a dif ferent bishop). The church, consisting of about 700 peo ple, settled in six communi ties: the West Reserve, in cluding Rosenort and Rosenhof (Morris); and the East Reserve, including Kleefeld, Steinbach, Blumenort and Blumenhof. Toews served both West and East Reserves as elder. Within a few years, though, he made a major decision. In 1881 -1882 Toews played an influential role during a major schism within our conference. John Holdeman was a 51 -yearold church reformer from Ohio. Accord ing to Dr. Royden Loewen, “He had vis ited Manitoba in November, 1879, on the invitation of Elder Peter Toews, who felt deeply that the Kleine Gemeinde needed to be spiritually renewed in order to be the true church of God. “During his stay in Manitoba Holdeman APRIL 10, 2002

preached in the various Kleine Gemeinde churches and made house visitations, al ways sharing his message of spiritual re newal. During this time he was also in close consultation with the ministerial, who not only gave their blessing to Holdeman’s

V ».

\V . 1

■>',

work but considered uniting the Kleine Gemeinde with Holdeman’s reformed church in the United States, the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. “After he returned to the United States, he wrote Elder Toews that the union would not be possible because the Kleine Gemeinde was too schism-ridden, too for-

mal, too quick to baptise anyone and not spiritual enough to constitute the ‘True Church.’ What was needed in the Kleine Gemeinde was a complete new start, with each person being rebaptised and then individually joining The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite” [Blumenort, A Mennonite Community in Transition, 1983, pp. 180-183). The end result of this was that Peter Toews announced he could no longer serve the Kleine Gemeinde with com munion or baptism, and he was rebaptised by Holdeman early in 1882. Many in the Kleine Gemeinde followed, organizing as the Manitoba chapter of Holdeman’s American church. The division created quite a stir. Histo rian Peter J. B. Reimer writes, “The result was that in every village of the Kleine Gemeinde, including Stein bach, a group from one-third to one-half of the member ship left the Kleine Gemeinde. There was much heartache and bitterness in this division. Families were separated and close relatives and friends estranged to each other.” One deacon resigned his post after his wife and chil dren joined the Holdeman church. The earlier EMC, left with three ministers and two dea cons, appealed for help from their Nebraska counterpart; its Elder Abraham Friesen came to reorganize the Mani toba flock. With time, relationships in general between the two Mennonite groups seem to become quite congenial. In Kleefeld, the Holdeman had their own church building, which the EMC shared until we built our own in 1939. In Steinbach both used the same village schoolhouse on alternate Sundays until churches were built in 1912.1 recall being in their church one year, 1 think at Christmas. Holdeman churches today are found in the general area where the EMC first estab lished: Gruenfeld, Steinbach, Rosenort/Rosenhof and Blumenort. They are also quite missions minded. Interestingly, 1 even come into the Toews genealogy through my grandmother. Bishop Toews was an uncle to Anna Toews Regehr who later married my grandfather Gerhard Schellenberg (1852-1932) and re sided in Rosenfeld/Gruenfeld (East Re serve). PAGE 13

For sale at the EMC national office:

Books for theological reflection

by Archie Penner, Ph.D.

’I The New Testament, the Christian, and the State

The New Testament, the Christian, and the State is a 2000 reprint of his 1959 book of similar name. 128 pp., soft cover. $10 plus $2 postage.

The Divine Covenants: Conflict or Harmony, Servant Publishers, 2001. 217 pp., soft cover. $12 plus $2 postage.

Scientific C rea 11 on Is m

Scientific Creation ism in perspective. Biblical creation defended Servant Publishers, 2001. 140 pp., soft cover. $12 plus $2 postage

An “unwavering creationist” explains why he is not a “scientific creationist.” Archie Penner is a long-time EMC minister, conference leader, and educator.

Book prices are below cost. For mailing costs on bulk orders, please contact us. To contact the EMC national office: phone 204-326-6401, fax 204-326-1613, e-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net Or contact Dr. Archie Penner at Box 71, Kola, Manitoba ROM 1B0 (204-845-2037).

PAGE 14

EMC Social Cohcerhs CoMMittee Essat^ Contest Topic: Living as People of Peace in a Climate of War

EMC archives committee seeks a voluntary archivist to learn from Dave K.. Schellenberg, archivist emeritus. Contact Terry Smith at 204-326-6401.

1,200 to 1,500 words $150 first prize for winner, two honourable mentions

Open to young people, high school and older

Deadline; April 26. SCC will judge. Send to: Doris Penner, SCC chair, Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 or e-mail emcmessenger@mts.net For information, call 204-326-6401

Riverton Gospel Chapel invites you to its

Coming Events April 19 SBC Spring Concert SBC Chapel Steinbach, Man. Phone: 800-230-8478 April 19-20 Nurturing Hospitable Hearts Retreat to explore Biblical hospitality Camp Assiniboia Headingley. Man. Phone:204-896-1616 April 20 SBC Alumni Brunch Steinbach EMC Steinbach, Man. Phone: 800-230-8478 April 21 SBC Graduation Steinbach EMC Steinbach, Man. Phone: 800-230-8478 April 22-26 Introduction to Evangelical Anabaptism Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401 April 26 Public Meeting Mennonite Foundation of Canada Gary Hawton, Meritas Financial SBC Chapel Steinbach, Man. Phone: 800-772-3257 April 27 MCC Peace Consultation Glencairn MB Church Kitchener. Ont. Phone:204-261-6381

May 3-4 MCC Peace Consultation Wildwood Mennonite Church Saskatoon, Sask. Phone: 204-261-6381 May 11 MCC Peace Consultation Location TBA Calgary, Alta. Phone: 204-261-6381 May 24-25 MCC Peace Consultation Location TBA Abbotsford. B.C. Phone: 204-261-6381

June 13-15 God Uses Ink Christian writers’ conference Guelph, Ont. Phone:905-471-1447 June IS MCC Peace Consultation Ste. Therese MB Church Ste-Therese, Quebec Phone:204-261-6381

July15-19 Bezalel Arts Camp 2002 Providence College Otterburne, Man. Phone: 204-433-7488 Sept. 20-22 MCC Peace Consultation Camp Wildwood Bouctouche, New Brunswick Phone: 204-261-6381

building dedication Sunday, April 28, 3 p.m. For information, call pastor John Froese at 204-378-5196 or Paul Peters at

204-378-2740.

M MENNONITE FOUNDATION Of

CANADA

A Mennonite Foundation of Canada

Public Meeting ASSgnSnq lovesting With EAiTH Featuring; Gary Hawton, CEO of Neritas Financial “House of Doc,” mixed Gospel quartet Offering for Foodgrains Bank Project

Everyoiw in Invited

Friday, April 26, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. Steinbach Bible College Chapel Steinbach, Manitoba

THE MESSENGER

mi Canadian Mennonite University seeks a president, a dynamic leader to guide its development during the formative years. CMU’s values are based on the confessions of faith of Mennonite Church Canada and the Mennonite Brethren churches. In seeking to develop a common vision, the president oversees all organizational aspects of CMU, including strategic planning, external relationships, and internal administrative activities. Qualifications include demonstrated organizational management and leadership ability, appropriate academic training, commitment to a Christian worldview within an academic environment, and an affinity with CMU’s supporting church constimencies. Processing of applications begins May 31, 2002. The appointment becomes effective on a mutually agreed upon date in 2003. Send applications and inquiries to: chair, presidential search committee, Canadian Mennonite University, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2, chair@cmu-search.dhs.org

Summer service options for you! Make the most of your vacation by participating in a short-term service opportunity. MCC has individual and group programs like Urban Plunge, PLOW, SWAP, TOOLS, MDS, Summerbridge and Praxis Project. Take a break. Make a difference. Call 888-622-6337 or visit www.mcc.org/ getinv/hr Portage Evangelical Church (EMC) seeks a senior pastor who is an experienced leader and a challenging communicator who loves people. The pastor will seek to understand God's vision for church and area, preach a minimum of three Sundays a month, develop a team of leaders to respond to God’s vision, and ttain active disciples in church and community life. Pottage la Prairie, Man., is 55 minutes west of Winnipeg. The church averages 120 people, is beginning to purchase

God's grace and the rhythms of life

52nd EMC Annual Convention July 5-7, 2002 Swift Current, Sask. ■f's

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Speaker: Herb Kopp

Hosted by Region 2

APRIL 10, 2002

land and plan for a new building, and has a full-time youth pastor. Contact PEC Pastoral Search Committee chair Brian Rushton at (phone) 204-239-0795, (fax) 204230-1067 and (e-mail) portageevanchurch(2!hotmail.com.

Steinbach EMC in Steinbach, Man., seeks a fulltime 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 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 R0A2A0. Phone 204-326-1851, fax 204-388-4393, 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; e-mail icya@mts.net. ICYA information is available at www.innercityyouthalive.org

Steinbach EMC in Steinbach, Man., seeks a motivated, energetic person to serve as full-time pastor of youth ministries. The pastor will primarily be involved in the coordination of junior and senior high youth programs. Please forward resume by April 30, 2002 to the attention of Henry Klassen, youth pastor search committee. Box 996, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0. Phone: 204-326-6068. E-mail: henryk2@mts.net 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 InterMennonite Community Council. This can be either a VS or a salaried position. Applicants should have a real appreciation for Low Gentian 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

Crestview Fellowship (EMC) in Winnipeg, Man., invites applications for a full-time pastor. Send resumes to Alex Wiebe, Board Chairman, c/o Crestview Fellowship Church, 271 Hamilton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0H3, phone 204-353-2780 (home) or 204-982-0322 (work), or e-mail alwlebe@escape.ca Kleefeld EMC, in Kleefeld, Man., seeks an associate pastor to primarily work with the youth program in a support and relational capacity. Other duties include Christian education and music ministry, with minimal administrative duties. Please direct applications and inquiries to Dean Kamstra, Box 21, Kleefeld, MB ROA OVO or dkamstra@eliteswine.com

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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 R1A 2W7 or Bob Hartman, 669 McLeod Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 0V6. Call Irven at 204-338-9114 or Bob at 204-663-5438. E-mail: b.hanman@shaw.ca 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 to August 3. 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 OCl. E-mail: edwint@mts.net

Wynyard Gospel Church (EMMC), located in southern Saskatchewan, is looking tor a full-time pastor with an appreciation for small-town, rural life. The congregation averages 40 to 50 on Sunday morning, and comes from various church and cultural backgrounds. A pastor who could do well would be strong at visiting and relating to people, be able in preaching and teaching, and have at least limited administrative ability. The pastorate is currently available, with a flexible starting time. Contact Dennis Dell, congregational chairperson, by phone 306-5543117, fax 306-554-3118, or Box 371, Wynyard, SK S0A4T0. MCC Manitoba seeks an executive director for El'dad Ranch, near Steinbach, Man., which olTers a residential treatment program for adult men with mental disabilities who are in conflict with the law and a supported living program for two adult men with mental disabilities. Applications are accepted until April 30. MCC Canada Executive Office seeks an administrative assistant, (start date: May 21,2002) and a records manager/assistant, administrative services (start date; July 25. 2002, one year term). Ten Thousand Villages Manitoba seeks an assistant store manager, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, Man. This salaried position is .8 to .9 FTE and available immediately. Qualifications include proven leadership ability and good communication skills; experience in a retail environment is an asset. All MCC workers are to be committed to a personal Christian faith, active church membership, and non-violent peacemaking. Contact Marsha Jones or Marilyn Funk at MCC Canada. Phone: 204-2616381; e-mail mgj@mennonitecc.ca or mrf@mennonitecc.ca

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Daniel and the Lions cot"®-’ Loreena Thiessen Winnipeg, MB

Mirror, mirror on the wall WHAT DO you see when you look in a mirror? Do you see shiny hair, smooth skin, a dainty nose, fine eyebrows and an ex pressive mouth? Or do you see the freck les you wish weren’t there and not quite perfect teeth? Are you beautiful enough? Do you pass the test? This is an age-old question. Thinking that someone else is better looking can cause jealousy and even hatred. Snow White’s stepmother, the Queen, had this problem. She envied Snow White’s beauty and be came unhappy and resentful. Jealousy haunted her. She felt compelled to ask the same question again and again: Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all? The Queen did not like the answer and Snow While’s life was in danger. She was exiled to the dark forest. But the Queen had no peace. She continued to ask the question and discovered that Snow White had survived. The Queen pursued Snow White. And because she could not live knowing that Snow White was more beau tiful, the Queen was condemned to die. Whom do you compare yourself to? Make sure you choose a well-balanced model, one who has more than a beautiful face. The Bible character, Daniel, is a good ex ample. He had good looks balanced with wisdom, knowledge, understanding and the ability to serve. He tmsted God more than anyone else. The King watched Dan-

Solution to March 13 puzzle

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iel closely. The King tested Daniel many times. Because he tmsted in God, Daniel came out on top. As a result, the King turned from his gods to trust the true God just like Daniel. Read Daniel’s story in Dan iel 1:3-21, and Daniel 6.

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Daniel and the Lions Across 3. How many men were thrown into the furnace? 4. What did Daniel explain to the King? 5. How many days were Daniel and friends tested by the King? 8. One of the men in the fiery furnace 10. What did Daniel face in the pit? 11. Daniel’s job under the King 12. What did Daniel do when he faced trouble?

Down 1. What did Daniel eat? 2. King of Babylon 6. Who protected Daniel and his friends? 7. A handsome Israeli youth 9. How many men were seen in the furnace?

§ Do you have a story for The Personal Touch? It must be a true account (although names may be changed, if necessary) illustrating the Christian life or character. Send your 700-word story and a photograph of yourself or suggestion for a story to the address below.

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THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference Box 1268, 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0