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EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 40 NUMBER 9 MAY 8, 2002
Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith
The dignity of common and unseen labour “THAT’S one job I wouldn’t want to have!” but how many church reporters’ names can you recall? Ever said that? Marvin Toews, a desktop publishing We work as homemakers, farmers, tradespeople, doctors, lawyers, assembly specialist who regularly works on this line workers, health care providers, in food magazine, performed photo eye surgery for services, in forestry, as educators, pastors, the April 24 cover, allowing the picture to truck drivers, and much else. In each case, be used in its entirety. Thousands of EMCers there is work we prefer or feel suited for, benefit from the work that he and many and tasks we’d rather leave to others. more people at Derksen Printers do for the Career consultants talk of how often on magazine in its many stages. From a Christian standpoint, whatever average Canadians make career changes, yet some people are glad more to be moral work we do is always to be employed near family or home community respected, for Someone always notices. than for the type of work itself. Recently Gerald Thiessen of Steinbach EFC We need to recognize people who work reminded us in Sunday school from 1 in areas that are overlooked. We need to Corinthians 3:10-15 that all Christians will honour people who feel trapped by have their work examined by the Lord. circumstance at jobs they’d rather not do. Reward is based on service, not position. The church sometimes leaves the Perhaps unchallenged by their work, they carry on to provide for their family, an impression that pastors and missionaries honourable calling (1 Tim. 5:4,8; James will receive God’s special merit award for service on the final day; 1 suspect that, in 1:27). Few people live in the public eye. Much of reality, a Roman Catholic washerwoman the work we do might go unrecognized or might be more rewarded than some be taken for granted, yet it can touch more Protestant evangelists. My wife’s lives than we know. For instance, dozens of grandmother Helena Peters raised nine people help produce The Messenger, few children as a widow in an Old Colony of whom get their photo on the masthead. church; I suspect she was noticed for her You know the name of an editor or two. persistent efforts in miserable poverty. Terry M. Smith
The Doctor is still in! SOME CANADIANS struggle to find a family physician; even more sit in waiting rooms until a doctor can see them. Yet too many people shy away from being part of any Christian church. “I’m not religious,” they say. They don’t realize that if it’s a description, it isn’t a healthy one. If church attendance has increased since September 11, it is far below human need. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). Our Lord wasn’t suggesting that some people are righteous, while others need help; he was saying that all people are needy, yet only some know their need. The start of a journey toward Christ is to realize that we need help. Many people know Jesus died on the cross; fewer realize PAGE 2
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that it was a medical scene, with patients killing their doctor. Those who were ill thought the physician was dangerous, so they killed him. However, in his sovereignty, our Divine Physician responded with love, forgiveness, and healing. What is the Church? It’s described as a hospital for sinners, not a sanctuary for saints. If the church is imperfect, all hospitals are; that’s a strange reason, though, for patients to stay home. Because Jesus our Divine Physician seeks people who do not realize they are ill, the EMC is to move forward in local evangelism, Canadian church planting, and foreign missions. Arlyn H. van Enns’ article is a good nudge toward this. Good health! Terry M. Smith
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler
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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 tor 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. calMessenger
MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 11 - June 12 (copy due May 31) THE MESSENGER
Passion, strategy, and support
James Nikkei on Church Planting Arlyn H. van Enns
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N OCTOBER 2000 brethren from several different conferences met at Associated Canadian Theological Seminaries in Langley, British Columbia, to interview a Canadian authority on church planting. At that time in B.C., as director of their remarkably aggressive Mennonite Brethren Board of Church Extension, Dr. James Nikkei supervised about two dozen culturally-diverse church plants throughout the province. 1 previously heard Dr. Nikkei in 1982 at Prairie Bible College’s World Mission Conference at Three Hills, Alberta. Now, 1 was again impressed with the combination of vigorous determination and pleasant approachability felt around this gentleman. Nikkei’s bearing hinted at what was undoubtedly a strong first clue to his long evangelistic success. He possesses little apparent natural charisma, but exudes cheiracter and conviction. Previous to our discussion. Brother Nikkei lectured regarding contemporary issues in church development. His more timeless maxims, though, caught my ear: “A passion for Christ and for developing disciples necessarily requires a passion for church planting.” “A church plant which is not primarily evangelistic is almost purposeless.” “If your denomination’s heroes are the church-planters, you will grow almost automatically. If your primary heroes are, however, the more static senior pastors, you will stagnate as a denomination.” “Make church planning meetings less businesslike and more celebrative. Make sure you eat together too! Maybe before your annual meeting you could have a ‘vision feast’.” Here’s a summary of Dr. Nikkei’s responses to our questions. What spiritual gifts especially enhance the planting ministry?
Teaching, preaching, and administrative abilities are important, but the primary gift for risk-taking is the gift of faith— that is, the ability to see what is not yet but shall be. Spirit-willing. Church planters need a strong measure of the apostles’ propensity to be dissatisfied with what is and to press continually beyond existing borders toward what should be.
the B.C. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. MAY 8, 2002
How would you comment upon the role of the family in such a demanding ministry? Have you ever had to slow down and wait for the family
to catch up in sharing and embracing your vision?
Most church-planters are, not surprisingly, strong individuals. In spite of that, they must also become strong team players. There is no better place to learn cooperation than at home. The planter’s first team Arlyn van Enns, B.R.E., members are his own family. M.T.S., is an ordained They are essential to the church EMC minister; he and plant’s success and are worth his wife Ann serve as waiting for when necessary. 1 church-planters at Fort can recall once cooling my Chipewyan, Alberta, heels for a couple of months and as missions while my wife and I took time to instructors at NCEM's Key-Way-Tin Bible ensure we were discerning the Institute. Lord’s leading aright and together. Your spouse’s needs have to be met, and your children too, as they are growing up, need to feel part of the ministry, and even part of major family decision-making. What strategy have you used to launch church plants?
The strategy plan may differ a great deal from area to area, but it needs to exist in some form, for sure! One has to begin with a broad blueprint which states the main values and goals he envisions for the project. One of my unalterable convictions, regardless of the particular church-plant situation, was that our first meetings would be the Lord’s Day worship meetings straightaway. As soon as we had at least a few folk we would publicize the launch, and then determine to hold regular, understandable, relational, Christ-centered, and positive gatherings. As regards being relational and understandable, you must take care to never adjust the tmth itself, but to adjust your presentation of the truth according to the local sociology. Do you research your potential church-planting sites? How do you determine where the Spirit is leading?
We do studies of every neighbourhood or ethnic group before we enter it, and these are helpful. Nevertheless, no matter how familiar we may be with the new target people, we still move into every situation ready to make adjustments as we carry on—and on time'. The timeframes for correcting mistakes and responding to local dynamics in new works are often brief and critical. In places where no churches exist, you do not have to PAGES
pray for a long time to know if they should have a church plant. Then, too, if you are considering a target community which has a believers’ church nearby, you need to first talk to them and hear of their experiences and opinions. Do you sometimes target specific segments of society?
Definitely. We like to think we are often attracted toward the more unreached peoples in our areas of contact, whether these may be a specific cultural group, or perhaps an especially unchurched segment of general society. These could mean one particular economic stratum, or a vocational class of people. Different ministerial personalities suit different target groups. Not many a good lad from the Prairies, for instance, would have a clue as to where to begin in bringing the gospel to a yuppie-filled high-rise neighbourhood. Even workers well-suited to their audience need to be alert to adjust their ministry styles to what will be more helpful. If you are, for example, developing a church among business/professional types who are used to making a lot of decisions, you will have to become especially consultative with the adherents. Some churches expect their pastors to be very proactive. Others love dialogue, and want to feel included in most decisions from early on. Occasionally a single church has been established among two disparate groups which eventually find their backgrounds and worldviews too diverse to carry on easily together. It is more healthy, by far, for the church to split over philosophy than over personality. A split resulting from personality strife usually means there is still unforgiveness somewhere; whereas a separation stemming from belief differences can actually lead to two healthy churches, which is a good thing. Sometimes when this has happened, the separated churches have later cooperated much better than they seemed to be able to when together. How have you developed body-life, especially among those not used to it?
Through working together, including in physical work; eating together, and sharing in care groups. Few people who are part of a home-group will ever drift away from the Lord and from the church. Even developing and maintaining good relationships with the denomination and nearby churches helps build morale and local unity. Most people long to feel a part of something much bigger than themselves.
Developing leaders have to share the vision for the lost and for church growth. They cannot be grandstanders, or in it to stroke personal vanities. Soldier types with a certain amount of toughness are a big help. Leaders soon need to be taught that though the enemy is defeated, he does not always go out without a fuss on his part, or without perseverance on ours. Relatively few church planters—even within their own cultures—do more than one or two plants. How did you keep from burnout during your long career?
When a person approaches burnout, he becomes negative, critical, cynical, bad-tempered, irritable, and disrespectful of his superior. One does well to listen to his body and emotions alike, and then make any necessary, commonsense adjustments. Remember that whole families can get burned out too. My wife knew that no matter what was going on around us, she would get undivided attention for at least a couple of hours out at a leisurely brunch every week. What are the key factors that determine successful church development rather than failure?
The denomination is firmly behind the outreach, both in reliable prayer and financial backing. A dependence upon Christ’s Spirit; in mainstream Canada the right market techniques can bring in the numbers, but only the Holy Spirit can effect their personal transformation. Dealing with difficult interpersonal issues quickly. Drawing up the right blueprint for the right place. Tenacity and sustained focus; hardship does not mean something is not the Lord’s will! Flexibility, with on-going, open-minded evaluation. A Kingdom mindset, in not being too polite to vigorously claim enemy-held territory. Can post-partum depression be lessened for a woebegone mother church?
Yes. She needs to be prepared for the fact that she will like require one to one and a half years to fully recover her old equilibrium. After all, she has likely just finished giving away some of her long-time, well-loved, leading members all at once! During the time leading up to the launch of a daughter congregation, the church needs to take care not to take on any other expensive projects. Not only will the new church be needing initial support. Mother Church will be losing some of her givers, too. After bringing forth a new church, the mother needs to immediately shift its focus on its new attendance. God in his grace usually gives it.
Please describe what you like the leaders in your new fellowship to eventually look like.
There must be a clear commitment to Jesus before there can be an altmistic commitment to a church. While pre-believers can maybe help a little behind-the-scenes, if they wish, they cannot be given any leadership or representative responsibilities. Potential leaders must be loyal to the church-planter/minister. Before faithfulness in much is required, faithfulness in small things is pre requisite. PAGE 4
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In a cross-cultural situation what might require extra attention?
Make sure everything which might be unique to your own culture in your message or delivery is abandoned. Continuously and rigorously ensure your presentations are as strictly biblical as possible. Struggle to communicate as appropriately and meaningfully within your new context as you did in your Canadian one. ■ THE MESSENGER
Betty Koop La Crete, Alberta
GRETA GRETA (not her real name) lay in bed, terrified, as she listened for her father’s footsteps outside her bedroom. She was so thankful that she had persuaded her little brother to stay in her room for the night. It seemed that as long as someone was with her, Dad left her alone. “He was a good father,” Greta told me, “until he came back from the tuberculosis sanitarium. The drug treatment there apparently affected his brain and he always seemed angry. We were constantly afraid we’d do something to set off that " „ on eggshells. ■ " ” anger. It was like walking When her mother was alive, she would protect the children. Greta mentioned that to this day the pictures of her father choking her mother in a fit of anger are seared into her memory. Their church was about two miles away. Mostly mother and family walked. Her dad didn’t go very often. Greta was 13 when her mother died suddenly. Her older siblings had already left home so taking care of her younger siblings became her responsibility. Housekeeping was quite a challenge, but their mother had taught them well and they kept the isolated house sembbed and spotless. Greta laughed, “You could look outside without looking through the window!” They had electricity, but cooked on a wood stove and water was hauled from the neighbours. Six months after her mother died, her father left the six young children alone for a month while on a trip. Greta remembers that time with joy. “We had a blast!” she said. They stuck together and worked together. They picked wild strawberries and made crepes. The relief of having a constantly angry father away from them was worth being alone. When he returned, he was more frustrated than ever and looked for satisfaction elsewhere. One night he called her into his bedroom and she obediently went to him. He was wearing only a shirt and nothing else. Then he pulled her onto his lap and fondled her. The disgust she felt filled her with nausea, When she escaped, she determined never to be alone with him again, ever. That was very stressful and tiring. He wouldn’t let Greta go to school until forced to do so by the authorities. He kept trying to corner her, but through constant MAY 8, 2002
vigilance she avoided further physical serving in their new church, loved and contact. appreciated by many. After a while, her married sister began to And the Lord gave grace to forgive her have suspicions that all was not well and father, even though he never asked her she questioned Greta. As a result, Greta forgiveness. A few years ago, he did phone went to live with her sister and stayed with her to wish her a happy birthday. She felt their family for five years. There was no this was his way of trying to reconnect, communication with her younger siblings Before his death, he said he had made his for several years. peace with God, and that is a comfort to However, the stress had done a lot of Greta. damage to Greta. Whenever she was My final question was: How did you cope? alone at her sister’s house, she would lock What would you say to a woman who is all the doors, close all the curtains and go stmggling with the issue of abuse? sit in a corner of the hallway, terrified lest “Talking about it helps,” she said. “Don’t her father should show up. She had suicidal hide it, that just gives extra stress. Learn thoughts, even saving some prescription not to blame yourself. It's not your fault." drugs that had given her a violent reaction. She also realized she had to forgive her This became her security, a way out. But father and get on with life. As long as she her mother’s childhood teaching kept her did not forgive, he still had a hold on her. from taking them: if she committed That is not to say that memories of those suicide, things would be even worse, experiences are wiped out. Scars remain, Eventually, she made the decision to live. She said, “If I hear of a case of abuse and and threw the pills in the fire. the mother seems to ignore it, I get very “But,” Greta said, “this kind of experience angry. Then I wonder, have I really gives a person a lot of insecurities—no self- forgiven?” The main reason I am writing this story is worth.” She still lived in fear of meeting because Greta felt it might help others her father, scared all the time, Eventually her father moved away and who were struggling with similar the process of forgetting the past began, experiences. She would like you to know She tried not to dwell on it. that there is hope. Talk to a trusted person. Greta met a wonderful man who saw With God’s help, healing can happen, her as a person of worth, a woman he wanted to marry. This gave Greta the courage to tell him “the whole mess” as she termed it. “He didn’t say much,” she told me, “but it didn’t turn him off dating.” In fact, she told me that he was the MERGER EDITORIAL WAS complete opposite other dad: kind, caring VERY MISLEADING and gentle. This realization that not all men I see the editorial in the April copy of the were like her dad helped her later when Messenger entitled EMC arid EMMC Merge she started trying to sort out things. as very misleading. I know editorials are When she was baptised she asked the often written to invite dialogue, but must ministers (who knew her story) if she we confuse the readership to have needed to talk to her father. They wisely dialogue? said, no, it was up to him. However, she As a member of the EMC for many years and her future husband did go see him to and now of the EMMC, I agree that we invite him to their wedding. He wouldn’t need to work toward greater co-operation come, blaming Greta for his miserable life, in the work of the Kingdom. However, that Greta told me, “I truly hated my father even end is not served by treating it as a trivial, in the first years of our marriage... light-hearted matter. Mutual respect and Forgiveness was a slow process. What if Christian brotherhood should exist he should die and I hate him?” When she whether or not we serve God under the prayed the Lord’s Prayer in the evening, as same “family name.” her mother had taught her, she realized Instead of achieving greater unity the she couldn’t honestly pray, “Forgive article ensured that each time we were me.. .as 1 forgive” and this tormented her. asked about it we needed to reaffirm that. The first ten .years of marriage, „ she was “No, amalgamation has not happened.” often afraid because of not meeting the Perhaps the editor should answer the other expectations of the church. She feared question we were frequently asked: “Then death. Then a period of “I don’t care” why would he say that they haye?”^ Hilda Friesen brought in the partying life. But then fear ' ’’ St. Thomas, Ont. came again. They decided to try another church and found that there was hope! Gradually they The editorial in the March 27 issue entitled were drawn into a closer relationship with EMMC and EMC Have Merged? (note the the Lord, even though they lost most of question mark and the editorial's ending) was their party friends. Today they are actively a serious nudge toward merger.
Editor
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Lovongai Island
Co-workers for Christ Jenny Amana was born in Angat village, As a child she would join other children on the 5 km walk to school in Umbukul. After finishing high school, Jenny was asked by the church to take a course to help her in teaching reading to adults. We met Jenny in 1996 and discovered we were both interested in helping adults to learn to read their own language. We enjoyed sharing experiences and ideas, We were involved in some training courses together in 1997 and ’98. Jenny got married to Gordon Tobul, a young pastor from Baungung. Their daughter Donnya was bom in 1999. Gordon and Jenny are convinced that God has given them a task in looking after His people on their island. They saved money so they could enroll in Bible college, because they feel they need to know more
before they are able to teach pastors and church members back home. During one Christmas break from school. they came and stayed with us for six weeks. We enjoyed being together and were able to work on several projects. including a quilt for little Donnya. Gordon said about his training, “The training I’m getting at the college is very valuable. It has helped me immensely to understand the culture in which Jesus lived and in which this book is written. 1 want to help our pastors to be able to read the New Testament in the light of that culture, 1 also want our people to be able to evaluate our culture as they read and understand the New Testament. “Our people on Lovongai Island have this book already, but what do they know about it? There are so many problems in the
Gordon and Jenny Tobul, with daughter Donnya, are co-workers for Christ. Gordon is study for a master’s degree at Christian Leadership Training College, while Jenny is working on a diploma of theology. Gordon’s thesis is on church growth on Lovongai Island. A computer would be helpful for his thesis work.
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Lesley and Marianne Fast (Blumenort) are currently on study leave in Canada. They plan to return to their Bible translation ministry on Lovongai Island, Papua New Guinea.
church on Lovongai. This book has something to say about those problems, but first people need to learn to read fluently. Many people can read a bit, but they don’t read well. They need to learn to read like they speak, especially pastors and leaders. “Lesley and Marianne came here and they have become our brother and sister. We are now part of each other’s family. And so we are also connected to their people in Canada and in Holland. We count you, people in Canada and Holland, as friends, even though 1 don’t really know you, because you let Lesley and Marianne come here to help us. Thank you very much, and we hope that you will keep supporting us with your prayers in the things we hope to do in the future.” This is a prayer for Gordon and Jenny: “Thank you. Father in heaven, for Gordon and Jenny and their little daughter Donnya. Thank you for leading them to the Bible college and for what they are learning there. Thank you that they were able to get funding to stay for the full five years, and we ask you that they will continue to receive the funds each year. “Thank you that they were able to be on Lovongai Island last year, and encourage and inspire others to read and understand your words to them. Thank you for sparing Gordon’s life when he was so sick with malaria in October, and we pray that you will protect them from this sickness and from other harm. We ask that you will encourage them in their studying, and that they will be able to complete these last two years of school. Prepare the way for them to return to Lovongai and continue their work of teaching others to know you better. “We also pray for those on Lovongai Island who have not heard the good news of Jesus Christ. Help Gordon and others in taking this news to the more remote areas of the island.” Lesley and Marianne Fast THE MESSENGER
Paraguay
I had opportunity now for the second time to go to Itakyry, a country town about a seven-hour drive from Asuncion, to teach another Bible study course to a group of ladies. Six women completed book one of the SEAN study on Matthew. They were enthusiastic and dedicated and, in spite of the rain, faithful in attending. I was encouraged by their desire to learn, and excited to see how the Holy Spirit began to open their understanding of God’s Word. It was a joy to be able to spend time with them and strengthen the bond we had formed the first time I was there. Here are comments from a few participants. Gregorio: I always thought the shepherds and the wisemen were the same group of people. Studying the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, I realize all this is new to me. Even though as a leader in the Catholic sect of women who worshipped Mary I walked around with a Bible under my arm, I never understood these things. Marina: I can’t even bring to mention everything I learned. Before we started the course, I didn’t think I needed to study, but now I realize how much I don’t know, how important this Bible study is. Just one of the things 1 learned is that even before the creation of the world, in Genesis 3:15, God already had a plan to send Jesus to the world to die on the cross for our sins.
Rosa: I never put much importance on the Old Testament before. It turned me off with its straightforward way of describing the way different people lived. I’m beginning to see the importance of reading the Old Testament. Also in our lesson on the sovereignty of God, I realized that it wasn’t good to read the horoscopes. Whenever I got the newspaper, the first thing I would read was my horoscope because I wanted to know my future. But now I know that it is wrong because it shows a lack of trust in God. We finished our study a week early, so during my last week we were able to have DVBS for children in the community. It was the first time the church had undertaken something like this, so they were unsure of how to go about it; with some planning and the cooperation of the whole group, we got everything ready. They had no idea how many children to expect and were taken aback when on the first day 65 showed up and continued coming all week. The invitations they had handed out just to personal friends were
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The church at Itakyry is concerned to spread God’s good news to those around them, as they demonstrated by holding DVBS for town children. MAY 8, 2002
This wooden house in Itakyry is being renovated into a church building.
for children ages four to ten, but the older class had students up to 14 years old. It was a week of rejoicing in the Lord’s faithfulness, seeing his hand in controlling the weather and in giving unity and strength to finish the week. When I left, eight people were taking the Abundant Life Bible study course in preparation for baptism. On Easter weekend, four men and four women made their public commitment and were baptised in a river close to town. Sadly, there have also been misunderstandings among some former members that throw a damper on celebrations such as this. The church has also bought lots in town with a small wooden house that they are starting to renovate for services. Praise the Lord for this group in Itakyry. Although they have no pastor, they are growing in numbers and doing their part in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to their community. Pray that they would be unified and that the Lord would protect their testimony and make his light shine through them to those around them. The following is a note from the church in Itakyry to the mission and Joanne Martens churches in Canada: “As brethren from Itakyry, we send our greetings with the peace of the Lord. It is a pleasure to have this opportunity to greet you by means of this letter. “Although we are now meeting in the home of church member Anibal Cocco, we thank God for the financial support we received from the Mennonite Conference as we have purchased some property and the materials to construct a church building. We have begun the work, transforming the small house that is on the property. “We have also had the opportunity to study Pastoral Theology: Book One under the teaching of Joanne Martens. We thank God for all the blessings that we have received.” Joanne Martens
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Central Asia
I was struck by the raging spiritual battle in this part of the world. Of course, 1 had experienced this myself while living in Central Asia so was not all that surprised, yet the reality of it again hit home. The team leader and his wife had just come home because all three of their children have been diagnosed with autism. Illness is often an attack of the enemy on our workers. A week before 1 arrived, another team member was involved in a bad accident where the van rolled because the driver fell asleep in the heat of the day. He suffered a broken collarbone and a seriously splintered wrist. Just a week later, we were in a van, driving in the same 38 degree Celsius heat without air conditioning for 3'A hours, talking to the driver to make sure he didn’t fall asleep. God graciously allowed us to reach our destination during two days of that kind of desert driving. Several team members have gone through severe depression that seems to be a spiritual stronghold in the area. They need our prayers. This is why 1 am currently taking a prayer team to this area of Central Asia. Yes, we will bring stuffed animals (a warm fuzzy for each child), and educational toys, baby sleepers and new underwear for all ages, and are raising funds for new washers and new kitchenware. We’re also seeking to encourage three teams with our organization. One EMC couple works on one team. One team works with the orphanage projects; another in computer, ESL training and Afghan refugee projects; and another works in micro-businesses such as chicken raising and fruit-drying. We want to go encourage them, listen to them, see their world, cry with them, laugh with them, play with their children. But, first and foremost, we will pray. Yes, we go there to pray. We go as intercessors. It’s not vacation—have you ever focused on a prayer ministry during a two-week vacation—it’s work, not play! We make ourselves vulnerable to tremendous spiritual attack, but we go in the confidence that Jesus has won the victory over Satan, so we do not fear him or his schemes. We don’t go for the purpose of adventure, although we never lack that. We go as your representatives of the Body of Jesus Christ, doing spiritual battle in a way that we perhaps couldn’t do, if we didn’t see and experience the situation firsthand. Weeks of prayer and preparation have gone into this trip. No, it PAGES
is not wasted money to go to a country for two weeks of intercession if we recognize that prayer is the forerunner of spiritual openness (the preparing of the soil), which in turn is the forerunner of spiritual harvest. Many countries in the 10/40 window have opened tremendously as a result of prayer teams going to pray among an unreached people group. I came back home last year very committed to; • Pray more, especially against spiritual strongholds of fear, depression and hopelessness, and for the “ground” of the hearts of the local people to be prepared to receive the message of Jesus’ love for them. They are not God-forsaken, but it is our prayers and acts of love, inspired by the Holy Spirit, which will demonstrate this to them. • Raise funds for orphanages and construction of a group home. • Prepare and take a prayer and ministry team this April. God has
answered this prayer. • Spread the word that more workers are desperately needed. So often 1 hear young people say they have always wanted to work in an orphanage. Here’s an opportunity. Contact me through EMC Board of Missions. The team on the field shared how they get tired of always hearing about the devastation of the area. While much of what is reported is true, they prefer to face the situation with hope. There is hope because of Jesus and the power of His love. They have to walk wisely, though, because as foreigners they can so easily be accused of proselytizing. Just last week the secret police were again harassing local Christians. For us it will be sobering again in the sense that we will see a part of the world that has had so little opportunity to hear about Jesus. We want to “open the gates for the King of Kings.” He can bring them hope! Flo Friesen
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 sitccessfiil candidate will have a background in donor development or business experience; elective 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 ROA 2A0 I BlE Bible H S C E-mail: abe_bergen@sbcollege.mb.ca ICOI College
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THE MESSENGER
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Seminole, Texas
A fire the Lord lit by his amazing grace Marvin Thiessen and 1 are back from a week and a half in Seminole, where they recorded some of the coldest temperatures in the past 20 years. We saw frost on windshields two mornings, a rare occurrence in the peanut and cotton country of West Texas. Let me tell you, though, of a fire the Lord lit in the Low German segment of that community. Janz Team Ambassadors and 1 worked with two churches to conduct a Low German crusade from March 3 to 10. Six churches in and around Seminole have at least some German (mostly Low German) ministry. (This city of 6000 has an equal number of churches ministering in Spanish and numerous English-speaking churches.) We began our public ministry on Sunday morning. Marvin, Larry and Harding ministered in one church while I preached in the other. About 700 attended the evening service in the over 1000-seat theatre of the junior high school. However, since this facility was needed for a school function the next three evenings, we moved to a church for those nights, filling the house at about 500. On Monday night the service was chaired by the pastor of the other church. The host pastor noticed anger in one of his people, a man who for years harboured resentment toward the officiating preacher. The next night the pastor showed him from Matthew that he was judging the other pastor and what Jesus says about the consequences of such judgement. They prayed for forgiveness. On Wednesday the man walked up to the neighbouring pastor and asked his forgiveness. That pastor asked whether he could show him his response, wrapping his arms around his long-time adversary. This might not have happened except for the inconvenience of moving to the church temporarily. By Thursday and Friday, response grew to where we were trying to help 50 people with 30 counsellors. We put all who came to receive Christ as Saviour into a group and assigned two team members to them, so the rest could have their issues dealt with individually and privately. By having pastors bring a few mature Christians out of the crowd to help and then pressing all pastors (who served as advisors) into service, we cared for all who came forward without requiring anyone to wait. On Sunday night the unimaginable happened. The churches were at times more competing than cooperating, which bothered one pastor greatly. On Sunday morning (the crusade’s last day) he asked his church whether they favoured confessing to sins in the service that evening.
MAY 8, 2002
(The first hand up belonged to the man who had made peace with other pastor!) On the final evening, the emsade service was chaired by the pastor who desired to reach out to other churches by confessing past wrongs. He cited wrong attitudes and behaviour they as a church and as individuals had fostered toward other churches in town. He asked his people in agreement with this confession to demonstrate it by coming forward. (Three to four hundred jammed the front.) He asked people from other churches to forgive them. As people returned to their seats, the other pastor stood. He assured them of the forgiveness of his church, and spontaneously asked his people to demonstrate their agreement by coming forward. Another 200 to 300 came forward. He then confessed that they were similarly guilty and asked forgiveness by other churches. As he prayed, he broke down weeping. Only after the first pastor put his arm around him did he calm enough to finish his prayer. The Lord used this to set the evening’s tone. When Marvin gave the altar call, 96 people responded. Being responsible for counselling and seeing so many respond, 1 pleaded for the Lord’s help to organize
efficiently. What happened was amazing. Those who had accompanied a friend were separated out and asked to wait outside. All who came to receive Christ were put in one group. The spiritual counsellors, advisors and team members were assigned, taking the children first. Other people quietly sat waiting without any sign of impatience. There was no panic or noticeable stress among counsellors or advisors. Eventually all were helped. In the week 330 people responded, 76 of whom made first-time decisions for Christ (ages 6 to 66). On that last night, the two pastors and I left the school very late because we had to sort the records, finalizing procedures to ensure that all who responded receive appropriate follow-up. So that was our week in Texas, for which many of you prayed. Thank you. Marvin, Larry, Harding and I were privileged to have front row seats to see the Lord work in mighty ways. Together let’s praise the Lord for his work of grace and pray that his fire will spread. John Hiebert John Hiebert is a minister at large with Janz Team International. Marvin Thiessen, an EMC minister, is an evangelist who has served with Janz Team for many years. Thiessen is a member of Stony Brook Fellowship.
STEINBACH CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL An Evangelical-Anabaptist school invites applicants for the following position for the 2002-2003 school year:
SENIOR HIGH ELA and FRENCH/ELA TEACHERS The successful applicant should be qualified to teach Senior High pro vincial French and ELA curriculum and express a willingness to inte grate their Christian faith into their teaching.
Applicants interested in this position should submit a letter of applica tion and a current resume with three references. Police and Child Abuse registry checks will be expected of all interviewees. Closing date for application is Friday, May 17, 2002.
SCHS appreciates all applicants, however, only those considered for in terview will be contacted further. Interviews may begin before the clos ing date should a suitable applicant be found. Submit applications and resumes to: Mr. Kandy Uucck, Principal Steinbach Christian High School P.O. Box 1420 Steinbach MB ROA 2A0 Phone. 204-326-3537 Fax 204-326-6908 Steinbach Christian High 2....;^-. School email; sch$@schs.ca
SQHS
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Actors for the Living Last Supper were: Boyd Kellett (Nathaniel), Steve Friesen (James the Lesser), Leighton Friesen (Andrew), Joel Klassen (Peter), Jake Unger (Judas), Brian Warkentin (John), Trevor Brandt (Jesus), Jeff Reimer (Thomas), John Friesen (James), Hans Epp (Philip), Mike Kroeker (Matthew), Stan Plett (Thaddeus), and Dan Zilinski (Simon the Zealot).
Living the Last Supper Steinbach EMC: During the days preceding Easter, nearly a thousand people filled the sanctuary at the Main Street EMC in Steinbach to witness two presentations of the Living Last Supper. Thirteen men were involved in a portrayal of the meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His death. The drama was patterned after the scene from the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, which captured the disciples at the moment when Jesus
announced one of His own would betray Him. Each of the disciples moved out of the tableau to tell the audience about his own experiences with Jesus and ended with the soul searching question, “Lord, is it I?” The drama came to a conclusion with Jesus instituting the remembrance of His death by breaking the bread and sharing the wine. The drama was directed by Jake Unger, with costumes sewn by Mrs. Tina Dyck and table setting prepared by Helen Banman.
The dramatic presentation was preceded by the church choir singing arrangements of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, What a Wondrous Love, and Such Love. The choir was conducted by Ernie Klassen with Erin Klassen, accompanist. Participants and audience alike agreed that the performances by the choir and the cast had been really valuable in focusing our thoughts on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary. Ernie Klassen
Blankets, MOPS and ministers
Four baptised at Kleefeld Kleefeld, Man.: Jenna Martens, Jen Isaac, Ashey Dueck and Theresa Wyss were baptised on March 17, 2002. Pastor Darryl Klassen stands with them. PAGE 10
Mount Salem, Ont.: Our ladies are always fairly busy in their sewing activities. This year they have a project called Project Cover-Up. They plan to make 50 blankets for distribution to the needy by Thanksgiving. After one full day of blanket making, they have almost reached half of their goal. Currently there are 20 blankets that are complete. Way to go, ladies! Valentine’s Day is a special day of love. The ladies sponsored a special social for this event. There was a big meal of chicken and potatoes followed by a concert presentation by the Kingsway Quartet, a group from London, Ontario. The conclusion of those attending? The food was delicious; the music, wonderful. Several new types of ministry have started in our church. We now have a special ministry for young mothers. This ministry was begun by some mothers who felt the need and went about doing something to fulfill the need. The program is called MOPS. Mothers meet every other week on Wednesday morning. Children THE MESSENGER
and mothers each have their own events, giving mothers a time to visit and be ministered to without having to worry about taking care of their children. Many volunteers have helped to make this program possible by taking care of children. Another new ministry in our church is the college and career group. They meet on Fridays in homes and have also had several outings. The group at this time is fairly small, with huge potential for growth when our college students come home for the summer. The youth have also been busy this winter. One most recent event was a mall hunt. Apparently even Pastor Leonard was involved in disguising himself for this event. This was the last event planned by and participated in by Jaime and Mary Froese. We were sad to see Jaime and Mary resign the position of youth pastor, but wish them well as they go forth in ministry God has called them to. Some of you may recall that our church in the past eight months or so has been in the process of electing lay ministers. This has been a long, prayer-filled process and the result was three candidate couples. We would like to thank all who have prayed for our church during this time. By your prayers these couples were chosen and we thank you for the love and support that you show us by bringing our church into God’s presence. Helena Guenther
Awana High Level, Alta.: Two years ago, in September 2000, our church began a program called Awana for children grades 3 to 6. In Awana’s first year of running, 20 to 30 children attended regularly. Since the year 2000, we’ve witnessed this club program grow significantly. In November 2001, we added an extra group to the program for kids in kindergarten to grade 2. Now, our church building is becoming too small to accommodate the 40 to 60 children attending. Awana is held every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8:30. Each child has a handbook, specifically designed for their age level, where they memorize verses and answer questions from the Bible. They receive awards and shares for completing sections in their books. Shares are special slips of Awana money which are used to buy items from the Awana share store, held twice yearly. Shares are also awarded during game time and award time. Counsel time is a portion of the night when the kids sit and listen to a Bible story, which is drawn on the overhead projector so they can imagine more quickly and clearly what life was like in Bible times. MAY 8, 2002
Blumenort membership increases by 17 Blumenort, Man.:
Three couples were received into membership on March 3: Marvin and Annette Hiebert, Jason and Sheryle Paas, and Fernando and Angela Reimer, Senior pastoral couple Barry and Norine Plett stand with them.
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On March 17, eleven young people were baptised and received into membership at Blumenort EMC: (back) Mike Fast, Kevin Plett, Trevor Friesen, Keith Barkman, Joel Johnson, Josh Plett, (centre) Jami Plett, Krista Reimer, (front) Nichole Penner, Michelle Loewen, and Karen Barkman. Trevor and Lynette Esau, youth pastoral couple, and Norine and Barry Plett, senior pastoral couple, are glad to support them in this.
Awana stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed, based on the verse in 2 Timothy 2:15—“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Our goal is to bring to young
children, the next generation of believers, an understanding of who Jesus Christ is and why He is needed in their lives so they may go out, witnessing to others and winning them to Christ. Desiree Krahn
In the two years since the Awana program was introduced in High Level, the club program has grown significantly. Here are some of the teachers and students who have been involved. PAGE 11
PV has been aetive
Pleasant Valley (Rosenort, Man.): A church retreat in November, held at Wilderness Resort in Pinawa, was a great blessing to us all. The “camp style” singing, tasty food, classes for kids, game tournaments, and talent night all made for a great weekend. Our devotional leaders were Cliff and Pauline Loewen. On Sunday morning we celebrated the Lord’s communion, which seemed to draw us all together and closer to Him. The excitement in December was our church’s 40"’ anniversary. Charter members from far and near joined us in reviewing our history, beginning with our first service to the present day. There was
sermon series on the “1 AM” biblical portions from the Gospel of John (the bread of life, the light of the world, etc.). Different speakers brought out very clear messages. In February we had the annual “Schmockey” day at the local arena. Combined with this, the young people held an auction for services, not goods. The money raised went toward the planned summer missions trip to Alabama. Another activity for the youth in February was snow camp at Lake Nutimik; Steve Zacharias was the speaker. We have such an awesome God and so worthy of our praise. We’ve had every
These 20 blankets, destined for Afghanistan, were made in one forenoon, adding to those made on the day before.
a slide presentation, reminiscing, special numbers, and more. The noon meal was a great time of renewing old friendships and remembering God’s faithfulness. The winter months were rich with the
evidence of His protecting and healing hand. Karen Friesen suffered severe neck and back injuries in a car accident. She has now mostly recovered after wearing a restricting brace for several months. Esther
Ordination and installation held Swift Current, SasL: February 24,2002 our church held a service of celebration accepting workers into the ministry with the ordination of pastoral couple Bryon and Janice Bezeinson, along with the installation of Bill and Linda Fehr, and Bob and Rub Wiebe who were elected as ministers in June 2001. It was an honour to have Ed Friesen present a challenge to the men and women who accepted the call to their area of ministry. Bryon has served as Minister of Youth and Music since January 1999. We’ve enjoyed working alongside Bryon and witnessing the molding and shaping of young lives, helping our youth to develop a deeper spiritual relationship with Christ. Bryon’s love for his fold is abundantly clear as is his deep joy in music ministry. Janice is a willing and supportive team member in all that Bryon does. We are pleased to be the church family Bryon and Janice have chosen in which to take this monumental step of ordination. For the first time in our church’s history, we now have lay ministers. Presently, Bill and Bob are actively involved in leading a PAGE 12
Sunday school class and mid-week Bible study known as Character Builders. Each of the men have accepted the opportunity to stand in the pulpit and deliver a message from God’s Word. The willingness of each couple is clearly evident in their involvement in many areas of service. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, each couple also serves as a care leader.
Loewen had a frozen puck slammed into her face at a hockey game, but was spared serious injury. Keith Loewen, whose health problems have been in many of our prayers, is feeling better and is again a faithful worker in our church circles. We pray the Lord continues to keep a touch on him and the family. Ed and Joy Loewen, onetime members who we call our church siblings, have accepted a call to move to Edmonton in their work with Arab World Ministries. At present they are still in Winnipeg, where they are involved in the same line of work. One of our senior members, C. U. Kornelson, has been moved to Central Park Lodge in Winnipeg after being in the Morris Hospital for a while. Bert and Elma Kornelson’s care group went to sing for him and any other interested patients a week ago. The hospitality there was exceptional—openly accepting, offering coffee, tea and cookies. This was truly a rewarding evening! Another aspect of our church’s outreach is helping at Gem Lake, a camp run by Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg. This is always a challenge to our men over any weekend. There is more than enough work at all times to keep them busy. Leo Reimer, along with a work group, went to help in the construction of a new bookstore in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico. Cafe 75, a youth drop-in centre in Morris (where many of our members go to serve) had a fundraising supper with Steve Bell in concert. Eleanor Rempel
The lay ministry is a new ministry to our congregation, which has an unfolding role and responsibility that will undoubtedly change and grow in the months cihead. We look forward to working together with Bryon and Janice, Bill and Linda, and Bob and Ruby in the future as we work together, serving God and people through whatever open door is presented. May the steps we have taken bring honour and glory to His Kingdom. Cindy Penner
Prayer is said for newly-ordained ministry couples Janice and Bryon Bezanson, Ruby and Bob Wiebe, and Linda and Bill Fehr. It is led by Pauline and Ed Klassen, chair of the care ministry; Mary and Mel Koop, senior pastoral couple; and Helen and Cornie Janzen, outgoing chairman of the care ministry. THE MESSENGER
Canadian citizenship alert for Low German Mennonites born in Latin America Some Low German Mennonites of Canadian background, born in Latin America, could lose their Canadian citizenship. Do you have Canadian citizenship? Were you bom outside Canada after February 14,1977? Were both of your parents bom outside Canada? If you answered yes to each of these three questions then you could lose your citizenship, even if you are already living in Canada, unless you take certain steps before you become 28 years old. To find out for sure whether you, or your children, are in the category of people who could lose their citizenship, please check with one of the offices listed below. They can also tell you what you must do to keep your citizenship, or that of your children. Essentially, you must send in an Application to Register and Retain Canadian Citizenship. If you do this from within Canada then you must show that you have lived here for the preceding year. If you do it from outside then you must show that you have A Substantial Connection With Canada and that you can speak English. Applying from the outside is much more difficult. People affected by this law should act soon because the law may change. Instead of having to live in Canada tor one year before applying, people will have to live here for three of the six years before applying. Under both the current law and the expected law people have to apply before age 28. The following offices will try to help people. Other offices may also be able to help. Canada MCC. 530 Victoria Ave., Unit # 2, Chatham, Ontario, N7L 386, tel.1-519-351-1941,faxl-519-8041; e-mail: marvind@mennonitecc.on.ca mennonitecc.on.ca MCC, 215 Talbot St., East, Leamington, Ontario, N8H 3X5, tel.1-519-326-0494 MCC, 16 Talbot St., Aylmer, Ontario, N5H 1H4, tel. 1 -519-765-3020, fax 1 -519-765-3023 e-mail: maryb@mennonitecc.on.ca MCC, Winkler, Manitoba, tel. 1-204-325-7907; fax 1-204-325-8742 MCC, RO. Box 24005 Lethbridge, Alberta, T1H 6H1, tel. 1 -403-329-3960, fax. 1 -403-320-2631
Mexico Sara Penner, Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, tel. 011-52-625-587-7231 Laura Dyck, Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua. tel. 011-52-625-586-3045 Cornelius Janzen, Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua tel. 011-52-625-514-4013 Jake Wall, La Honda, tel. 011 -52-433-983-2842 Johan Wall, Durango tel. 011 -52-187-91805 Gerhard Neufeld, Capulin, Casas Grandes tel. 011-52-636-699-0125 Peter Kornelsen, Quellen Kolonie, tel. 011-52-620-563-7745
Bolivia Centro Menno, Comite Central Menonita, Casilla 213, Santa Cruz, tel 011-591-33-345212 fax 011-591-33-370675 email: mcc.bolivia.cm@scbbs-bo.com Paraguay Alvin Fehr 011-595-21-227-207
MCC
MAY 8, 2002
What's it going to take for you to believe?
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.
I cleansed the lepers and raised the dead I fed five thousand with five loaves of bread I walked on water, I calmed the storm I cast out demons. I'm Virgin born I preach good news, give sight to the blind I heal the sick and turn water into wine I forgave your sins and took up the cross I was raised from the dead, now death has lost I'm a Prophet without honour in my hometown Only a few were healed, such little faith found What's it going to take for you to believe That My Kingdom has come for you to receive?
L
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8“’ annual %MC Golf Classi June 13, 200
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Are you waiting, like Thomas, to see with your eyes My nail scarred hands and My spear pierced side? Why are you waiting for the trumpets to sound? Turn and seek Me while I may be found.
Brigette Toews Landmark, Man.
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Steinbaci ‘Z=ly-'1n Coif C^i Coffee at 8 a.m. Goff at 9^.m. ie: Al Fast at 204-256-4051 or ne Penner at 204-947-7185
Isaiah 55:5, plus evidence in all four gospels
Churches must respond to HIV/AIDS pandemic Forty million people are living with HIV/ AIDS, including five million new infections last year. There is no cure or vaccine in sight. Pakisa Tshimika, a public health specialist and associate secretary for Mennonite World Conference, is calling on the church to rethink its mission and transform its structures in response to this pandemic, which is depopulating Africa faster than any calamity since the slave trade. Of the approximately 14,000 new cases worldwide per day, 50 percent are women and about one-third are young people between 15 and 24, according to newly released statistics for 2001. Nearly 95 percent of victims are in developing countries. Southern Africa is hardest hit followed by India, with a rapid increase in Indonesia. Many of the areas where HIV/ AIDS is prevalent are regions with large, growing Mennonite or Brethren in Christ populations. Tshimika contributed to a consultation in Fresno, California April 4 and 5 in
conjunction with the MCC West Coast Relief Sale and in February to the Council on International Ministries in Chicago. He also participated in two international HIV/ AIDS conferences. Tshimika was among 916 participants from 87 countries in Washington D.C. in February at a consultation sponsored by The Samaritan’s Purse, and among 130 people at a World Council of Churches conference in Nairobi, Kenya in November. The Africa event, attended by professional advisors and representatives from churches and ecumenical organizations in Africa, Europe and North America, focused on education, prevention, care and social and spiritual support for victims. Delegates declared that the church must confess its silence and denial, repent, speak the truth and be a voice of hope. Feme Burkhardt, MWC
Note: Dave and Judy Schmidt, EMC missionaries, attended the conference in Washington, D.C. PAGE 13
Randall Peter Loewen October 30, 1953-January 17, 2002 II Timothy 4:7,8 After a two and one-half year battle with cancer, Randall, age forty-eight, died peacefully holding hands with his wife, Vai, on Thursday, January 17,2002, at 11:11 a.m. at St. Boniface General Hospital. Randall was the youngest of five children born to Margaret and Peter L. Loewen of Rosenort, Manitoba. He was their pride and joy as a child and throughout adulthood. In October 1999 Randall underwent extensive surgery for a rare thyroid cancer which was deemed untreatable and terminal. Friends, family and the Rosenort community truly gave Randall “the Gift of Hope” by sponsoring numerous trips to Mexico for “alternative treatment.” However, due to the cancer metastasizing throughout his body, he was admitted to the hospital October 1, 2001, and transferred to the Palliative Care Unit. This was the most traumatic and devastating event in his life. His wife Vai lived in the hospital with him as his primary caregiver for three and one-half months. Randall’s stamina and determination shone through and he repeatedly surprised medical teams and others by overcoming almost insurmountable obstacles. Randall was courageous, uncomplaining and had a terrific sense of humour! He was always appreciative and encouraged by all who rallied around him! Randall and Vai were best friends and soulmates. It was love at first sight, being married on June 5, 1987. There was a mutual bond of love and acceptance with his new family. Evident to all, Randall and Vai were in love with each other and with life! They travelled, camped out with friends and together enjoyed their yard work. With love and devotion, they transformed an older house into a cozy, shuttered country home surrounded by flowers, trees and gardens. They loved to entertain friends and family, while Randall
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enthusiastically helped with food preparation, always creating “just the right atmosphere.” Randall was a master carpenter with a natural and amazing gift for design and detail. The oak furniture that he designed and built for Vai and himself and others are masterpieces. He enjoyed the majority of his construction career working for Rosenort Quality Builders, as well as for Ernst Hansch Construction and some self employment. Randall had a passion for Dragster racing and, with many friends over the years, attended numerous races throughout the States. Randall was deeply touched when driver Ernie Penner dedicated his win at Nationals in Denver, Colorado, to “...his friend Randy Loewen, who is battling cancer” (NationalDragster). Thanksgiving weekend 2001 Randall was reluctantly given “a pass” from the hospital to fly to a NASCAR race in Charlotte, North Carolina with his friend Rudy Brandt. He was ecstatic! Randall, as a child, committed his life to Christ. He was baptised on January 17, 1971, and joined the Rosenort EM Church. Randall’s quiet faith became increasingly evident that it was very deep. Randall’s life radiated a gentle and peaceful spirit. He frequently verbalized that he was “totally surrendered to God’s will” throughout his career journey. His faith was steadfast and stable, and was a tremendous witness to all as he remained calm right until God took him to his Eternal Home. Randall left us with an example of how to re-evaluate our lives in times of crisis, and how to live and die with dignity. Randall was a devoted husband and best friend to Vai, never missing a day without a hug and saying “1 love you.” Their love and companionship deepened as they walked the painful and lonely cancer journey together. Vai “stood by her man” with all her heart! In our opinion he was too young to die. He was friend to many and many would call him their “best friend.” He will be forever missed. Vai’s sorrow is very deep, however, with heartfelt gratitude, she will always remember the compassionate staff, family and many friends who surrounded them with love and support. Thank you for each and every prayer! Randall appreciated all the love shown him and you gave him much quality to his life until his death. Thank you for that! Special thanks to Mom and Dad Kehler for being there with us every step of the way, and to Randall’s only brother Lome, for his faithfulness! Randall is survived by his loving wife Vai; his mother Margaret Loewen; Lome and Arlene Loewen, Norma and Harry Koop, Elda and Allan Dueck, Eleanor and Dennis Siemens; parents-in-law George and Annie Kehler; Amanda and Mick Williams, Gerald
and Gundy Kehler, Randy and Michelle Kehler; his many nieces and nephews, and a large circle of friends. He was predeceased by his father Peter L. Loewen. Vai Loewen
‘^i/ttfis DYCK - to Abe and Maria Dyck of Vienna, Ont., a son, Brian Jamal, on October 21, 2001. LOEWEN - to Ernie and Mary Ann Loewen of Rosenort, Man., a chosen daughter, Tamara Barbara Marie (born October 26, 1991), on December 5, 2001. LOEWEN - to Dwight and Carol Loewen of Riverside, Man., a son, Brett Jameson, on December 12, 2001. FRIESEN - to Jim and Helen Friesen of Avon, Ont., a daughter, Jessica Rae, on December 26, 2001. SIEMENS - to Gordon and Esther Siemens of Morris, Man., a daughter. Holly Deandra, on January 6, 2002. FEHR - to Isaac and Mary Fehr of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Noah Simon, on March 9, 2002. REIMER - to Gene and Roxanne Reimer of Ninette, Man., a son, Teagan Riley, on March 15, 2002. Evangelical Mennonite Conference Financial Update April 30, 2002 Thank you for supporting the diversity of EMC ministries through your local church and through individual gifts.
Receipts $366,149 Expenditures $489,558 Receipts under disbursements $123,409 Board of Trustees
Coming Events May 24-25 MCC Peace Consultation Baken/iew Mennonite Brethren Abbotsford, B.C. Phone: 204-261-6381
June 15 MCC Peace Consultation Ste. Therese MB Church Ste-Therese, Quebec Phone: 204-261-6381 July 15-19 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
THE MESSENGER
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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 204338-0037 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 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 train active disciples in church and community life. Portage la Prairie, Man., is 55 minutes west of Winnipeg. The church averages 120 people, is beginning to purchase 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) 204-230-1067 and (email) por1ageevanchurch@hotmail.com. 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 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.coni 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
MB RIA 2W7 or Carl Heppner, 106 Noble Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2L 0J6. Call Irven at 204-338-9114 or Carl at 204-667-2970. E-mail: braesideemc@hotmail.com
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 lolfen@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 Midway Bible Camp, under Continental Mission, seeks counsellors, kitchen help and lifeguards willing to share Christ with native children and youth this summer. Contact Paul Giesbrecht at 204-7784491 or cmi@mts.net
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,
Steinbach Christian High School \ COMPLETE Grades 7-12!
Speaker: Herb Kopp
•6'/^
RHNABN^S QI lIFf * * 52nd ElVIC Annual Convention July 5-7, 2002
Applications for2002-03 received by May 30 qualify for $50 off tuition!
SCHS...an OPPORTUNITY to grow... a/ Spiritually a/ Artistically a/ Physically
Socially
Academically
Swift Current, Sask.
Hosted by Region 2
Quality Education with a Christian Perspective.
Please contact Bill and Susie Janzen, accommodations coordinators, at 306-773-9187. Motel reservations should be made at least six weeks in advance.
MAY 8, 2002
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Robins and God’s Care IN EARLY APRIL, robins and Canada Geese return north to build their nests and start new families. For a while, ponds remain partly frozen and snow lingers on the ground. As the geese fly in, they skid to a stop on the ice near a patch of open water and wait for the sun to warm the air. The returning robin is fat from a winter of eating in the south. It pecks at withered apples that hang on the fruit trees from last summer until it finds bugs and worms to eat. One month later, at the beginning of May, it begins to build its new nest. The robin starts with one piece of long dry grass. It looks for a branch, or even the metal bars that fasten a laundry line under the eaves of a house. It lays the grass on the bars. . The robins | returns again I and again | carrying dry grasses. The mass of dried grasses grows. The robin pulls at the edges to form a circle. Then it pushes its body against the sides and floor of the nest to round and smooth its walls. From road construction nearby the robin carries mud back in its beak. The robin plasters the mud all around the inside of the nest walls. The mud sticks the grasses together. It shapes the nest and strengthens it. As the nest dries its walls become as hard as rock. It is solid and strong and will stand against any summer storm. The robin lines the nest with feathers and soft down. All day long, from sunrise to sunset, the robin flies to and from its nest. It
Make a chocolate bird's nest fitted ufith e^^s Loreena Thiessen Winnipeg, MB
takes only a few short breaks during the day. For three days the robin works tirelessly. Then its nest is complete. In the next several days the robin lays three solid blue eggs. Carefully it settles over the eggs to warm them. Only the top of its head and its watchful eye are visible above the nest’s rim. For 13 days the female broods the eggs. She only leaves the nest for a few minutes each day. Then the male guards the eggs closely. After 13 days, the eggs hatch. For the next 15 days both parents bring a continuous supply of juicy worms and bugs to the newly hatched birds. It’s feeding time all day long. After the young birds leave the nest, the father takes over. He continues to feed them until they are larger than he is. By now the adult robins are no longer fat. They work hard all summer looking after their young. Often a pair of robins will raise two or three broods in a summer. Jesus reminded his disciples that God cares about the birds. He has created the robin to be responsible in caring for its young. He has created nature so that birds have enough to eat. He also notices when they fall. God has created nature, animals
You will need: 6 squares semi-sweet chocolate (28 grams) 1 package crispy chow mein noodles (170 grams) 2 cups cantaloupe or honey dew melon balls a 12-tin muffin pan Do this with your mom or another adult: Melt the chocolate in the top of a double-boiler or over low heat. Stir in the chow mein noodles until they are coated. Divide the noodles evenly to line 12 muffin tins. Press the noodles into the muffin tins to cover the sides and bottom of each tin. Refrigerate until the nest shapes are firm. Use a small melon-bailer to scoop out melon to form the eggs. Spoon the melon balls into the chocolate nests. Enjoy with a friend!
and plants for us to enjoy, but nature also teaches us lessons. We can see what God is like by looking at nature closely. Beautiful flowers, majestic mountains and the sunset sky show us that God understands beauty, too. The order in nature keeps everything God has created running smoothly. God has created this order. But Jesus says that people have more value than all the beauty or order in the universe. Because of this, he takes care of us even more. You can read Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:26-33 and Matthew 10:29-31. This summer as you enjoy the great outdoors think about these words.
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