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How a beaten boy grew into a broken man blessed by God EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 41 NUMBER 4 FEBRUARY 26, 2003

Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Points as we plant churches •Select local church names that resonate A FEW MONTHS, our conference will hired a half-time Canadian director well with people that we want to reach, IofNhave church planting. This is a bit of a step rather than ourselves. forward, for it increases the current time commitment for a Canadian director. (It is a short step, though, because we had a fulltime Canadian director until 1992.) Stmctures aside, EMC needs to plant more churches! How shall we move ahead? •Keep in mind the gospel’s urgency. It is not an optional extra or a nice idea. It is essential to life here and hereafter. •Put the priority on starting daughter churches, not on expanding current buildings—dollars into starts, rather than physical stmctures. •Be numbers conscious! An increase in attendance and in members means that more needs are being met. •Measure success in church planting by the number of churches that are started and continue. •Go where there is a need, rather than simply compete with evangelical churches of somewhat different flavours.

•Be determined not to fuse Mennonite faith with Low German culture so we don’t confuse or annoy people we are trying to reach. •Send people to language school where needed (Canada is a country of many languages), giving careful attention to culture and history. •Carefully choose building plans and a local liturgy (every church has a liturgy) to develop bridges of understanding to people. • Be willing to transfer to a church start to assist in it. •Support our conference administrators to train to further assist church planting in Canada. •Recall that even the most effective church-planting denominations suffer a failure rate. Don’t let that stop us from more starts! Terry M. Smith

Why print the Bowler article? WHY WAS the article Canadian Christianity missionary, a person passionate about is in a state of crisis (Feb. 12,2003, back page) reaching people for Christ, suggested the reprinted? The article says that de reprint. Evangelism is a priority of our nominational colleges that emphasize denomination. (Not all reprint suggestions doctrinal distinctives should suspend such are followed.) Third, as EMC we can get so caught up in efforts and contribute sharp minds to respond to questions posed by many talking to ourselves that we fail to respond to wider questions and concerns. One Canadians. The Messenger is a denominational example of this is that we are celebrating in magazine. Our denomination has a 2003 a half-century of EMC missions, rather statement of faith. Some members proudly than a full century! Another example is the unfairness stemming from the talk of Anabaptist distinctives. partly inaccurate definition of There are, as well, clear We can get the world that existed in earlier boundaries in what will and will caught up EMC circles. not be printed in this magazine. If they have a biblical Why, then, was the article in talking to foundation, distinctives need reprinted? ourselves. not be set aside. Bowler’s article, First, though 1 agree with the however, reminds us that, given article’s thrust. The Messenger does not only publish what an editor agrees the Christian Church’s mixed impact on with. This magazine is a setting where we Canadian and wider society, we need to study biblical tmth, corporate discipleship, provide a reasoned defence for the hope and our impact on society. Dependent upon within us. In EMC terms, simple statements God’s Spirit, we together are to discern God’s of “this is our way” or “this is how our forebears lived” are not enough today to help truth and to apply it today in Canada. Second, this magazine is concerned searching Canadians, if the statements ever about evangelism. Bowler stated his concern were useful. Terry M. Smith for “a conversion of our nation.” A PAGE 2

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, photosand 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

COVER: stock photo MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 06 - March 26 (copy due March 14)

THE MESSENGER

‘Are you Gordon Skopnik?’

How a beaten boy grew into a broken man blessed by God Gordon Skopnik

WAS brought up in a small town in southern British Columbia. Both of my parents were alcoholics. My ■father worked in the logging industry. My mom was on her second marriage. She had eight children—most hated her and would not even talk to her. She had her own serious problems. An atmosphere never to forget My brother and I were the only children at home in the early years. When we would just cry my father would physically beat us until we were black-and-blue. Being brought up in this ungodly atmosphere, I started drinking hard liquor (straight from the bottle) heavily when I was nine years old. By the time 1 was 14,1 was an alcoholic myself. I was in serious trouble with the law due to alcohol addiction and drug use. During this same time one of my brothers blew off his head with a high-powered rifle. Afterward, my parents gave me the rifle as a gift. I was more than a disturbed young man. By this time 1 began to rebel against every authority in my life. Now doing drugs, trafficking in them, involved in auto-theft and numerous other illegal activities, 1 could not bear staying with my parents or in my hometown. I bought a four-wheel-drive truck and drove as far north in Ceinada as the truck would take me. I got to a mining site and applied for a job. They hired me.

The journey of journeys By the time I was 19 years old, I was feeling out of control. Drugs and alcohol were taking their toll. 1 began to look for help, but in the wrong places. 1 started looking into the cults, but by the grace of God working in my life even at that time, 1 was not disillusioned with all the false promises I read about in their material. 1 threw the material away shortly after receiving it. A short walk One night I was walking behind a bar and I saw a little black book lying on the ground. Thinking it to be an FEBRUARY 26, 2003

address book or something like that with phone numbers of prominent ladies, 1 picked it up. It was a New Testament. 1 was going to throw it away but kept it and started reading it in the evenings after work. (Though 1 had a job, it was 12hour shifts and much of the time my colleagues and I would find hiding places to do drugs and drink, thereby continuing my lifestyle.) The stories in the New Testament were unreal to me and seemed somewhat ridiculous. Jesus—a teacher healing, raising people from the dead? How dumb!

New beginnings Then 1 came to the passage in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If any man is in Christ he is a new creation.” For one of the first times that I can remember, I prayed, “God, if you are God and these words are true, then you can make me new—meike me new.” The next day I awoke feeling free with a new sense of peace. 1 was so excited that I was called a Bible thumper by my friends within a week. Some of them gave their lives to Christ as well. Looking for a new family 1 looked for a body of people who also studied this book. I found a little church in town and asked the elders to teach me, ideally four or five times a week. They thought PAGE 3

that was a bit much so they gave me some catalogues of Bible institutions. 1 thought 1 had finally chosen one, that is, making up my own mind and choosing, so 1 applied, was accepted, and went. God was the one who was actually in control because when 1 arrived, members of the third year class of that institution greeted me and said: “Are you Gordon Skopnik? We have been praying for you, that you would come to know Jesus and that you would come to this school.” 1 was overwhelmed with God’s grace and gave my life to Him for His service. His will—whatever that would be. This class of students had heard my name given as a prayer request at one of their conferences and prayed for me.

God answered their prayers God has not stopped answering prayers. God has also not stopped doing miracles as 1 have had the privilege of leading hundreds of people from many different countries to Christ! Vocation, call, destiny 1 can hardly fathom that 17 years ago, in 1986, we were getting our first taste of life in Europe—the surge of adrenaline and faith as we crossed communist borders, doing evangelism in these countries, and the open hearts of Eastern European refugees, each with a heart-rending story of life behind the Iron Curtain. Then, through the years, meeting refugees from so many parts of the world, sharing Christ with them and seeing lives transformed by the power of God. 1 have continued my journey only to see more touched by Christ, not only through God’s touch in my life, but also in the hand of God through every refugee 1 disciple, train and mentor. Praise God for the journey of this refugee!

Broken man This is not the end of the story. In 1998 1 blew out. That is to say, 1 severely burned out, with physical symptoms 1 could neither fathom nor understand. 1 would lay in my hospital bed wondering if 1 would ever be able to function normally again. When 1 was home 1 was emotionally disabled; 1 could not care for my wife, or my children. 1 would lay on the floor in my home and cry. The children would ask me what was wrong and 1 would answer, not knowing really what to tell them, “1 have pain inside that 1 cannot get rid of.” And they would lie on the floor and cry with me. 1 had PAGE 4

nowhere to turn but to God. It has been a five-year journey; two of those years 1 lived in pain every day, hour by hour, not knowing if 1 would ever be free. After suffering much as a child and a youth, 1 have now much to be thankful for. 1 now live free from my own pain. A Iso from nine years old until 19,1 bled internally. After xkthe Lord re-created me 1 never bled again. 1 have many questions myself, but for the sake of those who suffer or have suffered, the following words from the Bible have encouraged me, may they encourage the reader: “This 1 call to mind, therefore 1 have hope; the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning” (Jeremiah)—from one broken person to another. Blessed man After suffering those hard years as a mature adult, 1 can now say 1 have been restored in a huge way, experiencing great healing by the grace of God. 1 now live in freedom with my wonderful family serving the Lord by helping refugees in need. ■

Gordon Skopnik is a member of Wymark EMC. He has a B.A. in Intercultural Communications, a Master's in Social Sciences and Organization Leadership, and 17 years of field experience and leadership serving refugees from all nations. Gordon is married to Sharon. They have four children: 7\shlyn is 13, Alyssa is 12, Dustin, 9, and Dylan, 5.

THE MESSENGER

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what is our mandate?

The Church in Missions with a Balanced Approach Rev. Henry Klassen

The Las La|as congregatfc work in Nicaragua began in 1966. The FIEMN is now self-governing, but our conference remains a partner in ministry.

HE CHURCH over the years of its existence has debated the implications of the missions’ mandate. Does the mandate only speak of evangelism and church planting? Or. did Christ also give the mandate to the Church to be involved in meeting human needs? Labels like social gospel and social activists have been attached to churches and organizations involved with meeting human needs. In Christ’s mandate, which should receive the priority, meeting the spiritual needs or the humanitarian needs of mankind? Or maybe there is another way to consider the full extent of Christ’s mission mandate. My understanding of Scripture is that the Church has the mandate to be in missions with a balanced approach. The event and story in Luke 10:25-37 defines clearly that this approach was Christ’s understanding of the mission of His followers. The event is the encounter of a distinguished lawyer with Christ. Christ uses this occasion to teach and illustrate the ■ balanced approach. An all-important question of the lawyer S' gives Christ the opportunity to elaborate. The lawyer’s question, “What must 1 do to inherit eternal life?” could be paraphrased, “What are the essentials in being a child of God?” Christ’s response is in the form of a question that the expert of the law could answer promptly and accurately. The lawyer said, quoting from the Old Testament, “Love the

FEBRUARY 26, 2003

Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Christ affirms the response of the lawyer. When we take into consideration Christ’s teaching regarding these two commands we realize that Christ identifies the first one as the first and greatest command and the second one as of equal importance. To love the Lord our God and to love our neighbour as ourselves is the basis for being a child of God. Does this mean that obeying the commandments saves us? Of course not. One who merely obeys the rules is trying to save themselves. To love is to live the life of the Kingdom of God. Loving God is total commitment to God, involving our whole being including our heart, our soul, our strength and our mind. Our response of love to God’s love that He poured out to us in Christ speaks of a new relationship. This is the experience that is also referred to as the new birth, conversion, regeneration and reconciliation. Here we see God’s love flowing in two directions. His love flowing to us and our response of love flowing to God. The second part is the command to love our neighbour as ourselves. This is the third direction of God’s love flowing through us to our neighbor. This trilogy of love is the foundation of our faith and our witness. Like the lawyer that met Jesus, the question that begs ar^

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answer is who is my neighbour? Christ illustrates the answer with the story of The Good Samaritan. 1 assume you are acquainted with the story. The lawyer identifies the Samaritan, in contrast to the Levite and the priest, as being the neighbour to a fellow human being in need. Being moved with genuine compassion he helped the person who had been robbed and left for dead by the robbers.

Gospel but also provided clothing, food and medical help to about one hundred families. As we drove through the area it was evident that Moses was well known and accepted in the community. His practical compassion was evident and appreciated in the community. The government had just granted the church a large lot in the area. The vision was to raise the ground with dirt-fill so it would be above the water level. On this property they planned to build a church, a school, and a clinic. This would provide the community with education possibilities for the children and youth and relief for spiritual and humanitarian needs. The Belizean church had formed a partnership with an American church to bring this big project to reality. This is a missions project with a balanced approach. 1 believe the EMC Board of Missions has had as its goal to carry out a missions program with a balanced approach even though it has stated clearly that its primary purpose is to evangelize and plant churches. There are many examples of the board’s involvement in the meeting of humanitarian needs.

Challenged to be more active During my involvement in administration with the board, 1 have been concerned at times that we possibly neglected the humanitarian needs of the people in areas where we were “...at times I^SPsbly neglected the humanitarian needs of the people in areas involved. There were occasions when 1 challenged the board and missionaries to where we wluHltolved. There were occasions when I challenged the board and become more active in this aspect of a missionaries toibecqme more active in this aspect of a balanced approach to balanced approach to missions. missions,” says long-time EMC missions administrator Henry Klassen. Here a boy in Nicaragua uses a rope pump installed by MCC to keep the well and water supply A few examples that demonstrate the clean. (photos by tester oifert) board’s involvement in a balanced approach would include: 1. In north-end Winnipeg where the board is involved with Inner City Youth Alive and the Tri-ConWilliam Barclay, a commentator, sums it up well when he says Jesus’ answer to the question “Who is neighbor?” involves ference church plant. 2. The ministry to AIDS-infected people in Asuncion, three things: First, we must help a person even when that person has brought trouble on themselves, as the traveler in his Paraguay, alongside the church-planting ministry. recklessness had done. Second, any person of any nation who 3. Assisting the church in Nicaragua with its church is in need is our neighbor. Our help must be as wide as the love programs, which include evangelism, church planting, education, social, development and relief programs. of God. Third, the help must be practical, and not consist merely in feeling sorry. No doubt the priest and the Levite felt a pang of 4. Clinic ministry played an important part in the beginning years of the board’s evangelism and church planting pity for the wounded man, but they did nothing. Compassion, to be real compassion, must issue in deeds. ministries in Mexico. 5.In times when natural calamities such as earthquakes, We conclude that Christ has left the Church, His followers, with a call to commitment to God and a call to compassion for floods, and droughts, the board has been active in bringing people in need. The balanced approach to missions is to relief, in partnership with the local church, to stricken proclaim to all people the message of God’s love and to practice areas in other countries where the board has involvement. compassion to people in need. The balanced approach to missions doesn’t mean that the A modem example spiritual and physical needs receive the same attention A modern-day example of a church that practices a balanced wherever the church is involved. It is important to recognize approach to missions is one in Belize City, Belize, pastored by that God’s desire is that every person will respond to Christ’s Moses Chan. Moses graduated with the first graduating class of invitation to experience salvation and to grow in that experience. King’s College in 1971. Our compassion must reach out to the spiritual needs of people. As director of the College at the time, 1 learned to know and The humanitarian needs will vary from area to area and from appreciate Moses. Over the years 1 have observed his further time to time. We need to practice compassion accordingly. studies at Bible college and seminary and his involvement as It is evident from Scripture that our neighbourhood is the teacher, preacher and pastor in the church in Belize. world. The church has the mandate to go into all the world with In July 2002 my wife and 1 had the privilege to spend a few the message of love and compassion. What are some of the days with him and his family in Belize City. He showed us a lowneeds of the world neighborhood to which we are sent? A few lying area in the city where people lived in poverty and in examples include: difficult conditions. Being at sea level the area was swampy 1 .There are many language groups who have never heard of God’s love. and wet year-round. The small houses were connected by raised wooden sidewalks. Under Moses’ leadership the church 2. Multitudes in the cities of the world still need to hear the had become involved with the community. They shared the Good News.

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THE MESSENGER

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3. Africa, a continent plagued with HIV/AIDS, cries for help. In a number of countries up to 30 percent of the adult population is infected. We are informed that Zambia has 500,000 AIDS-orphaned children. Clinics, medication and ministries of comfort are desperately needed. 4. Cities around the world have millions of street children who have no home to go to and no one to care for them. 5. People suffering from drought, wars, floods, and other disasters need compassionate relief. What can you and 1 do with a balanced missions approach to meet the needs of this neighborhood? As God’s people we will make an impact if we consistently practice: • Nurturing Christ’s global vision by reading Scripture; by staying current on world events and needs; and by listening and reading mission reports and world church news. • Praying daily for global missions and needs of the world. • Being faithful stewards and giving of our resources prayerfully and cheerfully. • Being available for involvement locally in ministry and community projects such as food banks, inner-city ministries, Mennonite Disaster Service.

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Betty Koop I.a Crete. .Alberta

Chincoteague Island—Arlene TODAY 1 AM looking at a squat little green and white pitcher. On its fat little belly is a drawing of a herd of ponies swimming in the ocean against a backdrop of sand dunes and beach. It brings back memories of a very special time in our life together. It was our 25"' wedding anniversary. We had renewed our vows that morning with our church family as witnesses. Now Glen and I stood outside our home near Steinbach welcoming family and friends who came to help us continue our celebration with an open house. Thoughtful friends insisted on preparing and serving the refreshments, so we were free to visit and reminisce as people came and went that afternoon. But this was only the beginning of our celebrating. Next morning we left on a “honeymoon” trip to revisit friends from seminary days in Virginia. A highlight of these travels was our visit with Arlene and Carlton. Glen and Carlton were students at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and the four of us became close friends. They were the kind of friends you felt comfortable with, even if you hadn’t seen them for ten years! Their surprise anniversary gift to us was a visit to Chincoteague Island, just off the Atlantic coast of Virginia. After spending a short while at their home in Pennsylvania, we all packed into Carlton’s roomy van for the trip to this scenic island.

FEBRUARY 26, 2003

• Encouraging and praying for people who become involved locally and abroad. • Encouraging your church to have a balanced approach in planning ministry and budget. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself.” ■

Rev. Henry Klassen served as a mission worker in Wynyard, Sask., from 1956—57; in 1960 was part of a church-planting team in Creighton, Sask.; served as a missionary administrator and a pastor in Belize, Central America, from 1961-71; and in 1972 began as a missions administrator with Evangelical Mennonite Conference. He retired as EMC General Secretary in 2000. Rev. Klassen and his wife Ramona live in Steinbach, Man.

A causeway connected the island to the mainland, a relief after crossing a seemingly endless bridge over Chesapeake Bay. The island was a joy to behold. There was a small village with all kinds on unique shops, one of which yielded my little jug, and several restaurants and motels. After checking in, we set out to explore. The south end of the island is a National Wildlife Refuge with varieties of birds and deer. The children were especially intrigued by the Sika deer, which were not much larger than fawns, even when fully grown. They seemed quite tame, but bounded away before the children could touch them. 1 don’t recall seeing many (or any) wild ponies; I suppose they had all gone back to their home on nearby Assateague Island following the July roundup. Then we arrived at the seashore with its beautifully wind-sculpted sand dunes, dotted by tall march grass swaying in the breeze. As we walked the boardwalk and climbed the steps over the dunes, the sight of miles of ocean with waves breaking on the sandy beach was awe-inspiring. It made one feel very insignificant! All this time we were renewing acquaintance with our dear friends. They now had three children. In Virginia we were the ones with three; they had their first baby not long before graduation. I was reminded of what a true friend really is, when I thought back over our three years together. Arlene did not seem to mind my young children in her cozy apartment; in fact, she made them welcome and provided things for them to play with. 1 remembered how she made wonderful desserts and brought them over as treats, without making us feel as if we were charity cases! She even sewed a lovely dress for me saying she “needed to try out the pattern” and just happened

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to have extra fabric sitting around. Some evenings, when both Glen and Carlton felt their brains could not ingest one more ounce of Greek or Hebrew, they would come over and we’d play Dutch Blitz till late at night. Excellent medicine and it was fun to take! When our husbands were in summer school in Philadelphia, Arlene took me and my three sons to Pennsylvania to visit her folks for a few days. It was such a wonderful change for us! But what was it like for her to drive that long distance with three youngsters in the back seat? Surely it would have been preferable to visit with her parents in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. During our visit, 1 could see where Arlene had learned to cultivate the gift of hospitality. What does all this add up to? In Loving Like Jesus Loved, a book our women’s group has been studying, Sharon Steele say, “Love always seeks to help...always seeks the highest good for the other individual....” To me, Arlene personified this type of love. We can read 1 Corinthians 13 and feel inspired; it sounds so good. But when we see it demonstrated in real life by another, it not only sounds good, but it feels good. We ended our stay on Chincoteague with an early morning visit to the seashore. As we watched, the sun slowly emerged from the Atlantic Ocean, beautifully gilding the water and the sand as it rose. Soon the world was flooded with light! Is that how true love happens? We just need to wait and let Jesus’ overwhelming love flood our being? In one sense that is true: Jesus is the source of real love. On the other hand, it is our decision whether we will share that awesome love with others, even if they are unlovable. Let us commit ourselves to sharing Jesus’ love whenever we see an opportunity.

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Tri-Cities, Ont.

The world on our doorstep “When 1 think of what happened in Africa during the genocide, all the killing, blood, death, 1 have to stop thinking about it...as the pain is too severe. 1 am compelled to help others who need Jesus. It doesn’t matter if they use me or if I don’t get the credit.”-Florence Nsesga Florence Nsenga from Rwanda is a partner in ministry who lives in Hamilton, Ont. Sharon and 1 have lived in southern Ontario now for just under two years pioneering our fourth work among refugees. This work is happening in the Tri-Cities area (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge), with a total population of 756,200. Up to one-quarter of those people are foreigners. In Hamilton we have been partners with Florence and a church in developing refugee ministries. Hamilton has received over 40,000 new arrivals in the 1990s; it

Lcn Barkman General Secretary

SOME MISSION WORK IS BETTER DONE TOGETHER IN FEBRUARY 2003 the Council of International Anabaptist Ministries met in Chicago for its annual meeting. More than twenty Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and Church of the Brethren mission and service agencies are represented in CIAM. The council’s purpose is to provide a forum for Anabaptist mission agencies to consult on issues relevant to international ministries and partnerships, to have agencies report on their ministries, to discuss common concerns and to provide channels for relationships and partnerships that will mutually benefit member agencies in communicating the gospel by word and deed. Most reporting is done through regional committees. Here, mission representatives share of their work and consider ways to effectively develop joint or complementary ministry programs. Recent considerable discussion focused on desire for greater cooperation between service agencies like MCC and proclamation ministries of our conference missions programs. It’s been good to see numerous PAGE 8

now has the third-largest (compared to Toronto and Tri-Cities) percentage of citizens born elsewhere at 25 percent. With its population of 490,000, Hamilton takes on a huge flow of immigrants, but it is well-known that the Tri-Cities are now exceeding that growth rate. In Hamilton we are excited to be training 16 people who are committed to serving new arrivals in ministry. A building has been purchased and will serve as a resource and a youth centre, for cultural training/ESL, and as an evangelism and discipleship centre for these needy people. Not only do Canada’s new citizens need to be brought into relationship with Jesus, the nations they represent—from North Africa, Middle Africa, Asia, former Soviet Union, Middle East and so on—need help as well. As these dear people come to know Jesus, they will take that message

examples of this integration in process. One arrangement under discussion is to help establish the Mennonite church in Ukraine. Through these meetings our conference is making important connections with other Mennonite agencies working in Latin America and Africa. Several partnership arrangements are in progress. Notably, although not linked primarily with CIAM, is our partnership with EMMC in Low German ministries in Mexico. Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission represents six Mennonite conferences working together in six African countries. Here, too, we are looking at new ways to develop a network of partnerships to more effectively work with national churches in making Christ known to these nations. Discussion on CIAM’s future structure will be held at Mennonite World Conference in Zimbabwe this summer. A proposal for developing of a Global Mission Fellowship was circulated and will be presented in meetings prior to MWC. In discussions we need to focus keenly on how we can best fulfill Christ’s commission “to go into all the world to preach the gospel.” A comment at one meeting reflected on the importance of working together: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” With that in mind, we need to be in consultation, to plan together, to join hands in doing the work of missions that can better be done together than separately.

back with them to their families and friends, towns and villages. To make Jesus known and see lives transformed by the power of God—that is what we have seen in our past 17 years of service with EMC and International Teams. We are also involved with refugees in Toronto and Ottawa as we seek to advance the kingdom of God. Pray with us in this fantastic opportunity to reach the world for Christ right from our own front door. Gordon and Sharon Skopnik Gordon and Sharon Skopnik (Wymark) live in Elmira, Ont., where they work with a ministry to new arrivals with International Teams Canada. Their previous experience Includes a decade of ministry to refugees in Germany.

Wanted Photographs to illustrate EMC Missions from pre-1953 to 2003. I Please send by March 15~

Photos must be in clear, sharp focus and may be in colour or black and white. Slides are welcome.

Select photos that “tell a story” or show significance in missions, and include a descriptive caption with each photo.

Sending photos will mean you consent to their being published free of charge in the Board of Missions 50“’ anniversary history book. Identify your photos with your name and address so they may be returned to you. Mail them to:

EMC Missions Att.: Menno Hamm Box 1268 Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0

THE MESSENGER

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Pioneer Clubs, Divorce-Care, Grief-Share Burns Lake, B.C.: Island Gospel Fellowship in Burns Lake is undertaking three major community outreach programs. It is a major sponsor of the Pioneer Clubs program, which seems to grow larger each year, this year under the very capable direction of Esther Perry, along with 14 other leaders and helpers. Pioneer Clubs is a Christian-based program designed for children from four to 12 years old (grade seven). Clubs play a very important part in local children’s ministries. They are used as a primary follow-up to summer camps held at Ootsa Lake Bible Camp. The “graduating class” from Clubs are provided with an opportunity to meet the youth leaders and are encouraged to join the Island Gospel youth group when they turn 13. It is estimated that nearly one-third of the 100-plus children in Clubs do not attend any church on a regular basis. Many of these children have heard the gospel message for the first time at summer camp and Clubs is an opportunity to water the seeds that have been planted by others. The one-and-a-half hour Club classes are usually structured with a Bible lesson (including a weekly memory verse), an award activity that can earn them badges, and a short, but enthusiastic, gym time. During the fall, a portion of the Clubs time was used to prepare for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Candace Little. She did a great job and the kids were terrific. All 100-plus children had a part in the program, which was performed twice just before Christmas for an audience of about 180 each time.

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Over 100 children in Pioneer Clubs helped stage The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in December 2002.

Since many of the children attending Pioneer Clubs come from unchurched families, or from single-parent or divorcedparent households, our pastoral couple, Henry and Doris Plett, saw an opportunity to continue, here in Burns Lake, a ministry they had begun back in Manitoba. They invited these parents to stay at the church while their children were in Clubs, and to participate in a 13-session, video-based Divorce-Care/Healing Broken Relationships support group. They are now in their fifth round of the 13 sessions, with participants ranging from two to eight

persons each time, over two years. Our community needs this kind of outreach, and we truly applaud Henry and Doris’ dedication and desire to serve in this way. Henry has also begun a similar ministry to those who have suffered recent personal losses—another 13-session, video-based support group called GriefShare. Presently in its first offering to anyone in Bums Lake, there are six people attending: sessions are facilitated by Wendy Reynolds and Cole Clifford. Cole Clifford

Love continues to blossom at Rest Haven On February 14, nine couples from Rest Haven Nursing Home and Woodhaven Manor in Steinbach, Man., held a Valentine’s Day luncheon in the

L 1 __________ _ _______ __ I____ Teacher Ed Hildebrand and 20 choir members from SRSS sang old love songs.

FEBRUARY 26, 2003

lounge at Woodhaven. Laurie Macintosh of Steinbach Regional Secondary School and three

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Eidse are served by SRSS culinary arts students Janice Doerksen and Amanda Reimer. (photos by Rose Dueck)

culinary arts students—Amanda Reimer, Janice Doerksen, and Kyle Hiebert— prepared a meal of poached salmon, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and strawberry mousse. Ed Hildebrand and 20 choir members from the music department at SRSS sang old love songs. “We as a recreation staff want to express our sincere thanks to both Laurie and Ed for helping us make this a special Valentine’s for our residents and their spouses,” said Rose Dueck, interim recreation director. Rest Haven Nursing Home is supported by area EMC churches. Rest Haven

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An anniversary and moving through bereavement

Dave Schellenberg TODAY WE are still living in the day of the division of the night and day as God ordained it at creation (Gen. 1:4). However, a time and place are coming when night will be no more: “...for there shall be no night there” (Rev. 21:25). But for earth dwellers night and day still exist. This also gives us rallying points for commemorating events or anniversaries. For me a significant anniversary is coming up. A year ago on March 9,1 took my wife to the local hospital for a check-up because she wa.s going through a lingering feeling of illness. We had no abnormal concerns about her health because we thought it was something she had as well experienced other winters—some kind of flu. But this time it was different. She left the apartment where we had lived almost seven years, her little kingdom as it were, and never returned. After some 84 days in the hospital she departed this life and went to a place where time shall be no more. No one who has not experienced it can describe the emotions of a person who witnesses the final closing of the lid of a casket in which the body of his or her spouse lies. But 1 am one of those who have experienced it and 1 can tell you that moment is the beginning of adjustments heretofore unknown or ever wished for.

For me it was the start of a new way of life after over 62 years of married life to Helen, a person 1 loved dearly. This moment, of course, was only the beginning of that new way of life. It has not ended yet, even after more than eight months elapsing since then. 1 am also well aware that what happened to me has happened to many others before me, and it will continue to happen until the Lord returns. And many will continue to go through what 1 have experienced. Even someone reading this may have gone through the same experience recently and is at this moment trying to cope. 1 have mentioned before the Bereavement Workshops 1 attended last fall, and of some eleven people with me who had also suffered bereavement. The realization that others were going through a similar experience proved helpful to me. Is it possible to go on in life after such an event? Yes. I have found that by the grace of God, and the prayers and support of family and friends, it is possible, however much we wish going through bereavement were unnecessary. 1 have found out later that some couples talk about the possibility of the death of one of them during their lifetime. In fact, one said they had freely discussed it. My wife and 1, if my memory

serves me right, never did that. It is a subject one would rather not talk about because one does not want to anticipate it. It is a subject that one would not rate as the first thing one would have a desire to discuss. Today, 1 think I would have a bit of a different view on the matter. Since death is universal, 1 believe it would be good for couples to discuss it, even if briefly sometime when the occasion is right. Something it could also do is to draw a couple closer together. We have such a great tendency to take things for granted. Today is the same as yesterday and likely tomorrow will see no change either. 1 depart the house and come back expecting things to be the same as when 1 left. But 1 have found that this need not always be the case. For me a day came when the unexpected happened. Needless to say, the days following Helen’s entering hospital were times of anxiety and fear. 1 prayed, others prayed, but after a period of some 84 days my wife passed on to her heavenly home. Although the pain of parting is still there, God is perfectly knowledgeable of what He is doing and has already told us that as our days so will our strength be (Deut. 33:25). This I have found to be true, and 1 thank Him for it.

HOME

Clara and John Koop medical fund Clara Koop is currently in a Manitoba hospital recovering from a recent aneurysm and corrective surgery that occurred while on EMC missionary service in Mexico. Hospitalization, surgery, air ambulance travel from Mexico and family accommodation costs are only partially covered by insurance. It is estimated that over $30,000 will be required above insurance coverage. If you wish to contribute towards this medical fund, please send your donations to the Evangelical Mennonite Conference office and designate it for the Clara Koop Medical Fund. Thank you. EMC Board of Trustees

PAGE 10

Rosenort claims Women’s EMCup The Rosenort team would like to thank the people of Landmark for their time and efforts in hosting this tournament; the ladies enjoyed themselves immensely. Team members are: (front) Jill Friesen, Lori Siemens, Lynne Olynick, Maeve Hawash, Shawna Lounsbury, Adrienne Siemens, (middle) Bonnie Thiessen, Sherisse Brandt, Tracy Friesen, Brittany Kornelson, Jodi Brandt, Colleen Kornelson, (back) coach Bruce Rempel, coach Barry Klassen, Gwen Friesen, Kristen Siemens, Mallory Rance, Wraith Milak, and Eileen Klassen. Judy Siemens and Patricia Eidse are missing.

THE MESSENGER

Barkman and Diieek oppose war on Iraq January 31,2003

The Right Honourable Jean Chretien Prime Minister of Canada House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario KIA 0A6

Dear Mr. Prime Minister; We are writing as leaders of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Canada to urge you to do everything possible to prevent a war on Iraq. One teaching of our churches— sometimes called historic peace churches—is that participation in war is against the way of Jesus Christ. For this

Len Barkman

Ron Dueck

reason, in times of war and conscription, most of the young men from our churches have sought conscientious objector status and served in non-military programs. We are grateful that Canada has ac commodated this stance. However, our concern is not only for our own people. It is for all people and against all war. This is one reason why our churches, though representing no more than 250,000 people, have an extensive international involvement. Through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) we work in 57 countries in relief, development, peace building, and related programs. Some of this work is supported by CIDA. Also, we relate to sister churches in some 63 countries. Further, a good number of our people in Canada trace their family histories to other countries, including some with very oppressive governments. These factors inform our view of the Iraq situation. We do not dismiss the claim that the Iraqi people have long suffered under a very oppressive government, even though some criticisms against it appear selective and self-serving. Nor can we propose a quick and certain alternative method for achieving the desired changes. Nevertheless, we believe that a war would make things much worse. Even with a quick “victory” there would be thousands FEBRUARY 26, 2003

of deaths. Also, in too many instances the installation of a more sympathetic government has not led to lasting improvements for the people; instead, oppression, violence, sometimes even civil wars, have appeared again. Further, instead of reducing the threat of terrorism, a war on Iraq could increase it. In our view the “war on terrorism,” begun in the fall of 2001, has relied too much on military might and too little on addressing “root causes.” This approach has deepened hostility toward the West and encouraged the West to see the rest of the world as a source of threats, thereby deepening an ominous global divide. Already, it has increased the vulnerability of minorities, including Christians in Muslim-majority countries, Muslims in the West, and Jewish people in many areas. It is urgent that the West find a different way of responding. One action that would signal a new direction is a substantially increased commitment to address the poverty facing half of the world’s people. Another would bring new energies toward a just resolution of the IsraelPalestine question, the lack of which has long hindered western relations with Arab peoples. At the general level, actions such as these would indicate that the West is committed not only to its own interests but to certain principles and to the well being of the whole human family. On the Iraq crisis specifically, they would help clear the way for Arab governments to play a larger role and make the importance of complying with UN resolutions more persuasive, while also accepting the substantial steps that the Iraq government has taken. If the West does not take a new approach and if a war on Iraq is started, then, we believe, a “victory” would be short lived. We recognize that we do not have all the information that you have but our extensive international involvement, including more than 50 years in the Middle East, our direct experience with wars, and our faith in God and in God’s love for all people including those in Iraq, lead us to plead that you do everything possible to prevent a war, and if one is started that you do not authorize Canadian participation. May God give you wisdom and strength for these difficult decisions. This letter prepared by MCC Canada was signed by Len Barkman, EMC General Secretary; Ron Dueck, MCC Canada chairman and EMC member; and other Mennonite and Brethren in Christ officials.

Evangelical Mennonite Conference invites applications for the half-time position of Canadian Secretary. Overall responsibilities include administration and coordination of church planting and missions programs in Canada under the direction of the Board of Missions. A job description is rj available upon request. t IT| Preference will be given to applicants with a strong ™ background in church planting ministries and mission experience, and with good relationship and leadership skills. Duties to commence as soon as mutually agreed upon. Please submit your resume and cover letter to Jake Knelsen, Chairman EMC Board of Missions Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba ROA 2A0

For information on this position, you may call General Secretary Len Barkman at 204-3266401 or e-mail emclen@mts.net

Relief kits urgently needed for Iraq 16,000 kits have been requested. Please have assembled kits to nearest MCC collection point by April 15.

Contents: 4 bars bath soap 1 plastic bottle of shampoo (450830 ml/13-24 oz.) in plastic bag 10 cups powdered laundry detergent (double bag in 4 litre/1 gal. Resealable bags) 1 squeeze tube toothpaste (minimum 130 milliliters/6 oz.) 4 adult-size toothbrushes (leave in packaging) 4 new bath towels (medium weight, not white) 1 each, hairbrush, wide-tooth comb, and fingernail clipper 1 box of adhesive bandages (minimum 40, assorted) 1 pack of sanitary pads (18-24 thin maxi or ultra thin) •Place contents in a cardboard box. •Deliver to the closest collection point. (Check website www.mcc.org or call 888-622-6337.) •Cash donations are welcome. Please mark them Iraq families at risk. •Please continue to pray that peaceful means will be found to resolve conflict in Iraq. MCC Canada

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EMC Social Concerns Essay Contest Topic: When some Canadians are interested in God but not in the church, how shouid the church reach out to young peopie?

Blood Money SBC is offering TESOL on campus from April 21 -May 31, 2003 For more information contact Christal Penner 204-326-6451 or admissicKis@sbcollege.mb.ca

The son of perdition Preferred his tradition Over the one who could save his soul The price he was paid Would buy his own grove And a field of blood would flood.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The choice ludas made Sent the One he betrayed To barter the souls of man Then the King of the lews Was falsely accused And His life lay now in their hands

The contest is open to senior high school students. Deadline is March 28, 2003.

As God suffered and died And the spear pierced His side His mercy poured out like a flood To ransom, for Him, Those held captive by sin Our freedom was purchased with blood Brigette Toews

The essay is to be 1200 to 1500 words, preferably typed and double-spaced.

First place prize is $150. Two honourable mentions of $75 each. Winning entries can be published in The Messenger.

Matt. 26:14-16, Matt. 27:1-10, Acts 1:16-20, Zech. 11:12-13, John 17:12, Hosea 13:14, Heb. 9:15.

Please send entries to: Doris Penner, chair, EMC Social Concerns Committee Box 1268, Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 or by E-mail emcmessenger@mts.net or Fax: 204-326-1613

For inquiries, contact Terry M. Smith, see secretary,

at 204-326-6401. Sponsored by EMC Social Concerns Committee, under authority of EMC Board of Ministers and Deacons

SS"" ANNUAL EMC CONVENTION Come, See What God Has Done!

The Jubilee Celebration of EMC Missions Hosted by Region 6

at the Morris Stampede Grounds

July 4 Io 6, 3003

EFC to defend marriage before committee In a presentation to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in Ottawa, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) will affirm that marriage should remain the union of one man and one woman. Bruce Clemenger, director of EFC’s Centre for Faith and Public Life, will present the brief before the Standing Committee on Feb. 13, 2003. “Marriage is not simply what a man and woman do, it is an institution that provides an enduring and exclusive sexual bonding of male and female that has the capacity to procreate and provides the biological tie between children and parents”, says Clemenger. “The difference and uniqueness of marriage should be recognized in law and public policy.” He will make the following arguments before the Standing Committee: PAGE 12

•As Christians, our understanding of the structure and nature of marriage is founded on the biblical account of the creation of men and women. Marriage was born in the heart of God and is rooted in the way we are made. • Marriage is not simply a contract; it is a life-long covenantal relationship for the purposes of companionship and the raising of children. • Marriage, as the union of one man and one woman, is a universal norm. All the world’s major religions and all cultures and societies worldwide recognize marriage as the union of male and female.This union should keep the name whose meaning has endured and deepened over millennia, namely “marriage.” • Marriage, as the foundation for families and the raising of children, is an important societal institution. Public policy should

recognize this by maintaining it as a unique institution and providing it with the legal and economic support it needs. •Statistics continually show that marriage is the most stable foundation for families and the raising of children. In the long term, children have better outcomes and are less likely to suffer abuse and neglect when they are bom eind raised with a married father and mother. • We are deeply concerned about the implications of a redefinition of marriage for religious freedom. If marriage is fundamentally redefined to include samesex couples, religious groups will need to push for additional protection of religious freedom for those who do not recognize same-sex marriages as valid. The written submission will be available soon on the EFC website: evangelicalfellowship.ca EFC THE MESSENGER

Dave Kroeker Stewardship Consultant

Money in the Bible ALTHOUGH I’ve never counted them. I’m told that the Bible contains 1,600 references to money. That is quite astounding! Even if exaggerated somewhat (although 1 have no reason to doubt the number), the frequent mention of money in the Scriptures is still something to take seriously for those of us who believe that the Bible is our primary guide to faith and life. And because the references to money and possessions are so frequent, this is something that pastors should also take more seriously when they prepare their sermons and meditations, and when they plan their teaching and equipping ministry in congregations that have called them as leaders. Given that we are a people of the Book, isn’t it ironic that we hear so little preaching and teaching about the subject of money from pulpits of our churches? Why is it important that we hear more and talk more about money and possessions in our fellowships? Primarily it’s because money and possessions have a unique power to usurp our ultimate loyalty, to turn our ultimate devotion from God to money. Our lifestyles don’t match our words. Isn’t money one of God’s gifts to us? Don’t we so easily use it to satisfy our wants rather than our needs?

Shouldn’t we discuss this? We find great difficulty in holding ourselves accountable for our spending and lifestyle decisions. We easily slip into thinking that what we do with our money is no one else’s business. This kind of thinking fails to match the theology of a covenant community, a theology for which Anabaptist communities are known. Because we are human and have a tendency toward selfishness, we dare not keep to only our own counsel with regard to money and possessions. Here are a few Bible references to consider as you think about money and possessions in Christian faith and life: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1 John 3:17). “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal and so dishonour the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8). “And my God will supply all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office: Abbotsford - Dave Kroeker, 1-888-212-8608; Niagara - Darren PriesKlassen, 1-888-212-8731; Kitchener - Mike Strathdee. 1 -888-212-7759; Winnipeg - Edwin Friesen, 1-800-772-3257.

^Uiths THIESSEN - to Mira Thiessen of Calgary, Alta., a daughter, Lila Mieko Amera, on October 27, 2002. WILSON - to Cory and Jennifer Wilson, a daughter, Erica Danae, on December 3, 2002. NICKEL - to Garry and Sandra Nickel of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Sydney Grace, on February 12, 2003.

QAhttigs A WOMEN’S FAST FOR PEACE As the threat of invasion of Iraq escalates, MCC invites women of faith to participate in a fast for peace. Commit to fasting one day each week (try for Wednesdays). Register at www.mcc.org/ canada/peace. Tell your friends. More details available at above website. For information, call 888-622-6337 or e-mail: fastforpeace@mennonitecc.ca MCC Canada

FEBRUARY 26, 2003

DE WAAL - PENNER: Eric, son of Hans and Gerry de Waal of Chilliwack, B.C, and Rachel, daughter, of Earl and Florence Penner of Kola, Man., were married on October 25, 2002 at Kola EMC with Pastor Les Martens officiating. The couple lives in Coaldale, Alta.

Correction from February 12, 2003: It was incorrectly stated on page 6 that Crestview gained members by baptism and transfer. They were by baptism and reception.

I Steinbach

I Bible IB ie I CCoollege

Our Module 6 courses offerings March 10 to Aprii 11 Church History Dr. Terry Hiebert Introduction to Psychology II Mary Bueckert Introduction to Greek II Gord Penner Life and Teachings of Jesus Corey Herlevsen Theology II Dr. Terry Hiebert Anabaptist History Ernie Koop Pastoral Epistles Corey Herlevsen Principles of Teaching Garth Friesen

To register or to inquire, phone 204-326-6451.

Enlarging the Circle Conference A cross-disability conference about inclusive worship and church life. Mays, 2003 Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Ave. 1 Winnipeg, Man. Registration is $30. Theme: One Spirit, Many Gifts. Speaker is Yvonne Burrows, a Salvation Army officer

Call to register: For information and to obtain registration forms contact Irma Janzen of MCC at 204-261-6381 or check at www.mcc.org/canada/health/ conference.html

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ANNIE EIDSE KROEKER 1923-2003 Annie Eidse Kroeker of Rosenort was born January 28, 1923. She grew up in a family of seven siblings in the Riverside area. As a teenager, upon confession of her faith, she was baptised by Jacob B. Kroeker in the Rosenort Kleine Gemeinde Church (now the Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church). She was married to Frank K. Kroeker on October 1, 1944 with Reverend Peter W. Friesen officiating. They shared their celebration with Pete and Mary Friesen, Annie’s twin sister. At first Reverend Frank B. Kroeker (Grandpa Kroeker) was going to marry Mom and Dad. Because they were identical twins he warned them not to try any stunts because he would marry them in the order that they would walk in. Grandpa need not have worried about pranks. Mom and Aunt Mary have never pulled a “twin joke” on anyone. After they were married Mom and Dad lived in a small house on the yard where Cal and Kim now live. The last several years of Mom’s life were among her most difficult and challenging ones, throughout which her deep faith and emotional resilience came through. She lost her dear twin Mary sixand-a-half years ago and then after several years of major health problems she lost her beloved husband less then nine months ago. During the years of Dad’s poor health Mom poured her life into caring for Dad, never complaining and never wavering in her devotion to him. Mom and Dad were wonderful examples of what it means to love each other “till death do us part.” Due to congestive heart failure. Mom’s own health had deteriorated in the last few years and especially in the last month or so. Although her departure seems very sudden at this time, the family knows that the signs were there for us to see. Mom was ready to die and we rejoice that she is in heaven. We celebrate a life lived for the Lord, to the praise of His glory. Mom was very much a people person. PAGE 14

This was demonstrated in many different ways. New in-laws to the family were accepted with open heart and arms, first her children’s spouses and then later her grandchildren’s. She was especially excited with the news of the recent engagement of grandson Steve and Card. Her grandchildren brought her much joy as she celebrated birthdays, graduations, baptisms and weddings with them. Her great-grandchildren brought renewed joy and delight and never failed to bring a smile to her face! Age was no barrier to communication because she took an interest in young and old alike. Mom treated every person with dignity and respect because she valued each one as a creation of God and thus having inherent value. Confidences were strictly kept and gossiping was always discouraged. She was very fair, always giving people the benefit of the doubt. Mom taught us so many practical things, the nuts and bolts of daily Christian living. Some examples are: “Whatever you do, do wholeheartedly”; “He who wants to eat must work”You can do whatever you set your mind to”; “A stitch in time saves nine”; “Don’t judge a book by its cover”; “A practical joke is only a joke if it’s fun for everyone involved”; and, last but not least, her famous, if not notorious line about choosing your friends carefully... “Mitgegangen, milgehangen, milgefangen, ’’ which translated literally means “Go with, hang out with, get caught with.” Mom was very much a home loving person. She enjoyed playing dominoes or Skip-Bo during the winter with her neighbors and family and in summer she took great pleasure in her flowers and garden. She was one of the tidiest gardeners around, known for her perfectly straight rows drawn by Dad, with uniform sticks to mark the ends of her rows. Her flowerbeds and vegetable garden were always neatly raked so that they would be free of all stones. Her war on weeds was a very personal one. She used her shuva (push hoe) to get the weeds before they ever broke ground! This was her way of combating the curse put on the dust of the earth. As a family, we’ll always remember our warm, caring and understanding Mother. She would have been the first to admit that she was far from perfect but we have full confidence that now she is just that. He who began a good work in you Mom, has brought it to pass. Left to mourn her passing are her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: daughter Irene Kroeker; son Rick and Lavina Kroeker, grandson Derek and Shauna, great-grandchildren Allison, Emily, David, grandson Jonathan and Michelle, great-grandchildren Madeline, Tristan, grandson Steven and Card, grandson Timothy; daughter Della and Doug Davis; daughter Joanne and Rudy

Brandt, grandsons Justin, Joel, Kevin; daughter Karen and Rick Friesen, grandsons Graham, Matthew, James; son Cal and Kim Kroeker, grandchildren Michael, Erin, Megan; son Dan and Connie Kroeker, grandchildren Darrell, Alecia, Jeremy, Christopher, Katrina; grand daughter Samantha Churchill and grandson Seldon Churchill. She was predeceased by her husband Frank K. Kroeker in May 2002, and by two daughters, Laura in 1980, and Clarice in 1962. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends and family for your many acts of kindness, your support and your prayers. May God bless you. Her Family

Coming Events March 10 May 3 Module 6 begins Enlarging the Circle Steinbach Bible College Conference Steinbach, Man. A cross-disability I Phone: 800-320-8478 conference 1 about inclusive worship March 20-23 and church life New Testament Covenant Christian major drama Reformed Church Out of the Darkness Winnipeg, Man. Providence College Phone: 204-261-6381 Otterburne, Man. Phone: 204-433-7488 July 4 to 6 53™ Annual March 21-22 EMC Convention SBC Leadership The Jubilee Celebration Conference of EMC Missions Growing our Own Morris, Man. Leaders Phone: 204-326-6401 Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. March 15 Phone: 800-320-8478 fefa/ Alcohol Syndrome and the Church Workshop April 5 Dorothy Schwab, MDS Spring Banquet Morrow Gospel Church Interagency FAS/E MCC Manitoba office Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-255-3043 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-261-6381 April 20 Graduation Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. Phone: 800-320-8478

Interested in sponsoring Colombian refugees?

See MCC website: www.mcc.org/theme/refugees and follow How To Sponsor link

A THE MESSENGER

.T., 'S!

Leaders sought Reserve Fellowship Chapel (EMC) located in Sioux Valley, Man., seeks a part-time senior pastor. The smaller, 46-year-old congregation is part of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, which has a Christian history going back to 1879. The church serves people of various church backgrounds and experiences. Currently there exists ministries through a small Sunday service, Sunday school, Bible study and a summer VBS program. The congregation is located about 45 minutes from Brandon and Virden, Man., where a variety of work opportunities exist. White Dog is an aboriginal community located north of Kenora, Ont. Blumenort EMC has had a significant ministry in this community through Sunday morning outreach, visitation, camp work, and VBS. A Christian worker is needed to live in the community and to model Christ's love to the people. Candidates would preferably be of First Nation background and married. They would live and work in the community, displaying sensitivity to aboriginal history, culture, and language. The workers would be mature Christians with a loving heart for youth and a desire to address issues of social change and social justice.

For information about these opportunities please contact the EM Conference office. For White Dog, you can also call Rob Reimer at 204-326-0525.

Pansy Chapel (EMC), a small rural church in southeastern Manitoba, seeks a part-time senior pastor. If interested, please send resume to Search committee chairman Dylan Barkman, Box 25, Pansy, MB ROA I JO. For information, phone 204-434-6370. Ridgewood EMC is accepting applications for a senior pastor. This country church located near Steinbach, Man., has a membership of about 350. Applicants should have some Anabaptist Bible college training. Five or more years of experience are preferred, but not essential. Start date would be September 1,2003. Ridgewood EMC is also accepting applications for a youth pastor. Applicants should have some Anabaptist Bible college training. Start date would be August 1,2003. Call Tony Hiebert at 204-326-2814 or Eldon Penner at 204-326-2985; mail resume to Box 21187, Steinbach, MB ROA 2T3; or e-mail to Tony_Hieberl@hotmail.com

Mission Heights Community Church is seeking a senior pastor. The role will involve ministering to a congregation of approximately 200 (consisting mainly of young adults and families), and supervision of a few staff members. As a church we are looking for a pastor with strengths in the following areas: preaching, teaching, visitation, counseling, evangelism, and administration. The preaching style will be biblical, practical, and challenge individuals to think. The candidate’s supervisory skills require the ability to promote a team approach to ministering to the needs of the congregation and our community. Qualifications: Bible college or seminary (college is minimum). Five or more years of pastoral experience. Must be a family man. References required.

FEBRUARY 26, 2003

The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Please submit your resume and cover letter by May 31. 2003, to Rocky Hein, 8321 Mission Heights Dr., Grande Prairie, AB T8W 2H4. Wynyard Gospel Church (EMMC), located in southern Saskatchewan, is looking for 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.

Kola EMC is looking for a permanent part-time youth leader. Approximately 25 youth attend mid-week Bible study. Other work is available to supplement youth leadership income. For information, contact Harold and Cheryl Friesen at 306-646-4545 or ten and Lori Koop at 204-845-2130, or e-mail request to Ikooplgmts.net High Level Christian Fellowship, a growing church in a thriving northern Alberta town, seeks an associate pastor of discipleship to lead In discipleship of new Christians, small group ministries, and education and outreach programs for youth and children. Contact Scot Leys (780-9262942 or ssleys@telusplanet.net) or Eugene Peters (780-926-4126).

Leamington EMC, in Ontario, seeks a full-time senior pastor. Applicants should have preaching and teaching skills with strong biblical knowledge as well as good communication and counseling skills. LEMC has a mix of both Low German and English in the services; it is essential that any applicants be able to speak and preach clearly in both languages. Applicants should also be willing to do hospital and home visitation. LEMC is a young church with many young families attending, as well as a large number of youth. It consists predominantly of first- and secondgeneration Mennonites that originate from Mexico. To send an application or for more information please contact the Pastor Search Committee chair, Henry Froese, at 519322-1135. Endeavour Fellowship Chapel (EMC), a warm, friendly congregation with 50 to 60 in attendance on Sunday morning, is looking for a part-time pastor. It is located in a small town/rural part of east-central Saskatchewan, between Yorkton and Hudson Bay. The church is flexible both in candidate educational standards and experience. As an evangelical church, it serves a wide range of people: a successful candidate will be able to work with various age groups and with a good cross-section of people. Contact chairman of elders Neil Fenske at 306547-4738 or Box 263, Endeavour, SK, SOA OWO.

Fish Creek Christian Fellowship (EMC) in Calgary, Alta., is looking for someone or a couple to give ministry leadership to our youth/college and career. This would be a ,self-supported position. Please contact Garry Kornelsen. 55 Woodford Cres. SW, Calgary, AB T2W 4C6 or phone 404-281-3747. Riverton, Man., seeks a thrift store manager. Needed Is a person who can direct general store organization and represent the shop at MCC meetings in Winnipeg. The person should have an

Interest In and a heart for the MCC and see this shop as being a Christ-centred ministry in the Interlake. The position is 24 hours per week and requires the manager to be at the shop for a full day on Monday. For a complete description of duties and salary information, please contact Ed Reimer at 204-3726923 or Christine Peters at 204-378-2740, or send resume to Box 623, Riverton, MB ROC 2R0.

Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church in Steinbach, Manitoba is seeking a full-time lead pastor to provide leadership to a team that includes an associate pastor and a youth pastor. Other responsibilities will include the following: preaching and teaching, visitation, counseling, evangelism, and to provide vision to the church. The applicant must have previous pastoral experience. Please forward resume to: Henry Klassen, Box 996 Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0; Phone: 204-326-6068; E-mail: henryk2@mts.net Lifeguard alert! Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, near Birch River, Man., desperately seeks a lifeguard. Without a lifeguard, water sports will not be held; without water sports, camp Is seriously affected. Camp runs 5 weeks, starting June 30. Counsellors are needed also. Contact director Ang Thiessen at ang_thiessen@hotmail.com; phone 204-734-9023 (home); or Leslie Leask at 204238-4244.

Aberdeen EMC, a small urban congregation located in an inner-city neighborhood in Winnipeg, Man., requires a pastor. This is a .75 position. Applicants should bring strong abilities in pastoral care, nurture and education. Preferred start date is the summer or fall of 2003. Please direct inquiries and resumes to Marilyn Funk, chair, Aberdeen search committee, 1049 Dumas Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3T IWl. Phone 204-475-8044.

Are you more needed elsewhere? Missionaries are needed to join an enthusiastic missionary team in Paraguay to assist a growing Paraguayan Church Conference. There are opportunities in church planting, leadership PAAAOUAV training, youth and children’s ministries. Applicants should have a Bible College degree and a calling to cross-cultural ministry. Spanish and Guarani language training will be provided by the EMC Board of Missions in preparation for the assignment. Missionaries are also needed for the Spanish-speaking work in Mexico. There are opportunities to work with '^Hl established Mexican churches in outreach , (evangelism and discipleship training) and in leadership training. For applications and information, please contact Lester Olfert, Foreign Secretary, at 204-326-6401 or e-mail at emconf(gmts,net

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Can You Make a

Difference? HAVE YOU heard the saying “two heads are better than one”? This is an English proverb. It means that two heads, two people working together, can often do a job better or quicker than one person alone. This is true of a hockey team. Each player has a special skill. One player can handle the stick well, skate fast, and shoots the puck with lightning speed. Another one stops the puck better than anyone else. Others are good assists, and know exactly to whom to pass in order to score that goal. Together they win the game. You may have worked with someone on a class project. Both of you have good ideas and you can agree on which ones you will use, and who will do which job. This is teamwork where “two heads are better than one.” But what can you do alone? Can one person make a difference? Sometimes to be a success you must take a first step. You have to decide to do it. Nelly Bly is an example of someone who made a difference. Nelly was bom in 1867, a time when girls could not do whatever they wanted. When she was five her father died leaving the family very poor. At eighteen Nelly needed a job to help her family. Nelly wanted to be a writer, so she wrote a letter to a famous newspaper to get a job. In her letter she asked, “What can girls do?” The editor liked her letter. He decided that Nelly could write and she got the job. Throughout her career as a writer Nelly did brave and daring things. Then she wrote about them. Once, she pretended to be a thief and got herself arrested. Then she reported on how the police treated female prisoners. She wrote about conditions in hospitals and got help for orphans. Many laws were changed and conditions were improved for hurt and helpless people because she wrote about them. Nelly got things done. A contest was created to see if anyone could travel around the world in less than 80 days. Nelly Bly was chosen to try. She traveled by ship, train, horse cart, and even by donkey. From every stop she sent stories and in 72 days she had done it.

Nelly wanted to write. She succeeded because she wrote one letter, and in turn helped others as well. Another person who made a brave decision is Queen Esther in the Bible. Queen Esther knew she could die but she decided to take the risk and ask King Ahasuerus to listen to her. She spoke against Haman’s plan to kill all Jews. The King listened and Jews were saved. Because of her decision Jews experienced “joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday,” instead of death. Read about Esther’s decision in Esther 5:1-8,7:1-6, and 8:16,17.

Ice Art You will need: • plastic lid with a lip of '/s inch •small dried flower heads or petals •tiny snail shells •minipine cones •2 and 3 inch evergreen tips •cranberries

Loreena Thiessen Winnipeg, MB

•an 8-inch length of ribbon or raffia household string

What to do: •With ribbon or raffia tie evergreens to form a small bouquet. •Place bouquet in centre of lid. •Place pine cones, cranberries, flower heads or petals, and snail shells snugly into the bouquet, so they won’t float away. •Gently pour water over the bouquet to cover. •Drape a 6-inch length of string in the water with the ends in the water and the rest hanging out. •Set lid outside until water is frozen. •When frozen pop the circle of ice out of the lid. •Hang your ice art (frozen bouquet) outside your window or on a nearby branch. Enjoy your frozen bouquet!

Our Guest Speaker Is... Sid Koop is our guest speaker addressing teens at this year’s Abundant Springs. Speaking to students on important adolescent issues has been a part of Sid’s life since 1992. He began Truth Matters Ministries in 2002, ministering out of Lethbridge, Alberta. He continues to work in the trenches of student ministry throughout western Canada. Sid is ordained by Associated Gospel Churches and is part-time youth director at Lethbridge Evangelical Free Church. Sid, 29, has a B.A. in youth ministry and is Sid Koop (on right) _ working on a master’s. He is married to Jen. They have an infant son. Please pray for Sid as he prepares messages for six sessions throughout the weekend. Pray that the Lord would give him insight and boldness to proclaim His Word with authority!

Do you have a story for The Persona! 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