The Messenger May 27, 1966

EVANGELICAL

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No. 11 7, 1966

MENNONITE

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CONFERENCE

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IN THIS ISSUE;

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Decisions Determine Destinies

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Know Yout Missionctries III

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Central America Diary

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EDITj

lAL J. C. Wenger

SUPPLYING THE PULPIT

This article is not written for those churches which have no difficulty supplying their pulpits with ministers. But in many congregations it appears that the only course which the members or the pul­ pit committee consider is to extend a call to a suc­ cessful minister from another congregation. This may sometimes be in order. But can nothing be said in favor of the historic question; “Do you wish as a congregation to ordain from within the congregation, or to go outside the congregation to call a minister?" Perhaps in our present straits we may need to continue our game of musical chairs—an extensive moving of ministers from one congregation to another, always with the last one left without a shepherd. This is surely a strategy unworthy of the church of Christ. As an alternative 1 suggest the following steps. Let us all as members of our many congregations begin to pray earnestly that God himself will be pleased to send forth laborers into His harvest. Perhaps the Lord will begin to use various min­ isters and other members to tap a young man on the shoulder and inquire if perchance the Lord has ever laid a burden on his heart to consider serving as a minister. If the young man indicates that such a call has indeed come to him, could we not encourage him to prepare spiritually and academically (through a Bible or seminary course) to be the most effective minister possible? Would it perhaps be a suitable step for a church to review such a volunteer’s qualifications and to vote their encouragement to him to move ahead in faith? This would mean more to the young man than most of us imagine. After a time the church might wish to ask for the young man to be licensed annually, so that he might get a maximum of experience in the “work of ministering.” The church could also encourage the young man immensely by giving him at least token support dur­ ing his college and seminary preparation. Perhaps the congregation would ask the young scholar to give his services to the home congregation if needed, when he is ready to enter upon the full 2

ministry of the Word; but if he is not needed his name could be made available to a district or church­ wide ministerial committee as a brother who is will­ ing to serve elsewhere as the Lord may lead. If the church really prays, it is conceivable that fifty young men might be found whom the church could set apart in a formal way, by prayer and by a charge to continue their spiritual and academic prep­ aration, for service on the home or foreign mission field, in one of our church institutions, or in the regular pastorate—which is currently one of our neediest areas. Please note that this is to be a result of sincere prayer, not a worldly-wise procedure to meet a pressing need. Meanwhile, what about those congregations who already have just such young men in school, uncer­ tainly and timidly wondering if their home congre­ gations really believe in them, or if they approve of the step which they are taking? Could not a home pastor, or the pastor and the church council, 1) ask for an interview with such students during the spring vacation, 2) get better acquainted, 3) probe gently as to the depth of their commitment to Christ and His service, 4) give them hearty encouragement, 5) pray with them, and 6) arrange for a little finan­ cial support? This last step may be the least sig­ nificant of all these, and yet it can be a real means of encouragement and assistance. Recently I visited several of our church colleges. I mentioned something along this line of thought, and several earnest young men sought me out after­ wards to speak of their need of just such encourage­ ment as this little article attempts to spell out. When the church at Antioch in Syria needed a Paul for a particularly challenging task, it turned out that God had already prepared just such a man. All that was needed was for a servant of the congre­ gation to go to Tarsus and fetch him back to An­ tioch. Maybe a number of church leaders and con­ gregational representatives will need to make a trip to a North American Tarsus where a Paul is avail­ able—already in training, but even worrying if a place will be available for him when he has com­ pleted his course of study. Wouldn’t this approach be better than to continue our game of musical pul­ pits—which may demoralize both our ministers and our congregations, and perhaps even lead to the richer congregations becoming able to attract min­ isters who ought to remain where their roots now are? Reprinted from The Meanoaite by permission of the author. Editor, Oovia K. Schellenberg, Box 25< Station "F", Winnipeg 5, Manitoba. All new subscriptions and change of address should be sent to Mr. Abe Kia* ssen. Box 1447, Steinbach, Man. Author!led as second class matt, Ppst Office Department. Ottawa, and for payment of postage tn cash.

THE MESSENGER

MISSION ECHOES FROM

THE SBI CONFERENCE

By Ben Hoeppner

Rightfully the Steinbach Bible Insti­ tute is entitled to conduct an annual missionary conference. As God has called the school into existence for the purpose of missions, it is proper that a strong emphasis be placed on it. Our Lord has great interest in missions, for it deals with the salva­ tion of the lost for whom He shed His precious blood. Many worthy thoughts were ex­ pressed by the guest speakers at the conference held March 30, 31 and April 1. I. Decisions Determine Destinies Two brothers heard the word sal­ vation and forgiveness of sins. One consciously rejected the Lord as Sav­ iour and became a chief in his tribe. As chief he practised idolatry with all its filth, superstition, unrest and hopelessness. This life was a direct outcome of his decision. The other one accepted Jesus as his Saviour and became a decent person. Through his right relation with God many were brought to a blessed peace with God. The community in which he lived was raised financially, socially and religiously so that to a large degree peace and blessing reigned in their midst. The great difference between the two brothers lay in their decision which both had made concerning the Person of Christ. That decisions determine destinies is seen not only on mission fields but also in our churches today. Many a person without his will faces the de­ cisions as to whether he will receive or reject Christ, whether he will be faithful to Him or not, whether he will keep his vows or not. How inde­ scribably tragic it is when a person

May 27,

1966

rejects the Lord. Whoever thus re­ mains in his unrepentant state, deter­ mines thereby his hopeless eternity. In daily life decisions determine destin­ ies! This is a solemn thought.

II. Fear is the Cause of Unfaithful­ ness Toward Missions. Light was thrown on this problem in showing the dangers in missions. In this connection the speaker showed unmistakably that many dangers do exist in mission fields. How is fear to be overcome? Among other things the speaker pointed to Ps. 56 where David had fear and then in his fear trusted God. The speaker also pointed to Isa. 12:2 where the prophet says, that he trusted God and so did fear. Tlie speaker related how Mr. and Mrs. Gross, missionaries from Toron­ to, heroically stood up for the Lord. Br. Gross was often threatened with death by the priest. One day the priest came with a dagger and killed him at his work. Mrs, Gross was warned, but she ran to see what had happened to her husband. When she arrived there, the priest took the knife and stabbed her 17 times. She was immediately hospitalized where she gradually returned to health. Here at home she was to speak to Bible school students. She related how very near the Lord had been to her in that time of danger. She had had great peace. The Lord had given sufficient grace. The SBI was told they should not fear, for the Lord is present, they should trust God; greater than He the trouble cannot be. Without doubt, this is also word for our churches, today. One person fears he wiU not

earn enough money, another fears he will not have sufficient social or fi­ nancial security. Another fears ill health or suffering, another a low living standard. Others fear to leave home and loved ones. In all these fears one should trust God. He can give sufficient grace and help. Isaiah 12:2 is fitting here—“Be­ hold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JE­ HOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” III. God’s Will Should be Done With Delight Attention was drawn to Ps. 40:8, 9, “Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God.” It was emphasized that the Christ­ ian often does the will of God out of constraint. It should not be thus. The Christian should do the will of God with all his heart. As the swim­ mer throws himself joyfully into the water with body and soul, so should the Christian give himself into the will of God with body and soul. It is not enough merely to do the will of God; no, it must be done with all one’s heart. Did not Jesus com­ pletely give Himself into God’s will when He died on the cross? Psalm 40 says: : I delight to do thy will, O my God” For the Lord Jesus this meant much suffering; and yet He did Gods’ will gladly So should we. How is one able to do God’s will with delight? The answer is, not in one’s cwn strength but through faith in God. “Goa is aCle to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”

3

Know Your

Missionaries III "Benny", son of Mrs. David Eidse, and the late Mr. David Eidse, was born and raised in the Rosenort, Manitoba area, some thirty-eight miles south, south west of Winnipeg. His parents had one of the larger farm operations in southern Mani­ toba. It was here that he learned what work was. Being one of four­ teen living children, and usually a number of hired help, he learned early to adjust to others. Both these virtues have stood Ben in good stead through his later ministry and associations. Ben got his primary schooling in the Rosenort schools, but came to the Steinbach Collegiate for his high school, and to the Steinbach Bible Institute for his Bible school. Helen is the daughter of Mrs. Peter D. Reimer and the late Peter D. Reimer, of Steinbach, a town forty miles south east of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She had all her public school ed­ ucation in the Steinbach schools. After graduating from Bible School she took nurses training at the Grace Hospital Schoo’, of Nursing, graduating as an R.N. in 1952. Ben started his missionary ca­ reer under The Western Gospel Mission with a year's work in the Kamsack, Saskatchewan area, fol­ lowed by pioneering their work in the Pelly, Saskatchewan area, both of which today have organized evangelical congregations, with members who found their Lord un­ der Ben's work. Both Ben and Helen made deci­ sions for Christ in their youth and after baptism joined the member­ ship of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Helen of the Steinbach congregation, and Ben that of Ros­ enort. Both graduated from the Steinbach Bible Institute, Helen in 1948 and Ben in 1950. Here both 4

Hope Charity were impressed with the need for labourers in the Lord's harvest, and took opportunities in practical Christ­ ian service as they came. After their wedding in March of 1952, the Eidses continued the work in Pelly under the manifest bless­ ing of the Lord, but their burden for other needs continued. They first thought of Africa under the Gospel Missionary Union, but af­ ter much prayer and heartsearch­ ing decided on the Belgian Congo, under the Congo Inland Mission. In this they were instrumental in help­ ing to form a united missions work of the Evangelical Mennonite Con­ ference. They were the first mis­ sionaries to be sent by the General Missions Board, going out to Congo in 1954, with their little daughter of 5 months. As could be expected, there were adjustments to be made, but God had prepared them for this work, and they were happy in it. Among the diverse duties of a missionary, Ben's included building a large church. Besides taking care of their children, Hope, Faith and Charity, Helen could help along in the med­ ical work and ladies classes. Helen's health gave way during their fourth year in Congo, and they were returned to Canada with little hope for Mrs. Eidse's recov­ ery. But the Lord had His hand on ihem for further service. They ex­ perienced the healing hand of God, which deeply strengthened their faith but they were resigned to likely having to serve the Lord in the home field. After studies in Wheaton College and Goshen Col-

Helen

Faith lege he joined the staff of the Stein­ bach Bible Institute, serving as teacher for two years. When, after the Independence granted the Congo in 1960 there came the strife, turmoil and chaos, with the Christian church scattered, an urgent call for help came, Ben went back to Congo for a six-month period of evangelism and reaping of a great harvest despite perilous conditions, experiencing the Lord's protecting hand. With a renewed burden and Vision they again went to the Independent Republic of Congo now, to take up the chal­ lenge and continue their labour in that part of God's vineyard.

The three oldest girls attend school in Leopoldville, and Grade, the fourth daughter, is only a "home missionary" as yet. The work in this patched-up Republic is difficult, and missionaries feel that their approach must change somewhat from what the pioneers had, the Lord is directing them into varied responsibilities under some quite primitive conditions. The Eidses have experienced that truly the harvest is great, and that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church". They will be due for furlough in 1967 if the Lord tarries.

MlSSlrf* THE MESSENGER

GLEANINGS FROM B. EIDSES LETTERS Ve spent ten days off the sta­ tion. It was a good change. A few days were spent in Kikwit getting school books but also adding a sack of sugar, flour, some spaghetti and even a piece of cheese to our grocery stock. We also got some milk, which was a blessing, since it had not been available for a while. Potatoes are finished, so we were glad to find spaghetti in the stores. Of a two week trip, on which they went "native" by not taking any food, except for their sick child, nor blankets, eating and sleeping with the Africans, they write: When we left Kikwit we went to Shamvzana Abahenge—a former Baptist area—we handed out the books we got in Kikwit, and had services. Our most rewarding results were with the school children. Many (about 50 ) came to be saved. Many told how they had lain awake at night with the burden of the sins they committed while in the "jeunesse" (rebels). We also went to Kandala. I was the first white woman there after the "jeunesse"! I got a souvenir of a molten mass of metal that used to be Mrs. Bertsche's washing ma­ chine. Going along the short cut to Kandala we bumped over 113 trenches dug by the jeunesse. 'They are filled in now, but with ho grad­ ers around here you can imagine, . . . we felt absolutely raw inside and out. Besides the car had no power, so uphill we had to push i;. (At our next overnight stop Ben found the car trouble—corroded spark plugs). Two weeks later Ben Eidse writes: Mar. 21 to April 2 I spent in the Shamwana area again. There is so much that needs to be done to

try to get this former Baptist area back on its feet again after the rebellion, or should we say inde­ pendence. We had placed 16 new teacher-evangelists since the former ones did not meet government standards anymore. However, the Christians had discontinued giving offerings since the missionaries left in 1960. Now, how were these teachers to be supported (since the government had not okayed subsi­ dy for them yet). In Kamayala area, for example, we have 43 teachers supported by the state and some 50 by the church. Shamwana does not have any subsi­ dized by the state. Therefore it is all the more important that the or­ dinary village Christians give lib­ erally, if the schoolwork is to con­ tinue. In our previous visit some 50 of our students made decisions —mostly for salvation. The purpose of my going was to get the Christians to give. But the Lord showed us a broader, more basic program. Hadn't Paul ap­ pointed elders in all the new churches he founded (Acts 14:23)? Why not do the some? In Kamaya­ la area we had appointed elders at our regional centres, but not in small villages where the number of Christians was often quite low. These elders could be in charge of local church activities, including weekly offerings, which a pastor or overseer could collect periodically. The proposal caught fire with the local churches immediately. En­ thusiastically they elected eld«?rs— we call them president, secretary, treasurer—also one or two women to be in charge of the women's work (president and vice-presi­ dent). We introduced our Bible memory course in each church, and after elections had a commission­ ing service for the new officers. Just a few illustrations of their en­ thusiasm—one of the presidents ac­ companied us on a 17 hour trek to establish other committees. On the day of her election a ladies vice-president came to us singing "Bringing in the Sheaves" bringing a new convert for prayer. Later, the same evening she came with an­ other convert. Next day she came to buy a New Testament which she would need in her new responsi-

bilities. Offerings, too, started roll­ ing in encouragingly. The trek I referred to was the most primitive hiking I'd ever done. Much of it was swamp-trudging, at one stretch 45 minutes in swamp sinking occasionally to the knees. We were 9^2 hours going the first day, and 7'/2 hours coming (got lost the first day, nor were used to walking yet). Limbs felt like lead when done, but I'd been deeply refreshed spiritually on the trek by meditating on 2 Peter 1:5-8. Mrs. Eidse writes of her exper­ ience with taking in a fpw orphan children: ( Bertha Miller, an elderly lady missionary, takes care as best she can, of an orphan asy­ lum that is overcrowded, and the work is too much for them): "I have Vickie at our house since yester­ day. We've been trying to per­ suade Bertha to find places in the village for some of her orphans. We all know she can't look after 50 or more children, even with the help of 2 ladies. Well, day before yesterday, Bertha called me over to see a baby with sores. When I came she was just trying to feed Vickie. What a miserable sight. Her little chest bones stick out, etc. Well, that night I didn't sleep too well. I promised the Lord I'd see if I could take some of the babies after the girls' Easter vacation; but I was praying Vickie would be dead by then. Well, after much battliiig, I went the next day and picked up Vickie and took her home — without telling Bertha my plans. She came today to see about it. She thinks (and so do I) that Vickie might have T.B. and she's worried about her being in our house. We took T.B. tests to­ day but don't have the results yet. Vickie isn't walking yet—she does hold her own cup to drink,, dosen't talk. She was 3 years old on my birthday and weighs 10 pounds. I used to think that people who quoted James 1:27 "True Christ­ ianity is to visit the fatherless and widows" weren't very evangelical. Why does it take me about 40 years to learn the truth of such a simple statement? We've been so scared to get spotted with itch, T.B., leprosy, but the verse says: "and unspotted from the world".

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1 NEWS I PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE The Child Evangelism Fellowship held a Good News Club Rally at the Prosvita Hall on Friday, April 22nd to bring to an end another season of clubs. There were well over 100 chidlren and adults in at­ tendance. A brass band from Prairie Rose rendered several musical selections. The film, "The Master's Face" was shown. A Sunday School Conference was held on May 4 at which time, Mr. Clarence Durston of Child Evangelism spoke on the sub­ ject, "Sunday School Follow-Up" He ex­ horted the teachers to sow seed bountifully as many children are only nourished on Sundays and need enough spiritual food to bear them through the week when oppo­ sition is the greatest. Mother's Day was observed Moy 8 with the Children's choir rendering several num­ bers in song. Among our guest speakers during the month were Rev. Henry Dyck, MacGregor, speaking on "Counterfeit Christians" and Rev. Melvin Penner, Blumenort speaking on Amos 7, showing how God can use any­ one as long as they are yielded. The Barry Moore Crusade will take place here in Portage la Prairie from May 29 to June 5. Cottage prayer meetings, counsell­ ing classes days, of prayer and many other activities are in full swing. Will you pray with us during the coming days that many souls would be saved and that a real revival would be started here.

MORRIS CHAPEL, Flood Disrupts Services The April report from the Morris church was delayed because of flood conditions. There were no Easter services as mem­ bers were scattered, some as far as Saskat­ chewan. Our pastor Rev. Corny Loewen spent some of the evacuation time in Wymark, Sask, conducting services while his wife and family were in Steinbach. We felt privileged to congregate again after being without our chapel services lor three Sun­ days. We were spiritually refreshed to have a week of revival meetings with Rev. Glad­ win Plett as speaker. Rev. Plett acquainted

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us with their mission work in the West Indies with slides and report. The child­ ren enjoyed the nightly stories and object lessons. We pray that the Lord may bless and undertake as the Pletts prepare to re­ turn to their field. The chapel was full to capacity on Sun­ day morning. Mothers Day, and the at­ tendance in Sunday School up to 92 again, we missed the Frank I Friesens and the Lome Loewens who have moved this spring. It was heart warming to receive into our fellowship our first new member, Mrs. Caroline Eidse on March 20 Sunday morning service. Preliminary instruction in preparing for baptism will be given this Wed. night to interested candidates. Our Ladies Fellowship Group gathered for their first meeting after the flood on May 10th. Our elections were overdue and so they were held under the leadership of Mrs. Sara Friesen. Our new president is Mrs. Arlene Loewen. Different committees were formed and the work well organized. Mrs. Comie Loewen was elected librarian. Our May "Missions night" was held on Sun, May 15th at 7 p.m. Rev. Melvin Koop from Winnipeg gave an object lesson, a message on "missions sacrifice?" and slides on the work at Flin Flon. It was a very in­ teresting, informative evening and the at­ tendance was good.

ROSEISLE Our choir rendered a Mothers Day pro­ gram at the Lowe Farm Emmanuel church on May 1st. It consisted of a skit, musical numbers from a Rosenort group, poems and choir numbers and message. This program was also brought in our own church on May 15. Mr. Henry Toews accompanied by Ben D. Reimers brought a very interesting re­ port in our church Friday the 13tE. He also showed slides. I believe that all who were present agree that Paraguay is. a needy field and needs our prayerful and financial support. Work has been done again to make our little church a little more inviting and a bit easier to clean. Carpet has been put on the platform and also in the front porch. They have also put fresh gravel on the yard to fill up mud holes. Mrs. C. J. L. Friesen is entering hospital today lor surgery. Charles Letkeman, a neighbor boy has been on the sick list through the winter with a serious kidney condition. Please pray for this young lad, he needs our prayers.

FELLY Since our last report there has been much activity in Pelly. On April 30, The Field Council, met here. The local ladies served dinner and lunch and also found time to sit in on parts of the meeting. It was good to see again some workers whom we've come to know and see new faces. Special speakers we've had the privilege of having come our way include Rev. D. P. Clark fr.im the "Leprosy Mission" and Rev. Bill Friesen from the Northern Canadian Evangelical Mission", giving a clear outline in word and picture of the work being done among the Indian people and the great need there is for more workers among their own people. A series of meetings with Rev. Jake Hoeppner proved highly Interesting and in formative. Using as a title "Relating Present Day Events to O.T. Prophesy." Rev. Hoepp­ ner had a very attentive audience as he used scripture and a chart to relate truths of fulfilled prophesy and conditions in the world today as compared to O.'f. days vzhen God had to pour out judgment on a rebellious and sinful people. Surely it be­ hooves us to be within "Our Father's" will these days of Grace.

BURNS LAKE It is with joy that we can report on our series of evangelistic meetings just concluded yesterday evening (May 15). Brother Ben Friesen of the Steinbach Bible Institute staff was our guest spaeker and all glory to God for the way he let himself be used by the Holy Spirit to convey to us the message of the day, messages which portrayed the greatness of the mercy, the love of God as well as the justice and the wrath of a holy and a righteous God. A special joy was to see a large number of young people take a definite stand for Lord declaring to all that they were submittting to go on for the Lord regardless of cost to self. We know that there was re­ joicing in heaven as a result of such ded­ ication so shall we not fail them but pray daily for continued growth and that they will be true and faithful in witnessing. On May the eighth Bill Bueckert, Rosalie Klassen and Verna Wiebe were baptized and received into the church. The Lord seemed to use this service as a preparation and a stepping stone for the meetings which followed during the week, as there were others who indicated later in the week that they would like to take this step of obedience. Vacation Bible School time is fast op-

THE MESSENGER

proaching and it seems that a number of doors will again be open to us, but then the question comes to us "Where will we find the teachers?" There would be open­ ings here for dedicated young people who would be willing to sacrifice a few weeks to this work. So if you have the ability and feel that God is calling you into this area come along, we assure you a warm wel­ come and lots of work in VBS!

KOLA

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On May 8, Mrs. P. D. Reimer, Steinbach, showed interesting slides taken on her visit to her missionary children abroad. She read parts of their recent letters to us. Then she challenged us to pray more earnestly and specifically and so, more effectively for our missionaries. A group of eight young people from Winnipeg Bible College served us with singing, music, testimony, and the Word of God on May 9. On May 13 we surprised our pastor. Rev. Art Neufeld and his wife by gathering to celebrate their fifteenth wedding anni­ versary. This was just to show a little ap­ preciation for the work they do in the church here. Mrs. Sam Steele, who originated the idea of having the celebration was critically ill in hospital at Regina. She passed owuy a few days later. Our sympathies are with the bereaved. Meetings with Rev. Henry Unrau as speaker are to be held May 22-29. May the Spirit of God have free course in all hearts especially at this time.

RIDGEWOOD Funeral service was held at the Ridge­ wood E.M.C. Church on Friday, April 29th for Mr. John N. Janzen, who passed away on April 25th. Mr. Janzen had been ill for sometime and had to spend lengthy stays in the hospital. Rev. F. D. Reimer and Rev. H. Komelsen spoke at the funeral service. After the burial at the Ridgewood ceme­ tery the family and friends returned to the Janzen home for a fellowship meal so that their invalid sister, Margaret Janzen could also participate. She spends most of her time at home, either in bed or on the wheelchair. Shall we remember the be­ reaved family. The Kleefeld young people were invited for Young Peoples meeting on May 11th.

May 27, 1966

Dycks Ordained ORDINATION SERVICE AT PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE About 150 persons gathered together in prayer and rejoicing at the ordination ser­ vice of the John Dycks. This took place on Apirl 24th at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Friesen of Gladstone opened the service with scrip­ ture from Acts 13:1-3. Rev. Ben D. Reimer, Steinbach brought the message taken from Acts 13 and Acts 26. God chooses those he wants to use as ministers. The Lord works through each person who has been born again. The Almighty, living in us, working through us, as we witness to others in all parts of the world, representing Christ here, is the work of the Holy Spirit. We only labour and strive, the Holy Spirit does the work. Numbers in song were rendered by Portage and McGrergor. Frank D. Rei­ mer led the ordination service, speaking on the Apostle Paul as an exampel of a God-pleasing person. His remarks were ad­ dressed to Joyce and John. The pledge of a ministetr was presented to John and accepted by him and presented to Joyce and accepted by her. Dedication prayers for the Dycks were brought before the Lord by Rev. Ben D. Reimer, Mr. Frank Reimer, and Rev. D. K. Schellenberg. Following

EL^dllU this Mr. and Mrs. Dyck gave their testi­ monies of the Lord's leading in their lives. Those bringing greetings and messages of love and encouragement were, Mr. Hen­ ry Thiessen, deacon, McGregor: H. Gerbrandt, Altona Bible Intsitute; Rev. Henry Dyck, minister, McGregor, (Rev.) William Buhler, minister. Valley Stream; Rev. Buhler, minister, Mayfield, Rev. John Epp, minister, M.B. Church, Portage. Greetings also were extended from those in the audience from Kola, McGregor and others. Lunch was served in the basement by the ladies of the church and a time of fellow­ ship and blessings was enjoyed.

LETTER to the Editor The Messenger Box 25, Station "F", Winnipeg 5, Manitoba Dear Brother Schellenberg: Greetings in the name of our Blessed Lord Jesus. I was wondering why part of the last report had been taken out, namely out of the second sentence: ". . . at the invitatioii of the ladies of the First Mennonite Church and tonight we are trusting the Lord for even greater blessings as four of the local churches band together for an evening of fellowship in prayer." This brought the report out of line, and truth, as far as the local people were concerned and it is rather hard to explain to them when the report does not appear as it was sent in and this for an unknown reason. If it is the policy of the Messenger that news on united efforts are not desirable then we would like a clarification on this and probably these items can then be avoided in the future. Sincerely, Burns Lake I. H. Knelsen ED. NOTE: Our sincere and humble apologies for deleting this important sentence. 1 do not recall why it was left out but I do know that it was not for the reason you suggest. We are heartily in favour of united efforts of this nature. Thank you for the letter and we want to again be more careful in our editing.

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OBITUARIES

MRS, HELENA KNELSEN 1887-1966 Our mother was born on June 30, 1887 at Plum Coulee, Manitoba. In June of 1907 she was baptized upon the confession of her faith in her Saviour Jesus Christ; July 14th of the same year she was married to our father, Abraham G. Knelsen, who pre­ deceased her on December 24, 1960. Being a mother of six children was a joy that was intermingled with much concern and hard work, of times surrounded by meager circumstances, and many times by sickness as she suffered much from rheumatism in the 192O's. In her later years her health was much improved even though she suf­ fered three light strokes. Always ready to receive friends and strangers into her home gave her a rich life of service to the day the Lord called her home. Those who mourn her passing are her children, Helen (Mrs. Aron Bueckert), Abe Mary (Mrs. Cornie Olfert), John, Jake, Jessie (Mrs. George Krahn), two brothers, Abe Shapansky, Haney, B.C., Jacob Shapansky, Austin, Man., one sister, Mrs. Annie Friesen, Patos, Durango, Mexico, 19 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many relatives plus a host of friends. Two sisters, one brother, one grandson and her husband predeceased her. Though we mourn, yet we rejoice in the confidence of meeting her in glory in the presence of our Saviour and Lord. The Family Funeral services were neld at 1:30 p.m, on Monday, April 18, 1966 from the Evan­ gelical Mennonite Church, Wymark, Sask.

into a season of prayer. However soon af­ ter my husband had led in an earnest audible prayer, he began to feel very sick, went and lay down on his bed and passed away only a few minutes later. He was born at Plum Coulee, Manitoba on March Sth, 1898. In 1908 he moved with his parents., to Wymark, Sask. In 1917 he was baptized and received into the mem­ bership of the Old Colony Mennonite Church. On December 1st, 1918 he was married to Gertrude Knelsen. To this union were born 14 children, 7 boys and 7 girls. Upon the passing of his first wife on April 13, 1962 he married her sister, Elizabeth on August Sth, 1962. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Elizabeth, six sons, Jacob, Abe, Isaak, Pete and Henry of Swift Current, and Dave of McMahon, six daughters, Helena (Mrs. Jac. Neufeld), and Gertrude (Mrs. Peter Mather) of Swift Current, Maria (Mrs. Jack Knight) New Westminster, B.C., Susan (Mrs. Peter Langman), Toronto, Ont., Eva of Moose Jaw, and Ann (Mrs. Roy Loewen) of Steinbach, We sorrow not as others who hove no hope but are looking forward to a glad reunion in the great beyond, when the Lord shall come for His own. I Thess. 4:13-18. Elizabeth Heinrichs and family Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 9th, 1966 from the Evan­ gelical Mennonite Church, Wymark, Sask, with Rev. Elmer Hamm officiating.

MCC (CANADA) RETRACTS GRANT TO CANADIAN MENNONITE The members of MCC (Canada) have voted, by mail ballot to approve the Executive Committee's recommendation that the $5,000 grant to the Canadian Mennonite, approved by the members of the Annual Meeting in Vancouver, be rescinded. This action became necessary when constituency reaction indicated that this decision was not appreciated.

SHOP EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS How do you like to shop for someone "who has everything'"? How Christ-like are we when we "pull tickets" and exchange gifts? For the last twenty years a large number of people have taken a different approach to Christmas: they give something useful to someone who has nothing and give where they cannot expect a gift in return. How? By participating in the MCC Christmas bundle program. Ask your pas­ tor for a brochure (these were mailed to all churches early this year) which de­ scribes what goes into a bundle, buy the necessary articles, assemble the bundle and take it to your nearest MCC collection center no later than July 1, 1966. Please do hot forget to send one dollar for each bundle to the nearest MCC treasurer. This money is needed to ship the bundles and to buy the Bible and Testament to be distributed with the bundles.

ANNUAL SMC r SONO FSSTIVAL J

100 VOICE CHOIR ABRAM HEINRICHS 1898 - 1966 It has pleased the Lord to call my be­ loved husband, Abram Heinrichs, to his heavenly home, to be forever in eternal glory with Jesus, his Saviour, whom he loved so dearly. He passed away quite sud­ denly, due to heart failure, on Thursday eve­ ning, May Sth, 1966 at 9:25 p.m., while a cottage prayer meeting was being held in the home. Upon arrival of the guests and during a brief time of visiting he had shown no signs of being ill but was hos­ pitable, jubilant and happy. Rev. Schlamp then read a portion of Scripture, made some remarks and proceeded to lead the group

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6od*s Voice Resounds MAY 29

MORRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

JUNE 5

STEINBACH COLLEGIATE 2:30 P.M.

DIRECTOR:

DAVE L. FRIESEN

THE MESSENGER

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TRUTH

FOR

YOUTH

YOUTH PANEL The question on Youth Panel this week comes from Washow Bay Young People's and is answered by young people from our Kola church, Peter F. Klassen is Young People's leader here.

QUESTION: Is casual dating (dating without an ultimate pur­ pose) recommended for young Christians?

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ANSWER: The motive a young Christian has in dating, I believe, determines whether it might be recommendable or not. I think that every young person should ask himself why he or she would like lo go out with others on dates. In certain situations involving a group of young people, it might be qui’e alright for some whereas it might be sinful for others of the same group. I believe it depends on whal the motivation is. For instance, if a mixed group of young people goes out for a prearranged social or weiner roast, some will most certainly go because they enjoy being together with other young people to have some clean fun. In such a case I would think it might be quite in order to gp' together as friends. On the other hand, if there are those who think only of the time when they might be by themselves as they are going to or from the social, the motives for going out would be wrong and therefore not recommended for young Christians. Ronald Penner

May 27, 1966

ANSWER: To answer this ques­ tion effectively, many things must be taken into consideration. It is quite alright to go out for a time of fun and fellowship with some­ one with like interests and stand ords. One must remember that he is representing Christ where he goes. Casual dating means casual. It is for enjoyment and, if under the Lord's guidance, could be hon­ oring to Him for young people who are not planning marriage. Casual dating also enlarges one's know­ ledge in the interests of others and helps one become balanced social­ ly. However, we must keep in mind that Christ is interested in all points of our lives, even casual dates and we should consult Him before we make a decision to casual date or not to. E.R. ANSWER: What is casual dating? It this means a few dates every weel^, or a different date eYery weekend—then casual dating is not for young Christians. However, I see no reason why a guy should not take a lady friend out without planning to marry her. For casual dating, consideration should be given to the following. Plan your date. Don't, go out on

Saturday night or Sunday afternoon with nothing' to do. Seeing you are not thinking of the future, double dating and group activities would seem more in place. Make sure your date knows that you consider dating him or her as 'casual'. Too often only one of a couple dates 'casually' while the other 'seriously'. 'Going steady' is not recommend­ ed if you are not thinking of or planning a future together. Pray about it, God cares. Your dates should not dishonor His Name, but rather glorify it. H.K.

ANSWER: I believe casual dat­ ing is not recommended for young Christians. If there is no ultimate purpose in dating, why do it? Things done without a purpose are considered a waste of time. Dating, then, is no exception. Dating casually may be a lot of fun. If you date Christian kids the Christian fellowship is very enjoy­ able. But enjoyable or not, dating may raise false hopes in another person. Finding out that you have no other reason for dating him or her than for the fellowship and en­ joyment it gives you may cause disappointment. This is another reason why casual dating is not recommended. Finally, why can't we make dat­ ing a matter of prayer? God is interested in every other portion of our lives and it seems to me that He would be especially interested in whom we choose as a dating partner and perhaps later on as a marriage partner. If we pray about it we should trust God, to lead us to the right person and then there should be no need of dating without cm ultimate purpose. T.G.

Religion is not so much a mat­ ter of joyous feeling. It’s more of a constant awareness of God's presence, and of working with and for him in a service to others. 9

"And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book" —Isaiah 29:18.

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happy, but when the foreign stranger with the black object came to her village, she was confronted with a new problem. She had never seen a book. No one in the village had ever seen or heard of a book. How would she ever find out what was in the book? The next day, after the stranger left, Rhoda begged her father with motions and mutterings to explain the new message to her. Her father could understand the Lisu language, and very slowly and very carefully he told her the wonderful story of salvation, which the messengers had told them. She followed his lips and in this way she "heard" and understood the message.

"What are those men saying?" Rhoda wondered. "They are not Nosu men. Their clothes are different to our men's clothes, and their lips move in a way that makes it impossible for me to tell what they are saying. They must be speaking foreign words! But our men are understanding the words — their faces show that they can make out the message. Our men look pleased. "Now the man is opening a black ob­ As the story unfolded to her, her lovely ject — what can that be? He keeps looking into it and telling us what he sees. He eyes shone forth the wonder and amaze­ must see many things, he has so much to ment which was in her heart. When she learned that God's only Son died for her telll Oh, if 1 could only hear!” But Rhoda could not hear, nor could sins and that He was buried and rose again she speak. She was twelve years old — to save any who would ask Him, she ran beautiful, with dark skin and rosy cheeks. from the house out on the mountainside Her large intelligent eyes attracted others and poured out her heart to God for forto her. She had learned to read the lips giveness and cleansing. Great joy and of her own people and understand what peace flooded Rhoda's heart. they were saying, but she couldn't speak. Others in the village were thinking of Rhoda's people were all demon worship- turning to God from the worship of demons pers, and one day when she was five or and by the time the Lisu stranger returned six yaers of age, she became so ill to Pine Needle, Rhoda's village, most of with a fever that her parents feared for the villagers were worshipping God, and her life. They quickly killed a chicken and the worship of demons had ceased. The messenger with the black book taught offered it with prayers to Satan, but their child grew worse. They continued to kill the villagers as often during the day as chickens until they had no more to kill, but they could gather, and at night, in their still Satan did not hear their prayers and bamboo houses around their smoky fires, heal their child. In desperation they killed he would teach them by the light of pine the only pig they had, but Rhoda only torches. 'The Nosu men of Rhoda's village grew worse. who could understand Lisu, learned to read "Perhaps Satan will listen to our cries the Word of God, which was printed in the and heal our child if we offer him our only Lisu language. Some even bought copies cow." the parents said one to another. This of the Lisu New Testament, they did as a last resource — but still What about Rhoda? She, too, wanted their child lingered between life and death to know more of the good news from the for several days more, showing no im­ black Lisu Book of God. How could she, a deaf, and dumb girl, learn to read and provement. '’’he parents now had nothing more to write a foreign language? Who would help offer to Satan. They did not know the her? How could she earn enough money to Giver of Life, the only True God. They had buy a copy of this wonderful Book? These, never heard that there is such a One, but and many other questions raced through He knew them and He knew all about her mind as she watched the men and boys their sick little daughter. He was preparing of the village learning to read and write. His messengers to take them the Gospel. You boys and girl have probably heard Gradually the fever subsided, but it left this proverb repeated many times, "Where Rhoda unable to hear or to speak. As she there's a will there's a way." Well, Rhoda grew stronger, she watched people's lips had the will all right, but ,better still, she when they spoke and learned to "hear" had a heart that believed in God, and she in this way. Her parents and village folk trusted Him to help her find a way. were amazed at her quickness and ability After the Lisu stranger left Pine Needle, to understand their conversation. Rhoda found that some of her friends who Most of the time Rhoda was content and had learned to read and write were willing

THE MESSENGER

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and then explain the meaning in Nosu. Rhoda was a keen pupil and learned with­ out much vzork on the part of the teacher. Rhoda learned so quickly that it took her only u few days to learn the forty letters of the Lisu alphabet, and all by leading the lips and writing with a stick in the dust. But Rhoda was not satisfied with just knowing the alphabet and just writing letters in the dust. She wanted a book of God's words so that she could read them and find out what He said. When the time came for Rhoaa's mother to make a hemp cloth skirt and jacket for Rhoda, Rhoda begged for the cloth and made her mother understand that she would vzear her old clothes for another year, and sell the hemp cloth to buy a Lisu Nov/ Testament. After much persuasion her mother consented and the cloth was sold, and dear Rhoda hugged her Lisu New Testament. With much perseverance ano. much seek­ ing for help word by word, Rhoda learned to read and understand God's Word in the Lisu language. As sh9 aat on the mountain­ side watching her father's goats, she read her little black Book, and rejoiced in the vzonderful Words of Life. She went far be­ yond the others in the village In her study and knowledge of tms book, and later, able, she would write letters for comfort to needy ones in other villages-—letters of rebuke to those who were not living truly Christiirn lives. Rhoda was only a deaf and dumb Nosu tribal girl. She could not hear with her ears. She could not speak with her tongue. And before the stranger with the black book had come, she could not read with her eyes, nor write with her hands. Even the story of Jesus was told in a language which she did not understand. But she "heard" and "believed" and gave all that she had to Jesus. You have ears to hear. Have you heard the words of the Book? What have you done about them? Have you believed and received and obeyed them as deaf Rhoda did? "Sing them over again to me, Wonder/uJ words of Life. Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of Lite. "Words of Life and beauty, Teach me faith and duly. Beautiful Words, Wonderful Words, Wonderful words of Life!" —a true story YOUNG PILOT

May 27, 1966

FROM TO TO

'HOUSE HOUSE

HOME SWEET HOME By Elma B. Dueck Someone has said that home is one of the sweetest words of the English language. Home symbolizes a place of love and fellowship, a haven of rest, and security. After being forced to leave home for the second time due to our Red River flood. I have more fully rea­ lized how privileged we are to have a place which we can call home. Moreover, I have learned in a con­ crete way that our home here is only a temporary one—a home that is perishable. The flood this spring brought back vivid memories of the 1950 flood. I recall the morning when we awoke to five inches of water on our floor. We had no upstairs rooms. My sister's family had moved in with us as their hom.e was flooded before ours. I remem­ ber how my sister had to hold on to her nine month old baby as he had taken one dive frorn the crib into the cold, murky water that morning. It was cold, and we had hardly any clean water left as both furnace and cisterns were flooded. Even our babies diapers wouldn't dry in the damp atmos­ phere. Eventually, the Red Cross boat came to get us and take us to dry shelter, warmth, and food. Kind strangers, who had never seen us before, graciously took us in and shared their home with us until we could make arrangements to go to our parental homes. Our kind hosts did everything possible to make us comfortable and at home, even insisting on giving up their bedroom to us while they slept on the living room couch. We were deeply humbled and grate­ ful.

Afterwards, in the stillness of the night, as I tried to soothe and quiet our restless baby, an over­ whelming wave of homesickness rolled over me. Every fibre of my being yearned and cried for home. It was hard to have to impose on other people. Though we were treated royally, we were strangers in a strange place. This second time we were, pre­ pared. We could leave in our own car and go straight to our parents and friends. My father had a house ready for us. But, in spite of the good time we had, there was some­ thing lacking. Our dear husband and father had gone back home. We were, after all, only visitors for a short sojourn. How glad we were to get back to our real home —to our beloved husband and fa­ ther. In I Peter 2:11, we are reminded that we are strangers and pilgrims here on earth. With our lovely homes and high standard of living we feel so much at home that we are prone to forget about our hea­ venly home. Maybe that is why God has to send us some darker hours of night at times to make uS remember and yearn for our hea­ venly home and for our heavenly Father. (One of these "darker hours" for me was when the dear sister I mentioned was taken from us to her eternal home). May it also help us to halve a greater com­ passion for the homeless, especial­ ly the spiritually homeless that they too may be brought back to the Father's house. I am sure the greatest joy of go­ ing home will be to meet our be­ loved bridegroom — our loving, gracious Father face to face—to put our hands into His nail-scarred ones—to have His outstretched arms enfold us, and together with our loved ones that have gone on before welcome us home. That will indeed be Home sweet Home!

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By direction of the EMC Board of Missions the four brethren,. Elmer Hamm, Wymark; Nick Friesen, Morris; Dave Eldse, Lowe Farm and Ed. Friesen, Morris made a business and exploratory trip last fall that took them to Mexico and other Central American countries. One of the brethren. Elmer Hamm, kept a diary and here to share some of their experiences with us is the first part of Latin America Diary.

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Our trip began on Nov. 7 at 2:30 p.m. at Wymark. Sask. After stop­ ping over at Morris, Man. where the ethers joined us we proceeded south­ ward. Having left Morris on the af­ ternoon of Nov. 9 we travelled all night and by morning were well into Kansas. Our first destination was Edinburgh, Texas and the Rio Grande Bible Institute. Arriving here on Nov: 11 we were met by Dora Friesen (Morris) who had already arranged for a suite for us at the RGBI. The Institute has some 60-70 Latin stu­ dents. Could they ever sing. They gave us a warm welcome. But we hadn’t come to stay here. Now began the major part of our trip. Our car was left at Edinburgh and the trip by bus began. The first stop was Mexico Citj. We left Edinburgh on the 12th of Nov. for the border where we were to board a bus for Mexico City. At the bu.s depot we had about an hour’s wait for our bus. My what poverty!

the WIM. Among the sights we saw the Anthropology Museum and City Center Park. On Monday we wanted to tend to our business of visas and saw the lawyer who had to do with immigra­ tion Due to the fact that the consu­ late offices were only open from 10:00 to 2:00 we were unable to get all six visas needed. In our talk with the lawyer we found that the situa­ tion was not yet resolved. Our next destination was British

Honduras. The road now became very mountainous. By 10:00 p:m: we had apparently reached the peak and we began the descent (in low gear!) By morning we had reached the coastal legion of the Gulf of Mexico. There was also more grass, trees and foliage in evidence. R:C: churches and shrines are a common site all along the way. Pictures of Mary and the Crucifix are very common on taxis and trucks. We arrived at Merido at 3:30 p.m. where we had to stay over­ night. The next morning we boarded another bus (second class this time). (Fortunate that there were not too many chickens and turkies!) After some 9% hours of travel we arrived at Chetamal which was only some 120 miles from Belize, British Honduras. (To be continued)

In one corner, sleeping on the cement floor, was a boj' of about seven or eight, trousers tattered; a shopping bag for a pillow. After he woke I gave liim a quarter. We travelled all night, reaching our destination the next day at 5:00 p.m. In Mexico City we met Maria Koop who is in language study here. The next day we did some sight­ seeing and also visited the capitol City Baptist Church. Here Paul Thompson is the pastor. He is a son to Elmer V. Thompson, director of

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