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WORLD CONGRESS by John M. Drescher

(Following is on interpretive report on the World Congress on Evangelism written at the conclusion of the first week.) From 104 countries more than 1200 delegates and observers traveled to Berlin for the first World Con gress on Evangelism ever held. World famous Christ ian leaders as well as laymen and missionaries from little known places were among the delegates. Some borrowed or bought suits of clothes for the first time in order to attend. Yugoslavian delegates were present. Delegates from East Germany DDR, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia had accepted invitations but did not appear. Word was received that although the Czechkosolvakian delegates were not permitted to come, they gathered in that country for special seasons of prayer for the Congress. Despite the absence of delegates from several such countries the Congress was one of the most global and ecumenical gatherings in history with delegates com ing from more than 100 denominations and groups. Jewish and Catholic observers were present. Billy Graham Billy Graham, honorary chairman of the ten-day World Congress, in his opening greetings said, "we hope during these days to define and clarify biblical evangelism for our day; to establish beyond any doubt its relevence to the modern world; to underline COVER photo: On January 8, 1956 the world was stunned by the

word that a band of Auca Indians, the fiercest of Ecuador's Abor

igines had slain five missionaries. At that time many considered the incident on the Curary to be the end of the effort to reach the Auca's for Christ. But with God all things are possible. Some 80 of the Aucas are children of God and baptized.

Among the delegates to the World Congress on Evangelism, were two of the converted Auca Indians who participated in the slaying of the missionaries. You see them on our front cover, to gether with Rachael Saint, sister of Nate Saint, one of the slain missionaries.

(War Cry Photo')

the urgency of evcmgelism in the present world sit uation; and to explore new forms of witness now in use throughout the world and new ways of reach ing contemporary man." Carl F. H. Henry Carl F. H. Henry, chairman of the Congress and editor of Christianity Today, delivered the address to set the stage of the meeting. He told the Congress that, in depending upon small corps of professionals to evangelize, modern Christianity has fallen victim to a "major weakness." "May the theme, 'One Race, One Gospel, One Task,' point the way to a new day in evangelism," Henry said. He insisted that "any declaration emerging from this Congress must rise from the spontaneous will of the participants rather than by predetermination of the sponsors." Christianity Today is the sponsor of the Congress. Henry also pointed to the urgency and iimliness of the Congress by saying, "This may be the last time in human history that disciples of Jesus Christ are free to meet face to face on a global bases for such a goal. Even now some of you occupy seats that were first assigned to delegates unable to secure visas." Haile Selassie Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia was invited as a head of state to address the Berlin meeting. Tracing the history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which he also serves as head, Selassie described the great effort to preserve Ethiopia as an island of Christianity. "We have helped," Selassie said, "and will con tinue to help the missionaries who are sent from other lands to preach the Gospel to those of our people who have not come to the knowledge of God's saving grace." He concluded, "Therefore, O Christians, let us arise and, with the spiritual zeal and earnestness which characterized the apostles and the early Christians, let us labor to lead our brothers and sis ters to our Saviour Jesus Christ who only can give life in its fullest sense."

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the Conference. Instruct in Godliness and victorious living. Inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor, D. K. Schellenberg, The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. Changes of address should be sent to the circulation manager, Abe Klassen, Box 1447, Steinbach, Manitoba. Subscription: Members pay through their church. Non-members $1.00 per year. Authorized as second class mail by lhe Post Office Department. Ottawa, and ’or payment of postage in cash. Printed by Deluxe Printing, Steinbach. Manitoba, Canada.

THE MESSENGER

ON EVANGELISM Significant Things Emerging At this mid-mark of the Congress some significant things have emerged and -will likely be continuing concerns of the Congress. Apparent from the start was a spirit of singlemindness and a sense of oneness born of a common con cern for evangelism. There was a clear sense of urgency to evangelize the world in this generation. "This is a great city, a great conference, and a great time to have a Congress as this." These words horn a young German seated beside me on a Berlin bus expressed the feeling of most delegates and many Berliners toward the Evangelism Congress. There is, of course, a strong feeling that merely merging churches falls far short of a New Testament demand today. Also constant comment and confes sion is heard stating that "unloving, pugilistic, and extremist defenders of the faith" have greatly hin dered the cause of Christ. James Douglas, editor of The Christian, in London, wrote that unity may well be one of the major re sults of the Congress. "Here," wrote Douglas, "the delegates and observers have met consecrated fel low Christians across the racial and national lines. Friendships and shared concerns have developed, leaping over walls that have developed in the past." It seems clear that another aim of the Congress is to upgrade evangelism both in method and content. The need of the hour is for scholar-efvangelists. Today we face a battle for the mind. "A man not intellectual ly converted is only partly converted," said John Stott of London, Chaplain of the Queen and major Congress speaker. Evangelism and Social Compassion A reoccuring concern is that word and deed be at the center of evangelism. Despite the fear and warn ing of some regarding a social gospel, numerous speakers and discussion groups are facing frankly the facts that preaching without works of mercy or vice versa is only a half gospel. Billy Graham in his opening address made an ap peal to the World Church to return to the dynamic zeal for evangelization that characterized the Edin burgh Conference half a century ago. Then stressing the need for regeneration as primary, Graham gave as an essential motive for evangelism the spiritual, moral, and social needs of man. "Jesus," Graham said, "looked upon man not only as separated from God by sin, but as sick bodies November 25, 1966

that needed touch and empty stomachs that needed feeding, and racial misunderstanding that needed His

Word." Evangelism and social compassion have always gone together. Foreign missions have always had conversion in one hand and a cup of cold water in the other. Today the evangelist cannot ignore the diseased, the poor, the discriminated against, and those who have lost their freedom through tyranny. These social evils cry loudly in our ears and we, too, must "have compassion on them." A conviction constantly expressed during the Con gress thus far says that the Christian Church is called to use mass media and modern techniques to the fullest extent in spreading the Gospel. God does not "canonize" any one method. Methods differ in dif ferent places and times and according to the gifts God gives, but the message and mandate are the same. Especially during the opening days of the Congress there seemed to be a hesitancy or fear to discuss the real implications of the Gospel in social concerns, in racial tension, nationalism, and affluence, etc. Moved Beyond "Status Quo" As the second half of the Congress approaches there seems to be more of an openness experienced. As one delegate expressed it there is "now room for anything to be said," And what is being said in some- discussions demonstrates a desire to move be yond. a "status quo" position to minister as God's messengers of good news in the world. There also seems to be a frank recognition that it is easier and more self-satisfying to blame Christ ianity's set-backs on others; but there is a growing ad mission that the real hindrances ore within the churches of Latin America, Africa and Asia. Whatever the result of the Congress there is a deepening awareness of the mighty moving of God's spirit throughout the world. Some are speaking of the Congress as a "prelude to a new Pentecost" and a "moving that can be better felt than said." Flagging laborers are being revived in a meeting characterized by a search of the Scriptures, prayer, and fervent fellowship not only during Congress session but in hotels, buses, and around restaurant tables. John M. Drescher is the editor of the Gospel Herald. His attendance at the Congress was sponsored by several Mennonite and Brethren in Christ periodicals COMBS, and MCC.

A Report at the C'ucrrCTl Work

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hearts we spent a day and) a half r with them, just looking on to theirh. to call off the rjlusic and dance. We drinking, dancing and tribal cere-waited around a while, wondering, monies. Was this time valuably praying. "Well," w^'agreed, "may spent, we ask ourseives. We sih- be we'd better go home." However, cerely believe that it helped us to just at that moment we we're notified know them and their customs bet- ‘ that the chief was back and did we ter, also to gain their confidence. wish to speak to him. In no time at We had some opportunities to sing all the music and d<tfncing was and tell Bible stories to the children. brought to a halt. We set up a Sunday night, the final night, we screen, showed some slides, sang had made arrangements with the and gave a. short message. Whole chief for another service. When we hearted interest was manifested. Most of these Indians ore now arrived, the guitars and harp were still strum.ming in the same tempo; again back in the woods where we weary looking dancers moving seldom see them. Will they have around on the dirt floor of the chief's received something that Will con large wall-less shack. Would there tinue to speak to ' their darkened be a service, we could not help' but ^ouls? Will you pray with us for wonder? The chief was erway and 1;these loSf sheep for Whom Christ f. no one elsd would tak®-the.'inittative'.d'also dibd? '1 io V _

HEPE/iTED INVITATIONS irom the chief himself came tc us. They were having one of their big reunions again and would we this time come and speak to his people about God, asked the chief. "I know little about God and most of my people know nothing at all," said he. What an opportunity! Thursday the Indians began to gather, some from as far as fortyfive miles away. V/e were invited for Friday morning. A fair number were present and very keen atten tion was given as the Word was presented on tape, singing and a message by Anne Braun. We hope and pray that seed sown may have found some fertile soil. The next few days revealed little evidence of this. With rather heavy

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a Firstfruits of Quichua Radio by Marian Houghton

HE HEARD ABOUT A RADIO

Please meet Hilario Illapa. He is a Quichua Indian from the high lands of Ecuador. For many years he lived in a constant round of feasting and drinking, not knowing of any other way but this. Every feast day that came along would find them drinking and carousing sometimes a week at a time. When it was his turn to provide the drink, he would go into debt for years just to provide enough chicha for his friends to drink. Hilario's brother lives at Half-way Ci OSS, a point about half way betvreeen the Pan-American highway and the little valley where the mis sionaries came to live. These ladies started a school for all the children and this brother learned to read there. He also heard about their religion which told of a wonderful new Way and a God that was pow erful enough to take away their desire to drink. He didn't believe very much of this, but he heard about a radio that he could buy that would speak to them in theii own language. One day he went to Cola and bought one of these ra dios and. the missionary went to his house to hook it up for him. Of course, all the friends and rela tives went to listen to this marvel ous thing. They heard the Chirstian songs and Gospel messages, and November 25, 1966

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even learned to sing some of the happy. In their hearts they knew that this was the right way to be and songs. Qne day, while they were listen they too, wanted to follow in this ing, they heard a voice inviting way. On the last day of the con them to a conference at Troje. Many ference, opportunity was given for of them had heard of the Christian testimony and Hilario got up and Indians at Troje and wondered just told the brethren there that he, too, what had made them turn from the was ready to become a Christian, old way to this new way. They also Later, when a missionary went to wondered about this invitation whe their home, the wife also said she ther it really included them. Hilario would become a Christian. These two, Hilario and Fransisco was sure it meant everyone was in vited and he had a real desire to Illapa, first heard the Word through go. A few days later one of the the Quichua radio; the first radio Christian Indians passed by his that we placed in a non-Christian house and he asked if anyone could home. Thank you for praying for go to this conference that was being the Quichua radio. planned. Upon his being assured The Houghtons are now home on furlough. that this was the case, he and his wife made their way over the hill They are making their home in Steinbach, to the conference. They were very where Marian's parents live.

1 NEWS I PORTAGE la PRAIRIE

Missionary Oonierence Report Rev. Ben Friesen of the S.B.I. was main speaker during the Sixth Annual Missionary Conference at Portage la Prairie held Octo ber 23-30. The challenging and inspiring messages were based on Isaiah 6. In order to carry out and respond to the Great Com mission Christians .need to see the holiness of God as Isaiah did. The Girls Choir from the Oak River In dian Reserve served with special numbers one evening under the direction of Frank Braun. Slides of the work there were shown at the same time by Leo Thiessen. Work carried on in Ecuador was reported on by Stan Houghton. Slides were shown as vzell concerning the radio mission work and the results. Rev. Milton Fast, Kleefeld gave a report on EMC Missions one evening. Although the EMC conference has been in existence for 15C years, it is only during the last 25 years that the church has put a real emphasis on mission work. Our prayer is that we might be a missionary minded church and retain a concern and burden for lost souls. The touching film "Regions Beyond" was shown on Thursday, Youth night. We were privileged to have Mrs. John Peters speak at a special afternoon Ladies Meeting on Friday. The same evening both Mr. and Mrs. Peters were present with re ports and slides. On Saturday evening Mr. Peters held the audience breathless with a beautiful chalktalk portraying the theme "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning". Again slides of Germany and Switzerland were shown and during the absence of Rev. Frie sen, Rev. Peters gave the moin message of the night. The Harvey Barkman family was in at tendance the last night of the conference ana served with musical numbers as well as with pictures and reports. The words of the theme chorus used throughout the week "He wants me to pray, to give and to go" might well summarize the aim and challenge of the conference.

MAFEKING Hearts Warmed Winter has once more put its grip of cold ness upon us. An early snowfall has

blanketed the ground and the temperature adds to the definite feeling of winter. But de spite this, the Christians here in Mafeking can truthfully say that our hearts have been warmed by the events that have tak en place in the last few months.

Prayer Answered Many prayers have been answered in that we have received a man to take over the responsibilities of the work here. The Alwin Kleinpeters have consented to take over the work for the following year. We have already been blessed by their enthu siasm, their love towards the people here, and their burden for lost souls. Mr. Kleinpeter is also busy working for Stan Penner at National Mills during the week. There he has also started a Young People's group (at Westgate.) Mr. Johnny Warkentin, our busy leader for the last year, has taken over the work of the Sunday School Department, as well as Thursday night's prayer meetings and Bible study. Then we are also happy to have the Stan Penners with us again. Mr. Penner is teach ing the adult S.S. class. He, along with Mr. KTeinpeter and Mr, Warkentin, make up our first church board. Young Peoples Young Peoples was organized once more this fall. Their concern is that by some means they may draw town students to join in with their activities. They started the fall srevices with the film "Dark Valley", and enjoyed an outing at the Steeprock Bible Camp. Prayer is requested that through thiF work, souls may be won. Rev. A. P. Unger of Landmark, is serv ing us with Deeper Life Services starting Sunday night, Nov. 13, and concluding Wednesday, Nov. 16. Services continue till Friday night, with Youth Nite planned for that day. On Nov. 13, we had our first Sunday morning worship service. Mr. Kleinpeter, in leading the service, stressed the importance of proper Christian home training of a child. Till now, we had our S.S. Sunday morning and worship service in the evening. Sunday night service will be continued as well.

Three Decisions We have another reason to be grateful bceause prayers being answered the last few months. Three people came to know the Lord as their Master. One has since gone to meet his Creator. We were sad dened by the death of Mr. Waite, but hap py that he found peace with Him. Prayer meetings, services, and S.S. are well attended. But many more need to be reached. We once more request your fer-

vent prayers; that souls as they hear the VZcrd seen in Mafeking, may turn from sin unto Light.

BOSENORT

Missionaries Ordained

I lake, Bertha, Lester and Yolanda Kroeker.

Sunday afternoon, Nov. 6th., marked an other important occasion in regard to mis sions for the local church at Rosenort as ■well as for the entire conference, -when the Jake Kroekers, who have been serving in Mexico for several years, were ordained as missionaries. Rev. P. L. Friesen officiated, asfisted by Rev. Milton Fast (chairman of ihe EMC Board of Missions). The latter also had the main message basing his thoughts on Eph. 3:1-12. Among other things he stated that the purpose of the church is to reach out to serve the lost. If the church is not in its place, the plan of God is frus trated. The scope of this trust committed to the believers is the entire world and not only the immediate families and loved ones. The men's choir rendered two numbers and later on greetings came from various churches of the conference as well as a few from outside of the E.M.C. The Kroekers left for the south on the following Tuesday. Bro. Kroeker is again expected to join the teaching staff on the Mexican Bible School that begins its third term of operation after the New Year. The Edward Friesens, who returned to Mexico a few weeks earlier, will be engaged in the same type of ministry.

PANSY On October 21, The Fellowship Group en joyed a belated Thanksgiving service, spon sored by the Young People who served us a delicious fowl supper. About 100 persons

THE MESSENGER

participated. Later in the evening, we were blest by musical numbers and a film. Mrs. John Funk is recovering favourably after her gallstone operation which she had on Oct. 14. One cannot help but praise the Lord for answered prayer. Four-year-old Bobby Loewen had his ton sils removed during October and then came down with pneumonia during the same month. Hope that will do for a while. Bob! On Sunday, November 6 we were privi leged to have Melvin Friesens in our midst Brother Friesen brought the message at the morning service. On the evening of the same day we had our monthly program. The participation was good and we thank the Lord for it. PRAIRIE ROSE Thanksgiving was a time of praise and gratitude in our church Oct. 10. A good sized congregation had gathered for our annual thanksgiving evening service. We were fav ored by a moving choir selection. "O For A Thousand Tongues." The guest speaker was Rev. Albert Loepky pastor of the Niver ville Menn. Conference church who told an interesting story to the children, and in his message posed some unusual questions or occassions on thankfulness. Another reason of praise was the record offering received, pos sibly the largest in the churches history. Good interest was realized at our an nual fall deeper life services and missions conference with Rev. Melvin Koop. The mes sages to the Seven churches in Revelation where most interestingly yet searchingly portrayed to us by Bro. Koop. Bro. John Pet ers took time out to speak to us on two occassions; also showing slides of Germany and their work. In spite of a meager grain harvest Bro. I. K. Plett surprised the aud ience in announcing that enough funds had been received to more than bring our mis sionary budget up to date. Bro. Harold Hildebrand and Arnold Reimer were elected as Gen. S.S. superintendent and assistant superintendant respectively at our annual S.S. meeting. Bro. Ben K. Plett also kept the responsible position as Sec. Treasurer. We are most grateful for all the capable consecrated teachers that were elect ed. Later at the S.S. promotion day programm a few interesting important items were, the recognition of of the students with a perfect attendance, and the "promotion" ci the Cradle Roll to the Kindergarten Class with the mothers present with their "grad uating" students. GOULDTOWN Mrs Henry Penner, whom our last news stated being ill and the medical Doctors had given up hope of healing, has been

November 25, 1966

completely healed through faith by our Great Physician. Praise His Holy Name. Sept. 12 the Swift Current Ladies Aid in vited our Ladies over for a joint program. After which we had a wonderful time of fellowship around the table. A complete lunch was served. A Thanksgiving Social took place Sept. 25. We fellowshipped after the dinner meal ■with a service after dinner. The message was brought by Rev. Elmer Hamm. We ad vanced this social so that Mary Friesen could also be present, who is again leav ing for her second year at S.B.I. The Alvin Doerksens moved into the Par sonage Nov. 3. We thank all the brethren and sisters who have so faithfully donat ed time, so that this project was possible. Also the brethren from Wymark who helped us and a brother from Manitoba who do nated a week of labour. May the Lord re ward you all for it. Rev. and Mrs. John P. Loewen and Junia were very welcome guests in our church Nov. 13. Rev. Loewen had the morning worship message based on "Grace". They visited in the homes of the Alvin Doerksens and Miss Betty Plett, to whom they are closely related. Thankyou for the visit, Please come again. The Wymark Young People brought a program here in the evening of Nov. 13, It consisted mostly of singing, a few testimonies and a message by Rev. Elmer Hamm.

KAMSACK Oct. 13-16 Rev. Wilfred Strom, deputation ■worker with the Evangelical Alliance Mis sion in Africa, now home (Moose Jaw Sask.) on furlough was guest speaker at our Mis sionary Conference. Challenging messages and films were brought to ardent listeners, and though the chapel was’nt always full, new faces showed up showing an interest in the Lord's work.

Miss Bonnie Friesen, candidate to Ger many showed interesting slides and told of the need of Christs work there. Tina Barkman, Riverton, Man. has taken on work (nurse) here in our hospital, we welcome her into this area, and certainly appreciate her help in the different activities, in church work.

The Bernie Brandts have taken up resi dence near Verigen, so along with the Ed. Moselinskys, of Mikado are full time work ers for Sunday school there. The building project is progressing verjwell by local help, the main outside struct ure is already up, just the door—Where Wil! our interest lie. On the Inside of that door or the Outside?

JOY IN SERVING CHRIST There is joy in serving Christ Which nothing else can give And richest blessings crown the Hie When /or the Lord we live Our loaves and fishes brought to Him He breaks and multiplies To feed the hungry souls of men With bread, and satisties. How good to be an instrument 0/ grace that He can use At any time, in any place However He may choose A vessel purified and tilled With living water sweet A harp divinely tuned and thrilled A heavens mercy seat (Submitted by Mrs. Jack Leis, Kamsack) REPORTERS THIS ISSUE: Rosenort, JOHNNIE LOEWEN; Portage, HELEN KLASSEN; Mafeking, JAKE WARKENTINE; Pansy, LEONARD BARKMAN; Kamsack, MRS. jack leis.

THE NAME SUPREME I know of lands that are sunk in shame, Of hearts that faint and tire; But I know of a name, a name, a name, That can set those lands on fire. I know a soul that is steeped in sin That no man’s art can cure; But I know a name, a name, a name, That can make that soul all pure. I know a life is lost to God, Bound down by things of earth; But I know a name, a name, a name. That can bring that soul new birth.

So listen, my heart, an angel speaks To save thy life from dross, Christ Jesus is the name, the name— He saves by way of the cross.

BIRTHS CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations go out to Mr. and Mrs. John Warkentine of Mafeking on the birth of twin bo-ys, Kenneth Peter and Douglas Paul, Five pounds four and three quarter ounzes and Five pounds five ounzes. They were born on Nov. 10. The Warken tines are active in the Mafe king Fellowship chapel. Br. Wark entine was the leader there till this Fall. He is a teacher by profession.

mouse say anything but 'squeak' or a duck say anything but 'quack.' But they may mean something to one another. A hen says lots of dif ferent things—like 'Cut-cut-cut-cutaarcut' when she's laid an egg, or Crrr, crri-crrr-crrr' when she's happy and contented. If you know hens, you can understand what they mean by those sounds. I am quite sure of one thing—God listens to what the birds and animals say." "Why, Grandma, how do you know that?" "Well, there is one place in the Bible that tells about a donkey that broke out and talked—really talk ed. There's a story, too, about how the trees in the forest once talked to one another. But the one I'm think ing about most of all is where Je sus says that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His Fa ther knowing it." "Does it say that?" "It surely does—and it tells about feeding the birds. He must pay at tention to them to know what they need. Look! Look! It's raining—I have to go and shut the windows!" Kenny ran around and helped Grandma close all the windows; then they sat on the porch, away back close to the wall, and watched it rain. The wind began to blow, and the lightning and thunder came —great blinding flashes and deaf ening crashes of noise. Kenny had his face in his grandmother's lap. "Are not two sparrows sold lor a "I wish it would stop!" he wailed. iarthing? and one of them shall not "It will stop pretty soon," said iall on the ground without your Fa Grandmother. "Really, after all, the ther" (Matt. 10:29) "Can animals talk?" asked Kenny storm is just another kind of God's of his grandmother. He had his big goodness —giving the farmer rain new picture book spread out in his for crops, so we can all have bread and potatoes and beans and carrots. lap. "Can they. Grandma?" "Well, maybe—to each other. I'm Also, if it hadn't been for the light quite sure I've seen two dogs agree ning, no one would ever have on something and then start out to thought of electric lights or electric machines. My, my, how that wind gether down the street." "I know—but can they talk to is blowing!" It blew so very hard that they folks? Can folks talk to them?" "Folks can talk to animals, of finally went indoors. But it seemed course. Doesn't Rex lie down, or beg, that no sooner had they gotten into or come and go when you tell him the house than the storm stopped, and there was a lovely rainbow in to?" "Oh, sure! But look—like this book the east. says, I mean. Here's a mouse that "Oh, Grandma!" Kenny ran in car talk like I do—and a hen and a excitedly, "there's a rainbow. Tell duck—" me the story about the first rain "Well, I don't know about that. bow—the one about Noah and the I'm quite sure I never heard a animals." So they sat on the porch CHILDREN'S STORY

and ike SpotA/iftiu

once more while Grandma told about Noah building the big, big boat, about all the animals, and about the rainbow meaning that God would never again send a flood that would destroy all the human race. While they talked, they kept hearing an excited little voice, "Chee-chee-chee, chee, chee, chee," Finally Kenny ran out to see. "Oh, Grandma, look! A baby spa rrow is on the ground!" There it lay, an ugly, naked, squirming little nestling, just an Eng lish sparrow, and it's mother was still excitedly cheeping overhead in the elm tree. Kenny bent close to see the throbbing of the tiny heart. "May I put it back in the nest. Grandma? I can climb up." "Well—all right; but perhaps we should first get it warm and dry. I will give you a piece of soft cloth to wrap it in." She got a piece of soft cloth, and they picked up the baby bird with great care, and laid it in a warm place. The mother bird continued to cheep pitifully, the moreso be cause she could not find her baby and did not know where the big human creatures had carried it. She did not know that it was in a safe place, getting warm and dry. Fin ally Grandma said, "Maybe you'd better take it out now. First, place the stepladder under the tree." So she helped Kenny put the step ladder in place; then he climbed up the big tree and laid the baby bird carefully in its nest. The mother bird continued to cheep for some little time, but finally everything was still. Then from the upstairs window they could see that she was sitting on the nest. "Grandma," said Kenny, "I guess that old mother sparrow was call ing on God when her baby fell out, and He told me to go fix it. Isn't that the way He does when folks call on Him'?" "Im sure it is," answered Grand ma, thinking of the many thousands ol tolks all over the earth who are calling to God. and of the thousands of other folks to whom He is speak ing, telling them to go, or to give, or to help send His deliverance to the needy folks everywhere. —Unknown (^Reprinted from Prairie Overcomer)

THE MESSENGER

By Eva Koop Dear Friends, "That's the fifth time the pack has fallen off. This is slow travel today." "At least it gives us a chance to rest that we wouldn't get other wise! " Neva and I chatted like this as we lay stretched out beside the path while the boy again adjusted the pack on the donkey. We had been walking for several hours and rather looked forward to the don key losing its pack; thus giving us a chance to rest! It was well into the afternoon and another four hours of walking lay before us. The lad showed his disgust at the inno cent donkey by shouting "Eat earth", each time something went wrong. Night came before we reached the church. An evangelist's son, whose home we had passed, es corted us for the last hour or so. He knew the path, and taking Neva's hand, he guided her through the darkness. Another lad took my arm, and thus we were lead through what seemed to us to be the black est of night. We crept under vines, over boulders and through dry stream beds. Every few minutes the

lad would encouragingly shout* "Were almost there." After an hour of this we finally were "almost there" for we heard children's voic es raised in chanting the alphabet and soon we saw the glow of the fires. We had arrived. The mules sensed it too and they were relieved to be freed and turned hungrily to the grass which had been denied them all day. We were among friends and tired bodies were forgotten as we greeted the people. The crowd followed us as we were escorted into the church and classes were again resumed. Two big fires burned brightly and around each a group was reading while others were still employed in memorizing the over 250 sounds of the Amharic alphabet. This was a church school in operation. The Christians were so pleased to see their children learning to read. Our host would have liked to butcher a goat for us, but we were tired and said we preferred to eat whatever they were eating. So we had fresh corn roasted over the coals and injerra. (Ethiopian bread)

An Ethiopian church conference. Delegates sit on a hillside to listen to the Word 01 God expounded by believers ot simple, devout laith. (JAirica Nowl)

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November 25, 1966 ?

Instead oi Car Park, Mule Park

Peeking out next morning we saw a line of people who wished to greet us and also those who had come for medicine. You who know me, will remember that medicine is not my line of work, but there I sat counting pills, fetching water, washing sores, bandaging and trying to get the history of the patient this often with two interpreters. Malaria pills were favorites that day for we were down in the valley where malaria is one of the greatest enemies. But we had not come only to help their physical needs. Those who waited outside under the shade of a tree listened while we explained about God sending His Son to rescue them from Satan's hand. Later as the Christians gathered for another service we stressed the one ness and unity there is in Christ. As evening approached we knew -we must hurry on to the next place. How we would have liked to spend more time—to give more teaching— more medicine. This is just one little church in an otherwise pagan community. Do pray faf these people—your fellow Christiofls, that their witness will burn os bseightly as the wood fires around’ which they study nightly. Eva Koop Addis Ababa Box 127 Ethiopia Eva Koop is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob B. Koop oi Kleeleld. Also in Ethiopia is her brother John Koop. Both are under ths SIM. Another sister, Mrs. Don JNancyJ) Longworth is in Costa- Rica Cntw tm. furJough). J. f We received this Article courtesy Rev. John R. Friesen, Kleeleld^ The photos are from

EVERY PURCHASE THROUGH MCC'S SELF-HELP PROGRAM PLACES AN ORDER IN THE LAP OF A NEEDY PERSON

Yftui Buying GivC3 Tkwft a tiviny by Mrs. Marlene DeFehr

The Mennonite Central Commit tee Needlework and Crafts program is beginning its sixth year of help ing those who will help themselves. Mrs. J. N. Byler, the administrator of the program, is already taking orders for 1967 in an attempt to provide a market for handmade items from around the world. While accompanying her hus band, the late J. N. Byler, on an MCC assignment in Puerto Rico in 1962, Mrs. Byler realized the hope lessness of poverty but also saw the willingness to survive. MCC vol unteers literally begged Mrs. Byler to accept orders for items hand made in Puerto Rico on her return to U. S. A. The self-help nature of the appeal received ready acceptance,

and from this beginning, the pro gram has grown to include needlev/ork (a major item) and articles made of wood, brass, mother of

Two girls at work on a scarL

10 ■f

pearl, and bamboo, to mention a few. Feature items for 1967 come from India, Thailand, Jordan, Algeria, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Haiti and Jamaica where refugees and the poverty stricken have devel oped skills enabling them to make gift items to be sold abroad. Pakistani refugees living in the outskirts of Calcutta, India, have made aprons, place mats and guest towels. Each woman has embroi dered a different design. Also from India comes jewelry inlaid with brass and mother of pearl. Pale bamboo brooches in delicate shapes are made in Thailand. Villagers in Taiwan have carved wooden horses, lions, deer, camels, elephants, and even pigs. Bright woven plastic bags are made by blind children under the supervision of a Mennonite missionary to Tai wan. Colorful fiber mats, bowls, and napkin rings are made in Algeria. Korean brass is a popular gift item. Dolls in native costumes de pict life in Korea. There are bridal parts, mothers carrying infants on their backs, and coolies carrying heavy loads . From Hong Kong come nightees with matching dressing gowns. Wooden bowls are made by mute Jamaican children who are consid ered to be disgraceful because of their handicap. Usually they are hidden from society. In fact, one such child had never seen a white man or a car until he reached his teenage years. Wooden salad bowls and servers

The hemming is done in Jericho.

are also made by people living in poverty in Haiti. Needlework remains the key pro ject in Jordan. Ancient designs tak en from women's dresses are em broidered onto hand woven mater ial. Every thread is counted to ob tain on exact copy of the original design. The finished product could be a tablecloth with matching serv iettes, a pillow top, a chair set, or a buffet scarf. Approximately 400 Jordanian wo men are engaged in the needle work project. David H. Ott, an MCC volunteer in Jordan tells about Sar ah, aged 17, who is one of the 400. At 13, she was married to her cousin and within the year, she had her first child, a girl. Soon she was expecting her second child and in a culture where the girls are con sidered very inferior, Sarah's hus band expected his wife to provide him with a son. Meanwhile, the daily drudgery of life continued until one day, while doing the laundry, accidently upset a kerosene heater and drenched herself with scalding water. Her face and body was scarred and she was disfigured for life. Her baby, a son, was stillborn. Sarah had failed her husband, and he soon left her. She had to pro vide for herself. Despair might have been the end of her story had she not heard about the MCC needle■work program from her friends. Her

THE MESSENGER

HOUSE

FROM

TO YOUB HOUSE

RECEIVING

and GIVING I

I k P

By Elma B. Dueck

NEEDLEWORK Cont'd. work with MCC has given her the chance to look up and begin again. Articles made in Jordan include mother pearl jewelry, olive wood candle holders, nativity sets and handkerchiefs trimmed with lace made by old women in Jerusalem. part of Mrs. Byler's work is to acquaint the Mennonite constitu ency with the handmade gift items and accept orders for them. Upon invitation to a locality, she sets up a display of samples, briefly ex plains the purpose of the project, and then accepts orders from those in terested. In Canada orders are taken by Mrs. Margaret Cressman, Kitchener; Miss Kathleen Froese, Winnipeg; Mrs. Irma Balzer, Laid, Sask.; and Mrs. Lorraine Bauman, Yarrow, B.C. During the customer's six to November 25, 1966

THIS IS THE TIME of yeoT -when many of you will likely be mak ing up your gift lists and face the pleasures and frustrations of Christ mas shopping. Of course, there are many and varied ideas concerning the giving of gifts at Christmas. Some say it's foolish and unnec essary. Others again say giving is fully in keeping with the spirit of that first Christmas gift. It depends on how or why we give. We're often reminded of fce words "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Bui, is this always true? Must we not first learn how to receive before we can have the right motive in giving? Sometimes receiving is harder than giving. In giving you are tak ing the initiative. It makes you feel as if you are somebody and every one likes to be somebody. Giving places the other person in your deb;. Again, to receive means sub mission and the willingness to be in debt to the other person. Why do most people, especially adults, find it so hard to accept Christ? 'They'd rather give to Him of their offerings and good works than re ceive the gift of salvation through Christ. The Christmas message is one of receiving as well as giving. Just as the wise men have left us a beautiful example in giving as they

twelve month waiting period, the orders are filled by the needy who have developed skills in handcrafts. The money they receive for their work is an important supplement to the meager income they receive from other sources. There are permanent displays at several MCC centers. Visitors are welcome to select and order arti cles in Akron, Pa.; Newton, Kans.; Kitchener, Ont.; Winnipeg, Man.; Laird, Sask.; and Yarrow, B.C. Total orders for 1962 came to $7,000. Since then orders have grown each year—$13,000 in 1963, $18,000 in 1964, $40,000 in 1965, and $44,000 in 1966. Mrs. Byler continually reminds herself and her customers that ev ery purchase is an order "placed in the lap of a refugee, handi capped, or law economy person."

gave their best to Christ, so we also have a touching example of receiv ing in Mary and Joseph. Put yourself in Mary's place for a moment—an engaged but unmar ried young lady. The angel comes and announces that she is going to have a baby. What a faith this will have required to receive this gift graciously and willingly. It meant facing up to her fiance, parents, friends and neighbours with the news and what they may do or think of her. Yet she humbled and submitted herself to receive the pre cious Lord Jesus. We hove the same wonderful example of receiving in Joseph. It seems to me that a child of which he was not the father, whose identity he had ot take on faith, was the last gift Joseph would have desired at this point in his life. Apparently he gladly and fully received what God was giving. Let us learn then from Mary and Joseph how to receive, humbly, sub missively and thankfully, God's most precious gift, our Lord and Saviour, as well as all His other bounteous gifts to us. This would also hold true in receiving grac iously the gifts of our friends and relatives. Then, out of a grateful and overflowing heart we will learn how to give as well. May all of you have a blessed Christmas in receiving and giving.

“GOD PITY HIM!” God pity him who lives for self— That one who does not share The griefs and joys of other men, That one who does not care.

God pity him who does not give To others when in need; God pity him who works and plans For only selfish greed. God pity him when sorrow comes And no kind friend is there, No one to grasp his trembling hand And whisper low, “I care!” God pity him when death shall come And few stand by his bier; So little missed by those he left. They scarcely shed a tear! God pity him who lives for self. When the Master he shall see, And Jesus says, “As you’ve done to them. You’ve done it unto Me.” —Selected.

Each delegate took six Bibles with him to give to various minis ters who often do not have a Bible. Gifts, such as pens, ties, razor blades, and stockings were distrib uted among the brethren to be giv en to our hosts upon arrival. It be came my lot to put six pairs of ny lons in my suitcase. I hope the cus toms inspector in Moscow has a sense of humour or my blush will stop traffic. The vice-president of the Baptist World Alliance is Dr. John W. Wil liams of Kansas City, Missouri. C. Peters What a joy to meet a classmate from Central Baptists Seminary, one with whom I graduated in 1957. Dr. by the Mennonites. Such delega Josef Nordenhaug is the General tions must receive clearance direct Secretary of the Baptists World Al ly from Moscow whereas tourists liance. Dr. Wayne Dehoney is the are granted visas by local Soviet immediate past president of the embassies. My faith was at times Southern Baptist Alliance. strained to the breaking point and I doubted whether the trip would NEW.., By Eugenia Price really materialize. By this time my doubts are all gone. With the Atlantic below me THE WIDER PLACE and Amsterdam as the next stop I have reconciled myself to my be Chapters include; ing in Moscow tomorrow. God is still alive Our party met in New York for and Free. What is briefing. Klaupiks is the boss and Freedom? Freed he checked our luggage. William irom Fear. Freed Snyder had to reshuffle a bit to from a Meaning make more room for Bibles and to less Life. relieve himself of all materials which Klaupiks judged unneces Cloth $4.29 sary.

FiiiaWg, Ajjtoi bug Waiting, EiuatiU ta Maaeaiv by Frank

Amsterdam (October 26)—It ail began in December, 1965. The Bap tists had decided on a goodwill mission to their brethren in Russia and had extended an invitation to the Mennonites to participate. I was asked by MCC to be one of three Mennonites to accompany the five Baptists from the United States and England. David P. Neufeld and W’illiam T. Snyder were the other two Mennonites. The trip was planned for April, 1966, but as the time for departure came closer it became obvious that the dates would have to be changed. A cable from the Baptist brethren in Moscow advised us that October would be a more suitable time. The master mind behind the ar rangements from our end is Rev. Adolf Klaupiks, relief coordinator for the Baptist World Alliance, who lives in Washington. He has been to Russia four times on similar vis its and certainly understands all the ins and outs of Soviet travel. The planning stage seemed to me a war of nerves. Brother Klaupiks colled Moscow three times and the Soviet embassy in Washington 19 times. The U.S. mails also received their share of business as letter after letter was dispatched and received. The reason for these demands was that we desired delegation status, the privilege to visit church es in the U.S.S.R. and to fellowship with church leaders. The official in vitation, of course, came from the Russian Baptists of Moscow who had previously made a similar visit to America and had been hosted

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