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December 16, 1966 Vol. 4, No. 25, 26

By Johnnie Loewen

The sunrise was most glorious. just one glimmer of hope." Weep Glossy, unwrinkled green leaves ing and wailing they fall prostrate and fragrant flowers glistened in before their Maker. But listen! The the early morning rays. Birds remorseful sobbing subsides as with chirped merrily, exuberant in the bated breath they strain their ears exhilerating morning air. Here a to hear the familiar voice. A Saviour squirrel chattered; there a frolicking is promised! lamb raced unafraid across the roll God, by His foreknowledge, was ing meadow toward a drowsy lion. fully aware of the fact that man Adam and Eve walked hand in would fall into sin. Yet He created hand in the cool of the day with a man for His glory (Eph. 1) and song of praise on their lips. How planned a way of redemption. God peaceful, how serene the garden began to unroll this plan of redemp was that blissful morning! How inti tion immediately after the fall mate and sweet the fellowship with (Gen. 3:15). Furthermore, the sys their Creator! tem of sacrifice that was established But then it happened! Adam and by God for His chosen people, the Eve paused, they lingered, they lis Israelites, in the Mosiac legislation, tened, they yielded, they were be indicated the need of some method guiled and overcome by the Evil of removing man's guilt. This provi One. Just one little sin? How terrible sion by God pointed the way to a the consequences! Shame, guilt, dis coming Redeemer. grace and despair put peace, con Isaiah 53, like perhaps no other tentment, innocence and holiness to single O.T. chapter, reveals the na flight. An eagle swooped down on ture and the sufferings of this prom a terrorized lamb! A frightened hare ised Saviour of mankind. Isaiah 61: bounded out of the underbrush hun 1, 2 reads: "The Spirit of the Lord grily pursued by a blood-thirsty God is upon me; because the Lord hound. A lion roared until the gar hath annointed me to preach good den reverberated with the deafen tidings unto the meek; he hath sent ing noise sending intimidated crea tures slinking deeper into the forest me to bind up the brokenhearted, and hushing the twittering in the to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to treetops. "Oh God! Is it true? Oh no! We them that ore bound; to proclaim didn't mean to! Erase this guilt and the acceptable year of the Lord, and restore our fellowship with Thee. the day of vengeance of our God; Do not condemn us. Oh, how dark to comfort all that mourn." This and hopeless the future! Give us quotation also reVeals the purpose of God's annointed. BROTHER LOEWEN is the Sunday school superIn the darkest hours of O.T. his intendendent ol the Rosenort S.S. By pro tory God time and again raised up fession he is a teacher. He is also a member faithful spokesmen who reminded ol the E.M.C. Board of Education and Pub the Israelites that a Saviour was lication. coming. Though the exact nature of

this redemption was hidden from view and was often confused with His earthly kingdom (as is clearly borne out in the conversations tire disciples had with Jesus), it fanned the spark of hope that still existed in the hearts of those who patiently waited for its fulfillment. Why did God not send the.Sav iour immediately after the fall? It is not in man to ascertain God's purpose in His dealings with man kind for He is sovereign and His thoughts and ways are beyond hu man comprehension. However, that a long "time of preparation was needful is intimated in Gal. 4:4— "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law." The believer today looks f o r Christ's second coming, the con summation of God's redemptive plan, God's time is never too late. The promised Saviour came and He will be coming again. Are you watching and waiting?

December 16, 1966 f

dene in this life (Luke 12:40; Rev. 16:25). In the final analysis it makes no difference whether we reject Christ and His second coming out right or whether we simply "ignore" the necessity of immediate and positive reaction to Christs appeal to re pent of our sins and cast ourselves at His mercy. We stand in judg ment before God and the thought of the wrath of a righteous God out poured on unrepentant man should make everyone tremble in his steps. It is a fearful thing to fall into &e hands of the living God. (Heb. 10: 31; IThess. 1:7-9).

Preparation The prospect of Christ's return is not a fearful thing if we live truly Godly lives. Paul wrote to the Thes salonian church to comfort one an return that fills men and women of other with the thought of Christ's Jesus is coming again; God the world over with a living return. He looked forward to this Maybe morning, maybe noon, Maybe evening, it may be soon; hope. It is this same certainty that event with joyful expectation and O what a wonderiul day that moves Christians to persuade sin wrote: Looking for that blessed hope, ners of coming judgment (2Cor. 5: and the glorious appearing... of will bel 9-11) and to win a verdict for our Saviour Jesus Christ. (Titus 2: Jesus is coming again! And then shall they see the Son Christ, not by tricks of language, 13). The Apostle John exclaimed, of Man coming in a cloud with but by the appeal of sincerity and "Even so, come. Lord Jesus." To have such peace and confi compassion. It is the natural ope great glory. Luke 21:27 dence preparation in the inner man Knowing this first, that there shall ration and expression of persons is necessary. We have to deal with come in the last days scoffers, walk who are filled with all the fulness sin honestly. We have to remain ing after their own lusts, and saying, of God. CIThess. 1:3-10) The second coming of Christ is t'Ue to God and His Word. It calls where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all doubted and rejected and scoffed at for a true attitude as we wait for things continue as they were from by many. To them this world has His return and we are to be ready the beginning of creation. II Peter continued as it was from the be when He comes (Matt. 24:44); Oc ginning of creation. To others there cupy till He comes (Luke 19:13); 3:3, 4. And now, little children, abide in can can be no return of Jesus for live blamelessly (I'Thess. 5:23); Him; that, when He shall appear, to them everything had it's beginn practice perfect obedience (ITim. we may have confidence, and not ing in evolution and continues its 6:14); joyfully expect Christ's re be ashamed before Him at His com existence in the same way. To some turn (Tit. 2:13); and abide in Him "God is dead" and He is no longer (I John 2:28). ing. I John 3:28. As we approach this Christmas a potent force in the lives of men Proclamation Thousands of years ago the voic and women, nor does His Spirit season our hearts rejoice with the es of holy men of God proclaiming play a part in the formation of their thought of being reunited with lov the certainty of God's promise of a convictions. The summary of these ed ones whom we may not have Saviour that would come to save arguments in the rejection of Christ seen for some time and singing lov as saviour and His prophesied re ed Christmas carols with them. It people from their sins. That day has come and with it the message turn does not alter the validity of is the season to remember that God from the lips of God's own Son, that God's Word one iota. They willfully sent His Son to earth. But pervading He was returning to heaven -to pre ignore the facts. (II Peter 3:5-10) ever this should be the inspiring Regardless of what man may say thought that He is alive in heaven pare a place for His own and that some day He would come again or do the Word of God is not chang today and in His appointed time He ed by his action. 'The Word still says will come to receive us home. to receive them unto Himself. The fulfillment of that frist pro that "it is appointed unto man once clamation is a sure seal of the fu to die, but after that the judgment. ture fulfilment of the proclamation (Heb. 9:27). The Word says, too, JOKK TOEWS is the newly elected minister of His second coming. It is this con that Christ is some day going to re at the MacGregor E.M. church. He is a tea fidence of His certain and imminent turn to judge mankind for deeds cher, teaching in Portage la Prairie, Man. by John Toews

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CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY TODAY By Mrs. Amanda Peters December 6th is known in Ger many as Nikolaustag. It is on this day that the children await St. Nikolaus who either brings them a 'ruie (stick) or sweets and nuts — depending on what they "deserve." Often a stick is decorated with can dy and small toys. Many children set out their shoes in front of the door the night before and anxiously await the morning to see what St. Nicolaus has brought. On each of the four Sundays be fore Christmas, candles are lit on the Adventskranz in every German home. 'These are evergreen wreaths on which four candles have been placed. One candle is lit on the first Sunday, two the next, then three, and on the Sunday before December 25 all four candles are lit showing that the Christchild is about to appear. The Christmas tree is decorated on December 24 (never before that date) and gifts piled on tables nearby. In the late afternoon the excited children who have not been allowed even a peep during these preparations, file into the room singing a Christmas song. Gifts are exchanged by the light of blazing candles on the Christmas tree. To this day very few electric lights are used. At midnight, churchbells ev erywhere call both Protestants and Catholics to the Christmette — a service attended by many, includ ing those who show little interest in religion throughout the year. Christmas day is observed mainly within the family circle, with the

December 16, 1966

proverbial goose for Christmas din ner. A family Spazieigang (walk) most surely will follow at which time they will ring the doorbells of friends and neighbors to wish them a "Frohe Weihnacht".

The man who worked three months on his even had real water running in a tiny stream and down a waterfall to the bottom of his "hill." He also had lights installed to look

CHRISTMAS IN ECUADOR By Mrs. Marion Houghton To the newcomer, Christmas in Ecuador seems much the same as in North America. The shops have like moon and stars. All this was shelves and counters laden with toys so wonderful that they didn't take it for weeks ahead of time. Artificial down untilMarch. trees are decorated early and set The Quichua Indian knows no in a window for the passerby to see. Christmas and only as God's Gift The evangelical churches have their becomes theirs, do they learn to traditional Christmas Eve Sunday keep this day of days. School program with a bag of good ies for each child. Strangely absent are Santa Claus CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO and the stuffed stockings. Gifts come By Elizabeth Reimer from the Christ-child. Good Catholics A few weeks before Christmas will go to the midnight "Mass of the Rooster" and then sit down to a groups of people start going from house to house singing "Is there sumptuous Christmas dinner. One of their most interesting room lor us in the Inn?" The re Christmas customs is the building of sponse from the residing family is the Nativity scene. These scenes be sung too. "No - no there is no room come as elaborate as time and mon for you in the Inn." —very emphat ey allow. One man had spent three ically. The group then moves on. months constructing his! 'The whole This performance of course refers end wall of the living room was us to Joseph and Mary seeking room ed. Usually, these scenes are made for the night Christ was born. in the form of a moss covered hill side. Besides the stable with Mary and Joseph and the Baby ,with the WRITERS FOR CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS: shepherds in the fields nearby and Amanda Peters, is the wile al missionary the wiseman coming from afar; John Peters. They have seen two terms ot there are all kinds of other activit service in Germany. They are with the Jam ies portrayed. Anything to do with Team. They are now on lurlough. {"Christthe barnyard, such as a tiny glass mas in Germany" first appeared in Youth pool with ducks and geese, or a Pathways, Christmas 1965) Mrs. Marion cat and the kittens, goes on too. The Houghton is the wife of missionary Stan human figures are seldom more Houghton. The Houghtons are also home on than 10 inches high. Any small toy lurlough. Elizabeth Reimer is a Mexico mis a bhild may receive, such as a car sionary on leave of absence. or an animal or a doll, will be ad ded to the scene, sometimes adding quite a bizarre note. Many stores will have- these scenes in their win dows.

The 24th of December they finally come to the last house where great preparations have been made prior to this evening. The whole house is decorated with scenes of Joseph, Mary, the Shepherds, etc. The crude little manger is ready too, where now the Babe (Mono) will be plac ed into. Then the fiesta (celebra tion) begins in a hilarious way. First a large meal is served con sisting of beans, chili, onions, came, enchiladas, empenadas, sopas, bebidas, etc., etc., and of course liq uor. Each course is served in a clean dish so you can imagine the hust ling and shuffling around. Another great excitement of the evening is the breaking of the pinata, an object shaped like a ball or an animal, all decorated up with streamers and filled with candy. People are blindfolded in turns and given a bat to beat at the pinata which is swung about on a rope by two people. The pinata is often missed so the person beats around in mid-air which causes hilarious laughter. When finally, however the pinata is broken, the candy falls to the ground and everyone scrambles to get some. The greediest of course get the most.

The celebration is accompanied with music. It may come from a full band, from a guitar playing, from a singing trio, or even from a lone singer, but their songs will tell tales. Tales only Mexicans can relctte. Tales of love and betrayal, bandits and heroes, manslaughter, remorse, poverty and longing. Through it all the Mexican is not seeking amuse ment but is trying to shake off his lonliness and sorrow. Women will be seen weeping, while men will be lying arotmd drunk and laughing in a loud carefree manner. Then around midnight the dancing begins, which continues on into the wee hours of the morning. Amongst the Indians there will be more reck lessness, shuffling dancing, shak ing gourd rattles, irrational behav iour, etc. but the Mexicans are half breeds so their practices are very much the same. We hove had to suture several faces which were bea ten up on such occasions. One Mex ican said. "This is the night when friends who have not exchanged more than the prescribed courtes ies for months, get drunk together, trade confidences, weep over small troubles, discover they are brothers, and sometimes to prove it, kill each other." In some areas on the 6th of Jan uary children place their shoes on the balconies of their houses to re

receive gifts, that the Wise Men, coining from the East on camels., ore supposed to bring them. The cus tom is based on the Biblical happen ing found in Matthew 2:15. But the prodigal spending of the fiesta goes back to penny clutching poverty, so the fathers (supposedly the Wise Men) often leave nothing in the shoes of these dear anticipating children, thus even wavering their faith in the goodness of the Wise Men. What a disappointment! Why are such worldly fiestas a part of religious ceremonies? Be cause the early missionaries were so zealous to achieve conversions that they allowed the Indians to bring their idolatry, practices, and cus toms with them and attempted to adapt them to Christian purposes. In he 15th century a very pious priest, lucm Zumarraga, tried to eradicate all their pagan worship and practices. Then at this point a great event took place. The Virgin Mary is supposed to hove appeared to a humble Indian, Juan Diego, and is supposed to have performed various miracles. One miracle was, that her portrait, in it's most beaut iful paintings, appeared on the man tle of the Indian after she had bles sed it. To this day this picture is framed and hanging over the High Altar of a huge cathedral which was then built in memory of her. Each year, the 12th of December, large pilgrimages ore being made to this Shrine in order to find forgiveness and peace of soul. Some risk their lives trudging hundreds of miles on foot to this spot, but it is the great est and most shining hope in their lives, so they press on. During the next fifteen years about nine million Indians were swept into the Roman Catholic Church, bringing with them their idols and practices, but also accepting the Virgin Mary as their Patron Saint. This is the picture of approximate ly 98% of the 40 million people in Mexico. What is my and your ob ligation towards them? It isn't the things you do, friend It's the things you leave undone That give you the greatest heart ache At the setting oi life's sun.

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Enters New Field

The day of the dead

special when every body who pos Many of the Messenger readers I am happy in this part of the vine might be wondering where I am yard. Pray for us as we work to- sibly con goes to the cemetery car working and what I am doing. So go ther that many souls will come rying wreaths of flowers to put on that you can pray more effectively to know the Lord Jesus Christ as the graves. Some of these wreaths Saviour. cost 50 to 100 pesos which they can for me I will send you a report. Teaching illiterates is one phase ill afford. Many go already Jhe fir^t I hove gone west from Chihuahua over the Sierra Madre mountains of my program. My first student is of Nov. to the cemetery and fix up the graves of their departed ones and am in a coastal state with a and place candles on the grove to semi-tropical climate. The palm be burned at night to keep the evil trees, banana groves and the man spirits away. The Mexicans have a go trees can be seen where ever superstition that on this night the one goes. If any one would like to spirits of the dead come to the see some of these why not come graves. In some ports of the coun over to visit me? try food is placed on the grave for I am working with Mr. and Mrs. the dead who, they say, will eat Vincent Frey who are under a mis it during the night. Some people sion board from a Mennonite group prepare the dishes which the dead in the States. They hove been very person used to like and take it to good to me in helping me getting the grave. settled and adjusted to a new type Maria Koop of service for the Lord. I help them ' Dana Chagua, my first illeferate in the meetings at various places Student taken beside her home where they have services. I believe Please note change of address the Lord has placed me here and for sister Koop. Her address now is an old Christian lady who has a Belisario Dominguez keen mind and a great desire to Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico. read. We call her Dona Chagua but her real name is Laura. She is very enthusiastic about the reading IN GOD’S FAVOR classes. When she has mastered a How good the God who gave His Son page she chucklees in her own For creature man by sin undone. pleasant way quite pleased with And ruined by the fall! her accomplishment. At present she He also gave His precious Word is memorizing some Bible verses so That ™ might know our loving Lord, as to win a Bible. She hopes to be able to read it too. Oh, by the way, Who came to earth from heaven above calling people by different names is To rescue man; such was His love; Indeed, no love like this. a costume here in Mexico. These And_ through His death atonement made. are names or aiiection ana they God’s love told out and judgment stayed: What holy, heavenly bliss! love to be called by them; and at .4 group of worshippers taken at times one does not have a clue What debtors we to matchless grace. Cohuibampo beside the church what their real names ore. Setting us in this favored place building, Mr. Frey is the man third Of nearness to our God! Have you ever heard about the from the right and Mrs. Frey the last Day of the Dead? The Mexicans Accepted in His Well-beloved, is a love well proved; one to the left with their daughter call November 2nd "The Day of the And herein The basis is the blood. Nyla. Dead". To them this day is very —J. P., in Living Streams. ■ -

December 16, 1966

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The Indians are happy to see this vehicle arrive. It brings music, reading of God's word and Malaria pills. This is the way we travel but here it is used to unroll the wire for the fence we needed to keep our horse from wandering off into the jungle.

Greetings from Paraguay with Heb. 13:15, "Through Him then, let us continually lay on the altar a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanksgiv ing in His name." We received the letters asking us to send field news to the annual Mission Convention, on Thursday, the day before the Convention be-

gon. But we are grateful that we can still answer the request by means of the Messenger. Home again! After 21/2 months in Asuncion due to medical reasons, we arrived back at Tobati on Thurs day evening, just before the rains began. It is exactly a year ago since the foundation of this house was

laid, and we entered this field of vrork. As we camped inside this shell under just enough roofing to protect our mattress from the rain we seemed so close to nature and to the Lord. The crickets chirped all around, down in the slough the frogs croaked, and Kwoyvo called to the other night birds in the forest. Tonight we hear the very same sounds, but another lovely sound is added—the cry of our two-weekold son. On September 27 the Lord gave us little Myron Laurelle. Both baby and mama are now doing fine. We hear in the distance also the hum of the saw-mill motor. The Sun day services there are quite well attended. Please pray for men like Agirri, Juan Goricio, Venittes, and others who already have real in terest in the gospel. While we were gone Bro. Jake Braun took charge of these services and also of the Indian visitations. They too show quite a desire for God's Word, and have voiced their wish to learn to read. Pray that they soon will read and believe the Bible. We are grateful for your share in this work — prayers, financial support, and letters. We need your continued help so that the Lord can cleanse us, fill us, and use us to win many souls for His Kingdom. Your co-workers, Pete and Olga Martens

A Day at Ln EApaun^ By Mrs. Ben D. Reimer

The sun rises at 5 a.m. At 6 a.m. you hear the heavy ding-dong of a bell, for the men its time to go in to the field. Often some stop at the door to hove a little chat with Ben. Soon you see on old bent form squatting at the door, she is wait ing for her bowl of porridge. After a. little while the children show up, to see if there are odd little jobs they con do. If so they'll go home rejoicing with a morsal of bread. Lately, I have had an Indian wo man to help me with the washing. I wish you could see the scene round 8

our house. At times two or three wo men with almost a dozen of children will accompany her and ore all anxiously waiting for her pay, which will likely be a loaf of bread and a few other things, which are then shared by all of them. NAKED AND YE CLOTHED ME Too often children come to our yard without any clothes. We try and teach them, children as well as adults must wear clothes, and have often dressed them from our child ren's clothes, or quickly sowed a covering for them. When old grand-

mothers come to see us and hardly have enough rags to cover them, causes a greater problem, but even at that, we try and not let them go away as they came. Have made good use of flour bags, which I could do in a few minutes, and they'd go away smiling, saying "Schmuck schmuck." They appreciate it too if they can cover themselves a lit tle better. Mtt. 25:31-46. Some days we have dozens of people at the door, many come to sell eggs, or things they have made such as baskets, ropes, bags, swings

THE MESSENGER

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etc. and often want bread in ex change. Services are being held a number of evenings a week, which the child ren attend too. When Tuesday eve comes and the tractor and big trailor are filled to capacity and are taken to the Lingua village for an open air Meeting, what a special treat for the Sanapana. Usually you hear them leaving with Gospel songs ringing thru the air, also the same on their return. LADIES SEWING CIRCLE One of our highlights is gather ing on Thursday afternoon with the women for Sewing Circle; many women come, old and young, at times so many come we can hardly prepare enough work for them all. We have noticed that their child ren are very interested in the few toys our children have here. This gave us the idea to make all kinds of stuffed animals. (Which will be Christmas gifts for them). Visualize an old Indian woman a few teeth, long straggly hair, barefoot, ' worn and torn dress sitting for a long time stuffing animals for the children. Yes, the people, language and sur roundings are all different from what we are used too, but it is with pleasure that we can have these gatherings. It gives us an opportun ity to fellowship together and al so give them many helpful hints in their sewing and at the same time this gives clothes for their children to wear. YOU CAN HELP Many sisters have written, they would like to donate some yards of cloth or used clothing and how they could go about it. We are very thankful for the interest and concern shown. Could I make a suggestion. Rather then send a box of clothing which travels for many months and high duty has to be paid, why not rather take an offering at the Sewing Circle and send it in a Can adian cheque which we can cash in Paraguay. We can get material here for 25c or more a yard, and we could use this material at our Sewing Circles to make clothes for them, baby bundles and things which they need so much. AIR MAIL IS BETTER Thankyou for all the letters we December 16, 1966

1 NEWS I VALLEY STREAM We are thankful to have Margaret Rem pel, our local missionary home from Para guay, South America back with us. We praise God for answering prayer, on behalf of her family, sometime ago. Margaret's Dad had been quite ill, but God spared and per mitted for the loved ones to be re-united. Romans 8:28. Again, we Praise God! for opening doors at Sandy Bay Indian Reserve. The young people are preparing to take a Christmas program to them on Dec. 12th. Permission came from the priest, with a warm welcome, in which he had cancelled film night for the program. Truly the Spirit had gone on before. Pray that the group might go forth fully consecrated to the work of the Lord, presenting Christ." Luke 2:7. Undoubtedly this Festive Season will bring much joy as we commemorate Christ's birthday." Those that have been in Bible School will be hap py to spend some time home with their families. Let's remember them in prayer.

RIVERTON GOSPEL CHAPEL On Nov. 12 the chapel was .filled to capacity as Brother Harvey Kroeker showed the film "Lucia" —a Billy Graham film. We were moved to see a hardened sinner turn to God in a marvellous way in the film. From Nov. 18-20 we were privileged to have the first missionary conference in our chapel. Our guest speakers were the Stan Houghtons from Ecuador. They showed in teresting slides from the mission field and every evening brother Houghton served us with an inspirational message from God's Word. On Saturday night we had a spe cial feature, —a real missionary film, "Call of the Navaho". FAMILY NIGHT The former Bible study and Prayer meet-

have received. We appreciate Air Mail, a 10c stamp will bring the let ter here in two to three weeks, where as a 5c stamped letter takes frohi two to three months. Want to close with Col. 3:17. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him.

ing has now taken on a new nature. On Wednesday night we now have a "family night". This allows the whole family to come to God's house during the week. There is a good news department for the chilren, a youth fellowship and the moms and dads gather for Bible study and prayer. GOOD J'lEWS CLUBS In our last report we reported that "Good News Clubs" would be started. At the pre sent three are conducted. The attendance is very good and the interest is high. Will you help us pray for this children’s work? As rai item of praise we can say that the at tendance and interest in S.S. has been very good in the last while. MORWEENA

Millie Montour, an Indian nurse, working at the Fisher River Indian Hospital was re ceived into the E.M.C. Conference as an associate member. Brother Paul Landis from Kentucky U.S.A, held a series of revival meetings from Nov. 13-20. Two sessions in one day were being conducted from the 12-19. The meetings were well attended from the three districts Fisher Branch, Washow Bay, and Morweena. Also a few came from Blumenort and Rosenort. We hope a real revival will have taken place. A Tract Club has been organized to be held once a month. Sarah Friesen has been chosen to be the tract club leader. Morweena Births To Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Brandt, a son Mark Anthony on Oct. 5. To Mr. and Mrs. Corny Dueck, twins, Marvin and Marlis on Oct. 24. BLUMENORT

FAREWELL A farewell service was held for the people who have moved to the "Wawanesa area. After the program of songs, testimonies, poem and words of encouragement, a light lunch was served in the church basement. The families who have left are the Diet. P. Friesens, Ed Wiebes, Levi Reimers. MayGod's blessing be upon them in this venture. NEW SONG LEADER Due to the leaving of one of the song leaders it was felt necessary to elect another one. On the Brotherhood meeting of Oct. 25 '66 Bro. Cornie Janzen was elected. He has been the director of the Junior Choir for some time. May the name of the Lord be exalted through singing of praises unto Him. EXPOSITIONAL SERVICES A series of expositional services were conducted. Bro. B. Hoeppner from S.B.l. spoke

to us from the book of Hebrews. The God of the universe speaks to the church and to the world in these last days through His Son The warnings were also brought out, impressively.

Two evenings with emphasis on missions concluded these meetings. Bro. H. P. Dyck from McGregor was main speaker. Bro. Stan Houghton reported on the radio work done in Ecuador among the Quichua Indians. 'Wawanesa is the newest EMC Coloni zation effort. KLEEFELD Our Missionary conference this year' was held from Nov. 13-20. The main speaker was Rev. John Peters from Germany. Some of the visiting missionaries were Allen McLeod (Mali Republic Africa), Don Longworths (Costa Rica), Margaret Unger (Mexico), Stan Houghtons (Ecuador). Friday night was Ladies Mission Night. Guest speakers were Mrs. John Peters and Mrs Art Janz (Africa). Saturday night was youth night. The high light was a chalk talk given by Mr. Peters. On Sunday, Nov. 27, Communion Service was held in the afternoon. On Nov. 10 several young people and Rev. Fast had the opportunity to bring a short devotional program at the Golden Door Home for the Aged in Winnipeg. On December 4 a deacon election will be held in our church.

MACGREGOR

An ordination service was held. The John Toewses were ordained into the ministry and the Menno Hamms for the office of dea con. We praise the Lord for these men and know they will be used of God. Marvin Thiessen who was our choir director as well as Sunday School superintenent has left our midst for the winter to teach in a Bible School in Northern Alberta. Though we certainly miss his ministry here we wish him God's blessing in his work there. Mr. Harold Brown is now serving as choir di rector and Menno Hamm as Sunday School superintendent. The crusade with Rev. Wes Aarum is history by now but it has certainly left its mark on our community. Rev. Aarum put a great emphasis on prayer. Each night the regular meeting was followed by prayer meetings for both adults and young people. Then two, half-nights of prayer were held with great blessings reported. A number of young people made first time decisions and many rededications were made. These new Christians really need our prayers. The bles sings were innumerable and we trust the Lord

that the revival begun in hearts now will not die but continue.

ceville, the young people have spent several

WEEKES

songs to homes of shut-ins in the community.

Much of the activity in our community has come to a halt, but we are thankful to God that the spiritual work need not close down because of the cold and snow. Plans for a special effort to bring more children to Sunday School are being made. A new venture with the youth is a choir, and enthusiasm is great, and all ready they have-served in the worship service. The girls clubs are increasing in number as well as spirit. Truly in all these efforts God's mes sage to us in our day is being declared. We praise God that some have received it,-' others are still rejecting, but the convic tion of the Holy Spirit is evidenced in a real way in many lives.

At the present time plans for a Christmas

In Hudson Bay much work has been done, and now the basement stands ready to receive the building. We thank the men that have come out to help with this project, God will reward. The movers have looked over the situation and soon will be moving. Much work still remains to be done, such as installing the furnace, remodelling the building, etc. Pray with us, that soon the building will be ready lor services.

ENDEAVOUR ENDEAVOUR MISSIONARY CONFERENCE The Endeavour Fellowship Chapel held its annual Missionary Conference from Nov. 3-6 with Rev. Wilfred Strom of the Evangelical Alliance Mission as speaker. Using slides, tapes, films and personal experiences, Rev. Strom presented the work of Rhodesia where he had laboured for thirteen years, as well as several other countries H’S messages taken from the book of Mal achi. challenged hearts to pray and sacrifice SC that lost souls, both at home and abroad, may be brought to a knowledge, of Christ. May the Word as it went forth at this Con ference bring far-reaching results in the lives of those who attended and those with whom they come in contact. ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting of the Endeavour Fellowship Chapel was held on Nov. 7. New officers were elected and the business sec tion of the work reorganized. We anticipate the Lord's blessing as we look forward to another year of service. LARGE YOUTH GROUP We rejoice to see the large group of in terested young people attending the Friday Night Youth Service and Choir Practice. As vzell as helping with the monthly service held in the Senior Citizens Hostel in Pree-

evenings bringing the gospel message in

program are getting well underway.

WYMARK A baptismal service was held on June 26th in the morning. Those receiving baptism and membership were Leona, Ruth and Dora Wiebe, Doris Rempel, Katherine Froese, Car ole Schlamp, Margaret Leiding, Jim Martens, Bill Funk, Henry Rempel.

Another baptismal service was held on Nov. 20th in the morning. Those receiving baptism and membership were Clara Wiebe, Eileen (Wolfe) and John Koetler. Also on Nov. 10th the following transferred thc-ir membership to the E.M.C. Mrs. M. Funk, Mr. and Mrs Abe Wiebe.

May the Lord grant grace that these who who have been received into our fello-vship will find real joy in serving the Master in out fellowship.

DEATHS Bro. Isaac Krahn, Rosenhof passed away • on July 25th. Bro. Cornelius Wieler, also of Rosenhof passed away on Nov. 2nd. May we remember the bereaved in our prayers. WEDDINGS

Eileen, daughter of Bro, and Sister Jake Wolfe, and John Koethler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Koethler were united in marriage on Oct. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

Christine, daughter of Mr. Geo. Rempel and Jim Neufeld, son of Sister Sarah Neufeld vzere united in marriage on Nov. 11, in the evening. May the Lord's richest blessing rest upon these couples as they begin their life's jour ney together.

MISSIONARY CONFERENCE The joint Sunday School Convention of the Wymark, Gouldfown, and Swift Cur rent E.M.C. churches was held in the Wy mark, E.M.C. On Oct. 24 to 26. Bro. John Peters, of Germany with the Janz team, was the main speaker. The convention was well attended and our prayer is that we. as teachers will have received something that will help us teach more efficiently.

Sister Ellen Brell has been accepted by our brotherhood upon recommendation to the Conference Mission Board for foreign Mission service. May we remember to pray for her that she may find much joy in ser ving the Master in the field to which she is called.

THE MESSENGER

-’i .i--*

This Congress is a demonstration of what we can do together as Christians if we have a common concern

ior evangelism.—Myron Augsburger Never have I come to my room day after day with such tears of joy and repentance as during these days. —George R. Brunk

WOnLl> CONGRESS H

II By John M. Drescher

QThis is the second part of an in terpretive news on the World Cong ress on Evangelism held in Berlin October 26-November 4.) "While some in the West speak of being in a post-Christian era, most of the world is still in a pre-Christian era for millions have not as yet heard the Gospel of Christ." This truth was driven home to the minds of participants of the World Cong ress on Evangelism as the congress entered its second week. In spite of great technological and commimicotion resources the church is losing ground because it does not think and plan in terms of reaching every creature. It was pointed out that the producers of CocaGola have set their mark, they plan to have every person in the world taste their product by 1970. Should not the church plan to have every per son in the world taste their product by 1970. Should not the church plan to have everyone hear the Gospel in this generation? A Church of Scotland minister be gan the seventh day of the World Congress by pointing to the rele vance of Christ's gospel to our mod ern world. George Duncan, pastor of historic Si. George's Tron Church in GiasDecember 16, 1966

gow pointed to three channels of communication (audible, visible, and tangible) open to the apostles which are in a greater measure op en to the church today. "But like doubting Thomas of long ago," he added, "the world remains uncon vinced of God in Christ because our soft hands show no scars; there are no wound prints anywhere in our bodies." On Reformation Sunday the dele gates carried flags from a hundred nations as more than 1200 persons walked from Wittenberg Platz to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in the heart of West Berlin. There Graham climaxed the event with a message to a crowd estimated at 18,000. Graham said the Gospel "can so^ve the race problem. It can end WOT and take the resources used for war and turn them into means of feeding the poor." Excellent exhibits abounded throughout the Kongresshalle. The one no doubt remembered best was the 30-foot high population centre ominiously marking each second With a gong-like tick coupled with sequential flashing of 11-color-trans parency baby photos to symbolize the net world population increase of 2.14 persons per second. The dis play preached a sermon every sec

ond, adding a note of urgency to the need for evangelism. Accord ing to the Population Reference Bu reau of Washington, D.C. the popu lation increased 1,848,960 during the ten-day congress. A delegate from India, reminded of the millions of needy people in his country, wept as he viewed the exhibits. As the Congress progressed it seemed very clear that the leader ship in Christianity today is not in the West but in countries such as Africa, India, South America, and Korea. "In my country there are 10,000 waiting to be instructed and baptized in one small section and 5,000 in another," one speaker re ported in one of the regular evening sessions called "Windows of the World." One delegate working in a Mos lem country for 29 years said that in the last three years great works of healing have been experienced with many more conversions than in all previous years. Oral Roberts, America's best known "faith-healer" evangelist said, "There are people who won't be won by healing. But there are those who will not be won any other way. Healing," he said, "is a means to an end; one method of evangelism." —cont'd. page 12

never knew there was a group who believed like this. It has opened a new world for me."

"Do we want unity among true believers throughout the world? Then evangelize!" Billy Graham said.

”

Henry Ginder, Brethren in Christ bishop, said, "I believe the greatest benefit of the Congress is the fact that leaders with evangelistic con cern discovered each other. This will have global impact."

ri Early participants of the World Congress on Evangelism included Bishop Otto Dibelius of Berlin and former president of WCC, Prof. L.W. Winterhap of Berlin, Billy Graham—honorary chairman of the Congress, His Imperial majesty Haile Salassie 1 of Ethiopia and Carl Henry, chairman of the Congress and editor of "Christianity Today".

"Germany looks completely dif ferent today than it did two weeks ago before the World Congress be gan." These words came from J.W. Winterhager, President of Berlin's Ecumenical Seminary. He called the Reformation Sunday event held in conjunction with the Congress, "one of the most auspicious events in the last 40 years," and said it was es pecially significant because it was led by the people rather than by the government as was the last such demonstration himdreds of years ago. __ Billy Graham, in the last press conference, stressed the fact that no new organizations, movements or groups were intended to spring from the Congress. "It may take ten or more years to see the results," he said. In answer to a newsman's question as to the possibility of a future congress. Chairman Henry said that the next congress might well be an international student congress. Although there are no plans for a future congress at this point, "if such is held, it ought to be held," he said, "in the East, in an oriental metropolis, such as Tokyo."

The Congress was a coming to Dempster Evans of Glendale, Cal gether of theologian and evange ifornia, who heads a design studio list. While the beginning days were and Intercom, was in charge of the given to heavy theological position displays built for the Congress. One papers followed by discussion of the technicians working with him groups by all the delegates, the was converted to Christ while help last few days were as Graham said, ing to erect the displays. "to speak to the heart." The fact Never was there a sensational that the Congress spoke to the mind appeal. Rather the quiet moving of and heart seemed to be sensed by the Spirit was evident. all. "Never have I come to my room Mennonite evangelist Myron Augday after day with such tears of joy sburger said, "This Congress is a and repentance, as during these demonstration of what we can do days," said evangelist George R. together as Christians if we have Brunk. a common concern for evangelism." Prayer and praise were constant. Many delegates said that they "nevThere were regular early morning er knew such a sense of unity could prayer meetings in the hotels. At be realized." One newspaper reporteach opportunity for prayer during er said, "I came here a skeptic and the Congress sessions there was lib I've seen God in the unity and love The concluding meeting of the erty in prayer many said they had of these delegates." never heard or experienced prev Perhaps this sense of untiy and Congress, when the delegates, oblove was best sumxmed up in the servers, and press knelt in mass beiously. Franz Markhard, Graham's chauf words of Bev. Shea previous to sing- fore God in prayers of confession, feur during Congress, accepted ing one of his lasV solos of the Cong- commitment, and joy, no news story Christ. He said he had been impres ress, "If my Dad were here rather wiU adequately report. Arising from sed with the lives of many who gath than in Glory, he'd say, 'The wheat the experience, the Congress again ered for the Congress. "I have op is so high we can't see the fences." took up the flags of a hundred coun ened my heart to Jesus Christ." Num Common S'entiment concerning the tries and marched out the Kongreserous other instances of conversion Congress might well be expressed were reported. One reported that he in the words of the director of evan- shalle for concluding moments of hired an interpreter to speak to a gelistic vzorkTn‘the'NetherlmdsTor challenge to go into the world, preafamily he visited and surprisingly the Reformed Church. "This Cong- ching the Gospel by word and deed the interpreter accepted Christ. ress has been extremely helpful. I to every creature. 12

THE MESSENGER

Christmas

of Yesteryear By Mrs H. A. Toews

morning whoever awoke first, would waken the others and together we'd all steal softly downstairs to admire and play with our gifts. And of course our plates were heaped withgoodies which had to be tasted and then safely stored away somewhere in the house. Our parents pretend ed to sleep soundly through it all but I'm sure they didn't. Later in the morning we'd all as semble in the living-room for a short devotional period when the Christmas story was read and a few songs were sung. Then we that attended school would bring out our lovely, much cherished, Wunsh Buecher. These contained our per sonally hand-written Christmas and New Years Poems which were then recited by us children as a surprise and gift to our parents. Of course father rewarded us each with a coin but this also according to age.

Then in the afternoon we were allowed to go to the homes-of our uncles and aunts who lived in the village, there too to recite our poems and be rewarded for it. It's true we didn't have tinsel, the trees, the concerts and all but the warmth and love that surrounded and sheltered us lives on in our hearts to this Christmas Day

CHRISTMAS CARDS Christmas cards are a means of conveying our love and best wishes to those whom we cannot come in contact with very often. It lets them know we think of them and care about them. Scriptural cards with on added tract are a wonderful way of bringing the message of salva tion to friends and relatives who do not know Christ as Saviour. When it is time to send cards many folks also sit down and write leners to those who are far awa-ji. A card with a letter is the same as a visit and is very uplifting to those who are far from home and lonely. It also brings encouragement to the missionaries and is, perhaps, the only communication they have from those who are praying but not writ ing. Christmas cards are a means of sharing the joy we feel at Christ's birth with others especially our brethren.

In recent years I have not sent cards finding it for more to the fur therance of the gospel to use the money I would otherwise spend to send to some needy mission where it could be used to greater advan tage.

Mrs Irwin Penner Portage la Prairie

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AT S.B.I. How well I remember the simple but wonderful Christmases that we as children enjoyed in our parent al home. With what eager anticipation we all looked forward to that day of days when father stayed home all

day. On the day before Christmas we girls were all combed neatly and with kerchiefs tied over our braids we'd go to bed early, but not before setting out the largest dinner plates we could find in the cupboard. These plates were set out neatly, according to our ages, on the din ing room table. Then very early the following

December 16, 1966

The reappearance of the age-old Christmas spirit was first noticed at the S.B.I. this year when Mr. Bill Derksen, our choir director, began teaching us Christmas music in preparation for December 16. On that date the school chorus plans to present its program, "Go to Bethlehem", at the Emmanuel church in Steinbach. The Prayer and Missions Committee of our school has launched a Christmas project whereby it is hoped that the S.B.I. family will donate $500.00 towards the Mexican E.M.C. Bible School and the radio work in Bolivia. Expected to materialize on the 22nd of December is the traditional Christmas banquet. Faculty and students unite to plan for the after supper program and informal session. Indecision seems to prevail in regards to a Christmas-box exchange and an evening of carolling, but we do hope that all the prospect ive activities will be richly blessed of God. N. Dueck

CHILDREN’S STORY

ASK FOR CHRISTMAS By Esther L. Vogt JOHNNY LOREI’S antique taxi roared up Grandpa’s driveway, spinning up wisp.s of snow as it ground to a screech ing stop. I looked out of the taxi window. The farm looked just about a.s I remembered it, only older and more tired. The big, sprawling bams seemed to crouch be hind the snowy fences, and the huge old house looked cold and forlorn. “Look, Bill!” Marilyn screamed into my ear from the back seat. “There’.s Pampaw’s house! D’you s’pose he’ll have his Christmas tree up? And the manger with the baby Jesus in it?” “Yeah. A great big tree!” Merrill echoed excitedly. I turned around. “Why do you two insist on calling your grandpa ‘Pampaw’? After all, you are five years old!” That wasn’t really what bothered me. I was merely trying to change the sub ject. For Dad had told me, just before he’d put U.S on the train from North Castleton for Grandpa’s farm, that more’n likely Grandpa wouldn’t keep Christmas at all. Seem.s he’d had a fight with his neighbor, Feder Olson, about a phone line, imd he’d never for given Feder. Said he wasn’t about to have the linemen trample hi.s fields, just 14

for Feder’s phone. I don’t know when he’d been in church last. But because Mom was to have a sud den serious surgery, there was nothing left to do but pack the twins and me off for Grandpa’s until Mom was out of danger. Dad had told me to be brave and take good care of the twins. And it was two days before Christmas! We hadn’t been out to the faiTn for a long time, imd then just a day or two in the summer. I remembered one Christmas when Grandma was still alive. There was the spicy smell of peppernut.s baking, and molasses cookies cooling in the back room. And the tangy, piney odor of the stately tree that graced the big bay window. Grandpa alwav.s cut down a pine from Peder’.s woods, for he said store-bought trees weren’t real. That had been a pleasant Christmas, and one I liked to remember. But today, I dreaded it. Somehow, Grandpa’s farm wasn’t a happy place any more. Grandpa came from the bam, hi.s feet crunching through the crusted snow and the foamy milk sloshing over the edge of the galvanized pads onto his heavy boots. He set down the milk paiLs when he saw us. Marilyn and Merrill made

straight for his anus. “V’y—v’y . . .” he stammered, hi.s ruddy face looking and tired. “Is it the ig old c tvins already? Lcly? And little Villie, too?” I guess he’ll always call me “Little Villie,” for my father’s name i.s “Big Will” Harder. Of course, eveiyone else calls me Bill. Grandpa led the way into the house, cariying the milk pails, and I lugging our bags. The big kitchen was cold, and he set down his pails on the oil cloth-covered table and began to stoke the dying embers of the grate in the big black range. After he’d thrown in a few pieces of hedgewood, he turned to me. “Veil, soon it vill varm up in here. Come, stand here. Little Villie, and the tvins—” he paused and looked around. They were scampering from room to room, but I knew what they were after. I faced Grandpa squarely. “Guess what they’re looking for, Grandpa. C-H-R-I . . .” “Eh? Christmas, is it? Ach, but—” The twin.s rushed back into the kitchen and stared at him with temibly blue eyes. “Fampaw, where’.s your tiee?” Marilyn asked wistfully. Merrill echoed. “And yom- Baby Je sus in the manger? And the jingle bells?” Grandpa looked at the tearful little faces and shook his grizzled head. “Too old, your Grandpa is, for Christmas. The tree sheds needles, and the candles drip. And anyway, Christmas is not for the asking. . .” I felt chilled clear through. Somehow, the old house wasn’t wanning up. Even after we’d eaten the hot soup and gone wearily upstairs to bed under the thick woolen comforts I was still cold. This would be a Christma.s I wouldn’t for get. And neither would the twins. All because Grandpa wouldn’t fix up his quarrel with Feder Olson. I sighed heavily and dropped off to sleep. The bright morning sun streamed through my bedroom window and turned the snow-laden rooftops into dia mond-studded caps of ermine. I bounded out of bed, dressed hurriedly, and flew downstairs. An icy chill hung over the house, but I smelled pancakes baking and cracklin’s frying, and 1 wa.s hungiy. Grandpa wa.s bending oxer the black stove, hi.s ruddy face flushetl from pre paring breakfast. “The tvins aren’t gedding up vet? ” he asked, stirring a bit of milk into the cracklin’s. I shook my head. “I don’t know A here they are. They aren’t here?” Grandpa dropped his spoon with a clatter. “Ach, the tvin.s I have not seen

THE MESSENGER

this morning. I was in the bams milk ing. Maybe we better look once more upstairs.” While we clumped heavily up the stairs I took a quick look around the house. They didn’t seem to be any where! I even looked in the back room. Their boots and coats were gone, too! Grandpa’s ruddy face looked grim. "Ach, v’ere are they? V’y did the little vun.s nin away?” “Grandpa—may I say something?” I began hesitantly. He nodded solemn ly, and I went on. “They—they felt real bad because you—you refused Ghristmas to them. They—” “Ach, no! So they run away!” his voice almost broke. “But v’ere are they?” I had a sudden thought. “Grandpa, Dad ha.s always told us about the little pine you used to cut down in Peder Ol son’s woods. Do you suppose—?” “Ach, no!” he ffairly shouted. “But that wa.s v’y Peder and me—veil, he say if 1 don’t let him put over his phone line on my land, I can have no more Ghristmas trees from him. AU right, I say. No trees. No phone line. Peder and me, ve don’t talk. I will never for give him! He’.s nothing but a mule headed Svede and I am a pigheaded Dutchman. . . If Peder sees the tvins cutting the tree— ach, no!” While he was speaking, he was pull ing on his heavy duck coat and bi] boots. I slipped into my jacket am zipped up the hcxxl. We made our way over the snowy fields, our feet crunch-crunching in the deep snow. Gold air sliced through me like a knife and I shivered from the chill. We walked silently, stalking single file, Indian Lrshion. It seemed like a long ways. As we rounded the third hill we heard the clop-clop of an ax. Sure enough, Marilyn and Merrill were kneeling in the snow, hacking away at a small, lopsided pine. When they saw ILS approaching, Merrill dropped the ax. “Hi, Pampaw!” Marilyn called out, her blue eyes shining like bits of frozen ice. “We wanted a Christmas tree, and Daddy has told us lots of time.s where to find one. We’ll sweep up the needles, honest, we will!” “Sure, we will,” Merrill echoed. Grandpa stood speechless. I guess he was thinking. Just then we heard a bel low from the other side of the stone fence. “So! Will Harder sends his little grandchildren for my pines! Yust like I thought! I knew I’d catch you at it some day!” And Peder shook hi.s fist at Grand pa. “Now, you look here, Peder Olson!”

December 16, 1966

Grandpa snapped. “I didn’t send the tvins after a tree. Haven’t ever for given you for trying to put a phone line over my land. If you vould ask—” “If you would ask! How about you, Will? Do you want those children to have a tree, or don’t you?” I saw Grandpa hesitate. If he would make the first move—but I remembered how stubborn he was. He was staring at the two little figures, shivering in the snow, the lopsided pine half cut. I sup pose it was hard to make up his mind. Leaning over, I whispered into Grand pa’s ear. “Ask him. Grandpa! That’s all. Just ask!” He looked at me strangely. “But if I ask, it is like asking for forgiveness. . . shoul- Ask.” He sighed heavily, and his shoul Ded. “Ach, ja. Ask. Peder, you ders slumped. are a muleheaded Svede, and I am a pigheaded Dutchnuui. If I let you put a phone line over, vill you let the tvins have a tree?” Peder Olson moved forward, and stuck out his hand. “Of course. Will. Take all the trees you want. And next time, let’s not be so stubborn. It spoils things for us. See you in church tonight. Will?” Well, that was all there was to it. Like the Bible says, “Ask, and it shall be given.” I guess that’s the way God does it, too. Half an hour later, we had the tree safely set up in the bay win dow. Grandpa dug out some ancient ornaments and the twins enjoyed hanging up the tarnished tinsel and shabby glass balls on the fragrant branches. The phone rang just then. It was Dad. “Say, Bill, your mother’s out of danger, and I just may be able to drive over to be with you tomorrow, What are the twins doing?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Oh, they’re trimming the little pine we got from Peder Olson’s woods. We—” Dad gulped. “You mean—your grand father and Peder have—?” “Yup, things are—real cozy here. Dad, like I’ve always remembered it years ago,” and I hung up. Somehow, the house didn’t feel cold any more. Grandpa winked at me sly“Ve chore early tonight, and go to church to the program. You vatch the tvins while I go to the store for some toys. And candles. And—and a Baby Jesus in a manger. Ach, dere’s lots of room for Him now. . .” I’m not much of a singer, but I be gan to sing anyway. And Grandpa joined me. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come. . .” The End

WHY I SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS? by Mrs. Anns Klassen

With the sound of Christmas bells ringing and re-echonig in my mind, I resolve to sit down today to my Christmas greetings for mailing. First of all my thoughts wander to the friends serving the Lord in foreign lands. With a prayer for each individual, I attempt to select an appropriate card with an en closed scripture. As we go along the list I visualize each friend in his respective place of service. Here and there a few lines or letter are sent along.

Next, the friends' names in dis tant places in the homeland are selected. How wonderful it is to be able to commune with them via greeting during this important sea son! Here is one whom I have not seen face to face for many a year. I wonder how they are faring! Oh yes, here is my old time school pal whom I cannot forget with a card and a note. Further, I continue with the list of friends whom I encounter per iodically. My thoughts wander from one to the other, somehow asso ciating each one with his particular characteristic and our pleasant as sociations together. Tender memor ies are revived ...

Moreover, there ore those dear friends whom we would love to win for the Lord. How imporatnt it is to carefully select a special card containing God's wonderful mes sage of love to melt their hearts. A tract can be slipped into each en velope, accompanied by a prayer to convict a soul. Time marches on — and I have reached the bottom of my list. What a lovely time I have spent, meet ing all those dear people by way of a Christmas card. They seem closer to my heart and the hours spent with them have given me. too, a Christmas spirit. “Lord, touch each heart in r a special way and comfort where j one is sorrowing, bless and guide — especially at this beautiful Christ mastime.”

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