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Tf/ey CRUCIFIED HIM By Dr. Peter Eldersfeld cobbled streets, struggled painfully the whole performance as a pitiful up flights of ancient granite stairs, distortion of the gospel of Christ How his bare feet began to bleed . . . Three can anyone ever find peace of mind times (he) fell under his burden, and that way? Self-punishment will never each time a fellow penitent playing pay for sin. Even if the cross-bearing the part of Simon of Cy Cyrene sinner in Corsica went all the way and ----- whis----Every year on Good Fiday, the role fiercely; ‘ Ge'i up! You asked was finally nailed to the cross, what of Christ bearing His cross to Calvary pered-I fiArrplv; good would that do? A sinner cannot is reenacted in the village of Sartene, Ifor this!’” ' be his own saviour, not even by imiCorsica. This has been going on ever Meanwhile, the villagers and tour tating Christ and suffering what He since the Middle Ages, and it always ists — 15,000 of them last year — ga draws a big crowd of villagers and thered along the route to mock and suffered. There is only one cross that can thousands of tourists who come for jeer No, this was not a drama or pas save us from our sins: the cross of the occasion. sion play. “The hooded figure was Christ. And the only way we Time magazine called last year’s that of a conscience-stricken . French Jesus share in the benefits of that cross episode “one of the world’s most sinner whose identity was known only can ® is to believe that He was crucified brutally powerful Easter Week proces to the local curate . . . From wher for us, that He took our place, that sions” And the report was a graphic ever he had come, the man was there He made full atonement for our sins description of what happened: “A voluntarily to atone for his sins by grotesque lump of a man . . . bare enacting the role of Christ making His IThis is what the Bible tells us, and* foot, masked in a blood-red hood with way to Calvary . , .»j popular is the this was the teaching of Jesus Himeve slits . . . staggered under the part that it is booked solid for the next self, %'e can make peace with God weight of a massive oak cross. From 40 years by applicants from as far only by trusting in the sacrifice of his right ankle dragged a clanking, away as Madagascar.. The list includes His Son. There is nothing we can do .31-lb. chain . . . Ule) grunted and gamblers, adulterers, ex-convicts ... to earn our own salvation, nor even a small part of it. puffed as he bore the cross along a all seeking peace of mind.” However, there is also an element Now our first reaction when we mile-and-a-half route ... As he stum bled along dirt paths and darkened,. read a storv like that is to condemn of truth in that story of the cross-

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefac tors, one on the right hand and the other on the left” —Luke 23:33

The MESSENGER

bearing sinner in Corsica. After all J esus did say: ‘‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” And the apostle Paul said once: ‘‘I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; y^et not I, but Christ liveth in me;, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Now that element of truth may be distorted in the case of sinners who think they can make atonement for their own sins by carrying a cross and thus doing penance in a Good Fri day procession. But the truth itself cannot be denied. Those who claim to be followers of Christ must carry Ms cross, and, indeed, be crucified with Him. We cannot do that literally, but we are certainly called to do it spiritually. Maybe that performance in Corsica is something of a rebuke to us. Maybe it points to the sad fact that many Christians today are not really iden tified with Christ, not involved in the great process of redemption which issues from His cross. So much of modem Christianity is detached from the sacrificial spirit and self-denial of its founder. In secular sophistica tion we read a story like that one about the sinner who literally bears a cross on Good Friday, and we won der how anyone could be so naive. But meanwhile we bear only the name of Christ, none of His scars, no evi dence of His suffering. No one would ever believe us if we were to say with Fhul: “I am crucified with Christ , . . God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” In fact, we even stand at a distance when we read the story of the crucifixion in the New Testament, as though it were merely a matter of historical record. The statement of the awful deed is so simple and yet so striking, but we don’t get the point of it, ‘‘And when they were come to

the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.” ‘‘They crucified Mm”—that’s the way we read it — they did it — those brutal soldiers, that fickle judge, those pious priests, and that scream ing mob — they did it. We are 20 cen turies away from it, uninvolved, and quite unaffected. Yes, we say we are; Christians — of course — but we had nothing to do with that cross — and we, have nothing to do with it today — except ept as a sign and a symbol, which doesn’t require any suffering or sacrifice or self-denial; you can wear it as a bit of burnished brass;or place it on the altar, or stamp it on the cover of a book, or even put it up in neon lights — and then it is beautiful, attractive, even artistic; but it isn’t the cross of Calvary — the power of God unto salvation, the power of blood,which redeems the world through suffering by demanding J that all who would ------- ------share ---------in thatredemption rei must also share in the suffering. The cross is something more than a gruesome fact in history. It is here now, and it cannot be avoided. Yes, they crucified Mm long ago, but that was not the end of it. Those who believe that it is their salvation are nec essarily caught up in its whole pro cess of redemption through suffering, They cannot stand outside of it. They cannot hide their identity. They are crucified Christians - if they are Christians at all — crucified with Christ, And the world is compelled to reckon with them because they bear that cross. Christianity is supposed to be a revolution in this world of sin, a revolution of divine redemption. But it cannot explode with the full force of its faith if those who believe in it are not willing to suffer for it. This is a pretty hard thing to talk and comfortable about in our plush [ ere Christians civilization where Christians are are seisel dom called to suffer much for Christ. In fact, we even complain about the

There is only one cross that can save us from our sins: the Goss of Jesus Christ.

This world is not going to take our Oiristianity seriously unless we bear the marks of our suffering Saviour. What counts most in the kingdom of God is not what you give, but what you give up.

April 1,

1966

little sacrifices we have to make and the ridicule we have to bear. It really doesn’t cost us very much to be Christ ians. And the ridicule doesn’t amount’ to much in this secular atmosphere in which we are not only tolerated but even respected. So we find it hard to understand a man like Paul who talked about wanting to share in the sufferings of Christ, ffc simply would not feel at home with many modern Christians who are always looking for some easy way to maintain their connection with the cross without ever becoming vitally involved with it. Paul would say: show me a man who really trusts in the cross of Christ, and I will show you a man who bears that cross. Actually, those men who nailed Jesus to the cross were not as deeiply involved in it as we are, if we trul believe it is our salvation. They really had nothing to do with it, except as judges and executioners, for they had no idea that it could possibly save them from their sins. They would never have dreamed of being identi fied with it. But we claim that Christ was crucified for us, that He suffered there for us, that our sins nailed Him to the cross. We claim that we have made peace with God on Calvary, be cause that awful sacrifice was made for us, M)w then can we live our lives in comfortable detachment from the suffering of that cross as it makes its way through our world? Why must the crucified One say to us again and again; !■

I gave my life for thee. My precious blood I shed, That thou might’st ransomed be, And quickened from the dead. I gave, I gave my life for thee; What hast thou given for me?

Even a little thing like mone' ey IS That ““X , explains why churches always go begging, why new mission fields cannot be opened, why radio broadcasts canContinued page 12

The Messenger Official organ. In the English language, of the EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CON FERENCE. Published bi-weekly under the auspices of the E.M.C. BOARD OF PUBLI CATION ANO EDUCATION. Editor. David K. Schellenberg, Box 25, Station "F*. Winnipeg 5, Manitoba. All new subscriptions and change of address should be sent to Mr. Abe Kla ssen, Box 1447, Steinbach, Man. Subscription price to non-members $1.00 per year. All E.M.C. members pay through the church. Authorized as second class mall, Ppst Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage In cash.

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MISSIONS Dear lYaying Friends; “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jer. 8:20 Since we last wrote you we have received our belated Christmas gift. Roger Keith arrived December 28. He is, as you may well imagine, the i

was held Jan. 4—7th. Mr. R.J.RienD.V.B.S. and other special efforts to miller was here as Conference speakget out the Word. er. We were spiritually enriched by Bible Camps—now in session. Ten the messages from John 14—17, the decisions during the first week. Great Commissioning Service. Bus D.V.B.S.-Will follow the camps. iness-wise the Conference did not Brother G1 will probably be helping change things very much. I’ll be con with the classes. tinuing my duties as field chairman Evangelistic campaigns—are plan at least for the present. ned for j^ril and May with Rev. Ad Two couples and one lady misrian Gonzalez of Costa Rica as spe sionary have been granted furloughs cial speaker. continuing with our }or this year. This leaves the field School—is group of M,K ’s. very short of workers. Those of us -Villa Rosario-has shown some who remain will have to double up and promise of becoming more indepen take on more work. Ohr own furlough dent lately. time is still undecided. Sajalices-a number of young peoThank you for your faithful suppie are studying the Word. For the po^ and financial help. Without it • awe first time this little village had some couij continue our wor k here. going to camp. Christmas cards and letters erne still coming. We had our last one on Your co-laborers in Christ Friday, It’s so good to be remem Diana and Clifford Reimer bered. * * * Our annua! Missionary Conference *

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darling of us all. He is all boy with a hearty appetite and a real mind of his own. The other children just love him but especially Douglas. Corinne enjoys her 7th grade stu studies :s and also the Bible course from Back to the Bible Broadcast, She is a real help in looking after little Keith Heather keeps things humming happily. ipilv. She seems to like C6th’ grade and enjoys swimming, biking, and1 playing Shuffleboard and visiting some of her Panamanian friends. Bath girls chatter Spanish fluently. Douglas is rather lonely this year as he is the only pre-schooler on the yard. The hours that the other children are in class seem endless. Ro ver is a good companion during these long mornings. It’s summer time! Swimmin camps. Baseball and picnics> are the order of the day. For us it means

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CAMP: It was our privilege to take over half of our Young People to winter camp with us from December 29 to .January 2, 1966. I wish you could have heard them discuss and ask questions during devotion time and Bible study. Often they become very person,r al and practical in the questions they ask, and this is a special joy. Camp time is brief, but after after each camp it seems that a new milestone has been reached in their spiritual life. One fourteen year old fellow was overheard by his counsellor after Lghts Oht—* Gestern bin ich ein paar zu meinem Zimmer ge^angen um mit dem Heiland Verbin,, 1 nehmen, aber ich babe nichts gehoert.’’ (Translated into YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S WORK: English) “Yesterday I went up to my IhavebeeninStuttB.ntortwomonlh's S™. 1 «««’«■■« ""h the Lord, but I never heard anything.” [now now and though 1I have not taken uiP The day before, the camp speaker studying yet there has not been mucl had talked about fellowship with the time to be idle. When I arrived here, Lord, and had told us‘how some two of our busy workers, Irene Wal Christians talk to the Lord out loud ters and Violet Hilz, were due for a rest, and my co-workers, Hilda Enns during their devotions. So, there is much for them to learn, but it and I, took over their work while they still . ' i also surprising how much they were gone. This work consisted of children’s classes and work .amqng — 7"” have alredy matured in the few year s the young people. Our young people they have known Christ. Explaining the deeper life in Christ to them is who attend our weekly meetings have t o demonstrate it to them. given their lives for Christ. They were Please pray for these young peo won to the Lord through Irene and Vio ple. I expect to keep on working with let, and it is a joy to help them grow them even after I start studying again. in their Christian lives. Agatha Fast 7 Stut^art W Lenau Str. 4 January, 1966 Etear praying friends, As you see from the above address , I have moved. Stuttgart is my new home and here I now have my work and studies. STUDIES: The Field Mission leaders and............................................. < I both feel that it would be ' good for me to continue my studies in German in a University here, and this is what I will be doing, starting in Febr uary. At the same time, I have an in terest in the students themselves and igrance of ot Christ Uirist am hoping to be a fragrance to them as well to show i' the simplicity of faith in Him. Pr ay for me.

A”

The MESSENGER

B,P. 4702, Leopoldville II of the CI.M. area. I stayed with Mary ffiebert for a few days and visited with Congo February 20, 1966 the Art Janzes briefly. Missionary Dear FVaying Friends, Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is a boon I greet you with Isaiah 6. This to missionaries. For us it was a con passage was used as a basis for this venience; for the medical staff it is morning’s message. In content, it was often a life saver. Recently someone outstanding. I shall not soon forget asked: “What does MAF stand for?’’ ,r it; never, I trust. The message was The reply: “ Mennonite Aviation Feldelivered by a visiting board member lowship!!! of the Swedish Baptist Mission. It Just last week we had a Parentbrought home my own, “Here am I, Teacher Conference tfay at school. Lord; send me.” Instead of children, parents came. Be Just a few evenings ago we had tween 7:30 and 12 noon, I had seen Dr, Gate Risley here. We met as an and talked to twenty parents. A day interested group in S.S. work, although I had dreaded, turned out to be both Dr. Risley is no longer with the N.S. pleasant and profitable. Each parent S..A Wasn’t it ten-twelve years ago was more encouraging than the other. we had him in Steinbach for an S.S. I trust to be the wiser, more under Convention? You see, we’re not want standing teacher because of it. An ing in instruction. important factor in making my deci This noon we, that is several sion to stay on another year or two. So teachers had dinner with the Bob Kroe- I probably won’t be home in ’66. Peter K, Friesen of Riverton, Man. kers, an M B. family from Reedley, accepted missionary candidate, I appreciate the speedy arrival of our ou California. They told of their evacua church irch bulletins and calender. To is presently serving in St. Charles, tion about two) years ago from their think I’ll know in advance what you’re Man. He is a real help to Melvin Koop, mission station., Just a few weeks ago doing in church! jAs I recall these are who is in charge of the work, Bob returned and found the station in the days of annual meetings. May you utter devastation. The K-oekers are know the mind of Christ in decisions Br. Friesen is a giaduate of the S.BI now in radio work, with no thought that must be made. He has spent one year teaching in the of returning to their former field. Riverton area, where his parents, Mr . Your s sincerely, In December, I had the opportunity and Mrs. Jac D. Friesen also reside Elizabeth Gesbrecht of visiting several mission stations

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Pr e-session planning of the Para guay Missions Lon Committee with the chairman of the Paraguay Missions Farm Society. Left to right: Milton Fast, Frank Rei mer, Abe F Penner ( chairman of Farm Society), Dave Eidse.

A picture of one of the organization meetings to form the Paraguay Missions Farm Society, Showing Rev. Abe Unger collecting the applications for membership.

NOTE: A meeting of the members of the Paraguay Mission Farm and interested parties is called for Tuesday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Steinbach E.M.C. Church.

April 1,

1966

1 NEWS I ------------ --- M Prairie Rose In 1964 some ten families of the Hutterite Brethren moved near our district on the borderline of the French Canadians and Mennonite people. The colony is known by the name of “Rainbow Colony”. No doubt most readers will be ac quainted with their way of life, how ever we are glad of a number of thingsTheir young people have visited Christian homes in the neighborhood a number of times, where they'll spend the evening, chatting and sing ing evangelical songs, etc. They have also attended special services in the church with their par ents consent apparently. Having a Christian school teacher by the name of .Mrs. Peter Dueck of Kola, Manitoba is praiseworthy. Mr. Dueck is attending the University of Manitoba. (We are glad for their fellowship). The school district's name is “Blackmore”. The Duecks have been instrumental in having their uncle, Mr. Abram P. Plett show slides of local and foreign interest in two occasions in their church. The pictures of the Mexico mission field were cf most interest to them and practically everyone was cut to see them. I understand he has been invited to come back again. Our young -peoples leader and choir director mads an attempt or volun teered to persent the cantata “The Stranger of Galilee,” in their church, which was kindly refused, for various reasons. Fellow Christians let's be a real witness wherever we are.

Endeavour A missionary service was held in the chapel Sunday, March 13. Mr. Murray Dawson, general secretary of the Japan Evangelical Mission was the speaker. The attendance was 77. Dur ing the Sunday school session “Suicide Mountain” wa.s shown. Mr. Dawson gave a veiy challenging, heartsearching message in the service- A good number went forward in answer to

Wymark We were richly blessed by the ministry of Rev. D, P. Shidler in our church from Thur: evening, Feb: 17 to Sunday morning, Feb. 20. We had afternoon sessions on Friday and Saturday Bro: Shidler ministered to us from the Pastoral Epistles. The Pambrun Radio Choir rendered a program in our church on Sunday evening, Feb. 20. It was a real joy to hear the testimonies of these young people. At our family nite on Wednesday, Feb: 23 we had John Dyck from Coaldale, Alberta show us slides of the Alaska earthquake and also a report of the MCC work in that area. A group from the Steinbach Bible Institute challenged the young people to give a few years of their life to studying God's Word to better equip them for the life that was still ahead of them: The group, consisting of a ladies trio and Rev: B: Friesen, served us on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 27. On Sunday evening March 13 Rev: Frank Chapman, WEC missionary from Africa gave us a report together with slides of the work as it now is in Africa: Shall we remember the mis sionaries in Africa in prayer as the danger does not seem to be over yet: The ladies aid had a fellowship program on Thursday, March 17. They invited the ladies from the Swift Current EMC and others: A lunch was served after the program: A new piano has been installed in our upper church auditorium: The ladies aid undertook a part of paying lor this new piano: The old piano has been moved into the lower church auditorium for SS openings and also for Junior choir practise on Friday nights which is being led by Mrs: E: Hamm:

slides and report as presented by Rev. Elmer Hamm, and the film and mes sages by Mr: Murray Dawson: The Lord blessed in that, many were challenged to pray for the work in 'Mexico and Japan, and also several lives were dedicated to the Lord. Shan we pray for these that they will daily go on with the Lord. Decisions for the Lord Our Sunday school department also has given us much cause for rejoicing as several children gave their hearts to Jesus. These too need our prayers as there is little or no backing from home. Will you join us in this minis try? February 22 was the date set aside for our annual meeting and we thank the Lord lor undertaking there, and that the positions were so well filled. The church board now consists of Mr. Ed Durgan, president, Mr. Howard Nelson, vice president, and Mrs. Glen Salmond, secretary. These need our prayer as they see about the business of the church. Building Purchased at Hudson Bay Much prayer and consideration was put into the possibility of purchasing a building for Hudson Bay. Then the leading pointed to the affirmative by the Hudson Bay School Unit. We praise the Lord that the bid was suc cessful and now further plans for a lot in town are being worked on. Rejoice with the Christians there, that soon they will have a house in which to worship the Lord- A heart felt thank you goes to the Tom Leggets who open their home to us for cottage meetings from week to week. The attendance is very good, and we feel that here is a real nucleas of 'Christians that will carry on His work with joy. The visit of the Ebner Hamms was a special joy to the ORerts as they represnted the group from Wy. mark, where Mr. Olfert has fellow shipped for years. Also accompanying the Hamms were Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Olfert and Ronnie, parents to Lester. The visit was very much enjoyed.

Weekes Truly the Lord hath opened the windows of heaven and showered us with great blessings, of which we are grateful. Among such blessings were several mission challenges, as we enjoyed the

BLUMENORT Report on MCC Work In Paraguay A report on ttie work of MCC was rendered by Bro. Frank Wiens. Bro. Wiens was bom in India, some 53 years ago. He has served 2 years in Germany and 16 years in Paraguay.

the call for dedication. Another inter-church film service was held Friday, March 4, with a good attendance: The film “Walk the Tight IRope” was instructive and inspiring:

The MESSENGER

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The work in Paraguay was mainly among the Indians. .Many of the Indians have come to live among the Mennonites. According to figures there are now 7000 Indians among the 9000 Mennonites. The Mennonties have realized that these people are their “Neighbors”. They have assisted them and there are now approximately 25% of these church members. We can gather that these are of those who have been washed by the blood of the Lamb of God. Those who have realized their lost condition and have come to Christ in faith, confesesd their sins and have found forgiveness and pardon and the peace of God is in their heart. The physically sick are provided with medical care. Numerous different clinics function to supply the patients with medicine to possibly give relief to the physically suffering. Leprosy and malnutrition are prevalent and require proper care. Schools have been started to provide education for the people. Eighteen textbooks have been translated and published. Are these Indians also our “neigh bors”? Do we hear the call “come over and help us”? Shall we help them through material aid but nurses and other personnel are needed, too. Let us be faithful. Return from Visit Our leader. Rev- John P. Loewen and wife returned from a trip to Mexico. They went to visit their mother, Mrs. Isaac P- Loewen, also a brother and sisters and other rela tives and friends. Mr. and Mrs- David L. Plett accompanied them on the tripCongo Report Rev. Ruben Short secretaiy of the CIM executive reported on the situa tion of Congo in Africa- He pointed out some reasons why the people reacted the way they did. People had come to take away and export 700,000 slaves- The Revolution and Rebellion reveal that the people are dissatisfied and unstable. The schools in the Congo are mostly run by the Missions.

AGANETHA SCHELLENBERG

1879 - 1966

Our dearly beloved mother, Aganetha Schellenberg (nee Komelsen) was born on December 2 7, 1879 in Steinbach Manitoba, and died on March 9 at 11:40 p.m. in the Bethesda Hos pital where she had been in critical condition for the past 3 weeks. She was baptized on July 17,1898 and received into the fellowship of the Kleingemeinde Church (EMC) where she was a faithful member till the end.

On May 16. 1910 she was united in the marriage of our father Jacob R Schellenberg, they. shared the J-/ joysand sorrows of life until father passed away on May 20. 1952. They had been married 42 years Mother enjoyed fairly good health until a year ago when her health be gan to fail, on doctors advice she entered the Bethesda Hospital on April 20, 1956, on Ma\ 1 she was transferred to the Misericordia Hos pital where she underwent surgery on May 6. On May 1.5 she was discharged and after being cared for at the home of her children for 3 weeks she again moved to her room at the Senior Ci tizens Home where she had been a She reacnea reached tne the age ot of Hb 86 years, one 2 months and 10 days and leaves to mourn her departure; 5 sons, George, Oak Lake Man. Henry, Steinbach, Dave, 588 Kent Road Winnipeg, Wil liam, Steinbach, all married, 23 grandgrand children, 3 greatgrandchildren, 1 brother William of Saskatoon, 1 sister Agatha in Winnipeg. 1 grandchild, 6 brothers, 3 sisters predeceased her in death. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. The Family

THE COMING AND THE

APPEARING

Larnb of God, Thy faithful promise Says, “Behold, I quickly come”; And our hearts, to Thine responsive. Cry, “Come, Lord, and take us home.” Oh, the rapture that await.s us When we meet Thee in the air, And with Thee ascend in triumph. All Thy deepest joys to share.

April 1,

1966

234 PARCELS SENT TO RUSSIA IN NINE MONTHS Akron, Pa. (MCC)---- The Parcels to Russia program has continued to be popular ever since May, 1959, when the Mennonite Central Committee es tablished a fund to assist Mennonites from Paraguay with the sending of food and clothing to their relatives in the Soviet Union. The program has since expanded to permit active part icipation by North American and Euro pean Mennonites for these shipments The annual Yalve Sanga teachers course, offered to Chulupi and Lengua Indians in Para. raeuay by the missionaries from the ‘“L. Licht den Indianern committee, ended on Febmary 10, 1966. This year’s curriculum included a music course taught by Miss Miriam Janzen and Hans Wiens of Asuncion, Paraguay. A choir was formed that compared favorably with other choral groups in the Chaco. The closing program featured an address by Fernheim missionary Gert Giesbrecht on the great responsibility that teachers have to their fellowinen.

Coming Events April 7 At Steinbach. The 44 voice choir from Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana. April 10.11 Revival meetings at Prairie Rose with H. P- Dyck of MacGregor as speaker. April 17-24 Evangelistic meetings at Wymark with C. B. Loewen as speaker. April 17.24 Evangelistic meetings at Menville church with Ben Friesen. April 21 Grace Bible Institute choral at Steinbach. May 1-3 Evangelistic meeting.s at Arabella with Jake HoeppnerMay 5.8 Evangelistic meetings at Pelly with Jake Hoeppner as speaker. July 1.3 Annual EMC Convention at Prairie Rose.

EMC Ministerial Notes The second ministerial session of the year was held on March 26 at the Ridgewood church. Abe Giesbrecht of Pelly read opening scripture and prayed. On the Agenda for the day were the following items of business. 1) Stein bach Bible Institute.' 2) Board of Mission report. 3) Paraguay Report. ________ and ___ Publicaica4) Board of Education tion Report. I5) Deacons Report. 6) MCC (Canada) 7) Letter from Song leaders 8) (’hurch Architecture 10 ) Various church reports. 11) Annual Conference.

Short reports were given by spokesmen from 16 different churches. Reports ranged from Baptisms, special meet ing schedules to urgent request for prayer for renewal. Fisher fronch is having a formal re-

ception of members tomorrow where they expect to receive some 32 charter members. The official church opening will be held at a later date. Rev. P P. Friesen is the leader of the Group. Pleasant Valley announced their in tentions of purchasing a church build ing for the work at their outstation at Opawaka. Local people are willing to pay half the cost. Membership increase; Attention was drawn to the fact of the comparitively small increase of members over last year. Concern was expressed by se veral brethren. What is the answer? “Seed has to be spread’’ Christians should scatter more. Board of Education and Publication;

Harvey Plett reported: There are still some year books available. D.K. Schellenberg has been appointed to take up duties as Executive Secretary beginning this summer. Church ftlicy: Something uniform is needed. The Executive to work out a sample and present at the next meet ing. Board of Missions; The building at Griswold Indian Reserve is to be ex8

tenden. Cost $3000.00. A new field of endeavour is to be opened in Cen tral America. Milton Fast, Kleefeld, is the new chairman of the Board of Missions. BD. Reimerswill be leaving for Para guay for a stay of about a year to en gage in Mission work. They expect to leave sometime in May. In East Paraguay (Frank Kroekers) they are building a church and also a hospital. Administration of the Mission Farm is now in the hands of shareholders. The crop looks very promising. They expect to reap some 60,000 Kilo cot;ton. Steinbach

Bible

Institute;

Henry

Kornelsen reports. Harvey Plett will be taking over as president for the next school year. Archie Penner will not be coming. There will be some 24 graduates this Spring. Conference dates

for this

year are July 1 to 3 at Pr. Rose. Arnold Rist, Steinbach was elected into the Executive to replace Milton Fast who resigned due to taking the leadership in the Board of Missions. Ben B. Dueck in behalf of the Song leaders of the EMC had written a letter requesting more recognition of singing as a ministry and asked if they might be represented at the an nual conference. A session for song and the importance of song might be very profitable. P.J.B.Reimer,acting in behalf of a body doing a research into Mennonite church architecture, handed out forms to be mailed in for a survey being conducted.

John P. Loewen, Blumenort reported on a recent trip to Mexico. He felt thankful to have been able to minister at the Kleingemeinde church there. Dave Harms, Roseile made closing remarks. The Ridgewood ladies served two meals to all guests. A hearty thank you and may the Lord reward you.

MCC VOLUNTEERS FILL REAL NEED Volunteers Make MCC Tick During the summer Mr. Jacob Dahl is busy on his grain farm south-west of Winnipeg, but from fall until spring he is even busier giving his fuU-time services to MCC. The Mennonite ladies of Manitoba have purchased a cutting machine and have begun to precut garments at the 104 Princess Street collecting center. Almost every day volunteers come from the city as well as from several rural churches to lay out the material and to package it in handy bundles which are sold, at cost, to ladies groups who sew the precut articles into garments which are distributed by MCC abroad. Mr. Dahl operates the cutting machine. “I never expected to be cutting diapers in my cld age”, quips Mr. Dahl, when he is asked about his work. Like most of the volunteers, Mr. Dahl is so enthused about his work that he is getting other members of his family and home church involved. His son Rudy, a radio technician by trade, spent many hours helping his father check and repair the one hundred used telephones MCC purchased to develop better communi cation systems in Paraguay. In the Material Aid Centers in Kit chener and Yarrow volunteers come to help with the mending, sorting, and packing of supplies to be shipped overseas. In Saskatoon, Herbert and Gem volunteers offer themselves and their homes to receive and ship articles to the Material Aid Centers. To keep the constituency informed, a steady stream of publicity flows out of the central office in Winnipeg and volun teers do much of the packing and mailing. The Self Help project depends on volunteers to put on displays, take orders and to fill orders when ship ments come in. These are examples of the behindthe-scenes hands, feet and hearts that keep MCC going. In MCC, people have the opportunity to give them selves in service to their neighbours, in the name of Christ. The Dahls, Balzers, Heinrichs, Sie mens, Webers, Barkmans and Kram ers are giving one interpretation of Paul’s message to the Romans; “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Gcd, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

The MESSENGER

TRUTH for youth Why Couldn’t Bontrag Stay Always by Carroll Yoder

Kwango just 280 kilometers east of Leopoldville. When I expressed interest in Willie’s assignment I received an immediate invitation. “Come along sometime,” he told me enthusiastically. “You should meet my family and see what they’re doing in the building project.” Thus I found myself beside Willie one morning in the new Chevrolet truck of the American Baptist Mis sion, speeding along the recently completed road which links Leopold ville and Kenge. Military control points were routine, the two ferries were functioning well and so we pulled into dusty Kenge well before nightfall. The pastor’s youngest sons were out to meet Willie as he stopped the truck in front of a modest, thatched, roof, mud-wall house. “I hope they’ve got enough water here so that we can wash right away,” Willie re marked. At that point I had been thinking more seriously about eating than about washing. I was not yet into the two meals a day routine which Willie had lear ned. Supper at 7:00 was assorted meats, rice and “luku,” the local manioc dish which has the consistency of dough and is almost tasteless. It takes the place of both bread and potatoes and without it any Congolese of that area would swear he has not oaten. The next day I was initiated into 4 the joys and frustrations of hauling sand and bossing workers with few French words and even fewer Kiyaka ones The vocabulary ran the gamut of “hurry up” to “put the planks down.” Willie is finding that the supervision of workers is one of the more diffi cult tasks here in the Congo—he qot Pax man Wilbur Bontrager is helping with knowing their language and they not the construction of a church and a primary understanding western mania for school at Kcnge, in the Congo. He is trans- haste and profit. But the cement block church and porting the building supplies and supervising work crews. He lives with a Ciongolese pastor school buildings are going up rapidly and his family. now. One only needs to enter the old

Carroll recently returned to the U. S. from a TAP assignment in Congo. He was acting director of MCC Congo during summer 1965. “How do you like the meat?” I squinted at my plate in the dim kerosene lantern light. “It’s not bad.” “Well, you’ve just had your first taste of fried caterpillars.” I was surprised but hardly shocked. I knew that for Wilbur Bontrager fried caterpillars and rat meat were already “old stuff.” As a Paxman with the IMennonite Central Committee in the Congo, he has been living in the home of a local Congolese pastor. ■When “Willie” volunteered for two years’ overseas duty, he did not expect a 40 hour work week or modern conveniences. It is a good thing for he certainly does not have them. During the past several months this young fellow from Alden, New York has been transporting building sup plies for a new church and primary school at Kenge, a small town perched on one of the sandy hills of the

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April 1, 1966

church hut and sit for two hours on the little log benches to understand the workers' and Willie’s pride in their work. The help is there but the spirit is often missing. Willie as a young single fellow not afraid to ex'periment, is doing more than building a church and a school. He is building a bridge in human relations at Kenge. Unim portant as this bridge may seem in rurstrating moments, it is what pro vokes the pastor’s quiet response: "Why couldn’t ‘Bontrag’ stay for ‘toujours’?’’

Voluntary ice

Calling The EMC Voluntary Service Program offerx o challenge to young people who want to make their lives count for Christ. Here is an opportunity to invest your life for wto years in some wor k relating to the extension of the kingdom of God. (You can also apply for a shorter term.)

THREE TYPES OF SERVICE *

Voluntary Service

★

Earning Assignments

Paid Service

Now is the time to sit down and write for mor e infer motion on these three types of service.

Simply address your inquiry t o: EMC Voluntary Service D.K.Schellenberg 588 Kent Road, Winnipeg.

By Margaret Epp

Company Manners Today we present the last installment of the story,COMPANY MANNEBS. Pete Parsons^his sister and her friend Mona Steinson with Johnnie and Annie Crowfoot had gone hiking when suddenly he hears the crash fo the ice going out on the lake. And then. A cold chill crawled up my back. Where — were Lucille — and Mona and Annie — “and Johnnie? I yelled something to Dr. Steinson, but didn’t stop to see if he’d understood. I ran along the shore. And rain came sluicing down. And I stumbled in rotten snowdrifts, and sank down to my armpits with about a yard of squishy ice-cold water down below. And I floundered out somehow, and ran again. Did you ever hear slabs of ice grinding and crashing against each other? Then you know. Man! Then you know. Well, look — If those four kids were on that island nobody could reach them with food or dry clothes now. Like I told you, a pontoon plane’s no good until the lake is open. Open. I stared sort of glassily out over the lake. Far as I could see the waters were heaving and crashing the ice floes. I don’t know how long I’d staggered along when I met one of Pop’s workmen. “Lucille —” I gasped, rain water running into my mouth. “Mona Stein son —” He waved a hand toward the settle ment. “Saw ’em. While ago.” Boy, I went wobbly as a newborn colt. I had to lean against a tree for a while to catch my breath and to watch that breakup. Then 1 ducked into the woods and squished on. Passing the sawmill I caught sight of Sis and .Mona Mona sitting on a stack of lumher under the shelter of a roof, calm as you please, talking and talking — “So you made it,” I called.

“Oh, hi,” said Lucille. “Where are Johnnie and Annie?” That brought me to a dead stop. “Where are — ” The words died. - Johnnie and- Annie ....................... hadn’t left the island In time!

Mona Steinson’s brown eyes grew enormous. “Think they got caught on the lake?” she whispered. I hadn’t even thought of that. Who ever was on the lake then, was in it now. “Peter, where are you going?” said Lucille, in a frightened voice as I turned away. “Got to — see Mrs. — Crowfoot —” My voice crackled like paper. “W-wait. I-I’m coming with you.” It was easier having her there, and Mona. But if you think that walk was a joyful one — The Crowfoot tent looked pitifully ragged and small and soaked. But Mrs. Crowfoot stuck that smiling face of hers out under the flap. It was aw ful having to watch the light die out of he7faceand P —__ 1 eyes. “Annie —” she mumbled, sort of stunned. “Johnnie.” Over and over. “Annie — Johnnie.” It seemed like a sort of door closed between us and Mrs. Crowfoot then. “We — we’ll do everything we can,” said Lucille. “We’ll radio for help,” I promised, “Soon’s we can get to the plane —” Mrs. Crowfoot shrugged Lucille’s hand off her shoulder, and crawled into the tent, and dropped the flap, “We’ll pray that God will keep them safe,” quavered Lucille. No sound except rain on the tent and the forest. We turned away.

“I — I sent the kids on that fool errand,” mumbled Mona, blowing her nose hard. “Looking for eagles’ nests!” “But Peter, I told you to keep an eye on them,” wailed Lucille. “And you promised!” Well, I don’t suppose anybody in the settlement slept much that night. I didn’t. That question kept nagging — Had I promised? One good thing — The plane pilot could radio for help. As soon as this storm blew over the air-search could begin. Planes couldn’t land here, so that meant they’d have only short cruises — so their fuel could take them safely back to Prince Albert again. But it would be something. Doing nothing was awful. The storm lashed the lake all that night, and all next day. Most of that long Sunday we kids stayed in Dr. Steinson’s cabin. The grounded plane was close by, and any radio messages would come there. That cabin — All you saw was bud worm specimens. I felt like a "bud worm. God had been working in the hearts of these Crees — that was like a tiny bud beginning to grow. And now I’d spoiled that, just the way these worms can kill a spruce — May be you don’t know how Indians are. They stick together. If Annie and Johnnie never got back — Dr. Steinson was a great help that stormy Sunday. He and Lucille and I, we had prayer meetings. But even then, time sort of dragged. “If only,” I heard Mona say once, “If only the wind wouldn’t blow so.” Well, that just goes to show how wrong a person can be. Because, though we didn’t know it, that wind was God’s answer. Monday afternoon the sun came out, and the wind died, and there was open water with most of the ice piled alongshore. Man! You never saw Parsons Lake clear of ice so fast! We dragged a boat over the hill of ice-blocks and launched it. When we’d rowed to the island, we had to clam ber over another ice-barrier. “Johnnie! Annie!” The woods echoed with the shouts. “Say —” I caught Lucille’s sleeve as

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THE MESSENGER

M E M 0 R I A M

Company Manners

she ducked past, and pointed down toward the ground. An arrow — Made of branches and twigs — pointing northwest, sort of. “D’you s’pose —?” Like a pack of dogs we nosed around for another arrow. And found it! And another — and another. “They’re alive! They’re alive!” We chanted it like a song.

( )

We found the kids curled up in a hollow, with spruce boughs piled over them. Sleeping. I nudged Johnnie’s foot with mine. “Hey, wake up, fella!” Both sat up and blinked, scattering the branches. As good as new! Their stares dimmed then, and though they were grinning, we saw tears sliding down their round cheeks. “Not drown’?” marvelled Johnnie, “Not drown’! I feel so bad alia time. So bad because I not tak’ good care from you.”

We looked at each other, and then we laughed because we didn’t want to cry. In that rainstorm, without a . warm shelter -~ 1clothes and a stony hollow to lie in — and they’d worried about us! Smart kids to think of those arrows, and not get panicky. “We pray,” said Annie simply. “We pray — to Jesus —”

t I

I Well, we left that island feeling mighty wonderful. A plane dipped over us, and we waved. And that night Mom had the whole forestful of Crees over at our house, and all of Pop’s gang, serving them the fanciest cakes and things.' I don’t suppose Mrs. Crowfoot knew what she was eating though, the way she kept looking anti looking at her children. “She feels those kids are a gift from death,” said Dr. Steinson to me. “And I’ve had one too, Pete. Mona surrendered to the Lord today.” So that’s why he looked so happy when he led the prayer of thanksgiving and the singing — “A mighty fortress is our God Well, He sure is! The End

FROM

HOUSE

TO TO

HOUSE

Elma

Dueck

The Easter season is here again. What does that mean to you—to me? A bright new tie? A smart new hat? That’s what it seems to mean to some peopile—fine new clothes to parade on Eilaster- go to a stately church; re cline in comfortable pews, and join in singing the joyous Easter hymns. Some again think of Easter as the time for brightly decorated eggs, lus cious chocolate <’ ’ ’bunnies, ' , and other good things to eat and enjoy.' To many of us, Easter marks the heralding in of spring with its lengthening, warmer i tkening, days; the rising river and the overflowing ditches; April ‘ showers and the greening grass. -------—■ass. It speaks of warbling birds and budding trees; and the sweet spring odors on the gentle breeze. To us housewives, the Easter sea son may also mean a spring-cleaned house, and indulging in that delightful task of filling out a seed order from those colorful, enticing seed catalogues as we envision beautiful flower plots or a productive vegetable garden All these things may be pleasant‘ and desirable. But, if this is all that Easter means to you and me, this world, would be a sad, dark place in deed,’and we the mo’st miserable of all creation. But, if this blessed Easter season brings to us a firmer faith in our crucified and risen Lord. If it gives to us ® a renewed joy and assurance of our salvation. If _ it awakens in us a more quickening hope to be partakers in that last resurrection to come, and if it sets into clearer focus our vision the work that still needs to be done, then we experience anew the true meaning of Eifaster.

■e

'if

A BABY’S SECRET

WHAT DOES EASTER MEAN TO YOU Mrs.

Dear Editor, We would like to publish the en closed poem in remembrance of our dear still born son, Leander Glenn, born on March 16.

I am just a little fellow, 'Knd I didn’t quite make it there, I went straight to be with Jesus And I’m waiting for you there. Don’t you fret about me Mommy, I’m of all God’s lambs most blessed; I’d—a loved to stay there with you, But my Shepherd knows what’s best.

Many dwelling here where I live Waited years to enter in, Struggled through a world of sadness, And their lives were marred with sin. So, sweet Mommy, don’t you sorrow, Wipe those tears and chase the gloom;

I went straight to Jesus’ bosom From my lovely mother’s womb. Thank you for the life you gave me, It was brief, but don’t complain; I have all of heaven’s ^lory, I had none of earthling s pain. Thank you for the name you gave me, I’d—a loved to bring it fame; But if Td lingered in earth’s shadows Might instead have brought it shame.

Daddy gave me something for you, ’Tis our secret. Mommy dear: Pressed it tight against my forehead, Whispered in my tiny ear. I’ll be waiting for you, Mommy, You and Daddy, Bub and Sis; I’ll be with you then forever, Aid I’ll give you Daddy’s kiss.

We also at this time like to thank all our friends and relatives for their prayers and cards of sympathy. May God richly bless and reward you for it. Sincere ly, Mr. & Mrs. Erwin R Plett Giroux, Man.

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April 1, 1966

can have, and how comfortable they can be. We will have to do it the hard way, the way of the cross: by redis covering and reproducing the power pi and the glory of our historic faith fa — not only in the creeds of the past but in the context of the present, not only in terms of our sinful souls but in terms of our sinful world, not only in our churches but in our communities not only in our private experience but in our public service. Yes, they crucified Him long ago THEY CRUCIFIED HIM,cont'd. —Pilate and the priests and the solMany of you are well equipped to diers, and all those who gave connot be expanded. And maybe it also sent by means of their mockery. But explains, at least in part why paro serve with distinction. You have a did they crucify us too? Where do we chial schools and colleges now want good Christian training. You have stand on Calvary-with Him, or against public funds, and why other Christian mor e than average ability. You can Him? Which oneJ, of the malefactors institutions are always in need. We easily find ways and means of get represents us—the one on the right ting ahead in this world, but none to Christians have the money all right, or the one on the left—the one who but we are spending it for other things serve the cause of Christ. You in believed in Him or the one who de vest yourselves completely in your — meanwhile singing pious hymns spised Him? about a Saviour who gave His blood business or profession or sports or Remember, there are only two pos for us! lolitics, but not in your Christianity, sibilities in this world-two crosses There is an old saying to the ef bu give no evidence of being cruci —and the one in the center divides fect that we ought to “give until it fied with Christ. You could lend great them. Either you are crucified with hurts.” Very few of us ever do that. power to the witness of the cross in Christ, or you are crucified without Re give of our surplus, not of our this world. You could make its impact Him! You either suffer with Him unto need. We first see to it that we have far more telling. But you just want to eternal life, or you suffer without Him everything we want—all the comforts be on the sidelines, or somewhere up and conveniences of this rich culture in the gallery, watching the perform unto eternal death! You carry His ry your you in which we live -and then if we have ance of others-and probably criticiz cross of salvation, or you carry i own cross of sin! You follow Him in anything left, we give that to God— ing them, too. faith, or you go your own way in un or at least part of it—perhaps a very This world is not going to take belief. small part. our Christianity seriously unless we But the idea behind that saying bear the marks of the suffering Sav is a good one. It really means that iour. There was no easy way for Him we ought to suffer in our giving. It to save us, <and there is no easy way (This sermon is reprinted by permis ought to hurt us. It must have some for us to serve Hm. This world i s sion of the Back to God Hour. Eb. thing of the cross in it. What counts suffering all the miseries of its sin, Eldersfeld, the writer of this message most in the kingdom of God is not and its sufferin;g is unto death, eter- was radio minister 1946 —1965 and 1946-1 what you give, but what you give up. nal death. Its onily hope is One whose passed away Oct. 14, 1965. We are supposed to be carrying a cross suffering is unto eternal life, and who which hurts, rather than the treasures comes to the world through those who of silver and gold which make life bear His cross, who are crucified with soft and easy and comfortable. HowHim. can we follow Christ when we are AFTER GETHSEMANE The record of the Christian Oiurchi carrying all the stuff of this world on proves that our historic faith depends BETTY HONEYWELL our backs? under God, upon the total surrender And this is not only a matter of of those who profess it. Some have of my my dark dark Oeth: Gethsemane, money and material things. How much had to be martyrs literally, giving up Out or does it cost us to be Christians in their lives; but all of us must be will- Chastened, I face myf cross; terms of time and talent, words and ing to give as much. The great Con Man hath no longer pow'r to hurt. deeds? How many young Christ fessions of the Church have been writ From Thee I take the loss ians am 1 talking to who ar e not even ten with the blood of men; the great thinking of the possibility of dedicat deeds of the church have been done Of all that I held dear ing their lives to the service of God in self-denial; and the great place of My dreams and my desires. as they prepare for a vocation? And the Church of this world has been Thou did'st design the cross I bear; how many parents am I talking to who maintained through sacrifice. Thou knowest its hidden fires. never inspire their children, neither We have an enormous job on our by precept nor by example, to make hands today in a very hostile world. that kind of sacrifice, but who tell And we are not going to do it with Henceforth, Thy will, not mine, shall be them instead how to get ahead in this^ Christians who are only trying to see My passion—naught beside. world? And how many people am 1 how much money they can make for I do not need to live, but ah, talking to who have always stood on themselves, and how much fun they Thou must be glorified.

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The MESSENGER