EVANGELICAL
MENNONITE CONFERENCE
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OLD PATHS
"Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask tor the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest lor your souls .. Jeremiah 6:16. We sing, "We have an anchor that keeps the soul." In a day of shifting values we thank God for the an chor, Christ Jesus. In a time when the liberals try and make relative that which God has pronounced absolute we thank the Lord for the Word which is forever settled in heaven. The world owes much to men like Martin Luther who dared to stake his life on the word of God. "Let goods and kindred go" he wrote, "This mortal life also; The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever." Others did likewise and paid for their faith with their lives. Are we ready to do this? We do not mean that old paths are right by virtue of their age. But these old paths are the paths of the fundamental word of God. This is what we need to return to. We may have new ways on the old paths; new methods, but the path must always be the tried and true one. To divert from this path spells doom. Following are a few of the old paths that need re discovery: 1. The path ol prayer must be rediscovered. A mis sionary on furlough said that in their church on the field if you weren't at prayer meeting they prayed for you! Another missionaory writes home saying it is so hard, "Aren't you praying?" Where are our praying men today? 2. The path ol separation must be rediscovered. Today the church is soft, often walking hand in hand with the world. Christ calls to separation, not isolation. Crawling into a hole, as hermits of old will not nec essarily make us holier. No, in order to win the world we must be in the world, yet not a part of its system. The ship is made to go in the water but woe unto the ship if the water gets into it! 3. The path ol Holy reverence needs to be rediscover ed: God today is brought down to the level of man. This was already Israel's sin. "thou thoughtest I was altogether such an one as thyself..." (Ps. 50:21)
But men of God, when God spoke fell on their face as dead. Others saw the magnitude of their trans gressions and confessed their own unworthiness and sinfulness. When God's children walk in the old paths fear will come on those about us. This is what hap pened at Pentecost. We have mentioned just a few of the paths that need to be rediscovered. Many more could be named. Will you rediscover these and other old paths this year — and then walk in them? May God help us. D.S.
THE MESSENGER With our first Messenger in 1967 we began our fifth year of publication. In four years we have printed some 100 issues at 25 numbers per year. For the first two years the paper consisted of eight pages; for the past two years it has held 12 pages. No in crease is anticipated for the coming year, although the feeling has at times been expressed that the paper should be larger. EMC members get the paper on the "every home" plan where the subscription is collected through the church budget. EMC members living away from home are also eligible to get the paper and should send us their address. Non-members may subscribe to the paper for a very nominal fee (see below). The paper has also proved valuable in our home missions outreach where people who may not be mem bers yet make their church home at one of our sta tions may be put on the subscription list. Apprecia tion has been expressed for this. You may sometimes have wondered how many copies are printed per issue. We started some 1500 copies four years ago. This has been increased over the years so that we are now printing some 2000 copies every two weeks. This makes a total of 24,000 pages per issue. The printing process is offset. This is a new type of printing, very versatile. Type is set in the conven tional way with linotype. After this a copy is made on the letterpress. This copy, or proof, is then photo graphed and transferred to a plate. This plate is then placed on the offset press and copies run off at the rate of 7,000 per hour. Offset also permits more liberal use of pictures and illustrations since they can be produced at a fraction of the cost of letterpress cuts. The Messenger was not always printed in this way. Letterpress was used for the first two and one half years. Our aim for the coming year as the years since we started, shall again be by God's grace, to inform, instruct and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the brotherhood and the larger Christian community; Instruct in Christian living; Inspire to personal holi ness and a vital Christian witness. —D.S.
The Messenger is the publication ol the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Ils purpose is Io inform, instruct and inspire. Inform as to what is going on in the Conference. Instruct in Godliness and victorious living. Inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor, D. K. Schellenberg, The Messenger, Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. Changes of address should be sent to the circulation manager, Abe Klassen, Box 1447, Steinbach, Manitoba. Subscription; Members pay through their church. Non-members $1.00 per year. Authorized as second class mail by the Post Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage in cash. Printed by Deluxe Printing, Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada.
THE MESSENGER
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sierioDS} -Ids io yow s-'i 'joniolqxs eri bra? befqeooD I tn'pin ioriT ,9m ol .noiinv tneioiiiua-IlD bno -vino ym so isirrIC iorft eortDwssD erft bo.d 1 .ruoiTOS Iliw I .tsnriD rlpuorrlt bevDs sdw I yob tDflj moiT .yob jD.d; isg-iot isven rfpThex'iEhdraetgriatMX'Of; dq^tiV seeing tfe'beadepply.Himfeeddbd-'.ln Rum^ miUi^,ra-sa;.!thatreve^ whenrwe comeafiew cimtorfesaB^Chrisf,'therg aDg.defitotb-iperiodsvwhen dGiibt..re: a®-. assertsaitself. Toema^y-R^^g^pgargiita be aof ®u!di;Qtacfgnitede, !thgf; .wh^ they, are traiiibled-,thus,' t^^ feel thgt tiray.Ymust ■live’dti;,aj;ygll^qof! dg^ presslorfr?andi ina cfe-.>M€rt« cirf-'-dsfeett ia'rtheinjQhristianyMvi^'.' '. ■ r- b-'r;,;?p This is not a result of mdderff’ddy
wdtd' Of Gbd 'V^e 'dee': if'mctoifest”'fri WW§‘dP4fie'gastleS”eVeff^aft^ their expediences, subseWfifte'-^the ckr-foi io resurrectfch of Christ. Thomos is a classical example, for in lohn 20: 2.5 he is quoted as saying "Except I shall see in hisjKcnpidKRhb/priht! oE’the nails, and put my flngef ihtbi'theprlhf of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I WlIi’IHpT BELIEVE." Tn Matthew 28rj7 we read: "When they saw him, wgr^ipped him;' but some dou|tea.'; EVeh Peter'-after!, the ferdat exp^ience gf f’^tecgst-hdd his ^riods of doubt/hi Acts 10:17, if tellS Us that Peter doubted' in himself oe But God's revelatton-.aM purpose, tor his ministry. ndo It is triie-that'ihi;| jdQUbt was soon dissolved,’ i'iind h‘4 ^eht- on his. way triumphg-nt but. we se^ interwoven even in tltodives fer'elJt Christians periodic ’^U^risipds oC'this hideous monstei# ''^PURT". Js:<^ere tlfen Js;,lfiere tffen no escap^ frbmHhia ^pSetting and tempestubug-'chardctoristlc? Must we live in th© YCtReY df uti it. desponancy/ond __________ ______ I surrender !UY'! ti fewydsoW to the souls, and pjj,t do ^ghgrne our Won derful Lord, of whom the scripture soys, in Heberws 2;. 14,15 thgt He ‘h’fm'geJf through.H.is deat'h destroyed
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YifThe aaswef of course ■is-;NO!-l -In Tohn ! 10:24'^we Tlftd 'these’'words
®’'»ramii29i abnsa "Then came the lews round about Him,, arid said unto Him, How long dost thou make us tg doubt? RE'thdU B^jhe Christ tell, us plainly." Chrid's gnswbptglhese unbelto-Ybrs reveals precisely''-wh^ Ih'b believer j need not doubt, grid if. he' does' where the’'.source” of’ jJelivefahbe' ’ban be fbUhd/'IRe deep-rbofed uRshdkeabld belief that GhHst'is dhe’with-iheT^ dna fhof HedlbhehdeWtolhM fher;dnd'fKat Hetolbhehas'ctosblUtb piR-tyer 'fg'keep/Hi'b' child. Is the;patR
doubt are mostly of a transient natore,, money,^,gogds,,fggd,,,etc._Pur Cod is' able to supply gll bur needs NEVER-DQUST. Tli^ will Goihe -—. L ’ELTR'DCURt.’ Then cemh supply gnd vi'etbry.'ThenIn'Mgtth'e-w 21:18-2R and /in, MqrR .11:20-24/we haye tbe 'le55oR-;,hgm , the .yh fig., trge,..! fhqf ,lf..;we;'.pO,NBT'; NOT,' i^d'sire^U^^s gre.itoR^ swer/fQ-fe,,RraYer,bE.'fai^^ ..... eg. gng. fQj)qwec^.'iivitho.^t. .^gpy^^
di-ghde cbdieide'hce-ds iTusy’recbrdSd'”-lh Matthew ””’28 dftbE afte?'The 6d lh' - 'Mg;thbto ”thc;” sfeffei w' dcubted',-'lEbt -He 'Hfm-sdlf-’declgred }Hr^^rsdWf''All'pdwdbte'givefi'Unte de’lh'RegVRn'dthd’lh edrth?fGb ffibrbfofg” ”7'oSf'lc/ Pdhi' dlwdy ”eyeh”torito'''®b ’^d'''-'bf dhd world VAbedft WhgX/e’lhe sgrhe''pSi tlerfi ” ifi-'the-life df bf Pder' tlWin^^edife Pbtef’ ih-'ACtS ih-'Acte Wr lB-207 Here-Peter sebs "the visibhtof uncledn 'dhimals, follo-wed by- -the cofhmahd -to 'eatj His bbiections’-gre over-ruled by the boihmgnd twice fnbie repeated. While stilL still - dCubting doubting more dll this, 'the Spirit of God, 'saidY''GG withHheto,dothlito doubting;'''Peter could uot hoVo brought himself to overobme hls prejudices and doubts. He needed to know that Godd power would enable' him - to. oyercornea -his doubts and do God's-will. E - The - Holy Scripture,.'igg liberally sprinkled ■with.’promises :of'-God;; so that'dhe accpiisitiontofvthesetptcMmseg <:z ■in’our ca-y . ’li-ves Edd; caia''imoveous?fem ;m''da;vG--UG; fi:“ the.^^egory of d(^^ mindedimen; doubting God ’s minded-:men; dl-ways always-doubting God-s fwill iof iis/ and never certain-of; our teifb in .Him. Luke 1.2-.22131‘isro'dassicoi portion-for deep!!and: re.verent study '-on ■ this 'subiect.'.- T writer concludes b'y.'sdying-:— "Neither be ye of DOUBTFUL;MIND I...-? but!seek first the' Kingdom of God.eJt -would seem that the, things.; thcct'/cause
fg5O%’th^ipgtR pl'glgtigi^''■yictory-, The scriptures have one ’?0dfe teS^ son to teach us on the subject of
he that doubteth is ‘d'dhirt^^ 'if lie eat, because he eateth not of faith; Jor whatsoever is not of faith'lY'sin." ^his is the primary caito^.pfiidefeQit :in the Christians life —i; doidg the doubtful things allowing' ' oneself to to succumb succumba..,:^9ptatio.n ^elf to ^a^gtion •.SuiDing that itq^ it .w>n not|ig^ nof harm or or » Suming :dnyone. As d Phnstian &<Mto^mncraygWaUc^l
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H concludi^', let us ■tfelt; everyone#is- subject td;,,douj^:. >' -It'is not sgme;.;peciiliar tho^ iflesh us also|rerr®fniRrbh for f:r tlfe th* fe-Wi.Le^ ------------^er.'that h| madeyample ^provision idonsfejs foi&fcjs js an vexing problem. He put Satan to. death by His deatN'db’thdfwe-hb’Toriger walk under the bondage of fear. Christ through' Hi^d^iiwedion Imparts i-Mis ’'ALLPOWER-'-''! in ■hedven*’arid:iedrth to'-us- through:the-.Holy. Spirit,.ss^wd VDOUBT NOT"^d-.walkdft^ th®'cent tre.of His-wilL '-Yot pniooeoxe niiw
fjaaiofy 20,-1» 9
RIO GRANDE BIBLE INSTITUTE
passport to the U.S. I started clas ses January 1966. My doubts con
tinue. In May 1966 I had many
House-mother sends testimonies The {allowing two testimonies are sent in by Dora Friesen, missionary io Mexico. The two girls, whose test imonies you will read, are students at the Rio Grande Bible Institute in Edinburgh, Texas. For some time sis ter Friesen has been housemother to VR Latin girl students at this school. At present Dora is again in the process o/ moving back to Pica cho lor work at the clinic and the Mexican Bible school QSee Messen ger Vol. 4. No. 12^ on the EMC sta tion there. ACCEPTED CHRIST AT BIBLE SCHOOL
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Candaleria Garcia Greetings with Jude 24, "Now un to Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." I want to give
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my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. I am very grateful for what He has done in my life. Above all, He has taught me the way to victory. My name is Candelaria Garcia. I am 22 years old and I was born in Mexico in the state of Coahuila. My parents accepted Christ before I was bom. It was my mother who taught us how to lead a good life. We always went to Sunday School and Children's classes. I always considered that not to tell lies and not to steal were the fundamentals of the Christian life. I heard about the God that created the universe. Although these things are necessary to know, yet now, in my concept of thinking, I know I was in darkness. I did not know the plan of salvation. I always thought salvation was for cider people. I dcri't remember that I ever heard that children could accept Christ. All that I remember from childhood was that in order to be good I must obey my parents and be honest. Then I could go to heaven to be with Christ. Later I went to Bible School (Church of Christ—They teach you must be baptized to be saved. Dora Friesen) and continued being "good". Some told me that if I ac cepted Christ and was baptized I vrauld be saved. One night I made a decision for Christ. The years went by and I continued in great doubts. After four years of Bible School I was still without peace and without assurance of salvation. I felt defeat ed and like the most unhappy per son in the world. I felt I could never be happy. But thanks to God, through one of my friends I heard about the Rio Grande Bible Insti tute. With God's help I obtained my
problems with my studies. Our ' mommy" (Dora Friesen) asked me whether I had the assurance of sal vation. I spoke to one of my teachers and he explained the way of sal vation to me. 'That night I accepted Christ as my only and all-sufficient Saviour. I had the assurance that I was saved through Christ. I will never forget that day. From that day on I knew I was saved through Christ's death on the cross. "By grace are ye saved." Nevertheless I have passed through trials and problems in my spiritual life. Rec ently I passed through testings, that for several weeks I doubted as to whether I should continue my stud ies in preparation for the Lord's ser vice. But thanks be to God that I gained the victory over the trials. I Peter 1:6-7 To conclude, I want to tell you that I am very happy here at R.G. B.I. because I have the assurance of salvation. Cande
OUR RELIGION WAS ONLY TRADITION
Lourdes Rivera I was born in. a Catholic home in the Dominican Republic. Our re ligion was only tradition, because in reality I don't remember that my mother ever went to mass or ever
THE MESSENGER
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RIO GRANDE BIBLE INSTITUTE
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\ A This picture shows iaculty and staff of the Rio Grand Bible Institute at Edinburgh Texas. Sister Dora Friesen is seen fourth from the left front row.
talked about anything in relation to the Catholic Church. Since child hood I lived with my grandmother. She was not fanatically religious, although her uncles and the rest of her family were. I was baptized, confirmed, and attended mass, be cause this is the custom in countries influenced' by Catholicism. My mother accepted Christ when some Canadian missionaries brought us the Gospel. It was then that I started going to an evangelical church. I was fearful because we had strong Catholic neighbours who always said, "the evangelicals are of the devil". For a while I went to mass and Sunday school. "It is sin to be absent from mass." As time went on I enjoyed Sunday school with its Bible stories and choruses more than mass. I quit going to mass but I did not accept Christ. The year my mother accepted Christ my younger brother also accepted Him. A year later, at the age of 12, I ac cepted Christ in Daily Vacation Bible School. Later in high school I was strong ly influenced by Communism. For this reason my father did not want me to continue to study in my count-
January 20, 1966
Seen here are the five nationalities represented in the Latin Girl's dormitory. L. to R. they are, Chilean, Dominican Republic, California, Mexican and Cana dian. In all there were 18 girls in the dorm and under the care of sister Friesen.
ry, but decided that I go to Puerto Rico. While we were making plans the revolution in the Republic caus ed my dad to lose his job and I had to give up studying for another year. The next year pastor Grady Mills and his wife Margaret (they stud ied at R.G.B.I. a ’few years ago) talked to me about the Rio Grande Bible Institute. Immediately I was very interested because since I ac cepted Christ I had the desire to stu dy God's Word. But my parents had other plans for my life. This was a real problem, but after much prayer the Lord gave me peace. But I still did not have permission nor money to go. At times I doubted that my dad would let me go. God's mercy is very great, and He caused my dad to give me the permission and the money to go. My next step was to go to a strange country alone. I was fearful because I don't speak English. But here again God helped me in a wonderful way, and I came to the states without any difficulty. At present I am praying concern ing my studies, God's will for my life, and for the salvation of my dad, for many others in my country. Lourdes Rivera
S B I Youth
Conference Feb. 3-5 Theme: NOT YOUR OWN
Speaker: J. N. Hiebert,
Meade, Kansas Cost: Registration
$1.00
Conference
$4.00
Age limit: 16 and over Write:
Steinbach Bible Institute
Box 1420
Steinbach, Man.
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iNEWS
classes participated eagerly. One highlight of the program was the contribution of the youth class. In all we felt the program had been a good success. We were privileged to have brother Harvey Kroeker in our midst on Dec. 30 with the "Tony Fontaine" film. This is a true life story of one of the great singers of our day.
MENVILLE A Young People's meeting with the theme "Dare to be Different" took place on Novem ber 6, 1966. The program was divided into four topics. Daring to be Different at Work, at School, in Ethics and in Society. Speakers were Menno Friesen, Dennis Thiessen, Ed Friesen and Rosalind Kroeker respectively. These and the special numbers challenged us to be different, not for the sake of being peculiar but rather to glorify our Lord, On Christmas Eve, around seventy car olers gathered in the church basement for organization. Six groups were formed who then had a time of prayer before starting out. Districts reached by hte carolers were Riverton, Hnausa, Gimli, Geysir and Shorncliffe. Some groups were privileged to carol in at least one or two homes and received refreshments. Sunday morning the young people were poorly represented since many had had sleep-ins. January 1, 1967 the young people's had their annual fellowship and business meet ing. While the elections were held for our Yeung People's Committees and Choir Direc tors, Albert Friesen led in singing. After the elections Ed Friesen had a short devotional and led in testimonies. The meeting ended with a prayer session. In our Young People’s Committee this year are Rev. Andrew Dueck, Dennis Thiessen, Ron Friesen, Henry Loe wen and Abe Barkman, Choir Directors are Flarry Friesen and Dennis Thiessen.
RIVERTON The Christmas festivities of the church be gan Dec. 11 when the newly formed girls choir, conducted by Mrs. John Klassen, per formed a beautiful carol service. As I think of the young girls entering the dark audi torium with bright shining candles, 1 think of Christians letting their lights shine in a dark world for the little Christmas Child. Rev. Ben Friesen from the S.B.I. was with us on Dec. 18. An inspiring message and the film "Old Jenkins" were an inspiration to those present. On Dec. 25 we had a Christmas program for the S.S. instead of classes. Each class was given ten minutes of the program. All
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As you launch out info the new year 1967, try this recipel "Take a heaping cup of Patience, and a big heartful of Love; Add two handfuls of Generosity to all above; Then blend in a dash of Laughter And some Understanding too. Sprinkle generously with Kindness And Memories, old and new. Add a lot of Faith and mix well To make it rich and sweet. And enjoy a heaping portion With everyone you meet."
pies Committee member, is now studying at
the S.B,I.
Why Is Bible School Training Important? 1. To give balance to secular training. 2. To prepare effective Christian workers worki 3. To give more adequate Bible knowledge.
For this reason
The Steinbach Bible Institute offers the following courses: Missions Sacred Music General Bible
Christian Education Pastors High School — Cr. X-XH
Write for an application form or a school catalogue to:
STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE Box 1420 STEINBACH, MANITOBA
MOEWEENA It has been decided to conduct church services at the chapel at the Fisher River Indian Reserve once a month, taking place every first Sunday of the month in the af ternoon, This Indian Reserve is situated about 35 miles north west of the Morweena church. The church services at the Arborg Gospel Chapel have been closed for the winter months, hoping that in spring a big Sunday School will be in full .swing again.
ENDEAVOUR Christmas Program—Efforts were well re warded as the united Sunday School and Young People's presented "True Meaning of Christmas." A special feature was "Silent Night", which was sung in English, Ukrain ian, and German. Also a play, including about 20 of our Young people, was well pre sented. 120 people were present. We were happy to see Richard, David, and Clifford Scharfenburg home from Prince George area where they are employed at a lumber industry for the winter. The sliding party on the 26th of December v/as enthusiastically attended in spite of the cold weather. To top it off, a big bon-fire was made to roast the wieners, Mrs, Arnason, the neighbour lady, supplied a deli cious hot cocoa. Dianne Hoffer and Ruth Downey were off to Bible School on New Year’s Day morning. Dianne is in her final year at Pambrun. Ruth, our church organist and Young Peo-
WYMARK As we ace 1967, to us is given the chal lenge, "Fight the Good Fight of Faith." We must keep our faith strong in order to be victorious in every encounter with Satan. "Christmas is a Miracle" was the title of the play presented by the Sunday School and Young Peoples Department on Decem ber 18. It was centered around the theme of John 3:16 and it included the entire Sunday School. The Youth Choir and a junior girls choir rendered several numbers. The Young People also enjoyed a night of caroling. The whole town was covered and many expressed their appreciation. The church supplied candy bags for the children of the Porcupine Caragana Union Hospital. On New Year's Day we had a cottage meeting at the home of the Howard Nelsons. A rich time of fellowship was experienced as we sang praises and shared testimonies. We were sorry that Alfred Solomond could not be with us. He was in the hospital at that time. We welcome back the Ed Durgans, who went to California for Christmas. They visit ed Mrs. Durgan's sister there, as well as ether relatives on the way. God blessed ll-.em on their trip. Our symypathy goes to the Zeleniski fam ily, who recently lost their father and hus band, Mr. Lawrence Zeleniski. May God comfort them at this time.
THE MESSENGER
HUDSON BAY
The buflding has been moved onto the basement and a furnace has been installed. Seme other work has been done. Pray for the men as they give their time, that God vzill bless and reward. The meeting day has been changed from Thursday night to Tuesday. A short business meeting was held on January 10. God is blessing.
D
rairie Fellowship Chape By Harold Plett
CRESTVIEW CHAPEL
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We began services in our new building on January 1, 1967 (watchnight Dec. 31, '66) Since the 1st we have also conducted both morning and evening services. Sunday morning at 10:30 is "Family Wor ship" and Sunday evening our service be gins at 7:00 p.m. Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. is prayer meeting. Since a request has ccme in for baptismal classes, we will have the same on prayer meeting night. Pews are to be here for the official opening and dedi cation service for Februaary 12th.
BIRTHS Kleeield To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Fast, a son, Rodney Alan, on Mar. 13, 1966. To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Koop, a son, Dwight Daniel, on Mar. 31, 1966. To Mr. and Mrs. Larry Fast, a daughter, Wonita May, on Aug. 21, 1966. To Mr. and Mrs. Jac P. Friesen, a son, Ro land Theodore, on Aug. 26, 1966.
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Way back before World War II Eros. B. D. Reimer and Archie Pen ner started monthly evening ser vices with slides, films, etc. for the young people in Prairie Grove area with apparent good interest. This work was turned over to the Cana dian Sunday School Mission during the war years. Later Bro. ,H. S. Rei mer started to conduct S.S. as well as evening services. Some fifteen years ago the Prairie Rose church took over full responsibilities in sup plying workers and S.S. supplies. Other men in charge since have been Walter and Edwin Plett. About 12 years ago Bro. Emil Reimer was asked to take over. He and his fam ily, some six consecrated young people and Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Giesbrecht are carrying on the work effectively now. Last year when the community hall (which they had used rent free till now) came up for sale, it was deemed the right time to purchase it. .A cemetery is located right next
to it. Prairie Grove is about half way from Prairie Rose to Winnipeg. Now that it was "our own" the young people and volunteers changed the hall into a chapel with decent S.S. accommodation. The yard was cleaned up, the grass cut, the building renovated and painted, a good heating system installed, and a sign put up reading "Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel." Rev. A. P. Unger is in charge of the chapel as the ministering clergy as they now have "Family Worship." The S.S. is enjoying a gratifying enrollment of around seventy. The Navin S.S. work also has been transferred to Prairie Grove as it has a more permanent and better program to offer. New homes are also springing up in this area. Bro. Emil Reimer and fellow work ers are concerned, and are doing a very faithful job. They would ap preciate moral and prayer support as truly they ore laboring in a needy place.
Morweena To Mr. and Mrs. Joas Plett, a son, Milton, on December 7, 1966. To Mr. and Mrs. Abe B. Reimer, a son, Ricky, on December 26, 1966. To Mr. and Mrs. Willie B. Dueck, a daugh ter, Cindy, on December 31, 1966. To Mr. and Mrs. Menno Penner, a son, Robert Merrilon, on January 1, 1967.
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Seen here is the Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel together with a group of worshippers and workers.
Another picture of the Prairie Grove work taken somewhat earlier in the year.
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January 20, 1966 4
RUSSIA VISIT (in)
Nine Mennonites from Central Asia meet our Delegation By Frank C. Peters Moscow—Although our hosts had asked the government office for permission to hove us visit Menno- Discussion at the Baptist headquarters in Moscow during recent visit ol Baptist-Mennonite nite commtmities in Asia it was now Delegation. clear to us that our tour of Russia After the service we were again would not take us directly to these other Mennonites who had arrived areas. Consequently, t h e Baptist during the night. Larger churches surrounded by our Mennonites. It brethren had arranged for a num were represented in this delegation. seemed that there was so much to ber of Mennonite preachers from The brethren spoke of the great fel say and so little time to say it. In Central Asia to come to Moscow lowship which they were enjoying general, however, the brethren in Central Asia at this time. The seemed in excellent spirits and were for a conference with us. Two brethren arrived early and churches seem to be flourishing. so overwhelmed with joy that tears we met them on Friday night. We They have enjoyed a great revival and words mixed freely. After ses noticed them standing somewhat and many of the converts are young sion broke up, I discovered that I opart observing us intently. Since people. The preachers are younger had been left behind by the taxis we had been on the lookout for men since many of the older breth which transported the delegates. One Russian brother was willing to Mennonite faces for some time and ren are no more. The church buildings are well take me to the hotel. had concluded that all faces here During the day we did a bit of could be Mennonite faces, we hesi used. In one city, Novosibirsk, there tated to approach them. Finally one are five services on a Sunday and shopping with American currency. of us left the reception line and twc of these are Mennonite servic V/e received seme coupons as shook hands with them. Our hearts es. This congregation has 14 minis change and we thought these were negotiable as cash. In one depart leaped with joy for one was a Mar ters who preach the Word. Another minister, Heese by name, ment store. Dr. Williams and I stood tens and the other a Kliewer. The next sentence was Low German and asked about his sister in Kitchener. in line to buy some ice cream. their faces just beamed. This was Fortunately we could tell him that When we were finally served, we our first contact with Mennonite she had been in the service the pre offered the coupons in payment. leaders from Central Asia. vious Sunday. Such instances The lady was horrified at this "cur rency". In the meantime Dr. Wil We were hurried away by the meant much to the brethren. others, but when we went to the hall Four brethren preached in the liams was munching at his ice for our coats, we met them again. Baptist services that night. The ser cream. Finally, I gave her ten ru One asked whether we knew Rev. vice was two hours long. I spoke bies and she ran for change. It Henry Thielman from Clearbrook, first through an interpreter, then it seems that these coupons are for B.C., or Peter, his brother. was D. P. Neufeld's turn. Later Adolf tourists only and must be used at "Certainly, Peter is a member of Klaupiks spoke in Russian and Dr. tourist centres. the Kitchener Church," I replied. "I Williams in English, which was People queue up for almost every saw him last Sunday." again interpreted. It was a real joy thing. One queue stretched up the He threw his arms around the to preach to these people for they stairs three floors and led us to a writer and wept. counter selling sweaters. The queue literally drink in every word. Then it was Brother Martens' turn The singing reminded us of home. for hats was four abreast the length and again the sincere brother kiss Of course, a number of the hymns of the store, which is about the size from a fellow Mennonite. The bre were in the minor key and these the of Eatons in Winnipeg. People stand thren wanted to say something but older people loved to sing. Many in line for hours. Those who are their emotions kept them speechless. were sung from memory. The spirit able to do so hire someone to stand The next day we saw a number of of these meetings was thrilling. in line for them. (Cont'd.')
8
THE MESSENGER
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• -IX-
RESPONSE TO A TRACT
TRUTH for youth V/hal are some worthy vocations lor young people to consider and enter? To answer this question we have contacted several poeple in var ious vocations to give the answer. We trust as these appear from time to time they will prove inspirational and helpful to Christian young people looking for areas of meaningful service for the Lord, The first of these articles comes from a teacher teaching in Manitoba's Northland, Don Thiessen of God's Lake Narrows. Brother Thiessen is mar ried and comes from the Ridgewood church.
by Don Thiessen In this article I wish to give some reasons why teaching is a worthy profession, especially for Christians. As Christians, we are to be in this world as a city on a hill, as a light dispelling darkness, and as a pinch of salt spreading throughout the food in a pot of potatoes. We are to be an influence which will draw people to Christ. In teaching we have ample opportunity to work with people; children who are pli able are under our supervision for about half of their waking hours. The familiar proverb of Solomon tells us that if a child is trained when he is young he will not turn when he grows older. (Prov. 22:6) What type of training do we want children to have who will need to accept Him later? In our associa tions with parents we can also show that we are followers of Christ. As most of you know, working with people is a challenge that is hard to supersede. Each one is an individual who must be taught and heated differently. No day in the clossroom seems to be just like the former one; twenty-five to thirty children produce enough variation and frustration to make teaching both enjoyable and challenging. Secondly, there are certain ad vantages to be considered. If my statistics are correct there are aporoximatelv 600 permit teachers in Manitoba this year. This means that qualified teachers need to have no worries about being able to get a position upon graduation. The area upon vour heart very likely needs a teacher. Also, transfers are easy to get. Teachers teaching for the
January 20, 1966
Indian Affairs Branch do not need to reapply for a position; an appli cation form for a transfer is sent every year to the current staff.
Also, there are advantages for those concerned about their finan cial situation. At present the train ing period after high school is only one year. You receive an interim certificate. After you acquire two years of teaching experience and two university courses or the equivilent in professional courses you are eligible for a permanent certi ficate. The courses may be taken during the summer which allows you to teach every year in spite of studies. A few are also available as correspondence courses.
Thirdly, teaching is recommended in the Bible. In Romans 12:6 and 7 Paul says that we have differing gifts according to the grace given us. Teaching is listed as one of these gifts. In I Corinthians 12:28 we are told that God has set some in the church who are to teach. Could it be that there is dormant talent among Christians which is not being utilized as God had in tended? Considering that some have received the gift of teaching why not ask yourself whether you are such an one. Finally, the Canadian North is upon the hearts of those of us who are here. The need for Christian teachers is great. Many children have received inferior teaching and adults do not know what it means to be a real Christian. Missionaries ask and pray for teachers who will help them in their work. If you are already teaching or plan to teach, v/hy not consider the north? God will lead.
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A Silent Witness by Ellen Brell, Portage EMC "THE WAY"—A SILENT WiTNESS For the past two or three years the Young People’s group has been mailing, to many of the homes in the city, a monthly four-page pam phlet called "The Way," but very little encouragment has come from the work in this time. Late this fall, shortly after one of the mailings, the telephone rang at the church, and I found myself in conversation with an elderly man vzho wanted to know how he could get one of the "papers about salva tion" he had read about in "The Way." It was a thrill to talk to him, and to be able to promise to take it to him the next day. The Young People whom I was able to contact were very pleased, and promised to pray as I went the next afternoon, taking the booklet, "God's Way of Salvation" and sev eral copies of "The Way." Mr. L. was in the back yard when I arrived. I introduced myself with, "I am from the Evangelical Mennonite Church", and he was at once ready to talk of spiritual things, and was quite willing to take the papers I had brought. Both Mr. L. and his wife are members of another church, but he freely told me that he doesn't "go along with a lot they tell us there." He speaks of being born again, and knows what he means when he says this. I was able to meet Mrs. L. just before I left. She is deeply involved in the ladies groups of the church, and has little time or interest for any thing else. I got the impression that he would gladly attend our services if it were not for her position in their church. So, while we are thankful for this indication of response to a tractm.ailing ministry, we must pray for those to whom the papers go. Please pray with us that Mr. L. may come to an assurance of his salvation, and that Mrs. L. will come to know the Saviour personally. 9
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j ndbTvIbfhen’^'Ktatie-Fddl’tad. Kirk gdve~His"^"ter on odd look. br"I don'tthdt-Udsoanythin,ef .,';'-We've been ploying with; the^lBrdnthot stands ior comfort"bKati&.went r ,ncns for d qouple of hours, that's on, i.'lbeqotise,- :o{;-!epuree,i'they have .'?,alL" oVecythiog. that money'can buy. But "They have so many thtipgs. to the inside of their hpus^ seems tg ' .-ploy with, Mo.ther,".Kirkjput'ini,i''{hat la6k,somn-fhin.gufe<jtt -our iiUl©,house time seems, to-.flyd'-,r. . y; £.1 '-idiov: '■■rcV'. I'ci'. Mp,Dale turned, to his.son’With p "Like a cat on the floor or a. dog; itroubled.-look on his / kindly. face. on the sofa!" Kirk jeered. "I could "Too bad we haven't a big house ^i?hputjtb,osg^y^ry wpll- if: like that," he said slowly. I ,iia4-. all. thp jpitjipr fhinqfs ,,the. &an"■What I can't understand. Fa ther," Katie-,, :replied,,,3,''rs.,, why we ppn^ bdvd/:.cT-T' ■■■ U ’-'ij rn ;O1 ■ "1! 10 rnio'i "P_____ 1___ If haven't a big place like the Bran ' : hqlf, ,Qf. it,'p Kpfie, chirppd., "lust think of the big lawn Bob nons' You’re-'a'lot smarter than Mr. end Faith-have tO’-pday^ori' and the Brernnon and ever so much' nlcepi ■ ; ■ : bsoks they hdyd- td'--lead;-to say too.’" ■; — ■ ’b '"It’s just' because Mr; Bronnbn naihing;:6f-the’'big-car -they ride OTdUnd- lh/'"Klrk'tnbrmUred.' -■ and'I don't'do business on the 'same c wxixx' mcr pum mi'i^nd the yard- with' the pretty scale, dear," Father anSwered soft fende^nfhrand'h;’" iftniW’ ^k^in ly. "I like your way better. Father,’-' Stfence-for'dishort' tifnO:-Then her fapg'lighfed up-with pfed3ur'e.'-"The' Mrs. Dale added eagerly,- "and, af Brannons-'don'ti-haye"’d’'-littte' creek ter; all, the thing ’ that really count's ’ about a home is the’ spirit withm’ “'*hdi‘'didi'you’npn itMaot- just the house- itself.■ A knpek, gentle but -firrh," took tfee- fhat Mrd;'-Bfannon-'"sefi't'the’bld oouplenwho 'were "b'^dihd; dwdY Katie to the' door. A little ' gasp Of frOhi'the 'dooSp-' Without - a' bite of' surb'rise''escaped................ her* li^)s.'She sq^ ?■ food?" before her the old couple -tvhom Mr. "[Th© .3rannpps . wouldn't have ra Brannon had refused to feed: ^usp. near a..creek," Kirk retorted, "May -we come in for d ’hiomeht ".no ,matter how merrily, it .gurgled-.' and worm ourselves' by your nice .^dthey don't:. have tp . be . polite fire?" the old man asked, his hdt in tp bpggars." ,/ hig hands. Certainly, you may come Itl!'" q-l'L guess you're right,'' Katie re plied. ."And. . I heard , Father tell Mrs. Dale cried in pleasant tones; Mother that the creek's running so "Here," said Father, bowing -po near th© hpus© was the chief reason litely to the old wdmon, "hove my the forpier owner wonted to sell the chair." - ' place.'-' "Thank you," she said timidly.' "I ,2 '?^aype,’ ■wl;ien ye.,£prpw, up; ^ajyi- am a bit.’bold." -'u' ■ get,,..to. clping,.things,.ourselves, -May I- ask hoW such a nice■ > -''^e, can help, Father buy a larger place." looking douple happen to be hiking A. gleam of light suddenly ap- Over the country?" Father ’ Dale neared in the north window of the asked, after the' strangers had little' holise imhe-valley, warmed a bit. ’iSomdhdw the'welcoming -'Somehow the' welcoming ray of '■'Same' old story,' sir," Said the light-seemed to lift their-low'spirits, man. ''We’re- old—-I have no work, tmid -a moment' later they were rac- no mdney-^or friends. It's only the home for the aged for' us—that's' ing'etown the hill. ' ' c ' "Don't tell-'me •d cyclone 'is upon where we're going now." I ** '■ .xF ^'Ol.Cat'Lx —aL., :_.^f. . F "ToO bad, too bad," said Mr. Dale Uh!" exclairhed ’Fdther rin'd' cheerful fbiie ah' the-y boun'ded-' through the sympathetically. : i "Nice little place you've got here," front 'door. ’ ';Onlv‘ a'Oouple of yo-ur tornadoes. said the old lady softly. "So sweet father,"" Katie'dns-Wered pleasantly. and homey—I felt sure we'd find a "You didin't have to remain after welcome here." ... .................................................... '
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I
THE MESSENGER
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"Yes, sir," said the mon heartily, "we didn't hesitate a bit, after look ing this place over, to come in and ask for help. "And now that we're warm. Fa ther," broke in the lady, "don't you think we'd better be moving on? It's going to push us to get to the home by nine o'clock." "Are you expected at the home by nine?" Mr. Dale asked. "Yes," the little woman answered. "But, of course, nobody is really looking for us." Katie saw her parents exchange glances. Then her mother smiled. "The night is so chilly," she said, "and the road is so rough. Spend the night with us, and Mr. Dale will drive you over in the morning." For just a moment the visitors sat looking at each other in silence. Then the little woman carelessly tossed her worn shawl from her shoulders. "It's wonderful," she said softly, "to know there are little houses where the spirit of Christ still abides." v.cvc iicvci iiuu very voiy uluul, "We've never had much," Father Dale answered, "but we've always had enough to share with those less fortunate than ourselves." Katie gccve a brother a quick glance and went into the kitchen. "Light the fire, Kirk," Katie said, as he followed her. "I'll set the table. I can tell Mother has a good meal in mind for that weary old couple." Just how good the meal was to be, however, neither of them really knew until dinner was over and the guests, with Father and Mother, had returned to the living room, and Katie and Kirk began setting the kitchen in order. "Kirk," Katie said, "I believe I know now what I felt was missing in the big Brannon house." "So do I," Kirk answered, "and I'll never again think a home de pends upon the size of the house. It's the spirit inside that really counts, just as Mother said, I see it all now." "That's it," Katie agreed, "and it's this warm, friendly, Christlike spirit in our home that is missing at the Brannon house." —Guide for Juniors and Gospel Herald
January 20, 1966
Then my husband said John 3:16 says "God so loved the world that He gcfve His only begotten son . . but that the Holy Spirit had a part HOUSE FROM in it too. Our youngest son said, "Daddy, what does forgotten Son HOUSE TO TO mean?" After this was explained I thought, "how true". He, our great Gift, the only begotten Son, the Christ child is so often /or-gotten amidst the crowd at the time of His birth. How strange it would seem if we gathered in a home of a loved one or friend to have a little celebration because a child had been born. But during the feasting, and all the vis iting, we had left without making one reference to the gracious little bundle lying so still in its crib, and vrhose birth we had gathered to commemorate. Yet today, amidst the tinseh the V. M. Wright feasting and revelry all around the \7-orld, the Christ child, whose birth was heralded by angels, is forgot ten: His name hardly mentioned. During the Christmas season we Only those who have received were having a discussion at our the great gift of eternal life accord"Gifts'" The question
irg to Romans 6:23 will truly re
"^ho gave us the gift of Eternal life " ’ ' , God “ or the Lord Jesus? according to Romans 6:23.
member to give reverence to the child ” whose *** birth we commemorate, and acknowledge that He lives.
table about
Foundation Stones .. I would not lose the hard things from my life. The rocks o’er which I stumbled long ago, The griefs and fears, the failures and mistakes, That tried and tested faith and patience so. I need them nou'; they make the deep-laid wall, The firm foundation-stones on which I raise— To mount therein from stair to higher stair— The lofty towers of my House of Praise. Soft was the roadside turf to weary feet. And cool the meadows where I fain had trod. And sweet beneath the trees to lie at rest. And breathe the incense of the flower-starred sod;
But not on these might I securely build; Nor sand nor sod withstand the earthquake shock; I need the rough, hard boulders of the hills To set my house on ererlasting rock. —Annie Johnson Flint.
11
BERLIN CONGRESS (III)
a love that transcends every human barrier and prejudice." No one was clearer than Billy Graham in his opening and closing messages. Preaching the Gospel and the cup of cold water have always gone together. "There is no way that can fulfill the command of our Lord without having a concern • for by John M. Drescher the material, moral, and social needs of men. Even a casual study "It became increasingly clear to involve men in the body of Christ of the life of Jesus reveals He was m,ore people that evangelism and ianity if we cut them off from the interested in man's response to the social concern must go hand in body of humanity." Benjamin Mor social problems he faces." hand, both directed by the Holy aes of Brazil said, "The time is Paul Rees of World Vision, Inc., Spirit." These words from Henry over when pastors and Christians said if evangelicals are to accomp Ginder, Brethren in Christ bishop, say we do not have anything to do lish their goal they must "feel the reflect what seemed to be a common with economics, race, politics; etc., savage rawness of human ache and consensus of thought during the of the social order.” pain." Race, he said, is just one of days of the World Congress on Speaker Martin Higgenbotham of the areas of social concern. Others Evangelism in Berlin. England challenged the social con are abject poverty, peace, intemper As the Congress progressed social cern of Christians in the newer na ance, sex, and joblessness. concern was seen more and more tions. ' May you of the newer na One evangelical leader in speak as an integral part of the Good tions not make the same mistake ing tc a Mennonite delegate pled News. While in the minds of some, as we did — that of handing over that Mennonites, with their emphasis the Congress said too little on such to the communists and humanists CP evangelism, not drop their so Christian concerns as economics the area of social concerns." cial concern. He mentioned in par and peace, it spoke clearly to the A statement approved by the Con ticular the witness of the Mennonite Christians responsibility in race re gress' sponsoring committee stated, churches against war and for peace. lations. "In the name of Scripture and of Several Mennonite delegates ex Racial hypocrisy among Chris- lesus Christ we condemn racialism pressed the hope that without dim ians was called by some "the great wherever it appears. . .. We ask for inishing at all our concern for man's est hindrance to the spread of the giveness for our past sins in refus social welfare, this Congress might Gospel." Many who spoke were of ing to recognize the clear command help us to give a greater emphasis the black, brown, and yellow races. of God to love our fellowmen with to evangelism. All seemed to agree that the Bib lical teachings oppose racism, ra cial prejudice, and exclusion from the church on racial grounds. A Negro Baptist minister from De troit, Mich., Louis Johnson said it is hypocritical to say glibly, "Christ is the answer" when all the dele The heart oS the city gates know of churches and persons oJ Berlin was transform who profess to be Christian but ex ed into a vast cathedral clude those of other races. as thousands (estim Richard C. Halverson, Washing ated at 18,000) stood in ton, D.C., told the Congress, "The the rain and sang, "A world is confused by those who Mighty Fortress is Our claim to have found a gracious God, God" and heard Billy but themselves are not gracious to Graham and Bishop Detheir neighbors, especially if the bilius speak. neighbors happen to have skins of another color." Bill Panell of Detroit, Mich., said the traditional view (of evangel ism) that of changing individuals one at a time is "being used as an excuse for almost complete non involvement at any level." Congress Chairman Henry said, "We cannot
World
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Evangelism and®”'2ocial Concern
THE MESSENGER