al BY THE WAY Not long ago I had the unique experience of at tending services in two different churches, both strange to me. We, my wife and I, had left Chicago on Saturday afternoon intending to stay overnight with friends near Madison Wisconsin, and also go to church with them on Sunday morning. We have formed the habii, if travelling on a Sunday, to take time out for Sunday morning worship. Upon trying to contact our friends, at Verona, we learned that they no longer lived there but had moved to California. Since it was not yet late we decided to drive on, staying overnight along the way and taking a chance on finding a church in which to worship the next morning. The next day, around ten o'clock, when we figured it was about time that Sunday schools would start, turned in at a small town just out of St. Paul and to our delight saw signs pointing in the direction of where we would find a church. But to our dismay, as the church came into view we saw the people al ready departing. Upon inquiry we found that the service was already over! Now begins the experience mentioned above. We drove on to St. Paul and when we were about ready to give up received the information that about two blocks up was a Protestant church. We drove up and just made it for morning worship. This first church was a fine imposing structure, in fact beautiful to see. We sat down and the service began. The minister, who had just returned from his holidays, spoke on welcoming strangers. His whole message was centered aound two churches he had visited during his holidays and the varied welcomes he had received. He had learned his lesson on wel coming strangers and reminded his congregation in no uncertain terms on the duty of churches to stran gers in their midst. Whether the congregation was hard of hearing, or merely not listening, I don't know but the over whelming reception that I had anticipated just did no' materialize. If it hadn't been for one elderly lady who went all out to greet us and introduce us to the pastor, we might have slipped out unnoticed, although I believe the pastor would have seen us as we went past him at the door. Another factor against us was that another couple, from the church.
had just returned from Europe after a lengthy absence and were being greeted profusely as we went out. The second church I visited that day was in a poorer section in neighboring Minneapolis. It was evening. The church must have been an old one. This time I was accompanied by a friend at whose house we were staying. We entered the building, the door slamming be hind us with a bang. (Maybe this was to alert the usher that someone was coming in or maybe the door-closer was just in need of repair.) Anyway we were greeted and shown a place to sit. We sat down in the back pew. We saw that the place was only very sparsely filled. In contrast to the first church, the atmosphere here was almost that of gaiety. The singing was lively with occasionally someone taking a tambourine to 'jive it a real beat. The testimonies were unhurried and related of what Christ had done for them. Once a lady worshipper in the next pew passed out gum to her friends. At one period of the service a smiling usher handed a guest register to my friend and myself which we duly signed. To our wonder this book vzas then given to a lady up front who read the names of their guests and welcomed them and offered them the opportunity to say something. This I thought was real cordiality. Apparently we were the only guests present that evening. Also during the course of the evening, fans were passed around to anyone wishing to fan themselves and thus be more comfortable. I too was offered one by the smiling usher but declined to accept it. Later I thought maybe I had appeared rude in re fusing one. In this church the minister was not yet back from holidays and since the Scriptures declare that the Deacons too are supposed to be, "apt to teach". This is exactly what the deacons did. some four of them. Each spoke for a short while telling of what God meant to them, with the audience interspersing their talk with amens or other comments. The chair man of the evening who had also prepared a mes sage, just in case, had no opportunity to present it due to lack of time. Thus ended the day and the visit to two churches. (Contd. on page ,6)
The Messenger is the publication of the. Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire. Inforrn 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. Change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to THE MESSENGER Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. Subscription; Members pay through their church. Non-maaaJjers $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, Views expressed in Letters to the Editor, are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished letters are not returned except by request.
2
THE MESSENGER
CHURCH DISCIPLINE (I) fe ■
by John P. Loewen
When thinking of church disci pline we must have an understand ing of the term "church." The New Testament speaks of the church in terms of the church at large. All who repent and believe in the Lord Je sus Christ are members of this uni versal body, of which Christ is the head. Col. 1:18. The Word also speaks in terms of the local Church, a united group of believers in a certain locality. This fellowship is composed of be lievers in Christ, standing on com mon ground in faith, its source of life and instruction is Christ and His word. The local congregation there fore cannot be regarded merely as a human organization but as the im age of the body of Christ, of which He is the head. The purpose of the church is to represent Jesus Christ on earth or within it's area. Paul writes "That yc may be blameless and harmless, the sons ol God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the Word of. life," Phil. 2:15-16. It also is the responsibility of the church to maintain discipline so cs to provide spiritual guidance and instruction to it's members, with an aim to manifest the purity and holi ness to which the church has been called. H. S. Bender has written as follows: The first and primary calling ol the church is to be the church of Christ. If it fails in this, all its min istries in the world fail. The first task of the church then is to be the new creation in the midst of the old creation. It not merely pro claims the availability of redemp tion but demonstrates in its life what redemption is.l In view of the fact that the local August 30, 1968
congregation consists of members has the right to violate standards ac born by one spirit into one body, it cepted by the brotherhood as scrip becomes clear that it is not a group tural. Since the church is one body, it of individual members, but a brother hood. Paul writes, "So we being must be remembered, that if sin, many are one body in Christ, and disobedience, and willful violation every one members one of another", of church standards be tolerated, Romans 12:5, "And whether one it will finally affect the whole con member suffer, all the members suf gregation. Paul says, "A little leaven fer with it," Thus we see the mem leaveneth the whole lump" Gal. 5:9. bers do not merely exist for self, but The effects of this in the church for each other, and consequently are can be manifold. Firstly, if the church responsible for each other, and the tolerates sin without applying dis function and spiritual welfare of the cipline, it cannot offer the required church. This gives reason to believe moral guidance and spiritual instruc and accept the fact, that discipline tion the members are in need of. Sec must be exercised in the local church ondly, the church will gradually in order to properly function and lose the sense of reality of sin, mem bers will become callous to the aw serve its purpose on earth, 1. Detinition and the need tor Disci fulness of sin, and lose the vision of sanctification to which we are pline We might ask, what discipline? called. Thirdly, Sin within the camp and why is it needed? Baker's dic will weaken the testimony of the tionary of theology says the follow church to the world. The witness ing: "Discipline implies instruction of the church is no more effective and correction, and training which and powerful than the moral stan improves, molds, strengthens, and dard of its members. Fourthly, when perfects character. If is the moral the church is aware of sin, and does education obtained by the enforce not deal with it according to scrip ment of obedience through super ture, the whole church becomes guilty in the sight of God, since they vision and control."2 Every institution must have stan are one body. The unrighteous, according to I dards, rules, and regulations, in or der to successfully serve its purpose. Cor. 6:9, shall not inherit the king When standards and rules have dom of heaven. It is therefore in been acquired they also must be consistant that they be tolerated in met, otherwise they have no mean the church. Being tolerated gives ing or value. Discipline is needed them a sort of consolation that may when accepted rules and laws are be it is not so bad with them. Paul ignored or disobeyed. The same is soys, "Purge out therefore the old true of the Christian church, the leaven that ye may be a new lump," Lord has given through His Word I Cor. 5:7, and in verse thirteen he the moral standards for its function. says, "Therefore put away from aThe local congregation may also mong yourselves that wicked perconstitute certain standards and reg (To-be Contd.) ulations for its proper and scriptural function. Considering that we are 1 H. S. Bender, These Are My People, p. 88 not our own but Christ's and mem bers of the brotherhood, no member ?. Baker's Dictionary cl Theology, p. 167. 3
II
Called
or Not Called by Di. Paul S. Rees
The weakness that I wont here to single out for close, if brief, inspec tion is our faulty view of what con stitutes mission and therefore our inadequate understanding of voca tion in relation to mission.
Consider some specifics. William Carey is often quoted as having said In this article Dr. Rees seeks to throw light on the myth of vocation to his English friends, as he went with respect to missumary responsibility. In other words, "Who is a Mis out to Asia, "You hold the ropes sionary"? while I go down into the mine." It would be gracieless of me to fault The late Walter Freytag once drew in net value and selfless valor, is be him for having said it. It had its im a comparison between the famous yond any praise we can put into mediate value and effect, which must 1928 Jerusalem conference on mis words. have been good. Nonetheless, the 2. During that same period of time saying does not hold up well under sions and a similar one held in it has been gathering to itself cer critical examination. It implies that Ghana in 1958. He wrotfr; Then missions had problems, tain associations of thought and side some Christians actually participate but they were not a problem them effects of practice that were neither in mission, while others have only selves . . . Today we do not speak authentically biblical nor perman a supporting role. In so far as this is the picture we settle for in our ol the initiative ot western missions ently defensible. but only of their contribution. But more than this: we are uncertain about their patterns as they are, and even more the historic, basic conceptions of missions are being questioned. It is in this area of "patterns" and conceptions" that we discover one of the misconceptions that need to be re-examined and "unmythed." (The dictionary writers may be shocked at that one, but it is at least a less horrendous mouthful than "demythologized." ) I
What is the traditional and ro mantic view of missionariesIs it not that they are a class of Christ ians who have experienced a com pelling "call" from God to cross some alien boundary, learn some foreign language, preach the good news of Christ to some benighted people, and be identified with some particular country for the remain der of their lives? In order to be ac cepted for their role, they must meet minimal requirements of health, ed ucation, and personal Christian ma turity. They will not proceed to the field of their service until they have been duly "ordained" or "conse crated." Let two things be said about this image of the missionary and his role: 1. For more than 150 years it has built and beautified a tradition of Christian service on alien soil which, S'
4
minds, it is, I believe, false. Or, I think of saying I encountered the other day in a manuscript I was asked to review; "Every Christian must go as a missionary or find a substitute." I am persuaded that the picture that is conjured up by such a sentence-a Christian man scurry ing around to find a proxy who will function for him in mission—is es sentially false. Ill Let me insist that the myth ol vo cation with respect to missionary responsibility has several facets, and all of them need working over: 1. 'The mission is God's. Not the .missionary's, not the missionary board's not the missionary society's. It is God's mission, in the execution of which He associates with Himself His redeemed people. The mission aims at giving all men an opportun ity to share consciously in the new life which the crucified, risen Jesus makes possible. 2. The mission is one. It is the same for laymen as it is for clergy, the same for brokers or brakemen as it is for bishops. A trip on a Boeing from Toronto to Timbuctu does not make the difference between a par ticipant in mission and a nonpartici pant. If he was a responsible Chris tian in Toronto, he was as much a participant in the mission of God to men before he left as he was after .he left. 3. The mission is churchly. Let's not sniff with annoyance at the men tion of the word. If sectarianism is baleful, so is independency. 'The New Testament is hard on both. It is to the Church—the Church that the world sees—that the mission to evangelize people and multiply churches has been committed. In this sense every Christian is a churchman and every churchman a witness. 4. The mission is guided. "It seem ed good to the Holy Spirit and to us" is a reflection of the thought-and decision controls that the Spirit of God puts on the people of God as they participate in the mission of God. I cannot forget a scene that was laid in a land where as yet there is no orgainized church. Three Ameri can technicians, with their wives, kneeling in prayer before going to the day's work. Another man kneels August 30, 1968
Farewell for Christian Service Worker
L Miss Mary Andres {centre^ is seen .here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Andres at Winkler.
Gathered at the home of the George Andres in Winkler on Aug ust 11 was a small group of friends to bid farewell to Mary Andres going out under EMC Christian Service as a teacher of missionary children at La Esperanza in Paraguay, South America. As a teacher Miss Andres has taught at High Bluff and Hodgson for the last number of years. Her home was at Arabella, Sask, until her parents moved to Winkler, Man. several years ago. She is a grad uate of 1961 of the Steinbach Bible Institute and comes from the Old Colony church. Sister Andes is commended to our readers for prayerful intercession. with them. He is an ordained mini ster, also from the United States. All of them representing Jesus Christ in this land so reluctant to open up to the light of Christ! All of them concerned about giving to the peo ple of this land an exposure to Christ and His gospel! Yet in the definition of the term "missionary" with which we began, the engineers do not qual ify. The preacher does. Here is our error. Here is the myth that needs to be banished. All of these witnesses are participants in the Christian mission. Their guid ance as to the form of their partici pation has varied, but not the par ticipation itself. The guidance is a variable; the vocation is a constant. Copyright 1968, World Vision Incorporated. Reprinted by permission.
FAREWELL LETTER August 28, 1986 Dear Friends, It is with joyful expectation that I look forward to going to La Es peranza, Paraguay. I am going for a two year term under Christian Service to teach missionary child ren and help with the Mission work wherever I can. I truly praise the Lord for the wonderful way in which He has led and removed all the barriers. I, too, can say with the song-writer, "I've proved Him oe'r and oe'r." It's won derful to know that this great God is also present and just as near to us in Paraguay as He is here at home. I found a fitting poem in "Streams in the Desert", (July 28), that I would like to share with you. "I know not when or where I go from this familiar scene; But He is here and He is there, and all the way between. And when I pass from all I know, to that dim, vast unknown, 'Though late I stay or soon I go, I shall not g® alone. Joyfully in Him, Mary Andres
God’s promise is not freedom From trials in the race; But power to transcend them Through His sufficing grace. Not rest instead of labor, But in the labor rest. Not calm instead of tempest, But calm when sore distrest. 5
The Lite of a Missionary Teacher Paraguay July 10, 1968
Do continue to pray for this work in East, Paraguay. Dear Friends, A thought in closing fom A. B. r extend a hearty thank you to you Simpson '"Let us look at the hard who have written, prayed, given to places in our lives not as discour ward the Lord's work in East Para agements, but as challenges!" guay. Your partner in His service, Home is only half from what it Sarah Martens used to be. Before there were four beds, now two; four places at tho table, now two: four chairs occupied, now two; four towels hanging in the bathroom, now two; etc. Why this emptiness? Anne and Sara Loeppky have moved into Pete and Olga's house to add that work to theirs. Leaving now Katie and me to shift for ourselves. What happened and is happen Church is the spiritual feeding spot. Here recently a number of my ing in Congo now will make inter pupils have given their lives to the esting conversation for some time to Lord. It is our concern here that come. Skeptics will be challenged these young lives as they grow up to explain it away. Believers will ond the present young people will recognize the moving of God. Only not be lured into sin by the Colony God really knows what is happen young people. It is our privilege ing while we participate or observe. Since the beginning of a concen and obligation to train and occupy trated evangelistic effort sparked in their lives in doing things that will bring honor and glory to the Lord. July 1966 by the sending of Andrew Winter holidays - I am just en Rupp to the missionary retreat in joying two weeks of holidays, Juiy Congo, the process of Congo evan 1-15. The first week we four spent gelism took on a new dimension. together travelling and sightseeing Rupp had worked with Evangelism in Paraguay. A few places visited in Depth in the Dominican Republic v.'ere; Jesuit Ruins in Encarnation In Congo it is called "Christ-for-AH". The concept of total obligation (.In operation from 1609-1767); men tal Inst., cemetey, palace, cathedral, was explained , enthusiastically re ceived, and made functionable. The museum, etc. in Asuncion. School - The new school has been Eglise Mennonite au Congo immedi built and is in operation. It is my ately appointed Mayambi Sosthene pivilege with the lower grades to for a two year term to lead this spe occupy this new building. My en cial effort. Over a period of less than two rollment was 22, but dropped to 17 with the Hieberts moving to Canada. years, Mayambi, with the co-opera-
A Time tor Doxology
EDITORIAL Contd.
Although not used to the informality of the second church. I believe it was overdone, yet there was no question as to their genuine friendliness and hospitality. And yet 1 must confess that somehow I felt more at home in the first church. This bothers me. If I said that in the first church they read James chapter two and in the second they practiced it I v/ould be guilty of generalizing. Because I'm sure there would be many warm hearted people at the 6
tion of many church leaders, organ ized prayer cells, small study groups, house visitation teams, and conducted village meetings. By Ap ril of 1968 he reported the formation of 1874 prayer cells. During the month of May, mass rallies were conducted at 28 differ ent strategic EMC spots. An estimat ed 60,000 attended these rallies with 5,287 conversions recorded. Many re newals and conversions were report ed prior to the rallies. Several missionaries have now commented that the responsibility of making disciples of all these and ob viously others is now a sobering ex perience. The membership of the Eglise Mennonite au Congo, according to the 1967 statistics from the confer ence officials, is 46,395 excluding Nyanga station and area. With Nyanga it could well be over 50,000. (These statistics are unconfirmed.) The Congo church during 1967 as sumed 27% of its total operation and capital investment budget. (Trans lated into dollars it would amount to approximately 12,982.98.) July 8-15 was General Confer ence time for the Eglise Mennonite au Congo at Mukedi. It is the first general conference held there since the 1964 rebellion.
Back in Mexico Dear Mr. Schellenberg,Greetings from Mexico! God answered prayer and I was again able to enter Mexico. 1 am back at the Colony hospital. They are very pressed for workers here and I felt God wanted me back here. I am happy to be back. In His service. Katherine Thiessen
first one once you got to know them. Maybe we also expected more at the first one due to the build up we received via the sermon. Whatever the case, hospitality and cordiality to strangers is not inherited but must be constantly practised. I would be the first to admit that here is where I fall short. The above experience helped me to assess my own weakness in this area and by God's grace remedy it. Oh yes, I might add that the first church was composed of white people and the second of colored. —D.S.
THE MESSENGER
r
...Other teundation can no man Jay than that ia laid, which iajema Christ.
[ y Z
STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE BOX 1420
OFFICE PHONE DA W451
STEINBACH. MAN
August 13, 1968 To ^respective Students of the S. B. I.
"Study to show thself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The Steinbach Bible Institute is both a Bible Institute and a Christian high school. The high school is offering grades 10 - 12 in the University entrance course. In Bible the institute offers Level I and Level II work. Grade 11 is required for Level II work.
Recently the Institute completed arrangements whereby Level II students with senior matriculation may receive full college credit towards B.R.E. and B.Th. degrees.
Campus life is a real experience in itself. Getting to know and appreciate likeminded young people adds a new dimension of Christian experience to your life. All students at the Steinbach Bible Institute are signed up for Christian service. In this way the student experiences the blessing of using his talents for God as well as being a channel of blessing to others. An attempt is made to visit 100 churches during the year In which we Involve the chorale, quartette, trios. Because we are only Uo miles from Winnipeg, students do much of their practical Christian service there. Such service for God makes it possible to put class theory to practise.
t
The school believes strongly in missions, and at the present has missionaries on its staff. Music is emphasized also. Two faculty members are now responsible for this department. A major in sacred music is offered.
Chapels, prayer meetings, conferences, deeper life services and social help to fill the spiritual, intellectual and social needs of our students. What are you doing? Is God calling you to the Steinbach Bible Institute to study His Word, or take high school in a Christian environment. God's Word says, "Go," tne chxu"ch calls for workers. In view of this we urge you to apply now to the S.B.I. and we know that God will open up new horizons in your life, with new experiences, new friends, new challenges, new studies, new truths from God's Word. We are praying for you as you decide.
In Him, I
STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE
Ben Friesen, Public Relations BF:GG
August 30, 1968
1
Larry didn't like Dean.
by Marjorie Preston Larry pushed the door shut and threw his baseball glove into the corner. "Well, how was your first base ball practice?" his father asked. "O.K., I guess," Larry grunted. "What happened, Larry?" his fa ther asked. "I thought you would be all excited." "Yes, I thought I would be, too," Larry answered. "But I got on the same team as Dean—just what I didn't want to do." "Why is that, Larry?" his father inquired. "The boys call him 'eager beaver.' He wants to do everything, but he can't do anything right. He tries to tag around after me like a little pup py. Now that he's on my baseball team. I'll never be able to get away from him." 8
Lorry turned to leave, but then he turned back to his father. "Dad, you told me that the Lord answers pray er, and we've been learning Bible promises about prayer. So 1 prayed that Dean wouldn't be on the same team as 1 was. He's such a pest. It didn't work." As Larry turned to leave again, his father stood up and put his hand on Larry's shoulder. "Let's go out in the back yard for a few minutes," his father said, 'Do you remember what you asked me last Friday evening?" Larry thought for a moment. "I asked you if you could go to Bill's house Saturday morning to practice baseball," Larry answered, wonder ing why his father had asked that question. "Do you remember what 1 said?"
his father asked. "You said no," Larry answered. "Do you remember your next question?" his father asked. Puzzled Larry answered, "I think I asked you why I couldn't go. But what has this to do with prayer. Dad?" "You asked me for something last Friday. I said no. But I did answer your request, didn't I, son?" Slowly, Larry began to understand •his father's questions. "Yes, you answered, but you said no. You think the Lord has answered but has said no. Is that it. Dad?" "That's part of it. Now did I tell you when you asked, 'Why not?' " Larry's father asked. "Don't you see, Larry?" his fa ther explained. "You wanted to play ball. But as a member of my family, you were needed to do something for me. Tonight when you pray, ask the Lord why He didn't answer your prayer. Ask Him what He wants you to do." Larry's father left Larry still deep in thought. There was one thing Larry had not told his father. ,He had known without asking what his fa ther wanted him to do on Saturday, the next morning. When bedtime came, Larry hesi tated. He couldn't stop thinking about Dean and the baseball team and about his talk with his father. He finally decided not to pray that night. He went outside the next morning to find Dean waiting for him. "How about a little catch?" Dean asked. "I guess I'd better improve my base ball if I'm going to be on your team." Larry thought hard for a moment. "I can't this morning. Dean. I prom ised Dad I'd pull some weeds out back." "I'll help you pull the weeds! Then you can' help me improve my baseball," Dean said, as he threw his glove on the porch. Larry sighed. His father did want the weeds pulled. But he had actual ly planned to go to Bill's and play some catch first He felt trapped. He couldn't go to Bill's with Dean trail ing along behind. "O.K., but we can't play for long," Larry finally consented. All y Larry tried to get Dean to reave. But every time Lqrry made THE MESSENGER
J ♦
r
some excuse. Dean offered his help. That night, at bedtime, Larry knelt beside his bed. "Dear Father, I'm part of Your family. What do You want me to do about Dean? Why did You put us on the same base ball team?" Even as he prayed, Larry knew what the Lord wanted him to do. Finally, toward the end cf the week. Dean asked. 'Can you come to my house Sunday morning to play some ball? Mom will be home, but she will be sleeping. She said you could come, though, if we would stay out of the house." Larry was almost glad for a good excuse to refuse the invitation. "I can't. We go to Sunday school and church." "Oh." Dean's head lowered. "Mom won't let me have company when just my sister is there. I thought that maybe Sunday you could come to my house for a change." For a moment, seeing the disap pointment in Dean's eyes. Lorry felt a little sorry for Dean. Then Dean shrugged his shoul ders. "Oh, well." He paused for a moment. "What do you do in church, anyhow? I walk past sometimes, but I've never been to church." Larry was a bit startled. "You've never been to church? Well, we sing. I guess you know that—you can hear that. Then we learn things." "What kind of things?" Dean per sisted. "Oh, about God and how He loves everybody, and things like that," Larry answered. "Oh?" Dean asked. "What else?" Larry sighed. "I can't explain it all to you. Why don't you come along with us Sundov morning and find out for yourself?" "Sure," Dean answered with a broad, smile. "I won't even bother asking Mom. I'll just tell her I'm going to be with you. She thinks your family is great. She'll be glad to have me out of the house. Every Sunday morning, it's the same rou tine. 'Why don't you go find some one to play with. Dean, and get out of here?" But nobody's ever home on Sunday morning." "Our family always goes to church," Larry replied. "We're oart of God's family," he explained. "See you Sunday morning at about nine." August 30, 1968
Larry was surprised as he said good-by to his friend. He really wanted Dean to go to church with his family. Larry couldn't forget what Dean had said about his mother. 'That night Larry didn't ask the Lord why He had put Dean on his baseball team. Instead, he prayed, "Lord, help us to show Dean how to become part of Your family, too." Larry knew that the Lord would grant that request.
FROM
OUSE
TO YO
HOUSE
4
ARE YOU LISTENING? by Elma B. Dueck
I love to listen to the singing of the birds in the early morning. It I listen carefully, I can clearly dis tinguish each bird's own particular strain. My heart unites with them in worshipful adoration of our Creator. However, as the busy days and months go by, I suddenly realize one morning that I havn't heard the birds for days or even weeks! Have the birds stopped singing? Of course not! As soon as I consciously tune my ear to listen I hear my feathered friends chirping as merrily as ever. They have been pouring forth their notes of praise all the time. Only I have become so accustomed to their singing and so engrossed in my own thoughts that I've failed to hear them anymore. Sometimes I catch myself with this same neglect of hearing in my spir itual life. After a spiritual awaken ing or experience when one has es pecially sought God's will and pres-
ence. His Word is very precious and meaningful. 1 eagerly take in every word and promise as it speaks to the needs and desires of my heart. After a while I become aware that His Word does not speak as clearly to me anymore. I do not get too much out of it. My own thoughts seem to intrude and my mind often wanders away while reading or hearing the Word. What's wrong? Isn't God's Word still the same? Has it become a habit to me that 1 fail to apprec iate its wonderful, glorious message? Am 1 too engossed in my own busy world? What is the solution? Simply this. 1 must consciously take the listening attitude. 1 must ask, "Lord, what have You to say to me this morning?" And listen until 1 become aware of His Spirit speak ing to me through His Word. Another illustration in this art of listening was brought to me the oth er day. After supper 1 asked my daughter who with her thoughts was in her story-book-world, to wash the dishes. I was going out to pick some peas in the cool of the evening. "Yes," she absently answered. One or two hours later imagine my reaction when I come in and see the unwashed dishes, the un wiped table and my daughter's nose in her book just as 1 had left them. "But Mom," she protests. "You never told me to wash the dishes. And this book is terribly interesting!" My daughter didn't deliberately in tend to disobey me. She just didn't take the trouble to listen. She was too taken up with her own world. As His children we want to obey our Lord, don't we? For we do love Him! But could we also be thus taken up and busy with our own affairs that we do not discern or hear when the Holy Spirit speaks to us to do or not to do a certain thing? Re member, He speaks gently. May we have our spiritual ears
tuned and consciously listen, hear and respond when He speaks to us.
PROJECT OF THE MONTH — BLANKETS — SEPTEMBER Large quantities of quilts, blankets, comforters can be used for distribution. Any size is acceptable, dark colors are most practical. These will be disrtibuted to families in Algeria, Burundi. Congo, Honduas, Hong Kong, India, Jodan, Korea, Paraguay, Tanzania, and Vietnam.
9
ROSEISLE Congratulations go out to Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Nickel on the birth of their baby boy, Garry Randall on June 2nd.
June 16 we were happy to receive into membership by baptism Anna Peters, Mary
Peters,
Janice
Friesen,
service. The theme was on the importance
Missions
loeppky,
Ben
Harold Harms. July 28 Nelsor
and
Harms was
also received into membership ' >y baptism. V.B.S. was held July 15 thr
till July 26.
The
Youtn
songs at the June
beautiful
some
sang
Choir
Mission Night, to com
pliment Rev, Frank P. Kroeker's V.B.S. chal
lenge. Mr. Kroeker, who had recently re turned with his family from studies at Edin burg,
Texas,
challenged
the
congregation
to become involved in 'Vacation Bible School work. Such an outreach requires not only dedicated
teachers,
also daily prayer
but
of ordinances.
Melvin Penner left on June 10 for Dixtone
Siding where he is employed as a carpen ter for the Hudson Bay Mininig and Smelting Co. He will be there for a total of eight weeks, returning home every two weeks for
the weekend. On June 16 the laaies of the Mary Martha
warriors, and financial conrtibutors.
Mission honored the fathers with a special
In the weeks that have followed, many children have gathered at Marquette, Mea
evening
ren who had not attended be! re. We had a wonderful turnout. The
dow Lea,
the lack of support toward
We were happy to see a nur ber of child do ng program
Woodlands,
Francis,
Lake
Bou-
was held Sunday afternoon Jul; 28 followed
sejour, Miami and Kamsack to hear more of
n this way
God's love for them. Workers returned with reports of joy in service.
by the Sunday School Picnic,
we were able to have the lildren iroiii V.B.S. to attend the picnic w: . their par
pier :
ents. We had a lovely largest turnout ever.
with
the
In the months of July and jgust three families from our congregatior. were able to vacation British Columbia. R' . and Mrs.
in all about 25 teachers have taken pari in this mission outreach, and several others assisted in tent-pitching, transportation of workers, etc. At the July Mission Night, thd Gilbert Reimers took the audience with them to
Dave Harms, Mr. and Mrs. Fi
ik Friesen,
Panama by slides and by the spoken word.
and Mr. and Mrs. Bert Friese families. All three enjoyed trip.
with their
The Ladies' in song.
Congratulations go to Anna Loeppky who were united in mony August 4.
:d George sly Matri-
August
12,
we were
presen
wonderful
report and slides of Switzerland
id Mexico by Rev. and Mrs. Don Shidler, □ring the morning of August 13 they hac a special little program for the children.
We are sorry to learn that the iert Frie sens and Frank Friesens are le ring our district. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Friesen ire plan ning to leave for British Columb, August 25 where they plan to make th r home. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Friesen art- leaving
us for Steinbach. A farewell is b- ng held August 24. May the Lord bless hem in their new location.
ROSENORT Fourscore Years and Ten On Sunday afternoon, June 23rd about 200 people gathered in the Kildom i Park to celebrate Mr. Peter J. Loewen's 90 i birth day. Many of his children, grant, nieces and nephews contributed to
leiesling program of songs
ildren. he in-
and ri. 'dings.
Numerous incidents from Mr. Loewer ■ past years were recalled. He claims tc have had a successful and happy long lit
10
numbers
Rosenort
14th,
in
membership
church
when seven young
people were baptized upon the
of their faith. They were.
confession
Lucille
Brandt
(L.L.B.), Alvira Dueck (Mrs. J.A.D.), Wilma
Kroeker (B.L.K.), Joanne Loewen (A.C.L.). Larry Kornelsen (L.P.K.), Wesley Friesen (P.L.F.),
and
missions
Also in June a film was shown ''Sunshif-° and Shadow". This is a missionary film
about Japan and proved most interesting. Several men from N.F.C., Baptist and Sal
vation Army churches have been busy at the Beaver Lake Bible Camp preparing it for the summer camps to be held in early August, the Lord willing. Bunk beds have
been built in the boys dorm, a cement floor
poured in the main auditorium, a building measuring
25x60.
Brush has been cleared
planning.
Baptism
The
Among the various
for a play ground and painting is in the
creased on July
i with a
two
Choir rendered
programme.
items presented was a short play depicting
Dennis
Brandt
(P.W.B.).
In
the afternoon of the same day the Lord's sacrificial death was commemorated.
Two families have left our midst for new homes elsewhere. The Bill Klassens have moved to Regina and the Sunday School bids
farewell
to
Lil,
Russel,
Diane
and
Sheila.
On June 22, four car loads went to Jan Lake for a Young Peoples outing. While there
they said their farewells to Fred Thiessen and Terry and Rickey Redwood. They were each presented with a small gift, a token
of Christian love.
Deaths Funeral services were held for Brother Jac A. Dueck on July 17th. He had been sick
The following evening a farewell was held for Fred, after the service. A set of sports bags were- presented to him, one by
weeks in the hospital just prior to his death.
the congregation of N.F.C. and one from the Young Peoples group. Many good wish
On August 4th, Mr. Isaac Cornelsen. who was critically ill at the St. Boniface Hospital
es were expressed for Fred and he had a fitting reply. He: left June 27 for Portage
since June 26th, left this world of pain and sorrow to be with the Lord. That same evening. Miss Tina Klassen passed away at the Morris General Hospilal after a lengthy illness.
where he will help with D'VBS, then on to Red Rock Bible Camp and Swift Cun ent. We will be happy to have him return to
for about
eight
months,
and
spent
three
Our sincere sympathy to the bereaved.
CREIGHTON, SASK.
Creighton for a few months time later on this year. On June 26 an outside farewell' in
the
form of a wiener roast and social was held for Mr. and Mrs. Jim Redwood. They were presented with a gift of lawn chairs and
On June 9 a communion service was held at the chapel. John Koop was the speaker for the evening service and communion
also Eileen accepted a small gift from the Icdies of the Mary Martha Mission. In her sincere reply she expressed her regiei
ai
THE MESSENGER
leaving the friends at N.F.C. They have moved to B,C. Among those having visitors are the Brauns, Lena Friesen, Jim Thiessens, Henry Koops, and others. Sunday school attend ance has dropped and some classes are combined.
Z ■
WYMARK A baptismal service was held in our church on J.ly 7th. Those identifying them selves with Christ by baptism were Jim and Irene (Wiebe) Enns. Dora Dyck, Eve lyn Funk, Esther Harms, Susan Schlamp, Mary Knelsen, Bill Schlamp, Rueben Wiebe, and Ernie Froese. Communion service was observed in the nflernoon. Our D,V.B.S, this summer included Tomp kins, Pennant and our home church. Seven teachers taught at Tompkins with an en rollment of about 65 pupils. Four teachers taught at Pennant with an ■ enrollment of 30 pupils. About 15 teachers taught in our home church with an enrollment of about 147 puplis. May the Word sown bear fruit for all eternity. The Edmar Fasts were with us on Sunday nite Aug. 4 and gave a challenging report on the work in Mexico. The Pete Martens were with us on Mon. nite, Aug, 5 and also gave a challenging report on the work in East Paraguay. The church building and also the pastor's house have received a new paint iob this summer. Thank you to all those who helped painting and also financially. The E.M.C. Youth Camp was held from Aug. 9th - 11th. at Westbank Bible Camp about 17 miles north of Swift Current. The guest speaker was Rev. Corny Plett of Win nipeg About 58 young people were en rolled. We trust the young poeple will have been challenged through God's Word to live their lives through Christ.
OBITUARIES ISAAC H. CORNELSEN 1904-1968 It has pleased the heavenly father to take my dear husband and father of our child ren, from this life, as I firmly believe into eternal glory. He passed on peacefully August 4. about 5:00 p.m, in the St. Boni face Hospital after a severe illness of forty days caused by stroke. His age was 64 years, 6 months, and 28 days. He has left us, but we hope to see him again after the resurrection of the lust.
August 30, 1968
He was born to his parents, Cornelius Co-operative Store, the Credit Union, and the Cornelsens, January 7, 1904 in Rosenhof. A Eventide Home for the aged, year later his parents moved to Saskatche in the year 1936 he had a successful wan, where his father, a young brother appendectomy. In summertime, after the and two sisters died of typhoid fever in the great flood of 1950, which had caused so year 1908. The following year the family much hardship, he went to the Mayo Clinic returned again to Rosenhof. He attended the for medical help. They found that he had Rosenhof Village School, where he got a only one kidney and that one contained a good foundation of the German language, stone. He regained much of former health and a thorough grounding in the Bible. Un after that operation. Fivp years ago he had fortunately, his happy childhood' and school his first heart attack, which weakened his ings were only of a short duration, for he health considerably, so that he spent quite had to hire out as a farm worker very early c: bit of time off and on in the hospital. In in his life. At the age of fifteen as far west January, 1967, the doctors put a pacemaker as the Pacific Coast of British Columbia to into his chest to boost his heart beat. In look for a man's job, and he was successful. April, this year the doctors renewed the As he had a bad accident at the age of pacemaker, but it didn't give him the health twelve, where he had broken his arm, and and strength he wanted so much. Then as the doctors found out much later, one of he had a stroke and he had to be taken to his kidneys had simply dried up, physical the hospital again. The doctors tried to work must have often caused him consider help him but his time had come to pass on. For forty days he was more or less able pain. July 19, 1925, he was baptized on the only partially conscious, but could not say confession of his faith, by Elder Jacob B, c word anymore. We mourn for him but not Kroeker, and accepted as a member of the without hope, but rather with the assurance Kleine Gemeinde, now Evangelical Menno- of seeing him again. We want to thank for nite Church. April 3, 1927, 1, nee Justina all sympathy and love shown to us from Dueck was united in holy matrimony with our relatives and friends. my dear husband, and we lived happily to The Family gether for 41 years and four months. My The funeral was held August 8 in the grandfather. Rev. Johann K. Friesen united us in wedlock, and gave us his blessings. And E.M. Church near Rosenort with a large attendace. Rev. P. L. .Friesen made the the Lord has truly blessed us. He gave us seven children, four sons and three daugh opening in German and Rev. P. J. B. Reimer ters, who hove all met with their loved ones preached the funeral sermon based on Jere on this occasion to mourn the, for us, too miah 31:3. Rev. D. K. Friesen preached in English and made the closing. Rev. F. D. early passing of our dear father. They are: Reimer spoke briefly at the tomb. John, with his wife "feusan, Evelyn and her husband, Peter J, L, Friesen; Nettie; Annie, with her husband John Reimer, Meade, JOHN R. REIMER Kansas; Eddie; Arthur, with his wife Ross, 18901968 and Jake with his wife Joyce, and 18 grand children. "Blessed are the .dead which die in the Also has three sisters with their husbands, Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, who mourn the passing of their last bro., that they may rest from their labours; and ther. His dear mother died on the same date their works do follow them." Rev. 14:13. exactly 33 years ago. Her maiden name It has pleased our Heaveiily Father to was Anna Harms, Two young brothers died take our beloved father Home on Sunday, in action af Vimmy Ridge Farm, His sister July 7, 1968 at 11:50 p.m. twenty year old brother, Jacob was killed' Father has had l|imes of deep depression in action at Vinny Ridge Farm, His sister during his life but by God's grace and Annie died in August, 1967 in Toronto, medical he was able to overcome and re We had a large farm with much work to joice in the Lord again. do, but my husband always found time to He was an energetic worker almost to do his share of work for his fellowmen in the end and spent much time reading God's the church. It made him very happy to see Word and the Martyrs' Mirror andt attended his children become Christians, and he all the church services he possibly could. prayed much for them. He was also in He enjoyed singing very much and was favor of a ■ good education and made real elected as song leader in Kansas in which sacrifices to give his children a high school ho served about three years. We especially education. He was Interested in public noticed a deep concern for the poor and welfare and took an active part in the {or those needing spiritual help.
11
\
■
?!
the Rest Haven Home and other friends for
meetings and other church functions. He was
their tender care to our father, also for your prayers now in our bereavement. May
of a meek and quiet disposition yet his deep thinking brought good advice many
God bless you for it.
times.
Above this earthly home of ours. Of chilling winds and fading flow'rs.
There is a Home all bright and fair.
And Christ has fixed our interest there. The Family. Father has been ailing considerably with
JACOB A. DUECK
but only about five months ago he had his
1916-1968
first attack where his right side paralyzed which lasted only a short while. These at
more serious so the doctor urged his going
to the Rest Haven Nursing Home. On April 8 he was admitted where he remained until June 28, when he had a severe stroke and was rushed by ambulance to the Bethesda
Hospital.
We
seldom
left
his bedside unattended
because he was very ill and suffered a lot. He was unable to speak but he re
sponded
to our
affection
and
seemed
to
recognize us at times almost to the end. Finally on Sunday. July 7, at 11:50 p.m.
he was able to leave this world of sorrow and pain and enter his Eternal Home. An expression of deep settled peace immediate ly followed his departure. We are thankful
God
delivered
him even
though
we
will
miss him very much.
Father was born to Mr. and Mrs. John F. Reimer on January 22. 1890 at Blumenort, Manitoba.
So
he
reached
the age of
78
years, 5 months and 16 days. In his young years he was converted
and
baptized at
the age of twenty by Rev. Peter R. Dueck and taken into the fellowship of the E.M. Churph.
In 1921 he went to Kansas, U.S.A, where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Friesen, daughter of Henry K. Jjiesens. Our parents
enjoyed their seven years- of matrimony, when mother passed away after a short period of illness on September 28, 1929. We continued to reside in Kansas until 1947 when we moved to Canada to a farm
in the Twin Creek area. In 1963 we moved to Steinbach.
Left to mourn are his three children: Lena, Mrs. Pete Cornelsen, Ste. Anne; Pete, Arborg; and Elizabeth, Steinbach; one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law, and nine grandchildren; one sister Mrs. A. M. Penner, Rest Haven Apts., one brother Mr. Peter R. E. Reimer, Extended Care Units, seven sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and a host of relatives and friends. We are grateful to
the doctors, nurses,
■jnd orderlies of the Bethesda Hospital and
12
condition set in. He was hospitalized lor 3
weeks at which time his sister Helen passed away and to His dismay he was unable to be present at the funeral. After his stay
v/eakness, dizziness, etc., for several years,
tacks, however, became more frequent and
Until 1963, June 5th, he lived a normally healthy life, however at this time a heart
in
the
hospital he
recovered
that he
so
could again perform his usual duties. In December of 1966 he had a heavy nose
"Let not your heart be troubled ye believe
bleed which again sent him Io the hospital
in God- believe also in Me. In My Father’s
where
house are many mansions;
never fully regained his former vitality. He
if it were not
he stayed
a
week.
After this he
so I would have told you. 1 go to prepare
was again able to work
but not with the
a place for you."
some enhtusiasm.
year
One
ago
while
It has pleased the Lord who is the ruler
working in the field he had an apparent
of life and death to take my husband and
heart attack. Al that time he obviously bat
father of our family to be with Him in glory.
tled with death for he had written a note on the tractor tire stating his condition lest
He passed away July 15, 1968 at 4:00 a.m. He was born January 10th, 1916 in Rosenhoff where he has spent his entire life.
He reached the age of 52 years, 6 months and 5 days.
we should not see him alive again, but again the Lord saw fit to spare him. We
feel the Lord has graciously added a year to his life for the welfare of the young family. After that experience in the field he
He received his elementary education in Rosenhof and part of grade 10 by -coires-
was often plagued
pondence. Early in life it was his ambition
breath. November 27th, 1967 he was briefly
to
become a school teacher, but because
hospitalized
in
the
with
being
Morris
of
short
Hospital
from
of circumstances of those days, these noble
where he was transferred to Grace Hospital
plans were soon abandoned and he resorted Io be a farmer by occupation.
in Winnipeg, where he stayed for 98 days. The doctor did not give us much encourage
In 1936, September 20fh he was baptized
ment for recovery but in spite of human doubts and apprehensions he was able to
upon the confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by elder Jacob B. Kroeker. Jacob was one of a group of 15 baptismal
spend four months at
home
before being
candidates.
admitted to Morris General Hospital where he spent 8 days before he departed from
In 1946, June 2nd we were united in holy matrimony at which occasion my father Peter W. Friesen officiated. We lived in
was sudden and unexpected for us as family. He leaves to mourn his early de
this world to be with the Lord. His passing
wedlock for 22 years, 1 month and 13 days. The Lord blessed our marriage with 11 children of whom twin girls, Mildred and
parture me, his loving wife Margaret, and the children, two brothers, Abram of Blu
Marlene 21, Arthur 19, Linda, 18, Alvira 16, Elaine 14, Lawrence 11, Wesley 7, Debra 2,
ssiters, Mary, Mrs. Jacob F. Dueck, Stein bach. Agnes, Mrs. Lawrence Samis of Win
and Donnie 10 months.
nipeg, Annie, Mrs. -Jacob A. Kroeker of Winnipeg, Margaret, Mrs. John P. Reimer,
It gave him great joy that Alvira was baptized upon the confession of her faith
menort and Nick of Parkhill, Ontario,
five
British Honduras, Susan, Mrs. Lloyd Davis,
last Sunday. She is the fourth one of the
his mother-in-law and thirteen brothers-in-law
children to take this step of obedience. Her father could not be present al the service,
and fourteen sislers-in-law plus a host of relatives and friends. He was predeceased
of encouragement
by his parents, two sisters and two brothers. Wo sense his absence very keenly but we do not sorrow as those who have no hope,
but he gave her words
to follow her Lord faithfully.
Among other services to the church, he was Sunday School teacher for 20 years. He was also interested and active in com
munity affairs, but the work of the church was his burden and concern and he was always willing to do what he could to help. He was regular in attending brethren
for we expect to see him again in glory. We thank all those wo have participated in our
I
bereavement by expressing their
sympathy
I
with cards, flowers, help and words of en couragement.
!'
The bereaved wife and family.
THE MESSENGER
iiM
I