The Messenger November 8, 1968

NOVEMBER 8. 1968

EVANGELICAL

VOL. 6, No. 23

MENNONITE CONFERENCE In this Issue

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missEnoi

Neglected Tool

Missionaries Say Farewell

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ARE WE THANKFUL? “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which He hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his command­ ments, and His judgments, and His statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses and hast dwellt therein. And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God . . .” (Deut. 8; 10-14.) I suppose it is safe to say that by now all ‘Thanksgiving Suppers’ are a thing of the past, in the homes as well as the churches. Just plain thanksgiving to God for His mercies seems to have died out with the end of the depression! Today we must have a feast to go with it. Furthermore, the day set aside by our Govern­ ment for this purpose has largely become just ano­ ther excuse for a holiday and doing as we please, a travesty of the true Thanksgiving. But we have also managed to get around this, imagine the inge­ nuity of the human mind. We would not think of do­ ing without a ‘thanksgiving service’, so we invent a different day for this remembrance, maybe the Sun­ day before. Then, you see, we are free on the real Thanksgiving day to do as we please. When Jesus was on earth the disciples basked in His presence, little knowing that the days were fast approaching when they would be forced to start a different kind of life, where many would give their life. For them life was an endless round of blessings. But Christ forewarned his disciples of darker days ahead when he said, “The days will come when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and ye will not see it.” The days of the Son of Man would have an end — on earth. And we know what happened, persecution set in soon after the death of Christ. Blood ran in the streets of Jerusalem. Thus the day may well come — maybe sooner than we think — when we shall wish, yes yearn, to see one of the former days. The days when we had a government which was not only sympathetic to Christians, but set aside a day annually wherein thanksgiving could be made to God. And so, while thousands are starving, we must eat extra-well at this season. Turkey, ham, trim­ mings and the rest. Did you say 6,000 a day were starving in Biafra? Yes, seems to me I heard that somewhere! And there are nearly 600,000 Arab refugees in Jordan? My, that certainly is a large

number. And thus as Harry Martens put it, “We speak to glibly about our brother in other parts of the world.” Reflecting on the recent Hunger-Population Consultation held in Chicago, Mahlon M. Hess of the Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions said, “The real problem, the cause, is in man himself. Within our brotherhood it expresses itself in bondage to comfortable middle-class life, unwillingness to ad­ just one’s way of living . . . Our Mennonite brother­ hood can give several times the amount now being contributed. Many more people can be actively in­ volved in service and mission. If every brother gave himself to the Lord, and contributed of his bless­ ings as God has prospered, our church program could be greatly enlarged.” Different ways of expression have made them­ selves known in recent weeks. At the Mennonite Brethren Bible College faculty and students engaged in a hunger luncheon. The luncheon donation of $175.00 was designated to Nigeria/Biafra relief, A Nigerian student at the school expressed gratitude for the school’s concern. In Ontario, at Eden Christian College, some 4,500 people attended three different sessions of a unique thanksgiving festival to offer praise to God for His leading them to this land. At this occasion also a letter was drafted to the minister of Citizen­ ship and Immigration to express gratitude for mak­ ing, such an immigration possible.” Such action is commendable. Unthankfulness was one of the major sins of the heathen and was one of the factors in their downfall. (Rom. 1:21). Unthankfulness will char­ acterize the populace at the close of the age. (2 Tim. 3:2). A newspaper column carried the answers of people who were asked, “What do you do upon awakening?” One said he went back under the blanket. Another turned on the radio. Still another brushed his teeth. One exercised, and one lit a cigarette. Not one of them said, “I kneel by my bed and pray and praise God for His goodness.” The warnings of Scriptures are clear. “Man doth not live by bread only,” God said, “but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.” (Deut. 8:3) Jesus repeated it during the temptation in the wilderness when He said, “. . . It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4). This is at the least, sound advice. Taking heed to it has God’s promise of spiritual health and fruit­ —D.S. D.S. ful living. —

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire. In­ form 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. Sc.hellenberg. Change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to THE MESSENGER. Box 1268, Steinbach, Man. Subscription: Members pay through their church. Non­ members $1.00 per year. Authorized as second class mail by J-he Post Office Department Ottawa and for payment of postage in cash. 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.

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THE MESSENGER

Some time ago we directed queries to certain pastors on an evaluation of our overall church work. The question was, "Are you. Satisfied that our Church Program is Working al Maximum Efficiency?" And if the answer was "No" what could be done to remedy it. The following is one pastor's reply to the question. Do you agree?

Neglected Tools I do not believe that our church program is working at maximum efficiency.

This may be due to the fact that we have never bothered to measure our efficiency. Perhaps we don’t know how to measure it. This problem may be illuminated by an illustration. Let’s imagine that we want to cneck the effi­ ciency of a team of carpenters. They are building houses for us and we want to know how well they are performing.

First, we could check their progress and the quality of workmanship by a certain fixed standard. Perhaps someone has detetrmined that such and such a house ought to be completed with so and so many man-days of labour. Our men may seem to be intensely active, but if their production falls far below the standard we would have reason to be dissatisfied. However, there may be no fixed standard. Then we could compare the progress of our men with the process of a similar group of men constructing a similar house. If it should take our gang two weeks longer to complete a house, then we would suspect inefficient workmanship. But perhaps there is no group of men with whom we can make comparisons. 'There are other builders, but they work under other circumstances. We might then check to see if our men are making use of the best tools and of proven construction methods. If we should notice a carpenter labouring with a dull hand saw and a broken plane while a whole set of new precision power tools was stand­ ing idle, we would certainly assume that the man was not doing his best. And if he should admit he had never thought of using the blueprint, we would fire him.

This parable may help us to appraise our own efficiency. We do not have all the fixed standards that we might desire. The Lord did not tell us how long it should take us to evangelize the world, how many souls a Christian should win per year, or what should be the percentage of annual church growth. However, He has given exact standards about the quality of our work. One standard is given in Eph. 4:11-16. The inspired apostle says that the saints are to be built up until they reach maturity - “unto November 8, 1968

the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” If our workmanship does not produce mature saints, then we must confess inefficiency. As a church, we may also compare our success with that of other groups. There was the church at Jerusalem which was so fervent in praise and prayer and witnessing that souls were added to the church daily (Acts 2:47). There was the church of Thessalonica which had witnessed so extensively that Paul found it unnecessary to do any more preaching in that entire country (I Thess. 1:8). We may com­ pare ourselves with contemporary evangelical groups. And I feel the test of comparison is not high­ ly favourable for us. My main concern, however, is over the neglect or mis-use of the tools God has given us. We ought to make better use of proven missionary principles and Scriptural methods of church expansion. Guid­ ed by these, we should know what we want to do and how we are going to do it. I understand this has been thoroughly discussed at the Orientation Course, and so I go on to another neglected tool.

God’s work must be done by prayer. Often I feel that we do not really understand the impor­ tance of prayer. As evidence of this I cite the poor attendance at most prayer meetings. We may give our money. We may give our talented, educated young people. But the Lord’s work is a spiritual work and it must be done by spiritual methods. We ought to be well informed about the problems and prayer that the enemy suffers defeat and the Lord’s needs and successes of our church program, and then raise, these to the Lord in prayer. It is by cause advances. Prayerless church work is a waste of time and talent and money. Dollars do not convert souls. Not even dedicated missionaries can do it. Every conversion, every ad­ vance in missions, every victory in the church is accomplished by God’s Spirit. And He moves in re­ sponse to prayer. This is the first and greatest tool God has given the church. We are like men, trying to build a house with dull and broken hand tools, while the power equipment stands by - unused. Arden Thiessen

Burns Lake, B.C.

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is with the assurance that God has called me to go that I am now eagerly waiting to be on my way. A further joy to me is Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee . . . I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” As I leave, I would covet your prayers on my behalf. Sincerely, Betty Friesen

Winging South

BACK IN JAPAN

Farewell Letter Leaving for the Para­ guay mission field on Oct. 21 were the Frank Kroekers with children Judith^ Gary, Marjorie, Chris and Hannah.

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About 75 relatives and friends gathered at the Winnipeg Interna­ tional Airport on Monday after­ noon, Oct. 21, to bid adieu to the Frank Kroeker family and Betty Friesen. The Kroekers, who came home on furlough in June last year and since then have spent 9 months in language study in Edin­ burg, Texas, returned to East Para­ guay for their second 4-year term. Miss Friesen, daughter of the John F. Friesens, plans to stay for 2 years. She is a public school teach­ er and will be serving under the Christian Service Committee. A farewell service was held in the Rosenort EMC Sunday night. Among the many guests present for the occasion were the ministers Milton Fast, Arnold Fast, and D. K. Schellenberg, to name a few. Greetings and well-wishes came from several locals. After a 2-day stopover at the Stan Houghtons in Ecuador, where Frank Kroeker planned to obtain more information about the tech­ niques of radio broadcasting, the group was to arrive in Asuncion, Paraguay on Thursday, Oct. 24. 4

Miss Betty Friesen

Box 118, R.R.l Morris, Man. October 17, 1968 Dear Mr. Schellenberg, It is with mixed feelings that I’m waiting for my departing day to come. I am joyfully looking for­ ward to teaching at East Paraguay for two years. In spite of this I know it will be a real sacrifice to leave family and friends. I have been thrilled again and again at the way God has led me, especially this past year. I have been ashamed at how I have some­ times tended to worry when the way didn’t seem clear. There is certainly no need for this, for we have an all knowing heavenly Fa­ ther whom we can fully trust. It

Greetings from Fujisawa, in Je­ sus wonderful name. As planned, I left Winnipeg on the 24th, but was delayed a little. However, we had a very good trip to Vancouver, where we stopped for a week. It was a busy week vis­ iting friends and relatives in the Clearbrook area. And again as planned, I left Oct. 1st. but was delayed an hour and 15 mins, be­ cause our jet had a leaking valve, which the pilot announced and it had to be fixed. So, I arrived about 2 hours late in Tokyo International Airport. Wondering if anyone would be waiting for me, just when I was ready to enter the air­ port terminal building, someone above shouted my name in Japan­ ese so I looked up who was there! Dan and Norma Koop, 2 of the Fujisawa believers, besides other friends. You can’t imagine! It was just like coming home.

THE MESSENGER

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Our first Sunday here in Fuji­ sawa was a time of real fellowship, where we all did the talking. The believers gave their testimonies as to how the Lord had led in the past year. Some of their experiences were times of real testings, and also blessings! One of the girls testified how the Lord had given words to speak to three women who were enemies of the Gospel. These women came to our house and said that they were “believers”. Saito-san (a believer) invited them into the house, thinking that they were Christians. But they weren’t. She found this out very soon. Saitosan praised the Lord for the pro­ tecting hand and most of all the way He had given her the right words to speak. Lord willing, I plan to leave Fujisawa and move up interior in­ to a mountain village where no

Gospel work is being done. How­ ever, I plan to keep in close con­ tact with the Fujisawa group, since we do need each other. I do have a few prayer requests: (1) As the Japanese Christians are looking for a house for me, that they will find the right one, in the right place. (2) As I move into this new area, that my life will show forth Christ and that His great love will flow through my life to those lost in darkness. (3) In case, the place will be up interior where little or no bus or train service is available, that a vehicle probably will be needed, to go back and forth to Fujisawa. I would appreciate your prayers for me, as these different decisions will have to be made. Yours for Christ’s sake in Japan, Mary Koop

10 Years Later “The Book said I must go. I couldn’t listen to people. I had to go, to obey the call,” said Corneli­ us, the Lengua Indian, ten yeais after Kornelius Isaak was fatally stabbed by a Moro Indian in the Chaco, Paraguay.

Mary Isaak, the widow of Kor­ nelius Isaak, recalls the day her husband asked for her willingness that he go to make contact with the Moro Indians. Her struggle was very real, for they were parents of three pre-school-age children and expecting a fourth, but their wedding text, “but the greatest of these is love” helped her to a vic­ torious acquiescence. Kornelius Isaak, at the time of his death, was successfully serving the Chulupie Indians, who loved and respected him, but the com­ mand to make Christ known to every creature included, for him, the wild Moro tribe. The only con­ tact with the Moros thus far had been several savage attacks upon Mennonites in some villages. The Moros were feared not only by the white man, but also by the Chulu­ pie and Lengua Indians living near the Mennonite colonies. November 8, 1968

On September 10, 1958, Corne­ lius the Lengua, together with Kornelius Isaak and others set out by jeep with many gifts to try to establish friendly contact with the tribe. At one point they saw a feathered spear stuck through a type of purse and so pinned to the ground. The Indian interpreted this to the others as a sure sign of danger. The purse, representing strangers, and the stab through it could mean “death here.” They re­ placed the Moros’ articles with gifts, a friendly token. Shortly before they reached the Moros, the group stopped for pray­ er for strength and guidance. They overtook the Moros in their jeep. The Moros came very close, yell­ ing, not singing, not friendly. Cor­ nelius the Lengua recalls how afraid he had been several nights ago but now, surrounded by this tribe, there was no time to give way to fear. They gave them gifts, but they couldn’t give them fast enough and the Indians simply grabbed everything. Cornelius, the Lengua, glanced at Isaak just as a Moro was stabbing Isaak in the side with his spear. Isaak took the spear out himself and handed it to

his friend, the Lengua, who put it in the jeep. The Lengua was seized but managed to pull away. At about that time missionary David Hein lifted the rifle from the jeep high in the air because the Moros were grabbing for it. This fright­ ened them away and they faded back into the bush. Kornelius Isaak was badly in­ jured internally and was flown to Filadelfia hospital by plane. But for him there was no hope. His wife recalls how afraid she became, but he said, “All will be well, and if not, as the Lord feeds the spar­ rows, so also he can feed you.” Later, shortly before he died, he regained consciousness and prayed for his wife, for his children, and for the Moros. These were his last words. When Cornelius, the Lengua, was told of Isaak’s death he said, “Miena Mucho schoad,” a Low Ger­ man and Spanish mixture mean­ ing “I have much sadness.” Recent­ ly, when he was asked by Menno­ nite Brethren missionary Lucille Wiens, Coaldale, Alta., nurse to the Indians in the Chaco, what he thought his work had accomp­ lished, he said: “I think if the mis­ sionary hadn’t gone, the Moros would be bad today. Isaak died and the Moros know it. They also know Jesus died. Some are saved. My wife, my children, and other Lenguas know that all people are to hear the gospel. We know what the Word says.” Mary Isaak continues to live in Filadelfia with her four children, as vitally interested in the mission work today as she was ten years ago. The work did not die with Kornelius Isaak. Others have shouldered it, among them the New Tribes Mission. The Menno­ nites in Filadelfia have given them a house and financed the digging of a well. Clothing, peanuts, and other items have been given by the Mennonites to lend support to the work. Several hundred Moros have laid down their spears. They are be­ ginning to understand the message of peace, of forgiveness, which is replacing their eye-for-an-eye way of life. In their creed, one life al­ ways had to pay off for another life. The dawn of understanding came when they realized that Christ was the life laid down for all of us. 5

E.M.C. BOARD OF MISSIONS MEETING, OCTOBER 11, 1968 10 A,M. CRESTVIEW FELLOWSHIP The following is a brief report of the Board of Missions Meeting. Executive Secretary: The Board of Missions is antici­ pating the appointment of an Executive Secretary. Missionary Candidates: Evelyn Barkman has been ac­ cepted as a Missionary Candi­ date. Radio Committee: Rev. Elmer Hamm was elected chairman for a term of three years; C. B. Loewen - 3 years; Andrew Plett - 2 years; Melvin Koop - 1 year. Missionary Prayer Boxes: Missionary Prayer Boxes with pictures of every missionary will be available in the local churches at $1.50. Financial Statement: Total receipts amount to $179,043.73. (Fiscal year August 31 to Sept. 1). Committees: Canada Committee: Weekes: The basement is almost ready for the Pastor’s resi­ dence. Mafeking: They ask for a work­ er to pastor their little chapel and surrounding area. They have pledged $100.00 a month plus housing. Kamsack: The C. F. Duecks are moving to Kamsack in the be­ ginning of November. La Crete: Elmer Hamm is plan­ ning to visit the area to con­ duct meetings and also to eval­ uate the radio work. Paraguay Committee: Correspondence Courses for mis­ sionary children will be provid­ ed. Passage for the Frank Kroekers is needed which amounts to $2047.00. Passage is also needed for Betty Friesen to the amount of $416.00. Christian Service: Jake Cornelsens are staying at Pelly for another year. Sarah Martens will be coming home in November. Mexico Committee: The amount for miscellaneous for the Mexico Committee has been raised from $70.00 a month to $200.00 a month. The Mexico Committee plans to send a rep­ resentative _to Mexico sometime in the future.

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KAMSACK The busy summer months are past, and also various activities have been set aside for another year.

A number of our local congregation have left us. Farewells have been held for the John Koop family, Eleanor Rem­ pel, Tina Barkman, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Fink and Leonard Loewen. We were all sorry to see Rev. and Mrs. John Koop leave us. Their ministry has been a help and blessing to many. The absence of their happy children is noticed very much. Our prayers follow them as they work in Mac Gregor, Man, Eleanor Rempel came to work as a Lab Technician in the local hospital for 2 months. She comes from the Stein­ bach General Conference Church, and is at present attending the C.M.B.C. in Winnipeg.

Tina Barkman is taking her Second Year Bible School at S.B.I. We hope to see you back next spring, Tina,

Our dear elderly couple, the Finks sang a few duets in church shorty before they went East to spend the winter with their daughter in Ontario. On their way Mr. Fink suffered a stroke and was hos­ pitalized in St. Paul, Minnesota. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Leonard Loewen will be leaving us as soon as he finishes his wheat harvest. Who will take up his responsibilities here ? As a small group without a pastor we have continued fellowship these last 2% months. Brother Jake Cornelson from Pelly came to minister for several Sun­ day evening worship services. ’Twice we listened to messages on record player by Peter Marshall. Also Brother Bernie Brandt and Brother Walter Haljeski hove each ministered to us. Our 'Tuesday prayer meetings were held in different homes with good participation.

Bernie Brandt has completed an eight week mechanics course in Saskatoon at the Saskatchewan Technical Inst.

On Octobei- 25, 26 and 27 we had our Seventh Annual Missionary Conference. Rev. Dave Dueck from Swift Current ministered to us. He emphasized “Heart” and “Home” missions and challenged us to live “Jesus” in our daily lives; a pro­ duct of a continual repentent and Spirit filled life. For the final service on Sunday night we had a very pleasant surprise with the arrival of our new pastor and his family the Comie F. Duecks from Plea­ sant Valley.

MAFEKI,NG REPORT The group of Mafeking Fellowship Chapel was greatly blessed by the re­ cent visit of our dear friend and for­ mer pastor. Rev, Dave Dueck of Swift Current. As it was the will of God that he came to Mafeking, the power of God’s will was revealed in the message that Dave Dueck presented to us. One message helped us to compare our lives to that of Jonah. Are we running away from Christian service as Jonah did? Another message helped us to realize the "Reality in Walking With Jesus”. Is our Christian life real or is it just a form? Our prayers go with Rev. Dueck as he presents God’s word in other churches. We of Mafeking continue to pray that our prayer for a worker will be answer­ ed. Are you looking for a place of ser­ vice?

AN INVITATION YES the Bible school has also felt the late harvest squeeze. Threshing so late in the fall has kept many young people from attending the first semester.

BUT we are now inviting you to app4y for the second semes­

ter. This could be real help­ ful to Sunday School teach­ ers, ministers and those ex­ pecting to engage in Christ­ ian work. Trained church workers are needed.

REMEMBER even though you couldn’t come for the first semester, you can come in the second and complete a whole se­ mester’s work. WRITE for a catalogue, then, when you come on January 6 (se­ cond semester registration) you can choose your sub­ jects according to our time­ table. Act now. STEINBACH BIBLE

INSTITUTE Box 1420, Steinbach, Man.

THE MESSENGER

The Cabin On Little Simpson Lake Owen C. Salway

The snow continued to blow out­ side the trapper’s cabin. It sifted in around the one small window as well as under the door. It was only four o’clock in the afternoon, yet it was already getting dark. The fire in the tin heater was cast­ ing weird shadows across the room, and the wind sweeping down the lake struck the cabin in ever increasing fury, causing the logs to creak and groan. “Might as well figure on staying in this shack another night,” said Jim, kicking the old mattress over closer to the stove. “Nobody’s go­ ing to come out in this weather looking for us.” “No, I guess you’re right,” re­ plied Bill, “I only wish we’d saved part of that fish from yesterday. I’m just about starved.” “How did we know we were go­ ing to be stuck in here another night?” retorted Jim, “You’d think our folks would be interested enough to come look for us.” “I suppose there’s about as much chance of their getting to us as our getting out of here by our­ selves,” said Bill. “At least we can melt some snow and we won’t be thirsty.” Jim Johnson and Bill Drake pre­ pared for another cold night in the cabin. This would be the second night to huddle around the stove and to wake up every hour or two and coax the fire back to life. The fellows had left home the day before yesterday. They had been talking for several weeks about ice fishing in one of the nor­ thern lakes, and had picked Little Simpson Lake because it was close to the logging road, used by trucks bringing lumber from the saw­ mills. The weather had been fine as they left home and drove 120 miles north. It was here they turned off the main road and took a bush trail the last three miles down to the

lake. This brought them right out on the lake ice, about a quarter­ mile from a trapper’s cabin. Trap­ pers in the area had overnight ca­ bins spread along their traplines. They would tend their traps during the day as they made the circuit, staying in one of the cabins at night. Without proper ice tools, the boys found it difficult cutting through the three-foot ice, and it was well into the afternoon before they were actually fishing. ITiey had been fishing only a short time when they noticed a sharp rise in the wind and some snow drifting. “We’d better get back to the main road before it drifts too much,” edited Bill. “Ah, what’s a little drifting snow?” sneered Jim, “That car of mine has gone through more snow than this. Anyway, I’m not leaving until I catch a fish.” Bill grew uneasy. He’d heard about these northern blizzards, and about people freezing to death even though they were close to home. The first few flakes were falling by the time Jim caught his fish, and the two boys hurried to the car. “I’ll have you out of here and back on the main road in ten min­ utes,” laughed Jim. “Boy, you’re a sissy when it comes to a little ex­ citement.” “It’s not that I’m a sissy,” said Bill, “it’s just that I don’t think we should take chances.” Jim spun the car around and nosed it into the bush trail. The first few hundred yards were al­ most clear of drifting snow, but when they reached a stretch of muskeg, the wind had piled up the snow, and the powerful car slowed until it was barely inching its way along. Jim sobered; the outline of the road ahead was now completely

obliterated. The wheels spun as the car settled down off the edge of the trail. The boys used the jma'll shovel they had brought along, but the snow drifted in as quickly as they shoveled it out. Af­ ter a half-hour, they gave up. “Might as well start walking to the main road,” yelled Jim. “I don’t think we’d better try that Jim. We’re too cold to walk that far in this snow, and if we did get there we might not get a ride.” “Are you sure you’re not just too scared to strike out?” snorted Jim, trying to keep the fear out of his voice. “No,” replied Bill, “I think we should go back to that trapper’s cabin. At least we’ll have shelter there.” “O.K. Let’s go before we freeze in

November 8, 1968

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our tracks,” growled Jim, striking off down the road.

Bill had read somewhere that trap­ pers always left a supply of wood in their cabins, but Bill looked through the car for anything else that they might be able to use. He found only two sandwiches, the fish and a blanket. With these under his arm he started after Jim. The cabin door was latched but not locked, and the boys were exhausted as they pushed their way into the cabin, and shook the snow from their clothes. Bill wanted to pray and thank God for this shelter, but he knew Jim wasn’t a Christian and would only make fun of him, so he busied himself with get­ ting the fire going while Jim started to clean the fish. Darknes.s fell quickly, and the light from the flickering candle did little to ease their minds. “Boy, some shack,” whined Jim, “no electricity: just a stove, a mattress and a candle. What a place to spend the night.”

“We should be thankful the cabin is here at all,” said Bill slowly, “if it weren’t, we could quite easily freeze to death in that blizzard.”

Bill wished he had the courage to witness to Jim. He longed to tell him what Christ could do for him, yet every time he started to talk words just failed him. He’d wait until they were settled down for the night, may­ be it would be easier when the candle wa.s out. Jim fried the fish in a small beat-up frying pan they found hanging on a nail behind the tin heater. Bill pulled in a dry log that was leaning against the cabin, and cut it up for extra wood for the night. The wind increased and the small stove was hardly able to keep the chill out of the cabin. Later that night, as the boys sat around the stove talking; they spoke of their parents, and how worried they would be. Jim was putting on a bold front and was pretending to pa.s,s their experience off a.s a joke, but Bill felt lonesome, he wanted to talk to a Christian. He wanted to sing hymns and pray; yet, he had only himself to blame. He could have chummed with Christian fellows, but here he was with one who scoffed at the Bible, and said seventeen was too old for Sunday School. Bill couldn’t bring himself to ap­ proach Jim on spiritual things. After a time Jim fell asleep, and Bill prayed softly, asking God to be with their parents and to send help to Jim and himself.

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MY TESTIMONY

I NEED JESUS “I need Jesus; I need Him every hour.” Much emphasis is placed on assurance. “You must have assurance of salva­ tion.” The assurance that “I need Jesus” to me seems al­ most as important. Christ has done it, is doing it and can do it. Without Him I do not rea­ lize that I’m but a sinner, I cannot experience forgiveness, I cannot forgive; often I’d be left in the ditch with discour­ agement. Impossibly could I remove the beautiful clothes of selfrighteousness. He must help me to love. Today I am thankful to know the simple truth that “I need Jesus.” Elizabeth Reimer, Giroux, Man.

Now, a.s they prepared to spend this second night in the cabin, Jim crawled onto the mattress early, and Bill noticed that his face was flushed. “Are you feeling all right, Jim?” Bill asked, as he watched Jim’s face in the flickering light from the stove. “Yes, I’m O.K.,” replied Jim defiantly, “just a bit of a cold coming on. I’ll be all right by morning.” Bill knew Jim was running a feVer, and so kept a good fire going, and tried to keep any cold drafts off him. The wind died down around midnight and the sky cleared, but the temperature dropped, and the supply of wood ran out long before dayj'ight. Bill found a couple more dry poles outsidb the cabin and cut them up outside so as not to awaken Jim. By the time he had a good supply of wood cut and piled by the stove, it was daylight. Jim’s fever seemed worse than the night before, and Bill realized that if help didn’t come to them within the next hour, he would have to go for help himself. One hour later, he woke Jim, placed a large can of snow water near him, and told him to keep the fire going good and a blanket around himself. “You can’t get out to the main road over that snow. Bill,” said Jim weakly. “You’re not diessed for it, and you won’t be able to see the trail.”

“I’ll have to try, Jim,” said Bill evenly. “I’m a Christian, and I’ll have to trust God to get me through. You’re sick and I can’t take a chance on wait­ ing here for help.” The snow on the ice was packed and hard and Bill covered the distance to the bush trail quickly. But on the bush trail the snow was up to his knees

in places, and soon worked its way into his shoes and melted. He was breathing hard by the time he reached their snowed-in car. Bill knew he dare not stop for a rest with Jim lying back there alone in the cabin. He prayed as he walked, and soon he lost track of distance, he just made the effort to place one foot ahead of the other in a mechanical sort of way. Much later, when he stumbled over the ridge of snow piled up by the snowplow at the edge of the main road, he lost all sense of time and place. A trucker saw him sprawled at the side of the road as he rounded the curve. He eased his big load of lumber to a stop beside Bill and, climbing down, lifted the limp form up into the cab. He pushed a button on his short-wave set. “Carl, truck No. 5 here. I’ve found one of those young fellows that was lost. Call those searchers off Big Simp­ son Lake; these fellows were apparently on Little Simpson.” Bill stirred in the heat of the cab and began mumbling, “Cabin . . . sick . . . send doctor.” “Hold it, Carl, the other fellow must be in the old cabin of Murray’s on Little Simpson. Send a ski-equipped plane over there and pick him up. Take him right to Clearview Hospital; that’s where I’m heading. This boy has been badly frostbitten. If I find this load too heavy. I’ll use the hydraulic lift and dump it in the ditch. Send a follow-up truck in case I have trouble. Over and out.” When Bill opened his eyes in the hospital, the first things he saw were his bandaged hands and feet. As he raised his eyes, he saw his dad and mother standing beside his bed. “You’re going to be all right. Bill,” said his dad softly, “the doctor said you’re a very fortunate boy.” “How’s Jim?” asked Bill weakly. “Jim has pneumonia. Bill,” replied his mother, “but the doctor says he’s responding to the medicine.” “By the way. Bill,” said his father, “the pilot who went in for Jim was a Christian. He led Jim to the Lord be­ fore they even left the cabin, Jim said anyone who would risk death like you did must have something, and he wanted to be a Christian, too.” “I’m glad of that,” said Bill, “I wanted to witness to him, and I guess that’s the only way I could—with my life.”

“We’re proud of you. Bill,” said his mother, smoothing the bedclothes, “and Jim says to tell you, ‘You’re the best pal that a fellow ever had.’ ” GOSPEL HERALD (Abridged Edition)

THE MESSENGER

FROM

HOUSE

TO YO

HOUSE

“Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbours . .

that brand new machine of hers, while my old one needs so much oiling and prodding to keep it stitching properly. “If only I had ..” So ran my thoughts, flitting like a butterfly from one coveted thing to another as the day wore on. Then quietly, but surely, in the midst of all my envyings, I heard my Master’s voice: “Be content with such things as ye have, my child. Have you not read in my Word, ‘Ye shall not covet your neighbour’s . . There were a number of things in Exodus 20:17 that were perti­ nent to that day, for God knew what was in their hearts. But today would He not say, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, nor His appliances, his lawn mower, his combine, nor his car or any­ thing that is thy neighbour’s”? When next I hung out my clothes I thought, “How nice and soft the clothes are after a good blow in the wind,” and cleaning up the house didn’t seem to take long after all. As I sat down to do my sewing a few days later, I said, “You do a pretty good job for an old ma­ chine.” It all depends on how we look at things, and how we place our val­ ues. The hunter sets his sights on the object. Mav we get our sights high, and on the objective, to win souls for Him. MCC (CANADA) NEEDS $20,000 MORE FOR BIAFHA and JORDAN

by Mrs. V.'m Wright

It was wash day, dull, dreary wash day. The chilling wind went fair through me as I hung out the clothes. “Oh,” I thought, “If only I had my neighbour’s dryer. I just know I could get my wash done and dried sooner. Then, too, I could start cleaning up my home and be ready for callers.” Finally the last piece is whipping on the line. It’s time now to put the house in order, “My, how much more efficient I would be at house­ keeping if only I had a vacuum like Mrs. ------” Then drudgingly I set about sweeping each room care­ fully. Oh the dust! A vacuum cleaner would never raise such a Just. How nice it would be to have one. And there’s that sewing that has to be done. My neighbour can do hers so quickly and so neatly with November 8, 1968

WINNIPEG — The Middle East and Nigeria/Biafra are two of the most

critical areas of need In the world at present. The Mennonite Central Com­ mittee is making emergency relief ap­ peals for both. The civil war between Nigeria and the break-away state of Biafra is caus­ ing untold suffering. Recently returned Mennonite missionaries indicate that it is entirely possible that 6,000 people a day are starving to death in Biafra ter­ ritory. MCC has designated $30,000 for the Nigeria/Biafra emergency. To raise its share of this amount, MCC (Canada) is appealing to its constituency for $10,000 in October and November. It has alrea­ dy received 20 percent of this amount, leaving $8,000. In Jordan, the needs of the refugees created by the 1967 Middle East War are staggering. About 250,000 Arabs have crossed the Jordan River since June, 1967, bringing the number of re­ fugees in Jordan — including Paleistinian Arabs who fled Israel in 1948 — to nearly 600,000. MCC (Canada)’s objective is to raise $35,000 for the Middle East by the end of November. Over $23,000 of this is al­ ready in. Thus $12,000 is left to be raised. BIENENBERG SAYS THANKS

The tour of America and Canada has come to an end for the Bienen.berg Choir. Samuel Gerber, director of the Bible school and choir asked the Mennonite Central Commitee to express ap­ preciation on behalf of himself and the choir members for the hospitality they received while on tour. Thanks is also given to everyone who contributed fin­ ancially for the new building at the Bienenberg.

c

MCC PROJECT OF THE MONTH A layette bundle consists of one receiving blanket, three dia­ pers, two gowns, one sacque, one pair of rubber pants and safety pins. Put $1 in a separate envelope marked “Layette Bundle” and send it to the nearest MCC center. Descriptive folders are available. A total of 24,000 bundles have been requested for the 1968-69 year. The following countries have requested layette bundles: 12,000 Congo Hong Kong 400 500 Haiti 1,000 India 1,000 Jordan-East 200 Jordan-West 400 Korea 500 Paraguay 4,000 Tanzania 4,000 Vietnam 9

witi the chu ARDEN,

Harvest time is almost over once again and the people of the Arden Bible Church have much to be thankful for. We believe that God has answered our prayers in sending suitable harvesting weather. We believe also that God is pre­ paring the Arden congregation for a spiritual blessing during our coming Missionary Conference. The Guest Speaker is to be Mel Wyma, a mission­ ary in South America. Another recent blessing was our Thanksgiving Service held on Ocober 14th. The program was mostly voluntary but the message was presented by Rev. John Koop from MacGregor. Although this may not be a definite news event I feel it deserves mention. We believe our Sunday School lately has enjoyed a period of enrichment and growth. We have several steady new membens who come from non-Christian home* I believe a great deal of credit and encouragement should go to our superintendent, Elmer Barkman as well as to all those who are busy inviting and bringing new members.

five years to the day after their first wedding.

Rev. Melvin Koop (nephew) and Rev. F. D. Reimer both delivered a short message of comfort and challenge, in­ terwoven with past outstanding events to the family and guests. The famous Prairie Rose Gospel Sing­ ers (of which the Schultz’s were and active part) rendered two well liked hymn — “Someone is praying for You”, and “Jesus Hold my Hand”.

A lunch after the service was ap­ preciated by all.

rr*

PRAIRIE ROSE SILVER WEDDINGS

What are those silver bells peeling away for? — Well two families are com­ memorating twenty five years of mar­ ried life. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schultz wanted to bring praise and honor to their Heaven-

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schultz

ly Father for Hiis goodness and mercy through joy and sorrow and so they in­ vited their friends and relatives for a time of fellowship and refreshments at the church August 15. exactly twenty

10

Mr. and Mrs. Goertzen with their children

Sunday, September 8 seemingly was full of events. Prairie Grove had a S. S. picnic. A host of young people and others went out on visitation for the Barry Mcore Crusade starting that even­ ing. At the church preparations were being made for a celebration. Twenty five years had come and gone since Mr. and Mrs. Karl Goertzen were united in Holy matrimony, and now, people were gathering tc commemorate this occasion. Isaac K. Plett (in-law) opened the program with Psalm 23 and Rev. Harvey Plett (nephew) spoke on Psalm 23 draw­ ing his main points from verse one. I The LORD is my Shepherd. 11 The Lord is MY Shepherd. Ill the Lord is my SHEPHERD. The audience was favored by a solo from Rudy Enns (nephew) and a few hymns by the local brass band. A fel­ lowship lunch with all the best wishes and blessings concluded the celebra­ tion. Your reporter extends a sincere

“God’s Richest Blessing” to the two fa­ milies as they face the future with the "Good Shepherd.” H. U. Plett. CRESTVIEW FELLOWSHIP

Our ladies group had the privilege to host the mission board executive on Oct. 14th. Though our facilities are but miniature in size they found no difficul­ ty in accommodating the small group. On Oct. Sth ladies of the church worked till late hours to bring about a real face-lifting to the interior of our house of worship. Thank-you Dorcas Sisters! With the generous help of the S.B.I. students and our own yoimg people, we have been able to distribute close to 5,000 pieces of literature in this locali­ ty. Thank-you for the voluntary service, students! May we continue to ask for God’s increase on these efforts. A College and Career group was start­ ed in the beginning of September with Brian Schellenberg as director. To date our average attendance stands at 15 which we feel is most encouraging. The Junior Young People meet every Friday with John Esau as their leader. They plan to present a missionary play in church this coming month. Our Family Worship attendance is slowly climbing and records are broken. With the potential increase the church felt the need of an assistant pastor and in August of this year the church under the leading of the Spirit chose Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dyck for this office. The Lord willing, ordination day is set for November 24 at 3:00 p.m. At the monthly brotherhood meeting in October the need arcse for election of a Sunday School Superintendent. This position was previously held by Mr. Dyck. On Oct. 13 the Mac Gregor-Arden choir under the capable conductorship of Marvin Thiessen rendered a most in­ spiring vocal program. Suitable Bible verses were interspersed by the narra­ tor, Mr, Jake Giesbrecht. Accepted into membership on Sept. 22 and Oct. 6 were respectively Mr. and Mrs. Glen Klassen. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Schellenberg and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Loewen, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Klassen. ROSENORT Baptism

Seven young people followed the Lord in baptism on Sunday. Oct. 13. Baptized

THE MESSENGER

were Irwin Kroeker (PKK), Benny Dueck (PHD). Eldon Friesen (DLF), Richard Loewen (ILL), Grace Loewen (ILL), Alvira Dueck (FBD), Norma Friesen (FCJL). Rev. P. L. Friesen of­ ficiated. ’This was the third baptismal service in 1968. Education

The new elementary school is a bee­ hive of activity. A staff of 11 hard­ working teachers and about 300 eager learners comprise this rather unique education centre. Team teaching, spe­ cializing in subjects, and open class­ rooms are not as yet the order of the day at this level. Whether this method will be the Utopia in education remains to be seen. Seven of the teachers are local resi­ dents. Placement by grades is as fol­ lows: I Charlotte Penner (Blumenort) Erna Kroeker II - Helen Pankratz (Winnipeg) n & HI - Martha Kroeker III - Nettie Brandt IV - Katherine Friesen (Arnaud) The senior wing staff from grades 5 through 8: Pete Toews (Winkler) Corny Hiebert Lome Komelsen Walter Dueck Ron Hoeppner is the principal. MACGREGOR E. M. C.

Once again our young people together with Valley Stream brought their pro­ gram the last two Sundays in .Septem­ ber. This time tn Winnipeg inthe Brae­ side and Crestview churches. At our Christian Endeavour on Octo­ ber 20th the ones participating in our D.V.B.S. thia summer gave reports and testimonies. Mr. Abe Esau also gave a report of this year’s work at Carberry Bible Camp. The offering of the even­ ing went towards this Camp work. Our Christian Young People are par­ ticipating actively in the Youth for Christ work. This year with a director in Brandon they are looking forward to a rich year of spiritual growth and witness. Remember them in prayer. October 27 was our annual Thanks­ giving day. The Thanksgiving service in the morning with the message by Bro. Abe Giesbrecht of Steinbach made us aware of the many blessings we have received both materially and spiritually. The Mission Rally followed a delicious fellowship dinner in the basement. During the rally Bro. Giesbrecht gave a report of his camp work with Indian children. Bro. Ben Friesen then gave us much food for thought with his mes­ sage on missions.

November 8, 1968

The Young People took charge of the evening service which took the form of a film, “Angel in Ebony”. Mrs. J. Koop and Mr. Henry Friesen have been on the sick list but are on their way to recovery now. Murray Brown and Mrs. Peter Wiebe are still hospitalized. Our prayers go with them. SWIFT CURRENT

September 29 was the last evening of our Missionary Conference. Rev. John D. Friesen again helped us to see our needs and then the needs of others. He also showed pictures of his visit to Pa­ raguay. The morning of the same day was Sunday School Promotion. In this service Clifford Reimer shared some of their experiences. October 9 was the time when as Bro­ thers and Sisters we gathered around the Holy Communion Table. To examine ourselves and rememljer what the Lord has done for us. Rev. D. P. Clark once again was a visitor to our church. The Sunday School had the privilege of viewing a film and Rev. Clark also served in the morning service. Rev. Clark represents the Mission to Lepers. October 18 was a happy occasion for us when we moved into our new church basement for a Fowl Supper. ’This sup­ per was held to help in our Building Project. Thanksgiving again is past, how thankful are we really for all we have and all that the Lord has done for us? Bom to Bernhard and Pauline Schlamp on August 6, 1968 a daughter Robin Faye. WYMARK

Our local Missionary Conference was held Sept. 22-29 with Rev. Bill Liner, J. E. M. as main speaker. As the different fields, Japan, Africa, Nigeria. Panama, etc. were presented to uis by slides and reports we received a new insight on the fields and also our great responsibility to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We thank each of the speakers for coming. Our new Sunday School year started Oct. 1. We have 25 classes with close to 50 teachers and substitute teachers participating. Shall we remember to pray for S. S. teachers wherever the true word is being taught. Baptismal Insti'uction Classes have again begun in our church with a num­ ber of young people attending. On Oct. 8 the Gospel Messengers Quartet visited our church with a musi­ cal program which was enjoyed by all present. On Oct. 10 Rev. D. P. Clark of the

Lepers Mission gave us a challenging report of the work among lepers. Six students from our midst are at S.B.I. Helen and Margaret Leiding, Do­ ris Rempel, Henry Rempel, Bill Funk and Larry Hamm. Frank Redekopp is attending Hepburn Bible Institute. A Thanksgiving turkey supper was held in our church on Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. A Thanksgiving service followed the supper. Ph. 106:l.“Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He i.s good.” We have so much reason to be thankful in this land of plenty. Our pastor and his wife (Elmer Hamms) left Oct. 15 on a trip to Peace River and Vanderhoof districts. The purpose of the trip is for radio follow up visitation and also a series of meet­ ings at Vanderhoop. Shall we remember to pray as the seed is sewn that fruit may abound for eternity. MENNVILLE

Mrs. Mary Barkman. The Sunday School work has been re­ organized for another year with Leon­ ard Dueck as superintendent and A,be Barkman as vice-superintendent. May this work go forth with great zeal and enthusiasm for the Lord. The following were elected into the "Young Peoples’ committee: Ed Friesen (leader). Henry Loewen (secretary). Abe Barkman, Menno Friesen and Rev. Harry Friesen. The annual closing pro­ gram for the young people was held Sept. 29. The highlight of the program was an active Bible name game. This was followind by an informal fellowship lunch. We praise the Lord for showers of blessing during the interlake missionary conference Oct. 16. “Missions at Home and Mission Abroad" was well present­ ed. We were happy to have the Frank Kroekers in our midist for this occasion. Rev. Kroeker served with the two main messages. May all of us be true to the commitments we made during this time. Dave Thiessen has gone to work in Hudson Bay for the winter. He hopes to help along in church beside his other work. May God blesis you. ’The Gimli S. S. has been organized for another year with a nearly new teaching staff. The following are now in office: Dave Friesen, Milton Friesen, Doris Friesen, Grace Thiessen and Vir­ ginia Plett. There has been an increase in the work. J. Kroeker formerly of Winnipeg are now in Gimli and they fellowship with us regularly. Births

To Rev. Harry and Levina Friesen, a son Sheldon Bruce on Sept. 14, 1968, Riverton.

11

OBITUARY Mrs. Margaretha Barkman formerly Mrs. Aron R. Reimer 1885 — 1968

"For we know that if our earthly house of thi.s tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.’ 2 Cor. 5: 1. It has pleased our Heavenly Father to take our mother and grandmother from this life to be with Him in her heavenly abode. She passed away at 1:00 p.m. on October 17 at the Stein­ bach Hospital after spending 5 weeks in a coma. I>uring this time she rarely gave any indication that she was con­ scious. Mother, nee Margaretha Dueck, was born at Kleefeld on December 2, 1885. Her father, Peter Dueck, died when she was small. When she was 4 years old her mother mariied Peter R. Reimer and they then moved to Blumenort. In 1905 she accepted Christ as her Sa­ viour and was baptised by Rev. Peter R. Dueck on July 16 of that year and received jpto the fellowship of the Evan­ gelical Mennonite Church. On April 17, 1906 she married Aion R. Reimer, and God granted them 47 years of life together. Father died on February 8, 1953 after suffering a stroke. With father being a deacon, mother faithfully shared problems and made many sacrifices so that father could carry out the numerous duties connect­ ed with his office. She was always par­ ticularly concerned about others. This manifested itself in her thoughtfulness to U.S at home and through the years in her general attitude. We often realized that she faithfully prayed for us. A par­ ticular characteristic of her was that she took great interest in singing. In 1954 mother married John E. Bark­ man who passed away on January 1, 1962. They lived in Blumenort for 7 Vi years and in Steinbach for 1 year. After he died, mother made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Susie Unger. After Mrs. Unger suffered from a heart con­ dition, Mother moved to the Resthaven where she spent almost 2 years. During her later years she was frequently hospitali.zed because of high blood pressure, often seemingly near death’s door. The day before she was stricken she was at Mrs. Unger’s home to celebrate her daughter’s 60th birthday. She made a remark that she felt very well. Considering the unconscious state in which mother lay for 5 weeks, we thank God for taking her home. Al­ though we mourn her separation from us, we look forward now to a glorious

12

THE MESSENGER

reunion. Our prayer and desire is, as was hers, that all children and grand­ children will be able to meet her on that Great Day. — The Family. Mrs. Isaac Heinrichs 1891 — 1968

It has pleased the heavenly Father to take home unto Himself our beloved mother, Mrs. Margaret Heinrichs. She was bom to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Janzen at Gretna, on June 25, 1892. She passed away to be with the Lord on October 1, 1968 at 5:35 p.m. at the Bethania Nursing home where she resided since Oct. 1967. She hs reached the age of 76 years and 3 months. In January of 1911 she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Ben Penner who pre­ deceased her on November 14, 1918. There are five children from this mar­ riage who mourn her passing. Margaret, Mrs. William Hiebert, Winnipeg; May, Mrs. Frank Toews, Steinbach; Peter, Morden; Ben, Tolstoi; John, Gretna. Further ones surviving her are 22 grand­ children and 10 great grand-children, one brother, Henry Janzen of Swan

Plain and one sister, Mrs. Ben Hamm of Altona. On June 25, 1950 she agiiin entered wedlock with Mr. Isaac Heinrichs of Neville, Saskatchewan. After retirement they moved to Swift Current, Saskatche­ wan where they resided till the passing of our father on September 27, 1966. She was a member of the Swift Current Evangelical Mennonite Church. We are not sorrowing as those with no hope as she longed for the Lord Jesus to take her home. The words of our Lord Jesus in John 11, 25, 26 as­ sure us that she is living today with Him. "I am the resurrection, and the life; he that beUeveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And who­ soever liveth and believeth in me shall never die . . We wish to express our deep grati­ tude to the nursing staff of the Betha­ nia Nursing Home for the help and lov­ ing care given to our mother. The Families. Funeral was held on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Loewen Funeral Chapel, Winni­ peg with Arnold Fast officiating.

All Churches C Sunday Schools Please Note You will again be thinking about your winter training program. The Board of Education and Publication has available a Teacher Training Syllabus outlining the following six courses. The Syllabus will be sent to you upon request. 1. Old Testament Survey 2. New Testament Survey 3. Christian Doctrine 4. Teaching Methods 5. Knowing Your Pupil 6. Evangelism Two new courses are to be added this fall and will be available later. They will deal with. The Christian Life and. Family Life.

Send for your Syllabus today. Write. Board of Education and Publication Box 1268 Steinbach, Man.

NVli

4.SVJ

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