The Messenger November 22, 1968

NOVEMBER 22; 1968

EVANGELICAL

VOL. 6

No.24

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CONFERENCE IlM

mrssEnoE n •:

ISSJ^E: MCC (MANITOBA)

GROUND BREAKING (See Page 7)

THE MINISTER’S ULCERS “Nearly every business man complains of at least one ulcer. We could not help thinking how many ulcers the poor business man would have if he worked under the same circumstances as the aver­ age minister. “Just suppose, Mr. Business Man, that you were over-seer of 100 workers. Suppose only 50'/ of them ever showed up at work at a given time, and only 25% could be really relied upon. “Suppose that every time ona of your workers had a slight headache, or company dropped in, or a flash of lightning appeared in the sky, large num­ bers of your workers pulled the covers over their heads and failed to appear for duty. “Suppose your workers only worked when they felt like it, and yet you must be very sweet and never fire one of them. To get them back to work you must beg them, plead with them, pat them on the back, and use every means under the sun to per­ suade them without offending them. “And suppose you were in competition with a notorious rascal, the devil, who has no scruples and is far more clever than you are and uses such attractive things as fishing rods, guns, soft pillows, television, and a thousand other things to attract your customers. “And suppose that you had to depend upon your own work force for your capital and that they gave only when ‘felt led’—to carry out the biggest business in the world? “How many ulcers would you have?” —The Highland Park Evangelist (Submitted)

LETTERS The Christmas Spirit and the Christmas Box At Christmas Christ came to mankind to die, to die for the rich and the poor. Christmas is the time for church services and programs; programs that show how the poor are considered and also the less fortunate, widows and orphans. It is a time of giving of time and means. Christmas is a time of family gatherings, turkey dinner and stuffing and all that goes with it. After dinner come songs and poems and play, some medi­ tations and finally the gifts. Father and mother give some and then in a lot of cases there is the Christmas box. What is the Christmas box and how does it con­ tribute to the Christmas spirit in general? In the Christmas box you need buy for only one person instead of shopping for the whole lot. You can buy something good instead of something small. A lot less work. You get a nice big gift instead of a lot

of little things. Let us not forget that each little gift has a Christmas spirit in it, just as the big gift has. Then it is possible that children are in two or three Christmas boxes and the price tag is on all of them. The end result is that the children get more from all other places than from home. And the father starts wondering in October how he will manage at Christmas time and then pay the bills in January. What did we learn in the Christmas program? Have we practiced it or have we oppressed the poor? Is Christmas a time of joy or dread to the poor? What could we have instead of the Christmas box? How about making up a Christmas bundle to a family in a war torn country? Could a large family gathering not produce a large Christmas blessing to some one who really needs it? Sometimes we pray for more concern for the lost. Let us pray this more often and try this Christ­ mas bundle idea. See if it won’t help us to get a burden for the lost, and maybe for those on our own doorstep. How is your Christmas spirit? Will it die with the old year or will it live in the new one? “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Kleejeld, Man. Dave Dueck GRATEFUL FOR TRIALS Dear Brother Sche'llenberg: I have just had the privilege to spend four weeks in the General Hospital in Winnipeg. For some three weeks I was confined to an 18 in. Striker frame immobile. A time of prayer, reading, witness­ ing, thinking of future and past, tears for others. I can say that only a few days went by when that I did not feel like smiling at others. The Lord under­ takes so wonderfully at these times. With Paui I can say when I am weak then am I strong in Christ Jesus. I will be in a body cast for three months. They may look long but here again Christ enters in, for this is a time that can be well spent for Him. (Mark 6:31). The operation on my spine looks to be of more than hoped for success. Praise the Lord. Leona, my wife, and Mrs. Gordon Thiessen took charge of the office during my absence. Our busi­ ness has been sold during this time and will change hands in November. We are looking to the Lord for guidance and direction for the future. Thank you so much to each one who has had a share in this our blessing. Leo and Leona Thiessen Box 1449, Virden, Man.

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mehnonite 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. Schellenberg. 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 clas.s mail by f.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

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The first step to the Spirit

filled'life is Sonship"

By C. B. Loewen

"FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT Probably my greatest aspiration after conversion was to be filled with the Holy Spirit. 1 had (and still have) very little theological know-how, and so I believed that what the Bible termed “the fulness of the Holy Spirit” was something all Christians should have but ma­ ny did not have. “Be ye filled with the Spirit” to me was a Bible com­ mand to be obeyed literally. 1 still cannot change my mind about the matter. The above term is used in Ephesians 5:18 and in numerous other places like Acts 2:4; 4:8; 4:31; etc.

A lack of spiritual power in the church is painfully evident in our circles, whether in the pulpit or the pew. There surely is a difference in the early church of the Book of Acts and the church of our day. This difference cannot be argued away dispensationally. We may claim to have ALL of the Holy Spirit when we have the C. B. Loewen is Pastor of the Morris (EMC) Fellowship Chapel.

November 22, 1968

Spirit at all, on the assumption that ONE Person is ALL Person. Fine. But the Holy Spirit cannot be shoved into a mathematical mold. How can ONE Person dwell in thousands of hearts at the same time? How can He meanwhile knock on the hearts of a thousand million more? Don’t ask me to ex­ plain. Only by faith can we ulti­ mately accept what the Bible re­ veals about this wonderful Per­ son. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus - to born-again believers. He commanded them to be “filled with the Holy Spirit” af­ ter telling them that they had al­ ready been “sealed with the Holy Spirit” and after warning them not “to grieve the Holy Spirit of Promise”. “Sealed” Christians were warned not to “grieve” but to “be filled” with the Holy Spirit. What then is the secret of “being filled”? Can 1, can you, live a Spirit-filled life? 1 want to draw your attention to three basic requisites of the Spirit-filled life.

I. Sonship As far as we know God will ne­ ver “fill” any person except His own child. Sonship is a definite re­ quisite to fulness. But we are prod­ igals. So the repentant prodigal must come back from his wandering.s with his minimum of selfrighteousness and on his confession of spiritual bankruptcy be received into a Father’s arms and restored to the favor of God. “But as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the SONS of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” John 1:12 “And because ye are SONS, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts . . .” Gal. 4:6-7. The first step to the Spirit-filled life is Sonship. We

must become the Sons of God by

faith in His Son. As we identify ourselves with the Son by faith, we are “sealed with that Holy Spirit Qf promise . . Eph. 1:13. We become heirs of the Spirit as we become co-heirs with Christ. “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his Contd. on page 6 3

Reu. Leri Reimer is the director of Freies Ev. Missionswerk of which the Children’s Home (Missions-Kinderdorf) is a part. The Reimer’s have been in charge of the work since its beginning in 1958. A full church program is car­ ried on. We have three workers here. (Ed.)

BAD GANDERSHEIM

HUIiRl^ THE HOMELESS FIND H HOME 11

Missions Kinderdorf" - Germany

“Please, could you tell us what some of the high lights were in your work during the past few months?” we were recently asked. For a moment I could not recall of any being very special. In the heat of the battle we had forgotten to count the victories. However look­ ing back I was reminded of the 16 year old girl who accepted the Lord in our home. She was actually to be sent to reform school but the authorities asked us whether we would not want to give her a last chance before doing so. We did ^nd she was saved but not after we

had gone through many sleepless nights wondering and fearing what she would be up to next. In one week she tried to commit! suicide once and tried to escape 3 times but we were always able to catch up with her. Two weeks later she accepted the Lord and seemed to make a good start but the fourth week satan caught her off guard caught up with her and brought her to an institution for observat­ ion. Here behind locked doors she got right with the Lord again. She wrote us and asked for forgiveness. Soon she wrote how she was able, to help other girls who were in the same position she was. Her be­ havior was so good that they let her come to us once more. She loves the Lord and has a real bur­ den for the lost. Shyly she came this morning and asked whether we would not take in her friend who

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also was an outcast like she had been. After she had told her about Jesus her friend wanted to come so badly. Well a soul saved for eternity I’m sure could be called a high light. A young man drunk was wander­ ing along the street searching for his own house door. He missed it and knocked at the door of one of our workers. This worker got such a burden for this lost soul that he went to search for him the next day. He found him and was able to lead him to the Lord. When this

young man now relates his ex­ periences he cannot help but smile that the wrong door became the right door. A catholic man was contacted on the street by one of our work­ ers and after much persuasion was able to bring him along to our meetings. Here the invitation was given and he accepted the Lord. A little while ago he was here to tell us how God had changed his life completely. His greatest desire now was that other people might be compelled to come in the way he had been. They will not hear unless they are urged like he was. Other high lights were exper­ ienced during our Bible camp where young lives were dedicated to the Lord. Taking in a new child into our Children’s Home is always a thrilling experience. Then later you see them accepting the Lord

and growing in faith is a joy. When you see them quietly resting in their clean beds or skipping off to school or taking part in the devot­ ions you begin to feel the respon­ sibility. Here are 45 lives that have been entrusted to you for you to bring up and teach and guide in the right direction. Will they one day bless you or curse you. We were so happy last week when our oldest boy (16 years old) asked whether he could not stay on after coming out of school in spring. We assured him that he certainly could since he was our child. He was so happy to hear. His mother has been in prison several years already. He does not really have a home. What a privilege to get these children where they really have little chance to develop and then to give them a home where they find warmth and security. The sleepless nights and endless hours of work are well repaid when we think that souls are being helped. The need is great and the time is short. Could we ask you once again to hold on in prayer and giving. God is working in wonder­ ful ways and soon we will see the reward of our labours. Till then we want to rejoice in the high lights God is already giving us. We wish you all God’s richest blessings. Yours in Christ, Levi Reimer

THE MESSENGER

Three Pacos Novas Indians Baptized Greetings in the wonderful name of our Saviour Jesus Christ! “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for His own in­ heritance.” Psalm 33:12. Praise the Lord that He also has chosen some of the Pacos Novas Indians for His inheritance and we believe be­ fore long there will be many. On Oct. 18th, three Pacos Novas Indians were baptized and it was with real joy in our hearts to hear their testimonies. Also to hear them pray for the first time in pub­ lic. It is hard to express one’s joy and praise to the Lord for His great mercy also on these jungle people. The day following we had the Lord’s Supper. The Lord has done and is doing great things whereof we are glad! There are others of the Indians who have ex­ pressed a desire to follow Christ and be baptized. Continue to pray for them that many more will know Christ as their Lord and Sav­ iour also pray for the new Christ­ ians that they will continue to walk with the Lord and be a real blessing to others. One of our linquists Royal Tay­ lor has gone to a Wycliffe confer­ ence in Bolivia to have the book of Mark checked by Wycliffe lin­ quists. He took an Indian inform­ ant with him. He plans on being gone about three weeks. We hope to have the books of Mark printed before the end of the year at our print shop near Manaus. Please

pray that soon this portion of scrip­ tures will be ready to be used in our work here with the Pacos No­ vas. There are a few Indians who know how to read so pray that there will be a renewed interest in learning to read. Lord willing, my co-worker and I Will be going back up river to­ morrow. Pray that the Lord will give us a real wisdom in teaching the new Christians as well as the others. Also pray that our own lives will be a blessing and chal­ lenge to them. We plan on mov­ ing out to the different villages and spend about two weeks at each place. That gives us more time to teach them, as well as us learning more about their ways. Abe Koop is spending some time with us here. He spent a week up at the Post where we’ve been working (the Koops worked there before their furlough). After the baptismal service and the Lord’s Supper, I came back into town with Abe. Tomorrow, Lord willing, Assis, one of our Brazilian mission­ aries, is going back to their place of work and Abe and another mis­ sionary will be going also. Sei'la and myself will be going in the same direction but to another Post. Thank you for all of you who have been praying for us here also many thinks to those who have helped with gifts. In the serivce of the King, Elizabeth Koop

Cinnamon and Daggers “Cinnamon and Daggers” is the exciting title of one of the chap­ ters of the book, RUN WHILE THE SUN IS HOT by Harold Fuller. It is the account of a 12,000 mile sa­ fari from west to cast across Afri­ ca. (For a brief desription of the book see back page.)

At a Mogadishu, in Somal Re­ public, a good-natured Indian sat behind a cage clearing currency declarations. For a two-shilling fee he transformed a drab official form into a splendid work of contempo­ rary art. When he finished with it, the form sparkled with 22 separate November 22, 1968

rubber stamp impressions in red, black, turquoise, and lurid purple. My name was set up in ha'lf-inchhigh capitals, stamped in black, with the four periods in “Mr. W. H. Fuller.” individually inserted with a red rubber stamp. There were date stamps and place stamps and “No” stamps and “Si” stamps, and arrow stamps to point to other stamps. Even the official seal stamp was over-stamped with the words, “Official Use Only.” Habibbhoy earned every Somali centof his fee. We had arrived in the SIM’s most southerly post, two degrees north of the equator.

Mogadishu is on a site with a millenium of recorded history. Fragments of Chinese pottery and Chinese coins dating from the Sung Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279) and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) have been found in the sandy soil. So­ malia was the part of Africa near­ est to the Far East, and with her flat scrub-covered plains the most accessible to traders in ivory and spices. Cinnamon was the chief spice. In modern times the Italians made Mogadishu their administra­ tive center until they were ousted during World War II. The U.N. al­ lowed them to return for 10 years after the war, until Somalia could draw up a constitution and become independent. Everywhere the Ital­ ian influence is still evident; the top of a wall painstakingly finished with Roman design, a gate-wav, a tower, and a road sign reading “Piano Prego” above the English and Arabic words for “Slow Please”. In the center of the capital of this fantastically Islamic nation I was surprised to see a massive twin-towered Roman Catholic ca­ thedral, built, according to a So­ mali newspaper editor, “by slave labor and prisoners.” To placate the Muslims for the offensive ca­ thedral, the Italians also built with­ in 100 yards and equally-imposing mosque with a neon-outlined cres­ cent topping its minaret. There are 250 mosques in this city of 100,000 population. Up on the too floor of the SIM building I found missionaries teaching classes in typing and Eng­ lish. The instructors are very care­ ful not to break the law by discus­ sing the gospel, but the students see concern, love, and sincerity. They often drop in at other times for a cup of tea. Some ask ques­ tions privately. Mohammed Nur is one who came back to ask more. During the day he studied at the Egyptian Second­ ary School, taught entirely Arabic. His tutors knew he was attending the SIM night school to improve his English, and offered him mon­ ey if he would pass on to them in­ formation about the missionaries. “How can I do that?” he asked them. “Those people are my friends.” The Egyptians told him to think it over. He did and gave them his answer. Continued on page 6 5

he told them. “This is their job. Send one of them to night school as a spy.” No, they wanted him to do the job. “If this is Islam, I don’t want it,” Mohammed thought to himself. He went to ask one of the missionaries the way to salvation, and gave his heart to Christ.

heir of all the riches, the abund­ ance, which the Holy Spirit is pleased to pour into my life. Christ is the key. Faith is my response which enables the Holy Spirit to fill me.

When Mohammed returned to his room, he realized there was no point in continuing the Islamic fast. The next day a student told his teacher he had seen Moham­ med drinking tea during the hours of fasting. The teacher confronted Mohammed in the classroom, de­ manding to know why he had done

We are sealed when we become sons. But the inspired apostle goes on in Eph. 4:30 saying, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, where­ by ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” To the Thessalonians Paul wrote: “Quench not the Spir­ it”. So there is a distinct danger that “sealed” Christians w i U “grieve” the Hbly Spirit.

so.

“Because I am now a follower of Jesus Christ,” confessed Moham­ med.

The teacher became livid. Point­ ing a finger at Mohammed, he or­ dered him to leave the school at once. To his surprise, three Mus­ lim students jumped up and inter­ vened. “Our nation is a democracy,” they declared. “You can’t send a student out because he believes differently. He is entitled to believe what he wants.” The teacher back­ ed down and Mohammed stayed.

A missionary in Somalia must use the unusual tactic of seeming off-handed when approached by inquirers. After cross-examining them he asks them to come back the next day. With an aching heart he watches them leave, praying fervently that they will return if they are serious. The wonderful thing is that they do. For two months after the constitution was amended, a Somali was converted every week at one SIM station. There were five young men lined up that night in Mogadishu, each waiting his turn to sit for half an hour’s Bible instruction . . .

SPIRIT (Cont'd) . . .” Rom. 8:9. As a SON of God by faith in Jesus I am the rightful 6

II. Sanctity.

Man is not a machine. He is a free moral agent, made in the image and likeness of God, with the power of choice before and after salvation. The possibility of sinning against the Holy Spirit is constantly prevalent. In the same chapter of Ephesians the apostle speaks of ‘putting off’ certain things and ‘putting on’ others. 'The Christ­ ian must continue to prune his own life of those things which hinder the Spirit’s control and continue to pursue those things which please the Godhead. As the Spirit is hin­ dered His influence in our lives is quenched. Notice some of the things mentioned in verses 25-32 of Ephesians 4. Lying, wrath, steal­ ing, corrupt communication, bitter­ ness, clamour, evil speaking, un­ forgiveness, etc., are mentioned as “grievers” of the Spirit. We con­ tinue to “be filled” only as we continue to be sanctified and cleansed from sin.

The Christian is cleansed from sin by recognition and confession. “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all un­ righteousness.” I John 1:9. After confession of sin there must needs follow the appropriation of forgive­ ness based on God’s promise. The Christian who wills to “be "filled with the Spirit” must constantly will to be cleansed from sin.

in. Surrender

We must not only seek a sancti­ fied, separated-from-sin life but we must also seek a surrendered separated-to-God life. By faith the Christian is to continue to present his body a living sacrifice to God. Sanctified Sons must surrender to serve. The Holy Spirit is given to them that obey God. Acts 5:32. He wills to use every Christian in His service. He requires a volun­ tary surrender to service on our part. This surrender is a surrender of faith “for without faith it is im­ possible to please Him.”

Dare we trust His guidance? If we dare not, we will never be “filled with the Spirit”. Faith is strategic for the Christian. We must trust enough to surrender to Him. The Bible warns of fearing the faces of people, of fearing men more than God. No doubt many ministers of the Word have quenched the Holy Spirit because they feared to speak what The Ho­ ly Spirit ask^ them to. God honours those who wait upon Him for a message and when He gives it, immediately say, “Yes, Lord” in spite of impending jeers, sneers, and fears.

It is not so much a matter of a once-for-all surrender but a sur­ render that continues moment by moment, day by day, year by year. Rebellion in any area w*ill immedi­ ately tend to “quench the Spirit” but renewed surrender will result in renewed power.

The Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ were filled at Pentecost. Pe­ ter was filled before the Sanhedrin; then later was filled again in a prayer meeting. As the Sons of God, sanctified by confession and prayer, and surrendered to serve, Christians of all ages have exper­ ienced this marvellous power in their lives; as those “filled with the Spirit.” Paul was deeply concerned that ALL the Church should be “filled with the Spirit”. Therefore among other things he prays in Eph. 3:16, “. . . that He would grant you, ac­ cording to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith . . . .” The command is clear and contemporary: Be filled with the Spirit! Shall we respond?

THE MESSENGER

BUENA VISTA i

BLESSINGS By Ernest Funk “t.

Salutation: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. (II Cor. 9:8). Many of you have written to us but have not received an answer. We are grateful for each one of you and hope you will continue to write and pray. We will answer as :ime permits. Would you like to know what is Joing on here around Buena Vista n Paraguay?

Grammar Gab: The Spanish Gram­ mar classes were finished in Sep-

MCC (MANITOBA! BREAKS GROUND Construction on the $120,000 MCC (Manitoba) center here be­ gan with a brief sod-turning cere­ mony Friday, October 18. Attending the ceremony were members of the board of directors and the staff. Chairman J. H. Un­ ruh and the head of building com­ mittee, Ed. Loewen, turned the first spades of sod. The board had solicited $72,000 in loans from interested individuals by the time construction got under­ way. They will be seeking loans from constituents during the fall and winter for the remaining $48,000 of the project costs. The building committee is as­ suming the duties of general con­ tractor for the building program. They have hired John Dueck, Win­ nipeg, as supervisor. The basement of the 92x50 build­ ing will serve as a material aid processing center and an office for MCC (Manitoba). The main floor will house the offices of several reilated organizations, including MCC (Canada).

November 22, 1968

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CAMPO NUEVE, EAST PARAGUAY

tember. Ernest was well pleased with the six students who passed their final exams. Hcusework Help: Tolita, the Para­ guayan girl who helped in the house, left us very suddenly in Ju­ ly and was married shortly after. It was a real disappointment to us, because Elsie had just started leaching in the Paraguayan school. The day she left, the doors of the school were closed and have not been reopened since. Attempts to get another reliable girl so far have failed. Paraguayan Progress: Last Sunday we were encouraged to find the Romero family (Tolita’s parents) taking steps of obedience to the Word. So far they have refused to have their new-born baby bap-

tized. Their neighbours call the baby an animal because it has not been baptized. “No one comes to visit us,” said Mr. Romero, “but when our neighbours are in need they always find their way to our house.” Mennonite Minutes: During the last three months, about twelve young people and children have made de­ cisions to follow the Lord. We are thrilled to see their interest grow in the Word of God. Every day our young people meet the chal­ lenge to prove their faithfulness to the Lord. Please pray for them as they come in contact with unsaved young people that their testimony might ring clear. Several more young fellows have begun to at­ tend the Sunday evening service.

Christmas Program Announcement Date: December 13, 1968 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Place: Emmanuel Mission Church, Steinbach, Manitoba A musical program interspersed 'with narrations All are welcome.

STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE Steinbach, Man.

THE LAD WHO GAVE HIS LUNCH TO THE LORD

The lad was looking for a shady spot in which to eat the lunch'that Mother had carefully packed for him that morning before he left home. He had had a busy day, and now he was ready to enjoy his bread and fish. Finding a cool place under the shady branches of an old tree, he began to unpack his little lunch. Suddenly he sensed that someone was nearby, watch­ ing hin.. When he looked up, he saw a kindly faced man; a man whom he thought he had seen ear­ lier in the day, but he wasn’t quite sure where. The Lad and Andrew The man spoke to him in a quiet, earnest voice: “Hello, there, son. I see you are about to eat your lunch.” “Yes, sir, and I’m sure ready for it.” “Well, how would you like to come with me — before you eat your lunch — to meet Someone whom you will love right away? Will you come with me?”

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“All right, sir; just a moment till I put my food back in my sat­ chel. If I leave it, it may not be here when I get back.” The two made their way back up the little path that the boy had taken in his endeavour to find a shady spot, to the large level plain where he had spent most of the day, listening to a great Teacher who had been attracting large crowds of people. Indeed, there was still a large number of people gathered on the plain. Making their way through sever­ al groups of people, the lad with his new-found friend finally came to a group of men who seemed to be discussing some important mat­ ter. They were grouped around the Teacher, occasionally pointing to the crowd. When the lad approach­ ed the group, he he heard one say­ ing “Here comes Andrew with a lad. I wonder what he has to say about it.” So that was his name — An­ drew? He knew now where he had

seen the man. He had been with Jesus, the great Teacher. And did he mean that he was going to in­ troduce him — a mere lad — to this great Teacher? It was too good to be true. Just then one of the other dis­ ciples, Philip by name, spoke up, “Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” What was he talking about? Two hundred pennyworth of bread! That was more than he had ever thought of. The crowd? — Did he mean this crowd, the crowd that had followed Jesus all day long? Did he mean that they wanted to feed the crowd? They could never do it, he thought to himself. Any­ way, it was too late in the day to buy bread, and, besides, the town was quite a distance from this plain. They couldn’t go there and be back before nightfall. With this multitude of thoughts in his mind, he heard his friend, Andrew speak to Jesus: “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” What did he mean? thought the little lad. Why talk about my lunch? Was this why he brought me to Jesus — to take my lunch from me? Fear gripped his heart. He didn’t know what to do. The Lad and Jesus But then Jesus Himself spoke, calmly but with a sense of authori­ ty. “Make the men sit down.” The disciples began to ask the crowd to sit down on the green grass. Obe­ diently the hungry, tired people sat down in rows on the plain, wondering what was going to hap­ pen. Then it happened! Jesus turned to the little boy and asked him to give him his lunch. Looking into Jesus’ eyes, the lad lost his fear; eagerly he reached into his satch­ el and took out the five loaves and two small fishes. He laid them in Jesus’ strong hand. Still watching Jesus, he heard the Lord give thanks. He saw Him begin to break the loaves into fragments and likewise the fish. But what was happening? No mat­ ter how much He broke off, there always seemed to be bread and fish in His hands. The disciples were carrying the food to the peoContd. on page 12

THE MESSENGER

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FROM TO YO

HOUSE &

HOUSE

WHEN WE ADOPTED CHILDREN Mrs. Anne Klassen Lac du Bonnet, Man. Our first trip to the Children’s Aid Society will remain ir.dellible in my mind. After what appeared like, a long, endless wait (only six months to be exact), we re­ ceived a telephone call: “Would you be interested in adopting a four month old boy?” .... “And could you come in tomorrow to look at him?” Would we? Could we? By all means and more - to take him home. And who could resist loving a smiling brown-eyed laddie, ready for a new mommie and daddy? That was the description of the baby being picked out for us. Yes, ours - one who had long been prayed for and desired! All my built up anticipation, thrills and intense joy became reality as I clasped the little “orphan” to my bosom. Enroute home with our treasured possession we went on a hasty shopping expedition. Hasty in that we were rather inexperienced and in our excitement made foolish purchases, but it was all so enjoy­ able. I can stfll see daddy - j-racing to the car, lugging a bathtub, much to the spectators’ amusement. * Adjustments had to be made in the home - just like the parents after the birth of their child: you have a new personality in your home who tends to upset former habits and routines: Nevertheless, what a thrill it is to tend to a youngster in the home; to have something more in common with other mothers; something more to give you an incentive in your work. Practically a year later, we ex­ perienced similar thrills of joy except this time the event came unexpected. A pink bundle was dropped into our laps by the agenNovember 22, 1968

cy - a sweet little parcel of hu­ manity. Our joys seemed to be complete. And yet, numerous thoughts revolved through my mind — How will I manage caring for two babies (only 9'-i months apart in age) ? And how will they adapt to each other? etc. My fears were confirmed after we picked up our son: he set off a howl when he realized that mommie’s lap was filled without him. This awoke the newcomer and af­ ter a quick look around in the strange environment, she joined her brother. Had a regular scream­ ing “duet” all the way from town. This continued throughout the first night after every hour, awaking one another. However, now after four years, we sti'll feel so grateful for our “twins” and count it a privilege to be able to love and be loved by our own family. That is what we feel they are. And yet, is that what other people consider it to be? Our experience is that individuals will always make it an issue that our children are “adopted”. I was almost horrified when a good friend of ours first approached us with defects of adopting child­ ren when she asked, “Are you not afraid to adopt children?” “Why?” was asked innocently. “Because of loose moral heredities,” was the answer which really shook us. How about your own children? Won’t they inherit your weak traits, bad

habits if you believe that much in heredity. Another one inquired with much anxiety, “Has your girl got par­ ents at least?” Her husband an­ swered before we digested the full meaning, “Of course, or else they wouldn’t be here.” Quite a few possessive mothers have told me, “It’s alright for you to adopt, but I could never love someone else’s child, especially when you don’t know where they come from.” Now that our children are get­ ting older, different Questions are thrown at us in their presence, “Are they both yours?” or many have asked, “Are they brother and sister?” To both we answer em­ phatically “definitely.” However, despite the fact that we will always have to contend with such inquirers, we are fully aware that we have many friends who have shared our joys and were understanding. The stacks of mail, cards and gifts arriving in our mail box after each arrival was evidence of it. We appreciated each gift as well as each call. And even now, many friends still are pulling for us in many ways. Our prayer and desire is that we might be able to provide a genuine home for our precious wards, one where they might find real love and contentment, a haven in which to get courage to battle the storms that will confront them in the world, as they grow up.

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where they are also members. Pre­ sent was also the rest of the family. Let us remember them in prayer. PLEASANT VALLEY

FAMILY LEAVING FOR PARAGUAY

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Families Leave ■'

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’The C. F. Duecks, with three of their children, Barry, Alvin and Jeanette, have left our midst. ’The Pleasant Valley Church had a farewell in their honour. On October 27 they left for Kamsack. The Duecks are tn charge of the rni.ssion work there, replacing the John Koops. Mr. and Mrs. Jake Reimer and Lyn el le have moved to Flin Flon. Jake has been employed there for the winter months as carpenter. May God use these families to bring more souls into His kingdom. Communion Service

Seen here is Mr. Henry Toews with one of their huge packing boxes destined tor Paraguay.

Undertaking a mission which would make many a younger man quake, is Henry Toews (50) with hie wife, three married children and two other children age 6 and 13 as wdll as two grandchildren, headed for Paraguayan bush coun­ try, 300 km. from the capitol, As­ uncion. But brother Toews, a veteran of that country, having spent the greater part of his life there, is optomistic of the future. Plans call for the purchasing of some 20,000 acres of land.

This

property will be in two parcels. A small tract on the Paraguay River some 25 miles down stream from Conception. This portion has har­ bor facilities on the river. Mr. Toews is buying this land from the government who also have offered to assist with placing a school and clinic on the land. The larger portion is inland east of there but connected with a road. The question naturally comes. Why? “For ourselves we would not go.” said Mr. Toews. But he said they were going with a burden for the Indians now living in a most pitiful spiritual and moral state. It is his intention, once ready, to take nomadic Indians to the sta­ tion. He plans to help these people make a living off the land which he will provide from his holdings.

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The children will be taught in a school which will seek to provide. Mr. Toews is no new-comer to In­ dian mission work, having spent a number of years in Paraguay doing this work. The land is some 80 per cent bush. Plans call for the setting up of sawmill facilities to harvest this timber consisting of both hard and softwood. After clearing, the land will pro­ duce both com, sugarcane and

wheat. The main market will be Asuncion although hardwood may also be exported. The two sons, Dick and Henry and son-in-law Dave Zacharias, are all leaving good paying jobs in this country to go with their father in this venture. Henry is taking his motorcycle, a 600 cc. BMW, which will come in very handy for trans­ portation. Household effects as well as old clothing intended for the Indians, is already shipped and will go by boat. The family consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Toews Sr., Dick Toewses, Henry Toewses, Dick Zachariases, Elmer 13 and Elvira 6 as well as two grandchildren plan to go by air leaving Winnipeg on Nov. 27 at 11:00 a.m. and arriving in Asun­ cion the next day. A farewell service for the Toews­ es was held on Sunday night Nov. 17, in the Steinbach E.M. church.

On October 27, Dave Elidses, Nick Eidses, and Mr. Frank K. Friesen join­ ed the regular S. S, teachers at Opawaka in a communion service. People from this extension district also participated. Rev. Dave Eidse officiated and Rev. Frank Friesen had the message. Columbine

Services in Columbine have again terminated for the winter months. We are happy to have the Bill Friesen fa­ mily, Leslie Siemens, Danny Loewen, and Florence Eidse with us again. Seve­ ral of them have accepted S. S. teaching positions in the home church. BLUMENORT

The renovation and building project on our church and Sunday School build­ ing is nearing completion. The doors of the church reopened for worship ser­ vices on October 27 after having been closed for three weeks. A hearty thankyou to the churches who hosted us so graciously on these Sundays. The girls who attended the instruc­ tion classes last spring met on Sunday, November 10. They divided into discus­ sion groups after having heard a talk by their leader, Agatha Fast. The girls have been gathering regularly for spK ritual and social fellowship. School bells this fall have again cal­ led many of our young people to further their education. We wish you much success in your studies and may we all be found faithful in our preparation for and engagement, in the Master’s service. ENDEAVOUR

In July we had a congregational pic­ nic, games were enjoyed by all as well as a lovely supper. The evening was a time of mixed feelings as we said fare­ well to the Pete Friesen’s and welcomed the Buhlers. Mr. Rumick if Pine River

THE MESSENGER

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served us with an appropriate message. In August a good number of young people went to Steep Rock Youth Re­ treat A good time was reported by all. On the 27th of Sept, two of our young people Ruth Downey and David Scharfenburg were united in marriage. Our best wishes go out to them. Our annual meeting was very well at­ tended. At that time new board mem­ bers were elected as well as others ta­ ken care of. On Nov. Sth we held our fellowship supper after which we had a program of special numbers, a film and a short message by Mr. Buhler. On Nov. 10 a quartet from Saskatoon served us at our worship service. It was a blessing to see one of our former young people. Daryle Wilkinson using his talent in praise to the L)’-d Jesus.

conference. Rev. J. Koop was guest speaker for the three sessions. He is the speaker on the radio program, “Gospel Echoes'’ a CFRY Portage la Prairie, algo pastor at MacGregor. A report was brought on the Biafra situation from a native Christian who is at M.B.B.C. in Winnipeg. After “faspa” some tapes were play­ ed, from foreign fields. Mary Loewen’s voice was familiar, when she spoke from Germany, where she is doing work with children. Jake Martens reported from Br. Hon­ duras, as the conference came to its last session. 'The Morens, from St. Malo, Man. gave a testimony. 'This has been a time of learning and fellowship, as missions was emphasiz­ ed in a program designed to inform and instruct. It throws the responsibility on each individual Christian, to be faithful.

MORRIS FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL Mission Emphasis Week

PRAIRIE ROSE

The Morris church observed "Mission Emphasis" the week of October 29 November 3, 1968. Beginning on 'Tues­ day, with emphasis on radio outreach, pastor C. B. Loewen presented the dif­ ferent programs sponsored by the home churches, that are currently being aired in Canada, Mexico, and possibly in Nisaragua by the New Year. Guest speaker for the evening was Rev. J. J. Neufeld of the low German gospel program from Winnipeg. His message was Power for the age we live in, should we not avail ourselves of every communications me­ dia to project the gospel quickly and powerfully? He preceded the message with a report on the radio work. A trio ladies from the program rendered seve­ ral numbers. Wednesday night the Sunday School work was emphasised. Rev. P. J. B. Reimer, who is acquainted with this, since it was first begun, presented this important branch of missions. The choir was present to sing. 'Thursday night I>ave Redekopp of “Redekopp Electric” Winnipeg repre­ sented the Christian Business Men of Manitoba and challenged the Christian to be a witness at his daily post. He told how God had ,been the deciding in­ fluence in his own life and the conse­ quent blessings. Testimonies followed from local businessmen. Elmer Warkentin was present on Youth night, Friday. He has taught in Morris and been active in our church prior to his return to college. A film was shown “The Silent Witness”, em­ phasizing the need to witness, in and out of season. Sunday, the concluding day of the

Our extension committee enjoys re­ porting to the church every fall about the blessing of V.B.S. The other Sun­ day evening we were all encouraged to hear of the work that had been done. Dedicated Sid Koop reported on Pr. Grove V.B.S. which was taught in the evenings with all its advantages and disadvantages. Mrs. Sid Reimer told of the local classes in Landmark with the privilege of drawing in less fortunate children. The combined attendance of Landmark, New Bothwell, and Prairie Grove was around 136 pupils. Consecrated Bro. Frank Goertzen with three other teachers motored to Weekes, Sask, to help out the Art Loe­ wens. He was really enthused about the many blessings experienced. Total atten­ dance in three districts served was 119 with the Hudson Bay Area not figured. Bro. Ronald Penner spoke out quite personally to the congregation on the subject “Why Extension Work". EHabor. ating on points like — It’s God's Com­ mand, — What about our concern for others? and — Promises of victory and Reward. I suppose it were our younger clergy who convinced the senior ones to have a change in our usual Deeper Life Meet­ ings. Well we did have something quite different this fall.

November 22, 1968

New Approach A new subject was given for each night Sunday through Thursday. 'The unusual vital topics were: 'The Nature of the Church - F. D. Reimer; Church Music - Bill Doerksen; S. B. I. The Great Commandment - Harvey Plett; Family Devotion - A. P. Unger; Dare to be Different - Edwin Plett.

Any church Interested should definit­ ely invite the above speakers. The .balance of the week was well fil­ led out with missionary challenges by Rev. Milton Fast and Rev. Melvin Koop the last meeting. A pictorial report from the Steinbach Bible Inst., by Ben Friesen, Japan by Comie Loewen as well as the compre­ hensive report by Rev. D. K. Schellenberg on Canada were very informative. A warm thank you to all. Many blessings and challenges were received except the fact that our mis­ sionary budget was lagging, and — the main speakers too often were crowded out by preliminaries. Perhaps the pro­ gram committee could keep this in mind for the future.

RIVERTON GOSPEL CHAPEL In our last report we wrote of the departmentalizing of our Sunday School. We are happy to say that this project is working very well, and the children enrolled in the Junior department are very enthusiastic. 'The overall attendan­ ce is holding up very well, and a good expansion is anticipated. Average at­ tendance in October was around 110. The Ladies Friendship held their an­ nual meeting this Fall, on Sept. 20 and elected to its executive, Mrs. Martha Klassen, President, Mrs. Loretta Romaniuk, vice-president, Mrs. Carolyn Loewen, secretary-treasurer, and Mrs. Violet Wright. In addition to the regular meetings the ladies are sewing for M.C.C., sending donations of soap, and are now giving “Money for Mittens for Mary’s Motherless". ’These motherless are the German children who are in the care of Missionary Mary Brandt. Rev. and Mrs. Harry Welch, Dallas, Manitoba, Gospel Missionary Union missionaiico were guests at the evening service on Thanksgiving Sunday and Bro. 'Welch brought the message. Our pastor a”d wife have had the pri­ vilege of ministering at Gimli, Fisher Branch and Mennville during October and November. Camp Committee Elected A meeting of interested men in the proposed Inter-Lake E.M.C. Camp was held in the chapel on Thursday Oct. 24. Members were present from all the In­ ter-Lake churches and a permanent committee was elected. Harry Friesen was elected chairman for three years, and other members elected were - Tony Komelson, Fisher Branch, Menno Pen­ ner, Morweena; Milton Friesen, Menn­ ville; and Eldwin Wright for Riverton. Plans are now being drawn up for a camp, and land is being looked at. After Oontd. on next page

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BOOKS YOU WILL WANT TO READ World Aflame Billy Graham The national best seller by the famous American evangelist tells why he believes the world is on a collision course — and what this generation can and must do about it. 288 pages. 85c How To Give Away Your Faith Paul E. Little “Leighton Ford comments . . . Paul Little’s many years of evangehstic work enable him to write with authority. Though much of his work has been in the stu­ dent world, what he has to say will appeal to all who are con­ cerned about evangelism today. With excitement and thanksgiv­ ing I am honored to commend this work as a key guide to wit­ nessing today.” $1.65 Parents On Trial David Wilkerson Why kids go wrong—or right. A must for parents. $1.20 Living Gospels Promoted by Billy Graham on nationwide T.V., this is a para­ phrased, accurate and readable rendition of the four Gospels plus the book of Acts. 450 pages. Cloth $4.29 Paper $2.70 Living Gospels. Pocket book edi­ tion. 85c The Taste of New Wine Keith Miller Forward by D. Elton Trueblood A sophisticated young busi­ nessman’s search for meaning ends in God’s encounter on a lonely East Texas road. If you are tired of a bland, secular life; if you’re looking for ultimates, this book may be of some assist­ ance. $3.85 Run While The Sun Is Hot W. Harold Fuller The story of the impact of the Gospel of Christ on Africa through the instrumentahty of the Sudan Interior Mission. $1.50

THE LAD WHO GAVE (Cont’d) pie. It was a mircale! The wonder­ ful Lord Jesus was actually taking his lunch and feeding the great crowd with it. The little boy was thrilled. How glad he was that he had given his lunch to Jesus. Then Andrew

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Angry Water Bernard Palmer Pretty much left to his own devices, Donald Roy works with a mink rancher for a time. But trouble seems to follow him wherever he goes and in what­ ever he does. (Juvenile). $2.50 Dare To Live 'Now! Bruce Larson A practical and fresh approach to Christian living. Chapters in­ clude Are You Fun to Live With?—You and Your JobDiscovering a Christian Marriafe—The Simplicity of Prayer— and others. Paper 85c Cloth $3.25 The Sky Is Falling Esther L. Vogt A book of fiction about a Mennonite community in 1895 and their struggle to remain “sepa­ rate from the world.” Hannah struggled to keep the door shut to those not of her faith. She tried desperately to be faithful to the faith of her fathers. In spite of all that she did, circum­ stances had a way of working adversely to her plans. The floodtide built up until finally the whole word came crashing into her beautiful Mennonite world. And when it did, Hannah learned a few things about sep­ aration, and faith, and people, and God. 224 pages. $^85 The Witness Urie A. Bender A book on witnessing. Al­ though message, method and motivation are included in the content, the primary emphasis is upon the character of the wit­ ness. The Christian is a witness whether or not he wants to be one. Thus, he needs to cooperate with God in becoming the right kind of witness. The author pre­ sent that larger dimension of witnessing which fits naturally into everyday living. $3.30 These books available from Evangel Book Shop, Steinbach, Man. came with some bread and fish and offered it to the boy. The boy could hardly eat for excitement. He asked Andrew all sorts of ques­ tions. Would Jesus work a miracle with anything that was given to Him? Was He able to use every-

thing that was yielded to Him? To all his questions, Andrew replied. “Yes, Jesus is able to use anything and everything that is give to Him.” I am quite sure that most of you have heard and read this story many times, but I want you to think of three most important things in the story — the lad, the lunch, and the Lord. The Lad We are not told much about this little lad. We don’t know his name or his age. We don’t know what he looked like, whether he was short or tall, fat or thin. We are not told that he had any special abi'hties or talents, or that he was top of his class at school or that he was the best ball player in his grade. The Lunch It wasn’t a very exciting lunch, was it? Bread and dried fish, such as is used in Palestine. We might have thought it far too plain and small for the Lord Jesus to use. Andrew thought that way. Remem­ ber he said, “What are they among so many?” The Lord Yet the Lord is able to take the lunch of a little lad and work a miracle. Th^ condition? The lunch must be put into His hands, will­ ingly and unreservedly. Young folks, there are multi­ tudes of men and women, boys and girls, who are hungry for the Bread of Life. The Lord Jesus wants to feed them, but He needs those who will put their all into His strong hands, that He may bless and use it in His service. He’s asking you today if you will give all to Him. How will you re­ spond? guay. —Prairie Overcomer

CAMP COMMITTEE (Cont’d) this is accomplished then definite plans will ba adopted. During the month of October and No­ vember the Pastor and congregation having been doing intensive study and heartsearching in preparation for our special meetings with Melvin Dueck from Nov. 17 to Fri. Nov. 22. The Sun­ day evening services and the mid-week Bible study and prayer hour have been geared to revival. Pray for these servic­ es and for your representatives in this needy field. — The Riverton Gospel Cha­ pel Congregation.

THE MESSENGER koiuk

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