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MAY 9, 1969

EVANGELICAL

VOL. 7,

M E N N 0 N IT E

CONFERENCE

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IN THIS ISSUE:

My Bpotber Sam

Two Baptized in Ecuador

With the Churches

For Whom the Bell Tolls “No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main . . . therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” —John Donne (1573-1631)

In a few words, yet fraught with meaning, the author of the above lines makes a point that we would do well to note more closely. Especially was this brought home to me as I thought of two of the obituaries printed in this issue of the MESSENGER. Youth is the time of opportunity, of living, of optimism. Yet God has again shown us that no person is too young to die. Swiftly, suddenly, al most without warning two young people have been snatched from time into eternity. Contrary to the belief of many today, death does not end all. After death comes the judgment. How we thank God though that there is one who says that there is an atonement for transgression. This means that man, guilt-ridden sinful man may experience the joys of sins forgiven, of a cleansed conscience. To have the obituary of one young person oc curs rarely. To have two in one issue is striking, to say the least. What is God saying to us? Isn’t He saying, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Pr. 27:1) And this not only to the aged and elderly. but to all. This should also give us second thoughts about the pursuit of worldly ambitions for self gratifi cation. God will not remain debtor to anyone who heeds his commands and follows them. And He says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” The rebuke is well given. We are often so pre

Greetings in cur Redeemer’s name with Psalm 27: To all our friends and loved ones who have so wonderfully shared in our bereavement. May this let ter be an answer to all who have written or contributed in any other way their love towards us

occupied with “things” that even the joy of living is taken away. How aptly Henry Ward Beecher has said, “When we fill our hours with regrets over the failures of yesterday, and with worries over the problems of tomorrow, we have no todays in which to be thankful.” Every time you see a funeral procession pass by, every time you read of a death, every time you read an obituary, relentlessly, inexoribly — the bell tolls for thee. But man is blind. Man will not heed; will not listen. He doggedly pursues his own way saying, “I am the captain of my soul; I am the master of my fate.” Little does he know how frail he is. A sword of Democolos may be over him suspended by a thread. Two stanzas from Longfellow’s Psalm of Life seem very appropriate here. They are the following: Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not it’s goal; Dust thou are to dust returnest. Was not spoken of the soul. Art is long, and Time is fleeting. And our hearts, though stout and brave. Still, like muffled drums, are beating funeral marches to the grave. And so at an early age these young men have finished their course, but thank God before they did, they made their peace with the Lord. Have you? —D.S. CREDITS: Chua Wee Hian (page 7) is associate general secretary IFES in Southeast Asia "The Palm and the Mango" is reprinted by permission from HIS. student ma gazine of International Inter-Varslty Christian Fellowship, c 1969. Opal Lintz, (page three) lives at 3518, East Monterosa, Phoenix, Arizona 85018. Art-work by John Hiebert of "The Mennonite".

in the last three months when this meant so much to us. We connot express our feelings of thankful ness as much as you have com forted us, but God keeps the books and may He bless you for it. We have marvelled at the great ness of God and the way our Hea venly Father sends down the strength and help we need at the right time. How it has touched our hearts to realize that praying saints are standing behind it all, and the Holy Spirit.

On the 9th of January my hus band closed the church doors after work, coming home for supper, not knowing this was his last day of work here on earth. The two little children ran to the door to greet him with a loving “Hi, Daddy darling.” He had been working at the chapel for the last three months eagerly looking for ward to the Revival Meetings that were to begin the following Sun day. While these metings were Contd. on page 7

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 Godlines.s and victorious living. Inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg. 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. Subscription: Members pay through their church. Non-members $1.00 per year. THE MESSENGER. Published every other week by Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Dox 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba. Second Class Mail, Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address.

THE MESSENGER

In our school, Sam was what they call a slow learner.

MY BROTHER SAM I saw Alfred Wene the minute I got off the bus. What good luck— he was sitting with another boy and he was right across the aisle from me. “Mind if I park here?” I asked the girl in the seat across from Alfred. The girl had on a pretty, tan suit. It was much simpler and smarter than my red dress. Her hair was smooth and shiny. She smiled at me. “Of course you may,” she said. Then she asked if the bus ran past Bethany Mission. She was helping there — volunteer work she said. Her name was Lin da Larkin. All the time I was talking to her I noticed that Alfred kept looking at me. When I got off the bus, he got off, too. He said, “Okay to walk home with you?” I knew that Al fred lived way up the street and had not needed to get off at Macon Drive. I thought, “He wants to talk to me. Maybe he’ll ask me for a date.” I didn’t answer Alfred right off. Sure as I would say, “Yes,” my little brother Sam would show up. Sam was the odd one of us. In our school, Sam was what they call a slow learner. He looked 'like one, too. Whenever I brought a new friend home with me, she would stare at Sam. Then she would say, “Is he your brother?” But maybe Sam would forget to come to meet me today. I did want to walk home with Alfred. He was the first tall boy who ever noticed me. The others were all little shrimps. I looked at Alfred cool-like and said, “You never seemed to no tice—” “Sissy-Sis-ee-e!” Wouldn’t you know? It was Sam. His mouth was open, the way it was most of the time. He stumbled along on his clumsy legs, trying to reach me.

May 9, 1969

Opal Lintz

When he finally made it, he threw his arms wildly around me. Sam was full of love for every body. He never stopped to think how another person felt about him. I unfasten^ his arms and said, “No, Sam. I’m busy.” Sam gave me one of his “Why? I don’t understEind” looks and shuf fled away. “Sorry, Alfred,” I said quickly. Alfred didn’t say anything. I tried to get him to talk, but he; just said, “Uh-huh, yep,” and then went mum. I could tell he was glad when we came to my place and he could leave, “See you around,” he said and walked on, fast. There it was again. Everything was ruined. Alfr^ was over and done with. When I got home. Ma told me to help with the supper. “We’ll eat early,” she said. “Have to get ready for Sammy’s program at school.” “I need to study tonight,” I told her. “You’re going to your brother’s program, hear me? He would feel terrible if you didn’t.” “Okay,” I said. What did it mat ter anyway? I’d lost Alfred, the same way I’d lost all my new friends. I didn’t stay with Ma when we reached the room for the slow learners. I found a seat and acted interested in looking around the place. I couldn’t help being proud of Sam’s picture of the yellow cat on the front wall. I could never have painted one that good if I tried for years. Sam and the others were behind the curtain waiting for their play to start. I could tell, from the noise, that the teachers were having trou ble keeping them back there. “Oh, hello. Why are you here?” It was the girl I had met on the Contd. on page 8

ECUADOR

UPPER LEFT: A Sunday school class in front of the clinic. Marian Houghton on left. Dorothy Brown, a co-worker on right. UPPER RIGHT: Visitation. Stan seen coming out of a national home.

BELOW: A Sunday school pupil engros. sed in her lesson.

2 BAPTIZED IN ECUADOR RADIO TIME INCREASED The radio work has gone on slowly for the past year, perhaps due to the fact that we have had no Quichua speaking helper. Now we have one that i.s promising to come soon. Our first move will be to add two hours in the morning (from 5 to 7) to our broad casting time. This will double our time on the air and we will have to work harder to get more programs. The Sunday school was growing well for a while. Our bap

tism service at Easter time may have frightened them away for a bit, but they will return. Two of Marian’s class were bapitzed; Stan taught the classes. The Lord does seem to be working through the sowing of the Word at the clinic and over 40 decisions have been recorded since the beginning of the new year. Many of these live in the country, along hot dusty trails. Some that we have visited have receiv^ the Word gladly and were eager for more. Others seem to be still seeking and are not wholly committed.

Each picture is said to be worth ten thousand words. Now ■ that you have been told so much, would you make these three projects yours for prayer? 1. 2. 3.

Radio Local church Visitation and follow-up

In Him, Stan and Marian Houghton Casilla 269, Latacunga Ecuador

THE MESSENGER

One

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bi-weekly

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gregations at Silva’s home. The second and third per sons from the right are Mr. and Mrs. Silva.

A Christmas Program at Campo Nueve By Ernest Funk

Campo Nueve is the name of the village in which we have been carrying on evangelistic work for the past two years. It is an agricul ture and lumbering area, situated on the highway 130 miles east of Asuncion. Turning north off the highway here we pass small farm steads closely spaced on each side of the road, and finally after tra velling northward for some two miles, we come to a place un marked on Paraguayan nujps, but known in the area as Maracana. In

Maracana live the Silvas, a family that two years ago offered their home for evangelistic services, about a year later made a profes sion of salvation, and where we have continuously had services for the past two years. It is here that we arranged to have a Christmas program, but because of rainy weather and bad roads were not able to keep our appointment. When the roads were once again usuable we visit ed the Silvas and were informed

that hundreds of people had come the night of the 25th for the pro gram and’that he had told them he would further inform them upon receiving word from us. Seeing the enthusiasm of the people we ar ranged to bring the program the last Sunday evening of December. When we arrived Sunday eve ning many had already gathered. We set up kerosene lanterns and other equipment in preparation for the program. Meanwhile more peo ple came. In addition to those who frequent our regular by-weekly meetings, there were many from the more fanatically Catholic Campo Nueve area, who do not generally come to the meetings of the “evangelicals” for fear of neighbors and church; there were many young people, many parents with their families and some older folk. Outstanding was a little old man in his nineties to whom Mr. Silva introduced us on arrival. In spite of weakness due to age he had been one of those who had come in vain on Christmas day, and today had arrived early in the morning, so as not to miss the program, and at that, on foot walk ing some four or five miles through swamp and bush. The audience (we estimated over two hundred) paid attention well as we presented the program in the form of Christmas hymns, instrumental ixumbers, and mes sage from the Word. The high light of the evening was the Christmas story on filmstrip with

B Seen here is part of the congregation at he Chrismas pro gram a Maracano.

May 9, 1969

Christmas program at Maracana. Some climbed a tree to be better able to see.

Zacchaeus

accompanying recorded script pre pared in the Guarani language by Anne Braun and Sara Loeppky. You should have seen these coun try folk crowding in rather too close to the screen to see properly, their dark eyes flitting from one strange object to another, trying to take in a'll there was. But what about all those people gathered behind the screen? We used a large white sheet as screen, hung from th rafter of Silvas’ open house in such a way that the people could gather outside in front of the screen to view the pictures. While the picture showing was in operation we noticed that more and more people were gathering in the house back of the screen. On investigation we found that the picture could be viewed equally well from both sides, the white sheet allowing the passage of suf ficient light to make the picture clear. When the program was over they asked that the film be shown once more. Because many had come late we complied. We went home that evening both sorry and satisfied. Sorry that no definite decisions, to our know ledge at least, were made; but satisfied in that we had further dis charged our debt to these people to make salvation in Jesus Christ known to them. Pray with us that they would be convicted by the Spirit and brought to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. BIBLE CLUB TEACHING 306 Drew Street Oshawa, Ontario April 28, 1969 Dear Friends, At this new spring time I praise the Lord with the Psalmist in Psalm 104:24, 30, “O Lord, how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches,—Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.” Spring time is a time of change. Not only does the face of the earth change but also the differ ent phases of our work here. Home Bible clubs come to a close this month and school classes at the end of next month. These last few weeks we have been kept very busy with preparations for closing rallies both for dlubs and school. Will you PRAY that these rallies may be used of the Lord to work in the hearts of teachers, parents and children attending. For the

MISSIONARY DEPARTURES AND ARRIVALS ★ The Ben Eidse family is now planning to leave the Winnipeg International Airport on May 21 bound for Africa. The Eidses were the first couple to go out under the then newly formed EMC Board of Missions, in 1953. ★ The Gil Reimer family will be returning to Panama right after June 1. They have been home on furlough and study for about the last two years. ★ The Gladwin Plett family, St. Lucia, West Indies, will be coming home for a short furlough in July, prior to their re-location after they return, possibly in January, 1970. Shall we be much in prayer for our missionaries. summer months we are looking forward to a very busy but blessed camp ministry. It has been a real thrill and joy to see various ones in my clubs accept the Lord, this winter, and to show a real hunger and desire to grow in the things of the Lord. Ten year old Beverly Kay, whom I mentioned in my last letter, has been able to come back to club for the last few months. This is a direct answer to prayer! Four more girls, that I know of, have made decisions in my clubs this winter. School classes have been a real challenge and an enriching exper ience for me this winter. It’s a thrill to be able to give forth God’s Word right in the class room but it makes one’s heart ache when a child comes up, after hav ing sat and listened to so many claas(es, and say, “I just don’t know if there is a God. What if all this about God and the Bible isn’t true?” Friends, PRAY for con fused boys and girls in our schools Some are already hardened to the Word! The forces of the devil are

at work! PRAY also that we may have boldness in presenting the Word and that it will go forth with convicting power in the re maining weeks. I praise the Lord for the way He has been leading me step by step concerning my future minis try in Spain. It’s wonderful to be able to tell you, friends, that the Lord willing, I expect to be leav ing for Spain either in October or early November. Do continue to PRAY that the Lord will give wis dom and guidance in all the details and preparations necessary before I can leave. I expect to be home for holidays the first two weeks of June and then to return here for camp dur ing the summer. PRAY that these two months of camp will be a real in-gathering of souls and of spirit ual growth in campers. Thank you all so much for your prayers, gifts, and letters. The Lord bless you all. I am grateful to God for faithful friends. Evelyn Plett P.S. Sister Plett is still some short on her full support.

BOARD OF MISSIONS EMBARKS ON BUDGET SYSTEM With more and more financial needs, as the mission program expands, the EMC Board of Missions has decided to embark on the budget system in the handling of its priorities. This means that each department gives a budget estimate of expenditures for the following year. For the information of the EMC constituency we publish this our first budget which is the estimate for 1969. Involved are eight different departments. 1969 EMC Board of Missions Budget $32,045.00 1. Paraguay Committee __ 13,920.00 2. Christian Service Committee — — —. 38,362.00 3. Committee to Associate Missions 30,096.00 4. Mexico Committee --- ---------- --- ---------------------46,642.00 — 5. Canada Committee 20,855.00 —6. Board of Education 5,415.00 7. Administration 12,000.00 8. Radio Committee ........................................ --TOTAL ________ 199,335.00 The above budget was accepted at the April Board of Missions meeting held in Kola, Man. on April 11, 1969.

THE MESSENGER

A HOUSE IN HUE Eastern Saskatchewan Youth Conference

LOEWEN CHALLENGES YOUTH by Dave Thiessen

Strains of “Marchihg on. March ing on, for Christ count every thing but loss,” poured from the Pineridge Fellowship Chapel, as GO TO young voices blended in har monious praise and commitment to their great Commander. It was Saturday afternoon on April 26. The occasion was a united youth rally of the Eastern Saskatchewan E.M.C. churches. Creighton, Mafeking, Hudson Bay, Weekes, En deavour, Arabella, Swan Plain, and Sturgis were represented at the gathering. Rev. Cornie Loewen, from Mor ris, Man. spoke on the theme, “What does the Church offer its young people”. He strongly en-

couraged us to identify ourselves with the church, since it is the Body of Christ. He warned us that such a move would make us rebels in our society. After the message we divided in to discussion groups. Some thought provoking reports of the discus sions were later given. Mr. Loewen then answered many of the ques tion that had arisen during the course of the afternoon. Finally, a stack of hot dogs and other delicacies were devoured, as only young people can! Thanks to the ladies group who prepared the food. The challenge that was given is big and real. Young people, let’s do something about it!

A PARABLE FOR YOUTH

The Palm and The Mango Chua Wee Hian

T f

“Lt>ok at me, Mango Tree! Watch me sway in the evening breeze.” Paim Tree was tall, slender and elegant; her figure graceful as she bent before the summer winds. Mango Tree was stocky; she could never boast of a graceful figure. But she was a tree of wisdom. ‘‘Be careful. Palm Tree," she implored. ‘‘Careless bending, careless yielding will make you fall one day." ‘‘Life for me is to swing along," and Palm tree danced merrily in the summer winds.

Mango tree was silent for a time. Then she made another plea. ‘‘Palm Tree, don’t spread your roots too far out. Go deep. Strike, roots downward. Security lies in depth.” ‘‘Who cares? The view is good up here, and besides, I want to go places. Why bother with depth? Life is short.” One day the skies darkened. Thunder. Lightning. Fierce winds. Heavy rains. A loud cry pierced the autumn storm. Next morning brought bright skies, and cool breeezes. Mango Tree, firm as ever, looked down and mourned, ‘‘Farewell, Palm Tree. Life indeed is short.”

May 9, 1969

During the February 1968 Tet offensive in Vietnam, seven young Americans serving with the Viet nam Christian Service in Hue lived through eight days of terror. Stranded in their unit headquar ters located across the street from a supply depot set up by the North Vietnamese, they witnessed death and destruction on every side as the battle for Hue raged. Through a slit in their drawn drapes, they saw American govern ment officials led away captive, and North Vietnamese soldiers searching many dwellings. Allow ing themselves only two or three swallows of water daily from a small supply, the seven waited . . . For what or whom, they did not know.

The account of these days in Hue is told in A House in Hue, a paperback book recently published by Herald Press, Scottdale, Pa. The story is told entirely through the eyes of June Sauder, a trained home economist who worked with war refugees in Hue. The long days of waiting provide occasion for June to reflect on her work of the past months and allows the story to take on depth so that it is more than just an account of the eight days’ siege in Hue. Three weeks after the seven VNCSers fled Hue, two of the team returned. They not only wanted to discover the extent of damage to their houses and a training center where they worked but also to assess the refugee sit uation and learn how their own Vietnamese colleagues fared dur ing the offensive. Finding their Vietnamese co-workers alive and ready to build again was a joyous experience. It was also humbling, for they knew that they, as well as each member of the team—^Viet namese and American alike—had been allotted a few more years of life for some purpose.

bus—Linda Larkin. She wasn’t going to get me to tell that Sam was my brother. I wouldn’t give her a chance to feel sorry for me. “I just came for something to do,” I said. “How about you?” “I wouldn’t have missed it,” Linda bubbled. “My mother teach es here. She says the little people in this room are special. She calls them the most lovable children in the world. 'They have other talents, too. Did you see their artwork?” “I saw it,” I said. Why would Linda’s mother want to teach kids like Sam? How could she stand it every day, five days a week? “Do you know anybody in the play?” Linda asked. I didn’t say anything for a min ute. Then I muttered, “No, not really.” “Mom talks about them so much that I feel as if I did. Besides, I went with her on the zoo trip.” I almost told her how Sam loved the zoo. But I caught myself in time. I didn’t get interested in the play until Sam came on the stage. TTien I sat on the edge of my seat, scared to death. “Don’t mess it up, Sam,” I kept thinking. I don’t know whether he got my message or not, but Sam finished all right. But then—he forgot to leave. He just stood, blinking hap pily at the lights until a teacher called him. After Sam’s part was over, I watched. “She has listening ears and lovely, seeing eyes.” I didn’t know anyone like Linda. I wished I did. Suddenly I was aware that some thing unusual was happening on the sage. A shy little girl stepped up front, mumbled a few words— and then, she froze. She just stood there, with all the other children looking at her. “Oh,” Linda gasped. “Somebody do something.” Nobody did. Everybody on the stage and in the audience seemed frozen, too. All at once there was a clump of heavy feet. Then Sam came out. I could hear frantic cries behind him, of “Sam, Sam, come back.” But on he came. For a minute it looked as if he would stumble and fall at the little girl’s feet. But he steadied himself, reached out and grabbed her hand. Then he said gently, “Come on with me.

As he led her out, he turned and smiled at us. There was such sweet triumph in his smile that I could only cry—and cry. A teacher finally stepped out on the stage. She said the lines that were needed so the play could go on. “Who was the wonderful little boy?” Linda asked. It was too late for me to say that Sam was my brother. So I just shook my head. I had denied him when I had a chance to claim him. I could not claim him now. The people clapped when the play was ended. Everybody knew most of the clapping was for Sam. Linda stopped me when I started to leave. “I’m so happy we met again. Please come to our dramatic classes at the Mission on Saturday. Won’t you?” Dramatics; and Linda Larkin! Of course, I would go. “I’ll be glad to come,” I said. “And thank—” Then all at once there was Sam, looking up at me with his wide blue eyes. I stooped down and held him close. “Sammy, you did fine.” I wished there was something really great I could think of to say to him. But I couldn’t find the words. Over Sam’s head, I could see Linda Larkin, smiling at us. “Sometimes you just don’t need words,” I thought.

LETTERS (cont'd. from page 2) held my husband was in the hos pital unconscious most of the time but a few times when he came to, he asked about the services, for which he also had prayed, that souls would be saved. Some of the unsaved to whom he had witnessed the day before he got sick, came to hear the Word of God and got saved. Since our beloved has gone to be with Jesus heaven seems much closer to us and we have learned to lean on Him and pour out our hearts to Him who only is our strength and refuge. Psalm 62:5-8. What a treasure God has left us to remember and as we give the burden to Him our Heavenly Fa ther wipes the sadness from our hearts. Our loved ones are not ours to keep but belong to God who created them. He needed my husband more, then than we need ed him down here. God blessed us and we had a wonderful life toge ther especially the last years while

working with the boys and girls at camp and at the Boys Ranch. It seemed as if God had meted out an extra portion of patience to my husband when counselling with the boys who were emotionally disturbed. Many a night he would sit up with them patiently trying to help them with the problems that confronted them. Here, too, we often thanked God for inter cessory prayer and His sustaining grace emd many were the times when prayers were answered. As our dear oine has departed from us to be with God, and as we look back we see more and more how God prepared us for this. We had just moved into our own home again and after not having a house for seven years this meant much to us and I can well remember how Nick prayed the evening we moved in, that this might not keep us from being available for whatever work God would want us to do. God’s divine will was to take Nick to a much better home in Heaven, a mansion prepared for all those that love Him and do His blessed will. We also thank God for the won derful privilege we had in having our own children grown up before their father was taken from them aind by God’s grace they are all saved for which we often thanked God together. To Him be all the glory. Once more we would want to thank you for all the prayers you have sent up on our behalf, but do not forget to keep on praying that we who are left behind may always remember to look up when the road ahead seems endless and the pain of separation hard to bear. We know that “Yesterday God helped us. Today He will do the same, How long will this con tinue? Forever! Praise His name! Does Jesus care when I’ve said “Good bye” To the dearest on earth to me. When my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks. Is it aught to Him, does He care? Oh yes! He cares! I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief. When ’the days are dreary, the the long nights weary. I know my Saviour cares! He cares! Mrs. Nick Dueck and family, Parkhill, Ont.

Tuesday, April 29 was a high point in the life of Mrs. A. R. Pen ner of Steinbach as she celebrated her 93 birthday at the home of her daughter, on 189 Lumber Ave. It was also open house and some 44 people, family and friends, availed themselves of the oppor tunity to see Mrs. Penner on this occasion. In spite of her years, she is en-

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joying good health. She spends her time in making patch work quilts. With 36 patches per quilt, she had already stitched enough for five blankets in the last 2% months. (200 patches) Mrs. Penner has a strong faith in a living God and praises Him for His goodness to her. Her husband, Mr. Abram R. Pen ner, predeceaced her in 1956.

PLEASANT VALLEY

HUOSON BAY, SASK.

There was much talk of a flood threatening the community. Instead we have experienced many blessings. Rev. Dave Harms, from Roseisle, was the guest speaker at our Evangelistic Meetings. Besides challenging messages each evening, Mr. Harms visited many of the homes in the conununity. The ser vices began April 2 and ran through April 13. Following these meetings ten young people are attending a special instruc tion class held on Sunday mornings during the Sunday School session. We participated in a Family Crusade in Morris, April 23-27. Mr. and Mrs. J. Allen Peterson were guest speakers. The attendance at these meetings show, ed real interest arid the school audito rium could not always seat everyone. The Children’s Crusade was in the Baptist Church each night.

A craft club venture, started in Jan. of this year is proving very successful. Boys and girls, ages 9-14, and up to 24 in number, come to sing, receive a les son from the Bible, and work at craft. Pastor Andrew Dueck and Dave Thies sen are in charge of the club. We are happy for our growing Sun day School. The record attendance is quite frequently broken. It now stands at 54. On April 20, a small group of believ ers gathered to observe the Lord’s Sup per. May we give ourselves for Christ, as He gave Himself for us.

May 9, 1969

PRAIRIE ROSE

This winter our education committee divided Prairie Rose up into eigiht groups. Each group chose its own lea der and secretary. The subject suggest ed for study was I. Peter. An outline

with thiought provoking questions and thoughts was forwarded to each parti cipant. The meetings seemed to be fa vourably attended and most homes had the opportunity to host at least one gathering. Notes were being taken at each meeting with the intentions of voicing problem passages or verses at the closing meeting tn the church with all groups participating. Some questions that came up a number of times in ge neral that evening were regarding — Suffering persecution now adays — What is meant with Spiritual Sacrifices, and the matter of Christ preaching to the dead — could this indicate a second chance for the unsaved dead? These all were drawn from 1. Peter and all re ceived a satisfactory answer. A goodly number of Christians are having a real beneficial time of fellow ship in the studies of 11 Corinthians and prayer with Rev. Harvey Plett as lea der every Wednesday night These weekly gatherings have again begun with the conclusion of the winter cot tage meetings, and the Revival meeings. We are trusting God for more adtlitions. 'Two weeks of revival meetings with Rev. Oomie Loewen have come and gone, and we are most grateful lor the many challenging, heart searching messages that Brother Loewen deliver ed to us. Many parents no doubt will have rexamined their family responsi bilities, following the sermon on “The Christian Home” and Christians will have asked themselves — Where is the “Power of the Spirit”, or “The Glory of the Lord”, in our lives or church? The messages on “The Unsparing God”, and “The Shame of our Naked ness” undoubtedly caused us all to ponder the moral of God’s mercy and the awfulness of sin even among be lievers. Ono’s heart was saddened when many who should have yielded and sur rendered failed to do so, and yet the testimonies given and those that sur rendered gave reason for rejoicing. Rev. Loewen requested prayer for the coming meetings in Kamsack, Sask., where considerable prepartions have been made hoping for a real turning to God.

ENDEAVOUR

The long cold days of winter are giv ing way to the sunny warmer ones of spring. On March the 11th we were served by the Hammerslades who are about to go out for service with the Japan Evangelical Mission. They showed some interesting slides of the work in the

area where they will be serving. Our prayers go with them. We were privileged to have with us “The Singling Men” from Ebennezer. They presented a most lovely Easter program in Word and song to a full church. The young people who attended the Youth Retreat at Steinbach reported a pleasant time. Mr. Wilkinson, with a car full of young people, attended the retreat at Pambrun and also reported a time of blessing and fellowship. Mr. Buhler and Mr. P. Steppan each took a car full of young people to the retreat at Nippawin on February 22, By all reports they enjoyed the day very much. The theme for the day had been “Being a Successful Square.” It is our turn, once again, to serve at the Senior Citizens Home in Preeceville on Sunday, March 30. T!ie Easter pro gram prepared by the young people was presented and was enjoyed by all. It is truly a privilege to visit and worship with these shut-ins. We were happy to see the smiling faces of those who were away for the winter and had returned to fellowship with us again. On Easter Sunday we began our ser vices in the morning. Then in the even ing we were favoured with a visit by Mr. Arthur Anderson, a missionary on furlough. He showed slides of their work and gave a message. The chapel was filled to capacity. Most of the Senior young people and a number of others enjoyed the Friday evening service at Arabella on April 11. Mr. Peter Buhler was the speaker for the series of special services there. On April 13 we were blessed by the message he presented at our Sunday morning service. Sunday evening the young people visited the home of Andy Yana’s and presented a program in Word and song. The ladies met at Mrs. Buhler’s re sidence for the monthly meeting on April 16. Some sewing was done on the quilt that is being made for the MCC. At a congregational meeting, on April 17, it was a yes vote to start work on the remodelling of the chapel. We are looking forward in faith that this will be to the glory of God, Three cars went to Hudson Bay for the Annual Youth Rally on Saturday, April 26. A program geared for youth was presented and enjoyed by all. Rev. Corny Loewen’s message was a real challenge. A baptismal service was held on Simday morning, April 27. Jonathan Hoffer was baptized and accepted into mem-

bership together with Bert Buhler. MDRWEEN'A

On March 4 Bro. John W. Loewen left for British Honduras to visit his father Mr. A. P. Loewen, who had had a stroke in June, 1968. He also visited relatives and friends. Bro. Loewen re turned to our midst on March 19. “. . . He died up the cross on a hill called Calvary He shed His blood for those that He loved best . . .” Elizabeth Fruehm. “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is niot here, but is risen! Luke 24: 5b, 6a. Once again that time of the year has come and gone when we remember the agony and death of Christ upon the cross and His resurrection. This beau tiful story has been told and retold for centuries and this year the Morweena Choir presented the Easter message to various people. They have presented it at the Arborg Old Folks Home, the Arborg Memorial Hospital, and on April 27 to the inmates 'otf the Stony Mountain Penitentiary. More program are to be rendered in the near future. From April 13-20 we had the privile ge of having Rev. Ben Eidse as guest speaker for our Evangelistic meetings. His messages proved to be a source of blessing and challenge to all who at tended. We extend our congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Reimer on the birth of their son Lyndon on April 2.

RIVERTON GOSPEL CHAPEL “Admit your faults one to another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results.” James 5:16. Living New Testament. Since our last report in February the Lord has been dealing with us as a congregation along tlie lines of this scripture and has graciously shown that His power is able to overcome difficul ties, mistrusts and delusions. To Him be all the power and the glory. Special programs have been present ed by the Mennville choir on Good Fri day, the Arthur Andersons of India on April Sth, and by Miss Mary Koop of Mexico on April 23rd. The choir's Eas ter program was well presented and much enjoyed by a capacity audience. The Arthur Andersons, veteran mis sionaries in India since 1927 with Inter national Missions, and special friends of the pastor and wife, challenged us with the Word of God and slides. Their challenge was a direct Impetus from the

Holy Spirit for us. Sister Koop again challenged us with our responsibilities in reaching others, as we work toge ther with other believers. Special Len ten messages were brought by the pas tor each Sunday evening, and the week ly Bible studies were in direct prepara tion for our participation at the oommunion and in fact washing on Thurs day of Easter week. This service was indeed a blessing to all who participat ed. Monthly membership meetings have been held, and the Canada Committee was invited to one of these sessions, at which time God showed his great po wer in wonderful results of reconciling and healing, because no doubt many of you were praying with us for His will to be done at Riverton. The Interlake E.M.C. Ministerial spent a very pro fitable afternoon in the chapel on Tues day April 8 with Conrad Dursten, direc tor of Child Evangelism, in discussing and planning for a harvesting of souls among children. Since the Barry Moore crusade. Good News clubs have been carried on with good interest and attendance in the cha pel. These clubs come to an end on Wednesday April 30. The Annual meetings of the chapel were held on March 30 and April 14. The work was re-assessed after one year of operation as an organized cha pel. Elections were conducted, and the board was enlarged to five lay-members, and the pastor. speaking at Fisher Branch on March The pastor had the privelege of 30, and also continues to write the weekly evangelism column for the In terlake newspaper. This paper has 4,000 subscribers and the column is spon sored by the Interlake E.M.C. church es. Requests have been received for Gospels as a result of this column. Our prayer for ourselves and our Christian friends is that we may (as we have remembered the death and resur rection of our Lord) be aware that — “We came back to life again when Christ did . . . Now we are “married” so to speak to the One who rose from the dead.” Romans 7:4 (Living New Testament), What a glorious reality — what a matchless prospect. May we be true. ABERDEEN CHURCH (Winnipeg)

Rev. Jake Neudorf of the E.M.M.C. of Edwin, Man. spoke at a series of Low-German Evangelistic services at our church April 14-18. Many blessings were experienced through tlie week; we also enjoyed the music arranged by the music Oommittee.

THE MESSENGER

Thursday evening the College and Career Group atended the service, then went to the open house at the new MCC building in Fort Garry. Sarah Reimer, a member of the Group, showed them around the building, where she works as Secretary-Treasurer of MCC (Mani toba). Good News Club Rally

Sunday, April 20, the church steps were swarming with children waiting for a ride to the Good News Club Ral ly at Grant Memorial Baptist Church. Thanks to drivers from Braeside and our church, 72 children attended which won them the Banner for highest atten dance at the Rally. Maryanne Fehr, one of the local G. N. C. members, tied for first in the quiz on the winter’s lessons. After the Rally, the children enjoyed a trea of cake and ice cream at the church. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ron Laewen on the birth of their first child, Matthew Edward, on April 8.

parting with loved ones is painful, it is reassuring to know that both of the deceased were ready to meet the Sa viour. Wedding Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. L. Friesen celebrated their 25th wedding anniver sary on Tuesday, April 15. Many friends and relatives were present for the joy ous occasion among them Mr. and Mrs. Ben L. Friesen of British Honduras, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Klassen of Washow Bay and Mr. and Mrs. John R. Friesen of Fisher Branch. The local pastor. Rev. P. L. Friesen, in his short address, stressed the importance of being grate ful and praising God for all His won drous ways.

1953

1969

ROSEN'ORT EMC Cradle Roll

Five new arrivals have been recorded this year and have brought happiness to young parents. March 6 - Shellene Kim, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Friesen. March 28 . Audra Giselle (firstborn), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lome Komelsen. March 29 - Douglas Wayne, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Eidse. April 10 - Lynette Faith, daughter of Mr, and Mrs. Edward Friesen (Mexico). April 21 - Lori Dianne (firstborn), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Loe wen. Deeper Life Meetings

Rev. John Koop of MacGregor conducted a series of meetings from March 31 through to April 13. Several young people are attending the bap tismal instmction classes that were be gun immediately following the services. We would do well to thank our heaven ly Father more often that He still can use young men to proclaim the unadul terated Word of God. Deaths

The Psalmist writes: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Nothing is so certain as death (if the Lord tarries) and nothing so uncertain as the time of death. Young and old alike must be pre pared to meet the Creator. This year both cases have already been experienc ed in this commimity. Clark, 15-yearold son of the Abe L. Loewens, passed away on March 15 and Peter W. X. Friesen, aged 70, on April 15. Although

May 9, 1969

•• ;

It has pleased the Ltord, in His di vine will, to call home our beloved son, Clark. Job 1:21 “. . . the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” He gave us our son on April 15, 1953, when he was bom at Morris, and He has taken Clark to Himself again on March 15, 1969, at the age of 15 years and 11 months, Clark was sensitive and good-natured, and in everything he tried his best to please his Mom and Dad, and his bro thers. He started school when he was only 5, and at school he has also been very conscientious. During the revival meetings held by Rev. H. Kornelsen in May of 1964, when Clark was eleven, he received Christ as his personal Re deemer. Since then he has been true to

the Lord, renewing and confirming his faith every year at the time of evan gelistic meetings. Due to his quiet nature, Clark spent much time in reading and other hobbies which he could do by himself. Last fall Clark began his second year of High School, taking Grade 10 at the local Rosenort Collegiate. He had adjusted quite well to the social and academic life of high school, for which we were happy, but we began to realize that he had physical difficulties, which became more apparant as he participated in the noon hour games. He was taken for a check up first on December 12, and then again on December 17, whereupon he was admitted to the General Hospital of Morris because of swollen feet. On December 21 he was released, however, and enjoyed considerably good health and attended school again. But on Jan uary 13, 1969 Clark began to have diz zy spells, and he was admitted to the Winnipeg Children’s Hospital on Jan uary 15. It was now that the Lord be gan to lead us into deeper valleys of sorrow. Clark’s disease could not be diagnosed and identified, although the doctors tried their best through x-rays and blood tests. However, after 3 weeks of negative tests, the tests began to turn positive, and revealed a rare dis ease of the vascular system, a swelling of the arteries called Polyarteritis No dosa. Clark’s case was only the third in the last 60 years in Winnipeg General Hospital. Clark was taken into Inten sive Care several times when he had convulsions, and was under spells of coma. He endured much pain. At times when the pain released him, Clark made remarks about God’s leading that became a real comfort to us in our sorrow. We are thankful to God for giving Clark to us in a clear state of mind for the last 15 minutes of his life. His pain was all gone, and he experienced a wonderful sense of well-being. He as sured us that he was ready to meet the Lord, and when we asked him where he was going, he said, “I am going to heaven.” Clark leave.s behind, us, his parents Abe and Helen, and his two brothers, Gary 7, and Kalton 11. We mourn his early departure, but we rejoice in the living hope that he is present now with the Lord. Clark has left also his grand parents, the Peter J. Loewens of Rosenort and Mr. John K. Dueck of Morris, as well as many other relatives, school mates, and other friends. We wish to express our deepest thanks to all those who prayed for us, sent cards, or expressed their sympa-

thy in any way, and to those who eased our burden in so many ways during the last months. May the Lord bless and reward each one of you in His own way. ’The bereaved Family. Funeral services were held on Wed nesday, March 19, in the Rosenort Evan gelical Mennonite Church at 2:30 with Rev. P. L. Friesen officiating. Rev. Mel vin Dueck presented the main messa ge with the Junior choir rendering 2 numbers in song under the direction of Walter Dueck. Rev. John P. Komelsen read the obituary and made the closing remarks. The church was well filled with approximately 800 to 1000 peop le attending.

GERALD

WARKENTIN

1951 — 1969

Last fall he noticed a lump formation on the side of his neck. After doing tests and x-rays, the doctors realized that he was suffering from acute lymph node cancer. So after having barely begun his Grade Eleven in Steinbach, he was ad mitted to the St. Boniface Hospital for treatment on November 22. Since that time he spent a grater porion of his time in hospital than at home. He re ceived cobalt treatments for 11 weeks plus various tests, some of which proved exceedingly painful. Partly because of his very active nature, he found it hard to be limited in various activities. How ever, in spite of his decreasing strength, he did frequently attend youth programs and choir practises; and, in fact, sang in the choir’s rendition of the Easter Story ion March 30 at the Ridgewood Church.

Gerald was admitted to the St. Boni face Hospital for the last time, early Thursday morning, April 10. Here dur ing his last week he had a high fever alm'ost constantly. However, complaints hardly ever crossed his lips during all of his sickness. He was aware in this last week, that his time was very limit ed; however, he was ready and desired to go, which was evidenced by his calm and peaceful condition and by his ask-

ing us when Jesus would come for him. He lapsed into imconsciousness Wednes day morning and gently slipped into the beyond at 2:00 a.m., Thursday, April 17, to attain an age on earth of 17 years, 8 months, and 13 days. Gerald accepted Christ’s forgiveness for himself and committed his life to the Lord in November of 1967. Upon his confession of a living faith, he was bap tized at Ridgewood on February 11, 1968 and accepted as a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Gerald leaves behind, us, his parents Pete and Annie Warkentin; his brothers and sisters, Shirley 12, Ronnie 10, Ja mie 7, and Jeannie 4; his grandmother, Mrs. Henry Warkentin, (Mr. Warkentin passed on this winter, February 1); his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gies. brecht, as well as many other relatives and friends. We anticipate a joyful re-union in heaven. The Family.

NEEDED There is a need in British Honduras for builders and teachers. Anyone interested may contact BMC Christian Service Committee Box 1268, Steinbach, Man.

MCC PROJECT OF THE MONTH — CHRISTMAS BUNDLES May, 1969

Follow the instructions on the 1969 Christmas Bundle folder avail able from MCC or your nearest conference office. Both tropical and regular bundles are needed. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowlege of God. How unsearchable are .his judgments, and his ways past finding out," Romans 11: 33. Gerald was bom in Steinbach on August 4, 1951. We lived in Blumenort at that time but moved to Winnipeg in 1954, when he was three years old. Here he took his first six years of schooling. We then moved to our pa rents’ farm near Giroux, for which he was very happy. Gerald attended the Giroux School for one year and tlie Ridgewood School for two. He then continued his education by taking grade nine at Blumenort, and Grade ten and the beginning of Grade eleven at the Steinbach Collegiate. He enjoyed mechanics particularly and spent last summer working for Fast Brothers Construction at Portage la Prairie. However, here he appeared to tire easily and frequently did not feel well.

TROPICAL BUNDLE (children’s sizes 1 - 12; new items only) Girl Lightweight skirt or A-line dress T . , , . , X 11 Lightweight blouse Handkerchief, soap, toy

Boy Lightweight trousers (long or short) with elastic or belt Lightweight sport shirt Handkerchief, soap, toy

REGULAR BUNDLE

(children’s sizes 1 - 12; new items only) Girl Dress or skirt and blouse Sweater (cardigan) Pair socks, soap, toy

Boy Trousers with elastic or belt Knit or cotton shirt Sweater or good quality sweat shirt Pair socks, soap, toy

Note; This year bundles are to be prepared according to size.. J

Nvw aqaji’ix NOniK ISVi'