The Messenger January 3, 1969

JANUARY 3, 1969 VOL. 7, No. 1

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE

CONFERENCE

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J(nnovu-s Said to a tnan

A Blessed Nezv Year to All Readers

GETTING THE JOB DONE As I am writing this on Dec. 23 Appolo 8 space­ craft is speeding at some 2,400 miles per hour to­ wards the moon. Only a few years ago the mention of such a feat would have been greeted with de­ rision. But in the meantime minds, among the most brilliant have been at work that has now made possible this memorable occasion. We may well deplore the expenditure of vast amounts of money that have gone into this opera­ tion, and well we might. For the money spent could have fed many of the world’s hungry. On the other hand should this great scientific achievement not inspire us to explore and search out new and better, more workable ways of doing our work for the Lord? I believe it should. We thank God for the many baptismal services held and members added to our churches in 1968. But if we have not added at least one soul of nonMennonite origin or attracted one family of nonMennonite background to our fellowships we ought to sit down and re-think and re-assess our motives and the purpose and the justification for our being here. Surely Jesus Christ did not mean that Mennonites should save only Mennonites! Or must these others be forever beyond our reach? I grant you there are hurdles to be overcome if we want to reach these neighbors of ours these hurdles may seem almost as insurmountable as the obstacles in the way of Appolo 8. But where the scientist doggedly labored on, we give up after one or two tries. They will not come our way, so we give up. What are some of the barriers that we will have to overcome if we want to win our nonMennonite neighbors? Among other things our cliquishness and our clannishness will have to go.

(See today’s letter). Although the Bible does em­

phasize that as Christians we are a “peculiar” people this term cannot be equated with “exclusivism’’ where it is almost impossible to break into the “in” group. Our “holier than thou” attitude, though often veiled, has no place in winning the lost. Nothing is plainer in scripture and Jesus Himself examplified it, we are servants and not masters. Jesus our Lord came as a servant, “to do thy will O Lord”. Let us beware of the attitude, “I am right, I have a revela­ tion from God and am come to set you straight” and then ride rough-shod over one and all who do not hold to our views. Did you never read, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

(Italics mine) Not fleshly self-confidence but in a spirit of humbleness and reverance. When God the Son made that journey to earth God did a new thing; an unheard of thing to save mankind. He spared no expense. It was a unique and daring plan. He devised a way whereby man could be redeemed. But at what awful cost! And so ought we to be willing to invest, and invest heavily and prayerfully to reach the lost. By investing we refer to more than financial resourcse. We must invest our very being; place ourselves at God’s disposal. Then He too might ask us to do a new thing. That new thing might consist of chang­ ing some of our time honored patterns; He might ask us to examine our traditional way of doing things. This does not imply that the “traditional” must go merely because it is old. If it is proven and works, then by all means keep it. If on the other hand we doggedly stick to forms and patterns that no longer produce results, even though they have in the past we should very seriously consider looking for new ways of expression and witness. For instance if the Sunday school no longer fulfills its purpose it may need overhauling or replacing by something better. If our efforts at evangelization are not bringing results it may be that we are throwing more heat than light. What we do is we mouth time-worn cliches which the uninitiated fail to comprehend, though perfectly intelligible to the “in” group. We might do well to study the techniques of a sales­ man—up to a point. I say up to a point because we dare not have ulterior motives in this business of soul-winning. But one thing we could imitate is his perseverance. We may also have to repent of standing in small groups and chattering away in “Platt-deutch” when there are those in our midst who cannot

understand that dialect. This is a serious and grave offence. Take yourself to task whenever you find yourself doing this. Another thing we will have to do is to identify ourselves with the people we are seeking to reach. I believe too much of our work has consisted of using a kind of Prisoner’s base technique where we dart in and try to get a trophy and then dart out again: This is what happens if no follow-up is done; when we only go in to render a program and leave until we come with the next program. Paul didn’t work this way. Just as we seek to excell in industry, agricul­ ture and business where yesterday’s methods are outmoded should we not seek for new ways of presenting the old truths of the Gospel if neces­ sary’? I believe we should. —D.S.

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire. In­ form as to what is going on in the Conference. Instruct in Godliness and yictorious 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 class mail by {.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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WE WERE SPARED Statistis of weekend highway fatalities have become so common that we do well if we pay any attention to them when the figures are given on Monday morning over the radio. Even on this particular Monday morning I lis­ tened with a measure of disinterestedness until sud­ denly, forcibly hit by the thought that the 34 ca­ sual! ti^s could this morning very well have read 36 or 37 but by God’s gracious hand over us. For we too had spent some five hours travelling on the high­ way that Sunday going to and coming from a preaching appointment. Light snow had fallen the night before and there was just enough to impede short stopping. Not having taken this into consideration the car approaching the highway from the right could not stop but kept sliding onto the highway into our path. Hitting the brakes our car, with my wife and myself as occupants, went out of control. Miracu­ lously we shot past the other car, swerved one way, then the other and finally landed with the car’s back wheels in the ditch on our own side of the road, very shaken but unscathed. The short prayer that we sent up to God, after this miraculous deliverance, was not routine or forced, but in humble thankfulness that God had spared us. But for His grace we too could have been —D.S. just a statistic on this Monday morning. HARRY STROM The Honorable Harry Strom has been chosen to succeed Premier E. C. Manning as leader of the Social Credit Party in Alberta. Mr. Strom, who is a member of the Belgravia Evangelical Free church in Edmonton, Alberta, is thus assuming the most responsible position in the Province. We are told that Mr. Strom grew up in a godly home where the children were, “challenged to offer their lives in service to their Lord.’’ Two of his brothers and three sisters served in overseas mis­ sions. Maybe what we have said before bears repeat­ ing at this point. It is namely this. It seems a Christian in politics will not be able to avoid occa­ sions where he will have to make an uneasy com­ promise with his conscience. Against this we should warn. Shall we intercede for Mr. Strom before the throne of grace. I believe this is our Christian duty according to the word of God. May his term be characterized by integrity and honesty.

PRIORITY NEWS Appollo 8 just made it in time to become the top news story of the year, eclipsing all other im­ portant events. What is your own personal “top news story” for 1968? Is there some event which stands out above all others? For Christians the “Good News” is always the top news. And then when it becomes personal to you or someone in your family it certainly consti­ tutes an unforgettable highlight. This would also be our testimony. And thus, without fear of being contradicted, I believe we can say that for believers this will CQin-

January 3, 1969

tinue to be the top news story also for 1969. May we only be faithful in proclaiming it for the salva­ tion and rebirth of many.

INCONSISTENCIES According to a recent news report in the Winnipeg Free Press our Government has a $200,000-a-year anti-smoking education campaign while the federal agriculture department research division has a $333,399 budget for a tobacco testing station to do tobacco research such as soil, diseases and insect problems. And thus while Health Minister John Munro seeks to extinguish the blaze, another division of the government is feeding the fuel to the flames. How inconsistent can we get? On the one hand we are trying to prevent something which on the other hand we encourage! We commend the Health Minister for his stand and hope he gets at least as much money to fight the poison weed as is spent in encouraging tobacco growth! —D.S.

LETTERS E.M.C.—A FAMILY-MINDED GROUP Dear editor, I appreciated receiving the magazine this past year and especially appreciated a recent article by Corny Loewen on the Holy Spirit. But what I am writing about at this time is to say I am quite far away from home as I write this, but expect to be with loved ones for this season. But recently I received an invitation along with other friends of different nationalities to come and enjoy the blessings of Christmas with her and her family. I would say that she is a Mennonite from a different Conference. But how grateful I was for the thought, that here is a person who is living out the Christmas spirit and this is Christianity in practice. I have been made to realize that the E.M.C. conference is a very family minded group. But I wonder if you ever realized that it is at these spe­ cial seasons that a person wants to be with their family in Christ the most? We want to share our joys and our troubles at these special occasions, when we celebrate His birth and at Easter when we celebrate His resurrection. I wonder if our Christianity is big enough to share with others who are either in a place because the Lord has led them there or they are away from the fold, or for some other reason? Or would we feel too uncomfortab'le? And would it be more relaxing to just have the familiar around us. I read in the Bible where it says we are to love the stranger. And truly at these times of remembering Him how we need to love the stranger, and to love him in practical terms, in terms that the unsaved and wanderer and new Christian will understand. It is easy to make excuses when confronted by uncomfortable questions, I know! But then, when we do face questions and admit our weaknesses then we can grow. May God bless this magazine as you seek to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in regards to the articles you print. A Reader Ed. As a rule we do not print letters without names hut in this case felt justified in doing so. 3

FIRST PACAAS NOVOS BAPTISMAL SERVICE

<We are glad to have a host of praying friends who share our vic­ tories and battles with us. May the Lcrd often remind you of us be­ cause we need His strength in our busy and varied schedule. Recently I (Abe) spent a month in the Pacaas Novos area and was pleased to find Indian Christians on every Post where we have a

work.

Most

of

them

showed

marked spiritual growth which is an answer to prayer. Please con­ tinue to pray that these young men will become stable spiritual lead­ ers among their own people. The Pacaas Novos Indian is not outspoken in his own culture and is much less so when it comes to new ideas from the civilized world, but we are beginning to see the evidence of Godly boldness in them. Two went to the Witch Doc­ tor’s village and talked to them about the Lord. On another occa­ sion one openly confessed that he was a believer and put the others on the spot by asking them if they too were believers. Another is praying for the salvation of his immediate family. Why would still another one boldly say, “I am a believer,” to the face of a civilized authority who does not want them to become Christians? It is nothing 4

less than the quiet working of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of these jungle men. The first Pacaas Novos baptismal service took place in a small pool in the near by swamp. The audi­ ence either sat in canoes, stood knee deep in water or balanced themselves on small clumps of dry ground. All were quiet and sober.

Most had seen a baptismal service before but never had any of their own people been included in it. We sang a few songs and then all

three gave their testimonies of their former life and how the Lord had changed their hearts. After baptizing them we prayed for each of them and went back to our palm thatched home rejoicing. The new Christians are in par­ ticular need for more of the writ­ ten Word in their own language, so pray for Barbara Kern and Roy­ al Taylor, who are involved in this aspect of the work. The literacy program merits your prayers also because there still are too few In­ dians that know how to read. More Indians have expressed their de­ sire to be baptized so pray that baptism will not become socially acceptable but rather that it will remain a true manifestation of a hearts desire to obey the Lord as a result of the new birth. Again we want to thank you for your prayers for our family. Donny. age 3, will be undergoing a hernia operation next month, so will you pray for him.

Your co-laborers in Christ,

Abe and Dee Koop P.S.: Donald had his operation on Dec, 4th and is doing fine for which we praise the Lord.

BIBLE CLUB TEACHING Bible Club worker. Evelyn Plett, writes about her work in Oshawa.

Time seems to have slipped by so quickly since my last letter, but the Lord has done wonderful things during this time. I praise the Lord especially for 10 year old Beverly Kay, whom I had the pri­ vilege of leading to the Lord in one of my Bible clubs. Do pray for Beverly, that she might grow to be a strong Christian. Already she has testified of her faith in Christ at school to some of her friends. But due to home circumstances, she is not able to come to Bible Club

during the winter months. I also praise the Lord for the op­ portunity of going into 3 more classes to teach, in a school that has just been opened to us. Christ­ ian education classes are a new thing in this school and there seems to be a real interest there in spiritual things. Pray that this hunger will continue and that the Lord will give real wisdom in teaching. Pray also for daily spirit­ ual and physical strength for me. which is so much needed to carry on God’s work effectively. Yours in Christ, Evelyn Plett

THE MESSENGER

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!

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We as a group in Fujisawa, al­ though small in number, are re­ joicing to see God’s Hand at work in the lives round about us. After 6 years of sowing God’s Word we are starting to see it sprout, what a joy to see lives getting concern and open to the Gospel. This com­ ing Sat (21st) a group of young mothers are coming to my house to hear the Gospel! What an opportunity! Pray for me that as the way of salvation will be presented the Word will fall on prepared ground. PRAY won’t you? Kumiko-san (she is the girl that has been teaching the children classes while I was home on fur­ lough and still continuing to do so) Her mother was saved just a few weeks ago, at the supper table, Kumiko-san came running over to my house with tears in her eyes and joy overflowing she told us her story. God answers prayer! She has been praying much for her mother and hoping that she would socn be saved. Now, she is con­ cerned about her younger brother and sister who are still unsaved and still very much opposed to the Gospel. Will you join with us in prayer and ask God to do a mir­ acle in these lives too. Her brother is about 18 years and the sister is about 15 years, I think. I am still living in Fujisawa, in the small house that we have rent­ ed for our meetings. This week we were able to get out and look for a house but not too definite if we’ll be able to rent it, we wi'll know soon I’m sure! I hope to be able to move interior to this place

early next year, Lord willing. It’s a beautiful place, mountains on both sides, the winding road with houses here and there, and the mountain stream rolling down be­ low. I have a special prayer re­ quest which I’d like to share with you all. I am looking, forward to moving interior and reach those peoplle with the Gospel, there is no witness in this place. I’ll be cut off from the outside world, (so as to speak). My house is located in a tiny village of just a few homes, the road is paved, and the buses go mostly in daytime and few in number. But since it will be neces­ sary for me to spend some time with the Fujisawa believers every week. I’ll need something to go back and forth with. I’ll be a long ways from the train station too. So will you join with us in prayer concerning getting a good used car for the work here. The cost would be about 400 dollars for a good used car. One of the Japanese Christians here, has already looked into the matter of getting a car. They feel that I’ll need it for the work as well as for the shopping, etc. Driving in Japan is dangerous, roads are narrow, cars and trucks are increasing in numbers, so I do want God’s will in this matter. I hope to get my Japanese drivers license soon. Yours for reaching the Japanese for Christ, Mary Koop

Mary Koop 332-46, Yama no Kami, Shimo Fujisawa, Iruma-shi, Saitama Ken, Japan

E.M.C. BOARD OF MISSIONS NOTES REPORTS Weekes: A manse has been built and is already occupied. Crestview: Harold Dyck was or­ dained into the ministry on No­ vember 24, 1968. Rosenort Fellowship: Melvin Dueck was elected as pastor. The church now has 44 charter mem­ bers. They started services on Oc­ tober 6, 1968. This chapel, which is the former Greenbank School, seats 150 people, and is filled every Sunday. They have 10 Sunday School classes with over 100 re­ corded. Dedication took place on December 8. 1968, at 2:30 p.m.

January 3. 1969

Riverton: Melvin Dueck served 6 evenings of deeper life meetings. They are now planning a Crusade with Barry Moore for February 2-9, 1969. Swijt Current: They are already having services in their new base­ ment. Blumenort: Their building has been completed. A few weeks ago they organized a church in the Rainy River area, which is situated at Stratton.

BOARD OF MISSIONS REPORT - John K. Reimer has been elect­ ed as Board of Missions Executive Secretary. (Beginning in June ’69)

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J New house at Weekes.

Weekes house, inside. L to R: Art Loe­ wen, John Harms (Can. Comm.) Fred Thiessen, Ben Friesen (Can. Comm.).

- A concern is expressed for Mennonite children at the School for Deaf in Winnipeg. Could Reli­ gious instruction be given? The Canada Committee is to look into this; there are about 20 Mennonite children there at present. - Henry Toewses’ name can be removed from our missionary ros­ ter since they are now working on their own and presently with the Paraguayan government. - Rev. Ben D. Reimer is asking for German Song books. We are expecting the Reimers home in March. - The Board of Missions is plan­ ning to send a representative to Paraguay to advise in further plans and decisions. - The Mexico work is moving forward favourably. Mary Koop is home on furlough for 7 months. - Nicaragua is asking for an as­ sistant, the work is very encourag­ ing. The Board of Missions is plan­ ning a trip to Mexico and Nicara­ gua sometime in the future. - Fred Thiessen, now on mission­ ary probation, may serve with the Henry Klassens in British Hondu­ ras after the New Year. - The Andrew Friesens have of­ fered to go to Mafeking for 3 months. They are in real need of a more permanent worker. Next page please

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Mennonites Visit Soviet Union (II)

MY SECOND VISIT TO THE SOVIET UNION Frank C. Peters

When the Baptist-Mennonite delegation left Moscow in 1966, it was hoped that another visit to the churches in the USSR would be possible in a few years. Some of the brethren with whom we had had contact in Moscow wrote us expressing the hope that soon more visitors would return to visit their churches. Two years passed by, but then Adolfs Klaupiks, Peter J. Dyck and I did go. All three of us had been to the USSR before and con­ sequently were somewhat ac­ quainted with travel and condi­ tions in the largest country in the world. All three of us obtained tourist visas without delay. Our hope and prayer was for contact with Baptist-Mennonite and other Christian congregations in the USSR for better understand­ ing of each other. Our travel ar­ rangements allowed for visist to cities where larger Baptist-Menno­ nite congregations are located. Our second objective was to extend an BOARD OF MISSIONS ccnt’d. - Vanderhoof is in need of a worker. - Radio Committee — Elmer Hamm, Melvin Koop, C. B. Loe­ wen, and Andrew Plett are to be responsible to look after finances, promotion, and programming. - Our first radio program was produced in Mexico in 1962, now we are broadcasting 8 different programs on 11 stations. We have approximately $3,300 in radio equipment. - Our present budget consisting of broadcasting and salaries, is $8,000. For the coming year we will need $15,000. - THE CANADA COMMITTEE WILL NEED SIX NEW WORK­ ERS BY SPRING! - Is the Lord calling YOU?

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invitation to the Baptist Council to visit Canada in the spring of 1969. Of course, if possible, a Mennonite should be in that group, especially since the Mennonite Brethren officially joined the AllUnion Council of Evangelical Christians Baptists in 1963. I believe that such visits have a strengthening effect of fellowship with our brethren in the Union but they also remind us that we in America are not an island unto ourselves. It is so easy to assume that we will mind our own affairs at home and others will do the same. However, the high-priestly prayer of the Lord shatters such isolationism and counsels us to seek the praying hands of our brethren in other lands. To fail in this is to lack vision for the larger dimensions of the church's com­ mission. On the other hand. I believe our last visit, and the reporting which grew cut of it, did something for our church in Canada and the USA. Many Christians were en­ couraged to pray for and with our Christian brothers in the Soviet Union. The reports of a vibrant congregational life in the church in the USSR caused many of us to reflect on the state of our own churches in America. Our itinerary took us from New York to Copenhagen to Stockholm to Moscow. Our arrival formalities were without incident. We were met at the airport by the Intourist representative and soon also shook hands with three brethren from the Union: Michael Zhidkov. Ilya Orlov and Victor Krieger. The lat­ ter represents the Mennonites in the Council of Evangelical Christ­ ians Baptists. We were invited the next day to take the noon meal with the brethren at the headquarters of the Council. This gave us an oppor­ tunity to discuss church matters

with the leadership of the Council. As usual, the brethren hosted us in royal fashion. The problem of overeating is a real one on such a trip a.s this, and one is always eager to find a way of cutting down on food. Howeve.-, the Rus­ sian people are very hospitable and urging guests to eat more come.s naturally to them. After the meal we excnanged greetings and our invitation was extended to the Council to risit Mennonite and Baptist churches in Canada in the spring of 1969. It seemed to me that the brethren re­ acted quite favorably to the invi­ tation, so we might see our hosts in Canada in the spring. Brother Karev, Secretary of the Council, now spoke to us concern­ ing the work of the All-Union Council of Evangelical Christians Baptists, stressing the fact that the Christians are called to plant Gos­ pel seeds in this world. This plant­ ing is being done by preaching and testimony. Then he turned to us and said. “Among the best sowers of this seed are also the Menno­ nites. They were known as good farmers in Russia and now they are also known as sowers of the Word." Of course. I was fascinated by this statement and hoped that he wculd elaborate on this assertion. The Mennonites. said Karev, with their excellent background are well prepared to preach the Word in a more orderly w'ay. Wherever they are found, there is a health.v church life. Brother Karev reported that over 5.000 converts had been bap­ tized last year. Perhaps this num­ ber is not impressive, he continued, but in this setting it is a real gain. It is not possible to keep adequate statistics and some in America have made fun of the seeming slow rate of growth as judged by bap­ tisms. but Karev reminded us that there were many more converts than baptismal candidates. Not all who accept Christ are willing to follow Him in baptism. It was with real joy that Brother Karev referred to the addition which had come to the Union in 1963 when the Mennonite Brethren joined the ranks of the Evangelical Christians, the Baptists and PenteTHE MESSENGER

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costals. “In our Union they are the exemplary Christians,” said the secretary. Of course, not all Mennonites had joined the Union and some of those who had joined are among those who have withdrawn from the Union. This opened the door for a dis­ cussion of the division which has come to the ranks of the Baptists. The dissenters are set on having Sunday Schodls which is not per­ mitted by law. They also accuse the leadership of the Union of com­ promise. Karev then continued to enu­ merate the blessings which the Union has experienced in the last years. The periodical. Brotherly Messenger, published by the Union has doubled its subscriptions from 3,000 to 6,000. A recent new print­ ing of the hymnal gave the church­ es another 30,000 copies. Govern­ ment permission for the printing of 20,000 Bibles had been received, and the large family-sized Bibles have already been printed. They are now in the process of being bound. This will be the fourth edi­ tion printed after the Revolution. We saw a finished copy of one and were well pleased. The brethren are especially hap­ py to announce the Bible School correspondence courses which they are now conducting. One hundred students are enrolled, and in addi­ tion a number of pastors ai’e also taking the course. The materials are reproduced at the headquarters in Moscow. Five courses ai'e pre­ sently offered: exegesis, homilet­ ics, church history, dogmatics and Biblical introduction. In due time they hope to call the students to Moscow for examinations. It is a

two-year course, but they hope eventually to expand it to .a fouryear curriculum. A number of students taking the courses are Mennonites. The brethren reported that it is now possible for them to occupy the entire building in Moscow ev­ en though this will require con­ siderable outlay for repairs. How­ ever, they are able to do all of this without receiving financial aid from abroad.

Brother Karev then shared some of their special concerns with us. Heavy on his heart was the di­ vision to which I have referred. The dissenters are not always rea­ dy for a reconciliation even though the leadership of the Union would welcome this. One of the objectives of the dissenters is to conduct Sun­ day Schools and since this is for­ bidden by law, a number have been imprisoned for violating the law. Brother Karev reported that many have returned to the Union, the others stand in danger of be­ coming a very narrow Baptist sect. The visit to Moscow ended with a visit to t he home of Michael Zhidkov. He had invited a few friends and we spent the afternoon in singing and fraternal fellowship. The Lord has given the church in Russia a number of excellent lead­ ers who would be a credit to any congregation anywhere in the world. Some are old and seasoned, veterans in the spiritual warfare; others are young and energetic, ready to continue the work. All seem to possess the grace which God provides for leadership and without which the work in the Kingdom is really empty motion.

Indian Stahes Require Report* of Conversions

Recently three Indian states. Madhya Pradesh—where General Conference Mennonite churches and missionaries are located, Oris­ sa and Bihar—where there are (Old) Mennonite missions—passed laws restricting missionary activity and requiring that all conversions

January 3, 1969

be reported to a district magistrate and investigated by an officer not below the rank of police inspector. These Freedom of Religion Acts, or anti-conversion laws as some call them, are designed to prohibit “conversion from one religion to another by the use of force or in­

ducement or by fraudulent means" (from the Orissa Freedom of Re­ ligion Bill of 1967).

In the Madhya Pradesh State As­ sembly the Religious Freedom Bill of 1968 passed 133 to 3, with the Congress Party, which opposed it, abstaining from voting. An edi­ torial in the September 23 issue of The Hindustani Times of Delhi raised some doubts about the new Act: 1) Was the legislation needed"? 2) Does the law interfere with “the individual’s conscientious right to choose freely the religious faith hewishes to profess’’? 3) Does the Act reflect confusion between national­ ism and religion? At the Indian General Confer­ ence October 3-6 in Jangjir, Indian Christians expressed mixed reac­ tions to the new Act. The CatholicUnion of India has begun court action, seeking a Supreme Court judgment on the constitionality of the anti-conversion laws (Ecumen­ ical Press Service, November 14). Indian Witness, official journal of the Methodist Church in Southern Asia, said: “These laws claim to be aimed at controlling unfair practices; in effect they not only affect the right of propagation, but restrict religious freedom as such.’’ The Freedom of Religion Acts reflect the trend today in India to support native products and per­ sons and to withdraw support of whatever or whomever is not na­ tive to the country. Thus Christi­ anity, originating in the Middle East and nromcted by Westerners, is felt to be foreign, though Jesus Christ himself has long been adopted into Hinduism as the tenth avatar (or reincarnation) of Vishnu. What Hindus object to is Christians’ insistence that Jesus is the only Son of God—a view that seems to them narrow, intolerant, and foreign. Thus even such Christion institutions as hospitals and schools in India find themselves on a slightly more precarious basis today, though the good they do is recognized and welcomed by many. In Mennonite institutions in In­ dia, the long-range goal has been leadership by Indian nationals themselves. Thus a high percent­ age of positions in General Confer­ ence Mennonite hospitals and schools are now filled by the In­ dians themselves.

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CHILDREN’S STORY

^hovc yill

Else

Velma B McConnell

Family worship was over and Jimmy and Janie rose from their knees. Janie put father’s Bible back on the table and Jimmy replaced the hymn books. “Say, Father,” said Jimmy, “there is something I don’t quite understand!” “Tell me, and perhaps I can ex­ plain it to you,” said his father. “Well,” said Jimmy, “it is about the young man you read about. You said that he went away sor­ rowful and that Jesus said—what did Jesus say. Father?” “ ‘How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!’ What is there that you don't understand?” "Can’t rich people go to heaven. 8

Father? What about Mr. King? He is rich, and so is Uncle Jack. Can’t they get to heaven?” “I wondered about that, too, Father,” said Janie, “I meant to ask my Sunday School teacher, but I forgot.” Mr. French looked thoughtful. “Let me see if I can make you un­ derstand. Take the case of the rich young man; first of all, his money meant so much to him that he was unwilling to give it up, even to get the eternal life that he wanted. Je­ sus was really testing him. God knows our hearts and He knew that the young man valued his money more highly than any other thing. Had his family meant more to him than even his riches, Jesus might have said, ‘Leave thy father and mother and follow me.'» n" “Oh I see now,” said Jimmy, “then it wasn't just because he was rich!” “But Father,” said Janie, “doesn’t the Bible say that money is the root of all evil?” Her father shook his head. “No, Janie, that statement is often quoted, but it is wrong. The Bible says ‘For the love of money is the root of all evil.’ To place money ahead of everything else, or the love of money and the intense de­ sire to make money is to have a false set of values.” “Well, then,” said Jimmy, “I think that to put anything at all ahead of God would be wrong, whether it is family, friends, clothes, a job or money!” “You understand clearly, son,” replied his father, “God must al­ ways come first in our lives. The Bible says He is a jealous God. Not a wrong, jealous feeling but God gave His precious Son for us and we must put everything else in second place. Morey can be made a real blessing if we realize that it all comes from Him and belongs to Him. We must use it to bring honor to God and not even consider it our own.” “I think I understand too. Fa­ ther,” said Janie. “We can be rich and go to heaven if we love Jesus mere than all our money and if we use it for Him. And if God wants me to be a missionary when I grow up, then I must love Him more than you and Mother and Jimmy, and not look back and cry! Jesus has to come above every­ thing!” —Selected

BOOKS YOU WILL WANT TO READ Margaret Epp Packed with vivid memories of a lively childhood, youthful times of adventure and the more mature experience of adulthood, this book is an inti­ mate autobiographical volume, humorous, delightful and pro­ fitable. $4.29

Then Sings My Soul George Beverly Shea with Fred Bauer Introduction by Billy Gra­ ham. The fascinating story of a painfully self-conscious boy who has become America’s most beloved evangelistic singer. It includes accounts of the begin­ ning struggles and decisions of his great musical career; his first meeting with the young Billy Graham; signing with RCA; the Crusades; and singing in Viet Nam. Illustrated. Clothbound. 176 pages. $4.25

The Far Sight There is a sipht

That comes from God: That sees into the soul— d < p and penetrating look That reaches far bei/ond The thin sad barricade Erected for protection From an unkind world. It takes upon itself The (iiialiti/ of Iovine pain— .A look of Him Who secs the ache and throb Of life's experience And touches with If is love 7 he raw and bleedin" spots. Words- are not comfort, but that Which lie.s behind them—this. His comprehendine, healin" loveCome.s onhf a.s If is "iff To pice to those Whose jiain can find no respite, ■Vo fond rest Until it rest in Him. —Marguerite Estaver

—Selected

THE MESSENGER

FROM

'HOUSE

TO YO

HOUSE

The Art of Forgetting Bij Elma B. Dueck It was Freddie's turn to say his memory- verse in Sunday School. Freddie got up. started to stutter and shuffle his feet, but the words refused to come out. Finally he blurted out in his childish lisp, “Ich kann tho gut vergethen." (I am so good at forgetting.) Little Freddie has my complete sympathy. How often I have been frustrated and disgusted with my uncanny knack of forgetting things at the most inopportune times! This leads you into all kind.s of embar­ rassing or frustrating situations. For e.vample. just the other day, after the bus driver had given me change for a dollar. I naively went and took a seal. Suddenly it dawn­ ed on me that the bus driver’s pointed finger and loud. "Hey La­ dy. you hare not put hi your fare". were directed at me! Not taking the bus frequently. I had forgotten that you had to put in the fare yourself. But, the ability to forget can also be a blessing in disguise’? Since I realized this. I have been much more tolerant with myself and oth­ ers in this matter of forgetting. I I have actually thanked God for the gift of being able to forget! I believe life would become unbear­ able if one was incapable of forget­ ting. What are the things that I am glad to forget'? First of all, I am so thankful to forget the anguish and the condemnation of my guilty con­ science until I surrender^ to Christ and experienced the peace and joy of sins forgiven and hence forgotten. I am glad to forget all the past

failures since that time I accepted Christ, and begin each day with renewed hope and asperations to do belter tt^ay. As time goes on I gradually for­ get much of the pain and bitterness in the bereaxement of loved ones. I remember more the pleasant me­ mories with the loved one while the painful memories grow dim­ mer. January 3. 1969

Another thing that I am glad grows more vague in my mind is when I have let myself be hurt by someone. The Lord has command­ ed us to forgive others their tres­ passes against us. Does not genuine forgiving also involve forgetting.? I admit, this is one area where it is not always easy to forget. But with God’s help to keep me from dwelling on it and constantly turn­ ing it over in my mind, one can forget. Blessed is he who can for;ive and forget the trespasses of others for he will know the peace and joy of forgiveness himself! Above all. I am eternally grate­ ful that God can forget too. He for­ gets all my sins when I have con­ fessed them and trusted Him for forgiveness God is infinitely better at forgetting than I am. My for­ getting is still capable of resurrec­ tion. But not God’s. He says in Jeremiah 31:34. "For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remcmtx;r their sin no more. ” On the other hand, there are things that we should not ever for-

get. This we can practice by bring­ ing them to our minds daily. "Bless the Lord, O my .soul and forget not all His benefits Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thv diseases.” Ps. 103: 2-3. ■‘I will not forget Thv word.” Ps. 119:6. ""To do good and to communicate forget not.” Heb. 13:16. We should also not forget the kind and beautiful things others have done for us.” Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love ...” I Thess. 1:3. Again I am grateful that God is also infinitely better at remember­ ing than we are For even though a mother could forget her child. God cannot forget His own. He not only remembers each one, but has each hair numbered! May we then “forget” those things which are behind, (things which hinder u.s in our upward way) and reach forth unto those things which are before. ” Phil 3: 13b.

WRITE IT DOWN By {Mrs.) Amanda Peters Last night our 14 year-old son but they feel secure knowing knocked on our door long after that a parent cared enough we had gone to bed and asked, about something they said or did "May I come in?” His need? As­ to uTtte it down! surance of salvation! Leafing through my notebook This was not the first time he last night, I was able to share had come. There had been other a number of accounts with our occasions when a message from son . . . times when we had es­ God’s Word - a narrow escape - pecially witnessed God at work or a “show-down” with a pal in his life. Naturally, we en­ had led Robert to self-examina­ couraged Robert to greater dili­ tion and questioning the reality gence in reading and obeying of his relationship to Jesus God’s Word, praying and wit­ Christ. nessing, however, it seemed of Once again, my husband and definite help to this confused boy I counselled our questioning son. to hear the record of times in showing him from the Bible the his life when God had been real steps he must take and the to him. Promises God gives to those who A dear single missionary come to Him. friend told me once, “It isn’t For years I have kept a record right if you don’t record some of some of the “special” things of your precious experiences to our children have said and ex­ perienced. This ‘‘mother’s note­ share with others.” That started book” has been a personal source me off! I have kept a diary since of delight — and upon very rare then, as well as jotting special occasions I have divulged some experiences with the children of its “stories” to the children. into my mother’s notebook. How thrilled they have been to We read of Mary, the mother hear an account of something of Jesus, “And his mother trea­ they said or did in the past. It sured all that wa.s said in her is obvious at such times that heart.” (Luke 2:51). May I add. they are not only grateful to “Don’t just treasure it in your be “let in” on these memories. heart, write it down.’". 9

with the GhufGhes PRAIRIE

ROSE

Christmas greetings were sent to the Prairie Roser's in India in the form of a recorded Christmas morning church service. They are Rev. and Mrs. Vernon Reimer. Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Reimer. Raymond Plett. Edmar Reimer and Tim Kroeker. Rev. Harvey Plett in Low German drew some interesting challenging points from the prophetess Hannah, and Rev. A. P. Unger in English posed some questions or applications using the Bethlehem Inn Keeper as subject ma­ terial. A letter from the Vernon Reimers was read to the congregation. The Chris­ tians in India and the MCC have ap­ proached the Vernon Reimers to extend their service another term of three years. Thi.s seems to be the Lord's will for them they say. and if so. then they would come home for a short furlough in May 1969. A serious problem facing the three PAX men i.s the aquiring of a residen­ tial visa in Indien. Rev. Vernon Reimer i.s corresponding with Madame Ghandi in an effort to insure the men's stay. Sincere prayer was requested for the above. The entire congregation dedicated a verse of a song to the missionaries in India. Greetings were also sent along with Harold Plett to St. Lucia by a show of hands. He expects to leave for the West Indies December 26, 1968. Another important item in the morn­ ing service were two songs by "The Harmonies" I five sisters or cousins, and accompanists who have recently made a recording I.

ARDEN

Arden Community Bible Church is praising God for the recently past events. We believe that our church has experienced a revival such as never be­ fore ha.s taken place here. The begin­ nings may have taken place long ago in the hearts of the people but the re­ vival itself wa.s first evidenced in an evening service when the Dave Wiebe.s from Bolivia gave a missionary report. Then things really came to a head dur­ ing our missionary conference. Our guest speakers were the Leslie Pletts. the George Brauns and Mel Wyma the main speaker. He reminded us that too often Christianity wa.s just salvation from eternal damnation to us. while real Christianity should be vital ap.d

in

vibrant with energy. He made vivid to us his expertence.s with the savages that wandered the jungles; how he had travelled with them in their filth and sickness, how he had never, not for a moment, been able to have any solitude for himself; how he, and other missionarie.s had wandered for days in search of water; and then had realized that it was only God that could give the love and endurance to a man like Mr. Wyma and that it was God alone that could give us that same living. burning zeal to live for Christ. Mr. Wyma was also invited to spend some time at the local school. As it turned out he spent the whole forenoon there showing a film, relating experi­ ences, and answering questions. One of the unsaved teachers later remarked that she had never heard anything like it before. Since the conference this renewed zeal ha.s been evidenced in many ways. We believe there is greater interest for the things of the Lord and the hH-al church in the surrounding communities. Also, we have realized that we as a chhurch were living by a rather dead superficial faith and needed to be re­ vitalized to let the Holy Spirit flow through us to make u.s useful vessel.s in His service. We are expecting people in our area to be saved, who knows, maybe some of our members will go out to reach those wild, savage tribes about which Mr. Wyma wa.s so concerned.

KLEEFELO

The young people of the church have again organized a Youth Fellowship for the coming year. This year the meetings will be somewhat of a different nature than they have been in previous years. In order to make it more informal, since we are a rather small group, it was de­ cided to have our fellowship nights in the honie.s of various young people. Our first evening of fellowship. Dec. 15. was hosted by our pastor and hi.s wife in their home. We played a variety of games, and then enjoyed a hearty discussion on the topic of "Christian Fellowship". A lunch was served to conclude the evening. Since our choir spent a lot of time rehearsing for the religious folk pro­ gram which it presented in November, there wa.s les.s time that, could be spent in preparing a Christmas cantata. Be­ cause Pt this-. The monlhl.v Jugendver-

ein and the choir shared the evening of Dec. 22 in presenting a Christmas program at the church. Speaker for the evening was Rev. Ed Plett of the Prai­ rie Rose Church. Items in the program included a recitation, a young girls' trio, a children'.s story, and a congre­ gational "sing-song" of favorite Christ­ mas carols. After the message the choir presented twenty minutes of carol sing­ ing. This included a violin solo by Le Roy Bartel and two carols sung by a mixed octett.

RIVERTON GOSPEL CHAPEL Rev. Melvin Dueck was our guest speaker for the Deeper Life Conference held in the Chapel from November 17 to November 22. His messages were rich with inspirational encouragement to go on with the Lord as His children, and Hi-s appointed ones in this part of His vineyard. The music presented by the different groups of the chapel, the Mennville choirs, a ladies' trio from Rosenort Fellowship chapel, and by Har­ ry Neufeld, Steinbach all added to the theme of the conference. Much rejoic­ ing wa.s in evidence at the Communion service held Wednesday, November 27. a.s a result of the conference. The chapel was full for the service with the Steinbach Bible Institute team. The Girls chorale did a tremendous jeb under the direction of Miss Margaret Neufeld, and the message by Rev. Ben Friesen on "Revolution and Missions” challenged everyone present.

Appointments made at recent fellow­ ship meetings include a building com­ mittee comprising Eddie Friesen. Del­ mar Kornelsen and Marvin Johnson, and a contact man for Mennonite Dis­ aster services in the person of Eddie Friesen.

The pastor was requested to carry on with the writing of the weekly news­ paper column for the Interlake News, at a recent Interlake E.M.C. Minister­ ial. Camp work and Sunday schcol work was also discussed at thi.s meet­ ing. The chapel i.s participating in the Interlake Crusade for Christ with the Barry Moore team. The crusade will be held in Arborg Elementary school audi­ torium. from Sunday. February 2 to Sunday Feb. 9, with weekday service.s at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday .‘w.-rvice.s at 7:30 p.m. The pastor Ls general chair­ man for the Cru.sade. Other members of the church involved in the cornmit-

THE MESSENGER

tees are Peter Loewen, treasurer, Mar­ vin Johnson, chairman of the Usher committee, Eddie Friesen, chairman of the Transportation committee, and John Klassen chairman of the Telephone committee. Much prayer is requested for the Crusade. Special Christmas activities at the chapel included “A Girls choir carol Fest” on Sunday, Dec. 15, participating in the community carol Festival, Tues­ day, Dec, 17. and a first for the Young Peoples group in the form of a Christ­ mas program in the form of a play and a film. This was worthy of much thanksgiving for the work involved and the zeal displayed to express the real Christmas story. The Sunday school Christmas programme was held on Sun­ day, Dec. 22, and a Christmas day ser­ vice will be held. PLEASANT VALLEY Missionary Conference

We had our deeper life meeting.s No­ vember 25 - 28 with Rev. Cornie Loe­ wen as speaker. On Friday, November 29 and Sunday, December 1 was the annual local missionary conference. Mr. Loewen was also the main speaker here. The theme running through the entire week was "Prayer”, as seen in the life and example of the prophet Elijah. We were privileged to have several missionaries with us. Frank Brauns were with us on Friday night reporting on the work at the Griswold Indian Re­ serve, It was interesting to hear how the work has grown since Mr. Braun started there several years ago. They have even found it necessary to put an extension on their church building. Miss Mary Koop, who had just re­ turned from Mexico reported Sunday afternoon. This was the first report we heard from Sinaloa. Sarah Martens, too, had just recently returned from her field, Paraguay. She presented an enlightening film­ strip about our mission in Paraguay. It wa.s interesting to note how some of the missionaries stressed the impoitance of prayer. This was in keeping with the theme of the week. Choir Activities

Christmas is a busy time. The choir has found it thus. They have presented their Christma.s program three consecu­ tive nights: December 22 at Opawako; December 23 at Columbine; and, De­ cember 24 in the home church. May these programs have shown the people what the real meaning of Christmas should be. Besides these programs the choir carolled at about seventy-five homes.

FISHER BRANCH

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, is a Child of God, and every one who loves the parent loves the Child." 1 John 5; IRV. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his com­ mandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5; 3 RV. Sylvia, a small daughter of Elvin Reimers is on the sick list since sum­ mer with heart ailments. She was hos­ pitalized for a long time in Winnipeg, but is home now without having had success there. On Sunday, Sept. 22 our S. S. was canceled and church service allocated to a school building, because in the church an unruly gang had damaged windows, benches, books etc. during the night. Some of them have spoken up after to apologize. Hope they’ll be back for a better church service. Since our last report, the following ministers have served here; Menno Kroeker; David Thiessen; Ed. Wright; Mervin Baer; John Harms; Nick Frie­ sen; Andrew Plett; Jac. L. Kroeker. As new settlers last fall we have the Peter P. Reimers and family from Prairie Rose. They acquired the large Ernest Meilliour farm 2 miles east of the church. It’s good to welcome them and others who bring encouragement to a conservative tone. They were ac­ cepted into Church Fellowship Dec. 17. Our Young people are again prepar­ ing programs for extension areas dur­ ing the Christma.s season. The wedding of the young couple, brother Arnold Reimer with his bride Minna E. Siemens took place Oct. 26 in the Fisher Branch community Hall, where brother P. P. Friesen officiated. Minna’s parents from Edburg, Alta, and many friends from closer by were pre­ sent, which made it a solemn occasion. Nov. 2, brother David E. Siemens was married to his elected bride sister Katharina Kornelsen (daughter of Toni Kornelsensi thru the hand of her uncle Henry Kornelsen, in the Fisher Branch community hall. May the rich Lord over all bless these and other couples in thi.s stage to Hi.s glory and only His. The B. D. Siemens and part of their family, while attending the two wed­ dings of their children, also made visits to different places during the week. A combined program for S. S. closing and Christmas was rendered in the old hall in Chatfield, where also our choir brought a few .songs. Evidently there were people from variou.s backgrounds, like Indians. Ukrainians. Negro, Dutch and Polish.

January 3, 1969

Another program is scheduled for Dec. 21 at the Maidstone School where mostly children from Anglican parents have been coming to S, S. MORRIS

It was a majority vote of the mem­ bers present at a formal meeting in No­ vember that the church should be offici­ ally known as the Morris Fellowship Chapel; (affiliated with E.M.C.) The ladies held a shower for Tina Brandt who was bride elect for Dec. 21. Tina was presented with a toaster. Con­ gratulations and best wishes to the new­ lyweds, the Levi Reimers. A fellowship supper was served on Dec. 17 at the church, to observe Christ­ mas. Some 85 attended. An MCC film was shown, and a gift presented to the pastor and his wife. Rev. Loewen thanked the people, but also with an ad­ monition that there is danger in forming a too closely knit circle, thereby exclud­ ing folk who need to be reached. The Loewens were presented with an elec­ tric clothes drier, a project of the La­ dies Fellowship Group. Rev. Conrad Durstcn came out to help plan for Good News Clubs in town after Christmas. This was in response to an invitation from some who attended the Child Evangelism banquet in Winni­ peg. Mr. Durston really threw cut a challenge for children’s work, and told of the respons" of children when given the opportunity. It was agreed that se­ veral of our group would contact people for available homes and teachers. Pray for this work! Congratulations to Art and Gladys Friesen on the birth of their first child Richard Arthur in October — a thanks­ giving present! ENDEAVOUR, SASK.

On Nov. 11 a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lero.v Scharfer burg Eunice Catherine. A sister for Arlin. Tue. Nov. 12, marked the opening of our Missions Conference Local numbers were rendered and slides shown. Wed. Nov. 13, Miss Kay Johnston, missionary to East Pakistan held the interest of old and ycung with her in­ teresting talk and display. We were al­ so favoured with two numbers by the ladies trio from Arrabella. The film “Region.s Beyond” wa.s a challenge to every heart. Thurs. Nov. 14. Slides were again shown as well as a tape message from the Ernest Funks and Anne Brown. Friday Nov. 15. Being young peoples night the chapel was filled to capacity. Special numbers in song and the film "The Price” were a real blessing. Mr.

11

A H i Oil

Loewen gave a wonderful message each evening of the conference, lifting our eyes and hearts once again farther afield. The special services were a time of spiritual preparation for the com­ munion which was held in the evening of Sunday Nov. 17. The time of Testi­ mony, prayer requests, and fellowship drew all present into a closer com­ munion with each other and God. On Dec. 8 we were privileged to have with us the Gideons from the Yorkton Camp. With them was Mr. Bill Sawyer. Dec. 11. The Women's Fellowship met at the home of Mrs. Alice Scharfenburg. Articles were brought to be packed for our Christmas bundle as well as plans made for the treat bags for the Sunday School program which at present has captured the interest of all. On Dec. 15 a group from the Chapel accompanied Mr. Buhler to Preeceville for the service at the Senior Citizens Home. MENNONITE RELIEF ORGANIZATION TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETING IN CALGARY

Winnipeg — Canadian Mennonites gave $385,000 in cash to the Mennonite Central Committee's Overseas Relief and Service Program during the past year. Of this amount, $32,000 was ear­ marked specifically for Nigeria-Biafra and a similar amount was designated for the Refuge Program in Jordan. These figures will be contained in the treasurer's report to the MCC (Cana­ da) Annual Meeting at the Highland Mennonite Brethren Church in Calgarj' January 10-11, 1969. The 26 members of the Board, re­ presenting the various Mennonite and Brethren in Christ conferences in Ca­ nada and the five Provincial MCC or­ ganizations, will also hear reports from MCC's main material aid centers in On­ tario and British Columbia that 304,000 pounds of clothing, bedding, medicine, and other supplies valued at $344,000 were sent abroad during 1968. Actual material aid receipts during 1968 were higher than this, but the cen­ ters are carrying a large inventory in­ to 1969 because of shipping delays in summer'and fall. One of the most important phases of the Mennonite Central Committee'.s program is its service arm. Upwards of 700 North American volunteers are serving under the MCC in 35 countries, including Canada and the U. S. The Canadian units in the voluntary service program are administered from the MCC (Canada) Head Office in Win­ nipeg. There are currently 51 volunteers in

12

THE MESSENGER

this country - 39 teachers and nurses in Newfoundland, 8 community service personnel in public housing projects in Toronto, 2 in Thompson, Manitoba and 2 in New Westminster, British Colum­ bia. A public meeting will be held Friday evening, January 10, at the Highland Mennonite Brethren Church in connec­ tion with the MCC (Canada) Annual Meeting. Peter J. Dyck, an administra­ tor at MCC's International Head Office in Akron, Pennsylvania will report on some of his contacts with Christians during a recent two-week visit to the Soviet Union. The Mennonite Central Committee (Canada) is the relief and service arm of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Canada. The member churches, located in all five western provinces, have a total membership of approximately 65,000.

PRISONERS FOR

PEACE

Akron, Pa. In the United States Federal Prisons nearly 100 men are serving two-to-five-year sentences be­ cause they could not for conscience reasons comply with Selective Service. For some it was not a matter of resist-

Announcing

SBI YOUTH CONFERENCE

Feb. 7 - 9 Theme:

“Let's Face Reality"

Cost $5.00 Apply to:

STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE Steinbach, Man. (Ages: 16 and over)

ing the draft but refusal of their draft board to grant a CO classification. Few people are aware that since 1948 between 600 and 700 conscientious ob­ jectors have been imprisoned. Unlike most federal prison cases, few of these are given broad headlines in the major U. S. newspapers. Consequently most of these conscientious objectors are for­ gotten by society. The regulations of these institution.s allow the inmate to have only 12 regis­ tered visitors and 12 neuned correspon­ dents. However, this mail restriction is relaxed each year at Christmas time.. The imprisoned are permitted to receive an unlimited number of Christmas greetings, provided they contain no written or typed messages. Only the printed greetings along with the signa­ ture and address are permitted. It should also be understood that in most instances there will be no acknowledge­ ment of the greetings due to the mail restrictions on the inmates. During 1968 there were five known Mennonite conscientious objectors im­ prisoned. However, three have complet­ ed their sentences and have now been released. At this time there are only two Mennonite CO's known to be in prison. Both are incarcerated at the Al­ lenwood Federal Prison Farm south of Williamsport. Pennsylvania. They are: Eli E. Miller, formerly from Dalton, Ohio, and Raymond Stauffer of Ephra­ ta, Pa. A retired Methodist minister. Rev. Robert Horton, is serving as chaplain to the imprisoned CO's. He has regular­ ly visited more than 20 of the 35 fede­ ral prisons where conscientious objec­ tors are contained. He has also made attempts to visit CO's in the armed forces who are retained in stockades at the various military bases in the U.S. Although Rev. Horton has been success­ ful in his prison visits, he has been able to gain entrance into only one stockade. Anyone having knowledge of a con­ scientious objector being held at a mi­ litary base who would wish to have a visit by a minister should contact Rev. Robert Horton, 855 Wood Road, South Hampton, Pa. 18966. It is important that Rev. Horton have a letter from the individual requesting a visit, other­ wise the base i.s under no obligation to admit any visitors. In addition to the two presently ser\-ing sentences, two other Mennonite re­ gistrants are known to be awaiting sentencing and imprisonment.

NVM aiiJsnM

Noniw iSVd