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Vol. 7, No. 26 Dec. 19, 1969
EVANGELICAL
MENN0N ITE CONFERENCE
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I Who Shall Evangelize (III) In our former two editorials we have wrestled with the problem, “Who Shall Evangelize?” One thing I believe we have established is that it is encumbant upon every Christian to actively share his faith. The other is that we have seen how God blesses where this has been practised. We have now come to the place where we want to offer some reasons why the program of world evangelization has become almost totally the work of the professional clergy. And the answer is so simple that I don’t know how it has escaped us! We have seen time and again in our former two articles that where God’s plan is put into practice, the church grows. What then is God’s plan? God’s plan is in Eph. 4:11, 12. He has given certain people (today in the broad sense “the clergy”) “. . . . to equip God’s people for work in His service . . .” That we have failed to do this, is the crux of our hang-up! Jesus did! Mark records it for us, “And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” (3:14) The training consisted of being with Him. 'This is the best training. Not telling how to do it. “Knowledge was not communicated by the Master in terms of laws and dogmas, but in the living personality of One who walked among them.” (Robert Coleman in The Master Plan in Evan gelism). And then, note. We come to the sixth chapter of Mark’s gospel and we see that the dis ciples are now ready to make a foray into the coun tryside to test their training. “And He (Jesus) called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two . . . and they went out, and preached that men should repent.” (Mark 6:7, 12) But before they went He gave them a briefing. He told them exactly, the very sentences they were to repeat. For this Luke gives us a little more de tailed account. The very first thing they were to say when they came to a house was “Peace be to this house.” Now this was a relief! No searching your brain what to say. The first words were in their mouth. (10:5). After this they were to heal the sick, and by this time there would doubtless be many questions. Then came the application. They were not healing merely for healing’s sake. To the question, “What is the meaning of all this”? they were to answer, “The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” Thus opening the door for further instruction to earnest seekers. (10:9). But they were given one more explicit instruc tion, reserved for those who rejected them. To
them they were to say, “Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” (10:11). Now I am not saying by this that we should use exactly these three statements. Our greetings upon entering a house would no doubt be different. Our appilication might be worded differently. The last order, I believe we would agree was given with the Jewish people in mind because I don’t think we find that this was done in the latter minis try to the Gentiles: Paul did it once in a synagogue in Corinth, even to the shaking of his raiment. (Acts 18:6). But this was again to the Jews. So Jesus had a plan, and He worked it. This is the difference. We often have no plan, no strategy, much less work it. The secret lies in planning the work and then working the plan. Both are imperative if we want to be successful. Brother J. J. Toews laments the fact that, “Theory has only seldom been related to practice. Too often those who taught the course have said GO instead of COME. Theoratical classroom in struction will never enable the student to swim or drive a car! A driving student needs his instruc tor beside him in the car when he is on the road. Similarly a soul-winner will need practical example and assistance of his instructor when making his first attempt.” In other words, a plan. James Kennedy bears this out when be says, “We have found that most Christians do not know how to make an intelligible, forceful and interesting presentation of the Gospel.” Our failure does not stem from the fact that many of us do not feel that we should share our faith. I asked this question of a group of Christian workers once and I believe all agreed that Christians should share their faith. But the real problems are,as Mr. Kaufman puts it “I don’t know how”, “I am ajraid” etc. I see by the length of this week’s article that we will need one more session to tie up what we have been thus far saying; to suggest some ways and means of witnessing programs. I trust you will bear with me in one more editorial on the subject. A blessed Christmas and a spiritually fruitful New Year to all MESSENGER readers! —D.S.
The Word Became Flesh In how many places in the New Testament do we find the birth of Christ recorded? Certainly the best known account is in Luke 2:1-19. St. John chapter 1 is another place. Maybe it is not as noticeable here, but in a way it is even more pro found. God had a message for mankind. How was He going to communicate it? Jesus was the Word, and
The Me.s.senger i.s 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. In.stnict in Godhness and victorious living. Inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should he 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 otlier week by Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Board of Education and Publication, Bo.x 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba. Second Clas.s Mail, Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscription.s .should be mailed to the above address.
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THE MESSENGER
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He became flesh. The Word was incarnated and came to show us the Father. What better way of communication. Since Jesus has gone gack to heaven, the church is His body. His word must now become incarnated in us to bear His message to a lost world. In a way we could say that the bearer of the word is the message. What will our message be this Christmas? Will it revolve around self only? Or will it see the Christmas message anew for what it is? Good tidings of great joy ... to all people! —D.S.
that they spare themselves much less than we do ourselves and are no strangers to self-criticism and repentance. They have been through periods of dramatic and rapid change before and may turn out to be far more adaptable than we expect. Let’s see what will happen if we make genuine attempts to tell them about our concerns.” I feel that the greatest hindrance to communication now are gen erated by “fundamentalist-liberal” tensions and by such things as hair, skirts, tobacco, guitars, and other trivia. Shame on us! Glenn Klassen Box 148 Vita, Man.
LETTERS
NEW CHURCH Dear Readers, Greeting you from Clearbrook, B.C. this Lord’s day. As most of you will have heard the E.M.C. has started a work here on the West Coast. I thought it would be only fair for all those who are supporting this work in prayer, etc. to be informed of the progress here. First of all, Clearbrook is a beautiful town lying in the centre of the Fraser Valley, with snow capped mountains on the north and east. We are about 42 miles east of Vancouver and 3 miles from the American border. Fraser Valley products are mainly dairy, poultry, beef and fruit. Clearbrook and Abbotsford combined have a population of about 20,000; the area population is nearing the 35,000 mark. The average temperature for January the coldest month of the year is 371^ degrees above. Clearbrook has 8 churches, mostly Mennonite. But out in the country you don’t see churches, and this is the area the E.M.C. church is located, 5 miles southwest of Clearbrook in an area called Peardonville. A great work is open to us here. A lot of families, Mennonite families, in this area don’t atten church regularly any place. This was our third Sunday we had services. The attendance has increased from 22 last Sunday to 33 this Sunday. There are a lot of children that have to be reached. We are very thankful for the B. D. Reimers who have moved out here and are pastoring the church. We have S.S. and regular worship services every Sunday in the church and Bible study in the homes every Thursday. As the work increases we are desperately in need of workers, S.S. teach ers, song leaders and pianist. People that will with us put their shoulder to the wheel and work with us. We need about 4 or 5 families who would like to serve the Master to move out here. The harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few. The Canada Committee of our Conference are doing a great work. Men of God interested to ex pand the work they have had a great part in the work here, pray for them! In closing I hope some couples will feel led to come and assist in the work here. Pray for the Peardonville Fellowship Chapel. Bert and Rose Friesen 32044 Old Yale Rd. Clearbrook, B.C.
The Messenger, Dear sir-. At the recent meeting of students and ministers of the Conference, I said that I thought what was going on in our church buildings from week to week was a hindrance to our witness to the present generation. I said that I was embarrassed by the vocabulary used, the songs we sing, and by the oppressive atmosphere created by formality and lack of true openness. These were gratuitous and perhaps cruel things to say but they were things I really meant. I appreciated the openness of the meeting which allowed me to make these statements, realizing that this openness already contradicted my criticism. Let me qualify my statements. I firmly believe that Christ is the Lord of the Church and that he will see to it that “the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it . . In view of this it is ridiculous for anyone to give the Church dire warnings to the effect that if the church doesn’t please a certain group or generation of people it will become ir relevant or ineffective. Church leaders should listen to this kind of quacking tolerantly and then prompt ly forget it. I am ashamed to say that I have some times been guilty of this and I apologise to God for this frightful presumption. When I say, then, that I no longer find normal E.M.C. church activities very helpful for my life and witness I am merely saying that I no longer identify the E.M.C. brotherhood as the only bro therhood of which I feel a part. It is an important part of the brotherhood for me since through it I participate in missions, welfare, mental health treatment, and so on. Only in its traditions do I have a fee'ling of wholesome and worship. To me the ultimate feeling of meaning comes while sitting in a varnished pew with other men on the men’s side of the aisle, dressed in my best clothes and singing, “Jesu Blut und Gerechtigkeit . . . ”. If only every one else could be shown the glory of this! But alas— there are only three thousand of us and three billion of them. No. We must go on from there in weakness and obedience. A few have felt this tug to a greater brotherhood and have said, “If the E.M.C. does not want to go in this way, well then, goodbye and God Bless You!” Others, including myself have thought, “We have seen the genuine faith of our elders in the openness and earnestness of local brotherhood meetings and some Conference sessions. We know
December 19, 1969
Cover: From ACTION magazine. 3
Attendance Increasing — Clearbrook (From a letter from B. D. Reimer) 2431 Clearbrook Rd. Clearbrook, B. C. Dec. 6, 1969 Greetings from the mild west. We had a fine trip here, arriv ing on Friday evening, just after one truck had unloaded, and before another two came the same eve ning. We unloaded one, and waited till Saturday morning for the oth er. This was quite a preparation for our first Sunday service the next day. About 40 people were out, as were out ths next Sunday too though a number were out for the first time. Could you send us a number of each issue of The Messenger, as they come off the press, to distri bute to the people attending our services? Possibly 12 copies or so would do. If we got a dozen or so copies of the Familienfnsund regularly we cou'ld, I am sure, make use of them too, in our German Bible stu
dies, and our visitations when we miset German preference. It is now late Sunday night (Des. 7). Our third Sunday here. The at tendance was up quite a bit from the previous Sundays. Our S.S. had a 40% increase. Two more new families were in the service, one promising to make this their church home. They moved .in here from Wymark area. They had at tended occasionally in our Wymark church the last year before they moved this way. They have been here for three months.
We are still looking forward to getting the help of at least 6 EMC families in our endeavour to build a congregation at Peardonville. How are the prospects? Whom has the Lord called? Yours for a most blessed hdliday season, B. D. Reimer
Appreciate Visitors Box 180, Chihwahzia Chih., Mexico November 30th.
Dear fellow believers. Greetings in the Name of Christ who paid everything for us long ago that we might be fnee to enter Heaven’s Glory and share with the King of Kings the eternal riches and be forever free from the struggiles of this life below. May the Good Lord be very near to all of you and set you all as well as us a blessing to all those around us. We are experiencing his blessings and trust that you are also aware of these yourselves. Along with Paul in Acts 17 verse 28 we find what our stand should be with Christ —“Denn in ihm leben, weben und sind wir.” Moechtet dieses war sein in alle unseres lebens. Some of our recent blessings have been to see and visit with those from our churches in Canada. Thanks to every one of those that 4
Came all the way to pay us a wel come visit. Ben Wiebes spent last night and most of today with us, and have just left us. Leo Penners, Menno Reimers, Jake Wiebes and Peter Penners all paid us a worthy visit—may the Lord bless each one of them for it. We are also glad to have the Pete Friesens, and John Friesens here to help along in the work. They have already been a^ blessing. If it be a blessing to bury a person who is a believer, then we had the bless ing just yesterday when a young wife - Mrs. Abram Wall, Greta Heide, was able to go to be with the Lord we trust. It was a solemn heart searching occassion to see that this Lord had seen fit to take from ths 21 year old group one to come and praise His Name. She died at child birth seemingly hav ing expected it to some extent. The child is now taking the place of the dear wife—the Lord knows
what He is doing, we firmly be lieve yet it is a hard job even to give only a little comfort realizing full well that one has never gone through such valley as yet. The funeral took place in the General Conference Church where these have been attending of late. She re ceived baptism instructions under the leading of Brother Henry P. Friesen of Arborg, but could not receive baptism due to the mother not allowing. Further blessings would be that we are now again seeing some more health coming into our happy little lamily. Quite a few nights this past week have been somewhat disturbed because the little daugh ter was sick. One day we took turns carrying her so as to have some more quietness in the house. Now she seems to be improving fast again. Greg is doing fine along with parents and seems to notice the health returning in his sister too, just now playing so lovingly in the play-pen with Gaylene. Again a hearty thankyou to all of you who are faithful to the Lord in remembering us and the work here in prayer. Pray that our own spiritual life will be up to measure and not lacking. Pray that the right contacts will be made and that we will be found faithful.
In Christ we remain, Edwin Reimers
HE REIGNS I did not see the star that shone And bade them worship Him. That told the Maigi Christ had come O’er sleeping Bethlehem, But in my heart a Star has risen, More glorious and bright Than e’en the star of Bethlehem — For Jesus is my light.
I did not go to Bethlehem To worship where .He lay, The Son of God in form of man, Upon a bed of hay. But this I know, He lives today As surely as of yore, For in this heart of mine He reigns — A King forevermore!
— E. Margaret Clarkson
THE MESSENGER
An Invitation - Houston General Delivery Hoiiston, B.C. Dec. 1, 1969
Dear Christian jriends, We have been here now for three months and we rejoice at how the Lord is working out the essentials here. I had a job the first week when I applied to the right man. At once we found a vacan cy on a trailer court. Then the Lord enabled us to purchase a new mobile home. We always felt that if we would really apply Matthew 6:33, God would keep his promise and He is faithful to His Word. We appreciate our church at Burns Lake for the encouragement they gave and continue to give us. Bro. Arden Tliiessen has introduced us to a
Going Forth Night One of the highlight activities of the Blumenort Young Peoples is “Going Forth Night”. It is an evening planned to allow young peopile to experience the joy of Christian Service and to promote individual response to the spirit ual needs of others. Participation is voluntary and has been very favourable. We have had throe evenings of this kind since spring. Three areas of service are of fered from which the young people have the freedom to ch(X)se, name ly, tract distribution, group sing ing, and personal house to house visitation. On November 12 four groups handed out tracts in various places in Winnipeg such as in Hospital parking lots. Portage Avenue, door to door, and in restaurants. Three groups went singing, one to Menno Home in Grunthal, one to a pri vate home in Winnipeg and ano ther group went to a Rehabilita tion Camp in Falcon Lake where a special appreciation was ex pressed. Those who signed up for personal work were allowed to go to the place of their choice. The participants do not report of many decisions for Christ, but more that they personally sense the presence of God and joy in be ing involved in God’s program of witnessing. —Elizabeth Reimer
number of interested families here and we are glad to work with them. We have no church program yet. We feel that we should become known a bit more in terms of our testimony and concerns so people will not de pend on mere activities for their satisfaction but that they will recognize that Christ makes the dif ference in our lives and He can make the difference in theirs. We are particularly interested in starting an adult Bible study this winter. If the Lord is calling any of you to help us along in Houston, please venture out here in faith to God, and let Him work things out for you, and let Him use you. You can contact us by mail, or telephone 845-2975, area code 604, or in person at Houston on Gerry’s Trailer Court. In Him, Walter and Margaret Reimer
Ea • ON THE EVE OF THE 20th anniversary of the beginning of Mennonite mis sionary activity in Honduras, Central America, a new Mennonite church came of age. The mission (Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions) has been dissolved and the church now stands a sister body to the other Mennonite churches in North America. O AN ESTIMATED 51,000 AMERCAN men will die of cancer in 1970, predicts the American Cancer Society, which would be an increase of 4,000 over 1968. Most of these deaths will be attributed to smoking, the society says. • DURING THE ANNUAL TOUR of Canada, His Excellency, Mr. Diori Hamani, President of the Republic of Niger (Africa) invested Sudan Interior Mission General Director Dr. Raymond J. Davis with one of the highest orders of that nation. The investiture, he said, was to express his appreciation for the contri butions made to his people by missionaries of the SIM. REV. FRANK EIDSE, MINISTER at the Morris Oergthaler church, toigether with his family have taken up a pastorate at Lost River, Sask. Remaining at the Morris church is Rev. Dave K. Fr'esen. • THE ANNUAL MEETING OF MCC (Sask.) was held on iNov. 11 at the Nutana Park Mennonite church in Saskatoon, Sask. There were 198 registered de legates as well as 26 visitors. Among the concerns voiced recommendations by the Ways and Means committee were the following: Check out the possibili ties of a second Home for Retardates. Encourage each affiliated congregation to elect or appoint an MCC promoter. Special guest speakers were J. M. Klas sen, MCC (Canada) and Rev. Peter J. Dyck of Akron, Pennsylvania. • THE BIBLE SCHOOL at Loma Plata, Menno Col. (Paraguay) this year grad uated six students. This Bible school had its beginning about some 16 years ago. The school is financed by Menno Colony with the exception of salaries for North American workers. Since 1967 Hans and Bertha Dyck, Wymark, Sask., have been the .North American teachers at the school. There were 84 students this year. • "SOLDIERS OF COMPASSION" by Urie Bender, is a new book dealing with the MCC program, Pax. The bulk of the book concentrates on telling the story of the men in Pax: in Germany, Greece, Paraguay, West Pakistan, Al geria, Crete, the Congo and Vietnam. The 319 page book also includes a fifteenpage picture section. The book retails for $4.95. • THE NINTH MENNONITE WORLD Conference is to be held tn Curitiba, Brazil, July 18-23, 1972. Theme of the conference is “Jesus Christ Reconciles”. The conference takes place every five years. The previous one was in the
Netherlands in 1967. • CURT BORK, WELL KNOWN Shantyman missionary from Vermillion Bay, Ont., has been serving as main speaker at two of our churches recently, River ton and Ridgewood. • IN 1969 THE CANADIAN Bible Society is seeking 50,(XX) new members to help meet the increasing demand for the word of Qod throughout the world. World distribution is now over one hundred million annually, in some 1400 languages. And even then they report that the demand exceeds the supply.
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1969 INDEX ARTICLES
My Second Visit to the Soviet Union F. C. Peters Jan. 3 Indian States Require Report on Conversions Jan. 3 Prisoners for Peace Jan. 3 With the Brethren in Novosibirsk F. C. Peters Jan. 17 A True Story from Germany - Mrs. John Peters Jan. 31 How Churches Give Feb. 14 F. C. With the Brethren at Frunze Peters Feb. 28 Northern British Columbia is Calling you - Ben Friesen Mar. 28 With the Brethren at Dushanbe - F. C. Peters Mar. 28 What One New Testament Did Apr. 25 Taking Time for Important Things Mrs. Ben B. Dueck Apr. 25 My Brother Sam . Opal Lintz May 9 We Need Each Other - John Drescher May 23 Middle East Issue June 6 Tell Me Father . Edna Moore Schultz June 20 Mental Health Centre has Busy Second Year June 20 I resisted Non-Resistance July 4 Say Uncle for Evangelism - Robert Gordon July 4 Russian Baptists in Manitoba July 4 A Little Girl and a Freeway July 18 The Unexpected Guest was a King July 18 Music and the Christian . Merna Loe wen Aug. 15 Trip to B. C. - P. J. B. Reimers Sept. 26 True Grace For Meals Nov. 7. Hearing But Not Obeying Nov. 7 The Anabaptists . What They Believ ed (I) - Carolyn Goertzen iNov. 21 The Anabaptists - What They Believ ed (ID Carolyn Goertzen Dec. 5 The Student and His Home Chvich Merna Loewen Dec. 19
CHURCH EVENTS Ordained to the Ministry - Harold Dyck Jan. 17 Interlake Crusade For Christ at Arborg Feb. 28 Rest Haven Annual Meeting April 11 Rosenort Fellowship Officially Taken Into Membership Aug. 29 Farewell - Carol Friesen and Alvira Friesen Oct. 10 Baptism and Communion Service . Stratton Oct. 10 Marriage of Rev. H. B. Klassen - Her on Oct. 24
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New Campsite on Lake Winnipeg Built Oct. 24 Nov. 7 Blumenort Choir Tour
CONVENTIONS and CONFERENCES Missionary Conference - Steinbach Jan. 17 Youth Conference at the S.B.I. Feb. 28 S.B.I. Spring Conference and Gradu ation Apr. 11 Eastern Saskatchewan Youth Confe rence May 9 1969 Annual Mexican E. M. C. Confe rence May 23 The Nineteenth Annual Conference July 18 Africa Mennonite and Brthren in Christ Fellowship Sept. 12 E. M. C. Nurses’ Fellowship Oct. 24 Steinbach Youth Conference Nov. 7 iN'ov. 21 Student - Minister Fellowship EDITORIALS Getting the Job Done Youth and the Conference The Strength of the Church Did I Offend You Whither Maturity? Cigarettes and Cancer The Tests of Life He is Risen Annual Conference For Whom the Bell Tolls Christian Education (I) Christian Education (II) Christian Education (III) Christian Education (IV) A Parable The Moon The Muckraker Loving Others The Congress Steinbach Bible Institute Dissent Who Shall Evangelize (I) Who Shall Evangelize (II) Who Shall Evangelize (III)
Jan, 3 Jan. 17 Jan. 31 Feb. 14 Feb. 28 Mar. 14 Mar. 28 Apr. 11 Apr. 25 May 9 May 23 June 6 June 20 July 4 July 18 Aug. 15 Aug. 29 Sept. 12 Sept.26 Oct. 24 Nov. 7 Nov. 21 Dec. 5 Dec. 19
EDUCATION S.B.I. Begins Second Semester Jan. 17 Literature and Radio Work in Mexico Jan. 31 'The Christian High School Feb. 14 Youth Conference at the S.B.I. Feb. 28 The Public High School Mar. 14 Testimony of a Student Nurse Mar. 14 Bible School in Mexico Mar. 28 Ministers' Seminar at S.B.I. Mar. 28 Rio Grande Bible Institute Apr. 11 S.B.I. Spring Conference and Graduation Apr. 11 Alumni Home Coming Apr, 11 E.M.C. Music Conference Apr. 11
Religious and German Instruction in our Apr. 25 Public Schools May 23 Christian Education (I) Christian Education (II) June 6 Christian Education (III) June 20 July 4 Christian Education (IV) July 4 Institute on World Evangelism Aug. 15 Music and the Christian U. S. Congress on Evangelism Sept. 26 U. S. Congress in Evangelism (II) Oct. 10 Steinbach Bible Institute Opens - Inter views Oct. 10 All The Way From Hong Kong Oct. 10 Christian Writers Seminar Oct. 10 The Student And His Home Church Dec. 5
FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE The Art of Forgetting - Elma B. Dueck Jan. 3 Imaginations Excursions - Anne Klas sen Jan. 17 Different Molds . Elma B. Dueck Jan. 31 We Are His Witnesses - Anne Klassen Feb. 14 Just Little Things . Laura Siemens Feb. 28 Blessed Are The Poor - Elma B. Dueck March 14 On Covering Up . Laura Siemens May 23 Knowing the Author Makes a Differen ce - Elma B. Dueck June 20 Little Things - Anne Kla.ssen July 4 Painting Time . Mrs. V. M. Wright July 18 Precious Memories - Anne Klassen Aug. 15 Are You Elver Lonely . Laura Siemens Aug. 29 Can You Accept Your Life - Laura Sie mens Dec. 19 MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE India Paxmen Transfer Jan. 31 MCC (Canada) Annual Meeting Report Jan. 31 MCC Meeting on Nigeria-Biafra Feb. 14 MCC Annual Insert Mar. 14 Manitoba Needlework and Handicraft Sales Mar. 14 MCC (M^Lnitoba) Annual Meetings Mar. 14 MCC (Manitoba) Teach-In April 11 MCC (Manitoba) Open House Apr. 25 MCC Efforts in the Middle East June 6 Paxmen Leave - Menno and Ernest Plett July 4 MCC (Sask.) Receive Grant for Men tally Ill Oct. 10 Two Join MCC Service Program - Carol Friesen and Mary Reimer Oct. 24
THE MESSENGER
Kansas Wheat Flour Yields Korean Noodles Nov. 7 MCC (Sask.) Women’s Meeting Nov. 21 MESSAGES Christian Liberty (1) - Melvin Koop Jan. 17 Christian Uberty (2) - Melvin Koop Jan. 31 Total Mobilization for Maximum Effici ency - C. B. Loewen Feb. 14 But Pew Are Chosen - Wilfred Martens Feb. 28 The Christian in the World - Menno Kroeker Mar. 14 Death And Christ - John R. W. Stott Mar. 28 No Short Cut - D. Elton 'Trueblood April 11 Involvement of the Laity in Evangelism Victor Loewen Apr. 25 The Challenge of Life - Arden Thiessen May 23 Aug. 29 Footwashing - John Rempel An Interpretation of Matthew 24 and 25 (I) . Ben Eidse Sept. 12 An Interpretation of Matthew 24 and 25 (II) - Ben Eidse Oct. 24 The Church in the House - Dr. George Wells Arms Nov. 7 MISSIONS Baptismal Service in Brazil - Abe Koop Jan. 3 Bible Club Teaching - Evelyn Plett Jan. 3 Prayers Answered in Japan - Mary Jan. 3 Koop E.M.C. Board of Missions Notes Jan. 3 Janz Team, Germany - Irene Janzen Jan. 17 Bad Gandersheim . Esther Reimer Jan. 17 Travelling - Henry Ungers and Nick Jan. 17 Friesens Paraguay - Prank Kroekers Jan. 31 Paraguay - Betty Friesen Jan. 31 Language School - Sarah Martens Jan. 31 Literature and Radio Work - Edmar Fast Jan. 31 Jan. 31 CIM Missionaries in Action Finishing Studies in Japan - Dan Koops Feb. 14 Christmas in Murree - Ellen Brell Feb. 14 Oak River Reserve - Griswold Feb. 14 Congo Church Evacuated F:b. 14 Portage la Prairie - Evelyn Barkman Feb. 28 Endeavour - William Buhlers Feb. 28 Arden - John Toews Feb. 28 Kamsack - C. P. Duecks Feb. 28 Return to Congo Interview . Ben Eidse Mar. 14 Twins Meet in St. Lucia - Harold Plett Mar. 14
December 19, 1969
Mexico Churches Activities - Jake Kroe ker Mar. 28 Mexico Bible School - Doris Thiessen Mar. 28 B. D. Reimer’s Home Coming from Pa raguay Apr. 11 Lanuage School - Pete Friesens Apr. 11 New Hope, Br. Honduras - Ben Thies sens Apr. 25 Witch Doctor’s Son Baptized - Abe Koop Apr. 25 St. Lucia - Gladwin Plett Apr. 25 Two Baptized in Equador - Stan Hough ton May 9 Paraguay Christmas Program - Ernest Punk May 9 Bible Club Teaching - Evelyn Plett May 9 Farewell Charge - Ben Eidse May 23 El Paso, Texas - Edmar Fast June 20 Kamsack Revival - Town Canvassed June 20 Congo EMC Towards Pull Autonomy Jane 20 Blessings in Brazil - Abe Koop July 4 Say Uncle for Evangelism - Robert Gor. don July 4 Bad Gandersheim - Esther Reimer July 18 Mission Board Appointment July 18 Pour Christian Service Workers Placed Aug. 15 Mexico Mennonite Work - Edwin ' Reimers Aug. 15 Tape Recorder - Mafeking Aug. 15 Mafeking - Andrew Friesens Aug. 29 Kola Indian Camp Aug. 29 Sunday’s Activities in Japan - Dan Koops Sept. 12 V.B.S. in Br. Honduras - Henry Klas sens Sept. 26 Volimteer in Br. Hondurah - Harvey Plett Sept. 26 King’s Bible College Sept. 26 Mexico Bible Correspondence Work - E. Past Oct. 10 Brazil - Elizabeth Koop Oct. 10 D. V.B.S. in Mexico - Mrs. Abe Plett Oct. 24 Arrived in Panama - Clifford Reimers Oct. 24 Mexico - Edwin Reimers Oct. 24 Peter Thiessen to Paraguay Oct. 24 Equador - Stan Houghtons Nov. 7 Nov. 7 Congo - Ben Eidses Leaves for Field - Evelyn Plett Nov. 7 Board of Missions Sends Delegates Nov. 7 Bad Gandersheim . Virginia Plett Nov. 21 Bad Gandersheim - Mary Loewen Nov. 21 Bad Gandersheim - Mary Brandt Nov. 21 With Janz Team - John Peters Nov. 21 Paraguay . John P. Loewen and John K. Reimer Dec. 5
Paraguay - Peter Thiessens and daugh ters Dec. 5 B. C. Report Dec. 5 Clearbrook, B. C. - B. D. Reimer Dec. 19
NEWS BRIEFS and iNEWS SCOPE News / Scope March 14 News Briefs Aug. 29 iNews ! Scope Nov.7 News Briefs Dec,5 News / Scope Dec.5 WITH THE CHURCHES Jan. 3. Prairie Rose, Arden. Kleefeld, Riverton Chapel. Pleasant Valley, Fi sher Branch, Morris Fellowship, Endea vour. Jan. 17. Ridgewood, Flin Pion, Blumenort. Kola. Swift Current. Jan. 31. Crestview, Arden, Morweena, Kamsack, Pelly, Roseisle, Rosenort Fel lowship, Mennville. Feb. 14. Gouldtown, MacGregor. Fi sher Branch, Wymark, Endeavour, Prai rie Rose. Feb. 28. Swift Current, Creighton, Morris Fellowship, Ridgewood, Roseisle, Treesbank, Kola, Portage la Prairie. Rosenort. Mar. 14. Kamsack, MacGregor, Pansy, Braeside. Rosenort Fellowship Mar. 28. Aberdeen, Morweena, Plea sant Valley, Kleefeld, Prairie Rose. Apr. 11. Swift Current, Treesbank, Portage la Prairie, Pelly, Kola, Valley Stream, Bums Lake, Roseisle. Apr. 25. Morris Fellowship, Crestview Fellowship. Kamsack, Arden, Rosenort. May 9. Pleasant Valley, Hudson Bay, Prairie Rose, Endeavour, Morweena, Ri verton Chapel, Aberdeen, Rosenort. May 23. Valley Stream, Portage la Prairie, Pansy, Steinbach, Swift Cur rent, Pelly. June 6. Kamsack, Rosenort Fellow ship, Mafeking, Mennville, Braeside, Creighton, June 20. Gouldtown. Fisher Branch, Endeavour, Rosenort, MacGregor, Ro senort Fellowship (picture). Prairie Ro se. July 4. Pleasant Valley, Morris Fel lowship, Kola, Gouldtown. Ridgewood. July 18. Kamsack, Steinbach, Menn ville, Creighton, Arden, Rosenort Fel lowship, Crestview, Swift Current, Blumenort. Aug. 15. Roseisle, Endeavour, Valley Stream, Gouldtown, MacGregor, Creigh ton. Aug. 29. Weeks, Rosenort, Crestview, Kola, Swift Current, Morris Fellowship, Rosenort Fellowship. Sept. 5. Morweena, Kleefeld, River ton Chapel, Blumenort, Aberdeen, Plea sant Valley, Prairie Rose, Mafeking, Endeavour. Contiued on page 12 7
by Elsie Milligan
SNAKE IN THE LOG “May we have our salt rations now, Ndona?” The carriers were clustered round the Ndona in the central camp, which they had reached after four days’ trek through the bush. They had had to cross the big Zambesi River in crazy little dug-outs which looked so very unsafe, yet somehow they had got safely over. Now they were settled for a few days right in the centre of a group of villages. In the daytime the Ndona went to the villages around and made friends with the people and talked to them about the Gospel. In the evenings the people came to her camp to enjoy the lovely big camp fire and to listen to the Words of God as they sat beside it. That was why it was important to have a really nice big fire. So the Ndona said that she would not give out any salt in the afternoon until each carrier had brought in two logs for the fire. This afternoon the men were waiting impatiently for their salt, which is so precious to the Afri cans. The Ndona got out her little notebook and ticked off the names of those who had brought their logs. “There is just one man missing,” she said, “who hasn’t yet brought his logs, bet me see his name. Ah, yes, Mukanda! Mukanda hasn’t come yet; when he comes I will give out the salt.” The other men locked round the bush for some signs of their miss-
8
ing mate. At last one man spotted him. They all looked and saw Mukanda staggering in under what looked like enormous logs. “No wonder he is late,” said the Ndona, “those big logs must be terribly heavy.” Some of the men laughed, and bne said: “No, Ndona, they are not heavy. He is lazy, that one. He has not chopped any logs at all, he has just picked up some dead wood already lying on the ground in the forest. That load is not heavy, it is light, for the logs are probably hollow.” On came Mukanda, groaning and staggering, pretending that the logs were so heavy. When he was near er the men shouted to him: “Come on, slow-coach. Where have you been? We thought a leo pard had eaten you!” They laughed at his antics as he came near now. “Oh deceiver,” they said, “you can’t deceive us. Hurry up, we want our salt.” Now he reached the pile of wood. With a tremendous heave and a great shout, he threw his logs on to the ground. They all saw then that it was true what the man had said, these were not freshly chop ped logs, they were old dead wo^ which had been lying around in the forest for some time. Mukanda turned to go and get his leaf and make a little cup out of it for his salt like all the other men had already done. Just at that moment a shout went up.
“Kapela! kapela! (Snake, snake!) And there, coming slowly out of this inside of one of the logs he had brought, was a big, deadly snake! For a moment they all gazed at it in horror, then: “Run, Ndona, run!” said the men as they themselves scattered in all directions. The Ndona ran into her tent. The headman seized his spear, which was stuck into the ground hearby, while some of the men picked up bendy sticks from the bush around. The snake had come right out of the log now and was writhing on the ground. As the men attacked it it raised its head and struck an grily at their spears and sticks. They themselves took good care to keep at a safe distance. But the battle was soon over, and the snake lay dead in their midst, though its coils continued to move in spasms long after it was dead. As for Mukanda, the man who had carried the log with the dead ly snake inside it for quite a long way through the bush, he stood there transfixed, a look of horror on his face. To think that he had carried that snake on his shoulder, up close to his face! He started to tremble violently. “Yayo! Yayo!” he wailed now, “today I have walked with death myself . . . today I have walked with Death! Death himself was upon me, yayo! yayo! yayo!” Then his legs seemed to give way be neath him and he sat suddenly down on the ground. The other men stood round him, silent and subdued now that the excitement was over. Hearing that the snake was dead, the Ndona came out of her tent now and joined them. “Mukanda has spoken truly,” she said, “today he has walked with death, but he did not know it! He did not know that death was in the log he was carrying! That is like many people today, they are walking with death, eternal death but they do not know it. “In God’s Book we are told: “ ‘By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all mien, for that all have sinned.’ “Sin is in all of our hearts,” she went on, “and sin brings death to Continued on page 12
THE MESSENGER
t
Son Visits Parents After 19 Years Absence
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Skjaerlund
Jakob Skjaerlund came to Canada from 'Denmark in 1950 as an inunigrant to work on the farm of Mr. P. T. Kroeker, which he naturally appreciated as “home". He also attended the local church and became a sincere devoted Christian, active in extension S. S. and church work. In due course he married a fair maiden by name of Evangeline Plett and established a home. Being a gifted man he enjoys two trades -— one
as a qualified carpenter, and the other owning and operating a hatchery with his own breeding stock. Busy as a fa ther providing for a fine family of six children he still secretly had the long ing to visit his aging parents still in Denmark, whom he occasionally visited by phone. Fortunately this summer plans materialized for Mr. and Mrs. Skjaerlund to go to “the old country”. It was their privilege to visit one bro ther in Sweden, one in Norway, and the parents and one sister in Denmark after an absence of 19 years. Strangely Mrs. Skjaerlund recongnized her in laws better, because of photos, than her husband who trusted his memories not realizing that they had changed in the years gone by. It also was Mrs. Skjaerlund’s joy to be able to converse considerably with her mother-in-law in German, which was very much appreci ated. We are glad that you enjoyed your well deserved trip to your father land, and hope that the next visit may be sooner.
KOLA Kroeker attended too. Rev. Kroeker con A Thanksgiving supper was held at ducted part of the service. Mr. Jake Giesbrecht is taking treat church. A Thanksgiving program fol lowed the supper. A farewell program ments at the General Hospital in Win for the Dave Pletts was another part nipeg. Let us pray for Jake and Esther. of the evening’s program. ’The Dave ROSEISLE Pletts moved to Vanderhoof, B. C., on Nov. 7. October Sth thru the 12th was the Rev. John R. Barkmans reported on week of our Deeper Life Services with their work with children and showed Rev. Mark Gripp. The meetings were slides on October 28. very well attended. Our hearts were Mervin Van Nortwick of the Northern touched but also richly blessed. Canada Evangelical Mission reported Saturday October 11th the young on their Indian work on Sunday morn people united with some of our neigh ing of November 9. boring young people and enjoyed a so November 14, 15, 16 the mission con cial evening with Mr. Gripp and our ference was held here. Rev. B. D. Rei pastor Dave Harms. The evening began mer, Rev. Tanner, Gladwin Plett, I-st- with a singing session with all present her Reimer, Jake Kroeker, Frank and participating. Then a buzz session fol Mary Braun, Ernest and Elsie Funk, lowed and a message, a light lunch con Peters Martens, were our speakers. cluded the evening. Mr. and Mrs. P. F. Klassen held open We are happy for the very speedy re house on Sunday, November 30, in hon covery of Mr. Nelson Harms. October or of their Dad. It was a farewell for - 28 he underwent an emergency appen Mr. Frank Dueck as he plans to move dectomy in the Morden Hospital and 4 from Kola. days later November 2nd he returned About a dozen people met at a small home feeling fine. November 2nd was the day Mathilda church not far from Griswold on No vember 30. Frank Braun was the main Dyck, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Comit speaker at this Communion Service on Dyck of Graysville and Wayne Klassen, the Reserve. Rev. and Mrs. Menno son of Mr. and Mrs. John Klassen, Ro-
December 19, 1969
seisle, exchanged marriage vows in the Morden Bergthaler church. The officiat ing minister was Rev. Peter Hiebert of Fairfax, Man. The Ladies Mission Group were privi leged to have Mrs. Gladwin Plett with us for an evening of fellowship toge ther. We met at the home of Mrs. John ny Warkentin on November 24. RIDGEWOOD
This report starts where the last one left off — weddings. Ron Barkman and Lynn Hildebrand were married on Oct. 19 in the Stein bach B. M. Church. Rev. G. B. Doerksen officiated. The next logical news to report would be a birth announcement, so here it is. Bom to Melvin Penners on Nov. 21 a boy, Marlin Neil. The Penners moved back from Flin Flon this summer and are again residing in the Clearsprings area, Nov. 21 also marked the beginning of a series of meetings which lasted till the 27th. Our speaker for these services was Curt Bork and he delivered many timely messages. He spoke on such things as “Joy in a Christian life” and “We are in position to be blessed but we don’t receive the blessings”. What does it mean to sacrifice in order to gain happiness? Would you believe that it is taking God into our confidence and asking Him to give us joy even tho' we don't feel the least little bit like being happy. “Happy Christians”, contended Mr. Bork, “could cause more conver sions than any other single factor”. Amen to that Brother Bork. The Missionary Conference was held on the weekend immediately following the services. One especially impressive feature here was the advance prepara tion. Scripture verses and sayings ap propriately graced the walls of the church, giving you that feeling that something special was afoot. Another impressive (minor this time) was the removal of the large clock at the front of the church, which to date of writing has not been replaced. This makes for less “clockwatching” during the morn ing service. Dec. 14th marks the time for the Sun day Schoolers to bring cheer to the old folks, sick, and the shut-ins. Last year these people also received small plates of fruit and the same procedure is to be followed again this year. Judging by the amount of practices the choir is putting in, their program on the 21st of this month should be superb. See you there!
9
STEINBACH
Since our last report weddings held in our church have been: Rodney Kroeker to Carol Kroeker, Oct. 25. Lynn Hildebrandt to Ron Barkman, Oct. 19. Sharon Schroeder to Corny Kasdorf, Nov. 15. and Sandra Stoesz to Larry Doerksen, Dec. 12. The Fred Friesens celebrated their silver wedding in a small way in their home on Dec. 3 and on the Sunday of Dec. 7th, the ladies aid group gave them a suprise celebration in church. Mrs. Susie Unger spent Oct. 15 to Nov. 20 with her sister Margaret, Mrs. Nick Dueck in Parkhill, Ont. Mrs. Dueck’s son Harold and his bride had a car accident where both were quite bad ly injured. However, Mrs. Unger says, both have already been released from hospital. On Oct. 26 Ben Dueck talked to a Yoimg People’s group in the Emmanuel Mission church, about his counselling work amongst drug users and hippies during the past summer. Two films dealing with drugs were shown, “The Seekers” showing a discussion amongst teen-agers who were actually users and “Monkey On My Back”, the tragic story of a heroin addict and his end. A period of questions and discussion followed. Rev. D. K. Schellenberg is giving a series of “Witnessing Workshops” in our church on Wednesdays. At our annual church supper held on Nov. 2, Rev. B. D. Reimer showed slid es and gave a report of their work in Paraguay. Both Rev. and Mrs. B. D. Reimer are real crusadors for Christ and have now left us to organize and establish a new church in the Clearbrook area. Rev. John Barkman of the Rest Ha ven Apartments, has been confined to his home with a bad case of rheuma tism. Visitors are graciously received by the Barkmans. The guest speaker at our Cradle Roll Supper was Ben Harder, teacher, at the Winnipeg Bible College on Nov. 14. He spoke of the shifting values of our day and the importance of parents to demonstrate a living faith and that God lives, speaks and meets our needs. On Nov. .27 at the Ladies Mission Aid Christmas social the Gladwin Pletts spoke of their work in St. Lucia.
Frank Giesbrechts, Neepawa; Isaac L. Loewens, Morris; Comie Friesens, Ri verton; Bill Pletts, Giroux; Abe Toews, Steinbach; and Les Lokkens of Ratner, Sask., who have moved to the area for the winter. Call again. The nurses, Edna Penner and Anne Koop enjoyed a week of days-off at home. Mr. Arnott fell while on duty, result ing in a concussion. He has been trans ferred to Saskatoon for an operation. Mr. and Mrs. Farley Hemmings (nee Bev. Manns) are happy to announce the birth of a baby girl, Liso Joy, of Novem ber 7. Congratulations.
Singspiration is an event looked for ward to with great anticipations. No vember 30 saw the people from the four different churches gather at the Nor thern Fellowship Chapel, with each group presenting two special numbers. The chapel was crowded with people, and filled with joyous singing. The even ing proved to be a great success. For the past four weeks a new pro gram has been tried for the 9-14 yearold children, organized by Stan and De lores Plett, and Elsie Braun. Boys Bri gade (attendance 4), and Pioneer Girls (attendance 6), both consist mainly of Bible explorations, singing, crafts, and games. A Christmas social is planned for the 17th of Dec. PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
We here at Portage E M. C. wish everyone of you a very happy Christ mas and a New Year filled with loyalty to our Master. Brother Dave Sawatsky met with an accident on November 22 that sent him to the hospital in great pain. He was crushed between his combine and truck while working alone on his field. Some how he managed to go to a neighbor's
place for help. Now after two weeks in the hospital we are happy to report that he has recovered sufficiently to be home again. Dave’s brush with death made us all aware of how quickly any life can be snuffed out. Our evangelistic services were held November 19 to 23 with Rev. C. B. Loe wen bringing us the message and chal lenges, Many of us renewed our com mitment to Christ during these meet ings. November 30 we held our Commu.sion Service and Footwashing. Rev. John Koop of McGregor served us with a message. Congratulations to John and Helen Klassen on the birth of a son, Leslie James on November 10. He’s a new brother for Gerald, Joyce and Gordie.
VALLEY STREAM
Or best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Pete Nickel (nee Sarah Rempel) who were married in Winkler on Oct. 12. Although the wedding took place quite a distan ce from here, a number of us were able to attend. We miss -Mr. and Mrs. George Penner who have taken up residence in Winni pegThe Liner-Simmons meetings held in this area were well attended. As they shared with us, their personal testimo nies touched our hearts and brought spiritual renewal. We received some good practical advice for our Christian walk. May the fruits remain and show in our daily lives. The church ladies formed a sewing circle by name of Ladies Missionary Fellowship. They make gifts for visit ing missionaries. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Mrs. G. D, Goertzen and family at the loss of their husband and father and grandfather who was killed acclden-
INVITATION TO THE MISSIONARY CONFERENCE AT THE STEINBACH EMC CHURCH JANUARY 1-4 Theme: "THE MISSIONARY CHURCH- FOR 1970"
Main Speaker: Rev. J. B. Toews, Fresno, Calif. First Session January 1, 10:45 a.m.
CREIGHTON and FLIN FLON
During the month of November many folks must have felt like travelling, for we had a number of visitors in the area namely: John P. Pletts, Prairie Rose; 10
A special invitation is given to all ministers, Christian workers, and Missions administrators to come and hear Mr. Toews speak on "MISSIONS IN THE SEVENTIES", on Saturday afternoon.
THE MESSENGER
tally when his truck left the road on Highway 34. It missed the bridge and landed in a creek about 15 feet below. This happened at the cemetery two miles south of Gladstone. May the Lord comfort the bereaved in their sorrow. Our Christmas program is being plan ned for Dec. 20 at 7:30. You are invited
to attend. ROSENORT E. M. C.
Sunday, November 30, was a memor able day f or our congregation at Rosen. Ort, On the afternoon of this day the church gathered for Communion servi ce. This commemoration of Christ's work of love was a blessing for many. The service of Rev. Frank D. Reimer of Landmark was much appreciated. In the evening the congregation ga thered once more for the purpose of a ministerial election. For some time we had been prayerfully considering the need of looking to the Lord for direction in drawing a man of His choice into this avenue of service. Since two of our ministers had transferred over to the newly formed Rosenort Fellowship Cha pel in the recent past there was a defi nite need for more personnel. Evidently the Lord knew better than we did, just what our needs were. After a short service, where F. D. Reimer again served by expounding the quali ties of a minister, and a time of prayer for the Lord’s guidance, the brethren of the church cast their ballots. Interest ing enough the final balloting resulted in a tie between the brethren, Benny K. Friesen and Johnny Loewen. After con sultation with the brethren it was agreed that we accept both of these men into the ministry. The results of this election were of special interest because our previous ministerial election in No vember of 1965, turned out precisely the same way. We accept this, not as a mere coincidence but as definite eviden ce of God working, “According to the good pleasure of his will.” (Eph. 1:15). Brother Friesen has been serving our church as Sunday School superintendent for the past two years. Brother Loewen has served in various capacities as Sun day School superintendent, Youth Lea der, and mission board member. He had been just recently elected as a Song leader for our congregation. We are deeply grateful to the Lord for his direction which we have sensed and are confident that the two brethren will be a definite asset in furthering the work of His church.
STRATTO:N New Chapel
The John D. Friesens have gone to Mexico for the winter months. During their absence Bro. Jake K. Friesen serv es as our chairman. The Jacob Enns family are back from Leamington, Ontario, and are residing in the J. D. Friesen home. The Ennses are now regularly attending our wor ship services. On iNovember 11 work began on our new chapel. We would desire to express our thanks to the five brethren from Blumenort who came to help put on the roof. On December 7 we- were fortunate to have the first service in the new chapel. Bro. Jac. P. Friesen from Blumenort was here to bring us the message. Se veral of our surrounding friends came out to have part in this "first” service. On the night of December 11 we had our annual Christmas program. Each Sunday School class as well as each fa mily took part in bringing something to make up the program. We were very happy to have our new chapel almost filled. Ten homes from the surrounding neighbours were represented at the pro gram. The group that went to sing at the old folks home in Fort Frances recently, found a fair sized group gathered in their auditorium. A group goes out to sing and preach once a month at this home. Mrs. Elizabeth Friesen Eidse
1892— 1969 It has pleased our gracious Lord and Savior to take to Himself our beloved mother. Through His loving kindness He has given her release from her illness. Mother was bom in Rosenhoff on April 30. 1892. She grew up in Rosen hoff receiving her schooling in the Rosenhoff private school. She accepted Christ as Lord and Sa vior in 1914 and that same year she followed Christ in baptism with Rev. P. R. Dueck officiating at the baptism and was accepted as a member of the Rosenort EMC then known as Kleingemeinde. On November 14. 1914. father, the late David K. Eidse and mother were united in holy matrimony by Rev. John K. Friesen. This marriage was blessed with 19 children, including four sets of twins. In 1919 Martha Schellenberg. now Mrs. John J. Dueck. joined the fa mily as a foster daughter. Mother and Father worked hard on the farm. The large family took much time and effort. In addition mother was responsible to supervise the cooking and
washing for the many hired men. Father predeceased mother in 1950. He had been sick for some five years when he died. Mother was thus a widow for almost 20 years. Mother experienced good health as a rule. In 1953 she had an operation on her verlcose veins and in 1956 a gall stone operation. In 1965 she suffered a stroke. With this she lost her speech and ability to care for herself. The doc tors said she would never walk again. To their surprise, mother, through seri. OUS effort, will power and by the grace of God, walked before she left the hos pital. During the last few years someone stayed with mother. In 1968, Miss Ag nes Friesen, came to care for her which we as family appreciated very much thus allowing mother to stay in her own home for an additional year. Miss Anne Brandt also helped to take care of mother during this time. On July 1, 1969 she entered the Even tide Home here in Rosenort. About three weeks ago she entered the Morris hospital due to an infection in her leg which did not heal properly. It was here in the hospital that she passed away on November 15, 1969, at 1:45 p.m. at the age of 77 years, 6 months and 17 days. The cause of her passing was a stroke due to the harden ing of the arteries. She leaves to mourn 8 sons, Peter of Steinbach, John, Nick, Abe, David, and George all of the Morris district, Ben in the Belgian Congo, Africa and Frank of Lost River, Sask. 6 daughters, Lena (Mrs. John L. Loewen), Tina (Mrs. Jac. P. Siemens), Rose (Mrs. George Komelsen). Myrtle (Mrs. Paul Brandt), all of the Morris district. Elizabeth (Mrs. Ben Siemens) of New iN'orway, Alberta. Vi olet (Mrs. Eddy Brandt) of Arborg, and 1 foster daughter, Martha (Mrs. John J. Dueck) of Morris district. 8 daughters-in-law, 5 sons-in-law, 82 grandchild ren, 17 great grandchildren, one brother Henry W. Friesen and 3 slsters-in-law. Five children and one son-in-law pre deceased her. We mourn her passing but we re joice in the assurance of her presence with the Lord. Just two days before she died she asked one of her daughters to sing and pray with her. She sang alone the beloved hymn, “What a Friend We have in Jesus”. She was happy to go to meet her Master. We thank all those who helped to care for mother, the workers in the Eventide Home, the doctors and nurses at the Morris Hospital. The Family.
11
December 19, 1969
-.31 -i * -
Wm. W.
Loewen
SIMBA & SAMBA
1902
1969
Continued from page 8
William W. Loewen, of Meade, Kan sas, was bom to Heinrich and Maria (Wiens) Loewen on a farm near Jan sen, Nebr., on March 12, 1902. His fami ly moved to Meade, Kansas in 1907. He was baptized upon the confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour on May 29, 1921, by the Reve rend Jacob F. Isaac and received into the membership of the Evangelical Church, Meade, Kansas. He was married to Margaret J. Isaac on November 20, 1921, by the bride’s father, the Rev. Jacob F. Isaac. They shared their joys and sorrows for al most 48 years. To this union were bom two sons. They lived on a farm near Meade where he also operated a repair shop which he moved into Meade in 1962. On March 10, 1946, he transferred his membership to the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church, Meade, Kansas where he remained a member until his death. He was deeply concerned about the spiritual welfare of his church and the spread of the gospel. He taught Sunday School classes for a number of years and sought to serve the Lord in whatever capacity he could. He found special joy in encouraging Gie men to participate in fellowship groups such as the Men’s Chorus. He suffered a heart attack on Oct. 28, 1969. During his hospitalization his main concern continued to be that God’s will be done. He was especially again comforted by the Scriptures during this time. Because of further complications, he passed on to his eternal home on Nov. 12, 1969. He reached the age of 67 years, 7 months, and 11 days. Those remaining to cherish the memory of his life are his wife Margaret, two sons: Merle, and his wife Betty of Emporia, Kansas; .Roland, and his wife, Gladyce, of El Paso, Illinois; five grandchildren: Michelle, Steven, Loretta, Lyndon, and Landis. Five brothers: Peter E., Jacob E., Abe E., and Isaac W. of Meade, and George M. Doerksen, of Reedley, Cali fornia two sisters: Maria Isaac of Din uba, California and Getrude Ratzlaff, of Reedley, California, and many other re. latives. His parents, five brother, (two in Infancy) and six sisters preceded him in death.
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37. “O Lord, our Lord how excellent is thy name in all tire earth” Psalm 8:9. The Family.
Page 12
THE MESSENGER
our bodies only, but sin brings death to our souls. But Mwanta Yesu( the Lord Jesus) the Merci ful One, He died to put away our sin and deliver us from death. Trust in Him, my friends, and He Will give you Life, true, everlast ing Life.” Turning to Mukanda, she said: “Truly God has been good to you today, you have had a mighty de liverance. Hide these things in your heart and think about them. Learn wisdom from this thing that has happened, and turn to the true God. “Come now, men,” she said, “I will give out the salt now.” Simba was deeply impressed by this happening. It was like God’s voice speaking to him again, warn ing him, but he closed the ears of his heart; he didn’t want to listen— not yet!
S. B. I. Annual
Youth Conference Theme: "Power To Burn" Rev, Rudy Boschman Cost $5
Write today: Steinbach Bible Institute
Steinbach, Manitoba
YOUTH
SECTION
S. B. I. Begins Second Semester Jan. 17 The Christian High School Feb. 14 Youth Conference at the S.B.I. Feb. 28 Testimony of a Student Nurse Mar. 14 Valedictory - Ron Friesen Apr. 25 Loewen Challenges Youth May 9 A House in Hue May 9 Teenagers: Then and Now Sept. 26 SteiniMich Youth Conference Nov. 7 Blumenort Choir Tour Nov, 7 Camp Reflections From a Camp Councellor Nov. 21 The Life of an “M. K.” - Congo Dec. 5
Ah, no; the way is very far For *.<s to find that brilliant star. For centuries have come and gone Since first they heard the Christmas song.
Speaker:
Box 1420
Sept. 26. Treesbank, Kola, Ridgewood, Pelly, Valley Stream, Portage la Prai rie. Oct. 10. Kamsack, Rosenort Fellow ship, Mennville, Steinbach, Rosenort, Arden, Stratton. Oct. 24. Hudson Bay, Pansy, Endea vour, Heron, Prairie Rose, Morweena, Riverton Chapel, Morris Fellowship, MacGregor, Aberdeen, Blumenort, Fi sher Branch. Nov. 7. Creighton, Rosenort, Portage la Prairie, Pelly. Nov. 21. Kamsack, Mafeking, Brae side, MacGregor, Mennville. Dec. 5. Blumenort, Morweena, Aber deen, Endeavour, Hudson Bay, Prairie Rose, Riverton Chapel, Pleasant Valley. Dec. 19. Portage la Prairie, Valley Stream, Roseisle, Ridgewood. Kola, Steinbach, Creighton.
WE FIND HIM NEAR by Fred H. Ross Shall we this Christmas eve so bright — On this, the happy, Holy Night — Together now to Bethlehem go With gifts the Christ Child to bestow?
FEBRUARY 6 - 8
Ages: 16 and over
1969 INDEX continued from page 7
But Christ is born on every street. And there with Him we now may meet Where hearts are gay, or lone, or sad. And some are wicked, vile, and bad. The cry of need, the falling tear. Await His pardon, love and cheer. Our Saviour Christ, we, too, can please With gifts of love “for the least of
these.”
NVN NOH IN 1SV£