Issuu

Vol. 8, No. 4

EVANGELICAL

Feb. 13, 1970

MENNONITE

CONFERENCE

I -.1 "I c

What i

They

We are continuing the panel discussion begun in our last MESSENGER. In today’s issue the

Say X

pianel is responding to the charge that, “The home

is becoming more and more only a place to eat

and sleep.” Let’s see what they say.

bout..

The Home in the '7O's GREATER DEDICATION NEEDED IDEALLY, THE HOME is a segment of the church. It is the place where God resides in the midst of two or three gathered in his name. The Christian home is a bastion in a hostile world of sin and corruption. From this bulwark the Christian warrior must venture forth daily to do battle with the ills of society surrounding him. His salient weapon is the Word of God dispensed with love. Love — a most precious commodity so freely given by God yet so elusive and scare today that few knew the nature of it. We can look forward in the next decade for an increase in the loosening of marriage bonds, the Christian home increasingly susceptible to and in fluenced by modern mass media and increased spending on pleasure and luxury items. It will take greater dedicated effort on the part of all Christians to remain faithful in stewardship and prayer. Only then will the Christian home serve the purpose of God in evangelization of the whole world. May God grant His grace toward this end. Neil Dueck OUR DASHING LIVES AGAIN, I MUST AGREE that the trend is cer tainly in this direction — that our homes are main ly a place for eating and sleeping. But I don’t be-

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lieve that this need be so. Unfortunately, we are allowing ourselves to be set up as pawns. The fact is, that “we haven’t got time” to calculate the risk of the dire oonsequences of our dashing lives. And the values of ‘this age’ have literally plucked us from the burning standards and values of ths Word. With ths rapid urbanization, it demands that we positively move in a wholesome, creative sense— to allow for family projects and creativities that lend themselves to our social, physical, mental and spiritual up-building. This means that Dad and Mom must discipline themselves to take a liking and enjoyment in “Lego” construction, outdoor skating and tobogganing, indoor “Spill-spel” and other games and quizzes. Above all a challenging, lively and anticipating Bible-time, (Caution: Be balanced and adjust to your needs and propriety). Melvin Koop

FIRM DECISIONS NEEDED WHEN “HOME” BECOMES only a place to “eat and sleep” it can no longer rightfully be called home. Yet it is true that more and more of us are spending the greater part of our time away from home. This can become damaging to a marriage relationship and devastating to the children who are being brought up primarily under maternal care or frequently lacking even this. Rev. Arden

THE MESSENGER

Thiessen’s message at last summer’s conference brought out this danger most vividly. I believe it will be necessary for us as parents to make some very firm decisions regarding our homes as we face the trends of the future. We may have to decide to do without same of the things that a working mother or father working after hours might provide. We will have to put the wel fare of our homes before the rise of our bank accounts. Even Christian workers must regard their family responsibility as coming before any other arm of Christian service. It is regretable that some ■of the current women’s rights movements are em phasizing the equality of women at the expense of downgrading motherhood. A healthy home environ ment requires a high regard for motherhood. God forbid that we would ever look on mothers as being a lesser class 'of women.

Our nation will only grow as strong in this decade as our homes are going to make it.

Menno Kroeker NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE “IS THE HOME today merely a place to eat and sleep?” A lot 'Of the criticism that is levelled at the church should be directed to the homie. Because the home is not what it used to be the product of the home logically is not what it used to he. There was a time when the family was a unit so closely woven together that the absence of any member was immediately noticed and keenly felt. There was a time when the family would have it’s meals together and after supper would spend the eve nings together in recreation or some form 'Of togetherness. There was a time when dad would take the Bible, gather his family around him, read to the family and pray with them. There was a time when the family lived on the family farm and worked together.

But, is this the family of today? In a typical urban situation, dad leaves for work before the rest of the family rises. Mother often leaves for her job when the children leave for school and neither mother or dad is there when the youngsters come home after school. Dad comes home for a quick supper and leaves immediately after for his second job, extra work at the office, business calls, to tend to the many demands -of a growing business, or an evening of much needed relaxation on the golf course. The children will spend most of their time with friends, having them over, or going to thieir house. Mother must try to catch up with her house work she could not do while at work. Does this not resemble more a restaurant and motel kind of a living instead the home and family life that God intended? Th'ough this is painfully true of the majority of our homes today, we must commend those par ents and children who make an honest effort to make the home more than an leating and sleeping place — a place where you can relax, be yourself,

February 13

be accepted and accept others just as they are, place of security, a haven of rest and quietness where you can escape to from the confusion and turmoil of our sick society. C. R. Plett

SEE QUALITY OF "FAMILY TIME" IMPROVED

IN NORTH AMERICA approximately one out of four marriages end in divorce; in a large num ber more parents are separated and in many more homes, while parents are not separated or divorced, ocmmunication has ended. In spite of thes,e terrible statistics I expect that during the next decade the home will continue to be structured in essentially th same way it is now. The parents will be legally married, children will be born of this union and this group will form a home. Certain trends or characteristics may emerge, however. Mere and more mothers will undertake employment or continue their careers, more and more children will as a consequence spend most of their waking hours in a Day Nursery and fami lies will remain small. Many people will feel that the “Pill” has in some way significantly influenced this trend. Young people will continue to rebel, as they always have, and parents will continue to be con cerned about it. I feel that as a result of the above trends ther.e will be a continued emphasis on im proving the quality of time spent together as fam ily members rather than increasing the quantity.

Reg T'-yews

BETTER THINGS AHEAD

MANY CHRISITIAN HOMES are being de stroyed by the rush of modern living. The family may still be intact, but there has been a complete breakdovm of family living. And many parents are already reaping a harvest of tears and heartaches. However, better things may be ahead. Wher ever, I go, I find that parents, especially young par ents, are doing some serious thinking about their responsibilities. They are aware of the current dan gers. They realize they must use new, aggressive attitudes to family living. They are beginning to think of their parental roles as God-given duties. They are searching and listening for new informa tion. I believe the great interest in our annual con ference this year was a case in point. I don’t think that Christianity is hopeless. And I don’t think that the church will disappear from the face 'Cf this earth — at least not till our Lord calls for it. Christ’s institution on earth can be saved, and the victories will be won in our homes. We have been thinking that it is the church’s duty to save the homes. I now call on every Christ ian father and mother to rise up and accept their h'oly responsibilities as parents. And our homes will save the church. Arden Thiessen

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THE CHURCH AND EVANGELISM

IN A DAY OF REVOLUTION 1

By Leighton Ford

(Conclusion)

It is no adequate response to this age of revol ution to turn the churches’ evangelistic responsibi lity completely over to specialists. Too often we have talked of missions and evangelism as if they were adjuncts of the Church’s life, optional activi ties to be supported by those who are interested in that sort of thing. In truth, mission and evan gelism are the heartbeat of the Church, for the Church lives by the Spirit of her Lord who said, “As my Father sent me into the world, so send I you’’ (see (John 20:21). When the Church ceases to evangelize, she ceases to live. We need to wrestle with the question of what sudden and radical change i.s needed so the churches themselves can be the agents of revolutionary evangelism. The issue is not primarily one of numbers. We can expect that the Christian church will always be a minority move ment- as Jesus predicted. So we must measure evan gelistic success by the quality as well as th-e number of the converts. Could anyone have predicted that the tiny handful of disciples at Pentecost would eventually conquer the mighty Roman Empire? There were only 120 of them, among an estimated 4 million Jews in Palestine alone. That’s a ratio of 1 to 33,000. It’s as if we here at this Congress were all the believers in the United States! So-called “minority movements have always turned out to be the most crucial ... for they cast the shadow of the future” (Syndney Harris.) Really the crucial issue is not “How big is the church?” but “What is the church?” In the Bible, the basic idea of the church is not buildings, or programs, or budgets, but “people” — God redeemed people. At the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry His strategy was to gather a group of men who would continue, deepen, and spread His work. Out of all His followers He chose twelve into whom He could pour His life. What distinguished these men? First, they had a personal commitment to Christ. Mark 3 tells us that Jesus “called . . . those whom he desired; and they came to him.” Second, they had a unique fellowship in Christ. They included m-en of different persuasions.

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like Simon the Zealot, a member of the resistance, and Matthew who worked for the Roman forces of occupation. If the church today is to be the agent of revolu tionary evangelism, we must be clear that by the church we mean those who have made a personal commitment to Christ. You can train people to be evangelists who have a motivation to share Christ. But if people lack this motivation no amount of training will help. What such people need is an encounter with Christ. At this Congress we ought to be considering seriously the question of what it means to have “conversion within the church.” Why do so many students seem to abandon their faith when they go to college? Why do so many couples stop attending church when they move to a new city? And how do we help people v ith a second-hand faith really to come alive in Christ?

Then we also must understand that the whole church has a mission for Christ. By loving fellow ship, compassionate service, patient suffering, and by sharing the good news of the Gospel, every Christian has a responsibility to make Christ known. Will we take in our churches whatever radical changes are necessary to mobilize the entire mem bership for continuous evangelism?

Let me make two specific suggestions at this point. If our churches are to become committed, caring, witnessing fellowships then it will take at least: (1) A revolution in our patterns of ministry. All of us- pastors, teachers, evangelists, and lay men ane going to have to understand that the church cannot afford to-be made up of many spec tators who pay and watch a few specialists do the work of evangelism. We pastors and evangelists must see that we are not to do all the work. We are coaches. Our job is to build an evangelistic team, starting with the leadership. What am I saying here is a commonplace. But the thing that concerns me is how few churches

THE MESSENGER

Revolutonary action in Evangelism will mean taking the message toipeople where

they are. are doing anything about it! How many churches have a specific training program to teach their people how to give away their faith? Does yours? Why not? When are you going to start? How many of us pastors and evangelists are choosing twelve men as Jesus did. or 'even one or two, and equipping them for the work? How many of you laymen are actually insisting that your pastor turn over some of his tasks to others in order that he may give you this kind of training? (2) It will take a revdlution in the structure of our church life. Jesus preached to the great crowds; He also poured His life into twelve men. In a mass society I believe there will be an in creasing place for mass .evangelism. The 400,000 youth at Bethel showed that it takes mass gather ings to make people understand. But our .emphasis will also have to be on small, intimate fellowships, or else people will get lost in the crowd. Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship recently made a depth study of the effect siz.e had on its college chapters. They found that once a campus group passed 30, there was actually a decrease in its evangelistic outreach. In a smaller group everyone had a chance to participate. But as the groups grew in size the sense of involvement was lost. I wonder if this doesn’t point up a real lesson for the churches? Small groups aren’t cure-alls. In fact without adequate spiritual leadership they can encounter serious problems. But I suggest that the church of the future may well be made up of many such small groups. They will pray, and study, and share their problems, and .encourage each other in witness and service. One group might be made up of young couples; another of social workers; a third of Apollo astronauts; a fourth of converted hippies and motorbikers; a fifth of retired folk. Al'l would come together on the Lord’.s day to break bread together, to sing joyous songs of celebration to gether, to listen together to God’s Word, to share testimony of God at work through their lives, and then to scatter for another week of witness. God’s revolutionary power was released through the church in revolutionary action. Luke opens the book of Acts by saying, “In the first book ... I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1, RSV). He implies that Jesus continued “to do and teach” through those He left behind. This dynamic combination of deed and word characterized the apostles. Their words acted and their actions spoke! Acts is full of action verbs: they prayed, they spoke, they healed, they gave their testimony, they sold their goods, they went about preaching. So we need to match our words with our deeds, and our deeds with our words. God will judge us and this Congr.ess whether- we let our conviction.s be translated into revolutionary action. This must begin with witnessing where we are (“in Jerusalem”) and doing what we already know.

February 13

Perhaps the first test of whether we are willing to be God’s men will be right here in Minneapolis this week! If God is speaking to us then we ought to be speaking to men — to cab drivers, and waiters and maids in the hotels, and friends w,e eat with, and people we meet on the street. Will Minneapolis know by Friday that God’s revolution is going on?

Revolutionary action in evangelism will mean breaking some new ground. It will mean acting with other Christians from other churches. Our task is to confront everyone with the Gospel, and no one church can accomplish that job. 'Think what it would mean in your neighborhood if the Baptist, and the Presbyterian, and the Lutheran, and the Bible church set out teams of visitors to say, “We’ve come from all these churches to ask you to receive our Lord into your life and follow Him in which ever of our churches He leads you!” Revolutionary action in evangelism will mean taking the message to people where they are. Ac cording to an old saying, the church should be “in the world but not of it.” Well, I believe that evan gelism should always be of the church but not al ways in it! Jesus preached on farms, by the road side, in boats, at dinner parties in the homes of sinners. Those who are really touching people for Christ today ane largely following His pattern.

The local church can take the Gospel “where the people are.” Why don’t you consider buying spots on the football game on Sunday afternoon? or having your choir put on its next Christmas pro gram in the shopping mall? or renting a theater for your next series of 'evangelistic meetings?

Revolutionary evangelism will mean taking the Gospel to revolutionary people. Most of our evan gelism involves reaching the family and friends of those who are already Christians. Usually these are middle-class, respectable citizens. They need Christ! But meanwhile, we have to think about the “sub-cultures.” Is anybody reaching out to the hip pies in your town? the student radicals? the ghet tos? the intellectuals? the motorcycle crowd? the rock crowd? the swingers in the apartm'ents? Relat ing to these people will mean praying that God will call some Christians to be missionaries to these “sub-cultures” just as we send missionaries to Brazil and Thailand.

Evangelism must be love with flesh on, what Bill Milliken calls “tough love.” We must echo Amos as well as Paul, Micah as well as Peter. Our message has got to combine the prophets, who called for repentance and justice, with the apostles, who called for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. What I’m saying boils down to this: As Christ ians we have to be concerned both for love and justice. Love goes beyond justice, and only the saving power of Jesus Christ can produce real love. But love is not a substitute for justice, and since not all mien are or will be converted to Christ, and

Page 5

since even we Christians have imperfect love, we have a resposibility to seek justice in society. A Christian politician who seeks to pass laws that create guidelines for justice is doing God’s work just as truly as a Christian pastor who seeks to win the lost to Christ.

editorial NEEDED — A VITAL CHRISTIANITY

William Wilberforce was converted to Christ as a young man in England. Then God put within his heart a burning passion to abolish the slave trade, and Wilberforce went on a campaign to wipe out the evil not only by preaching the Gospel but also by fierce debate and political action. Such action should not be confused with evangelism. Neither should it be separated from it. Please note carefully: I am not saying that we can build a perfect world by our efforts. We can make some things better, but the new world will not come until Christ returns. Nor am I saying that the Church should stop giving priority to evangelism and become a political lobby. Whai I am saying is that God wants to give through our lives as Christians a kind of preview, and advance demonstration, of the love and peace and justice which will mark His eternal kingdom. Then, when from a platform of love in action we ask men to be reconciled to God, the Church’s message will sound off with the ring of truth. Is what we have been talking about “mission impossible’’? Remember that Israel’s slogan is, “A nation of unlimited impossibilities.” Should that be less true of Christ’s people in a day of such great challenge?

Are the demands too great? A leader of Stu dents for a Democratic Society recently saic. “For S.D.S. people there is no summer vacation. We see ourselves working 18 hours a day forever. We’re in this for a lifetime.” Dare we have less of a reck less, joyful abandonment to the revolution of our God? When cur lives and our churches fail to meet God’s revolutionary expectations, what has gone wrong? Is it not that we have failed to let the Holy Spirit, the master agent of God’s strategy, have control? God’s revolution is going to go on, with or without you and me. But I don’t want to get left behind. So this is my prayer: Lord, start a revolution, and start it in me!

Is it your prayer, too?

And this, from Ezekial 21:27, is God’s sovereign answer: “I will overturn, overturn, overturn . . . until he comes .whose right it is; and I will give it him!”

We cannot forget the verdict pronounced upon Christians by a University student on the West coast: “What they preach they don’t live” and “What they say does not happen.” How long would a business exist under these circumstances? A national (U.S.A.) poll in 1969 showed that 80 percent of all youth under the age of 24 felt that the church was losing its influence. Ten year.s ago approximately 20 percent of the youth in the same age group responded negatively to the same ques tion. I have been told that the church is a force that should be out in the world doing something, not sit enclosed behind four walls. Oft.en this is a valid criticism. Lest we feel the rebuke is too sharp just think back and see how much (or should we say ‘how little’ )of your Christian service happened outside of the four church walls in the last month, or year. Because, “What we preach we do not live” our salt has lost its savour and our lights are burning low. Because, “What we say does not happen”, our testimony to the world about us is largely dis credited. —D.S.

Letters ENJOYS MESSENGER

We wish to thank you for sending the EMC Messenger to us in the past. We do enjoy your paper. The articles are challenging and I especially

enjoy ycur editorials. As a former EMC member this paper is vital to me in keeping informed about conference activities, church growth and foreign missions. The vision and resultant growth of the EMC during the last ten years is exciting. Sincerely,

Mrs. John D. Reimer M.eade, Kansas News Reporters: Rosenort Fellowship, P. J. B. Reimer; Ridgewood, Mrs. Ruth Doerksen, Winnipeg (Braeside), Mrs. Leona Reimer; Mennville, Mrs. Abe Barkman; Steinbach, Mrs. Ben Dueck; Mafeking, Mrs. B. Warkentine; Kamsack, Mrs. Corny Dueck; MacGregor, Mrs. George Rodgers; Wymark, John J. Friesen. Cover Photo: Nancy Flowers, Standard Oil Company.

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire. In form as to what is going on in the Conference. Instruct in Godliness and victorious living. Inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished letters are not returned except by request. Subscription: Members pay through their church. Non-members $1.00 per year. THE MESSENGER. Published every other week by Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba. Second Class Mail, Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address.

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THE MESSENGER

Mission Trip Continues

Paraguay

A Land of

Opportunity

The Frank Kroekers and the Peter Thiessens w.ere at ths air port to greet us and welcome us to Paraguay. We had actually ar rived in tbs country of which we had beard so much through Men nonite Colonization and in later years through our Conference Mis sions effort. Much of what we had heard of and rsad about, we were now to see with our eyes. We were grateful to the Lord for giving us a safe journey, and especially so when we learned lat er that our plane had developed trouble on one of its set of wheels while landing. This brought to mind the words in Deut. 33:27: “The <etemal God is thy refuge, •and underneath are the everlast ing arms.” From tbs airport we drove to the Mennonite Centre in Asun cion. This is a place where lodging and food is provided at very rea sonable cost for people who have stopovers in Asuncion. Since the Kroekers had business in the city before returning home, we had •opportunity to make use of these Jacilities as this meant staying over till Monday. This also gave us a chance to see quite a bit of Asuncion. One was intriqued by the marked contrast between the old and the new, the primitive and the modern, the ugly and the beau tiful, and the poor and the rich. East Paraguay Monday afternoon, we left Asuncion for East Paraguay and to the place where our missionaries are stationed. This is approximate ly a four hour drive along a good paved road most of the way. We noticed that for the most part East Paraguay is quite beautiful and productive. The road to -our Mis sion station also took us through the Mennonite Colonies, more so Colony Bergthal. We were im pressed with what these people have accomplished physically since they settled here. February 13

Seen here are Diedrich Lepp (prospec tive worker. La Esperanza), John P. Loewen, John Toews (La Esperanza), John K. Reimer, Frank Kroeker at the Mennonite Centre in Asuncion. They are discussing plans for the future.

Arriving at the mission station, we met the other missionaries, Sara Loeppky, Mary Andres, Betty Friesen, Ann and Kathy Braun, and the Knoeker and Thiessen families. For the next week it was our privilege to fellowship with them and the people of the Caagiiacu E.M. Church. What a joy it was to nV^et fellow-believers among Indians, Paraguayans, and Mennonites. Time went by quick ly as we were kept busy going 'Out on visits to the Indians, Paraguay ans, and the Mennonite Colonies. Sometimes this meant trekking through jungle. Services were also held in these different areas. Usu ally we were asked to share a few thoughts or by giving a message. We sensed throughout that our vi sits were appreciated and we in turn appreciated their warm ac ceptance. We praise God for our fine mis sionary personnel. They are doing a great job, worthy of our sup port by prayer and gifts. Many hours were spent in conferring with them about the work con cerning present and future needs and determining strategy for ex

pansion. The doors in Paraguay are wide open. To enter these doors of opportunity will mean more people willing to serve in that country and along with this more funds. Let us rise to the challenge. Our time is short. On November 24 we left East Paraguay for the Chaco with bro ther Kroeker accompanying us. Enroute, we briefly visited the Mennonite Leper Station which is situated 81 Km’s east of Asuncion. Elenor Mathies, who comes from Leamington, Ontario is the bead nurse and showed us around. We were certainly impressed with what is being done to help these unfortunate victims of this dread ful disease. Thby are being cared for both physically and spiritually. Our next stop was at the Henry Toews who now live at Colony Pirareta also east of Asuncion. Brother Toews is in charge of a sugar plantation here. From there w.e drove on to Asuncion where we planned to stay over night be fore continuing on to the Chaco. Due to a heavy rain during the night the Trans-Chaco highway was closed, so we decided to fly in the following day. Since there were quite a number of passen gers, a DC3 military transport was chartered. What made things dif ferent from the ordinary in this instance, was that we shared the space on the plane with every thing from baggage to bags of po tatoes. But the trip was unevent ful otherwise and in two hours we landed at Loma Plata on Men no Colony. Chaco Mr. John Toews, present direc tor of La Esperanza Mission Sta tion, was there to welcome us to the Chaco where we spent nine days filled with adventure and

Santo Fernandos, Lengua Indian preach er, and family.

Page 7

Isaac Epp, Lengua Indian preacher, and family.

many new experiences. The per sonnel on La Esperanza made our stay most enjoyable. The fellow ship with them, in their homes and in their services, was wonderful. Our acquaintance and fellowship with our Indian brethren was ano ther heart-warming experience. Furthermore, our visits to several other mission station, homes of ministers and lay people on the colonies, industrial plants, etc., proved most interesting and helpted to give us an overall view of life in the Chaco. Physically things looked quite good. Although summer with its hot temperatures was very evi dent. There were also good rains which freshensd things up. Pros pects for a fair crop were favour able. I believe we possibly saw the Chaco at its best. Las Esperanza As to impressions of La Esper anza, one couldn’t help but marvel at what one saw. Here Indians, Lengua, Sanapana, have a place to live, a place of employment, which the farm proj'sct makes possible, and a place where spiritual needs are provided for. One could only imagine how much effort has gone into the physical aspect of this pro ject and the same holds true to the spiritual, much of which is not visible to the eye. Truly, the Indian church is there today, a trophy of God’s grace and a monu ment to unselfish giving, going, and praying. What a thrill to be in the midst of a church full of In dian believers, mutually worship ping a common Lord and Saviour! All praise to Him! In addition to the aforemen tioned activities, we spent much of our time conferring with the La Esperanza staff, seeking ways and means of improving the work and planning for the future. We were made to realize that we have not

Page 8

exhausted the possibilities yet. Therefore, we must press on to a wider outreach. Pray for our work ers, the Toewses, the Klassens, Giesbrechts, Harders, and others, as well as for the Indian church. Before concluding our visit in the Chaco and upon the warm in vitation of Bishop Jacob Dyck, we participated in a service in the Loma Plata Mennonite Church. Some 400 to 500 people came out for the week-night service. Here again we sensed the presence of the Lord just as we had through out our mission in Paraguay thus far. We left the Chaco on December 5 to return to East Paraguay where we spent the remainder of our time. Again it was our privilege to take part in several services, including a communion service at the Caaguacu E.M.C. There was also more discussion concerning the work. A highlight during this time was a visit to the famous Iguacu Falls, a short dis tance into Brazil. Our visit in East Paraguay was concluded with a farewell service in the church. We had wonderful fellowship. A close bond of Christ ian love had been established. Brazil

Leanora Koop and her class at the New Tribes Missionary Children’s school, Manuas, Brazil. Leanora is under E.M. C. Christian Service.

Leanora and Sarah Koop, New Tribes school at Manuas, Brazil.

Farewell to Paraguay, (left) and John Reimer,

John

Loewen

December 12 was the day of our departure from Paraguay. Bro. Kroeker with a few others saw us off at the airport. We were on our way home. Another visit was on our schedule on the return trip, namely, Manaus, Brazil. Here we plann^ to see the Henry Loewens, Abe Koops, and Sara and Leanora Ko'ep. To our disappointment we missed seeing the Abe Koops and the Loewens as they were up river a long distance from there. How ever, we did make a three hour boat ride down the Amazon River from Manaus to the New Tribes Mission regional headquarters. Here we met Sara and Leanora Koop plus the other staff mem bers. They gave us a cordial wel come and their hospitality was superb. We were greatly impressed with the work here, the school for missionary children in particular. Bro. John Loewen and I both had opportunity to speak in the eveling service. Our visit here was a ong to be remembered experience. Home Mr. Bartlett, one of the mission aries, took us back to Manaus with their launch the followirtg day. Then on Tuesday, December 16, we boarded the plane which took us to Miami via Caracas, Vene zuela. We spent the night in Mi ami and arrived back in Winnipeg after six weeks and 29 hops by plane. Our families were at the airport to welcome us home. Praise God for His wonderful presence and keeping and may this venture be to His greater glory. A heart felt thank you to all who prayed for us and our families during this time. J. K. Reimer John P. Loeuoen

THE MESSENGER

ca Hold Joint Prayer Meetings

WYMARK: 'The four participating churches of the Wymark ministerial, namely EL M. M. C. Blumenhof, E. M. B. Rhineland, Emmaus Menn, Wymark and E. M. C. Wymark, held their joint prayer meetings on Jan. 6th to 9th. Corny Olfert’s and John Froese’s, both parents to the Lester Olferts, travelled to Winnipeg on Jan. Sth to bid farewell to the Lester Olferts as they left by plane for iNicaragua as missionaries. May the Lord undertake for Lester and Dar lene and their two children tn their new field of service. The Swift Current Bible Institute pre sented their Christmas program in our church on Jan. 11th at 7:30 p.m. Even though it was a bit late it was enjoyed by all present. Shall we remember to pray for the teachers and students of the different Bible schools. We had a deacon election in our local church on Jan. 11th in the afternoon. The brethren Dave Peters and Ernest Funk were elected. May the Lord give them the joy to accept the responsibility. Rev. Arnold Fast represented the con ference as gruest speaker for the occa sion. Rev. Fast was accompanied by Mrs. Fast and also his father. New Members Received

ROSBNORT: Mrs. Annie K. Dueck, a widow since 1956, was unted in holy matrimony to Frank P. Dueck on Jan. 3 of this year. Her son Melvin officiat ed. We wish the couple many years of happy married life. Mrs. Arthur Dueck and Mrs. Peter Kroeker were accepted as members of our local in January. Welcome! Both of them are newly-weds. The new floor covering in the main auditorium of the church has not only improved the appearance of the sanctu ary but has also helped to muffle ex traneous noise. A group of young people went carol ling in the Woodlands area just before Christmas. The weather was cold but the reception was warm indeed! With the beginning of a new year come also new responsibilities. May each one who has received a new office in the various church committees regard the work as given to him by the Lord. 1969 in Retrospect

The births till Oct. have already been reported in earlier issues. Sheldon Ray, to Mr. and Mrs. Jack

February 13

Siemens - Oct. 17. Alanna, to Mr. and Mrs. Abe Bartel Nov. 10. Arietta Margaret, to Mr. and Mrs. George Bartel - Dec. 21, Ellen Ruth, to Mr. and Mrs. Benny Friesen - Dec. 22. Marriaiges

Walter Dueck to Nita Warkentln April 5. Irwin Kroeker to Sylvia Friesen June 7. Arthur Dueck to Martha Brandt June 21. Rev. Henry F. Klassen to Annie L. Kroeker - July 26. John Dyck to Katie Friesen . Aug. 16. Peter Kroeker to Anne Penner - Aug. 22. It was a record year for silver wed dings. Seven families observed their 25th anniversaries. All but the last one were reported earlier. The Prank B. Duecks celebrated theirs on November 14. Joint Prayer Meetings Held

MACGREGOR: The New Year began with a series of joint prayer meetings with the Bergthaler church. The first evening, Prayer: for the Individual; in the church, were discussed by Rev. Regier and Henry Thiessen. Th6 different aspects of the church were considered the next session by three people from each church. The areas under consider ation were, the Church and — the Home, its Ministries — in the Community — and Missions — Government — its re lation to other denominations. Rev. Dave Wiebe and Rev. Koop discussed the Se cond Coming of Christ and — the Be liever — the Unbeliever. This is an ap propriate way to begin a new year. May God help u.s to serve Him faithfully in the coming year. Upon request a baptismal service was held for Lawrence Heppner on January 18th during the morning service. A communion service was held the follow ing Sunday, Jan. 25. There was a real good turnout for the service. Rev. John Dyck spoke on the significance of the three symbols — the cup, the bread, and the towel. All felt the Lord’s presence during the testimony period, the mes sage, prayer time and the Lord’s Sup per. On January 24th the Winnipeg Bible College Choir arrived at noon. They spent the afternoon and the night in various homes in the community. In the

evening they rendered a program in the MacGregor Memorial Hall. On Sunday morning they visited a number of churches in the area. It was a blessing to see young people joyful in the Lord. The Ladies Aid has re-organized elect ing Mrs. Glen Sawatzky as their presi dent. They will be sewing for the MCC this winter. On the sick list is Mr. Cleve Unrau. Youth For Christ Meeting Held

KAMSACK; Dec. 31. We had our Watch (Night Service. Every family pre sent had a part in the program. Songs, reading, a skit, musical number and a short devotional. After the program lunch was served, followed by testi monies. It was a time of sharing and blessings. J2in. 8. Youth for Christ meeting was held. Groups that participated were Canora Baptist, Pelly Fellowsip Chapel, Kamsack Anglican and our group. Gary Enns, Youth for Christ Director for Northern Sask, from Saskatoon and Rev. Mel Slack, Overseas Youth for Christ Director were with us. Rev. Slack was dressed in Indian garb. The Slacks have worked in India for a number of years as Missionaries and the last few years he has been Youth for Christ Di rector. He has had some rich experiences in this kind of work. He sang some In dian choruses and played Indian musical instruments. 'The evening was a very enjoyable one. Rev. Slack spoke of how God has blessed and worked in different ways. Praise be to God. Jan. 16. We had our annual meeting to organize for the coming year. 'The results are as follows: Executive Chair man - Bernie Brandt, Secretary - Wal ter Haljeski, Vice-chairman Bill Rezanoff, and Mr. Dueck. Ushers . Jack Leis, John Sawatzky, S. S. Superinten dent - Mr. Dueck, Messenger reporters Mrs, C. F. Dueck and Mrs. Walter Hal jeski, Librarians - Peter Holukoff and Mrs. John Sawatzky. Jan. 25. We were blessed with a visit from the Nipawin Bible School Team for our morning worship service. They presented a number of songs by a girls trio, a testimony by a young man and Rev. Dell, the principal of the school brought the message. ’The Albert Wie bes and family from Roblin were also present for this Sunday. Plans for Eveingelistic Services are being made for the Easter week with Rev. C. B. Loewen as speaker. Pray for Kamsack that many might come out to hear the gospel. We are happy to report that Mr. Wal ter Haljeski is well again; also Mr. Al-

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bert Fink is home from the hospital, after having a hernia operation and is doing well. To God be the praise. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Reimer from Fi sher Branch were here for a short visit. Thank you and come again. Young People Go Tobogganing

MAFEKING: Saturday, January 10 the Mafeking Young People spent the afternoon enjoying one another’s com pany at a friendly game of curling. Youngsters not in the group membership also took part and got to know our group a bit. Saturday, January 24 the Mafeking Young People went tobogganing in the evening. Again they were joined by fel lows and girls not in regular attendance at our group meetings. When energy was spent and no one was any longer able to climb the hill the fire was sur rounded and after Alma Friesen led in a few choruses the group feasted on hot dogs and hot chocolate. A delicious way to end a vigorous and somewhat chilling activity. A group from the Mafeking Fellow ship Chapel will attend the Steinbach Youth Conference to be held February 6 to 8. We at home will pray that these young people will be led to give their lives for greater service to the Lord. Bible Study Meetings have begun in Mafeking once a month. The first meet ing was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Leech on Sunday evening, January 25. Our pastor, Andrew Friesen, attended the Ministerial meeting held in Kleefeld January 31, 1970. Parents Visit Sunday School Classes

STEINBACH: Dec. 21st we helped celebrate the wedding of Marge Penner and Neil Koop. Both Marge and Coriity are attending the U. of M. in Winnipeg. Dec. 24 our Sunday school rendered a delightful Christmas program. For our older members, we had a Ger man service in our church on the 26th of Dec. Guest speaker Rev. Henry S. Rempel brought a very challenging mes sage. Rev. Melvin Koop of the Crestview Fellowship Chapel, Winnipeg was the guest speaker . in our Sunday morning service on Dec. 28. For our missicjiary conference Jan. 1. to the 4th we were commendably served by Rev. John B. Toews of Fresno, Calif. On Nov. 30 both the George Neufelds and the John U. Duecks were accept ed as members of our church. For the Christmas holidays the George T. Reimers were happy to have all their

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children home including Viola who has already been serving with the Wycliff Bible Translators in Mexico for 14 years. Mrs. P. D. Reimer told me that she received a very welcome visit from fos ter daughter Marge her husband and baby. She feels that with time this young couple will accept Christ as their personal Saviour. Rev. and Mrs. Fast spent a week in B. C. visiting their two married daugh ters and looking up Bible Scool stu dents from here, besides visiting and serving at the newly started church of the Rev. B. D. Reimers. Mr. and Mrs. P. D. Kroeker spent about 3 weeks visiting both the Menno Kroekers at Kola and the Dave Duecks in Swift Current. They were very warmly received at a German prayer meeting held alternately in the homes of older people and these who were unable to travel. This prayer meeting was held in the afternoon be sides the regular Wednesday evening Family night. For a change our Sunday School class, rooms welcomed visitors three Sundays in a row and as a conclusion held a special evening of fellowship for parents and teachers where C. Wilbert Loewen spoke on the past, present and future of Sunday School in Steinbach. Sunday, Jan. 11, Rev. Gladwin Plett spoke to us both in the morning and evening service. The Pletts are home for an imdetermined length of time because of the lack of educational facilities for their growing family in St. Lucia. Rev. and Mrs. Fast attended a Deacon election in Wymark on the weekend of Jan. 10 to 12. With fathers so much away from home more and more people are becoming concerned in particular about their sons who have not the privilege of regular chores, as our former generation had, when there was wood, and water to car ry in and other jobs that had to be done. For this reason more people are begin ning a Boys Brigade program. Ben Dueck has a group of 30 to 35 men at tending a Brigade Leadership training course at Niverville. On Feb. 1 the David Sharps both gave a brief testimony in the Sunday morning service. The Sharps are leaving us and going into Mission service under New Tribes Mission in Brazil. Blessings at Mennville

RIVERTON: (Mennville) The S. B. I. chorale accompanied by Rev. Milton Fast rendered a program In message and song for us on Jan. 25. We were hap py to see friends come from as far as

Teulon and Gimli for this occasion. After the service a light lunch was serv ed in the church basement. Klaas Friesen, Erma Friesen, and Ger ald and Herald Thiessen have left for studies at S. B. I. after Christmas. Jan. 26 Mr. Frank Porter, from West ern Tract Mission spoke to us at our “Young Peoples”. He gave a number of good pointers on effective tract distribu tion. Later he boldly spoke to us of the “Lordship of Christ", using Romans 12, 1,2 for the basis of his text. He pointed out that it is only, common sense for the Christian to yield himself to Christ un reservedly. After the message Mr. Por ter joined the young people in preparing tracts for mailing. We were happy to have Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Funk in our midst on Feb. 1. Mr. Funk presented an interesting re port of their work in the mission field. Then he brought a very timely message from God’s word. He pointed out three convictions which had spurred the apost le Paul on to service, namely a convic tion of the gospel, a conviction of the need and a conviction that men are really eternally lost without Christ. Do we lack zeal because we lack conviction? On Feb. 2. a ladies mission sewing circle was organized at the home of Mrs. Mildred Harms. It is our prayer that God will be able to use thia group in the building of His Kingdom and in the extension of missions. Congratulations go to Abe and An nie Brandt on the birth of a daughter, Sandra Dec. 14, and to John and Mary Kehler on the birth of a daughter Josphine Laurie Dec. 18, 1969.

Coming Events Feb. 13 Student Winter Campus conference at U. of W. Feb. 14 Annual MCC (Manitoba) meeting in the Portage Avenue MB church, Winnipeg. Feb. 28 - March 1 EMC Sunday school convention at Rosenort. Speaker Mr. H. H. Voth. March 5. 6 Ministers Seminar at the S.B.I. Mar. 7, 8 EMC Music convention at Prairie Rose. Speaker, Mr. Geo rge Wiebe. March 12 Canadian Mennonite’s 6th Annual Lecture. Myron Augsburger speaker. Fort Garry Hotel, THE MESSENGER

Looking Back

PANSY: Looking back over the past few months, one realizes that our re ports haven’t been kept up to date. Several of our most rewarding activities have been left unmentioned. There was the Mission Conference when the Lord really spoke to us and hearts were blest. Then came the Bap tismal and Communion Service. On Nov. 7 Sister Mintie Martens was baptized Rev. Gerry Doerksen brought an ap propriate message on this occasion. ’The Communion Service following a week later, was a real spiritual refresher, when hearts melted together in testimony, confession, prayer and praise. Thank God for such blessed occasions of re membrance ! Christmas brought its usual share of activities. ’The S. S. brought their wellrendered program on Dec. 28th. On Dec. 31st we had a fellowship supper at the church. A special blessing on this occa sion was, that both the Alvin KomelBcns of Waterhen, and the Ben 'Thiessens of Winnipeg were able to be with us. (Both couples are former fellow-labour ers here and remain very close to all of us). Annual Elections Held

ROSENORT: The Rosenort Fellowship Chapel started the New Year 1970 with a Watch Night Service on the 31. De cember late in the evening. After a ser vice, praising God for his blessings of the past year and taking a look into the future, the audience retired to the base ment for the midnight watch with a cup of coffee and the traditional New Year’s cookies. The young people had a skating party at the Rosenort Community Centre with refreshments. The fee was 75c. January 8. the brethren met in the evening for a devotional and the elec tions of some of the Church committees. Pete Siemens was re-elected to the Church Board for a three year term. For the Sunday Night Program Com mittee, Ron Hoeppner was elected for one year, Richard Kroeker for two years and iNorman Wiens was also elect ed as the Recording Secretary. P. J. L. Friesen was elected as song leader for a three year term. Roy Komelsen and Abe L. Loewen will be our ushers for the next two years. Richard Zacharias will look after the special numbers for our services this coming year. The Assistant Pastor Peter J. B. Rei mer showed Part 2 of his colored slides Sunday evening, January 18th. His re port was about his tour in India, HongKong, Taiwan, Japan and Hawaii.

February 13

The Rural Municipality of Morris Council appointed Syd Reimer to the Morris Hospital Board. The Fellowship ladies held their an nual meeting January 6th, in the evening. This date used to be the traditional Elpiphany Day, and was quite a holiday. It was dropped by our EMC quite some time ago. Mrs. Helen Reimer was elect ed President, Mrs. Anne Dueck, VicePresident and Mrs. Helen Loewen, Sec retary. The Food Commiittee will con sist of Mrs. Elma Friesen, Mrs. H. R. Friesen, and Mrs. Jac. W. Brandt. A Cheer Committee was also elected to present flowers and words of cheer to those who have the bad times of illness. Elected were Mrs. Marie Reimer, Mrs. Is. Loewen and Mrs. Charlotte Wiens. The lucky people, who got flowers in January were Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Cor nelsen, Mrs. John Comelsen, Mr. Frank Toews and Mr. Clarence Olson, We wish them all a speedy recovery with God’s healing power. The minister Peter J. B. Reimer was invited as guest speaker in the Elim Mennonite Church, Grunthal, January 25th. The hours of fellowship he enjoy ed with the people of Grunthal was al most like a coming home for him. He taught their young people at their Col legiate for fifteen years, until he retired a few years ago. The services at this church are still entirely in German and the young people participate fully. They were invited by the Rev. Nick Janz for a very fine dinner and afternoon of visiting

Teacher Training Classes Held

RIDGEWOOD: ’The New Year start ed off with the introduction of a mid week Services Rev. H. S. Rempel is serving us during the month of Janu ary. Most of the people were suprised at Rev. Rempel’s vitality; they had not expected this in such an elderly gentletman. His love for God is very evident however as he expounds the Word from Philippians. These services are conduct ed in the low German language, al though the speaker is quite profficient in the High German and English langu ages as well. In conjunction with these Mid-week Services a Junior choir (ages 8-14) was started; (maybe “resinned” would be more appropriate since this choir was also in operation last winter). ’The two nights that the choir has gathered have revealed interest and enthusiasm by the members. ’The Waldon Doerksens are in charge of this work. On January 30, the chorale from the S. B. 1. rendered a program at the church. As was the case the last time, the singing and music was much appre ciated. ’The Sunday School has been sponsor ing teacher training classes on Sunday mornings. ’The Old Testament Survey course which began on the 11th of January will end on February the 8th. Following that there will be an alter nate course offered on “Knowing Your Pupil”. Both of these courses are (and/ or will be) instructed by Rev. Edwin Wright of Landmark. It is a joy to have him minister to us in this way.

Film Shown

WEEKES: On Jan. 4 th a Church Christmas Supper was enjoyed by all those present for the occasion. After the supper, for a time of devotion we had informal singing, and closed the evening with viewing Dr. Harry Ironside’s Film on the book of Philemon called “Charge that to my account.” ’Two Good News Clubs (including craft) have been started in our area. One in the Weekes Chapel, and one about 9 miles out of town in the Dillabough community, and taking place in a private home. The majority of these we are not reaching through Sunday School, and so we praise the Lord for the new ones we can reach through this avenue. Sunday evening Jan. 25th we enjoyed rich blessings from the Lord, when the Nipawin Bible Institute brought us a challenging program in song and in word. ’The message was brought by the new Principal of the school Rev. Ray mond Dell.

Fourteen Members Received

WINNIPEG: The Braeside congrega tion entered the new year by way of a watch night service. Refreshments con sisted of the traditional New Years cook, ies and coffee. A unique feature of the evening was the collection of slides from many of the church families shown by Mr. B. F. Klassen. ’The time of testimony and prayer was a stimulant for all of us as we faced 1970. A further challenge for the New Year were the Bible studies with Rev. D. Shidler, Jan. 4-7. These meetings were accented with slides of the different are as of work of the G. M. U. Jan. 11 at seven o’clock p.m. a bap tism and reception of members service was held where five were baptized and nine received as members. Jan. 18, the Lord’s Supper was observ ed during an afternoon service with a very good attendance in spite of very cold weather. ’That evening the film “The Tony Fontaine Story” was shown

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to a near capacity audience. Many peop le from the surrounding area came out, possibly as a result of the advertising done by radio and newspaper. Jan. 22, the annual business meeting was held. Mr. Aaron Siemens of the church board led in the elections while Mr. Peter Doerksen, director of Educa tion, led in the reports. It seems like the newly organized committees and newly elected members look forward to a busy year ahead. The Boys Brigade and their leaders are off to a very enthusiastic start and by the sounds on Wednesday nights, there is never a dull moment. Some of us perhaps wish we were still of quali fying age. May this added activity help to develope nurpose and meaning in Christian living. The church board members and their wives enjoyed their annual supper and evening of fellowship at the home of Lee Toews’. Special feature of the even ing was a wordless skit by the wives, portraying a typical board meeting. Whether this was to the enlightening or discouraging of the board members has not been definitely concluded. The teens recently met at the home of C. R. Plett for their regular meeting. The evening was enjoyed by all present. New leaders for the Teens Program are Gordon Kroeker and Gordon Schellenberg. A new “thing" for the Ladies Mission Group is the prayer circle where four or five ladies band together, set aside a certain time during the day to pray- for special needs pertaining to their circle as well as other requests. This has al ready provided a clc'ser bond of fellow ship between sisters and many answers to prayer have already been realized. It is certainly exciting to serve the Lord through the avenue of prayer. The new president is Mrs. Art Bartel. Those baptized were the following: Eunice Dyck (Henry Dycks), Valerie Kehler (George Kehlers), Debbie Siemens (Aaron Siemens), Sylvia Schultz (Ron Schultzes), Mrs. Ken Friesen Received as members: Lucille and Rodney Reimer from EJmmanuel Church, Meade, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Allan Dueck, from Wymark E. M. C. Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Dueck, from Pleasant Valley E. M. C. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hartman, from Thorsby, Alberta, Lutheran Church and Steinbach E. M, C., respectively. Mr. ken Friesen, from Steinbach E.M. C.

THE MESSENGER

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1970 E.M.C.

Sunday School Convention II February 28 to March 1 ROSENORT EM CHURCH

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Main Speaker:

REV. H. H. VOTH Winnipeg

PROGRAM

FEBRUARY 28 (Sunday school Executives) Chairman: John Unger Rosenort 10:00 Opening and Welcome 1045 Business meeting — Future of the Sunday School Superintendants Executive — Sunday school Material — Dinner Recess —

I I I I I 1:30 "Sunday School Administration" I 2:15 Buzz Groups 2:45 Question Period I

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2:00 2:10 2:20 3:00 3:05 3:45

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 (Public Session) Chairman: Henry Bartel Rosenort Song service Opening P. L. Friesen "Teaching For Decision" H. H. Voth Number in Song Prairie Rose Seminars

Question Period

Song service Opening Number in song Offering Number in song "The Authority of the Word" Closing

H. H. Voth

— Lunch (Provided by local church) 7:00 7:10 7:20 7:25 7:35 7:40 8:20

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Rosenort Henry Bartel Rilgewood

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Ridgewood H. H. Voth John Unger (

NVH 013 4 3

Noni* isv-