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Inside Vol 9 No. 12
June 4, 1971
Pacifism in the early Christian community
ROOFTOP REVELATION “...God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Peter on a rooftop in Joppa, learned a much needed les son one day. One that most of us may yet have to learn. Our reaction to much of the world is still that of Peter on the rooftop “unclean!” “Lord, ...I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.” Horace 0. Duke writing in Home Life puts it this way “Unclean, we cry out at the sight of matted hair, unkempt beard, and dissheveled attire. Many of us are content to step back and reassure ourselves that we have never par taken of anything profane or unclean. This is a comfortable, reassuring position. Dare we let the Lord’s words to Peter disturb us, ‘It is not for you to call profane what God counts clean?” He continues, “Is it possible that God is pleased with much that disturbs us today? Can we be sure that He is pleased with that which pleases us? Does God call clean what we consider 'unclean' or ‘profane ? How often are we guiity of reacting to appearance and personal taste (or lack of it) while we forget that God never has looked upon the cut of a man’s suit or hair.” We sing “Sinners Jesus will receive... ” and quote Jesus’ words “I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” And all the while we have yet to learn the first principles of these truths we so glibly sing and recite. No? Well then, why do we ignore sinners and “sick” alike? How many of us would dare sit at a table or be seen talking on the street to the “unclean” (according to our standards). But unlike Jesus, we have a reputation to uphold! This immediately eliminates such places as rock festivals, memorial park, and other places where “sinners” gather. No, we don’t disturb the world very much. It pretty well goes on its way as it wants to. A far cry from the first Chris tians who were as a goad to the existing culture and were even spoken of as those that “...had turned the world up side down...” Writing in the May issue of HIS magazine Samuel Esco bar challenges us with the following words; "This is a time of change and turmoil. Every value, system and doctrine is questioned. This gives an open door to the gospel of Christ, who said, ‘I am making all things new!’ Do we love this Lord? Do we recognize Him as our Lord and Saviour before whose name ‘every knee shall bow?’ Then let us be obedient to see the trembling world as a call to bold wit ness. Let us not try to save our status in this rotten, affluent society which is coming to pieces right before our eyes.” We need to come to the place where we will see mankind as made up of individuals. From a distance all men look alike. In order to share Christ we must come close to peop le and let people come close to us. Or could it be that we are afraid of contamination? The late A. W. Tozer put it this way “Some monks thought that the way to be good, holy and safe was to hole up some place. They stayed hidden away in order to be holy. One Page 2
man crawled up on a pillar and stayed there 30 years so he wouldn’t get dirty. But there wasn’t a dirtier fellow in all that part of the country than he was. You don’t have to climb on a pillar or hide away; Jesus didn’t. You’ll be a protected man because God Almighty will look after you.” One wonders, were Christ to come and live and walk on earth again, where would He live? For whom would His words be? With whom would He associate? When He was on earth the first time His enemies branded Him as “friend of publicans and sinners...” If this were still the case (and we know it is) He would probably spend some time in Win nipeg’s north end and other places where the downtrodden are. We may pride ourselves in being Biblicists, and ortho dox in doctrine, and this is important. The base must be sound. Orthodoxy in doctrine is important, but so is ortho doxy in life. Paul writes to Timothy concerning “holding faith with a good conscience.” Faith in order to be held with a good conscience is faith that is practised. Christian doctrine is never merely a matter of theory. Faith without works is dead. You don’t see little globules of faith float ing around in the air. Christian truth is never a matter of impersonal propositions apart from personal application. That Peter had not learned his lesson before this rooftop experience, is hard to understand. Had he not walked with Christ those three years? Had he not heard Jesus condemn the scribes and Pharisees for exactly the discrimination he himself now was guilty of? Had he not seen by example the interaction Jesus had with the “unclean”? I think to all questions we must answer “yes” and yet here he still had his old, narrow interpretation of who could gain the kingdom of God, and the Gentile centurion certainly was not one of them. But God gave Peter a vision and opened his eyes. Here upon we have his great statement “...God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” (Acts 10:28b) What about our perception? We who live in the post Peter era. We who are so correct in doctrine. Do we still secretly classify people as clean and unclean? Do we still have our narrow interpretations and cubby-holes and cul tural hangups concerning people who do not come up to our “standards”? Do we still look askance at those who are not dressed as we are? What about those who come to church in “uncon ventional” attire? Are they accepted or rejected? We read in the account in Acts 10 that while Peter thought of the vision, “the Spirit said to him...go with them...” And in verse 23 we read “...Peter went...” The result of the vision we know. Cornelius and those who heard the Word —saved! Could our problem perchance be that amid the clamour of self-interest and traditionalism we shrug off the voice or the Spirit? I believe we need again, today, to hear and take serious the words of Paul when he says “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise... " May God help us that the common creatureliness of many “moderns” will not turn us off and blind our eyes to the real person underneath. They too need our witness, as well as the others. —D.S. THE MESSENGER
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The Early Christian Community and the Question of Pacifism
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by Paul Loewen
Living at home can sometimes be frustrating, since we are daily faced with the familiar problems of war and turmoil. It is helpful, periodically, to gain a perspective on one situa tion by viewing it from another period of time. The question of paci fism, today, is a hotly-contested issue. The early Christian community faced the same question. Their answer though blunt and often dramatic, was part of the reason for the effective ness of the growing Church. Ante-Nicene Christianity was pac ifist. Pacifism includes among its first principles the total renunciation of war. True Christian pacifism is an active manifestation of the Christian ethic “which demands that every valid means must be used to set wrongs right and build human relations on a new foundation.”'MacGregor has de lineated three basic presuppositions of pacifism. These are love toward one’s neighbor,’this ethic in turn bas ed upon belief in a Father God who loves all men impartially and sets an infinite value on every human soul,’ and the teaching of Jesus interpreted in the light of His own life style and above all of the Cross by which His teaching was sealed.* A look at Ante-Nicene pacifism re quires an understanding of the life situation of the early Christians. The world of the New Testament was under essentially one ruler, the Roman Emperor. The power of his Empire secured the peace of the world during the first centuries of the Christian church. Religiously, the world was plur alistic. The Roman government gen-
erally tolerated religions. At first Chris secution was evil, Ante-Nicene Christ tianity was looked upon as a branch ians looked to Jesus for an example of of Judaism but by 64, Christians were dealing with evil. Christ’s method of dealing with evil plainly viewed as being separate from was unique because He did not meet the Jewish faith. As previously stated, the world was it on its own grounds. He returned at peace. Christianity was involved in good for evil. When messengers were a war, however, and this war even sent to make arrangements for tually involved the Roman Empire. Christ in a Samaritan village while on Christianity was very actively in the way to Jerusalem the Samari volved in a war against evil. The pro tans did not receive Christ. The dis ponents of evil were those who were ciples James and John asked Jesus against Christ and Christians. Thus, whether they should command fire to the Christian’s “enemy” was he who come down from heaven to consume persecuted Christians. Oddly enough, the people. Jesus’ response was a re the charges brought against the Christ buke to the disciples and they went ians were atheism and anarchy.’ Re on to another village.’ Christ com jection of the old gods seemed atheism manded the disciples to love their en and refusal to join in emperor-wor emies, to do good to those who hated ship was treasonable. Also, Christians them, to bless those who cursed them were accused of cannibalism due to and to pray for those who mistreated a misunderstanding of the doctrine them.’ Christ further demanded that of Christ’s presence in the Supper. His followers love their enemies and During the persecutions, Christians pray for their persecutors in order often lamented their situation and that His followers might be the sons eagerly looked forward to the restor of God.’ Ante-Nicene Christians drew upon ation of peace in their surroundings. In the meantime, Christians were in the teaching of Christ as a guide to volved in a war in which they were the meeting of evil. Involved in certainly not passive. Conventional this matter was the question of wheth weapons were not used by Christians er war could be thought consistent although the opposition used swords with Christ’s principles in the sermon and spears. Ante-Nicene Christians on the Mount. Roland Bainton in Christian Attitudes Toward War and were pacifist. MacGregor has argued that the Peace mentioned that the early Church’s position on war remained con Church has been frequently regard sistently pacifist into the fourth ed as the best qualified to interpret century. He assumed that “no Christ the New Testament. The writings of ian would become a soldier after the Apostles and early Church Fath Baptism at least up to the time of ers readily attest to the belief that Marcus Aurelius, say about A.D. 170. 1,6 Christ was an active pacifist. Ignatius After that signs of compromise increas says it thus in his Second Epistle to THE AUTHOR: Pau! Loewen is a graduate of Tab ed but the strong pacifist witness con the Ephesians: “Pray for all men... Against their harsh words be ye con or College 1970 and is presently doing post-grad tinued into the fourth century. The life style of Ante-Nicene Christ ciliatory, by meekness of mind and uate work at Bethel College and Seminary, St ianity can be clearly grasped only with gentleness. ” He goes on to admon Paul, Minnesota. This article was written as a ish: “ . . . against their error be ye a proper understanding of Jesus class paper at Bethel. Pau! is a member of the and His teaching. Recognizing that per- armed with faith. Against their Steinbach EM. church.
June 4,1971
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The early Christian pacifism was assumed to be an integral part of one's faith. fierceness be ye peaceful and quiet, those whose bands are unclean (from and be ye not astounded by them, killing) abstain from communion for Let us, then, be imitators of our Lord three years.”'* in meekness. . .’"’War was deemed Christians not only refrained from inconsistent with the teaching of the adding to the existing strife but actLord. The Ante-Nicene age was a ively sought to make peace. The Ro time “of heroism, not of words; an man government of course sought to age, not of writers, but of soldiers; make peace as well but the method not of talkers, but of sufferers.’"From differed from that of the Church, the available data we find that the Rome tried to make peace through early Church pacifists can be divid- repression of Christians who were ed into three categories: legalistic causing commotion. Christians realizand eschatological, Christian love coup- ed that that kind of peace, though led with Gnosticism and pragmatic legitimate, was somewhat superficial or redemptive.’’ These varieties were and probably temporary. From the represented by Tertullian, Marcion words of Christ Christians believed that and Origen, in chronological sequence, there always would be war on earth. Though somewhat different in nature. Therefore, Christians continued a new each of the views “had in common method which Christ had begun. This an emphasis on love and an aver- plan for peace began with the salvasion to killing.’’’Pacifism to the early tion of individuals. It was assumed Church meant deliberately not taking that peace of souls would lead to nathe life of any other human being, tional peace. Christians yearned for While others left their offspring to peace but they were discriminatory in die, Christians did not. While others whom they listened to. Clement said persecuted, Christians did not. On it thus: “We must adhere to those the basis of records, there is no state- who cultivate peace, not to those ment that sanctioned war or killing who merely pretend to do so.””Clemuntil after the fourth century. ent further stated: “Let us cleave. The examples of opposition to kill- therefore, to those who cultivate ing are found in various sections of peace with godliness, and not those the empire: who hypocritically profess to desire “In the West, Tertullian declared it.’’“Christians eagerly and successfulthat the Christian would rather be ly shared with others the peace of soul killed than kill.” For Minucius Felix, they had. ‘It is not right for us either to see or Because of the example of Christ the hear a man being killed.’ M 15 early Christian naturally approached Further examples are given from persecution, violence and evil in a radtheEast: ical manner. They used love to com“Origen averred that ‘God did not bat enemies. Instead of arming themdeem it becoming to His own di- selves with swords, spears and daggers vine legislation to allow the killing with which to defend themselves of any man whatever. "The Canons of against aggression, they armed themHippolytus enacted that ‘a soldier selves with truth, righteousness and the of civil authority must be taught not Spirit of God. In Ignatius To Polycarp to kill men and to refuse to do so if the author admonished readers to “Let he is commanded.’ ””17” your baptism endure as your arms; your The early Christian pacifism was faith as your helmet; your love as your assumed to be an integral part of one’s spear; your patience as a complete pan faith. It was not just a commitment to oply.””The primary concern was the non-violence. Christians desired to love spiritual war in the life of individuals, as Christ loved. The manifestation of Justin Martyr gives us an example of hate was war and persecution. Thus, the early life style: this attitude was abhored by Christ“We who were filled with war and ians. Even in the Church, members tnutual slaughter and every wickedness were advised by Basil the Great that have each of us in all the world chang“. . . perhaps it would be well that ed our weapons of war . . . swords into Page 4
plows and spears into agricultural implements.”” A study of this early pacifism seems to point to the fact that the attitude extended beyond personal ethics. There was a much wider application, includ ing a nationalistic scope. With refer ence to this larger scope Clement of Rome said, “Envy and strife have overthrown great cities and rooted up many nations.””It appears that Christians included all of mankind in their concept of nationhood. This was in complete harmony with Christ’s idea of citizenship and who one’s neigh bor was. On the question of citizenship, Mathetes writes to Diognetus that Christians “pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven.”’* It is not without some mystery that we search for the reasons for the pac ifism of the early Church. Theories have been presented by various schools of thought. Some have said that the Church situation necessitat ed an ethical life style which included pacifism on a temporary basis. Others have stated that the ethical life style of the early Church should have re mained firm and this school pleads for a return to early Christian pac ifism. The attending circumstances merit an inquiry in view of the exist ence of three basic kinds of pacifism. The legalistic and eschatological school of pacifism emphasized legal ism more than eschatology. The view was that war was not lawful for Christ ians. The eschatological emphasis was perhaps more apparent than taught. This reason is weak in both areas since the Church taught free dom in Christ and the sense of urgency in Christ’s coming diminished from the first to the fourth century. The second school of thought which placed its emphasis on Christ ian love and Gnosticism was a heresy whose influence ultimately diminish ed because of its incongruity with the universal Church of Christ. The pragmatic or redemptive school of thought took a comprehensive look at war and, in the light of Christ’s teaching, remained pacifist partly be cause they believed it to be a “more excellent way.’’ It can readily be observed that due to the sheer lack of numbers, in the early beginnings of Christianity, Christ-
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Christians realized that such conflict His mighty and surpassingly great gifts was a civil war of mankind at least and benefactions of peace. ” 27 and civil war in the Church if any of the opposition were Christians. FOOTNOTES Christians did feel an obligation to the state but their citizenship was first 1. G.H.C. MacGregor. The New Testament Basis of Pac and foremost in the “heavenly Jerusa ifism (Fellowship Publications 1954) p. 11 lem.” In reference to the protection 2. Ibid., p. 11 of one’s neighbour, Christ clearly dem 3. Ibid., p. 12 onstrated that anyone was the Christ 4. Ibid., p. 12 ian’s neighbor. The area of biggest con 5. Justin. Apology 5. 6: 11.12 flict was that of self and family. The 6. Harnack. Militia Christi (Tubingen. 1905). pp. 47f threat of persecution caused many to 7. Luke 9:5Iff. “lapse” in the faith. In all of this, the 8. Luke 6:27f Christian dealt with the interpreta 9. Matthew 5:44f tion of both the Old and New Testa 10. The Second Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians. Ch. X. (In Alexander Roberts and James Donald ment which caused additional comp son. The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Vol. 1 (Charles lications. Eventually the Christian pac Scribners Sons 1903). p. 101 ifist had to recognize the coming of 11. The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Vol. 1. p. vii the Messiah as fulfillment of Script- 12. Roland Bainton, Christian Attitudes Toward War ture and, as such, Christ has revealed and Peace (Abingdon Press 1960). pp. 81, 82 13. Ibid., p. 81 a better way of dealing with evil. The walk of the early Christians was 14. Apologeticus. XXXVII certainly new and traumatic. The 15. Octavius. XXX, 6 events in their lives were similar 16. Contra Celsum, III 7 to events in the lives of believers to 17. Canon, XVI 18. Ep. CL. II. 188. 13. Migne PL LXI. 240C. (In day. We who are fortunate to be liv Bainton. p. 78) ing in peace now can look to the past 19. The First Epistle of Clement. Ch. XV (In The Antein a thankful way. Perhaps it may Nicene Fathers. Vol. I. p. 9) not always be peaceful, however, and 20. Ibid., p. 9 then we will be grateful for our help 21. Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp. Ch. VI. (In the AnteNicene Fathers. Vol. I. p. 100). which comes from the Lord. It is dif ficult to improve upon the words of 22. Trypho, CX 23. The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. Clement of Rome who said; Ch. VI. (In The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Vol. I. p. 6) “Wherefore, having so many great 24. Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus. Ch. V and glorious examples set before us, (In The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Vol. I. p. 27) let us turn again to the practice of 25. Legatio pro Christians. XL (In Bainton. p. 72) that peace which from the beginning 26. Ignatius to Polycarp. Ch. VI (In The Ante-Nicene was the mark set before us; and let us Fathers. Vol. I. p l 00) God.”” look steadfastly to the Father and Cre 27. The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. It should not be assumed that con ator of the universe, and cleave to Ch. XIX. (In The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. I. p. 10) flict did not arise within the ranks of Christianity with regard to the ques tion of pacifism. The conflict existed mainly with the application of the Annua! Conference: Word of God to such affairs as duty • July 3-5 to the state, to the family and to - Steinbach E.M. church friends and neighbors. Some Christ - Five public sessions, ians, as Tertullian, felt one should Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday all day be pacifist without regard for any oth - Four day sessions (Friday and Saturday) of business meetings for er considerations. Most Christians, ministers, deacons, delegates and missionaries. however, realized their duties and E.M.C. Missionary Orientation Schoo!: sought to harmonize their actions with - July 6-8 Christ’s teaching. Th view of Christ - Steinbach Bible Institute Campus ians was that “policemen” were nec This school is designed to give orientation to new missionaries as well essary but that they should not kill any as provide inspiration to all those attending. one. In regards to international war,
ians realized that armed resistance would be futile. That was not the op tion, however, as the Christian Church grew. With that statement, however, we are nearing the age of Constantine. Ultimately, one fact stands out above the others. That fact is that Christians loved Christ so much that they were willing to do anything for Him. Based on their interpretation of His life and teaching the Christians yielded them selves in such a way that no one else would die or suffer at their hands. Athenagoras said that Christians “do not strike back, do not go to law when robbed; they give to them that ask of them and love their neighbours as themselves.’’’''Christians realized that perhaps evil, injustice and persecution would not be overcome in this world. Yet, when Christ finally would reign, justice, truth and love would result universally. The widespread Christian concensus of pacifism was advantageous for sev eral reasons. First, there were ultimat ely more lives saved by non-resistance and the Church grew as a result. Se condly, there was a general unity of purpose among Christians. This re sulted in a harmonious and peaceful Church, not fragmented to the ex tent it is today. This unity was en couraged by Ignatius, who said; “Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run to gether; suffer together; sleep togeth er; and awake together, as the stew ards, and associates, and servants of
Announcing
THE MESSENGER, Published every other week by Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Fhiblication, 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. June i, 1971
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Back in Spain Greetings with Romans 8:28, which to me at this time is a very precious promise. “ All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” We may not always see how at the present, but them I am reminded of Jesus’ words to Peter in John 13:7, “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shall know hereafter.” I want to take this bpportunity to thank all of you for your constant prayers, expressions of sympathy and gifts in the time of bereavement at the loss of my beloved father. The Lord has and is undertaking. Praise His name! I thank Him so much for making it possible for me to be home at my mother’s side for two brief weeks and for giving me a safe trip back to Spain. In two months our schedule will be cl^nging^ again. How j^uickly camp time will be here! And so now, besides the regular schedule of teaching Bible clubs, other classes and visitation work I will be planning and preparing all the hand-crafts for I have enjoyed very much teaching my two Saturday afternoon Bible clubs. Particularly in one club, it has been a thrill to see how eagerly the children learned their memory verses from three years old to 12 years old. Pray that we may have , wisdom / in rootingJ and grounding these precious children in the Word. In other clubs interest seems to lack. One club has temporarily had to close since the three children, who attended so faithfully, have now been forbidden to come by the father. He has also forbidden them to come to Sunday School. Though we definitely see opposi tion, we praise the Lord for some fruit He has allowed us to see in the past six months. The 15-year-old girl, whom Camila tutored in secular class es accepted the Lord some months Page 6
ago. Though there seem to be real battles, we feel that she is growing in the things of the Lord, We also praise the Lord so much for Mrs Viega, a mother of five. who accepted the Lord in one of our Wednesday ladies’ Bible studies about two months ago. She has a real longing to know more of Christ and we have seen some real steps of growth in her life. Do pray earnestly with us for this family, especially for Mr Viega that he may come to know the Lord. This is a close family but we praise the Lord that, though her new faith has already cost many tears and
sore trials, Mrs Viega has chosen to follow Christ rather than her husband. She needs your constant prayers! Just this past Sunday, my first Sun day back, in the evening service a lady, whose husband has been a Chris tian for some time, accepted the Lord. She has been attending church with her husband quite regularly but never personally committed herself to Christ. “I never felt the need to”, she said, “but this time I just could not remain in my seat. There was a trem endous urge within me and I could not resist”. So we see again that God is at work! We sow the seed but it is the Spirit that convicts of sin and regen erates man. Hence all the praise be longs to God! Once more, thank you for your prayers. It is prayer that moves the hand of God. Thank you also for your gifts and letters, May our Lord be with you all. In Christ Jesus, Evelyn Plett
Something New in Bible Camps The Messenger is an excellent meth od of keeping in contact with the home church and the conference. Being far away from home, you really learn to appreciate this important link of ’ communication. I read with great interest the article written by Archie Penner, “Toward an Understanding of the Church for Today.” In a world where ygQ hear and read so much of the de (.jmg (jf the church...it’s encouraging to note that God had a plan for the church. It’s the challenge of the church gf today, to present and live the reality of Jesus Christ in a brotherhood. ■■ I’ve spent j almost; ;two and a ■half months at the Circle ‘C’ Ranch in Dele• -• van. -• New -York. My work• consists ofhandling all the registration for the ranch, other office duties and helping with weekend retreats, till our ranch opens for eight weeks of camp this
summer. The past two weekend re treats resulted in 75 first time deci sions for the Lord, out of a total attend ance of 147 teenagers and counsellors. It’s exciting to see God move and work in the hearts of youth. Youth of today, is searching for reality...only found in Jesus Christ. The summer ranching program has a capacity of 1,152 young people. It looks like we’ll be filled for the summer, be fore camp opens. What an opportunity to reach youth of today! “Souls for Jes us, is our battle cry”!
In His Service, Myrna Dueck Ed. Note: Myrna is employed at the Living Waters Circle C Ranch in Delevan, New York. The ranch is operated as a Bible Camp ground, complete with horses, etc. Wes Aarum is the director. Sis ter Dueck is from the Steinbach EM. church.
ANNUAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT The annual meeting of Eden Mental Health Centre will be held in the Bergthaler Mennonite Church, Winkler, Manitoba on June 5, 1971 at 2:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Dr. Waldemar Janzen, Professor at Canadian Menno nite Bible College, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
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I Paraguay: I am really enjoying my work here and I know that the main reason for my happiness is that I know that I am where the Lord wants me. I always say that the most exciting part of a Christian life is to be in the will of the Lord! He truly is a wonder ful keeper. He gives strength day by day. I have experienced this so many times since I left Canada. I felt His presence all the while I was in Rio and again after my father passed away. Teaching is a challenge; it takes of lot of patience. I have often requested prayer that the Lord might grant patience and I would request it again. Teaching in the high German language is not quite as difficult as I expected it to be. However, I am still very limited in my vocabulary. Well, you could say that I am learn ing together with the children; every once in a while they will correct me and of course sometimes they laugh at me for making such foolish mistakes but I think all in all we are getting along wonderfully. I praise the Lord that He has made it possible for me to get adjusted so fast. The people here in Paraguay have been so friend ly and helpful to me in this way - have made me feel at home and I thank them, also. I shall never forget the words my father said before I left. “I think you’ll enjoy life more in Paraguay than in Canada.” At that time I thought he was saying a little too much but he must have known because I tend to agree with him now. And why not? I am where the Lord wants me! A verse that has become very precious to me especially at the time I was delayed in Rio and also after my father's passing is Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Love in Christ, Diana Plett
Germany: The Lord is at work in Europe. There does seem to be a growing awareness of the need for good Bible teaching in the church es. Training opportunities are many. Many lay people are open to training and involvement in service. We are happy to be able to offer teaching materials, counsel and training, as part of the follow up of the evangelistic efforts through crusades and radio. John Peters Mexico: On May 2 an evangelical campaign started in Lazaro Carden as. This consisted of a prayer meeting each morning at seven, a Bible class at 6 p.m. and a service around 8:30 p.m. We were greatly thrilled to see the church filled almost to capacity nightly. The theme was “What is man, oh God, that you should think of him?” (Heb. 2:6 TEV) with messages explaining the part of God from the creation to the present priestly position of Christ in the matter of salvation, with the concluding message outlining the part of man in the act of salvation. On Wednesday night two men accepted Christ and by Sunday night seven people had repented and accepted Christ as their Savior. Among these were three young girls in cluding the oldest daughter of Br. Samuel, the leader of the church, and a young couple, the husband being the brother to the Trevizo sisters. At times like these we don’t have words to express our joy and reverence to God for His goodness. The membership now stands at seven baptized members in Cardenas and fourteen who have accepted Christ. Abe Plett
June 4,1971
an important message to... high school graduates
Before going into secular education or taking up a vo cation, take two years for a Bible school education at the Steinbach Bible Institute. The cost is reasonable, the reward is great. Write for a free catalog to day outlining courses, fac ulty, cost, etc. to:
Steinbach Bible Institute Box 1420 Steinbach, Man. Tel: 326-6451
Matriculation So much I do not know Or understand! Why place me here to walk In ignorance? And yet—some things I know: I know God is. And all His plans are good; I know by faith He’ll show me All I need to know. And some day, when I am graduated I’ll learn the higher math A kindergarten cannot teach And then—as now—I’ll learn from Him, Master Teacher, Lord.
—Marguerite Estaver
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by Elsie Milligan CHAPTER IX
He hurried the sick boy over to the men’s ward of the hospital and handed Ever since Ngoma came to the him over to the orderly there who very Mission School, he had kept up the soon had Ngoma tucked up into one of friendship with Davidi, the medical or the beds, with a comfortable pillow for derly, which had started in the village his head and warm blankets over him. when Davidi had gone there with Dr How thankful he was just to lie still and close his aching eyes! But soon the Hendon. But in his second year at school that orderly came and, pricking Ngoma’s friendship became deeper and began ear with a needle, he squeezed out a to have a real influence on Ngoma. drop of blood which he spread on a This was brought about largely be little glass plate. “If we look at this under the micro cause Ngoma had a serious illness scope, ” he explained, to the boy, “it will and was a patient in the ‘House of Heal ing’ (hospital) for a few weeks. help us to know what is the matter Ngoma woke up one morning with a with you.” He hurried off with it and bad headache and sharp shooting pains Ngoma thought to himself, “That’s in his arms and legs. Shimoni not strange!” For he knew exactly what iced how sick he looked and sent him was the matter. Was there not an evil spirit in him biting him in different over to the Dispensary. “Hallo, young friend,” said Davidi who places, first his head, then his back, happened'to be on duty when he ar- then his legs? If only they would get it rived there, “what’s the matter with out, he would be all right. He closed you?” his eyes and fell into an uneasy sleep. Ngoma’s teeth were chattering too When he opened them again, the Bwana much for him to reply, and his whole was standing beside his bed smiling down at him. body was shivering. He asked the boy a few questions, “Come,” said Davidi, “and I will make out a card for you. Meantime, just then looked at his body and listened hold this in your mouth.” ’ to it through a strange rubber tube. He put what seemed to Ngoma like Then he turned to Davidi and asked a little white stick in his mouth, say- for something. The next minute Ngoing, “Don’t bite this or let it fall out of a brief prick in his thigh, “00-o-o-w! ” he exclaimed. your mouth.” “That’s all now,” said the DocNgoma thought this was a very strange thing, but held on to it with tor, “that was some ‘medicine of the his lips, almost afraid to breathe, needle’ which will help you to get When Davidi removed it, he looked better. Go to sleep now.” Ngoma’s illness turned out to be a at it and said, “Whew! The sooner you severe attack of African relapsing are tucked up in bed the better.” NGOMA CHOOSES
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fever. He was quite used to having malaria, but this was much worse. For a few days he couldn’t eat any food and felt so very ill. During that time Davidi and the other orderly nursed him with great kindness; he was washed and made as comfort able as possible all the time, and when a raging thirst consumed him, he was given sips of a cold sweet lem on drink. And when the pains in his limbs and back were really bad, a little prick of the white man’s magic medicine took them away and gave him sleep. When he was getting better, he puz zled over all this. How very different from the way that sick people were treated way back in his home village. There the witch-doctor treated them, making little cuts all over the patient’s back so as to let out the evil spirit. There no food or drink was given to the patient lest it should strengthen and encourage the spirit that was plaguing him. There nothing was done to make the patient comfortable and ease his pain. Truly everything was very different here in the missionar ies’ House of Healing. After a few days the worst was over and the fever subsided gradually, but Ngoma felt very weak. He began to look round the ward now and to take an interest in the other patients. There was another boy there named Mbawulu, and Davidi moved his bed next to Ngoma’s so that the two boys could talk together. Ngoma watched the orderlies as they went about their work in the ward, helping the patients. He saw the Doc tor Bwana go his rounds once or twice every day, and the Nurse Ndona con stantly going round to see that the pa tients were comfortable. He saw them come down often in the night to see and help very sick men. It gave him much to think about. “Why do the white people show mercy to the sick ones of our people?” he ask ed Davidi, one day. “It’s because the love of God Himself is in their hearts,” Davidi explained, “and they want to show God’s heart to our people who do not know Him.” Each morning a Service was held in the ward and this was taken by an evangelist or one of the Christian or derlies. Ngoma listened to what was THE MESSENGER
said, and he felt his heart going out in path of sin, but we ourselves have to the choice now while they were still a new way to Yesu (Jesus) the choose whether to obey God or Satan. young, Ngoma listened with great at “I had to choose,” he went on, “and it tention. Vividly there came back to him great Doctor who can heal our bodies and who can cleanse our hearts from was very hard. My father was very the vision he had seen that night sin. He had his Samba New Testa angry when I became a Christian. in his dream of the Man with the scar ment with him and he had plenty of Many a time he has beaten me to in His hand who had called him to time to read it now, and sometimes he make me return to the things of sin walk in the narrow uphill path which read it out loud to the other patients, and the worship of the spirits, but God led to His village. “ ‘I have set before you’, ” read the specially to his new friend Mbawulu gives me strength. He is stronger who could not read. He was amazed than Satan and He helps me; by my Bwana from the Word of God, ‘life and to find himself trying to explain the self I should fail utterly. “If you decide death, blessing and cursing.... there Gospel message to Mbawulu and to follow Jesus, I expect your people fore choose life.... that thou mayest through that the challenge of the Gos will try to stop you. It may be your love the Lord thy God and obey His pel came to his own heart more pow uncle, or your grandfather, or the voice, and that thou mayest cleave witchdoctor in your district. It won’t unto Him, for He is thy life,” Life or erfully than ever before. One night he had a dream, and the be easy, my little brother, but you death! That is the choice. God’s Samba people attach a great deal of must choose, it’s up to you.” people of long ago had to choose, and importance to dreams. He dreamed Ngoma thought a lot about what we, today, still have to choose, each that he saw a man in white robes Davidi said while he was still in hos one of us by ourselves between spirit standing at the top end of a narrow pital, but when he was well enough ual life and spiritual death. The boy winding path which wound uphill. to go back to school again, he forgot who chooses Jesus Christ as his Sav Behind him there was a village with about these things. He was so glad to iour, chooses life — eternal life. But fine houses in it surrounded with fields get back to his schoolmates and to his to reject Him is to choose death — such as he had never seen on earth. lessons, and he worked very hard to eternal death. Each of us must choose. The man was beckoning to him in make up for the time he had lost. He No-one can say, ‘I am not going to Samba fashion. was learning English and geography choose either way, I am going to stay “Come,” he said, “walk in my path and hygiene now and other interesting neutral’. In this matter no-one can re and follow me and I will lead you to things. The School Bwana was pleased main neutral. Jesus Himself said, ‘He my village above.” with the progress he was making, and that is not for Me is against Me’. ” In his dream Ngoma jumped up and discussed with him the prospect of The solemn words of the Doctor was going to follow in his path, but him going on to the Senior School when made a deep impression on the young someone seized him from behind and he had finished his three years there. people in the church, especially when pulled him back. He turned and strug As the end of the school year ap the Doctor closed his address by say gled to free himself, and while he proached, excitement mounted among ing, ‘Choose you this day whom you was doing so he woke up. the boys in the boarding school. Soon will serve’. A great feeling of sadness and dis they would be going home to their vil After he had finished speaking, a appointment came over him. He felt lages for the long dry season holiday. great silence followed. It was so quiet that he had missed a wonderful chance. The last Sunday of the term came in the church that you could hear the “Why are you sad today?” Davidi and there was to be a special Service proverbial pin drop. Suddenly the sil asked him that afternoon. in the church that morning at which ence was broken by a clear boyish So Ngoma told him about the dream Dr. Hendon himself was to be the voice which said, “Today I choose Kristhat he had had. When he had finished, preacher. He took for his text, ‘Choose tu (Christ) to be my Saviour.” he added, “The man in my dreai/i had a ye this day whom ye will serve’. As he Every eye in the church turned to lovely face and when he held up his put before the young people the two see who had spoken. hand to call me I saw that there was a paths which lay before them - the It was Ngoma. He was standing scar in the middle of it.” path of life, and the path of death there with his right hand upraised. He “It was Yesu (Jesus) Himself — and earnestly urged them to make had chosen to be a Christian, whom you saw in your dream,” said to be continued Davidi solemnly. “It was He who call MUSIC IS IN THE SOUL /A ed you to follow in His path. Oh, my PAGANINI, the great violinist came out before his younger, be very careful how you ans audience one day and discovered the violin he was holding wer that call.” was not his own beloved priceless instrument! His violin “I wanted to follow Him,” said Ngo had been stolen backstage and an inferior one left in its ma, “but someone was pulling me place. When his instriuneni could not be found he came out on the stage and said to his audience, "Ladies and back so that I couldn’t go.” gentlemen: I will show you that the music is not in the “Yes,” said Davidi, “that is a true pic instrument, but in the soul." .\nd he played as he had ture of how it is when one of our never played before, the music pouring forth until the audience was enraptured and the applause almost / people wants to become a Christian lifted the ceiling in the building, because the man r and follow Jesus. Satan tries to stop had revealed to them that his music was not in the us, he doesn’t want us to leave his instrument but in his own soul. —SiIkM '1
June 4,1971
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cialists in Winnipeg did the prescribed heart tests the week after Easter. Even though he is still handicapped, we praise God with them for answering prayers. Adella and Janet Klassen had a chance to visit brother Stanley and family in Flin Flon, May 22-24 and spent a very enjoyable weekend there. We were glad to have several of our young people home for the long weekend who work away from home or attend school in distant locations. ROSEISLE
Baptism at Pleasant Valley: back row 1. to r., Nick Eidse (deacon), Rudy Loewen, Glenn Friesen, Randall Siemens, Elwyn Eidse, Eldon Friesen, Dave Eidse (pastor), Frank Fries en (minister). Front row 1. to r., Grace Friesen, Mary Anne Loewen, LaVerna Eidse, Rose anne Bartel, Marlene Eidse, Irma Kornelson, Annette Friesen. PLEASANT VALLEY May 23, 1971 was a special day for our ors at one time. Lome Kornelson fa church when 12 young people were bap voured us with two suitable special num tized and accepted into our church mem bers. He has had several of the baptis bership. Rev Frank Friesen had the mes mal candidates as students when he sage and Rev Dave Eidse officiated. Mr taught at the Pleasant Valley School. In the evening. May 23 we had our Nick Eidse closed the service. Many friends and relatives came for communion service. Rev Cornie Loewen the service and we were happy to wel was our guest speaker. We thank him come each one of them to our church. for the suitable message he gave and we We have never before had so many visit were conscious of God's presence with us.
EAST PARAGUAY
April 25 was set for an outing the
(Guaranie). Agatha Falk is baby sitting
in early winter our young people start ed to formulate plans to present a drama. As the winter progressed everyone be came very actively involved in practice and preparation. Then came the high lights when the actual presentations took place. The three performances consisted of one at Crestview Fellowship Chapel on Palm Sunday and two in the Miami Elementary School on Good Friday, Ap ril 9 and Saturday, April 10. This drama called “The Journey’’ was based on Acts 16. Scenes such as the demon-possessed slave girl and the conversion of the jail or following the earthquake were very dramatically portrayed. The various in cidents, of the chapter were brought forth in a vivid way and have left a lasting im pression with many viewers. The Ladies’ Group met at the Ed Sie mens home on May 3 at which time a surprise baby shower was held for their baby daughter. May 16 proved to be a day of blessing and thanksgiving for the Jac. Dyck family when they celebrated their Silver Wed
young people had planned. At 6 a.m. they for the Funks and Friesens.
ding in the Rosenort Church. Many friends
left for the Leper Station where they On Sunday night we enjoyed a Mother’s brought a program in Spanish for the Day program. Leper patients. They also rendered some HERON selections for the German service; then they left for the Pirareta falls and en We are thankful for the way God re joyed an outdoor dinner and volleyball. The Paul Heckerts and family. New vealed Himself to us during a series of Tribe Missionaries, stopped in at the meetings held from April 11-18. The Frank Kroekers on their way to Itakury. messenger God had chosen for this was They stayed on for a few days due to Rev. Dave Harms from Roseisle, Man., to whom we are also grateful for giving high water. The Martin Wienses from La Esper of his time and talents. Brother Isaac Penner, whose bron anza visited in Tobati over the weekend. On Friday afternoon the Jash Gies- chitis is always troublesome when the brechts moved from the guest house into weather is cold, could not attend the meetings, but was hospitalized in Watheir new home in Lucero. Rev Frank Kroeker left for a five-day wota during this time. We are glad that visit to the Chaco. The Chaco road is he is feeling so much better again, now open but almost impassible due to much that the weather is warmer. Brother Menno Thiessen has recover rain. Tuesday to Friday forenoons the Er ed to a great extent from the paralysis nest Funks, Peter Friesens and Katy of his right side, which was caused by Braun are busy with language study the dislodging of a blood clot when spe-
shared this happy day with them and var ious experiences of their past 25 years were brought to mind. As was already mentioned at the service, their move to Roseisle was Rosenort’s loss and our gain. We are indeed grateful to have them in our midst and we wish them God’s bless ing for the future. Henry and Leona Dueck have also join ed our membership this spring. They moved here from Morris last summer and are very active in the work already. Such additions to a small church are greatly appreciated and we hope they feel a part of us already.
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FISHER BRANCH “Exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching’’. Hebrews 10:25. Richard Plett, 15-year-old son of
THE MESSENGER
Thomas Pletts, is critically ill in the St. Boniface hospital. After the diagnosis showed a brain tumor, the doctors operat ed, but without success and say it is a growing cancer. Two further opera tions have been performed, but he is not improving. Part of the family is going to see him every day. This is difficult for the parents, so let us pray for them. Neighbours and friends have been going with them for four weeks now. How long will the Lord see fit to keep it this way? Richard still speaks somewhat, and what comforts the parents is that he believes on the Saviour and seems to be ready for going. His grandparents, the Isaac Frie sens, have come from Mexico to accom pany and help. The Peter P. Friesens motored to Radium Springs, B.C. in April. Let us draw nigh unto God, and He will draw nigh unto us. Brethren Jac. P. Friesen, Blumenort, and Ed K. Friesen, Rosenort, have been speaking to us the last two Sundays. KOLA
THE LEVI KEIDELS, on furlough from Congo since 1966, are again leaving for their fourth term of service on June 8. Assignment in Congo is to assist in coordi nating the total evangelistic thrust by way of the printed page, mass communi cation, inter-personal relationships, seminars, and any other way feasible within the culture. Mr Keidel was the speaker at the E.M.C. Missionary Conference in 1968 in Win nipeg. He has also ministered locally at the S.B.I. and the Bergthaler church.
«#«## SOME 1000 YOUNG PEOPLE entered the waters of baptism at a mass seaside baptismal service at a secluded beach in California. The service was sponsored by Calvary church of Santa Ana whose pastor Chuck Smith, performed most of the baptisms. Half a dozen helpers assisted in the baptism. The word from the dripping, shivering believers following their baptism was "Beautiful!” # * ♦ # #
THE MORAVIAN CHURCH, one of the oldest churches in North America, decid ed at a meeting of the Northern Synod in August 1970, to form a Moravian Peace Fellowship. Many denominations including Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and others have similar groups. The unique factor about this venture is that it is of ficially sanctioned by denominational authority. Also unique is the fact that the Moravians were a peace-oriented church both during their early fifteenth-cen tury and the eighteenth-century revival.
The Heron and Kola choirs joined their voices in preparing a beautiful Easter sOe cantata. They presented it in four places, Cromer, Maryfield auditorium, Virden THE FIRST MINISTER from abroad to receive official permission to teach the auditorium and Kola church. It involved Gospel in Russia was Rev. N. R. Housworth of Vancouver, B.C. Upon his recent re a lot of effort with the numerous prac turn he reported that neither the police nor soldiers ever interfered in his min tices and presentations but I believe istry, which had resulted in many conversions. Pastor Housworth said he was they enjoyed it and we were truly bless never once stoppea by police or soldiers “in my work for the Lord. I had openly ed and many of us enjoyed hearing it declared the Gospels of John I had taken into Russia and had asked permission more than once. to give them out.” On May 2 the Kola Band and choir NATHAN BAILY, PRESIDENT of the Christian and Missionary Alliance was one travelled to Boissevain to present a pro of a group who has had almost ten hours of face-to-face discussions with officials gram there. The Steinbach Bible Institute brought of the government of North Viet Nam concerning persons “missing in action” the morning service here in Kola on May with special concern for their own captive missionaries among whom is Dan Ger 9 with lots of singing by the quartet and ber, missing since 1962 from the C.M.A. leprosarium at Banmethout. a message by Mr Gerbrandt. # # # ♦ # May 23 was our Christian Endeavor evening. We were privileged to have the PROBE 72 (Ail-Mennonite Consultation on Evangelism, see Messenger, Jan. 1, Fred Friesens from Nicaragua bring us a report and pictures in place of the 1971) is now moving into program development stage and committees have been appointed. regular program. iCe ije ak
To Mr and Mrs Clarence Siemens, Pleasant Valley, a son, Derek Wayne, on April 22. To Mr and Mrs Ray Rempel, Kola, a daughter, Angela Richelie, on May 12. To Mr and Mrs Wally Plett, Kola, a daughter, on May 13.
June 4,1971
Strong emphasis will be placed on experience in evangelism. The Consultation will not debate the value of evangelism vs. service. An expressed concern is to reject polarization of evangelism/service and rather to see evangelism as an in tegral part of service, service a part of evangelism. The planners feel that Probe 72 is unique and not simply another "Congress.” Nor will there be discussion of "relevance” of evangelism. This is assumed as basic to Christian discipleship, and a part of realistic Mennonite life-style. It will tend to avoid exhortation to evangelism; rather Probe 72 will uphold op portunities and resources for evangelism. "How do Mennonites and related groups go about evangelism?” The approach will be neither fundamentalist-reac tionary nor social-actionary. It will be instead an exploration of current situations; probing of methodological concepts and resources; sharpening of current tools/ media. It will avoid condemnation of what has not been done, ask what can be done. Probe 72 will take place in Chicago April 13-16, 1972.
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KLEEFELD What a privilege to be a part of Christ! This wonderful truth dawned on me anew as we, on April 9. Good Friday, shared in our Communion and Foot Wash ing service. Let the world tremble, let the world shake, but nothing can disturb this deep inner peace and joy of knowing Christ and being a part of Him. On our evening program. May 16, a number of participants answered ques tions concerning the Ascension of Christ. Why did He have to go to heaven? So He could prepare us a place, and send us the Comforter, and He is coming back again some day. This creates in us an urgency to spread the news to others. And where a better place to start than right at home, as we again heard on Mother's Day: “Oh hers the greatest of ministries. She molds her children’s true destinies!” Florence Friesen reached one destiny in her life on May 1, as she graduated from the Ontario Bible College in Toron to. Her parents, the Albert K. Friesens, went there to witness this happy occa sion. Mr Martin Dueck is still a patient at the General Hospital, but was released the last two weekends to spend at home with his family and bees, which he en■joyed immensely. Mrs George Fast has recovered re markably well from her one-week stay at the St. Boniface Hospital. The Willie Duecks have packed their bags and turned their faces eastward as far as Steinbach. Friends and relatives gathered for an informal farewell (not good bye) on Thursday, the 20th at the Kleefeld Park.
JOHN KROEKER DUECK 1901-1971
personal Saviour. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith on Oct. 9. 1923 and accepted into the Evangelical Mennonite Church at Morris (then Kleinegemeinde) by the elder Jacob R. Dueck of Kleefeld. Dad always trusted God’s grace for his own spiritual life and en joyed the fellowship at the Sunday morn ing worship services. He had a genuine concern that others might also receive the peace that only Christ can give. On Nov. 4, 1923 he was united in holy matrimony to our dear mother Bertha Schellenberg, by her grandfather, the late Rev. John K. Friesen. The good Lord al lowed them to share their joys and sor rows for 34 years. He was a farmer by occupation, and also did a lot of custom combining and plowing, etc. After mother’s death he continued farming, and having an ambi tious nature he invented and patented the Harrow-King assembly. Dad always enjoyed singing and many a time the family would gather around the piano to sing. Some of his favorite hymns were “He the Pearly Gates Will Open”, “I’ll be Somewhere Listening” and “Look to the Lamb of God”. His health was generally good, although he was slightly diabetic. On the 4th of January, this year, he had a stroke and was hospitalized for six weeks. Then from Feb. 15 to April 24 he stayed at Lorraine and Lome’s. During this time he gradually improved and enjoyed his stay there. On Saturday morning, April 24, he had a severe stroke and was taken to St. Boniface hospital by ambulance. His con dition worsened, and on Tuesday, April 27 pneumonia set in. To our knowledge, he did not regain consciousness after the last stroke. The family took turns sitting with him during his last week, until he peacefully fell asleep, to be awakened in Glory. The children left behind to mourn his departure are; Johnny and wife Elsie, Eleanor and Dick Zacharias, Helen and Abe Loewen, Gladys and John Thiessen,
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them.” Rev. 14:13. It has pleased the Lord, in His all wise providence to call home our beloved father and grandfather, John K. Dueck. Father was born to the late John W. I Duecks in the village of Rosenhoff in the I Rural Municipality of Morris on April I 4, 1901. He passed away on May 1, 1971 at 7:10 a.m. in the St. Boniface hospital, having reached the age of 70 years and 26 days. He received his elementary education in Rosenhoff and also spent one year at Gretna M.C.I. In the summer of 1923 he met the Lord in a real way and received Him as his
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Ralph, Lorraine and Lome Loewen, and Stanley and wife Dolores. Two children died in infancy. There are 19 grand children and one great grandchild. Two grandchildren, Wesley Zacharias, 13, and Clark Loewen, 15, predeceased him. Also left behind are three brothers, Jacob, David and Frank, and four sis ters, Mary (Mrs G. B. Kornelson), Susie (Mrs A. P. Plett), Agnes (Mrs H. F. Friesen), and Margaret (Mrs P, U. Dueck) and many friends and rel atives. His parents, two brothers, Peter and Ben and one sister, Elizabeth (Mrs J, K. Friesen) predeceased him. We sorrow not as those who have no hope, but have the blessed and comfort ing assurance that he is now in the very presence of Jesus Christ, the one whom he has always had a longing to see. We, the children, would like to express our sincere appreciation and thankful ness for all the help, comfort, cards and love that has been given to us during this time. May God bless you for it. The Bereaved Family
Testimony The following testimony was found in Mr Dueck’s Bible by one of the children: Sept. 23/70 It’s 2 o’clock at night, and I had a very serious pain in my stomach, now I am shaky and dizzy, maybe I ate something that caused it. I am happy that the Lord has cared so much for me and saved me in my younger years. Without Him I am nothing but with His grace and love we can do all things. I will try and go to sleep again, I love you all very much my children and grandchildren and often think about Chris, my great grandson, I also love my brothers and sisters in Christ; I hope you can forgive me where I did wrong.
John K. Dueck
Calendar
June June 20 - Father’s Day July July; 3-5 - E.M.C. Annual Conference at Steinbach July July( 6-8 - E.M.C. Third Orientation school at the S.B.I. July 30-Aug. 1 - E.M.C. Youth Retreat at Steeprock Bay, Mafeking, Man. Aug. 16-20 - Church Growth Seminar, Wheaton, Bl. Sept. 28 - S.B.I. First Semester registration
THE MESSENGER
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