A NEW YEAR S PROMISE Another year I enter, Its history unknown; Oh, how my feet would tremble To tread its paths alone!
But I have heard God’s whisper, I know I shall he blest; “My presence shall go with thee And I will give thee rest.’’ What will the New Year bring me? I may not, must not, know; Will it be love and rapture. Or loneliness and woe? “Hush! Hush!’’ I hear His whisper; I surely shall be blest; “My presence shall go with thee. And I will give thee rest!f ””
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TO ALL PEOPLE
“And the angel of the Lord said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Today, as at the time of Christ's birth we rejoice at these tidings of great joy. We tell ourselves over and over how good it is to know Christ as Redeemer. We sing about it and preach about it in our churches. This is excellent, this is good but did you ever notice that the verse does not end there but contains an other short clause? This brief ending gives the verse an entire new dimension, which has largely escaped the present day Christian church, “...which shall be to all people.” Those who heard it first seemingly saw it in this light when they “...made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” Too often we have pictured the Christian church in terms of the song “Hold the fort, for I am coming, Jesus signals still.” The picture that flashes before us is that of a beleagured fort, with walls crumbling, and guards in the turrets immobilized and yet the enemy somehow kept at bay. The church is the fort, safe behind thick walls, the enemy is the Devil attack ing our fortifications. Up to a point this is true, but only up to a point. The fort analogy breaks down if it is to present a total picture of the church. To the Colossians Paul wrote about the gospel, “Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world.” Notice, “all the world”. Writing to the Romans he stated, “...I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” Note “the whole world.” He and his company saw the faith, not merely as something to be preserved but as a vital force for the conversion and conquest of the opposition outside the fort—in all the world. Continuing on into the second and third century the church continued to be a striking force. So vig orous was the North African Church that Tertullian (145-220) could boldly say in addressing the senate of Carthage “We grow up in greater numbers as of ten as we are cut down by you. The blood of the mar tyrs is the seed of the church. We...have filled every
Dear Br. Schellenberg, Since so much of your paper is ded icated to the M.C.C., I feel that it is about time that some of the dec larations and practices of the M.C.C. are brought to a public challenge in our Conference. There is one state ment of the M.C.C. in particular that to me is questionable and there Page 2
place belonging to you—cities, islands, castles, towns, assemblies; your very camp and companies, palace, senate forum; we leave you your temple only.” The Anabaptist movement, some 1300 years later, was known for its missionary zeal, again taking the battle to the enemy so that Menno Simons could write in reply to Gellius Faber concerning a charge of sowing pernicious seed, night preaching, etc. “...we preach, as much as is possible, both by day and night, in houses and in fields, in forests and wastes, hither and yon, at home or abroad, in prisons and in dungeons, in water and in fire, on the scaffold and on the wheel, before Lords and princes, through mouth and pen, with possession and blood, with life and death. We have done this these many years, and we're not ashamed of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (Rom. 1:16). Today the church can hardly any longer be reck oned with as a striking force. We have largely reduc ed our activities to those things we do within the four walls of the sanctuary. Where we might still get work ers to fulfill church offices, it is next to impossible to get people to go into the community to share their faith with the world. Our church buildings rather than reaching the world have served to seal us off from the world and have become a sanctuary for the “in” group. It has largely become a place for the in itiated; who dress a certain way and act a certain way. Invariably one wonders if only those who perform a certain set of cultural rules are acceptable to God? As someone said at the recent Manitoba Evangelical Convention, “If I portray a Christ for whom people have to dress up I'm portraying the wrong Christ,” James warns us against partiality when he says; “My brethren have not the faith of your Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” Christ Himself associated with the lowest types of people, the cast offs of society, so much so that He was called the friend of publicans and sinners. So that one wonders at the remark of one Christian who smugly said, “All my friends are Christians.” The church to be the church and to make an im pact on the world will once more have to take the battle to the enemy's gates. Jesus says that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. This is not a time for retreat or complacency, but a time of making an aggressive offensive in the name of the Prince of Peace. q g
fore I open this challenge. Repeatedly the M.C.C. states that it is not called to evangelize. In the light of Mat thew 6:25 - 33; Matthew 28: 18 - 20; Acts 1:8; and II Cor. 5:20, and in the light of the practices of Christ and the apostles, can there by any Christian organization of similar na ture that does not have evangeli zation as its prime purpose? I would challenge anybody of the E.M.C.
to justify the above statement taking into consideration the mentioned Scriptures and the principle of the New Testament as a whole. To further my challenge, may I add that past experiences on the mission field here in Mexico show that the matter of giving material aid has proven to be quite fatal for the cause of the Gospel. FurtherContinued on page 5
THE MESSENGER
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Youth and
Christian Faith by Joel H. Naderhood
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Dr. Naderhood is the speaker on the Back to God Hour broadcast of the Christian Reformed Church.
Friday, January 1,1971
According to Kenneth Keniston, who teaches psychiatry in the Yale School of Medicine, it was not until 1904 when G. Stanley Hall wrote on Adolescence that the age of youth was generally considered a definable stage of life. This pre-adult stage was rather se verely delimited and by the time a person got past 21 it was pretty much supposed to be over. Today the problem of definition of “youth” has become much more complex than it was in 1904 and the stage itself has become considerably more important. Whereas the matter of ad olescence was more or less a prob lem related to personal development at the turn of the century, today youth and young people have become an exceedingly important element within the total dynamic of our times. It has never been more necessary to understand them. The problem of youth and adol escence, then, has changed consid erably since Hall’s day, and Dr Keniston claims in his article on Youth that appeared in the last issue of The American Scholar (Autumn 1970) that we are today seeing the emer gence on a mass scale of a previously unrecognized stage of life, a stage that intervenes between adolescence and adulthood. Dr Keniston, in describing this stage, indicates, and we would all agree with him, I sup pose, that today the emphasis is on the later years of the pre-adult dev elopment, at the point where such youth become a very significant element within society.'^ We are not so much interested in various
glandular changes and physiological developments that mark the emerg ing young person as we are in the ideas and thoughts that make him a person who refuses to accept the pre vailing social situation. Now, there can be no argument with Dr Keniston’s basic ideas, and the fact that there is a new kind of human being on the scene, the young person, the youth, is especially signif icant for the church and the body of Christ in general. This is not to deny the importance of this new fact in other areas of human endeavor, but since we are discussing the mat ter of the youth within the frame work of the church and the func tioning body of Christ, it is certain ly in order to emphasize that this is an area of human experience where it is utterly essential to recognize what is going on right now. Generally, when we do this, the term the generation gap inevitably comes up. And nearly as inevitably there will be those who will deny that there is anything that allows us to insist that there is a gen eration gap that is greater than or different from any other generation gap that existed in the past. But the generation gap is a reality and certain factors should alert us to the special shape it assumes at this time. It should be obvious that the older generation has experienced sev eral things that the younger has not experienced at all. There have been especially two major world-wide events that fortify the general point of view of the establishment; the Depression and the Second World War. Both of these were traumatic and had strong long term effects on all who participated. Whereas the one engendered a feeling of hope lessness and despair, the other made life meaningful on a grand scale while at the same time furnishing a massive dose of horror and sorrow. In any case, those who have the memories of these experiences etched on their souls, or who lived close enough to them to feel their continuing impact, cannot fail to be marked men and women for the rest of their lives because of what they have gone through. An investigation of the complexities of youth at this point would become long and involved. Again, I can refer to Dr Keniston’s lengthy , article in The American Page 3
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Scholar which discusses “Youth: A an attempt whenever possible to call ‘New’ Stage of Life” at great length modern society into question and and which is exceedingly helpful for • try to change it. anyone who wishes to pursue in depth In addition, the youth today have a study of this question. For our purposes, however, it is sufficient to an openness to cultural forms that is note some of the elements in the cur rooted in the drug scene. This does rent situation that contribute greatly not, of course, mean that all young to the difference between the life ex people use drugs. This of course is perience of those who are older not the case. At the same time, the and those who are younger. And I drug scene has succeeded in exertwould like to emphasize that I be- ing dominant influences within the lieve there is an actual difference youth world. The music picture today in life experience between the is dominated by forms that have at older and the younger today. Here least been nurtured by the approach are some of the elements in the to life found in the drug world, present picture that I would like to The pervasiveness of these elements present. is resulting in the development of a In understanding the prevailing at- youth counter culture of grand proportitudes of the young today, we should tions. There are some who feel that not fail to notice that they are what the development of the youth counter they are not only because of them- culture is becoming the dominant selves, but also because their eld- note in defining the quality of our ers have lost their way. The great present age. The election of the Kaexperiences we talked of. the Depres- bouters to five seats on the 45-seat Sion and the Second World War, have Amsterdam City Council, and the presresulted in, among other things, a ence of five to seven thousand far widespread cynicism that has bathed out members of the youth society more the world in pessimism. Eldridge or less permanently encamped in TorCleaver, who might be considered onto, impress everyone with the per■ a spokesman for at least one seg- vasiveness — of -- the new cultural fforms -----ment of the young today, reminds us and raise great attitudes of defensivethat young people today are grow- ness among the older generation, ing up without any heroes. (Soul on All these elements contribute to Ice, Delta Books, p. 69). And the reality of the modern problem they have no heroes because their and would suggest that the church, elders are not as sure as they might which in certain degrees is the most be that the heroes their generation establishment of all establishment in produced are as authentic as had stitutions, is doomed to failure from been hoped at first. Thus, the the outset if it attempts to find its young have no heroes, and that is way in the new dynamic of the youth significant, for where there are no movement. Yet there are several asor few heroes, life lacks a pattern pects of authentic Christianity that after which it can be cut, suggest that the church is the only Though the youth have no heroes answer to finding a way of healing in the conventional sense, their ideal- under the present circumstances, ism is fed by the idea of the revolu- I would like to list them. tion. It is this matter, the matter 1. The versatility of authentic Chrisof the revolution, that must be under- tianity. Though it is true that Christstood in the second place when we fans tend to form rather stable, es talk of the youth today. Whereas the tablishmentarian enclaves within older generation is tired out and society, this must be considered a de prefers to be content with the status formation of authentic Christianity, quo and their little corner of tran- Viewed on the long term the Christquility, the young, raised in peace ian faith has been able to adapt to and accustomed to affluence, seem very diverse circumstances. This is to delight in considering the rev- expressed in the general success of olutionary option. In some instances world missions. These capabilities this is expressed in explicit involve- suggest that it is precisely the church ment in left wing movements. In and the larger body of Christ that ofmore, it is expressed in a general fers the sole hope of neutralizing interest in revolutionary ideas and the differences between the gener-
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ations and helping both old and young to live usefully in terms of the modern crisis. 2. The essentially critical stance of the body of Christ vis a vis cult ure. Again, though Christian com munities have often tended to sup port the status quo, especially when experiencing periods of affluence, Christianity is by definition an entity that is quite different from ordinary society. There is no reason why a critique of modern society should not arise from within Christianity that would be as devastating as that de clared by the youth today. And many youth should be able to find them selves at home in such a Christian reaction to its environment. 3. Christian egalitarianism. For want of a better term I have chosen this one to describe the fact that within the Christian community all men stand as equals before the cross of Christ. This does not mean that there is an uninteresting sameness in the dispensation of gifts within the Christ ian community. But there is a com mon recognition that makes the great est leader and the newest convert to confess unitedly: "0 God, be merciful to me a sinner." This can create the proper attitudes for reaching out, both from the older to the younger and from the younger to the older. And those who truly know the reality of God's forgiving grace within their hearts will discover that age differ ences can be resolved rather satis factorily at the point of confession. 4. Special resources. The Christian faith approaches the problem of the generation gap with special equip ment that makes it especially attract ive in terms of this problem. a. The figure of Jesus Christ. With out describing the fulness of His significance theologically, Jesus is in fact an extremely attractive figure in the present setting. Though we would not want to label Him a revol utionary, His mode of life and goals enable His followers to present Him without embarrassment to all men today, to the youth as well. He is surely worth following, now more than ever before. b. The fulness of the Bible. The religious book of Christians is not a collection of wisdom, but is a very complex book that spans all of histContinued on next page
THE MESSENGER
ory. Its address to social problems and its panoramic comprehension make it extremely interesting today when the deepest questions about human existence are being reexamined. c. The gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Christian faith results in the changing of human personality at its root. 'This experience of union with Jesus through His spirit is something that can be understood by young people who have been impressed with the fire of their own emotions. Those wh have been changed by God will be able to do great things for Him. Because of elements like these with in the Christian faith, this is a time when the church and the broader body of Christ must boldly summon the youth to live actively within the fellowship of the redeemed. And young Christians must summon the older to the same full Christian life. There must be a new openness to the youth, not just to accomplish com municating with them, but recogniz ing that they are in a real sense able to perceive the qualities of these times better than their older friends. The church must listen to the young today as never before and benefit from the attitudes and insights of the young people. There is no reason to expect that the power of the gospel cannot make young people Christian. It is even possible to expect that it is powerful enough to make those who are old er authentically Christian, too. And because these are our expectations, we may hope that God will indeed use His reconciling Word to bring His church together and use it mightily with all its members even today when the curtain seems to be fall ing on human history.
I**
LETTERS Continued more, one must readily admit that the M.C.C. is quite powerless to preach the Gospel and establish churches, for if it would do so under its present principles, the result would 4)e thousands of “Christians” for convenience sake only. And because of the depraved nature of mankind, another argument that should be in serted here is that giving relief aid will never eliminate poverty whereas the preaching of the Gospel can elim-
Friday, January 1,1971
inate poverty and has proven to do so in many occasions. Therefore, why don’t we as a Conference, who has its vision of mis sions undimmed as yet, pay all our attention to missions with our prayers and finances and let others continue with the humanitarian ag encies.
Concerned, Abe Plett Apdo. 8, El Terrero Chih., Mexico
Hasf r/iou No Cross? Hast thou no cross To bear upon the way. While struggles fierce. Assail, press down Thy brothers, day by day?
Where are thy scars, The marks of bitter war; While others bleed And suffer as Their Captain gone before?
What is thy spoil Which thou didst forceful wrest From captured lands And conquered foes, To make the gladsome—blest?
Wliat is thy standard Waving high? Immanuel’s bloody cross? Dost proudly lift Proclaiming it Thy gain o’er earthly loss? —R. W. Cooper
For your winter
education
program
a • •
Just out is the new publication by your Board of Education and Publica tion, CHURCH STUDY COURSES. This booklet offers guidance in your winter church Christian education program. It may be used for Teacher Training as well as small group fellowships in church or home. It lists the following courses: BIBLE, DOCTRINE, METHODS, MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM, DEPARTMENTS, CHURCH HISTORY, CHRISTIAN HOME, CHRISTIAN LIVING, PSYCHOLOGY. By following through on the courses pupils may earn a diploma with two seals. Write for your free brochure describing the courses and requirements. EMC Board of Education and Publication Box 1268 Steinbach, Man. Pages
At present the staff consists of Mr Geake (carpenter, maintenance engin eer, etc.), Mrs Geake (teacher of intermediate and junior high grades), and myself (teacher of the primary grades). Several couples and single persons are interested in coming to help with the work here. One couple feel called to be house parents and feel definitely led out here. Do pray Educational Centre, has grown out of for them. a small school begun in 1965 to acWhat with teaching, cooking, meet comodate missionaries’ children on the ings, visits, and other duties, I am island, but as the need was realized kept busy. I thank the Lord for has grown to include Africa and other leading me here. I am truly content, nearby fields and not to be confined knowing I am in His will. strictly to W.E.C. Plans for dormitory space, other classrooms, etc. have been Glad to be in His service, drawn. Building goes ahead as the (Miss) Marilyn Goertzen Lord provides the funds. We hope that enough dormitory space will be comAf/w Goertzen is an EMC Christian Service pleted to accomodate all those in terested in coming for the next school worker. She teaches missionary children on the Canary Islands. year.
Missionary teacher writes It hardly seems possible, but almost six months have passed since I met with the Christian Service Committee before coming out here to Canary Islands. After spending five weeks in W.E.C. headquarters in the USA, I proceeded on to the islands via England, where I spend three days, I arrived here on Saturday, Aug. 8. Until now most of my time has been taken up with teaching eight lively, loveable kids. Two of them are children of the Geakes, W.E.C. missionaries here on Lanzarote, while the other six are children of English people living here on the island. The Alberta Correspondence School curric ulum is what we are following. Poco a poco (little by little) I am picking up Spanish. Spanish, the main language spoken here, will open other spheres of ministry such as child ren’s meetings and more effective per sonal witnessing. Here it is difficult to get the people, who are mainly Catholic, to come out to meetings be cause of the stigma of being associ ated with the protestants. Because of this, visitation is an absolute nec essity at the same time being a terrific “mission field.” It is about 23 years ago since the first Evangelical work was started here on Lanzarote. One would expect to see a fair sized group of believers after so many years. But this is not the case. Very few people openly identify with us. It is sometimes quite discouraging and yet we must remem ber that in this land the cost is so great even for those who allow us to come into their homes, that often the promise could be claimed “he that receiveth you receiveth me.” The school, The Evangelical
1971 Memo Calendar JANUARY.1971 „ SURDAr JUESDAf THURSDAY
_friday
Memo Calendar
J^toboav
Nn'Yur’.
1971
» ■roi
"ores?
The Board of Education and Publication has published a pocket size 1971 MEMO CALENDAR with some important dates for the year marked in. There is room also to put in your own appointments. You will find it handy for purse or pocket. These date books sell for 50 cents each postpaid. You may order yours from the address below. EMC Board of Education and Publication Box 1268 Steinbach, Man.
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. AU 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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Mennonites: Evangelical Thrust for 7O's Mennonite influence has not been overly strong in evangelism, except in its founding years. Perhaps a new effort, PROBE ’72, will begin a per iod of renewed vigor in Mennonite evangelism in modern times. PROBE ’72, an all-Mennonite consultation on evangelism in April, 1972, will lay the ground work for fraternal coopera tion in evangelism similar to all-Men nonite cooperatives such as Men nonite Central Committee and Men nonite Disaster Service. Mennonite distinctives are certain to play a new role in evangelism in the next decade, states Myron Augs burger, currently president of East ern Mennonite College in Harrison burg, Virginia. Augsburger heads up the steering committee of PROBE ’72, scheduled for Chicago’s Conrad Hilton Hotel, April 13 - 16, 1972. "Mennonites have been saying for years that evangelism reaches across national boundaries, affects every area of human life, calls for recon ciliation and builds for peace”, asserts Augsburger. “Many thought ful evangelicals are urging us to speak up, to share our concepts of disciple ship in a world where reconciliation
Dr. Myron Augsburger heads all-Mennonite consultation on evangelism slated for Chicago, April 13-16, 1972. Evangelist educator Augsburger is presi dent of Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
is so desperately needed, between man and God and man and his neighbor. “The great commandment of Christ,” Augsburger affirms, “to love God with heart, mind, and soul, and to express this love in concern for our fellow man, our ‘neighbor’ — this commandment is ours to follow daily in all our lives. This is total — man evangelism, Anabaptist Mennonite evangelism, Our world needs it as never before.” The 1972 all-Mennonite consult ation has been in planning since the U.S. Congress on Evangelism in Minneapolis in September, 1969. The roster of men on the steering committee includes leaders in a number of Mennonite denomina tions. Members of the executive com mittee include, in addition to Augs burger: Vice-Chairman Roy Just, Secretary Paul M. Miller, Henry Ginder, J.B. Palmer Becker, Reuben Toews, Short, and John Powell.
For Mennonites, evangelism has meant winning people to an all-out commitment to Jesus Christ, in a com bination of spiritually responsive faith and responsible social action. It isn’t an easy commitment. It has been easier for liberal church-
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“We do not want to build another Men nonite superstructure or add another Men nonite activity. The purpose of PROBE is simply to explore how we, as brethren, can be most effective in evangelism. This is wor thy of our utmost cooperation. It will be a sharing of experience which will benefit us all.” J. B. Toews, President Mennonite Brethren Seminary Member of the Board, PROBE ’70
Friday. January 1,1971
es to emphasize social action without pressing for evangelical commit ment to Jesus Christ. On the other hand, it has been easier for fun damentalist — evangelical churches to preach a salvation message with out calling for commitment to special service. The various Mennonite groups have long cooperated on vigorous social and humanitarian services. Mennon ite Central Committee represents all Mennonites in relief work around the world, providing both material goods and voluntary service work ers “in the name of Christ”. Men of all groups jump into action in res cue, clean-up and rebuilding work through Mennonite Disaster Service. MDS was cited recently by the Red Cross for long hard hours of dedi cated service “in the name of Christ” working in the devastated areas of Mississippi and Virginia after Hurri cane Camille. “We need now to explore ways to gether of becoming increasingly ef fective in communicating the Gospel, and in winning men and women to an active commitment to Jesus Christ,” declares Augsburger. The April 1972 all-Mennonite con sultation anticipates the quadriennial Mennonite World Conference being held later in mid-summer 1972 in South America and the interdenom inational Key Bridge Conference in Washington in 1973. Planners hope that the Chicago consultation on ev angelism will deepen convictions for evangelism and explore ways Men nonite emphases can be used to the full in reaching modern men and women with the Gospel. For further information contact Eu gene Witmer, Executive Secretary PROBE 72, Box 127, New Holland, Pa. 17557 Page?
NGOMA
Oruro‘afc
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by Elsie Milligan
CHAPTER III .Continued So one day Chimbuki and his helpers arrived and all the people were called together in the centre of the village and sit in a semi-circle so that the witchdoc tor could walk around and look at each one of them. Before he began, Chim buki, who was a wily old man and prob ably a good psychologist, went through all sorts of performances to strike ter ror into the hearts of the watching people. A chilly wave of fear passed through the crowd when he had finish ed these rites and started to dance a macabre dance in front of them to the slow beating of the drums. He was a grotesque figure indeed as he danced and leapt around, the tails of the wild cats’ skins he was wearing around his waist, waving around with his movements. Round his head he wore a band of skin into which the feathers of a guinea-fowl had been stuck to form a sort of coronet. The ends of these feathers had been dipped in blood. Some of the small children screamed at the sight of the old witchdoctor, but they were quickly silenced by their mothers. When the dance was ended, Chimbuki harangued the people, solemnly warn ing them that there would be no es cape for the one who was guilty of eat ing the lives of his fellows. Of course, the wily old man had already through his helpers, found out the name of a poor old woman in the village who was too old to work any more, and whom the people wanted to get rid of. “Now,” said Chimbuki, “now the spirits will speak and tell us who the guilty person in our midst is.” As he spoke he turned his piercing gaze upon the people in a way that Pages
made them shake with terror. Each one thought to themselves, “What if he picks on me!” He picked up a flat little basket in which were a number of things and began to shake them together. Ngoma was sitting up beside his uncle for the drum-beating, and from his position he had a good view of the gruesome con tents of this basket. He saw that among them was a leopard’s tooth, a lion’s claw, the tip of the tail of a blue mon key, some hairs from an elephant’s tail, and the horn of a tiny buck, as well as other horrible oddments. As the witchdoctor rattled the con tents of the basket, he called upon the spirits to direct him to the guilty per son. Terrified though the people were, none of them dared to move lest they should draw the attention of the witch doctor to themselves. Suddenly Chimbuki put the basket down, and picking up a long pole, he sig nalled to the drum-beaters, and began to dance again. At first he danced slowly, but gradually the tempo of the drums quickened, and with that Chim buki danced faster and faster, working himself into a stage of frenzy. Froth foamed on his lips as he shouted, “Now let the spirits speak—now let the spirits speak.” As he shouted and danced he held the pole poised in his right hand and all the people knew that in a minute he would throw it on the ground, and that the person in front of whom the stick landed would be the guilty one. Even though they knew in their hearts that they were innocent, there was the hor-
rible fear, that, by some hideous mis take, the pole should land in front of them. That was the fear in each heart. Ngoma was so taken up with watching the terrified faces of the people in front of him that he forgot to come in with his part of the drumming and only a violent nudge from his uncle brought him back to his responsibilities. Suddenly the climax to the crazy dance arrived. Chimbuki gave a mighty leap into the air, and as he landed on the ground, with a horrible curse, he threw the pole on the ground, and shout ed, “The spirits have spoken.” It lay there quivering like an evil thing, its end pointing straight at an old woman named Kepa. There was a moment of deathly sil ence, then with hysterical shouts, the witchdoctor’s helpers raised their spears and rushed at the poor old woman. Pandemonium broke out as Kepa fled before them into the bush, terror lend ing strength and speed to her poor old legs. She hadn’t a hope of escape and she knew it, yet instinct compelled her to make this bid for life. Ngoma found himself trembling, not only as the result of the strenuous drum-beating, but with rage and be wilderment, and with pity for his old friend Kepa. “But Mandumi (Uncle),” he whis pered, “that was Nkaka (Grandmother) Kepa...” “Hush,” said his uncle fiercely, “do not name that one who eats the lives of our people.” Thus silenced, Ngoma went away as the people dispersed, but his heart was seething with dismay and rage and pity. He knew and loved old Kepa. She had often been kind to him. He remembered one day when he had been feeling so ill and his mother had not returned from the fields. His head ached terribly and his whole body burned with fever, and he was shivering and shaking and didn’t know what to do with himself. Wasn’t it Kepa who came and wrapped him up in a bit of blanket and put him in a nice shady place by her hut? Didn’t she go and fetch him a lovely drink of cold water when his lips were parched with fever, and didn’t she sit beside him, waving the flies away with a bunch of leaves until his mother arrived back from the fields? After that he had grown Continued on page 12
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Be Thankful
For irty Dishes by Anne Klassen
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Housework! How drab and meaningless that word tends to sound! There are days when that word does not appeal too much' to the best of us. Some time ago a lady blurted out to me, “I know I’m not cut out for doing dishes and scrubbing floors all my life. My talents seem to be so wasted at this drudgery." My heart went out to her. I will always remember the remark of a friend after I had been married for a few brief weeks, “I wish you luck, Anne. As for me, I hate housework.” When I inquired about her husband's attitude, she answered in a flippant manner, "He doesn’t mind if I teach full time — for I'm easier to live with when I work. " These and similar remarks have frequently set me thinking . . . How I dreaded cooking and baking before I joined the ranks of the married, However, how foolish I was! Now after Friday, January 1, 1971
seven years, I cannot say that scrub- my attitudes. As she says, it is bing and cleaning are exactly my spec- an art to keep the family happy,” ialties, but I have learned to do it How encouraging! with a cheerful heart (generally Furthermore, as we think of the speaking). Much of it is attitudes. What is more rewarding in cooking than to verse, "Whatsoever ye do, do it see the food disappearing so fast heartily as unto the Lord" everything on the table — and hearing remarks becomes more meaningful — even be like "This is good" or "M-m-m I ing interrupted in our work to give a love this dinner, mom, " and later youngster a drink of water, wipe noses, “Thank you for this 'scrumpty' food" tying little shoes, etc. When bedtime rolls around and and sometimes tiny hands give me a stories are read, confidences shared hug. and restored, how easy it is to forget As for washing dishes — someone said, “Be thankful for dirty dishes, for all disturbances and unpleasant tri thousands have no dirty dishes to vialities as we listen to their prayers wash (no food to make them dirty) " and tuck our darlings into bed. My neighbour friend recently told Moreover, as we commit each new me, “I used to dislike housework and day to the Lord, He will see us through often felt rebellious towards my lot each day ... its trials and disap when I could be doing something pointments and give sufficient more worthwhile. However, those strength and joy to do everything talks by Ella May Miller (via our cheerfully, as unto Him. Mothers’ Club) have really changed Page 9
with the churches PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
dishes were being disposed of in the kitchen, the men indulged in quiet games around the tables. Later, carols were ring ing and re-echoing through the lower audi torium, accompanied by a local orchestra. The Christmas story was read by Freda Peters, followed by prayer. The Dave Sawatzkys presented a short skit, depicting common Christmas giving between hus band and wife. All were given an opportu nity to test their skill at some quizzes. So ends another year. As we begin to enumerate our bountiful blessings, we can only say, “Truly the Lord has been so good to us—Praise His Holy Name! ’’
1970—the curtain is about to come down on the last act of this year’s activities. To day, as we look upon the horizon of this new year....we are standing on the edge of a bright new tomorrow, that is as we look to God as' the SOURCE to supply all our needs. We at the Portage E. M. Church have again experienced the Lord’s blessings in countless ways—with guest speakers, our own pastor, as well as in our individual daily lives. On Nov. 12, we had our first Mother’s Club of the season, under the leadership of Kathy Rempel. (One of her many activi MACGREGOR ties is to look up mothers with new babies and attempt a enroll them on Cradle roll). A Sunday School Convention sponsored Mrs John K(,op of MacGregor, as guest by the churches in our area was held in the speaker, shared her experiences and chal MacGregor Memorial Hall October 23-24. lenged us as mothers in our tasks as moth There were about 100 people in attendance ers and homemakers. It was indeed an en at the three main sessions and the various riching evening as we shared our mutual workshops held. experiences, our joys and problems relatDr. Kenneth Hanna of Winnipeg Bible ting to family life, our active children, College was the main speaker. With verses teen-agers (also touching various reactions from I and II Timothy as basis, he stressed of husbands!). Lunch topped off the de the need for better Christian education if lightful evening. there are to be better results. Also, that in Twenty-three ladies were out for Novem order to move the masses there must be ber 30 Ladies Mission Group. The saying, awareness of the individual needs as ex “Many hands make work light" was applic emplified by Jesus Himself. able, as much work was accomplished—rol The workshops included the various de ling up bandages, knitting, etc. while the partments in the Sunday School, discipline, president, Freda Peters, led in a lengthy music, and visual aids. The workshop business discussion relating to oncoming speakers included: Mr Talbot of Canadian Christmas Activities. Bible College, Regina: Miss Coppieman; One of the channels of service of the Miss Panke of Grant Memorial Church in L.M.G. is to bring a bit of cheer to people Wpg.: Gladwin Plett; Rev. John Koop: and in institutions and Senior Citizen Homes. Rev. Regier. On Dec. 12. despite drifting and blowing We trust that this convention will result snow, some of us braved the storm and in our teachers seeing their work as being ventured out to Municipal Farm to have of vital importance. It should help us to see fellowship with the dear older folk there. the need of Christian education in a new What a contrast to step out of the blustery light. weather into an atmosphere of a cozy," A series of meetings with Curt Bork of cheery living room, gayly decorated—per the Shantyman mission in Ontario was held fect setting for the cheerful inmates which Nov. 2-8. Through means of film and mes greeted us with a smile. They all joined in sage Brother Bork brought out different the singing of Christmas carols. Being re aspects of the Christian walk. His radiant freshed. we made it safely home through testimony on meeting him personally in wind and weather. home visitations overflowed into his mes Our S.S. Christmas program was held on sages showing us the great love of Christ Dec. 20. We were once again taken to the which should motivate us as Christians. Manger Scene in Bethlehem, a scene of The many home visitations he and Brother Miracles, but were also led on to Christ's Koop made that week proved a blessing to Trial and to Calvary, the climax of redemp many. I'm sure. tion—as a mother was relating the plan of Those on the sick list are Mr Henry Fries salvation to her inquisitive young son, en, at home after an operation in Wpg. while various scenes were depicted on General Hospital and Kenny Hiebert in lo stage. cal hospital. December 21—a social night for L.M.G. Christmas Activities are beginning al with husbands as guests. A delicious pot ready. It is our prayer that it may be a time luck supper was enjoyed by all. While dirty when our Saviour’s name is uplifted. Page 10
RIDGEWOOD
From November 13 to 22, the Ridgwood congregation was blessed through a series of evening services. The first few evenings were in the form of missionary conference with Rev. Ed Friesen of Mexico as guest speaker. Rev. Ben Friesen spoke the re maining evenings, challenging Christians to take a more dedicated stand, and invit ing those outside of Christ to enter the fold. We were greatly strengthened in our faith to see young Christians rededicate their lives. The prayers of many were answered miraculously when the Bill Kornelsons, formerly of Ridgewood, received Christ in to their hearts. On the last Sunday of the services. Bill gave his stirring testimony telling of his new stand. We can see that God is still all-powerful and will answer our prayers! The extension program of our church consists of two Friday night clubs, each taught by a young couple. Teaching at Car rick are Paul and Margaret Friesen. The Melvin Penners have a club at Sandilands. Both clubs involve Bible study and craft work. Let’s remember our responsibility in supporting this work: prayer. Membership meeting on December 2 in cluded discussion on various topics. We were reminded to prepare our hearts for the communion service to be held on De cember 27 in the evening. It was decided that we would have a mid-week service every other week beginning in the new year. Several decisions were made regard ing the church building program. Speaking of our church building; the work is progressing favorably and is near ing completion. We can already see that the enlargement will be a tremendous im provement. The senior sewing circle ladies enjoyed a supper with their husbands on Decem ber 9 at the Ridgewood School. In addi tion to the supper they raffled a quilt with proceeds going for utensils for our new kit chen at church. The Mary-Martha sewing group also en joyed a Christmas social on December 10. The evening's activities included a film. Leadership election was held on Mon day, December 14. Rev. Henry Kornelson was re-elected as pastor for another fiveyear term. Milton Reimer and Frieda Unger were united in marriage on December 23. We wish you the Lord’s richest blessings! With the approach of the Christmas sea son we are beginning to see home-comers in church. Mrs Carol Loepky of Edmonton was in the worship service on December 13. Her husband will be joining her at Christmas. It certainly is good to see all of you again!
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month. The newcomers are; Russel Plett from Arborg, Mr and Mrs Ben Loeppky Nov. 27-29 our local mission conference from Roseisle, Mr and Mrs John Fehr from took place, with very good attendance. We Kola, and Gary Friesen from Rosenort. are truly grateful to God for the blessings The annual Sunday School Christmas received. A hearty thank you to those who program was presented on the evening of served with messages and reports, name December 20. The Chapel was filled with ly, Rev. Alfred Friesen, Rev. Gladwin parents and visitors. Once again we were Plett, Rev. Edward Friesen, Rev. John K. reminded that Christ is the theme of Christ Reimer, Ben Friesen, Edwin Reimer, mas. May many of the parents have the Doris Thiessen, Elizabeth Koop, Betty desire not only to put Christ in Christmas Friesen, Mary Andres and Margaret Unger. but also in their hearts. Congratulations and best wishes to Mr and Mrs Abram K. Loewen on the occasion of their 55th wedding anniversary, Sunday, Nov. 29. In memory of our loving father Henry W. Nov. 24 a ladies fellowship was organiz Friesen who passed away Dec. 21,1969. ed. The executive elected were Mrs John B. Loewen, Mrs Frank B. Dueck, Mrs Jac. How quickly time is passing A. Dueck, Mrs Jake Dueck, and Mrs Menno The seasons come and go Reimer. Our prayer is that the Lord will be The summer with its sunshine. able to use our fellowship. The winter with its snow, The senior wing of the elementary school The springtime with its fragrance had their Christmas program on Dec. 18. Of bursting bud and bloom They presented to us the prophecies of the The short cool days of autumn— birth of Christ, and the wonderful Christ All seem to pass too soon! mas story. Dec. 20, the Sunday School presented a Our neighbors, friends and loved ones Christmas program, which was also much Their ranks are thinning out; appreciated. So many we find missing Each time we look about. CREIGHTON We too are rushing onward, * Our days will soon be o’er. Our Missionary Conference was held Our places soon be vacant, from the 18 - 22 of November. Mr Howard Our voices heard no more. Klassen was our speaker. At present Mr Klassen is working at the Wycliff Bible will any heart be lighter Translators' head office in Calgary. He and Because we've sojourned here? his wife have done translation work in Oh, are we truly trying Mexico. To scatter love and cheer— The conference sessions were a spiritual To make the way seem brighter uplift to all of us. Most of us were able to To those we meet each day; have some of our questions answered, that For, like the fleeting seasons, had arisen during his talks, when he visited We, too, shall pass away! in our homes. Following the last service of the Mission Lovingly remembered and sadly missed ary Conference, Sunday night, we all went by The Family. down into the basement for a fellowship lunch. At this time we welcomed the Wally BIRTHS Pletts and the Bill Loeppkys officially into To Mr and Mrs Cornie Rempel, MacGregour midst. On November 29 we had a communion ur^a son, Daniel, on November 26. ■ service • the ■ people ■ from 1 To Mr and Mrs Lome Kornelson, Rosenservice. After the the other three evangelical churches gath- ort, a daughter, Juanita Ramone, on Noered at the Chapel for a singspiration. This vember 13. hour of singing was enjoyed by everyone. NEW DIRECTOR FOR On December 7 the Mary Martha Fellow RADIO AND TELEVISION ship, together with their husbands, had their Christmas Social in the form of a Pro Waldo J. Neufeld will become the new gressive Supper. Each course of the sup- director of Faith and Life Communications per was served at a different home. After and Faith and Life Radio and Television our coffee we had a "know the Christmas when Bernie Wiebe begins a two-year leave story" quiz, a good "carol sing", and a de- of absence next summer. Faith And Life votional. Communications and Faith and Life Radio Our visitors this month were the Levi And Television are the radio and TV minReimers. istry of the Conference of Mennonites in We re very happy'.for . those.people that Manitoba and the General Conference have moved up. here-during this past Mennonite Church.
In Memoriam
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Friday. January 1,1971
German Books Don’t throw those German books out! They are valuable. A request has come from our Mex ico Mission Committee for Ger man books for Mexico in the Men nonite work. They are especially asking for the following: Song books Concordances Bible commentaries Bible dictionaries Bibles Good story books Bring or mail books to: Edwin Reimer Box 47 Ste. Anne, Man. Tel. 326-3176 Or bring to the Board of Ed ucation office, Steinbach, N. K. Friesen, Chairman. Mexico Missions Committee
MCC SASKATCHEWAN ANNUAL MEETING by Lome R. Ruhr
Delegates representing the 106 Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Churches of Saskatchewan gathered in Saskatoon Nov. 11, on what has become the tradi tional date for the MCC Saskatchewan Annual Meeting. James Mullet, Guernsey, conducted the meeting and was elected for another threeyear term. Ironically, the sessions began with the singing of the hymn, “Soldiers of Christ Arise," the delegates being seated all the while. However, items of concern sparked lively discussion in the afternoon sessions. Delegate sessions were held in the Central Mennonite Brethren Church. The Wom en’s Auxiliary held its meeting in the Mayfair Mennonite Church in the morning, and joined the regular afternoon proceed ings. The new chairman for the Women's Auxiliary is Mrs Nick Willems, Saskatoon. Devotional messages in the morning and afternoon served to keep in focus the work which is done "in the name of Christ." Rev. John D. Friesen challenged the assembly to remember that Christ works through them. Paul Longacre, of the Akron office, presented the international perspective of MCC in both the afternoon and evening meetings. The most heated discussions came dur ing the afternoon presentation of the Peace, Relief and Service Section reports. Questions arose concerning the political
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involvement of MCC, helping draft dodg ers, and cooperation with groups whose theological base differs from that of the Mennonites. Chairman Mullet reminded the delegates that the principle of MCC is to help all people in need, regardless of religion, race or color. He spoke of Canadian Mennonites who dodged the draft 50 years ago and received assistance at that time.
Dr. Jake Letkeman, chairman of the Welfare and Social Concerns Section. indicated that in the program to place Indian children in Mennonites homes for the summer months, the greatest bar rier came not from the Indians, but from the Mennonites who were afraid to risk opening their homes to strangers. Fear is the greatest barrier we need to conquer, said Dr. Letkeman. Numerous individuals testified to the effectiveness of the pro gram and how favorably they had been im pressed with the Indian children. Besides the summer placement program, other avenues of aid to the Indians are being explored. Secretary-treasurer, Elmer W. Neufeld reported Uiat part of Jhe success^in meeting the 1969 - 70 budget could be attrib uted to the June relief sale, a first-time effort which netted $20,000. Criticisms and suggestions for improving the sale were made. The 1971 sale will be held in Saskatoon on June 19. The MCC Sas katchewan budget for 1970 - 71 was set at $70,500.
The evening rally focused on the 50th anniversary of MCC and emphasized past, present and future aspects of the MCC world-wide ministry. Rev. Isaac Block who earlier in the day had received tribute for his 18 years of service to MCC Saskatchewan and the Mennonite Relief and Immigration Committee, reflected on what MCC has meant. He emphasized particularly the assistance given to refugees from Russia. The present possibilities for MCC involvement, expecially in Asia, were outlined by Paul Longacre. In speaking about the future of MCC, Rev. John Friesen continued his morn ing theme based on Revelations and called for renewed dedication to Christ so that service done, “in the name of Christ” might ring true. The Rosthern Junior College Chorale sang several selections at the evening rally. The executive officers of MCC Saskat chewan are James Mullet, Guernsey, chair man; John J. Neufeld, Herbert, vicechairman; Peter R. Derksen, Swift Cur rent, secretary; and Elmer W. Neufeld, Saskatoon, treasurer.
15’ URBANA 70, THE INTER-VARSITY Christian Fellowship Missionary Convention, will be held December 27-31 on the University of Illinois campus in Champaign-Urbana. The IVCF Convention, held once every three years, has two dimensions of focus; to mo tivate missions interest among students and to acquaint them with the various mission agencies and personnel openings. More than 250 mission boards from across the Protestant-evangelical spectrum will be represented this year. Mennonite representation to Urbana ’70 is being coordinated by COMBS (Council of Mennonite Mission Boards). This year eight of nine mission boards representing the var ious Mennonite bodies will be present, each with its own display materials and service personnel for counseling. In 1967 over 400 Mennonite students from church, and state col lege, and university campuses were among the 9000 persons in attendance. A similar re sponse is expected this year. An important dimension of Mennonite involvement this year will be an emphasis on the peace witness and provision for draft counseling.
A NEW TRANSLATION of the Bible to officially replace the Douay-Rheims Version used by Roman Catholics for 200 years will be published in September, Catholic officials have announced. The new Catholic version, the product of 25 years of work by 51 scholars, is the first and only English translation to make complete critical use of recently discovered ancient manuscripts, according to an announcement in a press conference in Washington, D.C. In contrast to previous Catholic versions which were translations of the Latin Vulgate completed by St. Jerome in the year 405, the new version was made from the original languages in which the Bible was written—Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. ________________ AMISH WORKERS at a building products plant in Sugarcreek, Ohio will not lose their jobs because they refuse to pay union dues, according to a three-party agreement. The employees will contribute funds to a recognized charity that is equal to dues as sessed by United Steelworkers local. Amish men refuse union participation because they see organized labor as advocating boycotts through strikes and consider this resistance. Non-resistance is a cardinal tenet of their religion.
more. Sick at heart, he ran down to NGOMA Continued the river and climbed a certain tree to to love the old woman and often helped which he always went when he was in her by taking her bits of firewood now trouble. that she was too old to go and fetch it He was very troubled now, and puz for herself. zled too. How could his old friend Kepa ; ■ ........................ ■'Mama,” he cried, bursting into the hut'''that was Nkaka'Kepa''that they be bad? She had always been quiet and kindly and had not harmed anyone. As chased away what will they do to for eating the lives of the people who her?" had died — well, he supposed that "Hush!” said his mother anxiously, someone must have done so, but he putting her finger to her lips, "don t was sure it could not have been his old let anyone hear you mention the name friend. of that bad one or you will get into But now they had killed her. Ngoma trouble. " felt that he hated the witchdoctor for -"But But Mama, she wasn't bad... "began condemning her. He felt, too, that he Ngoma, but a warning look from his himself was guilty for taking part in the mother made him stop and turn round. drum-beating at the ceremony, but how There in the doorway stood his father ■ could he know that Chimbuki would and he was wiping blood off his axe. pick on his old friend? He knew now “Well,"' he said with satisfaction. that he would never see her again and that one will not eat the lives of any he felt sad at heart, but he knew better more of our people.” than to ever mention her name again to Ngoma did not wait to hear any anyone. r
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THE MESSENGER
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