The Messenger January 29, 1971 by The Messenger

Vol 9. No. 3

January 29. 1971

GOD IS NOT DEAD

God is dead? What then is left for me? My hope is gone, No refuge do I see. God is dead? To whom then can! go? When problems have rio answers And life is full of woe? 1

God is not dead! He keeps us as His own. The God of all creation Is still upon His throne. God is not dead! On this! base my claim— He spoke to me this morning, He called me by my name. —Evelyn Guyer

SINGLE OR PLURAL MINISTRY? As more and more of our churches come under the “one pastor philosophy, it might be well if we stopped to see where this could eventually lead to. First of all the one pastor system will not solve all prob lems. A congregation may think that they are now big enough and that there is sufficient work for a full-time pas tor. But what they forget is that by hiring the full-time worker, they to a certain degree immobilize also the min isters who up to that time have shared the work, thus greatly increasing the pastor’s work load. The ordinary Joe is also relieved because he does not have the guilt complex about witnessing to his neighbour or visiting the poor and sick since they now have hired a man to do this. Because the minister is now the property of the congre gation and they are paying for him, the members will more and more call on him for advice, comfort in sorrow, to un load their guilt, confess their sins, use him for taxi service and so on and so on. Because, you see, this is what he’s there for, mistaken as they may be. Now, although all this might make the pastor feel im portant, this is definitely not the whole scope of his calling. And often it might constitute an insidious attack on his main function. The pastor’s main function is not to do all those things nor even to preach, but to equip the saints for the ministry. Only by doing this will he ever be able to adequately min ister to his own congregation and reach out into his area and into the world at large. Anything less than this is miss ing the mark of the teaching of the New Testament. And because we have neglected to do this we are missing out on untold blessings as well as failing to share responsibility towards untold millions. The principle is that one man can only do so much, whether a paid pastor or a lay minister. But if he trains an other he can multiply himself. If he trains ten others he can multiply himself over and over again. (This was D. L. Moody’s philosophy and is said to be the reason for his great success). Granted, it will take some of his time but this will be compensated many times over by the amount of work he gets done through others. I believe our Mexico Committee missionaries are an ex ample to us here. This was again brought out by one of them at a missionary conference recently when he stated that their responsibility of late had been primarily church planting. He went on to elaborate and explain how it work ed in the many small groups of believers scattered over a vast area. “In many of these areas," he stated, “these national Christians, as they come to Christ begin to witness to their friends, and they call us in perhaps to lead them deeper into the Word of God, and thus a little nucleus of believers is formed. They develop and perhaps in a year or two or three a small congregation emerges, is organized and then we can see this whole thing go over again as it goes through another cycle. Then these new Christians bePage2

gin to contact their neighbours and their friends and rela tives and this spreads out to the third place and another cycle is completed. Then we have new responsibilities to go into that area and organize. We have seen very definit ely the hand of the Lord in this. So the actual evangelizing is not being done by the mis sionary, this is being done by the nationals, we just help along a bit where we can make ourselves useful.” Now it is obvious that that would not work here because if a person becomes a Christian in this land we must take him out of his environment and absorb him into our great big super-structures, our big modern churches where his destiny will be planned and where maybe 99 per cent of his activities for Christian nurture and obligations will take place from here on. But just suppose we would take Jesus' and Paul’s meth od seriously, maybe something like this would emerge. A man is converted through our ministry and we tell him “Now you witness to your loved ones, friends, and neigh bours. Ask them over to your house and tell them what great things God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39). The out come could well be that a church would emerge. Where before there was one unit there would now be a number of units. In Acts 19:10 we read that all Asia heard the word of God. Do we think for one moment that Paul personally toured all Asia and preached to all the population? No. The preceding verse tells us that he disputed daily in the school of Tyrannus. The implication being that he trained others to do this but at the same time multiplied himself to reach all Asia through others. Why could something like this not happen anywhere in our province or in our land both in the country and the city? Paul writing to the Ephesians says that “He (God) gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evange lists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ." We see something here which is very plain yet something we have long missed, maybe for the reason of misplaced commas. Anyway what the passage says is that God has given these various men for "the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry." Not to call the saints to church to preach to them Sunday after Sunday and then let them go home till next Sunday, but to equip them for the ministry of Christ. J.D. Graber has said it this way, "Christ...worked and lived with His disciples for a few brief years. He inspired, taught, and trained them; He assigned practical work when He sent out the 70. He laboured under a compelling sense that His time was short and that His followers would need to carry on the mission after He was gone. It seems to me that the one pastor philosophy is not scriptural for the simple reason that it tends to give far too much responsibility to one person. This is not right nor is it fair. I believe an Old Testament character, Moses' fatherin-law, may have had the right idea when he counselled Moses (Exodus 18) to seek the help of other capable per sons to help him do the work of God. —D.S.

THE MESSENGER

IL®‘(b‘(b®rp© WE MUST ALSO FEED THE HUNGRY

I am responding to a letter which ap peared in the Jan. 1, 1971 issue of the Messenger, wherein M.C.C. is criticiz ed for its lack of evangelical concern and our Conference is urged to with draw itself totally from the same. The problem cited by the writer is a real one and I will not attempt to dim inish it. However, I question whether the proposed solution has any merits over the original problem. It is said that “Repeatedly the M.C.C. states that it is not called to evangelize” and subsequently “anybody of the E.M.C." is challenged to justify the statement. I am not familiar with the origin of such statements nor the motives be hind them and therefore am hardly in a position to take up the challenge. However, I do notice that the consti tution of M.C.C. (Canada) in no way negates such a responsibility. One of its stated purposes is “to help fulfill the mission of the church in the Name of Christ, the Prince of Peace.” There is a recognition here that the work of M.C.C. is not the only nor even the main mission of the church but a sig nificant part of it. Is it possible that the writer is making his claim too all-inclu sive by attributing personal assertions to M.C.C. as a body? I have no argument with the conten tion that the presentation of the Gos pel must be paramount and that mat erial aid may, at times, accomplish less than ideal results. However, we do well to note that Christ meets people on their level of need. Thus we see that a physically sick man is healed physically(John 5), people in need of food are provided with bread (John 6), a woman caught in adultery is restored to respectability again (John 8), and those in need of spiritual enlighten ment are presented with the Gospel of Christ; as for example, Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. Christ’s ministry extends to the whole man and today (Christians are called on to con tinue that ministry in the world. Dare we do anything less than He did in

meeting the whole need of man? The logical extension of the sugges tion that we “let others continue with the humanitarian agencies” is that our sewing circles and M.D.S. should cease their present activities and concen trate on ministering to the spiritual part of man. It is hardly realistic to di vide man up into two convenient parts and then to serve only the needs of one. Therefore, the spectacle of the E.M.C. missionary with his “vision of missions undimmed” reading his Bible to a bloated, shivering individual while a “humanitarian agency” is feeding and clothing him is, to me, rather pa thetic. The same issue of the Messen ger contains an article entitled “Mennonites; Evangelical Thrust for 7O’s,” which presents the Mennonite ap proach to evangelism as being a bal ance between the social-action-only approach of the liberal churches and the salvation-without-commitment-toservice message of the fundamenta lists. I would like to see our E.M.C. missions program vigorously pushing such a ministry which will call for a definite commitment to Jesus Christ but which will regard man as being a total being and therefore worthy of having all his needs met. It is certain ly a mistake to think that material is an all-sufficient answer to man’s need and yet the other extreme of withhold ing it completely is no more satisfac tory. Christ has demonstrated for us that man must be helped at his point of need and when this is done “In the name of Christ, the Prince of Peace”, then Christ’s ministry is being fulfilled.

Sincerely, Menno Kroeker, Box 1420, Steinbach, Man.

bia under TAP and both my wife and I are proud to be a part of the MCC or ganization. In Acts 6:1-6, we read that the twelve disciples asked for some men to be ap pointed to look after the church’s so cial obligations, since the disciples were too busy preaching the Gospel to do so. This I believe is the role of the MCC. On page ten of the Handbook of the MCC we read, ”... it is the duty and privilege of all believers to witness for Christ and His gospel to all men every where, to teach all things commanded by Him, and in His Name and Spirit to minister to the needs of all men both spiritually and materially.” On page 22 of the Handbook of the MCC we read, “MCC has been com missioned to do work that relieves physical needs of mankind. Organized, direct evangelistic appeal is the task of mission boards. However, word and deed really cannot be separated. MCC workers do have many opportunities to testify verbally of God’s love, as well as demonstrating it by their work.” When reading Scripture portions like Matthew 14:14, Matthew 22:37-40, Mat thew 25:31-46, Rom. 12:20-21 and I John 3:17-18 it seems obvious to me that when a Christian sees someone in need he should not ask whether allev iating that person’s need will result in his becoming a Christian, but he should simply have compassion, and help in whatever way he can, without any strings attached. Christ didn’t stop healing people when only one out of ten healed lep ers responded favourably. If Christians would give as Christ gave, people wouldn’t have to become Christians for “convenience sake”. They’d soon learn that their becoming a Christian wouldn’t affect the amount of help they’d get from us.

Sincerely, Peter Penner, Kafue Secondary School Box 23, I am writing in reply to a letter writ Kafue, Zambia ten to you by Mr. Abe Plett of Chih., Africa Mexico. (Messenger, Jan. 1,1971) ___________________________________ First of all I would like to thank you PHOTO: Kakabeka Falls west of Thunder for the support the Messenger has giv- Bay_ Ontario. Courtesy Ontario Dept Tourism and en to the MCC. I am teaching in Zam- Information.

COMPASSION WITHOUT STRINGS ATTACHED

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.

January 29,1971

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Christian Service Workers leave

Chape! dedicated “Teach me Thy way, 0 Lord, and lead me in a plain path.’’(Psalm 27; 11) Rather too often we do not acknowledge how the Lord leads. His ways are wonderful and often far beyond our understanding, This was again verified yesterday when at the Santo Tomas wedding everything turned out so well even though the plans had been disrupted by the bride’s father who is not fully surrendered unto the Lord. However, Armando and Alicia had a happy and simple house wedding with some sixty adults present. After the Village presidente performed the civil ceremony the religious ceremony followed in the large patio. (The presidente stayed for this also.) Seemingly three ministers had been invited, a Baptist, a Methodist and a E.M.C. (the latter by the groom) but only the E.M.C. (yours truly) made it on time so he was asked to marry the two young Christians. We trust this was God’s leading. On Nov. 29 four Christians were baptized in Lazaro Cardenas as well as the dedication of the new chapel. At this service the local church presented the play of the Prodigal Son, and also Guillermo Palomino accepted the Lord as Savior. Two weeks later this church celebrated the Lord’s Supper at which occasion the Rev. Henry Duecks and the Andrew Pletts accompanied us. Camp 77 has enjoyed the ministry of these two couples. We, (the Kroekers) were gone for a

week to renew our papers for another six months before we enter the new year with Bible School activities, etc. We spent a few days at R.G.B.I. visiting our friends and especially Jake’s sisters at the Institute. Attended the R.G.B.I. Christmas cantata. The border officials were very co-operative and wished us a very Happy Christmas. Today we are making preparations for the Fellowship gathering of field staff here in El Picacho. The Fasts are coming tonight, Andrew Pletts tomorrow, but Mary Koop seems to be too busy, being left alone out there for hoiiday time. She is indeed rejoicing now that she has her imigrado. We also plan to commemorate the Lord’s Supper with the staff, The Young People are quite excited about the Youth Conference starting Dec. 31. May the Lord bless this fellowship. Plans for Bible School to start on Jan. 4/71 are still in effect even though certain areas are not finalized as we see it but God has it all planned. Prospects are from five to ten students, “a ver”, In January another wedding takes place in La Nortena area — two former Bible School students — to be officiated by Bro. Manuel Rascon, Lord willing. May you have a Blessed New Year in his Service, Hastaluego, Jake P. Kroeker Mexico

Many things new Every time we face a new year we Germans frequently ask us, "Haben sie quite naturally look forward as well as sich schon eingelebt?” to which we can think back over the year gone by. Four readily answer, "Oh ja, es geht uns hier months ago today, we "lifted off" from gut!” We have the privilege of sharing Winnipeg Airport bound for Germany. our home this Christmas holiday with Since then it has been a series of new friends from near and far. New language and people. Our Gerimpressions and experiences. We would like to share some of them with you - man background has prevented a culyou who have such an important share ture shock, even though at first we were in our ministry here. sometimes lost for words. The Germans New address and new home. To us on the whole are very courteous, as a family this means very much. The friendly but temperamental people.

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Tina Barkman Miss Tina Barkman, LPN, Riverton, Manitoba left Winnipeg on January 12 to begin a two year ‘term under j— EMC Chris tian Service as a nurse at our La Esperanza station in Paraguay. Tina is a member of the Mennville church.

Priscilla Reimer Miss Priscilla Reimer, Giroux, left on January 19 to begin a two year term of ser vice at the Bad Gandersheim Children’s Home in Germany. She is a member of the Blumenort church. These two Christian Service workers are commended to the readers for their prayer support. New school for our three "scholars”. This year the Janz Team Private school was enlarged to include children from missionaries working under different missionary societies here in Europe, The Christian teachers and new friends have made an impact on them. The children are quick to say, "I like it here."

THE MESSENGER

New church home. The members of the Baptist church next door accept us warmly as we fellowship with them. The children took part in their Advent and Christmas activities — and in Ger man! They have now learned to apprec iate our Sunday School we had at Por tage and miss it! New opportunities for service. Slowly, we are becoming aware of the needs and opportunities around us. The calendar for the coming months includes visiting churches in northern Germany who are using our S.S. materials. In Feb ruary and March, much of the time will be taken up with teaching C.E. at the short term Bible School. This work is very challenging and rewarding. Last year, as an example, one young man, who attended Bible School, was so en thused with the possibilities in building a real S.S. that he went back to his home (state) church and with the

“We felt the call to go up from our station up into the mountains, perhaps some ten or twelve hours drive. We had never been into this place before so this was a new thing for us to do. I recall as we went on hour after hour ...just this narrow trail. Then we’d go into the mountain down and up, down and up.” He went on to say that the trip had been attended by many hard ships but at the end of the week some twenty souls had been won to the Lord! Mr and Mrs Leo Thiessen are en gaged in Indian evangelism in the city of Winnipeg. The work consists of spe cial meetings, church services, Bible studies, literature program as well as a radio broadcast over CFRY (Sundays 6:15). In a special crusade last spring some John & Joyce Dyck & family 800 people were reached in a matter of 785 Lorrach, Germany eight days. The crusade saw some 61 decisions for Christ made. Feldbergstrasse 14 The Thiessens began the work, which is under the sponsorship of the Christian Missionary Alliance, about a year ago. Mary Andres told of the leading of the Lord in her life and how she found her self in Paraguay for two years as a teacher. She recalled how her going to the Lord in her life. She challenged the Paraguay had involved changing plans audience with “...we must be Christians in her life, “...it was a big surprise when living soberly and watching unto the Lord’s leading all of a sudden turned prayer.” She closed with “I have en to Paraguay when I had gone to Bible joyed my three years of work with the School and high school with Germany Janz Team... Would you pray with me in mind, but the Lord showed very that the Lord will lead in the future definitely that this was His will.” and that I may know what His plans are Justina Toews, Steinbach, gave a re for me.” port on the Dover extension work con Virginia (Plett) Schoenbeck reported sisting of both Sunday School and Vac of her work at the Bad Gandersheim ation Bible School. Dover is some 25 Children’s Home in Germany. “It is miles south of Steinbach. good to be in your midst tonight... I Sara Loeppky, a two term mission am thankful that the Lord has led me to ary from Paraguay, is presently in this Home and to be able to show love language study at Rio Grande Bible to these children that have no home at Institute, Edinburg, Texas. In her testi all.” mony she recounted, “It’s indeed Mrs Ed Friesen, missionary mother something special for me to be here of four says of their last four years in tonight (Jan. 1). It was on January 1 Mexico - “Though the last four years some 16 years ago I was willing for the have been very busy ones for me, they first time to say yes to the Lord that I have been years where the Lord has in would go wherever He wanted me to a special way been able to bless. We go. When I look back over those years are happy that we have seen souls come of preparation and then service I can to the Lord. ” indeed testify to the Lord’s faithful Ed Friesen, husband to Leona, gave ness.” us a glimpse of the hardships but also Alfred Friesen took us to the beautiful the blessings involved in pioneer mis land of Nicaragua via slides. The Lord sionary work. He related one particular has blessed their term in that land so incident which occurred at the begin that there is now a group of believers ning of their mission career. Contd. on page 12 Pages

“pfarrer’s” consent built up a depart mentalized S.S. with an attendance of 120 where the previous attendance was 40. All this, in half a year. Please pray for him as he is now getting persecution due to jealousy of other unbelieving “pfarrers” in the same diocese. In the Kinderstunde each Wednes day, Joyce finds the German children very responsive and eager to learn of God's Word. Even though the correct German word escapes you at the climax of the story, it is still a thrill to teach them. Your letters and words of encourage ment have been a “life line” for us. “Danke viel mal.” May this year 1971 hold many rich blessings as you exper ience Him and His love.

Missionary Conference — Steinbach The winter Missionary Conference at the Steinbach E. M. Church saw the gathering of some fifteen missionaries and speakers as well as the main speak er, Mr Mel Wyma. The impact which was made will not soon be forgotten. Conference theme was “Ye are my witnesses.” Mr Wyma came to us from Freedonia, Wisconsin and is the general representative of New Tribes Mission with over 800 missionaries in the field and an additional 500 in training. His wide experiences, first as a mis sionary in South America for some 15 years and also as a missionary pilot, gave his Bible messages a scope which were challenging, informative and in spirational. Elizabeth Koop gave a brief history of the work among the former savage Pacaas Novas Indians in Brazil and re lated of her elation when the first Pacaas Novas Indians were baptized. “It was a joy that I cannot describe,” she said. "It was such a thrill to see these Indians take a stand and to hear their first prayers and testimonies of their new found joy.” Irene Janzen, Janz Team, Europe gave a brief testimony of the leading of

January 29,1971

strings of these were the payment for one of the small tough chickens offered for sale. It took the women and girls quite a long time to make up their minds which colour beads they would have, but in the bush in Africa time is no object. By the time the morning had passed and the buying of food was finished, the Ndona was quite exhausted. The women returned to the village very well sat isfied with their share of the bargain. Nyangoma tore off a strip of the bright blue cloth she had received for her meal and gave it to Ngoma for a new loin-cloth. To Lena’s delight, her L mother gave her a necklace of beads, red and white ones intertwined. She ran round showing it to all her friends by Elsie Milligan and they in turn displayed what they had been given by their mothers. Al together it was a red-letter day in the annals of the village. “Tonight,” replied the Chief, “the CHAPTER V To escape from the noise and hubbub white people are tired with travelling which he knew would accompany the and need to rest. Tomorrow we will buying in Camp, Dr. Hendon had gone THE GOOD NEWS come and hear the Words.” off early to hunt. A local native hunter After more polite greetings and con went with him to guide him to the most “Come, my grandson,” said the Chief to Ngoma, “you can carry my stool versation, the Chief and his retinue re likely places. They were fortunate and we will go and greet the Bwana in turned to his village, but the children enough to come across some duiker remained sitting in the Camp, eagerly feeding unconcernedly in a little glade his camp.” Ngoma picked up the special carved watching all that went on until the in the bush. The next moment a shot stool on which the Chief always sat and darkness forced them to go home. rang out and one astonished little The next morning the Camp was the buck gave one leap into the air then lay fell into the procession of those who were accompanying his grandfather to scene of much noise and confusion as still. ■ the white man’s camp. Two of the the women from the village crowded in There was great joy in camp when Chief’s younger wives carried large with their meal and other foodstuffs the hunters returned carrying the little baskets of snowy white mandioc meal for sale. They brought sweet potatoes grey buck, for it meant there was and a youth followed with a hen whose and beans, also eggs and the tiny tough enough meat for all the carriers to have legs were tied together and which was chickens which are the only kind to be some with their mush that evening. squawking loudly in protest. These had in Samba villages. In accordance with local custom, the Great was the excitement among the Bwana sent the head of the duiker and were a present to the missionaries from the Chief, and to show them that they women when the Ndona dived into her the liver to the Chief, so Ngoma, as a tent, then came out carrying a bale of member of the family, had a taste with were welcome visitors. When they arrived at the camp, brightly coloured cotton cloth, and a his supper too. Ngoma saw that the ground had all box full of the little china beads which That evening as soon as the sun set, been cleared and the green canvas tent are so much liked by African women. A the carriers lit a huge camp fire right in pitched. He put his grandfather’s tool big bag of salt was brought by one of the centre of the camp. Each man had down near the tent and then retreated the carriers and stood on the ground be been obliged to contribute two good to a suitable distance. The white people side the Ndona’s stool, and the serious logs for the campfire before receiving his daily ration of salt. came out and greeted the Chief, and business of bargaining began. Anxiously the women watched as thanked him for ‘feeding’ them with his Ngoma and his friends hurried present. The next day they would send the Ndona held up the amount of cloth through their supper and hastened to him a present of trade-cloth twice the which was due to each of them for their the Camp so as to secure good places value of the meal and fowl, but it would meal. by the lovely big fire, places where they “Move your finger a little further could enjoy the warmth of it without not be African etiquette to give it to him the same day on which he had along, Ndona,” they pleaded, and getting the smoke in their eyes. How obligingly, she did move a few inches ever, when their elders came along given a present to them. “We have come to sit with you and along before mbwechi! and the cloth later, they were soon turfed out of these your people for a few days,” the Bwana was irrevocably torn off the bale and good places, and had to squeeze their told the Chief, “and to tell you the handed to the delighted woman. way among the crowd wherever they Eggs were sold for salt, or for safety- could. The whole village had turned out Words of God.” “You are welcome,” the Chief re pins which the women stuck through to enjoy the warmth of the big fire and their ears as ear-rings, or through the to satisfy their curiosity by a good look plied, “we will hear the Words.” “Perhaps tonight you and your people knobs of wooly hair on their heads. at the strange white people who had will come and sit round our camp fire Strings of small china beads were in come among them, and incidentally to and listen to our Message,” said the great demand. Some were red, some hear the News which they said they had white, some black, and some blue. Six brought. Bwana. Page 6 THE MESSENGER

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As the Ndona from her stool looked Words he had brought them. fearful responsibility too. How can we round on that great crowd of people, “They are good words,” he said, “and make them understand it? Their hearts their faces lit up by the light of the flick we will hide them in out hearts, and are so dark with sin.” ering flames of the fire, her heart went tomorrow you will tell us more.” “We can’t make them understand it,” out to them in a great longing that they the doctor replied, “but God can by as all Africans love singing, His Holy might be delivered from their spiritual theThen Spirit. Remember what it says Bwana taught them to sing a simple darkness and brought to know the joy in the Psalms, The entrance of Thy chorus which spoke about the love of of God’s salvation. Words giveth light ’.” When the people had all settled down, God. The children in particular soon They prayed together, there by the learned this and sang it lustily. and the Chief had been put in a place of campfire, that God the Holy Spirit After that they sat on by the fire and would lighten the darkness of these honour beside the Bwana, the latter chatted about what they had heard Samba people whom they had come to greeted them all politely. “We have come to tell you the Good until the Chief rose and with more polite visit. News,” he told them, “Good News from farewells to the missionaries led the Soon the doctor and his wife retired Nzambi (God) the Great Creator Spirit people back to the village. to their tent, weary with the heat and Himself. We know that He created us, Ngoma had listened’ to all that had burden of the day, but happy, so happy and the trees and the rivers and all that been said, but it had not made much at the privilege which was theirs in we see in the world around us. But He impression on him for he was busy being God’s messengers to these needy did much more than that for us.” noting every detail they wore, and the people. The campfire was replenished Then the missionary went on to tell curious fact that the white man could to keep it burning brightly through the the people how sin had come to our speak in their language so well. hours of the night to keep wild beasts world and had spoiled God's beautiful Back in camp, the missionaries sat away, and then the carriers settled creation, and had cut off the people of for a few minutes longer by the fire, down beside their own small fires. In this earth from God above. drinking a cup of cocoa before retiring. a little while the chatter of the men “It’s true,” murmured one old man “It’s a wonderful privilege to be died away, and soon the silence was in the crowd, “there is much evil in our able to preach the Gospel to people broken only by the rhythmic snores of villages, and Nzami has taken Himself who have never heard it before,” said the carriers, and the night noises of the far away from us,” the doctor to his wife. mysterious African bush around them, “But God, though He hates sin, loves “Yes,” she replied, “it is, but it’s a to be contd. the people of the earth,” the doctor went on, "and He Himself has made a way back for us. He sent a Saviour to die for our sins and open up the path which leads back to Himself and to His village above,” This was amazing news to these simple village people who had never heard it before, but their impassive faces did not show any astonishment, The day was long, the burden I had borne for not yet had the wonder of it pene Seemed heavier than I could bear. trated their dark minds. They would need to hear it again and again before And then it lifted—but I did not know they could grasp all that it meant. That someone had knelt in prayer. “Mwanta Yesu (the Lord Jesus), the Son of God Himself was that Saviour,” the Bwana told them. Someone had taken me to God that very hour, After a moment's bewildered silence, And asked the easing of the load, and He the people started to clap their hands In infinite compassion, stooped down softly together which among the Samba people is an expression of And took it from me. thanks. The missionaries' hearts were touch ed, and the doctor went on, “though it We cannot tell how often when we pray reached us first. But now we have brought it to you, and it is for all the For some bewildered one, hurt and distressed, people of Africa—for you Samba people The answer comes—many times those hearts —God knows you, and He loves you, Find sudden peace and rest. and He calls you to leave the paths of sin and Satan and to follow Mwanta Yesu in a new path,” Dr, Hendon had a wonderful know Someone prayed, had Faith, and a reaching hand, ledge of the Samba language, and most Took hold of God, and brought Him near that day! of the people had no difficulty in follow So many, many hearts have need of prayer; ing what he said. He stopped now, feel Oh, let us pray. ing that he had said enough for the first telling of the Gospel. The old Chief rose to his feet and Mrs. Vern Fast politely thanked the white man for the Blumenort, Man. January 29,1971 Page?

with th© PELLY

Reimer and Corny Plett, Winnipeg, offici ating. At that time firm suggestions were Due to Donna’s illness Mervin and Don made to Mr. Frank P. Reimer to visit his na Abrahamson have left us for the winter bereaved twin. months to live with her parents on Van The holiday season made it difficult to couver Island. Mervin was fortunate to get get plane reservations—however with per a construction job on the island. severance brother Reimer found himself The Ron Penners made a trip to Vander- taking off at the Winnipeg International hoof in November to visit the John Harms Airport early December 29 to visit loved and meet the people of the newly estab ones who were longing for condolences lished church there. The Penners are plan and comfort. At New Orleans he was joined ning to move to Vanderhoof in February to by two couples, also from Manitoba, going help along with the young people’s work to the same destination. At Belize airport in the area of choir directing and music. they were greeted by relatives and friends, The Amfinsons were hit by misfortune to begin their sojourn in a strange land. when their farm work shop burnt to the Mr Reimer spent a good deal of his ground. They were able to pull a few things three week stay with his bereaved brother, out of the blaze, but a truck along with six children at home, and four married. some other things were destroyed by the The youngest child is thirteen. Real broth fire. erly love was appreciated while visiting Elvin Shosttals visited us Sunday, Jan. homes. 17. We hadn’t seen them in church since they moved to Rosetown so it was a very “Our” people in British Honduras make pleasant surprise. Elvin brought a message their living with chickens (eggs 45c a doz.) on Luke 15 portraying to us the story of the broilers, hogs and cattle. Prices are strong “Prodigal Son.” and steady. Beans are grown for exporting, and corn for feed. The market for fruit is poor. Mr Reimer really enjoyed the orang PRAIRIE ROSE es, grapefruit, and bananas. Temper ature in “winter” is 80 degrees above. Double Wedding Bells on Boxing Day All too quick Mr. Reimer’s time came to go home to “sunny” Manitoba where Uncle Klass Plett gave away two costly “mumps” had paid a visit to his family presents on boxing day (Dec. 26, 1970) and during his absence, so they were all glad received two in return. to have Daddy home again. Adeline of New Tribes Camp, Durham, Ontario, and Virginia of Badgandersheim, Germany both came home at Christmas time with their fiances to have Pastor PANSY Frank D. Reimer wrap up their future in ties of Holy Matrimony. “They that wait upon the Lord shall re The wedding was well attended inspite of the festive season. The officiation, duets, new their strength...they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” etc. were in English and German. Isaiah 40:31 Bob Storey, who comes from Ireland met May the truth of this verse, which has Adeline at Durham, Ontario and Wilhelm Schoenbeck met Virginia at Badganders proved itself so oft in the past, become ever heim, Germany. Both of the brethern and more real to us in the new year, is our sisters gave thir testimonies at our Sun prayer. On Dec. 20, in the evening we had the day morning church service, telling us of God’s leading in their lives, and thanked (Christmas concert, prepared by the various again and again for the wonderful fellow Sunday School classes. The program itself, as well as the attendance was a real bles ship they had enjoyed at Prairie Rose. Both couples have now gone back to their sing. One of the highlights of the evening respective places of training and services. was a play, “The Cobbler,” presented by a class of older Young People, and very We wish them the Lord’s richest blessings. well done! Jan. 6 (long-time traditional holiday) we Brother Visits Bereaved Twin had a Fellowship Evening at the Chapel, Sad news quickly spread around in Prair and were happy to see some of the local ie Rose of the sudden passing of Mrs John non-member familes out also. The supper, P. Reimer December 3, 1970 in British sponsored by the Ladies’ Group and served Honduras. Having spent former years in in the basement, seemed a real success, be Prairie Rose, a solemn memorial service ing enjoyed by all present. The spiritual was held on December 6, with Revs. F.D fellowship of the evening included some Pages

hearty singing, as well as a message by Bro. Ben Thiessen of the Ridgewood Church. The well-chosen, clearly-brought theme was “And they presented unto Him GIFTS." What kind of gifts are we giving to the Lord now? BLUMENORT

Rev. Arnold Fast was guest speaker at the ordination service of Fred Klassen and Peter Wiebe, as minister and deacon respectively, on Dec. 13,1970. Dec. 9 was a “first” in our church. Ap proximately 350 people gathered in the lower auditorium of the church for a Christmas banquet. The ladies did a marvellous job of providing food for all of us. Thanks, ladies! The net proceeds amounted to $400.00 which was given towards Jordan and Nigeria relief work. Many hearts were lifted in praise and adoration toward our Saviour as the Youth Choir rendered the program “Praise Him” on New Year’s Eve. I trust this attitude of continuous praise will become part of us as we continue on into this New Year. The 1970 students of the Blumenort elementary school all participated in an annual Christmas program conducted at the church on Dec. 22. The eight teach ers involved have done a tremendous job in planning and presenting a program of such a nature. The main auditorium of the church was not big enough to contain all the visitors. Rev and Mrs John Loewen travelled west to visit friends and relatives shortly after New Year. 'They went as far west as Calgary and north to LaCrete. They had stopped in at 18 places. Some of the people visited were Evelyn Brandt, Ver na Doerksen, Alvin Doerksens and Mel vin Penners. Mr Loewen spoke of rich blessing experienced and wonderful pro tection throughout their trip. Over a thousand miles had been travelled on icy roads. We praise the Lord for their safe return. By the time this goes to press Pris cilla Reimer will be established in her new surroundings. She will be leaving for Germany tomorrow to work at the Bad Gandersheim Children’s Home. Num erous farewells and well wishes have been given by friends and relatives. We know, Priscilla, that the Lord will be sufficient for all your needs. Look up to Him, and wait upon Him.

CRESTVIEW FELLOWSHIP On “New Years Eve” we had a commun ion service at Crestview Fellowship. After the service all the couples were invited out to the Henry Schmidts country home. While the younger set went power tobogTHE MESSENGER

ganing, the young couples enjoyed an evening of fellowship and games, followed by the traditional New Year cookies andJ coffee. Rev. Melvin Koop offered a prayer of thanksgiving as 1971 slipped in, “look ing unto God for our strength and guidance in ’71. Thank you Henry and Helen for sharing your home with us. Rev. Melvin Koop and Mrs Koop left for California on January 2, to attend the Fel lowship Conference held there. The Koops drove up to Swift Current, Sask, to pick up Rev. Abe Lieding, Mrs. Lieding, Rev. Mar tin Harder and Mrs. Harder. They all left for Santa Cruz, California via Montana. 12 days later the Koops arrived home spirit ually and physically uplifted. George and Esther Penner stayed over at the Koops’ suite to look after the Koops’ 2 school boys, Howard and Barry. Conroy and Myron left to enjoy the 12 days at Mary’s sister Mrs. John Koop at MacGregor, Man. On the sick list has been little Jefferey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dyck. Shortly before Christmas Jefferey entered the hospital for a minor operation during which unforeseen difficulties arose putting Jefferey into a very critical condition. In the weeks that followed much prayer and intercession was offered on the behalf of the family. And now, January 17, we were so happy to see little Jeff back in our midst again. Weddings

The Braeside Mennonite Church was the setting for a lovely candlelight Christian ceremony on December 27, 1970 at 3:00 p.m. when Eva, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Schellenberg became the bride of Brian Koop, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Koop of Kleefeld, Rev. Arnold Fast officiated.

Mr and Mrs Koop

The Sargent and Garfield Mennonite Church was the scene of a lovely Christian ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, De cember 19, 1970 when Margaret Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jac. Neudorf of Winnipeg, became the bride of George Wiens, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Wiens of Grunthal. Rev. Melvin Koop of ficiated.

January 29,1971

ABERDEEN, WINNIPEG

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The Old Fire! Flames shot up the tall steeple of an old North Winnipeg church and spread along the roof as firemen battled to save the building. Ironically, building plans for a new meeting house hung on the bulletin board as firemen dashed inside to cover building contents before the av alanche of water from the attic could cause too much damage. The pastor, landing at the airport from an emergen cy trip out of town, was met with the news, “Your church is on fire!” One won ders if he breathed a “Praise the Lord!” before he realized that it was the build ing, not the people, that was on fire! That was Monday, August 21,1967. Today the people who meet in the ren ovated building at the corner of Aber deen and Andrews, Winnipeg, want to ex tend an invitation to you to come and fel lowship with them at dedication services, February 28 at 3:00 p.m. What has taken place during the inter vening 3'/2 years? The church continued to meet at rented premises of the Men nonite Brethren Bible College. Many meetings, much prayer, many discus sions took place before the decision was finally reached to go on with the original plans for a new building in East Kildonan, but also to renovate the old one. The majority of the brethren felt that the work in North Winnipeg should not be completely closed down, because of the scarcity of evangelical churches in that area. And so the work began: the precar-

The New ious work of taking down a dangerous steeple; the dirty, dusty work of replac ing a half-burned roof and cutting down the high walls; and the slow, monoton ous work of finishing, sanding, painting, cleaning. Now the real work of the church could begin! On March 3, 1968 a group gath ered in the basement for the first mor ning worship service; the first six months the attendance varied from 32 to 70, Since then attendance has grown to an average of 90-100 per Sunday. The work was under the direction of the Church Board and Board of Trustees of the Winnipeg E.M.C.; technically the Aberdeen Church was an extension work of the Braeside Church, though the for mer was organized and had its own pas tor. By mid-1970 it became evident that Aberdeen could manage on its own and negotiations were begun. It was a joy to note the spirit of cooperation ev ident between the churches at this time. Finally, Jan. 1/71 was the date set for “independance”. Our final service as one church was at the Braeside Church on Dec. 31 as we entered the New Year together in prayer. Membership transfers are not quite complete, but it appears that there will be approximately 38 members. We want to praise the Lord for the work He is doing through his people. And we are praying that the church will again be on fire — but this time the real church, not the building!

HUDSON BAY

The New Year has started out crisp and cold in our area. After the busy Christmas season it is nice to be able to relax at home by the warm fireside, while temperatures outside dip down to 35 to 40 degrees below zero. One annual event that kind of highlights the Christmas season at Hudson Bay is the Carol festival sponsored by the Lions Club.

This year’s festival took place on Decem ber 13 and in my opinion really empha sized the true meaning of Christmas. The numerous churches in and around the town, as well as different school groups and even a “choir” from the Pioneer Lodge sang messages of “peace on earth, good will toward men.” “Family night” at the chapel on DecemPage9

ber 20 consisted of carol singing, a short film and refreshments. A “first time” occasion for our chapel was church service on Christmas Day. Pas tor and Mrs Friesen graciously prolonged their departure for Fisher Branch and Mennville till after church service on Dec. 25. Get well wishes go out to Mrs Glen Ford who is to undergo surgery at Saskatoon in the near future. Instruction classes have been begun at the chapel on January 10. Mrs Friesen’s Sunday school class has been taken over by Lloyd Reimer for this time.

He leaves to mourn me, his wife, 5 child ren, 17 grandchildren and one great-grand child, 4 sons-in-law, and one daughter-inlaw, 4 brothers and 1 sister and a host of friends and relatives. We mourn, but not as those having no hope, but trust to see him on the Resurrec tion morning. A sincere thank you to the many visitors he received during his illness as well as for the many flowers and sympathy cards. We

It has pleased the heavenly Father to take home unto himself my beloved hus band, Peter, and father of our family. He was born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Reimer on April 14, 1901, at Steinbach, and passed away to be with the Lord January 12, 1971 at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital. He reached the age of 69 years and nine months. He received his education in Steinbach and also resided here the greater part of his life. At the age of 20 he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and upon his con fession of faith, was baptised by Rev. Jacob R. Dueck and received into the fel lowship of the Evangelical Mennonite Church, (then Kleingemeinde) where he remained in fellowship until his death. In the year 1922 on the 12th of February we were united in marriage by Rev. Jacob R. Dueck. The Lord permitted us to share our joys and our sorrows for 49 years and 11 months. Our marriage was blessed with five children: Victor of North Bay, Ontario; Evelyn, Mrs Bernie Doerksen, Steinbach; Tina, Mrs. Joe Semenick, Pine River, Man itoba; Marian, Mrs. Ed Nightingale, Win nipeg; and Lorna, Mrs. Morton Ross, To ronto. The years from 1929 to 1945 were spent in the Prairie Rose area where we were en gaged in farming. From here we moved to Steinbach where he operated a trucking service, from which he retired just a few years ago. In June 1967, he underwent sur gery which revealed cancer. His health again improved and he enjoyed a few more years of apparent good health. On Septem ber 24, 1970 he was again admitted to the Bethesda Hospital where he remained un til his death. He suffered considerably dur ing his last months of illness. He was predeceased by a sister Annie, a brother John and a sister Margaret, Mrs. Henry T. Kroeker, and also by two brothers and one sister in infancy. Page 10

Cornie Martens and family

also thank the doctors and nursing staff for their kind and efficient care bestowed upon him during his time of suffering. The family

MR. PETER H. W. REIMER 1901 -1971

Mrs Martens was predeceased by one daughter, Brenda Shirley Ann, on June 9, 1960, and by her parents, Mr and Mrs John B. Neufeld and by two brothers, John in September, 1967, Abraham in June, 1970 and one step brother, Corney Dyck in 1930. We thank you all for your love shown to us in this time of bereavement. May the Lord bless you for it.

MRS. MARY MARTENS 1925-1970

It has pleased the Lord to call home my beloved wife and mother of my chil dren, Mrs Mary Martens. She passed away suddenly on Wednesday evening, December 30, 1970. She was born at Wymark, Saskatchewan on March 19, 1925 and received her education in the Wymark area, and in 1949 she married me, Cornelius Martens at Wymark. We have lived in Swift Current all this time. The Lord met us in a real way last March when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Saviour. She testified of God’s grace in her life freely and encouraged others to come to Him. We fellowshipped in the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Swift Current and she was a blessing to many. Wednesday was a blessed day for her when a number of friends and relatives dropped in for a visit. After supper we went for a little ride and when we came home, while talking on the phone with a friend, she said, “I’m going to faint” and before I got to her, she collapsed. Her sudden death brings deep sorrow to us but we rejoice in the fact that she is resting in the arms of Jesus and some day we want to meet her there. The deceased is survived by her hus band, Cornelius, of the city; by two daughters, Gina 6 and Shelly 9; by two sons, Larry 17 and Gary 21, all at home; by three brothers, William at Wymark, Peter of Swift Current, and Jacob of Lethbridge; by four sisters, Elizabeth of Swift Current, Annie, Mrs Andrew Knelsen of LaCrete, Alberta, Susie, Mrs John Dyck of Wymark, Sarah, Mrs John Fehr of Wymark; by three step brothers, John Dyck of Calgary, George Dyck of Swift Current, and Abe Dyck of Regina; and by many relatives and friends.

« 12,000 ATTEND URBANA ’70

Urbana ’70, the missionary convention sponsored by the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, was held at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Ill., from December 27-31. It was a gathering of over 12,000 students from seventy-two countries who in some way held a common commitment to Jesus Christ. Although the main purpose of Urbana is the securing of missionary positions by students, it seemed as though the searching for God’s will for their lives took precedence. Prayer and Bible study were greatly emphasized and every mor ning and evening 1200 groups of ten met to pray, study, and talk together. Apparently before the convention there was some question in the minds of the coordinators about whether or not the student revolt and campus radicalism would have any noticeable effect on the convention. A news release from IVCF stated, “At convention’s end it was clear that student unrest raised scarcely a ruffle at Urbana ’70. Startling, consider ing that nearly every segment of the stu dent population was represented among the more than 12,300 participants.” The presence of the social gospel was noticed for the first time at one of the triennial Urbana conventions. Three speakers who mentioned this aspect of a total evangelism were Myron Augsburger, president of Eastern Mennonite College; Tom Skinner, black theologian and evan gelist; and Samuel Escobar, IVCF (IFES) secretary for Latin America. Augsburger drew a lot of support in his presentation on Tuesday morning, “Rev olution and World Evangelism.” He pre sented a strong pacifist stand and in group meetings with students, he was al ways crowded with people interested in the peace position, some challenging it and others seeking more information. Mennonite groups met together at dif ferent times for meetings to discuss the effectiveness of Mennonite overseas programs and their impressions of the convention. It is estimated that over four hundred Mennonites from all branch es were present at Urbana. THE MESSENGER

MCC (Canada)AnnualMeeting

000. The items included clothing, bed ding, soap, towels, school supplies, med icines, and food. An increasing propor tion of the goods received are new.

by Larry Kehler

PERSONNEL

CLEARBROOK Mennonite Central Committee (Canada) was one of the few denominational agencies in Canada which met its budget last year, but its board of directors is worried neverthe less about constituency relations. The Executive Committee’s report to the MCC (Canada) Annual Meeting in Clearbrook, British Columbia, last week suggested that much of the criticism which it is getting comes from people who think that it is getting too involved in political matters. “It is significant,” wrote Chairman D. P. Neufeld on behalf of the Executive Com mittee, “that 90 percent of the criticism is directed at less than five percent of our program.” The reference here was to the amounts of money budgeted for var ious projects. The aid to draft-age im migrants from the United States, for example, accounts for only % of one per cent of MCC (Canada’s) budget, yet it has drawn extensive negative reaction from some individuals and churches. The Mennonite press was chastised for having played up the small, but con troversial projects too much. The mood of the two-day meeting in the Bakerview MB church was cautious and conciliatory. The Executive Com mittee’s proposal that a “listening post”, manned by a part-time staff person, be opened in Ottawa was sent back to the committee for redrafting and for further clearance with the provincial MCC or ganizations. A board member’s recommendation that MCC (Canada) become an active part ner with other conferences and agencies in the formation of a new, more broadly based inter-Mennonite periodical to suc ceed The Canadian Mennonite was defeat ed. The board did, however, approve the Executive Committee’s recommendation that an immediate study be made of the current and projected publishing inter ests of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Canada. Because

past 12 months. This year’s meeting de cided, therefore, not to pursue planning for a Canada-wide meeting, but to request that provincial organizations allot more time on their agendas for discussion of MCC (Canada) concerns. The board responded favourably to a request from the British Columbia MCC that the ownership of the material aid center at Yarrow, B.C. be turned over to them. The west coast depot had been staffed and administered from the Win nipeg office since the inception of MCC (Canada). The B.C. organization hopes eventually to relocate the depot in a more central part of the Fraser Valley, but this move will not be made until approval is received from a provincial delegate meeting. PROGRAM

The treasurer, in giving the financial report for the past year, said that con tributions serve as a barometer of con stituency feeling. It was a good sign, he indicated, that giving increased steadily during 1970. MCC (Canada )’s total cash income last year amounted to $853,115. Of this amount $151,600 was earned by Volun tary Service workers, $37,300 was re ceived from the sale of self-help items, and $38,300 came from forwardings and the sale of material. The remaining $626,000 were contributions. The in come from relief sales, amounting to $104,780 in 1970, made up over 16 per cent of the contribution monies. In 1971 MCC (Canada) is anticipat ing a total of $645,000 in donations and grants. The Canadian International Develop ment Agency gave MCC (Canada) grants totalling $45,400 last year, and it has indicated that it would appreciate receiving further project proposals from MCC, Board members wondered what, if any, strings were attached to the CIDA grants. The staff replied that there were this review is to be undertaken in cooper none as far as they could ascertain. ation with the constituent conferences, MCC’s philosophy of attempting to provide some cautioned the board not to expect assistance directly to individuals, rather the study to be completed as early as than through various layers of organiza some had hoped. It would take a mini tional structure, appeals to CIDA. MCC mum of a year or two, they suggested. (Canada) anticipates an increase in the The national delegate assembly which amount it will be receivine from CIDA was proposed at last year’s Annual Meet in 1971. ing did not evoke an enthusiastic response Material aid receipts at the Yarrow from the conferences and provincial MCCs and Kitchener depots in 1970 weighed when they were polled about it during the over 200 tons and were valued at $462,

January 29,1971

Of the 753 people now in MCC service, 149 — 20 percent — are Canadians, an in crease of almost 40 percent over 1969. The Akron, Pennsylvania, personnel office reported that of the 802 who ap plied for service in 1970 only 321 were placed. The remaining 481 persons were not assigned for various reasons. Here is how the Executive Committee report explained it: “1. Some fell by the wayside because of the screening process. They did not have the spiritual, physical, or psychological resources which are needed. “2. Some dropped out because they found other places of service or study. “3. Some dropped out because they did not possess the needed skills. “4. Some good candidates could not be placed because MCC did not have the funds to expand its program to the point where all applicants would be used. ’ ’ The number of non-Mennonites enter ing the MCC program is growing. In 1969, 32 came from other denominations, and in 1970, 68 more non-Mennonites joined the program. A total of eight Roman Catholics were placed during the past two years. During a dinner meeting between pas tors from the Fraser Valley and MCC board and staff members a question about the placement of persons in the Trainee Program was raised. It was explained that young people going to Europe under the exchange program are screened and accepted by the European Intermenno Committee. They do not go out under MCC. The number of Voluntary Service place ments in Canada has been increasing. At the conclusion of 1970, 57 workers were serving in Newfoundland, Sherbrook, Que bec, Ottawa, Toronto, Oshawa, Kitchener, Winnipeg, Waldheim, Saskatchewan; New Westminster, and Abbotsford. SOCIAL CONCERNS

The peace and social concerns report to the board stated that the agricultural consultation which had been proposed by last year’s Annual Meeting would likely not get off the ground. The assignment given by the board was to set up a meeting to take a fresh look at the will of God and the frustrated agricultural economy in Canada. The in tention of the consultation was to develop new guidelines for Mennonites, and Can adians generally, in the proper use of

Page 11

their agricultural resources.

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A dozen Mennonite experts were invit ed to submit their views and convictions AN EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM, whereby the Mennonite mental health centers on the subject. Most promised to com will assist congregations with their needs, is being launched in 1971. This ply, but only one did. This reluctance or indifference suggested to MCC (Can- program was announced recently by Vernon Neufeld, director of Mennonite adal'ThTa' mor^arative way wUl nVed

Mental Heah^h SerjzJcesJMMHS)^ .......................... ............... .. The purposes of the program, according to the brief prepared by MMHS, is “to to be found to gather the Mennonites’ wisdom on this subject, if indeed they have make available to congregations the supportive resources of the Mennonite men tal health centers; to assist congregations face and deal with personal and group anything unique to say. problems as these are expressed in congregational life—marital difficulties, gen erational conflicts, pastoral problems, breakdowns in communications and questions of authority; to assist congregations in the prevention of these prob THE BOARD lems by developing personal relationships, better communications, self-under standing and leadership.” Twenty-six of the board’s 27 mem Eden Mental Health Centre at Winkler is one of six mental health centres affil bers, or their proxies, attended the twoiated with MMHS. day meetings in Clearbrook. Four new

members joined the board this year. DECISION MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES three major Graham crusades to be held in They were Helen Janzen of Winnipeg, as many strategic locations in the U.S. this summer. The three centers are Chi representing the Conference of Menno- cago (June 3-13), Oakland, California (July 23-Aug. 1), and Irving, Texas (Sept. nites in Canada; Jake Harms, the new 17-26). The sites are said to represent the key population centers of the United chairman of MCC (Manitoba); Vernon States. In their circumference they include perhaps 25 million people. Leis of Elmira, representing the Ontario Mennonite Conference; and Herman A. AT THE RECENT MEETINGS of the General Commission on Union (Anglican Olfert of Winkler, representing the Old and United Church) 19 names were suggested for the new church it is hoped will Colony Mennonites. The meeting went emerge. The most popular name was Church of Christ in Canada. Another name ahead on schedule despite an unusually also suggested was United Christian Church of Canada. heavy snowfall in the Fraser Valley at the time of the meeting.

The snow-clogged roads didn’t prevent interested individuals from attending the sessions. The observer gallery was the biggest in MCC (Canada)’s history, Saturday the meeting had to be transferred to a bigger room in the Bakerview church so that an estimated 90 visitors could listen to the board’s delibera tions.

ELECTIONS

D. P. Neufeld, Newton Gingrich, T. E. Friesen, and C. J. Rempel were re-elect ed to the Executive Committee. The three new members will be John D. Frie sen, Saskatoon; Jake Harms, Boissevain; and Helen Janzen, Winnipeg.

Steinbach Conf, contd.

and a new church building. Ellen Brell gave a slide report of her work as missionary children school teacher in West Pakistan, Wayne Herrod, Braeside church, is an accepted candidate under the EMC Board of Missions to go to Africa as a technician under the African Inland Mission. He related of the Lord’s mar vellous dealing in his life. Wayne is at

present doing itinerating work in the churches. He expects to go to the field in March. John K. Reimer, Executive secre tary, EMC Board of Missions, gave a brief overview of the Conference mis sions program which now involves almost 100 workers. Harvey Plett and Ben Friesen, as a team, presented a unique report of the Steinbach Bible Institute. The SBI has been a vital factor in the training of most EMC workers.

Calendar

Four members-at-large were named. D. P. Neufeld and Newton Gingrich were re-elected, and L. B. Siemens and Albert DeFehr, both of Winnipeg, were appointed as members-at-large for the first time. DeFehr was nominated specifically to give the under-30 age category some repres entation on the board.

Feb. 5 - EMC Board of Missions meets, Blumenort Feb. 6 - EMC Ministerial, Blumenort. Feb. 12-14 - Steinbach Bible Institute Youth Conference. Feb. 13 - MCC (Manitoba) Annual Meeting. March 7 - EMC Choir Director’s and Song Leader’s Conference. Bill Derksen, speaker. Rosenort Fellowship Chapel. March 13 - Sunday school superintendent’s Seminar. Braeside church.

Vernon Leis will be MCC (Canada )’s new representative on the Peace Sec tion.

IV.B. Pastors: You are invited to send us your coming events to be included in our MES SENGER Calendar. We should have notices of this kind at least two weeks before publi cation date.

Ed. EMC representative on the Board of MCC /Canada) is Rev. Harvey Plett president of the Steinbach Bible Inst. He also attended the two day meeting at Clearbrook.

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