The Messenger March/April 2016

The Messenger a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Volume 54 No. 03/04 March-April 2016

Jesus, Born of the Virgin Mary

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ALSO INSIDE:

We Are More Than Conquerors Through Jesus! 10 The Prophet is an Ass 13 page

DESIGNPICS

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Editorials

Effects of cutbacks on BCM

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s you are aware, the EMC’s national/international 2015 budget had a shortfall and the 2016 budget is being reduced. The Board of Church Ministries is affected, while grateful for the giving that allows most of our ministries to continue. Thank you. We are partners in the gospel (Phil. 1:3).

You might ask, what are the effects of the cutbacks?

Consider these: • Less funds to help connect youth leaders at TRU (cut by $3,000).

• Less than half of the encouragement to EMC students at SBC (cut by $4,750).

• Churches pay higher rates with DVD/VHS license not renewed ($4,200).

• Reduced room to contact churches by staff travel (cut by $1,000).

• The shoestring that the Archives Committee operates

on just got pulled tighter (cut by $300).

• Reduced staff training; down two-thirds from 2015 (cut by $2,000).

• Contact and teaching are reduced by three fewer issues of The Messenger; look is cheaper (cut by $13,675).

Sometimes when stores are forced to close, they will leave a sign that can be interpreted ironically: “Thank you for your business.” For us, saying thank you in the midst of budget reductions isn’t meant ironically. It is to positively recognize the continued strong giving within the EMC. We are a small conference that, together, accomplishes much.

While the EMC’s overall 2016 budget is reduced, what remains the same is our desire to assist your church. If you have suggestions or questions, contact us.

– Terry M. Smith and Gerald D. Reimer

While the EMC’s overall 2016 budget is reduced, what remains the same is our desire to assist your church.

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Don’t just follow your heart!

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ometimes Christians think that if we’re centred on Jesus, proper ethics will inevitably follow. Yet what about John the Baptist’s providing specific counsel to soldiers and tax collectors (Luke 3:1014)? What about the household lists where Paul counseled Christians on ethical relationships (Eph. 5:22-6:9, 1 Tim. 5:1-25)?

Paul did not counsel Christians to look inside themselves and follow their sanctified hearts. We have letters in the New Testament, many by Paul, because the Gospels were not enough; Christians needed further guidance in specific areas and such guidance was authoritatively provided.

Consider the matter of whether Christian couples should marry before living together. Canadian Mennonite University on Feb. 9 held a discussion on cohabitation (I was not present). Living together before marriage is a

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relevant topic, but if it remains a valid option for Christians after discussion, this is a matter for concern.

A year ago Dr. Ed Neufeld of Providence Theological Seminary said that while Scripture doesn’t describe any marriage ceremony, it upholds marriage. He pointed to Paul, who told Christians “it is better to marry than to burn with passion” (1 Cor. 7:9 NIV).

I would add that Paul also said a widow may remarry “anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:39). Notice how in a single sentence the apostle upholds a Christian marrying a Christian, a woman marrying a man, and marriage itself.

In that statement, the apostle taught on three matters.

Because Paul’s statement is almost incidental, it is even more significant. Scripture, not culture, has final authority.

– Terry M. Smith

Because Paul’s statement is almost incidental, it is even more significant.

Table of Contents Features

Columns

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Jesus, Born of the Virgin Mary – Pastor Eric Isaac

10 We Are More Than Conquerors Through Jesus!

– Mark von Kampen

Focusing On

Support for Our EMC Mission Work is Strong!

– Fred Buhler

16 An Education App When Physicians Meet Metaphysics – Terry M. Smith

13 The Prophet is an Ass – Dr. Michael J. Gilmour

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21 Further In and Higher Up

Departments

Do Canadian Christians Face Persecution?

– Layton Friesen

2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4

Letters and Notices

17

With Our Missionaries

22

With Our Churches

26

News

32

In Memory

33

Shoulder Tapping

30 Poetry 34 Here and Far Away

The Most Creative Thing I Do – Jocelyn R. Plett

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35 Stewardship Today

Autonomy and Community – Mike Strathdee

36 Kids’ Corner

The Colours of April – Loreena Thiessen

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www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger

Letters and Notices

Volume 54 No. 03/04 March-April 2016

Broken, But Willing

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER

Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

The Messenger is the publication, published nine times per year, of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed.

Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

The Messenger is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.

Single copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

Change of address and subscriptions Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362

Advertising The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards, and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 05–May 2016 issue (copy due March 08)

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Firstly, in talking about mental health recovery, starting with the right heart attitude is key. Dr. James Regehr nails it with his title, “Broken, But Willing” [Nov. 2015]. And if the reader reads nothing else, the opening sentence, “I am on a journey to health,” is what we need to take away from this article.

Those of us with any health challenge are journeying towards better health.

We may never get completely “healthy,” but we keep journeying. We soak up

all the encouragement we can, and find appropriate places to rid ourselves of discouragement—crying, a physical activity, the arts… don’t forget hugs!

In being willing, we must allow for the possibility of requiring multiple streams of help—acknowledging that I need you. That’s hard for a stubborn people! Thanks, James, for encouraging me today!

– Dan Friesen Landmark, Man.

Pastor Andy and Stephanie Woodworth In Feb. 2016 and Nov. 2015 issues, the names of Stephanie or Andy were incorrect or hurt by a typo, both of which were not the fault of Heartland

Guidelines for letters

Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste. It can refuse publication.

Letters by regular mail and by fax must contain a handwritten signature with at least the writer’s first and last names and an address.

For letters by e-mail, the writer’s name and e-mail address are deemed to be an electronic signature. The writer’s regular postal address is to be included in e-mail correspondence.

The writer’s name and general address are to be published. In sensitive matters, names may be withheld. Letters to the editor are to be 250 words or less.

church reporter Brigitte Toews. Look for an upcoming interview with Pastor Andy Woodworth by Brigitte.

– Editor

Freedom of Movement: Exploring a Path from Armed Conflict, Persecution, and Forced Migration to Conflict Resolution, Human Rights, and Development 9th Annual Conference of the Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies (CARFMS)

May 11-14, 2016 Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada

For more information, please go to www.carfms.org or contact Dr. Stephanie Stobbe, Chair of CARFMS 2016 (s.stobbe@uwinnipeg.ca)

Hosted by Conflict Resolution Studies, Menno Simons College A college of Canadian Mennonite University Affiliated with The University of Winnipeg

mscollege.ca

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY cmu.ca

Column • Focusing On

Support for Our EMC Mission Work is Strong!

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annual convention always highlight our mission efforts. A recent emphasis on Prayer Teams on site is valuable for participants and missionaries.

Pastors and mission committee leaders receive phone calls from board members to discuss mission vision and involvement. We invite pastors and mission committee members to join us in our meetings (in person, by phone or Internet) to work in close partnership and mutual

by Fred Buhler, chair, understanding.

EMC Board of Missions My awareness of our conference vision for missionary work began through growing up in a church and home that often hosted missionaries. During Bible college, I appreciated regular contact with EMC conference office staff members who took an interest in me and my growing awareness of a missionary call from God to serve him.

While spending six weeks in Nicaragua, interacting with the missionaries, being exposed to the language and culture, feeling the church’s pulse, I was affirmed in God’s call to missionary service. Returning to Canada after two terms of church planting in Paraguay, I continue to believe we have a valuable contribution to make to world evangelism through EMC Missions.

Together we are doing significant work.

Among local EMC churches, there is appreciation for the role that we as the EMC play in helping the world hear the good news.

Together we are doing significant work.

ANDREW WALKER

he Board of Missions is to stay in communication with local churches regarding the mission program that we share. Recently, we surveyed EMC churches early in 2016. The good response was encouraging.

Support for our EMC mission work is strong.

• Most respondents affirm that passion for missions grows out of having a relationship with missionaries. Stories and testimonies are especially valuable in communicating how God is transforming lives. Passion also maintained through preaching and teaching on missions and through opportunities to visit missionaries on the field.

• There was a mix of responses around balancing local outreach and global missions.

Just over a quarter of respondents agreed that emphasis on local ministries leaves less capacity for global missions. Almost a third indicated that it isn’t an either/or as much as seeing both as part of the church’s mandate.

About another third of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed.

• We were encouraged to see that over seventy percent agreed that EMC Missions is helpful in developing a church’s passion for global missions. Even more indicated that their church has a relationship with one or more EMC missionaries. There was strong agreement with the statement, “I would encourage people from our church to pursue missions with EMC.” In a world filled with options, there is appreciation for the role that we as a conference play in helping the world hear the good news.

Thank you to every survey responder for insightful and helpful comments. As a board and staff we value this feedback and remain committed to being faithful in the trust we are given.

Mission Alerts, the EMC Missions Prayer Calendar, Prayer Corps materials, the EMC Day of Prayer, reports in The Messenger, and missionary visits to churches are ways we communicate that we are in this work together. Conference council meetings and

Fred Buhler: We have a valuable contribution to make.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

DREAMSTIME

The Apostles' Creed Through 2016

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he Apostles’ Creed says that Jesus “was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.”

Although this is the only virgin birth humanity has seen, it certainly is not the only improbable birth it has seen.

Improbable Births in the Bible

A few years ago one of the ministers in our church shared the observation that the Bible records many improbable births. Isaac was born to a 90-year-old mother and 100-year-old father (Gen. 21). After almost twenty years of marriage Isaac and Rebekah finally had twin sons because

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Isaac prayed (Gen. 25:21). Rachel only had children after “God remembered” her and “enabled her to conceive” (Gen. 30:22).

The patriarchs are not the only ones who received children in improbable situations. Samson was born to a woman who was said to be “unable to give birth” (Jud. 13:2) and Samuel was born to a woman with a closed womb (1 Sam. 1:5). In the New Testament John the Baptist’s mother was “unable to conceive” and both of his parents were “very old” (Luke 1:7).

Based on all of this, could we say that creating life in a barren womb is one of God’s favourite miracles?

Jesus, Born of the Virgin Mary

by Pastor Eric Isaac

Was Mary Really a Virgin?

As Christians we believe that the Bible records several improbable births and the impossible virgin birth of Jesus. Of course from a scientific perspective a virgin giving birth is impossible.

Because of this some people have questioned if Mary really was a virgin. A person could ask questions like: Was Mary literally a virgin or was she just a pure-hearted young woman? Does the Bible even teach that Mary was a virgin?

Matthew and Luke both make it clear that Mary was a virgin while she was pregnant with Jesus. When describing how Jesus was born Matthew writes: “His mother Mary was pledged

Based on all of this, could we say that creating life in a barren womb is one of God’s favourite miracles? to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 1:18).

Joseph intended to end their relationship because his fiancé was pregnant with a child that was not his. However, an angel told him, “do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,

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She was not just a pure-hearted young woman. Therefore, the virgin birth is not an unscriptural teaching of the Church; it is an idea clearly taught in the Bible.

DESIGNPICS

because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (v. 20).

Matthew tells us that after that dream Joseph “took Mary home as his wife” and that “he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son” (vv. 24-25). Matthew wanted to be absolutely certain that his readers knew that Jesus was born of a virgin.

Luke was like Matthew in this way. According to his gospel the angel told Mary, “You will conceive and give birth to a son” (Luke 1:31).

Mary’s response to this was a very natural one: “How will this be since I am a virgin?” (v. 34).

This is a telling question. A pure-hearted young woman who made a mistake and slept with her boyfriend once does not ask this question. This is the question of a woman who has never slept with a man.

Just like Matthew, Luke tells us that Mary’s baby would be conceived by the Holy Spirit.

In Luke 1:35 the angel says to Mary, “the Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (v. 35).

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A careful reading of Matthew and Luke’s accounts show us that they both knew Mary had never had sexual intercourse. She was not just a pure-hearted young woman. Therefore, the virgin birth is not an unscriptural teaching of the Church; it is an idea clearly taught in the Bible.

Why Did Mary Have to be a Virgin?

So Jesus was born of a virgin, but why did God choose to do it this way? Why couldn’t Jesus have had two biological parents?

Jesus had to be born of a virgin because he was both God and man. In John’s gospel we are told that Jesus, whom John calls the “Word,” is God (1:1). In that same chapter John tells us that “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (v.14). Jesus is both God and human.

God: the Giver of Life

Earlier I asked if the virgin birth and the other improbable births in the Bible mean that creating life in a barren womb is one of God’s favourite miracles. Maybe it is not God’s favourite miracle,

but it is worthwhile to note how often God does this. Could this be because physical life being created in a barren womb points to spiritual life being created in a barren heart?

Giving life to the spiritually dead was a part of Christ’s mission. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). He told Nicodemus that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” and that “flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:3, 6). Jesus came so that people could experience a spiritual birth which would lead to spiritual life. God, in his mercy, wants all people to be made alive in Christ (Eph. 2:5).

The virgin birth is a picture of salvation.

God reached out to Mary and created a life in her. Likewise, God reaches out to us, and if we accept, we become a new creation and there is new life in us.

The virgin birth is a picture of salvation.

God reached out to Mary and created a life in her. God reaches out to us.

Two Desired Outcomes From This Study

I hope studying this topic affects us in at least two ways. First of all, I hope it gives us a renewed sense of awe. A virgin gave birth to a child–this is something only God could accomplish. I hope we ponder this miracle; I hope we’re amazed by this miracle and I hope we worship God because of this miracle.

Secondly, I hope this study will remind of us of the miracle of conversion. Choosing to become a Christian is different than choosing to become an electrician or choosing to vote for Thomas Mulcair. When a person chooses to be a Christian they are made alive in Christ, they are born again and they become a new creation. No human can comprehend this miracle, let alone duplicate it.

Let us praise the God who gives life to the barren womb, gave the virgin a Child, and gives abundant life to the penitent sinner.

Eric Isaac loves his wife Jennifer and their three children (James, Clara, and Emily). He graduated from Steinbach Bible College (BA, Pastoral Ministries) and is pastoring the Morweena EMC.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

The Apostles' Creed Through 2016

We Are More Than Conquerors Through Jesus!

by Mark von Kampen

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rticle 4 focuses on Jesus, suffering, and death—a central theme in Christian thought throughout the ages: “... suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.”

By mentioning the historical figure Pontius Pilate, the creed places all of what we believe about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, into a particular place in the flow of world history reminding us that, in Jesus, eternity touched our human timeline in a very real and particular way.

As governor of Judea, Pilate represented the power and authority of the Roman Empire further reminding us that, in Jesus, the Kingdom of God touched ground amidst particular human power dynamics and political realities.

DESIGNPICS

The Reality of the Kingdom

Although Jesus never came to establish an earthly kingdom as some of his followers hoped and as some of his opponents feared, he embodied, modeled, and taught the reality of the Kingdom of God. In calling his disciples to “seek first the Kingdom of God,” Jesus invited them to give it their ultimate allegiance, living as Kingdom citizens and ordering their lives by its values.

In Jesus’ own demonstrations of power, it’s not hard to see how Jesus aroused feelings

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In Jesus’ own demonstrations of power, it’s not hard to see how Jesus aroused feelings of suspicion, jealousy and insecurity from those in positions of power. of suspicion, jealousy and insecurity from those in positions of power. Look at the way he spoke and taught “as one who had authority,” in his “signs and wonders” which showed his authority even over nature, and in his words and actions like healing on the Sabbath. And the cleansing of the temple called into question the authority of established structures and practices. In all of these things, it’s not difficult to see that even as he had mass appeal to the powerless on the margins, those who held power and privilege and benefitted from the status quo became increasingly interested in plotting his death.

Jesus Knew What He Was Doing

Although the Apostles’ Creed says nothing about Jesus’ life and ministry, the Gospels make it clear, given the opposition Jesus faced, that his suffering, crucifixion, and death, were the logical outcome of his life and teaching. Jesus knew what he was doing and where it was leading.

Jesus also wanted those who chose to follow him to be aware of the path that his life was on, telling them, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected… and he must be killed” (Luke 9:22). He also warned those who wished to follow him that to do so required a readiness to walk the same path of suffering, saying, “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

The Pharisees, the teachers of the Law, and the Chief Priests represented the religious establishment that felt threatened by Jesus. Pilate represented empire. Together these powerful forces joined together to do away with Jesus.

In the end, though, even the fickle masses and even Jesus’ disciples seemed to be implicated in Jesus’ death. Judas betrayed him. Peter denied him. The disciples abandoned him. And the crowds that cried, “Hosanna in the highest heaven” in one breath yelled, “Crucify him” in the next.

Though the creed states that Jesus suffered and died under Pontius Pilate, all were in some way implicated in his death.

The Horror and the Wonder

And here is both the horror and the wonder of the cross where Jesus willingly lay down his life not only at the hands of sinful humanity, but for its salvation. For not only were all implicated in Jesus’ death, we all are also the beneficiaries of his death. And not only did Jesus’ death impact a particular time in the history of sinful humanity, the cross reaches backwards and forwards through all of history encompassing even us today.

Jesus didn’t try to talk Judas out of betraying him. Jesus didn’t resist his arrest. He didn’t try to persuade Pilate to let him go at his trial.

He didn’t try to win the favour of the crowd that yelled, “Crucify him.”

He didn’t resist the abuse of the soldiers or the mob as they beat him, forced him to carry

the heavy cross, crowned him with thorns, and mocked him. Nor did he resist his executioners as they nailed him to the cross. Rather Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Through the cross, the power of those words transcends time.

Jesus submitted to all the powers that sought his undoing. It looked as if the powers had triumphed as he was nailed to the cross, as his side was pierced, as he hung there lifeless and as his body was taken and sealed in the tomb. But the cross was not Jesus’ defeat, but rather his triumph, for the cross would not stop him and the tomb would not hold him.

Different Facets of Saving Power

There’s great mystery and wonder in the cross that our minds cannot fully grasp. Different passages in the Bible express different facets of its saving power.

Passages like Hebrews 2:14-15 remind us that, through his death on the cross, Jesus triumphed over all powers of resistance to God’s Kingdom, freeing all who turn to him from those powers, even from death itself. “Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the

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power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.”

Passages like Romans 3:24-25 remind us that, through the cross, Jesus bore the weight and consequence of the sins of humanity, suffering and allowing his own life to be sacrificed in place of ours. “They are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood.”

Other passages like Romans 5:8 remind us that Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate demonstration and example of God’s love for us. “God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”

Still other passages like Colossians 1:20 remind us that the impact of the cross is not limited to setting things right with humanity, but that somehow all of creation falls within the scope of its saving power. “Through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.”

The cross has remained central to the church’s understanding and identity. The Scriptures are rich in images that help us get a sense of the unfathomable breadth and impact of Jesus’ death on the cross.

Our Identification With Him

As Anabaptists we have been careful not to overlook the connection of the cross to Jesus, life and, teaching and also to its vindication in the resurrection. As Anabaptists we have also taken seriously those scriptures that speak to our own identification with the suffering and death of Jesus and his redeeming work.

“We have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).

In all these facets of Jesus’ life, suffering, and death, we who put our trust in him are more than conquerors. All praise and thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

As Anabaptists we have also taken seriously those scriptures that speak to our own identification with the suffering and death of Jesus and his redeeming work.

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Mark von Kampen (MDiv, AMBS) serves as associate minister of worship at First Mennonite Church in Winnipeg and as campus chaplain in the “Menno Office” at the University of Manitoba with Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association (a partnership of EMC, EMMC, and MCM). The Menno Office is a place of hospitality and wonder found in room 102E of the University Centre. It attracts students from across the street and around the world.

The Prophet is an Ass

by Dr. Michael J. Gilmour

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ISTOCK

he righteous know the needs of their animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel” (Prov. 12:10). Some find it odd to discover the Bible has anything to say about animal compassion. With all that talk about blood sacrifice, what could it possibly contribute to that conversation?

Quite a lot, I suggest. Recall that God declares animals good even before humans enter the story (Gen. 1:24–25), suggesting they have value apart from anything they offer us. There are also explicit statements about God’s concern for animals, as in the question put to Jonah: “Should I not be concerned about Nineveh … in which there are … many animals?” (4:11).

Jesus reminds us that even sparrows that humans value little—two “sold for a penny”—matter to God (Matt. 10:29).

The story of Balaam abusing a donkey (Num. 22:1–34) is illuminating here, and Proverbs 12:10 offers fitting commentary on the incident. By the measure of that verse, Balaam is wicked. By the measure of Proverbs as a whole, he is a fool who does not fear God or listen to God. Animal cruelty is a symptom of this willful disregard of divine instruction.

Ignoring the Revealed Will of God

When we first meet Balaam, Israel is en route to the Promised Land and their military reputation precedes them. Their victories impressed the king of Moab enough that their arrival to the neighbourhood generates fear.

He sends emissaries to the prophet Balaam: “A people has come out of Egypt … they have settled next to me. Come now, curse this people” (Num. 22:5-6). God does not allow Balaam to do this, but undeterred the king sends agents again, repeating the request.

This time Balaam hedges: “Although Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I

could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God. [Insert a dramatic pause here as you read.][R]emain here … so that I may learn what more the LORD may say to me” (Num. 22:18-19).

Did you catch that? God said “no” to me the first time, but I’ll ask again. We ought to be suspicious about Balaam’s motives. For one thing, if God already warned him not to go, what more did he expect to hear? Furthermore, when God finally relents, it is clearly a concession to Balaam’s stubbornness.

The consent is ambiguous because we soon find out “God’s anger was kindled because he was going.” Permission is not approval. Finally, is the reference to silver and gold in his initial hesitation a Freudian slip, of sorts? The author of 2 Peter thinks so, referring to Balaam’s error as love for the wages of wrongdoing (2:15). Balaam prefers money to obedience, choosing to ignore the revealed will of God because of greed.

Animal cruelty is a symptom of this willful disregard of divine instruction.

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Ignoring the Written Word of God

The donkey saw the angel of the LORD … with a drawn sword in his hand; so the donkey turned off the road … and Balaam struck the donkey…. Then the angel … stood in a narrow path … When the donkey saw the angel … it scraped against the wall, and scraped Balaam’s foot against the wall; so he struck it again. Then the angel … went ahead, and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn …. When the donkey saw the angel … it lay down under Balaam; and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff (Num. 22:23-27).

Balaam’s violence against this hapless creature is conspicuous because donkeys are symbols of peace.

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Balaam’s violence against this hapless creature is conspicuous because donkeys are symbols of peace—think of the contrast between warhorses and donkeys in Zechariah 9:9–10, and Jesus the Prince of Peace riding into Jerusalem on the back of one.

Furthermore, Torah explicitly demands compassionate treatment of donkeys: “When you come upon your enemy’s … donkey going astray, you shall bring it back. When you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden and you would hold back from setting it free, you must help to set it free” (Exod.

23:4–5). Jesus affirms such kindness to donkeys, observing without condemnation that the pious untie theirs on the Sabbath and lead them to water (Luke 13:15).

If Balaam’s cruelty indicates refusal to listen to Torah, he certainly listens when the donkey speaks: “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”

Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me! I wish I had a sword in my hand! I would kill you right now!” (Num. 22:28-29) Ironic, huh? A prophet wants a sword, unaware an angry angel has one in hand, ready to cut him down. Unaware, that is, until “the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel … with his drawn sword in his hand” (Num. 22:31).

Why didn’t Balaam see the angel right away?

I wonder if he chose not to see it. After all, the angel wasn’t hiding. Balaam ignored the revealed will of God and the written word of God, suggesting a pattern of behaviour.

He was a prophet of extraordinary capacities, so presumably could have or should have see an angel standing right in front of him—unless, of course, he preferred not to. And so we have the situation of a prophet failing to see a spiritual reality while the least likely of characters spots it without difficulty.

DESIGNPICS

The prophet—the real prophet of the story—is an ass. Balaam prefers spiritual blindness to sight. He does not want to be in the presence of God’s messenger; he wants to be in the presence of Balak’s messengers who were leading him at that very moment to the longedfor treasures of Moab.

Creation Speaks, So Listen!

Balaam fails to recognize the animal’s actions and miraculous speech as further messages from God. He ignores them too. God speaks to Balaam through a donkey. He speaks to Jonah— that other flawed prophet—through a fish.

Recall the cock’s crow that got Peter’s attention, reminding him of something Jesus said, something Peter refused to believe.

But God does not only speak through nonhuman creation as a last resort. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands. Day after day they pour forth” what? Speech (Psalm 19:1-2).

So too does the rest of the natural world, even donkeys. Why? Because God made them— along with Jonah’s fish and Peter’s rooster and every other creature that exists.

And they are, God declares on the first page of our Bibles, “good.” The Balaam story is not just the story of a bad prophet. It is also the story of a good donkey, of the goodness of animal life,

The Balaam story is not just the story of a bad prophet. It is also the story of a good donkey, of the goodness of animal life, and of the evil of treating animal life cruelly or with indifference. and of the evil of treating animal life cruelly or with indifference. And by appreciating the goodness of the world God made, we may just hear him speak in unexpected ways. May God give us ears to hear!

Michael J. Gilmour (PhD, New Testament) teaches New Testament and English literature at Providence University College (PUC), where he serves as department head of Biblical Studies and Practical Theology. He is a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. His most recent book (2014) is Eden’s Other Residents: the Bible and Animals (Cascade, ISBN 9781610973328, $29.22 CDN, 170 pp.). His current research focuses on animals in the writings of C. S. Lewis.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

Column • An Education App

When Physicians Meet Metaphysics

W

DESIGNPICS

Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

hen it comes to the “right to die” or “physician assisted dying,” would any medical doctor assist a person to die if they believed they would enter a worse state through death?

Does a medical doctor’s responsibility to “first do no harm” end with a person’s death?

Death is where the physician meets the metaphysical—indeed, cannot avoid it. A doctor might prefer to stay neutral, yet even that stance contains a spiritual perspective (Matt. 12:30).

Hindus and Buddhists believe in reincarnation—that a person after death can become a higher or a lower life form. Muslims believe that Allah will decide one’s fate based on good and bad deeds. Jewish views vary, but the Hebrew Bible brings out that one’s future is not always better than what is experienced in life (Psalm 49). Jainism holds that people are not always liberated by death. Most Christians hold that to be in the fullness of God’s presence is delightful, but not all will experience this.

What spiritual assumptions underlie the discussion of the “right to die”? Canadians hold many views of the afterlife. If a good person has suffered and died, some might say, “They are watching over me now.” If a person has been murdered, others might say, “They cannot rest until their body is found and justice is done.”

Within ancient Greek and Roman circles, some people in high society talked of an afterlife, but common people were less optimistic. A typical Roman gravestone saying was not “Rest in Peace,” but “I was not. I was. I am not. I am free from wishes” or “I care not” (David Garland).

When Christianity proclaimed a gracious, loving God who promised eternal life to those who look to Him (John 14:1-3), it was good news.

As we talk about the “right to die,” conversations are also happening, and need to, about being spiritually ready to die.

16 The Messenger • March-April 2016

Christianity’s views became more widely known. Later, heaven became assumed while, in some circles, Christ as Saviour was seen as dispensable. Now it seems common in some recent and current western societies to think that if there is a God and if there is a heaven, everyone goes there (except, perhaps, for a few exceptionally bad people).

As Christians, our faith flows from the person, actions, and teachings of God in Jesus, who went through the whole of human existence, including suffering (Dorothy Sayers). When Jesus was crucified, he died between two freedom fighters, both of whom at first mocked him.

One rebel then turned to him for assurance, while another became silent. Jesus reassured the one man. No conversation is recorded between Jesus and the other man. Yet all three, suffering and wishing to be released from pain, entered eternity (Luke 23:39-43, Mark 15:32).

Three days later Jesus would be revealed on Easter Sunday as the Lord of life (Acts 3:15, Rom. 1:4). The fate of the man who spoke to Jesus is positive, shown by our Lord’s promise of Paradise (Luke 23:43). The fate of the third man is unknown.

Canadians are talking about the “right to die.”

Conversations are also happening, and need to, about being spiritually ready to die.

– Terry M. Smith

With Our Missionaries

Is Germany ready for integration?

GERMANY

PHIL & TAMMY PETERS

Phil and I went to a seminar given by a Christian German couple that works primarily in Islamic countries. Hearing the “facts and realities” about the huge influx of Muslim refugees entering Germany was sobering and exciting.

Think of the opportunity that we have as Christians in Germany to love people and to help them.

Germany, where Phil was born and our home for the past 13 years, is different than when we first came. Most of you have seen the news of people flooding over the borders into Western Europe and especially Germany. We are experiencing them live. They are standing next to us in supermarket lines and going to school with our children.

We are taking them to second-hand clothing shops and medical appointments, or teaching them language courses.

All of Germany is involved. We have no choice.

Here are some facts from the seminar: • 80% of refugees entering Europe now are Muslim • 70% are young men • The people coming over land via Turkey come from areas occupied by groups adhering to strict Sharia law, are generally conservative Muslims, and have likely experienced trauma.

• Muslim refugees view all Germans as Christians.

• They expect us to live out our Christian values.

• For a German, one’s faith is a “private matter,” while for a Muslim refugee, faith is a “public matter.”

• Younger women risk being misunderstood when friendly with men.

• We need more men involved in working with refugees.

• Arabs are generally friendly and warm people. It is in their culture.

Tammy and Phil Peters

• Arabs expect you to speak about your faith and enjoy discussing it.

• We have a “short window” of opportunity while Islamic extremists are also busy exercising influence and recruitment.

There is lots of talk in Germany about “integration” and what model should be used for one culture to successfully integrate into a new one. The success in achieving renewal will depend largely on us.

How do we present our “Christian” culture and values?

What will they see? Will we live these out in a way that reflects the image of Christ? Will we be willing to let the positives of beautiful cultures also touch us, to allow ourselves to also be renewed?

These new opportunities are not in our “job descriptions,” but, wait, actually as Christians they are. Pray for us as we develop friendships with the refugees that live right down the road from us. There are thousands right around us. Pray for our church and opportunities to connect.

Pray for the German people and especially for Angela Merkel, Germany’s chancellor. She faces a lot of resistance and opposition at the moment. In a speech to Germans she stated: “We all have the opportunity and the freedom to have our religion, to practice it, and to believe in it. I would like to see more people who have the courage to say ‘I am a Christian believer,’ and more people who have the courage to enter into a dialogue” (Dec. 2015).

– Tammy and Phil Peters Tammy and Phil Peters (Steinbach EMC), based in southern Germany, serve with TeachBeyond in educational services.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

With Our Missionaries

Alto Refugio moves ahead with local leaders and our help PARAGUAY

BOM

EMC missionaries Dave and Judy Schmidt envisioned and began a ministry in 2002 to individuals who contacted HIV/AIDS. This ministry began small, but grew in size because of the many people suffering from this disease in Paraguay and because of the sincere passion which the Schmidts brought to this ministry.

In 2012 Elsa and Beto Hein moved to Asuncion from the Chaco to work with the Schmidts and a local board of directors for a period of time, and were then named to direct the HIV/AIDS ministry.

In 2013 the EMC Board of Missions completed the transition of the Alto Refugio (High Refuge) ministry to a local board of directors as Dave and Judy completed their ministry and returned to Canada.

This transition completed a five-year process bringing the ministry to autonomy.

The EMC continues to lend moral support and assist with a few special projects each year.

In 2015 there were 15,900 people who were registered at the Alto Refugio centre, with 170 new people who registered and received services.

Although one person is helped at a time, numbers help to represent the many people who are receiving help through Alto Refugio’s ministries to adults and children (Sweet Refuge).

Services to Adults Breakfasts: 8,409 Lunches: 11,161 Supplies: 6,422 Medicines: 1,700 Clothes: 1,598 Maternity Kits 26 Hospital Kits: 28 Dental services 73

Services through “Sweet Refuge” Breakfasts: 1,483 Lunches 2,155 Vitamins 127 Diapers 219 Clothes 2,302 Milk Powder 414 Snacks 1,275 Gifts 327

The Alto Refugio Board has a strong emphasis in giving educational talks in high schools, colleges, and universities on topics of sexuality; these include abstinence and HIV/ AIDS prevention. In 2015 educational talks were given in 82 different schools with about 13,000 people in attendance.

18 The Messenger • March-April 2016

At Alto Refugio the desire is to demonstrate the love of God through morning devotionals, Bible studies, support groups, and hospital visits.

There are 10 servants who work full time at Alto Refugio, with another 13 people working part time. We know it is the Lord’s will that each one is here and that no one is working here by chance. Each worker is here to help other people, knowing that that he or she will be transformed as well to be more like Christ themselves.

As Alto Refugio comes to your mind, pray that 1) it will demonstrate the love of God to others in an appropriate way, 2) staff will work in harmony and unity and respect and accept one another with different talents, and 3) it will receive needed finances, which is left in God’s hands.

Financially, the EMC Board of Missions assists Alto Refugio in three ways. It donates $1,000 to its annual budget, $8,500 to a milk and medicine project, and $5,000 to assist in electrical upgrades.

If you would like to give a donation, please send it to EMC Missions designated to the Alto Refugio project of your choice.

– Ken Zacharias Foreign Secretary

With Our Missionaries

Joel: 'I have seen hell' feet from the back of our house.

We were literallysurrounded.

The mountain across the road was ablaze most of the night.

Rolf, Angela Kruse and family Many of our staff have fields there and spent the night saving their crops (stored in bamboo grain bins.)

Pray for joyful perseverance as we serve, learn and teach in the heat. Thank you for being part of our team in bringing the gospel to the Gumuz people and beyond.

“The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

– Angela and Rolf Kruse BOM

ETHIOPIA

A serious fire swept through the mountains on Sunday (Feb. 28). If it had come Monday, Rolf and Joel would have been gone. If it had happened Saturday, most Gumuz would have been at the market 10 kms away. If it had happened Tuesday, the soccer/evangelism training would have been cancelled.

Neighbours ran to help us while others ran to their fields and the forest to bring in crops and roofing grass.

Several people lost their entire harvest and one man was injured, but it could have been so much worse.

Joel, our son, said when looking into an entire valley ablaze, “I have seen hell.” Our warning was midday glow and lots of smoke. Firebreaks and backfires were useless in some areas as the wind caused the fire to jump across.

Wind is rare at this time of the year.

Usually fires are beat out with branches of green leaves, but there are few leafy trees at this time so we had to use precious rainwater stored from Oct. to May. Our entire yard was engulfed in smoke for about three hours. The fire came 10 feet from our classroom and 25

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

With Our Missionaries

Much accomplished, much to do Greetings again from beautiful Papua New Guinea.

We are reminded again of how fast time goes by (March 4). We’ve been back in PNG for almost three years and soon heading back to Canada for a time. Much accomplished, but much more to do. Thankfully, all is being orchestrated by the Lord of the Harvest. We all need to heed His call in John 4:35. “Do you not say, There are yet four months, then comes the harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”

Thanks again for your part in our lives and ministry through your prayers, encouragement and giving. We really appreciate it.

We’re super excited as in just over a week our son Rylan and his wife Alyssa will be coming for a visit. We’ve got a lot planned during their time here. It’s the third term school break so we’re all heading to the Sepik for a workers’ conference, and then to Pukapuki. This has been a big part of Rylan’s life and we’re happy he can share his PNG roots with Alyssa.

While in Pukapuki we’ll be teaching through 1 Timothy and Titus as well as encouraging and being encouraged by our brothers and sisters in the Lord there. It’s a little more of an adventure on the way out as we plan on a long canoe ride down the Sepik River to be picked up at the end of the road from Wewak. We’re hoping that will all happen in one day.

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

2016 Spring/Summer Intensives Enrol today!

BTS-5080M Topics— Principles of Biblical Interpretation Instructor: Pierre Gilbert May 16–20, 2016 BTS-5700 Topics— Evangelical Theology Instructor: Paul Doerksen May 2-6, 9-13, 2016.

cmu.ca/gstm

BTS-5800 BTS Study Tour— Ancient Stones, Living Stones Instructor: Gordon Matties April 25–May 16, 2016 BTS-5080C Topics—The Biblical Story of Hope and Healing Instructor: Dan Epp-Tiessen June 13–17 Students taking this course register through the Canadian School of Peacebuilding. csop.cmu.ca

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

20 The Messenger • March-April 2016

BOM

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Laurel, Tim and Joanna Schroder

Once we get back to Lapilo on April 6 we’ll be into Joanna’s last term of high school—a busy time with preparing for grad and other activities. Grad will be on June 1.

Here are some prayer requests for the next few months.

Pray for our time in Pukapuki. There are some big concerns about the leadership of the Pukapuki church. So many things of this world occupy others that should step up into leadership roles. The teaching will focus on leadership in the church.

The elementary school in Pukapuki has been closed indefinitely. One couple just took their two oldest daughters, 10 and 12, about two days’ walk through the jungle to another village with a school. We are concerned for them as we’ve seen some bad things happen in these kind of situations. Pray for wisdom and discernment for them in this.

Pray for Joanna as she faces this big transition in her life (us too). We are excited as she has been accepted to Nipawin Bible School in Saskatchewan for the fall. That’s where Laurel and many of her family attended.

We’ll be spending our home assignment time East, West, North and South. It will be an adventure for sure.

We’d appreciate your prayers for this time.

Please continue to pray for our son Jesse. Pray that we can spend some good time with him as well when we’re back in Canada.

– Tim and Laurel Schroder Tim and Laurel Schroder (Pelly) serve with New Tribes Mission.

Column • Further In and Higher Up

Do Canadian Christians Face Persecution?

C

by Layton Friesen

ISTOCK

an evangelical Christians claim they are suffering for Christ when laws about homosexuality, abortion, and assisted suicide create difficulties such as are now happening for Trinity Western University’s law school? When do we get to say that we, like so many in the world, are being persecuted for our faith?

Many would agree with Tim Perry (Faith Today, May 19, 2015) who said it’s a bit rich for evangelicals facing tensions over gay marriage to quickly place themselves along-side Christians facing beheading in the Islamic State.

There is clearly a difference.

But what do we gain when we in Canada keep reminding each other that we do not yet qualify as suffering for Jesus? It has become clear in the assisted suicide debate (or lack thereof ) that belief in suffering’s redemptive potential has evaporated in our society and possibly also in our churches.

Partly this has come because we keep telling each other that our trials couldn’t count as suffering for Jesus. We have lost an older mystical tradition in which a person in pain, for whatever reason, might be pointed to mingle with the sufferings of Christ.

But I say everything the Bible says about suffering for Jesus should apply to the experience of cancer. If I suffer in Christ, I suffer for Christ.

And if I suffer disease conformed to Jesus and his suffering for the world, than I share with Syrian Christians in the crucified body of Jesus—we are true brothers and sisters in Christ.

I would make the Scriptural case that whether suffering happens to someone attacked for believing in Jesus, or to someone attacked by kidney stones is neither here nor there. The important issue is whether suffering is in Christ, that is, as a participation with his groaning on the cross for the healing and redemption of the world.

And regarding our little “tensions” for the faith in this country, the important question is

not how severe these are or whether we “get” to call this persecution. The question is whether our suffering, however minor, takes Christ’s pacifist posture of grace and love—when he was abused he did not return abuse; when he suffered he did not threaten (I Pet. 2:23).

If calling it “persecution” means that now Christ’s loving self-gift to the enemy becomes our response, the sooner it’s called persecution the better. To genuinely suffer in Christ and with Christ, with lament to God and love for enemy, is no insult to Christians who face hotter fires in Iraq. Hereby we join the communion of the saints.

Paul’s catalogue of sufferings as “a minister of the Lord” (2 Cor. 11:23-29) cites both natural causes (labours, shipwreck, hunger, sleeplessness, danger in the wilderness) and faith opposition (imprisonments, stonings, floggings) as well as the daily anxiety of a pastor.

Or consider Job. From heaven’s view his suffering was clearly persecution, a Satanic attack on his faith. And yet on the ground his livestock was rustled by raiders, a tornado killed his children, disease cursed his body, and his friends mocked him. All of it precipitated one crisis of faith, all of it alike was cause for his one bitter complaint, and all of it alike led to his redeeming plea at the end: “Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6).

If our suffering ends with that, we suffer with and for Jesus.

We have lost an older mystical tradition in which a person in pain, for whatever reason, might be pointed to mingle with the sufferings of Christ.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Churches Christian Fellowship Church

Young life celebrated and appreciated

CFC

BIRCH RIVER, Man.—It is a joy to see all generations attending and enjoying church together. We are feeling particularly blessed by our growing Sunday School class for children. Palm Sunday 2015 was a special Sunday for our church with a family dedication by Ben Kroeker for Miloslav Matejka and his parents Vlad and Bethany Matejka as well as a joyous celebration with all the children singing and waving their palm branches.

Our youth group comprised of primarily unchurched community youth is thriving and brought a lot of fun and excitement to our yearly Family Camping weekend in August. Many members of our church are very involved in Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, whether working as staff members or speakers, volunteering as cooks or maintenance help, providing desserts, or, most importantly, through prayer.

Our church is also highly invested in the ministry of Steeprock Bay Bible Camp through the Thrift Shop in Birch River, which is in the process of constructing a new building. We are in the process of reviewing our

Ben and Miriam Kroeker with Bethany, Milo, and Vlad Matejka

constitution to determine what leadership structure will best suit our church going into the future. We are currently without a pastor, but enjoy Living Truth videos interspersed with local guest speakers and missionary reports.

– Bethany Matejka

•• Taber EMC

TABER, Alta.—In August 2015 we had our annual VBS week. The theme was Everest and focused on the power of God. About 100 children were in attendance both from our church congregation and from the surrounding community. The committee planning the week put a lot of work into planning and did an excellent job. The decorations were exceptionally grand, including a set of giant mountains on the church stage. The many volunteers who also helped run the program were greatly appreciated by both parents and kids alike.

– Naomi Klassen

TABER EMC

Nearly 100 attend VBS

The VBS committee did an excellent job.

22 The Messenger • March-April 2016

With Our Churches Portage Evangelical Church

Two baptized, two commissioned

Natasha Loewen and Alyssa Zacharias

PEC

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man.—Some days we are blessed to be able to walk alongside those who are growing in their walk with the Lord. Sunday, Feb. 28, was a day like that when we witnessed two young ladies, Alyssa Zacharias and Natasha Loewen, take the step of baptism. They both shared their testimonies, along with how they are declaring to live their lives for Christ. Each had their encourager join them and encourage them.

Pastor Glenn Loewen shared as to what baptism is all about: “A dedication of a new identity, outward confession, and restored identity.” He used the story of the Prodigal Son and his father using the symbols of the kiss, the robe, and the ring.

Let’s do our part and uphold these young ladies in prayer as they seek to follow Jesus and do his will.

– Catherine Epp

Pastor Glenn Loewen, Natasha Loewen, Pastor Les Kroeker

Pastor Glenn Loewen, Alyssa Zacharias, Pastor Les Kroeker

RESPONDING REBUILDING RESTORING

To find out how you can help bring people home: call

1-866 866--261 261--1274 A commissioning prayer was said on March 6 for Kyla Wiebe who will be serving in Taiwan and Erna Plett who is returning to Paraguay.

or go online

mds.mennonite.net

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Church of Living Water

New pastor and members

CLW

TILLSONBURG, Ont.—On Jan. 31, 2016, conference pastor Ward Parkinson was on hand to ordain our new pastor Gavin Michaels (with his wife Judy Michaels). We also welcomed four members: Jake and Susie Janzen and Randy and Bev Moyle. On Feb. 14 we received two more members: C. D. and Sheila Reeves.

– Jake Peters

Jake and Susie Janzen, C.D. and Sheila Reeves, Randy and Bev Moyle, and pastoral couple Gavin and Judy Michaels.

•• Heartland Community Church

Pastoral family honoured

HEARTLAND

LANDMARK, Man.—In August 2015 we celebrated the safe arrival of some Pastor Andy Woodworth’s family, wife Stephanie and two of their four children who moved from southern Ont. To mark the special occasion we shared a potluck meal and, in their honour, enjoyed a special cake created by Rebecca Bernardin.

– Brigitte Toews

Pastoral couple Stephanie and Andy Woodworth

24 The Messenger • March-April 2016

With Our Churches Straffordville EMC

We want the Lord to lead us

SEMC

STRAFFORDVILLE, Ont.—On May 17, 2015, we had a baptism service where Tony Loewen, and Abe and Mary Klassen were baptized and Tina Giesbrecht was received as a member. This was followed by a potluck lunch.

We were blessed with quite a few young people getting married this year and happy for them, but sad to see some of them move away. We wish them all God’s richest blessings on their marriages.

We had VBS in the Straffordville Park from July 6-10, which was well attended. On July 19 we had a Community Day Camp also at the Straffordville Tina Giesbrecht, Mary Klassen, Abe Klassen, Tony Loewen, and Pastor Abe Berg Park. We enjoyed our Sunday morning church service outside. followed by a barbeque lunch there, but then the deal fell through. We ended up renting and activities all day, including an inflatable slide and a litthe building from the other group till the end of the year. tle train. It was a great day even though it rained hard for We were thankful that they were so accommodating and a while. We ended the day with a light supper (faspa) and could still have our annual Sunday School Christmas proworship. gram and Christmas banquets there.

We sold our church building to a Kleine Gemeinde Our last Sunday in the church building was on Dec. Group in hopes of purchasing the Straffordville Commu27, 2015. It was quite an emotional service with a lot of nity Centre, which had become available for us. Our offer sharing of how God has lead us and how we want to conhad been accepted and we were excited about the potential tinually allow Him to lead us.

We are now meeting in the Straffordville Public School Gym and are excited about building a new church building on the lot that we own in Straffordville. We appreciate your prayers and support during this time.

Our first Sunday in the gym, our whole theme for Sunday School and the service, was the EMC Day of Prayer.

On Sunday, Jan. 31, we were blessed that conference pastor Ward Parkinson came to do the commissioning service for our new deacon couple, Pete and Lisa Reddekopp. On a sad note, that same day a dear brother and long time member, Henry Froese, passed away.

Lisa and Peter Reddekopp, a deacon couple, were commissioned on Jan. 31.

– Kathy Klassen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

News

WASHINGTON, D. C.—Lois Mary Gunden Clemens, a Mennonite woman from Goshen, Ind., was honoured posthumously by U.S. president Obama and Israeli officials on Jan. 27 at the Israeli Embassy for risking her life to save Jewish children during the Holocaust.

Gunden Clemens sheltered Jewish children at a home she established in 1941 in southern France, working with MCC and another aid group. She took in Spanish refugees, as well as Jewish children, many of whom were smuggled out of a nearby internment camp. On multiple occasions

she told German officials who came for children that they were unavailable.

She was detained by German forces for more than a year in 1943-44 before being released in a prisoner exchange. Gunden Clemens later had a teaching career and earned a doctorate in French. She died in 2005.

– Mennonite World Review

MWR

Gunden honoured for rescuing Jewish children

Lois Mary Gunden Clemens

••

Foodgrains Bank launches African drought appeal 24 million people at risk, Canadians invited to help WINNIPEG, Man.—With millions of people in southern Africa and Ethiopia facing extreme drought this year, Canadian Foodgrains Bank is inviting Canadians to donate to its African Drought Appeal.

“We are reaching out to Canadians and asking them to please give generously,” says CFGB executive director Jim Cornelius.

The prolonged drought, which affects about 14 million people in southern Africa and another ten million in Ethiopia, is a consequence of the most powerful El Nino event in recent history.

According to the World Food Programme and the United Nations, the countries most affected by the drought include Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Swaziland and Ethiopia; all will need food assistance this year.

As well, about one million children are in need of treatment for severe acute malnutrition in eastern and southern Africa. “People are suffering,” says Cornelius.

“They are watching as the time to plant comes and goes with no rainfall, or watching the crops they did manage to plant wither and die.”

Through its members—World Renew, World Relief Canada, MCC Canada and Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada—CFGB is responding. To date, we have committed over $2.5 million for relief projects, but more help is needed.

26 The Messenger • March-April 2016

“The time to provide assistance is now, before photos of hungry children begin appearing on our screens,” says Cornelius, noting that African countries are doing what they can to mitigate the crisis. “But if we wait until then, for many it will be too late.”

People who want to donate to the African Drought response can do so online; by sending a cheque to Box 767, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2L4; or calling 1-800-665-0377 (204944-1993 in Winnipeg).

– CFGB

Births

MARTENS—To Jason and Judy of Tillsonburg, Ont., a daughter, Sofia Rose, on July 3, 2015.

MATEJKA—To Vlad and Bethany of Birch River, Man., a daughter, Wilhelmina Amber, on Dec. 11, 2015.

News

Foodgrains Bank responding to El Niño drought in Ethiopia ETHIOPIA—Ethiopia is suffering from a severe drought caused by a failed short rainy season and an erratic long rainy season. The situation is the result of El Niño, the waterwarming phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean. It is hitting Ethiopia hard, with as many as 8.2 million people needing food assistance—a figure that could increase to about 15 million.

In the remote northern Afar Region, MCC and local partners are responding with a project worth $276,000. Without goats for food and milk, people are undernourished and struggling. This project re-stocks goat herds for 400 families.

In southern Ethiopia, World Renew, in a project worth $884,000, is providing emergency food rations of maize, beans, and oil for 28,800 people, including about 10,000 children aged five and under. Nursing and pregnant women receive Famix, a nutritious supplementary food.

CFGB

Three projects providing relief

In southwest Ethiopia, World Relief Canada is planning a $300,000 food-for-work response for early 2016. About 35,000 people will receive emergency food rations in return for their labour on community projects. The CFGB will continue to monitor the situation in Ethiopia.

– Amanda Thorsteinsson, CFGB

••

In war-torn Syria, emergency food brings hope to families CFGB provides critical support as families seek to survive SYRIA—Prior to the war, Mira, her husband Tarek, and their eight children lived a contented life. Tarek worked and Mira stayed at home. But one day a missile hit the bus Tarek was riding in and his legs were paralyzed.

The family fled to a coastal city. People were flooding in, causing rents to rise and making work hard to come by.

The family initially stayed with friends, then Mira sold her bracelet for two months of rent and borrowed money for food. Then Tarek developed gangrene; they couldn’t afford medical help and he passed away.

Mira heard about a food assistance program at a local church funded by Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB). The project, which helps 2,000 people in Syria each month for six months, is worth $676,000, supported partly through a Canadian government grant.

Mira asked for help. When project staff visited her, they were disturbed by the unhealthy children wearing shabby clothing. Though Mira worked part-time at a café, she couldn’t pay rent or send her children to school.

Staff returned with a food package and told Mira where she could try to get assistance for paying rent. During a follow-up visit, they saw that the family’s situation had improved; the children looked health- Mira and several of her children met with a local ier and were in project staff member in their apartment in Syria. school. And Mira? Her well-being has increased. Her story is one of many that come to the CFGB. Canadians can help by making a donation at www.foodgrainsbank.ca.

– Amanda Thorsteinsson, CFGB

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

News

MBs of Manitoba join as a supporting conference of SBC MB involvement goes back to early days of institution

SBC

STEINBACH, Man.—Steinbach Bible College is pleased to announce that on March 5, 2016, the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba (MBCM) churches voted unanimously to become a supporting conference of it. MBCM now joins the Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC), Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference (EMMC), and Christian Mennonite Conference (CMC) as affiliate conferences in partnership with the college.

The relationship between SBC and the Mennonite Brethren conference extends back to SBC‘s beginning as a Bible School.

In 1931, three teachers and 13 students of the Mennonite Brethren and Evangelical Mennonite Brethren churches met for classes in the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church.

In the fall of 1935 the Mennonite Brethren church board, feeling it had a special obligation towards its youth, decided to “do everything within its power to offer the

youth the opportunity of delving into the Word of God.” The first president of SBC was Rev. John Baerg of Arnaud Mennonite Brethren Church, who served from 1936-44.

Current president, Dr. Rob Reimer, is a life-long member of the Mennonite Brethren conference and pastored MB churches in the U.S. and Canada prior to his appointment as president in 2007.

Living in God’s Kingdom: a practical study guide on Over the years, many MBCM pastors and missionaries have received their biblical training at SBC. the Christian life will be launched at SBC’s leadership Available March We are excited to continue this tradition in the conconference, March 18–19. It is an 2016! text of an official partnership and look forward to introduction to the Christian faith, LIVING IN exploring how SBC can best serve the churches of our suitable for baptism/membership and affiliate conferences. other classes.

We are grateful to MBCM Executive Director e guid study ] [aonpracthetical Christian life Elton DaSilva and the MBCM board for their hard Lessons include: God and revelation, work in bringing about this new partnership. We also thank Tim Dyck (EMC General Secretary), Lyn Dyck Jesus Christ and salvation, Holy Spirit (EMMC Executive Director) and Dave Reimer (CMC and discipleship, the kingdom and the Bishop) for their encouragement and support of this future, church and mission, and Anabapaffiliation. tist history. A leader’s guide is available.

We praise God for His work and provision throughout this process. May He be glorified as SBC To order, contact the conference office. continues to empower servant leaders to follow Jesus, serve the church, and engage the world.

-SBC

GOD’S KINGDOM

nite Conference Christian Menno ch, MB R5G 0J1 478 Henry St, Steinba www.cmconference.ca

nite Conference Evangelical Menno ch, MB R5G 1Z5 440 Main St, Steinba www.emconference.ca

ence/Go Mission! nite Mission Confer Evangelical Menno eg, MB R2N 4G6 757 St Anne’s Rd, Winnip .ca www.gomission

28 The Messenger • March-April 2016

News

MDS ‘bridge raising’ could be first of many More than 300 needed in West Virginia GRIFFITHSVILLE, WV—The durable private driveway bridge stretching across a creek near here is “a first” for many people —for residents Ruth and Joshua Plumley, for Mennonite Disaster Service, and for Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

Jenny Gannaway, chair of the West Virginia VOAD, hopes the bridge is the first of many. More than 300 driveway bridges, also called personal access bridges, in West Virginia need to be rebuilt in the wake of 2015 flooding.

Gannaway personally visited people in need throughout the state. “One elderly man has to walk more than half a mile to get to his house, and he has heart problems.”

“We . . .knew we had to do something,” she said, but this would be the first bridge for a vehicle MDS had ever built.

A structural engineering company based in Virginia, designed the bridges, a local excavator dug the footers and laid the steel beams in place, and skilled MDS volunteers arrived to help. They were led by Peter Thiessen, an MDS project director with much commercial and residential construction experience. Peter and his wife Susan, project office manager, for many years were part of Abbeydale Christian Fellowship (EMC) in Calgary, Alta.

Thiessen reflected on why he came to West Virginia— far away from his home in Okotoks, Alta. “I came here because I see people like the Plumleys as my neighbors in need,” he said. “I plan to build one bridge at a time here.”

He commended the volunteers who came from Ohio and Pennsylvania. “They want to work,” he said, “and I believe it is part of their call to service.” He is grateful for where their work with MDS has brought them. “I mean, we are to journey where we are challenged—right?”

– Susan Kim, MDS

June 17-18, 2016 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

MDS

For more info on the conference and registration, visit Prov.ca/Conference

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

Columns • Poetry

The Deadline

by Brigitte Toews

A New Covenant borne—God alone did amend A Great Light has dawned at the darkness’s end Now all may enter by the new Beautiful GateFor the segregating walls—He came to break No more deadline for the nations—who take refuge in Him No more death to the people he has cleansed from all sin Though He lay sealed in a tomb—A rich man’s final estate Death could not hold him—He held the keys to the gate! *** But like the beggar who sat by the old eastern gate With crippled faith we still sit and wait For the risen Saviour to show his face, To come and take His rightful place Yet Jesus said: “Go out and command in My Name”

ISTANBUL ARCHEOLOGY MUSEAUM

At the evening sacrifice, at the hour of prayer The Temple curtain was torn, The Most Holy Place bared “It is finished!” echoed from Calvary’s Hill From the last Great Deliverer who governs God’s will

This ancient inscription warns Gentiles.

Heal the deaf and the blind, Free the prisoners and the lame Extend out your hands—Pull them out of the fire Help them to stand—Lift them out of the mire I AM the God whose glory shines like the sun The Kingdom is near—My will be done I AM the Last Man standing—I will come back in the flesh Then every knee will bow and every tongue confess: Jesus is Lord!

(Acts 2, 3, 4; Phil. 2:11; Gal. 3:23-29; John 10: 7-10, 23-39; Matt.16:15-19; Eze. 44:1-2; Rev.1: 17-18) The Deadline originally referred to a line drawn around a prison beyond which prisoners were liable to be shot dead if they crossed it. John Lightfoot writes of Josephus’ record of an inscription at the Beautiful Gate in the Temple in Jerusalem, which warned of death to the nations who crossed the threshold from the Court of the Gentiles to the Court of Women and beyond.

Brigitte Toews is a part of Heartland Community Church.

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD

Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Missions 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca www.emconfer ence.ca

30 The Messenger • March-April 2016

Columns • Poetry

Forty Times

by Ray Hill

Forty times he felt the whip Forty times he bit his lips Till they freely bled out agony Forty times came down the blow That tore his flesh away from bone Hot venom from his neck down to his knees For disparaging our respected leaders And for traditions you tried to demean By rejecting all-enthralling Roman power You begged to die naked on a tree

This one is for eating with the worthless For engaging with our women just like men A blow for teaching all the witless masses Promising them bread that comes from heaven How does this feel, you rejected loser?

The wealthy and the mighty own it all As for your brand of justice and forgiving They cannot stand the lash and Roman law The Cross will have the final declaration An end to all this nonsense - so absurd Where is your victory for all the ages?

Death and Grave will have the final word

Weddings PETERS-THIESSEN—Lisa Peters and Joseph Thiessen were married on May 30, 2015, in Langton, Ont. LOEWEN-SNYDER— Wengy Loewen and Joshua Snyder were married on July 26, 2015, in Hamilton, Ont. BLATZ-DYCK— Jennifer Blatz and Brady Dyck were married on Dec. 19, 2015, in Mount Salem, Ont.

DESIGNPICS

Roman peace demands you worship Caesar This one for profaning righteous men And for giving hope to obscene women By telling them that they could start again

This one for the King of Jews Another for deceiving men Suffer for the sins of many Cursed by God who judges them Forty times the whip came down Forty times he moaned in agony Where were angels he called to destroy us?

Instead his wounds poured out his dignity Forty times he called to us Forty times to walk with him And follow him into Jerusalem O mystery of suffering!

There is healing in our pain The broken and the fallen called from death—to live again Ray Hill (MacGregor) is an EMC minister.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

Ann Annette Walton van Enns

1957-2016 On the morning of Jan. 12, 2016, Ann Annette Walton van Enns of Fort Chipewyan, Alta., slipped into the mighty arms of her Master and Saviour at the age of 58 years, 10 months.

Annette was born on March 25, 1957, in Medford, Oregon, to Howard and May Walton. She was reared on a small farm near Pleasant Hill, Oregon, where she attended and graduated from the school where her father was librarian and teacher.

Early in life Ann recognized her need of the Saviour and accepted him gladly. She was baptized and received into the membership of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

Ann worked as a volunteer in 1975-76 and studied from 1976-81 at Lane College and Prairie Bible College. Eventually she took graduate studies in Kansas City, Edmonton, Lac La Biche, and Langley (B.C.).

From 1981 until her marriage in 1993 she taught in education and drama departments in Oregon and Alberta.

From 1994 to 2007 she was an adjunct education instructor at Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute.

Aside from a furlough in 2001, Ann served the children and families of Fort Chipewyan since 1994 in

32 The Messenger • March-April 2016

ways both spiritual and physical. She helped other northern communities too, from Garden Creek, Alta., to Fort MacPherson, NWT. Despite experiencing serious health concerns since 2007, Annette continued to be a respected member of the Fort Chipewyan community, which enjoyed her wise counsel, community service, and cranberry jam.

She enjoyed the trapline, her plants, red birds, ravens, and chickadees— with which she used to “converse.”

She will always be remembered for her first and foremost loyalty to Christ our Creator, which empowered Ann to do many difficult and wonderful things!

She is survived by her beloved husband of 23 years, Arlyn; parents, Howard and May; parents-in-law Henry and Luella; brothers Chris and Mark; sisters-in-law Renee, Laurella (Brett), and Lanna-Marie; brother-inlaw Lyndell (Daniela); nephews Brynn, Kieren and Lorenzo; and nieces Lezley and Lyzandria.

Ann’s wake was held at Fort Chipewyan Community Church, the funeral at Fort Chipewyan Community Hall, and interment in the Chipewyan cemetery. A memorial service was held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where her Field Coordinator described her as having “had an exceptional intellect, an exceptional talent, and an exceptional humility—a rare combination!”

Annette travelled for the Gospel by bush plane, small boat, snowmobile, and ice-road. Having twice been on planes which lost an engine in flight, nearly crashing in ski-planes two other times, and being on a boat trip when the vessel partially broke up, this gentle woman, who never sought adventure to start with, would just

shut her eyes and sing hymns until her Lord got things resolved!

In her public farewell, Annette said, in pain, yet eloquently: “My heart is full of a jumble of feelings right now. None is stronger than for our Lord Jesus who from my opening years began teaching of His forgiving grace. First, through my parents, then through my church and its teachers, then directly through the Word, and eventually through a large number of different situations and people with whom Jesus purposely and kindly brought into my life. “ . . . You too have begun at different times to experience God’s grace and to allow His graciousness to flow through you—in our Lord’s Days together, in the bush, sometimes at spiritual camps. I have valued your every kindness. I value our times of serving our village together.

“I don’t know where my life goes from here. It doesn’t matter. For many years I’ve been grateful of our Lord’s saving grace. I will forever enjoy His sustaining grace. I am content.”

– Her Family

Calendar Manitoba June 16

Project Builders Golf Tournament

July 1-3 EMC National Convention

Canada October 28-30 TRU 2016

Shoulder Tapping *With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

EMC Positions* Taber EMC is seeking a full-time youth/associate pastor. Candidate should have the ability to plan and oversee a comprehensive youth ministry and oversee associate pastor ministries as arranged by the church leadership. Valuable assets would be skills in sports and music. Contact church board chair Abe Klassen at 403-223-0588 or 403-331-9563. Send resumes to Taber EMC, Box 4348, Taber, AB T1G 2C7 or taberemc@ yahoo.ca.

Mennville EMC, a rural congregation with an attendance of about 90, located in Manitoba's Interlake region, seeks a full- or part-time pastor. The pastor will work within a ministerial team as the church seeks to renew and grow. College or seminary training and pastoral experience are definite assets.

Starting date is flexible and salary will reflect EMC guidelines. A candidate should be a collaborative leader (team player), comfortable in the pulpit and in pastoral care, familiar with the EMC Statement of Faith, and respectful of various cultures and rural living. Contact minister Terry Dueck at frontier104@ hotmail.com.

High Level Christian Fellowship (HLCF) is seeking a full-time pastor. HLCF is a diverse but well established congregation serving in a community where oil and gas, farming and forestry are the driving industries. HLCF has an average attendance of 130 members and adherents. The successful candidate would be able to relate and work well with people working together towards building an active community of believers. If God is directing you in this mission please forward your resume to either Jake Neufeld at j.neufeld@peacecountrypetroleum.com or Greg Derkson at mariederkson@gmail.com or by phone Jake (780-821-9432) or Greg (780-926- 9553).

Treesbank Community Church is a small rural church in southwest Manitoba that is seeking a pastor to lead our congregation and outreach in our community. This could be on a full- or part-time basis. It could be on a flexible schedule to allow a student to do some practicum while still in college, or to allow someone to transition to retirement on a part-time flexible schedule. If you are interested in church leadership and outreach and feel God calling you to this type of ministry, please contact Leonard Plett at 204-824-2475 or at lplett@mts.net.

The Anola Fellowship Chapel (EMC) is presently looking to fill the church youth leader position. This is a part-time paid position. We are looking for someone with a vision for youth evangelism and discipleship.

There is a program for students in grades 7-12.

Individuals or couples may apply. Submit resume with references, personal statement of faith, or any questions to search committee chairman at: bdowler@mts.net, or Box 101, Anola, MB R0E 0A0.

Abbeydale Christian Fellowship, Calgary, seeks a full-time lead pastor to work alongside our current associate pastor and leadership team. The ideal candidate has served at least ten years as pastor (five as lead), is a good preacher and communicator, and relates easily with people of all ages. He works well in a team and as a mentor, has relevant education, and will require EMC approval. The ministry focus is discipleship through preaching, teaching, encouraging small groups, and prayer. He will also lead in pastoral care. We are an urban congregation of 125 with an informal atmosphere. We are committed to love through service to one another and to our community. Please see the full profile at http://abbeydale. org/index.php/careers, and then apply in confidence to search@abbeydale.org.

Other Positions

are building a team passionate about following God by discipling people into mature Christians and ultimately replacing our leadership positions from those we work with. Please email us at generaldirector.mcl@ gmail.com for a full job description or inquiries.

Christian Summer Camp Staff - Brightwood Ranch located near Edmonton, serves kids from single parent, foster and group homes. We hire camp counselors, kitchen staff, wranglers, program directors, maintenance, unit leaders, nurses and a climbing wall instructor. Salary plus room and board.

May and June start dates. www.hopemission.com/ summercamp Altona EMMC seeks a lead pastor. Located in Altona, Man., we are a vibrant church with an average of 450 people attending our dual Sunday morning services.

The successful candidate would serve with our multi staffed pastoral team. For a complete job description visit www.emmc.altona.mb.ca. Resumes can be submitted to pastoral search committee chair Harv Toews: harvjtoews@gmail.com.

Where are position ads to be sent?

Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconf.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited.

Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

MCC service positions, AKRON, PA - Do you know someone interested in service? Mennonite Central Committee needs service workers in our Akron, PA, office for these positions: Administrative Assistants, Canner Operators, Instructional Technologist, Receptionist. Assignments are one- or two-year commitments. MCC covers the cost of transportation to and from assignment, housing, daily living expenses, medical insurance and assistance with Stories of Hope, Healing and Community student loans. For more information see serve.mcc.org or email akronconnecBethel Mennonite Church tion@mcc.org.

465 Stafford St. Winnipeg Mid-Way Christian Leadership seeks a full-time caring team member to support the small group of believers in Grand Rapids, Man., under the leadership of Fred and Stella Neff. It is a paid position moving into a raised support funding model. The individual will support Christians as they grow into the Christian leaders of the north in Manitoba. Helping lead Sunday School, preaching, and leading Bible studies are some of the more formal “programs” that exist today, but, most importantly, people either need to accept Jesus or follow Him in victory. We

April 9th at 7 p.m.

Hear compelling mental health stories from people with lived experience and from Eden service providers and Recovery of hope

Special music by Faith & Life Male Choir Conductor—Henry Engbrecht Pianist—Loren Hiebert

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Column • Here and Far Away

The Most Creative Thing I Do

“A

If we do not take special responsibility for what’s going on inside we are at risk of having poor, even dangerous, influence over another.

34 The Messenger • March-April 2016

JOCELYN R. PLETT

by Jocelyn R. Plett www.writewhatyousee. wordpress.com

leader is a person who must take special responsibility for what’s going on inside of himself or herself… lest the act of leadership create more harm than good” (Parker Palmer, quoted in Replenish, Lance Witt. 19).

One could insert any role into that statement: Parent. Writer. Teacher.

Preacher. Mentor. Anyone who has contact, and influence, over another. We all have influence, even within simple conversations.

If we do not take special responsibility for what’s going on inside we are at risk of having poor, even dangerous, influence over another.

Leading with our human nature, rather than our supra-human, Spirit-guided nature, the fallenness of our heart will come through.

When I sit down to write Messenger articles, the responsibility can become immobilizing: What if I write something that will be misunderstood? What if, in the 500 word limit to which I’m constrained, I’m not able to cover every side of the topic, causing readers to think I’m valuing one aspect of spiritual integrity at the expense of another? What if I can’t think of anything to write?

In her book on prayer, writer and artist LeAnne Payne wrote, “Praying is the most creative thing I do.” The simplicity and difficulty of this astounds me still. Wisdom from books, podcasts, or articles on parenting, team management, or how to write can be helpful, but if my output is not informed by godly input, it will be ultimately ineffective. I’ll be a poor influence to anyone I come in contact with. I’ll burn out because I’m projecting from a non-renewable tank. Furthermore, I’ve learned enough to know that Spirit-led influence is always better than human-led.

When I sit across the table from a son who is struggling, the Spirit reminds me that I cannot hope to give quality support and wisdom if I have not plugged in to the Source of all wisdom. To remain in the Vine is, unsurprisingly, an all-important factor in doing anything (John 15). When I sit down to write, my muse should always feed from the Almighty Author (and perfecter of my faith, Hebrews 12:2). Creativity or wisdom borne within the intimacy of time spent with Christ has always proven to be more vibrant and fertile, in my experience. Yet this can only happen if I prioritize time to linger in the Presence of the Lord of Lords.

I have found it to be true that time in prayer, reading, and meditating on scripture is the most creative thing I do. It informs my creativity in every aspect of daily living. It is the wisdom I draw from to parent my children or engage in tricky conversations. It imbues how I interact with my husband. It is the most influential part of my life. And, somehow, it often tends to be the first thing I neglect.

I must remember that the luxury of lingering in the presence of the Lord is the most creative (responsible, healthy, disciplined, well-managed) thing I do. And do it often.

Column • stewardship today

Autonomy and Community

“S

by Mike Strathdee

DESIGNPICS

o Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.

When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. … The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip" (Gen. 32:24-25, 31).

Dutch pastor Wieteke van der Molen used this text for a Friday evening message at the Mennonite World Conference assembly in Harrisburg, Penn., last July. Out of many good sermons that week, her message, “On Autonomy and Community,” struck the deepest chord for me (see the message online at pa2015.mwc-cmm.org).

We are all part of a community, van der Molen noted, be it a family, tribe, school, workplace or church. Some of us are members of multiple communities. Community feeds us, nurtures us and teaches us right from wrong, she said. To be human is to be part of community—we cannot survive alone.

We also crave autonomy, to have control over what concerns us. We want to make our own decisions, to be and do our best. There is a major tension between these important truths.

The struggle was ever thus, even in Old Testament times. As we read in Genesis, Jacob believed that he came first, always. He swindled his brother, deceived his father, and so on. But living by your own set of rules and living in community do not go well together. After wrestling with the angel, Jacob struggled with the people around him, with God and with himself.

Autonomy, van der Molen argues, means that you are your own judge, but you have to figure it all out by yourself. Jacob’s story teaches us that it is not wrong to seek our own way, but we need to recognize the community around us, acknowledging the pain, hurt, and frustration on both sides.

Modern, grown-up autonomy doesn’t come easy. When we act like Jacob did, wrestling with God, community, and self, van der Molen has this warning: “Even if you win, it leaves you slightly limping.” How much of that limping results from failing to seek counsel?

One of the core principles that Mennonite

Foundation of Canada teaches is that God asks for our whole selves; that stewardship is best forged in Christian community marked by integrity, accountability, and joy. Do we seek out Christian community and accountability in our walk as stewards of all that God has entrusted to us? Where do we find counsel in making choices around financial matters and in determining whether those choices are God-honouring?

In the 16 years that I have shared MFC’s message of generous living and faithful, joyful giving, I have noticed the desire for autonomy, at whatever cost, intensify. Interest in, or even understanding of, community and the responsibilities that come with community, has crashed to a similar extent. It affects many of the institutions that we serve. Denominations, churches, and some charities are limping, staggering in some cases. Others are thriving and growing, but there will be more limping and brokenness in coming years, I suspect.

We can do a lot more together than we can apart. How do we foster discussions around the value of community in our financial decisions?

MFC can help. Perhaps a money autobiography class would be helpful. Maybe a discussion of best practices, both on a personal and congregational level, could be of assistance. Ask the MFC office closest to you for resources to help get the discussion started.

Stewardship is best forged in community marked by accountability and joy.

Mike Strathdee is a stewardship consultant at Mennonite Foundation of Canada serving generous people in Ontario and eastern provinces. For more information on impulsive generosity, stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit MennoFoundation.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Column • kids’ corner

The Colours of April

W Nature’s colors bring calm and beauty to our world.

Each spring we expect and welcome these changes.

ISTOCK

by Loreena Thiessen

hat do you see when you look outside at midwinter? Mostly it’s white snow and a lot of grey. The sky is grey as snow clouds move in. Tree trunks and their branches are grey.

Roads are often dirty with churned up snow. In the month of April colour returns once again.

April is blue. The spring sky is now more blue than grey.

April is green as vibrant green grasses push up through last year’s brown dead leaves. Trees bud and soon shimmer green.

April is yellow. The sun has a new glow and is brighter and warmer. A sea of brilliant yellow dandelions suddenly covers the backyard.

April is red, purple, and lavender as the first tulips and irises burst up from the earth and their velvety blooms open.

April brings spotted orange and brown monarchs as they flit about looking for nectar and the right place to lay their eggs. The red breasted robin returns to the backyard fence to announce his arrival. Flocks of golden waxwings peck at old fruit on apple trees. Pink grosbeaks and finches swarm the feeder for seeds.

There are sparrows with yellow crowns and black and white stripes on their heads. Warblers

rich with black spots and stripes sing their cheery song. Mallards with shiny green heads swim alongside their brown spotted mates and soon long lines of fuzzy yellow ducklings follow.

Our eyes quickly adjust to this warm change from the cold of winter. Nature’s colors bring calm and beauty to our world. Each spring we expect and welcome these changes.

Colours do more than bring beauty to the world around us. Colours protect plants and animals. The bright colours of flowers attract bees and butterflies to gather food and spread pollen from one plant to another to help them reproduce.

Camouflage keeps animals safe from their enemy. The polar bear blends in with his snowy surroundings. The wavy stripes of the zebra blend in with the waving Activity: Take a colour walk. tall grasses around him.

The green caterpillar Need: pencil, crayons, camera, note paper. blends in with the green leaf he walks along. This Do: Take a walk in a nearby park or forest. Watch for birds, plants, is how God planned it stones, pieces of wood or trees, animals. Can you name each one? What to be. is their colour? On a sheet of paper or in your notebook draw what you Read Genesis 1:11, see. Label it. Colour it. Take a photo of it. How many things did you find? 12, and 31, and Matthew How many different colours? Share your findings with family and friends. 6:28 and 29.

36 The Messenger • March-April 2016

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