The Messenger Vol. 43 No. 1 January 12, 2005

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 43 NUMBER 1 JANUARY 12, 2005

Suffering and the Presence of God Judy Schmidt and Erna Dueck share stories of faith in the midst of crisis

Suffering and faith

Where was God? Judy Schmidt

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HERE WAS GOD when Susan Dickens cried out to Him for a miracle to healing? She had a small daughter who needed her mommy and Susan felt a strong urge to write her life story—about how God rescued her from a dark past, and brought her into the Light. But God called her home in 1993, at the age of 38, after suffering from a rare disease.

Where was God when Alicia Zang prayed with faith to God that He heal her so she could spend some more years with her small daughter, and also be His servant in educating Paraguay about AIDS and give her testimony.

But God called her home in 1998, at the age of 36, after battling one and a half years with the many diseases that affect those living with AIDS. Where was God when Aurelia Diaz cried out of pain and motherly agony to the Lord for seven more years of life to guide her three sons, ages four, eight and 13 years. She had faith that God would hear her prayers and the many others that prayed for

Judy and Dave Schmidt have served as church planting missionaries and, more recently, as directors of a drop-in for people living with HIV/AIDS. Both are second generation missionaries in Paraguay. Since they married, they have served in Paraguay for 23 years, and two and a half years as pastoral couple in Roseisle, Man. 2

her and her family. Her husband had fallen back into worldly living—so who would guide her children?—but God called her home in 2004, at the age of 30, after an incredibly painful struggle with cancer.

Where was God? As a pastor/missionary wife, I struggled with this question time and again as I encouraged Susan before and after going to Paraguay, stayed with Alicia for months of hospitalization, and sat with Aurelia while she cried in pain.

Alicia Zang I clearly remember asking the Lord to give me the chance to lead people to Him and also to disciple them. He answered my prayer. He gave me many opportunities, but my life revolved around these three for many years.

So why did He take these young Christian mothers?

I had met Susan during our pastorate in Roseisle. She moved into town about the same time we did. I sensed in her and her daughter Caroline a loneliness and sadness. Susan was divorced and unemployed. Over many cups of tea, while feeling unprepared for her super intelligent conversations, I prayed that the Lord would prepare her heart. As ladies we started a Friendship Bible Coffee and Susan accepted the invitation. After the sixth lesson she expressed her need for Jesus. I wish I could say her spiritual life took off, but she struggled with many issues even while taking steps of faith.

She started having health problems and as we said our goodbyes for our return to Paraguay, we did not know it would be so final. We kept corresponding; and as her health deteriorated, her faith grew. She had the Roseisle church family around her, which she thanked the Lord for. Susan sent me a few of her prayers expressing her desire to be healed, at the same time realizing she was getting weaker.

A victory in her life was the reconciliation that took place with her family. During this time I had a strong faith and assurance that the Lord would heal her, but the day came when Susan sent me her final letter and soon she went in peace to meet her Lord.

It was during this time, upon our return to Paraguay, and church plant in Pastoreo, that we had met and walked alongside Alicia. A single mother of two children at that point, her sister introduced us to Alicia as a very “loose” woman. Alicia had made a decision for Christ, but nothing changed.

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I hired her as a part-time maid and we studied the Guarani New Testament as a language study. When we came to the portion in John about the Samaritan woman she said, “That’s me.”

At that point she totally dedicated herself to Christ. It was only two months later that she lost her fourmonth-old baby boy in crib death. It only deepened her faith in God, praise Him. She and her daughter Vaneza served the Lord, and soon Alicia took the step of baptism with a powerful testimony to all that came to witness the event. (This date coincided with Susan’s baptism in Roseisle, which was very special to me.)

After our furlough in Canada, we picked up contact with Alicia in Asuncion where we were involved in a church plant. She immediately began to help us in this effort. When Alicia started getting sick and was hospitalized, the tests confirmed that she had AIDS. Five years after leaving her lifestyle of pleasures, this was the consequence. She confronted the possibility of death, but at the same time gave her testimony of life. She spoke in schools, churches and over the radio, giving straight talk about AIDS. Many prayed for her healing, and she wanted so much to walk through Vaneza’s teen years, as hers had been so turbulent. We were in and out of the hospital for 18 months when the Lord called her home. I had also prayed for her healing but for God’s will to be done. It seems I was praying more timidly than the way I had prayed for Susan.

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y second close friend in Pastoreo was Aurelia. She made a decision for Christ as her father was dying. When Alicia left town, I had the opportunity to have Aurelia as my parttime maid and, like Alicia, we studied God’s Word every day. Aurelia grew spiritually and was baptized. Later her husband came to the Lord as well, and they became a strong leader couple in the church.

After we moved to Asuncion, they drifted from January 12, 2005

the Lord and were having marriage problems. As a result of his drinking and abuse, Aurelia and her three boys showed up at our door.

Again, as she helped out in our home, we included a lot of counselling.

After nine months of being separated, and with a lot of prayer, Aurelia and her husband reconciled.

Even though he continued in his old ways, he was not physically abusive. It was during this time that Aurelia came down with her illness, Aurelia Diaz and was sent to the Cancer Hospital in Asuncion. She almost did not survive a hysterectomy, and underwent radiation and chemotherapy.

When she was not in the hospital, she stayed with us and we had many moments of prayer together. She had such a concern for her husband, children and the church. She went home for a short while, but returned because of constant pain—this time the cancer had spread to her spinal column.

Nothing ever cut my heart so deep as hearing this young mother cry out to God, “Please give me seven more years to be with my children, and to see my husband come back to you so we can serve you.”

Again, many prayed for her healing and I found myself saying, “Lord, I don’t know what to pray except that your perfect will may be done. You know what we all desire, but we cannot see the whole picture.” After an incredible time of suffering, Aurelia was put to rest in June 2004.

I battled with my emotions and trying to understand God. Why He healed me when I was at death’s door, and He has healed so many, but not these three, where the children have been left without a mother. This has driven me to delve more into His Word and many books on this topic. One passage the Lord has shown me is Isaiah 55:6–9. His first and foremost plan is that souls will be saved. He sees the whole picture, so His thoughts and ways are higher and deeper than we can ever grasp.

I know that in Susan’s life, there was a growth in her faith, leading to reconciliation with God and then with her family.

I know that in Alicia’s life, her powerful testimony continues to touch many lives, and that High Refuge AIDS ministry was born out of her desire to reach social outcasts with the message of hope.

But Aurelia? I do not know—yet. I wish I could say that her husband is walking with the Lord, her children are well taken care of, and the church in Pastoreo is doing well, but I cannot. I do know that the final chapter has not been written yet. It will be written, and it will be OK because T Susan Dickens Aurelia had faith; so do I. Praise Him! M 3

The

editorials

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Messenger

HE South Asia tsunami disaster grips our attention.

At this writing, 140,000 are dead. Local economies and regions are devastated. Close and extended families and wider human community are grieving for local residents and tourists. A longterm many-faceted response to this disaster is needed.

Before the tsunami hit, other stories of suffering were to be mentioned. Six Mennonite church leaders in Vietnam were sentenced in November to prison. Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang received a term of three years, while others received lesser sentences. Le Thi Hong Lien, a 21-yearold female evangelist, was later placed in hospital because authorities said she had a “mental disease.”

On November 28 a terrorist bomb randomly killed a Mennonite pastor in Bogota, Colombia, who was waiting at a bus stop. Javier Segura, 31, had been serving a congregation for less than a year.

He lived with his elderly parents.

An estimated 40,000 Christians have fled Iraq following five church buildings being bombed, allegedly by Islamic extremists.

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Heb. 13:3).

There is suffering in Sudan, in DR of Congo, in Haiti, and elsewhere. Easy words should fail us and actions should follow T us—we who follow “the Crucified God.” M Terry M. Smith

Selective conscientious objectors and the law

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ANADA and the United States should recognize in law a person’s moral right to be a selective conscientious objector (SCO).

A selective conscientious objector is opposed to serving in what they consider to be an illegal or unjust war. Currently in Canada there are American military deserters who object to service in Iraq.

Previously, Canada received 50,000 draft dodgers who opposed service in Vietnam; some of them were SCOs, not COs. While the military in U.S. and Canada allows for conscientious objection, it seems less willing to recognize selective objection.

In 2004, five Jewish Israelis were sentenced for selectively objecting to service in occupied Palestinian territory.

However, under both moral teaching and military law, soldiers are to refuse an illegal or immoral order; logically, that extends to opposing an immoral or illegal conflict.

John Howard Yoder, Anabaptist theologian, recognized the role of SCOs in a 1993 paper on Selective Objection. COs and SCOs should be regarded “as positive indicators within the Church of a sound moral awareness and respect for human life,” he said.

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EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Remember those who suffer

Yoder quotes church leaders who uphold selective objection, among them Francisco de Vitoria (ca. 1492–1546), a Spanish Dominican, and the great reformer Martin Luther.

As well, in 1968 the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops said, “we recognize the right of a man to object, on grounds of conscience…to participation in a particular war, even though he may not embrace a position of pacifism in relation to all war, and urge our government to enshrine such a right in the laws pertaining to Selective Service.”

Among non-pacifist churches how well taught is selective objection? Lutheran scholar Reinhard Hutter says “if selective objection is the decisive test for how seriously Lutherans have taken the just war tradition, we have utterly failed.” He said Lutherans need to be better SCOs or become pacifists.

Non-pacifist churches should, at least, train their Christians to be selective objectors—to stand against wars they consider unjust.

While pacifists will say that this doesn’t go far enough, the more Christians that object to T more wars, the better. M Terry M. Smith

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the pub-lication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: 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. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors.

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MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 3 – February 9 (copy due January 28)

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letters

What Happens to the ‘Untold’?

I read Terrence Thiessen’s November 3 article on the heathen [Are the heathen still heathen and are they still lost?] with great interest as these same questions are ones I have battled with.

His point that the only way of salvation is Christ was well written and I agree with him that there are many who call themselves “Christians” who are in fact lost. I, however, do not find scriptural backing for the idea that those who have never heard the gospel may be saved.

The Scriptures tell us in Romans 5:19 that by one man’s sin all people were made sinners. All mankind is born into the race of Adam and inherit the nature of a sinner from the first man (a point made in the article in question).

This is the reason that Christ told Nicodemus in John chapter 3, “You must be born again” and “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” How is a person reborn? John 1:12–13 tells us that rebirth is something only God the Holy Spirit can do and that He does it in response to a person’s faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who believe are placed by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ and are referred to very often in the Scriptures as “in Christ” (1 Cor. 12:13).

So there are two distinct families in the race of mankind: the family of Adam (those born once or naturally) and the family of Christ (those reborn by the Spirit of God by faith in Jesus Christ alone). A person is either “in Adam” or “in Christ.” Those in the first family die and those in the second live (1 Cor 15:22).

How then does a person reach faith in Christ?

Romans 10:14 answers our question: “How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” In other words without someone going to the untold and telling them the good news of Christ they cannot believe in Him for salvation!

When we look at the Epistle to the Romans we find that there are two general groups of unsaved people in the world: those who know God’s Law and those who don’t. In verse 12 of chapter

January 12, 2005

2 it is very important to note that those without the Law of God (the untold) will perish without it. Those who have it will be judged by it.

But, what if a person with or without God’s Law lives up to it? Here, it is of utmost significance that we notice the passage from Chapter 3 verses 9 to 20. By the time we get to these verses we find that all are guilty of sin before God (those with and those without the Law) and on the Day of Judgment no one will have a word to say in his own defense (“every mouth will be closed” v. 19). God’s Law doesn’t let anyone go. It shows us our sin and points us to Christ.

Christ told us to go into the all the world with the good news about Himself.

My question is this, “If people can be saved without hearing the gospel, then didn’t Christ make a grave mistake in sending us to tell them a message which will condemn them if they don’t believe it?”

Going and telling someone the gospel immediately makes that person responsible for what he has heard. He is presented with a choice: either to accept or reject Jesus Christ. If people can be saved by being ignorant of these things, wouldn’t it be better not to share the gospel with anyone? Why then did Christ send us out with the gospel? For the express reason that this message is the only way to salvation from the wrath of God. There is no salvation without the Gospel message.

What happens to the untold makes those of us who know the good news very responsible for our knowledge. Each of us will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and answer for what we did with the gospel in relation to the untold millions who are still “untold.”

There is a message which brings life.

And to have life the message must be heard!

David Field Russia

A response to An Ode to Walking In the August 18, 2004 issue of The Messenger an article was featured, written by Layton Friesen: An Ode to Walking, without a mention of high gas prices. I have re-read that writing many times and intend to many more times in the future.

Mr. Friesen has a very deep, yet easy-to-understand way of thinking.

To me it seems more in tune with the Bible’s style, which even a child can understand. Yet, as the Bible, it surely must be deep enough for the more scholarly inclined. Its easy-reading style keeps me spellbound. This article presents a refreshing break from writers analyzing, questioning and complicating the Holy Scriptures into oblivion. The truly educated must be those who can communicate with the small and great alike. In that light, Mr. Friesen seems rather educated, don’t you think?

Even as a child I understood that the Bible’s words were God-breathed and would stand on “their own two feet”; I merely need to align my thinking to The

Word. From my perspective, most of us well-meaning Christians speak as if all authority/interpretation comes from within ourselves. Mr. Friesen leaves himself a lot of room for growth. So many writers box themselves in by expressing their learning in a “be all” and “end all” style. An Ode to Walking seems to invite conversation while leaving the Holy Scriptures, from the first verse to the last, in a place of authority.

If it were mine to do, I would dedicate Mr. Friesen’s article to my parents. When circumstances were rough in the home Dad would point to the stars in the night sky for reassurance that God had all things in control. When better work habits were needed, Mom would take her child to observe the activity at an anthill.

Thank you so very much, Layton, for the article! Write a book on topics that inspire you, as this one obviously did, and I’d love to be the first in line to purchase your book.

Laura Dueck Steinbach, Man.

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December 3 ministerial

Looking at our theology and practice of water baptism Our conference ministerial met at MacGregor EMC on December 3 to consider the Theology and Practice of Water Baptism in the EMC. Host pastor Ray Hill welcomed members, led in musical worship, and later shared a brief history of the congregation.

Throughout the day, Art Dueck, vicechairman of the Board of Ministers Ray Hill, pastor of and Deacons, called host congregation on seven presenters MacGregor EMC. (whose papers are available through the national office). Two question periods were held with panelists. (The summaries are based on their written and verbal presentations.)

Layton Friesen, senior pastor of Fort Garry EMC, considered Baptism in the New Testament. Baptism is a participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, a washing away of sin, a new birth, an enlightenment in Christ, a re-clothing in Christ, a renewal by the Spirit, the experience of salvation from the flood, an exodus from bondage, and a liberation into a new humanity in which barriers of division, whether of sex or race or social status, are transcended.

Baptism is “God speaking to the individual in the voice of the church,” and the “individual responding to the church and ultimately to God,” he shared.

Baptism is not “only a symbol,” more than an individual’s “taking a stand,” and is not something we ever get past.

Since baptism is about “the making of a disciple” more than about “fire insurance,” it is needed to be a Christian.

Referring to the unbaptized thief on the cross, Friesen said, “Okay, fine, you have two choices: Either hang on a cross or be baptized.” The church needs to get serious about baptismal instruction, and view baptism as connecting us to the body of Christ.

Darryl Klassen, senior pastor at Kleefeld EMC, looked at Baptism in 16th Century Anabaptism. While baptism was not the intended point of breaking with the Swiss Protestant church at that time, it created a new church distinct from one

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controlled by the state (C. J. Dyck).

Anabaptists searched the Scripture and found no foundation for infant baptism. They saw it as a free act to be “administered to a believer based on the evidence of the new birth as seen in his or her life,” and a symbol and not a sacrament.

“How do we dialogue with those of other faith traditions who practice infant baptism and also claim faith as crucial to their practice?” Klassen asked. “If we believe that baptism is symbolic and that faith is what pleases God, can we admit that people who have been baptized as

Menno Hamm spoke on EMC’s history of baptismal practice.

infants are true believers if they too have faith?”

Menno Hamm, an EMC minister who has served as executive secretary/editor and now lives in MacGregor, spoke on Baptism in the EMC Experience.

“Baptism had become a custom in the church, a prerequisite for church membership, and most young people simply followed custom, were baptized and joined the church. Many of them were truly sincere and wanted to follow obediently the teachings of the church, relying on church leaders to show them the way,” he shared.

“It wasn’t until near the middle of the twentieth century that some ministers began to teach assurance of salvation.

As young people experienced that assurance, they spontaneously desired

to follow Christ in all of life, including baptism and participation in the life of the family of believers, the church.

“The biblical teaching children received in Sunday schools, first begun in Steinbach in 1926, no doubt helped them to a better understanding of baptism and the Christian life.”

Dr. Harvey Plett, long-time minister and educator, spoke on Baptism in Other Faith Traditions. Churches that practice predominantly infant baptism either hold to a sacramental view (that baptism saves) or a covenantal view (that children are members by being part of the covenant).

Many denominations baptize only on confession of faith. At least two denominations that practice mostly believer’s baptism accommodate infant baptism and at least one does not require any baptism for membership.

The Salvation Army does not practice baptism.

“In the New Testament and in the early church baptism was administered on the basis of repentance, confession of faith in Christ, and request for baptism,” Plett shared. “With baptism, the baptized were initiated into membership of the visible body of Christ expressed in local assemblies.”

In the afternoon new ministerial members were introduced, and the body accepted “guidelines” on matters of pastoral Sabbath and Severance Policy and a Proposal for Mediation Teams to assist churches in crisis. These guidelines are available from the national office.

John Driedger, pastor of Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, spoke on A Godly Response to Infant Baptism and Confirmation. “What would be the right response on our part to those who have been baptised as infants, having gone through confirmation and are now requesting membership in our congregations?” he asked.

The “first and preferred option” would be for the person to be baptized as a believer; the second option would be to “publicly affirm what we believe baptism to symbolize,” to hear a person’s history and testimony, and to receive a person as a full or associate member. The person would be encouraged to be baptized on confession of faith and to consider what

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would be “a better testimony to their family, their community and friends, and the church.”

Jacob Enns, pastor of Tilbury EMC, spoke on Is Baptism of the Non-Committed Valid? How does the church respond to people baptized as adults who have not lived a Christian life after their baptism, but who now want to join the church?

Though the “questions they are asked upon their confession of faith” earlier “are solid and theologically sound,” whether or not “they have been born again when they receive baptism is often a question.”

He outlined a discussion with people who got baptized to marry. They objected to being baptized again because “as far as they had known at that time, they had done the right thing” and “in the end we accepted all of them in the same manner,” he shared.

“We believed for us to start analyzing, categorizing and slotting people into different levels of maturity and commitment and then treating them each according to our assessment of them based on the request of certain individuals in the church would not serve the people well individually, nor the church as a whole,” presented Enns.

Earl Unger, pastor of Stony Brook Fellowship, spoke on whether it is proper to rebaptize people who, though baptized in infancy, had not lived a Christian life and came to committed faith later.

“When someone receives Christ in our church we do our best to disciple them,” he shared. “Part of this process is an explanation of what has happened in their life—what exactly the new birth is.” They are encouraged to attend a class on salvation, baptism, and church membership.

There are three responses to the teaching on baptism: Most are keen to be baptized, some fear offending their family (they are counselled to pray and to retake the class in future), and some consider their infant baptism to be valid (the church encourages them to study and learn).

It’s important to take a firm stand on believer’s baptism, to love and accept those who do not yet understand believer baptism, and to be patient, he shared.

“We’re not the Holy Spirit. He has a way of working things out in people’s hearts if we don’t get in the way and screw it up.”

There was considerable discussion.

Some comments and questions were (paraphrased): • Do some parents’ view of child dedication carry vestiges of infant baptism?

• There is a need for more clarity on the status of a child.

• There is a cluster of meanings in baptism that no single mode can capture.

• Why do we say the mode of pouring reflects the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, yet emphasize the Spirit so little?

• There was considerable discussion on the proposal that baptism was more than a symbol.

• Does an extended time of instruction complicate who qualifies for baptism?

• Baptism is not all of conversion.

• The term rebaptism is used, but don’t we believe in baptism only once— upon faith?

• While concern was expressed about categorizing people, we need to be a discerning body. Our constitution says associate and regular members are to be accepted on the same doctrinal basis.

Many members commented, including Tom Warner, senior pastor of Steinbach EMC.

• Developing a relationship is the priority, regardless of where we come out on this.

• Will we be associate members in heaven?

• Is there a halfway symbol for people who don’t fit the usual rules?

• We need a clear confession on what baptism means and not apologize.

• Where does obedience come in?

• Don’t separate baptism and membership.

• If an exception is made, accept the person without baptism, not because of infant baptism. There needs to be a clear tone on baptism on confession of faith.

Terry M. Smith

Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Program One-week Intensive Courses: (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Systematic Theology in Believers Church Perspective, Terry Hiebert, February 14–18 Wisdom Literature, Pierre Gilbert, April 25–29 Discipleship and Ethics, Mark Baker, May 16–20 Evangelism, Art McPhee, May 24-28 Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective, Roland Martinson, May 24–28 All courses are taught on the Canadian Mennonite University campus and may be taken for credit at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary or Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary.

Layton Friesen responds to a question, while other presenters Menno Hamm and Darryl Klassen listen.

January 12, 2005

For information, please contact: Pierre Gilbert, Coordinator Tel: 204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570 E-mail: pgilbert@cmu.ca Fax: 204-831-5675

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CMU gathering sets a modest record Fifteen students, staff, and wider EMC contacts met at Canadian Mennonite University on October 29—and a larger room will be chosen for next time.

Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, was pleased. More than 200 names have been forwarded of students attending institutions across Canada—a good response to a pamphlet sent to EMC churches detailing the Board of Church Ministries’ work with post-secondary students.

Now it was CMU’s turn for a visit.

“And we pray, God, that these students here today would also sense your nearness as they are on this journey, a time of many decisions in their lives of where they want to go and which road they want to go down in the future,” said Gerald.

“And so we just pray that you will just give them much wisdom and enthusiasm as they study, and we also pray, God, that they would understand the importance

EMC Women’s Hockey Tournament January 22, 2005 Rosenort (Man.) arena Fans are welcome!

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Guest Speaker: Teresa Kellerman Teresa is the Director of FAS Community Resource Centre in Tucson, Arizona and the President of Fasstar Enterprise (www. fasstar.com).

Teresa will interweave her own personal journey of spiritual growth as the parent of a young man affected by FASD. Friday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.

Fort Garry EM Church 602 Pasadena, Winnipeg, MB

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of connecting with each other and with other students as well to maintain a healthy Christian walk.”

Students chatted, enjoying pizza and vegetable platters.

Then it was time for Michael Plett, senior pastor of Prairie Rose EMC in Landmark, Man. Plett quoted two atheists who rejected Christianity and then Charles Colson’s statement: “Christian faith is not an irrational leap. Examined objectively the claims of the Bible are rational propositions well supported by reason and evidence.”

“In my third year Bible school, I went through a very serious crisis…of my faith,” Plett said. “And…after three years of Bible school…I suddenly really began to question whether what I believed was actually the truth.”

He found himself struggling with doubt, which was “scary,” because he didn’t know where he would end on the journey.

Thoughtful people will face “questions, issues, some uncertainties and some doubts” and the issue is how to prevent

that “virus” from harming your faith, he said.

Doubt is not the opposite of faith, he said. “In fact, you can have a strong faith and still have doubt.” A person can be a “full-fledged Christian” without thinking “every single question in life has to be absolutely settled.”

From the Book of Psalms we can see that faith is wrestling through questions in life, he said. Doubt is not always “unhealthy”; rather, a bit of doubt can help us to develop immunity and our faith can become stronger.

He encouraged students to find the root source of doubt, to ask God and others for help, to determine a course of treatment, to take care of their spiritual health, and to hold remaining questions in tension.

While we might not have answers to all our questions, our faith gives us reasons why God is real, dependable, “and a heavenly Father who loves” us, he said.

There was a brief time of discussion.

Terry M. Smith

Speaker Michael Plett interacts with students at CMU’s student luncheon.

U. of M. Student Luncheon Thirty students came together on October 26 to be inspired by Ward Parkinson, pastor of the Morris Fellowship Chapel. Ward spoke about looking for ways to find rest in our busy schedules.

He challenged students to periodically step away for a time from their normal schedules and allow God to minister to their hearts.

Our EMC students at the University of Manitoba are pursuing careers in social work, physical education, business,

science, environment, agriculture, management and more. But they are also seeking to be faithful to their Saviour as they maintain a testimony of love in an academic environment.

Please pray for more than 300 EMC post-secondary students in attendance at some 50 colleges and universities around the world. May Christ strengthen them and find them faithful.

Gerald D. Reimer Conference Youth Minister

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a woman s journey of faith Betty Koop

Marie-Louise

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ne recent morning when I woke up and looked in the bathroom mirror, I said, “Thank you, Lord, that I am alive; thanks for giving me life!” Then I clasped my hands above my head and grinned at my reflection with a feeling of deep joy and thankfulness.

I can’t remember ever being that “strange” before— especially in the morning when staying in bed looks so inviting. Why was I suddenly filled with thanksgiving, simply thankful to be alive and well?

Maybe it was because my mind had been mulling over thoughts of my friend Marie-Louise, from our days in Lesotho in southern Africa.

We first met Marie-Louise and her husband Thomas at the church we were serving in Lesotho’s capital city.

They were a young Swedish couple who had come to this impoverished country to try to be of service.

Thomas worked in a government department helping with accounting; Marie-Louise volunteered in an adult education program, teaching French. They had a lively little three-year-old daughter, Elsa; and a few months later, a little brother joined the family.

Marie-Louise and Thomas approached Glen about a parent-child dedication service. Having come out of a state church where infant baptism was the norm, they were very definite that they preferred a parent dedication service. They had come to believe that a child needed to make his own decision to follow Jesus and be baptized when he understood what the decision meant. However, they wanted to dedicate themselves publicly to leading him in that way.

Glen readily agreed, saying they didn’t even have to bring the baby forward if that was their wish. It was their dedication and the congregation’s prayers and support that would be effective, regardless of whether or not the child was present.

The day came and parents and congregation united to pray for wisdom and strength for the days ahead.

I can’t quite remember, but I think they did bring the baby with them as they stood before the church.

Later we were invited to their home for a traditional Swedish meal. Other friends from the Swedish community were there, including Margareta from our church, who was like a surrogate grandmother to the little ones. She had been very helpful when the new baby was born and there was no mother nearby to give support.

January 12, 2005

One of the dishes served looked like a large layer cake with luscious-looking frosting. When MarieLouise proceeded to cut and serve it together with veggies and pickles and such, I realized this was a main course concoction and was call a “sandwich cake.” Layers of bread had delicately flavoured fish and chicken fillings, stacked to form a cake that was liberally frosted with a cream cheese mixture. It was delicious!

Soon after this meaningful Sunday, Margareta took Marie-Louise shopping at a small strip mall where locally-made goods were on sale. The baby was left at home with the nanny, but little Elsa rode in the back seat of the big car. They picked up some sandals, and then got back into the car to drive home.

Suddenly two men appeared, one on each side of the car, armed with a gun and a knife. They wanted the car. Both women jumped out of the car to run; after all, a car is not worth risking your life for. But Marie-Louise’s mother-heart could not leave little Elsa behind. She turned to take her out of the back seat. The man with the knife reacted, maybe out of fear or maybe he didn’t see the child, and stabbed Marie-Louise in the heart. She grasped her child and staggered a few steps before collapsing on the hot pavement.

The men sped off with the car.

Margareta took the blood-covered little girl away from the scene to try and distract and comfort her. Her mother’s life had cruelly ended.

Reflecting on Marie-Louise’s death at such a young age makes me wonder. Should they have stayed safely in Sweden away from the murderous gang of car thieves? Should she not have shopped at a local market, which she did to support the local people? Is it best to always “play it safe”?

Tony Campolo in his book Carpe Diem (Word Publishing) says “most people are born and years later die without really having lived at all. There are those who never reflect with any intensive awareness on any part of their lives…They play it safe and tiptoe through life with no aspiration other than to arrive at death safely” (p. 15).

God has given us today. We do not know how many more days we will have to serve Him here. As we enter 2005, let’s take on Campolo’s challenge: Carpe Diem!

T “Seize the Day!” M 9

with our missionaries Northern Manitoba

Drop-In Centre and Nelson House Sometimes when we go to the Drop-In Centre in Thompson, we tell the folks there: “All the meat and vegetables to make this soup, and the peanut butter and jams, have been sent by Christians who want you to know the love of God.” They are impressed and amazed that we do not receive any government grants for the SBC Leadership Conference 2005 soup line. This gives us the freedom to share the Word with March 18-19, 2005 all who come.

Jesus said, “I was hungry and To Register: Call SBC 204-326you gave me something to eat,” 6451 and then added that what we Bill Penner stands with someor of 1-800-230-8478 the people who come to the have done for others is as though drop-in centre.

Register online: we have done it for Him. This is www.sbcollege.mb.ca sometimes hard to fathom when we see Thrift Stores in Nipawin and Steinbach, a scruffy person, addicted to alcohol and we are able to provide warm parkas for Pre-registration preferred drugs and living on the street. However, those in need. most of them are grateful for the warmth We continue to travel to Nelson 1 column of the centre.

House two or ad more times a week. The The host, Zack Beardy, serves 40 to attendance at church services is holding 50 people a day in winter, and it takes steady after a low point in summer. We up to four pails of soup. The venison would love to see more local leadership from Nipawin, and the other meat and develop, so they could be an established vegetables given to us, help to make each church with the Native Evangelical bowl of soup a meal in itself. Thank you Fellowship of Canada. Pray that Bible for your help!

People look forward to having someone pray with them. Many want prayer for forgiveness, and for the strength to break the cycle of addictions and to return to their families.

Thanks to your generosity, and the

Zack Beardy hosts the drop-in centre, serving 40 to 50 people a day.

college graduates would have a desire to take up leadership.

What is interesting is that Christians from other communities have observed that Nelson House gets so much attention, while they rarely see a missionary in their community. We can only spread ourselves so thin. Pray that we will have discernment in how to use our time wisely.

Bill and Anna Penner

SBC Leadership Conference 2005 March 18-19, 2005

To Register: Call SBC 204-326-6451 or 1-800-230-8478 Register online: www.sbcollege.mb.ca

Anna and Bill Penner (Ridgewood) serve under Continental Mission in northern Manitoba. They live in Thompson and travel in ministry to outlying areas.

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Pre-registration preferred

2 column ad

THE MESSENGER

with our churches

Taber holds dedication

A testimony from Portage

Portage la Prairie, Man.: Hi, my name is Taber, Alta: On October 31 our Brent Nikkel. I grew up congregation held a parent-child in Portage la Prairie and dedication. It’s such a blessing to have was raised in a Christian children in the church because they are home. I have great the future generation. parents that would do Six couples dedicated themselves anything for me. I always to raise their children in a Christian tried to do rebellious home and to be good examples to them. things, but they always Looking at all the terrible things that are showed their love for me. happening in this world, children are I went to Crescentview very lucky to grow up in a home where School, and then to West they are loved and cared for. It’s very Park School. important that they learn about Jesus Then during one and how much he loves. God is a great summer at Carberry Bible Brent Nikkel and Julie Ronald were baptized into membership at Portage Evangelical God. Camp I accepted Jesus Church. Pastors Glenn Loewen and Les Kroeker stand with them.

Eva Dyck into my heart. That was the best moment of my life. I then went to Looking back now, I don’t know Arthur Meighen High School. I graduated what I was thinking. I started hanging in 1999 and then started working for my out with mostly non-Christian friends dad. I had a choice to make after school and not going to church. I started was done. The one choice was to go to wanting nothing to do with God. I then Bible college and the other choice was started drinking and doing other sinful to buy a house. I ended up not going to things that I am not proud of. I started Bible college and I bought my house. racing dirt bikes for a couple of years.

That choice was a very poor one.

Everything was going all right, but I had an accident with my knee. This injury was hard for me. I could not work or race or do anything. I was really depressed.

At Taber EMC on June 6, 2004, Johny Koehler and After talking with my parents I Johnny Banman were baptized by Pastor Edwin decided to go to church again. Going Plett. back to church was hard for me. I would go every other Sunday or try to miss it for something else. When I did start going again, I would almost start crying for I knew what I did.

I had a deep desire to let Jesus back into my life. I was still full of pride and couldn’t do it. I finally broke down and asked Jesus back into my life.

Ever since I have let Jesus back into my heart, I have experienced many good things. God has given me a desire to learn more about him. I find myself talking about God and what he has done a lot more than I ever have. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour. I have no desire to return to my lifestyle. I want to share Jesus with other people. I find myself praying and meditating in his Word.

I hope this testimony has shown you On October 31, six couples and children were involved in a dedication service at Taber: Wally and Linda what God is doing in my life.

Brent Nikkel Martens with Adelina, Henry and Anne Klassen with Nolan, Abe and Susy Fehr with Clayton, Peter and Susie Fehr with Mackenzie, Frank and Tina Schmitt with Joshua, and Ben and Tina Dyck with Janae.

Reporter: Catherine Epp

January 12, 2005

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God’s Team in Action at Straffordville Straffordville, Ont.: What a wonderful week of learning how to join God’s Team for Action at the Son Games VBS held August 8–13. Four staff, including a dozen group leaders from ages 10–13, made each evening possible. A maximum of 73 children were present.

We say it for everyone: It was a lot of fun to participate in VBS activities.

It was fun to learn about the Apostle Paul in our Bible story time, called Heroes Hall. With beautiful weather all week, it was easy to enjoy going from station to station, making crafts, playing games, and munching on treats prepared by kitchen staff.

It was fun to watch skits as children learned it is important to trust your teammates and listen to their advice.

Our skit actors were Stella Swift (Loreen Sawatzky), an amazing athlete who believed she was better than everyone else; Tumbelina Turnover (Hilda Wall), a bubbly, enthusiastic, freestyle gymnast who really needed to listen to other people’s advice; Brutus Liftsalot (Larry Sawatzky), a soft-hearted weightlifter who needed to depend on God and his teammates for support, rather than his stuffed pig; and Joe Gabbyloa (Jason Zacharias and Amanda Loewen), self-centred television reporters who brought the story live to our young viewers.

Hilda Loewen and her group of Young Jubilees led us in amazing Gold Medal Music, along with plenty of actions and colours. Every night the groups gathered to sing before heading to three activities—games, crafts, or a Bible story. After pausing for a 15-minute snack, they headed to their last event.

The groups would gather again to sing, have a closing prayer, and learn how many points their teams had earned that night.

We had an awesome Friday night for children and their parents. Instead of the normal children’s routine of games and crafts, we had parents come for a supper of chicken, noodle salad, watermelon, and rollkucken. After the meal, the children and their leaders sang songs for parents, and actors performed the last skit.

Finally, leaders called the children in their groups, beginning with those who had the most points. Each child chose a prize from a table—hockey sticks, baseball bats, ankle slippers, CDs with

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Abe Berg tells a story to a group of children during Straffordville’s Son Games VBS.

Gold Medal Music, and other sports-related toys.

All in all, we had a wonderful week. We want to thank everyone for coming and spreading God’s love, making this year’s VBS special and enjoyable. God bless.

Loreen Sawatzky and Hilda Wall Group Leaders Reporter: Margaret Berg Children perform the Son Games cheer.

REGION 7 YOUTH RETREAT! Region 7 churches combined their youth winter retreats in March. Guests were speaker Trevor Esau, SBC’s drama team, and Gerald Reimer. Since then the churches have come together to worship and they look forward to being together at Abundant Springs.

David Kruse

THE MESSENGER

JOSHUA NATHAN CHAD KROEKER 1984–2004

Joshua’s zest for life was evident early.

He walked at nine months, babbling incessantly, eager to be involved in every activity. It soon became obvious that he would be a handful. Between hockey stick javelin, his air brush artistry on the car, and his efforts to hit the bull’s eye on any moving target whether human, animal or cuckoo clock, there was still time for school, hockey and attending church.

Josh accepted Christ as his Saviour and was accepted into membership in 1996 at The Church of the Nazarene in Lethbridge, Alta.

Kroekers moved to Calgary in 1997, making Abbeydale Christian Fellowship their church home. At school Josh soon found a close group of friends, The Tall Quartet, which travelled from house to house devouring whatever was in its fridge.

Josh was a loyal, generous friend whose

In Memory of MARY KOOP Oct. 28, 1919–Dec. 26, 2003 Dear Mom, A year ago we watched you leave this earthly home. One stroke after another was destroying your body slowly but surely.

Ten weeks seemed like a long time as we watched you fade and our hope diminish for your recovery. During the nineteen and a half years since Dad died you often expressed your desire to die and go to be with him in heaven. Your wish was granted, but I miss you.

January 12, 2005

devotion came through no matter what the circumstance and may have included a homework service. He graduated from Bowness High School in 2000 with the Rutherford Scholarship.

Josh had a spirited personality that infected everyone around him. His love of excitement led him to pursue many activities.

He loved to play hockey and sacrificed countless hours of sleep and thousands of dollars of teeth. Any type of game he could win was his preference. But his passion was flying.

Josh turned into a different person when the airport came into view; his fun-loving prankster side was tucked away and he turned into a serious man very much in control. He took a job at Springbank Airport where, due to his competitive nature, he parked six planes into a hanger only meant for five.

He received his private pilot’s license three days before his 18th birthday. In pursuit of his commercial license, he had recently spent two months in Kelowna training on floatplanes and earned his certification in August 2004. Shortly after he arrived it was reported to his parents that his first five landings could not have been more perfect had the instructor done them himself.

He also loved construction, which began as a summer job, but as the years went on he proved himself and began to excel.

Josh completed level 2 of the carpenter apprenticeship program and had received confirmation of acceptance for his third

and fourth year training. Never one to set his sights too low, he regularly reminded his superintendent Dad that he was coming for his job.

His skill and professional ability to get the job done and fix problems was improving daily. One of his pet peeves was people who just couldn’t get it right the first time. Why do it twice if you could do it right the first time? No job was too small or too big, whether it be the emergency panics in a school or a flood in his sister’s house.

Adding new gadgets and gizmos to his tool pouch filled him with joy. His everdeepening interest and desire to better his skills held him in high esteem with bosses and co-workers alike. He had a drive to succeed, tempered by his love for friends and family. His patience was evident when he tutored his younger brother Zane in math and trained the dog who just would not be trained. His teasing manner was obvious in his grin and the sparkle in his eye.

Our grief has given way to a celebration of life. Every memory is a treasure, encouraging us not to forget but to continue to live to the full as Josh would have expected. We are sustained by the knowledge that one day in heaven we will see his face again.

Josh is survived by his parents Terry and Marilyn, brothers Duke and Zane, sister Bobbi (Jeremy) Sampson, grandparents Menno and Aurelia Kroeker, grandmother Erna Klassen, many aunts, uncles and cousins as well as a plethora of friends.

His Family

You were always a good mother to me.

Besides sewing clothes for your large, growing family you found the time to sew for my dolls and when I wanted to name one doll Timothy Paul, you sewed boy clothes for him as well.

You’d like to get a couple of hours of work out of us after school so you made sure that a snack was ready and waiting that would keep us going till supper time.

I remember many an evening when Anne and I were washing dishes at 10 because we had chosen to go play paper dolls after supper. I don’t recall you nagging or complaining even though our procrastination and the sight of dirty dishes all evening must have annoyed you.

There were many years I lived far away from home and each day you’d write about your day and then mail it at the end of the week. Mail got lost, so you started numbering each letter so I’d know whether there was one missing.

During one of our famous postal strikes you make the effort to get a mailbox in Walhalla, North Dakota, so that we could still write to each other and send those Christmas presents. I don’t know how often you made the drive from Landmark, but it’s no wonder

I thanked God for e-mail and cheap phone rates on Thanksgiving this year.

You spent a lot of time in prayer. I remember calling you with special requests because it seemed that things would turn out right if you prayed.

There where times when I felt overwhelmed with the care of my three children, and I asked you how you managed raising nine. Your response was, “I thought of my mother and she had twenty-one.”

In the last years you became my friend.

My life was busy and you were important so I scheduled you into my routine and I am so glad I did. We spent time together shopping, walking, playing games, eating and talking. We swapped food. Each week you would end up buying too much New Bothwell cheese and give me the leftovers.

You made cabbage borscht for Angela, green bean soup for Thomas, and cherry moos for Philip. I made marmalade, grape jelly, and cabbage rolls for you. We talked about raising children, being widows, heaven, and how we could live for God. Those times together were special and I miss them.

Loving you always, Judy

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HELEN LENA KROEKER 1926–2004 Helen Lena Kroeker of Birch River, Man., was born on July 24, 1926, to George and Lena Bartel in the Morris municipality of Manitoba. She grew up on a farm with her mom and dad, sister Martha, and brothers Abe and Jake.

Helen attended a one-room country school located just across the road from the family farm. After eight years her formal education was finished, although she never stopped learning all her life and even recently she was excited to try new recipes and learn new skills.

She married her teenage sweetheart, Ben. July 27, 1947, marked the beginning of 57 wonderful and challenging years together; and during this time God blessed them with 10 children, one of which died in infancy.

At the age of 21, Helen entered the career of domestic engineering for which she had been well prepared by her mother. She continued as a mother and homemaker for the rest of her life and fulfilled her duties with dignity and honour.

Ben and Helen enjoyed farming and raising their children at Rosenort, near Morris, for 23 years. After two major floods in the Red River Valley, and moved by their love for God and people, their adventuresome spirit brought them to Birch River. Here they continued farming and serving the God they love.

Helen loved gardening, quilting, singing, travelling, visiting, cooking, and serving in the church and community.

Her competitive, fun-loving personality shone as she played table games with family and friends who came to visit.

She lived by her mottoes: Open heart, open home and There’s always room for one more. She was a people person—a very gracious woman, not judgmental, who gave out unconditional love to all she met. She knew how to make and maintain long and lasting friendships,

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and was great at remembering birthdays by sending cards and letters. She was a woman of prayer, and lived by high morals and standards.

Even at that, she would be the first to admit that she was far from perfect, and needed someone greater than herself to give her admittance into heaven.

That’s why she accepted the free gift of forgiveness offered to her by Jesus Christ. It is on this basis that we have the confidence that she is now in the presence of the God who created her.

On Saturday, December 4, 2004, we watched her take her last breath. She has left many precious memories for her husband Ben, as well as her five sons and four daughters and their families: Amanda (Dennis) Anderson; Helen (Ed) Harms, Juanita (Chris), Jeff (Noelle, exwife Krystal), Jamie (Amy), Joe; Wilma (Ken) Foster, Jonathon, Rachel, Arlen;

MARGARET (PEGGY) KLEINPETER (nee SAWATZKY) 1912–2004 Margaret (Peggy) was born at Altona, Man., on September 8, 1912, the daughter of Frank and Aganetha Sawatzky. She grew up in the Altona area and was part of a large family. At an early age, she left home to do domestic work and, among other jobs, worked as a nanny in Winnipeg.

On June 1, 1935, she married Ben B. Toews. They lived in Steinbach, Man. After her husband passed away in March 1951, she raised her four children as a single parent. Their daughter Valrae died December 4, 1963, during corrective heart surgery at St. Boniface Hospital.

She married Alwin Kleinpeter of Waldhof, Ont., in August of 1964. They were both active in their community, making many close friends through contact with tourists, church affiliation, and in the wider community. Peggy

Alvin (Diane) Kroeker, Michael (Simone), Becky, Ben; Ray (Mary) Kroeker, Kristen (Jordan), Collin; Leroy (Rhona) Kroeker, Kyla, Brittnye, Chelsea; Violet (Tim) Steinert, Aaron, Kael, Miranda; Chuck (Roxanne) Kroeker (ex-wife Anita), Dallas, Hillary, Jesse, Stacey, Michelle; Jim (Hazel) Kroeker, James, Matthew; as well as 14 great-grandchildren.

Today we celebrate her life, and thank God for her and her influence on all of us.

The funeral service for Helen Kroeker was held on Wednesday, December 8, 2004, at the Birch River Legion Hall. Pastor Ferlin Abrahamson led the service, Bernie Thiessen led the singing, children and grandchildren gave tributes, and Pastor Ralph Unger of Winnipeg preached the message. The committal service took place at Crandell Cemetery at Birch River.

Her Family

was a friend to all, especially those in distress—a woman who loved family, friends and strangers with her kind ways, encouraging words, and cheerful disposition.

She loved to keep up with world affairs, enjoyed the arts, and would have liked to be a medical doctor. In May of 1994, Mother suffered a stroke, which left her unable to walk, communicate, or care for herself. She entered the Dryden District Hospital to be cared for and was later transferred to the Princess Courts Care Home. There she was excellently cared for by medical and care staff, as well as by her devoted husband Alwin, who travelled to Dryden daily to do much of her personal care and to encourage her.

After 10 years in care, Peggy went home to her with her Lord Jesus Christ, whom she loved and trusted throughout her life among us. She was predeceased by her first husband Ben; her daughter Valrae; and a great-granddaughter, Leah.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband Alwin; daughter Bernardine (husband Cornelius Plett); sons Clint (wife Pearl), Chris (wife LaVerne); sister Agatha; nine grandchildren; 23 greatgrandchildren; and many friends.

The family thanks all who visited, encouraged, prayed and celebrated her during her care experience. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 1, 1 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home.

Her Family

THE MESSENGER

shoulder tapping Mennville EMC, a rural church near Riverton, Man., seeks a half-time youth leader/pastor to give spiritual leadership and be a program director for a youth group of approximately 25 to 30. Call for information or send resume to Kenton Barkman, Box 576, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0. Phone 204-378-5623 or e-mail kenton@mts.net.

The Archives Committee, under the EMC Board of Church Ministries, seeks a part-time volunteer archivist to work out of the Steinbach, Man., office.

Tasks involve the organizing, filing and tracking of historical materials within the vault and overflow areas in the building. Assets are an interest in history and a skill or willingness to operate a computer database; an exceptional asset would be the ability to read German. For information, contact executive secretary Terry Smith at 204326-6401 or emcmessenger@mts.net.

MDS workers are needed! Canadian volunteers, remember to connect with the MDS office in Winnipeg prior to making service arrangements directly with an MDS project.

This will ensure that you receive a border crossing letter, travel assistance/receipting details and other important MDS information.

Extension office: 866-261-1274.

Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, Man., is seeking a fulltime associate pastor of Spanish ministries. The applicant should be familiar with the Anabaptist perspective and willing to be guided by the EMC statement of faith. Responsibilities to include: pastoral care, teaching, and outreach. The Spanish part of the Braeside congregation has an average attendance of 60 people.

Please forward your resume and references to Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church, Attn: Spanish Ministry Search Committee, 1011 Munroe Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 1J7.

AIMM International is seeking an executive director for Burkina Faso to work with national and expatriate personnel under the direction of the Burkina Faso Partnership Council. This position is parttime administration and could also include part-time financial manager as well as other ministries to provide a full-time role. Please request application information from Len Barkman, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. E-mail: emclen@mts.net.

La Crete Christian Fellowship seeks a full-time youth pastor, an energetic leader with vision who has a geniune love and passion to reach out to young people and the ability to be a partner with us to build a strong ministry with the young people in our congregation and community.

Join dedicated parents and adults eager to be led and students ready to grow and learn. This person will work primarily with high school and junior youth, and also with children’s ministry.

We’re eager to incorporate new ideas and capitalize on the gifts and talents of our youth

January 12, 2005

pastor.

This person should have some understanding and respect for EMC theology, diversity, and traditions. There is a generous salary, health insurance, and a new house to live in. La Crete is located in beautiful northern Alberta, eight hours north of Edmonton. To find out more about La Crete and the church, see www.lacretechamber. com; www.telusplanet.net/public/lccfc; e-mail: lccfc@telus.net or lfem@telus.net; phone: Frank Winsor at LCCF, 780-928-3783.

EMC Board of Missions seeks a pastor for Hillside Gospel Church in Chihuahua, Mexico for spring 2005. Attendance averages 80 on Sunday mornings. The applicant should be conversant in Low German and have gifts to help the congregation to develop local leadership and organizationally. A two- to three-year commitment is preferred, but a shorter term can be arranged. Contact Lester Olfert, Foreign Secretary, EMC Board of Missions, phone: 204-326-6401, fax: 204326-1613, e-mail: lolfert@mts.net.

Altona EMMC, a congregation of 650 people, seeks a full-time pastor of youth and education. This individual is responsible to set direction and vision for the youth programs, and to serve in education. Submit resume and applications or questions to Karl Dreger, Altona EMMC, Box 907, Altona, MB R0G 0B0; e-mail: karldreger@hotmail.com; phone: 204-324-8223.

Executive Position

Applications are invited for a part-time (60%) administrative position with the EM Conference, responsible to the Board of Trustees and the General Board. This position requires skills in administrative leadership, and financial and office management. Good oral and written communication abilities are required. For information or an application form, contact the office at 204-326-6401 or Ron Penner, EMC Moderator, at 204-255-8062. Applications should be in by April 30, 2005.

Executive foreign secretary

for the EMC Board of Missions. Responsibilities: Administration, visiting Latin American mission fields, recruitment, promoting EMC missions, and reporting to the board. Qualifications that are important considerations: A ministry degree, a working knowledge of Spanish, and missions/ ministry experience. Some training may be provided. Starting date: Mid-2005 (negotiable).

Send inquiries and resumes to: Chairman, EMC Board of Missions, 440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5, or e-mail: ernieloewen@yahoo.com.

Note: Both positions are open to male and female applicants.

births IRELAND – to Chris and Shannon Ireland of Lorette, Man., a daughter, Ceanna Claire, on September 8, 2004.

QUENELLE – to Wayne and Jacqui Quenelle of Lorette, Man., a daughter, Jennifer, born November 17, 2002, adopted September 21, 2004.

SCALES – to Rob and Loril Scales of Swan River, Man., a daughter, Mattlyn Raey, on September 28, 2004.

MacDONALD – to Adam and Emily MacDonald of Winnipeg, Man., a son, William Ian, on October 2, 2004.

SIEMENS – to Willie and Tina Siemens of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Carina Breanne, on October 4, 2004.

FRIESEN – to Kyle and Laura Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Andrew Kyle, on October 12, 2004.

BLATZ – to Dave and Aggie Blatz of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Ryan John, on November 5, 2004.

KEHLER – to Fried and Cora Kehler of Kleefeld, Man., a son, Skylar Kenneth, on November 6, 2004.

BANMAN – to John and Becky Banman of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Gavin Jon, on November 11, 2004.

FREEMAN – to Tim and Kathleen Freeman of Stephenfield, Man., a son, Isaiah Cornelius, on November 21, 2004.

coming events January 23 Your congregation World Fellowship Sunday A worldwide celebration of Mennonites and BIC Mennonite World Conference 204-326-6401 February 18 Riding the Roller Coaster: The Impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on the Family Speaker: Teresa Kellerman Fort Garry EMC Winnipeg, Manitoba 204-261-6381 March 19–21 EMC Ministerial Retreat Speaker: Dave Reimer of Winnipeg, Man. Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre Pinawa, Manitoba 204-326-6401 May 20–23 Abundant Springs Cascade Caronport, Saskatchewan 204-326-6401 July 1–3, 2005 2005 EMC Convention Speaker Rod Masterson Finding Calm in Chaos Peace River Bible Institute Sexsmith, Alberta 204-326-6401

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the personal touch

Do modern-day miracles surprise me?

Erna Dueck

W

HEN Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples were awe struck. People who witnessed the healing miracles were driven to tell everyone they knew.

They were excited and astonished about what they had seen. Do today’s miracles amaze me?

I am a middle-aged woman who was diagnosed with cancer in 1996, diagnosed with a new primary cancer in 1998, and I am currently fighting my third round of cancer, being classified as a third primary cancer.

Doctors tell me, in various versions, that it is a miracle that I am here to fight a third round of cancer.

Our Canadian culture has conditioned us to think of health as a right. The development of science and technology has allowed for a lot of human control in health issues. We understand a lot about how the body operates, and we can change the course of nature with medical intervention. Does our understanding of medicine reduce healing to that of human hands? I think not.

God is not just a God of the gaps that I do not understand, but, rather, works his marvels through human hands and knowledge. Medical people are tools of God to work his miracles. The concept is no different than some of the biblical miracles. For instance, God used the virgin Mary for the miracle birth by which God became man.

Human understanding and involvement in healing does not negate the wonder of the healing of the body.

When my incision was finally healed, twelve weeks after surgery, the medical people declared it a miracle and hastened to tell those they could legitimately inform. We were all thrilled and somewhat surprised.

If science and medicine are divinely allowed to succeed, I get to experience God’s miracle of life. If the body breaks down and succumbs to cancer, I will experience God’s miracle of a new body and a new miraculous life. Both life and physical death are among God’s current amazing miracles, although in our human state, life is the desirable one.

While in the process of being treated for disease, the sense of wonderment is strangely absent. It is when time separates me from the situation that it appears more miraculous. When I look back and recognize that I have survived two rounds of cancer and lived a quality life for five years since these experiences, I can say “Wow!” to that; however, the current battle does not yet evoke that kind of emotion within me.

There is a process involved, needing some kind of conclusion, before one senses the wonder of the miracle.

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God is not just a God of the gaps that I do not understand, but, rather, works his marvels through human hands and knowledge.

The astonishment of healing from cancer comes after the test of time.

God has communicated with me through my devotional material, many times in surprising ways. One November day, the topic was about finding God in nature and the suggested action for the day was to look for God in nature. November is a month when nature seems to be at a low ebb.

That evening I came across an interesting TV documentary on birds. This, I felt, was one of God’s surprise miracles for the day. At other times, the devotional material addressed the attributes of God, such as his presence, comfort, supremacy, and sufficiency—in meaningful ways for the day.

I just felt awe at how relevant my relationship was with God on a day-to-day basis. Is it not a miracle that as human beings we can have a meaningful relationship with God? When miracles unfold—be they large or small, subtle or obvious—whether they take time to develop or are instantaneous (or even if the event is somewhat predictable), they still come with an element of surprise T and astonishment. M Erna Dueck, CGA, is a member of Fort Garry EMC and employed as a financial administrator at St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre in Winnipeg, Man.

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