The Messenger Vol. 43 No. 5 March 9, 2005

Despite poverty Nicaraguan church

prospers

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 43 NUMBER 5 MARCH 9, 2005

The

editorials

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If we consider Jesus’ empty tomb, we see that death and evil will not have the final word.

If every good human act points to a good future and every bad human act points to a bad future, a good future seems uncertain. But Jesus has come! He, the Second Adam (Romans 5), tips the balance and decides the eventual outcome.

This Easter Season, what is our focus?

When we look at how people rejected Jesus’ offer of peace as he entered Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44) and crucified our Lord at the Place of the Skull (Mark 15:22), we might despair about the future of humankind. But if we look at Jesus on the cross, our suffering is understood and shared (Isaiah 53:3). If we consider His empty tomb, we see that death and evil will not have the final word (John 16:33).

Christ is risen! Because of that, we can believe in God’s good future for our world “in spite of it all.”

Let’s live out our hope-filled faith this Easter Season. The ancient liturgy invites us to be encouraged: “Lift up your hearts!”

The ancient response is, “We lift them up T to the Lord!” What will be our response? M Terry M. Smith

Exploring our theology

HAT is the EMC’s relationship to an evangelical Anabaptist theology? A national committee is exploring this.

Some EMCers are evangelical, others prefer Anabaptist, and some evangelical Anabaptist. Some EMCers see a major overlap between evangelical and Anabaptist theologies, others emphasize the differences, and a third segment couldn’t care less.

Can we avoid discussion by saying we are just Christians, believe the Bible, or believe as our parents did? Not really. Such statements contain many assumptions, as if we say, “I speak a language, but I don’t use grammar.”

This committee isn’t a make-work project; busy people are making their lives busier by being involved. Our shared life in Christ is shaped partly by teaching in our churches; the goal is to assist our leaders and congregations to better understand and benefit from biblical emphases within Evangelical Anabaptism.

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EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Tipping the balance

ABBI Eliezer Berkovits tells the story of a man from Slovakia who was rounded up with other Jews and placed in a cattle car on a train heading for a concentration camp. To his jeering neighbours, Itzik Rosenweig pleaded not for his life, nor for understanding. Instead, he begged them, “Please feed and water my chickens!”

Rabbi Berkovits said in his book Faith After the Holocaust, “Because of what man did to Itzik Rosenweig, I have no faith in man; because of Itzik, in spite of it all, I have faith in the future of man.”

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Messenger

No church’s history, system of theology or practice is beyond criticism. The focus is to be on Christ, with Scripture as our final authority in faith and practice. To do any less dishonours Christ (and would disturb Menno Simons, his servant).

The committee is supported by the Board of Church Ministries and the Board of Ministers and Deacons. The national strategy, which led to the committee’s formation, received approval in discussion at the Conference Council meeting of December 2003. While affirmed, the proposal received two cautions: To work positively, not defensively; and to bear in mind our indebtedness to the wider evangelical church.

Kenton Penner (Treesbank) chairs the committee; its members include Cameron McKenzie (Fort Garry), Peter Janzen (Hillside), Ed Peters (Steinbach EFC), Irma Janzen (Fort Garry), Jake Enns (Tilbury), T and Emery Plett (Stony Brook). M Terry M. Smith

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the publication 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.

THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba.

Subscriptions: $12 per year (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total: $12.84). Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. In cooperation with the EMC Conference Council, members and adherents pay through their church.

THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

PAP Registration #9914 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.

The magazine and its publisher, the Board of Church Ministries, are obligated to work within the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Mailing information: All correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Messenger 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 7 – April 6 (copy due March 25)

THE MESSENGER

letters

coming events

New look involves money that is well spent

I would like to comment on the new look The Messenger has received in the last while. The use of colour is one of them, even if only on occasion. This is surely in keeping with modern trends and makes the paper more attractive. I believe the extra cost is money well spent.

The changes which have been done on layout and design are also very noticeable. Using bigger and bolder type for headings more easily identifies specific articles.

Romans 8:28 people

Maybe the most noteworthy change is in the front cover design, which as I understand also involves cost, but to my mind is well worthwhile. I believe that the changes I have mentioned, and others like it, show that the editor and the assistant editor of The Messenger are concerned that not only the message gets out, but that it gets out in a readable and an attractive form.

Well done. Thank you.

Dave Schellenberg Editor, 1963–1987 Steinbach, Man.

Volunteer for a workteam!

May 26–June 10

One reference in the letter Scripture and truth lovers (Feb. 9, 2005) by Joanna Budala was to be Romans 8:28. It was incorrectly published. Our apologies.

—Editors

Caaguazu, Paraguay

Would you like to challenge yourself this spring?

For applications or information contact: Lester Olfert EM Conference office 204-326-6401 lolfert@mts.net emconf@mts.net

Great courses are available for credit or audit through the

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

• 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.

For information, please contact: Pierre Gilbert, Coordinator Ph.: 204-487-3300/877-231-4570 E-mail: pgilbert@cmu.ca

March 9, 2005

Training Centre construction Roof and ceiling, electrical Individual cost: About $2,100 (includes airfare from Winnipeg)

March 17–19 The Fifth Sun drama Providence College Otterburne, Man. 204-433-7488 March 18 Canadian Revival Fellowship Dessert Night Church of Living Hope Winnipeg, Man. 800-273-7273 March 19-21 EMC Ministerial Retreat Speaker: Dave Reimer of Wpg., Man. Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre Pinawa, Man. 204-326-6401 April 2 Mental Health Retreat God Is Not Silent St. Benedicts Centre North of Winnipeg, Man. 204-261-6381 April 2 MDS Spring Banquet Prairie Rose EMC Landmark, Man. reporting, updates, music 866-261-1274 April 15 Eden Foundation Celebrating a Journey in Song Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church Winkler, Man. 204-325-5355 April 16 Eden Foundation Celebrating a Journey in Song First Mennonite Church Winnipeg, Man. 204-325-5355

EMC Ministerial Retreat for pastors, ministers, elders and deacons (spiritual leaders)

MARCH 19–21, 2005 at the Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre in Pinawa, Manitoba.

Talk to your pastor or call the Conference office (204-326-6401) for more information.

Each church should register as a group.

Speaker Dave Reimer 3

Nicaragua

These churches are unstoppable!

Darlene Olfert

What will be the lasting impression from our February 2 to 22 visit to Nicaragua?

• Our beautiful warm, bug-free evenings, resting on rocking chairs under mango trees, watching bats swoop in to feed on ripe fruit?

• The near perfect night we spent in Colama sleeping in the church building, looking out at a gorgeous star-studded sky through the bars of the arched church doors?

• Watching fishing boats strategically preparing and then motoring straight into a wave for yet another night of fishing on the ocean?

• Or watching 50 or more wild honey bees swarming into our bedroom to bid us farewell on the morning we left?

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hough all of these events made our stay one of wonder and joy, they will never overshadow the witness of God’s faithfulness in a host of people bent on worshipping Him in spite of all odds.

Over and over we heard of churches having daily prayer times, pleading with God for their church’s witness, for lost souls

and for healing of their country. Over and over we heard of churches burdened for the lost around them and moving into unreached areas with the Good News.

Over and over we watched as a people dependant on God worshipped in joy and complete abandon to His will.

It was our privilege to attend the Pastoral Retreat held at the campgrounds. A near perfect attendance of pastors was recorded. Reports from 16 churches and 12 outreach areas were very encouraging. Four of these outreach groups are applying and will be received as fully organized churches in March at the annual convention. That will bring the number of churches to 20. About six congregations are hoping to

Bernie Thiessen tells a children’s story while Darlene Olfert translates.

More than 40 pastors and leaders came for the Pastoral Retreat. (photos by Lester Olfert)

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buy property or build a church building shortly.

Lester Olfert presented a workshop on Servant Leadership at this retreat, which was well received; great discussion followed.

During our stay, Bernie Thiessen and Lester and THE MESSENGER

I were privileged to visit many of the churches and outreach areas. Always we were filled with awe and reverence to God for His complete care of His own. The economic situation for most of these people is meager, to say the least, but how rich they were in their praise and thankfulness to God. I was also able to take in the annual regional ladies retreat where 100 ladies and 70 children attended. I was invited to share a devotional with them, and was in turn honoured with many hugs, gifts and well wishes, as this may well be my last visit among them.

We attended the inauguration of the Children at Risk (Orfanato Getsemani) project in Diriamba, and saw firsthand the tremendous need there is to work with orphaned and abandoned children. The workteam from Winkler EMMC had done a great job of getting the building closed in and ready for this occasion.

Bernie Thiessen often told a children’s story as we moved around the country. Both children and adults received these stories with great interest. How they would have talked his ear off if only they had been able to communicate better. But love and a smile became the common language.

SBC Leadership Conference 2005

March 18-19, 2005 To Register: Call SBC 204-3266451 or 1-800-230-8478 Register online: www.sbcollege.mb.ca Pre-registration preferred

1 column ad

The Nicaraguan brethren have great vision and dream of a better future as the Gospel continues to change lives, homes and communities.

The newest committee formed is the evangelism and missions committee.

Pastor Marvin (left) was the main bricklayer at Los Their first Potrerillos church construction. concern was to get all churches to commit to a concerted effort to pray for God’s direction as to which geographical area they should target.

In spite of logistical difficulties of transportation, roads and scarce economic possibilities, they are unstoppable. Truly God’s promise Darlene Olfert accompanied of His church being triumphant her husband Lester Olfert (EMC and overcoming all obstacles is foreign secretary) on a recent field very much in evidence in this visit to Nicaragua, where they country. previously served as missionaries.

There are problems of alcohol, Bernie Thiessen, an EMC Board gangs, indifference, poverty, and of Missions member who is part oppression, but God has a huge of Birch River Christian Fellowship force of faithful followers doing a Church (EMC), accompanied them work of reconciliation and healing for two weeks. in His name, and Nicaragua is T blessed. M

You can be involved in Nicaragua.

Here’s how:

• Contribute to the EM Conference budget. This year

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

$25,000 is allocated for projects (mostly workshops, retreats, and training).

• Donate to a special project fund—Hampers for Pastors.

When funds are available, 40 pastors and leaders are given a grocery hamper three times a year. Of the more than 40 pastors and leaders at the Pastoral Retreat, only four are supported by their congregation. The rest struggle to support themselves.

• Invest in the well-being of children. Donate to the Gethsemane Orphanage Project. Funds are needed to build a kitchen, a dining room, and two dormitories before the orphanage begins operation. In the meantime, a day-care program is beginning for 50 children.

• Pray for ministry in Nicaragua. Get specific prayer requests by enrolling in the Nicaragua Prayer Corps.

The EMC has been involved in Nicaragua since 1966.

Contact: Lester Olfert at 204-326-6401; lolfert@mts.net

Pre-registration preferred

2 column ad

March 9, 2005

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Mennonite conferences differ on women in the pulpit Paul Schrag

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AREN Heidebrecht Thiessen didn’t want to break the rules, and she didn’t want to leave the Mennonite Brethren. But her desire to follow God’s call led her to unexpected places.

“I didn’t want to be a quitter,” said Thiessen, now pastor of West Abbotsford (B.C.) Mennonite Church.

“I left with a lot of regret. I feel like I lost my family.” Her new family is Mennonite Church Canada, which allows women to serve as senior pastors. The family she left, the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, does not.

Thiessen’s experience shows that, 30 years after the first ordination of a North American Mennonite woman, the issue of women in pastoral ministry is a difference between Mennonite groups—and debated within some of them.

Only two Mennonite denominations, Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada, fully affirm women for all levels of pastoral ministry. The Brethren in Christ also allows women in all pastoral roles.

In other Mennonite bodies, policies range from reserving all pastoral roles for men only to allowing women to serve in all positions except senior pastor.

The latter position is held by the MB conferences in the United States and Canada. But that policy is being questioned by some MBs in Canada

Only two Mennonite denominations fully affirm women for all levels of pastoral ministry.

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who are advocating full acceptance of women in leadership. The issue was sparked by a 2003 Manitoba provincial conference resolution that called for ending the ban on women senior pastors.

The current request from Manitoba simply would allow congregations the freedom to make their own decisions about women as senior pastors.

Of the 477 pastors in Canadian MB churches, 55, or 12 percent, are women. The issue of women in leadership seems dormant in the U.S. Conference of MB Churches, said Lynn Jost, a member of the conference Leadership Board.

“It’s not a issue we’re talking about very much,” Jost said.

“There’s a certain comfort level with the status quo.” In U.S. MB congregations, women account for about 7 percent, or 23 out of 327, people in pastoral ministry positions.

Acceptance of women in pastoral ministry is the greatest in MC Canada. Of 305 people serving in pastoral ministry, 83, or 27 percent, are women.

Sven Eriksson, denominational minister for MC Canada, said he saw an increasing acceptance of women in pastoral roles.

But sometimes there’s a difference, he said, between stating THE MESSENGER

openness to women in ministry and actually hiring a female pastor.

Some congregations, Eriksson said, “would give lip service to [equality], but when push comes to shove, they would screen out women and accept men, for lead pastors in particular.”

In MC Canada’s sister denomination, MC USA, 16 percent of people in pastoral ministry are women—384 out of 2,283. That’s an increase from 10 to 15 years ago, when the percentage of women pastors was about 10 percent, said Diane Zaerr Brenneman, denominational minister for MC USA Congregational and Ministerial Leadership.

Brenneman is disappointed that the numbers aren’t higher. “Women still aren’t being encouraged and called like men are,” she said. But women who feel a call are persistent, Brenneman said. “I am amazed and awed by women who have been excluded by not having their gifts recognized, and they haven’t left, and they continue to offer their gifts,” she said. “I think that shows a tremendous strength of character.”

The Brethren in Christ has officially affirmed women to pursue positions of ministry since 1982. But movement has been slow. Today, women account for seven percent of BIC people who are licensed or ordained. Only one or two women are senior pastors, said Janet Peifer, an associate pastor and an advocate for BIC women in leadership.

Yet, Peifer said she felt hopeful that

Nancy Heisey speaks at Mennonite World Conference 2003 in Zimbabwe. She is president of MWC, the first woman to hold this position.

March 9, 2005

‘Things are slowly changing, without causing ripples or division. We work hard at remaining united in spite of these differences.’

more women are responding to the ministry call. This year 44 women are taking courses required for licensed for ministry. Probably not all will seek licensing, but the high number is a hopeful sign, she said.

Several smaller conferences limit the pastorate to men. In the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, a Canadian group with about 7,100 members in 52 churches, the constitution says only men can be —David ordained.

That hasn’t stopped a few congregations from hiring female pastors. Others in the conference don’t seem to object to this, even if they wouldn’t hire a woman themselves, said David Thiessen, conference pastor at the EMC office in Steinbach, Man. “Officially we take a conservative stance, but in practice women have been well received as leaders in churches where they are called, and informally recognized in the conference,” he said. “Things are slowly changing, without causing ripples or division. We work hard at remaining united in spite of these differences.”

Three or four EMC congregations have a woman on the pastoral staff. None currently has a female lead pastor.

The EMC formally dealt with the question of women in leadership five years ago. The Conference Council discussed three papers that presented different views. Then a five-year moratorium was placed on discussion. The moratorium expired this year, but the issue hasn’t been reopened.

“Personally, I’m very open to women in leadership and hope that will continue to develop,” Thiessen said. “I don’t know what direction we will go, ultimately.”

Thiessen

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he Conservative Mennonite Conference, with about 11,000 members in 113 churches, has no women in pastoral ministry. Its constitution states that ordination and licensure are limited to men. Moderator Ben W. Shirk of Goshen, Ind., said that as far as he knew, the conference had never considered changing that policy. He said the policy was based on Scriptures that say women should not have authority over men.

The Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference—with 5,800 members in 54 congregations in Canada, Mexico, Belize and Bolivia—has no ordained female pastors. It does, however, have women who serve congregations in leadership roles as worship directors or as counselors, and who would be referred to as pastors. In 2002, for the first time, a woman was elected to the General Council, the conference’s top leadership body.

The Chortitzer Mennonite Conference, a Canadian group with 13 congregations and about 1,900 people who attend, has no female pastors. But women’s teaching role has grown, said Dick Wiebe, conference bishop, in Steinbach, Man. “It has been understood in the past that women do not teach men,” Wiebe said. Now, with the pastor’s approval, women are allowed to T teach adult Sunday school classes that include men. M This article was commissioned by Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ periodicals in Canada and the United States. The Messenger is a member.

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with our missionaries Zambia

Disciples in what God is doing here!

Students at Choma Secondary are inundated with the gospel message.

Ours is a mission school shared by Brethren in Christ and Pilgrim Wesleyan churches.

They have devotions every morning led by a teacher. Sundays offer three services; two of them are mandatory. So at times it seems like they have heard it all before, and it is difficult to reach them. Those who have not made a decision for Christ after one term have rejected Christ’s call many times. I am sure it is a matter of putting it off, or not feeling worthy for many.

As the patron of Scripture Union at our school, I am challenged to keep thinking of how we can keep the message fresh and how to foster spiritual growth among pupils. On Sundays we mix up the activities; we have preaching, open sharing including devotions, testimonies and special numbers by pupils, skit nights, Bible Studies, debates, and movie nights.

Debate was done for the first time last Sunday. The chairperson for the Scripture Union executive chose the topics. We divided the group into two, then all in the hall were a part of the debate. I judged the first topic: Beer drinking is positive for a Christian.

(Always state a debate topic in the

July 10 to August 6, 2005

positive.) It was lively; pupils really were digging into their Bibles and defending their ideas. It was close, but in the end, I had to give the win to those affirming the statement.

The second topic—Boyfriend and girlfriend relationships are good to have as high school pupils—was judged by Pastor Mutunda, my partner at S.U. Again the topic was exciting and pupils had to be reminded of proper behaviour during debate. This time the side that was against the statement won.

The previous Sunday we showed a movie The Last Flight Out, produced by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. They have donated over 10 movies to our school, which have been a great blessing and an alternative to the movies that used to be shown here. When the movie ended, I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to present an invitation to receive Jesus.

No one accepted publicly, so I was a bit disappointed, but hoped that pupils might privately accept Jesus after we were dismissed, or that a seed was planted. As we exited, a grade 8 boy was waiting for me. I asked him how I could help him. He said, “I want to become a Christian.” After a brief time of explaining more about the decision he was making, we prayed together. His tears were a testimony stronger than words.

Since then, we have met together as I am discipling him. He brings a friend who is also a young Christian. I find that this is one of the greatest privileges of working in Zambia. What a joy to be able to be a part of what God is doing here!

It has been a challenge to find the energy to put my best into the many different calls on my time and energy.

In the last two months, we have been working hard to fill out immigration papers for Josiah. They have finally been sent, so we pray that they will be approved quickly. We covet your continued prayer as we finish our last year in Zambia.

Anthony Thiessen

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Anthony, Karlene and Josiah Thiessen (La Crete) are completing secondary school service in Zambia under Mennonite Central Committee.

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Contact: Lester Olfert, EMC Foreign Secretary 204-326-6401 204-326-1613 (fax) lolfert@mts.net www.emconf.ca

THE MESSENGER

Burkina Faso

Questioning motives, exciting results What are those white people doing here?

“They’re searching for gold.”

“They’re stealing our language; they are learning it to take back to Canada to teach to the people there and make lots of money.”

“No, they are writing a book about our culture to sell.”

Lillian Haas is an Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission co-worker with Paul and Lois Thiessen (Blumenort EMC) in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

SBC Graduation Weekend April 15-17, 2005

April 15 Spring Concert featuring the SBC Chorale 5:00 pm • Concert Practice Alumni are invited to join the Chorale.

A light supper will follow the practice.

RSVP to Minna Thiessen 204-326-6451 ext 267 or mthiessen@sbcollege.mb.ca 7:30 pm • Concert April 16 Alumni Brunch 10:30 am • SBC Gym • Tickets $10 Call or E-mail Minna Thiessen Come visit with friends.

April 17 Graduation 3:00 pm • Graduation Ceremony at Steinbach EMC • 422 Main Street Speaker: Layton Friesen, SBC Alumnus, Pastor at Fort Garry EMC 50 PTH 12 N • Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4 www.sbcollege.mb.ca

March 9, ad 2005 1 column - 2 1/4 inches

These ideas have been circulating around the village since the arrival of the Paul and Lois Thiessen family in 1984. During this time, Paul Thiessen has been diligently analyzing the language and preparing for Bible translation.

It’s necessary work, but difficult to communicate with the villagers.

Finally, last month Paul Thiessen says, “Let’s pray that this seed will germinate, grow, and Paul and Solo had produce fruit, and that God will help us to add more stories for them to hear.” something tangible they could present to the elders of the village as I showed them the Siamou/French proof of their work. Since I was not present dictionary and the experimental copy at the meeting, I will let Paul describe it: of the primer that Lillian printed. Then This morning at 8 a.m., Solo and I went I showed them my stack of Bibles in to the chief’s house with our cassette French, German, English and Bambara, tape player and our box of Bibles. By and said that we wanted to provide them 10:30 there were about 40 men gathered with a Siamou Bible. and we were ready to begin. I introduced After my introduction (I spoke in the meeting by explaining that our French; Solo translated into Siamou), purpose for coming to the village of Tin we turned on the tape player for them was to translate the Bible into the Siamou to listen to the Joseph story in Siamou. language.

They listened very attentively to the whole story—45 minutes worth.

The 40 men who were present were of all ages, about half of them over the age of 50, including about a dozen of the elders of the village. Although I emphasized our goal of giving them the Word of God in their mother tongue, they seemed most excited about the idea that our work would help to preserve the Siamou language. After having heard the Koran in Arabic and not understanding it, they were quite intrigued, I think, by the idea that the Word of God can be read and heard in the Siamou language.

After listening to the cassette tape, we had a discussion and answered many questions. At noon we were done. It was a great meeting. It’s very exciting to me to imagine that most of these 40 people heard a Bible story for the first time in their lives! Certainly for the first time in Siamou.

Lillian Haas Correction: A Woman’s Journey of Faith, Susie: A love that serves, printed in the February 23 issue, should have read her grandmother married a widower with eight children.

—Editors

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writings shared Wally Doerksen and Dave K. Schellenberg Whiteman’s Gospel by Craig Stephen Smith (Indian Life Ministries, Winnipeg, Man., 1998, 153 pp.). $14.95. Reviewed by Wally Doerksen, member, EMC Social Concerns Committee (Board of Ministers and Deacons).

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RAIG Smith makes two statements in the introduction that catch the reader’s attention, and indicates that what is to follow will be attention-grabbing as well. He says, “The aboriginal people of North America are one of the most resistant people groups to the gospel of Jesus Christ today” and “Christianity has wonderful answers to questions that Indians aren’t asking.”

This immediately sets one to thinking, why are Native Americans so hard to reach and does the gospel have any relevancy for them?

Part of the difficulty, Craig Smith reasons, is that Natives perceive the gospel to belong to the white man.

In that they are wrong, because God came to a minority group, an underdog, so to speak. And if God could use an underdog minority group once, why could He not use another today? And in that Natives are a good fit.

The treatment which Natives received at the hands of the white man was atrocious, he says, but like the Jews had to deal with forgiving their persecutors, so Indians have to deal with forgiving the white man. In that way they will no longer be bound by their history, but be free to pursue a relationship with the Lord of the universe, and not necessarily the white man’s God. Can an Indian be a Christian and still be true to their traditions and culture? The pursuit must be of Christ, and not the culture. If culture is more consuming than Christ, then the Christian life is not balanced, Craig argues.

But who will decide what cultural issues are permissible in the kingdom of God, and which ones are not? In the past, those standing outside the culture made those decisions, when in fact they should be decided by the Spirit of God. Craig Smith tells a powerful story of a medicine man who was converted after having been tormented by other medicine men and owls who spoke to him in Navajo. After his conversion he and his family were dramatically released from the spiritual forces against them, but he still kept some of the traditional ways of the past. The parts of his culture that were not animistic were presented to God, so He could redeem that which was redeemable.

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The conclusions which Craig Smith reaches are applicable, not only to Natives, but to any people group. He cites three choices which are before his people: They can choose to serve the God of their ancestors, choose to serve the gods in the land where they are now living, or choose to serve the Lord. And those are precisely the choices of Mennonites or any other people or religious groups.

What makes Craig Smith’s book powerful, for me, is his assertion that we need to be cross-cultural in our ministry to be effective and not to wither.

God blesses when we look beyond our underdog minority group, and boldly and gladly reach out to all cultures around us. For that was the intention of God: T To redeem all people and all cultural groups. M

Nestor Makhno and the Eichenfeld Massacre: A civil war tragedy in a Ukrainian Mennonite village. Compiled by Harvey L. Dyck, John R. Staples and John B. Toews.

Pandora Press, 2004, 115 pp. $14.

Reviewed by Dave Schellenberg, archivist emeritus, EMC Archives.

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HE YEARS 1917 to 1921 were a time of fierce struggle throughout Ukraine. Civil war killed hundreds of thousands of people—Ukrainians, Russians, Jews and German Mennonites.

Eichenfeld was a German Mennonite village established in 1869 on rich black soil overlooking the Dnieper River in southern Ukraine.

It prospered. A few people grew wealthy, purchased estates along the Dnieper, and built grand houses.

Twenty years later, in 1889, Nestor Ivanovitch Makhno was born in Guilaipole, a village 100 kms to the south. By seven he herded cattle and sheep; from age 12 on he worked full-time on estates owned by wealthy Russians, German Mennonites and others.

Nestor Makhno’s political activism began at age 16, resulting from the Russian revolution of 1905. In 1906 he was arrested for murder, but released. In 1908 he with 13 arsonists were sentenced to death, but his sentence was commuted.

When Czar Nicholas II abdicated in 1917, an amnesty was granted political prisoners. Makhnov returned to Guliaipole and threw himself into revolutionary activities.

THE MESSENGER

His political aims were simple: Drive out landowners and political authorities from the region and transfer all land to peasants. His followers, numbering up to 100,000, became known as Makhnovites. Their raids were extremely violent; those who resisted faced beatings, even execution. His territory covered 50 by 150 kilometers along the Dnieper’s east bank. This involved four multi-village Mennonite settlements with 18,000 people, including Eichenfeld.

On October 26, 1919, Eichenfeld was attacked.

Four hundred Makhnovites slaughtered 74 people.

Eichenfeld was perhaps targeted because this was the home of Heinrich Heinrichs, a leader in the Mennonite self-defence movement. Three days later the victims were buried without a funeral service in hastily dug graves in the village cemetery. The Makhnovite era was ended two years later by Soviet power. Makhno died in France in 1934.

Mennonite witnesses tell their stories of the massacre, and interviews with Ukrainians are included from 2001. Of 24 Ukrainian interviews, 13 had substantial memories of the disaster. The book lists the names and ages of 136 slain.

What caused this horrific destruction of lives and property? It was an aftermath of the 1905 Russian revolution, unfavourable propaganda was directed against Mennonites, Makhno’s home town was a site where dissatisfied individuals gathered, and Mennonite prosperity identified them as targets, Finally, it was viewed by some Mennonites as God’s scourge for their moral failings.

On May 27, 2001, three hundred people from

museums, universities, regional and municipal officials, media, Mennonite historians and preachers from Ukraine and abroad gathered for a memorial service for Mennonite victims of civil war in the Eichenfeld area. An inscribed grey granite slab now marks the spot. Speakers included Fedor G. Turchenko, history dean, University of Zaporizhzhe, and John B. Toews of Vancouver, British Columbia.

The book’s authors have done well, considering the T gap between the event and the memorial service. M

Chortitzer publishes its history

Chortitzer Mennonite Conference recently published a hard-bound history from 1874 to 1990.

It has 13 churches in western Canada. Bishop Dick D. Wiebe says, “In recent years more of our CMC people have come to realize that research and documentation of our historical roots needs to be done now, before we lose forever, the lives of these pilgrims who have gone before us.” Wiebe is the tenth bishop of this church; the first one was Jacob Braun, ordained in 1824.

This 122-page book comes in a coffee table format and consists of 12 chapters, beginning with early Christianity and the Reformation. It ends with a listing of its ministerial.

The book is available for $30 from the CMC office in Steinbach, Man. (204-346-6320 or cmc@mts.net).

Dave Schellenberg

with our churches

La Crete follows the star

La Crete, Alta.: Pastor Frank Winsor presented a series entitled Follow the Star. Having the presence of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, wise men, Anna and Simeon certainly prepared the hearts of worshippers for the birthday of a King.

March 9, 2005

A parent-child dedication was held at La Crete: George and Trudy Peters with Macy; Melanie Buhler with Audrey and Haley; Jamie and Edna Schellenberg with Sidney, Austin, Riley and Naydine; Peter and Martha Fehr with Bethany; Kevin and Lisa Wolfe with Kyler; Frank and Lori Bergen with Matthew; and Larry and Brenda Wiebe with Kyle.

Cora Winsor

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So long, farewell, auf weidersehn, adieu Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.): How do you say good bye to a pastor family who has been part of a church for 16 years? With silly songs, skits, and fond remembrances! With tears, hugs and prayers of blessing!

The ACF family gathered to do just that for Charles, Lorraine, Heidi (and Claudio Arancibia), and Scott and Leon on June 13.

Charles and Lorraine were given seats of honour and we all enjoyed an evening of shared memories. It was good to laugh together, but it was also good to express our feelings of loss as we remember and thank Charles, Lorraine and the family for the years that we have shared.

The young Koop family came to Abbeydale in 1989 and, as you can see from the photos, we watched them grow even as our church grew. One part of our church gift was a scrapbook for which each family prepared a unique page. Charles is enjoying employment as a carpenter while they wait for God to reveal the next adventure He has

1989

2005

Charles and Lorraine Koop and family have served, or been involved within, Abbeydale Christian Fellowship since 1989.

prepared for them. We bless the family with verses from Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.

Brenda Dick

Meet Abbeydale’s interim pastoral couple Levi and Wilma Smoker were enjoying their retirement when, in midMay, they were asked to help fill the void that would be left following the resignation of Pastor Charles Koop, who was planning to leave at the end of June. According to Levi, this call threw their nice, orderly retirement world into turmoil!

Although they struggled with giving up their new-found flexibility, they had also been praying for some kind of ministry or mission that would make a difference for Christ in the city of Calgary and for eternity. They had never dreamed that they would once more be involved in a pastoral position.

Levi and Wilma were born into Mennonite families in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Levi describes his conversion in these words: “Fifty-some years ago Jesus, in love and mercy, reached down from His place beside His Father in heaven, and saved a young farm boy in a Christian home from sin and eternal destruction in hell. Jesus, in the person of His Holy Spirit, moved

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into that boy’s life, and His presence has been with me to this very moment!”

As a young man he was needed to work at home and never completed high school, but in 1972, following the unmistakable leading of God, they moved to Three Hills, Alta., and began studying at Prairie Bible Institute. During the next four years, their faith was stretched in many ways but they were sustained by God’s grace. “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8).

After Levi’s graduation in 1976 they were led to their first pastorate, Bethany Mennonite Church at Smith, Alta., where they served for nine years. The next 10 years were spent at Salem Mennonite Church in Tofield, Alta. In August 2000 they entered MCC’s voluntary service program and worked in the Ten Thousand Villages warehouse in Akron, Penn. Calgary became their home in 2003 and they had been attending Abbeydale Christian Fellowship for nearly a year when Levi was invited to become interim pastor.

Levi and Wilma Smoker are serving as Abbeydale’s interim pastoral couple.

Just before giving our church an answer, Levi read a quote by Oswald Chambers: Trust completely in God, and when He brings you to a new opportunity of adventure, offering it to you, see that you take it.

On October 3 they shared their life-story with the congregation and were accepted as members. We were encouraged by their enthusiasm when Levi said, “We count it a privilege to serve together with you in the cause of Christ in our congregation, our community and our time. May God be pleased to bless yours and our ministry as we move toward the finding and calling of the next pastor for our congregation. I can honestly say that I am excited about what the Spirit is doing and what he is going to do in our congregation in the coming months and years!”

Brenda Dick

THE MESSENGER

Missions and spending time overseas Koop is in Holland under the auspices of InterMenno. She has just finished a six-month program and is now going into her last six months in a new job assignment. She is expected home in August.

Michael Plett spent about five months in Argentina. He went out under YWAM and spent several months studying and then about two months traveling in ministry outreach. He left in July and returned home at the end of November.

Paul Klassen took a year off from his university studies to go to Guatemala with Engineering Ministries.

This too, has been a learning experience.

The mission offers their expertise in drawing up blueprints or advice on different projects for mission groups, but not the actual construction.

He is expected home in April. His parents Mel and Corinne Klassen visited him for a week in February.

Diana Reimer On February 13, we had the joy of receiving seven new members by transfer: John and Tina Enns, Josh and Kim Muehling, Anne Fort Garry (Winnipeg, Man.): We began the New Year with Missions month. Four Sundays were devoted to developing the theme: Missions: Doing what we were designed to do. This theme was divided into four segments: going, praying, giving, and dreaming (envisioning).

On Tuesday evenings a busy, happy group of about 45 youngsters meet for

their regular club night. This year’s theme has been Construction, Inc. They have been building a small structure block by block, but are also building their spiritual lives. Tammy Kruse is the building manager, and her building crew are willing and helpful volunteers.

Three of our young people have or are spending sometime overseas. Cecile

Reimer, Cora and Nathan Hoeppner.

(photo by Harv Sawatzky)

Abundant Springs 2005 Caronport, Sask.

May 20–23 Abundant Springs

Musician The National Youth Committee is pleased to have Phil Baquie and his band coming to our event this May. They will be bringing us a concert on Saturday night, leading the youth in worship and celebration through their gift of music.

While Phil grew up in Australia, he has been living and recording music in the United States for most of his life. He has spent much time in active ministry traveling around the world sharing his music and God’s message.

“Missions is life, not a project,” says Phil, who also works with a Christian humanitarian group called Mission of Mercy ministering to the “poorest of the poor” in over 23 third-world countries.

Pray for Phil and his band as they travel up from Nashville and minister to the hearts and lives of our young people.

March 9, 2005

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‘We were meant to live for so much more’ Morweena (Arborg, Man.): Last spring, several Morweena youth were privileged to take part in a house construction project in Juarez, Mexico. Their preparation for this trip included working with the Sewing Circle to make blankets to hand out to homeless families. Alicia Loewen participated in this mission trip, and this is her report: Six leaders and 16 senior youth left Morweena in two vans on March 28, 2004, for our destination, Mexico. Traveling was one of my personal highlights. All of us youth got to know each other inside-out as we

Alicia at lunch time.

traveled many hours on end. We were faced with few traveling difficulties, and felt blessed to have had a safe trip.

We made two stops along the way: One in Copeland, Kansas; the other in Seminole, Texas. Morweena has a daughter church and school in each location. We did the schools’ morning chapels during our visits, and were blessed to see how God is working in other church families throughout the U.S. We finally arrived in Juarez, and were shocked to see we were to spend our nights in tents in a large sand field. However, the experiences of sandstorms, cold showers and outhouses were, in the end, a time of thankfulness for how much we have in Canada.

The work project of building a house in Juarez was run by Amor Missions.

We built the house in three days; not one power tool was used in the whole project. We were to get an idea of how most people in Mexico would build a house. Many children gathered as we worked. Some of us played and did crafts with them. God blessed us with the opportunity to show love to Spanish people in Juarez.

We were meant to live for so much more. This quote from a Switchfoot song became real to us youth as we built the house. We were given a glimpse of what life is like when we live our lives for others, rather than ourselves.

Alicia Loewen Reporter: Janet Hamm

Challenges from the pulpit Wymark, Sask.: On January 23, Pastor Jake Enns spoke on blessing the Father (not the meal) and then challenged us to lay aside our usual prayers and be thankful people.

Well, on Sunday, January 30, the time of singing was loud. It sounded to me that the ladies playing piano and organ were encouraging us to really sing and so we did.

Then something happened that I have not seen or heard too much of.

Pastor Jake read us the whole book of 1 Timothy. God bless him for taking these bold steps. (I would also like to ask you to pray for Pastor Jake as his knees cause him much pain).

Holly Lightfoot

births THIESSEN – to Anthony and Karlene Thiessen of Choma, Zambia, a son, born May 13, 2004, with adoption finalized November 17, 2004.

LOEWEN – to Donevon and Beth Loewen of Arvada, Co., twins, a son August Isaac, and a daughter Taylor Masie, on December 7, 2004.

REIMER – to Kelly and Lorie Reimer of Steinbach, Man., a son, Owen George Lewis, on January 5, 2005.

BERGEN – to David and Angela Bergen of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Gracie Alexandra, on January 10, 2005.

PETERS – to Beto and Margaret Peters of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Cody Ryan, on January 13, 2005.

KUHL – to Sheldon and Debbie Kuhl of Roseisle, Man., a son, Dominic Reece Kuhl, on January 16, 2005.

Camping in a sand field.

DICK – to Kevin and Sandra Dick of Calgary, Alta., a son, Levi Isaac Gordon, on January 28, 2005.

KEHLER – to Gary and Lynnette Kehler of Kleefeld, Man., a son, Gavin Todd David, on January 31, 2005.

GIESBRECHT – to Henry and Lisa Giesbrecht of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Olivia Lynn, on February 1, 2005.

BARKMAN – to Bruce and Amber Barkman of Riverton, Man., a son, Keegan Cornelius Jacob, on February 8, 2005.

The house begins to take shape. (photos by Bev Plett)

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THE MESSENGER

shoulder tapping Steinbach Christian High School, in Steinbach, Man., invites applications for a full-time principal for 2005–2006 academic year. Applicants should be able to provide spiritual, educational, and administrative leadership. Applicants should submit a letter of application and a current resume with three references. Police and Child Abuse Registry checks will be expected of all interviewees.

Closing date for application is March 18, 2005.

SCHS appreciates all applicants; however, only those considered for interviews will be contacted further. Interviews may begin before the closing date should a suitable candidate be found. Submit applications and resumes to Sam Doerksen, Board Chair, SCHS, 50 PTH 12N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4.

Phone 204-326-3537; fax 204-326-6908; e-mail schs@schs.ca; www.schs.ca.

Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in east-central Saskatchewan, with a congregation of about 50, is currently looking for a pastor. Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or tdpromise@sasktel.net.

What are you doing this summer? Summer staff positions available at Inner City Youth Alive, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7. Phone 204-582-8779; e-mail icya@mts.net; www. innercityyouthalive.org.

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 204-326-6401 or emcmessenger@mts.net.

Call Mennonite Disaster Service (Winnipeg, Man., office 866-261-1274) about volunteering short-term (one to three weeks) and long term (one month or more) or check the website at www. mds.mennonite.net for current opportunities.

Construction or cooking experience is helpful, but not necessary for bringing hope back to the lives of disaster survivors. All ages 18 and over are welcome.

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:

March 9, 2005

Spanish Ministry Search Committee, 1011 Munroe Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 1J7.

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.

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.

MCC Bolivia seeks immediately a coordinator of Mennonite colony work in rural areas around Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The term is three to five years.

The coordinator is responsible for a team of six to seven workers and for overall guidance, planning, evaluation, and administration of the work. For information, call Marsha Jones at MCC Canada, 204-261-6381, or check out the web site: www.mcc. org/servicetree.

Targeting tentmakers! Are you willing to pursue your vocation in a new setting so that you can more fully use your gifts in the church? Do you have a passion to help those without hope to find Christ, and to be people of integrity in a new community? Are you a team builder? Consider the opportunities available as a tentmaker in a new church plant. E-mail Peter and Trudy Dueck for information at tpdueck@mts.net.

MacGregor (Man.) EMC is seeking applications for a full-time pastor to minister to a congregation of about 140 people. The applicant must be able to relate well to all age groups. If interested, please contact Bruce Unger at 204-685-3177, email bruceunger@mts.net, or by mail to Pastoral Search Committee, c/o MacGregor EMC, Box 133, MacGregor, MB R0H 0R0.

Full-time pastor needed for community church connected with Mennonite Church Canada in Burns Lake, B.C., 2 1/2 hours northwest of Prince George. Attendance is around 85 plus; good building with room for growth. Church serves people from a wide range of church backgrounds, making them open to God’s choice of pastor from another denomination. People are ready for positive changes to draw those who seek the Lord or to be encouraged. For information and salary negotiations, contact Rob Wiebe at 250-698-7334 or rcwiebe@futurenet.bc.ca.

Are you a church planter? Are you a visionary person with entrepreneurial abilities? Do you have a passion for God and an ability to relate to the culture around you? Are you flexible and adaptable? Perhaps God has uniquely gifted you to be a church planter. E-mail Peter and Trudy Dueck at tpdueck@mts.net to discover more about the qualifications and the opportunities for church planting in Canada.

A full-time assistant program director is needed for Red Rock Bible Camp. This position will begin September 1. Duties include camper

follow-up and assisting the program director with the summer camp program, retreats, and hosting rental groups. Resumes can be e-mailed to kim@redrockbiblecamp.com or call Kim Coursey at 204-326-9784 for information.

Is God calling you to use your leadership abilities, management skills and two or more years of cross-cultural experience to serve others through MCC? This year MCC needs people to lead work in Congo, Bangladesh, and its Visitor Exchange Program (based in Akron, Pa.). In 2006, MCC needs leaders for work in Jamaica, Bolivia, Haiti, Tanzania, Nigeria, Mexico and a West Coast director (based in Reedley, Calif.). Plan ahead. Application review begins immediately for 2005 positions. Review for 2006 positions begins August 2005. Contact Charmayne Brubaker at 717-859-1151, cdb@mcc. org or your nearest MCC office for descriptions and information about these openings.

Required: general director for smaller faith mission in northern Manitoba working largely with First Nations people. Director is expected to give overall leadership, overseeing a staff of about 20 missionaries. A candidate should have a heart for Native ministry, preferably have ministry and some administrative experience, and be willing to relocate to Thompson, Man. For information, contact: Continental Mission, Inc., 159 Cree Road, Thompson, MB R8N 0C2; phone 204-778-4491; e-mail cmi@mts.net.

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 includes the role of chief financial officer and requires training and experience in financial management.

Administrative leadership and office management skills are essential. 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.

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the personal touch Remembering Arden Church

Young families, go out and take the gospel somewhere!

Margaret Dueck (now Barkman)

“I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:4).

T

HE letter Goodbye, Arden Church! was published in January 28, 2004, but it brought back memories of Arden.

In 1961 my first husband and I thought about moving to Arden, Man. Revival meetings were being held in Prairie Rose EMC in Landmark. When we sang the last song I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, the Lord spoke to us. My husband said if we could sell our turkeys and chickens so that we could pay our bills, we were going to Arden.

We talked to the pastors. Rev. Abe Unger said, “Well, why don’t we encourage you to go for five years.” Pastor Frank D. Reimer was unsure about taking six children to an unchurched area—in Prairie Rose they sang in a 70voice choir. But all our children favoured going.

We sold everything, paid our debts, and moved at Christmastime so the children would not miss much school. We were thankful they were well accepted in school. One older boy knew he could not go into the poolroom, which was popular, but one buddy stayed out with him.

The church building was not quite ready, but the congregation wanted to start Sunday school. Before the stairs were in, people helped children to jump into the basement and classes began.

To our joy, many children came. We would gather children, three deep in the back of the car—before seat belts were mandatory. All we needed to do was to invite them to Sunday school.

Our friends at Arden were good to us and, most of all, the churches back at home In 1963 Margaret Dueck (now were praying for us. Thank Barkman) posed with children you for your prayers, which being taught during Vacation Bible we could feel very much.

School in Arden, Man.

PAGE 16

Arden Community Bible Church was a lighthouse for the community. The Word of God went forth and it will not return void. One daughter was baptized in the church, and the youngest son was saved at the Barry Moore Crusade when the evangelist was in MacGregor one fall. We are thankful and grateful for the Lord’s unfailing love and his divine guidance.

When we were in Arden, God also gave us the wonderful gift of two lovely foster children from the Children’s Aid. Later, the Lord led us so that we could adopt them; this has been a great blessing to us, for which we are grateful.

Every summer we would have Vacation Bible School, where we would get willing helpers from churches back home. Also, Pastor Elmer Hamm was a great help to come for mid-week Bible studies. Often our ministers from back home preached on Sundays. We were fortunate to have much intercessory prayer from our church back home.

We would go down by the river to have our Sunday school picnic in summer, which was fun for everyone, young and old. I also had a good opportunity to sing at the Neepawa Hospital, only about ten miles west of Arden. Our young people enjoyed going every Sunday afternoon.

The five years the Lord kept us in Arden were years of great blessings; we want to thank every one of you who had a part, either with prayer or in the divine leading of God’s grace. We want to thank you for the blessing these five years of learning were to us.

We want to encourage young families to go out and live in areas where there is no church, to be a light in T the darkness. And you will be blessed! M In 1961 Margaret Dueck (now Barkman) moved with her family to Arden, Man., and served in the church there for five years. Five years ago Margaret married Peter Barkman. They are members at Blumenort EMC, and live in Abbotsford, B.C. THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914