The Messenger Vol. 43 No. 12 June 29, 2005

Abundant Springs 2005

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

May 20–23

The

Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 43 NUMBER 12 JUNE 29, 2005

The

editorials

H

Messenger

Abundant Springs and tomorrow’s efforts

undreds of youths, who face crucial choices in their lives, gathered at Abundant Springs 2005 and encouraged each other to follow Christ.

Since 1997, I’ve been to four Abundant Springs events (assistant editor Becky Buhler covered 2001) and it’s always been of personal benefit to attend.

Tremendous efforts, giftedness, organizational skills, and spiritual concern are shown at Abundant Springs. Impressive work is done by the National Youth Committee and the many people it draws upon—youth sponsors and pastors, security, prayer and other support members. Remarkable effort is made by Gerald D. Reimer, our Conference Youth Minister; he would immediately deflect that acknowledgement to his many colleagues in youth ministry—and we are both right.

Abundant Springs is worth the effort and the money invested in it.

Is it a perfect event? No event is. The type of event that will attract youth today is different from what it needed to be a half-century ago. Younger and older generations will evaluate differently modern cultural contexts, some spiritual themes, and musical styles.

The challenge isn’t to respond to such happenings with familiar positions; it is to have an on-going commitment to evaluate the culture we are influenced by (or raised in) and to respond to it through serious study and application of Scripture.

Where will national youth ministry of our conference be in 25 years? We don’t know the challenges it will face, where the focus will be, or the forms that it will take. But there is an ongoing need for specific ministry to teens nationally, with, probably, stronger regional events also T being held as our conference spreads. M Terry M. Smith

No glib words about the weather

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cross Canada, the weather has varied—too much rain in some areas, less in others. Some areas have good crops, while other areas are in poor shape. Cooler weather has been helpful to hog and poultry barns, where overheating can be a serious danger. Wet weather across Canada has hindered resorts, golf courses, and countless supporting businesses. It has been, for many people, a difficult spring and early summer.

Jesus said the rain falls on the just and the unjust (Matthew 7:45). God through Amos spoke of judgment through weather, both dry and wet (Amos 4:7–8). Streams can rise and test the foundations of followers of Christ and those who aren’t following Him (Matthew 7:24–31).

Philip Yancey cautions us against too quickly linking misfortunate and sin, or trying to discover an exact meaning for a specific form of suffering. “Maybe God isn’t trying to tell us anything specific

each time we hurt. Pain and suffering are part and parcel of our planet, and Christians are not exempt” (Where is God When It Hurts? p. 67). He says, rather, that suffering has a general meaning: We are limited, dependent people.

Through weather we are reminded just how linked are our lives; rural and urban sectors are intertwined in Canada and around the planet.

What do we pray for? Perhaps, for a start, as my colleague Gerald Reimer has said: We can pray for a faith that perseveres in the midst of trial. That, and we can pray for better weather, where needed, and for a harvest to share with others in all regions of Canada and wider. “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).

If you have prayer requests related to the impact of the weather, let the editors know and we will publish a collection of T them. M Terry M. Smith

EDITOR 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.

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MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 14 – August 17 (copy due August 5)

THE MESSENGER

letter

coming events

Jesus endured spiritual death for us “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). What kind of death is this? As Adam and Eve sinned, they caused the human race to face a physical death. But at the same time, it caused a separation between God and man, causing a spiritual death. So the wages of sin is physical as well as spiritual. To those not trusting in Jesus’ sacrificial death, God must say, “I know you not!” (Matthew 25:12).

The Old Testament teaches us how very serious this is. The people had to bring a perfect lamb to an altar. The one bringing the lamb was to put his hand on its head. God said that if they did this, He would look at it as if all the man’s sin was being placed on the lamb (Leviticus 1:3–4). So now because the lamb had the man’s sin, it had to die.

This was only a picture for the people to understand that God was going to send a Saviour that would forever pay for the sins of the people. This Savior, Jesus, would die once for all, with no need for another sacrifice. He would pay the price in full. What price? The price for sin, physical death and separation from God. Even though he never sinned, Jesus willingly took all our sin upon himself.

And just like the lamb that had to die for the people’s sin, Jesus now had to die and pay the price that we were to pay because all of our sin was upon Him. Did Jesus just die a physical death for us, or a spiritual death?

If Jesus did not experience separation from his father, as he bore our sin, then we are still responsible for paying for our own sin. Would Jesus not have to experience separation from the God in order for our sins to be forgiven?

Otherwise, how could his sacrifice be considered full payment?

The wages of our sin is not just physical death. Do the wages of sin change now that God’s own Son is carrying the sin?

If he paid for our sins in full, he felt everything in every way that the spiritual death had caused in the Garden of Eden, separation from God. If Jesus’ death on the cross was only physical death, then what has he saved us from? We will still die a physical death.

No, rather he died a spiritual death so that we won’t die spiritually. If he only died in our place physically, then he has not really died in our place. By saying that God did not forsake Jesus in his

June 29, 2005

suffering, and that he does not forsake us in our suffering, places the emphasis on the physical, and puts suffering and sin on the same level.

God did not leave Jesus in his suffering, but rather as God turned his head from our sin that was taken willingly upon His Son, Jesus suffered a spiritual death during the three hours of darkness before his physical death.

Vange Lough Steinbach, Man. The Messenger reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, clarity, libel, tone (charity), and for good taste. It has the right to refuse letters. The focus of letter writing is to be on issues, not personalities (from the policy of the Board of Church Ministries, January 2002).

Letters are now to be 500 words or less.

—Editors

July 8–10, 15–17 Manitoba’s Passion Play The Carpenter La Riviere, Man. 204-242-3160 www.passionplay.ca September 23–24 Canadian Mennonite University Homecoming 2005 Building, Renewing, Celebrating Winnipeg, Man. 877-231-4570 October 18–19 Canadian Mennonite University J. J. Thiessen Lectures Curiosity: Towards a Theology of Intellectual Appetite Speaker: Paul J. Griffiths Winnipeg, Man. 877-231-4570 October 19–21 Winnipeg Prophecy Conference The Ancient Book for Modern Times Victoria Inn 1808 Wellington Avenue Winnipeg, Man. 204-888-7270 or 204-853-7786

EMCers graduate from AMBS

Amy Marie Epp

Lois Unrau

Amy Marie Epp (Aberdeen) and Lois Unrau (Steinbach EMC) graduated from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, Ind.) with Master of Divinity degrees. Epp is pursuing a pastoral ministry assignment. Unrau has accepted a one-year teaching assignment in North Korea under MCC. AMBS

After

60 years,

would I do it again?

Dave K. Schellenberg

Serving as a conscientious objector: Would I do it again?

By the grace of God, yes!

I

am one who chose Alternative Service when my call came during World War Two over 60 years ago. Alternative service was provided for Mennonites by the government of Canada. At the time, I was married and we had one child.

I was not called up until 1943, and decided to apply for CO status. I cannot recall that I ever contemplated any other alternative. My decision was based more on my church as being one of the historic peace churches than quoting chapter and verse from the Bible.

For the following, I rely on documentation and my memory: The procedure began with a required medical exam; this I took in Winnipeg, Man. I appeared before a judge there in May 1943, accompanied by a minister. The question was directed to me. The hearing was brief and I can’t recall being put to a real test. I quoted Scripture to support my appeal. A notice came dated May 7, 1943: “After due consideration, your application for the postponement of your period of military training has been granted by the Board of this Administrative Division as a conscientious objector.”

My service consisted of trucking lumber in northcentral Saskatchewan.

THE MESSENGER

Recently I was invited to an event entitled Working for Peace: Conscientious Objector Appreciation Night at Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach, Man. Part of the invitation read, “Come…explore the experiences of Mennonite Conscientious Objectors from Manitoba during World War Two.” I attended and appreciated the gesture that was made.

If I were a young person, would I object to going to war today?

Much has happened in the intervening years. I have been enabled by the grace of God to serve Him in home missions, and as an administrator, a pastor, and an editor—although in weakness.

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ow, after 60 years since the end of the war, would I again apply for conscientious objector status? By the grace of God, I would answer in the affirmative.

By now, though, I would be able to support my conviction more adequately with Scripture. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Paul said, “But overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now is my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36).

The Mennonite peace position has a long history going back to Menno Simons and 16th century Anabaptists. When persecution drove Mennonites from the Netherlands to Prussia (Poland) starting in the 16th century, this distinctive went with us. It was retained at a price. At one time in Prussia delegates petitioned the king and “King Fredrick granted them ‘for all times’ exemption from military service on the condition of the payment of an extra assessment of 5000 thalers annually for the cadet school at Kulm” (Mennonites in Europe).

However, in 1789 a decree was issued that prohibited Mennonites from purchasing additional land. At about the time when such measures were enacted, Czarina Catherine II June 29, 2005

invited Mennonites in Prussia to colonize the wide steppes (prairies) of South Russia with favorable conditions, which included freedom from military service. Mennonites of Prussia took this as divine providence and many moved to Russia.

“We believe in the life of peace. We are called to walk in the steps of the Lamb of God, the Prince of peace. Everything about his life, his teachings and his redemptive death on the cross, summons us to a life of non-violence.”

– EMC Statement of Faith

Then after about 80 years, in the 1870s Russia changed its mind about the privilege of military exemption for Mennonites.

This was a major reason for the mass migration of Mennonites to North America from 1874 to 1880. “A universal conscription law was to be introduced and a general plan of russianization of foreign settlers was to be inaugurated. As a result of the latter, the Russian language was to be the language of instruction in all public schools including those of the Mennonites” (The Mennonites of Western Canada).

Delegates were dispatched to North America (1873) to look for where Mennonites could settle with their distinctive beliefs in mind. “Enthusiastic reports” came back of good land, “a promise of absolute military exemption in Canada, and a fair degree of certainty that war service never be demanded in the United States” (Smith’s Story of the Mennonites). One-third of Mennonites in Russia emigrated to North America—about 18,000. Some 8,000 settled in Canada (Manitoba) and 10,000 in the United States.

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nlike Russia, Canada continued to honour their commitment of military exemption.

A copy of the privileges (Privilegium) granted the delegates in 1873 can be seen in our EMC Archives. Dated July 25, 1873, and signed

by John Lowe, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, it contains 15 points. The first reads: “An entire exemption from military service is by law and order-in-council granted to the Denomination of Christians called Mennonites.”

It’s commendable that after 60 years after the hostilities of World War Two ceased that the historic peace position, part of the Mennonite faith, is still alive. In fact, it’s so much alive that 2004 saw an awardwinning website developed,

Dave K. Schellenberg, with wife Helen and son Gordon, in 1943 or 1944.

Alternative Service in the Second World War: Conscientious Objectors in Canada (www.alternativeservice.ca), a site worth checking. It seems that Conscientious Objectors are today being recognized and honoured—a far cry from when some were sent to prison during World War Two. Alternative service was provided by the Mennonite church as an alternative to taking part in war. Some 7,500 Mennonites served in this capacity.

Objecting to war is a tradition in which our own Evangelical Mennonite Conference stands today. Our Statement of Faith says in The Life of Peace, “We believe in the life of peace.

We are called to walk in the steps of the Lamb of God, the Prince of peace.

Everything about his life, his teachings and his redemptive death on the cross, summons us to a life of non-violence.”

Do we still value this distinctive?

Sometimes it takes someone born outside of our Conference to bring to our attention some treasures we have in the Mennonite faith. Tony Campolo, from Eastern College, Pennsylvania, said at a recent youth event at Colombia Bible College in B.C.,

“In many respects the Mennonite church has not understood its own attractiveness. Young people, youth culture is hungry for an alternative church that holds as one of its highest values the Sermon on the Mount” (Canadian Mennonite, April 18, 2005).

A

nd consider Jon Bonk, born outside Mennonite church circles. In 1988 five Mennonite Conferences, including EMC, published his book The World at War, The Church at Peace. Bonk has served as a minister in Kleefeld EMC and missions professor at Providence Seminary.

His words are appropriate as we consider our responsibility today: “But as a people of God we are called upon to do more than unquestionably uphold the beliefs of our ancestors.

Each generation must examine the Scriptures carefully…If contemporary teaching on Mennonite non-violence is seen as merely the residue of a quaint tradition…we can hardly be surprised if many among us question both its relevance and validity in today’s world.

“If on the other hand, it can be demonstrated…the Scriptures clearly advocate non-participation in lethal violence, we then have a foundation for our belief and practice that goes down to the bedrock of our sovereign God’s will. Such a foundation will endure throughout time; and only those Christian beliefs and practices…built upon that foundation are worth defending, maintaining and advocating.”

T Would I again object? By the grace of God, yes! M Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg was editor of The Messenger from 1963 to 1987, and since then has remained a regular columnist.

with our missionaries

Churches focus on Native ministries

Our three North Peace, Alberta, churches (La Crete, High Level, Grande Prairie) coordinated their April missions emphasis with a common focus on Native ministries.

Nearby missionaries Bera and Bonita Ledua (High Level) and Phillip and Rhonda Peters (La Crete) were joined by Fred and Stella Neff (Grand Rapids, Man.) and those pictured: George and Ulli Hertwig (La Crete conference Bible teacher), Annette and Arlyn van Enns (children’s teacher, music, planning, speaking), Bonnie Marten (testimonies), and Anna and Bill Penner (reporting, speaking).

Bonnie Marten and Annette van Enns are smiling because Phil Peters and Dave Friesen flew them safely through the snow and dark to bring them out from Fort Chipewyan.

Ann Knelsen is a long-time missionary supporter. Frank Winsor and Marion Bueckert lifted a collage from an NCEM pamphlet and produced this exceptional conference poster.

Arlyn van Enns

THE MESSENGER

Russia

Training leaders, driven to prayer The Biblical Leadership Training Centre in Salekhard, Russia, now called Yamal Bible College, is a daughter centre of BLTC in Krasnodar. Students who studied in Krasnodar went north last year to start the college. Their student base is made of local evangelists and church planters who desire further biblical education. They are our arctic missionary trainees.

I worked as a connector for North American churches to Salekhard for over a year now. In this time I have been in Salekhard three times and had members of our team live in our home here in Krasnodar.

In September 2003 the BLTC’s president and I travelled to Salekhard to visit our student team who studied in Krasnodar. They were working under their pastor’s leadership. I spent five days there and got to a couple of villages. During this trip my eyes opened to the north’s needs, and I began to pray about how the Lord would have me serve our former students and their trainees who were working there.

In November 2003 Kim and I accepted to work as a temporary coordinator for Salekhard. In February 2004 a local evangelist lived in our home for two weeks. He is from Salekhard and came to Krasnodar for a conference. We got to

know this dear brother and his heart to reach the lost in the Arctic villages. He had planted a couple of churches and was regularly traveling to them to minister.

In March my family and I travelled to Salekhard for 10 days. We lived in a pastor’s home and met daily with trainees and team members. I hosted a couple of teachers from a supporting church in Texas who had come to teach a seminar to missionary trainees. At the same time a team of builders from Indiana worked on the church building/training centre.

What a privilege to see the Body of Christ working to advance the gospel!

In May, after our students had been out on the field for a year, we had them all back for their graduation from our BLTC program. (Students don’t graduate from Krasnodar BLTC without church planting experience.) This was an exciting, busy time. Kim and I had people living in our home with us for over a month. This allowed us to get to know our teammates well and understand issues they face in the north. In June I found out I would take on the ministry as Arctic Coordinator for the BLTC. In October 2004 Yamal Bible College officially opened its doors with 13 students. The building didn’t have a roof, and the students and teachers were under supported. One teacher from Krasnodar

taught the trainees for two weeks. After students returned from practical village assignments, in November I taught a workshop on Chronological Bible Teaching Methods and to catch up with our team.

We’ve worked hard to solve problems of support for the Salekhard work. Everything is beginning and needs a financial push to get on its own. We seek to move the Arctic Centre toward financial independence, but many students and staff live on next to nothing and the building is unfinished.

A team of volunteers is to come in April to help with the building and to find areas where their church can work with us more.

Pray for us as we look to the future.

Many needs constantly keep us asking the Lord for wisdom. Pray for financial partners for Salekhard work and for wisdom in discipling our graduates and their missionary trainees. Pray for more Russian and ethnic labourers. The North is a spiritually needy area. Ask God to send us those people who will use their God-given gifts to advance the Good News across the tundra.

David Field David Field (Steinbach EMC) serves in leadership development in Russia under New Tribes Mission.

with our churches

Pastoral changes at MacGregor EMC MacGregor, Man.: Pastor Jerry Plett had resigned in January 2004, effective at the end of August. On August 29 in the afternoon we had a program to show our appreciation to Pastor Jerry and Phyllis; and their girls Alicia, Amy and Jana for their years of service and friendship to us.

In December 2004 Menno and Dorothy Kroeker joined our church as our interim pastoral couple. They faithfully served our congregation till the end of April when we said a fond farewell. The service they brought to our church was deeply appreciated; we made some good friends.

Our pastoral search committee had been busy during this time looking for a pastor, and God saw fit to bring someone from within our own congregation to step forth and be willing to lead us. On June 1, 2005, Bill and Bev McCaskell became

June 29, 2005

our pastoral couple. We welcome their leadership and pray that God will unite us all as one body, eager to serve Him. We also want to recognize other workers in our church. On July 11, 2004, we held a special potluck lunch to honour Jake and Agatha Friesen, our deacon couple for many years and who were moving on to serve in other areas.

We thanked them for their service and let them know how much they meant to us.

In August 2004 John and Tina Toews celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and relatives in our church.

A ladies tea was held with Ruth Windle from Rio Grande Bible Institute. Ruth grew up in our church and has continually chosen to serve God. RGBI is now where she, her husband, and four children are working for the Lord.

George and Evelyn Rodgers, faithful members, left for the Philippines to serve with New Tribes Missions of Canada for a short-term mission. They returned in June 2005.

Elizabeth Sawatzky

Games were a part of the Sunday school picnic in June 2004.

New arrivals and church events Kola, Man.: Congratulations to Rob and Sherry Plett on the arrival of their chosen son, Dainnon Bryce, on December 22, 2004. Grandparents are Wilbert and Carol Friesen and Denver and Mary Plett.

Also, congratulations to Jolene Wiebe on the birth of her son, Kayden Shae.

Grandparents are Abe and Marion Wiebe.

February 13 was our church’s annual winter outing. Generally, the outing is held at the Maryfield rink with skating and curling. To cut costs, the event was held at the church. We started with a potluck lunch, then held several broomball tournaments outside and crokinole and Dutch Blitz tournaments inside. While people 12 and older played broomball, young children busily followed Dorothy Plett around a Fox and Goose trail. When they got tired or cold, they went in and played or watched a movie.

The youth group has been raising funds to go on a missions trip to Toronto. They held a Mexican Valentine supper for church adults and invited guests. Babysitting was

provided by youth. They served a meal with Nacho chips as an appetizer, chicken and beef enchiladas for the entrée, and Mexican sombreros (cinnamon rolls with ice cream) for dessert. Throughout the evening, Mexican music played. Walter Kruse played his guitar as part of the entertainment.

How Well Do You Know Your Spouse, a game that involved specified couples, was hosted by Conrad Penner, a youth leader.

Thank you to Pastor Jason Friesen, helpers and youth for a fun-filled evening. More pictures of youth events are available at http://kolaemc.blogspot.com.

Trees have been cut to make way for the church building’s addition. Thank you, Gerald Martens! Youth cut the wood into blocks and stacked it. Most of it has been bought and cleaned up. The money went for the youth’s Toronto trip.

On Saturday, February 26, Len Friesen presented an Awana training seminar. He had the message for the Awana Awareness service on Sunday and Grand Prix races. For Awana

Awareness Sunday, clubbers conducted the morning worship service—a junior praise band, Scripture reading, junior ushers and greeters. New positions were incorporated to involve many Awana Clubbers. They did a good job. People were invited to stay for the soup and pie fundraiser.

On March 6–13, Virden and area ministerial invited Gerhard DuToit to present a deeper life prayer conference.

Monday through Thursday the meetings were held in Virden Alliance Church; Friday night and Sunday meetings were held in the Kola church. Faye and Neil Rempel had the children’s service the first Sunday night, Lincoln and Marilyn Velacott on Monday, and Curtis and Bonnie Szakacs for the rest of the meetings.

The Easter cantata, The Wonderful Cross, was presented Palm Sunday evening, and a few songs were repeated on Good Friday morning. The choir was led by Dorothy Plett and Trinette Friesen played piano.

Lori Koop

Many community activities held Roseisle, Man.: As 2005 began so did Kids Club. Journeys with Jesus was our theme for this year, and on January 20 many kids and volunteers turned up for seven Thursday afternoon meetings.

The Ladies Fellowship held a Bridal Fashion Show on January 22. Many wedding, bridesmaid, and flower girl dresses were modeled or displayed, dating as far back as 1905 and as recently as August 2004. All ladies and girls of the community were welcome to have one of their dresses modeled. It was a fun way to reach out to other community ladies.

An informal night of fellowship and games was planned for January 29 for all who were experiencing the winter blahs. The youth headed to Providence College on January 28–30 for Youth Encounter, while the junior youth attended Splat at SBC on January 29.

Elections were held on January 31.

An awesome weekend was had those who Crestview Fellowship’s by pastor Vern Knutsen attended our Winter spoke at Roseisle’s Camp Retreat at Camp Assiniboia on winter retreat.

February 19–20. We were joined by our guest speaker Vern Knutson, his wife Lana and daughter Olivia. Vern challenged us to find what our gifts are and where we belong in the church. There were many outdoor and indoor activities planned for the weekend, which kept everyone busy.

A Kids Club finale spaghetti dinner was planned for kids and parents on March 3.

Over 90 people were served supper. The youth curling bonspiel was held on March 5. Youth were skips and parents and others made up the rest of the rinks.

On March 25 we had our combined Good Friday service at the Roseisle Pentecostal Assembly. Our Easter sunrise service was held on at 6:30 p.m. on March

27. Because Easter was early this year we decided not to have our regular outdoor service at Stephenfield Provincial Park, but to enjoy fellowship in the church building.

Everyone was welcome to plan voluntary items to contribute to the service. A light brunch followed the service.

The youth participated in the 30-hour famine on April 8–9. Each participant was encouraged to raise at least $30; however, youth leaders Cam and Pam Dyck were thrilled to raise over $1,100 and to exceed their goal.

On April 22 the Ladies Fellowship served our annual Perogy Supper to more than 200 people.

Lyndsey Bourgeois

Roseisle members enjoyed indoor games at our winter retreat.

THE MESSENGER

Special privilege of ordination Pansy, Man.: On May 24 we had a very special privilege when Ed and Sabrina Giesbrecht (presently our youth pastor, part of the leadership team and still in training as well) were ordained. Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, came out to speak and encourage. As a church we found this a momentous and joyous day. Many shared and later remained for an extra time of celebration over a plate of refreshments in the lower auditorium.

Ed Giesbrecht is Pansy’s newly ordained youth pastor. His wife is Sabrina and they have a son, Isaiah.

Looking back through several months, we have experienced highlights by supporting some of our own people on missions.

Harry and Levina Friesen were in Paraguay on a two-month stint, giving leadership, training and assistance to a barely-on-its-feet new MEC church in Rio Verde, where Henry and Lena Peters are the aspiring young pastors.

The challenges there are many.

The people, mostly new converts, are hospitable and enthusiastic; Levina and Harry Friesen (right) assisted Henry and Lena but the problems they face— Peters, pastor of Rio Verde MEC, while on missions in Mexico. persecution from their own seven services each—beginning with Taber, community people and their own almost Alberta; later in Copeland, Kansas; and then total lack of education or training—create three weeks in Mexico. They very much big obstacles. That gives us opportunity to experienced the power of the Spirit being know how to pray. Harry and Levina Friesen with them, seeing numerous commitments did not let much grass grow under their feet and recommitments being made to the after returning. They are now on a fairly Lord. They rejoiced in the fact that they felt similar assignment in Copeland, Kan. carried on the hands of prayer.

Leonard and Betty Barkman had The church held an all-day Family opportunity to preach and teach in five Seminar in April, with Pastor Al Friesen. churches during March and April, in series This was well-received and appreciated. of deeper life meetings ranging from five to Betty Barkman

For the sake of the call with daughters Melissa and Hilary.

Don’s pastoral duties at the Chapel commenced in January 2005. The first order of business was to meet us on a personal level with visits to our homes.

Don and Diane have shared with us their individual journeys toward faith as young people in the province of Nova Scotia, the difficult and the victorious. It was an exciting moment in the life of our church to present them with an official welcome into our local church body.

The official installation service on the evening of April 11 included regular members and attenders, representatives from area church leaders and supporters, as well as our own EMC conference pastor David Thiessen. We were encouraged to worship together in unity.

A call to be a light in our community and to understand our purpose here on this earth was given by Brad Kornelsen through the reading of Romans 15:17–22. Brian Dyck sang For the Sake of the Call: For Jesus had called them by name and they answered/We will abandon it all/no other reason at all/ wholly devoted to live and to Diane and Don Timmons were installed as pastoral couple of die/for the sake of the call.

In his address David Riverton Gospel Chapel on April 17, 2005, with conference Thiessen reminded us that pastor David Thiessen officiating.

Riverton, Man.: Don Timmons answered the call and Riverton Gospel Chapel is grateful. He followed the call which led to his present position as pastor of our congregation.

In 1995 Don made a decision to attend Briercrest Bible College, which led to his graduation with a BA in Theology; and later from the seminary with an MA in Christian Ministries in Marriage and Family Counselling and, as recently as April 24, 2005, with an MA in Missions. The 10 years that have transpired have resulted in many uncertainties and moves for Don and Diane,

June 29, 2005

God is preparing, speaking to, and calling people. We were told that people in ministry need to develop a leadership team, as Jesus did not work independently.

An interactive relationship is required to reproduce church leaders. As Jesus demonstrated, ministry not only involves preaching; rather, it is participating out in the community.

We were left with a challenge, to fill and to add to Don and Diane’s ministry, to fill it to completeness. Our motivation for ministry should come through our basic identity as God’s beloved sons and daughters.

Following the formality of questions directed toward each of them and the congregation, Don and Diane were surrounded by the ministerial team of our church, David Thiessen, and daughter Melissa for a prayer of blessing. In response Don shared Isaiah 40:31, stating God had a plan and how they needed to be content and wait patiently even through disappointments.

Thanks to Tom Warner (Steinbach EMC), Neill Von Gunten (Riverton Fellowship Circle), Tom Gerbrandt (Arborg Christian Fellowship), Abe Harder (Lakeside Pentecostal), and Paul Peters (Riverton Gospel Chapel) for your words of encouragement. Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love, the fellowship of kindred minds, is like to that above.

Carol Kornelsen

Abundant Springs 2005

Can you Imagine a of Blessings?

“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”

T

he theme verse for Abundant Springs 2005 was taken from Joel 2:28 (and quoted in Acts 2:17 by Peter on the day of Pentecost). The event’s symbol was a glass waterfall that trickled throughout the weekend. Many people would testify, indeed, that the Spirit was at work during this EMC national youth event held May 20–23, 2005, on the campus of the Briercrest Family of Schools at Caronport, Sask.

According to Tim Gibbons, 463 teens and 183 other people (youth leaders and pastors, band members, seminar leaders, security and more) came from 31 churches, with all but Region 9 represented. This attendance was slightly higher than in 2003 and 2001, according to Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister.

The evening began with a youth leaders’ meeting, where event staff and others introduced weekend events and wider youth needs within the conference.

Then leaders and teens gathered for an inspirational session.

Conference Speaker Matt Wilkes, a youth pastor and then senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Calgary, Alta., said he was a youth worker at heart. He spoke six times. He asked 10

Church youth groups occasionally met separately for sharing and prayer.

young people if they feel loved by God, probing to help them move past viewing God as impersonal and punishing. How does God speak to us in 2005? When God speaks, what kind of listener are you (shallow, hard-hearted, cluttered, or good hearted)? How much have you invested “dollarwise” in your spiritual life this year?

THE MESSENGER

Wilkes said there isn’t a worse word in the English language than confrontation. He said there are three camps of people (testing, spiritually dead, spiritually alive). Are we willing to do what is necessary to follow Christ? God is not a secret to be kept, he said. Wilkes has been described as more direct than some previous speakers.

Seminars Seminars were held three times. They included Hearing God’s Call (Garth Friesen), Focus and Purpose in the Sports Arena (Dave Fehr), Integrity: A Life Devoted to God (Trevor Esau), Homosexuality— What Would Jesus Say? (Tye Gamey), Just Thought You Oughta Know—Girls Only (Fiona Thiessen), Straight Talk about Purity—Guys Only (Chris Reimer), Improv Comedy 101 (Panic Squad), Youthworker/ Pastor Sharpening Tool (Matt Wilkes), Missions: Why All the Fuss? (Flo Friesen), and Did Kirsten Sandland and Matt Starr, an eloquent You Call Me a speaker, were among the Inner City Youth Alive Mennonite? (David representatives. A total of $1,537.90 was raised Kruse). for ICYA. Afternoon events On Saturday afternoon teens endured street hockey in the rain and enjoyed volleyball, an art walk, table tennis, Dutch Blitz, life-size Dutch Blitz, hemp jewelry, drama, dance, and pool. Trophies were handed out on Sunday evening.

Youth participated in indoor and outdoor activities.

June 29, 2005

On Sunday afternoon was the “world’s largest Menno Run,” a take-off from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The rich radio-quality voice of Rob Hildebrand in an English accent came across in an intricate PowerPoint presentation that introduced the goal and rules of the game.

Teams of teens had to elude the Orcs (youth leaders and pastors) and various dangers, go to various checkpoints, and ultimately rescue “the four Mennonites of Tye Gamey of New Direction for Life Ministries held a seminar on Homosexuality—What Would Jesus Say? renown.” The winning team got a midnight run to Dairy Queen in Moose Jaw and passes to go to the front of the food line.

Menno Run was a top event, Gerald Reimer said (after reviewing the evaluation forms). For the record, teens ran and dodged, but did not fight back, and the most that youth leaders had for weapons were water balloons, marshmallows, and face paint.

Late night events On Friday evening young people showcased their talents and faith through Abundant Springs Star, endured culinary oddities in the Barf-o-limpics, and tested their skills at Wheel of Fortune. On Saturday evening Phil Bacquie, an Australian transplanted into the U.S., held a concert.

On Sunday evening Panic Squad, an improvisational comedy trio from Vancouver, caused laughter by antics that included volunteers, situations, and statements

The rain came down and street hockey teams played on.

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The Barf-o-limpics came with messy twists and culinary oddities.

from the crowd (such as “Landmark rules!”). Still later on Sunday evening was a Celebration of Praise. Mo Friesen, a national youth committee member and a part of the worship band, said it was “exciting…to see kids stand up and make statements about their faith, and to see how God was moving in their lives.”

10 minutes (he had to travel to Moose Jaw for a flight). But some young people were called on to the stage to lead in the song I Can Only Imagine!

Surrounded by your glory What will my heart feel Will I dance before you Jesus Or in awe of you be still Will I stand in your presence On my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine During the weekend a worship band member spoke publicly of how dry he had felt spiritually entering into the Abundant Springs and how the Lord had helped him. Based on what others have said, he was far from alone in being met by the Lord.

T Cascade? Yes, the Spirit was at work. M Terry M. Smith

Overall impact Churches attended from all regions except Region 9; the youth and leaders that traveled the farthest were from northern Alberta (in a school bus for 21 hours). There were times for youth group times when church groups gather separately to talk and pray about weekend events. A prayer team quietly circulated among people on the campus. During inspirational sessions special times of prayer were held for the needs of young people and their leaders.

Perhaps the event’s impact is shown by what happened on Monday morning. The inspirational session was running late, the buses were scheduled to leave, a special offering wasn’t taken, and the speaker’s time was cut to

In the Menno Run, youth sought to elude capture and free others.

Donavan Friesen (right) encouraged youth celebrating birthdays to do the Chicken Dance.

Matt Wilkes, conference speaker, first met with many leaders on Friday evening prior to the first inspirational session.

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THE MESSENGER

Reflections on Abundant Springs 2005

I

would like to share a huge affirmation of Abundant Springs. Many of us go into survival mode at these things (such as our editor reading a book in the lunch line while a student is body surfed to the back of the line). I asked students on our bus if they had any comments on Abundant Springs. Enjoy them, be encouraged, and let’s Duri ng o keep building this retreat together. ur d

God showed me that he loved me. He let me feel that I was forgiven; I’ve never felt at peace like that before! The seminars spoke volumes for me. God made me feel alive, and now I know that he’s active. Praise to Him!

I think I’ve worshiped in a way I’ve never had before. I felt freedom and joy.

if ficu . y Peter Hall lt pr outh gr h Hi m t i a w n o d it blem oup ti h ip m s i n h f o Anola Fellowship Chapel m e i o I had lt so e Go relat y heart t urt y g n d m o e h p v o u e d! I r Anola, Man. new ut m ere eally r shared shed me me re to pour o se who w d e p f l t w o elt G e w o h i od’s th anyo share a God h ght me ho to help t I have re-learned how to n e p u e m a r . We esen He t mpelled forgive people. all c ce. o c ried . and e m d n God placed a new heart inside me. I will not be arou I strengthened my beliefs and my relationship with God. It shaken. so was I went there having missed church for a while or doing sp fun ho anything to even learn about God. However, I came out lea ecia to w un with a new perspective on life, my actions and my faith. th rne l pe spe ite em d o nd d Thank you to everyone there for this amazing experience. . new ple m our y th that we you ing I e th s a usu ken gro nd all d w up sa y ta ith w w ke 1 as ne fo 2 o . It w r g th w sid ra er as es nte ve of d. ry al I ot of I could feel Jesus there and giving us all a great big comforting hug. After that I totally gave it to him because I know He’ll help me through it. At one point everyone was sitting underneath the cross. It God is am was very touching to see. az ing no t a … lo never ne and w I’m I have been drawn God showed me that he loved me! ill be ag by ai n . closer to God and I’ve never felt at peace like that wer uth o p is yo I felt like he cared Je I don’t know what before! He just led H ugh our m all s su a e m v e i s about me. I learned e o I would do without called out to me that od r ing thr g ing th God. Th . It m any tou G n y i p that God would take a e t w ch o a r e t Him. I am forgiven, I am g o a swe p and b er and ompt w as care of me no matter th ain list ys. ed m s r h free. I can know that g rou r toget ver y p prayer s us er , a en He e r a e a nd a h in what. I loved how e s n o i God is in control of e o u ourage M clo T elp so n t n n r o j d e u dh s my youth group all as d answ nd enc Jesus. ed t my life and that I t w o av ge h sa an ve connected with each e f t o ea don’t need to worry. was h leader e do. Lo r u t n. ut other, and we grew you what w o closer together.

I was able to meet God and new people. to d June 29, 2005

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focus on...

Len Barkman

General Secretary

EMC and Frontiers sign agreement

O

n June 1, 2005, the Evangelical Mennonite Conference and Frontiers expanded the role of their partnership agreement to include the formation of EMC teams to Central Asia. I represented the EMC and Hernan Leusink represented Frontiers in making this new arrangement official. Under the new agreement the Conference will assume greater involvement in the following ways: 1. Recruit and jointly assign EMC workers to serve on EMC teams in Central Asia.

2. Together with Frontiers identify and assign EMC team leaders.

3. Provide some financial support as well as prayer and moral support to the team.

4. Provide a structure for accountability and reporting of the team’s ministry.

5. Jointly provide member care for the team, which could include pastoral visits and supports through local EMC churches.

The effectiveness of this team’s ministry will be integrally linked to the fervent prayer of our EMC members. It is expected that spiritual and physical opposition will be part of the team’s experience.

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Len Barkman and Hernan Leusink re-enact signing to expand the partnership agreement between EMC and Frontiers to include EMC teams to Central Asia.

Please pray for care and protection of the team and that by the power of God people’s hearts will be drawn to Christ. There is much evidence of God at work in phenomenal ways in many areas of Central Asia as hundreds of home churches have been started in recent months.

The strategy of an EMC team will be to initiate church planting in an urban area of Central Asia and establish reproducing home churches. Team members will model Christian community through relationships with neighbours and proclaim Christ through personal relationships and Bible study.

The team welcomes several additional members. There will be opportunity for the formation of new teams as qualified members avail themselves for service. If the Lord is placing his hand on your life and asking for your obedience to minister to seeking hearts, please be ready to T respond. M

THE MESSENGER

JUSTINA FRIESEN DUECK 1919-2005

Mother was born on June 28, 1919, to Henry W. and Helena Friesen in Morris, Manitoba. She passed away on Monday, March 21, 2005, at the Betel Home Foundation in Selkirk at the age of 85 years, 8 months and 23 days. Mother accepted the Lord as her personal Saviour as a teenager and was baptized in May of 1937, becoming a member of the Rosenort Kleingemeinde Church.

Mother and Father, Abram B. Dueck, were married on May 21, 1939 and began farming in Morris. In 1948 the family moved to Quellen Colony (Mexico), continued farming and managed a community store.

In 1962 the family moved to Belize along

DAVID E. PLETT 1918–2005

David E. Plett, age 86, of Steinbach, Man., passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 1, at Bethesda Hospital with family at his side.

He is survived by Helen, his beloved wife of 63 years; two daughters: Irma (Ray) Remple of Steinbach; Brenda (Curt) Loewen of Steinbach; six sons: Larry (Mary) of Okotoks, Alta.; Wayne (Liz) of Kola, Man.; Wally (Ann) of Brandon, Man.; Reynold (Eleanor) of Red Deer, Alta.; Lyle (Bev) of Three Hills, Alta.; Barry (Laurel) of Steinbach; as well as 25 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, three brothers and three sisters.

Dad lost his father at a very young age and has often voiced how he felt the great

June 29, 2005

with their 11 children. Mother was a gracious hostess to many guests, while Father managed a Co-op store. After 21 years in Belize, Father and Mother retired and settled in Arborg, Manitoba. They enjoyed another twelve years together before Father passed away in October 1996.

Mother had many health challenges during her life. In her late teens, she lost her sense of smell during a bout with measles. She learned to cope without this ability. Four years after marriage, a lamp she was lighting exploded, causing severe burns on her face and body.

More recently, Mother suffered a broken hip on November 18 and was hospitalized from that time with deteriorating health. At the hospital’s request, she was moved to the Betel Home Foundation on Friday, March 18.

She passed away peacefully at 10:30, Monday evening, the 21st. Although it grieves us that we no longer have her with us, we are happy she has reached her heavenly home. We will miss her very much.

We are grateful for Mother’s life and ministry to us as a family. She was generous in giving love to all. We always felt welcome at her house. Her grandchildren appreciated her and enjoyed visiting with her as well. Mother had much satisfaction in making quilts and dresses and giving

them to missions. Many people were blessed by her sewing abilities.

Mother is survived by eight daughters, three sons, and their spouses. They are Leona and Walter Penner (Nova Scotia), Lena and Jake Kornelsen (Manitoba), Annie and Venus Kornelsen (Costa Rica), Bertha and Frank Barkman (Belize), Susie and Abe Penner (Manitoba), Elizabeth and Wilbert Friesen (Ontario), Leonard and Linda Dueck (Pennsylvania), Benny and Nettie Dueck (Manitoba), Tina and Allen Reimer (Belize), Henry and Marie Dueck (Belize), and Mary and Reynold Reimer (Manitoba). Mother had 68 grandchildren and 114 great-grandchildren. Currently, with in-laws, the total family numbers 246.

Mother is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth and Tina Friesen, and one brother, Henry Friesen (all of Rosenort); and two sisters-in-law, Dora Friesen (Rosenort), and Agnes Froese and husband (Nova Scotia). She was preceded in death by her husband, Abram B. Dueck, her parents, five brothers, two sisters, three grandchildren and several greatgrandchildren.

The funeral service was held at Interlake Mennonite Fellowship Church (KG) on Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 2 p.m.

Her Family

responsibility of keeping the family farm operational.

It was during one of his many days spent out in the fields on the tractor that he committed his life to Christ, a commitment that was strong and unwavering till his last day here with us.

Due to his strong faith and beliefs, he spent some time at a C.O. camp in Clear Lake, where he developed some friendships that he still treasured.

Dad married Mom on October 25, 1942.

They were fortunate, with the help of an uncle to purchase a small farm in the Landmark area, where together they worked tirelessly to create a comfortable life for their family, and somehow still found time for community involvement, as a school trustee and teaching Sunday school.

He had a very big heart for missions, which eventually took them to Kola, Man., where he had an active role in establishing the EM Church. As well as farming and raising eight children, he never missed a day driving the school bus and always attended the school board meetings as a trustee.

In 1969 Dad felt the Lord call him to Vanderhoof, B.C., to assist in church planting. He also worked full-time at the mill as operator of the dry kiln.

They returned to Manitoba in 1974, settling in Virden, where he was employed

by Co-op as a fuel truck driver till his retirement at age 67.

During this time, he diligently served his Lord by ministering to the people at the Sioux Valley Reserve. As children and grandchildren, we have many fond memories of assisting him in his mission there. The grandchildren especially enjoyed going with Grandma and Grandpa to sing Sunday mornings as they were sure to be taken out for lunch afterward.

One of Mom and Dad’s greatest enjoyments during retirement was camping, which often took them to Alberta to visit the children, and also allowed them to make many new friends—which was never a chore for Dad. Dad developed a real love for sports, hockey in particular, especially when he could cheer on and support his grandsons at the game.

The past 10 years were spent in Steinbach near family and old friends.

Many days were spent taking long drives on warm, sunny days. His eternally optimistic and positive attitude and genuine love for people was evident every day of his life.

We would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Horne and the staff at Bethesda Hospital for the excellent care Dad received.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Dad’s memory to EMC Missions.

His Family

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JUSTINA EIDSE SIEMENS 1922–2005

Peacefully, with family at her side on May 21, 2005, Tina Siemens passed on to be with her Lord and Saviour and many family and friends in heaven.

Tina is survived by nine siblings, her loving and devoted husband Jac of sixty years, and six children, Marilyn Kornelsen (Leo), Glenn Siemens (Irene), Jerry Siemens (Helen), Peter Siemens (Angela), Val Kroeker (Jerry), and Elden Siemens (Lynda). She also passes on her nurturing spirit to her 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Tina was born on August 7, 1922, in Rosenhoff, Man., the sixth born of the 20 children of David and Elizabeth Eidse.

Tina, the ultimate caregiver, learned her trade early on in life by providing care and nurture to her younger siblings.

MENNO RICHARD KROEKER 1925–2005

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Menno Richard Kroeker passed away peacefully on March 30, 2005, at the Gimli Community Health Centre at the age of 79 years. Dad was born to Peter D. and Sara Kroeker on April 29, 1925, on the farm north of Steinbach, Man. He was the oldest of nine children, with three brothers and five sisters.

He became a Christian at the age of 21.

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Her siblings all have fond memories of Tina, specifically her caring nature and ability to make light of many situations.

Tina was baptized on her profession of faith into the Kleinegemeide Church in 1942. On October 22, 1944, Tina married the love of her life, Jac Siemens. Their children were truly blessed to witness the deep love that these two soul mates shared with each other, as well as the abundance of love they so freely gave to their children.

There was never any doubt that Mom loved Jac and her children as she told them so daily and showed it through her many acts of selflessness and unconditional acceptance of everyone in the family. Tina leaves a great legacy of love, caring and doing good with all whose lives she touched.

In October 2001, Tina was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Although a difficult journey for her to travel, when first told about it by her children Mom’s initial response was, “It has always been Dad’s and my prayer to grow closer to the Lord in whatever comes our way.”

That she did; never was this in doubt even as the disease progressed, forcing the family to make the decision to have her admitted into the Red River Valley Lodge in Morris, Man., on June 28, 2004. It was there that she spent her last year with us, family at her side, walking with her as she faced this disease head on, drawing on the strength of her God and those alongside of her.

Tina took great comfort in the many Bible verses she had memorized throughout her life, Proverbs 3:5–6 and Psalm 69:30 were

particularly meaningful to her. As well, even during the later stages of Alzheimer’s she could often be heard singing or reciting the words of her favorite hymns.

On behalf of Tina, the family would like to thank all the countless people that visited, prayed for and showed support to her through this time. Additionally, the family expresses their deep gratitude to all the staff at the Red River Valley Lodge.

Your true caring and compassion both for Mom and her family was always evident.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Ann Loewen of the Morris General Hospital.

Your expertise and guidance with Mom’s diabetes and other physical complications over the past few years were a true blessing and of great comfort to the family.

Although Tina’s passing will leave an emptiness in the lives of those that loved her so dearly, we take great solace in the fact that she is now at peace and are comforted by the memory of her loving and nurturing spirit that will live on eternally.

A celebration of Tina’s life was held on May 25, 2005, at the Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church in Rosenort, Man. In lieu of flowers, donations for the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba will be gratefully accepted. The funeral arrangements were under the care of Morris Funeral Home.

The family wishes to acknowledge former Region Coordinator Angie Braun of the Alzheimer Society in the South Central Region for her expertise and insight in helping us cope with this disease. Thank you.

Her Family

This was a life-changing experience for him, and was soon followed by baptism and membership in the local Steinbach EM Church. He entered Steinbach Bible College in 1947 and received his diploma in 1950.

While in Bible college, he developed a love for the ministry. He did extension work in Giroux, Lorraine, Great Falls, Pine Falls, and Falcon Beach. He married his wife Aurelia Peters on July 24, 1949, and was blessed with 55 years of marriage.

He moved his family to Portage la Prairie in 1960. In 1962 Dad moved with his family to Kola and started a professional painting business. This provided a wonderful opportunity for their children to learn a trade and provide some extra cash.

Due to his Bible school training and his commitment to the Lord, he was elected into the ministry in the Kola EM Church.

In 1970 he received a call to pastor the church in Riverton, where he served for eight years. In 1978 Dad and Mom moved to MacGregor, where he pastored the EM Church for 12 years. Upon his retirement in 1990, he served short-term ministries in Taber, Alta.; Kola; and twice in Mexico.

They moved back to Riverton in 1996, where they settled to be closer to their

children. Some of his joys and highlights were baptizing some of his children, and marrying some of his children and one grandson. He loved music, especially singing. He loved reading and studying. He enjoyed nature, feeding the birds, fishing, animals, lakes and mountains.

He preached his last message on November 14, 2004. His text was from Psalm 51.

He is survived by his wife Aurelia; son Mark and Frances, Steven, Brian (Sara), Michael; son Roy and Viola, Chris (Andrea and Seth), John, Alison (Kyle), Tim; son Terry and Marilyn, Duke, Bobbi (Jeremy), Zane; son Wendell and Rita, Matthew, Dalen (Bonnie), Tyson (Diane), Amy; daughter Debbie and Brad Kornelsen, Evan, Travis, Nicolas, Kurt; son Dennis and Linda, Trent, Lucas. He is also survived by three brothers and three sisters and their families, as well as by many in-laws and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents, grandson Josh, and two sisters.

The funeral service for Menno Kroeker was held on Sunday, April 3, 2005, at Riverton Gospel Chapel. Officiating was Pastor Erwin Kroeker. Interment was in Mennville EMC cemetery.

His Family

THE MESSENGER

AGNES DUECK FRIESEN 1914–2005

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7–9).

Our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Agnes Friesen, was born December 6, 1914, in Rosenhoff (now Riverside), Manitoba, to John W. and Maria Dueck. She went home to be with Jesus on May 5, 2005, at Bethesda Place in Steinbach at the age of 90 years.

Agnes accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour and Lord at the age of 15 at Gimli Bible Camp (CSSM). She was baptized in November of 1934 and became a member of Rosenort Kleinegemeinde Church (now EMC).

Mom pledged her love in marriage to Dad, Henry F. Friesen, on June 27, 1937.

They shared joys and sorrows for almost 52 years. God blessed their marriage with three daughters and five sons.

She enjoyed her schooling in Rosenhoff, being taught by her brother Peter. She continued to learn by reading many books.

She was taught to work in the garden, the house, and in the store that her parents owned.

Mom was the first person from our community to attend Bible camp. She memorized 500 Bible verses in order to pay for camp. From that time on, Mom was passionate about the Scriptures and had a verse for every situation and circumstance.

Her faith in the Lord was very real to her and she was concerned that it should become ours as well.

At an early age, we were taught to pray, to seek forgiveness when we had wronged someone and to trust the Lord in our daily lives. She had the joy of seeing each of her children make that decision to accept Jesus and be baptized. She was always so happy when she heard that a grandchild had also made that decision. She prayed faithfully for all of us.

Mom was a very strong, energetic, and healthy person. She loved making meals for her family and homemaking. She was

June 29, 2005

an avid gardener with flowers, vegetables and fruits. She even had an income from the raspberries that she harvested with her children. She crocheted many afghans, made numerous quilts and sewed lovely clothes for her children. She had a gift for drawing and painting which she did in her spare time. She felt honoured to serve on the church food committee for several years.

Music was a source of enjoyment for her since early childhood. She was often heard singing songs in English and German as she worked in the house and garden. She was thrilled when we would gather and sing with her at our monthly family gatherings.

She would smile when grandchildren demonstrated their musical talents.

Dad and Mom farmed together for 42 years and raised their children on the farm along the Meridian Road. Upon retirement, they built a new house in Rosenort, Man., and lived there for the next ten years, working together on their yard and taking several bus tours to various parts of Canada and the U.S. When Dad died on May 10, 1989, she had a great longing to join him in heaven.

Shortly thereafter, she moved into Rosewood, then to Roselane, and finally to the Heritage Apartments. She had several friends who prayed, visited and helped

her in each place. When she could no longer take care of herself, we moved her to Bethesda Place in Steinbach, which she called “God’s waiting room.” Wednesday afternoon, we were called to her bedside.

Early Thursday morning with Mary and Ed by her side, her prayers were finally answered as she joined Dad in heaven.

Mom is survived and lovingly remembered by three daughters and five sons: Mary and Ed L. Friesen (Steinbach), Alvin and Frieda (Rosenort), Elmer and Betty Ann (Rosenort), Ron and Sharon (Riverside), Delores and Lorne Reimer (Cavalier, North Dakota), Adella and Rob Rattray (Winnipeg); Richard and Bernice (Lethbridge, Alberta), and Garry and Marjorie (Storm Lake, Iowa); 25 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by seven in-laws, many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Henry in 1989; one great-grandson, Josiah, in 1997; as well as all her brothers and sisters, and numerous in-laws.

We will miss Mom and her prayers for all of us, but rejoice in knowing that she is with the One she longed so much to see!

The funeral was held May 9, 2005, in the Rosenort EMC. Her Family

EMC Writings Preacher’s Kids on the Homestead L. Marie Enns 176 pp. $14.50 (includes mailing) 306-236-2480

My Dad, Mr. Peter T. Kroeker, as I remember him, 167 pp.

Frank P. Kroeker $7.50 ($2.25 supports Paraguayan radio and AIDS ministries). Mailing extra.

Contact EM Conference office

One Who Dared Life Story of Ben D. Reimer, 1909–1994 Doreen Reimer Peters 307 pp. $17 (mailing extra) Contact EM Conference office or Doreen Reimer Peters 204-326-4134 17

kids’ corner Loreena Thiessen

Listen to Your Nose!

H

ooray! School is out! But hold on. Do you know that you will continue to learn right through the summer?

You learn in many ways. If you want to know about Africa you have to read about it or take a trip and visit it in person. To play a new game, you have to hear the rules first; then you can try it.

To understand where you are and what is going on around you, you use your five senses, seeing, hearing, tasting, touching and smelling. You know you are at the beach when you see the sand and the lake. You know you are at your favorite concert when you hear the music.

You know that summer is here when you see the green grass and feel the hot sun. While camping at the lake you know it’s breakfast time when you smell bacon and eggs cooking on the wood fire.

You need your senses. If one of them stops working there are things you will miss. If you close your eyes you will not see the lake. If you plug your ears you will not recognize the music. You will not taste your favorite dinner if you do not put it in your mouth.

The sense of smell is different. Don’t cover your nose too tightly to stop smelling because you smell with every breath you take. You can’t do one without the other.

There are good smells and bad smells. Good smells, like perfume, lilacs, and fresh baked cookies, are pleasing and inviting. Some smells are unpleasant and may make us feel discomfort. We know a skunk is nearby even if we can’t see him.

If we have allergies, newly-cut grass can make us uncomfortably itchy.

Animals depend on their sense of smell to keep them safe and help them survive. A deer in the forest smells danger and quickly dashes to safety. A mother giraffe, like most animals, learns which baby is hers by its smell.

In Psalm 139:14 God says you are wonderfully made; even if you don’t know it, your senses are always working teaching you something T important. M

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Go On a Listening Walk You need: • a backyard or a planned hike • a sunny day • friends or parents to walk and listen with • notepad • pencil Do: Sit quietly at a picnic table or on a lawn chair, or if you’re walking, walk quietly. Listen for different sounds. Can you tell if it’s a robin or a wren singing?

Can you hear the rustle of leaves? Do you know the sound of a squirrel’s chatter?

Are there any frogs croaking? Is there a lawnmower cutting someone’s grass? Do you hear children playing or a dog barking?

Are there any smells? Do you smell flowers, leaves or grasses? Does the air have a particular smell?

Make a list of the smells and the sounds you notice in your notepad. Draw pictures to help you remember what you see or smell.

THE MESSENGER

shoulder tapping Executive Position Applications are being invited for an administrative position with the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, responsible to the Board of Trustees, Board of Missions, and the General Board. This position is a sharing of 120 percent, with exact percentages to be negotiated.

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.

Note: This position is open to male and female applicants.

Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 E-mail emconf@mts.net Applications should be in by August 31, 2005.

Anola Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a fulltime pastor to bring solid leadership and teaching to our church family of approximately 130 people. This person will help equip the people in our church family to reach out in their area of influence and lead others to Christ.

AFC is a rural church located 25 minutes east of Winnipeg and is comprised of people from diverse cultural and church backgrounds.

Contact Orville Friesen at 204-371-9922 or ofriesen@nutrihealthgroup.com.

CSSM Ministries Manitoba, with six camps, seeks summer help: an assistant to the public relations/development coordinator, two vacation Bible school teachers, head cooks for Valley View (near MacGregor) and Gimli, lifeguards, cabin leaders (at least 16 years old) and camp health officers (at least standard first aid with current CPR certification). Indicate camp of choice.

Also sought is a director for Valley View (MacGregor, Man.) to start September 1, 2005 (negotiable). Contact Branch Director at mb@cssm.ca or CSSM Ministries Manitoba, 200189 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7. Phone 204-668-CSSM (2776) or fax 204-667-1496.

Mount Salem EMC in southern Ontario seeks a full-time senior pastor. Education flexible and some pastoral experience preferred. Services are in English. Attendance is around 150 with much room and potential for growth. The pastor will work with two lay ministers and two deacons. Contact Isaak Fehr at 519-773-2564 or Bill Siemens at bhsiemens@sympatico.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.

June 9, 005

Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission seeks an executive director/fi nancial manager to serve the Burkina Faso Partnership Council.

This position requires administrative skills, experience with missions in Africa, and an ability to work with expatriate and national personnel. French and English are required and Jula would be a definite asset.

For information contact Len Barkman at emclen@mts.net or 204-326-6401.

Steinbach EMC is looking for a motivated, energetic person with strong organizational skills to be full-time pastor of youth ministries. This position is available immediately. The applicant would primarily be involved in coordinating junior and senior high church programs. Contact Henry Klassen, chair of search committee, 63 Donald Ave., Steinbach, MB R5G 2B5. Phone 204-326-6068 or email henryk2@mts.net.

Morweena Christian School seeks three twograde split homeroom teachers: grades 5–6, 7–8, 11–12. Teachers are responsible for core subjects and to provide recess and lunch supervision. Valid teacher’s certificate required for grades 11–12. MCS is operated by Morweena EMC, and situated 25 kms northwest of Arborg, Man. MCS is dedicated to providing K–12 in an environment holding a high respect for biblical values. Send resume and pastor’s reference to Tim Reimer, Box 1030, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0.

Fax 204-364-3117 or e-mail morweenachristia nschool@yahoo.com.

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. Contact Kenton Barkman, Box 576, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0.

Phone 204-378-5623 or e-mail kenton@mts.net.

Continental Mission, Inc., seeks a director.

Working largely with First Nations people in northern Manitoba, this 63-year-old faith mission seeks a visionary team player with a heart for Native ministry. Many opportunities for ministry exist, and the mission is ready to be taken to the next level.

The director will give overall leadership, overseeing a staff of about 20 missionaries.

Candidates should have ministry and administrative experience. The director is expected to relocate to Thompson, Man., a city that serves as a hub for much of the mission’s activities. Contact: Mel Friesen at CMI, 159 Cree Road, Thompson, MB R8N 0C2; phone 204-778-4491; e-mail cmi@mts.net.

CSSM National Office seeks a national director, a committed Christian team leader with excellent academics, a decade of proven ministry leadership, pragmatic and strategic ideas, biblical purity, and good communication. Contact Ferdi vanDongen, searchcommittee@cssm.ca. Also sought is an office administrator. Contact CSSM National Office, 189 Henderson Highway, Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7 or call 204-667-8207. Email: national@cssm.ca.

Evangelical Anabaptist Committee

Care about Evangelical Anabaptist theology and our conference? Consider serving as a volunteer member of the national Evangelical Anabaptist Committee, which serves the Board of Church Ministries and the Board of Ministers and Deacons. This committee meets about quarterly by conference call. Contact Executive Secretary Terry Smith (204-3266401) or BCM chairperson Stan Hamm (204433-7488).

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.

Inner-City Youth Alive, a holistic Christian ministry in the North End of Winnipeg, Man., seeks an administrative assistant/receptionist (full-time permanent). Fax resume to 204-582-4729 or mail to ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; or email icya@mts.net. Pastoral reference required.

MCC Manitoba seeks a Voices for Non-Violence coordinator. VNV responds of abuse situations within the Mennonite constituency and guides victims and offenders towards a healing process.

It seeks to promote positive family and church life and work towards greater awareness and prevention of abuse. The coordinator is responsible for all aspects, including responding to abusive situations, public education, advocacy, training and connecting with service providers/ advocates at local and national levels. This is a .75 FTE position located in Winnipeg, Man. All MCC workers are required to have a Christian faith, be actively involved in a Christian church and be committed to nonviolence and peacemaking. Due to the nature of this assignment and the gender of the majority of clientele, a suitable female candidate will be given preference. Application deadline is July 29, 2005. Contact Sol Janzen at sjj@mennonitecc.ca or Janelle Siemens at jms@mennonitecc.ca or call 204-261-6381.

Red Rock Bible Camp seeks a head cook. Yearround position available September 1, 2005 at Christian camp. Must have experience and training in the food service industry or be trainable.

Responsible to the food services director.

Agreement needed with the camp’s mission and statement of faith. Must be service oriented, work well with people and be a team player. Housing, partial board, salary, medical and dental benefits provided. Send resume to: Red Rock Bible Camp, 204-320 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z1 Email: kim@redrockbiblecamp.com.

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THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914