The Messenger Vol. 43 No. 14 August 17, 2005

Finding Calm In The Chaos

Convention 2005

The

Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 43 NUMBER 14 AUGUST 17, 2005

Convention 2005

FINDING FINDING CALM CALM IN IN THE THE CHAOS CHAOS

through

AN EXCLUSIVE

ALLEGIANCE Rev. Rod Masterson

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Essential to a healthy relationship with God is the necessity of understanding and practicing its exclusivity.

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OMETIMES most of life seems like my ďŹ rst wildly chaotic experience of Africa.

In November 1985 my wife Jeri and I landed in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to commence a threeweek visit. Intense heat, humidity, confusion and fear simultaneously slammed into us as we crossed the tarmac to the terminal.

Inside we were cast into a maelstrom of pushy, sweaty bodies, unfamiliar languages and smells, disappearing passports, porters squabbling over our considerable pile of luggage, customs agents discovering what appeared to be cocaine in our stuff (it was icing sugar!), and no friendly face in sight to bring some sense to the chaos.

After an hour or so our missionary ďŹ nally materialized, having been given the wrong arrival time. Amazingly, it took only this one man in a city of millions to rescue us from our terrifying disorientation. What a relief!

THE MESSENGER

Incredibly, we believers resort to all kinds of means other than God to bring resolution to our own life disequilibrium. Lifestyle practices of Christians are said to be remarkably similar to those of secular people.

A healthy dose of denial or a nice spiritual veneer help us rationalize our dependencies, and, of course, none of them can bring real solutions to the turmoil of our souls.

How do we find calm in the chaos that is life?

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ncient Israel faced the ultimate disorientation with their dramatic departure from Egypt after 430 years of slavery. Like some massive group camping expedition gone terribly amuck, all one million plus people found themselves stranded in a desolate wasteland. This was no happy weekend outing with friends.

Without food and water and shelter, is it any wonder they quickly pined for the certainty of forced labour back in Egypt?

Yet God makes a dramatic appearance on Mount Sinai. With the accompaniment of billowing smoke, fire, violent trembling and the repeated and intensifying sound of a ram’s horn, He speaks directly to the nation, giving the parameters that will bring order to the mess of their situation. It was an urgent, soul-shaking message to a stubborn, self-preoccupied people who were in far bigger trouble than they knew.

God’s message outlined the basis of their covenant relationship with Him. These “words” reflected not only God’s will for them as His people, but gave them a powerful portrayal of His identity as the One who will meet their needs and lead them in the uncertainties of the wilderness.

The preface is God’s foundational self-disclosure (Exodus 20:2). His comments give shape and purpose for the commands which follow.

He is the LORD, Yahweh. Unlike all others in regard to Israel, He is the one God who speaks and acts on their behalf.

He is their God. He has given Himself exclusively to them. He has committed Himself unequivocally to this particular

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group of people. He is theirs.

Question is, are they His? He is their Deliverer. He is the God who acts in demonstration of His commitment. He is the heroic rescuer of His beloved who now appeals for her heart in a covenantal bond.

While Israel may have understood exclusivity in marriage, they had a hard time, like us, in applying it to their relationship with God.

Commandment number one is basic to the other nine. Miss it and the rest are irrelevant. This command explains that calm in the chaos can be found through an exclusive allegiance. “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).

In their polytheistic world Israel must maintain allegiance to only One. Here is an acknowledgment that they had options. Not good options, but there were indeed other gods to whom they might cling. The command is directed exclusively to them as the chosen people of God. Never mind whom others might choose to serve, Israel was limited to One God alone.

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ssential to a healthy relationship with God is the necessity of understanding and practicing its exclusivity.

A divided loyalty is no loyalty at all. It cuts us off from the benefits and privileges that only an exclusive allegiance can offer. We cannot serve God and someone or something else.

To not be exclusive is like a new wife actively seeking relationships with other men while on her honeymoon: “Excuse me, dear, I know you had romantic plans for us this evening, but I want to connect with a few of the young guys I saw at the beach today. I love you, but right now they look more attractive to me than you do. I’ll see you in the morning sometime, perhaps.”

While Israel may have understood exclusivity in marriage, they had a hard time, like us, in applying it to their relationship with God. How quickly they went whoring after other gods in spite of God’s undeniable affirmations to them. His supremacy had been demonstrated conclusively in their deliverance from slavery, the miraculous escape from Pharoah’s army, the provision of water and manna, the pillar of cloud and fire to guide them and finally in the flamboyant spectacle at Sinai.

Is this not a sobering lesson for us? If all the visible and powerful physical manifestations of God’s power and love didn’t keep Israel faithful should we assume that without them we will be fine?

The first commandment explained to Israel that they should have no other gods, not even one, “before” the true God. This literally means “to my face” and is also used of taking a second wife while the first is still alive (R. Allan Cole). It has an element of hostility in it (certainly understandable in regard to marriage!) expressing the profound evil of entertaining a rival to God in heart and life (NIV Study Bible).

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4–5).

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The next move belonged to Israel. If they were to remain in God’s presence, that is remain in relationship with the all-powerful God and enjoy all the blessings and benefits that He alone could provide, they had to choose against all other gods. The specifics of that choice are defined in the subsequent commands.

When one of my sons was a little guy, visits to restaurants proved to be challenging events. He found it almost impossible to order from the wide selection of choices available. He had figured out correctly if he chose one thing, it automatically meant he could not have all the other things on the menu. He couldn’t bear the thought.

Aren’t we frighteningly like that?

If I attach myself exclusively to God, what will I miss? How can I be happy if my whole life is submitted to and

controlled by only One? And don’t we keep trying to have God and other gods simultaneously? I’ll have one of each item on the menu, thank you. Sorry, it doesn’t work that way.

From the first commandment we have strong clues that it is only through an exclusive and experiential responsiveness to the one true God that we can enjoy the benefits of godly balance and integrity in a chaotic, complex and demanding world.

It only takes One to bring calm to our chaos. Have you committed yourself exclusively to T Him? M Rod Masterson, BRE, MA, is president of Peace River Bible Institute in Sexsmith, Alberta. He has served as a pastor of Baptist, Evangelical Free, and Evangelical Mennonite Brethren churches, and as a missionary-pastor in Mali, Africa.

Shaping our behaviours

Back to School? Why? Dr. Al Hiebert

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T’S back to school time again. If not for you, then likely for someone in your family or circle of friends. Why go to school? To learn, of course. But why? To become better informed, more skilled, better persons, to become more successful in life. Right.

For those students in your family or circle of friends who are under grade 12, likely the choice of school is obvious. But if you are thinking of post-high school education, the choice of school is far less obvious. Sure, if you are set on becoming a doctor, lawyer, teacher, engineer, or some other sort of professional, secular university education will likely be part of your plans. If so, or if not, should you be thinking of one or more years of Bible college? If you are a Christian, yes. Why? Because all education influences students, not only to help them gain information and skills needed to start a career, but because Bible college can significantly help students become better persons, especially more effective Christians. The influences students absorb during high school years and the decade following will likely shape their life-long values, attitudes, priorities, world-views, and behaviours.

These will form character, regardless of students’ career choices. Most people change careers several times in life. Character tends to be more constant in adulthood.

That’s why I recommend Bible college as a significant part

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of your educational plans—at least, if you are serious about being a follower of Christ.

Did you know that so far some 340 Bible schools have opened in various parts of Canada? Granted, by 1960 a large proportion of these had closed or merged with similar schools. Today, a wide spectrum of Bible colleges, Christian colleges and universities, discipleship training schools, etc., is available, besides all the distance learning and weekend seminars.

One clear strength of most of these is their major focus on direct study of what the Bible teaches and how this should form Christian character and service, whether in full-time or part-time ministries.

Another clear strength of most Bible colleges is that in their degree programs, they usually require not only a minimum of 30 semester-hour credits (equivalent to one solid year) of direct study of the Bible, but also another 36 semester-hour credits of general education studies (like history, philosophy, literature, social and physical sciences) all taken with a concern for what the Bible has to say about these disciplines and how they relate to all of our Christian life and service. Such studies are not found in secular/liberal universities.

Thankfully, most Bible college degree programs require a minimum of 18 credit hours of studies in how to serve Christ and share our faith in effective ways. Such studies

THE MESSENGER

are not found in secular/liberal universities, and often not even in Christian universities and colleges.

Further, at virtually any Bible college or Christian university or college, student community life is faithaffirming in ways we need not expect in secular/liberal universities. Also, Bible college campuses are more personal and intimate than massive university campuses.

Naturally, smaller colleges offer smaller faculties, smaller libraries, and smaller ranges of course and program offerings, and usually cost a little more (usually they get little or no tax-based funding)—their primary weaknesses.

Steinbach Bible College’s campus has recently changed dramatically—obvious to visitors and passersby. The Bible college movement across Canada has similarly changed in recent decades, more dramatically in some cases than in others. Most of these colleges have upgraded their faculty credentials, libraries, academic program offerings, approaches to student life, athletics, fine arts, and credit transfer recognition.

This summer the Association of Canadian Bible Colleges (ACBC) released Character with Competence Education: The Bible College Movement in Canada which documents many of these changes, along with many current challenges faced by the movement and suggestions for its future. Copies are available from the SBC office.

Among the many studies reported there is the “Railsback Survey,” which reports on the spiritual pilgrimages of 3,643 students during their undergraduate studies, comparing their faith postures and behaviours prior to their freshman college year and after graduation.

Of those who called themselves “born again Christians” before attending secular colleges or universities, 28.4 percent did not call themselves born again Christians four years later. In the same sample 52 percent of Christians who

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attend a secular college or university stop going to church.

Note that this report shows that many Christian students do not take a spiritual-theological-philosophical down-turn during their studies at secular colleges or universities. Some Christian students at Christian college or university campuses also take down-turns during their studies, though the proportions are likely dramatically different. Other studies show that many Christian students first get seriously committed to Christ during their Bible college studies, regardless of their careers. The future of our churches is at stake here. That is why some forward-looking churches are providing bursaries for their members who select Bible college education. Does yours? Should it?

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ince 2002 the Christian Higher Education Enrollment Association (Canada) has run an annual Christian College and University Tour (CCUT).

Every year CCUT survey students say their parents are the number one influencer in their decision about where to attend college or university. Whether parents see it or not, students value parental input here.

Parents can help students determine what their priorities are in choosing a school: What is most important — Size? Location? Fit with future plans?

Prospects of a lucrative career? Available potential friends, activities, study programs? Potential influences on spiritual/character development?

Those parents and students who regard costs as a major factor, should ask how significant are the spiritual formation impacts of faculty, courses, friends, library

Education prepares students for life, not just for a job, and it’s about who they will be, not just what they will do.

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resources, and co-curricular student life experiences (dorms, sports, music, entertainment, recreation, romances).

Some post-secondary education for some Christian students may prove to be too costly spiritually to be factored into any financial cost calculation. Parents who highly priorize a lucrative career for their students, without considering the importance of shaping Christian character, may regret their advice.

Too many students and their counselors fail to consider properly that by the time most Christian students graduate from high school they will have experienced a dozen or more years of entirely secular education, influenced by entirely secular educators, whose expectations expressed in innumerable means are that bright students will pursue further secular education in preparation for illustrious and lucrative careers.

The core question is: Should most Christian students go to secular/liberal university directly after high school, or should they first find their theological and worldview feet in some one to four years of biblically-grounded biblically-focused post-secondary education? My preference is to urge the latter.

My own experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student in several secular/liberal universities clearly convinced me that many evangelical students with a “Sunday School theology” were grossly unprepared to deal with the ideological onslaughts on their faith.

Thankfully, many do not bow their knees to these ideological Baals. Sadly, some do, at least to some degree.

No church, home or Bible college can guarantee that such sad shifts will not happen among its young people.

Education prepares students for life, not just for a job, and it’s about who they will be, not just what they will do.

Then shouldn’t Christian parents, friends, teachers, and pastors, be encouraging students towards serious study of the skills, knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and values rooted in the Bible? How spiritually responsible is it to do T otherwise? M Al Hiebert, Ph.D. (New York University), is an ordained EMC minister. He taught 27 years at Providence College (about 12 of which he also taught at Providence Theological Seminary), at Otterburne, Man.; and eight years at Briercrest Seminary at Caronport, Sask.

Note: Dr. Hiebert was involved in the ACBC report and formerly served with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, Arkansas (now the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Florida).

letter His forsakenness was predicted Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ who loved us and accepted the body the Father prepared for Him, the Lamb of God, wherein He would take away the sin of the world.

Praise His Holy name!

I have read with increasing sorrow about the redemptive work of Jesus Christ discussions in The Messenger from these last few issues. And a Scripture that came to mind the other day…was 2 Corinthians 11:3, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” And secondly, as Paul referred to the above where Satan says, “Yea, hath God said…?” (Genesis 3:1).

Here we see who it is that seeds doubt in the minds of people not to take the “Thus saith the Lord…” and beginning to try to read man’s wisdom and thoughts out of the simple Word that God has spoken or inspired the people whom He chose to write the Holy Scriptures.

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Abraham believed God, not only in God, but he believed God that He said what He meant and He meant what He said, and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Romans 4:3). And so why would we not want to take God at His Word and just rejoice in so great a redemption as He has wrought in Christ Jesus, who was willing to fulfill all that was written of Him of Moses, the Psalms, and the prophets?

It is no wonder, as Peter writes later on, “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you; searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1 Peter 1:10–11).

And so when the Psalmist by inspiration prophesied of the crucifixion of our Lord, he quoted, hundreds of years before it would be fulfilled, the forsakenness that Jesus would

experience when all the sin of the world was laid on his Holy body and He was made our sin in order to die the death that was our due. In full He accepted the wages of our sin and so became the ransom for our soul.

Jesus said in John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy Word is truth.” He could say this for He was Truth, He was God, and He knew the Word better than would later be written in the epistle to the Hebrews in 6:17–20.

Therefore, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” and not give in to the enticing seeds of doubt that Satan would try to sow. For God is faithful. He cannot deny Himself and His salvation is sure to all those who obey him as said in Hebrews 5:9, “And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

John H. Knelsen Burns Lake, B.C.

THE MESSENGER

The

editorials

Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Less than 72 hours (travel not included)

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ot even seventy-two hours!

The EMC convention is a whirlwind that takes months to prepare for and involves much follow-up (with planning for convention 2006 overlapping). Yet it’s over in less than a long weekend (travel not included).

It was great to see Christians from many regions. Thank you, Region 1 churches and Peace River Bible Institute, your hosting was appreciated! We have dedicated churches, members, missionaries, and ministers—and challenges facing us.

During convention we try to cover two important purposes in a tight time frame: To worship together (Acts 2) and to do conference business (Acts 15).

At ministerial and conference council meetings, though, discussion time in 2005

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was often too short in response to reports, recommendations, and proposals. What needs to change—our expectations or the event’s structuring?

In some denominations delegates seem to gather longer. There is worship, perhaps less emphasis upon church members gathering, and more time spent by church delegates dealing with issues and proposals. Such a structure has its flaws.

It’s our convention’s strength that families travel to it. Visiting together is important. But should another day of business meetings be held to allow more time for discussion of reports, recommendations, and proposals?

T See you in Winnipeg in 2006! M Terry M. Smith

Christ, Menno and Luther

n international MennoniteLutheran study commission met June 27 to July 1, 2005, in France to consider if early Lutheran condemnations of Anabaptists apply to the teachings of Anabaptists-Mennonites today. Sponsored by the Mennonite World Conference and the Lutheran World Federation, the commission meets again next year.

While Simons disagreed with some of Luther’s positions, Menno acknowledged his indebtedness to Martin (Complete Writings, p. 668). Both reformers agreed on where our focus is to be.

Simons said, “If I should by my teaching gain disciples for myself and not for Christ Jesus, seeking my own gain, praise, and honor, then indeed woe unto my soul!

No, brethren, no!...I am a poor, miserable sinner who must fight daily with this flesh, the world, and the devil, and daily seek the mercy of the Lord, and who with the holy Paul boasts of nothing but Christ Jesus alone and that he was crucified for us.

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“My writing and preaching is nothing else than Jesus Christ. I seek and desire nothing…but that the most glorious name, the divine will, and the glory of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ may be acknowledged throughout the world” (Complete Writings, Herald Press, p. 311).

Luther said, “I ask that people do not make reference to my name. Let them call themselves Christians, not Lutherans. What is Luther? After all, this gospel teaching is not mine. Neither was I crucified for anyone. “…St. Paul does not allow Christians to call themselves ‘Pauline’ or ‘Petrine’ but only ‘Christian.’ How then should I—the poor, foul carcass that I am—come to have people call the children of Christ by my wretched name?...Rather, let us abolish all partisan names and call ourselves Christians, after him whose teaching we hold” (A Sincere Admonition, 1522).

As past condemnations and current relationships are explored, may Christ’s T wonder become clearer! 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.

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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. 15 – September 7 (copy due August 26)

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July 1

Ministers explore stresses in pastorate As ministerial members gathered on July 1, 2005, to explore stresses in the pastorate, host pastor Rick Hall welcomed members to Mission Heights Community Church in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Darren Plett, BMD chairman, had scripture and prayer.

Convention speaker Rod Masterson, president of Peace River Bible Institute in nearby Sexsmith, Alta., spoke of being a 24-year-old pastor at his first convention, where a speaker told pastors to be transparent.

Masterson encouraged pastors to risk talking of our weaknesses, as did the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. Rod had to leave a pastorate under difficult circumstances, yet was thanked by a man for his effective ministry—because he admitted a struggle with prayer.

Jeff and Laural Ann Plett, of Fort Frances, Ont., spoke of how, while the church and the EMC mission have done well, their family has faced financial challenges in years of missionary and pastoral service. Jeff counseled a willingness to sacrifice, to be content, to put people before possessions, to buy no more than what is needed, and to make financial decisions as a family. He is helped to remember early Christians who suffered (Hebrews 11).

When people leave a church, LeRoy Barkman, formerly a pastor in Alaska and in Portage la Prairie, Man., said there can be feelings of guilt, betrayal, of inadequacy, and fear. How do we cope? David encouraged himself in the Lord, he said. Some people are “train hoppers.” We need to be content to make

the most of time with people while we have them and develop those who remain, he said.

Richard and Kathy Klassen, leaving High Level, Alta., after 16 years, said that moving is difficult.

Richard says he feels more like a parent than a CEO. He believes in longterm pastorates, and wonders if it is right to leave people in the lurch. There is guilt. Now moving to Straffordville, Ont., Klassens said Kenton Penner introduced a theology survey. that moving closer to family was not needed; their family is supportive of their move.

Kenton Penner, chairman of the Evangelical Anabaptist Committee that serves under BMD and Board of Church Ministries, introduced a survey on theology that members completed before lunch. The survey will be sent to EM churches in fall, with a desire that 10 percent of adult members will complete it and return it, he said.

Henry Plett, pastor in Burns Lake, B.C., said pastors sometimes find themselves working with difficult people. He counseled honesty, a focus on Jesus, to confide in another pastor, forgiveness, and to accept being refined by fire.

Glenn Loewen, of Portage la Prairie, Man., told stories of being raised as a pastor’s son. Pastors tend to have two choices in how they raise their kids: to separate ministry and fatherhood or to involve children in the father’s ministry; he favours the latter approach. He wants his children to know he loves both Jesus and them.

Abe and Anna Bueckert spoke about balancing ministry and home life. Abe said that family is a priority. There is a need for time away from work. He referred to a Greek “motto”: “You will break the bow if you keep it always bent.”

Abe and Anna Bueckert and Henry Plett were among the presenters at ministerial.

At Grande Prairie, Alta., ministerial members listened to several presentations exploring stresses in the pastorate.

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THE MESSENGER

There were comments after presentations. A few include: • Pastors aren’t the only ones who face financial stress.

• Compared to Nicaragua our salaries seem superabundant.

• To retain associate pastors, involve them in activities that elevate their status—baptisms and more.

• Elmer Towns asked a pastor, “Are you planning to retire there?”

• When we allow people to move into our churches without discussing their past church involvement, we embrace a problem.

• Bless those who leave.

• Busy people are lazy because they neglect the real work of prayer.

• Pastor shouldn’t rebuke children because of what the church said.

• No one else can be a Dad to my children.

• Didn’t always have a wonderful experience as a preacher’s kid.

• Don’t lose your family because of the church.

• How many have no children? Nurture your relationship with your wife because kids will move out.

• Busyness is not godliness.

In other matters, Delmer Plett and Fred Buhler were affirmed to serve on the Board of Ministers and Deacons. Chairman Darren Plett is ineligible to remain after a second term.

The ministerial reviewed Dr. Arden Thiessen’s summary of papers presented previously on baptism and church membership. The papers focused on the meaning of baptism and how churches respond to requests for membership from various people. Comments were recorded by BMD’s secretary.

Darren Plett, outgoing chair of the BMD, thanked people who shaped him; he and his wife Pearl were told by a couple after he was elected as a minister, “Remember, you were elected for who you were, not for who you will be.”

He said that if people minister out of other’s expectations, they will burn out; but if we minister out of who we are, we will thrive in ministry.

Plett said that pastors don’t need more education, higher Members made comments or asked questions, including Jake Enns of Tilbury, salaries, sabbaticals, Ont. and severance packages.

“I think we need a rich filling of the Holy Spirit…a new vision from God…a passion for God’s people, a burden for lost people,” he said, “hearts that beat with the Holy Spirit…I pray that they will see that you have been with Jesus.”

It was announced that the BMD removed the credentials of one minister. Church reports were shared and times of prayer T were held. New leaders were introduced to the ministerial. M Terry M. Smith

July 2

Council hears reports and proposals The Conference Council met on July 2, 2005, at Peace River Bible Institute.

Board of Church Ministries Chairman Stan Hamm and staff indicated the board continues to work with youth, education, music, archives, publication, and The Messenger. It’s restarting a Worship/ Music committee and is developing a discussion guide on social justice.

Board of Ministers and Deacons Chairman Darren Plett and Conference Pastor David Thiessen reported that mediation teams are developing to assist churches in conflict, the intention is to shift more toward deacon orientation than examination, and the Social Concerns Committee continues to highlight issues. It presented new pastoral salary guidelines, which the council supported in principle.

Board of Missions General Secretary Len Barkman said that some missionaries serve in dangerous areas. Relationships are developing with the Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and further with Frontiers. “Hundreds of thousands” of English teachers are needed in China. MissionX (SBC) is being worked into BOM’s budget.

Elvira Cote (NEFC) shared her burden for people in the

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North End of Winnipeg.

Arlyn and Annette van Enns (NCEM) said that there is a spiritual battle in northern Canada.

Trudy Dueck said that while we bemoan the state of our once Christian country, we are not looking at where God is moving today.

Edwin Plett (Taber, Alta.) and Andrew and Amie Reimer (Winnipeg, Man.) spoke about what God is doing positively.

Foreign Secretary Lester Olfert encouraged local churches to plan more mission emphases.

More workers are needed in Spanish and German areas in Mexico.

Peter Wiebe, former John Rempel (OM) said that September 11 worker in Hillside Gospel hasn’t shut down missions.

Church (Camp 67), said that changes in people are more exciting than a high-quality

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building project. He challenged German Mexican Mennonites to return to teach.

Lester Olfert said a church plant has started in San Benito, Nicaragua, and more money is needed to assist the orphanage.

Despite poverty, people have vision and are moving ahead.

Chairman Ernie Loewen said a desire is to start more churches, to shift in focus from rural to urban churches, and to have a cluster of churches in urban areas. Natives in Tres Palmas area have requested that school be expanded to include grades 7 to 9.

Lester Olfert, in his final council report as Foreign Secretary, thanked the board and churches for allowing him to serve 13 years. He received an appreciative round of applause.

General Board Moderator Ron Penner announced Cnvention 2006 will be held at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Man. National staffing needs continue to be dealt with. Material is being developed to assist churches in theology and practice.

There were three proposals: • The council gave preliminary approval that the portfolio of Canadian church planting be transferred from the Board of Missions to the Board of Ministers and Deacons.

• It approved that national boards appoint members to serve on affiliate board organizations.

• It approved that members of the Nominating Committee be eligible to serve a second term.

Board of Trustees In 2004, the EMC national budget was $13,000 short of disbursements. Giving in 2005 is similar to last year, Gordon Reimer reported. Reinnie Brandt reported there’s a recent pattern of alternate years of surplus and deficit; he hopes it holds for 2005.

Steinbach Bible College President Abe Bergen reported the college was grateful for help when it went through a cash crunch. There has been talk with conference leadership about the school and its financing; the college is an arm of the conference. He said that students are bringing different personal issues than five to 10 years ago.

The face of Christian higher education is changing in Canada.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada Gary Sawatzky, staff person out of Calgary, Alta., said MFC’s focus is not on money, but on people and kingdom building.

Conference Council members complete ballots to fill various Conference positions.

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BCM chair Stan Hamm

BMD chair Darren Plett

Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary George Toews said that years ago he had to choose between attending an evangelical seminary in Canada or to study at an Anabaptist institution in the U.S; now another option exists for people. A one-year program is offered, a mentor has been hired, and a name change is planned.

MCC Canada Thomas Mathew encouraged churches to support MCC and suggested to the finance committee that it be placed in the EMC national budget.

Evangelical Fellowship of Canada EFC laments the recent vote on C-38 (same-sex marriage), Len Barkman reported. (Question: Has thought been given to EMC opting out of civil marriage? The moderator referred that to the Social Concerns Committee.)

Mennonite World Conference Moderator Ron Penner said that Mennonite does not have a cultural meaning, but reflects a global church of more than 60 languages on most continents of the world. “Our fellow church members encircle the globe, and we are part of this peace-preaching people,” he said. He wants EMC to become more active in MWC. The next general assembly is in 2009, Paraguay.

Mennonite Historical Society of Canada Henry Fast reported that a symposium in Winnipeg (September 30–October 1) will explore Mennonite Hosts and Refugee Newcomers 1979–Present.

Moderator’s address Moderator Ron Penner asked: What are the benefits of belonging to a conference of churches? (See his address next issue.)

Comments: • Policies are needed by independent churches.

• Didn’t the EMC separate from a larger body?

• Not everyone has the same gifts. Is the EMC the only good denomination?

• What of the gap between 25- to 45-year-olds at conference events?

• Appreciate freedom by conference to allow local T churches to make decisions. M Terry M. Smith

THE MESSENGER

a woman s journey of faith Betty Koop

Helen—Called to Teach

A

t a recent tea in our church, the glowing candles caused suspended snowflakes to sparkle, creating a pleasant atmosphere. But the pleasure was multiplied even more by the presence of women from a nearby church who had responded to our invitation.

I sat at a table with Helen and some of the visitors. One of them looked across at Helen and exclaimed, “You were my teacher in primary school!”

It struck me that Helen had taught for many years prior to her retirement. She must have had an impact on hundreds of young lives.

It was good to meet later and listen to her reminisce about her years of teaching—over 35 years in as many as 12 different schools. At the same time, I appreciated the way she respected her former students’ privacy.

Helen’s call to missions came in her final term at Steinbach Bible Institute.

Since she had taught school for several years following Teachers’ College, the thought came to her: Why not combine teaching with missions? She asked God to show her where, preferably not too far from home, but some place where she could spread Christ’s love.

After three years of Bible School, she needed to earn some money.

The Lord pointed out an opening at a mission school in Belize, but she sensibly pointed out to Him that she needed to earn a salary. However, four months after graduation from Bible School she was in Belize, ready to teach. This was a voluntary service assignment, so she received housing plus a small monthly allowance. Well, I guess that was some income.

Helen was excited and confident to be in charge of the primary school, even though she only had one student assistant. Then reality set in: Different school system, different culture, different approach. There were a lot of adjustments. Only the assurance that God had called her there pulled her through.

A turning point came at the Christmas program where she met parents and felt warmly accepted.

She was happy to come home after her first term, but knew deep down that she would be back. Two years later, she was back in Belize, at a residential Christian high school called King’s College. She would serve in Belize for 21 years.

King’s College was a 24-hour assignment, Monday through Friday. Helen was Dean of Girls, responsible for a group of adolescents who were not necessarily from Christian homes.

Plus she had a full teaching load, using the required state syllabus for Form 1-4 (our grades 9-12). It was very busy.

August 17, 2005

Chapel and small group devotions were meaningful.

Here personal problems could be shared and together they could find answers in the Bible and pray about them. While Helen also had to deal with a lot of student problems, it was gratifying to see how Christ changed lives. Other teachers also had a positive influence.

Helen shared, “The reward of teaching is to see former students become responsible adults.” She saw them progress from their restless teen years to greater maturity. She gave some examples.

One student was sickly and depressed.

Eventually they sent her home with the suggestion that she see a missionary doctor in her town. Instead, her mother took her to an obeah, a woman who practiced spiritistic medicine. It was a very bad experience for the young teen.

She came back distraught and unsettled.

One day she experienced a demonic vision, “seeing” a terrifying face on the wall of her room. Hysterical, she threw the bottle of pop in her hand at the apparition.

Helen came quickly. She prayed with her and the girl calmed down a bit.

A local evangelist was having special meetings at the school, and Helen thought he would understand this girl’s background.

She agreed to see him. Next morning she was beaming! She had accepted victory in Christ and radiated peace.

A boy who was one of Helen’s primary school students in Belize came back as her colleague some years later.

A young lady from Helen’s high school days, a model student, went on to further training and became a social worker, then decided to go into teaching. Today she is a leading staff member, resident dean and teacher at her alma mater. Helen smiled, “Now she is the one that is dealing with problems, and experiencing the blessings!” No doubt Helen’s example and teaching were an important influence in her development.

William Barclay says “the humblest teacher…lives on in his or her pupils. A good teacher is always immortal in someone’s life” (Day by Day with William Barclay, Hendrickson, 2003).

School will be starting again soon. Let’s remember to pray often for our children’s instructors, that their influence will T be that of “a good teacher.” M

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with our missionaries Paraguay

Challenges of women missionaries Recently I had the opportunity to join Lester and Darlene Olfert and my husband Ernie [BOM chairman] on a Board of Missions trip to our Paraguay field. We met with the different missionaries, slept and ate in their homes. As the missionary women told their stories they shared challenges and involvements they deal with every day.

One lady was counseling a woman who struggled with deep hurts in her past. Further, one works in a mission hospital and between shifts she tries to accompany her husband as he visits outreach churches. Homes are tastefully and practically decorated and have intentionally been arranged to entertain night guests.

One lady is a “Bible woman” spending up to three months at a time in a

remote village teaching the Word. An older missionary lady has to travel on unusually rough roads to go anywhere.

One young mother was struggling with fear in the big city because of threatening phone calls.

These women would typically disciple up to three women individually per week besides other responsibilities. A young missionary attended a Spanish Bible School to polish her Spanish. One home had its doors open wide to AIDS patients or the orphans of AIDS victims.

Some faced retirement; others expressed concerns about aging parents. They are lonely for children and grandchildren far away. In a remote village people were weeping as they said good-bye to their spiritual mentors who were going to Canada.

These women have a deep love for the people of Paraguay. Amid challenges and opposition from the enemy there is a commitment to work together for a common purpose: to win people to Jesus and teach them to walk in His ways.

Mary Ann Loewen Mary Ann Loewen (Pleasant Valley) was in Paraguay from May 28 to June 13, 2005.

Her husband Ernie Loewen is chairman of the EMC Board of Missions. Mary Ann and Ernie served as EMC missionaries in Paraguay from 1979 to 1985. Lester Olfert is EMC Foreign Secretary, overseeing mission efforts in Paraguay, Nicaragua, and Mexico.

Annabelle Friesen Landis Benitez

Doris Friesen

Elsie Funk

Judy Schmidt Renita Rempel

Erna Plett Esther Goertzen

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Joanne Martens

THE MESSENGER

Philippines

Serving children so parents can serve My husband George Rodgers and I arrived home on June 2, 2005, from a nine and a half month missionary assignment at Faith Academy, a school for missionary kids, in Manila, Philippines. We worked as associates of New Tribes Mission of Canada, supported by our church and friends.

New Tribes Mission is a faith organization concentrating on getting the gospel to unreached tribes in many countries. To be able to do this, families involved need a school like Faith Academy to educate their children. This is where we worked and had a small part in the work of getting the gospel out.

Faith Academy is one of the world’s largest schools for missionary kids, with near 600 students from 19 countries, taught by a staff from 11 countries. Only about 60 students live in dorms. Because the Philippines is an English-speaking country, many organizations that are working in Southeast Asia have their head offices there. Many students come by van from different parts of Manila where their families live and work for mission organizations.

I worked as a tutor in the middle school learning resource centre, helping children that needed extra help to get

their work done. George helped in maintenance, with small engine repair and maintenance, as well as helping in industrial arts with the mechanical part of the course. In maintenance he worked closely with many local men. What a great opportunity to get to know these wonderful people and feel a bond with them. It was a life-changing experience to live and work in a different culture and to meet so many neat people from all around the world.

The importance of the George and Evelyn Rodgers (MacGregor) recently small part we had in this served nine months in the Philippines. big ministry became evident to us as Tribes Mission and Faith Academy are we had opportunity to visit some New volunteers who are there because they Tribes missionaries in different parts have heard the call of God on their lives of the country. It was heart-warming to to serve there.

The only way they can be there is by see the dedication and love that these missionaries showed. How eagerly they the support of Christians back home.

We are thankful to God to have been are working to communicate with the village people. The change in people’s part of these organizations. I’m sure that lives as they accept Jesus into their they will always be a part of our lives. We lives makes all this work worthwhile and would like to express our thanks to all rewarding. I was also impressed with who supported us and prayed for us.

Evelyn Rodgers the fact that everyone working for New

with our churches

Members at Portage, newer and older Portage la Prairie, Man.:

Dan and Anne Klassen visit Christina Zdan, all seniors from Portage church.

Catherine Epp

Wade Marks (centre) was baptized on May 15, 2005.

Pastors Les Kroeker and Glenn Loewen flank him.

August 17, 2005

Five new members were received on June 26: (front) Lisa and Lowell Enns, (centre) Wade Marks, and (front right) Lisa Ott (holding Zoe) and Adam EisBrenner. Pastors Glenn Loewen and Les Kroeker stand with them.

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Making disciples Blumenort, Man.: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20).

Why would anyone want to take 43 teenagers all the way from Blumenort to Saskatchewan to attend the Abundant Springs youth retreat on the May long weekend? Youth Pastor Terry Penner found himself asking that same question.

The answer came one evening when a girl announced her decision to follow Christ.

“This is why we are here.” said Terry.

Our youth group is growing. We are expecting somewhere between 60 and 70 kids in the junior youth department this year. There are also many grade nine students who will be entering senior youth this fall. Jake and Ruth Giesbrecht plan to be involved in the youth program again next year. More help is needed! If you are able to help, or know of someone who is, please call Terry.

Of all nations…

LaDawn Penner is serving with God’s Littlest Angels in Haiti for one year. She left for Haiti on June 24. She will be involved with the adoption process of infants who were premature, malnourished or abandoned.

Keith Barkman is planning to go on a short-term mission with Adventures in Missions. He is planning to serve in Mbababe, Swaziland, Africa from September 7 to December 21. Keith will be ministering to people with HIV/AIDS, possibly teaching orphan children, visiting AIDS patients in hospitals, or running youth programs through the local Schools and Churches.

Josh Plett plans to leave for Nairobi, Kenya, Africa in September. He will be serving with Adventures in Missions until December 20. Josh plans to be involved in youth ministry, ministering to his neighbours and orphans.

Sarah Plett is preparing to leave for India on September 20 for a three-month term with Adventures in Missions. Sarah plans to work with various ministries: orphanages, lepers, and ministering to people living in city slums.

Mary Beth Penner is preparing for a two-year term with SIM Canada after she finishes a busy summer at Eagle Lake Bible Camp. She will be taking three weeks of orientation in October and then, in November, she plans to leave for

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Peru. Mary Beth will have her hands full with ministry in evangelism, discipleship and youth camp. She will be working at Camp La Joya, about an hour outside of Araquipa.

If you have any questions, they would be glad to talk to you. They would also appreciate your ongoing prayers on their behalf.

Our camp committee has been very busy preparing for another four weeks of camp at Eagle Lake Bible Camp. Things are starting to come together, but there are still some positions to fill.

Whitedog teens’ camp will run July

18–23, followed by Whitedog children’s camp July 25–30. August 1–6 is Blumenort teens’ camp, followed by Blumenort children’s camp August 8–13.

Baptizing them…

On June 26, nine people were baptized.

They are: Evan Barkman, Jordan Friesen, Josiah Johnson, Candida Penner, David Penner, Paul Penner, Lindsey Plett, Steffan Reimer and Joel Thiessen. Also, Debbie Forsythe transferred her membership to Blumenort EMC. Martin Penner

Youth spend week in Panther, West Virginia Blumenort, Man.: On March 25, 2005, twenty-four youth together with six leaders met at our church, said our goodbyes, and headed down the road to Panther, West Virginia, for Missions Trip 2005.

We spent two and a half days traveling on our church bus (I’ll let you imagine what fun that was!) to arrive on Panther on Sunday, March 27. Panther is a small town in one of the many “hollers” (valleys) in the Appalachian mountain range. Coal mining is the main source of income for most of the folks there.

Upon arrival we met our leader for the week, David Schiff, who works for Adventures in Missions (AIM). After introductions were done, we moved into our home away from home, which was an old school building that had been destroyed by a flood some years before. Through answered prayer, the local church was able to purchase the school, and AIM with volunteer help was able to repair it and is using it for their headquarters today.

As we look back to our experience in Panther, we marvel at how God began to chip away at our attitudes almost immediately, as things were not exactly as we had expected. We were eager to get to work for God, but His plans were different from our own.

He wanted to teach us to be still before him and listen for His voice as to where and how He wanted us to minister.

Some of the areas of ministry we got involved in were prayer central, prayer walks, door to door, Vacation

Bible school, community barbeque, safehouse and nursing home visitations. Prayer was a central part of our entire week in Panther. We never did anything without being covered in prayer, thanks to prayer central teams who spent the entire time praying for each person that left the school to minister elsewhere.

God used prayer walks to open doors to minister to the people of Panther. We met Edna and Elmer on one of our prayer walks. Later that week, we had the opportunity to go back as an entire group and minister to them through songs. Prayer walks gave us opportunities to walk through different areas of the community and look for any visible signs of prayer needs. We also wanted to listen to God’s voice as to what He might call us to pray for in a specific area of need.

There are many “God moments” in everybody’s week—too many to mention. In reflection on our week, we can to realize that three things had impacted us the most: The importance of a close and meaningful relationship with Jesus; that prayer is so much more than we realized; and we need to take the time to not only talk to but, just as importantly to listen to God speaking to us.

We want to express our since thanks to our church family and friends who encouraged us and supported every area of our missions trip experience.

God blessed us in a big way, and we pray that he may bless all of you as well.

Terry Penner

THE MESSENGER

A hometown miracle Vanderhoof, B.C.: “I’d have to see it to believe it.” We’ve all heard this many times. When it comes to Jesus performing miracles on earth in this day and age, some people believe and some don’t. Our own small church, Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship, received that very gift of God in May and June 2005.

On May 25 a 15-month-old little girl, Tori Stringer, pulled a steeping cup of tea down on herself. Her parents, Judy and Troy, heard the cup hit the floor and grabbed the little girl and rushed her to the tub. While running cold water over her and removing her clothes they quickly realized much of the skin on Tori’s shoulder, arm and neck had peeled

severe. Troy and Judy were told that their daughter had a 95 percent probability of needing a skin graft. We all continued to pray and the Lord continued to answer.

By Thursday, June 3, when the doctor scraped the burns again, the probability was reduced to about 35 percent, and by Monday—praise the Lord—she didn’t have to have one at all.

Through all of this pain and suffering came light and love. To look at someone so small with first and second degree burns on her face, back arm, neck and chest, and third degree burns on her shoulder and neck, one would think that she would feel sorry for herself. But she didn’t. She was so happy and full of life.

When you looked into her eyes, you could see hope and love, trust and faith. Faith that everything would be okay. This is the kind of beautiful, child-like faith that we should all have.

From Wednesday, May 25, to Monday, June 7, God showed us all the power of prayer, the strength of faith and His merciful love. So now we bow our heads and send a heartfelt thank you to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Natosha Wiebe

August 17, 2005

September 20 (25 weeks) Pursuing Sexual and Relational Wholeness in Christ The Meeting Place Winnipeg, Man. New Direction for Life Ministries winnipeg@newdirection.ca 204-452-1826 September 23–24 Canadian Mennonite University Homecoming 2005 Building, Renewing, Celebrating Winnipeg, Man. 877-231-4570 September 30–October 1 Mennonite Hosts and Refugee Newcomers: 1979–Present Weekend History Conference University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, Man. 204-786-9391 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 Winnipeg, Man. 204-888-7270 or 204-853-7786 October 21–24 Ministering with the Emerging Church Speaker: Dr. Gary Collins Providence Seminary Otterburne, Man. 204-433-7488 ext. 258 www.prov.ca

Tori Stringer experienced God’s healing.

off with her shirt. Quickly wrapping this child, consumed with pain, in a cold, wet towel, Troy, Judy and big sister Siera rushed her to the hospital.

Upon arriving there they found out Tori’s little body housed first, second and third degree burns. I didn’t know, until now, that one cup of tea to a child is like four litres of boiling water to an adult. I could not imagine that kind of pain coursing through a small child. My heart broke when I heard the news.

But this is where our miracle begins.

Scripture says God will lift up the brokenhearted and He will make our burdens light. God delivered on His hefty promises. We prayed as a church.

They prayed as a family. God says, “Ask and you will receive,” and receive we did.

Every day became better than the last and tomorrow held hope.

On Tuesday, June 1, Tori was put to sleep using gas and her burns were scraped. The burn on her shoulder where the tea bag had fallen proved deeper than was first thought. A reasonably large section of her shoulder had to be cut out because the damage was so

coming events

SBC offers Spanish Evening Course On May 22, many ladies from Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship came out to clean up flower beds and connect for a wonderful time of fellowship. They followed up their work with a barbeque and coffee time. Pictured are Linda Unger, Barb, Darlene Wiebe, Helen Dyck, Verna Dyck, Judy Stringer, Cathie Schneck and Nettie Wiebe.

Introduction to the basics of Spanish with emphasis on proper pronunciation and basic conversation.

September 13–December 6 Tuesdays, 7–9:45 p.m.

Weekend Counselling Course Dealing with the Demonic

The Ebenezer Christian Church (EMC) in Brandon requires 10 to 20 folding chairs. Please contact Len Barkman at 204-326-6401.

November 17–19, 2005 Thursday and Friday evening, 7–10 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

For more information contact Christal Penner 204-326-6451 • 800-230-8478 admissions@sbcollege.mb.ca

www.sbcollege.mb.ca

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One minister ordained, another leaves Straffordville, Ont.: Our church has been going through some changes. On April 3, 2005, Abe Berg was ordained as a minister, and Peter and Susie Rempel were re-elected as a deacon couple.

Our pastoral couple John and Lorna Wall had given us notice that they would be resigning as of April 30, 2005. We have very much appreciated John and Lorna and all that they have done for our churches in the eight-plus years that they served here. We will miss them in leadership very much, and wish them God’s richest blessing as they follow wherever He leads them.

On April 24 we had a supper and program in honour of John and Lorna.

Many shared how John and Lorna had blessed their lives. Even though we didn’t like to see them go, it was a blessing that it was on good terms.

Three young people were baptized on May 1: Linda Wall, Henry Wall, and Eddie Thiessen. All three shared testimonies of how God has worked in their lives and how He continues to work.

Now as we plan for the future and look ahead, we can see how God has been working and answering our prayers. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.

Margaret Berg S T E I N B A C H

B I B L E

C O L L E G E

Abe Berg (with wife Margaret in centre) was ordained as a minister on April 3, 2005, at Straffordville EMC. Deacon couple Peter and Susie Rempel (centre left) were re-elected. Also participating were Canadian codirectors of church planting Peter and Trudy Dueck, pastoral couple John and Lorna Wall, and conference pastor David Thiessen.

Management Issues for Churches and Charitable Organizations A seminar for church leaders, and church board and committee members October 15, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Rosenort EM Church Rosenort, Man. October 29, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cornerstone Fellowship Church Swift Current, Sask.

Please pre-register at the EM Conference office, 204-326-6401.

right here right now

Abbeydale: Wedding bells ring Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.): Weddings seem to be part of summer and in June we enjoyed celebrating with two brides-to-be.

Brenda Dick

Register now for fall classes starting September 6 1.800.230.8478 www.sbcollege.mb.ca admissions@sbcollege.mb.ca

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Rachel Sandland married Paul Budala on July 9 in Blumenort, Man.

Terilee Thiessen married Ryan Ouimette on July 30 in Calgary.

THE MESSENGER

by the way Dave K. Schellenberg

Church planting and my family

I

spent the years 1959 to 1965 as the pastor of a small church in Manitoba. I went from being the Fieldman for the Western Gospel Mission to church planting for the EMC in Portage la Prairie, some 50 miles west of Winnipeg. I believe I kept the Fieldman duties at half time.

In the past I had been a missionary, and both an orderly and an administrator in Rest Haven (then the Mennonite Invalid Home). But I had never had a pastorate until my family and I came to Portage.

This church was an almost a new church situation, having began only that spring by a group from nearby Macgregor EMC. They needed someone to take over, and that someone became me, my wife and five children. The youngest child was around four and the oldest was eleven.

Another son was old enough to be on his own, and did not make the trip with us.

If my wife and I had any qualms about transplanting five children from Steinbach to Portage la Prairie, a completely strange city, I cannot remember. All but the youngest were of school age and would have to go to a new school, as well as make new friends. “Never a dull moment” is how one of the girls recently described it.

I must say our children adjusted well, both with school and in making new friends. Not that they wouldn’t have had cause sometimes to be a little unhappy with their living conditions! This was especially true of the close home and church setup we had.

At the time when we came to Portage, church services were conducted in a rented hall. After we came we rented a large house and also began services in our spacious living quarters. In other words, we had church in the house but continued with the hall meetings.

The year after we came, we bought a lot and built a church building. And, as the custom was at the time in EMC church planting, the pastor’s family and church were under one roof. In other words, when we built the church we portioned off one end for living quarters for the pastor’s family! And so, where before we had church services in our house, now we had our house in the church.

We did that to conserve funds, to have more money available for the pastor’s salary. We economized.

You can imagine the effect that, potentially, this could have had on the family.

For instance at one stage on Sunday morning our three girls had to give up their bedroom for the baby room. No sleeping in here! And if they resented this intrusion, bless

August 17, 2005

Portage’s building during my time of ministry.

their hearts, they didn’t show it. But our girls came through it with flying colours.

In fact, I cannot recall any of our children ever expressing unhappiness over this unique set-up. You see, that is just how things were done in those days in EMC church planting.

It just was part of the package. The same was the case in other EMC church starts in those days. Surely this was not an ideal set-up; if it hadn’t been for the economic factor, it would not have happened.

Later this was no longer the case. In the case of Portage, the church with its living quarters was renovated and used exclusively as a church. It is gratifying to see that the congregation has now already outgrown that building, and I believe they have a building fund going for more adequate quarters. Praise the Lord for that growth!

Today I look back, as can all those who started this church planting effort with us, and see that our labour was not in vain in the Lord.

What about our family? When we left Portage la Prairie our five children there were from 10 to 17 years old. I don’t think any of the five children regret their years spent in Portage, both in schools attended and friends from church.

As I look back, and I believe my wife would too if she were still living, I admire the way our children contributed to our church start in Portage la Prairie.

We made friends in that church who are still friends today. Just the other day I attended the funeral of one of the early participants of that church. I had the pleasure there of meeting a good number of these friends. Although over 40 years have gone by, the friendship and affection are still T there. M

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shoulder tapping Anola Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a full-time 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.

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.

Winkler Bible Camp seeks a full-time discipleship director who is passionate about discipling and teaching young adults (ages 18–25) over an eightmonth period as a part of the post-secondary discipleship ministry of WBC. The Cross Current Discipleship Program strives to be a balance of academic and practical learning. Gifts in teaching, shepherding and administration as well as postsecondary training are preferred. Contact Dale Wiebe at 204-325-9519; fax 204-325-0091; e-mail crosscurrent@winklerbiblecamp.com; check our website at winklerbiblecamp.com; or Box 2340, Winkler, MB R6W 4C1.

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.

Eden Mental Health Centre seeks a nursing unit coordinator (head nurse) with formal training, current registration, and experience in psychiatric setting and in supervision. The coordinator will provide leadership, support and direction to ward staff in order to ensure the provision of a high standard of nursing care in the centre’s 40-bed inpatient unit.

EMHC is located in Winkler, Man., and is a service of Manitoba Mennonite churches and the RHACentral Manitoba. Direct applications to Personnel, Eden Mental Health Centre, 1500 Pembina Ave., Winkler, MB R6W 1T4; phone 204-325-4325; fax 204325-8429; e-mail edenment@edenhealth.mb.ca.

EMC Missions, in partnership with Serving in Mission (SIM) Canada, is requesting

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applications from those interested in teaching English in China. Teaching experience and/ or training in TESOL is preferred; however, opportunities exist for anyone with a heart for reaching out to people through teaching conversational English. For information about qualifications and term of service, contact General Secretary Len Barkman at 204-3266401; e-mail emclen@mts.net.

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.

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.

Red Rock Bible Camp, in southeastern Manitoba, seeks a year-round head cook who is service oriented, works well with people, and is a team player. Experience and training in the food service industry is preferred. Responsible to the food services director. It’s necessary to agree with the camp’s mission and statement of faith. Housing, partial board, salary, medical and dental benefits are provided. Send resume to Red Rock Bible Camp, 204-320 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z1, e-mail: kim@redrockbiblecamp.com.

A church planting director is required for the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. The position requires a passion for church growth and development. The Director will work closely with regional churches to encourage and initiate new church plants. Strong written and oral skills are essential. This is a .5 position. For a job description and information, please contact the office at 204326-6401 or e-mail emconf@mts.net.

Grace Mennonite Church in Neuanlage, Sask., invites applications for an associate pastor.

Grace Mennonite is a rural congregation of about 350 persons, committed to evangelism, spiritual growth and community involvement.

We are seeking someone gifted in administration, planning, discipleship and preaching.

Interested individuals are invited to contact us at 306-225-5806 or a gracech@sasktel.net for a more complete description of duties as well as for the application process. Please respond on or before September 1, 2005.

Crestview Fellowship (EMC) seeks a parttime youth director with a strong personal spiritual foundation who is able to build strong relationships with youth. Must have the ability to work alongside a team of youth sponsors in discipling youth, and be creatvie and energetic in planning regular Bible studies and organizing fundraisers. Contact Pastor Vern Knutson at

204-837-9490. Resumes can be forwarded by e-mail to finkswpg@mts.net or by mail to Crestview Fellowship, c/o Christine Fink, 271 Hamilton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0H3.

Home care attendant needed for C.W. Loewen, a blind, but otherwise fit, man in Winnipeg, Man. (North Henderson Hwy). Duties include preparing meals, taking him to the local ‘Y’, and assisting with other duties as needed for him and his wife.

Must have a vehicle; a loud, clear voice; and some patience. This position is for 40 hours a week, at $13.75/hour. Call his son Rick at 204-355-4567 or email rickloewen@skyweb.ca.

Leamington EMC is seeking a senior pastor (to start January 2006) or an interim pastor (who could start January 2006 for six to twelve months, should a senior pastor not be found). We have a Low German and English worship service. We are looking for someone who has experience leading as a senior pastor; education is flexible. Salary meets conference guidelines and housing is available. Please contact Andy Fehr at 519-737-9281 or Abe Klassen at 519-816-1840.

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 Christian ministry in the North End of Winnipeg, Man., seeks a workshop program director (full-time, permanent with support-raising required). Fax resume to 204582-4729; mail to ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; or e-mail icya@mts.net.

Pastoral reference required.

CSSM Ministries Manitoba seeks a director for Valley View Bible Camp (MacGregor, Man.) to start September 1, 2005 (negotiable). Contact Branch Director at mb@cssm.ca or CSSM Ministries Manitoba, 200-189 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7. Phone 204-668-CSSM (2776) or fax 204-667-1496.

Kleefeld EMC, a church of about 300 members in Kleefeld, Man., is seeking an associate pastor.

The primary focus would be to work with the youth program in a discipling and mentoring capacity, involving youth and youth workers.

This position would also include one other major involvement—depending on the applicant’s giftedness—such as Christian Education resource, music ministry, etc. We are looking for a leader to join us in catching the vision and excitement of a growing church community.

Send resumes to Ron Harder, Box 4, Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0; e-mail camohead@hotmail.com; phone 204-377-4248.

THE MESSENGER

kids’ corner Loreena Thiessen

What Can the Beach Teach?

To build a castle strong and square scoop wet sand with pail and spade; heap it up; shape four walls and smooth them out.

Let towers guard the corners, turrets top the parapet, a drawbridge at the keep, and a moat dug round about.

T M

D

id you build a sand castle at the beach this summer? Digging in the sand on a hot summer day is refreshing. Swimming in the lake cools you down and washes off the sand. Does the beach do anything else? Can the beach tell us anything?

Sand is tiny bits of rocks that crumble away. Each time waves crash against a coastline more bits of rock are washed away and sand builds up.

The color of the sand tells us what it’s made of. Shiny crystal-like bits of sand are a mineral called quartz. Other white bits are a mineral called calcite, which comes from broken shells and coral.

Sometimes sand is black. Can you imagine a black beach?

Hawaii Island was formed by five volcanoes. Its sand beaches are black. The black sand on Hawaii is shiny grains of lava from volcanic rock that has hardened.

Another thing the beach can tell us is what’s in the water next to it. Have you found seashells, sand dollars, or starfish lying on the beach? Their home is in the lake or ocean where they were found.

At times baby sea turtles cover the beaches on the Arabian Sea, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Turtles dig out from their nests deep in the sand and scurry to the sea for safety where they will live. Many years later they will return to the very beach they were hatched to lay their eggs.

Sometimes whales and dolphins are stranded on beaches.

Scientists aren’t sure why they do this; it could be stormy weather or pollutants in the ocean. Many die as a result. Giant squid have also been found on beaches. Scientists study them to see what kind of squid they are.

The size of the beach, how much area is covered by sand, tells us about water level. If the sand along the beach covers

August 17, 2005

a wide strip, the water in a lake is low; it may have been a dry spring. If the sand covers only a narrow strip of the beach, the water is high, perhaps because of heavy rainfalls.

We like the beach because it’s a special place. Jesus liked it too. He chose to live beside the Sea of Galilee. This is where he found his disciples who were fishermen. He taught lessons there. When he cooked breakfast for his disciples he showed that serving is a good thing. When he walked on the water and calmed the stormy seas he showed that he is in command of nature. He changed an impossible situation into a miraculous catch when he filled the nets with fish where before there were none.

Read about Jesus on the beach in Matthew 14:26–32, Mark T 6:47–51, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 5:1–9. M

Activity: Beach Collage You Need: • Collectibles from the beach, such as: seashells, snail shells, sand dollars, crab legs, seaweed, bits of sea glass, small pieces of driftwood (the size of twigs), starfish, lobster claws • Heavy cardboard from furniture packing boxes at least 30 cm by 40 • Wood glue

What to do: Work on a flat surface such as the floor. Spread newspaper under the cardboard. On the cardboard arrange your collected items in groupings or in a design which will display them best. Glue each one down separately.

Allow drying time before lifting the cardboard. Fit the completed collage into the right size frame (buy one that fits around the cardboard or have someone custom make it for you). Hang the completed beach collage using picture hanging wire where you can enjoy and remember your summer beach activities.

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Convention 2005

PHOTOS

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