The Messenger Vol. 43 No. 15 September 7, 2005

Finding Calm in the Chaos through an exclusive

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EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 43 NUMBER 15 SEPTEMBER 7, 2005

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editorials

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ur neighbours need our help.

The world’s most powerful, richest nation reels after Hurricane Katrina smashed into part of its Gulf coastline.

Kofi Annan, United Nations general secretary, has said that other nations are willing to help, while noting that the United States is the nation best equipped to respond to an internal disaster. Internal help, though, has seemed relatively slow in coming, judging by news reports from New Orleans.

Canadians will assist Americans. Plans are developing on how it’s best given. Yet at the same time, we must not forget many

needs elsewhere, such as famine in Niger, that were bumped from our TV screens.

It’s a tough time for some Canadians to be charitable—including hurting prairie farmers and laid-off plant workers.

Paul tells of Macedonian Christians being anxious to help elsewhere: “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” The apostle challenges the Corinthians, “See that you also excel in this T grace of giving” (1 Corinthians 8:1–8). M Terry M. Smith

Mutually enriching adjectives

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onald Sider has said, “Mennonites need Evangelicals and Evangelicals need Mennonites.”

Nelson Kraybill, president of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, has written, “I don’t have to try hard to muster complaints about North American evangelicalism. But then I can do the same with the Mennonite church, and I know too well my own failures. I have resolved trying to stop comparing the best of my Anabaptist heritage with the worst of evangelicalism.

“Early Anabaptism was at its core evangelical: Christ-centred, biblical, confessional, and invitational. Mennonites in the 21st century will profit from drinking at the streams of contemporary evangelicalism—but we must also dig back into the spiritual streams of evangelical witness in our own heritage.”

Evangelical and Mennonite are both in our conference name. We can see them

Kraybill: Early Anabaptism was at its core evangelical: Christ-centred, biblical, confessional, and invitational. as mutually enriching adjectives. Harold Bender said in The Anabaptist Vision (1943) that there was a need to distinguish between “original evangelical and constructive Anabaptism” from other 16th

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EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Helping after Katrina

century variants; we need that discernment in movements today too.

J. C. Wenger described Menno Simons as “a sound evangelical, a true saint of God united to Christ by faith, born again and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, a teacher who sought to align his life and doctrine with the infallible Word of the Lord, the Holy Scriptures” (Complete Writings, xi). Menno was concerned about “true evangelical faith” expressing itself properly (Complete Writings, p. 307). He sought to free it from empty phrases, careless living, and easy discipleship.

But in our Mennonite church history we slipped from some of our convictions. That’s why when our conference recovered the biblical teachings of evangelism, missions, and assurance of salvation, evangelical got placed in our conference name. We didn’t want to forget again. How’s our memory?

In this issue, moderator Ron Penner speaks passionately. We do well to listen.

In doing so, Penner draws upon Ronald Sider, who frequently explores the meaning of Evangelical Anabaptism for today. Sider’s works bear pondering. Sider’s chapter Evangelicalism and the Mennonite Tradition (C. Norman Kraus, ed., Evangelicalism and Anabaptism, Herald Press, 1979) was published in this magazine (April 21, 1999 and May 5, 1999). That’s where the quote at T the start comes from. M Terry M. Smith

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: inform concerning events and activities in the denomination; instruct in godliness and victorious living; inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors.

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

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

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

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

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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

Cover: Background woodcut from Martyrs Mirror, by Thielman J. van Braght (Herald Press, Scottdale, PA). Used by permission.

THE MESSENGER

June 16

Clubs wielded for good causes

After a wet spring, June 16, 2005, was a hot, bright day that made golfers sweat with delight at the EMC’s 11th Annual Golf Classic, held at Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course at Steinbach, Man. While millions of people golf and it’s a multi-million dollar industry, there’s a wider benefit if their efforts go toward a good cause. This event had two: A building project at Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg, Man., and a centre to assist the training of pastors in Paraguay.

Help was possible because of the many partners in this event and its major promoter, the EMC Missions Auxiliary (MA).

The purpose of MA was highlighted over a late lunch in the clubhouse. Sid Reimer, an executive member, said MA is “about 30 years old” and a “fundraising organization” assisting mission projects of the EMC. He pointed out “some” of its

“founding fathers” were attending the tournament. The organization’s goal is to triple its budget and double its membership by 2008, he said.

“Missions Auxiliary has raised over a million dollars in the past number of years,” said General Secretary Len Barkman. He outlined recent projects MA has assisted with: Funds and a workteam for an orphanage serving street children in Nicaragua, a workteam in Burkina Faso to expand mission staff housing and funds for computers used in Scripture translation, a leadership training centre in Ukraine, and Steinreich Bible School in Mexico.

“But I’d like to also give a word of encouragement for you to consider joining a workteam,” Barkman said. “We have workteams that we can send people to in almost any part of the world. And if you’d like to get a group of men together,

contact us. We can probably connect you with a group that would like to use your expertise. Just now a group’s needed for…northern Russia, in the Siberia area.”

Kent Dueck, ICYA director, described it as a ministry to “inner city kids and families in the north end of Winnipeg since around 1986.” He spoke of its serving 855 meals a week and of ICYA being “a father to the fatherless.” He said “thank you” for the help received through the golf tournament.

Ron Penner, a golf tournament committee member, said MA is “a worthy organization.”

“And for those of you who came this morning and afternoon, we want to say thank you,” he said. “Your being here is an encouragement. Your funds are much appreciated. You that are sponsors— and there are very generous sponsors among us—we also say thank you very much. It is for these kind of projects that your money is going.”

One hundred and forty-four golfers were registered, according to Ron Penner. More than $18,300 was raised for the projects, according to Len Barkman.

Many prizes were awarded.

Sometimes clubs can be wielded for good causes.

Terry M. Smith

letter Jesus was human and divine The team of Luke Friesen, Cliff Dyck, Hub Blanchette, and Bob Friesen had the lowest score of 61.

Kent Dueck, ICYA director, was thankful for help gained through the tournament.

September 7, 2005

I certainly cannot accept the fact that Jesus was mistaken when he cried out, “My God, my God, why did you forsake me?” (one of the renderings in Greek).

When the Scriptures state that Jesus was tired, doesn’t it mean that Jesus the man, the one who had “emptied” himself, was tired?

We don’t have to insist that Christ, the all-powerful member of the Trinity was tired, do we? Couldn’t the human Jesus, our substitute, be forsaken because he was made sin for us (so that we need never be forsaken)? However, the Divine Jesus, the third person of the Trinity could not be separated from Himself for he was the same as God (John 1).

Ben Eidse Steinbach, Man.

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We have insisted that apart from the correct visible manifestation of our God we cannot function.

Trusting the invisible God won’t cut it. We demand tangible evidence of His presence among us. We hedge our bet.

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Calm

Finding

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he expression “hedge your bet” from the gambling world means simply to protect yourself from a possible loss. In horse racing you might do this by betting on several horses rather than just one. The phrase comes from early farmers in northern Europe who planted hedges to serve as protective fences for their land.

As Christians we believe in the total sufficiency of God. He is all we need. Yet, in practice, we often “hedge our bet” to protect ourselves against the chaotic pressures of life in case God doesn’t come through for us.

I once knew a young man who felt called to do shortterm mission work. In addition to trusting God for his support he decided he would work three jobs prior to going to assure he could cover his cost. He told me he was “pretty independent.” He was going to hedge his bet.

All went well until one early morning. Arriving at one of his jobs he found the whole place full of smoke. The source was a trash barrel that had spontaneously ignited, filling the building with highly toxic fumes. He wrestled the barrel out, but not before inhaling a significant amount of destructive gases. He was rushed to hospital for treatment, but, lacking insurance, slipped away as soon as possible.

As it turned out, the ambulance expense and the care he received took most of the money he had saved for his trip. He couldn’t work for weeks and was cast fully on the Lord for his needs. Enough did come in for him to travel overseas and on the last day of his mission he learned that with the bit of money he pulled out of his pocket, his complete expense had been covered!

THE MESSENGER

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an exclusive trust

Rev. Rod Masterson

God knew His people Israel had an independence problem. They had trouble trusting God alone. For example, at Meribah or Massah they grumbled about the lack of water (Exodus 17). It says “they tested the Lord saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’”

Thus there was a need for the second commandment: “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below” (Exodus 20:4).

There are two key ideas explaining this commandment. The first is that this is a prohibition against them making wood or stone idols of created things that would serve as gods for them instead of or in addition to the true God. This command then essentially reiterates the first.

Thus some have taken these two “words” together as forming the first commandment.

The second idea is, in my opinion, stronger. It argues that Israel was prohibited from fashioning a visible, material form of some created thing such as a bird, a bull, or a fish that would represent their God. No such creation could do justice to the full reality of God who is invisible Spirit.

In fact, it would misrepresent Him by portraying a shrunken, perverted version of who He is in actuality. Thus no created thing could appropriately represent Him at all. It would be simply another false god.

In Exodus 32 we find them doing exactly this in the creation of the golden calf. We are told in the opening verse of their motivation. Moses, September 7, 2005

their agreed upon mediary between themselves and God (see Exodus 20:18–19), was up on the mountain for too long in their estimation (it was forty days). Who would “go before” them; that is, who would be their leader to connect them with Yahweh?

Impatience and fear drove them in their need to have a God “with a face” like everyone else (R. Alan Cole).

The golden calf may have imitated the god Apsis (a young bull) of the Egyptians. Scholars believe that the ancient pagans generally did not consider the idol they created the actual god, but a representation of their god.

It is likely that when Aaron said to Israel, “These are your god(s), O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4), he is, in effect, saying, “This is a representation of your God who brought you out of Egypt. It will connect you to Him in the absence of Moses.” Aaron then announced that the next day would be a festival “to the LORD” that would involve the usual sacrificial offerings they were accustomed to giving to God. On the surface this seems to diminish the severity of their sin. They weren’t abandoning their God for another. They were simply calming their fears and bolstering their faith by providing for themselves an aid to worshipping the true God. They were hedging their bet.

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egardless, Moses and God are exceedingly angry with them. Obviously, for them to pursue a completely different god to assuage their fear was categorically wrong. Equally wrong, apparently, was their depending on a created, visual representation of their actual God. This “graven image” was really a false god even if they intended it as a stand-in for God. It could never capture the essence of the living, unique, and almighty One who is Spirit.

Exodus 20:5–6 explains that not only were the people of God not to make any representation of God, they were not to bow down to or worship it. This speaks to a deliberate, intentional act of submission to the created god. The stated reason is the fact that God is a “jealous God” who in His righteous jealousy punishes to the third and fourth generation those who perpetuate the “sin” of the fathers, which is the sin of worshipping a false god. It is important to note that in a gracious imbalance God rewards to a “thousand generations” those who love Him and keep His commandments.

This has significant implications for us as the people of God 5

today. While every one of us would disdain worshipping an obvious alternative to God (such as Buddha), we may find ways to justify that which in our minds represents God. I refer to spiritual traditions or convictions near and dear to us.

How many churches have fought over worship styles? I know a church where certain people left the sanctuary whenever music they considered “contemporary” was introduced. We have divided over acceptable Bible translations. We, like the Corinthians, have split over spiritual leaders.

Why? Could it be we have made a representation of God out of a worship style or Bible translation or pastor? We

have insisted that apart from the correct visible manifestation of our God we cannot function. Trusting the invisible God won’t cut it. We demand tangible evidence of His presence among us. We hedge our bet.

The second commandment is a stark warning to us creatures of the physical, material world. Israel ignored the warning to their detriment. What will we do? Will we produce graven images from the common things of our lives to ease the fear that God has abandoned us? Or will we find calm in the chaos through an T exclusive trust in God who is Spirit? M T 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.

Being the Body

What are the benefits of being part of the Penner, ? Ron EMC Moderator

EMC

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THE MESSENGER

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hat are the benefits of being part of the EMC? You must have asked that question because it’s all around us in our churches.

There’s no biblical text that says that churches need to be part of a conference. Many new, bigger, vibrant churches are often independent, make their decisions themselves, and can spend all their money at home. And we, a small EM Conference, still preach you are wise to be part of us. Why do we say it?

As a denomination do we have biblical support and practical reasons why conference affiliation is important? The local church is the primary level of the Christian’s activity, but conference involvement is a secondary and similarly important part of being part of God’s Kingdom community.

Our God and his program is a communal program. The Triune Godhead is an arrangement of three persons in cooperation, in dialogue, working consistently together as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

That pattern of a cooperative plural body involved in doing God’s work on earth is found throughout the biblical story. When God chose a people in the Old Testament, He chose a nation, a network of twelve tribes, families together acting as God’s representatives on earth. God was not looking for individuals working independently, but a people committed to each other and to Him. In the New Testament this arrangement was transferred to the Church. Peter, in describing the Church, uses that imagery: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). God’s plan is not for autonomous persons or multiple small groups to build His Kingdom. His model is to be inclusive and involved with the larger body in His mission for the Church.

The New Testament’s description of the Body of Christ highlights the interdependence of God’s family. The Body is made up of many members (member churches, in this case) more fully, more completely, cooperatively following God’s plan.

August 17, 2005

When we look at the New Testament and how this plays itself out in the early church, note the Jerusalem council in Acts 15.

This council (much like our conference council) met to decide issues of theology and methods of ethics. In other words, the council met together, rather than independently, to discern the Spirit’s will.

Decisions were made in a larger context of delegates. When the message went to various churches, representatives reported on what the council decided. This resembled the pattern our conference employs today.

Later when the Jerusalem church found itself in trouble financially, Paul went to churches, saying, in effect, “Folks, head office, mother church needs some help. They’re going through a tough time. Your finances are appreciated.” Representatives took those gifts of charity to Jerusalem, modeling again a conference arrangement where churches care for each other as members of the body.

“Minding our own business,” that sometimes modern mentality, was not the Early Church’s mentality. Rather, a strong vision of inter-church cooperation and activity emerges under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

If we are stronger and more completely obedient to God’s will as a larger church, what are practical Christian principles arising out of this Body approach?

Accountablity First, accountability. Just as local members are accountable to each other, so churches in a conference need to consider each other when making decisions of faith and practice. A candid book

by Ron Sider makes this point powerfully. In The Scandal of the

“Minding our own business,” that sometimes modern mentality, was not the Early Church’s mentality. Rather, a strong vision of inter-church cooperation and activity emerges under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Evangelical Conscience (IVP, 2005) he asks why are Christians living like the rest of the world? Divorce, Sider documents, is as rife among evangelicals as in wider society. Racism, materialism and sexual mores are similar among Christians as in the general population. How can this be?

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ider contends that individualism rules the day.

People, including Christians, make decisions independently, not considering how those decisions affect other saints. Many churches choose preaching that emphasizes individual standards of behaviour, disregarding how their decisions affect other churches or denominations.

Such an attitude is “heretical,” Sider argues. He adds “there is no biblical justification for any local congregation to refuse to join a wider network of churches that provides guidance, supervision, direction and accountability.” In other words, a church’s spiritual health is stronger, safer and more secure when it belongs to, and is accountable to, a larger denominational family.

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Being a counterculture Second, being a Christian counterculture. How can we make a difference in this world as God’s people when we’re confronted by issues like same-sex marriage and other matters so out of sync with what we believe?

Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon, good Methodists, wrote a very Anabaptist book called Resident Aliens (Abingdon, 1989), reminding us that the Kingdom of this world isn’t ours. We represent the Kingdom of God, but that’s an alien counterculture in this world. To be an effective alternative to the world’s standards, we need each other for strength, direction, and power to make an impact in a needy, hopeless world.

Neither Ottawa nor Washington will bring in the Kingdom; that is the Church’s mandate. As we work together in love and unity, the world might notice and sense that we have credibility and attractive alternatives.

A conference does this better than a single local church.

Mutual support Finally, there’s the matter of mutual support. “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) is a principle applicable on the conference as well as local level. Churches, like individuals, go through periods of stress and suffering. They need support,

counsel or encouragement when problems disrupt their normal life. Awareness of fellow believers and conference churches committed to assist in prayer, finances or other means is what mutual Christian love is about; it is reassuring and useful in a time of need. Conference affiliation makes it happen.

Beyond scriptural bases and sound Christian principles for promoting the conference, there are practical reasons

As we work together in love and unity, the world might notice and sense that we have credibility and attractive alternatives.

A conference does this better than a single local church. for working in unity. Theological training is basic to the church’s task. As Anabaptists-Mennonites we have a unique understanding of the Bible which requires a training institution for our churches. Individual churches could not set up a Bible college, but together we have done it at Steinbach Bible College.

Our youth are important! They need quality programs and activities, and clean social opportunities. Conference and church leadership together design and implement Abundant Springs.

Canadian church planting is a priority, but how can we make it happen? Ebenezer Christian Church, a Spanish congregation in Brandon that was accepted into the conference this summer, began as a joint venture between EMC and Braeside Church.

Braeside could not have done it alone; together, it is a reality.

Our foreign mission program is perhaps our clearest joint accomplishment. To have over 140 missionaries involved in the Great Commission is worth celebrating. No church could have done it alone, but the gospel is preached in other parts of the world because we pooled our resources. That is how God planned it, and we are recipients of those blessings. Thank God for the conference!

In his High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prayed that His followers might be fully united (John 17). That is an ideal to work towards.

For local churches to commit ourselves to each other as a conference is one step to its fulfillment. May we rejoice in this T significant spiritual achievement! M

Convention 2005 offerings Convention funds have been designated as follows:

Ron Penner, BRS, BA, MA, MDiv, is EMC moderator. He has served as a minister in Prairie Rose EMC (Landmark, Man.), and as pastor at Braeside EMC (Winnipeg, Man.) and Huntington Mennonite Church (Newport News, Virginia).

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SBC Convention Expenses Mexico - Steinreich Kitchen and dorm Ebenezer – Brandon Paraguay Training Centre – Kitchen Nicaragua – Orphanage

$1,617.40 $6,590.43 $6,200.00 $4,000.00 $5,200.00 $1,357.17

Total

$24,965.00

Board of Trustees THE MESSENGER

Convention 2005

EMC youth enjoy a great view!

In the early afternoon of Saturday, July 2, 2005, a group of more than 70 youth and leadership boarded a bus and several other vehicles for a ride to Dunvegan Provincial Park, some 45 minutes north of Peace River Bible Institute.

The group of youth was made of teens from churches across the country and Region One host churches.

The afternoon included numerous activities, such as ice-breaker games with balloons, a football game, and socializing with old and new friends. All of these bowed to the marquee event of climbing the “big hill,” or, as the Manitobans referred to it, “the mountain.”

The effort to climb the hill was rewarded by a spectacular view overlooking the valley and the Dunvegan Bridge crossing the beautiful Peace River; the 2,750-foot bridge is Alberta’s only highway suspension structure.

After a hearty supper, we were challenged with a devotional led by Ed Blanchette, youth leader at High Level Christian Fellowship (EMC).

Many thanks go out to the team who took advantage of a beautiful day and made it even better by successfully hosting a great youth event. Led by Jared and Jennifer Schroeder, the team included Henry and Judy Harms, Bill and Judy Martens, Mike Roth, Calvin Elias, Raymond and Eva Wiebe, Betty Brandt, and Ed Blanchette.

Gerald D. Reimer Conference Youth Minister

Convention 2005

Conference Council Elections Moderator Ron Penner (2007) Board of Trustees Syd Reimer (2008) Gordon Reimer (2008) Board of Ministers and Deacons Fred Buhler (2008) Delmer Plett (2008) Board of Missions Ernie Koop (2008) Faith Krahn (2008)

Eden Health Care Services Paul Friesen (2008) MCC Alberta Carol Wiebe (2008) Mennonite Disaster Service Louis Plett (2008) Steinbach Bible College Ron Plett (2008)

MCC Canada Michael Zwaagstra (2008)

Steinbach Christian High School Jim Reimer (2008)

September 7, 2005

Larry Eidse appointed by Board of Trustees

Nominating Committee Leonard Plett (2006) Mervin Dueck (2008) Brad Kornelsen (2008) Harold Thiessen (2008) John Abbors (2008)

Board of Church Ministries Henry Friesen (2008)

MCC Manitoba Victor Loewen (2008)

(Photos by Region One)

Sandi and Larry Eidse Evangelical Mennonite Conference is pleased to announce the appointment of Larry Eidse to a parttime position as Executive Secretary for the Board of Trustees effective September 15, 2005. Larry is an associate minister at the Rosenort EMC. He has had a 30-year career in education and school administration. Larry and his wife Sandi enjoy an active life with family, community and church activities. We welcome Larry to our conference staff.

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Ladies Session

Convention 2005

Ladies gather for praise and teaching

EMC ladies gathered on Saturday afternoon, July 2, to spend time together in song and prayer (left) and to hear from speaker Elma Janzen (above). Elma shared how prayer and dependence on God has brought her through various times of trial.

(Becky Buhler)

with our missionaries Oaxaca, Mexico

Dried flowers, misspoken words, and misplaced papers

I had just returned from some time away from Oaxaca and had spent the day before unpacking, putting things away and organizing my desk, trying to remember where I had left off the month before.

Our team is getting ready to dub the Luke video into Zapotec and there are still parts to distribute and people to listen to as they practice. I came back with more illustrations for a reading book that is almost ready to publish. I needed to get busy preparing the words of Zapotec scripture to go on the 2006 calendar. You get the idea. There was much to do.

Another item on my “to do” list was to go to the bank and find out when an

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account I manage for a Zapotec friend was due. It’s an account that is accessible only every 28 days and, since it had been a long time since I had done anything with it, I wasn’t sure when was its next due date.

It was raining, so Joan offered to drop me off at the bank. As we were heading downtown, she commented that she needed to find out where a colleague could find some dried flowers. Without thinking I indicated what I thought about the importance of spending one’s time looking for flowers, undoubtedly thinking about the Zapotec projects that needed attending to.

I had time to think about my uncharitable response to Joan as I waited,

and waited some more, for someone in the bank to tell me the account’s due date and to find out if one could deposit money without a deposit slip, which I had mislaid somewhere.

The woman who attended me gave me the date, but didn’t know if I could deposit money without the slip; she sent me to another place in the bank to find out. The wait here was shorter, and I was told that though I had the contract for the account, I could not deposit money without it.

I was told to go to the offices of ministerio público (public ministry) several blocks away to report the loss so they could write an official report about the missing deposit slip. I was to

THE MESSENGER

bring that report back to the bank so they could issue me a new slip. (You will remember that it was raining, and I had left my umbrella at home.)

It turned into quite a cultural experience. In all the years I’ve lived in Oaxaca I’d never had to do anything like this. Who would have thought that one would need to bother a town clerk about a tiny slip of mislaid paper! The letter I came away with was impressive—filled with eloquent words, signatures and seals. (I’m thinking it’s good I don’t have to go to the ministerio público every time I mislay something.)

Two hours later I was home again.

I hadn’t translated a single verse of Scripture, worked on any reading book, or seen any Zapotecs. I wonder, did I spent those two hours any more profitably than Joan will when she goes looking for a store to buy dried flowers? I hope that this experience comes to mind the next time I am tempted to open my mouth without thinking. “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).

Grace Thiessen

Philippines

The pull of the street and the pull of the Spirit Honest Hands is going fairly well these days, although there have been a lot of ups and downs with students.

Three students have dropped out due to lack of interest in discipleship, the pull of the street, and family pressures to work and help support the family. We were able to find three new guys who are excited to be here. Pray for them as they settle in and adjust to other students and the program.

It is not easy for us to see young men choose to go back to the street again, or back to their home communities where the negative pressures are intense. Most of the guys that we work with struggle more with lethargy or detachment rather than outright rebellion, fighting or disrespect to their leaders. When they are feeling upset they just go and lie down on their bed rather than lashing out at others. So we appreciate your prayers as we work hard at motivating them and counselling them to seek after God with all their hearts.

I have finished teaching about the Fatherhood of God, and have one session left to complete basic teaching about the Holy Spirit. I am doing quite a bit more teaching with this group of guys, so that is a challenge for me. I am thankful for the material I have prepared over the past few years, but there are always

improvements and adjustments to make.

I want to make the sessions more than just theory. And it is a challenge to get the guys to connect with the Word of God and study it for themselves!

All of them can read, but at different levels. Most have spent very little time studying and reading the Word, so this is a whole new experience for them. My next few sessions will be focused on the book of Ephesians. A colleague is teaching about the life and ministry of Jesus, and then we are planning a Victory Week for mid-August, teaching about freedom from drug addiction, sexual purity and how God can help.

A colleague is busy with the tutorial program each morning, giving the guys practical skills in basic reading, writing, math, history and science.

Please pray for the four Honest Hands grads who are enrolled in the Working Hands program. They are nearing the end of the first quarter and need to have an average above 70 percent to continue.

One of the guys is really right on the borderline between passing and failing.

It would be great for them to complete the Working Hands mechanics program, and have a skill that would help them find work.

Carl Loewen

Grace Thiessen (Steinbach) has been serving in Oaxaca, a southern state in Mexico, for 22 years in literacy and Scripture translation. Zapotec is spoken by 500,000 people in Oaxaca.

Mennonite Hosts and Refugee Newcomers: 1979–Present A weekend history conference September 30–October 1, 2005 Eckhart Gramatté Hall University of Winnipeg, Man. Hosted by: The Chair in Mennonite Studies

Call 204-786-9391 for information.

September 7, 2005

Carl and Lisa Loewen (Pleasant Valley) serve with ACTION in the Philippines in a ministry to street children and youths at risk.

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a woman s journey of faith Betty Koop

HITOMI: All people are precious

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e were a small group of grade one schoolgirls, sitting around a table for a special celebration. I believe it was Hitomi’s birthday, but memories fade a bit after 60 years. One specific memory is the tart juice that was in our cups. It was different from any I had ever tasted. Maybe her mother had added a secret Japanese ingredient, but I suspect war-time rationing of sugar was the secret.

Hitomi, her parents, three brothers, grandfather and two uncles were Canadians of Japanese descent. In 1941 Prime Minister MacKenzie King had required all such persons to register as Enemy Aliens. The next year they were among 20,000 Japanese-Canadians who were removed from their homes and sent to work on farms or road camps, or to a concentration camp in Ontario.

The hysteria caused by the war seemed to reach to the highest levels of government. But if the Japanese were a threat to Canada, why were Germans and Italians not treated the same way?

Hitomi’s father had been forced to leave a prosperous fishing business on the BC coast and move inland. Now he was a farm labourer in summer, and worked in bush camps in winter, for a farmer who had registered to take in a displaced Japanese family.

Since my own memories are somewhat sketchy, I talked to some members of the

in; everything was kept very neat and tidy even with the severely crowded conditions.

One of grandfather’s jobs each day was to carry water from the farm well so each family member could have their daily bath. He used a wooden shoulder yoke from which two 6-gallon pails were suspended. It took many trips. Of course, in those days none of us had running water, unless we ran with the pails when it was brought into the house.

The Japanese children quickly learned Low German.

And they seemed to feel it must be used at all times in the farmyard. Mrs. Penner would hear them conversing in Low German as they played in the sandbox outside her kitchen window, even without any other children present. Their sense of politeness must have been very well imbedded—how many times do we find ourselves speaking German (or any other “foreign” language) when those around us do not understand? We could learn from these children.

They also spoke English in school and later, when they moved to a nearby French town, became fluent in French.

One fact was that they received a special ration of rice, which was not available to non-oriental families. Was this a sign that perhaps there were some government concessions made in what was an otherwise shameful situation?

Hitomi and her family were eventually able to move back to BC and she entered the nursing profession. They have remained friends with the family that took them in when they were homeless.

It seems that fear, when mindlessly fed, can easily turn into hysteria. Are we suffering from the same

When was the last time we welcomed someone of a different ethnic origin or religion into our homes? host Penner family. They told me some stories.

The government supplied a bunk or small moveable shack for housing. The family moved

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disease these days with regards to our Muslim neighbours, erecting fences rather than trying to build bridges of understanding?

As mothers we have the privilege of teaching our children, in word and deed, that all people are precious in God’s eyes. When was the last time we welcomed someone of a different ethnic origin or religion into our homes?

William Barclay says, “It is in destroying fences, not in erecting them, that true Christianity lies” (Day by Day T with William Barclay, p. 30). M

THE MESSENGER

with our churches

Behold the beauty of the Lord Fort Frances, Ont.: Some of you may know the song God of Wonders and sing it in your church. The verse goes Lord of all creation/of water, earth, and sky/ the heavens are your tabernacle/ Glory to the Lord on high.

I hope that all of you have had a wonderful summer so far, either traveling or relaxing in God’s great outdoors. Fort Frances has had some hot and sunny weather, and I hope you have had the same in your area. I personally have been blessed as I just retired from my full-time job and have been able to sit on my deck each morning and praise God for his creation around me as I read His Word and spend time with Him. On May 18 the ladies got together in the evening to do some crafts. Marlyss Thiessen showed us how to do glass etching and all of us had a good time etching pictures on a glass, cup or bowl that we had brought for the occasion.

I had never done this before and really enjoyed it. Later, we enjoyed talking to each other while eating dainties and drinking refreshments.

It is always great to learn something new and growing as we come together to share what God is doing in our lives.

Psalm 133:1 says “how wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony.”

Over the past months few months, several of our congregation have met together once a week to read a chapter of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Pastor Jeff Plett led us in a Bible study which was held in a different home each time.

If you have not read this book, I would encourage you to do so. Our group is finding it enlightening and applicable to our lives as the Holy Spirit leads and guides us through this study.

On June 5 a potluck supper was held at our church, after which a communion and footwashing service was held. This was only my second time that I had attending a footwashing service; again I felt very humble and in awe of what Jesus said about serving others as I let my feet be washed by someone else and

in turn washed theirs. When this was done, everyone joined hands and stood in a circle as we stand the song Bind Us Together. Dessert and coffee were served after the service.

A bridal shower was held in June for Rachel Clink at Stacy Gosman’s home. It was an enjoyable event with good food, fun games, and a lot of socializing. Rachel, along with the help of her daughter Carman, opened up many gifts that I am sure will be a blessing. Melanie Plett was in charge of the games, which were both entertaining and enlightening. I am sure we all know Rachel a lot better now!

Evelyn Hicks

Rachel Clink (centre) was honoured at a bridal shower in June. Able to be part of this special event were Rachel’s daughter Carman, her mother Emily Clink, and her future mother-in-law Debra Hebert.

Baptisms and other blessings Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.):

A brand new life was celebrated on July 18, 2005, as we blessed new mom Tracy Jiang and baby Christopher Dingyi Jiang with our best wishes and gifts.

September 7, 2005

New life, shown by baptism, brings excitement to the body of Christ. On February 20, 2005, three teenagers shared their testimonies with the congregation, were baptized and accepted as members of Calgary’s Abbeydale Christian Fellowship— Jeremy Remple, Miranda McKay, Michelle Bailey.

On June 19, 2005, we again rejoiced as we heard faith stories from Allison Prystazny and James Davis who were baptized and joined our church family.

Brenda Dick

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Solid Rock and youth ministries

Steinbach (EMC), Man.: Sunday August 7 saw Jim and Candace Ducharme give their testimony of how the Lord had called them to missionary service. They felt the Lord was leading them out of their comfort zone. As they prayed the Solid Rock Missions was brought to mind.

This would involve ESL teaching in the Dominican Republic. Plans are for them to leave August 22 for a 10-month period of service. Ducharmes have two adult sons, Eric (daughter-in-law Amanda) and Bruce.

Solid Rock Missions serves poor people in the Dominican Republic. They are meeting needs socially, physically and educationally. Their ultimate goal is to meet spiritual needs by sharing the love of Jesus Christ. The Mission was formally incorporated in 1992 and is a member of the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability).

Sunday August 14 Chris Doerksen was presented to the church as potential Pastor of Youth Ministries. Together

SBC offers Spanish Evening Course Introduction to the basics of Spanish with emphasis on proper pronunciation and basic conversation.

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

Candace and Jim Ducharme left August 22 for a 10month period of service with Solid Rock Missions in Dominican Republic.

with his wife Karissa they gave their testimonies. At present Chris is engaged in youth ministries in Rosseau, Minn.

He has studied at Providence and seen service at Red Rock Bible Camp. “Christ has given me a desire to please Him more and more,” he stated, referring to Proverbs 3:5-6. He added, “I hope to see youth coming to know Christ.” On Monday August 15 the church voted in favour of his acceptance.

Dave Schellenberg

Weekend Counselling Course Dealing with the Demonic 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

Encouragement, new members, and youth activity Tilbury, Ont.: It seems like they had just arrived here, and now they’re leaving. Dan and Mary Wiebe, a retired couple from Holden, Alta., came to Tilbury EMC to encourage the church for three months.

That they did, whether it was having people over for dinner or going out for a coffee.

They were both very encouraging to the church; having been involved in two church plants, they recognized a lot of the difficulties we have had and we’ll have in the future. They shared their experiences with us and reminded us of all the joys of church planting. On July 17 we had a farewell at the church for Dan and Mary.

They were a great blessing to us, and they will be missed.

On June 12 we had baptisms and membership transfers. Elisabeth Knelson and David Wall gave their testimonies and confessions of faith and were baptized. Neil Peters along with George and Helen Peters have their testimonies and confessions of faith and had their memberships transferred. All five had been attending Tilbury EMC for a while.

We were excited to hear they wanted to become members. We are looking forward to these new members to serve our Lord Jesus through the church.

Tilbury’s youth group has been busy. Pastoral couple Jake and Anna Enns joined them for a praise and worship night.

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TEMC’s youth group has continued to stay busy the past three months. They had a 30-hour famine, sending the money they raised to a Third World country.

They also had car washes and yard sales to raise money. They also held praise and worship night. Whether they had singing, devotions, plays or puppet shows, they did a wonderful job.

We’re glad to have John and Lena Dyck back from Manitoba for a few months. John has been going to Steinbach Bible College and is planning to return in September.

John has been helping with messages, song leading, and on the worship team.

Lena has started a study group with young mothers.

The church hopes we can continue serving God and reach out to the community through any activities and functions that we have.

Cornelius Banman

On June 12, five people became members at Tilbury: Neil Peters (baptism), George and Helen Peters (transfer), David Wall (transfer), and Elisabeth Knelson (baptism).

THE MESSENGER

No taking our eyes off the Lord Swift Current, Sask.: The other day as I was summer fallowing, I was starting a field and lined up across it with the fence posts in the far corner. I got perhaps twothirds across, never looking back. Then my cultivator became plugged with trash so I lifted it out of the ground, made a full circle and pulled in, heading straight to the fence posts.

When I got to the corner and turned my tractor around, I noticed my cultivator marks took a noticeable curve from the two-thirds’ mark. I hadn’t looked back, but I had taken my eyes from the goal; I had lined up with another set of fence posts, not the ones I originally had.

Jesus advises us about not looking back but, just as important, he admonished us not for any reason to take our eyes from the goal.

Easter time our Extreme Life Ministries (youth) under the direction of youth pastor Bryon Bezanson and Cynthia Fehr presented Cross Purposes. This drama was presented to the Taber and Carstairs, Alta., churches as well.

This spring was our parent-child dedication service on May 8, conducted

by Pastor Randall Krahn. When all the couples were lined up on stage during the dedication service it was announced that all the babies being dedicated were, you’re right on, boys. The seven couples and their baby boys were: Willie and Justina Peters with Nathan, Bryon and Janice Bezanson with Josiah, Rueben and Sheila Funk with Ethan, Lynn and Tanya Woolsey with Gregory, Jeff and Trudy Schlamp with Luke, and Wes and Cynthia Fehr with Arlis.

There is a notion that Swift Current is the second sunniest city in Canada. Along with this is the notion, observable or not, that there is something in our drinking water. We have had a number of people reach the ripe age of 100 years.

June being the month of weddings, we would be amiss not to tell of the weddings at Cornerstone this year. Beautiful brides and gallantly attired grooms were Annette Luciak and Jeremy Klassen, Naomi Whitford and Gordon Fehr, and Amanda Johnson and Justin Fehr. Our best wishes to all newly married couples.

To keep our eyes on the goal, and that being to witness Christ’s saving grace and dedication to the world, our Youth Ministries are looking forward to Chicago 2005. This is a one-week mission experience for our young people to go to inner-city Chicago to share with others what they have in their hearts.

September 7, 2005

This will be quite the experience for young people from Swift Current to interact with people from the metropolis of Chicago. Some challenge! Thanks to Bryon Bezanson for organizing and escorting these young ones of ours.

Our speaker at the morning service of June 5 was none other than one of our own young people. Dominic Martens has attended our youth activities for a number of years now and spoke to all of us: “What do we do to advance the cause of Christ?” It was refreshing to listen to

someone so young and yet so grounded in looking ahead. We must all keep our eyes on the goal of what can I do for Jesus.

Oh yes, by the way, the storms that went through the southwest corner of Saskatchewan on June 17 dumped about five and a half inches of rain on our farm in about an hour. A few days later we got another inch or two. So until next time, from the sun capital of Saskatchewan!

Keith Clothier

Ebenezer, Father’s Day, and day camp Treesbank, Man.: On May 29, 2005, we hosted the Ebenezer Christian Church (Brandon) for a potluck supper and service. The service was filled with a combination of English and Spanish singing. Antonio Pitta did an excellent job of bringing the message in English.

On Father’s Day, June 19, we held our regular worship service at the church and then headed to Chris and Janet Hamilton’s for a barbecue lunch. After lunch the adults visited while the kids cooled off with water and water balloon related games.

At the end of June two of our youth graduated from grade 12. The church

presented Shellie Allen and Tony Friesen with gift certificates to the Christian bookstore in Brandon.

During the week of August 8–11 thirtytwo to thirty-five kids enjoyed singing, Bible stories, skits, wood working, crafts, sports and snacks at our annual week of Day Camp.

Family Camp was on for August 12– 14 at Spruce Woods Park. It was a cool weekend (with no mosquitos), and we were entertained by a meteorite shower Saturday evening. We ended our weekend with a potluck lunch after the outdoor morning worship service.

Lucille Penner

Treesbank Community Church kids enjoy the sand dunes at Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

Treesbank Community Church council member Chris Hamilton (centre) presents Tony Friesen and Shellie Allen with gift certificates from The Lighthouse, a Christian Bookstore in Brandon.

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writings shared Michael Zwaagstra One Who Dared: Life Story of Ben D. Reimer by Doreen Reimer Peters (privately published, 2005), 307 pp., $17.

Reviewed by Michael Zwaagstra, member at Steinbach EFC and grade school teacher.

W

e all know today that the EMC has a strong emphasis on missions and evangelism. EMC ministers regularly preach the gospel and our churches are open to all people regardless of their ethnic background. Our strong focus on missions is shown by the fact that EMC missionaries are currently serving in 25 different countries.

The importance we place on encouraging our young people to commit themselves to Christ is shown by the active Sunday school programs and youth ministries that can be found in almost every EMC church. And yet, without the influence of men like Rev. Ben D. Reimer, none of these things would be happening today.

Doreen Peters, one of Ben D. Reimer’s daughters, is to be commended for putting his story down on paper as it is a story that needs to be told. The church that Reimer was born into, the Kleine Gemeinde (KG), was very different from the EMC of today. Steeped in legalism, most ministers were more concerned with enforcing cultural purity and KG traditions than in spreading the gospel of Christ. Church members were forbidden to visit non-KG congregations, Sunday school was prohibited, and musical instruments were banned. Baptismal vows focused on asking members how far they had come rather than about their personal relationship with Jesus.

On August 8, 1929, Reimer attended an evangelistic service in Steinbach and realized that good works were insufficient for salvation—he needed to accept Jesus as his personal saviour. He discovered on that day that he could have all of his sins forgiven instantly and forever have assurance of his salvation. A desire for other people to also experience this peace caused him to proclaim his new found faith in Christ to anyone who would listen.

Although he briefly considered leaving the church he had grown up in for one with a greater evangelistic

16

focus, he ultimately decided that he would become a member of the KG and attempt to reform it from within.

Rev. Reimer found that his gospel-centred preaching and emphasis on evangelism were vigorously opposed by many of the legalistic KG leaders. Reimer and his brother-in-law, Archie Penner, initiated Christian youth meetings at the Landmark school because none of the KG churches allowed them in their buildings. At these meetings, Reimer preached the basic gospel and young people heard for the first time how to accept Christ into their lives.

The origin of the Western Gospel Mission is a fascinating tale as Ben D. Reimer went ahead with this mission work even without the support of several KG churches. One incredulous minister even asked him what he would do if someone actually got saved as a result his missions work! During his time as principal of the Steinbach Bible Institute, Reimer faced a similar struggle as he tried to instil in students the importance of missions and evangelism to all people regardless of their background.

One Who Dared tells the story of a man who was used by God to bring the gospel of grace to a church infused with legalism. Hopefully, this book will receive a T wide reading in EMC circles. M

Survey Says…

A national theology survey is coming to an EMC congregation near you. In October or November 2005, a random selection of adults who attend EM churches will take place. The purpose is to find out where the theology of our conference is at. In July 2005, EMC pastors and deacons filled in the forms (it takes about 20 minutes) at the conference ministerial, and now it is your time to give your input.

The survey is distributed by the Evangelical Anabaptist Committee, which was endorsed by the EMC Conference Council to promote our Evangelical Anabaptist faith within the conference. The survey is not balanced or designed to give equal emphasis on all areas of our faith.

Instead, it is focusing on particular areas at this point. The results should be available in early 2006.

For the one in ten EMCers who will take part in the survey, thanks. To the rest, we will inform you of the final results. We believe that this survey will help us better understand our grassroots beliefs and allow us to better focus our energies as we all promote our faith.

Kenton Penner, Chairman Evangelical Anabaptist Committee Board of Church Ministries Board of Ministers and Deacons

THE MESSENGER

stewardship today Mike Strathdee

On Receiving Graciously

L

esson four in Mennonite Foundation of Canada’s new study series, God, Money, & Me, is entitled We are all Receivers. The lesson asks provocative questions that challenge conventional thinking, particularly our desire for independence and the need to always be on the giving rather than the receiving end.

There is no question that I owe an incalculable debt to many people—my wife Carolyn, my daughters, parents and in-laws, friends and relatives, neighbours, teachers, pastors, mentors—for the blessings I have enjoyed in life. Yet I have remained stubbornly suspicious of, and frequently resistant to, the idea of incurring debt, financial or otherwise.

This attitude may come from a subconscious awareness of being descended from generations of tenant farmers, sheep herders who scratched out a bare existence among the rocks of northern Scotland.

Carolyn and I have tried to live with as little debt as possible, allowing her to stay home with our girls and

education without having to cut back on giving to causes we care about.

After all, as Jesus is quoted in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” And God laughs at my presumption and tendency to comprehend only part of the passage. The Bible doesn’t say that those who receive aren’t blessed, so why am I uncomfortable being on the receiving end of things?

Since our youngest daughter, Kate, was diagnosed with borderline autism just over a year ago, our preoccupations, outlook, and financial plans have shifted dramatically. Conversations about when we can afford to do which renovation and still stay on track to be debt-free have gone by the wayside. In January, we started expensive and intensive private therapy, therapy that costs tens of thousands of dollars a year.

It is therapy that could make the difference in whether Kate is able to enjoy a productive adulthood or will be ever dependent on assistance from the state.

Now we talk about how soon we will need to begin tapping a home equity line, and for how many years.

Still, when the first of several friends asked if there The Bible doesn’t say that those who receive aren’t was a way they could assist financially, I replied: “Your blessed, so why am I uncomfortable being on the prayers are what we need and covet most.” My wife’s receiving end of things? parents, most generously, presented us with a series of cheques to help defray part of the therapy costs. We are nurturing the middle class fantasy of being mortgage thankful for their selflessness, and are trying to work at free by the time our oldest child is ready to attend our being okay with the fact that we will neither be able to local Mennonite high school. That, I’ve often dreamed, pay it back, nor “pay it forward,” for many years at least. would allow us to merely substitute one set of payments Receiving graciously is a challenge. It’s a challenge for another, and allow Ella to benefit from Christian to acknowledge dependence and interdependence. But maybe I’ll be able to better live out the challenge of the song Will You Let Me be Your Servant once I can fully accept the line that says: Pray that I may have the grace to let you be T my servant too. M A seminar for church leaders, and church board and committee members

Management Issues for Churches and Charitable Organizations 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.

September 7, 2005

For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office. Abbotsford – Dave Kroeker, 1-888-212-8608; Calgary – Gary Sawatzky, 1-877-717-0708; Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen, 1-888-212-8731; Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, 1-888212-7759; Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 1-800-772-3257.

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CLARA PENNER 1940–2005 Our sister and aunt Clara Penner passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2005, at Bethesda Hospital. We had noticed a decline in her health during the summer of 2003 and by early January she was diagnosed with cancer. The almost two years that followed with fraught with frustration as well a determination to live.

Psalm 121 was one of her favorite psalms during some of those times when she felt very vulnerable and helpless.

During better times she reviewed many memories of her life--the good times she had enjoyed with her niece and nephews

especially when they were younger and special times with other family members.

Clara used her hands in so many varied ways both for leisure and for practical purposes. She crocheted lovely table cloths, she cooked delicious meals, she picked raspberries and peas, she worked part-time as the custodian at the Ridgewood Church when it was first built, she worked in a neighbour’s potato fields, she wrote many letters and sent many cards, she volunteered at the Thrift Store, and helped her neighbours with various chores.

Clara was born on November 4, 1940.

Her preschool years were happy years but school brought some challenges.

Her visual disability and several cornea transplants as a young adult clouded her teen and early adult years. She did, however, get baptized at the Blumenort Church in her mid-teens and was involved with teaching Sunday school and VBS as well as cooking at Red Rock Bible Camp for a summer.

Clara loved her uncles and aunts. She visited some of them very regularly when they were in the hospital and sometimes prayed very specifically that they would have patience when the hospital stay was long.

Clara also loved children. Her nephews and niece recall how Auntie Clara played table games with them, introduced them to ice cream floats and invited them to watch Walt Disney on Sunday afternoons.

Clara’s various health issues created many challenges which at times also stretched her family and friends.

Sometimes she felt misunderstood and at times we felt confused and uncertain about how to give support. In spite of that we have many good memories and know that Clara loved us dearly.

We, her family, are grateful that for Clara the suffering has ended and that she has gone to be with her Creator and Saviour. She will be missed by her brother Bill and her sister-in-law Anna and their family, Bob and Brenda Penner, Bruce and Kim Penner, Gord and Laura Penner, Trish and Brian Reimer, Kenton and Lucille Penner; her sister-in-law Sara Penner and her family, Myron and Barb Penner, Terry Penner, and Darryl Penner.

We grieve her death but not as those who have no hope. Some day all of us want to join her and our other loved ones in our heavenly home.

Her Family

FEHR – to Abe and Sara Fehr of Tillsonburg, Ont., a son, Logan Abraham, on May 11, 2005.

ENNS – to Jeff and Julia Enns of Calgary, Alta., a son, Kadin Sean Werner, on July 22, 2005.

BONKOWSKI – to Garvis and Andrea Bonkowski of Riverton, Man., a son, Onyx Reign, on May 12, 2005.

BERGEN – to John and Anna Bergen of Ayler, Ont., a son, Ayden Jeffrey, on July 27, 2005.

births WALDNER – to Devon and Deanna Waldner of Carberry, Man., a son, Jaren Joshua, on March 23, 2005.

WIEBE – to John and Anna Wiebe of Kingsville, Ont., a daughter, Lilyanna Grace, on April 8, 2005.

McLAUGHLIN – to Nick and Michelle McLaughlin of Edwin, Man., a daughter, Cassandra Katelyn, on April 12, 2005.

REDDEKOPP – to Jake and Katharine Reddekopp of Ghana, Africa, a daughter, Lily Suzanne, on April 24, 2005.

THIESSEN – to Jake and Cindy Thiessen of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Kiley May, on April 25, 2005.

TOEWS – to Larry and Kerry Toews of Arnes, Man., a daughter, Alanna MacKenzie, on April 25, 2005.

GIESBRECHT – to Pete and Lisa Giesbrecht of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Alyssa Ashley, on April 26, 2005.

KOOP – to Nolan and Roxanne Koop of Steinbach, Man., a son, Theoren Brian, on April 26, 2005.

BOURGEOIS – to Paul and Lyndsey Bourgeois of Roseisle, Man., a daughter, Peyton Anne, on April 27, 2005.

ZACHARIAS – to Ron and Helena Zacharias of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Joel Alexander, on May 19, 2005.

JIANG – to Vincent and Tracy Jiang of Calgary, Alta., a son, Christopher Dingyi, on May 31, 2005.

PENNER–THIESSEN: Roland Penner and Jennifer Thiessen were married on January 22, 2005.

KRAHN – to Richard and Heidi Krahn of Grande Prairie, Alta., a son, Matthew Casey, on June 15, 2005.

McCORKINDALE–BUHLER: Nathan, son of Richard and Sylvia McCorkindale of Hepburn, Sask., and Nicole, daughter of Fred and Irene Buhler of Hudson Bay, Sask., were married on May 14, 2005.

FROESE – to Michael and Melody Froese of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Keziah Grace, on June 16, 2005.

BARKMAN – to Dylan and Sheila Barkman of Pansy Chapel, Man., a son, Hudson Gabriel, on June 17, 2005.

MUEHLING – to Josh and Kimberly Muehling of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Aiden Oscar, on June 17, 2005.

BRAUN – to Mike and Trish Braun of Pansy Chapel, Man., a son, Nash Ethan Gagne, on June 18, 2005.

SCHMIDT – to Abe and Anna Schmidt of Delhi, Ont., a daughter, Selena, on April 29, 2005.

BARKMAN – to Sheldon and Justina Barkman of Beausejour, Man., a daughter, Adrianna Jenae, on July 11, 2005.

JANSSEN – to John and Leah Janssen of Grande Prairie, Alta., a daughter, Ava Wynona, on May 3, 2005.

REMPEL – to Wendell and Kendra Rempel of Pansy Chapel, Man., a son, Morgan Wendell Jacob, on July 15, 2005.

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weddings

BUDALA–SANDLAND: Paul Vijay, son of Solomon and Joanna Budala of Steinbach, Man., and Rachel Pearl, daughter of Einar and Debbie Sandland of Calgary, Alta., were married July 9, 2005, at Blumenort EMC with Rev. Charles Koop of Calgary officiating.

ZACHARIAS–KRAHN: Jared Zacharias and Dwylla Krahn were married on July 9, 2005.

REIMER–PENNER: Dave Reimer and Karen Penner were married on July 15, 2005.

OUIMETTE–THIESSEN: Ryan Robert, son of Randy and Patty Ouimette of Arroyo Grande, Calif., and Terilee Dawn, daughter of Peter and Susan Thiessen of Okotoks, Alta., were married on July 30, 2005, at Abbeydale Christian Fellowship in Calgary, Alta., with Randy Ouimette officiating.

THE MESSENGER

shoulder tapping Executive Position 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 204-326-6401 or e-mail emconf@mts.net.

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@nutri healthgroup.com.

Mount Salem EMC in southern Ontario seeks a fulltime 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 519773-2564 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 crosscurr ent@winklerbiblecamp.com; check our website at winklerbiblecamp.com; or Box 2340, Winkler, MB R6W 4C1.

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 RHA-Central Manitoba. Direct applications to Personnel, Eden Mental Health Centre, 1500 Pembina Ave., Winkler, MB R6W 1T4; phone 204-325-4325; fax 204-325-8429; e-mail edenment@edenhealth.mb.ca.

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

September 7, 2005

ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; or email icya@mts.net. Pastoral reference required.

Crestview Fellowship (EMC) seeks a part-time 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 519-7379281 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 204-5824729; mail to ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; or e-mail icya@mts.net. Pastoral reference required.

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 204377-4248.

High Level Christian Fellowship (EMC) welcomes applications for full-time pastor to our church.

We are a congregation (average attendance 150) of diverse and multi-cultural people located in a thriving community in northern Alberta.

Expectations of education and experience are flexible. To find out more about our community and

church, contact Doug LeMoal at 780-926-4679 or lemoal@telusplanet.net or; Marie Derkson (church secretary) at 780-926-4177 or hlcf2sec@telus. net; www.town.highlevel.ab.ca.

Roseau River Bible Camp (CSSM), in southern Manitoba, seeks a camp director to start October 1, 2005. Qualifications: managerial experience, strong background in Christian camping, proven record of staff and volunteer recruitment, ability to program events, work well with the public and have maintenance skills. The ministry-minded leader is to have a vision for future programs and facilities.

RRBC has a strong summer ministry to children and youth, and a retreat ministry throughout the year. Annual salary is negotiated. Send applications (official form available) and resumes to CSSM Ministries (MB Branch), Attn: Director, 200-189 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7.

Phone 204-668-2776, fax 204-667-1496, Email mb@cssm.ca.

coming events 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 23–24 MCC Relief Sale Manitoba Room Keystone Centre Brandon, Man. 204-725-3447 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 November 20 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church More than Conquerors www.idop.ca 905-479-5885, ext. 234

19

AIDS has a A

Face

s I fly home, I think of people in Cambodia who are living God’s love in small villages outside the capital of Phnom Penh.

Picture coconut palms swaying the breeze, oxen and carts in the yard, chickens scratching in the dirt, and children cooling each other off with buckets of cold water. Here young boys ages 12 to 17 meet with a volunteer to discuss HIV/AIDS, and how to protect themselves.

“We have decided to teach youth about HIV/AIDS in the days that God gives us. We want to teach them to live safely. We are both Christians, and we have experienced the love and care of the staff and volunteers trained by World Relief Cambodia.”

The reasons for contracting this scourge are all present in rural Cambodia: Dirty needles, infected blood transfusions, contracting the disease from mother before birth, and through sexual intercourse from promiscuity or innocently from a life partner.

The young boys learn songs, and encourage each other to live clean lifestyles, and to maintain trusting, faithful relationships. Volunteers trained by World Relief Cambodia staff lead the groups.

In another village a few hundred kids laugh, shriek and clap their hands as they watch a puppet show.

Puppeteers are teaching health lessons and moral lessons, singing songs and praying with them.

We chat with the local deputy chief and his wife— both in their mid-fifties and HIV-positive. He recounts: “I did not drink to excess and I did not smoke. But I did frequent prostitutes. Now I am paying for the misdeeds of my past. Now I spend days when I am too weak to go to the rice fields.

“We have decided to teach youth about HIV/AIDS in the days that God gives us. We want to teach them to live safely. We are both Christians, and we PAGE 20

Menno Plett

have experienced the love and care of the staff and volunteers trained by World Relief Cambodia.”

In World Relief Cambodia, a program named Hope arranges for older children to adopt younger children whose parents have AIDS. A young girl of 11 joins us. She is paired with an older girl. Her foster sister spends time playing with her, helps her care for her infant brother, and comforts her when her adult responsibilities are too much for her to bear. What does the future hold for these children?

We stop by a roadside hut. The heat inside is overwhelming. On the bed lay a man suffering from the last stages of AIDS. His wife sits by his side, fanning him to keep him cool. She massages his muscles, gives him sips of coconut milk, and speaks words of comfort.

A Hope homecare coordinator takes her turn at providing comfort for this dying man, while the wife rests. Children, bounding on and off the bed, know their father is not well.

In that hut I saw God incarnate. God’s love, mercy and forgiveness were demonstrated in a real, understandable, and believable way.

The experience left me with questions about fairness, about suffering, and disparity between who have too much goods and services and those who have little. The lasting impression was that I was face to face with God’s Spirit at work. I was in the presence of saints.

The unconditional, selfless love displayed in that “holy place” in rural Cambodia, is T how I want to order my life. M Menno Plett (Prairie Rose) works with World Relief Canada, the relief and development agency connected with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, of which our conference is part.

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