The Messenger Vol. 44 No. 12 June 21, 2006

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 44 NUMBER 12 JUNE 21, 2006

Light for my path

intrusive

Overcoming

thoughts

The

Messenger

editorials

No full-time editors EDITOR Terry M. Smith ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform 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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

Views and opinions of 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 EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba.

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

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

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

PAP Registration #9914 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.

Mailing information: Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net or emcterry@mts.net On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 14 – August 2 (copy due July 21)

T

here are no full-time editors at The Messenger. Surprised?

Being editor is a part-time responsibility within my full-time role as executive secretary to the Board of Church Ministries. The board has responsibilities in Christian Education, youth, The Messenger, other publications, archives, and music.

As a result, my administrative work involves some of BCM’s various committees (education, archives, Evangelical Anabaptist). Conference Youth Minister Gerald Reimer relates to the National Youth Committee (which connects with the BCM); we talk about and work together on overlapping concerns.

Preaching, teaching, and presenting (as well as writing) are important to me. When observing what other people are doing in order to report, I’d rather be doing! Still, it’s a privilege to help others be heard through editing and reporting.

It’s been my joy to preach in about twothirds of our churches during the past nine years (in some congregations more than once). There have been involvements in

Sunday school classes, youth meetings, a men’s breakfast, and regional presenting.

Once I spoke four times during a fatherson weekend camp.

I also serve as a volunteer on the national Social Concerns Committee, appointed by the Board of Leadership and Outreach. Though there isn’t an official tie in, the BCM has previously indicated that my involvement with SCC fits well within my role.

Becky Buhler serves The Messenger on a part-time basis as well. She is an administrative assistant to Gerald Reimer and me and is a receptionist. Becky, among others, worked hard on Follow Me, a Bible study guide now available to churches. Her hard work (and that of others) is reflected in the EMC Yearbook, missionary Prayer Calendar, Memo Calendar, and convention insert— publications that many of you rely upon.

Becky is a Steinbach Bible College degree graduate, a wide reader, and a deep thinker. There’s more to her work than meets the eye.

T Thanks for the opportunity to serve! M Terry M. Smith

Listening to people’s concerns

A

s a national staff person, it’s important for me to hear from people about their concerns. I learn in the process. Sometimes people agree with what I do in a particular instance, sometimes they don’t. That’s to be expected.

Here are samples of people’s concerns: • EMC churches, this magazine, and young people don’t show enough respect for seniors, yet it’s a biblical command.

Musical styles in services can be too geared to young people. Standing for songs is difficult, yet seniors don’t want to singled out if they sit. Gifts of seniors are overlooked.

• A minister writes an article on Scripture’s interpretation and women and church leadership. It’s suggested that to publish the material is premature before the

conference council meets to listen to one another.

• A letter comes with concern about a process at conference council. It’s suggested the authors pursue the matter with the appropriate boards, rather than within the magazine.

• A minister repeatedly mentions he is grateful for news items from Mennonite World Conference.

• A non-EMC representative phones to say a church is looking to join another conference. I give the desired information, but suggest that issues faced by a particular conference will be faced by others in the future. (There is no easy escape.)

It’s a privilege to serve in the national T office of a small, yet diverse conference. M Terry M. Smith THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

letters America responded similarly I really appreciated the article on World Events, Honour and Insults by Dr. Arley Loewen [May 3].

Our response to the Muslim way of thinking might be, “How can they have a ‘world view (that) is centred on gaining and maintaining a “good name” in public’?” However, before we are too quick to condemn this approach we only need to look south of our border to see a similar response. When the World Trade Center was hit, did not Mr. Bush and many American people respond in a similar fashion?

It was the attack on America and its honour that was so terrible. The most powerful nation in the world cannot be seen as being weak or dishonoured. And like the Muslim’s response, Mr. Bush felt that “the only way to regain [America’s]

coming events July 7–9 EMC Annual Convention Speaker: Ron Sider Winnipeg, Man. 204-326-6401 July 8–14 VERTICAL: Providence Arts Camp Providence College Otterburne, Man. artscamp@prov.ca prov.ca/artscamp July 13–15 Voices of Resiliency: Hearing, Sharing, Learning with each other Schizophrenia Society of Canada 2006 National Conference Delta Hotel Winnipeg, Man. 204-786-1616 or chris@mss.mb.ca July 19 MCC Manitoba Golf Tournament Quarry Oaks Steinbach, Man. 204-667-6593 or 204-896-4680

Railroads, Rivers, Racism and Real Estate: A bus tour to interpret the city with new eyes 2006 EMC Convention non-delegate session Saturday, July 8, 2 p.m. ($10 fee) To sign up for this event please call Ruth Anne at 204326-6401 or e-mail emconf@mts.net. Seating on the bus is limited; please register early.

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

honour (life) is to insult the other side so their honour (life) is destroyed.” America’s honour must be restored. It was the killing of American lives on American soil that was so devastating.

Now, the taking of any life is distressing, but when millions of Rwandan people were massacred, the American and Canadian response was almost nonexistent.

We need to be careful that we as Christians do not fall into the way the world is thinking and believe that we have to defend God. As Dr. Loewen asks, “How quickly do we take offense when our nation or ‘our side’ is criticized? It is easy to react in the same critical spirit.

However, we follow the One who did not insult in return when he was insulted.

That is our calling.”

Wayne Penner Courtenay, B.C.

We must stand firm This morning, as I had devotions, I read Psalm 147 and realized again what a tender and mighty God we have. Then I thought, Why does our Conference make it so difficult on any subject? Is it right or is this subject wrong, whatever it is? The answers are all in our guidebook, the Bible. Why don’t we accept that?

As Peter and Paul preached forcefully, as also did Ben D. Reimer and A. Penner, they did not care what men thought. They preached Jesus. They called sin sin. And many were saved. No loopholes or twists till it suited them. That’s our downfall this day and age, not only in our conference, but across the board.

I am very concerned about our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Will they still know what is sin? What kind of footing can they build on? Are we building on solid rock or is it crumbling?

May those that come behind us not have to say the church is confused as well.

“So what?” “Everybody does it.”

Do we live by majority rule or do we live by God’s standards?

May we stand firm, not tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).

Helen Koop Virden, Man. Correction: In the small photo accompanying the article Will the Church be Replaced? by Ernie Koop (May 24), the other two smiling people are Dona Debora (right) and her daughter Aleyda, both leaders in the San Jose de Gracia Mennonite Church, Nicaragua.

Dr. Hans Werner named Foundation director Dr. Hans Werner has been appointed half-time executive director of the D. F. Plett Historical Research Foundation Inc. Werner speaks Low German and High German and has just completed a history book on Winkler, Living Between Worlds. In 2002 he received a doctorate degree from the University of Manitoba with a study of the migration of Germans from Eastern Europe to Canada and Germany.

Werner’s duties with the Plett Foundation includes administering its grants program, co-editing Preservings magazine, overseeing the publication and distribution of history books on Old Colony and other conservative Mennonite groups, and general administrative tasks.

The Plett Foundation office will be located at the University of Winnipeg.

Werner can be reached at 204-7869295. All Foundation correspondence and letters to Preservings magazine can be sent to D. F. Plett Foundation, Box 1960, Steinbach, MB R5G 1N5.

DFP Foundation

Me

Follow

is available at convention Going to the Ministerial or Conference Council meetings? During convention churches can pick up or order copies of Follow Me, the 13-lesson discussion guide on biblical social justice. Invoices will follow.

For My Path: Overcoming intrusive thoughts

by Pastor Doug Wildman

4

THE MESSENGER June 1, 006

In a private counselling practice, I have two observations about people.

First, we’re basically the same. We need security and significance. What are unique are the methods we employ for achieving them.

Second, people in a crisis rarely see the problem. Usually we think it’s a person, a circumstance, or a bad habit. In reality, it’s often more than the event itself, though some events can be very tough to deal with. We can create further problems by unhelpful meanings that we ascribe to some events. It’s the stories we tell ourselves that determine the quality and course of our lives (Proverbs 23:7).

D

uring life we can be affronted with disparaging words.

There was a time when, to me, they sounded like, “You are so incompetent! Just imagine what other people are going to think when they discover your charade! You remember what happened in the past, don’t you? You tried and you failed, and everyone saw how pathetic you really are. It would be better if you never attempted anything, rather than face humiliation again.”

Under these statements, I became cautious. I rarely told others about the transforming work of Christ in my heart, saying I didn’t want to burn bridges too quickly. While I said this was being wise and sensitive, it was more about self-protection. Fear called the shots in my life. How convenient for the kingdom of hell to keep God’s

22; 8:2); we have authority to take lies as prisoners of war (2 Corinthians 10:5). When Scripture says God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), we can move against the attempt to let fear control our lives. We have power to stand against them.

When people begin to apply the authority from Christ, the problem’s activity intensifies at first. It’s often difficult to change a way of thinking and living. If behind some of our struggles, we sense a spiritual battle going on, the good news is that if we resist the devil and his lies, then he will flee from us (James 4:7).

It starts with humility. Human effort isn’t enough; we need to allow Christ to help us and work through us. We must recognise what it means to be “in Christ” and allow Him to fight our battles.

This means we can’t fix our problems through mere willpower.

Pulling back the curtain Lloyd (no real names or stories are used) was raised in a strict home where crying was unacceptable. If he showed his emotions, especially sadness, he was rebuked. “Stand up and take it like a man!” his Dad said.

Lloyd didn‘t want to be a disappointment, so he hid his feelings. He came to believe that he must never show weakness.

The chain of thoughts (untruths) in Lloyd’s mind went: Weakness

In Christ, we have not only been freed from sin’s power; we have authority to take lies as prisoners of war. We can move against the attempt to let fear control our lives. people fearful. I don’t know if I was ashamed of the Gospel or profoundly fearful of rejection. I was exactly where fear wanted me. Perhaps you have a similar story.

Problems would be easy to deal with if they were above the surface.

We all need God’s help in them, partly through prayer, recognising our need for God’s intervention (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Yet much remains hidden within our minds, where thoughts can do their work in relative secrecy.

What people don’t realize is that in Christ, we have not only been freed from sin’s power (Romans 6:18, THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

means crying, crying means failure, failure means rejection.

Lloyd refers to crying in negative ways as “losing it” or “falling to pieces.” Whenever someone goes through a tragedy without shedding tears, he comments on “how strong” that person is.

How would Lloyd handle a weeping Jesus (Matthew 26:75, Mark 14:72, John 11:35)?

Suppression became the standard by which Lloyd measured strength. Asked to give the eulogy at his brother’s funeral, he became belligerent. He felt cornered into where he might reveal his emotions, which he saw as wrong. He had excuses, but everyone thought, “What is Lloyd’s problem?” Lloyd’s problem wasn’t his temper; it was his belief that emotions should not be shown and that being himself was not good enough.

Imagine how complicated it is when two people come together as husband and wife. Both live their lives with intrusive thoughts, while trying to please each other.

Tim comes home from work exhausted, plops onto the couch,

When we face a threat, psychology tells us that people react to threats by either attacking it or trying to hide. But Scripture reveals that Christians have a third option: Authority to respond rather than react. and reads the paper.

Immediately his wife Karen thinks, “You are of little value to anyone. Look at Tim. If you were worth anything in his eyes he would talk to you more. He doesn‘t really appreciate all you do.”

Tim is tired, but Karen chooses to react by becoming combative. Karen scolds Tim. Tim is stunned. He has learned not to argue, and chooses to retreat to the garage to tinker as he licks his wounds.

Tim thinks: “What kind of man are you? Karen’s right, you know. You think only about yourself and what you want. You are pathetic.” Tim wants to run, but he can’t hide from himself.

Meanwhile, Karen thinks, “See, there he goes again! He just walks away from you when you need to talk.

You don‘t deserve to be treated that way. You should hit him with both barrels when he comes in.”

Who’s right, Tim or Karen? Neither.

Both misinterpreted the situation, based on mistaken beliefs learned long before they dated. They did not understand each other. Neither Karen nor Tim knew what was going on; they just knew there was a wrong turn.

The third way When we face a threat, psychology tells us that people react to threats by either attacking it or trying to hide. But Scripture reveals that Christians have a third option: Authority to respond rather than react.

There is a way to deal with intrusive thoughts, but before that I want to issue two cautions. Some people, including Christians, do need a

doctor’s care and medication to respond to their needs. Second, we must be careful not to confuse the source of our thoughts— which can come from within us, from God, and from the devil. It’s wise to seek counsel to help us sort that out.

B

eyond that, recognize that not all thoughts come from within you. Godly thoughts originate from God; evil thoughts originate from unclean spirits (Matthew 15:19, Mark 7:21, James 2:4; James 4). We’re accountable for what we do with them.

Second, we can ask God where the thoughts are coming from.

Are they in line with truth or a reaction to something else? Do they benefit anyone or am I simply wanting my own way or seek retribution?

Third, we can capture rogue thoughts and hold them to account.

2 Corinthians tells us, “We are human, but we don’t wage war with human plans and methods. We use God’s mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. “With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ. And we will punish those who remained disobedient after the rest of you became loyal and obedient” (10:3–6).

Finally, we can replace unwelcome interpretations with God’s revealed truth. I sometimes am helped to quote Scripture out loud so that there’s no mystery about my intentions.

When we do this, we’re not fighting the battle for our minds alone. We’re allowing Christ to live his life through us (Galatians 2:20) and Christ will not lose.

The journey toward change is rarely easy, simple, or short.

There’s much more about the journey and the counselling process (including the proper use of medication) than can be written in a few lines. But Christ is the author of hope who helps us along the way as we sort out our T thoughts and lives. M Doug Wildman is in his second year as interim pastor at Endeavour Fellowship Chapel, in Saskatchewan. He has an M.A. in counselling from Briercrest Seminary and has a private counselling practice. He and his wife Ingrid coordinate the Professional Association of Canadian Christian Counsellors. They have three children.

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

with our missionaries The Philippines

Choosing long-term disciples

I have hired a houseparent which is a big relief for me. He has helped us as counselor for a number of discipleship camps over the past few years. He was a street boy back in the 1990s, accepted Christ at a camp, completed high school, and then went on to graduate from a Christian college in Manila. He will be a good addition to our team. You can pray for him as he settles into ministry and prepares tutorial lessons over the next few weeks.

Our second discipleship camp (May 22–27) went quite well. We had 12 very energetic campers who were eager to learn about Jesus and participate in lots of different activities. Seven of the twelve accepted Jesus during the camp. Pray that they would be serious about their decision to follow Jesus.

So now the difficult part of our ministry: Deciding who will be the ten guys for our long term discipleship program starting on June 26. Out of the 21 campers from the two camps, 17 have

expressed a strong desire to attend.

Melchor and I are now visiting their churches, families and doing follow up visits with them to see who is ready for Honest Hands. This morning Mel and I had a long meeting and ended up

Carl and Lisa Loewen (Pleasant Valley) serve with Action International in a discipleship ministry called Honest Hands.

7HERE IS THE

Morocco/Canada

Martens quits race, but Muntings helped During April 7–17, I was scheduled to be involved in the Marathon de Sables.

It’s the world’s toughest long distance foot race: 240 to 250 kms in the Saharan desert with up to 50 C heat.

My race ended early, on day two, largely because I made a mistake with my food. I was able to run or walk for about 50 kms. It was during the last stretch between check point 2 (CP2) and the finish of the second day when I decided to give up my number.

On the first day I had received my two litres of intravenous fluid between check points one and two. However, there was material in a little pouch inside the food package to keep it dry called Oxygen Absorber, it was not meant to be eaten. I was tired, hungry and it was dark when I prepared my meal. Thinking it was a spice or a food

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

with 21 pictures of campers strewn all over the big dining room table at Honest Hands as we prayed and talked about our next batch.

We have done follow up visits with six of the campers, so that leaves fifteen more to go. It takes lots of driving and time to find them, and spend quality time chatting with pastors and the guys, but it is all worth it.

Please pray as well for three fellows who were in jail for months related to attempted theft of aluminum valued at $2 Canadian. I will attend what is hopefully the final court session for their case on Tuesday, June 13. We have been blessed with the help of a Christian lawyer, and a social worker who are taking the lead on their case. My role has mostly been to observe and encourage which is okay with me. I don’t understand very much about the legal system here, although I am learning.

Carl Loewen

additive, I mixed it in. This is what caused my serious dehydration the next day.

I continued after this for about another eight kms to reach CP2, where I knew I had to make a decision, because my stomach refused food and water.

The check points are very crucial; they help the race organization keep track of the runners in the desert.

Should one be lost, then officials can go back to the check point where he or she last had a water card hole punched.

Every person is recorded at a check point.

Here at CP2 on day two, I struggled with a decision, never mind the physical stomach struggles. I was of good mind, good strength at this point but perplexed and some doubts and fears started to surface.

JG9<

LEADING YOU Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Missions www.emconf.ca

I asked for help in the decision; I asked Matthieu Dehaene, my race companion, and the doctors. They sent me into a Berber tent where the sick were being treated.

I saw a man with bloody very messy, blistered feet. The next guy had tubes into his arms (intravenous, I suppose); another fellow was vomiting into a garbage bag. I sat down for one minute, got up again and left, because I thought I would not get well in this tent.

Outside of the tent the doctor said to try it and Matt said come. I went for it, knowing that the next 11 kms had basically no rescue measures, only one quad in the dunes. It was five kms of dunes and the wind created a storm.

The directions were really not given, so when I got a fear attack after going one kilometer I said to Matt, “Please help me back to the CP2.”

I knew my body. The dangers from my experiences, and my Mom’s comment to “Come back soon!” reminded me to be sensible. I knew better than to endanger my life by going to such an extreme like fainting in dunes and going into a coma.

I said, “Matt, I have to decide, not you nor the doctors,” so that is what I did.

In the first three days of the race, 210 of 750 runners quit. It was the toughest race ever. The 38 doctors on staff were overloaded. They told an official he needed to do something about the upcoming long segment of the race; runners had come to run, not to die.

The 72-km stretch was shortened to 55, the first time in the 21-year history of the race.

One 26-year-old Finnish woman went one hour without drinking and lapsed into a coma. Doctors worked on her for seven hours before she awoke— and of the three languages she spoke, her mother tongue was gone; she remembered only Swedish and English.

She had had a stroke. An Irish runner was airlifted to Bordeaux, France.

I have previously run twice in the race, completing it in 2001.

I was running to raise funds and awareness for Dr. Wim and Marleen Munting, medical missionaries serving a poor area of Nigeria. They have limited equipment, their work is often dangerous, and AIDS is common in the region.

Albert Martens ran to raise funds and awareness for the needs of people living in a poor area of Nigeria.

Albert Martens (Steinbach) is an EMC associate missionary working with Athletes in Action.

So now what? The Muntings project is very successful, in ministry as well as in fundraising. My not finishing has seemingly no effect on the amount of money raised; in fact, more money has come in during twice when I was unable to finish than when I did finish.

In Germany, there are several doctors that I know personally who are very interested in the Muntings’ hospital.

In fact, several doctors in Germany have taken on the Muntings’ project by running the Regensburg Marathon for the hospital’s benefit.

One thing leads to another. Much of this is beyond my doing, and it is amazing how the Lord works and blesses people, simply by stepping out in faith to do a good thing and how God is pleased when we obey Him. Matthieu Dehaene, a former student at Black Forest Academy (where I previously worked), finished the race in his first entry. It’s a totally different and wonderful story too. He finished it, at times with lots of challenges and fears.

I would certainly race again if sponsors were found.

Albert Martens

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

with our churches

Mennville blessed by speakers and youth for all the hard work the kids did in good week with them. We have been so faithfully memorizing their verses for the blessed by these young people. They quarter. Our daughter Kayley, who just come into our home as total strangers turned five, proudly and, when the week is up with them and announced to us at they have been a part of us, it is almost church that she was hard to see them go. going “bobsledding” We had a Good Friday service with with her teacher and communion and on Sunday our Easter friends. (Needless to potluck brunch. It was good to have so say, we watched the many friends and family join us for this Olympics quite a bit at special weekend. our house.)

On May 15 we had a Mother and Well, saucers and Daughter evening at the church. Mothers sleds were not bob- and daughters were encouraged to dress sleds, but it was en- alike. Bonnie Barkman showed us how joyed by all. They to make cards and we all got to make had hot dogs and hot one. Games, singing, and some special chocolate at the hill numbers in song and poem were enjoyed and, despite the frig- as well. id temperatures that Prizes were given out and we were day, the kids came served some good food. It was a nice home saying they had evening to spend with each other and a great time. Thanks, enjoy each other’s company. An event On May 15 Mennville held a Mother and Daughter evening.

Anita, Agnes, Bryan, like this is extra special for me because I prayer that people who have come to and Wes for your efforts in planning this get to go with five daughters.

I want to leave with you with one fellowship will feel a warm welcome and for our children.

The youth have enjoyed numerous of my favourite verses: “You will keep acceptance here with us.

We have had many different speakers events, among them Impact, Radfest, and him in perfect peace, him whose mind here in the past five months and it has Youth Retreat. A lot of fundraising went on is steadfast, because he trusts in you” been an amazing experience. Among to make it a bit more affordable to them. (Isaiah 26:3).

Luella Brandt them have been Roger Robert, Ed Peters, Life Force was again out this year during Gerald Reimer, Harry Friesen, Evan spring break. The youth had a busy but Kornelson, Colin Peters, Layton Friesen, Cliff Loewen and Mel Koop. Terry Dueck, Milton Friesen and Barry Barkman from our congregation shared in this as well.

As you can see there has been a lot of variety and we have enjoyed each and every one.

Mel Koop was here for five Sundays in a row and did a series of messages on the events leading up to Easter. His topics included Burning Decisions, The Character of Judas, and The Darkness of Easter. We as a church have asked Mel Koop, and he has consented, to help out here in the church to fill in some gaps left vacant by not having a full-time pastor. We are looking forward to his short-term, part-time involvement here with us. He will work alongside interim pastor Terry Dueck and the rest of the ministerial. Our search for a full-time pastor will go on.

On February 26 the Sunday School Committee organized a tobogganing February 26 involved tobogganing at Hecla Hill. party at the Hecla Hill. It was a reward Mennville, Man.: To experience and share God’s love and grace is the mission statement of Mennville EMC. It is our

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

Missions on the mind Pelly, Sask.: In late March, a group of young people from Ukraine, Moldovia, and Argentina brought us an evening program of singing and testimonies. The young men and women are students at Living Word Bible College in Swan River, Man. The many different languages heard during singing and visiting were a reminder of the beautiful truth that we have brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.

Spring meetings were held in April, starting out with a two-evening presentation by Ken Reader. Ken has made it his passion to teach people about creation as compared to evolution theory. He had many amazing facts to share with us.

The following Sunday service was held entirely by the Lyn and Vi Reimer family from Morweena, Man. They presented their work with Gospel Echoes Team, a prison ministry reaching out to inmates across Canada and the US. We greatly enjoyed the music and singing presented

by Lyn, Vi, and their five children.

For the fifth year now, we held our Mother’s Day Breakfast to which the community is invited. For the ladies, that means no cooking for a change and pretty, potted flowers to take home. The men cook and clean up, and can’t escape the tradition of having to go up on stage and sing a song in honour of mothers.

Pastor John Froese had a message, following the meal and music from our worship team. Many people that do not attend our church otherwise have come to this event every year.

Lotti Prokott

Two-year-old Damian Reimer was the youngest performer during a Sunday morning presentation of Gospel Echoes Team.

10

All the men and boys formed a choir to sing for the ladies during the annual Mother’s Day Breakfast at Pelly Community Hall.

Vivian Anfinson has a group of attentive children gathered around herself for a children’s story at the Mother’s Day Breakfast in May.

Pastor visits islander families Rosenort EMC (Man.): A big thank you to our pastor George Toews for his unique visit by kayak during a time when boating was our only way of getting to our vehicle 1.5 miles away. We really

appreciated this, and were amazed at the speed and seemingly effortless paddling before the kayak was once again off into the wide expanse of water on to the next “islander family” along the way.

Merl and Wanda Friesen

Pastor George Toews says have paddle, will travel!

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

Leaders go on retreat Morris, Man.: Greetings from Morris Fellowship Chapel with Philippians 4:19: “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Here’s Pastor Ward Parkinson’s report on special services held earlier this year: On February 28–29, we had Deeper Life services featuring Kevin Clace, a minister with Emmanuel Baptist Church in Morris and also a missionary to Myanmar with Project Lambs. Kevin’s theme was Emerge, and he challenged us on what it would take for our church to emerge and have a real impact on our community for the Lord.

Some of Kevin’s key thoughts that remain in minds are these: • Christians must not be content to simply enjoy salvation, but must move forward in obedience to a life of significance.

• The Church is not an organization, but an organism.

• In the gospel, God is fighting for our hearts. We need to walk with people and fight for their hearts as well.

• There can be no true revival without sacrifice.

• Conversion is more than saying a sinner’s prayer, but is a journey to a life of discipleship.

• We are called to walk with people incarnationally.

On February 5 Monica Harder was received as a member of Morris Fellowship Chapel.

Kevin challenged us in many ways, even stepped on some toes. But it was all an effort to get us thinking and get us listening to the Holy Spirit.

As a church we are now having congregational meetings regularly to follow up on these talks and discuss the future ministry of the church.

March 16–18 was a wonderful getaway for our church leadership team. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere at The Ridge, a newly renovated conference centre nestled in the hills at Ninette, Man. The highlight of those days was the time spent sharing and praying together.

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

God’s mercy and grace are so great!

Easter weekend was so beautiful! We enjoyed a lovely breakfast on Sunday with the church council members and their sons frying pancakes and ham outdoors. They did a great job and served us a wonderful meal.

Our church family was sorry to hear Pastor Ward Parkinson share with the congregation on May 19 that they feel the Lord is leading them to a change in ministry. We love and appreciate them so much. Have a blessed summer!

Betty Siemens

The church leadership team on retreat: Ron and Kim Edwards, Pastor Ward and Janine Parkinson, Ernie and Betty Siemens, Frank and Monica Harder, and Peter and Ann Harder.

A privilege to serve in Endeavour

Endeavour, Sask.: From all outward appearances, Endeavour, Sask., is a dying community. In recent years we have seen a school closure and businesses fold. As a result, the population has dramatically dwindled.

This past month, key structures were condemned, including the town office, several wells, the rink, and the village maintenance shop. It would be easy for us to look around us and ask, “What on earth are we doing here…in this place?”

The answer is simple: God is at work and He has allowed us to join Him in that work.

On April 21 the Endeavour Fellowship Chapel hosted its annual Ladies Night Out, a time for the women of the surrounding communities to enjoy good food and music. More importantly, they had a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. This year’s theme was Nacho (i.e. not your) Average Fiesta.

There was a scrapbooking presentation

by Kerry Wiwcharuk, and inspired music

by Debbie Sawatsky of Cochrane, Alta.

The guest speaker was Linda Wiebe of Osler, Sask. She performed a monologue

that presented the message of salvation in a very clear way. The evening ended with a dessert of fried ice cream and mangoes.

One of the table hostesses said this about the evening, “It was a joy to sit with other women and share coffee, goodies and a spiritually uplifting time…It was a great evening.”

Jana Treen, a member of the youth group in Endeavour, was server at the event. She said, “The best part of the evening was seeing the women there. I left that night knowing that my classmate, my friend’s mother, my employer, and numerous ladies from my community now know what it means to be loved by God and to serve Him…the evening went perfectly.” By the end of the evening, two ladies responded to Christ’s call and surrendered their lives to Him. Why do we count it a privilege to serve in a place like Endeavour? Because we see that God is still at work here. We ask that you continue to uphold us in prayer as we serve him in this place.

Margaret Steppan

11

Baptism, graduations, and service Fort Garry (Winnipeg, Man.): For a church it is always a joy and privilege to have a baptism. It is great to see people stepping out in faith and making a public statement of their faith. We had such an occasion on February 12 when three people were baptized: Ken Peddie, Monica Derksen and Caron Hiebert.

Each of their faith experiences was different, but we saw God’s amazing grace evident in each of their lives.

We would like to congratulate our pastor Layton Friesen upon his graduation from Regent College on May 2 in Vancouver. Layton was accompanied by his wife Glenda and their two children. He received a Masters in Christian Studies and a Masters of Theology.

Paul Klassen is going to Mexico with CIDA.

On May 28 Layton and Glenda hosted a coffee and cake time after the morning service to express their thanks and appreciation for the church’s support and encouragement during his time of studies. The church too extends their congratulations and is appreciative of his leadership, love and concern for each one of us.

Our young people are busy raising support for their upcoming mission trip to New York City this summer. They held a Coffee House on Baptism on February 12: (front row) candidates Caron Hiebert, Ken Peddie, and Monica Sunday evening, April Derksen (back) Pastor Layton Friesen, minister Cameron McKenzie, associate pastor 23. What a diversity of Irma Janzen, and youth/associate pastor David Kruse. talent was displayed, but also their love for the Lord. Then on Desarrollo (working together in health May 7 these same young people hosted and development). a soup and pie luncheon. It was a real Paul will be in a town called treat for all of us.

Tlamacazapa, Mexico. Maybe some Paul Klassen, one of our young of you saw a documentary CBC did in adults, graduated from the University April on the problems plaguing this of Manitoba with a bachelor’s degree town, among them a contaminated in engineering. He has accepted a year water supply. We want to wish Paul assignment as a water and sanitation God’s blessing, and I am sure he would intern with an organization funded by appreciate your prayers.

CIDA. He will be working with a group Diana Reimer called Caminamos Juntos para Salud y

Ministry in Kentucky Portage la Prairie, Man.: Very early on the morning of March 24, 15 of us set off from Portage in two vans and one car. Our destination? Eagles’ Wings Ministries in Kentucky. After two very long days of driving, including a night’s stopover in Madison, Wisconsin, we arrived.

Our mission for the week was to work on what was to be a staff cabin.

Eagles’ Wings is a ministry that seeks to reach Native people of North America for Jesus in contextual ways. They want to share the Good News with Native people by using elements of their own culture.

God sent us to come alongside

12

them for six days to help with building projects and to encourage staff who were there.

While some of us helped with the cooking and spent time encouraging staff, others worked together with a couple of staff members on the cabin.

The cabin crew split into two teams— one to work on the outside, one on the inside.

The cabin was already framed and covered in housewrap. The outside team concentrated on measuring, cutting, and putting up the wood siding, braving tall ladders and scary scaffolding. The inside team put up the insulation. Once the insulating was done, work began

on drywalling, taping, and mudding the ceiling. Most of us had little or no experience in the work we were doing, but we had good teachers and enjoyed learning new skills. It was wonderful to see the cabin come together and, as we worked, to see us coming together as a group.

We had group devotions every morning and evening, which enabled us to encourage each other and get to know each other better. Some time was left at the end of our stay for relaxation and sightseeing. A few of us visited the city of Lexington, while others visited Amish country.

Every one of us thoroughly enjoyed

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

the trip. Hard work, combined with a lot of laughter, fellowship, and good times made it a memorable experience for us all.

Lori Plett Reporter: Catherine Epp

Portage Evangelical Church members went on a missions trip to Kentucky from March 24 to April 2. The group consisted of Les and Sharon Kroeker with family, Scott, Jessica, and Kenton; Mark and Cindy Petkau and family, Jonathan, Joshua, and Rachel; Lori Plett, Melissa Giesbrecht, Kevin Munro, and Rob and Sherry Campbell. They helped with a building project (left) and encouraged staff.

Receiving visitors and honouring members Creighton, Sask.: Our Sunday school finished the year with a pool party at the Victoria Inn in April. The children enjoyed time in the pool and a hotdog lunch at the poolside filled their tummies.

Pastor Ferlin Abrahamson travelled from Birch River, Man., to Creighton for the pulpit exchange in Region Three. We enjoy Ferlin’s smile, firm handshake and his enthusiasm. Visitation Pastor Lorne and Margaret Moorhead travelled to Hudson Bay, Sask.

On the May long weekend, we had a visit from former pastoral family Terry, Mary Ann, and Jonathan Smith; Mary Ann’s niece Kass and her parents, Peter and Susie Thiessen. It was a treat to have Terry speak here once again. I’ve heard that a few fish were caught and fried as well. To be on a northern lake in May and having a fish fry…well, it doesn’t get much better!

Rick and Debbie Burman have been working hard on the church’s flower bed which was constructed by Eric Cook and filled with perennials from our late Lona Burkard and Kay Smith’s gardens. It is our flower bed of memories in honour of Kay and Lona.

Pastor Scott Koop smiled as he walked into the sanctuary on June 3 where “40” signs were hung everywhere to celebrate his special birthday. Pastor Scott has a good sense of humour! So long from the north.

Janice Imrie

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

Pastor Scott Koop (right) smiled to see “40” signs all over the sanctuary on June 3 to celebrate his 40th birthday.

(Below) Sunday school students had a pool party to finish the year.

13

Christian and Muslim dialogue builds bridges

Indonesian Mennonite pastor Paulus Hartono (above) and David W. Shenk (below), an American Mennonite, have been involved in dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

The Muslim-Christian Peacemaking Committee in Solo, Indonesia, hopes that dialogue between leaders from both sides of the conflict will help to build bridges of respectful understanding between Muslims and Christians.

Recently the committee published in Indonesian, a book authored by Badru D. Kateregga and David W. Shenk entitled A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue.

Kateregga, a Ugandan Sunni Muslim, and Shenk, an American Mennonite Christian, share their perspectives and respond to questions.

Mennonite pastor Paulus Hartono, from the Muria Synod, and Muhammad Dian Nafi, a Muslim leader on the peacemaking committee, are among

births SAWATZKY – to Dale and Shannon Sawatzky of Steinbach, Man., a son, Tobin Fredrick John, on July 5, 2005.

KOOP – to Malcolm and Noella Koop of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Aiden Rachel, on November 13, 2005.

Summer can be a time to read and to write!

Theodidaktos: Journal for EMC theology and education invites essays, book reviews, and articles for consideration within its first issue.

Editor Darryl Klassen, senior pastor at Kleefeld EMC, can be contacted at 204277-7443, kemc@mts.net, or Box 344, Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0. Essay length is a maximum of 3,500 words.

The Journal is a way to see EMC discussion and education in print. The payment is to see EMCers listening to Scripture and to each other.

Theodidaktos means learning from God. The proposed publication date is late fall, and the project is under the authority of the Board of Church Ministries.

14

KLASSEN – to Brennan and Michelle Klassen of Steinbach, Man., a son, Tyler Frank, on December 13, 2005.

REIMER – to Fernando and Angela Reimer of Grande Prairie, Alta., a son, Cole Ethan, on February 9, 2006.

KORNELSON – to Ron and Monique Kornelson of Steinbach, Man., a son, Kayden Bailey, on February 17, 2006.

BUECKERT – to Tim and Suzanne Bueckert of Grande Prairie, Alta., a son, Owen Riley, on March 8, 2006.

TJART – to Phil and Andrea Tjart of Kitchener, Ont., a son, Jackson James, on March 16, 2006.

VION – to Chad and Gloria Vion of Grande Prairie, Alta., a daughter, Janeisha Joy, on March 17, 2006.

GIESBRECHT – to Jake and Betty Giesbrecht of Vienna, Ont., a son, Landon Carter, on April 26, 2006.

Indonesian leaders who have worked at peacemaking since tensions between Muslims and Christians brought tragedy to this city in 1998.

Within the Indonesian context, both Muslims and Christians who are committed to peacemaking welcome guests to come, learn, and share their journey.

The Christian church in Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim nation, is growing quite rapidly and is concerned about cultivating goodwill. It views its commitment to peacemaking as complementary to its presence, service, and witness within Indonesia.

MWC

weddings PLETT – DUECK: Corey, son of Gary and Joanne Plett, and Terri, daughter of Dennis and Marlene Dueck of Steinbach, Man., were married on January 29, 2005, at Steinbach EMC with Hans Rahn of Steinbach officiating.

The couple lives in Steinbach.

GOERTZEN – EWANKEWICH: Rodger, son of Gary and Sandra Goertzen of Steinbach, Man., and Larissa, daughter of Edward and Leona Ewankewich, were married on May 15, 2005, at Steinbach EMC with Hans Rahn of Steinbach officiating. The couple lives in Steinbach.

FUNK – HILDEBRANDT: Robert, son of Abe and Susan Funk, and Karin, daughter of Dan and Nancy Hildebrandt of Steinbach, Man., were married on September 10, 2005, at Steinbach EMC with Tom Warner of Steinbach officiating. The couple lives in Steinbach.

FRIESEN – ABRAMS: Kurt, son of Cornie and Mary Friesen of Steinbach, Man., and Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Aganetha Abrams of New Bothwell, Man., were married on November 12, 2005, at Steinbach EMC with Tom Warner of Steinbach officiating.

The couple lives in Steinbach.

PENNER – LOEWEN: Barry, son of Laverne and Brenda Penner of Steinbach, Man., and Jamie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Loewen of Steinbach, were married on December 18, 2005, at Steinbach EMC with Arden Thiessen of Steinbach officiating.

The couple lives in Steinbach.

THE MESSENGER June 1, 006

European Mennonites meet in Spain On Ascension weekend, May 26–28, 2006, more than 400 Mennonites from 11 European countries and other continents met at the MERK (Mennonite European Regional Conference). MERK took place in Spain for the first time.

There are currently five Mennonite churches with a total of 300 members in this area. The theme chosen by these young, local churches was Freedom is commitment: Living God’s will.

“We are being taken into account and heard. The MERK is a big event for the Protestant church in Spain just as the Mennonites are an important voice for the Protestant church in Spain,” said

roots needs new shoots, growth and strength in order to survive. In a similar way, our community of faith is made of new and old branches.”

The Mennonite church in Barcelona started 28 years ago and has 50 members involved in work with the elderly and handicapped as well as in mediation.

The MERK 2006 program, translated into five languages, included 30 workshops on themes such as the renewal of the church community and land mine clearance.

In his sermon on Freedom means grace and responsibility, Antonio Gonzales emphasized that the message of the Anabaptists is more relevant than ever in today’s Spain.

The Anabaptists always considered freedom to be grace but also responsibility, leading to the free choice of putting into practice what one had recognized and accepted.

Doris Hege, MERK program coordinator, said, “Freedom and commitment are two sides of the same coin. Whenever we are able to live our lives in freedom and commitment, we are fulfilling God’s will.”

Brothers and sisters from all over Europe worship together in five languages, On the last evening, the led by the Mennonite church from Burgos, Spain. first European Mennonite church leader Jose Luis Suarez.

Festival reflected the joyful and festive Suarez expressed his joy to be in lifestyle in Spain. Participants from all communion with the brothers and sisters regions gave lively and entertaining from Northern Europe: “We have lots to presentations from their country and give. We need one another in the same community of recent and traditional way an old tree with deep and strong songs, theatre, pictures and music.

Jose Luis Suarez, leader of the Mennonite church in Barcelona, expresses his joy over the first MERK in Spain.

MERK first met in 1975 in Switzerland.

The following seven conferences took place alternatively in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland.

The conference usually meets every four to six years between the Mennonite World Conference global assemblies.

MERK’s purpose is to create links between European Mennonites by strengthening their Christian faith and by seeking answers as Anabaptist communities to questions of concern today. The next MERK will take place in 2012 in Switzerland, three years after the MWC World Assembly in Paraguay.

MWC

Delegates from European countries pray for each other at the first Mennonite Festival in Barcelona.

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

15

faith in action Wally Doerksen

I want to wail so LOUD that Africa will hear me!

A

journalist writing for The Globe and Mail recently told of some of the things she encountered while stationed in Johannesburg, South Africa.

She encountered AIDS. One of every three or four people has AIDS. Almost every home will have a person in a dark corner, lying on a mat, fighting the disease.

rape. Since there were no medical facilities they had to go about their daily activities as best they could.

This might include walking for miles gathering roots for food, hauling water or gathering firewood. Bleeding was common as were prolapsed uteruses.

When I hear stories like this I want to lie down and scream. I want to wail so loud that the people of Africa

Sometimes we have a tendency to think that we as North Americans have been blessed by God because of our obedience and faithfulness. The counter to that thinking would be that the people of Africa have sinned grievously and are reaping God’s judgment. I can stomach neither thought.

Usually the fight is a silent one and if you do not know will hear me. I want to beg someone to do something, the person is there, no one will tell you about it. but to whom will I go?

Many villages are without people in their 30s and Sometimes we have a tendency to think that we as 40s. In one place she was asked to look around her and say what she saw. She saw nothing unusual, but was told that the uniqueness was “Relax, God is in control.” These are the words of faith written on a wooden plaque there was nothing planted there. hanging in 16-year-old Moureen Ampairwe’s The farmers were either all dead small house on the outskirts of Kampala, or dying or too sick to plant. The Uganda. Now the head of a household of old people were either too busy younger siblings, Moureen does her best to looking after the sick and dying or live out these words. It’s not always easy. Her were too feeble to plant. There had mother and father died of AIDS in 2002. been no one to teach the children Thankfully her mother had foresight. After to plant so the land lay idle. At her husband died and with the knowledge one time this area had been self that her life would soon end from AIDS, she bought a small plot of land and put up sufficient in food production. a house.

She encountered women who “She said when I leave this earth, I don’t had been repeatedly and brutally want you to sell this land,” recalls Moureen. been gang raped. In this case there “She told us that she wanted it to be ours were nine different armed groups until we were mature. Then she told me I all fighting for their own agendas would have to look after my younger brother and alternating in controlling and sisters.” specific areas and villages. When And that’s exactly what she’s done, with she drove into the area on her a little help from Mengo Hospital’s AIDS Orphan Club. The club, largely funded

by MCC, supports 60 orphans who meet once a month to learn life skills, receive motorbike and stopped in a village medical attention, get a warm meal and just have fun together. toward dusk one evening, she “I like coming to the club because I have made friends and it has helped me with wondered how she would get things I otherwise couldn’t have managed,” says 12-year-old Godfrey, the brother of women to tell her their stories.

Moureen.

Just after dark there was a With the help of the club and their mother’s parting advice, Moureen and her knock on her door and assembled siblings may be able to fulfill their dreams. “Our mother told us to love God as we in the darkness were dozens of love ourselves, that God is on our side and to study hard,” says Moureen, who hopes women all with similar stories. to one day be a doctor.

They included repeated and brutal MCC

Heading a household at 16

16

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

North Americans have been blessed by God because of our obedience and faithfulness. The counter to that thinking would be that the people of Africa have sinned grievously and are reaping God’s judgment. I can stomach neither thought.

Here I am, sitting on the EMC Social Concerns Committee, trying to talk about social justice, and getting at least partial solutions to some of them.

But Africa is so big, as are the problems on other continents, not to mention the societal injustices in Canada. What to do?

Maybe the readers could grapple through some of these questions with me: How does God show his caring to people so badly mistreated? How does he want us to be His hands and His feet?

What is the responsibility of wealthy North

writings shared In Defense of Privilege: Russian Mennonites and the State Before and During World War I

by Abraham Friesen(Kindred Press, 2006), 520 pp., $39.99. Reviewed by Rev. Terry M. Smith, staff person involved with the EMC Archives.

N

ew members rarely study in detail the history of the denomination they join. As my wife reminds me, history bores some people.

Church leaders, ministers, and members, though, have reason to care about the connection between history and teaching.

The Christian faith is revealed in history and local churches don’t operate in a vacuum even if they act independently. We’re shaped by the Spirit and historical events.

Early EMCers (then called Kleine Gemeinde, Small Church) left Russia in 1874 with many other German-speaking Mennonites. Two-thirds of Mennonites there stayed behind, facing upheaval with the rise of Russian nationalism, the First World War, and communism.

Abraham Friesen, professor emeritus of Renaissance and Reformation History at the University of California at Santa Barbara, traces the struggle of GermanTHE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

Americans, or more directly us as comfortable Mennonites, to do about injustices? Can we say we do not know about the problems or have no resources to help or make a difference?

Can we go on the same way we did yesterday without being affected? Who are those people that Jesus talked about when he says we did not do it to the least of them?

Are the big problems to be dealt with by governments and superstars like Bono? Or is there a place for the ordinary people like you and I to make a difference?

Perhaps we can agonize over these things in community and wrestle with God together and get some T divine guidance in what our role is in all of this. M Wally Doerksen is chairperson of the EMC Social Concerns Committee.

Terry M. Smith and Dave K. Schellenberg speaking Mennonites in Russia to retain their faith, the rights of military exemption and land ownership, and their language and culture.

First, he shows how Mennonites there were prepared to defend their rights in the political process and, a few, with self-defense.

Second, he explores how confused is the

Why is this book challenging? It touches on a history partly shared by the EMC. Then, too, we face political, cultural, and doctrinal pressures and make choices.

When less than half of our churches use Mennonite in our local names, what does its absence or presence really mean? identity of German-speaking Mennonites in Russia. Were they Dutch or German?

While leadership discussed it, the answer apparently partly depended on who asked and its rewards.

When Russia was at war with Germany, and suspicious of German colonists in its midst, Mennonites were Dutch. When German soldiers freed villages, Mennonites were German—and when German soldiers were forced back, other Russians felt betrayed.

When Mennonites sought resettlement and asked for outside help, they could be Dutch or German. Some (continued next page)

17

respected Hitler, waiting for him to defeat Stalin so they could return to Russia; they emphasized being German—and then Hitler was defeated. Friesen calls it “ethnic schizophrenia” (p. 199).

Third, Friesen tells how non-resistance was set aside generally by Mennonites in Prussia and by some Mennonites in Russia. He’s concerned about this because he sees non-resistance as having continuing value.

Why is this book challenging? It touches on a history partly shared by the EMC. Then, too, we face political, cultural, and doctrinal pressures and make choices.

When less than half of our churches use Mennonite in our local names, what does its absence or presence really mean?

Friesen’s major concern is that a church ignorant of its past repeats its mistakes; in his view Russian Mennonites did, at one point even with MCC’s help. As a friend reminds me, though, it’s important to keep in mind how suffering experienced by people influenced their decisions.

In my years of studying Mennonite history, I’ve

Meditations for the Grieving by Richard L. Morgan (Herald Press: Waterloo, 2005), 80 pp., $13.99. Reviewed by Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg, retired minister, administrator, and editor.

M

editations for the Grieving is part of a series of Meditation books by Herald Press. The book is divided into three sections of ten chapters with a total of 30 short meditations. The three sections are When Death Comes, Those Difficult First Days and Life Begins Again.

Each chapter opens with one or more verses of Scripture. These Scriptures then may lead into his discussion of the topic. At other times they will be used as illustrations to expand on the topic.

Morgan speaks from the experience of over 50 years in pastoral ministry, and during that time he has been with many families who grieved.

He touches on stillbirth, death of a parent, death of a partner, Alzheimer’s (“the funeral that never ends”), multiple losses, how Grief Never Moves in a Straight Line, and more.

The 30 one-page chapters provide a meditation for each of the first 30 days after a death. In addition to the author’s remarks there is a liberal sprinkling of quotes, poems, and various pertinent to the subject; these are located on the opposite page from the meditation.

18

often pondered whether the relationship between the Christian faith and Dutch-German culture in some Mennonite circles represents a partial movement away from Scripture and early Anabaptist theology and history. In a wider way, Friesen’s book supports these concerns.

The historian sees a task for churches having their past in Russia: “…if the Anabaptist faith was worth sacrificing one’s life for in the sixteenth century, it should certainly be worth our while to attempt to recover it in its pristine purity in the twentieth century [sic].

“Perhaps, as we are assimilated into the Canadian, American, or any other dominant culture, we should seek to separate even our race from our faith as it was in the earliest years of the movement; not the faith of our fathers, but of the first progenitors of the faith as they unconsciously did. We, however, must now do so consciously” (p. 372).

In format the book is imperfect: Some Russian and German words need to be translated earlier, and it mistakenly uses bold instead of italics to highlight T within quotations. M

He begins with When Death Comes. Here he deals with the death of a spouse, a parent or a friend. In the second set of meditations he talks about Those Difficult First Days. He takes, as an example, the women who had to wait till the Sabbath was over before they could anoint Jesus’ body (Luke 23:55–56).

The third meditation section Life Begins Again, and includes the preservation of memories. Here he mentions the Emmaus disciples who remembered the tragic death of Jesus on the cross (Luke 24:13–14). “When a loved one dies,” he says, “it is appropriate to preserve our memories of them.”

Most of the meditations end with a prayer. Here’s the final one: “Our loving God, we have come to a bend in the road on our grief journey. We have experienced many detours and delays. It may well be that we must choose the right road for the next step. So we seize the day and live the future in hope.”

The arrangement of easy read chapters make this book user friendly and readable. The additional sayings, poems and quotes are usually well chosen T and contribute to the worth of the book. M

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

shoulder tapping La Crete Christian Fellowship in La Crete, Alberta, seeks a youth pastor for a new position as part of our pastoral team. LCCF is a forwardlooking church of about 400 regular attendees. The youth pastor will have a primary role in developing programs and working closely with youth and youth leaders. LCCF’s service to God is based on the core values of a commitment to teaching God’s Word and outreach to the community.

Send a resume with references to lccfc@telus. net or LCCFC, Box 385, La Crete, AB T0H 2H0 Attention: Pastor Frank Winsor.

EMC Missions is in need of church planters to work alongside national church leaders in Mexico and Paraguay.

In Mexico, the Oasis Church School is in need of an English and music teacher to begin August 1, 2006.

In Paraguay, a nurse is required for Lucero Clinic.

Contact Ken Zacharias, EMC foreign secretary, at 204-326-6401 or emcken@mts.net.

Fish Creek Christian Fellowship (EMC) seeks a full-time pastor, with position open May 2006.

Experience and education expected are flexible.

The church, started in south Calgary in 1998, is currently meeting in a rural setting outside of Calgary; it hopes to return to Calgary shortly.

Exposure and Encouragement Trip to Central Asia Men in square hats, women in colourful Central Asian silk, lamb kebabs, nan bread, noodle soup of high calibre, a desert oasis, an ancient city dating back to Noah’s day, mosques and minarets, and everyday life depicting people of Muslim faith.

This and more awaits the Exposure and Encouragement Team going to Central Asia this fall. The tentative dates are October 11– 23, 2006. Wouldn’t you like to go?

We will see Christian workers in action and hear their heart for the people God has called them to. Since 2000 the EMC and Frontiers have been concerned about planting an indigenous church in Central Asia. God is prospering their ministry. We will see what God is doing, encourage workers, and visit partner ministries through Women and Children at Risk in Central Asia project. There will be opportunity for hands on helping of our workers.

Most time will be spent in the city, but we will see out-of-town tourist areas and ministry in other areas.

Perhaps you would like to explore ministry possibilities or simply go in order to pray, give and mobilize better.

Estimated trip costs per person are $4,000–$4,250 Canadian. Tax receipts can be issued through Frontiers. Trip details are being worked on. Contact Len Barkman at 204-326-6401.

A trip like this could change you forever!

THE MESSENGER June 21, 2006

Fish Creek has about 50 people attending. Contact Garry Kornelsen, board chair, at 403-281-3747; or 55 Woodford Cres., SW, Calgary AB T2W 4C6; email: gskornelsen@shaw.ca.

Morris Fellowship Chapel, a church of 100 members located in the town of Morris, Man., is looking for a senior pastor. Starting date is August 1. Contact Ernie Siemens at 204-746-8342 or e-mail siemensj@mts.net.

Could we be looking for you? The Evangelical Mennonite Church at 422 Main St., Steinbach, Man., seeks a lead pastor. Are you an energetic person with a passion for the waking church?

Are you a person that relates easily to a multgenerational church family? Do you have a strong commitment to an Evangelical Anabaptist understanding? Do you have strong teaching, preaching and organizational skills?

If this describes you, we invite you to pray and consider this opportunity.

Contact Henry Klassen, 63 Donald Ave., Steinbach, MB R5G 2B5; phone 204-326-6068; email henryk2@mts.net.

Mennville Church (EMC) seeks a part- or full-time pastor. Experience and education expectations are flexible. Mennville Church is a congregation of about 100, located in the Interlake area of Manitoba and close to Hecla Island, in a predominantly agricultural area. Contact Wes Barkman at 204-378-2778 (wbbarkmn@mts.net) or Roland Friesen at 204378-2907 (rfriesen@riv.mb.ca). Conference pastor David Thiessen can also be contacted at the EMC national office (204-326-6401).

Steinbach Bible College seeks a president. SBC is an Evangelical Anabaptist college drawing students from Canada, USA, Mexico, Belize and overseas. The college is operated by a board of directors called from the constituencies of the EMC, EMMC, and CMC. We seek a candidate who has a passion for equipping leaders for ministry and can help our institution move to the next level of excellence in post-secondary Christian education.

The president is responsible to the board of

Would you like to adopt a horse?

Camp Assiniboia (Headingley) is offering its horses to caring homes for September to April each year, beginning this fall. These are well mannered horses, suitable for children and youth. Tack included.

For information or networking contact Bob Wiebe, 204-885-2565 ext 254 or bwiebe@mennochurch.mb.ca.

directors for implementation of institutional objectives through executive direction and leadership. Key areas of responsibility include: Oversight of the ministry, communication with constituency, long-term strategic planning, budget preparation, coordination of donor development.

A suitable candidate will also have opportunities for classroom instruction.

Qualities: Demonstrated excellence in educational or ministry leadership; graduate degree in a relevant ministry, theological, or educational field; strong commitment to an Evangelical Anabaptist understanding; mature faith and excellent spiritual character; exceptional communication and organizational skills; proven ability in effective teamwork.

Position to begin prior to 2006–2007 school year. Forward applications to Presidential Search Committee, Steinbach Bible College, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4.

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.

Reserve Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Sioux Valley (west-central Man.), seeks a fulltime pastoral couple to serve the church and to develop long-term relationships with people of the community.

The smaller 50-year-old congregation is part of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, a community that has a Christian history going back to 1879. The congregation is located about 45 minutes from Virden and Brandon.

A strong sense of God’s call and a love for people are required. Direct inquiries to David Pashe, 204-730-0409, e-mail: pashed@westman. wave.ca; or to Len Barkman, 204-326-6401, email: emclen@mts.net.

Blumenort EMC, in Blumenort, Man., is actively looking for a youth pastor. We are open to receiving resumes from anyone with a love and passion for youth ministry. Former experience is not required, but simply a deep reliance on what God can do through a yielded servant, willing to lead youth in a deep prayer-centred walk with Him. For information, contact Dale Loewen at 204-326-5119 or email at dalecori@mts.net.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (EMC) in north-central British Columbia seeks a halftime associate pastor of youth with a love for God and heart for youth. The leader will give mature leadership, work with church in moulding youth, guide them into becoming faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and work within the EMC statement of faith. Our Sunday morning attendance is 100.

Our youth group (without a youth pastor for some time) is rebuilding, currently 12 to 20 people, with an average age of 14. There is potential for growth.

Contact VCF, Box 377, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; phone 250-567-9198; fax 250-567-2064; vcfemc@ telus.net.

19

kids’ corner Loreena Thiessen

Don’t be Bored!

H

ooray! It’s time for summer vacation! What will you do?

Will you roast hotdogs over a campfire, and sleep in a tent? Will you build a sandcastle on the beach, and swim in your favorite lake? Will you see the Canadian Rockies, the ocean, or Niagara Falls? Will you learn a new craft, or meet a new friend at camp?

Plan a week’s menu for a family  Collect the food items  Deliver the food items and menu to someone recovering from an illness or is elderly or has a handicap  Enlist the help of your family, aunts, uncles, cousins or friends

Offer help to someone who needs it  Write a letter for them  Send an e-mail for them  Do some necessary research for them using the library or the internet  Go to the library and take out a book for them

Offer to read to someone elderly, blind, or a younger child  Read the newspaper  Read a church paper  Read a book or magazine

Make a tape of yourself reading something suitable for    

There are many things you can do. What about spending some of your free time on a project?

A project is an activity that requires a plan. It needs real effort or energy that you put in. A project has a specific outcome or result. It could be an activity that isn’t only fun for you but could make a difference for someone else.

Before you begin you must make a general plan. This part includes what you can do, where you can do it, and for whom, or with whom you will do it.

You must decide how long or how often you want to do it. You will want to choose something you enjoy doing and are capable of doing. Most importantly, you will want to choose something your parents agree with and can help you with.

A grandparent An elderly person A younger child As a gift for someone

By yourself or with a friend    

Make a necklace or bracelet using craft beads Choose the pattern and bead type Decide who it will be for and design it especially for them Make it as a gift

Here are some ideas: Choose someone elderly or handicapped    

Walk their dog Groom their dog Feed the dog Change kitty litter

Visit an animal shelter  Walk a dog  Help with or play with a cat, bunny, or dog  Collect blankets or food for the animals in the shelter

Visit a food bank  Help package food  Help stock shelves

PAGE 0

Share your summertime project. Take photos of your activity. Write up what you did and how it worked out.

Write up the results of your activity. Make a scrapbook or an album with your photos and the description or your activity. Then show your album to your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends. Bring your album to show your project to your new class at school T in September. M THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017 6 PAP Registration #9914