The Messenger Vol. 44 No. 15 September 6, 2006

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 44 NUMBER 15 SEPTEMBER 6, 2006

Overcoming One-Sided Christianity:

Combining Evangelism and Social Action

The

Messenger

Indebted to United Church

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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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.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.

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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

Cover photos from Convention 2006 MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 17 – October 4 (copy due September 22)

editorials n the editorial Doctrine and discussion (Aug. 2) concern was expressed about how a mainline church’s confession works itself out within local congregations and national structures.

I was raised in the United Church of Canada, a large and diverse denomination.

I’m indebted to the small rural Knee Hill Valley congregation (with its Sunday school teachers Alice Hoar and Nan Barclay) for introducing me to the Christian faith, to Bible stories, and to the person of Jesus.

The denomination of my childhood presented me with questions I’ve spent much of my life unraveling. It’s left on me indelible marks about the need to ask questions, for critical study, and for social justice.

The United Church challenges me to express a thoughtful evangelical faith without using catch phrases—a task at which evangelical churches can fail in communities

with United populations. It keeps me honest, revealing blind spots within evangelical and mainline circles. (Undoubtedly, though, my blindness continues in other areas.)

The United Church (81 years old) demonstrates greater skill at incorporating people of many cultures into its faith identity than does the EMC (132 years in Canada).

Its level of internal scholarship, displayed at national meetings, is superior to ours (though some of its theology, exegesis, and analysis remain highly debatable). It is more comfortable than we are with inviting congregational input.

Yes, there are serious concerns about the varied confession of the United Church; concerns remain, along with my indebtedness.

The EMC faces challenges of its own in T faith and practice. M Terry M. Smith

Honour, shame, and farming

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arming is honourable, tough work.

Fewer people enter it. Its capital and input costs, debt loads, and workloads are heavy.

Some families remain farming in tough times. Most try, but some are forced to leave the land.

Stress can ripple through rural communities. Many factors affect farming.

Government decisions, international markets, weather, disease can devastate in ways beyond an individual farmer’s control.

Rural communities have an honour code that responds harshly to what is perceived as a shameful failure—the loss of a farm. How should our Christian faith, with its emphasis on grace, respond to this code?

Dr. Cameron Harder, a Lutheran minister and assistant professor of systematic theology at Lutheran Theological Seminary (Saskatoon), served as a pastor in the farming area of Camrose, Alberta. His

doctoral thesis was on The Shame of Farm Bankruptcy. Harder has written much on rural life and rural ministry; his writings and other resources are available at www. cameronharder.com.

Harder’s study suggests that pastors and churches can work to provide safer ways to discuss the realities and stresses of farm life.

The Lutheran minister encourages discussion on how our understandings of blessing, grace and works influences how we interpret what happens to us. What is the relationship between farming success or failure and our faithfulness as Christians?

His study says that rural communities have an honour code that responds harshly to what is perceived as a shameful failure— the loss of a farm. Harder asks how should our Christian faith, with its emphasis on grace, respond to this code?

Manitoba’s Rural Stress Line is 1-800367-3276; its website is www.ruralstress. ca. In Saskatchewan the stress line is 1-800667-4442. (The phone numbers only work within their province.) How this year turns out will vary among farmers. What will also T vary is how congregations respond. M Terry M. Smith

THE MESSENGER September 6, 2006

A reader’s viewpoint

Can we use facts to advocate heterosexual marriage?

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ho would have thought 30 years ago that acceptance of public smoking could end? Then everyone’s “right” to light up was a given. Nonsmokers should just “get used to it.”

Recently Canadians heard the same concerning same-sex marriage. “A right is a right is a right,” shout our culture’s elites. Slave-owners used the same approach in the 19th century.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has promised a free democratic vote in Parliament on same-sex marriage this fall. On purely scientific, legal and moral grounds, McGill University’s Margaret Somerville notes an avalanche of researched facts show that parenting is not “gender-neutral.” A majority of Canadians agree. Can we encourage this Parliament to support heterosexual marriage?

Noted law professor Maggie Gallagher observed recently “the marriage crisis is intimately involved with…two key ideas: that children need mothers and fathers and that marriage is the main way that we create stable, loving mother-father families for children…

“Both adults and children live longer, have higher rates of physical health and

“In endorsing same-sex marriage… our government no longer believes children need mothers and fathers…

But this new idea of marriage…will certainly have a dramatic effect on the next generation.” lower rates of mental illness, experience poverty, crime, and domestic abuse less often, and have warmer relationships, on average, when mothers and fathers get and stay married…

“In endorsing same-sex marriage…our government no longer believes children need mothers and fathers…But this new idea of marriage…will certainly have a dramatic effect on the next generation’s attitudes toward marriage, childbearing, and the importance of mothers and fathers.

“If two mothers are just the same as

THE MESSENGER September 6, 2006

Dr. Al Hiebert a mother and a father, for example, why can’t a single mother and her mother do just as well as a married mom and dad?”

Our school children are now being taught that preferring mother-fatherchild families are just part of our bigoted past. How are Canadians who still prefer natural mother-father-child families responding to this current trend?

Some are too busy to take notice. Some seem more concerned to “go along to get along,” thinking the vote in fall will likely reject Parliament’s revisiting this question—surely a defeatist attitude.

Can we inform Canadian voters and MPs about the impact of same-sex marriage on present and future generations?

Share with family, church and politicians the June 2006 Witherspoon Institute’s summary of thousands of studies that demonstrate on purely scientific, legal and moral grounds the greater public good that comes from natural husband-wife marriages.

Done by more than 50 distinguished Canadian and US scholars, Marriage and the Public Good: Ten Principles (www. princetonprinciples.org/index.html).

The Ten Principles are: 1. Marriage is a personal union, intended for the whole of life, of husband and wife.

2. Marriage is a profound human good, elevating and perfecting our social and sexual nature.

3. Ordinarily, both men and women who marry are better off as a result.

4. Marriage protects and promotes the well-being of children.

5. Marriage sustains civil society and promotes the common good.

6. Marriage is a wealth-creating institution, increasing human and social capital.

7. When marriage weakens, the equality gap widens, as children suffer from the disadvantages of growing up in homes without committed mothers and fathers.

8. A functioning marriage culture serves to protect political liberty and foster limited government.

9. The laws that govern marriage matter significantly.

10. Civil marriage and religious marriage cannot be rigidly or completely divorced from one another.

Over 100 end-notes indicate the supporting empirical and philosophical research.

Our cultural elites too easily can convince heterosexual marriage supporters that same-sex marriage is a done deal. Can we use the above facts to defeat defeatism on marriage? Should we protect our present and future children from this destructive social ideology?

Al Hiebert, Ph.D., is an EMC minister and a long-time Bible college and seminary professor.

coming events September 23 MCC Fundraising Concert for Generations at Risk featuring Kim Thiessen and Darryl Neustaedter Barg Breslau Mennonite Church Breslau, Ont. 519-648-2501 September 24 MCC Fundraising Concert for Generations at Risk featuring Kim Thiessen and Darryl Neustaedter Barg Faith Mennonite Church Leamington, Ont. 519-326-6391 September 29–30 A Good Life on God’s Good Earth: A Creation Care Conference Speakers: Gordon Zerbe, Peter Harris, Steven Bouma-Prediger, August Konkel Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 877-231-4570 October 4–6 Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Victoria Inn Winnipeg, Man. 204-853-7786 www.wpgpc.org October 5 New Direction Annual Dessert Fundraiser 620-167 Lombard Avenue Winnipeg, Man. 204-452-1826

October 13–15 TRU 2006: Train, Refresh, Unite EMC youth leaders’ retreat Speaker: Marv Penner Wilderness Edge Pinawa, Man. 204-326-6401 or emcger@mts.net

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Overcoming One-S Combining Evangelis

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ou know, I don’t really understand how Christian people who claim to worship the eternal Word become flesh, the perfect combination of Word and Deed, have pulled apart Word and Deed in the 20th century. But we did.

We had some congregations that were only concerned about evangelism and others concerned only about social action.

In 1979 I went to a conference in South Africa and later talked for three hours with a young man. He said he was burning out. I wasn’t surprised: He was a full-time activist against apartheid and a full-time university student. But then he said, “God told me that if I came to this conference I would learn something about his Son.” I had no time to lose. I said, “Look, I believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. I believe he rose on the third day.” He said, “I believe all that.”

But then he blurted out, “I don’t want to be like these white Christians here.

They sing about heaven…and they don’t want to hear about justice until heaven.” He thought that coming to 4

Jesus would weaken his struggle against apartheid. I told him Jesus would strengthen that—He doesn’t want to take it away.

I didn’t want to be pushy (actually, 99.9 percent of the time Mennonites are hesitant), but suggested he might want to pray. He said, “Let’s do that.” He prayed a beautiful prayer.

He confessed his sins and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. I prayed after him to strengthen him. After that I was so excited that for the first 10 minutes all I could do was walk around the room, singing praises to the Lord.

It’s a wonderful moment in my life, but notice what it says about divisions in churches. Those white evangelicals had invited him to accept the Lord, likely ad nauseam, but he couldn’t hear them because they didn’t care about justice.

Just two years later I had the privilege to speak at the thirtieth anniversary of the National Council of Churches in the U.S. There were many seminars on peace and justice, but I looked for seminars on evangelism, church planting and know how many there were? Absolutely zero. Not a single one. Those are two examples of ghastly one-sidedness.

I want that one-sidedness to end. I think it’s unfaithful to Jesus.

I don’t think it works. I believe with all of my heart that genuine biblical faith, the true biblical Christ, is exactly what the world needs. Loving the whole person the way the gospels tell us Jesus did would radically transform our world.

I want to talk about six biblical foundations that will help us put together Word and Deed, put together evangelism and social action. I want to talk about sin, the nature of the person, the gospel, salvation, who Jesus is, and eschatology.

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Sided Christianity: sm and Social Action Dr. Ron J. Sider

Many evangelicals focus on Sin personal sin while mainline churches focus on social sin. Yet Amos 2:6–7 says Israel is judged because they “sell…the needy for a pair of shoes” (a legal technicality) and because “a father and son use the same girl”—in one breath, both economic oppression and sexual misconduct.

Sin is both personal and social. You need both good persons and good structures. You need both evangelism to change the person from the inside out and you need social action in society to make the structures more fair.

There are two common Person misunderstandings. We are not a complex machine whose behaviour can be changed simply by changing the external influence. The opposite misunderstanding is that we are a good soul trapped in an evil body. A lot of Christians talk about saving the soul, as though it alone is important.

But the Bible tells us that the body THE MESSENGER August , 006

is so good God becomes flesh, Jesus rises bodily from death, and he promises to return one day to raise our bodies from death.

That’s how good the body is.

People are a body and soul unity made for community.

They need both external material change and inner spiritual transformation. If you deal with half the problem, you only get half the solution. That’s why ministries that combine evangelism and social ministry have better results.

Some Gospel people say it is just the

Sin is both personal and social.

You need both good persons and good structures. You need both evangelism to change the person from the inside out and you need social action in society to make the structures more fair.

forgiveness of sins, while others say it is the gospel of peace. Neither of these is what Jesus said. The gospel is the good news of the kingdom: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the gospel!” (Mark 1:15). We enter the kingdom by sheer divine grace.

It is both a new vertical relationship and a new horizontal relationship. While the Qumran community excluded the lame and blind from worship services, Jesus especially invited the lame and the blind. Aristotle said women were malformed men.

A Pharisee thanked God he was not a dog or a woman. But who gets the first resurrection appearances? Women. Jesus also

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challenged the laws of divorce, which favoured men. The gospel involves a new community, which challenges the status quo.

According to the Bible, Salvation it’s a lot more than the preparation of our soul for heaven, a one-way ticket to heaven, forgiveness. It also includes redeemed lifestyles now. It includes the new redeemed society of the church. And when Christ returns, it even affects the groaning creation and the perfection of human civilization.

Salvation includes new social relationships among Christians now.

In Jesus’ saying salvation had come

Romans 8 says at Christ’s return creation will be “liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into glorious freedom.” In Revelation 21 and 22 we read of “the healing of the nations.” When Christ returns I expect to go swimming in an unpolluted Red River. to Zacchaeus, there isn’t word about forgiveness of sins (though I’m sure Jesus forgave him). The text talks about how Zacchaeus repented of economic injustice and shared with the poor. Salvation includes the new economic right relationships that happen when people allow faith to transform every part of their lives, including their business practices.

According to Romans 8, when Christ returns even the groaning creation will be restored to wholeness. Biblical Christianity does not want to escape this world. Rather, because we know Christ our Saviour will return to make all things new, we want to transform the world.

Who is Jesus? Just a great prophet? An ethical teacher? From the time of the early Church, Christians have said more. Peter said “there is no

other name” (Acts 4:12). Jesus said, “I am the way…no one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

If he’s just a great prophet, what he said is blasphemy. If he’s only one of many ways to salvation, there’s no need to do evangelism. But if Jesus the Carpenter is also God in the flesh, then he is the only way to the Father. If we believe what the New Testament says about Jesus, then we will want to share this most precious treasure with all who have never heard.

Dwight L. Moody said the world is a sinking Eschatology ocean liner, while a lifeboat is nearby to save people. This isn’t a biblical picture. God is going to restore creation to wholeness.

Romans 8 says at Christ’s return creation will be “liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into glorious freedom.”

In Revelation 21 and 22 we read of “the healing of the nations.”

When Christ returns I expect to go swimming in an unpolluted Red River.

My friends, combining evangelism and social action simply works better. It changes the whole person, not just half. It’s the only way to T be faithful to Jesus. M Ron Sider (Ph.D., Yale) is professor of theology and culture at Palmer Seminary, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Raised in Ontario, Sider is a credentialed minister in both Brethren in Christ and Mennonite churches. He is the president of Evangelicals for Social Action (www.esa-online.org). Sider is married and has grown children. This article is condensed from a convention message (tape and his notes).

Peace Sunday on September 24 Mennonite World Conference invites Anabaptist churches to observe Peace Sunday on September 24, 2006. It’s the Sunday closest to the International Day of Peace called by the U.N. The chosen theme is Follow Me! the invitation of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Worship materials include suggestions for hymns, scripture, prayers, quotations from 16th-century Anabaptist leaders and a sermon outline. The materials are available at www.mwc-cmm.org.

MWC will also continue to observe World Fellowship Sunday in January, an annual celebration within the global Anabaptist family of churches. Worship materials for that day will be sent out to MWC member churches in November.

MWC

THE MESSENGER September 6, 2006

a womanʼs journey of faith Betty Koop

La Crete: Love in Action

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oday I am looking at a graceful little pitcher that I purchased in La Crete, Alta., our home for more than seven years. As my thoughts drift back, our early weeks there come into focus.

Our first shock came just prior to leaving Steinbach.

Glen’s mother suddenly became seriously ill and died soon after.

After the funeral, we set out on our 2,100-kilometer trek. It was a rather quiet drive, as we grieved the loss of a dear woman whose cheerful optimism had been such an inspiration to me personally.

When we turned north at Edmonton, we soon found ourselves on a road outlined by trembling aspen and evergreen trees. Beautiful and restful at the same time, but we had to be careful that we didn’t relax too much— sleep was for later!

Our church family welcomed us warmly: The manse was sparkling clean, furniture was moved in quickly, meals arrived and many hands helped with unpacking.

Our first Sunday service and that evening’s “welcome” wiener roast were wonderful and bewildering at the same time. Have you ever tried to memorize names and faces of over 300 persons in a few hours? Fortunately, our new friends were gracious and forgiving.

Glen enjoyed his new work and was busy immediately.

I, on the other hand, was lonely (in spite of many kind persons who

welcomed me), and seemingly directionless. I’d had a fulltime job before we moved. Somehow doing housework didn’t quite fill the bill.

Glen wrote in his journal, “Betty is very lonely…

Tomorrow will be another day….”

And that day came very soon. Taking advantage of the long twilight up North, we took our tennis racquets and chased some balls on the court. I backed up too fast, fell over backwards and put out my hand to break my fall.

That also broke my wrist, badly—so severely, that it was hard to set. I have a souvenir of it to this day.

Pain became a constant companion. I spent many nights in the recliner, since painkillers gave me horrible nightmares. Simple tasks were almost impossible.

But our church went into action again. Love was at work as they brought meals, cleaned our home, and dropped by to visit. How good it is to feel loved!

Two weeks later we drove out to a campground with our church’s youth group for a retreat. Glen was busy studying for his talks, so I went for a walk around the lake, drinking in the lush greenery and enjoying the loons’ calls. On my way across the playing field, I missed seeing a depression in the grass and fell. No great harm done—the cast on my arm was still intact. But it seemed I had sprained my ankle.

I couldn’t believe it when the doctor said the ankle was Our church went into action. Love was at broken. Another cast! It would work as they brought meals, cleaned our have been funny if it hadn’t been home, and dropped by to visit. How good so painful. But the swelling had to go down before they could it is to feel loved! apply the cast, so I went home to put on ice packs.

The phone wakened us early on the morning that we were to go in for the cast. My sister informed us that my oldest brother had had a massive brain hemorrhage and was not expected to survive—another grief on top of the still-fresh one. With my injuries we couldn’t join the family for the funeral in Manitoba.

Again our caring church family went into action. A good number crowded into our trailer’s living room for a Singen (Singing)—a time of caring after a death. We sang, prayed, shared Scripture and experiences. When I looked up through my tears, I saw that many of them were also sharing our tears, even though they hadn’t known my brother. What love, to weep with those who weep!

Yes, it was a tough beginning. But the love of Christ, as exemplified by our church family, made it a long-to-beT cherished experience. M Betty and Glen Koop

THE MESSENGER September 6, 006

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with our missionaries Philippines

Honest Hands has 10 new students Carl and other leaders have spent much time on the road, visiting 21 campers who attended the May discipleship camps. They selected ten guys based on interest, church involvement, and evidence of new life in Christ after the camps. All of the young men entering the Honest Hands program are former street kids, drug addicts or school drop outs.

Honest Hands has been running now for a month. Time is flying fast these days as we have 10 very active students who are excited to be here. In our previous batches guys would often sleep after lunch, but these guys play basketball and wander around. They are attentive in class, but also restless and fidgety.

Pray that they would be attentive and really listen and take to heart what is being taught—not just to their heads.

The students and staff have been working hard to dig up three very resistant coconut tree stumps. Since it has been raining off and on for weeks,

they are getting really dirty. Carl promised them a trip to McDonalds for ice cream when the stumps are gone so they are really motivated. Pray for the houseparent; he carries a heavy load in keeping these guys happy and working together and tries to keep up with their extra energy.

The case of three young men in conflict with the law is far from over.

Carl has attended four hearings so far, and the biggest obstacle seems to be assembling all the right people. The two complainants want to withdraw their case, but it can’t happen unless the complainants, judge, prosecutor, lawyer, and three accused are all present at the court.

In June the crown attorney or lawyer for the government side was absent without letting anyone know, so all the cases for that day were rescheduled until August. Although the court building is large and modern looking, it does not

have any telephones. There is no way to call for information unless you have a friend inside with a cell phone to text information.

One young man still sits waiting in jail in San Pedro, while another (the guy Carl bailed out) is working on a farm project being set up by another Christian organization about an hour from Honest Hands. It is good to see him active and staying out of trouble. He is attending church regularly so that is good as well.

The next hearing is on August 8. It seems like it will take a miracle for all the various people to arrive on time.

Working with street kids is never dull—especially when we are able to see God at work. He is truly mighty and able to change those whose lives seem so hopeless.

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

with our churches

Herrods honoured, Winnipeg loved Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): Wayne and Essie Herrod were missionaries for more than 25 years in Kenya. When they returned to Canada, they continued to work with AIM as recruiters of individuals who were prepared to spend a short or long term in Africa. In June Braeside honoured the Herrods with an appreciation lunch after the morning service. A surprise guest attending the celebration was the Canadian director of AIM, Dr. John and Jennifer Brown.

Essie Bingham, born and raised in Northern Ireland and newly graduated from nursing school, went to Kenya in 1966 and worked at a local hospital. She was also involved in various women’s ministries. Wayne Herrod grew up in Winnipeg and graduated as a mechanical engineer from the University of Winnipeg.

He used his skills in East Africa to construct wells and buildings. A special joy for him was preaching.

Wayne and Essie were married in Kenya and their two children, Andrew

and Heather, were born there. Andrew and his wife Heidi have two daughters; Heather and her husband Jerrod Dyck have three sons. Both children reside in Winnipeg.

Braeside participated in the Love Winnipeg activities in June. Three opportunities were available to show love to our neighbours. Some participants painted graffiti-covered buildings.

New members at Braeside: Tim Bietz (baptism), Janice Friesen (transfer), Jacob and Rosella Schellenberg (transfer), and (right) Jose Dimas Rico (transfer).

THE MESSENGER September 6, 2006

Other volunteers walked along designated streets near the church, knocked on a total of two hundred doors, and greeted the owners with a cheery “Good Morning,” a brief reference to our church, and a potted plant. There were surprised looks, but most of the people accepted the plants with a smile and a sincere thank you.

On another Saturday about 60 people took advantage of a free car wash and barbecue sponsored by our youth group.

While waiting, “customers” consumed 204 hotdogs.

Interesting traits are displayed when things are offered for free. Some individuals, of course, snap up the deal; others, however, suspect there’s a catch to the point of where they are prepared to force the volunteers to accept money!

A tangible result of the efforts of Love Winnipeg is a few phone calls from within the community to express an appreciation for and an interest in the work of Braeside.

Larry and Becky Goertzen are passionate about their involvement with Crisis Pregnancy Centre. Larry serves on the board, while Becky provides counseling for trainees and does administrative work. An interesting fundraiser uses baby bottles, which participants are challenged to fill with coins, paper money, and cheques.

Proceeds go to young moms to help them buy supplies for their babies.

Al Dueck

Wayne and Essie Herrod were honoured for their service with Africa Inland Mission in Kenya and Canada.

Larry and Becky Goertzen

Change and service at Blumenort Blumenort, Man.: There are going to be a lot of changes around here in the near future. For starters, we are no longer looking for a youth pastoral couple.

Chris and Myra Reimer have decided to let their names stand for that position.

They were elected by an overwhelming majority on May 7. Chris and Myra will be taking over from Terry and Delores Penner on August 1.

“What’s the point of being a missions oriented church if the leadership isn’t going to lead by example?” With these words Pastor Barry Plett announced that he and his wife Norine and their children Sharayah, Jayden and Myka would be taking a teaching assignment at Logos International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for one year.

Barry’s duties will include teaching senior high social studies, junior high science, and physical education. Norine will teach ESL and elementary music.

They are planning on leaving on August 7, 2006, and returning at the end of June 2007. In their absence, Anthony Reimer will be taking the position of interim administrative pastor on the first of August.

THE MESSENGER September 6, 2006

On May 7 we received into membership Doug and Yvonne Hill. Doug is studying at Providence Seminary. Stephanie Barkman transferred her membership from Steinbach EMC. We also received three members through baptism: Ryan

Bergen, Heather Thiessen and Nathan Friesen.

While sharing his testimony in preparation for his membership reception, Doug Hill announced that he (continued next page)

New members (back) Doug Hill, Ryan Bergen, (front) Yvonne Hill, Heather Thiessen, Stephanie Barkman, and Nathan Friesen (with Pastor Barry and Norine Plett).

(continued from page 9)

was planning to go to Ukraine to teach English during the summer. Pam Plett is planning to go for the same reason. They will both be going through Steinbach Bible College. They are leaving on July 5 and returning on July 31.

I am always encouraged to see people giving of their own time to invest in the lives of others. Brad and Rachel Brandt are taking their summer vacation with their family to work in Norway with Youth With a Mission from July 4 to 31.

I hope that you will all have a great summer and that whatever you do, you will be a blessing to someone else.

Martin Penner

IGF adds members

Burns Lake, B.C.: Shawna and Ryan Belcourt (holding their 14month-old twins) are pictured with Pastor Henry Plett of Island Gospel Fellowship during family camp at Ootsa Lake Bible Camp.

Ryan was baptized on June 4, 2006, and Shawna transferred in her membership.

Cole Clifford

Positive developments in community Endeavour, Sask.: Endeavour greets you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We are so excited about what God is doing in our wonderful community.

The last report seemed rather hopeless, but the news in Endeavour is so much better. Four of the five wells are producing good, clear water; the fifth well was not used for a lot of years. The buildings are not condemned and the businesses are changing ownership.

We are sad that the school closed this June, but give God glory for the years we had a good school in the village.

Natural gas exploration is happening all around this area. We have had a few new families move into the village as well as the community.

Each Tuesday morning during the school year the ladies of the churches in the area are invited for a time of prayer for our schools, families, churches and whatever the Holy Spirit leads us to pray about. We have really seen God move in powerful ways.

Rain was heard on the rooftops on Sunday, June 11. Kids were disappointed because the Sunday School picnic was to happen, but a few phone calls were made and the gym in the school was booked.

We enjoyed a fun-filled day, a good service, games and visiting. There was much laughter as jellybeans were tossed back and forth; a few were even caught in people’s mouths.

Our church had three high school graduates this June. Jessica Steppan is planning to go to Nipawin Bible Institute this fall. Lacy Bodnar is moving to Brandon, Man., to go to university, and Jessica Sawatzky has moved home

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to Calgary and will attend university this fall. We will miss you and pray that God will bless and keep you.

We look forward to what God will do at camp and Vacation Bible School this summer. We appreciate your prayers for the church and ask you to continue praying that we will be a light here in Endeavour.

Margaret Steppan Jessica Sawatzky

Lacy Bodnar

Jessica Steppan

Good years with good people Tillsonburg, Ont.: As you may know, Audrey and I are leaving The Church of Living Water at the end of July 2006.

We have served six and a half years as pastoral church planters. It was our assignment to assist four young families, who were from Mount Salem EMC, to start and establish a church in Tillsonburg.

Although the work is not finished, we came to a crossroads this winter. It became clear to us that our children deeply longed for us to move closer. The emotional and financial cost for us and our children has become too great. We also came to believe that God would call someone to come and take our place.

With the grace and ministry of Christ, as a group we have been able to gather a group of about 70 people who are The Church of Living Water. Approximately two-thirds of these people have roots in

the Mount Salem congregation, and the rest have come from many directions.

We have baptized 18 and welcomed 51 into our membership. Regrettably, along the way, some of these members and families have not remained within the congregation.

We have organized the church into four care groups. We have an active youth group and children’s ministry. I prepared (with pre-marriage training) and performed weddings for 12 couples.

We had one funeral of a church member.

The financial giving grew to a total of just over $45,000 in 2005 for the general budget and the building fund.

The church owns a three-acre plot of land in an ideal location. The leadership of the church consists of a Board of Elders as overseers, one deacon couple, a Board of Trustees and treasurer, a

THE MESSENGER September 6, 2006

worship team, and a variety of other committees and workers that serve the church in its programs and ministries.

Four of the men have been involved in the preaching ministry of the church.

Needs that remain are such as these: A new pastor is needed. The church feels vulnerable and unsure about the change.

Pray for the building project. The road to building a church building has been much more difficult than we had anticipated.

Pray also for our charity status. Through an unfortunate mixup last year’s yearend report was lost (though sent to the government), and our charity status was cancelled as of May 2006. We are diligently working to restore this.

Please pray for Audrey and me. We have enjoyed the ministry here and leave with mixed emotions and many friends.

But we are delighted, on the other hand, to be able to move closer to our children and families. We also look forward to our involvement in Taber EMC. Thank you again for your concern and support. May God’s will, the building of His Church, be done.

We thank you for your kind support, prayer and encouragements.

Dave and Audrey Wiebe

High Level enriched by community events High Level, Alta: In Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” It was truly a delight to see the stage filled at the parent and child dedication on May 7. We as a church are responsible to lift up the families in prayer and support. What an awesome privilege and responsibility.

May God bless all the families!

The annual church campout took place on May 26 to 28 at Eagle’s Nest Bible Camp.

The numbers were down somewhat but the fellowship was sweet and it was good to get to know each other a little better.

Sitting around the fire eating sunflower seeds tends to mellow the soul. Food is always good and there was plenty of it too. Hopefully the numbers are up for the next campout.

Our youth’s souls were sparked at the annual YC (Youth Convention) that took place in Edmonton on May 26 to 28. They came back with renewed ambitions and goals as they were challenged by speakers and music at this event to go tell the Good News and the importance of spending time in the Word.

Campers praised and worshipped God.

The congregation was blessed by the reports that several of the youth presented during a church presentation. We thank God for the willingness of the leaders that shepherd the youth at these events and during the regularly scheduled activities throughout the year. May God grant them perseverance, patience and love as they continue to serve Him in this wonderful ministry.

The ministries that were running throughout the winter have wound down now to give families time to rest and spend time together vacationing and to do whatever other activities they have planned. We wish everyone a safe and rejuvenating summer, and look forward to seeing them all again in early September when children will start a new school term.

Margaret Brock

Theological journal still needs submissions!

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 204-277-7443, 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.

THE MESSENGER September 6, 006

While some High Level families gathered at Eagle’s Nest Bible Camp on May 26 to 28, some youth attended a convention in Edmonton.

Parents and children dedicated on May 7: Peter and Shelly Christianson with Jordan and Eva, Lisa Braun with Zachary and Logan, Mike and Shelly Komarnicki with Cole, Jake and Tina Neufeld with Emily, Rob and Leanne Friesen with Andrew, and Dirk and Antje Breugem with Jonathan.

11

FCCF finds excellent location Fish Creek (Calgary, Alta): Ever feel like you are on shifting sand? We at Fish Creek Christian Fellowship are an ever changing, ever moving community.

The last time you heard from us was when we were the featured church plant in The Messenger back in November 2004.

We had just had two families transfer in, George and Elsie Braun and Dean and Kaylene Buhler. Our sanctuary was freshly renovated and we were full swing into a busy year.

Then, in the spring of 2005 we learned of our eviction from the strip mall, as they had sold the bays we were renting.

We had a little time and were blessed to baptize Dean Eggertson and Steve and Christy Hyde. Then we busily packed our belongings and distributed them hither and yon for storage. After much prayer and due diligence by our church chairman Garry Kornelsen, we were able to locate a meeting house in a community centre southeast of the city.

The past year has been quite an adventure in flexibility, long suffering and perseverance. Sometimes we were double booked, sometimes we had to find a new place to worship. We met in homes, barns, and in a historical site without heat or electricity. We felt like pioneers.

By God’s grace our little flock survived the turbulent waters, although we did lose a few attendees that just couldn’t make the commute out in the country.

Our efforts to reach our new country community included mingling at community meetings and events, hosting a VBS along with Child Evangelism Fellowship, and inviting the community to our Christmas Program and Christmas Eve service. One little family joined us as a result of our VBS outreach.

In April 2006 we bade a fond farewell to our pastoral couple Conroy and Sheila Koop. They laboured hard with us for nearly eight years and felt led to begin a career in the construction industry. By God’s grace a wonderful replacement was found before we even began looking. Ray and Joyce Landis stepped in part time, on an interim basis, the week after Con and Sheila finished. Ray had just retired from being denominational pastor for the Northwest Mennonite Conference, but he and Joyce weren’t ready to throw in the towel quite yet. They have been a delightful addition to our group.

We are especially glad to have a pastor in place as change just keeps coming. In

12

June 2006 our little flock again found a new home.

We are back in Calgary, meeting at St. Mary’s University College. This is a wonderful location for present attendees and is close to public transit. It is a terrific facility and should suit our needs for a long time to come.

We are in desperate need of some stability so we can concentrate on growing rather than moving. Please pray for church growth, that the Lord would add new believers to our midst but also mature believers to help with the work.

Kaylene Buhler

Joyce and Ray Landis

Youth active at Roseisle

Talent Night. Those with talents and non-talents were encouraged to sign up.

The response was overwhelming and everyone had a blast.

Our Ladies Fellowship group had elections on February 27. Youth remained busy this year hosting a youth curling bonspiel on March 4. Everyone 13 and up in our church was encouraged to sign up to play. The youth got the joy of skipping the teams while the adults got to sweep.

We even recruited one lucky “soon to be youth” to skip a team himself.

March 10-12 we had our annual Spring Meetings and had the privilege of hearing three speakers from SBC. Terry Hiebert, Kevin Hiebert and Peter Serger came out for the weekend to share with us. There were four messages all together; one included breakfast Saturday morning with youth cooking.

On March 24 the youth hosted a combined youth night at our church. They planned everything: Music, a devotional and games with youth leaders and sponsors.

Several youth groups from the surrounding area came out to enjoy the night and filled up our church.

We had our first ever movie night at our church on March 26.

With our new projector we had our own personal big screen. Families came out to enjoy the movie, popcorn and pop.

In curling almost every rock was in play. They’re just trying to figure out Lyndsey Bourgeois Roseisle, Man.: This year started out fun for our youth as they headed to the Days Inn in Winkler for the annual Christmas Party on January 6 and 7. The fun was mixed with a little sadness as Cam and Pam Dyck were stepping down from the youth leader position which they had filled for a number of years. We rejoiced with them at the safe arrival of a baby boy at the beginning of March.

Kids Club started on January 25 and would continue every Wednesday night until March 1. Parents were invited to attend the finale on March 1 for supper and a short program.

The weekend of January 27 was exciting for our youth. Grades 9 and up youth attended Youth Encounter at Providence College. Grades 7 and 8 youth enjoyed SPLAT on January 28 at SBC. January 31 was church election night.

On February 10 our church held a

where to squeeze in another.

THE MESSENGER September 6, 2006

Youth busy at Tilbury Tilbury, Ont.: Greetings from Tilbury EMC! Our church has been busy this year with youth, baptism and membership reception, and activities put on by the church’s Program Committee.

Youth in Tilbury recently participated in the 30 Hour Famine to raise money for World Vision. The event was coordinated by two youth, Martha and Suzy Heide. It was a success, raising close to $2,000.

Great job, everyone!

During the 30 Hour Famine they participated in activities through which they could relate to the daily lives of people in Third World countries, such as grinding their own flour. They also helped to do some gardening at Hudson Manor, a local retirement home.

The youth got a little rowdy when they decided to see how many people they could fit into Isaac Klassen’s S-10 truck (21 and a half people). Thank you to all the youth that participated.

This spring several new members were added to TEMC during a membership reception held on April 30 and a baptism held on May 7.

Transferring their memberships were John and Maria Neufeld, John and Maggie Klassen, and Bill and Sara Friesen. Received into membership through baptism were Abram Hamm, Jacob Neufeld, Martha Heide, Anna Hamm, Corny Hamm and Annie Wall.

Praise the Lord for new people willing to serve Him in our church.

Our Program Committee has been very busy organizing activities for the church. In February they put together a Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt. They got couples in the church driving all over town hunting for clues. The winning couples were served dinner by losing couples. In March there was skating and hot chocolate.

In May, mothers were treated to a delicious Mexican potluck lunch, and in June fathers were shown appreciation during a potluck lunch. Thank you to the Program Committee for planning all these events.

Tilbury is also working on purchasing a new building. We would appreciate your prayers that God’s will be done in that situation. Please pray for the new members in our church, as well, that they would remain faithful to God. Thank you for all your prayers.

Trudy Hamm

THE MESSENGER September 6, 2006

These people became members through baptism on May 7: Corny Hamm, Annie Wall, Anna Hamm, Martha Heide, Abe Hamm, and Jacob Neufeld.

births EGGERTSON – to Dean and Melissa Eggertson of Calgary, Alta., a son, Aiden Noah, on April 7, 2005.

FEHR – to Crystal Fehr of Calgary, Alta., a son, Denton Tee, on November 16, 2005.

FEHR – to Neil and Michelle Fehr of Calgary, Alta., a daughter, Emily Rose Marie, on March 15, 2006.

WEBER – to Steve and Lori Weber of Arnes, Man., a son, Beau Zachary, on June 22, 2006.

PETERS – to Kevin and Kristi Peters of Roland, Man., a son, Nathan Reilly, on April 26, 2006.

DYCK – to Cam and Pam Dyck of Roseisle, Man., a son, Kaiden Riley, on March 7, 2006.

BURICK-BASS – to Michelle Burick and Wayne Bass, a son, Carter Rylan, on June 27, 2006.

PENNER – to Barry and Kerri Penner of Kleefeld, Man., a son, Zander Kade, on July 2, 2006.

weddings KORNELSEN – REIMER: Derek, son of Garry and Sharon Kornelsen of Calgary, Alta., and Karla, daughter of Wilmer and Pearl Reimer of Calgary, were married on October 1, 2005, with Conroy Koop of Calgary officiating.

JANZEN – DEAN: Marcel, son of Abe and Virginia Janzen of Calgary, Alta., and Sara, daughter of Don and Mary Dean of Iron Bridge, Ont., were married on April 15, 2006, with Conroy Koop of Calgary officiating.

Student enrolment climbing at SBC

Only a few short months ago, we celebrated with a record number of B.A. graduates. This summer, the excitement continues to grow as applications have come in at a rate we haven’t seen in years. Our student numbers have passed the 100 mark, which includes 48 second- and third-year students returning in fall.

We’re pinching ourselves, realizing that God is responding to our prayers with Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:2021: “to Him who is able to do more than all we ask or imagine...to Him be the glory!” What a joy to experience this as we have watched student numbers increase over the summer.

Excitement is building on campus, as we anticipate meeting these students, and walking alongside them as God prepares them to minister in His kingdom! If you are still considering where God may want you next year, consider joining what God is doing at SBC. Contact Cathy at info@sbcollege.ca for information.

Visit our website at www.sbcollege. ca.

SBC

13

Chapter writer receives award

The World Federalist Movement Canada has awarded its World Peace Award to Dr. Ernie Regehr of Project Ploughshares in Waterloo, Ont. Regehr wrote the chapter on The Arms Race and the Search for Security in Follow Me, Dr. Ernie Regehr the EMC study guide on biblical social justice.

Since 1972, WFMC’s annual award has included such people as Lester Pearson, Stephen Lewis, Louise Arbour, Lloyd Axworthy and Roméo Dallaire.

Regehr is the cofounder of Project Ploughshares, the influential global peace advocacy agency. “For decades, Ernie has been a significant figure in almost every disarmament and peace-building campaign in Canada,” says Robin Collins, Chair of WFMC’s Executive Council. “He has been a consistent advocate for raising the quality of thoughtful reflection and peace advocacy in Canada and abroad and an invaluable colleague and mentor to his fellow activists.”

WFMC/EMC

Elmer Cornelius Siemens 1932–2006

Elmer Cornelius Siemens was born on April 7, 1932, on a farm near Meade, Kansas. He was the second child of Cornelius and Margaret Siemens.

Dad was predeceased by his parents; two half brothers, Corny and John, and one half sister, Mary; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law and a sister in infancy.

He is survived by his half brother Jake.

He is also survived by two siblings, a brother Henry (Joan) and a sister Anna (Harold Fast).

Dad married Betty Kornelsen on May 1, 1954. They made their home near Rosenort, Man., for the early years of their

14

Cindy Klassen learns about HIV/AIDS Cindy Klassen, the top athlete at the 2006 Turin Olympics, meets Lami Ibrahim, a woman from Jos, Nigeria, living with HIV. Ibrahim’s husband died of AIDS. Two of Lami Ibrahim’s four sons receive assistance from MCC’s Global Family program through local partner Almanah Rescue Mission. She has also taken in one other orphan child.

MCC Canada had invited Klassen to learn more about HIV/AIDS and MCC’s Generations at Risk projects.

“I didn’t know what to expect from the trip but so many times I felt so much hope,” said Klassen. “I hope I can help raise awareness that the battle against HIV/AIDS is not a lost cause.

Positive things are happening. It is very encouraging.”

A video of Klassen’s visit to Nigeria and Ethiopia will be available for distribution through MCC this fall. Short video clips of her visit are already posted on MCC’s aidscarenow.org website.

For information about MCC’s HIV/AIDS Generations at Risk campaign please visit mcc.org.

MCC marriage, with a short time in Colorado where Dad completed alternate service working in a mental hospital. In 1959 Mom and Dad moved to Kola where Dad was employed for many years as a carpenter and later as a lumber salesman.

Dad’s love for his family was very evident by his hard work and selfsacrifice in providing for them. He was very concerned for the spiritual wellbeing of his children and grandchildren, often praying for them and encouraging them in their faith both verbally and by his own example of steadfast faith.

Dad was always involved in the local church, serving many years as a deacon and always showing great interest in missions.

In 1990, Dad began to show signs of deteriorating health. After extensive tests over the next few years Dad was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare brain stem disease. That began a long journey of mental and physical deterioration.

On November 1, 1999, he was moved to Menno Home in Grunthal. While there, Dad was often a blessing to the staff by his gentle nature, thankful spirit, and his sincere prayers for everyone. He sometimes prayed that he would not be too much of a burden to those who cared for him.

Lami Ibrahim and Cindy Klassen meet.

(Photo by Sarah Adams)

Stony Brook Fellowship

10 Anniversary Service th

Sunday, October 15, 2006 10:30 a.m.

Everyone welcome Fellowship lunch to follow Steinbach Bible College chapel Steinbach, Manitoba

Dad resided at the Menno Home for almost seven years. During that time he received excellent care from the staff, for which we are so thankful. On Friday, July 14, 2006, Dad died peacefully with his wife and several of his children surrounding him at his bedside.

He leaves to mourn his passing and carry on his legacy of faith: His loving wife Betty; Karen and Norman Koop: Crystal (Karol Neumann), Roxanne, Allister (fiancee Danielle) and Kurtis; Eugene and Shawna: Jordan and Ethan; Rocky and Emily: Jason (Kimberly), Jeremy and Riley; Dave and Sharon: Jocelyn, Christopher, Jonathan and Rebecca; Connie and Tom Peachey: Joshua, Corissa (Riley Mayer) and Bethany; Keith and Geneva: Shelby, Lacey and Cassidy.

Dad will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but we know that he has gone on to his heavenly home where we will join him again someday, never to be separated again.

We, Dad’s family, want to express our heart felt gratitude for all the support we received during our time of loss. All the prayers and words of sympathy and the generous gifts of meals, lodging, flowers and cards were greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

His Family

THE MESSENGER September 6, 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.

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).

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.

MDS INVITES weekly volunteers to register at its projects for Oct. 22 to Dec. 16. Please call the project directly. Numbers can be found at www. mds.mennonite.net or by calling 1-800-241-8111.

Work will continue in the Gulf Coast at least four locations during fall in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Skilled crews are welcome.

Volunteers able to give a month or longer should call 1-866-261-1274 and ask for Evelyn Peters-Rojas to find out what openings are available and for an application form (also available on the website). Construction foreman and head cooks are often openings that are hard to fill certain months of the year. If you have these skills and some time to give, give MDS a call.

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.

THE MESSENGER September 6, 006

A strong sense of God’s call and a love for people are required. Direct inquiries to David Pashe, 204730-0409, e-mail: pashed@westman.wave.ca; or to Len Barkman, 204-326-6401, e-mail: emclen@mts. net.

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.

MASERU UNITED Church, situated in central Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, southern Africa, seeks a senior pastor.

MUC interconnects cultures, nationalities, and religious identities in Christ. Currently 27 different nationalities are represented. Many members are here for the short-term, about two years. This Protestant church reflects its members’ varied traditions in worship and educational programs. The pastor needs to feel comfortable with his tradition and varying traditions. The pastor is to be committed, flexible, cross-cultural, able to network, open, and Christ-centred. MUC is committed to outreach.

A candidate should be ordained, a theology graduate, have at least two years senior experience, and be fluent in English.

We strongly prefer a long-term pastor, with a minimum of two years. Resumes need to arrive

by October 31, 2006: Chairman, Pastoral Search Committee, Box 365, Maseru 100, Lesotho; email: bwestom@maf.org.

NEED A retired farmer to live in Ukraine and act as a representative of an established mission farming project. Farming project supplies operating capital to seminaries for meeting the Great Commission in former Soviet Countries.

Period of service is negotiable. Project will provide housing and airfares for husband and wife team. Tenure to begin at candidate’s prerogative. References supplied upon request.

Contact Lee Grismore, director, Paraclete Company, LLC. E-mail flragrismore@thewavz. com; phone at 419-634-2282.

MANITOBA HOUSE, an outreach to children aged five to 12 in Winnipeg’s North End, is seeking a children’s director. This position may be fi lled by a full-time person, or by several part-timers, all led by a volunteer.

Since 1999, children have been coming to the House, where they form positive relationships with adults and learn about Jesus. The goals of Manitoba House are to create a physically, emotionally safe and welcoming place for children, to respectfully nurture each child as an individual and as a valued member of a community and to share the healing message of Jesus Christ through words and actions.

Manitoba House is an inter-denominational Christian registered charity supported by a variety of churches, corporations and individuals.

More volunteers will also be needed for September. Volunteers assist through fun

activities, singing, teaching life skills, helping with academic needs, and sharing the love of Jesus.

For further information contact Steve Brown: phone 204-222-0797 or 204-981-7694; e-mail manitobahouse@shaw.ca; website http://members. shaw.ca/manitobahouse.

THE EMC Board of Church Ministries seeks two national board members (to be appointed

by General Board), two education committee members (appointed by BCM) and two archives committee members (appointed by BCM).

BCM has national responsibilities in the areas of Christian education, youth, publication, archives, The Messenger and music/worship. The frequency of meetings depends upon the committee. For information, contact executive secretary Terry Smith at 204-326-6401 or emcterry@mts.net; or conference youth minister Gerald Reimer at same phone number or emcger@mts.net.

MCC ALBERTA is looking for a full-time thrift shop manager for the Calgary northeast store, located at 2946-32 Street NE, Calgary, starting immediately. If you have retail experience and management skills, and a commitment to the thrift store philosophy and working with volunteers, call Heather Klassen at 403-275-6935 or Sheila Froese at 403-932-4093.



youth leaders with practical skills, tips and ideas for leading youth



and inspire youth leaders in their walk with Jesus and for service



as a Conference and as individual church leadership teams

October 13–15, 2006 Wilderness Edge, Pinawa, Man.

Speaker: Marv Penner, Professor at Briercrest 15

Belated Grace

M

ost people know the hymn Amazing Grace.

Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!

Likely the best-known hymn in the English language, it was written in 1772 by John Newton, captain of a slave ship.

Legend has it that he wrote the hymn after his conversion to Christianity to atone for his complicity in the evil trade. One version has him so gripped by conviction in mid-voyage that he turned his ship around and headed back to Africa to set his cargo free.

“If only this were so,” writes Adam Hochschild

“It will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders.” in his book Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire’s Slaves (2005).

His study of Newton’s journals shows a long delay between conversion and disengagement from the slave trade. Even after retiring Newton kept money invested in other slave ships for many years.

Hochschild doesn’t dispute Newton’s faith, but says he expressed it almost exclusively in personal terms. Newton was vexed by profane language aboard ship, but untroubled by slavery.

Newton was not alone, as many Christians found slavery morally invisible. In America, famed preacher George Whitefield, the Billy Graham of his day, reportedly saw no inconsistency in owning more than 50 slaves himself.

“During the time I was engaged in the slavetrade,” Newton wrote, “I never had the least scruple as to its lawfulness. I was upon the whole satisfied with it....”

According to Hochschild, “For more than thirty years after he left the slave trade, during which time he preached thousands of sermons, published half a dozen books, and wrote Amazing Grace and 279 other hymns, John Newton said not a word in public against slavery.... Not until years later, when forces burst into life around him that made it impossible

PAGE 16

Wally Kroeker for him to remain silent, would he finally speak about it.”

Those forces had to do with the burgeoning abolitionist movement in England. Christians like William Wilberforce, Granville Sharp and Thomas Clarkson were horrified by the slave trade, which propped up some of Britain’s most lucrative industries. Among the tactics employed was a sugar boycott that was joined by more than 300,000 Britons. Many merchants ceased stocking the product that had become a staple of afternoon tea, dainties and marmalade.

John Newton’s abolitionist conscience was also finally awakened. Many years after writing Amazing Grace he published a pamphlet in which he made a confession that he ruefully admitted “comes too late.” He wrote, “It will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders.”

You don’t have to look far for modern parallels of moral blindspots. Leading offenders in corporate scandals are professing Christians with exemplary lives outside the boardroom.

And who of us can’t remember missing the forest for the twig on the ground? Jesus warned against being so preoccupied with the speck in the eye that the log was missed.

One wonders how many huge evils are flourishing under our very noses, and in how many of them we are personally complicit.

John Newton, with his long-slumbering social conscience, is like many of us. Upon whom of us did conversion confer instant sainthood? More likely, our own spiritual voyages have included time spent adrift, aground and awash (or, as in Newton’s case, a long season in drydock).

There’s no need to stop singing Newton’s famous hymn. But once in a while, to remind ourselves of the perversity of selective vision, we may want to change the T words to Belated Grace. M Wally Kroeker, B.A., M.A. (MBBS), is editor of The Marketplace, the publication of Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). This article appeared there previously. He graciously provided us with a shortened version.

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