The Messenger Vol. 45 No. 10 May 23, 2007

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 45 NUMBER 10 MAY 23, 2007

Healed though the illness remains

The

Messenger

The real news

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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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.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. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

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

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN #0701-3299 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. 12 – June 20 (copy due June 8)

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editorials he sports news is sprinkled with professional athletes signing multi-year deals totaling over $100 million. Never before have so many been willing to pay so much for ultimately so little.

Does tossing a ball through a hoop or pitching a strike benefit society as much as operating on a damaged brain, helping a frail senior, or counseling a depressed individual?

Society overvalues the achievements of sports figures. Athletes are called stars, legends, idols. Their championships are described with superlatives: World Series, Super Bowl. People who appreciate their skills are called fans (short for fanatics).

Sadly, the sports culture (including sports media) often feeds these distorted values.

Christians need to beware of rating what we do by how society values efforts. What about the school janitor, airplane mechanic, Bible translator, housewife, assembly-line worker, farmer, and others who live out their faith in practical ways? What about the behind-the-scenes stories that are never told?

With Jesus as the ultimate game analyst, what perspective will he have on what we do? Perhaps in the ultimate scheme of things those $100 million signings aren’t such good deals or the real news.

Maybe, in some cases, reporters need to crowd less around athletes and more around people who, by their actions, bring T a little more of heaven down to earth. M Terry M. Smith

What churches will we become?

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re you an educator?

Care about youth?

Interested in publishing?

Consider EMC history important?

Appreciate The Messenger?

Care about Christian education?

The Board of Church Ministries needs more members elected by conference council. It also needs more members on its committees (Evangelical Anabaptist, education, archives, national youth committee, worship), which it appoints.

BCM is to have seven elected members.

As of this writing, in July 2007 it will have two continuing members and one member up for re-election. If the person is re-elected BCM remains four members short.

The BCM has three staff people: Gerald Reimer, Becky Buhler, and me. Its mandate is to: Help congregations in Christian education, family life teaching, music, and youth work Minister to post-high school students Produce Conference publications and periodicals Promote the writing and publication of Christian literature Administer the Conference archives Teachers outnumber ministers in our conference. People work in publishing or are

interested in writing. Many members care about youth or Christian education. Youth have much to contribute. Are you from a region far away from the national office? We welcome your involvement.

The board meets about every two months for an evening. Committees meet as needed.

Board members are to be involved on a committee. (If you’re interested in being part of a committee, but not on the board, let us know.)

BCM is to have seven elected members. As of this writing it will have two continuing members and one member up for re-election. If the person is re-elected BCM remains four members short.

Why does BCM struggle to get members?

Maybe we take for granted what our congregations become.

What sort of teaching, education, music, sense of history, and youth ministry will benefit our churches? The BCM thinks churches can be helped, and help, in these areas.

T What do you think? M Terry M. Smith

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

MissionX at Oxford House We worked hard to prepare for and then experienced MissionX North; now the memories we made and the lessons learned linger in our hearts.

I was on a team with three fellow female students who went to Oxford House—a community where an SBC first year student lives.

Tim and Sue Hoffman, our hosts, regularly spend time with her family and, in turn, we too spent a lot of

Two lasting impressions of my MissionX experience include the power of prayer and the need to show unconditional love. time with them throughout the week. An astounding feeling for me was the care, love, and acceptance we received from one particular local family, as well as the rest of the community. I was tickled when local children would call the house on a daily basis to see if they could come over and play. The generosity of the Hoffmans to open up their home for these children was encouraging.

Although a lot of time was focused on children’s ministry out of the Hoffman’s home, we were also able to present a program on the local radio station, lead Sue’s Sunday School class, and share during the Sunday evening service as well as at the elementary school and high school.

Two lasting impressions of my MissionX experience include the power of prayer and the need to show unconditional love. We saw many answers to prayer, especially God opening the doors for us to share our testimonies at the high school. I also realized the need for us to love people unconditionally; they are absolutely incredible. We all need to open ourselves to build relationships with them and learn who they really are—a people specially created by God and longing for the opportunity to be involved in the building of His kingdom.

Debbie Thiessen Debbie Thiessen (Rosenort) has completed two years at Steinbach Bible College.

MissionX is a program of service exposure: In Winnipeg’s inner city, Manitoba’s north, and internationally. MissionX North was held February 14–21, 2007. This article is reprinted from SBC In Touch (Winter 2007).

coming events June 7 10th annual MEDA golf tournament St. Boniface Golf Course Start time: Noon June 10 Eden Foundation Big Brothers, Big Sisters 15th Annual Golf Tournament Winkler Golf Course Winkler, Man. 866-895-2919 www.edenhealth.mb.ca June 14 13th Annual EMC Golf Classic Fly-In Golf Course Steinbach, Man. 204-255-8062 or 204-371-5209 June 14–16 Write! Canada Christian Writer’s Conference Speaker: Rudy Wiebe Guelph, Ont. 905-294-6482 www.thewordguild.com June 28 Eden Foundation IronMan Golf Marathon Winkler Golf Course 866-895-2919 www.edenhealth.mb.ca Summer 2007 Athletes in Action baseball camps July 3–6 Winnipeg, Man. July 30–August 3 Landmark, Man. August 7–10 LaSalle, Man. 204-346-1345 or aemart@mts.net September 12–14 17th annual Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Victoria Inn Winnipeg, Man. 204-832-4627 www.wpgpc.org October 19 Going Barefoot: Entering a Brave New World of Communication Conference for communicators $80, students $40 Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 November 1–4 MEDA: Trust in a World of Change Business as a Calling 2007 Hilton Toronto, Ont. 800-665-7026 www.meda.org

Correction

Debbie Thiessen with preschool girls at Oxford House.

Tribute to Aganetha Barkman Reimer (May 2, 2007): In June 1875 Rev. Barkman drowned while crossing the Red River in a boat. My error.

– Editor

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

Healed James 5:14–16

though the illness remains Rev. Darren Plett

(James 5:14–16)

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f my faith depended on answered prayer, I’d be in big trouble.” Is it fair to assume that all Christians have sometimes felt this way?

Perhaps we would feel more comfortable changing that statement to say, “If my faith depended on physical evidence of answered prayer, I’d be in big trouble.”

Despite our grandest intentions to maintain that “we have faith,” complete honesty forces most of us to concede that there are many times in our lives when there is no physical evidence of our prayers being answered.

This is particularly true in the area of sickness and healing. From my pastoral experience, I would say all Christians have prayed to ask for healing, either personally or for someone else. And just as many have experienced times when there was “no physical evidence of answered prayer.”

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This observation catapulted me into a deeper probing of James 5:14–16. These verses have convinced many that physical healing is only a right prayer away: Use the right words, have the right kind of faith, and you will see dramatic physical evidence of answered prayer. But are these verses really the healing formula they are often made to be?

James writes in verse 15: “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” The Greek word translated “make well” means to restore. It is translated in several different ways in the New Testament. Out of about 100 times, about 90 times it is translated save, another 10 times make whole, and about three times heal.

Release beyond physical evidence Clearly the concept behind this Greek word is much bigger than a simple physical healing. The same word is used in “you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) and “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness, by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

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Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

make well”: to restore

It is translated in several different ways in the New Testament. Out of about 100 times, about 90 times it is translated save, another 10 times make whole, and about three times heal.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

then I am strong.”

This word seems to convey Something obviously a much bigger concept, that of If our faith is dependent on happened during Paul’s time “making whole.” The last part of prayer. Some kind of healing of verses 15 and 16 help us physical evidence of answered happened. Isn’t it clear that understand this concept: “The somehow Paul was made Lord will raise him up. If he prayer, then we are in big trouble. whole? He was saved. He gained has sinned, he will be forgiven. unexplainable supernatural Therefore confess your sins strength, and he went on to be However, submissive, broken to each other and pray for the greatest missionary that each other so that you may ever lived. Can we say that he be healed.” The Greek word prayer will bring supernatural was supernaturally released from translated “forgive” means to the bondage and control of this release from a debt. release from the bondage and evil?

The original word translated This thorn was supposed to healed in the middle of verse control of evil. impair him. It was supposed to 16 is, in other instances, used make him weak. It was supposed to convey the sudden release to shut him down as an effective messenger of the from supernatural evil powers. Now if we put that life-giving message of Jesus. It was supposed to put a all together would it be fair to say that the healing spiritual stranglehold on his life. What happened? He James is convinced will happen as a result of was healed of all that! Oh, he still had the thorn, but “prayer offered in faith” is the supernatural release it was spiritually ineffective because he was healed; from the bondage and control of sin or evil? he was released from the spiritual stranglehold that his evil thorn was going to have on him.

Paul’s thorn In fact, he says “because of this physical Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7–8 offers us a good impairment—because there is no physical evidence illustration of this idea. Here Paul keeps on praying of answered prayer—God’s power is much more again and again, asking God for the removal of “a evident in my life and ministry.” messenger of Satan.” Very clearly this is something evil that God would want to take out of his life.

Jesus in the Garden Apparently not! There is no physical evidence of For a second example, let’s look at the story of answered prayer. So was Paul healed? Was Paul’s Jesus when he was in the garden just before he was prayer answered? about to die that brutal death on the cross. As they I believe verses 9 and 10 answer that question: are walking to the garden Jesus says, “My soul is “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’

(Mark 14:34). And Jesus goes and prays three times, Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about pleading and begging God to take away this horrible my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest suffering. on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight It says he was in anguish; so much so that “his in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in sweat was like drops of blood” (Luke 22:44). Then, persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

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after working this through; pleading, praying, submitting—and then pleading, praying, and submitting some more—finally he says, “Enough! The hour has come. Rise! Let us go!”(Mark 14:41–42).

I get the picture of a man wrestling, writhing, pleading, but slowly in anguish submitting.

And as complete submission begins to become reality, an unbelievable strength—unfathomable strength, courage, and peace—a supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit floods the scene. And the devil was defeated! This was supernatural release from the bondage and control of evil!

Was there physical evidence that Jesus’ prayer in the garden was answered? Not for a minute.

But broken, submissive prayer had released him from the stranglehold of evil, which intended to shut him down and make him ineffective.

Was there physical evidence that his prayer was answered? Not for a minute. In fact, quite the opposite: He was arrested, beaten, spit on, and finally hung on a cross to die. Visibly, he was a complete loser!

But broken, submissive prayer had released him from the stranglehold of evil, which intended to shut him down and make him ineffective in the ministry he was called to. Jesus walked into that

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garden a broken man, in anguish and turmoil. After his prayer time he walked out of that garden with a quiet, peaceful confidence. He, too, had been healed.

If our faith is dependent on physical evidence of answered prayer, then we are in big trouble.

However, submissive, broken prayer will bring supernatural release from the bondage and control of evil. The grip of Satan will be broken. The ability of evil to use the circumstance we are praying about to control us and shut us down and make us ineffective will be broken.

And although this “thing” may continue to have some physical hold on us—because we still live here on this earth—the spiritual hold is broken. We are supernaturally released from the spiritual hold that this T evil thing can have on us. M Darren Plett is senior pastor of Pleasant Valley EMC, near Rosenort, Man. THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

1 John 4:7–21

A breadth of images explain the

Cross

Dr. J. Nelson Kraybill

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f God “sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10), do we take that as evidence of infinite love or as a sign of divine child abuse?

Some theologians have raised concern in recent years that “substitutionary atonement” interpretations of Jesus’ death are unhelpful—especially if we view Jesus’ sacrifice as an example to follow.

Love or abuse?

But 1 John 4:7-21 also declares, “Beloved, since God loves us so much, we also ought to love one another” (see 4:11). How should we read this call to sacrifice in our society, which systematically disempowers AfricanAmericans, women, and others? Will holding the innocent suffering of Jesus up as an example provide theological rationale for church and society to continue to oppress?

Why the Trinity matters Did Jesus die to appease an angry God? Gerard Hughs, in God of Surprises, tells the parable of innocent children visiting a brooding “Uncle George.” The relative takes them to the basement of his house and shows a blazing furnace into which are hurled youngsters who disobey or fail to visit him regularly.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

As the terrified children go home, “tightly clutching Dad with one hand and Mum with another, Mum leans over us and says, ‘And now don’t you love Uncle George with all your heart and soul, mind and strength?’ And we, loathing the monster, say, ‘Yes, I do,’ because to say anything else would be to join the queue at the furnace.”

Such critiques of traditional Christian theology show how important it is that we get the right balance in our understanding of God. I am not ready to abandon substitutionary understandings of Jesus’ death, and I believe God will judge. These are biblical teachings. But there is a paradox—and marvelous good news—in a God who judges, yet loves through sacrificial suffering.

Religion without sacrifice was almost inconceivable in the ancient world. But the Christian view of God as three-in-one revolutionized the universal ancient concept of sacrifice as appeasement. Our text features Father, Son, and Spirit—a signal that Trinitarian theology might help us to right understanding about God. Had Jesus been only mortal, it would be hard to avoid the conclusion that an all-powerful deity abused an innocent creature by sending him to the cross. But if Jesus was God with us, then we have—in Jürgen Moltmann’s phrase—a “crucified God.” 7

Christian theology appropriately includes substitutionary language to interpret Jesus’ death.

But liberation, emancipation, and defeat-of-the-powers also figure large throughout the New Testament. Perhaps white middle-class males like myself should learn sacrifice theology and give up or share power as we follow Jesus.

A loving and all-powerful God chose, through Christ, to participate in the suffering that our sin generated.

God is love, and there “is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:16-18). The Father is neither vengeful nor abusive, but awesomely ready to enter into and transform the brokenness of our world.

A breadth of images Christian theology appropriately includes substitutionary language to interpret Jesus’ death. But liberation, emancipation, and defeat-of-the-powers also figure large throughout the New Testament. Perhaps white middle-class males like myself should learn sacrifice theology and give up or share power as we follow Jesus.

Perhaps women and marginalized minority groups— already pushed into second-class roles in much of society—appropriately celebrate how the cross and resurrection liberate, empower, and confront.

Although Jesus washed feet like a slave, he did so “knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going

to God” (John 13:3). Jesus was so empowered that he could choose to lay down his life.

You and I are not divine, but we too must experience divine empowerment before we have anything to lay down. When we are forgiven and restored to the image of God through the power of the Spirit, then God gives grace for us to lay down our lives. Then we can help empower others around us whom church or society make powerless.

Who is pushed to the margins in your church or your community, and how does God use you to bring them T good news? M J. Nelson Kraybill, Ph.D., is president of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. This article was published in Mennonite Weekly Review (March 5, 2007) and is used with permission.

with our churches

2007 Mexico Missions Trip

Portage la Prairie, Man.: This year a group of eight people from Portage Evangelical Church had the privilege of traveling down to Mexico for two weeks (March 22 to April 8).

Meet the group: Pastor Les Kroeker (leader and trip coordinator), Scott Kroeker, Larry Giesbrecht, Tyler Thordarson, Andrew Chiponski, Brent and Delina Nikkel, and Melissa Moman.

The first week we mainly concentrated on doing a missions

building project. We spent four days building a house for a single mother and her children. This house wasn’t anything fancy; it was just a simple starter house that would have the potential for further development.

We did not spend all of our time building though; we also spent a great deal of our time with the people of Mexico (mainly the kids) and getting to know the culture a little bit.

The group on a mountain overlooking Juarez.

Melissa Moman with kids at the park.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

Our first week was not spent solely on building a house for this family, but also on building ourselves up spiritually, and growing closer to God. This week was my favourite mainly because I enjoy serving God by physically serving others. I like being able to see the fruits of my labour and really be able to feel that I have done something that will bring honour and glory to God.

This trip has been especially meaningful to me because of how the Mexican people are so grateful for what they have—even though, the way we would see it, they have next to nothing.

The weekend in between the two weeks we took a break in El Paso, Texas.

By this time a lot of us were missing home. We did still travel down farther into Mexico, though. We had some trouble at the border so we were delayed there for about two and a half hours.

Once we finally got into Mexico we all had a pretty good time. Our time down in Mexico this week was more for touring and getting to know the Mexican culture a little bit more. We spent some time with the Mennonite colonies down there and with another missionary lady as well. We

We spent an evening at the park having a barbecue with some of the kids down there. This night was probably my favourite out of the whole trip. I really enjoyed the times that were spent with the kids because they made it so easy to have a good time. It didn’t matter what you were doing with them they were always so happy that you were willing to spend that time with them.

also spent some time at a Mexican camp and we took a hike down a waterfall.

This trip has been especially meaningful to me because of how the Mexican people are so grateful for what they have—even though, the way we would see it, they have next to nothing. I have definitely learned to be more appreciative of what the Lord has blessed me with.

Melissa Moman Reporter: Catherine Epp

The group in front of the house it built.

Scripture read in 12 ways Steinbach EMC: The morning church service at Steinbach EMC on April 29 included an exercise where John 14:6 was read in 12 languages or dialects by different people. Some of the readers were missionaries or had been missionaries in the past. Not all readers were from our church. All nations proclaim was the title for the reading.

Dave K. Schellenberg

The readers and languages/dialects were: Gil Drolet (French), Martha Kroeker (Spanish), David Watt (Irish English), Erma Kroeker (Canadian English), Carol Kroeker (Pidgin English), Helena Dyck (Low German), Manuella Wrede (High German), Suman Sharma (Hindi), Gary Dyck (Russian), Andrea Dyck (Uzbek), Helen Tian (Mandarin), and Sarah Loeppky (Guaranì).

Tian and Loeppky are not pictured.

births KLASSEN – to Derek and Marilyn Klassen of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Tessa Joy, on April 13, 2007.

Convention registration deadline is June 1, 2007. Register at www.emconf.ca.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

KROEKER – to Matthew and Colleen Kroeker of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Olivia Maureen, on April 24, 2007.

weddings GUDERIAN – MARTENS: Robert, son of Eleanor Guderian and William and Carla Guderian, and Rebecca, daughter of Gary and Pat Martens, were married on April 29, 2007, at Kleefeld EM Church with Mark von Kampen officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg, Man.

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A new eagle at Pansy Chapel Pansy, Man.: Wow, what a blessing a simple facelift can make! For several weeks around the end of winter our church was in work mode, full force.

And many hands lighten the load. Pretty much everything on main floor was either made new or revitalized: All the way from flooring to painting and light fixtures, upholstery, window dressings, dividers, a library upgrade, office refurnishing and a brand new bathroom.

things happened. For one we gathered at the Pansy Hall for services, where we also had community style potlucks, in the spirit of celebration. Secondly, we had a surprise pastor appreciation service, thanking all the pastors for their hard work and faithfulness. Flowers and gifts were given.

And last but not least, Pastor Dennis Friesen’s sabbatical was announced.

He and Agatha are now taking a well-

What a blessing a simple facelift can make! For several weeks around the end of winter our church was in work mode, full force. Many hands lightened the load.

This completes the project begun last year in the basement, where we still, every time we gather there, thank God easily for the nice new look. But when we exit the sanctuary we are pretty much compelled to gaze upward. Hanging there is a large, gorgeous handmade eagle (intarsia) with the inscription underneath: On the wings of an eagle we will rise.

During this same time other special

deserved break from ministry and hope to spend more time with family and such.

All of us wish them well.

Easter is always such a precious time.

Between Good Friday morning with its annual family-friendly communion service, and the lovely all-age-groups mini-concert happening on Sunday morning, it was indeed a blessed time.

God is so good.

Betty Barkman

204-255-8062 or 204-371-5209 for information

Momentous declaration of faith made at Steinbach EMC Steinbach, Man.: April 22 marked a momentous day at Steinbach EMC, as Shannon Sawatzky and Jasmine Epp made a public declaration of faith through baptism. This was led by Pastor Garry Koop.

In front of a full sanctuary, in the form of a testimony, both Jasmine and Shannon verbalized how God had made a difference in their lives and expressed their desire to continue following Him. Mrs. Sawatzky sang a beautiful song appropriately entitled Healing Waters, which brought tears to many eyes.

Shannon and Jasmine were asked to publicly declare their commitment to Christ, which they did with passion.

Pastor Koop, with help from youth pastor Chris Derksen and Henry Klassen, then baptized Shannon and Jasmine by water.

The congregation cheered and enthusiastically affirmed Shannon and Jasmine’s Christian commitment, and wholeheartedly welcomed them into the congregation.

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The morning was made even more special by the transfer of membership

by Percy and Liz Loewen.

Chrystie Boggs

Baptism of Jasmine Epp, with Pastor Chris Derksen and Pastor Garry Koop officiating.

Shannon Sawatzky is baptized.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

SBC grads reminded ‘these are not your best days’ The hum of chatter, laughter, rustling bulletins, and background music added to the excitement that was in the air.

Grad 2007 was finally here. The sound of majestic organ music filled the sanctuary as the 24 graduates of the Class of ’07 made their way down the centre aisle at 3 p.m. on April 22 at Steinbach Mennonite Church.

A nervous Vince Kehler offered the valedictory. He made a comparison between sitting and waiting for his turn to speak with the admissions counselor when he first came to SBC, and the nervousness he experienced now, wondering what lies ahead.

Kehler highlighted events from his SBC experience: How MissionX had opened his eyes to the needs all around him, and recognition that the body of Christ is a good place to be. Grads have been given biblical foundations and applications for a lifetime of ministry. He cited long-time staff members Harvey Plett and Arden Thiessen as having modeled a lifetime of doing God’s work and being dedicated to a life of ministry.

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you (Isaiah 41:13).

Peter Klassen responded with the under-graduate address. He read Matthew 11:28-30 from The Message. Students experienced many changes this past year; moving from the module schedule

Speaker Larry Gregan

Luann Hiebert, director of music, led the congregational singing during the afternoon. The College Chorale presented four selections, and did an outstanding job under her direction.

Valedictorian Vince Kehler

Undergraduate response came from Peter Klassen

Mark McBride receives his degree from Don Thiessen.

to the semester schedule. The third year students approached this change and other challenges with humbleness and grace. Klassen thanked the graduates for allowing the undergraduates to be part of their experience. “You have modeled what it means to be humble, community, inclusive and all of this, with grace.”

Larry Gregan, Pastor of New Life Ministries in Winnipeg, Man., used May you live in interesting times as an

SBC graduates of 2007 (left to right beginning at row one): JoLynne Enns, Annabelle Friesen, Tiffany Barkman, Kimberly Plett, Darlene Friesen, Charlene Fast, Carlanna Plett, Melanie Plett, Kerri Hiebert, Tenneille Steeves. Row two: Mark McBride, Nathan Freidt, Stephen Bilski, Jared Nickel, Jake Harms, Ray Hildebrand, Tim Goertzen, Gary Klassen. Row three: Dave Fehr, Vince Kehler, Alexander Perez, Donovan Dueck, Walter Thiessen, Brian Davis.

(SBC)

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

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encouragement to the grads. During their schooling at SBC, students have realized the importance to engage life and faith, and been given the tools to read the context in which people live.

Gregan reminded the grads “these are not the best days of your life.” Often God will speak in the middle of a person’s life after they have experience in a close relationship with Him. Peter, one of the disciples, got his focus and passion in the middle of a life of pain (referring to John 21). God will speak, and we need to be ready to listen and respond.

President Don Thiessen greeted each graduate with a personal word of encouragement as he awarded the degrees and diplomas. This is Thiessen’s last official assignment as president.

Having been part of the staff for many years, his familiarity with the college and staff made it possible for him to step into the role as Interim President, until a new president was appointed.

Incoming President Elect Rob Reimer was introduced and gave the benediction.

Well-wishers stayed and mingled in the foyer, sharing in a mixture of tears and cheers. God’s blessing to each graduate as you follow where He leads.

Lil Goertzen for Tri-Con Editors

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Restorative justice taking root in Ukraine Five boys, ages 11–18, stole 28 cell phones from a consignment store in an open market in Krasnogvardeisk, a city of 15,000 people in the Crimean peninsula in southern Ukraine.

Just outside the city three boys, ages 10–12, caused extensive damage to irrigation systems and crops. In both cases, the offenders were identified and the judge referred the cases to a newly formed victim-offender mediation group, Harmonia.

Judge Marina Kiruhina refers youth offenders to mediation. (photos by Melissa Engle)

Galina Saditchko, an attorney and founding member of the mediation group, has mediated 23 cases. In 22 cases, offenders and victims negotiated agreements presented to the court.

Judge Marina Kiruhina is one of only a dozen judges in the country who refer cases to mediation programs. “About 1,000 judges are aware of this program but only 12 are very supportive and active,” said Roman Koval, president of the mediation group.

“Young people are absolutely passive if courts make the decisions,” Judge Kiruhina said. “If they go through the mediation processes they have to be involved in the discussions and are required to make choices.”

The owner of the irrigation systems, Vladimir Zhadky, said he was a police officer before he established his business that specializes in renting irrigation systems to farmers.

“My opinion is if first offenders enter prison, they will become repeat offenders,” he said. “Before a man goes to prison he has two fears—poverty and jail. Once he goes to jail he does not fear jail anymore and will return to jail.”

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This case was resolved with parents paying the costs incurred to repair the irrigation systems and the juvenile offenders providing manual labour to reimburse the farmers for crop damage.

“After they worked so hard on the fields, nobody had the desire to destroy more fields,” said Zhadky.

The mediation process for the stolen cell phones involved the storeowners, offenders, and the 28 owners of the phones.

Gladys Terichow, MCC

Dmitri Lapiev, a store owner, says a victim-offender mediation process requires offenders to take responsibility for their actions and deters youth from committing more crimes.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007 Follow Jesus 2 col GRAY.indd 1

generations

Gerald Reimer Conference Youth Minister emcger@mts.net

Can Hollywood evangelize this generation?

I

s it really necessary for us to try and search for spiritual themes in Hollywood productions these days?

It seems to me that with practically every movie that comes out, every newly released DVD, or every new CD title being produced by who-knows-what band, evangelicals are desperately looking for some glimmer of hope.

The hope is that this material might just have some hidden message that will entice secular society to suddenly consider who Jesus is and what he has done for them. They would then give their lives to his Lordship, experience complete transformation and become soldout, courageous, humble, warriors for Christ. All this, despite the fact that most of the material being produced is done so by selfish, value-less folks who are nonfollowers of Jesus Christ.

Come on, people, why are we doing this to ourselves?

Can God the Holy Spirit use this secularly produced stuff to draw people to himself? Of course he can. I don’t deny that at all. But show me the numbers. How many people do you personally know who have become passionate followers of Christ because they watched a Hollywood production or listened to a Nashville recording?

Honestly, I can’t say that I know anybody like that.

It seems to me that this is a cop out, taking the easy road. I believe that we, myself included, are trying way too hard to allow secular (pagan) society to do the work that God has called us, the Church, to be doing: Sharing the Good News of the transforming work of Christ, contextualized for this generation and culture.

Oh, I know that many people are going to say that these hidden messages about God are for us to use as tools to connect with our non-Christian neighbours and point them to Christ. Once again, I am all for that. Jesus used the realities of life around him all the time to teach about the Kingdom of God. But what I don’t see happening in Scripture is Jesus trying to spiritualize pagan culture so that people would find a connection with him. No, I see Jesus being bold and forth-right in calling people to take up their cross (Luke 9:23), tend to the sick and visit the imprisoned (Matthew 25:36), and go and preach the Good News (Mark 16:15), exhorting us to love God, not this world (1 John 2:15).

Should we not be living above this culture that we inhabit? Should not our lives be marked by a completely different standard? Should not the testimonies of our transformed lives help draw people to Christ?

I fear that with all this emphasis on spiritualizing pagan productions we run the incredible risk of what I would call “dumbing down” this next generation of children and adolescents. This teaches them that immersing themselves in pagan society is fine as long as we look for hidden meanings to lead and guide us, giving us values and morals to help us live victoriously.

Rather, we need to be teaching our children and youth that a relationship with Jesus and spending time in His Word are the only way to find values, morals and grace that will lead us to victory. It is not about some production put together by a couple of guys in a hightech office who only care about getting more viewers and making more money. That is not the reason why Christ went to the cross, or why the apostles were martyred, or why Christians are persecuted in greater numbers today than ever before.

Let’s resolve to put Christ first in our lives, feed ourselves on His Word, and live counter-culturally in a world that craves authenticity and desperately T needs to experience the love of Christ in their lives. M

We are trying way too hard to allow secular

society to do the work that God has called us to do.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

13

faith in action

Jennifer Neufeld

Food justice: obesity and malnutrition

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am concerned for evangelism. I also care about global food issues—how we nourish our body, God’s temple. We are to care for the earth with which we are to live in harmony. God blesses us with abundance, and asks us to practice moderation and just distribution.

For the first time in history we have a society characterised by obesity and malnutrition at the same time—something neither moderate nor just.

Many factors contribute to this, and among them is agricultural subsidies that shape food production and consumption choices.

The food and beverage industry must experience constant growth to keep up with a “healthy” economy. In North America

The most versatile crops are corn and soybeans. While much energy and resources are used to turn these raw commodities into gooey snacks, our food costs are kept artificially low thanks to government subsidies. where the population is not growing and increasingly sedentary, the industry must add value to food. The more refining, packaging, storing, shipping, and advertising that happens to food, the more economic growth is experienced.

Most versatile are corn and soybeans, which are converted into sweeteners and hydrogenated fats, as well as animal feed. Not surprisingly, they are the two most subsidised crops in the United States. While much energy and resources are used to turn these raw commodities into gooey snacks, our food costs are kept artificially low thanks to government subsidies.

I have friends who shop for groceries on a budget limited by their social assistance allowance, $180 per month aside from their rent. To get the most volume and taste for the cheapest price, they spend $5 on two boxes of Twinkies rather than a carton of milk and a few 14

apples. Faced with sumptuous advertising and a limited education, my friends will naturally buy the packaged sweets, nutritionally deficient foods that he wants, craves, becomes addicted to, and finally demands.

This food injustice involves:  An obese population that is not adequately nourished with the right foods faces huge deficits in health and quality of life, and taxes health care.  The economy faces growth without factoring in ecological decline, since there are no accounting measures for depleted air and water quality or the depletion of fossil fuels because of the food industry.  The livelihoods of family farms are precarious as corporate farming causes urban migration, unemployment, and loss of biodiversity. Farmers are guardians of plant variety, but in the past century 75 percent of varieties in Canada have been lost and have made way for varieties that have genetic properties that mitigate risk. However, biodiversity is God’s design for mitigating risk.  Many people, especially the poor, are losing the ability to make good food choices and prepare wholesome meals. They are, instead, becoming experts at removing packaging, pressing microwave buttons, and eating at a fast-food joint.

The responses to injustice are many, and differ for each individual. For me, living the gospel on earth has caused me to wrestle with both everyday and eternal choices. I eat more locally, more nutritiously, and pay a fair price to a farmer whom I can know. From policymakers to homemakers, we have power to act T toward moderation and just distribution. M Jennifer Neufeld is part of the EMC Social Concerns Committee, which operates under the Board of Leadership and Outreach.

She is connected with Many Rooms Church Community (Winnipeg, Man.).

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

pictures of God

Joanna Plett

For the lonely

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very day on my walk to the subway station, I see a picture of individualism. A lawn about 15 feet wide and 30 feet long separates the parallel driveways of a duplex. The entire lawn could probably be mowed well in less than five minutes, but down the centre of the lawn, a clear line between the mowed and the unmowed indicates where one yard begins and the other ends.

What is community?

The world is full of lonely people. Living in Toronto, I encounter lonely people all the time—from janitors and night cooks at school to a middle-aged classmate

Here in Toronto, the loneliness isn’t from a lack of friends, but from feeling like it would take intentional effort for any of them to penetrate through my internal layers.

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation” (Thoreau). Whether it’s cultural or personal, loneliness saturates our societies and, for many of us, our lives.

In one of the darkest seasons of my life, Jesus showed me that he understands my loneliness. He knows what it feels like to be at the point of deepest need, trying to communicate to his closest friends his need for support, prayer, and encouragement, only to have them drift off, oblivious to the intensity of his struggle.

After the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ abandonment only increased: Peter’s denial, the Jews’ denunciations, and even his own Father forsaking him for the sins that he carried on the cross.

If anyone understands our loneliness, it’s Jesus.

Jesus also demonstrated how much God’s heart is for the outsider and the lonely. The woman at the well, the 10 lepers, Zacchaeus, and the woman caught in adultery experienced this; he first embraced them in their loneliness or condemnation, healed them, and only then sent them off to “go and sin no more.”

Part of the mandate of the church is to be God’s arms that embrace the lonely—the community that so many people are searching for in quiet desperation. We as individuals and churches can get so caught up in survival and success that we miss the lonely. They are found not only in the margins of our societies, but just as often among the seemingly strong and stable.

Community building may mean investing more into simple relationship building—drinking more coffee and sharing more meals, taking an extra minute to ask about the cashier’s children or the farmer’s barley, praying together for each other.

Community building also requires our own vulnerability—learning to receive time and gifts from others, opening up about our own pain and allowing ourselves to receive healing and community.

In a society of individualism, community building and the healing and security that comes with it requires T investment. M

Part of the mandate of the church is to be God’s arms that embrace the lonely—the community that so many people are searching for in quiet desperation.

working on her degree to international students trying to find community within a culture of driven, focused individuals. When I take the time to sit down and visit with these people, they tell me that I’m not Canadian.

Why? I’ve experienced my own seasons of loneliness. In junior high, I remember wanting nothing more than a friend to eat lunch with every day. Years later during a spiritual retreat on the Mediterranean, I felt the loneliness of not really being known or understood.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

15

Fort Chipewyan

Community Church gets new building

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n April 22 the flight from Fort Vermilion to Fort Chipewyan in northern Alberta reveals the mighty Peace River, miles of forest and beautiful muskeg, and (compared with the north country of Saskatchewan and Manitoba) a relative absence of lakes.

Traveling at about 170 mph with a tailwind, the ninepassenger, single-propeller plane passes over part of Wood Buffalo National Park (home of the world’s largest freeroaming bison herd) and close to the Northwest Territories.

Nine people who attended the EMC Region 1 Conference in La Crete, Alta., are being transported on early Sunday afternoon by NOR-ALTA Aviation to attend the dedication of a new building to be used by Fort Chipewyan Community Church. This is where Arlyn and Annette van Enns, EMC workers, serve as pastoral couple.

Fort Chipewyan borders the west shore of Lake Athabasca, and on April 22 a cool breeze comes from the still frozen lake. By the time the plane lands at the airstrip seven kilometres from the village, the Community Church’s building is filled with congregants and guests. Opening

Fort Chipewyan borders the west shore of Lake Athabasca.

By the time the plane lands at the airstrip seven kilometres from the village, the Community Church’s building is filled with congregants and guests.

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ceremonies have already occurred: the ribbon cutting, entrance, and singing of God Save the Queen.

We arrive to hear Pastor Arlyn van Enns outlining the history of efforts and gratefully-received donations that have culminated in this day. He says that the building isn’t for “ritual” or “religion,” but for “relationships.”

The program features Rev. Craig Hollands people from Fort Chipewyan and wider visitors. Edward N. Marten sings A Place for You. Mary Wanderingspirit reads Psalm 122. Rev. Gerald Lichti of Fort MacMurray Native Fellowship leads in The Lord’s Prayer.

Rev. James Pfaffenroth, from Uranium City Baptist Church (located in northwestern Saskatchewan on Lake Athabasca), reads Hebrews 10:19–25. Guitar-accompanied duets are brought by Joe Patenaude of NCEM and Kevin Thomas, who has roots in Cape Breton.

Ward Parkinson and I bring EMC greetings, and Chief Roxanna Marcel gives greetings from Mikisew Cree First Nation. Bill Jackson of the Native Fellowship of Canada shares a short message in Cree and English.

George Wanderingspirit prays.

A meditation is brought by Peter Fehr, associate pastor at La Crete Christian Fellowship. Though Peter has served as a pastor in La Crete for a while, he was ordained just that morning. Peter has served as an emergency medical technician

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

and helped to supply northern stores in First Nations communities.

Pastor van Enns then leads in a dedication ceremony. It includes a call and response that, partly, includes the pastor saying, “For the glory of the Holy Father alone, our Lord and Sovereign.” People respond, “We dedicate ourselves.”

Then comes the Pastor Arlyn van Enns pronouncement. “In the name of and on behalf of congregation by whose direction this building has been erected, I now declare this house, built for the worship of the Almighty Creator, set apart from common and secular usages,” says Arlyn. “We now consecrate it to the sacred usage of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen!”

After the hymn The Church’s One Foundation, Rev. Craig Hollands from Prince Albert, Sask., gives the sermon.

Pastor van Enns pronounces the benediction.

People move across the yard to the Community Church’s former meeting place, where a buffet is held.

Pastor Peter Janzen of Hillside Christian Fellowship in Buffalo Head Prairie, Alta., leads in saying grace.

Annette van Enns—with help, she informs me—ensures that there is lots of food. Moose stew is available. Arlyn’s dad Henry, who is responsible for preparing much of the wood used in the building, ponders the pie options. Arlyn’s mother Marie Enns is also present; she’s written for The Messenger.

After supper, there is a concert in the new building. Host Conrad Flett and other workers from Tribal Trails, an NCEM program watched across Canada, video tape the ceremony and part of the concert for future use. NCEM’s plane has traveled from the mission’s national office in Prince Albert.

We leave for the airport about 6:40 p.m. and our flight departs by 7 p.m. About an hour later we land to find a Native family waiting to use the plane to transport a coffin to another community. Because life and death continue, the purpose persists behind Fort Chipewyan Community T Church. M Terry M. Smith

Gordon and Marilynn Foster, Richard Krahn, Peter Fehr, Terry Smith, Anne and Jake Teichroeb, Peter Janzen, and Ward Parkinson.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

The Pastoral Couple and Fort Chipewyan Arlyn van Enns has been part of Northern Canada Evangelical Mission for 25 years, first in short-term service in Fort Vermilion and then for many years in Fort Chipewyan. Annette has been involved for 13 years. They have connections with La Crete Christian Fellowship.

Fort Chipewyan is shared by Mikisew Cree First Nation and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. About 1,400 people live in the community, with more than half being Cree, 250 Chipewyan, 180 Metis; and 170 being RCMP, Parks and Fish, forestry, teaching, and nursing (Mikisew Cree First Nation website).

There’s a running disagreement between Fort Chipewyan and Fort Vermilion, a community an hour’s flight away, over which community is the oldest settlement in Alberta (as Ward Parkinson discovered); the year 1788 is important for both communities.

Both communities were connected with the fur trade, with Fort Chipewyan being described as “the most important post” of the North West Company “in the North.” Catholic contact at Fort Chipewyan began in 1847, with Anglicans establishing a mission 20 years later (Encyclopedia Canadiana).

NCEM formed as a mission in 1947, with a focus on First Nations communities. EMC and NCEM have a partnership agreement.

Terry M. Smith

Arlyn and Annette van Enns and Bill Jackson sing in Cree the hymn There is Coming a Day.

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Russell tackles Big Bang, evolution, and the future The big tensions between theology and science are the Big Bang, the evolution of life, and the future destiny of the universe.

Each is a big subject in itself. But at the February 20-21 Canadian Mennonite University Winter Lectures, titled Cosmology, Evolution and Resurrection Hope, speaker Robert John Russell tackled all three.

Russell, a founder and director of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences at Berkeley (Calif.) and an ordained United Church of Christ minister, called his first lecture The creative role of theology in the rise of contemporary natural science. He used the story of the Big Bang to show how theology and philosophy have been in creative mutual interaction with science all along.

He noted that, from Newton to Hawking, initial speculations in cosmology have always been driven by theological or philosophical preconceptions. He added that atheists have devised eternal Greekstyle cosmologies while Christians and Jews have preferred the Hebrew version.

Einstein, he said, wavered between the two, ultimately bowing to the evidence for the Big Bang, showing how the results of science can change minds in spite of philosophical preconceptions.

He said that Greek faith in the rationality of nature and the Hebrew view of contingency (that nothing needs to exist) both had a mighty influence on the development of modern science, with the first leading to the discovery of the laws of science and the second to the experimental scientific method.

In his second lecture, The Christian response to the problem of ‘natural evil,’ Russell talked about the theory of evolution. How can the origin of natural evil be explained if there is no fall into sin at the beginning?

Noting that this has been the greatest

obstacle for Christians contemplating evolution, Russell observed that the existence of natural evil (such as natural disasters like tsunamis) raises the question of God’s power and goodness (theodicy). He suggested that there are things in science that are “inevitable, but unnecessary”analogous to human sin.

One possibility for such a phenomenon in science, he said, is classical thermodynamics, which inevitably controls the overall increase in entropy (disorder). To show that classical thermodynamics need not be the final word, he pointed to actual local increases in order on earth, and to non-equilibrium thermodynamics, which results in selforganization.

Ultimately, he stated, theodicy fails in the face of unmitigated, severe suffering, as expressed movingly in Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. (Theodicy fails as far as human history is concerned. God is justified by what follows in the new creation.

Only eschatology can rescue theodicy. We must look to the future glories of the new creation in which every creature that has suffered will be repaid in some way. That, I think, is what Russell would say.)

In Christian eschatology and the future of the universe: The greatest challenge to Christian theology today, Russell said theology and science diverge dramatically on the universe’s future. For secular cosmologists, he said, the extinction of the solar system will be followed by a cosmic “freeze or fry.”

But if this happens, then Christian hope is vain, he noted, adding that hopeful Christians must boldly deny this nihilistic vision of the end and proclaim the New Creation. Heaven, he said, is not a second ex nihilo creation; it is a transformed version of the old creation, and the resurrection of Jesus is a foretaste of this marvelous transformation. If we take this seriously,

he added, matter as we know it must be transformable into the matter of the New Creation.

Theology does not often venture into such hazardous waters. Russell should be commended for his courage.

Glen Klassen, CMU Glen Klassen teaches biology at CMU. He attends Fort Garry EMC.

In Memorium

Frank P. Friesen January 21, 1916–May 27, 1971 To my dear, dear Father, a godly man, a man of honour, integrity, deep feelings and deep love, a man I’m so proud of to be his daughter.

Daddy, Daddy daddy, daddy, I love you can you hear me? a man is walking in the meadow green grass sun shining blue sky trees in the background he’s walking towards me i’m running towards him daddy, daddy, it’s me it’s your little girl only I’m big now i mean grown up and on in years but I’m still your little girl it’s me it’s Germaine daddy, daddy, it’s me i’m coming i reach him he reaches me I throw myself around his neck

Robert Russell speaking at the Winter Lectures: Hopeful Christians must boldly deny a nihilistic vision of the end.

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oh daddy, oh my daddy Much love, Daughter Germaine

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

shoulder tapping MAF NEEDS elementary, middle school, and high school teachers for MAF families and other missionaries serving overseas. If you’re a trained, experienced educator and willing to be used of God overseas for a year or more in a lifechanging experience overseas, then this may be just for you.

MAF missionary families give up much to minister in remote areas. They may fly and maintain aircraft, create remote communications networks, or implement powerful distance education programs. They wonderfully overcome many barriers and advance the Kingdom of God, but their children need a quality education.

Check www.maf.org/maf-needs-teachers about requirements and qualifications.

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

ABBEYDALE CHRISTIAN Fellowship in Calgary, Alta., seeks a full-time young life pastor who is passionate about ministering to and discipling youth and young adults. The individual should have a strong vision in these areas and work with ACF volunteers in developing and leading programs. Strong organizational and communication skills as well as knowledge of current youth issues are required.

ACF is a medium-sized (180–220) congregation seeking to disciple members and attendees, encourage their gifts and involvement, and to reach out to the neighbourhood and families of church adherents.

Submit resumes to Young Life Search Committee: Email: searchcommittee@abbeydale. org; fax: 403-273-1467. Closing date: April 30, 2007.

ENDEAVOUR FELLOWSHIP Chapel in eastcentral Saskatchewan, with a congregation of about 50, is currently looking for a pastor.

Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306547-3383 or tdpromise@sasktel.net.

ISLAND GOSPEL Fellowship, in Burns Lake, BC, seeks an interim pastor and a permanent pastor. Burns Lake is a village in the geographic centre of the province, in the heart of the lakes district.

The village’s population is 2,726, and it serves as the supply centre for 8,000 people in neighbouring communities. The congregation, with about 110 in average attendance, is comprised of people from a range of cultural and church backgrounds.

Inquiries should be addressed to Johnny Janzen, chair, pastoral search committee, IGF, Box 145, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0. Another contact is interim church chairman Cole Clifford, 250698-7319; cole.clifford@lakescom.net.

THE MESSENGER May 23, 2007

WANTED: LIFEGUARDS and counselors for Midway Bible Camp, 30 minutes out of Thompson, Man. Contact Paul Giesbrecht at Continental Mission cmi@mts.net.

CANADIAN MENNONITE University, Winnipeg, Man., has openings for the following three positions: Hosting coordinator, assistant host, and custodian. If you are interested in these employment opportunities, and are committed to the church and the mission of CMU, contact Susan Warkentin, Director of Human Resources, at swarkentin@cmu.ca or 204-487-3300, or visit www.cmu.ca for information.

FISH CREEK Christian Fellowship (EMC) is looking for a full-time pastor to begin this summer. We are a 10-year-old congregation that currently meets at a university in south Calgary and have about 40 people attending with great potential for growth. Our focus is on reaching south Calgary. Education and experience are flexible.

For details and discussion please contact Dean Buhler, 1452 Lake Sylvan Dr. SE, Calgary, AB T2J 3C8; phone 403-271-5171 or e-mail kbuhler1@ telus.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, e-mail: emclen@mts.net.

MISSION HEIGHTS Community Church, in the busy city of Grande Prairie, Alta., is seeking a full-time senior pastor. We are a family oriented congregation of 180 people. Direct enquiries to Wayne Friesen at waynefriesen@neufeldonline. com or call 780-538-1605.

EMC BOARD of Leadership and Outreach seeks planters to start congregations in Canadian cities. The national office works with local churches and regions to envision, equip, and respond to these needs. Cities envisioned are Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Regina, Windsor, and London. Also needed are core families willing to be part of the church plants. Together it can happen! Contact Canadian church planting director Ward Parkinson at 204-326-6401, emcward@mts.net.

MENNONITE FOUNDATION of Canada seeks a full-time stewardship consultant to work in its Winnipeg office. This person will be responsible

THE EMC invites applications for the senior administrative position of General Secretary.

Responsibilities: Serve as Executive Secretary for the Board of Missions, General Board, and Board of Trustees; provide management of conference finances; coordinate conference events; provide management role of national office.

Applicants should have experience and training in areas of financial management and missions administration with strong communication skills.

A job description is available upon request. Duties to commence September 1, 2007. Please request an application form from the office at 204-326-6401, fax 204326-1613, emconf@mts.net. The application and resume can be addressed to EMC Moderator Ron Penner and forwarded to the same addresses or to 440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5.

to provide charitable gift and estate planning services and to promote biblical stewardship of fi nancial resources in our constituency churches in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The successful candidate will communicate effectively with individuals and have an aptitude for presenting in a variety of group settings; have a good understanding of charitable gift and estate planning; be creative, organized, and self-motivated; support and incorporate MFC’s stewardship mission in personal life; be willing and able to contribute as part of an interdependent staff team.

The successful candidate must be a member of one of MFC’s seven participating conferences.

Submit applications by June 18, 2007 to: Erwin Warkentin, General Manager, 12-1325 Markham Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6; phone 800-7723257; fax 204-488-1986; e-mail ewarkentin@ mennofoundation.ca; www.mennofoundation.ca.

Celebration and Contacts Tilbury Evangelical Mennonite Church invites you to join our New Beginning Celebration Sunday, June, 24, 2007 3 p.m. Worship 5:30 p.m. Barbecue supper Our new location: 3659 Goodreau Line Stevenson, ON N0P 1H0 Phone number 519-682-9764

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KIDS’

corner

S

is for summer, for swimming, for soft squishy sand, and sun-shiny days.

Loreena Thiessen

S is for Summer

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is for sunhats and sandals and shades, salads and sandwiches, sweet sippy spritzers, strawberries, sundaes and velvety shakes. is for sunflowers, brown-centred Susans and snappy sweet peas. is for sandcastles, sunbathing, surfing the seas.

is for skateboarding, scratches and scabs on ummer brings change, new green grass, leafyour knees. buds swell and burst into leaves, red and yellow tulips and daffodils bloom, robins and sparrows is for sailing and soccer and scouting out flutter and sing looking for scraps of dried trails, scampering squirrels, and scurrying grasses and string to build their nests. snipes, slow slugs and snails.

You change too. You put away boots and scarves. Your toes wriggle freely in flip flops. The sun warms your arms. is for smoothies and slurpees at 7-Eleven, It’s time once again for sunglasses and sun block. You sweet scrumptious swirls of surprise and play soccer and ride your bike. delight.

But some things stay the same. Reading, for one.

Mostly you read for fun. Reading lets you into Simmering, shimmering, sensational the world of animals, how they splendour of sounds, sights and scents, live and think. You enter it’s sim-ply summer! imaginary worlds, places that are not your everyday experience, The Diary places that of Anne Frank were real in tells the story history. of Anne who In lives in hiding adventure for fear of being stories you arrested and killed do what the Summer Reading because she is a Jew. characters do, you The government of that Activity: feel what they feel, and time took away her people’s see the places they see and Start your own book club. freedom and killed them because experience. You walk with Lucy of who they were, not because of into the wardrobe and experience You need: friends who like to read, a something they had done. the strange world of Narnia, where place to meet, a favorite book.

The story of Black Beauty brought you meet a Mr. Tumnus, part human, What to do: about a ban on using a rein that hurt part animal; Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, • Call several friends who like to read. the horses. who talk and act like little people • Choose a book to read and discuss.

These are old books, classics that and become friends of Aslan, the You can make a list of favorite are as popular today as they were long lion, who is at once fierce and kind ago. They teach truths which remain books and take a vote. and protective. the same.

• Decide where to meet, either at To Bambi everything is new. You In Philippians 4:8 you are school over lunch or at home; feel his fear and sadness at losing encouraged to think about things that check with your parents first. his mother, his friendship and are true and honorable, right and • Decide on a leader; ask a teacher loyalty to Feline as he grows up. You pure, beautiful and respected. Good go into the past and learn about or librarian to start with prepared books can help. pioneer life in Little House in the questions to discuss. Each person T What are you reading this summer? M Big Woods, and Little House on the could bring a question as well.

Prairie.

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