The Messenger Vol. 45 No. 16 September 5, 2007

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 45 NUMBER 15 SEPTEMBER 5, 2007

Three journeys Jesus’ journey to the cross

The

Messenger

Christ’s grace and generations

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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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.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 fi nancial 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. 17 – October 3 (copy due September 21)

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editorials otice, my dear reader, that we do not believe nor teach that we are to be saved by our merits and works as the envious assert without truth. We are to be saved solely by grace through Christ Jesus, as has been said before.

By grace the human race was created through Christ Jesus when as yet it was not.

By grace it was again accepted through Christ when it was lost.

By grace Christ was sent us of the Father.

John 3:34.

By grace He has sought the lost sheep, taught repentance and remission of sins, and died for us when we were yet ungodly and enemies.

By grace it was given us to believe.

By grace the Holy Ghost was given to us in the name of Jesus. John 14:16.

In short, by grace eternal life is given us

through Christ Jesus (Complete Writings, pp. 506).

These 1552 words of Menno Simons focus on grace—unearned, unexpected favour.

Menno Simons lived within a time of great social change and violence. In a time personally dangerous for him, it was his great comfort to rest upon the grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The grace of Christ can influence generations, and it can also break sad generational influence.

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins…according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” T (Galatians 1:3). M Terry M. Smith

Street ministries and shingles

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Inner City Youth Alive carries on its n Thunder Bay, Ont., Pastor Neil Otke multi-faceted efforts in Winnipeg’s North leads StreetReach Ministries. His title End. is Street Chaplain. “We Street and inner city are not a church,” he Street and inner ministries are needed. Given tells The Canadian Lutheran city ministries are the EMC’s rural roots, it’s a magazine (July/August challenging shift in effort.

2007). “We are a front-line needed. Given the Such change is happening, ministry. This is on-the-edge EMC’s rural roots, it’s though, shown by church type stuff for LCC.” LCC a challenging shift in planting, holistic efforts, and stands for Lutheran Church Canada. effort. Such change is short-term youth mission trips by various EMC In Toronto, Ont., Anglican happening, though, congregations. minister Janet Sidey leads Across Canada stories St. Monica’s, a storefront shown by church could be told of street and church in the city’s East planting, holistic inner-city ministries by a End, and engages in wider efforts, and shortmixture of denominations. social change through the By the Lord’s grace and Neighbourhood Action term youth mission providence, the EMC joins Group (NAG). The ministry’s trips by various EMC other parts of Christ’s work was highlighted on Church in serving within CTV’s W-FIVE (the story congregations. such ministries. We are remains available on the “partners in the gospel” (Philippians 1:5), channel’s website). sometimes knowingly, sometimes not.

In Winnipeg, Man., Andrew and Amie To the person on the street we Reimer (currently on sabbatical leave) have been giving leadership to North End have much to offer in Christ, including T Community Church, a joint effort of three community. M Terry M. Smith conferences (EMC, EMMC, and CMC).

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

Missions Auxiliary is now

Project Builders

Over thirty years ago a group of men in the EMC banded together to form an organization that would fund capital projects in missions related activities.

One of the first large funded projects was the radio station ZP 30 in Paraguay. One hundred and sixty thousand dollars was collected over two years to accomplish that; this would amount to $400,000 in today’s money.

It would be good to report that over the ensuing years that the organization has tripled or quadrupled its budget or its membership. That is not the case.

Over the intervening years many of the original members have died, and the average age of the membership has gradually increased.

Typically we have around 100 members and a budget of sixty thousand dollars. Last year the executive decided, and the membership agreed, that it was time for drastic action to increase both.

We would like the organization to spread through all the regions of our Conference and as such are interested in starting chapters in other provinces.

We approved funding for sending younger individuals to areas where our group has funded projects to see firsthand what has been accomplished and to get a sense of what more could be done. Applications are hereby invited.

We increased our budget by fifty per cent with the understanding that action to an increased budget must start somewhere.

We approved funding for a part-time person to assist us in our expansion goals.

We changed our name from Missions Auxiliary to Project Builders with the idea that we wanted to have a wider appeal, both to a younger demographic and to a world where that name might have a negative image.

We approved in principle that we would begin to look at micro-financing

We approved in principle that we would begin to look at microfinancing ventures that would allow us to provide start up capital for new businesses in needy areas.

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

On June 12, 2007, the 13th Annual EMC Golf Classic was held at Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course. One hundred and sixty golfers competed and about $23,500 was raised for charity, divided between computer upgrades at Inner City Youth Alive (Winnipeg, Man.) and building upgrades in Alto Refugio (High Refuge), an HIV/AIDS ministry in Paraguay.

ventures that would allow us to provide start up capital for new businesses in needy areas.

Last summer at our annual convention Ron Sider talked about a Jesus who both preached and healed, with the clear implication that the church needed to follow by having a dual focus of evangelization and social action. Putting your money where your mouth is falls into the latter category and it would be really good to see the people of this conference respond to the challenge. Are there 300 people out there prepared to join our ranks to quadruple our membership?

Membership is open to men or women who share our vision. The cost of this membership is $250 annually. Copies of the current year’s approved projects may be obtained from the conference office.

If we double or triple our budget it could well encourage our Mission Board to increase their fields of service to accommodate the new projects that would be needed.

I can visualize our founding members smiling their approval of this. I can also visualize the young boy who brought his five loaves of bread and two fish to Jesus and saw the wonder of them multiplied to feed 5,000-plus people. What a miracle it is too, when we give the bread and the fish that we have, and allow Jesus to multiply it.

Wally Doerksen, PB chairman

(Wally Doerksen photos)

coming events September 12–14 17th annual Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Victoria Inn Winnipeg, Man. 204- 32-4 27 www.wpgpc.org October 19 Going Barefoot: Entering a Brave New World of Communication Conference for communicators $ 0, students $40 Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-4 7-3300 November 1–4 MEDA: Trust in a World of Change Business as a Calling 2007 Hilton Toronto, Ont. 00- 5-702 www.meda.org November 27–28 Stronger Together Interchurch gathering for agencies and congregations engaged in mental health and disabilities issues Pre-conference to Canadian Mental Health Assembly Victoria Inn Winnipeg, Man. 204-275-03 4 mcc.org/canada/health/conferences

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Excerpted and Condensed

Three journeys

Jesus’ journey to the crossDr. Arley Loewen

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THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

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hy do western nations support missionaries?

The answer, an Islamic author says, is in Matthew 5:38-41, where Jesus tells His followers to turn other cheek, not to resist the enemy. The author says they want to convert us, make us Christians, convince us of this teaching, and make us weak so they can rule over us. If someone steals from you, don’t defend yourself, let them have it.

In other words, missionaries are We are followers of Jesus. We love Jesus. We believe His Way sent to teach us when an aggressor is Truth, yet others say His Way is the same as the West. How attacks our country, we shouldn’t defend ourselves. Let them steal our natural can we truly reflect Jesus when Muslims see Christians as the resources. hand of an imperialistic drive from the West?

A local friend shared his heart: “How can I be sure everyone here is not a spy?” How do we answer him?

We are followers of Jesus. We love Jesus. We evil in order to remove it, do away with it, and give believe His Way is Truth, yet others say His Way birth to life! is the same as the West. How can we truly reflect He gave a mandate to his disciples: Continue Me! Jesus when Muslims see Christians as the hand of At first, they were ethno-centric, but gradually they an imperialistic drive from the West? went beyond nationalism and territory. The Risen I want to explore the meaning of the Kingdom of Jesus was the true revealer of God, that He is Lord; God in light of this worldview. Are we simply part Caesar is not. His Way is a new Kingdom. of a clash of civilizations and religions? From David Paul’s teaching was, “Let this attitude (ethic) Shenk’s writings, I want to contrast the journey of be in you as was in Jesus Christ.” For the first 300 Jesus to two other important journeys in religious years, the church followed this way, Jesus as Lord history. in contrast to Caesar. At great cost they refused to venerate the emperor or to participate in practices Jesus’ journey to the Cross that conflicted with the way of Jesus.

Jesus fed 5,000 people (Luke 9). They were Early church fathers such as Origen wrote, “No ready to make Him king (John 6). A kingdom was longer do we take the sword against any nation, nor within Jesus’ reach and any revolutionary would do we learn war any more, since we have become jump at chance. But Jesus walked away, instead of sons of peace through Jesus who is our author.” reveling in popularity and power. Amazingly, Jesus Celsus, the pagan Roman philosopher, ridiculed withdrew. He resolutely set his face to Jerusalem, it, accused them of rejecting responsibilities of knowing what awaited him there. citizenship. Origen replied, “We fight all the more, On Palm Sunday, he entered Jerusalem on a but with another ethic.” colt to cheering crowds. Once again they thought This understanding, that Christ’s kingdom is the he would be a ruling Messiah, and were ready to only way to live and must be applied in every aspect crown Him as the second King David. How quickly of life, did not last. This brings us to the second we cheer power! Matthew quotes the fulfillment of journey.

Zechariah 9:9-10, with Jesus riding a donkey (versus a war horse).

Constantine’s journey to Rome The text goes on to say that when He overlooked The general Constantine was marching from the city, he wept. He wanted to bring peace Britain to Rome where a rival, Maxentius, held the (shalom), but people did not understand Him. Jesus Roman garrison. Constantine needed more military said the “hour has come.” What hour? As soldiers power. Near Rome he claims to have a vision of a arrest him, he said, “Am I leading a rebellion, that cross in the sky with the words, “Under this sign, you have come with swords and clubs? But this is conquer.” He ordered the sign of the cross painted your hour, when darkness reigns.” on weapons. Now Christians could join his side! The Jesus did not run from that hour; rather he would next day he defeated Maxentius, and soon became deal with evil by entering its depths. He would emperor of Roman Empire. In 313 AD he decreed overcome it by letting evil reign to its bitter end— freedom for religions. This was a true cause for on Himself. Instead of raging against it and drawing rejoicing; the terrible persecution against the the sword to fight it, Jesus bore its wounds, blood church ceased. But what happened? and death upon Himself. He became pregnant with Twelve years after Constantine’s conversion,

EMC Annual Convention 2007

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

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How can we witness of the Kingdom of God, the way of Christ? We need to change our vocabulary; we are followers of Christ, rather than merely “Christians” identified with Christendom. We need to pray God’s blessings on those we consider enemies. We need to consider the body of Christ. he chaired the church Council of Nicea and used force to implement the decisions. Gradually the state helped the church. Church fathers saw the possibility of setting up Christian institutions with political support. The Roman Empire became the vision of the Kingdom of God on earth, and Constantine became God’s instrument to build the Kingdom.

The irony is that Roman support of Christianity in the West meant Christians in Persia became suspect, because Rome and Persia were archenemies for 300 years. Persia suspected Christians in its land as a secret force against the Persian State.

In the “Great Persecution” of 340-401 AD, Persian rule nearly wiped out Christianity in Iran. Doesn’t that sound similar to what is happening today? In many countries, believers are associated with the enemy because the lands of the West are seen as Christian.

Muhammad’s journey to Mecca Six hundred years after Christ, Muhammad sensed the call of God to preach against the idolatry of Meccan Arabs. After 12 years, only a few had accepted it because the old religious system supported the Arab economy. He was invited by a delegation from Medina, 200 miles away.

And so Muhammad “fled” to Medina in the year 621 AD, which marks the most important event in Islamic theology, the start of the Islamic year. Here in Medina, Muhammad gained political and military power, and became a statesman and warrior. He focused on setting up authority, defeating Meccan leaders, developing alliances with Arab tribes in the area, and setting up a new “Islamic” law. Ten years later he returned to Mecca, removed all idolatry from Ka’aba, and set up an Islamic rule. He fought six wars in all.

As we consider these journeys, Jesus to the cross, Constantine to Rome, and Muhammad to Medina, we notice that one journey appeared to be one of defeat, while two took up political power.

How easily we gravitate to the journeys of power.

Would we also have cheered on Jesus to take up political power? We want position, prestige, and political solutions.

What can we learn?

This human obsession with power and force is nothing new. The common notion is that political power or force is the way to establish order. Power works, thrills, creates a vicious cycle of violence, but it can’t change hearts.

But there is another Power: Do not resist evil, but turn the other cheek. Pray for, love, and bless your enemies. Be perfect as God is perfect (Matthew 5:38–48).

So how shall we live? How can we witness of the Kingdom of God, the way of Christ? We need to change our vocabulary; we are followers of Christ, rather than merely “Christians” identified with Christendom. We need to pray God’s blessings on those we consider enemies. We need to consider the body of Christ. Through us, individually and collectively, we “embody the kingdom of God in the world. Christ dwells in us and among us individually and corporally, and he longs to live through us individually and corporally” (Dallas Willard).

We need to realize the Kingdom of God is bigger than the West. God’s kingdom is multi-national, multi-cultural, and multi-ethnic. It is universal in scope, not a territory, a nation, or a tribe. We are to replicate God’s love, to be Jesus in the world.

We must demonstrate the Body of Christ is different than the way of T the world. M Arley Loewen has a Ph.D. in Persian Studies and serves as a cultural consultant in Afghanistan.

The Journal of Mennonite Studies Articles: • A Pox on all Wars and Grotesque Comedy • Mennonite Refugees in Post-war Netherlands • COs and the Canadian Peace Movement • Jehovah’s Witnesses and the 2nd World War • A Premillennialist Pacifism • B.B. Janz and During WWII • COs in Northern Aboriginal Communities • Stirling Ave Church, Kitchener, and War Service • Locating the CO Record in Canada • COs and their Costly Counterculture • A Theology for Conscientious Objection • A Vietnam Draft Resister in Canada

Also: • Low German Mennonite Drama • How My Family Buried Their Dead Reviews: 12 on fiction, eight on history, two on religion, two on social science To subscribe to this annual, Canadian peer-reviewed journal, write: Royden Loewen, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9 r.loewen@uwinnipeg.ca 204-786-9391 Cost: $20.00 per year, postage included.

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

by the way Dave K. Schellenberg

Dealing with Guilt

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o you ever harbour second thoughts over something you said? I am good at this!

I debated with myself exactly what I would say, then confronted the clerk. I left, satisfied. Then doubts crept in. Should I maybe not have used that word, or put it a little differently? But what would they think if I went back? Forget it. But it kept nagging me. So I went back once more, and explained it another way. But even this did not satisfy me until I shared it with two family members. Then I had peace about the matter.

Fredrick Buechner would class me among the neurotic when in Wishful Thinking he talks about overactive imaginations and oversensitivity.

I can identify with this description, together with second guessing.

A few weeks ago a car hit my bicycle. After my accident I had to appear at Autopac and make a police report. This I dreaded. My prayer was that I would have peace about my answers. After changing the police report, I read it carefully before signing it.

But that same day I started wondering. One would never, never wish for an accident where I got hit from behind while riding a bicycle. But it has taught me priceless lessons. A new communication with God opened up.

At one stage I was, as the saying goes, between a rock and a hard place. I had to make a choice. But with prayer and requests for others to pray, I gained the victory.

What I find particularly difficult during times of stress and worry is to keep consistent in my personal devotions. The feelings certainly aren’t always there.

But in times like that, it maybe is even more important to spend time with the Lord. Here is where helps come in handy. Include some ready written prayers. I find these very helpful. Someone has crafted them to help you think of other things. Turn to a familiar hymn to give you added comfort.

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

Fredrick Buechner would class me among the neurotic when in Wishful Thinking he talks about over-active imaginations and oversensitivity. I can identify with this description, together with second guessing.

Maybe it’s even more important to sing and pray in times when you are distressed. Tony Campolo gives this as his testimony: “It is in the singing of hymns that I find relief from the darkness that threatens to engulf my soul from time to time” ((Carpi Dieum, p.76).

I also love to read the Psalms for my devotions, especially in Die Gute Nachricht (TEV) version. They speak to me more intimately than in English. I was fortunate to learn the German language in my childhood. Now I occasionally translate German to English when people come with documents or diaries.

An overactive imagination and oversensitivity should be balanced with realism and faith. “As Christians we should not take ourselves too seriously,” says Myron Augsburger. “We need to have a sense of humour and a T joyous delight in God’s purpose.” For this I strive. M

Israel/Petra/Egypt Tour February 21–March 4, 2008 Hosts: Pastor Dale and Lori Dueck, Winkler EMMC Six days in Israel, including many biblical sites The ancient city of Petra near the Red Sea Two days in Cairo, Egypt A stopover in Paris, France Brochures available Contact Dale Dueck 204-325-7667 (church), 204-325-8292 (home) pastordale-wemmc@mts.net

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with our missionaries Madagascar

Land of Potential

Child sacrifice and community sex are matters I expect to read about in historical fiction, the Bible, and history textbooks—not last week here.

Although Madagascar is listed as mostly Christian (47.6% of the population in 2006) and the Bible has been translated into the common Malagasy dialect for more than 170 years, traditional (Indonesian) beliefs, including ancestor worship, is as common as the polluted air breathed here.

While 2006 statistics suggest 44.7% hold to traditional beliefs, word is that even some who attend Christian services and send their kids to Christian schools visit the witch doctor for treatment of illness and to bless a new house—that is the way they’ve always done it.

Someone once said that Madagascar will continue to be a country with great potential. The frustration is that people seem locked in this “continue” state because they can’t get away from “how we’ve always done it!”

Clothing factory workers are paid about $2 for a 12-plus hour day.

It’s not enough to feed those that live in the breadwinner’s home.

But at least the defective clothing is sold cheap in outdoor markets.

Jocelyn and Josh R. Plett (Prairie Rose EMC) have served with MAF in Madagascar since April 2006.

My perception of projects across the country is that it’s difficult to suggest change and to assist in creating change.

Consider deforestation. Superstition suggests that burning the forest will bring necessary rains for the fields of rice—which most Malagasy live on every day.

Huge areas of rainforest and other vegetation are burnt to the ground annually, adding to air pollution and robbing the country of a rich resource.

Environmental groups and government attempts are met with: “This is the way we’ve always done it!”

In Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital of about two million people, there are shacks built of moldy unpainted wood and crumbling bricks. Children play dressed in rags, toting tin can cars and soccer balls made of plastic bags wrapped round a rock until it’s the right size. Yet many people wear name brand clothing recognizable in North America.

It’s strange until one discovers that the factories that make these clothes are located here, with workers paid about $2 for a 12-plus hour day. It’s not enough to feed the kids, brothers,

sisters and parents that likely live in the breadwinner’s home. But at least the defective clothing is sold cheap in outdoor markets.

Despite the difficult life for the Malagasy they are without a doubt the happiest people I have met. They laugh constantly, love to talk and socialize with each other, and they love children.

That’s why stories of infant sacrifices don’t jive with what I’ve observed.

This country is indeed a land of great potential, but the spiritual oppression brought through witchcraft, ancestor worship, and voodoo is heavy upon the land.

Jocelyn R. Plett Jocelyn adds: Madagascar is a large island about the size of Manitoba found 600 kms off the southeast coast of Africa, separated from the continent by the Mozambique channel; it faces the gales off the Indian Ocean on the east. It is the fourth largest island in the world (after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo).

Cyclones during the rainy season (November to March) bring floods and subsequent famine (see Josh’s article Cyclones, Floods and Famine, June 6).

Anabaptist churches encouraged to join global Peace Sunday Mennonite World Conference invites its member churches around the world to observe Peace Sunday on September 23, the Sunday closest to the International Day of Peace established by the UN in 1981.

The UN set September 21 as the permanent date. It invites a global ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities for day along with raising public awareness and celebration of a day of peace.

In light of this and the longstanding Anabaptist peace position, MWC’s Peace Commission decided last year to designate the Sunday nearest to it as Peace Sunday. The 2007 theme is from Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the assurance of things

hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

The commission encourages global Anabaptist churches who observe a different day as Peace Sunday to continue their practice, but to include global church concerns in their prayers on that day.

MWC is sending material to assist congregations to plan a Peace Sunday worship service; it’s also available at www.mwc-cmm.org.

MWC will continue to observe World Fellowship Sunday in January, an annual celebration within the global Anabaptist family. Worship materials will be sent out in November.

MWC

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with our churches

July 8 full of good things Steinbach EMC: Sunday morning on July 8 at the EM Church in Steinbach proved to be full of good things. A youth mission team was commissioned. A couple from Germany gave a report. A message from the Word was proclaimed.

message was based on Ephesians 2:1– 10. He started out with saying he had two diseases. First he mentioned Celiac disease, a condition where the body cannot stand gluten; even the smallest amount will affect it. The second

July 8 saw the commissioning of a youth team going to Winnipeg for about a week of serving the Lord: Adam Bergen, Devon Friesen, Adam Penner, Thomas Penner, Chris Derksen (youth pastor), Jen Goertzen, Robyn Turner, Caitlyn Dyck, and Adam Pepper.

A youth mission team was commissioned to go to Winnipeg for about a week to work in various places such as Food Bank, Winnipeg Harvest and Union Gospel Mission.

Phil and Tamara Peters, our missionaries in Germany, reported on their activities. They are involved in a new church plant with a difference.

The G5 Centre has a small hotel, a restaurant, an auditorium, as well as a gym. It is a new kind of church where people can come and feel comfortable.

Begun some seven years ago with 14 people, it has grown to around 700.

People notice a different attitude here.

It is open all week. Half of those who come may be unbelievers. As well, Phil takes groups into the mountains with camping programs.

Tamara works with discipling women in small groups. There could be 14 or 15 women in one cell. They share and read God’s Word. She and Phil also model a lasting marriage. She favoured us with a German song, Du Bist Allmaechtig (You Are Almighty) during the offering.

Our speaker of the morning was Trevor Esau of the local church. His

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

disease he had was sin (Ephesians 2:1– 3), a disease all have.

What can be done about this? He refers to Ephesians 2:4–9. Here is hope.

God loves us and gives us the cure for what is killing us. There is hope. It is a gift from God, according to Ephesians 2:10, and it is available to all.

Dave K. Schellenberg

Phil and Tamara Peters

Pelly men go fishing Pelly, Sask.: The men of the Pelly Fellowship Chapel had a fishing retreat on June 29 and 30. They invited other men from the community, and it was a great success. The eight men that were there caught over 40 fish.

Pastor John Froese also had a devotional on Friday night in which he challenged those gathered to be men of God. It was a good first annual retreat. Plans are in the works for next year’s retreat to be bigger and better.

Dan Johnson Reporter: Lotti Prokott

Eight men caught over 40 fish.

Part of the catch

Go spread the gospel!

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

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:16–20).

We have been given this great commission by Jesus Christ, but how often do we actually live by it? Aren’t there always reasons to avoid sharing the gospel and making disciples?

During May, Pastor Kelly Lesser focused his messages on evangelism, in preparation for what was going to happen at month’s end. He talked about what we believe, winning souls by sharing our testimony, and what evangelism is not. This practical series of sermons energized us to share the gospel.

Even Harold Giesbrecht, a guest speaker, spoke on how to witness Canadian style. Harold provided common excuses for why we don’t want to witness, which most of us could identify with.

On May 27 we had a Spiritual Enrichment Day, again with an evangelism focus. It started with Mugs and Muffins (a time of breakfast and socializing on the last Sunday of every month), then moved into discussion groups within our Sunday School classes, and ended with a regular worship service.

In the evening, we met for a potluck faspa, another time of discussion groups, and a Concert of Prayer. We prayed for the gospel to be spread globally, locally, and through us personally. We ended the night by commissioning each other to spread the gospel. It was an enriching day, and a great way to begin a week of service with VBS. Vacation Bible School was directed by Lyndsey Bourgeois and held during May 28-June 1 evenings. Although it takes time and energy seeking out volunteers, it went off without a hitch. There was an average of 25 to 30 kids each day.

Avalanche Ranch began with Sing and Play Stampede. Following the Bible points, verses, and singing were Wild Bible Adventures, Chadder’s Wild West Theatre, Horseplay Games, Chuck Wagon Chow, and Showtime Roundup.

On Monday the Bible point was God is Real. Buc, the horse (Bible memory buddy), reminded kids of this and spoke of Rahab protecting the Israelite spies.

On Tuesday the Bible point was God is With Us. Shadow, the dog, reminded the kids and told of when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River.

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On Wednesday the Bible point was God is Strong. Ranger, the bison, reminded the kids of this and related how the walls of Jericho came crashing down.

On Thursday the Bible point was God is Awesome. Skye, the eagle, reminded the kids of this and spoke of when Jesus died and rose again. On Friday the Bible point was that God is in Charge. Boss, the Bull,

reminded the kids of this and told of how God healed Naaman.

The Bible points were reinforced with demonstrations, songs, Bible stories, Bible memory buddies, games, and snacks. A highlight for most kids was the singing.

The high energy actions to songs keep kids coming back, year after year. What a great opportunity to spread the gospel!

Pam Dyck

Children enjoyed VBS at Roseisle.

Much happening within Stony Brook Stony Brook (Steinbach, Man.): God is at work and God is good! He has been working in our church and has been leading us just as he promised he would. God has answered our prayers, as he did for Paul and Timothy in the Philippian church: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3–6).

There have been many events and also much growth. We’ve welcomed new members, had several baptisms and celebrated our 10th year as a congregation.

In celebration of our tenth anniversary a beautiful album was put together. We also had a wonderful church service with a potluck lunch following. The children drew pictures

describing what they enjoyed most about our church. God is helping us as we continue to work towards our purpose of Introducing and reintroducing people to a relationship with Christ.

More recently, we have celebrated two more baptisms, as Lyndon Fehr and Tanya Alarie shared with us how they’ve seen God’s goodness firsthand in their lives and were baptised upon their confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

On June 24 we celebrated not having any walls around us at our annual Sunday School picnic. We heard, again, how God is teaching us and shaping our characters into what he wants us to be. He always continues to bring to completion the work he began in us, both individually and as a church. May we be receptive to the work he is doing and wants to do in us!

Miryam Bueckert

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Baptisms deeply moving included in his thanks.

Pleasant Valley (Rosenort, He wished it to be Man.): It has been a deeply known publicly that he had moving time for Pleasant salvation in Christ and this Valley Church this year. We’ve was a renewed step for him. had three different baptisms.

Communion and footwashing In February, Brett Loewen that evening were blessings to (son of Earl and Shelley) asked close off the day. for baptism even if he would be In our pastor’s words, the only one at that time. With Abundant Springs had an his high school graduation impact on our young people coming up, he’d be noted this spring: “The May long as standing on his own feet, weekend saw many of our making a public declaration Brett Loewen youth and leaders head for of his faith in Christ. This set Abundant Springs in Caronport. the ball rolling and the Spirit Once again the weekend was an moving along to others.

In June four girls, dressed in white incredible source of inspiration for those skirts and bright tops, ascended the who participated. All four of the young platform and got seated on stools. Tara ladies baptized in June gave testimony Plett, Danae Plett, Natalie Rance, and of the huge impact this weekend had on Lori Friesen wished to be baptized. All their spiritual journeys.”

Pastor Darren Plett was able to of them testified to having been raised in Christian homes. Slowly a theme came accompany our youth to this retreat. He through in their testimonies: Abundant spent the weekend behind the scenes, leading the prayer team. Although Springs had been vital in their decision.

Pastor Darren Plett baptized the his ministry in the prayer room was kneeling girls, and then extended the long and intense, he says it was a huge hand of welcome into our membership. highlight to witness firsthand the It was especially meaningful for him spiritual struggles and the victories. He because included were his own twin was especially grateful for several others daughters.

August 12 morning saw our church packed with relatives and friends of Leo Kornelsen who had requested baptism.

Pastor Darren Plett used 1 Peter 2:20-21 for his message, and made it very clear that baptism does not cleanse from sin, but represents obedience and a renewed/ resurrected life through Christ.

Leo’s testimony was firm from the start that this “was not about Leo, but all about Christ.” He spoke of his gratitude and praise for the patience of the Lord, who did not give up on him. Then the same was said of his wife Marilyn and their grown children. Relatives, the church, and all faithful friends were

Tara Plett, Danae Plett, Natalie Rance, Lori Friesen, Pastor Darren and Pearl Plett

who spontaneously devoted their time to this ministry. He says, “Witnessing the passion of a large majority of the youth at the conference has restored my faith in the future of real Christianity in our Conference.”

Our church has been touched on a deeper level by the Spirit’s work.

Elly Rempel

Baptisms at PEC

Malachi Enns

Santana Grandbois

Celebrating his baptism: Leo and Marilyn Kornelsen

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

Portage la Prairie, Man.: Here are baptisms that Pastors Glenn Loewen and Les Kroeker have had the privilege of officiating at recently here at Portage Evangelical Church: Madeline Neilson was baptized on May 6, 2007.

Santana Grandbois was baptized in First Baptist’s tank on May 6, 2007.

Malachi Enns was baptized in the Assiniboine River on June 3, 2007.

Catherine Epp

Madeline Neilson

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Wanita Dueck serves in Haiti Lorette, Man.: Black eyes looking at you out of a smiling small dark face grab your heart. It’s a child from Haiti.

“God’s Littlest Angels is an orphanage created to rescue these children from starvation and disease,” Wanita Dueck told our congregation on Sunday, August 12. “They need your support.”

Wanita spent a month volunteering in Haiti in 2006. After working hard to raise funds for her trip—think hundreds of Cinnamon Pecan Rolls, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and yummy Raspberry Lemon Squares—she flew to the GLA Orphanage on September 13.

“Those weeks were challenging and difficult”, she admits. “If I go again, I’ll go for a longer period. I was just getting into it.” Her days were full of caring for young children, some of which were very needy, including a 10-month-old girl who weighed less than 10 pounds.

God’s Littlest Angels Orphanage is currently located in rented buildings.

Their dream is to operate out of buildings and on land that are their own, thus creating more stability and providing green spaces for the children.

The fundraising Wanita and other GLA volunteers are doing this fall will provide funds for the land.

God’s Littlest Angels was founded on Christmas Day in 1994, when a baby girl, with a birth weight of 31 ounces, was given to the care of missionaries Dixie and John Bickel, who nourished her back to health.

Babies in need of medical support continued to come the Bickel’s way.

They developed the Child Survival Centre for newborns in need of intensive care and nutritional support, the only such program in Haiti. Today they have expanded to care for needy children of all ages.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Life expectancy is 51. Polluted ditches and streams are typical sources of drinking water.

The people of Haiti are descendants of black slaves brought over from Africa centuries ago. They gained their independence in 1804, but decades of self rule have been characterized by poverty, illiteracy, and disease.

“My prayer for Haiti is that it would become a stable nation,” Wanita says.

“That would create the ideal situation for these children.” In the meantime,

12

Wanita Dueck, part of Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel, had eight children designated to her care during the four weeks she volunteered in Haiti.

in what ways does she think we can help? Adoption is a great option. While she was in Haiti, she escorted a couple adopting a child from GLA to the airport and was blessed to know this child would be part of a family unit.

We can pray. GLA’s website (www. glacanada.ca or www.glahaiti.org) lists specific concerns. We can volunteer our holiday time to the orphanage.

And we can give. By providing funds to God’s Littlest Angels, we enable them to supply life and love to the children that are literally dying around them.

Wanita has had her stand of pictures and her pail for donations in our church foyer for two Sundays now. She has seen the need. She has heard the cry, the cry of the children of Haiti.

Jolyn Braun

Passion and changes at Good News Good News (Steinbach, Man.): About three years ago Ridgewood EMC gave birth to a small congregation meeting with Sunday evening services at the 55 Plus Centre in Steinbach—Good News Community Church. The good news of Jesus Christ is fundamental to our existence, and bringing this message of hope to the community is our goal.

Glen and Betty Koop as leaders have certainly provided a lot of stability.

Everyone must work, or the work simply will not get done. We have become a church that encourages giftedness. In other words, we can’t run a program simply because other churches might do it. Rather, if someone is inspired to minister in an area where they are gifted, we seek to support them.

The concept of the scattered church that gathers once a week is a core value for us. We are a group with many interests and commitments outside of church. But we can be “the church” wherever we go.

We gather to encourage one another and scatter in obedience to be salt and light in our various places.

Our pastor has repeatedly encouraged us as busy families not to waste time perhaps feeling guilty for missing a service because of another commitment;

but, rather, he has taken a lot of interest in what we are involved in, and each Sunday a time is allotted to bathe these things in prayer.

These past few months we have met with Ward Parkinson from the EM Conference to aid us in strategic planning. Glen and Betty Koop officially retired as of the end of April 2007, so this means a hunt for a new pastor.

Let us not minimize or neglect the witness of Christ in the work place at the expense of too much energy spent on making the Sunday service glamorous.

It isn’t so much about people coming to “our” church, but rather about us being the church.

Aside from praying for one another in our scattered places, we are also passionate about gathering for encouragement. Over the past years we have a lot of visitors. Food and Fellowships is a good outreach time.

Pray about the seeds of interest God has planted in our becoming a church present in the portion of Steinbach known as Deerfield. Our dinner theatre was held again there on May 6, with some proceeds supporting missionaries Curt and Veronica Reimer in the Philippines.

Rhonda Penner

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

Commissioning and baptism at Steinbach EFC Steinbach EFC: Two significant services were held recently at Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship Church. The first was a farewell and commissioning service for Sheldon and Laurie Rempel, as they prepared to leave for church planting ministry in Paris, France.

The Rempel family began attending our church upon their return from

Mali, where they had been serving as missionaries. We enjoyed having them as part of our church family this past year and were sad to see them go. So it was with mixed emotions, both for the Rempels and the church body, that we surrounded them, sending them off with our prayers.

Following the morning service we all headed to Blumenort Park for a disco. No, our church hasn’t started dancing; rather it is a delicious Mexico meal. The disco was followed by a cake for the Rempels.

We had a great afternoon enjoying each

other, eating, visiting and playing various sports. The weather cooperated.

The second significant service was a baptism, which was held on Father’s Day. I love a baptismal service because I enjoy hearing other people’s faith stories. Each person takes a different path to Christ; some are long and arduous where others enjoy a smooth, easy path. No matter the path the destination is the same: Jesus.

Those baptized by Pastor Ed Peters were James Wieler, Landon Friesen, Jody Stoesz, David Peters, and David Kehler.

Diane Koop

James Wieler, Landon Friesen, Jody Stoesz, David Peters, and David Kehler Disco

Couples sent off or sighted Steinbach EMC: On August 5, 2007, at our morning service we had a sendoff for Jared and Cheryl Nickel. Nickels are with Venture Teams International, and will be going to Water Valley, Alta., where this organization has its headquarters. Jared will be working in the area of music.

Nickels have two children, Tobias and Jairus.

On August 7, John and Charity Schellenberg were seen at Mennonite Heritage Museum during Pioneer Days. They are home from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, for a short holiday. They are both employed

by GBE. This company has plantations that produce palm nuts, natural rubber, coffee, and coconut. Saturdays and Sundays are free for Schellenbergs to be engaged in church work.

Dave K. Schellenberg

John and Charity Schellenberg

Jared and Sheryl Nickel, Jairus and Toby

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

Gingerich is CMDS executive director Dr. Roger Gingerich has been appointed the executive director of the Christian Medical and Dental Society, which has moved its national office to Steinbach, Man. CMDS is a national society of Christian medical doctors and dentists living across Canada who work together in integrating their faith and practice, assist students in training, and are involved in medical missions. Information is available at office@cmdscanada.org.

CMDS

Roger Gingerich, MD

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MFC appoints consultants Ed Wedel of Edmonton, Alta., is the new Mennonite Foundation of Canada stewardship consultant for British Columbia. He has worked as a certified financial planner for the past 12 years, is Ed Wedel a member of the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada (an MFC partner), and began his work out of the Abbotsford office in mid-July. He replaces Dave Kroeker, who retired after serving almost 15 years.

His contact information is 102-2825 Clearbrook Road (the new address for MFC’s western office), Abbotsford, BC V2T 6S3, 604-850-9613, (fax) 604-8595574, or mfcabbot@telus.net.

Dori Zerbe Cornelsen is the new MFC stewardship consultant in its Winnipeg office, replacing Jim Brown. Zerbe Cornelsen’s background is as a pastor and program coordinator of Dori Zerbe Cornelsen Open Circle, a prisoner visitation and restorative justice program. She holds a Master of Divinity and a BA in cultural anthropology, is a child of missionary parents in Japan, and was an MCC volunteer in northern Labrador.

Zerbe Cornelsen is married to Rick and they have two teenaged children.

She can be contacted at 204-488-1985; (fax) 204-488-1986; (toll-free) 1-800-7723257; dzcornelsen@mennofoundation.ca.

MFC

Generations benefit from each other at Rest Haven Rest Haven Nursing Home’s recreation department held a father/son Father’s Day Ice Cream Social on June 15, 2007.

Our entertainment was The Workshop Boys.

George and Marilyn Peters brought their small horses, and our maintenance staff person Vaughn Bergen brought in an old tractor. It was an enjoyable evening for sons and fathers to reminisce and spend time together.

Grade 4 Elmdale School Mr. Abe Letkeman and granddaughter Olivia students have come to visit our elders this past year at Rest Haven. Our elders, families and staff say a heartfelt thank-you to Gary Giesbrecht, Esther Dick, and Cory Dyck, who were instrumental in making this program such a success. Esther Dick faithfully brought students who read, learned/wrote life histories, visited, used their artistic skills, played games and entertained us.

Thank you, Elmdale Grade 4 students!

Rest Haven Note: Rest Haven Nursing Home is supported by Region 8 EM churches.

Mrs. Anna R. Friesen and GrandPartner buddy Colton Froese

14

CMU professor receives grant

In the Chortitzer Mennonite Church Heritage Cemetery in Hochfeld, a German Mennonite village near Steinbach, Man., is a memorial to 20 children killed by the 1918–20 Spanish flu. Glen Klassen, a biology professor at CMU and a member at Fort Garry EMC, has received a grant from the D. F. Plett Historical Research Foundation to find out more about the memorial, about how that pandemic affected Mennonite churches in southern Manitoba, and to suggest ways churches can prepare for future pandemics.

Newspaper unites German Mennonites Jacob Zacharias has been to Manitoba “107 times the past four years,” to pick up copies of Die Mennonitische Post, a German language newspaper produced

by MCC, for distribution in Low Germanspeaking Mennonite communities in the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Durango, Campeche, and Zacatecas; and the country of Belize.

The 28-page newspaper, published

by MCC Canada and distributed in seven countries, is filled with letters, photographs, and news stories.

“We don’t transport Die Mennonitische Post to earn money—we do this to help unite Mennonite people,” he explained.

“Many German colonies are very isolated.

The world stands still for people living in these colonies.”

The newspaper, along with Das Blatt fuer Kinder und Jugend, a 32page magazine for children and youth published monthly by Die Post, provides a window to a bigger world, said Zacharias.

Die Mennonitische Post, produced in Steinbach, Man., under the editorship of Kennert Giesbrecht, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

MCC

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

shoulder tapping Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in eastcentral Saskatchewan, is currently looking for a pastor. We have a fairly young congregation consisting of 18–20 families, with about 16 children in Sunday School. Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or tdpromise@sasktel. net.

What team do you like to play on?

EMC Missions desire to send a team of church planters to Mexico. Following two semesters of Spanish language study, the team will be placed in one of the cities in Chihuahua State working alongside national church leaders and missionaries.

For information contact Ken Zacharias at 204326-6401 or emcken@mts.net.

Pelly Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a youth worker or couple to develop a program for youth and junior youth. PFC is a small church in the village of Pelly, located in central Sask., close to the Manitoba border. Applicants need to have a strong personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a sense of God’s call on their life. He/she will need to be flexible, have strong communication, organizational, relational and leadership skills, as well as being self-motivated. Music skills would be an asset. Submit resume to Pastor John Froese, Box 70, Pelly, SK S0A 2Z0. Phone 306-595-2074. E-mail pastor@pellyfellowship.com.

Fish Creek Christian Fellowship (a nine-year-old EMC congregation meeting in South Calgary) is seeking a bi-vocational senior pastor to begin this summer or fall. We currently have about 40 people attending, and our aim is to reach the lost in our area.

We are looking for an organized, self-motivated candidate with a strong pulpit ministry and gifts in evangelism, discipleship and visionary leadership for church re-planting.

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.

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.

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 Ward Parkinson, 204-326-6401, e-mail: emcward@mts.net.

THE MESSENGER September 5, 2007

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, 250-698-7319; cole. clifford@lakescom.net.

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 Central Committee Canada seeks applications for a half-time domestic policy analyst in Ottawa, Ont. The placement of this position on Ottawa indicates MCC Canada’s increasing commitment to governmental work.

Although this position’s focus is on select Canadian domestic issues and policies, flexibility is necessary in order to meet the mandate of the Ottawa office. The role will include monitoring and responding to federal government legislation and action relating to our priorities. This is done in the context of regular communication with relevant MCC provincial and international programming, other Mennonite agencies, and related coalitions.

The goal of our involvement with the government is to find ways in which we and our constituency can participate in the struggle for justice within Canada.

The domestic policy analyst uses a teamwork approach to collaborate with all members of the National Programs department of MCC Canada and to interact with MCC provincial offices, other organizations connected to MCC, and coalitions, where appropriate.

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership, and nonviolent peacemaking. For further information contact Marsha Jones at 204-261-6381 or e-mail mgj@mennonitecc.ca.

Mennonite Central Committee seeks applications for a full-time water and food production coordinator in Winnipeg, Man. The coordinator is a member of MCC’s Program Development department within the International Program department and is responsible to support the development and strengthening of MCC’s international work related to water and food production, focusing on changes in climate that impact water and food; work with MCC’s international country programs to plan/ design, monitor, and implement water and food

production activity; educate MCC constituency on this work, by collaborating with the MCC Resource Generation Network, and with regional and provincial MCC offices for communication and consultation.

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership, and nonviolent peacemaking. For further information contact Marsha Jones at 204-261-6381 or e-mail mgj@mennonitecc.ca.

The EMM Conference seeks a full-time executive director in its Winnipeg, Man., office. Duties and Responsibilities: Participate with the General Board in the preparation of the Ministry Plan; develop action plan to achieve results; manage staff resources to carry out the Conference’s mandate, report on Conference activities to the General Board; communicate, reporting, and interact with the Council, General Board, and Regions; ensure appropriate systems and process are in place to carry out mandate of the Conference in all required areas including operations, financial management, internal controls, compliance with taxation and other regulatory agencies and risk management; and other matters as determined from time to time or directed by the General Board.

Qualifications and Attributes: Experienced leader with demonstrated capabilities of working with multiple priorities; strong communication and organizational skills to work effectively with the council, general board, regions and staff; and collaborative approach to build consensus on matters while staying focused on achieving the desired results.

The EMMC is a conference of churches holding to the Anabaptist-peace position with ministry in Canada, USA, Mexico, Belize, and Bolivia (www. emmc.ca). The successful applicant must be fully supportive of EMMC’s mission and vision and be prepared to sign the EMMC statement of faith.

Please submit your confidential application/ resume stating qualifications, experience, and statement of faith to The Moderator, EMMC, Box 52059, Niakwa PO, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5P9.

Steinbach Bible College invites applications for the position of director of development.

The director of development implements the philosophy and long-term strategy of development that includes operational giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowment development. The position is a fulltime administrative position. Salary is based on related experience.

The successful candidate will have a background in donor development or business experience, effective administrative and leadership skills, relational skills, and work toward CFRE certification. Candidate must be in agreement and sign the Lifestyle Statement and the Statement of Faith of the college.

Position to begin October 15, 2007, or as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Submit application with resume and cover letter to Rob Reimer, President, Steinbach Bible College, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, e-mail rreimer@sbcollege.ca.

15

Unprepared faith groups have ‘no excuse’ during next pandemic Another flu pandemic will come and churches need to be prepared. That was stressed to 87 participants at the June 20–21 Faith Community Summit on Pandemic Preparedness at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg.

The summit brought together healthcare experts, government officials, and faith community leaders from across the country.

Unlike with SARS, which surprised people, faith groups can prepare now for a pandemic, said Salvation Army Lt. Colonel Irene Stickland. They can educate themselves, organize in advance, form partnerships with groups and government agencies, build teams, identify leaders, and create a volunteer network. Faith groups need communication plans and ways to help people with medicine and goods, phone calls, letters, emails, and other support.

When a pandemic strikes, “we will have no excuse,” she said. “We need to be prepared.”

During Strickland’s presentation Summit participants Don Muir, Ruth Anne Peters, and Marg Pollon demonstrated the use of gowns and masks needed by hospital staff during a pandemic. They later spoke about how they felt hot, suffocated, and claustrophobic—and they were just sitting, not moving around and trying to work.

“This brief experience made the awareness of what occurred at Scarborough Hospital during the SARS epidemic more real,” Ruth Anne Peters, an administrative assistant in the EMC national office, later told The Messenger.

“We absolutely do know there will be another pandemic,” said Larry Bredesen, Regional Coordinator for Emergency Preparedness and Response for the Public Health Agency of Canada.

There have been three pandemics in the 20th century: The Spanish Flu (1918–20), the Asian Flu (1957), and the Hong Kong Flu (1968). Twelve countries have had human cases of the Avian flu, and 191 people have died.

Dr. Joel Kettner, Manitoba’s chief medical officer, emphasized that people most at risk are people without

Don Muir, Ruth Anne Peters, and Marg Pollon

PAGE 16

support networks. “The key is building relationships”; it’s “something we re-learn after each emergency.”

What if some members don’t want to help? Reverend Douglas Graydon said during the SARS crisis, some Anglican clergy were unwilling to go back to the affected hospitals after the quarantine was lifted.

“They said they had not been called to put themselves at risk,” he said, adding that 16 Anglican clergy had to be quarantined.

The experience taught the Lt. Colonel Irene Stickland: Faith Anglican Church the “value of groups will need a “divine imperative preparedness,” he said, noting to love and care” when a pandemic that it had “unclear policies strikes. and procedures” for that crisis.

Dr. Tracy Parnell, of the University of British Columbia, said church communities “need to push us to be part of the system” and “educate governments” about what they offer.

Parnell said “spiritual and emotional care” will be an important part of a pandemic response, along with “spiritual support” for clergy and others who “are not used to dealing with a lot of death.”

Preparation is difficult, said Reverend John MacDonald, with the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton. “Parishes are cash-strapped,” and short of time and staff to work and plan. Another challenge is not to “communicate a sense of gloom and despair” about a pandemic. “We can do whatever we need to do with God behind us,” he concluded.

“Our conference needs to network and plan in order to be prepared in the event of a pandemic,” Ruth Anne Peters said later. “Communities need to do the same on a local level.”

The Summit is creating a website for posting resources and plans, will meet again, is developing a network, and might start a newsletter.

The Faith Community Summit Larry Bredesen: The pandemic on Pandemic Preparedness was clock is ticking. sponsored by CMU, the International Centre for Infectious Diseases, the Disaster Response Service of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, the Salvation Army Territorial Emergency Disaster Services, Mennonite Disaster Service, and Alliance Parish Nurse Ministries.

CMU with additional by EMC

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