The Messenger Vol. 45 No. 19 November 1, 2007

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 45 NUMBER 19 NOVEMBER 1, 2007

Janelle’s Story of Thanksgiving

Also in this issue:

“Dear editor...”

Tips on becoming an effective letter writer

The

Messenger

Flying solo

R

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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.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. 21 – December 5 (copy due November 23)

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editorials on Penner, our Mennonite World Conference representative, recently traveled to Rome as part of a Mennonite-Catholic dialogue.

The General Board knew of his intention and MWC announced it (in an October 10 release). When this magazine learned of his involvement through the release, reporting became necessary (October 17).

Make no mistake about it: I support Ron Penner’s decision to be involved in Mennonite-Roman Catholic dialogue at the highest level. He is one of our strongest Anabaptists. We should, though, have provided both official and financial support for his going.

Dialogue with the Roman Catholic

Dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church has been necessary in Anabaptist history. At least now we’re not sitting in a dungeon, being interrogated by Catholic inquisitors under the threat of death.

Church has been necessary in Anabaptist history. At least now we’re not sitting in a dungeon, being interrogated by Catholic inquisitors under the threat of death.

A recent Vatican statement demonstrates the need for on-going discussion: It reiterated that non-Catholic churches are not churches “in the proper sense.”

Various Protestant Churches responded.

When defining what has been distorted or lacking, and by whom, we have a perspective that needs defending.

Two years ago, when the EMC ministerial discussed the dialogue, some members were likely concerned about how evangelicals are treated in some areas of Catholic authority. It’s good to see that the delegation in 2007 was prepared to raise such a concern.

However, in 2005 our ministerial passed no resolution on the dialogue, nor did it provide clear or collective directions about it. As a result, we missed a joint opportunity for greater input, decision, and action.

Fortunately for us, Ron Penner was T bravely prepared to fly solo on this one. M Terry M. Smith

Acting in a time of war

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ow should we act in a time of war? Well, Canada is at war in Afghanistan. How are we acting?

• The United Church Observer says its denomination has been unusually quiet since Canada entered the war. Part of the reason, one person suggests, is that “it’s always harder to take a position after the fact than beforehand” (October 2007).

• Paul Schrag, editor of the Mennonite Weekly Review newspaper in Kansas, says a survey shows one-quarter of Mennonite Church USA members support American involvement in Iraq (October 1, 2007).

He wonders if this minority is going in an opposite direction with those outside of Mennonite circles who oppose the war.

Schrag quotes David P. Gushee, a columnist in Christianity Today, who says in future

his “default setting” will be against going to war.

• There are calls for Canadians to support our troops in Afghanistan, even if the mission isn’t supported. What does that sound like? Would troops appreciate a mixed message?

• How thoughtful is our response to the major moral issue of war? Are EMC leaders studying and addressing matters of war and peace? What explains the silence behind some EMC pulpits?

Issues are raised both by Canada’s current war in Afghanistan and by Remembrance Day. Some pastors might have said in the past, “We don’t talk about war because Canada isn’t at war.” Now that our nation has been at war for years, what T are we hearing? M Terry M. Smith THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

letters

coming events

We welcome letters!

On October 15, 2007, The Messenger received a letter by regular post. Apparently intended as a letter to the editor, it included a typed first initial and a last name, and no return address.

To be considered for publication, a letter sent by regular mail is to include a handwritten signature of at least first and last names (not only typed) and an address. A phone number is useful to clarify matters (policy of the Board of Church Ministries).

We welcome letters. If the writer

wants to have the letter published, please resend the letter with clearer identification. Thank you.

– Editor

The Messenger policy on Letters to the Editor (condensed) 1. A distinction is made between letters intended or not intended for publication.

2. Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger.

3. Letters that do not represent official Conference positions can be published in The Messenger. Within a Conference comprised of various voices, the magazine is to encourage the “community hermeneutic” toward responsible Christian belief, teaching, and practice.

4. To be published, letters must contain a handwritten signature with at least the writer’s first and last names and an address. E-mail letters cannot contain a handwritten signature; the writer’s name and e-mail address are together deemed to be an electronic signature.

9. If letters persist about a particular topic in a way deemed unhelpful to the Conference’s well-being, the editorial staff has the right to limit or to end space to such letters for a specific limited time period.

10. The focus of letter writing is to be on issues, not on personalities.

11. Letters that appear to exhibit a need for pastoral care will be referred to the Conference Pastor.

12. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality and taste.

13. All originals of letters published in The Messenger are to be kept on file until the Board of Church Ministries gives permission for their disposal.

Board of Church Ministries Approved January 2002

November 16 Benefit Concert for Mennonite Heritage Village Grace Mennonite Church Steinbach, Man. 866-280-8741 www.kwiktix.ca www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com November 17 Benefit Concert for Mennonite Heritage Village Westminster United Church Winnipeg, Man. 866-280-8741 www.kwiktix.ca www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com 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. 204-275-0394 mcc.org/canada/health/conferences November 30 EMC Ministerial meeting Braeside EM Church Winnipeg, Man. 204-326-6401 December 1 EMC Conference Council meeting St. Vital EMC Winnipeg, Man. 204-326-6401 January 25–27, 2008 Break Forth Canada 2008 Shaw Conference Centre Edmonton, Alta. www.breakforthcanada.com

5. Letters are published at the discretion of the editorial staff with counsel sought where needed from the BCM chairperson or executive members. The magazine has the right to refuse letters.

6. Some letters will not be published under any circumstances: letters that appear obscene, that are anonymous or unsigned, that appear to involve a personal attack, or that involve a legal matter.

7. Letters that are sent to various publications will be published based on their relevancy to The Messenger’s readership.

8. When several letters comment on a similar topic, not every letter need be published in The Messenger.

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

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of T

n a h

g n i v i g s k

Janelle’s

J

AS tor y

anelle lives in a condo with a be!” He prescribed her an anti-depressant. The handicapped roommate. This pharmacist advised that things would probably get isn’t significant until you know worse before better. Just what we needed!

Janelle’s story—at least from Toward the end of November, we knew we needed her parents’ perspective. to start the pills.

Janelle, at 24, went into severe depression Who would tell Janelle that people were staring two years ago. She has Downe’s Syndrome. What at her in public? She hid in the washroom at the amazes us is that depression affected her as it doctor’s clinic, under blankets in the car, and wore a would any person. It was a hard road to walk—and hoodie to hide her face in public. is more common than people admit.

Why would she have a whole bottle of pills open Janelle was a typical Downe’s girl—happy, not and dumped out on her bed? Would she really be holding grudges, loving everyone. Her bubbly suicidal? A bottle of Tylenol was dumped on her bed disposition connected her with people, as her and some pills were wet as if she tried to swallow vocabulary was limited. them.

When Janelle “graduated” from high school she Why was she so obsessed with heaven? She slept wanted to live in a group home—independence. with a picture of heaven under her pillow and would Sometimes it’s hard for a mentally challenged ask, “How many days?” She no longer wanted to live. person to understand reality. There Why would she be so angry if we It took three months of were no group homes then in La wanted to pray with her? She had Crete, and we would not send her stopped coming to church with us medication before we hours away. months ago.

Then her grandfather George Part of our resistance to noticed any improvement.

Janzen died, a handicapped comedication was from the stigma worker passed away suddenly, and often going with mental illness. Yet Progress was slow; we clung we started. Sure enough, things got her grandmother Katherina Fehr (whom she phoned daily) passed worse. to positive signs, and took away. Both her brothers moved A doctor’s visit, about three from home. Janelle experienced weeks later, found me crying, one day at a time. numerous losses, and we didn’t wondering if I had done the right realize how these affected her. thing. I couldn’t handle this. The In fall, problem behaviour began doctor reassured me and said, yes, at her day program; by early spring she stayed in things would get better. He prayed with us. bed, kept the blinds closed, and sat there crying— Christmas was coming and no one was excited. almost wailing. Since Downe’s children often have My sister wisely told me to take care of myself as thyroid problems, we adjusted medications and depression is contagious. I sought the Lord daily, repeated blood tests—to no avail. especially to praise Him. It is hard to stay down She’d had two open-heart surgeries as a child and while singing praises to the King! we were told she would probably need another by It took three months of medication before we 13. Now must be the time, but a cardiologist ruled noticed any improvement. Progress was slow; we that out. clung to positive signs, and took one day at a time.

In August, our Christian doctor advised us it Going grocery shopping (something she previously could be depression. We thought, “What does she loved to do!) was a chore. I told her the day before have to worry and get depressed about? It can’t so she could process it, and then she might only sit

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THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

Story Joyce and Jake Fehr

in the car, but at least she came out of the house. Eventually she came in, with a hoodie to avoid eye contact with people.

In April we went to Edmonton to see off our son Jamie for a year in Spain with Avant Mission. We could only trust the Lord that Janelle would come along. She did and surprised us by coming into the mall for a family portrait. By taking one step at a time she has made a remarkable recovery.

Early spring our youngest son phoned to see what the policy was about a “cute little puppy.” Jake and I told him the last thing we needed was a dog. The Lord knew otherwise. The next morning we heard whining in the carport. When Janelle woke up and heard it, her heart melted. Sleven, as she was named, became her puppy. It was the best therapy we could have received.

Not only did we hear laughter from Janelle, the puppy brought her from her basement room and into the outdoors. She sat in the sunshine, and laughed and played with Sleven for hours. It amazes us what laughter can do. The Lord knew that “laughter is medicine for the soul”! Not only was it therapeutic for Janelle, it did wonders for our spirits. We thought we would never hear her laugh again.

Janelle’s night prayers regularly include dogs, but at least she prays.

We jokingly say three Ps got us through.

First and most powerful, Prayer.

Second, Prozac.

Last, Puppy.

Puppy

W

e jokingly say three Ps got us through.

First and most powerful, Prayer. We shared what was happening, solicited prayer wherever possible, and people prayed. My mother, a pray warrior and mentor, reassured us with Scripture that our “suffering” is for a season and for a purpose. When you’re in a valley and can’t see light at the end of the tunnel, God’s promises sustained us.

Second, Prozac. The Lord miraculously heals people; other times the miracle comes with medication. Why were we reluctant to administer THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

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medication for the mind? We won’t be again.

We have seen how wonderful it is.

Last, Puppy. When Sleven died, Janelle cried. Yet we rejoiced because of the healing it revealed; she had not shown any emotion when her grandfather, grandmother, and friend died. Now we cried with her and praised the Lord at the same time.

One year later, she has moved out, and is quite independent. She goes to her work program Monday to Friday. She shops alone.

She visits us if she wants to and stays home when she doesn’t.

What do we say? Don’t avoid people living with someone who is depressed. We made it only because people called or stopped by for visits. They laughed, cried, hugged, and Joyce, Jake (not pictured), and Janelle Fehr are part of La Crete reassured us. They were patient and not Christian Fellowship in northern Alberta. condemning.

Secondly, people prayed. Depression is a battle encouraged her. When progress stalled, we tried not of body, soul, and spirit. When we couldn’t do it for to condemn or criticize. ourselves, you did it for us. The shared promises of The Lord has healed Janelle and is restoring her God were a blessing. Your prayers, when we could mind. She has improved beyond where she was hardly think, carried us. prior to the depression. She was weaned off Prozac Lastly, you stood by us. Depression can be a long within a year, and still made progress. Our God is process.

Awesome!

We used to think people should just “get their act Please don’t despair if you’re in this situation or together and get on with it!” Now we know that is know someone who is. Be patient, lean on the Lord not the case. We need to help! Progress was slight, and His promises, and the sun will shine in your T but with each step we rejoiced with Janelle and heart again. Truly our suffering is only for a season! M

“Dear editor...”

W hat do editors talk about when they get together?

One thing is letters. We love ’em.

The letter is one of the great forms of communication. A third of the New Testament, and a good deal of its doctrinal teaching, comes to us as letters.

Letters to the editor are churchly democracy in action. Even the unhappy ones show that readers care about our publication. Editors dread being ignored, and sometimes wonder, “If an article falls in the forest and no one writes a letter, has it really been read?”

Readers love letters, too. Many will say, “The first thing I turn to is the letters to the editor.”

I received some memorable missives when I was a denominational editor, like the one that began,

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Wally Kroeker

“Dear pacifist puke” (unsigned, of course). Another, dripping with venom, closed with, “In the bonds of Christian love.”

Then there was this cryptic note: “Normally I don’t write letters to the editor, but in this case I felt I had to.” End of letter.

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

One “pen pal” was a meek and gentle soul who became transformed when writing to editors. The act of sitting down before a keyboard seemed to pull out the stopper of decorum, releasing a gush of bile from his fingertips.

Another writer sent a generally thoughtful letter marred by two profanities. One was a non-theological reference to an unpleasant afterlife and the other was a barnyard term. When I deleted them the writer complained that I had “cut out the best parts.” I couldn’t help replying, “You mean ___ and ___ were the best parts of your letter?”

Well, what about the charge that editors cut out the best part? Do people really think that when a letter or article arrives we read it over carefully, searching for the best part? And when we find it, we pounce, exclaiming, “Aha, there it is—the best part. Out it comes.” Do some readers really think we aim to shield them from the best parts of anyone’s writing, and give them something bland instead? (That would make it difficult to sensationalize, which we also are accused of doing. It takes a creative genius to sensationalize bland.)

Well, what about the charge that editors cut out the best part? Do people really think that when a letter or article arrives we read it over carefully, searching for the best part? And when we find it, we pounce, exclaiming, “Aha, there it is—the best part. Out it comes.”

Most churchly editors love putting out an issue with plenty of letters. But that doesn’t mean anything goes.

Sometimes we have to cut off debate, and that rankles readers, especially those who waited too long to send their own comments. Editors rarely invoke the cutoff. Trust me on this—they really don’t want to deprive you of material that is interesting, instructive and inspirational. But periodically they have to ask, “Will yet another letter on Topic A, no matter how precious it may seem to the writer, make readers’ eyes glaze over with boredom?” One more letter may indeed hold the last great insight that no one else has yet considered, but sometimes it’s just another fly buzzing over a horse long dead.

Want to be an effective letter writer?

1. Keep them short. Can you say it in 200 words or less? That takes work. As Blaise Pascal wrote to a friend, “I’m sorry to send you such a long letter. I didn’t have time to write a shorter one.” A Mennonite editor recently received an 1,800-word “letter” with strict instructions not to edit. Ever compliant, she didn’t edit a single word.

Nor did she print it.

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

2. Sign your name. Only in rare cases will editors publish a “name withheld.”

3. When signing off don’t cite your employer or institution unless there’s a good reason.

4. Before you hit SEND, take one more look;

maybe set it aside for a bit. Not to spoil your fun, but is this “a word fitly spoken” (Proverbs 25:11)? Will it persuade anyone? Think about the last time your mind was changed by a letter to the editor. What worked best—a rant, or reasoned discourse? Getting something off your chest may feel good for an hour, but how will it look when you see it in public print?

Ask if you have simply reacted or if you’ve actually advanced and illumined the discussion. Learn to do that and editors will love you—and will be happy to open your e-mail the T next time you write. M Wally Kroeker is editor of Marketplace, MEDA’s magazine.

This article was requested during a meeting of Meetinghouse, an association of Anabaptist editors in the U.S. and Canada.

Theological journal still welcomes submissions!

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

Editor Darryl Klassen, senior pastor at Kleefeld EMC, can be contacted at 204-377-4773, kemc@mts.net, or Box 344, Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0. Essay length is a maximum of 3,500 words.

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

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window on missions Gerald Reimer

A God-honouring legacy?

A

s we live and work here in Mexico for a short time our faith has been tested in many different ways. Because this is a different culture than we are used to we have been challenged to determine why we live the way we live, and make the choices we make with regards to our Christian walk.

An issue that seems to be in our face on a daily basis is the worship of alcohol in this area, something that seems to be a part of everyone’s life. All of this has seemed quite ironic for us as we read The Carillon on-line, and see the debate going on about the liquor referendum taking place in Steinbach, Man. Liquor stores are more plentiful here than Petro-Can Gas Stations are in Canadian cities—there seems to be one every couple of blocks. What caught our kids’ attention is that many of them are “drive through.”

On numerous occasions we have seen people drinking and driving on the streets of our city, people walking home carrying cases of liquor, and empty liquor cans littering the streets and sidewalks. Billboards, advertisements, and commercials about alcohol permeate life here.

Pray that our holy God would move each one of us to purity in our lives so that we can leave a positive legacy in this world.

and there is no big deal. It seems that this justification takes place in many parts of the world, even in Canada, where we consider ourselves to be so civilized and advanced.

While we can’t confirm that the multitude of broken marriages and homes in this country are a result of alcohol, we are not naïve enough to think that it does not play a huge part to this issue.

Unfortunately the churches here are filled with many more women than men, and that leads us to think that the problem is more far-reaching among the men then it is the women.

Sandy and I do not want to train our children in this way. We want to leave a legacy that is God-honouring.

As a man I feel even stronger about this issue since we have come to Mexico. I need to daily lean on the Lord for strength and wisdom to teach my children how to serve the Lord with holy lives.

We are so blessed to be able to be serving a living, loving, and gracious Lord, one who forgives us and empowers us to serve Him. We are so thankful that even in just a few months we can hopefully make a positive difference in the lives of some of our neighbours and in the church.

Pray that our holy God would move each one of us to purity in our lives so that we can leave a positive legacy T in this world. M

Then we have also seen the devastation of what the abuse of alcohol does to people and families. Crime is quite prevalent in our city, and on weekends the sirens of our police force wails throughout the nights. Almost every time we go downtown, day or night, we see inebriated people struggling to move along.

What amazes us about all this is that with all the evidence around us of how alcohol can damage lives, people here seem to justify that a little beer or wine here

Israel/Petra/Egypt Tour February 21–March 4, 2008 Hosts: Pastor Dale and Lori Dueck, Winkler EMMC Six days in Israel, 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 8

Gerald and Sandy Reimer are serving a five-month missions term in the city of Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua State, Mexico. He previously studied Spanish at Rio Grande Bible Institute and served for three years as a youth worker in Mexico; Sandy has missions experience in Bolivia. As Conference Youth Minister, Gerald works for both the Board of Missions and the Board of Church Ministries.

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

with our missionaries Mexico

A privilege to serve here!

Our family has had the The kids are enjoying Mexiprivilege these past few months can life and have already picked to live and work in the city of up quite a bit of Spanish. They are Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua state, starting to receive some tutoring Mexico. from a neighbour lady, as well Having spent three years as being involved in AWANA working in discipleship ministry and Sunday School. They have in Chihuahua City a dozen years also made some friends with ago, I was familiar with this area neighbourhood kids. of the country. Being here as a Spanish-speaking churches family has been a real blessing, in the state are overall doing as we have gotten to know a well, although there is a real lot of people both locally here sense that they would like to see in Cuauhtemoc and also in their churches being strengthnumerous churches across the ened, more leadership training, state. and new outreaches started to Alvira Friesen, a career Olivia, Caleb, Sandy, and Andrew Reimer on a ride to check horses with Santo continue the discipleship minmissionary with EMC, is back Tomas campground hosts Victor and Chema. istry. in Manitoba on a five-month Many conversations have I also teach a SEAN class to a group of revealed that they miss missionaries furlough, and we were asked to come and fill in for her while she is gone. We adults in the Emanuel church here in the that have gone away and are so thankful are living in the EMC mission house in city; there are many other opportunities for whatever help Canada can send. We Cuauhtemoc, a home that Alvira has for involvement, including youth minis- are just thankful to be able to contribute try, preaching, and so on. occupied for quite a few years. even a little bit in this short time. We One part of our work that we really will be coming back to Canada in the Our work during these five months is to be involved in the Ebenezer church— appreciate is travelling around the state beginning of 2008. one of our two that are here in the city— visiting our EMC churches. There are a Gerald Reimer and teach a Basic Doctrine course on the number of churches going through some last Saturday of every month, part of the struggles, and so it is good for us to be Gerald and Sandy Reimer and children requirement for the students who attend able to connect with these folks and be a are part of Evangelical Fellowship Church support to them. the Saturday Bible Institute.

(Steinbach).

with our churches

Women of Hope highlighted Steinbach EMC: October 14 saw a presentation of Frues met Hopninj (Women of Hope) given at our church.

Part of this radio production is produced in Blumenort, Man. This program is heard in Bolivia, Mexico, Paraguay, Belize, Germany, USA, and in Canada. In Manitoba it comes over CHSM on Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

The production team consists of Hilda Plett, Erma Penner, Joyce Dyck, Carol Kroeker, and Diane Reimer. The tape is made in the Dycks’ home in Blumenort. Written responses to the broadcast are few, but verbal comments of encouragement are heard.

Dave K. Schellenberg

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

Frues met Hopninj Five years ago missionaries from Bolivia came to ask us personally if we would translate and produce the English program called Women of Hope into Low German for the Trans World Radio station in their country.

It was named Frues met Hopninj.

The title in itself reveals the purpose for producing these programs: That it is to be a voice in a woman’s world, which will encourage and thereby offer hope in challenges she faces.

It is heard in many countries where Low German-speaking people live who

come from various backgrounds and live in different circumstances. Our hearts go out to women especially who live in isolated places and sometimes hopeless situations. The more we hear about their needs, the more motivated we are to do our part to reach out to them through our program.

According to missionaries acquainted with their situation, the best and most effective way to contact these people is through radio. Even though radios are forbidden in some (continued page 10)

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(continued from page 9)

places, many manage to have them and hide them so they will not be confiscated.

The original English scripts, received from Project Hannah (the branch of Trans World Radio which produces Women of Hope), are translated into Low German.

The voices of five women and additional music make up the half-hour program which is aired once a week.

The women involved in this ministry are all members of Steinbach EMC. The programs are done in a conversational style with features on a variety of topics followed by a devotional. The topics featured relate to personal and family interests, such as child care, relationships, health problems, aging, purity, marriage, and friendships. The devotionals are Scripture based and aim to give spiritual hope to the listeners.

The first program was heard in Bolivia in 2005.

Since then other stations

Responses to the programs come primarily by word of mouth. Many have said that they learn much.

per week. The decision to go ahead in faith is pending.

Responses to the programs come primarily by word of mouth. Many have said that they learn much. Wives have said that they are better able to relate to husbands and children. They also appreciate the fact that we speak to teens and singles.

Some have said the salvation message is clearly presented. Some women’s groups listen to the program together and later discuss it.

We as a team would like to get more feedback, but continue in faith that the Lord will open the minds and hearts and give them hope in Jesus, especially those who are seeking for truth.

Joyce Dyck

The production team of Frues met Hopninj reported at Steinbach EMC on October 14: Hilda Plett, Erma Penner, Joyce Dyck, Carol Kroeker, and Diane Reimer.

weddings DUECK – KEATING: Kris, son of Alfred and Marge Dueck of Rosenort, Man., and Dana, daughter of Dennis and Wilma Keating of Landmark, Man., were married on July 28, 2006, in Landmark, Man., with Rev. Amos Fehr officiating. The couple lives in Niverville, Man. KLASSEN – FRIESEN: Brian, son of Mary and Richard Klassen of La Riviere, Man., and Ainsley, daughter of Merlin and Wanda Friesen of Riverside, Man., were married on August 26, 2006, at Rosenort EMC, with Rev. Amos Fehr officiating. The couple lives in La Riviere.

LEPP – BRANDT: Jared, son of John and Maryann Lepp of Steinbach, Man., and Lindsay, daughter of Chuck and Luella Brandt of Rosenort, Man., were married on July 15, 2006, at Rosenort EMC, with Rev. Amos Fehr officiating. The couple lives in Steinbach.

LOEWEN – PLETT: Alex, son of Ed and Anne Loewen of Riverside, Man., and Melanie,

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in Mexico, Paraguay, Belize, Germany, Texas (Seminole), and Ontario (De Bridg, a Low German station) are airing it. We have no financial responsibilities to these stations. In fact, in Mexico it is sponsored by Coco Cola.

Last fall Golden West Radio in Manitoba offered us a time slot here in Manitoba on CHSM 1250 and CFAM 950 on Sundays at 6:30 to 7 p.m. The offer was accepted knowing that many Low German-speaking people have moved into southern Manitoba.

Frues met Hopninj has been heard here in Manitoba since January 2007. These broadcasts are financed by free-will offerings sent to Janz Team Ministries in Winnipeg for that purpose.

A further offer to go on the air in Alberta and Saskatchewan has come from Golden West, each for the price $100

daughter of Jeff and Laural Ann Plett of Fort Frances, Ont., were married on September 15, 2007, at Rosenort EMC, with Rev. Jeff Plett and Rev. Amos Fehr officiating. The couple lives in Riverside.

THIESSEN – FRIESEN: William, son of George and Jacqueline Thiessen of Riverside, Man., and Brittany, daughter of Rod and Ellie Friesen of Steinbach, Man., were married on February 10, 2007, at Rosenort EMC, with Rev. Amos Fehr officiating. The couple lives in Morris, Man. FRIESEN – KORNELSEN: Darcy, son of Levi and Judy Friesen, and Raquel, daughter of Bruce and Lill Kornelsen of Rosenort, Man., were married on April 21, 2007, at Rosenort EMC, with Rev. George Toews officiating. The couple lives in Rosenort.

FRIESEN – ENNS: Michael, son of Levi and Judy Friesen, and Misty, daughter of Ernie and Sherryl Enns of Carman, Man., were married on June 9, 2007, at Rosenort EMC, with Rev. Bob Pauls officiating. The couple lives in Carman.

BUHR – LAWSON: Ryan Wayne of Moose Jaw, Sask., son of Garry and Myrna Buhr of Portage la Prairie, Man., and Rachel Margaret, daughter of Ian and Connie Lawson of Lethbridge, Alta., were married on July 1, 2007, in Lethbridge.

The couple lives in Moose Jaw.

births MacDONALD – to Adam and Emily MacDonald of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Amy Grace, on July 25, 2007.

HEPPNER – to Carl and Kathy Heppner of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Grace Liesel, on July 27, 2007.

JOHNSON – to Dan and Twyla Johnson of Pelly, Sask., a son, Kobe Brent, on August 3, 2007.

PLETT – to Jeremy and Erin Plett of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Andrew Walter, on October 1, 2007.

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

stewardship today Sherri Grosz

You want the bread knife?

A

fter my grandmother died, my mother and her Have a conversation with your family while you are sisters were cleaning out grandma’s house still able to do so. What do they feel would be fair? Are and decided to phone and ask the three there certain items they hold dear and would hate to grandchildren, all adults, if there was anything have sold? What are the stories behind these items? How we wanted. “The bread knife” was my reply. My mother did you get them? Write the stories down. This is family didn’t know which knife I meant, and it took some knowledge you are passing on. explaining for her to locate it.

When we talk about how to disburse our assets in our I’m sure they had put it in the thrift shop box, not estate, we are also talking about our eventual death. It’s a realizing it had value to anyone. It’s old and well used. difficult topic for many, but one that shouldn’t be avoided.

My mother doesn’t recall seeing it when she was growing Do your family a favor and prepare up. We don’t know how my grandmother got this knife. or review your plans. Mennonite Was it a gift? Did she purchase it at an estate sale? I Foundation of Canada provides free remember her using it to slice bread when I was a child, guidance as you work through the and it brings back warm childhood memories for me. process. We also offer qualified Fortunately, no one else wanted it. individuals rebates of 50 percent of Disputes in estates are most likely to be about items the fees of preparing a will to a of sentimental value, especially if the will leaves equal maximum of $200 when you amounts of money to all children or siblings. Personal use our consulting property and heirlooms are unique and can’t be divided. services. Contact Sentimental value could be attached to the cottage, a any of our mantle clock, a coin collection, perhaps a pocket watch offices to get T or set of china. The family is grieving and emotions started. M are already running high. Childhood perceptions of unfairness and favouritism will likely be magnified.

Things may be said and you won’t be there to set it right Sentimental value could be again.

How can fights be prevented? attached to the cottage, You know your family best. Do a mantle clock, a coin they only tolerate each other or collection, perhaps a actually get along? Have they been able to work through their pocket watch or set of disputes or are you required china. The family is grieving to make peace? Are there unresolved problems seething and emotions are running below the surface? Is sibling high. Childhood perceptions of rivalry still at play? unfairness and favouritism will If relationships are already cool, it might be best to involve likely be magnified. an impartial third party as the executor or one of the executors, possibly a lawyer or a trust company.

You may be surprised if you start asking your For stewardship education and services, contact your family members which item they might desire. It may nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office: be something you never considered! Unless you Abbotsford – Ed Wedel, 1-888-212-8608; Calgary – Gary ask what they treasure, you won’t know. I’m certain Sawatzky, 1-877-717-0708; Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen, my grandmother would have been astonished that I 1-888-212-8731; Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, Sherri Grosz, treasured her bread knife; my mother certainly was.

1-888-212-7759; Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 1-800-772-3257.

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

11

Victim befriends offenders Earlier this year a Calgary youth threw an egg at a clerk. The plan was to submit a video to a website, but two boys were arrested and charged with assault with a weapon.

The victim, Zenebe Gebrewold, said he was angry and thought of revenge.

But after meeting the offenders and hearing their remorse, he told them, “We weren’t enemies before this happened.

We don’t have to be enemies now.” One youth returned to the store to have his girlfriend meet Gebrewold.

This meeting between offenders, parents, and Gebrewold was assisted by the Calgary Community Conferencing, a restorative justice program supported by MCC Alberta, Calgary Youth Probation Services, Calgary Board of Education, City of Calgary, Calgary Family Services, and the John Howard Society.

The goal of community conferencing is to reduce youth crime through helping them address the consequences of harmful behaviour, said Darrel Heidebrecht, who represents MCC Alberta.

A conference is a structured process that gives victims an opportunity to ask questions, unavailable under a retributive model of justice where offenders are passive and victims largely ignored.

“We don’t do conferences without victims. Without the participation of victims there is no point to it,” said

Heidebrecht. “This is getting tough on crime. We are asking kids to do things that are way more challenging then facing a judge in a courtroom,” he added.

“Victims typically have a lot of questions and we try to help young people answer these questions. We want this to be a positive learning “We weren’t enemies before this happened. We don’t have to be enemies now,” said Zenebe Gebrewold, a victim who met his offenders through a Calgary restorative justice program.

experience for kids but we also want them to take full responsibility for their actions.”

The conference closes with offenders developing an action plan. In this case, the offenders said they would meet Gebrewold in a restaurant to help see him as a person.

FASD is often misunderstood The world can be a cruel and lonely place for individuals living with fetal alcohol-related disorders.

Irma Janzen, past coordinator of MCC Canada’s mental health and disabilities program, says people living with FASD have invisible disabilities and require nonjudgmental acceptance and understanding.

“What would I do differently if I really believed that the individual can’t, rather than won’t?” she asked, reflecting on the 45-minute MCC video on FASD, can’t, not won’t.

FASD, she explained, is an umbrella term describing all fetal alcohol-related disorders. These disorders are permanent brain injuries that may occur when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy.

Recognizing FASD’s symptoms is the first step for churches to be compassionate and accepting. Symptoms range from being almost non-existent, to physical symptoms, or a normal appearance (but with intellectual, emotional, social, and behavioural symptoms).

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MCC’s video can’t, not won’t is available to rent from EM Conference video resource library.

(photo by Joanie Peters)

In court the judge took the conference into consideration, sentencing the youth to probation, with conditions—including their offer to meet with the victim for coffee.

Gladys Terichow, MCC

“Lying and stealing is a big concern,” she said, explaining “this behaviour is the result of brain damage—it is not willful or defiant.”

Individuals born with FASD are easily influenced by others and struggle to understand consequences, expectations, and concepts. They seek instant gratification and demonstrate poor common sense.

This behaviour is regularly misunderstood as a parenting problem, said Janzen, and parents often develop feelings of guilt, failure, and rejection. This may lead to withdrawal from community and church activities.

Children, meanwhile, feel misunderstood and develop inappropriate behaviour to help them cope—shown in school or job difficulties, or being vulnerable to poverty, homelessness, depression, low self-esteem, emotional outbursts, suicidal tendencies, inappropriate sexual behaviour, drug and alcohol abuse, and early pregnancy.

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

Janzen emphasized that individuals living with FASD require lifelong support, especially in community life, housing, and employment. She encourages churches to provide compassionate and nonjudgmental supports for adults.

Many adults living with FASD, she said, live semi-independently and function well in supervised, structured school and work environments. Churches can help prevent FASD by assisting women at risk of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.

“It is important that communities understand that social issues, such as poverty, violence, abuse, trauma and literacy, contribute to alcohol consumption,” she added.

Other resources produced by the MCC Canada include the brochure A Christian Response to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a poster on Celebrating Diverse Abilities, and available information on MCC’s website. The video and other materials can be ordered at www.mcc. org/fasd or 888-622-6337.

MCC Canada

Ed and Joy Loewen, former EMC cross-cultural workers, have written Your Muslim Friend, an inspirational 36-page booklet for the Christian who is befriending a Muslim neighbour, colleague, or fellow-student. It has a helpful websites and books section for study.

It’s available from Arab World Ministries (www.awm.org) for $2.50 plus shipping, 888-624-6170, lvleeuwen@a2bmail.net.

Ed says that Canada’s Muslim population is close to one million and growing. Over the past decade the largest groups of refugees are Muslims, and many regular immigrants are Muslims. As a church we are only scratching the surface in reaching these newcomers. The booklet focuses on ministering relationally.

The people that MDS helps Carmen Dedeaux evacuated her home in Pass Christian, Miss., on August 28, 2005, as the eye of Hurricane Katrina approached the Mississippi coast. The 30-foot storm surge removed her house from its foundation, then deposited it on its side several blocks inland among the debris of other buildings, vehicles and shattered trees.

For a week after the storm, Pass Christian residents were not allowed back into what was left of their town.

When Dedeaux finally made it to her house through the debris, she could stay only long enough to find a few personal items. Several weeks later when she was allowed to return again, she found that her house had been bulldozed, and nothing was left.

The double devastation left her bitter at God. “I lost my faith in God,” says Dedeaux, who was so angry that she sat down in the middle of what had been her street and screamed at God. God responded by sending Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers to rebuild her house.

“People would come in, put down stakes and work until they were finished,” she says. “It got to where they were no longer helping build my house. God

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

was sending people to help me rebuild my faith.”

Today she enjoys the house on pylons that also represents her rebuilt faith.

“I have more faith now,” Dedeaux says, “not because I got a new house.

“People would come in and work until they were finished,” Dedeaux says. “It got to where they were no longer helping build my house.

God was sending people to help me rebuild my faith.”

[The volunteers] came in with the same agenda: that God loves you. That’s what is so special about this house, the house that love built.”

“Oh, Lord. Thank you so much!” said Catalina Boisseau when John Kroeker, project director for Mennonite Disaster Service New Orleans, told her that MDS would commit to rebuilding her shattered home. “It’s been two years and my husband is so depressed. He is disabled and can’t get out of bed.”

Catalina insisted that Kroeker come into their FEMA trailer and tell her husband the good news personally. Lloyd Boisseau explained why he was “jaded” about promises of help.

“People come and say they will help us,” Lloyd says. “They get their picture and name in the paper and never come back.”

The Boisseau house is one of four new houses MDS will help build in the New Orleans area this fall and winter. Money for building supplies will come from partners such as Catholic Charities; the labor will be provided by MDS volunteers.

Everett J. Thomas Meetinghouse

Carmen Dedeaux

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Eidses honoured for compassion, sensitivity Ben and Helen Eidse, early EMC missionaries, were honoured recently by the Association of Anabaptist Missiologists.

Compassion and sensitivity were themes of a banquet to honour them and two other missionary couples for lifetime service on the evening of October 13, 2007, in Winnipeg, Man. At its annual conference held this year at Canadian Mennonite University, the Association recognized the Eidses, late cultural anthropologist Jacob A. Loewen and wife Anne of Abbotsford, BC; and MCC native concerns director Menno Wiebe and wife Lydia of Winnipeg.

Ben and Helen Eidse were honoured for their “rich contribution to mission studies and practice throughout

Ben and Helen Eidse were honoured for their “rich contribution to mission studies and practice throughout the last 50 to 60 years.” the last 50 to 60 years,” and “for contributing to the establishment and organization of some 80 churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the subsequent inservice training of their lay leaders,” implementing auditing systems and training leaders to be honest in accounting.

Eidses will be remembered for translating the Bible into Chokwe

with Congolese colleagues, and for working to improve interdenominational relations, including with the Catholic Church.

They conducted significant work on the Lunda Chokwe view of witchcraft and its implications for Christian discipleship. Working with often illiterate populations, Eidses employed a scripture memorization program among groups of people.

Mrs. Eidse, a registered nurse, worked in a leprosarium, tuberculosis sanitorium, and maternity ward. At the leprosarium, she administered the first leprosy cures and encouraged patients to live productive lives inside and outside the leprosarium.

Mr. Eidse, president of Steinbach Bible College from 1983-92, began his mission work in Kamsack and Pelly, Sask., in 1949 and 1950-52. Mrs. Eidse joined him at Pelly in 1952, and after a year they set sail for the Congo.

All three missionary couples were recognized for presenting the gospel without attacking the culture, and recognizing that Christianity had something to contribute to local cultures.

Ben and Helen Eidse were the first workers sent out, in 1953, under the EMC mission board.

Faith Eidse

Convener James Krabill presents the award to Ben and Helen Eidse.

Das EMC Archivkomitee sucht Freiwillige die fähig sind Predigten, die in der alten gotischen Schrift geschrieben sind, ins heutige deutsch und auch ins englische zu übersetzen. Wenn gefragt, soll dieses Material in ganz Kanada verschickt werden.

Diese Arbeit ist unentgeldlich aber alle Unkosten für Material und Versand werden gedeckt werden.

Wenden sie sich an: Terry Smith, Tel. 204-326-6401 (er selber spricht kein deutsch) oder schreiben sie entweder (deutsch oder englisch) an: Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main St., Steinbach R5G 1Z5 oder emcterry@mts.net.

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Ben and Helen Eidse were the first workers sent out, in 1953, under the EMC mission board.

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

shoulder tapping Riverton Gospel Chapel in the town of Riverton in Manitoba’s Interlake is ready to accept a fulltime pastor. We are a congregation of about a hundred attendees in a Sunday morning service. We are an energetic group, with a good representation of all age groups, and a diversity of vocation. You may direct inquiries to Waldon Plett (204-378-2975, weplett@lakenet.ca) or Brad Kornelsen (204-378-2329).

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.

Are you an enthusiastic couple called by God to serve in full-time ministry? Hillside Christian Fellowship (EMC) seeks a pastor to serve in fulltime ministry with a part-time emphasis on youth.

We are a family oriented rural church located in the heart of a farming community 20 minutes south of La Crete, Alta. Our average attendance is about 60 people. Musical ability is an asset. Contact Johnny Wieler at 780-928-3880 or email AVLL@siscanada. ca.

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.

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.

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

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, selfmotivated 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.

MCC Manitoba invites applications for executive director, El’dad Ranch. El’dad Ranch, located near Steinbach, Man., is a faith-based program providing residential and vocational support services to men with intellectual disabilities, including some in conflict with the law. This is a full-time position open to salary or service worker support. Application deadline is November 15, 2007.

All MCC workers are required to have a Christian faith, be actively involved in a Christian church, and have a personal commitment to nonviolence and peacemaking.

For a job description, visit www.mcc.org. Send application to Janelle Siemens at jms@mennonitecc. ca or call 204-261-6381 for information.

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

Camp Assiniboia¸ Headingley, Man., requires a manager, beginning in April 2008. Key attributes being sought include energy, effective communication, operational know-how and hospitality mindset. Direct inquiries to Director of Camping Ministries, Mennonite Church Manitoba, 200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1, camps@mennochurch.mb.ca, 204-895-2267.

THE MESSENGER November 1, 2007

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 church planting ccordinator Ward Parkinson at 204-326-6401, emcward@mts.net.

MCC Ontario seeks an executive director. It has a staff of 65, many volunteers, and a budget of about $9M. The director leads the team in its mission. It is a full-time position with a three-year renewable term. Beginning date is negotiable.

The board seeks an individual committed to a personal Christian faith, active church membership and nonviolent peacemaking, who holds a related university degree, and five or more years in an organizational leadership position.

The director guides the development of MCCO program plans; works collaboratively with board, staff, colleagues and the constituent church leaders; is effective in public communication; and leads MCCO in fund development. A job description is available.

Applications are accepted until November 23, 2007. Send letter, resume and three references to Search Committee of the Board, 50 Kent St., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1; ontarioedsearch@gmail. com.

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 204-326-6401 or emcken@mts.net.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada is accepting applications for a receptionist in the Winnipeg, Man., office.

This person will be responsible for front desk and telephone reception, processing incoming and outgoing mail including deposits and receipting, word processing and various other clerical duties.

Experience in a computerized office environment, specifically using Microsoft Office software with proficiency in Word is desired. Applicants should enjoy interacting with the public and possess strong interpersonal and telephone skills.

MFC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. A complete job description is available upon request. Processing of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested persons should send their resume to Assistant Manager, Mennonite Foundation of Canada, 12-1325 Markham Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6, Ph. 204-488-1985, Fax 204-488-1986, E-mail: rbjanzen@mennofoundation.ca.

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A reader’s viewpoint

Low pay for extra work

A

woman I know spoke at Bible Camp twice a day, 14 times in total, 45 minutes each time. She spent about two to three hours preparing each presentation. She was paid a grand total of $200.

To me, that’s a sin.

She didn’t do it for the money, of course. She did it for the kids. She enjoys preparing and delivering Bible lessons.

But it’s still a sin to treat people that way.

Unfortunately, what happened is not all that uncommon in the church, at least here in Canada. There’s a strong desire to get workshops, presentations, and resources for free or very cheap. When a speaker asks to be paid a price that covers costs, pays a decent wage, or reflects the years of work developing an expertise, some people become offended. After all, it’s for the Lord!

But even the Lord would want his servants treated

John Longhurst respectfully and paid fairly. That’s the argument made by former Winnipeg theology professor John Stackkouse in his book Church: An Insider’s Look at How We Do It. “The way some Christian churches and other organizations pay their speakers, it makes me embarrassed to be a member of the same faith,” says Stackhouse, who now teaches at Vancouver’s Regent College.

Stackhouse cites the case of a staff worker who, one weekend, gave four talks at a youth retreat and was oncall to talk to youth and youth leaders. What was the compensation? A T-shirt. There wasn’t even a cheque for the gas he used to get there. “Every professional Christian speaker has stories like these,” says Stackhouse.

When it comes to paying guest preachers, many churches can be no better. Stackhouse says it is common to be paid $100 for preaching on a Sunday morning, although some churches pay less. “Let us ask ourselves, before God, how we can justify paying a guest preacher a mere hundred bucks,” he says.

With likely at least ten hours invested in preparing the sermon, plus the time spent at the church, that’s less than ten bucks an hour. How many professionals would work for that much?

When a speaker asks to be paid a price that covers costs, pays a decent wage, or reflects the years of work developing an expertise, some people become offended.

After all, it’s for the Lord! But even the Lord would want his servants treated respectfully and paid fairly.

“I’m not in this line of work for the money, but for the ministry,” one person told Stackhouse. “All I want is not to be insulted by the people I’m serving by them paying me less than they pay their kids’ piano teachers or their own hair stylists.

“They can say all the nice things they want when I’m finished. But when they hand me a paltry check, what are they really saying? What do they expect me to conclude about how much they value my work?”

Of course, speakers have some responsibility. They should ask about remuneration, and decide if it’s enough.

Stackhouse’s wife suggested to him, “Don’t accept a fee that you will then resent the group for paying. If you can’t serve in a good spirit, don’t go.”

After all, as he points out, “None of us can serve T properly if we feel devalued and unappreciated.” M John Longhurst is a freelance writer in Winnipeg, Man.

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