The Messenger Vol. 46 No. 5 March 5, 2008

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 46, number 5 March 5, 2008

Instead of

DEATH,

life www.emconf.ca/Messenger

THE

MESSENGER

editorials

Balthasar and Elisabeth Hubmaier

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EDITOR Terry M. Smith ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors.

THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba.

Subscriptions: $12 per year (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total: $12.84). Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

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

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN #0701-3299 PAP Registration #9914 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.

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

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 7 – April 2 (copy due March 21)

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n March 10, 1528, a crowd gathered in Vienna to watch as a man was burned to death.

Balthasar Hubmaier, about 48 years old, had been a priest, held a doctorate in theology, and has since been described as among the most articulate of early Anabaptists.

While executioners rubbed sulphur and gunpowder into his beard, he joked, “Salt me well, salt me well.” He cried out for prayer support to suffer patiently. When fire neared him, he cried, “O my heavenly Father, O my gracious Lord.” When his beard began to burn, he said, “O Jesus, Jesus!” (J. A. Moore, Anabaptist Portraits, Herald Press, 1984).

Balthasar Hubmaier was, by some standards, perhaps a bit unusual as an Anabaptist: He defended the Christian’s use of the sword and used the Apostles’ Creed in his teaching.

He was tortured on the rack, yet he never denied Christ nor other Anabaptists as his brothers and sisters. Under intense pressure, he did say he had sometimes taught in error.

Dr. Hubmaier’s story reveals how difficult discipleship can be. Though he struggled, he was no last minute follower of Christ, no prodigal. His spiritual journey can educate us as we ponder discipleship and Anabaptist teaching today.

Dr. Hubmaier’s story reveals how difficult discipleship can be. His spiritual journey can educate us as we ponder discipleship and Anabaptist teaching today.

Three days later Elisabeth Hubmaier, his wife, was drowned in the River Danube for her Anabaptist faith in Christ. She isn’t forgotten, but less is known about her.

Balthasar described her as a woman of prayer.

Whatever she suffered, the knowledge of her husband’s death likely added to her burden—and his abiding faith likely added T to her comfort. M Terry M. Smith

Easter, the promise of a new creation

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planet)? One day, as Easter promises, “creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into glorious freedom” (Romans 8:21-22); there will be “a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).

Meanwhile, how are we, as Christcentred disciples, to care for the Earth?

“Creation is God’s gift and it is to be nurtured and maintained with love and care,” writes Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.

“Christians are to exercise loving dominion that honors scriptural values and leaves future generations what they need” (Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, IVP, 2005).

Physical creation will ultimately respond to the Creator’s command of renewal. But we are endowed with One day, as Easter promises, “creation itself choice. How are we responding, this will be liberated from its bondage to decay Easter season, to the Holy Spirit’s T call for our personal renewal? M and brought into glorious freedom.”

Terry M. Smith n Easter morning the universe was changed. Our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection contained, in promise, a wonderful effect that goes far beyond our individual response to him; it touches the universe as a whole.

William Ralph Inge (1860–1954) was Anglican dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England. When he became aware of the possibility of life on other planets, he said that if a Martian ship landed nearby, he would feel obligated to share with it the good news of Christ—though, he confessed, he felt ill-equipped to do so.

Do we feel prepared to share even news of the renewal of the Earth (a single

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

coming events March 14–15 SBC Leadership Conference Leading a Church Today Keynote speaker: John Stackhouse Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. 800-230-8478 or 204-326-6451 www.sbcollege.ca

Journal for EMC theology and education

February 2008 has been published and sent to churches

March 29–29 Serve 08 A ministry equipping and personal enrichment conference Keynote speaker: Bruxy Cavey Briercrest College and Seminary Caronport, Sask.

888-462-2202 www.briercrest.ca/serve/2008

Contents Editorial: A theology of God and depression Papers: Mennonite Peacemakers and Aboriginal Neighbours Reflections on identity: Evangelical, Anabaptist, and Mennonite Sex: Pastoring on Dangerous Ground

April 14–16 Refocus 2008: Leading with Biblical Authority Preaching and theology conference Willingdon Church Burnaby, B.C. 604-435-5544 www.refocuscanada.com

Feature Sermon: Baptized Eyes Book Review: The Prophetic Imagination Essays (maximum 3,500 words), book reviews, and articles can be sent to Editor Darryl G. Klassen, Box 129, Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0; kemc@mts.net; 204-377-4773. Another issue is planned for 2008.

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

Theodidaktos (it means taught by God) can be viewed online at www.emconf. ca, scrolling down to Theological Journal. Paper copies are available free from the national office.

History in the Making

Fundraising FASPA 2008

~all about archiving

“A Cool Oasis”

A bonus workshop at the SBC Leadership Conference Friday, March 14, 1:00–3:00 pm

Sunday, March 30, 2008

What to keep? | How to keep it?

Get answers here!

Cost included in conference registration or to attend workshop only is $15.

To register call 204-326-6451 or www.sbcollege.ca

4:00 p.m SBC Gymnasium Call to reserve seats 204-326-6451 Project: Air-condition the library

www.sbcollege.ca

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

June 11–14 Believers’ Church Conference Congregationalism, Denominationalism, and the Body of Christ Keynote speakers: Reginald W. Bibby, Fernando Enns, Jonathan R. Wilson Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570 www.cmu.ca June 29–July 13 Project Macedonia SOLID 2008: Students in Outreach, Leadership, Intercession and Discipleship 204-326-6401 or emcger@mts.net July 4–6 Fire it Up, 2 Timothy 1:6 EMC Annual Convention Keynote speaker: Dr. Grant C. Richison Steinbach Mennonite Church Steinbach, Man. 204-326-6401

Note about Mozambique reports by Joe Reimer Mr. Reimer included a bibliography that should have been printed with his mission reports of January 9, 2008, and February 20, 2008: CIA World Fact Book Diane Powell Hawkins, Ordinary People in God’s Hands Diane Powell Hawkins, A Tribute to God Xulon Press (www.xulonpress.com) Editor

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1 column ad - 2 3/8 x 4 7/8 inches

Instead Good Friday

Ward Parkinson

The Good Friday story, the account of Jesus’ arrest, trial, suffering, and death is full of contradictions, full of incongruencies, full of things that you would not expect.

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THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

READ Mark 14:1–2

READ Mark 14:35–42

INSTEAD of getting rid of the leaven in their homes and in their lives, the chief priests were seeking a way to get rid of Jesus.

INSTEAD of praying to a capricious god who merely toys with people’s lives like a child at the chess board, Jesus prays to the Creator of all things, and calls Him Abba, Father.

INSTEAD of avoiding the unclean person like the plague, Jesus the Teacher reclined at the take of Simon the leper. He is the friend of sinners.

READ Mark 14:3 INSTEAD of staying away from Jesus, who was wanted by the religious authorities, a woman entered the house by herself and anointed His head with perfume.

INSTEAD of saving her expensive perfume as an investment for the future, she worshiped with it, sparing no cost and offering herself as a living sacrifice.

READ Mark 14:4–9 INSTEAD of becoming infamous as a woman of wasteful stupidity, this unnamed woman becomes a model of beautiful, sacrificial worship for the rest of history.

INSTEAD of joining to bow in worship, prompted by her lead, some of the disciples are prompted to rebuke her and complain about the waste.

READ Mark 14:10–11 INSTEAD of lavishly sparing no expense, like the woman, to worship Jesus, Judas accepts an expenses paid assignment to betray Jesus.

INSTEAD of the perfume of devotion, we are left with the stench of treachery in our nostrils.

READ Mark 14:32–34 INSTEAD of Jesus being the one to calm the storm in the disciples’ lives, He seeks their presence and support because of the storm raging in His own soul.

INSTEAD of Gethsemane, which means oil press, being the place where olives are crushed with heavy millstones, the Son of God is the one being crushed. He endures the crushing burden of what He is about to face.

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

INSTEAD of Peter, James, and John staring wildly into the black night, ready to either run or fight when the enemy comes, they are lulled to sleep by the real enemy. All too often so are we.

INSTEAD of Jesus rebelling against the prospect of crucifixion, He submits to His Father’s will, even while dreading the torture to come. He is able to say, “Enough.” It is life in My Father’s hands. The bill is paid. Things are settled. “The hour has come.”

READ Mark 14:43–52 INSTEAD of Judas taking up a sword along with this mob and being the first to thrust a blade into Jesus, he walked up and greeted Him with a kiss, which cut much deeper.

INSTEAD of being taken by surprise by this ambush, Jesus simply states that this mob of arresters are fulfilling what the Scriptures have said all along.

INSTEAD of sticking with Him no matter what, as they promised just a couple of hours earlier, all of his disciples panicked and deserted him, some without even their clothes.

READ Mark 14:53–65 INSTEAD of trying to get to the bottom of things, seeking the truth, the chief priests scraped the bottom of the barrel, looking for liars.

INSTEAD of finding some crack of weakness, some chink in Jesus’ godly armour, these false witnesses revealed only that their own stories were full of holes.

INSTEAD of telling the High Priest, “Yes, I am the Messiah, but don’t tell anyone,” Jesus quoted the prophet Daniel and said, “I am, and you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

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INSTEAD of seeing their own blasphemy in condemning the Son of Man, the ruling council accused Jesus of blasphemy, and sealed their own condemnation.

INSTEAD of forsaking sinners, God chose to forsake the Sinless One. God laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Jesus was separated from the Father, so that you and I could be brought close.

INSTEAD of Jesus being the blindfolded victim of mockery, the mockers were the ones truly blind, having no idea that they were striking God.

INSTEAD of His life being taken from Him, He gave it up freely, for us. He breathed his last, so you could breathe the air of heaven. When His heart stopped beating, your new life began.

READ Mark 15:6–11 INSTEAD of innocent Jesus, Pilate released guilty Barabbas.

INSTEAD of murderer Barabbas, life-giver Jesus was condemned.

Because Jesus was condemned, I too am set free.

READ Mark 15:16–20

INSTEAD of murderer Barabbas, life-giver Jesus was condemned.

Because Jesus was condemned, I too am set free.

INSTEAD of a real coronation, Jesus received a parody of one. Twisted thorns became the crowning achievement of twisted scorn.

INSTEAD of true homage, the soldiers offered a counterfeit, inspired from the pit.

READ Mark 15:21–32 INSTEAD of just being a passerby, Simon becomes the first to take up a cross and follow Jesus.

INSTEAD of reaching out in faith, like a woman once did, to touch the hem of his garment and be healed of an issue of blood, the soldiers rolled dice to take a piece of His garment, and remained with bloodstains on their hands.

INSTEAD of “King of the Jews” being the chant that would bring Him glory, “King of the Jews” was the charge that pronounced him guilty. He was the King, He was innocent, and He died for it.

INSTEAD of the temple worship getting back to normal after the Passover, it was forever changed with a top-to-bottom rip. Someone greater than the temple was here. His death was not the end of something, but just the beginning.

INSTEAD of the chief priests, the teachers of the law recognizing who Jesus really is, God put the truth on the lips of a pagan Roman soldier. “Truly, this was the Son of God.” INSTEAD of the disciples, who had all boasted their allegiance to Jesus back in the Upper Room, it was the women who remained, undaunted, at the foot of the cross.

READ Mark 8:34–38 INSTEAD of being silenced on that Friday, the call of Jesus continues to ring out right to this Friday.

INSTEAD of trying to save your own life by denying Jesus, you are called to deny yourself and lose your life for Jesus.

INSTEAD of crucifying two robbers that day, they really crucified three. You see, Jesus was about the rob death of its victory, and rob the grave of its sting.

INSTEAD of merely remembering His cross, to follow you must pick up your cross.

INSTEAD of coming down from the cross to save himself, He stayed on the cross to save you and me.

INSTEAD of shouldering that cross and finding it the end, look ahead to that first glimmer of Sunday morning light, and you’ll find with a smile that it’s only the T beginning. M

READ Mark 15:33–39 INSTEAD of the sun shining its most brilliant at high noon, the sky was darkened. Evil was doing its worst. All creation was convulsing.

INSTEAD of Jesus just quoting from Psalm 22, He was living it. Or rather dying it. Its words were His death cry. He was infusing it with new meaning. Fulfilling it.

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INSTEAD of crucifying a criminal, they committed a travesty. The greatest human injustice ever, became the way God showed Himself just.

INSTEAD of just living to die, Jesus invites you to die to yourself and really live.

Ward Parkinson is the EMC Canadian director of church planting.

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

with our missionaries Mexico

Pastor robbed at gunpoint

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Since moving to Mexico last May and living in the city of Juarez, this verse has had a significant impact on my life, my children, as well as my church family in Canada and Nuevo Pacto, my home church here.

The city of Juarez, since January 1, 2008, is experiencing a very significant increase in violent crime. The recent attack experienced by Pastor Carlos Martinez of the Nuevo Pacto church has prompted the invitation to write to The Messenger. By doing so, we possibly reach a much greater response than having it sent to the members of the Prayer Corps.

Carlos was attacked in the late afternoon on February 10 as he was leaving his place of employment, a jewelry store, with cash and jewelry that were to be delivered to his employer. He was attacked from behind, beaten and required stitches to close the wound on his head.

His attackers threatened him at gun point to reveal his bank pin number, and give his personal documents and keys to his truck.

Threats that if the inciElma Janzen (La Crete) serves in Mexico.

Experience has taught me to see the Power of God in greater demonstration means to press closer to Him in the prayer closet. dent was reported a home visit would be made as they had his address. We praise the Lord his life was spared; many others have been killed in similar incidents.

We know and understand that the enemy is not “flesh and blood”; the real enemy is Satan. Jesus came to “destroy the works of the Devil.” Inroads are being made in this city with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Physical evidence is in the expansion and building of places to worship.

The spiritual evidence is in a greater respect for one another removing the barriers of denominations, to support each other in prayer and keeping the bigger picture of Jesus Christ commission to go make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching obedience to the Word in the forefront.

Experience has taught me to see the Power of God in greater demonstration means to press closer to Him in the prayer closet. Every hour I, and you, spend on our knees praying the Word will be rewarded.

I personally do not have the wisdom to know how to pray in many situations and rely heavily on the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ to take to the Throne of Grace the needs on my heart.

“Everything is laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Tour Billy Graham Centre in North Carolina Need a time to refresh and renew? Come join your friends on a tour to the Billy Graham Training Center for a Seminar with Cliff Barrows: Senior Celebration. The Cove is located in the beautiful Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. Date of Seminar: May 16–21, 2008. Travel by Fehr Way Bus with interesting stops along the way.

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

Tour hosts: Pastor John and Tina Driedger (Rosenort Fellowship Chapel) Tour organizers: Art and Martha Dueck Cost: $1,514.00/person, which includes all hotels, travel, seminar, and meals during the seminar. Deadline for reservations is March 31, 2008.

Call Bryan Loewen (204-746-2026) or Art Dueck (204-746-4242).

Mexico is only one of many countries under siege by the enemy Satan today.

The Lord looks for someone “to stand in the gap” so that nations will not have to be destroyed. I am committed to that challenge and ask you to join me. Nothing in the world is as powerful as the Word and prayer, when the Word is prayed the strength increases.

Elma Janzen

(Mission news continued page 11.)

Finally, a ministry especially suited for the mature Christian in sun city!

The El Paso, Texas, guest house urgently needs hosts starting in April 2008. This volunteer position is adapted to the possibilities and gifts of the applicants. A one- to twoyear commitment is preferred, and applicants must provide their own health insurance. Please send your application to emconf@mts.net.

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What are looking for?

Mark von Kampen

She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn’t know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?”

Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away” (John 20:14–15).

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THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

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as it ever struck you as strange that the resurrection came as such a surprise to those who first encountered the risen Christ? Prior to his death, Jesus

had prepared his followers that he would suffer, die, and be raised again to life. They had seen Jesus heal the sick. They had seen him quiet a storm, give sight to the blind and even revive the dead. Yet none of them seemed to expect the resurrection.

Mary Magdalene, especially in John’s Gospel account of the empty tomb, seemed to have a particularly difficult time grasping the idea that Jesus was alive. She went to the tomb, presumably to grieve and to anoint the dead body of her Lord.

When she found the stone rolled away, she didn’t praise God and say, “Hallelujah, my Lord is alive.”

No, she ran in horror to tell her friends that his body had been stolen. Mary had gone to the tomb looking for death, not life.

When she returned to the empty tomb and was greeted by two angels, she again insisted that someone had taken his body.

Even when her risen Lord stood right in front of her, Mary couldn’t recognize him. Supposing him to be the gardener, she asked if he had been the one who had removed the dead body from the tomb.

Mary had come to the tomb so intent on finding death and preserving a dead body that she couldn’t recognize life even when it cast its loving gaze upon her.

One of the fundamental questions that this text raises for us as churches and as individual Christians is: What are we expecting to find as we approach the Open Tomb this Easter?

A few years ago, I attended the Mennonite World Conference in Zimbabwe. It was an experience that affected me in a profound way.

I think I’ve always known, in my head, that while the numerical growth of the Mennonite Church in North America and Europe is in decline, it’s exploding in Asia, Africa, and South America. It’s one thing to know something, though, and quite another thing to experience it.

While at the conference, I met people from all over the world, and remember chatting with a fellow from Germany. We wondered together about the growth of the church in the Third World and its decline in Europe and North America.

My German friend made the observation that there was something very different in the way people look at the church and faith in his country compared to what he was witnessing in Africa.

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

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In Africa, he said, Christians seem to have high expectations of God and of the Church. God is seen as a living provider and sustainer in every facet of life and the Church is seen as God’s living instrument through which faith is nurtured, lived out, and made real in the world.

In contrast, he commented that with all the affluence in Europe, people don’t really need God (or so they think) and so they don’t expect much of God. God is pretty much dead.

And as for the Church, he went on to say, they preserve it like its some kind of artifact. There are huge beautiful cathedrals where tourists stream to take pictures and buy postcards, but it’s like a museum, a place where people preserve something that once was.

Mary’s inability to recognize Jesus suggests that if we’re so set on looking for a corpse, we’ll find it difficult to experience our risen Lord.

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hile he was, of course, painting a picture with broad strokes it made me wonder, when we, in the developed world, consider the Church as the body of Christ, do we see it as a corpse or do we see it as a living body, constantly having new life breathed into it by the mysterious and awesome power of God. Do we look at the Church fearfully, anxiously, and sentimentally as a body that needs to be preserved to look like it used to? Or do we look at the Church with wonder and awe as a living, breathing, changing, and marvelously unpredictable body?

Do we see our purpose as a Church to be maintaining what we’ve created, reenacting what we’ve done, reliving what we’ve experienced, and enshrining all these things? Or do we see our purpose as nurturing believers towards following a living Lord, ministering to human beings with love and compassion and expressing in all that we do, the meaning of the good news that Jesus is alive— actively inviting others to become followers of the risen Christ and participants in his vibrant, living, changing body, the Church?

Christ’s body couldn’t be contained by the tomb.

And Christ’s body—the Church—can never be contained by our anxious efforts to preserve it, to freeze it.

Mary went to the tomb expecting to find death.

But she was surprised by life. Joy triumphed over sorrow.

What about us as individual believers? As you think about Christ in your own life, what are you looking for? What are you expecting to find?

Mary’s inability to recognize Jesus suggests that if we’re so set on looking for a corpse, we’ll find it 10

difficult to experience our risen Lord. If we’re so focused on death and grief, it’s difficult to see life and joy.

This passage raises the question for each of us: What might be the things in our own lives that keep us from recognizing the presence of the living Christ in our midst?

Are we, like Mary, so overwhelmed with grief, with losses, with broken dreams, or dashed hopes, that we are unable to see signs of grace and new life?

Sometimes we have a tendency to cling to our grief, to our broken hearts, to our childhood traumas, to our bad choices, even to our sins and to our sorrows.

Sometimes we cling to these so tightly because they’ve become all that we know. They’re familiar to us. They’re what we expect. In a strange sort of way we even start to take comfort in them and they become what we think we want.

Mary came looking for a body, but she encountered a living, risen Saviour. She figured that if she could just find the corpse that she’d gone looking for, she would be satisfied. But God gave her so much more!

The empty tomb invites us to give up what we think we want the most, in exchange for what God wants to give us. It invites us to look beyond the doom and gloom in our lives that compete for all our attention and energy.

It invites us to let go of our fixation on the hurts, the disappointments, the grief, the sins, fears and the anxieties of our lives enough to recognize the risen Lord standing there with us, offering us new life, new beginnings, and new T possibilities in him. M Mark von Kampen is parttime Mennonite chaplain at the University of Manitoba.

(The EMC is involved in this chaplaincy ministry.) Mark also serves part-time as a youth pastor in a Mennonite congregation.

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France

Psalm 105 is a comfort

Has anyone read Psalm 105 lately?

I’ve been meditating on verses one to seven for weeks.

They are most inspiring, and give us lots to do and reasons to do it. I’ve been thinking that verses eight to 45 were about the people of Israel, but today I noticed that they are about us.

I thought verse 11 talked about the land of Canaan, but today I read, “To you I will give the land of the Siamou, even though you are only a few in numbers and strangers in it.”

Today I read, “To you I will give the land of the Siamou, even though you are only a few in numbers and strangers in it.”

In verse 12 we find ourselves wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people—but God is protecting us, and has moved governments for our sakes so that we could get visas to come and study in France. God moved the hearts, not of Pharaoh in this case, but of church and mission administrators to grant us permission to come to France to get better French for our Bible translation project in Burkina Faso.

There were endless kilometers of applications forms, translation requirements, necessary documents, trips to the French embassy in Toronto, and worries about lodging and soon-to-expire passports. We had to say goodbye to our son Josiah and daughter-in-law Mona, daughter Ruth, Grandpa, sons Jonathan and Caleb, and to family and friends whom we love very much. That was hard, and it still hurts.

But, after all these troubles, verse 37 is the one that shines: “Then He brought us out with silver and gold (looked like new

luggage and jackets); and among His ‘three travelers’ there was not one who stumbled.”

We have a large and comfortable house to live in and friends and lots of opportunity to learn. Paul is busy with seminary classes; and Sarah and I are with French, history, math, and art, and even a bit of soccer. God also satisfies us daily with French bread and cheese (manna for which we have to walk several kilometers daily, and get our necessary exercise).

Why all these troubles and answers to prayer?

For he remembered His holy word…

And He brought forth His people with joy His chosen ones with a joyful shout He gave them also the lands of the nations…

So that they might keep his statutes And observe His laws.

Praise the Lord!

Thanks for praying that we’ll learn our French really well, for our children and Grandpa in Manitoba, and for the Siamou people who are waiting for God’s words in their own language.

Lois Thiessen

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

Lois and Paul Thiessen (Blumenort) serve among the Siamou in literacy and Scripture translation in Burkina Faso, Africa.

Thiessens recently studied in France and have now returned to the village of Tin.

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Northern Manitoba

The bell rang the invitation!

The long unused ropes squeaked in the frosty morning air. Up and down they went, and then ding-dong, ding-dong, the old church bell began to ring.

Emily giggled. She was thrilled to call her people in the village to worship God in the little chapel. It had not been used for a long time, but this morning was different.

Four students from Steinbach Bible College had come to visit her community for a week, and they agreed to have a meeting in the empty church. Empty? Not quite. There were benches and there was an organ. One of the students would accompany the singing and, as Cree hymn books were dusted off, they prepared for a service.

The group of local Christians decided that from now on, they would meet every week. Maybe a few more people would join them. It would be good to gather to worship God. The twenty-seven SBC students blessed the believers in each community. They left their familiar classroom and dorm surroundings and moved out

We really are “one in the Spirit and one in the Lord” and it is good to get to know each other, love each other, and respect each other.

Differences melted away.

Garden Hill hosts, Arnold and Nattie Flett, with grandchildren. The hosts in each community introduced students to the community and culture.

Several people heard and responded to the invitational ringing of the bell. Emily later said, “Once I head the bell ringing, a giggle rose up within me and the little girl in me came out, and soon I was giggling all over. I have not been this happy in a long time.”

This is cold. Valerie Dyck went to York Landing. She comes to SBC from Blue Creek, Belize.

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of their comfort zone. The secondyear college students came north for a week as part of their Mission Exposure program. They went out in groups of three or four.

The local Christians were glad to have them come. Living in isolated villages, they crave Christian fellowship. We really are “one in the Spirit and one in the Lord” and it is good to get to know each other, love each other, and respect each other.

Differences melted away.

Every year children look forward to the students’ coming. They know there will be Bible stories, puppets, singing, sledding, and games. A bond of love and trust quickly develops.

Every year we hear students say,

Many communities, including Split Lake, welcomed the students into school classrooms. SBC students pictured here are Annie Braun, Randy Penner, and Lenora Epp.

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

“It was too short. I wish we could have stayed longer. It was hard to say good-by, especially to the kids.”

In their first year at College the students minister in various social agencies and missions in Winnipeg. Continental Mission facilitates the northern Mission Exposure for second year students. Here young men and women are exposed to the culture and people in the North.

Students are stretched as they learn to pray and trust the Lord in unexpected situations.

Always they bring a loving exposure of God’s Word to the people. Aboriginal Christian are encouraged to meet young people who love and serve the Lord.

Thank you to all who prayed for this week of learning experiences.

SBC students have committed themselves to continue pray for these communities.

Anna Penner Anna and Bill Penner (Ridgewood) serve with Continental Mission.

They live in Thompson, Man. Kim Reimer (Steinbach EMC) and new friend in Thicket Portage.

with our churches

Possibly new traditions started at Kleefeld Kleefeld, Man.: Christmas has always been a special time of year for the people of KEMC. Many of us remember with fondness the very exciting school Christmas programs held in the church every year, including the half-mile trek from the school to the church for practices. Tradition holds a high importance, but this year Christmas at KEMC was celebrated with just a few added touches, some of which will perhaps become new traditions over the coming years.

A special new event this year took place the week before Christmas. The whole community was invited to come and enjoy an outdoor living nativity scene. Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus were seated in a stable made of bales, surrounded by shepherds and live animals. Wise men came to the stable with their camels (llamas) and worshipped the baby Jesus.

Sunday School Christmas program

Nearby a roaring fire and hot chocolate kept people warm as they waited for their turn on the horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Inside the church, table games were spread out for people to enjoy as they visited with friends.

After some refreshments, we headed upstairs for a candlelit program of Christmas carols, music, and drama.

Our Sunday School Christmas program is traditionally held the Sunday before Christmas, as it was again this year.

The preschool classes delighted the congregation by reenacting and singing the Christmas story with ages two and three being the angels, age four the Christmas in Kleefeld 2007: Sheldon Schroeder, Caleb Friesen, Jen Isaac, and shepherds, and kindergartners

acting as Mary and Joseph and the wise men. The grades one to six classes performed a couple of dramas and read the Nativity story.

Christmas morning is always an exciting time, and this year our Ministerial invited all to come with their families and enjoy a delicious hot brunch which they had prepared. After the brunch, we were invited upstairs to continue our celebration of the birth of Christ in the Christmas morning worship service.

We trust that these special celebrations will help us remember the importance of Jesus’ birth throughout the coming year.

Louella Friesen

Gerald Friesen.

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

13

JOHN L. PENNER 1906–2008

Peacefully, early Monday morning, January 21, 2008, John L. Penner passed away at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, Man. He was born May 15, 1906, at Blumenort, Man., to Peter R. and Anna Penner.

He was predeceased by his first wife Aganetha in 1991, his second wife Agnes in 1997, two children in infancy, two grandchildren, one son-in-law, his parents, and most of his siblings.

Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Elda (Peter) Reimer, Martha (Jim) Foulkes, and Wilma Sprietzma; four sons, Reynold (Mary), Dave (Betty), Peter (Anne), Ken (Phillis), 31 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, three great-greatgrandchildren, sister Helen Penner, brother-in-law Pete Reimer, and many nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed life and he enjoyed people.

He did farming for many years. He also enjoyed carpentry and fixing things for himself and others who needed it. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School and being involved in other areas in the church.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Rest Haven and Dr. Krahn for their excellent care.

A viewing service was held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Sunday, January 27, at 7 p.m., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service was held at the Evangelical Mennonite Church, 422 Main St., Steinbach, on Monday, January 28, at 2 p.m. with interment at the Blumenort EMC Cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.

His Family

FRANK BRAUN 1934–2007 Frank Braun of Maryfield, Sask., went to be with the Lord on December 18, 2007, at the age of 73 years. He is survived by his loving wife Mary, children Delton and Vivian, two brothers and one sister. He was predeceased by his parents, one brother and three sisters.

Frank was born on August 18, 1934. He Register early—before February 29, 2008 • $40/person February on 29, 2008 • $50/person wasafterraised a farm near Reinfeld and group rate for 3 or more from one church • $30/person later near Mayfeld, and in his teenage Christal at SBC 1-204-326-6451 yearsCall moved to Winnipeg with his family. www.sbcollege.ca Here Register his life,online at theatage of 20, drastically changed after the passing of both his parents within a week of each other.

During this difficult time Frank accepted the Lord and was baptized on May 29, 1955.

During the time that Frank attended Steinbach Bible Institute it became clear to him that God was calling him to bring the Gospel to Native people.

During these years Frank spent the

summers working for Jake and Helen Martens at Oak River and befriending the people at Sioux Valley Indian Reserve.

This is when he met Mary, who shared the same calling, and they were married on June 7, 1959. They spent 15 years ministering at Sioux Valley. Here the Lord blessed them with their two children.

In 1974 Frank and Mary moved to Kamsack, Sask., and began their 25 years of ministry on the surrounding Reserves.

At the age of 57, Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This led to an early retirement from EMC and NCEM Missions.

In May 1999, Frank and Mary started a new chapter in their lives and moved to Maryfield, Sask. This was a time for reuniting with siblings and the Kola Church. As his health continued to fail, Frank leaned heavily on his faith, family, and friends for support.

We, as a family, admired that Dad, in spite of the struggles he faced with Parkinson’s, was still concerned about our individual needs. He spent many hours praying for us.

Mary will always treasure the 48 and a half years that she was able to share with her loving husband Frank. Delton and Vivian have a deep appreciation for their Dad who loved them unconditionally!

Frank will be missed dearly! As a family we are comforted in knowing that he is with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

His Family

Register early—before February 29, 2008 • $40/person

after February 29, 2008 • $50/person group rate for 3 or more from one church • $30/person

Call Christal at SBC 1-204-326-6451 or register online at www.sbcollege.ca 14

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

shoulder tapping The EMC seeks a full-time archivist for a oneyear term position at the Conference office in Steinbach, Man. The archivist will work with the Conference’s archival collection, about 300 boxes of materials, and periodicals and books. The main goal of the year is to prepare the collection for transfer to a suitable archival facility.

A full job description and list of qualifications are available upon request.

The archivist is to be committed to a personal Christian faith and work well within a denominational office setting. Salary details are available upon request. Interviews for the position will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Please contact Executive Secretary Terry Smith at emcterry@mts.net or 204-326-6401.

Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church is seeking an associate pastor to function in a fulltime capacity within a team environment together with a lead pastor, youth pastor, and support staff.

Responsibilities and qualifications include the following: Provide leadership in programs such as small group ministry, congregational care, biblically based counseling; based on gifting and skills, other responsibilities may include preaching occasionally, evangelism, Christian education.

The gift of administration is considered an asset. Applicant needs to be in agreement with the Steinbach EMC’s Statement of Faith.

Submit resumes and cover letters to Henry Nickel, 205 Granite Park Blvd., Steinbach, MB R5G 2A9 or hcnickel@shaw.ca.

Abbeydale Christian Fellowship (www. abbeydale.org) seeks a full-time young life pastor who is passionate about serving God while ministering to and discipling youth and young adults. The individual will develop a strong vision in these areas and work with ACF volunteers in developing and leading programs and people.

Strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a knowledge of current youth issues, are required. ACF is a congregation of 180-220 people seeking to disciple members and attendees, encourage their gifts and involvement, and to reach out to the neighbourhood and families of church adherents. ACF is a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.

Submit resumes or inquiries to the Young Life Search Committee, searchcommittee@abbeydale. org or (fax) 403-273-1467; Young Life Search Committee, Abbeydale Christian Fellowship, 1352 Abbeydale Drive, S.E., Calgary, AB T2A 7L8.

Closing date: March 17, 2008.

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

THE MESSENGER March 5, 2008

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.

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.

Leamington EMC, in southern Ontario, seeks a full-time youth pastor to work with our junior and senior youth groups. The church’s average attendance is 300 people. Education and experience are flexible, though preference is for someone with experience or a related college diploma. Salary and benefits info is available upon request. Must have a passion to work with young people and work well with others. This isn’t a new position, though it’s currently being filled by volunteers. Contact Abe Klassen, board chairman, at 519-816-1840 or abek@masterconveyors.com; or Danny Dick, ministerial chair, at 519-326-4584.

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.

Steeprock Bible Camp, located in the north parkland of Manitoba, requires a qualified lifeguard for this summer’s camping season.

The camp is located one hour north of Swan River. The ministry focuses on Native children and their families. The camp operates for five weeks through July and August. Also required are male counselors. If you are the type of person who loves adventure and are open to minister to Native families in this way, please contact Jack Dyck at 204-525-2420 or e-mail longhorn45@ hotmail.com.

Camp Assiniboia, Headingley, Man., requires a manager, beginning in April 2008. Key attributes being sought include energy, effective

communication and operational know-how. There is also an open­ing for a guest group coordinator (0.5). Direct inquiries to: Director of Camping Ministries, Mennonite Church Manitoba, 200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1, E-mail: camps@mennochurch.mb.ca, Ph. 204-895-2267.

MCC Ontario seeks a resource development director, Kitchener, Ont. The position requires a commitment to Christian faith, active church membership, and non-violent peacemaking.

The RDR is responsible for the development, maintenance, and growth of all sources of revenue and receipt of gifts and donations to MCC Ontario.

Contact Cath Woolner, 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1, cathw@mennonitecc.on.ca.

Richmond Park MB Church, a congregation of about 300 people in the growing, mid-sized city of Brandon, is searching for a youth pastor who is passionate about leading and discipling youth. Please send resume and three references to Reinhold Kramer, 43 Noonan Dr., Brandon, MB R7B 0V7. For information, e-mail Kramer@ brandonu.ca or phone 204-727-7344.

Steinbach Bible College seeks a full-time director of communications to develop and implement the philosophy and long-term planning for marketing, recruitment, and overall college communications. Needed are marketing education or equivalent experience, effective administrative/leadership skills, relational skills, and training or experience in student recruitment. The application deadline is March 27, 2008. Contact President Ron Reimer at rreimer@ sbcollege.ca or the address below.

SBC also seeks a .75 worship arts faculty member to inspire students to praise God through worship and leadership in music, drama, and the arts. Preference will be given to candidates with a master’s degree in music or worship arts.

Candidates not possessing graduate studies, but with strong worship skills and experience, may be considered. Applications will be accepted till the position is filled. Contact Academic Dean Terry Hiebert at thiebert@sbcollege.ca or the address below.

Candidates must agree with and sign the college’s Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Statement. Submit application with resume and cover letter. College address: Steinbach Bible College, 50 PTH 12 N., Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4.

Beaver Creek Bible Camp Inc. is looking for a permanent part-time director.

BCBC is located 1.5 hrs north of Winnipeg on the shore of Lake Winnipeg. Our camp ministers to about 260 kids from ages 8 to 17 each summer and we hope to see that grow. This position will provide effective leadership and management of Camp as a whole. Major responsibilities include leadership, supervision, collaboration, administration, and promotion. For details or to forward resumes contact Eric at 204-378-2857 or Andrew at 204-378-2413.

15

by the way Dave K. Schellenberg

Memories: Roses in December

I

t is a blessing when children remember family anniversaries. A son sent me an email dated June 1, on the anniversary of my wife’s passing a few years ago.

He was thinking of me and wishing that many good memories would carry me through the day. A Father’s Day card wished me peace and joy as I reflected on the blessings of my life.

“God gave us memory,” says James M. Barrie, “so that we may have roses in December.” What did he mean? I would like to think that, as roses in December delight, bless, and maybe comfort us, memories and past blessings should delight us. I have a big store of them. You likely have as well.

One family noted in an obituary, “The smells of roast beef and farmer sausage still bring us comfort as we are reminded of Sunday lunches at Mom and Dad’s, smells that connect us to Mom and remind us of what she loved best, sharing her food with others” (The Messenger, Sept.19, 2007). Roses in December!

Roses can pop up at different places and times. It happened recently when the Workshop Boys musical band performed at Woodhaven. Numbers like Where the Roses Never Fade and What a Day really did it.

One Inalienable Right that The Mourner’s Code lists is the right to treasure your memories. It extends past the initial mourning period; in other words, for me it can happen today.

Maybe this is what my sons had in mind when they gave me their well wishes. I would like to think so.

Do we think of how we are making the ingredients of memory every day? “Old age is like a bank account you withdraw from what you have put in,” quotes Paul Martin.

“My advice is to deposit lots of happiness in your bank account of memories” (Canadian Mennonite, May 28, 2007).

I agree.

In August 2007 we Schellenbergs met in Pinawa, Man. My memory bank got a boost through a granddaughter’s album of family pictures and some written remembrances; earlier I received a daughter’s album of family pictures.

These albums delight me and bring up treasured memories.

One son put many of the Pinawa events on DVD. Modern technology can bring memories to life. I looked at this DVD recently and again experienced some events of that weekend. Roses!

You might ask: Do you have sad memories? Alas, yes.

I have experienced the deaths of a son and my wife. As the hymn writer says, He giveth more grace. This surely happened in both cases.

A son hoped that good memories carried through a tough anniversary. He saw that good memories could do that.

When your day leaves much to be hoped and wished for, open your bank of memories—a photo album, a note, or T letter—and find in them your “Roses in December.” M

As roses in December delight, bless, and maybe comfort us, memories and past blessings should delight us.

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