The Messenger Vol. 46 No. 7 April 2, 2008

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 46, number 7 April 2, 2008

Barnabas and the

oil man

www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorial

Is this the EMC position?

S

everal readers have responded by phone, in person, or by letter about the news item Samesex attraction discussed at CMU (Feb. 20, 2008).

Some ask: Is this the EMC position?

It might be asked in return: Which part? That a person might struggle? Or change? That a parent is concerned about a child? That discussion is helpful?

That “I can’t believe that God condemns homosexual behaviour as such. The gift of sexuality remains a mystery to me, like many other gifts from God”?

Individual EMCers likely have differing opinions on many matters (including on homosexual practice) and co-exist in our Conference. However, the EMC position is decided together by our churches, guided at the General Board level and discussed and voted on at conference council (twice-yearly delegate meetings) or at ministerial meetings (twice yearly national meetings). Here, the traditional view of marriage is upheld.

In our Church Practices section of The Constitution the EMC says, “Both the celibate single and the heterosexual married life are honourable and respectable in the sight of God…. God instituted Individual EMCers likely have marriage for the intimate companionship differing opinions on many of husband and wife and for the procreation and matters. However, the EMC nurture of children…. position is decided together God’s will for marriage is the union of one man by our churches, guided and one woman” (p. 15).

Our conference has at the General Board level a two-page Position and discussed and voted on Statement on the Practice of Homosexualat conference council or at ity, accepted by the ministerial (1999). It ministerial meetings.

EDITOR Terry M. Smith emcterry@mts.net

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler

emcmessenger@mts.net

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 9 – May 1 (copy due April 18)

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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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.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 St, Steinbach, Man.

speaks of “permanent, heterosexual, monogamous marriage”; that “both Old and New Testaments consistently present the practice of homosexuality negatively”; that “there is no basis for selfrighteousness by non-homosexuals”; and “freedom from the practice of homosexuality” is “a possibility.”

The CMU forum was published as news about the wider Church, which is different than an editorial or a feature article. This magazine’s masthead says, “Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors.” My editorials A Decision to Concern Us (July 24, 2002) and Our notwithstanding clauses (June 25, 2003) uphold traditional marriage.

What I suggest, though, is that we become less threatened by discussion. Silence is rarely polite or golden; it is seldom neutral and it is often harmful.

Silence hurts. It can allow others to be harmed. In some cases, silence can be deadly. Is silence better than discussion? No. We have parents in the EMC who hurt because of what has happened, or does happen, to their children: spousal abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, divorce and remarriage, same-sex struggles, alcohol and drug abuse, wandering from the faith, mental illness, church abuse, and more.

Silence isn’t victimless. If we don’t allow members to tell their stories, we leave them to bear their pain alone or to find help beyond the Church.

Do we assume that discussion will automatically be divisive, unhelpful, or lead us away from biblical truth? That thought stems more from fear than faith.

Discussion was needed in the Early Church, among early Anabaptists, and remains needed today.

Yes, the EMC has a position. We also need to show T that we care. M Terry M. Smith

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Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

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Mailing information: Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401, Fax: 204-326-1613

MESSENGER

On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger

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letters Waits eagerly for The Messenger Thank you, Ward Parkinson, for your March 5 amazing article Instead.

After hearing so much this past week about the New Age teaching (by Oprah Winfrey), Ward’s introduction to his message attracted my attention: “Full of contradictions.” I wondered what this is all about now. And I really appreciated your conclusion/application. Wow! I was member of the EMC for some 30 years, and was so blessed to see the missions emphasis as it began, and as it processed into what it is today. My husband Melvin Dueck (deceased in 1985) and I were privileged to visit the mission stations in Mexico in 1963 and, later, the Manitoba mission stations. And these, too, are still growing.

Homosexual behaviour not up for dialogue We are troubled by the CMU article in the Feb. 20 issue, the report on the forum on same-sex attraction. There are two related problems: First, the last statement in the piece said, “The purpose was to hear each other and understand each other—not to try to convince each other about what the Bible ‘really says’ on the subject.” One wonders if the Bible was even mentioned in the forum, let alone any convincing arguments based thereon. Regardless of what the university wanted to do, the most important source of wisdom and guidance in all of life—and especially in our church life—is the Word of God. Second, Val Warkentin said, “I can’t believe that God condemns homosexual behaviour as such.” Whether or not she believes what God says about homosexual behaviour makes no difference to His truth and His plan for human beings.

We certainly need to care about and show the love of Christ to people who are struggling with the issue, but what God thinks of homosexual behaviour is not really debatable, unless it involves an honest attempt to consider, understand, and accept the Scriptural references to it.

It is interesting that not wanting to consider what God says is directly linked to homosexual behaviour in the first chapter of the Book of Romans. It is summed up in verse 28 (NIV): “Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of

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God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.”

The stated purpose of The Messenger, written in the sidebar, is “to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.” By reporting on the forum at CMU, it would appear that we are opening ourselves up to question what God says about homosexuality.

Perhaps it was for the sake of dialogue, but some things can never be open to dialogue, such as God’s clearly stated displeasure about certain issues. As part of Christ’s Church, we want to follow the Lord as closely as possible, do we not?

We don’t want to be unkind or “holier than thou,” but we take seriously the admonition to “earnestly contend for the faith.”

Cornelius and Evangeline Thiessen Grande Prairie, Alta.

Dress is disappointing I am disappointed by the picture on the cover of February 20, 2008. Do we as people who live in Jesus have to live and dress the same way people live for this world? You picture Jesus inside The Messenger and the world by dress on the outside!

John B. Giesbrecht MacGregor, Man.

Now I have been with the MB Conference for some 20 years and again it has been inspiring to see how they began with that focus and are going strong. Serving as missions chair for a number of years here has opened many doors, and what a blessing!

I enjoy The Messenger and eagerly wait for it to come!

Since my two sons are involved in youth ministry (Kent at Inner City Youth Alive and Joe at Joe’s Place in Moose Jaw), my heart goes out to missions again and again. Preparing the soil, sowing the seed, watering, and reaping—what a beautiful ministry. And how rewarding!

Anne Dueck Hildebrand Winnipeg, Man.

Disappointed and saddened As a former EMCer, I like to read The Messenger but, frankly, I am disappointed and saddened to see some of the photos in current Messengers.

The February 20, 2008, issue with the bridal couple on the front cover…her immodest, near topless, sleeveless, and collarless dress is a shame, never mind for printing in an EMC Messenger. White wedding gowns, bouquets, tuxedos, are nice, but something like this?

I guess I’m out of touch, but a photo such as this does not belong on the cover of the EMC Messenger. What next?

When I was baptized in the EMC in 1977, this, along with women (and men) wearing shorts to church, women wearing slacks to church, men with earrings, would never have been acceptable. Yes, times have changed. But for the better?

Robert Loewen Neepawa, Man.

Great is Thy Faithfulness 40th Anniversary Celebration Braeside EM Church 1011 Munroe Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. Saturday, August 2, 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 3, 10:30 a.m.

On-line registration: www.braesidechurch.ca Phone: 204-667-2970, Fax: 204-667-5382 Contact: braeside@braesidechurch.ca (office administrator)

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Acts 4–11

Barnabas and the

oil man

Pastor Jeff Plett

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n eccentric old man carried an oilcan everywhere. If he passed through a squeaky door or a stiff gate, he applied oil to the hinges. His practice of lubricating made life easier for those who followed after him.

This illustrates an important ministry: Encouragement. We encounter people whose lives creak and grate with problems. We can either aggravate their problems with a spirit of criticism, or lubricate their lives in the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Some people carry unbearable burdens and others feel like giving up. One drop of encouragement could restore their hope. Still others are mean and hardened to sin. Such people can become pliable toward the saving grace of Christ through regular applications of the oil of kindness (Joanie Yoder, Our Daily Bread, August 2, 2004).

We encounter people whose lives creak and grate with problems. We can either aggravate their problems with a spirit of criticism, or lubricate their lives in the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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A natural encourager To see it in action, Barnabas is the man we’re looking for. Barnabas was a natural encourager, and he was part of the Christian Church when it started.

First, Barnabas was a generous person (Acts 4:36–37). The Early Church responded to needs; in fact, the Bible records that there were no needy persons among them. From time to time those who owned property and lands or houses would sell them, bring the money to the apostles, who would distribute it to the needy (David C. Cook, Adult Student Book, December 2005–February 2006).

Barnabas sold a field. It was a sacrifice, but it probably didn’t seem like it to him. He gave freely.

He loved people, and it was a natural response of his love for Jesus for having cleansed his sin.

Thankfulness, generosity, and being an encourager naturally go together. If we grasp how deeply Jesus loves us by going to the cross for us, nothing is too costly to give to Him. We respond with praise. We desire to be generous. Our deep desire to encourage helps others to seek and find Jesus too.

Given a nickname Barnabas (Son of Encouragement) was not his real name. His real name was Joseph. To get this nickname he must have encouraged many people. Barnabas said kind, loving things. He tried to lift spirits. It was a much-needed ministry then and today.

Have you ever been encouraged so much, and so often, that you wanted people to stop encouraging you?

Not likely. If anything, there tends to be a lack of encouragement in many churches. Now, we can’t dictate to the Holy Spirit to give us the gift of encouragement, yet THE MESSENGER April 2, 2008

we can cultivate an attitude and response of encouraging others.

Encourages church in Antioch A wave of persecution arose against the main church in Jerusalem. Most Christians fled. Some of these believers were Greek-speaking Jews who had restricted their evangelistic activity to Jewish communities. But in Antioch these daring people began to speak to the Greek population of Antioch about the claims of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (F. F. Bruce).

A large number of Gentiles believed the gospel and yielded their allegiance to Jesus as Lord. The leaders of the mother church in Jerusalem heard about these reports, and sent a delegate to Antioch to look into these strange events.

It was a critical moment, and a lot depended on the delegate they would send. The delegate needed godly wisdom and discernment to know whether to scold these over zealous evangelists or to praise them in their new venture.

Whom did they choose? Not surprisingly, they chose Barnabas, the “son of encouragement” (Acts 11:22–26). The Holy Spirit was in control of his life, and he had an unshakable confidence in God (11:24). As a commentator puts it, he had the understanding, affirming nature required for making an honest appraisal of the situation in Antioch.

When he reached Antioch, his generous spirit was filled with joy at what he found. Here was the grace of God in action, bringing blessing to Jews and Gentiles alike, as they heard and accepted the Good News.

True to his name, Barnabas gave all the encouragement he could to missionaries and converts. They had begun well, and he urged them to carry on and remain faithful to the Lord.

Don’t you wish you were like Barnabas? So wise, understanding, encouraging of a radical missionary movement. Rather than say it was too different and independent, the Holy Spirit gave him the wisdom to embrace the movement and encourage the people in their new found joy.

We need many people like Barnabas in church work and mission fields all over the world today.

Would you ask God to make you a Barnabas, to use you to encourage others in whatever place the Lord calls you to be?

Encourages a rookie An encourager will accept and befriend people whom no one else accepts. In Acts 9:26–30, the setting is Jerusalem, and the rookie missionary is none other than Saul, known as the Apostle Paul.

Saul is in a difficult position. His Pharisee THE MESSENGER April 2, 2008

Barnabas and Paul (Saul) in Antioch

When Barnabas defended Saul, the other leaders listened. His reputation was so solid that if Barnabas said Saul was a Christian, it must be true, and they accepted him as a Christian.

associates were angry because he had left their cause. He wasn’t hunting down Christians; he was one of them. On the other hand, the disciples of Jesus had not forgotten his persecution or his tricks. They feared he would gain their confidence, and then turn on them in rage (F. F. Bruce).

Saul needed a friend.

Who came to his aid? Barnabas may already have been acquainted with Saul, and was convinced of his genuine conversion. We should note that when Barnabas defended Saul, the other leaders listened.

His reputation was so solid that if Barnabas said Saul was a Christian, it must be true, and they accepted him as a Christian (F. F. Bruce).

In Acts 11:24–26 in Antioch a large group of people turned to the Lord. Barnabas needed help, and he knew the right person: His friend Saul, whom he had defended in Jerusalem. They worked for a year in Antioch, met with the church, and taught great numbers of people.

Notice that Christians in Antioch could not keep quiet about their faith; they proclaimed it wherever they went. People kept hearing about this one called

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Christos (Greek for Messiah, The Anointed One).

“Who are these people?” they asked. The reply came: “Oh, these are the people who are always talking about Christos, the Christ-people, the Christians.” So it was in Antioch, Luke records, that the followers of Jesus first came to be known as Christians (F. F. Remember the old Bruce). oilman? If we are My friends, that’s an important historical prepared to pour out event. We stand in God’s oil of helpfulness that proud heritage: Christians, people every day, beginning at who always talk about Jesus Christ and follow home, we will minister Him. Christ’s beauty and Many people today, including many the oil of joy to many Christians, truly need hurting people. to be encouraged.

They need a Barnabas, someone who will give a word of recognition, a caring smile, a warm handshake. They need someone who will see the good in them, befriend them, come alongside them, and defend them when no one else will. Will you be that person?

As a Christian the Holy Spirit indwells you and equips you to bless and encourage others.

Remember the old oilman? If we are prepared to pour out God’s oil of helpfulness every day, beginning at home, we will minister Christ’s beauty and the oil of joy to many hurting people.

Perhaps the old man with the oilcan wasn’t so crazy after T all. M Jeff Plett is the pastor of Evangelical Fellowship Church (Fort Frances, Ont.).

with our missionaries Northern Manitoba

In search of moose

It’s Tuesday and tonight we travel across frozen muskeg and lakes to visit the little railway community of Pikwitonei. Now that the winter roads are open we try to go every week.

There is room for you in the back of

the van, together with Drop-in-Centre worker Zack Beardy, missionary Peter Serger, a snow shovel, a bucket of ice cream, and a pot of beef stew. We are aware that we will not fit easily into the home we are visiting, but the host is too ill to come to church, so we will accommodate.

After supper, Peter and Bill go to a teen’s birthday party. They have been asked to provide entertainment.

About 16 children come for Bible stories, memory work, choruses, cake, and ice cream.

As the men pull on their parkas to leave, the children

Winter roads allow Christians to travel and gather together.

(Gord Penner)

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beg, “One more story, please.” Bill tells them about Naaman and the little girl who was taken far from her home. Yet she shared her faith with her mistress, and the captain of the king’s army was healed of leprosy (1 Kings 5). Thirty-two ears listen attentively. They sing Jesus Loves Me, and then Bill and Peter hurry to attend the adult Bible study.

We sing a few Cree hymns, the group prays for each other, and Zack leads the Bible study in Cree and English. Today is also our host, Joe Moose’s birthday. We enjoy more cake with ice cream.

Maybe if you will come with us, you will be lucky like Peter was. He was determined to see a moose today on the way to Pikwitonei since it was still

Maybe if you will come with us, you will be lucky like Peter was. He was determined to see a moose today. On the way home he settled into his seat contentedly, saying he had seen three moose tonight: Joe Moose, William Moose, and David Moose.

Moose Tracks

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daylight. “Was that moose tracks?” he asked. On the way home he settled into his seat contentedly, saying he had seen three moose tonight: Joe Moose, William Moose, and David Moose.

We travel to Pikwitonei, Thicket Portage, and York Landing on a regular basis, using winter roads for about three months. Our friends from remote communities come to Thompson on winter roads, and this gives us opportunity to meet with them and send Bibles, clothing, and blankets home with them.

Anna and Bill Penner Anna and Bill Penner (Ridgewood) serve with Continental Mission. They live in Thompson, Man. Editor’s note: According to CBC radio, winter roads in Manitoba cover 2,200 kms and serve 38,000 people in about 20 communities.

Manitoba

Pray for workers in dangerous situations On February 27, 2008, Lester Olfert, a short-term EMC cross-cultural worker in Nicaragua, was assaulted by two men. He was uninjured.

Olfert was returning home from an internet café when he was confronted by two men and then surrounded by another group of five.

One grabbed his backpack with his laptop computer. Lester resisted a bit, but gave it up when he noticed that two had revolvers and another had a machete. He later noticed that his watch and wallet were missing. The gang members left without physical injury to Lester.

Two Canadian volunteers accompanying Lester, a teenage girl and a young man, were uninjured.

Lester was later told by police that it was likely gang activity, and that it

was proper that he had resisted as little as he did.

The laptop is being replaced. Its files had been copied elsewhere for safekeeping, and so they remain available.

During that same day, CINAG—the residential program for abandoned, orphaned, and abused girls where Lester is involved—received its first resident.

Olfert’s experience reminds us that we have many EMCers, within crosscultural settings around the world and in Canada, who live in potentially dangerous places. Please pray for the physical safety of other EMCers, near and far. Thank you.

Tim Dyck General Secretary

Give the Word, change a life

To provide God’s Word for this Generation is the goal of LifeLight Ministries.

We provide many ministries—Youth for Christ, Teen Challenge, prison ministries, Bible camps, and many others—with easy-to-read Scriptures as God provides funds through His people.

We also encourage individuals to carry Scriptures with them and give them to others as God directs.

Many of our New Testaments are targeted at particular groups of people, including truckers, bikers, sports fans, cowboys, firefighters, and police officers.

Dayna wrote from Beaver Creek Bible Camp: “Pray that all the kids who receive Bibles at camp will read them throughout the year. Some of them will only learn about God at camp for one week, but as they take their new Bibles home, they can learn all year long.”

Peter Loewen, one of our Board members, distributes hundreds of LifeLight New Testaments every year in northern Manitoba schools.

Henry Penner of Landmark comes in regularly to pick up Scriptures to distribute at Winnipeg Harvest where

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he and his wife Donna volunteer.

A church in Vancouver reaches out to the homeless and those dealing with HIV/AIDS, drugs and alcohol. They requested Bibles recently, but said they were not able to give us a donation.

Shortly after this, a women’s group from one of our EMC churches called and said they would like to give a donation to LifeLight Ministries in memory of someone who had passed away. We sent a case of New Testaments to this church and received this note of appreciation: “We just received the Scriptures. Thank you soooo much for your help and attention!”

A couple from Steinbach is spending part of their winter in Mexico. Before they left they came and got Spanish Scriptures to take with them. A few days ago they e-mailed us from there: “We had packed our suitcases to the max with Scriptures and other items to distribute in the poor areas here. We are just past the halfway mark of our time here, and our suitcases are empty.”

Phil is a chaplain at Headingley

Correctional Centre. He wrote: “Would it be possible to receive a case of The LifeLight Message? We have no budget allowance for Bibles but are relying on the generosity and kindness of the Christian community to supply our needs.”

Bette called a few days ago inquiring about Bibles to include in welcome packages for the many immigrants who are moving into her neighbourhood.

How can you be involved? Pray for the staff and the Board of LifeLight Ministries, for the many ministries we partner with, and for those who receive Scriptures.

Give financially for the growing need of Scriptures everywhere. We are dependent on donations so we can purchase Scriptures for distribution.

Distribute Scriptures yourself. God will provide the opportunities if you are prepared. Many people have discovered the joy of sharing the Good News with others in this way.

Contact us: www.TheLifeLight.com; 204-320-9676 (Steinbach), 204-339-3770 (Winnipeg), 866-447-9673 (toll free).

Martha Kroeker

Martha Kroeker (Steinbach EMC) is the Executive Coordinator for LifeLight Ministries. She lives in Steinbach. She is a missionary of Steinbach EMC.

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check Galatians 6:1–10

Life is like a game of

G LF

Dalen Kroeker

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f a member of your foursome hits his ball in the bushes you who played the fairway should search for his ball without holding it against him. You also may slice a ball or two before the day is out. Also guard against copying his swing and so landing in the same trap that he did.

B

e sure to carry the burdens of the game with your fellow players. In this way you obey the law of the Course Marshall. Even Tiger Woods is not too good to stoop down and replace the beginner’s divot. Therefore you are lying only to yourself if you think you don’t need to abide by proper golf etiquette.

B

ut, play your own game for that is what you are responsible for. To play well you must play against yourself without comparing scores to others with different talents and abilities and different clubs and balls.

D

on’t be impressed with yourself for a single good shot, but make an accurate assessment of who you are and the course you were given to play, not comparing your style and abilities to others.

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Each player has his own course to play and must play his own creative best to be successful.

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or those of you taking golf lessons, do not forget your instructors. A word of thanks and appreciation is not sufficient for what they are doing for you. Pay them for their devotion to the game.

D

on’t be misled. You can’t mock the Course Marshall and get away with it. If you play in whatever fashion seems to bring you the most personal happiness, hitting balls across other fairways, leaving divots behind you at random, ignoring the needs and safety of other players, and the warnings of the Marshall, you will very soon be golfing with broken clubs in the middle of a rocky field full of tree roots and white goose feathers.

B

ut for those golfers who play to please the Marshall and no one else, they will finish the round in style and will in due time receive an unending membership at the Happy Hacking Grounds Golf and Country Club. Steaks on the house!

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S

o don’t let yourself get fatigued or tired of playing well. Discouragement is for those without hope of success. Only at the end of 18 do you get your prize, so don’t give up or lose focus turning to sloppy and inconsiderate play.

F

ore! I need your attention. This shot, not the next one or the last one, is what you must focus on. Your hope of future Eagles must not remove your focus from your present challenge.

S

tay in the reality of the moment. Don’t daydream and drive your cart into the creek. The whole game is full of chances to play for the benefit of others, right now. So start by looking out for the Clubhouse Members, your present Foursome, and let it T spread from there. M

Fo June

(co gr an

June 29–July 13, 2008

Te Ma an W

For high school students (completed grade 9 through graduates of 2008) from EMC and EMMC churches Team building week at a Manitoba Provincial Park, and ministry training week in Winnipeg

Ap tra

Approximate fee: $300 plus transportation

Ap 16

Application deadline is May 16, 2008.

Contact: Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, emcger@mts.net or 204-326-6401.

Co Co em 20

Dalen Kroeker (Steinbach EFC) is Dean of Men at Steinbach Bible College. “Best Club: 5 Iron. Worst Club: Drivers, all other irons. Club hopeful: Putter.”

Fo June

(co gr an

Te Ma an W

June 29–July 13, 2008 For high school students (completed grade 9 through graduates of 2008) from EMC and EMMC churches

Ap tra

Team building week at a Manitoba Provincial Park, and ministry training week in Winnipeg

Ap 16

Approximate fee: $300 plus transportation Application deadline is May 16, 2008.

Co Co em 20

Contact: Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, emcger@mts.net or 204-326-6401.

Register now for the 14th annual

EMC Golf Classic June 12, 2008 Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course Cost: $125 ($50 is receiptable) Call Ron Penner at 204-255-8062 to register.

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 two-year commitment is preferred, and applicants must provide their own health insurance.

Please send your application to emconf@mts.net.

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with our churches

Members dedicated, babies too Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.): In January, 2008, Harold and Sandra Friesen went to Pass Christian, Mississippi, for their third year as directors of this site for Mennonite Disaster Services. They note, “We see several differences in the community as we compare happenings now to one year ago.”

More restaurants and businesses are opening up, and more homes are being built. However, the emotional aftermath of KatA baby dedication service was held on February 17, 2008. Tracy and Marcus Adams, David and Kendra Funk, Jim and Erin rina continues to take its toll.

Nikkel, Harv and Rebecca Purnell, and Mel and Evan Schellenberg had babies dedicated by Levi Smoker of our church.

Many people are still struggling with depression and are taking anti-depressants to help them deal with ensures you don’t remain strangers the losses they have experienced. The for long!”

Many people need to tell their phrase “we live in a broken world” has stories, many don’t have proper been mentioned to Harold and Sandra homes, many are not planning on many times.

Also in January, Debbie and Einar returning. The gratitude of the Sandland went to Pass Christian, remaining people of Pass Christian Mississippi, to help for one week. From was expressed over and over again to Debbie: “Our team set out to put siding Einar and Debbie.

Brock Reimer, Brad Lissel, and on the house of a lady whose house was wrecked by another house settling inside Jackie Kornelson just finished a year hers after the hurricane…People may at Capernwray, New Zealand. Jackie’s Einar and Debbie Sandland served in Mississippi. arrive as a group but leave with strong favorite experience was Adventure friendships…Sharing scaffolding with Bible School for six weeks—learning strangers 20 to 30 feet above ground about God in His awesome creation while kayaking, rapelling, and other outdoor activities.

Jackie also had an opportunity to More restaurants and help out at a Disability Conference, businesses are opening and was an aid for a blind lady named Marci. Brock went on a mission to up, and more homes are Fiji to the Missionary Training Centre being built. However, for the Southwest Pacific, where he the emotional aftermath helped with vegetable gardening and worked in the kids program in a of Katrina continues nearby church. Apart from the early to take its toll. start (5:30 a.m.), Brock had a great Brock Reimer, Brad Lissel, and Jackie Kornelson learned and time. served at Capernwray, New Zealand.

Kathy Dueck

Calling Steinbach Christian High School alumni from 1971–2007 SCHS Alumni Brunch May 24, 2008, 10 a.m.

SCHS, Steinbach, Man. If you taught, attended or graduated from SCHS from 1971 to 2007, join your classmates at the first SCHS alumni brunch.

Sandra and Harold Friesen served in Mississippi.

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Registration fee: $15 or $25 per couple. Register with fee by May 2: 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, 204-326-3537, jfriesen@schs.ca.

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Bringing in the New Year

Roseisle EMC’s winter retreat was held at Winkler Bible Camp.

Taber, Alta.:

Leaders elected

We are looking forward to being able to fill the growing needs of our church and community.

Therefore, we elected two lay ministers and two deacon couples: Dave Sawatzky (lay minister), Peter (lay minister) and Anna Wall, Nick and Mary Enns (deacon couple), Jacob and Margaret Sawatzky (deacon couple), with our pastoral couple Dave and Audrey Wiebe.

Jaime Thiessen

Roseisle, Man.: With 2007 behind us we have many new things to look forward to. We finished the last few hours of 2007 by playing board games, hockey, and, of course, snacking.

Pastor Kelly Lesser led us in prayer as we entered into 2008. Since then our youth group has gone to Winnipeg for their weekend getaway and while they did that they worked in a soup kitchen preparing food. They also went to La Riviere, Man., to do some night skiing. Some came back pretty sore, but everybody was still in one piece.

From February 29 to March 2 our church had our winter retreat at Winkler Bible Camp. On Friday night we started our retreat by getting to know everybody a little bit better by playing mingle bingo.

Then we had our first of four sessions led by Harold Giesbrecht. Our theme for the weekend was Unity. On Saturday we had two more sessions, one in the morning and the other in the evening.

Saturday afternoon was free time as well as wall climbing and archery. Sunday morning we had a few tired faces, but everybody was active and participated in singing and trying to remember the verses we had learned during the weekend.

On March 9 after our church service the preschool and young moms’ class packed up newborn kits to go to people that need them. They included a blanket, two short shirts, two long shirts and four diapers. I’m sure they will come in good use, and this is one thing we can do to help others.

Rebecca Peters

Child dedication at Braeside Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): Four parents dedicated their little girls to the Lord in mid-February: David and Aminata Koroma with Tataysar Yasinoh; Blanca and Angel Infantes with Sarai Yaretzy; Alexe and Mati Ortega with Michelle Karen; Hilda Jaimes with Monserrat. Interim pastor Kim Stoesz presided over the dedication.

Al Dueck

THE MESSENGER April 2, 2008

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pages from the past Dave K. Schellenberg

What history does your congregation preserve?

Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it

H

—George Santayana

istory in the Making was a bonus workshop presented at the recent Leadership Conference at the Steinbach Bible College.

Two men had come out from Mennonite Heritage Centre in Winnipeg: Conrad Stoesz and Alf Redekopp. They were to give information on archiving for churches, communities, and families.

Records are the lifeblood of an organization. If that is true, I feel more leadership people should have been in attendance. Sadly, this was not the case. I would like to offer highlights of the workshop—plus some material from a handout.

What values do records hold? I think that’s an important ingredient of the reason for keeping records.

Let me share five values as given at the workshop: administrative, legal, historical, theological, and sentimental.

If information is not managed a congregation suffers.

It could be doomed to repeat actions. It could lead to wrong decisions.

The importance of stories is shown when God calls us to remember heroes of the past in Hebrews 11.

Records contain information of an organization’s functions such as policies, decisions, procedures, operations, and related activities.

What kind of records would be included? Books, papers, photos, microfilm, tapes, or machine readable records. It’s also important that for records that deteriorate over time these need to be converted to another format.

I have personally researched for two historical assignments and know how much searching this involves if records are not in order.

Check the documents your church has (adapted from workshop handout): 1. Histories, historical files, minutes, statements of purpose; 2. Charters, constitutions by-laws and amendments; 3. Church bulletins; 4. Ordination, installations, baptism, marriage and funeral records; 5. Minutes of church council and membership meetings;

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Conrad Stoesz and Alf Redekopp presented History in the Making.

6. Correspondence of the church; 7. Publications which appear regularly; 8. Annual reports; 9. Blueprints; 10. Financial statements; 11. Hymnals used over the years; 12. Clippings of events or people; 13. Photographs and pictures; 14. Audiotapes, videotapes, and films related to the church.

Now from all this you can, of course, add on. But I trust it may have given you some ideas and hints on T archiving for your church. M The inevitable question: What is of historical value and what to discard (adapted from workshop)?

What to Keep

Do Not Keep

a. Records that show policy or decisions

a. Duplicates

b. Minutes, correspondence, reports, news, etc.

b. Materials not created by your church (MCC, etc.)

c. E-mail messages should be printed and filed.

c. Draft documents

d. Materials that tell us something about God and/ or the church.

d. Routine correspondence

e. Note files that may contain sensitive material.

THE MESSENGER April 2, 2008

generations Gerald Reimer | emcger@mts.net

A

Does the end justify the means?

s followers of Christ our mandate is to share the Good News with others because God told us to, and for the purpose of leading people to the foot of the cross and seeing Christ transform their lives.

My question today is the following: How far do we go in our attempt to “reach” people for Christ? How extreme do we get in our “contextualization” of the Gospel message?

Recently I was listening to an online Christian radio station and was enjoying the worshipful music, but began to get annoyed by the incessant chatter of DJs about the recent TV broadcast of American Idol.

I couldn’t help but think that it sounded no different from any secular radio program chatter. I did not find it inspiring or relevant to the eternal perspective that we as believers should hold to. In fact, it sounded like they were promoting a show that I say encourages this generation of children and youth to live for a meaningless cause that is selfish and materialistic.

I emailed the station with my concerns and received a reply from the Programming Department. It thanked me for my concerns,

All our activity, even the most basic things of life, should bring honour to God. I don’t see any loopholes there that allow us to do questionable things just so we can reach the unsaved.

but justified their DJs’ banter with the following statement: As an evangelistic ministry, our goal is to relate to a vast audience. One of the ways that our DJs are able to do this is by “living their lives out loud”—sharing their own input on relevant topics, concerns and sometimes even issues. It is not our intention to come across as promoting anything, just simply talk about our culture from a variety of Christian perspectives.

I respect their honest and quick response and understand where they are coming from. But I guess I am still in a quandary. While we are called to connect with the hearts of the ordinary citizen, we should do so in a manner that honours Christ.

I don’t think the ends justify the means. It isn’t justifiable to be “passionate” about worldly things so that I can connect with and reach the world. We need to honour Christ in our methods just as much as in the goal of our methods: To reach out to the needy in the name of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that “whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This means what it says—all our activity, even the most basic things of life, should bring honour to God. I don’t see any loopholes there that allow us to do questionable things just so we can reach the unsaved.

Does the passage in 1 Corinthians 9 where Paul talks about “becoming all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” really mean that the ends justify the means? I don’t think so, but maybe I am wrong.

Aren’t we supposed to be “set apart” and look different then the world around us?

Where do you land on this issue as you interact with people around you? How can we encourage our students to effectively reach T their peers for Christ? M Gerald Reimer is EM Conference Youth Minister. Check out his blog at eclipseyouthministry.blogspot.com.

THE MESSENGER April 2, 2008

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Siberia Mennonite History Conference for 2010 The largely hidden story of Mennonites in Siberia will be explored in a conference slated for Spring 2010 in Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia. This conference will be co-sponsored by the Russian Academy of Science and the University of Winnipeg (Chair in Mennonite Studies). Mennonite historical agencies in Canada and the United States and Mennonite aussiedler groups in Germany will participate as co-sponsors.

Equally important for this conference was the Siberian Mennonite Research Project, launched in 2001. Organized

by Paul Toews of Fresno, California, it employed Andrej Savin of the Russian Academy to search out documents about Siberian Mennonites in Russian archives.

The result was the publication in 2006 of Savin’s nearly 500-page book listing 1,000 archival files.

Committed to cooperation with the North American planning committee are representatives of the Russian Academy and the Aussiedler community in Germany. Royden Loewen, holder of the Chair in Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg, is chair of the North American contingent.

Siberia is a profoundly important place in Mennonite global history. It marked a place of hope with farm settlements,

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

became a place of unspeakable sorrow when tens of thousands of Mennonites were exiled, and became again a place of hope. Even in the face of communism, Mennonites had survived as an Anabaptist people. Many have returned to the West, especially as Aussiedler to Germany.

Details are forthcoming. Dr. Loewen can be contacted at r.loewen@uwinnipeg. ca.

SMHS Professor Shiskin of the Russian Academy of Sciences, researcher Andrej Savin, and U.S. Mennonite representative Paul Toews stand at Akademgorodok, the research institute near Novisibirsk where the 2010 conference will be hosted.

Logo Search is On! The EMC General Board suggests it’s time for our conference to consider a new logo.

We invite you to submit samples, with a brief description of the values and beliefs it expresses. The logo is to be in colour, but also useable in black and white. The logo would be used to identify our Conference and can be used by churches to identify with the EMC at a local level.

An honourarium of $250 will be given for the logo chosen. Please submit your logo ideas to Ruth Anne Peters, General Board Administrative Assistant, at emconf@mts.net; fax 204-326-1613; phone 204-326-6401.

May 8–10 Sexuality, Truth & Grace Exodus Conference 2008 Toronto, Ont. 416-283-9797 conference.exodusglobalalliance.org

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

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THE MESSENGER April 2, 2008

shoulder tapping The EMC seeks a full-time archivist for a one-year 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.

Christian Fellowship Church (EMC), located in the village of Birch River, Man., seeks a full-time pastor to begin early in 2009. The congregation, with an attendance of about 40 people, desires a pastor who can relate to people from various backgrounds, preaches evangelical truth, respects rural lifestyle and culture, and knows the importance of a local Bible camp. Education and experience are flexible. After a long-term pastorate, the congregation has been served since January 2008 by an intentional interim pastor. For information or to submit a resume and names of three references, contact Harold Thiessen, Elders Board Chair, at 204-238-4443 or RR1, Bowsman, MB R0L 0H0.

Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church is inviting application for the position of full-time youth pastor. We are looking for someone who has a heart for young people, with a vision to see them grow and mature in their faith. Experience in youth ministry and Bible college training would be preferred. A more detailed job description is available upon request. Please submit inquires or resumes to Anthony Reimer, Administrative Pastor, Box 114, Blumenort, MB R0A 0C0, 204-326-1644, anthony.blumemc@mts.net.

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.

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.

Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in east-central Saskatchewan, is currently looking for a pastor.

THE MESSENGER April 2, 2008

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leamington EMMC seeks a full-time senior pastor to minister to a large and growing congregation. Located in the most southern part of Ontario, Leamington was voted Canada’s #1 place to live in 2006 by MoneySense Magazine.

Our church has many strong committees and

programs in place, including a church council and a vibrant Sunday School program. Our congregation is made up of both Low German- and Englishspeaking members, and mainly consists of young families. We feature two weekly worship services: a modern English service and a distinct Low German service.

This position is available for 2009. Fluency in Low German is an asset. For more information or to apply for this position, please contact Peter Bartsch at pst@lemmc.com.

Steinbach Bible College invites applications for a part-time Food Services Cook Level 3. Preferred applicant to have commercial food preparation experience. The position will involve: Meal preparation, Food stock rotation and maintenance, sanitary environment maintenance, supervision of student workers, some evenings and weekends required. Applicant must be in agreement and sign the Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Statement of the schools.

Application form and job description are available at the SBC reception desk. Position to begin as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted.

Submit application, resume, and cover letter to: Steinbach Bible College, Attn: Gil Drolet, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, Fax: 204-326-6908, e-mail: gdrolet@scschools.ca.

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.

MCC Canada (MCCC) seeks applications for a full-time senior policy analyst in Ottawa, Ont. The role of senior policy analyst includes providing expertise and assistance to the activities of MCCC and its constituencies relating to the government. The goal of MCCC’s involvement with the government is to find ways in which MCCC and its constituency can participate in the struggle for justice within Canada.

This position is accountable to the Director of National Programs of MCCC. The full job description may be viewed on the web at www.mcc.org. All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership, and nonviolent peacemaking. For further information contact Marsha Jones at 204-261-6381 or email: mgj@mennonitecc.ca. Applications will be considered until April 30, 2008.

Red Rock Bible camp seeks an assistant cook.

This is a year-round ministry opportunity. Willing to train. This person will be responsible to the Food Services Director. Agreement with the camp’s mission and statement of faith is necessary. Must be service oriented, work well with people, and be a team player. Housing, partial board, salary, medical and dental benefits provided. Send resume to: Red Rock Bible Camp, 204-320 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z1, Email: kim@redrockbiblecamp.com.

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Whom should I love more?

Kirsten Penner Krymusa Author’s note: Although the suffering continues, violence in Kenya has subsided since I wrote this piece. As ordinary daily life sets in, questions follow me. The urgency has passed, but Kenya’s struggles and my own remain.

I

live in Kenya. Quiet, peaceful, Kenya, which has suddenly descended into violence and unrest in the last few months, and which is regularly making international headlines.

The world watches as angry men burn things and kill each other. These images don’t begin to capture the suffering in this country. They don’t represent the entire picture, as people in my Nairobi neighborhood are working, shopping, going to movies, and, like me soon, sitting by the pool.

That sounds rather bourgeois and uncaring considering what’s going on around us. I can imagine if I were in North America the horrors in I don’t know what Jesus watching Kenya I’d be saddened and meant. Should I care concerned, but detached, there was nothing more for the grieving and knowing I could do. Now if I lived in scared people in Nairobi’s Kenya, I’d muse, well then of course I could help the slums than for my own suffering people.

Well, I live right here in daughter? These needn’t Nairobi. Although part of me be exclusive. would love to help, another part would hop on the next plane to rural Manitoba. Another part wants to go to the pool and then take a nap.

A big part of me, first and foremost, wants to protect and care for my family, and to heck with everyone else—there are other people to care for them. I have a PAGE 16

16-month-old daughter with big blue eyes and pigtails and a perpetually scraped face because she can’t contain her exuberance when running around. I’m six months pregnant with a tiny baby who promises to be hyperactive, considering the non-stop gymnastics.

Every instinct wants to focus on these two little lives, which is why I don’t serve food to hundreds of displaced people sleeping at a church down the road; it’s easier to send cash and be done with it.

It’s why I’ve packed my money belt and made my evacuation list and would leave in a heartbeat if my family is in danger.

But then I hear other voices. My friend’s church homily about loving people by being in solidarity with them. Missionaries who wouldn’t leave this country they’ve come to call home. My husband’s students, who’ve seen violence and are desperate to help refugee camps.

Then, there’s Jesus and his teaching about whom we should love, whom our families really are, and how we may need to leave our families for His work. I don’t know what he meant. Should I care more for the grieving and scared people in Nairobi’s slums than for my own daughter? These needn’t be exclusive.

Whom should I love more in this crisis? Right now it feels like I have to choose, and I want to follow the teaching of Jesus, but I don’t know how to do that. This is always the dilemma in following Jesus. It’s just so T much harder when it hits close to home. M Kirsten Penner Krymusa, raised in the EMC, lives in Kenya.

Editor’s questions: Do you face such a dilemma? How do you resolve it?

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