The Messenger Vol. 46 No. 8 April 16, 2008

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 46, number 8 April 16, 2008

r h e o h t o o d Ma forgotten career www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorials

Good part about a weak practice

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arent-child dedications are regular news. Yet such dedications have a rather slender biblical basis as a practice within Anabaptist churches.

Yes, Hannah made an unusual vow to give her weaned child “to the Lord for all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11). Yes, Jesus “took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:26).

But an unusual dedication and a spontaneous blessing do not make It’s the parents’ a practice. day-by-day The practice of parent-child dedication in Anabaptist and dedication to the Baptist circles goes back centuries.

Lord (the modeling It was a two-sided response: A rejection of infant baptism and an of discipleship) awareness that children are within within the Church the saving grace of Christ. It reflects that is the central the tension of acknowledging that “children are in the Church on need and issue. account of the promise” (Menno

Hurting farm families

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s of this writing, hog prices are poor. While some farmers might be doing well and be optimistic, others are struggling.

A hog farmer from Saskatoon area was interviewed on CBC Radio on April 1. He had made the tough decision to sell his farm before he lost everything, and Some farmers face planned to go to university. It was tough financial difficult to shut off the barn fans that had run for 40 years. He spoke decisions, lifestyle of the “sound of death” in the changes, and silence that remained. His pain and personal and family anger were evident.

The Manitoba government has stresses. Spiritual extended a partial moratorium on issues can appear hog barns. Apart from it, and because of it, farmers will be hurting. in many ways.

EDITOR Terry M. Smith emcterry@mts.net

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler

emcmessenger@mts.net

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 10 – May 21 (copy due May 2)

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Simons) while withholding baptism till a later confession of faith.

Are children saved by dedication? No, they are safe through the universal atoning work of Christ (Romans 5).

Children aren’t at risk by an absence of either baptism or dedication. Rather, parents without a relationship with Christ are the ones spiritually at risk.

However, children become at risk if they grow to the age of accountability in homes that don’t care about following the Lord.

It’s the parents’ day-by-day dedication to the Lord (the modeling of discipleship) within the Church that is the central need and issue.

This is the good part of parent-child dedications in our circles: Parents and churches are publicly committing themselves to living out of a personal and corporate faith in a way that invites children to imitate and then to T choose to follow Christ. M Terry M. Smith

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.

One man recently told me that half the people in a particular EMC church are connected with the hog industry. The industry’s downturn will affect the congregation and the wider conference.

Farming is a complicated business with many factors and influences far beyond an individual’s control. Some farmers face tough financial decisions, lifestyle changes, and personal and family stresses. Spiritual issues can appear in many ways.

Farm families need the support of non-farmers who, like me, aren’t experts and yet have unfairly benefited from the cheap food policies in Canada. What can we do?

Listen to stories without judgment, hear people’s pain, and care.

T People in Ontario’s automotive sector are hurting too. M Terry M. Smith

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.

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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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letter

Let’s not agree to disagree The concern [re: MWC-Catholic Dialogue, November 14, 2007] possibly lies in a misunderstanding of the position Menno Simons took against the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings. The gulf created by the 16th Century Reformation between the R.C. church and the Christian church can never be bridged theologically, as there is a tremendous difference in the Biblical teaching of salvation by grace and the Catholic teaching of salvation by works.

One who has truly come to know the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and left the R.C. church, will not deny that they previously trusted in the relics of dead Saints; holy water; making the sign of the cross; votive candles; baptism for salvation (infant or otherwise); graces dispensed from Mary; a “transubstantiated” piece of bread purported to be Christ; apparitions of Mary; statues and images of Jesus, Mary, and the saints; Rosaries, Novenas, the Stations of the Cross; abstaining from meat on Friday; Lenten abstinences; Last Rites to get into Purgatory and indulgences to get out of Purgatory; Mass cards; the confessional booth, with absolution of sins by a priest; penance and personal suffering to purify from sin; worshipping a piece of bread at the Eucharistic Holy Hour; the Pope as the Vicar of Christ on earth. This could possibly be where the bondage lies that some evangelicals don’t really understand.

The Roman Catholic Church, which does claim infallibility in its Councils and

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theological teachings, does undeniably deny the biblical gospel which the Christian believes. The Council of Trent declares: 6th Session, Canon 9: If anyone says that the sinner is justified by faith alone, meaning that nothing else is required to cooperate in order to obtain the grace of justification...let him be anathema.

6th Session, Canon 12: If anyone shall say that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in the divine mercy which remits sins for Christ’s sake, or that it is this confidence alone by which we are justified, let him be anathema.

6th Session, Canon 30: If anyone says that after the reception of the grace of justification the guilt is so remitted and the debt of eternal punishment so blotted out to every repentant sinner, that no debt of temporal punishment remains to be discharged either in this world or in purgatory before the gates of heaven can be opened, let him be anathema.

7th Session, Canon 4: If anyone says that the sacraments of the New Law [canons and decrees of the Church] are not necessary for salvation but...without them...men obtain from God through faith alone the grace of justification...let him be anathema.

This word anathema in all of these decrees, which are still in force today, makes one “cursed of God” who rejects the Roman Catholic Church’s theology of salvation by works.

Dave Storey Grande Prairie, Alta.

Corrections Milton Fast: A philosophy of ministry (March 19, 2008) Rev. Fast is 78, and point 3 in his philosophy of ministry should start, “My leadership in the church….” My apology.

– Editor

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.

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r h e o h t o o d Ma forgotten career

Recognition is needed

Evelyn Rodgers

counselor gardener nurse

accountant

housekeeper baker chauffeur

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areer choices are made available from every corner as a youth comes to the end of high school and faces some difficult options. One option that is not even recognized as a career by society is that of a stayat-home mom. The rewards might not be monetary, but are ones that keep on giving in matters that are of most importance.

A stay-at-home mom is one who has chosen a career that includes touches of numerous vocations and has rewards that most other careers can only begin to give. The challenges and rewards go hand in hand. Looking at the choice I have made, to stay and home and raise my family, I can say that it has been worth it. To see my children as well adjusted adults with families of their own is a reward of eternal value.

A choice made

I had to make a choice when we were married.

Would I work full-time as a teacher or be a farmer’s wife and a homemaker? I chose the latter knowing full well that it would mean living on less, but having time to make our house a home.

You often hear it said, “I just stay at home.” I firmly believe that being a housewife and mother is as much a career as teaching or any other job. It’s nice to be in touch with my teaching by substitute teaching and know what goes on in our school, but I also have time for my home.

I treasure the memory of coming home from school even in high school and finding my mom there. The smell of a clean house and supper on the stove accompanied by her loving presence is something I wish every child could know. This is what I wanted my children to have as well and I trust I have not failed them. Nothing is worse than coming home to an empty house.

With so many mothers working full time I feel our community volunteer work suffers as well. How much energy does a person have left after working all day to accompany your child to his or her activity, let alone anyone else in the neighborhood?

These are things that can’t be measured in dollars and cents. Only eternity will reveal what has been done behind-the-scenes in many cases.

The career of a stay-at-home mom has many faces: Cook, baker, housekeeper, nurse, counselor, errand-boy, accountant, chauffeur; and, on the farm, the hired hand, gardener and chore boy. These many faces are so intertwined that it is hard to separate them. Oh, yes, and don’t forget this is a job where you’re on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As a cook for a growing family, the need to grow our own food was not a choice but a necessity. A big garden was just part of life on the farm and supplied us with most of the produce we needed—fresh, THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

I had to make a choice when we were married. Would I work full-time as a teacher or be a farmer’s wife and a homemaker? I chose the latter knowing full well that it would mean living on less, but having time to make our house a home.

frozen in the freezer, or stored on pantry shelves for the winter.

There was the milk from the cows, eggs and meat from poultry, or meat from the pigs and cows. This included a lot of work, as chores had to be done twice a day; and in return we were assured the healthiest and tastiest of foods.

There’s nothing like the smell of homemade bread when you enter a kitchen. With five children and a husband to feed there was always baking to be done. Cookies disappeared almost as fast as they were put in the jar. Sometimes I would hide half of them in the freezer to make them last a bit longer.

It was always good to see the food disappear— not many leftovers and always a chance to try a new recipe. And it was always like an outing to go berry picking in the bush. Then there was a welcome treat of berries with sugar and cream or ice cream at the end of the day.

Many of these jobs that helped bring food to our table were done as a family and were times of learning—not only about food preparation but also many lessons about life were discussed and times of fun accompanied these excursions. Being a cook like this was much more than work in the kitchen; it was part of everyday life.

Being a housekeeper was not one of my favourite parts of being a housewife, but it was truly an important aspect of making a house a home. Our home had a lived in looked most of the time. It was impossible to have a spotless house and a happy family at the same time. Children need to learn to pick up after themselves and if I would do it, they’d never learn. Sometimes, I thought they’d never learn but when I visit their homes now, I see that I must have taught them something.

A contented life

The secret to a happy contented life is to be able to sit down with a book or a coffee with a friend and be oblivious to the job waiting to be done. Ten years later, who’ll know whether your house was spic and span, but what I did for a child or a friend will last 5

for eternity. Yes we all love picture perfect homes, but our family and our friends are more important.

We need to keep things in perspective.

With five children in the house, being a nurse is just part of taking care of them. Many times a kiss, a little disinfectant or a band aid would do wonders.

At other times when they were really sick, it would mean sitting up with them however long necessary to get them well. A few times I ended up sitting in the hospital beside their bed, to comfort them and make sure everything was going the right way.

Counseling was not one that I had counted on, but became a very important part of raising a family. When our children were youngsters I always dreamed of the day when I wouldn’t have all these jobs involved in raising little tots. All I could see was the mound of laundry and cooking that faced me each day.

Ten years later, who’ll know whether your house was spic and span, but what I did for a child or a friend will last for eternity. We need to keep things in perspective.

As they grew to be teenagers, I suddenly realized that my business as a mother was changing. I found that I was just as busy, but in a different way.

Before, as long as they were fed and had physical needs met they were happy. Now, it was more of a mental busyness. Spending time talking, relating, and counseling was certainly more demanding on my person. Much of the counseling was done as we worked side by side doing chores or jobs around the farm. The reward of this now is to see well adjusted adults who are parents themselves and doing a good job at it.

Recognition is needed

These are some examples of what is involved in being a stay-at-home mom. I think they should be given recognition for the big contribution these women make to society and to our country. For every mother that is able to do this, be encouraged and take heart that you are important and yours is a most important career.

For those who have no choice, but have to go and be the bread winner for their family I’m sure you are doing a good job and are to be commended for the very important part you play in T raising the next generation. M Evelyn Rodgers is part of MacGregor EMC in Manitoba.

with our missionaries South Africa

Lost in a crowd of Jesus followers!

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9).

It promised to be a long day and all were going. Mom had prepared lunch, and all got their turn at carrying the basket. When Jesus was 12 and families were going to Jerusalem, it was like that too. Boys often walked together as did girls, moms, and dads. These events were enjoyable because all traveled for the same cause and one’s opinion was affirming of the other’s—there was unity.

It is like that in Africa when we go to a conference or funeral. We pile into the back of a pickup and as soon as the endgate closes we start singing. This goes

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on until we reach our destination. There is unity.

After Jesus went to heaven his followers gathered in Jerusalem, all for the same reason. They waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit. As they waited they reminded themselves of what Jesus had said prior to his departure: “You will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). There was unity.

In North America the Lord gave us successful and safe travels with good driving conditions. In November 2007 we traveled in the United States, visiting 17 contacts, including several in TEAM’s Wheaton, Ill., office.

In early December we were in Saskatchewan together with Joe’s brother Elvin and Anne Reimer to visit friends and supporters. Around Christmas we

News from Africa is depressing.

Is there anything that Jesus Followers can do? Thankfully, many are working to address challenges, though too few of these are nationals. For that to change they need hope for a better life now and better life tomorrow.

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enjoyed family gatherings. January we spent around “home” among friends and supporters.

In February we made an extensive trip to western U.S. and Canada together with Olga’s sister and brother-in-law Esther and George Wiebe. We visited friends and supporters and attended a Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills seminar and our Calgary TEAM office.

We were in fewer churches than at other times, but were privileged to meet a number of groups in homes. On April 1 we will be back to our ministry in South Africa.

News from Africa is depressing. Several countries face huge political challenges while others are plagued with natural disasters and disease. All result in human suffering.

Is there anything that Jesus Followers can do? Thankfully, many are working to address these challenges, though too few of these are nationals. For that to change they need hope for a better life now and better life tomorrow.

Hope is the greatest gift we can give dear people of these nations.

This is why we assist and mentor Evangelical Churches in Southern Africa in leadership training, children’s ministries, evangelism, missions, and HIV/AIDS-related ministries.

Thank you for the role that you play!

We invite you to continue to help as you can, including through prayer. If you desire to come help in these ministries, please contact us.

Lost in a crowd of Jesus followers—it sounds okay to me!

Joe Reimer

Paraguay

Off and running in Ytororõ We feel like we moved to Ytororõ and took off running.

It’s been a busy month, not only with church activities and moving into our new house, but also getting to know people in the church.

We have been really blessed in the way that getting to know people has been easy. They all come to our house to hang out with us. We really enjoyed the companionship. It has really helped us to not feel lonely here in a totally different part of the country than in Campo Nueve.

Since we arrived in Ytororõ, our church has handed out 100 Samaritan’s Purse shoe boxes, a Clowns from the church work with the children.

Sunday School was started with 60 children, 10 people have started FLET The church is currently in a rented (theology by extention) courses, and a building. Praise the Lord that this women’s Bible study has begun. building is becoming too small.

The church is eager to reach into the The church is excited that they have community, and we do what we can to found two lots that they would like to help and encourage them. Please pray buy, and are praying that, if it is the that these three programs would serve Lord’s will, He would provide the money to disciple those involved. to buy them. It seems out of reach for many of them, but they know that in their weakness He is strong. If God chooses to Only God can do what needs to glorify His name by providing the lots, be done here in Ytororõ, and He can and will.

As of right now we feel like our work we’re just here in obedience here in Ytororõ is overwhelming and there is no way we will ever be able to do to Him, letting him use us everything that needs to be done. in what He wants to do.

Only God can do what needs to be done here in Ytororõ, and we’re just here in obedience to Him, letting him use us in what He wants to do. We are trying to focus on that every day.

The church is growing and there are a lot of discipleship needs. Please pray that we would continue to get to know people in the community outside of church and guide them towards God. We are praying that the church would continue to grow and continue to focus on reaching the world around them rather than become a group that focuses inward, and we want to help set that example.

Thanks again for all your prayers.

Travis and Rosey Zacharias

Olga and Joe Reimer (Blumenort) serve in South Africa under TEAM. A girl with her Operation Christmas Child shoe box.

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Travis and Rosey Zacharias (Kleefeld) are first-term missionaries in Paraguay, a country where Travis lived previously as a missionary kid.

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A family’s treasure O

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ur family, a priceless thing whose value one can’t measure.

Each member has been custom-made for the creator’s pleasure.

Unique and different, boy and girl, Yet in His image made.

Salvation offered to each one Who accepts the price He paid. s we live from day to day The choices are not few, And when we ask His input, He guides and leads us through.

Sometimes the road is joyful, Sometimes we all must grieve, But hope can always be restored, if only we believe.

ne member to be treasured, Who lends a helping hand, Takes time for all the questions, Cleans grime and dirt and sand, Who reads a book or tends a knee, Who comforts, guides and cares, Is our loving Mother, Lifting us with prayers. hank God for loving mothers, Whose sacrifice is great, Working countless hours, And waiting up so late.

Although they’ll be rewarded In heaven, up above, Let us all today show thanks, To Mother, for her love.

Paul Peters Riverton, Man.

writings shared Earl Unger

The Case for The Real Jesus by Lee Strobel (Zondervan, 2007), 309 pp., $21.99. ISBN 780-310242109. Reviewed by Earl Unger, M.Div., pastor of Stony Brook Fellowship.

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uthor Lee Strobel investigates contemporary challenges being leveled against the doctrine of Christ. This is a sequel of sorts to his The Case for Christ (1998). He says new challenges to Christ’s deity necessitated a new book.

Casual observers of current events, pop culture, movies, and the internet will appreciate just how prolific these challenges are.

Strobel narrows these attacks to six. Then in the fashion of a trained journalist and a trained lawyer (he worked as the legal editor of The Chicago Tribune), he seeks straight answers from critics and defenders of the orthodox doctrine of Christ. Most of the book consists of interviews.

I was impressed with Strobel’s efforts to face the critics and their questions head on. It was enlightening 8

I’m left questioning its overall value as an apologetic for the Christian faith. It commendably allays fears Christians may have when faced with these criticisms to Christ’s deity. But as a work to persuade skeptics, I think it fails. to read the logical, coherent responses to criticisms given by top biblical scholars. Also positive is Strobel’s inclusion of a list for further reading at the end of each section and extensive endnotes. These are helpful for exhaustive study of the issues raised.

Generally, though, I’m left questioning its overall value as an apologetic for the Christian faith. It commendably allays fears Christians may have when faced with these criticisms to Christ’s deity. But as a work to persuade skeptics, I think it fails. And the latter is just Strobel’s reason for writing the book: Its subtitle advertises A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ.

Strobel builds on this journalistic motif in his THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

introduction where he invites skeptics on a journey of discovery and exhorts them to “keep an open mind and follow the facts wherever they take [them]” (p. 21). My guess is that most skeptics will find taking this journey attractive but, sadly, will come away unimpressed once they complete it. Strobel seems unwilling to do what he asks skeptics to do.

For a journalist Strobel gives a surprisingly short amount of space to the arguments put forward against the doctrine of Christ, and possibly does not even mention some of the strongest arguments at all, and then gives a lion’s share of his attention to those who support it.

And his tendency for summary statements declaring victory for the “good side” also takes away from

his claim at serious journalism: “Time after time, what sounded like a knockout objection had been successfully overcome” (p. 152); “In the end, none of these seemingly daunting challenges turned out to be close calls” (p. 266).

As Christians, we may tolerate his inconsistent approach, but for skeptics who are expecting an unbiased investigation this will seem unfair, disingenuous, and, I fear, unpersuasive.

If all you’re looking for is a book that gives solid arguments in favour of the divine Christ, you will want to read this book. If you are looking for a book to use as a witnessing tool with skeptics, I think it is of little value T and could possibly do more harm than good. M

with our churches

Did we waste our time?

Stony Brook (Steinbach, Man.): The year 2007 has come and gone and now we wonder: Did we waste our time? We look back on the year and think about what has happened. As Stony Brook Fellowship we say, we hope not.

For the first time, on January 14 at Stony Brook we were thrilled to have a baptismal service consisting of youth whose parents are also members. We welcomed into membership Aaron Barkman, Tashima Harder, Amanda Wiebe, and Marissa Wiebe through their public confession of faith in Jesus Christ.

Let’s pray for these young people as they seek to make the Lord Jesus Christ the most important part of their lives.

We also had our first foster parent dedication during 2007. There are several couples in our congregation who foster parent, and we work with them to teach these wonderful children about the Lord.

Another first for Stony Brook during 2007 was the Marriage Seminar we hosted in November. May the Lord continue to work in our homes and marriages as we strive to follow him each day!

So, did we spend our time wisely in 2007 at Stony Brook Fellowship?

Only time will really tell.

As we continue on in the daily living of life, however, let’s remember to look to God’s Word.

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The vision of Stony Brook Fellowship is to introduce and reintroduce people to a relationship with Jesus Christ, and to this end we were pleased to have several people go on missions trips throughout the past year.

One of our members served with Samaritan’s Purse in Mexico, and another youth also went later. Several others of our youth spent some weeks at Moak Lake and other Bible Camps during the summer as well. Christal Penner spent part of the summer walking through and praying for parts of Asia.

Roger and Cheryl Harder and their family joined Athletes in Action and spent a week in Pauingassi First Nations Reserve building relationships—for the glory of God. As we hope to do more of this type of thing in the future we have chosen to adopt a short-term missions policy to support our members toward mission-conscious decisions in the future. The field of harvest is ripe.

A special new activity that began at Stony Brook during 2007 was the formation of our Children’s Choir.

Corinne Thiessen expertly taught our children some wonderful songs and we were privileged to be serenaded by them several times throughout the year.

Our Spiritual Life and Care Team initiated three Sunday school classes designed to help regular attendees find out more about who they are called to be in regards to church membership and what their function might be in ministry and evangelism. We had our first courses on Discovering SBF Membership, Discovering Your Ministry, and Discovering Your Mission.

With these three new classes on the go we now have a four-part Discipleship Class program in place to help us grow in our relationship with Christ and our greater mission in the world.

So, did we spend our time wisely in 2007 at Stony Brook Fellowship? Only time will really tell. As we continue on in the daily living of life, however, let’s remember to look to God’s Word. He gives us everything we need, as it says in 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (emphasis mine). He’s always teaching. Are we learning?

Miryam Bueckert

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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Love, regional exchange, and Easter program

Pansy, Man.: During Valentine’s season, a good number of us adults gathered in the lower sanctuary for a celebration of love. Fun and laughter filled the air while a hearty supper filled our tummies and lively games entertained us. A reflective reading brought us back on track—the high cost and value of true love is an amazing thing.

In the beginning of March we were blessed to take part in the EMC regional pulpit exchange. For the first time ever, our designated exchange happened with Steinbach EMC. What a treasure this turned out to be. Pastor Garry Koop spoke powerfully here on the topic of 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.

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.

Self Examination based on Romans 7, while Pastor Leonard Barkman had been in Steinbach the week before. Thank you all for arranging this treat.

Easter is always such a heart-rending, but greatly uplifting time for believers. It offers us such hope, such promise. In our Good Friday service, where we include Communion, we were already very much drawn into the spirit of it.

Then on Easter Sunday we topped it off with a special program by the Sunday School. After the children’s very well done parts, the teens and young adults outdid themselves with a “sort of live” Easter Story Spiel. They alternated between showing vignettes on PowerPoint, from the Gospel of John video, and quietly and sombrely acting out bits and pieces of the story. It was an awe-inspiring service.

Betty Barkman

A wedding and a funeral Treesbank, Man.: Jeff Friesen and Julia Zaiss were married on February 24 at Treesbank Community Church.

On March 25, we had a funeral for Jerry Cameron who had been a part of the Treesbank Church and community for many years.

Lucille Penner

weddings DUECK – FRIESEN: Sam Dueck and Kristelle Friesen were married on May 19, 2007. The couple lives in Steinbach, Man. FRIESEN – ZAISS: Jeff, son of Neil and Anita Friesen of Treesbank, Man., and Julia, daughter of Peter and Pia Zaiss of Munich, Germany, were married on February 24, 2008, at Treesbank Community Church with Pastor Kenton Penner officiating.

Julia Zaiss and Jeff Friesen on their wedding day.

births NEUFELD – to Sheldon and Sarah Neufeld of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Johanna Adeline, on August 8, 2005.

THIESSEN – to Joe and Corinne Thiessen of Mitchell, Man., a son, Boston Isaiah Joseph, on December 14, 2005.

QUIRING – to Mark and Erica Quiring of La Broquerie, Man., a daughter, Kaitlyn May, on June 10, 2006.

KARR – to Mark and Jamie Karr of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Rachel Lane, on April 23, 2006.

BOURGET – to Michael and Coral Bourget of Steinbach, Man., a son, Ashon Isaiah, on September 21, 2006.

THIESSEN – to Michael and Melissa Thiessen of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Eliana Rachel, on January 22, 2007.

PENNER – to Bud and Ginger Penner of Steinbach, Man., a son, Jackson Kale, on January 25, 2007.

register at www.emconf.ca 10

KARR – to Mark and Jamie Karr of Steinbach, Man., a son, Seth Logan, on November 21, 2007.

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faith in action Al Thiessen

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BOB and Saturday Night Church

made a reference to BOB (Band of Brothers) earlier (March 19), and it seems appropriate to write a little about them as well. This group isn’t technically part of Saturday Night Church (the men come from all three churches in Landmark, as well as some for whom BOB is their church), but I’ll include it here since many SNC men are also active within this men’s group.

BOB was started four years ago as a church-based community, or social network, for men. A year later the group decided (after studying John Eldridge’s Wild at Heart) to have an adventure together.

That adventure morphed into a service project, building houses with Mennonite Disaster Service in Florida. It proved to be one of those life changing experiences that demands an encore. This February, the group traveled to the New Orleans area for the third consecutive year of assisting MDS with post-Katrina rebuilding efforts.

Members of BOB were so taken with the positive outcomes of their service experience that they embarked on a pattern of helping those with physical needs in their own community as well.

Over the past three years Landmark residents have been requesting help from BOB for a variety of projects,

Over the past three years Landmark residents have been requesting help from BOB for a variety of projects, knowing that the answer will always be affirmative.

dreamstime.com

THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

knowing that the answer will always be affirmative (what a great reputation!). Some samples include spring sand bagging, moving furniture, shovelling driveways, repairing sheds and basements, yard work, as well as renovation work for New Life Ministries in Winnipeg.

I’ll conclude with a few observations I’ve heard in respect to the benefits of being involved in service or social action. One BOB/SNC member talked about the increased awareness of needs both in our own community and elsewhere in the world.

While others in our community and, for example, on the Gulf Coast might benefit, often the true benefits are experienced by those performing the service. There’s an awareness that the people in the news are ordinary people like us with some obvious hurts or needs.

We all share a responsibility to help where we are able. There’s a tremendous feeling of goodwill generated in those who receive assistance, but also felt intrinsically by those providing the assistance.

Those sentiments would be echoed by those who have spent time at the House of Hesed or who have delivered little packages of joy to hurting souls in our community.

May God give SNC, and the Church as a whole, continued grace to be socially active and to bring love T to the people with whom they come into contact! M Al Thiessen is a member of Saturday Night Church in Landmark, Man.

dreamstime.com

dreamstime.com

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Researcher encourages being role models, active against HIV/AIDS In the battle against HIV/AIDS, Christians should be a “voice for the sick and the poor,” be good role models, and make and support “good decisions in sexual health.”

That was the message shared with students at Canadian Mennonite University by Dr. Allan Ronald, one of Canada’s foremost physicians and microbiologists in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. Speaking at Dr. Glen Klassen’s Essentials of Microbiology class on March 25, Ronald added that Christians should “create a sense of belonging and hope” for people afflicted with the disease and “promote peace and justice” for people in the developing world who are at great risk of getting it.

Allan Ronald encouraged students to “advocate for good things and push back against evil—in your own lives and globally.” Sexual promiscuity, he added, “is one of those evils.”

Ronald, a member of Winnipeg’s non- leadership, finances and prayer,” and denominational Assiniboia-Charleswood that universities like CMU can “develop Community Church, also encouraged courses and develop leaders” for that students to “advocate for good things fight. and push back against evil—in your own “Our generation will be judged by how lives and globally.” Sexual promiscuity, we respond to this crisis,” he stated. he added, “is one of those evils.”

He went on to say that scientists today In addition to his research, Ronald is a are still struggling to find a vaccine to leader in developing comprehensive HIV/ treat HIV/AIDS, and that they know only AIDS care and prevention programs in about ten percent of how the immune Africa. Noting that 7,000 people on that system works. continent die each day from the disease, “There is lots for you to do in your he told students that the battle will lifetime,” he told the class. require “action, advocacy, ideas, energy, grade 9 through graduates of CMU For high school students (completed

Ju

June 29–July 13, 2008

2008) from EMC and EMMC churches Team building week at a Manitoba Provincial Park, and ministry training week in Winnipeg Approximate fee: $300 plus transportation Application deadline is May 16, 2008.

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

The 14th Annual

EMC Golf Classic

Dr. Allan Ronald speaks to the CMU microbiology class.

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

Ju

June 29–July 13, 2008 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 Approximate fee: $300 plus transportation Application deadline is May 16, 2008.

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

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THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

stewardship today Ed Wedel

E

Life insurance, yes or no?

vangelist Billy Graham was used to purchase additional insurance. asked whether he believed This is usually the most expense It’s said there are only in purchasing life insurance. insurance. two certainties in life…

His response was quick and Universal Life Insurance also sure: “I most certainly do.” He quoted includes protection and savings. death and taxes. If death 1 Timothy 5:8, “If anyone does not However, the policyholder chooses comes before old age, we provide for his relatives, and especially among investment options from will probably leave behind for his immediate family, he has guaranteed investments to market denied the faith and is worse than an based investments like mutual funds. family to be taken care of. unbeliever.”

The policyholder pays a minimum It’s said there are only two premium to cover the insurance certainties in life…death and taxes. If death comes portion, but can add additional amounts to build up before old age, we will probably leave behind family the investment side. Investments within the policy to be taken care of. Death does not relieve us of that grow tax-free as long as they remain in the policy. This responsibility. insurance may carry a higher price tag because of Life insurance may be purchased for many reasons, additional benefits and options. including covering a debt like a car loan or mortgage.

The simplest insurance to understand is temporary Most importantly, life insurance replaces a loss of insurance, called Term Insurance. Term Insurance is income when a financial provider dies. It pays a tax-free pure protection, no additional bells and whistles. Term benefit to the beneficiary to be used to pay debts and Insurance is purchased in increments of one, five, 10, 20, invested to provide income. and even term-to-100 years. When you purchase a term There are two types of life insurance: permanent and of 10 years, you fix the premium cost for the 10-year temporary. Permanent insurance comes in two types, period. Upon renewal the premiums go up. that being Whole Life Insurance and Universal Life It is best to consider “convertible” Term Insurance so Insurance. that if you were to become uninsurable later in life, you Whole Life Insurance includes two main components: would have the option to convert it to a permanent plan. protection and savings (referred to as cash surrender Term insurance is the least expensive type of insurance. value). Typically, the premiums are guaranteed and One concept taught in many financial planning books the insurance company sets the rate of interest on the is to buy term insurance to keep your costs down and savings, which tends to be low. The insurance company invest the difference you would have paid to purchase a pays an annual dividend, which is added to savings or higher cost permanent policy. This way, when you don’t have a lot of savings, you rent money from the insurance company until you have had a chance to build up a nest egg over time.

There are many reasons to buy life insurance that I have not touched here, including estate planning and charitable gift options.

I recommend that you explore life insurance for yourself and your family. Speak with an insurance broker who has the ability to shop the insurance market and provide the best individualized solution for you.

For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office: Abbotsford – Ed Wedel, 888-212-8608; Calgary – Gary Sawatzky, 877-717-0708; Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen, 888-212-8731; Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, Sherri Grosz, 888-212-7759; Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 800-772-3257.

THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

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Holy Spirit needs an enthusiastic invitation, says Latin leader The 34th assembly of CAMCA (Consulta Anabautista Menonita Centroamericana) was held at the Casa Horeb Church in Guatemala City, Guatemala, November 28-30, 2007. Some 120 people attended, including delegates throughout Central America and people from USA, Canada, and the Andean and Southern Cone areas.

Two events had already happened: the First Consultation of Anabaptist Hispanic Theological Institutions and the Second Gathering of Anabaptist Women Theologians of Central America.

The theme The Call to Mission, Reflections and Challenges from an Anabaptist Biblical Perspective was examined by Peter Stucky of Colombia, Mennonite World Conference executive committee member for Latin America.

Stucky, pastor of Teusaquillo Mennonite Church in Bogotá, Colombia, said “that to live the gospel and to live Anabaptism are not two different things, but rather that Anabaptism provides a specific way of understanding what it means to follow Jesus. I do not say it is better or worse than the perspectives of other families of faith, but that it is our own, that it enriches and orients us in the midst of the great tensions that we suffer in Latin America.”

“If we don’t give the Holy Spirit an open and enthusiastic invitation in the life of our congregations we are going to be sowing in sterile soil.”

He spoke of the dichotomy sometimes presented between evangelizing and spreading the gospel or working for justice and peace, or praying and seeking the gifts of the Spirit. Such dichotomies disunite us and tear apart the fabric of the Lord’s Body, he said.

“It is no secret that…the topic of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the church has generated considerable controversy, rejections, sadness and perhaps some divisions or loss of members and congregations in conferences,” he said.

“On one side, people with certain prejudices easily say that some of our

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Participants formed a circle with candles, symbolizing unity as God’s Church sharing light in each cultural context.

(Saulo Padilla)

churches don’t have the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, some of our Anabaptist ‘purists’ disqualify some of the more ‘lively’ Mennonite churches, saying they are not Mennonite.

“It seems that it is difficult for us to live together in respect when it comes to understanding what the presence of the Holy Spirit means in the life of the congregation. But what is certain is that if we don’t give the Holy Spirit an open and enthusiastic invitation in the life of our congregations we are going to be sowing in sterile soil and we will neither be able to evangelize nor give an effective peace and justice testimony.”

Delegates said that they felt called by the Holy Spirit to live and proclaim a

gospel that “reveals anti-kingdom values in the world and offers a liberating and integrating message inspired by the Holy Spirit.”

They declared that they will listen to God’s voice; continue their pilgrimage together; endeavour to recapture 16thcentury Anabaptist cornerstones for living their spirituality; use their gifts to build better churches, families and society; and commit themselves to hope, faith and unity (see text at www.mwccmm.org).

Future assemblies will be held every two years, alternating with the Hans Denck Lectures of SEMILLA (Latin American Anabaptist Seminary). The next assembly is in 2009.

MWC

¡Jaha! ¡Vamos! Let’s go!

Mennonite World Conference Asuncion, Paraguay July 14–19, 2009

Assembly Gathered July 14–19 Daily services Assembly Scattered Visit Anabaptist-related churches in Latin America and the Caribbean Global Youth Summit Hundreds of young people from around the world

Global Church “business” MWC General Council and its commissions meet Mennonite World Conference www.mwc-cmm.org 519-571-0060 50 Kent Ave. Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1 THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

Stackhouse: four questions Christian shouldn’t ask If you’re a Christian, what four questions shouldn’t you ask?

John Stackhouse, a professor of theology and culture at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C., shared them March 17-19 during a three-part Apologetics Lectures series titled Is He Saved? And Other Questions Christians Shouldn’t Ask at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg.

“Is he saved?” is first. The reason: Because one can’t know the answer.

“I can guess, and I can guess reliably, but I can’t know for sure because I am not privy to the [inner-workings] of his heart.”

The second is: “Does he need to hear the gospel?” Stackhouse said “of course he needs to hear the gospel. Everyone does.” It can lead non-believers to salvation, and for believers it’s a reminder and reassurance.

“What can I do to convert him?” is third. The answer is “nothing.” People can’t convert non-believers or themselves. “There are no “There are no surefire, snappy arguments surefire, snappy arguments to [make people] become Christian, to [make people] become Christian, or or to make spiritually dead to make spiritually dead people alive,” people alive,” Stackhouse said.

“That’s God’s province.”

Stackhouse said. “That’s God’s province.”

The final question is, “How do I treat people?” His answer: “Love them.” It may mean talking about the gospel with them or not—it depends whether they’re open or not.

“When we are commending the faith to people…we need to focus on what really matters,” Stackhouse stated. First and foremost, that means loving your neighbour as yourself, because “love is the context in which anything else that’s going to happen is going to happen.”

Apologetics, the practice of defending and sharing faith, is not a “bang-clash battle of the champions” or “bagging victims.”

“Let’s win the friend, not the argument,

by God’s grace.”

CMU

Confronting evil? Run away from God, lecturer says When confronting the problem of evil Christians should run away from God. That was the advice John Stackhouse gave March 17 during a lecture titled Luther’s Strange Advice: How Running Away from God Solves the Problem of Evil.

Stackhouse told of how Martin Luther, who became a 16th-century reformer, felt unworthy of God’s love. Johann von Staupitz, Luther’s superior, advised him to run away from that seemingly unloving God, adding that staying near that God could cause him to lose his faith. Run

instead to Christ, he told Luther, because Christ is good.

Christians should heed this, Stackhouse stated, pointing to numerous New Testament examples where Jesus cared for people. “We can believe that God doesn’t care, but not that Jesus doesn’t care,” he said.

People should “run from the God you can’t know to the face of God you can know, and remember they are one and the same.”

Stackhouse proposed: “Jesus is good.

Jesus is God. Then, God is good.” When we don’t know why God runs things this way, or when God does not seem good, we can know that God is good because Jesus is good, and they are the same.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to remember my own syllogism when faced with the problem of evil,” he said.

Stackhouse was asked if Christians can find God’s goodness in the Old Testament. Yes, because “at the end of the day, He is a God who redeems. No matter how bad we are, this is a God who wants us back.”

God didn’t create evil, Stackhouse

When we don’t know why God runs things this way, or when God does not seem good, we can know that God is good because Jesus is good, and they are the same.

said. Rather, God created beings capable of evil. Why would God do that? “God must have seen it coming and allowed it to happen,” Stackhouse said. “There must have been a greater good.”

There must also be a reason why Christ doesn’t return to the world now, he said. “God must be accomplishing something good by letting things keep rolling.” Maybe “millions more need to be saved, that He can’t save in an instant.”

While some accuse Christians of offering only eschatological hope, Stackhouse said it’s up to every Christian to provide more. “If you see something bad, try to make it good,” he said. “If you see something mediocre, try to make it excellent. That will drive the devil nuts.”

CMU

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)

John Stackhouse

THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

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missional and multiplying Ward Parkinson | emcward@mts.net

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Guess what, EMC? We’re not growing!

very once in a while a reality check is healthy.

Recently I took the opportunity to see where EMC churches are at in terms of numbers.

Now I will be the first to say that numbers are not the be all and end all when it comes to church health. A church that is growing numerically may not be the healthiest church in the world.

Sometimes growth is simply a circulation of saints from other churches. At times, healthy churches are doing well just to hold their own numerically.

Nonetheless, numbers do tell a story, and over the past seven years the EMC story is less than impressive.

The gauge I used is one that any EMC pastor or church leader has access to: the annual EMC yearbook.

This listing of churches includes “average Sunday worship attendance” where churches are asked to keep track of attendance at worship services over the previous year.

Most churches update their average each year. If your church does not, and merely keeps the same “estimate” year after year, it’s high time someone began recording and reporting. Again, to clarify, these numbers reflect average attendance at worship, not the membership roll.

The reported total average attendance at 60 EMC churches was 7,764. This was down from 7,865 in 2006, and also less than the total from seven years ago (2001) of 7,838. In those seven years, the total attendance ranges between 7,623 to 7,865.

One factor should be kept in mind when analyzing these totals. Back in 2001 not all churches were reporting attendance totals, so that number may reflect membership rather than attendance (for better or worse). But overall, it’s clear to see that, at best, we are holding our own and, at worst, we have declined slightly.

The reported total average attendance at 60 EMC churches was 7,764. This was down from 7,865 in 2006, and also less than the total from seven years ago (2001) of 7,838. In those seven years, the total attendance ranges between 7,623 to 7,865.

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Interestingly, this is the case despite a net increase of nine churches over the seven years. So, while new churches have come on board, most are still relatively small, and have not made up for the decline in our existing churches.

When broken down by region, the numbers show that four of our nine regions have experienced a small overall net increase since 2001 (Regions 2, 7, 4 and 6).

The rest were down slightly.

While not a highly scientific study, those are the numbers as we have them. I call on every EMC member to chew on them a little. What do you make of this?

A slight dip in any one particular year is normal and understandable. But when the numbers don’t increase over seven years, is there cause for concern? You bet there is! I encourage every EMC church leader to ponder this.

I assure you that I am a devout champion of the local church and a huge fan of our Conference. My purpose is not to discourage, but to be a catalyst for thinking about growth and outreach.

Do I think things could be on the upswing? Yes! Do we still have a lot to learn about being missional and T having an impact on our communities? You bet we do. M attendance 8000

7750

7500

7250

7000 year

2001

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

pictures of God Joanna Plett

L

Love and sacrifice

ove and sacrifice go hand in hand. The expression of love always involves sacrifice.

Sacrifice is also the measure of love. What we are willing to sacrifice for something—whether through time, money, pride, will, possessions—does not necessarily define the inherent value of a thing, but indicates how much we love it.

Love and its natural outflow through sacrifice is a part of our essence as humans and is a direct result of God’s image in us. Just as faith without action is dead, so love without expression is dead. But if the expression of love is sacrifice, is every sacrifice an expression of love?

No and yes. 1 Corinthians states that “if I give all I possess to the poor, but have not love, I am nothing,” thus indicating that one can sacrifice without loving.

I can sacrifice my time, money, possessions, or will without loving the recipient of the sacrifice.

All sacrifice, however, is an expression of love.

If I sacrifice to befriend a rich person for money or prestige, my sacrifice is an expression of love, not for my friend, but for money or for myself.

I may also make great sacrifices due to fear.

Sacrifices born out of fear are not expressions of love to the recipient of the sacrifice, but are an expression of love for myself. They are a means of protection or an attempt to win favour from the recipient or an observer of the sacrifice. In my faith, this fear often becomes a major moral motivator.

As long as my sacrifice to God is born out of fear, it can never be an expression of genuine love for Him. These sacrifices reveal, instead, my love for myself and

my frantic attempts to save myself from the judgement of God. His law becomes the measure by which I dole out personal sacrifices in hopes of winning his favour and staying his wrath.

We were not meant to live in this fear. It is perfect love that drives out this fear. This is not a perfect love that I conjure up in my mind to perfect my sacrifices, but rather the perfect love of God expressed in his revelation and his sacrifice.

This love drives out fear, first, by removing the threat of punishment through Jesus’ righteousness. It then gives us confidence and security by reminding us of the value that God has placed on us through the extent of his sacrifice for us. Only when I allow myself to rest in God’s love for me can I begin to sacrifice for God and others as an expression of genuine love for them instead of for myself.

Sacrifice and love are a part of who we are. We do not decide to love or to sacrifice, but we do choose what we love and what is worth our sacrifice. Our love is defined and measured by our sacrifice. What we are willing to sacrifice the most for shows what we love the most, and what we love the most is what we will give T anything to get, complete, or express. M

It is perfect love that drives out fear. This is not a perfect love that I conjure up in my mind to perfect my sacrifices, but rather the perfect love of God expressed in his revelation and his sacrifice.

THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

T M

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WES PLETT 1952–2007 On Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at age 55, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Wes Plett of Blumenort passed away at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., with family by his side.

He leaves behind his cherished wife of almost 36 years, Pat; sons Corey (Daphne) with Lucas and Seth, Russel (Amy) with Jude and Kenya, Kevin (Laurel) with Aaron, Jerald (Brittany); his mother Elda (Ben Penner); brothers, sisters, and their families. Wes was predeceased by his father Benny P. Plett in March 1982.

Wes was born on June 29, 1952, first child of Benny P. and Elda Plett. He grew up on the family farm in Blumenhof with his siblings. Wes went to elementary school in Blumenhof and attended high school at then Steinbach Bible Institute.

During high school he showed an interest in Pat, which resulted in their marriage on January 14, 1972.

In 1977, Wes started working at South Eastern Farm Equipment as a mechanic, then as shop manager. In 1979, Wes went into partnership with Ed Peterson and Peter Guenther as owners of South Eastern Farm Equipment.

Wes enjoyed being in sales and had a good rapport with customers. He was a hard worker. In 2005 his dream of building a new shop came true and they moved into the building in October.

Wes was diagnosed with cancer in March 2002. It was a rare cancer that did not respond to any treatment, and he was given a life expectancy of up to two years. His life became a time-consuming round of medical appointments.

As the cancer progressed, Wes experienced more physical limitations, which forced him to give up many favourite pastimes. Wes took each physical setback as a test and continued to believe that God would heal him here on earth. He had many visits to Bethesda Hospital over the last two years. Each

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time he went in, he was afraid he would not make it out.

Wes enjoyed life. He had a good work ethic, determination, and believed that anything worth doing was worth doing well. Wes enjoyed many sports, hunting with his brothers and sons, and farming the land his father used to own.

He was always up for getting together with friends and going for coffee. He loved his family and gatherings. Wes and Pat shared many outside activities, including walking, snowmobiling, and motorbiking.

His greatest joy came from his grandchildren. He had unreserved love and took great pride in them. Despite pain, tiredness, or discouragement, he would always light up when grandchildren came for a visit.

He was greatly anticipating the birth of his next two grandchildren. They were born during his last hospital stay, and he was able to treasure the brief time with them.

Wes became a Christian in his early teens, but his commitment to Christ fell through. He rededicated his life in his late twenties. From then on he determined to live for his Saviour, Jesus Christ. Wes was never ashamed to be a Christian, and his prayer was that his children would all want to live for the Lord; that prayer has been answered.

These last years became a time of studying the Bible, reading books on Christian living, and of much prayer. His hard, painful life is over and God has rewarded him for his faithfulness with a place in heaven by His side. Praise God! His Family

coming events April 25–27 Steinbach Bible College Graduation weekend See ad on page 3 for details

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

May 24 Steinbach Christian High School Alumni Brunch See ad on page 10 for details

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

July 4–6 Fire it Up! EMC Annual Convention Steinbach Mennonite Church Keynote speaker: Dr. Grant C. Richison Steinbach, Man. 204-326-6401 www.emconf.ca

THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

shoulder tapping 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 applications 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 inquiries 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, and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in east-central 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.

Midway Bible Camp (near Thompson, Man.) needs a director and other staff. Continental Mission, of which MBC is a part, is also looking for a full-time treasurer. For information call director Paul Giesbrecht at (office) 204-778-4491 or mission worker Bill Penner 204-679-1005 (cell).

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.

MCC Saskatchewan Board seeks an executive director to lead team members into the passion and hope represented by the church of Jesus Christ and become actively engaged in its ministry. It is a full time position with a three year renewable term and a negotiable start date.

Needed: A commitment to a personal Christian faith, active church membership and nonviolent peacemaking; five-plus years in an organizational leadership position; and a university graduate degree (or undergraduate degree and related life experience).

The director will be a humble servant-leader

THE MESSENGER April 16, 2008

with proven ability to lead MCCS in planning, program development, public communications and resource generation in close collaboration with the Board, staff, partners, volunteers, and supporting constituency.

A position description is available at www. mcc.org or upon request. Applications accepted until May 30, 2008. Send an application letter and a resume to John Elias, Chair, MCCS Search Committee, 600 - 45th Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5W9; elias@shaw.ca.

MCC urgently seeks applicants for program reps for West Europe (Bonn, Germany) and Former Soviet Union (Zaporozhye, Ukraine). Reps provide the program leadership for MCC’s international work. They have primary responsibility for bridgebuilding, collaboration, and liaison work with various Mennonite and other churches in the region.

They manage distribution of material aid, develop opportunities to enhance peace programming, and provide support for MCC workers in the field.

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership, and nonviolent peacemaking.

Contact local MCC for information: 1-888-622-6337 (toll free in Canada); e-mail Karen Grace-Pankratz (karengrace-pankratz@ mennonitecc.ca) or Marsha Jones (mgj@ mennonitecc.ca). View job descriptions (www.mcc. org).

Inner City Youth Alive seeks these full-time workers: operations manager, meals program coordinator, and camp director.

ICYA is a Christian organization located in the North End of Winnipeg, Man. For over 21 years we have been bringing hope and a future through Christ to youth and their families dealing with poverty and related issues.

People from all walks of life help us achieve our mission. Right here, right now you help our community as we move towards hope by joining our great team of Christian men and women.

Individuals with a heart for evangelism and the desire to influence the life of someone less fortunate should consider applying. Position information is found at www.icya.ca. Enrich your life at ICYA by changing lives, one child at a time. Contact: Shonet, ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; 204-582-8779; (fax) 204-582-4729; shonet@icya.ca Mennonite Foundation of Canada seeks a full-time stewardship consultant in its Abbotsford, B.C., office. This person will be responsible to provide charitable gift and estate planning services and to promote biblical stewardship of financial resources in our constituent churches in British Columbia.

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

The position opens on July 1, 2008. Processing of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Submit resumes to Erwin Warkentin, General Manager, 12-1325 Markham Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6; 1-800-772-3257; fax 204-488-1986; e-mail ewarkentin@ mennofoundation.ca; www.mennofoundation.ca.

19

KIDS’

corner Loreena Thiessen

A long journey

W

here have you traveled?

One day you got up very early in the morning to drive to the lake where the water was crystal clear, the sky sunny and blue, and you swam all day and played on the beach. You had picnics and roasted hotdogs around a campfire. At night you slept in a cozy tent. Breakfast was hot chocolate and pancakes at a picnic table under the trees, a cool breeze whispering across your face, and birds chirping their morning songs.

Or, perhaps you traveled to another country.

You flew in an airplane to get there. It felt strange, with different food, and the people spoke a different language. Many things were unfamiliar.

Usually we travel because we’re on vacation, we need a break or we want to see or experience a new place. But sometimes people travel out of necessity.

They have to move for a new job, or because it is no longer safe where they are. There is war or the threat of danger and so they must leave.

Animals travel too. They travel to survive. It’s called migration.

To survive animals must find the best place with the most plentiful food for both the adults and their young.

They travel long distances.

The first birds we see returning are robins and Canada Geese. They return to the place they were born from their winter home several hundreds of kilometers south.

The tiny hummingbird travels more than 3,000 kilometers from its winter home in Central America to raise its family in Canada.

The birds with the longest distances to travel are the Arctic Tern, which travels from the South Pole to the North Pole, and the Sooty Shearwater, which travels from New Zealand as far as Alaska to feed on fish, squid, and krill in the Pacific Ocean.

The monarch butterfly travels from Mexico to Canada; it takes a lot of nectar along the way to keep going.

The leatherback turtle swims 20,800 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean to feast on jellyfish in Hawaii; it takes the turtle 695 days for its journey.

PAGE 20

The tiny hummingbird travels more than 3,000 kilometers from its winter home in Central America to raise its family in Canada.

The Bible tells of many journeys. They are journeys of necessity, not for vacation. There are hardships and dangers. But God is in them. Sometimes God tells the traveler where he must go. He tells Abraham he must leave his home for a land far away. God commands that Abraham must obey Him, and then he will become a blessing to all the earth. Abraham’s story begins in Genesis 11:27.

Sometimes the journey is a mystery. It was for Joseph, at first. Joseph was sold by his brothers; Joseph must have been hurt and wondered why. But he continued to believe that God would hear him and get him out when everyone seemed to forget him.

God did not forget him. God made him the manager and distributor of all the food in the land during the seven years of famine, and his earlier dreams of ruling over his brothers came true. Read about Joseph’s T journey in Genesis 39, 40, and 41. M

Activity: Begin a Bird Log In a notebook: • Divide pages into 4 columns across.

• Label the columns: date kind of bird place seen colour; markings • Leave a space for a sketch of your own.

Check a bird book to identify birds.

Do bird watching with a parent or friend.

Continue watching for birds through the summer. You’ll have a good record.

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