The Messenger Vol. 46 No. 15 September 3, 2008

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

When

volume 46, number 15 September 3, 2008

Heat

Isn’t Healthy! www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorials

The sign and the apologetic

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n this community this weekend the Christian Church meets in various places. Please join us!

Ever observed a community sign like that?

We can rejoice when parts of the Christian Church work together; the EMC works with dozens of parts of the Christian Church.

It’s unfortunate when any part of Christian Church acts like it’s the only one that exists. It’s embarrassing when cross-cultural workers exhibit little sense of a country’s church history or of the presence of other Christian groups already there.

Years ago Arden Thiessen Unity doesn’t happen told the story of how a charismatic evangelist held magically. Our Lord had meetings in Steinbach area a strong desire for unity and reported that now the Holy Spirit had come to and he died for it.

Mennonites.

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The reality, however, is that “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). The Holy Spirit was already at work.

If we had a magic wand, we might wave it and suddenly there would be church unity; but such unity doesn’t happen magically. However, our Lord had a strong desire for unity and he died for it: “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23).

Francis Schaeffer, a Christian philosopher, said the love and unity of the Christian Church is its final argument that Jesus is worth following.

In this community this weekend the Christian Church T meets in various places. Please join us! M Terry M. Smith

‘Remember as if you were suffering’

Such a call to identification and caring mirrors our Lord who chose to become a A call to identification servant “who humbled himself and became and caring mirrors obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

13:3). our Lord who chose to (Philippians 2:5–11).

Daniel Egan was a Catholic priest who The writer calls for Christians to identify become a servant. worked with New York’s women inmates with those who are hurting. and drug addicts. One day he became angry We are, by extension, to identify with as a hospital intern observed a female heroin addict.

Christians Egan asked, “Doctor, can’t you do something for this • Persecuted for their faith (many countries) • Laid off in the automotive sector in southern girl instead of watching her as if she were an experiment in a glass cage?” The doctor eventually replied, “And Ontario (Region 9) • Dealing with flooded fields in Manitoba’s Interlake what are you? A junkie priest?”

Later a nurse said “that was the nicest thing anyone (Region 5) • Laid off from a factory (Region 8 and elsewhere) could have said about you…calling you a junkie priest.”

Days later an addict asked to speak to “the Junkie • Who are frail seniors Priest.”

• Struggling with a mental illness Egan wasn’t an addict, but his identification and caring • In situations of abuse T showed, and it made a difference. M • And the list goes on.

Terry M. Smith emember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering (Hebrews

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 EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR are welcomed. Unpublished material is Terry M. Smith Rebecca Buhler not returned except by request. Views and tsmith@emconf.ca rbuhler@emconf.ca opinions of writers are their own and do Address changes and submissions to The Messenger not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) MESSENGER SCHEDULE: by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 No. 17 – October 1 Main St, Steinbach, Man. (copy due September 19)

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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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MESSENGER

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

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

letters Consistency needed in peace position I was pleased to receive the July 30 issue of The Messenger with a number of articles summarizing the Conference Council sessions in Steinbach in early July. I was privileged to be a guest for those sessions and it was a delight to review the events in The Messenger.

Thank you for your excellent reporting.

Like Darryl Klassen in his letter in this issue Peace Team? Show Me, I want to commend Terry Smith for his eloquent appeal to the conference to articulate the peace position of the church in its teaching and preaching.

I would like to suggest that his words be printed in The Messenger as a call to all churches and readers. Terry’s appeal, combined with the expressed purpose of the student bursary created by Ron and Ruth Penner for students at CMU (June 25), speak well for the EMC. I also commend the conference for sharing its concerns about the Order of Canada award presented to Dr. Henry Morgentaler. The letter, in my opinion, was very sensitively written.

I must confess, however, that I was a bit surprised that no connection was made between Terry’s concern and prophetic plea and the concern about Morgentaler receiving the Order of Canada.

It seems to me if the Anabaptist community protests Morgentaler’s award for his aggressive position on abortion then, to be consistent, we also need to protest the many, and there are many, recipients of the Order of Canada who are awarded the honour for their contribution to the military and their commitment to killing the enemy.

If we do not protest both, are we not conveying an inconsistent and incomplete message and theology about what we believe? If we truly live and believe the gospel message of God’s peace and reconciliation through Christ, then surely we need to speak to both issues.

Otherwise we are only following the bandwagon of the Evangelical constituency that is up in arms about aborting the unborn, but says nothing

about the increasing militarization of our country and the increasing belief in redemptive violence.

Finally, a further comment about Daryl Klassen’s letter and what I read as his skepticism about Stephanie Unger’s appeal for peace teams. Surely the “show me” Darryl calls for has been done by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT).

Articulated so powerfully by Ron Sider at the 1984 World Conference, the historic peace churches, of which I believe the EMC considers itself a part, responded to his compelling vision (see www.CPT.org/ about/history). Since the nineties, CPT teams have acted eloquently in many parts of the world and done precisely that to which I believe Stephanie was calling the church.

I wish the EMC God’s blessing as it discerns its role and theology in the crucible of the society in which it lives and serves.

Nelson Scheifele Waterloo, Ont.

How might we collectively support women?

Kudos to Ron and Tim for the respectful letter to the Governor General of Canada [Council discusses Morgentaler, July 30]; you communicated exactly what conference council asked you to do. I (John) stood with the unanimous group to ratify that decision. Since then, and since seeing this letter, I have had time to reflect on that move.

I (Wendolyn) work at a local women’s centre and regularly bear witness to ways in which social issues and political decisions affect women’s lives differently than the lives of men. Here are some of our thoughts.

The letter drafted was respectful and honoured Ms. Jean’s work to date.

The third paragraph was an excellent overview of issues faced by women and the “difficult situations (which) must not be minimized.”

Letters to the Editor Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. Letters by hand or fax require a handwritten signature. All letters require a name, an address and a phone number. Letters can be edited for length, clarity, legality, and taste. The focus of letters is to be on an issue, not a personality. All publication of letters is subject to the policy approved January 2002 by the EMC Board of Church Ministries.

However, the fourth paragraph seemed to do just that: minimize the concerns so well articulated. If our “concerns” as outlined in the letter are sincere, how then can we be so firm in our stance against a woman’s right to choose (i.e. by opposing legalized abortion and the efforts of those who work for this right)?

Many years ago in a little village in Saskatchewan a young woman gave birth to a child. The father of the child was unknown to the community. The young woman lived in the middle of the village alone, in a house that people of the community dug out from somewhere and deposited on a vacant piece of land. She must have borne the hardship of childrearing without any involvement from the other half.

At that time I (John) was very aware of her plight and remember it well to this day. The male in this case probably went on to marry another “respectable” girl and got to live a life of involvement in the community. If the young woman had wanted, like the man, to live a “normal” life within her community, she would have had to do something drastic and life-threatening; we know all too well how it was sometimes done.

It is ironic that the few times when we as a group speak out publicly it is to oppose something. How might we rather collectively seek to support women who chose to carry a child to term and consider adoption? How might we collectively engage in fostering responsible sexual behaviour among men (since we are mostly men at conference council)? What are we standing for?

We can begin by refusing to hold sex as the Great and Original sin; it seems far more plausible that violence is the original sin, which would certainly include irresponsible sexual liaisons, and words that hurt and cut.

Far too often words and inappropriate silences maim, and that is especially true

letters continued page 7 THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

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Rigidity provokes difficulties. Euodia and Syntyche were two different people. Each of them wanted to pour each other into a mold of their own liking. The issue was rigid personal preference, not principle.

Convention 2008

When Three of Four

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Heat

Isn’t Healthy

here is a town in Arizona that has a sign: 790 residents and seven soreheads.

I think we have all seen some soreheads in every church! How does a church deal with soreheads?

Exhortation to stability Therefore, my beloved and longedfor brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved (4:1). The Church in Philippi came upon evil days.

Two women in the church at Philippi entered into a personality conflict.

It threatened the church’s existence because they would not deal with their hostility toward each other.

Their solution was kill or be killed.

An argument developed into a feud. This resulted in vicious retaliatory cycles—each punishing the other for her misdeeds. They had a need to get one up on the other.

This conflict divided the church—all talk centred around the conflict: “Who do you think is right?”

People took sides on “my friend, right or wrong” principle. They saw the problem as residing almost exclusively with the other side. All were blind to their part in the problem.

Stand fast carries the idea not to be stampeded by conflict. “Do not take sides. Don’t add fuel to the fire.” The church was about to go separate ways; it moved into a sphere of instability.

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Dr. Grant C. Richison

A public showdown I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche (4:2).

Negative attitudes need decisive action. Paul singles out the two women before the whole congregation.

He isolated the culprits.

They were flanked by their respective supporters on either side of the church.

Imagine the original setting for the original reading to the congregation!

As long as we have ill will in our hearts toward other believers we are out of fellowship with the Lord. In such a church there is little spiritual enthusiasm. No religious pep. No spiritual fire.

When we try to carry on spiritual business as usual, we cannot do it.

We cannot afford to have ill will toward another believer. It costs too much and it hurts too much.

Our partner becomes infected; our children become contaminated. It is too expensive. Life is too short, eternity too long, and there is too much at stake.

Develop a counter attitude To be of the same mind in the Lord (2:2b–3).

Paul exhorts the Euodia and Syntyche to “be of the same mind in the Lord” (2:2b–3). This is a challenge to stability of attitude centered on the THE MESSENGER August 20, 2008

y!

Lord. Since this conflict is attitudinal, the solution lies in the attitude.

The conflict starts in our attitude. It does not start with the fact that someone said something about us. People can say unkind things about us, but we will never start a conflict with them unless our attitude sets off the spark.

The right attitudinal viewpoint is God’s viewpoint. The only way to have God’s viewpoint on life is to get into the Word of God. We cannot have conflict if we keep thinking God’s thoughts.

These two former partners of Paul in ministry were contentious rather than content. A victorious past does not insure or guarantee a victorious present or future. We can’t ride on past victories.

Satan is a great counter attacker.

Principles that resolve conflict Principle one: Centre thinking in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice (4:4).

Antagonism and joy cannot co-exist. We cannot have a conflict with another person and have inner animation of soul at the same time.

Joy dispels antagonism. Christ is the sphere of THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

rejoicing. There are many circumstances in which Christians cannot be happy but they can always rejoice in the Lord.

The secret of rejoicing is the location or source. We cannot always rejoice in our health, for sometimes it is not good. We cannot rejoice in circumstances, for sometimes they are adverse. We cannot rejoice in our bank account, for sometimes it is insufficient.

However, we can always rejoice in the Lord because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He never changes. He is never moody; he never varies.

A radiant relationship to God will resolve conflict.

Our Christian life can be mouse gray or brilliant red; it can be dull, drab, ugly, and repulsive, or it can be brilliant, exciting, useful, and attractive. The word rejoice is a command, not a suggestion.

Commands govern the quality of the Christian life.

Rejoicing is not optional; it is not merely good advice.

Note the word always. All of us rejoice occasionally—when we have our own way or when we have health, money. Always is a disconcerting word in the Bible.

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Second principle: Learn to be attitudes. Anxiety is the source of Worry is futile because it flexible. “Let your gentleness be much conflict. If we feel insecure never changes anything. known to all men (v. 5). Gentleness about ourselves, it can create suggests a forbearing, nonunstable relationship with others.

However, trust in God’s retaliatory spirit. The word carries Anxiety is the uncertainty whether sovereignty will free us the ideas of flexibility, pliability, the good or bad may happen. from anxiety. The issue is sweet reasonableness. This is a Anxiety is a sin because it lacks gracious mental attitude; we do not confi dence in the sovereignty of no longer our adequacy but treat people for what they earn or God to deal with our apprehension.

God’s adequacy. deserve.

Worry is the attempt to predict The word involves the willingness the future. It plays the role of God. to yield personal rights; it connotes the willingness Worry is futile because it never changes anything. to show consideration to others. This person is However, trust in God’s sovereignty will free us from reasonable when they look at the facts of a case. It anxiety. The issue is no longer our adequacy but is the opposite of self-seeking and contention.

God’s adequacy.

Rigidity provokes difficulties. Euodia and Fourth principle: Change the content of your Syntyche were two different people. Each of them thought patterns (vv. 8–9). In these verses we find wanted to pour each other into a mold of their own a catalogue of thinking for developing a proper liking. The issue was rigid personal preference, not attitude. This is the fourth and last principle for the principle. correction of personality conflict.

When a baby comes into the family, this Finally points to the last principle for the interrupts our program. Our time is not our own. resolution of discord. By displacing unworthy We must flex. The more children we have the most thoughts with God thinking, a person disengages flexible we become! from strife. As we think on worthy objects, our God expects us to lovingly put up with one attitude changes into God honouring orientation. another. Love gives others latitude. That is how A successful past is no guarantee of the future. husbands and wives get along together. They We cannot ride on past victories. Life is too short lovingly put up with idiosyncrasies and with and eternity too long and there is too much at stake T peculiarities. We all have quirks and peculiarities. to allow a church to fracture. M But we are so close to our own peculiarities that they do not seem peculiar. We despise in others Dr. Grant C. Richison, the same peculiarities that we have ourselves. our Convention 2008 Love enables the wife to overlook the fact that her speaker, is a theologian, husband has two left feet. speaker, and writer with Third principle: present anxious concerns Campus Crusade for about people to God. Be anxious for nothing but in Christ. He is the former everything by prayer (vv. 6–7). long-term pastor of Prayer is the third principle for dealing with poor Grant Memorial Baptist Church (Winnipeg, Man.). Dr. Richison EMC Convention messages by Dr. Grant C. resides in Florida.

Richison

Firing Up the Church ~ Fanning the flames of smoldering ministries and gifts Don’t Quench the Flame! ~ Saving the church from rivalry and division When Heat isn’t Healthy! ~ Restoring a broken church Keeping the Church in Full Flame ~ Keeping priorities in focus Can be heard ON-LINE at www.emconf.ca.

Inspirational sessions are also available in a four-CD set, $10 per set (to cover the cost of production). To order e-mail info@emconf.ca or call Ruth Anne Peters at 204-326-6401.

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TRU 2008

TRAIN • REFRESH • UNITE

EMC youth leaders’ retreat October 17–19 Speaker: Phil Wagler, pastor, Zurich (Ont.) Mennonite Church Wilderness Edge, Pinawa, Man. To register contact Danae Gibbons 204-654-2181 or danaeandtim@hotmail.com See brochure at www.emconf.ca (under Coming Events)

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

letters around marital and sexual matters. Who wouldn’t rather suffer abortion than face an angry Christian community; or for that matter a silent one?

We do not wish for any precious life to be ended and therefore struggle with the concept of terminating a pregnancy.

Throughout history women have been disadvantaged by rules imposed primarily by men. Giving women who choose to end a pregnancy the opportunity to have safe medical care is a step in the right direction.

Jesus wasn’t afraid to embrace women and lift them up in a society which devalued them; it is our hope that we will be encouraged by his life and actions.

John Schlamp Winnipeg, Man.

Shenk’s article still fresh and clear I want to give a belated response to an article by David Shenk in the May 1 issue: God Loves That Much. It directed my thoughts so beautifully and succinctly to the core of the Gospel in the viewpoint of other cultures. There were no wasted words and thoughts, and he uses poignant short stories to do it as Jesus did.

I read it with relish three or four times and it is still fresh and clear in my mind; that is very rare, at least for me. Such writings keep me perceiving with fresh, enlightened thoughts.

Agatha Grant East Selkirk, Man.

Mexico

Summer highlight was Unger visit

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

MONDAY 8:30

Intro to Counselling Anabaptist Theology Marriage & Family Philosophy/Program Youth Spanish Psychology I

1:00 7:00

TUESDAY 8:30

Christian History Interpersonal Processes Greek I World Religions International Mission (lab)

1:00 2:30 8:30

with our missionaries

Elma Janzen (La Crete) is involved in church planting within northern Mexico.

September 2 – December 12

WEDNESDAY

Wendolyn Schlamp-Hickey St. John’s, NL

“We’ll give all the glory to Jesus and tell of His love!”

There’s a saying: Life is hard. God is good. How true on both accounts. It’s the difficulties that drive us to our knees and we find that God is good; His promises are sure and steadfast.

We’ve had an awesome summer of challenges and blessings. The highlight of the summer was that Pastor Earl and Caroline Unger from Stony Brook Fellowship came for the youth camp.

Here is what they had to say: During my recent sabbatical my wife and I were sent by our church to visit our adopted EMC missionary Elma Janzen.

She serves with the Nuevo Pacto church in Juarez, Mexico. During our time in Mexico we visited with most of our EMC missionaries in the area and helped with a Spanish youth camp.

Nothing anyone could have said before we left could have prepared us for the spiritual impact this experience has had on our lives. We will be forever changed.

For us, missions no longer is mere theory or numbers in a budget; it now has faces and names and places.

There is a powerful work of God going on amongst our Mexican churches that, for us, largely had

www.sbcollege.ca

Fall Class Schedule

remained a secret. But no more! Just like in Acts 4 when Peter said to the Jewish authorities after he was arrested, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard,” we cannot remain quiet about what we have seen and heard in Mexico.

We would encourage more pastors and EMC congregants to go and see firsthand what God is doing in Mexico. We could learn a lot!

“We would encourage more pastors and EMC congregants to go and see firsthand what God is doing in Mexico.”

My personal agenda for the next few weeks includes a trip to Canada, the highlight of which is the wedding of my grandson Josh. In addition I will get to visit his brother Jamie, a missionary in Spain, who is in Canada also for this special event.

Of course, there will be family and friends along the way and I hope to add a few new friends from the Body of Christ as I attend the Congress of Spanish EMC churches in Saskatchewan.

May the Lord richly bless you for your continued prayer support!

Elma Janzen

Intro to OT Ethics 1:00 New Musical Theatre



THURSDAY 8:30

Spiritual Formation A Communications A Theology I 1:00 New Building Children’s Ministry Cultural Anthropology Genesis



FRIDAY 8:30 1:00

Spiritual Formation B Communications B Mission Theology/Strategy Greek I Evening Classes 7–10 PM MONDAY: Spanish Psychology I

Guitar, piano, and voice lessons available at the SBC Conservatory CONTACT Christal for information 1-800-230-8478 or 204-326-6451 ext 222 admissions@sbcollege.ca

Holiday Travel presents Eastern Europe: Mennonite Heritage Ukraine and Historical Russia May 18–June 5, 2009 Deadline March 15 South America: Bolivia Oct. 12–26, 2009 Deadline August 15 Contact tour host Len Loeppky Phone 204-326-2613 aloeppky@mts.net www.holiday-travel.ca

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s 5”x

Paraguay

To be caring and yet not break down At times I find myself pensive and have feelings of helplessness when we receive many people with HIV and those that accompany them. Every one has a story.

I plead to the Lord: How many of these precious ones—families, single mothers, children, youth, gays, transvestites— will someday testify of lives transformed because they found hope, love, and faith through Alto Refugio (High Refuge)? Besides all the others who keep coming (60 new people in July), how many more families are affected each single day?

Some people, visitors or volunteers ask us how we can cope with our emotions. It isn’t easy! We have to be caring and yet not break down every time.

Sometimes we don’t know if someone is sobbing out of grief or joy. Dave and I recently heard recently a young mother crying in the waiting room. She joyfully held the result of her child whose HIV test had come out negative.

In June, Sylvia, a 29-yearold single, came to ask for a job. Our paths had first crossed in 2000, long before our AIDS centre started.

During hospital visits I came across a tiny, skinny girl full of tattoos, her arms scarred from self abuse. I shared some verses, 3”listened, and prayed. She gave her life to Christ with the help of another pastor.

She has been in Christian

INNER CITY YOUTH ALIVE

rehabilitation centres since then, but now felt it was time I plead to the Lord: How many of these to get in the real world. With precious ones—families, single mothers, her permission, here’s her testimony: children, youth, gays, transvestites—will “At the age of 17 I was someday testify of lives transformed sexually abused and decided to throw myself into juvenile because they found hope, love, and faith delinquency and drugs. I was involved with various street through Alto Refugio (High Refuge)? gangs and ended up in prison for being an accomplice to a fered from severe respiratory problems. homicide.

“I was in a hospital at death’s door “I was in there for one year and eight months waiting to be charged with a 25- when a pastor came to me and invited year sentence when they did an ELISA me to receive Jesus as my Saviour. I gave test on me that showed positive for HIV. my life to Him and thanks to the prayers I was only 19, and the only thing I could of my family, and my friends at Alto Refugio, I was able to recover. think of was to kill myself.

“I decided to leave my former way “I was released from prison and threw myself even more into a life of hate and of living and to follow the new life that anger. The drugs caused my defense level Christ gave me. Today I can work with to drop. I weighed only 32 kilos and suf- people like me, telling them that there is hope and a better life with Christ.

“I also have opportunity to give my testimony in schools and other places. I am a volunteer at Alto Refugio and our greatest and eternal refuge is in Jesus Christ.”

We praise the Lord that he sent Sylvia to Alto Refugio. She has a sweet character, is wonderful with children, and testifies during public AIDS talks. Dave and I had hoped and prayed that she would join us.

Is it worth it to sow the “seed” and leave the results to Him? You bet it is! So “go forth with joy.”

Judy Schmidt Sylvia and Judy

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Calling to Connect VOICES OF THE UNHEARD

Looking for a vacation with a purpose?

Join a volunteer Nicaragua missions exposure/work team to assist in building projects: Gethsemane Orphanage dormitory and Los Castillos Church. Visit churches and experience the culture, sights, and hospitality of Nicaragua.

2009 Projected dates: January 21–February 4, February 17–March 3.

Team Coordinators: Lester and Darlene Olfert.

For cost information and application forms, contact Lester Olfert, Action International Ministries, 9 Hickory St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0G6; 204-326-7720; darlesolfert@shaw.ca.

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

with our churches

God at work in Fort Garry Fort Garry (Winnipeg, Man.): It is always special to look back and see how God has worked and blessed us as a congregation and in our own daily lives.

On March 30 we had the commissioning of two new deacon couples. As a church we have been blessed with the willingness of Harv and Vivian Sawatzky and Russell Plett and Marlee Enns to accept this responsibility. We want to wish both of these couples God’s blessing in this very important Fort Garry role. We also want to remember Sawatzky Peter and Helen Friesen and Elaine Kroeker in their role as deacons.

In June we had our church camp at Camp Nutimik. This is always a special time for the people who attend. Even though the weather wasn’t quite what one could have wished for it didn’t dampen the camp spirit of fellowship

deacons Marlee Enns and Russell Plett, and Vivian

age. The deaths of Dianne Hildebrand and Edward Otieno, both of who had a special place in her life, had a real impact. She too expressed thanks to her family for their support and help they have been to her.

Our young people planned a ministry trip to San Francisco, which they realized in July. They went with International Teams. In preparation for this trip they held some fund raising activities.

They hosted a few lunches after the morning church service.

They also had a Coffee House where they provided the evening’s entertainment. Besides these events they sold grocery coupons and pizzas.

They had a good experience in San Francisco and were challenged in their work at a day care and at a soup kitchen. They were also challenged in their relationships and their love for one another. It was a growing and Harv and enriching experience for all of them. One day when they were out in the city they met Randy and Lorraine Plett, members of our congregation. That too was special.

Another blessing for us is that Eric Doerksen, who is taking his religious studies degree, will be a student minister-in-training in our church. He will be starting in September and will do some preaching, worship leading, and visitation.

Diana Reimer

Baptized were Andrew Neufeld, Erin Sawatzky, and Danae Hoehne.

and fun. As has been the custom, they again celebrated a baptism. Three young people followed the Lord in this important step.

Erin Sawatzky grew up in a caring, loving family. Her Grandpa Plett was special to her and his last task for her was to read John 14:2. She joined a Christian club in high school that helped her grow in her faith. She is grateful to FGEMC, the youth, David Kruse, her family, and her grandmother for their support and encouragement.

Andrew Neufeld grew up spending a lot of time with siblings. At the age of five he accepted Christ. He has had many dedicated SS teachers and learned a lot through their teaching. He said he has grown closer to other youth and expanded his Christian walk due to their help. His mission trip to New York in 2006 was an enriching experience.

Danae Hoehne grew up in a Christian family. She became a Christian at a young

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

Youth missions group: (front) Danica Friesen, Catherine Peddie, Dayna Kroeker, Kirsten Plett, Kailey Kroeker, Kara Reimer, (middle) Kelsey Koop, Mandy Reimer, Tamara McKenzie, Andrew Neufeld, Kalen Friesen, Nolan Reimer, (back) Jesse Dyck, David Kruse, Colin Dyck

Taking communion after baptism.

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‘Bait for Jesus’ Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.): At the end of April, several people from our church prepared and served about 400 meals for the Mustard Seed, one of Calgary’s homeless shelters.

Our pastor David Funk, together with TEAM of Canada and Len Nation (Len and his wife Berneda attend Abbeydale), went to China and Pakistan for three weeks in May on a Vision Trip. The name of this trip was Between a Rock and a Hard Place—because of the “hard places” some of TEAM’S missionaries have been called to, to live out the life of Christ (“the Rock”).

Len and David visited six different projects in China and Pakistan, but the highlight for David was visiting with the missionaries and hearing their stories. Many of them have, as one missionary stated in her exit interview after working the with earthquake victims in Pakistan, “chosen to feel pain so that I could have a relationship with these people.”

This statement affected David profoundly because: It is what Christ did for us; and it is a crucial part of what it means to be in Christ’s body today.

One of the purposes of this trip was to see ways in which we, as a church, could be involved in what God is doing in the hard places of this world.

In June a banquet was held to honour our Grade 12 graduates: Kristina Kolman, Sara Faithe, Brad Kornelson, Tiffany Reimer, Allison Prysaizny, and Megan Reimer.

As well in June, there were several baptisms and membership transfers.

Membership transfers were: Patti Plett, Wendy Harisch, Wolf Harisch, Cindy Corder, Jack Corder, Kendra Hamilton, Janet Zacharias, and Leon Koop. Jon Corder, James Corder, Brad Kornelson, David Zentner and Kate Verge were all baptized.

David Funk spoke beforehand to the baptismal candidates about how baptism is like a river—a river where God wants you to go. While we have the choice to get out of the boat and off this river, God will always draw us back.

Pastor David Funk handed new Young Life Pastor Shane Dell a plaque that describes the ministry: Bait for Jesus.

In June, Abbeydale celebrated baptisms.

Our youth pastoral intern Trevor Plett completed his internship on June 22, 2008.

And finally in June, we said hello to our new Young Life Pastor, Shane Dell.

Pastor David handed Shane Dell a plaque that says “Bait for Jesus,” the reference for which Pastor David took from the following: “Here’s what pastoral ministry is for me: Every day, as I go about my tasks as a pastor I am a follower of Jesus.

“I am therefore a parable of him to those I encounter. The parable of Jesus works the power and presence of Jesus in their lives. I am no more Jesus than a hook with feathers and threads is a mayfly.

“As I follow Jesus throughout my day, I fish for people for God. Ultimately what I am is bait” (Hansen, The Art of Pastoring).

Kathy Dueck

Choosing to “feel pain so that I could have a relationship with these people” is a crucial part of what it means to be in Christ’s body today.

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weddings MUNRO – LEGARY: Kevin Vaughan, son of Lindsay and Margaret Munro of Portage la Prairie, Man., and Tammy Lola Marie, daughter of Alvin and Sherri Legary of Portage la Prairie, were married on June 7, 2008, in Portage la Prairie, with Les Kroeker officiating. The couple lives in Portage la Prairie.

HEINZ – BUHR: Ken, son of Garry and Myrna Buhr of Portage la Prairie, Man., and Amy, daughter of Bob and Bev Heinz of Portage la Prairie, were married on July 19, 2008, in Portage la Prairie, with Les Kroeker officiating.

The couple lives in Brandon, Man. NAYLOR – WARKENTIN: Will, son of Ivan and Diane Naylor of Kleefeld, Man., and Traci, daughter of Herb and Heather Warkentin of Grunthal, Man., were married on May 17, 2008, at Kleefeld EMC. FRIESEN – ISAAC: Caleb, son of Gerald and Karen Friesen of Kleefeld, Man., and Jennifer, daughter of Carson and Brenda Isaac of Kleefeld, were married on May 31, 2008, at Kleefeld EMC. ENNS – SCHMITT: Sheldon, son of Abe and Grace Enns of Mitchell, Man., and Carolyn, daughter of Paul and Linda Schmitt, were married on July 27, 2008, at Niverville Heritage Centre.

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

VBS proves to be challenging Creighton, Sask.: Goin’ down the river proved to be a challenge as skit characters faced daily joys and struggles of a camping trip. This happened at the Vacation Bible School in Creighton at Northern Fellowship Chapel during the week of August 1822.

Skit characters Dad, son Mark, daughter Tally, and “Froggie” learned about caring for the earth, resisting temptation, forgiving, trusting and praying.

The children in attendance also listened to stories about characters in the Bible who had experienced similar circumstances (Adam and Eve, Achan, the Prodigal Son, Esther, and Samuel).

Skit actors and characters: (back) Sandra Schroeder, Tiffany Lazar, (front) Dad (Pastor Scott The week had an action-filled two-hour daily Koop), Tally (Marissa Koop), Froggie (Natalie Koop), Mike (Spencer Koop). program which included music, stories, games, snacks (thanks, Mrs. Margaret Moorhead!), skits, and crafts.

The short program on Friday allowed the children (under the direction of Deb Kleefeld, Man.: Odegaard) to sing for their families.

Pastors Scott Koop, Lorne Moorhead

Baptisms and leaders

Region 8 Women’s Day

Prayer: Hearing God in the Noise of Life October 25, 2008 Prairie Rose EMC, Landmark, Man. Main speaker: Evelyn Barkman Faith stories, music, concert of worship arts, international marketplace, continental breakfast and African lunch Register through your church.

The morning worship service on June 22, 2008, included the baptism of six young people: (back) Kurry Dueck, Josh Peters, Steven Toews, Frank Wiebe, (front) Kailey Dueck, Kayla Penner. Standing with them are associate pastor Peter Ascough and pastor Darryl Klassen.

birth GIESBRECHT – to Andrew and Colleen Giesbrecht of Portage la Prairie, Man., a son, Brendan Luke, on July 20, 2008.

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

Three couples were added this spring to our ministerial group: Wannetta and Don Fast, Merle and Kyle Plett, and Phyllis and Ron Harder.

Louella Friesen

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MCC needs $1.5 million to buy food in Africa In June, MCC and MKC-RDA began distributing food there and local people stopped selling their cattle. In exchange for food, more than 9,000 men and women work on community projects, including digging reservoirs, building terraces to control erosion, and planting trees.

Bean seeds and sweet potato cuttings are being distributed to more than 3,600 farm families in Boricha and Awassa Zuria.

MCC received funding for these projects from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. However, because of rising prices, MCC needs an additional $1 million to continue distributing food until the end of October, when families will harvest their crops.

Because of the global rise in food

Huge crevices have developed in the hillside as a result of deforestation and erosion. MCC-supported programs aimed at fighting this environmental disaster are done on a food-for-work basis.

(Matthew Lester/MCC, 2003)

World Vision poll reveals giving plans In 2007, more than 90,000 donors purchased more than 250,000 gifts worth more than $18 million from the World Vision Gift Catalogue to assist children and families in the developing world. This year they are finding more reasons to be involved.

In a new Ipsos Reid/World Vision poll: • 96 per cent of Canadians polled describe the global food crisis as “critical,” with 56 per cent calling it “very critical.”

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• One in four Canadians is even more likely to give this year to charitable causes in response to the global food crisis.

• One-quarter of Canadians polled admit they can’t remember what their sweetheart gave them last Christmas.

• And despite the weaker economy, seven in 10 Canadians say they still don’t need anything for Christmas, compared to eight in 10 Canadians in the 2007 poll.

World Vision www.WorldVision.ca/gifts

Flaming said he expects food shortages to be a continuing, worldwide problem because of climate change, high fuel prices and the use of crops to produce biofuels such as ethanol. prices, many countries where MCC works are experiencing food shortages.

MCC is planning to provide an additional $500,000 in emergency food aid in locations that will soon be determined, according to Ron Flaming, MCC’s director of international programs.

Flaming said he expects food shortages to be a continuing, worldwide problem because of climate change, high fuel prices and the use of crops to produce biofuels such as ethanol. MCC is planning a long-term response to this global food crisis that will increase MCC’s agricultural development work with lowincome farmers, according to Flaming.

“We’re going to have to focus more on production in the years ahead,” he said.

Contributions to help MCC respond to the global food crisis should be designated Food for All. They may be made online at mcc.org/donate or to any MCC office.

Tim Shenk, MCC

discover ministry potential

A weekend for discovery Open to first-, second-, third, fourth-career people

www.emconf.ca

Mennonite Central Committee is appealing for $1.5 million in financial contributions to provide emergency food assistance to people facing hunger in Ethiopia and other countries because of drought and high global food prices.

MCC is working with the Meserete Kristos Church Relief and Development Association to distribute more than 3,000 metric tons of corn, wheat, and cooking oil to about 81,000 people in the Boricha and Awassa Zuria districts of southwestern Ethiopia.

The area has many families who tend small farms. Local harvests failed in June and July because of inadequate rains, corn prices have tripled, and some families sold their cattle at low prices in order to buy staple foods.

September 12–14, 2008 Camp Assiniboia, Headingly, Man. THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

inner rantings Kent Dueck

he Christian Church has done so much for victim advocacy over the years, as it should. It feels like we need to be talking about how we relate to offenders as well though.

Richard Clouthier, from a local radio station, called me at home a few weeks back. “I need a recovered car thief who is over 18 and articulate for tomorrow morning at 9,” he said.

“That is a tall order, Richard,” I replied.

“Much better than the 15 minutes notice I gave you last time.” An upgrade indeed!

For those of you who don’t listen to CJOB, it is a talk show station noted for its tough-on-crime stance.

So I was worried that the callers, who love to hate car thieves, would run roughshod over her.

The fact that she was a girl seemed to disarm the callers. The fact that she hadn’t stolen a car in two years helped as well. I could feel an awkward tension.

Callers were used to talking about criminals, not to them, which works better if you want to just get angry about some faceless force out there like car thieves.

Richard was careful with her. When the “Why did you do it?” question came, Rochelle answered in a measured tone. “My parents were drinking and I was trying to get their attention.” Two callers chided her and lamented the wonderful days of the “paddle.”

Richard turned to Rochelle and asked on both such suggestions, “Rochelle, would that have helped you?” Her reply was a quiet “no” to both callers.

An aboriginal woman called in and praised Rochelle for her life change and for taking responsibility in her life. Rochelle was absorbing that like she had been desperate to hear it.

On that day Rochelle spoke and people listened.

Rochelle felt bad about what she had done, especially now that she had a car herself. But what do you do?

You can’t turn back time. Redeeming it is what she wants to do now.

As a community we made progress that day.

Whenever you shut up and listen, whenever you sit close enough to a person—even a person that has done a lot of wrong—you have your position challenged.

Because we heard Rochelle, we ended up loving someone we were used to hating. Richard gave her a hug as we left the studio. “That’ll be in my top ten this year,” he said.

As we walked out of the building Rochelle spoke as if only a small war had been won that day: ”Well, I guess the whole world isn’t out to get me.” And all because someone listened to a quiet girl with a strong voice.

We always seem to be reading about another horrific victimization out there and, understandably, it raises our ire.

On the other hand, what on earth was Jesus doing when he talked to the thief on the cross? Furthermore, He also prayed for his persecutors while they were right in the middle of His crucifixion.

I wonder what would happen if the Christian community began to get closer to all the pain out there.

What would happen if Christ-followers moved closer to people and their stories? I’ll bet we would see something beautiful happen within us, and maybe all around us.

Kent Dueck is Executive Director of Inner City Youth Alive in the North End of Winnipeg, Man.

(iStockphoto.com)

T

A quiet girl with a strong voice

We always seem to be reading about another horrific victimization out there and, understandably, it raises our ire. On the other hand, what on earth was Jesus doing when he talked to the thief on the cross?

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

13

Manitoba groups seek to promote peace Remembering the courage of Conscientious Objectors and educating for peace—these are among the labours of two Manitoba-based organizations with Mennonite links.

The Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society and the Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship are seeking to recognize the efforts of over 3,000 Manitobans who served as conscientious objectors during the Second World War. They want to erect permanent markers at Steinbach, Altona/Winkler, and Clear Lake.

Their Power of Peace concerts in various churches feature story telling and a Hutterian choir. Funds from these concerts are being used to plan educational materials (in addition to MCC Sunday School materials and the website www.alternativeservice.ca).

Mennonite Conferences were intimately involved with COs. Their ministers negotiated with the Canadian government, they supported the men as they stood before judges, visited them while in service, supported their families, and wrote letters on their behalf.

Queries can be forwarded to MMHS president Conrad Stoesz at cstoesz@ mennonitechurch.ca.

The Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship has some EMC members who unofficially serve on its board.

EAF, however, isn’t to be confused with EMC’s official Evangelical Anabaptist Committee that has engaged in conference survey work and education.

MMHS/EMC

coming events September 12–14 Discover Your Ministry Potential Workshop to discover how your gifts can be used to build God’s Kingdom See ad on p. 12

September 17–19 Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Victoria Inn Winnipeg, Man. 204-786-4801 or 204-888-7270 www.wpgpc.org

September 26–27 MCC Relief Sale Keystone Centre Brandon, Man. 204-726-5116 mcc.org/manitoba

October 3–5

HELEN (nee KNELSEN) BUECKERT 1909–2008 On August 15, 2008, in the evening Helen Bueckert went home to be with the Lord she loved and served.

Helen was born to Abraham and Helen (Schapansky) Knelsen on April 2, 1909, near Plum Coulee, Man. She was the eldest of six children. Her parents moved to Saskatchewan during her first year. Helen grew up on a farm in the McMahon area.

As a young woman she was baptized

by Bishop David Wall and joined the Sommerfelder Church. On November 15, 1936, she married Aron Bueckert and they enjoyed fifty-seven plus years of marriage.

Three children were born to them: Ernie, Johnny (deceased in infancy), and Gordon.

Mom learned a good work ethic at a young age. This was fostered further in the years the family lived in East Paraguay (1948-1953, 1957-1964). While work was important, so was the building of relationships. Mom could put a meal on the table at a moment’s notice. Sharing food and other material possessions was a gift that Mom had.

14

In the 1960s Mom and Dad made a commitment to serve the Lord, and Bible study became a means of growth and socialization. Praying for missionaries and giving to missions became important, and right to the end Mom desired to keep aware of this ministry. In her retirement years making blankets for MCC was a means of service and many a winter she and Dad would make boxes of blankets.

With aging came the challenge of the loss of sight and hearing. This past January it was necessary for her to give up her apartment in Woodhaven and move to Rest Haven. She found this a challenge despite the excellent care and support she received. She was ready to go “home.”

Mom was predeceased by her parents, her husband Aron (1994), her brothersin-law Cornie Olfert (1984) and George Krahn (1985), her sisters-in-law Mary Knelsen and Nellie Knelsen in 2007, and her brother Abraham in April 2008.

Mom is survived by her sons Ernie (Sarah) and Gordon (Mary) Bueckert; grandchildren, Kathy (Jake) Thiessen, Helen (Jake) Reimer, Bend (Stella) Bueckert, Ernest (Judy) Bueckert, Sarah (Jake) Schroeder, Martha (Sam) Schroeder, John (Connie Friesen) Bueckert, and Rebecca (Peter) Friesen.

She is also survived by 21 greatgrandchildren and three great-greatgrandchildren; two sisters, Mary Olfert and Jessie Krahn; two brothers, John Knelsen and Jake (Susie) Knelsen; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Mom’s journey here on earth is complete and she is now rejoicing in the presence of her Saviour.

Her Family

Take and Eat A conference on food and creation care Providence College and Seminary Otterburne, Man. takeandeat@prov.ca www.prov.ca

October 9–10 Mennonites and Money: Wealth and Poverty in the Past and Present Keynote: Dr. James Urry University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, Man. r.loewen@uwinnipeg.ca mennonitestudies.uwinnipeg.ca/ events

October 17–19 TRU08: EMC National Youth Leaders’ Retreat See ad on p. 6

October 25 Region 8 Women’s Day Prayer: Hearing God in the Noise of Life See ad on p. 11

EM Cup Hockey Tournament November 7–9, 2008 Teams contact Colin Loewen, caloewen@mts.net or 204-346-1380.

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

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

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

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

Please contact General Secretary Tim Dyck at tdyck@emconf.ca 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. 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.

Morris Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Morris, Man., is looking for a full-time pastor for a congregation of about 120. Previous pastoral experience and leadership abilities are assets.

For job description and information, please call Brian Klassen at 204-746-8102.

Hillside Christian Fellowship (EMC) seeks a pastor to serve in full-time ministry with a parttime 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.

Contact Johnny Wieler at 780-928-3880 or email AVLL@siscanada.ca.

Reserve Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Sioux Valley (west-central Man.), seeks a fulltime pastoral couple to serve the church and to develop long-term relationships with people of the community. Direct inquiries to church planting coordinator Ward Parkinson, 204-326-6401, e-mail: wparkinson@emconf.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. Submit resume to Pastor John Froese, Box 70, Pelly, SK S0A 2Z0. Phone 306-595-2074. E-mail pastor@pellyfellowship. com.

Leamington EMC, in southern Ontario, seeks a full-time youth pastor to work with our junior and senior youth groups. Contact Abe Klassen, board chairman, at 519-816-1840 or abek@ masterconveyors.com; or Danny Dick, ministerial chair, at 519-326-4584.

Good busy people wanted. We’re adding staff to our great team. We’re a vibrant church with many young families, 500-plus attendees, three services, two languages and growing.

Can you contribute long-term or interim, full-time or part-time, sharing in roles of

THE MESSENGER September 3, 2008

Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm

administrative leadership, preaching/teaching, worship coordination, leadership development, and outreach?

Do you have an Anabaptist understanding and training of the Bible, love for people, love for God and a passion for ministry in a church setting?

Or do you know someone who does? Contact Dan Rempel or Abe Harms at Aylmer EMMC in Ontario (serve@aemmc.ca). Check out our vision at www.aemmc.ca.

Camp Moose Lake, near Sprague, Man., requires for fall 2008: a full-time camp manager and a half-time food services coordinator. Contact director of camping ministries, Mennonite Church Manitoba at 204-895-2267 or camps@ mennochurch.mb.ca.

Camp Cedarwood, a Youth for Christ camp near Lac du Bonnet, Man., seeks year-round head cook, food preparation staff, and maintenance staff to respond to “explosive growth.” Housing, utilities, and most food provided. Housing available for couples and families. Contact Brad Plett at 204-345-8529 or brad@yfcwinnipeg.ca Expand your world: Teach in Lithuania! LCC International University seeks university instructors in English, business administration, psychology and theology; PhD recommended.

We seek English teachers for our Intensive English Program (IEP). EFL/ESL experience and MA recommended.

Eager students come from 21 different countries. We provide housing, travel stipend, orientation, and a supportive Christian environment. Contact us at opportunities@lcc.lt or check www.lcc.lt.

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.

Contact: Shonet, ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; 204-582-8779; (fax) 204-582-4729; shonet@icya.ca.

Altona EMMC in southern Manitoba seeks a lead pastor. It has about 500 members and three pastors. The role includes inspiring the spiritual growth of congregation, staff, and leaders through biblical teaching, mentoring, and personal relationships. Please send resumes to Frank Friesen, pastoral search committee chairperson, at frankf@mts.net.

Help change your world one life at a time through Christian camping. Due to illness, one of our staff couples has had to resign. We are in need of a full-time food services director at Red Rock Bible Camp. Call 204-326-9784. Resumes may be e-mailed to kim@redrockbiblecamp.com or faxed to 204-348-7081.

MFC seeks a second full-time stewardship consultant to work in its Calgary, Alta., office. This person will be responsible to provide charitable gift and estate planning services and to promote

biblical stewardship of financial resources in our constituency churches in Alberta.

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; be willing and able to contribute as part of an inter-dependent staff team.

The position will open on January 1, 2009.

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

CAmp Assiniboia, Headingley, Man., requires a food service assistant volunteer for a one-year term. Explore interests, develop skills in food service, custodial, enjoy Christian camp setting.

Stipend, loding, partial food provided. Contact manager at 204-864-2159 or campa@prairiesky.com. It also has openings for short-term volunteers (one to four months) with skills in food service, maintenance, custodial, or hosting who would enjoy serving in a Christian camp setting. Lodging (or RV pad) and partial food provided.

SBC invites applications for the position of admissions counsellor. This opportunity includes connecting with potential students from across Canada and internationally. If you are excited about your relationship with God and would love to tell others what He is doing at SBC, consider joining our team of men and women committed to training people to serve in kingdom ministry.

The successful applicant must be willing to travel and work some evenings and weekends.

SBC alumni are encouraged to apply. Applications accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

Submit resumé and cover letter to: SBC, Attn: Patrick Friesen, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, 204-326-6451 ext. 272, or pfriesen@ sbcollege.ca.

Eden Health Care Services, a faith-based mental health recovery service provider engaged in a range of programs, seeks a full-time chief financial officer.

This individual will work with board members and other senior managers responsible for the accounting and finance functions contributing to the development of annual operating plans and long-term corporate strategy.

A full job description and list of qualifications is available upon request or by checking www. edenhealth.mb.ca. Contact: James Friesen, CEO, Eden Health Care Services, Box 129, Winkler, MB R6W 4A6; Fax 204-325-8742; Ph. 204-325-5355; E-mail: jfriesen.ehcs@mts.net.

Interviews will start September 2008 and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Eden is a program of the Mennonite Churches of Manitoba in partnership with Regional Health Authority Central MB, Inc.

15

‘What does that mean?’ she asked

I

Agatha Grant

much. But I wanted to know where she was in the book.

She left the phone for a minute to get it; then she read haltingly, “Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone.”

“What does that mean?” she asked. She didn’t have a clue.

“Jesus said that,” I told her. The super-religious leaders of the synagogue were trying to trick Jesus so they could accuse him of something.

They had no thought for the miserable, half-clad woman they had just dragged in and plunked in front of Jesus. Now, they thought, they had him. According to the law, adultery was punishable by stoning.

“Caught in the act,” they said of the woman. “Right in the act!”

But where was the other guilty party? It takes two to commit adultery.

The arrogant religious leaders demanded an answer: “Shall we stone her or not?”

But Jesus was ignoring them—infuriatingly! He had stooped down, and seemed to be doodling in the dust on the ground with his finger. Probably he was too hot with embarrassment for the poor woman, and so burning with anger at the men’s beastly cruelty, that he wasn’t ready to look at them. Maybe he was trying to control the rage building up inside.

But they kept insisting, “Well, what do you say? Shall we stone her or not?” If He said, “No,” they could say he was disobeying the law. If he said, “Yes,” “Let him who is without they were just itching to get their hands on some rocks. sin among you cast the Finally, Jesus did stand up, eyes fl aming, the air tingling with tension and first stone.” misgivings.

“Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone.” Dead silence.

They knew their own guilt; starting with the eldest, one by one, they all left until only Jesus and the woman were left.

As I was telling my story to my surrogate daughter, I sensed the darkness lifting; and when she spoke, I knew the message had reached her and her heart responded.

“That’s what Jesus is like,” I told her. “He doesn’t T condemn you. He loves you like that—that much!” M

have this surrogate daughter living in Alberta. The other day she phoned me. Though she was trying to keep her voice bright and cheery, I soon realized that she was distraught.

Without love in her growing up, she had struggled through many years of drug and alcohol abuse, and various suicide attempts—an old story. She had been living by herself, sober and free from drugs now for three years, but it wasn’t easy for her.

I had been trying to get her to read and had sent her the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I had told her the essence of the story, and that it was about a prostitute. She had replied, “For sure, if it’s about a prostitute, I will read it.”

On the telephone now I asked her about the reading and she admitted she hadn’t read

Agatha Grant has an EMC background. The story is published with her daughter’s permission.

PAGE 16

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