The Messenger Vol. 47 No. 3 February 4, 2009

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 47, number 3 February 4, 2009

Ministry’s bottom line

www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorial

Counting the cost of missions

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ometimes, people contact the office to ask, “How much of EMC’s budget goes to missions?” While it may seem a reasonable question, the answers may be misleading, and what is meant by the question is not always clear.

If “missions” is narrowly defined by ministry to people in foreign fields and to Canadians outside of our Conference churches, then the answer is simple: 70 percent of our Conference budget goes to missions.

However, the budget figures for the Board of Missions (church planting abroad) and Board of Leadership and Outreach (for church planting in Canada) include figures for administrative salaries (both at the national office and on the field) and other items, such as promotional materials. Is this what is meant by “missions”? Or are we defining missions too rigidly?

If we define missions as Jesus did, what do we find?

Matthew 28:19–20, the Great Commission, is frequently used to guide us in doing missions as Jesus directed. There, Jesus says to his disciples, “Go and make discples of all nations, baptizing them in the

INTERIM EDITOR Rebecca Buhler rbuhler@emconf.ca

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Erica Fehr

efehr@emconf.ca

Address changes and submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 5 – March 4 (copy due February 20)

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name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

According to Jesus, doing missions means making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey what He commanded.

With this in mind, let’s look again at how much Conference money goes to missions.

The reality is that accomplishing good work requires good administration. If we want our missionaries to function well on the field, their efforts need to be coordinated by national staff in Canada and by administrative staff on the field. They also need the support of good leaders to equip and encourage them in their efforts.

Because missionaries retire eventually, or leave the field for other reasons, recruitment is needed to maintain the work. If we want the work to grow, more aggressive recruitment is needed.

Also, to maintain both prayer and financial support, people who can pray and give need to be aware of needs.

What about “making disciples” in Canada? EMC currently has over

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.

60 churches involved in doing just that. The Board of Leadership and Outreach (BLO), General Board, and Board of Church Ministries (BCM) give encouragement and support to our churches in a variety of ways.

A common thread of connection and support is through these pages—The Messenger is available free of charge to anyone who attends an EMC church. Christians are encouraged and taught “to obey” through this ministry.

Conference Pastor David Thiessen (BLO staff) is involved in visiting churches to encourage leaders and assist them in “making disciples.”

The Board of Trustees ensures that staff have adequate equipment to do their work, and that they have an office in which to do it.

The General Board provides oversight to Conference work, creating policies to guide how that work is accomplished and helping churches to work in unity.

Without getting further into specifics, the work of all Conference boards plays a role in accomplishing the Great Commission in our world.

So, how much of the Conference T budget goes to missions? All of it! M Rebecca Buhler

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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MESSENGER

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

THE MESSENGER February 4, 2009

Christian faith a struggle in Burkina Faso Beneath Souleymane Traoré’s humble modesty lies a man with a deep wisdom, a broad vision, and a gift for languages.

Raised Muslim, Souleymane speaks French, the national language of this former French colony, Siamou, the local dialect of his home region, and Jula, the language of commerce.

Souleymane first connected with Mennonites in 1985 through his work as house help for Paul and Lois Thiessen, EMC missionaries, who gradually recognized his linguistic gifts. The word spread, and by 1999 he was enlisted to assist with Bible translation by Mennonite Church Canada Witness/ Mennonite Mission Network workers Lillian Nicolson and Donna and Loren Entz in nearby Orodara.

The team recognized early on that bringing biblical values to an indigenous population with an oral culture would mean developing the local Siamou language into written form—a process called orthography by linguists. Souleymane soon found ample opportunity for Biblical translation work among the Mennonites, helping with pronunciation and converting

the oral Siamou language into written orthography.

It took years of growing relationships with Mennonite workers, and close attention to scripture, before Souleymane became a Christian himself. “When I understood what Christianity was about, I realized that I really needed to follow the path that was the path of truth,” he told translator Donna Entz in an interview.

That path has not been easy for Souleymane. “There are many religions in this place,” he said, “Especially Islam, which has taken most of this village, so it was not an easy step for me.” People also practice animist beliefs and ancestor worship.

Traoré’s Muslim father, who interpreted Souleymane’s conversion to Christianity as rebellion and disrespect, tried forcing his son to attend the mosque. “But eventually he saw all the changes that came to my life because of Christianity, so he finally left me alone and didn’t force me to do anything else.

There’s really no problem today between us. I am fully his son and I respect him as my father and everything is good.”

Souleymane was also deeply

Souleymane first connected with Mennonites in 1985 through his work as house help for Paul and Lois Thiessen, EMC missionaries.

Souleymane hopes to one day teach entirely from a Siamou Bible translation. concerned about creating tensions in his wife’s family. A move from their home village of Tin to Orodara in 2002 provided some beneficial physical distance. On December 25, 2003, Souleymane and his wife Orokia were baptized in the Orodara Mennonite Church. Today, Souleymane reports that Orokia’s relationship with her family is “generally good.”

In addition to his translation work, Souleymane has provided leadership to a local Bible study group since 2005. He hopes to one day teach entirely from a Siamou Bible translation So far he and his group have covered all the available translated portions. “I have to struggle between the Jula and the French to explain it in Siamou,” he says. “It would be so easy and so exciting to be able to explain it in Siamou. This group that I am working with right now is very interested in God’s word but it’s hard because I don’t have the rest in Siamou.”

Exposing people to Christianity is a challenge, says Souleymane. “There are people that want to put up barriers between Christians and Muslims and we don’t want those barriers. We pray that we can love at all times,” he said.

MC Canada release

Souleymane Traoré (photo by Ed Doell, Mennonite Church Canada)

The pdf booklet on CD

Peace Sermons by EMCers (2008) is now available.

Cost: $2 each ($4 if mailed) To order, contact the national office: 204-326-6401 or rbuhler@emconf.ca

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Ministry’s

bottom line Carol Penner

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ennonites are practical people. If someone says, “We I don’t think Jesus could have saved up enough need to build an addition to personally to support his group of followers. our church,” the response is So where is the money coming from? All three always, “How much is it going to cost?” If a new project is suggested, “Let’s sponsor a gospel writers who answer this question say the refugee family,” we soon hear someone ask, same thing: It was women who were personally “Where is the money going to come from?” committed, personally devoted to Jesus who paid It’s pretty normal for us to ask those the bills. practical questions because that’s the way we live our lives. If we want to take a trip to visit distant relatives, or if we want to buy a car or a house, we always ask, “How much is How big was this group? Twenty-five? Forty? We just this going to cost? What’s the bottom line?” don’t know.

So when we read in Luke 8:1 that “Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and A big tab bringing the good news of the kingdom of God” In any case, that’s a lot of people. How much (NRSV), the natural question we ask is, “What’s the was that bottom line? How much did it cost to price tag for this ministry? What’s the bottom line?” provide food and shelter for them? Although the Well, maybe not. I can’t ever remember thinking gospels indicate that Jesus was the invited guest on about this. I know there was money involved in occasion, and that from time to time he performed Jesus’ life—Judas carried the money for the group— miracles with food, this big group of people had to but it never occurred to me to ask, “How much did it be fed every day, they had to find a place to sleep cost?” or “Where was the money coming from?” every night, and they had to have new sandals At least not until I spent some time pondering because they must have worn them out walking Luke 8:1–3: from place to place.

Soon afterwards Jesus went on through cities It’s hard to know how many days’ wages—in and villages, proclaiming and bringing the denarii—it would have taken to keep this troupe good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve on the road. It’s perhaps easier to talk about it in were with him, as well as some women who present-day dollars. Let’s put the average cost for had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: maintaining a mission worker in the field at $45,000 Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven per person, and more when there is a lot of travel demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife involved or if there are children who need to be of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and supported or educated. many others, who provided for them out of Let’s say that Jesus travelled in a group of 30 their resources. people. They travelled for around three years. That works out to just over $4 million ($1.35 million per There are a number of surprising things about year) in today’s figures. No small potatoes. this passage. For starters, the idea that women were travelling with Jesus. We generally visualize him as Who’s picking up the tab? travelling from place to place with his inner group I don’t think Jesus could have saved up enough of twelve male disciples. But women were there, and personally to support this whole group. And if Luke isn’t the only gospel writer to mention this. he had miraculously produced money, I think the The writers of the gospels of Matthew and Mark disciples would have recorded it (like the one coin both tell us that women were travelling with Jesus.

Peter found in the fish’s mouth). It’s also unlikely Jesus’ entourage included more than the women that the disciples were paying their own way, as the and “the twelve.” When it came time to replace gospels suggest they left everything to follow Jesus.

Judas Iscariot, Acts 1 indicates there was a group The call to the disciples recorded in the gospels of men to choose from who had followed Jesus this has no financial directives like, “Sell your boats, whole time who weren’t part of “the twelve.” and bring that money you’ve made collecting taxes, The followers of Jesus made up a big group of because we will have a lot of bills in the next three people: the twelve disciples plus Mary Magdalene, years!”

Susanna, Joanna, the other Mary, Salome and many others, both men and women, who are unnamed. (continued p. 6) THE MESSENGER February 4, 2009

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We never see Jesus doing any conflict, through low and high fundraising for himself. There attendance, through economic The bottom line isn’t only isn’t one place where he asks for upturns and downturns. They money. If we take the lead money for his ministry. Think of remind me of these biblical from the Marys, Joanna, when he meets the rich young women. man; he tells him to sell his Or I think of a couple who Susanna and Salome, we possession and give to the poor. took in a foster child, and then will not just send money, Jesus does not say, “Sell your walked with that child into her but we will also give of possessions and give money to troubled adult life. The couple gave ourselves. my ministry.” sacrificially of themselves, of their So where is the money coming home and their money. They went from? All three gospel writers to Golgotha with this child they who answer this question say the loved. same thing: It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, I also think of the faithful budgeted giving of Salome and the other Mary who paid the bills. It was churches across the country. Commitment to mission women who were healed by Jesus who then supported means that if our churches have a budget shortfall, him out of their own means. It was women who were support of mission workers is not the first thing to be personally committed, personally devoted to Jesus. And cut. some of them were wealthy.

The bottom line isn’t only money. If we take the lead The women “provided for” Jesus and his followers. from the Marys, Joanna, Susanna and Salome, we will That term is the Greek word diakonia, from which we not just send money, but we will also give of ourselves. get our word “deacon.” The women served Jesus by These women went the distance to participate in and supporting his ministry. They wrote themselves into the observe Jesus’ ministry. They knew where their money bottom line. was going.

This surprised me. Growing up with Bible stories, We give money to our local congregation. But are we know the name Mary Magdalene. Usually we think, we faithful with our presence and our prayers? We are “She’s a sinner,” or “She had demons cast out of her.” willing to do a good turn for someone, but what if that But three places in Scripture tell us that she helped pay turn takes three years, or 30? Are we willing to go the the bills for Jesus’ ministry! And those were big bills! We distance? have not given credit where credit is due.

We give money toward ministry, but are we willing It is important to read Scripture carefully and hear to follow the work of one missionary? Are we willing to the story of the faithfulness of these women. They take the time to go on a learning tour and support that served Jesus with their money—substantial, sacrificial worker with our concern and presence? Are we willing amounts of money. But that wasn’t the whole bottom to attend their presentations or travel to conferences line. They also served Jesus with their presence. They to hear about the journey they are on as followers of weren’t just sending cheques from a distance. Their Jesus? diakonia meant paying the bills and walking with Jesus What’s the bottom line? It costs a lot to be a follower in his ministry. of Christ. Someone has to pay the bills. Someone has to The gospel writers tell us the women travelled with walk the dusty road. Someone has to make the meals.

Jesus. It was these women who were at Golgotha, Someone has to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. Someone faithful to the end. There they stood, with broken hearts has to stay awake in the garden. Someone has to go and perhaps with broken bank accounts, having spent to a fish barbecue on the beach. It takes personally all they had on Jesus. They loved Jesus to the end, in committed and devoted people who will do this. diakonia.

Communities of these sorts of people working together They were there at the tomb to see the risen Christ, will do this. and they were there in an upper room, filled with the We are practical people. We are practicing diakonia, Holy Spirit, going out to spread the good news of Jesus providing for the needs of others. We do this because T Christ! we love Jesus. That’s the bottom line. M What is our bottom line?

I think of many people in congregations I’ve attended who have been part of the bottom line. Their faithful sacrificial giving paid the mortgage and the pastor’s salary. They stuck with their congregations through 6

This article is based on a sermon preached by Carol Penner at the First Mennonite Church, Vineland, Ont., on November 18, 2007. it was first published in the January 5, 2009, issue of Canadian Mennonite (www.canadianmennonite.org).

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with our missionaries Nicaragua

Pastors’ meeting and annual assembly Towards Unity in Ministry was the theme of the Pastor’s meeting held December 20, 2008. The main message was delivered by Nicolas Sequeira, pastor of the La Paz congregation. More than 30 pastors and outreach workers were present. Some of the spouses also attended. Only one pastor was unable to attend.

It was wonderful to see the men and women we had worked with in ministry and to get to know new leaders. A highlight was the presentation of five new workers that had been assigned to new congregations (church plants).

We were inspired by the time of prayer: thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in difficult times during 2008, blessings of victory, prayer for guidance, renewed vision and strength to do the work of God in 2009.

January 10 we attended the 37th annual Assembly of the Fraternity of Mennonite churches of Nicaragua. Of the possible 107 official delegates, 95 were in attendance. The delegates represented 19 churches and 12 church plants. The theme was More than Conquerors.

The National Council (General Board) reported on their five-year term of office, highlighting accomplishments and difficulties. The council and committees reported on their activities and shared their vision for the coming year. A common thread was the faithfulness of God in the midst of financial restrictions and thankfulness for the financial support of the EM Conference.

After a couple of hours of listening to reports, the delegates were delighted to hear a group of Mariachi Singers from the La Paz church give their debut presentation. I’m sure they will have many invitations to serve at special events.

In the afternoon it was time for elections. Spiritual maturity was exercised when tensions surfaced regarding the eligibility of nominees for the position of the National Council President.

Anival Reyes was elected president of the National Council. He has been pastor of the Lily of the Valley church located at Camp Maranatha for five years. He also has five years of experience on the National Council. Anival is excited to announce his upcoming marriage in April.

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National Council members are Anival Reyes, president; Ronald Calero, general member; Nicolas Sequeira, vice president; Elizabeth Vado, treasurer; Maynor Curtis, general member; Patricio Mora, general member; (missing) Carlos Sequeira, secretary.

A common thread was the faithfulness of God in the midst of financial restrictions, and thankfulness for the financial support of the EM Conference.

Four of the seven members of the National Council are new to the Council, but each brings a wealth of experience and giftedness for ministry. By the time the rest of the elections were completed it was almost five in the afternoon and those who had traveled long distances by bus were anxious to get on their way.

The concluding prayer gave thanks to God for his guidance and asked him to pour out the Holy Spirit on each person serving in an official position: to give vision and wisdom for their particular responsibility. There was a sense of optimism that these men and women of God’s choice, with the support of the constituency, would Darlene and Lester Olfert (Steinbach EFC) serve carry on the work of the Kingdom of with Action International Ministries.

God. Please pray for the Nicaragua Mennonite Church!

Lester Olfert

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Ontario/Sudan

For the last 26 years, we have worked with refugees from all over the world, including many countries in Europe and Asia. At this time, we are running a program for refugees near Toronto called Welcome Home.

Refugees or new arrivals are provided with their first home in Canada and receive strong support for the first year in Canada. Welcome Home is not just a housing project; it is a community where people are introduced to language, Canadian cultural issues and faith in Jesus Christ.

Let’s go glocal! glocal \'glō-kəl\ adj of or relating to willingness and ability to “think globally and act locally”

30,000 refugees a year as well as thousands of new immigrants.

The fact is, our world is getting smaller and smaller.

In addition to the work of Welcome Home, a local program where refugees are coming to us, we are directing a program to work with refugees in Sudan. That is why our work is glocal, a ministry to the roaming people of the earth locally and beyond. We believe the Church needs to see this as well.

There are over 64 million refugees and displaced people in our world today. Some of them are Refugees from Sudan and South America arriving on our doorstep.

Where do these people come At International Teams Canada, we from? They come from the two thirds are taking church teams to them as of the world that is suffering in one way well. Sudan is one of those locations or another. They are experiencing or where we have a strong developing have experienced war, famine, economic program to help the church help those instability and racial tension. They may who live in extreme poverty. Many of also have been severely persecuted those we work with in Sudan are refugees, for their faith. They come from China, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Sudan, Rwanda, Eritrea, Somalia, and many other countries. Welcome Home has served over 29 languages and cultures in the last five years!

When I see this work of God around us I reflect on the scriptures where God’s people are commanded to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Now, the church has a great opportunity to reach the whole world for Christ in their own neighborhood as the whole world is coming to us. Canada receives over

Housing project in Ontario

people returning to their homes after many years of war. Some of the programs include building schools, orphanage work, sponsorship, Christian leadership training and income generating projects.

This work can be viewed in detail at the following web sites: www.iteams.ca http://welcomehome.iteams.ca Gordon Skopnik Gordon and Sharon Skopnik (Wymark) have worked as EMC associate missionaries for many years and value EMC’s partnership in bringing the gospel to the world through the refugee.

Canada receives over 30,000 refugees a year.

Sudanese children in front of the frame of a school which needs to be built.

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with our churches

New beginnings for FCCF Fish Creek (Calgary, Alta.): This past year God has brought some exciting changes for Fish Creek Christian Fellowship.

On November 2, 2008, an ordination service was held for our new pastor, Scott Koop. Many friends, family, and guests from Abbeydale Christian Fellowship joined us as conference pastor David Thiessen led the ordination service.

We’ve been excited to have witnessed Scott’s growth in leadership, and have been richly blessed by his enthusiasm even in the short time he has led our congregation. As Scott has shared, God has faithfully answered prayers for both us as a church and Scott personally in the last year.

The year also brought new life with several births within our church. On November 16, we held a baby dedication service for three babies, dedicating them to Christ’s care and protection.

Derek Kornelsen

A baby dedication was held on November 16, 2008: Crystal Fehr and Steve Tutt with Brighton, Vincent Jiang and Tracy Shi with Ethan, Charles and Melanie Plett with Noelle and Jayde (Jayde not in picture), and Pastor Scott Koop.

with Dr. John Neufeld sav•vy (sav’ē) Informal adj. sav•vi•er, sav•vi•est well informed and perceptive: savvy Small Group Leaders. n. Practical understanding: a pastor known for biblical savvy. tr. & intr.v. sav•vied (săv’ēd), sav•vy•ing To understand; comprehend.

Leadership Conference Register early—before February 20, 2009 • $50/person after February 29, 2008 • $60/person group rate for 3 or more from one church • $40/person

Call Christal at SBC 1-204-326-6451 Register online at www.sbcollege.ca

Prayers are held for Scott Koop during his ordination service.

Scott Koop was ordained on November 2, 2008. Conference Pastor David Thiessen (right) led the service.

with Dr. John Neufeld sav•vy adj. sav•vi•er, sav•vi•est well informed and perceptive: savvy Small Group Leaders. n. Practical understanding: a pastor known for biblical savvy. tr. & intr.v. sav•vied (săv’ēd), sav•vy•ing, sav•vies (săv’ēz) To understand; comprehend.

Leadership Conference Register early—before February 20, 2009• $50/person

after February 20, 2009 • $60/person group rate for 3 or more from one church • $40/person

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

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Leadership retreat and baptism La Crete, Alta.: The weekend of October 3-5, 2008, La Crete Christian Fellowship had a ministerial/board retreat at Eagles Nest Bible Camp.

The retreat focused on the book Lead like Jesus by authors Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges. Pastor Peter Doerksen was our speaker; he led us through four sessions focused on servant leadership.

We had many opportunities to connect through prayer, discussions, preparing and serving food in small groups, campfire singing, and sharing.

Our prayer as a group was that we would leave for home eager to put into practice what we had learned. Already the effects of this weekend are very evident in our church.

On December 7, we had a day of celebration and rejoicing as nine individuals publicly committed their lives to following Christ. Kate Klassen, Nicole Banman, Terry Peters, Lucy Wolfe, Celsey Schlamp, and Stephanie Wiebe took the step of being identified with Christ in baptism and committing themselves to the work of the church in membership.

Barney Wiebe, Teigan Fehr, and Larry and Sandra Neufeld also took on the responsibility of membership in LCCF. We praise God for the amazing work He is doing in the lives of these believers as they continue to live for Him. Lisa Wiebe and Martha Doerksen

Holiday Travel presents

LCCF ministerial and board members retreated October 3–5, 2008.

December 7 baptism and membership service: (back) Pastor Peter Doerksen, Stephanie and Barney Wiebe, Larry and Sandra Neufeld, lay minister Gordon Foster, (front) Kate Klassen, Nicole Banman, Terry Peters, Lucy Wolfe, Kelsey Schlamp, and Teigan Fehr.

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

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Annual Christmas program held at NFC Creighton, Sask.: The musty sheep once again found their way to the Northern Fellowship Chapel Christmas program on December 7, 2008. Mary knelt by the manger, surrounded by angels.

The evening program’s theme was a description of how Mary prepared her heart for the coming of her baby.

Preparing our hearts can be compared to cleaning out a room. First, we clear out the junk. (Mary had to move out of her heart all the uncertainties and she must have prayed for peace.) Then, we paint a room. (Mary and her cousin Elizabeth spent time encouraging each other). Lastly, we bring in new furniture which indicates permanence. (For Mary, the baby arrived in a manger and into her heart.)

We can prepare our hearts the same way Mary did. Lorne Moorhead narrated the program (written by J. Imrie), Margaret Moorhead led the singing of Christmas carols and Pastor Scott Koop had a meditation.

In closing, Pastor Scott stated: “Cleaning a room, painting that room and

“Our prayer is that you would recognize Jesus Christ to be not only the ‘Joy to the World’ but that you would also welcome Him in to be the joy of your own heart.”

then even moving furniture into the room doesn’t make it a baby room. Only when you bring the baby home and welcome that child into the room is it complete. Our prayer this Christmas is that you also would accept and welcome God’s incredible gift of love to you and that you would recognize Jesus Christ to be not only the ‘Joy to the World’ but that you would also welcome Him in to be the joy of your own heart.”

Janice Imrie

NFC’s Christmas program was held on December 7, 2008.

Blessings in 2008 Straffordville, Ont.: We were blessed with a wonderful year in 2008. Torry Loewen was baptized and added as a member of our congregation. We worked together to prepare shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. This is a wonderful thing to do with the children.

The youth group went to the warehouse to help sort and pack these shoeboxes for shipping. Serving others is a blessing; something we should do all year and not just at Christmas time.

As we ring in the New Year, do we reflect on all the things that we have done and enjoyed in the past year, or do we reflect on all that we have done for Jesus?

It is easy to just look at what was fun and memorable, like camp, VBS, Sunday School picnic, and more. What about

Torry Loewen, baptismal candidate (middle), with pastor-in-training Willie Siemens (right) and pastor Richard Klassen (left).

FEHR – to Abe and Sara Fehr of Tillsonburg, Ont., a son, Coltin Wilhelm, on December 26, 2008.

the unnoticed things like prayer, new commitments, visiting, and witnessing to others? God blesses our activities, but He rejoices in the humble service we give. So let’s remember that in God’s eyes, a humble servant will be remembered more than any major activity that we could organize.

We are thankful for all the willing servants in the church. Many are starting new positions and terms on various committees. We are thankful for Dave and Linda Halse who taught a parenting seminar in January. We are teaching and being taught to become all that God has planned for us to be.

Kayla Klassen and Jared Froese help load the shoeboxes for Aggie Blatz

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births LOEWEN – to Abe and Leona Loewen of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Jaywynn Tyrell, on July 13, 2008.

KRAHN – to Jake and Mary Krahn of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Tyson Jacob, on September 15, 2008.

NEUFELD – to Jake and Mary Neufeld of Vienna, Ont., a daughter, Sapphira Joy, on December 4, 2008.

REDDEKOPP – to Jake and Katherine Reddekopp, Straffordville EMC missionaries in Africa, a daughter, Julia Lyn, December 22, 2008.

other children.

EMC and

Statement of Faith Church Practices A 25-part series

Antonio Pitta

Statement of Faith Article 7: Salvation

The Board of Leadership and Outreach has invited EMC pastors and other leaders to reflect on the meaning of our Statement of Faith and Church Practices. These writings are intended to inform and to invite conversation.

In the end, this 25-part series might be published as a booklet. Have you heard a sermon on these articles? Encourage the preacher to forward the material to The Messenger.

7. SALVATION We believe people are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The basis of this salvation is Christ’s life, his atoning death and his resurrection.

Justification, the new birth and the transformed life come about through repentance and faith in Christ. His atonement covers children until they reach the age of accountability (1 Samuel 12:22–23; Matthew 18:1–14; Mark 10:13–16; Luke 24:47; John 1:9–13; 2:3–8, 15–18; Acts 4:12; 20:21; Ephesians 2:1–10; James 2:14–24).

We believe it is the privilege of all Christians to know that they have passed from death to life and that God can keep them from falling. Faith and obedience are essential in maintaining this assurance and growth in grace (John 8:31–32; Romans 8:14–17; Galatians 3:11; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:5–11; 1 John 3:14; 5:13).

O

ur understanding of salvation, according to the conference’s Statement of Faith, tells us that we believe salvation is obtained by grace, a gift from God, which on our part, only requires faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe that justification, the new birth and the transformed life come through repentance and faith in Christ which in a way completes the first declaration.

The Bible repeats its emphasis upon the need for repentance. It is not enough to simply believe, there has to be a change of the inner person. Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Our statement of faith mentions that children are covered by God’s grace until they are old enough to be accountable before God. The Catholics and Protestants of the 16th century practiced infant baptism, and according to their belief that was a way to remit original sin inherited by their parents, and conveyed sanctifying grace into the child’s soul. Our understanding differs as we believe little children live in a state of innocence until they are old enough to understand God’s offer of salvation.

The last declaration in the article is one that literally defines our understanding of salvation demonstrated by obedience. Although God saves us without any strings attached other than faith and repentance, once we have

Our understanding of salvation was born with the Reformers, but it went further in practices and beliefs, displaying salvation as a change of life and not only a result of mere belief.

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passed from death to life we have to respond by walking faithfully in obedience to Christ. Jesus tells us that “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” With this, we are saying that our salvation is a process of life that will end in heaven.

Our understanding of salvation was born with the Reformers, but it went further in practices and beliefs, displaying salvation as a change of life and not only a result of mere belief. This article also assures that children are covered by the grace of God and paves the way for believer’s baptism. It speaks of obedience as a necessary requirement to maintain the assurance of salvation.

There is no doubt that these doctrines are very important to maintain our identity and I believe that rather than making us different from other Christian denominations, our beliefs in salvation enrich the Christian spectrum offering a different perspective for T others to consider. M Antonio Pitta has served as pastor at Ebenezer Christian Church in Brandon, Man. He is currently pursuing further education in Calgary, Alta.

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stewardship today Gary Sawatzky

A

Do they really need it all?

s parents, we try to train our children. We Even if their children do give away some of the do our best to teach them to look both ways windfall, they are unlikely to bless the causes their before crossing the street, not to eat too parents supported. More importantly, the parents will much sugar, the basics of personal hygiene, miss an opportunity to model the importance of giving and the value of family and faith community. We try to back to God. There is a reason they call it a last will and understand their unique, God-given personalities, to testament. It’s our last opportunity to testify to things encourage them where they can use their gifts, and warn that are important to us. against damaging choices.

Continuing your lifetime When it comes to inheritances, we do not tend pattern of giving (or to do much serious reflection. Many parents increasing it) by leaving never do any estate planning. Studies 10 per cent or more of show that 52 to 54 percent of adult your estate to causes you Canadians don’t have wills. care about is entirely Even among families who consistent with our have prepared wills, the Christian witness. thinking often goes no For some, a gift further than dividing through a will balances everything equally the scales for times in between their children. their lives that family Depending on and other commitments their stage of life and made it difficult for them Depending on their stage of life and circumstances, your circumstances, your to give as much as they children may not want would have liked. children may not want or need everything you plan to or need everything you Author Ron Blue, leave them. plan to leave them. One in his book Splitting pastor told me he doesn’t need what his parents plan Heirs, notes: “The common strategy with most people, to leave him, and is certain his siblings, who have well including Christians, is to keep as much as possible while paying jobs and will have good pensions, feel the same they are alive, then leave it all to their heirs upon their way. Yet he hasn’t been able to find a way to bring up the death. Unfortunately, the heirs are usually poorly trained matter. to manage the assets.”

All too often, the subject of leaving money to charity However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Manitoba is never raised. There are practical and spiritual reasons financial planner David Christianson, in a column on to give this some consideration. In many cases of death leaving a legacy, noted, “with careful planning and where the deceased made no inclusion of charity among proper use of the tax rules, strategies and products like beneficiaries, the estate paid thousands of dollars in insurance, it is often possible to leave a substantial gift to taxes that could have been avoided. In these situations, charity while still leaving the bulk of your estate to your the estate contained stocks or mutual funds with capital family.” gains. Under Canadian tax laws, capital gains taxes aren’t Blue wonders what would happen if “your closest payable when appreciated stocks or mutual funds are friends, your prayer partners, and your pastor read your gifted to charity. will. Would they say that your final wishes matched One couple recently told me that since their children your life mission and purposes?” Ask your children and T are regular church attendees, they feel good about yourself. You may be surprised at the answers. M leaving their entire estate to the kids. They are confident Gary Sawatzky is a stewardship consultant at the Calgary, their children will pass on some of the money to church Alta., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). For and other charities. I wonder if that husband and wife stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, have had conversations with their children about their contact your nearest MFC office or visit mennofoundation.ca wishes, or if this is an unstated hope.

THE MESSENGER February 4, 2009

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CHRISTINA PETERS 1949–2008 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear and precious wife, mother, and grandmother Christina Peters on November 30, 2008 at the young age of 59 years.

She was born on April 13, 1949 to Peter and Maria (Hamm) Klassen in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 41 years, Jake; their children, John (Caroline), Ben (Carolyn), Susan (Gary) Herrfort, and Jim (Aloha).

She was a devoted and loving Nana to Abigayil, Austin, Joshua, Gracelyn, Julia, Andrew and Ryan Peters and Lydia and Christina Herrfort. Also left to mourn this great loss are her parents Peter and Maria Klassen and nine siblings, 44 nephews and nieces and over 50 great nephews and nieces.

Christine was the firstborn of ten children. As the oldest, she was not able to finish school, but instead stayed home from the age of nine to help with the babies, bake bread and keep house.

Christine’s lack of formal education did not dampen her quest for knowledge or ability to retain information! Her family moved to Ontario, Canada when she was a teen. It was then she met Jake and together they learned of God’s love and salvation through belief in Jesus. They became Christians before their marriage and were dedicated to living their lives for Him. Jake and Christine began their life together in Kitchener, but moved south of Tillsonburg after seven years.

Christine stayed home with the children until they were all in school, then took seasonal farm work during school hours to supplement the income.

When the children were adults, Christine helped Jake build houses and run a restaurant. She then took a course in massage therapy and had a very successful business with this for about 15 years. She was passionate about her

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lovely garden, her doll collection and her many other hobbies. More precious to her than all these things was her relationship with Jesus. She loved the Lord and lived her faith as an amazing example to all of us.

Christine was a caring and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She looked to the needs of people around her with a generous eye. Christine’s passion was serving others with unconditional love; she also focused on evangelism.

She loved entertaining missionaries and church friends alike. She was a Sunday School teacher in earlier years, loved to help in the kitchen and supported her husband in his many responsibilities at church. (For the last two years they served as deacon couple at the church.)

More recently she worked eagerly at the building site for The Church of Living Water with Jake. It was very disappointing for her to stop working when she became ill due to a fast growing cancer in 2008.

If so desired, friends may make memorial donations to The Church of Living Water (Tillsonburg EMC) for the building fund.

Her funeral was held on Friday, December 5, 2008 at Aylmer EMMC with her former pastor David Wiebe (currently in Alberta) officiating. Interment was at Tillsonburg Cemetery.

Her Family

coming events March 7 SBC SPLAT An event for junior high youth Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. 204-326-6451 or 800-230-8478 www.sbcollege.ca

March 13–14 SBC Leadership Conference Growing Bible Savvy People Speaker: Dr John Neufeld Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. 204-326-6451 or 800-230-8478 www.sbcollege.ca

March 16–17

Proclaiming Christ in the Public Square: Challenges and Opportunities Speaker: Michael Coren Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570 www.cmu.ca

May 1–2

Cross the Street: Engaging your community with authentic faith Speakers: Eric Swanson, Henry Schorr, Claude Houde, David Macfarlane Centre Street Church Calgary, Alta.

519-503-5380 www.billygraham.ca/Ministries/

May 15

Going Barefoot: Reaching the Facebook Generation Speaker: Mike Tennant Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570 www.cmu.ca

May 15–18

Abundant Springs 2009 youth event Finding Your Place in God’s Story Speaker: Sid Koop Caronport, Sask. www.abundantsprings.ca

July 3–5 EMC Annual Convention Radical Discipleship: Increasing the Kingdom’s footprint in our world Speaker: Dr. Pierre Gilbert Riverton Recreation Centre Riverton, Man. 204-326-6401 www.emconf.ca

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

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

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

Please contact General Secretary Tim Dyck at tdyck@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

Wymark EMC, a country church located 20 miles southeast of Swift Current, Sask., is accepting applications for lead pastor. We aim to be a friendly, family-welcoming church body of 70 to 90 people, and seek a pastor who can encourage us by word and example to grow to maturity in Christ. Enquiries can be directed to the Pastoral Search Committee at 306-773-9089 (leave a message) or funkfarm@gmail.com (Paul Funk).

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.

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 EMMC seeks a full-time senior pastor to minister to a large and growing congregation. Located in the most southern part of Ontario, Leamington was voted Canada’s number one place to live in 2006 by MoneySense Magazine. Our church has many strong committees and programs in place, including a church council and a vibrant Sunday School program.

Our congregation is made up of both Low German- and English-speaking members, and consists of mostly young families. We feature two weekly worship services: a modern English

THE MESSENGER February 4, 2009

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

service and a distinctly Low German service.

This position is available to start in 2009. Fluency in Low German is an asset. To apply or for information, please contact pst@lemmc.com.

Steinbach EMC in Steinbach, Man., has a new opportunity to fill a half-time director of worship arts. You have a heart of worship, seeking to worship God in spirit and truth. You enjoy the richness of diversity in music and worship arts.

As a disciple of Christ, you are a willing, and teachable leader. Your love for the Lord and strong faith in Him is reflected in your ability to work well with many artists involved in worship arts ministry here. If this is you, we encourage you to check www.emchurch.com for information and how to respond. Blessings to you as you follow the Lord’s call on your life.

Brightwood Ranch, a Christian camp near Edmonton, Alta., serves underprivileged children and youth. Summer positions are paid and include: four-month positions (May to August): Main site program director, tipi village program director, secretary, leadership development program leader, GO Team leader, head cook, wranglers, junior wrangler training program leader, assistant maintenance. Twomonth positions: (July and August) senior counselors, assistant cooks, nurse, wranglers, assistant youth development program leaders, male and female unit leaders. Contact the ranch at bright.wood@hopemission.com.

Steinbach Bible College and Steinbach Christian High School invite applications for a part-time morning custodian.

This position will involve custodial duties.

Applicant must be in agreement with and sign our statement of Lifestyle and Morality Standards, and Statement of Faith. Application form and job description are available at the SBC reception desk.

Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted. Submit application, resume, and cover letter to: Steinbach Bible College, Attn: Wes Bergen, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, Fax: 204-326-6908, E-mail: reception@ sbcollege.ca.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada invites applications for the position of accountant in our Winnipeg, Man., office.

Responsibilities include all day-to-day accounting functions of the organization.

Previous accounting experience with a charitable organization, proficiency with MS Office software, specifically Excel, and Access, familiarity with loan amortizations and interest rate calculations would be an asset. A complete job description is available upon request.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent organizational skills, be self-motivated, able to meet deadlines and contribute as part of an interdependent staff team. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

MFC offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Processing of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Please submit inquiries and resumes to: Assistant Manager, Mennonite Foundation of Canada, 12-1325 Markham Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6, Ph. 204-488-1985, Fax 204-488-1986, E-mail rbjanzen@mennofoundation.ca, www. mennofoundation.ca.

MDS: ‘Bottom line is that people get helped’ Mennonite Disaster Service is currently working in the GreendaleChilliwack area of British Columbia.

Recent heavy snow followed by torrential rain has caused significant flooding in the area, and MDS is on the scene, along with other disaster response agencies.

Samaritan’s Purse and MDS are partnering in the cleanup phase and MDS will further assess and respond to special needs cases for repairs.

In an effort to see that help is quickly given, Leonard Klassen (MDS B.C. unit chair) noted that “MDS and Samaritan’s Purse would partner

together in terms of responding to the cleanup need…we have the volunteer numbers, they bring some equipment that we don’t have. In our discussions we both realized that we have strengths in different areas, and we are committing to serve together.

For me, the bottom line is that people get helped.”

“I’ve had numerous offers of volunteering,” Klassen noted. “Let’s pray for those in the Chilliwack leadership, those impacted, and for [MDS] as we meet with people and make decisions.”

MDS

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Treasures in clay jars

I

Darrell Kornelson

don’t always get to know what people think about our church. What do they see when they walk in the door? What evidence do they have that God is at work in this place?

I know God has been, and is, teaching me how to view the church. Instead of seeing the building; He, in His graciousness, allows me to see and hear how He has been working.

One of my first experiences was “sharing time.” When a lady got up and told of how God had touched her daughter’s life, her voice quivered as she spoke, and tears flowed gently down her cheeks. Here, I got one of my first glimpses into the treasures in jars of clay.

As we went through the transition of changing the building where the church meets, I was awed to witness the servant-heart of so many. Sacrifices of time, skill, and money were unnoticed by the world—but the record is kept in heaven! We have some very rich saints in our church, but their treasure is not in a bank account.

An elderly gentlemen showed me just what true love, is. This man cared physically for his dying wife, and spent as much time with her as he could. He loved her, even when all her strength was spent.

Another elderly gentleman, my “adopted Dad,” is quick to admit God has taught him so many things and he is still learning. Just to see his faithful walk with God is an encouragement.

There are elderly ladies in our church who challenge our idea of “retirement.” One spends time each day praying for those she loves. Another travels to Cuba to minister to the poor. The third we do not see at church much anymore, as her health is poor. However, what strength she has is spent in prayer and in ministering to family.

The youth in our church sometimes come with the trappings of their own generation’s culture, but even a casual look reveals that God is putting treasures in their hearts: their acts of ministry to others, their love for God, their worship, and their longing to change the world. They challenge those who are tempted to accept the status quo or who put limits on what God can do.

More recently, I have come to notice how God is touching the hearts of many of the men in our church.

God is softening their hearts, preparing them for something. I don’t know what the results will be, but God is stirring in our midst.

Another story I only heard about. A family went to PAGE 16

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that allsurpassing power is from God and not from us.

(2 Corinthians 4:7)

visit an elderly lady who was bed-ridden. As the family went into the couple’s bedroom, their young daughter got up onto the bed, put her hand on the lady and prayed God would heal this woman. When this lady’s husband told me the story, he had tears in his eyes.

Now some who read this article may think me a romantic, or a sentimental fool. What you think of me is not important. What matters is what you think of God. As I enter our church, I see treasures in clay jars that reveal God is at work among us. What is happening here is far beyond what any one of us knows or could do on our own. It all works together to show just how wide, and how high, and how deep the love of God is.

Next time someone wants to tell you what is wrong with the church, I hope you take the time to ponder stories of God at work. The truth reveals that much is right with the church—if we would only T take the time to see it, and ponder it! M Darrell Kornelson is a member of Portage Evangelical Church in Portage la Prairie, Man., and has served on the church’s board of elders.

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