The Messenger Vol. 47 No. 8 April 22, 2009

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 47, number 8 April 22, 2009

assisting those with

ALZHEIMER’S

www.emconf.ca/Messenger

EDITORIAL

The elderly deserve care and respect

A

lzheimer’s Disease is often associated with forgetfulness. In fact, people may sometimes jokingly say, “My Alzheimer’s is acting up” when they exhibit forgetful behaviour.

For those who develop the disease, however, it is no joking matter. Beyond forgetfulness, they can expect to experience poor or decreased judgment, personality change, problems with language, and more. It is predicted that, as the average age of Canadians goes up, the incidence rate of Alzheimer’s will also increase.

So, how are we preparing ourselves and others for the aging process? How are we preparing the next generation to become the primary and secondary caregivers of our aging population? How are we stewarding our bodies today to assist in maintaining good health in later years?

During a recent coffee break discussion in our office, it was shared how a missionary couple demonstrated in a North American gathering how Africans indicated respect and consideration, but it was not received well. To be singled out and identified as “old” in North

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. 10 – May 27 (copy due May 1)

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America was considered an insult by some.

Why is that an insult?

Biblically, growing old is a blessed state. Proverbs 16:31 tells us that “gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.”

Also, we are instructed to show respect and care for our elders. In Deuteronomy 28, God promises to bring judgment upon Israel through a “fierce-looking nation without respect for the old” if they depart from His ways (28:50). In Proverbs 23:22, a son is instructed “do not despise your mother when she is old.”

In contrast, North America is a culture that worships youth.

You cannot watch 30 minutes of television without being bombarded with ads for the latest, greatest antiaging cream, vitamin supplement, or whatever will help you look and feel young again.

Perhaps the articles featured in this issue will help us regain a biblical perspective on aging. As people age, they may need care and lose ability, but they never lose the right to dignity and respect.

Mark Steinacher’s feature, Alzheimer’s 101, gives practical tips on how we can respond and

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.

assist when someone we know is diagnosed with this disease.

In Giving thanks at journey’s end, Leona Dueck Penner writes of her experience in caring for her aging mother with Alzheimer’s and the many “holy moments” they shared on that journey.

Both articles remind us that, although a loved one with Alzheimer’s may forget us or become confused, God has not forgotten them. He may want to use us to bless them—or use them to bless us. Are we open to how the Spirit may be directing?

Rebecca Buhler

A

re you aware that May 4–10 is Canadian Mental Health Week?

On page 8, Joanne Klassen gives us a mental health checklist that can help us understand what those who are mentally ill may struggle with on a daily basis.

Let’s not take for granted our Godgiven health, mental or otherwise.

Rather, let’s worship God and seek to glorify Him in the use of our T minds and bodies. M Rebecca Buhler

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MESSENGER

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

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

The good news of ‘temporary’ The word “temporary” is good news in the context of natural disaster. It gives a conclusion to an unfortunate event. For those who were affected by the recent wave of floods, fires and tornadoes in the United States and Canada, the word “temporary” serves as good news that loss, anger, and depression have an end.

MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) is currently investigating, coordinating, and responding, to the recent tornadoes, floods and fires that continue to devastate families and damage homes in Arkansas, North Dakota, Minnesota, Mississippi, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas and parts of Canada.

Fifty students from Canadian Mennonite University also assisted in the sandbagging effort. MDS had well over 100 volunteers responding to the Red River flood in Canada.

While Fargo, Winnipeg, and surrounding areas are dealing with too much water, Oklahoma is dealing with massive fires that continue to spread.

Bill Mast, MDS Unit Area Coordinator for Oklahoma, reports that the fires reached within four miles of his house.

“At least 100 homes completely burned to the ground,” he said. Although the investigation is still underway, it looks like the fires are destroying homes

For those who were affected by recent wave of floods, fires and tornadoes in the United States and Canada, the word “temporary” serves as good news that loss, anger, and depression have an end.

Jerry Klassen, MDS Disaster Response Coordinator, reports that more than 60 MDS volunteers traveled from neighboring communities to replace tin roofing on at least six barns in Nashville, Arkansas.

Those impacted by the recent tornadoes in other parts of the United States such as Magee, Mississippi and Murfreesboro, Tennessee can be assured that “local MDS folks from the surrounding areas are responding” states Klassen.

Things are not looking much better in Fargo, North Dakota.

The Red River continues to pose a great risk for surrounding communities.

Wilbur Litwiller, MDS Regional Director, said authorities expect the river to crest near Fargo upwards of 40 feet. Litwiller reports that MDS volunteers “continue to sandbag and wait to see what the river does, how fast the snow melts, and if more rain is expected in the forecast.”

MDS volunteers from Minnesota are on standby if more people power is needed in the sandbagging effort.

The Red River flood has made its imprint on Canada as well. Like Fargo, a second crest is expected.

“The Red River and the Assiniboine River, which meet in downtown Winnipeg at the Forks, are expected to crest simultaneously, report Ron and Elaine Enns, MDS Canada Region Directors. “Many of the houses and farms surrounding the river have become isolated although they remain dry.”

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

MDS volunteers are doing their best to shorten this unfortunate experience by responding to long-term needs. While the fires continue to burn and the river continues to flood, survivors and disaster responders can be assured that there is good news in temporary.

MDS

Canadian Mennonite University helps with sandbagging in Manitoba.

mostly in upper scale neighborhoods where people will most likely have insurance and the resources to rebuild.

For now, MDS volunteers are on standby waiting to see how they can assist in the clean-up effort.

While the destruction of disasters are short-lived, response is also longterm. A short-term response for many who lost their homes would only clean your yard, but not rebuild your house.

It would give you a cold drink, but not a faucet.

Tornado that went through Mena, Arkansas.

An invitation from

Mennonite World Conference

Mennonite Medical Association Register now! mwc-cmm.org 14-19 July 2009 Asunción, Paraguay

Mennonites in health care

Global meeting of Mennonite healthcare professionals: How do we follow the way of Jesus Christ in the health field?

July 15 and 16, 2009 (1 – 4:30 p.m.)

At the Hospital of Fundación “VISION” Fernando de la Mora, Paraguay (Transportation provided from Assembly site for Assembly participants)

God is calling us to Paraguay...

¡Vamos!

Registration and contacts – Email: medicos.menonitas@gmail.com Dr. Wilhelm Schröder + (595) 981 275382 Dr. Wesley Schmidt + (595) 971 227855 Dr. Carlos Wiens + (595) 991 761755 Free for A15 MWC Assembly participants but advance registration requested

“Come together in the way of Jesus Christ.”

—Philippians 2:1-11

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ALZHEIMER’S 101 Mark Steinacher

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magine you’re on that old game show Family risk factors could help you avoid developing AD. See Feud and you’re asked for the top five lethal resources listed at the bottom of this article. diseases. Would you guess that Alzheimer’s 2. Offer help: Have coffee or do something enjoyable Disease belongs on the list? If someone lives with a friend with AD, allowing their primary to the age of 85, they have a one in three chance of caregivers time to themselves. As a pastor, I have acquiring the disease (Alzheimer’s Disease will be buried far too many caregivers who have given of abbreviated as “AD” for the rest of the article). AD is themselves sacrificially—literally. Providing respite a growing problem, expected to be more prevalent to caregivers is crucial to helping them keep their among Baby Boomers. loved ones at home longer. Staying in familiar Today over four hundred thousand Canadians surroundings improves the AD patient’s quality of have AD; that number is expected to double in two life. Your gift of time is one of the most important decades. Researchers also fear that people will things you can do. contract the disease earlier.

3. Donate: Research is costly. Partial cures with Put another way, there are people in your limited effectiveness often cost more than congregation with this disease. You need to be complete ones. The reality is there are currently prepared to minister to them and their families. no cures whatsoever for AD. We This is just a primer, arising from can simply slow the disease’s personal and pastoral experience. destructive action. The chemical Proverbs 19:2 says: “It is not good Know the ten signs process behind present front-line to have zeal without knowledge, nor medications like Exelon, Reminyl to be hasty and miss the way.” Here of AD. If you suspect and Aricept is like putting a wad of are seven things to do and seven someone you love has bubble gum on a leaking gas tank not to do, if you wish to heed the while you’re driving. It is better proverb. the disease, be gentle. because you don’t lose gas as quickly, but you are still going to Seven things to do: run out faster than normal.

1. Learn: The devil likes nothing better than 4. Volunteer: Your local Alzheimer’s Society needs ignorance. AD is not simply “forgetfulness,” your help. It can be as simple as driving someone to although it involves that. Familiarize yourself various classes, lectures and meetings. These are with AD’s stages. Each poses its own particular essential to a caregiver’s ability to care effectively for challenges. Be aware that people as young as thirty their loved one and take proper care of themselves. acquire AD. Discover what is believed to be the process behind AD. Your vocabulary will grow, as 5. Take action: Know the ten signs of AD. If you suspect will your understanding and compassion. Learning someone you love has the disease, be gentle. People

Some reputable websites for further information www.alzheimers.ca alzheimersweekly.com www.alz.org alzheimers.org.uk 4

may feel they are being “accused” of something.

There is no definitive test for AD. It is what is called a “differential diagnosis,” that is, what is left once you rule out even nastier things. The volume of testing can be daunting, but early treatment can slow the decline. Even if the person lives no longer, they will live better, able to continue to love and be loved, to contribute to their families, churches and communities.

6. Pray: Do so intelligently and discretely. The first means knowing your friend’s personal situation and THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

being specific in petitions. The second means being careful not to use “prayer concern” as a means to gossip. Do not share your friend’s situation with anyone without getting their specific permission first.

7. Support: Stand behind caregivers in whatever decision they make, short of active euthanasia.

They have enough stress without your trying to second-guess them. When it’s time to transfer the patient into an institution, offer emotional support and concrete help with the move. A “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order is not euthanasia. Often patients decide this for themselves before losing their faculties. Declining to intervene during heart attacks is nothing like injecting lethal overdoses of medication. Believing in the resurrection should prevent us from insisting on maintaining a vegetative bodily existence when a person’s personality is long since absent.

of mine did for us, to buy a couple of nutritional books, and another to insist that if the patient “just follow this routine,” AD will “vanish.” Eating certain foods provides nutrients that may maintain function longer, but there is no “magic cure” (whether it is eating uncooked food or taking megadoses of vitamins). Keep perspective: unrealistic hope is worse than useless.

4. Talk as if to a child: Sure, they are losing ability, but they are still humans, made in God’s image, and worthy of respect. Talking slowly, clearly and with simpler words need not mean talking down to them.

This is a question of dignity and respect.

5. Be pushy: Paul says love does not insist on its own way (1 Corinthians 13:5). Even if you know you’re right, use discretion when dealing with folk in pain.

6. Focus on the disease: One of the dangers of gaining specific knowledge is losing focus on the person.

Seven things not to do:

(continued on p. 6)

1. Avoid your friends: They

are changing, but they Don’t avoid your friends: need you. Is it easy? Often They are changing, not, but few important achievements in life are. but they need you. Is it As Christians, we have easy? Often not, but few spiritual resources that others don’t. If anything, important achievements we are better equipped to handle tension than nonin life are.

Christians. Odd behaviour will almost certainly emerge. This is not the person’s “true nature” coming out; the disease is altering them. Otherwise godly people may act inappropriately as the disease takes its toll.

2. Blame God or the devil: You may mean well by insisting that this is “God’s best” for them, but that often succeeds only in making God seem nasty. If God chooses not to heal, pray that He “redeems” something out of the situation. At the other extreme, trying to convince the person and/ or caregiver “not to speak of it” for fear of bringing curses on their life grants the devil too much power.

True, we create problems for ourselves by focusing on the negative, but, on the other hand, your friend and his/her spouse (or children or parents) need you. Denial, even if based on theology, is just as much abandonment as physical absence.

3. Insist on a “cure”: Well-meaning folk often inundate AD patients and their families with all sorts of diets or supplements or potions. It is one thing, as a cousin THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

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We are “people people” because our God is. He deals with us as individuals, not “sin situations” in need of generic correction, but as particular people with specific sins in need of restoration. Following that pattern, we need to work with AD friends as individuals, never losing sight of their individuality and humanity.

7. Talk of the disease’s “progressing”: This is common wording, even used widely by the medical profession, but it is denial behaviour. It is trying to sound cheery when things are really not doing well at all. Say instead that the disease is “following

Giving thanks at

its course” or it is “moving along its path”. This acknowledges that the patient is actually getting sicker, without rubbing the patient’s and caregivers’ T noses in it. M Mark Steinacher is a member of the faculty of Tyndale Seminary and holds ministerial credentials with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. His academic interests include pacifism, the doctrine of the church, Canadian church history and the doctrine of the end times. Married to Brenda, he lives in Brantford, Ont.

journey’s end

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Mary Harms Dueck (photo by Jodi Klassen)

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Leona Dueck Penner

n the summer of 2005, after a Sunday morning worship service, we concluded by singing the hymn, Will you let me be your servant? As we sang the fourth verse, my husband turned to me and whispered: “That’s what you’re doing with your mother these days—laughing and weeping as you help to see her journey [with Alzheimer’s] through.”

I nodded, my throat thickening as I re-read the words: I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh I’ll laugh with you.

I will share your joy and sorrow, till we’ve seen this journey through.

A few days later, the words of that hymn came to mind again as I drove to Bethesda Place, the nursing home in Steinbach where my 90 year-old mother, Mary, is slowly approaching her “journey’s end,” her usually joyful spirit, quite often now, encumbered by confusion, sadness and fear which are some of the trademarks of this debilitating disease.

Will she be weeping or laughing today, I wondered, hoping somewhat selfishly, that I would catch her on “a good day,” while knowing at the same time that maybe she needed me even more when she was having a bad time.

But then, I mused, perhaps that’s just what a friend calls my “Mennonite serve until you die” work ethic speaking which assumes that it’s more important to be present with people in the midst of suffering than during times of celebration. Perhaps she needs me to laugh with her as much as she needs me to cry with her, I reassured myself.

As it turned out, I knew right away that my Mom was having a good day when I entered the common room of Prairie Rose wing that afternoon. Her eyes lit up as soon as she saw me though she couldn’t quite recall my name. And she was literally brimming with happy stories involving THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

“cats” and “a big commotion” which had happened that day.

“I’d like to have a cat,” she enthused as I wheeled her to her room. “But who would look after it when I’m away?” (The latter being a reference to the many imaginary jaunts on which her mind takes her.)

“Yeah,” I responded. “That might be a problem.”

“Still,” she persisted, her face glowing. “Some of the other ladies have cats; they give so much Gesaltschaft [companionship].”

“Well,” I said, not quite knowing how to respond to her longing looks. “You did have a cat long ago. Remember Sparky?”

Her eyes went blank.

(Of course, she doesn’t remember and I shouldn’t have asked her a question, I thought, berating myself inwardly. Questions always make her feel insecure and inadequate because she simply can’t remember or is afraid of giving the wrong answer.)

“Also, you’ve got that nice toy cat that Laurence and Sue sent you from British Columbia,” I hurried on, searching her room for the plush creature as I spoke.

“Here it is, such a soft and furry thing,” I said, rubbing the silky toy against her cheek.

But I could tell by her eyes that it wasn’t enough.

Just then, Jodi, the recreation co-ordinator, walked by Mom’s room holding a small, furry body in her hands.

So! there was substance to my mother’s “cat and commotion” story after all, I thought as I hurried after the young woman, asking if perhaps my mother could hold this little cat (which turned out to be a seven-week old pup!) for a moment.

Jodi brought the little dog to her gladly.

“Mary, you love this little puppy, don’t you?” she said as she handed the tiny trembling creature to my mother whose face quite simply shone with joy. “You can hold him a little longer now while he sleeps.”

And so for the next half-hour, that little dog slept on my mother’s breast while she stroked his little body gently (just like she’d done when cradling all her eleven children in years past) and murmured something about God’s love for babies and other tiny things.

Later, after the puppy was gone, we happily shared coffee and butter tarts, followed by a lovely little walkabout in “her” beloved courtyard garden. Then, as we said our farewells (without tears this time), she called after me: “Leona, thanks for a beautiful, beautiful day!”

And I responded with special gladness because she’d remembered my name, “Thank you too, dear mother, for this time of laughter and celebration.”

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

Epilogue: This article is dedicated to my mother,

Mary Harms Dueck, Her earthly journey began on March 14, 1916 and ended on May 5, 2007 when she died of pneumonia quite unexpectedly about a year and a half after the above visit. By the time of her death, her speech had become much more garbled, she needed assistance with meals, and she required a Hoya lift to make wheelchair transitions which was very frightening for her.

Yet, what remains with me now is not the sadness and suffering of that stage of Mom’s journey. Rather, it is the Christ-light that continued to shine through her as she • repeatedly expressed thanks to all who assisted her; • delighted in small things such as the pet visitation program and the beauty of bright colours; • deliberately evoked laughter with funny facial expressions and her new-found skill of whistling whenever something especially pleased her.

Also, as a family we deeply cherished those elusive “being there” moments when the veil of confusion lifted and Mom was suddenly able to articulate the innermost thoughts of her heart with words that blessed and inspired many.

For example, quite recently she told a grandson just before his marriage, that he was “wise and kind, something which is important in a husband,” and that when she was “safely in the arms of Jesus,” he and his new wife would “carry on God’s plan in the world.” He was deeply moved by that.

And, for me personally, there was “joy beyond words”, on the dawning of Mom’s last day, when I sat at her bedside, holding her hands while quietly singing German Lieder to her, and I suddenly noticed that she, who had been unconscious for 24 hours, was mouthing the words, “Gott ist die Liebe … Er liebt auch mich” (God is love …loves even me), and, “Ich weiss einen Strom” (I know of a beautiful stream), along with me.

Those were precious “last words” made more poignant because we sang them together just a few hours before Mom’s earthly journey ended.

The many holy moments we shared especially during the last years of her life continue to inspire T me on a daily basis. M Leona Dueck Penner began her writing vocation as a columnist with The Messenger in 1981 while on MCC assignment in Swaziland. Later, she worked as National Correspondent for Canadian Mennonite magazine. She is now retired, but continues to work on various writing projects, including freelance articles, poetry, fiction, and editing The Grapevine, the Charleswood Mennonite Church newsletter.

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Mental health week is May 4–10

What is mental health?

W

e tend not to think of mental health until we or someone close to us experiences mental ill health. During Canadian Mental Health Week, May 4–10, we have a chance to focus on what goes right when we’re mentally healthy.

Health is the ability to make choices:

Whether it’s what to have for lunch, which tasks to do first at work, or how to talk to our children about an issue, it’s important to have options and choose between them.

Try:



Noticing all the choices you have in a day



Pausing to feel gratitude for options in your life



Making a new choice—taking a chance by breaking out of a rut

Health is the ability to think of solutions: When

faced with problems it’s a sign of health to be able to think of more than one way to deal with the problem (sometimes thinking of ridiculous solutions helps lighten the mood, too!).

Try:



Brainstorming for ten minutes—no idea is too silly



Thinking aloud with another person



Journaling about your dilemma

Health is being emotionally alive: None of us is happy or

content all the time, and it’s important to be connected to all our feelings, even though we won’t act on them all. Without our feelings we walk around in a grey fog, unaware of ourselves or others.

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Joanne Klassen

Try:



Checking in with yourself periodically: “How am I feeling now?”



If you notice one feeling over and over, wonder about its message



See if you can figure out what others are feeling by watching them

Health is having close relationships: Even

though some of us like more alone time than others, it’s important for us all to have at least a few people in our lives that we can be open and totally ourselves with. To have someone know you and accept you as you are, and to extend that kind of love and acceptance to others is wondrous!

Try:



Making time for relationships—they’re as important as chores!



Inviting a friend for coffee



Telling someone, “I like you…”, or “You’re important to me.”

Health is spiritual attunement: Being spiritually

awake can happen in so many ways. For some, contact with nature’s beauty is a vivid reminder of God; for others it’s the thumping of their heart when they’re involved in sports, the silence of meditation, or the joy of service to others—and the list could go on.

Try:



Noticing the difference between “I should…” and “I would like to…”



Look around you with new eyes—see colours, feel the sun, etc.



T Deep breathing—God is the breath of life. M

Joanne Klassen, Recovery of Hope, Winnipeg, Man.

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

WITH OUR MISSIONARIES Burkina Faso

Translating the story of Jacob for the Siamou people ALLAH AKBAR, ALLAH AKBAR, “Allah is Great, Allah is Great.” This call to prayer echoes through the village of Tin five times a day.

On a February Friday morning in Tin, two men from the village agreed to come and listen to the Siamou reading of the Jacob story. Early that morning another friend stopped by and accepted my invitation to join them.

Our reading needed to be done before noon so that they could go to the mosque to pray. As we read about the birth of Jacob and Esau, they agreed that in Siamou culture, it is the second twin that is born who is the oldest, not the first one! This makes Jacob the older brother!

We had a good session with lots of discussion and agreed to meet again one week later—again on Friday morning—to listen to the last half of the story.

Solo, the Siamou translator, loved this story because he connected with so many details. Like Jacob, Solo had worked for years cultivating fields for his future father-in-law. Siamou people understand many aspects of this story

Indeed, God is great. He is making it possible for Siamou Bible translation to continue even while our family lives in Canada this year.

very well: herding sheep, a man marrying his mother’s brother’s daughter, the custom of giving your oldest daughter in marriage before the younger one, and the significance of dreams.

The second Friday meeting was the highlight of my February trip. The three men Solo and Paul with others assisting in the translation. came again, but this time a fourth one joined them. There was an animated session of retelling the passages from Exodus.

Indeed, God is great. He is making it previous Friday’s story so that he could hear it as well. They helped us improve possible for Siamou Bible translation to the translation by recommending some continue even while our family lives in changes in the expressions, so that the Canada this year. We started translating Siamou would be more pure and correct. the Jacob story when I was in Burkina Again we stopped before noon, so that Faso last November. Solo and Lillian they could go to the mosque for the Nicolson continued the translation in December and January, sending me their Friday prayers.

All of us had the opportunity to learn rough drafts by internet. In January we something new about God that day: The discussed some of the changes, using God who speaks to His people. The God our computers to communicate. And on who calls people to follow Him. The God my second visit, we got input from people who transforms deceitful people into in the village, followed by checking faithful people. The God who wants a the translation with a translation covenant relationship with those consultant.

We are thankful, because the God of whom He has created. The God who Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is helping the is with us wherever we go.

The Jacob story was the last of the Siamou Bible translation to progress.

Paul Thiessen Genesis stories that we translated, following the stories of Adam, Noah, Abraham and Joseph. Our plan is to continue translation with selected

Solo, Lillian, and others

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

Paul and Lois Thiessen (Blumenort) serve with Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission in literacy and translation work among the Siamou people of Burkina Faso, Africa.

They are currently doing this work from their home in Steinbach, Man.

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WITH OUR MISSIONARIES Papua New Guinea

Why I do what I do I want to tell you a story. It is the story of how God got hold of a 17-year-old guy and rerouted the course of his life. It is the story of a changed life—my life!

It starts on the other side of the globe.

It is 1992. I am on a six-week mission exposure trip called Interface to the island of Papua New Guinea. A group of about 60 youth from all over the world have come together to see tribal church planting up close.

We have spent significant time in the classroom with seasoned missionaries who have told us of their vision for the lost people groups. We have spent time with the people of a nearby village learning language and culture the way real missionaries do.

Now it is time to travel. Trucks drive us had never heard “God’s talk,” as they We now embark on a new chapter— early in the morning to an airbase where call it over here; villages of people, many one I never envisioned when this all we will be flown up into the mountains with different languages to the ones began. This summer we will move to for a week of exposure to a real live tribal nearest them.

Wisconsin to join the staff of New Tribes church planting setting. The small plane My mind is stunned. How can this Bible Institute. There Kim and I and our takes us for an hour or so over some of be? How is it that the Good News is so boys will get to be involved in training the most wicked-looking, mountainous accessible at home in Canada but out many young people for tribal church jungle imaginable…and all at once I see here it is a rarity to so many? planting like I saw in 1992. something!

We will have the privilege of It’s a clearing. And a little challenging hundreds of youth house. No roads or anything, as they head out to the villages That summer I decided I would be one of those who just this little place out in the of the world who have not yet take the Good News to those who have no chance of middle of nowhere up on a heard. mountain. And I start thinking, So why do I do what I do? ever hearing unless someone goes to them, learns “How did these people get As I sit here at my desk, my their language and tells them “God’s talk.” here?” mind roams back to that little Oh! There’s another house house on the mountain and the and a little garden hanging kind fires in the darkness. of cockeye on the side of a mountain. My He read us some letters from some of How will they hear unless someone mind roams again, “So how do people these very people groups and to this day tells them? like this ever hear the good news of their words still ring in my mind: Dave Field Jesus’ death for their sins?”

“Send us a missionary!”

“Maybe they could walk out “We have no one to tell us God’s talk.” somewhere and talk to someone who “We know we are going to the fire and knows…” have no one to help us.”

“But how would they ever know to That summer I decided what my life do that? These guys are weeks of brutal was going to be about. I would be one of hiking away from anything. As far as I can those who take the Good News to these see they are entirely cut off from the rest kinds of people. To those who have no of the earth! ” chance of ever hearing unless someone Later on, as we sit around a fire goes to them, learns their language and with the missionary, I have another tells them “God’s talk.” revelation.

That was 17 years ago. And the road “Look around you,” he says, pointing that started back in the mountains of into the darkness that had enveloped PNG has been the most amazing journey the surrounding mountains. “Look at the of God’s faithfulness. From the former fires.”

Soviet Union to the Arctic, the Lord Dave and Kim Field (Steinbach EMC) are He begins to name the distant villages has led our family in pointing men and missionaries with New Tribes Mission. one by one. I count eight: Villages who women to Christ.

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THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

WITH OUR CHURCHES

Christmas, annual meeting, and missions weekend at PFC Pelly, Sask.: On December 21, Pelly Fellowship Chapel held a program as part of our Christmas celebrations.

Attendance was good, the message was clear, and the fellowship that followed was warm even though the outdoors was very frosty.

The annual meeting in January was a time for changes in some positions and responsibilities. Concerns and ideas were brought forth, goals were set, and plans Mary Frampton, Mary Janzen and Twyla Johnson (holding son Kobe) were made for the future—all celebrated their birthdays during the month of February. They are with a sincere desire to be pictured here at the PFC prayer pal party held February 12. within God’s will and work in unity as part of the family of God. On January 22, students and staff Region 3. On Friday evening, Mary Beth from Living Word Bible College in Swan Penner serving with SIM Canada made River presented a program in the Chapel. a presentation. She expected to be on her way to Peru by late March. Garry It is always a blessing to have them.

The afternoon of February 12, the Barkman with New Tribes Aviation spoke ladies gathered to reveal prayer pals for Saturday morning at a well-attended the past year and to begin anew. After men’s breakfast. Saturday evening, a short meeting, gifts were distributed, Ken Zacharias, foreign secretary to the followed by a special Valentine’s lunch Board of Missions, was guest speaker. with all the trimmings that make for a Our Sunday morning speaker was Marvin Schmidt with Avant. Together party atmosphere.

February 13–15 was the missions with his family, he plans to go to Spain weekend for several churches in later this year.

Each missions speaker was appreciated for their unique and interesting presentation. They allowed the audience an insight into how God has worked in their lives and in their outreach to many areas.

Hannan Johnson and Esther Zepeda took the opportunity between games to work on their delivery.

Each speaker was appreciated for their unique and interesting presentation.

They allowed the audience an insight into how God has worked in their lives and in their outreach to many areas. It was an excellent weekend, ending with a noon meal for everyone after the Sunday morning service.

March 1 the Fellowship Chapel hosted a Funspeil at the Pelly curling rink. Many people came out to take part in the games and to enjoy the food and socializing time.

Vivian Anfinson

15th annual

EMC Golf Classic June 18, 2009 Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course Steinbach, Man.

Call Ron Penner 204-255-8062 or Burt Loewen 371-5209 for information or to register A Funspeil took place in Pelly on March 1.

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

11

WITH OUR CHURCHES

Ladies quilt for Russian orphanages Wymark, Sask.: On February 9 and 10, 2009, the ladies from the Wymark EM Church gathered for two enjoyable days of quilting.

Thank you to the Wymark ladies for your 40 years of faithful service in making quilts.

This activity has been part of our church for at least 40 years. In 2009, 35 quilts were made for distribution to orphanages in Russia. These quilts are shipped free of charge, thanks to Kramer Tractor who generously include the quilts when they ship tractor parts to Russia.

February 9 and 10 were cold, stormy days and several of the quilters drove out from Swift Current. Marie Funk and Nellie Dyck decided to spend the night at the church rather than drive back to Swift Current. The three Friesen girls, Paula, Andrea and Mandy, decided a camp-out in the church sounded like good fun. The

Wymark EMC quilters of 2009: (back) Carol Wiens, Donna Friesen, Betty Funk, Nettie Friesen, Helen Beisel, Helen Friesen, Susy Zacharias, Tena Peters, (front) Mandy Friesen, Nellie Dyck, Andrea Friesen, Paula Friesen, and Marie Funk.

five young ladies had a great time with many stories and lots of laughter.

Psalm 79:13 states: “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and forever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.”

Thank you to the Wymark ladies for your 40 years of faithful service in making quilts, and for passing on to the next generation the joy of working together for the glory of God. Marvin Allan

Christians called to represent Christ in public “Defending God in the public square is one of the most important privileges we have.”

That’s what broadcaster and columnist Michael Coren told students, staff and members of the community March 16 and 17 at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU).

Coren’s presentations, titled The Call to Represent Christ in the Public Square, In the Lions’ Den: The Challenges of Proclaiming Christ in the Public Square, and Defending the Notion of Intrinsic Human Worth and Dignity in Canada Today, were part of the university’s

Michael Coren

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annual series on proclaiming Christ in a post-Christian world.

During his first presentation, Coren pondered the question “are you complete?” His answer: Only a personal relationship with Christ can complete a person, and Christ “is there if we seek to find.”

As for those who constantly question various aspects of Christianity, especially as it pertains to suffering, Coren said that, for him, that issue is not “relevant to Christianity.” What matters to him are not the years on earth, he said, but “the eternity to come.”

The prevailing culture doesn’t like this message, he stated, noting that if the Pope would announce that he condones homosexual marriage, the media would say “Bravo!” But when he says that marriage is meant to be between a male and a female, the media would say: “Shut up!”

What people really don’t like, he said, is the idea that some things are right and some things are wrong, particularly around an issue like abortion. “On the

fundamental beliefs of life and soul,” he said, there is only right and wrong.

Coren, who opposes abortion, believes that this is one of the most important issues facing Christians today. “Who will stand up to this barbarism, if not the church?” he asked.

He went on to state that the killing of unborn children has been made easier by calling them fetuses, rather than babies.

Speaking about education, Coren emphasized the importance of “making an intellectual effort” when proclaiming Christ in the public square. Education about life and faith is important, he said, because “people want to push you into the dumb corner.”

As for how Christians can be honest about their beliefs, yet respectful of others, he said that they should approach these situations with gentleness and kindness, but should not “walk away from arguments out of fear of offending the other person.”

CMU

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

PICTURES OF GOD Joanna Plett

E

Easter Saturday: Living between sacrifice and fulfillment

aster weekend for me consists of commemorating two major events: In the almost seamless Jesus’ death on Good Friday and Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. But in the transition from almost seamless transition from the horror of the horror of the the crucifixion to the glory of the resurrection, I scarcely dwell on the experience of Jesus’ friends crucifixion to the glory that Saturday, trying to cope with his death without knowing the end of the story as we do. of the resurrection, I For the disciples, this was a time of shock and scarcely dwell on the fear. Peter and Judas were horrified that they had betrayed their teacher, their Lord. The disciples hid experience of Jesus’ in fear that the Jews would take them next. Jesus friends that Saturday, was buried, in fact, not by his disciples, but by two of his secret followers from among the Jewish council. trying to cope with Beyond fear, though, this was a time of deep mourning. When the women arrived at the tomb on his death without Sunday morning, they did not come for a resurrection, knowing the end of but to honour Jesus in his death. The inner core of disciples probably felt the grief most deeply, sitting the story. together trying to come to terms with a death that didn’t fit their understanding of who Jesus was and what he was supposed to do.

Although Thomas is often labelled as the “doubting The disciples’ lack of faith, even in the face of (what disciple,” the title could apply to all the disciples before seems to us) explicit predictions of Jesus’ death and Jesus appeared to them. The 11 who were gathered resurrection can actually serve as an encouragement for together refused to believe the women’s reports of Jesus’ us. If even they couldn’t remember and couldn’t see the resurrection. Even upon seeing the empty tomb, Peter bigger meaning behind Jesus death, perhaps our own “went away, wondering to himself what had happened” lack of understanding doesn’t mean that these events are (Luke 24:12). meaningless, but rather that the hope is yet to be revealed.

History and tradition long to establish events in precise It reminds us, too, that revelation and hope come in time and sequence, but those who experience the events stages. Although the disciples came to believe Jesus’ rarely see these sequences in the moment. Jesus’ followers resurrection and find hope fairly quickly after seeing Jesus, experienced his resurrection in flashes, as pockets of light they didn’t seem to really understand their role in the breaking into the reality of their grief: an empty tomb, a plan until weeks later when the Holy Spirit fell on them at visitor on the road to Emmaus, a miraculous appearance at Pentecost. an evening meeting, breakfast on the beach.

Jesus rebukes his disciples for their lack of faith I think it is essential for us to explore Saturday, where and forgetfulness when he appears to them after his we often find ourselves in our own faith and experience. resurrection, yet he deals with them gently, taking pains Sometimes just when we think we are finally starting to to reveal his life to them over and over again in ways that grasp what God is up to in our lives, everything collapses they could understand and believe. under us, leaving us grieving, afraid, and confused. We Herein lies our hope: not that we can understand the cannot see the hope of fulfillment through the weight of reasons, but that perhaps there is meaning yet to be pain or sacrifice. revealed. We experience the rebirth of hope in flashes, Although God never gave us a direct formula for figuring as pockets of light breaking into the reality of our grief: a out these moments, the disciples’ story reminds us that word, a verse, a song, a friend. And so we carry on through the glory of God shines most brightly from the darkest our Saturdays, remembering that Friday may yet have some T recesses of his own agony. purpose and that Sunday is on the horizon. M

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

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SBC President reflects on Leadership Conference So how was Leadership Conference 2009? This question was asked of me numerous times following this year’s conference, held March 13–14 at Steinbach Bible College.

For me, a good conference evokes passionate discussion whether I agree or disagree with the presentations. As a leader, I don’t want to be spoon-fed; I want to grapple with an issue and be challenged. I want to think critically.

This year’s Leadership Conference challenged SBC faculty to look at our lives and behavior. Concepts with which we may have disagreed forced us to look at our theology. Conversation has been invigorating and insightful.

This year’s speaker, Dr. John Neufeld, shared his thoughts on what it means to be Bible-savvy people.

In the first session he gave us his view of biblical spirituality, which includes an emphasis on the glory of God and on the sovereignty of God. Dr. Neufeld placed a great emphasis on God’s glory, saying that the cross is primarily for God’s glory. While we have sometimes minimized the importance of God’s glory, I struggle with this assertion based on two key passages of Scripture.

John 3:16 says that God came to earth because He loves us.

In Matthew 22:37–40, Jesus tells us the greatest commandment is to love God and to love our neighbour. He places this in context: “All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.” The message of the Bible is a message of love; God’s love for us and our love for Him and for others.

Dr. Neufeld’s statement, “We have great thoughts of ourselves and small thoughts of God,” challenged me to place greater importance on God in my life.

Dr. Neufeld’s statement, “We have great thoughts of ourselves and small thoughts of God,” challenged me to place greater importance on God in my life. Our worship services need to be more about God than they are about us.

In Dr. Neufeld’s second point, he shared his perspective on God’s sovereignty.

While I chose to disagree, it forced me to ponder what I believe from a theological basis, not based on emotion or an author’s or seminar speaker’s view.

In my opinion, Saturday morning was the weekend’s strongest session. Dr. Neufeld called us to an expositional style of preaching. When pastors only preach topically, they tend to preach on areas they feel most comfortable with, ignoring areas of discomfort.

In the final session, Dr. Neufeld presented a model for biblical leadership, outlining the qualities and tasks of an elder. Elders are to devote themselves to prayer and to the teaching of the Word.

While most agreed with him, this can be difficult to incorporate in a church setting where there are only one or two pastors.

So how was Leadership Conference 2009? Stimulating and stretching. I struggled with some of the concepts presented, but found myself driven back to Scripture to confirm my beliefs. I have grown in faith through dialogue with others. I have been challenged to ensure my leadership matches God’s calling.

Thank you, Dr. Neufeld.

Rob Reimer, President Steinbach Bible College

Complete Mennonite encyclopedia now online Richard Thiessen recently reached an important milestone, but his celebration was muted. That’s because everyone was asleep.

From his home in Abbotsford, B.C., on February 20 at 11:44 p.m., Thiessen posted the 14,160th and final article from the print version of the five-volume Mennonite Encyclopedia onto the website of the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia (GAMEO) online, www. gameo.org.

“You wish you could wake up everyone in the house and say, ‘Guys, I’m finished,” said Thiessen, who is also GAMEO’s associate managing editor. Instead, he said, he just went to bed.

His post concluded 12 years of work

by Canadian and American volunteers.

They have now scanned, edited and put on the GAMEO website the entire fivevolume Mennonite Encyclopedia— from Aachen (city in northwestern Germany) to Zwolse Vereniging (Dutch Mennonite congregation). It can be accessed from anywhere by anyone with an Internet connection.

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By day, Thiessen is library director at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, but he is a self-described night owl. He does his GAMEO work after 10 p.m., when his three sons and wife are asleep, staying up as late as 2 a.m.

GAMEO was started in 1996 by the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada as a project to put Canadian Mennonite information online.

Now that it’s completed, GAMEO is moving into a new phase. The first four volumes of the Mennonite Encyclopedia were published in the 1950s, with a supplement in 1990. So the push now is

to update existing articles and add new ones.

Another new initiative in process is to make the encyclopedia available on DVD, particularly for Amish, Hutterites and conservative Mennonite groups that use computers but not the Internet.

Also under consideration are posting articles in other languages. “We had assumed we’d just be an English-language thing for a number of years,” said Sam Steiner, GAMEO’s managing editor. But Mennonites in Quebec expressed interest in French-language content. GAMEO is exploring how to make that happen.

Overseeing GAMEO’s work is a board that includes representatives from Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite World Conference, Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee, and Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission.

Rich Preheim, director Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee

GAMEO screenshot

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

Tuck a musical instrument into your flight bag Planning to go to Paraguay 2009, the Mennonite World Conference assembly in Asunción, Paraguay in July? Need a great idea for a gift to leave there? How about that dusty musical instrument taking up space in your closet or attic? Or a new one? A unique program in Paraguay needs them.

Sonidos de la Tierra (Sounds of the Earth), a program initiated by Luis Szaran, the conductor of the Asunción Municipal Orchestra, provides musical instruments and teachers in poor sections of Asunción, Paraguay and numerous nearby small towns. The program slogan is: “The young person who plays Mozart by day does not break shop windows at night.”

Musical instruments of all kinds (string, woodwind, percussion, and especially brass), new, used, even in disrepair, are welcomed as donations.

Arlo Kasper of Kansas Paraguay Partners and professor emeritus of Theater Arts at Bethel College in Kansas (USA) has learned that the best way to move instruments to Paraguay is in the luggage of travellers. Larger instruments need to be boxed and checked as a second personal bag. Instrument donors should check with their airline on regulations for transporting instruments. They may direct questions to Kasper at AKASPER@bethelks.edu.

For assembly participants who don’t have an instrument to donate, check with friends who may be able to send one with you. The gift will be greatly appreciated.

It may be possible for some visiting musicians who bring an instrument to visit one of the Sonidos de la Tierra schools, make music with the students and then leave their instruments there. To learn more about the school, go to www.sonidosdelatierra.org.py/ english/index.php.

MWC

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

ELEANOR JOY (FRIESEN) THOMAS 1965–2009 Eleanor was born January 12, 1965 in Winnipeg, Man. She was the only daughter and fourth child of Peter and Evelyn (Cornelsen) Friesen. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour at a young age and was baptized by Pastor Stan Plett on June 14, 1981 at Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (EMC).

Eleanor married Kenneth Thomas in 1987. Eleanor passed away peacefully from cancer at Boundary Trails Hospital with

KATHERINE PAULINE MATHESON 1955–2009 Katherine Pauline (nee Fehr) Matheson was born on November 26, 1955, in Swift Current, Sask.

She graduated from Swift Current Comprehensive High School in 1974. Kathy spent two years at Steinbach (Man.) Bible Institute, and graduated with a Diploma of Sacred Music minor in 1976.

Kathy experienced an incredible year of spiritual growth when she traveled with the Liberation Singers across the U.S. In 1984, she graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, with Great Distinction.

She taught music in a studio, and later worked for SaskTel in Saskatoon for 10 years.

Kathy married Dean Matheson on November 17, 1990. They moved to Calgary, Alta., shortly after. Kathy’s first job took her to the German and Music Departments at the University of Calgary. Later she entered the oil and gas field and worked as a record

family at her side on April 10, 2009.

Eleanor grew up in Rosenort before moving to Winnipeg and later Winkler.

Ken, her husband for 22 years, and her children, Gregory Allan and Melissa Joy, will miss Eleanor as will brothers Harold (Sandra), Gary (Darlene), Ray (Rebecca), all of Calgary, Alta.; and sister-in-law Barbara Thomas of Hill Sound, Ont. Her nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and many cousins dearly loved her.

Eleanor was predeceased by her parents and her parents-in-law.

Eleanor deeply valued friendship and was gifted at drawing people in with her joy and enthusiasm for life. The challenges that she faced led her to turn to God and search for Him, even in the ordinary. She shared these lessons with as many people as she could, proclaiming that her joy, trust, and strength was in God, her Father.

We are thankful to Drs. Woelk and Reneyke and the nursing staff at the Boundary Trails Hospital Cancer Care Clinic and Palliative Care for their kind and loving care of our wife and mother.

Her Family

analyst for TransCanada Pipelines, Alliance Pipelines, and most recently EnCana.

In February of 2008, Kathy was diagnosed with ALS. The illness rapidly forced her to go to half-time employment in April; by August she was no longer able to perform her tasks. Leaving her job was an incredible disappointment, as was her inability to play her baby grand piano. By November she was no longer able to walk or talk. Kathy passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2009, at Peter Lougheed hospital, with her loving husband present.

She leaves to mourn her husband, Dean, her parents, Jacob and Agnes Fehr (Swift Current, Sask.), three brothers and three sisters: Jim and Carol Fehr (Medicine Hat, Alta.), Robert and Elsie Fehr (Langley, B.C.), Harold and Sandra Friesen (Calgary, Alta.), Jerry Fehr (Nicaragua), Bob and Brenda Penner (Arborg, Man.), Susan Zanidean (Swift Current, Sask.); parents-in-law Al and Yvette Matheson (Winnipeg, Man.); sisters-in-law Michele and Randy Yablonski (Calgary, Alta.), Loree Matheson (Ottawa, Ont.), and Sher and Jeff Fitchett (Ottawa, Ont.); many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

We want to express our appreciation to the staff at the ALS Clinic, the ALS Society, the many caregivers from Calgary home support services, and the staff and nurses at the Peter Lougheed hospital for the kind, loving care. Thanks also to the many friends that came to visit Kathy to lighten her load.

Her Family

(Obituaries continued on p. 18) 15

GENERATIONS Gerald Reimer | greimer@emconf.ca

Passing on our faith Eighty-eight (88) percent of the children raised in evangelical homes leave church at the age of 18, never to return.

their own. According to Christian Smith this has led to Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, defined as a belief that: • A God exists who created and orders the world and watches over human life on earth. (sbcannualmeeting.net) • God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world read this statistic recently and it generated several thoughts in my head and emotions in my heart. First religions.

• The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel of all, I was shocked at the high number. Basically good about oneself. what they are saying is that only 12 of every • God does not need to be particularly involved 100 students in your youth group (that come out of Christian homes) will continue on committed to Christ’s in one’s life except when God is needed to resolve a problem. church. From my observations • Good people go to heaven when they die within the EMC, I would say that I wonder why we (Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual 88 percent is higher than our are failing in our Lives of American Teenagers, New York, Oxford reality.

University Press, 2005, pp. 162–163).

I was also saddened to think discipleship and why I challenge you leaders to stand firm in your how the temptations of this we are not seeing calling as you disciple our students, teaching the world are so much stronger truth’s of God’s Word, which reveals who God is than the faith of our students. more maturity in our and how his Spirit transforms our lives through I wonder why we are failing in young adults. grace and love. And as Paul says in Romans our discipleship and why we are 5:3–4, model a lifestyle that, contrary to simply not seeing more maturity in our young adults, enabling them to stand strong in the Lord. being happy and feeling good about oneself, actually includes suffering, which produces perseverance, As I kept reading, the suspected cause became clear: T character and hope. M The majority of children in America have less than 10 minutes of significant and meaningful conversation with Gerald Reimer is Conference Youth Minister for the EMC. their parents each week. If you remove the mother, you See more articles at eclipseyouthministry.blogspot.com. can measure this statistic in seconds (sbcannualmeeting. net).

The first statistic implies that these students are coming out of homes where Finding our place in God’s story spiritual instruction and time spent together an emc youth are a high priority, and where the parents’ conference personal commitment to Christ governs May 15–18, 2009 how they choose to live in a counter-cultural Caronport, SK way. This seems not to be the case, and unfortunately I must admit that I, along with many others, have a lot of growing to Seminars do in this area. There seems to be a lack Pray that God would use the speakers and the content of their of intentional teaching taking place in our workshops to assist in the discipleship process of our students. homes and churches.

Of Course I’m Saved...Right? – Garry Blatz Our adolescents and teens need Beaten, Tortured, and Anointed for the King – Glenn Loewen authoritative instruction of the absolute truth I Have My Doubts – Terry Hiebert of God’s Word and an understanding of God’s Biblical Sexuality– Fiona Thiessen and Dallas Kornelson redeeming grace whose purpose is His glory.

The Bible at a Glance – Dave Reimer Unfortunately, many churches and Christian Godly Decision-making – Patrick Friesen colleges actually encourage students to abandon the faith of their upbringing and re-write their own version of faith—for the apparent purpose of making it truly for more information check out www.abundantsprings.ca

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THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

EMC and

Statement of Faith Church Practices A 25-part series

Layton Friesen

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.

12. THE RESURRECTION We believe Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead. All, believers and unbelievers, will be raised from the dead as well, the believers to the resurrection life and the unbelievers to the resurrection of condemnation. We also believe that people already enter the eternal state at the time of death.

The righteous go into the presence of their Lord and the unrighteous into conscious suffering (Daniel 12:2; Luke 16:19–31; 23:43; John 5:28–29; 20:20, 24–29; Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 1:19–26; Revelation 20:11–15).

Statement of Faith Article 12: The Resurrection

T

he church, despite common parlance, does not hope in ‘life after death.’ ‘Life after death’ is finding some existence after death. Instead, our hope is in resurrection—the occasion of God’s people being called back through death in reverse and together bursting into the new creation world with all death purged from us.

Resurrection will happen when our merciful Creator comes to us at the place where all our existence has finally ended up at zero. (Shoveling dirt onto a casket is a sobering way to bring this zero home). He comes and gives us back our life in a new way after all has been lost. Which is why to believe in the resurrection is to believe in grace.

The only evidence that this could happen is the resurrection of our brother Jesus. If Jesus is not risen,

If Jesus is not risen, then our faith is an absurdity better forgotten. Let the church live in such a way that unless the resurrection happened (and will happen) all is lost.

then our faith is an absurdity better forgotten. But his tomb was empty, and he was seen by witnesses. Let the church live in such a way that unless the resurrection happened (and will happen) all is lost. If the church loses its nerve in this awesome gamble, it becomes a mere convener of clubs and parties.

This statement announces that the resurrection of Jesus (and therefore ours) is bodily. Why? If the whole person of our brother Jesus was not rescued from the grave our whole person will not be saved either, which is to say, we are not saved at all. It’s like inviting a friend over and saying “please come but leave your left leg at home.” Only the risen Christ can now promise that who we are as humans, em-bodied, en-spirited and en-souled, will some day be changed into everything God created us to be. That’s a welcome word if you’ve suspected that eating farmer sausage (and the rest of bodily life) is for you a spiritual experience.

This statement also teaches the shadow of the good news. If our authentic appetite is for communion with Jesus, the resurrection is good news. But if our deepest longing has not been for Jesus, being raised from the dead will only awaken us in the starkest manner to the implications of the vapour we have chased. We will finally taste what we have always longed for which is alienation from God, separation from others, and removal from God’s creation.

1. Can we have both an ‘intermediate state’ of life when we die and a last day resurrection from the dead?

2. Do our funerals (patterned after Princess Di’s “celebration of a life”?) convey our conviction of grace T alone by resurrection? M Layton Friesen is senior pastor of Fort Garry EMC in Winnipeg, Man.

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

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ELIZABETH BRANDT 1919–2009

Lisa was born on March 1, 1919 in Rosenort, Man., to Henry and Katharine Brandt. She grew up on the family farm with 13 siblings, five brothers and eight sisters.

She received Christ as Savior in May, 1937 and was baptized into the Rosenort Kleine Gemeinde Church (now Rosenort EMC) on July 25, 1937.

The church played a very important role in Lisa’s life. Her personal faith in God was foundational to her life. Church attendance was vital to her spiritual walk. She gave generously to charity, knitted scarves for MCC, and enjoyed church quilting. Her well-read Bible was a source of inspiration to her. She was very supportive of the church leadership and expressed her appreciation with cards and cheerful greetings.

Lisa began her working career in the Morris hospital working in the laundry room. Her role there was to iron the clean clothes and it was done with meticulous care.

In 1963 Lisa became the head cook at the Rosenort Eventide Home where she worked many years until her retirement.

She exhibited a very conscientious and meticulous work ethic. Her co-workers were amazed at how she could prepare a meal and dirty so few dishes. In 1977 she retired and lived at home, faithfully and joyfully taking care of her aging parents.

Not only did the residents and staff at the Eventide Home enjoy her cooking and baking, but her family did also. An evening visit always concluded with a spread of her home baked cookies.

After we had eaten many of her cookies, she would keep asking if we didn’t want some more. After politely declining, she of course responded “Don’t you like them?”

Lisa held her family in high esteem.

Her parents, her brothers and sisters, her nephews and nieces brought her much pride and joy. She loved getting visits from them and always expressed

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her deep-felt gratitude. She spent many hours praying for her family. She lived her life for others. She showed a lot of care and compassion when her family or friends were sick.

During the last few years Lisa experienced some physical health challenges. In 2005, while living at the Rosewood apartment, she fell and broke her hip. As physical mobility became a factor, she moved to the Rosenort Heritage Center where she was able to receive much needed care.

In mid-November 2008 Lisa once again experienced a fall and broke her other hip. She was then admitted into the Morris General Hospital. Though she struggled in many ways, she continued to display her gratefulness for all the visits she received. The family prayed for God to put His hand on her pain and the nursing staff were puzzled that she didn’t have more pain. For this we are grateful to God for answering prayer.

Lisa passed away peacefully on March 28, 2009 at the age of 90 years.

Lisa was predeceased by her parents Henry and Katherine Brandt, her brother Henry and sister-in-law Betty, sister Susie, brother Abe, brother-in-law Frank, and four siblings in infancy: Henry, Peter, Marie, and Margaret.

She is survived by Jake (and Florence), Winnipeg; Lena, Morris; Annie (and Abe Loewen), Rosenort; Tina (and Pete Rempel), Winnipeg; Justina (and Menno Giesbrecht), Winnipeg; Elma (and Roy Kornelsen), Winnipeg; brother-in-law Jac F. Friesen, Rosenort; and sister-in-law Carol, Winnipeg; and many nephews and nieces.

Her Family

Celebrate with us!

The 50th anniversary of Island Gospel Fellowship October 9–11, 2009 Burns Lake, B.C. For more information visit www.islandgospelfellowship.com or contact Bill Bueckert at 250-692-3362 or Mike Watson at 250-692-3129 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts (Ps. 145:4).

coming events 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 2

Feast for the Senses MCC Manitoba’s FASD benefit event Vineyard Church 782 Main St, Winnipeg, Man. Art display 6:30 p.m.; program 7 p.m.

204-925-1913 mcc.org/manitoba

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

June 4

MEDA 9 th annual Golf Classic St. Boniface Country Club Winnipeg, Man. 800-665-7026 (information) 204-487-7412, ext. 231 or cjacques@medicure.com (registration) www.meda.org

June 18

15th annual EMC Golf Classic Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course Steinbach, Man. 204-255-8062 (Ron Penner) or 204-371-5209 (Burt Loewen)

June 18–20

Write! Canada Canada’s largest Christian writers’ conference Speakers: Brian Stiller, Audrey Dorsch, Ray Wiseman Guelph, Ont. 519-886-4196 www.writecanada2009.ca

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

SHOULDER TAPPING 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.

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 306595-2074. E-mail pastor@pellyfellowship.com.

KOLA EMC, a country church located 20 miles west of Virden, MB. and two miles east of the Sask. border, is inviting applications for senior pastor.

For information and to send resumes, contact Adam Bajus at 204-556-2209 or littlecreek@rfnow. com.

INNER CITY Youth Alive is a vibrant Christian ministry in Winnipeg, Man., seeking to hire a program director with strong leadership and administrative skills to oversee program staff, ensuring that they are equipped to lead their ministries. Full-time position commences in July.

For more information, visit www.icya.ca/about/ job.html. Send resumes to info@icya.ca by April 24, 2009.

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. Two-month 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.

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 service and a distinctly Low German service. This position

THE MESSENGER April 22, 2009

Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm is available to start in 2009. Fluency in Low German is an asset. To apply or for information, please contact pst@lemmc.com.

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 soft ware, 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.

HEAD COOK and kitchen prep staff required at Camp Cedarwood. Housing, utilities, and most food provided. For further information, call Brad Plett at 204-345-8529 or e-mail brad@ yfcwinnipeg.ca.

RAINBOW CHRISTIAN School is a growing K–8 Christian professional learning community in Vanderhoof, B.C. It is classified as a Group 1 independent school. RCS currently has a staff of six and an enrollment of about 80 students, but is experiencing continued growth. Full-time

keynote speaker: Pierre Gilbert, Ph.D.

teaching positions in all grade levels are being accepted at this time for the 2009–2010 school year.

The successful candidate is a committed Christian and possesses the ability to work closely with other staff members, the school’s administration, and parents and students. The person is also passionate about growing a culture of faith and academic excellence.

RCS is also accepting applications for interim principal. Th is is for the remainder of this school year and possibly for 2009–2010. Th is is a full-time position, with 60 percent administration duties and 40 percent teaching responsibilities.

The successful application should be certified to teach in B.C., demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to serve, demonstrate current understanding of the curriculum, be a strong promoter of Christian education, have at least five years teaching experience, and be willing to teach varied classes.

Applications should include a resume, three references (including a pastor’s), transcripts, BCCT certificate, statement of faith, and philosophy of education. Submissions should be sent to Rainbow Christian School Search Committee, Box 710, 2994 Burrard Ave., Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; Ph. 250567-3127; Fax 250-567-3167; E-mail rcschool@ telus.net. Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted.

CBF CHRISTIAN School, a Jr. K–grade 8 school located in Swan River, Man., seeks a term teacher for multi grades 5–8 homeroom (September 2009 to June 2010). Must hold a Manitoba Teacher’s Certificate, be born again, and provide pastoral references. Send resume to CBFCS, Box 1630, Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0. For further information, call 204-734-2174 (weekdays) or 204-734-5702 (after hours). Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

59th annual emc convention 2009

July 3, 4, 5 riverton recreation centre riverton manitoba

radical discipleship increasing the kingdom’s footprint in our world

register to attend www.emconf.ca 19

Kids’ corner Loreena Thiessen

D

Rivers of life

o you live near a river? Where does the water come from? Where is it going? Is the river important?

In spring, people watch the river carefully.

The ice and snow melt and raise its levels. If it continues to rise it will creep over the banks and cover fields and roads. At other times, after a dry period, the river drops far below its banks.

It is because of rivers that land is settled. The first settlers to come to Canada traveled up the St. Lawrence River and built the first forts and cities on its banks.

From the banks of the river they explored the forests, rivers and lakes inland. Here they found animals for meat and fur. The waters of the St. Lawrence River flow into the Atlantic Ocean and its banks form a natural border between provinces and between Canada and the United States.

The Red River flows north from the United States into Lake Winnipeg. In Manitoba’s early days companies carried supplies using steamboats across the border into the United States. Furs were carried up the river to

The Jordan River is the river where Jesus was baptized

by John the Baptist. It is here where Jesus began to preach and call his disciples to follow him.

Lake Winnipeg where larger boats took them across the lake to Hudson’s Bay and then on to Europe to be made into hats and coats. The Red River was an important trade route in those early years.

Animals need the river, too. Geese, ducks and pelicans find their food of plants and fish in rivers.

Creatures so small you need a microscope to see them and as large as a grizzly bear need rivers for food, water and shelter.

Rivers are important for relaxation too. People raft, canoe, swim, and fish in them, and sometimes they just watch the river. You may have camped near a river and felt quite refreshed after a few days.

Throughout history, rivers have been important.

The Nile River in Egypt was important for growing grains along its shores and for its fish and seafood for thousands of years. The Euphrates River formed one of the borders that surrounded the Garden of Eden—the first home of Adam and Eve. The most important river of all was the Jordan River in Palestine. The Jordan flows from the mountains into the Sea of Galilee. The Jordan River is the river where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. It is here where Jesus began to preach and call his disciples to follow T him. Read the story in Matthew 3. M

Activity: Need: Notebook, camera, pencil, pencil crayons, a river or stream, bird book if you have one.

Do: Make sure you take a parent or another adult with you for this activity.

Watch the stream or river. Take note of water birds; are there ducks, geese, pelicans, diving birds? Look at the water’s edge; are there bugs or water insects on the surface?

Do you see any frogs?

Draw or take photos for your records.

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