The Messenger Vol. 48 No. 1 January 6, 2010

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

hope

volume 48, number 1 January 6, 2010

www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorials

In the year of our Lord 2010 ntering 2010, we do not know what exactly will happen within our individual lives, our families, our country, and our world.

At the same time, we take heart that “God is with us” in Christ. This world is still his. Christ remains sovereign and providential.

Today’s events and needs do not take him by surprise. We face, ultimately, a good future resulting from grace.

“God is Creator,” William Dryness says, “and Christ has come to mediate the salvation both of mankind and the

whole created order; the Holy Spirit is the sign of his victory and an anticipation of its consummation” (Let the Earth Rejoice! A Biblical Theology of Holistic Mission, Crossway, 1983).

When Jesus says, “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:16-18), some Christians picture hell as beating against the Church’s doors, but will not overcome it.

But, as Richard Stoll Armstrong points out, the imagery is actually the reverse: it is the gates of hell that are beat upon by the Church and hell is unable to withstand the assault. Gates

Carriers of hope and help n 2003, Stephen Lewis, Canada’s former UN ambassador, and others wrote a press release: “While responding to the severe food crisis in southern Africa, an even greater disaster has been unearthed.

“The HIV/AIDS epidemic is compounding the premature death of thousands of productive people— particularly women—across the region, and is wrecking the livelihoods of millions more while sowing the seeds of future famines.

“The incredible assault of HIV/AIDS on women in particular has no parallel in human history. Women are the pillars of the family and community—the mothers, the caregivers, the farmers.

EDITOR Terry M. Smith tsmith@emconf.ca

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Roman

rroman@emconf.ca

Address changes and submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 3 – February 3 (copy due January 22)

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“The pandemic is…threatening them in a way that the world has never yet witnessed.”

Later, Lewis visited a town in Zambia where people displayed their graded road and a community centre/school.

Just before he spoke, he noticed that young mothers and infants were in the front row; everyone else was elderly.

There “were hardly any people” in their later 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s.

How can we carry hope and help to Africa, and elsewhere, amid the devastation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic?

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. Subscriptions: Canadian subscriptions are $24 for one year, $44 for two years,

The gates of hell are beat upon by the Church and hell is unable to withstand the assault. do not attack; they reveal who is being assaulted.

Armstrong says “the church of which Christ is the builder must storm the gates of hell” (Service Evangelism, Westminster, 1979).

The Church can experience setbacks. Yet, though its posture be humble and that of a servant, its future is clear.

In this year of our Lord, let’s storm T the gates of hell! M Terry M. Smith He asked how many people were grandparents and looking after orphaned grandchildren? Most hands went up.

“There it was, visually,” Lewis wrote later, “the new face of large parts of Africa…the absent face of Africa.”

He said in 2005 that “the horrendous toll is yet to come” because it’s “simply impossible to tear the productive generations out…without facing an incomparable crisis.”

But still, Lewis says, “I live in hope” (Race Against Time, Anansi, 2005).

Christians often speak of being Jesus’ hands and feet.

How can we carry hope and help to Africa, and elsewhere, amid the devT astation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic? M Terry M. Smith

$65 for three years (Manitoba residents add 7% PST); U.S. subscriptions are $30 for one year, $55 for two years, $82 for three years; all other countries are $45 for one year, $85 for two years, $125 for three years . Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

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

MESSENGER

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

THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

writings shared Anthony Reimer

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A New Kind of Church: Understanding Models of Ministry for the 21st Century, Aubrey Malphurs (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007), 192 pp., $15.99 USD, ISBN 978-0801-09189-6. Reviewed by Anthony Reimer, administrative pastor, Blumenort EMC.

“

ow should we do church in a changing world?” Aubrey Malphurs, professor of pastoral ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary, addresses a question all church leaders grapple with.

Is our church relevant and effective, or is there a better scriptural model for doing and being the church?

According to Malphurs this question is asked because “the number of people attending has decreased considerably and the church is in serious decline.”

He suggests: Many Christians are dropping out of church.

Four out of five churches, both evangelical and mainline, having reached a plateau or are declining.

There are vast numbers of people who are unchurched. In 1991 there were 39 million unchurched Americans and in 2004, 75 million (with 65-70 percent of these people born after 1965). This does not bode well for the future church.

Yet there is growing interest in spiritual matters. The Mormons, with a projected membership of about 250 million by 2080, are the fastest growing cult. From 1990 to 2001 Buddhists have increased by 109.5 percent, Hindus by 237.4 percent, and Wiccans (self-proclaimed witches) by an astounding 1575 percent.

If his statistics are accurate, he puts forth a compelling case for the need of a new church model to reverse the evangelical churches’ decline and to capture the growing interest in spiritual matters.

THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

If Malphurs’ statistics are accurate, he puts forth a compelling case for the need of a new church model.

Malphurs suggests a new church model involves developing a theology of change. He says “a church’s view of change will have a major impact on its ability to minister.” He believes that 80 to 85 percent of churches plateau or decline because they do not know how to deal with change; yet Christianity is about change (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Malphurs also addresses the development of a theology of culture as key in a new model church. How should Christians relate to culture, what is culture, how does it affect us and what does the Bible say?

He also then shows us how to think through a new church model

in which scriptural mandates do not change, but how they are practiced and expressed change. He calls these functions and forms.

I appreciate Malphurs’ emphasis on a scriptural grid when it comes to new models. He is not touting some new formula that he has come up with, but is looking to scripture for guidance.

I found this book valuable and have personally been challenged in my vision for the church.

A few more pages dedicated to the actual implementation of the suggestions made would have been useful.

However, the author’s intent was not for this to be a “how to,” but rather to challenge us to think strategically in being relevant to the world around us. This will mean embracing change, and it may well lead to a new model of ministry for T your church. M

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hope

Because of Christ

Christians were generally disliked, despised, and discriminated against. Peter’s first word for the believers who have to live in such a world is, “We now have hope.”

Our task is to apply his message of hope to us in our times.

Arden Thiessen, D.Min.

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ccording to the apostle Peter, Christian people are the people of hope. They have not discovered, created, or invented hope. They have been born into it (1 Peter 1:3). By the grace of God they can look into the future with the sparkle of hope in their eyes.

In the past few years we have heard a lot of speculative hopelessness. For many people the future seems to have been spoiled. They talk about the collapse of the economy, of the erosion of their retirement funds, and of the loss of employment prospects. An aura of gloom seemed to have descended.

For some people the failure of hope is more specific and personal: Is there hope for the hog industry? Is there hope for my marriage? Is there hope for my health? Is there hope for my weak and struggling church? Is there hope for my son who is serving time in jail?

Our minds are besieged with such questions. Peter’s message of hope, however, is not addressed to our individual problems. Rather, he has a general message of hope for all Christian people regardless of their circumstances.

Peter’s assumption Peter assumes his Christian friends will have hard times.

Their world was not a safe place. Christians were generally disliked, despised, and discriminated against. In any city, at any time, riots might break out that would endanger their lives. The problem was that the world was so out of touch with God’s will that godly people could hardly be tolerated.

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THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

Peter’s first word for the believers who have to live in such a world is, “We now have hope.”

Our task is to apply his message of hope to us in our times. When we read his letters we notice that he preached hope without offering any exemption from the troubles of the day. The Roman government was not going to improve. Their neighbours would not suddenly compliment them for their new Christian lifestyle. Civil justice would continue to fail them.

According to Peter, life in this world will continue to seem hopeless. Still, he begins his first letter with hope and ends the second letter with a concluding word of hope (2 Peter 3:13).

In view of the hope into which we have been born, earthly troubles lose their power to ruin or corrupt us.

What do we make of this persistent message of hope? Let’s say that his hope in Christ is so powerful that all earthly hopelessness now seems inconsequential. It really doesn’t matter much any more.

In view of the hope into which we have been born, earthly troubles lose their power to ruin or corrupt us.

Now, if this is true then, we will want to understand how such a hope works.

Hope and faith Hope means looking ahead by faith. It means having such a strong confidence in some future good that one is already blessed in the present by that which has not yet happened. Some people think hope is a joke. Others despise it as an unrealistic delusion.

A theologian I read recently—an Anabaptist at that—refers to the Christian hope of heaven as a weakness; he says we should simply live courageously in the present and not concern ourselves with whatever future there may be.

Peter believes we need hope. As he sees it, we need a strong hope in a future that is beyond this world. This world is an inhospitable environment for the believer.

Life can be stressful and discouraging. However, his conviction is that with a strong hope in a heavenly future we can live well even in this dangerous world.

As Peter puts it, we have hope because of the Father’s great mercy. Every good thing we have from God is ours because he thought of us and cared about us.

It is unfortunate that many people think of God as

being, first of all, a stern taskmaster and judge. He appears to them to be a threatening tyrant whose demands they must satisfy, or else.

Peter begins by reminding us God is a Father who acts in mercy. This means he sorrows over his lost children and opens the door to let them come home.

This is why Peter’s letter starts with an exclamation of praise. Knowing such a God is a privilege. Serving him is a good thing. Worshipping him is a joy.

Hope and resurrection We have hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That was a hope event because it was a demonstration of God’s character and of God’s power.

The resurrection did not only bring Jesus back into life, it brought hope into the life of every believer.

We have hope because we serve a Lord who is now alive. We have hope because God was victorious over the worst evil that the powers of darkness could perpetrate. Jesus was executed for blasphemy, for claiming that he and the Father were one.

The resurrection was God’s vindication of the one whom they had rejected and condemned. It was God’s way of announcing that Jesus was on his side; the learned people of Israel were not. We have hope because we are assured that God can, and will, do for us exactly what he did with the dead body of Jesus (Romans 8:11).

It is important to remember that Christian hope is not created by careful logic or wise reasoning. It was brought into existence by an event. It was an event here, in our time and in our world. Jesus was dead, but then he lived again.

Because of the resurrection event believers can, in any trouble, look forward to a good outcome. Any trouble is now only a temporary bother. Christians need never use the word hopeless again.

Christian hope is not created by careful logic or wise reasoning. It was brought into existence by an event. Jesus was dead, but then he lived again.

Look at it this way: God once had a problem too.

Jesus, the messenger of his love, had been killed. Jesus, who was to be recognized as Lord of Lords and King of Kings, through whom God would bring this rebellious world back to himself, was dead. His cold, stiff body was wrapped up and stretched out in a hillside tomb near Jerusalem. (continued on p. 6)

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But God reached into this world, intervened in the natural affairs of this life with his supernatural power, and did the incredible. Jesus lived again! Once the disciples understood this, they were relentless in their witness.

God’s cause would never again seem like a lost cause to them. They lived in hope and they preached hope.

Free people Hope allows us to live as free people. The worst thing that can happen to us is that we may die. But hope allows us to reflect on that possibility without missing a heartbeat.

We may be the victims of injustice, but not be consumed by resentment because we look forward to divine justice. We may experience bereavement but not be destroyed by grief because we believe in a life that death cannot destroy.

Hope frees us from the need to be secure.

Consequently, hope frees us from the driving need to protect our self-interests and releases us to take risks for God. Hope allows us to live for God, regardless of how perilous it may be, and enjoy God’s gift of peace while T doing so. M Dr. Arden Thiessen has served as an EMC pastor, an educator, and as a moderator. He continues to serve as an educator. This article is adapted from his book/study guide on First and Second Peter, Hope for Tough Times (2009), which may be obtained from Steinbach Bible College, the EMC national office, or from him.

with our missionaries Paraguay

Notes on High Refuge ministry We present to you the bulletin version we started sending since June to those who subscribed in our mailbox: altorefugio.py@gmail.com. In it we share briefly about the activities, results, and the people we have reached out to within the month.

We celebrated our six years of life with the volunteers and board members of Alto Refugio (High Refuge). We reminisced about the beginnings of our organization and the growth we are experiencing in these years, emphasizing the initiation and development of Dulce Refugio (Sweet Refuge) as a program assisting children living with HIV/AIDS in Paraguay.

We are now planning for the fundraising campaign in favour of Life and Family living with HIV/AIDS in Paraguay.

This event’s objectives are: to promote Alto Refugio and make our principles known and to raise funds and collect goods for our drop-in centre in Alto Refugio and Dulce Refugio for the year 2010.

Our number achievements for the month of October 2009: • came by the drop-in centre: 1,529 people • new cases who joined High Refuge: 32 • assisted mothers: 95 • bus fare assisted: 179

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• people who received donation of meds: 376 • dentist appointments: 77 • basic food goods handed out: 586 • total served: lunch 824, breakfast 640, snacks 255 • educational talks on HIV/AIDS: four sites, 400 people attended.

Challenges for the months to come: fund-raising campaign and celebration of the World AIDS Day (Dec. 1) for the months of November and December; and getting our legal status in order since we are still operating under MEM and need to get under a Paraguayan national organization.

Thank you to all who contributed.

David Schmidt

Nicaragua Missions Exposure/Work Teams Looking for a vacation with purpose?

Join a volunteer team to assist in work and ministry projects (Gethsemane Centre for Children at Risk and church construction at Santa Teresa and Los Malacos). Visit churches of the Fraternity of Mennonite Churches and experience the culture, sights and hospitality of Nicaragua.

2010 Projected dates: February 18 – March 3 March 11 – 25 Team Coordinators: Lester and Darlene Olfert For cost information and application forms contact Lester Olfert Action International Ministries 9 Hickory Street Steinbach, MB R5G 0G6 204-326-7720 darlesolfert@shaw.ca

David and Judy Schmidt (Rosenort EMC) minister to people living with HIV/AIDS.

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with our missionaries Mexico

Life is full of surprises “Oh that man would praise the influence and many people in the city Lord for his goodness and his of Juarez watch American television. wonderful works to the children of Many believers in Juarez watch KSCE men” (Psalm 107:8). a Christian station based in El Paso.

I love life for it’s full of surprises.

With joy and enthusiasm I accomI love the Lord who blesses me with panied Pastor Carlos to the station surprising opportunities to serve on November 25 for his invitation to Him. This past year is no exception. participate with David and Mayela Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Diller, of the Rosedale Mennonite There is more snow in the forecast conference, for a 60-minute prayer for tonight. and share time. The surprise for me This pure white stuff has the was the invitation to join them for an power to close schools, universities, additional 30-minute prayer time for businesses, airports and borders. It the city of Juarez.

Snow shut down highways around Juarez and El Paso, Texas. brings with it the pure delight of a I resigned as a missionary with (photo: Wikimedia Commons) child even in adults who have never the EMC Board of Missions effective before experienced walking and playing you will eat the best of the land.’”

September 30, 2009. I am staying in The obedience that the Lord is calling Juarez for as long as the Lord provides in the snow. Praise the Lord!

The most recent surprise: Finally the us to is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14: humility, for me physically (enjoying excellent negative news about this city and the prayer, searching the scriptures, seeking health), mentally (sanity prevails, given violence that continues has changed. the Lord, turning from our wicked habits. the challenges He provides for me to The Lord has shown Himself to be Then the Lord will hear our prayers and be formed into the image of Christ), strong in that we have had more days bring the intervention we so desperately emotionally (as I guard my heart with of intermittent snow than most can need for the healing of Mexico. the breastplate of righteousness), This year I have participated with spiritually (make my mind obey and remember. bring every thought obedient to Christ), and financially (say goodbye to material I am staying in Juarez for as long as the things and invest in eternity).

There has not failed one of the Lord’s Lord provides for me physically, mentally, promises.

Elma Janzen emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

I am reminded of Isaiah 1:18: “‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall be white as wool. If you are willing and obedient

Pastor Carlos in counseling sessions with new believers, especially ladies.

As the LORD brings about the birthing of new babes in Christ the needs of the congregation increase.

Television is a powerful media for

Biblical Discovery Tour May 26 to June 4, 2010 Revised itinerary Ever wanted to see the land of the Bible up close? Hosted by Pastor Dale, Winkler EMMC, and covering 10 days, visit Old Jerusalem, The Garden of Gethsemane, The Garden Tomb, Nazareth, Capernum, the Mount of Olives, Beth Shean, Sea of Galilee, Meggido and the plains of Armageddon, the Dead Sea, Qumran, and much more.

This is the kind of tour that can help your understanding of the Bible take on new meaning and life as you personally experience the Holy Land first hand.

THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

The base price is $3,289.00 Can., which includes return airfare to Winnipeg, transfers and assistance upon arrival, hotel accommodation, two meals daily, an air-conditioned tour bus, site admission.

There are incidental costs (airline fuel surcharges, passport fees, driver, guide and hotel tip fees, etc.) for which you are responsible.

Call 204-325-7667 or email pastordale-wemmc@mts.net

Elma Janzen has served as a missionary in Mexico and as a guesthouse host in Texas.

MCC Manitoba Circles of Support and Accountability welcomes you to

Journeys to Wholeness An evening of music, stories and great food as we celebrate walking together to break out of cycles of violence and grow towards healthy and safer living!

Location: Crossways-In-Common, 222 Furby (Broadway at Furby) Time: 7:00 pm, February 27, 2010 Donations collected during concert. Contact CoSA at 204-9251915 for free advance tickets to qualify for door prizes!

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with our missionaries South Africa

We have come to worship Him! Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:1-2).

Many are the traditions that are embraced at Christmas! The whole world knows about this annual event though the occasion cannot be really appreciated without knowing the Christ after whom the day is named.

The Wise Men, as Matthew calls them, obviously knew nothing of Christmas as we know it, but they did know the Christ. They had never seen Him as we have never seen Him, yet they knew Him from Holy Writ as we know Him from Holy Writ. They may also have known a wealth of information from studying stars.

What is significant of the account is that they recognized that this was the promised God-sent Redeemer and they were compelled to find Him and worship Him. As we participate in Christmas gatherings, be it the activity making of snowmen, giving of gifts, memorization and recitation of poems, or singing of carols, let’s worship our God-sent Redeemer.

More churches are getting involved in orphan ministries.

One had a charity drive and gave out school clothes.

We express our sincere appreciation for your prayers, cards, emails, gifts and all manner of ways that you expressed your love to us during Olga’s back difficulty and surgery. The surgery finally happened on October 8 at Westville Hospital, here in Durban.

They fused and decompressed her four bottom vertebrae, using titanium screws and rods. Though she is still very much in a recovery mode, the operation appears to have been successful. I still put heavy containers and things on the counter, but otherwise Olga has taken over the duties in the kitchen. We are absolutely thrilled at how the Lord brought us through this chapter of life and that things look promising for the future.

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This family took in two orphans.

If you want to be better informed in God’s working globally during the early months of 2010 then you should join TEAM’s Everyone One Hundred campaign. There are no obligations except for commitments that you personally decide on.

It starts in early January so visit www.

TEAMeveryone.org and join. You will be encouraged to pray for seven amazing open doors of ministry that God has given to TEAM. You will also receive weekly emails with content designed to edify and challenge you to pray and get involved as you wish.

More churches are getting involved in orphan ministries. One had a charity drive and bought school clothes which they gave out at a church function. Two merchants from whom they had bought clothes left halfway through the meeting to fetch and donate more. It was a Godhonouring event that solidified the spirit of the community.

Another church searched for every orphan in the community and invited all to Sunday church where each received a food hamper. It had to be small because of the number, but all were blessed with a gift. The leader of this last group wrote a poem using the word ORPHAN as an acronym and answers the question, “What is an orphan?”

One line of the poem says, “An orphan indeed should know that success is

moving from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” In South Africa 53,607 child-headed households have been identified (SA Dept of Social Development).

During January 10–23, our church in Manitoba is sending a deacon couple, Dave and Kathy Driedger, to visit us. We very much look forward to this. Some aspects of work will continue as normal and we will involve the Driedgers in others. We hope to do a fair amount of travelling and would appreciate prayer for safety.

Joe Reimer

Olga and Joe Reimer (Blumenort) serve with TEAM in South Africa in church planting and leadership development.

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stewardship today Harold Penner

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A season for gift giving

hanksgiving in Canada has passed and our thoughts turn to the next holiday season of the year, Christmas, the time of year when we in the Christian community remember the birth of the Christ Child.

The season includes church Christmas programs, banquets, family gatherings, and, for some, family vacations. One practice that is included in many of these events is the practice of gift giving. This has become one time of year when we in North America most emphasize the practice of giving gifts to others.

In our families many of us may pull tickets so that each person buys a gift for one other person. We may give our younger children money to purchase gifts for family, friends, or teachers.

In our churches we may speak of the baby Jesus as God’s gift to humankind, or of the gifts the Magi brought when they came to visit Jesus, and tie these to the idea of giving gifts to others during the Christmas season.

As this practice of gift giving during the Christmas season has developed over the years, this has become a strong cultural concept that people from other cultures emulate when they immigrate to North America.

It has become a mark of being a member of North American society.

But what about other practices of gift giving? Are there other times and places when gift giving may be practiced?

Of course, we also give gifts to children on their birthdays and to adults on significant birthdays. We present gifts at weddings and anniversaries or to commemorate other important life events.

As people of other cultures migrate into our neighbourhoods, and we begin to interact with them, we soon note that they also bring a variety of gift-giving practices unique to their cultural background.

THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

For followers of Christ, reflecting on the blessings we have received from God should naturally lead to a desire to pass on those blessings to others.

One notable practice is that of gifts related to traveling. For people from some Asian countries the practice is to take gifts along when traveling back to visit their families in their countries of origin.

They will take items from North America to present when they meet their family or friends back home.

While in their home country they will purchase items there to bring back with them to present to family or friends in North America as a token of friendship.

Business people who do a lot of traveling to other countries to purchase or sell product also learn the importance of giving gifts in some cultures as a part of the business interaction. In some cultures it may just be an incentive to complete a financial transaction. In other cultures it may be a sign of relationship, and business is about relationships.

What motivates you to give gifts? Is it a business transaction, a cultural expectation or an expression of love and gratitude?

For followers of Christ, reflecting on the blessings we have received from God should naturally lead to a desire to pass on those blessings to others. One T way is through giving of gifts. M Harold Penner is a stewardship consultant at the Winnipeg, Man., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada.

For stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit mennofoundation.ca.

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with our churches

Ladies’ retreat held on November 6-8 Swan River, Man.: The men and youth of Community Bible Fellowship had been going on weekend outings for years, but the women always seemed too busy to take a special weekend off to spend time with each other and the Lord.

Finally this fall it was decided to remedy that situation and a weekend was planned at Good Spirit Lake in Saskatchewan. The guest speaker was Susie Schwartz, musician, author, and speaker. While not all ladies were able to attend, there were about 21 of us present.

Except for the first breakfast, which was provided by a few of the ladies, all our meals were made for us and eaten in the lovely dining room at the Good Spirit Lake Golf and Country Club.

Ladies gathered at the Good Spirit Lake Golf and Country Club on November 6–8.

The food was exemplary and the accommodations delightful. Saturday was filled with activities for those who wanted to take part. These included: card stamping by Karla Reader, a spa treatment for our tired feet by Sandra Pries from Brandon, walks around the golf course, and a formal dinner in the club dining room.

Susie shared her story with us during morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. These sessions were filled

with her music, humour, and candor as she shared her life story and her walk with the Lord. Sometimes there was not a dry eye in the room.

Though we returned home to the Swan Valley physically tired, I think I speak for nearly everyone when I say that we were spiritually and emotionally refreshed. A huge thank you goes to the committee who stepped out in faith to plan this event.

Betty Warkentin

About 21 ladies attended the retreat.

Marriages strengthened, renewed, and celebrated at Fish Creek Fish Creek (Calgary, Alta.): In today’s world far too many marriages are suffering, often ending in divorce courts.

It causes the destruction of family life and long-term devastation, especially to children involved.

Even sadder is that the breakdown of marriage has also entered into the Christian community.

Recently eight couples from Fish Creek were involved in a 14-week DVD study of Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.

We hear a lot today about “love” and not much about “respect.” Throughout the course, we were reminded that a woman’s basic need is to be loved

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while a man’s most basic need is to be respected.

Paul’s words to the church in Ephesians 5:33 are, “Each of you should love his wife as himself, and a wife should respect her husband” (emphasis added). We also learned that each one of us, as individuals, need to make sure

Our love and respect toward one another in any relationship should be an act of worship unto our Lord!

that our response is our responsibility in any disagreement.

We had within the group varied couples: from one engaged to be married, to those married a few years, to a married couple of 48 years.

Whether our relationships are just beginning or well established, there is always a learning curve. Most of all, our love and respect toward one another in any relationship should be an act of worship unto our Lord!

During this study, we also celebrated a milestone: 35 years of marriage for Gary and Sharon Kornelsen.

Congratulations!

Joyce Landis

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with our churches

Retreat focuses on unity cards, cycling, playing games, Steinbach EMC (Man.): As nature walks, rafting, and people started arriving at Wilsocializing. Many children derness Edge in Pinawa, Man., especially enjoyed the deer. on September 11, 2009, there “There were lots of deer and was excitement and anticipathey were used to us. I petted tion as the long-awaited church a deer and it followed me a retreat began. Participants lot,” Reegan said. “When we were greeted by the compewere leaving, I went to pet her tent and organized committee one last time and, poof, a fawn and, after registration, were ascame running out of the bush signed to their rooms. and started drinking milk from On Saturday afternoon Bambi [the mother deer].”

Pastor Garry Koop facilitated For James and Sheila the a short session to collect input retreat was “a great way to for the Core Values statement connect with others in the being developed for our church, especially from other church.

Inter-generational gathering at the retreat—an example of unity! generations.” They enjoyed Our desire is to establish a brief set of values that we all come worship service, which was followed by God’s creation, and their young daughter was also excited about all the deer. to understand and share in common. a time of prayer.

One of the highlights for Jodi was This will help with decision making and Many people drove out for the Sunday establishing budgets and bring unity of morning service, where Pastor Barry working on the planning committee. “It purpose.

Plett (Blumenort EMC) expanded on was a joy to meet and bond as a group to Our Colombian family shared their the retreat theme, Unity. He mentioned plan this weekend,” she said. “To see God story during the evening praise and the prayer of Jesus in John 17, where He answer many of our prayers and concerns prays for His disciples, “…that along the way was both amazing and all of them may be one…. May encouraging. God was with us, and it was neat to see it all come together.” they be brought to unity.”

Wilderness Edge has a reputation for Jesus wants to see in His disciples the perfect harmony great food, and we were not disappointed. that exists between Him and The retreat concluded after the His Father. Barry said, “Jesus is Sunday morning service with another praying for perfect unity in the scrumptious meal. After a weekend of Steinbach EMC, in the Blumenort rather dreary weather, the sun came out EMC, in all the churches in and shone beautifully as people drove Steinbach, in Manitoba, in home on Sunday afternoon.

Halloween is a day of controversy for Canada and around the globe.”

Throughout the weekend many Christians and evokes a variety of people participated in a variety responses. Some choose to shut their Face painting was a popular attraction at the Penny Carnival. of activities such as making doors, turn off their lights, and try to avoid it completely. Others dress up as princesses and cowboys and collect candy from their neighbours.

As October 31 approached this year, we chose to use it as an outreach to our community by hosting a Penny and Praise Carnival, which was attended by about 50 children.

The evening included all sorts of activities, such as face painting, beanbag toss, mini golf, and a petting zoo; worship music played in the background. Parents were encouraged to stay and were provided with coffee and refreshments during the evening. Treat bags were given to all the children to close the event.

Thank you to those who contributed information for this report.

Martha Kroeker

THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

11

with our churches

Heartland covers baptismal candidates with blessings and blankets Heartland (Landmark, Man.): Marrilee Plett, MC for our second baptismal celebration, opened the ceremonies with Romans 12:1-8, which encouraged everyone in the congregation to be set apart as a living sacrifice. Arden Thiessen spoke of the many baptisms in the books of Acts and focused on the story of the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip’s story in Chapter 8.

Blessings and blankets! Both were meant to cover our baptismal candidates while on their journey with God. The blankets symbolize the care of the local body and the blessings were done in the name of the Lord for the protection and nurture of his children as they walk by faith each day. All candidates expressed a bold commitment to follow Jesus and taking this step of obedience was the Heartland Community Church held its second baptism on November 15. Candidates were Ron Fredrickson, Maria natural progression of their journey.

Nikkel, Emily Nikkel, Meagan Kubanek, James Nikkel, and Jeremy Dueck.

Emily Nikkel gives God, family, and good Christian friends the credit for forward to her life with God wherever He instead of pursuing God, he pursued helping her live out her Christian life, leads her. alcohol and drugs. Tragic circumstances but also realizes that when she messed Jeremy Dueck has a heart after God. surrounding alcoholism in his family led up, God was faithful to forgive and Although he is young, his testimony is him to think more about his own life and restore her. This past summer, Emily that God has faithfully delivered him from where he was heading. was a trainee at Red Rock Bible Camp’s the temptations of the world around him.

The one day, as he watched his best counselor program. She hopes to use her As Jeremy was preparing to be baptized, friend, Champ, lie dying on the road, he skills of listening, prayer, and servant he also felt the need to be accountable. knew his heavenly Father was watching leadership in the future.

One area was music downloads. After he over him. Ron ran to get the Bible. He put Meagan Kubanek has been waiting pondered his actions, he changed them! one hand on it and prayed to God that if a long time to be baptized, and was He told us that downloading free music his dog was going to die that He not let “super excited” to be here, she said. She was like walking out of CD store and not him suffer, but if he was going to live, then had made a commitment when she was paying a dime for them. He thanked his please give him a sign. The next thing very young and as she grew up, so did parents and church for mentoring him, he knew, his dog was licking the tears her faith in God. Meagan said Christian and God for loving him. from his face. Through a series of trials, music has helped her stay focused on Ron Fredrickson shared that he first and yet, wonderful answers to prayer, God, and her involvement with ISCF, and heard about God from his mother, who Ron and his family eventually moved to this past year, Abundant Springs youth used to listen to Billy Graham on the Landmark where he met friends like Ivan retreat, has helped her to grow in her radio, and then when he and his siblings Giesbrecht and Tim Rogalsky who have prayer and devotion life. were taken to church each Sunday by helped him mature in his faith.

Maria Nikkel recently took stock of a local pastor in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

James Nikkel has maturity far beyond what really matters in life: faith, hope But eventually Ron left the church and his fourteen years. Being identified with and love. The many friends, family, Christ and his church were on his and teachers, all helped shape her heart for some time as he expressed beliefs and played important roles in his thoughts about baptism and her Christian life. Of her relationship waiting for the opportune time. with God she says, “Though God As he lay on his bed, praying and doesn’t part the waters for me, he meditating on God’s Word, James 4:8 parts the traffic when I’m late for had really spoken to him: “Come near class, and he parts the clouds when to God and he will come near to you.”

I need some sunshine, he forgives James confessed his faith in God and me when I mess up then helps me accepted God’s great love for him. fix it, and he sends me sunsets and James believes that baptism is not kittens to make me smile.” But most the end but the start of his spiritual important was her confession that walk with God. Jesus died for all of us! Maria looks Baptismal candidates were given blankets, symbolizing the care Brigitte Toews of the local body, and blessed as they follow Jesus in life.

12

THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

news

Top-notch play marks quarter-century EMCup Twenty-five years of tournament hockey within the EMC were celebrated on Nov. 13 to 15, 2009, at T. G. Smith Arena in Steinbach, Man. We celebrated the 25th Annual EMCup hockey tournament with great representation of EMC churches from across Canada. The competition level was excellent, probably some of the best I have seen in my years of involvement.

The four teams in the semi-finals were all legitimate contenders to win the tournament.

The team to beat, Grande Prairie, allowed only two goals against in the entire tournament, losing 1-0 in the semifinal to Riverton. If you didn’t see it firsthand, you should have been there. A goaltender duel and a timely powerplay decided the game.

The other semi-final match saw Blumenort lose to Rosenort in a close game.

Riverton went on to the final and beat Rosenort in a close game.

Other teams who participated were Pleasant Valley, Morweena, Fort Frances, Fort Gary, Good News, Oak Bluff,

Riverton (in yellow) beat Rosenort (in black) in a final close game.

Landmark, SBC, Ridgewood (two teams), Kleefeld, Prairie Grove, Steinbach EMC, and Morris.

Athletes in Action was the charity of this year’s tournament. Albert Martens, an ultra marathoner himself, represented the organization and mingled with fans and players all weekend. Funds from the gate admission and other donations went to help the organization. AIA will be a visible factor in the coming Vancouver Olympics.

The committee would like to thank all the volunteers, arena staff, time keepers, and referees for their part in making this a great weekend. The City of Steinbach has been accommodating, making this tournament a priority in their annual scheduling of arena events.

Personally, I would like to thank Nolan Koop and Sheldon Penner for their years of commitment to the tournament.

Colin Loewen

Cut of matching funds concerns church groups The Canadian government’s decision to abruptly terminate funding to a Canadian church organization has set off alarm bells among other church groups.

In December the government announced that it is ending its 35-year history of matching funds to KAIROS, a coalition of 11 Canadian churches and church-related organizations, including MCC Canada.

“This decision hurts real people overseas with real needs. It is these people who will bear the brunt of this decision.” said Don Peters, MCC Canada executive director.

KAIROS addresses a range of social justice and economic justice issues in partnership with 21 overseas partner organizations and about 80 community groups in Canada.

Much of KAIROS’ overseas funding came from the federal government through the Canadian International Development Agency. CIDA provides millions in grants to Canadian organizations that help the poor overseas.

The CIDA grants often enable organi-

THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

zations to match donations on a one to one basis, or better. These grants are popular among donors.

In November KAIROS was notified that its project proposal for 2009-2013 did not meet CIDA priorities.

During Question Period in the House of Commons on December 7, 2009, members of opposition parties asked Hon. Beverly Oda, minister of international cooperation, why she cut funding for KAIROS without warning.

The minister responded by assuring the House that the government will continue to support the work of member agencies of KAIROS. “As I reported to the House, there are over a billion people living in extreme poverty,” Hon. Oda said in one response.

“That is why we continue to support the Primate’s World Relief, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, the Mennonite Central Committee, and the United Church of Canada.”

Peters said the affirmation MCC is receiving from Hon. Oda provides an opportunity for MCC to speak out on the

importance of churches and churchbased organizations working together.

“MCC brings together Anabaptist churches,” he said. “But KAIROS brings together the wider church community.”

“We hope this is a decision that will be reversed,” said Deo Namwira, MCC Canada’s representative on KAIROS, who also works with CIDA-funded projects at MCC. The government has established three priority themes to guide CIDA’s work: increasing food security, securing the future of children and youth, and stimulating sustainable economic growth.

KAIROS, he said, works on advocacy concerning economic and social justice.

“These are the ingredients of sustainable development,” said Namwira.

“We cannot achieve development if these two elements are missing.

“We cannot give farmers seeds if they can’t plant the seeds. We cannot give students pens if they can’t go to school.

We cannot achieve development without social and economic justice.”

Gladys Terichow, MCC

13

in memory

DAVID FRANK DOERKSEN 1946–2009 It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of David Frank Doerksen. He went to be with the Lord on September 12, 2009.

He was born on January 20, 1946, in Central Butte, Sask. When David was 10 years of age he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and later was baptised at the Riverton Gospel Chapel.

In the fall of 1956 his family moved to a farm near Riverton, Man., where his family lived until his passing.

In spite of his battle with muscular dystrophy, Dave had a passion for the farm. It was because of his strong determination that he became very creative in inventing ways to do the work he loved.

When farming became impossible for Dave, he turned his interests towards crafts and his brother Ed’s museum. In winter he did a lot of reading and doing puzzles, which he enjoyed.

In spite of increasing limitations and health problems, his faith in God did not waver. Seldom you saw him without a smile.

Waiting to reunite with him in heaven are his parents Frank and Mary Doerksen, brothers Albert (Norma) and Leonard (Elizabeth), sisters Marianne (Patrick) and Betty (the care-giver for many years), and sister-in-law Linda (Jake), as well as numerous nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, and many friends.

He was predeceased by his brother Alfred in 1990 and his brother Edward in 2006.

Interment was held at the Geysir Cemetery followed by a celebration service at the Riverton Gospel Chapel on September 18.

We are very grateful for all the expressions of love and kindness shown by our neighbours and friends, especially the prayers, phone calls, visits, flowers, cards, and food. May God bless you all!

His Family

births BLATZ – to Dave and Aggie Blatz of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Nathan David, on May 6, 2009.

BERG – to Abe and Margaret Berg of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Carly Madison, on July 8, 2009.

BUECKERT – to Ed and Jolene Bueckert of Vanderhoof, B.C., a daughter, Emily Nicole, on August 4, 2009.

VADNAIS – to Ron and Arlana Vadnais of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Carys Johanna, on November 19, 2009.

FALK – to Dave and Susie Falk of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Ian James, on December 11, 2009.

coming events January 24 Mennonite World Conference World Fellowship Sunday Worship materials can be downloaded at www.mwc-cmm.org

February 25–26 Discovery Days Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. 204-326-6451 or 800-230-8478 www.sbcollege.ca

February 27 Women’s EMCup hockey tournament Ste. Agathe, Man. 204-346-0381

February 27 Journeys to Wholeness MCC Manitoba Circles of Support and Accountability event Stories, music, food Winnipeg, Man. 204-925-1915

March 6 SPLAT Junior high discipleship event Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. 204-326-6451 or 800-230-8478 www.sbcollege.ca

March 19–20 SBC Leadership Conference Transforming Discipleship Speaker: Greg Ogden Steinbach Bible College Steinbach, Man. 204-326-6451 or 800-230-8478 www.sbcollege.ca

wedding BRAUN – PETERS: Neil, son of Henry and Sarah Braun, and Stephanie, daughter of Corny and Donna Peters of Vanderhoof, B.C., were married on August 8, 2009, at Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship with Pastor Brad Schneck officiating. The couple lives in Vanderhoof.

14

THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

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).

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.

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.

Brightwood Ranch, near Edmonton, Alta., is a year-round facility that runs summer and winter camps for underprivileged kids and year-round programs for men and women with addictions.

We are seeking a full-time, year-round head cook starting April 15, 2010. Salary and accommodations. Head (March 1) and assistant instructors (June 22 or Sept. 1) are needed for Horses of Hope, a program which reaches hurting kids through the focus of one child, one horse, one instructor, at no cost.

Summer positions are paid. Four-month positions are: main site program director, tipi village program director, wrangler training program leader, maintenance, secretary, head wrangler, youth development program leaders, horse camp instructor. Two-month positions are: senior male and female counselors, wranglers, assistant cooks, youth development program counselors, unit leaders, nurse/first aid attendant.

Email resume to bright.wood@hopemission. com; www.brightwoodranchcamps.com; or mail to Brent Ankrom, Ranch Director, Brightwood Ranch, Box 277, Evansburg, AB T0E 0T0.

Continental Mission in Thompson, Man., needs a general director. This is an executive position. Qualifications for this position includes ministry experience, and an ability to lead and challenge missionaries in various ministries. A knowledge of the Word and a walk with the Lord are essential.

An evangelical ministry, Continental Mission (started in the 1940s) is involved in evangelism, church planting, camping, and drop-in ministries among First Nations people, mostly in northern Manitoba. The director will need to live in Thompson. Experience in working with Aboriginal people is an asset.

Send your resume to the chairman of the board: Ruben Goertzen, Box 57, Ashern, MB R0C 0E0, e-mail rgoertz@mts.net, phone 204-768-2455. Or call the interim director, Bill Penner, at 204-7788771 for information.

THE MESSENGER January 6, 2010

Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm Rainbow Christian School, in Vanderhoof, BC, seeks a principal.

RCS is a growing K–8 Christian professional learning community and has been in operation for 20 years. It is a classified Group 1 Independent School and currently has a staff of six and an enrollment of about 80 students.

Applications must include: resume, three references (including a pastor’s), transcripts, BCCT certificate, statement of faith, philosophy of Christian education.

The principal is a full-time position (.6 admin. and .4 teaching).

Send a cover letter, resume, philosophy of Christian education with statement of faith.

Rainbow Christian School Search Committee, Box 710, 2994 Burrard Ave., Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; ph: 250-567-3127; fax: 250-567-3167; e-mail: rcschool@telus.net.

Gruthal Bergthaler Mennonite Church is prayerfully seeking a senior pastor who has a heart for people and is community outreach minded.

We are an evangelical church located in Grunthal, Man., 45 minutes southeast of Winnipeg, and 20 minutes southwest of Steinbach. The town consists of about 1,000 people and is supported by a strong farming community. The church is multi-generational, with a core of middle-aged families, a strong youth program run by a fulltime youth pastor, and a strong Sunday School program.

We seek a pastor who has the heart of a shepherd and a desire to see our church grow through reaching the lost and investing in the church’s people. He should have strong preaching and teaching skills. The candidate must have a Bible college degree. Some pastoral experience is preferred. He must be in agreement with our constitution and statement of faith.

Anyone who possesses these qualifications and is interested in this position can forward their resume, along with references, to the following address: Grunthal Bergthaler Church, Box 70, Grunthal, MB R0A 0R0, Attn: Elder Board; or e-mail gbmcleadelder@mts.net.

MacGregor Youth for Christ seeks a satellite director. Job description involves giving overall

leadership to YFC ministries in Macgregor and Gladstone, Man., its staff and its ministry; vision crafting, ministry development, staff/volunteer care and development, community/church relations, fundraising, evaluation. Please contact yfcmacgregor@mts.net.

MacGregor Youth for Christ seeks a campus life youth worker. Job description involves spending time in the local High School offering student support to the local youth, as well as connecting with the local youth through the Drop-in Centre and various programs. Please contact yfcmacgregor@mts.net.

Arborg Youth for Christ seeks an executive director to help launch and run a youth centre in Arborg, Man. This exciting opportunity is revving up and will soon be ready to go with a committed team there to support and back you up.

Reporting to and supported by a committed steering committee, this person will promote the ministry throughout the community, develop the drop-in program, and supervise team members.

Applicants must be able to embrace and sign the YFC Statement of Faith and Conduct. The ability to handle administrative and financial duties will be required. Qualifications include a love for youth, drive and determination, creativity and an ability to work independently.

E-mail resume to Keith Tarry at keith@ yfcwinnipeg.ca or 325 Talbot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2L 0P9 or 204-669 4205 ext 224.

A senior volunteer couple is needed to host the EMC Mission guesthouse in El Paso, Texas, starting April 2010. This is a selfsupporting position with a one- to twoyear term of service. For more information contact Ken Zacharias, Foreign Secretary, EMC Board of Missions, kzacharias@ emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

Women’s EMCup hockey tournament February 27, 2010 Ste. Agathe, Man. Register as an individual (you will be placed on a team) or as a church team. Get some exercise, participate in a great sport, and fellowship with new and old friends.

Contact Bonnie Kroeker at 204346-0381, (cell) 392-3029, or e-mail bonniekroeker@yahoo.ca.

Registration deadline: February 14

15

missional and multiplying Barry Plett

350,000 types of beetles Ward Parkinson, coordinator of church planting, says, “In November 2009, fifty EMCers gathered in Calgary at the National Church Planting Congress. What follows is one pastor’s reflections from this soul-stirring event.” It was presented at Conference Council on Nov. 28.

I

am not into conferences and meetings, and so being here at the second all-day meeting (conference council) discussing the pros and cons of a four-day Church Planting Congress (Nov. 17-20, 2009, Calgary, Alta.), I find it hard to be entirely positive and objective.

Immensely provocative and challenging messages were shared in the plenary sessions. Here are some key thoughts.

• Would your unchurched community grieve their loss, if your church was removed from it?

• Has the gluttonous friend of sinners, who turned water wine, who allowed prostitutes to touch him, ceased to be our reference point in our antiseptic, squeaky clean church programs?

• Are you feeling burnt out because of too many honest and raw interactions with unchurched people, or the overload of committees and expectations of an inward-focused church body?

• Would we be better off if we would trade in our mission statements for lifestyle statements (BELLS) that call us to bless three people this week, eat with three people this week, listen to the Holy Spirit once this week, learn from the teachings of Jesus once this week, and send someone out into the mission field this week?

• How can creativity, adventure, and variation

If God had pleasure in creating 350,000 types of beetles, why do we think he has pleasure in only one type or model of church?

PAGE 16

thrive when our churches are determined to eliminate all risk and welcome every new layer of safety?

• The most effective metaphor for people to embrace Jesus, in the great awakening may not be the most affective one today. Why did Jesus leave us so many different metaphors of his redeeming work in humanity? Europeans were attracted to the forgiveness of Jesus because they were a guilt-based society. Africans have been attracted to Christ’s power over evil because they were a fear-based society. Asians who grew up in a shame-based society are attracted to the honoured position we have in Christ.

• How do we measure the health of our churches—by attendance, buildings, and cash, or by transformation, generosity, and accountability?

• If God had pleasure in creating 350,000 types of beetles, why do we think he has pleasure in only one type or model of church?

Then God visited me personally in a way that I am not familiar with or desirous of. After sitting through the last session, and apart from anything in particular that was said, I felt overwhelmed by a warming presence that brought me to weeping.

I do admit that I had become a little calloused and discouraged in regard to God’s ability or willingness to change and transform people who seemed stuck in their life patterns.

I began to wonder if God was really alive and interested in our lives, or if he was simply the transcendent one who had wound up the earth to let it unwind according to its random patterns. I received a new pleasure in the active presence of the T Holy Spirit. M Barry Plett is the senior pastor of Blumenort EMC.

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