The Messenger Vol. 48 No. 10 September 2010

THE

MESSENGER

volume 48, number 10 September 2010

www.emconference.ca/messenger

Women share their

stories The Father Heart of God p. 8 In Another Land p. 10 Bearing the Cross p. 12

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

editorials

Farmers in Pakistan and Canada

S

ubsistence farmers in Pakistan It is fitting and important that The amount of unseeded land in and large-scale farmers in Muslims, Hindus, and members of Saskatchewan is perhaps the highest Canada both struggle with poor other faiths know that Christians since the Great Depression. weather patterns. care enough about them to provide Government compensation and Pakistan grapples with widefood and other emergency supplies. farm insurance do little to recoup spread devastation and a slow Ironically, though, some food actual costs and losses. international response of emergency EMCers might have contributed will How do EMC farm families talk aid. Why the slow response? never be harvested because Canada’s about financial stress and its effects Is it because of donor fatigue? seed and grain farmers face varied upon their families and their faith?

“Let us not become weary in doing conditions.

When does a farmer decide to move good,” Paul counsels (Galatians 6:9).

Farmers in Manitoba’s Interlake into other work?

Is there concern about part of region, for instance, have struggled Biblical history has many stories Pakistan allegedly being a safe with poor conditions for three years. of people called to be faithful despite haven for the Taliban who being uprooted by famine fight Canadian forces in and other disasters. The It is fitting and important that Muslims, Afghanistan? “If your disasters’ descriptions are Hindus, and members of other faiths know enemy is hungry, feed him,” brief; the effects were not.

Paul reminds us. “If he is Today various types of that Christians care enough about them to thirsty, give him something help are needed both far and provide food and other emergency supplies. to drink” (Proverbs 25:21; nearby.

Romans 12:20).

Terry M. Smith

Wonderful ways of working together

T

here are many significant, appropriate, and wonderful ways that the Christian Church in Canada is working together, and the EMC is a part of it.

For instance, Love Winnipeg is a yearly, coordinated effort entered into by some of our EMC churches together with many others; other cities likely have similar efforts.

Some EMC churches enter into partnerships with other congregations for Vacation Bible School, camp ministry, youth groups, mass

evangelistic efforts, and Alpha programs.

Churches in Flin Flon, Man., and Creighton, Sask.—from two different Mennonite conferences—share in pastoral leadership. There are many more examples of cooperative ministries shown locally, regionally, and nationally.

The EMC functions within the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the World Evangelical Alliance, Mennonite World Conference, and Mennonite Central Committee.

EMC has formal partnerships with many other international organizations. Through them, by the grace of Christ, we are privileged to positively touch lives in about two dozen countries.

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

We have, as well, formal partnerships with many other international organizations. Through them, by the grace of Christ, we are privileged to positively touch lives in about two dozen countries.

If EMCers, or people you know, are considering service in wider North America or overseas, why not become more familiar with the many ministries in which the EMC is involved? What about checking out the many organizations we are connected with? You might be pleasantly surprised!

How do we best respond to wide-ranging needs in Canada and elsewhere? Part of the answer is through cooperation and coordination among parts of Christ’s Church.

EMC churches and members that display this are to be applauded.

Terry M. Smith

contents Features

Departments

8

2 Editorials

The Father Heart of God – Flo Friesen

3

10 In Another Land

4 Letters

– A teacher in Afghanistan

31 Shoulder tapping

12 Bearing the Cross

– Linda Gehman Peachey

25

Columns 5

EMC FAQ

Students, privacy, and the EMC – Gerald D. Reimer

6

Archives Alcove

1937: When Bible colleges were dangerous – Terry M. Smith

7

Writings shared

Review: War, Peace, and Social Conscience: Guy F. Hershberger and Mennonite Ethics

15 Window on missions

Whose responsibility is recruitment?

– Ken Zacharias

24 Missional and multiplying

How do you rate on the Welcome Meter?

– Ward Parkinson

34 Pictures of God

33 Calendar News

16 Burkina Faso: Dickens and Thiessens: ‘It was the best of times’

7

17

Mexico: Broadcasting good news with the tools we have

With our churches 18 Many Rooms Church Community: Of prostitutes, Kirk Cameron, and top tens 19 Braeside EMC: Elmo and Carrie share summer duties 20 Roseisle EMC: April joins in August!

Je me souviens... I remember...

25 MCC urges help in a ‘race against time’ in Pakistan 26 MCC and MEDA collaborate to help Haiti’s homeless 26 MB churches taking the ‘AC challenge’ 27 Robinson makes an impact at Leaders’ Day 27 Not a crime to seek asylum, says MCC

21 Morweena EMC: They went, they saw...

28 MDS responds to extreme Canadian weather

22 Crestview Fellowship: Love Winnipeg a great success!

28 MCC Manitoba addresses questions about MCC’s beliefs

22 Steinbach EMC: Children, the church of today

29 MCC responses to questions about MCC’s beliefs and activities

23 Mennville EMC: Volunteers were affected, thanked for service

30 2011, year of celebrations for Dutch Mennonites 30 How can Sunday School be strengthened?

Scars that bind us – Joanna Plett

32 MCC grieves worker killed in Afghanistan

Joy and finances – Dori Zerbe Cornelsen

19

36 Kids’ corner

33 Births and Weddings

With our missionaries

35 Stewardship today

Pontius’ Puddle

Be thankful!

– Loreena Thiessen

32 New MCC website debunks myths about Indigenous Canadians 33 J. Lawrence Burkholder passes away at 92

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

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THE

MESSENGER

letters Thanks for the View from the Pew

EDITOR Terry M. Smith tsmith@emconf.ca

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Roman rroman@emconf.ca

Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca THE MESSENGER is the monthly 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.

Thank you for the article Fuel on the Fire? I don’t think so! [Allan G. Lie, Sept. 2010]. I appreciated your interpretation of a difficult passage. I appreciated the fact that someone from the pew shared their interpretation.

Although I also don’t know ancient Greek, I have graduated from Bible college and in the future I plan on being a church leader.

I know that the men and women who lead the churches in this conference and who have attended Bible schools appreciate and benefit from the interpretations of the laity. Please keep offering your view from the pew.

Eric Isaac Winnipeg, Man.

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.

Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

THE MESSENGER is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man. Subscription rates: 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 7% PST. Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

A message of encouragement!

The main feature by Dr. Greg Ogden, Breaking Free: From caregiver to equipper [Feb. 3, 2010], was another message of encouragement to me as a church leader!

It was an excellent article encouraging us church leaders: • to set aside our titles • to recognize the priesthood of believers • to work towards “every member ministry” • to equip and encourage all of God’s people for ministry • to be player-coaches and here to take Jesus as our model: small groups, gifts of individuals, and continued teaching by word and example/ deeds.

Thanks for printing it.

Glen Koop Steinbach, Man.

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN #0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 Registration #09914 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund, for our publishing activities.

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 www.emconference.ca/messenger

Messenger Schedule:

No. 11 – October issue (copy due September 24)

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

iNNer CiTY YouTH aLiVe

FuNdraisiNg

Banquet October 15, 2010

Check out the new EMC website: www.emconference.ca

Calling to Connect

CHOICeS? Come explore the limits of “Choice” our inner City children face.

To reserve tickets or sponsor a table contact:

Laurie KozaK laurie@icya.ca 204.582.8779 ext. 207

www.icya.ca

?

emc faq

by Gerald D. Reimer

Students, privacy, and the EMC

A

s young people head this fall to post-secondary institutions, be sure to send us information on how we can contact them.

No, this does not conflict with privacy laws—if gone about in the right way. It’s simple: get their permission.

We desire to connect with young people from across our Conference, either face-to-face or by other means, to show our support.

We have successfully done so numerous times in past years. To do that now, we need your help.

One goal of our EM Conference is to minister to post-secondary students across the country (EMC Board of Church Ministries–Goals and Objectives 2010). It is a commitment based on the EMC Constitution: “minister to post-high school students” and “provide resources and services to help congregations with… youth work” (p. 24).

Students who attend Christian post-secondary institutions need contact with their local church and denomination. Those who attend secular institutions need contact to help provide perspective on challenges, and views, they are One goal of our EM Conference is to confronted with.

Will you let us help you minister to post-secondary students support your students?

To help them, though, we across the country. need to know where students

PIPEDA is a reality!

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is federal legislation and was passed in 2001 and fully implemented on January 1, 2004.

This privacy code, which addressed the privacy concern of many citizens, outlined the guidelines by which organizations could or could not use personal information. PIPEDA requires that you: • obtain the clear consent of an individual before you collect, use or disclose personal information about that individual

• use the information only for the purposes for which you have consent • protect the information from unauthorized access and use • keep the information up to date and correctly filed so that decisions are based on correct information • destroy information when you no longer need it for the original purpose and, • implement accountability mechanisms in your organizations to ensure compliance with the above.

(PIPEDA)

Despite communication efforts from the national office, there can be significant gaps in awareness and understanding by local churches, leaders, and members of our wider conference vision and efforts.

A new series, EMC FAQ, is an attempt to respond to this.

Some basic questions will be answered, with further questions welcomed. Please submit your question about the EMC to rroman@emconf.ca for consideration for a future column.

are attending.

If you desire get more than verbal permission from a student, a short release form is available at the EMC office or on our website, www. emconference.ca.

As a conference of churches across Canada we have the privilege, by the grace of God, to live out our faith in every sphere of society. To make an impact for our King, one segment of your congregation is probably better equipped than any other: our post-secondary students and young adults.

The Board of Church Ministries, along with other EMC boards, has a keen interest in them as people and the abilities they have to engage society around them with the love of God. Though gathering the information will take a bit more time in light of PIPEDA’s requirements, forwarding it to us will help us serve those whom you also serve. Please make this a priority.

Thank you for helping us with this. If any questions or concerns remain, please contact me.

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

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archives alcove

by Terry Smith

I

n 1937 Ben D. Reimer and Archie Penner took a dangerous step: they decided to go to Bible school. Ben’s family gave a mixed response and the Kleine Gemeinde (now EMC) leadership was opposed.

According to his daughter Doreen, Ben’s motives were “totally misunderstood”; he was neither neglecting his family (being married with two children during the Great Depression) nor lazy, but “spiritually keen and eager to learn.”

Reimer and Penner chose WBI for its emphases on “missions and evangelism.”

Ben was unprepared for the church’s “total opposition” and “the derision” from his siblings.

KG ministers showed “unyielding resistance to this unheard-of thing and the potentially contaminating influence of an institution with strange doctrines.”

The “potentially contaminating” institution? Winnipeg Bible Institute.

Reimer and Penner chose WBI for its emphases on “missions and evangelism” (see Doreen Peters, One Who Dared, 42-57, for this and more).

From 1874-75 till the 1930’s the Kleine Gemeinde had been content to live out its faith in Canada in relative isolation reinforced by language and DGR culture.

While American newspapers carried front-page stories of the wider Church’s facing major doctrinal issues, according to Lutheran scholar William Hordern, little of the 6

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

controversy (which equally affected Canada) trickled into the KG. The liberalfundamentalist storm carried on from roughly 1875 till 1925, when the United Church of Canada (the church of my roots) was formed.

When the KG WBI’s faculty and graduates of 1940: (back row) John Schellenberg, emerged somewhat Bernard D. Reimer, Randall Heinrichs, Peter Loewen, David Loewen, Alvin Mayotte, George Shunk, William Shunk, Archie Penner, Henry from its isolation, its views mostly favoured Smuland, Walter Groening, (second row) Catherine Barkman, Frank Beswitherick, Emmie Groening, Jean Carnegie, Mabel Weiss, Kethleen the fundamentalist Parsons, Verna Joyce, Helen M. Craig, Kathleen Porath, Marie Penty, side—though largely Katherine Driedger, Ann Flett, (front row) Mary Husak, Miss L. Nimrod, Mr. G. Dugard, Rev. R. W. Affleck, Rev. G. M. Blackett, Miss F. Duke, without addressing Mrs. W. J. Williams, Adeline Otto. (Missing is Ella Aageson.) questions from the wider Church’s tumultuous period. graduated from Winnipeg Bible For roughly 70 years now our Institute in 1940, their photo still conference has been an increasingly visible on a wall of that institution. strong advocate of Bible college Reimer later served as a teacher education. It is officially linked with and as principal at Steinbach Bible Steinbach Bible College and has a Institute (now College). Archie growing connection with Canadian Penner went on to earn four degrees Mennonite University. and taught at SBC and at Malone By now hundreds of our members College (in Ohio). have attended Bible colleges across What about the “influence” of Canada and elsewhere.

WBI on the EMC? It continues. Many In fact, one of our conference’s EMCers have attended, and do atcurrent strengths is its encouragetend, what is now Providence College ment of members and adherents to and Theological Seminary (relocated attend Bible college, not just those to Otterburne, Man.). preparing to become ministers or More EMC ministers have missionaries. By contrast, some obtained graduate degrees from mainline denominations struggle Providence Theological Seminary with “lay” education. than from any other seminary, Such a focus on common Bible perhaps even more than all other education fits well with the early seminaries combined.

Anabaptist movement, which And now, in turn, EMC ministers stressed the common study of (and professors) Stan Hamm and Scripture.

Cameron McKenzie influence Ben D. Reimer and Archie Penner Providence.

PHOTO: PROVIDENCE

1937: when Bible colleges were dangerous

writings shared

War, Peace, and Social Conscience: Guy F. Hershberger and Mennonite Ethics, Theron F. Schlabach (Herald Press, 2009). 724 pp. $39.99 USD. ISBN 978-0-83619-426-5.

Reviewed by Henry Friesen, pastoral team member, The ConneXion, Arborg, Man.

W

ar, Peace, and Social Conscience (WPSC) is a tribute to Hershberger, a leading thinker in the Mennonite church community. Schlabach begins with a brief biography and correctly situates Hershberger’s thought in the context of his life.

Schlabach poses probing questions about the impact of Hershberger’s experiences, and highlights perceived omissions in his theology.

While the biographical considerations are excellent, one encounters confusing time shifts as Schlabach follows Hershberger’s thought at the expense of a consistent chronology.

Hershberger was a radical pacifist (as indicated in his suspicion regarding Ghandi’s commitment

to non-violent resistance) who grounded his pacifism in scripture rather than any particular cultural or ideological sensitivities.

For the young Hershberger any form of coercion was violence, and that stance rendered any action in favour of justice all but impotent.

Hershberger deserves full credit for integrity as he modifies his thought when experiences and intellectual interactions draw attention to areas that are problematic.

Our own conference and Dr Archie Penner are mentioned in a brief account of Hershberger’s work regarding an appropriate response to labor unions (231ff).

Hershberger’s thought and life is

Hershberger deserves full credit for integrity as he modifies his thought when experiences and intellectual interactions draw attention to areas that are problematic. driven by his community values, and he was a key figure in several experiments in community living, both urban and rural.

He was also a supporter of the Mennonite Mutual Aid as a communal banding together for mutual aid in preference to institutionalized commercial insurance.

WPSC is worthwhile reading for anyone interested in peace theology and one man’s project to incorporate this theology in all of life, encompassing personal, social, and industrial, as well as national/ international concerns.

news

Je me souviens... I remember...

On Remembrance Day our nation invites us to reflect on the sacrifice of soldiers who have fought in past wars and who are currently serving with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

Anabaptist churches—as Peace Churches—observe Peace Sunday just prior to Remembrance Day. Peace Sunday is an annual occasion to preach, teach, and reflect upon the gospel of peace and to offer a witness against war.

MCC’s Peace Sunday Packet is a resource to assist your congregation in preparing for Peace Sunday. This year’s packet has been prepared by MCC staff in Quebec. Available in French and English, the packet is called “Je me souveins” or “I remember.”

This on-line packet can be found at canada.mcc.org/ peacesunday.

Additional alternative Remembrance Day resources available this year include: our popular to remember is to work for peace buttons, a three-minute video on the theme “I remember,” and a compilation of suggestions for school teachers who wish to offer a peace perspective at Remembrance Day (available in October).

MCC encourages pastors, worship leaders, and church leaders to make use of these resources. Any questions and concerns are most welcome.

MCC Canada THE MESSENGER | September 2010

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The Father Heart of

God

by Flo Friesen

A

s I stood up to speak, facing 100 beautiful Central Asian women, my heart questioned the story behind each face.

Culture rules that women in public dress to the hilt, so the brightly coloured tunics and baggy trousers were dazzling with glitz.

Many are poor now after the Soviet glory days and ensuing civil wars, but jewellery symbolizes a good bride price paid by their husbands. Acquiring a “good” woman is important, one who’ll bear many sons. Gold and semi-precious jewels sparkled in the sea of femininity seated expectantly before me.

How I longed for each woman to feel the Father’s arms around her, His cheeks of love bent down to touch her tear-stained face.

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

I was to talk on The Father Heart of God. How I longed for each woman to feel the Father’s arms around her, His cheeks of love bent down to touch her tear-stained face.

The majority in attendance were Jesus followers now. But many still struggled with the burdens of poverty, abusive husbands and mothers-in-law, and a culture that condones multiple wives.

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

Starr, the organizer of this first conference for Christian women, had shared some of their stories with me. One story resonated of typical spousal abuse (all names, except mine, are ficticious).

Marge Marge is a beautiful 24-year-old woman. When she found out that she was pregnant she was ecstatic, but her husband wasn’t and she wondered why. He asked her to have an abortion.

She had met Abdul when she was a university student; she had dreamed of finishing university and finding a good job, but he wanted her to stay home. She agreed because she loved him more than anything in this world.

After marriage she wanted to get pregnant; and, when it finally happened, her husband didn’t share her joy. Then he broke the news: he already had a wife and three children. Marge was his second wife. She was broken-hearted, and now she was pregnant.

Her family wouldn’t accept her back because it’s a shame to return to the parents’ home after marriage. A good bride price assures that the woman will not shame her family by leaving her husband.

After some time her husband insisted she accompany him to the city where he grew up. He brought her to his first wife’s home and they all lived together for awhile.

Two wives spent the night with one husband, sometimes in separate bedrooms, sometimes in one. It was his choice and they needed to obey.

After they returned home, Marge came in contact with Starr, who had just registered a new charity to serve abused women and women trafficked or coming out of prostitution. Her team offered women counsel, a room to stay, and training to start sewing or other micro-businesses to support themselves and their children. They also offer legal help when abuse necessitates divorce.

“A few days ago we took Marge (24 weeks pregnant) for an ultrasound,” says Starr. “She’s expecting a girl. But Marge is not happy and the first thing she said was, ‘I’m going to have an abortion, because my husband doesn’t want a girl; he wants a boy.’ She cried, lamenting how girls have no future.

‘If I have a girl she’ll have the same life as me.’”

“She’s broken and feeling hopeless, afraid, with no place to go. In our culture a married woman must be a happy wife with a good reputation. But no one really cares what’s happening in your life or what you have to go through to be called someone’s wife!

“To be divorced is a shame. From childhood our mothers tell us that no one will respect us if we’re divorced. Women are afraid to be condemned by society.”

“In our culture a married woman must be a happy wife with a good reputation. But no one really cares what’s happening in your life.”

Teresa Starr had also shared about Teresa: “Teresa has a tender heart. Her Mom arranged her marriage rather quickly because she was afraid Teresa’s alcoholic stepfather would rape her when Mom was not home. When Teresa found out she was marrying a man 10 years older, she was depressed.

She knew the family and that they’d be living with his parents and brothers. She also knew she had no choice but to marry. Her mother had made all the arrangements. As a young bride, her day started at 5 a.m.

She needed to do all the housework before her in-laws woke up. Her husband and parents-in-laws would beat her if she did something wrong, like going to bed before her husband came home at 11 p.m. or later. She must be the last to go to bed.”

“Now she has a one-year-old daughter and is pregnant again. Her mother-in-law does not let her eat, rest, or go to the doctor for a check up. Her husband says, ‘You’re my slave and all I need you for is to take care of my parents, clean the house, and for nights.’ She wants to run away, but where? She can’t go back to her Mom’s house with two children; that would shame her Mom. “Please pray for her; she lives in a very abusive situation—physical, emotional, sexual and verbal.

We take her to a doctor and will support her financially for a delivery in hospital, because her husband won’t take care of her.”

Having lived in Central Asia, I had learned that often the abused women did not find their way out of hopeless marriages. They simply viewed their situation as “the will of God.” Linked stories and tears As these stories flashed across my mental screen, I felt completely inadequate to address the topic of The Father Heart of God. Yet the Lord had ministered to me deeply as I had meditated on (continued p. 10)

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

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PHOTOS: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

many Scriptures on the topic and I longed to share His love.

As I began to speak, the Spirit took over and instead of following my outlined speech, I found myself sharing my life’s story, especially experiences hard to understand.

In

God came near that night as together we revelled in our Father’s heart of love. Later we ministered in healing prayer to many battered woman.

My story was not their story. Yet my tears mingled with theirs as I shared how God had come close through my birth mother’s death when I was 14 and during my eight-year struggle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome resulting from a tropical virus while in the jungle.

I spoke of the pain of a broken relationship that had been headed for marriage, of the inexplicable pain of watching a sister struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, and my stepmother’s current struggle with dementia.

My experiences logically didn’t touch their world of abuses and cultural norms stranger than fiction. Yet my tears and stories of how God’s love had touched my heart deeply through each pain, each question that didn’t seem to have an answer, but also through each miracle of answered prayer, seemed to strengthen their faith to trust the Father’s words: I knew you before you were born I gave my life for you and forgive you I delight in you, my daughter I rejoice over you with singing I hold you in the palm of my hand I will never leave you or forsake you And God came near that night as together we revelled in our Father’s heart of love. Later we ministered in healing prayer to many battered woman.

I wondered how the stories could consistently be so sad. I marvelled how Jesus came and brought words of comfort and healing.

Freedom from brokenness and hopelessness was also a part of our Father’s compassionate plan for women “at risk” in Central Asia.

Flo Friesen (left) has worked for many years as an educator in crosscultural situations, with a strong concern for women and children at risk. She is pictured here with a Central Asian woman who received a micro-loan through an organization supported by EMC Project Builders.

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

A Reflection on Walking on the Streets of Kabul

T

he trusted hiking shoes step over the door jam of the metal clad gate. Another sunrise, another day, another trip into the outside world. The dust puffs settle gently after every step.

Ancient, rusty, overloaded cars, dilapidated beyond repair slowly bounce along beside the confident feet. The way is uneven, pitted with potholes and speed dips.

The main street is crammed: hippie buses from the 60’s overflowing with people, Toyota Corollas honking, donkeys and men pulling carts, shiny SUVs speeding, cutting, weaving as if on a race course, fruit vendors with their stands, cyclists and pedestrians manoeuvring the maze. Earthen-brown side roads are peaceful and quiet.

The garbage: containers, cans, cloth, plastics, and rotting food scraps line the ditches of the street. The approaching goat and sheep herd is ready to devour anything edible. The smell of refuse exits the holes in the wall before the material snakes its way through the garbage, always downhill.

The khaki mountains, unmoveable, confident, but bearing scars, peer upon the city. They have seen much trauma and war and still remain, speaking hope, as they do every morning in the fresh, crisp air that would soon be full of dust and exhaust fumes.

Another Land by a teacher in Afghanistan

Entering again. Why is it such a big deal?

Because I immediately notice that I am female, and alone, unaccompanied by a protective male.

No sweat yet drips from the armpits in three layers of cloth. The heat is just beginning to accumulate on the covered and hidden head.

Friendly smiles are hidden. Women are home cooking and cleaning. The scrawny boys, dirty and tough, ignore the foreigner, intent on their torn, tattered and borrowed soccer ball. Their arguing and loud voices bring normalcy to the steps.

White cloth-draped men exchange stories on the street corner as their x-raying eyes look me over. To meet their eyes would be an invitation.

I turn the corner, ring the bell, and step over the door jam. Back inside.

Re-entry – Return to Kabul

Muslims. Oh, the land of the Muslim. Entering again. Why is it such a big deal? Because I immediately notice that I am female, and alone, unaccompanied by a protective male. But I fly, I live, I move, I enter Pakistan and Afghanistan under the protection of God, my Father and husband; Jesus, my brother and friend; and the Holy Spirit, my guide and comfort. I do not enter alone.

A reflection, preparation, and prayer for a return to Kabul, Afghanistan, via Islamabad, Pakistan, in January 2009. Written in the Bangkok, Thailand, airport.

As I return, there is the sensation of going under again: the need to be aware of my surroundings and my every step, the tension in the air, the suspicious eyes. You made your light to shine upon me. Your righteous right hand holds me up.

s I prepare for the trip home to Kabul, thoughts of the cold and dust of that city return. Lord God, you provide heat, warmth, and comfort that go deep. You clean me up inside and out. May none of the cold and filth cling to me!

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

A

As we sat in the Bangkok airport Gate D1a, the crowd that gathered for the flight unsettled me.

This was not the kind of people I expected to head to Islamabad.

But there was a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam and once it left, the more familiar Pakistani crowd gathered.

Men, ninety-five per cent men, dark skin, dark hair, PK clothing: whether it be the white peron-otombon, or the cheap fake designer clothing, with that special manly walk: the swing of the arms and the shoulders that say, “I’m somebody”… and the pointed shoes.

The author has counted it a tremendous privilege to live in Kabul, Afghanistan, for the past six years. She teaches math and science in grades seven to 12.

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

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PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM

Bear Too often we think there are only two responses to evil: either meek submission or aggressive retaliation.

But we can seek other ways to respond, ways that respect both ourselves and the other while also avoiding harm and stopping the violence.

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

G

rowing up in the Mennonite church, I heard over and over again that we must “take up our cross” and follow Jesus; we should be willing to suffer harm rather than defend ourselves against violence; we should love our enemies and do good to those who mistreat us.

More recently I have struggled with these messages. I fear that this emphasis on suffering love has too often led to passivity in the face of evil.

It may encourage victims of violence and evil to simply “bear their cross” rather than seek safety and violence. It may glorify sacrifice and even death rather than promote the life and wholeness God intends for us.

This is especially true for women, who over the generations have been told to bear a “cross” of abuse from their husbands or other family members.

What did Jesus mean by urging us to “take up our cross”?

What should we do in the face of evil and violence?

ring the Cross

by Linda Gehman Peachey

1. Taking up the cross does not mean meek submission to evil. Jesus was not passive in the face of injustice and violence. He was active and assertive. That is why he was crucified. His actions and preaching threatened the ruling authorities and their control over the people. The cross did not result from timidity but from resistance to evil.

Jesus invites us also to seek ways of opposing injustice and wrong. Too often we think there are only two responses to evil: either meek submission or aggressive retaliation. But we can seek other ways to respond, ways that respect both ourselves and the other while also avoiding harm and stopping the violence.

Sometimes this may mean leaving an aggressive or violent situation, such as when the children of Israel left Egypt or Christians in the early church scattered to avoid persecution. Similarly, Mennonites have fled persecution and war, people have escaped from slavery, and women have left dangerous and oppressive relationships.

At other times, one may be more assertive, actively challenging abusive people and oppressive systems. For example, early Anabaptists confronted their religious and political leaders, the people of India pressured the British government for independence, and African Americans have struggled courageously for freedom, civil rights, respect and dignity.

Tragically, there are times when there is no way out, no way to avoid evil and death. This, too, is the meaning of the cross, the terrible reality that too many people suffer and die and God does not step in to stop it. Far too often, sin appears to have the upper hand, the last word.

2. Nevertheless, suffering itself is not redemptive. Suffering is not God’s will, not for anyone.

Indeed, by raising Jesus from the dead, God acted to undermine such violence. God was not seeking death but life. Further, the resurrection affirmed that it was not Jesus who disobeyed God’s will but

those who tried to silence him, those who sought to punish him.

Why then did God allow the crucifixion? If God could raise Jesus from the dead, why not prevent it in the first place? Indeed, if suffering is not God’s will, why is there so much death and evil all around us? Unfortunately, there are no simple answers.

Suffering is not God’s will, not for anyone.

Indeed, by raising Jesus from the dead, God acted to undermine such violence.

One might say that God allows the laws of nature to operate without actively intervening. Or that God permits evil as a consequence of human free will. Much as a loving parent desperately wants a child to choose well but cannot always make it so, God allows us to choose wrong as well as right.

Further, God allows our human institutions and social systems to also fall into sin. Created to serve the common good, these structures often end up serving their own interests and hindering God’s will.

No matter how we answer these questions, we can seek and know God’s love. We can trust God’s desire for us to grow and learn and heal. We can rely on God’s promise to be with us even through the difficult times. And this is what redeems us. It is not suffering but God’s love that has the power to bring good out of distress, healing out of pain, redemption out of sin, resurrection out of death.

3. Still, God does not guarantee our safety.

God desires that we be safe and whole yet does not always intervene, does not always rescue us from danger. Herein lies a profound paradox. Choosing life many involve risks. We may feel called to leave what is familiar and face the unknown. We may be called to challenge evil and its power over ourselves or others. (continued p. 14) THE MESSENGER | September 2010

13

This is what Jesus meant in urging his followers to “deny themselves and take up Too often the church has insisted on love and their cross” (Mark 8:34-37). Not that we grace from its weaker members yet has been should seek suffering and death, but that unwilling to require accountability from those in we have the courage and freedom to follow God’s call, even in the face of danger. positions of power. Jesus did just the opposite.

That we not let fear bind and destroy us, but that we trust in God no matter what.

We who claim to follow him—especially church The questions do not go away. How do we know leaders—must also find ways to urge repentance when we are choosing life, not death? As we risk and accountability from those who abuse and change, we will need to keep assessing the steps mistreat others. We need to learn more about the we take. Are these steps living-giving or do they dynamics of power, forgiveness, and reconciliation. reinforce the powers of evil?

And just as Jesus did, we must emphasize deeds Do they honour and encourage God’s Spirit over words. within us or do they destroy what is precious and What does it mean to “bear the cross”? There good? And do they help all involved to become are no easy answers. But let us affirm that this is more accountable, responsible human beings? not a call to simple submission and death. Rather Certainly we will need much prayer and imaginait is an invitation to life and faith. It is a call to tion as well as other spiritual and community take risks, trusting that God’s love and justice will resources to help us with these questions. prevail. May God grant us much wisdom, courage, and grace as we follow Jesus on this way.

4. Finally, God does not excuse sin or evil.

Jesus urged repentance and change, not only in Linda Gehman Peachey is director our beliefs and attitudes, but in our actions and of the Women’s Advocacy Program relationships with others. He urged people to take of MCC U.S. and a member of responsibility for their behaviour, change their Chestnut Street Mennonite ways and follow him.

Church. She and her husband Too often the church has insisted on love Titus Peachey live in Lancaster, and grace from its weaker members yet has been PA, and have two adult daughters. unwilling to require accountability from those Reprinted with permission from in positions of power. Jesus did just the opposite.

The Mennonite (April 4, 2006).

Although he expected repentance from everyone, his strongest words were for religious leaders who abused their power and exploited others.

Rest and Renewal EMC Ministerial Retreat November 27–29, 2010 Wilderness Edge, Pinawa, Man. for all current and former pastors, associates, missionaries, elders, deacons, and spouses

Cost: $159 (until Nov. 1); $170 (after Nov. 1) $75 deposit with registration Contact: Ward Parkinson wparkinson@emconf.ca or 204-324-6401

14

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

window on missions

by Ken Zacharias, Foreign Secretary kzacharias@emconf.ca

Whose responsibility is recruitment?

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he Board of Missions would like to thank the EMC churches and delegates for your participation, affirmation, and positive vote in seeing our work expand into Bolivia and Guadalajara State (Mexico).

The EMC mission program is one link that unites our 61 churches as a conference. I appreciated the July conference council meeting in Leamington where EMC church delegates discussed the expansion recommendations and asked excellent questions in regards to them.

It was good to have EMC churches make this decision.

In Guadalajara, the plan is to place a group of six to seven people who would serve together as a church planting team. We are confident that the Lord is already preparing the right people to be part of this team, and we ask that you pray with us in knowing whose shoulders to tap for this ministry.

But who should do the shoulder tapping? Shoulder tapping is done best by those who know one another; and, with this thought in mind, my EMC members

5.0

Ranked in order of preference 1–6

Ranked in order of preference 1–5

4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0

local church

missionary

pastors

BOM

Holy Spirit

3.64

2.03

3.02

2.58

4.69

attention turns once again to Shoulder tapping is done best by the local church. those who know one another; with EMC churches operate from a congregational government this thought in mind, my attention model. We value the participaturns to the local church. tion of each church member, and we give our church mema survey, which was completed by berships the authority to nominate a cross-section of EMC members and elect those who will serve in for his doctoral dissertation: the various church and conference Missions Mobilization: Promotion positions. and Recruitment in the EMC. The This model works well because two charts in this article indicate we know one another, and we have the response from EMC members confidence that the Holy Spirit gives and its missionaries on the quesguidance to his people. tion, “Whose responsibility is The Kleefeld church where Val recruitment?” and I attend, has, for example, never The survey confirms, within the asked me to play the piano or to lead EMC, that its church membership a praise and worship group because and missionaries highly value the they know that I am not gifted in responsibility that the local church these areas. They have asked and and its pastoral leadership have in affirmed my giftedness, however, the recruitment of EMC missionaries. in other areas of ministry. They are As Foreign Secretary for the showing wisdom in these decisions.

Board of Missions, this news excites A natural extension of this model is for the local church to also identify, me. I am encouraged that EMC churches believe that shoulder shoulder tap, and encourage church tapping begins at home and that the members who have the ministry gift local church should be so closely to enter cross-cultural ministry. connected in the selection of EMC Ernie Koop recently conducted missionaries.

My desire is to visit missionaries with you and to hear about 6.0 those in your church whom 5.0 you have identified as being gifted to minister 4.0 cross-culturally.

3.0 Who will be part of our missionary team to serve 2.0 in Guadalajara? Who in your congregation are you 1.0 identifying as gifted for 0.0 this ministry? Who are you local pastor/youth BOM or missionary Holy Spirit other church pastor conf. staff shoulder tapping?

4.80

4.05

3.41

3.10

5.81

1.25

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

15

with our missionaries

Dickens and Thiessens: ‘It was the best of times’ BURKINA FASO

passages from the first 20 chapters of the book. I am thankful to God for helping us to make many corrections and improvements.

Tomorrow, August 14, co-workers Lillian and Solo and I will be spending a day with the Siamou Revisors group. We will be looking at some Genesis passages together.

Then, in September, we will be working with Dr. Anne Kompaoré who will help us do some final checking of Genesis passages, using her Hebrew language knowledge to guide us.

By the way, mumar is an African dish made of the flour of ground peas (not peanuts). It is a special snack that can be cooked quickly for unexpected guests. It is Siamou friends came to greet us, we made in a frying pan over an went to visit them; we laughed and open fire. First, it is heated from the bottom. Then, when cried and played and prayed together. it thickens, it is turned upside down. When it is done, it is cut into squares and you eat it right out of the frying pan. It is delicious.

Paul Thiessen

PHOTO: PAUL THIESSEN

The Thiessen family is recovering from a most unusual and exciting experience. Can you imagine it?

Lois and I, with all our five children and also our daughter-in-law, just finished enjoying three and a half weeks together Paul and Lois Thiessen in the village of Tin. When (Blumenort) have been will all eight of us ever be involved in literacy and together in the same house Bible translation since for such a period of time 1980. Paul, his wife Lois, again? and their children were, at Siamou friends came to the time of this writing, greet us, we went to visit reunited in Burkina Faso, them, we ate many pans of where they lived in the mumar especially prepared village of Tin (pronounced for our family; we laughed Caleb, Josiah, Mona, Jonathan, Paul, Lois, Ruth, and Sarah Thiessen. closer to “tan”). and cried and played and prayed together.

As a family we also read out Mennonite Disaster Service needs YOU. loud Charles Dickens’ The Tale of Here at home.

Two Cities. This book was chosen • Could you volunteer in your town or province? by a complex process of elimination • Could you help investigate disasters in your province? that reduced a large stack of family • Could you serve on the Unit (provincial) board? favourites to a smaller stack, until Let your MDS Unit leaders know! finally Dickens won the contest.

British Columbia: Leonard Klassen . . . 604-855-2542 One by one, and two by two, our Alberta: Harold Friesen . . . . . . . . . . 403-999-4637 Saskatchewan: Ed Buhler . . . . . . . . 306-220-4543 family now begins the exodus from Manitoba: Dan Klassen . . . . . . . . . 204-324-7355 Burkina Faso, until September 3 Ontario: Orlan Martin . . . . . . . . . . 519-589-4406 Québec: Yves Bourgeault . . . . . . . . 450-754-1755 when only Ruth and I will be left to Atlantic Canada: Peter Bunnett . . . . . . 506-534-2752 finish up the last three weeks here You may also contact MDS in Winnipeg at 261-1274 or together. toll free below.

During the past six weeks Solo www.mds.mennonite.net and I have worked through all of 1-866-261-1274 the chapters in Exodus that he and Lillian had translated—selected 16

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

Broadcasting good news with the tools we have MEXICO Remember the hot summer days when the ice cream truck would come around selling ice cream?

In Vista Hermosa, where we do a lot of our ministry, the ice cream truck is still fairly common. There’s this guy that mounts his bullhorn on top of a white van and away he goes selling ice cream. A couple of times, I stopped him when he was making his rounds and bought some sort of homemade ice cream off of him.

A while back, listening to the catchy jingle coming from the ice cream truck, something dawned on me. This guy has a product to offer and drives around the neighbourhood, hoping someone has a craving for ice cream, selling them what they’re looking for.

Here I am, looking and struggling to find ways of presenting the gospel

Reviewers wanted The Messenger seeks book reviewers, of various backgrounds and interest, to review assigned titles within 250 words and usually six weeks. Payment for a review: you get to keep the book. If interested, contact Terry Smith: tsmith@ emconf.ca or 204326-6401.

in this community.

What I have to offer is not a product. I am not a salesman, but a messenger sent by God. But in many ways, the ice cream man and I are similar.

Both of us are going throughout the community, broadcasting the good news of what What would happen if the ice cream man we have to offer to would take down his bullhorn, close all his people.

The ice cream windows, and park in front of his garage with man is using the his ice cream hidden inside? tools he has at his disposal: a reputation of good homemade, well-priced The Lord has given us these tools, ice cream, a bullhorn with a cool but am I properly using them as I jingle, and a very recognizable van. seek to share the gospel with the I, on the other hand, have much many needy people in this commumore powerful tools on hand, but nity that God has placed me in? This the question is, am I using them is a question that I have to ask myself properly? as we continue to serve Christ with What would happen if the ice our lives. cream man would take down his I wonder what is the more sucbullhorn, close all his windows, and cessful venture, the sale of ice cream park in front of his garage with his or the spread of the gospel? Who ice cream hidden inside? is having more of an impact in our As a Christian, I have the most communities, the ice cream man or powerful tools in the world. First, the you and me?

Holy Spirit is working in me and his LeRoy Siemens transforming power is working in the world. I also have the prayer tool, very often overlooked, and definitely underused. Thirdly, we have the power of example. We can, and must, show the world Christ through our actions and our words.

This is not an exclusive list. I’m sure you can think of more tools that we as believers have at our disposal.

“Our gospel came to you not simply Faith and LeRoy Siemens (EFC with words, but also with power, Steinbach) are on their first term of with the Holy Spirit and with deep missionary service in the city of Vista conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5 NIV). Hermosa, in northern Mexico.

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

17

PHOTO: LEROY SIEMENS

with our missionaries

with our churches

Of prostitutes, Kirk Cameron, and top tens

the street. They all seemed eager to put as much distance between themselves and my crossed timbers as they could. As I passed, I felt the lack of hope that their sad stares MANY ROOMS CHURCH astonishment was quickly replaced conveyed.

COMMUNITY, Winnipeg, by toothless grins and they waved I finally arrived home and Manitoba encouragingly. plopped the cross down. I felt glad Down the street I saw a group of that I had elected to carry the cross weating profusely, I awkwardly teen boys approaching. They were through my neighbourhood—a set the giant cross on the sidejoking coarsely and strutting with a neighbourhood that needs the walk. The neon lights of Safeway defiant confidence. As I drew near, message of the cross as much as any cast an urban glow around neighbourhood I’ve lived in. me and people gawked as Many of you may know they sauntered by. I glanced something about us at again at my huge wooden the Many Rooms Church burden that was drawing Community (MRCC), but their attention. many of you probably know little. I asked the gang what the rest of the EMC needed I felt glad that I had to know about us and these elected to carry the were the top ten responses that I received: cross through my 10. We used to be one neighbourhood. group, but we got too big for one living room and divided The cross had been into three groups. used in our evening church 9. The three groups each MRCC covenanting service and child dedication in Thiessens’ back yard. service and I once again meet in the living room of lamented my decision to carry it they quieted and actually parted to their leader’s home. home. I sighed, picked up the cross, allow me through. “Not unlike Moses 8. Once a month the three groups and resumed my journey. and the Red Sea,” I mused with a meet together in a larger gathering.

I passed two elderly men who grin.

7. Every time we meet, we share a were stumbling along and obviously The teens remained silent until meal together. under the influence of more than just I had passed. Then, one of them 6. We take turns leading church the Holy Spirit. When they saw the smiled and yelled, “You’re…crazy, and cooking. cross their eyes went wide, but their man.” I wish I had shouted back 5. We all live within comfortable something witty and spiritual walking distance of each other. like, “Yah, crazy for Jesus.” But 4. We all live in or near the that stuff usually only hapSpence neighbourhood in downtown pens in hindsight or in cheesy Winnipeg.

Christian movies starring Kirk 3. We annually covenant our Cameron. commitment to each other and God Instead, I just gave them in a special service. a smile and a wave. I looked 2. Many of us are part of smaller ahead and saw that the next accountability groups within the few streets all had prostitutes church. working the corners. However, 1. We think Jesus is pretty cool. as each woman saw me Dallas Kornelsen coming, she quickly crossed Airo, Nadia, and Ezra anticipating hot dogs and ice cream.

PHOTOS: DALLAS KORNELSEN

S

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

with our churches

Elmo and Carrie share summer duties BRAESIDE EMC, Winnipeg, Manitoba

D

unk tank. Mega Mountain. Face painting. Hot dogs. Elmo of Sesame Street. Live Latino music.

Worship teams. Long lineups.

That was the scene on Braeside’s usually bare parking lot on a Saturday evening in August. For many weeks plans had been made to host a big carnival for the community. No one was quite sure how things would turn out.

Would the weather cooperate?

Would city folks come to a carnival on a weekend when many leave the city for lake country, fishing or other holidays? The first to arrive were neighborhood “biker” kids followed by more children and their parents.

The dunk tank and the Mega Mountain had continuous line ups.

Elmo (who, when he removed his warm disguise, also played the role of a face-painting clown) was busy posing for pictures with the smaller (and some not so small) kids.

Thirteen dozen hot dogs disappeared quickly and more had to be purchased. Everyone enjoyed the Dixie Cup ice cream.

One visitor expressed surprise at

(continued p. 20)

PHOTOS: ALLAN DUECK

Carrie Martens will return to AMBS in Elkhart, Ind., in September to begin her final year of M.Div. studies.

the fact that Mennonites could sing so well! Another one was pleased that so many community folks had come together to enjoy a common experience.

The goal of the carnival was to show community spirit, to make the community aware of who we are and to be a welcoming group. Although the forecast for the evening was for turbulent weather, the weather was delightfully warm and sunny making the turnout greater than our expectations. We attributed that as an answer to prayer.

For ten weeks this summer Carrie Martens spent time at Braeside completing a practicum or internship as part of her studies leading to a Master of Divinity degree at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana.

Carrie, who grew up in southern Manitoba, had already earned a B.A from Canadian Mennonite University and chose Braeside as the church to do her practical course work, mainly for the reason that we are a church with a diverse cultural membership.

The ever popular Elmo became the focus of many kids who recognized the friendly character from Sesame Street.

Three babies and their parents received the blessing of the congregation at Braeside in early August: (back) Pastor Angel Infantes, Pastor Kim Stoesz, with Katherine Mayrongo and Pablo Yosimar, (front) Rob and Danielle Blaich with Kaydance Isabelle, and Aminata and David Koroma with David Mahdi.

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

19

with our churches Of special interest to her was to observe how church leadership responded to and was affected by diversity. Carrie was also involved in the day-to-day responsibilities of church work.

She took part in visitation, leading a worship service at a nearby personal care home as well as presenting two Sunday morning sermons. Braeside’s Care Groups, children’s ministries and other teaching groups will also make good use of a list of resource materials that she compiled.

Carrie stated that her experience at Braeside had widened her horizons in terms of the unique opportunities available in a multi-cultural church setting.

Allan Dueck

PHOTO: ALLAN DUECK

(continued from p. 19)

Youngsters particularly enjoyed the obstacle course provided by the Mega Mountain at the carnival.

ROSEISLE EMC, Manitoba

O

n April 9, the church council hosted a movie night at church.

The movie Fireproof was an excellent choice; and together with pop and popcorn, it made for an enjoyable, meaningful evening for those who attended.

The youth group traveled to Winnipeg for a fun night on April 16. The “mall hunt” proved to be somewhat of a challenge—some of the disguises took them by surprise.

The Ladies Fellowship hosted their annual perogy supper on April 23. The funds raised at the supper go to support missionaries, kids going to camp, camp workers, as well as a variety of other projects.

May 30 was Youth Sunday, with our youth group planning and leading the whole worship service.

They ministered to us through music, games, stories, skits, puppets, 20

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

and a devotional.

Sunday School ended for the summer with our annual picnic on June 27.

We were able to spend a good part of the day outdoors, but rain forced us into the church later in the afternoon where we participated in group games and indulged in watermelon and rollkuchen (a pastry).

The youth group following the service they led on May 30.

April Bickford transferred her membership to our congregation on August 8. Her testimony reminded us of how much we need our church family and the support they give us during the good as well as the bad times in our lives.

We trust that she will continue to feel that bond of “family.”

Eleanor Friesen

August 8 celebration: Pastor Kelly Lesser, April Bickford (membership transfer), and Pam Dyck (mentor for April).

PHOTOS: ELEANOR FRIESEN

April joins in August!

with our churches

MORWEENA EMC, Manitoba

T

his spring saw many in Morweena travel with a purpose in many directions. We shared in their adventures when they came home to report. …they worked: Ed and Betty Reimer headed south in February.

Their purpose: to feed MDS work crews in Ramona, California, an area ravaged by wildfires in 2008.

While there, Ed and Betty sent back an appeal: could a crew come out for a week? Six men spent a week constructing one house and doing finish work on another. All found joy in work of direct benefit to those who had lost their homes.

Because of difficulty of obtaining building permits, MDS was only able to work on three houses instead of the 10 they had permission to build; Ed and Betty’s last duty was to help dismantle the camp they had called “home.” …they learned. Marvin Hamm went east—the Middle East—in late February as part of an MCC learning tour, whose purpose was primarily to visit Christian Palestinian organizations that MCC works with in the West Bank and in Israel.

Tour participants were distressed to learn about the conditions in which many Palestinians live: thirdgeneration refugee camps (which look like towns), having access to running water only two hours per week, and villages where Palestinian children are physically harassed by Israeli settlers on their way to school.

But they were encouraged by meeting many individuals and organizations who are working for peace, such as Parents’ Circle and Rabbis for Human Rights. Marvin and his dad Walter (Riverton Gospel Chapel) challenged us to pray for peace for the

Janelle Loewen with two new Jamaican friends.

The MDS work crew of (front row) Mel Friesen, Doug Shore (back row) Trevor Reimer, A.J. Reimer, Randy Petkau, and Bruce Reimer enjoyed the cooking of Betty and Ed Reimer in California.

PHOTOS COURTESY JANET HAMM

They went, they saw...

Marvin Hamm (right) with Khaloud Ajarama, a Palestinian refugee worker, at Lajee Refugee Centre in the West Bank.

Middle East, and for our own families and communities. For how can we bring peace to others if we are not peaceful ourselves? …they loved. After months of fundraising, our senior youth with leaders Donovan and Cathy Dueck, trip coordinators Stan and Tara Loewen, and chaperones, traveled to Jamaica for spring break.

Their desire was to show God’s love by presenting programs in schools, spending one-on-one time with children in orphanages, and doing some maintenance work.

They were stretched and humbled when schedules were ignored, their limitations seemed overwhelming, their efforts were rejected, and they said goodbye to children who clung to them.

The youth report included skits they performed in Jamaica and pictures and stories of special children.

They closed with a challenge they were given: though many children they met were not adoptable, they were encouraged to spiritually adopt the children they had bonded with and pray for them.

As we “go and see” in seasons ahead, may we be open to learning and doing what God lays on our hearts.

Janet Hamm THE MESSENGER | September 2010

21

with our churches

Love Winnipeg a great success!

CRESTVIEW FELLOWSHIP, Winnipeg, Manitoba

T

ime and time again we’re reminded “to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Our congregation is small but the Bible says “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I [Christ] am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

We’ve had a variety of missionary reports. What a blessing to hear how God is working in different parts of the world: southeast Asia, Lesotho, Africa.

God is blessing Daryl and Lyle Thiessen in Chicago, Ill., working with JPUSA. Mel and Kari Peters came for a visit also; they’re with

Mission Aviation Fellowship in Lesotho, southern Africa.

We had a joint Easter service with Crestview Free Methodist church again this year. What a celebration praising God for the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

The community was blessed with cleaning of parks, lawn mowing and general cleanup.

Our Sunday School has been a beehive of activity and has taken a break for the summer. We had our Sunday School picnic as a winddown on the 13th of June. We’ll start again in September.

Children, the church of today STEINBACH EMC, Manitoba

C

hildren were an important part of our service on Palm Sunday, March 28. Pastor Garry Koop reminded us that Jesus saw children as a blessing. He delighted in them and wanted them close to Him, and we should follow His example.

Children are the church of today.

Now they were bringing infants to Him that He might touch them.

And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him saying, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them…” (Luke 18:15-16).

That morning a number of parents publicly committed themselves to instruct their children in the things of Jesus Christ, to read the Bible regularly, to pray with and for them, and to raise them in the 22

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

church, with the prayer that, in due time, they may receive Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord.

As members of the family of God, we made a commitment to encourage these parents by praying faithfully for them and their children and

Love Winnipeg was a great success again with hotdogs, chips and pop for everyone that came.

The community was blessed with cleaning of parks, lawn mowing and general cleanup.

The people participating were really blessed and new friendships were formed. A pulpit exchange was also done, and our visiting speaker was Arden Boville from Bethel Baptist Church.

We are now gearing up for our summer VBS program, and everyone involved is getting really excited for all the children from the community expected to attend.

Sunday School and other regular activities—including prayer groups, Bible studies, and men’s group—will commence again in September.

Irene Driedger

Has Come resonated through the sanctuary.

Baptism is always a highlight for a church, and on May 30 we celebrated with those who had decided to take this next step in their faith journey. The songs chosen for the service that morning included favourites of the baptismal candi-

As members of the family of God, we made a commitment to encourage these parents by praying faithfully for them and their children. by providing a variety of ministries to help them keep these promises and to accomplish their goals.

Children also participated joyfully in the service as they re-enacted part of the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry. As they came down the aisle waving palm branches, the beautiful words of the song He

dates: The River, The Love of God, and Better is One Day in Your Courts.

Robert Friesen, Victoria Koehler, Melissa Peters and Adam Penner declared their belief in Jesus as the only way of salvation and their commitment to follow Him as Lord and Saviour. Upon their profession (continued p. 23)

with our churches of faith, they were baptized and accepted as members of our church family. Kelly Wall transferred her membership from another church.

As a congregation, we responded with this declaration: “We welcome you into our covenant community, and we receive you with joy into our fellowship. Therefore be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Martha Kroeker

PHOTO COURTESY ANNA PLETT

(continued from p. 22)

Parent/child dedication on March 28: Mike and Naomi Kornelson with Xander Gabriel, Danny and Beth Berg with Benjamin David, Paige and Jason Heide with Logan Ross.

Volunteers were affected, thanked for service MENNVILLE EMC, Manitoba

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he Mennville EMC’s summers always include Beaver Creek Bible Camp in a big way, and this year was no exception. Many of us spend a week there, five weeks or a day or two.

I spend a week there again, as I have done the past three years or so.

I thoroughly enjoy it and plan to be back there next year.

As a cook, I don’t interact with the kids so much, but you get to see the behind-the-scenes support staff and directors. It is neat to see the prayer huddles throughout the day, and the caring for each other in difficult situations.

I asked for people’s responses on how their summer went there, and here are the few I got: Aimee Brandt: This summer I took a Leadership Development Program at BCBC. As a group of 11 we learned how to work as a team and how to share God’s love with people around us. Later in the summer I counseled a

cabin of five girls and definitely made use of these lessons.

Janette Brandt: I worked at BCBC for four weeks this summer and was so excited to see God answer prayer. It was so amazing to see Him and work the whole summer in the lives of the kids that came to camp.

Elmer and Danya Zacharias (camp directors): This summer we were reminded of God’s faithfulness.

The challenges we faced this summer—injuries, exhaustion, hurting kids, shortage of staff—were always met by God’s faithfulness.

We saw so many kids come to know and experience God in new and life changing ways. All year we’ve been praying for transformation this summer, and we saw God doing that in many campers and staff; and we know He is continuing that transforming work.

It has also been exciting to see the camp grow physically. We were up to 319 campers this year (60 more than last year). We are working on an extensive kitchen renovation project

as well. We praise God for His work at BCBC and anticipate so much more in the coming year.

DVBS is also a big part of our summers. Anita Friesen was involved there and she writes: As we’ve done for many years our church held a week of DVBS for the cottagers at Grindstone Provincial Park. We had around 20 children come every night with a number of them being second generation attendees.

It was so rewarding to see the enthusiasm as they sang the new and the old songs and memorized Bible verses.

The children eagerly racked up points by memorizing verses and bringing their friends. The points translated into “tuck bucks,” which bought them toys and trinkets at the tuck store.

The rain we had one night got everything soggy but went well with our rain forest theme. On the last night we presented a short program of songs and Bible skits for the parents and grandparents followed by coffee and dainties.

The Mission Board hosted a pizza night for about 35 volunteers; it was held at our local Intregity Foods, run

by Cornie and Dora Friesen and their family, as a thank you.

Luella Brandt THE MESSENGER | September 2010

23

missional and multiplying

by Ward Parkinson, Canadian Church Planting Coordinator wparkinson@emconf.ca

How do you rate on the Welcome Meter?

I

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

’ve had a few conversations embodying the gospel and taking it  Some churches make a point to recently about how people have outside the church walls. This is a welcome visitors during the service. connected to a church. Hearing necessary corrective. But there is still This is good: 20 points. their experiences reminded me once an element of attraction to the body  But if you make them stand and again that outreach is often a matter of Christ. give their names, subtract 15! of focusing on the basics.

Churches still gather. As Stuart One young lady spoke of being Murray puts it, there is still a “come”  Some churches have a good invited for Sunday lunch, and she as well as a “go” dimension in information table or welcome centre was told to bring her dirty laundry. mission. in the lobby, which helps The host meant this literpeople find out more about ally! Their machines were the church and how they offered for her to launder can plug in. Very good! a few loads. To a cashGive yourself 30 points. strapped student those are sweet words.  But if your information Another family, new to is confusing or no longer the neighbourhood, said current, subtract 20! they got help from new church friends to unload the  Some churches focus on moving truck. One man said families, with good spaces it was when a new pastor for kids of all ages. Smart! knocked on his door and Take 45 points. simply asked if he could pray for him.  Some churches have What made the difference for us as a young These conversations organized a decent small reminded me of what made group network where couple was the welcome we received, the the difference in our own newcomers can connect caring people showed, the friends we made. connection to our conferwith people during the ence, 25 years ago. week and make friends.

It wasn’t the logo, the missions Has your church given attention Very good! Score 70 points for that emphasis, the forward vision, or the to the matter of welcome as it gathone. faith statement of the EMC. It wasn’t ers? How would your church score on  But if your small groups are old even the music or the message of the my Welcome Meter?

Bible study groups that have not worship service.  Lots of churches have signs out changed in 30 years, subtract 25.

Now, none of these things are front that say, “Everyone Welcome.” unimportant, and all have their The point with the welcome That might get you two points out place, obviously. But what made the meter is this: give good attention to of 100 on my meter. No, make it difference for us as a young couple what it may be like for a newcomer to one. was the welcome we received, the grace your gatherings. caring people showed, the friends we  Some churches station greeters Whatever you do to welcome made. with name tags at the entrance. people, do it well. If you do it with There is much talk in church That’s okay but it has a real 1990’s sensitivity, grace and authenticity: circles these days about being Wal-Mart feel to it.

Give yourself 10 100 points. more missional, about the church points and ditch the name tags.

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

news

MCC urges help in a ‘race against time’ in Pakistan A fifth of the country is under water and MCC welcomes donations

PHOTO: ZAFAR WAZIR, CHURCH WORLD SERVICE

WINNIPEG, Man.—MCC urges people to respond to Pakistan’s disaster where a fifth of the country is now under water and the number of deaths and homeless continue to climb.

MCC welcomes donations and is forwarding funds to trusted and experienced agencies working in Pakistan.

Although MCC does not have an office or staff in Pakistan, it has a history of relief and development efforts there.

As previously, MCC is sharing resources and finances with other trusted, experienced organizations—such as Church World ServicePakistan/Afghanistan—that are responding to emergency and humanitarian needs there.

In partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, MCC is supporting projects undertaken by two member agencies to distribute food kits and purchase tents.

MCC welcomes donations and is forwarding funds to trusted and experienced agencies working in Pakistan.

MCC is also shipping a container of 2,000 relief kits. These kits contain soap, shampoo, toothpaste, bandages, laundry detergent, bath towels, and personal items.

“It is a race against time,” said Willie Reimer, coordinator of director of MCC’s Food, Disaster and Material Resources program.

Church World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan has rushed emergency food and medical assistance to flood-affected communities. It is deploying more than 1,610 tonnes of food aid to more than 68,000 people in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Mobile health teams have already provided care to more than 1,530 people in flood-affected areas; more than 1,900 people are assisted in permanent health facilities in Swat Valley.

Gladys Terichow, MCC Canada

Floods have destroyed homes and livelihoods in Dera Ismail Khan District in Pakistan.

CFGB is actively responding Canadian Foodgrains Bank is responding to Pakistan’s food needs through Church World Service— Pakistan/Afghanistan and Interfaith League Against Poverty who will distribute food kits containing rice, lentils, flour, oil, sugar, salt, tea, and spices.

Since monsoon rains began falling in July, it is estimated that 1,500 people have died and 12 million have been affected by floods. These numbers are expected to rise as rain and flooding continues.

Food prices have significantly increased. It is expected that the price for green vegetables will double.

These price hikes will put vulnerable households in increased danger of hunger and malnutrition.

Canadian Baptist Ministries, Emergency Relief and Development Overseas; MCC Canada; Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund; and World Relief Canada have contributed funds from their Foodgrains Bank accounts for this relief effort.

CFGB

Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association annual coffeehouse/fundraiser October 2, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

Fort Garry EM Church, Winnipeg, Man. Great music, amazing desserts! admission by donation (receipts issued)

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

25

news

MCC and MEDA collaborate to help Haiti’s homeless Collaboration will help repair and rebuild hundreds of homes WINNIPEG, Man.—Haitians left homeless by January’s earthquake are getting construction help from a collaborative venture of MCC and MEDA. MCC contributed $1.43 million to rebuild and repair about 775 homes of microfinance clients, most of whom are women. MEDA will administer and monitor the 18-month project, expected to be completed on Nov. 30, 2011.

All recipients, plus about 400 more people, will receive training in home ownership and maintenance.

Home repairs are estimated to cost $600 and rebuilding would average $3,000.

Both MCC and MEDA have long histories in Haiti.

MCC, MEDA

Recipients of the assistance are clients of Fonkoze, the country’s leading microfinance provider, with 46,000 microloan clients. Fonkoze has been a long-term partner of MCC and MEDA. The earthquake not only claimed more than 200,000 lives (including five Fonkoze staff members), it destroyed an estimated 105,000 homes and damaged more than 200,000.

Nearly 3,000 Fonkoze clients reported not being able to stay in their houses because of destruction or severe damage.

Fonkoze will coordinate the training teams of masons and carpenters to build and repair homes that will be earthquake and hurricane resistant. Those teams will predominantly work in their home communities, north and south of Port-au-Prince.

PHOTO: BEN DEPP, MCC

The earthquake not only claimed more than 200,000 lives, it destroyed an estimated 105,000 homes and damaged more than 200,000.

Homes to be built will be similar to this one repaired for Isaac, Viola, and Estania Auguste of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. The Augustes were one of 10 families who received help from MCC through a congregation of Assemblée de la Grace, a conference of 24 Anabaptist churches.

MB churches taking the ‘AC challenge’ MBs encouraged to spend less, give more during Christmas season Winnipeg, Man.—The Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) believes that Christmas can still and does change the world. In light of this conviction, CCMBC is promoting Advent Conspiracy (www.AdventConspiracy.org), encouraging MB churches across Canada to celebrate Christmas by spending less, giving more, worshiping fully and loving all this coming Advent season.

Advent Conspiracy (AC) is a grassroots movement with more than 1,000 churches in 17 countries participating as coconspirators with projects as varied as drilling a water well for those who lack access to clean water, to providing medical attention to global communities, or simply encouraging congregations to think of meaningful acts of kindness as gift options to replace traditional gifts.

Last year, an overall $3 million was raised through AC for relief projects. This year, AC anticipates that individuals and 26

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

churches will match last year’s commitment to charitable gifts and will make a lasting impact in communities around the world.

This year, CCMBC is encouraging all 200-plus MB churches to accept the AC challenge and seek out ways to reach out to their neighbours locally, nationally, and internationally.

For information about how to get involved in Advent Conspiracy through the CCMBC, please visit www.mbconf. ca/adventconspiracy.

Check out www.regenerate2101/blog to read “Who’s in on the Conspiracy?”—a story about other MB churches that have taken on the AC challenge.

CCMBC

news

Robinson makes an impact at Leaders’ Day OTTERBURNE, Man.—On June 20-21, Providence Theological Seminary in Otterburne, Man., hosted Christian Leaders’ Day, a two-day conference that started with a community worship service on Sunday evening and featured renowned author and speaker Dr. Haddon Robinson.

Dr. Robinson is the Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

The event’s theme was Preaching that Crosses the Divide.

Featured workshops reached out to pastors, youth leaders, and pastors of outreach ministries. Dr. Robinson’s sessions included Speaking as Listeners Like It, Tell them the Old Old Story, and Imagination: A Neglected Tool for Biblical Preaching.

“Dr. Robinson is not flashy, but he preached an unforgettable sermon on the surprises that we will see at the final judgment,” said Dr. David Johnson, executive vice president and provost.

Ward Parkinson, EMC’s church planting coordinator and a Providence college and seminary graduate, noticed “a good number” of EMC ministers in attendance.

Parkinson recalls using Haddon’s book on preaching as a college textbook and has long considered Robinson to be a model preacher.

“One nugget from Robinson’s presentation was the connection he made between the listener’s interest and need,” Parkinson later wrote. “In preaching, we can expend great energy trying to capture people’s interest, but unless that interest is connected Dr. Haddon Robinson to a need in their lives, it will be short-lived.”

“As preachers we need to remind ourselves of the universal needs we carry as human beings,” said Parkinson.

The Leaders’ Day conference occurs every two years.

PTS and EMC

Not a crime to seek asylum, says MCC Canadians cautioned against hasty decisions WINNIPEG, Man. – It is extremely regrettable that theTamil refugee claimants who arrived in Canada in early August by boat arrived under such a cloud of suspicion, says a MCC spokesperson.

It is not a crime to seek asylum and no one is ineligible until their refugee claim has been assessed and denied,” said Ed Wiebe, MCC Canada’s refugee assistance coordinator.

Canada provides protection to over 15,000 asylum seekers a year. “A boat load of 500 refugee claimants does not overwhelm the system,” said Ed Wiebe.

Canadian and international refugee laws recognize that people fleeing persecution will arrive in other countries by plane, foot or boat.

The 490 Tamil refugee claimants that arrived in Canada

in early August by boat are in compliance of these laws, said Wiebe.

Canada’s refugee laws, he said, are designed to examine each claim on an individual basis and address issues of criminality and security.

In keeping with Canada’s humanitarian tradition and international obligations, Canada provides protection to over 15,000 asylum seekers a year.

“A boat load of 500 refugee claimants does not overwhelm the system,” said Wiebe. “Our Canadian system is adequate to deal fairly with these claims.”

Just a month before the Tamil refugee claimants arrived on Canadian shores, the Canadian government made significant amendments to the legislation that governs the refugee claim process in Canada.

MCC Canada presented a brief to the parliamentary hearings where the amendments to the legislation were discussed.

“Canada had a good system, but we (Canada) made a good system even better,” said Wiebe.

MCC Canada THE MESSENGER | September 2010

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PHOTO COURTESY PROVIDENCE

Christian leaders gathered for instruction on preaching

news

MDS responds to extreme Canadian weather

Mudslides, flooding, tornadoes, and fires have caused destruction across Canada Extreme weather across Canada has given opportunity to five MDS Units to investigate and respond as Jesus’ hands and feet.

Oliver, B.C., had a mudslide June 13 which destroyed and damaged numerous homes. MDS is on standby to assist where needed having already lent advice and support to a fruit farmer whose orchard is encased in mud.

Southern Alberta had major flooding the weekend of June 19 causing the TransCanada highway to disintegrate for miles. Homes in Medicine Hat, Irvin, and Mavista were affected with flooded basements and more. MDS board members traveled to this area and offered assistance. Volunteers helped with clean up the week of June 28.

In addition to preparing for the MDS Summer Youth Project to open Sunday July 6 near Simmie, Sask., volunteers assisted with flooded homes in Maple Creek area after similar flooding occurred there the same weekend as in Alberta.

Two tornadoes—at Midland on June 23 and Leamington on June 6—hit Ontario. Again MDS Unit board members arrived on the scene within a day or two and offered assistance.

Pray for the MDS Unit boards and MDS volunteers as they continue to respond to the many needs across Canada at this time.

Manitoba’s flooding poses problems. Forest fires are raging.

Farmers have lost crops across the south in the Prairie provinces. Please pray for them as well as for the MDS Unit boards and MDS volunteers as they continue to respond to the many needs across Canada at this time.

MDS

MCC Manitoba addresses questions about MCC’s beliefs Statement sent to churches, others, seeks to clarify purpose and beliefs WINNIPEG, Man.—MCC Manitoba has issued a statement clarifying MCC’s purpose and beliefs.

The letter to member churches, relief sale committees, and thrift shop boards begins with the re-statement of MCC’s purpose, now officially including its long-standing motto in the name of Christ: “MCC shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. MCC envisions communities worldwide living in right relationship with God, one another and creation.”

Furthermore MCC has adopted the Shared Convictions of Global Anabaptists as articulated by the Mennonite World Conference to undergird and guide MCC’s policies and activities. The Shared Convictions include statements of belief in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and Christian witness.

MCC Manitoba has also responded to specific questions

MCC purpose statement: “MCC shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. MCC envisions communities worldwide living in right relationship with God, one another and creation.”

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

raised in the MCC constituency in Manitoba with a set of eight affirmations.

The main point is that, with the Shared Convictions, MCC affirms that God is known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Saviour and Lord who redeemed the world and offers eternal life.

In response to questions arising from MCC’s co-sponsorship with other Mennonite organizations of a conference on Nurturing Healthy Sexuality in February, the letter from MCC Manitoba to the churches states: “MCC, as ministry of the Mennonite churches, abides by their beliefs regarding sexuality and marriage.”

“These uniformly define marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman and confine sexual relationships to heterosexual marriage. Thus MCC continues to expect its staff and service workers to be celibate other than in a heterosexual marriage. MCC is not calling for or promoting acceptance by the churches of same-sex marriage or samesex relationships.”

Peter Rempel, executive director of MCC Manitoba, comments that, “We hear of rumours and misunderstandings of MCC’s beliefs and activities and so it seemed timely to send a clearer statement of MCC’s position to our constituency.

I continue to believe that we are called to work together in MCC on the basis of shared beliefs and commitments in the name of Christ for those who suffer.”

MCC Manitoba

news

MCC responses to questions about MCC’s beliefs and activities MCC functions within the larger mission of the church. As such MCC embraces the statement of Shared Convictions of global Anabaptists, as adopted by the Mennonite World Conferences General Council in 2006. MCC does not formulate its own confession of faith and bases its theological statements on the theological perspectives of its member denominations.

With the Shared Convictions, MCC declares that “God is known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” Statements which are inconsistent with this fundamental assertion are not official MCC statements about its understanding of God. MCC’s adoption of the Shared Convictions includes the affirmation that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Saviour and Lord who “redeemed the world and offers eternal life.”

MCC’s mandate, as given to it by the Mennonite relief and peace organizations which established it and maintained by the Mennonite churches which continue to govern it, includes relief, development and peace-building.

MCC’s mandate from the churches does not include evangelism and church planting but by embracing the Shared Convictions MCC acknowledges that it “functions within the larger mission of the church” whose calling includes “witnessing to God’s grace by serving others, caring for creation, and inviting all people to know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.”

MCC’s promotion of care for God’s creation is an expression of its participation in the stewardship of God’s

creation which God entrusted to humanity. MCC’s care for creation is not replacing worship of God with worship of nature, nor is it only environmental activism.

MCC’s inter-faith bridge-building is respectful interaction on the basis of our Christian faith with our neighbours of other religions about ethical and social issues which challenge all humans. MCC does not regard the claims of other religions as equally true to the gospel of Jesus Christ and is not seeking to combine other religions with the Christian faith into one syncretistic religion.

MCC’s commitment to peace-building and its compassion for the Palestinian and Israeli people leads MCC to support peaceful and just relationships between them and to reject violence by all parties. MCC does not deny God’s promises to the Jewish people nor does it condone violence by any side.

MCC’s United Nations Liaison Office monitors those United Nations activities which intersect with MCC relief, development and peace-building efforts. The office also communicates MCC’s experiences and perspectives to relevant U.N. agencies. MCC does not support any striving for world government and a uniform religion for all, as sometimes ascribed to the United Nations.

MCC Manitoba This set of responses was sent by MCC Manitoba to its constituency in June 2010 with a letter which addressed other MCC Manitoba matters. Published with permission.

Messages by Dr. David W. Shenk The convention’s inspirational sessions by Dr. David W. Shenk are available on DVD and CD at cost. Please contact Ruth Anne Peters at rapeters@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

Dr. Shenk will provide shortened versions of at least some of his messages for publication in The Messenger. For an article similar to his second inspirational message at convention, look at Jesus Matters! (Jan. 20, 2010) at www.emconference.ca under The Messenger.

T

the

iumph

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of the

60th Annual EMC Convention

Subscribe to The Messenger on-line Issues of The Messenger are posted on-line in pdf format at www. emconf.ca/Messenger. All you need to view the issue is Adobe Acrobat Reader (software free to download at adobe.com).

To receive an e-mail notification when the issue is posted on-line, send an e-mail to messenger@emconf.ca. Provide your name, mailing address, and e-mail address, and indicate whether you wish to continue receiving the print version.

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

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news

How can Sunday School be strengthened?

MPN and Brethren Press talk about what to do after Gather ’Round WATERLOO, Ont.—Does Sunday School have a future?

That’s a question asked by some Mennonite churches as they deal with declining enrolment, sporadic attendance, and the challenge of finding teachers.

Some people say teachers need a break, children and parents are involved in sports on weekends, and family time is important.

“As we hear how churches are struggling to keep Sunday School going, we ask ourselves what kind of curriculum is needed for the changing Sunday School scene today,” says Ron Rempel, executive director of Mennonite Publishing Network.

In fall, staff from MPN and Brethren Press will begin talking about what to do after Gather ’Round, the Biblebased curriculum for children and youth produced by the two organizations, completes its second cycle.

Rempel invites people to share their thoughts (rrempel@ mpn.net) about Sunday School.

“Sunday School in EMC circles is under stress, but remains important and needs to be strengthened to assist the spiritual formation of adults and children,” says Terry Smith, executive secretary to the Board of Church Ministries, which has responsibilities in Christian Education.

“As we hear how churches are struggling to keep Sunday School going, we ask ourselves what kind of curriculum is needed for the changing Sunday School scene today,” says Ron Rempel.

“There are many avenues of Christian instruction within our congregations—Christian Life classes, youth groups, Bible studies, VBS, and Bible camps—but home instruction, worship services, and Sunday School remain the most important.”

“Our churches often have to choose between Sunday School materials that were Evangelical or Anabaptist, and most opt for Evangelical materials,” said Smith. “What we need are easy to use materials that reflect an Evangelical Anabaptist understanding of our Christian life together.”

MPN and EMC

2011, year of celebrations for Dutch Mennonites Dutch Mennonites aim to look forward in spite of difficulties THE NETHERLANDS­—Dutch Mennonites will commemorate important historical events in 2011: • 450 years ago Menno Simons passed away (1561) • 275 years ago the Mennonite Seminary in Amsterdam was founded (1735) • 200 years ago the Algemene Doopsgezinde Sociëteit (ADS), the conference of all Dutch Mennonite congregations came into being (1811) • In 1911 the first female, academically trained pastor, Anne Zernike (later married to the painter Jan Mankes) started her ministry in Bovenknijpe, Friesland. Mennonites were forerunners in that respect.

One exhibition, about the work of Jan Luyken, will be held in Teylers Museum in Haarlem, one of the oldest museums of Europe. Jan Luyken illustrated the Martyrs’ Mirror.

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

These events will be celebrated by special gatherings in Amsterdam, Friesland, Elspeet and elsewhere. There will all kinds of other activities: conferences organized by the seminary, the Mennonite Historical Society and the Association of Mennonite pastors; bicycle and hiking tours, stage plays and exhibitions.

Dutch Mennonites aim not to look back to a glorious past in 2011, but to look forward, even though Christian churches in Western Europe face many difficulties. It is to tell each other and to outsiders: here we are, we want to continue a role in our society in the next decades.

One exhibition, about the work of Jan Luyken, will be held in Teylers Museum in Haarlem, one of the oldest museums of Europe. Jan Luyken illustrated the Martyrs’ Mirror.

Visitors from abroad (including tour groups and choirs) are welcome to attend these activities.

The event schedule (still expanding) can be found at www.doopsgezind.nl > jubilea 2011 > activiteiten.

ADS

shoulder tapping Pastoral positions

Youth work

Community Bible Fellowship Church of Swan River, Man., is currently seeking a pastoral couple on either an interim basis (with negotiable hours) or, depending on circumstances, a full-time, permanent basis to serve a congregation of about 75 on a Sunday morning in a community of about 3,500.

Responsibilities could include preaching, counseling, participation in team ministries, visitation, evangelistic outreach to community, direction setting in conjunction with Elder Team.

Our desire: a couple with passion for the Lord and his work, a desire to explore God’s unlimited potential through CBF, and administrative skills.

CFB oversees a small Christian school (about 35 students) on the premises. Our previous pastor was involved in the lives of students and staff, and we really appreciated his daily school involvement.

If you have an appetite for the outdoors and a longing to serve in a smaller community, we are a friendly community with much potential for church growth. We are ultimately looking for a permanent pastor. Open communication will be encouraged from an applicant to ensure intentions and expectations are clearly understood.

Please contact: Terry Scales (204-525-2651), Jake Reimer (204-734-4465), or Don Buhler (204-734-2403).

Mennville EMC and Riverton Gospel Chapel, both EMC churches within Manitoba’s Interlake region, seek a youth leader for a full-time position to lead a joint youth group started in fall 2009. Through their work, the youth leader(s) will develop strong relationships with our youth and contribute to a bridge between our congregations.

Skills: administration, well-balanced program planning, ability to draw youth into Sunday morning participation, confidence to challenge or mentor behaviour, approachable and accountable, capable of working within boundaries, an ability to build mentoring relationships.

Some Sunday morning involvement is desirable at each church, but we recognize the need to develop a home church relationship. The ideal candidate would be a married couple with a heart for youth ministry. Consideration will be given to single applicants, dependant on qualifications.

Salary structure is flexible as either a single or split salary, depending on the applicant’s preference.

If interested, contact Paul Peters at 204-3782740 or paulhecla@yahoo.com.

Fort Garry Evangelical Mennonite Church (fortgarryemc.ca) is searching for a university/young adult pastor whom God has chosen to help us reach University of Manitoba students and young adults with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are a congregation of 250 located a block from the U. of M. Fort Garry campus.

Supported by a committed discernment group, this person will get to know the Fort Garry campus and establish relationships with present campus ministries. By creating relationships with individuals, the pastor will support the development of their faith by connecting them to people at FGEMC. A second phase may include program development.

Applicants must be able to embrace and sign the FGEMC Statement of Faith. Qualifications include a love for people, enthusiasm and determination, creativity and an ability to work independently. A graduate degree and ministry experience on campus are assets. Anticipated start date is August 1, 2010. Inquiries and resumes may be sent to Mark Plett, Search Committee chair, Fort Garry EMC, 602 Pasadena Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2S9 or e-mailed msplett5@shaw.ca.

High Level Christian Fellowship is searching for a full-time pastor. We are a congregation of approximately 150 people located in northern Alberta. For more information contact: Pete Fehr at 780-926-6671 or email at pete@gbc2002ltd.net.

East Braintree Community Church (Man.) is searching for a pastor. The position would be combined with hosting and caretaking at the Braintree Creation Care Centre. Housing is provided; salary is negotiable. Contact Len Penner, deacon board chairman, East Braintree Community Church, Box 143, Hadashville, MB R0E 0X0, 204-426-2393, lenthehandyman@yahoo.ca.

Crestview Fellowship is a small EMC church on the west side of Winnipeg, Man., that is actively seeking out a half-time youth position. Crestview is about 65-70 people with a small number of youth aged kids, but many younger children coming up.

Our focus has also been to the community surrounding the church.

The successful applicant will be an actively growing follower of Christ who lives out their faith in action and word, possesses a servant heart for youth ministry, and is passionate about reaching young people in the church and surrounding community for Christ. Please contact the church office at 204-837-9490, cfcemc@mts.net, or 271 Hamilton Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0H3.

Arborg Youth For Christ seeks a program coordinator. Position includes planning, implementing, and supervising youth activities for community youth, using the Arborg, Man., youth centre as the hub for these programs.

The program coordinator would be involved in developing effective programs in partnership with the director, utilizing a team of volunteers, as well as developing one-on-one relationships with youth in the community by being involved at the local high school and at the Drop In. For information, contact director.arborgyfc@ hotmail.ca or call Carissa Rempel at 204-376-5686.

Other opportunities Experience life on The Great Silk Road with EMC families. The EMC team there needs a short-term teacher or educational assistant for their nine children. Starting September 2010 or January 2011. Interested person does not need a formal degree, but must be able to connect well with children. Some support would need to be raised. If interested contact Tim Dyck at 204-326-6401 or tdyck@emconf.ca.

Brightwood Ranch, near Edmonton, Alta., is a year-round facility that runs summer and winter camps for underprivileged kids and fall to spring

programs for men and women with addictions.

Barn manager – general duties: care and feeding of horses, behaviour management/retraining, upkeep of barn and horse area, upkeep of tack, purchase of horses, oversight of summer horse program, management of summer staff and volunteers, work on trails, fencing, involvement in Hope Mission rehab programs, help with grounds maintenance.

Secretary – general duties: camper registrations, photocopying, answering phones, as well as occasional janitorial and kitchen duties.

Both positions to start in fall 2010. Salary plus housing, and benefits. Send resume to Brent Ankrom, Brightwood Ranch, Box 277, Evansburg, AB T0E 0T0; brent.ankrom@hopemission.com; www.brightwoodranchcamps.com.

A year-round assistant food services manager is sought for Red Rock Bible Camp, a Christian camp in Manitoba. Training or experience is preferred, but we are willing to train. The manager is responsible to the food services manager. Agreement with the camp’s mission, statement of faith, core values, and community life standards is necessary.

Applicant must be service oriented, work well with people and be a team player. Housing, partial board, salary, medical, dental and RRSP benefits are provided. Send resume and testimony to Red Rock Bible Camp, 204-320 Main Street, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1Z1 or kim@redrockbiblecamp.com.

MCC has urgent openings for service workers in Haiti, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Bolivia, and El Salvador. Languages such as Spanish, French, Creole, and Low German are needed or welcomed.

All applicants for assignments must exhibit a commitment to Christian faith, be active members of a Christian church, and be committed to nonviolent biblical peacemaking. To learn more about the specific requirements of these positions and the application process, visit mcc.org/serve.

Camp Cedarwood is looking to add to their team: both a head cook and a prep cook are required (year round).

We offer a positive work environment in a beautiful, lakefront setting 19 km east of Lac du Bonnet, Man., on Pinawa Bay (140 km NE of Winnipeg).

Housing (available for most couples and families), utilities, and most food provided.

For information contact Brad Plett at 204345-8529 or brad@yfcwinnipeg.ca; www.cedarwood-yfc.com.

The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads are not to be for monetary benefit.

To place an ad, e-mail messenger@ emconf.ca or call 204-326-6401 and ask for Rebecca Roman.

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

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news

MCC grieves worker killed in Afghanistan

PHOTO COURTESY MCC

Glen Lapp was one of 10 killed in attack claimed by Taliban AKRON, Pa. – An MCC worker, Glen D. Lapp of Lancaster, Pa., was killed in early August in a shooting incident in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province.

Lapp, 40, was traveling with a medical team of four Afghans, six Americans, one Briton, and one German. All worked with MCC’s partner organization International Assistance Mission, a charity providing eye care and medical help.

Local police found 10 bodies next to abandoned vehicles. One Afghan team member traveled home via another route and is safe.

Another Afghan survived the attack and is being quesGlen Lapp, MCC worker tioned by the police.

In media reports, IAM said this “eye camp” medical team had been testing and treating people with eye diseases in Nuristan province for about two weeks by invitation of communities there.

The Taliban has said it is behind the attack.

MCC’s work in Afghanistan includes education, peacebuilding and advocacy, food security, and disaster relief.

Lapp was a member of Community Mennonite Church.

He was a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Eastern Mennonite University.

Ron Flaming, MCC director of international programs, said MCC mourns with the Lapp family, the families of all who died, and the people of IAM. Lapp was to complete his MCC term in October. In a recent report he said “my hope” is that MCC can “continue to help this country work towards peace on many different social, ethnic, and economic levels.”

MCC

New MCC website debunks myths about Indigenous Canadians WINNIPEG, Man.—A new website developed by MCC he encourages non-indigenous people to participate in Canada Indigenous Work program (mythperceptions. events organized by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation ca) seeks to dismantle stereotypes, Commission. myths, and untruths about Indigenous Canadians.

One myth debunked is that the It seeks to repair relationships between broader Canadian society era of residential schools ended and people of Métis, Innu, Inuit and, when the last school closed.

Aboriginal descent.

Through videos and links to articles and resources, the website tackles issues The website discusses the complexisuch as the legacy of residential schools, ties and significance of historic treaties. benefits and obligations of treaties, and “The myth is free education but the mythperceptions.ca harmful effects of stereotyping people. reality is there is no money earmarked It provides suggestions for action and links to projects and in federal funding for libraries, gymnasiums, computers, articles on working towards authenticity in relationships. extracurricular sports and recreational activities or vocaOne myth debunked is that the era of residential tional training,” said Sue. schools ended when the last school closed.

“It doesn’t make sense that schools would not have Residential schools have left a legacy that includes libraries or extracurricular sports programs in communiparents without parenting skills, difficulty in developing ties where there is a low rate of completion of high school positive loving relationships and healthy communities, and and where diabetes and other lifestyle diseases are on the loss of language and culture, said Harley Eagle, who, with increase.” his wife Sue, coordinates the program.

Gladys Terichow, MCC Canada To help people understand the relationship between what happened years ago and present day experiences, 32

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

news

calendar

J. Lawrence Burkholder passes away at 92 Former Goshen president leaves legacy of engagement

PHOTO COURTESY GOSHEN COLLEGE

GOSHEN, Ind.—Dr. J. Lawrence Burkholder passed away on June 24.

Burkholder, 92, served as a pastor, professor, pilot, philosopher, civil rights activist, war-time relief worker, and college president.

Burkholder graduated from Goshen College and Lutheran Seminary before earning Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary.

In 1944 he administered a relief program in India and then served in China until 1948.

His work in China shaped him significantly.

“I came out of a background of simplicity. Now I was discovering complexity and ambiguity, and sometimes tragic necessity,” he said in a 2004 lecture. “And not as a military man, not as a government official, just as trying to give something away and giving it fairly and justly.”

He later served as a professor at Goshen College and then at Harvard Divinity School.

While at Harvard, Burkholder became involved in the civil rights movement; in 1964 he was arrested during a sit-in at a segregated restaurant in Florida.

In 1971 Burkholder returned to Goshen College as its president.

“Mennonites had something to contribute to the world, and I wanted to be part of it,” he said.

Goshen

weddings PETKAU – THIESSEN: Kevin Petkau and Karlene Thiessen were married on August 7, 2010, in Morweena, Man.

J. Lawrence Burkholder served as president of Goshen College from 1971 to 1984.

births LESSER – to Kelly and Karen Lesser of Roseisle, Man., a daughter, Anya Quinn, on June 10, 2010.

DYCK – to Scott and Maureen Dyck of Roseisle, Man., a daughter, Anika Denay, on June 24, 2010.

KLASSEN – to Derek and Marilyn Klassen of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Evan Joel, on July 28, 2010.

MUEHLING – to Tim and Arlene Muehling of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Heather Quinn, on August 8, 2010.

REIMER – to Isaac and Tina Reimer of Picture Butte, Alta., a daughter, Alivia Grace, on August 7, 2010.

FRIESEN – FREDERICKSON: Zachary Friesen and Cassandra Frederickson were married on August 21, 2010, in La Broquerie, Man. HAM – KLASSEN: David, son of Eva Ham of Iron Springs, Alta., and Martha, daughter of George and Maria Klassen of Seminole, Texas, were married on May 1, 2010, at Seminole Community Church with Pastor David Klassen officiating. The couple lives in Lethbridge, Alta.

KUKKONEN – FRIESEN: David, son of Steven and Susan Kukkonen of Winnipeg, Man., and Jackie, daughter of Brian and Elaine Friesen of Roseisle, Man., were married on June 12, 2010, at Fort Garry MB Church in Winnipeg with Pastor Kelly Lesser officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg.

WALL – KRAHN: Willie, son of Henry and Anna Wall of Nobleford, Alta., and Landis, daughter of Henry and Caroline Krahn of Picture Butte, Alta., were married on August 14, 2010, at Picture Butte Mennonite Church with Pastor Abe Bueckert officiating. The couple lives in Picture Butte.

British Columbia no events currently

Alberta Nov. 4–7: Business as a Calling: Unleashing Entrepreneurship, MEDA convention, Calgary, 800-665-7026 or businessasacalling.org

Saskatchewan no events currently

Manitoba Sept. 24–25: Brandon and Area MCC Relief Sale, Keystone Centre, Brandon, manitoba.mcc.org Oct. 2: Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association Annual Coffeehouse/ Fundraiser, Fort Garry EMC, Winnipeg, 7:30 p.m., admission by donation (receipts issued) Oct. 14–16: Mennonites, Melancholy, and Mental Health, Convocation Hall, University of Winnipeg, 204-786-9391 or r.loewen@uwinnipeg.ca Oct. 15–17: TRU 2010, EMC Youth Leaders’ Retreat, Wilderness Edge, Pinawa, 204-326-6401 or greimer@emconf.ca; www.emconference.ca Nov. 3: MEDA Winnipeg chapter lunch series, Helen Loftin, Afghanistan MEDA Project, Bergman’s, 167 Lombard Ave., Winnipeg, 204-928-7900 Nov. 27–29: Rest and Renewal, EMC Ministerial Retreat (for all current and former pastors, associates, missionaries, elders, deacons, and spouses), Wilderness Edge, Pinawa, wparkinson@emconf.ca; www. emconference.ca

Ontario Nov. 12: MCC Ontario youth event, Aylmer, 519-765-3020, ontario.mcc.org Nov. 13: MCC Ontario conference, Sommerfeld Mennonite Church, Aylmer, 519-745-8458 or 519-765-3020 Nov. 13: Fundraising Supper, MCC and Mennonite Community Services, Stories of Welcome, East Elgin Community Complex, Aylmer, 519-7458458 or 519-765-3020

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

33

pictures of God

by Joanna Plett

Scars that bind us

PHOTOS: GLENN PLETT

M

orweena EMC celebrated Even after 50 years, it seemed In the centre of grief, it’s easy the church’s 50-year anthat there were tears left to cry. More to lash out at God for allowing it to niversary this summer with than the pain, however, I noticed happen, for not protecting us or our a Homecoming weekend. Between the closeness that this story brought friends and family from the pain. great food, class reunions, and hours between the people who had lived Although we rarely get satisfactory of reminiscing, it was a memorable through the experience together. answers to these questions, it is and memory-filled weekend. often this journey through As I listened to the pain that builds the bonds God chose to enter our sorrows, not stories of the first families necessary to rebuild our lives because he had to, but in order to bring us who started the Morweena on the other side of grief and church, I was struck with the into relationship, and within that relationship to face new challenges. richness of their memories It is easy to make God the to bring us healing for our sorrows. and their courage in overenemy in the painful times, coming challenges. Although but even the bond of relationmany stories brought peals of It was not the comic moments ship he offers us is steeped in shared laughter, it seemed that the stories of and good times that cemented the pain. “Surely He has borne our griefs pain brought a deeper response. community that we celebrated at the and carried our sorrows,” writes One story that surfaced several Homecoming, it was the challenges Isaiah (53:4 NKJB). times throughout the weekend was faced together and the griefs shared He entered the pain of human of two young brothers who died in a that created this bond. existence and suffered, not just his farming accident within the first few In my cohort, too, it is not the own death, but the sorrow of friends years after the move to Morweena. friendships made in the idyllic years dying and his own community Although the pain had dulled of childhood that I return to now, rejecting him. They questioned his over time, the grief and the unanbut those forged in the hardest and sanity, denounced his character, swered questions still seeped out most painful years of middle school. and mocked his calling. Surely he as former classmates and family Out of common challenges, hurt, has borne our griefs. Surely he has members shared their memories. and misunderstandings we built a carried the sorrows we carry. circle of accountability and a pool of And he chose to enter our sormemories that still bind us together rows, not because he had to, but in today, across time and distance. order to bring us into relationship, and within that relationship to bring us healing for our sorrows. “He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him; and by his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Many of us have tears left to cry, wounds left to heal. As we allow God and friends to enter into our pain, we open up the opportunity to forge a deep community, one that not only helps the wounds to heal, but builds the bittersweet bond of shared joy and sorrow.

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010

stewardship today

by Dori Zerbe Cornelsen

Joy and finances

I

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

s it realistic to contemplate joy as a potential outcome of setting financial priorities? In our increasingly complex financial world this may seem naïve.

A fairly common metaphor for managing money that MFC staff use has three jars—one for share, one for save, one for spend. Nathan Dungan has developed this metaphor as part of his Financial Sanity program on sharesavespend.com.

This idea is not new in this column, and has even generated some pointed response when potential percentages of income have been attached to the three jar metaphor.

It was with interest, then, that I read an article in a recent edition of MoneySense magazine called The Joy of Spending. It presented the dilemma of a couple who were unable to rid themselves of their anxiety about money because they were “extreme savers,” savers with significant financial assets with which they couldn’t part.

The solution offered by a financial counselor was to “set up three ‘money pots’—one for savings, one for emergency cash (six months to one year’s worth) and a third pot for…’regret-free living.’” The couple adapted well to this system with their regret-free pot now funding two Caribbean cruises per year. “We’re spending without stress for the first time in our lives,” one of the spouses gushes.

Given this outcome, I wonder if the educator thought to suggest generosity, the “share jar,” as a solution to the real financial anxiety this couple was experiencing. It is possible that generosity was presented as a “regret-free living” option, though the emphasis of the article is on the couple’s joy of spending on themselves.

Moving from stockpile to shopper wouldn’t be a great financial success story according to author Matt Bell in Money Purpose Joy. In the quest for more, either more savings and investments or more stuff, both forms of this common North American consumer financial identity become caught up in a cycle of declining returns which only feeds the desire for even more to be happy.

The root of true joy in our lives is generosity, Bell claims. He reminds his readers that we are made in God’s image and that generosity is at

the heart our creating, saving God. Therefore, generosity is part of who we are as well.

“When we don’t give or give only token amounts, we resist our nature and deprive ourselves of one of life’s greatest joys. When we give, we live in harmony with our design. That’s why being generous provides us with so much pleasure” (Money, Purpose, Joy, 74).

The root of true joy in our lives is generosity, Matt Bell claims.

We are made in God’s image and generosity is at the heart our creating, saving God. There are many generosity stories that confirm the joy of giving. On boldergiving.org, a website dedicated to sharing stories from philanthropists to encourage more giving, Molly Stranahan, heiress of the founder of Champion Spark Plug Company, stresses, “I experience every day that being generous enhances my happiness.”

“Giving infuses life with joy,” writes Randy Alcorn. Perhaps it is time that more of us plan our finances with an expectation of joy as a return by giving generously.

Dori Zerbe Cornelsen is a stewardship consultant at the Winnipeg, Man., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). For stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.

THE MESSENGER | September 2010

35

kids’ corner

by Loreena Thiessen

Need: • construction paper: green, yellow, orange, brown, red • felt pens or crayons, scissors, glue or tape

Be thankful!

E

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM

very October a special day is marked to remind us to be thankful, Thanksgiving Day. For you it’s a holiday from school.

Places of work are closed. Your mother is busy in the kitchen; you can tell by the fabulous food smells that drift through the house. It may be pumpkin pie or a roasting turkey.

When the dinner is ready you sit down with your family and enjoy the feast. Each person around the table names something he or she is thankful for.

Why do we do this?

First, we do it because it’s tradition. Thanksgiving feasts have been celebrated for thousands of years.

In Old Testament times God instructed his people, the Israelites, to hold feasts. Each feast was a reminder to the people that God is holy.

36

Activity: make a thankful tree

Also, the feasts were to help them remember that God had guided and protected them on their long and difficult journey through the desert (Leviticus 23:39-43).

Throughout the years people have made feasts to celebrate something they were thankful for. In 1576 Martin Frobisher, the British explorer, landed on Baffin Island; he stopped there to celebrate his safe arrival.

In the early 1600s Samuel de Champlain celebrated in thankfulness with the French settlers for surviving Canada’s cold winters.

In 1621 British settlers who arrived safely at famous Plymouth Rock in the United States celebrated their first harvest feast; they were thankful for surviving the ocean voyage and their first harsh winter in the new land.

What can you be thankful for today?

You can be thankful for freedom.

You are free to think your own thoughts and to ask questions about something you don’t understand.

You are free to voice your opinion.

You are free to travel to visit your friends and family who live far away.

You can freely to go to church and worship God without being afraid.

Another thing you can be thankful for is having enough of the basic things you need, such as enough

Do: 1. Trace your hands several times on different colours of construction paper.

2. Cut out each paper hand.

3. On each hand print or write one thing you are thankful for.

4. Draw the shape of a large tree with a thick trunk and several branches on brown paper.

5. Cut out the tree.

6. Glue or tape each hand onto the branches as leaves.

7. Hang or tape the tree in a window.

8. Read the hands to remind you of things you are thankful for.

food, clean water, the right medicines when you require them, a protecting home, and a good school for your education.

Many people do not have enough, and all their attention and energy is used in trying to find enough food and water so they can stay alive.

Finally, a very important reason for you to be thankful is that God commands it. In Psalm 100:4 God says, “Be thankful,” and He gives reasons why you should do so: 1. One is for you to acknowledge that He is God­—He is the Creator who made you.

2. You are His—He owns you.

3. Because He is good.

4. Because His mercy lasts forever.

5. Because His Truth continues and reaches to all people.

All of this simply means that God is over all and above all, and that God has your best as His goal. This is why you should be thankful.

THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5

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THE MESSENGER | September 2010