The Messenger Vol. 48 No. 11 October 2010

THE

MESSENGER

volume 48, number 11 October 2010

www.emconference.ca/messenger

long-time leaders see full story on p. 10

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

editorials

The Bishop and The Polyglot

O

n September 9 the wider EMC and its Board of Missions expressed gratitude to two long-term crosscultural workers: Alvira Friesen (Rosenort EMC) with 37 years of experience and Flo Friesen (Kleefeld/St. Vital) with 33.

Of course, members of the EMC have various connections with these two church leaders.

While gratitude was appropriately expressed to these workers, no one should expect Alvira Friesen and Flo Friesen to retire.

To my regret, I cannot claim to know either leader well. However, this did not stop me previously from giving them nicknames, both of which mirror my respect for them.

Alvira Friesen is The Bishop.

Why? She is stately and dignified, with a commanding presence and a warm smile; she comes across as a thoughtful leader and an articulate preacher who provided guidance for EMC workers and nationals, both male and female, in various settings.

Flo Friesen is The Polyglot, a speaker of many languages. On September 9 she said thank you in six languages; even that list omitted a probable knowledge of at least a smattering of Hebrew,

Greek, and Turkish. Her skills display both her intelligence and a desire to minister in diverse locations.

While gratitude was appropriately expressed to these workers, no one should expect Alvira and Flo to retire.

The “Friesen twins”—as I jokingly called them that evening—might be shifting a bit in activities; but what remains is their commitment to the Lord and to service in His name.

On that evening Alvira already has one job and was looking at another. And Flo? She’s going to be so busy I will consider myself fortunate to find out anything!

Terry M. Smith

Why include Menno’s article?

A

bit of Menno Simons’ writing is included in this issue.

The language is somewhat outdated, the sentences are sometimes longer, and the style might not fit today.

Then why include it?

It is included to show Menno’s Christ-centred devotion, his concern for Scripture, and his pastoral heart. His concern is evident for both those within and outside of the Christian Church.

It is published in this issue because Menno Simons was a Reformation leader and October 31 is Reformation Sunday. Likely, this important date in the church calendar will not get mentioned in most EMC churches.

However, without the Protestant Reformation the worship services that EMCers

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

Without the Protestant Reformation the worship services that EMCers and most other Christians would attend would look quite differently. Can we picture services in Latin said with the priest facing away from us? and most other Christians would attend would look quite differently.

Can we picture services in Latin said with the priest facing away from us?

Without the Spirit-inspired courage of such leaders as John Wycliffe, John Huss, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli, the Reformation would have been delayed. If some EMC members do not know these leaders’ names, at least their pastors should.

Without the Spirit-led bravery of such leaders as Felix Manz, Conrad Grebel, Balthasar Hubmaier, and Menno Simons, the Radical Reformation would have been delayed or taken a different course. If some EMC members do not know these names, their pastors could teach about them.

In the response of a man crucified next to Jesus, Menno Simons finds lessons for his time. There are also lessons for our time.

Terry M. Smith

contents Features

Departments

8

2 Editorials

Susanna Dueck’s Story of Survival

3

– Elma Isaac

4 Letters

10 Expressing Gratitude to Two Church Leaders

– Terry M. Smith

13 Mad Woman and a Miracle

– Kirsten Penner Krymusa

14 The Faith of the Criminal on the Cross

– Menno Simons

Columns 5

EMC FAQ

Two classes of missionaries?

– Rebecca Roman

6

Archives Alcove

7

From Wales to the EMC – Terry M. Smith

Writings shared Review: Open Window to Heaven

19 Moderator’s musings

Ready for a change?

– Richard Klassen

34 Pictures of God

8 With our missionaries 17 Wisconsin, USA: Many challenges, God at work 18 Paraguay: Church planting in Minga Guazú

With our churches 20 Riverton Gospel Chapel: Where is My Father? ready for release 21 Heartland Community Church: Grand Rapids misison trip 22 Mennville EMC: A journey of struggles and encouragement

32 In memory 33 Births and Weddings 33 Calendar News 7

November 14 is International Day of Prayer Sunday

16 Board of Missions appointments 25 EFC sends open letter on sex education 26 MEDA gets crash course on safety in volatile regions

23 Community Bible Fellowship: CBF says good-bye to its pastoral couple 24 Morweena EMC: Welcome Home and Happy Anniversary!

29

25 Picture Butte Mennonite Church: More classroom space is needed

27 MWC executive meets in Ethiopia 28 MCC using donations of $700,000 for Pakistan 28 Bolivian Mennonites providing more services 29 Good happenings among Bolivian OC Mennonites

35 Stewardship today

31 Shoulder tapping

22 Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship: Family Campout and baptism

Lest the Cross be emptied of its power – Joanna Plett Guardianship—take good care of your children – Gary Sawatzky

Pontius’ Puddle

34

30 Continental Mission to be strengthened 30 MCC U.S. announces essay contest

36 Kids’ corner

The Keeper of the Earth – Loreena Thiessen

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

3

THE

MESSENGER

letters Unity a by-product, not a plan

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.

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.

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.

I just read Ron Sider’s article on ecumenism [Must we knock down other people’s candles?

August 2010] and I honour his passion to work for unity within the church.

Though I respect Sider’s intent, I would question his apparent contention that more ecumenical conferences will bring about the desired goal of unity. I am persuaded that unity has to be a by-product of something bigger, something more glorious.

We need to catch something...to behold something so glorious that we are almost helplessly drawn into this unity. We need to behold the glory of God again in a way that causes our denominational differences to pale in comparison.

In Revelation 7 a palm branch-waving crowd so big that no one could count, from every nation and language (and every denomination, I might add) cry out with unrelenting enthusiasm a powerful song of worship to God and the lamb.

There’s no hint of a prior ecumenical meeting having taken place to motivate this throng into a place of euphoric unified worship. One gets a sense that it simply erupted in response to being in the presence someone so majestic, so powerful, so beautiful, so other—then, it was simply spontaneous.

They saw the beauty of Jesus! It came out of a heart that was made for exactly that moment... the greatest moment ever recorded, that has yet to take place.

The Western church has to get to the place where we desire an encounter with the living God. To cry out together with Moses, “Lord, show me your glory!”

Can you imagine a day where God would show us the glory of Jesus (the very desire of Jesus) to the point where unity and love would simply erupt in an effusive manner throughout the whole body? I hope I can.

Dale Loewen Blumenort, Man.

Corrections 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. 12 – November issue (copy due October 22)

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

The photo of Dr. Haddon Robinson (Robinson makes an impact at Leaders’ Day, Sept. 2010) was provided by Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Erna Plett and others are involved in teaching grade 7’s in Paraguayan schools (Teaching courses in the schools, August).

Radical Followers of Jesus DVD A DVD highlighting men and women who “display radical forgiveness, radical love and radical peace” has been produced by the Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship of Canada.

Radical Followers of Jesus has a news anchor and reporter discuss nine people: John Huss, Felix Mantz, Michael Sattler, Elizabeth Dirks, Menno Simons, The Hutterites, Johannes Reimer, Siegfried Bartel, and Samuel Martin.

The 54-minute DVD can used in worship services, Sunday School, small groups, or family life.

EAF (not to be confused with the EMC’s Evangelical Anabaptist Committee) has an inter-Mennonite membership. It is “committed to proclaiming the Gospel including a call to New Testament discipleship.”

DVDs can be obtained for $11.20 (plus shipping) from the EMC office (204-326-6401 or rroman@emconf.ca) or from EAF, Box 323, Winkler, MB R6W 4A5, Ph. 204-325-8248, E-mail eafellowship@gmail.com.

EAF

?

emc faq

by Rebecca Roman

Two classes of missionaries?

Q.

Sometimes there is talk of “EMC missionaries” and “associate missionaries.” Does the EM Conference have two different classes of missionaries?

A.

organizations that have similar theology, practice, and principles as the Board of Missions­—a full list can be found on the Conference website (Our Partners, under About). These organizations provide administrative support; EMC gives partial financial support. General Secretary Tim Dyck provides direction from the EMC office.

A special case that does not fit neatly into either of these categories is EMC’s partnership with Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM).

While not an EMC-administered field, there is a significant level of

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 (Frequently Asked Questions), 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.

This is a subject on which confusion is common.

Historically, some missionaries have been described as “EMC missionaries” while others are called “associate missionaries.” There has been more of an attempt to resolve this in recent “EMC” missionaries. There is an years by adding “EMC” to “associate expectation that all EMC missionarmissionaries.” ies will foster connections with EMC The attempt here is not to create churches and will provide reports to confusion that there are two the EMC constituency (at Board classes of missionaries, but to of Missions meetings, Convention Giving over some administrative and give clarity to a sometimes conand Conference Council, through fusing administrative system. financial support to other organizations The Messenger and church visits).

EMC administered Why, then, so many difhas allowed EMC to do more with the missionaries are missionaries ferent situations? The EMC is who are fully administered small conference (at about 7,200 resources we have. and fully supported by the members, we are smaller than Conference alone. EMC Foreign some megachurches). Yet, we Secretary Ken Zacharias provides partnership with AIMM and mishave a strong push toward missions. oversight and counsel to these sionaries serving there. Tim Dyck As a small conference, we recognize missionaries. provides administrative oversight to that we cannot be everywhere and do These missionaries serve on these missionaries. everything ourselves.

EMC administered fields: Mexico or While some EMC missionaries To provide direct administrative Paraguay. are supported and administered support to over 100 missionaries EMC associate missionardifferently, all go through the same serving in about two dozen countries ies serve under other mission application process to be considered would be beyond what current staff and budgets would allow.

We also recognize that not all mission initiatives that EMCers seek to be involved in are areas where EMC has expertise.

Giving over some administrative and financial support to other organizations has allowed EMC to do more with the resources we have. We are stronger in partnership!

Faith and LeRoy Siemens (left) serve in Mexico as EMC administered missionaries. Sharon and Gordon Skopnik (right) serve as EMC associate missionaries under International Teams in Canada.

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

5

archives alcove

by Terry Smith

H

ow did Edwin Wright get in?

A Welshman preaching in English Born in Wales from would not qualify to be heard, let which he emigrated at age alone serve.

15, Edwin John Wright (1913-1994) But in the 1950s and 60s the EMC became a Christian in Canada, was moving from German to English trained as a minister in Ontario, in services. It was just as well. Wright and served with the Christian and would probably not have understood Missionary Alliance in Alberta and German, nor would an EMC congreSaskatchewan. gation have generally benefited from As well, he became the first pastor a sermon in Welsh (if he had spoken of non-DGR Mennonite background the language).

Edwin and Violet Wright, Robert and Denise to serve in the EMC. Rev. Ben D. Reimer was his way Edwin Wright became the non-Anabaptist institutions are into the conference; the two had common within the EMC. They are crossed paths. With no suitable first pastor of non-DGR examined (in less detail than in some Alliance positions open, Wright and Mennonite background to other evangelical circles), rarely get his wife Violet (nee Gillespie) entered rejected, receive a short stack of the Western Gospel Mission in 1955 serve in the EMC. books on the EMC and on Anabaptist (Doreen Peters, One Who Dared, 166). history and doctrine, and serve.

Wright served at Canora, Sask., Within evangelicalism, some and then started the work at nearby Wright later continued in minispastors find in the EMC a place to Endeavour (1960-1966). In 1965 the try outside of EMC circles, working minister and then move elsewhere; Endeavour congregation was received actively for the Lord till his death in others find both a place of service and into the conference while Edwin was 1994. His wife Violet died in 1999. a denominational home. its pastor.

Both Edwin and Violet were Did Edwin and Violet Wright ever Wright then served at Riverton respected and beloved; their obituarfeel lonely when people spoke Low Gospel Chapel (Man.) from 1966 to ies appeared here after their formal German? Did individuals question 1969. conference involvements had ended. them because of their last name?

Perhaps part of the reason Wright Today, ministers from nonPerhaps WGM was circumspect in was accepted into the EMC is that DGR backgrounds who train in how it used language. Evidently, he did not enter it directly; many mission leaders viewed he joined the WGM. Then, the term Mennonite as an as WGM had a moderating obstacle (One Who Dared, 217). influence on the EMC, wider Was Edwin Wright a opportunities for him opened pacifist? Only aged 25 when as well.

World War Two began, he was A half-century earlier Edwin perhaps exempt as a minister Wright’s involvement would from military service; he both have been unlikely. In 1899, for served as a pastor and married instance, KG ministers were during the war. Questions suspicious of other preachers remain unanswered. and did not want members But this is clear: Ben D. to attend outside meetings Reimer felt, when their paths unless “accompanied by one of crossed, that he was in the our ministers” (Harvey Plett, Mel Koop, Edwin Wright, Lester Olfert, and John Koop at a meeting Wright place at the right time.

Seeking to Be Faithful, 169). of extension workers in September 1965.

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

PHOTOs: emc archives

From Wales to the EMC

writings shared

Open Window to Heaven, Elisabeth Reimer (Howardville House, 2009). 236 pp. $20. ISBN 978-1-55099-170-3. Reviewed by Paul Klassen, member at large, Fort Garry EMC, Winnipeg, Man.

I

t was a single mother’s anguished decision to load her family onto an army truck and flee Hungary that allowed them to escape the Iron Curtain.

Elisabeth Reimer (nee Schmidt) was one of her daughters; that escape, and the rest of her life, especially her missionary career, fill the pages of Open Window to Heaven.

In this autobiography, “life writes stories” and decisions—their own, others’ and the Lord’s—form the narrative of a life.

One of her decisions was to follow God’s call to the mission field, which led her to bring food to her poor neighbours as a child. It took her to refugee camps in Germany, Hungary, and Romania; to summer

camps, a foster children’s home, and finally to Canada.

Another decision was to marry a man named Levi (Lee) Reimer, which brought her into the EMC and provided her a mission partner as well as “a wonderful husband and a dear friend.”

Straight-forward prose and a simple style are used to tell interesting, funny, or inspiring stories from Elisabeth and Levi’s years on the mission field. Throughout the text, hymns and poems dear to the author are included, especially when the story turns to the early deaths of loved ones.

In her childhood home, Elisabeth

Straight-forward prose and a simple style are used to tell interesting, funny, or inspiring stories from Elisabeth and Levi’s years on the mission field. would pray in an attic room with a window open to heaven; and throughout her life she sought out such quiet places. As our prayers ascend through the open window, so does God’s presence come down.

Ms. Reimer was assisted in writing by Mary Brandt, a friend and colleague from the children’s home.

It isn’t always clear which voice we are hearing, though that may be an academic concern. Surely both ladies would insist that all the glory go to God.

news

November 14 is International Day of Prayer Sunday IDOP Canada joins international partners, announces theme: ‘Hearing Their Cry’ This year IDOP Canada joins the World Evangelical Alliance’s International IDOP group for global prayer on November 14 for those who, because of their faith in Jesus, fear for their safety and freedom.

This year’s theme is Hearing Their Cry from Psalm 10:17: “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) happens annually around the world.

IDOP Canada’s partners are The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) Religious Liberty Commission, Open Doors with Brother Andrew (Canada), The Voice of the Martyrs (Canada), Intercede International and International Christian Response.

Today, more than 200 million Christians around the world face brutal opposition and persecution for simply naming Jesus as their Lord and choosing to serve Him, including discrimination, intimidation, attacks, fines, imprisonment, unimaginable torture, and even death.

We will pray earnestly for God’s protection and for increased freedom in their home countries to express their faith without fear of persecution.

The IDOP resource kit will help to organize an entire meeting, lead a small group, or highlight the needs of the persecuted church during a regular church service.

Individuals, groups, or congregations can download the free resource kit and DVD video at www.idop.ca.

IDOP/EFC THE MESSENGER | October 2010

7

Su s a n n a Du e c k’s Story of Survival

by Elma Isaac

O PHOTOs courtes y elma isaac

n May 21, 1928, I was born to Cornie and Sara Dyck in Kontinusfeld, Russia.

They had five children: Helen, the eldest daughter; a set of twins, myself and my brother Jacob (who died at two weeks old); and another set of twins, Tina and Peter (Peter died when he was six months old).

My maternal grandparents, Henry and Helen Dyck, were well-to-do farmers that lived in our village. My grandpa Henry was killed by bandits in 1918, as were many other wealthy farmers.

Susanna Duec

k with one of he

r sisters

The communists came and took my grandmother from her home. She was told she no longer lived there and was left on the street with a few personal belongings. She then came and lived with us.

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

The Communists A few years later the communists came and took my grandmother from her home. She was told she no longer lived there and was left on the street with a few personal belongings. She then came and lived with us.

My paternal grandparents were Peter and Helen Dyck. They also lived in our village. They were called anwohners, which meant poor, landless people.

Grandpa was a carpenter who went to rich farms building furniture. His pay was meager, but it supported his family.

My father was also a carpenter, building furniture for wealthy farmers. He had a hard life supporting his family.

When the communists took over he began building wagons, houses, and offices. The family’s lifestyle greatly improved because of better pay.

My preschool years started at age two because all mothers had to go work in the fields. This kindergarten was compulsory by the communists with meals being provided. Childcare was given by mothers with infants.

I attended school in my village by age seven. My first two years were in German, but in grade three everything in school was changed to Russian.

Our German teachers were all sent to Siberia and were never heard from again; however, the families of these teachers remained in the village.

Russian teachers were brought in to teach children the Russian language. At this time Mennonite parents had no control over what was taught to their children. I attended school until 1941; I was 13.

The train did not come in, so our group of about 5,000 people sat outside for four days in mid-October. We were told later that a Russian plane was sent out to gas us, but was shot down by a German plane.

Susanna Dueck in 2007 or 2008.

When the war started, we remained in the village for another two years where I spent my time at home.

In 1943 the Russians loaded all us German Mennonites into wagons and took us to Maniopal (train station) to send us to Siberia. This was just before the Germans came into Russia.

My father had, at this time, already been sent to Siberia, as had all the men in our village.

For some reason, the train did not come in, so our group of about 5,000 people sat outside for four days in mid-October. We were told later that a Russian plane was sent out to gas us, but was shot down by a German plane.

The German Army A few hours later German solders came and told us we could go home. We remained in the village for two more years while it was German territory.

After two years the German front was pushed back, so we moved back with the German soldiers. The German military took care of us at this time.

We were treated well by them because we were German Mennonites. These German soldiers treated the Russians very badly. Also, if any Jews were found, they did kill them.

The Germans gave each of our families a wagon, two horses, and a cow. We went west to Germany with all our belongings.

The soldiers also gave us one hot meal a day from their soup kitchen. We traveled for three months with horse and wagon, from September to November.

By this time, it was winter; the roads were poor and we were cold.

The Germans could no longer supply us with food, so we went hungry quite often. We sat on the road for three days in the mud and the cold when finally a German truck came to pick us up.

We were taken to a train station where we were to

be sent to a settlement in Poland. At the station we were loaded into freight cars, about 30 persons per car.

The car that my family and I were in was hooked to the wrong train and, instead of stopping in Poland, we were taken all the way into Germany.

We stayed in Germany until the end of the war in the town of Marktl am Inn. We were taken to a school for boys, where we lived for over two years. I worked for a farmer at this time.

During that first winter these 30 people were taken to Strasburg to receive our papers.

MCC and Paraguay All people with Bible names were considered to be Jewish names, so therefore they had to be changed. My mother’s name was changed from Sara to Mary and mine from Sara to Susanna.

We were then taken back and continued our life with identification papers as German citizens.

After the war, the Americans sent us to Munich, where we stayed for one and a half years under the umbrella of Mennonite Central Committee.

From there they prepared to send us to Paraguay.

MCC changed our German citizenship status to Russian immigrants.

This trip to Paraguay was paid for by MCC. This was done for about 2,000 people.

In January 1947 we set sail aboard a ship for Paraguay and arrived a month later. Again we were housed and fed by MCC. We lived in a school for about six months. After spending time with Mennonite colonies, MCC purchased land that was given to each family to farm.

My mother decided to stay in the colony with her family. I was 19 at the time.

Canada I met my husband Diedrich U. Dueck in this colony, and we were married on July 13, 1948. We then came to Canada and settled in Steinbach, Man. After a few years in Steinbach, we purchased a farm south of it, where we raised eight children—four daughters and four sons.

Susanna Dueck (Steinbach EMC) died on July 22, 2009.

Her story was read at her funeral on July 27, 2009.

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

9

Expressing

Gratitude

to Two Church Leaders

by Terry M. Smith

Alvira Friesen (Rosenort EMC) and Flo Friesen (Kleefeld/St. Vital) are not interested in retirement if that means inactivity or a self-centred focus. The call to serve is deeply rooted in their hearts and lives.

W

hat does the EMC Board of Missions (BOM) call a supper to honour two longterm church leaders in our conference?

Not a retirement supper. Neither of these church leaders is particularly retiring nor are they interested in retirement from church ministry.

In fact, if anyone wants to wager that these individuals will go quietly into the night, content to twiddle their thumbs and stay at home, British bookies would be well-advised to take that bet.

No, Alvira Friesen (Rosenort EMC) and Flo Friesen (Kleefeld/St. Vital) are not interested in retirement if that means inactivity or a self-centred focus. The call to serve is deeply rooted in their hearts and lives, as the BOM, family, friends, and some of the wider EMC know.

Rather, as foreign secretary Ken Zacharias said quoting Dr. Lois Edmund, missionaries do not retire; they make a transition.

What then is happening? Two other images were offered: a “bend” in the road (Catherine Thiessen) or the close of a “season” (Flo Friesen).

Perhaps another is the close of a chapter, with more pages yet to be written.

However, what is written is impressive: 37 years of service for Alvira, 33 for Flo. Honour and recognition were appropriate, and

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

to show both the banquet hall at Ridgewood EMC was filled on the evening of September 9, 2010.

General Secretary Tim Dyck provided the welcome. He read from Psalm 139:17-18, said we are privileged to be people engaged in introducing God to others, and led in prayer.

Dinner was served, a fowl supper (with rice, vegetables, salad and dessert) centred around tastily cooked chickens not fleet enough to escape.

After dinner Danny Plett sang. He has served with Janz Team for 18 years in Germany, holding seminars and concerts throughout Germanspeaking Europe. His songs in English and German spoke of a Christ-centred focus, of pain, and of hope in Him. Pastor Jerry Plett of St. Vital EMC gave a devotional based on 1 Kings 19. Elijah had taunted the prophets of Ba’al and outrun a chariot by the power of God, then became “petrified” by the death threat of Queen Jezebel. Similarly, Alvira and Flo had felt both highs and lows in their ministries, Plett said.

But God didn’t “guilt whip” Elijah when he faltered; he ministered to him. And Elijah eventually found his successor, Elisha. Similarly, Flo and Alvira have passed on “the baton,” he said.

He thanked Flo and Alvira for their years of ministry, planting and sowing with much harvest

PHOTOS: terry m. smith

Alvira Friesen: It was no “small feat” to arrive at this point­— from a small community, to teacher’s college, to SBI, to SBC, to Germany, to Panama, to seminary, to Mexico.

Flo Friesen: God delights in us, which is why we are in this. He “sings” over us and can do big miracles and lead us on “adventures.”

seen—and a baton passed on “again and again and again.”

Alvira Friesen Catherine Thiessen, a BOM member who served for many years in Mexico, gave tribute to Alvira.

Alvira went from teaching in Canada to “teaching with Janz team in Germany for a couple of years,” then 13 years in various teaching ministries in Panama, and 20 years in Mexico.

Her ministries in Mexico included “teaching, preaching, church planting, camp work, bookstore administration, and even construction supervising—and there might be others.” In these, Cathy observed in Alvira a “flexibility and a servant heart.”

Though they did not live in the same city and seldom worked together, Cathy and Alvira

developed a “genuine and beautiful friendship.”

They had much in common: they were both preacher’s kids, single women, and they served in similar ministries.

“I trust and pray” that the journey ahead “will lead you to many wonderful places or opportunities and many more fulfilling experiences,” said Thiessen.

Ken Zacharias then presented Alvira with a painting.

In response, Alvira voiced her concern that the EMC properly recognize the two workers for what they are. She said we could now add two more Friesens—Flo and herself—to the list of “EMC retired pastors.” Beyond that, “you can add missionary,” she said.

It was no “small feat” to arrive at this

(continued p. 12)

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

11

point—from a small community, to teacher’s college, to SBI, to SBC, to Germany, to Panama, to seminary, to Mexico, she said. It had “joys and sorrows.”

Alvira highlighted Psalm 73:28: “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good.” While much around that phrase is in the “past,” this is in the “present,” she said. Not that the “nearness of God was,” but “is my good.”

For their support in her “remarkable” and “quite wonderful” journey, she thanked the board, national staff members past and present, co-workers, her home congregation, her Mexican brothers and sisters, and her family.

Alvira closed by reading from E. Stanley Jones: “O Christ, do not give me tasks equal to my powers, but give me powers equal to my tasks. For I want to be stretched by things too great for me. I want to grow through the greatness of my tasks, but I shall need your help for the growing.”

Alvira Friesen with Catherine Thiessen, Board of Missions member

Flo Friesen Marion Warkentin, a prayer and travel companion, gave tribute to Flo. Thirty years ago Flo served in Ecuador; a highlight was when her parents visited. She left because of illness. Later she taught at a university in a Central Asian country and, still later, led prayer trips.

Flo was described as a woman of prayer and vision, a good communicator who mobilizes and connects, a “forerunner,” a person of compassion concerned about people at risk.

She has a special love for a restricted country; when opposition came, it allowed her to minister within a wider part of Central Asia.

Once Flo was involved in a conference for women who had had an abortion. Later a woman approached her, saying that Flo had given her a shoulder to cry on.

In a prayer Marion said “the best is yet to come.”

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

Marion Warkentin, Flo Friesen, and Wilma Barkman

General Secretary Tim Dyck presented Flo with a gift of a painting.

In response, Flo said, “Wow!” She said she agreed to retire by taking a sabbatical for a year.

Her theme verse has been Colossians 1:10, desiring to walk worthy of her calling. In her illness after Ecuador she found the depths of God’s love; later, she was healed physically.

When she served in a setting where being followed by security police was unsettling, peace came after prayer. She spoke of 33 years of ministry, and of this recognition’s being a closure of this particular “season,” not of ministry.

God delights in us, which is why we are in this, she said. He “sings” over us and can do big miracles and lead us on “adventures.”

As a “little girl from Kleefeld,” she sometimes wondered what she was doing in “stripper bars in Thailand.”

Flo expressed thanks to her parents, siblings, sending churches, her special prayer friends Marion Warkentin and Wilma Barkman, colleagues, and the EMC Board of Missions.

She closed by saying thank you in English, Low German, High German, Spanish, Russian, and Turkmen; and then said in English, “God bless you.”

Prayer Time There was a time of prayer under the guidance of Ken Zacharias. Special mention was made of Fred and Doris Friesen, the EMC’s first missionary couple in Nicaragua. Fred was dealing with serious illness (and has since passed away).

Prayer was also requested for a pastor recently imprisoned in a Central Asian country. Ken closed in prayer.

Danny Plett led in a verse of Great is Thy Faithfulness. With that, those gathered were dismissed to whatever bends, seasons, and chapters are ahead.

Mad Woman and a Miracle

by Kirsten Penner Krymusa

PHOTO: istockphoto.com

At the first touch, everything about that corner was transformed.

M

y friend Jodi lives in downtown Toronto in an area that is grey and raw and leaves me tense behind my politeness.

I visited her there for the first time this summer and was in awe of the ease with which she walked those streets, and of the affection in her voice as she greeted the men behind blank eyes and grubby coffee cups. She was at home here and alive.

When she says that she loves the poor she means it, in the same way she loves the rich and the weird and her own blond nephews. And although I live in Africa and see poverty so much more extreme than anything on a Canadian city street, I know that my shifting eyes and jerky movements betray my falseness.

Because truthfully I don’t live quite so close to, so in the middle of, disparity and drunkenness and hopelessness.

The evening after I arrived, Jodi surprised me with tickets to Shakespeare in the Park; so we packed our purses with crackers and apples and buttoned up our sweaters against the chilly June air.

We were in a hurry to catch the subway and so ran, laughing and reminiscing, down the street, around the corner with the big church, towards the subway station, when Jodi stopped. Turned.

Watched a woman that I had noticed, but pretended not to.

She was maybe in her sixties, bundled up in the layers of someone who has no closet, and she was raging.

She was waving a stick in the air like some crazed conductor that would gladly hit anyone who came near enough, and she was yelling at an invisible enemy about buses and churches and words I’d prefer not to type.

She was scary. It would have suited me just fine to leave her to the other wild-eyed people on the corner and continue happily on our way to The Tempest and picnic blankets and juice boxes.

But Jodi stopped, of course, because when you choose to live somewhere like that because you believe it’s a community to enter into, where you will learn and love and maybe even meet Jesus, you don’t just walk by the first person who is swearing and swinging sticks around.

She walked towards the woman, tried to interrupt her tirade and reached in to touch that flailing arm. And even without my own tendency toward the melodramatic, that moment can only be described as magical.

At the first touch, everything about that corner was transformed. Suddenly there on the street was an elderly blind woman who was so afraid and disoriented that she was panicking in the only way she knew how.

Her voice immediately dropped, and we realized that, all appearances to the contrary, she was completely lucid. And terrified.

She explained that someone had helped her off the bus, but she thought that she had been left in the middle of the street and was freaking out that she would be run over by the Toronto traffic.

(continued p. 14)

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

13

A Reformation Era-Message

Kirsten Penner Krymusa was raised in Prairie Rose and Braeside EMC churches.

She is a Canadian currently living, writing, teaching, painting, and mothering in Nairobi, Kenya.

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

The Faith of the PHOTO: istockphoto.com

“Why wouldn’t she help me?” she asked. “Why would everyone leave me in the middle of the street?”

Her weapon had long stopped swinging at this point, and hung limply at her side like the white cane that it had been all along. She was just trying to find All Saints Cathedral, she explained, and could Jodi please show her where it was?

Jodi assured her she was in the right spot, it was just there across the road, and so the two of them slowly made their way across the intersection, a trendy professional with her ailing grandmother, to look at them. Jodi’s arm was still firmly planted on that grubby elbow, her murmurs of assurance near that glassy-eyed face.

Jodi left the woman on the curb of All Saints, still blind, still poor, still grumbling about that disappearing bus rider.

But at least she had her bearings. She was no longer alone in her panic.

It only took a moment of stopping, of noticing, and of reaching out, to restore a human to dignity and to bring a taste of God’s kingdom to a sketchy downtown street corner.

Which, of course, begs the question of how many other moments could be cracks through which that kingdom could shine if only I’d take the time to notice.

How many people do I walk by every day that could be transformed, like magic, into truer more glorious beings if I would be willing to actually reach out and touch them? The Bible makes this point in a million obvious ways.

This is exactly what Jesus did with most of his time. Stopped. Noticed.

Touched. And magic happened. Or miracles, or love, or whatever you want to call the moments when God’s great vision for what life is meant to be breaks in to our broken, mundane lives. I call it magic.

And I long for more of it in my life.

Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.

The criminal turned to none other in heaven or upon earth than to this innocent, reviled, cursed, and crucified Jesus.

T

he evangelists teach that there were two thieves or criminals crucified with Christ, the one on the right hand and the other on the left. One of the criminals who were hanged was abusive to Him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.”

But the other rebuked him, saying, “Don’t you fear God, seeing you are in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are getting what we deserve for what we have done; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, Today you shall be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:39-43).

An astonishing confession Good reader, pay attention to what I write. When we consider carefully the confession of this criminal, we may well be astonished at the great power, the good character, the abundant fruit, spiritual insight, vision, moving affection, and the confident confession of his faith.

It is apparent that he was an abandoned, godless wretch who neither knew nor feared God, lived in all manner of sin, robbing his fellow man and shedding blood. For Matthew and Mark call him a murderer, and Luke calls him a criminal. It is apparent also from his own acknowledgement that he deserved to die for his misdeeds.

Nevertheless, as soon as this criminal heard the sweet word of God out of the mouth of the Lord, between Jerusalem and Mount Calvary, and also as he was hanging on the cross in his extremity, it worked in him

Criminal on the Cross

by Menno Simons, 1541

so powerfully that his heart within was touched and changed. He sought from that moment on the salvation of his fellow men, and rebuked his blaspheming companion, saying, “Don’t you fear God?” He confessed his own sins and wickedness, saying, “We are getting what we deserve,” and the poor condemned Jesus (condemned by the chief priests, Pharisees, and scribes), condemned to die on the cross as one of the most wicked evildoers, and denied by the common people, and condemned to death, Him he acknowledged to be just, innocent, pure, and without sin, saying, “This one has done no evil.”

He sought grace Besides this he also sought grace and mercy with Christ, although it seemed, and reason could come to no other conclusion, that he was himself denied all mercy and every favour with both God and man.

For he was at this time the most rejected and despised of all men, as the prophet complains: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

But the criminal turned to none other in heaven or upon earth than to this innocent, reviled, cursed, and crucified Jesus, in full confidence drawing near to Him, as to the throne of divine grace, that he might obtain the remission of his sins, saying, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

I think this may be justly called a true Christian faith, and a truly worthy fruit of penitence and repentance. And it was to the Lord a refreshing of His thirsty soul, an appeasing of His deep wounds, a consolation of His sore distress, and a comfort in His painful sufferings and death.

He was consoled It was so much so that this man heard the consoling joyful word of divine grace and eternal peace from Christ, namely: “Fear not, all your sins which you committed in your ignorance are covered.

They shall never more be remembered by me or my Father. I pledge my innocent blood as security.

Therefore, be of good cheer. What you desire, you have already received. Today you shall be with me in paradise.”

No comfort to the careless Behold, my reader, here you have in this criminal another fine example of a genuine Christian faith with its essential attributes, disposition, nature, power, and fruits.

With this same criminal many vain despisers comfort and cajole themselves in their sinful and impenitent lives, thinking and saying to themselves, “God is merciful. He knows that we are the children of Adam and do not live altogether as the Scriptures teach and require. Yet we hope by the grace of God to be saved, as was the criminal on the cross.” (continued p. 16) THE MESSENGER | October 2010

15

These poor children do not know the criminal will be a sore condemnation for them, seeing they hear the Word of the Lord so often and do not believe or obey it. Ah reader, let us not mock God so. Many, I fear, will be disappointed in this matter.

it, nor ever learned or believed it with open and renewed hearts. But this man heard it but once and immediately believed.

Ah, dear children, beware, and seek Christ while He may still be found. And call on Him while He is still near, lest His anger go A faith not to be delayed and the fire of His fierce Dear children, beware, and forth The criminal believed as wrath consume you. soon as he heard. The criminal Do you think that you can seek Christ while He may heard but once and believed. The receive faith, repentance, sorrow still be found. And call on criminal reproved his blasphemfor sin, and the grace of God ing companion, and admonished when it suits you? Oh no, the Him while He is still near. him to fear God. The criminal holy Paul says, “Even as they did boldly confessed his sins and not like to retain God in their wickedness without hesitation. knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate The criminal acknowledged that Christ’s mind” (Romans 1:28). That judgment will overtake kingdom was not earthly. The criminal confessed all proud despisers. the poor, condemned, crucified Jesus before all the Children, take heed. rulers, priests, Pharisees, and before the people, and acknowledged Him to be his Saviour and Lord.

Excerpted, condensed, The criminal sought to receive mercy, favour, and with some updated and the forgiveness of his sins of Christ. The language from Menno criminal because he believed in Christ heard the Simons, “True Christian sweet, blessed words, “Today you shall be with me Faith,” The Complete in paradise.”

Writings of Menno And so at the last, take heed. This poor penitent Simons, trans. Leonard sinner will rise up against those who have comfortVerduin (Scottdale: Herald ed themselves with him in their sins, and accuse Press, 1956/1984), 371-373. and condemn them before the face of His Majesty.

Used by permission.

For they so often have heard the divine Word and have never with joyful gratitude rejoiced in

Board of Missions appointments John and Connie Reimer (Community Bible) have been appointed by the Board of Missions to Guadalajara. The Reimers are former missionaries to Nicaragua and most recently have pastored the Community Bible Fellowship church in Swan River, Manitoba. They will locate to Guadalajara City, in the Mexican state of Jalisco, in October 2010 and will be field leaders to the EMC church planting team being assembled.

Doris Penner (Heartland), of Landmark, Man., has been appointed to serve as hostess at the El Paso Guesthouse. Doris will begin this service in mid-October 2010.

Board of Missions Doris Penner

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

Connie and John Reimer

Many challenges, God at work Wisconsin, usa We are one week into the semester here at New Tribes Bible Institute.

Can you imagine 105 students in the freshman class?

It was exciting and busy as all the students arrived, and now we are learning names.

We get to build relationships with the students, learn and grow with

Kim sorts NTBI’s mail.

them, offer counsel, and watch them grow in the Lord in beautiful ways.

We get to watch God at work and we love it.

Dave is teaching the Prophets class, laying out the scriptures clearly as the students get to see, know, and fall more in love with God who was as much alive and working 3,000 years ago as He is now.

I have a new ministry of sorting campus mail. It is my kind of bite-size job and I really enjoy it.

I also enjoy spending time with the student ladies every chance I get.

I get to have a peek into their lives as I watch God growing them in Him, and I get to encourage them along the way.

Because Reece’s school shut down a couple of months ago, we have been trying to find the best schooling option for him. We have chosen to home school Reece for this year. This process brought our family to the Lord often asking Him for wisdom and rest. It was good for us.

This will be a growing year for all of us, and we are happy for that.

PHOTOs courtesy kim field

with our missionaries

School begins!

So now I am a teacher of our sixth grader Reece, and our second grader Clark! We will definitely need the Lord’s strength every day. This will be a growing year for all of us, and we are happy for that.

Our family is thrilled to be serving the Lord here at Bible School, and we want to tell you all about it. We have a blog where we post pictures and short stories of what is happening here and how God is at work. If you are interested in following our lives, please go there.

Kim Field www.ntm.org/dave_field

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

Kim and Dave Field (Steinbach EMC) serve at New Tribes Bible Institute in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

17

with our missionaries

Church planting in Minga Guazú paraguay

family and three missionaries—Gil and myself and Joanne Martens.

We are meeting regularly to pray on Wednesday evenings at our home.

We also have a Bible study in a home on Thursday evenings.

On Sundays we have a worship service in our home. There are often visitors of one kind or another that help us to feel like a bigger group.

In mid-August we hosted Dave and Judy Schmidt with their HIV/

more alert on the streets and in our front yard to greet people that walk by and recognize us.

We are also working with a project to distribute a Christian youth magazine. Decisiones is a Paraguayan organization that targets junior high and senior high school students with life and spiritual orientation.

They do a lot of seminars and counselling in schools and distribute an attractive magazine that is handed out to students throughout the country.

Joanne and I have started distributing these magazines, and will continue to do so till the high schools in our area have all been offered the project.

Pray with us that this magazine too would help teens to understand their sexuality in a way that lines up with biblical truths, and that the message of salvation accompanied by the Holy Spirit’s power to convict and grant saving faith, would find fertile soil in the hearts of many.

Renita Rempel

PHOTOs courtesy renita rempel

God is good! We are experiencing strength and joy to serve Him. He is faithful to provide guidance and open doors. We are now in Minga Guazú with the purpose of evangelizing, and trusting that out of that will grow a church.

We made the move on June 1 after looking for housing for five months. It was discouraging at times, but the timing was good in hindsight.

Looking for housing from January through May was a good way to get familiar with Welcome to Minga Guazú, a community of about 60,000 people. the community and get to know some people.

AIDS education team and took them During those months we conto most of the junior high and senior nected with the only other evanhigh schools, and a couple of univergelical church in this community sities to present their seminar. of 8,000 and together planned an We continue to pray that the Easter evangelistic event. It was many students that heard the chalgood to work together in that way. lenge to live sexually pure lives and We held two nights of movies with a to let God fill their emptiness are presentation of the good news. reflecting on what they heard and Renita and Gil Rempel (Ridgewood/ After moving and settling in, we we trust many are embracing the Prairie Grove) serve as church began visiting. Our core group is one challenge. Now we are keeping much planters.

Dave Schmidt speaks to a classroom in Minga Guazú about HIV/AIDS.

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

Judy Schmidt and Renita Rempel attend an AMAR display table.

moderator’s musings

by Richard Klassen, EMC Moderator

Ready for a change?

W

e live in a time when it appears we need to be ready to change just about anything.

For years we have been cruising along as a conference, thinking that our main problems were how to become a conference that would be desirable to the general public and how to face a few tough issues brought on by that same outreach.

It seems these days there is a changing mood in the church scene. Churches are evaluating and being evaluated and many feel that a wholesale change is needed. And in some respects this is good and necessary.

PHOTO: istockphoto.com

It seems these days there is a changing mood in the church scene. Churches are evaluating and being evaluated and many feel that a wholesale change is needed.

Accordingly our General Board has initiated what is called a “strategic planning” exercise. Done properly and wisely, it is something that should prove to be very beneficial. Yet in many of our minds there are also the niggling icy fingers of worry—what if it blows up in our face?

The recent public pronouncement of Anne Rice is perhaps a sign of the times. Rice, the former atheist vampire novelist, turned to Christ about ten years ago but now has announced that she will follow Christ but reject the Church, which

she finds to be a “quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group.”

In this she is really following a general trend set by a host of similar like-minded “Christians.” One could argue that this exodus is what the Emerging Church movement has been seeking to prevent with their wholesale attempts at re-inventing the Church.

Such criticisms may cause us to wonder if we, the Church, are indeed so far off the right track that there is little we can, or should, do other than to discard it all and start fresh.

Are we, the EMC, so out of touch with this present post-modern generation to the extent that a large-scale re-vamping is not just an option, but a necessity?

We should not fear self-evaluation. Our standard is not other churches but rather what we perceive, through the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the Scriptures, God is asking of us as a Conference.

Various movements have come and gone—Jesus people, house-churches, the seeker movement, and now it seems the Emerging Church movement is showing signs of aging, too.

Phyllis Tickle’s assessment of the current scene being on par with the Reformation may prove to be rather premature and inflated. These movements have affected us, but their fleeting lifespan should make us wary of relying too heavily on them or of trying to imitate them too closely.

These movements have generally been long on deconstruction and short on truly lasting innovations.

In our strategic planning we need to be careful not to major on negative criticisms, but to seek to build on our strengths.

There certainly is a time and a place for evaluation and change, not because all the past is worthless, but because we want to continue to effectively serve the purposes of God in this new post-modern world.

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

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with our churches

Where is My Father? ready for release RIVERTON GOSPEL CHAPEL, Manitoba

M

y wife Bonnie and I moved to Canada from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas and began serving the Riverton Gospel Chapel in March of 2008. We were soon drawn into what had become known as The Job Project, the production of a feature length motion picture based on the life of Job. The project originated with Randy and Sigi Hiebert. Sigi had experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm and could have lost her life or been disabled and Randy could have lost his life’s partner. Their experience drove them to the book of Job and the idea for a movie was born.

I was impressed to see how the Riverton Church and people throughout Manitoba were supporting the project with prayer and finances with over one hundred persons

I was impressed to see how the Riverton Church and people throughout Manitoba were supporting the project with prayer and finances with over one hundred persons directly involved in the production.

directly involved in the production.

It was a beautiful demonstration of the Body of Christ working together.

And now, a little over two years later, Where Is My Father? is ready to be released along with bonus material that includes testimonies of suffering; discourses on the problem of pain; and a behind the scenes look how the Holy Spirit orchestrated people, resources, and events to bring this project to completion.

My involvement with the project began on a Saturday morning when I arrived at the site where background

wheRe is my FAtheR? t h e s t o ry o f j o b

The sudden loss of great wealth, the tragic death of all his children, a painful disease to the point of death, separation from his wife, and the alienation of his friends. This is the story of Job - a righteous man whose faith in God was shaken to the core.

To purchase a DVD, find out if the motion picture is being shown in your area, or to arrange a screening in your church, please visit:

www.interlakechristianfilms.ca

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

sets were to be constructed.

Two words came to mind that describe the basic attitudes that would need to be in my heart as I approached my small part in the project—trust and obey. God used the experience to remind me that these two words were foundational in one’s relationship with Him. I along with others had come to believe and then trust that Randy had a good idea. He had a plan to produce a movie that would convey a message of hope and encouragement to people who are suffering.

He knew what to do and where he was going. We believed this idea was not just from a man—this came from God. Therefore when we showed up at the site for construction or filming, we had one question, “What would you like me to do?”

During that time we only saw the movie that was in the making from a very limited perspective. That is the way life is. The idea, the plan, the purpose for the universe and our lives comes from God. Like the director of a motion picture only God knows and sees the end from the beginning. The designer and Creator of all things invites us to trust that He knows what He is doing and to get involved in His eternal plan and purpose.

It is the prayer of the whole team who supported the Job Project that all who view this movie will be encouraged and drawn into a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ in whom they find peace.

Pastor Don Brynteson

Grand Rapids mission trip HEARTLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH, Landmark, Manitoba

F

Warkentin (Paul and Cheryl), Gage Schroeder (Tim and Lindsay), Isaiah Misir (Ravi and Valerie).

Following the graduation, a parent/child dedication service was planned by Florence Barg. She shared encouraging scripture and an important lesson she learned in listening to God while child rearing.

It was a story that will stick with us.

About eight years ago, Denis and Wilma Keating and Charles and Rose Friesen, along with other families at Prairie Rose EMC, were involved in support for the Mansarays, a refugee family from Sierra Leone.

Last year the Keatings shared their burden for this family and, together with help from Heartland Church, they sent Hussan back home to bury his mother. When Hussan returned to Canada, he had such

ifteen people from three Landmark churches spent a week in the town of Grand Rapids, Man., this summer connecting with local people and reconnecting with Manfred and Stella Neff, a local pastoral couple.

Duane Froese wraps a container packed with They averaged about 50 kids goods headed to Sierra Leone. a day from ages five to 15 for their Daily Vacation Bible School. a burden to help the doctor in the According to Doris Penner some hospital where his mother passed of the highlights were “the Neffs’ away. pickerel fry, the youth night, when Since then the Keatings and a number of our own youth spoke friends rallied their support and a about what it meant to have God in container of hospital beds and other their lives; swimming in the cool supplies is scheduled to be shipped waters of the Saskatchewan River, in March 2011. In the meantime, although the sign said ‘no swimming another container filled with doat this point;’ and the wiener roast.” nated clothes, bikes, blankets, toys, On September 26, 2010, we and sewing machines will be held our annual Little Lambs shipped in October. graduation ceremony prepared After the items are disby Sheryl Plett and Tabitha tributed by Hussan in Sierra Hildebrandt. They prepared Leone, this container will be a wonderful slide show with converted into a three-family commentary from the parresidence. ents to introduce the young A special thank you to graduates. all those who donated items, The Little Lambs graduates packed the containers, and were Anaya Hildebrandt (Matt helped cover some of the and Tabitha), Charlotte Bergen The Mansarays, a family from Sierra Leone, with Duane Froese and shipping costs. And, thanks to Denis Keating. This container will become a three-family residence.

(Patrick and Beth), Kelsey David Andres, the paperwork is complete and the first container was sent on September 30, 2010.

We will also be saying goodbye to Doris Penner for a while. She will be leaving soon for El Paso, Texas, where she will spend the next six months serving as the hostess of the EMC guest house there. A luncheon was planned in her honour, and we sent her on her way with many blessings and prayers.

Participants in the September 26 parent/child dedication: Craig and Rochelle Sawatzky with son Caven, Brigitte Toews Patrick and Elizabeth Bergen with daughters Charlotte, Gabrielle, and Brooke; Matt and Tabitha Hildebrandt with son Ephraim; and Tim and Lindsay Schroeder with daughter Sara.

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

21

PHOTOs Courtesy Brigitte toews

with our churches

with our churches

A journey of struggles and encouragement

of messages. We had guest speakers: Mark Westman, Harvey Plett, Gord Penner and Harry Friesen.

We had many special numbers in music, children’s features, and a delivered the commandments to MENNVILLE EMC, Manitoba very fitting puppet show by Ruby Moses. We saw how they turned to Barkman with her children Sarah, idolatry. We witnessed the difference Adam and Andrew. e strong and courageous. Do not between fear and courage as the ten be afraid or terrified because of The best part of a trip often is respies set out to check out Canaan. them, for the Lord your God goes flecting back on the highlights, and We saw how they crossed the Jordan with you; He will never leave you nor that is what we tried to do on the last River and entered the Promised forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Sunday of our summer series. We Land.

The Mennville EM Church went had nothing planned for the service Through the course of the sumon a road trip this summer, following and opened it up for people to reflect mer our speakers touched on some of and share what they had experienced along with the Israelites on their journey to the Promised over the summer.

Land.

It was a time of sharing The Mennville EM Church went on a road trip We witnessed the of hurts, struggles and this summer, following along with the Israelites Israelites leaving a land disappointments, and of bondage, crossing the encouraging others with on their journey to the Promised Land.

Red Sea. We saw how God stories of God’s faithfulguided them by cloud and ness, songs, and verses the sights and events of that journey. from the Bible. fire. We felt along with them as they We enjoyed hearing a variety of dealt with disappointments, how The service went way over the speakers on a different part of the God provided food and water; and regular time and the smells coming we saw that complaining is not a new journey each Sunday. from the kitchen reminded us that We had ministers Dwight Plett problem. lunch was waiting. We enjoyed a and Barry Barkman each do a couple We saw God’s holiness as He potluck meal together downstairs.

Luella Brandt

B

VANDERHOOF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, British Columbia

J

uly 23-25 was a relaxing, wonderful time of fellowship, worship and celebration for Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship.

Pastor Bill Friesen was invited to be our guest speaker at the lake for our church Family Campout. He spoke on several topics throughout the weekend.

On Sunday morning we celebrated with two young people, Josh Giesbrecht and Sierra Fulton, as they publicly professed their faith and 22

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

love for God by being baptized and becoming members of the church.

It is always exciting to witness God’s work in the lives of those around us!

Sierra’s testimony: My spiritual journey began about four years ago when I met Josh. I was totally oblivious to God. I was totally leery at first, for everything was new to me. There was more to life?—this thought had never occurred to me before. I was living my life completely blindfolded.

Pretty soon I started to understand more of what Pastor Brad

(continued p. 23)

“I started to understand...I was excited about church!”

PHOTOs: stephanie braun

Family Campout and baptism

Pastor Brad Schneck, Sierra Fulton, and Candace Campbell

with our churches (continued from p. 22)

Schneck was preaching; I was excited about church!

I now realize the Lord was drawing me closer to him. I can relate to Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears.”

One night after I said a prayer, I felt as though someone had slapped me. That was it! God was waking me up, telling me to snap out of it. And I did. “I sought the Lord and he answered me!” It was almost instantly that I felt different and I knew that I believed and did in fact love Jesus.

I am very excited about my new life as a Christian. I still have a lot to learn and understand about being a believer, but I suppose you never stop learning.

Psalm 25:4-7, “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from the old.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.”

Stephanie Braun

Pastor Brad Schneck, Josh Giesbrecht, Gordon Giesbrecht

CBF says good-bye to its pastoral couple COMMUNITY BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, Swan River, Manitoba

W

ministry. Now with their plan to return to the mission field, she was concerned that her old guitar was no longer good enough to take along.

This new guitar should do the job admirably.

June 27, 2010, was Tribute Sunday to honour John and Connie Reimer and family for the 13 years of service to the CBF Church. We are sad to see them leave, but God has called them to the mission field once again.

Tracy Burick did a fine job of

Holiday Travel

kirsten@holiday-travel.ca with the

Bicentennial Committee of the

Evangelical Mennonite Conference presents

Mennonite Heritage Tour with a focus on EMC history to

Ukraine and Crimea

Kiev, Mennonite Colonies, Yalta, Odessa from

May 21-June 7, 2012

Estimated cost: $5,200 including airfare

PHOTO: tracy burick

hen Grade 8 students graduated from CBF Christian School on June 17, principal Connie Reimer spoke to the classes and the graduates encouraging them to run the race faithfully and to never give up.

Connie was presented with a new guitar, which was of great significance: each time John and Connie went to the mission field, Connie was given a guitar to help in music

video highlights of their time in Swan River. This DVD was shown during the service. Most of us attended a luncheon after the service, during which CBFers and guests took the opportunity to say what the Reimer family meant to them.

Betty Warkentin

We are sad to see the Reimers leave, but God has called them to the mission field once again.

Deadline registration/deposit December 30, 2011 For tour details contact tour host:

Len Loeppky

14 Springwood Bay, Steinbach, MB, R5G 2E8 aloeppky@mts.net or 204-326-2613 Informational meeting announcement to follow.

Connie and John Reimer are headed to Guadalajara, Mexico.

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

23

with our churches

Welcome Home and Happy Anniversary!

MORWEENA EMC, Manitoba

A

One of several music groups, these members of the Peter F Reimer family came out from Abbotsford, B.C., for the homecoming.

presentations were shared in the meeting tent.

Rhonda McCue delved into Morweena’s history prior to Mennonite colonization—50 years of Ukrainian homesteading and settlement. Janice Plett took us through the early years of schooling in Morweena.

Danelle Plett and Tara Loewen worked on an overview of livelihoods and professions over the past 50 years. And then, at the church building we enjoyed a Low German play, De Fria (with English subtitles), ably performed by the same Morweena cast who first presented it 23 years ago.

All were welcome at the regular Morweena EMC worship service

PHOTOs: janet hamm

celebration of the 50th anniversary of Morweena EMC and of the Mennonite presence in Morweena, Man., took place August 13–15. More than 400 people from across Canada and various U.S. locales came “home” for the event.

Undeterred by unseasonable weather, both organizers and participants enjoyed warm fellowship all weekend long. Events were held in the church building and in two large tents on the Morweena Christian School grounds (located across the road).

Homecoming began Friday evening as students and teachers from the 1960s and 70s gathered in the meeting tent. Harold and Marlene Reimer led the program, which included a human bingo game designed to test alumni’s knowledge of Morweena trivia. Refreshments were provided in the food tent.

Saturday featured a delicious brunch, children’s activities, community tours and displays, as well as lots of visiting. After a great supper in the food tent, music and audio-visual

A large crowd was on hand to take in Saturday night’s presentations in the meeting tent.

24

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

Sunday morning. Following lunch in the dining hall, the afternoon’s activities (in the church building due to the continuing cold and wet weather) included presentations on Morweena Christian School (Janice Plett) and the church’s history and activities (Pastor Glenn Plett). There was also reminiscing and music by various groups from Morweena’s past. A faspa (light supper) finished off the weekend.

This letter to the homecoming committee reflects the sentiments of many: Thank you for a marvelous weekend….The accomodations were great.

The food was out of this world!

The effort put into all the planning and gathering of historical facts, pictures, and other material was awesome.

The program from beginning to end was so carefully planned. The game at the beginning, the special numbers, the videos, everything….

I’m not sure [if] some of the hard workers had the opportunity to enjoy it like us freeloaders did!

Please tell them all how much I appreciate it!

The roots of childhood go deep, and I was so blest to grow up where and how I did!

A committee worked hard. Pastor Glenn Plett helped collect photos and did interviews. Alvina Reimer organized meals and children’s activities and recruited an army of volunteers.

Mary Penner and Gloria Penner looked after invitations and accommodations. Syd Reimer and Mary Penner organized the displays of memorabilia. Arnold and Lorrie Reimer were in charge of tents and registration.

Thanks to all the volunteers, and most of all, thanks to God for the heritage of this community and for his continued presence and guidance in our lives.

Janet Hamm

with our churches

PICTURE BUTTE MENNONITE CHURCH, Alberta

I

t seems like such a short time since we held our first leadership election and it is always hard to see those who have served their terms leave, although we know they will still be helping in other areas of the church.

We are thankful for the growth we have witnessed in new believers and excited that they are ready to serve in leadership positions, as is the case with Herman and Maria Peters who received Christ into their lives a little over two years ago.

With more people coming into the church and making it their home we also felt a great need for more deacon couples and a lay minister. In June we elected Ben and Maria Dyck as our lay minister and Abe and Helena Martens and Henry and Anna Wall as deacon couples.

be able to fill the need for children and teens who now are fluent in English. Please join us in prayer for the Lord’s guidance and wisdom in this area.

Last summer we held our grand opening for the new building. Now as we start the new Sunday School year we are looking for ways to make portable walls as we need more spaces for classes. What an awesome problem to have!

Thank you for the continued prayer support.

Caroline Krahn

Peter and Helena Reimer and Herman and Maria Peters were elected into the leadership team to fill the positions left by Johan and Mary Wiebe and Abe and Tina Wiebe.

Our desire is to work in unity and to “do our best to present ourselves to God as ones approved, workers who do not need to be ashamed and who correctly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Our church’s purpose statement is, “Because God loves us (1 John 4:19) we will love Him by ministering to others, especially people of the Low German background.”

As people learn the English language, especially children, we wonder what we will do with the two languages. There is a need to stay true to our Baptism in Picture Butte Mennonite Church on April 18, purpose statement, but also 2010: Kimberly Krahn, Nancy Ham, Frank Peters, David Ham

news

EFC sends open letter on sex education OTTAWA, Ont.—The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has sent an open letter to Ontario’s Minister of Education, the Honourable Leona Dombrowsky.

The controversial sexual education component of the Health and Physical Education curriculum was introduced and withdrawn this past spring. Many parents reacted negatively to its content.

“The letter was sent for two reasons,” explains EFC vice president and general legal counsel Don Hutchinson.

“First, parents felt they had been blind-sided. The way curriculum development currently works in Ontario requires parents to be reactive rather than engaged in the process.

Public feedback is only being welcomed after the curriculum has been developed.”

This lack of parental involvement runs contrary to Ontario’s Reach Every Student, Energizing Ontario Education and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which the Province of Ontario has acceded, states Hutchinson.

Second, the letter addresses the Ministry’s proposed solution to controversial elements of the curriculum, that children can be withdrawn from “any course in conflict with the personal beliefs of the parents.”

“While this may appear to be a non-discriminatory solution, it actually discriminates by removing a certain group of students and perspectives from the classroom—those that are either social conservative or Christian—contrary to the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision in the Zylberberg case.”

“If a child has to leave the classroom because the curriculum doesn’t permit the inclusion or respect for their beliefs, then the entire Strategy has failed,” states Hutchinson.

The letter can be read at theefc.ca/education.

EFC

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

25

PHOTO: caroline krahn

More classroom space is needed

news

MEDA gets crash course on safety in volatile regions Decides to review security protocols, staff safety WINNIPEG, Man.—Buckle up. Stay healthy. Keep a low profile.

Those are the safest things you can do when working in a conflict zone, according to a security consultant for Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA).

MEDA has not suffered external threats in its 57 years of work, but decided to review security protocols in hightension areas like Afghanistan and Pakistan.

It brought together international staff to hear from a security expert who understands developmental organizations’ cultural and spiritual outlook.

The most dangerous thing most development workers do is drive a vehicle, he said. Far more expatriates fell victim to routine traffic accidents than to security incidents.

Danger is not confined to regions of conflict and that staff safety reached into seemingly mundane issues like personal health and accidents. “It’s not just bombs and bullets,” he said.

The most dangerous thing most development workers do is drive a vehicle, he said. Far more expatriates fell victim to routine traffic accidents than to security incidents, especially in regions where roads are poor and traffic laws nonexistent or unenforced.

Simple fatigue is another danger zone; proper sleep and nutrition and a realistic work schedule are crucial.

“Staff who are over-tired become overstressed,” he said.

While MEDA has never experienced a terrorist threat, other development agencies have not been so fortunate. Any agency working in failed states need guidelines, including staff extraction from danger zones.

Much of his advice was basic, like keeping head office aware of travel. Each staff member was issued a laminated card with a 24-hour hotline number and an updated version of the Staff Safety Procedures Manual.

Other tips: • “Keep a low profile. While some agencies use armored vehicles and armed guards, my advice is, don’t go there,” 26

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

he said. “Once you’ve stepped up to that level, you can’t come back.” They make people wonder, “What is going on there that they need this extra security?”

• “Your life is more important than material possessions…or your project. Is someone breaking in? Let them. Your life is worth more than a photocopier or a laptop.”

• “Don’t bribe officials. One bribe leads to another and advertises that money is available.”

• “Treat police and military with respect—their orders may seem stupid, but that doesn’t mean they are.”

• “Never take sides or express solidarity with any faction or political view.”

• “Reduce the likelihood of theft by being aware of the substantially increased value of money and materials in impoverished societies or communities impacted by war and drought.”

• “Observe what’s known as the Bosnia rule—if any person in the vehicle is unhappy about a journey on security grounds, then abort the trip. If you are going from Kabul to Parwan and really feel it’s not safe, tell the driver to turn around. In MEDA, you have that right.”

He also offered counsel on detecting surveillance and how to behave if abducted. These scenarios were unlikely and were not to prompt fear, he said. “Most development workers, even in conflict zones, are most vulnerable to the same safety threats they’d face at home.”

MEDA

Mennonite Disaster Service needs YOU. Here at home.

• Could you volunteer in your town or province?

• Could you help investigate disasters in your province?

• Could you serve on the Unit (provincial) board?

Let your MDS Unit leaders know!

British Columbia: Leonard Klassen . . . 604-855-2542 Alberta: Harold Friesen . . . . . . . . . . 403-999-4637 Saskatchewan: Ed Buhler . . . . . . . . 306-220-4543 Manitoba: Dan Klassen . . . . . . . . . 204-324-7355 Ontario: Orlan Martin . . . . . . . . . . 519-589-4406 Québec: Yves Bourgeault . . . . . . . . 450-754-1755 Atlantic Canada: Peter Bunnett . . . . . . 506-534-2752 You may also contact MDS in Winnipeg at 261-1274 or toll free below.

www.mds.mennonite.net 1-866-261-1274

news

MWC executive meets in Ethiopia

Ron Penner preaches in Ethiopia, affirms MWC’s global work

It was agreed that the MWC Assembly, which has traditionally been held every six years, will again meet after six years in 2015, probably in the United States.

in all parts of the world.

Youth: Two young leaders, Elina Cyptadi-Perkins (Singapore) and Ayub Omandi (Kenya) represented the global Mennonite youth task force. They reported on the enthusiasm which Assembly 15 in Paraguay had generated among young adults present. “Young people want to be involved in the Church” was their enthusiastic word. As such, the Executive Committee decided to incorporate their agenda into MWC’s structure and budget.

Inter-Church Dialogue: A historical and emotional topic

A historical and emotional topic of discussion, of which MWC director Larry Miller gave a report, was the recent Lutheran apology to Anabaptists. of discussion, of which MWC director Larry Miller gave a report, was the recent Lutheran apology to Anabaptists for the legacy of persecution that took place in the 16th century.

This led to the acceptance of an invitation by Mennonites to further dialogue with Lutherans as well as conversations with Catholics and Seventh Day Adventists.

The next meeting of the Executive Committee will take place in Hong Kong in 2011. Again, the activities of the global Anabaptist Church will be considered and the Kingdom will continue to be built.

Ron Penner (Aberdeen/Braeside) MWC Executive Member

World Assembly: It was agreed that the MWC Assembly, which has traditionally been held every six years, will again meet after six years in 2015, probably in the United States. The benefit of worship, fellowship, and service together is a tangible blessing of each assembly and as such worthy of support.

Commissions: Four Commissions have been identified to assist Mennonites and Brethren in Christ globally to address significant areas of church life. The Faith and Life Commission addresses the question: “What do Mennonites believe?” The Peace Commission seeks to promote peace through Christ in all parts of the world.

The Deacons Commission is established to respond to crises among brothers and sisters of the Anabaptist Church in all parts of the world.

Mennonite World Conference executive committee members gathered July 28 to August 4.

The Missions Commission is designed to assist churches in the Great Commission of preaching the gospel

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

27

PHOTO courtesy ron penner

“I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” These reassuring words by Jesus were graphically displayed before us as the Mennonite World Conference Executive committee met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 28 to August 4, 2010.

The Meserete Kristos Church, the Anabaptist-Mennonite Church in Ethiopia, now has about 190,000 members in 518 congregations with an additional 867 church planting projects.

On Sunday, August 1, I had the privilege of preaching in one of the churches, with an attendance of approximately 600 people. Though the sermon had to be translated into the local Amharic language, the fellowship was sweet and the worship inspiring.

The executive committee of MWC consists of two representatives from each of the five continents where Mennonite churches exist. In addition to these ten persons, staff and other church leaders and representatives were also present.

The following items of business were discussed and decided upon:

news

MCC using donations of $700,000 for Pakistan

Livelihoods, homes and the health of unborn children and mothers are threatened lack of adequate facilities for pregnant women and newborn children.

Within the next three months, about 100,000 babies are expected to be born in flood-affected areas. About 5,000 patients have been treated at mobile health units operated

by CWS in Mansehra, Kohistan and Swat.

MCC

PHOTO courtesy chris herlinger/CWS

WINNIPEG, Man.—Following weeks of disruptions, loss and trauma, people in flood-stricken areas of Pakistan are facing enormous challenges as they struggle to rebuild their lives.

“How does a family regain its footing after it loses everything?” asked Donna Fernades and Chris Herlinger, writers for Church World Service (CWS) in a recent report.

Although MCC does not have its own programs or personnel in Pakistan, it is working through experienced and trusted organizations—such as CWS—that are responding to emergency and humanitarian needs there.

MCC also worked through CWS after the devastating earthquake in Pakistan in October 2005.

It is estimated that 21 million are affected, with 10 million displaced and eight million in need of immediate assistance, said Willie Reimer, director of MCC’s food, disaster and material resources programs.

By mid-September more than $700,000 had been donated to MCC for Pakistan.

Most of MCC’s longer-term support will be implemented

by CWS, said Reimer. CWS is planning to focus its disaster recovery efforts on agriculture and livestock, housing, and trades training.

The loss of livelihoods is among many concerns facing people in flood-affected areas. CWS operates mobile health units, and in reports CWS staff express concern about the

A father and his ill son consult with a Church World Service (CWS) health team worker in Pakistan. Donations to MCC will help support CWS’s Pakistan flood response.

Bolivian Mennonites providing more services CHIHUAHUA COLONY, Bolivia—As the criminal investigation continues into allegations of gang rape in some Mennonite colonies in Bolivia, many local congregations see a need to reach out to people dealing with addictions, sexual abuse, and violence against women.

A shelter for women opened in April and 7.5 hectares of land is being purchased for a rehabilitation centre that will offer treatment programs for men seeking freedom from alcohol ”When the doors open, people will and drug addictions. Both facilities are located come,” said Klaus Rempel, who reprenear Pailon, 60 kilometres east of Santa Cruz. sents the Chihuahua Colony on a comMCC Bolivia is working with Mennonite mittee to develop a rehabilitation centre churches that are developing the rehabilitation that will provide addiction treatment centre and is supportive of the efforts to pro- services for men. vide a safe environment for women.

The Chihuahua Colony, located about 140 kms northeast of Santa Cruz, is a community of about 160 families who have left the Old Colony Mennonite church.

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

PHOTO: silas crews, MCC

Local congregations reach out to those dealing with additions, abuse, and violence MCC has been working with Low German Mennonite communities since the 1950s and has programs in Bolivia, Mexico and Canada. MCC’s overall goal is to enhance the ability of Low German Mennonite communities to address the major issues of literacy, healthy families, substance abuse, environmental concerns, conflict resolution and spiritual renewal.

In Bolivia, the Low German Mennonite community has grown to 50,000 living in 63 colonies and communities. The first colony was formed in 1953 by Mennonites from Paraguay.

MCC Canada

news

Good happenings among Bolivian OC Mennonites Hope for a better future, hunger for spiritual learning, and yearning to re-connect Despite tragic media stories of sexual assault, alcoholism and drug-use among Old Colony Mennonite communities in Bolivia this past year, there are many good happenings that offer hope for a better future.

That’s the opinion of Helen Funk, Winnipeg-based Low German radio host for Family Life Network, who recently spent two weeks on a ministry trip to listeners there.

to look into their eyes and tell them how much we here in North America care about them.”

Also encouraging are plans this year to build an Alcoholics Anonymous Centre for men, and to upgrade the school at Villa Neuva Colony to Grade 12, so graduates will meet university-entry requirements.

There is a deep hunger for spiritual learning and a yearning to re-connect with other Mennonites. Many girls and women asked for the Low German cookbook, Met Helen en de Kjäakj (With Helen in the Kitchen), which includes recipes, prayers and meditations.

Around 2,000 Low German daily devotionals and 100 MP3 Gospel Players were distributed.

The two-week Bible School for adults and children saw up to 310 students attend. Five hundred people came for the closing program.

Leona Dueck Penner, Helen Funk

“We were very encouraged by what is happening there,” said Helen Funk.

PHOTOs courtesy helen funk

The Mariposa Women and Children’s Shelter at Pailon is now open and offering counsel and support for victims of abuse.

“We were very encouraged by what is happening there,” said Funk, noting that “it was a joy to meet some of them,

Young women eagerly received cookbooks from Helen Funk.

Five hundred people attended the closing program of a two-week Bible School.

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Quarterly Financial Report The Board of Trustees would like to provide quarterly reports through The Messenger on the status of Conference finances. This is the third of these reports.

Jan-Sept 2010 Receipts and Transfers

1,369,858

972,563

Disbursements

1,261,845

1,324,747

108,013

(352,184)

Shortfall

Jan-Sept 2009

Subscribe to The Messenger on-line Issues of The Messenger are posted on-line in pdf format at www.emconference.ca/messenger.

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

29

news

Continental Mission to be strengthened

Three conferences cooperate with CMI to revitalize ministry in the North STEINBACH, Man.—A key mission among First Nations communities in Manitoba is about to be revitalized with help from three Mennonite conferences committed to its ministries.

Continental Mission Inc., a ministry that has operated in Canada and largely in Manitoba since the 1940s, has welcomed the assistance.

“Continental Mission has a rich history of ministry in the North, but there has been a loss of momentum in recent years, along with a depletion of staff,” said Tim Dyck, EMC general secretary. “We long to see the mission revitalized and retooled for ministry in the future.”

“The Continental Mission Board welcomes this co-operation with the three conferences,” says Ruben Goertzen, chairman of the CMI board. “This will ensure the continuation of a mission that, we feel, is vital to the people of the North. It will also make known to a wider circle the needs at our doorstep.”

Besides the EMC, the other conferences involved are the Chortitzer Mennonite Conference and the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference. The three conferences have a strong presence in Manitoba.

Through their members, missionaries, giving, and prayers, the churches of the three conferences have been involved with Continental’s ministries for many years, Dyck said.

The three conferences have a history of working together, including the shared support of Steinbach Bible College.

In turn, SBC’s Mission Exposure program places students in northern communities through CMI. Given this partnership among the three conferences, SBC, and CMI, there is a desire to see the mission strengthened.

“There is no desire or plan to take over the Mission,” Dyck

Tim Dyck, EMC general secretary: “We long to see the mission revitalized and retooled for ministry in the future.” stressed. “Continental Mission will remain an independent mission organization.”

At the request of the Mission, representatives from the three conferences have been in discussion with Continental’s board since February 2010. Later, CMI’s board and the three conferences jointly commissioned a review of CMI’s ministries, which was carried out by Len Barkman, former EMC General Secretary.

On September 13, 2010, the conference representatives met with the CMI’s board to discuss the report and solidify plans for moving forward.

CMI accepted the proposal of the three conferences to install an interim board, which would be given the responsibility to develop a long-range ministry plan for CMI, along with a revitalized vision and structure for the mission.

The interim board would also be given the task of identifying an interim director to manage day-to-day operations.

The interim board is projected to be in place by October 2010.

Continental Mission has ministries in evangelism, church planting, camp work, literature, radio, and a youth drop-in centre. Its publications include Continental Reflections and Muskeg Moccasingraph.

Joint release: EMC, CMC, EMMC

MCC U.S. announces essay contest $500 prize for top high school essay related to MCC concerns WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Washington Office of MCC U.S. invites submissions for its 12th annual high school essay contest.

This year’s grand prize is $500. Three regional winners will be awarded $100 each.

Students can choose to write about Palestine and Israel, immigration or military spending.

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

Students can choose to write about Palestine and Israel, immigration or military spending. All essays must be submitted by Dec. 17.

The contest is open to youth (Canadians included) of high school age who are Mennonite, Brethren in Christ or Anabaptist and to all youth who attend Mennonite high schools.

Immediate family members of MCC staff or board members are not eligible.

Information, including about where to send essays, is available at washington.mcc.org/advocate/essays.

MCC

shoulder tapping Pastoral positions 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 fulltime, 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).

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.

Youth work Rosenort EMC has a full-time youth pastor position to begin immediately. REMC is a rural church of approximately 300 members with regular

attendance of 250 people. Rosenort is situated in southern Manitoba with agribusiness as the main industry. Our church is a multi-generational church with strong family ties.

We are looking for a youth pastor to work with both junior youth (Grades 7–9) and senior youth (Grades 10–12). The successful candidate must have a deep desire to encourage our youth to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ; be committed to developing a mission vision within our youth; provide opportunity for leadership development for our youth; select, train, and work with youth sponsors from within the church family.

To submit a letter of application or request information, contact Arlin Scharfenberg, ascharfenberg@xplornet.ca, 204-746-6154, Box 106, RR 1, Morris, MB R0G 1K0.

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.

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.com or call Carissa Rempel at 204-376-5686.

Other opportunities Inner City Youth Alive seeks a full-time accountant in Winnipeg’s North End. Position will report to the executive director and involves financial management of all donations/revenues, expenses and payroll. Experience required, preferably in non-profit accounting. For a complete job description and contact information, go to www. icya.ca/about/job.html. Anticipated start date of Nov. 1, 2010.

Initiatives for Just Communities (IJC) is an agency being formed by MCC Manitoba to carry forward its restorative justice programs. IJC is seeking an executive director whose leadership and lifestyle reflects the Christian purpose and values of the organisation. This is a .5 FTE position.

Application deadline is October 29, 2010. Please submit a letter of intent and resume to Janelle Siemens at jms@mennonitecc.ca. Consult the MCC Manitoba website at manitoba.mcc.org for a full job description, IJC purpose and values statement and contact information.

Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg’s North End is looking for individuals to fill the following three key roles: camp program coordinator, to work at Gem Lake Wilderness Camp in the summer and involvement in city programs during the winter; children’s outreach coordinator, looks after the mentoring and discipleship of local North End children aged five to 12 through a combination of running the drop-in center and active one-onone mentoring; race club coordinator, teaches youth skills in welding, body and engine-work as well as participation in local motorsport events with the youth. For information, contact James Driedger at ICYA 204-582-8779 ext: 205 or email james@icya.ca.

Experience life on The Great Silk Road with EMC families. The EMC team there needs a shortterm 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 204-3266401 or tdyck@emconf.ca.

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 | October 2010

31

in memory

Bobbi Reneé (Neudorf) Schlarbaum July 21, 1984–Sept. 21, 2009 (memoriam) I had an Auntie Bobbi. She was the best auntie ever. I have so many great memories about her, I don’t even know where to start.

I still remember when my grandma would make cookies. There would always be a little bit of dough left over. Bobbi and I would fight over who would get the most cookie dough. We laughed so hard after we were finished eating all of the dough.

There was another time when I was staying with my Auntie Melanie and Uncle Jake, Kobe and Ellie in their holiday trailer for the summer. One day Uncle Jake and Uncle Justin (Bobbi’s husband) and Kobe were going to go golfing. Auntie Melanie and Ellie were going to have a nap.

I didn’t feel like staying in the trailer,

Rest Haven Auxiliary Fundraising Drama

Date: November 12, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. Steinbach 55 Plus 10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach Featuring the story of WW II concentration camp survivor and contemporary of Corrie ten Boom, Diet Eman. The evening will also include a short Mennonite history story by Bud Kehler. Refreshments will be served.

Tickets are available at Rest Haven, Hulls Family Bookstore, Steinbach 55 Plus or any one of the auxiliary members. Be sure to mark your calendar for this entertaining event.

For information call Wilma Doerksen at 204-346-5009.

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

so Justin drove me to their house. I spent the rest of the afternoon playing Wii with Bobbi and telling each other stories.

I had such a great afternoon with Bobbi.

My Auntie Bobbi had Crohn’s disease since she was 19. One week in the summer of 2009 we went to Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary. My Grandma and Grandpa, Melanie, Jake, Kobe and Ellie, Uncle Lynden, my family, and Bobbi were there.

The first day we went to Calaway Park. Bobbi felt sick so she didn’t go on all the rides. The next day when we went to the Calgary Zoo Bobbi didn’t go along because she felt sick again.

The following day we went to the water park at West Edmonton Mall.

Bobbi just stayed at the hotel. The next day my Grandma and Grandpa took Bobbi back to Grande Prairie.

We stayed in Edmonton two more days. A few days after we came home I heard Bobbi wasn’t doing any better. She had gone to the doctor and the doctor said there was nothing wrong.

After that Bobbi still wasn’t doing well. This time she went to a different doctor. The doctor said he was glad that Bobbi came because she was very sick.

This doctor was much better.

After going on medication for a couple of weeks she had only improved a bit. She always had to go to the washroom. When she wasn’t, she was lying down.

My parents went to visit her one week in Grande Prairie. The kids were not allowed to come along. I am so sad that I didn’t go along with my Mom and Dad. Bobbi had to go to the hospital every day for therapy. On the third last day of the treatment, Bobbi and Justin both said goodbye at home before Bobbi went to the hospital and Justin went to work.

When Bobbi got to the hospital she told the nurse she wasn’t feeling good and went to the washroom. In the washroom Bobbi collapsed. The doctors rushed her into ICU. I got a call at school from my mom.

She said that Bobbi was very sick and she, Grandma and Grandpa, Melanie and Jake and Lynden were on their way to Grande Prairie.

In Grande Prairie the doctors figured out that Bobbi had a blood clot. Soon it was at her heart and she stopped breathing. At around 12 on Monday, September 21, 2009, Bobbi went to live in Heaven with Jesus.

I didn’t know this yet. My Dad came to school to pick me up. In the truck Dad told me that Bobbi didn’t make it. I cried so hard for a long time.

It has been so hard for our family this year. But something that I’ll always remember is that she is better. Bobbi is perfect now and she will live in Heaven forever.

Brittney Loewen, Age 11 Dearest Bobbi, I can’t believe we have survived a whole year without you. I honestly did not think we could make it through a day, a week or a month. But the world kept turning when our lives seemed to stop. How we miss your phone calls, your visits, your laughter with your unique sense of humour, your peaceful and calm presence, your radiant smile and your love. You are experiencing a victory we cannot fully comprehend. But through God’s grace we will one day trade life’s sorrow for heaven’s joy and be reunited.

Hallelujah! What a Saviour! We miss you beyond words.

Love, Mom and Dad Neudorf and family

Eden Foundation invites you to a Coffee and Dessert evening featuring guest speaker, Elaine Froese, author of the award-winning book Planting the Seed of Hope. Elaine will relate her personal mental health recovery story. Visit her work at www.elainefroese.com. Sound Foundation, a men’s vocal quartet, will provide the inspirational music (www.soundfoundation.info).

Dates:

Time:

October 28th, 2010 – Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd November 9th, 2010 – Winkler Bergthaler Church, 252 6th Street 7:00 p.m.

Tickets available at Eden Health Care Services office (Main Street, Winkler) or Eden East (345 Loewen Blvd, Steinbach). Call 204-325-5355 (Winkler), 204-326-5437 (Steinbach), 866-8952919 (toll free). Email: edenfoundation@mts.net.

Free admission, donations welcomed.

in memory

Cornelius Janzen 1927–2010 Cornelius Janzen went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, June 29, 2010.

As his health was failing and his eyesight had gone, he and Helen chose to make their home in Herbert, Sask., where he passed away at the age of 82.

He was born in Rosenhof, Sask., on July 10, 1927. There he purchased a farm where he settled down with his wife Helen Froese. They were married on November 12, 1950. They raised their family on the farm until they moved into Swift Current in 1985.

Most who knew Cornie knew he was a godly man of great faith. He dedicated his life to serve.

He sacrificially served with the Evangelical Mennonite Church as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and in various other leadership roles until he was 80. He was also passionate about the work that Child Evangelism Fellowship did, as he and Helen served with them for 28 years.

His family remembers him with fondness. His caring, gentle, heart ruled his disposition. He treated those he met with great respect. He was a great example of a Christian gentleman.

He is survived by Helen, his loving wife of 59 years, and six children: Susie (Stephen) Price of Edmonton, Alta.; Martha (Joe) Esterreicher of Thunder Bay, Ont.; Helen (Garry) Redekop of Swift Current; Jacob (Darlene) Janzen of Swift Current; Lydia (Alvin) Zentner of Calgary, Alta.; and Albert (Melody) Janzen of Swift Current.

He was a grandfather to 24, including spouses; and great-grandfather to six, soon to be seven.

He is also survived by his sister Anne (Peter) Hoofdakker, brother William (Susie) Janzen, Isaac (Eva) Janzen, sisterin-law Annie Janzen.

calendar Sadly he was predeceased by his infant son Timothy Paul in 1962. On June 29, 1995, he tragically lost his daughter Esther, her husband Jim, and their three children.

He was also predeceased by his mother Anna (Unrau) Janzen in 1979; his father Jacob G. Janzen in 1968; his brothers Jacob, George and wife Helen Janzen, and John and wife Margaret Janzen.

The funeral service was held on Friday, July 2, 2010, at 2 p.m. from the Cornerstone Fellowship Church, Swift Current, with Pastor Bryon Bezanson officiating.

His Family

weddings BADEN – TIMMONS: Bobby Baden and Hillary Timmons were married on July 10, 2010, in Riverton, Man. The couple lives in Otterburne, Man. DEL DUCA – PLASSE: Jordan Del Duca and Naomi Plasse were married on July 11, 2010, in Montreal, Que. The couple lives in Riverton, Man. BERGMAN – WARKENTINE: Richard Bergman and Carol Warkentine were married on Aug. 1, 2010, in Winkler, Man. The couple lives in Silver Harbour, Man. WHITTLE – OLDFORD: Blake Whittle and Sophie Oldford were married on Sept. 4, 2010, in Riverton, Man. The couple lives in Riverton.

DYCK – SCHELLENBERG: Jesse Dyck and Robyn Schellenberg were married on Sept. 12, 2010, in Niverville, Man. The couple lives in Winnipeg, Man.

births FRIESEN – to Todd and Ruth Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Johanna Ruth, on Sept. 21, 2010.

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.

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 Oct. 28: Eden Foundation Coffee and Dessert Evening, Steinbach Mennonite Church, 204-326-5437, 866-895-2919 or edenfoundation@mts.net. Free admission, donations welcomed.

Oct. 30: Experience a Day in the Life of Camp, Camps with Meaning Celebration Banquet, Whitewater Mennonite Church, Boissevain, 204-895-2267 or camps@ mennochurch.mb.ca.

Nov. 3: MEDA Winnipeg chapter lunch series, Helen Loftin, Afghanistan MEDA Project, Bergman’s, 167 Lombard Ave., Winnipeg, 204-928-7900 Nov. 6: Experience a Day in the Life of Camp, Camps with Meaning Celebration Banquet, Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Winkler, 204-895-2267 or camps@ mennochurch.mb.ca.

Nov. 7: Experience a Day in the Life of Camp, Camps with Meaning Celebration Banquet, Douglas Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, 204-895-2267 or camps@ mennochurch.mb.ca.

Nov. 9: Eden Foundation Coffee and Dessert Evening, Winkler Bergthaler Church, 204-326-5437, 866-895-2919 or edenfoundation@mts.net. Free admission, donations welcomed.

Nov. 27: EMC Conference Council meeting, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (registration at 8:30 a.m.), Steinbach EMC, 422 Main St, Steinbach, info@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, 519-745-8458 or 519-765-3020

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

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pictures of God

by Joanna Plett

Lest the Cross be emptied of its power

E

stablished in 1766, St. Paul’s Cathedral in New York City is the only remaining colonialera church in Manhattan.

Located directly across from the site of the former World Trade Center, it played an important role during the rescue and recovery operations after the 9/11 attack in 2001, housing rescue workers, police officers and others, and providing beds, food and emotional support.

Nine years later, the emergency crews are long gone, but the chapel has remained as a memorial to those who died in the attack and rescue effort. Although its steeple, crosses, pipe organ and historic pews are still in place and services have resumed, it is still wrapped in the aura and memory of September 11.

Candles, pictures, and notes make it a quiet haven and memorial for those who are still grieving the loss of family members and friends.

But for many travelers, tourists and locals who pass through, flags, banners, displays and souvenirs make it a shrine of national identity.

Ten days after the attack, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani stated that “the presence of that chapel standing defiant and serene amid the ruins of war sends an eloquent

message about the strength and resilience of the people of New York City and the people of America.”

When I visited St. Paul’s a few weeks ago, I sensed that its 18th century sacredness of faith had been overshadowed by the sacredness of the American dream and the American right. It was an altar to the memory of innocent victims, heroic rescue workers and the invisible enemy still unconquered.

“This chapel stands for our values,” Giuliani repeated at his farewell address several months later. “It’s a very important place. And I hope you return here often to reflect on what it means to be an American and a New Yorker.”

I left the chapel wondering how the church, the embassy of the Kingdom that is not of this world, had come to stand for American values. Had this church placed the cross of Christ in the centre of American values, showing them the face of sacrificial suffering and healing through forgiveness?

Or had that cross once again become the Crusader symbol of peace through conquest, rather than through forgiveness, through justice, rather than through grace?

My visit to St. Paul’s challenged

PHOTOs: joanna plett

I left the chapel wondering how the church, the embassy of the Kingdom that is not of this world, had come to stand for American values.

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010

me to search out my own affiliations and altars. Through fear and pride, I am tempted to empty the cross of its power and reinstate it with a more palatable or more self-serving message.

In my desire for acceptance, have the symbols that once stood for grace become generic symbols of a higher power? Or have I reinstated the cross as an altar to my own pride?

Has the cross become a weapon of judgment over others, rather than a reminder that we are all under grace? Has it become a new tool for building walls between people, rather than one that “breaks the dividing wall of hostility”?

As St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Christ [sent] me to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:17-18).

stewardship today

by Gary Sawatzky

Guardianship—take good care of your children

W

ho will take care of our children if something happens to us?”

The decision about guardianship of minor children is one of the major hurdles facing parents when writing a will. Often it is because they can’t agree on whom to name.

Each parent may want their side of the family to be responsible.

Sometimes the family is in a new area and does not yet have a lot of close friends, or they do not have any family to choose from. It may be that they have a special-needs child and have no one who could take on this responsibility.

Whatever your circumstances, when choosing guardians you should consider someone: • whom you trust with the responsibility of caring for your children • who is willing and able to take on this responsibility • who has similar faith, values and lifestyle • who lives close to your children so as to minimize disruption to friends • old enough, but not too old (think of the person’s current age and add 18 to 25) • with whom your children have established a trusting and loving relationship If your children are older, have a discussion with them to see with whom they would be willing to live.

Once you have chosen your guardians, have a discussion with them to make sure that they are willing to act. If you change your mind and name someone else later, let the original guardians know that

PHOTO: dreamstime.com

“

The decision about guardianship of minor children is one of the major hurdles facing parents when writing a will. you have made a change. No one wants the surprise of finding out they are now guardians when they weren’t expecting it or expecting it and finding out that they have been replaced.

In the event that you agree to be a guardian for someone else, have a frank conversation with the parents: “I’m honoured to be chosen as guardian, but please tell me what resources you are setting aside for the children so that I won’t go broke caring for your children and we know who will be in charge of the funds.”

The trustee of the funds and guardians do not need to be the same people, but they need to be able to communicate well about money issues. These conversations may go on for years.

Naming a guardian is a significant decision. Then you need to continue this process and choose an alternate in case the first choice is no longer able to accept the responsibility or declines the responsibility because of a change in their circumstances.

Choosing a guardian for your children may be difficult, but don’t let this stop you from writing a will.

Not having a will means leaving the decision to the courts. Your children will have a guardian, either your choice or the court’s choice. They will be better served by a decision you make and include in your will.

Take good care of them.

Gary Sawatzky is a stewardship consultant at the Calgary, Alta., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada.

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

THE MESSENGER | October 2010

35

by Loreena Thiessen

The Keeper of the Earth

I

s anything different as you walk depend on the kind of tree it is and to school each morning and play how much sunlight they get. on the playground?

Animals notice the change and “That’s easy,” you say. “It’s colder begin to collect and store food; now than it was.” squirrels collect nuts, and mice Yes, it is. collect seeds. Some grow an extra Why is that? layer of fur.

It’s because of the sun.

Birds eat as much as they can The sun regulates, or controls, because soon the insects, berries the temperature and the seasons. and seeds will disappear. Shorter The earth travels on its path around and cooler days make food harder to the sun as it spins itself round and find, and now they must fly south to round. find enough.

At times the North Pole points Insects slow down as it gets toward the sun and at other times cooler. To survive the cold they the North Pole points away from the hide. sun.

Ladybugs hide in cracks in trees; As summer passes and fall butterflies find hiding places in arrives, and then winter, the North woodsheds. Crickets and grasshopPole points away from the sun. The pers will die in the cold, but each sun appears lower and farther away. has laid eggs and new crickets and Its light takes longer to reach us grasshoppers will appear in the because it’s not directly overhead as spring. it is in the summer.

And because the sun Because the sun is lower it rises later and is lower it rises later sets earlier, and the days get shorter. The and sets earlier, and the days get shorter. temperature drops and you feel colder.

The temperature drops and you feel colder.

Every day the sun sends just Plants and animals feel this the right amount of light so that change too. As days get shorter living things continue to grow and plants stop making chlorophyll, the change, and our earth stays on its substance that gives leaves their path around it. green colour.

Who keeps it all in the right The green fades and the leaves’ place? God does; He keeps and holds other colours—brown, yellow, red it all. Read Colossians 1:16. and orange—appear. Their colours

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Activity: make a fall journal Need: • a journal of at least five pages • pen, pencil, crayons, camera Do: At the top of the first page write or print, I see; on the second page, I hear; on the third page, I feel; on the fourth page, I smell; on the fifth page, I taste.

As you walk or play outside in fall look around and notice the changes of the season. Record what you see, hear, smell, feel, or taste. Foods or dishes may be new because of the season, such as freshly pulled carrots, or pumpkin pie, or roasted pumpkin seeds. Draw pictures of what you notice. Take pictures of changes.

When everything is covered in snow, you can look at your journal and remember!

PHOTO: designpics.com

kids’ corner

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

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THE MESSENGER | October 2010