The Messenger Vol. 48 No. 12 November 2010

THE

MESSENGER

volume 48, number 12 November 2010

www.emconference.ca/messenger

Alabado sea Jesucristo! ÂĄ Praise Jesus Christ!

Reportaje de la Iglesia Ebenezer Ebenezer church profile

EspaĂąol (p. 11) English (p. 14)

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

editorials

Nine regions, one Church

I

n central interior B.C., the EMC has pastors with connections to Ohio and France; elsewhere we have pastors with backgrounds in New Brunswick.

In northern Alberta, southern Alberta, and southern Ontario, there is a focus on ministry to people with DGR Mennonite backgrounds.

In Calgary we have two churches of wide-ranging cultural backgrounds and two focused on people of Hispanic backgrounds from various countries.

In Saskatchewan we have churches in the south, centre, and north. Our members there work variously in farming, mining, and logging and reflect a range of cultural and church backgrounds.

There was a time when the

EMC was made up of five churches in southern Manitoba, but the “old grey mare, she ain’t what she used to be.”

It is true that six of our EMC’s nine regions include, at least in part, congregations in Manitoba.

The time is long past when Steinbach, Man., area churches could claim to be the Conference.

The “Keystone” province is where more than half of our churches reside, including a majority of members.

The time, though, is long past when Steinbach, Man., area churches could claim to be the Conference.

In Ontario we have seven

churches—one in the northwest and six in the “golden horseshoe” in the south.

Where do our members come from? Many have descended from those who emigrated from Russia in 1874-75, others have returned from Mexico and Paraguay, Hispanic members come from Latin America and Canada, and other members from many cultural groups.

In an age which values individualism, it is easy to highlight congregationalism and find reasons not to connect with other EMC churches.

However, if we isolate ourselves, or over-simplify our increasingly complex history, we short-change both our congregation and the conference of which it is a part.

Let’s keep in touch!

Terry M. Smith

A bridge, not a barrier

T

his issue contains a church profile published first in Spanish and then in English.

It is the first time it has happened, but language shifts are not unusual in the EMC. In Europe and Russia there was language movement amid Dutch, High German, and Low German (with some Russian thrown in).

Publishing Ebenezer’s profile in Spanish honours the Spanishspeaking congregation that is being highlighted.

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

In Canada, for decades the EMC published a German language magazine; later it contained an English section.

For a time the EMC published both German and English periodicals; then the German language periodical ended.

Now The Messenger occasionally publishes articles in Spanish.

Publishing Ebenezer’s profile in Spanish honours the Spanishspeaking congregation that is being highlighted, and it reflects changes happening within the EMC. In the past, the KG sometimes used language as a barrier to

keep out “the world.” Language, though, is better used as a bridge to connect with others in ways that honour Christ.

We might be surprised and impressed by the range of languages spoken by EMC members.

While perhaps four languages are used in worship services, many more are used and treasured by their speakers.

An ability to speak two languages (or three or four) is a fairly common skill among EMCers. Let us nurture that ability to build bridges, not barriers, in our common devotion to Christ.

Terry M. Smith

contents Features

Departments

8

2 Editorials

The Lamb is Worthy to Take the Book

3

– Dr. David W. Shenk

4 Letters

11 Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer: Donde la Alabanza y la Hermandad de la Iglesia son vitales

31 Shoulder tapping

17

– Terry Smith y Gerald Reimer

14 Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer: Where Praise and Church Family are Vital!

With our missionaries

17 Clothed and In Our Right Minds

22 Paraguay: The New Morality or the Old Immorality?

– Terry Smith and Gerald Reimer

– Matthew Reimer

Columns 5

EMC FAQ

Where does the money go?

– Rebecca Roman

6

Archives Alcove

7

Susanne K. Plett, a missions pioneer – Terry M. Smith

Writings shared Reviews: Sexuality: God’s Gift and The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith

23 Window on missions

32 In memory 33 Calendar 34 Births and Weddings

20 Mexico: A trip of diversity and delight 21 The Philippines: 50th graduate from Honest Hands

25

– Dr. Terry Hiebert

30 Cartoon

Pontius’ Puddle

With our churches 24 Heartland Community Church: Teaching VBS is Grand Rapids is important!

25 Iglesia Cristiana Emmanuel: New EMC church organized!/¡Una nueva Iglesia EMC organizado!

26 Wymark EMC: Baptism at Wymark

News 29 MCC food account at lowest level in years 30 Cruise ship passengers visit MEDA project in Ukraine 34 Central Americans hold 35th Anabaptist Consultation

26 Portage Evangelical Church: PEC celebrates 50 years 27 Reserve Fellowship Chapel: Stan Millar busy at Sioux Valley!

27 Kleefeld EMC: Flo Friesen honoured 28 Grace Community Church: Emphasizing our missional nature

28

Fred Friesen, a pivotal figure in EMC missions – Lester Olfert

35 Stewardship today

Are they worth it?

– Kevin Davidson

36 Pictures of God

Justified – Joanna Plett

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

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THE

MESSENGER

letters Consider The Cape Town Commitment

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.

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. 13 – December issue (copy due November 19)

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

moderator ’s musings

by Ric hard Kla EMC Moder ssen, ator

The EMC’s strategic planning [Ready for a change? October] seems wise.

Study of The Cape Town Commitment – A Call to Belief and Action may help. Part 1 is available at http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/conversations/detail/11544.

It’s a truly biblical (280-plus passages), loving and peaceful outline of the Christian message for today’s world.

Produced from Oct. 17-25, 2010, in South Africa by some 4,200 participants from 198 countries, it was the largest ever global dialogue on the Christian gospel.

Recently the Emergent Village has tried to reshape the Christian gospel to be more “resonant” with our “postmodern world.” Their post-modernism is largely absent from The Cape Town Commitment’s focus on evangelism in the biblical language of love, peace, humility, integrity, simplicity and compassionate action for the poor, the oppressed and creation. It lovingly warns against all sorts of syncretism and idolatry.

“Post-modern evangelicals” seem to be too conformed to post-modern philosophies recently fashionable in the arts, literature, social sciences, and segments of philosophy and the media (Romans 12:2).

Architects now view post-modernism as a past fad. Many consider the “wholesale change” promoted by the Emergent Village as the construction of a new religion, not a Christianity of any kind.

Ready for a change?

W

e live in a time when it appears we nee ready to cha d to be nge just about any thing.

For years we have bee cruising alon n g as a con ference, thin king main problem that our s were how become a to conference that would be desirable to the general pub lic to face a few and how tough issu brought on es by that sam outreach. e It seems the se days there is a changing mood in the church scene. Chu rches are evaluating and being evaluated many feel and that needed. And a wholesale change is in some resp good and ects this is necessary.

Are we, the EMC, so out with this of touch present pos t-modern generation to the exte nt that a large-sc ale re-vamp ing is not just an option, but a necessity?

We should self-evaluat not fear ion. Our stan dard is not other chu rches but rather what we perceive, through the Holy Spirit’s gui dance and the Scriptures, God is ask ing of us as a Con ference.

Various mov ements have com e people, hou and gone—Jesus se-churche PHOTO: ISTOC movement, s, the seek KPHOTO.CO er and now it M seems the Emerg ing Chu It seems the showing sign rch movement is se days the s of aging, too. re is a changi Phyllis Tick scene. Churc le’s ng asse mo ssment of the curren hes are eva od in the chu t scene bein luating and rch many feel tha g on par wit the Reform being evalua t a wholesal h ation may ted and prove to be rather pre e change is mat needed. movements ure and inflated. The se hav According their fleeting e affected us, but ly our Gen has initiate eral Board lifespan sho us war y of d what is uld make she call find rely “strateg ic ed a ing too hea s to be plan them or of vily on hostile, disp a “quarrelsome, trying to properly and ning” exercise. Don utatious, imitate the closely. e wisely, it is and deserve infamous m too that should something group.” dly prove to be These mov In this she cial. Yet in very benefiements hav been long many of our e generally general tren is really following on decons are also the minds the a d truc set re short on trul by a host tion and niggling icy like-minde of similar worry—wha y lasting inn fingers of d “Ch In rist t if it blow ovations. our strategi ians arg ue tha s up in our face? c plannin t this exodus .” One could be careful g we need is Emerg ing not to maj to The recent Church mov what the or on neg criticisms, ement has been seek ative but to seek ment of Ann public pronounceing to pre to build on our strengt e Rice is per vent with wholesale hs. sign of the their haps a attempts times. Rice at The re-i the re nve cert Chu , the form atheist vam nting ainly is a rch. er place for eva tim pire novelis Such criticis luation and e and a Christ abo t, turned to ms may cau ut ten yea because all change, not wonder if rs ago se us to the past is has announ we, wor thless, but becaus ced that she but now so far off the the Church, are ind e we want Christ but will follow eed effe right trac to continu reject the ctively serv k that the is little we e to Church, whi e the purpos re can ch in this new es of God than to disc , or should, do oth post-mode er ard it all and rn world. star t fresh.

Messenger

48 11.ind

d 19

THE MES SENG

ER | Octo

ber 2010

19

10-10-12

12:00 PM

In John 17:15-17 Jesus prayed, “... not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

In my view The Cape Town Commitment heeds these concerns much better than Emergent post-modern evangelicals.

Blessings on the conference’s strategic planning processes!

Al Hiebert Steinbach, Man.

Has your church used Follow Me?

View a sample chapter at www.emconference.ca/CE-resources To order copies ($2.50 each, plus shipping) contact Rebecca Roman, 204-326-6401 or rroman@emconf.ca.

?

emc faq

by Rebecca Roman

Where does the money go?

Q. A.

What happens to the money that is given to the Conference?

Much money that is given to the Conference goes to the general budget. Individuals and churches also give to special projects that receive funding outside the budget.

Of the monies received as donations in 2009, about one-third came from individuals and two-thirds from other charitable organizations (such as EMC member churches).

The Conference’s work is our collective efforts as members and churches.

In 2009, a reported $3,367,155 was spent. Of this amount, $91,802 (under three per cent) went towards administration/management and fundraising. About $3.27 million was spent towards Conference programs and projects, and designated gifts (for example, monies received for other mission organizations).

In terms of spending based on the general budget, money that comes in is spent in a variety of ways.

Most of the funds that come in are spent towards mission programs (in Canada and elsewhere)—about 71 per cent of the total budget.

Member participation is important in deciding how money is spent, and in providing necessary funds to support these programs.

About 10 per cent goes toward Christian education activities, including publication of this magazine and support of youth and youth workers, among others.

Support of church leaders—including such areas as the Leadership Development Scholarship—encompasses about seven per cent of the total budget.

The bulk of the remainder of budget funding goes toward Convention (event and travel), administrative assistant salaries, and facility expenses for the head office.

For a fuller report of budget expenses, call or e-mail Ruth Anne Peters to receive the proposed 2011 budget (204-326-6401, rapeters@ emconf.ca). Church delegates will be voting on this budget at the Conference Council meeting on

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.

November 27, 2010. If you have questions or concerns about the Conference, please let your church delegate know or contact the EMC office.

For detailed financial information on the 2009 budget year of the Conference, much information can be obtained through the Canada Revenue Agency website by searching for Evangelical Mennonite Conference in the charities listing.

Those who receive The Messenger also receive yearly by mail a brochure and letter outlining the programs and financial needs of the Conference. Because we are a Conference, each member matters.

Your participation is important in deciding how money is spent, and in providing necessary funds to support these programs.

Thanks to all members who pray and financially support the Conference!

If you have a question to submit for this column, please send it to Rebecca Roman at rroman@emconf.ca or call 204326-6401.

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

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archives alcove

by Terry Smith

Susanne K. Plett, a missions pioneer

S

PHOTO: Priovidence college

usanne K. Plett (1911–1956) was She served with NTM in Bolivia, promise of support” (Barkman, 22). the first Kleine Gemeinde (later South America, from May 1, 1945 to She was supported by individuals EMC) member to serve as a December 31, 1949. She then served and ministered to a tribe “along foreign missionary and perhaps the in western Brazil from December 1, the Amazon river” (Menno Hamm, first KG woman to attend a non1950 until her death on May 15, 1956 Come, See What GOD Has Done, Mennonite Bible institute.

(Craig Crowe, NTMC).

2004, 37).

Susanne Plett, of what is now “She had to stand firm against In a July 1946 letter Susanne said, Prairie Rose EMC, studied at the barrage of criticism and head“We try, as much as possible, to form Winnipeg Bible Institute (now shaking,” says Sue Barkman (Everthem into independent, self-supportProvidence College) from 1940-43, Widening Circles, 1978). ing, self-propagating, indigenous graduating with a diploma.

“We didn’t want any woman, churches, according to the method It was said, “Susanne accepted the especially young ones, out preaching. Paul used in his time.”

Lord as her personal Saviour in her That was a man’s job. Women were Her letter, in German, was teens and immediately had a desire supposed to stay home, not try to published in the Christlicher to serve her Master, yet in her own do men’s work,” recalled one man Familienfreund (Sept. 1, 1946), the KG’s way.

(Barkman, 22).

German language periodical, with “The Lord guided and directed Susanne Plett left “without the a positive note from the editor: “We her to W.B.I. three years ago. Here blessings of the community nor wish you much faith, courage, and she has enjoyed blessed fellowship wisdom, sister, and pray for you. We with the students and teachers are glad that you wrote and ask you Susanne Plett left “without the but above all with the Lord. She to write again” (Hamm, 37). blessings of the community nor is an active worker, willing to Susanne Plett’s letters, and retake anything upon herself, even ports during furlough, encouraged promise of support” (Barkman, 22). cooking. others to consider foreign service “Her aim is found (Hamm, 37). in Phil. 3:14, to press The EMC has on to the mark of the since had many of its high calling, to serve members serve as misher Lord and Master sionaries, quite a few wherever He leads of them were single, and her desire is only and most of them to please Him” (WBI have been female. But grad testimony, Sue someone had to be first Screpnek). and Susanne K. Plett She started a Sunday was that person.

School in the Landmark, Perhaps it is Man., area and taught ironic that the EMC’s Daily Vacation Bible conference council School within the recently approved a province in summer new mission field: months.

Bolivia. It was also the Susanne entered first foreign field where training in Chicago, Ill., a KG/EMC member Faculty and graduates of 1943: (back) Mr. D. A. Barnes, Rev. K. M. Robins, Rev. J. Cunwith New Tribes Mission ningham, Rev. D. R. Aikenhead, (middle) Mrs. K. M. Robins, Mrs. Williams, Susanne went 65 years ago.

Plett, Hannah Dyck, Gleetis Delgaty, Miss M. Taylor, Miss O. Mikkelson, (front) Grace on February 1, 1944.

Hickey, Margaret Ferch, Rev. R. W. Affleck, Thelma Mork, Olive Norwood.

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

writings shared

Sexuality: God’s Gift, 2nd ed., edited by Anne Krabill Hershberger (Herald Press, 2010). 275 pp. $16.99 USD. ISBN 9780-83619-514-9. Reviewed by Cyndy Warkentin, pastor, Saturday Night Church, Landmark, Man.

“

D

o we really believe and understand that sex is good and that our sexuality is a good gift from God?” (21). Affirming that indeed it is forms the premise for this bold and articulate treatment of a subject that many Christians find confusing and are still embarrassed to speak about.

Often the mixed message has been, “Sexuality is a dirty, disgusting thing, so you should save it for someone you love” (83). This comes as a result of the world’s warped, onedimensional approach to sexuality and the Church’s inadequate attempt to counteract it. Sexuality: God’s Gift presents another perspective.

Each chapter, written by various authors, brings scriptural grounding, educational background, personal experience and a thoughtful approach to all of the specific topics covered.

Taking us through all the stages of life from childhood to old age, including areas such as singleness, cross-gender friendship and losing a spouse, we are taught, encouraged and challenged to celebrate the gift of our sexuality in healthy ways that honour God and the people with whom we relate.

I appreciated the well-researched and documented information through

Taking us through all the stages of life, we are taught, encouraged and challenged to celebrate the gift of our sexuality in healthy ways. out the book and the extensive resource lists in the last chapter.

The book challenged and expanded some of my own thinking on God’s gift of sexuality, especially the chapters on singleness, same-sex orientation and the arts.

Experiencing the gift of sexuality as God intends far exceeds any perspective the world offers. “Only God’s design can bring us real joy, true intimacy, and true sexual fulfillment” (254).

The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith, Stuart Murray (Herald Press, 2010). 172 pp. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-83619-517-0.

Reviewed by David Thiessen, EMC conference pastor.

M

urray, in this book on the Anabaptists, strips back historical and cultural accretions accumulated over the centuries and looks at what originally inspired a group of European believers back in the 1600s. Then he speaks to the question of why that original vision creates a sense of homecoming for people in today’s complex and violent world.

How would this carefully articulated and readable book be most useful? It may be particularly useful to two groups of people.

First, it serves as an excellent introduction

The book could facilitate that elusive “homecoming” for both groups. This was the experience of to Anabaptism for people who do not Simon Barrow of England. have that background, but would like Barrow says, ”The recovery of to explore Anabaptist faith and life.

Anabaptist emphasis on discipleship, Another group who could benefit church as subversive and exemplary from reading this spirited account community, the biblical word oriented by a non-Mennonite are jaded and toward Jesus the living word, and perhaps reluctant Mennonites who peacemaking as integral to the gospel are not very convinced or has given me fresh hope for a truly even aware of their own liberating, post-Christendom vision faith history. and practice of Christianity—something both committed and open” (30).

A group who could benefit In a concluding from reading this account are statement the writer says that his interest is not in jaded and perhaps reluctant Anabaptism for its own Mennonites who are not very sake, “but in a tradition that helps us become convinced or even aware of more faithful followers of their own faith history.

Jesus” (172).

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

7

The

T

the

Lamb

iumph

LAMB

of the

Christ, His Church in Mission

is Worthy to Take the Book!

Revelation 5

by Dr. David W. Shenk

PHOTO: istockphoto.com

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

M

y wife Grace and I have just been in China and Indonesia for a month. The pastoral prayer at Sunday worship in a church in Indonesia was that God would soften the hearts of their Muslim neighbours so that they would refrain from bombing their church if Pastor Jones in the USA went ahead with his plans to have a ritual burning of the Qur’an.

In China we occasionally glanced at the closed doors of the large upstairs room where we had gathered for a seminar. We prayed that the police would not enter those doors to arrest us and stop the seminar. The suffering church was a theme wherever we went.

That was also true of the Apostle John. He was a very old man, when, under the powerful inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he penned the book of Revelation. He was alone and in detention on the Island of Patmos, suffering for the sake of Christ, as was true of other Christians.

Domitian was emperor and determined to discourage the church’s growth through detentions and occasional martyrdoms. That was why John was on the Island of Patmos, arrested and detained for his refusal to venerate Caesar as Lord.

Alone, he saw a door open into heaven (Revelation 4:1). Peering, he saw visions of reality that unlocked God’s grand plan for human history and destiny. He saw God on his throne, with a scroll in his hand.

This is the scroll (book) of the destiny of history. The book is sealed with seven seals. Seven means completion. This book is completely sealed.

It is written on the back and on the inside. The back is what happened in the past, the inside is what is going on now.

This book is the big picture of history; it is also the destiny of each of us. Locked within the inner soul are the secrets, the sin. The accounts of what has happened are not flattering; read any history or read any newspaper.

Who is Worthy?

So the hosts of heaven proclaim: who is worthy to take the scroll? The one worthy must be the one who can deal with our sin.

So the messengers from God commence an exhaustive search. In fact, all humanity is caught up in the search. They scour the heavens. That is the regions of the gods and spirits and religions.

The Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Christians and all religions claim the authority to take the book; each is found utterly inadequate for none can deal with the poison of human sinfulness.

The messengers search the earth. That is the realm of the ideologies. Marxism and Capitalism step forward each claiming the right to take the book. Yet the peoples of the earth groan at the inadequacies of these global ideologies to deal with the human predicament.

So the search commences under the earth, in the regions of the ancestral spirits. Even the ancestors cannot deal with sin; they are unworthy.

John began to weep. In fact, he wept for none were worthy to take the book. And, indeed, all over the world a great weeping commences as people discern that all our religions and ideologies cannot deal with the predicament of human sinfulness.

Then a messenger sent from God came to John to announce, “Do not weep! There is good news!

One has been found worthy. He is the Lion of Judah; he is the root of David” (Revelation 5:5). In an instant John recognized that the One who is worthy is Jesus.

“Do not weep! There is good news!

One has been found worthy. He is the Lion of Judah; he is the root of David.”

(Revelation 5:5)

The Lion of Judah

Jesus is the fulfillment of Jacob’s prophecy given nearly twenty centuries earlier when his twelve sons gathered around him to receive prophetic blessings from their dying aged father. When Jacob came to Judah, he exclaimed that Judah is a lion and that a king will come from Judah who will rule the nations forever (Genesis 49:9-10). Jesus was of Judah’s line.

Jesus was also of David’s line. God had promised ten centuries earlier that a son born of David’s line would rule forever (2 Samuel 7:16). However, for nearly 400 years there had been no king on David’s throne, for Israel had no king.

David’s line had become only a stump in the ground. Yet Jesus had come from David’s line; he was the root or shoot come from stump of David.

God planned from the world’s foundation for the Saviour. The prophetic pronouncements were clear; he would be a lion from Judah, a branch from the stump of David’s line. (continued p. 10) THE MESSENGER | November 2010

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The coming of Jesus was not an afterthought in God’s mind. Through the centuries God was preparing carefully for the grand surprise of the Savior who would deal with our sinfulness and bring history to a glorious finale.

Yet when John peered through his tears into heaven, he did not see a lion or a shoot from a stump, although these are powerful and helpful metaphors of Jesus. Rather he saw a slain lamb standing in centre of the throne of God (Revelation 5:6). This is totally astonishing!

The throne of God is the power and authority centre of the universe. There is no power greater than the throne of God. Neither is there any authority greater than that which emanates from the throne.

Yet John sees a slain lamb who is alive standing within the power and authority centre of the universe.

This lamb is Jesus crucified and risen. John sees the wounds of crucifixion upon the body of Jesus. He is risen and standing within the throne of God. Here we meet what Paul proclaims: Christ crucified—the power of God! (1 Corinthians 2:22-25).

The world considers the cross trivial foolishness.

Our Muslim friends strenuously deny the cross for they exclaim that God is all powerful and therefore Jesus could never suffer on a cross.

The essence of Buddhism is the quest to escape suffering. Darwin’s theory of evolution insists that the power centre of the universe is survival of the fittest.

Western political philosophies insist that at the end of the day, our democratic institutions must be preserved with the instruments of violence. The Western world fights wars to preserve our values.

All religions and ideologies are scandalized by the cross.

Yet there he stands. The crucified and resurrected Jesus is in the centre of God’s throne. His hands are outstretched, inviting us to forgiveness and reconciliation with God and with one another.

God gives him the book!

Heaven explodes with joy!

All of heaven explodes in songs of joy. Jesus is worthy to take the book because through his crucifixion and resurrection he has redeemed us.

Through his blood we are forgiven. He is worthy for only Jesus is able to create the church, a fellowship of redeemed people from “every tribe and language and people and nation (5:9-10).

And he forms the church into a community of the Kingdom of God who serve God and who extend his reign throughout the earth. That is what mission is all about—inviting as many as possible into the kingdom!

All of heaven and all creation burst into enormous crescendos of joy and song as they witness Jesus receiving the book of history in his hands.

The entire creation and all heaven and earth rejoice for Jesus deals with sin.

He forgives and he transforms. He creates the church! The church is not a sideshow; it is at the very centre of God’s grand plan for history, for the earth and for all creation.

Domitian was still Caesar in Rome, but as John peered into heaven he saw ultimate reality. Jesus is Lord, not Caesar. The empire was only a sideshow; for it is the church that is at the centre of God’s grand plan for history.

Jesus is worthy to take the book because through his crucifixion and resurrection he has redeemed us.

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

Dr. David W. Shenk was the EMC’s convention speaker. He has a long history of cross-cultural education.

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.

fotos: terry m. smith

Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer Donde la Alabanza y la Hermandad de la Iglesia son vitales

¡C

por Terry Smith y Gerald Reimer

risto está alabado en español en Brandon, Manitoba!

¿Qué es lo que atrae a los Latinos a la “la Ciudad del Trigo”? Es el trabajo obtenible en la empresa Maple Leaf Foods.

Por las voces latinas alabanzas a Dios suenan en una iglesia que antes estaba vacía. Pero hay uno pizca de ironía: algunas de las voces tienen conexiones con una iglesia bautista lejana.

La Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer se congrega en una sala de comunidad alquilada que es localizada en la Avenida Lorne 1037. La hacen propio tanto que puedan en un lugar alquilado.

Los visitamos el día 19 de septiembre, 2010, y hay letreros en español por todo el edificio.

El grupo de alabanza de siete miembros está ensayando. El pastor habla de un tiempo de oración.

La gente habla español, y las chicas charlan en inglés.

Seis banderas están colgadas en la sala, representando los paises de la gente: Colombia, El Salvador, Paraguay, Mexico, Honduras y el Canadá. (continua p. 12)

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

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El Servicio El servicio empieza alrededor de 11:30 a.m.

El pastor Hernán Benítez Diaz empieza con una oración apasionada. Unos oran y otros cantan.

Hay alabanza audible, danda palmadas durante y después de la música. Luces pulsan durante un canto.

Normalente las luces del sanctuario están bajas pero las subieron para la fotógrafo. Cantan mucho.

Niños pasan al frente para orar antes de salir a la escuela dominical. Un hombre se para y ora.

La ofrenda es levantada. Una mujer de la congregación ora.

El pastor hizo anuncios, y Landis, su esposa, añadió otra.

Gerald Reimer, el ministro de jóvenes de la EMC (Conferencia Evangélica Menonita) es el predicador invitado. Usó el español que aprendió en sus estudios formales de español en USA y sus tres años de ministerio juvenil en México.

Su mensaje, preparado y presentado en español salió de Colosenses 1:9-14 titulado “Agradándole a Dios.” El anima a la congregación a orar los unos por los otros en cuanto a llevar fruto y crecer en el conocimiento de Dios. Ese estilo de vida es una respuesta apropiada a la redención y perdón de pecados que tenemos en Cristo Jesús.

Cuando Gerald no recuerda

¿Qué es lo que quiera que la gente sepa de Ebenezer? Quieren que la iglesia sea una familia, Ana Moreno responde. como decir “when we retire” en español, pide ayuda, le ayudan y él sigue.

Cantan más y el servicio termina. La hora es alrededor de 1:20 p.m. La gente hablan positivamente a Gerald acerca del mensaje.

Ana Moreno El pastor Benítez Diaz nos invita a entrevistar a un miembro de la iglesia, Ana Moreno. Ella consiente y nos dice que ha sido involucrada en la iglesia por los ocho años que Ebenezer ha existido.

Ella ayuda con las ofrendas y visita familias, y con la ayuda de otros distribuye comida y ropa.

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

¿Qué es lo que Ana quiera que la gente sepa de Ebenezer? Quieren que la iglesia sea una familia, responde.

Ana, de México, dice que en Brandon echó de menos a su familia, oró a Dios, y él abrió sus ojos y vió la iglesia como su familia.

La Pareja Pastoral El pastor Hernán y Landis Benítez invitan al predicador invitado y el escribo a comer y a una entrevista.

Hernán, 45, fue instalado como pastor en Ebenezer en septiembre, 2009. Nacido y criado en Paraguay, su vida pasada incluye el ejército paraguayo y entrenamiento como orfebre.

Aceptó a Cristo en el año 1987, y luego estudió en una escuela Bíblico en Paraguay. El primer pastor de Hernán era Fred Buhler, un misionero de la EMC. Su esposa, Landis es de Blumenort, Man. Estudió español en el Instituto Bíblico Rio Grande antes de ir a Paraguay como obrera de corto plazo.

Ellos se conocieron y con tiempo se casaron. Su español mejoró.

Hernán vino al Canada el áno 1990. Tienen dos hijos ya adolescentes, una hija Mónica y un hijo Giovanni. Dice Hernán que su hijo lee el Guaraní, un idioma oficial de Paraguay, mejor que él.

Landis trabaja como asistente educacional en una escuela local. La mayoría son estudiantes hispanos.

Del año 1997 hasta 2004 Hernán y Landis estaban involucrados en el ministerio hispano en la iglesia Braeside EMC. De allí regresaron a Paraguay y sirvieron con la Missión EMC hasta 2008.

La Historia de la Iglesia La obra en Brandon empezó en el año 2006 como una extensión de la Braeside EMC. Actualmente hay aproximamente 5,000 hispanos en Brandon. La población de la ciudad es aproximamente 43,000.

Hernán, entre otros, estuvo involucrado en ayudar el comienzo de la obra. Su primer pastor era Luis Antonio Pitta que vino de México y fue discipulado por Hernán.

En noviembre, 2004, Ebenezer fue oficialmente organizado como una congregación de la EMC, en diciembre del mismo año el concilio de la conferencia aprovó afiliación con la EMC y en julio, 2005,

fue recibido como miembro de la EMC. El año 2008 Antonio y su esposa Esther y su familia mudaron a Calgary, AB, a plantar otra iglesia. La Iglesia Cristiana Emmanuel fue organizado oficialmente el día 19 de septiembre, 2010.

La Estructura La Iglesia Ebenezer tiene ansianos, deáconos, un ministro para matrimonios, un grupo de alabanza, ministros para hombres y mujeres, escuela dominical para niños (para adultos no hay), un estudio bíblico semanal y culto de oración cada martes.

Además, consideran empezar otro estudio bíblico, ministerios en células, y otra vez empezar con el grupo de jóvenes.

La asistencia es entre 70 y 80 personas los domingos por la mañana. No es constante, depende de los turnos de trabajo en Maple Leaf.

Hernán tiene horario de oficina de martes hasta viernes, y el sabado por la mañana. La gente pasan regularmente.

La iglesia tiene su junta de negocio anualmente.

Como los miembros son de diferentes antecedentes hay opiniones variadas en cuanto a qué estructura es necesario.

De la EMC la iglesia recibe un subsidio financiero parcial.

Los Fuertes Dicen Hernán y Landis que la gente quieren servir en la iglesia. Quieren estar involucrada en la vida de la hermandad y el ministerio. Hay libertad en el Espíritu a mover el cuerpo en alabanza que es culturalmente apropiado.

Los de Brandon han visitado a los Nicaragüenses que trabajan estacionalmente en Dauphin. Su plan es visitarlos otra vez antes que regresen a América Central.

Los Retos Un punto importante es la vida familiar.

Muchas veces los hombres vienen sin sus familias y luchan con soledad, la cual puede resultar en tensiones matrimoniales.

Una paraja en Ebenenezer está involucrada en aconsejar parejas casadas. La vida matrimonial es considerado privado, no fácilmente admiten sus problemas, y pagar por los consejos es una idea extraña.

Una congregación que ha salido de deferentes iglesias (Pentecostal, Bautista, Asamblea de Dios) es algo positivo. Un reto relacionado, sin embargo, es que Ebenezer no fácilmente puede reflejar los estilos de cada iglesia representada. Hay que estar dispuestos a aceptar otros estilos.

También, otros miembros son de iglesias independientes, y ellos no

¿Qué quieren que las otras iglesias sepan de Ebenezer? “La iglesia es interdominacional,” contestó el Pastor Benítez Diaz. entienden bien el concepto de una conferencia.

Otro asunto de resolver es el futuro local de reunirse. La iglesia que alquilan es de venta. Su contrato de arrendamiento vence en marzo, 2011.

La renta que pagan parece alta y es difícil calentar el edificio.

Aunque apreciando los donativos de la congregación, Hernán y Landis ven la necesidad de seguir educando acerca de deizmar.

La EMC ¿Qué quieren que las otras iglesias sepan de Ebenezer? “La iglesia es interdominacional,” contestó el Pastor Benítez Diaz. Algunos miembros mandan dinero a su iglesia y familias en su paíz natal. La palabra “Mennonita” es confuso para ellos.

Nos sorprendimos cuando nos dimos cuenta que la pareja pastoral son los únicos miembros que reciben “The Messenger” cuando Gerald lo preguntó antes de predicar. La pareja pastoral y los editores están tratando de correjir esto.

Hernán aprecia como la EMC sigue ministrando entre otras culturas aquí en Canadá.

Como el Pastor Benítez Diaz mencionó, la EMC ya no es solamente una conferencia de una sola cultura. Somos de una gran variedad de antecedentes. ¿Cómo responderemos? ¡TODO LA GLORIA A CRISTO! Trasladado por Cathy Thiessen.

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

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Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer Where Praise and Church Family are Vital!

C

hrist is being praised in Spanish in Brandon, Manitoba!

What is drawing Latino people to “the Wheat City”? It is the work available at the Maple Leaf Foods hog processing plant.

Because of Latino voices, God’s praise again rings in an otherwise empty Baptist church building. Even there is a tinge of irony: some of the voices are connected with a Baptist congregation far away.

Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer (Ebenezer Christian Church) meets in a rented fellowship hall located at 1037 Lorne Avenue. In doing so, they are making it their own, or as much as they can in rented space.

When we visit on September 19, 2010, there are signs in Spanish throughout the building.

The seven-member worship team is practicing. The pastor talks about a time of prayer.

People speak in Spanish, while teenaged girls chat Gerald D. Reimer in English at the back.

Six flags line the fellowship hall, representing the countries from where congregants come: Colombia, El Salvador, Paraguay, Mexico, Honduras, and Canada.

The Service The service begins about 11:30 a.m.

Pastor Hernán Benítez Diaz leads in a passionate prayer. People pray as songs are sung.

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

There is audible praise, clapping in praise during and after music. Stage lights pulsate during one song.

The lights in the sanctuary are normally dimmed, but are turned on as a concession made for the photographer. There is much singing.

Children come forward for prayer before leaving for Sunday School. A man stands from within the congregation and prays.

The offering is collected. A woman from within the congregation stands to pray.

The pastor makes announcements and Landis, his wife, adds one.

Gerald D. Reimer, our EM Conference youth minister, is the guest preacher. He draws upon his background of formal Spanish study in the U.S. and three years of youth ministry in Mexico.

His message, both prepared and delivered in Spanish, comes out of Colossians 1:9–14 and entitled “Agradándole a Dios” (A Life Pleasing to God).

He challenges the congregation to pray for one another in regards to bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God. This lifestyle is an appropriate response to the redemption and forgiveness of sins we have in Christ Jesus.

When Gerald momentarily forgets what is Spanish for “when we retire,” he asks for help from the congregation, help is given, and he carries on.

photos: terry m. smith

by Terry Smith and Gerald Reimer

There is more singing, and then the service is over. It is perhaps 1:20 p.m. People speak positively to Gerald about his message.

What does Anna Moreno want people to know about Ebenezer?

They want this church to be a family, she says.

Anna Moreno Pastor Benítez Diaz invites us to interview a church member, Anna Moreno. She consents and tells us that she has been involved for the eight years that Ebenezer has existed.

She helps with offerings and unofficially visits families, distributing food and clothing with the help of others.

What does Anna want people to know about Ebenezer? They want this church to be a family, she says.

Anna, from Mexico, says she was lonely without family in Brandon and prayed to God, who opened her eyes to see the church as her family.

The Pastoral Couple Pastor Hernán and Landis invite the guest speaker and the scribe to their home for lunch and an interview.

Hernán, 45, was installed as Ebenezer’s pastor in September 2009. Born and raised in Paraguay, he has a background in the Paraguayan army and in training as a goldsmith.

In 1987 he became a Christian, and then studied at Bible school in Paraguay. EMC missionary Fred Buhler was Hernán’s first pastor.

His wife Landis, from the Blumenort, Man., area, studied Spanish at Rio Pastor Hernán Benítez Diaz Grande Bible Institute before going to Paraguay as an EMC short-term worker. They met and eventually married. Her Spanish improved.

Hernán came to Canada in 1990. He and Landis have two teenagers, a daughter Monica and a son Giovanni. Giovanni, says Hernán, is better than he at reading Guaraní, an official language in Paraguay.

Landis works as an educational assistant in a

local school, mostly with Hispanic students.

From 1997 to 2004 Hernán and Landis were involved in the Spanish ministry that is part of Braeside EMC. Then in 2004 to 2008 they served in Paraguay under the EMC Board of Missions.

Church History The congregation in Brandon dates back to 2002, when the work started as an extension of Braeside EMC. Currently there are about 5,000 Hispanic people in Brandon, Hernán said. The city has a population of about 43,000.

Hernán, among others, was involved in assisting the start of the Brandon work. The group’s first pastor was Luis Antonio Pitta, who himself came from Mexico to work and was discipled by Hernán.

In November 2004 Ebenezer was officially organized as an EMC congregation, in December 2004 it was approved for EMC affiliation by conference council, and in July 2005 it was received into EMC membership.

In 2008 Antonio, his wife Esther, and In November 2004 Ebenezer was officially organized as an EMC congregation./En family moved to noviembre, 2004, Ebenezer fue oficialmente Calgary, Alta., to plant organizado como una congreción de la EMC. another EMC church; the congregation, Iglesia Cristiana Emmanuel, was being organized officially on this same Sunday.

Structure Ebenezer has elders, deacons, a marriage ministry, a worship team, men’s and women’s ministries, Sunday School for children (none for adults), a weekly Bible study, and a Tuesday prayer meeting.

Another Bible study, cell ministry, and restarting the youth group are being considered.

The attendance is 70 to 80 on a Sunday morning, which changes partly based on the shift work at Maple Leaf.

Hernán keeps regular office hours on Tuesday to Friday and on Saturday morning. People drop by regularly.

For business the congregation meets yearly.

With members coming from various church (continued p. 16) THE MESSENGER | November 2010

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backgrounds, there are assorted views on what structure is necessary.

The congregation is under partial, declining financial subsidy by the EMC.

As well, some of Ebenezer’s members come from independent churches; the concept of a conference is not well understood.

A matter to resolve is the future location of the congregation’s meeting place. The Baptist church where they meet is for sale, Ebenezer’s lease is up in March 2011, the rent seems high, and the building is difficult to heat.

While appreciative of the congregation’s giving, Hernán and Landis see a need to continue to educate about tithing.

People want to serve in the church, pastoral couple Hernán and Landis Benítez say.

La gente quiren servir en la iglesia, dicen los pastores Hernán y Landis Benítez.

Strengths People want to serve in the church, Hernán and Landis say.

They want to be involved in church life and ministry. There is freedom in the Spirit to move the body in worship as is culturally fitting.

People in Brandon have visited once with Nicaraguans working seasonally in Dauphin. They want to see them again before the Nicaraguans return to Central America.

A challenge is that Ebenezer cannot simply reflect what a particular church looks like in another country.

Challenges An important issue is family life. Men often come without their families and struggle with loneliness, which can lead to marital tension.

One couple in Ebenezer is involved in counseling married couples. Married life is considered private, problems are not openly admitted, and paying for counseling is a strange idea.

Having people of different churches (Pentecostal, Baptist, Assembly of God) is positive. A related challenge, though, is that Ebenezer cannot simply reflect what a particular church looks like in another country. There has to be an acceptance of other styles.

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Wider EMC What do they want the wider EMC to know about Ebenezer? The church is “interdenominational,” said Pastor Benítez Diaz. Some members send money back to support their home churches as well as their families. It is unclear what Mennonite means to people.

The pastoral couple are the only members receiving The Messenger, to our surprise when Gerald asked the question before preaching. The pastoral couple and editors are working to correct this.

Hernán appreciates how the EMC continues to “care about” doing ministry “with other cultures here in Canada.”

As Pastor Benítez Diaz touches on, the EMC is no longer made up of people from one culture. We gather from an increasingly wide range of backgrounds.

How shall we respond to this? ¡Toda la gloria a Cristo! All the glory to Christ!

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: $170; $75 deposit with registration Contact: Ward Parkinson wparkinson@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401

Clothed

PHOTO: designpics.com

and In Our Right Minds

by Dr. Terry Hiebert

All movements tend to become institutionalized in time, and Anabaptism is no exception. The vibrant and radical missionary movement of the first generation gradually morphed into the settled denominational life of later generations.

Apostles and prophets gave way to bishops and pastors. The commitment to pacifism degenerated into passivity. The passion to baptize converts and plant new churches faded.

Exciting debates about the meaning of Scripture were superceded by settled and unquestionable interpretations.

– Stuart Murray Our interest is not in Anabaptism for its own sake, but in a tradition that helps us become more faithful followers of Jesus. – Stuart Murray

Mennonite Clothes In Grade 7 my world expanded when I took the school bus to town for the first time. The world of my little country school with 20 kids from German Mennonite backgrounds was dwarfed by the hundreds of students at Morden Junior High in southern Manitoba.

My feelings grew uneasy that first day in realizing that my peers were not wearing home-made clothes or Dash runners. My parents, wanting their oldest son to fit in, ordered Lee jeans and cowboy boots from the Sears catalogue. Not the snoot boots I had hoped for, but close enough.

The fall of 1970 was my taste of being the immigrant. Soon I learned that Low German was not cool and that milkshakes, burgers, and fries were the new Mennonite foods. It would take five years before my insecure Mennonite faith would readjust to the new normal.

By Their Clothes You will Know Them British writer Derek Tidball uses studies of immigrants to understand the changes facing evangelicals in his country. His descriptions resemble the German Mennonite immigrant experience and the generations following. (continued p. 18)

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

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First generation immigrants carry the language, customs, values, and faith of the home country.

They wear the clothes of the old country, practice the old customs, and make reluctant changes to the new ways but just enough to get by.

Second generation children of immigrants overcome cultural barriers by rejecting or downplaying the language and culture of the old country. They seek to fit in by wearing the new clothes, but traces of their past remain. Still, a number of second generation immigrants resist the pressure to blend in.

Third generation grandchildren have mostly overcome the awkwardness of the new culture, but search through their past to discover what was important to their grandparents. They are the antique collectors who make the past a hobby.

They wear the clothes of their peers and sometimes put on their grandparents clothing for folk celebrations. Most have no connection to the old country. For many, their heritage must be overcome so they can move ahead.

New Clothes or Naked Anabaptists But just as German Mennonites in North American are trading their coveralls and long

dresses for the latest fashions, along comes Stuart Murray and The Anabaptist Network inviting people to follow what he calls the bare essentials of radical faith in Jesus.

Murray believes that truths found in the Anabaptist faith will bring new life to churches that are drifting from the centre of communities to the margins, from majority to minority, from settlers to sojourners, from privilege to option, from control to witness.

What are these Anabaptist truths or core convictions?

1. Following Jesus and worshipping him.

2. Reading the Bible with a Jesus-centred approach.

3. Rejecting standard beliefs that church and state are closely tied.

4. Challenging status and wealth to explore ways of being good news to the poor.

5. Belonging to churches as communities of discipleship and mission.

6. Finding ways of living simply, sharing generously, caring for creation, and working for justice.

7. Believing that peace is at the heart of the gospel (45–46, my paraphrase).

This new and growing Christian movement in the UK is interested in what we believe, but without the German Mennonite clothing or culture.

Murray writes, “Our interest is not in Anabaptism for its own sake, but in a tradition that helps us become more faithful followers of Jesus” (172).

Mennonites with Evangelical Clothes Once babies are born parents soon give them clothes. And not long after, children will disagree with parents on what to wear. That’s because Clothing speaks clothes do much more than cover bodies. about whom we Clothing speaks about whom value, how high we we value, how high we rise in our group, how much money we have, rise in our group, and most of all, where we belong. how much money Was it any surprise that thousands of North American German we have, and most Mennonites in the 1930s to 50s of all, where we discovered evangelical clothes?

Our German ancestors were belong. finding ways to connect with the English world.

Revival meetings and Bible conferences brought German Mennonites into contact with English-speaking believers who accepted 18

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

biblical authority and preached a clear gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.

German Mennonites and evangelical believers had much, but not all, in common. And German Mennonites were inspired by bold evangelical services led by preachers calling for a personal relationship with Jesus.

Some German Mennonites traded the German language, private schools, and pacifism for a personal experience of salvation in Jesus that had gone missing in their lives. John 3:16 replaced 1 Corinthians 3:11 as the theme verse for evangelical Mennonites.

context, so too are many of us trying on new clothes to (hopefully) become more faithful followers of Jesus.

Clothed and In Our Right Minds In Luke 8, Jesus and his disciples travel to a foreign land and return home. Their story provides some clues for changing times.

Episode 1: Jesus and the disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee. While the disciples might prefer staying home, Jesus calls them to “go over to the other side of the lake.” When the disciples fear drowning, Jesus calms the storm. Then he asks, “Where is your faith?”

The Mennonites’ New Clothes…Again Episode 2: Jesus and the disciples face their Today, evangelical Mennonites are shopping for fears—a naked, demonized man terrorizing his new clothes—again. own people. Once healed, the man becomes fully Generational change. In some churches, a fourth clothed and in his right mind and ready for misgeneration has appeared. They consion. Jesus calls him to “return sider their Mennonite-Anabaptist home and tell how much God has story as possibly interesting but done for you.”

Today, evangelical mostly unimportant for life today.

Episode 3: When Jesus returns They are North Americans with home the ruler of the synagogue Mennonites are many faith and life options without asks Jesus to heal his daughter. On shopping for new many of the traditional boundaries. the way, a sick woman touches the Cultural change. Cultural, ecoJesus’ cloak and finds healing. Jesus clothes—again. nomic, religious, and technological replies, “Daughter, your faith has changes during the past generation healed you. Go in peace.” have been rapid. And just when Right after these events, Jesus Mennonites began to feel comfortable about sends out the twelve, giving instructions for the becoming a part of the evangelical mainstream, journey. Evidently witnesses for Jesus require the the church in North America is moving out of the proper clothing. mainstream to the margins of our society.

Stuart Murray claims that Anabaptism needs a What are the possibilities as the fourth generarenewal among many North American Mennonites. tion searches for renewal in our changing world?

He is also right that, properly speaking, there • Return to Anabaptist teachings on Jesus, is no such thing as a naked Anabaptist (43–44). discipleship, and peace?

Convictions are always clothed in traditions.

• Accept the evangelical gospel as the norm Like the disciples it is time to ask once again, for Christian living?

“Who is this Jesus?” Then begin to witness in cloth• Join the Emergent movement to focus on ing adapted to our culture and with right minds Jesus, relevance, and social justice? renewed by the Jesus we are getting to know…

• Follow the new Reformed movement in again. returning to the glory of God and personal holiness?

Resources • Experience the charismatic movement Murray, Stuart. The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare with Holy Spirit gifts including prophecies Essentials of Radical Faith. Scottdale: Herald, 2010. and healing?

The Anabaptist Network, • Attend Mainline/Catholic churches for www.anabaptistnetwork.com their liturgical worship and historical roots?

Dr. Terry Hiebert is the Academic • Become non-religious to gain freedom and Dean and teaches theology/ personal fulfillment without the church? general studies at Steinbach Bible Just like Stuart Murray is becoming Anabaptist College. to inspire his faith in a post-Christian British

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

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with our missionaries

A trip of diversity and delight MExico On July 21, six people left the Winnipeg airport, headed for Texas to meet three team members from Belize. Later, in a van, we headed to the EMC guesthouse for orientation.

Gerald Reimer did a great job preparing us for Project Macedonia: Mexico.

We went into Mexico on July 24, arriving in Los Jagueyes. We met Pastor Norman Loewen at Hillside church. The colony was having a fundraiser supper for Haiti.

Sunday morning we presented in Hillside, stayed for potluck, volleyball, visiting; team members joined others in mini golfing.

Monday morning we left for

PHOTOs courtesy michelle peters

Forty-eight children accepted Jesus. Hallelujah! We pray that these children will make a difference in their community.

Kristen and Michelle with their host family.

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Santo Tomas, enjoying the scenery. Our excitement faded when we found six children, not the expected 30.

This was hard on some members, but with sharing, praying, and reading the Word, we were encouraged.

We cleaned, painted bathrooms, and dug a trench. The team did crafts with children an hour each day. We joined the evening services. Friday evening we presented at the church in town. We left The Project Madedonia: Mexico team: Geoff Klassen (EMMC), Michelle Peters (EMC), Earl Dyck (EMMC), Rebekah Sawatzky (EMC), camp in better spirits.

Diany Dyck (EMMC), Kristen Harder (EMC), with leaders Myrna and On Saturday, we Jake Bartsch (top left). headed to Cuauhtemoc where we went to a wedding. We in Soto Maynes. We spent the brought supper to LeRoy and Faith week helping with VBS. Some team Siemens. We joined Siemens in members got sick.

Anahuac church on Sunday morning, We ministered alongside the where we brought a presentation and pastoral couple to 150 kids in four were invited to a disco. villages. It was hot and children sat Leaving Anahuac, we passed by on the floor. One day Claudia, the Steinreich Bible School, stopped in pastor’s wife, asked the 48 children Los Jagueyes for supper, and arrived if anyone wanted to accept Jesus. A few hands went up. She asked two more times and more hands went up. Forty-eight children accepted Jesus. Hallelujah! We pray that these children will make a difference in their community.

We gave the pastoral couple a table and chairs, which were greatly needed. The team enjoyed this.

Our week was filled with adventure, work, ministering, enjoying delicious food, adjustments and uniting. Four churches were invited to a VBS closing program at Soto Maynes church on Friday. The team presented skits, a meditation, a children’s story, and songs. Myrna had chocolate cake for everyone. (continued p. 21)

with our missionaries (continued from p. 20)

On Saturday morning we headed west to Basaseachic Falls, the second highest waterfall in Mexico. We were amazed by God’s creation. Tired, what would we have for supper?

We headed back to Cuauhtemoc, stopped for devotions, and treated ourselves to pizza.

We left the next day for Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life) Church in Chihuahua City. For two days we slept, ate, and painted in the church building. The rooftop internet service was well used! Dallas and Tara Wiebe from Delicias visited us.

On Tuesday evening we were back in El Paso. We debriefed, shopped, and visited a Holocaust museum. Sadly, we said goodbye to each other.

Thank you to everyone who prayed. We felt God’s presence and protection during our trip.

Bless the Lord for his promise in Habakkuk 2:14: “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

Jake and Myrna Bartsch

PHOTO courtesy diany dyck

Jake and Myrna Bartsch (EFC Steinbach) were team leaders for Project Macedonia: Mexico.

Diany Dyck with Hortencia from Oscar Soto Maynez.

50th graduate from Honest Hands the philippines How does it feel to graduate if you have never finished anything before? For our students at Honest Hands receiving their graduation certificate is a huge deal, much bigger than we might expect.

Leaving behind a life of Lisa and Carl Loewen (Pleasant Valley) messing around on the street to serve with ACTION International. follow Jesus, and then completing an intensive discipleship program is an amazing accomplishment for Early one morning we loaded up them. On March 25 we held our Batch tools, supplies and gear into our min7 graduation, and celebrated our 50th istry van and roared off to Antipollo graduate. for three days of mission and service.

Thanks so much for your part in all We stayed at Children’s Garden, one of this. Your prayers and gifts result in of our partner agencies that has sent a fun celebration day like this. I wish us students over the past few years. you could have celebrated with us.

It was good to accompany th Igor was our 50 grad. He is on Children’s Garden staff on their reguthe worship team in his home church lar outreach to street people living in Manila, and was studying hard as under a bridge in rough conditions. a new student in the Working Hands One of our students shared with me automotive mechanics program. that less than a year ago he was still Unfortunately, he was not able living under that exact bridge. It is to handle the level of math skills great to see huge changes in his life. required, so he is back home again in ACTION missionary Mavis Orton Manila. Pray that he would find work runs Shalom Birthing Clinic in the to help his family and continue to same area and we helped out with serve in his church. their clinic construction project Two of the grads pictured are still for a few days as well. The existing continuing on in the Working Hands clinic has been run out of her small program in the automotive and wood home for many years, and they are in tech programs. desperate need of more space.

Before graduation, though, We shoveled dirt, cleaned up February is always an intense month junk, and helped build a temporary at Honest Hands. Staff and students fence around the new clinic. Pray for are aware that graduation is rapidly the clinic as they offer an important approaching, and it is a good time to service to pregnant moms from go out and serve together on a missquatter communities. sion trip—putting into practice what Carl Loewen we have been teaching.

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

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with our missionaries

The New Morality or the Old Immorality? paraguay Voices speak with increasing volume.

The businessman says: “We all have women on the side. What the eye can’t see, the heart can’t feel. That’s how we are. I don’t believe it’s so bad.”

The student says: “Why do you tell me about virginity? We have sexual freedom. We do what we both want. It’s none of your business. After all, you need some experience before getting married.”

The philosopher says: “The old morality norms are a product of religion that has enslaved people. We are advancing to a better world. We don’t need religion or sexual restrictions.”

These are the deceiving voices of the new morality. These are the norms that seek to govern the present generation.

You might hear another voice (if you want to). It’s the voice of God. He is a holy God who has never known defeat, and He has not changed His holy norms for sexual conduct.

His voice in the Scriptures says that living outside of the parameters that God has established brings consequences, and HIV/AIDS is one of those. So Jesus enters into our

Dave and Judy Schmidt (Rosenort EMC) are second-generation crosscultural workers in Paraguay.

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

crisis not to condemn, but to speak God’s word to us—words of love for the unloved, words of forgiveness for the condemned, words of restoration for the hopeless. Are you listening? It is truly beautiful!

This is God’s message: “The new morality is none other than the old immorality that I have always abhorred. It is sin and it results in death.”

What God says is true. The rapid advance of HIV/AIDS is the result of living in a world that has turned its back on God. Millions are living with a disease that has no cure and can lead to incredible suffering.

In our world today, every 20 seconds of every minute another person is infected with the HIV/AIDS virus.

In our world today, every 20 seconds of every minute another person is infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. Millions have died and there is no known cure.

At the Alto Refugio HIV/AIDS ministry in Paraguay, we take a firm stand on abstinence before marriage, and faithfulness in marriage.

Realizing that this is considered impossible in an increasingly promiscuous society, we remain committed to giving a clear message, because we know that it is the only way that we will successfully combat HIV/AIDS. Others say condoms will help us solve the problem, but the results are more promiscuity and more HIV/ AIDS (besides many other diseases and destroyed lives). Condom distribution has never resulted in a reduction of HIV/AIDS, and yet it continues to be promoted as the solution to the HIV/AIDS problem.

On the other hand, where sexual purity is promoted as the only prevention that is 100 per cent secure, there has been a dramatic reduction

of the disease. The solution to the HIV/AIDS problem is in our hands.

When will we take it seriously and put an end to this on-going tragedy?

Alto Refugio (High Refuge) is currently involved in an intense nation-wide (Paraguay) campaign to promote sexual purity—abstinence and faithfulness. We are challenging one generation to be willing to pay the price needed to put an end to HIV/ AIDS in Paraguay (and the world).

This campaign will continue until December 4 when there will be a closing event in conjunction with the Jaci Velasquez concert here in Asuncion.

For those who wish to contribute, this project has been approved by the EMC Board of Missions.

Dave and Judy Schmidt

Guadalajara, Mexico

Prayer Team Dates: February 8–14, 2011 Team Size: six to seven people Team Leader: Flo Friesen Prayer is vital as the EMC begins ministry in Guadalajara. We encourage each of you to pray in your homes for this city and for John and Connie Reimer, who are leading the Guadalajara ministry.

A Prayer Team will be visiting strategic locations in Guadalajara, praying specifically for the people of this city. If you have a burden to be part of a prayer team, we ask that you consider this self-supporting opportunity.

For more information, contact Ken Zacharias, EMC Foreign Secretary, kzacharias@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

window on missions

by Lester Olfert

Fred Friesen, a pivotal figure in EMC missions

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

23

PHOTO: emc archives

F

red Friesen was a friend, menand physical needs—as shown in (Didsbury) and Rocky Mountain tor and co-worker, a faithful, efforts to rebuild people’s lives after College (Calgary) and served as a obedient, inspiring and humble the 1972 earthquake. minister within the Evangelical servant of God—and a pivotal figure Fred emphasized unity. Open Missionary Church of Canada. He in EMC missions. dialogue at staff meetings and good valued his connections with the EMC. Fred and Doris Friesen were communication were important.

After retirement, he mentored pioneer church-planting EMC developing church leaders missionaries in Nicaragua, through the distance educaThe foundation which Fred and Central America. They artion of Prairie Bible College. rived in Managua just before We were glad that his gifts and Doris Friesen laid resulted in a Christmas 1966. passion could shape students strong national church known as the They drove their loaded in wider circles. truck, with their daughters During Fred’s illness there Fraternity of Evangelical Mennonite Kathy and Patricia, from were many e-mails from Churches of Nicaragua.

Canada to Nicaragua. Trace Nicaragua—and Nicaraguan your finger on a map to sense believers now living in Mexico, what a difficult trip that was!

Fred was responsible for strategic the U.S. and Canada—assuring the How do you church plant in directions: establishing and organiz- family of their prayers. an unknown city? Fred and Doris ing a registered national church, We grieve the loss of a dear prayed and talked to missionbeginning church planting in an brother in the Lord, but rejoice that aries and national leaders. God urban centre and then reaching into Fred is in the Lord’s presence as we directed them to Colonia Francisco rural areas. His vision for outreach wait to be reunited by the resurrecMorazán, a housing development on was why he took me to a village, tion power of Jesus.

Managua’s west side. without a gospel witness, some 50 Fred went door-to-door offering kilometers from Managua. I thought, Lester Olfert (EFC Steinbach) is the literature, Bible correspondence “Fred, do you expect us to move here former EMC Foreign Secretary. courses, and selling Bibles. He would to this poor dusty village?” But return to homes showing interest, that was where God led us. often with Doris, for Bible studies.

The foundation which This is how the first congregation Fred and Doris Friesen laid started in the home of Juan and resulted in a strong national Argentina Reyes. church known as the Fraternity Later, they warmly welcomed of Evangelical Mennonite Darlene, I, and our boys into their Churches of Nicaragua. To God two-bedroom home until we found be the glory! our place. They were great mentors.

He was a devoted husband Their love for Nicaraguan people, and father. He was a people perculture, foods and scenic country son. Honesty and integrity were gave us a foundation for fruitful important. Fred’s humour kept ministry. staff meetings from getting Fred believed in seeking God’s boring or eased tension. wisdom and power for effective minAfter his service within the istry. He made the gospel practical, EMC, Fred taught missions at Fred Friesen (1973) points to Nicaragua on a map. ministering to people’s emotional Mountain View Bible College

with our churches

Teaching VBS in Grand Rapids is important!

deeply affected by changing water levels that did away with traditional pursuits such as fishing and trapping. While Hydro promised big pay-outs (jobs and the like), this was HEARTLAND COMMUNITY turn to gambling, drugs and alcohol very short-lived and much of it, it is CHURCH, Landmark, Manitoba to kill time and boredom. said, never happened.

Pastor Fred Neff says hard drugs Another chapter in Canada’s past hy is it important that (cocaine and the like) have made a that affected First Nations, and GR, our churches keep having huge inroad into the town over the is the residential school system run input into Grand Rapids? Some past few years and gambling outlets by the government in partnership background information on this are readily available. Meagre family with mainline churches. While community located about 250 miles income can go there, leaving less for sexual abuse is well-documented and north of Winnipeg might help us to wholesome meals and home investhas received the most press, it is the understand why a Christian presence ment and improvement. idea of total assimilation of Indian is needed. culture lying behind Grand Rapids the system that is is situated where also abhorrent. the Saskatchewan This infringement River flows into Lake on First Nations Winnipeg. About 1,200 people and their way people of mostly Cree of life eroded reladescent make their tionships between home here—the river Indian and white, forms the boundary and affects the way between area occupied Natives view the by treaty Indians on “Whiteman’s God” one bank and nonand those who bring treaty natives on the the message. other.

This affects the Over a knoll work of the Neffs who removed from the rest see few people attend of the town is an area their weekly worship occupied by governservices and Bible ment employees, most studies. There seems Matt Frischbutter constantly had a group of kids around him during break. of whom are white and to be only a small work for Manitoba Hydro.

Thus, houses are unpainted with band of faithful believers.

This is where Fred and Stella sagging doors and broken windows, Of course, at present, they have Neff pastor a Bible chapel under a metaphor for broken lives and no church building since the old Continental Mission and the EM dysfunctional families. one was condemned two years ago.

Conference.

Although it’s not the whole story, There is a fund with our conference It might seem serene, but as in the endemic problems can partially designated for another church buildmany northern communities, there be blamed on two past upheavals. ing, but it isn’t off the ground yet. are many underlying problems.

One is the construction and But, of course, we come with a Solutions are not easy. operation of the GR Generating message of hope. Stay tuned for Part GR is isolated from other major Station (hydro dam), which went Two. centres with a poor economic base, into full operation in 1968. There is Doris Penner which is characteristic of many no doubt members of First Nations— reserve communities. There is high not only in GR, but also in Moose unemployment so people of all ages Lake, Cormorant and The Pas—were PHOTO: connie plett

W

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

with our churches

New EMC church organized!

IGLESIA CRISTIANA EMMANUEL, Calgary, Alberta

T

he upstairs hall at the Marborough Community Centre in Calgary was buzzing with activity on the evening of Sept. 19 as people prepared to celebrate and worship together. There was an interesting chorus of Spanish and English

greetings accompanying warm handshakes and embraces.

The occasion was the chartering service for our newest EMC church plant, Iglesia Cristiana Emmanuel (Emmanuel Christian Church).

Pastor Antonio Pitta and his wife Esther were received as the first charter members and, in turn, received 21 more men women and

young people as charter members at Emmanuel.

After each committed themselves to membership, they received specially prepared certificates. A cheer rang out at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Visitors from regional churches brought greetings, and Pastor David Funk of Abbeydale Christian Fellowship offered a prayer of dedication for Emmanuel. Following the service, in true Latin style, a meal of tacos and tamales was enjoyed.

Ward Parkinson

PHOTO: ward parkinson

Twenty-three people were received as members of Iglesia Cristiana Emmanuel.

IGLESIA CRISTIANA EMMANUEL, Calgary, Alberta

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l 19 septiembre la sala del segundo pizo en al Marlborough Community Centre en Calgary zumbaba con actividades en preparación para celebrar y alabar a Dios juntos. Había un coro interesante de saludos en español y en inglés acompañados con apretones de mano y abrazos.

La ocasión era un servicio para los socios fundadores de la más nueva iglesia EMC fundada, Iglesia

Cristiana Emmanuel (Emmanuel Christian Church).

El Pastor Antonio Pitte y su esposa Esther fueron recibidos como los primeros socios fundadores y después, recibieron otros 21 comos socios fundadores, hombres, mujeres y jóvenes.

Después de comprometerse a la membresía, ellos recibieron un certificado especialmente preparado.

Al concluir la ceremonía so oyó un grito de alegría.

Visitantes de otras iglesias dieron sus saludos, y el Pastor David Funk

PHOTO: ward parkinson

¡Una nueva Iglesia EMC organizado!

Pastor David Funk y Pastor Antonio Pitta

de Abbeydale Christian Fellowship hizo una oración de dedicación por Emmanuel. Después del servicio, en verdadero estilo latino, disfrutaron una comida de tacos y tamales.

Ward Parkinson Trasladado por Cathy Thiessen.

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

25

with our churches

WYMARK EMC, Saskatchewan

A

ugust 29, 2010, was a day of rain just like many others that we have experienced this summer.

However, there was a celebration of baptism that lifted everyone’s spirits and encouraged our church family.

The worship service began indoors and included testimonials

Baptised were Lucas Wall (tall with red shirt), (front) Dakota Ratzlaff, Joseph Dabrowski and Jaedon Little. Pastor Paul Little (right) stands with them.

by four baptismal candidates.

Lucas Wall is the son of Kirk and Lynette Wall.

Joseph Dabrowski is the son of Mark and Emma Dabrowski. This family just departed Baptism by immersion at Wymark EMC. from Canada for the mission field in Papua New Guinea occasion that affected everyone who in September 2010. Joseph expressed was present. a desire to be baptised before his There is no doubt that these four family left Canada. young men will have a great impact Dakota Ratzlaff is the son of on the world for God and for good.

Esther and Graham Ratzlaff.

After the baptisms, everyone Jaedon Little is the son of our returned to the Sunday School pastor Paul and his wife Amy. auditorium for a time of refreshment The baptismal tank was set up on and fellowship. In the Wymark EMC, the lawn west of the church building. faspa (a light meal) and fellowship After the morning worship service are famous here in Saskatchewan. the congregation went out into the “But thanks be to God who gives pouring rain to witness baptism by us the victory through our Lord Jesus immersion. It was an impressive Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Marvin Allan

PHOTOS: marvin allan

Baptism at Wymark

PORTAGE EVANGELICAL CHURCH, Manitoba

T

he 50th anniversary and dedication celebration for Portage Evangelical Church was held on August 28 and 29, 2010.

On Saturday registration was

from 1 to 3 p.m., with children’s activities from 2 to 4.

There was a tour of the old location at 3:30, supper at 5, and an evening service at 7.

The Saturday service was a time of reflection, with the church’s history provided by Glenn Sawatsky, Dave Sawatsky and Larry Dyck.

We were blessed to hear different special numbers by previous members in songs and skits. The mass choir performed and children’s features were by Debbie Iverson.

Mary Sholdak and Annie Enns visit during the festivities.

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

Pastor Les Kroeker leads some children’s activities.

On Sunday morning there was another service with an attendance of 241. The mass choir sang, there was a children’s feature, and a message was given by Pastor Glenn Loewen.

In the Sunday afternoon there was a dedication service with sharing by previous pastors and a devotional and dedication led by former pastor (continued p. 27)

PHOTOS: catherine epp

PEC celebrates 50 years

with our churches (continued from p. 26)

John Dyck. Throughout the weekend a slideshow was played repeatedly, starting at the digging of the ground for the first building.

We are truly blessed in how God has led us in the past 50 years.

In PEC’s history, the pastors from beginning to present were: Dave Schellenberg (with the Lord), John Dyck, Gladwin Plett, Cecil Nelson (with the Lord), Ken Zacharias, Otto Hamm, Karl Goertzen, LeRoy Barkman and Glenn Loewen. PEC has had four youth pastors: Les Kroeker (who was the first one and later returned to be the current one), Paul Nikkel, Dan Brazeau, and Don Boddy.

As in the Old Testament, God reminds us to remember how He has faithfully led and blessed His people.

We are truly blessed in how God has led us in the past 50 years.

We as a congregation look forward to what God has in store for us in the next 50 years.

Catherine Epp

Portage pastors (clockwise, from top left): Paul Nikkel, LeRoy and Marcella Barkman, Ken Zacharias, John Dyck and Glenn Loewen, Karl and Grace Goertzen.

Stan Millar busy at Sioux Valley!

RESERVE FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL, Sioux Valley, Manitoba

W

e travel to Sioux Valley for Sunday morning service very often to give support, especially with the music and singing.

We are happy to say that Stan Millar is giving so much time and effort into the work at the church.

Flo Friesen honoured KLEEFELD EMC, Manitoba

A

special service of thanksgiving and praise was held Sunday, October 10, at the Kleefeld EMC. A committee, under the leadership of Ken Zacharias, planned the service in recognition of Flo Friesen, who has spent 30-plus years in the Lord’s service. A special worship team led the congregation in singing; and we were also blessed by the songs of Danny Plett, on furlough from Germany.

Flo grew up in Kleefeld church and shares associate membership with St. Vital EMC. Her career began in the 70s when she left for Shell, Ecuador, under HCJB to teach kids at the Nate Saint Memorial School.

Flo’s years of teaching in Shell hold a special place in her heart, even as she has gone on to serve in other parts of the world.

Interestingly, some students from Ecuador have crossed her path as they also have chosen to serve the Lord in Central Asia, where she

He picks up folk for the services. He does visitation and interacts with the band members there about projects he is interested in doing, which are for the sake of the Gospel.

Stan has a heart and compassion for the people on the reserve.

Jake and Helen Martens

has focused her service for the past while.

Leaving Shell because of health reasons was difficult, but the time spent at home was not wasted, being spent in praying, studying and teaching.

As her health and energy returned, she was aware that she had been called to serve the Lord, not necessarily in Ecuador. The Lord focused her attention on a country in Central Asia, placing a burden on her heart for Muslims.

When she began to teach English (continued p. 28) THE MESSENGER | November 2010

27

with our churches warriors and assisting in reaching taking a break before serving the there at the university, she was aware Lord in other ways. out. Marion spoke glowingly about of only one or two Christians. Before the work Flo has been doing, emphaDennis Friesen, Flo’s younger she was required to leave, there sizing she is a remarkable woman of brother, spoke about the inspiration was a group of faithful Christians. courage and prayer. she was to him and other people.

Despite persecution, it has increased Since their mother’s death in 1960, dramatically.

About 14 years It was brought out repeatedly that Flo is a woman of courage, ago, Flo returned to serve the Lord in inspiration, a forerunner, and a woman of faith and prayer.

Central Asia. She has a special heart for women and children at risk, and has Flo has been a rock in the family, touched many lives by organizing After the service, the congregasharing each one’s joys and trials. and speaking at conferences, visiting Dennis reiterated that Flo can take tion was invited to remain for a orphanages, and reaching out to Thanksgiving lunch. The delicious her place among the most respected needy souls. turkey, ham, baked potatoes and pioneers in EMC leadership.

At the Recognition Service, it For the past several years, Flo has homemade pies, as well as the fellowwas brought out repeatedly that Flo been blessed with travel companions ship, brought a wonderful close to is a woman of courage, inspiration, the special morning of recognition of Marion Warkentin and Wilma a forerunner, and a woman of faith one of our beloved leaders.

Barkman. They have accompanied and prayer. It was smilingly stated Louella Friesen her on about half a dozen trips that Flo was not “really retiring,” just to Central Asia, serving as prayer

A

lthough Grace Community Church has not added any numbers to membership or baptised any people, it has grown both spiritually and numerically. Several new families are regular attenders.

Our Thursday evening prayer meetings continue to be the force behind the church’s growth. We seem to becoming community with a heart for people.

Our theme for the year was Renewing the 28

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

Mind. The focus was on encouraging people and feeding people with God’s Word so that they would have a better base for faith and the missional nature which we emphasize so strongly.

(continued p. 29)

PHOTO: annie bergen

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH, Aylmer, Ontario

This has been a great year for working in the community and reaching out. In an unusual act of unity, Grace Community reached out to an elderly Anglican congregation and together put on VBS for 42 kids from the surrounding neighbourhood.

In the same way Grace

PHOTO: jake bergen

Emphasizing our missional nature

PHOTO: emc files

(continued from p. 27)

(continued from p. 28)

Community took their thanksgiving celebration meal to a Pentecostal church in London to share the meal with the tenants from the apartments that Pastor Randy manages and the local church.

Working together with other churches was not an intentional goal, but it seems that opportunity and need together with the nudging and prodding of the Holy Spirit have edged Grace Community into this arena.

The church struggled this year with its identity apart from a building. We looked at many building opportunities with the vision of pursuing a ministry outreach format without owning a sanctuary. Several opportunities came up that would

have strained our cash flow and moved our focus from missionality to building centredness.

The opportunity forced us to look deeper at our vision and goals. We determined to continue renting the Legion for our Sunday morning needs and to rent other space for an office and to run our programs.

It was good to come to this conclusion. We still have money for reaching out.

The conference has helped in amazing ways. Together with them, Region 9, and the conference we put on a great convention at Leamington.

Dr. David Shenk’s talks were both inspirational and transformational.

PHOTO: annie bergen

with our churches

The conference also sent the pastor couple to the church planting congress in Calgary from which the church emerged with new tools to use as we become a strong influence for Jesus in the local community. The encouragement and support given has been good.

Pastor Randy Fehr

news

MCC food account at lowest level in years People are unbelievably generous, though fund needs replenishing

WINNIPEG, Man— MCC’s food account at the Canadian Donations typically come from individuals, congregaFoodgrains Bank (CFGB) is at its lowest level in years, tions, companies and foundations. Although urban donadrained by the many food projects MCC has supported over tions are growing, the farming community remains the the past year. financial backbone.

The low equity, however, is good news: thousands of peo“The generosity of farming communities is amazing,” ple are benefiting from Canadians’ contributions, explains said Manitoba farmer Harold Penner, a regional coordinator MCC’s Willie Reimer. for CFGB. “Even if we have tough times we know that the “Our account at CFGB is well supported. People are unpeople we are helping have a tougher time than we have.” believably generous,” he said.

In 2009/2010 donations to However, he is anxious about CFGB-supported projects reached At the beginning of 2010 MCC had surging global food prices. “When $10.5 million with 40 per cent comthe prices of food and food coming from grain donations. $1.5 million in equity at the CFGB, modities go up, our money does not These funds, with CIDA’s matchbut that amount dropped to about go as far,” he explained. “We would ing funds, made it possible for CFGB like to replenish our account so that and its 15 member agencies to sup$140,000 in early October. we have more funds for unexpected port 96 projects to help two million emergencies.” people in 32 countries this past year.

At the beginning of 2010 MCC had $1.5 million in equity Donations of cash, grains, and other proceeds are at the CFGB, but that amount dropped to about $140,000 in welcomed. early October.

MCC

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

29

news

Cruise ship passengers visit MEDA project in Ukraine German Mennonite concern seen as an act of forgiveness Passengers from the Mennonite Heritage Cruise took time out from exploring historic sites in Ukraine to see a current initiative helping local farmers, some of whom till land once owned by Mennonites.

In early October 2010 the passengers visited clients of the Ukraine Horticultural Development Project (UHDP) being carried out by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA).

titled “Paradox and Irony in the Russian Mennonite Story,” ends with “Irony of Rebirth” how Mennonites have returned to Ukraine in various roles.

“Toews points out that 20 years ago everyone thought the Mennonite story in Ukraine was dead, gone forever, but not so, remarkably not so,” says Unger. “The recent MEDA initiative graphically shows how Mennonites care about their former neighbours.”

MEDA

The five-year $10 million project, supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), aims to help 5,000 smallholder farmers create successful ventures on former collectivized farms.

Since 1995 the annual cruise has given more than 3,000 visitors a chance to travel the Dnieper River and immerse themselves in the history of German Mennonites who developed major settlements in Ukraine and Crimea from 1789 until after the Bolshevik Revolution in the early 20th century.

Recently, cruise organizers included special visits to local service efforts supported by Mennonites. For local Ukrainians, the assistance of MEDA and other Mennonite groups is seen as an act of forgiveness and reconciliation, given that many Mennonites were driven out of the area following the Bolshevik Revolution.

A focal point for today’s Mennonite presence in ancestral regions is the Mennonite Centre in Molochansk (formerly called Halbstadt), housed in a refurbished Mennonite girls’ school.

It grew out of the vision of people who visited the area following Ukraine’s independence in the early 1990s and were concerned about the poverty they saw, explains George Dyck of Vineland, Ont., a Centre official.

The Centre provides medical assistance to impoverished pensioners and the handicapped, educational and youth outreach, and informational services about the region and its Mennonite past.

Dyck developed a “Mennonite Return and Outreach” theme for the cruise itinerary so passengers could see the work and institutions served by the Centre and related Mennonite initiatives.

Walter Unger of Toronto, the cruise organizer, notes that the return and outreach theme derives from a shipboard lecture by historian Paul Toews of Fresno, Calif. The lecture, 30

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

Photo: Vyachaslav Obozinski

The Mennonite Centre in Molochansk grew out of the vision of people who visited the area in the early 1990s and were concerned about the poverty they saw, explains George Dyck, a Centre official.

Passengers visit the greenhouse farm of MEDA client Roman Pospelovsky.

Strangely and sadly, this was a widely-held belief among iPod touches.

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.

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 Fellowship Chapel is seeking to fill a full-time position of youth pastor. We are a congregation of approximately 150 attendees

located in Rosenort, Man. The position would require successful applicant to lead both senior and junior youth programs. We would like to see some youth involvement in morning services with possible pulpit opportunities. A recently remodeled youth room in the church is used for their weekly event.

We are looking for a person/couple with a passion for God’s word and a heart for our youth.

They are to be approachable, accountable, supportive, missional to create real relationships with the youth and disciple them. Starting date is negotiable. If interested please contact Ryan Friesen at 204-746-6345 or ryan@gninc.ca.

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 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-on-one mentoring; race club coordinator, teaches youth skills in welding, body and enginework 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.

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 | November 2010

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in memory

Mary (Wolfe) Rempel 1925–2010 Mary (Wolfe) Rempel, aged 85, of Swift Current, Sask., and formerly a resident of Wymark, Sask., peacefully passed away at sunrise on Easter morning, April 4, 2010, at the Cypress Regional Hospital after a very short illness.

She was born to Cornelius and Katherine Wiebe at a farm in Springfeldt, Sask., on January 4, 1925.

She attended Amphion School and was very active in sports and drama.

Mom was baptised before her marriage to Dad, Jake Wolfe. They were married on April 7, 1947. They were married for 49 years and had a family of seven. Jake passed away on July 2, 1992. She was later remarried to George Rempel on January 22, 1995.

Mom is survived by her seven children, Eileen (John) Koethler, Edna (Alvin) Rempel, Ray Wolfe, Alan (Pat) Wolfe, Tim Wolfe, Janet (Ernest) Fehr, and Tony Wolfe (Rhonda), and three stepchildren, Elaine (Peter) Dyck, Alvin (Edna) Rempel, and Tim (Maureen) Rempel.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Trevor (April) Ketler, Cory (Wendy) Koethler, Tracy (Blair) Philp, Steven Rempel, Greg (Amber) Rempel, Derek (Marissa) Wolfe, Tyler Wolfe, Jay (Jill) Wolfe, Zach (Tanja) Wolfe, Keegan Wolfe, Donavan Fehr, Kaitlyn (Derek) Neustaeter, Megan Wolfe, Ashlyn Wolfe, Bonnie (Mark) Sullivan, Marlon (Amanda) Dyck, Sheldon (Janice) Dyck, Keagan Rempel, Haleigh Rempel, and Jordan Rempel.

She is also survived by 20 greatgrandchildren: Mitch and Reese Ketler; Jesse, Jaxxon, Jagger Koethler; Zander, Hollyn and Elliot Rempel; Dolan Wolfe; Sara, Emma, and Jayla Wolfe; Zerek Wolfe; Donovan, Kelsi, and Mark Sullivan; Kelton and Hayden Dyck; Matthew and Mya Dyck.

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010

Mom is also survived by her sisters Tina (John) Martens, Susan (John) Klassen, Anne Schlamp, Betty (Ike Giesbrecht); her brothers John (Mary) Wiebe, and Corny (Mary) Wiebe; and many nieces and nephews.

She also leaves to mourn her Rempel in-laws: Lena Funk, Bill and Margaret Hildebrandt, Frank and Helen Rempel, Jake and Katie Dyck, Ann Bartsch, and Helen Rempel; and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Jake Wolfe on July 2, 1992, and her second husband George Rempel on January 30, 2007. She was also predeceased by her parents Cornelius and Katherine Wiebe, her sister and brotherin-law Helen and Jake Olfert, her brother Larry Wiebe, three nephews, a niece, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law in both the Wolfe and Rempel families.

Her hands were never idle. She enjoyed gardening (especially flower gardens), crocheting, sewing, knitting, quilting, scrap booking, family history,

Ramona Darlene (Petkau) Reimer 1983–2009

It was with deep sadness that we said good-bye to Ramona almost a year ago.

But it is with true joy that we celebrate her life. On November 27, 2009, at the age of 26, Ramona went to be with Jesus.

Ramona was born on October 31, 1983, in Arborg, Man. She was always a hard worker, and particularly loved gardening, canning, or anything outdoorsy.

As the oldest child, she took leadership among her siblings, always finding ways to convince them to join in on whatever activity was on the agenda.

Ramona attended the Morweena Christian School from 1989 to 2002.

She threw herself wholeheartedly into everything that came her way, from floor hockey to biology, music to math.

bowling, coffee socials, word puzzles, and bird watching.

She loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren, making each one feel loved and special. In the evenings Mom could always be found listening to Christian programming on the radio.

Mom was a woman of great faith.

Together with her husband Jake they became founding members of the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Wymark in 1958.

She was a member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church (Swift Current) and attended regularly in her last years. Her faith and love of God was evident in the way she faithfully prayed everyday for ones she cared for, and her Bible was worn from her daily devotions.

The funeral service was conducted at Cornerstone Fellowship Church on Friday, April 9, 2010, at 2 p.m. by Pastor Brian Bezanson.

Her Family Ramona’s passion for life was coupled with a deep compassion for those who were hurting or disadvantaged. After graduating from high school, Ramona trained as a health care aide at Red River College and worked in hospitals and personal care homes.

But Ramona wanted to take her compassion farther. She loved children and dreamed of working at an orphanage in Africa. From January to March 2005, Ramona got a taste of her dream, volunteering at God’s Littlest Angels in Haiti.

On December 3, 2005, Ramona married Earl Reimer, the love of her life.

They jumped into teaching together at Hodgson Christian Academy in January.

All the while, though, they were making plans to set out on missions as soon as possible, little knowing that the ministry in store for them was much different than the one they were planning for themselves.

That summer, while they were working as assistant directors at Beaver Creek Bible Camp, Ramona was diagnosed with sarcoma, a fast-growing soft tissue cancer.

The next three and a half years were a blur of hospitals, hotels, homes, and airports as Ramona and Earl navigated countless rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. The journey,

in memory however, was far more than physical.

The cancer only served as a catalyst for Ramona’s passion and strength as she fought courageously from beginning to end against the sarcoma in her body and the emotional and spiritual challenges that came with it.

The years of struggle produced in her an incredibly deep relationship with Jesus. At the very end, she could honestly say, “God is good, and Christianity is deeper and better than I could ever have imagined.”

Ramona’s strong faith has been an encouragement and challenge to all who have encountered her, who visited her in

Fred Friesen 1937–2010 Fred Friesen, of Didsbury, Alta., beloved husband of Doris, was released from his earthly body to be with his Saviour on September 22, 2010, after a short battle with very aggressive anaplastic thyroid cancer diagnosed in early August.

Fred was born on May 28, 1937, the fifth child born to David and Catherine Friesen of Rosenort, Man. He gave his heart to Jesus at the age of 14 during a revival that swept through Rosenort. At age 18, while plowing in his father’s field, he felt God speaking to him very strongly that he should be a missionary. He stopped the tractor, knelt down in that furrowed field, and dedicated himself to go wherever God would call him.

He married Doris Brandt in 1960.

After studying at Steinbach Bible College and Language Training at Rio Grande Bible Institute, Texas, they set out on a journey to serve God together as pioneer missionaries with the EMC in Mexico and Nicaragua (1966-74).

These years were full of trials, joys,

person and on the blog.

Even in the midst of pain and exhaustion, she continued to show care and consideration for those around her, asking how they were doing and trying to make sure their needs were met.

Although she never would have chosen this road, Ramona’s journey through cancer brought her closer to Jesus, and it has finally delivered her right into his arms.

Even though we miss her now, we know that she is rejoicing in Heaven in a new, complete body, and we look forward to seeing her again.

Her Family

and adventures, and formed the basis of his subsequent ministries and outlook on life. Forced to return to Canada in 1974 for medical reasons, he pastored his hometown church, Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, for five years.

Feeling the call to train young people, he obtained a master’s degree in missiology and moved his family to Didsbury, Alta., in 1981, where he taught missions and cross-cultural studies at Mountain View Bible College. In 1992 they moved to Calgary where Fred continued teaching at Rocky Mountain College.

A debilitating stroke in 1999 forced his retirement after 18 years of teaching.

The college honoured him with the title Professor Emeritus in 2000.

After a move back to Didsbury, he showed great courage and tenacity in battling back from his stroke. He remained involved in missions and in mentoring young men in his church family.

Fred and Doris celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary four weeks before he passed away at Chinook Hospice in Calgary.

Fred is remembered for his wisdom, his warm personality, his integrity, his great sense of humour, his sense of adventure, and his genuine care for others.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Doris, daughter Kathleen (Bruce Archer) of Beaumont, Alta., and grandchildren Jeffrey, Amanda and Bethany; daughter Patricia (John Pritchard) of Calgary, Alta., and grandchildren Joshua (Jennifer and great grandson Ezra), Jordon, and Alana; son David (Leslie)

calendar British Columbia no events currently

Alberta no events currently

Saskatchewan no events currently

Manitoba Nov. 12–14: EM Cup Hockey Tournament, T. G. Smith Centre, Steinbach.

Nov. 22: EMC Project Builders Annual Meeting, Heartland Community Church, 333 Main St, Landmark, Presenter: Arley Loewen. Reports and discussion of 2011 projects. All are welcome.

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.

Nov. 27–29: Rest and Renewal, EMC Ministerial Retreat; for current and former pastors, associates, missionaries, elders, deacons, and spouses; Wilderness Edge, Pinawa; wparkinson@emconf.ca; www. emconference.ca.

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

of Calgary, Alta., and grandchildren Madeline, Nathan, Sally and Ella; son James (Jennifer) of Noblesville, Indiana, and grandchildren Kayleigh, Andrew and Gracie.

A Celebration of Life was held at Zion Evangelical Missionary Church in Didsbury, Alta., on Monday, September 27, 2010, and Fred’s body was laid to rest in the Didsbury Cemetery.

His Family THE MESSENGER | November 2010

33

news

Central Americans hold 35th Anabaptist Consultation SAN MARCOS, Carazo, Nicaragua—Ethics and commitment were the focus of the annual meeting of the Consulta Anabautista Menonita Centroamericana (CAMCA), September 8 to 10, 2010.

The 35th meeting of the theological consultation was marked by a strong showing of women theologians, who had held their own prior gathering.

In all, 18 men and 36 women participated—most of whom serve in Bible teaching or leadership capacities in Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Panama.

Keynote speaker Silvia Regina de Lima Silva of Participants in the CAMCA meeting.

Costa Rica reflected on “Conversion and Discipleship: conversion as a continuous proAn urgent call to the faith community to live the ethics The conference stressed cess in life. We must revitalize of the Kingdom.” our faith community by means From their Bible reading, prayer, and Scripture the kingdom of God as a of the study and the practice the analysis, participants were challenged to revisit their Gospel of Jesus. conversion as they sought “new alternatives to project present reality, not only “We must use the spaces God the kingdom of God.” As their summary report re- an event in the future. is opening to us in our society minded them, conversion is only a starting point. to become leaven and mustard “We will overcome only by following the model of seed. As a church and as individuals we must be vigilant Jesus, who rose above temptation by abiding in God’s Word... against the temptation of seeking power and recognition.” in daily practice,” the report said.

During the gathering the maturing of the participant The conference stressed the kingdom of God as a present churches was highlighted. This year the Mennonite Church reality, not only an event in the future: “We believers should of Honduras celebrated its 60th anniversary, and Mennonite create conditions for it to be perceived, seen and felt in our Church in Panama celebrated its 50th. The Costa Rican communities.”

Mennonite Church marks its 50th in 2011.

CAMCA participants formed a declaration of comMWC mitment: “As a Church we are challenged to rethink our

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Radical Followers of Jesus DVD

births

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.

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

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

BERG – to Henry and Susie Berg of Monarch, Alta., a daughter, Samantha Faith, on Sept. 24, 2010.

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

FRIESEN – to Kyle and Laura Friesen of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Jenna Rose, on Sept. 10, 2010.

KEHLER – to Ken and Nicole Kehler of Steinbach, Man., a son, Zachary Dane, on May 17, 2010.

TOEWS – to Ewald and Pam Toews of Steinbach, Man., a son, Morgan Wade, on May 23, 2010.

weddings PETERS – HAM: Frank, son of Henry and Maria Peters, and Nancy, daughter of Eva Ham, were married on October 9, 2010, in the Picture Butte Mennonite Church with Abe Bueckert of Picture Butte, Alta., officiating. The couple lives in Purple Springs, Alta.

stewardship today

by Kevin Davidson

Are they worth it?

L

ife insurance considers their jobs more dangerous than munitions workers; their profession has the second highest divorce rate; 1,500 of them leave their jobs each month; work has a negative impact on their families; if they work less than 50 hours per week their chances of termination increase by 35 per cent, and on and on.

Who are they? Pastors!

is selfish, and serving God means never saying ‘no.’” Amazingly, a recent survey reports that 87 per cent of pastors are very satisfied in their work compared with 47 per cent of the rest of us.

Is there a disconnect between our pastor’s “calling” and our (God’s people) affirming that calling? It’s kind of like telling someone who has no food or clothing, “Have a great day,” and then doing nothing about it (James 2:15-16).

I recently asked a church board member if he would take on the same level of responsibility and salary as his pastor and his reply was, “No way!”

PHOTO: designpics.com

Are we regularly and intentionally tending to the holistic health of our pastors?

Do we have a subconscious expectation today that our pastors not only be our spiritual mentor but the church CEO as well? With advances in technology, we want them to be accessible to us 24/7. Besides, we own them; we’re paying their salary!

Dr. Gwen Wagstrom Halas, a family physician who is married to a minister, says, “They (ministers) think that taking care of themselves

Of course, we need to recognize a number of factors when considering pastors’ salaries, including congregational size (most congregations are under 200 people) and the economic status of the region.

But let’s not forget that not everyone gives to their church either.

Just ask your treasurer.

My question is this: are we regularly and intentionally tending to the holistic health of our pastors?

Spiritual: Do we pray for our pastors? Do we extend love and respect to them, remembering they are held to a higher account? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, James 3:1.)

Financial: Do we pay our pastors generously, recognizing that we also appreciate and expect the same for our honest and hard day’s work? Remember, we’re only paying them with what God has paid us (1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:14; 1 Chronicles 29:14).

Emotional: Do we regularly extend affirmation and appreciation to our pastors? (See Ephesians 4:29).

Physical/Mental: Do we encourage spontaneous time off for our pastors to spend with God, their spouse and family and others?

And when we encourage our pastors, do we do it with a grateful heart, not expecting anything in return?

My impression of pastors is they are no different than you and me when it comes to living life.

They love God, they desire to provide for their family, they relish spending time with family and friends, they enjoy experiencing some of the pleasures of life as a gift from God, and they anticipate retirement will be a comfort and a blessing, Lord willing.

If you’re like me, it has been very easy to take my pastor for granted.

Please join me in showing our pastors how much we appreciate them.

Kevin Davidson is a stewardship consultant at the Calgary, Alta., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). For stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.

THE MESSENGER | November 2010

35

pictures of God

by Joanna Plett

Justified “

I

know this doesn’t justify it, but....” This innocent line rolls off my tongue so easily.

“I know this doesn’t justify what I said, but she just made me so mad!”

“I know this doesn’t justify what I did, but everyone else was doing it.”

This line is often as easy to accept as it is to say. The correct answer is, “Yeah, they should never have done that to you” or something similar followed by a discussion dividing up the guilt between various parties in the sin.

A friend broke the mold of this conversation a few weeks ago and challenged me on my dealing with sin. “Of course that doesn’t justify what you did,” he said. “Nothing justifies what you did; only Jesus can justify you.”

Although this was not new information, it hit me in a new way and shifted my paradigm of sin, confession and forgiveness.

Instead of spending time figuring out how to dole out as much responsibility as possible, I was faced with the fact that I had done what I had done and that I would be held accountable for it. Turning my eyes away from other people’s sin and looking directly at my own was a deeply humbling, yet strangely freeing feeling.

On one hand, I realized that no matter how long I skirted the issue and found ways to pass the blame,

36

As I acknowledged my guilt, I was able to receive forgiveness and grace from God. I was “made just” in his eyes.

in the end, I had still made the choices I did. But on the other hand, once I took my eyes off of everyone else’s sin, I was left with the one person’s sin I could actually deal with: my own.

It is not in replaying the crime scene, but in this place of brokenness that my sin can be justified. Justified: not overlooked, but recognized and atoned for by Jesus’ sacrifice.

As I acknowledged my guilt, I was able to receive forgiveness and grace from God. I was “made just” in his eyes.

I found that as I humbled myself before God and received his grace for my sin, I was more ready to forgive others. Taking responsibility for my sin also gave me hope of a new start, the possibility of responding differently, even if faced with the same circumstances.

The road to forgiveness and

.com PHOTO: istockphoto

healing is paved with grace, not earned through victimhood, but given to undeserving sinners through Christ’s sacrifice. The beauty of accepting responsibility for my sin is that I can take it to Christ, receive his forgiveness and start walking anew in freedom and hope.

“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin.

So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help” (Hebrews 4:14–16, The Message).

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

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THE MESSENGER | November 2010