The Messenger Vol. 49 No. 5 May 2011

THE

MESSENGER

volume 49, number 5 May 2011

www.emconference.ca/messenger

t s lo

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM

When Jesus it!

Also inside:

A God of wrath or a God of grace? p. 11 Early Anabaptists: a journey to unexpected places p. 14

$2.00

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

p. 8

editorials

External and internal discussions

I

n our discussions, let us remem- ways that are real, mysterious, and As we discuss, though, let us ber who is listening. ultimately triumphant. remember who is listening.

The EMC is involved in many These external conversations, Many Canadians, whether external discussions: welcoming under the guidance of the Spirit, indifferent or curious, are listenpeople, engaging in cross-cultural are basic to the health of a coning to the Church in subtle, yet ministry, and through service in gregation. May these discussions real ways. many forms. increase!

Some people watch simply to These conversations are have their prejudices conbased on the Good News of firmed or to be challenged.

Many Canadians, whether indifferent Christ—of love, hope, faith, Others look for evidence of or curious, are listening to the and grace in Him. They new life. connect body and soul, The Lord is also listenChurch in subtle, yet real ways. individual and community, ing. Is he perplexed or heaven and earth, time and pleased at what His Church eternity.

At the same time, parts of the is talking about?

These are wonderfully rich Christian Church have internal As we gather for July’s convendiscussions that lead singles, discussions about doctrine, direc- tion, our internal and external couples, and families to encounter tion, priorities, new ministries, discussions are deeply linked. the God who has loved them from finances, church government, Other ears are listening. eternity, who humbled Himself hurts, differences, and more. in Christ to die on the Cross, and Some of these conversations are Terry M. Smith who reigns in our hurting world in necessary and unavoidable.

Learning from the Early Church

“I

t is incredible to see the ardor with which the people of that religion help each other in their wants,” Roman philosopher Lucien (125–190 AD) said of Christians.

“They spare nothing,” he wrote. “Their first legislator [Jesus] has put into their heads that they are all brethren.”

Lutheran historian Walter Oetting, who quotes Lucien, gives many examples of how early Christians challenged society by lifestyle, community, and action.

Early Christians opposed the gladiator games. Athenagoras (ca. 150 AD) wrote, “We see little difference between watching a

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man being put to death and killing him. We have given up such spectacles.”

How should Christians today evaluate mixed martial arts competitions?

While historians debate, it is clear that many early Christian leaders were opposed to service in the Roman military.

Hippolytus (200 AD) “reluctantly allowed an individual to remain a soldier if he converted in the army, but he did not allow an individual to join the army after his baptism.”

Tertullian said Christians were not useful to the army because they would rather be killed than kill.

What should Christians today think about military service?

While some early Christians owned slaves, the Church encouraged release from slavery.

Congregations set aside funds to purchase slaves.

Christians were encouraged to avoid public meetings unless they attended to purchase a slave’s freedom. One individual, upon his baptism, freed 1,250 slaves.

How should Christians now respond to modern slavery?

The Church today can learn from the Early Church.

Terry M. Smith Source: Walter Oetting, The Church of the Catacombs (Concordia, 1964).

contents

11

Features 8

When Jesus lost it!

– Darren Plett

14 Early Anabaptists: a journey to unexpected places – Terry M. Smith

Columns 4

A Reader’s Viewpoint

Is wealth a sin?

– Debbie Funk

5

EMC FAQ

2 Editorials 3

Pontius’ Puddle

23 Weddings

11 A God of wrath or a God of grace?

– Dr. Pierre Gilbert

Departments

31 In Memory

With our missionaries

32 Calendar

17 Mexico: A fascinating four months

33 Shoulder Tapping

18 Mexico: What is the value of prayer walking?

News

19 Lesotho: The lost children of Lesotho 20 Asia: The Stone Rollers 20 Paraguay: Cristina, an example of total dedication

13 BLO expresses gratitude to David Thiessen 26 Richard Thiessen managing editor of GAMEO

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What is a ‘faq’?

– Rebecca Roman

26 Bernardine Plett thanked for her efforts

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Archives Alcove

27 EMCers graduate

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What did Menno Simons say about assurance?

– Terry M. Smith

Writings Shared

Prophetic Peacemaking: Selected writings of J. R. Burkholder and Double Take: new meanings from old stories

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With our churches

28 Donate MPI rebate and help those with less: MCC

22 Many Rooms Community Church: MRCC is ‘seaming’ to burst!

29 Steve Dueck interviewed about POI

23 Riverton Gospel Chapel: Retreats provide perspective 24 Mennville EMC: Mission night in Mennville

34 Pictures of God

25 Aberdeen EMC: Joining forces in a needy neighbourhood

26 Aberdeen EMC: Reflections on reconciliation

Time to escape fear – Joanna Plett

28 ‘What are the values of EMC?’

29 EMCers at CMU discuss academic freedom 30 Providence is becoming greener 30 West Africans strengthen ties with MWC 31 MDS works in flood-damaged B.C. village

35 Stewardship Today

Missing the mark – Donald Brooker

36 Kids’ Corner

The beasts and the birds – Loreena Thiessen

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

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THE

MESSENGER

a reader’s viewpoint

Is wealth a sin?

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. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.

Single copy price: $2 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. 6 – June 2011 issue (copy due May 20)

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011

by Debbie Funk

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s wealth a sin? It’s an age-old question and I mean that quite literally.

One reason to study history is to understand what we in today’s society can learn from it. Justo L. González’s book entitled Faith and Wealth: A History of Early Christian Ideas on the Origin, Significance, and Use of Money (HarperCollins, 1990) is an excellent example of this.

His concluding comments ask questions that show how the study of economics in the early church period can be relevant to us today: They lived in a world in which contrasts between the rich and the poor were staggering; we live in a world populated by a few who have millions and by millions who have nothing. For them, these issues were indissolubly connected with the meaning of salvation. Has the world changed so much that what they had to say is no longer relevant? I believe not. Has our commitment waned to such an extent that we can no longer take seriously the questions they pose to our use of the world’s resources? I hope not.

These thoughts kept coming back to me in reading this book. González, a church historian, shows that the early Christians had convictions on wealth and faith that were related. He also shows how these are issues that we deal with in today’s society.

In this book, González describes the importance of the word koinonia. While the common understanding is that of fellowship—basically good relationships within the community—he sees it to mean more than that; it includes that of partnership and sharing.

González examines various writings from the early history of the church

and one writer he focuses on is John Chrysostom (d. 407 AD). His description of Chrysostom’s writings is thought provoking. Chrysostom taught possessions are a loan that is eventually given to others.

A challenging thought was that the worst use of property is when we use it to seek independence. This really spoke to me as I find it difficult to ask help from others.

Chrysostom teaches that we are created to be interdependent. He writes that “to be dependent on each other is part of the human lot as designed by God, and it is useless to seek to avoid it.”

A challenging thought was that the worst use of property is when we use it to seek independence.

Matthew 22:37-39 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This passage is my life motto because it sums up who we are to be as Christians.

I have begun to understand God in terms of relationship—how we were created to have relationship with him and with others.

We are reminded that how we use our finances can affect those relationships. This look at faith and wealth only strengthens that view as we consider how we use what we have in terms of those around us.

So is wealth a sin? It is if we take relationship out of the picture.

Debbie Funk is the former editor of The Chronicle (Chortitzer Mennonite Conference), is an MA student at CMU, and works in Winnipeg as a receptionist with Mennonite Foundation of Canada.

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emc faq

by Rebecca Roman

What is a ‘faq’?

Q. A.

What is a “faq”? Is it French for something?

FAQ stands for “Frequently Asked Questions.” According to Wikipedia, “Frequently Asked Questions are listed questions and answers, all supposed to be commonly asked in some context, and pertaining to a particular topic.”

And, yes, in French it stands for “foire aux questions,” which signifies the same as the English above.

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Q. A.

Your questions could be answered here.

Did you just make up that last question?

Yes, that question and all earlier questions published in this column originated from office staff—although most of the questions are ones heard by staff in their interactions with churches.

The point? In the EMC, there seems to be a history of guarding our unity by not talking openly about matters or issues on which there might be conflict.

The Harmony Project document is an attempt to address how we talk about our disagreements in a harmonious way. At the November 2010 Conference Council meeting, discussion surrounding the document in general abided by the principles of the document (although the document itself was not approved).

In this column, EMCers who may never attend an Annual Convention,

Conference Council meeting, Ministerial meeting, or regional gathering—or those who do—have an opportunity to voice questions about Conference-related matters.

What types of questions are welcome? As the saying goes, “there is no ‘stupid’ question but the one that goes unasked.” While questions that are obscene or involve a personal attack will not be published under any circumstances, all other types of questions will be considered.

Do you wonder why the Conference made a particular decision or stand on an issue? Are you curious about the functions of the different boards—or why there are so many boards and committees? Do you question the need for four EMC churches in Steinbach?

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Your questions could be answered here.

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.

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Your questions could be answered here.

It could be the burning question on your mind is something others are wondering about, too. Because names are not published, writers do not have to be concerned about asking a question on a controversial topic.

Please, send in your questions!

If you have a question to submit for this column, please send it to Rebecca Roman at rroman@emconf. ca or call 204-326-6401.

EMC Convention 2011

the Way

Jesus mission in the mold of the master

July 1–3, 2011 Calgary, Alberta THE MESSENGER | May 2011

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archives alcove

by Terry Smith

What did Menno Simons say about assurance?

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011

in yourself desirous of following that which is good, and abhorring that which is evil, even though the remnant of sin is not entirely dead within you, as was also the case in all the saints who lamented from the beginning, as was said, therefore you may rest assured that you are a child of God, and that you will inherit the kingdom of grace in eternal joy with all the saints. Hereby we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

1 John 4:13” (1052).

Because of Christ, Paul spoke with confidence on earth about his status in heaven: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

Jesus spoke on earth to some people about their status in heaven: “However, do not rejoice that that spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

Because of Christ, Paul spoke with confidence on earth about his status in heaven: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

Because of Christ, Paul spoke to some people on earth with confidence about their status in heaven: “Yes, I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Phil. 4:3).

Did Menno believe Christians could lose their salvation? In a word, yes. Assurance is not to lead to carelessness.

Subscribe to The Messenger electronically

PHOTO: DESINGPICS.COM

ome conservative Mennonites consider it presumptuous to say a person can be assured that they are in “the book of life” (Rev. 20:12). What did Menno Simons say?

Menno said in 1558, “The Gospel is the blessed announcement of the favor and grace of God to us, and of forgiveness of sins through Christ Jesus. Faith accepts this Gospel through the Holy Spirit, and does not consider former righteousness or unrighteousness, but hopes against hope (Rom. 4:18), and with the whole heart casts itself upon the grace, Word and promises of the Lord, since it knows that God is true, and that His promises cannot fail.

“In this the heart is renewed, converted, justified, becomes pious, peaceable, and joyous, is born a child of God, approaches with full confidence the throne of grace, and so becomes a joint heir of Christ and a possessor of eternal life” (Complete Writings, 115, emphasis added).

In 1558 he wrote to a church in Amsterdam: “And I have no doubt but that my beloved children are sealed in God with a true conscience; that He is your Father, and that you are His children; that Christ Jesus is your Lord, and that you are His servants; that He is your bridegroom, and that you are His Bride; and that for the sake of His blessed name you proclaim and teach it to the whole world for doctrine, instruction, and reproof, that they, repenting, may turn to God” (1056).

In 1557 Menno Simons wrote to a struggling Christian: “Yes, dearest child and sister, seeing that you find and feel such a spirit

Prefer e-copy to hard copy? Issues of The Messenger will be available electronically beginning in January 2011.

To receive the electronic version, sign up on-line at www.emconference.ca/messenger or e-mail messenger@emconf.ca. Provide your name, mailing address, and e-mail address, and indicate whether you wish to continue receiving the print version or not.

For those who are not members or adherents of an EMC church, there will be a $15 annual subscription fee to receive the electronic version only; no additional fee applies if the full print subscription rate is paid.

writings shared

Prophetic Peacemaking: Selected Writings of J. R. Burkholder, edited by Keith Graber Miller (Herald Press, 2010), 410 pp. $27.99.

ISBN 9780836195231. Reviewed by Terry M. Smith.

D

r. J. R. Burkholder believes that the Church should be “talking back to Caesar” (130–146)!

During his history of teaching Bible and theology at Goshen College and ethics and peace studies at AMBS, he traced and critiqued Anabaptist responses in society. He is fluent in speaking the languages of “the Schleitheim Confession” and “John Howard Yoder.”

A convinced pacifist, Burkholder opts for non-violent resistance rather than non-resistance. He was active in the American civil rights movement.

In 1985 he objected to further funding of the Contras and was arrested for criminal trespass in a congressman’s office.

With Methodist pacifist Stanley Hauerwas, he holds that the pacifist church should be heavily engaged in the political process (184), striving for non-violent alternatives that cannot be found in military action or safe withdrawal from society.

The church should expect government to “at least live up to its own best standards” (136).

It is regrettable, in my view, that he says “I have always been turned off by propositional and inerrantist theological claims” (19). This is a curious position for a professor who valued writing propositions to teach others.

The writings, chosen from various decades and settings, are predictably

Double Take: new meanings from old stories, by Timothy J. Geddert (Kindred Productions, 2007), 192 pp. $12.99. ISBN 9781894791137. Reviewed

by Rebecca Roman.

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ne of Timothy J. Geddert’s goals (stated in the book’s introduction) is “to awaken in each reader a sense of adventure in studying the Bible.”

By taking the reader into the biblical culture, Geddert’s unique exposition of familiar stories recaptures perhaps some of the wonder Jesus’ contemporaries experienced on first witnessing all that he said and did.

Geddert looks at a number of stories and parables, such as Elijah and Elisha from 2 Kings 2:1–15 and The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Geddert sheds light on some

troubling passages, such as the parable of the widow and the judge: “How can God, who is nothing at all like the judge in this story, require us to act just like the widow to get our requests heard? But if we are not to treat God

Geddert sheds light on some troubling passages, such as the parable of the widow and the judge.

A convinced pacifist, Burkholder opts for non-violent resistance rather than non-resistance.

uneven in topic, level, and length, but editor Miller has provided challenging materials from his former professor.

Burkholder, born in 1928, is retired.

Does one need to know of J. R. Burkholder to benefit from the book?

Clearly not. I requested it thinking that it contained the writings of J. L. Burkholder, also connected with Goshen.

Sometimes ignorance can actually prove to be bliss.

as the widow does the judge, how does this parable teach us about prayer?”

Geddert supports each “new meaning” by looking at the cultural context and original language of the writing.

This book would work well for individual or group study. The chapters are short and the material presented lends itself well to discussion.

Some readers may be uncomfortable with Geddert’s challenges to common interpretations of certain passages. On the other hand, readers may be stimulated to search and discern the Scriptures in community with the saints, past and present, how a particular passage could or should be read and applied.

And that, it seems, Geddert would approve of—even if our interpretations differ.

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

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When Jesus

t s o l

it!

by Darren Plett

F

or many of us, the Jesus of Mark 11:15–16 or probably some bright business minds—came up John 2:13–16 presents a bit of a problem. with a great idea.

This is the story of Jesus “losing it” in the When people’s sacrifices didn’t qualify, why not outer courtyard of the temple. He overturns tables, be right there ready to sell them a sacrifice that drives out people and animals (with a whip, accorddid qualify? Not a bad business idea and definitely ing to John 2:15), and scatters the money of the convenient for the weary traveler. business people.

Then there was another small problem for the He says to them (yells at them?), “Get out of worshipper, which led to a second great business here!” opportunity. Because the people had all come from I assume that the swiftdifferent regions, they all had different ness and reckless passion currencies; and if they needed to buy The swiftness and with which he acted must stuff, they would need to exchange reckless passion with somehow indicate how their money. completely the activity that So why not offer that service to the which Jesus acted must was going on in the temple worshipper as well, and set up a money somehow indicate how disturbed Jesus right at the exchange table right next to the booth core of who he was and what selling “quality sacrifices”? completely the activity he came for.

And why not charge a somewhat disturbed him.

Jesus gives a short inflated price for both because the explanation for his actions weary traveler will gladly pay a little in Mark 11:17: “And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is extra if he can take care of it all right there without it not written: “My house will be called a house of needing to search around a strange city for these prayer for all nations”? But you have made it “a den services. And then, why not work together and of robbers.”’” tighten the qualifying standards for the sacrifices It was Passover time in Jerusalem. People had just a bit, thereby increasing business? It only come from all directions to Jerusalem to worship makes good sense. at the temple. Many of them had brought sacrifices For some reason this whole cycle of activity which they were going to offer; in most cases it was infuriated Jesus. I suggest there are several reasons either sheep or pigeons. why, and he uses two Old Testament quotes in Before any sacrifices could be offered they had Mark 11:17 to explain them. to pass an inspection—and we think our world is too regulated?—to ensure they met the standard.

They were ignoring their real purpose If there was any kind of problem, the sacrifice Jesus quotes, “My house will be called a house would be condemned; and the weary traveler was of prayer, but you have made it....’” The religious left wondering where he might obtain another leaders had lost focus; they had lost touch with animal that would meet the criteria so that he what it was really all about. would be able to make the required sacrifice and Instead of it being a house of prayer, and enter the temple to truly worship God. instead of them seeing and embracing that their So the priests and other religious leaders—and first responsibility in this setting was to help create

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PHOTOS: DESIGNPICS.COM

an environment where people could connect with their God, they were all about the opportunity for merchandising.

I submit that no matter who you are, if you are a member of the family of God, your first purpose is to be involved in bringing people to God and God to people.

That purpose becomes our passion and the focus of our life, and no matter how good the business opportunities are they always remain subservient to that higher purpose.

They were ignoring people and opportunity This “outer courtyard” that the religious elite had turned into a moneymaking machine was the one place on the temple grounds where the nonelite, women and children, non-Jews and unclean ones could come to worship.

Had these “religious people” been in touch with their purpose and passionate about living it out, they would not have missed seeing the incredible missions opportunity right before their eyes! (continued p. 10)

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

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PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM

Foreigners were already coming right into their territory in search of their God; all they needed to do was see them, welcome them and minister to them. But no, they could not see the people for the money!

The “religious elite” were doing a great job of looking after their own spiritual needs in the inner courtyard away from the noise and the chaos. But they were totally disregarding the spiritual needs of the “lesser” people by robbing them of their worship space.

Could it be that we immerse ourselves in the church and its programs because we don’t really know how to get involved and build relationships in the real world with all nations?

Jesus’ quote here—“my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”—is taken out of a section of verses that is all about God’s love for the foreigner in Isaiah 56:3-7.

Do we, like the religious elite here, have our system all figured out and if you fit our “inner courtyard” system you are welcome with us, but if you don’t fit that system, then, oh well, that is too bad for you?

Are we so busy running our programs and taking care of ourselves in the “inner courtyard” that we have no time left to form relationships in the “outer courtyard” where real people are looking to see if our God is worth knowing?

Is not God calling us to be “outer courtyard” churches, a house of prayer for all nations where all people can come and meet with God? They were ignoring their sins Jesus finishes his little explanation by quoting Jeremiah 7:11: “but you have made it a den of robbers.” This “den of robbers” refers to the place where robbers would go after they had done their cowardly deed and they wanted to hide themselves and their sin from the real world.

The message for the religious leaders in Mark 11 seems to be: instead of your church (temple) being a place of prayer for all nations, it has become a place where you go and hide your sin!

Has our church system become a place to run and hide? Could it be that we immerse ourselves in the church and its programs because we don’t really know how to get involved and build relationships in the real world with all nations?

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If I get really involved in our church programs, will it nicely hide my lack of interest in the real world that is going to hell?

Does it happen that we effectively pursue every money-making opportunity during the week, but miss our primary purpose; and then we follow that up by heading to our church and getting involved in all its programs on Sunday, thereby nicely hiding our sin? And then our church too becomes a den of robbers where we hide from the real world.

Jesus flipped out here in Mark 11 because what was happening so completely contradicted who he was and what he came for. His explanation was simply, “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of robbers.”

I believe this world has enough “inner courtyard” churches. I believe God expects our churches to be “outer courtyard” churches, out there in the real world, seeing and connecting with real outer courtyard people.

Darren Plett is pastor of Pleasant Valley EMC in southern Manitoba.

This article is adapted from a devotional presented at the EMC’s conference council meeting held at Pleasant Valley in December 2009.

PHOTOS: DESIGNPICS.COM

1 Peter 3:11-12: Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.

a God of or

a God of

by Dr. Pierre Gilbert

T

he second century heretic bishop of Sinope, Marcion, had an acute aversion to the God of the Old Testament.

The notion of a wrathful God did not sit well with him. So he did what comes so natural to us these days: he jettisoned the offending texts. Marcion chucked out the entire Old Testament. Of the New, he only kept ten of Paul’s letters and the Gospel of Luke. Problem fixed! Well, not really.

It is nearly impossible to unhitch the Old Testament from the New. The Old Testament paves the way for the New, and the New stands in continuity with the Old. We can’t eliminate the one without severe prejudice to the other. But none of that mattered to Marcion.

What’s the matter with the Old Testament God? How can we legitimately worship a God who appears to have so little in common with the loving Jesus of the New Testament?

Some clarification is in order. While the God of the Old Testament is at times wrathful, he is

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How can we legitimately worship a God who appears to have so little in common with the loving Jesus of the New Testament? overwhelmingly portrayed as a God of love. Once we learn to recognize the shape of that love, we will detect it in the most unexpected places.

After Adam and Eve rebel against God, he does not abandon them. In time, it is only after humans engage in an intense orgy of violence that God destroys them with a flood. But if he has no choice but to annihilate this dysfunctional species that lives far too long for its own good, he starts over again with Noah.

In partnership with Abraham, he creates a new nation through which he will tirelessly work to create the conditions needed to redeem humanity.

He works with his people even when they forsake (continued p. 12) THE MESSENGER | May 2011

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him for worthless idols. At times, he severely judges them, not to get even, but to save them from self-destruction.

The Psalms sing of his love. The word hesed, which reflects God’s loving kindness, is used over 130 times in the Psalter. Note that those who testify to God’s love lived in a brutal world where even the mere notion of anesthetic was just a fantastic dream!

And yet, the Old Testament poets never cease to shout the goodness of their God. It is their most basic conviction.

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Who

Jesus loves us and wishes to enter into an intimate relationship with every single one of us. But Jesus is also described as the one who will rule and judge the world.

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can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise? Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right (Psalm 106:1-3 NIV).

It is because God is indeed good and loving, that he must also judge sin. Goodness, love, and truth cannot co-exist with evil, indifference, and lies. Sooner or later, a truly good God must cap the well from which evil gushes.

What about Jesus?

While some may persist in their suspicion towards the Old Testament God, Jesus does not for an instant give any credence to such misgivings.

He readily associates with God at the beginning of his ministry (Matthew 3:17).

He teaches his disciples to approach God as a father who cares, loves, and wishes to be in relationship with them (Matthew 6:9). It is the God of the Old Testament who sends his son to die for the sins of the world. Not that Jesus is coerced into doing this, for he is also divine and he willingly gives his life.

And that’s the point: Jesus was also sent to live among us to show once and for all the true character of the living God. The root cause of the problem There are those who claim to love Jesus but like Marcion resolutely reject the very notion of a God who punishes evildoers.

Why many naively move along with Marcion is tied, ironically, to a popular distortion of who Jesus is.

Too many people now know Jesus only as what I label as Teddy Bear Jesus.

This postmodern Jesus is cuddly, harmless, accepts everything and everybody.

Teddy Bear Jesus came to condone our sins, not save us from them.

But here is the problem: Teddy Bear Jesus is a figment of our sterile imagination. The only way to maintain this fantasy is to excise large parts of the New Testament and stay within the narrow confines of a Sermon on the Mount plucked right out of its context.

Jesus loves us and wishes to enter into an intimate relationship with every single

one of us. But Jesus is also described as the one who will rule and judge the world.

While he has done everything to redeem us, for some, his lordship will always remain acutely repulsive. As a result, they will experience Jesus Christ as the judge who makes war.

As Walter Unger, former president of Columbia Bible College and one of the most respected Mennonite Brethren leaders, recently wrote: “He (Jesus) is also described as a divine warrior who wreaks vengeance and treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God” (Revelation 19:15).

Perhaps Revelation is too harsh for some. What about John 3:36? “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

Because there is this notion that spirituality isn’t really all that crucial, people generally give little attention to the condition of their soul. We know from Scripture that this is wrong and extremely dangerous.

While no one denies the importance of the physical aspects of human life, the spiritual extends much deeper into the fabric of reality.

The deeper we reach into reality, the more expansive are the consequences. This is why the first act of disobedience did not only affect Adam and Eve. It terminally contaminated all of humanity and the entire universe (Romans 5 to 8).

In touch with reality What men and women need above all else is an accurate perception of reality.

A cancer patient, for instance, needs to be accurately informed and treated accordingly. Only an

graduate programs graduate programs in Theological Studies & Christian Ministry

One-Week Intensive Courses Offered in Theological Studies & Christian Ministry

May 2–6 Parables of Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes One-Week Intensive Courses Offered May 16–20 Ministry in Multicultural Perspective 2–6May Parables of Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes May 28, 30–June 3 Discerning Missional Vocation May 16–20 Ministry in Multicultural Perspective June 6–10 Pastoral Care and Counseling May 28, May 30–June and 3 Discerning Missional Vocation June 13–17 Evangelism Disciple-making in an Urban Culture Care and Counseling June 6–10 Pastoral June 13–17 Evangelism and Disciple-making For more information in an Urban Cultureon courses & instructors, visit www.cmu.ca

204.487.3300 | Toll free 1.877.231.4570

immoral physician would conceal the real nature of the illness or prescribe Tic-Tacs to cure the disease.

Men and women suffer from a spiritual cancer.

One way or another, God will have to deal with it.

Jesus paid the ultimate price so we could avoid the just reward for what we are and have done.

We can either accept his payment, or we can try to pay the bill ourselves. It’s our choice. The one option offers instant satisfaction for our debt; the other will lead to an ever-expanding eternity of rebellion.

Is the God of the Old Testament worthy to be served, praised and worshipped? Without hesitation, I, for one, say yes.

Pierre Gilbert, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Old Testament and Theology at Canadian Mennonite University and Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. He is the author of Demons, Lies & Shadows (2008).

BLO expresses gratitude to David Thiessen The Board of Leadership and Outreach would like to express their gratitude to David Thiessen, our EMC Conference Pastor, for eleven years of service to the conference, and announce his retirement as of September 2011.

David has served our conference with heart and soul since September 2000.

He has traveled to each region of the conference many times during these years to encourage pastors and churches in their work. He has worked with churches through struggles and provided resources to assist them.

He has worked with conference boards to serve the conference. The churches and conference staff and boards will miss him, but want to take this opportunity to bless him and Merna and wish him a joyful retirement.

BLO

For more information depptiessen@cmu.ca on courses & instructors, visit www.cmu.ca

204.487.3300 | Toll free 1.877.231.4570 depptiessen@cmu.ca THE MESSENGER | May 2011

13

EARLY ANABAPTISTS: a journey to unexpected places

by Terry M. Smith

B

eing gladly a child of the wider Christian Church, I was raised in a mainline church and then nurtured in evangelicalism before entering the EMC. These on-going debts to the wider Church cannot be ignored. How dare I cal-

lously dismiss the channels of Christ’s grace in my life?

Yet, since joining the EMC in 1979, there has always been in me an inner obligation to learn more about early and later Anabaptists.

Such study could take a lifetime. For a minister, though, there is a need for a working knowledge without the time, focus, or academic background to become an expert.

As a result, my study of early Anabaptist figures has focused on Menno Simons and Balthasar Hubmaier, with Dirk Philips and Peter Riedemann as lesser figures.

Their translated writings sit on my shelves. They are studied topically (not chrono-

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

logically), selectively, and sporadically.

Menno Simons

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011

Menno Simons How can one accurately visualize five centuries back in history and determine what one might do then?

Could one do, as Menno Simons did, renounce a part of the Church to enter another, accepting leadership, being harried for 25 years while struggling to support a family?

He outlived his wife Gertrude, one son, and one daughter; likely suffered a stroke and was later, in his words, “the cripple”; struggled with poverty; and died a natural death.

What was it like for Menno to die naturally when he knew so many fellow Anabaptists died violent deaths?

Most Anabaptists today, as Dr. Karl Koop reminds us, would disagree with some of Menno’s views, such as his defense of “celestial flesh” (the view that Jesus did not get his human flesh from his mother Mary) or, I suggest, his harsher moments in dealing with marital avoidance (the shunning of a spouse under church discipline).

In contrast, compare these with Menno’s wonderful

Balthasar Hubmaier Or what about Balthasar Hubmaier, involved in the German Peasants’ War (1524-1525), who entered Anabaptist circles?

We can salute many of his concerns, and those of others, in the Peasants’ War. Common people sought rights and freedoms—to wood, forest, game, fowl, and fish, for instance—which many Canadian Anabaptists today take for granted, rights and freedoms that Martin Luther should have supported. (continued p. 16)

PHOTO: GAMEO.ORG

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Confession of the Triune God (1550) or his repeated concern that Christians not wage war: “Our weapons are not weapons with which cities and countries may be destroyed, walls and gates broken down, and human blood shed in torrents like water.”

Everyone can learn from Menno’s concern that his teachings be tested by the Word.

“Therefore I deem it necessary, sincerely to warn and admonish all beloved readers in the Lord not to accept my doctrine as the Gospel of Jesus Christ until they have weighed it in the balance of the Spirit and Word of the Lord,” Menno wrote, “that they may not place their faith in me nor in any teacher or writer, but solely in Jesus Christ.” This was in 1539, only three years after he had left the Roman Catholic Church and about two years after accepting the leadership of a group of Anabaptists.

Menno believed in the Church, in being accountable, and in the corporate study of Scripture. However, corporate Balthasar Hubmaier views he considered wrong—whether by Roman Catholics or Anabaptists—did not trump his study.

In 1556, five years before he died, Simons was disturbed by the actions of church leaders at When can Christ-centred, church-committed Emden who had ordered a woman to shun her Christians disagree with early Anabaptists? We are husband or be excommunicated.

“I can neither teach nor live by the faith of required to study and discern, not blindly imitate. others,” he wrote, disagreeing. “I must live by my own faith as the Spirit of the Lord has taught me through His word.”

Ironically, Menno’s example presents an issue: when can Christ-centred, church-committed Christians disagree with early Anabaptists? We are required to study and discern, not blindly imitate.

John Smyth, the early Baptist leader who died before being received into the membership of Amsterdam’s Anabaptists, is reported to have said it is okay to depart from Menno when Menno departs from Scripture. Menno Simons would certainly agree.

Dirk Philips

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

15

Can we imagine what it Christ, and his analogies To what extent can a was like to be Hubmaier in from Scripture—though prison from late December further study might yet Christian become part 1525 through April 1526 yield more reason for of the political system and, while there, to write a appreciation.

(Marpeck)? To what extent confession of faith treading Peter Riedemann, the the line between what is Hutterian leader, composed should a Christian throw acceptable to his accusers his Confession in about 1545, away prudence and speak, and faithful to his own 20 years after the start of convictions? the Radical Reformation letting results be what There can be no pretense and 28 years after Martin they will (Sattler)? to know what it was like as Luther penned his 95 Hubmaier was pressured, Theses for reform within prepared to recant, and the Roman Catholic Church. then, refusing to recant, to Riedemann’s Confession suffer more prison and torture. He was released, reminds me of the courageous Hutterian missionthen later again imprisoned and condemned. ers who went throughout Europe, many of whom On March 10, 1528, what was it like for him to never came home. have gunpowder rubbed into his beard so that a There are other figures. Pilgram Marpeck was blast would help kill him more quickly than flames a civil engineer. Michael Sattler was a courageous alone? Or for him to suspect that his wife Elisabeth former abbot who spoke boldly in a way that sealed would die soon? She was killed by drowning three his fate, much like Stephen in Acts 7. They give me days after his death. pause.

Early Anabaptists did not agree on some matTo what extent can a Christian become part ters. For instance, Hubmaier held that a Christian of the political system (Marpeck), as Dr. A. James could better serve in government than a nonReimer has asked? To what extent should a Christian and could fight in a defensive war.

Christian throw away prudence and speak, letting Hubmaier wrote a booklet On the Sword (1527) results be what they will (Sattler)? to respond what some other Anabaptists were We can salute Sattler’s courage, even while teaching. For that, he is viewed suspiciously today questioning the wisdom of his stating, while a

by Anabaptists influenced by The Schleitheim pacifist, that he would rather fight against Turks of Confession, a non-resistant statement also written the spirit before Turks of the flesh. in 1527.

Simons, Hubmaier, Philips, Riedemann, He wrote from deep conviction, not conveMarpeck, and Sattler—these dedicated Christians nience. Though some people see it as ironic that are linked together in my pilgrimage with Luther, Hubmaier defended the state that killed him, his Calvin, Zwingli and others. support of the state in its proper role, as he saw it, Shamed by their courage, challenged by their was consistent with his convictions. He suffered convictions, both helped and disturbed by their from an abuse of the state’s use of force. views, we are indebted to them.

Hubmaier’s example reminds us, at least, not The results from the study of such figures, to over-simplify the discussions that happened though, can lead to inner obligations not easily among early Anabaptists. honoured. They take us to unexpected, strange His comfort was found in Christ and, therefore, places and await responses not easy to give. that “truth is unkillable” (a favourite statement of Terry M. Smith, who entered the his).

EMC in 1979 and became a minister in 1985, is a graduate of SAIT, SBC, Four Other Leaders and MBBC. Dirk Philips seems unattractive for his strict views on church discipline, the celestial flesh of 16

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

with our missionaries

A fascinating four months JALISCO STATE, MEXICO Only four months ago we arrived in Guadalajara. The Lord has allowed us to see and be a part of many things.

Both in January and in February we were able to visit daughter Kayli and her YWAM team in Mexico City as they were spending seven weeks of their outreach program only five hours from Guadalajara.

In January we had the opportunity to visit three missionary couples in the northern part of Mexico. We are now looking forward to having two of these couples join us to form a team here. The first couple will arrive as early as July, less than a year from when we arrived.

In February we had a fantastic time with the Prayer Team, seven people from Canada who gave up a week to come be part of the beginning stages of this ministry.

Connie and John Reimer (Swan River) are team leaders in a church planting effort in Guadalajara City, Mexico.

We have met many wonderful people and made some great friends.

Also in February we were invited to attend a Church Planting Conference with other missionaries and students, both American and Mexican. Besides lectures, we actively participated in sketches and group activities as we learned techniques in church planting in cross-cultural dynamics.

In March we enjoyed a great visit from Jake and Betty Warkentin, friends from Swan River.

Pray for us as we look for a suitable house in the area we want to church plant.

Although we have enjoyed our time here, we do miss our family, friends, and church back home. We are so grateful that we can keep in touch via Skype, Facebook, and e-mail.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our furnished apartment in downtown Guadalajara. It has been so accommodating. It is not in a residential area, though, and so we are looking for a house where we will begin the church plant.

We hosted the annual Missionary Staff Retreat in April. Missionaries from the north traveled down to spend a week here. We are grateful to God for directing us to a retreat centre just 30 minutes from the city, close to Lake Chapala. We gathered over Easter weekend.

Our ability to speak the language is improving. We have not had the chance to take a refresher course and are not sure when this will happen.

We also are much more familiar with Guadalajara, a city of seven million people.

We have not had a cloudy day during these four months. The weather is totally the opposite of a Manitoba winter. We enjoy walking every day, although John is really missing his bike. I, Connie, have learned to light the gas oven and have made many cakes and shared many with our new friends.

Pray for us as we look for a suitable house in the area we want to church plant.

Pray that people will hunger for God and be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s working in their lives.

Pray for our family as we are far away from each other. Currently Trevor and Jeannie are in Winnipeg; Tony, Andrea and Vienna are in Perth, Australia; and Kayli just got back to Australia.

Connie and John Reimer

The 17th Annual

EMC

PROJECT BUILDERS

Golf Classic

June 16, 2011 Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course

Phone 204-255-8062 to register THE MESSENGER | May 2011

17

with our missionaries

What is the value of prayer walking?

MEXICO Why travel far from home to do prayer walking? In a previous article I related why being in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico, had value for me. Here are two other things I learned from my experience, which add value to prayer walking trips.

First, I discovered that travelling to another country to pray requires fasting. Not the “I will go without food” preparation type of fasting, but something else.

Since I travelled without my husband and family, I fasted from them.

I was limited to one text per day with my cell phone, hence I fasted from texting and calling.

There was limited computer access because of the many people in our apartment, so I was able to send only one email to my family

Holiday Travel

during the week. Again, I fasted from computer/email.

All these activities that usually surround my day were removed for this trip, while praying for the people there. This fast gave me plenty of time to focus on the Lord and pray for people.

If I had been at home, I would not have given that concentrated time to prayer walking or the preparation for it. By travelling to another country, I freed myself to focus on praying with much less distraction.

I wish we had Christians from other countries focusing on praying for us with the same intensity.

The other benefit I noticed upon arriving home. I was talking to my husband on the phone one morning and he asked me to pray for him about something at work. This was not unusual, as we ask each other to pray frequently. I said I would pray and hung up the phone.

But instead of my usual “fire up a few thoughts to the Lord,” I prayed audibly in my van. After I finished, it struck me what I had done.

This was because of the time I

spent praying with various people on the prayer team the week before.

I am not one to pray out loud (when alone), but the repeated practice I had in Guadalajara made it the natural thing to do.

And the benefit was this: instead of just a thought or two in my prayer, I prayed specifically and directly about the need my husband had. I focused more clearly because I was listening to what I was saying out loud, as well as speaking it.

This was a blessing I had not expected; but I am very thankful I went on this prayer walking trip, so I could grow in this way.

Pray without ceasing! Pray when and where the Lord leads.

Fast and focus on God. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to a prayer walk. You will be blessed more than you know.

Roxanne Buhler Roxanne Buhler (EFC Steinbach) was a member of the prayer team that went to the City of Guadalajara, Jalisco State, Mexico. The team was gone from Feb. 8 to 15, 2011.

kirsten@holiday-travel.ca with the

Bicentennial Committee of the

Evangelical Mennonite Conference presents

Mennonite Heritage Tour with a focus on EMC history to

Ukraine and Crimea

Kiev, Mennonite Colonies, Yalta, Odessa

PHOTO: ROXANNE BUHLER

from

May 21-June 7, 2012

Estimated cost: $5,200 including airfare

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

Len Loeppky

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

The prayer team walked and prayed in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico, Feb. 8 to 15, 2011.

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011

with our missionaries

The lost children of Lesotho In a country of only two million people, how do you end up with 10 percent of the population being orphaned?

In 2007 Unicef reported 160,000 orphans in this landlocked mountainous country. An unofficial source “on the ground” says that number is closer to 200,000 by now. These figures are staggering.

How does a country cope with so many parentless children? Who is looking after them? What does the future hold for these children, for this country?

On top of this, many foreign aid groups are pulling out of Lesotho because of a lack of funding. Firstworld governments are choosing to look at their own needs rather than to the plight of those less fortunate.

The official rate of HIV/AIDS infection among people in Lesotho is about 31 per cent in those aged 15 to 50; unofficially that number might be as high as 60 per cent.

There are entire villages that have been decimated by the virus and others that have only children left (under 18 years of age). While the introduction of anti-retroviral drugs has slowed down the death rate, the infection rates continue at an unrivalled pace.

The neighbourhood we live in is diverse in economic structure. There are those that are very well to do and others that are living in hovels.

The population is primarily Basotho and, therefore, we find ourselves in a minority. There is a general understanding among nationals that white people are all wealthy.

PHOTO: KARI PETERS

LESOTHO

About 10 percent of Lesotho’s population is orphaned. These children live at an orphanage in a rural area.

While we do have much more than many, there is a limit to our resources. We have been asking God how we can love our neighbours.

A group of local children was watching us over our fence one day and we asked for their names. Only one boy answered. He claimed to be hungry, that there was no food at his home.

Melvin went with him that day to see if his claims were true. What he found was sobering. The boy lived in a one-room tin shack with his mother, stepfather and older sister.

His stepfather had a job and so there was some food, but the mother was sick and needed urgent medical care. That started a chain of events which saw the family get a Bible and the mother was taken to the hospital and started on appropriate treatment.

The sad reality was that she was deathly ill and the chance of her making a recovery was slim.

The gate bell rang close to midnight the other night. It was the boy wanting to speak to Melvin. His mother was gone. Lesotho has two more orphans.

We continue to thank God for

your partnership with us in the furthering of the gospel of Christ.

Thank you for your prayers and for your financial support. May God bless you for your faithfulness!

Kari Peters Kari and Melvin Peters (La Crete) serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship in southern Africa.

MCC Manitoba’s 9th annual golf tournament in support of literacy and education in Afghanistan

July 13, 2011 Quarry Oaks Golf Course Texas scramble format, putting and chipping contests Registration cost: $160 ($80 receiptable) Register online at manitoba.mcc. org/golf (by June 30 to be eligible for early bird prizes).

Phone: Paul Friesen, 866-761-1046

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

19

with our missionaries

ASIA He was attending university in Asia.

He was strongly atheistic, but life was challenging and he had various crises in his life, creating overwhelming stress.

He enjoyed visiting with a foreign English teacher. The teacher himself had experienced a crisis: he had left his wallet on a city bus. It was inconceivable that he would see it again.

The English teacher challenged him to pray with him for the return of the wallet, an impossibility like a huge immovable stone!

“Who will roll the stone away?” It was a valid question, as these faithful women headed for the tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid (Mark 16:3).

It was more than rhetorical. It was a case of helplessness, of desperation, a plea for hope. The situation was hopeless.

Thankfully for these women, God sent an angel, a messenger of hope, and the stone was rolled away.

Millions of people in Asia need the stone of hopelessness rolled away.

In much of Asia there is economic prosperity, but a lack of hope.

Last summer some of my students in Asia, high school English teachers, shared that university students in Asia admit their lack of hope for the future. Christian English teachers can be messengers to help roll away the stone of hopelessness.

These past months I had opportunity to have a booth at events in Winnipeg, Halifax and Toronto.

Several opportunities were taken in churches to share about the amazingly open door for the Englishspeaking church: to go to almost any campus in Asia to teach English, to be messengers of hope for future leaders of people and nations.

In Halifax and Toronto I did a 20

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

When God answered their prayers with the bus driver returning the wallet with everything intact, the student was astounded.

The stone of doubt and unbelief in God rolled away. seminar on English Teachers: This is Your Hour. Only the day before my seminar I was introduced to the young man in the wallet incident; he had arrived in Canada two days prior.

When God answered their prayers with the bus driver returning the wallet with everything intact, the student was astounded. The stone of doubt and unbelief in God rolled away.

A Christian teacher became a messenger to help roll away the stone of hopelessness. The English student has since been actively involved in a fellowship in Asia.

I had him tell his story in my seminar. We felt encouraged by this affirmation of our cause: mobilizing and recruiting English teachers for Asia.

We want to keep in touch with him. He is typical of many Asian believers who say they came to faith through a foreign English teacher.

How about a new title for Christian

English teachers? The Stone Rollers!

It is a joy to be involved with teachers preparing to go to Asia, both short-term and longer. It is a blessing to be a part of this team of Stone Rollers.

We are following up others who have expressed an interest in getting involved. Pray with us for more teachers. It is urgent.

The stone is rolled away! He is Risen!

Elvira Warkentin

Elvira and Elmer Warkentin serve as mobilization/partnership coordinators.

Cristina, an example of total dedication

PHOTO: DAVID SCHMIDT

The Stone Rollers

PARAGUAY As directors in Alto Refugio, we are thankful to God for a team of workers who are dedicated to serving, and often go far beyond the call of duty.

At times they do get better work offers, but when there is a conviction that the Lord has put them here for

Cristina tends to a man with a wounded toe outside the Alto Refugio centre.

with our missionaries a purpose and there is a passion for the work they are doing, they are not easily swayed.

Cristina is a registered nurse. She could have other jobs in her profession, but she stays on as a nurse in Alto Refugio.

She is in charge of the medications that are given out to people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as being coordinator of the dental program.

She is a steady worker in her office.

She is often counseling people regarding their personal problems, but her work goes far beyond her office.

When we have to deal with people who have injuries or open sores, she is quick to take charge, cleaning wounds and bandaging. She does this work with a positive attitude, and often is an encouragement to those she is serving.

We have a rule that those who are under the influence of alcohol are not allowed to enter the drop-in centre until they sober up.

Recently a man came stumbling into the reception area with bottle in hand, and we had to insist that he leave.

He kept insisting to see Cristina, and he showed us his stubbed toe that was raw and bleeding. We promised to notify Cristina, but in his condition he needed to wait for her outside.

That is where Cristina found him and immediately began attending to his wound while speaking to him about a much greater need that he had in his heart.

His toe has healed. Now other sores are appearing on his body and he is beginning treatment in hospital.

He has stopped drinking and comes into Alto Refugio every day.

We offer all who come practical help, our love, and speak to them about the love of Christ. Pray that God will open people’s hearts.

We thank all of you for your support for this ministry.

At the moment we are cutting back on the amount of medication we can give out; the list of patients keeps growing, the cost of medication is high, and the funds have run low.

The EMC Board of Missions has approved a project for the purchase of medication for Alto Refugio, and we encourage you to consider being a part of this ministry.

Dave and Judy Schmidt

Dave and Judy Schmidt (Rosenort) are both second generation cross-cultural workers in Paraguay.

$800 per month has been approved by the EMC Board of Missions to purchase medications for Alto Refugio. Please designate your gift to: P1 - AR Medication.

Ken Zacharias, EMC Foreign Secretary

More than Enough: My Breast Cancer Story

by Sherri Hildebrandt $18.99, 240 pp. can be ordered from the EMC national office (mailing extra) or www.sherrihildebrandt.com Sherri and her husband were previously involved in youth leadership at Morris Fellowship Chapel (EMC).

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Missions 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

21

with our churches

MRCC is ‘seaming’ to burst!

MANY ROOMS CHURCH COMMUNITY, Winnipeg, Manitoba

S

pring finds all three of the individual groups in the Many Rooms Church Community bursting at the living room seams, but still having fun.

PHOTOS: DALLAS KORNELSEN

Hannah Guenther prepares to take the baptismal plunge with Stephanie and Travis Unger nearby.

Deborah Jones shares her story.

22

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

during the same event. We used the fine building of Crossroads Mennonite Brethren Church for the baptism and ate ourselves silly afterwards.

The evening of February 5 saw the closing of Spence Street between Ellice and Sargent as hundreds of people snacked on hotdogs, warmed up around a fire, swung at piñatas, and went crazy during the broomball games. While our annual winter block party is technically not a “church event,” planners and volunteers from our church are the ones who make it happen.

Here is a summary of what each individual group has been up to as well as explanations of larger events that our entire church has been involved in.

Maryland Group (leaders Steve and Fiona Thiessen): Maryland is taking a look at the Ten Commandments and what they mean for their group today. They’ve been able to assist a refugee friend with some of her physical needs and are mostly enjoying the chaos of having twelve adults and twelve children in their group.

Sherbrook Group (leaders Leon and Heather Wieler): Sherbrook finished a study of the book of Matthew and have been enjoying a few months of sharing their life stories Children’s broomball game at the block party. and spiritual journeys.

Next up: the book of Acts. They’ve On Shrove Tuesday, the day also been involved in helping people before Lent begins, a nearly bottomin their community deal with the less supply of homemade donuts was problem of bedbugs in their homes. offered up by Stephanie and Travis Spence Group (leaders Travis and Unger in their home. Our church Stephanie Unger, Sara Walker): The enjoyed loads of sugar and deep fried Spence group has begun studying a goodness as we were challenged to book called Experiencing God, which consider how we would draw closer has simple but challenging ideas to God as Easter draws near. about listening and obeying.

My wife Jen and I hosted thirtySome people in their group live six church members and friends in with chronic illness and the effects our home for supper. We presented of traumatic past experiences. about our Christian Peacemaker Together, the group is learning how Team trip to Israel and Palestine and to walk the tight-rope of on-going challenged the group with a popular suffering and to trust in God’s CPT question: “What would happen faithfulness. if Christians devoted the same disciThe end of January saw our pline and self-sacrifice to non-violent church throw a party for the baptism peacemaking that armies devote to of Hannah Guenther and Deborah war?”

Jones. In addition to this, several new Dallas Kornelsen people signed our church covenant

with our churches

RIVERTON GOSPEL CHAPEL, Manitoba

J

esus invites us to take time from our busy schedules to come into His presence. It is only through Him that we find rest for our souls in a stress-filled, chaotic world. Two retreats this spring offered opportunities for spiritual refreshment for the women and youth of our church.

At the Interlake Women’s Retreat at Camp Arnes in April 2011, God used potter Grace Johnson to bless women from a variety of churches and denominations.

Youth enjoy the 60-foot slide.

weddings UTZ: Gordon and Jen Utz were married on Nov. 21, 2010.

McMILLAN: Blaine and Robyn McMillan were married on Nov. 20, 2010.

NEUFELD – BUHR: Jason, son of Darcy and Rona Neufeld of Brandon, Man., and Juanita, daughter of Garry and Myrna Buhr of Portage la Prairie, Man., were married on Nov. 27, 2010.

COSENS – NOLT: Carman Cosens of Winnipeg, Man., and Angela Nolt of Beausejour, Man., were married on Feb. 19, 2011 in Anola, Man., with Mel Koop officiating.

As she sat at her potter’s wheel creating a clay vessel, she inspired the group with the analogy of God, the master potter creating us: “Your beloved wooed you here. He wants to be intimate with you. He has Grace Johnson forms a lump of clay into a beautiful vessel. a passion for you because He loves world needs a little shaking so that you. Let Him touch you. Let Him get close to you, close enough to whisper we do not stagnate.

One youth commented, “It made His promises to your heart.” me rethink my relationship with God The creation of the clay vessel and I was struck with how unrelentinvolved kneading, applying presing God is in wanting to be number sure, forming the heart, removing one in my life.” impurities, caressing the clay with A highlight for most of the youth water, scoring with a sharp tool, a was speeding down a 60-foot icetime of waiting, applying chemicals, covered slide: “The dizzying speeds and finally, the fire. and the promise of wipeouts drew As Grace laboured over her everyone there during free time.” vessel, she lovingly spread a healing Sigi Hiebert balm over the group with reassurances of God’s love: “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3 NLT).

Like the potter holding up the finished vessel in admiration, God delights in us, His creation. “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it” (Psalm 139:14 NLT).

The youth group had the privilege of coming away to focus on the teachings of Jesus in a retreat at Camp Cedarwood in February 2011. Speaker Garth Friesen from Steinbach Bible College used the analogy of a snow globe to demonstrate that sometimes our own little

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

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PHOTOS COURTESY SIGI HIEBERT

Retreats provide perspective

with our churches

Mission night in Mennville MENNVILLE EMC, Manitoba

A few left part of their hearts in Haiti and said they were going back someday. Tears were shed as they left the country.

Their job description was different than what was expected. Instead of rebuilding a school damaged in the earthquake, they did maintenance around the compound and other small projects needing attention.

We pray that they were an encouragement to the Mission Possible headquarters as they helped out where most needed.

Some projects: organizing work projects (by Stan), planting maranga trees in the LaHatte area, organizing medical supplies, fixing a cistern and drainage (crucial for rainy season), electrical work, cleaning and organizing a tool shed, building and painting shelves, lots of concrete work, maintaining buildings at the Mission Possible compound, fixing a welder, repairing window screens, visiting schools and entertaining kids.

The consensus was that it was a rewarding experience and all would like to do it again.

Luella Brandt

oing to Haiti has been life changing and all of the team members have come out of this trip with different stories and experiences that will never be forgotten.

Sunday, February 28, was an evening focused on missions in Mennville EM Church. We met at 5:30 for a chili contest fundraiser. Only men were allowed to make the chili.

Eleven men were brave enough to enter the contest. They had appointed judges to test the chili. Corey Kovacs was declared the winner and Ed Harms as the runner up.

About 140 people enjoyed the supper and more than $2,000 was raised.

The money raised was designated to two young ladies, one serving in a closed country and Janette Brandt who is in Nicaragua with EFCCM. After supper we all headed upstairs and sat spellbound as we traveled to Haiti via a PowerPoint presentation by Jared Barkman;

it displayed the Mennville team’s stories, highlights, and adventures.

Team members were Stan Brandt (group leader), Aimee Brandt, Jared Barkman, Jolene Barkman, Adam Lever, Sheila Barkman, Christy Barkman, Andrew Kalteck, Elden Plett, Alyssa Friesen, Daryl Barkman, Steve Brandt, Phil Plett, and Chris and Juanita Monkman.

Some highlights: • Fellowship and connecting with other teams. Mixing with Americans, Canadians and Haitians was a unique experience. Good-natured rivalry and teasing was enjoyed.

• Formed some good friendships.

• Worshipping and meeting Haitian Christians in a church service was unforgettable.

• Meeting Haitian people.

• Encouraging to see hope among Christians in a dark land.

• Evenings spent sitting in the cabana, singing, sharing, visiting and playing games.

Jolene Barkman holds a baby in Haiti.

Haiti team members returned with experiences that will never be forgotten.

PHOTOS COURTESY LUELLA BRANDT

G

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011

with our churches

Joining forces in a needy neighbourhood I

n challenging times groups often get together who might not do so otherwise. That’s what’s happening at Trinity Place, a church building in Winnipeg, Man., where a small Mennonite congregation and a small Lutheran congregation meet separately under the same roof.

“There is a spirit of mutual goodwill between us,” says Ron Penner, who with his wife Ruth co-pastors

On January 9 the following was read to the congregation by Pastor Ron Nelson: “God of Grace, you have reconciled us to yourself through Jesus Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation. Today we confess that we in the Lutheran tradition have betrayed this ministry and sinned against you and our Anabaptist sisters and brothers in Christ.

“God of truth, we confess that we have not been true to your Word.

When our teachers like Martin Luther used theological reasoning to justify state violence against religious dissidents, we have not repudiated this abuse of teaching authority.

the Aberdeen EMC. “Both groups are eager to have their visions succeed, and both are happy to be light in this part of the city.”

A year and a half ago, both congregations were discerning their future. Over the years, said Rev. Ron Nelson, the families of his flock at Trinity Lutheran moved out of the neighbourhood and the remaining members had aged.

Aberdeen had rented space from Trinity after selling their own building several blocks away and then called Ron and Ruth Penner in an effort to renew the congregation. Soon Ron Nelson included the Penners in dreaming about for the ministry of Trinity Place.

Trinity Place is also home to a First Nations (aboriginal Canadian) Pentecostal congregation, a mother’s program and urban ministry orientation for service groups.

(continued p. 26)

PHOTO: BYRON REMPEL-BURKHOLDER

ABERDEEN EMC, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Aberdeen contributed a significant sum from the sale of their building for much-needed capital costs at Trinity—particularly the replacement of rotting windows and the repair of the roof.

Trinity, meanwhile, had already begun opening its doors to a variety of ministries in its neighbourhood, which is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden areas of Winnipeg.

Today, Trinity Place is also home to a First Nations (aboriginal Canadian) Pentecostal congregation, a mother’s program and urban ministry orientation for service groups.

“No, we’re not merging,” says Ruth Penner. “This seems to be the first perception people have.”

Ron Nelson adds that the two congregations will always do things differently. “I don’t want the Mennonites wearing vestments,” he jokes.

Baptism and attitudes to the state will remain doctrinal points of difference. But, says, Ron Penner, “There is a more visible commitment to work with each other. We want to foster a sense of equality.”

The two congregations sealed that

“We have continued to teach ungenerously and unworthily about others who seek to follow your gospel.

Our minds have been clouded by sin, and so persecution and murder have been done in your name.”

Abe Warkentin Aberdeen EMC pastors Ron and Ruth Penner flank pastor Ron Nelson of Trinity Lutheran.

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

25

with our churches (continued from p. 25)

commitment January 9, 2011, when they celebrated a joint service of repentance and healing inspired by last July’s historic Lutheran-Mennonite reconciliation in Germany.

The two congregations sang from Aberdeen’s hymnal, read statements of confession and forgiveness, and exchanged handshakes and hugs in the passing of Christ’s peace.

The climax of the service was when Ron and Ruth Penner assisted Ron Nelson in replacing the purple cloth of repentance on the altar with the white cloth of forgiveness and healing.

“The worship service drew us closer together in the spirit of Christ,” said Ron Penner.

“The sign of the cross is a plus sign,” Nelson added, noting how the sharing of facilities and mutual support has become a positive symbol of reconciliation.

Byron Rempel-Burkholder, Mennonite World Conference

Reflections on reconciliation ABERDEEN EMC, Winnipeg, Manitoba

O

n January 9, 2011, the Aberdeen EMC and Trinity Lutheran Church held a Reconciliation Service at Trinity Lutheran. Here are some feelings and impressions about the event

by Hilda Toews.

Shock at the harsh and exclusive language in the 16th century’s Augsburg Confession.

Admiration for the bravery and honesty in reading it at a public service, then acknowledging their ignorance of, and complicity with, their Lutheran history.

Impressed at the sincerity and humility of the Mennonite response to the confession and apology by the Lutherans.

Touched by the forgiveness ritual of placing over the repentance colour purple of the Lutheran minister’s stole, the forgiveness colour white, by pastors Ron and Ruth Penner.

Amazement at the aptly chosen and very appropriate Scripture readings and hymns.

Delight at how the service flowed effortlessly and collaboratively between the Mennonite and Lutheran ministers.

Welcomed to a delicious fellowship meal following the service.

Thrilled to be part of this momentous, historically significant event.

Submitted by Leona Dueck-Penner

news

Richard Thiessen of Abbotsford, BC, was appointed as managing editor of GAMEO, the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online.

A DVD edition of GAMEO, with content through Jan. 19, 2011, has been released. GAMEO is a project of the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada (of which the EMC is a member), the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission, the Historical Committee of Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Central Committee, Richard and Mennonite World Conference.

Thiessen All work is done by volunteer staff, editorial boards and writers. It is freely available at www.gameo. org. It includes over 1,800 contributors and 14,750 articles.

MWC 26

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

Bernardine Plett thanked for her efforts Bernardine Plett (Steinbach EMC) recently received a thank you, a card, and an honorarium for her past efforts of reading portions of The Messenger onto a digital tape for visually impaired readers.

The numbers of people requesting the audio CD is low. The service has been discontinued till demand increases.

Editor

PHOTO: TERRY M. SMITH

Richard Thiessen managing editor of GAMEO

news

EMCers graduate Bethany College 2011  Michael Brandt (Rosenort EMC), Bachelor of Arts David Zentner  (Abbeydale), Diploma of Biblical Studies

Providence College and Seminary 2011

Nipawin Bible College 2011  Hannah Holter (Endeavour), Foundations For Life Certificate

Peace River Bible Institute 2011 Anna Thiessen  (Blumenort), Associate of Christian Studies Diploma

Steinbach Bible College 2011

 Amy Peters (EFC Steinbach), Bachelor of Arts, TESOL Aaron Rempel (Blumenort), Bachelor of Arts, Aviation  Courtney Kliever (Kola), Bachelor of Arts, TESOL Kristen Penner (St. Vital), Bachelor of Arts, Music  Colin Peters (Prairie Rose), Master of Divinity

(Back) Jon Giesbrecht (Portage Evangelical Church), Benjamin Kroeker (Rosenort EMC), Lynden Broesky (Stony Brook Fellowship), Derek Penner (Community Bible Fellowship), Wendell Heppner (Braeside EMC), Stuart Enns (Portage Evangelical Church), (front) Laurie Broesky (Stony Brook Fellowship), Bernice Barkman (Blumenort EMC)

Canadian Mennonite University 2010 Radical Followers of Jesus DVD A DVD highlighting men and women who “display radical forgiveness, radical love and radical peace” has been produced by the Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship of Canada. DVDs can be obtained for $11.20 (plus shipping) from the EMC office (204-326-6401 or rroman@emconf.ca).

 Geoff Reimer (Heartland), Bachelor of Arts, Social Science

Briercrest College and Seminary 2010

Michael Doerksen  (La Crete), Master of Arts, Leadership and Management

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

27

news

‘What are the values of the EMC?’

STEINBACH, Man.—What are the values of the EMC? This reasonable tendency to avoid cliques, and good interacting. is the question that was partly addressed by members of If the EMC, in the first half of its 135-year history in the EMC’s five national boards and national staff members Canada, favoured physical isolation from other cultures and in a special All Boards Meeting held on March 18, 2011, at branches of the Christian Church, this event showed clear Steinbach EMC. evidence of change.

The EMC is engaging in a one- to two-year period of deThere was one special guest: Pastor Kim Jung Min, a stutermining values, vision, and goals so its five national boards, dent at Providence Theological Seminary and a Presbyterian nine regions, and about 62 congregations can choose “the pastor in Winnipeg, was present to analyze the meeting for best strategies” for “our desired vision” and “become…more a PTS assignment. (In Korean culture the family name Kim effective” to “glorify God through our collective ministries,” comes before personal names, he explained during lunch to according to a paper submitted to the General Board in July Randy Fehr, pastor of Grace Community Church in Aylmer, 2010 by Tim Dyck, general secretary.

Ont.) The day included a brief orientation to strategic planning “We know that we have passed from death to life because and then focused on determining our understanding of the we love our brothers” (1 John 3:14 NIV). conference’s values. There were ice-breaker activities, small There is much more to the EMC’s strategic planning progroup and general discussions, lunch between two coffee cess, but this was one step. breaks, and times of prayer.

Terry M. Smith Garry Koop, a member of the EMC’s Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) and host pastor of Steinbach EMC, gave a sermon that reminded members of the need for values grounded in divine revelation given in God’s Word.

The leadership style was collaborative. There was much discussion in general and in smaller groups. The process, Ward Parkinson (another SPC member) explained later, was itself part of Special guest Pastor Kim Jung Min (right) the goal.

Ward Parkinson, a member of the Strategic What sort of interactions happened? There visits with Pastor Vern Knutson of Crestview Planning Committee, explains the process.

Fellowship in Winnipeg. were open discussions, friendly relations, a

Donate MPI rebate and help those with less: MCC WINNIPEG, Man.— MCC Manitoba is launching a Donate the Rebate campaign to encourage Manitobans to share their upcoming Manitoba Public Insurance windfall with the less fortunate.

This spring, vehicle owners will receive $320 million in rebate cheques from MPI. “Can you imagine the possibilities of meeting needs if people donated 10 per cent of their rebate to charities?” asks Peter Rempel, MCCM executive director. “That would be $32 million.”

Manitobans, he said, have a reputation

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011

PHOTO: JASMINA TOI, BOLB

Rempel hopes $1 million will be raised

MCC’s partner Bread of Life Belgrade (BOLB) distributes canned turkey and blankets to the Roma community, a minority group facing discrimination in education and employment.

of generosity, and he hopes MCC will raise $1 million through the campaign.

Donations will support the organization’s work in more than 60 countries.

Funds will be distributed equally among four areas of need—food, education, health and “where needed most.”

Donations can be made online (visit DonateTheRebate.ca), by telephone (204261-6381 or toll-free at 1-888-622-6337), or by mail (make cheque out to MCC and designate it to Donate the Rebate. Mail to MCC, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9).

MCC

PHOTOS: REBECCA ROMAN

All Boards Meeting begins the process of looking at core values

news

Steve Dueck interviewed about POI HEPBURN, Sask.—Ever heard of Point of Impact, Bethany College’s ministry arts team?

Recently Nathaniel Schur, a second-year student-reporter, sat down with Steve Dueck, a first-year student from Morris, Man., to learn more about it.

Bethany’s scripture and music ministry team is made up of gifted students with a passion for service. Dueck (Rosenort EMC) sings bass and plays guitar. Here is Nathaniel’s article.

When asked how the POI experience has been throughout the year, Dueck grinned. “It has been great!” he said. “I love getting to sing with such a talented group of people as we minister to various churches.”

What has God taught you through your involvement in Steve Dueck sings with POI in a POI? “As a group, we have memchurch deputation fall 2010. orized the book of Ephesians, and the main theme of that book is unity in the Church,” he replied after a pause. “Going from church to church has

really brought that message into perspective, and has challenged me personally to see the Church as a larger whole.”

When asked about group dynamics, Dueck’s answer was immediate. “We get along really well! But the true test will be our long drive out to Toronto, Ont., in a 15-passenger van, as we set out for our three-week year-end tour.”

Dueck’s most memorable moment has been not in deputation or preparation for tour, but while on the service learning trip in January with other first-year members of POI. “Although we had an unfortunate vehicle collision on our last day of service, we experienced God’s protection firsthand and His provision was very real,” he said. “We also had a fantastic time ministering in different places throughout Calgary.”

As unity is the main theme of Ephesians, it was fitting that our interview ends with Dueck’s thoughts on team unity: “Singing is the means by which our group is brought together, but ultimately, it is our love for God and for his body that compels us to worship him together.”

What an encouragement to hear how God’s word is not only the focus for POI’s message but also is influencing them personally. Thank you, Steve, for your time.

Nathaniel Schur with Darlene Dyck, Bethany College

EMCers at CMU discuss academic freedom STEINBACH, Man.—The journey of following Jesus led to education and service, said Kevin Pauls, who spoke briefly during a luncheon with 10 EMC students at CMU’s south campus on March 23, 2011.

Pauls, a recent CMU graduate and the new part-time youth pastor at Crestview Fellowship in Winnipeg, invited students to assist in CF’s youth ministry.

Gerald Reimer, EMC conference youth minister, who had invited Pauls to share, coordinated the gathering. Reimer highlighted EMC-related links, its website (www.emconference.ca) and page on Facebook.com/emcomference.

Reimer also raised an issue affecting CMU: the Canadian Association of University Teachers is concerned that CMU has a faith-based hiring practice.

Students, CMU staff members, and guests discussed whether expecting a Christian commitment of faculty members affects academic freedom.

Reimer attempts to visit with students on campuses across Canada.

A few years ago he would be aware of about 300 EMCers attending post-secondary training, he said; partly because

of current privacy laws, the number of known students is now about 25.

There is no legal barrier to making him aware of people, he said, if churches get the students’ permission to forward information.

Terry M. Smith

PHOTO: TERRY M. SMITH

PHOTO: DARLENE DYCK

Bethany College’s scripture and music ministry has a passion for service

CMU student Nick Reimer, conference youth minister Gerald Reimer, and speaker Kevin Pauls THE MESSENGER | May 2011

29

news

Providence is becoming greener

Campus benefits from provincial program for new heating system

PHOTO: PROVIDENCE

OTTERBURNE, Man.—Does it matter in God’s world to strive to become greener? Providence College and Seminary thinks so.

Providence, located in Otterburne, Man., has benefited from the province’s Community-Led Emissions Reductions program for its new distributed-heating biomass system.

Ron Musick, Reeve of the Rural Municipality of De Salaberry; the Hon. Ron Lemieux, Local Government Minister for the Government of Manitoba; and Providence president Dr. August Konkel unveil Providence’s new distributedheating biomass system.

The federal government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program contributed $250,000; Manitoba Hydro is supportive through its Natural Gas Optimization Program; building movers and storage bin and feed handling system managers have assisted; and wood pellets are being supplied as one of the biomass feedstocks.

“This is an important step in Providence’s progress towards being one of the leading green campuses in Canada,” said President August Konkel. “It will help us replace more than 60 per cent of our natural gas use, bringing us significantly closer to our goal of being carbon neutral. And it is not something we could have done on our own.”

“This initiative builds on steps that Providence has taken in recent years toward becoming better stewards of God’s world,” said Dr. Konkel.

In the past few years Providence has installed new highefficiency boilers in its facilities, installed a geo-thermal heating and cooling system in its new Reimer Student Life Centre; and secured environmental clearance and begun research on a wind turbine electrical system.

“We still have many steps to go before we can truly say that we are doing all we can to be good stewards of the world God has created,” said President Konkel. “This is not our first step, and it is far from our last. But, with the help of all the partners here today, we are moving strongly in the right direction.”

EMCers attend Providence at both the college and seminary levels.

PTS and EMC

West Africans strengthen ties with MWC More than one-third of Anabaptists are in Africa ACCRA, Ghana—MWC’s ties to West African members were strengthened recently by a regional workshop to orient leaders to its Africa Caucus and an earlier fraternal visit by a Deacons Commission-sponsored delegation.

Anabaptists in West Africa are scattered and often feel isolated from Anabaptists elsewhere.

From February 27 to March 1, MWC representatives held a workshop in Accra, Ghana, assisting connections among the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso, Mennonite Church of Nigeria, Ghana Mennonite Church, and other parts of the Anabaptist church.

It was the second of four regional workshops in Africa this year designed to build the MWC Africa Caucus. Its mandate is to aid regional relationships, further MWC’s

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011

purposes, and bring African Anabaptist perspectives to the MWC communion. More than one-third of Anabaptists worldwide are in Africa.

The meeting focused on MWC’s history and transformation, its constitution, the roles of its general council delegates, and mutual expectations.

A highlight was to meet a new member of the Anabaptist family (not yet a MWC member): the Eglise Protestante Anabaptiste de Côte d’Ivoire. At least 11 of its 32 congregations in the Abijan region have closed because of conflict, with some functioning as cell groups.

Despite feeling that West African Mennonites are underrepresented in MWC structures, members took ownership of the caucus structure.

MWC

news

MDS works in flood-damaged B.C. villlage KINGCOME, B.C.—MDS in B.C. began in March to assist the More than half of the 42 flood-damaged First Nations village of Kingcome. houses were insured. In those On the weekend of Sept. 25, 2010, the Kingcome River houses, clean-up work is underraged through the community, with lifelong residents fleeway. Some homes were unining with only a few minutes notice. Villagers gathered at the sured, but most were eligible for school to be air-lifted. Twelve feet of water rushed through financial assistance. About eight the community. homes, ineligible for any help, are Though the community was the target for the first designed to withstand flooding, MDS crews. Getting the downpour and river wiped volunteers and supout most of it. Clear-cut logging plies to the community and a receding glacier are possible is a major challenge. contributors.

The help of MDS The Tsawataineuk First Nation has been a “light in the territory is located on Kingcome darkness,” says Dawn Inlet about 290 kilometers northNicolson, community west of Vancouver, and is acces- Dave Friesen and Eric Penner, MDS volunvolunteer coordinator. teers, examine drywall work. sible only by boat or float plane.

MDS

PHOTOS: PHIL HOOD

Homes ineligible for financial assistance to get attention

Destruction path left from the flood. Six months after the flood, many homes are uninhabitable and the community is overwhelmed by the debris.

in memory

Francis Thiessen 1930–2010 Francis Thiessen arrived in his heavenly home on December 21, 2010, at the age of 79 years, seven months, and 21 days, departing from Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, Man. The trip was short, the view glorious.

Francis was the first born of 14 children. He was born on April 28, 1931, in Morden, Man., to Frank and Susanna Thiessen.

Francis grew up in the Morris area, in the Broadview School District, where he also received his education.

Francis was born again as a teenager and was baptized upon confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in 1945 in the Morris Bergthaler Church.

Francis found the love of his life in Betty Reimer and they were married on Oct. 29, 1976. They spent 34 wonderful years together sharing joys and sorrows and, in the last few years, health issues.

Betty stood faithfully and prayerfully by him. Francis, in turn, demonstrated a strong faith, great peace, and much courage. Francis was a quiet person and enjoyed life.

They fostered Dwayne and Danny for four years. Among some trials, they brought much joy.

Since Francis was a woodcutter, Betty would occasionally go along with him to the bush and stay in camp with him, and then go exploring the South East Forestry area. Since she came from the open prairies, this experience was most intriguing for her, and she thoroughly enjoyed it.

He was a member of Blumenort EMC for many years.

Francis leaves to cherish his memory

his most beloved wife Betty; two brothers, Dick and Andrew; five sisters, Sadie, Pearl, Kathy, Margaret, and Lillian; their spouses and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers and four sisters.

For Francis, Psalm 17:15 expresses it beautifully: “As for me, I will behold thy face in Righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness.”

And for Betty, be encouraged with Isaiah 41:10, 13: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying, ‘Fear not; I will help thee.’”

God has promised us in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.”

The burial service and burial for Francis were held at Blumenort EMC on Dec. 28, 2010.

His Family

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

31

in memory

Elizabeth (Liz) Friesen 1930–2011 “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, Great is Your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22 and 23).

It has pleased our Heavenly Father to take home our dearly loved sister, aunt and friend on April 12, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. at the Morris General Hospital. She passed away peacefully with her sister Tina holding her hand.

Liz was born February 27, 1930, in Rosenhoff, Man., to Henry and Helena Friesen. In her early years she helped out a lot at Pete and Dora Friesen’s with their large family, in addition to other places.

In 1947 she accepted the Lord and was baptized in the Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church. She taught Sunday School for many years and also served as the church secretary.

She then began helping her Dad at the credit union and continued there for 34 years, serving the credit union

very conscientiously with integrity and a strong emphasis on accuracy.

Liz will be remembered by her co-workers as someone who worked very hard while caring deeply about the people she worked with. Liz served at the M.A.S.S. and H.S.S.I. meal boards for about 20 years.

She enjoyed visiting residents of the Riverview Health Centre for the last 22 years together with Tina and their friends. She made many new friends during that time and cared deeply for their welfare. A lot of homemade meals were made and delivered during those years.

Liz was also very concerned about the spiritual welfare of the church. She cared deeply for family. Every sibling had a special day where she would pray for their whole family, longing that each family member would accept her precious Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We as a family have witnessed how her faith and love for Jesus has been her strength and comfort as He gave her peace and serenity through her difficult times.

Liz was predeceased by her parents and 10 siblings as well as in-laws. She will be deeply missed by her dear sister Tina, brother Henry, sister-in-law Agnes, and many precious nieces and nephews—like Liz would say, “The Very Best.”

In her last days she often stressed the importance of loving everybody, saying “Love is number one.”

We love you, Liz, and “The Legacy of Love” will go on.

Her Family

calendar British Columbia no events currently

Alberta Jul. 1–3: EMC Convention 2011, The Jesus Way: Mission in the Mold of the Master, Abbeydale Christian Fellowship and Eastside City Church, Calgary, 204-326-6401, www.emconference.ca Jul. 1: EMC Ministerial meeting, Church Planting: Birth Stories without the Screaming, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Abbeydale Christian Fellowship, Calgary, 204-3266401, www.emconference.ca Jul. 2: EMC Conference Council meeting, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Abbeydale Christian Fellowship, Calgary, 204-3266401, www.emconference.ca

Saskatchewan May 20–23: Abundant Springs, EMC Youth Conference, Not 2 Us, Caronport, 204-326-6401, www.abundantsprings.ca

Manitoba May 27–28: All Women’s Day, Speaker: Jan Silvious, Musical Guest: Carolyn Arends, Providence College and Seminary, Otterburne, 204-433-7488 ext 256, www.providencecollege.ca

June 16: EMC Project Builders Golf Classic, Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course, 204-255-8062 July 13: MCC Manitoba golf tournament, Quarry Oaks Golf Course, 204-326-6401, www. emconference.ca

Ontario The EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach is beginning the process of calling a godly, wise and relational person to serve as our EMC conference pastor.

The conference pastor provides support to local churches and spiritual care to pastors, facilitating pastoral transitions, guiding the process of conflict resolution and encouraging healthy church/conference relationships.

Qualifications: • agreement with the EMC statement of faith.

• demonstrated ability and experience in providing pastoral care and leadership.

• availability to mediate in situations of conflict and misunderstanding.

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011

•

availability to travel to all regions of the conference and the ability to relate to people of various backgrounds.

• good verbal and written communication skills.

• ability to balance the need for support, accountability and confidentiality.

• theological training of at least a bachelor’s degree; graduate studies are preferred.

For a full job description call the EM Conference office at 326-6401 or email efehr@emconf.ca. To speak to someone about this role, contact the search committee: Fred Buhler (306-865-2623 or pfchb@ sasktel.net), Kim Stoesz 204-667-2970 or kim. braeside@shaw.ca), or Layton Friesen (204261-8370 or laytonfriesen@mts.net).

no events currently

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.

shoulder tapping Pastoral positions Morweena EMC of Morweena, Man., is currently searching for an interim pastor to serve a congregation of about 250. We are located in the Interlake near Arborg, roughly 140 kilometers north of Winnipeg. Responsibilities would include preaching, visiting and caregiving, working with the existing ministerial group in event planning and helping to facilitate/envision some administrative restructuring. The church is offering a parsonage adjacent to the church for the duration of the interim pastor’s stay. For information please contact Sid Dueck at 204-364-2476 (h), 204-364-2442 (w), or sid. dueck@vidir.com.

Are you passionately in love with Jesus? Do you have a shepherd’s heart? Are you excited about outreach? Community Bible Fellowship (CBF) of Swan River, Man., is seeking a pastoral couple to serve our congregation of about 75 people.

Swan River is located in the Parkland area of Central Manitoba, and serves a trading area of approximately 10-15,000 people. CBF also oversees a small Christian School of about 35 students.

Please contact Terry Scales 204-525- 2651, Jake Reimer 204-734-4465, or Don Buhler 204-734-8506.

Youth work Mennville EMC and Riverton Gospel Chapel (EMC), in Manitoba’s Interlake region, seek a full-time youth pastor for a joint youth group.

Candidate should have strengths in relationship building and have an ability to plan a comprehensive youth program. Contact Paul Peters at 204-378-2740 or paulhecla@yahoo.com.

Aberdeen EMC, a small, multi-generational Anabaptist congregation in the heart of Winnipeg’s North End, is seeking a half-time youth and children’s pastor.

This new position will be part of a twoperson ministry team, and will develop and lead our ministry to our youth and children, and participate in the broader ministry needs of the church. Activities will include planning and leading events, leading Christian formation and forming supportive relationships with our children, youth and their families.

If you are committed to the Christian faith and to Anabaptist teachings, have experience working with children and youth and/or have theological education; if you have energy, creativity and want to serve the church; if you are interested in pastoral ministry and are committed to guiding youth and children on their faith journeys, then we want to hear from you.

For information visit our website at www.

aberdeenemc.ca. Applications should be submitted in confidence to Charlotte Gesell at 204-417-8578 or thegesells@gmail.com.

Winkler EMMC is searching for a full-time pastor to youth to begin in early summer of 2011. For information and/or an application form, contact the church office at winkleremmchurch@mts.net, phone 204-325-7667; fax 204-325-6819.

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.

Other opportunities Rainbow Christian School in Vanderhoof, BC, has possible openings for an elementary school teacher beginning Sept. 2011. For information, contact rcschool@telus.net or 250-567-3127.

MCC Canada seeks a director of programs (DOP). The DOP reports to the MCCC Executive Director and is part of the MCCC Management Team. The DOP supervises the Canadian Program Director/Coordinator for domestic program, and ensures relevant stakeholders are included in appropriate ways in order to position the organization to remain true to its mission and to accomplish its goals.

The DOP will ensure that adequate measurable outcomes are achieved according to a

The EMC is looking to hire an administrative assistant for the Board of Missions and the Board of Trustees to work at the National Conference office beginning in July.

This position will be part time (three to four days per week). To qualify for this position, the candidate should have: good office computer skills, a friendly and personable manner, and excellent organizational skills.

strategic plan for international program.

The DOP (MCCC) works jointly with the DOP (MCC U.S.) to manage all aspects of international programs, and each will supervise some combination of international area directors and thematic department heads as identified by the New Wine/New Wineskins process.

Please send cover letter and resume to Ilda da Silva Storie at idss@mennonitecc.ca. Only candidates legally eligible to work in Canada should apply. Application deadline is May 28, 2011. For information, check mcc.org/serve/ positions.

Midway Bible Camp and Berge Lake Camp seek nurse, lifeguard, speaker, maintenance, kitchen, and counselor help for this summer.

They are part of Continental Mission in northern Man. Two essentials: faith in Christ and police checks.

The CMI office in Thompson needs a receptionist/administrative assistant, especially during the busy summer months. Call 204-778-4491or cmi@mts.net and talk to Ferlin or Morgan. For interest in Berge Lake Camp, contact Travis Vallinga at 204-356-2218 or vallingafamily@yahoo.ca.

Steeprock Bay Bible Camp is looking for a paid director and summer staff (paid counselors and lifeguard) for the upcoming camping season, which runs for five weeks (July and first week in August). Police checks are required. The director needs to be involved in advance preparation; for salary details, contact people below.

The camp is located about 350 miles north of Winnipeg, Man., (about an hour north of Swan River) and reaches out to First Nations children from various communities in northern Manitoba.

Kitchen help and maintenance workers are welcome; these are unpaid positions. Electrical sites for trailers are available.

If you have a heart for God and a great love for children with a high level of energy, please contact Jack Dyck at 204-525-2420 or jack. dyck@gov.mb.ca or Wayne Reimer at 204-2364471 or reimer6@mymts.net.

We offer equitable pay and benefits in an uplifting office environment. Best of all, this job allows you to serve fellow workers in Canada and around the world as we engage in the ministry of cross-cultural evangelism and church planting.

If you think you would be a good fit for this opportunity, please send your resume to info@emconf.ca to the attention of Tim Dyck or drop it off at the EMC office, 440 Main St, Steinbach.

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

33

pictures of God

by Joanna Plett

Time to escape fear

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s I write this, I am sitting on a flight to Montreal redirected through Texas due to bad weather in Chicago.

Bad weather and delays have seemed to be the theme of all my long distance trips in the past few months, and these are often the moments when my less than friendly side comes out.

Delays and complications frustrate me. I find out how important my agenda is to me when it doesn’t work out the way I had planned.

I try to find something or someone to blame, but this is particularly frustrating when the delay is due to weather. These delays reveal my subconscious need to be in control of my destiny and the underlying fears that drive these frustrations.

The strongest of these is the need to control my time. I have a hard time dealing with people, traffic, projects or mistakes that waste my time. I subconsciously perceive my value to be based on my ability to use my time efficiently.

My underlying fear is that if I do not use my time efficiently—not only at work, but also in relationships and spiritual life—I will lose value as a person. Thus, when a delay makes my time less efficient, my fear of failure as a person makes me lash out at the person or thing that caused the delay.

This perception may have its origin in the wage system, where my income relates directly to the

amount of work I do. Culturally, the Protestant work ethic also pushes me to keep myself busy with good, productive activities.

Both of these mentalities spill into my spiritual life. I equate my value as a child of God and my strength as a Christian with my spiritual performance and my involvement in “Christian activities.”

This performance-based spirituality reveals my insecurity in God’s love and acceptance.

I was challenged this week

Jesus wants to break the fear of failure and rejection that drives me to lash out at people and situations that delay my time or make me inefficient.

with Jesus’ words to Peter after the Resurrection: “I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18).

Peter was about to embark on a very “spiritual” God-directed journey, and Jesus warned him from the beginning that he would not be in control of his location, timing or even his clothing, despite being squarely within God’s calling.

Jesus, too, operated very inefficiently, practically speaking.

Disciples, brothers, friends and strangers had ideas for how he should spend his time and use his gifts to be most spiritual, most popular or most effective.

But Jesus’ confidence in his relationship with his Father made him secure in the apparent inefficiency of the Father’s timing.

Jesus wants to break the fear of failure and rejection that drives me to lash out at people and situations that delay my time or make me inefficient. He urges me to let my confidence in his acceptance be the basis for my working and the security of my rest.

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011

stewardship today

by Donald Brooker

Missing the mark

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s parents, we go to great lengths to ensure that our children and youth get the best of everything.

We sign them up for hockey camps and music lessons, snowboarding lessons and swim teams, tutors and after-school clubs—all to guarantee their success. But many of us don’t teach our children about biblical stewardship.

Not that we don’t practice biblical stewardship or live out our faith in front of our children. But how often do we talk to them about financial stewardship from a biblical perspective?

Our children naturally want to help. They see a need and they want to respond.

Recently in our church we had a that we started recently. At first we special month of offerings to help pay questioned how he would react to down our mortgage. The leadership giving what, in his world, would be shared their vision for the church, large amounts of money. gave compelling reasons to reduce the To our surprise, he quickly gave mortgage early, and funds came in. his input. Nathaniel’s only disapMy 12-year-old son Nathaniel pointment was the tough decisions of came home from church that day which charities we wouldn’t support. excited and announced that he Our children naturally want to needed a ride to the bank. help. They see a need and they want The excitement didn’t last long, to respond. though, when he arrived home Society teaches us to store up our from youth later that week. He was treasures on earth and this will bring confused. happiness. The Bible teaches us to “Why didn’t they talk about this store up treasures in heaven. at youth?” he asked. “The benefits Are we missing the mark with sounded great when they presented our children and youth? Our youth to the adults. Why didn’t the youth need and want to be involved in the know more about this?” church.

After a few weeks, his excitement If we don’t help them become inturned to frustration. “Do they think volved in the joy of giving to support we don’t care about the church? Do the work of the church, we are both they think our gifts won’t make a missing the mark and short-changing difference?” them spiritually.

My son contributed a few hundred dollars earned from his newspaper Donald Brooker is a stewardship route, but he couldn’t get over how no consultant at the St. Catherines, Ont., one considered challenging the youth office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada to share in the giving.

(MFC). MFC, a non-profit organization, Our children need us to model provides stewardship education and estate a life of faithful stewardship by our and charitable gift planning for no cost. actions. They also need us to explain Contact your nearest MFC office or visit what we are doing and why.

Mennofoundation.ca.

In addition, our churches need to include our children wheRe is and youth in stewardship my FAtheR? t h e s t o ry o f j o b The film is available education and give them the from the EMC opportunity to be involved. office: 204-326-6401, After all, we want them to rroman@emconf.ca or develop good stewardship www.emconference. habits that will last them a ca; $15 (home license) lifetime. or $30 (lending library license).

Our son Nathaniel is involved in all our charitable www.interlakechristianfilms.ca giving decisions, a practice

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

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

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

THE MESSENGER | May 2011

35

kids’ corner

by Loreena Thiessen

The beasts and the birds

W

hen God finished making the earth, the sky, and the sun and moon for light, he made the animals; he made the fish, the whales, the lobsters, all the birds, and the land animals. You can read about that in Genesis 1: 20, 21, and 25.

Each animal is unique. The whale is as large as a small ship, yet it can flip and dive deep in the ocean.

The giraffe’s neck is six feet long, the length of a tall man. Its legs are six feet long too.

That makes the giraffe as tall as a two-storey house. It can reach

The giraffe’s neck is six feet long, the length of a tall man. Its PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM

legs are six feet long too.

36

the top of the acacia tree to eat its leaves. Then it bends way down, its legs wide apart, to drink water from a pool.

His spots are unique; no other giraffe’s spots are exactly like his own.

How do you spot a tiger? By his stripes. But did you know that each tiger’s stripes are different from every other one?

Have you heard of the sun bear?

The sun bear is the smallest bear, the size of a small person.

The sun bear has a patch, or crest, of bright yellow fur like the rising sun on its chest; the rest of its fur is dark brown.

A very tiny mammal is the pygmy tarsier. It lives in the jungles on Sulawezi Island, north of Australia.

Pygmy means small, and the pygmy tarsier is very small, the size of a small apple, less than four inches, or 10 centimeters, long. Its large round eyes like medium marbles help it to hunt at night. Its tail is twice as long as its body and helps it climb.

The pygmy tarsier lives high up in the trees of the jungle and sleeps all day curled around a branch. At

night it hunts for insects, lizards, and snakes.

Why did God make animals?

Genesis 2:19 says God placed them in the Garden with Adam and Eve. It was Adam’s job to name them.

God made animals to make our lives richer, more interesting and more colourful. As we watch them we learn new things about them.

Animals provide us with food like milk, eggs, and hamburger. They give us wool for socks and sweaters.

They help us work. The horse pulls the wagon to give us rides or filled with supplies. The dog can help searchers find lost people, or help a blind person cross the street.

Do you have a pet? What have you learned from caring for your pet?

Activity: Make a pet journal.

Need: Drawing book, pencil, crayons Do: Make a list of what your pet is like: • What can he do?

• What are his habits?

• What does he like?

Draw pictures of what he looks like, something he likes to do, or what you do with or for him.

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THE MESSENGER | May 2011