The Messenger Vol. 49 No. 6 June 2011

THE

MESSENGER

volume 49, number 6 June 2011

www.emconference.ca/messenger

MOVING TOWAR DS

O U R P R E FE R R E D

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM

FUTURE

$2.00

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

p. 8

editorials

Displaced by disasters

D

isasters of famine, flood, disease, fire, wind, and war have often displaced people, including people of faith—as biblical and current history show.

Famine displaced the families of Abraham (Genesis 12:10), Isaac (Genesis 26:1), and Jacob (Genesis 42:5)—three generations, three famines. Ruth journeyed because of famine (Ruth 1:1). Jesus spoke of famine in Elijah’s time (Luke 4:25).

There was a three-year famine during David’s time (2 Samuel

A poet wrote the Lord keeps those who love him alive in famine (Psalm 33:19). Does this always happen?

21:1). Many more examples could be given of disasters. They had various causes.

How do we look at disasters from a faith perspective? There are varying views within Scripture.

Eliphaz thought a righteous person could laugh at famine (Job 5:22).

Is this so? One observer said he had never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread (Psalm 37:25). Is this our observation?

A poet wrote the Lord keeps those who love him alive in famine (Psalm 33:19). Does this always happen?

Rain falls on the righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). Jesus used figurative language now all too

Delegates, decisions needed

A

s delegates meet as a conference council in Calgary on July 2, our EMC faces important issues.

The national Harmony Project continues our process of deciding how we decide when we disagree.

Our conference, with its curious dance of local autonomy and national direction, has been internally stalemated when responding to some questions of procedure.

The result? Each church, and sometimes each minister, has responded to such issues as divorce and remarriage, women in church leadership, baptism and church membership as they see fit.

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literal: “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:27).

There are many questions, numerous emotions, and much anguish in parts of Canada, the U.S., and elsewhere. People of Christian faith seek to merge our faith and experiences while keeping together body and soul, families and communities.

May our worship services reflect people’s pain, the Word coming from One who was crucified, and our need to be together.

Terry M. Smith

If your church knows little about the Harmony Project process, how effectively have your local delegates informed you?

When we do not agree, how do we decide to decide? How has your local church discussed the Harmony Project? If your local church knows little about the process, how effectively have your local delegates informed you?

The national Strategic Planning Process began unofficially with a July 2010 paper presented to the General Board by general secretary Tim Dyck. Now EMC boards, regions, and churches are involved in examining their values, vision, and goals.

The process ends with the bicentennial celebration in July 2012, but

the good effects are intended to be longer-term.

Church board chairs are automatically included as conference council delegates. It is a positive move designed to strengthen communication, input, and connection between local churches and the wider conference, but it only succeeds if church board chairs attend.

We are to pray, study, talk, discern, and decide. But for this to happen, churches need to be represented.

Will your congregation be represented?

Terry M. Smith

contents Features 8

Departments

25

Moving towards our preferred future – Trudy Dueck

3

Pontius’ Puddle

7 Letters

11 What does it mean to be a Mennonite?

20 Births

With Our Missionaries

– Dwight Munn

13 Rights in a world of wrongs – Dr. August Konkel

16 Mexico: Images of the missionaries and Guadalajara 17

26 Poem: I never imagined – Lynette Esau

Nicaragua: Trying to see past the chain of poverty

18 Paraguay: Conexión opens its doors

Columns

19 Winnipeg, Man.: Out of the ashes comes the Building of Hope

4

A Reader’s Viewpoint

Proverbs from the construction site – Bernard Wiebe

5

Moderator’s Musings

Are we missional?

– Richard Klassen

6

Archives Alcove

5

The Archives and the communion of saints – Terry M. Smith

7

2 Editorials

Writings Shared Planting Churches in the 21st Century: A guide for those who want fresh perspectives and new ideas for creating congregations

34 Missional and Multiplying

With Our Churches 20

21 Weddings 31 In Memory 32 Calendar 33 Shoulder Tapping

News 25 Tour to Ukraine, poignant way to recall EMC history 28 Class of 2011 chooses ‘the road less traveled’

Kleefeld EMC: Seven baptized

28 EMCers graduate (correction)

20 Westpointe Community Church: Washed by the power of His blood!

29 Cesar Garcia to become MWC General Secretary

21 Northern Fellowship Chapel: Krahns are caring and loving 22 Rosenort EMC: Jesus serving through us 23 Portage Evangelical Church: Ladies enjoy retreat 24 Braeside EMC: Holy Week: A week of remembering

29 MCC promotes ‘farming God’s way’ 29 Conference Board nominations 30 Over two million people benefit from CFGB in 2010 30 DPRK visitors to Canada build connections with MCC

29

Treating the church’s osteoporosis – Ward Parkinson

35 Stewardship Today

Christians, don’t get swindled!

– Mike Strathdee

36 Kids’ Corner

A Spring riddle – Loreena Thiessen

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

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THE

MESSENGER

a reader’s viewpoint

Proverbs from the construction site 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.

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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

The Messenger Schedule: No. 6 – July 2011 issue (copy due June 17)

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THE MESSENGER | June 2011

by Bernard Wiebe

H

ere are three practical experiences from the construction site: My 18-year-old new worker liked to tease my 46-year-old employee. I warned him earnestly, but to no avail.

Then one evening when we all got out of our old station wagon, it came to a head. The 46-year-old grabbed the 82 kg younger man by one ankle and held him high in the air for a half minute or so.

You guessed it. I never had to warn him again.

They got along well after that and still are 28 years later.

Ten years later the young man weighed about 100 kg and was muscular.

They had a friendly test to see who was stronger.

I enjoyed watching them. We could not tell who won.

By the way, the older man had two steel pins in his back because of a bad accident that happened before I knew him.

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord” (Proverbs 16:20).

Two other men and I, in the prime of life, were doing a basement job in Steinbach. The forming was delivered before we asked for it, and it was unloaded in an ugly mess too far from the excavation site.

Our spirits sank low very quickly. Our morale dropped as we complained till the job was done. Being on piece work, we did poorly.

We were admonished to watch our attitude on the next similar job. We made out much better and enjoyed the job.

PHOTO: DESINGPICS.COM

EDITOR Terry M. Smith tsmith@emconf.ca

We were admonished to watch our attitude on the next similar job. We made out much better and enjoyed the job.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

Here’s a test of maturity.

Another man and I were assembling stove pipe for a construction heater vent. He grew a little impatient when the pipes did not fit together easily.

He spoke up, “Now I know what father meant when he said, ‘When you can put stove pipe together and keep your cool, you can get married.’” He did get married within a few years.

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride” (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

On the construction site it is wise to remember these words: Jesus said, “Do to others as you would have them do you to you” (Luke 6:31). “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Bernard Wiebe (Anola/ Blumenort) has been involved in construction work for many years.

moderator’s musings

by Richard Klassen

Are we missional?

us to go and preach the gospel and not to expect sinners to come to us.

I know that in our church communities our members have been in the neighborhood incarnating, being relational, and all the rest of that good stuff for years. Indeed, who said that true evangelical faith cannot lie sleeping, that it feeds the hungry? Oh yes, that was Menno Simons over 400 years ago!

Do we now need to tear down all that we have built up and start afresh being missional? Perhaps we

As it has always been, we need Christians who are willing to do the grunt work, those who are actually handing out cups of cold water.

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S

omeone asked me recently if I thought missional is a fad.

Some are all keyed up about it, while others are like the pastor who recently said he would throw up if he heard it one more time.

With such an endorsement I felt it was time to do some research.

I read Introducing the Missional Church by Alan Roxburgh and M. Scott Boren. I won’t review the book, but I want to make some observations.

First of all, who can be against it? Certainly as Christians, and as the EMC in particular, mission is at the heart of our faith.

Someone has reached us with the gospel and we want others to hear it as well.

Secondly, while I believe that we have for the most part been missional, at least in our intent, we may have become too enamored with some of the evangelical fads such as the “seeker church” movement, so that we have become “attractional” rather than “incarnational” churches; we like to think that our wonderful church services with our great buildings, our super music, and our hotshot preachers will surely attract our neighbourhood to come to us, instead of going into the highways and byways to seek them out.

However, I find myself puzzled about the perception that being missional is a new approach for churches. Since my childhood I can recall many messages reminding us that the Great Commission compels

just need to stir up again some of that good old Anabaptism, which incidentally is receiving growing attention by some in the evangelical world, partly for this reason.

Having said that, I do believe that as a conference we need to do some serious thinking about these matters. Are we stuck in old ruts?

Are we attempting to reach a st 21 century population with a 20th century mentality? Are we clear about what the gospel is?

Are we being Christ in the dark corners of our communities? Do our communities even know we exist?

What is needed is generally not a lot of interesting discussions on being missional, but, as it has always been, we need Christians who are willing to do the grunt work, those who are actually handing out cups of cold water.

Structural changes in our churches, programmatic streamlining, innovative worship services, even yearly shortterm missions projects will not reach our next-door neighbours for Christ.

Go and preach the gospel, our Lord said.

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archives alcove

by Terry Smith

The Archives and the communion of saints

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THE MESSENGER | June 2011

the issue of divorce and remarriage.

He died in 2010.

Or consider Rev. Harvey Kroeker, who served as a pastor at Hudson Bay and Creighton, Sask. He was principal of a small ACE Christian school at Creighton.

It was perhaps challenging for him to serve as a single man in a conference where marriage is commonly assumed for pastors. Serving later as a pastor in Creighton, I occasionally relied on Rev. Kroeker’s knowledge of local church history to guide some of my efforts. He died in 2010.

Many more names can be mentioned: private figures or public, leaders or not, known to many or to a few.

As we spend our lives together in the EMC, we attend funerals. These important events are highlighted by stories of the individual and their relationships.

Funerals remind us that many EMCers are no longer part of the Church on Earth. In one sense, they are part of Church history.

However, the diaries, sermons, meeting minutes, and much else included in the EMC Archives provide wonderful explicit and implicit testimonies of faith in Christ. More than tell us who has died, they remind us that believers in Christ are still alive!

In a deeply significant,

wonderful sense, believers in Christ never become “history” at all.

Remember when the Sadducees came to Jesus with a logical problem designed to ridicule thought of an afterlife or a physical resurrection (Mark 12:18-27)?

Jesus pointed skeptics to God’s revelation to Moses, where God said, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

Our Lord said, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” He said those who think otherwise “are greatly mistaken.”

“The communion of saints” gives us reasons to rejoice.

History is alive!

In a deeply significant, wonderful sense, believers in Christ never become “history” at all.

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T

he Apostles’ Creed says, “I believe in...the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints.”

The “communion of saints” says evangelical Anglican theologian J. I. Packer, does not simply refer to fellowship within the local church, as important as it is.

It refers to the connection between the Church Triumphant (those who have died and are with the Lord) and the Church Militant (those who continue to live and serve on Earth).

We are part of a Christian Church that spans centuries, continents, cultures, denominations, and communities.

However much or little we feel connected to the Christian Church earlier in time, we are inescapably linked to it.

Because of this relationship we study Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, Augustine and Martin Luther, Menno Simons and John Wesley, Klaas Reimer and Karl Barth, and more.

Consider perhaps evangelical theologian Clark Pinnock or David Wilkerson of The Cross and the Switchblade fame, both of whom died recently.

Within EMC circles, what about our expanding “communion of saints”?

Rev. John Toews, an educator, farmer, and pastor, served EMC churches in several provinces. He was a sensitive and thoughtful presenter years ago when our conference grappled (as we still do) with

writings shared

Planting Churches in the 21st Century: A guide for those who want fresh perspectives and new ideas for creating congregations, Stuart Murray (Scottdale: Herald Press, 2010), 280 pp. $19.99. ISBN 9780836194241. Reviewed by Ward Parkinson, EMC Canadian church planting coordinator.

“O

h pleeeeeease, not another book on church planting!”

Such was my visceral response to seeing this publication from Herald Press.

I work in a ministry area where there is no shortage of new “must read” titles. Then I took note of the author’s name and decided my time would be well spent checking it out.

Stuart Murray is a veteran church-planting leader from the U.K. who embodies the rare combination of a biblically formed deep thinker, careful researcher, and experienced

practitioner. I consider his earlier book Church Planting: Laying Foundations (Herald Press, 2001) to be foundational for anyone in the field.

With his new book, Murray updates where things are at on the church-planting scene. From its initial heyday in the 1980’s and early 90’s, the movement has matured.

Where the focus at first was simply on numbers and saturation, now people are seeing the need to carefully examine the surrounding culture and determine what kind of churches will be most effective.

Drawing from multiple scenarios, Murray offers not only helpful advice, but is candid about dangers and drawbacks.

So Murray offers a comprehensive book that includes these fresh considerations. In a W-5 format (who, what, where, when, why, and how—but not in that order) he looks at church planting from all angles.

Murray’s personal experience and research come through richly here.

Drawing from multiple scenarios, he offers not only helpful advice, but is candid about dangers and drawbacks.

Church planters and pastors will best use this book as a reference tool, returning to it regularly, rather than trying to digest it in one reading.

letters Christian companies, help employees with health issues!

The week ending November 5, 2005, was a period of dramatic life changes. I started a job with Deck X Transport and capped off the week by marrying Julia Funk.

The first trip I made with Deck X was with my wife—yes, a honeymoon on a big truck.

In July 2009 I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Surgery happened midAugust 2009 with news the cancer had metastasized to the liver.

I recovered well, being back on the truck part-time by mid-October 2009.

Despite bi-weekly chemo treatments, I eked out about 3,000 miles a month. This was nowhere close to a profit margin.

With Deck X paying for my truck insurance, I was costing them big money. But they supported me and encouraged me not to worry about it and just to get my health back.

I started to feel guilty about not being an asset to the company. In early 2010 the general manager called me into his office and casually asked me about my future plans.

I knew I had to go. I asked that they give me my million safe driving miles award in May of 2010, and then I would terminate my position.

On June 1, 2010, I took my truck off of Deck X. For almost a year Deck X had subsidized my truck when it did not generate one red cent of income for them.

I cost them thousands of dollars, and still they never hinted that it was time to move on. This is an incredible account of how a company expressed a Christian example of generosity, compassion, and care.

Their business ethics, in dealing with me, are more Christian than many businesses that claim to be Christian.

Deck X, I applaud you for being so Christian in how you dealt with such a difficult situation as mine. Thanks.

I hope this wakes up the Christian business community and challenges them to follow the example of Deck X in how they deal with employees fighting health issues.

Chuck Friesen Rosenort, Man.

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

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MOVING T O WA R D S OU R PRE FE R RE D

by Trudy Dueck

I We have much to celebrate as a conference, but need to look in a mirror to see if we are truly manifesting Jesus to our world or could do it better.

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am a dyed-in-the-wool EMCer. I love the conference, though more the people than the structure.

I have seen the excitement about church planting and been blessed to be a part of it. I sense a deep commitment to mission. I see a genuine concern to grow servant leaders in my involvement with Steinbach Bible College.

I love how we are beginning to embrace congregations that may not look exactly like the mother churches: churches that provide housing in the inner city, Spanish churches, and Low German churches.

I have experienced firsthand what it means to be supported and loved by the larger conference.

And so I see this more as a springboard for further discussion.

How do we move towards a preferred future?

A preferred future is not necessarily or more likely to be a probable future. Peter Ellyard defines a probable future as “what the future will be, if we do not change direction or make a new choice about it.”

Are we satisfied with what we have now and with what we are doing? If we are satisfied, we can talk about a probable future where no new choices need be made.

We have much to celebrate as a conference, but need to look in a mirror to see if we are truly manifesting Jesus to our world or could do it better.

We want to look at a preferred future, rather than a probable one.

Ellyard says “a preferred future vision is not the product of the insight of a leader but is shared and continually reconstructed and renewed through a commitment to dialogue, discussion and exchange. This preferred vision, in turn, leads to hope, inspiration and commitment.”

FUTURE Here are six things I see for the future.

I believe He has plans for us.

I believe deeply that the God who, in times past, has been at work in our forebears is still at work in our lives. His promise is still as true today as it has ever been. We are here today because God has a purpose for us.

Does that mean that we remain the Evangelical Mennonite Conference? Not necessarily, but it does mean that we actively listen to God and His plans for the building of His kingdom. This is not about building our kingdom, it is only and always about being true to His agenda.

to participate in learning what it means to be servants that work for peace, work together in community, and always point to Jesus.

I believe we are a conference, not a denomination.

We have no heavy-handed central office dictating the way we do things. Rather, we are a conference of like-minded churches working together, encouraging, supporting, and sometimes rebuking each other.

We enter into this conference relationship to be held accountable to be the people of God in the communities where we are placed. Any church is free to leave the conference whenever they so desire. We want to belong I believe that we bring the gift of our together.

Anabaptist faith to the larger Christian Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it well when he stated that community. the church is “Christ existing as community. We know Our Anabaptist convictions do not make us supeJesus Christ through one another, not just by ourselves. rior to anyone. But neither can we afford to We see Him, taste Him through throw them out to become like everyone our sisters and brothers within Our Anabaptist convicelse. We must see our convictions as a gift whom he dwells.” tions do not make us that we bring to the larger church.

My husband Peter Dueck superior to anyone. But Our Anabaptist vision calls us to read has said, “I see a maturing asthe Bible with a Jesus-centred approach, sociation of congregations that neither can we afford to place greater emphasis on servant leaderbegins to value diversity as a true throw them out to beship, make biblical interpretation a comreflection of the creativity of our come like everyone else. munity affair, work for peace and justice, Creator.” This means we will not and live our daily lives with humility and only embrace diversity in ethnic integrity. backgrounds, but in our expression of our faith, gifts I wish that our Anabaptist teaching could be more and talents. deliberate, but much more that our living would be This would be reflected in a conference that continan example of what we believe—that we would see ues to be unimpressed with rank, hierarchy, position ourselves as a unique, dynamic group of heralds to and power. We will value every member’s contribution God’s grace in the world. rather than “professionals” staffing our boards and Not only is this a gift that we bring to other committees.

Christians, it is a gift to society at large. Never has We will continue to hold to the Anabaptist undersociety been more ready for the church to invite them standing of church where every member does its part,

(continued p. 10)

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

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rather than having professionals speak and sing to us in our churches. I see us being a conference with fewer staff per capita than most conferences, but being tenaciously committed to working together because we value togetherness and humbly admit our need for each other.

We must do more to train and disciple servant leaders.

I use the term deliberately, because in our Anabaptist tradition we lead by serving, even as Jesus became a servant of all.

I believe that we need new/young leaders to further the vision of who and what we are called to be today.

Leaders and leadership are critical in moving towards a preferred future, and subsequently beyond that. Good leadership generates a climate of commitment.

Follow Jesus hear the call

For more information or to apply for the fall semester call...

1-800-230-8478 or visit us online

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THE MESSENGER | June 2011

We must do more to train and disciple servant leaders. I use the term deliberately, because in our Anabaptist tradition we lead by serving, even as Jesus became a servant of all. As McManus says, “Leadership in God’s Kingdom is always about a downward rising.”

We are blessed as a conference to have our own college, Steinbach Bible College. We could do much to strengthen our ties to it, because it is probably our biggest asset in leadership training for our conference.

This is where your leadership training dollars will have the greatest impact.

Finally, I believe that it is really all about Jesus.

It has never been about us; it has always been about him. We must catch a fresh glimpse of the staggering enormity of our Lord. Only a recovery of the greatness, supremacy sovereignty, brilliance and “allness” of Christ will lead us to restoration and revival. Only the wonder of Jesus will lead us to our preferred future.

www.SBCollege.ca

I believe that we must continue to be evangelical, if that means having a passion to evangelize.

People want to spread the good news about Jesus’ love for all people. Some people are becoming more aware of being missionaries in their own communities here in Canada. Yet, sadly, it is true that many of us live our lives devoid of the power of God. May God give us more people who have a head-on collision with Jesus, who have caught a glimpse of His radiance and who cannot help but point others to Him! That evangelizing must be much more then telling, it must include bringing healing and wholeness.

As James says, “Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” We must care deeply about the whole person.

Trudy Dueck, BRS, is on the leadership team of The ConneXion (Arborg, Man.) and SBC board chair. She has a history of serving in church planting, including as former co-coordinator of Canadian church planting within the EMC. This is shortened from her presentation at the EMC New Leaders’ Orientation on November 30, 2010.

What does it mean to be a Mennonite?

by Dwight Munn

W

hat does it mean to be a Mennonite? As the senior pastor of Westpointe Community Church, which is part of the Evangelical

Mennonite Conference, I am often asked what kind of a church are we.

EMC, or Evangelical Mennonite Conference, is a denomination which has 62-plus churches as part of its conference. The EM Conference has churches from British Columbia to Ontario. To find out more about EMC go our website www.emconPHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM

ference.ca.

The question that I would like to pose today is: What does it mean to be a Mennonite?

Personally, I am of Scottish heritage and from the Maritimes. I moved 3,000 miles from Fredericton, New Brunswick, to become senior pastor at Westpointe (formerly Mission Heights).

If culture, I don’t qualify!

There are few Mennonite churches in Atlantic Canada and none of the EMC persuasion. I do not speak Low German, nor do I have a Dutch-German Mennonite ancestry. If being a Mennonite is either of these, then I do not qualify.

(continued p. 12)

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If wearing a certain type of clothing or being part of a particular culture makes one a Mennonite, then I do not qualify, nor would the majority of the people attending Westpointe Community Church (or many people elsewhere in the EMC).

There are more Mennonites-Anabaptists in Africa than there are in North America. They do not speak Low German and they do not have a Dutch-German Mennonite ancestry.

Mennonites are called this, historically, because they followed their pastor Menno Simons as he followed Christ. (Another example of followers being named after a leader would be the Wesleyans who followed John and Charles Wesley as they followed Jesus Christ.)

There are many varieties of MennonitesAnabaptists in Canada and around the world, and each of these groups has their own particular ways of worship, service and teachings on how they follow Christ. I am not presuming to speak on behalf of all Anabaptists, nor am I presuming to address all of the Anabaptist-Mennonite issues.

So if being a Mennonite-Anabaptist is not about ancestry, language, culture or clothing, then what is it about?

If faith, I’m in!

Early Mennonites had determined that, as they read the New Testament, they would try to follow the words, works, teaching and truths of Jesus Christ.

They were concerned about striving to live out the Kingdom of God on earth.

Last year in our church we studied the Gospel of Matthew and summarized the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 to 7) as “Kingdom Living.” We defined it: “Kingdom living is doing the will of the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

This was exactly the life that our Lord Jesus Christ lived. Even though He was God of very God, He chose to surrender His will to that of the heavenly Father and only performed miracles after receiving the Holy Spirit.

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus chose the Father’s will over His own, yielding with these words: “He went away a second time and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done’” (Matthew 26:42).

It is Westpointe’s desire to do Kingdom Living here and now. Have we done this effectively and are we doing it consistently like Jesus Christ? Sadly, no!

Striving and desiring to? Yes!

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Seven convictions In short form, here are seven core convictions of Mennonites-Anabaptists taken from Stuart Murray’s book, The Naked Anabaptist (Herald Press, 2010):

1

Jesus is our example, friend, teacher, redeemer and Lord. He is the source of our life, the central reference point for our faith and lifestyle, for our understanding of church, and our engagement with society. We are committed to following Jesus as well as worshipping Him.

2

Jesus is the focal point of God’s revelation. We are committed to a Jesus approach to the Bible, and to the community of faith as the primary context in which we read the Bible and discern and apply its implications for discipleship.

3

Western culture is slowly emerging from the Christendom era, when church and state jointly presided over a society in which almost all were assumed to be Christian. As we reflect on this we are committed to learning from the experience and perspectives of movements such as Anabaptism that rejected standard Christendom assumptions and pursued alternative ways of thinking and behaving.

4

The frequent association of the church with status and wealth, and force is inappropriate for followers of Jesus and damages our witness. We are committed to ways of being good news to the poor, powerless, and persecuted.

5 6 7

Churches are called to be committed communities of discipleship and mission, places of friendship, mutual accountability and multi-voiced worship.

Spirituality and economics are interconnected.

Peace is at the heart of the gospel. Blessed are the peacemakers.

Dwight Munn, senior pastor of Westpointe Community Church since January 2008, was raised in New Brunswick, worked in the logging industry, and graduated from New Brunswick Bible Institute. He is married to Sherry. They have six children, 10 grandchildren, and seven horses. He is open to fiddleheads and haggis being served at Conference Council meal times. A version of this article originally appeared in a local paper in Grande Prairie.

Rights in a world of

I’ve got my rights!

s g n o r w

by Dr. August Konkel

I

“

’ve got my rights.”

Often this is a protest against a perceived injustice. In Canadian society, the most commonly expressed value is a claim to rights.

It is regarded as self-evident, self-defining, and indisputable.

Individual rights are supported by a demand for tolerance.

Individuals are to be accommodated in their demands that others accept the consequences of their choices.

Not the highest value Jesus did not make rights the highest value, as if all other matters of what is ethical or right in this world could be determined by this single self-understood principle. Jesus urged a whole different attitude for his followers: You have heard it said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”

But I say to you, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Then you will be children of your father in heaven; he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and his rain falls on

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM

the just and the unjust. If you love only those who love you, what

is your reward? Even tax collectors can do that. If you welcome your relatives only, what more do you offer? The most primitive can do that. Live with honour towards all, just as your father in heaven (Matthew 5:43-48).

(continued p. 14)

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

13

Love is more than tolerance. Tolerance allows for theology, but received a quick negative response. disrespect and hate. Though the phrase “understanding Profoundly affected by the message of Jesus, and and tolerance” is frequently enjoined, understanding inexplicably transformed at the roots of faith and trust, is only in terms of the values and viewpoints of the inhe gave himself over to God, whatever his ultimate dividual. When these views conflict with other equally career path. held values, the result is dispute.

The Catholic Church eventually relented, after years Tolerance is a very fragile basis on which to control of ignoring him and wishing him away. The Protestant conflict, and very often intolerance is the result of those Church remained incredulous of his faith. who claim tolerance.

Sanneh’s reasons for being a Christian had little In Canada, the imposition of resonance with the reasons a liberal rights defined according to the West gives for the Christian name. religion of the courts has resulted A cultural paradigm had usurped In Canada, the imposition of in an intolerance of traditional the place of God in their enlightrights defined according to family values. The ideal of homes ened scheme of things, one of the where children grow up with their reasons why the Church tried to the religion of the courts has biological parents has been subormake him feel guilty and untrustresulted in an intolerance of dinated to other perceived rights. worthy for claiming the Christian traditional family values.

Those who protest this engineering name. of society have not been tolerated His own faith did not allow him in legal decisions. to reconcile to that fundamental Unhappily, this intolerance compromise with the world. Jesus has been manifested within the church, even as in the was for real, in spite of the flaws of the Church. rest of society. This is especially evident to those who have discovered the good news of the gospel from a The Anglican Communion completely non-Christian background.

Sanneh attended the Anglican Communion’s Lambeth Conference in 1998. Senior churchmen at Lamin Sanneh Lambeth spoke of how Third World Christians, bankLamin Sanneh is the Professor of Missions and rolled by conservative groups in the West, were set to World Christianity at Yale Divinity School. Born in promote a reactionary cultural agenda.

Gambia, he is descended from the nyanchos, an ancient The old-line churchmen claimed these new African royal line.

Christian leaders would foment witch-hunts of enemies His earliest education was with the sons of fellow and opponents as happened in the pre-Enlightenment chiefs. Reading about Jesus in the Koran piqued his West. curiosity.

Angry at the Third World bishops for their disagreeHe had no access to the Bible or to a church at the ment with the gay agenda at Lambeth, Bishop John time, so the Koran remained the authoritative and only Shelby Spong of Newark declared that witch-hunting source of Jesus, the son of Mary (as he is respectfully and superstitious societies, from which some of the referred to in the Koran). bishops at Lambeth came, represented a threat to By force of circumstance, he kept counsel with the Anglican church as a force in Western civilizahimself. His teachers would react unpredictably and his tion. What he saw at Lambeth was “the sunset of the Muslim friends would be scandalized.

Anglican communion.”

Once Sanneh had accepted the significance of Jesus This was an instance of a post-Christian West definin God’s work of salvation, it was not difficult to make ing itself against Christianity; values based on the Bible the decision to join the Church. The difficulty was getare viewed as a contagion, and clergy mobilize behind a ting accepted into the church because of its suspicion domesticated highbrow view of culture for a safeguard. and skepticism.

At Lambeth there was widespread consternation Unofficially the Methodist church welcomed his among Western bishops that Third World bishops desire to accept baptism, but officially they put off the seemed misguided enough to think that the Bible could decision. They asked that he go to the Catholic Church, replace enlightened reasonableness as a standard of where he found the same result. guidance and Christian teaching. Unprecedented large With interest undiminished, he asked to study conversions in Africa and elsewhere were viewed as

14

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM

unwelcome resistance in the path of the West’s cultural juggernaut.

In the West, the Anglican Church is threatened with a major schism in the foreseeable future. The extraordinary irony is that Anglicanism has never been stronger, never more appealing and more global in membership, than at present.

An extraordinary world of Christianity is unfolding, one that is vibrant, more varied and more widespread.

Religion is not about the refusal to accept the old, but a willingness to embrace the new.

Christians need to be able to discern right beyond the rubric of rights and tolerance. These will never be adequate to enable a Church or a society to achieve the cohesion and harmony necessary for respect and good order.

Good order of society is still found in well-ordered families holding to the ideal that children know and respect their biological parents; this is a right that must not be compromised.

Opposition Christians must be prepared for the opposition they will face in seeking such a right. In Canada they have been taken before human rights commissions and courts, in some cases with significant financial penalty quite apart from other costs in their defense.

Most of all, Christians need to learn again the power and necessity of love. They are children of a heavenly Father who is no respecter of persons in dispensing love and grace.

Knowing how to exercise love is more important than victory for individual rights. It has a power for harmony that can never be realized through mere tolerance.

Contrary to the folklore that passes for social science, Christianity has the power to preserve indigenous life and culture of society.

In his book Translating the Message: The Missionary Impact on Culture (Orbis, 1989), Lamin Sanneh shows

Christians need to be able to discern right beyond the rubric of rights and tolerance.

that Christian life and worship can increase the vitality of indigenous cultures; the same holds true for a postChristian West.

Christianity does not make individual rights and tolerance the highest possible good. Christianity empowers true freedom, because convictions of what is right are held with a genuine love for those who disagree, and may in fact not tolerate them.

Dr. August H. Konkel is the president of Providence College and Seminary (Otterburne, Man). He is an ordained minister within Mennonite Church Canada.

EMC Ministerial Day | July 1, 2011

Birth Stories without the Screaming!

• stories from church planters on how God has called, led , challenged, and blessed them • opportunity to share and ask the question, “What is God doing in our community, city, and region?”

1352 Abbeydale Dr SE, Calgary, AB 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.emconference.ca

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

15

with our missionaries

MEXICO

playing, praying and learning together. Celebrating communion on Good Friday had special meaning, being reminded of Christ’s substitutionary death for us.

We listened to stories of how God is at work and joined local believers in worship with a baptism service Easter Sunday. Our daily sessions were spent learning and studying the importance of a daily walk with God.

advantage of the time in the city to gather some first impressions, and to see the area where God has led John and Connie Reimer to rent a house.

We were able to catch the excitement from their enthusiasm, and it has helped us begin to prepare for the transition.

We heard some of the stories of when the prayer team went down to Guadalajara in February, and saw some of the parks and streets they walked down and prayed for.

It all helps put things into a visual perspective.

We are so thankful we had this opportunity. We left the staff retreat feeling encouraged and refreshed.

We now better know the faces of missionaries and the place of Guadalajara.

LeRoy and Faith Siemens

I enjoy photography. Those that know me can attest to that.

As far as photo management goes, all the rage in the past couple of years has been about organizing by faces and places. People realize that much of what we try to capture in a picture is something that was experienced in an event, with certain people, or in a particular place.

This in a sense, is what our recent trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, was all about: people and places. We went for two main reasons: the Mexico staff retreat and scouting out our future Posing in a tree are Dallas Wiebe (with Logan), LeRoy Siemens, John Reimer, and John Wall.

LeRoy and Faith Siemens (EFC home.

This getting together as misSteinbach) are returning to Canada First, a bit about our staff retreat. sionaries had a secondary purpose as on furlough after serving in northern We came together from all different well. Three of the four couples will Mexico. They have been reassigned to locations: Cuauhtemoc, Delicias, be forming a church planting team the Guadalajara church planting team Durango, and Guadalajara. The in Guadalajara. We wanted to take in Jalisco State, Mexico. retreat was held just outside of Guadalajara.

It was great to be together again.

This group had only ever been together once before, in January.

The goal of staff retreat is to reunite, refresh, relax and reconnect. All of that was accomplished and so much more.

Imagine a retreat where you find someone with carrots sticking out of ears, mouth and nose; or where everyone is up in a tree; or someone is found raiding the fridge late at night. No, it wasn’t a youth retreat; it was Mexico Staff Retreat 2011.

Faith Siemens (far right) instructs Logan Wiebe, Emma Siemens, Carter Wiebe, and Brooklyn Siemens in It felt good to be among a group children’s activities during the Mexico Staff Retreat 2011. of believers: laughing, crying,

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THE MESSENGER | June 2011

PHOTOS COURTESY LEROY SIEMENS

Images of the missionaries and Guadalajara

with our missionaries

Trying to see past the chain of poverty NICARAGUA

PHOTOS: ZACHARI HEIN

The work continues at CINAG with various children’s outreaches and community development programs.

From February to April, Lester and Darlene Olfert, along with Zachari Hein, were there to aid with various programs and projects.

Many children in this area deal with physical and sexual abuse, malnutrition, ailments due to poor hygiene and living conditions, and a host of other problems. Even during our short time here, we witnessed several issues having to do with these factors.

Boredom, crime, unemployment, and necessity seem to shadow over nearly every home. For many children, it is hard to see beyond being yet another link in the chain of poverty.

CINAG provides for these children in a variety of ways. The dedicated staff monitor the home life of these children and provide for some of their pressing needs.

The programs that run a few days every week provide a Christian

atmosphere where these children can learn and play outside of their often difficult home environments.

The basketball court sees hours of play every week with both soccer and basketball bringing countless A recently constructed chicken coop provides the means to supply eggs for consumption and business management experilaughs and smiles. ence for five local families.

We were recently able to complete a road project linking nutrition program and for these CINAG to the highway with all five families, but also to provide weather access. This project was pos- management experience and learnsible through the generous donations ing opportunities to build a small of Canadians. business. The Willow Lake group This road project is a blessing also helped a local family with much to the new Mennonite church that needed housing and contributed to a stands beside CINAG. Besides few other home improvement needs. creating easier access to CINAG and As there are so many financial the community, it also contributes to and physical needs in this area, the erosion control. Many homes around work seems never ending. Nicaragua CINAG face major erosion issues, faces major issues that accompany a and retaining walls and further poor economy and high unemployconstruction will be needed in the ment rates. future.

Please pray that CINAG will be We were blessed by volunteers able to use its potential to a greater from Willow Lake Baptist Church capacity in serving the community from Winnipeg, Man., who put in around it. Pray also for the staff hours of painting and maintenance. and the families they work with, Their generous support provided especially that the light of Christ funds needed for a chicken coop to will shine through the work done at benefit five local families.

CINAG. This project aims to not only supIf you are interested in contributply eggs for consumption at CINAG’s ing financially to CINAG or taking part in a two-week work team in 2012 please contact Zachari Hein at zhein@ualberta.ca or Lester and Darlene Olftert at lester.olfert@ actionintl.org.

Zachari Hein Zachari Hein (Westpointe) was in a Spanish language institute in Costa Rica from Jan.14 to Feb. 25 and in Nicaragua from Feb. 26 to April 18, 2011.

CINAG provides programs with a Christian atmosphere where children can learn and play.

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

17

with our missionaries

without negative peer pressure, see the love of God demonstrated PARAGUAY though our lives, and become citizens who Conexión: Juventud con Esperanza are an example to (Connection: Youth with Hope), the those around them. new youth drop-in centre, opened It is encouraging its doors to the public on April 15. to see the same youth The drop-in is part of the church coming back weekplanting effort in Minga Guazú, end after weekend Paraguay. and bringing their As our church planting team friends along, result(Gil and Renita Rempel, Joanne ing in a larger group Martens, and ourselves) began to Joanne Martens (top right), part of the church planting team in Minga Guazú, plays a game with young people at the drop-in centre. every evening we are visit this small city of 8,000 people open. We are beginlast January on a weekly basis, over ning to get to know them as we play basketball, and possibly offer and over again we heard that the activities of the youth are a concern. enjoy ping pong, foosball, computer English classes. games, crokinole, and other The positive contact that Joanne table games together.

Martens and Renita Rempel have It is encouraging to see the same youth Because we want to reach with the junior high students in one coming back weekend after weekend young people for Christ, of the public schools through teachand bringing their friends along. every evening we present a ing the Crossroads program every short challenge to get them Thursday is also generating interest to think about how God should be a in the drop-in among teens.

Young people love to have fun part of their lives.

Our 24- by 36-foot building and Minga Guazú does not have We want to start an evangelistic cannot possibly reach all of the many positive options to choose youth Bible study for those who are 1,800 junior and senior high school from. Many youth are hanging interested, then integrate into the students in Minga Guazú, but we out in the plaza and getting into church those who make a decision trust that God will use it glorify trouble, especially drugs. Because to follow Christ. To increase our His name. Pray that through this of a lack of good advice and good contact with youth during the week project many young people and judgement, or because of negative we would also like to begin offertheir families will come to trust in peer pressure, young people often ing painting classes, teach how to Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. choose entertainment that brings Travis Zacharias haunting negative consequences.

Seeing the need and wanting to Travis and Rosey Zacharias (Kleefeld) have an impact in the city for God, are part of a church planting team in we decided to open Conexión on Paraguay.

Friday and Saturday evenings.

Our goal is to provide a safe place where young people can have For more information on how you, fun and receive support to reach your church, or your youth group can their full potential. We want to support Conexión financially, please visit help young people find hope and www.emconference.ca and under the a future in Christ, be encouraged The drop-in centre is intended to be a safe place Outreach tab select Paraguay. for young people to have fun and receive support. to make wise decisions, have fun 18

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

PHOTOS: TRAVIS ZACHARIAS

Conexión opens its doors

with our missionaries

PHOTOS COURTESY LAURIE KOZAK

Out of the ashes comes the Building of Hope WINNIPEG, MAN. After one-third of its building was destroyed by arson, Inner City Youth Alive has turned the devastation into a Building of Hope.

The arson, which occurred in April 30, 2008, affected ICYA’s capacity to help youth and run programs in the North End of Winnipeg.

Three years later, on Friday, April 29, 2011, a Grand Opening with ribbon cutting and speeches was held in celebration of the completion of the million-dollar project.

Community, agencies, politicians such as Mayor Sam Katz, Doug Martindale (Burrows), and Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North), Bill Blaikie (Minister of Conservation and MLA for Elmwood) and guests such as police chief Keith McCaskill and Judy Wasylycia-Leis attended.

Don Amero and Glenn Zaretski performed.

“For close to 25 years we have had the word ‘hope’ at the centre of our mission to youth,” said director Kent Dueck. “When the fire hit we were really discouraged and deflated so it was time to apply the word hope to ourselves…it was our chance to see if it was just a word or if we could live it.”

“We are more than a building that can be damaged by fire. Our goals go beyond the brick and mortar,” he said. “We decided to use the space for our drop-in, because it is the funnel into our organization

A ribbon-cutting marked the Grand Opening of ICYA's new space on April 29, 2011.

through which we reach more than 460 children.”

The new 4,500 square foot space has tripled the drop-in area.

This will increase the hours during which the centre is open to influence youth and the community.

It will give ICYA staff more opportunities to be a positive influence through increased interaction and enhance their capacity to plan and initiate programs.

Youth will have more access to programs and physical activities like basketball, volleyball and rock climbing. These provide healthy alternatives to being on the street.

There are two activity rooms to accommodate art, crafts and programs to expand skill sets, as well as a snack bar area for connecting. The expanded space will also accommodate the hosting of large community events.

ICYA is a non-profit organization located in the North End of Winnipeg, one of the city’s most

needy neighbourhoods. ICYA has been reaching out, supporting and empowering youth and their families in the inner city through services and programs since 1986.

Programs and resources include Inner City Racing, Gem Lake Wilderness Camp, Wilderness Out Trips, and The Bridge dropin, Meals for Kids, Community Outreach, Job Skills Training, and Leadership Development.

Laurie Kozak ICYA has many EMCers among its staff and supporters.

ICYA staff wait eagerly to serve guests.

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

19

with our churches

Seven baptized KLEEFELD EMC, Manitoba

A

births BAIER – to Kevin and Ellen Baier of Grande Prairie, Alta., a daughter, Rhys Sayrah Mai, on Oct. 27, 2010.

PETERS – to Brian and Shelly Peters of Grande Prairie, Alta., a daughter, Alyssa Taylor, on Dec. 3, 2010.

BRANDT – to Jay and Cherie Brandt of Grande Prairie, Alta., a son, Troy Matthew, on Dec. 11, 2010.

MORALES – to Edwin and Sara Morales of Hythe, Alta., a son, Isaiah Brian Cornelius, on Jan. 6, 2011.

KRAHN – to Richard and Heidi Krahn of Wembley, Alta., a daughter, Lydia Faith, on Mar. 31, 2011.

FRIESEN – to John and Cindy Friesen of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Bryce Carter Neil, on May 15, 2011.

LOEWEN – to Albert and Josie Loewen of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Colby Evan Jonathan, on May 20, 2011.

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THE MESSENGER | June 2011

Washed by the power of His blood!

WESTPOINTE COMMUNITY CHURCH, Grande Prairie, Alberta will be his witness to all “Y ou people of what you have seen

and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:15-16).

We had a wonderful baptismal service at Westpointe Community Church on March 23, 2011. Timothy Leroux, son of Michael and Miriam Leroux, and Trisha Goertzen, daughter of Willie and Margaret Goertzen, shared testimonies and were baptized by Pastor Dwight Munn and Pastor Jared Schroeder.

Katelyn Tarnowski Top right: Trisha Goertzen is baptized by Pastor Jared Schroeder.

Bottom right: Timothy Leroux is baptized by Pastor Dwight Munn with Michael Leroux assisting.

PHOTOS: KATELYN TARNOWSKI

Seven new members with pastors: (back) Pastor Darryl Klassen, Denise Friesen, Kurt Friesen, Robert Martens, associate pastor Peter Ascough, (front) Alyssa Friesen, Kaitlyn Fast, Kristin Harder, and Keesha Martens.

PHOTO: LOUELLA FRIESEN

very special baptismal service took place at Kleefeld EMC on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011.

Seven candidates gave touching, vibrant testimonies of their desire to serve the Risen Lord and were accepted into the membership of the church. We wish them the Lord’s richest blessings.

Louella Friesen

with our churches

Krahns are caring and loving NORTHERN FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL, Creighton, Saskatchewan

T

he arrival of pastoral couple Randall and Faith Krahn in July of 2010 has been one of hope.

They have been a caring and loving couple for us.

Our weekly Kids’ Club has grown and the kids keep us busy planning, baking, making crafts and dancing to some great music. Randall’s secret message after each story has the kids thinking and crowding around him to search for the answer.

Our total enrollment was 33 this year with an average of 18 in attendance each week.

Lorne and Margaret Moorhead, pastoral care providers, continue to be our stable support. They have also extended their support to other congregations as guest speaker.

Most recently, Lorne has been of assistance to the Presbyterian church in Flin Flon, Man. Lorne and Margaret have been great servants.

We hosted the Region Three meeting in April and it is always nice to have visitors to our northern community.

We have a new floor in our basement (no more rug), a new sump hole and pump, and we plan to consider window wells so that our water problems will seep away forever.

Pastor Randall Krahn and the crew from Kids’ Club.

The ice is slowly disappearing on the small lakes. We deal with dangerous ice conditions on the thawing lakes while the south is dealing with flooding.

WIEBE – SUDERMAN: Shane David, son We hope you all have a refreshof Raymond and Eva Wiebe, and Kirsten ing spring.

Thea, daughter of Kevin Suderman Janice Imrie and Theresa Willems, were married on

weddings

Dec. 11, 2010, at Clairmont Community Church (Alta.). The couple lives in Grande Prairie, Alta.

PHOTOS: JANICE IMRIE

HARDER – SIEMENS: Marvin, son of Wes and Mary Harder, and Bev, daughter of Dave and Susan Siemens, were married on Apr. 2, 2011, at Countryside Community Church in La Crete, Alta.

The couple lives in Clairmont, Alta.

Check out the EMC website: www.emconference.ca

Leaders who attended a recent Region Three (north-central Man.-Sask.) ministerial meeting: Lorne and Margaret Moorhead (Creighton), Fred and Irene Buhler (Hudson Bay) Randall and Faith Krahn (Creighton), John and Helen Froese (Pelly), and Harold and Laura Thiessen (Birch River). Missing are pastors from Swan River (currently without a pastor) and Endeavour (Brad Steppan).

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

21

with our churches

Jesus serving through us ROSENORT EMC, Manitoba thanks always for all “Giving things unto God and the

PHOTOS: LORI SCHARFENBERG

Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

Our ministerial has intentionally added more Scripture reading to the Sunday morning service. It is so refreshing to hear a variety of men, women, and youth sharing in this manner.

The music program deepens our spiritual walk with a wide range of styles delivered through special numbers including contemporary Christian, rock, folk, bluegrass, and country.

Our musicians and song leaders continue a strong balance of hymns, choruses with vocal worship groups, and a variety of musical instruments. SBC added to this variety in a most unique manner with their musical choreographed video presentation when they visited our church.

Pastor George Toews has encouraged a number of our young men to preach this year including Alex Loewen (youth sponsor), Ben Kroeker (pastoral intern), Scott Dick (youth pastor elect), and Nick Dueck (Sunday School chair). It is exciting to hear these students of the Word sharing with us.

Our membership approved a continuation of the mentoring of servant leaders.

This fall our church was thankful to have Greg and Lynette Kroeker commissioned as a deacon couple for a five-year term on September 26, 2010. We welcome back Chris and Revita Kroeker and family; they moved to Riverside, embracing home ownership, after years of serving in Paraguay as missionaries.

Alvira Friesen has inspired us by retiring to active involvement in new ministries in Manitoba after years spent in Mexico.

One of the most exciting

The Senior Youth performed Remember When to raise funds for youth to attend Abundant Springs.

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THE MESSENGER | June 2011

Rachel Waldner and Monica Friesen pictured on their baptism day, June 13, 2010.

investments our church has made in the last year is a large church mini-bus. The youth groups, ladies fellowship, and an outreach group have all used it for transportation to various events.

Both senior and junior youth groups had opportunity to attend MissionFest and hear some amazing stories of what is happening around the world and some great music as well.

The Senior Youth performed an excellent musical drama dessert theatre for Valentine’s Day called Remember When, written by our youth leader Kevin Friesen. It was a creative way to raise money for upcoming Abundant Springs.

There have also been homemade pizza fundraisers and a talent auction and everyone has enjoyed participating financially. Our Junior Youth had a great winter retreat at Pembina Valley Bible Camp tubing, snowshoeing, and playing indoor games.

Both youth groups have developed intentional small groups led by youth sponsors. It is a unique way for our leaders and youth to (continued p. 23)

with our churches (continued from p. 22)

develop relationships with each other.

The Senior Youth are busy planning an inner-city mission trip to Chicago for early summer. A major encouragement recently is the Junior Youth making school lunches for youth who have been relocated by the flood waters.

Despite the inconvenience in and around our community, our church has so much to be thankful for when Jesus is evident serving through us.

Lori Scharfenberg

Pastor George Toews welcomes Scott and Brandi Siemens, and Scott Dick into membership on Jan. 30, 2011.

Ladies enjoy retreat PORTAGE EVANGELICAL CHURCH, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba

O

ur usual weekend retreat changed to a one-day retreat this year and I asked Becky Zurbriggen for a short article for The Messenger.

On April 9, 2011, about 45 ladies gathered at PEC for a one-day retreat. Throughout the day we had opportunities for praise, worship, prayer, reflections, and skits. Five sessions were presented from 2 Peter 1:5-7 looking at the areas of

faith, virtue, knowledge, discipline, perseverance, love, brotherly affection, and godliness.

We crafted a hot plate, pampered ourselves with a manicure, and competed at table games.

The retreat allowed time to visit with “old” friends or to make new friends.

A thank you goes to several PEC men who worked in the kitchen so the ladies could thoroughly enjoy their day off.

Becky Zurbriggen Submitted by Catherine Epp

Send

AN INNER

CITY child TO CAMP Our kids go to camp to be safe... to have fun….to be loved.

Give a kid a break from the pressures and conflicts of the North End. For a mere $200 you can change a life forever.

Make your donation today.

CALL ICYA TO HELP A LESS FORTUNATE CHILD

204-582-8779

www.icya.ca

email: info@icya.ca

Ladies gathered on April 9, 2011, at Portage Evangelical Church for a one-day retreat.

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

23

with our churches

Holy Week: A week of remembering

H

oly Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, brings both solemn and celebratory feelings.

On a chilly and breezy Palm Sunday members from Braeside joined three other neighborhood churches to remember Jesus’ regal and triumphant ride into Jerusalem.

The participants in the short fifteen-minute service participated in responsive readings, and then made their way across the asphalt parking lot waving palm branches while singing the situation-appropriate song Ride on King Jesus.

From the parking lot, the participants moved on to their own church to continue with a morning service. On Thursday, the evening before Good Friday, members reflected on Jesus’ last hours preceding His crucifixion by celebrating communion and footwashing.

A somber leaden sky on Good Friday seemed appropriate as we commemorated Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. A group of dramatic speakers, portraying individuals such as Peter, Judas, Pilate, Mary (mother of Jesus), John, Roman soldiers and others, responded to the question, “Were you there when they nailed Him to the cross?”

The half-hour service in the dimly lit sanctuary took us back in time to experience, in a vicarious sort of way, the profound agony of the Cross.

Appropriately, Easter Sunday was sunny. Celebrations began with breakfast where participants met 24

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

friends, visitors or former members returning home for the weekend.

On this bright morning the church was filled with songs of praise in celebration of the risen Saviour.

Six individuals, all from Braeside, responded in a video made earlier, to the statement “How Jesus is real to me.” Pastor

PHOTO: AL DUECK

BRAESIDE EMC, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Kim Stoesz’s message clearly and simply explained the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus and the need for the human heart to “personalize” this greatest of sacrifices and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

We were blessed as we remembered Christ’s death and celebrated the Resurrection during the seven days of Holy Week.

Al Dueck

Two babies and their parents received the blessing of the congregation at Braeside in early March of this year: Jordan and Debbie Hiebert with Emily Elizabeth and Alex and Matilda Ortega with Juliet. Pastor Kim Stoesz prayed the dedicatory prayer, and the congregation affirmed its intention to remember the young families in supportive prayer. Each child also received a children’s Bible.

EMC Convention 2011

the Way

Jesus mission in the mold of the master

July 1–3, 2011 Calgary, Alberta

Tour to Ukraine, poignant way to recall EMC history

EMC Bicentennial 1812–2012

by Doris Penner

T

Gemeinde Church was established and where some EMC members and adherents have family roots. This colony was settled in 1803 and grew to contain 60 villages, with remnants of homes and business places still standing today.

The 2012 tour itinerary includes a church service at Borozenko which became a second important KG centre. Another fascinating site is Chortitza Colony where the first Mennonites immigrating to Ukraine arrived in 1789. You will shed a tear or two as you stand under the “big oak” which sheltered the tents where the travellers spent the first nights in this strange land.

Additional unforgettable experiences will be visiting homes built by Mennonites (marked by two arched windows under the gable) as well as schools, businesses and hospitals established by Mennonites some of which are still used today, touring cemeteries where Mennonites are buried (and perhaps recognizing the name of a great-grandmother or father), and visiting monuments such as the one at Eichenfeld (Yazykovo Colony) where 82 men and women were murdered in one night by Makhno’s troops.

Although the Heritage Tour will make history come alive, it is designed for anyone who enjoys travelling and exploring a beautiful country in the company of like-minded folks.

For information or to register for the Heritage Tour, contact tour host Len Loeppky at aloeppky@mymts. net or 204-326-2613 or any member of the EMC Bicentennial Committee (Harvey Plett, Henry Fast, Harold Friesen and Doris Penner).

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM

he founding of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference in 1812 was achieved by people with strong faith, concern for the spiritual welfare of the church, and a great deal of fortitude.

To return to the land and specific places where the young leader Klaas Reimer and those who followed him out of the Grosse Gemeinde (Large Church) lived, prayed and stood up against fierce opposition is to recall in a very poignant way the history of the conference and what it cost early Mennonites to lay the groundwork and pass on the rich legacy of faith that is ours today. It is to become deeply grateful for the vision and courage of those who have gone before.

This is the reason the Bicentennial Committee— charged with planning celebrations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the conference—decided to offer a heritage tour to Ukraine in the spring of 2012.

The tour (May 21 to June 7) will have a special focus on EMC (Kleine Gemeinde, Small Church) history, which means visits to significant sites with knowledgeable tour guides who will explain and interpret, but will also include opportunities to enjoy Ukrainian food and culture.

The tour begins in Kiev, the bustling capital of Ukraine which features beautiful architecture with Saint Sophia Cathedral, for example, dating back to 1017, as well as treasured works of art, and ends in Odessa, sometimes called “the plum of the Black Sea.” Of special interest, no doubt, will be the time spent visiting the former Mennonite colonies centred around Zaporozhye, particularly the Molotschna Colony where the first Kleine

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

25

poetry

I never imagined

by Lynette Esau

This is not how I imagined spending my Easter weekend. Sure, I enjoyed hearing and watching my children in a moving Good Friday service. I enjoyed the fellowship of family and the search for Easter treats at my Mom and Dad’s.

I enjoyed my yard on Saturday morning, raking the dead to make room for the living. I loved seeing the first lady bugs in the garden, adding their splash of colour to the dead earth. I enjoyed watching my son enjoy the warmthof the sunshine, whittling away on a piece of wood with his pocket knife. I enjoyed readying my yard for the ensuing family gathering that promised to be held outside, with family and laughter.

I never imagined that moving a deck table would change all my plans in an instant. I didn’t imagine the glue and the screws on the metal plate would let go and cause so much damage.

I didn’t know that it would act like a guillotine and slice my helpful, unsuspecting seven-year-old son’s toes almost completely off.

I didn’t know.

I didn’t know how painful it could be to have two of your digits only holding on by the callous skin underneath. I didn’t know how painful it could be to watch, helplessly, as the bone of your bone, flesh of your flesh, sits writhing in pain. As the wound bleeds and gushes and pours life out for hours and hours. I didn’t know that all I would be able to think about was my Father God. How agonizing to watch your child whom you love more than life, writhing and dying for all mankind. For the sinful. For the bad. For the undeserving.

I didn’t know how grateful I would feel that He, all powerful God, did nothing to intervene so that I could live.

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THE MESSENGER | June 2011

I could never ask that of my son. I would never ask him to go through the agony of this past weekend again.

And surely I could never ask him to do it for the undeserving.

I didn’t know that the surgeon would wire him back together.to make his body whole again. I never imagined that God would show Himself to me this Easter weekend in this way.

Father God, I am so unworthy. Unworthy of the pain and agony He bore, and you had to watch.

Unworthy of the sacrifice of your Son, unworthy to be wired back together to wholeness.

Unworthy to be your daughter, and yet, you choose me.

Me. I am chosen.

May I never, not ever, forget your sacrifice.

May your scars never stop reminding me that I am whole because of them.

God is always good, I am always loved.

Thank you, Father.

Lynette Esau is part of Steinbach EMC.

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

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news

Class of 2011 chooses ‘the road less traveled’ Twenty-five students graduate from Steinbach Bible College STEINBACH, Man.—The wind and rain could not dampen spirits inside the Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church on April 30, 2011.

Umbrellas and rain coats were donned with smiles and excited laughter, as the 2011 graduates of Steinbach Bible College gathered for a celebration. After all, there was much to celebrate.

Several years of hard work had, for twenty-five students, finally come to fruition. The sweet-tasting fruit?

A college diploma.

The church was filled to the brim by the time the graduation ceremonies commenced. The graduates, decked out in their finest cap and gown, followed the SBC faculty into the church, and President Rob Reimer began the ceremony with a special welcome.

SBC’s musical team Ignite! provided moving songs of worship and reflection, delighting everyone in attendance.

Andrew Neufeld, the 2011 Class Valedictorian, followed with an engaging speech. He challenged his fellow graduates to “not be satisfied with mediocre” and to “change the world.”

Jonathan Reimer, as a representative of the undergraduates, provided many laughs as he heartily thanked the graduates for leading the way. He encouraged the

Class of 2011 to continue being leaders as they journeyed out beyond SBC. The official graduation address was given by Flo Friesen, a former SBC adjunct professor now working in cross-cultural ministry in Eastern Asia. Speaking on the theme chosen by the graduating class, Ms. Friesen advised that “the road less traveled is usually the most challenging, but also the most fulfilling.”

She encouraged the graduates to follow God’s GPS down the road of life, writing their own story as they traveled.

Following the graduation address, the long-awaited moment of diploma reception began. Three students received their diplomas of Biblical Studies. Twenty students received their three-year Bachelor of Arts. And two students graduated with their four-year Bachelor of Arts, a new program at SBC. Family, friends and supporters erupted in cheers and clapping as each student received their coveted piece of paper. It was truly a cause for celebration!

The 2011 SBC graduation ceremony was heart-warming and energizing. May the Lord bless you and keep you, Class of 2011!

Patrick Friesen Director of Communications/Faculty

Correction to

PHOTO: SBC

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

Hannah Holter’s school was incorrectly listed in the May 2011 issue as Millar College of the Bible.

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THE MESSENGER | June 2011

Twenty-five students graduated from Steinbach Bible College on April 30, 2011.

news

César García to become MWC General Secretary First appointee from the global South

PHOTO: BYRON REMPEL-BURKHOLDER

TAIPEI, Taiwan—For the first time, “The affirmation of César’s candidacy is a historic a leader from the global South will become the General Secretary of moment for us,” said MWC President Danisa Ndlovu. the Mennonite World Conference (MWC).

On May 4, the MWC Executive in inter-Anabaptist and ecumenical Committee appointed César García endeavours in Colombia. of Bogotá, Colombia, as General According to García, the Secretary-elect, to succeed Larry Colombian church and his local conMiller on January 1, 2012. gregation had sent him to California “The affirmation of César’s canfor studies to prepare for further didacy is a historical moment for service in Colombia, where he has César García us,” said MWC President Danisa been a church planter, pastor, and Ndlovu. “It is a recognition of our professor of Bible and theology. positive integration as a community of faith as we see the “The fact that many people were involved in different global South offering its richness to the global North.” interviews,” said García, “encouraged us to trust God’s MWC’s head office will move from France to leadership and gave us the courage to accept this callColombia. García will join MWC staff in August for a ing.” His commitment to the Colombian church continperiod of transition with Miller. ues, but in the context of this appointment.

García, chair of the Iglesias Hermanos Menonitas de García, 39, is married to Sandra Báez, who is also Colombia (Mennonite Brethren Churches of Colombia) studying in Fresno. They have two teenage daughters, from 2002 to 2008, is currently completing masters María and Paula. studies in Fresno, California.

Ron Penner (Aberdeen EMC) is the EMC repreHe also serves as secretary of the MWC Mission sentative to MWC and is also on the MWC Executive Commission and as a member of MWC’s task force devel- Committee. oping a network of service ministries. He has been active MWC

PHOTO COURTESY DON LOTTER

Don Lotter, an agricultural scientist from California, stands in front of a healthy plot of corn in Rwanda that has been grown by “farming God’s way.”

MCC is training farmers in many African countries to use a type of conservation agriculture. African farmers are especially open to this teaching because the method is presented within a biblical context.

Teaching more effective ways of farming is one way MCC is working to counteract the effect of rising food prices on global hunger.

MCC

Conference Board Nominations Board of Church Ministries: Three to be elected Stephanie Penner, Box 4635, Steinbach, MB R5G 1R4 (Stony Brook) Stephanie is the manager of Hull’s Bookstore in Steinbach. She is involved at her home church as music coordinator.

PHOTO: TERRY M. SMITH

MCC promotes ‘farming God’s way’

Board of Leadership and Outreach: Two to be elected

Dwight Munn, Box 423, Stn Main, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3A7 (Westpointe) Dwight has been a pastor for many years. Currently, he is pastor at Westpointe Community Church in Grande Prairie. Dwight appreciates the EM Conference and interaction with the people. He is a team player.

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

29

news

Over two million people benefit from CFGB in 2010 Canadian farmers donate 19,523 tonnes of grain worth $4.8 million

prices putting more people at risk, the support of people across Canada for the Foodgrains Bank is extremely important.”

CFGB is a partnership of 15 churches and churchbased agencies working to end global hunger.

CFGB

PHOTO: CFGB

WINNIPEG, Man.—Hungry people around the world benefited from generous Canadians who donated $9.1 million in 2010, including 19,523 tonnes of food grains worth $4.8 million.

Alberta farmers donated 6,298 tonnes of grain, followed by Ontario with 6,110, Manitoba with 3,693 and Saskatchewan with 3,371. The remainder came from B.C. and the Maritimes. More than $4.3 million in cash was donated.

“We are very grateful for each and every person who donated,” says executive director Jim Cornelius.

The CFGB used the donations, together with matching funds from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), to provide $38 million of food, nutrition programs and agricultural assistance to 2.3 million people in 35 countries.

Over 200 growing and community projects are slated to raise funds for the CFGB in 2011.

“With almost one billion people in the world not having enough to eat,” says Cornelius, “and with rising food

A woman in Laos carries home a food package that she received through a food for work project.

DPRK visitors to Canada build connections with MCC Two North Koreans visited MCC offices in Canada to strengthen ties between MCC and KCCA

PHOTO: ABE JANZEN, MCC

AKRON, Pa.—Two representatives from North Korea visited five MCC offices in Canada from March 7 to 17.

Kim Chol Su and Ri Il Jun serve with the Korea Canada Cooperation Agency (KCCA), which aids much of MCC’s work in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Ri Il Jun (front left) and Kim Chol Su, officials of Korea Canada Cooperation Agency that aids MCC’s work in North Korea, tour Arnold Retzlaff’s beef cattle farm in Rosemary, Alta. Also in the photo are Rob Baerg, MCC Alberta board member; Retzlaff’s children Rachel, Robin and Owen, who help with chores; and Kathi Suderman, MCC Representative for Northeast Asia.

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MCC began work in the DPRK in the 1990s in response to famine. Its current focus is on sustainable agriculture and providing food and material aid to health care facilities and orphanages.

Such visits are valuable in fostering relationships, said Kathi Suderman, an MCC Northeast Asia representative.

Last year’s two serious artillery exchanges between the Koreas, which are still technically at war, reinforce the urgency for communication bridges, she said.

The visit provided Kim and Ri a behind-the-cargocontainer view of the aid that arrives in the DPRK. The two men saw volunteers assembling or packing blankets, health kits, newborn kits, school kits and canned meat.

The warmth with which MCC Canada received them makes MCC “like family,” said Kim, and they invited MCC directors to visit them.

KCCA is inviting MCC to send two English teachers to work in a middle school. These teaching opportunities are posted at mcc.org/serve.

Emily Will, MCC

in memory

Ben P. Penner 1923–2010 Our father, grandfather and great-grandfather was born to John R. and Sara Penner on February 8, 1923, in Ridgewood on the farm currently owned by grandson Darren. He passed away at the Bethesda Hospital on December 31, 2010, with his family by his side. His home going was too soon, but just at the right time.

Dad lived in Ridgewood until he was three years old, when he and his family moved to the Blumenhof area. Here Dad attended school until he was about 13 years old, at which time he stayed home to help on the farm.

He was a farmer at heart who enjoyed challenges, daunting changes, hard work, and sacrifices as he pursued this vocation to provide for his family.

Dad accepted Christ as his Saviour in his late teens, was baptized and became a member of the Kleine Gemeinde (now EMC) in Blumenort. It was some time after this that his eyes caught the attention of a lovely brown-eyed young woman from Ekron. Dad and Sara Thiessen were married on November 19, 1944, in Steinbach.

Dad and Mom became parents of a large family: four daughters, Katherine (Steinbach), Phyllis and Ben Barkman (Riverton), Betty and Paul Robillard (Winnipeg), Yvonne and Richard (Dick) Champagne (Giroux); seven sons, Russel and Martha (Clearspring), John and Shirley (Ridgewood), Ray and Maureen (Preeceville, Sask.), Peter (Ridgewood), Burton (Ridgewood), Donald and Shirley (Ridgewood), Darren and Sarah (Kaslo, B.C.). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and their spouses; 12 great-grandchildren;

one sister, Helen Thiessen; and in-laws Helen Penner and Dick and Jessie Thiessen.

Dad was predeceased by our mother, Sara Penner, on January 17, 1988. He was also predeceased by infant son Delbert, two granddaughters, three great-grandsons, his parents, nine brothers and sisters, and many in-laws.

After Mom died, Dad was very lonely and he looked for a companion.

He married Elda Plett on April 14, 1990, but to his deep regret that relationship did not grow.

Dad was known for his carpentry.

His finest building project was a three-piece roll-top oak desk for each of his eleven children. They will likely outlast us.

In July 2009, it became apparent that Dad would need more support and help from family. Peter opened up his home to Dad and Dad moved back “home” to Ridgewood. His close proximity to the farm renewed his

Abraham Neudorf 1930–2011

Abraham Neudorf of Straffordville, Ont., passed away peacefully in the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011.

He was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, to Herman and Katharina (Neufeld) Neudorf on September 14, 1930. He was baptized in the Old Colony Church before he married his wife Helena Loewen on July 1, 1951.

They lived in Mexico for some years before immigrating to Canada. There they farmed, first with his father, and

interest in what was happening, and he waited for reports from Peter at the end of the day.

Dad found aging and its limitations difficult to accept, and expressed frustration at the restrictions and his diminishing abilities. However, in his own time and way he worked towards resignation and acceptance.

It seemed to us that this work continued right up until his death. Dad appeared to have come to terms with his sinfulness and imperfections and that Christ’s grace was totally sufficient for him.

Our father left us a tremendous legacy of faith, love, integrity and hope.

We are privileged and blessed to have been loved and taught by him. He was a good father. Dad, we love you and miss you.

His Family

then on their own, until they decided to move to Canada where he also farmed until his retirement to Straffordville.

In the last few years they had attended the Straffordville EMC, where they took up membership in November 2009.

Abraham was predeceased by a son Abe and a daughter Sarah.

Abraham was survived by his dear wife Helena; sons Herman (Ann) of Manitoba, John (Nancy) of Tillsonburg, Frank (Cathy) of Tillsonburg, Pete of Fairground, George (Linda) of Tillsonburg, Jake (Lisa) of Clear Creek, Ben (Anna) of Springfield and daughters Annie (Abe Klassen) of Tillsonburg, and Tena (Paul Michiels) of Dorchester; 31 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; daughter-in-law Cathy (Rocky Sullivan); sisters Susanna Reimer, Elizabeth Quiring; and brothers Gerhard Neudorf and Jacob Neudorf.

The funeral service was held in Aylmer EMMC with Pastor Richard Klassen officiating.

His Family

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in memory calendar

Gladwin Plett 1929–2011

With sadness in our hearts, as well as joy for the completion of a life welllived, we announce the homecoming of Gladwin Plett. At the age of 81 years, peacefully, with wife Jean and family members at his side, Gladwin went to be with his Lord on May 5, 2011.

Left to treasure his memory are his wife Jean; children Beverly, Barbara (Conrad) and Brian (Wavenie Brathwaite); grandchildren Carmen (Adrian), Angie, Amy (Graham), Melanie (Mike), Daniel, Nathan, Shanti, and Devyn; and great-grandchild Marlow.

Waiting to welcome him are his father Abram, mother Elizabeth, stepmother Susanna, brother Harold and sister Alvina, and daughter-in-law Sherry.

Gladwin Plett and his twin brother Harold were born on September 28, 1929, to Abram and Elizabeth Plett.

They grew up in the village of Linden, Man., learning reading, writing, welding and mechanics, mixed in with a fair bit of mischief.

As identical twins they had everyone guessing, sometimes even their sisters, Alvina, Kathy, and Margaret.

Gladwin took an early interest in missionary work and went to study at Steinbach Bible Institute, where he met the love of his life, Jean Eidse. They married in 1952 and three years later were on their way to the island of Bequia in the Caribbean with firstborn Beverly.

By the time they left Bequia for work in the island of St. Lucia, Barbara and Brian had arrived, and the family was complete.

Gladwin’s time in the Caribbean with West Indies Mission was rewarding. He built two churches and developed a thriving ministry.

Despite long hours of studying, preparing sermons, and traveling along bumpy roads to remote villages, Gladwin always found time to make

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family days special. There were wiener roasts in the mountains, days and sunsets on the beach, and fun times playing ping-pong and volleyball.

A humble and gentle man, Gladwin continued to touch the lives of many as he went on to pastor the EMC church in Portage la Prairie, Man., and then complete his BRS at the age of 50.

Gladwin and Jean took on a further challenge, moving to Germany to pastor a church in Seesen, and then work with Russian Mennonites in Braunschweig.

Gladwin lived for the joy of serving, encouraging and helping others. His was a life illuminated by love and faith.

Later years brought grandchildren and retirement in Winnipeg. Gladwin enjoyed building kites, birdhouses, and wooden swings, and finding homegrown ways to make things work.

He loved to play with his grandchildren, and they loved him right back.

As his health began to fail, Gladwin remained cheerful and gracious. Right to the end, he maintained a spirit of gratitude—even when his voice was little but a whisper, one would lean close and hear him say, “Thank you.”

Gladwin was a builder, photographer, gardener, fixer of broken things, and faithful supporter of the ones he loved.

Not only his family, but many who knew him felt lucky to have Gladwin as their number one fan.He is forever loved.

His funeral was held on May 12, 2011, at McIvor MB Church in Winnipeg, Man. His Family 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.

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.

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, 204-3266401, 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, 204-326-6401, www. emconference.ca

Saskatchewan no events currently

Manitoba 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 Aug. 5: Steinbach Bible College 75th Anniversary Golf Tournament, Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course, 204-326-6451, www. sbcollege.ca Aug. 6: Steinbach Bible College 75th Anniversary Homecoming, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, 204-326-6451, www.sbcollege.ca Oct. 14: Going Barefoot communicators’ conference, keynote speaker: John Stackhouse, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg Nov. 15–17: RE:CALL, National Church Planting Congress, Calvary Temple, Winnipeg, www.thecongress.ca, EMCers planning to attend should register through the EMC office, 204-326-6401 or efehr@ emconf.ca

Ontario no events currently

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 two-person ministry team, and will develop and lead our ministry to our youth and children, and participate in

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.

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 204-7466345 or ryan@gninc.ca.

Other opportunities Midway Bible Camp and Berge Lake Camp seek nurse, lifeguard, speaker, maintenance, kitchen, and counselor help for this summer. They are part

•

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 (306865-2623 or pfchb@sasktel.net), Kim Stoesz 204-667-2970 or kim.braeside@shaw.ca), or Layton Friesen (204-261-8370 or laytonfriesen@ mts.net).

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 204-236-4471 or reimer6@ mymts.net.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada, a donor-advised charitable foundation established in 1974 to promote financial stewardship from a Christian perspective, is seeking a communications strategist.

The communications strategist will report to the MFC Executive Director and will plan, direct, and coordinate the communications strategy of MFC. This will involve developing promotional products and services, making recommendations with respect to product positioning, managing the marketing budget, and providing market research and analysis. Key communications vehicles and channels currently in use include: brand style guide, website, denominational periodical correspondence, electronic newsletter, workbooks, and an annual report.

For a full list of qualifications, go to www.mennofoundation.ca/about-us/careers.

MFC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Resumes will be considered in the order received as sent to: Darren Pries-Klassen, Executive Director, Mennonite Foundation of Canada, 4-595 Carlton St, St Catherines, ON L2M 4Y2, E-mail: dpklassen@mennofoundation.ca.

The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards and ministries; interMennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads are not to be for monetary benefit. To place an ad, e-mail messenger@emconf. ca or call 204-326-6401 and ask for Rebecca Roman.

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

33

missional and multiplying

by Ward Parkinson

Treating the Church’s osteoporosis

I

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Interestingly, doctors say that while some medications can help mitigate the effects of osteoporosis, the best treatment is diet and exercise. Sounds like good advice for the Church, too.

The diet involves careful intake of the Word and careful listening to the Spirit. Our exercise involves each one using their gifts for Jesus, in the church and the community.

Evaluate your church’s influence.

Do you see some fragile bones of structure? What diet and exercise changes are needed?

It’s time to reignite the movement.

The 17th Annual

EMC

PROJECT BUILDERS

Golf Classic

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM

t’s hard for me to read the Book There were some benefits to of Acts without often referring to the Church occupying this domithe maps at the back of my Bible. nant position in Western society.

From Jerusalem to Antioch to Christian nurture and influence Ephesus to Rome, it seems the story became normative. of the early Church is a story of a Persecution was greatly reduced. people on the move.

But over many years the Church’s Not only were there geographistructures grew out of proportion to cal boundaries to be crossed, but its lifeblood. ethnic and religious ones too. The The backbone of society develGood News was spreading like wild- oped osteoporosis. She still has it. fire fuelled by Holy Spirit gasoline.

Physically, osteoporosis occurs Such rapid growth does not when your bones lose their mineral come without problems. The leaders density. They become fragile and of this movement had to navigate weak. change and capacity and, yes, To look at the Church’s infludisagreements at breakneck pace. ence in society today, it’s fair to say It was all the apostles could do that, while she still has her place, just to keep up. Of necessity, the the Church has become fragile and Christian movement slowly develweak in her influence. oped a more formal structure: in Much of what she represents leadership, in rites, and in doctrine. rings hollow in the public mind.

Historian John Roth has examined Church history through a Mennonite lens and notes how, in the first three centuries, the Church fared well in the balancing act between movement and structure.

However, with Constantine in the fourth century, the Church became fully institutionalized and the weight of structure turned the movement into a Over many years the Church’s structures monolith (Stories: How grew out of proportion to its lifeblood. The Mennonites Came to Be, backbone of society developed osteoporosis.

Herald Press, 2006).

June 16, 2011 Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course

Phone 204-255-8062 to register

stewardship today

by Mike Strathdee

“C

hristians are particularly vulnerable to con artists,” a retired Ontario accountant says.

Sadly, Bruce Karcher’s comment is accurate. For the past five years, he has walked with scores of people who have lost tens of millions of dollars to smooth-talking salespeople.

In almost every case, the victims were Christians, taken in by someone who claimed to be a believer, often touting a scheme that purported to have a “charitable” intent.

This affinity fraud is often a result of “misplaced or blind trust,” Karcher says.

Victims take the advice of someone in their church who has dealt with the con artist, or see the con artist attending their congregation, and don’t check to ensure the proposed “investment” is legitimate.

A clever con artist ensures that the first person gets what was promised, and has a good experience—repaid with funds put in by subsequent investors.

Faith-based communities are often less suspicious than secular society. Victims fail to verify whether their adviser is registered and legitimate.

A common thread in these scams is a promise of worthwhile or charitable activity, to be funneled through foundations that later are discovered to be unregistered or illicit. More sophisticated, leveraged schemes hold out the promise of giving donors a receipt or other benefit greater than the “donation” they have made.

“Churches aren’t speaking out on this problem,” Karcher says, “often because many aren’t even addressing the basics of financial stewardship.”

Even prominent Christians fall victim to scammers.

How do you avoid become the next victim? Here are a few tips.

• Don’t release personal financial information over the phone or e-mail to someone you don’t know.

• Don’t send money—often called a processing or handling fee—to someone promising to give you a percentage of an offshore investment, inheritance, lottery, or offering a new job.

• Don’t believe anyone who promises a higher than average return on an investment that is described as being low or no risk. Greed can be costly.

• Don’t be pressured into acting quickly.

• Don’t think the courts will solve the problem. Police or government regulators usually can’t make things right in fraud situations.

• Does the person trying to sell you the investment hold a recognized professional designation, such as a CFP or CLU? Is the accreditation still valid?

• Is the salesperson properly registered to sell stocks, mutual funds or insurance? There are

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Christians, don’t get swindled!

Don’t sign anything until you have checked it out.

regulatory bodies you can check with. Don’t sign anything until you have checked it out.

• Is the salesperson associated with a reputable firm that has a compliance department?

Even if you have heard good things about a particular advisor or product, you still need to do your own research. Get as much information as possible, preferably from sources other than the person who is trying to sell you the product.

Mike Strathdee is a stewardship consultant at the Kitchener, Ont., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). MFC, a non-profit organization, provides stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning for no cost. Contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.

THE MESSENGER | June 2011

35

kids’ corner

by Loreena Thiessen

W

PHOTOS: DREAMSTIME.COM

36 THE MESSENGER | June 2011

paints from nature.

Need: paper (watercolour-, sketch-, or artist-grade), paint brushes, coffee grounds, blueberries (crushed), dandelion flower heads, water, styrofoam egg carton, coffee stirring sticks

A Spring riddle hat’s yellow like the sun, like a lion’s tooth, good for salad or tea, and soothes a bee sting?

Deer like it, grizzlies do too, and bees and butterflies. Can you guess what it is?

Did you say it’s a plant?

It is a plant, a certain flower that is common. It can be found at the side of the road, along sidewalks, in gardens and in any patch of grass.

It is brilliantly yellow and attracts bees, ants and butterflies.

Bees walk over it and collect its pollen with their feet.

Ants crawl over it in search of food. Butterflies rest on their soft yellow tops as they open and close their wings drying them in the warm rays of the sun.

It is a cheery flower; many growing together form a sea of yellow that brightens up the neighborhood.

So, what is it? Did you guess dandelion? You’re right!

Most people believe the dandelion is a bad weed. They spend a lot of time and energy to get rid of it.

Activity: Make a painting using

But that is not its history.

When people travel they may take specific medications with them, antibiotics, allergy and motion sickness tablets, and perhaps aspirin for headaches. This is what happened with dandelions.

The dandelion is not original to North America. It was brought to us by travelers and immigrants. It comes from Greece.

Its name means the tooth of the lion and is from French: dent de lion.

Dent means tooth.

This describes the jagged leaf whose edges are shaped like a lion’s teeth. Examine the dandelion leaf to check it out.

Why did travelers bring the dandelion with them? It is because the dandelion has many nutritional, or food, and health benefits.

For example, dandelion leaves have calcium; one cup of dandelion leaves equal half a glass of milk.

Like lettuce and spinach, a dandelion has iron, potassium, niacin, riboflavin and magnesium, minerals your body needs.

The leaves can be added to a salad, or cooked like a vegetable.

Fresh leaves can be steeped for tea.

The white liquid in the stem is good to soothe a bee sting or get rid of warts. The long taproot can be roasted and ground up to make a coffee-like hot drink.

So, as you ride your bike, take walks, or play with your friends, notice the cheerful sounds of the

Do: In styrofoam egg carton, put coffee grounds, blueberries, water, and dandelion heads, each in separate cups.

Use the lid of the egg carton as a palette to mix the coffee grounds and blueberries with water. More water makes a lighter colour, less water a deeper colour.

Coffee makes a brown shade and can be used to paint the earth, beach, or tree trunks; blueberries can be used to paint the sky or the sea; press dandelion heads directly onto the paper without first dipping them in water to paint the sun or sunset.

warbling wren, the robin’s sing song, and the bright spots of colour—the dandelion, yellow like the sun.

Sometimes if we don’t like something we wonder why it’s there, what is its purpose? The writer of Ecclesiastes asks that question.

Part of the answer is in Ecclesiastes 3:1-14. Read it to see what he says.

One of the purposes for the variety in nature, plants and animals is for us to enjoy them. Another purpose is that they benefit or help us in different ways.

A note of caution: Dandelions are safe to touch or taste if they have not been sprayed with a poisonous weed killer.

Check with your parents first before you touch or taste a dandelion.

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