The Messenger Vol. 50 No. 4 April 2012

The Messenger

50 years of inspiring the EMC!

Volume 50 No. 4 April 2012

Remembering their sorrow p. 15

Also inside: Confessions of a worrywart p. 6 BICENTENNIAL FEATURE CHURCH PROFILE

Evangelicalism in the Kleine Gemeinde p. 9

Heartland: focused on moving forward p. 12

Reconciled by God’s amazing grace p. 16

Editorials

Guess what, EMC? Let’s grow!

W

ard Parkinson surprised us by saying, “Guess what, EMC? We’re not growing!” (April 2008). More recently, Tim Dyck, EMC general secretary, reports that our membership has plateaued, even declined slightly (Feb. 2012).

Yes, congregations are being planted and received into conference membership, but the number is minimal. We need to increase the tempo of our planting among more cultural groups in Canada.

The Anabaptist church around the world is smaller than many younger parts of the Christian Church. In the 487-year history of the Anabaptist movement, passion, persecution, prosperity, protectionism, and apathy have shaped us. While we can rejoice that the South now has more Anabaptists than the North, the North is not growing.

In the gospel of Jesus, we have joyous news

While we can rejoice that the South now has more Anabaptists than the North, the North is not growing.

for all people (1 Timothy 2:2; 2 Peter 3:9). Early Anabaptists were concerned about sharing the Good News far and wide. Anabaptist churches came later to the modern missions movement, but the EMC has now been conscious of missions for decades.

Half of Baptist church starts fail; but, then, half of them succeed. Three years in the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada taught me this: the PAOC was highly concerned about planting churches. What risks are we in the EMC prepared to take?

The EMC’s Church Planting Task Force is at work and a Church Planting Coordinator is being sought. The CPTF and a coordinator need our prayer, support, and willingness to take risks.

– Terry M. Smith

••

Interpreting Scripture and Science

“W

e believe that God created everything as revealed in Scripture (Genesis 1–2; Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Job 38–39; Psalm 8; Mark 10:6; John 1:3; Colossians 1:15–17; Romans 11:33–36; Hebrews 1:1–3).”

The EMC Statement of Faith on Creation is short, simple, and safe. It gives no hint on how Genesis 1–2 is to be interpreted.

In May 1985 the EMC ministerial approved statements on The Literary Nature of Genesis 1–11 and Guidelines for Developing a Doctrine of Creation. They were published in this magazine.

At the EMC ministerial meeting in February 1985, a paper was presented on Models

Creation is upheld as an act of God’s command and purpose; it is a basic teaching with profound implications.

2 The Messenger • April 2012

of Creation. Nine models were presented: “literalist” (6,000 years; six days of 24 hours each), gap-judgment-ruin-catastrophe, flood catastrophism, apparent-actual-age, theological description, local creation, theistic evolution, age-day theory, and revelatory-day theory.

As an educator, I do not advocate for a particular date of when God created, whether 6,000 or 12 billion years ago. Creation is upheld as an act of God’s command and purpose; it is a basic teaching with profound implications.

Students with questions, whether in formal classrooms or not, have quietly wondered and watched to see if there is a way forward. Yes, there is.

There is a continuing need for refinement in how we interpret both Scripture and scientific claims. The series by Ray Hill and letters by others should equally serve to remind us that the Word is of final authority in faith and practice, but our interpretation of it is never as authoritative as the Word itself.

– Terry M. Smith

Table of Contents Features

Departments

6

9

Confessions of a worrywart

page

6

2

Editorials

Big or small, God can handle it all – Vern Martin

3

Pontius’ Puddle

Evangelicalism in the Kleine Gemeinde

18 With Our Missionaries

Bicentennial feature – Menno Kroeker

12 Heartland: focused on moving forward Church profile – Terry M. Smith

4 Letters 23 With Our Churches 27 News 32 In Memory 32 Calendar 33 Shoulder Tapping

15 Sombre endurance and tenacious faith

How did Kleine Gemeinde members cope with the frequent loss of children?

– Glen Klassen

page

12

16 Reconciled by God’s amazing grace The joy of restored relationship – Bill Kehler

Columns 17 Archives Alcove

page

16

Beliefs, priorities, and life – Terry M. Smith

34 Pictures of God

Remembering miracles – Joanna Enns

35 Stewardship Today

page

19

Cool tool, but is it a motivation to give?

– Gary Sawatzky

36 Kids’ Corner

Something ordinary and popular – Loreena Thiessen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger Volume 50, No. 4 April 2012

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

ASSISTANT EDITOR REBECCA ROMAN

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., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

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.

Change of address and subscriptions 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 Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for our publishing activities.

Advertising The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards, and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

THE Messenger schedule: No. 5 – May 2012 issue (copy due April 20)

4 The Messenger • April 2012

Letters An ironic, unnecessary attempt

Mr. Hill [My journey from creationism to the creation, Feb. 2012] is strongly influenced by evolutionary teachings.

He is ironically interpreting Genesis through a theory that is man’s attempt to explain the origin of the world without God. Mr. Hill implies it is religion/ creation opinions against evolution/ science facts. This is misleading.

Radioactive dating methods are unreliable and depend on presupposition. Noah’s worldwide flood can explain how fossils formed quickly and account for many other forms of “long-age appearance.” (See www. creation.com.)

Saying the six creation days are not literal is problematic. Contextually the Hebrew word “day” means 24 hours.

A “billions of years” interpretation violates a straightforward understanding of God’s Word.

“Long ages” puts death and suffering before Adam. Romans says “Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world.” It caused separation between mankind and God. If sin existed before man as a harmless evolutionary factor, the issue of sin is meaningless and denies the need for a Saviour.

Mr. Hill writes, “They [Biblical Creationists] could not conceive of a God who would create a world by evolution involving destruction of living things unfit for their environment.” Believing God used this method means God saw suffering and death as good. This maligns God’s character.

Jesus refers to a biblical timeline in recounting the murders of Abel and Zechariah. (3,400 years from creation to Cyrus’s decree in 538 BC makes earth’s age 6,000 years.)

I’m interested to know what the EM Conference’s position is because a strong message has been sent by prominently featuring this article.

– Melanie Penner Blumenort, Man.

Connect the dots with reason

[Re: My journey from creationism to the creation, Feb. 2012] “When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous man do?” (Psalm 11:3).

We live in a time when the sun is setting on the west. The faith once held as true is being watered down and eroded. While the Christianity is growing in the Middle East, China, Africa and India, it is losing ground here.

While top scientists in mathematics, astronomy and microbiology are being converted to belief in a literal Creator through their study of science, top theologians are trying to accommodate the Genesis account with “science, falsely so called.”

What are the foundations that are being destroyed? We are questioning the literal truth of scripture. Like the serpent, we ask, “Hath God said?”

When we are not willing to accept scripture’s account of creation, the rest of scripture is also “of private interpretation.” A generation of followers accepts unquestioningly the teaching of their leaders, easily exchanging one belief system for another.

The psalmist’s question above remains unanswered for us to consider. I would suggest read your Bible thoroughly. Study science deeply. Ask questions.

Connect the dots with reason.

Arm your mind with the notion of suffering. Then your foundations based on scripture, science and reason will stand the storm of rage against God. – Rosalind Petzold La Crete, Alta.

Guidelines for letters

Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste. Letters to the editor should be 250 words or less.

Letters Scripture will not bow to science

The following is my response to the Ray Hill creation articles: 1. Genesis 1 to 11 is the foundation of the Christian faith. If Adam and Eve were not real, literal people, and they did not sin, then there was no need for Jesus to die on the cross.

2. Fossils equal long ages? Fossils are formed by lots of water, sediment, pressure and death as was present at the time of Noah’s flood—not long ages! (2 Peter 3:3–6).

3. Appearance of age. “Why would God mislead us?” Misinterpretation of evidence does not equal God misleading us. a. God created Adam and Eve complete as adults, trees with ripe fruit, and star and sunlight in place as if it had always been that way. This is not deception but reality. b. God “cannot lie” but “God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” [2 Thessalonians 2:11] (KJV). “Though hearing, they may not see” or “understand” (Luke 8:10; Matthew13:14–15). This is the story of those that prefer science over Scripture and evolution over special creation.

4. There is a difference between “asking questions” and “questioning and doubting” everything.

5. Because science does not believe the Scriptures, it is forced to create and believe a lie, evolution rather then creation.

6. Just because students can’t defend themselves in class is not proof that they are wrong. Jesus “lost the debate” with Pilate, but Jesus was not wrong.

7. We live in an age when people bow down to the idol of science, but Scripture will not bow. Scripture can and will stand on its own two feet.

God is the Author of the Scriptures, and the Scriptures are as reliable as our God. – Jim Reimer Ste Anne, Man.

Discrepancies are found

Ray Hill’s articles affirm him as a theistic evolutionist, one who believes in the existence of God while rejecting much of the Bible’s teachings about God’s work. God says he created Adam first and then Eve (Gen. 2). The article says Eve appeared first 150,000 years ago, then Adam appeared. Is God’s Word deceptive? Numerous other discrepancies are found in these articles.

We lived in Pinawa, a nuclear science community, and at one point I asked one non-Christian scientist, “What do you believe about evolution?” His answer: “I don’t have enough faith to believe in evolution because it’s not based on credible facts, but on speculation.” There are scores of believing scientists who disagree with such theories.

Gary Parker earned his doctorate in biology, with a cognate in geology/ paleontology. He is the author of four textbooks in biology, has earned academic awards, was elected to the national university scholastic honorary society (a Science Faculty Fellowship from the National Science Foundation), and served for years as a professor of biology, teaching cell biology, genetics, physiology, and biosystematics.

Parker began as an atheistic evolutionist; at one point he became a theistic evolutionist. His biblical studies led him to reject evolution and become a believer in a literal creation account. His words: “It is worse to be a theistic evolutionist than an atheistic evolutionist.”

These articles do not seem to support the infallibility of the Bible and the character of God as revealed in his Word.

– Henry Hiebert Steinbach, Man.

Equal space for young earth proponents

We’ve now had two pieces on the topic of old earth and biblical interpretation. I’m wondering if you could give the same space to the young earth proponents.

Portage Evangelical Church has quite a young earth flavour. Four of our families have been to the Creation Museum in Kentucky. We use Answers in Genesis for our S. S. curriculum.

We’ve had Emil Silvestru [creation. com], a PhD geologist, at our church for a four-part series. He’s a scientist from Romania, young earth, and powerfully brilliant. Just recently he was given an opportunity to address a group of secular scientists.

“Dr Silvestru earned his Ph.D in geology at the ‘Babes-Bolyai’ University in Cluj, Romania in karst sedimentology including caves. A world authority on the geology of caves, he has published 41 scientific papers, written one book (The Cave Book) and co-authored two books. He was, until recently, the head scientist at the world’s first Speleological Institute (speleology = the study of caves) in Cluj” (Silvestru’s Bio website).

There is so much powerful information out there which debunks old earth thinking, and other brilliant scientists who are convinced young earth proponents. www.answersingenesis. org/home/area/bios/ carries a list of young earth scientists and scholars.

The writer’s warning of gullibility should also be heeded when confronted with evolution, dating techniques, the big bang, and billions of years.

I found it interesting to have an anti-abortion article placed alongside the piece on evolution. Our discovery of the mind of God on social issues like abortion, homosexuality, pornography, and the sanctity of life are deeply rooted in the foundation and revelation of Genesis 1–3.

– Glenn Loewen Portage la Prairie, Man.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

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f you are reading this right now, you might be someone who worries too much.

Of course, you may not. I can only speak for myself.

I am a world champion worrier. Ask my wife. She will tell you how many times I have driven her around the bend with my constant worrying.

If I have nothing to worry about, I find something to worry about: house, health, kids, assignments in seminary, car, friends, and the list goes on.

My nine-year-old daughter told me she wants to be a doctor someday. Instead of beaming with pride, I said to my wife, “How are we going to pay for medical school?” (My request to my church’s finance board for a $200,000 raise was turned down.)

Confessions of a worrywart

by Vern Martin

6 The Messenger • April 2012

Let me be clear on something. It is not my intention to put a “guilt trip” on those of us who are chronic worriers.

Nor am I speaking directly to those who may suffer such things as chronic depression or mental illnesses, where worry and stress can be overwhelming; I realize that sometimes things like this are out of our control. My intention is to bring comfort and encouragement through God’s Word in regular, everyday worry.

Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT) has become my “life passage” when it comes to worry: “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.

Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Let’s explore this and hopefully be encouraged.

Pray with thankfulness in mind

Paul then says, “Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” What do you need when you worry? Do you need the problem resolved?

Do you simply need peace of mind from the whole thing? When we worry, we pray and tell God what we need out of it. Don’t be shy to tell Him—again, he can handle it.

The expectation promised here is peace of mind, no matter how God chooses to answer our prayers.

DESIGNPICS.COM

Pray with everything in mind

First, Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” I once heard a pastor say, “If it is big enough to worry about, it is big enough to pray about.”

What are you worried about? Your bills?

Your kids? Your job? Your ingrown toenail? Are you dreading the next few days or upcoming weeks? The options of what you and I worry about are endless.

Yet Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything.”

Easier said than done, right? Yet everything we worry about, we are to also pray about.

Big or small, God can handle it all. When we start to worry, that should be a cue to get on our knees and bring it to God in prayer.

Craig Groeschel is a pastor and a self-proclaimed worrier. In a chapter on worry he says: We must learn to recognize and label worry for what it is. It is the alarm calling us to pray.

We can start by telling ourselves, “This is not a God thought. This is a thought based on fear.”

We must capture that runaway thought and make it obedient to Christ (The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living as If He Doesn’t Exist. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010, 154).

But when we come to him with our concerns, why not also come to him in thanksgiving?

Thank God that He can handle your burdens.

Thank God that he cares for you.

Thank God that this situation may be helping you to become more spiritually mature. Thank God that no matter what happens, he is in control. Thank him for what he has done for you in the past and in the future.

And thank Him in advance that whatever you are worried about, it will all soon pass. In other words, when you worry, you pray; but when you pray, break forth with a thankful heart. Can we learn to do that on a regular basis?

Pray with an expectation in mind

What expectation? That our prayers will be answered by God the way we want them to be answered? No. The expectation promised here is peace of mind, no matter how God chooses to answer our prayers. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Notice the word will. In other words, when we pray with a thankful heart, peace of mind will come. Next to eternal life, what better deal is there than that?

Sometimes I wonder why I do not receive peace while praying about my worries. Could it be that it is because I do not often pray with a thankful heart? Certainly we often pray asking God to take away our anxiety or find a solution  www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

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Vern Martin is pastor of Morris Fellowship Chapel in southern Manitoba. Originally from Thunder Bay, Ont., he is a graduate of Providence College, has previously served as a pastor in Alberta and Manitoba, and is currently working on a master’s degree.

He is “intelligent and handsome” and married to Kathleen. They have four children that they home school.

Celebrate 200 years with us!

LE

Our hearts and minds will be protected from any elements of worry, with peace standing like a guard in our lives.

to our problems, but praying with a thankful heart? How often do we do that?

Now I hope this next part will be encouraging: under this thankful condition, the result is peace. Our hearts and minds will be protected from any elements of worry, with peace standing like a guard in our lives, not allowing any distress to break in.

But it is not just any kind of peace.

It is a peace beyond anything we can comprehend. It is peace that would cause you to wonder why you feel strangely calm, when your normal pattern is to panic. You may not understand it, but you will like it!

No matter how God chooses to answer our prayer requests, God knows that it is peace that we first and foremost need, and a peace that He will provide.

1 Peter 5:7 tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” When the worries of this life start to choke us, it is then we are drop our distress and get on our knees in prayer. Big or small, our Heavenly Father can handle it all.

Kneel in front of the throne with a thankful heart, knowing that as His children, the worries of this world will soon pass away and peace will be in our possession.

Now, if you excuse me, I have some praying to do.

CE



EMC Convention 2012 July 6, 7, 8 Providence University College Otterburne, Manitoba

www.emconference.ca

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Evangelicalism in the Kleine Gemeinde

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Of the early beginnings of the KG, P. J. B. Reimer says,

Historian Peter M. Friesen says of the KG, “The religious disposition of Klaas Reimer, although a sincerely pious one, was devoid of any joyous knowledge of God’s grace....” He could have added that it was also lacking in assurance of salvation.

However, the KG’s dissatisfaction with the larger Mennonite church in Russia was not an isolated case. In the 1860s a group in the Crimea invited the leader of the KG to visit their congregation that had experienced revival. This group, known as the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren, could have been instrumental in bringing about a more joyous faith, as well as some assurance 

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Early Beginnings

The K.G. had very strong ideas on non-conformity, humility and church discipline. The preaching consisted mostly of admonishing to live an honest, humble life of repentance. Card playing, smoking, excessive drinking, and vain language, as well as boisterous laughing was strictly forbidden. Unfortunately, higher education, mission work and musical instruments were also under the ban.

CE

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n 1952 the Kleine Gemeinde church in Manitoba changed its name to Evangelical Mennonite Church. Why was the term Evangelical included in the new name? The term Mennonite is self-explanatory; it identified the group with its roots. Evangelical also gave it an identity, but with many dissimilar churches.

Evangelical derives from the Greek word euangelion, which means “good news” and is frequently translated as “the Gospel.” Consequently, to be evangelical is often defined as “according to the gospel” or simply as “biblical.”

The KG were certainly intent on being biblical, but were more informed by scriptures such as Philippians 2:12, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) than Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

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by Menno Kroeker

emc 1812 ~ 2012

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

 of salvation, to the KG. However, it does not

appear that this interaction had much influence on the KG.

In the New World

They had barely settled in North America when their leader, bishop Peter Toews, after some early contact, invited Rev. John Holdeman from Kansas to Manitoba in 1882 to bring revival to the KG. What happened in the Manitoba settlement is one of those “might-have-beens” where a revival broke out, but one that split the KG. A somewhat smaller group joined Holdeman’s “one true church,” leaving the larger KG group leaderless and bewildered.

The whole KG might have become more evangelical and embraced Holdeman’s teaching of assurance, which might well have been the result had the bishop insisted on the whole church standing together. Instead, a bit more than half of the group retreated into a shell of self-preservation. In the absence of a more outward-looking faith, it meant an evangelical revival would be postponed for at least another 50 years.

Seeking Progress

This emphasis on self-preservation, however, led many KGers to look to more progressive churches as an alternative, such as the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren.

A meeting of the KG ministerial in 1901 also reflects this attitude, where they agreed on six resolutions that focused on keeping influences out.

10 The Messenger • April 2012

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Changing Course

It was not until the 1930s that a more distinct acceptance of change becomes obvious. At a 1937 meeting of the whole KG ministerial in Meade, Kansas, the concern was still very much in the direction guarding against outside pressure, but there was also a more compromising tone with a “yes, but” emphasis. Higher education and music were cited as “dangerous,” but under certain circumstances were deemed acceptable.

Also significantly, there was this note: “In regard to evangelization, it was decided that our scattered groups and individual families even from other denominations should be visited, if they were otherwise neglected by other churches.”

Another important change was the introduction of Steinbach Bible Institute in the 1930s, which soon had a significant number of KG students. During this period Ben D. Reimer and Archie Penner ventured to attend Winnipeg Bible Institute. They later became SBI teaching staff and were spokepersons later when the matter of a name change for the KG came up.

Ralph Friesen takes us back to 1945, when his father Peter D. Friesen, Ben D. Reimer and Archie Penner traveled to Winona Lake, Indiana, to attend a conference of evangelists, which included the most notable evangelical spokesmen of the day. While Ralph Friesen identifies these evangelists as “the most influential and powerful voices of American fundamentalism,” it is quite obvious that our three KG ministers did not accept all that these “fundamentalists” stood for.

For example, Archie Penner later graduated from Wheaton College, an institution some of these evangelists had written off as too liberal.

However, very likely the “evangelical” emphasis of this conference must have significantly influenced these three KG ministers. Furthermore, these three men would have been influential seven years later when the KG’s name change was finalized.

World War Two

World War Two was also a significant transition point where the KG was forced to face the “world” in a new way. Most of the young men chose Conscientious Objector status rather than go into the military.

Their service in CO camps brought them into contact not only with less conservative Mennonite young men, but also their non-Mennonite overseers. It many caes it was the first time many of these young men had to stand up for themselves as as well as giving verbal expression to their faith.

However, the experience of World War Two was definitely one factor in a substantial number of KG members making a decision to follow their Old Colony and Sommerfelder forerunners and move to Mexico. This substantial withdrawal of the more conservative element in the church was another factor that made the transition inevitable to a more evangelical stance.

Acceptable

So in 1952, when the Kleine Gemeinde changed their name, it was a time when many changes were already in place, and, therefore, the inclusion of Evangelical appears to have been quite acceptable. While it placed the KG church into the company of several others who had adopted the same term into their names, it also identified the church as believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ as the basis of salvation, as well as a commitment to openly proclaim that conviction to others. At the same time, the inclusion of the term Mennonite also differentiated them significantly from most other evangelical groups.

Menno Kroeker, an ordained EMC minister, has served as a pastor, a teacher, with MCC, and on the EMC’s ministerial examination committee.

Sources: P. J. B. Reimer, The Sesquicentennial Jubilee of the Evangelical Mennonite Church; Harvey Plett, Seeking to be Faithful (1996); Sue Barkman, Ever-Widening Circles (1978); Hans Werner, co-editor, Preservings, (Issue No. 31, 2011); several articles on the Internet related to Evangelical and Kleine Gemeinde.

Editor’s note: In 1959 the EMC’s name was changed from Church to Conference to distinguish it from a U.S. group of a different history but same name.

Board of Missions Special Projects The Board of Missions approves special projects not funded under the annual Board of Missions budget. Here are five projects which you are able to financially support. A complete list of projects can be located at www.emconference.ca. (Donations are tax receiptable.)

PARAGUAY Radio Mensajero Radio Transmitter | A new transmitter is being installed to improve the stations broadcasting. The BOM desires to provide one-third of the project cost.

Goal: $8,500 | Code: P1 - RT Alto Refugio HIV/AIDS | $1,000 per month is given to purchase milk and medicine that the government does not provide for HIV/AIDS patient care.

Goal: $12,000 | Code: P1 – AR NICARAGUA Bible Institute | Scholarships are given to students who attend classes taught by the Semilla Bible School in Guatemala.

Goal: $2,400 Code: N1 – SCH Pastoral Supervisors | The conference has two area supervisors who visit each of the 32 churches and outreaches every three months. The project cost for one supervisor is $300 every three months.

Goal: $2,400 Code: N1 – PS CHILE Moving Costs Assistance | The Love in Action church has sent out their associate pastor, Roberto Arancibia and his family for a two year term to serve in Chile. This project will assist them with their initial flight costs.

Goal: $4,000 | Code: C - RA For more information contact EMC foreign secretary, Ken Zacharias, 204326-6401 or kzacharias@emconf.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

PHOTOS: TERRY M. SMITH

Church Profile

Heartland: focused on moving forward

O

by Terry M. Smith

n the sunny morning of March 11, In the sanctuary PowerPoint announcements 2012, while I stand in the parking lot rotate on split screens: Moms and Tots, a conof Heartland Community Church on gregational meeting is tonight, fundraising for the north end of Landmark, Man., the sounds of Flatland Café, and more. a gospel song float across some of the commuHCC’s new pastor, David Thiessen, buzzes by nity from an external loudspeaker located near to say hello. Hartley Klippenstein explains that its building’s roof. A street-level sign the wooden cross on stage is says Sunday Service 9:30 Come & Hear reversed for Easter.

Pastor Dave.

Alvin Plett, a dairy farmer and The Service Leadership Team member, walks from At 9:30 the service begins. his truck, surprised to see me already Six men, led by Ivan Giestaking pictures. brecht, form the worship I walk into the building and Lloyd band this morning. Doug Plett, an accountant and a member of Barkman, a U. of M. staff the Leadership Team, says I had wanted member, chairs the service. to meet the Sunday School superintenIf some people appear an dent and that he will bring her. Cheryle hour later because of a DST Warkentin soon appears with two of mix-up, be gracious, Doug her children. suggests.

The foyer of HCC is both large and It’s time for Celebration. unfinished—a reflection of how the A couple is thanked for former Landmark Motors building is unpreparing the sanctuary; dergoing a transformation. People visit.

Doug Barkman those who made coffee

12 The Messenger • April 2012

are blessed. A child will celebrate a birthday; another speaks of a sleepover at grandmother’s house. The youth fundraiser was successful. A woman is in the running for an award. Spring is coming. A fruit basket was delivered. An editor is present.

Doug Barkman calls younger children forward for prayer before they go to their activities; then he also prays for Pastor David Thiessen.

Thiessen says the preaching series is on the church’s core values. Today the third value focuses on prayer, which HCCers read aloud together from the PowerPoint.

Jehovah’s Witnesses had visited him while he was adjusting his sermon on prayer, David says.

They were interested in the topic and gave him materials. He challenges people to detect any JW influence. (He later told me he had not read their materials.)

There is a prayer and sharing time. Announcements are given. Doug Barkman leads in closing: Scripture is read as a prayer of blessing.

People visit. A crowd gathers in one sanctuary corner where two sheep are being sheared: two young men are losing their locks because fundraising goals were met for Flatland Café, a local Youth for Christ ministry.

Sunday School is held after the service, though some people prefer to continue to visit in the foyer —where ministry also takes place, Marilyn Plett, a school trustee, says.

Instead, some Leadership Team members meet to be interviewed.

Besides the Leadership Team, there are also an Education Planning Group, a Business and Facilities Planning Group, a Worship Planning Group, a Prayer and Caring Planning Group, and a Local Outreach and Global Missions Planning Group, according to the EMC Yearbook for 2011.

The Leadership Team meets every five to six weeks; the congregation meets five to six times per year. HCC’s worship service attendance averages 175 to 180, Lloyd says.

Programs

There are Sunday School classes for many ages, including college and career and three adult classes. There are junior and senior high youth groups, twice-monthly prayer meetings, a com-

Children feel part of the church, rather than that church is “done” to them, Mark Kubanek says. munity Moms and Tots program, and more.

To allow people to reach out, there is a desire not to overburden them with internal activities, Marilyn says.

Strengths

There is opportunity to use your gifts, Mark says. Inclusiveness, Rhonda says. Diverse ages and genders form worship bands, sometimes within the same one. Various speakers and chair people are used. For that reason, a single service Structures is not representative of what happens at HCC, Lloyd and Marilyn Plett and Mark and Rhonda Mark says.

Kubanek (both teachers) represent the LeaderA theme is that people have a voice. At ship Team, four of 11 members. congregational meeting, people break into small groups and share results.

About one-third of people attend congregational meetings.

Celebration time is integral, Marilyn says. Children feel part of the church, rather than that church is “done” to them, Mark says.

They speak of “heartbursts”—ministries identified by members and then supported by HCC: movie night, summer music camp, Leadership Team members Mark and Rhonda Kubanek and Marilyn and Lloyd meals provided for the ISCF Plett meet to be interviewed during the Sunday School hour. group at school.  www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 13

It is a bottom-up rather than top-down church, it is said. There is a vibrant prayer and care group.



The consensus process is a challenge. HCC can’t be everything to everyone, so people are blessed when they leave to attend elsewhere.

Challenges

Pastoral couple Merna and David Thiessen

When asked about HCC’s weaknesses, they prefer to speak of “challenges.” It is difficult to get people to commit to extended ministries, rather than projects. Shifting from an internal to an external focus is a challenge, Mark says.

It was a challenge to discover that members could do much that ministers previously did: officiate at baptism and communion. Parents have baptized their children.

The consensus process is a challenge. HCC can’t be everything to everyone, so people are blessed when they leave to attend elsewhere.

They are humbled by God’s leading, Rhonda says. When Edwin Friesen died suddenly, they lost a pastoral presence (not an official pastor), and more people became involved, which he would have supported anyway, it is said.

Pastor

About a year ago HCC was not ready to have a pastor.

A Leadership Task Force identified needs and what HCC wanted to achieve, and then looked at models of how this might happen.

Discussions took place and in January 2012 David Thiessen, the EMC’s former conference pastor, began serving as a part-time pastor for a two- or threeyear term. His installation service was on March 4.

The Wider EMC James Nikkel loses his locks because fundraising goals were met for Flatland Café.

14 The Messenger • April 2012

What do they want the wider EMC to know about HCC? They appreciated

David Thiessen, Ward Parkinson, and Tim Dyck at the EMC’s national office for their support from the start, Lloyd says.

Start

When HCC’s leaders are asked about how the church started, an awkwardness mostly replaces laughter. They do not want to talk about some of how it came about, Lloyd says. People were leaving Prairie Rose EMC and scattering; there was a desire to establish a group where they could meet, Lloyd says. Another local option, Mark says.

HCC wants to move forward, Mark says.

Stan Penner, a retired teacher and a peace evangelist, says he wants the article to say the two groups need to become closer, I tell them.

HCC has had two previous names: 8:30 Church and 9:30 Church, both reflecting when it met in the west wing of Prairie Rose EMC’s building. HCC began to meet in the former Landmark Motors building in March 2009, renting and then purchasing it, partly with a loan from MFC. A framed certificate in the pastor’s office says HCC was received into EMC membership in July 2010.

Tonight

By now, most people have left the lobby. Tonight, at 6:30 p.m., the lobby’s renovations will be on the agenda of the congregational meeting.

It’s the third time that it will be discussed, but the matter is nearly decided, Mark says.

Perhaps the unfinished part of the building reflects a congregation that also continues to be shaped.

Sombre endurance and tenacious faith by Glen Klassen PHOTOS: REBECCA ROMAN

K

LE

BR

AT I

NG 2 0 0

CE

Funeral sermons tried to comfort the bereaved by exalting heaven’s joys, emc where the child was now with Jesus and the angels. The blessed child was spared the sufferings and temptations of earthly life. For funeral guests, the spectre of imminent death was emphasized to warn the careless.

Socially, the frequent loss of children had many effects. It may have contributed to the wish to have large families, and Kleine Gemeinde (EMC) families were among the largest in Manitoba.

It may have led to a fear of bonding with young children, who could be snatched away.

Often when a child died, the next baby of the same sex would be given the same name.

Some families had three children named Abram. This may mean the second and third Abram were named in honour of the first, or that one was a replacement to assuage the family’s sorrow.

Often children were buried on the farm without much spiritual or community input. Sometimes, especially during epidemics, more than one child was buried in one grave or even in one coffin.

Permanent markers were not often erected. Many death records have the annotation, “Child only.” This may sound stoical to us, but it masked a deep sorrow.

In the light of such suffering we can better understand the tone of sombre endurance and tenacious faith passed down to us by previous generations.

Y

1812 ~ 2012

Glen Klassen (Fort Garry) is a microbiologist by training, a historical researcher by interest, and a member of the EMC Archives Committee.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

RS

Funeral sermons tried to comfort the bereaved by exalting heaven’s joys, where the child was now with Jesus and the angels.

EA

leine Gemeinde members a hundred years ago had a terrible problem: the frequent loss of children.

From 1883 to 1911 there were 1,327 registered deaths in the southern Manitoba municipality of Hanover, and 928 of them were under age 18. That means that 70 percent of funerals were for minors.

There was little improvement over those 29 years. During epidemic years, such as 1884, 1900, and 1909–10, when diphtheria claimed many young lives, and 1894, when scarlet fever did also, some families suffered the death of more than one child within days or weeks.

Even apart from epidemics, newborns had about a 10 percent chance of dying before their first birthday.

Nowadays it’s about 0.5 percent in Canada. It’s still around 10 percent in some sub-Saharan African countries.

How did people cope with such awful losses? What could they do medically? How did it affect them spiritually? How did it affect community life?

Medically they could do little.

The only vaccine available was a crude one for smallpox. They were helpless against diphtheria until the 1890s, when a serum became available, but diphtheria was still unpreventable.

There was no penicillin for scarlet fever and nothing for measles, whooping cough, influenza, tuberculosis, pneumonia, or typhoid. They didn’t know much about germs, but they knew many diseases were contagious and took precautions, especially at funerals. The isolation of cases was impractical and almost unthinkable in a closeknit community.

The fragility of life became evident to all.

A hymn I recall from the 1950s started with, “Here on earth I am a pilgrim ... Oh let me go to yonder heights, where palms of peace will forever wave.”

There was a yearning for deliverance from this vale of tears. Light-heartedness was frowned upon, especially on Sundays.

Reconciled by God’s amazing grace

Return of the Prodigal Son/Pompeo Batoni

by Bill Kehler

The Bible is all about a God who loves reconciliation with Him and within the Bride of Christ.

M

y position as a long-term care chaplain gives me the incredible opportunity to experience and explore the life stories of seniors. In many ways I feel like someone who opens a new book at the last chapter and tries to understand the story by reading the end first.

If we are privileged to enter the story line of God’s amazing grace, we must share the event or risk having the rocks cry out (Luke 19:40). Here, then, is one final chapter.

I had the privilege of having a rather crusty gentleman, much like my Grandpa, in my chapel services. He often became quite emotional in the services, but would not share his concerns or ask for help.

When the time came for a communion service, I invited a pastor friend to speak at the service and welcomed the seniors to join in the fellowship service. Many were happy and accepted the invitation with joy, but I couldn’t help but ache for those who felt apprehensive.

16 The Messenger • April 2012

When I approached my friend, he hung his head and simply said, “No.” I could see a deep pain in his eyes, but didn’t press the matter.

The day before the communion service his wife approached me to explain that he could not take part. He had been excommunicated years ago and felt that he had no right to participate because he couldn’t think of himself as a Christian.

I was witness to the grace of God finding a way to become real in a life that had been twisted by the enemy for many years. Repentance had been accomplished long ago and today was the day of restoration to fellowship.

He took the first step by coming to the service, and, as the pastor came to him with the elements, he hesitated. After being reassured of God’s desire to be in fellowship with him, he found the freedom he had sought for many years. He received the elements and rejoiced with us in that amazing time of fellowship.

The process of restoration continued as his church family became aware of this brother’s struggle to come to peace and joy in his salvation in Christ. They restored him to fellowship and he openly rejoiced in the Lord with his wife and family.

The Bible is all about a God who loves reconciliation with Him and within the Bride of Christ.

Recently, as I attended the funeral service of this gentleman, I saw the ripple effects of God’s amazing grace and the joy of restored relationship in the faces of his children and grandchildren. God’s grace is amazing!

Bill Kehler is chaplain at Rest Haven Nursing Home (Steinbach, Man.), part of HavenGroup.

Editor’s note: This story is told with permission from the man’s family, the church concerned, and the pastor at the communion service.

Columns • archives alcove

Beliefs, priorities, and life

I

PHOTO: COURTESY PROVIDENCE

n the 1930s Ben D. Reimer was discouraged from attending Winnipeg Bible Institute partly because some of its teachings differed from those of the Kleine Gemeinde.

It is perhaps ironic, then, that the EMC will celebrate its 200th anniversary on the relocated campus of that same institution (now Providence University College and Seminary in Otterburne, Man.).

Conservative evangelicals started the Winnipeg Bible Training School, as it was first known, in 1925 during a tumultuous time in Canadian church circles. (The United Church of Canada, formed that same year as a merger of Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, and Union churches, emerged on the liberal side.)

EMC ministers serve currently as deans of both Providence’s college and seminary (the latter established in 1972). Professors of EMC and Mennonite Church Canada linkages instruct students, EMCers included, at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Concerns are sometimes voiced when EMCers attend colleges or seminaries that do not officially hold to Anabaptist distinctives, which includes most institutions. Part of the underlying unease is with how Anabaptist distinctives are viewed.

Are the distinctives essential or optional within our identity? (Even to ask the question

Winnipeg Bible Institute’s Evergreen campus, 1947

will disturb some members.) Are they integrated or separated?

Is there one list or are there two lists? Might some members hold to three lists: classical doctrines, evangelical truths, and Anabaptist distinctives?

In wider Anabaptist circles, Dr. A. James Reimer said he was once viewed as proposing a theology that separated classical doctrines and Anabaptist distinctives. Dr. Reimer objected, saying that early Anabaptists held to the “standard Trinitarian creedal pattern,” but with “ethical concerns…right at the start in their interpretation of the first article of the creed” (Mennonites and Classical Theology, 87).

Michael Zwaagstra expressed a concern about doctrinal priorities in a recent book review: “The book’s treatment of evangelicalism is a major point of concern. By placing all of their emphasis on the Anabaptist lifestyle, the authors give the impression that the historic doctrines of the Christian faith must take a back seat to Anabaptist distinctives. This is unacceptable” (February 2012).

Can all Christian teachings be of equal value?

Apostle Paul ranks some matters as of “first importance”: Christ’s death for our sins “according to the Scriptures,” his being buried, his being raised “according to the Scriptures,” and his resurrection appearances (1 Corinthians 15:1–6).

Clearly, where we study has an influence.

At the same time, where we study does not ultimately decide our commitment. Steinbach Bible College identifies itself with Evangelical Anabaptism, yet much of its 2011–2012 faculty has taken graduate training in non-Anabaptist institutions.

To further complicate matters, it is said that each person has three theologies: what we say in public, think in private, and function on. To sort through, integrate, and live out one’s beliefs in a life of discipleship is challenging, indeed.

And as for Ben D. Reimer, his legacy continues within the EMC even while his 1940 WBI class graduation photo rests on a wall located near Providence’s library.

by Terry M. Smith

Clearly, where we study has an influence.

At the same time, where we study does not ultimately decide our commitment.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

With Our Missionaries

Father’s Day celebration PARAGUAY

In Dulce Refugio, there has been much change again, but we continue to see God’s hand at work. I wanted to share a special testimony that one of our teachers has from her time with our children here.

In June 2011 we had a celebration for Father’s Day. It’s always a challenge to know how to face that day since 98 percent of our children do not have their fathers present in their home.

We prayed and our desire was that the children would once again be able to see God as their Father—the father they never had. It’s no easy

“I always told my boys that their father loved them, and that they have a Father that will never abandon them.” task, knowing that being abandoned by your father leaves deep marks in the heart.

But one of our teachers was the perfect candidate to talk about the topic during their devotional times that week. She is wonderful Christian woman living with HIV/AIDS. She has two little boys and their father is no longer with them. Here is part of what she said: I had five children with me and when I began to talk about our topic, the children reacted with a very defensive attitude. One of the girls said, “I don’t have a father.”

I decided to tell them about my sons’ experience. They would ask me why their father was not with them; 18 The Messenger • April 2012

my oldest boy insisted they needed a father figure.

I always told them that their father loved them, and that they have a Father that will never abandon them and that this Father is God. As time went by, my boys started to accept that Father’s love and put Him in first place.

God showed me this one night when my oldest son (six years old) said he wanted to pray for his dad.

When I finished telling this story, I looked at the little girl that had been so hurt and she had tears in her eyes.

I told her, “Jesus wants to fill that

empty place in your heart, and He wants you to invite Him into your heart.” She prayed with me that morning and invited Jesus into her heart.

I thank God for the life of that little girl. I know that God planted a precious seed in her heart that day and it will give fruit one day for His glory.

– Wendy Schmidt de Avalos Dulce Refugio (Sweet Refuge) is a children’s ministry of Alto Refugio (High Refuge) in Paraguay. Alto Refugio ministers to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.

Developing Profitable Christian Business as a Means of Communicating Christ at Home and Globally

Craig Shugart

Presenter: Craig Shugart Winnipeg on Friday, April 13, 12 noon at Smitty’s Restaurant, 150 Meadowood Drive Rosenort on Friday, April 13,, 6 p.m. at C.K. Cafe Blumenort on Saturday, April 14, 8:30 a.m. at Blumenort EMC RSVP to the EM Conference office (204-326-6401 or dpeters@emconf.ca) or Len Barkman (204-355-4854 or lfbarkman@gmail.com).

Meals are provided at each presentation.

project macedonıa

Destination Mexico 2012 July 2–23, 2012 (three weeks)

The State of Jalisco includes the metropolis of Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico, with over seven million inhabitants. The team will work under the leadership of the Ascend intern as well as our missionary team. This short-term mission trip is for individuals who have graduated from grade 12 (18 years old) and older.

The purpose of the trip is to give team members the opportunity to minister and learn, creating a vision and heart for mission. It will also allow the team members to grow in their own discipleship, and serve in the Lord’s work. An additional priority of their time will be to bless the missionaries and their families by meeting their emotional, relational and spiritual needs.

Contact Gerald Reimer at 204-326-6401 or greimer@emconf.ca.

With Our Missionaries

Making a difference!

SUDAN

This last January, I was in Sudan serving with a team from Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and Canada. The team was divided into serving in areas of widows and orphans, business development, and youth.

The youth conference team, serving Sudanese ages 18 to 30, taught in areas of church growth, evangelism, discipleship and work ethic. There were main sessions and break out sessions where these topics were studied in depth.

This is a critical ministry as we are looking to the youth, the new generation, to lead their country forward morally, ethically and spiritually. The youth represented about six denominations, all from the Unity State of Central Equatoria.

A gift of computers will help with income generation and self sustainability.

In the fall we hope to hold a conference which will serve all 10 unity states, and then develop a “trainers of trainers” conference for those who will train others to do the same. Though these youth have church backgrounds, some of them lack depth in their relationship with Christ.

At this conference five young people gave their lives to Christ to serve Him more completely. At the conference’s end the participants were

given an African Bible Commentary which was exciting for them.

After years of war, Sudan is recovering and, though millions lost their lives, many others were able to return to their home areas. The only water available was contaminated. The BSF (biosand filter) is a simple technology that provides clean water.

The BSF Water Filter project distributed and installed 120 filters from June to December 2011. A field report said that 215 biosand filters were constructed in 2011 and more than 10,000 people became aware of how to Biosand filters provide community access to maintain hygiene, improve sanitation clean drinking water. and maintain the biosand filters.

Almost 100 water sources were This January a gift provided 10 tested to help make people aware of computers for a computer training contamination issues of their water centre. These computers will help sources. Our Sudanese brothers and with income generation and self sisters want to thank donors for their sustainability. generous contribution to accomplish The training that is taking place in this, including the construction of hun- Kajo Keji is producing fruit and is well dreds of filters to provide clean water. on its way to being self sustainable.

International Teams, the Revival Some of the services provided include Movement, and their other partners basic computer literacy and training are all about seeing lives and comin common software programs. munities transformed. In January The first students performed pera business course to help with selffectly, were applauded, and graduated sustainability was also provided. with certificates.

Empowering women is a key com– Gordon Skopnik ponent in the partnership. A peanut mill project was started in 2011 and Gordon and Sharon Skopnik (Wythe construction is almost completed. mark) serve with International Teams.

Part of the conference team was a worship team who brought their instruments and their talents and were able to serve the Sudan youth as well as give them the instruments—a blessing to the Sudan youth.

Distribution of NLT Study Bibles; Gordon Skopnik stands at right. www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

With Our Missionaries

What would you do with 16 cents?

MEXICO

If you were given 16 cents, what would you do with it? Would you put it in your wallet with the rest of your coins to use when change was needed? Maybe you’d put it in the stash of coins you use for bus fare.

What can one actually buy for 16 cents? Probably even your grandkids would think this was a rather meagre gift to receive from you.

We had just finished the fourth evening of reading the gospel of Matthew in Zapotec to the small congregation that meets in the evangelical church in Ste. Anne where Joan Smith and I work. We were all standing around after the service, chatting, when an older woman came up to me with a 20 pesos bill in her hand.

Nan Balía is a widow. She’s in her early 90s and she is poor, at least by the world’s standards, but she wanted me to have those 20 pesos.

My first instinct was to refuse that money. She needed it much more than I did. But then I realized that if I didn’t take it, I’d be robbing her of a blessing that God wanted to give to her.

You will be thinking, as I am, of the widow that Jesus and his disciples observed in the temple complex (Luke 21:1–4). People had been depositing their money in the offering receptacles—large amounts of money, given without any attempt to hide that fact.

Jesus was not impressed. But he was impressed by a poor widow who dropped in two copper coins of little value, impressed enough to call his disciples’ attention to her. He told them that this woman had put in more money than all the others.

20 The Messenger • April 2012

That reminds me of the first translation workshop I ever attended many years ago. Our assignment was to translate this story. I still remember the thrill it was to finally be able to do what I had come to Mexico to do— translate God’s Word into Zapotec.

When we were done, I read our

Participate in EMC’s internship program! (one to two years)

If I didn’t take the money, I’d be robbing her of a blessing that God wanted to give to her.

The purpose of this program is to give those who sense the call of God to serve in full-time missions a comprehensive understanding of EMC missions work, to prepare for future service, to work alongside career missionaries, and to give them a context in which to develop their gifts in outreach, leadership, intercession, and discipleship.

translation to the wife of my translation assistant, and asked how the small amount that the widow gave could be more than the money given by all the others.

She thought for quite a while and then said, “She must have given dollars.” I wasn’t expecting that! (Many Zapotecs go to the United States to work and are well acquainted with the value of the American dollar.)

But back to my Zapotec sister, Nan Balía. God will bless her for those 20 pesos she gave to me.

I’m reminded of all the gifts I have received from God’s people over the years—large gifts and small ones— gifts given to help extend God’s kingdom among the Zapotec-speaking people of northwestern Oaxaca State.

It is a humbling and awesome responsibility to be the recipient of money like that.

– Grace Thiessen

Ministry assignment Ministries will include: • weekly ministry focus and accountability meetings with missionary team representative, focusing on mentorship and coaching; • assist the missionary team with ministry activities such as outreach, physical work projects, and specific weekly program initiatives; • development of a specific ministry that complements the missionary team’s church-planting efforts; • regular fellowship wtih local believers; • billeting with missionaries and nationals.

Grace Thiessen (Steinbach EMC) has been working in translation and literacy among Zapotec-speaking people of southern Mexico since 1974.

Contact Gerald Reimer at 204-326-6401 or greimer@emconf.ca.

Participants We are accepting applications for departure in January 2013. Preference will be given to couples/individuals who have been recommended by their home church.

With Our Missionaries

MissionX team proves to be a blessing PARAGUAY

PHOTO: COURTESY STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE

EMC workers in Paraguay had the privilege of connecting with the MissionX team from Steinbach Bible College in late Dec. 2011 and early Jan. 2012.

For the eight third-year students it was a first, but Professor Ernie Koop, who accompanied them, has directed other teams.

Since the MissionX team was going to be here during the first part of January, they were asked to help at CEMP’s Youth Camp in Caaguazú.

The camp took place during the weekend of Jan. 6–8.

The campsite was more like a camping place, but with warm weather it did not matter that there were

few buildings. The food was cooked at the Mission Centre in town and taken to camp for every meal.

The MissionX team members helped with games during sports time; and during the sessions the students shared their testimonies and Ernie brought thought-provoking messages.

The language barrier is always a challenge, but interpreters helped along and people dared to speak, be it in English or in Spanish.

The camp experience was a blessing as truths from God’s Word and personal experiences were shared. In the spiritual sense the experiences often seem similar even though the cultures are different. Needs for change were recognized when humbleness and honesty were not barriers.

After camp the MissionX team spent a few days in Asunción and then returned to Caaguazú and Campo

9 area to billet with local families to gain new experiences and help where possible.

The five male students stayed in Caaguazú and lived with two families.

They helped in the regular schedules and some got to make chipa (donutshaped bread containing cheese) and ñoquis (pasta eaten with tomato sauce and meat).

One man is a painter and the other is a business chaplain. The students got to see them both at their places of work as well, which informed them of what life in different homes may be like.

On behalf of the Emmanuel Christian Centre the fellows helped to hand out invitations for two outdoor evangelistic nights in a poorer suburb of Caaguazú. Because of rain, however, the evangelistic events were not held.

The MissionX Team was invited to a Paraguayan home on the outskirts of Caaguazú for Sunday evening and supper. The hosts’ house is located where students could see a beautiful sunset behind palm trees and the town’s lights at night.

The stomach flu caught up with some during their time in Paraguay, but this was not too big of a damper on what the Lord wanted to do through their visit to another culture.

The friends they made in Paraguay continue to remember them.

God bless each one. Thank you for blessing me personally. It was nice having you. You are most welcome to come again.

– Erna Plett Erna Plett (Treesbank) has served in Paraguay since 1972.

Kailtin Reimer (Ridgewood EMC) interacts with the children as the SBC team works with local missionaries to bring VBS to the neighbourhood.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Missionaries

Northern camps are expanding MANITOBA

Flying into Manitoba’s remote northern community of Tadoule Lake is always an adventure.

Matt Dehaene, a long-time friend from our Germany days (a student at Black Forest Academy), now a fellow runner and a Canadian bush pilot, serves us in a Turbo Otter.

Matt flies a circle over the community to announce our arrival and then glides in onto the water, backing onto the sandy beach. By that time folks have come down with trucks and four-wheelers to greet and assist us.

Someone holds on to the plane with a rope, and others wait to convey our supplies.

Since our cargo is in the plane, it is quickly unloaded onto the pontoons, carried through foot-high water, and onto the beach and truck.

From there it is hauled to the nearby nurse’s station where our co-workers quickly get the groceries unpacked and arranged. Once the beds are assigned, we are ready to meet people and begin our week.

The Tadoule Lake people are Sayisi Dene, with a population of about 350 in this community. We come to this community with love, to help and to teach about Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible lessons, activities and sports are held; for the kids, sports include soccer, baseball and swimming.

The ladies in our group used to visit as many homes as possible to bring the ladies a gift bag, but found that the week was too short to accomplish this effectively.

Edna had flyers distributed to invite the ladies to tea at the church one afternoon. This was a huge success the first year (last year not so much since the weather was miserable and ladies 22 The Messenger • April 2012

Tadoule Lake 2011 team: Pastor Rick Bettig, Walter Fehr, Stephanie Fehr, Bobby-Jo Friesen, Clarence Funk, Dianne Reimer, Albert and Edna Martens.

did not want to venture out).

The men’s breakfast is always welcomed, and most of the men of the community turn out. The community wiener roasts, followed by fireworks on the last evening of our week, are a highlight for everyone.

We began offering evening church services at the request of people in the community and, although fewer come, those who do come are appreciative.

Our volunteers connect with the community in various ways, fishing, visiting in their homes, and encouraging artistic abilities (by purchasing items such as marble or antler sculptures and beaded slippers).

Chief Jimmie Thorassie tells us our Athletes in Action (AIA) group is always welcome in this community.

AIA is a ministry using sports to help people physically, emotionally and spiritually. We have developed a great ministry in Pauingassi (eight years) and Tadoule Lake (seven years).

This summer we are invited to Poplar Hill, Ont., another fly-in community north of Red Lake.

We appreciate your prayers as we plan the camps for 2012. Pray for the volunteer staff, for the funding, and an effective ministry to the native communities.

For information, contact me via aemart@mts.net or 204-346-1345.

– Albert Martens Albert Martens (Steinbach EMC) services with Athletes in Action in Manitoba.

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

With Our Churches Roseisle EMC

Youth strengthened through YQ Roseisle, Man. — Our youth group is On March 3, they were off to shared highlights from YQ. They small, but they accomplish big things! another special event: a workshop invited youth “alumni” and a fellow To start December, they enjoyed a in Morden and an evening perforYQ attendee from Manitou to join mystery supper with menu items such mance in Winkler by RU (Refined the worship team that morning. The as: “Dip sticks,” “little Corny,” “Creepy,” Undignified)—a group from Briercrest youth shared highlights from the main and “Honk, honk.” They bade “fareCollege that brings the message of sessions. Brad mentioned how we well” to their awesome youth leaders, the gospel through music and dance. need to serve God as a whole: it takes Brian and Danielle Derksen, who had On March 10, our youth hosted 100 percent. Trent shared how we led them for several years. Thank you, their annual curling bonspiel and can’t lead a “double life.”

Brian and Danielle, for your leaderinvited the Pentecostal youth from Kelly stressed the importance of ship, endless energy, enthusiasm our community. worship, and how our lives will show poured into our youth. We wish them On March 4, our youth led what it is or whom we worship. Kateall the best. the morning worship service and lyn shared how they were encouraged Travis Friesen was elected as to not go back to normal. After the new youth leader with Lucas YQ, there needed to be a new Klassen and Angela Derksen normal. elected as youth sponsors. They They appreciated the financial had a busy start: fundraising to atsupport that allowed them to tend a youth convention. On Jan. attend the retreat. They ended the 14 they hosted a Coffee House service with Chris Tomlin’s song, and Auction (with donated items) Our God is Greater. What a great and successfully raised funds to reminder for all of us: “if our God attend Youth Quake in February. is for us then who could ever stop Before Roseisle youth hit the us, and if our God is with us then road, the YQ Road crew stopped Parent/child dedication on Nov. 27, 2011: Scott and what could stand against…?” in Roseisle on Feb. 4 to pump Maureen Dyck with Anika, Paul and Lyndsey Bourgeois – Eleanor Friesen up anticipation for the weekend. with Zander, and Jeremy and Becky Peters with Shawn.

I’ve heard stories of an evening packed with gopher balls, carpet sleds, and new friends.

They were off to Youth Quake on Feb. 17–19. I saw them off at the church, and the party started as soon as they boarded the bus. The youth travelled with a group and bus from Winkler Bible Camp and getting there was almost as much fun as the weekend itself. Though the bus had issues, they made it back safely.

On the evening of Feb. 25, our The youth hosted a Winkler Bible Camp youth regional get together—two youth have group served there on staff. They enjoyed is ready an evening of broomball, snacks, and for Youth worship. Most attendees had been Quake. fellow travelers on the bus to YQ. www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Taber EMC

Ladies rally focuses on spiritual gifts and prayer Taber, Alta. — On Feb. 4, 2012, Taber EMC hosted a ladies rally for three EMC churches in our area: Pitcher Butte EMC, Vauxhall EMC, and Taber

EMC. About 150 women attended from the three churches and spent the day together.

The morning began with a spiritual

About 150 women attended the ladies rally held at Taber EMC.

•• Pleasant Valley EMC

Ministerial retreats to Winkler

gifts questionnaire. Each women present was able to determine what were her spiritual gifts.

Our speaker, Lynne Harms of Brooks, Alta., talked about the seven most common gifts, and taught us how to use them for God’s glory. She also spoke on how not to misuse or abuse our gifts. It was enlightening to learn the gifts of those around us and ourselves.

In the afternoon the women participated in a prayer walk. This consisted of ten rooms, each with different instructions and a different purpose. These included leaving our “to do” list behind, focusing on God, confession, praising God for His blessings and communion.

A wonderful part of the prayer walk was ringing a small bell with every prayer of praise. It was amazing to hear the bell constantly tinkling with praises as we went through the prayer walk.

The rally also consisted of times of worship, fellowship and, of course, some wonderful food. We at Taber EMC are anxiously looking forward to next year’s ladies rally.

– Naomi Klassen

Rosenort, Man. — A retreat was held in Winkler, Man., on Feb. 24 and 25, 2012, for Pleasant Valley EMC’s ministers and deacon couples: Pat and Kim Siemens, Mike, Alyssa (and Jadyn) Thiessen, Keith and Lynn Rance, Jesse and Erin Penner, Earl and Shelly Loewen, Darren and Pearl Plett, Leo and Marilyn Kornelsen, Ernie and Mary Ann Loewen, and Rudy and Grace Loewen.

– Marilyn Kornelsen

24 The Messenger • April 2012

Speaker Lynne Harms

With Our Churches Portage Evangelical Church

Young people benefit from Impact 2012 Portage la Prairie, Man. – Impact was held on February 17–19, 2012, at Steinbach Bible College. When we arrived, we signed our names on leaves and stuck them to a tree, the first symbol of growth. We then headed to dorms, where we met our roommates for the weekend.

Pumped up on excitement, we went to chapel, where we worshiped with Ignite, SBC’s worship band and laughed at the antics of SBC’s drama team, New Creation. We had activities in the gym where we met other retreaters. The gym riot was a blast! We separated into teams with different colours and competed in everything from mattress wars to dodge ball.

The first night Reinstate performed and the second night Cardboard Guitars played for us. It was so much fun worshiping God with all our hearts. Hanging out in the dorms with the college students is always a highlight, to talk, laugh, and read devotions together.

Sid Koop, our speaker for the weekend, challenged us to grow our roots deeper down into God and build a firm foundation.

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus our Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2: 6–7)—this was the theme passage for the weekend.

Sid brought up the question of where our hopes are placed, in the world or in God? We need to trust God and centre our lives around him; we should look to God, seeking guidance, strength and wisdom.

Through this we can strengthen our relationship with him. It creates the opening to help others, Sid talked

It was so much fun worshiping God with all our hearts. about taking our hopes and dreams and giving them over to God, in order to do his will for our lives.

Saturday afternoon was dedicated to service ministry. It’s always a huge blessing to be able to go out into the community and give of our time and abilities to help others. One group went on a prayer walk, and another went to a seniors’ home in Steinbach to play games and listen to life stories.

There was a demolition crew, and a group that went to Union Gospel Mission’s women’s shelter to bag clothes and clean. The group I joined went to Siloam Mission, where we cleaned and went through donated clothes to be given to people who come to the shelter. The experiences and lessons learned are ones to be remembered.

The concert of prayer was on the last night. We were given plenty of time to think about anything that might be hindering us from giving everything to God. It was moving to be in the chapel, searching your heart to find what hidden part you’ve been trying to hide from God, who sees all. They encouraged us to pray and let it go.

It was an awesome weekend, filled with growth in God, great food, and great activities.

– Brittany Buhler

the

Eden Foundation presents

Eastman Male Choir

40 voice choir directed by Ed Hildebrand

Winkler Community Male Choir

30 voice choir directed by Ray Giesbrecht

Har m o n y Ho p e for

Be blessed by inspired choral music and help support Eden’s mission.

Sunday, April 29, 7:30 pm

Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, 252 6th Street

FREE ADMISSION For more information contact: Eden Health Care Services (204) 325-5355,toll free:1-866-895-2919 309 Main Street, Box 129, Winkler, MB R6W 4A4 www.edenhealth.mb.ca sponsorship from:

Donations gratefully accepted for Eden’s mental health recovery programs

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

With Our Churches Taber EMC

Taber EMC celebrates Grand Opening!

Taber, Alta.—Taber EMC celebrated the grand opening of our new building on March 4, 2012. A groundbreaking ceremony in spring started the construction process. The building has since nearly doubled in size, adding much needed room to the sanctuary and fellowship hall.

The sanctuary itself was extended by about 40 feet, and 100 extra chairs were added to accommodate our growing congregation. The fellowship hall was also enlarged and 10 Sunday school rooms were added. Previously all Sunday School had taken place in a trailer on the church yard.

The foyer was enlarged and offices added for senior pastor Dave Wiebe and youth pastor Dave Sawatzky. A nursery was also built that includes a video feed of the sanctuary.

It has been wonderful to enjoy our new building and all the space it contains. We have much more room for potlucks and other events that include the whole church. We also now have spaces to accommodate weekday Bible studies, weddings, and other events.

The grand opening ceremony itself was a great celebration with many

After the ceremony, the congregation enjoys faspa, a light supper, in the larger fellowship hall.

visitors attending. Pastor Scott Koop of Fish Creek (EMC) in Calgary came as a representative for the EM Conference and extended greetings and well wishes.

Many of the contractors and workers who were involved in the project were able to give greetings, and the congregation was able to extend gratitude to all those who worked on the project. We were blessed to have a number of our congregation’s members work on the project.

There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony. All of the deacons, church

board members, and the building committee cut the ribbon, officially opening the new building. Pastors Dave Wiebe and Dave Sawatzky led a dedication prayer for our building and congregation.

We believe this new building is a wonderful step forward for our church. We are looking forward to the growth and new opportunities that will come with our new building.

Praise belongs to God for all He has provided to make this project possible!

– Naomi Klassen

We believe this new building is a wonderful step forward for our church.

Pastors Dave Wiebe and Dave Sawatzky lead the congregation in a dedication prayer.

Building committee chairman Jake and Nancy Heide help cut the ribbon, officially opening the building.

26 The Messenger • April 2012

With Our Churches Steinbach EMC

Nine members added

PHOTO: ANNA PLETT

Steinbach, Man. — On January 29 nine new members were added to our congregation by transfer: (left to right) Keith and Emily Hillier, Werner and Linda Wiebe, Tracee Plett, Ed and Myrtle Esau, Ray and Tina Cooper.

Other new members (not pictured) are Tina Sawatzky, who joined on November 29, and Randy Buhler, who was baptized on January 1.

– Martha Kroeker

••

News

Jack Suderman: let’s tell the stories of modern martyrs In December 2011, I worshipped in the Haarlem Mennonite Church, just outside of Amsterdam, Netherlands. This congregation began as a “hidden church” in 1530, six years before Menno Simons’ conversion to Anabaptism.

Worshipping there was personally moving, partly because this congregation nurtured Thieleman J. van Braght, the Dutch Mennonite who compiled the Martyrs Mirror (1660).

During the previous three weeks in India we had experienced the testimonies of our brothers and sisters from India, Nepal, Myanmar, South Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, and others. These included ongoing church struggles, the suffering of leadership, the burning of houses of worship, and the capture and release of church leaders. We heard one story from India of a pastor (not

Has the time now come to make [these] stories ...accessible to the church and world?

MWC-related) beheaded in his living room by a mob.

“Anti-conversion bills are pending in Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu states [in India],” Bert Lobe wrote of what he heard during our trip. “We were told at least three times that anyone 18 or older desiring baptism is required to submit an affidavit to the District Commissioner requesting permission.”

These testimonies remind me of others from Latin America, Africa, the former USSR, and the Middle East.

Has the time now come to document and make the ongoing stories of Anabaptist experience of suffering and persecution accessible to the church and world?

Van Braght’s work focused largely on the 16th and early th 17 century. Should we start now from the other end— beginning with the 21st century, and move back as far as funding and capacity would allow?

We need to understand these stories and struggle with what they teach us about being faithful as an Anabaptist church in the world.

– Jack Suderman, MWC

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

News

Vocal resistance to the War of 1812 Niagara-based committee seeks to be a witness to peace

e world...can you e in th volu r e nte Wh er wi t

Historian Jonathan Seiling poses next to the historical marker installed at The First Mennonite Church in Vineland, Ont., with the graves of the early peace church pioneers in the background.

Mark your calendars for SBC’s 2nd Annual

hM DS

photo by Duane Steiner

?

These Canadian volunteers are helping their neighbours in Minot, ND. The experience is out of this world.

Call or write 1-866-261-1274 mdscn@mds.mennonite.net to discover what is needed where and when.

28 The Messenger • April 2012

that opposed warfare,” says Seiling. “The historic peace churches’ experience as Canadians was a witness then and today.”

Plaques are being placed in the Niagara region, dedicated to pioneers of peace.

There is a related blog (warresistancein1812.blogspot. com) and webpage (mcco.ca/warpeace-1812).

– MCC

PHOTO: MCC/JONATHAN SEILING

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – As Canadians recognize the War of 1812 Bicentennial, the historic peace churches of Niagara region are bringing another perspective.

There were people who opposed the war on both sides of the border, and they made their opposition heard.

The 1812 Bicentennial Peace Committee’s original goal was to bring together Mennonites, Quakers and Brethren in Christ to reflect on their common history. They were compelled to offer an alternative voice.

Historian Jonathan Seiling, committee chair, finds ample evidence of a loud, vocal, and even civilly disobedient resistance to participation in the War of 1812.

“There are many examples of churches confronting authorities and demanding the right to express their religious freedom to abstain from warfare,” relates Seiling. “They were daring, rugged and gutsy. Anything but ‘the quiet in the land’ that these people are known for. Some even died in prison for objecting to paying the militia tax.”

These pioneers endured hardships, and it probably would have been advantageous to be involved in the war.

However, they had a different logic and were committed to maintaining their peace tradition.

“We want to recognize that Canada has a long tradition of religious freedom and being hospitable to groups

GOLF

TOURNAMENT June 5, 2012

www.SBCollege.ca

News

Church closes doors, but legacy lives on KEMPTVILLE, Ont. – For Murray Bennett, who grew up attending South Gower Baptist Church in Kemptville, Ont., seeing his church close last year was extremely difficult.

For Bennett, though, there’s a silver lining: money raised through the building’s sale will help people in the developing world.

In January the church’s trustees sent a cheque for $100,000—the vast majority of the sale’s proceeds—to Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

Bennett, who has been donating grain from his farm to the CFBG since 1994, sees the donation as a way to help “people who are really in need.”

PHOTO: COURTESY SOUTH GOWER BAPTIST CHURCH

Baptist Church donates $100,000 to CFGB “The gift is a wonderful tribute to the over 180 years of history of the church,” says CFGB’s John Longhurst.

“The church will live on in the lives of people who receive food and other assistance in the developing world.”

The South Gower Baptist Church is one of the oldest churches in the Grenville County area, located south of Ottawa. Congregants built the first church, a wood frame building, in 1843. The present brick structure was constructed in 1886.

– CFGB

Money raised through the sale of South Gower Baptist Church will help people in the developing world.

••

EMMC and EMC join hands to further ministry in Bolivia WINNIPEG, Man. – After several months of discussion and discernment, a formal partnership agreement between Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference (EMMC) and Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC) was signed on February 14, 2012, at the EMMC/Go Mission! home office in Winnipeg Man. The agreement recognizes that EMMC and EMC have a common vision to meet the needs of Colony Mennonites in Bolivia.

The EMC Board of Missions will seek to provide missionaries to ministry needs named by EMMC/EBMC Board of Directors.

The Evangelical Bergthaler Mennonite Churches (EBMC) of La Crete, Alta., and EMMC are the primary holders of this ministry. The agreement became effective January 1, 2012. ~ Lil Goertzen, The Recorder (EMMC)

PHOTO: LIL GOERTZEN

A common vision to meet the needs of Colony Mennonites

Jacob Friesen, EMMC/Go Mission! executive director, Anthony Reimer, EMC Board of Missions chair and Ken Zacharias, EMC foreign secretary met to sign the partnership agreement for ministry in Bolivia.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News

Revelation calls the church to faithfulness today End times details less important than goal, participants told ELKHART, Ind. – The book of Revelation can inspire fear or fanaticism, but participants were called to faithfulness during Pastors’ Week, Jan. 23–26, 2012, at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

Loren L. Johns, AMBS professor of New Testament, said, “Revelation is not a book that should be believed as much as it is a book that should be responded to in faith, courage, proper worship and a commitment to justice.”

In his opening sermon, Johns emphasized Revelation 5—the “theological heart of the Apocalypse”—in which Jesus the Lamb appears as slaughtered, but conquering. “The only path to victory (or overcoming) in Revelation is the path of a defenseless, consistent witness,” Johns said. Jesus’ death was actually his victory.

Johns told the 150 participants that Revelation “is intended to create or spark a fresh imagination of what it means to live in the fullness of God’s reign … so that we can be faithful now and live into that reality.”

Johns, whose doctoral dissertation explored the Lamb metaphor in Revelation, outlined the book’s themes: everything revolves around worship, death is not defeat, God will judge and overcome evil, salvation and redemption are inclusive of all.

End time details are not as important as the goal toward which Revelation points: “Heaven and earth are renewed,” he said. “The Holy City comes down out of heaven from God. God will dwell with the people as their God. They will be God’s peoples.”

“Eschatology at its best refers to our understanding of the Kingdom of God. How do we understand what God is doing in the world? That matters,” Johns said. “Eschatology is not about standing around looking up to heaven for Jesus. There are better things we can do while we wait for Jesus.”

“The church in the present age is called to prefigure the City of God, the way things will be in God’s future,” he said, quoting colleague Lois Barrett.

Dr. Nelson Kraybill, also a Revelation scholar, said in a workshop, “A central message of the apocalypse is that other spiritual, political and economic entities lure our allegiance.” Then he added: “The antidote that Revelation presents for the idolatrous forces so abundant in our culture and our media is robust worship of God and the Lamb.”

– Mary E. Klassen, AMBS 30 The Messenger • April 2012

PHOTO: MARY E. KLASSEN

“[Revelation] is intended to create or spark a fresh imagination of what it means to live in the fullness of God’s reign.”

– Dr. Loren L. Johns

SBC HOMECOMING JUNE 9, 2012 BBQ Supper under the tent, Inflatable Bouncer for the Kids, a great chance to reconnect with faculty and classmates Call 1.800.230.8478 to Register

News

Building peace after church bombing SALATIGA, Indonesia – On Sept. 25, 2011, a bomb detonated at Bethel Full Gospel Church in Solo, a city in Central Java, killing the suicide bomber and injuring 24 people. This incident was reported to be perpetrated by militants identified as Muslim.

An interfaith peace forum acted quickly to discourage inflammatory reactions within their religious groups: Forum Across Religions and Groups (FPLAG), a partner of MCC. By early evening, leaders of major religions in the city were joined by Solo’s mayor to discuss steps to prevent further violence. They traveled to the church to present an official statement, which said that Muslim and other leaders rejected the bombing as an expression of Islam. This message was broadcast nationwide over television and radio.

“Afterward, the leaders stayed in front of the church, praying until 1 a.m.,” said Paulus Hartono, a Mennonite pastor and FPLAG member. During the following weeks and months, the team provided trauma healing services, including teaching Sunday school teachers to recognize and help affected children.

PHOTO: COURTESY FPLAG

Response seeks to quell potential violence, promote healing after trauma

Two nine-year-olds, Ajeng and Agnes (last names unknown), wrote their prayers—for no more bombing and the bomber’s family—and hung them on the tree of hope during Sunday School.

“To make a bomb and do a bombing is easy,” said one FPLAG member, “but to build the image of peace is difficult. We are stronger than the bombers.”

Indonesia has the world’s largest population of Muslims, although its government is officially secular.

Numerous religions are established. Though blamed on religious differences, violence has complex causes, including economic disparity, ethnic conflict and land issues.

FPLAG was formed after riots in 1999 when Mennonites, Catholics, Hindus, Muslims and others joined to distribute relief aid. The faith groups have worked on disaster responses, economic empowerment, and projects to promote peace and reconciliation.

“To make a bomb and do a bombing is easy,” said one FPLAG member, “but to build the image of peace is difficult. We are stronger than the bombers.”

– Laura Dueckman, MCC

Coming to select churches in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, May 19 to June 4. For details on dates and locations call the Rio Grande Bible Institute Canada office at 204-254-3639.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

l............................ l BCM members sought

The Board of Church Ministries has a wide mandate and needs about 10 people to fill board and committee positions. While the BCM member serves also on a committee, committee members need not be BCM members. Local travel costs are covered. Contact the EM Conference office to get involved.

Board of Church Ministries: 1 person The BCM meets for an evening about six times per year. It oversees efforts in education, publication (including The Messenger), archives, youth, music.

Jac Siemens

Nov. 2, 1921–Mar. 6, 2010 One small tear Oh how we hold it so dear In that hospital room surreal We gathered ‘round your bed that Friday eve God was calling you Home this Earth you were about to leave Oh how we love you Oh how we miss you Thank you for all you have done and how you have led by example to love So much you told us with that single tear You are forgiven as I am forgiven You are loved as I am loved You said it one more time And the message was clear If only with a single tear I love you, dear children, With all of my heart But in Heaven, on that Golden Shore Is a Heavenly Father Who loves you so much more So follow Jesus and you will be blessed In all of your life give Him your best.

Lovingly remembered, Your Children

32 The Messenger • April 2012

Archives Committee: 3 people The committtee is both an advisory and working committee involved in the preservation and promotion of EMC history.

Education Committee: 4 people The committee is involved in planning and supervising publication projects and events related to education.

Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association: 1 person The IMCA supports and supervises the work of a chaplain on the University of Manitoba campus.

l............................ l

Calendar Manitoba Apr. 29 Spring concert for Eden Foundation Winkler Community Male Choir and Eastman Male Choir, 7: 30 p.m.

Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church

July 6 EMC Ministerial meeting Providence University College 204-326-6401, www.emconference.ca

July 7 EMC Conference Council meeting Bicentennial activities in the afternoon Providence University College 204-326-6401, www.emconference.ca

July 6–8 EMC Bicentennial Convention Providence University College 204-326-6401, www.emconference.ca

The 18th Annual

EMC

PROJECT BUILDERS

Golf Classic

June 14, 2012 Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course To register, contact Ruth Penner: 204-255-8062 or rrpenner@shaw.ca by May 18, 2012.

Details available at www.emconference.ca (under events).

Shoulder Tapping Pastoral positions New Life Christian Fellowship seeks a senior pastor who has a heart for people and loves the Lord. We are an evangelical church located in Stevenson, Ontario.

The church is mostly young families with average attendance between 80 and 100 people. The majority of the people attending have a Low Germanspeaking background. We seek a pastor who has the heart of a shepherd and a desire to see our church grow. He should have strong preaching and teaching skills and ability to develop leaders. Pastoral experience is preferred. He must be in agreement with our constitution and statement of faith. Anyone who possesses these qualifications and is interested in this position can forward their resume to the following email address nlcf@ciaccess.com.

Do you enjoy fishing? How about quiet community living? If you are God-fearing with a deep personal faith, seeking a full-time pastoral position, Treesbank Community Church (EMC) could be the place for you. We are a small country church located in southwestern Manitoba, between the Souris and Assiniboine Rivers. If you are interested in this position, please contact Leonard Plett at 204-824-2475 or at lplett@mts.net.

Ridgewood EMC is looking for a full-time senior pastor to begin August 1, 2012. This multi-generational family oriented rural church is located northeast of Steinbach, Man., with over 200 in attendance on Sunday mornings.

As the spiritual overseer, the senior pastor is the shepherd and guardian of the congregation. This ministry is accomplished by studying and teaching, praying and preaching, and visiting and visioning on the basis of the Word.

Ridgewood EMC members strive to be a people that minister to the whole family, worshipping God together, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in love, responding to needs around, and cultivating a culture of Biblical discipleship, prayer and fellowship—all for the glory of God. Applications along with a cover letter should be sent to Stan Hamm, stan.hamm@prov.ca, or Stan Hamm, Box 140, Blumenort, MB R0A 0C0.

Rosenort EMC, in southern Manitoba, seeks a senior pastor who will prepare and preach sermons that inspire, challenge and convict, emphasizing spiritual development. He will equip members, teaching and modelling local evangelism and missions and oversee the Leader-In-Training program. His ministry team includes a full-time youth pastor, lay ministers, deacons, and 250 members.

He will be a servant leader, modelling faithfulness and love for the Lord, caring for those with needs while guiding, directing, correcting and unifying the church with sound Biblical teaching. He

views the Bible as the inspired and true Word of God, the authority for faith and action. Having a deep personal faith, strong convictions, and valuing family highly, he is a warm and loving person. He relates to us as a listener; not afraid to reveal personal pain and struggles; a compassionate and godly man.

See www.rosenortemc.com for full ad. Contact: Arlin Scharfenberg, ascharfenberg@xplornet.ca, 204-746-6154.

La Crete Christian Fellowship Church (EMC) seeks a full-time associate pastor.

La Crete, located in NW Alberta, offers rural lifestyle and a progressive outlook. With a range of family-oriented amenities, it’s a great place to raise a family.

LCCFC is a vibrant church of approximately 500 regular attendees who desire to spread the Word through a variety of ministries.

The associate pastor will provide direction to our care giving and outreach ministries as well as work closely with the pastoral team to strengthen the parishioners’ personal connection and commitment to Jesus Christ.

The applicant should be committed to a personal Christian faith, a disciple of Jesus Christ, a willing and teachable leader, and a person whose love for the Lord is reflected in their ability to work well with others.

If the Holy Spirit seems to be inviting you to pursue this further, please contact Isaac Dyck at 780926-9455, idyck@mmiab.ca, or www.lccfc.ca.

Other opportunities MCC Manitoba is seeking an executive director.

This full-time salaried position provides overall leadership to the work of MCC in Manitoba, and bears responsibility for upholding and implementing vision, purpose, and values of MCC as set by the MCC Manitoba Board of Directors. A detailed job description is available at http://mcc.org/serve .

Application deadline is April 30. Please send resume and cover letter to Ilda da Silva Storie at ildadasilvastorie@mennonitecc.ca. MCC is a relief, service, and peace agency of the North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches.

MCC Ontario invites applications for the position of human resources coordinator Kitchener, Ont. Qualifications include: excellent interpersonal and relational skills, proficiency in administration, ability to work collegially in a team environment, previous MCC service experience preferred, education and/ or experience in human resources work strongly preferred.

This position requires a person with a commitment to Christian faith, active church membership

and non-violent peacemaking. Please send cover letter and resume to Cath Woolner at cathw@mennonitecc.on.ca by March 13, 2012. Starting date: May 6, 2012. Complete job description available at mcc. org/serve/positions/employment.

Horsemanship instructor and summer barn staff needed for Christian camp operating summer programs for underprivileged kids. Also needed are summer staff members: counselors, kitchen staff, maintenance, nurse, secretary and program directors. The camp is located near Edmonton, Alta. Email bright.wood@hopemission.com or website: www. brightwoodranchcamps.com. Police checks are needed.

Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., is seeking a donor relations field representative, athletics director and ministry arts director. For information or to respond, please visit www.bethany.sk.ca or contact Human Resources, Bethany College, Box 160, Hepburn, SK S0K 1Z0; info@bethany.sk.ca; 866-7722175. Bethany College, an evangelical Anabaptist College, is a biblical learning community with an emphasis on active, informed discipleship. Our mission is to “nurture disciples, and train leaders to serve.”

We seek to create a community of learning in which instruction, modeling, and mutual accountability can result in transformed lives both intellectually and spiritually.

Positions are available at Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg, Man.: • Inner City Motorsport Assistant (10-15 hrs/ week with possibility of more May–August) • Teen’s Outreach Coordinator (one-year term with possibility of extension) For both of these opportunities, contact James at 204-582-8779 or james@icya.ca • Front Desk/Reception (four-month term May–August); contact Lauren at 204-5828779 or lauren@icya.ca.

For more detailed information on these positions, go to www.icya.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 (150 words or less), e-mail messenger@emconf.ca or call 204-3266401 and ask for Rebecca Roman or Terry Smith.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Columns • pictures of god

Remembering miracles

A

by Joanna Enns

s I near the end of my first year of law school, the pressure is building.

Professors, potential employers, and advisors constantly remind us explicitly or implicitly that the grades and connections we make right now will determine our career options for the rest of our lives.

The pressure is intense as every student prepares relentlessly for the same assignments and exams, searching for that extra angle to beat the curve. I find it increasingly difficult not to get caught up in the vortex of academic competition.

The further I immerse myself in this rush, the more buy into these “career prophecies.” I begin to believe that the only way to pay off my student loans is to get a good job.

The only way to get a good job is to get a good summer internship. The only way to get a good summer internship is to get good grades.

The only way to get good grades is to study night and day for exams.

This train of logic focuses solely my skills, abilities and hard work. It limits me to what has been done and what can be done. When I get caught up in this thinking, I forget why I am here and I forget about miracles.

DESIGNPICS.COM

Miracles remind me that I didn’t get here on my own, I don’t have to do it on my own, and I’m not limited to the default trajectory.

You see, when I look back at the experiences, choices, heart breaks, surprises and conversations that led me to law school in the first place, I remember that I’m not here on my own power.

I didn’t plan my life, education or career to be here, but God put the pieces together in the most unexpected ways and in the perfect timing.

One of these miracles happened last summer. One week before classes started last fall, I emailed the law school to let them know that I wouldn’t be able start this year because my husband couldn’t cross the border on time. After numerous visa delays, we had finally let go of that dream for this year.

Only hours later, however, I was on the phone with an immigration advisor I had been unable to contact all summer. He suggested one last option, which required both my husband and I to put everything on the line.

As we approached the border, we knew that only God knew where we would be that evening.

Although I had told the school not to cancel my registration just yet, it was a lightly held dream. After four grueling hours at the border, we finally crossed into Canada knowing that this was a gift.

The miracles remind me that I didn’t get here on my own, I don’t have to do it on my own, and I’m not limited to the default trajectory. God’s perfect provision and timing up to this point challenge me to trust that his plans envelop my school years and the years to follow, and that he will keep orchestrating the steps as I go.

When the pressures of law school overwhelm me, I need to keep miracles in front of me. Sometimes I need to borrow other peoples’ miracles to remind me that more can be done than what has been done and what I can do on my own.

34 The Messenger • April 2012

Columns • stewardship today

Cool tool, but is it a motivation to give?

According to the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, 94 per cent of Canadians who give do so out of compassion for those in need.

by Gary Sawatzky

DESIGNPICS.COM

T

ools. Gadgets.

Thing-a-majigs. Whatsits.

No matter what you call them, they are designed to help us do things more easily.

Recently I found an interesting tool from the Canada Revenue Agency called the Donation Credit Calculator.

Here is how it works.

Select your province of residence and tax year. Enter in a charitable donation amount and, voila, it calculates both your federal and provincial tax credit.

Pretty slick, huh?

To access the charitable donation tax credit estimator, visit www.mennofoundation. ca/encouraging-giving.

You might think that Canadians would be encouraged to donate more to charitable causes when they see the tax advantage, but that is not the case. According to the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, 94 per cent of Canadians who give do so out of compassion for those in need. Only 13 per cent make a charitable gift because of the government tax credit.

These statistics indicate most giving is done out of compassion for the needs of others.

Canadians are giving from the heart. How much more should this be true for Christians?

In simple terms, our faith leads us to give because God first gave to us. By giving we allow our hearts to be shaped by the heart of God. This may be why Jesus clearly linked our hearts and our treasure.

From the CRA point of view, it’s all about the credit calculation and tax relief. In reality, it’s about giving from our hearts to the causes that stir our compassion: our churches, conferences or denominations, mission agencies and many other social services.

In the Christian community, the initiating point resides with God. We give, because God first gave to us.

In 1 John we are encouraged to show our love not just in words, but by putting our goods in action for those who need our help (3:18). We are to do this, it says, because God first loved us (4:19).

God is generous and our generosity is a reflection of God’s character, God’s heart. God invites us to share and our sharing is a worshipful response.

What motivates you to give?

Gary Sawatzky is a stewardship consultant at the Calgary, Alta., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). MFC provides stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning for no cost. Contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Columns • kids’ corner

W

DREAMSTIME.COM

by Loreena Thiessen

hat is hot and cold, crisp and soft, and yellow, green and red? It’s both ordinary and popular. And it’s tasty. Can you guess?

Did you say hotdog?

That’s it, but why is it called a hotdog?

Long ago it was important to have a hot meal even if it was quick and easy. The grilled sausage was so hot it required a plate or gloves to handle it without getting burned.

Someone had an idea. A piece of bread or a bun would do and it could be eaten as well.

Small sausages, called Wüerstchen, were handed out in Europe to the common people on special days, like the day a new king was crowned. When immigrants came to the United States, they brought the idea of Wüerstchen on bread with them.

Toppings were added. Today we use mustard, relish and ketchup. At that time it was mustard, relish, chopped onions, red tomato slices, pickles and spicy peppers; a hotdog with a salad on top!

Hotdogs became popular because they were sold outdoors on the street. People came by in their busy day and could eat a quick meal.

At first the vendor, or hotdog seller, would call out, “Get your Dachshund sausages while they’re red hot!” But this took too long to say.

People wanted it fast. So it was shortened to “Hotdogs!”

What popular food goes with hotdogs?

French Fries, of course. But French Fries were not always like they are today.

First there were only potatoes. They were considered lowly food. Only poor peasants and prisoners ate them. But there was a famine.

36 The Messenger • April 2012

People did not have enough food and so they began to eat potatoes. Potatoes stopped the famine.

Potatoes are full of vitamin C, iron, potassium, and phosphorous, all nutrients our body needs. Potatoes saved people from starvation.

In Europe large chunky pieces of potatoes were eaten like French Fries. When French Fries were first made in the United States they were not successful.

They were greasy, flabby, sometimes not done, sometimes burnt. The French Fries you order today took a lot of research and many tries to get them perfect.

A potato computer was invented. The potato computer monitors the temperature of the oil and gives a signal when the fries are perfectly done.

Now when someone asks you “Would you like fries with that?” you say, “Absolutely, yes!”

Often when something is needed, someone has an idea and something new is created.

It happened at the Sea of Galilee. For three days the crowds followed Jesus. The people were blind, deaf and lame.

Jesus knew they were hungry too. Jesus saw what they needed. Because they were hurt he healed them; because they were hungry he fed them even though he had only a few loaves of bread and a few fish.

Read the story in Matthew 15:29–39.

Activity: Match the foods to their home country (ask an adult to help you if you get stuck).

Sushi Borscht Greek salad Pizza Coffee Tea French Fries Pumpkin pie Dates Oranges

Colombia France Iran Russia Canada United States Italy Japan India Greece

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Answers: Sushi – Japan, Borscht – Russia, Greek Salad – Greece, Pizza – Italy, Coffee – Colombia, Tea – India, French Fries – France, Pumpkin pie – Canada, Dates – Iran, Oranges – United States

Something ordinary and popular