The Messenger May 2018

The Messenger a publication of the

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Volume 56  No. 3 May 2018

Finding Mental Health in a Connected World INSIDE:

Does Social Media Use Affect Youth Mental Health? page 6 Supporting People Who Live With Mental Illnesses Amid a Challenge, God is Good!

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The Christian Faith: It Adds Up! Curiosity and Condemnation

page 12 page 14

page 17

page 10

Editorial

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roclaiming Jesus in word and deed: Opposing human trafficking. Assisting refugees. Counselling couples. Providing food. Aiding families living on a garbage dump. Building houses. Helping abused women. Praying. Digging wells. Supporting pregnant teens. Teaching children. Washing clothes. Flipping pancakes. Helping people with HIV/AIDS. Bible translation.

Growing food. Gathering in worship. Evangelism. Flying patients and workers. Promoting mental health. Training leaders. Camping with children. Seeking justice. Planting churches. Educating members. Assisting the elderly. Striving for peace. Encouraging youth. In many countries. On six continents.

What do EMCers do? This is part of it!

The EMC has 98 cross-cultural workers in 24 countries serving 115 people groups, according to info provided to Diana Peters. That’s a wide ministry and a fairly high ratio of workers to members. This workforce, serving on our behalf, takes most of our $1.9 million national and international budget. It’s worth it.

In fact, EMCers value cross-cultural work so much that some of us likely give to the same workers in three ways: through the international and national budget, within a local church budget, and by directly giving to workers. And beyond the EMC Board of Missions, churches and individuals support many other workers.

We have, of course, four other boards. These seek to guide the EMC, be responsible stewards, develop and assist our leaders, educate in the faith, and preserve the testimony of past generations. All churches benefit.

EMCers do much. We have many workers—thousands.

Missionaries and pastors form only a fraction of them. For instance, what keeps you busy?

We are busy because of Jesus. We exist because the One who is our peace makes us one (Eph. 2:14). Our unity is in Christ: “just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all in and all” (Eph. 4:4-6). This is basic and wonderful.

From this unity in Christ we work together and respond to many needs. Jesus came among us, healed, taught, was killed, buried, raised, and will return. Why? For our healing, reconciliation, wholeness, and safety both individually and together. And not ours only (1 Tim. 2:1-7, 4:9-10; 2 Pet. 3:9).

Yes, we face challenges. The EMC has grown little in

2 The Messenger • May 2018

membership in 17 years and our budget faces stress. When our membership does not increase and our budget is reduced, our ministries are affected and some people are not helped. In Canada, some of our churches are hurting and more churches are needed.

What does the Great Commission include? We’re to go, make disciples, baptize (Matt. 28:18-20)—and what else? Teach believers to “obey everything” Jesus has commanded. Our Lord’s words and example reveal that our calling as Christians is many-sided (Luke 4:17-19, Matt.

23:13-25).

The good news is many-sided. We are called to faith in Christ shown in discipleship, community, evangelism, charity, justice, peace, stewardship, creation care, and much more. Body and soul, individual and community, “spiritual” and social—we are not, ultimately, called to choose between them for ourselves or others (Micah 6:8; Luke 4:16-21; John 1:14; James 2:5-7, 14-17; James 5:1-6).

As Christians we have a many-sided calling as local as next door and as wide as the world. We serve one Lord, respond to many needs, and Every Ministry Counts (EMC).

– Terry M. Smith

Table of Contents Features 6

Columns

Does Social Media Use Affect 5 Youth Mental Health?

– Peter Ascough

An Education App

11 Tips on Developing a Pastor's Library – Terry M. Smith

10 Supporting People Who Live 34 Here and Far Away With Mental Illnesses Time is Money – Irma Janzen

26

– Jocelyn R. Plett

12 Amid a Challenge, God is Good!

– Adam Harris

35 Stewardship Today

14 The Christian Faith: It Adds Up!

36 Kids’ Corner

– Dr. Hendrik van der Breggen

page

Buried Treasure – Harold Penner

The Happiest Month – Loreena Thiessen

17 Curiosity and Condemnation – Kevin Wiebe

Departments 2 Editorial 3 Pontius’ Puddle 4 Letters and Notices

page

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20 With Our Missionaries 24 With Our Churches 28 News 30 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping

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www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 3

The Messenger

Letters and Notices

Volume 56 No. 3 May 2018

Discussion and Hearing from God

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH tsmith@emconference.ca

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER awalker@emconference.ca

Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. 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.

It is published 12 times per year, six in print (also online at www.issuu.com/emcmessenger) and six in a website format at www.emcmessenger.ca. To get the most out of The Messenger, viewing both versions is encouraged.

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 (under review) 1 year print subscription $20 ($26 U.S.) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Single print copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

The Messenger is available for free to all online at: www.emcmessenger.ca If you wish to sign up for our email newsletter. Pleaase contact Andrew at: awalker@emconference.ca. Digital copies are free.

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@emconference.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 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@emconference.ca.

4 The Messenger • May 2018

When the decision to cancel SBC’s Leadership Conference was made, with input from three conferences, some EMCers were pleased and other EMCers were disappointed.

The EMC Board of Church Ministries, which publishes The Messenger, has discussed the decision to cancel the event and Dr. Phillip Cary’s position. It respects that the decision, by the SBC Leadership Conference’s planning committee with input from key EMC leaders, was difficult and not made lightly. It accepts that what was decided was, from the committee’s standpoint, done for the well-being of our part of the Christian Church.

At the same time, the BCM sees it as helpful to carry forward the discussion on hearing from God and prayer within the next issue of Theodidaktos, Journal for EMC theology and education. Some contributors have responded to Dr. Cary’s position, and Cary has reviewed these.

Beyond these, other thoughts will be

presented on hearing from God and prayer. You’re welcome to review this next issue of Theodidaktos. As usual, the journal will be free and available online and in print.

As well, MacGregor EMC and Blumenort EMC will have, by the time this is read, co-hosted an afternoon’s discussion in MacGregor, Man., on May 26 on what it means to hear from God. Three positions were to be presented.

Printed in each issue of The Messenger are these words: “Views and opinions of the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors” (found on page 4). The BCM wanted them highlighted. To further assist our discussion together, the BCM also welcomes the publishing of Pastor Kevin Wiebe’s lead article in this issue: Curiosity and Condemnation.

– Terry M. Smith Director of Communications and Education

Can you read old German script?

The Evangelical Mennonite Conference seeks volunteers to translate letters, sermons, diaries, and documents from earlier KG/EMC history into modern German and then English. If you are willing, contact Terry Smith at the EMC national office (204-326-6401; tsmith@emconference.ca).

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. It can refuse publication.

Letters by regular mail and by fax must contain a handwritten signature with at least the writer’s first and last names and an address.

For letters by e-mail, the writer’s name and e-mail address are deemed to be an electronic signature. The writer’s regular postal address is to be included in e-mail correspondence.

The writer’s name and general address are to be published. In sensitive matters, names may be withheld. Letters to the editor are to be 250 words or less.

Column • An Education App

11 Tips on Developing a Pastor’s Library

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by Terry M. Smith, Director of Communications and Education

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ear New Pastor, Your main library is your Bible. It’s inspired, foundational, unique as the Word of God. You know this.

Having a secondary library is important to me as a pastor. Books are an investment in ministry. A library is my toolbox.

In 1979 a professor commented on the personal library I’d had brought to college; he’d heard about it from another student.

Looking back over decades, though, I have learned, both from others and the hard way, about amassing a pastor’s library. Permit some imperfect thoughts that might save you money and grief. Decide how useful they are. Their merit will be tested over time. Experienced pastors, who also will read this, have their own wisdom developed over time.

• Alvin Lewis, my first homiletics professor (Central Pentecostal College), suggested we obtain four commentaries on each Bible book.

It’s a useful thought; our library does need to include material on each Bible book. Yet how many of us will preach a series from Ezekiel or Zephaniah? Be realistic and selective.

• Dr. Ed Neufeld (Providence Theological Seminary) suggests that we borrow, not buy, books that we will read only once.

• The more useful commentaries for a busy pastor are neither overly technical nor unhelpfully brief. Check before you buy, whether an individual volume or a set.

• Technical works (detailed) and books that summarize technical works (time-saving) are both useful at different times. The trick is to have the right book at the right time. Good luck.

• Even your favourite authors can mess up sometimes. Examine a title before plunking down your money.

• Before buying a book, ask a third question: Not just, “Is this a good book?” Nor, “Is it useful?” But, “Will I use it?” Some good, useful books might be opened rarely. Others sit as dead weights.

• A book isn’t always a bargain even if reduced

in price. Books from thrift stores come under point six. Their cost does add up.

• Before spending major money, be aware that a book has little resale value. In 2011, while being tested for cancer, I checked with the owner of a used bookstore who said it would be an unusual book for which he would pay more than one dollar. He basically indicated he was just taking the books off of my hands. He didn’t get any books and I stopped shopping at his store. (By the way, I didn't have cancer.)

• A few good books that are used are worth more than many mediocre and poor books, and even more than unused good books.

Sadly, we can go through many books before realizing which are good and which good ones will be used. The spiritual aid from good books used is priceless, but I wish I could get my money back from mediocre, poor, and little-used good books.

• Your spouse, if you have one or gain one, will need a gift and a night out before you need another book (2 Tim. 5:8; James 1:27). Check with Mary Ann, Jon, and Derek on how I’ve done. Mary Ann could tell of when, as newlyweds, we disagreed about a book. Through many years and many books later, she has been supportive. The Lord uses her to keep me grounded.

Borrow a band wagon book.

Then decide if you need your own copy. Be cautous about a theological and literary band wagon.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 5

Mental Health Initiative 2018

Does Social Media Use Affect Youth Mental Health?

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by Peter Ascough

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few years ago, the Centre for Parent and Youth Understanding (CYPU.org) put out an article entitled “Facebook Depression.”

The article was discussing the impact Facebook has had as a cause of depression among teens.

We need to acknowledge that while Facebook was the first of its kind, allowing people to share, like and comment almost instantly to other people’s “posts,” it has been replaced among teens with newer social networking sites (SNS) like Instagram, Snapchat and, Twitter, while Facebook is more popular among their parents.

During this same time, I was studying Human Development at seminary and I thought I would take this investigation to a deeper level.

A Time of Change

Between the ages of 12 to18, adolescents go through many changes in development. This change in their bodies and brains can cause uncertainty and anxiety in their well-being. During this time of self-discovery, they reach out to family and friends for stability and security, for a safe place during potential emotional turmoil.

Are Social Networking Sites the place where they can find this? Does it play a part in supporting adolescents through this time or does it have the opposite effect of creating more anxiety and confusion?

During my 25 years of working with young people, I have seen many who have travelled this road of development relatively smoothly while some have found it to be a struggle. More recently, this journey is not only played out in face-to-face interaction and through personal

observation, but also in the public forum of social media. Status updates, comments, “likes” and photos have been used as expressions of adolescents to try to navigate the changes they are experiencing and to solicit support along the way.

I have witnessed adolescents’ statuses that are hungry for a response to tell them that they are okay, that they are normal, liked, popular and special.

Some may receive many affirming comments and “likes” acknowledging and affirming their cry for acceptance, while others receive little to no attention, or, worse yet, negative feedback.

Many adolescents are presenting information about themselves in the hopes that they will be liked, accepted, and that the responses will affirm how they see themselves, or want to see themselves.

Relational History

If the individual’s history of relationships has been negative, there may already be some negative predisposition about their worth, which could be amplified through the vulnerability presented by posting on SNS.

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Many adolescents are presenting information about themselves in the hopes that they will be liked, accepted, and that the responses will affirm how they see themselves, or want to see themselves.

Positive feedback can lead to building selfesteem and a sense of acceptance. On the other hand, negative feedback can result in lower self-esteem and perhaps trigger episodes of depression.

The constant desire for approval and the need to get “likes” or affirmations could also become addictive, resulting in more time spent chasing after these things, focusing more on only the highs and positives of life or the temptation to try risky activities either online or offline in order to report on them later.

This addiction can also result in an overall reduction of health as the youth engages in less physical activity and face-to-face interaction.

hopes of having the “right people” respond is that this expression has also been made available to everyone who is a “friend” on SNS. When in a face-to-face situation the adolescent may have better control as to when and where others hear or see their attempts for acceptance. By posting it online, it is now available to all others whenever and wherever they may be. This may result in unwanted and negative responses, which are then also seen by others.

There is the potential for this to have a negative effect on the adolescent’s self-image and well-being. The extreme of this is what has been termed as “Cyberbullying,” where one deliberately uses digital media to communicate false, embarrassing, or hostile information about another person.

We have heard of the negative outcomes from those who have been victims of cyberbullying. Some have left schools, moved to new communities, and even gone as far as to die by suicide.

The fear of what another may say to or about you in a public forum can have devastating effects on a young adolescent. Unfortunately, the online society has yet to find a reasonable solution to cyberbullying; it certainly needs more time and attention.

The fear of what another may say to or about you in a public forum can have devastating effects on a young adolescent.

When It’s Out There, It’s Out There

PETER ASCOUGH

The daily interactions that adolescents have at home, school, work or socially also have an impact on this struggle of finding their identity. What sets apart the act of expressing oneself on SNS in

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Is the Grass Greener?

Envy can also play a factor in reducing selfesteem and an increase in anxiety. There is a tendency when posting on SNS for most users to share only positive things about themselves. The constant exposure to other people’s social activities can lead to the comparison of the user’s social life to that of their peers which over the long haul can damage one’s sense of self-worth and lead to withdrawal or depressive tendencies.

Real Relationships

Research has shown that adolescents who are securely attached to adults show a greater resilience towards anxiety and depression as a result of participating in SNS. Whereas, those do not have secure relationships with those outside of SNS or who are already predisposed to anxiety or depression can find these symptoms heightened by participating in SNS. Relationships outside the digital world are more significant than the ones in the digital world, even if it does not appear so. Being intentional in connecting outside of SNS will give opportunity for families, friends, and youth leaders to use SNS to enhance an already positive relationship.

Youth who are in positive, secure relationships with trusted adults are able to explore their identity and the world around them because they have formed a secure sense of acceptance with those who are important to them. As youth explore they have a safe person to return to and process what they have discovered about themselves and their world.

Finding Identity in Christ

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

We have the opportunity and obligation to help our youth discover who they are in Christ. To help them to know and understand God’s unconditional love and acceptance, that in Christ they are a new creation. That their value is not based in the opinions of others but in God who created them, loves them and gave Himself for them.

This is just the starting point of the conversation. There is much more that can be said, both positively and negatively about SNS and its impact on our youth as well as strategies to help them navigate this time of development in a digital world.

SNS are a part of our young people’s reality and we need to acknowledge that there is the potential for them to be used to build up and encourage youth. My desire is that by beginning the conversation here it will continue to spark discussion. “

Peter Ascough is the senior pastor at Kleefeld EMC and a member of the MHI committee. He holds a BA in religious studies (Waterloo), a Graduate Certificate in Christian Spirituality (PTS), and is working on an MA in counselling (PTS). He is married to Irene.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 9

Mental Health Initiative 2018

Supporting People Who Live With Mental Illnesses

by Irma Janzen

A Willingness to Learn is Essential

First, be willing to learn about mental illnesses.

Local mental health services, medical clinics and self-help groups have lots of resources. Articles, podcasts and many other resources are available on the internet. Here are some good places to start: www.mbwpg.cmha.ca/document-category/ understanding-mental-illness, www.ourdailybread.org/conversations/ grace-for-troubled-minds-christian-perspectiveson-mental-health www.edenhealthcare.ca/spiritual-care/resource Second, learn to listen and be willing to learn from the person with the illness. Listen attentively and non-judgmentally. I do not know how the other person is feeling and I may not understand. I need to be the learner. I also need to listen to what may be under the words. I need to listen to the tone and observe. I need to be okay to sit silently, to see the tears or to hear a tirade of anger. I need to be ready to listen for a while.

It may not be enough to give only half an hour while watching the clock.

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eople who live with a mental illness have been my teachers! I have learned a lot about life from what they model and what they say. Almost everything I have learned about how best to support them I have learned from them, and that is what I pass along to you.

However, before we begin with those kinds of tips, let’s think a little bit about love and how that includes treating all people with dignity, respect and sensitivity. As Christians this is our starting place and let’s let 1 Corinthians 13 be our guide.

I know that it is not always easy to treat people with dignity and respect, and this may be even more difficult when a person’s thinking is distorted, delusional, or hallucinated because of an illness. The person may simply not be able to think rationally or logically, and if we have not experienced this ourselves it is hard to understand what that person is going through.

Be Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak

Be slow to speak. I must not think I have the answers or that a quick, short, simplistic solution will be helpful. If and when I ask questions they need to reflect back to the person what he or she has said. Or I could ask open-ended questions to encourage them to say more. Comments like, “Tell me a little more about what you just said,” or “You said you were really feeling down” are examples of questions that can encourage further talking.

There may come a time when I encourage someone to find more resources or to try something but that needs to wait until I have really heard and listened. Be careful of the attitude of “You can fix this if you just do this or that.”

There are times when it may be appropriate to divert the direction of the conversation.

Continuing to listen to stories and incidents that repeat consistently may not be helpful. Some people can get very emotionally engrossed in talking about what they experience as reality through delusions or hallucinations. Changing the topic to another emotional topic may break the pattern and turn it in another direction.

Tips on Being a Good Friend

One thing I still sometimes forget is that when we meet casually I need to say, “It’s good to see you” rather then saying, “How are you?”

Many people who live with serious mental illnesses have already been disappointed with people who seem to be really good friends for a

while and then disappear. They don’t need more of that. However, you may need to pace yourself carefully so as not to over expend and then drop someone when you are exhausted. Agreeing on a next time to meet and putting it into our calendars is often good. In that way we don’t forget, but it’s also a way of setting healthy boundaries.

It is often helpful to gather a small circle of people who will all be part of the person’s life. No one person can meet all my needs, so I should not try to be the person who can meet all the needs of someone else.

Being remembered is important. A quick text to say, “I love you,” or a note saying, “I was thinking of you today,” or (if appropriate), “I am praying for you,” are quick ways of letting the person know that he or she is not forgotten.

Some people would enjoy a party for their birthday or being invited to a Christmas party.

Some might prefer a one-on-one visit. It’s easy enough to ask what they prefer.

There are times to take a meal, do the laundry, offer childcare or go to an appointment.

It is also good to invite people to contribute with their gifts. I remember a woman who handdrew beautiful bulletin covers. I know that was in the pre-computer days, but maybe some people would enjoy hand-drawn bulletin covers in 2018 too. That’s just one idea to start you thinking creatively.

Spiritual Support

This is very important for Christians. When God seems far away, as sometimes happens when a person has a serious mental illness, some people want us to be praying with them. Others don’t.

Some want a comforting Bible verse; some don’t.

Let’s never assume that because a person does not want prayer at a certain time that they are not in a solid relationship with God. Maybe their faith is even stronger and more meaningful then mine. Maybe they are tired of platitudes when their prayers are cries and laments. It is appropriate to ask, “Would you appreciate a prayer or a Psalm or just prefer to sit in silence or to chat?”

The same caution applies to touch. Do we hug or shake hands? Ask. See what the person wants and go with that. People who have been hurt by touch may pull back if you seek to touch. Others are hungry for physical touch because they rarely experience it.

Time and Sensitivity

If we seek to be supportive and the person does not seem warm to our friendship or does not reply to a message, let’s not take that too personally. If we have made a mistake or done something unkind we need to apologize, but it may not have been a good day or there was a reason they couldn’t reply. Try again later.

As with any relationships supporting and learning from people who live with a mental illness takes love, time and sensitivity. I already referred to 1 Cor. 13. A metaphor that may be helpful is the one about the body in 1 Cor. 12 where we have the idea of the faith community being one body and all of us significant members of that body. If some part of our body suffers we all suffer. If the whole body functions well and together we have a strong and healthy body.

While this article speaks specifically about supporting people with mental illness, we all need support, sometimes more, sometimes less.

Let’s accept the gifts that people with mental illness bring to our community so that indeed we are one body and that people around us recognize us by our love for each other.

Irma Janzen, MEd, MA, has served in education, as the coordinator of MCC Canada’s Mental Health and Disabilities Program, and as a pastor. She is part of Fort Garry EMC.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 11

ADAM HARRIS

Friendships matter at Camp Cedarwood where Adam Harris (right) has served for two summers.

Amid a Challenge, God is Good!

by Adam Harris

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y name is Adam, and I just wanted to share my story. I felt like I should share this to encourage everyone that God is with you through your struggles and He will provide the strength you need to overcome any trial.

Life Is Hard

I was born three months before my due date. As a result of that, I had a brain hemorrhage and a collapsed lung, which almost killed me at birth.

Because of the brain hemorrhage, I have had the side effects of mild ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome, mild anxiety disorder, mild cerebral palsy, and loss of vision in my right eye.

All of these disabilities are mild, but combined they create a unique challenge for me.

The ADHD affected my attention span and I was diagnosed with a learning disability in elementary school, which means I was slower to understand concepts and often required further instruction or repeated instructions.

I am unsure of how Tourette’s Syndrome affects me because for a long time it was assumed that Tourette’s contributed to my stuttering; the cause of my stuttering has since been linked to Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy affects the muscles in my jaw, which also affects my speech. It also affects the muscles in my legs and

12 The Messenger • May 2018

arms; lifting heavy objects and standing for long periods of time are more challenging for me.

The doctor says that the Cerebral Palsy in my jaw muscles are the root cause of my stuttering, but I’ve noticed that my stuttering has become more of a problem when I’m anxious or nervous.

Personally, I think anxiety plays a big part in my stuttering as well.

In Grade 11, I barely stuttered, but it came back at the end of Grade 12 and has continued to this present day.

I have struggled with these disabilities since I was born; and since my graduation from high school I have noticed some unique challenges with those disabilities as I move closer to my goal in life.

Some of the Best Years

The past five years since my grad have been some of the best years of my life. I have served two summers at Camp Cedarwood, graduated with a Certificate of Biblical Studies from Steinbach Bible College (SBC), and attended Briercrest. I have built tons of friendships, the closest I’ve ever had, and I am closer to God than ever before.

But they have also been the most challenging years of my life. I suffered through a retinal tear in 2015 and could have gone blind. This was

healed in August 2015. Praise God! On top of this, I have had to live with a cataract since September 2015. The cataract is mild and currently stable, but it will get worse eventually.

I have poor depth perception as well because of only having one functioning eye, and cannot see as well as I should in the dark.

My struggle with stuttering has been worse than it’s ever been. I struggle with self-esteem because of my stuttering, and I suffer with anxiety for my future. If I compare myself to others, I feel inadequate. I feel like I should stop trying to achieve my goals because others would be better at achieving them than I would. But I know that God is good and I can find my worth and ability through what God thinks of me rather than what people think of me, or even what I think of me.

God Is Good

Adam Harris received his CBS from Dr. Rob Reimer in 2017.

power is made perfect in weakness. And he will most certainly strengthen us and uphold us (Isaiah 41:10). As I look back on my life and the struggles I have gone through, I know that there is one constant that has never changed: God. He has been there with me every step of the way (Isaiah 43:2), and that if He is for us, then who could be against us? (Rom. 8:32). It says in Galatians that we will “reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Gal. 6:9), and that is what I intend to do. Never give up. The future is definitely bright when God is on your side.

SBC

Through all this I have never given up because I know that through my weaknesses God will make a way, and that his power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). God has the miraculous power to work through pain and suffering to bring about His glory.

The promises of God will take us through anything that this world can throw at us. God’s

Adam Harris was among SBC's 2017 certificate graduates.

Adam Harris is from Winnipeg, Man., and attends Braeside EMC. His goal is to serve fulltime in youth ministry.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 13

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Part 2 of 2

The Christian Faith: It Adds Up!

by Dr. Hendrik van der Breggen

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ontrary to atheist bus ads stating THERE’S PROBABLY NO GOD, we can set out a strong cumulative case for the Christian God based on science, history, and philosophy. Often these are intermingled.

Earlier we made some preliminary clarifications: we know through intuition and reason.

The evidence for our faith is strengthened by a collection of arguments. And we set out three arguments (the universe has an origin, is dependent, and reveals intelligent design).

Let’s continue.

Success of Science

According to Einstein, “The only incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible.”

Intelligent design arguments can be strengthened by the success of science itself. The universe operates according to mathematical/rational principles. Our minds can understand many of these deep principles, a feat immensely beyond what's needed for mere survival. These facts make good sense on the view that a rational Mind (Logos) created both the universe and us.

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According to Einstein, “The only incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible.” Scientist-theologian John Polkinghorne adds: “Our ability to understand the physical world [e.g., the quantum realm] immensely exceeds anything that is required for the relatively banal purpose of survival.”

An objection might be that this can be explained by atheistic, unguided evolution. But this neglects the fact that unguided evolution merely secures mental capacities geared to foraging, fighting, fleeing, and reproduction, not discerning deep theoretical truths.

Objective Moral Values

Moral experience points to God. We know— intuit—real (objective) moral value. We know human beings have intrinsic value. Witness all the human rights declarations. We know sticking pins in babies' eyes for fun is wrong. We know Joseph Fritzl was wrong. Fritzl locked his daughter in a basement bunker for 20 years,

raped her repeatedly, bore children with her, and kept them in the bunker. This knowledge is well explained by the doctrine that people are made in God’s image, and evil well explained by the doctrine that people are prone to sin. This counts as evidence for God. An objection is that this is mere subjective preference. In reply, we should ask firmly: Really? If so, then that you like chocolate and I like vanilla is equivalent to you like helping people and I like torturing them. Surely, this is false—and we know it.

Free Will and Consciousness

Our free will to make moral or immoral choices makes sense on the view that God gave us mental capacity to choose or reject the good. We are made in God's image in the sense of being free and personal beings.

Objection: Freedom is an illusion. Reply: This just seems obviously false. Think about this the next time you decide to have dessert. We aren't robots—we know this.

Also, consciousness is mysterious and difficult, if not impossible, to explain on a wholly physical account. But it makes sense if we're creatures made in the likeness of a Conscious Being.

Evil

The existence of evil is often an objection to the Christian God. The idea is that evil logically precludes or renders improbable the existence of an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-good God. But this objection falters.

First, it's logically possible for God to create creatures with freedom to love God (the Good) or not. Second, while evil (suffering) is apparently pointless to us, we are not in a position to know God doesn't have good reasons for it.

Moreover, evil actually confirms the existence of the biblical God. According to the Bible, there has been a Fall—humans have rejected God. Thus on the Christian God view, evil is

expected or predicted and this prediction is confirmed in reality. Hence, evil counts in favour of the Christian God view.

Moreover, to judge that evil is real, as the critic does, makes good sense only if God—The Good—exists. Evil is parasitic on the notion of goodness. Evil is a corruption or absence of goodness. Evil is a violation of a design plan of what ought to be.

Miracle: Jesus' Resurrection

Crucial evidence for the Christian God is Jesus' bodily resurrection, which confirms His claims to be God. First, consider an important objection from philosopher David Hume.

Hume argues that miracle reports are never reasonable to believe. Why? Because miracles are highly improbable. Miracles allegedly violate a law of nature that dead men stay dead; the vast evidence of dead men staying dead counts against miracle reports to the contrary. Significantly, however, Hume begs the question: he assumes as established that which is at issue. The issue is this: Does a God who sometimes does miracles exist? Hume assumes the answer is no.

But this is what only evidence can reveal. Miracles can't be ruled out in advance.

Here is a “minimal facts” approach in which we look at some generally accepted historical evidence regarding Jesus' resurrection. This

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 15

ended with an essay by respected New Testament scholar N.T. Wright who argues for Jesus' resurrection. Even Flew, a hard-headed former atheist, is impressed with the evidence for Jesus' resurrection!

Subjective Experience

comes in various forms from scholars Gary Habermas, Michael Licona, William Lane Craig, N. T. Wright, and popularized by Lee Strobel.

The facts are: 1. Jesus died by crucifixion.

2. Shortly after Jesus’ death, the disciples had experiences that led them to believe and proclaim that Jesus had been resurrected.

3. People were transformed into bold witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection in the face of social ostracism, extreme physical hardship, and death.

4. James and Paul said Jesus appeared to them.

5. Jesus’ tomb was found to be empty.

Because of what we know about dead bodies, a resurrection, if it happened, would be best explained as supernaturally caused. This means that Jesus’ resurrection shouldn’t be ruled out prior to historical investigation. The result: Jesus’ miraculous—God-caused—resurrection is strongly suggested by the historical facts. It makes good sense.

Also, non-resurrection explanations have problems. That Jesus appeared to die and later was resuscitated (the swoon theory) is ruled out by the evidence for his death. Hallucinations would be required at various places and with different groups and individuals; these facts throw wrenches into the hallucination theory. Objections tend to beg the question, not look at the historical evidence.

Significantly, former atheist Antony Flew wrote a book, There is a God: How the world's most notorious atheist changed his mind. It

16 The Messenger • May 2018

We can know that the Christian God exists apart from evidence. How? By direct revelation—personal, subjective knowing—through the witness of the Holy Spirit.

Objection: How do you know this burning in your heart isn't just heartburn? In reply, it might be heartburn. But that it's sometimes heartburn doesn't mean it's always heartburn. Sometimes deluded doesn't mean always deluded. Also, a life of prayer and answers to prayer suggest too many coincidences.

God Exists—and Jesus is Lord

In sum, we have a strong cumulative case for believing the Christian God exists. The positive reasons are strong and the objections weak.

At this point, one might object: So what? In reply, we can say this: The case allows us to take seriously as true Jesus’ claims about Himself as God and His good news that He loves us and has taken the punishment for our sins on the cross.

In other words, we have good reasons to put our faith in Jesus and follow Him. He is God—and He exists!

Hendrik van der Breggen, PhD, is associate professor of philosophy at Providence University College, Otterburne, Manitoba.

Recommended readings

Paul Copan, Loving Wisdom William Lane Craig, On Guard William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith, 3rd ed.

Antony Flew, There is a God Nabeel Qureshi, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus J. Warner Wallace, Cold-Case Christianity

ISTOCK

Curiosity and Condemnation

by Kevin Wiebe

W

hat happens when you disagree with someone? How do you respond when you encounter an idea that is so very different that you feel it is inherently incompatible with some of your core beliefs?

These sorts of encounters often lead to dramatic conflict between people and groups—both within churches and between churches. In an effort to understand some of this better and to help me to become a better pastor, our church has been sending me to classes about conflict and congregational leadership. One key lesson is the difference between judgment and curiosity.

Defining Terms

Before we go any further, it would probably be useful to define the terms I am using, as both of them have a wide range of usages. Curiosity is not just an automatic disposition or something that killed the cat. Rather, curiosity is the choice we have to seek more information and truly understand the people we are in conflict with. It is choosing to listen and ask questions instead of

just waiting to insert our own comments.

When I speak of judgment, I am referring to the tendency for us to become condemning of others, making enemies out of them instead of seeking to know them better.

It should be stated that the context in which I am talking about judgment is not in the sense of critical thinking. After all, Jesus said, “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?” (Luke 12:57, emphasis mine). Rather, when talking about avoiding a judgmental attitude it is more accurately about our inclinations to become condemning of others before we even begin to understand who they are or what they believe.

Critical thinking, on the other hand, listens to others and then analyzes it in light of truth.

It is proper and good for us to think critically about ideas or theology we don’t understand.

Faithful believers should filter ideas through the truths of the Bible, like the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:11. This, however, is very different than embodying a hostile and condemning disposition.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 17

A Lesson From Psychology and Neuroscience

An interesting lesson in my classes is that according to studies in psychology and neuroscience, there are certain things the human brain finds extremely difficult to do at the same time.

Research seems to indicate that one cannot be both judgmental and curious simultaneously.

Furthermore, we have a tremendous capacity to consciously choose which one of those dispositions we embody, even in the middle of conflict.

What this means is that if we embrace an attitude that is judgmental and condemning, we will not do as good of a job listening to them as we ought to and be quicker to make faulty assumptions.

We rush to conclusions without giving others a chance to explain. When we are curious, however, we begin to ask questions that help us to better understand matters, and treat others with more dignity in the process.

disposition, making assumptions about the motives of others or slandering their character—but what if we dared to be curious? What if we were bold enough to suspend our desire to be the judge, jury, and executioner and instead became a detective, wondering about what the truth really is.

The point I am making here, is you cannot know circumstances unless you are curious; and without that knowledge, faulty assumptions abound. Often those explanations curtail our tendency to rage.

Making the choice to be curious instead of condemning can go a long way not only in improving our relationships with others, but also in reducing the stress or negativity we feel about the world around us.

All of us have faced situations like this. Perhaps a young adult cuts us off in traffic and we slam on our brakes, bemoaning millennials and how entitled they all are.

We Have All Been There

All of us have faced situations like this. Perhaps a young adult cuts us off in traffic and we slam on our brakes, bemoaning millennials and how entitled they all are. We may go on a rant about how doomed the next generation is with that kind of attitude.

We could jump to that kind of condemning

18 The Messenger • May 2018

My Dear Mother

My mother is an excellent example of someone who lives with this kind of curiosity. In all the conflicts with other children that I had while growing up I honestly cannot remember a single time that she would let me get away with holding a condemning attitude of someone.

If I would jump to the conclusion that one of my classmates must be the spawn of Satan, or some equally ridiculous accusation, my mother would jump in with a series of questions to spark the very curiosity we are talking about: Is it possible that they look up to you and are jealous of your accomplishments, so out of the pain of their own failures might be lashing out?

That child has come out of a tough home, don’t you think they might simply be hurting?

When you lash out, it is often because you are hurting; how much pain do you think they are feeling in order to act in the way that they did?

If you misbehaved, wouldn’t you want to be shown grace?

Is it possible that they are not aware of the dangers of their position? Is it possible that there are dangers in my position?

Are they really throwing out the Bible to get to this conclusion, or is it possible that my understanding of the Bible is not yet complete?

Not Endless Relativity

These kinds of questions often led to the calming of a conflict instead of further discord.

Though I found this annoying at the time, now I see how my mother wisely set an amazing example for me by demonstrating the power of being curious instead of condemning

Theological Disagreements

As Christians we often run into theological differences with others believers. It can happen between family members, between people within the same church, between churches in the same denomination or between different denominations or schools of thought.

Perhaps we get into a situation where we meet someone who espouses a theological position that we have watched hurt people in the past. For many of us we immediately begin to be suspicious of them. We view them as misguided or somehow lesser than we are.

We might even jump to the conclusion that because they hold a theological position we think is terrible, that they must be a terrible person. This is once again embodying a disposition of condemnation instead of choosing to be curious and asking some thoughtful questions: If I have been hurt by their theological position, I wonder if they have been hurt by someone with my theological position?

I do not believe that calling for more curiosity and less condemnation should result in endless relativity. There are some beliefs that we as Christians need to stand firm on, such as the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection. Although even then our attitude matters—only by being curious can we find out why others would have erred in that way if we hope to lead them to the truth.

Many conflicts are greatly blown out of proportion because people neglect to be curious in favour of being condemning. Being curious does not mean embracing the beliefs of people we disagree with, but rather taking the time to understand how they get to that place.

Perhaps if we were more curious we could stop thinking of other Christians with whom we disagree as our enemies, but we could instead recapture a vision of them as our brothers and sisters who are also loved by Jesus.

Kevin Wiebe is the senior pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship (Tilbury/ Stevenson, Ont.), a member of the EMC Board of Church Ministries, and the assistant editor of Theodidaktos, Journal of EMC theology and education.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 19

With Our Missionaries

Paraguay, a Prayer Trip Beyond Description PARAGUAY

PHIL HAMM

Leaving cold Canada behind, the prayer team of nine led by Ward and Janine Parkinson flew to Paraguay on March 6 and 7. Chris and Revita Kroeker were our hosts. Gilbert and Margaret Penner, Ward and Janine, Jake Peters, Phil and Lydia Hamm, and Abe and Mary Hiebert made up the prayer team.

After the long flight finished off a day and a half of travelling, and a time of rest, on March 8 we stepped into the 75% humidity and 35+C temperatures in Asunción. Our first stop was Alto Refugio, an HIV/AIDS support centre across from the hospital which treats HIV/AIDS patients.

The centre was started by Dave and Judy Schmidt and is now run by Bertram and Elsa Hein and its board of directors. The centre provides counselling, a children’s daycare, daily noon meals, and monthly distribution of donated food. After a wonderful lunch and prayer we travelled three hours east to the Caaguazu Book Store, one of the ministries of Good News Ministries (Ministerio Buenas Nuevas, MBN). We prayed over Richard and his wife Zuny who direct the ministry and also Cristina, the receptionist and clerk.

By nightfall we finally reached Minga Guazú, two hours farther east, where EMC is planting a church with Chris and Revita Kroeker, Joanne Martens (retiring in the fall), and Travis and Rosie Zacharias. After five years here, the missionaries are known to people. People are open to the gospel, but it has taken time to connect with them and win their trust. As a team we came to pray for and with these missionaries.

On Sunday morning the team went on a prayer walk where the missionaries live and prayed that God would tear down the walls in this community like He tore down the walls of Jericho. The church had a fundraiser for a family who lost part of their house in a wind and rain storm several months before.

After being in Minga Guazú, we travelled to see other ministries the EMC has been involved in. North of Campo

Donations are welcome for three projects:

9, a prosperous Mennonite colony, we met with the director and counsellor at Centro Vital (Vital Centre), a new addiction rehabilitation and counselling centre. The Mennonite community, both German and Paraguayan, is funding this much needed ministry.

In Tres Palmas we stayed at Camp Lucero, a ministry of the Tres Palmas missions committee (Miśon Viva). We went to see and hear about the work and concern for the Guarani Indians in Eastern Paraguay. Recently two shamen in the Sainte Teresa area have become strong believers in Jesus. The Mennonites worked to get land reserved for the Guarani in Sainte Teresa area, but their population has grown and land is now at a premium.

Miśon Viva has dedicated a church and the government is expanding the school where about 220 children, attending kindergarten through grade nine, are taught

by Paraguayan teachers. This church grew by 25 percent last year with 24 people being baptized and added to the church. It looks like there could be another 24 people added this year.

We also enjoyed sharing with Bennie and Esther Goertzen and Erna Plett, who have retired in Paraguay. They assist the church work through vision and prayer.

This was a deeply spiritual journey for which we are truly grateful. Will you be next to experience this awesome journey of prayer and see God at work?

– Phil Hamm

Santa Teresa church building construction project $5,000 Alto Refugio project for milk, medicine, and diapers $8,000 MBN Radio Mensajero daily program costs $2,500 Please send to EMC Board of Missions, designating the project.

Thank you.

20 The Messenger • May 2018

Phil Hamm is a member of the EMC Board of Missions.

He and Lydia are a ministry couple within Leamington EMC.

With Our Missionaries

Worn a Few Different Hats

BOM

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Many of you are still experiencing wintery weather (as of April 6) while we’re trying to imagine and remember what that’s like. We’ve had a few months of persistent tropical rain here with a couple of earthquakes mixed in for good measure. It’s all part of God’s beautiful and varied creation.

We’ve enjoyed getting to know and serving with the missionaries and national folks in eastern islands of Papua New Guinea. We just finished the annual Island’s regional conference, our first experience with any conference in PNG where we were involved in the planning and running of it. It was good to see the other side to get an appreciation for all the work that goes into one.

We’ve both worn a few different hats here in Hoskins.

Finances, printing literature for church development, managing housing, managing workers and furniture building come to mind. It’s all part of the team effort supporting church planting and the local churches here in the Islands.

We started here in September last year with a ninemonth commitment in Hoskins. We were wondering what

the Lord had next for us. In March, we were presented with the opportunity to fill in as Government Representatives in the capital city of Port Moresby for about four months while the couple who normally serves there goes on home assignment. So that’s our next assignment. We’ll be moving there in June for a little training time before taking over.

What’s after that, you may ask? That’s what we’re wondering too. There are a lot of gaps to fill throughout PNG, but which one does the Lord have for us? We continuously go back to 2 Cor. 5:7: we walk by faith and not by sight. As we look back, we see the Lord’s faithfulness in our lives.

We have confidence He will open the door for us in His time.

We are planning a visit into Pukapuki after our time in Port Moresby. Could you pray for the Pukapuki believers?

Many voices beg their attention. Please pray they could focus on the voice of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them through changing times.

Thanks so much for your prayers, friendship, love, and financial support. We appreciate it very much. We pray that the Lord will continue to be your strength and encouragement through times such as this.

– Tim and Laurel Schroder Tim and Laurel Schroder (Pelly) serve with Ethnos360 Canada.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 21

With Our Missionaries

Who Does Missions in Wisconsin? We Do. WISCONSIN

In January, for instance, we were thinking about Jeremy and Mandy Hambrice with their three little girls. They were saying goodbye to their families as they travel back to Papua New Guinea where they have been living in a tribal location for the past four years.

Before they got on their flight then, they posted this: “Please pray for us as we are all grieving not being able to hug each other for a long time and pray that we have safe travels! The Lord hasn’t promised that things in this life would be easy as we follow Him, but He has promised He would be with us!”

The Hambrices are now returning to the tribe to join their partners again where this team of three families has been working so hard for the past three years to learn this difficult tribal language. All of them are on the home stretch to pass their final language check and then they get to begin teaching the gospel to this people group who have been waiting so long to hear the Good News.

These three families—Jeremy and Mandy Hambrice, BJ and Jill Sanders, Jack and Lael Crabtree—were students here at Ethnos360 Bible Institute where they started their missionary training by studying the Word for two years.

Every few months a brand new semester starts here with Kim and Dave Field (Steinbach EMC) serve in the Ethnos360 Bible Institute in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

150 students studying, preparing to serve the Lord; and our family gets to be a part of their lives. The Lord knows how many of them will be the next arriving in an unreached people group, and that’s what gives us so much joy in serving here.

– Kim and Dave Field

BOM

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22 The Messenger • May 2018

With Our Missionaries

Heidi Plett: More Than One Year Down!

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BOM

CHAD

On the night of Jan. 8, 2018, I reached the one-year mark of my time in Chad. What a time it has been!

It has been of time of challenges. I jumped into the school year halfway through, and was faced with new curriculum, students, and ways of doing things with little time to prepare.

I was thrust into a new home on a small compound in a dusty city. I’ve faced languages in the shops and on the streets, which have made me feel, well, foreign. Thankfully, I have had some French to rely on, but with my days revolving around English speakers, my French fluency is not “up to snuff ” and this has been frustrating. I have missed spaces of beauty to enjoy the outdoors and take leisurely strolls. I thank God that He has helped me to adjust and become more settled.

It has been a time of growing relationships. My teaching colleagues offered their friendship and support right from the start. We have collaborated, laughed, prayed, and hung out together, and it has been great. I thank God for blessing me with these amazing women.

I have also been encouraged by the wider missionary community through a ladies’ Bible study, English church services, and visits with the families of my students. I have come to know and love my students more as I have spent the year with them. They are precious.

Although my life is focused on the missionary community, I have appreciated chatting and laughing with the Chadian guards who secure our compound and the Chadian women we hire to clean our houses.

I thank God for His goodness to me. In the ups and downs, joys and despairs, laughter and tears, times of intimacy with God and stretches of feeling distant, God has been there and God has been good.

Your prayers have sustained me. I want to walk with Him, rely on Him, submit to Him, trust Him, persevere in Him, and delight in Him through the year ahead. Your prayers will help make that possible. Thank you!

– Heidi Plett Heidi Plett (Prairie Rose) serves in Chad with Africa Inland Mission.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Portage Evangelical Church

Eight Members Added at Portage

PEC

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man.—On April 15, 2018, eight new members joined PEC. Each one gave their testimony and was given instructions of what the church was here for and were given some questions to answer. The new members are Jonathon and Anemone Braun, Jerome and Angela Dondo, Cathy Epp, Anicka Loewen, Marcus Loewen, and Andrew Warthe.

– Catherine Epp

MacGregor EMC

••

MacGREGOR, Man.—Several years ago, in order to enhance the missions program in our church, we began the process of “adopting” several missionaries in various fields and forms of ministry. By means of reports, Skype, and occasional visits, our praying became more focused.

A few weeks ago we had to pleasure of welcoming Dory and Debbie Richards into our church on a Sunday morning. Dory has served in administration and programming at Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg since 2012. He reported that ICYA ministries, such as drop-ins and wilderness camping, bring hope and a future through Christ for youth and their families in the inner city. He requested prayer for healing, retention and hope for the youth, particularly for those involved with the use of crystal meth.

Debbie, who grew up in MacGregor, has been mentoring “teen moms,” a ministry of Youth for Christ in Winnipeg. “These young mothers don’t fit in with the normal youth groups,” Debbie said, “so I show them the love of Christ, helping them to feel loved and valuable.” She helps them grow into their roles of motherhood, caring for and loving their infants. Since she is now moving into a fulltime staff position with YFC, she will appreciate prayer and financial support.

Following the morning service, an abundant potluck lunch provided additional opportunities to interact with

24 The Messenger • May 2018

MACGREGOR EMC

Adopting Missionaries Enhances Prayer

Debbie and Dory Richard shared about their ministry with ICYA. Here they are joined by their daughter Paige and Debbie’s mother, Dorothy Giesbrecht. Debbie was raised in MacGregor.

Dory and Debbie and their daughter Paige. And then a few weeks later a group from the church travelled to Winnipeg to tour the facilities of Inner City Youth Alive and Union Gospel Mission. These personal connections enhance our participation in following the Lord’s exhortation to pray for workers in the spiritual harvest fields.

- Menno Hamm

With Our Churches Wymark EMC

Millar Graduates Celebrated, Anabaptist History Explored

WEMC

CHORTITZ, Sask.—Sunday April 8, 2018, was a bittersweet day at the Wymark EMC. We gathered to celebrate the graduation of six young people from Millar College of the Bible at Pambrun, Sask. We were also saying farewell to these friends who worshipped with us while attending Bible college.

Each of the six graduates was called to the pulpit to talk about their future plans. Two of them are getting married to each other, some of them will continue their education, and all of them will serve the Lord Jesus Christ all the days of their lives. Andrea (Dea) Friesen is one of our own, having grown up in our church and attended Wymark EMC all her life. She is the daughter of Blaine and Donna Friesen. A gift was presented to each of the graduates.

April 8 to 13, 2018, was a fascinatMillar College of the Bible graduates: Aaron Thiessen, Adam Fehr, Shania Doerksen, Briting week at Wymark EMC when John ney Huber and Andrea (Dea) Friesen. Dana Hildebrandt also graduated.

Dyck and his gracious wife Joyce visited our community. John Dyck is a talented speaker and is very knowledgeable on church history, especially on Anabaptist church history. All five services were conducted in Low German, with special invitations made to Old Colony immigrants who have moved back to our area of Saskatchewan from Mexico.

John Dyck spoke in clear, unaccented Low German; everyone understood and enjoyed his lectures. His charm and humour greatly added to his presentation. He took us on a historical journey from Switzerland to Holland, Prussia, Russia, and Canada. Everyone learned a great deal. Yes, history can be fun! Attendance was excellent and increased Church Planter needed for Windsor, Ontario over his five nights of lectures with many people driving out from Swift Current.

Is this person you?

As a result of interest generated by John Dyck, a Low German Bible study will be conducted at the Wymark EMC on Sunday evenings. I would strongly recommend If you are interested in learning more, churches looking for a community outreach project to call or email Charlie Koop at contact John Dyck from Blumenort, Man. Thank you, John 403-874-1759 or ckoop@emconference.ca Dyck! (Väl mol Dankscheen!)

– Marvin Allan

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 25

With Our Churches Kleefeld EMC

Senior Pastor Installed, Couples Dedicated

JAIME LOEWEN

KLEEFELD, Man.—On March 4, 2018, the Kleefeld EMC held the installation service of Pete Ascough as our senior pastor. With Peter’s having served as our associate pastor since 2006, the church feels blessed that he allowed his name to stand for senior pastor, and we are looking forward to having him serve in this capacity. We wish Peter and Irene God’s richest blessings, as we look forward to continued worship and fellowship in the church and outreach in the community. Gerald Reimer, conference youth minister and missions mobilizer, presented the message at the morning’s installation service, which was followed by a potluck lunch.

March 4: Gerald Reimer, senior pastor Peter and Irene Ascough It was wonderful to see four young couples at the morning service on April 22, 2018, standing up on the stage to declare before God there to support and encourage them. and the church family that they had made the choice to Prayer suggestions for our children (from Moms in dedicate themTouch handbook): selves to raising Pray for their relationship with God. The 24th Annual their children for Pray for Godly attributes. the Lord.

Pastor Pray that they will obey their parents in the Lord.

EMC Pete Ascough asked Pray for relationships with friends.

PROJECT BUILDERS the congregation to Pray for protection. stand and reminded Pray for their future. the young families –Louella and Dennis Friesen that the church is

Golf Classic

June 14, 2018 Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course To register, contact Diana Peters: 204-326-6401 or dpeters@emconference.ca Details to come www.emconference.ca (under events).

26 The Messenger • May 2018

April 22: Kari and Kris Bachmeier with Ryker, Carlee and Colton Froese with Forrest, Tori and Doug Priest with Kinsey, Veronica and Jeff English with Axel.

With Our Churches Picture Butte Mennonite Church

Praise and Worship Night at PBMC PICTURE BUTTE, Alta.—On April 21, 2018, our youth group hosted a praise and worship night, all funds going towards future events (such as Abundant Springs) for the youth. It was quite an eventful night! It was great to watch this mass of people come together, both young and old, to support our youth. The youth group worked for months on getting this event together, and on perfecting their skits and songs. Clearly their hard work paid off!

There were moments where as a church we laughed together and the next moment shed tears together. There was just such a sense of unity and love in the room as the youth shared their testimonies, acted, and sang. Each

A skit reminded PBMC that tickets to heaven are free.

moment pointed the audience to Christ. So a big shout out to the PBMC youth leaders and youth group for a wonderful night, and for influencing our lives in a beautiful way.

– Helen Enns

••

More Than 40 Explore Wellness and Helping Youth

News

EMC Mental Health Initiative Can Assist Your Church Janzen (Fort Garry), Daniel Dacombe (Heartland), and Heidi Dirks (Braeside). All are involved in counselling, pastoral, or nursing ministries. They bring a wealth of experience and training to the discussion.

The initiative is educating through a year-long series in The Messenger and workshops. It serves under the EMC Board of Church Ministries.

Host pastor Russell Doerksen A workshop on mental stands with two of the presenters, health will be held durHeidi Dirks and Peter Ascough, at ing the EMC convention in MacGregor EMC. London, Ont. To explore holding a workshop in your church or region, call a member of the MHI committee or the EMC national office. To find out how Irene and Peter Ascough met, contact them. To learn about “Hilda the Beautiful,” contact MacGregor EMC. – Terry M. Smith TERRY SMITH

MACGREGOR, Man.—Want to talk about mental health or how to help struggling young people? Then a workshop such as the one held recently in an EMC church might interest your congregation.

On April 28 more than 40 people attended a Mental Health Workshop: Promoting Wellness and Helping Youth from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MacGregor EMC. People came from area EMC churches and beyond EMC circles.

The morning sessions, to which everyone was welcome, focused on Mental Health For All Ages. Dan Dacombe spoke on Mental Health and Faith, questioning some unhelpful ways of relating them. Peter and Irene Ascough led on Soul Care and Your Mental Health. It focused on self-care toward the prevention of mental illness.

The afternoon sessions, restricted to adults, focused on Mental Health and Youth. Heidi Dirks led a session on NonSuicidal Self-Injury in Youth. In the final session, Strategies to Talk to Youth, small groups discussed various scenarios and their insights were tested against the larger body.

Dacombe said that rising rates of depression, selfharm, and suicide among youth motivated the EMC Mental Health Initiative (MHI) to begin. The MHI committee consists of Peter and Irene Ascough (Kleefeld), Irma

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 27

News

83 graduate from CMU First peacebulding degrees conferred

CMU

WINNIPEG, Man.— Dr. Cheryl Pauls, president of Canadian Mennonite University, conferred 67 undergraduate degrees, 10 graduate degrees, three undergraduate certificates, and three graduate certificates at the graduation service held at Portage Avenue Church on Saturday, April 21.

“Today we honour 83 cherished graduands for work well done,” Pauls said. “All of us, your teachers, draw courage and hope from the quality of character and vocation that we witness in you. We are grateful to you for opening our eyes to new ways of seeing, hearing, reflecting, and doing. May the wonder of God’s love ever inspire all the work of your hearts, hands, and minds.”

The Class of 2018 included the first-ever graduates from CMU’s graduate program in Peacebuilding and Collaborative Development, with Pauls conferring MA degrees to Hyunhee Kim, Abdullah Al Mashud, and Michael Arok Yak. Jamie Howison, an Anglican priest and the founding pastor of Saint Benedict’s Table, delivered the graduation address. He first drew from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron

sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

“The gift of education is a gift you have to carry with you—a responsibility, in other words,” he said. “So carry that calling well.” He then explored Psalm 127:1-2, which reminds people to trust in God and balance the work they do with rest.

“That call to balance, to the kind of self-awareness that will allow you to grow where you should, flourish as you may, and trust the One who has gifted you with life in the first place—that’s my blessing for you,” Howison said.

– CMU

•• Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Year to Date Financial Report From January to April

GOT SKILLS AND TIME TO SHARE? Volunteer to be a leader — project directors, cooks, crew leaders, office managers needed

Income* Expenses Excess/Shortfall

General Fund 2018 394,632 577,996 -183,364

General Fund 2017 497,407 620,644 -123,237

We give thanks to God for the continued strong support of EMC ministries, and we acknowledge the contributions of EMC churches and individuals who give so generously.

- The Board of Trustees

JOIN THE TEAM mds.mennonite.net/projectleaders 717-735-3536

28 The Messenger • May 2018

*Income includes donations and transfers from other funds (e.g. estate funds).

News

SBC Graduates 51 in Class of 2018 Grads recognized over two evenings Numerous awards were given out at the graduation banquet later attended by the families and supporters of graduates. Megan Ens and Ron Babel were Timothy Award recipients for showing a servant’s heart and excelling spiritually, academically, and socially during the year; they were voted on by fellow students and staff.

On the previous evening, April 27, 11 one-year Certificate of Biblical Studies and six Pursuit Experiential Leadership graduates were recognized during the Spring Concert, a musical celebration to mark the end of the year.

SBC celebrates the completion of another incredible year and looks forward to seeing these graduates off into the world as servant leaders to follow Jesus, serve the church, and engage the world.

– SBC

SBC

STEINBACH, Man.—Fifty-one students graduated from Steinbach Bible College on April 27-28, 2018, as family and friends gathered to celebrate with them.

Degrees were conferred upon 34 graduates on April 28 at Steinbach EMC. Kent Dueck, founder and executive director of Inner City Youth Alive (ICYA), gave the commencement address. “As you keep on keeping-on, aligning with God’s will,” he said in encouragement, “God is going to go above and beyond what you can imagine in your lives.”

Vova Shevchenko of Ukraine, a BA (Christian Studies) grad, addressed the gathering as valedictorian. He prompted his peers to “not waste your time.” He continued, “Look to the interests of others and make an effort to make an impact on the lives of the people around you.”

Degree graduates who are members or attending an EMC church: (back) Stefan Kroeker, BA Christian Studies (Rosenort), Jesse Plett, BA Christian Studies (Prairie Grove), Kendall Reimer, BA Christian Studies (Morweena), Alain Reimer, BA Christian Studies (Blumenort), Michael Dueck, BA Christian Studies (Prairie Grove), Vova Shevchenko, BA Christian Studies (Ridgewood), (middle) Adam Schmidt, BA Ministry Leadership (Crestview), Ron Babel, BA Christian Studies (Steinbach), Kaitlyn Evans, BA Ministry Leadership (Portage), Sofia Smith, BA Christian Studies (Blumenort), Reilly Smith, BA Christian Studies (Blumenort), Derek Sawatzky, BA Christian Studies (Steinbach), Joshua Dueck, AA Bible-Theology (Rosenort), (front) Sheila Ginter, BA Christian Studies (Blumenort), Megan Penner, AA Bible-Theology (EFC), Andrea Enns, BA Christian Studies (Mount Salem), Caitlyn Nickel, BA Christian Studies (Morris), Katelyn Troyer, BA Ministry Leadership (Ridgewood). Graduates not pictured are Lorelei Plett, Pursuit Certificate of Experiential Learning (Morweena), Bobby Scharfenberg, Certificate of Biblical Studies (Rosenort), Brynae Thiessen, Certificate of Biblical Studies (St. Vital), Courtney Klassen, Certificate of Biblical Studies (Leamington), Brittney Peters, Certificate of Biblical Studies (Prairie Rose), Nolan Plett, Certificate of Biblical Studies (Prairie Rose).

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 29

In Memory

Dick (Dietrich) Klassen 1932-2018

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17-18).

Dad was born on Sept 12, 1932, to Henry and Maria Klassen. He was raised in a loving Christian home.

He grew up in Rosenhoff (Riverside) near Morris, Man. He attended school there and in his teenage to early adulthood years worked for local grain farmers. Later he gained employment at Manitoba Sugar in Winnipeg.

Taking trips to distant relatives by train or by car was an important part of the Klassen family’s life. They made trips to Melville, Sask.; Hillsboro, Kansas; and Fresno, Calif., to name a few. One winter Dad was able to work as a mechanic for his Uncle Harry Friesen in Hillsboro. Uncle Harry led Dad to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. When Dad was 19 he lived for a year near Fresno, during which time he worked for Uncle Will Friesen’s large-scale dairy farm. Uncle Will helped Dad to rededicate his life to the Lord. His commitment to faith and serving God was firm and

30 The Messenger • May 2018

he lived his Christianity to the fullest.

He was baptized upon the confession of his faith on May 24, 1954, and was accepted into membership at the Rosenort EM Church.

In 1956 he purchased a quarter section of land in the Washow Bay area of the Interlake in the district of Howardville near Mennville, Man. He moved his parents and their home to their new farmstead. In 1957 he met and married the love of his life, Erna Brandt. On April 18, 1959, their son Harold Allen was born. Two years later on April 10, 1961, their daugh-

Until we are reunited at the pearly gates, we will miss Dad, rejoice for his victory and freedom in glory, and continue to live out the legacy and example of abundant Christian living that he has left for us. ter Myrna Lynn was born, making the family complete.

Dad and Mom lived on that homestead until 1984. During those years Dad had an amazingly varied life. He farmed, worked in construction and building renovation, completed education upgrading, taught grades five to eight in one classroom at the Mennville School and was also the school principal for the grades one to 10 school. He went into hog farming, and also worked for Parks Branch in Hecla Provincial Park in maintenance as a supervisor.

In 1984 Dad and Mom sold the farm and moved to Blumenort. Dad worked for Hanover School Division as maintenance and grounds keeper

until his retirement.

In 2009 Mom and Dad moved to Steinbach to Fernwood Place. In 2015, because of a to stroke and dementia, Dad went into the hospital and later in 2016 to Red River Valley Lodge in Morris, Man. On March 16, 2018, with Mom by his side, he peacefully passed on to his heavenly home. He leaves to honour in memory his wife Erna (nee Brandt), daughter Myrna Lynn, grandson Alan, daughter-in-law Margaret and her sons Rick (Alejandra), Jason (Destiny), Mathew (Mallory) and their families.

He was predeceased by grandson Gary in 1990 and son Harold in 2016.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at the Lodge for their excellent care; pastors Barry Plett and Darren Plett and retired pastor Peter Reimer for visits and spiritual care; the congregations of Blumenort EMC and the Open Door in Morris; as well as family and numerous friends for prayer support and especially practical help for Mom during this time.

We also appreciate the service and accommodation of Birchwood Funeral Chapel.

Until we are reunited at the pearly gates, we will miss Dad, rejoice for his victory and freedom in glory, and continue to live out the legacy and example of abundant Christian living that he has left for us.

The viewing was held on Monday, March 19 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. The memorial service for Dietrich was held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach. The burial took place at the Blumenort EMC Cemetery.

If friends desire, donations in memory of Dick (Dietrich) Klassen may be made to the Mennonite Disaster Service.

In Memory

Jake Martens 1931-2018

Feb. 26 was Jake’s crowning day! Jake was hospitalized in Virden on Feb. 15, 2018, and on Monday, the 26th, the Lord called him to his heavenly Home.

Jake was born at Ste. Anne, Man., on Sept. 17, 1931, to Peter and Helena Martens. Needless to say, with 10 siblings, it was a lively household.

He learned about the love of Jesus in that home and at age eight asked Jesus into his heart and life. Jake was always desirous to live for God and to help others find the way.

He received his elementary education at Landmark, Man. He married Helen Reimer on Dec. 26, 1953. It was a cold day at -40, but their love was warm.

Jake was well established already at bush clearing for farmers in the Oak River area. So they moved into their 8’ X 16’ dream home. It was common that Jake would come home to his wife mid-morning and announce, “We’re moving.” In a half hour or so they would move to a new job site.

These were exciting days for Jake and Helen. Jake loved his work.

God was good to them. He gave them three special gifts during that

time—Tim, Peter and Paulina. Jake the friends Jake made were his life of loved his children and they returned joy and fulfilment. Here God used that love. his desire of sharing God’s Word and Winters were spent at the Martens his talent of singing. Jake was looking sawmill. Jake became a sawyer and forward to joining the great choir in also operated his own sawmill. The Heaven! bush clearing work continued in difTheir lives were dedicated to Chrisferent parts of northern Manitoba for tian service. Years of Vacation Bible many years.

School, taking children from Sioux There were many challenges, but Valley to Bible camps up north, etc., Jake enjoyed this work. He was an outwere among Jake’s enjoyable times. doors man. He owned or operated a Jake is survived by his wife Helen; cat all his life. Just a few weeks before son Tim and Elvira, with children he passed away Jake said, “I think if Eric, Larissa, Tiffany and Bryce; son I could go out, get on a cat and drive Peter and Cindy with children Steven into a bush, I would soon be well.” and Kelsey, Do you think they can use cat drivSamantha and Chris and children ers in Heaven? We know they can Karmie, Ashlynn and Kyla Michelle because God called him there. and Jason and children Lucas, Scarlet Jake did some farming, moving the and Parker, and Katie; daughter Paufamily to the Elkhorn/Kola, Man., area lina and Troy, with son Dillen. Jake in 1972. was pre-deceased by one grandson, Jake loved to fish. There were Brandon. He also leaves behind nine annual Martens fishing/camping holi- siblings and many friends. days, a great time for the family.

– Helen Martens Grandchildren were his great joy.

They were all special. They remember the many fun things Grandpa did with them, like Living in God’s Kingdom: a practical study guide on the fishing, camping, Order Christian life is an introduction to the yours building things, playtoday!

Christian faith, suitable for baptism/ ing games, plus many LIVING IN membership and other classes. other things. Jake is now reunited with ical study guide Lessons include: God and revelation, one of those special ] [aonpract the Christian life Jesus Christ and salvation, Holy Spirit grandchildren. and discipleship, the kingdom and the The Lord had future, church and mission, and AnabapHis hand of blesstist history. A leader’s guide is available. ing on Jake and his wife by leading them To order, contact the conference office. to ministry at Oak River Indian Reserve, now Sioux Valley.

The ministry and

GOD’S KINGDOM

ite Conference Christian Mennon h, MB R5G 0J1 478 Henry St, Steinbac www.cmconference.ca

ite Conference Evangelical Mennon h, MB R5G 1Z5 440 Main St, Steinbac www.emconference.ca

nce/Go Mission! ite Mission Confere Evangelical Mennon g, MB R2N 4G6 757 St Anne’s Rd, Winnipe .ca www.gomission

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 31

In Memory

John D. Stoesz 1928-2017

On Dec. 14, 2017, suddenly but peacefully at home, John Stoesz left to take possession of the home prepared for him in glory.

John was born on the farm, northeast of Niverville, Man., to Mary (Mika Schroeder) and David Stoesz on March 5, 1928. His parents predeceased him, as did his brother David Stoesz, his sister Anne and husband Peter Neufeld, his sister Katherine and husband Wally Pauls, and brother-in-law Neil Fast. He was also predeceased by his dear son Fred and a great-grandson Spencer.

John is survived by his beloved wife Ellen (Dueck) of 66 years, Fred’s wife Jolene (Klassen), daughter Marg and husband Kevin Wiebe, son Gerald and wife Kim (Bartel), daughter Linda and husband Mike Enns, and daughter Pat and husband Eric Boorman; 14 grandchildren and their spouses/partners; 13 great-grandchildren; sister Betty Fast, sister-in-law Mary Stoesz, Ellen’s family, and many friends.

He accepted the Lord on June 16, 1946, at age 18, and was baptized that same year and received into the fellowship of the Niverville MB Church.

32 The Messenger • May 2018

After finishing high school at MBCI in Winnipeg, he enrolled in Teachers College in Tuxedo. He taught elementary school for 13 years. The church very early gave him the opportunity to serve in the choir as well as in youth ministry and preaching.

In his heart he always hoped to spend some time in biblical studies. He believed, and often taught, that being a follower of Jesus meant a “lifetime of service.” After teaching at three schools (Linden, Arran, and Niverville), he left teaching and studied at MBBC and graduated with a theology degree in 1966. He was ordained into the pastoral ministry the same year and served the Kelowna MB Church for seven years, the Winkler MB Church for nine years, and then eleven years with the Braeside EMC in Winnipeg.

These were not easy years for the family as it meant several major moves, but Ellen and the children were always supportive and made the challenge much more pleasant. When he reached the age of 65 he retired because it said in the EMC Minister’s Manual that “Pastors should normally retire at age 65.” He retired because, as he put it, “I want to be normal!”

So what did he do in retirement?

For 13 years he helped with a new church plant in Ste. Adolphe, doing much of the preaching and teaching along with a major renovation project. Also he followed his secondary inclination and took on the seniors’ ministry at Braeside, which soon developed into a choir that he named the “Keenagers” which he enjoyed immensely for a long time.

In 2011, already struggling with mobility issues, he was diagnosed with the beginning of Parkinson’s Disease. This “forced” him into retirement—at age 84. He had two guiding Bible verses that he lived by. As for the domestic things of life, he leaned on Matt. 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well.” As for his ministry, he held to Rev. 2:10: “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.” He had a special prayer: “No greater joy can I have than this, than to hear that my children follow the truth” (3 John 4).

John’s funeral was held on Dec. 19, 2017, at Braeside EMC with Pastor Kim Stoesz, his daughter-in-law, officiating.

– His Family

Calendar Alberta June 1-2 MCC Charity and Auction Didsbury, Alta.

Ontario July 6-8 EMC Convention Rooted in the Gospel Western University, London, On.

Shoulder Tapping With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconference.ca or 204-326-6401.

Additional EMC Openings Often there are more churches looking for senior, associate, youth, and interim pastors than are identified on this page. For information on additional openings, contact conference pastor Layton Friesen (lfriesen@emconference.ca); conference youth minister Gerald D. Reimer (greimer@emconference. ca); and church planting coordinator Charles Koop (ckoop@emconference.ca). The national office phone number is 204-326-6401. Talk with Erica Fehr, administrative assistant to the BLO, to request a cell number for a particular person.

EMC Positions* Taber EMC, in southern Alberta, seeks a full-time senior pastor to lead our congregation. We are a church with an average attendance of 200 people.

Our congregation consists primarily of young Mennonite families who are fluent in Low German and English. Our services are being held in English.

The ability to speak Low German is helpful. Relevant education and experience are assets. For more information, call 403-634-9389. Resumes can be sent to taberemcpsc@gmail.com.

Evangelical Fellowship Church of Fort Frances, Ont., seeks a pastor to come alongside the congregation as we minister to each other and our community. We are open to the options of a part- or full-time pastor.

We are a diverse congregation and this we see as a strength. If you have a heart for the lost, a clear understanding of God’s Word, leadership experience, and would enjoy working with our Church Board and Elders, contact us. Fort Frances is an area of great opportunity for “letting your light shine.” This may be where your next big adventure for God is waiting.

Please send your resume to johanneslgerber@gmail. com or leave a message at 807-274-2328.

Kola EMC, a rural congregation, is seeking a full time senior pastor. Our beloved pastor will be retiring this spring and we are in need of a new shepherd.

Kola EMC is a church of about 100 attendees with many young families and children. This closely knit community is located just south of Highway One on the Man./Sask. border. Successful candidates will preach regularly, visit and support individuals in the congregation, advise ministerial boards, lead or organize small groups, initiate growth and development and outreach. Please submit your resume or questions regarding the position to Adam Bajus at littlecreek@hotmail.ca or to Kola EMC, c/o chairman, Box 2, Kola, MB R0M 1B0 The EMC’s Campaign of One is looking for one church planter to work in urban Canada. Is that person you? Are you being called to start a church in Windsor, Ont.? If interested, contact Charles Koop, EMC church planting coordinator, at 204-326-6401 or ckoop@emconference.ca.

Other Positions Attention, Christ-centred high-school teachers, snowmobile and boat sales and service people, pastors, and police officers: Are you growing weary of feeling redundant? Are you tiring of working where you're replaceable? Are you longing to be

useful where a Christian presence isn't, unless you are? Fort Chipewyan, in northern Alberta, may be the home of spiritual challenge and blessing for you!

Call Arlyn van Enns at 780-697-3818.

Steeprock Bay Bible Camp is seeking a seasonal director for 2018. SBBC is an evangelical interdenominational ministry located in the northern part of Manitoba`s parkland, near Sapatoweyak Cree Nation. We currently offer five weeks of junior camp and one week of teen camp. For further information or to submit a resume, please contact us at info@ steeprockministries.com or call the board chair Ferlin Abrahamson at 204-281-2879.

Bethany College's Thrive program seeks a male resident director to help create a Christ-centred living and learning environment. The MRD will seek to establish a mentoring relationship with students with respect and without favour. Other duties include planning weekly fun/community events, planning and overseeing weekly dorm chapels, helping with student travel to ministry locations, and implementing strategies to build community.

The MRD should have a growing personal faith in Jesus Christ, a passion to mentor others, good listening skills, leadership and administrative abilities, and team work skills. An honorarium will be provided in addition to room and board. Start: Aug. 27, 2018.

Please forward your cover letter, resume and three references (two personal and one pastoral, not relatives) to admin@thrivesk.com or info@bethany.sk.ca.

Where are position ads to be sent?

Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconference.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited. Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

Ministry in an Evangelical Anabaptist Setting The priesthood of all believers and the dignity of vocations (beyond priest, monk, and nun) are two biblical truths rediscovered during the Protestant Reformation. In an Evangelical Anabaptist understanding, all moral types of work can be Christ-honouring for believers.

At the same time, most of our churches do set aside some individuals for special functions of spiritual leadership, teaching, and preaching.

Not all settings are the same. Some of our churches elect ministers from within their midst. Others choose a minister from outside of the congregation. Some of our churches have full-time paid pastors, either solo or in a multi-staff setting. Others have a team of hired and selfsupporting ministers. Some pastors are bi-vocational.

Our ministers reflect a variety of educational paths: most have Bible college and some have seminary; other training is also common.

When experienced pastors or new graduates from outside the EMC wish to pursue pastoral openings in our conference, it is wise to look at the EMC Constitution, including its Statement of Faith and Church Practices, and our Vision and Values. Copies of these can be found online. Familiarity with Anabaptist history and doctrine are assets or will need to be developed.

To be commissioned or ordained with national recognition within the EMC requires an examination by and approval of the Ministerial Examination Committee, Board of Leadership and Outreach. Please contact Layton Friesen or Erica Fehr for details.

Pastoral Search Committees

There are resources available to assist you in your search and deliberations. Please contact Erica Fehr for resource materials. www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 33

Column • Here and Far Away

Time is Money

“T

ISTOCK

by Jocelyn R. Plett www.writewhatyousee. wordpress.com

ime is Money” I saw emblazoned on an imported van as I drove the pot-holeridden, zebu cart-clogged roads of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar. It seems to me as a westerner in a country where inefficiency appears to reign, that if “time is money,” then Madagascar, proclaimed as one of the poorest nations on earth, has some of the “wealthiest” citizens in the world! This is an interesting concept to contemplate, especially as we begin straddling two countries and cultures in this transitional period moving from there (Madagascar) to here (Canada).

I’ve watched Malagasy eye me accusingly as I seem to spend money without thought, choosing to pay someone to do a task that would take far too long for me to accomplish on my own. In my mind, of course, I feel as though I handle the money I’ve been given with a loose grip, giving generously to workers, investing in the lives of artisans. I have the financial resources to spend, so I spend it.

Many Malagasy don’t have financial resources to spend, but they have so much time that—from a western perspective—they use it thoughtlessly. I’ve observed time spent as liberally as money is spent in Canada. Many Westerners convince themselves that they have more money than time. In Madagascar they appear to have more time than money.

Each spends what they have, not realizing how wealthy they really are!

Malagasy lament that they are financially poor, mourning their limited financial resources, while dallying at their tasks and cheating themselves by not charging for the time they have invested in a product. What takes 10 minutes in Canada can take half a day in Madagascar.

Yet what costs $10 in Canada costs 10 cents in

The wisest way to manage what I am wealthy in within the Kingdom of God is obedience!

34 The Messenger • May 2018

Madagascar. I’ve been astounded at the simple difference of value placed on different resources or “idols” (time, money), depending on the culture.

I marvel at how each culture is wealthy in different ways. This can appear to be a lopsided and unjust allocation, or it can be an opportunity for people to come together to pool the unique resources they have been given for the building of communities. Church bodies and individuals are likewise rich in different resources. It’s the way God has blessed us! Differences have the potential to draw us together so each of us can give and receive something of value: Time.

Finances. Skills. Wisdom. Empathy. Strength.

Encouragement. Discipline.

The wisest way to manage what I am wealthy in within the Kingdom of God is obedience! If I listen and obey the Word and the Spirit, I will enter God’s perfect symphony of what it means to be the Church, the Body of Christ. In this way we collaborate towards a shared goal: building the Kingdom, glorifying the Almighty.

Reading, study and writing are some of the wisest ways of using my day, although it doesn’t look like I’m “doing” much. It’s recognizing the gifts and strengths God has given me and applying them to the building of the Kingdom. What riches do you contribute to Kingdom culture?

Column • Stewardship Today

Buried Treasure

L

ately, I have had several conversations with people about downsizing or simplifying their estates. Some talk about rearranging their financial affairs to make life easier for their executors someday. Others face the physically and emotionally demanding task of moving from the homes they have lived in for many years to smaller, more manageable accommodations. Furniture, accessories, and various collections accumulated over a lifetime are sorted, given away, or discarded.

Reality TV promotes the fantasy of valuable items being discovered amongst the jumble, but downsizing our possessions rarely leads to unexpected riches. However, a little investigation when simplifying your finances might reveal some overlooked treasure, and a new opportunity for generous giving.

Just like downsizing a home, simplifying our finances requires us to take stock of what we own, and decide how we want to manage it. Demutualized life insurance shares are an often-overlooked financial asset that needs to be considered. You might be asking yourself, "What are demutualized shares?" You wouldn’t be alone. Demutualization is the process by which a mutual company owned by groups of members changes to a joint stock company owned by shareholders.

Several years ago, four major life insurance companies (Sun Life, Manufacturers Life, Canada Life, and Clarica Life) demutualized, and each current policy-holder was issued shares in the new corporation equivalent to the accumulated value of their policies. At the time, some people took advantage of tax rules that allowed them to

donate these shares to charity and avoid paying tax on the capital gains. Others sold their shares and used or invested the proceeds in other ways.

However, a substantial number of people took no action at all, simply allowing their policies to convert and their shares to remain untouched.

Those individuals may still have shares in their names being held by a third-party broker or trust company.

by Harold Penner When simplifying your estate, it’s a good idea Stewardship to review what life insurance you held prior to Consultant 2000 and whether you may still be the owner of demutualized shares from those insurance companies. If you discover you do have some shares, you’ll have some exciting options to consider.

You could sell your shares, but it is important to talk to your accountant or tax professional about the tax implications before doing so. You received the demutualized shares at zero cost, so if you sell them you will incur a taxable capital gain. Alternatively, you could seize this discovery as an opportunity for generous giving and donate the shares to charity as an in-kind donation. Selling might give you a little extra money today, but donating your shares could make a long-lasting impact on the people or causes that you support.

Shares donated in-kind provide a welcome asset boost to the charity of your choice, and also avoid the tax on capital gains associated with selling your shares. Perhaps you know you want to donate the shares to charity, but you aren’t sure exactly where you want to direct your giving?

Donating your shares to Abundance Canada and placing the proceeds from the sale in a donoradvised planned giving fund allows you to take more time to make this decision. The consultants at Abundance Canada are ready to help you evaluate your options and guide you through the donation process.

Today, Canada’s senior population is grow- Harold Penner is ing rapidly. Baby boomers are starting their a Gift Planning own retirements even while they care for Consultant with elderly parents and relatives. Simplifying your Abundance Canada. finances may seem a daunting task. However, To learn more, visit taking the time to thoroughly investigate your abundance.ca or call financial assets might reveal an unexpected 1.800.772.3257 to new pathway. arrange a confidential, no obligation free consultation.

Shares donated inkind provide a welcome asset boost to the charity of your choice, and also avoid the tax on capital gains associated with selling your shares.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 35

Column • Kids’ Corner

The Happiest Month

by Loreena Thiessen

Activity: Make a card for your mother (May 13) and your father (June 17).

Need:

Two sheets of paper, one for each card.

Use regular printing paper or craft paper.

A pencil, or pen, pencil crayons.

Do:

1. Interview your mother and father. Use these questions: What is your favourite color? What is your favourite food?

What is your favourite book? What is your favourite activity?

What is your favourite season? Who is your favourite hero?

2. Draw a picture of something each one has done that you really like.

3. Make a card for each with your findings. Use a sheet of paper, 8x10, folded in half for each card. Put the drawing on the outside of the card and the answers to the questions on the inside, like this: favourite color _______________________ favourite food _______________________ favourite book _______________________ favourite activity _____________________ favourite season ______________________ favourite hero ________________________ 4. Inside write Thank you for being my mother, father.

36 The Messenger • May 2018

each other after the long winter. They dig around flowers to help them grow. Balls and gloves come out for a game of catch.

You hear laughter and shouting.

There’s more. On the second Sunday in May you celebrate your mother. You honour her for loving you and taking such good care of you. It’s your turn to do something special for her. What will it be?

Next comes the first long weekend of summer, Victoria Day. Victoria Day was originally meant to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday, who was the longest reigning queen in the 1800s. Today we don’t think about her so much.

Instead we focus on enjoying the first holiday of the coming summer, roasting hotdogs and marshmallows outdoors, watching sparks rise against a dark night sky from an open fire, and sleeping in a tent or camper. There may even be fireworks.

June follows quickly. Each day is warmer than the one before. This is the month you’ve been waiting for, the end of the school year. At the end of this year you will be a year older than you were last year. Soon a new school year will be here, but first you get to enjoy summer. It begins officially on June 21.

On the third Sunday of June you celebrate your dad. You remember all the times he has taken you skating, to a hockey game, or helped you shovel the driveway. He does many things for you because he loves you. Let him know you love him too. What does he like? To celebrate you may go fishing with him or play a game of mini-golf, ride bumper cars, or fly a kite and eat ice-cream in the park. A bike ride sounds like fun.

Celebrating and enjoying the outdoors is a good thing. To honor your mother and father is a command. Read Exodus 20:12 and Psalm 104:10–24.

ISTOCK

M

ay is the happiest month. There is much to celebrate. School is almost over and summer is about to begin.

Each day the sun shines warmer. There are colours, green, red, and yellow, where before it was only white. Colours and warmth bring renewed energy. You rush outdoors. You feel the sun’s warm rays on your face. You feel the sidewalk solid under your feet. You feel the smooth pavement as you glide along on your bike.

The air is different, fresh. It’s cool and warm all at once and filled with birdsong. Birds are gathering twigs and grasses in the industry of nest building, soon to be filled with new babies.

Squirrels chase each other. Rabbits rest on the cool soft grass while chomping down fresh new dandelion blooms, the long stems dangling out of their mouths. Fat bees buzz. Butterflies flit from flower to flower sipping the sweet nectar.

The neighbourhood comes to life. People lean on their rakes and mowers and chat with

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