The Messenger November/December 2023

The Messenger a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Volume 61 No. 6 November/December 2023

CATACLYSMS &Christmas cheer

WHEN THE FUTURE AIN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE: BLESSING WHAT WE MAY NOT YET UNDERSTAND P. 11

p. 6

AN UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS: MEMORIES OF THE 1972 EARTHQUAKE IN NICARAGUA P. 15

Editorial

Out of the waters, deliverance!

D

ustin Burlet’s feature article (starting page 6) draws some interesting parallels between the Noah’s flood and the advent of Christ, asserting that both are acts of divine deliverance.

Throughout the Bible, we see God’s delivering hand from out of the waters of chaos. Even “in the beginning” of God’s good creation, we see God relegating the chaos waters to their rightful spheres (Genesis 1:2, 6–10).

The theme continues through Noah’s flood to the exodus, as the Israelites receive their deliverance by marching through the Red Sea on dry ground. Then, later, the Israelites “crossed over [the Jordan River] on dry ground” to enter the Promised Land (Joshua 3:17).

The psalms and the prophets highlight God’s rule and triumph over the chaos waters: “He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses” (Psalm 29:3) and “Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when he rebukes them they flee far away” (Isaiah 17:13).

Is it any coincidence, then, that our Deliverer arrived through the waters of childbirth (an event that, itself, is

Is it any coincidence, then, that our Deliverer arrived through the waters of childbirth (an event that, itself, is called “delivery”)? called “delivery”)? And any wonder that the symbol of our rebirth has us arriving into new life by passing through the waters of baptism?

In the new creation, “the roar of rushing waters”— rather than being from those who seek to rise up against God—is from the people of God as they shout, “Hallelujah!

For our Lord God Almighty reigns!” (Revelation 19:6).

In the midst of tumultuous times, it may feel like that final reality is far away, but—by faith—may you be able to echo that song and that of the angels, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

– Rebecca Roman

Troubling times—a call to pray The news we are reading and seeing has many of us sad, disturbed, and praying for peace. The conflict that has developed in Israel is concerning. The headlines are relentless and horrific. A brutal attack, followed by retaliation and now a humanitarian crisis. As this story unfolds, we hope that the narrative will shift to resolution and peace. That lives can be spared.

It is a reminder to us that evil is alive and working in our world. Our attention is drawn to Israel and Gaza today, but we know there are numerous conflicts going on in many places of the world. In the end, we know that true peace will never be achieved when hate and anger dominate.

As Anabaptists, we believe that our natural human response never resolves conflict correctly. We seek to follow the directive that Jesus gives us, to love our enemies and do good to those who persecute us. We

2 The Messenger • November/December 2023

believe that this directive is for us to live out today in our current world. For many of us, the conflict in Israel is far away. But this ethic applies to us in our everyday living as we connect with our neighbours, respond on social media, or share a review. What Jesus said he meant for us today, now. Forgiveness, grace, and loving our neighbour are the solutions. In the final end, it is only through the work of the Holy Spirit that true peace can exist.

The turmoil we observe around us can be discouraging, but we are not a people without hope or recourse. We serve a sovereign God who desires to work in us and through us. And so, as the conflict unfolds, let us pray. Let us pray for God’s will to be done. Let us pray for peace to be given a chance. Let us pray for a change in hearts.

– Emery Plett, EMC Executive Director

Table of Contents Features 6

Columns

Cataclysms and Christmas cheer: The interwoven threads of divine deliverance in Noah’s flood and the incarnation story

page

11

19 The Journey of Christian Vocation The grace of vocation – Calvin Tiessen

34 His Light to My Path The zeal of the Lord – Karla Hein

– Dustin Burlet

11 When the future ain’t what it used to be: Blessing what we may not yet understand

35 Further In and Higher Up Intellectual moms and dads – Layton Friesen

– Andy Woodworth

36 Kids’ Corner

15 An unforgettable Christmas: Memories of the 1972 earthquake in Nicaragua

Once more it is Christmas – Loreena Thiessen

– Wilbert Friesen

Departments 2

Editorial

4

Letters and Notices

20

With Our Missionaries

23

With Our Churches

26

News

30

In Memory

32

Shoulder Tapping

page

15

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The Messenger

Letters and Notices

Volume 61 No. 6 November/December 2023

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Year to Date Financial Report January–September 2023

MANAGING EDITOR ERICA FEHR

EDITOR REBECCA ROMAN

evangelical m e n n o n i t e c o n f e r e n c e

PUBLICATION AND PURPOSE The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. 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.

Phone: 204-326-6401 messenger@emconference.ca www.emcmessenger.ca www.issuu.com/emcmessenger ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, MB

COPYRIGHT The articles printed in The Messenger are owned

by The Messenger or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

TM

SUBMISSIONS 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.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcome.

Submissions should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Print subscriptions are free of charge to all members and adherents of EMC churches in Canada. For those not associated with an EMC church we suggest a donation of $20.00/year..

To sign up for the email newsletter or submit an address change, email messenger@emconference.ca.

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 can be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.

4 The Messenger • November/December 2023

Income* Expenses Excess/Shortfall

General Fund 2023 1,188,839 1,184,277 4,562

General Fund 2022 1,106,421 1,161,936 -55,515

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

When baptism becomes works righteousness [July/Aug 2023 issue] I was reading Layton Friesen’s article in The Messenger. I wonder if he would expand on his thought about tailoring baptism leading to tailoring

Layton Friesen’s response:

That is a good question and I welcome the opportunity to say something further.

This article is saying that there is a connection between our theology of baptism and our practice of baptism—the way we carry out the ritual itself on a Sunday morning. How we do a baptism says a lot about what we really think baptism means. Baptism symbolizes salvation.

I notice in recent years we have a greater concern that each person finds their own baptism to be their own special time. We each get to pick exactly when we are baptized, how we will be baptized (poured? immersed?) and the special friends and family who will baptize us or stand beside us in the river. Some even pick their own baptism entirely and then go back to their church and ask for it to be recognized.

salvation. Interesting thoughts; I am curious about what he means exactly.

It would make for a good study question among fellow Christians.

– Helen Bergen Aylmer, Ont. I am suggesting that all this personalizing communicates (symbolizes) something that baptism was not meant to say. It suggests that salvation is something I personally design for myself to express my unique tastes and personality. When, instead, I need to submit to a ritual that my church decided on long before I was born, the church is symbolizing the fact that we don’t get to make up our own salvation. We submit to the wonderful gift that salvation is apart from our own achievements.

I am open to understanding this all better, but that is what I was trying to communicate. By the way, these same questions need to be asked about other rituals, like weddings and funerals, but that is a further discussion.

– Layton Friesen Winnipeg, Man.

Letters and Notices Walking through deconstruction [July/Aug 2023 issue] My faith construction started before I remember. I believed without reservation. I accepted God’s plan as firmly as I believed the sky was blue and the grass was green. So how could such a faith be so suddenly shattered?

Pastor James writes, “When the deconstruction impulse isn’t properly channelled, it can turn a faith renovation into a faith demolition.” I agree.

Having done many building renovation jobs, I understand the many layers of deconstruction before a project is ready for reconstruction.

In my experience, sometimes you can rip out the old cabinets and replace them with new ones. Other times you discover rot behind the old cabinets, and you have to replace

When Christians behave rightly [Sept/Oct 2023]

rusty pipes and dangerous electrical wires.

In my life it felt like a tornado had deconstructed my faith and all I could do was walk away from it. And I did.

However, God in his kindness and great wisdom was right there, handing me brick after brick to help reconstruct my faith into something much stronger than before. My building blocks in reconstructing my faith came in the form of an assignment.

My roommate suggested I could do a research paper on how Jesus reacted or responded to everyone he met. It didn’t take long before I was completely overwhelmed by his love. My trust in him was restored by his love.

– Elma Koop Blumenort, Man.

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.

Thank you for writing about how we often prefer bad news over good news. I am guilty!

I applaud radio hosts, editors, and other people of influence (like pastors) who regularly offer the mic to those who are realistic (that’s good) but who tend to be positive and hopeful.

You point out with two anecdotes people who chose to pass on good material. It was good to hear how “Bullfrogs & Butterflies” became the catalyst for Sarah Bessey’s family to find Jesus. I never heard of it, but it must have been good! I have read Romans 8 and I know that it is a very good passage.

Thank you for writing both on controversial issues and on encouraging topics.

– Ralph Unger Winnipeg, Man.

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CATACLYSMS & Christmas cheer

The interwoven threads of divine deliverance in Noah’s flood and the incarnation story

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS KOSOV VLADIMIR / ISTOCK

By Dustin Burlet

T

he Christmas season, a special time traditionally celebrated through Advent candles marking hope, peace, joy, and love, holds deep significance for believers around the globe. Beyond the lights, food, gift exchanges and merrymaking, the incarnation is central to God’s rescue plan for humanity.

Jesus is the divine and promised Messiah in whom Scripture is fulfilled—the one to whom all power and glory belong. He alone deserves all praise. He is Immanuel, God with us (see Matthew 1:18–25).

The salvation God provides in Jesus (whose name means Deliverer) is the fulfillment of the Scriptures, but it is not the final chapter of this great story nor is it the first. In Noah’s flood, much earlier in the biblical timeline, we see another powerful account of divine intervention to save.

(For more details on how Jesus fits into the big picture of the Bible, see Immanuel in Our Place: Seeing Christ in Israel’s Worship (Gospel According to the Old Testament) by Tremper Longman III.)

Science and Scripture: the age of rocks and the Rock of Ages

For most of my life, I have been involved with the ministry of Christian camping, primarily through Circle Square Ranch (Halkirk, Alta.). Located in a world of multi-hued coulees and wind-sculpted hoodoos, spanning east from Drumheller to the Saskatchewan border and south to the United States, this region is known as the Canadian Badlands. It is also home to the largest deposits of dinosaur bones in the world including the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. (For a unique perspective from a Christian educator who specializes in the intersection of science, faith, and culture, see Janet Kellogg Ray’s book Baby Dinosaurs on the Ark?) Interestingly, numerous fossilized clams may be found on the ranch’s home quarter embedded in ironstone material. In every instance, the valves of the clams are closed, seemingly indicating that the process of fossilization must have occurred in a very short time through a catastrophic burial process. These personal experiences were especially formative to my Christian faith in general and my understanding of Scripture (history, literature, and theology). A

Unfortunately, all too often, the (empty) glitter of commercialism rings all too loud throughout the festivities thus reducing the life-changing, worldaltering birth of our Lord to a consumer-driven frantic frenzy of excessive spending and (ultimately unfulfilling) materialistic pursuits.

This does not mean that I am opposed to “ribbons … tags …. packages, boxes or bags” per se.

It’s more a matter of priority.

It seems one can never be reminded often enough of the wise words of Dr. Suess’s The Grinch: “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!”

Should we not, therefore, strive to bear witness to the true “reason for the season” each holiday?

For some resources to assist with this, see the book and film recommendations on p. 9.

Despite the brutal and oft-disturbing picture of devastation the narrative depicts, the most prominent emphasis of the text is on deliverance and redemption. clear assessment of these things is found in G. S. McLean et al., Evidence for Creation.

It was no small thing, therefore, when August (Gus) H. Konkel invited me to earn my terminal degree (Ph.D. Old Testament) on Noah’s flood at McMaster Divinity College (Hamilton, Ont.).

Throughout my study of Genesis, which included a journey to the Grand Canyon via Canyon Ministries to see some of the evidence of Noah’s flood firsthand, I came to conclude that, despite the brutal and oft-disturbing picture of devastation the narrative depicts, the most prominent emphasis of the text is on deliverance and redemption, i.e., salvation, not judgment. The text’s focus is acutely bent on God’s salvific rather than punitive purposes.

Thomas A. Keiser judiciously notes the difference(s) in that “redemption is deliverance while salvation is entrance into blessing,”

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 7

(Genesis 1–11: Its Literary Coherence and Theological Message, p. 128). Another scholar states: “The objective of God’s work in redemption is to free people to be who they were created to be the effect of which is named salvation,” (Terence E. Fretheim, God and World in the Old Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation, p. 10).

The great importance of this truth in shaping our understanding of God should not be minimized.

As John Goldingay eloquently asserts in his commentary on Genesis: “Floods of waters have not quenched love [rivers will not overflow it] (Song 8:7)” (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Pentateuch, p. 147).

A closer look at Noah’s flood: a testament to divine deliverance

We … need this comfort today, in order that despite a great variety of stormy weather we may have no doubt that the

Skeptical? Photocopy the text. Use a green highlighter for every ‘positive,’ (salvific oriented) verse, and a pink one for ‘negative’ ones (judgment). Draw arrows from each “all/every” to their referents and see for yourself!

According to Genesis 6–9, humanity descended into extreme violence and corruption. God chose Noah, a righteous and just man who walked with him, to build an ark to save his family and representatives of every animal kind on the face of the Earth (cf. 1 Peter 3:20–22; 2 Peter 2:5; 3:6).

The flood, a cataclysmic event of epic proportions, was a divine re-creation of the cosmos.

Noah’s obedience and faith in God’s instructions became the catalyst for the survival of all life (cf. Ezekiel 14:14; Matthew 24:36–44; Luke 17:26–27), showcasing divine deliverance within calamity.

Statistically, of the 81 verses most relevant to the flood account (Genesis 6:5–9:17), only 30 verses in total (roughly 37 percent) do not refer to salvific components (6:5–7, 11–13, 17; 7:4, 6–7, 10–12, 17–24; 8:6–9; 9:2–6).

Alongside this, with respect to universalistic (totalic) language, as related to the use of the key Hebrew term ‫“ לֹּכ‬all/every” only 36 percent (24 out of 67) of the occurrences of this word communicate the sense of judgment while the remaining 63 percent (43 out of 67) point to a referent of salvation/redemption. (Skeptical?

Photocopy the text. Use a green highlighter for every ‘positive,’ (salvific oriented) verse, and a pink one for ‘negative’ ones (judgment). Draw arrows from each “all/every” to their referents and see for yourself!)

8 The Messenger • November/December 2023

My thesis that the flood categorically underscores all God did to preserve life despite the disaster is, perhaps, most effectively communicated through the covenant established between God and Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:8–17; cf. 6:18). This event serves as a powerful symbol of God’s unceasing, never-ending commitment to all of humanity (and the animals) for all time.

The “bow,” a sign of this covenant, represents God’s promise to never again destroy the Earth with a catastrophic flood of epic proportions.

Kenneth A. Mathews poignantly comments:

sluice gates of the heavens and the fountains of the [great] deep have been closed by the Word of God. The sign of the “[rain] bow” should elicit in us both awe and thanksgiving, considering God’s “kindness and severity” (Rom 11:22) (Genesis 1–11 Christian Standard Commentary, pp. 383–84).

This covenant does not appear in any ancient Near East flood story, such as Gilgamesh or Atrahasis, and that is significant. The covenant underscores the message of salvation, redemption and deliverance, emphasizing God’s will to preserve life (Exodus 34:6–7; 2 Peter 3:9).

Konkel relates: Creation and Flood narratives were foundational to the function and order of ancient societies … [There are, thus, “echoes of Ararat” which exist throughout the world, in toto, the most notable being in the cuneiform (Akkadian/Sumerian) accounts that are found in Mesopotamia.]

Some excellent resources to prepare one’s heart and mind for Christmas include:

The literary [and linguistic] similarities of the Hebrew narrative are a cultural necessity, but the Weltanschauung [worldview] is of an entirely different order … The theology of the Scriptures is that earth and humans are the creation of one designated as holy, a fundamental declaration that this creator is outside the boundaries of space and time. Such a creator could never be discovered by those bounded by space and time. (“Foreword,” Judgment and Salvation: A Rhetorical Critical Reading of Noah’s Flood in Genesis by Dustin G. Burlet).

Good News of Great Joy: 25 Devotional Readings for Advent by John Piper

Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional by Paul David Tripp

This creator who could never be discovered by humanity through their own effort, chose not just to show himself to humanity but to become one of them in Jesus. There is, of course, no greater story of God and his salvation than that of the incarnation.

FILMS

Humanity was once hopeless, dead in bondage to sin, but God, who is rich in mercy and love, purposed to deliver them. This poignant story of salvation is revealed in the Gospel accounts.

Mary, a young virgin from the town of Nazareth, became the blessed mother of Immanuel.

In one of the humblest of settings, Jesus was born.

This birth, heralded by angels and revered by shepherds and wise men, marked the beginning of a new era of salvation—a new covenant.

Jesus came to reconcile us with God—providing (sinful) humanity peace with God! Self-sacrificially, Jesus was crucified, taking sin’s curse and the pang of death upon himself.

By grace through faith, whosoever receives him, repenting of sin and turning to God, is no longer in darkness but receives forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit, and the gift of eternal life.

The church, in active discipleship to Christ, is to lead all nations to worship God, emulating Jesus’ love

BOOKS

The essence of the incarnation: God’s deliverance from sin

The Origins of Christmas by Joseph F. Kelly

The Case for Christmas: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger by Lee Strobel

The Battle for Christmas: A Cultural History of America’s Most Cherished Holiday by Stephen Nissenbaum

Christmas in America: A History by Penne Lee Restad

Buck Denver Asks … Why Do We Call It Christmas

by Phil Vischer (available to buy or rent on Amazon Video). You also watch Buck Denver’s Big Questions About Christmas, a 12-session family devotional available to all EMCers on RightNow Media (ask your church for access).

The Man Who Invented Christmas (currently available to stream free with ads on CBC Gem)

Book and film recommendations courtesy of Dr. Dustin Burlet www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 9

While seemingly distinct, the stories of Christ’s incarnation and the cataclysm of Noah’s flood share profound parallels. Both narratives illustrate God’s deep and abiding concern for humanity’s well-being alongside his desire to deliver them from sin and certain destruction. and walking in obedience to his teachings until the Lord returns to set everything aright forever.

The marriage supper of the Lamb symbolizes the union between Christ (referred to as the Lamb of God) and his followers (the church). It represents the ultimate culmination of “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14 NET. The Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament says this, “The meaning seems to be, not that divine peace can be bestowed only where human good will is already present, but that at the birth of the Saviour God’s peace rests on those whom he has chosen in accord with his good pleasure.” See NET Bible notes and the commentaries at large.)

A song I grew up with wraps up these good tidings of great joy quite well: “Everyone’s invited, the celebration’s planned / The gift is just what’s in your heart and not what’s in your hand” (Alabama, “Joseph and Mary’s Boy,” Christmas, 1985).

Parallels between Christ’s incarnation and Noah’s flood While seemingly distinct, the stories of Christ’s incarnation and the cataclysm of Noah’s flood share profound parallels. In brief, both narratives illustrate God’s deep and abiding concern for humanity’s well-being alongside his desire to deliver them from sin and certain destruction.

In Jesus, God entered the world in human form, experiencing the joys and sorrows of humanity (Hebrews 1:1–3; 4:15). This act of humility (incarnation) signifies God’s extreme willingness to be intimately involved in the lives of his creation, offering a path to salvation, redemption and reconciliation through deliverance from the power of sin and death (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 1:5–10).

Similarly, in the story of Noah, divine intervention saved humanity and all the animal kingdom.

Moreover, both stories highlight the importance of faith, hope, and obedience (integrity).

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Mary’s acceptance of her role (Luke 1:26– 38) and Noah’s diligence in constructing the ark (Hebrews 11:7) demonstrate the significance of trusting in God’s plan, even when it seems incomprehensible.

Their hope-filled obedience became the channel through which God’s salvation was manifested.

Would that all people everywhere exercised this “obedience of faith” (Romans 1:5; cf. Acts 4:12 NET).

Conclusion: a tapestry of divine deliverance

Within the broad scope of different religious narratives, the stories of the incarnation and Noah’s flood stand together as testaments to God’s enduring love and the richness of his kind mercies.

Christmas embodies the hope of deliverance from sin and death through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Simultaneously, Noah’s flood illustrates God’s salvation and preservation of all life on earth.

These narratives, though separated by time and context, converge in their portrayal of God’s unwavering commitment to humanity.

Though some may quibble, God’s grace will forever and always exceed wrath and judgment!

As the holiday season unfolds and the story of Noah’s flood endures, may you be encouraged and inspired in your faith (and gratitude!) as you reflect on God’s salvation from sin and death.

Gloria in excelsis Deo. Dr. Dustin Burlet obtained his PhD (OT) from McMaster Divinity College (Hamilton, Ont.) and has taught at a wide variety of educational facilities including Peace River Bible Institute, Eston College, and Providence Theological Seminary. He is currently a permanent faculty at Millar College of the Bible in Winnipeg, Man.

PHOTOS: LIGHTSTOCK

When the future ain’t what it used to be Blessing what we may not yet understand

B

aseball Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra once stated, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” When we are young, the world is before us, and the possibilities seem endless. Then, one day, we wake up on what seems to be a normal day, and we realize that most of life is now behind us and the future just ain’t what it used to be. Sometimes, the things we thought would be forever suddenly and often without warning dissipate before our very eyes, and the future ain’t what it used to be.

Prior to 1870, those calling themselves the Kleine Gemeinde (Little Church) were experiencing stability and prosperity in Southern Russia. Then, the rules pertaining to the Mennonite colonies changed. What once seemed like a predictable future suddenly became uncertain, and people were likely thinking, “The future ain’t what it used to be.”

Now, nearly one hundred and fifty years after the migration from Russia to Manitoba, we look around at what is happening in our world, our country, and our churches, and maybe we are wondering what lies ahead because things do not appear to be quite as certain as they were in

By Andy Woodworth

previous generations. It is indeed true that the future ain’t what it used to be. But that does not mean we are without hope. It may be as simple as recalibrating the lenses we are looking through.

When did I stop being young?

It is indeed true that the future ain’t what it used to be. But that does not mean we are without hope.

Last summer, I visited the church camp I grew up attending—first time back there in thirty years. Beulah Camp, located along the Saint John River, attracts well over a thousand people every year for its family camp week. It is the place where I committed my life to Christ, was baptized, and later ordained. Many of my former colleagues in ministry still attend. I was eager to see familiar faces and reconnect with those I had not seen in some time.

My expectations were not met. I walked around the camp looking at the faces I

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to give wise counsel. At sixty, one is granted the respect befitting an elder.

At seventy, one may be considered a sage. Finally, at age eighty, one is considered to have reached the status of heroic strength. Those events may not be officially commemorated, so maybe we don’t recognize the moment when we cross into a new life phase.

These transitions are different than a graduation ceremony. Transitioning from one maturity level to the next is the result of our life experiences—the trials, triumphs, tragedies and teachings of life. We can sometimes become so distracted by our normal life routines that we fail to recognize the transitions we have experienced. We find ourselves so fixated on maintaining what has always been that we fail to recognize what may be coming next.

A humble heart enables a minister to adapt their focus from serving and ministering in the temporal to blessing what is emerging as the plan of God for future generations. encountered and did not recognize anyone, nor was I recognized. I was a stranger in the place that had such a profound impact on my life. My analytical mind raced to understand what was happening when it suddenly dawned on me—I was focusing on the wrong faces. I was looking for people I knew, but I was focusing on those in their thirties and forties. Those I knew were now in their fifties and sixties. I consciously recalibrated my focus and suddenly realized my people had grey hair or no hair at all. In my mind, I was still mainstream, but the reality was I was further downstream than I was willing to concede. When did I stop being young?

Maybe I stopped being young when there were no more ceremonies to commemorate my maturing journey. Growing up, I had Sunday school and school graduations, and I knew I had made progress in life. There was a celebration around my baptism, church membership and ordination so I knew when I had a change of status. A ceremony was held for my marriage, and I knew things had changed relationally. Then, without warning, there were no more official ceremonies. Instead of being the subject of the ceremony, I became the one officiating at the ceremony. That’s when I think I stopped being considered young. And that’s okay.

I draw solace from some ancient Hebrew wisdom. Rabbis say after the ceremonies are over, life begins. They state that at age forty, you achieve understanding. At fifty, you are prepared

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Ministers becoming guardians

As the first temple was being built in the wilderness and the ministry guidelines were laid out, we see a revealing of God’s plan. The Book of Numbers states that priests would begin serving in the Tent of Meeting at age twenty-five and were permitted to serve for up to twentyfive years. Then, at age fifty, those experienced ministers were to “retire from their regular service and work no more” (Numbers 8:25). This did not mean they retired from service. It meant they were to shift their focus. Those experienced priests, proficient in the craft, capable ministers were to shift their focus to the next generation to “minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard”(Numbers 8:26 ESV).

This would have truly been a humbling step for a seasoned minister to take. Yet we see that it reflects something of the master plan of God for the unfolding of his will for generations and not just for a season. For it was not the work of ministry that was considered a pleasing sacrifice before the Lord but the “broken and contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17) of the minister. A humble heart enables a minister to adapt their focus from serving and ministering in the temporal to blessing what is emerging as the plan of God for future generations.

‘For unto us a child is born’

The Christmas story really begins with the angel telling Mary not to be afraid because she found favour with God. I wonder how many times those words came back to mind as this young woman prepared for the birth of the miracle child, Jesus. She and Joseph, her husband but not the father of her child, bring this new life into the world under adverse circumstances and then proceed to do all that the law requires them to do. This included taking their newborn to the temple to be presented before the priest.

On that day, amid all the uncertainties regarding how the parents and child would be received by the priest, the young couple stepped forward in obedience to God’s Word. The story recorded in Luke 2 states that there were two significant interactions that day that changed everything for young Mary. The interaction with an elderly righteous and devout man named Simeon and another with an elderly widow named Anna.

The Scriptures record that Simeon was “waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him” (Luke 2:25). Politically, Israel was under foreign rule and was not able to operate as a free and independent nation. Religiously, factions had arisen and brought discord among

Simeon was a man of faith, and he blessed that which he may not have fully understood.

the people. Corruption and compromise flourish under such conditions, yet this righteous and devout man appears fiercely determined to look beyond the now-circumstances to see the hope of restoration for his people. He believed, by faith, that before the end of his life, he would indeed see the Christ—the Messiah.

Simeon, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, recognized this baby as the promised Deliverer of Israel—the Anointed One. He blessed the child and the parents and spoke words over their lives. Simeon would never see the impact this child was to have on the world, for the baby would make no significant difference in the world Simeon knew. Simeon was faithful in taking a charge over Israel—being a watchman for what was to come. Simeon was a man of faith, and he blessed that which he may not have fully understood.

Then there was the woman, Anna, who was over eighty years old. She had reached the age of heroic strength, and she was indeed a woman of great power as it pertained to her worship and intercession for the people of Israel. As the young couple passed by her with the baby, she began speaking with confidence about the redemption of Israel. The child that she was so excited about would have little to no impact on the redemption of Israel within her remaining years. It would be thirty years before the Messiah stepped out into his public ministry. Anna, by the Spirit, blessed what would one day be and, in doing so, found fulfillment from her life devoted to worship and prayer.

Blessing what is yet to come

For over thirty years, I have been serving as a minister in various roles. My work has always been about living, reaching, gathering, and teaching. As a young minister, I had the luxury of seeing fruit from my labours. I’ve seen kids in my youth group grow up to become faithful men and women of God serving in the church. I was able to see unbelievers come to Christ, be discipled, get baptized, and go on to serve the Lord in faithfulness. I

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was part of some ministry start-ups that went on to have a positive impact on the local church and the community. Oh, the joys of being young in ministry. But the future ain’t what it used to be, and I think I am beginning to understand why—because that’s the way the Lord designed it to be.

The further we go in ministry and service unto the Lord, the more we will come to recognize that there is much more that is yet to come.

Men and women of the Bible were commemorated for the fact that they served faithfully within their lifetime and then intentionally began to bless what was still yet to be (Hebrews 11:39–40). Men and women of faith plant seeds in faith that will only come to fruition after they have moved beyond the ability to reap that which they have sown.

Young Mary took the words spoken by Simeon and Anna and stored them up in her heart. The message of the angel that said “fear not” was complemented by the affirming words of a man of faith and a woman of prayer. Their words and actions that day sustained Mary for a generation as she served the Lord and watched over her son—the Promised One. Jesus stepped out from the shadows in a powerful way.

He taught and performed

I find it remarkable that following his resurrection, Jesus changed his focus. The switch was flipped, he transitioned from being the minister to being the guardian of the ministers.

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miracles like no one before, to the amazement of the multitudes. Repeatedly, he declared a simple message that the future ain’t what it used to be— that everything was changing for the better. And so it did in a most unexpectant way—through his death and resurrection.

I find it remarkable that following his resurrection, Jesus changed his focus. The switch was flipped, he transitioned from being the minister to being the guardian of the ministers. He said to the young men and women who followed him: “Now it’s your turn. Go, do the things I did. I’ll take up the position of being your Guardian—I’ll be with you always.”

My visit to Beulah Camp was not what I wanted it to be, but it was exactly what I needed at this stage in my life. My momentary lament that I was no longer as young as I still envisioned myself to be, was replaced by the longing to know how I could bless that which the Lord was about to do for the next generation and beyond.

My faith is renewed with the understanding that my Spirit-directed words and actions today can greatly impact that which may only manifest years from now. I’ve come to realize that our mission does not fade over time—it shifts.

Recognizing that shift and embracing it is surprisingly invigorating.

“Lord, open my eyes to see what you are doing even when it is in its infancy. Grant me the courage to bless, by faith, that which is beyond my understanding with my words and actions. Lord, I am willing to lay down my own interests and preferences for the sake of the next generation’s ability to hear your Word and live it out with faithfulness. Lord, show me how I can contribute to the renewal of Your Church, the revival of Your People, and the advancement of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Andy Woodworth has served as EMC Conference Pastor since January 2023. Prior to that appointment, he was the lead pastor of Heartland Community Church in Landmark, Man. He and wife Stephanie have served in pastoral ministry for over 30 years.

An unforgettable Christmas Memories of the 1972 earthquake in Nicaragua

Story and photos

An earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, caused widespread damage and tens of thousands of fatalities.

An earthquake in Morocco on September 8, 2023, heavily damaged parts of the country, killed 2,900 people and injured 5,500.

These news headlines trigger many memories of the earthquake in Nicaragua on December 23, 1972. I don’t need the news coverage to tell me about the fear of aftershocks, the hysterical screams of fear as people look for loved ones in the rubble, the dust, the darkness, the smell of decaying corpses, the mass grave burial site near a cemetery, the long lineups for water and food, the fear of disease and being cut off from communication with family desperate to know of our whereabouts.

Living in Manitoba where we don’t experience earthquakes, we hear “thousands died” and very quickly forget what we just heard. However, for me the memories of the major earthquake we experienced in 1972 immediately come flooding back in vivid colour. This year, as in the past many family circles will be missing one, two or even whole families around their Christmas dinner table.

n

by Wilbert Friese

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he most unforgettable Christmas for me and my family was Christmas of 1972. Just two and a half months earlier, Hilda and I with our two young sons had made the 5,000-mile trip from Swift Current, Saskatchewan, to the fascinating Republic of Nicaragua, our new home and mission field. We had just settled into a unique house in Jinotepe and were trying hard to befriend our neighbours and learn to communicate in Spanish.

It was December 22, and we were busy preparing for our first Christmas away from our families. The few Christmas gifts we had bought the day before in Managua had to be wrapped, and I had a Christmas message to prepare. Hilda was making popcorn balls while a neighbour lady watched. We had improvised a Christmas tree out

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of red and green streamers and a broom handle on a sheet of plywood (you had to have a good imagination), since real Christmas trees were much too expensive. That night we went to bed, tired but happy to be in our new surroundings.

Shortly after midnight, having just fallen into a deep sleep, we were rudely awakened by a shaking sensation. “What was that?” my still groggy mind asked, “What’s going on around here?” Dazed and sleepy, I reasoned (and Hilda concurred), “It’s only the neighbourhood cats using the corrugated tin roof as a racetrack.” We returned to our pillows and continued to sleep.

Our subconscious minds had not yet assimilated the unfamiliar shaking of the dreaded earth tremors that could frequently be felt. We were totally unaware the city of Managua some 30 miles away had just been hit with a devastating earthquake and about 10,000 people had died; many more were hurt and dying underneath the mountains of rubble and ruin.

Our sleep was once again rudely interrupted when at 3 a.m. we heard loud knocks on the door and our names were frantically being called. It was Fred and Doris Friesen and their three children, our missionary colleagues from Managua. But what on earth were they doing at our house at this hour?

I stumbled toward the light switch, but it did not respond. The cool damp night air sent ominous shivers through my body as I fumbled to open the securely locked front door. There they stood, shivering and in shock. They had travelled the 90-minute drive up the mountains to our house avoiding fallen power lines and trees, crossing over six-inch cracks in the road not knowing whether there would even be a road around the next corner.

“Managua is finished! Everything is in ruins!

Oh, it is just terrible! Our house is all broken!

We are so scared!” they lamented as they trembled in a state of shock. The city of Managua had been shaken by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

As the early strains of daylight began to appear, Lester (another missionary colleague), Fred, and I made our way with considerable apprehension back down the mountains to Managua. We wondered what we would see and prayed that the Christian brothers and sisters we served in Managua would be well. As the winding highway brought us closer to the city, we could see billows of smoke rising from the heart

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“

Managua is finished! Everything is in ruins! Oh, it is just terrible! Our house is all broken! We are so scared!

”

of Managua. After we had straddled the crevices and ducked under the downed hydro wires, we would behold devastation such as we had never before seen.

Arriving at Fred and Doris’s house we noted that the clay tile roof was badly shaken and inside there were broken shelves and glass and dust covering everything. The brightly wrapped Christmas presents for the children under the small, now tattered Christmas tree lay covered with dust and debris. For a brief moment, I remembered that in two days it would be Christmas Eve. We soon made our way to the colonia where the people from the church lived. God had protected them. Neither the church nor their relatively new houses had suffered much

damage, but fear and shock were written on the face of every person we met.

Everybody was outside. Nobody even wanted to venture into their houses, because of the frequent aftershocks that continued to frazzle their nerves. For weeks to come those who stayed in the city slept under the stars, too afraid to sleep in their houses.

As we wound our way through the city, carefully inching our van through the rubble-filled streets, I remember thinking, surely this must be a nightmare. Many of the walls of houses had just collapsed and lay in huge piles of rubble.

In many places, the infrastructure of water and sewer was broken, and dirty water was running down the messy streets. Many people we saw walking were bruised and bleeding, others ran, and others just sat on the heaps of rubble too stunned to think clearly. Ruin, sorrow, hopelessness, crying, hysteria! Both the rich and the poor were hurting and terribly afraid.

As we inched our way through the rubble, the dead were respectfully laid close to the street curb to be picked up by large dump trucks to be buried in large common graves often without so much as a prayer. This process was to continue

for days. Hardly a family escaped the hand of death.

I saw a patient from the hospital, walking down the street with surgical tubes still in place and carrying an IV bottle. Over there I saw an old man bent over in despair. And over there was a mother sitting on the remains of her house holding her frightened child, waiting for the dad to come home. He never did come home. Beside them were some tattered Christmas presents.

Was this Christmas? How suddenly the excitement of Christmas had disappeared.

Where was the love and peace that was supposed to symbolize Christmas? Having assessed the situation we went back home that night with very weary and heavy hearts. We were glad to have a home to go to.

As we awoke on the 24th, we were faced with the stark realities of this national disaster. The infrastructure in Managua was broken, and the people were without drinking water.

We filled all the containers we could find and brought water to our church families. Some needed medical attention, so our van became an ambulance to the Red Cross centers. It soon became evident that all they wanted was to get out of their terrifying environment.

All that day from early till late we attended to people in need. I made many trips with the van full of people out of Managua, slowly picking my way through the rubble-filled streets, with the smell of decaying bodies in the air.

With the urgency and the intense heat of the day, there was little time to think of family, snow, and Christmas programs.

When we arrived home after dark to our unlit home, Fred and I were welcomed by our families. Since everyone in the whole country was without power, the lighted candles did not remind us that it was Christmas Eve. After a simple supper, the two Friesen families celebrated Christmas together.

After we had read the Christmas story by the flickering candles, we thanked the Lord for his protection and prayed for the sick and the dying and for our families back home in Canada. Telephone communication was impossible so we could not talk to our families in Canada until a week later. In the faint candlelight, the children opened their presents and wished for daylight to come so they could play.

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“

ISTOCK

Oh God, we thank you that Christmas lies not in what we do, but in what you have done in our hearts. Make us your instruments of love and may many more experience the reality of your love. Amen.

We decided to retire early and rest our weary bodies. We were just in bed, when we heard a truck pull up to our house and then a knock on the door. “Hermano Wil?” Here were 24 people—men, women and children—who had been able to load most of their earthly belongings onto a rented truck and were moving out of the city to more secure and higher ground. Could they spend the night?

Soon our large living room was covered with mattresses and blankets. They were served coffee and bread, and then we all went to sleep. As I drifted off to sleep, I thought of a night some 2,000 years earlier when Joseph and his expectant wife found no guest room to stay in. Yes, we did have room for our guests.

It was Christmas day. The day dawned bright and clear. Already I could tell it would be a hot and scorching day. Again, we took our containers of water, and after sending our guests on their way, headed back to the disaster area.

As we neared Managua we observed crowds of people on the move, just like our friends last night. It seemed like everyone wanted to get out of the rubble and disaster so that their frazzled nerves could settle down. They were fleeing the threat of disease and the very scary aftershocks.

Some rode on trucks piled high with their belongings, others pushed two-wheeled carts, and many walked carrying babies and their possessions.

All Christmas day I drove, picking my way through rubble, glass, nails and bricks as I taxied desperate families out of the disaster area. I had taken along a bag of hard Christmas candy.

While our families in Canada were eating peanuts and chocolates with mixed feelings about

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”

our welfare, I tried to share a little bit of joy as we inched our way along out of the city streets.

In the stifling heat, we saw long lines of people waiting to be vaccinated against typhoid fever and tetanus which threatened to break out in an epidemic. Some lined up for water, and others for food and clothes. We would all learn to stand in line for hours at a time.

As I wound my way home that night, I had time to reflect on what day it was. It was Christmas. There had been no Christmas day church service, no well-rehearsed Christmas program. I had heard no Christmas carols, played no games and had no family gatherings. It had been a day of sweat, hard work and tears, but inside of me there was a peace and joy and love that came from having served Christ.

A lonely candle flickered in the dark. Hilda was there to greet me at the door. The children were already tucked into bed. Together with our missionary colleagues, we prayed, “Oh God, we thank you that Christmas lies not in what we do, but in what you have done in our hearts. Make us your instruments of love and may many more experience the reality of your love. Amen.”

This is how I remember the Christmas of 1972.

Wilbert Friesen is currently retired and living in Steinbach, Man. after 51 years of full-time ministry, including missionary service in Nicaragua, pastoral work in Manitoba and Ontario and chaplain at Salem Home in Winkler, Man.

Column • The Journey of Christian Vocation

The grace of vocation A series on 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12.

S

tand back,” the guide told me.

“Just a little bit further.” I was carefully examining a rich blue shard of stained glass as the midday sun lit up the walls of the magnificent 18th-century manor. We had spent that morning in the workshop of a local artist who explained the nuances of colouring which went into the creation of each piece of glass. I was now looking closely to appreciate the unique tones of this particular piece.

As I backed up, the guide’s gentle voice continued. “Just a little bit further. Let the light bring them together.”

Stepping back a little more, I was finally caught up in the greater picture. The sunlight, filtered through the swaying leaves and branches of the great oaks in the courtyard, hit the wall, making each shard sparkle. It was the shared illumination provided by the shards together which I was now experiencing. In this room of light, I was a witness to the shards and their compilation, to the parts and their combined impact.

I found in this moment, another picture of vocation.

The apostle Paul closes his reflection on Christian vocation in 2 Thessalonians 1:12 with a beautiful treatise on the role of grace in our lives. “So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

It is grace, we are told, that motivates God, the artist who is shaping our lives. Grace is the character of God’s steady hand as he puts each moment we experience into the bigger picture of our lives.

As we live out our vocation, the unique calling of God on our lives which rises out of the desires for good he places in us, we can lose sight of the importance of each moment in this

By Calvin Tiessen

ISTOCK

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Grace is the character of God’s steady hand as he puts each moment we experience into the bigger picture of our lives. journey. God is constructing a stained-glass window, not just individual pieces of glass. To appreciate the role of each of these moments, we need to step back and look at the whole through the light of God’s grace. Not only are we uniquely designed to experience God’s grace, as the Lord Jesus is glorified in us, but we are uniquely designed to express God’s grace, that we may be glorified in him.

It is not only to us that God is saying, “stand back,” but to the world. It is the full testimony of the arc of our lives which can fully reflect the grace of God to others. Take a moment to stand back, today, “just a little bit further.” Thank God for each piece of beauty that he has placed into your life. Let each piece shine, the ones that were shaped in pain, as well as the ones that were shaped in joy. And press on. The window is still in progress. Grace is still at work.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 19

With Our Missionaries

Stories that Change PARAGUAY

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Bernardo is a very helpful boy. His teacher asks the students if they can find out how many sick people there are in the neighborhood. Bernardo volunteers and learns there are five. The teacher urges the students to act by setting aside some of their own lunch money to buy fruit or something else for them.

Bernardo and his friends do so and are very happy. The student’s Illustration of Bernardo and friends helping Alberto and Benny broadcast for Radio Online. action serves as an example, and others. soon the adults also begin to help the sick in their neighborhood. exciting for us to hold our first copy of Stories that Change This is the summary of one of 106 stories written by in print.

Nelson Aguilera in the context and the heart language of A current challenge is to distribute the books and the Paraguayan people: Guarani Jopara. During the initial audios so they can be used for teaching values and for three-year project, RadioNET trained facilitators to use evangelism. Local churches, private schools and Christian these stories to teach biblical values to children and youth ministries are interested to use these resources and to help in public and private schools, as well as in churches and distribute them. their supporting ministries.

Our vision for Stories that Change is to connect with people’s hearts. To motivate reflection. To think deeper. To make decisions. The stories offer practical advice for life and challenge the audience to change their habits and ways of thinking. As listeners (or readers) identify with the characters in these stories, biblical content and values become relevant and can be applied more easily in their own lives.

Bernardo will challenge anyone to ask: What could I do to help people in my neighborhood? What am I willing to give up for others?

The stories are useful to create a platform for group and personal evangelism, with the possibility to reenforce the content with a Bible story or verse. They are one of several resources we now offer through social media, over many local radio stations, and through our own Radio Online program Ñane Ñe’ẽtépe (“In our language”). The audios are available for download for free. (The first book will be Esther and Benny Goertzen hold a copy of Stories that Change. available very soon.)

We pray that God will continue to change the stories The Stories that Change audio recordings are approved of many individuals and families in Paraguay or wherever by the Ministry of Education for distribution and use in these stories in Guarani Jopara will be heard. public schools across Paraguay. To also obtain the approval – Benny and Esther Goertzen of the written texts, we are required to present them in a book format, which inspired us to publish the stories in Benny and Esther Goertzen are EMC associate missionaries color with illustrations. We plan to publish two books for with Action International Ministries in Paraguay. They prochildren and two for youth, 10 stories in each book, and duce and distribute evangelistic materials in the context of we look forward to more as funds become available. It was the Paraguayan language and culture.

20 The Messenger • November/December 2023

With Our Missionaries

Teaching—and learning too CHAD

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

It feels good to be back in the On a different note, I thought classroom at Wellspring Academy!

I’d share about one of the strugI have a lovely bunch of grade 4/5 gles that comes with living in students who enjoy each other Chad. In general, the people of and engage well with the varied Chad are extremely poor. Being learning activities. They are fun, faced with poverty is nothing new full of energy, and well-behaved. for me, yet there are times when I What more could a teacher want?! am particularly confronted by it.

I arrived in Chad on July 15 My colleagues and I visited one of and had a sweet reunion with our house cleaners shortly after Debbie and Hannah, my teaching I arrived in Chad, and the concolleagues. Returning to Welltrast between my comfortable flat spring Academy a full month and her primitive dwelling was before classes started was a wise stark. The disparity of wealth that move. It gave me the time and I face when my colleagues and I space to settle into my home, Heidi with teaching colleagues Hannah and Debbie. go out to enjoy a nice meal at a mentally adjust, adapt to the heat restaurant and are approached by and humidity (if that’s possible!), re-engage with my teach- beggars on the street is unsettling. What do I do with this ing colleagues, and gradually begin preparing for the start bitter reality, especially as a follower of Jesus Christ? of school.

I don’t have a definitive answer, but I believe that One and a half months into the academic year, and it’s first and foremost, I need to see and honour the poor by back to the routine of teaching, marking, and prepping. I acknowledging them and valuing them as persons whom appreciate stimulating my mind as I prepare social studies God loves immensely. I’m ashamed to admit that this is not lessons for my students. Our focus this year is the continormally my first response. More commonly, I try to avoid nent of Africa. beggars on the street and scramble into the car and close I’m also back to teaching music class for the whole the door as quickly as possible. Jesus wouldn’t do that. school during the last period on Fridays. The kids have Whether or not I choose to give a handout of money or fun learning about the elements of music and singing silly food to a needy person, I know that what is most imporsongs. It’s a great way to end off the week. tant is engaging with the individual. I need to acknowledge his/her presence and be gracious in spirit.

That may be more needed than a handout, but it is much harder to do. Lord, give me a generous love for my neighbour, whether rich or poor. Give me wisdom to know what to do when faced with need, because it is not always clear what is most helpful. Keep reminding me that whatever I do to the least of these, I do to You. – Heidi Plett Heidi Plett is an EMC associate missionary with Africa Inland Mission. She serves as a teacher at Wellspring Academy in Chad.

Heidi Plett (middle) is surrounded by her students.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 21

With Our Missionaries

What Operation Mobilization looks like in El Salvador EL SALVADOR

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

After serving with Operation Mobilization (OM) for six months in 2021–22, God directed us back, and we committed to another nine months in El Salvador. Another nine months of enjoying a different culture, learning more Spanish and of course, eating more pupusas.

Our main ministry involves mobilizing people in churches and equipping them to go into missions. We teach English and organize events to inform people about evangelistic needs throughout the world. We Mary Wahl (left front of the class) assists with English language studies for Vision 800 also train volunteers and plan retreats for ministry, which prepares students for the mission field in a three-month course. people who have a sense of calling but don’t know where to begin. We help them understand what they ages one to 18 months from local hospitals. Most babies can expect in a foreign mission field, provide them with brought to Love Link are near death when they arrive, and the tools they need prior to committing themselves to mis- they receive round-the-clock care, nourishment, and addisions and teach them the importance of being prepared. tional medical care. Families are taught how to care for Our team at OM treats us like family. We have regular infants at home. Once a week we go to Love Link to play staff and volunteer meetings where we discuss and pray for with the babies, help feed them, and change diapers as our ministries throughout the world, discuss OM minisneeded. try opportunities and encourage personal devotional and A new ministry we started partnering with is called prayer time. The heart of the ministry is to see vibrant Envision. Their local youth program is called “La Fuenta” communities of Jesus followers among the least reached. which means “The Fountain.” This Christian organization Along with our ministry of mobilization, we partwants to bring hope, restoration and transformation to ner with other ministries in El Salvador. The first one Salvadoran youth through Bible study, art, music, English we support is YWAM. Every other Tuesday we travel class and sports. The favorite, of course, is “futbol” which to a community to help them prepare and serve food to we call soccer. Our involvement includes helping with Engapproximately 80 young children. We hope to be involved lish, art, playing sports and relationship-building. with their VBS program prior to their Christmas break.

Another ministry we are involved with is El SalvaThe second ministry we serve in is Love Link, a Chrisdor’s Hope. We prepare and hand out food to people who tian organization that receives malnourished babies sell goods on the streets, praying together and trying to develop relationships. We also assist with a rural children’s ministry and a feeding program.

Mary and I are blessed to have this opportunity to serve the people of El Salvador. We are encouraged to see the gospel being preached and the love of Jesus in action. The Lord leaves us with this promise in Hebrews 6:10, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

– James and Mary Wahl Mary and James Wahl (middle) work together with El Salvador’s Hope staff to distribute lunch bags, share the gospel and pray with street vendors.

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James and Mary Wahl are EMC associate missionaries with Operation Mobilization in El Salvador.

With Our Churches Mount Salem Community Church

How we’re loving and serving our community

Mount Salem Community Church summer campers

Participants ride bikes for Journey for Change, the annual community fundraising campaign in support of The Family Central.

are taught life skills, provided with financial courses, and encouraged to continue their education.

The second community-based initiative that MSCC has undertaken is the vision for a centre for community and sport. Our region lacks year-round athletic facilities, so sports or recreational activities are limited in the winters. The MAC will be a 54,000 square-foot sports dome located on a leased portion of the church property, featuring three courts and an indoor turfed area. It will provide a location for families to learn, play, and be more active through local affordable sports.

How does this “inspire people to follow Jesus”? We were inspired by the church in Bolivia who connected with the young people and community through sports.

MSCC has many members who love sports and volunteer through coaching and officiating in local sports programs and summer sports camps. The MAC will be a space for us to grow our summer camps and for new programs to come to our region. We are aware of the need around us, and our church can invite people in and create points of connections with the members of our community and offer opportunities for families to connect through sports.

Those connections lead to conversations about faith and life.

The MAC is in full fundraising mode with nearly 2 million raised of the 7.5 million needed. Hopes of groundbreaking in 2024 remain strong.

– Patrick Stanat

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

AYLMER, Ont.—Our vision at Mount Salem Community Church (MSCC) is to “inspire people to follow Jesus.” Our hope is to live and love in such a way that it compels people to consider faith. By serving the community that God has planted us in, we have the unique opportunity to build a mission centre called The Family Central, and we are working toward establishing a community centre called the Malahide Athletic Centre (MAC).

In rural communities like ours, services for individuals with challenges such as mental health, addiction, and homelessness are limited, forcing them to go to bigger cities where they can easily get lost in the system. The Family Central works with local partners to change that. Operating out of a three-story building (formerly the town pub) in our downtown core, the centre offers food security, life coaching, transitional housing, emergency shelter, addictions recovery support, as well as courses such as Celebrate Recovery and other life skills programs. The centre employs three program managers, a chaplain, a nurse, and an executive director.

The food security program launched in June 2021 and is a first point of contact with most people. It offers a healthy breakfast and lunch without cost or by donation, serving 50–90 meals a day. While there is one full-time staff member in this program, most of the meals are cooked and served by volunteers from multiple churches and community members who are drawn to serving the poor. Since 2021, we have served over 30,000 meals and logged over 13,000 volunteer hours.

As we meet physical needs, we also have opportunity to build relationships and walk alongside people to help them find hope and a better future. We partner with professional system navigators so participants who enter the program

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With Our Churches Kola EMC

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Dedicated kids and adults at Kola

Parent-child dedication participants on March 19, 2023: Jason and Tya Barker with Judah, Keith and Allison Hyatt with Leo, Alex and Emily Bajus with Travis, Ben and Kate Bajus with Leo, Jake and Brittany Hiebert with Poppy.

New deacon couples added

PHOTO SUPPLIED

KOLA, Man.—On March 19, we were thrilled to celebrate the family by having a parent-child dedication service. Five couples dedicated themselves to raise their children for the glory of God. On April 23, we had another celebration as three ladies graduated from the SEAN course, an in-depth study of the book of Matthew which took them a number of years of intense study to complete.

– Pat Schellenberg

Taber Evangelical Church

Instructor Joanne Martens led Lori Koop, Alida Martens, and Krista Pederson through the SEAN course, an intense study on the book of Matthew.

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TABER, Alta.—Taber Evangelical Church added three new deacon couples to our ministerial group on Sunday, September 21, 2023: Freddie and Mary Heide, Marianne and Peter Neufeld, Nancy and Pete Fehr.

– Helen Thiessen

With Our Churches Heartland Community Church

LANDMARK, Man.—On September 10, 2023, Heartland congregation officially installed our new lead pastor: Matthew Funk (originally of Landmark, Man.) supported by his wife, Kathy, who is originally from Niverville, Man. Pastor Matt brings twenty-four years of pastoral ministry experience to Heartland. He started ministry as a youth pastor within one of the EMC churches in Manitoba then migrated south to sunny California where he raised his family and continued ministry as an associate pastor and later the senior pastor of a congregation there.

During a two-year hiatus from pastoral ministry (postCOVID), Matt and Kathy relocated back to Manitoba where he was employed in his family’s business for a while.

But with Matt’s strong call to preach the Word of God, he was also in demand as an itinerate preacher and that is when he was invited to Heartland to preach. Afterward, during the candidate process, we also heard Matt’s heart for people to know God intimately and be cared for.

Andy Woodworth, former Heartland lead pastor, and new Conference Pastor for EMC, preached during the special installation service. He shared Oswald Chamber’s devotional insight on Isaiah 6 where Isaiah overhears a question in his vision from God: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Andy did not just apply it to Matt’s calling to Heartland, but to all of us who have ears to hear God’s commissioning and gifting, citing the five-fold

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

‘Who will go?’

Pastor Matt and Kathy Funk are wrapped in a blanket by Pastor Travis Plett, Viola Penner and David Kroeker.

ministry gifts in Ephesians 4 which are given to believers to build up the body of Christ, the church, and fulfill its calling to make disciples. Andy put a special emphasis on our responsibility today, as a congregation, to evangelize the next generation.

As our congregation commissioned Matt as our lead pastor, many gathered around our pastoral couple to pray for God’s leading and equipping. Our new pastoral couple were then gifted with and wrapped in a quilt which represents the care of a community that will also surround them and care for them and their family.

With special services like these, and with the start-up of our church programs, we also had a special meal together to reconnect after the summer holidays, to begin afresh the ministry of the church in this new season.

Commissioning prayers for the new pastoral couple: (back row) Conference PasWelcome Pastor Matt and Kathy Funk! tor Andy Woodworth, Leadership Team chair Craig Sawatzky, young life pastor – Brigitte Toews Travis Plett, Leadership Team vice-chair Tabitha Hildebrandt, prayer care team members Viola Penner and David Kroeker (chair); (front row) Pastor Matt and Kathy Funk.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 25

News

STEINBACH, Man.—EMC missionaries from all over the world were able to make new connections, build community, and encourage one another in their calling at the annual EMC Missionary Fellowship held September 7, 2023, at Prairie Rose EMC in Landmark, Man. Gerald Reimer, Director of Canadian Church Planting, started the evening with a brief introduction and shared John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” This became the theme verse of the evening and was referenced in the stories of workers.

Soon, people started to make their way to the serving table. After sharing a meal and stories around the table, the evening transitioned into a time of worship and ministry stories.

Nancy Friesen, a worker serving in Bolivia, shared her experience working with Low German Mennonites. She spoke about the great need for discipleship and the lack of

PHOTOS BY BETTY RAMONES

EMC Missionary Fellowship ‘like a family gathering’

Missionary Elvira Cote and Board of Missions member Gord Utz share a table and a laugh.

realities of temptation and the struggle between the flesh and the spirit. But despite the challenges they face, Chris and Revita are seeing God’s faithfulness and a change of heart in the people they are discipling. They are seeing the work of the Holy Spirit as more and more people become embedded in Christ’s love and truth.

After hearing their stories, people gathered around Chris and Revita to pray for them and their ministry. This was followed by worship and prayer; missionaries gathered in small groups to intercede for specific prayer requests.

For the rest of the evening, people continued to connect and share stories. When asked why they attended the Missionary Fellowship one worker shared, “This is like a family gathering with people who have also lived and worked in cross-cultural settings, and we have much in common … It is important to build community because we all suffer pain and disappointments and discouragement, and we all have our stories of successes and victories. Sharing this pain and sharing these joys with each other gives us renewed strength” (Paul Thiessen, Burkina Faso).

As the evening ended, some workers said their “goodbyes” to their friends and colleagues as they headed back to their fields. Many of them expressed how they were already looking forward to the next Missionary Fellowship, a gathering where they get to become a big, beautiful family in Christ.

– Betty Ramones, EMC Church Leadership Assistant

“Sharing this pain and sharing these joys with each other gives us renewed strength.”

– Paul Thiessen

Fellow EMC workers pray over Chris Kroeker, who works with his wife Revita in discipleship and marriage restoration in Paraguay.

biblical literacy in that community. “They have the Bible in High German but are not able to understand it and are not encouraged to read it or study it,” she said. Many in the audience nodded their heads as they empathized with the challenge Nancy was facing. However, God’s faithfulness and the work of the Holy Spirit have not been absent; many men, women, and children have come to experience the presence of Jesus and now have a fervent desire to grow in their faith. As Nancy concluded her time of sharing, people prayed for her and her ministry.

Chris and Revita Kroeker took the stage next and talked about their discipleship and marriage restoration ministry in Paraguay. Those present heard about the hard 26 The Messenger • November/December 2023

News

A ‘glass half full’ approach to development Project Builders funds enable AIMM training event in DRC Despite the amount of resources mobilized for local development, progress remains insignificant and unsustainable in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in general and in Mennonite churches in particular. Concerned about this situation, with funding from Project Builders and AIMM donors, AIMM organized a training seminar on the AssetBased Community Development (ABCD) approach.

The training took place over five days, from August 21–25, 2023, at the Mennonite Community in Congo (CMCO) headquarters in Tshikapa, Kasai province. In this seminar 50 people from all CMCO conferences were trained in the skills of mapping and developing local resources for church and community development.

The ABCD approach to development raises awareness of community members about their assets (physical, natural, social, human, etc.), capacities, skills, experiences, and relationships. With this approach, the goal is for rural populations to take charge of their own development, improve their living conditions, and build resilient churches and communities. The training was organized around five major themes: 1. The glass is half empty and half full ABCD focuses on the glass half full. The glass half empty represents the notion that communities are deficient and have many needs. The facilitator emphasized that ABCD focuses on the part of the glass that is half full.

Participants learned that within each community, there are things that work. When the focus is on needs rather than what works, community development efforts can become paralyzed.

which groups presented the results of their work they produced. The participants discovered they have almost everything they need to activate a development process in their communities.

4. The leaky bucket The “leaky bucket” is a tool that helps participants understand the local economy. It shows in most cases that the expenditures of the communities are greater than the revenues they generate. This is a challenge to address.

5. ABCD and low-hanging fruit It’s best to start with what the community has available. In other words, instead of the community looking for what is difficult to have, it should focus first what it has or can access.

Outcome To plan for change based on the community’s assets without relying on external help, each group produced an action plan. The groups presented their different action plans, discussed them together, and evaluated, thus marking the end of the training.

Project Builders provided just under half of the funds needed to provide this training session. Project Builders supports EMC and affiliated mission agencies with funding for capital projects. Its efforts are supported through members (who commit to a minimum $250 annual donation) and donors. Learn more at www.emconference.ca/ project-builders.

– AIMM and Project Builders

3. Mapping community assets Participants formed groups to identify and map the assets of their respective environments. A plenary session followed during

Fifty participants gather for an AIMM training session on sustainable communitydriven development.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

2. Identification of community assets Work in groups allowed participants to identify, inventory, and familiarize themselves with the different assets existing in their environment. They classified them according to whether they were social, human, physical, natural or financial.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 27

News

Spirit of MDS Fund invites applications for 2023–24 Grants worth $137,000 given to 26 churches and organizations by MDS Canada in 2022–23

Darryl Harder (right), member of Gospel Mission Church (GMC), and Claude Lainey (far right), GMC lead pastor, carry hampers made possible by help from the Spirit of MDS Fund,

28 The Messenger • November/December 2023

organizations across Canada by MDS Canada in 2022–23. For 2023–24, the organization is once again inviting Canadian congregations and organizations that need assistance in serving their communities to consider applying for funding.

The Spirit of MDS Fund was created during the pandemic when MDS Canada was unable to do any projects but wanted to assist congregations responding to needs arising from that challenging time in their communities. When the pandemic abated, it was retained as an ongoing program of the organization.

Grants from the Fund can be used for things like construction or renovation projects of homes of people in need; for food or other needed resources for those in crisis; for ministry and service projects that involve volunteers serving the neighbourhood; or other creative ideas that are a fit with MDS Canada’s two Core Values: Faith in Action and Caring Relationships. Grants of up to $5,000 are available.

To apply for a grant, go to https://mds.org/ spirit-of-mds-fund.

– John Longhurst, MDS Canada Communications

“It was so encouraging to hear the impact and responses these hampers had.”

– Brenton Friesen

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

WINNIPEG, Man.—Every year the Gospel Mission Church, an Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference (EMMC) congregation in Winkler, Man., runs an event called Love the Valley.

There are many components to the event such as hot dog lunches and yard work for low-income homeowners.

But one big component is the handing out of hampers containing household essentials such as cleaning supplies and toilet paper and paper towels.

In May volunteers from the church gave out 190 hampers—40 more than a year ago and more than they have ever given out before.

The hampers were made possible with support from a grant of $5,000 from the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Canada Spirit of MDS Fund.

“These hampers are an awesome way to support those people in our community and a great stepping stone in helping to build relationship with the people of our region,” said associate pastor Brenton Friesen.

“It was so encouraging to hear the impact and responses these hampers had on the recipients as well as those who volunteered to deliver them,” he added.

This year, the hampers included an invitation for people to attend the church’s monthly community meal; some recipients of the hampers are now regularly attending the church as well, Friesen said.

Support from the Fund “enabled us to serve our community well,” he said.

The grant to Gospel Mission Church was just one of 26 grants worth just over $137,000 given to churches and

News

‘Can you help us help?’: An MCC partner in Palestine is providing relief amid the devastation of Gaza

While the needs are overwhelming, MCC is responding and calling for an end to the violence.

MCC has repeatedly responded to humanitarian crises in Gaza to deliver relief supplies like food and bedding as well as longer-term recovery efforts in psychosocial support for children and repairing homes. But despite the monumental risks they’re facing, Funkhouser says MCC partners have shown an unbelievable resilience and commitment to helping those who need help right now.

“I cannot fathom how they’re doing the work that they are doing,” says Funkhouser. “Almost immediately the response from Al-Najd was ‘Can you help us help? We want to do something. Our volunteers are asking, is there something we can do?’”

Scenarios like this, where getting relief into a highrisk area from the outside is almost impossible and safety

conditions are changing minute-to-minute, highlight the immense value of MCC having local partners working on the ground, says Funkhouser.

While the needs are overwhelming, MCC is responding and calling for an end to the violence, inviting everyone to take up the call to action as MCC partners continue to do—to pray, advocate and give.

“The cycle of violence must stop. Along with the international community and international humanitarian organizations, MCC calls for an immediate ceasefire and a just peace in Palestine and Israel,” says Bruce Guenther, MCC’s director of disaster response. “At a minimum, all parties must abide by international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and humanitarian access. We ask for people to give to urgent humanitarian needs and invite supporters in the U.S. and Canada to advocate for a long-term solution to the conflict, where everyone can flourish in safety and dignity.”

– Jason Dueck, for MCC Canada

PHOTO COURTESY OF AL-NAJD DEVELOPMENTAL FORUM

The first thing they said was “Can you help us help?” recalls Sarah Funkhouser, who, together with her husband, Seth Malone, is Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) representative for Jordan, Palestine and Israel.

MCC staff were reaching out to MCC partners in Gaza to see if they were safe in the wake of days of bombing and military strikes by the Israeli military following a series of coordinated attacks on Israelis by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

When staff reached MCC partner Al-Najd Developmental Forum (Al-Najd), Funkhouser almost couldn’t believe that amid all that was happening around them, their staff were already focusing their energy on how they could best aid their neighbours.

MCC is responding to this new wave of violence in Palestine and Israel. Some MCC partners in Gaza remain unable to mount any type of relief response due to the immense threats they face. However, despite the incredible danger around them, Al-Najd has distributed bedding and emergency food rations to more than 230 families so far.

Malone says what he and Funkhouser are hearing from MCC partners about the reality in Gaza is incredibly dire.

“They’re doing their best to stay safe, but they say they fear for their lives every night. And we’re very worried for them day in and day out.”

Firas Hamlawi, right, a volunteer and Rifqah Hamlawi, centre, a staff member, with MCC partner Al-Najd Developmental Forum, helped distribute food packages and bedding to families displaced by the current violence in the Gaza Strip. The recipient is not named for security purposes.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 29

In Memory

RAMONA KLASSEN

1933–2023 Ramona Pearl Klassen (nee Loewen) passed away peacefully September 25, 2023, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, Man. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry; her parents, John D. and Anna Loewen (nee Reimer); stepmother Helen Loewen (nee Unger); as well as siblings, Marian, Corinne, Lloyd, Jack and Leander.

Ramona was born in Steinbach in January 1933. It was a source of wonder to her that she lived to celebrate her 90th birthday as her parents died young. Ramona was only nine years old when her mother died, and Ramona clung to the belief that she would be reunited with her someday in heaven.

Ramona went to school in Steinbach and enjoyed it. Circumstances at home meant she quit school after grade 8 to help with the younger siblings. She returned to school after one year at home, completing her grade 10 which was the required level of education for missionaries at that time.

Going on the mission field was a close-held dream of Ramona’s, and her boyfriend had to promise to do so before she would agree to marry him.

He did.

Ramona married Henry Klassen in September 1954 and they were married for close to 69 years. Together they raised four children. Each one was born in a different location

30 The Messenger • November/December 2023

depending on where Henry and Ramona’s pastoral life took them.

From 1962–1971 they served in Belize. Ramona spoke often of her love for the Belizean people and enjoyed reminiscing about the relationships she formed there.

In marrying Henry, Ramona gained siblings and a loving motherin-law. Ramona felt loved and supported in the Klassen family largely due to the maternal graces Ramona felt from Maria Klassen.

Although Ramona was longing to go to heaven, she had a zest for life on earth. She was always ready to travel and most especially to meet new people. She would stop to chat with strangers in restaurants or waiting rooms.

In the last few years, she would be very proud to be the oldest person in the room and often opened a conversation with that in mind: “I think I am the oldest person here.”

Her passing leaves a huge hole in the family tapestry. We dearly miss

her positivity and radiant smile. We hope to carry it forward in our own lives.

Ramona is survived by children Phillip (Lori) Klassen, Terry Klassen (Grace Dueck), Ladine Klassen, and Christine (Jake) Unger; her grandchildren, Lisa (Robert) Heinrichs, Jeff Klassen (Romain Chareyron), Natasha Klassen (Andrew Hector), Jacquelyn Klassen (Christian Lacko), Bright (Gabriel) Thorsteinson, Robert Klassen, Riley Unger (Crimson Childs), Hannah Hart (Alex Adams), and Kiera Hart. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Luke, Peter, Jack, and Bethany Heinrichs. In addition, she leaves her sisters, Loris and Priscilla, and brothers, Barry and Kelvin, several siblings-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Kelvin, Esther Barkman and Anne Schalla who did so much to help support Ramona.

– The Family

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In Memory

JACOB (JAKE) BARKMAN

1950–2023 After battling cancer, Jacob (Jake) James Barkman was unexpectedly called home to his Lord and Saviour on Thursday, August 3, 2023.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Ruby; children Sarah, Adam, and Andrew; brothers Ben (Phyllis) and Cornie (Erna); sisters Elma (Pete) Reimer, Tina Thiessen, Margaret (Neil) Reimer, and Orla (Martin)

Loeppky; in-laws Dave (Mary) Brandt and Arlene Barkman; Ruby’s siblings, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Jake was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Anna Barkman; siblings, Adeline Brandt, Melvin, Abe, Werner, and Anna; and several in-laws.

Jacob James Barkman was born on July 10, 1950, in Steinbach, Man. In 1952, when Jake was two, his family moved to a new farmstead north of Riverton, Man. Jake would eventually buy the farm from his parents and lived there for the remainder of his 73 years. Over the years he farmed hogs, grain, hay, cattle, chickens, goats, and sheep.

On November 25, 1978, Jake accepted Jesus as his Saviour and was baptized in the Mennville EMC on February 18, 1979.

On July 11, 1987, Jake married Ruby Plett whom he met at Bible study after Ruby came to Mennville to teach school. They were married for 36 years and had three children.

Jake loved to garden. He planted a large vegetable garden every year along with numerous flower gardens and pots. Inside, he also had lots of plants including lots of geraniums that he wintered in the basement.

In July 2018, Jake was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent radiation treatments in October 2021. In April 2023, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and was undergoing chemo treatments at the time of his passing.

Jake’s family deeply appreciates and thanks our family and church for their gracious support and many prayers during this time of grief.

– His Family

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 31

Shoulder Tapping Please send all position ads (150 words or less), including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconference.ca. Ads may be edited. Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

and counsel through a godly walk and Bible-based, Christ-centered ministry.

Please forward any questions and employment information in confidence to cmchurch@telusplanet.net.

Additional EMC Openings

Pastor: Anola (Man.) Fellowship Chapel Anola Fellowship Chapel is in the RM of Springfield at 58006 Monominto Road, 5 miles southeast of the community of Anola and 35 minutes east of Winnipeg.

Our mission is to love God, love our neighbours, and make disciples. We have a full Sunday program and both children and youth programs. We are active in various community events. We are actively seeking a full-time pastor. We are looking for a spiritually mature man with a deep personal walk with Jesus, an engaging, enthusiastic individual who demonstrates sound biblical teaching and in depth preaching as well as vision. Contact Landon Elhard at afcpastorsearch@gmail. com for more information and/or full job description. Check out our website at anolachapel.com.

Often there are more churches looking for staff than are identified on this page. For information on additional openings, contact Conference Pastor Andy Woodworth (awoodworth@emconference.ca or phone 204-326-6401).

EMC Positions

Senior Pastor: Taber (Alta.) Evangelical Church Taber Evangelical Church is actively searching for the senior pastor whom God has chosen to lead us into the future.

Taber EMC is a unique, growing, familyoriented church. Our regular Sunday attendance is about 250. If you feel the Lord leading you in this direction please email taberemcpsc2@gmail.com or contact Bram Klassen at 403-331-9563.

Pastor: Coaldale Mennonite Church (Coaldale, Alta.)

Rooted in Jesus, Growing in Grace, Connected in Community, Branching into the World is the mission statement of Coaldale Mennonite Church (CMC), in Coaldale, Alberta. We are seeking fulltime pastoral leadership to collaborate with and inspire ministry volunteers, church leadership and staff to bring energy and a sense of renewal to our church body through ministry and outreach opportunities. We are followers of Jesus; an Anabaptist multi-generational church that is community minded. The candidate(s) will work to equip CMC for ministry and provide direction, insight 32 The Messenger • November/December 2023

Pastor: Morris (Man.) Fellowship Chapel Morris Fellowship Chapel is a Christfollowing, Bible-believing, family-friendly church of around 130 people in the small rural town of Morris, Manitoba. People of all ages are a part of Morris Fellowship, including children, young adults, adults and seniors. We are looking for a pastor to help with preaching, teaching, and building community in our church. This would include preaching on Sundays, teaching midweek Bible studies, personal visits and church community events. Contact Cliff Reimer, Pastoral Search Committee Chairman: cliff0955@gmail.com.

Senior Pastor: New Life Christian Fellowship (Coatsworth, Ont.) New Life Christian Fellowship is a small country church with approximately 65–85 that gather every Sunday. New Life is mostly young families with lots of little ones around to keep you on your toes.

Many of our families have a Plautdietsch (Low German) background which is often heard during times of fellowship. We are looking for a full time senior pastor who has a passion to preach, and teach from the Scriptures (background in ministry would be an asset), and has a heart for ministry and people in and outside the church. Our vision for the church is Reach Up, Reach Over & Reach Out. We would require that you agree with the EMC Statement of Faith. For more information, please contact board@nlcfchurch.org.

Pastor (part-time): The Church of Living Water (Tillsonburg, Ont.) The Church of Living Water is currently seeking a half-time pastor for a small family oriented congregation in the rapidly growing town of Tillsonburg Ontario.

We are seeking a highly motivated male applicant who is called to lead a closely knit church, and will embrace a vision to to facilitate new Christians to join us in worship. Success in this initiative could lead to an elevated time allotment up to full time. We are primarily seeking applicants with a Bible college degree and/ or extensive pastoral experience. For more information or to submit a resume, contact the chairman of our search committee at randymoyle@sympatico.ca Associate Pastor: Rosenort (Man.) Fellowship Chapel Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (RFC) is seeking an associate pastor whose primary task will be youth ministry. Our vision is to build a junior youth ministry (grades 7–9) while assisting in community senior youth programs. The applicant will love Jesus Christ and aspire to help others know Christ. This person want to make an impact among youth with his/her own dedication to Christ and to lead, influence and prepare our youth for life. The applicant will have some Bible college and skills in communicating biblical truths. This person will work with the leadership team. RFC

Shoulder Tapping is a multigenerational congregation of 100 persons. We are Anabaptists who long to Radically follow Jesus, Further the gospel, and Care for the community.

Email applications to Cam Cornelsen at cam.rfcleadership@gmail.com.

Youth Pastor (part-time): St. Vital EMC (Winnipeg, Man.) St. Vital EMC Church is seeking to hire a part-time youth pastor (about 16 hours per week) who will lead and disciple our youth aged 15–18 years old. We are an established and friendly church in south Winnipeg with approximately 120 congregants who aspire to love God and live as Jesus Christ lived.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus. Demonstrable leadership and influence among youth will mark this person’s character on a consistent basis as well as the ability to discern truth and obey God’s calling within the broader church’s ministry. The person needs the ability to work collaboratively on a small ministry team. Previous experience working with youth is essential. A resume, with cover letter, can be sent to: Oswald at ozzy_wald@hotmail.com.

Pastor of German-Speaking Ministry: Picture Butte (Alta.) Mennonite Church Picture Butte Mennonite Church (Picture Butte, Alta.) is prayerfully seeking to hire a full-time pastor to oversee our German-speaking ministry. PBMC currently holds an English and a Low German service each Sunday morning.

We are looking for a man that is experienced in ministry with a strong ability to shepherd in preaching and teaching from the Scriptures in Low German as well as an ability to relate to and care for members of the Mennonite community. This pastor will also meet the biblical requirements

for leadership in the church as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.

For more information or to submit a resume, please contact Isaac Thiessen, Chair of Leadership, at 403-308-5093 or by email: isaact@genicadev.com.

Discipleship Pastor: Leamington (Ont.) Evangelical Mennonite Church Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church is a growing church located in Southern Ontario in the town of Leamington. The makeup of our congregation is a mix of young families, singles, middle age and some older couples, with the majority of the congregation being relatively young.

LEMC is seeking a discipleship pastor.

The job description will consist of organizing and giving leadership to small group ministries in the church with a focus on family discipleship, spiritual formation, and he will also give leadership to a volunteer team of thriving and growing young adult and youth leaders.

Applicants must be in agreement with the EMC Statement of Faith and Anabaptist theology.

For more information contact: info@ lemchurch.ca Associate Pastor: Straffordville (Ont.) Evangelical Mission Church Straffordville Evangelical Mission Church is seeking an associate pastor.

SEMC is a rural church in a growing community with a congregation of about 160 people. .

We are looking for male applicants who have a clear sense of calling and love for the body of Christ, to serve and equip her for works of service, stemming from a growing relationship with Christ. This person must be able to preach, teach and show pastoral care. The successful applicant will work alongside the senior pastor and lay ministers in preaching, teaching, care-giving, and providing resources and

support to the other volunteer-based ministries in the church, according to his strengths and abilities.

Applicants must agree with the EMC Statement of Faith and display an understanding and general agreement with our Anabaptist theological background.

Contact psc@straffordvilleemc.ca.

Other Positions Lead Pastor: Lakeview Community Church (Killarney, Man.) Lakeview Community Church is looking for a full-time lead pastor. We are a Mennonite Brethren Church located in Killarney, Manitoba. We are seeking an individual with some experience in this field, who subscribes to the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith. We are looking for someone to become a part of our community, who can preach the Word of God as well as teach and guide our congregation to live like Jesus. Please send resumes to lvccpastorsearch@gmail.com.

For a more comprehensive job description and church profile, please check this link https://boards.com/a/hR1RS. Hx4srs.

Associate Pastor – Youth and Young Adults: Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church (Winnipeg, Man.) If you have a passion for youth and young adults, we invite you to apply for the position of associate pastor – youth and young adults. Under the leadership of the lead pastor, you will provide spiritual leadership through biblical, theological, cultural, and organizational development in the spiritual formation of youth (Grades 7–12) and young adults. Go to https:// fgmb.ca/about/#employment for a full job description. Please send a resume and cover letter to the Personnel Committee c/o info@fgmb.ca. www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 33

Column • His Light to My Path

The zeal of the Lord

T

By Karla Hein

his may come as a surprise, but my husband and I sometimes disagree. I’ll offer you a few examples: 1) We share different opinions on Ford Broncos. I don’t think it’s the “cool” vehicle on the road anymore since we see them quite frequently. Zach disagrees because the Sport model doesn’t qualify as a true Ford Bronco.

2) He thinks I steal all the blankets during the night. I claim there’s a statute of limitations on nighttime blanket thievery.

3) Every few days, I prepare meatless dinners for our family as a healthy, affordable meal. My husband, however, thinks carnivorously.

Despite our rather trivial differences, I’m impressed that we share a mutual admiration for the lesser-known Old Testament priest Phineas.

When Phineas witnessed an Israelite blatantly transgressing God’s law for holiness, he acted with righteous passion. God said, “He was as zealous for my honor among [the Israelites] as I am” (Numbers 25:11). And God promised, “He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God” (v. 13).

Phineas is introduced again in Joshua chapter 23 where he is sent to investigate a matter of

and to advance His glory in the world in every way possible” (Practical Religion). Religious zeal can be misplaced, as noted by Paul who was zealous in persecuting the church (Philippians 3:6). Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ resulted in pursuing Christ and the crown of life instead of his own distorted image of self-generated righteousness.

We’ve discussed zeal in relation to Phineas and Paul, now consider Isaiah’s description of God’s zeal in advancing his own glory by fighting his foes and saving his people: “The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.

He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.”

(Isaiah 59:15b–17).

Fascinating that Christians are now called to put on similar armour to enable us to “stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). As the ESV Bible study notes explain, “These are aspects [the breastplate and helmet] of God’s and the Messiah’s own character and work (as depicted in Isaiah) with which Christians are now equipped.”

What a comfort that as we wage war against the forces of darkness, God has not only equipped us for the battle, but has already made a spectacle of these evil forces on the cross!

(Colossians 2:15). Our battle with sin and the devil, with the world and our own lusts is one that we fight through the power of the risen Lord who has overcome! (Ephesians 1:19–21).

ISTOCK

Fascinating that Christians are now called to put on similar armour to enable us to “stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). perceived unfaithfulness to God. He is not reckless, but quick to listen and discern rightly. Phineas is also named in Psalm 106 (v. 30) with wording that matches the description of Abraham’s faith which “was credited to him as righteousness.” (v. 31; Genesis 15:6).

According to J. C. Ryle, “Zeal in Christianity is a burning desire to please God, to do His will,

34 The Messenger • November/December 2023

Column • Further In and Higher Up

Intellectual moms and dads And here is another hazard of the intellectual parent: We can have a fear of enthusiasm that makes it hard to raise children for Jesus. There is nothing the intellectual spirit loathes more than enthusiasm, more even than ignorance.

Part of the spiritual gifting of the intellectual (a necessary and good gifting for the church) is the ability to stay calm and rational when others are madly fanatic about nonsense. This is why intellectuals don’t make great sports fans.

But to grow up for Jesus, children need a joyful enthusiasm about their faith. They need to delight in Jesus before they understand him.

They need mountain-top experiences at camp and VBS. They need their parents to share their enthusiasm and be outwardly expressive about their love for Jesus and their church.

In my observation, intellectuals tend to believe that a slightly jaded, ironic faith is better equipped for the ambiguities of life. It pains me to recall that I sometimes dampened the fervor of my children’s faith from a misguided desire to give them the mature, adult version. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14).

Now, I say intellectuals have a difficult journey, not an impossible one. Many intellectuals are awesome parents. Here’s a suggestion. We can all cultivate an emotional faith in Jesus and a deeper intellectual insight. A Christian intellectual needs a mind on fire and a child-like faith. Let’s use our intellectual powers to see deeper into the beauty of Jesus and the church, and then share that wonder with our kids in age-appropriate ways. Stories are a great way to do this.

May our gracious Father save all his children from the foibles of their parents.

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ntellectuals have unique challenges when it comes to raising their children for Jesus.

Why is this? I write this from hard-earned experience, both in my own childhood and in my parenting.

I’m dealing in stereotypes that don’t apply to every intellectual, but you will recognize this creature. Many of us intellectuals have baggage from our own young adult years when we were discouraged from asking tough questions and digging into complexities. We do not want this for our kids and so we teach our young children to be “critical thinkers.”

But critical thinking, in the way I am using it, is not a virtue in children. Whether it’s a virtue in adults could be discussed. But children are naturally curious, open, and able to innocently receive the world at face value. This is why beautiful, strong, good heroes are crucial.

Critical thinkers can’t have heroes. Critics seek to expose and see through other people’s beliefs.

Critical thinking demands suspicion.

When intellectuals try to teach their children to be critics, they may inadvertently end up giving them x-ray vision and superpowers of dissection. They may blind children to the fragile beauty of the church and the Bible’s story.

The beauty of anything is destroyed by dissecting it, and no one is beautiful on an x-ray. Gospel, church, Bible, vocation; these can all easily be dissected and made to look silly and naked.

But to see and grasp the whole fragile mystery that is the body of Christ, this is like seeing a flower or the splendour of a horse at full gallop. Children seem to love beauty almost intuitively. Let’s not disabuse them of this, even when we sometimes need to teach them to recognize when they are being lied to.

By Layton Friesen

To grow up for Jesus, children need a joyful enthusiasm about their faith. www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 35

Column • Kids’ Corner

Once more it is Christmas

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By Loreena Thiessen

hat is Christmas really about? Is it the gifts you’re waiting to open? Is it the dazzle of lights that decorate your neighbourhood? Is it turkey dinner and family gatherings? Is it bulging Christmas stockings full of candy and toys? We do these— and more—to celebrate the season, but is this really Christmas?

The real Christmas is about a gift. This gift is Jesus whom God sent as a baby to be born in Bethlehem, more than 2,000 years ago. It is Jesus whose birth we celebrate.

He is the Christ Child, God’s own Son, sent to bring great joy to all people. He is the Saviour, the long-awaited Messiah.

The first to hear the news were the shepherds, startled out of their nighttime watch.

Dazzled by the sudden eruption of blinding light across the dark sky, they were afraid. But an angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news. … [A] Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11 NIRV).

The angels directed them to go to Bethlehem where they would find the baby, lying in a manger. And then with their song they pointed to God, the giver of this gift.

The shepherds were overjoyed and left at once to find Jesus, their Messiah, and to spread the news.

Why did God send his son Jesus? God sent Jesus so that when he grew up, he would be a very important part of history. He would be the Saviour, the Messiah, for whom the people had been waiting and praying through many generations. He would be a real person who lived among ordinary people, a teacher who taught them about God’s love, and how he values all people. He also came to die on the cross to take away our sins, our wrongdoing. And he came to teach us about heaven, where those who accept Jesus can be with him for eternity.

This is the real meaning of Christmas. We are celebrating Jesus. Read Luke 2:1–20.

John 10:10 says Jesus came to bring us an abundant, or joyful, life. For some people though, Christmas is a sad, disappointing time.

They may be alone, without a family. Or their family is not coming for Christmas. They may have lost a family member.

What can you do to bring someone joy?

Activity: An action can bring joy

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The shepherds were overjoyed.

36 The Messenger • November/December 2023

Do: 1. Make an extra stocking. Fill it with treats. Leave it at the door for whoever may need it.

2. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or a food bank.

3. Write a letter or send a card to someone away from their family.

4. Go carol singing with family or friends at a nursing home or children’s hospital.

5. Make a batch of cookies. Deliver them to a fire station, police station, or hospital.

6. Invite someone who is alone or lonely for a family meal.

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