The Messenger a publication of the
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Volume 56 No. 5 September 2018
Journeying Towards Freedom
Anxiety in Youth – Journeying Towards Freedom page 6 Rooted in the Gospel – Rooted, Certified, Bearing Fruit Patience in the Early Church and Patience Today page 13
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EMC Ministerial and Conference Council pages 18 and 21
page 10
Editorial
98 Faces Looking Back At Us
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haritable giving patterns have changed, we’re sometimes told. People now want to give to specific projects they support or to Christian workers whom they know. To want to be involved is positive. We have every right to know where our money is going, how it is used, and by whom. To know the people, their work, and the differences made are all important. It makes good sense. But then, for some people, a strange act occurs: they shy away from giving to EMC Missions. They think that giving to EMC Missions is similar to tossing coins into a deep, dark well; the money goes in, but it seems a bit murky and uncertain. Is this image fair to EMC Missions, its national staff, missionaries from our churches, and our commitment to work together? EMC Missions regularly informs donors, churches, and individuals of its workers, ministries, and finances. You likely know of its many ways: •
Missions Alerts placed into church bulletins
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The EMC Day of Prayer
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EMC Missionary Prayer Calendars
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Missionary Prayer Corps letters
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Missions displays and reports at convention and council meetings
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Reporting in churches by national staff and missionaries
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Prayer Teams visit missionaries on the field
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A missions Prayer Ministry led by Beth Koehler
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Missions reports and staff columns in The Messenger
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Financial reports in The Messenger, at conference council, at board meetings, in our convention insert, and sent upon request
The EMC has 98 cross-cultural workers in 24 countries serving 115 people groups, according to info provided to
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Diana Peters. This workforce, serving on our behalf, takes most of our $1.9 million EMC budget. It’s worth it. Giving to 98 missionaries in 24 countries isn’t tossing coins into a dark well—not when their faces and ministries are shared in EMC circles. Pastors, delegates, and church secretaries are key local sources of information, and even more information is available. Also, the idea of a well isn’t fair to donors. Some people might glance into a well and see only their image reflected on the water’s surface. No, we want to look deeper. We want what’s good for others. That’s why we give. And, yes, at times we need help to decide which is a sound ministry and which people are worth supporting. Isn’t this why 65 years ago EMC churches together formed a mission board with representatives from various regions? It works to discern and decide about people, places, and ministries. Our fields, workers, and impact have multiplied, and your giving has permitted this. Thank you. When we look at EMC line in our local church’s budget and at the EMC’s annual budget, what do we see? Do we see 98 faces of missionaries looking back at us, all of whom serve on our behalf and depend on our support? – Terry M. Smith
Table of Contents Columns
Features 6
4 Anxiety in Youth – Journeying Towards Freedom – Heidi Dirks
Further In and Higher Up I am Gobsmacked that I Exist – Layton Friesen
page
29
5 Generations
10 Rooted in the Gospel – Rooted, Certified, Bearing Fruit – Peter Doerksen
13 Patience in the Early Church and Patience Today – a Christian
15 Youth, Mental Illness, and the Role of the Church – Daniel Dacombe
18 Ministerial Looks at 'The Mission of the Church' – Terry M. Smith
TRU2018 Youth Leaders' Retreat – If Anyone is Thirsty... – Gerald D. Reimer
34 Here and Far Away
A Relief That Comes With Faith – Jocelyn R. Plett
35 Stewardship Today Moments of Kindness – Sherri Grosz
36 Kids’ Corner
Lessons from a Tree – Loreena Thiessen
Departments
21 Council Updated on Restructuring, Funding 2 Editorial Desires 3 Pontius’ Puddle – Terry M. Smith
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24 With Our Churches
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page
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30 News 32 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 3
The Messenger Volume 56 No. 5 September 2018
EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH tsmith@emconference.ca
ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER awalker@emconference.ca
Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca. The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.
It is published 12 times per year, six in print (also online at www.issuu.com/emcmessenger) and six in a website format at www.emcmessenger.ca. To get the most out of The Messenger, viewing both versions is encouraged. Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement. The Messenger is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Subscription rates (under review) 1 year print subscription $20 ($26 U.S.) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Single print copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents. The Messenger is available for free to all online at: www.emcmessenger.ca If you wish to sign up for our email newsletter. Pleaase contact Andrew at: awalker@emconference.ca. Digital copies are free. Change of address and subscriptions Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconference.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 Advertising The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards, and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.
4 The Messenger • September 2018
Column • Further In and Higher Up
I am Gobsmacked that I Exist
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magine you awoke to find yourself sitting in a meadow. You have no recollection of how you got there. You have no memory of life before this awakening. You get up and walk about, stretching these odd limbs you discover can support you. Curious, you try to understand something of this place you have been plunked down in and how you got here. You meet other creatures like yourself, and discover that they too awakened with no memory of how they got there. There is really no need to imagine this. This is how each of us enters the world. Sometime around the age of two or three we begin to awaken to the world we are in. Coming to life, to be me, is not something any of us remember; it is shrouded in mist. We are told about conception and birth, but that only pushes back the mystery. It does not explain it. We all wake up in life and find ourselves already living, already loving, already going somewhere. Someday our lives will recede back into the mists from which we came. But in this brief moment of our days we sit blinking in the meadow. What this fact does is stir in us the gasp of simply being that is basic to being a human. We can offer no account or explanation of how we emerged from nothingness to be these people. Down deep at the bottom of our existence we discover that we receive ourselves rather than make ourselves. My life is a gift to me I did not even pray for. No one asked me whether I preferred to be or not to be. I was simply plunked into a meadow, and there I woke, staring about in astonishment. This is the basic question humans can ask: why is there something rather
than nothing? The Christian tradition has always seen a great coherence between this un-explainableness of life and the fact that God by Layton Friesen is the creator who Conference Pastor has no need for this creation. God is infinitely transcendent to creation. Creation is not bound to God by some logic other than love. Thus creation on its own terms cannot be explained. God created the world not because some logic or law forced him, or because creation would fill up something missing in his being. There is no earthly explanation for why God created the world other than to say for the love of it. We exist because God enjoys the fact that people such as us should exist. Cameron McKenzie has a signature to his emails that says, “When God is forgotten, the creature itself grows unintelligible” (John Paul II). When we no longer believe in a transcendent, personal God who loves the world and creates for the sheer love of it, the wonder of being human is deflated and our fellow humans no longer seem marvellous and fascinating. These objects, once called persons, now become just more matter to be manipulated and dominated at our own will. Let God be exalted, magnificent, and infinitely perfect in our imaginations and confession. “What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honour” (Psalm 8:4-5).
Column • Generations
TRU2018 Youth Leaders’ Retreat – If Anyone is Thirsty… October 26-28, 2018
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f you serve thirsty young people—or those you wish would be—then TRU2018, on Oct. 26-28, at Camp Cedarwood is for you! “If Anyone is Thirsty…” is the theme to be unpacked by Lloyd and Carol Letkeman, who have a long history of discipling youth and young adults. Churches, please send your youth workers to this conference. The investment in them and your youth program is worth it. Registration is still open. Are you dealing with Gen-Z, iGen, or Centennials? They are the generation of people born between 1996 and 2014. When you take into account that the three key trends that shape generations are parenting, technology, and economics, it’s not surprising that this generation is much different then any before them. While working with the Gen-Z generation means there’s never a dull moment and is filled with fun and adventure, it also calls for incredible creativity and patience as they highly value flexibility and fun. They’re the first generation to have a super-computer in their pockets with 24/7 access to information. While they may not be money-hungry like Baby Boomers, they don’t like debt either, and are willing to work part-time jobs while going to high school just to have disposable income and avoid student loans in the future. While Gen-Z’ers are socially connected in their digital world, they would like to improve their face-to-face interactions. And this is where youth workers come into the picture as they have this incredible opportunity to disciple a generation that longs to and will make a difference in this world within their lifetime. The National Youth Committee (NYC), serving under the direction of the Board of Church Ministries, has planned another training weekend for our EMC youth workers, and we’ve invited some passionate experts to bring that training to you. Our main session speakers are Lloyd and Carol Letkeman, who have been disciple-makers
of youth and young adults for more than twenty years. As strong advocates that the Christian way is “life on mission,” the Letkemans promote experiential life-on-life disciple-making. Currently Lloyd and Carol serve with MB Mission in Winnipeg. Here’s what they say about the topic they will unpack during the weekend: “Are you thirsty?” is a legitimate spiritual question for all of us in youth ministry. We don’t know when we’re dehydrated! We live a fast-paced balancing act of youth events, mentorship, parents’ meetings, fundraisers, and youth retreats. We’re overwhelmed and struggle to “come up for air” or to “drink from the fountain of living water.” Our thirst for living water makes all the difference! We can begin developing a youth movement of “disciples who make disciples” when we are being continually refreshed by our disciple-maker. The main sessions will follow a journey centred on John 7:37-38, Jesus’ dramatic invitation to the crowds to “come to me all who are thirsty.” Multiplying a youth movement requires being filled with the Holy Spirit, being intentional and purposeful, and dying to self so that Jesus is glorified. The sessions promise to be inspirational, interactive, and filled with applications for your ministry.
by Gerald D. Reimer Director of Youth and Discipleship
Are you serving Gen-Z, iGen, or Centennials? Then join us on Oct. 2628 at Camp Cedarwood.
Register on the EMC website at www.emconference.ca/tru.
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Anxiety in Youth – Journeying Towards Freedom
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by Heidi Dirks
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Note: This article is intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for professional assessment and interventions.
Picture This
You’ve spent the past two hours hiking and are almost at your destination, a high rock overlooking a gleaming, teal blue lake. As you approach the lake you see a large bear. You stop in your tracks, you feel your heart begin to pound, and you start to breathe quickly. You’re sitting in class, listening to the teacher talk about Canada’s Confederation, when you hear the teacher say your name. Your mind goes blank and you feel like you can’t move or speak. You’re quickly able to focus, and you ask the teacher to repeat the question. You feel a lot of fear at the thought of going on the city bus and being in a crowd. You do whatever you can to avoid leaving your house; and when you do go out, you take your sister with you. You feel nauseous and lightheaded the whole time, and you get back home as soon as possible. This has been going on for over six months now, and is making it nearly impossible to go to school.
About Anxiety
anxiety is in response to danger or an everyday situation that you are able to work through, like in the first two scenarios, the anxiety is a normal part of being human. But when the anxiety is not a response to danger, and it is interfering with your life, you likely need some more supports.
Anxiety as a Mental Illness
Anxiety can be experienced in different ways, and anxiety disorders all contain elements of disordered physical responses, thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Anxiety may be seen through fear, such as fear of an object or being in specific situations. Anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is used by medical professionals in North America to diagnose mental illnesses. Some examples of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Individuals with GAD experience excessive worry about life events that they cannot control. PTSD includes experiences of nightmares, flashbacks, and changes in their mood, among other symptoms. People with OCD will have obsessions
Anxiety can be experienced in different ways, and anxiety disorders all contain elements of disordered physical responses, thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Everyone has experienced anxiety at some point in their life. Anxiety is a normal response to a situation that is dangerous, like exiting a burning building, or a situation where we need to be alert and prepared, such as an important presentation at work. But when someone experiences extreme anxiety about everyday situations that are not dangerous and this interferes with their life, they need additional supports to address the anxiety in their life. In the three scenarios above it sounds like the person is experiencing some anxiety. When
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that make them anxious which lead them to engage in behaviours (compulsions) to lower that anxiety.
Anxiety in Youth
Up to 25% of youth experience a mental health struggle or illness, with many of them not getting the help they need. The good news is that there are many resources that can help individuals to learn to cope with and lessen their anxiety. Professionals, including doctors and therapists, can help and be an important part of overcoming anxiety. A doctor may diagnose an anxiety disorder and prescribe medication. A therapist can help you learn to work through the anxiety you feel and develop healthy coping strategies. Self-help workbooks, such as those based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can help you become aware of how your thoughts impact your feelings and behaviours. Faith communities can provide supports and help you remember God’s truth about your worth.
Coping Strategies
Being told to just stop feeling anxious isn’t going to help. Anxiety doesn’t go away instantly, but there are many strategies that you may find helpful if you are feeling anxious. Slow, calm breathing can help to calm your body and lower anxiety. Anxiety is often based on the future or past, so strategies to be in the present moment can also help to lower anxiety. Become aware of your thoughts and selftalk, and challenge thoughts that aren’t true or are reinforcing your anxiety. People may find that music, art, animals, and being in nature can help when they’re feeling anxious.
It’s also important to eat and exercise in healthy ways and get enough sleep. Pay attention to any unhealthy ways you are coping with anxiety, such as using caffeine, non-prescription drugs, alcohol, food, tobacco, compulsive exercise or sleeping to escape anxiety. These may seem to provide immediate relief but they may contribute to long-term problems.
Anxiety in a Biblical Worldview
In both Scripture and our lived experiences we are reminded that the world is not how it was created to be. Sin has impacted all aspects of the world, and this is seen is in our disordered thoughts and behaviours. Christians struggle with mental illnesses, including anxiety. Anxiety is not a sin, nor is it a reflection of someone’s relationship with God. The good news of Jesus is that through his death and resurrection we are reconciled to God, and that God is working to redeem his creation. A wholistic and multi-faceted approach to dealing with anxiety is important, and Christians may want to intentionally include spiritual practices in their lives as part of coping with anxiety. Christians can be intentional to focus their thoughts about themselves on the truth of who we are in Jesus, and that we have inherent worth and dignity as image bearers of God. We can spend time in nature, meditate on scripture and though prayer, listen to uplifting music, and spend time
Anxiety is often based on the future or past, so strategies to be in the present moment can also help to lower anxiety.
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with supportive friends and family. Parents can connect their children to needed supports, and help them to discover what strategies help them cope with and lower their anxiety.
Scripture and Anxiety
When quoting Scripture to comfort or instruct people struggling with anxiety, be cautious to use Scripture in context to bring freedom, rather than to condemn or give overly simplistic answers. Philippians 4:6-7 may be one of the more frequently quoted verses about anxiety. When it is used to tell someone to stop what they are
feeling it may cause increased anxiety for not being able to stop feeling anxious, or it may lead to strained interpersonal relationships if scripture is seen as a simplistic or judgmental answer to a difficult and complex experience. When read in context scripture can be an important resource to people struggling with anxiety, but it is not enough to relieve an anxiety disorder. People struggling with anxiety disorders also needs the support of mental health professionals, and possibly medication, to address their anxiety. In verses like Philippians 4:6 we see the contrast between prayer and anxiety. We are invited to focus on God and his truth rather than focusing on our problems. This focus does not negate the seriousness or real pain of our problems, nor does it necessarily solve those problems. When we focus on God we are reminded that the Gospel is good news for all people, that we are set apart for a special purpose (1 Cor. 6:11), our sins are forgiven (1 John 1:9), and through Jesus we have eternal life (John 3:16). We see that there is truth beyond ourselves, that God is at work in the world, and we look forward to Jesus’ return. If you want to read more about anxiety, and how to support youth who are struggling, check out the following websites: www.anxietybc.com www.cmha.ca (Canadian Mental Health Association)
We are invited to focus on God and his truth rather than focusing on our problems.
University
Heidi Dirks, BEd, MA (counselling), is a member of the EMC’s Mental Health Initiative committee and the Board of Church Ministries. She is part of Aberdeen EMC.
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 9
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EMC Convention 2018
Rooted in the Gospel – Rooted, Certified, Bearing Fruit by Peter Doerksen Session One: Is Your Faith Rooted in the Gospel? (Matt. 13:1-9)
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e want to use roots and plant life as a word picture and explanation of what it means to be “rooted in the gospel.” We begin with the parable Jesus told of the “four soils” as found in Matthew 13:1-9. In Luke 8:11 Jesus clarifies that “the seed is the word of God.” How does this parable relate to our question, “Is my faith rooted in the gospel?” Farmers, even gardeners, know that something can be done with nearly every type of soil. Hard soil can be softened by working it, especially after a rain. Fields that have rocks may still have good soil; obviously the rocks need to be picked in order to raise a crop. Thorns grow in rich soil, choking the seed that germinated just fine. The gospel’s transforming impact on our lives may vary from instantaneous to years. I clearly
remember the day I knelt in repentance and asked Jesus to be my Saviour at age 12, but the next significant step in my spiritual journey only happened at age 19. Two significant struggles in my life were my anger and an addiction to pornography. I would hear testimonies of how people would come to Christ and were immediately released from their addictions. For me, it took approximately 10 years before I could say that my anger was under control and I was walking in victory with my addictions.
The gospel’s transforming impact on our lives may vary from instantaneous to years.
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Growth Isn’t a Formula
The story of the Chinese bamboo tree illustrates for me that we cannot put growth in our faith into a formula. There are times growth happens overnight; at times it can take years. The Chinese bamboo tree starts with a little seed. You plant it, water it, and fertilize it for a whole year, and nothing happens. The second year you water it, and fertilize it, and nothing
happens. The third year you water it and fertilize it, and nothing happens. How discouraging this becomes! The fifth year you continue to water and fertilize the seed. And then take note. Sometime during the fifth year, the Chinese bamboo tree sprouts and grows 90 feet in six weeks! Did the tree grow 90 feet in just six weeks? No, it grew 90 feet in five years. The gospel of Jesus Christ does change my life!
Session Two: Is Your Gospel Contaminated? (Matt. 13:24-30)
In the June 22 edition of the Edmonton Journal Paula Simons writes an article entitled: Bad seed: The mystery of Alberta’s rogue GMO wheat puts our reputation at risk. The article outlines how seven stalks of GMO wheat were discovered that were herbicide-resistant. She noted, “GMO wheat isn’t dangerous to human health. It isn’t ‘banned’ in Canada because it’s risky to eat it. This isn’t like finding mad cows. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is fatal to humans. GMO wheat can’t hurt people. The threat it poses is economic.” What is the problem? It was not registered/ certified. The parable Jesus told in Matthew 13:24-30 illustrates that we have an enemy who will do anything he can to keep the gospel from bearing fruit. Therefore, Paul’s words to the Galatians are still relevant today: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel —which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:6-7 NIV).
Notice the words “deserting” and “turning” from the person and centrality of Christ, which results in confusion and perversion. The prophet
ANDREW WALKER
The Centrality of Christ
Jeremiah describes the opposite: “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jer. 17:7-8). Here we have words like “trust” and “confidence” both rooted in the Lord. The result is a faith that has no fear of the heat of adversity; it does not worry when drought comes. What a difference from the “different gospel ” to which Paul refers. So, what is it that threatens to contaminate our gospel? One is that of taking God’s Word out of context. Paul reminds Timothy of how important context is. He says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16). Another is anything that threatens the centrality of Jesus. “Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:2) and “For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached” (2 Cor. 11:4) are good reminders that it is the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. What is a telltale sign that someone’s gospel might be contaminated? Possibly it’s like the
Does the gospel we preach have connections with the rest of the body of Christ? Is it "registered"?
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problem with the seven stalks of GMO wheat. It was unregistered. No one knows where it came from. Which leads us to ask, “Does the gospel we preach have connections with the rest of the body of Christ? Is it ‘registered’?” The gospel of Jesus Christ is certified seed!
make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” What is our part? Jesus said in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. The gospel of Jesus Christ produces fruit! My prayer for us is that we will “bear much fruit, showing ourselves to be his disciples” (John 15:8 paraphrased).
Faith rooted in the gospel will bear fruit! Colossians Session Three: Is Your Gospel Bearing Fruit? (Col. 1:3-14) 1:6 says, “All over the Why does the farmer sow seed? world this gospel is Why do we plant gardens? To harvest more than we planted! bearing fruit and growing.” How disappointing to have a crop failure or like Emily said in the Convention promo: to pick what appears to be a delicious tomato only to realize it is rotten. Plants, fruit trees, crops need to do more than just look good. They need to bear fruit. Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).
The Gospel Produces Fruit
Faith rooted in the gospel will bear fruit! Colossians 1:6 says, “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing.” We are saved by responding to the call of the gospel, and then by responding to its call daily we will continue to grow and bear fruit. 2 Peter 1:5-8 says, “For this very reason,
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Peter Doerksen is the senior pastor of Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship in the central interior of B.C. He and his wife Martha have served in pastoral ministry since 1986. Peter was our 2018 convention speaker in London, Ont. This article is his condensing of his three messages.
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Patience in the Early Church and Patience Today by a Christian
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n the book, The Patient Ferment of the Early Church (Baker Academic, 2016) the author, Alan Kreider asks how the Early Church grew in the face of disgrace and death, without any coordinated program for mission or effort to attract outsiders. In short, the Church Fathers insisted that believers make their faith visible, specifically through patience, which they considered the highest of virtues. I found it intriguing that three early church fathers wrote treatises on this patience. Why was “patience” so extolled in this era? In his defense of Christianity, Justin (2nd c.) said, “When Christians live with integrity and visibility ‘by our patience … and meekness [Christians will] draw all men from shame and evil desires” (16). Pagan writers considered patience to be a characteristic of lowly people. Tertullian (4th c.), however, said patience is rooted in God Himself. The incarnation is the ultimate act of patience, as Christ bore the reproaches and shame of humankind. Christ rejected the sword. Believers must continue the same path. This patience, which reflected a totally new way of life, along with the hidden power or yeast (ferment) within the church, drew people towards the Kingdom who were dissatisfied with their old cultural habits and religious practices. Kreider talks about a push out from people’s social group and a pull towards the church
While the early church world is vastly different from the 21st century, this reading has led me to reflect in the following ways.
Patience and sacrifice
In Middle Eastern-South Asian cultures, the virtue of jawanmardi (young manliness, hero) is extolled as the greatest virtue of the “good man”. Difficult to translate the full meaning, it embodies all the public qualities of a true hero – courage, hospitality, large-heartedness, generosity, revenge as well as sacrifice). The ultimate hero lives without reference to himself and willingly sacrifices his life for the benefit of others th instead of enacting revenge. Persians have told me they see Jesus as the greatest hero of all. He gave His life away, poured it out for others (kenosis-emptying of Philippians 2:6). Indeed, the Christ-like patience which the church fathers extolled is much deeper than waiting quietly for a bus. Rather, it is a sacrificial and enduring compassion for others, carrying the pain and burdens of our world, which our Lord embodied in His life and ultimately on the cross. As His people, we are to have that same attitude (patience).
Pagan writers considered patience to be a characteristic of lowly people. Tertullian (4 c.), however, said patience is rooted in God Himself.
Patience and Christian witness today
Secondly, we are witnessing unprecedented growth of the Christian faith among Muslims in
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recent years which in some ways reflects the growth in the early church. We observe a push from within the Muslim world, a deep dismay at the present state in the Middle East (complicated as it is, with many dynamics at play) which compels people to search for answers beyond their world. We also see a pull towards the church, the witness of compassion demonstrated by Jesus followers as they care for refugees and others. I have heard many migrants in Europe testify of the overwhelming love they’ve experienced from Christians. It is not doctrine or theology that draws them to Jesus, but the simple caring life of believers. Tertullian said, “Christians teach by deeds” (56). Yes, we must talk the gospel and explain the person of Jesus, but as Origen (d. 256) believed, “patience—Christians treating their neighbours well and behaving courageously in the [public] arena—is at the core of the church’s witness” (20).
Patience, presence and church planting
Thirdly, our EM Conference is excited about church planting and spreading the gospel beyond our own culture. As we seek to implement this vision, let us put on the garment of patience. We must become visible among the people we serve. It is this that encourages me about the new Ste. Agathe initiative as well as the efforts in southern Mexico—even though we don’t witness numerical success. One of my team members, working among refugees in the Middle East, wrote recently, One man wanted to come to the fellowship, but he had heard Christians get drunk, turn off lights in the service and grab someone’s wife. We assured him that this was all lies. He dared to come a few times but became too busy with work. We trust he will bring his wife soon. Another man who claimed faith was jailed for stealing. He was finally released. He
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acknowledged his sin and is experiencing real change. Our team member spends regular time with him and his wife. Would these people be experiencing the new way of life if we were not patiently present among them? The believing community itself must be visible—tangible, accessible for true witness to take place. Christina Cook in her article “Holy Inefficiency in a Digital Age” bemoans our modern obsession with efficiency and productivity over presence and carrying burdens of people around us, “The living, breathing body of Christ … is uniquely poised to offer what the world is desperately searching for: embodied presence, true vulnerability … the world is looking for the inefficient way to love” (Christianity Today, July/Aug., 46). Cyprian, a church leader, wrote in 256, “We are philosophers not in words but in deeds; we exhibit our wisdom not by our dress, but by truth; we know virtues by their practice rather than through boasting of them; we do not speak great things but we live them” (13). I see in myself the tendency to boast about impact and numbers. Can we relax from pushing or tracking statistics and overly coordinating efforts that easily run afoul? I want to believe in the divine ferment of God’s Spirit who draws people to the Kingdom and transforms them into a new way of living. The writer has lived and worked among Persian peoples for more than 35 years. For security reasons, the writer is not identified here.
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Youth, Mental Illness, and the Role of the Church by Daniel Dacombe
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fter working with youth for 15 years in ministry and then in social services, you get used to hearing a lot of the same questions. The first questions I hear usually go like this. From parents: “Why won’t my child listen to me?” From youth: “Why won’t my parents listen to me?” Even from other youth workers: “How do I get parents and kids to listen to each other?” One of the next questions I frequently encounter after working with someone for a time is, “What is a mental illness?” My answer is this: mental illnesses are real, complex disorders of the mind that affect an increasing number of Canadians each year. They are not the result of bad decisions, a weak mind, or personal sin. In many cases a person who is experiencing a mental illness can get help. However, there can be severe consequences if youth don’t get the help that they need. These consequences could include difficulty living a normal life, relationship problems, or even suicide. I eventually hear interested persons ask me another important question. And it isn’t just parents or youth who ask it. It comes up at my
workplace, at my church, at the grocery store, and anywhere else that my fellow believers can manage to corner me. And I love answering it! “Why do we need to talk about youth and mental illness?”
Youth and Mental Illness in Canada
Why do we need to talk about youth and mental illness? Perhaps because adolescence is the most likely time for the development of mental illness. If someone is going to get depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or more severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, chances are they will begin to have symptoms in their teen years. Between 10 to 20 per cent of teens in Canada are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness. The number of adolescents in Canada who are at risk of developing depression is over three million. About 5% of male youth and 12% of female youth will or have experienced a major depressive episode. Youth mental illness issues are the second highest hospital care expenditure in the country—and we aren’t even treating half of the people who need help.
Between 10 to 20 per cent of teens in Canada are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness.
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Suicide in Canada
Why do we need to talk about youth and mental illness? We need to talk because suicide is among the leading causes of death for adolescents in Canada. Canada is a great country, and we have many freedoms and benefits of which to be proud. Despite this, our suicide rate is the third highest in the industrialized world. When I worked in professional ministry, many teenagers told me their thoughts or plans of suicide. It was terrifying, but the fear I was experiencing at hearing their words was nothing compared to the fear they lived in every day. It was the fear that no one could understand how they felt, or could help them to get better. Chances are someone you care about in your church or family has felt this way.
it is also the time when interventions for these disorders are most likely to produce successful results and alleviate or eliminate the distressing symptoms.
Returning to a Normal Life
With proper help, about 80% of youth who are experiencing depression can return to a normal life. This help could be seeing a counsellor, a therapist, or a community mental health worker. It might mean talking to a doctor about taking special medication that can help correct some of the problems in the young person’s mind. The church can also be a big part of this help. While the counsellors and social services in our country do a great job, statistics show most young people will not receive help for the mental illnesses they deal with. I’ve spent seven and a half years in the social services field, and I can tell you there is more than enough work to go around.
As a church, we have a responsibility to work toward the healing of our beautiful, but broken world.
Mental Illness and the Church
As a church, we have a responsibility to work toward the healing of our beautiful, but broken world. And healing is definitely needed in a timely manner when it comes to youth. Research shows only one in five youth who experience a mental illness will actually receive any help. However, while adolescence is the “prime time” for the development of mental illnesses,
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A Message to Volunteers
I have a message for youth pastors, youth workers, and volunteers: All of you have an opportunity to help contribute to the solution. You spend more time with the adolescents in
our churches than I think anyone realizes. This means when symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses begin to appear, you are poised to be a significant help to the young people of your congregation. How great would it be if youth pastors and youth workers in our churches had the necessary training to recognize symptoms of mental illness in adolescents? How useful would it be if they knew of appropriate resources to connect with these young people in order for them to get timely, qualified care? And how amazing would it be if these professionals and volunteers could walk with the youth as they received care, being a community of support to them as the Body of Christ?
We Open the Door!
Why do we need to talk about youth and mental illness? For me, the most important reason is this: Because by talking about it, we open the door to talking about mental health and the best ways in which we—youth workers, parents,
members of the church—can support our young people though the challenges they are facing in an already challenging world. I am excited to be a part of the conversation in the E.M. Conference. Please keep reading The Messenger for further articles this year about understanding different mental illnesses and promoting positive mental health in our churches. Check out this source for statistics used here: https://cmha.ca/media/ fast-facts-about-mental-illness/ Daniel Dacombe has worked with youth for nearly fifteen years, including at Youth for Christ. He has attended Providence College and Seminary for Social Sciences and Counselling education. He attends Heartland Community Church and lives with his wife, two daughters, and a very large dog.
The Anabaptist–Evangelical Puzzle: Discovering How the Pieces Fit May 7–11, 2019 Instructor: Dr. Darryl Klassen For grad and undergrad credit, audit
For information contact Admissions: 1-800-668-7768, 1-204-433-7488, providenceseminary.ca
Anabaptist Studies Program
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 17
EMC Convention 2018
Ministerial Looks at ‘The Mission of the Church’ by Terry M. Smith LONDON, Ont.—The EMC’s ministerial on July 6, 2018, heard a devotional by Jacob Enns, learned of Layton Friesen’s first year as conference pastor, and considered The Mission of the Church.
Opening
Richard Klassen, Board of Leadership and Outreach chair, welcomed ministerial members, noting that he had previously spent nine years in the region. Pastor Jacob Enns (Leamington) provided the devotional, telling delegates that they must go beyond interpreting Anabaptist history as when the Church got it right and that Jesus is lucky to have us. Rather, despite obstacles the Church has succeeded miraculously well because the message of the cross was central. The story continues. Let’s continue as disciples, the ones who are fortunate.
First Year
ANDREW WALKER
Layton Friesen, conference pastor, began serving about a year ago with “ignorant bliss,” has encountered major challenges among churches, and looks forward to the future. He has learned of the “heroic ministry” that occurs across the EMC. He had several observations. First, the EMC lives by friendships, not a bureaucracy. Second, there is a need to walk with churches that suffer and ex-pastors need care. Third, pastoring in the EMC is the art of achieving a “glorious, widespread” mediocrity—the ability to do many things adequately without being a genius in any. Fourth, he needs to better deal with stress. Fifth, there is a need to remain faithful to Scripture amid society—including “the Benedict Layton Friesen: EMC ministry is "glorious, widespread" mediocrity.
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Option” and to be more intentional about spiritual formation. Relatedly, the EMC needs to re-examine how we make pastors, and the November meeting will explore a move from a “challenge the exam” model to a six- to eight-month program for ordinands, he said.
Missions and Church Planting
Much of the day was spent on The Mission of the Church—actually limited to foreign missions and Canadian church planting. Fred Buhler, Board of Missions chair, said its guiding principles include that we are more effective working together; he’s concerned by a lack of vision when a local church says it only has enough funds for local needs. Staff members want to be invited by local churches to assist people to be involved, and he assumes that BOM materials are distributed and used. The BOM is evaluating the work in Guadalajara, dealing with changes in giving patterns, and is involved in missionary member care. Its role is to plant churches in other cultures and help them form local associations.
A Missionary’s Role
A cross-cultural worker, whose identity is hidden for security reasons, addressed the home church and the missionary. Local churches need more than to be directed or passive about missions. They need to teach missions, be aware of movements in the Global South and East, consider appointing a missions pastor, and seek how to identify people to serve despite our individualistic western culture. In the tensions between people and process, he warned against going it alone or affirming “lone ranger” outfits who “swoop in” for people and money. The missionary needs to be involved in the local church, to esteem others, to guard against a sense of entitlement and being critical, to welcome accountability, communicate clearly, and report creatively. Donors are to be seen as partners, and the missions committee is to care for its members.
A Pastor’s Role
Ward Parkinson (Rosenort EMC) serves in a church involved in missions for generations. There is blessing in the involvement; the dangers are that the church will rest on its laurels, forget young people who grapple with a sense of call, and see missions as only far away. A pastor’s role in supporting missions involves five opportunities and three tensions. Two opportunities are to regularly mention missions in preaching and to pray (bulletin notes, EMC Day of Prayer, prayer teams). Third, when inviting missionaries to your church, give them lots of time. Fourth, invest in young people and discipleship related to missions. Fifth, connect regularly with missionary (even by a video chat). There are three tensions. First, how EMC Missions is to be promoted. Short-term trips are useful for a young person, but help them to understand how they might fit into EMC missions. Don’t assume; help them to make connections. Second, let people go, especially if they are “the best.” Rosenort has freed Scott and Debbie Dick to go to Ste. Agathe. This isn’t subtracting; it’s multiplying. Third, your support as a pastor is important. Make it personal.
Debriefing
Ken Zacharias, director of global missions, said that fully administered fields and associate missions are both arms of EMC Missions. He spoke on member care and the need to debrief missionaries. He referred to 16 questions from Dr. Laurie Gardner, Wycliffe member care, with two key questions being, “How are you doing?” and “What is hard right now?” It might be children, culture, immediate family, finances, languages, or physical health. National staff members are willing to assist local churches in debriefing, he said.
Advocacy Teams
Trisha Reimer, a BOM member, spoke of Missionary Advocacy Teams. There is a need to be more effective as people prepare to enter missions service, are on the field, and after. Missionaries look for team support. Within the local church’s support team, specialists are needed in encouragement, logistics, finances, prayer, communication, and re-entry support. There is a need for team building and training.
Ward Parkinson: A pastor has a key role in the support of missions within the local church. Make it personal.
Discussion Time
A discussion time centred on a proposed change to missionary funding for fully-administered fields (Paraguay, Mexico, Bolivia) where, in future, missionaries might raise 40 percent of their support. Some people responded negatively to the proposal. Fred Buhler replied that people give to a cause or a person they know, not a pool of funds. Phil Hamm, a BOM member, said that reduced giving is driving this agenda; the EMC can’t borrow money, doesn’t want to recall workers, and wants to send more workers. People wondered if the amount to be raised could be reduced or if a root cause analysis of giving patterns had been done. Tim Dyck said the EMC is generous in its support, but needs to learn from what other denominations are experiencing. Ken Zacharias said that workers are sent by all of the churches, yet a few workers aren’t getting support because the EMC can’t afford it. One pastor said that missionaries aren’t getting into our churches, and another said the EMC is grieving over changes.
Called to Church Planting
Charles Koop, director of church planting, said starting new congregations is stepping out, not knowing about resources. Several church planters then shared their stories.
Jacobs Enns
Jacob Enns (formerly New Life) described church
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planting as “glorious and messy.” He didn’t anticipate the opposition and attacks he would face. The highs were hope amid anticipating new life. The lows were when people came with wrong motives, seeking Trisha Reimer: Mission advocacy to run the church through the pastoteams are being developed. ral couple; or when people came with great promise and potential, but did not stay. What would he do differently? He would try to display greater patience, be a better judge of people’s motives, work on being a team leader, better discern people’s abilities, and not be alarmed when people walk away.
Antonio Pitta
Antonio Pitta (Iglesia Emanuel) said one challenge is cultural because Latinos are passionate, quickly angered, and make it personal; they escalate beyond what is right and wrong. An episcopal system works in the southern hemisphere, and he wondered if the EMC should encourage some churches to be episcopal to fit within the culture. Another challenge is economics. Immigrants often accept low-paying jobs because their credentials are not recognized, or they are to put family first rather than study. People find it hard to accept that a pastor has a salary or a sabbatical. Few families tithe and preaching on giving helps little, so it’s difficult for a church to be self-supporting. People who work two or three jobs don’t have much time for church activities, so he is concerned how to make good use of the time. The second generation has education and money; the church does not want to lose them spiritually. His joy is in the Church of Christ, being with other mature believers. What would he do differently? There is a need to plant a church as a team with other mature Christians, so work is more joyful.
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Randy Fehr
Randy Fehr (Grace Community Church) said the past while has felt like “sucking slough water.” He was helped by seeing children serve communion, through community, and by remembering Hagar with her “wild child” who knew God as “the one who sees me.” Challenges come through “dissidents” from other churches, and attitudes toward immigrants and people with mental illnesses. When the church outgrew its rental facility, it shifted its location and service time. Most people left, and the church returned to its former location with lower numbers. What would he do differently? Some people might have stayed if a building program was started, but GCC values renting. He drew upon 1 Kings 13 for a “crazy story” of a prophet who searched for an easier message when he should have stayed the course.
Troy Selley
Troy Selley (Oak Bluff), chair of the Church Planting Task Force, said the most important activity to spur revival in a church is to plant a new church. Speak to an established church to send out good people and resources. Most churches have a solo pastor, an administrative assistant, a tight budget, a board, the need to balance local growth and international mission, and volunteers—yet revival stems from new churches. Leaders need to create a personal passion for church planting. Invest time in studying church planting, train church planters in your church, create real-life opportunities, and start with “Wow!” (Andy Stanley), not how. Don’t be a dream killer.
Discussion Time
• Prayer was said for a church planter. • There is a need for flexible funding models. [There is flexibility.] • C2C Network is a good organization. God is at work in a broader context. • When a community becomes multi-cultural, use retired missionaries. • There is a need for teams in church planting. • “Domestic missions” is a good phrase.
EMC Convention 2018
Council Updated on Restructuring, Funding Desires by Terry M. Smith May 1. A personnel committee has been formed. After Steinbach Bible College’s leadership conference was cancelled because of negative voices, other voices were heard. The General Board discussed this and the Board of Leadership and Outreach expressed its displeasure at the decision. The process could have been improved, he said. Discussion has continued in Theodidaktos and during an event co-sponsored by Blumenort and MacGregor EM churches. More conversations would be healthy, he said. Tim Dyck, executive director, acknowledged staff and volunteers for their roles in planning the convention and thanked Abe Bergen for serving as moderator. The EMC’s vision statement is five years old and it’s time to assess its influence, he said, as we seek to live it out.
ANDREW WALKER
Moderator Abe Bergen spoke of governance changes and the decision to cancel SBC's leadership conference. LONDON, Ont.—Conference council delegates on July 7, 2018, heard updates, a desire for stable funding, and a possible change in missionary funding—and received Gospel Light Fellowship into membership.
Welcome and Devotional
Moderator Abe Bergen welcomed delegates. In his devotional Albert Loewen, pastor of Mount Salem Community Church, spoke well of leaders who referred to a “dark season” in ministry. As he once assessed his pastoral ministry, he was comforted by an image of God holding him; if God was okay with him leading, he decided, he was okay with continuing. Because the gospel is Jesus and Jesus is Lord, we follow him where we now, he said, drawing upon Bruxy Cavey. His prayer for the EMC was that Jesus would remain Lord.
General Board
Moderator Abe Bergen said national staff members need help as they seek to carry the governance changes that went into effect on
Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
Tim Dyck said EFC is our voice in the public arena. In light of the supreme court’s ruling against TWU’s law school and the federal government’s summer job funding criteria, the General Board is looking at how to respond to changes yet to come. EFC and the EMC want to bless Canada. Abe Bergen mentioned MAID as another concern.
Board of Church Ministries
Kim Muehling, chair, said the BCM is working on a cohesive communications plan that will “grease,” but not “reinvent the wheel.” Good communication is happening, though there is a need to streamline the process, which will be effective if it seems invisible. Board member Russell Doerksen spoke well of the mental health workshop held at MacGregor EMC; he encouraged other churches to contact members of the EMC Mental Health Initiative. Gerald Reimer, director of youth and discipleship, said the National Youth Committee is exploring whether to hold Abundant Springs in Thunder Bay, Ont.
BCM chair Kim Muehling highlighted the communications plan.
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The EMC assists Regions 1, 2, and 9 with travel subsidies to Caronport, Sask. TRU, the youth leaders’ event, is on Oct. 26-28, 2018, at Camp Cedarwood in Man. Send teams of youth leaders so they can process the training event, he suggested.
Board of Leadership and Outreach
Richard Klassen, chair, said the BLO is assessing how best to fund and monitor the funding it provides for counseling of pastoral families. There is a desire to strengthen the process of ordination, and the November ministerial meeting will focus on it. Layton Friesen, conference pastor, told delegates that the EMC is in a “rich place” in leadership. He said that the ties that bind the EMC form a covenant, not a contract. For a local church to ask what the EMC has done for it today is foolish, and it’s wrong to respond with 10 things the EMC has done. We are married because God has brought us together, he said. An “Inspiring Ministry Task Force” is being put together to look at the mutual ministry of men and women, not a constitutional matter of ordination. Darren Plett is leading this effort, Layton said.
Church Planting Task Force
Charles Koop, director of church planting, said God is at work and we need to be sensitive to what He is doing. Ethiopians from the Meserete Khristos Church have moved to Canada and want to connect with the EMC. In 20 years white folks might be in the minority in the EMC, he said. Gospel Light Fellowship is soon to be accepted into the EMC. Bow Island, Alta., is a place of interest and C2C is a helpful mentor on church planting.
BOM chair Fred Buhler: A funding change has been proposed for missionaries in fully administered fields.
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BLO chair Richard Klassen: There is a desire to strengthen the ordination process. PTS and CMU
Layton Friesen, director of PTS’s Anabaptist Studies Track, said PTS has held two courses on Anabaptism in 2018 and another is planned for January 2019. PTS and CMU are partners in a three-day conference being planned on global Anabaptism with Dr. John Roth.
Board of Trustees
Gord Reimer, chair, said it is looking at church staff benefit options, and, with Abundance Canada, has a grant fund to which every church with a mortgage can apply (though churches with greatest needs have priority). The year-to-date shortfall is higher than in two previous years. Reserve funds are only one-third replenished, he said. Churches, individuals, and businesses were thanked for giving. Revenues have declined in recent years, there is a need for stable funding, and ideas are welcomed, he said. The council accepted the audited statements.
Board of Missions
Fred Buhler, chair, said the EMC has about 100 missionaries under the BOM; about 100 other EMCers are involved in other missions service. Fred referred to the BOM’s proposed change in models for missionaries who serve in fullyadministered fields: the BOM would provide 60 percent of the support; the worker would raise 40 percent. (Currently the BOM pays 100 percent.) The board is moving ahead with missionary advocacy teams regardless of what decisions are made about a change in funding structures, he said. The mission work in Guadalajara, now a little over seven years old, has targeted an unreached, educated, middle-class population, and much work has been done with many contacts made.
involved in marriage and relationship ministries. A prayer team (people are welcome to apply) is going to Bolivia on Oct. 18 to 31, with Anthony Reimer (Blumenort) as team leader, to pray together on site with insight, he said. The BOM wants to enter another field of labour, but where is to be determined. A sub-committee will assist in this decision.
Discussion Times
Times for discussion were held. Among the questions and comments: Can materials on implementation be shared? [The revised conference handbook is available.] Who chairs board meetings? Do staff members vote? [Boards choose their own chairs. Staff members do not vote.] Is it hypocritical to ask for sustainable funding while missionaries are to have more faith? [More discussion is needed.] There’s a need to look at the root causes of the funding shortfall and what to do about it. On the process for ordination, there’s a need to get to know people, including criminal records checks. [This is in line with BLO thoughts.] There can be creative ways of meeting needs even if a budget is cut. The work in Guadalajara needs both evaluation and patience. Don’t throw in the towel too soon.
Brenda and Harvey Thiessen, OM: The whole church is to bring the whole gospel to the whole world. Many people are waiting.
Despite a memo of understanding, there have been tensions in understanding among staff and the BOM. Study groups have developed, but there is a breakdown in how these groups function as a church. There has been changes in staffing, and Gerald D. Reimer is giving oversight to staff members. There is a need to evaluate where we are and how to go ahead, he said Harvey and Brenda Thiessen reported. Harvey is North America Area Leader for OM, overseeing about 1,000 workers in Canada, U.S., the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. He said the whole church has the whole responsibility for the whole gospel. One and a half billion people have not heard the gospel; meanwhile, mobile technology has reduced the “seven degrees of separation” to zero, and its use is needed. Ken Zacharias, director of global outreach, said the EMC has formal missions relationships with 24 agencies. Workers serve in career, shortterm, and in Ascend internship roles. Those who dedicate their children to the Lord need to release them to His service when they are 18 to 20, he said. The board is moving toward missionary support teams that draw in people with skills in encouragement, prayer, communications, finances, logistics, and re-entry support, he said. Chris and Revita Kroeker are Debbie and Scott Dick were presented by Director of Church Planting
Charles Koop as new church planters in the community of Ste Agathe, Man.
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With Our Churches
Leaders Share Views on Hearing From God Discussion Was Peaceful, Valuable
MacGREGOR, Man.—Some ministers, leaders, and members from EMC churches in south-central and south-eastern Manitoba gathered at MacGregor EMC on May 26, 2018, to discuss how we hear from God. Abe Bergen, EMC moderator and moderator of the event, welcomed those gathered. Russell Doerksen explained that the event was co-hosted by EMC churches in MacGregor and Blumenort to explore how we discern God’s will. It came in the aftermath of SBC’s decision to cancel the Leadership Conference where Dr. Phillip Cary was scheduled to speak. Discussion remained needed. The afternoon was peaceful and a valuable sharing of opinions. Though Cary was rarely mentioned, his position formed a backdrop to the event.
A Cacophony of Voices
Jeff Thiessen, a former church moderator and a former pastor, and currently a deacon (MacGregor), spoke of how there is a need to discern together in light of Scripture to pick out the voices that are unbiblical and unfaithful. It’s wrong to say “the Lord told me” as though that ends the conversation. Relatives, co-workers, and friends influence us. Some voices oppose God while clothed as angels of light or quoting Scripture; others oppose God openly. Neither he nor Cary is cessasionist—a form of dispensational theology. They believe in the active work of the Spirit. We do not move beyond the experience of Jesus who, after baptism, was in the wilderness 40 days where he heard a scripture-quoting voice who was not God. Post-Pentecost we need to be discerning as the Spirit’s still small voice exists among other voices. There is a constant cacophony of voices in the Church. Cancelling the Leadership Conference, an event of discussion, was wrong.
Scripture and God’s Initiative
Alain Reimer, a minister at Blumenort, drew upon 1 Tim. 6 to remind those gathered that God dwells in unapproachable light and we are to avoid irrelevant babble. God speaks through His Word, the biblical canon. There is concern when young people read Scripture and yet think they have not heard from God—a misconception. Scripture is the mode of communication that trumps all others. God speaks through his people. Prophecy continues as the proclamation of God’s acts through speech to others. It did not end with the apostolic age or the closing of
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the canon. God speaks through dreams, visions, and internal promptings, though Scripture does not make this the usual way. In Garry Koop, Alain Reimer, Jeff Thiessen, Abe Bergen Acts 16 Paul received a vision of a call to Macedonia and, in decades of ministry, had God speak to him in a dream only four times. Paul did not wait for revelation before acting. Most times he chose a sensible route of missionary travel influenced by geography. Dreams, visions, and internal promptings are based on God’s initiative and are clear. They come on God’s initiative, not sitting and waiting for God. We are to say, “Here am I” when God speaks, not speak to God and expect Him to reply. TERRY SMITH
by Terry M. Smith
Consider Broader Theology
Garry Koop, senior pastor at Steinbach EMC, distributed copies of the EMC Statement of Faith and a hand out with questions. He then was silent for 30 seconds before wondering what went on inside the heads of those gathered. Who’s talking? Does God have a voice? Does he speak outside of the Bible? What do we expect him to say? Is our internal life part of his domain? In Matthew 5-7 Jesus brings out that our internal life is at least as important as our external life. Doctrine is needed before application. There is a need to consider our views of Scripture, Trinity, Christ, salvation, and the Spirit. Under what conditions is it possible for our doctrines and beliefs to change? In looking at EMC statements of faith from the 1950s until today, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is fairly consistent. Yet we get stuck. How many sermons do we hear on the Holy Spirit in the EMC? There are lots of sermons on Jesus. There is fear of extremism, of Pentecostal stuff. The Holy Spirit gives strength, convicts, and illuminates. He speaks generally and to the children of God. Discerning the Spirit requires prayer and humility.
Summary
Moderator Abe Bergen summarized the three views as presented through “different lenses”: Jeff Thiessen focused on
With Our Churches the need to discern in community, Alain Reimer concentrated on the biblical text, and Garry Koop emphasized theology. At CMU Bergen learned the skill of “listening for other languages.” He uses language as an Anabaptist-Mennonite Evangelical yet found other traditions say the same thing in different words. If we don’t listen beyond the words, we miss the meaning and people talk past each other rather than with each other.
Question and Answer Periods
After each presentation there was a time for questions and comments by listeners and presenters. After the coffee break, there was a general discussion. Here are some questions and comments: How do discern together as a church? (Small groups are needed.) How do we recognize whether people who say, “I have a calling” might be mentally deluded? (The community of faith is needed to discern.) Can we diminish the Holy Spirit if we not prepared? How important is the posture? (Paul does not wait; he serves. God can break in for a specific direction.) It is damaging to use listening prayer among people who are not mature in the faith; they might wrongly think others are better. There is concern that personal preference can be confused with God’s will. Get moving. God can close doors. “The Lord told me” has been used to break up an “old boys club.” Discernment should not be used to squelch dissent. Feeling an urge, applied to missions organizations and a northern school board who did not reply; when a door opened, walked through it.
Straffordville EMC
In Acts 16, when Paul heard from the Lord, the church talked about it. Didn’t have a problem with Carey’s article even after rereading it. Felt led to study at SBI; it resulted in a change of life that, 60 years later, isn’t regretted. Language is an issue; vocabulary is an issue. Being filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom are not opposites. In John 14 the Holy Spirit highlights Jesus. Grew up in a Pentecostal church where there was much taught on the Spirit, less on Christ. Has observed caution within the EMC about the Holy Spirit. The Jerusalem council of Acts 15 used the language of “it seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us” that did not dictate certainty.
Closing Thoughts By Moderator
Abe Bergen said the Church has grappled with how to discern hearing from God throughout history. We develop responses based on what happens to us. Don’t be afraid of someone saying, “God told me,” but discern what it means. Some people will hear from God more than he does. He’s okay with that. He does not want to diminish or quench the Holy Spirit. This has been a really good conversation with conflicting points of view, and more views will come out in Theodidaktos, “and that will be fantastic.” The moderator thanked Barry Plett and Russell Doerksen and all involved for this event. Note: Some of Jeff Thiessen’s position is presented in Theodidaktos (June 2018), though the Journal’s contents and the MacGregor-Blumenort event were planned independently. The presentations by Jeff Thiessen, Alain Reimer, and Garry Koop are available on MacGregor EMC’s website.
••
Welcome back, Richard and Katherine! STRAFFORDVILLE, Ont.—We, the Straffordville EM Church were blessed with Pastor Richard and Katherine Klassen as lead pastors for eight years from 2006-2014. Then God led them back to Manitoba. But on July 14, 2018, Pastor Richard had a wonderful message during church service, and after we had a wonderful time of visiting with them over a disco lunch. May God continue to lead and guide you, Pastor Richard and Katherine. Love always, Straffordville EMC. – Linda Wall
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With Our Churches Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel
Inspirational Baptisms LORETTE, Man.—July 15, 2018, was an exciting day at Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel in Lorette as five young people, ranging in ages from 14 to 18, were baptized and welcomed into membership. The teens’ transparent testimonies were inspirational and challenging as they spoke of their struggles with sin and connecting with God. Pastor Brian Reimer and youth pastor Jason Dueck baptized them. – Kathy Dueck PRAIRIE GROVE
Five teens were baptized at PGFC, supported by pastors and congregation: (back) youth pastor Jason Dueck, Evan Dueck, Rebekah Dueck, Bethany Dueck, and pastor Brian Reimer, (front) Hannah Penner and Gillian Dueck.
•• Heartland Community Church
LANDMARK, Man.—On Saturday, June 16, 2018, Heartland women gathered to enjoy a special brunch hosted Helen Bergen and Wilma Keating. We were asked to bring our favourite teacup, and as we sat around beautifully decorated tables, we were encouraged to share any special memories these cups stirred in us. Following the fantastic meal, we listened intently as Helen interviewed Stephanie Woodworth. Stephanie shared openly about her family background, personal spiritual journey, and ministry struggles as she served alongside her husband Andy Woodworth of HCC. The brunch was a lovely way to spend time getting to know other women better. On June 24, 2018, following a sermon series by pastor Andy Woodworth called The Mystery of Baptism we were jockeyed through the scriptures to explore the significance of three baptisms. These were In the book of Matthew: Repentance (The baptism of John), Redemption (The baptism of Jesus), and Empowerment (The baptism of the Father and Holy Spirit). The takeaway: we who are “justified” through the finished work of Christ need to be reminded of our new identity as heirs with Christ, empowered by God.
26 The Messenger • September 2018
HEARTLAND
Brunch, A Triple Crown Baptism
Bryce Warkentine, Joe Toews, Isaac Gordon, Ethan Warkentine, Ryan Plett, and Anika Neufeld. Pastor Andy Woodworth stands with them.
After being discipled by our young life pastor Travis Plett six young people went all in, embracing the mystery of baptism. Pastor Andy Woodworth encouraged the candidates, comparing each one to one of the twelve apostles who, through testing and trials along the way, grew into strong, mature believers. After sharing their testimonies and making a public declaration of their faith in Christ, each person was given a personalized, embroidered quilt to remind them of the caring community behind them, cheering them on to finish the race well. – Brigitte Toews
With Our Churches Taber EMC
Baptisms in 2017 TABER, Alta.—Our summer 2017 at the Taber EMC was filled with many blessings as we celebrated our baptism candidates sharing their public testimony of faith followed by their baptisms in the Old Man River. One by one the candidates made their way down the somewhat treacherous riverbank while the congregation sang multiple verses of “To the River.” God was felt in our midst as we witnessed their baptisms with joy in our hearts.
TABER EMC
Baptized: Wilhelm Dyck, Agatha Dyck, Daniel Dyck. With them is minister Abe Klassen.
At a later date we had three more candidates come forward also ready to make their testimony to the world. How beautiful it is to see these young men and women dedicate their life to Christ. Our summer was also an exciting one for the children in our church and in our community as we prepared our VBS program. God was in our midst as we tirelessly Baptized: (back) Peter Wolfe, Herman Peters, Peter Wiebe, Frank Fro- planned and prepared for another fun-filled. As a church ese, (front) Nancy Fehr, Margaret Neufeld, Sara Banman, Evie Froese we are always grateful for all the willing hands that come forward, hearts that are excited to speak the word of God to all the children, some children hear about Evangelical Mennonite Conference our Almighty God for the first time during VBS week, how powerful! Year to Date Financial Report – Tina Dyck From January to August
Income* Expenses Excess/Shortfall
General Fund 2018 1,004,567 1,159,240 -154,673
General Fund 2017 941,091 1,219,402 -278,311
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).
Editor’s note: A fine reporter, Tina Dyck had earlier submitted the events of 2017.
Can you read old German script?
The Evangelical Mennonite Conference seeks volunteers to translate letters, sermons, diaries, and documents from earlier KG/EMC history into modern German and then English. If you are willing, contact Terry Smith at the EMC national office (204-326-6401; tsmith@ emconference.ca).
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 27
With Our Churches Wymark EMC
Remembering a Revival Felt 60 Years Later
WEMC
ROSENHOF, Sask. – Aug. 11, 2018, was an incredibly hot day in Rosenhof, Sask., with the temperature over 37C. It was a pleasant surprise that a large crowd gathered at the Quonset at the Cornelius Wieler farm where the original revival meetings were held sixty years ago. In 1957 preacher Ben D. Reimer with the EM Church (later Conference) from Steinbach, Man., was coming to Swift Current, Sask., to hold evangelistic meetings with the General Conference pastor Hans Dyck. Henry Toews came along with Ben Reimer in order to visit relatives in the Mennonite villages south of Swift Current. Mr. Toews was originally a rancher from Paraguay, South America. Mr. Toews was able to get permission from the Sommerfeld bishop to preach only once in each of the five Sommerfeld churches in the area. His preaching began a movement of the Holy Spirit with the Low German-speaking Mennonite people. Meetings were held in the Quonset at the Corny Wieler farm every night, often lasting as late as 11 p.m. Three Sommerfeld preachers were brave enough to lead their people into the new EMC fellowship. David Froese, Peter Schlamp, and Abram Leiding experienced a great deal of opposition as they stepped forward in faith to lead this revival. Cornie and Bernie Plett were called by Ben D. Reimer to come to the Wymark area to help in the new church movement. They began a youth choir and taught them to sing in four-part harmony. The Pletts taught Vacation Bible School at various locations in the district.
In 1957/58 a revival occurred in this Quonset on the Wieler farm.
28 The Messenger • September 2018
Members of the Wieler family surround the monument.
Both Cornie and Bernie were able to attend the reunion on Aug. 11, 2018. Both of them spoke and Bernie sang a solo. The entire event was planned and hosted by the grandchildren of Corny Wieler. David and Ron Wieler, Lorraine Funk, Roseanne Poffenroth, Audrey Schlamp and Lois Martens all worked on this project. The Wieler family have built a stone monument (denkjmol) in their farmyard (see Joshua 4: 21-24) to remember the events that took place here 60 years ago. Archie Neufeld from the Wymark EMC led the congregational singing, with three other groups singing in Low German and in English. Several people gave wonderful testimonies of how the revival of 1957/58 changed their lives and the lives of their families. The meeting ended with a light supper (faspa) provided by the Wielers. The people left refreshed and rejoicing for they remembered what God has done for them (Joshua 4:24). – Marvin T. Allan
With Our Churches Mount Salem Community Church
Pastor Albert Loewen: It Is An Awesome God We Serve!
ALBERT LOEWEN
the next few years I felt that perhaps counselling was my call and so I gathered all my courses together and began working on a Bachelor of Theology and Counselling from Emmanuel Bible College. During that time, I was hired on staff at Mount Salem and continued my education until the demands of family and work were too much. I need two more courses to obtain my degree—so perhaps one day I will return. A few years ago I attended Arrow Leadership’s Emerging Stream program, which is a 15-month program, and it has been the most impactful learning that I have done in regards to my work as a pastor and would highly recommend other pastors consider it—despite its high cost. Josie and Pastor Albert Loewen
ALYMER, Ont.—Albert Loewen was asked to tell us about his ministry as the senior pastor of Mount Salem Community Church.
Tell us about where you were raised, educated, and served prior to MSCC.
I was born in Mexico, but from the age of three southern Ontario has been home. My family has always lived in Aylmer and I grew up in the church I currently serve in. My goal in life was never to become a pastor and so my post-secondary education is all over the place. I took one year at Steinbach Bible College. Then, convinced that policing was my call, I pursued a college degree in Police Foundations. A few years after that I felt called not to pursue policing, despite not being sure what God did want me to pursue. During
Tell us about your family.
My wife Josie and I started dating in grade nine and have been in love ever since. This journey would have never been possible without her support and wisdom through the years. Together we have six kids and enjoy the chaos that brings (most days).
What led you to serve here?
When I felt compelled to give up policing God really instilled in me a love for the local church. We started serving in our church and, in time, as doors opened we walked through them, and are grateful that we did. Serving here has been the privilege of a lifetime. The leadership and congregation have taken such incredibly great care of us over the past eight years and we are so thankful for that.
To understand you as a pastoral couple, what do people need to know?
We are pretty simple people. We love helping people, love laughing and being challenged; and I love the variety that a job like this brings. Never knowing what the next day will hold fits my life well.
What else would you want to say?
There is so much I would love to say, but I think I would summarize it up like this: God is faithful. Through all the great and difficult times, I have often not known what to do, but God has never failed me and for that I am so grateful. It is an awesome God we serve. – Albert Loewen
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 29
News
Project Builders’ ‘100s of Projects’ Make Huge Impact Tournament marks its 24th anniversary
DIANA PETERS
STEINBACH, Man. – Three church building projects in Nicaragua, a garden tractor to be used in South Sudan, and ICYA building renovations in Winnipeg—these are the projects benefiting from fundraising by EMC Project Builders at its 24th anniversary golf tournament on June 24, 2018. The church building projects will receive a total of $10,000; an equal amount will support the assembly and production of a walk-behind garden tractor, which can be locally built and sold in South Sudan to aid in agricultural projects; and $13,000 will help ICYA. Want to know more about the effect of Project Builders’ giving? Funds raised over and above these projects will support a ministry centre in Myanmar, a portable recording studio in Paraguay, outreach in northern Manitoba, office equipment for a Romanian evangelist, radio ministry in Mali, ministry in Afghanistan, several building renovations for ministries in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, a translation project in Myanmar, a school building in Mexico, and camp development in Brazil. The EMC Project Builders Golf Tournament has been well supported by a great group of generous sponsors, many of whom have contributed to this event in all of these years. It has been well attended by golfers of all abilities who have come from all our Manitoba regions and have shared in the fellowship and camaraderie of this recreational event. The tournament’s success is because of the dedicated work of planning committees that each year give many volunteer hours to organize an event enjoyable to all who attend. Yet what truly drives the golf tournament is the financial support it gives to the mission and ministry of Project Builders.
30 The Messenger • September 2018
Project Builders is a para-EM Conference organization, operating under a separate committee of business and professional people with a heart for supporting special projects and programs initiated by our missionaries and the national churches associated with our EMC missions program. We are committed to working in association with our missionaries to enhance areas of ministry being developed through their vision and implementation. Over the years we have supported hundreds of projects that have had a huge impact in building Christ’s Church. Project Builders, which started in 1973 as the EMC Missions Auxiliary, has existed much longer than its golf tournament. The best way to describe the work of Project Builders is to say it considers many wide-ranging applications each year. Typically we support from 12 to 15 projects annually. A new slate of potential projects is reviewed by the Project Builders committee and presented to our membership for approval in November. The work of Project Builders is financed through our members who each provide an annual donation of $250. More funds are raised through additional donations and an event such as the golf tournament. We welcome members from all our EMC congregations. We are always available to present the work of Project Builders in adult Sunday Schools, church services, or by invitation to a business breakfast or lunch. For contact and membership information you are invited to visit the EMC website at www.emconference/projectbuilders, email the conference office at info@emconference.ca, or contact me at lfbarkman@gmail.com. – Len Barkman
News
ALLEPO, Syria– In the old city, Pastor Ibrahim Nseir stands on the pile of rubble that used to be his church. What was once a building where his congregation worshiped is now a pile of broken stones and dust. It’s a sunny day, the bright sky a stark contrast to the destruction on the ground. Though its church building has crumbled, the faith of the National Presbyterian Church of Aleppo has held strong through seven years of war. In its new building in another part of the city, the congregation fills the sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Pastor Nseir says the conflict has actually helped the church grow stronger. “Because of the crisis the people started to regather and rethink their priorities,” he says. Churches in Syria, like Pastor Nseir’s, have been strong partners for MCC in helping provide relief during the conflict. They reach out to their communities and provide support to those in need, both Christians and Muslims. “During the crisis people forgot their religion and remembered one thing: we are all human beings,” Nseir says. His congregation is one of the churches helping distribute shipments of MCC comforters and kits, and cash allowances coordinated through the Fellowship of Middle East Evangelical Churches.
Angel and Blanca Infantes Assigned to Mexico The EMC Board of Missions is excited to announce that Angel and Blanca Infantes were assigned to serve in Guadalajara, Mexico, earlier this summer. They arrived in Mexico on July 4 and their four children (Saraí, Belén, Christopher, Carlos) started school in mid-August. They join Dallas and Tara Wiebe as part of our church planting team. Pray that God would give them peace as they settle into this city of seven million people as their children are finding it difficult to adjust, having grown up in Manitoba. Send them a note of encouragement at infantesfamily@gmail.com.
EMILY LOEWEN/MCC
Syrian Church Partners Continue to Provide Relief and Hope
Pastor Ibrahim Nseir provides hope amid rubble in Syria.
Susanna, her husband and three children rely on the cash allowances, the equivalent of $65 CDN per month. In 2013 her only son was kidnapped by armed groups and held for ransom. The family sold their two-bedroom house for the money to get him back. She estimates the allowance covers approximately half of their monthly needs, paying for things like medication or electricity. “I always thank God for the ministry of the Presbyterian church of Aleppo,” she says. “And I ask the Lord to bless those who are giving. The assistance is sustaining us.” For people who have lived through seven years of war and continue to see a country full of conflict, the support also brings hope. In distributing relief, Nseir tells those in Aleppo that it is a sign that “God is doing a lot in the country, God is not absent.” In Homs, Bishop Selwanos Boutros Alnemeh of the Syrian Orthodox church says the role for the church in this crisis is to give people hope, strength and a light to move forward. Providing the community with much-needed supplies helps provide that hope. The Syrian Orthodox Church distributes MCC monthly cash allowances, and we provide financial support for orphans at the SOC orphanage and their host families (where the children moved after the orphanage was damaged). MCC also helps the church provide families with winter supplies each year like heaters and fuel, and in some locations the churches help with MCC’s monthly food distribution project. Bishop Selwanos says the partnership the Syrian Orthodox Church has with MCC means the church can meet the needs of the community. “This light helps them cross step by step through this dark time,” he says. “Our hope came from [MCC], because of you we bring hope to others.” – Emily Loewen, MCC www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 31
In Memory
George F. Wanderingspirit 1935 – 2018
George F. Wanderingspirit was born on the shores of Demma Lake near the NWT-Alberta border around Aug. 13, 1935, to Joseph and Maryann Wanderingspirit. He was later christened in Fort Chipewyan. George was raised on the Barren Grounds, in Fort Fitzgerald, and around George’s Creek, Alta., in tents and cabins throughout his Dad’s and his cousin’s traplines. He became a skilled bushman—even developing the skill to kill grouse and rabbits with a throwing knife. George’s favourite childhood treasures were his orphaned twin wolf pups. A favourite memory was of effortlessly running several miles down the Slave River shore to trade his muskrats, minks, and weasels with the Norwegian homesteader Jonsson for homemade butter. He eventually inherited old Joe’s line and used it the rest of his life, often along with stepson Ernie and with his sister Chigoo next door. In addition to being an Alberta trapper, George was a Wood Buffalo National Park hunter. He developed a relaxed and pleasant pace to life, learning to enjoy
32 The Messenger • September 2018
every hour and day as they came. Every meal—rabbit, beaver, bison, or bird—was something to enjoy and for which to be audibly thankful. Known for honesty and reliability, George easily found seasonal employments: a carpenter’s-mate in Fort Chipewyan, a sawmiller in Fitzgerald, or a faller in the park. He fought fire one summer with his Ft. Chipewyan mates in Ontario. When Fort Smith was still the capital of NWT, many celebrities visited there. George saw Queen Elisabeth, Canadian heavyweight boxing champion George Chuvalo, and European heavyweight champ Max Schmelling. In January 1988 George was married to the love of his life, Mary Nanooch, originally of Garden Creek, Wood Buffalo Park. Together they raised their cherished Tammy. Their great-grandson Carson and others valued their caring too. In the cold waters of Lake Athabasca, on June 19, 1988, George was baptized into the Body of Christ on the basis of his faith in the cleansing blood of the crucified Creator alone. He was empowered never to return to the destructive forces that had caused him and others grief. He deeply loved listening to God’s Words especially when read by the youth. His favourite verse, which he recently quoted a couple of times in Cree, is John 14.6. In George’s last little speech to his grandchildren, for whom he never ceased praying, he described the many annual spiritual camps he enjoyed with other believers until bush camping became too difficult for him and Mary. On Tuesday, May 22, George and Mary were in their home with their
children and several grandchildren. As birds loudly began announcing the dawn that George Wanderingspirit was accepted into the light-filled Presence of his Master and Saviour. George was preceded by his parents Joseph-Oldman and Maryann; grandparents Pamahcaahkoo and Charlotte and Tofild Gibot; uncles Amaap, Sammy, Salawi, Pat, Felice; aunts Skwiisis, Madeleine; brothers Alphose, Napoleo, Charlie-Skillet; and sister Albina. He is succeeded by his wife Mary; daughter Tammy Ladouceur (Wayne); stepdaughter Gladys Ladouceur; stepson Ernie Ladouceur; grandchildren Owen Ladouceur; Ross (Christy), Byron, and Shannon Gibot; greatgrandchildren Carson, Austin, and Sarah Ladouceur, Brody Whiteknife, Sean and Maddy Vermilion, Eldon Broussie; step great-grandchildren Austin, Tinesha, Brooklyn and Rose Twin; sisters Mabel Cardinal, Louise Castor (Billy), Norma Kaskamin (Kevin), Frances Paquette (Larry), Helen Wanderingspirit; and stepsisters Jean and Sara Desjarlais. George was buried in the Fort Chipewyan Cemetery on May 26, 2018, next to his brothers Telephone and Nap and sister Chigoo. The officiant was Arlyn van Enns, the minister whom he had mentored in the cultural ways of bush life. “The time of my departure has come. I have finished the course. I have kept the Faith! In the future there is laid up for me the crown of Righteousness which our Lord the Righteous Judge will award to me on that Day—and not only to me, but also to all who are looking forward to his appearing!” (2 Tim. 4.6-8). – His Family
Shoulder Tapping With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconference.ca or 204-326-6401.
Additional EMC Openings Often there are more churches looking for senior, associate, youth, and interim pastors than are identified on this page. For information on additional openings, contact Conference Pastor Layton Friesen (lfriesen@emconference.ca); Director of Youth and Discipleship Gerald D. Reimer (greimer@emconference.ca); and Director of Church Planting Charles Koop (ckoop@emconference.ca). The national office phone number is 204-326-6401. Talk with Erica Fehr, Church leadership assistant to the BLO, to request a cell number for a particular person.
EMC Positions* The ConneXion congregation in Arborg, Man., is looking to engage a vibrant compassionate Jesus follower as our pastor. Our group is small (30-45), unique and diverse, and we would expect our pastor to engage well in the community. The pastor should have a commitment to Anabaptist theology and values. At The ConneXion we seek to live out five simple habits in an attempt to better fulfil the mission of God. These are borrowed from Michael Frost: Bless, Eat, Learn, Listen, and Send (BELLS). We are looking for a pastor that can help us foster these habits. This position may be full-time or part-time and would be a rewarding place for an experienced leader or first time pastor developing their gifts. For information or to send information, contact Peter Dueck at 204-642-2512 or peter.dueck@vidir.com.
The Rosenort EMC is a multi-generational church located in southern Manitoba. Proclaiming, following, and serving Jesus, we are a church with a heavy interest in foreign missions and local outreach. We are currently seeking a full-time youth pastor, with a contagious passion for Jesus Christ, to join us in building relationships with the youth, and to make and grow disciples. The successful applicant will proclaim, follow, and serve Jesus to the glory of God. He will lead and teach biblically sound lessons that will engage and motivate the youth in their pursuit of God. He will create one-on-one relationships with each of the youth, knowing and counseling them in their life journey with Jesus. The work of the youth pastor will prove effective only if the fulfillment of these tasks flows from a Spirit-filled life. Visit www.RosenortEMC.ca for more details or to apply. Experience and biblical training are considered assets. Taber EMC, in southern Alberta, seeks a full-time senior pastor to lead our congregation. We are a church with an average attendance of 200 people. Our congregation consists primarily of young Mennonite families who are fluent in Low German and English. Our services are being held in English. The ability to speak Low German is helpful. Relevant education and experience are assets. For more information, call 403-634-9389. Resumes can be sent to taberemcpsc@gmail.com.
experience, and would enjoy working with our Church Board and Elders, contact us. Fort Frances is an area of great opportunity for “letting your light shine.” This may be where your next big adventure for God is waiting. Please send your resume to johanneslgerber@gmail.com or leave a message at 807-274-2328. Kola EMC, a rural congregation, is seeking a full time senior pastor. Our beloved pastor will be retiring this spring and we are in need of a new shepherd. Kola EMC is a church of about 100 attendees with many young families and children. This closely knit community is located just south of Highway One on the Man./Sask. border. Successful candidates will preach regularly, visit and support individuals in the congregation, advise ministerial boards, lead or organize small groups, initiate growth and development and outreach. Please submit your resume or questions regarding the position to Adam Bajus at littlecreek@hotmail.ca or to Kola EMC, c/o chairman, Box 2, Kola, MB R0M 1B0
Where are position ads to be sent? Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconference.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited. Please advise us when it is no longer needed.
Evangelical Fellowship Church of Fort Frances, Ont., seeks a pastor to come alongside the congregation as we minister to each other and our community. We are open to the options of a part- or full-time pastor. We are a diverse congregation and this we see as a strength. If you have a heart for the lost, a clear understanding of God’s Word, leadership
Church Planter needed for Windsor, Ontario Is this person you? If you are interested in learning more, call or email Charlie Koop at 403-874-1759 or ckoop@emconference.ca
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 33
Column • Here and Far Away
A Relief That Comes With Faith
L
Human systems are nothing in comparison to the faith and trust I can have in the One who created the universe.
34 The Messenger • September 2018
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ast Spring I had the opportunity to be a table host for our church’s Alpha program. If you haven’t had the chance to watch the new (2016) Alpha videos, take the opportunity to go through them on YouTube. They are great resources for a Faith Booster-Shot, by Jocelyn R. Plett even for those of us who have been www.writewhatyousee. followers of Christ for decades. During the six-week program I wordpress.com was thrilled to discover that both a young man at my table and a friend of mine declared their commitment to follow Christ during the Alpha program. How exciting to be a part of that! Personally, one of the influential table discussions was on the topic “How and Why Can I Have Faith?” Question 1 on my leader’s paper read: “Thinking of your friends, family or anything else—Who or what do you have faith in?” Stumped by this question, the six people sitting at my table didn’t think they had faith in anything or anyone. Golly! This was a revelation to me. As the group continued to deliberate the idea, I began to list the things I had faith in as a new returnee to Canada: When my boys walk to school I have faith that it will be open, teachers will be present and able to teach, and abuse isn’t tolerated. If I’m in an accident, the medical system will take care of me to the Editor’s Note With Permission: It will dis- best of their ability. An appoint readers, but after serving since ambulance will come September 2012, Jocelyn has decided, while with functioning equipsaddened, to step back for health reament and personnel sons from serving as a columnist. She has properly trained to treat “really enjoyed the opportunity for a writ- me. Competent doctors ing outlet and for the many, many words of and nurses will be at the affirmation I have received from readers. hospital with medicaI do think, however, that pruning back this tion and equipment that work may help other areas to flourish.” She is available and funcis learning to “embrace my limits” (Jeanne tioning. I’ll be treated Flemming). Thank you, Jocelyn, for serving no matter my financial us, and may the Lord bless you. situation.
Laws and authorities work to uphold a society based on rules that make sense and build community rather than tear it apart. There is incredible relief that accompanies the release of sole responsibly for the health and well-being of myself and my children. I can experience this because I have faith in Canadian systems. I’ve lived for years outside Canada without faith in the systems that should be able to care for people effectively. It was always with the underlying fear that should I or my children be in an accident, we couldn’t trust what would happen to us. That sort of unrelenting unease is exhausting! I marvel at the simple luxury of faith in human systems, fallible systems. Humans can fail. They function within worldviews that change over the course of time, that are built on limited and ever-changing understanding of the universe. Even so, I know the emotional and mental freedom of being able to trust these things. The bigger revelation is that human systems are nothing in comparison to the faith and trust I can have in the One who created the universe and my body and who governs the authorities of the earth! He tells me I can trust Him. This Word does not change as humankind gains increased knowledge of the universe, nor as our worldviews shift over time.
Column • Stewardship Today
Moments of Kindness
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t wasn’t really a bad day, but there had been enough inconveniences to put me in a bad mood. I tripped and bruised my knee. The milk was sour. I was stood-up at a meeting I’d confirmed. The zipper on my jacket broke. None of these events were earth-shattering, but I wasn’t keen to repeat them. I decided to console myself with a cup of tea on the way back to the office. At the drive-thru, I held out some money to the cashier. She beamed at me and said, “Your order is paid for.” This didn’t make sense. I kept holding my money out. “Pardon?” I asked. “The guy ahead of you, he paid for your order,” the smiling clerk explained. Neat! Suddenly, all seemed right with the world again. It would have been easy to get bogged down by everything that went wrong, but this kindness reframed it for me. I gave the clerk some money and asked her to cover someone’s order. My tea-break benefactor had only saved me about a loonie, but the kindness was much more valuable. It changed my day. I drove back to work with a smile. Sometimes, it feels like kindness is in short supply. I’ve heard it often (and said it): “I’d love to help, but I have to (whatever I’m running to or from that day).” We blame our modern lives for this disconnection, but it’s not a new problem. Jesus told the story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who was attacked on the road, robbed, and left for dead. First a priest and then a Levite pass along the same road, but both
avoid the injured man. Then a Samaritan comes along and, despite historical enmity between their peoples, stops to help. He disinfects and bandages the man’s wounds, then brings him to an inn to recuperate. In the morning the Samaritan gives two silver coins to the innkeeper, saying, “Take good care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, put it on my bill. I’ll pay you on my way back” (paraphrase of Luke 10: 25-35). I wonder how the Samaritan’s charity affected the traveller once he recovered. Did he remember the robbers’ cruelty and shape his life by that memory? Or did he remember the Samaritan’s generosity and shape his life by that debt? Did he “pay it forward” to others? Jesus ends his parable by asking, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10: 36-37 NIV). I’ve recently been trying to emulate the good Samaritan, paying more attention to those around me. I am being more open with my money, but, as that cup of tea bought by a stranger taught me, kindness is more than that. I am also seizing tiny moments of kindness each day—holding the door, letting someone else go ahead in line, taking time to interact with the store clerk. Our schedules will always be busy, no matter what time of year or stage of life we’re in. But by practicing simple gestures of kindness, we might change someone’s bad day into a good one. Kindness might even change the direction of a life. I think we all have time for that.
by Sherri Grosz Stewardship Consultant
By practicing simple gestures of kindness, we might change someone’s bad day into a good one. I think we all have time for that.
Sherri Grosz is a Gift Planning Consultant with Abundance Canada. For more than 40 years, Abundance Canada has effectively helped Canadians with their charitable giving in their lifetime and through their estate. To learn more, visit abundance.ca or call 1.800.772.3257 to arrange a confidential, no obligation free consultation.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 35
Column • Kids’ Corner
Lessons from a Tree
by Loreena Thiessen
God says that anyone who knows and listens to the laws of God is like a tree planted by the rivers of water.
Activity: Gratitude Stones Need: clean stones with a smooth surface, tissue paper, scissors, glossy Mod Podge, paintbrushes. Do: 1. Cut out small tissue paper hearts. Place one on the smooth surface of a stone. 2. Use paintbrush to lightly spread a thin layer of Mod Podge over tissue paper heart and over the surface of the stone. 3. Allow to dry undisturbed. 4. Flip stone over and spread Mod Podge over this side. 5. Allow to dry undisturbed. This makes a seamless smooth stone that feels natural. 5. At dinner pass the stone around. While holding the stone share something for which you feel thankful. 36 The Messenger • September 2018
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our summer vacation is over. Each morning you are up early and ready to go. It’s back to school and that means work, school work. The sun still feels warm on your face and summer’s leafy trees still provide shade. But not for long. As temperatures cool a change happens. For trees to provide shade they must grow a good canopy, a cover of leaves, and to grow leaves must have food. Trees need four things to produce food for their leaves. These are sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll. Rain provides the water that soaks into the ground and is absorbed by the tree’s roots and then travels up the trunk to the branches and leaves. Carbon dioxide is the breath you breathe out which is absorbed by the leaves. These ingredients, carbon dioxide, moisture from the ground, and sunlight create sugar, which is food for the leaves. This process is called photosynthesis. The green colour of leaves comes from a natural substance within the leaves called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll helps trees use sunlight to produce the food they need. In fall temperatures cool down and daylight hours grow shorter; in midwinter the sun sets around 4 p.m. Less sunlight and cooler temperatures are signals for the leaves to stop making food. The chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down and the green color disappears. Leaves turn yellow, orange, brown and red. The tree lets
them go and they fall to the ground. It is time for trees to begin their long winter rest. Fall is a time for change. You begin your new school year and trees begin their winter break. There are many things we can learn from trees. Scientists find that having trees around us is soothing and helps us relax. They clean the air you breathe by absorbing, or taking in poisonous gases and metals that are found in smoke from factories and car exhaust. In return they give out oxygen, the air you need to breathe. Trees are a natural air conditioner. Their shade keeps you and your house cool. In a city enough trees can lower summer temperatures by 7 degrees while you enjoy playing outdoors. Trees provide homes for birds and small animals. They provide food like tree fruits and nuts for people and for animals. A row of trees will reduce noise levels from traffic going by your house or school. They will stop the wind too. And their different shapes and colours make the countryside beautiful. One of the first things God did was grow trees. He says he made them for their beauty and for food, except for one, which Adam and Eve could not eat from (Genesis 2:8-9). But they did not listen, and were sent out of the Garden. This brought hardship and sadness to their lives. In Psalm 1:1-3, God says that anyone who knows and listens to the laws of God is like a tree planted by the rivers of water. He will prosper and have good success. The Messenger Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362