Mennonite Brethren Herald February 2015

Why Lent, Why NOW?

HISTORICAL COMMISSION

GRANTS AWARDS

MENNONITE

BRETHREN

GIFTS FOR OUR

MUSLIM NEIGHBOURS

Should Christians fight FOR FREE SPEECH? REIMER REFLECTS

VALENTINE MESSAGES from the RAINFOREST

Volume 54, No. 2 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297

BETHANY COLLEGE

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 15

announces closure

W W W. M B H E R A L D . C O M

why LENT, why NOW? NORM FUNK

There were certain traditions in my Mennonite Brethren upbringing; Lent wasn’t one of them.

So why Lent, and why now?

I’ve wrestled with this. Here’s my answer: my main motivation is birthed out of what I see as a lack of preparation and thoughtfulness connected to the Easter season.

Lent helps battle that tendency. Lent doesn’t just remind us of the cross; it prepares us for it.

Lent invites people to join Jesus on the way to the crucifixion. Fasts – one or many – assist in that process. Obviously, the joy of Good Friday comes because the tomb was empty Sunday; however, in the sacrament of communion we are called to remember Jesus’ death.

Lent doesn’t end at the cross. In fact, the Easter Week following Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection and the coming of the promised Helper, the Holy Spirit.

Lent reminds us of Thursday night, Friday morning and the silence of Saturday. Lent reminds us of our call to pick up our cross daily. That’s one of the reasons I like the active way we take part in communion every Sunday at Westside.

Standing and coming forward is a visual reminder that we are called to follow Jesus to the cross.

Why fast as part of the Lent season? It’s a call to seek God’s face and ask, What is that thing, that practice, that gift that divides my loyalty and keeps me from experiencing the cross-centred life? It’s a call of surrender.

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission” (Hebrews 5:7).

My prayer is that this Lent season serves as a revealing time that stretches us individually and corporately, touching dead areas needing the life and joy only the cross of Jesus can bring.

Norm Funk is founding pastor of Westside Church, Vancouver, which meets in The Centre in the city’s downtown. A version of this article first appeared on the church blog Feb 12, 2013.

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FEATURES 10 Five Mennonite Brethren gifts for our Muslim neighbours An interview with Gordon Nickel –Karla Braun

16 Seven tips for talking about missionaries –Mark JH Klassen

COLUMNS 4 Editorial Jaded or joyful givers?

–Laura Kalmar

8 Text message PSALM 90:12 Ready for the end –Marvin Dyck

9 Executive Director True freedom –Willy Reimer

14 ICOMB – Wiebe’s witness Panama Valentines: a church in the rainforest –David Wiebe

31 Intersection of faith and life Do as I do –Phil Wagler

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

DEPARTMENTS 5 Letters 6 Homepage 17 News 22 Transitions, births & weddings 28 Finish lines [Obituaries] 30 Crosscurrents

DIGITAL EDITION issuu.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/MBHerald TWITTER twitter.com/MB_Herald WEBSITE mbherald.com JOBS jobs.mbherald.com PDF SUBSCRIPTION Email karla.braun@mbchurches.ca to subscribe via email

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD February 2015

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Editorial Jaded or joyful givers?

T

he fabled tooth fairy has yet to make an appearance at our house. When my daughter lost her first tooth last fall, she vehemently refused to put it under her pillow. “Why would I give such a special treasure to a complete stranger?” she reasoned.

Trying to persuade her toward more “conventional” 5-year-old behaviour, I began to plead: “But if you put your tooth under the pillow for the tooth fairy, she’ll leave some money in exchange.” Surely the promise of cold, hard cash would sway her.

“Money?” gasped Sophia. “I don’t want money. I already have too much money!”

And that was the end of that.

After I finished chuckling, I took some time to enjoy the sentiment. It’s not too often you hear someone say they have an excess of amount money. Usually, we’re bombarded with messages that boil down to “More money, more money, more money!”

Charity appeals Most of the messages we hear about money are fuelled by greed and consumerism. But some of them are legitimate – just think of all the worthy charities that request money on a regular basis.

In Canada, there are currently more than 86,000 registered charities doing good work on our behalf. It’s humbling to know that, because of my small donations, others can work for the common good of my community and neighbours – relieving poverty, advancing education and building faith.

I’m grateful that my local church uses my tithes to reach out to people in Winnipeg’s inner city. I’m grateful that MB Mission uses my donations to make a difference in the lives of Thai orphans. I’m grateful that my small contribution to the Canadian conference helps advance the hope of the gospel in Canada, develops leaders and plants churches. These are things

About this issue Last month, the world reeled when terrorists attacked Charlie Hebdo, a satirical weekly magazine, leaving 17 dead in Paris.

Beyond the violence and free speech rhetoric, beyond the nasty cartoon jabs, was a devastating current of fear. We watched the Charlie Hebdo tragedy become even more tragic as anti-Muslim sentiments increased in ensuing weeks, with people throwing firebombs and pig heads into French mosques.

The media readily used the Charlie Hebdo event to celebrate free speech, but did little to stop the rise of Islamophobia.

As Christians, we cannot possibly witness to the peace of Christ until its fruit is evident in our lives and we learn to know and love others, including Muslims. Our own peace and development agency Mennonite Central Committee actively promotes the pursuit of peace through “facilitating interfaith dialogue and relationship-building across cultural, racial and ethnic divides.” And MB Mission helps its missionaries understand

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February 2015 www.mbherald.com

the tenets of other faiths as the missionaries live and serve internationally.

Of course, understanding doesn’t always mean agreement. Dialogue requires listening and asking questions – and it sometimes means addressing disagreements. But this must always be done in love – without fear, animosity or violence.

In the end, true dialogue requires us to be firmly rooted in the hope we ourselves profess. As Islam scholar Gordon Nickel says, the gospel message in 1 Corinthians 15, “is a verbal message that has spiritual power to save. Why would we not articulate the message that saves?” (See “Five Mennonite Brethren gifts for our Muslim friends,” page 10.)

As we dialogue with our Muslim neighbours, may we be quick to listen, keen to understand and always prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).

L AUR A K ALMAR I couldn’t do on my own and I’m happy to support charities on the front lines of service.

Stumbling blocks to giving It’s not surprising to see charities ramp up requests for money. In 2012, Canadian charitable giving fell 1.9 percent, and the number of people reporting charitable donations on their tax return decreased by 1.4 percent. These aren’t huge percentages, but they do indicate a negative trend.

Aside from these statistics, there are other, less tangible changes. From what I’ve seen, charitable giving has become more complicated, less joyful. We tend to talk more about the tax benefits we’ll receive rather than the compassion we feel or the help we can provide.

We’ve also been taught to watch for charity fraud, to ask lots of questions: Does this charity engage in activities that matter to me? How much does the charity spend on administration and how many dollars does it actually use for charitable activity? Can this charity show positive results linked to their mission statement? Does this charity put undue pressure on me to give?

Accountability is critical. But it can put a damper on our zeal for donating. Have we become overly jaded and cynical about charitable giving – asking so many questions that we actually stop sending money? Have we developed an unhealthy possessiveness about charitable giving, feeling the need to control every detail of how our money is used because we don’t trust charities to be good stewards?

Scripture instructs us to “give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

It’s clear that the manner and spirit of our giving matters.

While it’s essential to ask questions, it’s also important to cultivate joy, gratitude and trust through our giving – to recognize we’re blessing others, supporting our

Reader responses: Nothing like a good story

I’ve been very happy with the last few editions of the Herald. Stories such as “Put your shoes on and go” by Angeline Schellenberg (Features, September) reminded me of the cheerful, selfless witness of Salome Hiebert. Associate editor Karla Braun also gave us some valuable insights through her stories.

But the story I connected with best was Mary Anne Isaak’s Text Message from Luke 1:26–56 (December). I never knew there was so much to learn from the narrative of Mary and the angel.

We learn better from a well-told story than a preachy sermon!

I hope the Herald will continue in this direction. Maybe our young people will pick it up and enjoy it, too.

Thanks to our history of knowing oppression, I believe we’ve been given some unique tools to be a blessing to First Nations. It has to begin with understanding and I’m realizing I have a longoverdue responsibility to become informed.

God repeatedly warned the Israelites that they must never forget they were once an oppressed people. I wonder if we Anabaptists need to be reminded of that, too.

JAMES TOEWS ONLINE COMMENT

Good can come from dialogue

Re “Overheard online” (Letters, December). It’s hard not to be disappointed with Greg Good’s critique of Christians and Muslims gathering for dialogue in Edmonton. It was an attempt by religious institutions to love their neighbours, SHIRLEY BERGEN WINNIPEG which is a commendable alternative to religious enmity that has been the norm through Opening our eyes to First Nations peoples the ages and is still a major cause of horrible Re “Don’t read this book if…” (Viewpoint, Januhuman atrocities. ary). MB Herald readers should also be aware that Good’s comments suggest Christianity the winter 2015 Direction Journal has devoted its entire issue to the matter of our Mennonite Breth- owns God and has exclusive access to him. It’s highly likely that interreligious peace will facilren relationship to First Nations peoples. This, itate more people discovering God than contoo, is very important reading. flict has for the past 2,000 years. Life today is It occurred to me that the shared history between First Nations peoples and Europeans cov- intensely global, and the dialogue initiative tried to respect that. Interreligious conflict is ers almost exactly the same period as Anabaptist not an acceptable testimony of love for God history. While we North American Anabaptists and neighbour. are currently on the winning side and successful in our culture, I believe this is recent, local and JAKE JANZEN ABBOTSFORD, B.C. possibly atypical.

Don’t forget that you can comment online. Join the conversation at mbherald.com Letters to the editor Mennonite Brethren Herald welcomes your letters of 150–200 words on issues relevant to the Mennonite Brethren church, especially in response to material published in the Herald. Please include name, address and phone number, and keep your letters courteous and about one subject only. We will edit letters for length and clarity. We will not publish letters sent anonymously, although we may withhold names from publication at the request of the letter writer and at our discretion. Publication is subject to space limitations. Letters also appear online. Because the Letters column is a free forum for discussion, it should be understood that letters represent the position of the letter writer, not necessarily the position of the Herald or the Mennonite Brethren church. Send letters to: Letters, MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6, or by email to mbherald@mbchurches.ca.

communities and joining God in the work of his kingdom by our donations.

that there will not be room enough to store it’” (Malachi 3:10).

Ultimately, we ought to ask ourselves if we’re allowing any personal conflict to affect our charitable giving, particularly to our local church. As part of God’s family, we’re instructed to contribute financially.

This isn’t a matter of strict obligation but of participation – and of anticipation: “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing

Just like my daughter was certain she had too much money (even $5 can seem like a royal treasure when you know someone is taking care of all your needs!), we can be certain our heavenly Father is taking care of all our needs and has more than enough for all of us. With that knowledge and anticipation, we can give with absolute freedom and joy.

FEBRUARY 2015 Mennonite Brethren Herald is published monthly by the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, primarily for the use of its members, to build a Canadian MB community of faith. We seek to 1) share the life and story of the church by nurturing relationships among members and engaging in dialogue and reflection; 2) teach and equip for ministry by reflecting MB theology, values and heritage, and by sharing the good news; 3) enable communication by serving conference ministries and informing our members about the church and the world. However, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the church as a whole.

Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

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Copyright The articles printed in the Herald are owned by the Herald or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scriptural quotations are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Staff Laura Kalmar editor Karla Braun associate editor CANADIAN CONFERAudrey Plew designer Helga Kasdorf circulation + advertising Angeline Schellenberg copy editor Barrie McMaster B.C. regional correspondent Volume 54, Number 2 • Copy run: 14,500 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD IS A PUBLICATION OF

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD February 2015

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Turning toward the resurrection “The resurrection changes everything,” says Jeff Peters, director of advancement at MB Biblical Seminary Canada. “Christians should spend time contemplating and celebrating this pivotal event.”

The seminary has produced a devotional resource for the MB family this Lent and Easter.

Available for download from www.mbseminary.ca/devotional, “Waiting for the Resurrection: A Collection of Readings for Lent and Easter” contains forty-one 300–400 word devotionals reflecting on a Scripture passage.

Join the PA 2015 Prayer Networ 21-26

Harrisburg

July Julio Juillet

Assembly Gathered Asamblea Reunida Assemblée Réunie

17-19

Mechanicsburg

July Julio Juillet

Global Youth Summit 18+ Cumbre Mundial de la Juventud 18+ Sommet Mondial de la Jeunesse 18+

Called to share: my gifts, our gifts Llamados a compartir: mis dones, nuestros dones Appelés à partager : mes dons, nos dons

LENT “PA 2015 EASTER Mennonite World Conference assembly, July 21–26, 2015, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Assembly Scattered Asamblea Dispersa Assemblée Dispersée

In North America, before and after Assembly Gathered En América del Norte, antes y después de la Asamblea Reunida En Amérique du Nord, avant et après l'Assemblée Réunie

All are invited to attend.www.mwc-cmm.org/pa2015

facebook.com/MennoniteWorldConference

Waiting for the Resurrection // A Collection of Readings for Lent and Easter

For each of the six Sundays of the Lenten season, a poem, song, reflection or prayers from the history of the Christian church foster excitement about the coming resurrection.

Contributors are Canadian pastors, scholars and leaders from MB and other traditions.

The seminary resources the MB family in Canada with training and special initiatives like this devotional. A limited number of hard copies will be sent to churches and supporters. Donations to cover costs are welcome.

“We need the presence of our faith family with us!” Mennonites in the U.S. acknowledge their society is deeply fearful and their government preoccupied with security. “We believe [our international brothers and sisters in Christ] can help us be more faithful if they spend a week in our country.”

A prayer network calls members of Mennonite World Conference to pray for God’s guidance, hope and strength as the task forces plan and prepare for the global gathering.

It’s an act of hospitality!

“Global North” and “Global South” pricing recognizes economic differences in the global family.

“North Americans are being offered a chance to practise true hospitality by sharing life with our global faith family,” says MWC general secretary César García. This is a rare opportunity to become involved in a spiritual experience that will be truly transformative.

participate wholeheartedly E-mail:“[Let’s] jdietzel@lancasterconference.org and request more and see what we can learn.”

Or request that information be mailed to you by calling 717/29 Learn more at www.mwc-cmm.org.

After nearly three decades of commenting on faith, Pontius offers his last quip as creator Joel Kauffmann moves on to other pursuits.

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February 2015 www.mbherald.com

21-26

Harrisburg

July Julio Juillet

Assembly Gathered Asamblea Reunida Assemblée Réunie

17-19

Mechanicsburg

July Julio Juillet

Global Youth Summit 18+ Cumbre Mundial de la Juventud 18+ Sommet Mondial de la Jeunesse 18+

Assembly Scattered Asamblea Dispersa Assemblée Dispersée

Called to share: my gifts, our gifts Llamados a compartir: mis dones, nuestros dones Appelés à partager : mes dons, nos dons In North America, before and after Assembly Gathered En América del Norte, antes y después de la Asamblea Reunida En Amérique du Nord, avant et après l'Assemblée Réunie

July 21-26, 2015 Harrisburg, P www.mwc-cmm.org/pa2015 facebook.com/MennoniteWorldConference

coming events Historical commission grants 3 awards The Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission announced three recipients of its first MB studies project grants for work of historical and theological interest to Mennonite Brethren around the world. Each award comes with a grant of $2,500.

ART

Nina Schroeder Member at River East MB Church, Winnipeg PhD student at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont. Project: “Picturing Anabaptism: Mennonites and the Art Market in the Dutch Golden Age”

FAITH DEVELOPMENT Gil Dueck

Instructor and academic dean at Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.

PhD candidate at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands Project: “Faith Development in Emerging Adulthood: Toward a Developmental Theological Anthropology”

CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE Andrew Dyck

Assistant professor at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg PhD candidate at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands Project: “The Place of Contemplative Practices within the Spirituality of Canadian Mennonite Brethren” The MB studies project grants are made possible with support from U.S. and Canadian Mennonite Brethren Churches.

—Jon Isaak, executive secretary, Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission

Conference events: Feb. 20–21: ONMB convention, Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church.

Mar. 2–5: C2C Network assessment centre, Vancouver.

Mar. 6–7: MBCM Assembly, Winkler (Man.) MB Church.

Mar. 13–14: SKMB convention, Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.

Mar. 20–21: ABMB convention, Dalhousie Community Church, Calgary.

Apr. 17–18: Quebec convention, L’Intersection, Terrebonne, Que. May 1–2: BCMB convention, South Langley (B.C.) MB Church.

May 3–5: BCMB pastor and spouse retreat, Whistler, B.C. May 12–13: Church Multiplication Conference, Toronto.

May 24–26: Manitoba pastor and spouse retreat, Hecla Island, Man. June 7: AEFMQ rally.

June 9–11: Pastors Credentialing Orientation, 83 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Sept. 28–Oct. 1: C2C Network assessment centre, Calgary.

Oct. 21–23: “God, Sex and Church: a theology of human sexuality,” study conference, Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg.

Sept. 28–Oct. 1: C2C Network assessment centre, Toronto.

Partner events: Feb. 6–7: Discipleship & Context conference, Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.

Feb. 12–14: MCC Ottawa Office student seminar, Ottawa.

Feb. 12–21: SOAR Saskatchewan, Saskatoon.

Mar. 26–Apr. 4: SOAR Heartland, Winnipeg.

Apr. 10–12: 50th anniversary celebration, Bakerview Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Apr. 19: Outtatown graduation, CMU, Winnipeg.

Apr. 25: Bethany College spring concert.

Apr. 25: Canadian Mennonite University spring concert.

Apr. 26: Bethany College commencement.

Apr. 26: Canadian Mennonite University graduation service.

July 17–19: Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit, Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, Pa. July 21–26: Mennonite World Conference Assembly 16, Harrisburg, Pa. View more events from churches, schools and agencies at mbherald.com/calendar.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD February 2015

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TEXT MESSAGE Ready for the end

Marvin Dyck

PSALM 90:12

A

pril 9, 2014, began like any other day for my 88-year-old mom on the farm where she’d moved when she married my dad in 1951.

First, there was her bungalow to keep spotlessly clean. Mom couldn’t stand dust, and any spider that dared to show itself was due for a one-way trip to wherever spiders go in the afterlife.

Cleanliness also let her kids know she wasn’t ready for the seniors’ home.

Then there were the plants she’d grown from seed, waiting for spring: 50 nineinch-high tomato vines to share with her children and grandkids, 50 cabbage plants, onion seedlings and four kinds of flowers for her own flower beds – petunias, snapdragons, Sweet Williams and carnations.

There was a half-finished letter to my sister.

The sewing machine was open, the tools spread out. Behind the chair lay a lovely floral print jacket, partly sewn.

On the dining room table was another dress pattern and the fabric to make a new dress.

It was reasonable to expect telephone calls from friends and family who called more frequently since Dad passed away two years ago.

Then there was Bible study in the evening.

She had the prospect of many more years, since her mother had lived to 102. She was determined to remain healthy and independent, so she kept her laundry facilities in the basement as another means of exercise.

There was lots to do on April 9.

PSALM 90:12

Sometime between noon and 7 p.m., a stroke attacked.

When Marg, her daughter-in-law who lives on the farm across the road, arrived to pick her up for Bible study, a groan called attention to Mom’s location on the floor. The stroke came as a surprise to us all. Initially diagnosed as minor, it turned out to be deadly.

Mom never returned to her spotless house. When I arrived there a week later, the dishes from her lunch – the last meal of her life – were sitting neatly in the drying rack on the counter. True to her reputation as a perpetually prepared hostess, the house was ready for our stay.

In hospital, though mentally clear, Mom was unable to swallow, speak or write.

She could communicate only by nodding, shaking her head and some left arm-hand movement.

Always prepared While Mom was not expecting a stroke on April 9, she was still fully prepared for it.

It was not unusual, after a visit, to receive a telephone call or letter from Mom, wanting to discuss something she had said for fear it had caused offence.

Now there was no need for regret, lying

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain

a heart of wisdom.

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Surprise attack

February 2015 www.mbherald.com

there helpless, because she had always been careful to maintain relationships.

Most importantly, Mom kept her relationship with her heavenly Father strong.

For Mom, the most important news in the world was the gospel; namely, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so we could be at peace with God as our Creator intended, that Jesus rose again and was seen by many people, and that each person must surrender to receive the offer of life available to all.

Spiritual disciplines were crucial to Mom. When we were children, Mom paid us to read the Bible: $1 for the entire New Testament, $2 for the whole Bible. As she lay in that hospital bed, Mom’s nonverbal interaction with family made it clear she died confident in the prospect of heaven, surrendered to and in relationship with God based upon Jesus’ death in her place.

My mom miscalculated the number of days she would live. Nonetheless, she had counted her days well in the way that matters. She was completely ready to meet her Maker when the stroke hit.

And when death came ten days later on Easter Saturday, she witnessed Easter in heaven.

Well done, Mom! You counted your days well.

Marvin Dyck is pastor of Crossroads MB Church, Winnipeg. A version of this article first appeared on the church blog.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR True freedom Willy Reimer

T

he New Year arrived with a thump, as we faced the collective realities of a world marked by sin. Multiple murders occurred in Edmonton and Calgary at the dawn of 2015. Globally, we witnessed Boko Haram’s ongoing diabolical activity in Nigeria. Muslim terrorists murdered 17 people in France, retaliating against satirical depictions of the prophet Muhammad.

All these actions were birthed out of the pain of a fallen world, marked by sin oozing from the depth of our souls.

The illusion of free speech Following the Paris killings, millions marched in defence of free speech, including many Westerners. But what were we really rallying around? As only he could, commentator Rex Murphy aptly described Canadians’ selective love affair with free speech in January’s National Post: “This part of the world has a sack full of pieties when it comes to free speech, but its own actions, and frequently its own words, put the lie to all of them. Bowing to ruthless protest has become a habit. Labelling speech some people simply do not wish to hear as ‘hate speech’ succeeds in silencing it. In matters big and small, on issues from global warming to abortion, there is collusion — we call it political correctness — over what should not be said, what cannot be said.”

The bastions of Canadian free speech – universities, school boards, government agencies – are not really interested in free speech as much as they’re interested in their own messages.

For example, Trinity Western University is currently facing a battle with the B.C. government to obtain accreditation for its law degree program. The case demonstrates how well-educated, “progressive” people can lay reason aside and engage in intellectually indefensible positions that betray the very values they say they

defend. Trinity Western is legally and appropriately defending its Charter rights to teach content based on the university’s values, beliefs and convictions, which students voluntarily pay to be taught. But not everyone sees it that way.

A Christian response How should Christ followers react to these developments in a country generally regarded as a defender of freedom, opportunity and equality? Should we simply “roll over” when our judicial system attempts to muzzle free speech when it infringes upon the prevailing worldview? Or should we exercise our rights as Canadian citizens and publicly express our opinions? In recent meetings with MPs, I was reminded that Canada is a pluralistic country and Christ followers need to speak up, expressing our viewpoints as contributing Canadians.

It’s tempting to stamp our feet and “lawyer up.” It’s tempting to remind political leaders that freedom of speech is only possible in Canada because of our Judeo-Christian history. It’s tempting to complain about every group we perceive to be jumping ahead of us in the societal queue of privilege and power. It’s tempting to respond to marginalization via political tactics, governments lobbies and attack ads.

If I’m honest, I’ll admit I want to fight back.

My desire for justice rises up within me to ensure I “get what I deserve.” Now I just need to find Scripture to back me up!

The upside-down wisdom of Jesus So what does the Bible actually say to us when we’re marginalized and treated unfairly?

Jesus said, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray

for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.

But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43–48, NLT).

Christ teaches us to respond to marginalization – and even persecution – with prayer, love and kindness. We’re called to be countercultural agents of the good news of Jesus Christ in a world that seems to be preoccupied with personal rights and freedoms.

As citizens of the kingdom of God, we don’t live to serve a human kingdom but to honour Christ our King. We’re here to bring Jesus’ redeeming message of hope through Christ’s atoning and liberating death and resurrection. Our hope is not found in political freedom, military conquest or theological superiority. Our hope is found in Christ, period!

If others infringe upon our rights and freedoms because of our allegiance to Christ, so be it. We simply join millions of other Christ followers marginalized for their faith.

And how then shall we live? When we have the chance to advocate for rights and freedoms, we do so for all. We take every opportunity to extend Christ’s love to everyone through our words and actions. We continue to teach the truth of the gospel. We fix our eyes on Christ, not on those who oppose us.

Follow executive director Willy Reimer on Twitter @willreimer

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD February 2015

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Mennonite Brethren gifts for I

n postmodern culture, it’s considered impolite or disrespectful to disagree on matters of eternal consequence like religion – though the harshest condemnation can be unleashed on trifles like pairing cheese and fish. People are uncomfortable saying anything critical of other faiths in a multicultural society.

He enumerates five points that we particularly as Mennonite Brethren can bring when we meet our Muslim neighbours, be they across the street or around the world.

Islam scholar Gordon Nickel, an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary, is not afraid to stand up for the truth claims of the Bible, especially in the arena of interfaith dialogue. Raised in South Asia where his parents worked for our mission agency, Nickel completed PhD studies on the Qur’an and speaks Urdu with near-native proficiency. But the MB church member (and former associate editor of this publication) is not afraid to – peacefully – question the teachings of Islam.

“We have a gospel that saves,” says Nickel, citing Romans 1:16: the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.

The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15 that Christ died for our sins, was buried, raised and appeared to many: “This is a verbal message that has spiritual power to save,” says Nickel. “Why would we not articulate the message that saves?”

He urges Christians not to be afraid to speak about the message of the gospel. “When we meet our Muslim friends, they’re the ones bringing [issues of faith] up,” he says.

“I always highlight the beauty of the gospel that speaks to those problems [we see in the world around us] and helps us to see our own faith,” says Nickel.

Nickel’s ability to lovingly but clearly articulate the truth of the gospel has kept him busy for the past three years, methodically but meekly dismantling a Muslim polemic whose accusations against Christianity have been confusing and cowing believers in the Indian subcontinent for more than 100 years.

Nickel’s book project, undertaken at the insistence of a friend and disciple from a Muslim background (see sidebar), is called The Gentle Answer to the Muslim Accusation of Biblical Falsification. Nickel and his wife Gwenyth moved to South Asia at the beginning of 2015 to start up and direct a Centre for Islamic Studies at a major evangelical graduate school.

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1. A message that saves

and a power that transforms

“The human heart is set in the wrong direction.

We need a power that deals with the heart,” says Nickel.

“This nice young man [who goes off to fight with Islamic State has] a feeling that this is what is required of him as a Muslim. There needs to be a resource that changes the roots, changes deep down, and I believe we have that in the gospel.”

In his 1999 book, Peaceable Witness Among Muslims, Nickel calls the gospel “spiritual dynamite…able to work in the hearts and minds of people beyond our presence and witness.”

And at the heart of the gospel is peace. “The Christian message is one of reconciliation” – peace with not only God but also our fellow human beings.

“When the church shows this reconciliation to the world, it bears witness to the power of the cross,” he writes.

Christians can testify to the work God has done in our own lives to make us more like Christ. Especially in the wake of last month’s violent events in Paris, love in response to hatred demonstrates the power of the gospel.

“The concept of a change of direction, change of heart is something we experience [as Christians] and have to offer to others,” says Nickel.

It’s natural as Christ followers that our witness includes proclamation of our hope and compassion ministries. The book of Acts is full of people “living out the Jesus ways; they’re peaceable, they’re following his example, they’re dying for it, and they’re continually telling about what God did through Jesus on the cross.”

our Muslim friends K ARL A BR AUN

2. Disciple making “One of the weakest areas of work among Muslims is disciple making,” says Nickel.

“It’s a long road to stable discipleship because of all the questions Islam poses.” Compound that with the fact that a convert is often rejected by his or her family, and may need to find new employment and a place to live. “It’s a really difficult road from conversion to strong discipleship.”

PHOTOS: ELLAINA BROWN

In the West, Nickel observes, it’s easy to direct a new believer to pastors and programs in a church and think of them as taken care of. But people need others to walk alongside them to model the way of Christ and discover Scripture together. “Guide them through and befriend them and pray with them and cry with them,” he says.

“There’s a big need for Christian workers to stick with these brothers and sisters to maturity,” he says. That is where Mennonite Brethren, who have always understood our faith with an emphasis on discipleship, are well prepared. Nickel observes that many Christians are shy about overt evangelism; however, we can be those who stick with new Christians from a Muslim background for the long term.

3. New lordship “When we do our disciple making, gathering people into the body of Christ, we have this great resource in Gordon Nickel the law of Christ,” says Nickel. Sometimes we don’t answers questions at talk about law, because we have been so schooled an AWAKE workshop by evangelicalism in the message of grace, “but in the context of Islam, we really should be talking about Jesus, saying, “No one could say that other than law because Muslims are acting out what they conGod.” But what follows for these converts is the long ceive as a law from God.” road of learning new patterns.

Much of the Sermon on the Mount is written in the The teachings of Christ on behaviour contrast with imperative, that is, commands. “It’s the Lord who’s Muslim teachings, says Nickel. “We emphasize that telling us how to behave, how to relate to others, Jesus is Lord and that means he calls the shots now; how to relate to those who are different from us, how he has authority to tell us how to behave. It’s a lordto relate to our enemies,” says Nickel. ship of one who taught and modelled peace; it’s quite “That’s got the ring of deity.” After hearing the law of Christ, Nickel says, some Muslims have turned to

a different lordship, quite a different authority from what Muslims may have known before.”

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The spiritual struggle to recognize the lordship of Jesus – whom a Muslim has been taught is but one in a line of prophets – can be significant.

4. The power of the Holy Spirit

“The concept I get from Scripture,” says Nickel, “is that where you have the law of Christ, you have a lordship to Christ and you’re striving to behave like he says, you’re not left to your own resources.” That’s not to say we don’t still fail, but “the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, even to pray, it says in Romans 8.”

“We have a power in the Holy Spirit that changes lives; with Islam, there is no concept of a power like that,” says Nickel. There are four references to ruh al-qudus, “but because the concept isn’t there of a spiritual power to help you, they don’t recognize that as the Holy Spirit.”

There is much Christians don’t understand about the Holy Spirit, “but I think we all agree it’s a power to help us do what is right,” says Nickel.

And “that wonderful list of those fruits that come through the Holy Spirit” in Galatians is actually unattainable without the Spirit’s help.

understand that appeal [of community]” whether a Christian community or that of something like Islamic State.

“To live a bold, cutting-edge life of loving enemies,…we probably can’t actually do [it] except for the help of the Holy Spirit and a community of disciples of Jesus,” says Nickel.

Islam also has the umma, a powerful concept “of being part of a group of the best people in the world” with a proud political identity and confident religious commitment, yet despite its strong power to communicate belonging, says Nickel, it’s not the same as Christian community.

“One of the differences is that the Body of Christ is gathered around Christ. We’re looking to his example, his teaching, and we talk about the movement of the Holy Spirit in the interpretation of Scripture and determining God’s will,” says Nickel. We experience the love of God through the community of believers – friends who encourage us, stand behind us and pray for us as we follow the way of peace.

“We’ve found in our lifetime of learning about Islam and with Muslims, these gospel emphases are strong and precious and we celebrate them,” says Nickel.

More than that, it is a power to help us testify to the hope we have. Jesus links the Spirit with bearing witness to the truth: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem” (Acts 1:8) Tips for engaging a friendship and “When you are brought before synawith a Muslim gogues, rulers and 1. Ask about their faith. But don’t start authorities, do not worry with something contentious like about how you will “Son of God.” defend yourselves or what you will say, for the 2. Ask about festivals and rituals Holy Spirit will teach you 3. Speak politely. at that time what you should say” 4. Listen.

(Luke 12:11–12).

5. Community of disciples

The invitation is not only to come to Christ, but to “come to this community of people who believe like you who will love you and will help you to do what you now want to do,” says Nickel. “I think the world doesn’t quite 12

February 2015 www.mbherald.com

5. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” to questions about your faith…but then go find out.

Discovering the Son of God: Spirit and truth A CMB’s story* When a Muslim comes to Christ, especially through a vision or other spectacular revelation, do you really need to explain? Isn’t conversion all a heart issue anyway?

CMB was working in a factory in Northern India. His father was ill and there was trouble in the family, so the task of providing for his siblings and parents fell to him.

One day, he spoke with a co-worker about the heavy stress he was feeling from this responsibility.

“Why don’t you pray in the name of Jesus?” suggested his co-worker, a Christian of simple but bold faith.

CMB went home and did that. As he prayed in the name of Jesus in his home, he felt like a cool rain on a very hot Delhi day. He slept like a baby that night.

“What was that?!” he asked his co-worker the next day. “What happened to me?”

“That’s Jesus,” his worker answered.

CMB knew there was power here – this Jesus was real – but his mind needed to understand what was going on. He needed to sort out how the Son of God – something he’d always been told was utter blasphemy – could bring such peace.

His co-worker wasn’t able to explain much, but directed CMB to an evangelist.

That the man had just left Delhi for Chennai (formerly Madras), clear across the country, didn’t hold back CMB from his dogged pursuit of understanding the truth he’d experienced. He took a leave of absence from work and travelled two days by train to find the evangelist.

After wandering the city for two weeks without finding anyone to explain Christianity to him, he was waiting for the train to return home when he overheard people talking about Jesus in a tea stall next to him.

“I need help with my questions,” he told them, and they took him to the Christian bookstore they ran.

As they read John 4, things began to click into place. The Qur’an says Jesus was “the word of Allah and a spirit from him.” John 4:24 helped address his concerns about the

issue of Jesus’s deity, and sent him on a path of more than a decade of study.

With CMB’s allegiance now on Jesus, his family rejected him. He went from Bible college to Bible college, seeking understanding, but no one ever dealt with his Muslim question from the Bible until he met Gordon and Gwenyth in 2003. Together, they spent hours discussing the truths of the Bible from the perspective of Christianity and Islam.

It was at CMB’s insistence that Gordon began the Gentle Answer project. Christians felt threatened by the accusations against the Bible, and with his Bible training, CMB wanted to fight the lies. Gordon reminded him of the peaceable witness of Christ. With Gordon’s scholarly knowledge and CMB’s cultural expertise, they became partners in painstakingly but peacefully dismantling Muslim arguments against the Bible.

The Gentle Answer to the Muslim Accusation of Biblical Falsification was published in English at the end of 2014 and is undergoing translation into Urdu. *CMB=Christian from a Muslim background

resources Peaceable Witness Among Muslims Gordon D. Nickel Herald Press The Story of the Great King (A parable of Immanuel in Islamic style) Gordon D. Nickel MB Herald, Dec. 1, 2000 The Gentle Answer to the Muslim Accusation of Biblical Falsification Gordon Nickel Bruton Gate Journeys of the Muslim Nation and the Christian Church: Exploring the Mission of Two Communities David W. Shenk Herald Press

Christian. Muslim. Friend.

Twelve Paths to Real Relationship David W. Shenk Herald Press Woman to Woman: Sharing Jesus with a Muslim friend Joy Loewen Chosen Books Scholarly work on Islam and Christianity Gabriel Said Reynolds: Professor of Islamic Studies and Theology, Notre Dame University Qur’an and Injil: Reflections on Qur’anic text and commentary quranandinjil.org

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ICOMB: International Community of W i eb e ’s Witn es s Valentines from Panama: a church in the rainforest

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e sat in silence. Some 60 Wounaán people gathered at the local church in Platanares, Panama, to receive ICOMB greetings from former MB Mission general director Harold Ens and me. Shortterm teams from North America helped built the solid, concrete building. But the tropical rain pounding the metal roof made noise so intense you couldn’t hear the person sitting next to you.

The children ran around. Harold handed out candies, so it was fun for them. Otherwise, no one wanted to get drenched.

Plus, they expressed respect for the North American visitors by staying.

Later, at pastor Hermes Barrigon’s newly built home, the rain pounded again. But under his thatch roof, it was quiet. We could visit and enjoy eating freshly caught shellfish from the nearby river.

I reflected on the difference between the church and Hermes’ home – the latter seeming to be more culturally or contextually appropriate, but the former coming as an expression of love and interest by North Americans. How do we show our love?

Prayer for a widow in distress In a moment between rainstorms, Hermes asked if I would like to meet a woman and her children to pray for her.

He didn’t introduce her by name – only to tell me that “she’s the widow of Aquilio Opua.” That name is significant to ICOMB, MB Mission missionaries Alan and Colleen Foster, Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon and a variety of environmental groups.

The indigenous tribes of Panama,

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February 2015 www.mbherald.com

Drawing from his travels to visit MB churches around the world, ICOMB executive director David Wiebe offers insights on faith.

David Wiebe

including Wounaán, have been promised land rights. Such rights include harvesting cocobolo (rosewood) trees. This hardwood is great for home decoration and carving.

Global markets love cocobolo. Logging companies pay for the right to harvest the cocobolo, often on reserved lands.

At first, Wounaán leaders tried negotiation, but that went nowhere. Next, they tried protests. In late March 2012, a group of demonstrators approached some equipment. Shots were fired, and Aquilio Opua was killed.

Officials demanded an autopsy, so the body lay in the church until it began to decompose. Pastor Hermes, who was Aquilio’s brother-in-law, finally buried his loved one without the autopsy. A week or so later, the official showed up and ordered the family to exhume the body.

The whole thing was degrading. According to some members of the church, the building is now “a place of death.”

ICOMB covered the costs for pastor Rutilio Rivas from Colombia to travel to Platanares to help people think peaceably about this. Rutilio has experience helping the MB churches in the Choco to deal with the cross purposes of powers like FARC (a guerrilla force in Colombia since 1964), drug cartels and government. His workshops helped settle emotions, think of new approaches and build hope.

A long river ride This was a first – the “conference vehicle” was a big motor boat for up to 15

passengers. I chatted with Americo Aji, president of the United Evangelical Church (Mennonite Brethren), Sebedeo Piraza, the representative to ICOMB Summits, and Itzell Chimara, Sebedeo’s wife.

As a conference leader, Americo holds some unique gifts: expert riverman, cocobolo carver and exorcist, in addition to the more common leadership gifts as a pastor.

Many locations of our Panama MB conference, including Platanares, are accessible only by water. A two-hour ride downstream on the Rio Chepo, an hour on the ocean, and finally an hour up the Rio Platanares got us to the village.

On the last leg, I was amused when Americo yelled, “Hey, it’s Hermes!” We spun off 75 metres to our left to where Hermes sat in his boat, near the mangroves at the edge of the river, talking on his cellphone. Twenty minutes downstream from his home, he gets reception!

Mennonite Brethren Left: David Wiebe, Harold Ens and Sebedeo Piraza in the conference boat.

PHOTOS: COURTESY HAROLD ENS

Right: Hermes Barrigon and his wife.

did you kno w?

How do I love thee?

How do we express love? Let me count the ways!

Travelling thousands of miles to help erect a church building and build relationships.

Visiting on behalf of the global Mennonite Brethren family and praying for the widow of a political martyr.

Extending hospitality to international visitors – even if it takes 16 hours of travel to do so (at 4 hours a trip, including the legs before pickup and after drop off).

Blessings of Valentines from the Panama MB Church!

David Wiebe has been a member of a Christian rock band, a pastor, and an MB conference executive. Since 2011, he has served the International Community of Mennonite Brethren as executive director.

The Panama MB church (“Iglesia Evangélica Unida – Hermanos Menonitas de Panamá”) numbers about 13 churches and 750 members. Wounaán and Emberá indigenous groups make up the MB church.

The gospel came via non-resident missionary approaches through Jacob Loewen and David Wirsch in the mid-1950s.

Believing that indigenous peoples are best-equipped to serve themselves, Loewen and Wirsch focused on leadership development and translation into the Wounmeu and Emberá languages. The church thus took root from within the community, and gave dignity where the dominant culture’s enforced Spanish language lessons threatened cultural identity.

Wounaán people live in both Panama and Colombia. The first missionary effort by Loewen and Wirsch came from Colombia.

Current missionaries Einer and Girlesa Zuluaga are from Colombia. Now, Panamanian Wounaán Ezequiel Carpio, who is sensing a call to be a missionary to his people in Colombia, is discerning next moves to train for this mission.

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with our ministry, I had taken on a role as a sourcing agent for a Canadian carpet company. In our neighbourhood, I was not known as a “missionary.” Even though our friends knew of our association with the church, and specifically with Mennonite Brethren, I did not often speak openly about my role with MB Mission.

RESTRICTED 7 tips for talking about missionaries

MARK JH KLASSEN

When I replied to my friend’s text message, he invited me to his house. On his laptop, he showed me how a simple Google search of his name had brought up the Daily Prayer Guide on the MB Mission website. There it was – his name, his wife’s name and a sincere request to pray for them and for us to get along with each other as our two families went on a vacation.

I didn’t know what to say to my friend. It felt like he’d read my diary.

I scrambled for an explanation and tried to be as open and honest as possible. I had no idea that personal information I’d shared would be posted online.

Fortunately, my friend was not offended. On the contrary, he thought it was neat that people were praying for him.

Whew!

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n 2009, while I was serving with MB Mission in New Delhi, India, I received a text message from a friend that simply read, “I found your prayers on the net.”

I was stumped. What did he mean? My friend, a Hindu, knew that I was a follower of Jesus and that I prayed. But what prayers had he found online?

Our family arrived in India in 2005. Because of the cultural and political climate there, I entered the country on a business visa. In conjunction

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But it’s not always that easy. Missionaries aren’t necessarily branded as such in other parts of the world. In certain places, a more subtle approach is needed. In areas where the gospel is not welcomed at all, even greater care is required.

Missionaries and their organizations take precautions to keep workers safe from harm or deportation, but it is absolutely critical that churches and individuals who support missionaries adopt these precautions as well.

The following is a list of seven things to remember when communicating about and with missionaries who are serving in restricted areas:

1

Google searches everything! Posting information online makes it available to everyone around the world. All files and attachments can be searched, including church bulletins and annual reports.

2

Communication is rarely private.

Phone lines can be tapped. Mail can be opened. Even “secure” email can be cracked. Encryption technology is improving, but so are the hackers.

3

Church buildings are open to the public. Anyone can walk into your church foyer and read the bulletin board, including representatives from foreign governments. It happens.

4

Choose your words carefully.

Avoid trigger words like “missionary,” “church” and “conversion.”

Let the worker be your guide. Also, avoid political words that can be sensitive.

5 6

First names are safer than full names. First names are more generic and very difficult to search.

It may not be illegal to be a Christian in a restricted area, but it is sometimes illegal to proselytize, so be careful how you communicate about evangelism and outreach activities.

7

Protect national believers and partners. Be discreet as you refer to other missionaries, local believers and partner organizations.

The internet is part of the new reality in global mission that we all face together.

As we take these precautions seriously, we also want to remind each other that God is bigger than any challenge we face.

Let’s pray for wisdom and use discretion, but let’s also be strong and courageous in the task of bringing the gospel to the least reached.

Mark JH Klassen, MB Mission’s staff writer, lives in Yarrow, B.C., with his wife Amy and their three daughters. They returned to Canada in 2011. The Klassens are members of Yarrow MB Church.

This article first appeared in the Christian Leader, and an extended list of tips can also be found in MB Mission’s People & Projects guide.

NE WS Hey, pastor or planter, what’s changed since 2006?

ABBOTSFO R D, B.C .

Legacy celebrated as new MCC Centre opens

CCMBC pastoral trends survey 2015

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n November 2006, Stephen Harper was less than a year into his first term as prime minister, Gaddafi was still Libya’s longstanding revolutionary leader, and 38 percent of surveyed pastors were planning to leave the Mennonite Brethren conference at the end of their term.

Reasons cited included the following: • retirement – 17% • employment in a different denomination – 4% • leaving church ministry – 13% PHOTO: COURTESY MCC

• no desire ever to return – 4% These insights and a whole lot more were gleaned from approximately 300 current and former pastors, in an extensive survey CCMBC’s leadership development team initiated on nationwide pastoral trends in 2005.

Thirteen people, representing different ages and departments of MCC, cut the ribbon during the official opening of the new Abbotsford building – held outdoors in the rain on Dec. 6.

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he new Mennonite Central Committee B.C. headquarters building in Abbotsford, B.C., has been opened officially, with MCC’s legacy featuring prominently during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Wayne Bremner, MCC B.C. director, described the new $18-million building as a milestone, “building on our legacy of compassion.”

He believes the thrift store on the site is the largest in B.C. He paid tribute to the volunteers who staff it, adding, “These people are the heart and soul and engine of what drives MCC.” Executive director of MCC Canada Don Peters spoke of MCC’s help to needy people all over the world, and added that

the new Abbotsford building is a “house of hope.”

MCC relief kits and blankets will be packed and shipped from the new facility, and funds for support and relief projects will be raised in part from the thrift operations.

Bremner said several hundred people have made capital donations and the fundraising committee hopes that by early 2015, they will top $12-million dollars.

Two other participants in the opening ceremonies, trade minister (and local MP) Ed Fast and new Abbotsford mayor Henry Braun, also paid tribute to the legacy of MCC, saying their families are in Canada thanks to the work of Mennonite Central Committee decades ago.—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

Neufeld takes radio pulpit

John Neufeld, former senior pastor of Willingdon MB Church, Burnaby, B.C., was appointed Back to the Bible Canada’s first Canadian Bible teacher in its 75-year history. Neufeld’s beloved expositional teaching has been heard daily on more than 49 radio stations across Canada and via internet streaming, podcasts and AudioMail since Jan. 19, 2015. Listeners also previewed Neufeld’s preaching with a Christmas series the week of Dec. 15, 2014.

Here are a few more discoveries: The top three employment positions from which people came to pastoral ministry were • teaching – 17% • construction, contracting and carpentry – 13% • studying – 7% New pastors tend toward risk-taking most in their first term (probably no surprise there!).

The top three factors that contribute to the retention of pastors are • spousal support • personal development • spiritual direction A few “red flags” popped up, as pastors acknowledged that they • loved work more than domestic life – 4% • felt strongly that their work was their life – 14% • felt a need to be omni-competent – 12% • were vulnerable to sexual temptation – 3%.

Of course, the difficulty with problematic trend lines and red-flag issues is that by the time they are recognizable, it seems too late to fix them. Yet, if we take a developmental approach, it’s never too late to learn, grow and change.

Even if we can’t always remedy things in ways that impact the present, we can make timely changes now that impact the future.

To that end, a new pastoral trends survey is underway. An independent researcher has been retained to ensure the objectivity of the findings.

It’s L2L’s hope that all MB pastors will participate in the survey. If you are a pastor and have not received an email with the survey link, please let us know (info@L2Lnet.org 604-853-6959) and we’ll remedy that problem.—Ron Toews, L2L director

To view a summary of the 2006 pastoral trends survey, visit www.mbherald.com/45/15/pastoraltrends.en.html.

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NE WS HEPBURN, Sask.

Bethany College announces 2015 closure

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PHOTO: COURTESY BETHANY COLLEGE

he board of Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., emerged from December board meetings with sobering news: the current academic year (2014–2015) will be the 87-year-old rural Saskatchewan institution’s final year.

Academic dean Gil Dueck with students at Disicpleship & Context.

The college, co-sponsored by the Mennonite Brethren churches of Saskatchewan and Alberta, and the Saskatchewan Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference, began in 1927 and was renamed in 2002, following full accreditation with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges.

A long-term trend of declinRecipients of 2014 awards and bursaries, with president Howie Wall. ing enrollment hit a critical point in spring 2014. This year, there are 64 on-campus students and eight fourth-year interns.

The college sent out appeals for financial support, prayer and students, and laid off staff for the summer.

Constituency response made the current academic year possible, but despite an October discernment summit where key denominational and church partners affirmed the need for places like Bethany to disciple young people and offer leadership training, the board Service learning at Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation. determined the college would cease operation “in its current iteration” in 2015.

Touring ministry arts groups are part of the Bethany experience.

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Interest in discipleship continues “The trend is that [Bible] schools have been declining for a long time,” says Ron Toews, director of L2L, the Canadian Conference of MB Churches’ leadership development arm.

“The closure of Bethany doesn’t change the reality that

we need to continue walking alongside young women and men as they think about the foundation of their lives,” says Toews, pointing to the 1996 board of education document Description of a Growing Disciple as a rubric for evaluation.

“I’d say there’s a whole new interest in what it means to be a disciple. Churches are taking this back within themselves.”

“My lament,” says Toews, “is that [discipleship training] may well be more piecemeal.

Schools can do some things well in their ‘greenhouse’ environments; churches don’t have that kind of intensity.”

“I think [Bible school education] is absolutely crucial to mission because long-range missional energy is what we get through our institutions,” says Bethany academic dean Gil Dueck. “People think institutions will always exist.

But it requires a long vision to sustain a thing like a theological school.”

“This is a moment for fresh imagination,” says Toews.

“What does it take for the mission of Jesus to be fulfilled among us?”

Current lament, future hope The future of Bethany College’s campus and staff and faculty is unknown. “Our first priority is to ensure that students are cared for,” says Dueck. “We intend to sit down with each individual student,” says Dueck, to ensure a strategy for the furtherance of their education.

Most of the third-year students can graduate with

An overview of Bethany College a bachelor of biblical studies or receive a BA in 2016 after completing an internship with a church or ministry. Second-year students can receive a diploma, and have good transferability prospects with partner schools and colleges.

“Of course,” says Dueck, “none of this fully satisfies those students who intended to finish a Bethany degree and are now grieving that loss.”

Saskatchewan MB director of ministry Terrance Froese acknowledges the sadness of the closure and expresses gratitude for the legacy of staff and students of the octogenarian institution. “It’s a hard decision, but a clear one,” he says, “and clarity is very helpful in these situations.”

Froese says the provincial conference will continue to support discipleship training through scholarships for post-secondary study, and internships with local churches and agencies.

“In some sense, this closure opens a whole new door for something we don’t know God is bringing.”

In a similar spirit, the Bethany board of directors expressed its “sincere desire that this decision will not mark the end of conversation around discipleship and theological formation” and invited “input from any who are interested in this vital ministry going forward.”

“What doesn’t change,” says Toews, “is the need for believers and local churches to grow in their understating of the Word. We’ve just got to re-imagine a fresh and succinct articulation of the role of theological education.”

—Karla Braun

Inspired by the success of Herbert Bible School in southern Saskatchewan, in 1926, Jacob Lepp, H.A. Willems and John Harder invited Moody graduate George Harms to teach 3 months of evening classes to 30 young people in the Rosthern area. When a public school building became available in Hepburn in 1927, Bethany Bible School was born.

The school was established to 1. give youth foundational instruction, 2. wrench youth away from frivolous pursuits (and nurture the German language), and 3. raise believing youth for the battle of the faith (and train for the needs of congregations).

Church historian Bruce Guenther observes the school became unique for the following 1. an early move toward a college program, 2. aggressive promotion of mission…which led to 3. (student-led) transition away from German much earlier than other MB institutions.

1927 – school established under first principal/president Dietrich P. Esau 1932 – students establish Bethany Prayer League which grows into Western Children’s Mission 1934 – curriculum expands to 4-year program 1941–1945 – curriculum expands to 5 years 1958 – amalgamates with Herbert Bible School 1960 – campus expands to 13.5 acres 1968 – Alberta conference and Alberta MB Bible Institute of Coaldale join Saskatchewan as co-sponsor 1969–1983 – building blitz 1981 – 199 students enroll – the peak year 1986 – students vote to allow women to run for student president 1994 – Bethany Place, gymnasium & auditorium project, completed 1995 – Saskatchewan Churches of Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference becomes co-sponsor 2000 – obtains full accreditation with Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges 2002 – name changes to Bethany College Bethany College has 5,932 alumni.

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NE WS Real women. Real community.

Real change.

I

s life worth living? The question weighed on Laurie Gibson.

Abused in many ways, she described her life as “scared and dark.” Her counsellor suggested she attend women4women, a drop-in group that met at Westview Christian Fellowship (WCF). Fearful, she circled the block three times before returning defeated to her counsellor.

Encouraged to try again, she entered the doorway this time and came face-to-face with people who cared.

“They treated me like a friend,” she says, “even though no one knew me or my story.”

Fast-forward four years.

No longer in counselling, Gibson works quarter-time at what is now called Westview centre4women (WC4W) as a community researcher. She seeks out available community resources and presents them to the women.

“God found me. They loved me” “I have Westview to thank for my life,” says Gibson. “I am no longer suicidal. This place has changed the way I think and I now want to live the best way I can. God found me. I am no longer afraid.”

Gibson not only transitioned from WC4W patron to staff member, but also became a participating member of WCF. When she shared her story in front of the church, “Not one person looked at me odd,” says Gibson. “When I confessed my struggles, not one person from the congregation looked down on me. They loved me.”

Encouraged to seek God at her own pace, Gibson soon

20

found in God everything she had been longing for in an earthly daddy.

WC4W provided Gibson with tools to survive, but also to grow, learn and thrive. The inexpensive pantry and clothing closet met her basic needs. And she found the support she craved in WC4W’s sharing circle. “There was no judgment here,” Gibson says. It had such an impact that her outside counselling ceased.

It’s hard to draw a line where WCF ends and WC4W begins, says WC4W executive director and WCF outreach pastor, Erika Klassen. “It’s like trying to say how much of your time is parenting and how much is being a wife – there’s a lot of overlap; lines between the women’s ministry and church ministry are disappearing.

“It is a great relief to know that God loves our women more than we know, and he will find a way to draw them toward his love, if we are faithful to be his hands and feet and provide a safe, non-judgmental environment.”

Some of the women find a home at WCF, but help is available to all, not only Christians.

“Erika has found a crack in our society of forgotten women,” says Grace Black, United Church Women president from Elm Street United Church, a WC4W partner that provides Christmas gifts for the centre’s patrons.

“Through her dedication and passion, she is making a big difference.”

God makes it happen Jane LaVacca, WC4W program director, first attended women4women as a guest and began volunteering. She moved into a paid leadership role

February 2015 www.mbherald.com

and has secured program funding through the Niagara Prosperity Initiative and, beginning in July 2015, The United Way. WC4W, once known as women4women (2007) and survival4women Laurie Gibson (r) at her baptism with friend (2012), morphed Emily Ashukian. from the original one-day-aweek drop-in into lunch, pro“God is amazing. He is makgrams, workshops and special ing this happen,” says LaVacca. events spread over three days a Stacey Weeks is a week. The centre is in constant need of donated clothing, linens, freelance writer from Brantford, Ont. dishes, etc. WC4W staff and volunteers can also help women find a safe, clean place to live.

PHOTO: ANDREW MARK HILDEBRAND

S T. C AT H A R I N E S , O n t .

Help MCC help Ukraine

Mennonite Central Committee needs more donations to scale up humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, where violence has forced 40,000 people to seek safety in Zaporizhia, Ukraine.

Through finances and shipments of blankets, kits and canned meat, MCC supports Zaporizhia’s Baptist Union church as it assists some 200 vulnerable and displaced people daily. With additional funding, the church plans to open 5 more centres and expand medical and legal services.—MCC release

Devastation in Nigeria

The ongoing terrorization of northern Nigeria by extremist group Boko Haram increased in early January 2015 with a concerted attack on the towns of Baga and Doron Baga. More than 3,000 structures were reported damaged by fire, hundreds were killed and many fled to neighbouring Chad and Cameroon. Some 1.5 million people have been displaced by the violence, making them ineligible to vote in the upcoming presidential elections. Mennonite World Conference member Church of the Brethren has seen hundreds of its women and children kidnapped or killed and thousands of its members displaced. MWC calls its members to urgent prayer for those suffering in Nigeria.—Church of the Brethren, MWC, theguardian.com

Global Mennonite health leaders dream

Anabaptist/Mennonite healthcare institution leaders and professionals will hold a conjoint international meeting July 20–21 during Mennonite World Conference’s (MWC) Assembly 2015 in Pennsylvania, under the sponsorship of MWC and Mennonite Health Services. The first gathering of its kind, the summit will build on conversations begun by physicians at the 2003 MWC Assembly in Zimbabwe. Topics will include Anabaptist theology and health, women’s health, health technology, end-of-life health care, Anabaptist vision for global health, sustainability, and the culture of peace, church and hospital partnership in Zambia. They will also discuss a vision for creating a Mennonite World Conference-based global health network.—mwc-cmm.org

S U R R E Y, B . C .

Charities of the Year

11-year-old makes a difference hat is more impressive at age 11: to deliver a TedxKids talk to an auditorium full of people, to fundraise enough money to provide more than 50 wheelchairs to disabled people Veronika Copping in the developing world or to have travelled to Guatemala and want to go back?

Veronika Copping has done all three and more. She and her family are part of Coast Hills Community Church, Surrey, B.C. Copping is known for her passion to collect juice boxes to buy wheelchairs for children. She started to collect the juice boxes for recycling as a preschooler. Once in school, she saw how many juice boxes were emptied at lunchtime.

Today, five children do the rounds of the classrooms at her school, gathering the boxes for the cash that buys wheelchairs.

Copping’s Opa (grandfather), part of nearby Langley’s Jericho Ridge Community Church, does the business through a charity (Hope Haven Canada) to ensure the chairs arrive in Guatemala.

Copping had the chance in 2013 to travel to Guatemala with her mother and Oma (grandmother) to attend a week-long camp for people with disabilities. There, she met some of the recipients of the pediatric wheelchairs she helped to provide. She wants to return.

As for her speaking career, Copping says it was her Grade 2 teacher who offered to work with her on a speech about the juice boxes to her 4-H club. That speech, with many changes and a lot of practice, ended up last January among the 60 presentations young people submitted to TedxKids@BC. Copping’s work impressed the judges; she was selected as one of 12 presenters, aged 9–25, who went before the Vancouver TedxKids@BC talks in November.

Her theme at age 11: “Even as kids, we have a power to make a difference.”—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

PHOTO: BARRIE MCMASTER

W

Canadian FoodGrains Bank made Financial Post’s list of 25 Charities of the Year for its low overhead spending (just .079 %), low fundraising costs (.02 cents to raise a dollar) and transparent, accurate reporting.

Selected from Canada’s 86,000 registered charities, recommended organizations spent less than 35 cents out of every donated dollar on fundraising and more than 65% of their annual budget on programs and giving. They posted full, audited financial statements and information about their work online.

Food Banks Canada, Compassion Canada, World Vision Canada, and Food for the Hungry Canada also made the grade.—business.financialpost.com

Refreshing water cooler faith Organizations benefit from encouraging employees to talk about faith at work, says a study by Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business.

Researchers studied 500 people attending churches in the contrasting cultures of individualistic USA and collective South Korea. Individuals in both countries who felt safe speaking openly about their religion at work were more satisfied employees. Findings upheld the importance of employers creating a supportive space for diversity. The report “Applying models of employee identity management across cultures: Christianity in the USA and South Korea” appeared in the July issue of Journal of Organizational Behavior.—www.sfu.ca

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD February 2015

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FAMILY news

TR ANSITIONS Ken Graham began as pastor at Gospel Fellowship Church, Foam Lake, Sask., Oct. 15, 2014. He graduated from Nipawin (Sask.) Bible College; Prairie Bible College, Three Hills, Alta.; and Andersonville Theological Seminary, Camilla, Ga., with an MMin, DMin and ThD. He has pastored churches from Alberta to Manitoba with the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada. Ken and Marion have 3 married adult children.

Mike Olynyk began as pastor of student ministries at South Abbotsford (B.C.) Church in December 2014.

He has a BRE from Ambrose University College, Calgary,

and previously served as half-time youth pastor at Jericho Ridge Community Church, Langley, B.C. Mike and Kim have 2 daughters, Raelyn and Makenna. Until October 2014, Jon Wiebe served as South Abbotsford youth pastor, beginning as an intern in 2006.

Stephanie Jantzen joined Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., as marketing and communications manager in fall 2014.

Stephanie has pursued her passion to connect with audiences and bring ideas to life as a non-profit communications specialist, associate pastor and science instructor. Stephanie holds a BSc from Concordia University and an MDiv from ACTS Seminary.

Lead pastor since 2001, Ted Klassen resigned from Culloden Church, Vancouver, effective June 28, 2015.

Founding church planter Bindu Sidhu resigned as pastor at The Life Centre effective Jan. 31, 2015.

BIRTHS DOERKSEN – to Jon & Amanda of Killarney, Man., a son, Hunter Owen David, May 3, 2014.

FOSTER – to Jay & Kim (Shiels) of Saskatoon, a son, Jax Cameron, Nov. 27, 2014.

HOUSEK – to Matthew & Christa of Beechy, Sask., a daughter, Martha Grace, Nov. 30, 2014.

JANZ – to Brendan & Tasha (Dombowsky) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Clara Tegwen Loretta, July 20, 2014.

MOULTON – to Bill & Shannon of Port Rowan, Ont., a daughter, Cheyenne Marie, Aug. 9, 2014.

PAUL – to Will & Jen of Port Rowan, Ont., a daughter, Janessa Michele, Oct. 20, 2014.

POGUE – to Lawrence & Jasmine (Fitzpatrick) of Saskatoon, a son, Davey Walter, Dec. 4, 2014.

SCHULZ – to Dani & Luisa of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Paige Celine, Nov. 24, 2014.

STOBBE – to Dallas & Heidi (Pauls) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Everly Jade, Aug. 26, 2014.

SWENNEN – to Jonathan & Jennifer of Brandon, Man., a son, Benton Noah, Aug. 14, 2014.

VRANCKX – to Andrew & Jocelyn of London, Ont., a son, Simon Charles, Dec. 6, 2014.

WEDDINGS T im FALK & Kaylee BUHLER, both of Saskatoon, July 27, 2014.

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orman FRIESEN of Winnipeg & Lucille N WALL of Selkirk, Man., (formerly of Swift Current, Sask.), Nov. 15, 2014.

S teven GUENTHER of Oakbank, Man., & Brianne KROEKER of Elm Creek, Man., Aug. 24, 2014. onnor SCHICK & Michelle BEHERNS, C both of Saskatoon, Aug. 2, 2014.

ANNIVERSARY OLFERT: John & Agnes Olfert of Winnipeg celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a dinner with family and friends, thanking God for his faithfulness. They were married Sept. 5, 1964, in North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg.

“

It is only in the church that people believe that the God of the whole universe is fully revealed in a man crucified and risen, Jesus. And his crucifixion and resurrection is the revelation of the heart of God who yearns to embrace us, to invite reconciliation, to forgive us. That witness is desperately needed in the Middle East and around the world today.

The church is entrusted by God to carry forward with that conviction and that witness.”

—David W. Shenk, Eastern Mennonite Missions global consultant specializing in Muslim-Christian dialogue

ATTENDING MWC’S PENNSYLVANIA 2015 IN JULY?

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February 2015 www.mbherald.com

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PRAY: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go!”

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June 6 - July 5, 2015

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October 21–23, 2015, at Westwood Community Church

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PRAY FOR: Canadian Women’s

Churches will host the study conference on in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The theme is God, Sex & Church: a theology of healthy sexuality.

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Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go”– Joshua 1:9

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www.sophieschmidt.ca

Join us in Winnipeg where we’ll gather as Canadian Mennonite Brethren to gain a clearer vision of God’s design for human sexuality and of the church’s role in bearing witness to that vision.

Don’t miss this opportunity to study, worship and network with your faith family.

MENNONITE HERITAGE TOURS

For more information on schedule, accommodation,

Affiliated with the California Mennonite Historical Society

(updated regularly)

Seeing Poland Through Mennonite Eyes June 12 – 24, 2015 Tour Leader: Alan Peters

The Mennonite Past and Present in Netherlands and Belgium June 15 – June 26, 2015

registration and more, visit studyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca

October 21-23, 2015 Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT STUDYCONFERENCE.MENNONITEBRETHREN.CA

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD February 2015

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Bakerview MB Church

50th Anniversary Weekend

SAVE THE DATE - April 10-12, 2015

planned GIVING

When you make a planned gift to MB Mission, your inheritance is being invested in reaching the lost and in passing on an eternal inheritance to those who are without the hope of Christ.

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Your gifts through wills and estates can be arranged through MB Mission directly, or through the MB Foundation in the United States or the Mennonite Foundation in Canada.

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Abbotsford, BC

Scientist on campus

Canadian Mennonite University hosts Henry Janzen as its first-ever Scientist-in-Residence Feb. 2–6, 2015. Janzen, a research scientist in soil biochemistry at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research centre in Lethbridge, Alta., will share his insights, observations, experience and personal reflections in a number of speaking events open to the public. There is typically a lot of doom and pessimism regarding ecological challenges such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity conservation, Janzen observes; during his time at CMU, he will be looking for ways to jointly foster hope.— Canadian Mennonite University

26

February 2015 www.mbherald.com

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CHURCH STA FF Youth Pastor

Interested in joining a dynamic staff team? Do you have a passion for youth ministry and for the gospel? North Langley (B.C.) Community Church is looking for a committed, energetic, spiritual leader to oversee its youth program.

This position will report to the executive pastor but will be responsible for leading a vibrant youth ministry team. Our vision is to connect people to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ, to love God and love others. We hold to four core values: A church on its knees – Living the gospel – With shared lives – Through generous love. A job description is available on request, but you may apply by sending a covering letter and resume attached to an email to steveb@nlcc.ca. Salary will reflect experience and education. Deadline for applications is Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

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CAMP POSITIONS Christian summer camps for underprivileged kids: Hope Mission operates two camps in Alberta for children from single parent, foster and group homes.

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depending on position. Wage plus room and board. Positions include: counsellors, program directors, wranglers, kitchen staff, secretary, maintenance, lifeguard, nurses and assistant directors.

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Called to Be Amish Book 2 in the Plainspoken series.

Since 1950, fewer than 100 people have joined the Old Order Amish—and stayed.

Marlene C. Miller is one of them.

For several years running, The Jesus Network has distributed gift baskets (containing rice, flour, sugar, tea, pistachios and other halal foods) in November and December throughout a neighbourhood of 35 highrises packed with some 30,000 people, mostly Muslim immigrants from South Asia. This year, following Christmas, volunteers with Power to Change went door-to-door with The Jesus Network handing out 50,000 gift bags containing a DVD with the Jesus film in 16 languages and telling those they met that Jesus loves them.

Search #DVDstory on Twitter or Facebook for reports from volunteers.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD February 2015

27

Finish lines

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.—2 Timothy 4:7

Glenna Pearl West

they lost their daughter Marilyn to a house fire.

A year after Lydia’s death, Jake married Hilda and they enjoyed 5 years of companionship.

Sept. 26, 1933–Mar. 20, 2014

Erdman (Ed) Rempel Aug. 15, 1930–July 16, 2014 BIRTHPLACE: Perry Station, Ont. PARENTS: Clarence & Ina Moore MARRIAGE: Art West, June 28, 1958 [d. 1996] BAPTISM: Brethren in Christ, 1947 CHURCH: Port Rowan (Ont.) MB FAMILY: children Heather (Brad) Moyer, Kent, Darren (Kirsi); 8 grandchildren; 2 siblings

Glenna grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus as Saviour as a girl. In 1940, the family moved to St. Thomas, Ont. Glenna was gifted in music. She took piano lessons, and later, voice lessons at Toronto Conservatory of Music. Glenna taught for 36 years, many of them at Houghton (Ont.) Public School. For the last 10 years of her career, she wrote curriculum for the board of education and served several years as school trustee. Glenna and Art raised a family in Fairground, Ont., and vacationed in Florida. Art died suddenly in 1996. In retirement, Glenna travelled to Australia and Israel. She wrote and taught Bible studies and was a mentor and encourager to many. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2008, Glenna opted against treatment. She trusted God for healing and enjoyed 6 more years.

BIRTHPLACE: Morden, Man. PARENTS: Erdman J. & Anna (Dueck) Rempel MARRIAGE: Helen Wieler, Oct. 4, 1951 BAPTISM: Morden Bergthaler CHURCH: Fourth Avenue Bible, Niverville, Man. FAMILY: Helen; children Lloyd (Ruth), Diane (Erwin), Murray (Emily), Glenn (Sheila); 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings

Ed and Helen lived in Winnipeg for 10 years, then started farming near Niverville, Man. Ed’s hard work and creative ingenuity allowed him to perform many trades on his farm. After retiring, Ed and Helen moved into Niverville and then to Bridge Park Manor, Steinbach, Man. Ed loved music. He and Helen joined the Keenagers choir for 13 years. Ed enjoyed travelling and camping.

He made time for his family.

Ernest Lepp June 6, 1915–July 17, 2014

BAPTISM: Bergfeld Mennonite, Altona, Man. CHURCH: Grant Memorial Baptist, Winnipeg; Winkler MB FAMILY: Richard; daughters Alyssa, Joelle; 5 brothers

Judy accepted Christ as Saviour at a young age.

She grew up in Altona, Man., and, after graduating high school, moved to Winnipeg. At Grant Memorial Baptist Church, she sang in choirs and played organ. She attended Winnipeg Bible College (now Providence College University) where she enjoyed choir deputation. She earned her BEd at University of Winnipeg in 1979.

Judy taught at a 3-room school in Gnadenthal, Man., until 1983. Beginning in 1981, she served Winkler MB Church, through girls’ clubs, moms’ program, music and committees. Judy and Richard travelled in an RV to both Canadian coasts and through the USA, including an MDS project in 2012. Judy loved interior decorating, gardening and puzzling. She loved the hymn “I come to the garden alone.” She spent time in the Word and prayer. Judy had a burden for friends and family in crisis. She prayed for and brought meals to others even when she wasn’t well. Judy was diagnosed with cancer in 2001.

She beat the odds to see her daughters graduate. Cancer returned in 2013. Judy’s heart for ministry was evident to the end.

Hildegard (Hilda) Sawatzky Aug. 12, 1922–Sept. 20, 2014

Jacob Heinrichs Mar. 8, 1926–Mar. 25, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Slavgorod, Siberia PARENTS: Jacob & Elizabeth Heinrichs MARRIAGE: Lydia Loewen, June 17, 1951 [d. Mar. 17, 2007]; Hilda Suderman, Aug. 22, 2008 BAPTISM: Justice (Man.) MB, as a teen CHURCH: Port Rowan (Ont.) MB FAMILY: Hilda; children Rita (Gord) Reimer, Don (Helen), Karen (Larry) Wiebe, Larry (Charlotte), Janet (Norm) Martens, Kelly (Debbie), Marilyn [d. 2005]; 20 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren

Jake’s family settled near Brookdale, Man., where he grew up working on the farm and developed a love of machinery. Jake accepted Jesus as Saviour in his youth. In 1948, Jake and his mother moved to Ontario. After Jake married Lydia, they established their own farm. Jake loved boating, water skiing, baseball and hockey. He had a strong, quiet faith and led his family by example. Shortly after moving in 1994, Lydia had a debilitating stroke and Jake became her caregiver. In 2005,

28

February 2015 www.mbherald.com

BIRTHPLACE: Dalmeny, Sask.

PARENTS: Jacob & Tina Lepp MARRIAGE: Martha Dirks, Sept. 29, 1940 CHURCH: Forest Grove, Saskatoon FAMILY: Martha; daughters Fran, Lucille, Sharon; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother

Ernest enjoyed success in his chosen profession of farming. He transformed a tumbledown farmstead into a place of beauty with many trees and new buildings. As a son of pioneers, he saw farming practices change from primitive to modern. Ernest’s faith in God was important to him, and he served in his church for many years.

Judith Marion Krahn Sept. 8, 1949–Sept. 4, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Winkler, Man. PARENTS: John G. & Mary Froese MARRIAGE: Richard Krahn, Aug. 22, 1981

BIRTHPLACE: Alexandertal, Russia PARENTS: Martin & Agatha Pauls MARRIAGE: John Sawatzky, May 27, 1951 BAPTISM: age 15 CHURCH: Portage Avenue, Winnipeg FAMILY: John; children Carol (Len) Penner, Reg (Linda), Bruce (Irene), Len (Sharon); 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings

Hilda’s family immigrated to Canada when she was 4, settling on a farm near Arnaud, Man. She accepted Jesus as Saviour at an early age. After attending Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute, Hilda took a sewing course in Winkler and moved to Winnipeg with her parents to work at a sewing factory, Paulins Biscuits and a chocolate shop.

Hilda loved serving others by aiding Portage Avenue Church’s food committee, singing in the choir, sewing quilts at MCC and volunteering at a pregnancy distress centre. She had an infectious laugh that would often bring her to tears. Hilda enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, music, camping and cooking for her family.

In independent living, she remained active: making friends, exercising, doing puzzles.

Frieda (Willms) Martens Dec. 28, 1923–Sept. 27, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Kleefeld, Ukraine PARENTS: Aaron J. & Susie (Janzen) Willms MARRIAGE: Theodor Martens, Aug. 24, 1946 [d. December 2002] BAPTISM: Niverville, Man., 1940 CHURCH: South Park MB, Altona, Man. FAMILY: children Robert [d. 1987] (Caroline), Carol (Mark) Pritcher, Elizabeth (Gary [d.]) Hiebert; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren [1 d.]

When Frieda’s family immigrated to Canada in 1925, Frieda walked the ship singing and holding her “La-la Buch” (New Testament). The family arrived in Leamington, Ont., then moved to Winnipeg; Grunthal, Man.; Dutchess, Alta.; finally settling in Countess, Alta. Frieda memorized 100 verses to attend camp. She and her brother John sang and played guitar together at church youth events. In 1942, she became mother to her 2 preschool sisters when her mother died.

While she was at Coaldale (Alta.) Bible School 1942–45, her father remarried. She attended MB Bible College in 1945, where she met Theodor. He proposed on their first date, beginning a lifetime of ministry together. They served in Hague Ferry, Sask., under Western Children’s Mission. In 1954, MB Mission sent them to DR Congo, where Theodor was on the road preaching 2 weeks out of 3. After malaria depleted Theodor and nearly claimed daughter Carol, the family returned to Canada. Frieda was a frugal cook and talented seamstress. At 60, she earned her driver’s licence and, at 80, completed an adult computer course.

Frieda taught Sunday school for 30 years and led Bible studies for 25 years up to 4 times a week.

Frieda and Theodor helped establish South Park MB Church, Altona, Man. They grieved the loss of their first great-grandchild. After Theodor’s death, Frieda moved to Alberta, then Moose Jaw, Sask., with her daughter Elizabeth. A kidney infection led to dialysis and a fall put Frieda in a wheelchair, but her faith never failed.

Anna Teichrieb Nov. 23, 1925–Nov. 5, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Margenau, Russia PARENTS: Kornelius & Margaretha (Giesbrecht) Klassen MARRIAGE: Jakob Teichrieb, Mar. 19, 1949 [d. Apr. 5, 2004] BAPTISM: MB church, Friesland, Paraguay, 1951 CHURCH: King Road MB, Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C.

FAMILY: children Elisabeth (William Schulz), Hans (Annie), Abram (Alice [d.]), Margaret (Henry Boschman), Kornelius, Gerhard, Karoline, Robert (Tina); 9 grandchildren

Anna’s family left Russia in 1929, and after 6 months in Germany, immigrated to Paraguay, settling first in the Chaco, then in Friesland in 1937. Anna’s father died in 1939, leaving her mother with 4 children. Anna found the Christian life to be good. She loved singing. Her greatest desire was to become a nurse. At 19, she returned to the Chaco for training. In the hospital, she took care of Jakob, a young blacksmith who became her husband. It was important to Anna that their marriage begin with prayer.

Jakob and Anna were baptized into the MB church. 1 John 1:7 was important to them. In 1966, they immigrated to Vancouver. In 1978, Jakob was in an accident and had to retire early from the boat factory. Anna and Jakob build many boats, canoes, horse-drawn buggies and step ladders as a hobby. They praised God for the strength he gave for each day. Anna was gentle, patient and forgiving.

Margaret (Derksen) Janzen Dec. 8, 1925–Nov. 11, 2014 BIRTHPLACE: Blaine Lake, Sask.

PARENTS: Johann & Katharina Derksen MARRIAGE: Jake Janzen, May 18, 1991 [d. Mar. 14, 1993] BAPTISM: Yarrow (B.C.) MB, Aug. 26, 1944 CHURCH: Fraserview MB, Richmond, B.C.; White Rock Baptist, Surrey, B.C. FAMILY: Jake’s sons Karl, Harry, Walter, Helmut, Ed & their spouses; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 1 brother

Margaret became a domestic worker in Vancouver at 14, far from her family in Yarrow, B.C. After obtaining her high school diploma through night school, she started her lifelong career at BC Tel. She was proud to work for Telus. Margaret was a worldwide traveller, enjoying many trips with her friends, Dorothy, Florence and Kathy. She was passionate about photography. She collected fine china on her lunch breaks in downtown Vancouver. Margaret enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, water skiing, camping, canoeing and attending the symphony and opera. She was a great knitter, making some 100 baby outfits and afghans. Margaret accepted Christ as Saviour.

She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and served as deaconess at Fraserview MB Church.

Her marriage to Jake was brief, but gave her a large, loving family. Her retirement was filled with volunteering at Union Gospel Mission, MCC, MOPS, the church library and the Kent Street Singers. In September, a fall broke her femur. She died of pneumonia.

Mary Thiessen Feb. 4, 1926–Nov. 11, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Siberia, Russia PARENTS: David & Liese (Quiring) Geddert MARRIAGE: Jacob P. Thiessen, Aug. 19, 1945 BAPTISM: Namaka (Alta.) MB CHURCH: Coaldale (Alta.) MB FAMILY: Jacob; children Dave (Lue), Betty (Walter Loewen), Mary (Mark Thiessen Nation), Walter (Neva), Ed (Pat), Alvina (Bevin Buehler), Doreen, Weldon (Heather), Ernie, Richard (Vera); 44 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings

Mary’s family immigrated to Canada, arriving in Namaka, Alta., in 1927. Mary accepted Jesus as Saviour as a girl, but the deaths of 2 younger sisters in close succession caused turmoil in her faith. Her faith in God’s love was renewed in her 3 years at Coaldale (Alta.) Bible School, where she enjoyed singing in choirs.

Returning home, she was baptized. Mary and Jake raised 10 children on the family farm in Coaldale. Growing, cooking and preserving their own food became Mary’s life. She made quilts for each of her children and many in need. Because of Alzheimer’s disease, Mary and Jake spent her last years in Sunny South Lodge, Coaldale. Music and reading were her lifelong loves.

David Friesen June 1, 1930–Nov. 11, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Blumenfeld, Man. PARENTS: Abram & Maria (Hildebrand) Friesen MARRIAGE: Vera Zidkovich, Aug. 12, 1972 CHURCH: Steinbach (Man.) MB FAMILY: Vera; sons Wes (Brynn), Paul (Natasha); 6 grandchildren; 3 siblings

Dave grew up on a farm in Lowe Farm, Man. He began teaching in 1954 in rural Manitoba schools, including Lindal, Graysville and Miami, and finished his career at Keewatin Community College, The Pas, Man. Dave was an avid reader, interested in spiritual matters. He was actively involved with the Gideon’s Bible distribution.

He enjoyed being outdoors and tinkering. He treasured time with family.

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CURRENT books No Home like Place: A Christian Theology of Place LEONARD HJALMARSON Urban Loft Publishers his interdisciplinary work appeals to the theological and missiological mind, but is equally practical for Christ followers who long to understand why the call to discipleship is not merely beyond the walls of the church but within the borders of their city and street. No Home Like Place helps us understand why and how we lost our roots, and paints a biblical framework for why place matters. This book can help any follower of Christ understand the value of place in their own life and how they can follow Christ into their neighbourhood, city and world.— David Manafo, Westside Gathering

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We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation and Activation

BRIAN D. MCLAREN Jericho Books he latest work from controversial author and public theologian Brian D. McLaren begins with an unfinished road, journeyed together. In the company of a community that gathers for discussion, worship, prayer and service, McLaren leads the reader through 52 themed chapters organized around the traditional church year and following the flow of the Bible from start to finish. McLaren’s emphasis on spiritual formation is commendable, his emphasis on lived faith is Anabaptistly communal, but his reorientation toward the Bible is concerning. On the whole, the book is pithy and full of vitality and worthwhile topics for conversation along the road.—Brad Sumner, Jericho Ridge

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WEB note www.martyrstories.org www.anabaptistwiki.org

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nabaptist martyrdom didn’t end in the 16th century. The Bearing Witness stories project collects stories of people in the Anabaptist community of faith who willingly suffered, died or experienced significant deprivation for their commitment to Christ. Stories include MCC worker Glenn Lapp (who was killed in Afghanistan) and the Mennonite Brethren church community in Istmina, Colombia, (which continued to meet in homes despite prohibitions against non-Catholic worship). The project’s goals are to inspire faithfulness in the church, to cultivate a sense of unity in the global church body, and to honour the voices and experiences of Christians who embody the lifestyle Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. In true wiki fashion, submissions are welcome.

FILM note Waging Peace: Muslim and Christian Alternatives Third Way Media ust because we have different beliefs doesn’t mean we need to start with hostility, says author and activist Lynne Hybels in Waging Peace, “a documentary about overcoming mistrust, hatred and violence.” The film tells the stories of Christians and Muslims working and learning sideby-side, like members at Floradale Mennonite Church in Ontario who knot MCC quilts with members of a local mosque, and students at Claremont Lincoln University, an intentionally interfaith institution for ethical leadership, interfaith action and social impact. Religious scholars and practitioners from Christian and Muslim backgrounds emphasize understanding other religions and extending religious liberty to all faiths.

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Kindred Productions 1-800-545-7322 kindred@mbchurches.ca

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February 2015 www.mbherald.com

Read these full-length reviews online under Arts & Culture at www.mbherald.com

Intersection

of faith & life

Do as I do?

PHIL WAG LER

“D

o as I say, not as I do!” Ever heard that? I’ve said it as a parent in those moments when the type of behaviour I desire from my kids is not matched by my own follow-through. I’m aware of these unintended hypocrisies. We all have them, even if we expect from others an unceasing consistency we cannot attain ourselves.

authority. This can be hard to accept but should not be carelessly abandoned. After all, if we do, we ironically claim for ourselves the most dangerous positional authority: selfproclaimed, self-appointed power to overrule. Positional authority is to be heeded because of the One who ultimately wields and grants it, regardless of whether the bearer is consistently worthy thereof.

We must heed positional authority, but we crave spiritual authority. We need it. It is ultimately the mantle of Jesus himself, an ongoing uncovering of the incarnation. A people on mission with God in a culture and world in love with loud voices and proud titles need not add to the noise. Our claims of brilliance, authority and even “anointing” would simply add to cacophony.

Beware.

Spiritual authority

The temptation based upon our naked and frail humanity as just outlined is to thereby dismiss positional authority as something merely patriarchal, ancient and irrelevant.

However. The temptation for those in positional authority is to proudly

What we need – what the world needs – is spiritual authority. And, amazingly, this can be the precious

Positional authority

A police officer has every right by virtue of his position to stop you for speeding, even if he probably presses by the speed limit and rolls through the occasional stop sign.

A math teacher has every right to grade your exam, even if she didn’t ace every algebra equation through high school and university.

And, yes, even a stumbling parent like me has every right to say, “Do as I say!”

We have, often because of disappointment with “titled” ones, dismissed positional authority. This is both understandable and unfortunate, for positional authority has its place.

Even Jesus thought so. “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you,” he said (Matthew 23:2–3a).

The authority of God rests outside of humanity. His Word is truth and where God has appointed authority for his own sake, it is to be respected and obeyed, as Jesus points out.

The misstep of those who follow is to chastise too quickly positional

Jesus clears the haze on authority and guides us into the nature of something more transforming than positional weight: spiritual authority. demand respect and followership.

Jesus continued in his reflection on those teachers in their comfy seats: “But do not do what they do, for they do not practise what they preach” (Matthew 23:3b).

Jesus clears the haze on authority and guides us into the nature of something more transforming than positional weight: spiritual authority.

True spiritual authority is a mantle not granted, but earned. True spiritual authority is a life witness gained often through suffering and unseen obedience, not the right of those who can pontificate or claim a corner office.

True spiritual authority is not simply to be heeded, but followed. In fact, it is absolutely attractive.

reward for any who hear and obey the Word of the Lord. This is the authority, the power and influence that is weighty and cannot be argued with. It is that type of life that shames those who oppose it because there is nothing bad to say (Titus 2:8).

Now, that is true, covert, revolutionary authority. Let us, people of the King of Kings, walk in this way for the glory of God and the sake of the world.

Phil Wagler calls Gracepoint Community Church in Surrey, B.C., home and is Training & Team Health Team Leader for MB Mission.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD February 2015

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ONE MISSION UNDER ONE UMBRELLA

www.L2Lnet.org www.mbherald.com www.C2Cnetwork.ca cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca www.kindredproductions.com studyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca

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February 2015  www.mbherald.com