The Messenger Vol. 51 No. 9 September 2013

The Messenger Volume 51 No. 9 September 2013

The Kingdom of God and the Christian community

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INSIDE:

Pastoral ministry: a sometimes-painful privilege page 8 Two. Female. Poets. page 10 $2.00

Editorials

Jesus is building his Church

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he Anabaptist Church is growing around the world, said Ron Penner, our MWC representative, to conference council delegates in November 2012. He effectively reminded us of Jesus’ promise to build his Church, referring both to the Great Commission and God’s love for the world (John 3:16).

These powerful references are, of course, Christ’s promise to the entire Church, including Anabaptists. As we rejoice that there are now about two million Anabaptists, we can celebrate even more that there are nearly 100 million Baptists. And the Church’s numbers and our rejoicing multiply from there.

Certainly the EMC has a special responsibility for the Anabaptist part of the worldwide Church. Yet “special” does not mean this is our sole duty, nor does it mean that Anabaptists are exceptional in God’s eyes.

As a child of the wider Christian Church— one who self-identifies as Christian, Protestant, Evangelical, and Anabaptist—I am grateful for each part of Christ’s Church and am glad when it grows.

The Christian Church is growing more rapidly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America than it is in North America and Europe. There are complex reasons for the Church’s decline in Canada, and an equal number of complex responses needed.

A part of MWC (1.6 million), the EMC is also a member of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (2 million), and the much larger World Evangelical Alliance (600 million). As well, Christ’s Church goes far beyond evangelical circles.

Christ has promised that his Church will, overall, grow. Yes, let us rejoice.

– Terry M. Smith

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How do we measure generosity?

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s generosity best revealed by what’s given away or by what’s retained?

A millionaire can give away much and yet retain much. A person earning much less gives away much less, yet faces greater financial risk.

Jesus observed the rich giving much while a widow gave two small coins. “This poor widow put in more than all of them,” our Lord said, “for they out of their surplus put into the offering, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on” (Luke 21:1-4).

Giving from “surplus” is not the same as “all she had to live on.” Sharing small coins is useful, certainly, but such a practice does not fully follow the widow’s example unless it is all we have.

Does a business donation, though valuable and respected, equal the risk of giving from household income? In his specific case, the rich young ruler was told to give away all he had to live on, not from his extra (Matt.19:16-22).

2 The Messenger • September 2013

Does a business donation, though valuable and respected, equal the risk of giving from household income?

Paul commended Christians in Macedonia who gave from their poverty to help those needing famine relief: “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints” (2 Cor. 8:2-4).

How do we measure generosity?

– Terry M. Smith

Table of Contents Features

Columns

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4

The Kingdom of God and the Christian community – Dr. Timothy Geddert

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Pastoral ministry: a sometimespainful privilege – Darryl Klassen

10 Two. Female. Poets

– Yvonne Friesen and Anicka Loewen

Writings Shared

11 An Education App

The powerful Bible College movement – Terry M. Smith

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12 Window on Missions

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I am part of something bigger – Diana Peters

18 Further In and Higher Up

Departments 2

Editorials

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Pontius’ Puddle

4 Notes 13 With Our Missionaries 16 With Our Churches 20 News 23 In Memory 24 Calendar 25 Shoulder Tapping

Giving the Mennonite body something to be Christian with – Layton Friesen

19 Focus On

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A discussion about Jesus movements – Tim Dyck

26 Here and Far Away

The tyranny of choice: seeking conentment in the land of plenty – Jocelyn R. Plett

27 Stewardship Today The Raising of Ebenezer – Darren Pries-Klassen

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28 Kids’ Corner

Earth: the best place – Loreena Thiessen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger Volume 51 No. 9 September 2013

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER

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

The Messenger is the monthly publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public.

Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed.

Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

The Messenger is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.

Single copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

Change of address and subscriptions Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

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

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

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 11– November 2013 issue (copy due October 19)

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Notes Guidelines for letters

Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste.

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

For letters by e-mail, the writer’s

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

The writer’s name and general address are to be published. In sensitive matters, names may be withheld.

Letters to the editor should be 250 words or less.

Columns • Writings Shared The Gentleman, Jacob Enns (Friesen Press, 2012). 210 pp. $15.

ISBN 9781460202418. Reviewed by Henry Friesen, BA, MPhilF, part of The ConneXion’s (Arborg) leadership team.

The Gentleman is a novel by EMC pastor Jacob Enns, which explores the significance and limits of Anabaptist pacifism and non-resistance.

Several years after the death of his spouse, Jeff Nolan goes out for a weekend of hunting and stumbles across a young woman who has been abducted. Being the gentleman named in the book’s title, Jeff cannot simply leave this lady in what is obviously a situation that almost certainly carries grave peril for her. Jeff ’s efforts to free the captive predictably result in him sharing her fate.

The ensuing story is the backdrop for Jeff ’s reflections on his historic commitment to the sanctity of life and his refusal to ever take the life of another human being. Should he have removed himself from the situation when he found the hostage so that he would not find himself in a position where he would have to choose to kill or be killed?

Now that he is inextricably entangled in the mess, is he justified in killing to save himself? Is it permissible to kill a self-confessed murderer

to save other potential victims?

Later in the story the questions extend to abortion. Throughout the story questions of the right response to terrible situations when one operates from a commitment to pacifism and non-resistance are paramount.

The Gentleman is an excellent stimulus for thoughtful reflection on the significance of pacifism as a way of life, not merely an ethical-theological conviction. Enns is to be commended for a nuanced approach to a challenge that defies naive answers.

Columns • Writings Shared Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry, Steve Heinrichs, ed. (Waterloo, ON: Herald Press, 2013) 360 pp. $21.99 (paperback). ISBN 978036196894. Reviewed by Shannon Doerksen (Fort Garry), BA, part-time MA student at PTS. Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry tackles the relevant issue of community responsibility as it relates to Indigenous-settler relations, land use, and creation care. The variety of perspectives and voices contained within the volume present a surprisingly cohesive whole.

Reading this book was at turns inspiring and discomforting; it posed a hopeful challenge to rethink some of the assumptions long held by non-Indigenous Christian Canadians about faith and life in this land. As settler Canadians, we have directly benefited from a shameful history of exploitation in which both Christian faith and people have been heavily implicated.

Buffalo Shout challenges us as Christians, and particularly as EMCers, to consider our implication in this history and our responsibilities to act justly to others. Our Indigenous neighbours have held radically different values

concerning the relationships of human beings within creation.

These values bear upon concepts settler Canadians will have taken as self-evident, such as the economics of industry and property, the pursuit of knowledge and learning, and individual and group relationships (within human community and within creation).

Buffalo Shout also tells us that it is important that we recognize our own poverty. In the book we are not only confronted with our own poverty, but also chastised—those we have for generations considered in need of our help, who would be better off if they were like us in every way, are those we need to turn to with repentance for injustice past and present, and conversation about how to live better in the future.

Seeking Places of Peace: A Global Mennonite History, North America, Royden Loewen and Stephen Nolt (Good Books/Pandora Press, 2012). 400 pp. $11.95. ISBN 9781561487974.

Reviewed by Henry Friesen, BA, MPhilF, part of The ConneXion’s (Aborg) leadership team.

This is the fifth and final volume in the Global Mennonite History series. The series was born in the mid-1990’s out of the realization that most of the world’s Mennonites now live in the global south, rather than the north.

That awareness led to a recognition that the Mennonite story needed to be told from a different perspective than the European/North American-centric form often assumed to be adequately representative. Each volume tells the stories of the Mennonites of a different continent, and SPP is the story of North America.

This work shatters any lingering stereotype of history as a boring matter. Both Royden Loewen, with EMC roots, and Stephen Nolt write social history, and the result is a collection of stories of real people living real lives, rather than a technical account of institutions

and theological controversy.

However, an excellent primer on the variety of religious impulses among Anabaptists is included and, while far from exhaustive or conclusive, it does provide a good entry into the discussion and the footnotes provide resources for further investigation.

Although the emphasis is on the recent North American Mennonite story, the integration of historical and international threads is a powerful reminder that the Anabaptist story is not adequately captured by any cultural history. It is ultimately a story of faith that binds together people from around the globe and throughout time, and it is a faith that transcends denominational identities. www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

Convention 2013

The Kingdom of God and the Christian community

by Dr. Timothy Geddert

PHOTOS: ANDREW WALKER

Message three of four

Sunday worship service at Convention 2013.

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he Book of Acts is all about the Kingdom of God. That is the agenda the disciples set in Acts 1:6: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus answers, “Yes, and to the whole world.”

Jesus goes on to say, only not the way you expect—not by kicking the Romans out of the land, not by restoring the wealth and prestige and military might of David’s kingdom. It is by demonstrating in little and big ways that, in Jesus, God has become the king of the world, transforming followers of Jesus into a Kingdom people.

Transformed followers form a Kingdom community that lives like Jesus did, loving neighbours and enemies alike, caring for those society pushes to the margins, becoming servants of God, bringers of peace, friends of sinners.

A brief look at Acts 16:6-40, the story of the first church plant in Europe, is a perfect illustration of this.

Jesus said, “Don’t go that way!”

And then God sends a vision of a man calling for help from across the sea (see 16:6-9). Somehow God wanted to make it very clear: the missionary movement into Macedonia was something God had planned and God would make happen. And when God intervenes that persistently, God must be up to something.

So the missionaries head across the sea. Well, guess what? There was no man standing on the shore, anticipating their help. So they head for Philippi and look for a synagogue.

There is none, and they know what that means: There must be fewer than 10 Jewish men in the entire city—that was the minimum condition for the founding of a synagogue.

But Paul is resourceful and he knows the ways of the Jews. Lacking a synagogue, they will gather at the riverbank on the Sabbath, temporarily turning it into a place of prayer. And that’s where the missionaries meet Lydia, a worshipper of Israel’s God.

So the missionaries head across the sea. Well, guess what? There was no man standing on the shore, anticipating their help.

A vision

Paul must have been tired of having his plans changed. Wherever the missionaries turned, they ran into roadblocks. The Holy Spirit said, “Don’t go this way!” The Spirit of

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Three conversions

That day, Lydia becomes the first convert through missionary preaching on European soil. She accepts the message of the Gospel and invites

the embryonic church to meet in her home (16:14-15).

A second conversion is immediately reported. It happens to a Macedonian girl with a demonic spirit, enslaved by unscrupulous men taking advantage of her occult abilities. She is delivered, restored and set free! In anger about their loss of income, her exploiters send the missionaries off to jail (16:16-24).

And that sets the stage for the well-known story about the earthquake that frees the duet-singing missionaries, Paul and Silas, and about the conversion of the Philippian jailor (16:25-34). There we have it—three conversion stories. Three individuals highlighted, their lives radically changed by the Gospel.

The adventures of the missionary team take an interesting turn when the magistrates of the city decide to release the prisoners and expel them from the city, never suspecting that the missionaries have spent the night fellowshipping and feasting with the jailer.

Feisty Paul, however, is not willing to be shushed out of the city. He accuses the officials of mishandling a Roman citizen and boldly re-enters the city. And that sets the stage for the final dramatic scene.

Between the lines

The last verse of this long chapter reads like this: “After Paul and Silas came out of prison, they went to

Lydia’s house, where they met with the believers, and encouraged them. Then they left.”

So what is Luke inviting us to read between the lines? Well, first, who exactly are these believers whom Paul encouraged, as they gathered together for one last visit with the missionaries in Lydia’s home? We don’t know all the details, but we would not be far off if we described them like this: • An upper-class God-fearing, wellrespected Jewish businesswoman • A demented, psychologically damaged, exploited Macedonian slave girl

There is only one power in all of the world sufficient to draw precisely this group together and transform it into a family.

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And a non-religious, brutal Roman prison guard Only now all three have become believers.

If you were going to plant a church, how would you feel about a core group like this? Three nationalities, three social classes, three kinds of religious background.

An older woman, a young girl and one man. Paul, where did you study church planting?

The Jews played it safe. Ten Jewish men; not one less would do. That way there is momentum, there is a clear direction, a strong tradition. Paul took the risk of simply believing Jesus: “Where two or three are gathered together in Jesus’ name, there he is present; there is church.”

Did you notice the hospitality theme woven through this chapter?

Lydia obviously felt quite honoured the first time the missionaries graced her home. And I suspect it was an unforgettable moment for both the

jailer and the missionaries when he escorted them out of their jail cell, washed their wounds, led them right into his own home, and set a fellowship meal before them in the middle of the night.

The high point

But the high point of the chapter is not reached in the conversion stories of three people, nor in the hospitality extended to the missionaries. The high point comes in the last verse— when all the believers gather in Lydia’s house. I suspect that Paul politely invited himself and his fellow missionaries over for a farewell dinner, and then added provocatively: P.S., “Guess who’s coming for dinner?”

I suspect that it was on that evening, more than on any other, that Lydia laid her head to rest and thought back over that amazing day, repeating over and over in her mind and spirit: “Who would have thought it? Who could ever have imagined it?”

Are you picturing it? Here is how I imagine it: At one end of the table sits a wealthy, upstanding, Jewish businesswoman. On her left side is a brutal, middle-class Roman prison guard (at least that’s what he was last week).

Next to him is a demented, Macedonian slave-girl (at least that is what she was a week ago). Then comes Silas, then Paul, and the circle is complete. Only now they have become brothers and sisters, sharing a family meal.

Only the gospel!

There is only one power in all of the world sufficient to draw precisely this group together and transform it into a family. Only the Gospel can do that!

Only the Gospel can create a Kingdom Community, where barriers fall, and strangers become friends, where former enemies become brothers and sisters.

Dr. Geddert preaches about the Kingdom.

Does any of this have anything to say to us? Well, just as Luke invited us to read between his lines, I trust you have been reading between mine! And I trust God will do similar miracles among us, so that we too can find ourselves lying in bed and reminiscing: reflecting on the diverse group of people that we call brothers and sisters marveling at the wide array of people with whom we worship calling to mind who has gathered in the family circle around our dining table and then saying: “Who would ever have thought it? Who in their wildest imagination could ever have believed this would be possible?”

Tim Geddert, BA, MDiv, PhD, is professor of New Testament at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, which is in California. He adapted this article from his message prepared for Sunday morning.

Note: A longer version of this appeared as a chapter, “The Big Miracle in Philippi (Acts 16:1-40),” in Dr. Geddert’s book, Double Take (Kindred Press, 2007).

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

PHOTO: DARRYL G. KLASSEN

The Bema Seat: the site where Paul was judged.

Pastoral ministry: a sometimes-painful privilege

by Darryl G. Klassen

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t a ministerial meeting I took note of the responses pastors gave to the question, “How are you?” With a trace of melancholy, my own response to this question was, “I’m okay.”

Another said, “It’s a battle!” but quickly followed that up with a caveat, saying, “Don’t read too much into that. But it’s always a battle.”

Still another pastor replied, “Keeping my head above water.”

When pastors allow their guards down with each other, we cannot help but lament or sing the blues. What we can surmise from these responses is that leadership is often difficult and comes with hardship.

Corinth

The church at Corinth was divided over issues and personalities (1 Cor. 4:1-13). The issues included the emphasis of some gifts over others and the resulting feeling of superiority.

There was also a battle over licentiousness and immorality.

Meanwhile, the church was divided into groups that followed Apollos because of his charismatic preaching, or Cephas (Peter) who had been with Jesus, or Paul because he had been the first to preach the gospel to the Corinthians.

Ultimately, the church had lost its focus on Christ and was heading in ten different directions. Specifically, Paul was criticized for being kind of boring and for his leadership style, maybe for being too hard-nosed on certain issues.

Respect

First, Paul was asking for respect as an apostle of Christ. After all, he was “entrusted with the

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secret things of God. He was “given a trust” and had to be faithful to that calling. He had to ignore the criticism: “It is the Lord who judges.”

Second, instead of respect he received “contempt.” Paul describes his feelings concerning what it means to lead this flock. With sarcasm he exclaims, “You have become kings…O that we could be kings with you” (verse 8). The Corinthians act as though they had outgrown Paul and are now superior in knowledge and giftedness, so they think.

Condemned men

Paul compares this treatment to the metaphor of being like condemned men placed at the end of the procession (verse 9). This imagery is taken from a military victory. When the king of a city-state would go out to fight another king of a city-state and defeated them, he would hold a parade in his home city to celebrate.

The king would lead the parade followed by his conquering army; then came wagons of gold and other treasures. These wagons were followed by the captured livestock: elephants, horses, camels, cattle and sheep.

At the very end of the parade came the captured leaders of the conquered city. These captives are marked by two humiliations. One, they were at the end of the parade where the animals had gone before; they were walking ankle deep in fecal matter. Two, they were headed to the arena to be killed in the games.

Paul says that is what it what it is like to be a leader. More so, this is what it feels like to come to Corinth and be evaluated by these Christians.

In 2007 I had the opportunity to visit the ruins of Corinth. One of the highlights was standing near the Bema seat where Paul had

preached. Ironically, the Bema seat is also where Paul was judged by the civil authorities for preaching the gospel.

At the Bema seat visiting speakers shared their message or judges handed down sentences. The pulpit can function as both a platform for preaching and for congregations to judge or scrutinize their pastors in the very same moment.

Paul’s response

What is Paul’s response? “So be it!”

We are fools for Christ (verses 10-12). If you think we are wasting our time, it doesn’t matter.

We are doing what we do for the glory of God, not for your amusement.

There are times when pastors go through hard times with their congregations. It can become mentally and emotionally exhausting.

Criticisms seem to come in bunches or a new criticism might pop up on a weekly basis when times are tough.

With criticisms come moments of crisis that threaten to break leaders. Every time the phone rings or someone comes in to see a pastor in the office, a pastor will cringe wondering what he is going to be hit with. In those moments we as pastors pray, we cry, and we call out to God asking what we should do.

When I was going through this personal crisis myself, I turned to my fellow pastor and faculty advisor at Providence Theological Seminary, Dr. Ed Neufeld. After hearing my story, Ed said this: “For a leader, this is nothing new.”

He then proceeded to list leaders and their troubles: Moses faced resistance from his own brother and sister. Elijah felt all alone in his ministry. Jeremiah was thrown down a well by his congregation. Paul, you know. And Jesus, the Great Shepherd, what happened to Jesus? He was crucified.

Then Ed said this: “And you are in that line of leaders.” I replied sadly, “I don’t feel worthy to be in that line.”

“Doesn’t matter,” he said, “you are in that line.”

I was humbled by that revelation. The price of leadership is criticism, hardship, and personally questioning one’s own calling.

An article in TIME magazine about U.S. presidents said, “Great leaders face the harshest criticism.” I’m no great leader, but I am in

that line.

So like Paul, I learned to say, “So be it!” For the honour of doing God’s work is greater than the harshest criticism.

Why share this?

It is said that Mennonites Questions: are the hardest on their leaders. I don’t know why. 1. Were the pastors at the But I would like to chalbeginning overly-sensitive or lenge you to verbally sup- just letting off steam? port and encourage your leaders, from General 2. In your opinion do you Secretary Tim Dyck to all think that pastors experience the Executive Secretaries, a different kind of stress than to your pastors and chair- that of other professions? persons in your church.

I want to challenge 3. While most employees you to support your pas- work with one employer, tors and pray for them. pastors answer to a congregaPraying for someone tion who employ them. How changes your heart for does this change the level them. And remember of stress felt by pastors as that your pastor probopposed to that felt by other ably doesn’t need your professionals? criticism; if he is like me, he beats himself up ten 4. In what way can pastors times harder than you and churches recognize the ever will. stresses we all feel when I remember a former it comes to work or life in congregant saying that general? she didn’t want to tell the preacher that he had done a good job on his sermon because she didn’t want him to have a fat head. I assured her there was no danger of that.

Finally, ask yourself if your issue is as big a deal as you think it is. Some things are truly petty in light of eternity. Is it that important?

The world needs to see that the church is a place where we love each other.

Jesus said, “They will know you are my disciples if you love one another.” For the glory of God! Darryl G. Klassen, BRS, MA, is the senior pastor of Kleefeld EMC. This article is adapted from a devotional presented to the EMC Conference Council meeting on Nov. 28, 2009, at Kleefeld, Man.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

Two. Female. Poets.

Mennonite Heritage Rap

by Yvonne Friesen

There once was a man with a hole in his heart His name was Menno Simons, and that’s where we start He took the Bible book and read it cover to cover Then declared to one and all, I am a Jesus lover He got down on his knees and prayed to the Lord His heart was renewed and his soul was restored!

Baptism is what I want to do And many others said, Yes, Lord, we’ll follow you They baptized each other night and day

The church and government started to say, No Way! Prison, burning, drowning, they cut out their tongues But they could not be silenced nor shut down In the dark of the night Menno had to leave Others went along and that’s the first part of this song They wandered across the continent like the Israelites Until they shut their mouths and shuttered their lights They became a closed group, unto themselves Culture, dress heritage, now we’re Mennonites Persecution always followed close behind Jealousy and hatred always easy to find Finally they travelled all around the world And established closed communities in fear of the world But God had other plans, ones that start in the heart And another man stood up and was set apart He said, “We have Jesus,” let’s go into the world And make men disciples and give to them the word The Lord called Ben Eidse and sent him overseas Now the message is out to all who will believe Praise God for men who will obey Who seek the Lord in darkness, stand firm and do not stray The message of Jesus is for all who will believe But let’s not forget the cost of all received Our heritage is true, strong and deep And started with one man who admitted his need!

Menno Simons, that was his name Praise the Lord, being a Mennonite has no shame Now we’ve come to the end of my little tale I hope you understand that God does not fail He reaches into hearts, no matter the cost Trust and believe He paid for you on the cross Yvonne Friesen, a mother of four, has connections with EFC Fort Frances and Ridgewood EMC.

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Make My Heart Your Home

by Anicka Loewen

Lord Jesus, Make my heart a Bethlehem Where your hope is born And your light begins to shine In unexpected places.

Make my heart a Capernaum Where you work wonders And my faith grows As your power heals.

Make my heart a Jerusalem Where I welcome your arrival And I praise your name As you meekly ride through.

Make my heart a Gethsemane Where I share your grief And your weep with anguish Over my rebellion.

Make my heart a Calvary Where my sin is crucified And the wrath of God is poured out On you instead of me.

Finally, Lord Jesus, Make my heart the Mount of Olives Where I wait for your return And you will come for me. when you can no longer resist.

Amen.

Anicka Loewen (Portage), 15, is going into grade 10.

Columns • An Education App

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he Bible college movement has been, and is, a tremendous blessing to the evangelical Christian Church in Canada. Bible colleges have equipped hundreds of our EMC members for discipleship in daily living, preparing them for local church involvement, pastoral ministry, and mission service.

To meet local or wider needs, dotted across the landscape of Canada are colleges and institutes of varying sizes often originally established in the early 20th century. The roots of Steinbach Bible College (co-owned by the EMC) and Columbia Bible College both go back to 1936, Horizon College and Briercrest Bible College both to 1935, Peace River Bible Institute to 1933, Millar College of the Bible to 1932, Providence University College to 1925, and Prairie Bible Institute to 1922. Tyndale College’s start was even earlier (1894).

They began because leaders and members were committed to educating their members in the Christian faith and to counter a move

Pray for college administrators, faculty and staff members, donors and students as they seek to faithfully carry out their parts in Christ’s mission today. toward a less historical faith by some parts of the wider Christian Church. The Bible college movement was, and is, committed to the direct study of the Scriptures, to doctrinal learning, and to Christian discipleship in mission.

Within this, a major focus of many colleges has been the preparation of Christians for discipleship within local churches and service in the pastorate and mission field. The Bible college movement provides accessible training to believers with various educational backgrounds; they go forth in varied forms of service.

The rise of Bible colleges (particularly SBC and Providence) and the Western Gospel

PHOTO: SBC

The powerful Bible College movement

The new dormitory at Steinbach Bible College.

by Terry M. Smith

Mission (a Canadian church-planting movement from 1946-61) mutually helped the earlier EMC to look beyond itself. And as the EMC spread beyond Manitoba, additional colleges became attractive to our members.

Every staff person in the EMC’s national office is indebted to the Bible college movement and has graduated from at least one college.

Bible colleges have provided us with a foundation of Bible knowledge and doctrinal study, and, in some cases, pastoral training.

Bible college students, though, might be less aware of the actual costs of operating an institution. As administrators will tell us, the costs are more than the fees to attend one.

Any former or current student is indebted to many Christians who through their prayers, finances, and other donations pave our way with more than good intentions. Nameless and faceless though donors and students often are to each other, a clearly and jointly beneficial relationship exists.

In Canada, Bible colleges continue to grapple with the wider church history that called them into being; they wrestle both with their legacy and the presence of the wider Christian Church.

For instance, how does scholarship properly fit into both faith and service (2 Tim. 2:15, Mark 12:30)?

The evangelical church and the Bible college movement cannot effectively live in physical, cultural, or intellectual isolation; both are required to actively respond to current challenges in Canada and elsewhere.

Pray for college administrators, faculty and staff members, donors and students as they seek to faithfully carry out their parts in Christ’s mission today.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

Columns • Window on Missions

I am a part of something bigger

by Diana Peters Administrative Assistant, Board of Missions

PHOTO: DIANA PETERS

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t the Winnipeg airport I realized this was actually happening: I was going to Central Asia. Two months earlier I had questioned if I could manage it with my two jobs, schedule, and finances. I questioned whether this was God’s will.

Going on a work team to Central Asia was not a decision to make lightly. After many prayers and discussions, I realized that the only thing holding me back was, well, me. How many confirmations did I need? If this trip were God’s will, He would direct my path.

I was amazed (is it really that shocking?) at how trusting in God made details fall into place.

I was overwhelmed by the support, confirmations and affirmations. Before I knew it, the day of departure came. Twenty-four hours later I was in Central Asia.

This was not the first short-term missions trip that I was on, but it was different: it was first time on a work team, in a Muslim country (a former Soviet state), and across the ocean.

Our purpose was to renovate a safe house for women and children.

As a person untrained in the construction trade, I was limited in what I could do. However, I listened (through a translator), observed and learned.

I met Nancy (not her real name), the leader of the safe house. Her passion for ministry was incredible. She opens up her apartment twice a week to street kids. They come to have a shower, get clean clothes, get deloused, have a good meal and to get some spiritual food.

Nancy also runs the safe house for young women coming out of desperate situations: prostitution, unplanned pregnancies, and homelessness. They receive housing, medical care, counseling, assistance in mothering, and learn a trade.

Short-term mission trips are like being dunked in water: you are in the water only briefly, but long enough to get wet.

12 The Messenger • September 2013

Missions team to Central Asia

Nancy is one of many people making a difference in Central Asia. It was hard to leave. I grew to care for the people I met and came away with far more than when I went.

Short-term mission trips are like being dunked in water: you are in the water only briefly, but long enough to get wet. Think of this wetness as understanding. I have learned much about myself, God, missions and the body of Christ.

My worldview has expanded. The trip reminds me to live missionally wherever I am. The next person I serve is not just another person, but an image bearer loved by God. Everyone is, no matter our country, background or experiences. We all need Jesus.

Finding the commonality of Jesus with believers in Central Asia shrinks, by comparison, all of our differences. These are my brothers and sisters in Christ.

I have learned and actually seen that the Church is not just here, but that here is only a part of a greater picture of heaven. I have been able to encourage believers, letting them know that they are not alone. And I have come away encouraged, knowing that the Holy Spirit is working and moving all over the world.

I am a part of something bigger.

With Our Missionaries

Easter celebrated Gumuz style

Our co-worker wrote the next two songs with the translators. The second song says: Sin separated us from God. Jesus died on the cross for us.

The punishment for our sin was taken by Jesus.

His death opened the road back to God. It is open. It is open.

The third song says: Jesus rose from the dead. He overcame death.

Because he rose from the dead, we also will rise.

The women did not find Jesus in the grave. He was gone!

Jesus rose from the dead! Only the cloth was left.

Through song, the Gumuz are hearing that they no longer need to fear death. When we put our trust in the true God, we are free.

The drumbeat sounded and the believers sang those songs in typical circular formation. These songs had already been taught in the surrounding villages.

In the Gumuz culture, knowledge of songs is shared more freely than any other thing. When a Gumuz believer sings a song in his village all the unbelievers learn it. Gumuz sing communally around their fires in the evening, so,

PHOTO: BOM

ETHIOPIA

Last Easter, the Gumuz celebrated Easter for the first time.

Christian celebrations were known as a time when the highland evangelists left to visit their family, but now the church is being led by Gumuz.

When we asked the elders to consider celebrating Easter as a church, it seemed to be a new concept.

Rolf worked with a small group of men and women and they put together a drama of the Easter story. This was well received and enjoyed by the church community, but it stayed in the church. Unlike some of the Sudanese tribes that we have worked with, they were not familiar with drama nor took initiative in introducing this drama to their villages.

This year, our team felt strongly that the Easter story should be put to songs. Angela worked with the Gumuz men on the first song, which was Jesus’ triumphal entry, and the words went like this: Sing His praises or the rocks will cry out (for even they know He is king).

Jesus is the true King. Jesus is the son of God. Jesus is the true King. Let us praise Him. Sing His praises or the rocks will cry out.

The Kruse Family

if a man or woman knows a song, his or her people know the song too.

After the Easter service, a goat was slaughtered, its meat lightly cooked in hot spice and served in handfuls to each person along with hot cups of salty coffee.

Later that evening, keya (sorghum drink) was served in the believers’ homes to friends and family. And God’s word went out with power.

– Angela Kruse Angela and Rolf Kruse (Kola/Rosenort Fellowship) are with Serving in Mission.

EMC Events EMC Ministerial Training Seminar Nov. 29, 2013 Heartland Community Church Landmark, Man.

One evening only! For all pastors and church leaders: What is a minister’s obligation when it comes to legal matters regarding counseling, abuse, and confidentiality? Come for an information-packed evening featuring Christian resource people from law and law enforcement.

EMC New Leaders Orientation Dec. 2–3, 2013

Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre Pinawa, Man. For pastors and

spouses new to the EMC: a welcoming event that helps you become familiar with our history, theology, and national and global ministries.

Come see how you will be part of shaping our future!

For information, contact Conference Pastor Ward Parkinson at 204-326-6401 or wparkinson@emconf.ca.

EMC Ministerial Retreat Nov. 30–Dec 2, 2013 Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre Pinawa, Man. “Pinocchio Pastoring–The Outrageous Lies We Tell Ourselves”

Speakers Jerry and Renee Ritskes, from Kerith Creek.

Come for a tremendous time of renewal, worship, and fellowship. Please register by contacting Erica Fehr at the EMC Conference office: 204326-6401 or efehr@emconf.ca

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 13

With Our Missionaries

Sharing Pauingassi’s Treaty Days CANADA

PHOTOS: ALBERT MARTENS

For the ninth year, Athletes in Action (AIA) volunteers spent a week on the Pauingassi First Nations Reserve.

When we planned for mid-July, we didn’t know it coincided with a Treaty Days celebration.

On the first day, Nancy and Stephanie, the Treaty Day games organizers, announced on their band radio that AIA would help with the games. We were “in.”

Cindy was at the dock again with her truck to welcome us and brought our supplies to three houses that she had reserved.

For four days all activities were outdoors—starting at about noon with little children. Then around 4 p.m. the youth and adults began their competitive games: three-legged races, ball throws, wheelbarrow races, pudding contest, egg toss, long jump, shoe scramble, balloon smashing, target shooting, an obstacle race, and many more.

I watched two girls, probably four or five years old, stand within a circle. They each had a balloon attached to one leg and were to step on the other’s balloon, pop it, and win. They decided to stand still and not risk anything, so they were both winners.

Watching the pudding contest, I laughed. The kids sat in teams of two—one blindfolded and with a small pudding cup. The blindfolded person was to feed a partner, and the first person to empty the container won.

One person decided to not bother with his partner; he

AIA team members

ate the pudding, winning and satisfying his hunger.

A Winnipeg music band performed on Friday night and Saturday. There were jigging (dancing) competitions on Friday evening. I sat on a judging panel and enjoyed it—though I’d never danced a jig nor been on a panel.

About 80 men came to their breakfast to hear Walter’s

14 The Messenger • September 2013

About 90 women came to their breakfast.

report about his New York ministry trip, and about 90 women came to their breakfast to enjoy pancakes, eggs, and bacon. The numbers were doubled from last year.

Children came to our Bible classes, which Winnie and her helpers held in the school. Often children wanted to swim and we supervised them.

We were asked to organize the fireworks show. Walter set up four stations to ignite the 67 various fireworks units, and it ended up being the best show ever. The music band announced the fireworks at 10:30 p.m., took a break, and gave the audience time to see it. It was fantastic teamwork.

We attended Pastor Allen’s church service. Each person usually contributes a testimony, a story, a scripture reading or by singing. This time a mouse showed up and we were entertained for much of the long service––until they opened a door and it ran out. I guess the service was too long for the mouse.

Team members often carried children, fed them snacks, and handed out tumblers of water. Stephanie, in her devotional focused, on Matt. 10:42: “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

We enjoyed Treaty Days in Pauingassi. It was one of our best weeks there.

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

With Our Missionaries

Baptisms in Guadalajara

PARAGUAY

PHOTO: JOHN REIMER

MEXICO

Baptism has a way of stirring both heaven and earth. This was evident when Jesus Christ was baptized, when the Early Church baptized its first believers.

Baptism is a celebration of God’s grace in the lives of those being baptized and a time of covenant with God and His Body, the Church. On May 5 our fledgling church here in Guadalajara had its second baptism in its short existence.

In November 2012 we started Bible studies with some students and recent graduates from local universities.

Earlier many of them had been influenced and challenged to be followers of Christ by Campus Crusade.

When these Campus Crusade missionaries left Mexico, many of these young believers floundered in their faith and were looking for a fresh touch from God. Connie and I connected with many of them as they invited each other to our Wednesday Bible studies.

It did not take long before we had two groups meeting.

Weekly we saw God drawing new, keen, hungry for God, singles and married couples.

The anticipation and the participation were noteworthy as we methodically and patiently studied the Scriptures, answering their questions. God was doing a deep work in so many of these young men and women.

One young mother in particular asked when she could be baptized, as she deeply longed to be obedient to Christ’s call on her life. After doing a study on baptism, I asked if there were any questions, and her response was, “When can I get baptized?” So it was decided to have our baptismal service on May 5.

The other attendees of the two Bible study groups became excited about the prospect of having this kind of celebration. They planned and volunteered to participate in different ways. Details came together beautifully.

The candidates planned on what they wanted to share in their testimonies; both had significant hurdles to

When a community gathers for baptism, it’s a celebration.

overcome as the were experiencing significant push back from their families, who were not in favour of them being baptized and to openly declaring their commitment to following Christ. With prayer, encouragement and faith in Christ’s overcoming strength, they took this step of faith and obedience.

Not only were two people baptized, but three. The young mother’s husband approached me prior to entering the water that he was considering baptism as well.

He wanted to be baptized with his wife. He was ready.

Standing in the water, he shared his testimony of God’s amazing work in his life.

Those that walked closely with these candidates joined them in the water; other surrounded them around the pool. Several spoke words of life and encouragement into these believers. Even while in the water they were prayed for. We celebrated the Lord’s Supper later and ate our catered taco supper meal together in typical Mexican fashion, in “Convivio” (shared life) style.

Life couldn’t get much better than this. We had seen in these lives the reality of what Christ said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I have come that they may have life, and may have it in abundance (John 10:10).”

– John Reimer John Reimer (CBF, Swan River) is the leader of a churchplanting ministry in the city of Guadalajara in Jalisco State, Mexico.

••

I get up at 5:30 a.m. and get ready to accompany Ramon to town in search for a better job for him. It’s cold this morning.

My car has no heater and there is frost on the grass outside. I turn up the air-conditioning to de-fog the windows. Ramon and I warm our hands on the hot guampa (cup) as we take turns sipping mahte (tea).

As we park waiting for instructions as to where Ramon

should bring his resume, he tells me of how he came to the city. His mother died when he was about 10 years old.

His father became abusive with him and his younger brother after shacking-up with another woman. At age 12 he and his younger brother decided to escape the abuse.

Someone gave them money to buy bus tickets to the city. ➢ Ramon’s older brother lived in the city but his Dad

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

With Our Missionaries ➢ had always spoken badly about this brother, saying that

PHOTO: GIL REMPEL

he was a drug dealer and their enemy. Upon arriving in the city and being lost, Ramon calls this brother, whose phone number he had memorized, and hopes his brother will receive them. After figuring out where the two boys are, their older brother picks them up and takes them into his home.

So began Ramon’s life here. Now, ten years later, he was invited to come to one of our church services, and, after initially opposing his partner in coming to our Bible studies, he accepts the invitation. He desires to give his one-year-old daughter a different life than what he’s had. The next Sunday he comes again and accepts Christ as his Lord and Saviour.

That was about eight months ago. He stumbles sometimes in his new life. He’s gotten drunk a few times when visiting his brothers. On one occasion, being drunk, he got his face beat-up in a fight.

However, after being challenged spiritually he recommits himself to following Jesus.

Many old habits are hard to change and the old life constantly wants to reassert itself, but God does not let go. Ramon harboured a

With Our Churches

lot of bitterness towards his Dad, but after choosing to forgive him he testifies that he feels like giving his Dad a hug.

As we sip our mahte I reflect on how stressful it is watching this young man grow and sometimes stumble. But what a joy to participate in God’s work, seeing God’s hand saving Ramon from the grip of our enemy who’s only goal is to lead him towards destruction and death (John 10:10). Please, God, don’t let go of him in the next tug-of-war!

Perhaps God is already working in the life of another person that is on the road to destruction, and God is arranging to bring this person across your path to intercept him or her. Would you consider serving the Lord where ever he calls you? Maybe he is calling you to serve Him in Paraguay.

– Gil Rempel This story is told with Ramon’s knowledge and permission. The EMC Board of Missions desires to send additional church planters to Paraguay. For information contact: Ken Zacharias, Foreign Secretary, EMC Board of Missions.

Ramon, Chris Kroeker, Gil Rempel

••

Community Bible Fellowship

SWAN RIVER, Man.—On Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, friends and family of five young people—Ryan and Addison Nemez, Crystal Polachek, Nina Balboa, and Kendra Friesen (the last formerly of Birch River and attending CBF)—gathered at Steeprock Bay Bible Camp to witness their baptisms in the lake.

The service, held in the camp chapel, was co-chaired by Ferlin Abrahamson of Christian Fellowship Church (Birch River) and Pastor Ron Thiessen and Jack Dyck of Community Bible Fellowship (Swan River). Praise songs were led by Lowell Friesen, youth pastor of First Baptist Church (Minitonas).

Each young person shared their testimony. Then a parent from each family offered a word of encouragement

16 The Messenger • September 2013

PHOTO: CBF

Five young people baptized Pastor Ron Thiessen, Nina Balboa, Kendra Friesen, minister Ferlin Abrahamson, Crystal Polachek, Ryan Nemez, Jack Dyck, and Addison Nemez.

to their son/daughter.

All those in attendance were loaded into the camp bus and/or trucks for the ride to the lake where the baptismal service took place. After returning to the camp, there was a time of visiting followed by a wiener roast. The Lord blessed us with His presence and a warm sunny day.

– Betty Warkentin

With Our Churches PHOTO: KLEEFELD EMC

Kleefeld EMC

Three ladies baptized

your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

Her sister, Alyssa Toews, also acknowledged the difficulties (and joys) that can sometimes be encountered in a blended family and the idea of grafting into the church family was meaningful to her. Alyssa is already serving the church in the area of children’s ministries, and coordinated a super DVBS this summer.

Hayley Toews accepted the Lord as her Saviour at a young age and

Pansy Chapel

Alyssa Toews, Jaime Loewen, Hayley Toews

recommitted herself to Him a couple of years ago. Verses found in Ezra 9 were special to her.

After Alyssa was baptized by pouring during the indoor church service, the service continued in neighbouring outdoor surroundings where Jaime and Hayley were baptized by immersion. We wish all three of you the Lord’s richest blessings as you continue to follow Him. – Louella Friesen

••

Stepping-stones and a household baptism PANSY, Man.—One stepping-stone does not always feel like a lot, but add up a few in a row and it becomes part of a path—a path leading to something bigger than itself.

June held a bunch of milestones for us. On June 9 our annual picnic turned out great. The weather was perfect (until a downpour came to put a decisive end to it), the turnout was great, the food was scrumptious, the activities were fun, the surroundings picturesque (rated among the best in the province), and the outdoor service was worshipful and rich in content. We are indeed tools in the hands of a living God. On June 23, following the worship service, right in the midst of gently falling rain (showers of blessing?) we had a sod-turning and circle of dedication and prayer for the new building program. Hot dogs and salads were served to all as part of the special event, under the church’s carport. Within a week we saw the groundwork beginning to happen; very shortly we hope to see the construction truly taking off.

June 30 took us down a rugged path of rough-hewn stones to the creek—down to the river to get baptized.

Baptisms are always special, but this one held a unique element that we may never have had before.

When Jeremy Fehr told his family about his decision to get baptized plus his heartfelt prayers for his children, he

PHOTO: PANSY CHAPEL

KLEEFELD, Man.—On June 16 our church family, friends and relatives gathered to witness the testimonies, baptism and membership reception of three young ladies, all of whom grew up in the Kleefeld EMC. It has been a joy to watch them grow in the church community and take this step of faith.

Jaime Loewen was only seven years old when her father passed away. She learned to rely on the verses found in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all

(back) Pastor Leonard Barkman, Dustin Fehr, Pastor Dylan Barkman, (front) Ranae Fehr, Lena Fehr, Jeremy Fehr, and Lavina Fehr.

and the children decided to do it together as a family. Lena had already been baptized.

Yes, there were questions and struggles, but the end result was victory in Jesus. He is so good.

In the Acts 16 story where the jailor asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved, they answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved—you and your household.” They did and immediately he and all his family were baptized. There is no knowing what age his children were.

And that’s pretty much how it happened here. Upon his testimony of grace and a changed life, Jeremy (with his wife Lena supportively at his side) and then all their three children— Dustin, Lavina and Ranae—were baptized upon their confession of faith in front of a large crowd of rejoicing witnesses.

May God graciously provide strength for them on their new journey, and may all of us keep moving forward on whatever steppingstones God puts in our path to follow.

– Betty Barkman

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

Columns • Further In and Higher Up

Giving the Mennonite body something to be Christian with

T

Singing is the fun of shooting sound through the body.

The second was singing with the Morazan church (EMC-related) in Nicaragua in 2011.

The bass and drums were ear splitting and that is how they loved to sing. And they sang.

Mostly by memory. The children, the old, the musical, the tone-deaf—all voices were ringing.

As different as these two churches were, I see two common notes that helped them love their singing.

First, these churches found songs the folks loved to sing. Most were singable, predictable melodies that stayed in your head on Sunday afternoon. Both churches knew that if you want folks to sing, sing folk music (not opera or pop melodies).

If you can’t sing it with your children while washing dishes, if it doesn’t ring forth in the shower, don’t bring it to church. You can lead with a lone vorsanger (songleader) or screaming guitars; it matters not as long as the melodies catch the folks’ imagination.

Second, these churches seemed to have a stock of songs they called their own. This stock became part of their identity as churches and they sang these songs over and over for years until they became the soul-speak of every person raised in that church. In one church that list was bounded by a hymnal, in the other by what could be memorized.

Singing is the fun of shooting sound through the body. Don’t anyone tell me when I stand and 18 The Messenger • September 2013

PHOTO:DESIGNPICS

by Layton Friesen

he church is pretty much the last place left where folk still gather to sing. I have two unforgettable memories of congregational singing.

The first was the Morweena EMC in the early 1980’s when I would often tag along with my dad who was guest preacher. The acoustics in the sanctuary, musical culture of the church, and the warmth of devotion became resounding acapella worship.

belt that I don’t worship Christ with my body.

My lungs, throat, head, nose, tongue, spine, belly and bones resonate, shape, and colour waves of sound that wash together with your body’s waves to make a chorus.

And that gives us more to be Christian with.

There are some tones of the gospel that you do not mean until you have sent them vibrating through your body. When the good news pulses in your bones, surges in your bellows, the kingdom of God dwells in the flesh and you believe where before you wondered.

Haven’t you noticed how singing something makes you like to believe it? That’s why God commands us to sing. It is no coincidence that both Morweena and Morazan have been hotspots of missional work in the recent decades. The more who sing, the more who believe.

The genius of the Mennonite-Anabaptist faith (whether of Morweena or Morazan expression) is that much of the teaching, praying, healing, people-loving, mission-building, Godinvoking work of the church is done by simply letting folks sing.

Columns • Focus On

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME

A discussion about Jesus movements

M

uch has been written and reported over the past several years about the growing number of movements among people from other majority religions.

These are often referred to as Insider Movements or Jesus Movements.

As the number of cross-cultural workers from EMC churches to these regions increases, the challenges and concerns about these movements has become more intense. For this reason, the Board of Missions decided to host a meeting of church leaders and cross-cultural workers who are specifically affected by these movements.

The evening began with a description of these movements from an experienced crosscultural worker. He spoke about the growing number of Muslims that believe in Christ and what it means for them to be part of the Kingdom of God. Referring to Peter’s experience with the Gentile believers in Acts 9, he challenged us to think about how a believing community of Jesus followers might look differently than what we are used to in the West.

Other EMC workers were given opportunity to relate their experiences, both good and bad, about sharing the gospel message with Muslims.

It became apparent that there are many barriers to effectively communicating our faith because of the cultural inhibitors to this communication.

Church leaders were then given the opportunity to ask questions of the panel of

cross-cultural workers: Is Allah the same as God? How can a Christian use the Qur’an in witnessing? Why do believers still identify as Muslims after coming to faith in Christ? What is the essence of true faith? What do Muslim followers of Jesus believe about Muhammad?

These and many other questions were processed throughout the evening. One of the key challenges for Muslim believers is their identity.

For a Muslim to identify as a Christian means to associate with things such as decadent Hollywood movies, the NATO war on terror, abuse of drugs and alcohol, and other Western ideas.

It also means disconnecting from their family, community and culture.

We agreed that our desire is to see people of all cultures come to a true understanding of who Jesus is and to develop a relationship with Him. We also acknowledged that, in many instances, movements are occurring naturally within Muslim communities, rather than as a planned initiative of a Christian agency.

by Tim Dyck General Secretary

We agreed that our desire is to see people of all cultures come to a true understanding of who Jesus is and to develop a relationship with Him. The importance of prayer in seeing Muslims come to Christ was emphasized. Church leaders were encouraged by the missionaries to visit and witness the challenges of ministry to Muslims firsthand.

At the end of the evening, church leaders encouraged the Board of Missions to develop some specific statements about our approach to Jesus Movements. It was good to hear from our crosscultural workers engaged directly with Muslims.

It was exciting to hear how God is at work and, despite the challenges of working in this demanding environment, it is our privilege as EMC churches to stand by our cross-cultural workers.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

News

MWC launches Global Anabaptist Profile project GOSHEN, Ind. – Nearly 30 people from 18 countries gathered at Goshen College on July 29 to Aug. 2 to launch MWC’s “Global Anabaptist Profile.” The MWC project will be the first systematic study of how its “Shared Convictions” are finding expression among the 25 groups participating in the study.

The project will shed light on the demographics of the rapidly growing global Anabaptist family and create a digital library of testimonies from pastors and members of congregations around the world.

“The size of the Anabaptist-Mennonite global fellowship has nearly tripled in the past three decades,” said Dr. John D. Roth, secretary of the MWC Faith and Life Commission, “with most of the growth coming outside of Europe and North America. Yet we really don’t know very much about the lived experiences—the beliefs, practices and challenges—of our global body.”

The 25 member conferences participating were selected randomly, with proportional representation within each of MWC’s five continental regions. Church leaders identified a research associate to assist the project. The

PHOTO: MWC

In part, to explore ‘Shared Convictions’

Abe Bergen (left), an EMCer and our new moderator, is one of the project’s research associates.

EMC’s associates are Robyn Penner Thiessen (our project’s lead researcher) and Abe Bergen.

At Goshen, the associates met for four days to revise the survey and receive training in social research methods. They spent time in worship, sharing, singing and prayer.

The project has received grants from MCC and the Schowalter Foundation, with most of the financial support coming from individuals. Organizers hope that the profile will be completed by the MWC Assembly to be MCC Canada Peace Sundayin Packet MCC Cana held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania July2013 2015. of – MWC and EMC Amba Ambassadors

••

Peace Sunday packet available

reconciliation

re

Contents include: • theological reflection • worship resources • suggestions for children • stories of ambassadors of reconciliation • questions for discussion

Con • t • w • s • s • q

Available at mcccanada.ca/peacesunday

Avai

WINNIPEG, Man.—MCC Canada has produced the 2013 Peace Sunday Packet, which is posted on its website: http://mcccanada.ca/peace/peacesunday/ The theme for this year is “Ambassadors of Reconciliation,” based on 2 Cor. 5:17-20. The packet focuses on stories of individuals and congregations that are actively seeking to be agents of peace and reconciliation. We have included 10 stories from across the country. One of them—the story of Siegfried Bartel, a German army officer turned pacifist—has been made into a short video.

On Remembrance Day our nation invites us to reflect on the wartime sacrifice of soldiers. Many Anabaptist churches, as peace churches, choose to observe Peace Sunday as a way of recalling their identity as peace churches, as well as to offer a witness against war and violence.

MCC’s Peace Sunday Packet is intended to help churches plan a Peace Sunday worship service, as well as

20 The Messenger • September 2013

PHOTO: MCC

Intended to help plan a worship service

Images from the packet’s cover

For additional information and resources, go to mcccanada.ca/peacesunday or email peace@mennonitecc.ca.

You can find us on Facebook at Peace Sunday Canada 2013.

For additional informa go to mcccanada.ca/pe

engage in peace action and witness. It is intended for useYou can find us on Face on Nov. 3 or 10, prior to Remembrance Day, or some other appropriate time.

All EMC congregations will be hearing about these materials through their respective MCC provincial offices.

– from MCCC materials

News

CFGB commits $1.1M more for Syrians Total of just over $4 million made available

A Syrian family in a refugee camp in Lebanon.

••

A volunteer’s first experience WINNIPEG, Man.—I was nervous running the snow cone machine, partly because I’d never made one and partly because it was my first night volunteering at Inner City Youth Alive’s Bridge Drop-in.

At times there were half a dozen teens asking for a cone. Several were surprised that they had a choice of six flavours. It reminded me of when I served bread in a soup kitchen and men seemed delighted to choose between white or brown.

Choice is a function of wealth. Whether it’s a shirt colour, a type of food, or where you live—people who can afford the options have choices, whereas those with less take what they get.

The job of making snow cones mattered. Kids came back for their second or third. Kids playing pool enjoyed the cones, a young mother was delighted to give her child a treat, and five kids sitting at the counter socialized while they ate their cones.

We humans know sharing food is a good idea. It brings us together on a common level. We relax and feel safe, a rare feeling for many of these kids. Who could imagine

that a snow cone could do so much good?

There’s more than snow cones going on during ICYA’s teen drop-in.

Teens are developing relationships with healthy adults, playing volleyball; girls play a dance video with volunteers; quieter kids do crafts; one volunteer helps a guy with homework; tougher kids play pool while a volunteer chats.

There was a place and an Brent Smith activity for every kind of kid.

Everyone had smiles from 6:30 to 10 p.m. And they didn’t want to leave.

Check it out sometime. It’s amazing. True good is going on nightly.

– Brent Smith, ICYA PHOTO: ICYA

Love in a snow cone

The conflict in Syria has become one of the world’s largest refugee crises, with over four million people displaced in that country and almost two million others forced to seek refuge in nearby countries.

– CFGB

PHOTO: WAYNE DE JONG, WORLD RENEW

WINNIPEG, Man. – Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) has committed another $1.1 million of assistance for refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria.

The assistance, which will be used by CFGB member World Renew to assist refugees seeking safety in Lebanon and Jordan, brings to just over $4 million the total amount of assistance being made available to help people from that country.

Altogether, the assistance is helping to meet the food needs of over 55,000 people each month. The aid, which is made possible with support from the Canadian government, is being provided through food baskets and cashbased food vouchers.

“Markets in Lebanon have the capacity to provide the necessary quantity, quality, and diversity of foods to ensure beneficiary nutrition requirements are met,” says Hillier.

“As a bonus, we are providing employment for people in the region who grow and sell the food.”

Brent Smith is a volunteer at Inner City Youth Alive, in Winnipeg’s North End. www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

News

MDS at work in Alberta Volunteers needed for rebuilding CALGARY, Alta.—“It was extremely daunting, knowing it was only one small basement on one street,” says volunteer Nancy Thiessen.

Thiessen is one of about 250 people who volunteered with MDS in High River, Alta. The city of about 13,000 was the hardest hit during the floods in southern Alberta in late June.

“We’ve never dealt with anything like this in Canada before,” says Janet Plenert, MDS director for Canadian operations. “We knew we needed to be present and help in a significant way.”

Beginning its work through Samaritan’s Purse, MDS was able to set up on the ground within a week after the flood. This was because of the overwhelming support and generosity from churches and individuals across Canada.

A businessman and several businesses from La Crete, Alta., donated a new, fully stocked tool trailer. Local residents, and several from other parts of Canada, came to help for a day or a week.

MDS is now moving from emergency response to long-term recovery. It will seek individuals and groups to volunteer for a week at a time as they start rebuilding, perhaps as early as October.

“There are still many unmet needs and I’m confident that our constituency will rise up and come and help,” says Plenert. ` To volunteer with MDS in Alberta, call the Alberta volunteer coordinator at 587-216-6169. For all other MDS volunteering, call the Winnipeg office at 1-866-261-1274 or online at http://mds.mennonite.net/home/ – Trish Elgersma, MCC Alberta

••

CMU to help worship leaders WINNIPEG, Man.—With so many new songs in so many different styles being written for worship these days, how can worship leaders even begin to sort through them all?

“Some people suggest that more songs have been written for worship since 1970 than were written in the two thousand years prior,” says Dr. Christine Longhurst, who teaches at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU).

“We can’t know if that’s true, but it often feels like it.

There’s a steady stream of new songs coming at today’s song leaders and worship leaders. It’s tough to keep up.”

Helping worship leaders discover the best new songs is the goal of New Songs for Worship, to be held in Winnipeg on Nov. 2 and in Winkler on Jan. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Led by Longhurst, a former worship pastor and author of a popular worship blog (re-worship.blogspot.ca), the workshop will also address issues of musical style.

“We’ll look at new music in a wide range of styles,” says Longhurst. “The goal is to help leaders find ways to bridge the stylistic gaps that often exist in congregations.”

22 The Messenger • September 2013

PHOTO: CMU

NSW to address issue of musical style

Dr. Christine Longhurst

This year’s workshop will also include a look at the recent resurgence of traditional hymnody.

New Songs for Worship is presented by CMU and sponsored by the EMMC, MC Manitoba, MB Manitoba, and EMC. Cost is $35 ($25 for additional registrants from the same congregation). Students and seniors are $20.

For information, or to register, visit www.cmu.ca or call 204-487-3300.

– CMU

In Memory

hM

On days off she would often return home to Rosenort to help her Anne Klassen sister Elizabeth look after their aging (nee Kroeker) parents. She loved to travel and made 1923-2013 several trips with Elizabeth to visit relatives and friends in BC, Texas, and Anne Loewen Kroeker was born on Mexico. She fostered relationships June 30, 1923, to Rev. Jacob B. and with siblings, nieces, and nephews Helena Kroeker of Rosenort, Man., throughout her life and always ninth in a family of twelve. Anne was looked forward with great anticipabaptized on June 30, 1940, by her tion to their visits. father and became a member of the Anne’s life changed dramatically Rosenort EMC. She pursued a career on July 26, 1969, when she married in nursing and graduated in 1957 as a Henry Klassen of Maryfield, Sask., Licensed Practical Nurse. and became mother to his seven She displayed a great love for children, ages four to 24, and grandpeople and developed a quiet, gentle mother to a baby boy. She quickly spirit, which was evident in many won their hearts and displayed her years of caring for the elderly. Her love love for us with her strong, gentle of God motivated her numerous years spirit. She was thrilled for each of service at the Rest Haven Nursing new member added to the family, Home (Steinbach, Man.), Salem Home loving her role as grandmother and (Winkler, Man.), and United Mennogreat-grandmother. nite Home (Vineland , Ont.).

Her love of babies extended also to church and community by way of innumerable afghans the world...can you and blankets she n i e v olu er nte Wh made by hand for er wi young families. She t shared Dad’s love of flowers and together they created beautiful flowerbeds in their yard. Mom was always ready for a picnic, on the fields at harvest time or by the creek on a nice summer day.

She loved family get-togethers These Canadian volunteers and found many DS

photo by Duane Steiner

?

occasions for family celebrations. She and Dad enjoyed several long trips, visiting family in Belize and missionaries in Haiti, and also shorter trips ranging from BC to Ont. She is well known for her keen sense of humour and witty one-liners, especially evident when bantering with her siblings.

As her health deteriorated she convalesced for varying lengths of time at Ed and Lena Harder’s home, Adella and John Thiessen’s home, Sunrise Villa (Maryfield, Sask.), and finally in Deerview Lodge (Wawota, Sask.). She passed away peacefully on April 24, 2013, in Deerview Lodge.

Anne is survived by her children Stan (Mary), Richard (Kathy), Larry, Melvin (Corinne), Adella (John Thiessen), Janet (Dale Thiessen), and Tim (Lynda); 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; her brother Ben Kroeker and sister-in-law Miriam; sister-in-law Lillian Kroeker; her husband’s Kornelson in-laws Peter Dueck, Henry and Mary Kornelson, Wilmer and Anne Kornelson, Richard and Shirley Plett, and Sarah Sobering; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband Henry Klassen, daughter-in-law Elaine Mazawasicuna, and numerous relatives.

Mom will be greatly missed by her immediate and extended families and friends.

– Her Family

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

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

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

In Memory

Daniel (Dan) Wiebe 1935-2013

Dan was born on Feb. 20, 1935, in Warman, Sask., to Isaac and Helena Wiebe. Dad was the eldest of nine children, his childhood marked by poverty and hard work but also by love and community.

His family was religious and they hoped that their good works would grant them entrance into heaven.

When Dan was 13, his family moved to Cheslatta, B.C. Dan dropped out in grade four to work in the logging and lumber industry. He worked hard all his life and many stories can be told of how nothing was too hard or deemed impossible. He could fix anything.

Dan married Mary Fehr in Burns Lake, B.C. on July 21, 1957, and their first five children were born there. During these years, through the ministry of Pastor Arden Thiessen, Dan learned the truth that Jesus died for him so he could have his sins forgiven. Dan accepted that gift of grace and from then onward God did a continuous work of sanctification in Dan’s heart.

Dan had an adventurous spirit and was unafraid to follow a dream.

He moved his family to Vanderhoof, B.C., where their sixth child was born before they moved back to Burns Lake and from there to Fort St. John, B.C. to try his hand at farming. Their seventh child was born there.

In 1971 they moved to Vanderhoof where he worked in the lumber

24 The Messenger • September 2013

industry. They were involved in the EMC church start in Vanderhoof and saw several of their children come to know the Lord.

As an adult Dan learned to read and write, passed his Grade 10 equivalency exam, and became a certified millwright. Dan moved his family to High Level, Alta., in 1977, working with Bill and Anne Buhler in the new EMC church.

Then God led Dan to minister at Bethany Homes for Children. When they felt they should leave that ministry, they moved to Holden, Alta.

In recent years Dan and Mary lived in Two Hills, Alta., ministering to Mexican Mennonite people. Dan became a government-approved translator and helped many Low German-speaking people to acquire learner’s licenses. In October 2012 Dan and Mary moved into the Robertson Manor in Three Hills.

Dan went to meet his Saviour in the early hours of June 1, 2013, at 78.

He fell asleep on earth and awoke in heaven. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He had a love for people, no fear of talking to a stranger, and a personality that filled the room.

Dan was predeceased by his parents; two brothers Billy and Paul; and one daughter Eva, the mother of his first grandchild.

He leaves to mourn Mary, his faithful friend and loving wife of almost 56 years; children Sara (Bill) Brisbin, Barb (Danny) Hicks, Bill (Karen) Wiebe, Ruth (Alfred) Henkel, Mark (Norah) Wiebe, Julia (Steve) McRae, Henry(Anne) Wiebe; 24

grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and siblings, Anne Harder, Sarah Giesbrecht, Carl (Rita) Wiebe, Marg (Frank) Peters, John (Mary) Wiebe, and Jake (Judy) Wiebe.

– His Family

Calendar Manitoba October 11 North End Dreams Calling to Connect Banquet Inner-City Youth Alive Centro Caboto Centre 1055 Wilkes Ave. Winnipeg 204-582-8779 or laurie@icya.ca

November 29 Training Seminar on Legal Obligations for Pastors

November 30 – December 2 Conference Council Prarie Rose EMC Landmark Ministerial Retreat Wilderness Edge Retreat & Conference Centre Pinawa

December 2 – 3 New Leaders’ Orientation Wilderness Edge Retreat & Conference Centre Pinawa

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

Taber EMC is seeking a full-time youth/associate pastor. Candidate should have the ability to plan and oversee a comprehensive youth ministry and oversee associate pastor ministries as arranged by the church leadership. Valuable assets would be skills in sports and music. Contact church board chair Abe Klassen at 403-223-0588 or 403-331-9563. Send resumes to Taber EMC, Box 4348, Taber, AB T1G 2C7 or taberemc@ yahoo.ca.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship, an evangelical and friendly Christ-centred church with approximately 100 regular attendees, is looking for a senior pastor who is especially gifted in preaching, teaching, and biblical guidance. Located in a vibrant forestry and mining community, one hour’s drive from Prince George, BC, we are looking for someone who can fulfill such pastoral duties as conducting weddings, baptisms, baby dedications, and funerals.

With an ability to minister to all age groups, the applicant should be committed to a personal Christian faith and be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He should be a willing and teachable leader, and a person whose love for the Lord is reflected in his ability to work well with others. Feel free to check out our website at www.vcfemc.com for information.

If the Holy Spirit seems to be inviting you to pursue this further, please contact Marcy Giesbrecht at mikegiesbrecht@msn.com., with your résumé and cover letter attached.

Kola EMC is looking for a full-time pastor, but would also consider an intern position. Previous experience is preferred and housing is available.

Kola, in southwest Manitoba, is a small but aggressive little town in the middle of the oil patch with a lot of construction and farming in the surrounding area. We currently have approximately 100 people attending on a regular basis. For information, call 204-556-2037 or e-mail at kolaemc@gmail.com.

La Crete Christian Fellowship is seeking candidates to fill the role of senior pastor. LCCF is located in a beautiful, prosperous farming and logging community in northern Alberta. We are a multi-generational congregation with a strong commitment to missions. Our average Sunday attendance is 450.

The senior pastor would be a team member working with and providing general oversight to the associate pastor, youth pastor, office staff, lay minister and a large, supportive ministerial. He would have appropriate Bible college education and preferably a number of years of pastoral experience.

He would agree with the EMC Statement of Faith and Church Practices. Duties include, but are not limited to, preaching, teaching, some administration and officiating at various church functions.

Information can be found at www.lccfc.ca.

Please contact Darryl Olson at darrylwolson@gmail. com or 780-841-0287 if you can serve together with us in this capacity.

Crestview Fellowship (www.crestviewfellowship. ca), an EMC church located in Winnipeg, Man., is prayerfully seeking applications for a half-time youth pastor or director. If you feel God calling you to this position, or if you have any questions about the position, please call Pastor Darrel Guenther at 204-837-9490 or Scott Groen, board chairman, at 204-885-0233 or send questions and/or resume to sgroen@shaw.ca or by mail to Scott Groen, c/o Crestview Fellowship, 271 Hamilton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0H3. Those nearing graduation and new graduates are welcome to apply. Salary and hours are negotiable.

Hillside Christian Fellowship is looking for a fulltime or interim pastor. Previous experience is preferred and housing is available. Hillside Christian Fellowship is a rural church located on Highway 697 in the Buffalo Head Prairie area, about 25 kms from La Crete in northern Alberta. The industries that drive our community are farming and logging. We have about 50 to 60 people attending on average each Sunday. For information contact Jim Friesen at valley@sis.net or call (work) 780-928-3880 or (cell) 780-926-7717

Other opportunities Mid-Way Christian Leadership, based in Thompson, Man., is looking for an adult life coach, youth life coach and office manager. Please email generaldirector.mcl@gmail.com for full job descriptions or inquiries.

Inner City Youth Alive seeks a full-time administrative assistant to provide reception services for all ICYA staff and programs, and to provide assistance to administration staff. Contact Dory Richards, dory@ icya.ca. Further description at www.icya.ca.

Mennonite Community Services is looking to hire a radio marketing and administration manager.

Core duties: find sponsors, sell ads, supervise staff, facilitate schedules, train volunteers, ensure appropriate equipment is available and functioning, and provide overall administration and support.

Please send cover letter and resume to Mennonite Community Services at 16 Talbot Street East, Aylmer, ON N5H 1H4 or email to annab@mcson.org

First Mennonite Church, Burns Lake, in northern BC, is looking for a part-time or full-time servant leader pastor. The desired person should share our vision and will work with us to fulfill it. The candidate will have ability to inspire discipleship, outreach, and a desire to embrace our community, while holding firm to sound biblical doctrine. Our candidate will agree with the Confession of Faith in the Mennonite Perspective. Send your resume to FMC c/o Wilf Dueck wedueck@telus.net, (phone) 250-692-3455 (cell) 250-692-6454.

Rosedale Bible College (Irwin, Ohio) invites nominations and resumes for the role of president. Inquiries and/or resumes should be submitted electronically to: presidentsearch@rosedale.edu.

The Australian Conference of Evangelical Mennonites Church of Hope requires an enthusiastic pastor with a passion for Christ to come to Australia for a minimum term of two years to take over the spiritual leadership of the church.

We are a small congregation wanting to continue the Mennonite/Anabaptist vision here in Australia, looking for a person(s) to help us in that work.

For information on this position please contact: Anne McQueen (annemcqueen@dodo.com.au) or David Rouse (dmrouse@idl.net.au).

West Zion Mennonite Church, a rural church near Carstairs, Alta., is seeking an experienced full-time senior/lead pastor for a multi-staff growing congregation of 180–200 in a rural/urban setting 70 kms north of Calgary. We are a Mennonite church that is evangelical and outreach/missions oriented. The applicant should be a deeply spiritual leader gifted in preaching/teaching and one who is committed to doing pastoral work. Interested persons should send a resume, a brief biography and statement of faith to: James Miller, Box 1078, Didsbury, AB T0M 0W0.

Where are position ads to be sent?

Ministry-related position ads are welcome.

Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconf.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. Space is provided without charge. All ads are subject to editing and can be removed after two appearances unless prior arrangements are made. Please notify The Messenger as soon as possible when an ad is no longer needed. Thank you.

May the Lord bless your search.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

Columns • here and far away

The tyranny of choice: seeking contentment in the land of plenty

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

26 The Messenger • September 2013

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS

W

hen the only choice on the grocery shelves for breakfast cereal is Corn Flakes, it’s easy to accustom yourself to eating the same thing every day.

The choice made in the cereal aisle is not really a choice at all: you take what there is and you learn to enjoy it.

The same goes for making choices about schooling options for your kids or church options for your family: you take what’s available and focus more on being content in every circumstance. There is no time wasted in researching the pros and cons of other options, because there is only one option. Having one choice, in many cases, is unexpectedly liberating.

The amount of choices in Canada is overwhelming. En route to Manitoba this last May we stayed in a hotel in Toronto. We looked forward to the free breakfast the hotel was offering, relatively decadent to what we were used to.

We were unprepared for the overabundance that greeted us in the dining room as we stepped off the elevator: waffles and pancakes, eggs, toast, pastries, yogurt, cereal, multiple juices to choose from in addition to coffee, tea, hot chocolate....

Facing such a copious breakfast spread, I realized with sudden clarity that my human nature wanted to partake of everything, because, first of all, it was there. And, secondly, it was free.

It made no difference that I would normally be content with porridge and apple juice for breakfast or that most of the breakfast items were likely to weigh heavily in my stomach for the morning. The choice was there and I wanted to “take advantage” of it.

When life offers us seemingly unlimited options—for food, churches, or activities for us and our children—we somehow feel the need to make good use of the variety available to us. It becomes increasingly difficult to be content with a limited range of choice.

When faced with other options, we tend to look away from the good gifts we’ve been given

to see what else is available. We see what activities the neighbour’s kids are doing and think our own children must be missing out if they aren’t doing the same things.

It is surely challenging to live with contentment in a place of plenty, accosted by a plethora of choices at every turn. I know that, for us, returning to this life of abundance after being in a place of limited choice is exhausting. Choices, in my observation, while seeming to give greater freedom, tend to enslave more than liberate.

It is surely challenging to live with contentment in a place of plenty, accosted by a plethora of choices at every turn.

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4: 12b-13).

I’ve always focused on the “living in want” parts of that verse, but living in plenty has many of its own challenges!

Columns • stewardship today

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS

The Raising of Ebenezer

S

A Canadian Ebenezer

amuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer—”the stone of help”—for he said, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!” —1 Samuel 7:12 (NLT).

“The Ebenezer stone represented a fresh beginning, a reversal of course for God’s people.

It also said something important about God: his mercies are everlasting; his covenant is forever” (Charles lehardy).

The Advent season is a time of preparation and anticipation. The Christmas season is a time for celebration and repletion. What follows, for me, is a season of contemplation.

This year, I reflected on the classic Charles Dickens’ story, A Christmas Carol. In particular, I thought about Ebenezer Scrooge, the miser who was the very essence of miserable. He was surrounded by generosity and love, but willfully rejected ißt. He lacked generosity and was ungrateful to the extreme; unable to either give or receive. Have you ever met a happy, ungenerous person? Of course not. They don’t exist!

As the story goes, Scrooge received a gift on Christmas Eve that he could not refuse. In one night, Scrooge was brought face to face with his choice to reject love and generosity over his lifetime.He came to accept the misery of his life as the direct consequence of his choices. Then something amazing, something astounding happened: Scrooge received grace through his decision to live differently. Just like the Ebenezer

stone signaled a new beginning for Israel, Ebenezer Scrooge awoke from his dream with new resolve. His life would no longer be one of misery but one of gratitude and in so choosing he was transformed into the ebullient Ebenezer, who laughed with joy and overflowed with generosity.

“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us, every one!”

This year, may we all generously share God’s blessings with others.

By Darren Pries-Klassen Darren PriesKlassen is the executive director of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC).

For stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

Columns • Kids’ Corner

Earth: the best place

A

desert. It can wait a full week before it needs to eat again. It has soft wide feet so that it does not sink into the desert sand.

All of these are reasons why the earth is the best place to live. It is good for us.

God thought so too. Read Genesis 1:10, 12, 21, 25, and 31.

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS

by Loreena Thiessen

long time ago before there were any people or animals, God created the Earth, our world. Everything necessary for life God put on it. Then he made Adam and Eve. It was their job to look after it.

At times people dream of living on the moon, or on Mars, yet the Earth is still the best place.

Why is the Earth the best place for people?

There are several reasons.

All that is required to live is here. One requirement is air. All living things need air to breathe and the air on earth has all the right parts, such as oxygen.

Another important part of air is water vapor or moisture. Moisture forms in the air as water from lakes and oceans evaporates. It collects as fog, clouds, rain and snow. Moisture helps you breathe better.

The air around you also acts like a blanket. It hugs the earth and protects you from getting too hot or too cold. Without this protective layer of air you would boil or freeze.

Water is another important item. Water is needed for everything. You need to drink it and to cook your meals. Water is needed for cleaning, for growing crops and vegetables. It is even needed to make clothes and toys. Without water people and animals would not exist.

To grow our food, vegetables, grain, and grasses for animals, we need good soil. The Earth has that. Carrots and peas and potatoes cannot grow on rocks.

God made animals for us too. How do animals help us? Horses pull loads. Elephants pull logs out of the forest. Oxen help farmers plow their fields. Cows give us meat and milk. Sheep give us wool.

Dogs help searchers find lost people and help blind people find their way. Bees make honey and pollinate plants so they can produce the fruits and vegetables you eat.

One amazing animal God made is the camel.

The camel is powerful, tame, and helpful. It can carry a heavy load for 300 kilometers in one day. It can tell direction and not get lost in the

28 The Messenger • September 2013

Activity: What’s in a Pond?

Need: small bucket (or an ice cream pail or large peanut butter jar), magnifying glass, plastic tray with two-inch sides that can hold water, pencil, notebook, plastic spoon.

Do: Observe the pond: Scoop out some pond water with the bucket or jar.

Pour the water into the tray.

Look at the water to see what is in it.

Use the spoon to move things around in the water. Do this gently. Are there bugs? Fish?

Plants?

Look on the surface of the pond or above it. Are there ducks, geese, or other birds? They could be swooping over the water, skimming the water, or even hovering or diving into it.

Look around the pond area. Do you see birds, animals, insects?

In the notebook draw what you observe in the water, on the water, near the water.

Share what you find.

The Messenger Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362