The Messenger Vol. 51 No. 11 November 2013

The Messenger Volume 51 No. 11 November 2013

Relationships and Perceptions

INSIDE:

PHOTO: DESIGN PICS

The value of elders page 6 Image of God? page 10 An orientation for single sexuality: the “dos” of purity page 13

$2.00

Editorials

‘There’s no glory in it’

O

n Feb. 23, 1945, American soldiers erected two flags atop Mount Suribachi on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. The second flag raising became World War Two’s best-known photo.

Three of the six flag raisers—Mike Strank, Franklin Sousley, and Harlon Block—later died in battle.

Ira Hayes died nine years later in a mixture of alcohol and odd circumstances, Rene Gagnon died of a heart attack at middle age, and John Bradley died at an elderly age with his family nearby.

Of the 22,000 Japanese soldiers defending Iwo Jima, 21,000 died in battle or by committing suicide. U.S. forces suffered about 6,800 dead and 19,000 wounded. Though the battle ended with a U.S. victory on March 26, 1945, two Japanese soldiers remained hidden until 1949.

A naval medic, John Bradley provided medical care in battle; after the war he lived quietly as a funeral home director.

He sought not to talk about the war, spent four years afterward crying every night, for a time kept a knife nearby, and regularly attended Catholic mass. The heroes, Bradley said, were those who did not come back.

Rene Gagnon recalled how he and a buddy went into a cave and faced a Japanese soldier.

Rene’s thoughts were, “We all have mothers. We’re all human. Why does this have to be?” The Japanese soldier fired once, killing Gagnon’s friend; Gagnon fired back and the Imperial soldier fell.

Years later Gagnon told his son, “Why did I have to do this? Looking down a barrel into someone’s eyeballs and having to kill him. There’s no glory in it.”

– Terry M. Smith

‘Why did I have to do this? Looking down a barrel into someone’s eyeballs and having to kill him.

There’s no glory in it.’

Source: James Bradley, the son of John Bradley, wrote Flags of Our Fathers with Ron Powers (New York: Bantam Books, 2000, 2006).

••

MCC Canada turns 50

“T

herefore, as have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).

In the 1920s Mennonites in North America responded to their suffering counterparts in Russia by forming a central committee to provide aid. Many immigrants to Canada and the U.S., and their descendants, can provide stories of how their families were helped.

Later, MCC Canada was formed; it turns 50 in December. Its efforts internationally have sought, and seek, to “do good to all people.” As Paul’s counsel reveals, this is proper.

MCC, through certain steps, has sought to be more accountable and responsive to the conferences and churches that support it; it also affirms Shared

Convictions. One hopes it is willing to see more of an integral connection between social change and evangelism.

This is appropriate and might, in some minds, encourage a greater sense of trust.

Full disclosure: I have previously served as a Region 3 EMC representative on the board of MCC Saskatchewan and for two years as a Voluntary Service worker under MCC Manitoba. I am a person who strongly affirms MCC, while, at times, expressing some concerns.

May the Spirit of the Lord assist MCC Canada to go from strength to strength as it continues to serve “in the name of Christ.” Through MCC’s current and future efforts in word and deed may Christ become both better known and followed in Canada and abroad.

– Terry M. Smith

Its efforts internationally have sought, and seek, to ‘do good to all people.’ As Paul’s counsel reveals, this is proper.

2 The Messenger • November 2013

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

5

The value of elders – Gord Penner

16 An Education App

10 Image of God?

The United Church’s cautionary tale – Terry M. Smith

– Kevin Wiebe

13 An orientation for single sexuality: the “dos” of purity – Karla Braun

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

Writings Shared

page

18 Further In and Higher Up

25

25 Window on Missions

page

Could you lend me some faith?

– Layton Friesen

The growing church in Burkina Faso – Tim Dyck

17

34 Here and Far Away

When waiting is frustrating – Jocelyn R. Plett

4 Letters 17 With Our Missionaries 19 With Our Churches 26 News

35 Stewardship Today A dream without a plan – Sherri Grosz

36 Kids’ Corner

30 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping

What can you do when you’re in difficulty?

– Loreena Thiessen

page

10

page

28

page

6

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger Volume 51 No. 11 November 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

Letters and Notices A rich theology to be noted

As the representative of the EMC on the Council of the Mennonite World Conference, I was pleased to see The Messenger publish the statement of Shared Convictions that tie together the church members of the global Mennonite Church. I trust that many of our readers carefully noted the rich theology that ties us together in faith as the Body of Christ.

Furthermore, what gave the convictions significance was the report on the Central American Youth

Guidelines for letters

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

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

Typhoon Haiyan Relief

Donations from individual Canadians to MCC’s typhoon relief effort in the Philippines are eligible to be matched by the Canadian government until Dec. 23. To donate please go to mcccanada.ca/typhoon or contact your

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 1– January 2014 issue (copy due December 15)

4 The Messenger • November 2013

CE

LE

T I NG 2 0 0

provincial office; across Canada you can call (toll free) 1-888-622-6337; or write 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9; fax 204-269-9875.

Quarterly Financial Report 2013

Y

RS

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.

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

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

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

A BR

EA

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.

that gathered in Cost Rica to explore together their Anabaptist identity. To have one hundred and twenty young people from seven Latin American countries meet to explore what it means to be a Christian in the Mennonite Church was gratifying.

Thank you, editor, for keeping us informed on the state of the church in the EM Conference as well as the wider Mennonite family Ron Penner Winnipeg, Man.

emc 1812 ~ 2012

Jan–Sept 2013 Receipts and Transfers 1,213,905 Disbursements 1,461,056 Excess/Shortfall -247,151

Jan–Sept 2012 1,140,667 1,350,229 -209,562

As of the end of November, the projected need is $566,000 to finish the year with a balanced budget. Thank you for giving to the work of the EMC! - Board of Trustees

Columns • Writings Shared To End All Wars, Adam Hochschild (Boston, MA: Mariner Books, 2011). 448 pp. $15.95 (paperback).

ISBN 9780547750316. Reviewed by Pastor Darryl G. Klassen (Kleefeld), BRS, MA, DMin student, editor of Theodidaktos: Journal for EMC theology and education.

T

his is not a book about Mennonites and their opposition to war. Couched in the context of the Great War (1914-1918), Hochschild outlines the history of those who opposed the senseless destruction brought on by global conflict. Though some were driven by their religious convictions, most who took a pacifist stand against the imperial edict to fight for king and country simply found no logical reason for going to war.

To End All Wars is the story of fascinating men and women who risked all to oppose the war, as well as the story of those who pressed the conflict as far as it could go. Side by side these personalities are presented to illustrate the madness of war and the indiscernible causes that

brought it on. Millions of men died on foreign battlefields for a patriotism that quickly faded with the horror of widespread carnage.

If you enjoy reading military history, but feel a pang of guilt within your Anabaptist sensibilities, this book will set you at ease. You can read about the causes of the Great War, the stories of the tragic characters involved, and the battle sequences, while being reminded that there were people who believed it outrageous to take life.

It is not a Christian perspective, but it is a perspective you will appreciate since you will think war reprehensible when you are done.

Sometimes we have to read outside of the Anabaptist box in order to appreciate the stand we take as an historic peace church.

LIVE OUT YOUR FAITH

Open your home or workplace to an international volunteer ivep.mcc.org International Volunteer Exchange Program

Bible-Theology Children’s Ministry Counselling Missions Pre-Education Pre-Social Work Pastoral Worship Youth

www.SBCOLLEGE.ca

Commit a year to serve alongside others in Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America salt.mcc.org Serving And Learning Together

Programs of Mennonite Central Committee

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD

Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Missions 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

The Value of Elders

PHOTOS: DESIGNPICS

by Gord Penner 6 The Messenger • November 2013

Y

“

ou who are younger, submit yourselves to the elders” (1 Pet. 5:5).

Elders are those older men and women in the church community who have lived a life of faith for many years. They bless us with their wisdom and character, modeling those Christian values that are truly important. They are a steadying influence in life’s storms. They model our heavenly Father’s faithfulness.

Alf Roberts

This past summer I was invited to the 100th birthday celebration of a man I look up to with a deep respect. Several years ago I was asked to be the pastor in the Bible camp I had attended as a child in Lynn Lake, Man. Alf Roberts, who had lived in Lynn Lake since its founding in 1950, was there. As he welcomed me, I wondered who

Too often the elders in our lives are disregarded as “old people.”

would consider an old man to be camp staff.

I quickly came to appreciate his role. At morning staff meetings he was there, praying with us and for us. An early riser, he prayed for staff and campers long before we got up. In his prayer walk he had discovered where loons nested and, as he shared this later, the beauty of creation touched us again.

He noted what needed to be done. He would have the fire crackling in the dining room heater

to take off the chill before staff devotions. Then he would start the fire under the 45-gallon drum outdoors to heat dishwater. Later I saw him sitting in the shade, taking time with a camper, just being his “Grandpa.”

But more than anything else, he was just there.

He was a steadying influence. He was not shaken by the camp crises. Because of him, my appreciation for elders was affirmed. He was an elder who had walked with the Lord for many years and grown in obedience and knowledge of Him.

Future father-in-law

Another elder’s words had a big effect on my life’s direction and who I am today. I was leaving that day to enter university studies for a career in engineering. In high school, math and science were my first love. I had taken two years of Bible college, but the reading and writing requirements didn’t challenge my “math mind.”

Frank P. Thiessen, a 63-year-old silver-haired deacon in our church, who also happened to be my girlfriend’s father, intentionally spoke a few words to me that day. He said, “Gord, why do you want to work with computers? You are good with people.”

I didn’t sense that he was devaluing a career in engineering. Rather, this was his perception of my giftedness and calling. I reflected on his words. At semester’s end, I decided to return to Bible College and enter ministry as a career.

Too often the elders in our lives are disregarded as “old people.” Some people boldly ➢

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

proclaim, “The future of the church belongs to the youth.” Yet the wisdom of elders helps give meaning and direction to the energy of the youth. Together much can be accomplished.

Old Testament

Moses also returns to his childhood home in Egypt (Ex. 3:16). At the burning bush God had called him to lead his people out of slavery and into the land promised to Abraham. Now God sends him to the elders to tell them of his call.

Although Moses’ call at the burning bush was clear, he began this work by addressing the elders in his community. This was a necessary beginning to the success he hoped to achieve.

God affirmed the place of elders in the Israelites’ experience during forty years in the wilderness. The same Spirit that came upon Moses also came upon the seventy elders chosen to assist him (Ex. 24:1).

After Saul dies and David is to be crowned as king, the elders meet with David at Hebron.

With their endorsement of him, David makes a covenant with them before the LORD, and they anoint him king over Israel (2 Sam. 5:3).

Later, when Solomon’s son Rehoboam takes the throne, we learn a powerful lesson regarding the importance of elders. When a delegation requests relief from the heavy taxation imposed by his father, he “discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon” (1 Kings 12:6).

Really? The wisest man in history? Who could possibly know more than Solomon? Yet

Solomon teaches us a valuable lesson: you don’t need to know all the answers, but be willing to consult those who can guide us to them. The elders reply, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favourable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects” (1 Kings 12:7).

It seemed clear—just not the answer he was hoping for. So, instead, he asked his peers, the “young men who had grown up with him” (1 Kings 12:8-9).

They advised him to increase taxes, thereby establishing himself as greater than his father.

He did, and the ten northern tribes’ response was quick and definitive. They rebelled, leaving Rehoboam with only two southern tribes.

It seemed clear—just not the answer he was hoping for.

8 The Messenger • November 2013

New Testament

Titus speaks of the church’s need for elders and lists their qualifications as “temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and endurance” (Titus 2:2). Peter describes their task as, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example” (1 Pet. 5:2-3).

Their ministry continues past “retirement age.” The Lord assigns them a task, and a noble one at that. The elders are to lead by example and watch over the flock. Peter instructs the younger men to “accept the authority of the elders” (1 Pet. 5:5).

Similarly, women elders are to be “reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good”

Elders help the church maintain its focus on the important things.

?

For fifteen years, I have travelled with Steinbach Bible College students to northern Manitoba for a brief exposure to ministry among First Nations peoples. As the students return, they debrief.

We usually ask a northern elder to close with a challenge.

In one such time, Bert Brown shared his experience: “Fifty years ago, I moved here to teach and earn some money so I could go back

in the world...can you vo ere lun h W tee rw it

DS

God’s purpose

Gord Penner (Ridgewood), BRS, MDiv, MTh, is a professor of Bible at Steinbach Bible College and an ordained EMC minister.

hM

(Titus 2:3). They were to “urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” The Scriptures consistently speak of the responsibility of elders to teach and the younger generation to accept their counsel. I met an elderly lady at McDonald’s who was celebrating her 90th birthday. As I offered her my well wishes, she said, “I’m not ready to die yet. I have a granddaughter who still needs the Lord.” Rich!

Elders help the church maintain its focus on the important things. The church’s work is to make disciples in all nations. In the busyness of planning church programs, elders bring an important element to our discussions—a focus on the purpose of the church.

to Winkler to farm and live a comfortable life. I am so glad the Lord spared me from that. And it is my prayer that He will spare you from a comfortable life as well.”

I thank God for elders like Bert Brown, Alf Roberts, my father-in-law Frank Thiessen, and others who have enriched my life in immeasurable ways and help to keep us focused on God’s purpose in our lives and in the life of the Church.

photo by Duane Steiner

PHOTO: GORD PENNER

Gord Penner and Alf Roberts

These Canadian volunteers 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 9

PHOTOS: KEVIN WIEBE

Image of God?

H

by Kevin Wiebe

ave you ever had a burning question that you just cannot get out of your mind? It is the type of question where a simplistic or trite answer just does not satisfy.

The question burns on, despite many attempts to answer it.

A few years ago I had such a question: if humanity is made in the image of God, what does that practically mean for my life?

In Genesis 1:27 we read, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” There is something about humanity that is different. We are made in the image of God. This is often talked about casually, but there is a weightiness to this topic. It really is a big deal.

I tried to comprehend what this meant. Some said it is the fact that we are conscious and are not just controlled by instinctual responses to stimuli.

Others said it is our ability to hold ethical and moral standards. Still others talked about it as the

ability to experience emotions.

None of these answers satisfied me. I was not looking for another theoretical framework to help me understand this. I wanted to understand what this meant for me. How does the belief that I am made in the image of God impact my daily life?

How does it affect my relationships? Does it even matter?

If this statue was made in the image of Abraham Lincoln, then what would any actions towards it represent?

10 The Messenger • November 2013

The image of us?

After some time another question came to mind: is there something made in the image of us, of people? If there was, surely this might help me understand what it meant to be made in the image of God. Is there anything that is made in the image of a person?

I tried to answer this question several ways, but none of them made much sense or became that enlightening analogy that I was hoping for. That is, until I thought about Abraham Lincoln.

In the summer of 2010, I had the privilege of visiting Washington, D.C. As any good tourist

in this city, I visited the Smithsonian, the Mall, the Washington Monument, and also the Lincoln Memorial.

The Memorial was a large stone building.

Inside a giant stone statue of Abraham Lincoln was enshrined on his throne. The statue was made in his image. In the image of Abraham Lincoln, was this statue created.

Lessons from Lincoln

If this statue was made in the image of Abraham Lincoln, then what would any actions towards it represent? Would any action towards this statue be utterly insignificant? What would happen if someone would put graffiti on it? Or, worse yet, what would it mean for someone to break off the nose this statue? This would be scandalous.

To put graffiti on the Lincoln Memorial would obviously be considered the desecration of the memory of good old Abe. To break off the nose of the statue would amount to an act of violence against Lincoln and for what he stood. To do violence to the statue does violence to the one in whose image the statue was made. It is also insulting to the one who made the statue.

One might be tempted to think that stone is just stone. What really is the difference between

vandalizing a stone that looks like Lincoln or vandalizing a shapeless boulder out in the wilderness?

After all, they are made of the same material.

And yet it would seem to be common sense that there is a large difference. One is just a boulder; the other is a piece of stone that has been crafted and honed and shaped into the image of Abraham Lincoln.

We are made in the image of God, and God is also the one who created us. He is the artist that made us distinctly different from the other creatures of the world.

It is in His image that we are created. In a real sense, we are His self-portrait.

So what does being made in the image of God have to do with my everyday life? Just this: when I do violence to any human being, be it in word or deed, I am also doing violence to the one in whose image they are made, and to the one who made them that way to begin with.

We are made in the image of God, and God is also the one who created us.

False humility

In the past I had a false understanding of humility. I thought that talking negatively about myself was part of being humble. I would beat myself up and tear myself down—all of this in the name of humility.

Yet it would seem that I could not get around the fact that I am a human being. If being a human ➢

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

meant that I was made in the image of God, then to do violence to myself in this way also desecrated something of the image of God in me.

This is a false humility. It claims to be humble while still thinking it knows better than God. It tells God that what He created is not good enough, that He failed as an artist and creator; that being made in His image is of no significant value. When put in these terms this sounds much more like arrogance and pride than it sounds like humility.

So it would seem that every time I compared myself to someone else and thought that I am not good enough, it is much like spray-painting the word “failure” onto a statue. Every time I looked in the mirror and disrespected myself, it is like painting the word “ugly” onto this statue.

Before long what you have is a statue that is covered in these words: failure, ugly, insignificant, unintelligent. The list could go on.

What must be remembered, however, is that this statue is not made in the image of any man. This statue is actually a flesh and blood human being that is made in the image of God.

do with them and everything to do with respect of God. In Eph. 5:21 we are instructed, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Most of us would treat the Lincoln Memorial with respect, not because of the type of stone it is made of, but out of respect for Abraham Lincoln.

Similarly, a person’s skin colour, gender, religion, behaviour or moral/ ethical beliefs hold no bearing on these instructions.

If we want to honour God, we will treat with respect all who are made in His image, out of reverence for Christ.

➢

What must be remembered, however, is that this statue is not made in the image of any man.

Even my difficult neighbour?

To follow this to its logical conclusion, I also had to consider my neighbour—not necessarily the person living next to me, but other human beings in general. If they are also made in the image of God, how does that effect my treatment of them?

At the risk of being repetitive, I will say again: when I do violence to another human being, be it in word or deed, I am also doing violence to the one in whose image they are made. To respect the image of God in them has nothing to

12 The Messenger • November 2013

Kevin Wiebe is the senior pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in Stevenson, Ont. He served in a mission-based Christian radio ministry in Fort Vermilion, Alta., before obtaining a BA (Communications and Media) from Providence University College in 2013. He began at New Life in July 2013. He is married to Emily; they have two young children.

PHOTOS: INDESIGN

An orientation for single sexuality: The “dos”of purity by Karla Braun

I

’m not waiting for marriage.

Like many other evangelical teenagers, I signed a yellow “True Love Waits” index card in youth group and wore a chastity ring.

These symbols may create a temporary bulwark against raging teenage hormones, but a message that boils down to “just don’t give out your v-card till after the wedding” isn’t theologically robust enough to withstand the cultural bombardment of “everybody’s doing it.” The message of “wait so it’ll be great” isn’t enough to sustain a standard of purity when years turn into decades.

This isn’t to say I’ve stopped believing marriage marks an important boundary for healthy sexual activity.

However, I find my parameters not through a checklist of don’ts, but by discovering who and what God calls us—as embodied souls—to be and do.

As singles become a larger proportion of the total population, our society need a church that models what holiness looks like in

relationships—for teens in love, single thirtysomethings, and people who are married.

Follow Jesus, not the bridal path

Consider the fellowship groups and programs at our churches. They’re usually organized around age and marital status: children’s ministry, youth, young adults, young marrieds, family programs, empty nesters, seniors.

And sermon topics: what’s the ratio of marriage and parenthood messages to those on singleness? How many illustrations derive from the context of a nuclear family, rather than the daily interactions of an individual?

This language and structure betrays a distorted focus on marriage that fails the married people it idolizes almost as much as the single people it marginalizes.

If we are co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:15) and co-workers with God (Eph. 2:10), why does the church have so little room for anyone who doesn’t match our “traditional family” stereotype ➢

As singles become a larger proportion of the total population, our society need a church that models what holiness looks like in relationships.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 13

?

? ?

? ?

?

?

?

?

(husband, wife, children, minivan, pets)? As evangelicals, who take our very name from the good news, why do our churches seem to worship families instead of Jesus?

The gospel has no special provisions for married people; we’re all grafted through salvation, adopted precious children of the Father.

The commission Jesus gave to his followers before he left earth was not to settle into families in safe neighbourhoods, but to make disciples (Matt. 28:19).

I’m convinced that the best thing the church can do to encourage holy living is to help us follow Jesus, not a spouse. By teaching us to respect ourselves and others as beloved of God with a purpose to fulfill, the church can equip its people (married or single) to choose purity—to withstand the temptation to take without giving, exert power instead of grace, and put our desires above God’s calling.

?

?

fortress of denial; both deceive by giving desire more influence than it deserves. I don’t need rules about (not) having sex: I need the church to help me reject the lie that desire is the most important thing.

The apostle Paul teaches there are more than two possible responses (give in or get out) to desires, whether good or evil. His advice isn’t easy, but it lights the path to holiness: renewing our minds (Rom. 12:2).

We steward our urges and conform to a different pattern by shifting the focus off ourselves and what we want, and onto God and his purposes.

Each Christ follower is called to witness to God’s reign in the world by our different lives—irrespective of marital status.

➢

Each Christ follower is called to witness to God’s reign in the world by our different lives—irrespective of marital status.

Tell me no lies

While culture implicitly and repeatedly urges me to “do what feels good,” the church constructs a

14 The Messenger • November 2013

The challenge of intimacy

The popular notion that a romantic partner will complete me is as harmful to those who are married as those who are single. Paul follows his instructions for holiness in Romans 12 with a picture of the body of Christ—an interdependent aggregation of parts.

The apostle Paul teaches there are more than two possible responses (give in or get out) to desires, whether good or evil.

As members of one body, we have different gifts; married or single, none are complete on our own, yet it is the body, not a partner, that makes a whole. As a single adult, I need the church to be the covenant community promised in the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith: “[members who] love, care, and pray for each other, share each others’ joys and burdens, admonish and correct each other.”

Independence and its partner loneliness are a gift and a burden for all people, but they can be heightened for single people who have fewer built-in, cross-gender, intergenerational relationships to foster accountability and provide opportunity for intimacy. The church should not only be a haven for marriage but a refuge for singles.

A celibate life may offer more opportunities to minister (my schedule isn’t constrained by a husband’s meetings nor children’s activities), but on the flipside, it may not provide enough occasions of being ministered to (who’s around to help me hang a shelf, or to listen as I process at the end of the day?). If my God-given need for intimacy was tied up in waiting for a spouse to complete me, I’d have fallen into despair and bitterness long ago.

So I’m not waiting—for a spouse, for sex, for my own little nuclear family. I’m learning what it means to be a Christ follower, distinct from the patterns of the world, active in service, in relationships with others.

Whether I’m single or married, the pursuit of purity isn’t about how I don’t, but how I do: stewarding body, emotions, and mind in ways that honour myself, those around me, and God. Karla Braun, TESOL cert., BA Hons. (English), is an assistant editor at the Mennonite Brethren Herald and attends Crossroads MB Church.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

Columns • An Education App

The United Church’s cautionary tale After Evangelicalism: The Sixties and the United Church of Canada, Kevin N. Flatt (McGill-Queen’s University, 2013). 326 pp. $39.99 (paperback). ISBN 9780773541245. Reviewed by Terry M. Smith, BCM executive secretary, journalism diploma, BRS (SBC), BRS (MBBC), MA student, raised in the United Church.

by Terry M. Smith

He sees a democratic institution being undercut by its inner workings.

Is any of this worth pondering within the EMC’s own decisionmaking dynamic?

W

ho would have thought that a historical study of the United Church of Canada, looking at the period roughly from 1925 through the 1960s, might provide lessons for today’s EMC? Dr. Flatt, assistant professor of history at Redeemer University College (Hamilton), sees the 1960s as a pivotal point for the United Church’s identity: it became openly “modern,” lost touch with its broader membership, and incurred a related decline in numbers.

When the United Church was formed in 1925 as a merger of Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congregationalists, Flatt says most of its partners had an evangelical past. As well, The Basis of Union with its 20 articles of faith contained language acceptable to conservative members.

Within 15 years, though, it had produced a Statement of Faith (1940) that showed definite movement away from evangelical convictions.

Further, while it used evangelical language in its outreach during the Great Depression and World War Two, its theological leaders often did not hold evangelical convictions, though many members did. There was a gap in thinking between its “elite” leaders, who held to a “quiet modernism,” and its members—of which most laypeople were unaware.

In the 1960s, however, it produced a Sunday School curriculum that openly parted ways with evangelicalism on the Bible, Jesus, conversion, and evangelism. (Further changes occurred on the creeds, evangelism, and morality.)

Some people supported the curriculum change; others left. Some leaders blamed the media for the curriculum controversy or defended the United Church’s being “modern”—and evangelicals felt unwelcome.

Overall, when “the New Curriculum” was introduced the denomination showed its largest

16 The Messenger • November 2013

single year’s decline in Sunday School attendance.

From 1965 to 2000 the United Church lost, for its size, more members than any other denomination in Canada.

This membership decline reflects more than a secular shift, Flatt says, because some conservative groups grew in the same period.

The United Church “distanced itself from evangelicalism” and, by believing and behaving more like the wider society, it undercut the message that gave people reason to identify with it.

The book skillfully explores the United Church’s theological shift. Within the EMC, it serves to remind us to continually value and uphold evangelical teaching. (In defining evangelicalism, Flatt aptly finds Bebbington’s description somewhat unhelpfully vague and draws in historic Protestantism and C. S. Lewis’s sense of “mere Christianity.”)

By helping us to better understand the United Church, the book also demonstrates the value of national church archives. Correspondence, minutes, and various drafts of papers reveal the background to what was publicly presented.

The study closes with a look at the United Church’s decision-making dynamic: the moderator (largely ceremonial), council secretary (becoming, in effect, the denomination’s “prime minister”), clergy (disproportionately powerful), laypeople (at a disadvantage), and national gatherings (too few). He sees a democratic institution being undercut by its inner workings.

Is any of this worth pondering within the EMC’s own decision-making dynamic?

As the EMC—an openly evangelical body—re-examines its Statement of Faith, good communication is needed on all sides. Local churches and delegates need to be seriously engaged in the process.

With Our Missionaries

Verna Doerksen to serve in Redcliff late August; and Joe and Olga Reimer, who hauled a trailer of furniture for me, arrived the next day. I am getting settled in.

It continues to thrill me to have a part in reaching people with the truth of God’s Word. I plan to connect with women in a non-threatening way; promote literacy and the use of Plautdietsch (Low German); translate Verna Doerksen materials as there is opportunity; and promote communication between Low German Mennonites and their English-speaking neighbours.

I am still under Wycliffe Bible Translators and an associate worker with the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.

– Verna Doerksen PHOTO: BCM

CANADA

Exciting news! I have been accepted to work in southern Alberta—Redcliff, the town where EMC is beginning a new church plant among Low German Mennonites. I am thrilled for this assignment and am looking forward to making friends among these dear people.

The Old Colony folks who live here are still traditional, meaning that outward appearance is important to them.

While they are traditional and many would think that the outward should change, I am convinced that God wants to change the heart.

In working with traditional Low German-speaking Mennonites, there certainly is a great need to be sensitive to their feelings and lifestyle.

Abe and Anna Bueckert moved to Redcliff and are already quite involved with Vacation Bible School, a small Bible Study, and youth activities. A young married local couple is a big support and has potential for future leadership.

With a car packed full of boxes, I moved to Redcliff in

Verna Doerksen (Blumenort) serves in southern Alberta.

••

‘Sunset on the Slave River’ (2008) NORTHERN ALBERTA

Annette van Enns (’94) and her husband Arlyn (’94) serve as church planters in Canada’s sub-Arctic, working with Northern Canada Evangelical Mission in remote aboriginal communities. The couple also later spent time at Taylor as “missionaries in residence.”

About this photo, Arlyn writes, “This view captures some of the loneliness and beauty of Alberta’s largest river, the Slave. The evening that Annette shot this photo, we had been delayed at the portage on the side channel pictured above.

“We ended up sleeping under a canvas spread on the bedrock, under the stars. In the morning we awoke below a blanket of fresh snow, and with a large bear just below us, fishing next to our home-made skiff.”

From The Bridge (Taylor College and Seminary, Spring 2013), used with permission.

Annette and Arlyn van Enns (La Crete) are EMC crosscultural workers who serve in Fort Chipewyan, Alta.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

Columns • Further In and Higher Up

Could you lend me some faith?

Layton Friesen

If we have doubts about Christ, we need more church rather than less.

We believe through each other. word and these words must have stung: “Take heart, other people are being delivered, healed and raised. If you can believe a Messiah who leaves you in prison but saves others, good for you.”

John is being asked to swallow one of the toughest parts of being a Christian, which is that God takes our fellowship with other believers more seriously than we do. If you, my brother or sister, experience a miraculous healing in your life, I cannot say that healings do not happen to me: they do, but they happen to me through your body. You are healed for me.

Can I believe in a Messiah who fulfills God’s promises for me in the life of someone else? God assumes this should be all we need.

This applies to believers sitting with me in the pew, but it also reaches over centuries. Read I John 1:1-4 (what we have heard, seen, looked at and our hands touched concerning the word of life) and notice the same thing. John assumes that by reading his letter, believers to come will have the same joy and communion with the Father as those who saw and touched Jesus physically.

I may pout, thinking myself disadvantaged because God won’t raise my loved one from

18 The Messenger • November 2013

PHOTOS: DESIGNPICS

T

he saddest words in the whole New Testament have to be John the Baptist’s plea from his prison cell to Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” (See Luke 7:19-23.)

John’s earlier life had crackled with fire and axes preparing for the coming Christ. Now he languished in prison and a melancholy suffocated his spirit in the stifling small cell he would never escape from. Jesus was not the sort of Messiah John expected.

With all due respect, Jesus treats John as a has-been. He won’t even visit him. Jesus sends

the grave or speak to me from the mountain of smoke. John seems to believe that being physically present at Lazarus’s tomb, the crucifixion, or the resurrection would make faith no easier.

Genuine faith in Christ would be no easier if I had actually seen Jesus cooking fish on the beach after his crucifixion. Other people’s written testimony has all the spiritual power—no, it has more power than immediate experience— to sustain real genuine faith in Christ.

If we have doubts about Christ, we need more church rather than less. We believe through each other. Your vision of Christ, your experience of his touch, your knowledge of his manner has been given to you for others to believe with, and they for you likewise. You are still believing everyday with the faith of the apostle Paul (not to mention the faith of Arnie sitting down the pew). Nobody has enough immediate experience of God to sustain faith.

God always chooses a few representatives to see and receive on behalf of the rest. Chief of all, we believe through the experience and vision of Jesus himself, the head of this communion of saints.

Can you believe in a Messiah who won’t visit you personally but who will send other people who have seen the mighty works of God? If you can, good for you.

With Our Missionaries

Froeses depart for Bolivia PHOTO: BOM

BOLIVIA

Two years ago, John and Helen Froese accepted an invitation to go to Bolivia for a men’s retreat, where John would be the main speaker. After three weeks they returned to their hometown of Pelly, Sask., where John and Helen pastored the Pelly Fellowship Chapel (EMC). However, God began to work in their lives and they heard His call to return to Bolivia.

In April 2013 John and Helen were accepted as missionaries under EMC Missions, for service to Bolivia. With the blessing of their church, John and Helen are returning to Bolivia for full-term service. Pelly Fellowship Chapel held a commissioning service for them on Oct. 6.

John and Helen are the second missionary couple that will be serving in Bolivia under EMC and our partners,

John and Helen Froese

EMMC and EBMC. They will be living in the Paillon area and serving in the Villa Nueva church, helping with leadership development. John and Helen will also be involved in evangelism in Santa Cruz. Their hope is to connect with many Low German-speaking Mennonites that come from the colonies. John and Helen are leaving for the field in November.

– Diana Peters

•• Westpointe Community Church

With Our Churches

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta.—Westpointe Community Church and North Country Community Church teamed together to make a difference in our city on June 23, 2013.

With our lawn mowers, weed whackers, rakes, and garbage bags in tow, we gathered together Sunday morning at our Army and Navy Centre to form teams between the churches. Our task was to reach out into the community to help those that were unable to meet the demands of overgrown lawns and piling garbage in their yards.

Often times it was someone who had loved ones in the hospital or they physically were not able to do the work themselves. We would go door to door and offer our help, and as doors where opened, we believe hearts were also opened to hear why we would do such a thing without asking anything in return.

Dressed in blaze orange T-shirts we flooded the community and had several opportunities to give our time and abilities to those in need. Community kids would come to ask what we were doing, offering us freezies and refreshments.

The elderly would come sit on their front porch steps to watch and enjoy the help they were receiving, giving us

KATELYN TARNOWSKI

Faith in Action: where we had never gone before Faith in Action volunteers

a chance to sit and hear their stories as well.

We invited those we talked with, to come share in an evening service held at their local Centre. Our city’s mayor Bill Given and MP Chris Warkentin also were in attendance and shared.

Pastor Doug Webb from North Country gave a short message and opportunity for all of us to share stories of our experiences that day. It was such a blessing to be part of, and I look forward to possibly doing this again next summer.

In June, Martin Gonzalez, Gregory Gonzalez, David Dyck, and Naomi Krahn were baptized and received into membership. Their testimonies and baptisms took place at our annual church family camp at Bear Lake Bible Camp; the camp was held on June 14-16.

– Katie Tarnowski Faith in Action volunteers

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

With Our Churches Community Bible Fellowship

SWAN RIVER, Man.—On Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, Drs. Christo and Alma LeRoux were received into membership at Community Bible Fellowship. They come to us via South Africa and Northern Manitoba.

Christo and Alma and their three children have become an integral part of our faith community, serving where needed. They have also gone out from our church to serve on two separate occasions, with family and friends from South Africa, in Mozambique for weeks at a time.

They have been accepted as an elder couple in our church, beginning in the fall.

– Betty Warkentin

PHOTO: COMMUNITY BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

Servants, members, elders

Jake and Doris Reimer, Alma and Christo LeRoux, and Pastor Ron Thiessen

•• Pelly Fellowship Chapel

PELLY, Sask.—John and Helen Froese arrived in the latter part of July 2005 to begin serving as pastoral couple here.

The time of their arrival coincided with the weekend activities of the community of Pelly, which was celebrating Saskatchewan’s centennial. Pelly must have seemed like a booming village, but the weekend passed and things settled down and they settled in.

All too quickly those eight years since have gone by, and in the late summer of 2013 they answered the call to go to Bolivia to minister among Low German-speaking people.

During their tenure here, their ministry was not only to those who attended PFC. They served on the Ketchen Lake Bible Camp board, and had a definite influence in helping the camp to move forward in positive ways.

They also reached out to many in the community. This was evident at their farewell held in the Community Hall on the evening of Oct. 5. There was a large attendance—some from neighbouring churches and many from the community, proving that they were community people. Folks who had flooring installed by the Froeses expressed much appreciation; and, yes, Helen did help many times when needed.

John’s gift of massage healing and the enjoyment of curling opened many avenues for ministry. A touching

20 The Messenger • November 2013

PHOTO: BOM

Froeses commissioned for Bolivia John and Helen Froese

moment was when their three-year-old granddaughter walked up on stage with her mom, took the microphone, and clearly said, “I love you.”

We were privileged to have Ken Zacharias, foreign secretary to the Board of Missions, with us for the weekend.

He was present at the Sat. evening farewell and gave the Sunday morning message at the Chapel. This was followed by a noon meal shared by all at the church.

At 2 p.m. the commissioning service for John and Helen was held. With the laying on of hands and by prayer, the church gave them their blessing. Farewells are always with mixed emotions.

Pastor John’s closing assurance to all of us came right from Scripture: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

– Vivian Anfinson

With Our Churches

Sending out workers PICTURE BUTTE, Alta.—On Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, Picture Butte Mennonite Church held a special commissioning service for Henry and Caroline Krahn as they were preparing for mission work in another country. They will begin their new position as hosts of the EMC Ministry Centre in San José, Bolivia, in September.

EMC foreign secretary Ken Zacharias was able to make it out for the event and offered words of wisdom and encouragement to a congregation who had mixed feelings about seeing the Krahns move so far away.

However, Mr. Zacharias reminded us that this is not an ending or a roadblock. It is an opportunity, not only for the

VBS, workday, and new members WINNIPEG, Man.—Remember this song?

Foreign secretary Ken Zacharias, Pastor Quentin Unger, and representatives from PBMC pray over Henry and Caroline Krahn.

Krahns, but for the whole church to become involved in the work that God is doing in Bolivia.

Henry and Caroline have been a strong presence in our congregation since they moved to southern Alberta in 2005. We will miss them dearly while they are gone, but look forward to what God has in store for them as they commit their lives to His work in Bolivia.

– Desiree Krahn

••

You know He loves us Yes, He loves us God loves us Yes, it’s true.

This was one of the many songs the kids, both younger and the more experienced, learned during our VBS week of Aug. 11-14. Get Up, Get Up, and Happy Day are some others that were sung with great enthusiasm.

Daily Bible points included: God loves us all; God loves us and takes care of us; God loves us when others don’t; God loves us and sent His son, Jesus; God loves us and wants us to share His love.

At the Marketplace the children were introduced to life in Athens by various shopkeepers. Crafts for the week included a Trojan Horse Treasure Box, a Greek lyre, an Olympic discus, a clay pot, and a scroll.

Every day Paul told the kids about the adventures he experienced on his journey to share the truth about Jesus.

The snack served tied in with each evening’s theme. It was an amazing week of learning, games, sharing and laughter.

We have also had milestone birthdays and anniversaries to celebrate in our midst. God is so good! He has given us a wonderful church family, a family that can laugh, cry, work,

PHOTO: CRESTVIEW FELLOWSHIP

Crestview Fellowship

PHOTO: PBMC

Picture Butte Mennonite Church

Pastor Darrel Guenther was a good sport to allow his crew to dress him up for the Olympics.

play and pray together.

Speaking of work—a workday was held on Sept. 14 and people attended to a few maintenance projects. Fences were painted (until the rain put a damper on that), windows were replaced, and the parking lot was cleaned up.

Many thanks go to those who came out to give a helping hand.

So now it’s fall and everywhere you look you can see God’s artistry on display. Students have returned to the classroom and Sunday School is in full swing. Joining our church family by membership transfer on Sept. 23 were Bruce and Laiwan Dewald, Darryl Peacock, and Garry and Tarry Woods. Welcome!

Let us give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.

– Sharron Straub

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Churches Heartland Community Church

LANDMARK, Man.—Four Little Lambs graduated in 2013: Jason and Lindsay Maltby’s son Brock Jason, Mike and Jen Blair ‘s daughter Brooke-Lynn Elizabeth, Craig and Rachelle Sawatzky’s daughter Rayne Jennifer Faye Barkman was our speaker during our annual parent/child dedication service. She shared wise counsel from their own experience of raising four boys with the help of God. Faye chose the familiar scripture passage of Deuteronomy 6: 4-7.

Expounding on verse 7, she said, “We are to teach them diligently. That implies that it will take hard work and persistence. We are to talk of God when we are sitting in our homes, when we are walking (or driving), when we lie down and when we get up.

“We are not told to develop extensive lesson plans and teach those to our children! We are to love God so much that talking about him and His commandments is part of our daily lives. If we truly want our children to one day love and follow God, our lives must be an example. Our children become what we model much more than what we say.”

HCC’s missions planning group organized our first Fall Supper to help raise funds for the construction of a future Skate Park in the town of Landmark. Members donated

PHOTO: BRIGITTE TOEWS

Parent-child dedications held

Dedicated were Brock and Kimber, son and daughter of Jason and Lindsay Multby; Joshua, son of David and Sheila Kroeker,; Melanie, daughter of Tony and Jenna Wall; Bryn, daughter of Tim and Lindsay Schroeder; Tyson, son of Evan and Judith Rodgers.

all fresh garden produce and pies and Danny’s Whole Hog Pork Barbeque was purchased for the event.

Missions committee member Len Barkman said “over 300 enthusiastic diners enjoy a very tasty and substantial supper.” Also in attendance was town council representative, Mike Valks. He thanked the community for their support of this project. Proceeds were more than $4,000.

As reported earlier, join us in celebrating our first missionary couple to be sent overseas: Doug and Christal Barkman are serving with TeachBeyond in Germany.

– Brigitte Toews

•• Pleasant Valley EMC

ROSENORT, Man.—An elder commissioning was held at the Pleasant Valley EM Church for three couples on Sept.

22, 2013. Pastoral couple Pearl and Darren Plett stand with Alyssa and Mike Thiessen, Teresa and Brenden Johnson, and Karen and Rick Friesen.

– Marilyn Kornelson

22 The Messenger • November 2013

PHOTO: PLEASANT VALLEY EMC

Three elder couples commissioned

With Our Churches

Fish Creek Christian Fellowship closes CALGARY, Alta.—The EMC national office received a letter dated Sept. 20, 2013. Slightly edited, part of it reads as follows: After a time of prayer, reflection and assessment, we, the members at Fish Creek Christian Fellowship, are submitting our letter of closure as an EMC church. It was a combination of various circumstances that culminated in this decision. Charles Koop walked with us this last season and was very insightful and a great assistance.

We have had the blessing of seeing numerous people meeting Jesus for salvation, being baptized, growing in their faith, and serving in various capacities during the past 18 years. We are indebted to the EMC for their support, whether financial, prayer, and other ways. Our members have moved on to other fellowship groups and continue in the kingdom work.

– Fish Creek Christian Fellowship

PHOTO: BCM

18-year history had an eternal impact

Fish Creek met here in 2004.

•• Braeside EMC

WINNIPEG, Man.—A parent-child dedication ceremony was held on Jan. 20, 2013. The proud parents were Ashley and Donavon Giesbrecht with twin girls Noa Claire and Arlo Everley; Kayla and Brent Doerksen with daughter Haddie Elisabeth; and Mandi and David Jacobson with son Liam Joshua. Pastor Kim Stoesz stands with them.

– Caroline Loewen

PHOTO: BRAESIDE EMC

Braeside holds parent-child dedication in Jan.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Taber EMC

TABER, Alta.—We at the Taber EMC have been blessed with a wonderful pastoral couple, Dave and Audrey Wiebe, for the past seven years, and we were joyful to celebrate with them as they retired from full-time ministry in August.

Dave and Audrey Wiebe began their life in ministry in the small town of Endeavour, Sask., in 1980. They remained there until 1984 when they moved to Brandon, Man., to begin a church plant. While they were there Audrey also earned her nursing degree.

They served faithfully in Brandon until 1994 when they moved to Caronport, Sask., where Dave attended Briercrest Seminary and received his master’s degree. Dave and Audrey, and their three children, then moved west to Vanderhoof, BC, where they served until 1998.

In 1999 they relocated to again serve through church planting in Tillsonburg, Ont. They stayed there until 2006, at which time they moved to their present location in Taber, Alta. Here they have served for seven years as the senior pastoral couple of Taber EMC. Audrey has also worked as the clinical care coordinator of the Taber medical clinic.

We were able to have two celebrations for Dave and Audrey as Dave and Audrey Wiebe, Endeavour, 1980 a church family. On Aug. 17, Dave and Audrey were thoroughly surprised when a sightseeing trip to the church for visiting family turned into a building full of clapping and cheering church families.

It was tremendous fun to surprise them with an evening of celebration and appreciation. Time was given for church people to voice their thanks, and many people spoke of the difference Dave and Audrey had made in their lives.

24 The Messenger • November 2013

PHOTOS: TABER EMC

Dave and Audrey Wiebe retire from ministry

Dave and Audrey Wiebe, Taber, 2013

Much thanks and appreciation were given for a couple that has done so much to reach the people around them.

They were also presented with a gift from the church’s ministerial, a scrapbook containing pictures and notes of thanks from every family in our church.

Dave and Audrey were overwhelmed by the surprise and also the praise and thanks; in turn, they voiced their thanks to the church family for allowing and helping them to serve God. A formal celebration also took place on Aug. 25, which was Dave and Audrey’s last official Sunday as pastoral couple. All three of their children were present, including all five grandchildren.

A special slide show was shown with pictures taken throughout their ministry career and from all the churches in which they worked. It was both a joyful and sad occasion as we will all miss them greatly.

They plan to stay in the Taber area after their retirement so they can be close to their family and friends. After the service a celebration potluck was held. The daughters of Dave and Audrey made a church-shaped cake to serve for dessert.

Although we are all sad to have them retire, we are all happy for them as well. Dave and Audrey have many plans for their retirement, including travelling, visiting their children and doing renovations on their home. We wish them God’s richest blessings as they move forward into His plans for their future. We know that wherever they go, God will bless others through them, as He has done so often in the past.

– Naomi Klassen

Columns • Window on Missions

The Growing Church in Burkina Faso

A

PHOTOS: TIM DYCK

frica Inter-Mennonite Mission is a network of Mennonite mission agencies that cooperate in ministry in several African countries.

EMC Missions is a partner in this network, and for many years we have been supporting the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Burkina Faso (EEMBF). Every fall, the various agencies meet in Orodara, Burkina Faso, to reflect on how God has been at work and to plan for ministry in the future.

Burkina Faso is a poor country by most standards, but this does not seem to Joseph and Siaka stand beside a school that the EMC provided hamper the enthusiasm of the Mennonite money for windows and roofing. church. The church has a vision to reach many villages in the province of Kenedougou Paul and Lois Thiessen are living, the church and beyond. They have also established congrerecently hosted evangelistic meetings. Although gations in the nearby city of Bobo-Dioulasso (a there are few Christians in the village, there is city of about half a million people) and in the openness to the message of the gospel. capital city of Ouagadougou.

Pray for a clear presentation of the gospel in In one village, we heard the report that the Siamou, which is the heart language of the comson of the local Imam (leader of the mosque) munity. Pray also for the Bible translation team, had made a decision to follow Jesus and was as they continue to provide passages of Scripture attending the Mennonite church. The Imam in Siamou. was greatly disturbed by this news and began to The church recently acquired land in the make threats against the church. Please pray for city of Bobo, where they have erected a modest a peaceful resolution to this situation, and that church building. This building will also serve as the church would respond wisely to the threats. an administration building for a private ChrisIn the village of Tin, where EMC workers tian school in this mostly Muslim area.

Their vision is to provide Christian primary education as a means of blessing the community and being a witness. Pray for this new initiative in Bobo. EMC Project Builders is considering providing funding for one of the three planned classrooms.

It was a tremendous encouragement for me to witness firsthand the growth and maturity of the EEMBF. Three things that encouraged me the most were: their vision for the growth of the church, their care and concern for minority people groups, and their emphasis on the development of young leaders.

by Tim Dyck General Secretary

The church has a vision to reach many villages in the province of Kenedougou and beyond.

Tim Dyck, Paul Thiessen, and other AIMM representatives

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

News

Delivering living water in DRC DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – A pastor in the Communauté Evangélique Mennonite au Congo has spearheaded a ministry of compassion to suffering prisoners in the DRC. Jean-Richard Muteba Wa Mbuyi spends a lot of time ministering inside the Central Prison in Mbuji Mayi. His outreach began in March 2013, when, while walking by the prison, strains of a song from inside the walls gripped his attention: “We are dying of thirst / No water for days.”

Muteba laid aside all responsibilities and entered the prison gates. He was granted access to the rooms where about 800 people were being held while awaiting trial. All were desperate for water to drink.

In Congo, people accused of a crime are guilty until proven innocent. It can be several years before a judge reviews their cases. During this time, prisoners struggle to survive. Though prisoners’ families are expected to provide food, the prison normally ensures enough water to sustain life – except when shortages in the nearby city create a scarcity.

Muteba Mennonite carried the Central news of Committee in Canada: A History the thirsty Esther Epp-Tiessen prisoners to the Sangilayi 346 pages, paper, Evangelical $29.50.

Mennonite ISBN Church, 9780920718957 where he is part of The history of MCC Canada comes out of a the pastoral team. The rich historical tradition. leaders decided to pay Read this fascinating and complex story. for water.

CMU Press Several cmupress.ca loads of waToll Free 1-877-231-4570 ter were sent to the prison.

The delivery

50 Years

of MCC in Canada

26 The Messenger • November 2013

PHOTO: AFRICA INTER-MENNONITE MISSION

Presumed guilt, slow process, food and exit fees needed

Jean-Richard Muteba Wa Mbuyi stands in the doorway of his church in Mbuji Mayi.

system consists of men and boys going to streams with jugs strapped to their bicycles.

In addition, Muteba visits the prison weekly to provide pastoral counseling. He used to preach, but he has learned through theological studies at the Protestant University about the restorative power of listening.

Muteba hears about people who have been locked up for years on false charges, and about people who are starving because they have no family members to bring them food. Some people have been acquitted, but have no money for the exit fee.

He used to preach, but he has learned through theological studies at the Protestant University about the restorative power of listening.

Sometimes, the Sangilayi church also pays the exit fee.

Many ex-prisoners join the congregation when they are freed. One of them, Daniel Kasongo, is now part of the pastoral team.

Muteba reports that his visits are a source of hope.

Rarely does he enter the prison without hearing many thanks for the water his church provided when they were desperate—water that increases the fruitfulness of the gospel seeds he plants.

– Lynda Hollinger-Janzen, MMN, MWC

News

Evening explored post-partum depression LANDMARK, Man.—When Jenny Plett of Landmark first heard of the tragic death of Lisa Gibson and her children this past summer, compassion welled up inside of her. She pictured herself in Lisa’s shoes, wondering what she must have felt like at the realization that she had ended the life of her children, and the following hopelessness and detachment she must have experienced afterward.

As a result, Jenny’s “Heart-Burst” moved her to action, and she invited others at Heartland to come alongside. In God’s perfect timing, the Postpartum Depression (PPD) Awareness Evening at Heartland Community Church was held on Oct. 10, 2013—for that tragic story resurfaced in the news that week.

Lloyd Schulz of Lorette, who attends Heartland, opened the evening with a story of his family’s tragedy of murdersuicide.

Lloyd’s father had been the only surviving child from a poisoning at the hand of his mother. This tragic event, however, remained hidden for 70 years because Lloyd’s father had been given up for adoption and family members suppressed details.

After investigation, however, Lloyd discovered the dark truth that lay under the surface of his father’s struggles.

The result of the intentional silence surrounding his father’s early childhood trauma compromised his Dad’s emotional wellbeing, and, to some extent, that of his future family.

Dr. Don Russell, current president of the Professional Association of Canadian Christian Counsellors and adjunct professor of counselling psychology at Providence Theological Seminary, focused his discussion on the treatment and recovery from PPD.

Since silence assists the stigma, where can you get involved?

Dr. Don Russell

PHOTO: BRIGITTE TOEWS

Russell: PPD is treatable condition

Tara Brousseau Snider

He likened the torment of PPD to a metaphorical monkey that sits on the shoulder of the vulnerable person, whispering an unrelenting message of self-defeat and hopelessness. But with proper diagnosis, counselling (to help change our pattern of thinking), medication, and a strong personal support system (which includes the church) he was adamant that PPD is a treatable condition.

Contact 204-746-0281 or www.russellcounselling.com.

Marian Ginter, mother of four, is an outreach worker and a programs facilitator at Anna’s House. She spoke about how this ministry helps new mothers through interactive group sessions called Coping with Change. Anna’s House equips them to N.U.R.S.E. themselves to good health through Nutrition, Understanding, Rest, Support, and Exercise. Contact 204-346-0413 or www.annashouse.ca.

Tara Brousseau Snider, mother of four, and executive director for the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM), discussed the signs that point to a diagnosis of PPD. Breaking the silence and shame of the condition was her first priority in educating the public about mood disorders. Running support groups also greatly helps people (but right now, in southeastern Manitoba, none exists). Contact 1-800-263-1460 or info@ mooddiisordersmanitoba.ca.

Since silence has been the catalytic agent for the stigma of PPD to flourish, where can you or your church get involved? Contact the mentioned speakers and maybe your own Heart-Burst will be a call to action.

– Brigitte Toews

Marian Ginter

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

News

The EMC Prayer Corps is a monthly mailing that we send out by post or by email to those who request it, containing specific prayer requests from EMC missionaries and ministries. Currently three countries are represented: Nicaragua, Paraguay and Mexico. Beginning in January 2014 we will be adding Bolivia to the mailing.

If you are interested in become a Prayer Corps member or if you are already on the Prayer Corps list but want to add another country to your mailing, please contact Diana Peters at 204-326-6401, or sign up online at www. emconference.ca.

PHOTOS: DESIGNPICS

EMC Prayer Corps News

••

Family Christmas Projects Are you and your family looking for a special project to give to this Christmas? Check out these three projects and see if one is right for you:

Children’s Education Fund

Three missionary children are attending national schools, two in Guadalajara and one in Paraguay. To assist in furthering their education, $1,584 is needed per month.

Nutrition Program

Congregations in Nicaragua help the poor in twelve communities where churches and church outreaches are located. The Social Action Committee gives undernourished children one meal three times a week. The total project cost is $6,000.

Medication is purchased each month for patients who come to High Refuge, as the government will not pay for this medication. The goal is to send $1,000 per month.

For information on these projects, or for other project ideas, contact Ken Zacharias at the EM Conference office: 204326-6401 or kzacharias@emconf.ca.

– Board of Missions

28 The Messenger • November 2013

PHOTOS: DESIGNPICS

High Refuge HIV/AIDS ministry

News

SBC updates logo and slogan ‘Your mission starts here!’

STEINBACH, Man.— Steinbach Bible College is rebranding. The project reaffirms SBC’s call to equip servant leaders for church ministries.

Our new logo symbolizes SBC’s emphasis on digging into the Bible and developing Christ-centred lives.

SBC continues to respond to Jesus’ call to make disciples through biblical instruction, life-on-life mentoring and experiential learning. These three pillars of discipling and training students have grown directly from SBC’s four core values: Bible, Discipleship, Community and Mission.

“Your Mission Starts Here!” In this new slogan, SBC invites prospective students to prepare for their unique calling in God’s kingdom to love and serve, using their own unique gifts and passions.

At SBC each student has an opportunity to develop as a disciple of Jesus, build their life on a biblical foundation, develop relationships with mentors and friends, and serve.

– SBC

••

2014 EMC Prayer Teams

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart” (Col. 4:2)

Paraguay (March 19- April 6 Full) Guadalajara: (March 7- March 17) Bolivia Exposure Trip (April 3-15)

The Paraguay team will be led by Flo Friesen. This team will be sent to pray with missionaries in Paraguay The Guadalajara team will be led by Angel Infantes (Braeside). His team will pray with local churches and EMC missionaries For details, including costs, please email dpeters@emconf.ca or call 204-326-6401

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

In Memory

We miss her, her laugh, the twinkling eyes Hearts, mind and souls much lighter she could So precious to her were family ties make She held us close and this we all knew Her keen sense of humour, brought forth Her love for us, so pure, so true giggles and much laughter Her genuine care and concern did extend It’s no wonder, one felt better after To the stranger, neighbor and friend It is for Jesus, she would say “In this home you are loved” it said on her door That I do this work each day Homemade soup was served, fresh zwieback, With praise and thankfulness Mom would jam and more Annie Harms Kroeker share her story Songs about “Kitty” and “Rover” she would sing Oct. 22, 1920 – Oct. 10, 2011 And always, give God the glory To which many a smile and sometimes tears Even if your journey has uneasy days would bring Ask God to fill your heart with thankfulness and praise She said a doctor she would have liked to be Thank you Mom, we know this was your way And that she was, we would all agree How fitting, that God called you Home on Thanksgiving Day. She had the gift of healing in her hands And helped many a child, woman and man We love you. We miss you.

Not only were sore muscles soothed from ache – Valerie Kroeker (Daughter-in-law)

••

ERNA DUECK

1948-2013 Erna Dueck was born on Dec. 26, 1948, to her parents, Cornelius and Helena Dueck, in Morris, Man. She grew up in a Christian home, on a farm in the Rosenort area, being baptized on July 5, 1964, and became a member of Rosenort EMC. She was generally a reserved, quiet girl, conscientious and industrious in her studies. She graduated from Rosenort High School in 1968, and then moved to Winnipeg to pursue some career training. She graduated from the Certified General Accountant’s program in 1985.

30 The Messenger • November 2013

Her CGA career took her into a number of different industries: construction, tourism, automotive, agriculture, research and development. She also used her skills to serve in a financial capacity at her home church, Fort Garry EMC. Her career goals were stunted many times by her health issues. In May 1996 Erna was diagnosed with breast cancer, in early 1998 with colon cancer. In summer of 2004, she was again diagnosed with breast cancer and it had now spread into her lymph nodes.

On Oct. 30, 2012, she was told she had a fourth cancer and it was metastasized breast cancer. On Oct. 28, 2013, the doctor informed her they had done what they could and would not advise further treatment.

She passed away peacefully at 7 a.m. on Nov. 2, 2013, at her home.

She is survived by four sisters, Adina Doerksen, Margaret (Henry) Rempel, Adela Dueck, Emily (Jake) Friesen; one brother, Mervin (Susan) Dueck; and 12 nieces and nephews and their families. She will also be missed by many close friends.

Erna was predeceased by her parents, Cornelius and Helena Dueck, and her brother-in law Roy Doerksen.

As a family, we would like to thank the many people in the Health Care system and personal friends who cared for and supported Erna over her 17-year journey with cancer, some from the beginning. It meant a lot to Erna and us.

The funeral was held on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Garry EMC with internment at the Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens.

– Her Family

In Memory

Abe L. Thiessen 1932-2013

Abe L. Thiessen was born on May 22, 1932. Dad passed away peacefully, at the age of 80, with his family at his side.

He is survived by wife Adella of 58 years; children, Dwayne (Debra), Jennifer (Orville Kehler), Rebecca (Ray Friesen), Barbara (Mike Siemens), Joe (Corinne); and grandchildren, Dawn (Cory), Dayna, Stephen (Julia), Samuel, James (Lucian), Desirae (Jason), Katelynn, Marty (Jennifer), Marcus, Macauley, Mersadie, Sawyer, Boston; and three great-grandchildren, Sierra, Gavin, and Everett; brother John (Gladys); numerous nieces and nephews; and two brothers-in-law.

He was predeceased by his parents, John B. and Elizabeth Thiessen; one grandson, Adam Kehler, in infancy; six sisters and two brothers.

Dad became a Christian at age 20 and was baptized in the Rosenort EMC where he attended. Dad ushered in church for many years. In 1974 they transferred to Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, where he continued to usher.

Dad’s occupation was trucking for most of his life, which included hauling gravel locally and in Winnipeg, hauling pulpwood in Ontario, and working for Trans Canada natural gas pipelines in Ont. Dad’s and Mom’s summers were spent camping alongside with Dad’s work in Ont. In 1985 Dad began long distance mail hauling to Vancouver and Montreal till age 75.

Dad and Mom enjoyed travelling with the children throughout the U.S and Canada, Hawaii, Mexico and Jamaica.

In Oct. 2008 Dad suffered a stoke that resulted in their moving to Steinbach to be closer to amenities. They settled well and attended Stony Brook Fellowship.

Dad enjoyed going for coffee with local friends.

However, Dad’s health declined in May 2011 and he had a pacemaker installed. In March 2012he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. We were still able to celebrate his 80th birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas that year.

Dad was strong and remained positive throughout his illness and was an inspiration to everyone he saw. When asked how he was doing, his response was “Pretty good!” or “Not too bad!”

Dad was privileged that his wife was a

retired nurse and, along with the help of the Steinbach Homecare team, he was able to remain in the comfort of his home.

However, on May 13, 2013, Abe was admitted to Bethesda Hospital to receive more care. We as a family were still able to have some good visits with him during his last week.

He kept his sense of humour until the day before his passing.

Suddenly, on Saturday morning, May 18, 2013, Dad developed severe abdominal pain. He told Mom that the pain was unbearable and he was so tired that he wished to be relieved of his pain and to go to be with Jesus.

Dad passed away later that afternoon to be with his Lord and Saviour.

Dad will be greatly missed, but we know that he is rejoicing in the presence of his Heavenly Father.

– His Family

‘ INNER CITY MOTORSPORT: “I m learning skills I need to build a better future.”

To Volunteer Donate or volunteer

204.582.8779 icya.ca

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

Margaret Toews 1919-2013

Our dear sister, aunt and friend, Margaret Toews, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2013, at Concordia Hospital, Winnipeg, Man., less than a month after she moved to her new home at Bethania Personal Care Home. She had reached 94 years of age.

Margaret was born on July 11, 1919, to John R. and Anna Reimer Toews in Blumenhof, Man., where she grew up and took her elementary schooling.

Her grade 12 graduating class in 1939 was one of the first from the Steinbach Collegiate Institute. The following year she took her teacher training at what was then the Normal School in Winnipeg.

For the next 36 years she taught primary grades in schools in Blumenort, the Niagara region of Ontario, Steinbach, and Winnipeg.

Probably more than 1,000 students passed through her classrooms.

She said in one of her writings, “I have always been able to teach Bible stories and the way of salvation to every class without any particular trouble. This is the Lord’s doing and I am very thankful.” Obviously that was a different era, but we may be sure her day-to-day interactions with her students also communicated the love of Jesus.

32 The Messenger • November 2013

She retired at age 60 but that did not stop her teaching. She taught English-as-a-Second Language on a one-one-one basis for many years and volunteered with Child Evangelism Fellowship.

Margaret was a faithful caregiver to her elderly parents and her special needs sister. And her caring and love also reached out to her younger sisters and to her many nieces and nephews.

Retirement gave Margaret more time for favorite activities like swimming, reading, bowling, and enjoying nature.

Margaret’s faith was what gave meaning to her life. She received Christ as her Savior at an early age.

She was baptized and received into the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Blumenort. With her various moves, she attended and served in several churches, teaching Sunday School and VBS. Her most recent church home was the St. Vital EMC. She missed the fellowship of this congregation when her health made it difficult for her to attend. Our thanks to those who kept

in touch with her in these last years.

Because of her gracious nature and dry sense of humour, visits with her were a joy.

Margaret leaves to mourn two sisters, Catherine Giesbrecht and Wilma (and Peter) Doerksen, many nephews and nieces, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Anna Toews; sisters, Elizabeth Unger, Marie Kroeker, Anna Kroeker, Helen Toews, Matilda Toews and Linda Goossen; and brothers, Klaas, Henry, Frank and Isaac Toews.

We look forward to seeing her again since we “…do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (I Thess. 4:13). And that is because of her steadfast faith in her risen Lord.

Funeral services were held at the St. Vital EMC on Oct. 8, 2013, with burial at St. Vital Cemetery, Winnipeg. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

– Her Family

Shoulder Tapping EMC Needs*

Other Positions

*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.

Steinbach Bible College invites applications for a full-time faculty position in missions. The candidate will teach and provide direction for intercultural ministry studies at the college.

The successful candidate will have education, experience, and skills in intercultural ministry. The candidate will be committed to excellence in spiritual formation, innovation in equipping for ministry, and participation in the supporting conferences of the college.

Candidates will possess an M.A. or higher degree with strong teaching skills and a passion for mentoring leaders. Multiple languages are desirable.

Doctoral candidates or graduates in Intercultural Studies (D. Miss. or Ph.D.) are encouraged to apply.

Inquiries or applications with cover letter, resume, and three references may be submitted to: Dr. Terry Hiebert, Academic Dean, Steinbach Bible College, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach MB R5G 1T4 or email to thiebert@sbcollege.ca. More info is also available at SBCollege.ca.

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.

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 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.

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.

Bergfeld Mennonite Church (EMMC), a rural congregation in southern Manitoba, is looking for a fulltime pastor. We are an evangelical, mission-minded church of about 120. Our church has many strong committees and programs in place, especially a vibrant adult Sunday School.

We would like a pastor who has a love for God and His Word and is in agreement with our constitution and statement of faith. HIs role includes inspiring the spiritual growth of the congregation through biblical teaching, mentoring and personal relationships.

If the Holy Spirit is tugging at your heart, contact us. You might be surprised at what God has in store for you and His church. Contact: Bergfeld Mennonite Church, Attn: Pastoral Search Committee, Box 1478, Altona, MB R0G 0B0; abereg@mts.net; 204-324-8283 (ask for Abe).

Aylmer EMMC prayerfully seeks a full-time lead pastor who is biblically sound in theology, passionate in preaching, gifted in leadership, and is relational with multiple generations. AEMMC is located just east of Aylmer, a quaint town in southern Ontario.

We have both a Low German and an English service so being bilingual would be beneficial. Our average attendance is 300 to 350. The senior pastor would be a team member working with and providing general oversight to the associate pastors, youth pastor, office staff, lay pastors, board, and other church leaders. Please contact: AEMMC Lead Pastor Search Team: search@aemmc.ca or 519-866-3202 (chair Abe Wiebe).

We are looking for persons with a heart for ministry, experience in the food industry, joy in cooking, and ability to work and live in a close community.

Housing (incl. internet and satellite TV), meals, and monthly honorarium provided.

If you feel that God’s calling you, contact Scott Kelusky, Cedarwood’s director, at 204-345-8529 or cedarwood.campsite.director@gmail.com 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, a faith-based youth organization in Winnipeg, Man., is looking for a motorsport director, a dynamic person with strong leadership and organizational skills to work with youth in the race car program, Inner City Motorsport. Knowledge in metalworking, mechanical skills and use of related tools is an asset. If this is you or someone you know that would be interested and qualified, go to www. icya.ca for job details. Forward resume to Don at don@icya.ca.

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 to have them appear longer. Please notify The Messenger as soon as possible when an ad is no longer needed. Thank you.

May the Lord bless your search.

Copies now available free.

Contact info@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

Camp Cedarwood, a Youth for Christ ministry 90 minutes east of Winnipeg, seeks a food service manager/cook and a prep cook.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Columns • here and far away

When waiting is frustrating

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

We value our time so highly that the inability to maintain our schedules causes us to grind our teeth in frustration.

34 The Messenger • November 2013

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS

I

find waiting incredibly difficult—especially for something that needs to fit into my schedule. It has a lot to do with control, if I’m honest with myself.

I am most clearly aware of my inability to wait for the Lord’s timing, rather than my own, when it comes to the births of my babies. They have been always late in arriving, and I am always impatiently awaiting their birth.

We invariably have a long list of things we need to do after the birth before we leave again for overseas. The baby, however, doesn’t seem to feel the need to bow to our timeline, and remains oblivious to the fact that Vital Statistics takes a long time to process the birth certificate that we need to get the baby’s passport application completed.

So we sit and watch the due date pass by on the calendar and groan with impatience.

Not surprisingly, God recommends waiting as highly beneficial for us. The Word tells us repeatedly that those who wait on the Lord are blessed. Yet waiting on God’s timing requires immense trust that He knows what He’s doing, and necessitates laying down our own ideas of what would be best.

I see this same discomfort in laying down control when newcomers arrive in Madagascar to serve as volunteers. They have a short period of time, usually a week or two, to accomplish what they would consider an appropriate amount of work.

Yet serving in Madagascar requires a lot more than just the willingness to do the task at hand. It depends quite a lot on the willingness of various authorities to make things happen, for shops to have exactly what’s needed, and co-workers to be around to, sometimes literally, open doors to get the jobs done.

People who aren’t used to waiting on others on a regular basis find this excruciating. We value our time so highly that the inability to

maintain our schedules causes us to grind our teeth in frustration.

Yet the Lord longs (waits) to be gracious to us. Blessed are those who wait for Him (Isaiah 30:18).

Is it possible for me in this age, as part of this culture of impatience, to lay down my own schedule and wait on His? Because He is gracious and, ultimately, I have to believe that His timing is better and more informed than mine.

We live in a world that yearns for speed: fast food, faster Internet, faster computers, faster cars, quick recoveries from illness and quick fixes to problems. The commitment to wait on God, to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10), is supremely counter-cultural.

It requires a release of our own perceived control over our situation and a trust that He has it all in his capable hand. And that His timing will ultimately and always be for our benefit.

Rather than become frustrated, let’s face unwanted waiting with the confidence that God’s timing is always best.

Editor’s note: Jocelyn’s baby was born on July 3.

Columns • stewardship today

A dream without a plan “A dream without a plan is just a wish.” –Katherine Paterson

E

verything on earth has its own time and its own season. There is a time for birth and death, planting and reaping, for killing and healing, destroying and building, for crying and laughing, weeping and dancing, for throwing stones and gathering stones, embracing and parting. There is a time for finding and losing, keeping and giving, for tearing and sewing, listening and speaking. There is also a time for love and hate, for war and peace.”

Ecclesiastes 3:18 (CEV). There is a time for everything, and there were many outdoor activities that were going to be the focus of my time this year — flowerbeds to dig, perennials to divide, and mulch to put down. Yet, here it is the end of summer and they are all still on the to-do list. Somehow time got away from me.

I was reminded of how little time was spent in those flowerbeds when I did some weeding a week ago. The flowerbeds were filled with weeds; a few were nearly knee high. When I actually stopped to consider, it had been at least 4 weeks since I had given any attention to those flowerbeds. Reflecting on my weedy flowerbeds and all that hasn’t been done this summer, I realized that I have to be intentional.

I had a dream of how my summer would unfold, but what I didn’t have was a clear plan for how all of my dreams would be accomplished.

Life is sometimes like my summer. We have things we want or need to do but somehow we just don’t get around to making them happen.

We have a dream but we don’t have a plan and we are left with just a wish.

“We should have done this years ago” is a phrase we often hear from clients at MFC. The individuals and couples we meet with have often intended to create or update wills and estate plans for years, but somehow it just didn’t

by Sherri Grosz

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS

We have a dream but we don’t have a plan and we are left with just a wish.

Don’t forget to spend some time in the flowerbeds.

happen. Now they have taken the first steps to turn their dreams into an estate plan. We may also review current assets and lifetime charitable giving to determine how to accomplish their charitable dreams now while they are able to witness the results of the gift.

The best intentions alone don’t get things done. God has entrusted both people and things to our care while we are on this earth and has set aside a time for everything. It is God-honouring to ensure that we make plans. If it’s time for you to work on charitable or estate plans, MFC is here to help. We love turning dreams into plans and seeing the results when you put your plans into action.

Sherri Grosz is a stewardship consultant in the Kitchener, Ontario, office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada. For more information on impulsive generosity, stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Columns • kids’ corner

What can you do when you’re in difficulty?

W

by Loreena Thiessen

it’s unfair?

Look at what some famous people did.

When Moses was born he faced grave danger. He was to be killed just because he was a boy. To save him his mother had to act fast. So she hid him. Then she placed him in a floating basket on the river and waited. She hoped he would live.

When Pharaoh’s daughter found him Moses’ mother got the job of raising him. All she wanted was to be his mother and for now she had her son back.

Joseph was hated by his own brothers all because he was different. He reminded his father Jacob of his favorite wife, Rachel, and he dreamed dreams. So his brothers were jealous.

They tossed him in a well and pretended he was dead.

Joseph could have become bitter and hate them back but instead he faithfully did his job as a servant of Pharaoh. He was accused and put in prison but he remained true to himself. Because he did not give up and continued to depend on God he became a great ruler. Finally he had the chance to forgive his brothers and save all of his family from starvation.

Paul got into big trouble while preaching in the city of Philippi. He saved a slave girl from

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS

hat do you do when you face a difficult time? Do you grumble and whine? Do you complain that

demons which made her masters very angry.

Paul and Silas were arrested and severely beaten and thrown into prison. They were hurting but rather than moan they sang and praised God. In the middle of the night a great earthquake shook the prison; the doors flew open and the prisoners’ chains fell off. This awoke the jailer who was responsible for them. He was so afraid they had all escaped he wanted to kill himself.

Paul could have run away to safety, but instead he called out to the jailer and stopped him from harming himself. As a result the jailer turned to Jesus.

Another person who faced danger and death is Anne Frank. Anne Frank was a young girl during WWII. She was a Jew and all Jews in that time faced the threat of death. They were hated only because they were Jews.

Anne and her family left their home and friends to live in a secret attic for two years to be safe. Eight people shared the space. They had little food, had to be very quiet and had to keep busy reading and studying.

Activity: What can you do when trouble comes?

Anne had to learn to be brave while the war raged all around.

Need: Bible, pencil She had to learn to obey, to hold Do: Read Psalm 27; read the questions and find the answers. her tongue, to help with the Who is your strength? Verse 1; the ____ ____ ____ ____. chores needed to make their What will God do? Verse 9; ____ ____ ____ ____. space a home. She had to learn Verse 10; ____ ____ ____ ____. to forgive.

Verse 11: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ and ____ ____ ____ ____.

Each of these people faced What can you do? Verse 6; ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___. great hardship. Instead of feeling Verse 14; ____ ____ ____ ____. sorry for themselves they chose Verse 14: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___. to act and depend on God. Read the story of Paul in Acts (I used New Explorers Study Bible for Kids, 1997, Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 16:16 – 35.

36 The Messenger • November 2013

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