The Messenger Volume 52  No. 06  June 2014
Tim Dyck represents EMC at Truth and Reconciliation event
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pages 20 and 21
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Editorials
The TRC and the Wounded One
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n our behalf, EMC general secretary Tim Dyck was front and centre at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing in Edmonton, Alta., in late March. He read a statement prepared by Mennonite Church Canada, Brethren in Christ Canada, the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, MCC, and the EMC (see pages 20-21). Tim’s involvement can be viewed at www.trc.ca (Statement Gathering, ABNE Day 4, Part 1, 38:22). You will see how he was affected both by the stories he had heard and by the act of offering a statement of reconciliation. It is the required task of the Christian Church in Canada to re-evaluate past events and to make changes in what we do now. The good news embodied in Jesus is a gift to all nations (Gen. 12:3; John 3:16), yet the way the message has sometimes been shared has interfered with its
being well received; in this, we need to speak honestly to ourselves and to others. For generations the Canadian residential school legacy has damaged the relationship of First Nations peoples and the Christian Church. As the Church listens and responds, our words and our actions will be tested (angry letters are not useful). Here is a deeply rooted, scriptural, yet paradoxical reason for hope: Jesus the Crucified. Shame, sin, grace, glory, invitation, past, present, and future are all tied together in the Wounded One and his community of broken people. Because of the paradox, the genuine message of Jesus the Wounded One can yet speak to those who are wounded: school survivors and their descendants, church leaders and church members. – Terry M. Smith
It is the required task of the Christian Church in Canada to reevaluate past events and to make changes in what we do now.
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Serving a community
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ll EMC churches serve a community—some defined culturally, others geographically. Each has a valid ministry and may the Lord bless all of them. A community evangelical church is a servant of a general area in the name of Christ. Such a church will intentionally welcome people from a broad range of faith, race, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Northern Fellowship Chapel (NFC) in Creighton, Sask., is one such community evangelical congregation. Randall and Faith Krahn and Lorne and Margaret Moorhead provide pastoral leadership. NFC started in 1960 because of the concern of Henry Klassen, and a half-century has passed since it was formally organized in 1964 under Mel and Mary Koop’s
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leadership. The congregation has grown and declined; and for about 30 years it has displayed tenacity stronger than its numbers. This shows the validity of its ministry—it is needed. All congregations are to live well, invite well, and teach well. They will be locally critiqued, in homes and coffee shops, by how successfully this is done. Every congregation seeking to reach a specific community (cultural or geographical) needs Spirit-given wisdom on how to do so. Whether our services are in English, Spanish, German, French, Lakota or Cree, may we live and share the message of Christ in ways that are both challenging and ultimately inviting. – Terry M. Smith
Every congregation seeking to reach a specific community (cultural or geographical) needs Spirit-given wisdom on how to do so.
Table of Contents Features
Columns
6
Lessons From the Goats
5
9
Sowing Seeds or Tossing Nutshells?
They were a nuisance, wandering freely through the villages. It made sense to fence them in. Didn’t it? – D. Merrill Ewert
Speaking of Jesus – Andrew Dyck
12 Where do Anabaptist Churches Find Hope? – John D. Roth
Departments 2
Editorials
3
Pontius’ Puddle
4
Letters and Notices
16 With Our Missionaries 18 With Our Churches 21 News 30 In Memory
An Education App
The strengths of Anabaptist ministry – Terry M. Smith
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9
15 Further In and Higher Up Growing children with baptismal intent – Layton Friesen
20 Focusing On
EMC involved in TRC statement – Tim Dyck
34 Here and Far Away
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21
Don’t diss Christ’s girl! – Jocelyn R. Plett
35 Stewardship Today
Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? – Dori Zerbe Cornelsen
36 Kids’ Corner
Things that change – Loreena Thiessen
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17
page
34
33 Shoulder Tapping
COVER PHOTO BY TRC: JUDGE MURRAY SINCLAIR, CHIEF WILTON LITTLECHILD, DR. MARIE WILSON, TIM DYCK, HILDA HILDEBRAND, EUGENE ARCAND (MISSING DORIS YOUNG).
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3
The Messenger
Letters and Notices
Volume 52 No. 6 June 2014
Comforted by God and his people
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
The following is in response to two articles: “Bless the Lord, O My Soul” by Dr. Dan Epp-Tiessen and “Overflowing to wet the feet around me” by Jocelyn R. Plett [both in April]. “Bless the Lord, O My Soul.” On Feb. 25, 2014, begins our journey with a 3 a.m. phone call: “There was a house fire; Dad made it out, but Mom didn’t make it.” Grief overcame me in huge gulping sobs. The following weeks we cried tears, but also praised God; Mom was in heaven and Dad’s survival was a miracle. Doubts and fears threatened as our Dad barely hung on, but we proclaimed “God is good,” finding comfort in Scripture and prayers of the saints. On March 26 we celebrated Mom’s life, singing her favourite praise songs. On April 5 Dad also joined his Lord and Saviour. We thanked God for His mercy in relieving Dad’s earthly pain and sang “Praise God from whom all blessings
Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Quarterly Financial Report 2014
Change of address and subscriptions Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for our publishing activities. Advertising The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards, and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca. THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 9– September 2014 issue (copy due July 08)
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flow.” More tears; “sorrow and love flow mingled down.” With Jesus the two go together; the sorrow of the Cross leads us to experience God’s everlasting love. “Overflowing to wet the feet around me” brought tears of remembered blessings (people meeting needs, prayers, family unity, Scripture, songs, miracles). We weren’t just getting by—God was carrying us. Jocelyn’s article says, “If we have eyes to see it, there are blessings and mercies new every morning (Lam. 3:23), spilling over...daily, soaking the lives of those we come in contact with even as we walk through the valleys of death....” On April 12, we stand together tearfully singing “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” as we laid the earthly bodies of our Mom and Dad to rest. Thank you, Lord, for comfort, the blessing of tears; my cup overflows. – Lisa Enns Portage la Prairie, Man.
Jan–March Jan–March 2014 2013 Receipts and Transfers 282,404 283,437 Disbursements 517,125 482,675 Excess/Shortfall -234,721 -199,238
Guidelines for letters Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste. It can refuse publication. Letters by regular mail and by fax must contain a handwritten signature with at least the writer’s first and last names and an address.
For letters by e-mail, the writer’s name and e-mail address are deemed to be an electronic signature. The writer’s regular postal address is to be included in e-mail correspondence. The writer’s name and general address are to be published. In sensitive matters, names may be withheld. Letters to the editor are to be 250 words or less.
Columns • An Education App
The strengths of Anabaptist ministry
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by Terry M. Smith
DESIGNPICS
oday ministers often have college and seminary degrees. By comparison, that early EMC (then KG) ministers served churches with little higher education might seem almost tragic. However, the reality is more complex than this. Which is the most important faith-based educational institution in the EMC? It’s the local church. Some larger denominations struggle with so-called lay education. Their members have developed cursillos, short courses in Christianity; formed “base communities” where local people develop skills in worship and Scripture study with or without a priest; and started Alpha, an outreach based on relationships, table fellowship, questions, and study. These are fine developments indeed—even if they seem similar to groups of Anabaptists who began meeting centuries ago with Scripture as a common treasure. As far as leaders are concerned, ever hear of the “worker priest” movement started in France? A bishop allowed a priest to work full-time in a factory or elsewhere in order to learn how people live and to reach out to those turned off by the Church. If you haven’t heard of this movement, don’t worry—you’re likely well aware that for centuries Anabaptist ministers were mostly self-supporting, in touch with real life challenges, and concerned to reconnect people with the Church. As more denominations move toward a professional pastoral ministry and an MDiv as the “normative degree prerequisite” for ordination (PTS Calendar), our conference does well to be cautious. Certainly, all ministers gain from further education. However, our polity wisely allows local churches to develop and elect ministers from within their midst—some paid, some self-supporting. Pastors and ministers who serve as church leaders on a fully or partly self-supporting basis deserve our equal respect (please, drop the “lay” designation). They bring stability and realism to church life that a move toward a professional
ministry alone cannot provide. EMC churches can, and some do, benefit from a hybrid model: a supported minister who serves in a team with self-supporting ministers. To expect a self-supporting minister to have an MDiv is unrealistic; there are other valid educational paths. The EMC might even take it as mildly affirming that currently MDiv programs seem to be decreasing classroom time while increasing training gained within a congregational setting. Further, a self-supporting pastoral team is a solution for a local church that can’t financially afford to “call” a minister from outside. There’s no Anabaptist integrity shown in advertising for a full-time pastor and then offering an income that only pretends to be proper for a labour worthy of fair hire. As churches consider local realities and needs, various models of pastoral training and styles of ministry are needed. One size does not fit all, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Weaknesses? A professional model risks transferring ministry to an individual away from the congregation. And years ago, when the KG chose wealthier farmers as self-supporting ministers, were some scriptural truths sometimes overlooked because people with power, wealth, and status controlled the message?
As churches consider local realities and needs, various models of pastoral training and styles of ministry are needed. One size does not fit all.
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5
Lessons From the Goats by D. Merrill Ewert
They were a nuisance, wandering freely through the villages. It made sense to fence them in. Didn’t it?
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he ink was barely dry on my Tabor College diploma when I first arrived in Southern Zaire (now Congo) to manage a feeding program for tuberculosis patients at a Mennonite Brethren mission hospital. With a grant from a European funding agency, I was also encouraged to help local villagers address the agricultural problems of the region. One of the first things I noticed was the goats that roamed freely through the villages. Thin, smelly and covered with flies, they nonetheless wandered in and out of houses, defecated in the compounds, ate cassava (people’s staple food) from the drying racks, rummaged through the garbage, and nibbled at the laundry drying in the sun. The goats destroyed gardens in the community protected by small, stick fences that were easily breached. I saw families become angry with each other when the animals of one ate the vegetables of the other. At best, these goats were a health hazard and a general nuisance. Raised on a Minnesota farm, I had won awards for my pedigreed sheep. I understood the basic principles of animal husbandry. This experience combined with my anthropology courses at Tabor led me to conclude that there must be a better way to raise goats in Zaire. After discussions with several local farmers, I ordered 50 rolls of wire from the United States that would be used to fence in farmers’ goats. By fencing in the goats, I reasoned, the people would be rid of several problems. They would also improve the nutrition of their animals who would graze on better grass in pastures outside the village. Farmers could monitor their animals inside the fence and augment their diets with millet, corn and grass. I saw a potential breakthrough in
goat production in the community through the introduction of this new technology.
I saw families become angry with each other when the animals of one ate the vegetables of the other. At best, these goats were a health hazard and a general nuisance. More About Goats
Meanwhile, political problems flared up in Zaire. Mail was lost and messages went undelivered. For reasons unknown, my order for 50 rolls of wire never arrived at its destination. The wire was never shipped and the goats continued to wreak havoc in the community. I discovered, however, that most farmers could not have afforded to purchase rolls of wire from me. Through observation and experience, I also learned more about goats. 1. God feeds the goats. Farmers may be responsible for feeding their families but God feeds the goats. A goat raised inside a fence, I learned, will surely go hungry. They are expected to scavenge. To help villagers achieve a better life, I had proposed a solution through which the goats would probably have starved to death. 2. Goats eat garbage. Though goats snatch cassava from the drying racks, they also eat garbage, drink rainwater from tin cans lying in the village and drain puddles that attract mosquitoes. I had said, in effect, “I have a great idea to help improve your lives—banish your garbage disposal systems from the village!” 3. Grass draws mosquitoes. The Anopheles mosquito that carries
malaria is responsible for more deaths than any other living creature in the world. Goats destroy grass by tearing it off at the roots. Left to themselves, they will strip a village of grass, thereby making it a less desirable habitat for mosquitoes. These indigenous lawn mowers that I tried to remove from the community help reduce malaria by controlling the grass. 4. Snakes dislike bare ground. A grassy compound is an invitation to snakes to join you at home. With a little help from their goats, villagers keep the ground bare around their houses, effectively discouraging these visits. If a snake slithers into the compound in spite of this precaution, you can usually find it by following its tracks in the dust. My proposal for improving goat production in the community implied removing its snake control system. 5. It’s cold at 3,000 feet. Grass walls are poor insulation against cold weather. However, goats inside your house will keep you warm. By trying to confine animals to fences outside the village, I was guaranteeing that people would be cold at night when dry season winds chilled the community. 6. Goats hear thieves. Some goats sleep inside the houses while other farmers build lean-to shelters under the eaves. People told of being awakened at night by the bleating of goats when thieves sneaked into their compounds. My suggestion for solving the community’s goat problem was to keep nature’s burglar alarms outside the village. There, they would be of no assistance, and would probably even be stolen themselves. 7. Lions eat goats. One family tied its goat to a tree inside the compound and woke in the morning to find only the leash remaining. Tracks in the dust revealed that a lion had stopped by for a midnight snack. Goats that ➢
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Urgent human needs often compel development workers to take immediate action. sleep in your house, however, are reasonably safe. My plan for a goat pasture outside the village would have been tantamount to opening a cafeteria for the lions and leopards of Southern Zaire. 8. A sick goat is a dead goat. When you sleep with your goat, you usually notice when it’s ill. If animals sleep outside the village, they may become sick and die before you notice. An apparently sensible solution for raising goats had the potential for economic disaster should health problems enter a particular herd. 9. Every goat in Africa has worms. Goats raised in restricted areas have higher rates of infestation by internal parasites and are more susceptible to its consequences. Though I did not understand the physiological principles involved, I observed that health problems quickly spread throughout a herd when goats are raised in restricted quarters. However well-motivated, my proposal for improved animal husbandry practices had yet another fatal flaw.
RAY DIRKS
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Farmers Know More
The goats of Southern Zaire taught me some important lessons. First, farmers know more about their problems than we development workers usually realize. At the same time, we understand much less than we think we do. Generally, things are not what they seem to be. Urgent human needs often compel development workers to take immediate action. We draw on our training as we interpret the problems of development and reflect our own experience as we suggest possible solutions Not surprisingly, this can lead to big mistakes.
Development Takes Time
Second, the process of development takes much longer than we imagine. Introducing new solutions before we understand the problems they are designed to solve is a serious but common mistake. It took me years to learn what Zairian farmers have always known. Short-term workers should be more modest in making development decisions.
Relationships Are Needed
Third, real understanding comes through relationships. I tested my goat fence proposal on various farmers who all agreed that it was a brilliant answer to a pressing local problem. Thus convinced of its viability, I moved ahead, believing “this is what the people want.” Much later, I learned that
my friends had carefully told me exactly what they thought I wanted to hear. They did not want me to “lose face” or feel badly by disagreeing with my proposal. Some also felt that I might have some inside information that superseded what everyone had known for generations, that you cannot raise goats inside fences under those conditions. Only after I had established deeper, personal relationships with several individuals did I begin to understand some of the deeper problems of the community. Only then were people willing to point out the flaws and weaknesses in my suggestions. Development is a process of growth through which people progressively become more aware of their own problems and committed to finding appropriate solutions. We can facilitate that process, provide technical information and encourage them in this quest for a better life. We must, however, be modest in proposing solutions to problems we may not understand. That understanding comes not as a result of our technical competence but through the personal relationships of trust with those whom we want to serve. D. Merrill Ewert was president of Fresno Pacific University from 2002 to 2012 and now carries the designation President Emeritus. He earlier worked at Cornell University and Wheaton College and spent many years in development work, including stints with Mennonite Central Committee and Medical Assistance Programs. His article first appeared in The Marketplace, MEDA’s magazine, in May/ June 1987 and was reprinted in Jan./ Feb. 2014. Used with permission.
Sowing Seeds or Tossing Nutshells? Speaking of Jesus by Andrew Dyck
D
uring a summer job after grade ten, I read an evangelistic pamphlet to a coworker. I was stunned when he asked: “What’s the door of my life?” No matter how I tried, I couldn’t explain to him what that door was, or how he could open it to Jesus. More recently, while I was pastoring, I knew longstanding believers who could easily talk about Jesus with their children and congregation, but struggled to do so with their unbelieving neighbours and relatives. Some of Jesus’ apprentices speak about the gospel as if they were sowing grass seed—verdant growth emerges in their trail. Others are just as devoted to Jesus; but when they speak about the gospel, nothing seems to happen, as if they were tossing empty walnut shells. What makes the difference? What does God expect Jesus’ followers to do with the good news of Jesus Christ?
to keep all Jesus’ commands (Matt. 28:18–20). Once the apostles are empowered by the Holy Spirit, they will be Jesus’ witnesses everywhere (Acts 1:8). But what does God expect of believers who aren’t apostles, evangelists, apologists, or teachers—or who are tongue-tied or shy? Very few passages in the epistles explicitly teach believers how to speak about the Gospel—how to witness. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience” (1 Peter 3:15–16 NIV). “Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone” (Col. 4:5–6 NRSV). John introduces Jesus with just such respect and graciousness: “We’re announcing what we heard, saw with our eyes, looked at, and touched with our hands, so that we will all have fellowship with each other and with God, and so that we can have complete joy” (1 John 1:1–4 paraphrased). ➢
A testimony is valid when it describes the witness’s own experience. How are you more alive because of Jesus? How is Jesus reshaping your values, self-image, relationships, hobbies, finances, and desires?
What the Bible Says
Jesus instructs his eleven disciples to make apprentices of every ethnicity, baptizing them in the name of the Trinity, and teaching them
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Witnessing Biblically
Witnessing is letting others know how we have experienced Jesus. John models telling our own experiences rather than those of others. Peter and Paul emphasize speaking in response to what other people are actually asking. We offer genuine conversation, not a sales pitch pushing for a deal. Every conversation is to be salted with gentleness, kindness, and wisdom—without anxiety or stridency. We respect others’ convictions, customs, communities—even religions—by listening carefully in order to understand them. We can be this patient because God is (2 Pet. 3:9). We always couple our conversations about Jesus with living as Jesus taught. And we witness expecting to discover joy. We need other believers, churches, and denominations to communicate the gospel’s fullness (Eph. 3:18–19); even if we know the entire Bible we can never know everything about the gospel (Rom. 11:33). By sharing our own experiences of Jesus we avoid reducing the gospel to a prepackaged, lowest-commondenominator summary. That would be a dry empty nutshell instead of a living seed. Rather, we become as lively as God’s Spirit, who comes and goes like the wind (John 3:8). We also avoid the false guilt of “it’s all up to me.” God stitches each individual’s witness – however incomplete—with the church’s witness, creating a multicoloured tapestry that reveals Jesus’ beauty to our neighbours and beyond (Eph. 3:10).
We’re not spiritual detectives, police, prosecuting attorneys, parole officers, judges, sheriffs, bailiffs, or prison guards—but witnesses. Like the first believers, we do not simply tell facts about Jesus or the gospel. We sow joy by bearing witness to our experiences of Jesus. Bearing witness is possible for everyone who knows Jesus: children and grownups, introverts and extroverts, beginners and veterans.
But what does God expect of believers who aren’t apostles, evangelists, apologists, or teachers—or who are tongue-tied or shy?
Bearing Witness
Journalists speak about their moral obligation to “bear witness” to the poverty, wartime atrocities, or human trafficking they’ve seen firsthand. The world’s pain compels them to tell “the rest of the story.” As Jesus’ apprentices, we are spiritual journalists, bearing witness to what we have experienced.
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Four Spirit-ed Practices For Bearing Witness:
Be attentive to our own conversions. A testimony is valid when it describes the witness’s own experience. How are you more alive because of Jesus? How is Jesus reshaping your values, self-image, relationships, hobbies, finances, and desires? Let our own experiences shape what we promise on Jesus’ behalf. Jesus doesn’t solve all our troubles. We can’t know whether God will heal a friend’s depression, crippled arm, or marriage, or give her a job. But Jesus does offer eternally abundant life that begins now (John 10:10). Our own initial and ongoing conversions (whether quiet or
dramatic) teach us what eternal life looks like today: reconciliation, healing, recovery from addictions, and more. Be attentive to what people are already discussing. Before joining their conversations, to be heard we must first pay attention to what people around us are actually asking. Paul listened before he preached (Acts 17:23). Where do people talk about Jesus, God, Christians, religion, or faith? Ponder what they’re saying. Notice the desires beneath their comments. Jesus and the gospel address all possibilities, conditions, and cultures. Underline the ways people are unknowingly experiencing God’s good witnesses: this incredible planet, productive work, happy mealtimes, and more (as in Acts 14:17). Live hospitably with our neighbours. A lifestyle of offering and receiving hospitality tills the soil for gospel seeds (Luke 10:7). Paul expected Christians to associate with people outside Jesus’ household—even the immoral, greedy, robbers, and idolaters (1 Cor. 5:9–10). Jesus not only served but also asked to be served (John 4:7). Likewise, we are to exchange hospitality with our neighbours and associates: share garden tools, parenting woes and joys, vacations, even food. When my neighbour knows me well enough to see my fear of heights and my outburst at a broken lawnmower, he may be close enough to also see Jesus shining out of the cracked vessel that I am.
One day, Denise said, “I want what you have.” Several months later—in her wheelchair—Denise was baptized upon confessing her faith in Jesus. The seed of the gospel sprouted because Denise’s neighbours bore witness to their experiences with Christ. May his Spirit help us to go and sow likewise!
May his Spirit help us to go and sow likewise!
Opening Doors
Denise (not her real name), who was elderly, had broken her hip. Her neighbours Henry and Liz visited her in the hospital; they loved Jesus and had experienced hardships themselves. When Denise came home, she asked Liz and Henry to assist her for a while. Twice a day they prepared Denise’ meals, helped her get out of bed, and took care of her dog. After a year, Denise asked, “If you’d known how long it would take, would you still have agreed to help me?” Liz answered, “We’ll help you no matter how long it takes.” Having seen Denise’s books about various religions, Henry and Liz gave her a Bible as soon as she asked for one. They also spoke about Jesus and his love.
Andrew Dyck, PhD (cand.), is assistant professor of ministry studies for the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry (CMU) and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Canada. Andrew and Martha are enjoying getting to know their neighbours in Winnipeg. Andrew recommends Evangelism for “Normal” People: Good News for Those Looking for a Fresh Approach by John P. Bowen (Augsburg Fortress Press, 2002). This article is condensed from Mennonite Brethren Herald (Oct. 2013).
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11
Where Do Anabaptist Churches Find Hope?
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by John D. Roth
here do Anabaptist churches find hope? In a context of widespread poverty, violence, and competing religious currents, the Anabaptist church in Latin America recently explored this in a way that might help Anabaptists elsewhere. On Feb. 10 to 14, 137 Anabaptist church leaders from 19 different countries gathered at a Catholic retreat centre in Guatemala City, Guatemala, for conversations around the theme “Toward a Ministry of Hope: social reality, faith, word and pastoral action.” In addition to energetic singing, lively worship, a wide range of plenary sessions, and intense group discussions, the “Seventh Consultation of Anabaptists in Latin America” (VII Consulta Anabautista Latinoamericana) marked a significant step forward in forging a stronger regional identity for Anabaptist groups in Latin America. According to several participants who were present at the first consultation of Latin American church leaders in 1986, much has changed in the intervening years. “I was very impressed
by the fact that all of the presenters were Spanish speakers, deeply rooted in a Latin American context, and by the depth of theological teaching,” said Tomás Orjuela Gutierrez, president of the Iglesia Cristiana Menonita de Colombia. Sandra Campos, president of the Asociación Iglesias Cristianas Menonitas de Costa Rica, celebrated the active presence of women at the consultation. About half of the participants were women. A significant number of youth also attended.
PHOTOS: L. MA. ALMAN BORNES
Daniel Schipani reminded participants that “God has hope in humanity,” and is “always inviting humans to a life of transformation into the image of Christ.”
Church is No Abstraction
Plenary addresses challenged participants to a renewed commitment to a Christ-centred view of the church as a movement responding to human needs rather than a theological abstraction, an institution, or a personal project of a charismatic pastor. “The church,” insisted Gilberto Flores Campos in the opening session, “is a pilgrim people living in relationships—with Christ, with each other, and the society around them…. This means that its theology must always be improvisational and dynamic.” Flores, from Guatemala, is associate conference minister in the Western District of Mennonite Church USA. “The church engages the world not as its owner,” he continued, invoking an image that would recur throughout the consultation, “but as its guest. The church is a witness to the Good News, but we do not possess it.”
Haroldo Nunes, from Brazil but living in the U.S., leads in a prayer of concern for the situation of migrants in the U.S.
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Small groups discussed, including Daniel Schipani (hand lifted; U.S./Argentina), Tomás Orjuela (Colombia), Carlos Moreno (Colombia), Jamie Pitts (U.S.), Martha Gomez (Colombia), and Karen Flores (Honduras).
Hope Responds to Violence
Jenny Neme, director of the Justapaz in Colombia, noted that only a small portion of the violence in Colombia—as in most countries in Latin America—is directly linked to armed combatants. The majority of violent deaths are associated with domestic disputes, street crime, and narco-trafficking that often reflects the structural realities of poverty, unemployment, and despair. In the midst of this suffering, hope emerges in the holistic Christian witness of shalom. “We are a people with gifts, talents and ministries, gathered in the name of Christ to share a message of nonviolence and hope,” she said. Neme spoke of the challenge of helping young men in Colombia find ways of resisting mandatory conscription into the army. She also called on Anabaptists to integrate peace into every aspect of their daily lives, and to be open to forming alliances with other peace-minded Christians. Daniel Schipani reminded participants that “God has hope in humanity,” and is “always inviting humans to a life of transformation into the image of Christ.”
He also challenged Anabaptists to think of discipleship as citizenship in the world, attentive to the ways that God is at work outside the formal structures of the church. Originally from Argentina, Schipani teaches at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. Ofelia García, who works with MCC in Mexico, highlighted the liberating gift of giving and receiving forgiveness as an expression of the Spirit’s presence. Fernando Pérez, a pastor in Mexico, called on congregations to challenge the divisive forces of culture by becoming truly integrated communities.
The goal, César García emphasized, is not to defend a distinctive identity out of arrogance or as an end in itself, but out of faithfulness to the Gospel in ways that seek to break down boundaries.
Goal to Break Boundaries
César García, general secretary of MWC, spoke largely out of his context in Colombia. But participants from many other regions expressed deep appreciation for his analysis of contemporary religious currents feeding into Anabaptist identity in Latin America. García highlighted ecclesial models focused on reason (fundamentalist emphasis on doctrine), justice (liberationalist emphasis on social transformation), and experience ➢
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 13
César García, MWC’s general secretary, explained how MWC is organized, responded to questions, and shared about preparations for the next Global Assembly. The Assembly is in Harrisburg, PA, in July 2015.
(neo-Pentecostal emphasis on personal health, wealth and success), before describing an Anabaptist alternative understanding of the church rooted in scripture, discipleship, worship, and peacemaking. The goal, García emphasized, is not to defend a distinctive identity out of arrogance or as an end in itself, but out of faithfulness to the Gospel in ways that seek to break down boundaries. One expression of unity among the various groups represented at the consultation was a growing sense of enthusiasm for the work of MWC. In the first of two sessions devoted to the organization, César García reviewed the history and vision of MWC, introduced the work of the four MWC commissions, and called on the churches of Latin America to take a stronger initiative in sharing their voice in a global context. In a second session, García described preparations for the upcoming MWC Assembly in July 2015. An impromptu gathering of leaders whose groups are members of MWC following García’s presentation, took a significant step toward the reorganization of the Latin American regional caucus.
‘Landmark’ Moment
Several participants described the event as a landmark moment in an emerging Latin American Anabaptist identity. César Montenegro, pastor of Casa Horeb, an Anabaptist church
14 The Messenger • June 2014
in Guatemala, expressed appreciation for “the sheer fact of the gathering, and that so many groups were represented with a desire to share freely with each other.” “Gatherings like this,” said Egdy Zambrano, pastor in the Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Ecuatoriana, “remind us that we are not alone.” Edgardo Garcia, a Baptist professor of church history who attended the first consultation in 1986 and has affiliated with Anabaptists in Guatemala ever since then, echoed a similar sentiment. “We are not a perfect church, and all of us still have much to learn,” he said. “But the fact that leaders from so many different contexts can come together for conversations about faith and life, eager to put into practice what they have learned, is a reason for hope.” The consultation was sponsored by Mennonite Mission Network, MCC, MWC, and the Iglesia Evangélica Menonita de Guatemala, with the primary organization leadership coming from the Seminario Anabautista Latinoamericano (SEMILLA). Dr. John D. Roth teaches at Goshen College in Indiana, directs the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism, and is secretary of MWC’s Faith and Life Commission.
Columns • Further In and Higher Up
Growing children with baptismal intent
R
by Layton Friesen
DESIGNPICS
ecently, Terry Smith challenged us to find a theology of parent/child dedication that was biblical and fit our belief about children and salvation (Should we rethink parent-child dedications? Jan. 2014). He is right; we have no biblical ordinance for a baby ceremony as we do for the Lord’s Supper. The way forward then, it seems to me, is to ask, what is little Billy’s childhood for in the Christian story and what ceremony could we improvise that would proclaim that? Improvise is the right word. At the other end of his life the Church will do the same: with no biblical ordinance to do a funeral for him, we will proclaim our biblical conviction about Billy’s death and resurrection by improvising a funeral ceremony. So what has God given us to do with the newborn Billy? Prepare for baptism. There is no better way to sum up what childhood is for in a Believers’ Church tradition. So why not make the dedication his grand and joyful enrollment in the school of baptism? If he is to be ready for baptism by the age of 15—mind, body and soul—the Church has no time to dither. In fact, the astute congregation will want a lot of the work done before he even knows what’s up; by the time Billy is conscious and can remember, he should already be practicing belief, worship, and obedience to Christ. If he is to be ready for baptism he should not remember his first prayer. And so while Billy drools on his Sunday sleeper, the Church gives thanks, draws up strategies and secures commitments. Who should parent this boy in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord”? Who will ensure there is Sunday School? VBS? Potlucks with enough food? Friends? Sermons? Prayers before bed? All of this is setting the net for baptism, a haphazard but deliberate entanglement in the baptismal obedience of the Church. It’s a whole life intended to lure the boy from the pleasures of this world to finally set his sails for the kingdom of heaven in baptism. And so the ceremony at his birth should set
the end in view. Congregation, our Lord sends us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything He commanded. Do we take Billy as Christ’s disciple in our midst, and will we teach him everything Christ taught, loving, guiding, and challenging him so that when he is ready we can baptize him and send him to the nations as a witness of the good news? If so, answer we do. Parents, the church lends this child back to you. Will you love him, feed him, and teach him to pray? Will you raise him to love Christ and his church, to know right from wrong, and to discover the gifts the Spirit has given to him for the refreshing of the body of Christ? And when he is ready, will you offer him back to the church, knowing that the Spirit blows where it wills in baptism? If so, answer we do. Dedicated to my baptismal school, the Mennville EMC, and my mother, Levina Friesen, who taught her children to speak by teaching them to pray.
So what has God given us to do with the newborn Billy? Prepare for baptism. There is no better way to sum up what childhood is for in a Believers’ Church tradition.
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15
With Our Missionaries
Gang member Bible study NORTH END, WINNIPEG
LIVE OUT YOUR FAITH
Open your home or workplace to an international volunteer ivep.mcc.org International Volunteer Exchange Program
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
16 The Messenger • June 2014
It was encouraging, but also humbling to hear one of the guys compare what Harvey and I (partners in community ministry) were doing with them to the way Jesus accepted the tax collectors and sinners in the story. We went on to read the story of the lost Andrew Reimer sheep (Luke 15:3-7), which was Jesus’ response to the religious leaders’ criticism. We observed how the shepherd goes in search of the one lost sheep, not giving up until he finds it and how all that the sheep has to do to get connected to the shepherd is to be lost. We talked about how the shepherd is not out chasing down the sheep in order to punish it for running away, but that the shepherd is so happy when he finds the sheep that he carries it home on his shoulders and has a celebration. I asked the guys, “If God is like this shepherd, would we want to be found by him?” I encouraged them to begin thinking about God in this way as a first step that could lead to change in their lives. In closing, I asked what they would like us to pray for. One of the guys said, “Forgiveness.” A few requested prayer for their court cases or that they would get out soon. One planned to enter a recovery program the next day. As I prayed for the guy who asked for forgiveness, I included myself and all who wanted to be included. We consider it a real privilege to spend time with these guys, hear their stories, and share about a God who is like Jesus: a God who forgives, accepts and searches for them until he finds them. By the way, I learned this approach to Luke 15 from Bob Ekblad’s narration of a jail Bible study in his book A New Christian Manifesto. – Andrew Reimer ICYA
“Drug dealers and other notorious gang members often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the religious people and law enforcement complain that he was associating with such criminals—even eating with them!” This is the contextualized version of Luke 15:1-2 that I read with the teenage gang members at our weekly Bible study in the Manitoba Youth Centre (youth jail). The guys had helped me come up with the inner city Winnipeg equivalents of tax collectors (drug dealers), notorious sinners (notorious gang members), Pharisees (religious people) and teachers of religious law (law enforcement). As we read this, there was visible surprise and enthusiasm from the guys. One immediately said, “That sounds deadly, yo!” meaning, “That sounds awesome, amazing!” These guys may never before have realized how closely the Bible and Jesus could connect to their lives, let alone have thought of Jesus as someone who would attract and associate with socially ostracized “sinners” such as themselves. As we discussed this passage some of the guys said that drug dealers and gang members would be attracted to Jesus if he treated them like people, like human beings, accepting them. The way religious leaders reacted in the story seemed familiar to the guys. They talked about the social divisions they have experienced with “in groups” from which those who don’t fit in are ostracized.
Andrew Reimer (Steinbach EMC) serves as a community minister in Winnipeg`s North End with Inner City Youth Alive.
With Our Missionaries
Aid opens doors in devastated region THE PHILIPPINES
PHOTOS: GARRY BARKMAN
In early November 2013, Typhoons Haiyan and Yolanda stormed through the Philippines, leaving thousands homeless, hungry, and hopeless. International aid began to pour in. Your EM Conference was part of that assistance through its Board of Missions. Having lived and worked there for many years, as a family we were funded to go to as your representatives. Our goal was to bring relief, hope, and truth to those who desperately needed it. The EMC joined the efforts of New Tribes Mission, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Helimission, and the local church in ministering to small islands around Cuyo and Busuanga, areas forgotten by larger relief organizations. These areas were strategic for ministry as NTM already had missionaries living and ministering there. We used four airplanes and three helicopters to deliver aid to these islands, beginning with food distribution when people were desperately hungry. John Woodberry, a first response coordinator, said an early survey showed that, on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 being a normal food supply), three islands near Aljazeras had a food supply of 2. “Farm plots have been destroyed,” he said, “and many are eating seaweed.” This team was able to deliver about 20,000 family packs, and each one was designed to feed six to seven people for a day. We estimate that this food reached about 45,000 people—15,000 adults and 30,000 children. We also delivered tarps for shelter, first aid supplies, clothing, and household goods in the early weeks of relief efforts, giving people a chance to survive the devastation. When the helicopter first landed, people on these islands were shocked that anyone remembered them. The gratitude was overwhelming.
Aid came through a cooperative effort.
Dave Forney, MAF responder, shared the following: ‘The people here are so very, very happy for all the food things you bring us here!’ (Lucilla, grandma on Bandit Island whose children and grandchildren will now get to eat one meal today). “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” said a crowd to pilot Zack and Forney for food. Their gratitude really belongs to the myriad of people who’ve given in so many ways to make this combined effort happen, Forney said. “Each of you need to know that what you’re doing is making a difference out here!” Soon after we arrived in the Philippines, the focus shifted from first response to rebuilding, which will continue for the next months or years. The team has committed to providing rice to supplement available food until livelihoods are restored, tapering off over the next five months if things continue as anticipated. We also delivered 1,500 kgs of seaweed seedlings to seaweed farms and have helped with repairs on houses and fishing boats. Plans are under way to purchase about 35 boats for fishers who lost theirs, to buy replacement fishnets, and to rebuild about 110 houses. Jobs through projects will help the communities, such as building airstrips in several locations. – Cynthia R. Barkman Cynthia and Garry Barkman have served as EMC missionaries within New Tribes Mission’s aviation program since 1987.
Part of the devastation in the Philippines.
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17
With Our Churches Crestview Fellowship
O Happy Day!
CRESTVIEW FELLOWSHIP
WINNIPEG, Man.—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4-6). Two young ladies at Crestview were baptized on Feb. 23, 2014. Surrounded by their church family, relatives and friends, Brianna Wiebe and Michaela Groen gave their testimonies and professed their desire to follow Jesus. It was a wonderful day of celebration as these ladies took the plunge. Brianna and Michaela mostly chose the music for the service. We praised, worshipped, and thanked God, and there was even some dancing in the pews as “O Happy Day” was played out at the close of the service. A potluck meal followed for all to enjoy. Congratulations, Brianna and Michaela! – Scott Groen
Pastor Darrel Guenther, Brianna Wiebe, Michaela Groen
Weddings ENNS–PENNER: Stuart Enns and Kristin Penner were married on Jan. 25, 2014, at St. Vital EMC. They reside in Winnipeg.
CHANGE A since 1986.
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18 The Messenger • June 2014
With Our Churches Heartland Community Church
LANDMARK, Man.—No more night, no more pain No more tears, never crying again And praises to the great “I AM” We will live in the light of the risen Lamb This was the final chorus to an Easter Cantata, orchestrated by Arlene Schulz and told to us in song by Heartland’s choir and orator Dave Kroeker. It left no dry eye among the celebrants of Easter Sunday. We were powerfully reminded of Christ’s sacrifice for us and the hope of the resurrection as followers of Jesus. This year has been a season of sorrow for many at Heartland, though for some a season of miracles. Every Sunday we “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” It is this practice of sharing that has opened us up to being more vulnerable with each other. After the Cantata, Lloyd Schulz shared some thoughts about the resurrection. He suffered a stroke in January and could barely lift his head from his hospital bed, though he could still talk. Now, he is walking! “It almost seemed like a resurrection in slow motion,” he said with a smile of his face. Then he shared what happened 35 years ago when he and his wife Arlene were in a severe car accident. Arlene had no vital signs when she arrived at the hospital. Hospital staff marked the bag of her belongings: “Arlene Schulz—Deceased.” But that was not God’s plan, and we are thankful for the way God uses her to bless many through her musical teaching gifts. At the ladies spring brunch Wilma Keating introduced Lucy Mansaray, a refugee from Sierra Leone, whom she and others had sponsored after the family fled the devastating civil war. Lucy shared what her life was like being raised as a house slave by her aunt after her own father abandoned the family. She washed and ironed all her cousins’ school uniforms and cooked all of their meals, but was denied a formal education of her own. She was often beaten into silence and learned to hold her emotions inside. Before Lucy and her husband Hassan came to Canada, she lost two babies at birth because of a bone disease. Lucy has now learned to read and write some English, and she sincerely expressed her thankfulness to those who have helped their family here. Lucy gave birth to healthy twins, a boy and a girl, in Canada seven years ago.
BRIGITTE TOEWS
No more night
Lucy Mansaray, a refugee from Sierra Leone, shared about her life previously and in Canada. Wilma Keating looked on.
Flo Friesen shared stories about the plight of women in various countries, some of whom have become agents of change in their own. Flo helps women help themselves and also sells their hand-made goods through Caravan of Hope in one former Soviet state and Hands of Hope Handicrafts in another. Flo prays for and encourages these women who are often marginalized, abused, and sold into prostitution and slavery. – Brigitte Toews
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 19
Columns • Focusing On
EMC involved in TRC statement
O by Tim Dyck General Secretary
TRC
My hope is that the TRC events will lead to true reconciliation and a new era of enhanced relations with First Nations communities.
n March 30 the Mennonite Church Canada, Brethren in Christ Canada, the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, the EMC, and MCC offered a joint Statement of Reconciliation at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) event held at Edmonton, Alta. Why did we do this? There is a dark period in Canada’s history that is hidden from most Canadians. For most of the 20th century, the Government of Canada operated the Indian Residential School system, which was designed to eliminate native culture by assimilating children into the mainstream of society. Children were torn away from their homes and communities and sent to boarding schools far from home. It is a painful and complicated story of loss, sorrow, shame, and hope. It is hard for me to imagine that while I was being raised in a loving, caring environment, supported by family and friends, and given every opportunity to succeed, there were thousands of children from First Nations communities that were forcefully taken from their families and communities, refused the opportunity to speak their language or embrace their culture, and placed in institutional facilities that were often inadequate. These institutions were run by churches, which viewed them as opportunities to civilize and convert the Aboriginal children. Worse yet is the abuse that many of these children suffered in residential schools. Physical, emotional, cultural, and sexual abuse abounded. Even more disturbing is that the Church inflicted much of this abuse.
A quilt was presented by MC Canada moderator Hilda Hildebrand (centre right) in memory of Aboriginal children deprived of parents and warmth.
20 The Messenger • June 2014
In June 2008, the Prime Minister of Canada offered an apology from the Canadian government to residential schools survivors. He said, “Today, we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country.” As part of the residential school settlement agreement, the government has supported the TRC to provide a forum for former residential school students to share their stories. Several TRC events have been hosted in cities across our country. For many former students, this has been the first opportunity to speak about their experiences. Many stories are painful, distressing, and difficult to hear. The TRC events also allowed groups to offer expressions of reconciliation. At a recent gathering of the Canadian Council of Anabaptist Leaders, the idea of a joint statement from Anabaptist churches was discussed. After further discussion and revision of the statement, eventually a number of Anabaptist conferences, including the EMC by General Board approval, agreed to offer it in Edmonton. The statement acknowledges the negative impact that the residential schools had on First Nations peoples and expresses our regret over the participation of the government and churches. A key component mentioned is our need to take ownership of our attitudes and perspectives. The statement ends with a promise to work towards reconciliation and improved relations between our churches and our aboriginal neighbours. It was a privilege for me to present the statement at the TRC event in Edmonton on Sunday morning on behalf of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Canada. My hope is that the TRC events will lead to true reconciliation and a new era of enhanced relations with First Nations communities. For the text of the statement presented at the TRC, please see our website. The video of the EMC’s involvement can be viewed at www.trc.ca (Statement Gathering, ABNE Day 4, Part 1, 38:22).
News
Statement of Anabaptist Church Leaders Truth and Reconciliation Commission Hearing We are leaders of a group of Canadian Christian churches known as Anabaptist denominations. Our delegation includes Mennonite Church Canada, the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, the Brethren in Christ Church of Canada, and Mennonite Central Committee Canada. Many people from our churches have come to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission events, including this one, to volunteer, to listen, to learn. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and that we are meeting on Treaty 6 territory, on land that is part of an historic agreement between First Nations people and newcomers, an agreement involving mutuality and respect. Throughout the period of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission events across the country, we have watched and listened with respect, as residential school survivors have told stories with graciousness and courage, sharing experiences of the Residential School Legacy from its beginning. We are humbled to witness this Truth and Reconciliation Commission event. As we have listened to your stories, we’ve added our tears to the countless tears that you have shed. We acknowledge that there was, and is, much hurt and much suffering. We have learned much and we have much to learn. We heard the wise words of Justice Sinclair encouraging us to acknowledge that all of us, in one way or another, have been affected by the Residential School experience. We recognize that being part of a dominant culture, our attitudes and perspectives made the Residential School experience possible and that these attitudes and perspectives became entrenched in our relationships and in our culture. We regret our part in the assimilation practice that took away language use and cultural practice, separating child from parent, parent from child, and Indigenous peoples from their culture. We regret that, at times, the Christian faith was used, wrongly, as an instrument of power, not as an invitation to see how God was already at work before we came. We regret that some leaders within the Church abused their power and those under their authority. We acknowledge the paternalism and racism of the past. As leaders of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ church communities, we acknowledge that we have work
TRC
Edmonton, Alta., March 2014
Tim Dyck: “We acknowledge the paternalism and racism of the past.”
to do in addressing paternalism and racism both within our communities and in the broader public. We repent of our denominational encounters with Indigenous Peoples that at times may have been motivated more by cultural biases than by the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. We repent of our failure to advocate for marginalized Indigenous Peoples as our faith would instruct us to. We are aware that we have a long path to walk. We hope to build relationships with First Nations communities so that we can continue this learning journey and walk this path together. We are followers of Jesus Christ, the great reconciler. We are aware that words without actions are not only ineffective but may also be harmful. We commit ourselves to take your challenges to us very seriously. We will seek to model the reconciling life and work of Jesus in seeking reconciliation with you. We will encourage our churches to reach out in practical and loving ways, including dialogue and expressions of hospitality. We commit ourselves to walk with you, listening and learning together as we journey to healthier and more just tomorrow. Tim Dyck General Secretary, EMC Willard Metzger Executive Director, MC Canada Donald Peters Executive Director, MCC Canada Douglas P. Sider Jr. Canadian Director, BIC Canada Willy Reimer Executive Director, CCMBC
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21
News
Project Builders serves the Church in Burkina Faso
AIMM
BURKINA FASO, West Africa—It is exciting to see God at work through the ministry of the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso (EMBF). Project Builders has had the opportunity to support this conference of churches through a variety of capital projects. In recent years this has included helping build their Leadership Training Centre and building and equipping a radio studio. Project Builders and EMBF leadership have shared a vision of working together to assist leaders and members through economic development. In 2013 an agreement was finalized whereby Project Builders would provide a $10,000 grant to establish a revolving micro-loan fund. Essential to the success of such a program was the development of sound financial principles. Church leadership in Burkina Faso appointed a volunteer administrative committee of five Micro loans in Burkina Faso were among 20 projects supported recently. experienced entrepreneurs to establish criteria for the use of the fund and to ensure efficient allocation and cent interest. In a country where interest rates are many repayment of loans. times this amount and loans from banks are extremely The French Mennonite Church had in earlier years difficult to get, these terms are seen as very favourable. provided on-site training for potential business people in Project Builders feels privileged to participate in matters of business principles, marketing and accountprojects whereby the national church can develop a selfing. Mennonite Church Canada also invested $6,000 into supporting base for many families. this fund. On another front in Burkina Faso, Project Builders In November 2013 the committee launched its first has provided funds to build one classroom for an EMBF round of micro-loans, ranging from $100 to $1,000 to Christian school in Bobo Dioulasso. This is part of an 47 EMBF members from nine different congregations. outreach ministry of the church in this large, predomiThese are one-year loans repayable at a rate of seven per nantly Muslim city. Many families from different religious backgrounds are seeking access to the school. Our prayer e world...can you e in th is that this school will serve to draw many families to v r o e l un Wh tee faith in Christ. rw it These are two of some 20 projects we have supported in the past two years. Our purpose is to support our mission workers and the national church in the many different countries in which EMC has ministry. We are entirely funded by an annual membership donation of $250, by voluntary donations and through events such as our 20th annual golf tournament scheduled this year for June 20 at the Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course. For more information, check for a Project Builders brochure in your church or go on-line to www.projectbuilders.ca. – Len Barkman These Canadian volunteers Project Builders Coordinator are helping their neighbours in Minot, ND. hM
DS
photo by Duane Steiner
?
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.
22 The Messenger • June 2014
News
Carl Loewen new Missions prof at SBC EMCer has lengthy missions background to walk with students as they learn practical ministry skills, and help them realize that studying missiology is rewarding when it leads us to serve Jesus and share Him with others both here in Canada and around the world.” SBC offers three- and four-year BA degrees, a diploma, and certificate with focus areas in Carl Loewen Bible/theology, children’s ministry, missions, counselling ministry, pastoral, worship, and youth. – SBC SBC
STEINBACH, Man.—Steinbach Bible College is pleased to announce the appointment of Carl Loewen as our new faculty member in Missions effective Aug. 1, 2014. Having served for 12 years with Action International Ministries in the Philippines, discipling former street boys who made the decision to follow Jesus, Carl brings extensive hands-on missions experience to SBC. Carl completed his M.A. in Christian Studies at Providence Theological Seminary in 2009. He and his wife Lisa moved to Mitchell in 2012 and started serving with Steinbach EMC. He has served as Steinbach EMC’s community pastor, and has been able to meet many people who are arriving in Steinbach from all over the world. Carl and Lisa have four boys from seven to 14 years old. “I am looking forward to mentoring and teaching students at SBC in the area of missions,” says Carl. “My goal is
Editor’s note: Loewen has a history with Pleasant Valley EMC in southern Manitoba and his service in the Philippines was under the EMC Board of Missions.
••
Fundraising event goes well at SBC STEINBACH, Man.—“It was a great event!” This comment came from many of the 256 guests at the SBC fundraising supper held on Sunday, April 6. The event included an inspiring mini-concert by SBC’s vocal ensemble, Ignite!; an alumni update by Ben (’11) and Christina Kroeker (‘12) who shared how SBC prepared them for their current ministry at Inner City Youth Alive and Living Bible Explorers in Winnipeg; and an encouraging report by President Rob Reimer. A supper (faspa), accompanied by a buzz of lively fellowship, followed. The offering for SBC’s Summer Ministry Scholarship passed the target of $20,000. We thank God for a wonderful spring day, a record attendance, the generosity of our guests, and the many blessings received that afternoon. – Len Sawatzky Director of Donor Development
SBC
Passed target of $20,000
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23
News
Village of Tin celebrates hospital’s re-opening TIN, Burkina Faso—Elders of the village of Tin, Burkina Faso, rejoiced together with leaders of the Evangelical Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso (EEMBF) at an evening ceremony on Feb. 16, 2014, celebrating the completed renovation of the village hospital. Last year, the elders had approached Mennonite church president Siaka Traore to ask for help in rebuilding the hospital, which had been abandoned for 15 years. Today the village boasts a facility that includes three hospitalization rooms that will serve children, women and men, plus a service room for the nursing staff. President Traore, informed of the need in Tin, contacted various Mennonite groups relating to the EEMBF. In response, combined contributions from Mennonite Central Committee, the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, and AIMM enabled the renovation work to move forward. “What had seemed to be a ruin seven months ago is today a jewel,” writes Traore. “Yes, this abandoned building has been renovated, to the great joy of Tin’s people.”
AIMM
Building had been abandoned for 15 years
Leaders prayed in gratitude for a “ruin” become a “jewel.”
Referring to those who contributed to the cost of the building remake, Traore continued, “You were sensitive to the need expressed by Tin’s people, you gave of yourselves and of your goods so that sick persons would have a decent place to deal with their illnesses. Thanks to each one of you.” Paul and Lois Thiessen (Blumenort EMC) live in the village of Tin. - AIMM
••
MCC work in Ukraine continues despite uncertainty MCC involved there since organization’s start in 1920 UKRAINE—As the world watches the situation in Ukraine change almost daily, MCC affirms its commitment to our current work there. MCC also offers continued support and prayers to our partners and the people of Ukraine in this time of uncertainty and turmoil. “We remain concerned that the situation could lead to escalating conflict in the region, and we continue to hope for a peaceful resolution, where all voices are heard,” say Ruth Plett and Krystan Pawlikowski, MCC’s co-representatives for East Europe. In Crimea—which has been annexed by Russia—MCC continues to work with a long-term partner organization on multiple projects. One project involves volunteer medical staff, including doctors and nurses, who run mobile clinics in villages or areas not currently receiving reliable health care. This
24 The Messenger • June 2014
assistance includes free medication for people on low incomes. MCC is also working with this partner in Crimea on an HIV and AIDS project. Volunteers such as trained psychologists visit centres where young people await trial. The volunteers lecture on healthy lifestyles choices and HIV prevention, and offer one-on-one counselling if requested. Outside of Crimea, MCC is working with several other partner organizations in places such as Nikopol, Zaporozhye and Kirovograd. The Mennonite presence in Crimea dates back to the 1850’s, and Ukraine has been a part of MCC’s history since its formation in 1920. As a result of discussions during that first year, essential items such as food, used clothing and tractors were sent to Ukraine in 1922. – MCC
News
García calls for ‘mission from below’ amidst shifting global realities CHICAGO, IL—“What would happen if, following the example of monastic orders, there would be a ‘vow of poverty’ in multicultural mission teams for everyone?” This question, posed by César García at the Jan. 22, 2014, annual consultation of the Council of International Anabaptist Ministries (CIM), focused on how North American mission agencies might respond to shifting global realities. “Some attempts at a cooperative model between North American agencies and south agencies have failed because of huge financial disparities among members of the same team,” noted García, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference (MWC). “An Anabaptist emphasis on simplicity as a requirement for each member of the team regardless of the country of origin could help us to avoid many problems,” he added. This call for a new style of missionary presence—also referred to as “mission from below”—capped several presentations by García, from Colombia, at the CIM consultation, which brought together representatives from North American mission and service agencies. The day’s theme was: What is the place of the North American mission agency amidst shifting realities in the global context? The consultation this year was held in part as preparation for the next MWC Assembly scheduled for July 21-26, 2015, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In one presentation, García described a number of realities for the global Anabaptist community of around 1.7 million members. A theological reality is the primary influence of Pentecostalism in the Global South. García expressed concern about “romantic” views in North America which equate Global South Pentecostalism with Anabaptism and overlook problems created by strong, divisive leaders who emphasize a “prosperity gospel” rather than a gospel of peace and justice and Christ crucified. “We need to avoid both ‘Charismania’ and ‘Charisphobia’…. We need both Anabaptist and Pentecostal values and commitment,” said García. An ecclesiastical reality is that many emerging churches still have relationships with mission agencies rather than directly with other churches. García emphasized the
THE MESSENGER
‘We need Anabaptist, Pentecostal values and commitment’
MWC representatives Arli Klassen and Lynn Roth (centre) visited with Abe Giesbrecht, EMMC (left), Tim Dyck, EMC General Secretary (right), and Terry Smith, EMC Executive Secretary (missing), in 2013.
importance of church-to-church relationships both for the supporting and the emerging church. To highlight geographical realities, García presented maps that show that the majority of mission workers being sent outside of their own country are from the Global North. The maps also show the growth of churches and mission activity in the Global South, where churches have fewer resources and where the mission reach tends to be local rather than global. In a second presentation, García proposed ways in which North American agencies might respond. He called for more interdependency. “Agencies must speak with each other or the witness is negatively impacted,” he emphasized. He also called for a commitment to holistic mission: “The implicitly received message in the south in the past has been that service and mission agencies can’t work together.” He concluded his final presentation with the proposal to take a fresh look at the “missional monastic roots of Anabaptism.” He commented further: “Anabaptist agencies have followed Protestant patterns of missions for many years. Could this be a time to turn to monastic patterns to learn from them on issues such as administration, multicultural teams, holistic ministries and mission from below?” – MWC
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25
News
MCC seeks emergency assistance to South Sudan Prayer, donations welcomed
NINA LINTON
AKRON, Pa.—MCC is requesting donations to support the people of South Sudan who are suffering trauma and extreme hunger as they flee an armed conflict in their new nation. More than 800,000 people are displaced within the country, just formed in 2011, and more than 250,000 are refugees in neighbouring countries, according to the United Nations. The conflict, which began in December 2013 because of a split within the ruling political party, escalated into widespread violence. Nearly a third of the population is facing starvation in South Sudan, said Ken and Laura Litwiller, MCC’s directors in East Africa. Those who have been displaced by As people in South Sudan face starvation, MCC is providing food, including beans, to fighting urgently need food, clean water, children and other vulnerable people who had to flee their homes to avoid widemedicine and seeds. spread violence.
‘ INNER CITY MOTORSPORT: “I m learning skills I need to build a better future.” To Volunteer Donate or volunteer
204.582.8779 icya.ca
26 The Messenger • June 2014
“A great deal of international attention has been given to political posturing and spectacular acts of violence,” the Litwillers say. “But many more will lose their lives in the slowing unfolding humanitarian catastrophe of famine, floods and cholera that the rains will bring with the end of the planting season this month.” MCC encourages prayer for the people of South Sudan. MCC is also asking for financial donations, blankets, and relief and hygiene kits. These practical items are in high demand as MCC continues to respond to needs in South Sudan and areas such as Syria, Ukraine, Bosnia and Serbia. Donations can be made online Births (www.foodgrainsFRIESEN – to Derek and Kelly, a son, Caleb Dion, bank.ca) or by on Sept. 21, 2013. calling 1-888-622KLASSEN – to Nathaniel and Stephanie, twins, 6337. Designate Jonas Nathaniel and Meg Genevieve, on Dec. your gift for South 22, 2013. Sudan Emergency BROWN – to Lyndon and Cheryl Lynn, a Assistance. daughter, Lila Christine, on Feb. 1, 2014. – MCC
News
A new way of thinking What if we commissioned young people at McDonald’s? MANITOBA, Canada—A new way of thinking called “Business for Transformation” (B4T) is finding a wider backing in our circles. In January the first shareholder meeting of a social enterprise, with the goal to improve the soil fertility and water conditions of a desert nation, was held. The entrepreneur leading this venture desires to nurture multi-layered growth in this region of thousands of farm families. At the shareholder meeting, doctors, farmers, and business people expressed appreciation that this business model does not separate work and faith. They are excited about how it will provide opportunities care for subsistence farmers and yet still aim to be profitable so that it can provide for employees of the business. ‘’You can’t see it, but I’m hopping up and down inside,” said one investor. It is a holistic way of coming alongside people and seeing them not as objects of charity, but as producers of value. Another testament to EMC’s interest in this model is in what the chief executive officer of the company said about the investment raising process. He said that “about sixty percent of my presentations” were to EMC friends and
about forty percent were to friends outside of the EMC. “And yet, the overwhelming majority of the investment (90 percent)” has come from my EMC friends.” Like all shareholder meetings there were reports by the CEO, the chair, and the treasurer. There were proposals and motions, but at the end there was a special time of prayer for the CEO and his family. The person leading the prayer talked about how his business is his ministry and then challenged us with these words: “What kind of difference would it make in our churches, if when a young person is going into the workforce for the first time, whether it be McDonald’s or anything else and we commissioned him or her?” I think that idea is terrific. Instead of losing children to wrong values and beliefs, we should be actively preparing them to enter the world with proper values and beliefs. As the shareholders dispersed it was clear they were looking forward to seeing firsthand what “their” B4T will do in its community on the other side of the world. – A Businessperson
••
Bearing Witness website gathers Anabaptist stories of struggle Website follows in steps of Martyrs Mirror GOSHEN, Ind.—A Congolese pastor who forgave the armed men who had forced him to dig his own grave; a Ukrainian Mennonite Brethren family displaced to labour camps throughout the USSR and finally reunited in Kazakhstan, only to face further resistance from the government in their new home; a missionary who accompanied Christian communities in China during World War Two, even though she had to be in hiding much of the time. These stories are part of a major story-gathering initiative called the Bearing Witness Stories Project, an online collection of testimonies of Anabaptist believers who have
lived out their faith despite significant opposition and suffering. Though still in its infancy, the website, www.martyrstories.org, serves primarily as a repository for stories of 19thand 20th-century Anabaptists who have persevered in their faith and testimony, despite opposition and suffering. – Goshen College
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27
News
MCC calls for reinstatement of CoSA funding WINNIPEG, Man.—MCC calls on the Correctional Services of Canada to reverse the funding cuts to Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) projects across the country. CoSA programs dramatically reduce the rate of sexual and other kinds of re-offence. Cutting support to CoSA is a threat to public safety. On Feb. 20, 2014, Correctional Services of Canada (CSC) informed MCC that funding contracts for Circles of Support and Accountability will be terminated at the end of March 2014. All other CoSA sites that receive government funding have also had their contracts terminated. Through CoSA programs, teams of volunteers, supported by professionals, meet with former sexual offenders to hold them accountable for their actions and help them reintegrate into the community after release from prison. MCC received funding from CSC for our CoSA programs in Ont. ($325,000) and Alta. ($25,000) annually. In addition, MCC provides financial support to CoSA projects in Man., Sask., and N.B. Without the government funding these
MCC
Program ‘drastically’ reduces reoffending
A former core member of an MCC supported Circle of Support and Accountability program run by the Moncton Community Chaplaincy.
programs will need to be reduced, leaving communities at risk and offenders without the support they need. “MCC’s long history with CoSAs have shown they are the best way to protect public safety, working with dangerous offenders in the most cost-effective way while also providing a chance for someone who has sexually offended to turn their life around and live offence free,” says Stephen Siemens, restorative justice coordinator for MCC Canada. MCC calls on CSC to reverse these funding cuts and continue to support the work of Circles of Support and Accountability across Canada. – MCC
••
Ten projects worth $ 2.5M committed in March WINNIPEG, Man.—More than 49,000 people in six countries will benefit from ten projects worth $2.5 million committed by Canadian Foodgrains Bank in March. The projects are being implemented by Mennonite Central Committee, World Relief Canada, ADRA Canada, Evangelical Missionary Church, and Emergency Relief and Development Overseas. Two of the projects, implemented by World Relief Canada and ADRA Canada, are in response to the growing emergency in South Sudan. In South Sudan, violent fighting across the country has forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Unable to grow the crops they depend on for survival, they are at risk of starvation. One of the projects, implemented by World Relief Canada, is distributing food to displaced people living in host
28 The Messenger • June 2014
NINA LINTON
CFGB, Canadian government work together
communities near the South Sudanese capital city of Juba. The other project, implemented by ADRA Canada, is distributing food to displaced people within the Budi County area of South Sudan. The project is focusing on the most vulnerable displaced people, especially pregnant and nursing mothers, young children, and the elderly. Projects supported by Canadian Foodgrains Bank are undertaken with support from the Government of Canada. – CFGB
News
It all started with shoelaces! KITCHENER, Ont.—When Holy Cross Lutheran Church asked St. John Kitchen, a local soup kitchen, how the congregation could help out, the kitchen asked the church to provide shoelaces. They explained: when a person is released from prison, their clothing is returned, but their shoelaces are not. Shoelaces are routinely removed during incarceration for safety and security reasons. Holy Cross asked if there was anything else those released from prison needed. The response was that they needed everything but especially toiletries. Holy Cross members therefore decided to put together backpacks with basic toiletries as well as shoelaces. They also added a Tim Hortons card and some devotional reading. Kits are put together whenever they are needed, which turns out to be about 10 per year. It’s just one another way they have found to reach out with the love of Christ. “Who would have thought,” said Pastor Roland Syens, “it would have all started with shoelaces!” – The Canadian Lutheran (Jan.-Feb. 2014)
CANADIAN LUTHERAN
Ministry provides needed toiletries
Examples of kits provided by Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kitchener, Ont., to people just released from prison.
••
Mid-Way holds second annual youth conference Serving and Leading Together THOMPSON, Man.—To God be the glory! Thank you for faithfully praying and supporting us. This past weekend of Feb. 22-23 we held the second annual SALT Youth Conference here in Thompson for Mid-Way Christian Leadership (formerly Continental Mission). Twenty-four youth were a part of the conference this year, led by seven SALT youth from Thompson and a team of volunteers from the north and the south. God definitely was at work. I was particularly encouraged by the way some youth from Thompson were stepping up into leadership roles. For a few months Cheyenne and Latisha met at Cohle
and Rebecca Bergen’s house on Tuesdays for macaroni and cheese while planning the youth conference for this year. As they stepped up to the plate this weekend, we were greatly encouraged by their leadership. The rest of the SALT youth did a great job in being a part of the weekend and getting the other students involved in the activities. What a great opportunity to show other young people in the north what it means to be a servant and a leader. Thank you again for praying and for the financial support for running the conference. – MCL
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29
In Memory
Zaria Dawn Loewen-Watson
March 19, 2014 Indescribable sorrow. Insurmountable pain. Our daughter Ganya Lily died shortly after birth on June 9, 2013. Doctors say that the death of a child, especially a baby, is the worst psychological trauma a mother will ever have to overcome. With all this sorrow, we need a reason for joy and decide to try for a fifth child. We are overjoyed to get pregnant right away and, at week 10, I go for an early ultrasound. They suspect Down Syndrome, but the baby doesn’t cooperate and I’m scheduled for a 12-week scan. Compared to a fatal diagnosis Down Syndrome is a relief. The next ultrasound reveals a physical problem, but they need more information. At the 16-week ultrasound I am afraid to be hopeful. In an echo of Ganya’s adverse diagnosis, we are told there are multiple problems and this baby will not survive. I am shocked, asking why again over and over in my head and heart. Facing such immense pain, my heart shuts down and I don’t feel angry or sad. Our three living children need their mother to be present physically and emotionally. Having just gone through this with Ganya, we prepare again by meeting with palliative care and choosing scripture and songs. Later
30 The Messenger • June 2014
we are told baby is most likely a girl. The first initial of each of our children spells S. I. N. G. We decide to complete the word with a “Z.” After searching, I find Zaria, which means sunrise. Fresh starts, filled with light and hope—which I need in this moment when I feel abandoned. I must believe God’s love and mercy will never fail, like the sunrise, and we choose Dawn for her middle name. Lamentations 3:22-24 confirms this message of light and hope, reminding us that like the sunrise we may be certain in Our Lord and put our hope in Him. On March 19 I hold God’s perfect creation in my arms: Zaria Dawn’s life shines briefly. I see her scrunch her eyes at the world and hear her click her tongue a few times as she sucks for breath. She is alive! Praise the Lord! We love and snuggle her, but dawn turns to dusk and I know she has been taken home
after just 10 short minutes, joining her sister in God’s beautiful garden. A Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep photographer took beautiful memorial photos of us with Zaria. Until I am called home I will try to be the best mother I can to the children He’s loaned to me here. Living on in her memory are her parents, Brent and Tanya LoewenWatson; her siblings, Sarah, Ivan and Nadia; her paternal grandparents, Robert and Pauline Watson; her maternal grandparents, Maynard and Frieda Loewen; her uncles and aunts, Darin, Shauna, Brian, David and Melissa Watson and Terry, Sabrina, Tyler and Tracey Loewen; and her cousins, Eden, Marley, Samara, Mitchell, Bethany and Elijah. It has been and will continue to be our prayer that God be brought glory by her life. – Brent and Tanya Loewen-Watson
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
In Memory
Lorne K. Loewen
1935-2013 Lorne K. Loewen, 78, passed away at Health Sciences Centre on Dec. 8, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves to mourn his best friend and loving wife of 54 years, Arlene; son Alex (Bev), Brock and Thalin; daughters Bonnie-Anne (Mark Loewen), Kyra, Issac and Jacob, Merrilee (Karl Galbraith); two sisters and one sister-in-law. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother. Also left to mourn his passing are many relatives and friends. Lorne was born on Nov. 28, 1935, to his parents, Peter L. and Margaret Loewen, in the R.M. of Morris, Man.
Lorne grew up on his parents’ farm at Rosenort. At 16 years of age, Lorne began working in construction, eventually becoming a Proficiency Carpenter that lasted until his retirement at age 66. During his retirement, he continued using his skills by helping his children and teaching his grandchildren. Lorne had a heart for missions and was privileged to go to Nicaragua with a group of volunteers on two short-term missions trips to assist with building projects. In 2008 Lorne and Arlene began volunteering at the SIM Retirement Village in Sebring, Florida. Lorne’s expertise as a carpenter and his gentle spirit was greatly appreciated by the people in the Village, and together they enjoyed six winters in Sebring. Lorne was baptized upon confession of faith and became a member of the Rosenort EMC. After Lorne and Arlene were married in 1959, they attended the Morris Fellowship Chapel. In 1971, Lorne and Arlene moved to Winnipeg and became active members of Braeside EMC,
serving in numerous committees and as a deacon couple. Lorne was a quiet, gentle man, a deep thinker and avid reader. A man who appreciated peace, he loved God and his Bible, his church, his family, and many friends. Some of his favourite authors were Phillip Yancey and Henry Nouwen. In Oct. 2013, Lorne was diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos. He accepted this difficult diagnosis with grace and lived his final days assured that he was in God’s care. The family thanks Dr. L. Tan and the staff at Health Sciences Centre for the gentle and compassionate care he received. The family is also grateful for the many prayers and acts of kindness offered on their behalf. The memorial service was held on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at Braeside EMC, Winnipeg, Man. A private family burial prior took place at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, prior to the service. Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man. – His Family
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31
In Memory Calendar years until Frieda’s death, after which he moved back to Kola. Three years later, he married Betty Siemens from Kleefeld, where they lived till he passed away. In approximately 2004, Dad was diagnosed with chronic leukemia, Abraham K. Martens which gradually caused his health to 1929-2014 deteriorate over the past half year. On April 11, Dad had his final bone marDad was born at the family home row test, which indicated that he had Copies in the Rural Municipality of Tache, only a few weeks left to live. Dad was now Manitoba, on April 7, 1929. He was in shaping hospitalized on April 15 and went to our the second of 12 children born to be with the Lord a week later on April available Peter and Helena Martens. At 14 years 22, 2014. free. of age, he accepted Jesus Christ as We as a family would like to thank Contact info@ Evangelical Mennonite Conference his Saviour at an evangelistic crusade the doctors and nursing staff at the or emconf.ca Board of Missions with Ben D. Reimer and Archie Steinbach Bethesda Hospital for their 204-326-6401. 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca Penner and was baptized on the proloving care of our father during his www.emconference.ca fession of his faith. short stay. He grew up working on the family Dad is survived by his farm in Landmark and in the sawmill daughters: Joanne and in Mafeking, Man. On May 31, 1952, Eleanor (Rey Plett); his he married Norma Reimer, also of sons: Gerald (Elly), GorLandmark. Five years later, they don (Lynn) and Les (Jan); moved to Kola, Man., to begin land and their families, his wife clearing and farming. Over the years Betty, her six children five children were born to them. and their families, as Dad continued farming Mennonite and doing well as four Derksen Central contract work in northern Manitoba step-children with their Committee infamilies. till 1974 after which he invested in Canada: A History various business ventures, including The funeral service Estherin Epp-Tiessen Kola Feed Service. He was active was held on Saturday, 346many pages, paper, the Kola EM Church, serving April 26, 2014, at 2 p.m. at $29.50. years as treasurer and deacon till he Kola Evangelical MennoISBN was in his late 60’s. All his life Dad nite Church, Kola, Man., was involved in different kinds of with burial at the church 9780920718957 sports, his favourites being golf, curlcemetery. ing, and also enjoyed The bowling. history ofHe MCC Canada comes out ofIfafriends so desire, playing gamestradition. with anyone who donations in memory richtable historical was willing to compete with him. of Abe may be made to His wife Norma passedand away in Evangelical Mennonite Read this fascinating complex story. Nov.CMU 1997,Press and two years later he mar- Conference missions. ried cmupress.ca Frieda Derksen from Didsbury, – His Family Alta.Toll They lived in Didsbury for eight Free 1-877-231-4570
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Manitoba July 3 Project Builders Golf Event Kingswood Golf and Country Club Register on Convention registration form or by calling 204-355-4854
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32 The Messenger • June 2014
Shoulder Tapping *With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.
EMC Positions Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel is looking for a full-time lead pastor. Our congregation consists of about 80 attendees and has a real heart to love God and love people. We are looking for a pastor who has strong preaching and teaching skills and is gifted in relating to the multiple generations of the congregation. He will provide leadership on the ministerial team and serve alongside our half-time youth pastor. A Bible college education and previous pastoral experience are desirable. PGFC is an EMC church located in the growing community of Lorette, Man., 15 minutes southeast of Winnipeg. To apply or for more information, contact Alek at pgfc.search@gmail.com. The ConneXion church in Arborg, Man, a community of one thousand, is currently seeking a half-time pastor. Arborg is in the heart of Manitoba’s Interlake, one hour north of Winnipeg’s perimeter. The church of 25 to 50 adherents is affiliated with the EMC. We practice the values of “BELLS” as we build our community; we seek to bless, eat, listen, learn and send. There is significant opportunity for other part-time employment in the community. Interested applicants should contact the pastoral search committee chair or submit a resume to peter.dueck@vidir.com. We are seeking a faithful Jesus follower with proven leadership skills. 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 780-821-0287 if you can serve together with us in this capacity. Roseisle EMC is currently in search of a full-time pastor with a supportive and involved family. Located 100 kms southwest of Winnipeg in a small, rural town, we are a church with many young families and an average attendance of 75. We are looking for a pastor that is passionate about his faith and has lots of energy and contagious excitement to work within the church and the local community of Roseisle. Responsibilities would include practical Bible based preaching/teaching, visitation, local community visibility/involvement, and encouraging the spiritual growth of the church. We are seeking a dynamic leader who loves Jesus, and embraces small church and small town living. Housing is provided. Interested applicants should contact the pastoral search committee chair, Pam Dyck, at 204435-2778 or through email. Please send resumes to Pastoral Search Committee, Roseisle EMC, Box 29, Roseisle MB R0G 1V0 or remcsearch@gmail.com. Island Gospel Fellowship, in Burns Lake, BC, is a seeking a full-time youth pastor/outreach worker to build on a growing ministry to youth in the Burns Lake area. Currently there is a group of 50-60 youth attending weekly youth events. Many of these youth are from the community and do not attend any church. A successful candidate should have a passion for outreach and a strong desire to share the love of Jesus; an ability to communicate biblical truths to youth in a relevant way; strong relational skills to connect with youth and work with others; the ability to organize events and involve volunteers; a willingness to partner with camp ministry. For further information or to send us your resume, please contact the search committee at igf@ telus.net or phone 250-692-7551. The Church of Living Water in Tillsonburg, Ont., is seeking a full-time senior pastor. We are a young
church with attendance ranging from 70-100. We have a growing children and youth ministry. CLW is seeking a pastoral couple who will live among us to guide and direct the church to deeper and greater ministry in our community. We believe the senior pastor role to be that of a shepherd who guides his congregation, needs to be a strong encourager and a pastor who has passion for God and his people. This is best accomplished by studying and teaching, praying and preaching, and visiting and visioning, all based on God’s Word. Previous pastoral experience is preferred, and candidate must be in agreement with our EMC Constitution and Statement of Faith. Applications or resumes should be sent to the CLW Board of Elders: Abe Neufeld (chair) abeneufeld@bell.net and David Dyck (vice chair) daviddyck@hotmail.com. Riverton Gospel Chapel is looking for a full-time pastor. We would also be open to an interim position. We are an EMC church located in town with an attendance of 50-75. The church manse is located in town and within walking distance of all amenities. RGC is involved in local outreach, as well as supporters of missionaries in other areas of the world. RGC is run by a strong church council and has a seven member ministerial. Please send all inquires to Brad Kornelsen at debbrad2@hotmail.com or 204-378-2329.
Other Positions Winkler EMMC seeks a pastor of congregational care to join its pastoral staff. Our church family is multi-generational with an average attendance of 550-600. We are located in the City of Winkler, about 100 kms southwest of Winnipeg, Man. To learn more, visit www.winkleremmc.com; wemmc.search@gmail.com; contact Henry Krahn at 204-325-8405; or write Winkler EMMC, Attn: Henry Krahn, 600 Southview Dr., Winkler, MB R6W 2P7. Morweena Christian School (MCS) is looking for two high school teachers. Candidates with strengths in math and science will be given preference. MCS is a rural school 90 minutes north of Winnipeg, Man., serving about 130 students. The two-grade split classes range in size from 15-26 students. MCS was founded in 1966 by families of Morweena EMC. Candidates need to be certifiable in the province of Manitoba, embrace the EMC Statement of Faith, and be active in congregational life. Send resume to Tim Reimer, principal, timr@morweenaschool.org.
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. All ads can be edited.
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33
Columns • here and far away
Don’t diss Christ’s girl!
D We must watch the way we speak of Christ’s Bride. Don’t “diss” her in front of non-Christian friends because they don’t know her as we should.
34 The Messenger • June 2014
DESIGNPICS
by Jocelyn R. Plett www.writewhatyousee. wordpress.com
o we speak disrespectfully about a man’s fiancé in his hearing? Would we ever leave a bride on the side of the road in search of a better companion who meets our need for affirmation and the desire for entertainment? When we speak of the Church, the Bride of Christ, don’t we often do just this? When we criticize the way people in the body of Christ worship Him, or practice church, is that not disrespecting Jesus’ girl? When we “shop around” for the perfect church, is that indicative of our respect for her? Jesus loves his Bride! We are her. All people who worship Christ and call Him Lord are part of His body, are part of his Bride for whom He died. Yet at times we point fingers and speak harshly to fellow Christians, calling out their sins in a public place, throwing the first stones at the Bride of the King of kings. Good God, forgive us! We must watch the way we speak of Christ’s Bride. Don’t “diss” her in front of non-Christian friends because they don’t know her as we should. Don’t complain about her with fellow believers. Give honour to the church for Christ’s sake, because “Christ loves the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it just as Christ does the church—for we are
members of his body. ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church” (Eph. 5:25-32). We honour the Church by encouraging her, even if we may disagree. We honour the church by celebrating her many parts, Christ’s body (1 Cor. 12)—those who are more visible (pastors, teachers and missionaries) and those who are not as visible (dishwashers, cookie bakers, and custodians of her building). We honour her by giving any necessary admonishment in private as her husband taught us to do in Matt. 18, allowing her to maintain dignity in front of those who watch her from a distance. We honour Christ’s bride by working towards unity with all believers. This is to her honour and the ultimate glory of her husband, Christ the Lord. The Church is currently a damsel in dire distress because she is being bruised by words and actions from within her own body. While we aren’t her knight in shining armour, let’s treat her as we would the fiancé of the gallant Warrior we worship as Lord.
Columns • stewardship today
Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?
T
by Dori Zerbe Cornelsen
DESIGNPICS
hat’s from the Bible: Amos 3:3 (NLT). It was my parents’ wedding text when they were married 65 years ago. It’s a verse in the middle of a punishment text—I’ve always wondered how they came up with that. It’s a great question, though, for couples who are just starting out together, setting up a common household, potentially combining income and resources or in other words doing money together. Given most relationships end because of conflicts and stress over finances, figuring out healthy ways to do money together as a couple is incredibly important. But money is hard to talk about. Glossy magazines publish all sorts of tests couples can take to improve their sex lives—why not their money lives? When doing money together, it’s not just the big purchases (car, condo or vacation) that can cause tensions. All sorts of little things can add up to growing frustration with a partner: Why does he need that latte every day? Why does she always need a sale to buy anything? Why does she give such big tips when we go out? Why does he nag me to pack a lunch instead of grabbing something with friends? The reality is, each of us has a money personality. Some of us are impulsive and some of us ponder and stress over every financial decision. We come by our personalities honestly. We’re influenced by parents, life experiences, faith, media, and friends. Unless we have a look at our money personalities, we assume our tendencies are normal—it’s the other person who has a problem. So, why not take a short money personality test as a couple? Each person can think about the characteristics that describe their own style of dealing with money. The list could include words like: spontaneous, careful, compulsive spender, frugal, thankful, content, honest, stingy, generous, saver, borrows easily, worried about the future, deliberate. Before sharing lists, each person may want to
think about which characteristics they feel good about and which they might want to change. Then, couples can share their lists with each other. It’s best to start a conversation like this by agreeing to ground rules like: we will take this conversation seriously; we will not interrupt each other; we will listen to each other with compassion. We may also want to admit that we make assumptions about money because of the household in which we grew up. Was the atmosphere in the room tense if the topic of money came up? Who paid the bills? Was there someone who had all the control when it came to money? It’s hard to agree to go in the same direction as a couple unless there is conversation. In the end, couples might not always totally agree on every detail when it comes to money, but talking is the first step to understanding. For more ideas on couples and money personality check out http://www.mennofoundation.ca/ resources/publications/first-things-first. Dori Zerbe Cornelsen is a stewardship consultant in the Winnipeg, Man., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada. For information on impulsive generosity, stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit MennoFoundation.ca.
Glossy magazines publish all sorts of tests couples can take to improve their sex lives— why not their money lives?
www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35
Columns • kids’ corner
Things that change
T by Loreena Thiessen
Read the story of the sower in Matthew 13:18-23.
he word to melt means to digest. The hotdog or hamburger you had for supper digests in your stomach after you have eaten it. It turns into liquid so your body can use it and make you strong. A change takes place. Your stomach has acids that make this happen. Other things melt too. A candle melts down as the flame burns. Some candles simply become smaller; others drip and form a puddle of liquid wax below. The heat of the flame changes solid wax to liquid. Ice cream melts in the hot summer sun. If you eat it too slowly trickles of liquid ice cream will run down the cone. Melted ice cream will taste sweeter. Cheese melts in the toaster oven on your bun. It changes from a hard square to something soft and gummy. When it’s melted it tastes different too; it has a sharper flavour. The snowman you made in the winter is no longer standing. Snow changes to water as the sun beats down. Then it dries up. Another thing that requires change before it can be used is gold and silver. Gold and silver
are metals found among rocks. They are precious and have high value. But they cannot be used as natural chunks. They must be melted down into a liquid form and shaped into the thing we need. Some things we know made of silver and gold are coins and jewellery. A good watch will have jewels inside to help it run better and last longer. What happens when a solid melts? Heat is energy. Energy makes something move. As an object is heated the tiny particles it is made Activity: Do an experiment to watch for changes. of, called molecules, move apart, they spread out. As they spread out the object softens and Need: six identical bowls, butter, several ice cubes, several pieces changes shape. Think of ice cream or cheese as of old crayons, pencil, drawing paper or camera. it melts. It becomes softer and begins to spread out. It changes its form. Do: Put one tablespoon of butter into each of two bowls. Jesus told stories to help his followers unPut two ice cubes, one in each of the next two bowls. derstand his words. He used seeds to explain Put several bits of crayon into each of the last two bowls. what he meant. Seeds change in good soil. Place one bowl of each pair of bowls in the sun and one in the Good soil feeds the plant. First the seed grows shade. a strong root that absorbs the nutrients in the soil. Then a healthy plant pushes up through What do you think will happen? the soil to get the sun’s rays. A strong plant produces food for people, like apples, grain, Wait 30 minutes; then check the bowls. and potatoes. Draw a picture of the result. Jesus compares seeds to his words. If you Wait another 30 minutes and check the bowls again. hear his words and understand them, this will Repeat this several times. produce positive and caring actions. What happened to the objects in the bowls? Share what you find.
36 The Messenger • June 2014
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