The Messenger Vol. 52 No. 09 September 2014

The Messenger Volume 52  No. 09  September 2014

Convention 2014 INSIDE:

Encounter with God: From the Bush to the Mountain page 6 The Church: to Give Life to Our Communities page 10 Identity: the Journey of a Third Culture Kid page 13

a publication of the Evangelical

Mennonite Conference

$2.00

Editorials

Practical steps to see themselves

T

he Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is looking at biblical literacy (see page 30). In 1995 Larry Augsburger, a Mennonite pastor in Ohio, wrote he “found that some church members have a barely passing knowledge of the Scriptures.” He said, “In response, I have preached on the importance of reading and studying the Scriptures, but I am realistic enough to know that such calls seldom make much of a difference.”

He said that people find the Bible “daunting” and “don’t know how to get going”; that they “know they should read more, but they never get around to it”; and that “there is power in a group experience.”

He and adults in the congregation decided to read the entire New Testament in three months, with his messages based on a chapter read during the past week. Children

and teens were to cover one chapter in the Gospels daily, completing the Gospels in three months.

When the three months were over, some people reported it was the first time they had read the New Testament systematically; for some, the group experience was significant; only a few thought the reading was “too rigorous.”

At the time of his reporting Augsburger was considering engaging the congregation in reading parts of the Old Testament; if he did, he said “the formula” would be the same: “Establish a schedule, find some way of illustrating progress and encourage people to read the Bible together” (Mennonite Brethren Herald, Nov. 10, 1995).

Augsburger’s story is only one of how pastors strive to help members to see themselves within the biblical story and how our lives are different for it.

– Terry M. Smith

He said that people find the Bible “daunting” and “don’t know how to get going”; that they “know they should read more, but they never get around to it”; and that “there is power in a group experience.”

••

Read the criminal code lately?

H

ow do we counter biblical illiteracy? There’s no simple, one-step answer to a complex, multilayered issue within and outside of the Church.

For instance, would it be wise to simply hand a person a book on ancient beginnings, another on genealogies, a copy of a criminal code, a book on rebellions, and then another law book and say, “Read them from start to finish”?

Do we risk doing this when we give a Bible to a new Christian or an inquirer?

The Pentateuch (the first five books, Genesis to Deuteronomy) contains all of these elements. Yet, thanks to the Spirit of God, some people do well in such reading. Still, others struggle.

Rather, help an inquirer to read the Gospel of Luke—to study the life and teaching of Jesus; and then venture into parts of the Old and New Testaments. What’s important

2 The Messenger • September 2014

is that they see themselves in the story of God’s people.

Fortunately, we have many members—pastors, teachers, mentors—who guide people in studying the Scriptures.

There is an on-going need to help Canadians grasp how the Bible, a library of books, ties together: Jesus is its heart, the Old Testament is a history leading to him, and the New Testament reflects upon him.

God has revealed Himself, through word and deed, in history; the Bible is God’s written Word. To assist in biblical literacy, practical guidance is required to help fit together Scripture’s wonderful events and meanings.

Partly, we can encourage Christians to bring their personal Bibles to a worship service, use more Scripture portions thoughtfully in the service, show in the sermon how they fit together, and affirm teachers and mentors in their ministry.

– Terry M. Smith

Do we risk doing this when we give a Bible to a new Christian or an inquirer?

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

16 A Reader's Viewpoint

Encounter with God: from the bush to the mountain – Dr. Richard Showalter

10 The Church: to give life to our communities

23 An Education App

13 Identity: the journey of a third culture kid

31 Further In and Higher Up

– Pastor Jerry Plett

– Charis Elaine Kehler

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4

Letters and Notices

17 With Our Missionaries 24 Convention 2014 29 With Our Churches 30 News

page

20

Consider a service vacation – Harry Koop

What key teaching tools does your church use?

– Terry M. Smith Do you see the pattern?

– Layton Friesen

34 Here and Far Away In retrospect – Jocelyn R. Plett

35 Stewardship Today A simple plan for intentional generosity – Arnie Friesen

page

17

36 Kids’ Corner

New shoes – Loreena Thiessen

32 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping

page

8

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger Volume 52 No. 9 September 2014

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER

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

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

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

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed.

Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 12– Dec. 2014 issue (copy due Oct. 08)

4 The Messenger • September 2014

Letters and Notices Article unfit for The Messenger I am writing in response to the article, Postmodernism in the Classroom: How it Undermines Biblical Values [July],

by Michael Zwaagstra. I have worked in the field of education for 27 years— in teaching, curriculum development, school administration and university education.

During that time I have come to know many good people and extraordinary teachers—educators who struggle daily to teach and do well

In part, by redefining ‘church’

Regarding the editorial in the last Messenger, “Moving Beyond the Plateau” [July[, I would suggest that the EMC is doing quite well by plateauing—many churches and the church population as a whole are declining.

I would suggest one of the ways we move past this is to redefine church. If the church as we know it is in decline, why do we want to plant more of the same? If the demographic that is least present in church does not come to us, maybe we should consider going to them.

What about online churches, taking on issues and subjects near and dear to that demographic? What about eating and drinking with

by our children and young people.

Philosophically, they range from conservative to liberal to progressive.

Writing a polemic as Mr. Zwaagstra did—disparaging and vilifying progressives—might fit the editorial mandate of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, but for The Messenger to publish it is unbecoming of a confessional periodical.

Lloyd Kornelsen Winnipeg, Man.

sinners? What about not spending 70 percent or more of church budgets on walls and programs and staff?

What about blurring the lines so we lose track of who is inside or who is not? What about neighbouring as we go through out the world?

Maybe a criterion for leadership in such churches should be to see who has a history of being an itinerant teacher, roaming about the countryside, so to speak, with a group that he/she mentors. It worked once thousands of years ago. Do we dare and try to follow such an example?

Wally Doerksen Giroux, Man.

Why Hasn’t My Subscription Change Happened?

Frustrated because your repeated request for a subscription change hasn’t happened? Here’s part of the reason: the printing firm didn’t notify us of a staff change and our lists of requested changes went unnoticed. We’ve resubmitted the changes and, hopefully, they will now happen. If your Sept. copy still isn’t right, please call our office (204-326-6401) and ask for Andrew. We regret the inconvenience.

Letters and Notices

Church leaders seek peace in Israel and Gaza Letter sent to PM, Minister of Foreign Affairs July 30, 2014 The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2 Dear Prime Minister, We are writing today to invite you to join us in lamenting the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In particular, we mourn the loss of life in Israel and Gaza, and we are sure you will agree that this situation is tragic.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has been working for peace in the Middle East for more than 65 years, partnering with organizations who embrace nonviolent approaches to working for justice and peace in this troubled region. This work is a ministry of six Christian denominations in Canada.

We find ourselves struggling to know how to respond to recent events, even as we provide aid to those affected by the conflict. For the third time in six years, MCC’s partners in Israel and Palestine have called on us to appeal for an end to violence in and around Gaza, and for

international support to address the underlying causes of this conflict.

As the latest round of this violence approaches its fourth week, it is difficult to imagine how it is not planting seeds for the cycle of violence to continue in the coming years. Indeed, it seems to us that the prospects for alternative approaches to resolving long-standing issues between Israelis and Palestinians are only diminishing.

Nonetheless, in addition to offering our lament, we cling to hope, and continue to support efforts to work toward the vision described by the prophet Isaiah: Then justice will dwell in the land and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.

The effect of righteousness will be peace and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

(Isaiah 32:16-17) We invite you to join with other world leaders—and with concerned citizens such as ourselves—in expressing your concern for the deaths of both Israelis and Palestinians, and to actively support efforts to secure a lasting and meaningful ceasefire.

Sincerely, Donald G. Peters Executive Director, MCC Canada Willy Reimer Executive Director, CCMBC Douglas P. Sider Jr. Canadian Director, BIC Canada

EMC Prayer Team Guadalajara, Mexico

Tim Dyck General Secretary, EMC

November 10-17, 2014

Contact:

Team Leader - Angel Infantes

Diana Peters dpeters@emconf.ca

$1,300 (depending on flight costs)

Willard Metzger Executive Director, MC Canada

Gerald Reimer greimer@emconf.ca

CC: The Honourable John Baird, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

Convention 2014

Message two of four

Encounter With God: From the Bush to the Mountain

ANDREW WALKER

by Dr. Richard Showalter

6 The Messenger • September 2014

T

o meet God at the burning bush was an awesome experience. When Moses first noticed the bush aflame, it must have seemed a bit unusual, yet not so remarkable.

After all, fires happen. “What started that fire?” he must have wondered.

But then he noticed that the fire did not die down. This really got his attention, and he went to take a look. Then it was that God called, “Moses, Moses!” A voice from a burning bush!

Whatever Moses’ interest had been a few moments before, now it was multiplied.

Called By Name

Sometimes we think wistfully, “If only I could meet God at a burning bush.”Yet we do! For the burning bush has never really died.

More than that, it was the voice of One who knew him.

The voice called his name.

In my elementary school when our names were called each day, we responded by saying “here.” We heard the names of others called, but there was a deep, unspoken delight in hearing our own. We waited with anticipation.

But for Moses to hear his name from a flaming bush was awesome. Almost like a schoolboy, Moses responded simply, “Here I am.” Immediately God continued, “Take off your sandals. You are standing on holy ground.”

Bush Never Died

burning bush has never really died.

Sometimes it takes the quiet form of uneasiness in our spirits. A few weeks ago in a small country church, I met a man with a high school education who builds the palatial residences of the world’s wealthy and influential. Millions of dollars go into those homes. His gift as a builder is to create unique structures which will never be repeated. He loves his work, and he befriends the people he meets.

But his own dream house was not one of those. Rather, it was an old colonial stone structure on a few acres of rural farmland, for sale in his neighbourhood.

But when he considered buying it at a high price, he and his wife were uneasy.

So he waited—impatiently at times.

The owner of the farmhouse eventually died, and his wife dwelt alone with no heirs. Then one day she called and said, “Please come over. I’d like to sell my home to you.”

She told him simply, “Tell me what you think you can afford.” He and his wife talked and prayed and gave a price they thought they might pay, knowing that it was worth more.

Yet the next time they saw her, she offered them the house at a price even less than what they had offered, and much, much less than what her husband had originally asked. “I really want you to have the house,” she said. It was a gift from heaven.

Sometimes we think wistfully, “If only I could meet God at a burning bush.” Yet we do! For the

Filled With Burning Bushes

The earth is filled with burning bushes—ordinary bushes aflame with God. It was not long after Moses left his little bush that he walked with the people of Israel back through that same desert. Now there was a multitude with him, and they had seen the glory of God like no other people in history.

Did Moses pause at the bush to point it out and tell the story? We don’t know. Perhaps he just smiled to himself, rejoicing in the greater glory of which that was now a small ➢

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Missionaries Phil and Tammy Peters are introduced by General Secretary Tim Dyck.

symbol. The bush, after all, was only his personal encounter with God. He and the people he led were now part of a much bigger, corporate story.

They pressed on to the mountain.

‘What Is This?’

Before they reached it, however, the manna fell.

They had seen God miraculously change bitter water into sweet at a place called Marah (15:25). Then they camped at a place (Elim) where there were twelve springs of water, one for each tribe (15:27). But coming from these places of God’s provision, the people began to grumble because they were hungry.

“If only we had died in Egypt,” they complained. “There we had all the food we wanted” (16:3). In humility God responded. Moses and Aaron said, “In the morning you will see the glory of the Lord” (16:6-7).

But in the morning when they were to see his glory, God surprised them. They saw only thin flakes like frost on the desert floor (16:14).

They scuffed the white flakes and asked, “What is it?” In the Hebrew language they were saying, “Manna?” (16:15, 31). The glory of God is like that. We, like they, often fail to recognize it.

are cast out. We see it when a life like Paul’s is dramatically transformed on the Damascus road (Acts 9). But we often miss it.

As a young preacher, John Wesley met Jesus decisively through the witness of a foreign people. On a trip to colonial America there was a terrible storm at sea when even the seasoned sailors were certain the ship was lost. They began to cry out to God for mercy, as did John.

But on the boat was a little group of Moravian Christians who were singing psalms as the storm broke, and though the waves broke over the deck, they sang on, unafraid. Through that courageous testimony, John too turned to Jesus and received a faith like theirs.

Later as he preached, people came eagerly to hear. But the church of his day was not accustomed to his evangelical witness, and it closed its doors to the young preacher. Finally, there was scarcely left any place to preach. His friends urged him to go outdoors and preach there.

We Often Miss Seeing It

Yes, we see it clearly enough when the waters are parted before us and the imperial Egyptian army is defeated with one great sweep of God’s hand.

We see it when people are healed, when demons Many Rooms Church Community speaks of its ministries.

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But John was adamant.

He was a proper English gentleman, trained in Oxford University. “The gospel is meant to be preached from behind pulpits,” he said. “I will not demean it by going outdoors.”

Yet finally he said, “Okay, I’ll fast and pray for three days and then cast lots. God will show me clearly what to do.” It was a practice he had learned from his Moravian friends. He himself was still convinced that he would stay indoors.

But when he cast lots after three days, it fell for “out-of-doors.” John stood scuffing and asking, “What is it?” It was glory he did not recognize.

Little did he know that this was the beginning of an outdoor ministry that would transform England. He preached outside and people flocked to hear him. For the next 50 years he traveled 250,000 miles by horseback across the country.

Hundreds came to hear, then thousands. He preached on the streets to crowds ranging up to 25,000 people. It started with a question, “What is it?” It ended with a mountain of glory.

WWW.ICYA.CA

A Mountain of Glory

As for Moses and the Israelites, they too were traveling to a mountain of glory. When they arrived, Moses climbed it (19:3). There God told him, “Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (19:5-6).

Three days later God transformed the mountain into a blazing, thundering, shaking, and trumpeting revelation of his glory (19:16-19). It was one of the most awe-inspiring expressions of the glory of God in all of human history. It was so fearful that the people begged Moses not to have God speak to them directly (20:19).

There he made a covenant which endured until Jesus instituted a new one.

So it was that God took a personal “burning bush” and transformed it into a corporate experience of his glory that has shaped the human story ever since. Glory became immortal story.

Today I ask, from what bushes to what mountain are we journeying? May God open our eyes!

Dr. Richard Showalter is an educator, leader, and bridgebuilder among cultures. This article is based on his Saturday evening message at EMC Convention 2014.

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DESIGNPICS

The Church: to Give Life to Our Communities

by Pastor Jerry Plett

A

month ago yesterday, as people were settling down for dinner, mayhem broke out in Moncton when a lone gunman unleashed an unprovoked attack of death. For 36 hours the city was paralyzed by terror as traumatized law enforcement officers executed a manhunt for the one who had shot five of their comrades, killing three.

After a suspect was arrested, preparations for a funeral service could begin. On the morning of the funeral, CBC News host Heather Hiscox interviewed a couple who were friends of one of the fallen officers, Constable Dave Joseph Ross and his wife. The couple shared how they had attended the same Baptist church and Bible study group.

The Rosses had dreamed of having four children. Quoting a portion of Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,” they declared they would not be defined by violence and death.

From the time Adam and Eve fell for Satan’s ruse, “You will be like God,” death has afflicted humankind: Cain killed Abel, Lamech avenged himself 77 times, God rebooted creation with a death-flood, the people on the plain of Shinar were confused by language. Even after God

chose Abraham, through whom he would provide a Saviour, death reigned.

Enter Joseph

Enter Joseph, my favourite Old Testament character. He was not defined by hate, violence or death. Joseph suffered under the wiles of his father Jacob, who effectively made Joseph his indisputable favourite, loving him more than any of his other sons. Jacob fed the hatred of his other sons by providing Joseph with an ornate robe, practically designating him as “the eldest.”

Joseph’s dreams that he shared with his brothers did nothing to soothe their hate, so that when Joseph went checking on his brothers, they made good their opportunity to deal with the dreamer, getting rid of him by selling him to Ishmaelites who were on their to Egypt. The brothers “covered” their tracks by slaughtering a goat, dipping the ornate robe in the blood, then presenting it to their father: “We found this. Examine it and if it is your son’s robe.”

Meanwhile, Joseph arrived in Egypt and was sold to Potiphar, bringing life to Potiphar’s household. The Bible says, “The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered…the Lord

"The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field”

10 The Messenger • September 2014

was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did…the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.

The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field” (Gen. 39:2,3, 5).

Not Defined By Prison

In spite of Joseph’s faithfulness, or due to his faithfulness, he was wrongfully accused and unceremoniously thrown into prison, a fermentation vat of evil, but Joseph would not be defined by prison. Again the Bible says, “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favour (grace) in the eyes of the prison warden” (Gen. 39:20-21) Joseph brought life to prison. Even after Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s baker and cupbearer he was forgotten, languishing in prison for another two years. Then Pharaoh suffered troubling dreams and called for Joseph

to interpret them. Joseph replied, “I cannot do it…but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires” (Gen. 41:16).

This does not sound like a person who was betrayed and sold by brothers, who suffered false accusation and prison, being forgotten in spite of providing life. This has the clear ring of a man who chose life over death.

Years passed and the prophesied famine hit Egypt and the surrounding countries. Lo and behold, but who should appear before Joey for life-food? He was curious how time had affected his brothers and he put them through the proverbial wringer.

On their second trip Joey could contain himself no longer: “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance” (Gen. 45:4-7).

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to seek and safe the lost that we might have life and have it abundantly.

No Payback

Years passed and after Jacob died, the brothers’ guilt and fear of payback resurfaced. When they presented themselves to Joseph as his slaves, Joseph reassured them: “‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended if for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” (Gen. 50:19-21).

While Adam and Eve intended to be God, trying to gain knowledge and there by released the curse of death on creation, Joseph chose life.

God’s purpose has always been to provide life, even in the most traumatic and tragic circumstances. Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ➢

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God Works For Life

The tragedy of Moncton may still be too raw to embrace this truth, but we know that in spite of all unimaginable pain, horror, and terror that people endure, our Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent Lord of Hosts, works for the good of humankind, providing life.

He is the one who continues to lead his people through the most dark and traumatic valleys. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to seek and safe the lost that we might have life and have it abundantly (Luke 15, John 10:10).

We Work For Life

I close with a quick story from the book, Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change (Joseph Grenny and others, McGraw Hill, 2013).

A woman rushes into the entrance of Gramercy Tavern, located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan.

The potential diner is distraught since she left her purse in the taxi that dropped her off and promptly disappeared into sea of yellow. The lifeblood has drained from her face as she realizes that not only will she never see her purse again, she has no money to pay for her meal or any way of getting back to work. the trucker waiting in line to unload wheat in An employee, who is named Carlo, sees the Swift Current look of death on her face and shows her to her lunch-meeting party that is waiting for her, the farmer buying chemical in MacGregor consoling her, “Don’t worry about paying for the meal. We will settle that later. For now, relax, the teenager sandbagging in Virden enjoy your meal. In the meantime, what is your cell number?” the cashier working at Safeway in Fort Garry Assuming the customer had left her phone in her purse, Carlo asked a colleague to begin the family living next door to a same-sex calling the number repeatedly. Half an hour couple in Calgary later, the taxi driver, now many miles north in the Bronx, finally heard the ring and answered the worship leader in a service held on the the phone.

Dakota Tipi reserve close to Portage Carlo arranged to meet the taxi halfway, paid the driver for his troubles, retrieved the purse the cyclists in Guadalajara and presented it to the woman just as she finished her lunch. the oil patch worker in High Level How is that not providing life to a person who felt only death? the bucker-man trimming logs in Vanderhoof This article is based on a devothe skidder operator in Fort Frances tional by Pastor Jerry Plett (St. Vital), BRS, MDiv, at conference the laid off Heinz plant worker in Leamington council on July 5, 2014.

Today we have the privilege of participating with God Almighty, the Lord of Hosts, in offering life to people. God will bring life through our deliberations, plans, and purposes. Together we get to push back tragedy, brokenness and pain, the curse of death. We are the Church of Jesus Christ and the gates of hell will not surround us.

As representatives of the King, individuals who experience the life transforming power of the Holy Spirit, remaining connected to God, we bring abundant life into our communities: • • • • • • • • • • •

A Distraught Diner

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Identity: the Journey of a Third Culture Kid

DESIGNPICS

by Charis Elaine Kehler

I

dentity. The core of who we are. Many of us are unsure of what that looks like. It seems so ambiguous and unexplainable. This idea of identity has been difficult for me.

Many of you know that I am a Missionary Kid (MK). I grew up partially overseas on the continent of Africa. The non-church word for how I grew up is Third Culture Kid (TCK). A TCK is defined as someone who spent a significant part of their developmental years outside of their passport culture.

For those of you keeping score at home, I am also the child of a TCK because my mother, Charity Schellenberg, also grew up that way, being the daughter of Ben and Helen Eidse, the first workers sent, to Africa, under the EMC Board of Missions.

This label of TCK was the one label that seemed to fit best as I grew into my adult years.

I felt most comfortable when surrounded by others who shared my rootless, outsider feelings about their ancestral hometowns.

Overwhelming Roles

For most of my life I’ve been surrounded by an awareness of the various roles that others have wanted me to fill. This has at times been overwhelming, annoying, scary or tiresome.

As I’ve meandered my way to finding who I truly am, I’ve both caused and received pain because of these projections. For that, I am sorry. It is hard to be in right relationship with others when you aren’t sure how to be in right relationship with yourself.

Some of the identities that I’ve tried on have been positive, even if they didn’t have that tailored fit of the perfect match. These have included Canadian, leader, teacher, and several others. The reason these didn’t quite fit, even though they are wonderful on their own, is because, while I do fit them in part, they do not allow me to be the full me I was designed to be.

Some identities have been harmful and caused pain as I tried to shed them. These have included replaceable, transient, infertile, abuse victim/survivor, and anxious. I never really claimed these as my identity, for they are temporary stages of my life, but they have a way of latching on if they are not rejected.

Not rejecting them is a subconscious claiming. ➢

Some identities have been harmful and caused pain as I tried to shed them. These have included replaceable, transient, infertile, abuse victim/survivor, and anxious.

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‘An Entity to be Exploited’

As my family prepared to head overseas, my parents, John and Charity, took some anthropological training to help us adjust and assimilate into the new culture we would find ourselves in. We assimilated into our family lore an observation from anthropologist Jacob Loewen.

It became both a caution and encouragement as we stepped into new situations.

Loewen states, roughly paraphrased: “Until the host society has found a place for you, you are seen as a nonhuman entity to be exploited.”

I could add to that and say that until you have found your place in your own self, you may allow exploitation to happen and, in some cases, participate in it. I found that to be the case in my life.

I knew who I was when we lived overseas. I loved the person I became in Africa. When we moved back to Canada, I found that the parts of me that were the most celebrated in Africa were not viewed the same way here. This threw me for a loop that took me almost 20 years to come out of.

Because I was no longer sure of not only who I was, but also who my society thought I was, I allowed myself to follow the dictates of friends and family as to my personality, my likes and dislikes as well as my opinions about who I was. This was trivial in some areas (I never did like boy bands, even though I could gush about them with my friends like a pro), but dangerous in other areas, such as dating.

By not knowing who I was inside myself, I never saw the red flags that popped up when I started dating. By the time I was 16, I was a victim of emotional, mental, and sexual abuse.

When I broke off a relationship, I moved to the label of survivor instead of victim, but now had to deal with the pain and crippling self-doubt that followed.

Was his attitude towards me right?

These insecurities about my true identity plagued me. They caused crippling anxiety that overshadowed events, relationships, and opportunities.

“Until the host society has found a place for you, you are seen as a non-human entity to be exploited.”

A Proactive Redefining

A few years ago, I started being proactive about redefining my identity. It was a theme in our church and resonated with me on a level deeper than others I had encountered. My watershed moment in this journey was when I came to the realization deep in my spirit that God is Good. End of story. No qualifications.

My God, the One who sacrificed His Son to redeem my life from Satan’s power, is good and only wants good things for me. I live in an imperfect world and bad things happen, but God will help me through these bad things if I will let Him.

14 The Messenger • September 2014

When this became the centre of my faith, and I learned to move all other descriptions of God’s identity or personality to the sidelines, my life changed. I no longer saw God as the scary authoritarian who banished His child to die in a foreign land. I saw a parent releasing His Son to live as a TCK in a culture that was not His own.

That Son sacrificed His own birthright to restore me to my original destiny as the perfect child of my Heavenly Father. Jesus not only died for me, but He also died as me. Every label or identity that had ever been used in association with me was made irrelevant when Jesus redeemed me through His blood. To be redeemed means to be brought back to original value.

My original identity as set forth by Creator God was to be His child, in intimate relationship with Him. I wasn’t designed to be Canadian, I was designed to reflect my true citizenship in Heaven.

My original identity as set forth by Creator God was to be His child, in intimate relationship with Him. I wasn’t designed to be Canadian, I was designed to reflect my true citizenship in Heaven.

I wasn’t designed to be abused or devalued by another’s actions; I was designed to be cherished and valued as a royal priestess in the courts surrounding God. I wasn’t even designed to be a TCK! I was designed to live out my life as a member of my “passport culture” of true intimacy with God. The country that I currently live in, and the society that inhabits it, does not separate me from this identity. That culture of deep abiding citizenship in our Heavenly Father’s world is my home no matter where I live.

So what is my identity? I now see myself the way God sees me, present to future. I am Charis Elaine Kehler—perfectly redeemed Child of God. The rest is history.

Charis Elaine Kehler has a long connection with the EMC. She is married to Chris Kehler, executive pastor at the Portage Alliance Church, Portage la Prairie, Man.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

Column • A Reader's Viewpoint

Consider a service vacation

by Harry Koop

We got a few visitors and they said: “Wow! You actually work here.”This part of our retirement life has been really wonderful.

16 The Messenger • September 2014

HARRY KOOP

W

hat are you doing now? This is a question that I have had to answer many times since I retired. One of the most important things that Norma and I together have been doing is spending time in Sebring, Florida, at the SIM Retirement Village.

The SIM Retirement Village consists of over one hundred homes for retired missionaries as well as a lodge for those not able to live by themselves any more. We have been there 24 times in the past 20 years. Sebring is located in the middle of the state and about half way between Orlando and Tampa.

What do we do there? Initially, people here at home thought we just went there to golf and to go to the beach. But we got a few visitors and they said: “Wow! You actually work here.” The men work seven and a half hours daily and the women about two and a half hours.

The men’s work consists of remodelling, adding sunrooms, and constructing. Shingling has always been my favourite job. The women do house cleaning and wash windows. We work four days a week, Monday through Thursday.

Why is this such a wonderful way to spend the winter? Let me tell you. On Thursday, after working for four days, you look forward to the long weekend. Then come Sunday night, I am just a bit tired of all the lying around and I really look forward to again working.

We have for a number of years gone down there for a full three months. We usually go from just after Christmas into April. My response is always that I cannot think of a better way to holiday.

We have long weekends. We have over the years seen most of the Disney attractions. And, yes, we often golf on weekends as well. One of the biggest thrills has been our children and grandchildren coming down to visit while we are there.

One of my most memorable experiences was to travel with a van full of men to Fort Lauderdale after a damaging hurricane and we helped folks from a Christian motorcycle gang repair their homes. I recall climbing up a ladder with a chain saw to remove some large branches from a tree before we could take the tree down. Those

Norma Koop at work.

folks were so grateful for our help. It was a thrill.

We work together with a large number of volunteers and have made many friendships.

We have also always had a fully furnished house to live in and could live totally independent. Another highlight for me has been to lead the singing on Wednesday nights for the seniors in the lodge.

This part of our retirement life has been really wonderful. I would encourage everyone who is retiring to look into the possibility of getting involved in similar work.

We do not know when our time will be up, but we trust the Lord to give us the health to do this at least one more year.

Art and Rose Cornelsen started going to the SIM Retirement Village in Sebring in 1990 in response to a need identified by Elmer and Elvira Warkentin, SIM missionaries. Norma and I joined the volunteer group in 1996 and Tony and Luella Hiebert (Ridgewood) are now the volunteer leaders. Rose Cornelsen has kept a record of the work projects and says that volunteer work saves SIM about $100,000 annually.

The volunteer group says: Above all else, we want to praise our Lord for the wonderful way He has led us and protected us over all those years.

Harry Koop (Rosenort Fellowship) is a retired schoolteacher, principal, and administrator.

With Our Missionaries

Exercise, breakfast, and following God MEXICO

TARA WIEBE

It’s a regular weekday morning.

Several on our team begin their days with exercise, either at a gym or by heading to the local park to run with the countless others that head out before they go to work for the day.

Others on our team prepare to meet friends for breakfast. This entails dressing up, sometimes putting on your high heels, and meeting with women for several hours over coffee and chilaquiles (fried tortilla strips with tomato sauce and cheese). Some days also mean teaching English to the many people that are eager to learn.

Later in the day, some hop on their mountain bikes and ride around the city with groups of organized bikers that meet up in the evenings. Others may attend a birthday party, a neighbourhood get togeth- After a community race, some of the participants pose: Tara and Dallas Wiebe and famer, a First Communion party, run in a race, or ily, local residents, Diane and Ernie Koop. (Used with permission of all participants.) simply go out to the local park with the kids.

Is this all ministry? Well, that all depends. It can Him and who won’t. It would be nice to know, but that’s simply be that we are getting together with people for where our obedience and our faith step in. We don’t know the sake of enjoyment. Or it can be that together with who will respond, but we follow God through the doors intentionality thrown in. that He opens for us. As we are in Mexican culture, and I really believe that as believers, we should be within a sub-culture within it (the middle/upper class), intentional no matter where we live. This means that no it takes continued learning and discerning to find those matter what we are doing and where we go, we are being open doors. intentional about being lights for Christ. We are lookWhether all of this means that these connections will ing for those opportunities to show love to others, and lead to more disciples and more Bible study groups being beyond that, to share the Gospel with them and the hope formed, only time will tell. But as we, together with those that they too can have in Him. in our cell groups, work towards being intentional in our So why go to the gym? Why go biking? Why meet with communities, we trust that God will lead us as He has women for breakfast? Why teach them English? Because until now. this is where the people are that we are focusing our – Tara Wiebe church plant on. These are regular activities that our neighbours and friends take part in here in Guadalajara, Tara and Dallas Wiebe (Kleefeld) serve in the city of Guaand so that is where we need to be. dalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico.

Jesus went out of his way to meet with the people that Free for He knew would follow Him—he went to the fishermen, Sunday he went to the Samaritan woman by the well, he met with School! the tax collector. He met with the people as they went Contact about their daily lives. We can say that Jesus was inteninfo@ emconf. tional in his daily life. ca or 204-326Now, we don’t know who exactly will choose to follow

6401.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

With Our Missionaries

Responding to trauma and basic needs SOUTH SUDAN

DREAMSTIME

We know that God has a heart for children; it is so evident by the responses that Jesus had for little children that came to Him to be blessed.

Children all over the world are suffering, and that includes the new nation of South Sudan where many of the children are orphaned and live in refugee camps. These children are not only absent father figures; they do not even understand what a healthy father or, in many cases, a mother figure looks like.

Impact South Sudan is committed to youth and children. Since mid-December 2013, newspapers, TV and radio have been reporting escalating levels of fighting in South Sudan. The latest news confirms that over one million of its people have fled the conflict.

Impact South Sudan has been working with emerging Christian communities and church-based organizations in South Sudan. The fighting has resulted in camps that are now filled to overflowing with desperate mothers, children, widow and orphans. We received funding to help with relief. It was obvious that we could not take the place of the U.N. and provide all these people with food, shelter, and clothing. So we focused on two groups.

First, we focused on 400 orphaned children who were cared for under the protection of the Church and a woman of God named Daria (one of our trained leaders) who helped provide them some of the basics, including clean water and some school learning tools.

Second, we focused on bring leaders together from a number of states to educate them in how to care for children at risk. The leaders we brought together were educated in how to help children work through their trauma, as well as helping the leaders to deal with their own trauma.

The workshops also were designed to help those leaders go into their perspective communities and train and educate other leaders to do the same creating a multiplication process in the educational development. This kind of relief is more sustainable for the long term The amount of suffering and personal loss the South Sudanese have faced is overwhelming. Previously the South’s war was with North Sudan, but now it is fighting among their own people; this violence has been targeting civilians of all ages and has been much more terrifying than the last civil war. The trauma of these events has

18 The Messenger • September 2014

The flag of South Sudan

caused heavy wounds that the South Sudanese carry with them and need healing from.

The focus on trauma care is critical, not only for the children; most adults do not have an outlet for sharing their trauma stories. They sometimes do not even see the internal traumas of the spiritual and soul can be as debilitating as physical trauma to the body.

There were 50 participants from three South Sudanese states that will go back to their churches and communities and educate hundreds of others. Now that’s community transformation.

– Gordon Skopnik Gordon Skopnik (Wymark) works with International Teams.

Note: The needs in South Sudan are serious. Further giving can happen through MCC, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, and International Teams Canada.

With Our Missionaries

Foundational Bible teaching continues PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Part of missionary life is saying goodbye to good friends as they go back to their passport countries all over the world.

That’s not an easy thing to do.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers as we continue the foundational Bible teaching. We know the Lord is doing a work in many hearts and giving us the strength to keep on. We taught through the story of Abraham all the way to the Children of Israel arriving at Mount Sinai. Some of the key stories were: • God’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring.

• God’s judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah along with mercy shown to Lot and his family.

• God’s test of Abraham and His provision of an unblem ished ram to take Isaac’s place.

• God’s faithfulness and mercy to Israel through the hard ships in Egypt.

• The calling of Moses to fulfill God’s promise to bring Israel back to the promised land.

• The judgment on Egypt through the plagues.

• God’s mercy to Israel through the Passover.

• God’s power shown at the Red Sea and by providing for the Israelites in the wilderness.

• The grumbling and failure to trust God despite the miracles displayed.

Here are the Posts we presented recently: • The man who will stand by our side comes from Abra ham’s line (Gen. 12:3).

• All of God’s promises will come to fruition (Isaiah 46:9-10).

• We cannot save ourselves (Gal. 2:16, Rom. 3.20).

• All offerings to God must be perfect and without blem ish (Mal. 1:13, Heb. 9:14).

There has been a lot of interaction. A lot of questions are on, “Did these things really happen or are they just a picture talk to teach us?”

We have tried to get the people to identify themselves with the Israelites both in the mercy God has shown them and the complaining and grumbling that they do. An interesting question was, “If Adam and Eve didn’t sin, would we still be in the garden?”

One of themes of local church culture is that it’s what we do and what we don’t do that earns the favour and mercy of God. Please pray as we go through the Ten Commandments that they would come to realize that we are completely helpless before a righteous God and only by God’s mercy can we be saved.

– Tim and Laurel Schroder Tim and Laurel Schroder (Pelly) serve with New Tribes Mission.

TRU2014

Train Refresh Unite

EMC National Youth Leaders’ Retreat October 17-19, 2014, Pinawa, Man.

Workshops Carissa Plett - The Prayer of Discernment Gerald Reimer - Reconciliation: Hope in the Midst of Conflict Jeff Banman - Discipleship Jesus’ Way Ed Neufeld - How a Minister Reads the Bible David Schmidt - Reaching the Lost BOM

Garth Friesen - Utilizing the Psalms in Ministry Tim, Joanna, and Laurel Schroder

Registration Deadline - September 30 Contact: greimer@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

With Our Missionaries

A dream: a quiet place of rest in the Lord BOLIVIA

him a set of 10 Low German Bible storybooks for his family. He also took a daily devotional book that we offered him. When this happens we overflow

CAROLINE KRAHN

We have now spent a year at Casa de la Amistad (House of Friendship) in San José de Chiquitos, Bolivia.

We have five bedrooms available, and fairly often all of them are used in one weekend. During the week it is usually not busy.

At the beginning it was mostly used by visitors from Canada who were coming to encourage our missionaries, but more local people are using it as well. When major events are held at our church in Nueva Esparanza (New Hope) colony, people who travel to take part will spend the night.

The Kleine Gemeinde church in the colony also receives visitors, which have been using the rooms frequently. It was meant also to be a quiet get away for missionaries, but everyone is too busy; when they come, it’s maybe for a night’s stay after a meeting, but then off in the morning.

The patio is a place to sit and relax, drink coffee or tereré, and visit. All guests enjoy that. We also use it frequently to feed groups of people. Both when the Canadian Ambassador came and when we took a town delegation to visit our school in the colony, we served them lunch here.

We have also served lunch to a work team from our colony. Bill Kehler, our pastor in the colony, is trying hard to teach our people how to live godly lives, how to let their light shine. They are poor and do not have money to tithe, but they can tithe their time to help others. So, after finding out that a Spanish evangelical church needed a new roof, he offered to supply men from our colony to replace it. Some of our men as well as men from the Kleine Gemeinde and Old Colony came out.

What was to take one day took four, but this gave a few women from our colony a chance to spend the day with me while the men worked. One lady, not from our church, helped one day. What a joy to see her face when we welcomed more guests.

Our Spanish teachers speak only Spanish, a couple from the Yukon doing teacher development could only speak English and Spanish—and we all translated for each other, laughing and talking together. Later the women from our church told of what a blessing that had been for her.

She had felt so loved and accepted. That is what this place is meant to accomplish.

After lunch we opened the bookstore so they could see what we had to offer. One visitor asked us if we could get him a smaller High German Bible, and we were able to give

20 The Messenger • September 2014

with joy as this is the mission of this centre.

We had the bookstore ready to open on April 7, but it had not been utilized for reasons such as the opposition by some people in nearby communities and our awful road. We open it to guests and do a fair amount of sales that way.

Our real dream is that people can come to a peaceful place where they will be accepted and shown love, browse the bookstore, relax for a while, and have good fellowship. We want this to be a bustling place, and we are ready.

– Caroline Krahn Caroline Krahn (Picture Butte), with her husband Henry, serves with EMC Missions.

Rest Haven

Legacy Event

Featuring:

The Gilbert Reimer Story

by Dr. Jean Barsness October 30, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

The event will take place at Steinbach Bible College There will be a free will offering taken

With Our Missionaries

Poplar Hill baseball ‘camp’ builds friendships

ALBERT MARTENS

ONTARIO

This year’s first so-called camp, held July 13-20, was in Poplar Hill First Nation, northwestern Ontario. The ministry is not your normal camp where you send your teenager someplace.

Our ministry is usually to the whole Ojibwe community—complete with home visitations, radio testimonies and stories, children’s Bible lessons, and children’s crafts and games. The games, of course, include baseball.

Also part of the work is a community wiener roast (360 hotdogs served) and often men’s breakfasts and ladies teas.

This year we were only five volunteers, so we could not manage the men’s breakfast and the ladies’ tea.

The motel where we usually stay was under construction, so we stayed in two teachers’ house units. The baseball game with the Poplar Hill adults was an exciting event again—several home runs were hit over the fence. We connect well and form new friendships with the adult players.

When we arrived at the community, an Ojibwe evangelist had just finished a 10-evening period of gospel tent meetings. We attended the last night and were so pleased that the Gospel was preached so clearly; there was wonderful singing, and several people made decisions for Jesus Christ. This was so encouraging to see.

The community was also in the midst of elections. For the first time in their history, Poplar Hill elected a lady as their chief, Alice Suggashi.

I wanted to run a few times, but was advised not to run to the airport and back past the dump area. This area had several animal visitors, five big black bears—including a mother bear with teenage cubs—and several fierce-looking wolves. I saw two bears, one black and another beige.

Albert, Winnie, Walter, Bud, and Mona—our team.

A big black wolf tracked my friend from Poplar Hill, who was running near the dump. My friend became scared and was picked up by a truck that came by just in time. He went back to the community to get a permit, got his gun, and went back to shoot the animal. So I did not run much.

Three of us (Walter, Winnie, and I) were there for an extra two days because the plane had mechanical issues.

Bud and Mona were able to take a charter by Superior Air when a small Cessna happened to land at this time; Mona could get out for an important concert with her children in Minneapolis the next day.

What was really neat this year was that the community people really welcomed us back. Over the past few years we have developed some great friendships. Thank you for your prayers.

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

RESPONDING REBUILDING RESTORING

To find out how you can help bring people home: call

1-866 866--261 261--1274 or go online

Poplar Hill residents cool off.

mds.mennonite.net

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Missionaries

Church planting is a marathon, not a sprint!

ASIST:

Applied Suicide Intervention Training Skills with Janice Preiss, MA

September 26-27, 2014 9:00am - 4:30pm

eeee Register online at SBCollege.ca or call 204-326-6451

CHRIS KROEKER

PARAGUAY

Almost two years ago we joined the Minga Guazú church planting team. In February 2013 we moved our Sunday services to our yard, under the mango trees.

Our group is growing, but it is hard to predict who will show up on Sunday mornings. Attendance in past months averaged around 35, half of these under 14. We continue to pray for the Lord to guide us to the right church property, in His timing.

Besides the worship/teaching services on Sunday, our regular activities include a Tuesday night Bible study with a family in our neighbourhood and a Wednesday night study in a home in Guavira, a neighbourhood a kilometer from here, where most of “our people” are from.

On Thursday afternoon the ladies get together for a Bible study and on Saturday afternoon it’s kids’ club.

How does one connect with unbelievers and start a relationship with them? VBS in both neighbourhoods during summer and winter breaks has brought us a number of contacts. We had between 50 and 100 kids during these six days, besides a number of mothers. Every August we plan a children’s day with lots of activities and this attracts basically the whole community.

Because most of the people in Guavira struggle financially, we help people by transporting them to public health hospitals when there are emergencies or take people to the dentist at that hospital. When someone from the community organizes a food fundraiser for health reasons, as a church we donate a box of chicken thighs.

Gil Rempel prays for Hugo and Clara at our recent parent-child dedication. (Used with permission.)

Many of our believers have come to Christ because they sought help or prayer because of financial, marriage, or health problems and then opened up to spiritual truth.

Visits in the home are important for building trust.

A few times, our Christian men have played soccer at the community pitch with the locals—not for money or drinks as is customary, though. Interacting with people at community events like this helps them to see that we are not aliens after all, and barriers slowly come down.

How quickly can we see change in people that accept Christ? This varies greatly, but, in general, transformation is much slower than we would like.

Building a solid biblical foundation to replace one that the enemy has been able to twist and destroy is slow work, and it’s hard to evaluate because a foundation is underground. Most have no good life examples to follow, and support for change only comes from the group of believers, which new Christians need to learn to trust and lean on.

To build a solid foundation, individuals need help to clean up hurts, failures, and Satan’s lies and allow Jesus to heal them and become their friend and example. Revita and I use the “Caring for the Heart” marriage course with couples.

We are often discouraged that transformation is so slow, and wish for more “miracles.” On the other hand, looking back, we do see change and are encouraged by this growth.

– Chris Kroeker Chris Kroeker (Rosenort EMC) ministers in Paraguay.

22 The Messenger • September 2014

Column • An Education App

What key teaching tools does your church use?

G

od our Father wants us to love him with our whole being, including our minds. The content and basis for our beliefs are worthy of study. What key teaching tools does your congregation use?

The Bible, God’s written Word, is foundational, unique, and irreplaceable. How does your church encourage its members to use their copy during a worship service? How much Scripture is used in a regular service? And how well is it read? (Public readers of Scripture need training, as Dr. John Stafford of Providence Theological Seminary has said.)

Does your church use a catechism? A catechism is a short systematic theology. Yes, its misuse can be to repeat words that aren’t understood. However, it’s designed for much more than memorization.

When the EMC republished a catechism it had brought from Russia, it both translated it into English and added Scripture references.

The language shift and the adding of biblical references show that understanding and study are important.

Is The Christian Life booklet used? If so, you’re in good company. A recent survey of some EMC and EMMC churches showed its continued value. Its format and layout are imperfect, but the plan of instruction remains useful.

The booklet is being rewritten, a Tri-Conference effort that will take two years. Meanwhile, the current version remains available with, soon, updated chapters on the EMC and EMMC and a new chapter on the CMC. Does your congregation produce its own instruction booklet? If so, let us know. Fort Garry EMC has produced a booklet Ancient Future: A Mennonite Catechism, which congregations can peruse.

Does your congregation use David C. Cook or Scripture Press materials for its Sunday School? Many do.

Do broadly-based evangelical Sunday School materials settle for “the lowest common denominator” (because distinctives are missed) or

by Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

the highest common denominator (because of Christ himself )? The reality is both. How could it be otherwise?

Did you know that David C. Cook produces special materials by denominational request?

Current Wesleyan and Anglican editions show this. However, even if every EMC church signed up, our denomination is too small for a special press run.

To bring out the richness of the EMC’s Statement of Faith and Church Practices, some adjusting of Scripture Press and David C. Cook materials is needed. For a teacher to supplement materials requires some willingness and study.

If he or she only glances at the lesson material before class time, it’s less likely.

Does your congregation use MennoMedia’s materials? They bring out Anabaptist distinctives, but a teacher still needs discernment.

Only a few EMC congregations use it, but why is unclear.

Does your church use the Apostles’ Creed?

During a regular service and when holding Vacation Bible School, the Creed can be used as a bridge-building teaching tool. Because it focuses on central themes of the Christian faith, saying the Creed together can become a confession that educates.

To bring out the richness of the EMC’s Statement of Faith and Church Practices, some adjusting of Scripture Press and David C. Cook materials is needed.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

Convention 2014

Ministerial explores team building and healthy conflict Showalter: ‘Mennonite triple whammy’ interferes with healthy conflict

ANDREW WALKER

too narrow. “Love” is needed—defined as “unconditional will for the good of the other” (John 13:34-35; 15, 12-13, 17); it is not a matter of emotion, but shown in acts of service. He suggested we consider stop using the term “leadership” because a focus on positions isn’t the way of Jesus.

He highlighted “Gift Discernment” (Rom. 12:3-8), where people are placed in responsibilities that coincide with their gifts. “Decision Making” (Acts 15:28) involves strength of ownership, the ability to move ahead without being hindered by a lack of full consensus, and giving counsel, releasing the decision to others.

“Listening Prayer” (John 5:9) asks what the Dr. Richard Showalter and BLO chair David Funk played key roles in the day.

Spirit is saying and “Sharing Faith Journeys” WINNIPEG, Man.—EMC ministerial members explored (Acts 15:12) among team members results in appreciation “Building Team Ministry” and “Healthy Conflict” and and trust. In his summary, he said to get busy, people will shared times of communion and prayer on July 4, 2014, at form around you, serve those around you, and pay special Fort Garry EMC. attention to decision-making.

Devotional

David Funk, senior pastor of Fort Garry EMC, led the ministerial in saying the Lord’s Prayer and in an opening devotional. While the EMC’s Constitution says we seek to “glorify God by building the kingdom,” Funk said there’s a problem: the New Testament doesn’t speak of our building the kingdom. We are called to be faithful, but it is God who builds the kingdom, he said, which is freeing.

Building Team Ministry

Ward Parkinson, conference pastor, introduced Dr. Richard Showalter, a leader with a lengthy background in cross-cultural ministries.

Showalter, raised in Kentucky, said from Luke 6:10 that a student is not above his teacher; we mostly watch God build his Church. He drew upon the work of Robert Coleman, saying we disciple people by the example of our lived faith and by sending them out. We “model” a shared vision (Luke 6:40); as a college professor, Showalter was asked to take along students when evangelizing and saw God start a church.

There is a need for “friendship” (John 15:14-16), with problems of jealousy and exclusion if it becomes

24 The Messenger • September 2014

Healthy Conflict

In the second presentation, the “Mennonite triple whammy” interferes with healthy conflict: our humility and call to non-resistance, our culture’s view of tolerance, and a tradition of being persecuted, he said.

Healthy conflict is generated by love, clothed with respect, and aims to build up and strengthen the other for the good of the whole. It shows enough caring for God and others to express our deepest convictions, he said.

The fruits of avoiding conflict are a rejection of transparency and a lack of trust, he said. Transparency pushes the team to a deeper level of discernment: why do we disagree? Can we hear God together in Scripture, prayer, and confession?

The keys for healthy conflict are the transparency of team members, sensitivity to those who are extroverted or introverted, and courage. There is to be clarity about how leaders lead (by monarchy or democracy) and discernment about the type of unity we seek, he said.

Unity is to be based on righteousness, not merely a desire to keep the “family” together. Jesus’ prayer of John 17 was more about protection in conflict than about unity, he said.

Convention 2014 MIT Program

The Minister in Training (MIT) program is being adjusted and promoted again, said Ward Parkinson, conference pastor. A letter will be sent to churches to introduce the program.

He challenged people to think of a person in their congregation who could be a suitable MIT candidate, to pray, to discuss this with leadership, and then to approach the individual. “Home-grown talent serves us very, very well,” he said. David Funk and Charles Koop spoke positively of their MIT experiences.

Sabbatical Report Ward Parkinson, conference pastor: Israel is a complicated place.

Not everything can be reconciled. Encourage healthy conflict, but with fear and trembling, he said. There is a need to give and receive forgiveness. Leaders learn as well as lead; missionaries succeed more when they are friends with and learn from the people they want to serve, he said. He learned from his father that a person could hold strong convictions, yet apologize when they are expressed harshly.

Formal Responses

Two formal responses were given to Showalter’s presentations: Antonia Pitta (Emmanuel) found it valuable to hear that the most effective teams are not focused on positions, but on serving in a shared vision. As a church planter who felt pressure to get things done, he wondered when should the gathered people become a governed body. How long does the leader keep the vision?

Showalter replied that organization happens right from the start. There are no non-liturgical churches or unorganized churches, but there is a need to look at what organization is needed for the next step. A church planter should not overstay, since evangelists are not the best pastors.

Garry Koop (Steinbach EMC) appreciated that the emphasis was not just on intelligence, but on cultural sensitivity. He referred to Jimmy Long, The Leadership Jump (IVP, 2009). Koop saw it valuable to have listening prayer as a team activity and to look carefully at how decisions are made. He wondered how close is good when developing members on a team. Showalter responded by saying there is a distinction between healthy and unhealthy closeness; he didn’t think it was really possible to be too close in Christ, but was not was advocating “group marriage.” A question and answer period followed.

Ward Parkinson expressed thanks for his sabbatical from April through June. For “several reasons” it was good to “unplug,” he said. A highlight was a three-week tour of Israel through Canadian Mennonite University. (He offers a one-hour, 300-photo presentation to interested groups.)

Israel is a great place to renew one’s faith, yet it is also complicated place, he said. Evangelicals should support Israel, but not uncritically, he said. Old Testament prophets had scathing things to say when justice was denied within Israel’s borders.

Parkinson recomended the film “Five Broken Cameras.” He described himself as neither anti-Israel nor pro-Palestinian, but invited prayer that seeks the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122) in an informed way.

Statement of Faith Review

There has been a delay in the process because some of the study guides are not yet available and a date adjustment is needed. Churches were encouraged to be involved in the process.

Sharing Times

“We want to take some time to be the Body,” said Ward Parkinson. A communion service followed. There was also a sharing and prayer time for congregational and personal needs. Earlier, new ministerial members were introduced.

– Terry M. Smith

Meals are important for connecting.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

Convention 2014

Church delegates hear from boards, affiliate agencies Sid Reimer: EMC needs to work on its public relations WINNIPEG, Man.—In a shortened meeting of the conference council held on the University of Manitoba’s campus, delegates on July 7, 2014, voted to fill conference-related positions, received updates from the EMC’s five national boards, and heard from four affiliate organizations.

Devotional

Drawing upon the biblical story of Joseph, Jerry Plett (St. Vital) said that God in his sovereignty works for “life” and that we, as a conference, get to bring it back to our communities.

Elections

ANDREW WALKER

Sid Reimer, chair of the Nominating Committee, said it was “very important” that delegates exercise the privilege of voting and do so prayerfully. Elections were held.

General Board

Abe Bergen, moderator, said the Statement of Faith review is on-going and the vision and values statements are being implemented. On the role of women in leadership, the General Board (GB) executive and the Board of Leadership (BLO) met to develop a strategy of process. The EMC constitution says pastors are to be male, yet churches and missions vary in practice; there are concerns about consistency in theology and practice.

This leadership policy review will follow the Statement of Faith review; two simultaneous reviews could be burdensome, Bergen said. There is a desire for clarity and transparency to foster trust, and questions can be directed to the GB or BLO, he said.

Sid Reimer

Board of Church Ministries

Chairman Wes Kroeker said he is protective of national staff members that are sometimes bullied. The need for an antibullying policy has been referred to the Board of Trustees.

There is a need to show love and respect among our brothers and sisters so we can show it to the world, he said.

Gerald Reimer, conference youth minister, said that the number of EMC students at SBC has declined during the past decade. He asked, how SBC can better serve the EMC

26 The Messenger • September 2014

and how can our churches encourage people to attend our college?

He highlighted TRU, the EMC national youth leaders’ retreat to be held on Oct. 17-19 with Dr. Ed Neufeld as speaker. Abundant Springs 2013 saw an attendance of 100 fewer young people (a 20 percent decrease) than previously. What this means is unclear.

Don Kroeker, chair of the Archives Committee, said it continues to organize materials for more effective research and for their transfer to Winnipeg. With its holdings currently reduced within the vault, it welcomes more donations of historical materials, he said.

Gerald Reimer spoke about the EMC’s positive involvement on the University of Manitoba campus through the Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association, which provides for a part-time chaplain, Mark von Kampen.

Board of Missions

Chair Anthony Reimer, who has completed two terms, said he is excited by the board’s strength and the effectiveness of its executive staff members. There were, though, difficult decisions involving personnel and shifting fields.

Not all is positive, he said. Project Macedonia is winding down, families have returned early from the field, and the differing views of the “insider movement” have strained relations with another agency.

He’s been enriched by Henry Rempel and Ralph Dueck, CME field visits, is excited by the work in Bolivia, and representatives is concerned about an imbalance in where missionaries are going.

Ralph Dueck and Henry Rempel, representatives from the German CME in Mexico, gave greetings to the EMC and expressed gratitude to it for its support and for sacrifices made by its missionaries. There has been some opposition to the work in Bolivia, but needs remain and more workers are required, Ken Zacharias said.

Gerald Reimer spoke of Ascend, a missions internship program. Ascend’s goal is to recruit people for career missionary service and, while the current trend seems to be go

Convention 2014

needed. The congregation at Brandon needs volunteer workers to help finish the basement. Churches are welcome to apply for up to $1,000 for local outreach efforts.

He trusts the EMC will take risks in church planting.

Nominating Committee

and learn, the BOM affirms the need for formal training before going, Reimer said. (For a list of tasks assisted by training, see the EMC website.) Two teams are sought for 2015 to serve, respectively, in Guadalajara and Minga Guazú.

Board of Leadership and Outreach

David Funk, chairman, said “Being the church is glorious” and it engages in “warfare.” Ward Parkinson said that EMC, EMMC, and CMC representatives are rewriting the Christian Life booklet, which is to be available in 2016.

Meanwhile, the current edition will be reprinted.

Parkinson was grateful to have had a three-month sabbatical that included a three-week tour in Israel. He highlighted biblical settings that he observed and was concerned about current happenings in Israel. Beyond that, he had time for rest, for his family, and for his home church—and unsuccessfully tackled a stack of books.

The Minister In Training program is being refreshed and dusted off; leaders and churches are encouraged to identify people and to take on more potential leaders, Ward said. The BLO is strengthening the ministerial credentialing process, revamping the mediation teams, holding a New Leaders’ Orientation in November, and encouraging churches to use the conference’s ministerial sexual misconduct policy, said David Funk.

The board is thankful for churches engaged with the Statement of Faith review, said Funk, who apologized that not all lessons are available. The committee will be contacted and the deadline readjusted. The BLO will be in touch with the churches, he said.

Church Planting

Charles Koop, national church planting coordinator, is amazed that Picture Butte had 27 in its Christian Life class.

Fifteen people went to the Church Planting Congress.

Many Rooms Church Community is both exciting and looking at its leadership and governance.

Work continues among Filipinos in Steinbach and Hispanic workers in Dauphin. More church planters are

Twelve positions need to be replaced in 2015, and there is a need to prayerfully prepare for this, said Sid Reimer.

From the NC’s contact with churches, Reimer made these observations: churches are reluctant to forward names till the Statement of Faith review is done, they need to better understand the democracy of the conference council, pastors are frustrated by packets received, and churches are concerned about a depletion of their volunteer base.

In response, the committee now starts its work in Oct.; the focus will be on dovetailing with churches’ needs, rather than seeming to compete; a letter of thanks should go to each church at the end of each term served by a member; boards need to reduce the use of teleconferencing; each board needs to develop an “academy” of junior committee members; and the conference needs to embark on a strategic public relations campaign across Canada, he said. ➢

Election Results Vice Moderator

Darren Plett (Reg. 6)

Board of Church Ministries Russell Doerksen (Reg. 7) Jessica Wichers (Reg. 8) Kevin Wiebe (Reg. 9) Cyndy Warkentin (Reg. 8)

Board of Leadership and Outreach Earl Unger (Reg. 8) Peter Doerksen (Reg. 1)

Board of Missions

Alvira Friesen (Reg. 6) Abe E. Klassen (Reg. 2)

Board of Trustees

Harold Reimer (Reg. 5)

Nominating Committee Waldon Plett (Reg. 5)

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

Convention 2014 Board of Trustees

Allister Penner, BOT member, said the group RRSP was adjusted to comply with Pension Acts. The group plan has the same administration and “menu” of funds, though work proceeds on “streamlining” options. A Treasurers’ Day was held in Region 9, and the grant back formula used with the Building Loan Fund was adjusted because of low interest rates.

The BOT has moved to cash-based accounting rather than accrual. This was applied to the 2013 financial statement, so a motion was required to approve the adjusted statement; a motion was made and carried.

Mennonite World Conference

through outside influence. A total of 103 conferences are part of MWC. Garcia said he was grateful for the EMC’s support of the global family.

Glen Klassen, EMC representative, said Steinbach’s Mennonite Village Museum recently joined MHSC, Dr. Harry Loewen was given its annual Award of Excellence, and GAMEO (the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online) was recently taken over by MWC. “How do we tell the Mennonite story in the future?” is a question asked amid changing technology, he said. The EMC’s Archives Committee is preparing some materials for transfer to Winnipeg, while César Garcia, MWC General Secretary others will remain in Steinbach, he said.

César Garcia, general secretary, said MWC churches seek to go beyond the “three selfs” [of self-financing, -governing, and -propagating]. He told delegates that the largest Anabaptist conference in the world is in Ethiopia, and said that Christians need to move beyond a “horror movie” (dismembered) view of the Church to realize we need the global Church.

In South Korea, a conscientious objector has been sent to jail; in Vietnam imprisoned pastors were freed, in part,

Creation Pamphlet and Bill C-18 Two questions asked at the conference council meeting were on the creation pamphlet and on Bill 18, The Safe and Inclusive Schools Act. Here is more information.

While the creation series was within the BCM’s responsibility, the pamphlet on the EMC’s position on creation is a General Board matter. The pamphlet has been in process for some time. The General Board did not approve a first draft, and a second draft, largely repeating the guidelines

approved by the EMC’s national ministerial in 1985, has yet to be approved.

As for Manitoba’s Bill C-18, The Safe and Inclusive Schools Act, the General Board did forward a letter of concern. Manitoba’s Minister of Education and the leader of the provincial opposition responded. No change has occurred to the bill.

All of the above materials are available through the national office. Further questions are welcomed.

– Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

28 The Messenger • September 2014

Mennonite Historical Society of Canada

Graduate School of Theology and Ministry

About 50 students are taking courses, said Dr. Karl Koop, director of the CMU-based program. Twenty-six students have graduated since 2007, including some EMCers. More support is welcomed.

Seminary training is needed for leaders to serve today, and extraordinary financial aid is available for EMC students studying full time with the GSTM. Pray for GSTM, identify potential students, and forward any questions or concerns, he said.

Mennonite Disaster Service

Angeline Bergmann, MDS

Angeline Bergmann said MDS is responding to natural disasters in Canada and the U.S. It is grateful for volunteers and has a Pastor to Projects program to assist leaders to connect with MDS and its efforts.

The council meeting ended about 2:30 p.m. to allow time for workshops and tours.

– Terry M. Smith

With Our Churches Pleasant Valley EMC

Gatherings motivated by Jesus’ love ROSENORT, Man.—In the past several months we have had several events specifically planned for the ladies in our church. On Feb. 13 Rhonda Friesen decorated the Rosenort Apartments’ common room in a Valentine’s Day theme; and Audrey Guenther, daughter of Leo and Eva Reimer, spoke, encouraging us to show love and care to people, admitting our wrongs to each other and to God. On March 6 the ladies enjoyed another fellowship evening at the Rosenort Apartments amidst a décor of flowers in huge cups. Lloyd and Rhonda Friesen’s daughter, Stephanie Friesen, showed how she made a small business out of her “Blue Whimsy handmade dolls.” She had us work on our own dolls while she reported on her recent mission time in Guatemala.

Then on April 25-27, 48 ladies enjoyed a fantastic weekend at Wilderness Edge Retreat and Conference Centre in Pinawa, Man. The committee members—Florence Loewen, Shelly Loewen, Danae Parkinson, Tara Plett, and Deanna Waldner—planned a creative, fun, and God-filled weekend. There was much laughter as we listened to Beth Moore’s creative challenge to love out of God’s perfect love.

A deacon commissioning service for Julia Friesen and Duane and Arlene Rempel was held during our church service on April 13. We are incredibly blessed to have a full, active deacon team in our church.

In the past few months we have sent off several

During communion on Easter Sunday our members shared the crosses they had prepared.

members from our church family. Savannah Brandt began several months of worship training and ministry at YWAM in Denver, CO. Hannah Loewen accepted a one-year term position as a librarian in Lethbridge, Alta. Marshall and Beth Rempel moved to a new farm home near Dauphin, Man. In each case these individuals contributed significantly to the life of our church family and we are already missing them.

A couple of weeks in advance, Pastor Darren Plett encouraged the congregation to make crosses to bring to church on Easter Sunday. As we went to partake of communion, we placed our crosses on the stage. What a meaningful way to remember the love Jesus showed us by dying on the cross.

– Marilyn Kornelsen

Join with Christ MARILYN KORNELSEN

in shaping our

WORLD

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Our pastoral couple Darren and Pearl Plett, new deacon couple Duane and Arlene Rempel, and new deacon Julia Friesen.

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

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News

CBES: confidence in Scripture affects attendance Future reports planned on translations, formats, and literacy ONTARIO—People who display confidence in the Christian Scriptures are much more likely to attend weekly church services—that is one finding of the recent Canadian Bible Engagement Study (CBES).

Some findings from this new study: • Just 14 percent of Canadians read the Bible at least once a month in 2013 (down from 28 percent in 1996).

• 64 percent of Canadians think the scriptures of all major world religions teach essentially the same things.

• 69 percent of Canadians think the Bible has irrecon- cilable contradictions.

• Only 18 percent of Canadians strongly agree that the Bible is the Word of God. However, the study also found that: • Canadians who strongly agree the Bible is the Word of God are six times more likely to attend religious services weekly than those who only moderately agree.

• Canadians who talk with others about the meaning of the Bible at least once a week are:

- Four times as likely to attend religious services weekly,

- Six times more likely to read the Bible at least a

few times a week, and MC

CA

LBERTA

No Frida vem y ber 21

Breaking Down Walls...

Relief, Development and Peace keynote speaker: the Right Honourable Joe Clark http://mcccanada.ca/get-involved/ events/breaking-down-walls-reliefdevelopment-peace

30 The Messenger • September 2014

- Six times more likely to reflect on the meaning of the Bible—compared to those who have con- versations just a few times a month.

• Those who don’t think the Bible has irreconcilable contradictions are three times more likely to attend religious services weekly than those who do.

The Canadian Bible Engagement Study is a groundbreaking study of 4,474 Canadians conducted by Vision Critical on their Angus Reid Forum. The study data was gathered in late 2013 and released to the public May 1, 2014.

The study was sponsored by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the Canadian Bible Forum with funding participation from Stronger Together Grants. The Canadian Bible Forum includes Bible League Canada, Canadian Bible Society, Every Home for Christ, Gideons International in Canada, OneBook, Open Doors, Scripture Gift Mission, Scripture Union Canada, Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Confidence, Conversation and Community: Bible Engagement in Canada, 2013 is the first of several reports based on the CBES data. Other reports will look at the translations of the Bible Canadians read, the formats of the Bible that Canadians use, and Bible literacy.

–CBES/EFC

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Quarterly Financial Report 2014 Jan–June 2014 Receipts and Transfers 625,513 Disbursements 1,042,853 Excess/Shortfall -417,340

Jan–June 2013 613,853 966,731 -352,878

We are grateful to the churches and individuals who give generously to support the ministry of EMC. Thank you! You will notice that the operating deficit is higher than in previous years. Please consider making a donation to bless the work of our Conference.

– Tim Dyck General Secretary Board of Trustees

Column • Further In and Higher Up

Do you see the pattern?

W

by Layton Friesen

DESIGNPICS

ere one to fathom the oceans of God’s eternal love and creativity prior to creation, no one could predict that this creation is what God would come up with.

There is a leap, a gaping “it need not have been” between who God eternally is and the creation he speaks into being. And yet, in creating God does not leave himself behind—God is understood through the things he has made.

God created Adam, but Adam was alone. God leaps again.

We could have spent years doing social and biological research on Adam and never have come close to predicting who Eve would be.

And yet, when she was created, Adam was not left behind—“bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”

God’s loving creativity makes Eve a free person, which means you can’t tell who Eve is simply by looking at Adam. They were unpredictable to each other and so are we. A man married for 60 years will tell you his wife remains a mystery to him.

The Old Testament drew to a close with a 400-year dramatic pause in which God gathered his breath to speak (and leap) again. Jesus was born and nothing that happened before could have predicted that this was who the Messiah was going to be. And yet, Israel was never left behind.

In Christ every story, law, proverb and oracle are drawn up into an unimaginable fullness in a dashing freedom. And who could have known on Good Friday that the resurrection would look like this? But “beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them all the things about himself in the scriptures” (Luke 24:27).

After Christ’s ascension, the disciples fasted and prayed, waiting for God to speak (and leap) again. Had they spent those interim days meticulously transcribing every detail they could remember of Jesus, they could not have

predicted in a hundred years what the Church would look like after Pentecost.

And yet, when the Church emerges Jesus is not left behind; his life is recklessly improvised in the strangest tongues. And the Church can predict the nature of Heaven about as well as Malachi could have preached the Sermon on the Mount.

This pattern does not just happen at key points in salvation history. All created reality has this leaping unpredictability about it, a daily reminder that creation was born in love rather than necessity. You cannot predict the tree by staring at the acorn.

Say a missionary family with decades of incarnational work in a village is faced with a hard choice. Violent revolutionaries threaten the village and the family must decide whether to stay or leave. There is no clear right or wrong, no biblical command to dissolve their dilemma.

They cannot know the consequence of either choice. No logical syllogism demands what love must do. From lives shaped by the Spirit into the beautiful form of Christ in the mission of the Church, all they can do is gather their limited knowledge and their unlimited love for family and village and leap in the direction that seems right to them.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19).

All created reality has this leaping unpredictability about it, a daily reminder that creation was born in love, not necessity. You cannot predict the tree by staring at the acorn.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

Gertrude (Wiebe) Klassen 1915-2014

Gertrude (Wiebe) Klassen, aged 99 years, of Swift Current, Sask., passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current.

She is survived by her children, Tena (Dave) Peters, Jake (Theresa) Klassen, Harry (Pam) Klassen, Victor (Gloria) Klassen, Linda (Bob) Prentice, Eileen (Daryl) Tumbach, Ed (Pauline) Klassen; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister Helen Harder, brother Nick (Esther) Wiebe, sister-in-law Mary Klassen, and brother-in-law Dave (Nettie) Klassen. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John Klassen; grandson Todd Klassen; great-granddaughter Kadie Peters; parents Jacob and Katherina Wiebe; parents-in-law Jacob and Sarah Klassen; and numerous brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

She was born on March 20, 1915, in Springfield, Sask. On July 17, 1938, she married John Klassen of Schoenfeld, Sask. She was very active in the formation of the EMC church,

Cornerstone Fellowship Church, in Swift Current and was one of the charter members.

Mom was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

She always had a very good sense of humour and a quick wit; she liked to laugh. She valued family very highly and was fulfilled by having her family present.

She had a very strong faith in God and passed it along to her children.

She passed away peacefully with her family by her side, and went home to be with her Saviour. Memorial donations may be made out to EMC Missions.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Bridgeway Community Church with Pastor Bryon Bezanson officiating. A eulogy was given by her children, Tena Peters and Ed Klassen. Tributes were given by the family and by the grandchildren. A Scripture reading was by Ed Klassen, the pianists were Delores Falk and Janice Bezanson, and the song leader was Gord Klassen.

Ushers were Jake Giesbrecht, Henry Giesbrecht, Stan Klassen and Robert Klassen. Pallbearers were Stephen Klassen, Timothy Klassen, Bradley Klassen, Curtis Svenson, Jason Prentice, and Kevin Peters. The interment was held at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current.

Please visit the website at www. parksidefuneralhome.com to sign the book of condolences. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.

– Her Family

Calendar Manitoba September 25-27 Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Victoria Inn 1808 Wellington Ave. Winnipeg, MB 204-783-8376 www.wpgpc.org

She had a very strong faith in God and passed it along to her children.

32 The Messenger • September 2014

Free Conference

http://mennonitestudies.uwinnipeg.ca/

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 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@gmailc.om 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.

Rosenort Fellowship Chapel is seeking a full-time senior pastor starting any time after August 1 to care for and lead a congregation of about 120 people. Rosenort is a small community located 60 kms south of Winnipeg. Please contact Brent Friesen if you would like more information: 204-746-6974 or brent_friesen@yahoo.ca.

Other Positions Bergfeld Mennonite Church (EMMC) is looking for a full-time pastor. Applications are invited for a pastor with a vibrant love for the Word of God and for sharing it in teaching and in life. Contact us for details or to provide a resume: Bergfeld Mennonite Church, Pastoral Search Committee, Box 1478, Altona, MB R0G 0B0; abereg@mts.net; 204-324-8283.

Mid-Way Christian Leadership, based in Thompson Man., is looking for a general director to start Feb. 1, 2015. This is a support/fund-raised missionary position with some of the compensation subsidized from our general funds. We are looking for someone who is willing to take this step of faith. Please email generaldirector.mcl@gmail.com for a full job description or inquiries.

Steinbach Bible College invites applications for a full-time position as director of advancement.

The Director of Advancement is responsible for the operating fund development and implementation, advancement events, fostering alumni relations and is responsible to the President.

A more detailed job description is available upon request. The successful candidate must sign and agree to the SBC Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Agreement.

Inquiries or applications with cover letter, resume, and references may be submitted by email to Dr. Rob Reimer, President, Steinbach Bible College, rreimer@sbcollege.ca. More info is also available at SBCollege.ca.

Where are position ads to be sent?

Ministry-related position ads are welcome. Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconf.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited.

www.SBCollege.ca

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Column • here and far away

In retrospect

T Stress: I implore of the Lord for Him to step in and not let our enemies triumph over us (Ps. 25:2-3), yet it seems He often deems it good for us to wait.

34 The Messenger • September 2014

DESIGNPICS

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

hese days it feels as though we are in the midst of a neverending deluge of challenging obstacles. Each stressor building upon the previous, our minds and our bodies sagging under the weight of every new frustration that confronts us.

Despite living in a part of the world where we’re reminded of our wealth and privilege every time we step out of our home, the fact remains, in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33). The relative ease of our daily life notwithstanding, we continue to face the tensions that come from living in a world where not everyone thinks like us.

A world where everyone sins...like us.

Yet we know with certainty that God has overcome the world. The Spirit within us reassures hearts in despair that there continues to be hope even despite the most heart-wrenching or fist-clenching situations.

Knowing these things, however, in this moment in time when we bend beneath the weight of conflicts, doesn’t seem to lift the fatigue from my body and mind. Tension rises from conflicts at home stemming from the outrageously rude and volatile behaviour of our new neighbours.

Stress mounts from the seemingly unreasonable regulations and blatant thievery at work. I implore of the Lord for Him to step in and not let our enemies triumph over us (Ps. 25:2-3), yet it seems He often deems it good for us to wait.

When I must wait on the Lord in the thick of tensions coming from every perceived direction, I’ve found it helpful to think of this time as though I can see it in retrospect.

Because I know that the Lord will prevail, that He will not let His people be put to shame (Rom. 8:28, Ps. 25:2-3) and will work things out for the Glory of His own Name, I can look at this time as though it has already been overcome.

I can gaze upon my current gut reactions and

behaviours and decide that I rather want to react to these fatiguing “insurmountable odds” with the confidence that comes with foreknowledge.

I want to act, therefore, with grace and love. I want to allow peace to rule in my heart (Col. 3:15) because I know that God has things fully in hand. I want to look back on this uncertain, incredibly stressful and intensely frustrating time and see that I chose to allow God to work rather than fret about how I can’t handle it.

It is to His Glory that we face the trouble in the world with calm confidence knowing that our God is greater. “The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy...

Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee" (Ps. 33:18, 20-22 KJV. Emphasis mine).

Column • stewardship today

A simple plan for intentional generosity

My vision for the world or community is ____.

My charitable priorities are _____.

The amount or percentage I contribute to charity annually is _____.

The amount or percentage I would like to contribute next year is _____.

The charities that I am most interested in supporting are _____.

The most important reason for creating and implementing my generosity plan is _____.

These questions encourage us to look at our motivation as well as our goals for generosity.

Here is a simple generosity plan that my wife and I created several years ago. First, we are committed to giving the first fruits of our income to support the home church’s ministries.

Some might refer to this as a tithe.

The Apostle Paul simply instructs that everyone has the opportunity to decide in their heart what amount to give (2 Cor. 9:7). However, if you like percentages, 10 percent of gross salary income would be a minimum target, not the ceiling.

Second, we like to give gifts and offerings to other good causes such as relief agencies, mission work, and Christian education. We follow

DESIGNPICS

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hen our boys were younger, I wanted them to see how much we were giving to our church. I wanted to model cheerful generosity, to demonstrate that this was normal and intentional, and hoped our generosity would be contagious.

Practicing intentionality in giving may be less common than we think. But with planning, our generosity can rise to the top of our to-do list.

Recently I heard Kathy LeMay talk on the importance of developing an “intentional generosity plan.” LeMay suggests that it should answer six questions:

by Arnie Friesen Consultant

our passions. We want to give to five or six causes that are most important to us.

This allows us to comfortably say “no” to other causes that don’t match our current plan.

Importantly, our intentional generosity strategy also includes charitable gifts through our estate plan.

Third, from time to time we want to offer random or reckless acts of generosity. These gifts might end up with recipients whom we know little about, but it just seems right to provide help.

There are no charitable tax receipts for these gifts. Even if the gift ends up not being used for the best of purposes, it simply is good for our souls to be randomly generous once in a while.

As John Crawford has stated so fittingly: “We seem to have perfect control over our impulsive generosity.” This giving category loosens up our control in a healthy way.

Our plan provides clarity that empowers and informs our generosity activities. Intentionality helps us to keep the course with Arnie Friesen is a unwavering confidence. stewardship consultant What has God entrusted to you that in the Abbotsford, B.C., really was meant to flow to others? Do you office of Mennonite have a plan for distributing these resources? Foundation of Canada.

Why not draft a plan? Reviewing LeMay’s For more information questions may be an ideal place to begin. on impulsive generosity, Think about causes that you are passion- stewardship educaate about. As you start, you can correct the tion, and estate and course and improve your gifting strategies. charitable gift planning, So plan to give with exhilaration and joy, contact your nearest as a grateful response to God’s greatest, MFC office or visit indescribable gift of salvation to you.

MennoFoundation.ca.

Here is a simple generosity plan that my wife and I created several years ago. Why not draft a plan?

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Column • kids’ corner

New shoes

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DESIGNPICS

by Loreena Thiessen

o you have a new pair of shoes? Are they new for school? What kind of shoes are they? Why did you choose these particular shoes?

A good reason for new shoes is that you need them. Your feet have grown and your old ones are too small. Your shoes are worn out, broken or torn. To protect your feet you get new ones that fit and are whole. You choose the ones just right for you.

The first shoes were just flexible pieces of leather to cover the soles of the feet and tied up with leather strips. For thousands of years sandals were the only shoes. This is what Jesus and his disciples wore every day.

In 1950 plastic was discovered. The word plastic means shaped and since then shoes are varied; today there are many different styles and materials to choose from.

You choose a particular shoe for a reason. If

For thousands of years sandals were the only shoes.

This is what Jesus and his disciples wore every day.

you want to run fast, or play soccer or baseball, you want shoes that help you run. To keep cool at the beach you wear flip flops or sandals.

To go walking in the rain you choose rubber boots to keep dry. There are special skateboarding shoes to help you ride the skateboard.

You dress up for a wedding including a pair of pretty shoes.

Cowboys wear cowboy boots. To build a house or work in the forest you Activity: Check your shoes. would choose sturdy high top shoes with steel toes to protect your feet. A Need: - All your shoes, lined up in pairs policeman wears strong comfortable Drawing paper shoes good for walking in all day. A Paints, pencil, pencil crayons rock climber chooses a shoe that has Camera grip or spikes that keep him from sliding back down the rock face.

Do: 1. Count your pairs of shoes. How many are there?

In many countries and homes What kind are they? Do they still fit? outdoor shoes are not worn indoors. Shoes are considered dirty 2. Draw a picture of your favourite pair and what you because they step on dirt outside. are doing while wearing them—perhaps playing a sport, In Bible times feet got dirty from dressed up, with a friend. wearing open sandals in the dusty streets.

3. Take a photo of them for a memory book or album.

Feet were washed upon entering a house. At the last supper Jesus 4. Choose a pair you no longer need or are too small. washed his disciples’ feet. He did Choose an appropriate place to donate them for someone this to show he was a servant and else to wear. Make sure you check with your parents first. to model how the disciples were to serve each other. Read John 13:4-17.

36 The Messenger • September 2014

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