The Messenger Vol. 52 No. 10 October 2014

The Messenger

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Volume 52 No. 10 October 2014

Surprises Never Stop: God's Connections

DESIGNPICS

page 6

ALSO INSIDE:

IN2014: Becoming a Whole Body page 10 Thoughts of a Commuter page 13 Pansy Chapel Profile page 25 a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Editorials

Bibby: a resilience that confounds

W

hen it comes to evaluating religious trends in Canada, Dr. Reginald Bibby cautions us against only seeing downward statistics.

Yes, the overall rate of church attendance has declined in recent decades.

However, this researcher of national trends, a Baptist seminary graduate, says the resilience of the Christian faith in Canada confounds its critics’ projections.

While various mainline denominations are seriously struggling, Roman Catholic and evangelical churches are showing positive signs. Many new immigrants attend church services regularly and many Canadians are not closed to becoming involved (A New Day, 2012, free online book).

Does regular attendance matter? Bibby says that

most of his students would assume that “quantity should be at least one important indication of quality—and performance.” While many Canadians are not necessarily looking for “a good church,” he says, they are looking for what the Church can offer: “ministry.”

Bibby encourages denominations to draw upon the hope they offer and to work together. Related to this working together, Dr. Francis Schaeffer said that the final apologetic of the Christian faith is found in John 17: “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you have sent me and have loved them, even as you have loved me” (John 17:23).

What witness for the Christian faith do you see contained in Jesus’ words?

– Terry M. Smith

Bibby encourages denominations to draw upon the hope they offer and to work together.

••

Training in both literacy and illiteracy

N

o, the title isn’t a mistake. Many Christians are concerned about the declining Bible knowledge within churches and wider Canadian society.

So here’s a question: how is Bible knowledge, or its lack, measured?

Is Bible knowledge best defined as knowing Bible trivia?

Dr. Marc Cortez doesn’t think so. Cortez, who teaches theology at Wheaton College, says biblical illiteracy is not countered by teaching Bible trivia. I agree.

“Biblical illiteracy is not a problem,” says Jeremy Myers, a U. S. prison chaplain. “The real problem is that Christians don’t even put into practice the little tiny bit of Scripture knowledge we do have!” While the latter sentence is clearly an overstatement, I find the underlying thought intriguing. Is Bible knowledge shown by our head, our heart, or our lifestyle?

On what basis do we highlight some passages, teachings, and topics? An irony is that Bible literacy and illiteracy can be taught simultaneously in the same congregation. For instance, how is it that social justice advocates and missionaries sometimes dismiss each other’s efforts, yet Scripture speaks repeatedly both of conversion and justice?

“The Church exists by mission just as fire exists by burning,” Emil Brunner said. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, executed by the Nazis, said the Church isn’t the Church unless it exists for others.

Both Christian leaders remind us of the Church’s multi-layered mission (Matt. 28:19-20). When we read Jesus’ commission, what do we see included in it and why?

Perhaps a risk for Christians in any particular context is to think that we are clear-minded in our use of Scripture, yet we can be somewhat blind.

There’s nothing trivial about that.

– Terry M. Smith

Perhaps a risk for Christians is that we think we are clear-minded in our use of Scripture, yet we can be somewhat blind.

There’s nothing trivial about that.

2 The Messenger • October 2014

Table of Contents Features 6

Columns

Surprises Never Stop: God's 5 Connections – Dr. Richard Showalter

Moderator's Reflections

10 IN2014: Becoming a Whole Body

16 Writings Shared

13 Thoughts of a Commuter

19 Window on Missions

– Angeline Schellenberg – George Nickel

25 Pansy Chapel: What Will The Next 55 Years Bring?

– Terry M. Smith

page

10

Don't overlook giving close to home – Abe Bergen – Michael Zwaagstra

We face challenges, but I am excited!

– Anthony Reimer

28 Poetry

Autumn's Song – Eleanor Lee Gustaw

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4

Letters and Notices

17 With Our Missionaries 20 With Our Churches 29 News 32 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping

page

31 Further In and Higher Up

18

Christ has plundered the 'gods' – Layton Friesen

34 An Education App

The general budget reflects on us – Terry M. Smith

35 Stewardship Today

Beware of 'undue influence' in estate planning – Kevin Davidson

page

26

36 Kids’ Corner

Do you have courage?

– Loreena Thiessen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger Volume 52 No. 10 October 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. 01– Jan. 2015 issue (copy due Nov. 08)

4 The Messenger • October 2014

Letters and Notices The fellowship of believers

Since I came home from Mexico missions in 1980, I have not attended many of our annual conferences due to health-related issues as well as “distance” complications.

In our last three years I have missed very few sessions. Our Bicentennial in 2012 was at Providence College in Otterburne, Man. I was able to attend several sessions in person, as well as a workshop.

There is nothing as powerful as the fellowship of the believers in being there in person. Together we studied and listened to our “roots.” Somehow that triggered profound healing for me. There is a reason why Scripture admonishes us not to neglect the fellowship of the saints.

In 2013 our Convention was in La Crete, Alta. I attended all sessions on the Internet. It was wonderful!

Helped by Anabaptist ancestors

Thanks, Terry, for the December 2013 column on Evangelical Anabaptism [An Education App: Evangelical Anabaptism: to teach or not to teach?].

You’re right that our core is Christ: follow him, identify with his people, and serve him in church and society.

Your article seems to resonate with my views: as we teach about Jesus, we do so interpreting the Scriptures in an Anabaptist way. This doesn’t mean we are trying to make people Mennonites in a cultural way, but that we

Interested in church news?

We are too. Of 62 EMC churches, 28 have provided news in 2014. We encourage every church to share their highlights, needs, events, and ministries with the EMC family.

Five hundred words (or less) and a photo or two is all that it takes.

Thank or encourage your church reporter today.

Editors

This year 2014 it was at the University of Manitoba. I attended most sessions via the Internet. The sessions were excellent, but I missed the fellowship. All three years I have been incredibly blessed.

This year, by the time the Convention was done, I was so happy to belong to the EM Conference. Not only was I blessed and challenged by our speaker, but by the entire program—the wonderful worship in songs, the Sunday morning orchestra, the missions reports, and the church planting ministries. I agree with our speaker, Dr Richard Showalter, we have a great missions program and a great conference.

A warm thank you to all who make our Conventions happen.

Irene Kroeker Rosenort, Man. July 11, 2014 are teaching about Jesus, and we see Him and the Scriptures in a certain way. It’s good and honest to recognize that our views on what Jesus meant may differ from how other Christians understand what Jesus meant.

Let’s be unashamed to teach about the truth-loving and peace-loving Jesus we have been helped to see by our Anabaptist ancestors.

Pastor David Kruse MacGregor, Man.

Calendar Manitoba November 6-9

MEDA Convention Speakers: Ziauddin Yousafzai, Laura Ling, and Art DeFeher The Fairmont Winnipeg, MB 204-783-8376 Iwhitmore@meda.org 519-725-1633

Columns • Moderator's Reflections

Don’t overlook giving close to home

D

by Abe Bergen EMC Moderator

DESIGNPICS

o you enjoy fundraising? I have been involved in fundraising for the past dozen years—first as president of SBC and later at CMU—and I have built many relationships with generous people during that time.

Sometimes people say, “I could never do that!” or ask how I enjoy it. Yet I consider fundraising—both the asking and the giving—to be a win-win occasion that extends the kingdom of heaven.

Although I have developed a habit of giving since my youth, it is Henri Nouwen, through his brief book Spirituality of Fundraising, who has helped me to see fundraising as, first and foremost, a ministry—a way of announcing our vision and inviting others into our vision with their resources. My commitment to the Church, involvement in Christian education, and entrepreneurial interests seem to dovetail nicely in this work—a natural bridge as I met with people and invited their support.

As Christians, we have a need to give—time, talents and money; and ministries need resources to carry out their mission. From that perspective, fundraising is inviting people to participate in a worthy vision of God’s work in the world.

I have always regarding giving to our local church as a first priority. Even while raising funds for church-related organizations, I always considered giving to our home church as most important.

Many people also give to organizations that reflect their areas of interest or passion—including mission outreach, education, disaster relief, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, food banks, and international relief and development.

Sometimes we give because of the splashy ads or promotions or sense of adventure.

And among the many organizations asking for support, we can easily overlook giving close to home—giving to church or the EM Conference. I’ve heard the question raised at a congregational meeting, “Why are we giving so much to the conference? Can’t we cut back and give elsewhere for a change?”

At this summer’s EMC convention I was struck by the quality of work being done by our missionaries and the heart-warming stories of God at work through various conference ministries. The work is often done with little fanfare and modest reporting, but the work is well-planned and implemented, requires guts and determination to get done, has modest administrative overhead, and is filled with examples of God at work.

Our annual convention was a great reminder of the kingdom work that we participate in together. And the offerings at convention were generous as well, with over $40,000 donated.

Summer is typically a “low-giving” season for organizations, and the EM Conference experienced a decline in receipts as well. Fall and end of year tends to see higher giving.

Churches are planning budgets for the following year, and many people take stock of their donations at the end of the year. As we give and plan our donations in the next few months, let’s remember the great stories of God at work through EM Conference ministries and support them generously. May the vision of our work together inspire you to joyful giving.

At our convention I was struck by the quality of work and heartwarming stories of God at work through various EMC ministries.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

Convention 2014

Message three of four

Surprises Never Stop: God's Connections

by Dr. Richard Showalter

ANDREW WALKER

With photos from Convention 2014 6 The Messenger • October 2014

G

od’s surprises never stopped as the bush continued to burn after Moses’ time. It burned for Joshua as he led the people of Israel into Canaan and met the real commander of the army of the Lord (Josh.

5:13-15). Like Moses, he was ordered to take off his shoes.

It burned for Gideon when he was threshing wheat at his father Joash’s winepress (Judg.

6:11-23). It ignited for blind Samson as he stood between the pillars of the temple of Dagon in Gaza (Judg. 16:23-31).

It flamed for David as he wept and prayed in the ashes of Ziklag (I Sam. 30:1-8). It blazed for Elijah at Mount Carmel (I Kings 18:30-39).

Finally, after the resurrection of Jesus, the fire flamed high for Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10, 11). Here is the breakthrough of the good news from the Jewish community to the whole world. It’s significant that this story lies in the very centre of the New Testament.

Cornelius

Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. He was God-fearing, a man of prayer and helper of the poor—hardly our stereotype of a leader in the Roman army.

One day at 3 p.m. an angel showed up. Just as with Moses at the Sinai bush, the angel spoke his name, “Cornelius!”

Cornelius was afraid. “What is it?” he asked.

The angel reported that God had heard his prayers and seen his actions for the poor. He had one simple order for Cornelius, “Go get Peter!”

That was it. He told him where Peter lived and with whom he was staying. Then he left. Cornelius sent men from Caesarea down along the coast of Palestine to Joppa, seeking Peter in the home of Simon the tanner.

With whom did God have the most trouble, Peter or Cornelius?

It was Peter. It was the very one who knew Jesus best.

Brynae Thiessen performs a violin solo.

Peter

The next day before the messengers arrived from Caesarea, Peter went to the housetop to pray.

There he had his famous vision of an open heaven and something like a sheet being let down to earth, full of all kinds of unclean animals. With this came the voice, “Get up, Peter. Kill, and eat!”

Peter knew the voice. It was the Lord. He immediately responded with “Surely not, Lord.

I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

But the voice countered. “Don’t call anything impure that God has made clean.”

Three times the vision recurred, leaving Peter pondering. It was at that very moment that the messengers from Caesarea arrived. Simultaneously the Holy Spirit told Peter that three men were downstairs looking for him and that he should go with them. “I have sent them,” he said.

Burning bushes indeed! Peter’s commission was as distasteful as Moses’. Perhaps it was worse, for Peter was asked to do something that was morally reprehensible—visit in the home of a Gentile and eat unclean food.

Yes, he had been there on the Galilean mountain with the risen Lord when he gave the Great Commission, “Go and make disciples of all peoples.” But he thought he knew what that meant. “Go and make disciples of all people who first become Jews.” ➢

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

Fort Garry EMC Brass Ensembles

Now he trembled on the precipice of embracing a word from Jesus that would once again turn his world upside down and inside out.

This was almost as radical as the resurrection itself. Could it be true? Might Gentiles become disciples of Jesus without first becoming Jews?

Peter obeyed the Spirit and went to the house of Cornelius. The rest is history. There the Holy Spirit was poured out on a large Gentile gathering just as at the Jewish Pentecost. In this drama we see three divine connections that symbolize all of Christian mission since Pentecost, a triangle of communication.

Not only Peter, but countless other Christian witnesses through the centuries have experienced profound conversions as they went as messengers of the gospel in obedience to Christ. I am one of them.

God and Peter

Second, there is Peter and Cornelius. The angel could have preached the gospel to Cornelius, but he did not. God is in the business of connecting people who know Jesus with those who do not.

First, there is God and Peter. Peter was an intimate companion of Jesus.

He was there at the Mount of Transfiguration when Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah. He was the one who said, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” He walked on the water with Jesus. He was the first to enter the empty tomb.

He preached at Pentecost. And at Joppa, just before the messengers came from Caesarea, Peter had entered the room where Dorcas lay dead and had said, “Tabitha, get up!” (Acts 9:40) This was the Peter whom God sent to Cornelius, crossing that great divide between Jew and Gentile. It is intimate disciples of Jesus that God still seeks today to cross the divides between us and our neighbours.

8 The Messenger • October 2014

Peter and Cornelius

Children's activity

Workshop discussions were important at convention.

Sometimes, however, we make too much of this second connection. How can we identify with those to whom we are sent? How can we contextualize the gospel? Make sure we learn the language well! How can we communicate the gospel clearly? All these are important.

But we can forget that it was God who connected Peter with Cornelius. The timing and the preparations all belong to God.

God and Cornelius

Third, there is God and Cornelius. All too often we have assumed that it is the Christian witness, the missionary, who carries the whole burden of communicating the truth. God will speak the truth to Cornelius through Peter.

Yes, he will. Nevertheless, God also connects with Cornelius directly.

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

Questions

There are three questions that illuminate these connections: 1. To whom did God come first, Peter or Cornelius? Of course, Peter was the one who knew Jesus best. But the angel came to Cornelius before Peter had his vision! Too often we have assumed that people around us who do not yet know Jesus are like blank slates. But they are not.

2. The angel spoke with Cornelius once, and he instantly obeyed. Peter received his vision three times, and he still scarcely knew what it meant. He went when asked, but with reluctance, taking six other brothers with him to help cover and interpret his actions.

3. Who was converted? Was it Cornelius or Peter? Yes, it was Cornelius and his household, of course. The Holy Spirit was poured out on them in a great anointing.

But it was also Peter who was converted that day. The transformation he experienced was just as deep and just as vital to the Kingdom as was that of Cornelius. Perhaps it was even deeper.

Not only Peter, but countless other Christian witnesses through the centuries have experienced profound conversions as they went as messengers of the gospel in obedience to Christ. I am one of them.

Dr. Richard Showalter is an educator, leader, and bridge-builder among cultures. This article is based on his Sunday morning message at EMC Convention 2014.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

PHOTOS: TONY SCHELLENBERG

Singer Ken Medema and writer Angeline Schellenberg

IN2014: Becoming a whole body

by Angeline Schellenberg

T

he stress of caring for a child with a disability ages a mother by 10 years, according to a 2004 study in the New York Times. What could counteract that level of stress? The Ted Talk “How to live to be 100+” presents an answer: belonging to a faith community and attending four times a month can add four to 14 years to a lifespan.

Unfortunately, many families with disabilities are leaving churches.

Shellie Power, director of Hope Centre Ministries, Winnipeg, which trains churches seeking to become more inclusive, says 80 percent of families with a disability do not attend church. Leaving church might start with parents taking turns in the foyer with the child who can’t manage the service, she says. No one notices they’re missing and, eventually, going to church at all feels like too much work.

This is not only a problem for the families.

1 Corinthians 12:18–22 says, in the body of Christ, it’s the “weak” members that are most

No one notices they’re missing and, eventually, going to church at all feels like too much work.

10 The Messenger • October 2014

indispensable. The Church is missing body parts.

Hope Centre Ministries’ second annual IN conference April 25–26, 2014, brought together two moms, Emily Colson and Gillian Marchenko, to talk about how the church can respond to two spiritual realities of caregiving: abundant joy and chronic sorrow. The event was co-sponsored by the EMC.

Joy to the Max

“Autism held us hostage,” says single mom Emily Colson. The daughter of late evangelist Chuck Colson and author of Dancing with Max, Emily recalls feeling so isolated when Max was nine because the sights and smells and sounds in public overwhelmed him.

One night, too tired and broken to sleep, Colson thought of Jesus’ promise in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have abundant life.”

She made a decision: they were going to go out.

Colson began to see God use Max, not in spite of his autism, but because of his autism.

“He brought out the best or worst in people, “she says, “like a barometer.” Once, Max handed out all the pizzas in the grocery freezer; more than pizza, the customers had wanted to take home a piece of Max’s joy.

But even as Colson and Max were living

“bold and brave” in the community, they couldn’t get into church. The loud music, crowds, and the pressure to sit still were just too much for Max. When Max was 13, they starting going to “backwards church”—arriving for the coffee hour after the service.

“The wonderful thing was someone stepped forward and asked Max if he would be on the cleanup crew; that minute of someone saying ‘We need you’ totally changed our lives.”

Max would stack a chair and yell, “Now that’s teamwork!” He got everybody laughing and smiling. A church member told Colson, “If any church had ten percent of that much joy in serving, it would change the world!”

our lives because of our abilities or inabilities,” says Colson. “His power is made perfect in weakness” ( 2 Cor. 12:9).

Colson tells the story of Max receiving the communion bread, looking up to the ceiling, and yelling, “This is my body!” “He’s a neon arrow from God, disrupting the church.”

At 23, Max is a greeter, the first person people meet at church. “They burst into a smile, their armour drops off, and they’re ready to worship,” says Colson. “Max being in front of our church says everything: everyone is welcome.

Disability on the inside, disability on the outside: come.”

“We need each other. God calls us out of isolation and into community.”

With the support of a church volunteer, Max now joins worship services. One Sunday, he ran into the back of the sanctuary and started dancing. Most of the church kept following the words on the projector, unaware of the joy explosion behind them.

“Everyone facing forward was doing what they were supposed to. They didn’t know to turn around; they didn’t know there was more. This is about the more,” says Colson. “This is about turning around to see the beauty of the whole body come together.”

Fear Biggest Barrier

Sorrow and Sun

Gillian Marchenko

Colson says fear is the biggest barrier to inclusion. “We’re uncomfortable with brokenness,” she says. “We can’t remove ourselves from the equation. We think, ‘I hope that’s never me or my child.’” It takes courage to push past fear to truly see the other person as an individual.

It’s okay to not have all the answers, both as family members and as a church.

When Max had a meltdown in the checkout line, a pair of feet appeared beside Colson. She looked up at a woman who asked, “How can I help?” Colson was too overwhelmed to formulate a response. The woman said, “That’s fine. I’ll stay here until you think of something.” The church needs to become that pair of feet.

But Inclusion goes beyond asking “How do we take care of this person?” to “How do we partner with them to make our churches more whole?” “God doesn’t have limits on

While Colson encouraged families to seek abundant joy in community, Gillian Marchenko gave families permission to express chronic sorrow.

While Marchenko and her husband were missionaries in Ukraine, she gave birth to her third daughter, diagnosed with Down syndrome. ➢

Katie Goetz, speaker (front right)

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

No Spiritual Band Aids

Emily Colson

In a country where many babies with disabilities are abandoned at the hospital, they received little hope. The family brought Polly home to the U.S., and Marchenko slipped into depression.

But, the author of Sun Shine Down says, “Polly won me over. She’s sassy. They don’t put that in the brochures! The little girl who scared me at birth became the light of my life.”

Marchenko’s family travelled back to Ukraine in 2009 to adopt Evangeline, a baby with Down syndrome abandoned at birth.

Marchenko feels the tension between the desire to advocate for her girls, particularly Evangeline who is nonverbal, and her own need to process disappointment. “I feel like I have to hide [the negatives] because I want other people to love her as much as I do,” she says, “but I love her so much that I grieve the things I wanted for her.”

“If you feel validated that you are allowed to grieve throughout your child’s life and that does not mean you don’t love your child, I’ve done my job.”

“Where can we find support in the middle of chronic sorrow? The answer has to be the church,” says Marchenko. “Too often parents stop attending church because they feel judged.

This shouldn’t be—especially in the church.”

She suggests creating a respite program, so families can have an evening off, and training volunteers to form a buddy system Sunday mornings. But take a long-term approach: “Disability is not a season in our lives,” says Marchenko. “Don’t offer a nifty program you can’t sustain.”

12 The Messenger • October 2014

Sit with families in grief without offering spiritual Band Aids or platitudes like “God makes special kids for special parents.”

“That’s baloney,” says Marchenko. “He makes us more into the image of his Son through our experiences. We’re all just human, doing the best we can.”

Allow parents to cry. “Jesus is not someone we need to be put together for,” says Marchenko. “When you read the Bible, those people are nuts on every page!” There was a time the only book she could read was Psalms because she resonated with David’s emotional swings.

If families aren’t ready to read Scripture and pray, that’s where the community comes in.

When God told Moses, “As long as your arms are raised, you’ll be the victor in battle,” and Moses grew tired, his brother and sister held up his arms. Our brothers and sisters in Christ hold us up in prayer when we cannot.

Celebration

The IN2014 conference ended with a vision of what the church can be: a Red Carpet night, where everyone who walked through the doors was a celebrity. Before the Canadian premier of Our Beautiful Secret (a life-affirming movie about a brother with cerebral palsy), one of Hope Centre’s Bible study groups arrived in a limo to cheering parents and guests. Anyone who stepped onto the red carpet was greeted like a movie star.

“I want churches to know that inclusion means opening yourself up to receiving,” says Power, because “mutuality is so important as people are embraced and enfolded.”

“People with disabilities need the church, but our churches need them too. Let’s start asking, ‘What will I receive?’”

Angeline Schellenberg is a free-lance writer and a copy editor for the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

PHOTOS: LAURIE KOZAK

Thoughts of a Commuter

by George Nickel

I

t’s seven in the morning. Time to get to work. I grab my water bottle and something to munch on while driving and hit the road.

The first half hour, from Morris to the outskirts of Winnipeg, is boring. Matt Maher is blasting on the radio, the snacks I had intended to eat on the way home from work are already halfway done, and my drive through the city to the North End has only just begun.

No Joy in Traffic

Thank goodness, traffic is a bit lighter today, I mutter to myself as I speed along. I quickly glance at my speedometer to make sure I am not speeding too much, lest I set off one of those red light cameras again and get a nasty ticket in the mail. Oh the joys, I think sarcastically to myself, as another construction zone appears through my bug-stained windshield.

Of the many wonderful experiences I have had these past six years at Inner City Youth Alive (ICYA), this ride through the city has not been one of them. My mind drifts and I think back to when I worked at Home Hardware in Morris. I was there for fifteen years and enjoyed the work immensely; and, best of all, I

was only two blocks from the store.

I smiled ruefully to myself as I remembered how seldom I would walk those two blocks; much better to drive, was my thought back then. Now I would give my right arm to be that close to my job.

Family Thoughts

Traffic is picking up a bit more now the closer I get to downtown, and my thoughts turn to my daughter Caitlyn who just got her driver’s license and would soon be navigating these Winnipeg streets on her own. Just the thought has frightened my wife Patti and me as we struggle to come to grips with two teenagers in the house and how to grant them independence.

Caitlyn is turning 17 in October and our son Josh is turning 16 in March. I thank God that we were able to raise them on my Home Hardware salary, at least until they started school. Patti got a job as a teacher’s assistant shortly thereafter, and that made things a little easier financially. I jam on the brakes, as I suddenly realize traffic has come to a complete halt as a flagman waves a construction vehicle through the intersection. ➢

What followed can only be described as agonizing, terrifying, and totally exhilarating—all at the same time.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 13

The Call

I lean back on the seat to wait, and I remember so clearly “the call” six years ago in late January.

On a cold blustery Sunday morning, Brian Klassen stepped up to the microphone in church and gave his ICYA board update. I don’t remember anything else except that an operations and facility management position had opened up at the organization.

What followed can only be described as agonizing, terrifying, and totally exhilarating— all at the same time. Boy, did we struggle with that decision!

Giving Up Control

The absolute worst part of the whole experience was relinquishing control of our finances.

If we went ahead with this decision, our financial future was in the hands of whomever felt led to support us, and what would happen if nobody did?

As we look back on it now, we realize that our future never is, or was, in the hands of generous individuals. God was leading and he has always provided. Never once have I had to take a cut in pay in six years of working at ICYA. Traffic is moving again, slowly, but at least we are moving. My heart sinks as I realize I am coming up behind a bike in my lane. Great, just what I need. Don’t get me wrong, I have great respect and admiration for bike people, but there are certain rules and etiquette that I wish they.... Oh, don’t get me started.

Trial and Error

I can remember being a bit confused about my job when I first started. After all, this was a new position that had been created, and I had no one to tell me if I was doing it right or wrong. I learned by trial and error, as I was accustomed to doing, and pretty soon I had it sort of figured out.

The basic job description consisted of maintaining ICYA’s vehicles and its building, as well as any major maintenance issues at our camp northeast of Winnipeg at Gem Lake. My first experience at camp was thrilling and stressful as we struggled to move everyone’s luggage into camp by an overheated quad in water and mud up to our knees.

14 The Messenger • October 2014

These relationships have easily become the most meaningful and enjoyable aspects of my work thus far.

Later that same summer, as my family came up to Gem Lake, we ended up stranded overnight on a lonely little island as we waited out a rainstorm. Those early years were filled with trials and misadventures, but I loved every minute of it.

Most Important?

This guy on the bike sure reminds me of Anthony—same short hair and just a trace of stubble across his chin. I changed lanes for what seems to be the tenth time to get past him, and I realize it’s not him; but my attitude towards the biker changes as I remember all the good times I have had with Anthony.

I met Anthony a few months after I started working full-time at ICYA. I remember being amazed as this wiry 15-year-old kid kept showing up day after day, asking if he could help me.

At first, I did not know what to say, but he soon won me over with his huge desire to please and his hard work ethic.

What a godsend he turned out to be. His willingness to tackle just about any job has been a lifesaver for me on more than one occasion. In return, I have been privileged to encourage and counsel him and a number of his friends as they made their journey from boys to men.

Together we have had many meetings over coffee, discussing everything from the birds and the bees to the Bible, from how to get along with women to changing brakes on a Ford half-ton. These relationships have easily become the most meaningful and enjoyable aspects of my work thus far.

A Sigh of Relief

I breathe a sigh of relief as the ICYA building finally comes into view, another long trip into the city completed. As I contemplate this, Psalm 54:4 pops into my mind: “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.”

Boy, do I need sustaining, I mutter under my breath. And then I immediately recall all the notes of encouragement and promises of prayer that I have received over these past six years. I realize again that God has definitely been sustaining me through the support and prayers of his Church.

Thankfulness floods through me as I turn into the driveway and park the car. I am ready to start my day, whatever it may bring.

George Nickel (Morris) serves at Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg’s North End.

EMC Prayer Team Guadalajara, Mexico November 10-17, 2014

Contact:

Team Leader - Angel Infantes

Diana Peters dpeters@emconf.ca

$1,300 (depending on flight costs)

Gerald Reimer greimer@emconf.ca

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

Column • Writings Shared Upholding the Old, Embracing the New: The Life of P J B Reimer, Teacher, Minister, and Mennonite Historian, Dianne Hildebrand (Reimer Family, 2014). 303 pp. $20. ISBN 9780987678065. Reviewed

by Michael Zwaagstra (Steinbach EFC) and a teacher in the high school where Reimer taught for 13 years (Green Valley School in Grunthal).

I

n this book Dianne Hildebrand tells the story of Peter J. B. Reimer’s interesting and varied life. The son of the one of the original Mennonite settlers in Steinbach, Reimer (19021988) spent 43 years as a public school teacher while also serving as an unpaid EMC minister since 1944.

His volunteer service didn’t end there as he also served on countless boards and committees.

Steinbach Bible Institute, Eden Mental Health, and the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society were but a few of the organizations near and dear to his heart. The traditional Mennonite values of thrift and hard work were exemplified in Reimer’s life.

While he strongly upheld the importance of church discipline, Reimer was not afraid to challenge the establishment and often pushed back against church elders who were less broad-minded than himself. On more than one

occasion he interceded on behalf of wayward members he felt needed to be shown less judgment and more grace.

I particularly appreciated that this book doesn’t shy away from Reimer’s personal struggles. At times he experienced marital tension, estranged family relationships, church infighting, and criticism from school administrators.

This book recounts the honest struggle of a man seeking to follow God, raise his family, and serve his community to the best of his ability.

After reading this book, I found myself wishing that I could have had the opportunity to meet Peter J. B. Reimer on this side of eternity.

That is the sign of a well-written book and a worthy biographical subject.

To purchase, contact your bookstore, shreimer@ mymts.net, Syd Reimer at 204-254-6015, or this office. The price is $20 (plus shipping).

For God and Country (in that order), Logan Mehl-Laituri (Herald Press, 2013). 250 pp. $14.99. ISBN 9780836196306. Reviewed by Michael Zwaagstra (Steinbach EFC).

I

t’s not always easy to do the right thing.

Sometimes you lose your life in the process.

That message comes across loud and clear in this engaging book by Logan Mehl-Laituri. As a former U.S. soldier with strong pacifist sympathies, he is uniquely positioned to tell the heroic stories of combatants and non-combatants alike.

In a series of short chapters divided into three sections (Warriors of the Bible, Soldier Saints, and Pacifist Patriots), Mehl-Laituri briefly summarizes the life of each individual and offers some thoughts on how their example is relevant to us today. Neither glorifying war nor demonizing its participants, this book carefully avoids extremist pacifism and activist warmongering.

One weakness of the book is that Mehl-Laituri sometimes takes too many liberties with the

16 The Messenger • October 2014

biblical text and historical evidence. For example, he devotes a chapter to the story of the centurion who confessed that Jesus was the Son of God after his death (Matt. 27:54). The chapter claims that tradition identifies the centurion as “Longinus” and that he became a believer, left the army, and was eventually martyred for his faith. While this is a nice story, it is unlikely to be true since it is based on a pseudepigraphal gospel written several hundred years after the fact.

Some chapters are more inspiring than others. While some individuals died as martyrs for their Christian faith, others got killed because they foolishly and unnecessarily travelled to a war zone. Not all forms of martyrdom are equally noble or meaningful. It would have been nice if Mehl-Laituri had acknowledged this fact.

With Our Missionaries

Love Changes Things WINNIPEG

This should not come as a surprise to me, but it still does: Love has power. Love changes things.

As I reflect on the past few months, I am struck by the consistent pattern of interactions with people in which doorways of trust and openness were created through some pretty big barriers. As far as I can tell, this happened as a result of simple and loving presence, actions, words and listening—and, I have no doubt, the Holy Spirit.

I have experienced this recently while in the van on the way home from a young man’s appointment with his parole officer, while sitting at the kitchen table of a woman who was newly widowed, over lunch with another young man, and in the living room of a hurting young couple.

If I had to describe the kind of love that was so powerful in these interactions, I would say 1 Cor. 13 gives a good description of it: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:4-8). Here are a few examples: “Love is not proud.” Our friends on the margins, whether they are incarcerated gang members, Aboriginal families or unemployed young adults, often experience people giving answers or trying to help with a superior attitude. I’m learning that a posture of humility and openness is essential in building meaningful relationships and healing the legacy of colonialism.

“Love does not dishonour others.“ When I talk with people who are in conflict with each other, the temptation is to listen to one side and assume the worst of the other person. When we’ve done the hard work of honouring both sides of a conflict by giving them both a chance to tell their story and hear each other, it opens up the possibility of reconciliation.

“Love always perseveres.” Most of the situations where I feel we’ve made some impact are those in which we have stuck with people over the long haul, especially when things get messy. Love helps me resist the urge to run or to save face by pulling back from people. Recently I exclaimed to my colleague Harvey, “If I wanted to avoid looking stupid, I wouldn’t do most of the things I do!”

Love powerfully breaks down barriers or finds a way through them. I still find this amazing. I am not saying that my love is as pure and selfless as it is described in 1 Cor. 13 and I am not saying that I treat everyone with this kind of love all the time. My point is, that I am amazed at how even my small and inconsistent acts of love seem to have a big impact. If only I would practice this kind of love more often! I need more love in my life and ministry.

I need to keep on being filled with the Spirit of Jesus who is the source of this love.

– Andrew Reimer Andrew Reimer (Steinbach EMC) is a community minister serving in Winnipeg`s North End with Inner City Youth Alive.

TRU2014

Train Refresh Unite

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

Pray: For training that equips our leaders for fruitful ministry.

For refreshment that saturates the souls of the leaders.

For unity that builds up the church.

See You There!

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

With Our Missionaries

Being a community of believers MEXICO

BOM

Wednesday was another Bible Study night. Typically we meet at 8 p.m. However, some of the people work late and cannot get there before 9 p.m. Generally everyone brings something to eat and we share as we trickle in. We hear about how their day has gone and how the Lord has guided them through various situations.

This night was no different. One of the couples arrived with great excitement. En route to the Bible study the wife had received a call offering her a job where she would begin on Monday. She had handed in her resignation due to much persecution and Friday would be her last day of work. She went on to tell how she had been able to reconcile with her boss, how he apologized for the way he had treated her. It was a direct answer to our prayers over the past six months.

We celebrated our hostess’s birthday by serving a wonderful cheesecake. Then our discussion turned to the next month’s events that we were planning to reach out to our many friends who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, who we have been praying for over the past year. You could feel the excitement as they began to put down the dates for these events.

We moved into the study on Romans 12:9-21 with verse 13 being the focal point of our study. What does it mean to be hospitable and love our neighbour, even our enemy?

We felt God stirring our hearts as everyone grappled with what this meant personally.

After a lengthy discussion we then began to share prayer requests. Many gave testimony of how the Lord had provided and gave thanks to Him for all that He was doing in their lives.

A highlight was one couple, having struggled in their marriage to the point of separation, announced that they were now back together and had been able to find much healing and restoration.

One girl was struggling with fear with regards to so much abuse and violence in the country and in the world.

She mentioned one particular night where she had not been able to sleep and God had placed in her mind to read Psalm 43 where the Psalmist David takes refuge in the Lord asking for God’s light and truth to lead him. The Psalm ends with encouragement to put our hope in God— praising Him for He is our salvation and our God.

18 The Messenger • October 2014

Connie and John Reimer

There were several people who were not able to attend, but had messaged prayer requests and so we took time to pray for them. Continued sharing and praying went on late into the night. There was a spirit of celebration as the community of believers encouraged us. There was renewed strength to face whatever lay ahead.

Little did we know that during the study, someone had broken the back car window of one of the couples and stolen an amp, drums, books, and teaching notes.

They messaged the group immediately requesting that we continue to pray for the very things that we had studied at Bible Study. They asked us to join them to pray for the person who had done this and that God would bless him and draw him to the Lord.

Then the next messages came from many in the group promising to pray and encouraging one another to live out what we had studied. Seconds later a message came through that a brother of one of the guys had been diagnosed with cancer with possibly weeks or a few short months to live. And once again the people in the group began to acknowledge their commitment to pray.

What a blessing to see the relevancy of God’s Word and how He has given us the opportunities and the privilege to be a part of this community of believers.

– Connie Reimer Connie and John Reimer (Swan River) are church planting in the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco state, in southern Mexico.

Column • Window on Missions

We face challenges, but I am excited!

T

he opportunity to serve on the EMC Board of Missions (BOM) these past six years has been an honour and a privilege for which I am deeply grateful.

Six years ago I walked into my first board meeting not knowing what to expect. Little did I know just how challenging that first meeting would be. It was there that I quickly realized that the decisions we were making had a profound impact on the lives of many people.

One such case-in-point was the decision we made to transfer missionaries from northern Mexico to Guadalajara, a city in the south. Having our missionaries uproot and leave behind ministry and friends was difficult, yet at the same time very exciting because they left behind a strong group of churches. I realize now that a challenging aspect of being on the board is knowing that some of the decisions we make will change the lives of our missionaries and the people they minister to.

Missionaries coming in and reporting on their work is a highlight of every board meeting.

We have visited with many missionaries, heard amazing stories, and heard how God has done marvelous things through their ministries.

The BOM has also had the great privilege of interviewing new missionaries and sending them out. We have celebrated our missionaries who have retired. We have grieved those who have passed on.

We have also launched several exciting initiatives over the past few years. One was sending prayer teams out to our mission fields.

What a blessing those teams have been to our missionaries and to the nationals in Guadalajara and Paraguay! Because prayer is foundational to all that we do, we have committed ourselves to finding a volunteer prayer coordinator who will help increase our prayer efforts.

During the past few years, the BOM renewed its commitment to do a better job of communicating with you. To that end, we annually make phone calls and send out emails to every pastor and mission chair in the conference to invite feedback. We have also begun sending out the EMC Missions Alert and a missions newsletter to the churches multiple times each year.

The BOM continues to face challenges. Finding new recruits for our administrative fields is difficult. Project Macedonia is sputtering.

However, we are actively looking for solutions and are making headway in key areas such as the Ascend program. We are also working on new initiatives that we hope and pray will stir young people to consider full-time missionary service.

Of all that the BOM has accomplished over the past six years, what excites me the most is the start of ministries in Bolivia and Guadalajara. I am so thankful that we as the EMC are touching people’s lives with God’s love in these spiritually dark areas.

I want to thank my church, the Blumenort EMC, for being so generous by giving me the time to serve on the BOM. I have been richly blessed by this opportunity.

Let’s continue to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out more workers into His harvest fields. Maybe you will be the answer to your prayer.

by Anthony Reimer Former BOM Chair

Of all that the Board of Missions has accomplished over the past six years, what excites me the most is the start of ministries in Bolivia and Guadalajara.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

With Our Churches New Life Christian Fellowship

Baptisms and memberships transfer STEVENSON, Ont.—On June 29, 2014, Judy Banman and Emily Klassen became members of New Life Christian Fellowship through baptism; the baptismal service was performed by Pastor Kevin Wiebe. George and Tina Friesen and Trudy Knelsen became members through membership transfer.

– Peter Hamm

NLCF

Judy Banman, Tina Friesen, George Friesen, Trudy Knelsen, and Emily Klassen

•• Roseisle EMC

ROSEISLE EMC

The Lessers will be missed ROSEISLE, Man.—How do you say farewell to a pastor and family after nearly 10 years of service? Well, in Roseisle we did it on June 29, 2014, with torrential rains, an indoor picnic, and, to top it off, a power outage.

The day may not all have gone as planned, but it was a good time of sharing memories and expressing thanks to Kelly and Karen Lesser and their children, Logan and Anya.

Kelly and Karen came to us in the fall of 2004 and with them came many gifts and talents that they have shared with us in their ministry over the years.

One of those gifts was their music ministry.

As part of the farewell, several young adults who had been part of the worship team with Kelly and Karen over the years led us in praise and worship. Kelly and Karen The Lesser family

20 The Messenger • October 2014

mentored many “budding” musicians and encouraged and provided opportunities for them to use their talents.

One ministry for Pastor Kelly outside the church walls was coaching volleyball in one of our local high schools.

Over several years, most of our youth guys had the privilege of not only having Kelly as a spiritual coach, but also as a volleyball coach. He invested a lot of time and energy in our boys and our Marlins volleyball team.

We are grateful for the countless, well-prepared and challenging sermons; the involvement in committees, Bible studies and community events; and the list could go on.

We appreciate the sacrifices made that came with being a pastor and a pastor’s family.

Their ministry has had an immensely positive impact on our church family and we thank them for answering God’s call 10 years ago and coming to Roseisle. We are thankful for their leadership and guidance, and we wish them God’s richest blessings as they move on from Roseisle. We will miss them.

Kelly began serving as pastor of Morden EMMC in August.

– Eleanor Friesen

With Our Churches Endeavour Fellowship Chapel

ENDEAVOUR, Sask.—As you travel in southern Saskatchewan, consider visiting this EMC church where Brad and Carol Steppan serve as its pastoral couple.

Here’s a bit of EFC’s earlier history, thanks to a longer article by Menno Hamm. In 1960 Edwin and Violet Wright of Canora, Sask., were in charge of a Vacation Bible School in Endeavour. The positive attendance and interest indicated that a church should be started.

Tom Downey, converted in a revival in Ireland, had been praying for an evangelical church to start in the village, and in late summer 1960 the first service was held outside of his home.

Later, town halls were rented. In 1961 the EMC Board of Missions purchased the Red Cross Outpost Hospital, and carpenters turned the previously unfinished upper floor into a chapel. In 1965 the chapel was remodeled and the sanctuary was lowered to become the main floor.

By the end of 1962 the Wright family had moved to Endeavour to work full-time in the church, and within a year EFC had a record Sunday School attendance of 104. A youth group began, and in 1965 the congregation, with 13 members, was accepted into the EMC.

Kleefeld EMC

EFC

Brad and Carol Steppan continue to serve

Endeavour Fellowship Chapel, 2012

Pastoral couples that have served since were Peter and Betty Friesen, Bill and Anne Buhler, Dave and Audrey Wiebe, Gary and Debbie Sawatzky, and Lorne and Margaret Moorhead.

In 2015 it will be 55 years since EFC began to meet. The Lord has touched, and changed, many people through this congregation. Pray for EFC, including its leadership.

– Terry M. Smith

••

KLEEFELD, Man.—June 15, 2014, marked a special day of commitment in the lives of four people in our Kleefeld congregation.

Participating in baptism and church membership were Nathan Kamstra and Austin Plett. We wish them God’s richest blessings as they continue to grow in Christ and in service and fellowship in the church.

Transferring their membership were Kelly and Gerry Wiens. We welcome them as members, and wish them the Lord’s blessings as well as they worship and serve with us.

– Louella Friesen

BRUCE AND ELAINE PETERS

New members by baptism and transfer

Pastor Peter Ascough, Austin Plett, Nathan Kamstra, Pastor Darryl Klassen.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Churches Mennville EMC

Despite rain, spirits not dampened

MENNVILE EMC

MENNVILLE, Man.—The first Sunday of every month we get together to have a praise and worship night. It is a wonderful place to sing, share, pray, and worship God together in a smaller group setting.

Locations for this have varied; it has been held in the church sanctuary, outside on the parking lot around a fire, and a few times this summer at Beaver Creek Bible Camp.

Our theme this summer was on “The Hall of Faith,” depicting some of our Faith Heroes mentioned in Hebrews 11. Each Sunday we chose a different person to speak about; then we asked our speakers to preach on them and had a local artist paint or draw a picture (or in whatever way they chose) and put it up on the wall in the sanctuary.

Local artists included Terry Dueck, Sheila Monthly praise and worship nights were times of togetherness.

Barkman, Kaden Barkman, Brady Barkman, Janette Brandt, Hedi Peters, Coralee Barkman, Zach Barkman, Ainsly Kroeker, and Luanna Friesen. Some of them ended On August 24, we had our Church Picnic held at the up being very creative pieces. Thank you to all who did this old Mennville School Grounds. Despite two rainy and so willingly. gloomy days, it did not dampen our spirits; there was a Thank you to all the speakers that came to help us out good turnout both days, and we thoroughly enjoyed the with our walk through the Hall of Faith, which included events that the organizers, Del and Lu Brandt and their ministers from our church, Terry Dueck and Dwight Plett, helpers, planned for us. and guest speakers Glenn Plett, Ward Parkinson, Gord Silvia Harder did a disco for us on Saturday evening, Penner, and Kathy Thiessen. and a pig roast was supplied by Danny’s Whole Hog and cooked by Terry Dueck for Sunday lunch. Giant Blitz was held in the school gym, and we watched the movie God’s Not Dead in the afternoon. An outdoor service and a baseball game were cancelled because of rain. Thank you to everybody who helped to make it such a fun time.

– Luella Brandt

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Artists depicted some of the exploits recorded in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11).

22 The Messenger • October 2014

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

With Our Churches Kola EMC

KOLA, Man.—It has been an exciting first half of the year for Kola EMC members as we were able to welcome Richard and Kathy Klassen as our new pastoral couple on June 1. With 30 years of pastoral experience and a strong desire to see the Lord work in each and every one of our hearts, this couple has been welcomed with open arms to our vibrant community.

We praise the Lord for three healthy babies born this year and five more on the way. Our hearts went out to Laura Heidrix and Betty Martens as their beloved husbands passed away in April. May God continue to give you peace as you mourn their passing.

Late this spring we, as the church, were able to pour our blessings upon three teenagers and also upon three young families. Dianna Hiebert, Carrick Friesen, and Alex Bajus took the step of faith in baptism to declare their faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ. Larry and Dora

KOLA EMC

An exciting six months for Kola EMC

Deacon Adam Bajus (in charge), deacon Len Koop (baptizer), Dianna Hiebert (baptized), Conrad Penner (baptizer), Carrick Friesen (baptized), Alex Bajus (baptized), and Elmer Siemens (baptizer).

Waldner, Tyson and Alida Martens and Miles and Maria Neufeld showed their commitment to bringing their children up in the ways of the Lord.

– Alida Martens

••

Picture Butte Mennonite Church

PICTURE BUTTE, Alta.—From July 21-25, Picture Butte Mennonite Church held its annual Vacation Bible School, which saw an average of 86 children come out every day for A Wild Ride Through God’s Word!

Isaac and Tina Reimer once again coordinated this year’s cowboy-themed event; they did an excellent job of getting the children excited about coming out to learn more about God and His Word.

Through exciting songs, Bible stories and engaging centres, the children learned that God is real, He is always with us, He is strong, He is awesome, and He is in charge.

The children especially enjoyed wearing their cowboy hats and bandannas.

PBMC

Avalanche Ranch at PBMC

Children enjoy the actions during a VBS worship session.

As another successful VBS comes to a close, we here at PBMC are gearing up for our annual camp-out on August 1-3 and really look forward to what the rest of the summer has in store.

– Desiree Krahn

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Good News Community Church

STEINBACH, Man.—Jesus told stories of what the kingdom of heaven was like. Is it conceivable that he could have said the kingdom of heaven is like a group of image bearers seeking to be loving neighbours, although they do not gather as a group at a specific time of every week? That definition would fit Good News.

We used to have a website where some of us would post things. In April we closed the website and opened a Facebook site instead. The reason was that we wanted more interaction to the things posted and to have a wider audience or readership.

There are over 80 people who are “members” of this site, who are then allowed to post, and an untold number of others who read and comment, some from as far away as the UK and Australia. So far we are pleased with how this is going.

For more than three years now Good News has been receipting some of the efforts of the Manitoba to Ecuador program. This is a program that sees a group of students and supervisors from Steinbach go to Ecuador to teach English, learn Spanish, and participate in a soccer program run by a believer who is high on respect and discipline.

More recently three students from Ecuador have been accepted to come to Steinbach for a semester and learn English and participate in Canadian life. The Hanover School Division pays for the education part of this.

This summer Wally Doerksen accompanied the Ecuadorian students back, staying for a week to interact with

EMC

Image bearers seek to be loving neighbours

Wally Doerksen

the principals of the program and to see if there were other things that this program could accomplish. One potential is to start a library; in Puerto Lopez, a town of 12,000 plus, there is none.

There is also a church, where some of the people in the program attend, that could use some help with construction. This year the group also interacted with three of the daycare facilities in the town (up from one, in previous years) that are government run and chronically underfunded.

There was also evidence of some Canadians giving away unreceipted money to people in need to buy groceries, wheel chairs, fix stairs, and so on.

These are two stories about the Good News Community.

– Wally Doerksen

RESPONDING REBUILDING RESTORING

Weddings REIMER-ALBLAS — Keenan Reimer and Nadine Alblas of Fort Garry EMC were married on July 20, 2014. The couple resides in Winnipeg, Man. KLASSEN-ENNS — David Klassen and Linda Enns were married on Aug. 10, 2014, at Picture Butte Mennonite Church.

FRIESEN-DYCK — Aron Friesen and Judy Dyck were married on Aug. 16, 2014, at Picture Butte Mennonite Church. The couple lives in Taber, Alta.

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

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

mds.mennonite.net

24 The Messenger • October 2014

PHOTOS: TERRY M SMITH

Church Profile

Pansy Chapel: What Will The Next 55 Years Bring?

by Terry M. Smith

W

hatever I was expecting, it was not this.

Of course, being invited to the dedication of Pansy Chapel’s enlarged building on Aug. 10, 2014, I anticipate some changes.

But upon entering the building, located in the country about 25 kms southwest of Steinbach, Man., I am confused.

I’ve had the privilege of preaching at Pansy Chapel on four occasions, each time in a smaller, narrow building that was pleasant and practical, but not spacious. Now the former sanctuary seems to have become the chapel’s foyer and a space currently used for eating. People are visiting while enjoying a rich mixture of breads, sliced meats, vegetables, and desserts.

The new sanctuary is to my right. Upon entering it, I do not expect such a spacious area with 300 chairs, twin screens, and a high ceiling.

The building’s renovation adds 4,000 square feet (371 square meters) and will cost about $400,000, Dennis Braun, a church elder and the evening’s emcee, said later.

As the song goes, “The old grey mare, she ain’t what she used to be!” Of course, the song speaks of a racehorse in decline, but this dedication service is clear evidence of the opposite: Pansy Chapel is gaining speed and moving ahead. Its current attendance is about 200, Pastor Ed Giesbrecht said later.

A Program of Celebration

Dennis Braun welcomes Pansy members and guests from various churches to the dedication program, gently suggesting that people finish eating before entering the sanctuary. “Heavenly Father, we just want to thank you for this evening,” he prays. “ . . . we dedicate this evening to you, Lord.”

A 10-member praise and worship team leads in songs with fitting words: “King of heaven come down. Let your glory reign.” “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand.” “I am yours.” “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.”

Later Fred Klassen, a contractor, tells of how, while working in the chapel’s crawl space, he had listened as the group practiced; it reminded him of the Gaithers’ rich harmony, he says.

Quoting a Promise

Dennis Braun returns to the stage and quotes Jesus’ promise: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell with not prevail against it.” He says, “Tonight, we’re here to dedicate a building. The building is not the church.”

The pastors in this church “have a real servant heart,” says Braun, explaining that two of them had helped to direct parking outside.

He says that the pastors will give reports. Each pastor receives partial financial support, he tells me later. ➢

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

Church Profile Leonard and Betty Barkman

As the senior pastoral couple, Leonard and Betty Barkman, begins to share early memories, Pastor Barkman asks that after the evening is over, “pray that we will continue to serve the Lord well.”

He speaks of his childhood desire to teach the Bible and of how he and Betty had bought “a small, small dairy farm” in Pansy where they managed to raise six children without their going hungry. He tells of picking up children for Sunday School, a task later shared by others.

He remembers the day when he stood on the yard and wondered if he “would actually dare to pray that this would one day be a church,” he says. Now, he invites those gathered to join in a round of applause to the Lord. They do.

Blumenort EMC, which began the outreach, provided a “leader,” John Dueck, to offer support, he says. Dueck gave advice that shocked him, yet proved to be to the church’s benefit: “Do not call it a Mennonite church.”

It’s “very positive” that people in the church do not come from the same background, says Pastor Barkman. He encourages “our younger pastors” to be “scriptural and sincerely teaching the congregation how to walk with God.” Betty Barkman speaks of how, in the “55 years since we started,” there have been “many ups and downs, curves along the road, uphill climbs that seemed to go nowhere.” The beginning efforts were “crude and simple and small,” she says, and they “sincerely wondered if it was too big a prayer to ask God to make this into a real church, and God has done amazing things.” While on the farm with their little ones, “there were some tough years, but God was good,” she says.

When Blumenort’s help stopped, they had to grow up, she says. One thing “always important” was “that every person counts,” and when they hurt, doubly so. Mistakes were made, and they could “be down on ourselves about that,

“We believe that God created the entire universe intentionally and on purpose, and that he holds all things together, and that in Jesus life is sustained.”

26 The Messenger • October 2014

Pastoral couple Betty and Leonard Barkman

yes,” she says, “if it weren’t for a few key things about God: he forgives, he overrules, and he is so faithful.”

She then reads Psalm 71:5, 17-19, 24, verses that speak of God’s teaching us in our youth and when we’re “old and gray,” of the need to declare “your power to the next generation,” and that end with, “My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long.”

Dylan Barkman

Dylan Barkman, the teaching pastor and Leonard and Betty’s son, says, “It is really a pleasure for me to be a part of this church.” He thanks people generous with their time—contractors, volunteers, a five-member building committee, more people than he can name. He says the church is full of volunteers.

Why is Pansy Chapel here? “The real question is what do you believe?” he responds. Pansy Chapel is here, he says, because of statements that are becoming increasingly bold: “We believe that God created the entire universe intentionally and on purpose, and that he holds all things together, and that in Jesus life is sustained.”

“We believe that the Bible is the infallible, authoritative Word of God from front to back,”

Pastor Dylan Barkman

Church Profile that Jesus is coming back. “If Christ comes back tonight, I wholeheartedly welcome him,” he says, but he would not be “too sad” if he and his wife Sabrina become “old and grey and see what He’s going to do with this body of believers in Pansy.”

Volunteer Time

Sanctuary (before service)

Dylan says. “And we believe that we live in a broken world filled with sin, and that sin separates us from God.” God sent Jesus to reconcile us, if we will accept that, he says, and the Holy Spirit is living and active. Pansy Chapel is here to encourage believers and to reach out, he says.

Ed Giesbrecht

The youth pastor, Ed Giesbrecht, speaks of how blessed he and Dylan have been to learn from Pastor Leonard Barkman, including by his question, “Is it biblical?” Giesbrecht says that at Pansy Chapel there is “no entertainment” or “gimmick.” The Holy Spirit is alive; that’s what’s happening here, he says.

In looking at the congregation’s future, it’s vital to maintain a biblical standard. If that’s upheld, great things are in store, he says.

He speaks of believers being salt and light, drawing on Matthew 5. Pansy Chapel is a lighthouse that will comfort some people and threaten others. There will be pressure to compromise, but he says that Pansy Chapel “will not compromise.”

Giesbrecht speaks of needy families nearby and how Christians are to care for people in messy situations. Scripture “tells us over and over”

People, with varying connections and memories, speak about Pansy Chapel. Among them, George Froese speaks of a time when his wife Bertha discovered a snake on their doorstep and called Barkmans (then a truck driver, George was away). When Leonard Barkman arrived and killed the snake, he became Bertha’s “hero,” Froese says. Ward Parkinson, EMC conference pastor, speaks of when a child will spill a drink on the sanctuary’s new carpet—the need for “the facility” to be “the servant and not the master.”

Dedicatory Prayer

Pastor Ed Giesbrecht asks the congregation to stand during a dedicatory prayer for this “place.”

“We are not calling it a church,” he emphasizes.

“We are the church, but we want to pray a special blessing on this place.”

“Our Almighty God, you have created everything that is. You have loved us so much that you sent your Son, our Lord Jesus, to come and die for us,” Ed prays. “And, Lord, that is what we’re celebrating.”

“As Christians we gather to bring you glory,” he says. “Lord Jesus, allow this building . . . to be a safe sanctuary to those who are hurting . . . to be a space where we feel the embrace of your love.”

“Lord Jesus, we ask for your blessing on this place,” he prays. “We dedicate this to you, Lord Jesus.” The congregation says, “Amen.”

A Closing Challenge

The praise and worship team comes forward to lead in singing: “Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King.” Dennis Braun then challenges other churches represented here to be “a church that unchurched people love to come to.” He leads in a closing prayer of blessing, the congregation sings one more song, and those assembled are dismissed.

Now, the next 55 years awaits.

Part of the praise and worship team

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

Columns • Poetry

Autumn’s Song Colours of a season come, Shades of lemon, red, and plum.

Autumn harvest, yellow grain, Fields fair upon the plains.

Birds take flight high on the air And for each one I say a prayer.

Time will bring them back again When spring returns and winter wanes.

The scheme of hues God richly paints Within the autumn, sweet and quaint.

Crunch of leaves that gently fall Upon the winds that loudly call.

– Eleanor Lee Gustaw

DESIGNPICS

This land in glory wonders hold, God’s palette lovely, ever bold.

And to each day my heart shall rise In praise of song in autumn’s guise.

Eleanor Lee Gustaw is connected with Riverton Gospel Chapel.

BARTCH — to Henry and Samantha, a daughter, Emma Grace, on June 26, 2014.

BOVEN — to Mike and Shannon, a daughter, Rebekah Grace, on July 10, 2014.

CUTHILL — to Ryan and Krystal, a daughter, Deidre Nereid Ceili, on Jan. 17, 2014.

FLANNERY — to Chris and Becki, a daughter, Aleeah Pearl, on April 10, 2014.

FRIESEN — to Kelsey and Beth, a daughter, Summer Elizabeth, on May 9, 2014.

FRIESEN — to Ryan and Emily, a daughter, Maci Sarah, on June 6, 2014.

KLASSEN — to Abe and Eva, a son, Darren Abraham, on July 18, 2014.

KUNZ — to John and Alaina, a son, Judah Robert, on May 21, 2014.

MATEJKA — to Vlad and Bethany, a son, Miloslav Jarred Abraham, on March 8, 2014.

NEUFELD — to Corny and Justina, a son, Jeremiah Liam, on June 14, 2014.

NEUFELD — to Miles and Maria, a daughter, Annabel Hope, on Feb. 20, 2014.

PETERS — to Ryan and Casey, a son, Lochlan Ryan Everett, on Sept. 4, 2014.

PLETT — to Jeremy and Erin, a son, Kyle Leonard, on Aug. 23, 2014.

WIEBE — to Bill and Melanie, a son, Kale Edward, on March 21, 2014.

28 The Messenger • October 2014

EM CUP

Nov. 7-9, 2014 Steinbach, Man.

To register your church or for info on the “Pastors’ Game” or “Fathers vs Daughters Game,” please contact Donovan

registerforemcup@gmail.com call/text 204-378-0278.

DESIGNPICS

Births

News

Kingdom Come: Living What Jesus Taught 13-lesson multimedia curriculum available IRWIN, Ohio—The Kingdom Come curriculum, commissioned by the Conservative Mennonite Conference, was published in August 2014.

When Jesus came to earth, he changed things up for the people of God—ushering in a new kingdom. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “It has been said . . . but I tell you . . . .” Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come.”

These lessons explore how to live in ways that answer this prayer. The curriculum, based on exploring scripture, is multimedia in approach and will appeal to various learning styles.

Synopsis of Lessons:

Fill’er Up: Covenant—Old to New Free at Last: Righteousness—Law to Grace Pledge of Allegiance: Identity—Nation to Church Away from Home: World—In It but Not Of It The In-Group: Belonging—Bloodlines to Choice Give It Up: Posture—Self-Ambition to Servanthood Real Simple: Lifestyle—More to Less Peace on Earth: Relationships—Enemies to Friends Blowing in the Wind: Empowerment—Flesh to Spirit Appetizers: Epilogue—From Earth to Heaven

The curriculum is organized into thirteen lessons that are interactive, adapted to various learning styles, are biblically based, and can be used for small groups, Sunday school, or discipleship classes. It is prepared for adults and

CMU Middle East Study Tour April 29 to May 18, 2015

A CMU study tour to Israel, led by Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt and Dr. Sheila Klassen-Wiebe, focuses on the Holy Land as the ancient land of the Bible and of contemporary conflict.

Visit cmu.ca/met2015 for details.

youth and is a teacher-led (not a video-based) curriculum that, however, contains more than 70 media clips.

More material is available than is possible to use in each lesson. Teachers review the possible activities and choose those that fit their class. The curriculum contains spotlights on history, word studies on video, and stories.

But, most important, are the Scripture texts and related activities.

For information, contact 740-857-1234 or office@cmcrosedale.org.

– CMC

Rio Grande Bible Institute Tour Feb. 19 to March 2, 2015

Enjoy some winter sun and participate in the ministry of RGBI. Experience the history of San Antonio and the south Texas culture, and meet students and staff at RGBI. Contact Frieda Johnson at 204-254-3639 or fjohnson@riogrande.edu for details.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News

SBC requests prayer for students STEINBACH, Man.—Another year at Steinbach Bible College has begun. With a 15 percent increase in students over last year, our highest enrolment since 2010, the campus is alive with activity and excitement.

The student body is diverse, with international students from as far away as Bolivia, Paraguay and Belize, along with another 20 percent of our students hailing from outside Manitoba. The college experience at SBC is centred on a model of life-on-life learning within the context of a vibrant community and personal relationships with faculty, staff, and fellow students.

First year students Tanis and Kendra look forward to “living in a positive environment while getting to know great people and learning about practical Christian living.”

Returning student Lili says she came back for “learning about myself and God and building relationships that will help me in the future.”

EMCers welcomed to MWC’s Assembly 2015

Professor Carl Loewen teaches a class.

For more than 75 years, Steinbach Bible College has been devoted to training servant leaders that will serve the Church as growing disciples of Jesus Christ. Our alumni serve the Church through their faithful witness in the workplace and through generous expressions of their gifts and abilities.

We invite you to join us in praying for our students as they enter a year of studies, challenge, and growth.

– SBC

••

Harrisburg, PA—We Anabaptists of North America have invited our sisters and brothers from around the world to come to Harrisburg, PA, in July 21-26, 2015, under the theme of “Walking with God.” The event, Pennsylvania 2015, is Mennonite World Conference’s (MWC) every-six-year Assembly, a reunion of the worldwide Anabaptist-Mennonite family. It’s the first time the event is in the eastern U.S. Who’s invited? Everyone who’s part of the family. MWC staff are preparing for 6,000 to 10,000 people—members, leaders, families, youth groups, and young adults.

It will be held on July 21-26, 2015 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Penn.

What will happen at PA 2015? The day will begin with singing led by a multinational worship team. Each morning an MWC Commission (Faith and Life, Missions, Peace, or Deacons) will present and a young adult will respond. For the week everyone becomes a part of a small multicultural group of 15-20 people for fellowship and discussion, discovering new relationships.

The afternoons will be filled with workshops, service opportunities, tours, sports activities, and performances 30 The Messenger • October 2014

SBC

New year begins, enrollment increases

and exhibits in the Global Church Village.

Each continent will contribute to each evening worship service. There are programs for children and youth; and an international young adult convention, the Global Youth Summit (ages 18-plus), will take place July 17-19, three days before PA 2015, at Messiah College, in nearby Mechanicsburg.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend on your own continent, it is relatively inexpensive to attend, it will be global and colourful, and it will feed and nourish our souls. As part of the Body of Christ, we will learn about how to be more faithful Christ-followers today, as we fellowship and worship together.

The platform language will be English, with translation in Spanish and French. Registration is open now at www. mwc-cmm.org/pa2015.

César García, MWC general secretary, from Colombia, says, “If we share our experiences, our resources, our gifts, and our fears and doubts, we will be strengthened and we will be more effective. Isn’t this what it means to be Christ’s Church?”

– MWC

Column • Further In and Higher Up

Christ has plundered the 'gods'

H

by Layton Friesen

DESIGNPICS

ave you noticed that our society can’t even properly worship idols anymore?

In the Church we often lament the idols people worship—like technology. But the relationship people have with their technology is different than an old pagan offering fire to Zeus.

Any pagan worth his salt would serve his gods as though his life depended on it. He genuinely and innocently believed his god was there and was really the ticket to a good harvest.

But modern secularists look about and find nothing solid to believe in for long. And so they flit about, trying first this “god” and then that one.

Someone will suggest that we should re-enchant the world, and will contrive a “neo-paganism” that pretends to see creation as a “goddess.”

But everyone knows they’re making this up.

They’re trying to believe in something that’s not really the way the world is; it’s just pretend. A neo-pagan still keeps a psychiatrist and a lawyer.

To really worship a god, one has to be naive enough to genuinely, innocently believe; modern secularists are not naive enough to devoutly serve “gods,” even things like technology. They have an air of cynicism that’s unbecoming for a worshipper.

Except for one idol. Finding nothing else to believe in, we do believe in ourselves. We don’t have idols, we are an idol (a very un-pagan idea).

I become the unshakable god who creates and tweaks “reality” to suit my whims.

I can even create a me; my nature, gender, personality, and body parts can be designed at will. The I becomes the only solidity, the only sure thing to rest existence upon. This is nihilism, the “belief ” that there is nothing out there to believe in.

So what happened? Theologian David Bentley Hart has an interesting perspective. He says that when Christ entered creation he plundered the “gods,” despoiling Egypt and taking all their splendour to himself. Now the “gods” recognized their

true Master and cast their crowns at his feet.

The stars aligned to point to the Christ. The magi pagans arrived from Babylon bringing their offerings and abandoned them at the feet of the Christ. As early Christians militantly preached Christ against the pantheon, the choice emerged: Christ or “gods” with no glory left.

When the West eventually rejected Christ in the modern world, it was condemned to sift through the dreary ruins of a plundered pantheon. Secularists restlessly seek glory in a creation where Christ has taken it all to himself.

Someone stole the fire of their “gods”!

God “has put all things under his feet (Eph. 1.22). The “gods” are still there, but after Christ is proclaimed they remain thin, pale, secularized, and naked. Hart has a point.

But to our surprise and delight, when stars, myrrh, grain and grapes are experienced in Christ, the beauty of Christ shines through them liked stained glass and in his light their own true goodness is finally seen. These were all created in Christ (Col. 1.16). So if you ever wonder why your new iPhone so quickly becomes an old iPhone, it may be one of the gods that Jesus turned into a “god.”

You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you (Augustine).

When the West eventually rejected Christ in the modern world, it was condemned to sift through the dreary ruins of a plundered pantheon.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

1928-2014

Henry L. Reimer, 86, of Blumenort, Man., and formerly of Ridgewood, passed away peacefully to be with Jesus on Sunday, July 13, 2014, at Bethesda Hospital. He is survived by two sisters, Annie and Helen, and Aunt Tina Loewen.

Henry L. Reimer was born on April 15, 1928, to Klaas R. and Anna Reimer. His father passed away when Henry was only 16 and his mother died 13 years later. He was also predeceased by brother John and sister Elizabeth.

Henry was baptized upon his confession of faith and was a faithful member of the Ridgewood EM Church. He had his challenges, but that did not stop him from doing his part in God’s kingdom. He testified openly about his faith in Jesus.

He loved his Saviour and served him faithfully. During family devotions he prayed for many friends and acquaintances, that they would accept Jesus as their Saviour and continue to walk faithfully with the Lord. Henry’s prayers have made a difference in many people’s lives.

Henry remembered many stories of his years growing up on the farm and loved sharing them at every opportunity. He was a farmer at heart and, together with his brother John

32 The Messenger • October 2014

]

OCT

SUNDAY

Henry L. Reimer

and three sisters, worked the land were a great help and comfort to us. and cared for their livestock.

Thank you to the staff at Bethesda He was a hard worker and pulled Hospital and to Dr. Vendramelli for more than his share on the family their kind care. farm. He sometimes took risks that The funeral for Henry L. Reimer resulted in the occasional accident. was held on July 17, 2014, at the Later his comment would be, “I Ridgewood EMC with Pastor Darcy shouldn’t have done that.”

Sproule officiating. The pallbearers Henry took great delight in were Joe Reimer, Murray Reimer, Don their John Deere tractor. He will be Penner, Eldon Penner, Lorne Penner, remembered for the many miles he and Curtis Loewen. Interment was in drove this tractor on roads around Ridgewood Church Cemetery, Giroux, the community. He loved people and Man. the tractor gave him the opportunity In memory of Henry, donations to connect with friends. Henry would may be made to deacon ministry at frequently ask, “Are you happy?” and Ridgewood EMC. then would add, “I am happy.”

– His Family Henry’s life took on new meaning when HIGH LEVEL he began to work at Kindale. He very much enjoyed the responsibilities that they gave to him, and looked forward to the days that he could work there. He spoke often of the new friends he made while working there.

Henry enjoyed Celebration! contributing in his own way at a community seniors program—Golden Age. Sometimes he Open House shared with words and 2:00pm-4:00pm at other times he would Coffee & cookies sing a song.

Dedication Thank you to Walk-throughs Service Henry’s many friends.

Info on programs 5:00pm Light Supper Your invitations to SunMeet & greet day lunches and other 7:00pm Service outings and treats were

greatly appreciated by 10906-100 Ave Henry and his family.

Your many prayers, ON MAIN STREET cards, rides, and meals during Henry’s illness

19

WWW.ICYA.CA

EVERYONE WELCOME

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.

Mennville EMC, a rural congregation with an attendance about 90, located in Manitoba's Interlake region, seeks a full or part-time pastor. The pastor will work within a ministerial team as the church seeks to renew and grow. College or seminary training and pastoral experience are definite assets.

Starting date is flexible and salary will reflect EMC guidelines. A candidate should be a collaborative leader (team player), comfortable in the pulpit and in pastoral care, familiar with the EMC Statement of Faith, and respectful of various cultures and rural living. Contact minister Terry Dueck at frontier104@ hotmail.com.

Heartland Community Church is seeking a full-time lead pastor for our congregation of 150-plus in Landmark, Man. In addition to meeting the pastoral and preaching needs of our congregation, we are looking for a pastor with an outward focus and a passion for relational community involvement.

For information and a full job description, visit our website at www.heatlandcommunitychurch.ca.

Please send resumes to pastorsearchcommittee@ heartlandcommunitychurch.ca.

Other Positions Bergfeld Mennonite Church (EMMC) is looking for a full-time pastor. 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.

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

Reporting to the president, the director of advancement is responsible for the operating fund development and implementation, advancement events, and fostering alumni relations.

Travel will be required. A more detailed job description is available upon request. More info is also available at SBCollege.ca.

The successful candidate must sign and agree to the SBC Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Agreement that can be viewed at http://sbcollege.ca/about/ faith.

Please submit your resume with cover letter via email to: Eileen Krueger, human resources consultant, EBMinds@gmail.com. We thank all applicants who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Column • An Education App

The general budget reflects on us

A

reality I’ve learned administratively during my 17 years in the EMC na• Are we to respect rk of the wo the eMC the spiritual histories tional office is the value of the EMC’s gh support throu Christ ating today!

General Budget. of our Christian by don Yes, the General Budget might not sound forebears, our greatHATIN THE W exciting—it could seem more like an obscure grandparents, grandplace into which money is poured with invisible parents, parents, results. But this is far from an accurate or a fair other relatives, and perspective. other members of From my observation, the staff members of EMC churches? Then the five boards work hard to send information to the BCM’s archival individual churches. We could do better. Still, do work should matter local churches, pastors, members, and delegates to us. sometimes know not because they ask not?

• Do we expect that The EMC’s national/international budget our money be used EMC in action... reflects the priorities—the goals and objecin responsible, actives—of the five national boards. The members countable, and tanof these boards come from EMC churches and gible ways? Then the are elected by EMC church delegates. Church work of the Board of delegates ultimately adjust, deny, or affirm the Trustees (BOT) is significant. priorities.

• Do we think that biblically educated, Yes, it is “the Conference budget,” but the examined, and accountable ministers and Conference is not the national office or the five deacons are needed to serve our congregaboards, but us—members of 62 churches in nine tions? Do we think the EMC needs to plant regions that unite for Christ-centred purposes. more churches in Canada? Then the work The Conference is us and the General Budget of the Board of Leadership and Outreach reflects on us—our vision, unity, commitment, (BLO) and the BCM matters. or lack of it.

Consider, for instance, how the BCM, unlike When local churches and members designate the BOM, receives few designated estate funds, their donations for the EMC’s Board of Missions its efforts are not included in special project (BOM), they are wisely supporting a major bibli- appeals at our national convention, and Project cal task to which our conference is committed Builders does not assist it. Yet the BCM carries (Matt. 28:19-20). At the same time, when most out an integral part of the Great Commission: designations are for the work of one board, “teaching them to obey everything I have comEMCers risk ignoring the essential work of the manded you.” other four national boards.

What pastors teach and churches learn, what • Are we concerned about the direction in missionaries carry with them and try to reprowhich the EMC is going? Do we care about duce in other countries is important. Spiritual churches being accountable to each other? education—in its many forms, including by Then we care about the work of the General events and publishing—must happen.

Board.

Because the fullness of the Great Commis• Do we care about the spiritual instruction of sion is important, the work of all five EMC children, about national events being held national boards is worthy of support. Consider to nurture the faith of teens and adults, and this the next time our not-so-dull General Budabout the Christian education of all believget comes up for discussion locally or nationally, ers? Then the work of the Board of Church or when you’re inclined to designate a gift to the Ministries (BCM) is important. work of only one board.

“We are so thankful for the way that EMC Missions helped us to plant a church in the community of Oasis, Mexico. They provided personnel to guide the work, funding to get us started, and encouragement to accomplish our vision. They didn’t just help with buildings, but helped us grow spiritually and showed us how to reach others for Jesus Christ.

nAme

Henry rempel Oasis CME, Mexico

Address

by Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

“The gospel work in Picture Butte, Alberta has benefited greatly through our Conference partnership. The financial support has absorbed a lot of strain and has allowed us to concentrate on the issue at hand – building Christ’s church. We anticipate a similar association in the mission in Redcliff, Alberta.

It is very encouraging to have this kind of teamwork in the establishing of Christ’s kingdom on earth.”

pHone emAil

funds mAy be designAted to:

(please check the appropriate box)

Because the fullness of the Great Commission is important, the work of all five EMC national boards is worthy of support.

34 The Messenger • October 2014

GENERAL

FOREIGN MIssIONs

ChuRCh PLANTING CANAdA

CONFERENCE TRAVEL

LEAdERshIP dEVELOPMENT sChOLARshIP

ChuRCh BuILdING LOAN FuNd

OThER

All donations over $10 will be tax-receipted.

Thank you for your contribution to the Lord’s work.

Visit www.emconference.ca to donate online.

Abe bueckert EMC Church Planter, Redcliff, Alberta

440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 P 204.326.6401 F 204.326.1613 E info@emconf.ca

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E VA N G E L I C A L M E N N O N I T E C O N F E R E N C E

When we started we had nothing, but today we are a well established church and community that is able to assist other new churches. May God bless you all richly for everything you have done for us.”

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Column • stewardship today

Beware of ‘undue influence’ in estate planning

DESIGNPICS

B

ack in 2011, I met with an elderly person to assist her with will and estate planning. “Maggie’s” intentions were to name two friends as executors and to give her estate to a lone surviving family member with whom she didn’t have much contact.

Just recently I received a call from her. Maggie was upset and unable to sleep. She had finalized her will, but was unhappy with the results.

She asked to set up a meeting to review her will and fill me in on the details.

Over the past year, someone had befriended her at a church function and gradually earned her trust. Over time, this new friend pressured Maggie to be named the executor and sole beneficiary of Maggie’s estate. This so-called friend even scheduled an appointment and drove her to the lawyer’s office. When the lawyer asked who would be the alternate beneficiary (if this friend predeceased her), the friend suggested naming her husband. Maggie refused.

After our discussion Maggie decided to revise her will, this time naming an actual trusted friend as executor and charity as the beneficiary of her estate. She was relieved and happy with her new decisions. Within a week she had signed off on her revised will, which now reflected her true intentions.

This situation had many of the signs of “undue influence.” This occurs when the person making the will is not acting independently.

Instead, the will-maker is being influenced into making a decision they might not otherwise make. The British Columbia Law Institute has produced a guide that deals with recognition/ prevention of undue influence: Recommended Practices for Wills Practitioners Relating to Potential Undue Influence: A Guide (available online).

The guide includes some red flags: • Unusual gift to a beneficiary; sudden change for no apparent reason; frequent changes.

• Influencer initiates instructions that also benefit influencer; beneficiary speaks for will-maker.

• Influencer is overly helpful

by Kevin Davidson •

Influencer insists on being present during interview with lawyer/notary.

• Influencer has negative and/or controlling attitude to will-maker.

We can learn a number of lessons from Maggie’s experience.

Don’t wait until tomorrow to get your will and incapacity documents updated and finalized.

You can’t predict when your life will change temporarily or permanently. Be sure to communicate your plans with your representatives and beneficiaries, even giving them a copy of the documents. Review your documents every three to five years—or anytime there is a life event—to ensure your wishes are current and reflect your estate goals. Good intentions are not a substitute for a will, regardless of how outdated it is.

According to one lawyer, it is not uncommon for a single older individual to name the same person as executor and beneficiary. Single individuals have greater opportunities to consider charity as a significant beneficiary in their will.

If you feel, or someone you know feels, that you have been unduly influenced into making unwise changes or decisions in your will and/or incapacity documents, please seek out a second opinion from an independent source or other trusted friend. Mennonite Foundation of Canada provides this third party perspective at no cost to Kevin Davidson is a stewardship consultyou. We also have a legal ant in the Calgary, Alberta, office of Menfee rebate program to nonite Foundation of Canada. For more encourage up-to-date will information on impulsive generosity, stewand estate planning. ardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit MennoFoundation.ca.

Don’t wait until tomorrow to get your will and incapacity documents updated and finalized. But be prepared to get a second opinion.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Column • kids’ corner

Do you have courage?

by Loreena Thiessen

Making the right choice takes courage; for example, saying “No!” to something dangerous.

36 The Messenger • October 2014

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hat do you think of when you hear the word courage? Do you think of feeling brave?

The lion in The Wizard of Oz did too. He thought he did not have courage because he did not feel brave. He felt afraid. As a result he did not feel good about himself. He felt ashamed.

He felt so ashamed that he believed he was not worthy to travel with Dorothy and her friends.

But courage is not about how you feel.

Everyone feels afraid some of the time. Having courage is about action; it’s about doing the right thing.

You may have a test tomorrow. You’re afraid that it will be difficult and you could fail. What do you do? The smart thing to do is to review the test material. Only then will you be prepared for the questions on the test even if you feel afraid.

Telling the truth rather than a lie takes courage. Let’s say you have homework, but you didn’t do it. Now it’s bedtime and you’ve played too long. There is no time to do it. What do you tell your mother? Do you say, “I don’t have homework”?

What do you tell your teacher the next day?

You may be afraid to tell the truth. Telling the truth takes courage. There are consequences.

But telling a lie would make you feel guilty. And no one would trust you.

Making the right choice takes courage; for example, saying “No!” to something dangerous.

If your ball rolls into the street and your friends shout, “Go get it!” What do you do?

You say “No! Let’s get an adult.” Saying no to your friends is safer than to go into the street yourself.

Sometimes being yourself takes courage.

You may prefer Sprite when all your friends choose Pepsi. Do you choose what you like or do you follow what everyone else chooses just so you won’t be different? It takes courage to be who you are.

Courage is about doing the right thing even if you feel afraid. Having courage is not to let feeling afraid stop you.

Daniel had courage to continue praying to God in spite of the new rule to pray only to King Darius. The king’s men were jealous of Daniel and wanted to hurt him. The new rule was a trap. They wanted Daniel to change or he would be punished. Daniel refused to change and they threw him into the lion’s den. They hoped the lions would kill him.

It took courage for Daniel to believe God would protect him. God did protect him and King Darius changed. He made a new rule that everyone should believe and serve the God of Daniel.

Read the story in Daniel 6.

Activity: Find who has courage.

Read the scripture verses.

Then answer the questions.

Scripture Verses

Questions

Ruth 2:16

Answer the same question for each reading:

Matthew 14:29 Genesis 39:1-4 1 Samuel 17:49

Who has courage? What did this person do?

Luke 19:3-4

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