The Messenger Vol. 53 No. 2 February 2015

The Messenger a publication of the Evangelical

Mennonite Conference

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Volume 53 No. 2 February 2015

ALSO INSIDE: The EMC Has Vision! page 14

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Editorials

Christian education is important!

C

hristian Education is important within the EMC—and a challenge. In governance, the EMC does a confusing dance between local church autonomy and national direction. So how does “directing” Christian education (C.E.) nationally fit into these conflicting expectations?

Not easily.

Thirty years ago the EMC had a half-time national education director, Walter Reimer, who left after about two years while commenting that few churches had called on his services.

His C.E. position was rolled into the work of Menno Hamm, my predecessor, and then to me.

For 17 years C.E. has been within my role as executive secretary, this magazine being only one venue. Pastors and ministers, board members and church delegates—upon reflection—are likely be well aware of this through the projects advertised, materials sent to churches, and my

National C. E. resources are provided while local church autonomy is respected, yet with the strong desire that any materials provided be widely used.

Apologetics is needed

C

wide-ranging reports at conference council meetings.

National C. E. resources are provided while local church autonomy is respected, yet with the strong desire that any materials provided be widely used.

In 1984 Walter Reimer listed concerns he’d heard from pastors.

We might ask how many of these still apply today: a lack of commitment, preparation, and training for teaching; weak adult Sunday School attendance in some churches, a large senior high drop-out rate, an almost complete shift to non-Anabaptist curriculum, the need for discernment in matters of doctrine and ethics, selfsatisfaction with the ways things are, and competition from entertainment and community programs.

Pray for the BCM as it continues its work in Christian education. Help us serve you better.

- Terry M. Smith

••

ount me in as one who says the Christian Church is to engage in apologetics.

Recently Dr. Al Hiebert, an EMC minister, wrote of the current need for apologetics—the reasoned defense of our Christian faith. Readers are referred to his article in Theodidaktos, Journal for EMC theology and education (Dec. 2014), copies of which were sent to EMC churches.

J. Gresham Machen, a U.S. Presbyterian minister and seminary professor (died 1937), strongly supported biblical scholarship and apologetics. He composed books on the supernatural origin of Christianity and on our Lord’s virgin birth that remain respected in scholarly circles. He also defended our Christian faith in radio talks. While relying on the Holy Spirit, he said, apologetics removes some obstacles to belief.

Does Christian scholarship matter? Yes. I. H. Marshall

said of Anglican bishop and scholar J. B. Lightfoot (died 1889), “The wisest of the orthodox Christians recognized that historical arguments must be met by historical arguments and not by protests that historical study is irrelevant.” An excellent example of scholarly apologetics is Craig Evans, Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels (IVP, 2006).

Proclamation is central. There are, though, many ways of sharing the Good News. We are to give a “reason” [apologia] for the hope within us (1 Pet. 3:15).

Not all Christians will offer the same defense; we have differing gifts, skills, interests, and perspectives. Yet congregations who seek to reach out need apologetics to influence some people within our skeptical, pluralistic Canadian society.

– Terry M. Smith

Proclamation is central, yet there are various ways of sharing the Good News. We are to give a “reason” [apologia] for the hope within us (1 Pet. 3:15).

2 The Messenger • February 2015

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

5 Generations

Needed: More Workers For Current Challenges!

– Ken Zacharias

11 It Takes A Long Time To Decipher Where You Are! – Ervin Dueck

14 The EMC Has Vision!

– Tim Dyck

Plan to attend Abundant Springs 2015!

– Gerald D. Reimer

page

22

17 An Education App

Menno Simons in bite-sized pieces – Terry M. Smith

26 Further In and Higher Up

Are you more spiritual than Jesus?

– Layton Friesen

31 A Readers Viewpoint

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4

Letters

18 With Our Missionaries 22 With Our Churches 26 News 32 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping

Like the criminal on the cross – Karlene Thiessen

34 Here and Far Away Come weary!

– Jocelyn R. Plett

page

28

35 Stewardship Today

Why an offering?

– Dori Zerbe Cornelsen

36 Kids’ Corner

What are you wearing to school today?

– Loreena Thiessen

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31

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger Volume 53 No. 2 February 2015

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. 045– May. 2015 issue (copy due March 08)

4 The Messenger • February 2015

Letters and Notices Approaching the cultures around us Reading the article “What Did Christmas Used to Mean?” [Russell Doerksen, Dec. 2014] made me think.

The people God sent to our European ancestors giving them the Good News about Jesus somehow allowed them to keep their culture and still develop a faith in God through Christ.

They were allowed to keep some of their cultural traditions and come to celebrate Christ, though, as the article says, what “changed was the reason for the celebration.”

It makes me think about how we, their descendants, have approached the other cultures around us. Why is it so hard to accept other people’s cultures? Why do we need everyone to see things our way? Why can’t we give them the Good News and allow them to develop their own tradition based on their own cultures instead of insisting they adopt ours?

Comprehensive understanding needed

In response to the letter from the December issue entitled "May we be found on the side of truth,” I suggest the book review "When Histories Compete" be published in The Messenger as a start to a more comprehensive understanding. Also the article "Broken Cisterns" provides an understanding of the process of the Oslo Accords that should be reprinted in The Messenger. Both of these are forwarded to you.

– Brad Nance Winnipeg, Man. Editor’s note: The resources mentioned are: “When Histories Compete,” a review by Scott Schaeffer-Duffy (Sojourners, Jan. 2015) of Contested Land, Contested Memory: Israel’s Jews and Arabs and the Ghosts of Catastrophe

by J. Roberts (Dundurn Press, 2013).

“Broken Cisterns” is an article by Jonathan Kuttab (Sojourners, Nov. 2014).

The most important message we give others is Jesus came to make it possible to have a personal relationship with God. If God allows us to worship in our own understanding and tradition maybe we should be more open to others.

I wonder if North America would be a better place if we gave the same respect for the First Nations people as the people who brought our ancestors the Good News gave them.

Maybe our understanding of the way things should be when it comes to religious tradition, culture, politics and economics isn’t as correct and perfect as we want to believe.

Maybe we could learn something from people who don’t quite see things our way.

– Tim Moore MacGregor, Man.

Guidelines for letters

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

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

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

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

Births FRIESEN — to Josh and Gina, a son, Henry Alec, on Dec. 27, 2014.

Columns • Generations

Plan to attend Abundant Springs 2015!

A

fter months of planABUNDANT SPRINGS 2015 ning and weeks of pushing to get things Not that I have already obtained all ready, on Jan. 15, 2015, the this, or have already arrived at my goal, but National Youth Committee I press on to take hold of that for which opened registration for AbunChrist Jesus took hold of me. Brothers dant Springs 2015. and sisters, I do not consider myself yet This will be the 18th runto have taken hold of it. But one thing ning of this national youth I do: Forgetting what is behind and conference, spanning 34 years and four decades. It is straining toward what is ahead, I press on May which 15-18 a marquee conference event toward the goal to win the prize |for that epitomizes the value of God has called me heavenward in Christ churches working together for a Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14 common purpose.

Through the years, thousands of youth across Canada have experienced And all these funds come from the donations a life-changing weekend at Abundant Springs, of our incredibly generous churches. Thank you leading many towards a deeper life with Christ, so much for making this a priority! a renewed commitment to discipleship, into On any given year, our youth groups travel baptism and church membership, and even a combined total of more than 23,000 kms one marriage! way to get to Caronport, Sask. (midway between Abundant Springs has been committed to Winnipeg and Calgary). This does not include its mandate since year one, and that is, “Growyouth that may fly from southern Ontario, ing Together as Followers of Jesus Christ.” It is speakers, bands, workshop leaders, and our ada discipleship weekend that unapologetically ministrative staff. So, yes, we need your prayers focuses on providing students with significant for safety. theological training, the “meat and potatoes” of Finally, while our attendance numbers the Christian life. fluctuate from year to year, it is common for us Sports and entertainment as well as worship to have between 400 to 500 students, 150 to 200 and fellowship are all part of the weekend. But leaders and administrative staff, and 30 churches beneath the umbrella of prayers that cover the represented at the event. four-day event, this weekend is all about chalPlan to attend! If your church has yet to send lenging students to go deeper in their walk with a group, or you did not attend in 2013, we want the Lord. The theme is PURSUIT (Phil. 3:12-14). you to know that Abundant Springs is planned The reality is that to run a four-day youth for you, our EMC churches. I believe you can conference we need a lot of resources. While it is trust the dozens of churches that make attennearly impossible to measure the hours of time dance a priority: “It will be worth your time and given by dozens of people who plan and run this investment.” event, here is what we can say.

By God’s grace, it will change your students’ A conservative estimate of the financial lives. It will provide your youth ministry with expense is around $150,000, which includes cata huge boost in terms of spiritual growth and egories such as programming, facility rental, and discipleship. Make it your priority this year too. travel. And of this total amount, $50,000 alone is You will not be disappointed. just for food during the weekend. Yes, teenagers can eat a lot. speaker | gord penner band | bold as lions

by Gerald D. Reimer Conference Youth Minister/ Missions Mobilizer

worship/band | the color

artist | riley armstrong

Make it your youth group’s priority to attend Abundant Springs in May. You will not be disappointed.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

Needed: More Workers For Current Challenges!

PHOTOS: BOM

by Ken Zacharias Foreign Secretary

To respect privacy identities are obscured.

6 The Messenger • February 2015

W

e need more EMCers to enter missionary service! As we recruit, we need to look at the present trends in Mexico, Paraguay, and Bolivia (my areas of responsibility). Only then can we fully appreciate the new opportunities that EMC Missions is entering in fields where our conference gives full financial support and oversight.

Reasons to Celebrate

Celebrations are good! Over the past eight years there have been four ministries that have intentionally seen major changes take place. They have moved from being led by EMC missionaries to being led by national believers and boards. This is exciting!

Mexico

In Mexico the Spanish-speaking (CEMM) and German-speaking (CME) conferences, which began as early as the 1950’s and 1960’s, now have local leadership who are gifted in serving their churches. We celebrate this! Missionaries have been able to shift from the northern state of Chihuahua to minister in new locations in Mexico, a country of about 120 million people and still massive needs.

Paraguay

In Paraguay, missionaries began two different ministries focused on Christian media and HIV/ AIDS ministry.

Good News Ministries (MBN in Spanish) was initiated in 1987, providing Christian

Current Missionaries by Age The majority of the 24 current EMC missionaries in fully-administered fields are older in age.

The age brackets of the missionaries are: 20-30: 0 30-39: 2 40-49: 5 50-59: 5 60-70: 12

Our Guadalajara team

literature through the Libreria Nee Pora bookstore in Caagúazu and by placing Christian broadcasting on secular stations. In 1999 this ministry expanded with the beginning of the Radio Mensajero radio station in Tres Palmas.

MBN now has its own board of directors; its members come from evangelical churches that represent the Sommerfeld, Bergthal, Tres Palmas, and the Paraguayan CEMP conferences.

In 2002 the Alto Refugio (High Refuge) or AMAR ministry was started by missionary personnel and has had an effective ministry to people living with HIV/AIDS. This ministry has grown rapidly. It too has a local board of directors that voluntarily gives direction to this ministry.

National Autonomy

Our goal has been to help churches in other countries to gain maturity and national autonomy (self-governance). Now through three- and five-year agreements, EMC Missions and the local boards who direct these ministries have diligently worked towards transferring each of these ministries. The timelines for these agreements were: CEMM (2009–2011), CME (2007-2015), MBN (2008-2015), and AMAR (2010-2015).

Because nationals in Mexico and Paraguay have taken over leadership of various ministries, EMC Missions can now move into new opportunities.

Minga Guazú

In 2009, a new church plant opened in the community of Minga Guazú in East Paraguay

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

near the border with Brazil. There are many people in challenging life situations who are responding to the gospel. Four more workers are needed in the years ahead.

Total Missionaries per Members (1969 -­‐ 2013) 160 140 120 100 80 60

Guadalajara

40

19 69

19 71

19 73

19 75

19 77

19 79

19 81

19 83

19 85

19 87

19 89

19 91

19 93

19 95

19 97

19 99

20 01

20 03

20 05

20 07

20 09

20 11

20 13

In 2010 the BOM 20 expanded into the city of Guadala0 jara, Mexico. Three Total Missionaries 2 percent of Members couples serve among the middle Note: Over the years the counting system has varied. Some data are difficult to determine, and upper class but the graph reflects the trend. peoples of this city of seven million people (the combined populaA New Location tion of several Canadian provinces). One or two In 2015 the Board of Missions desires to identify more workers are needed to join this team. one new field where workers will be sent to serve as early as 2016. Six workers are needed to Bolivia begin a new team involved in church planting in In 2012 Bolivia was named as a new field of this new location. Where do you think it should service for EMC Missions. Two couples now be? Will you be a part of it? serve Low German-speaking people. Two more workers are needed for outreach into German Worker Recruitment colonies, and another worker is needed to assist EMC Missions has strategically begun ministry in school administration. in three new locations since 2009 and plans

Affirming Relationships With Associate Mission Agencies Dr. Richard Showalter, who spoke at the 2014 EMC Convention, wrote an article that was later published in Mennonite World Review expressing his surprise as to what he observed during our convention with respect to EMC missions.

What surprised and impressed him was the special mandate of EMC Missions: it includes sending its members to both administrative fields and with associate mission agencies. He was surprized by the public platform both are given at the annual EMC convention.

“Administrative fields” are the three countries (Mexico, Paraguay, and Bolivia) where EMC Missions gives full financial support and oversight to approved workers. “Associate

8 The Messenger • February 2015

missionaries” are EMC workers who are partially funded by EMC Missions and whose oversight is provided by both it and the mission agency they serve under.

EMC Missions has formal agreements with Africa Inland Mission, Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, Avant, Bible Centered Ministries, Frontiers, Greater Europe Mission, Inner City Youth Alive, International Teams, Mission Aviation Fellowship, MB Mission, Mid-Way Christian Leadership, Northern Canada Evangelical Misison, Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, New Tribes Mission, Operation Mobilization, Sending in Mission, SEND, Teach Beyond, TEAM, and Wycliffe.

– Ken Zacharias and Tim Dyck

2018

2016

2014

2012

2010

2008

2006

2004

2002

2000

1998

1996

1994

1992

1990

1988

1986

1984

1982

1980

1978

1976

1974

1972

1970

1968

1966

1964

1962

1960

1958

1956

1954

1952

1950

to accept one more location in EMC Administered Missionaries (1950 -­‐ 2018) 2015. What does this mean? In 70 total, we are looking and praying for at least 12 new cross-cultural 60 workers to minister in Mexico, Paraguay, Bolivia, and a new field 50 in the next two years.

40 Some of these new workers would replace those who will re- 30 tire shortly or are moving back to Canada. The reality is that among 20 our 24 current workers in the 10 above fields, the average age is 0 55. Half of them are over 60 and nearing retirement. Only two EMC Administered Missionaries missionaries are between are 30 and 40 and none are in their 20s. Note: Some data are difficult to determine, but the graph reflects the trend.

It projects what the future looks like without additional recruitment.

These trends are a concern.

For EMC Missions to continue to do well in these Whom Will You Send? ministries, new missionaries That’s the key element in need to be recruited. We recruitment: for each of our believe that people with a 62 EMC churches to prayersense of call and gifts are fully encourage those in available and that other your congregation who have EMCers will affirm their the giftedness to minister going by counsel, prayer, cross-culturally. and giving! I encourage each I appreciate these words one of the EMC churches to from Herbert Kane: “God seriously pray as to who in is a missionary God. The your congregation is gifted Bible is a missionary book. to serve cross culturally.

The gospel is a missionary gospel. The church is a missionary institution.” This was taken from Ernie Koop’s DMin thesis. Ernie and Diane Koop are serving as church planting workers in Guadalajara.

Who are your candidates for missionary service? Remember, at its high point 3 percent of our membership served as missionaries under the EMC. Today, though our churches have increased, our percentage has been cut to 1.5.

Again, who is central in shaping the vision of young people for the Great Commission and identifying those who can serve? It’s your local church.

I encourage you as local churches to look intentionally at those in your congregation and to encourage those that should Our Paraguay team be serving as missionaries to consider ➢

I encourage you as local churches to look intentionally at those in your congregation and to encourage those that should be serving as missionaries to consider this opportunity.

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Qualifications • • • • • •

A love for Jesus, his Word, and his Church!

A baptized church member A level of maturity and flexibility Bible college training A commitment to the Great Commission An inner sense of call affirmed by the Church

this opportunity. Share their names with us as EMC Missions that we too can provide more information about the opportunities to serve.

As you send out members as missionaries, your congregation will be blessed, strengthened, and enlarged in its vision.

A Personal Journey

My personal journey with the EMC began when I was attending Braeside EMC in 1978 shortly before Val and I were married. Transferring my membership from an FEBC church to Braeside, I quickly observed the important role that EMC Missions has in uniting our churches in a common purpose of doing missions worldwide.

A few years later, while serving in the (now) Portage Evangelical Church as a youth/associate pastoral couple, Val and I made the decision to minister cross-culturally. It was an easy decision to serve under the EMC Board of Missions.

Henry Klassen, general secretary, encouraged us to consider serving in a church planting ministry in Paraguay, one of (then) three EMC fully-administered fields. When I reflect on my involvement with EMC Missions since 1986, I continue to be impressed that we were sent out and commissioned by one local church but strongly supported in the ministry by all EMC churches.

MEM staff in Bolivia

10 The Messenger • February 2015

Flo Friesen was interviewed on MBN.

Missions—An EMC Conviction

The EMC exists to proclaim the “Gospel of Jesus Christ at home and abroad.” We are to “make Christ known in our world, recognizing that we can accomplish more by working together.”

“We believe God calls the church to conform to the image of Christ, to care for its members and evangelize all peoples.” Each declaration comes from an official EMC statement.

Missions matters in the EMC! This was the conviction that led to EMC Missions being formed in 1953. It was the same vision under which Val and I began our mission journey with EMC Missions in 1986. It’s still our EMC vision today. The Mission Statement adopted by the Board of Missions in 2011 is “To be the preferred agency through which the churches of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference choose to make Christ known in our world, recognizing that we can accomplish more by working together.”

We need more people on the ground. Are you willing to go?

Ken Zacharias serves the EMC Board of Missions as Foreign Secretary, overseeing our fully-administered efforts in Mexico, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

He also has on-going contact with a conference of churches in Nicaragua and two conferences in the northern Mexico state of Chihuahua. All are linked to EMC efforts that started a half-century ago. These conferences are autonomous and no full-time EMC missionaries work there.

DESIGNPICS

It Takes A Long Time To Decipher Where You Are!

by Ervin Dueck

A

t fifty-four, I realized that there would be no freedom at fifty-five.

The illusive dream of arriving, either economically or spiritually, is fiction.

Margaret Atwood realized this in her poem “Ottawa River by Night.” She states, I was twenty and impatient to get there, thinking such a place existed….It always takes a long time to decipher where you are.

She’s right. Life is like that—there is no such thing as getting there. In reality, we may indeed be simply stuck in one single, solitary moment for some seventy or so years, if we are lucky.

Or unlucky. It all depends on what that moment entails.

Because we are stuck in the moment, we can only access our past through memories. As such, the past only exists in our minds, in pictures, photos and such like. Other than that, the past seems wholly inaccessible. So, even though the breath has just now escaped our lungs, the action of taking that breath is, in fact, already so far in the past that we cannot re-live it, grasp it, or possess it in any kind of way.

have some longevity because of what we create, but the action itself is essentially gone. So, when we think of it, each movement, each action, each breath and heartbeat simply disappear into the infinity of what we call history—the past.

Like the past, the future is also illusive. We cannot access a single fragmentary moment of the future. And just like the past can only be accessed through memory, access to the future is only through anticipation— hope. Hope is almost like future memory, if that is possible. We cannot grasp a single breath of the next minute, nor the next second, but we can anticipate each next breath.

Our plans for the future are simply attempts to order our lives, but each anticipated breath, plan and action for the future is done in what we call the now—the moment we exist in. We live in this moment forever, basking in memories and anticipation. The moment is omnipresent and we are stuck in it.

The concept of time has simply fragmented our lives. We portion our lives into compartments of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. These ideas, however, are in many respects illusory.

Sure, they help us organize events and dialogue about what happened or what we hope will happen, but the more time is narrowed ➢

Our plans for the future are simply attempts to order our lives, but each anticipated breath, plan and action for the future is done in what we call the now— the moment we exist in.

The Infinity of History

The same goes for the computer keys I just struck to make this sentence, this word, this letter, this period. Certainly some of our actions

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

But while our memories of pain and missing the mark depress us, hope tempers our memories. No wonder the psalmist exclaimed, why so downcast, O my soul, put your hope in God between yesterday and tomorrow, the last second and the next, the more we realize that there is very little outside of the moment.

I am not a physicist and I am not trying to develop some theoretical time warp, though I do find that idea fascinating. I am, however, desperately trying to figure out how to live, and it strikes me that Jesus tells us that we should not worry about tomorrow and that each day has enough trouble of its own. Worry does nothing, he says, to add anything to the moment (Matt. 6:34).

In fact, the letter of James states that our plans for the future are to be tempered with the fact that our life is a vapour. Indeed, says James, we should only plan the future with a caveat: if the Lord wills, we shall do this and that (James 4:14-15).

The Eternal Moment

In essence I am saying that I have lived this moment for the last fifty-five years. I have been stuck in it, neither moving into the past nor the future. It is kind of like living in an eternal moment—like this moment holds all moments.

Some moments, I wonder if I am indeed already in eternity and that dying won’t change anything, that in death we simply enter another moment that holds all moments. I think this may be so. And in thinking so, I wonder if this ever-present moment is what eternity feels like.

The irony of all this is that despite the eternal moment, humans seem driven to strive toward something more, something lasting and infinite.

The writer of Ecclesiastes notes that God has set eternity in the hearts of human beings (Eccl.

3:11). He says this following the great treatise on time: there is a time for everything under the sun, he writes, and God has made it beautiful in his time (Eccl. 3:1-11).

12 The Messenger • February 2015

Further, the preacher says that God has made it impossible for us to know what he has done from the beginning to end (Eccl. 3:11), thereby limiting our access to the past and the future. No wonder his advice is that people eat, drink, and enjoy life—the moment. According to Ecclesiastes, enjoying the moment—being satisfied—is a gift from God. Indeed, satisfaction is from the hand of God (Eccl. 3:12-13).

The Ecclesiastes preacher even says that God tests us to help us see that our fate is like the animals (Eccl. 3:18). Interestingly, Margaret Atwood in her poem “Bored,” notes that animals are very good at details: It’s what the animals spend most of their time at, / ferrying the sand, grain by grain, from their tunnels, / shuffling the leaves in their burrows.

She sounds like she’s describing my life. My life is details. And according to the preacher, like the animals, I will work and I will die. This idea is not morbid; it is fact.

It is here, in this God-moment, that I finally decipher where I am; and, in that moment, I begin to understand who I am created to be.

Memories and Hope

Yet the moment remains, and if this moment is eternal, what does that mean in terms of how I behave and live? While my years of memories give me great joy, they also haunt me.

In many respects, my memories provide me with the emotional and psychological baggage I carry around with me. Sometimes I wonder if my memories are the sum of who I am. Sounds a bit like René Descartes, I know.

But while our memories of pain and missing the mark depress us, hope tempers our memories. No wonder the psalmist exclaimed, why so downcast, O my soul, put your hope in God (Psalms 42:5, 11; 43:5).

In a similar vein, Paul writes, what a wretch I am, who will deliver me from this body of death?

Having declared his despair, Paul links the past with future Christ-hope, articulating the present state of being in Christ: Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 7:24-25). Thus, hope not only tempers memories, it trumps them.

Maybe the psalmist had this in mind when he encouraged us to be still and know that God is (Ps. 46:10). Some translations prefer the words cease striving, but while the Hebrew concept

of being still conveys that notion, the Hebrew word also has the idea of sinking and relaxing.

To stop. To ponder the presence of God in the ever-present moment. And according to Paul, resting and being in Christ means that this moment holds no condemnation (Rom. 8:1).

I want to learn how to dwell, to sink, to relax in this divine moment. For when I do, I, like the Ecclesiastes writer, seldom reflect on the days of my life. Why? Because God keeps me occupied with the gladness of my heart. Indeed, it is a state which recognizes that all the righteous requirements are fully met in me through Christ (Rom. 8:4).

It is here, in this God-moment, that I finally decipher where I am; and, in that moment, I begin to understand who I am created to be.

In this instant memories collide with anticipation and hope. And because hope trumps memories, I can accept my lot and be happy with my toil, at last realizing that this moment is a gift from the very hand of God who indwells me by his Spirit.

Ervin Dueck, BTh, MA, MTS, attends North Langley Community Church (Mennonite Brethren) in Langley, B.C. He teaches Bible and English at Pacific Academy in Surrey and is a part-time instructor at Trinity Western University in Langley.

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Christ through us to others

DESIGNPICS

The EMC Has Vision!

by Tim Dyck, General Secretary

T

his is the Vision Statement that was developed over several months, shared with and discussed by churches, and approved by the Conference Council in July 2013. It is a challenging vision that is intended to mobilize and motivate each of us to a new level of faithfulness and fruitfulness in our walk with Christ.

The EMC is a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom culture as we live, reach, gather, and teach.

The opening statement captures this sense of mobilization, by stating that we are to be a movement of people. Much has been written and spoken about Church Planting Movements

EMC Vision Statement The EMC is a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom culture as we live, reach, gather, and teach.

We envision . . . influencing our culture as we dare to live our lives with Jesus Christ as Lord.

Taking risks to reach many people groups in urban centres, locally and abroad.

Life-changing experiences when we gather, as God challenges, renews, and fills us with His Spirit.

Teaching the gospel with a Christ-centered approach to Scripture, affirming Anabaptist convictions.

14 The Messenger • February 2015

(CPMs) and the impact of these movements on various localities.

A church planting movement is defined as “a rapid multiplication of churches planting churches that sweeps through a people group or population segment.” Think about the explosive growth of the church in China, South Korea and elsewhere to get a sense of what a CPM can be like.

In the past, EMC has been effective in planting churches among traditional DutchGerman-Russian people; then in a wide range of cultures as part of the Western Gospel Mission movement; and more recently among people of Hispanic origins. Our vision statement, however, pushes us to transcend our thinking about ethnicity.

Some EMC churches have intentionally endeavored to become more multicultural, reflecting the communities in which they are located.

We want to encourage this multi-cultural thrust, and think in terms of what it means to be guided by the Holy Spirit to adopt a culture of the kingdom of Christ, which transcends earthly cultures. This is definitely a challenging thought!

After the opening statement, the vision speaks to four specific measures in which we can achieve this potential: live, reach, gather, and teach. We could think of it as the four cardinal points of a compass—each equally important and valuable, yet different.

Influencing our culture as we dare to live our lives with Jesus Christ as Lord.

It seems to me that the Radical Reformers of the 16th century were tremendous examples of living their lives with Jesus Christ as Lord.

Our vision encourages us to go beyond the familiar and to reach people groups who are not like us. This can feel like a risky venture.

Some churches have already been intentionally reaching out to a diversity of cultural groups, mostly because these are the people who live in their neighbourhood.

Some EMCers question why we would restrict this vision to people in urban centres, especially since EMC has, historically, had most of its congregations in rural areas and towns.

The simple fact is that the majority of people are moving to cities. The EMC will continue to plant churches in rural areas and towns, but the vision places a priority on urban areas.

When we gather for these life-changing experiences, it will greatly influence and affect gatherings in our local churches. It will improve our sense of community as members, churches, and Conference.

Today, many churches enjoy the freedom of expressing their faith without restrictions from government.

We have this freedom, in part, because the early Anabaptists believed it was more important to follow the teachings of Jesus than to submit to the prevailing societal values of the day. But this obedience was very costly to them.

In what ways is Jesus calling us to chart a course that is different from that of society? Are we daring enough to live this way?

One of the things that we can all do is to encourage each other to live this kind of daring life.

As Conference, perhaps we can assist the sharing of stories of people within our congregations who are already daring to live Christ-centred lives.

Life-changing experiences when we gather, as God challenges, renews, and fills us with His Spirit.

There are many Conference-sponsored gatherings. Our central yearly event is the annual Convention, which also includes the Conference Council and Ministerial meetings. Our vision ➢

Whether through church planting initiatives in Canada or foreign missions, the EMC has been reaching people groups for more than 60 years now. For the most part, however, we have limited our ministry to people groups that are familiar to us: Low German Mennonites and Hispanic Catholics. More recently, we have been engaged in reaching out to people of Muslim backgrounds in Canada and beyond.

ISTOCK

Taking risks to reach many people groups in urban centres, locally and abroad.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

what others believe. We want each member to understand the gospel and share and live out our faith in a winsome manner. We want to build trust and unity, respect and appreciation among us. There is a need to allow for liberty in nonessential elements.

The General Board continues to lead the process of developing the response to this Vision Statement. This short article has provided many open-ended questions. What do you think? We welcome your thoughts and ideas.

challenges us to re-invent our annual Convention to make it even more of a life-changing experience.

When we gather for these life-changing experiences, it will greatly influence and affect gatherings in our local churches. It will improve our sense of community as members, churches, and Conference.

What should our Convention gatherings look like? How daring can we be in this process? Can we change the date, venue, format, and culture of these gatherings? How can we encourage more families and young people to attend? If you don’t attend already, what would inspire you to attend an annual Convention?

Teaching the gospel with a Christ-centered approach to Scripture, affirming Anabaptist convictions.

Every church has a mandate to teach, so what is different about this statement? Our Statement of Faith summarizes our beliefs, our Church Practices go into detail on how our faith is to be lived out, and our conference position statements clarify our understandings as a denomination.

We are Evangelical, Anabaptist, and a Conference—and all of this is important to us. This is significant common ground!

At the same time, we realize that EMC churches are not in agreement in all areas of theology. As our conference grows, it is increasingly important that we listen to each other and hold each other accountable.

We need to be careful not to leave the door open for assumptions and suspicions about

16 The Messenger • February 2015

Tim Dyck is EMC General Secretary. He serves the General Board (overseeing conference direction), Board of Missions (overseeing Associate Missionaries), and Board of Trustees (financial matters). He also serves as office manager.

ABUNDANT SPRINGS 2015

Philippians 3:12-14

THE RUNNERS | THE ROUTE | THE RACE | THE REWARD

May 15-18, 2015 Caronport, Sask.

Speaker: Gord Penner The National Youth Committee is pleased to welcome Gord Penner as our speaker. Gord is a Professor at Steinbach Bible College that makes the Old Testament come alive with meaning through his pointed questions and humour. He is a man that lives with integrity, listens carefully, runs faithfully and takes life seriously as needed.

Please pray for Gord as he prepares to speak at our four main sessions!

Column • An Education App

Menno Simons in bite-sized pieces

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eed to develop a quarter of Sunday School lessons? Want to learn from Menno Simons in bite-sized pieces?

Consider using some of his 14 letters contained within his Complete Writings. They reveal some of his major thoughts amid the challenges of his time: • Think that early Anabaptists were more concerned about right practice than right doctrine? Actually, they were concerned about both. See Sharp Reply to David Joris (1542) and Admonition to the Amsterdam Melchoirites (1545). Lifestyle flows out of theology, both dependent upon the Spirit.

•

The Church must always affirm the deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit. See Doctrinal Letter to the Church in Groningen (1550).

•

Want a powerful expression on the assurance of salvation? See his Letter of Consolation to a Sick Saint (1557). Rev. Dave Schellenberg, a predecessor here, was surprized when I showed him this letter; given the uncertainty taught by some earlier KG leaders, he wondered how they could miss this if they had read Menno Simons’ writings.

•

How does a pastor counsel in a time of the plague? See his Pastoral Letter to the Amsterdam Church (1558).

•

What did Menno say when a wife wanted her husband to avoid a call to ministry? See Sincere Appeal to Leonard Boewens’ Wife (1553).

•

How did he counsel in a time of leadership conflict? See Exhortation to a Church in Prussia (1549).

•

How did Menno counsel a widow? See Comforting Letter to a Widow (1549).

•

What did Menno say to a persecuted church? See Encouragement to Christian Believers (1556).

•

Menno felt horribly mistreated by church leaders. He also struggled in poverty as a senior. See his Personal Note to Rein Edes and the Brethren in Waterhorne (1558).

•

Ever struggled with church discipline?

Menno did—and his counsel has mixed value today. See Instruction on Discipline to the Church at Franeker (1555), Instructions on Discipline to the Church at Emden (1556), Final Instruction on Marital Avoidance (1558).

These letters provide glimpses into the ministry, times, and issues within the 16th century Anabaptist movement in the Netherlands and wider. A hunted, impoverished church leader struggled to assist congregations. He urged leaders toward unity even when he himself felt severely mistreated. He was a pastor who could be tender toward individuals and sharp in his criticism of leaders.

Every EMC minister should own a copy of The Complete Writings of Menno Simons (Herald Press, 1984). MennoMedia would do well to publish a shortened version of his writings with an updated biography and an essay on how his thoughts developed and changed during his quarter-century in leadership.

Menno’s letters might whet an appetite to trace a topic or two within his longer writings.

With an appropriate critique by Scripture, our final authority in faith and practice, his letters could be used for a quarter of Sunday School discussion.

Menno has much to teach us—even if we must not turn him into the infallible Pope that he himself left behind.

by Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

With appropriate critique by Scripture, our final authority in faith and practice, Menno Simons’ letters could be used for a quarter of Sunday School discussion.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

With Our Missionaries

The skies over Maseru are quiet these days LESOTHO

BOM

Since 1980, when MAF was invited to Lesotho to fly for the Lesotho Flying Doctor Service, MAF has been operating from Mejametalana Airport, which is in the city of Maseru, using a hangar that the Ministry of Health provided for us to use.

For the past few years it has become increasingly apparent that MAF Lesotho is in need of a larger facility, since only two of our five airplanes can be housed in it.

Two years ago we shared the news that Phase One of our new hangar build (the fuel tanks) was completed. With the funds in place to continue with the new hangar build, and the plans drawn up and permission granted by the military with whom we share the airport, we were down to the last step of obtaining city council approval.

While we thought this was just a formality on a process that was already given the go ahead, we were told that, due to zoning issues, MAF would not be allowed to build a new facility at our current location.

What a huge disappointment!

When God closes a door, He opens an even bigger door? Rumours have been circulating for years that the runway at Mejametalana Airport would be shut down temporarily for resurfacing. Earlier this year those rumours seemed serious and in August MAF Lesotho was given the official “heads up” that the runway resurfacing was indeed going ahead and that once they were ready

Kari and Melvin Peters with their family

to commence work that we would be given seven days to evacuate the premises.

That being said, the Aviation Authorities in Lesotho have given us permission to use an abandoned hangar out at Moshoeshoe I International Airport, which is the only other option for flying in and out of the area for the six- to 18-month timeframe for the resurfacing. When the MAF gang went out to inspect the new facility, they found an extremely large hangar, well built, but never used. All five of our airplanes can fit in half of the space. The only drawback? Getting to work is now a 30-minute drive compared to a 10-minute walk.

What does it all mean? To say the least, we are confused. What is happening? Zoning issues prevent us from building yet they are currently resurfacing the runway for many more years of use? God has given us a much bigger facility than we were planning for, but for how long?

Are we staying at our new location? What does the future hold for this program? Please be in prayer with us as we thank God for the blessings of a much better space in which to work, but at the same time remain open to the changes that are expected again in the near future.

– Melvin and Kari Peters Melvin and Kari Peters (La Crete) serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Lesotho, a landlocked, mountainous country in southern Africa.

18 The Messenger • February 2015

With Our Missionaries

European Mennonite churches show life, devotion EUROPE

It is just over a year now that we arrived in Strasbourg, France, to begin our assignment as MCC Reps for West Europe. We serve as the communication link between MCC and the European Mennonite churches and NGOs. The area of our work covers some ten countries in West Europe, so by definition we travel a fair amount.

We have made a number of memorable trips during this past year. Northern Ireland was one such trip. It was special to visit with people at Mediation Northern Ireland and learn firsthand how they continue to work with groups and individuals at resolving conflict. The heavily fortified police stations and the high mesh fences separating Catholic and Protestant areas of Belfast recall the long-standing conflict between communities, which is fed by religious and political affiliations.

In Switzerland we spent some time visiting the Trachselwald Castle where many Anabaptists languished in prison. It was for us a stark reminder of people who were willing to die for what they believed. We asked ourselves whether we would have been willing to live out the rest of our days in a dark prison, or whether we would have been tempted for expediency’s sake to change our faith and practice position slightly so that we could return to our family.

In the Geisberg Mennonite Church we had an interesting conversation with one of the seniors of the community, which is right on the France-Germany border. During WWII, the French police had given their family only a few hours to vacate their farm home, fearing an imminent attack by German forces, especially as Germany had attacked Poland without first declaring war.

Towards the end of the war he was conscripted into the German army. Although he never saw “active duty” because he escaped to Switzerland, not wanting to be involved in the war effort, he had recently been challenged by a North American Anabaptist, who had been quite judgmental about his joining the army.

In the senior's words, he had little choice. There was no option of doing alternative service. If he had refused, the invading forces “would likely have gone after my family.

My mother was pregnant at the time, with small children to look after.” His recounting of his experiences challenged us to be open-minded and not be too quick to judge others’ actions.

Europe is often referred to as being post-Christian, which certainly does not describe the spiritual life and the Christian devotion we see demonstrated by thousands of Mennonites in West Europe. We count it a distinct privilege to be here and to be a link between the Mennonite churches and the relief, development, and advocacy work being done by MCC. In that connection we ask that you join with us to pray and work for peace, wherever you find yourself. Let us pray for the people of Syria, Iraq, and Palestine, that those troubled areas of the world will finally be able to taste of the peace that we take for granted.

- Menno and Lydia Plett Menno and Lydia Plett (Prairie Rose) serve with MCC in Europe.

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

MCC

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.

Menno and Lydia Plett

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

With Our Missionaries

Prayer story

Worship Seminar with Dr. Christine Longhurst Saturday, March 7, 2015, 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Heartland Community Church 333 Main Street Landmark, Man.

Registration: $20. Contact Arlene Schulz at 204878-2016 or Arlene.ams@gmail.com, or Heartland at 204-355-4690. Please visit our website http://heartlandcommunitychurch.ca/calendar.

20 The Messenger • February 2015

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MEXICO

When Jesus was with his disciples his prayer life created an intrigue in his followers to such an extent that they wanted Him to teach them to pray. That request continues to this day.

We need to be taught how to pray. Going to Jesus to have him teach us is a great place to start. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit also tweeks our prayers and fleshes them out when we are at a loss of words, insight or sensitivity.

Each year when a Prayer Team come to Guadalajara to pray there is this sense, “Lord teach us how to pray,” especially Prayer Walking. Praying “on site with insight” using the information we have observed, we bring this to the Lord and ask “that His kingdom would come as it is in heaven,” right where we are at that moment.

It is refreshing to walk with another person and pray spontaneously about what we see, feel, and long for. The prayer flows as each person feeds off of what has already been prayed, but also using our senses to pray for families, businesses, schools, government officials, churches, for the poor, the rich, the violence, the traffic, the needs of the hurting and the broken.

Having had four Prayer Teams come to Guadalajara it has been exciting to see the way God has used each team to minister in specific ways. The first Prayer Team came and walked with us in determining in what part of the city we should live and start our Church Plant targeting the middle upper class in a city of seven to eight million people.

Shortly after, God guided us in finding two other homes on the same street for the other missionaries that came to join Connie and me.

Connie and John Reimer

The second Team prayed for us and with us and the sense we arrived at, was that people would literally come to us asking our involvement in their lives. We had our neighbours and acquaintances asking help in teaching English to them, asking for counsel, cooking meals as they were going through health issues, asking us to have Bible Studies with them.

The Third Prayer Team came and strongly felt that they wanted to affirm and bless us missionaries, by speaking into our lives, blessing our families and marriages. Significant decisions were made as we recognized our gift sets and opportunities.

The last Prayer Team just left on Nov. 18, 2014; and there was a strong sense that God spoke through them in affirming us in the target group that the Board of Missions had chosen for us to reach. The Prayer Team met a lot of our contacts and observed our strategies and through prayer affirmed that the audience and the approach was the right one.

God has affirmed us in recognizing that as the Scriptures says if two or three prayer walk together, as was the case here, he hears us and answers us. As 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

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

With Our Missionaries

Teachers are needed!

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY The GSTM is a special place that helped me—by its faculty who care and think, students from different traditions, and subject matter that stretched the soul— to serve in the Church. The bursary for EMC students helped a lot, too.

David Kruse MA (Theological Studies), 2011 Grad

A bursary for graduate students from the Evangelical Mennonite Conference is available.

For more information contact mkrohn@cmu.ca.

cmu.ca/gstm CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA

As you all know, teamwork is a crucial thing when it comes to living in remote areas trying to reach the least reached people groups. We cannot do it without a team.

The team of church planters, suppliers, accountants, mechanics, builders, information technology staff, teachers, aircraft pilots and mechanics, and administration is quite large and dependent on each other, especially here in PNG where infrastructure is still lacking in many areas and most people groups are quite remote.

While the doors for church planting and development are still open and needs are overwhelming, we would like to share a special need we have this year in our school for missionary children, Numonohi Christian Academy (NCA). Since NCA is an integral part of our church development efforts in this country, we would like to ask you to pray with us for the many staffing needs in the coming school year and beyond.

Would you please join us in prayer? Would you maybe consider sharing this information with teachers you know are qualified and maybe even interested in being involved in missions?

Here are our current staffing needs for 2015-2016 as of today: Kindergarten; grades one, four and five; High School

Laurel, Tim, and Joanna Schroder

English, science, and math, computer apps and shop; Junior High and High School music and shop. Currently there is only one prospective teacher considering coming next year for Elementary. Our recruiting deadline is the end of March for prospective teachers to submit their application.

We have put together two videos in order to present the big picture of why we need educators and how they fit into our church development team: https://vimeo.com/115151866 and https://vimeo. com/116837472 Well, maybe some of you educators out there have been seeing and hearing our cry for help, but moving to Papua New Guinea sounds scary and overwhelming. Watch these videos and listen to some of our current teachers and get further insights into the life and work here.

You can also go online and visit NCA’s Facebook page and share these videos: https://www.facebook.com/ ncapng. Comments? Questions? Please contact us at nca@ ntmpng.org.

Thank you for partnering with us in prayer, we are so thrilled to have you on our team. We are your co-labourers in the Great Commission at New Tribes Mission, Papua New Guinea.

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

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Churches

ROSEISLE, Man.—Over the past six months, while praying and searching for a new pastor, the Roseisle EM Church was blessed with multiple guest speakers. Members opened their hearts and their homes to people from all walks of life and all points on their spiritual paths.

A huge thank you goes out to our church council and to everyone who took it upon themselves to offer their time for leading services, helping with manse renovations, and so many other thankless tasks over past months.

Our prayers for a new pastor were answered in December 2014 when we hosted Paul and Kaylee Walker and their daughter Olivia for a weekend in our church. The Walker family was treated to our Sunday School Christmas program on Saturday evening, and Paul spoke on Sunday morning.

We all went home for a week of reflection; and the following Sunday, at a membership meeting, the vote was unanimous: we had found our new pastor.

Over the Christmas holidays, plans were laid for the Walkers’ arrival in Roseisle. They arrived the first week of January and were blessed with an impromptu household pantry shower.

On Jan. 18, Paul and Kaylee briefly shared their stories with the congregation. They focused on the three journeys in their lives: their journeys to Christ, to finding each

ROSEISLE

Paul and Kaylee Walker welcomed as pastoral couple

The Walker family: Kaylee, Olivia, and Pastor Paul.

other, and their journey to ministry.

Paul shared that he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a pastor, while Kaylee shared her calling to youth ministry. Paul encouraged us to pay attention to God’s call in our lives.

We look forward to the spiritual leadership Paul will provide at Roseisle EM Church.

Welcome, Walker family!

– Michelle Cenerini

••

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Quarterly Financial Report 2014 Receipts and Transfers Disbursements Excess/Shortfall

Jan–Dec 2014 2,008,427 2,106,123 -97,696

Jan–Dec 2013 2,014,380 2,017,737 -3,457

We are grateful for the generous financial support from EMC churches and individuals. The five EMC boards came very close to the spending targets in their budget. Unfortunately, the revenue was short of the goal. As you can see from the chart, EMC has ended the year with a deficit of approximately $97,000 (before adjustments and subject to audit). We have reserves to cover this shortfall, and we will plan to replenish those reserves in the coming years.

For the current year, we have requested that each board spend carefully and we encourage strong giving to ensure a balanced budget for 2015.

Thank you for your continued support of EMC ministries!

– The Board of Trustees 22 The Messenger • February 2015

Canadian Mennonite University Grad

Vlad Matejka (CBF, Swan River) BA, Counselling Studies (2014)

With Our Churches Crestview Fellowship

‘For unto us a Child is born’ WINNIPEG, Man.—I probably don’t have to say that December 2014 was a busy month here at Crestview, and I’m sure that the same holds true for everyone.

Our Sunday School program was held on Dec. 7 with participation from the adults as well as the children. Our “traditional” light supper (faspa) fellowship meal followed.

Thank you, Laura, for organizing the meal and ensuring that everyone was well fed.

Pastor Darrel and Audrey Guenther were pleased and excited (that’s an understatement!) to welcome their first grandchild on Dec. 22. Welcome to the Grandparents’ Club and congratulations.

La Crete Christian Fellowship

With that occupying a good portion of their thoughts, not to mention a quick trip to Sask. to meet their new little granddaughter, Darrel and Audrey put together a beautiful Christmas Eve candlelight service, with music, message, and poem to share the wonderful news of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks, Darrel and Audrey, for all the hard work that went into planning this special evening service.

So now we begin a new year, and we have to say goodbye to one of our long-time members. Isaac Wiebe passed away on Sunday, Jan. 11, and will be dearly missed by his wife, Helen, their children, grandchildren, and many relatives and friends. Rest in peace, Isaac.

– Sharron Straub

••

Church active, two pastors ordained LA CRETE, Alta.—Greetings from La Crete Christian Fellowship. Our church has been active and growing, praise God. In August we hosted Vacation Bible School for children from the church and surrounding community. What fun to have children’s laughter and singing echoing in the church walls!

September saw the beginning of Sunday School.

Despite a large new building with many Sunday School rooms, the committee has struggled to find enough room for the many attending Sunday School, a good problem to have. The church continues its search for a senior pastor, and we would appreciate your prayers in this matter.

In October we had the privilege of ordaining two pastors. Russ and Lynda Peters and Jordan and Valean Doerksen shared how they felt the Lord’s leading into this ministry and the church stood together to affirm this calling.

In our EMC Constitution ordination is explained as “a rite by which a church and the conference recognize the gift of spiritual leadership and service in a person. It involves commitment to a lifetime of service and acceptance of leadership privileges and responsibilities.”

Peter Janzen, Jordan and Valean Doerksen, Lynda and Russ Peters

Russ quoted Eph. 4:11-13: “and Christ gave gifts to people. He made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger. This work must continue until we are all joined together in the same faith and in the same knowledge of the Son of God. We must become like a mature person, growing until we become like Christ and have His perfection.”

- Tena Doerksen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Community Bible Fellowship

Farewells, pizza, and missions reports

CBF

SWAN RIVER, Man.—On Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, the CBF Church ladies took part in a farewell for Alma LeRoux, which included prayer sister exchange, salad, and a movie.

Tracy Burick and Rita Thiessen used their creative skills to make it a lovely evening for all of us. Alma was presented with a beautiful keepsake necklace from the ladies. Alma will be greatly missed as will her many talents and leadership skills.

On Friday, Dec. 5, a pizza sale put on by the youth leaders and youth netted $590. This money will go toward our youth attending Abundant Springs and EPIK Youth Retreats.

Thank you for all the hard work by Tracy Burick and the other youth leaders in getting the pizzas made and delivered despite rescheduling due to bad weather. Rita Thiessen made the dough and supplied the sauce. Brian Dormer, Bonnie Hunt, Fredricka Neufeld, Addison, and Kyle and Kim Nemez helped build pizzas alongside the youth. Tracy donated the pepperoni and had the packaging and delivery end.

On a recent Sunday after church, a potluck was held in the gym to say farewell to Dr. Christo, Alma, Dante, Reuben, and Brendan LeRoux. They are returning to South Africa after spending several years in northern and central Manitoba. They believe God is calling them back home to serve Him there. Their friendship and leadership will be greatly missed. Christo and Alma served as a deacon

Kayli Reimer reported on her work with YWAM.

24 The Messenger • February 2015

Dr. Christo and Alma LeRoux with Reuben, Brendan, and Danté

couple in CBF. We pray that they will be used of God and blessed for their obedience to His leading.

At CBF on Sunday, Dec. 21, we heard a report from Dexter Bird who is working with YWAM, based in Australia. These past several months he and his team have been raising funds to pay for the new medical ship that they have purchased. Believing in God for over $6 million, they toured around Australia in the ship, giving tours, speaking to all kinds of groups (school children, churches, corporations, and everyone in between). Within the time limit set for them, the Lord blessed their faithfulness with the amount needed.

Kayli Reimer reported on the work she is doing while based in Perth with YWAM. As she steps out in faith, even though some situations can be nerve-wracking and “scary,” she and her female co-workers visit brothels to develop relationships with women who work there. As well, she has worked with teams in this area in other countries. They are planning to send a team, of which she is to be a member, to Brazil to work during the Summer Olympics in 2016.

John and Connie Reimer also gave an update of their church-planting work in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico.

They have made many wonderful friends during their time in that city. The prayer teams that go each year to spend a week with them have been a blessing and an encouragement to the whole team. God is working in the lives of people, and people are seeing the benefits of a life lived for Him. – Betty Warkentin

With Our Churches Heartland Community Church

Heartland says farewell to Pastor David and Merna Thiessen

HEARTHLAND

LANDMARK, Man.—The last year has gone by like a whirlwind, and the flurry of the season has brought much change to Heartland. Some have experienced the loss of loved ones while others are still experiencing the storms of life and are seeking the shelter of the Most High God. It is during these times that our church depends on the special gifting of pastoral caregivers who come alongside to encourage families in their greatest time of need. Our church has been blessed to have such people in our midst, and Pastor David and his wife Merna are two of them.

David Thiessen is a man with a shepherd’s heart. He has walked alongside our congregation for three years as our interim pastor. He and his wife Merna have shown us unconditional love and have helped guide us along in our journey.

We are forever grateful for their time with us.

On Nov. 30, 2014, we officially said our farewells to the Thiessens and threw them a party. Many people came out to express their support and gratitude. David and

Pastor David and Merna's grandchildren perform a song.

Harold Barg with Merna and David Thiessen

Merna’s own family joined us in the celebration, and their grandchildren performed musical numbers throughout the program.

During the sharing time many of the comments made were by those who directly experienced Pastor David and Merna’s kindness during times of fellowship, sickness, and even death. Our youth pastor, Travis Plett, shared how he appreciated Pastor David’s fatherly mentoring as they got to know each other at the office.

Second-hand accounts were also given, about how other men (not from our community) were affected by their interaction with David through his hospital visits and coffee times with their mutual friends at Heartland. They appreciated his genuine warmth and wisdom, as do we.

Though we are happy that David and Merna will experience some well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, we still find it hard to say goodbye. So for now, we’ll say farewell sojourners, for God knows the plans that He has for you both and we will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Love from your extended family at Heartland.

– Brigitte Toews

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

Column • Further In and Higher Up

Are you more spiritual than Jesus?

by Layton Friesen

Go to the church you are going to and stop choosing it. Show up, figure out why Christ has not yet abandoned this flock, and love the sheep without making it about some constant prayerful “choice.”

26 The Messenger • February 2015

DREAMSTIME

D

oes God really find it important that I choose which congregation in my city is the right fit for my personality, family or conscience?

Can I assume that surely God would want me to attend a church that I enjoy? Surely God would never ask me to compromise my conscience for the sake of a congregation. Surely God would not want my children to be put off by his Church.

Why God would pamper such entitlement, I cannot imagine. I find no hint in Scripture that God is interested in matching me to the “right” congregation. Why would Christ, whose hands touched lepers, whose hand lingered with the hand of Judas in the bowl, suddenly find it urgent that I fellowship with people who matched my values or conscience?

But how should one decide among all the options available? First, go to the church you are going to and stop choosing it. Show up, figure out why Christ has not yet abandoned this flock, and love the sheep without making it about some constant prayerful “choice.”

If you do not yet have a church, the words of Eugene Peterson are wise, even if they can’t always be applied literally: attend a church you can walk to. Be careful about how the invention of the car allows us to be fussier about our church. Be glad for what your neighborhood offers. But is there ever a time to say, “Enough.

I quit this congregation”? Perhaps, but maybe only after Jesus removes his lampstand from the congregation (Rev. 2:5). In other words, when it’s no longer a Christian church.

It will be obvious to church-goers that my hyperbolic rant here may involve us in a good deal of suffering. What if I have to worship with unrepentant sinners who are a drag on my spiritual growth? Won’t I be guilty by association?

God is looking for a Job: after his children’s partying was over, Job offered sacrifices to God because “it may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts” (Job 1:5). The Lord needs a Moses who will plead with God, “Turn from your fierce wrath; change

your mind and do not bring disaster on your people” (Ex. 32:12). Each Sunday go home and ask God to forgive your church. Then go back next Sunday without mentioning it.

The church has to be borne, forgiven, and suffered in undying love. Its weakness, sin and missing-the-point must become our spiritual pain before God. In bearing the chasm between a congregation and God, we come to know Christ and the fellowship of his sufferings and thereby enter the Kingdom of God. My personal “vision for the Church,” by which I stand in holier-than-thou distance and complaint, is precisely what needs crucifying.

Only those who embrace the leper that is the congregation will share in Christ’s joy and healing within the Church.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer applies this even to pastors. “A pastor should not complain about his congregation, certainly never to other people, but also not to God,” he says. “A congregation has not been entrusted to him in order that he should become its accuser before God and men” (Life Together). God hates the visionary dreams we bring to the community, he says, and we should be thankful when these are shattered by God. When we finally believe the Church is saved by the grace of Christ and not by works, it is remarkable what delight, comfort, (shucks, even fun) can be had with the folks in the congregation just down the street.

News

MWC: a global ‘conference’ serving an expanding Anabaptist Church Amid suffering, bringing hope become resources to each other.

MWC began to develop programs that are year-round to bring the global family into greater relationship with each other.

Today, in addition to its global César García Assemblies, MWC sponsors World Fellowship Sunday, nurtures solidarity and networking among its member churches, publishes periodicals, encourages the publishing of the Global Anabaptist Shelf of Literature, includes Commissions who support the faith life of MWC member churches, and much more. All of this contributes to our becoming a global communion.

As said 90 years ago, “We are stronger when we are together.” In the midst of persecution and suffering, MWC brings hope to the world.

For information about PA 2015, the next MWC Assembly, to be held July 21-26, 2015, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, go to www.mwc-cmm.org/pa2015. (This article is adapted from an interview with César García, MWC’s general secretary.)

– MWC MWC

BOGOTA, Colombia—What is Mennonite World Conference? If it is more than a once-every-six-years conference, why is it called a “conference”?

MWC began as an event, a single meeting in 1925, when a relatively small group of European and North American Anabaptists planned a “conference” to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Anabaptism in Switzerland in 1525. (The Anabaptist world then was largely confined to Europe and North America.)

Other MW Conferences followed, being held about every five or six years, often to celebrate an historical occasion. Fellowship and support for each other became increasingly important, although MWC has never had the authority to control or impose doctrine or practice on its members.

The word “conference” accurately described the activities of these early get-togethers. The name has stuck, although there is periodic discussion about using “communion” instead.

As fellowships formed around the world, MWC began to recognize ways in which national churches could

••

Supreme Court of Nova Scotia rules on TWU case TWU law degrees, policy had been challenged OTTAWA, Ont. – In its decision released on Jan. 28, 2015, the Honorable Justice J. Campbell of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia found that the Nova Scotia Barristers Society (NSBS) did not have the authority to refuse to recognize law degrees from Trinity Western University’s (TWU) proposed law school.

The NSBS had refused to recognize TWU law degrees unless the university changed its policy on student conduct. The university’s Community Covenant prohibits sexual intimacy for students outside of the marriage of a man and a woman.

In his decision, Justice Campbell wrote: “Learning in an environment with people who promise to comply with the code is a religious practice and an expression of religious faith. There is nothing illegal or even rogue about that.

That is a messy and uncomfortable fact of life in a pluralistic society. Requiring a person to give up that right in order to get his or her professional education recognized is an infringement of religious freedom.”

Justice Campbell clarified the role of the Charter: “The Charter is not a blueprint for moral conformity. Its purpose is to protect the citizen from the power of the state, not to enforce compliance by citizens or private institutions with the moral judgments of the state.”

The EFC intervened in this case along with Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC), an association of Christian higher education institutions. TWU is an affiliate of the EFC and a member of CHEC. For information on the joint EFC and CHEC intervention, see www.theEFC. ca/TWUlaw.

– EFC www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

News

Student numbers remain strong at SBC Sawatzy retires from donor development

SBC

STEINBACH, Man.—Second semester studies at Steinbach Bible College are underway. After a Christmas break, hallways are alive with students eager to grow in their faith and to receive training for service in the workforce and in ministry.

An anticipated highlight of the semester is the MissionX program in February, through which students serve inner-city Winnipeg; northern Manitoba; Kugluktuk, Nunavut; and internationally.

Each year students tell how the MissionX experience has shaped their faith and worldview. Andrew Harder, 2014 graduate, shared: “I can confidently say that I have seen God work in my life and in the people around me, even through the difficulties of this experience.”

SBC is pleased to note that full-time numbers remained strong, and this semester saw an increase in the number of students in part-time studies at the college.

There is, though, a change in staffing: Len Sawatzky, director of donor development, retired as of December 2014.

Having attended SBC in the 1960’s, taking on the role in donor development in 2008 was a “coming home” for Len. His caring approach to visits was instrumental in strengthened relationships with supporters of the college, as well the establishment of many new relationships. A visit over coffee with Len was always a blessing.

A prayer of blessing for Len and Ella Sawatzky: academic dean Terry Hiebert, Len Sawatzky, president Rob Reimer, Ella Sawatzky, dean of women Jessy Neufeld.

28 The Messenger • February 2015

Dave Reimer instructs a class.

In ministry since their graduation, Len and his wife, Ella (whom he met at SBC), have served in many capacities and locations. Fifty years of ministry experience and the resulting relationships proved invaluable in Len’s ministry in the donor development role.

Thank you, Len, for your hard work and commitment to the ongoing ministry of Steinbach Bible College. We pray for God’s richest blessing as you and Ella enter this next phase of your life, retirement.

-SBC

News

New Leaders’ Orientation held on Nov. 26-27, 2014 Easing the movement into the EMC

Charles Koop

Participants came from most provinces within which our EMC has congregations. These orientations are provided regularly to assist congregations and leaders. The BLO encourages all eligible leaders to go through the EMC examination and credentialing process and to participate in the New Leaders’ Orientation.

– Terry M. Smith

TERRY M. SMITH

MORRIS, Man.—How can we assist pastoral couples as they make the move into leadership within the EMC? A key is to provide a time for being together, questions, and relevant information.

That’s what happened on Nov. 26-27, 2014, as pastors new to the EMC, or to pastoral service within it, met in Morris, Man., for a New Leaders’ Orientation.

The gathering began on Wednesday evening at the home of Ward and Janine Parkinson, where people focused on getting to know each other and hearing each others’ stories.

On Thursday morning the event shifted to Morris Fellowship Chapel. Darryl Klassen, pastor of Kleefeld EMC and editor of Theodidaktos: Journal for EMC theology and education, provided a overview of early Anabaptist history and EMC history.

After coffee break, national staff members provided an orientation on the work of boards. Terry Smith, executive secretary, said the Board of Church Ministries works in the areas of youth, education, publication, and archives.

Charles Koop, church planting coordinator, highlighted the work of the Church Planting Task Force. Ward Parkinson, conference pastor, spoke on conference-church-minister connections.

After lunch, EMC moderator Abe Bergen and vice moderator Darren Plett looked at the “EMC and Today’s Issues.” After coffee, Garry Koop, pastor of Steinbach EMC and a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, led the final session on “Vision: Moving Toward Our Preferred Future.” Supper was held at 5:30 p.m.

Leaders came from most provinces.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News

Duck Dynasty, rural Bangladesh style Gift of ducklings multiplies into a small business

CFGB

BANGLADESH—Joba Dhali and her family always struggled to make it through the lean times in rural Bangladesh.

For Joba’s family, work is seasonal and food easily becomes sparse. Although many people farm or fish to earn a living, they can’t grow enough food to last their families the whole year. Food is expensive to buy in the local market.

About 40 percent of children under the age of five in Bangladesh are chronically malnourished, says Barbara Macdonald, Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) international program director. Parents rely heavily on rice, which cannot provide all that is needed Joba Dhali feeds her ducklings. for young minds and bodies, Joba signed up for a class on raising ducks offered by CFGB member World Relief Canada (WRC). After five

days of training on how to make a duck farm, learning which ducks will lay more eggs, how to care for her ducks, and how to keep her ducks disease free, Joba was ready for her own flock of ten ducklings.

Joba’s ducks began laying eight eggs a day.

In addition to providing fresh eggs for her two children, she was able to sell extra eggs to buy more healthy and nutritious food for her family. And with the savings from her new business, she was able to buy a flock of 25 ducks and a handful of hens.

Joba is only one person receiving assistance through WRC. Through this project, WRC is also helping 3,040 other families in rural Bangladesh.

– Sylvie Brade, WRC/CFGB

••

BFL Pamphlet Series responds to common issues Covers topics EMC churches grapple with WINNIPEG, Man.—Looking for pamphlets on Evangelical Anabaptist beliefs and issues within the Church and society? Wondering about children and communion, about believer’s baptism, living together before marriage, or gambling?

These, and many other issues, are covered in a series of pamphlets from the Board of Faith and Life, Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC). They are available for 40 cents per copy (plus mailing) and can be ordered from the Kindred Press office of the CCMBC. They can also be viewed free online at http://www.mennonitebrethren.ca/resource/ faith-and-life-pamphlet-series/ Topics include Anabaptism, baptism and membership, children and communion, war, Christian witness, the Bible, marriage, weddings, when marriages fail, living together, death and dying, euthanasia, retirement, homosexuality, lotteries, viewing choices, materialism, suicide, AIDS, and gambling.

– CCMBC and EMC

30 The Messenger • February 2015

EMC Young Adult Retreat 2015 March 13-15, Camp Cedarwood Lac du Bonnet, Man.

For Anyone 18 to 25-ish, Single or married No children, please.

Cost: $110/person Speaker Pastor Garry Koop, Steinbach EMC Workshops will be held.

Contact Nathan Plett, 204-355-4511, Nathan@prairierose.ca Jason Heide, 204-326-6572, jheide@semconline.com Gord Penner, 204-326-6451, GPenner@sbcollege.ca

Columns • A Reader's Viewpoint

Like the criminal on the cross

O

ne of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (see Luke 23:32-43 NIV). As I was reading my devotional this morning I was convicted that I’m often like the criminal on the cross, demanding that God do things my way, like I know what’s best. And yet God, who knows all and sees all and is in control of all, works to do things greater and mightier and better then I could ever imagine.

As I reflected further, I asked myself, “What if He had listened to the criminal on the cross and saved the criminal and himself from their crucifixions?” Granted, the lives of the criminal and Jesus would have been physically saved, but the criminal and the whole world with him, every person, including you and I, would have been eternally condemned.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Surely God knows what’s

best. He sees the big picture and I don’t. Like the criminal who was consumed with his own struggle and pain, I too become consumed with my situations, my trials, my pain, my sorrow, my problems to the point that I shout at God, demanding Him to save me now and take me down off my cross and out of my difficulties.

And yet I forget that Jesus is right there beside me, carrying my burdens and pains and worries and sin, all the while pleading with me to realize that His ultimate plan will bring me far greater benefits, far greater results, far greater hope and far greater good then I could ever imagine or expect to receive if He immediately swept me up and out of my troubles.

“For I know the plans I have for you” (Jer. 29:11). “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). How short sighted I am; how consumed I become with me and my problems. How arrogant of me to think that I know what needs to be done better then God himself.

Jesus isn’t swayed by my complaining or my demands. He sees His plan through to the end, no matter how many insults or abuse I hurl His way, because He knows that His way is the only way. He knows that His way brings salvation. He knows that His way brings hope and life and freedom.

He knows that his way is good and right and best. He calls me to relinquish control, to accept the fact that I’m incredibly shortsighted and to trust the truth that even when I can’t, He sees the big picture.

He’s in control. He’s working for my good and His ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts are higher than my thoughts. He knows the plans He has for me because He’s a big picture God.

by Karlene Thiessen

As I reflected further, I asked myself, “What if He had listened to the criminal on the cross and saved the criminal and himself from their crucifixions?”

BOM

Karlene and Anthony Thiessen (La Crete) serve in church planting in Mexico with TEAM.

Anthony and Karlene Thiessen with their children

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

Gertrude Friesen 1921-2014

With sadness, we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gertrude Friesen, in the Morris Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, surrounded by all her children.

Lovingly remembered by five daughters and two sons: Dorothy (Menno) Kroeker, Rosenort; Alvira, Morris; Diana (Wayne) Fields, Winnipeg; Wes (Alvina), Rosenort; Donelda, Winnipeg; Stan, Riverside; Val (Alf ) Dyck, Winkler. Fond memories from grandchildren: Don Kroeker, David (Sheila) Kroeker (Kiahana, Joshua), Leanne (Trevor) Olfert (Ethan, Tait), Heidi (Bern)Schellenberg (Kai, Ryleigh, Nevaeh), Amy (Eric) Unrau (Liam, Koen, Finley), Jillayne (Jared) Dueck (Emmett), Todd Fields, Lana (Dallas) Wilde (Tyler, Jared, Sierra).

She is also survived by one sister Martha (Jack) Hiebert, and sistersin-law, Helen Dueck, Ella Dueck and Betty Friesen. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Peter L. Friesen; her daughter, Myrna; her parents and eight siblings.

Gertie Dueck Friesen began her life’s journey on Oct. 23, 1921, born to Jacob I. Dueck and Anna Klassen Dueck of Kleefeld, Man. Her faith was made public with

32 The Messenger • February 2015

her baptism on Nov. 15, 1939. She encouraged the ministries of her husband and children, seeking to be supportive in their successes and failures.

On July 4, 1948, she married Peter L. Friesen, moved to Rosenhoff and became an instant mother to three girls. Her roles included farmer’s wife, pastor’s wife, mother to eight children, and co-manager of Riverside Economy Shop. The shop started on their yard and after a year it moved to Morris, serving the communities for 29 years.

Her delights at home included the well-kept vegetable and flower gardens, sewing her children’s clothes, reading, writing, cooking, and history.

Our home issued wonderful aromas from her kitchen. Her sugary cinnamon rolls, drippy jam pie, and prunebaked chicken will be remembered as Mom’s signature of creative love!

Mom loved books and discovered the Goodwill in Winnipeg as a great source to purchase books. One Christmas she gifted Mennonite Girls Can Cook, which she proudly and secretly obtained for each household, and this year each great grandchild received Moni and the Goat Boy and Other Stories by Johanna Spyri, her own childhood favourite.

A legacy of 95 scrapbooks containing a variety of general news items remains as well as recipe collections, a translated story from German to English, and antique fiction books. Journal entries expressed her thankfulness for living in a peaceful country. She never experienced any war torn countries, but through her daily exposure to the Free Press and historical interest she knew the gift we enjoy.

She was ingenious in her gift ideas and these included perogies, pie

shells, knitted mittens and toques, and cozy blankets. Winter evenings were spent sewing school bags, burp pads, receiving blankets and knitting baby caps for charities and the great grandchildren.

Her last game of Skipbo has been played, her last Word Find puzzle completed, many books yet to be read, her last Christmas tutjes gifted, her last phone calls made, and the Daily Bread pages earmarked Dec. 16. We children rise up and call her blessed.

As Mom now rests in her eternal home, we say in her words found in many diary entries, “Good Nite” and see you in the morning.

– Her Family

Calendar Manitoba March 13-15

Young Adult Retreat

April 11

MDS Spring Banquet Rebuilding Homes, Restoring Hope North Kildonan MB Church Winnipeg, Man. Speakers: Harold and Sandra Friesen Janet Plenert, and others.

1-888-261-1274

May 15-18

Abundant Springs

July 3-5

EMC Convention

July 3

EMC Ministerial

July 4

EMC Conference Council

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* 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.

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.

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.

Abbeydale Christian Fellowship (Calgary, Alberta) is seeking a full-time pastor to work alongside our current pastor and our congregational leadership team.

We would expect the successful candidate to have the following characteristics: previous pastoral experience, very relational, a good communicator and preacher, and comfortable working with all age groups. This person would have post-secondary education, would be able to work in a team setting, and be able to mentor others.

This pastor's focus of ministry would be on the discipleship of the congregation through preaching, teaching, the encouragement of small groups, and prayer. This pastor will also lead in caring for the congregation.

We are an urban congregation of 100 attendees with an informal atmosphere. ACF is Anabaptist in its theological roots, congregational in its governance, and committed to love through service to one another and to our community. Email your resume to: Pastoralcommittee@abbeydale.org High Level Christian Fellowship (HLCF) is looking for an interim pastor effective January of 2015. HLCF is a diverse but well-established EMC congregation, in northern Alberta, serving in a community where oil and gas, farming and forestry are the driving industries. HLCF has an average attendance of 130 members and adherents. The successful candidate would be able to relate and work well with people

working together towards building an active community of believers. If God is directing you in this mission please forward your resume to either Jake Neufeld at j.neufeld@peacecountrypetroleum.com or Greg Derkson at mariederkson@gmail.com or by phone Jake (780-821-9432) or Greg (780-926-9553).

Blumenort EMC is seeking a full-time community life pastor who will focus on developing Christian community inside our congregation and providing oversight for community outreach ministries. Key responsibilities will include creating vision and enabling our members to be effective in their connections inside the church and in ministry outside of the church. Previous pastoral experience is preferred but all candidates will be considered.

This is a new opportunity which we hope to fill as soon as God provides. The candidate must be in agreement with our EMC Constitution and Statement of Faith. For a full job description or to send in a resume, please contact Anthony Reimer at anthony.reimer@ blumenortemc.ca or 204-326-1644. If interested, please contact Anthony on or before March 2, 2015.

Other Positions Mennonite Disaster Service is accepting applications for its 2015 Summer Youth Program (SYP), featuring week-long service opportunities in Canada and the U.S.: Redberry Bible Camp near Redberry, Sask. (construction and building projects in July), Crisfield, Maryland (two weeks in June rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy), and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp near Divide, Colorado (six weeks mid-June to Aug. for construction, fire mitigation, trail maintenance).

It is a weeklong time of Christian service, learning, and spiritual growth for youth (15 and up or completed grade nine) and their adult sponsors (one in three ratio). Half of the adults are to be skilled in construction or building trades.

MDS covers lodging and meals; each member pays $50 USD to participate. A typical SYP week begins with arrival at the location for Sunday evening orientation, work and other activities Monday through Friday noon, with departures Friday evening and Saturday morning. For go to http://mds.mennonite.net/programs/youth-programs/.

Where are position ads to be sent?

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

Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Column • Here and Far Away

Come weary!

A

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

Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary” (Matt.

11:28). Weariness and discouragement with sin can be the blessed path to the presence of Christ.

s a Christian, I often think that following Jesus somehow earns me an easy life with fewer problems. It’s not what Jesus told us to expect, however, but rather, “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33).

The older I get the more it feels like stresses increase and my capacity to withstand heartache and the tensions of life decrease. I am so weary.

I read a book recently, A Praying Life, by Paul E. Miller, that spoke to my tired and bruised heart, suggesting that feelings of weariness may actually be a good thing. When I am weary and realize with clarity that I cannot do life on my own strength, that’s when I realize that Jesus is all I need.

“The criteria for coming to Jesus is weariness.

Come overwhelmed with life. Come with your wandering mind. Come messy” (A Praying Life 32). Jesus told us, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Not, “Come to me cleaned up and with your ducks in a row”! What makes this Good News is that Jesus tells us to come as we are, no clean-up necessary. He’ll take care of it.

In the last difficult year I’ve found this to be true for myself. The Father did not remove the stress and trials from my life, but He did strengthen my soul. I was blessed with the ability to see that the difficulties I was encountering were burning off the chaff in my life, producing perseverance, character and hope (Rom. 5:3-5).

I must also remind myself daily to come sinful.

“Jesus did not come for the righteous. He came for sinners. All of us qualify. The very things we try to get rid of—our weariness, our distractedness, our messiness—are what get us in the front door! That’s how the gospel works.

That’s how prayer works” (Miller, 33).

It’s awe-inspiring that the Creator of Heaven and Earth wants us to come to Him. Even more so that Christ died to pay our access to the Holy God while we were still covered with sin. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

34 The Messenger • February 2015

The efforts of doing the right thing, living up to expectations of others and ourselves, experiencing the typhoons of suffering of this world are exceedingly wearisome. Jesus has asked us to come to Him in just that state. “Come to me all who are weary” (Matt. 11:28).

Weariness with life, and the discouragement caused by the conviction of my sins, these things can be the blessed path to the presence of Christ. Yet it requires humility to come messy and confess that I can’t do life on my own, to ask Him to help me.

“In bringing your real self to Jesus, you give him the opportunity to work on the real you, and you will slowly change. The kingdom will come” (Miller, 33).

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD

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

Column • stewardship today

Why an offering?

T

by Dori Zerbe Cornelsen, Consultant DESIGNPICS

he practice of regularly passing the collection plate in churches has only been around for about 100 years, and, thankfully, it replaced church revenue streams such as the annual pew rental auctions.

Offering practices also vary widely among congregations. For example, some congregations take up offerings during worship every week while others have an alms box at the entrance of the sanctuary. In addition, many seeker sensitive services often lack an offering time in worship to avoid creating offense.

Times continue to change and one blogger asks “why, even in our era of digital banking and services . . . does plate-passing still rule in churches?”

I believe there are many good reasons to have an offering time in worship. Instead of being a time when the church asks for money, the offering can be a vigorous expression of our loyalty to God, not money.

Mark L. Vincent and Barbara J. Fullerton observe, “Resources on congregational worship and stewardship are easy to find, but most say nothing about the offering…Perhaps we are uncertain what to do with the offering because we have divided hearts. It’s tough to bring both of our gods into the same building on Sunday mornings!” (Teaching a Christian view of money: Celebrating God’s Generosity, DesignGroup International).

There is a reason why Jesus said that we can’t serve both God and money (Matt. 6:24, Luke 16:13). Money has an illusion of being the source of our security. A well-planned offering in worship can remind us that this is not true. Rather, the ritual can help us understand that all that we have and are is a gift from God to be used for the good of all.

Taking up an offering is a tangible, physical activity of giving which has the potential to reveal God’s incredible love and faithfulness to worshippers. It can also be a time of confession that confronts us with our tendency to trust in ourselves and our material resources.

An offering time can also make gospel preachers out of the whole congregation.

According to Paul’s letter to the Corinthians through the ministry of generosity, “you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ” (2 Cor. 9:12).

Beyond the impact on individual worshippers, the offering has the potential to transform us as congregations. We collectively express our values in many ways, but perhaps more than any mission statement we may write, our values are demonstrated by our financial statements. Our hearts personally and collectively go where we put God’s money. A time of offering in worship gives us an opportunity to express generosity together.

Maybe with the change in the way we process our financial transactions brought on by the digital age, we have an opportunity to approach the time of offering and money in worship in a new way. Has your church been trying something new? I’d love to hear about your experiences as MFC considers how we might assist congregations with generosity worship resources.

I believe there are many good reasons to have an offering time in worship.

The offering can be a vigorous expression of our loyalty to God, not money.

Dori Zerbe Cornelsen is a stewardship consultant in the Winnipeg, Man., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada.

For more information on impulsive generosity, stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit MennoFoundation.ca. You can reach Dori at dzcornelsen@MennoFoundation.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Column • kids’ corner

What are you wearing to school today?

T The clothes a professional wears help identify the person you need. Their uniform tells you they have the knowledge and skills required to do the job.

DESIGNPICS

by Loreena Thiessen

here’s an old saying, “Clothes make the man.”

This means that what you wear says something about you.

A school uniform will inform others that you attend a specific school. They may know which school it is just by looking at you.

A hockey team, like the Winnipeg Jets, has both the team’s name and their city on their uniform. You know it’s the Jets as quick as you see the blue and white on the ice.

The servers at McDonald’s wear dark blue, including the hat. A server in a fancy restaurant may wear a white apron over a white shirt and black pants.

You easily identify a police officer by their uniform and badges and a firefighter by their yellow slicker and helmet. And that is why a uniform is important.

The uniform a professional wears identifies who they are and what they can do. The server in the restaurant has information about the food you want. He or she has the authority to bring it to you and to make sure it is exactly as you ordered.

The mechanic in the garage is qualified to figure out if your car has a problem and knows how to fix it. A police officer can help you find your way should you get lost. Their job is to protect you and to know the law. The doctor

Activity: Draw a professional.

has the skills to help you feel better when you are ill and the dentist fixes broken teeth.

The clothes a professional wears help identify the person you need. Their uniform tells you they have the knowledge and skills required to do the job. And they have the authority to do so.

Their uniform gives them that authority.

Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the whole armour of God…” Armour is protective gear, things that will keep you from harm. One is, knowing what is true. Ephesians 6:14. Knowing the truth about something can protect you and help you make good choices instead of choosing something that can harm you.

Begin by reading Psalm 19:7–11. Can you memorize these five verses?

RESPONDING REBUILDING RESTORING

Need:

Drawing paper, pencil, pencil crayons or paints.

Do:

Think of a professional person who has helped you.

Draw a picture of them doing their job.

Write a few sentences that tell what they did to help you.

Share with family or friends.

36 The Messenger • February 2015

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

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