The Messenger Vol. 53 No. 11 November 2015

The Messenger a publication of the Evangelical

Mennonite Conference

Volume 53  No. 11  November 2015

Victorious

Living in Persecution

page 6

INSIDE:

We Do Not Misbehave But Do Right page 10 Broken, But Willing page 13 $2.00

Editorials

A rickshaw driver

I

n December 2011, Mohammad Kora, a 51-year-old rickshaw driver, was paid 20 rupees (about 40 cents) to leave a package or a sack at a gate where a festival was taking place in Manipur state, India. It exploded prematurely. A photo shows Mohammad sitting on the ground, his legs blown off, near the mangled pieces of his rickshaw.

Soldiers or police officers are seen observing him at a distance; people not in uniforms are videotaping or photographing him. Police questioned Mohammad before taking him to a hospital where he died.

The photo, taken by Bullu Raj of the Associated Press and used in the Winnipeg Free Press, appeared with the headline, “Life is cheap.” The police said Mohammad did not know he had left a bomb provided by suspected separatists.

The Free Press clipping is kept in my office, but I struggle to look at it, to think of what is going through Muhammad’s mind or of the pain he suffered. This poor

man, struggling to make a minimal living through such labour, lived long enough to know that he was horribly damaged and would soon die. He likely left behind a family who probably has suffered emotionally and economically since his death.

I hope that this Lazarus was carried by angels into the bosom of Abraham (Luke 16:22). We can be glad that Jesus is the One who judges. He has known poverty and suffering. He knows our thoughts and intents (Heb. 4:12-16).

We do not know the verdict.

Meanwhile, we want other people like Mohammad to make a living and not be blown up. Lord, may “your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10).

– Terry M. Smith

We want other people like Mohammad to make a living and not be blown up. Lord, "may your kingdom come."

Sources: Winnipeg Free Press (Dec. 4, 2011), Wall Street Journal (Dec. 1, 2011, found online).

••

Bright minds, horrible weapons

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n A.D. 1096 Pope Urban II declared that using a crossbow was immoral in battles between Christians. About 40 years later Pope Innocent II did the same.

What was the problem? The bolt from a crossbow could penetrate a knight’s armour. Since knights came from upper class families, a lowly peasant with a crossbow could make a real social impact (see militaryhistorynow.com).

What would Urban II or Innocent II think about the weaponry available today—machine guns, sniper rifles, missile-equipped drones, ABC weapons, planes, tanks? Or to discover that, in an age of “smart” bombs, civilians are killed along with soldiers?

2 The Messenger • November 2015

What would they think of the millions of dollars spent on maintaining nuclear weapons complexes or of the difficulties in securing and disposing of these weapons around the world? Or of the militaryindustrial complex where bright minds think of, develop, and promote horrible weapons?

We don’t know what Urban II or Innocent II would think. Maybe they would have been delighted to have more arms to achieve their purposes; perhaps they would have been appalled and protested against their use.

More important, though, is what we think. “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good” (Eccl. 9:18).

– Terry M. Smith

What of the military-industrial complex where bright minds think of, develop, and promote horrible weapons?

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

16 An Education App

Victorious Living in Persecution – Nik Ripken

10 We Do Not Misbehave, But Do Right – Menno Simons

13 Broken, But Willing

Tri-Con producing new Christian Life book – Terry M. Smith

28 Further in and Higher Up Jesus freaks and the quiet in the land

– Layton Friesen

– Dr. James Regehr

page

20

34 Here and Far Away

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4

Letters and Notices

17 With Our Missionaries 19 With Our Churches 29 News 33 Shoulder Tapping

The Yoke – Jocelyn R. Plett

35 Stewardship Today

Regrets on parting with my old bicycle (not really) – Daniel Lichty

page

30

36 Kids’ Corner

Do Little Things Count?

– Loreena Thiessen

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35

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger Volume 53 No. 11 November 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.

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ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 Advertising The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards, and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 01–January 2016 issue (copy due November 08)

4 The Messenger • November 2015

Letters and Notices Beware of rewriting history

In the October issue of The Messenger, I was struck by an article on Anabaptist history entitled A Question Provided to an Answer I’ve Always Had regarding Anabaptist history: “We learned about times of great wealth, and about how that same wealth was taken away in large part because of an unwillingness to compromise on beliefs and assimilate.”

In 1979 I took a course on Russian history at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. I was especially interested because my father-in-law’s family lived that experience of amassing wealth, land, and servants with provisions of military exemptions,

Questions impression given

We have a question in regards to Russell Doerksen’s article in the October issue [A Question Provided to an Answer I’ve Always Had.] In his article, Russell writes, “…by that time the distinctives of Anabaptism (believer’s baptism, the priesthood of all believers, community centrism, social justice, and pacifism) were all firmly entrenched.” We are curious why the word “distinctives” was used to refer to these characteristics.

We feel it gives the impression that other Evangelical denominations

Responding to terrorism in Paris How do we respond to the violent acts of terrorism that occurred in Paris this past week? Do we secretly feel that a violent response is justified?

We, like many other Christians, are shocked by the violence and we grieve with the mourning families and the country of France. As EMCers, we believe that Jesus calls us to respond with love, to pray for wisdom for national leaders, and not give in to an escalated cycle of violence. Let us pray

access to land, and the ability to maintain a cloistered society with cultural, educational, and religious anonymity.

I recall mentioning to the professor that my father-in-law said that a picture of the Czar hung in their dining room. He seemed puzzled, then aghast that they were unaware of the implications of their alliance. George Santanya said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I would add to remember, repent and act. God help us if we continue to rewrite history to suit our needs and ignore economic, social, and political realities before us.

– Brad Nance Winnipeg, Man.

do not hold to some or all of these beliefs as well. As someone coming from a background of various nonAnabaptist denominations, I (Jen) have grown up in churches that practiced believer’s baptism, priesthood of all believers, and social justice. Is it possible that in promoting Anabaptist teachings we sometimes forget how small the differences are between Anabaptists and other Evangelicals?

– Eric and Jennifer Isaac Morweena, Man.

for those who grieve and let us pray for those who perpetrate further violence.

An EMC missionary family living in Paris reports that they are safe, but that the mood of people in Paris is somber—they are in mourning. Our hope and prayer is that despite this violence, God’s love and grace will overshadow these despicable acts and the light of Jesus will shine even brighter.

– Tim Dyck, General Secretary On behalf of the EMC General Board

Letters and Notices

The Messenger: delegates to decide among Plans A, B, and C With the loss of the government grant (see below), the Board of Church Ministries has, with the help of national staff members, three plans to maintain a monthly colour magazine of 36 pages. The savnd ings are approximate. d a nity o G u • Plan A continues the magazine and home delivof m Looking at ery as currently. Of A and B, the BCM prefers omn com d g tia n i Post Plan A. modernism in the K ris Grace in the Old Testa Classroom Baptism in the Churchment Thehe Ch • Plan B (saving $4,600) would continue home t delivery, but change the cover paper, inside paper stock, and not use UV inks to reduce smearing. If UV inks are used, the saving is reduced to $2,800. To show the differences, ul inf -pa October issue shows Plan B and November es m i et om issue uses UV inks. as y: str i . s n t mi oe • Plan C (saving $3,500) would change the cover ral e e. P sto eg al Pa rivil Fem . p o stock and inside pages, use UV ink, bulk mail Tw to churches, and increase copies from 3250 (as of Oct. issue) to about 4000. Copies are no longer labeled and most churches will need more. It would increase readership. The BCM sees value in Plan C. these did not meet its expectations for tracking individual Please note that Plan C is changed from the notice subscriptions. The yearly vote by EMC delegates to pay for in the Oct. issue. The previous Plan C was found to be subscriptions was unacceptable. In September the governunworkable: because copies are sent to the churches ment sought the return of $45,583 (April to Dec. 2014-Jan. unlabeled, more are needed. This increases publishto March 2015 period). The Board of Trustees replied, asking and postage costs and reduces the cost savings. ing the request to be withdrawn.

Plan A maintains current readership. Plan B saves For three reasons The Messenger’s subscription price some money. Plan C increases readership and saves some has never reflected its actual cost: 1) it is to be widely money. We await the delegates’ decision. Please note that available, 2) does not accept paid advertising; and 3) is a the magazine will and must maintain home delivery where small press run to a limited market. In 1963 no subscripsubscriptions are purchased and for courtesy copies sent tion price was listed. In 1969 members paid through their to institutions and organizations. Thank you. church ($1/year). In 1996 the price was $12, the minimum – The Board of Church Ministries to qualify for a subsidy. In 2010 the price was $24. The actual 2015 cost, including salaries, is about $40.

Background Information Throughout its history The Messenger has benefited When The Messenger started in 1963, it was entirely from generous donations through the conference budget. funded by the EMC and sent to each household. Later It benefited, for a time, from government help. The BCM is it benefitted from a postal subsidy, sent to Canada Post, concerned that government’s recent action not decide the not the EMC, to cover part (about $22,000) of its mailing magazine’s future direction. costs. In 2010 the government changed the program and Digital copies are available, but account for a minor provided a grant to the EMC for salaries, production, and part (about 10 percent) of total copies. Print is preferred; mailing costs. some digital readers request a print copy as well. What is In 2015 the Department of Canadian Heritage audited most important? That the EMC continues to connect. The The Messenger’s 2012 circulation practices and decided Messenger is a key way that this happens.

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Message Four of Four

Victorious

Living in Persecution

PUBLIC DOMAIN IN RUSSIA ACCORDING TO ARTICLE 6 OF LAW NO. 231-FZ OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION OF DECEMBER 18, 2006

by Nik Ripken

‘Be faithful unto death’

(Rev. 2:10)

This Soviet propaganda poster denounces religious holidays.

6 The Messenger • November 2015

I

n persecution why do some churches soar and others surrender their corporate witness? Why do some believers endure suffering unto death while others surrender under the least amount of persecution?

Dmitri was an engineer in the communist factory and his wife was a schoolteacher in the communist school where their three children attended. Over almost 70 years of communism, so many churches had been compromised or destroyed that the nearest church was a threeday walk. Therefore Dmitri and his family would possibly attend church two to three times a year.

Since he was not a trained minister, Dimitri was almost afraid to ask his wife if it was okay if they and their three boys simply read the Bible together once or twice a week. His wife was thrilled and their Bible reading grew into studying the Bible together, praying, and singing.

Soon other believers in their village asked to attend their Bible study. When this grew to 25 people, the KGB threatened him physically.

What frightened him, though, was they accused him of starting an illegal church.

He said to them, “How dare you call this a church! All we are doing is studying the Bible, singing praises to God, praying for one another, giving money to poor people. How dare you call this a church!” It is a sad principle that the persecutors almost always recognize when God is up to something new and extraordinary long before the Church is aware of the Holy Spirit’s movement.

After this house church grew to over 75 people the communists imprisoned Dmitri for 17 years. They placed him in a prison of 1,500 hardened criminals where he was the only believer.

They attempted to break Dmitri using physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual abuse.

But nothing could break this man of God. He had two spiritual disciplines that allowed him to grow in prison for 17 years. First, every morning he would arise, stand at attention by his bed, raise his arms, and praise and sing to Jesus.

Second, he would write every Bible verse, Bible story, or scriptural song on any piece of paper—as much as would fit. He would post this scrap on a wet post in a corner of his cell. Often the guards would beat him for what he had written.

For 17 years Dmitri was a tremendous witness to the 1,500 hardened criminals around him. What kept him strong, allowed him to grow in Christ in such a horrible environment, to grow in his witness to unbelievers?

We have listened to over 600 believers in 72 countries and they have taught us what it means to live out the resurrection, to be victorious in

He said to them, “How dare you call this a church! All we are doing is studying the Bible, singing praises to God, praying for one another, giving money to poor people. How dare you call this a church!” persecution. Here is the DNA of a follower of Christ amid suffering and persecution.

They Know Jesus

When believers in persecution speak about Jesus, you know that this is a relationship that is eternal. There is no need to tear down another religion or another religion’s prophet. Our task is to lift up Jesus. When you listen to believers and persecution talk about their relationship with Christ, you know it will grow throughout eternity, let alone persecution.

The Bible and Memory

They committed large portions of the Bible and music to memory. During the height of the Soviet Union 700 young people were challenged by three pastors to re-create Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John from memory. They were challenged to re-create as many songs, hymns, and choruses from memory.

None of these 700 had ever touched the Bible nor held a hymnbook. At the end of a week they had re-created the Gospels with six mistakes.

They recreated 1,200 songs, hymns, and choruses of the faith.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

This is a memorial for Christians who died at Yorkuta Gulag.

They Were Remembered

They know that they are prayed for. They are not forgotten. The one debt the Church in persecution claims that they can never repay the Church in the West is the debt of prayer. In reality, there is no such thing as a persecuted Church and the free Church—there is just the Church.

Like Jesus, every person in persecution needs someone to help them carry their cross when they cannot carry it by themselves. We have a responsibility to help our suffering brothers and sisters to live out the resurrection by lifting them up in prayer.

In the USSR we were reminded many times that persecution was like the “sun coming up in the East.” Persecution was normal for their great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents. “It is now our turn,” they said.

8 The Messenger • November 2015

The Local Church Cares

The local body of Christ cares for her children.

A pastor was put into a KGB torture facility and his family was placed on a train to take them 18 hours into the desert. The intent was to kill the pastor in prison and allow his family to die out of sight and mind.

The pastor’s wife was on that train late at night, not knowing where her husband was; her children were crying. A stranger came up and said, “Last night the church was praying and the Holy Spirit told us to take up an offering and for me to bring it to you on this train tonight.

Here’s enough money to last you for six months and when it runs out we will be back with more funds.” In persecution no one has to tell the body of Christ to take care of her children.

They Know Why They Suffer

They know that their suffering is for Jesus’ sake.

The only witness that God cannot use is no witness. Satan often takes our good intentions, our witness, and exploits it for evil. We must remind our suffering brothers and sisters that we are proud of them, that their suffering is for Jesus’ name.

They Know It’s Normal

They know that their persecution, as in the Bible, is normal. In the USSR we were reminded many times that persecution was like the “sun coming up in the East.” Persecution was normal for their great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents. “It is now our turn,” they said. “Why don’t we talk about our suffering, highlighting it by writing books and making movies? Our persecution is normal.”

They Have True Freedom

DESIGNPICS

They claimed freedom and have lost their fear.

Believers in persecution know that freedom to share Jesus is not dependent upon the form of government. True freedom comes from God’s throne. We are as free to share Jesus in North Korea as in North Carolina.

No one can stop us from witnessing; they can only punish us for the attempt. Sharing our faith in Christ is not about political freedom; it is about obedience. It is about having the courage to suffer the consequences of exercising our obedience to share Christ.

Fear is the largest weapon in Satan’s arsenal.

Believers in persecution remind us that there are 366 Bible verses concerning fear. They claim that God has given us a verse about fear for each day of the year with an extra verse when we have a really bad day!

Believers in persecution remind us of what it means to live the resurrection, to live victoriously in the midst of suffering.

A Genealogy of Faith

They have a genealogy of faith that teaches them how to live and how to die for Jesus. One pastor gathered his children in his arms while he sat near his wife. He said to his children, “Tomorrow I will be arrested and sent to prison because I’m a pastor. All over this district they are hanging to death entire families who refused to deny their faith in Christ. If, while I’m in prison, I hear that my family is hung to death rather than deny their Christ, I will be the most proud man in prison.”

What Shall We Do?

What do we do with this? Where does this fit inside of Western Christianity?

Perhaps this suggests to us the role of Western missionaries. As we go to those who have little access to the gospel and are beginning their faith process, we are to do two things. First, we are to build them a biblical genealogy of faith that teaches them how to live and die in Christ.

Second, we might say that if they need a living example of what it means to live and die for Christ, they can watch us model such a life.

Believers in persecution remind us of what it means to live the resurrection, to live victoriously in the midst of suffering. May we include such DNA in our lives, in our children’s lives, and our churches. Satan works day and night to limit the voices of believers in persecution.

When we learn from their struggles, we give them their voices back.

Nik Ripken is a missions veteran of 30 years concerned for the persecuted Church. He has written The Insanity of God and The Insanity of Obedience. He served as EMC convention speaker, where a longer message was presented on Sunday afternoon. Because of his travels, we choose not to publish his photo.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

A Reformation-era Message (1554)

We Do Not Misbehave, But Do Right

by Menno Simons

I

n the first place, those who persecute us say that we are like those of Münster were and that we are not obedient to the magistrates.

We reply, first of all, that we agree that the Münsterites were seditious and acted contrary to the Word of God in many things. … We do not want to eat, drink, or have any communion with them, according to the doctrine of Christ and Paul, unless they renounce their errors and become sound and sensible in their doctrine of salvation.

Their Own Devourings

DREAMSTIME

In the second place, we reply, why do they so indiscreetly accuse us of such sedition, seeing that . . . they do not even notice their own devourings, bloody, murderous seditions, which alas have neither measure nor end, as one can see?

This cottage housed a printing press used by Menno Simons.

O dear Lord, how many principalities, cities, and countries have they destroyed to disposition and Spirit of Christ, then all must the ground? How many fires have they set? How acknowledge that they are no longer Christians. many hundred thousands have been dispatched?

How they have robbed, skinned, and plucked Misuse of Scripture of his goods the poor peasant who would have I am well aware that these tyrants who boast gladly kept the peace and was entirely innocent themselves to be Christians justify and make of the contentions of the princes! good their abominable warring, their sediHow many nobleman’s wives and virgins have tion and bloodshed, with a reference to Moses, they disgraced?

Joshua, etc. But What beastly, inhuthey do not reflect man, hellish tyranny that Moses and his did they commit successors have and continue daily served their day to commit? And all with their sword of this they do not of iron, and that notice. Yes, it must Christ has now be styled right and given us a new finely done. commandment and has girded us with another Dear me, how well does this conform with sword (I am not speaking of the sword of justice, the doctrine, the nature, and spirit of Christ? for that is a different matter, but I speak respect. . . If the temporal rulers do not have the ing war and sedition).

O dear Lord, how many principalities, cities, and countries have they destroyed to the ground?

How many fires have they set? How many hundred thousands have been dispatched?

10 The Messenger • November 2015

No Other Sword

For we have, by the grace of God that has appeared to us, beaten our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks, and we shall sit under the true vine, that is, Christ, under the Prince of Eternal Peace, and will never more study outward conflict and the war of blood. …We reply that we know and use no other sword than that which Christ himself brought to earth from heaven, and which the apostles

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Nor do they reflect that that selfsame cross, the sword, which they wield contrary to the evangelical Scriptures, is used by them to stab their own brethren; namely, those who are of the same faith, who have received the same baptism, and who eat the same bread with them, and who therefore are members of one and the same body. Alas, what a strange bloody stir the Lutherans have made for several years in order to introduce or substantiate their doctrine, I will leave to them to reflect upon.

Nevertheless, we, although we are innocent, must be called the seditious heretics; and they the pious, peaceful Christians. Behold, so sadly is the understanding of this world darkened!

Well, then, let them deal with us as they like. The merciful, gracious Father will surely preserve us from such abominable disturbances as the Munsterites have caused, and which, alas, are still in vogue among our mixed Christians.

used and plied with the power of the Spirit; namely, the one that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. This sword of the Spirit is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even In 1534 Anabaptists took over the city of Münster, now to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, in Germany, and protected this “New Jerusalem” with joints and marrow, and is the discerner of force. The city was placed under siege and recaptured the thoughts and intents of the heart.

by Catholic forces in 1535. People were killed or capWith this sword and with no other do tured; some leaders were executed and their bodies we desire to destroy the kingdom of the placed in cages displayed on the tower of St. Lambert’s devil, to reprove all wickedness, to plant Church (GAMEO). Replicas of the cages can still be all righteousness, to set the father against seen there. the son and the son against the father, The excerpt here, dated around 1554, comes from the mother against the daughter and the Menno’s writing The Cross of the Saints. Many years daughter against the mother, etc., to the earlier, even prior to his leaving the Roman Catholic extent to which Christ Jesus and His holy Church, Menno had denounced the Anabaptist vioapostles have done it in this world. I am lence of Munster in a writing called The Blasphemy of not here referring to the prophets Elijah John of Leiden (1535). and Samuel (understand me, rightly), who In 2010 the Lutheran World Federation formally also used the external sword, but I mean apologized to Anabaptists for the Lutheran church’s the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, treatment of Anabaptists in the 16th century. The Men- Amos, etc., who only rebuked with docnonite World Conference responded with forgiveness. trine and with nothing else.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

Who is Seditious?

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

If now the world could pass a true sentence, then it would acknowledge how that Christ and His followers were not seditious toward the world, but that the world was seditious toward Christ and His followers. It would acknowledge that we do not rise against anyone in mutiny, but that the whole world rises up against us in mutiny, tyranny, and “holy war,” as may be seen.

Honourable Citizens

Similarly, that we are disobedient to the magistracy in things to which This memorial to Menno Simons is in Witmarsum. they are ordained of God, this will never be found to be true—I mean in matters Obey God, Not Man pertaining to dikes, roads, waterways, tax, toll, This same sword we bear and will lay it down tribute, etc. for no emperor or king, magistrate or mayor; for But if they wait to rule and lord it over Christ Peter says we ought to obey God rather than men.

Jesus, or contrary to Christ Jesus in our conFor the praise and service of Him who has girded us with it we are bound to use it, whether it is our sciences, according to their whim, this we do not fortune to live or to die, if that should please God. grant them. We would rather sacrifice possessions and life than knowingly to sin against Jesus That the world seeks to change this faithChrist and His holy Word for the sake of any ful service of pure love into sedition, this we will man, be he emperor or king. have to accept and bear with the patience as did That in so doing we do not misbehave but our forefathers. “Are you he,” said Ahab to Elijah, do right, the Scripture abundantly testify . . . “who troubles Israel?” The prophet answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s May the gracious Father, through His blessed Son Jesus Christ, grant to this deaf, blind world house.” Jeremiah, on account of his faithful warnears with which to hear and eyes with which ing and salutary admonition, had to pass for a to see, that they may be converted and may be rebel and a heretic. Christ Jesus had to hang on saved eternally. a cross. Paul and the apostles had to be hurriedly thrown into prison as deceivers and conspirators, Menno Simons (1496and in the end had to suffer martyrdom.

1561), a former Roman Catholic priest, for a quarter-century led Anabaptists in the Netherlands and Germany who renounced war.

Excerpts from The Complete Writings of Menno Simons, translated by Leonard Verduin, edited by J. C. Wenger © 1956, 1984 by Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Va. Used by permission. Leonard Verduin was a Christian Reformed minister. The language has been somewhat updated.

If now the world could pass a true sentence, then it would acknowledge how that Christ and His followers were not seditious toward the world, but that the world was seditious toward Christ and His followers.

12 The Messenger • November 2015

Broken, But Willing

by Dr. James Regehr

I

am on a journey to health.

Several years ago I had a mental health crisis and, while including an exercise and weight reduction component, my journey to health is my journey to mental health.

Since childhood I have always struggled with a melancholy disposition and times of rather severe depression. As a child, there were times that I was on antidepressants. This time was different.

Among other things, my sadness became more intense than I had ever experienced. I withdrew completely from everything. I was unable to work. I even got to the point where I was unable to leave the house or have visitors or even talk on the phone. I was almost constantly crying—not just a few tears and a sniffle—intense crying.

And for no apparent reason.

Family Doctor

JAMES REGEHR

When I asked for help, I went to my family doctor. We discussed my symptoms and their severity. Before beginning any course of treatment he wanted to know exactly where I was at physically so he ordered a full battery of tests. When he got the results, there wasn’t a thing wrong with me.

He told me that he had never seen these kinds of results for a person of my stature and said that I’m just “a strong old war horse.”

My first appointment with my psychiatrist was scary. I didn’t know what to expect. When I met him, he was kind and supportive.

Dr. James Regehr with his service dog

Psychiatrist

My first appointment with my psychiatrist was scary. I didn’t know what to expect. When I met him, he was kind and supportive. He made a diagnosis of dysthymia (long term clinical depression) manifested also with anxiety, agoraphobia (fear of open places) and a few other big words. He put me on a comprehensive treatment plan.

I have been receiving treatment now for about three years and my sadness persists. It is always there, just under the surface; and from time to time it bursts to the surface and I have quite a severe crying episode. I always seem

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ISTOCK

to have feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and despair. No matter what I or my doctors have tried, feelings of “happiness” just aren’t there.

My psychiatrist and I also discussed and he subsequently wrote a prescription for a medical/ psychiatric service dog, resulting in one being partnered with me in May of 2012.

My psychiatrist has also explained that I need to accept the real possibility that something permanent has happened in my brain.

Every human emotion is related to the production of various neuro-chemicals. I have developed a long term and perhaps permanent neurological condition that has resulted in the inability of my brain to produce the chemicals linked with the emotion of happiness.

condition is the “loss” of an emotion, happiness, and I need to accept that loss and figure out how to function without it.

He said that my medications will not take away the sadness. They will not to bring happiness back, but they will help me to function while being sad.

Imagine a life without happiness.

A Choice

Recently, the song “A Perfect Heart” was on “auto-loop” in my mind. When I came to the final phrase of the chorus, He has made a perfect heart, I questioned, Do I really believe this? Do I really “feel” this way about “me”?

No, I don’t.

But therein lies a dichotomy. Do I “feel” this way about me? Or will I choose to “believe” this way about me?

Though I cannot begin to understand the how’s or the why’s, I believe that God always knows what He is doing. Nothing escapes His notice! And everything He does is good and perfect. His ways are higher than our ways and He causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him.

My condition, he said, is not the loss of a limb; my condition is the “loss” of an emotion, happiness, and I need to accept that loss and figure out how to function without it.

Without Happiness

He further explained my condition to me this way: if I can imagine someone having some kind of accident resulting in the loss of a limb, that person has to accept the loss and figure out how to function without that limb. My condition, he said, is not the loss of a limb; my

14 The Messenger • November 2015

broken and my journey to health continues. I can identify with Paul when he wrote: “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

My journey to mental health is not a journey of recovery to "normalcy." I will probably never be «normal» again. For me, mental health means that I again become a functional member of society and, more importantly, to again become a functional member of the Body of Christ.

DESIGNPICS

The Calling Continues

Love is Not a Feeling

“Those who love Him.” The words echoed in my mind. Love is not a “feeling” or emotion. It is a decision: an act of choice and will and action.

I can quite vividly remember times when one of my children or even my wife was so ill that they “got sick” and made a mess—a gross, disgusting, half-digested mess. Love resulted in me cleaning it up.

My emotions were not “warm and mushy.”

I was grossed out with the mess, but my love functioned independent of my emotions and feelings at that moment.

I asked myself and realized, “Cannot our expressions of prayer and worship also be performed as an act of choice and will and action?

And is not the ‘real’ test of a person’s love and devotion best evidenced when circumstance and emotion are not part of the motivation? When all the positive emotions are absent and circumstances are terribly unpleasant?”

As a result, everything that I do takes so much effort because I never “feel” like doing anything; and that means that because it takes my full effort to do something, whatever I actually do is done with my whole effort.

Paul’s Words

I am now a fifty-year-old man with 25-plus years of full-time ministry experience. I have been

I still hear the call of God in my heart asking, “Whom shall I send?” And with all my heart, I still respond saying, “I am broken and weak. I have problems. I have a loving and supportive family, but I need daily medication and a service dog with me at all times to maintain my health and be able to function. But such as I am, take my life as a living sacrifice. Here am I. Send me.”

And He is using me.

At the beginning of 2015, I began doing a radio Bible study program that is being broadcasted on a local Christian radio station. I have also been developing a presentation that I call “I May Be Crazy But I’m Not Stupid” that helps people understand and support a person with clinical depression. It also helps people with clinical depression to have hope and to learn some helpful skills.

Instead of being ashamed, I am learning to “boast” in my weakness so that God’s power might shine through me. And I am relying on the Lord to give me strength to be able to say with Paul, “By the grace of God, I am what I am” (1 Cor. 15.10).

Dr. James Regehr lives in Yorkton, Sask., where he guides a weekly radio Bible study in east-central Sask. and west-central Man. His website is jamesthepadre.com. He has served as the pastor of Treesbank Community Church in Wawanesa, Man.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

Column • An Education App

Tri-Con producing new Christian Life book

H

by Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

The redesign draws together the classical themes of Christian theology and Anabaptist emphases.

The material is suitable for Christianity 101, baptism and membership, youth, and other classes.

ave you or your church benefitted from The Christian Life: a practical study guide? Then you’ll be pleased to know that a new Tri-Conference (Tri-Con) edition will be available by March 2016.

The book was originally an EMC effort; it became a joint edition with the EMMC in 1995.

The Christian Mennonite Conference (CMC) has used the material for a few years. This new 2016 edition is fully a Tri-Con work, with the oversight, writing, and funding involving the three conferences.

The book is being rewritten, not merely updated. Currently pastors, readers, and groups within the Tri-Con are testing materials. The design work continues.

The redesign draws together the classical themes of Christian theology and Anabaptist emphases. There are six lessons: God and revelation, Jesus Christ and salvation, Holy Spirit and discipleship, the kingdom and the future, church and mission, and Anabaptist history.

There is more material in each chapter than can be fully used in one lesson. The book can serve as a group study guide for six to twelve weeks, depending on how leaders select from and move through the lessons. A leader’s guide for each chapter is also being developed.

While a significant number of churches in the Tri-Con use The Christian Life book, it is desired that even more congregations will use this new material. The material is suitable for Christianity 101, baptism and membership, youth, and other classes.

The writing team is chief writer Arlene Friesen (EMMC), Darryl Klassen (EMC), Debbie Funk (CMC), and Jayelle Friesen (EMC). The overseeing committee members are Eric Goertzen (CMC), Dr. Terry Hiebert (EMMC), Rebecca Roman (EMC), Lil Goertzen (EMMC), Ward Parkinson (EMC), and chairman Terry Smith (EMC).

The book will be available at SBC’s Leadership Conference in March 2016. It will also be available online.

Because of Christ and by Anabaptist history the CMC, EMMC, and EMC have much

16 The Messenger • November 2015

g! n i m o C ver o C w e N in common; because of that we have worked together in various ways for years. The EMMC and EMC work together in missions in Mexico and Bolivia. The three conferences are involved with SBC, jointly produce the Memo Calendar (with SBC), and connect through the Tri-Con Editors’ Group.

In 1988 the Tri-Con held a joint ministerial meeting and that same year five conferences (Tri-Con, Mennonite Brethren and Conference of Mennonites) co-published Dr. Jon Bonk’s book on pacifism. In 1990 the EMC and EMMC moderators and CMC bishop encouraged pulpit exchange among churches. Then EMC moderator Harvey Plett asked in a letter to EMC leaders, “Are there other areas in which we could unite our resources for Kingdom service?” In 1994 the Tri-Con held a joint convention. In late 2004 the periodicals of the Tri-Con published a joint issue.

In the words of Tim Dyck, EMC general secretary, the production of The Christian Life is an exciting inter-conference effort. Jesus once said, “May they [the Church] be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them” (John 17:23). It is hoped and trusted that our Tri-Con cooperation is a Christhonouring witness.

– Terry M. Smith

With Our Missionaries

The Lord is at work!

BOM

BOLIVIA

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior.

He will exult over you with joy. He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy” (Zeph. 3:17). We are so thankful that God is in Bolivia as well in Canada.

Bolivia is experiencing winter. It has been quite cold with lots of rain, thunder, and lightning. The humidity is high. The temperature is relatively low, especially at night.

We are using a heavy quilt at night to keep warm. There is no furnace to keep the house cozy.

June saw the mission team and the Villa Nueva Church say goodbye to two missionary families. Our field directors David and Lisa Janzen, in Bolivia for seventeen years, moved to Manitoba. Simon and Edith Peters, here about ten years, moved to Alberta. They will both be greatly missed.

The addition of Abe and Margaret Harder to the team is a blessing. New eyes are helpful in the situations we find ourselves in. They are adjusting well to Bolivia. The directorship is divided between two missionary couples: Bill and Martha Kehler, here for four years now, and Arlie and Eva Peters, here for twelve years. Pray for them as they continue to direct and adjust.

Continue to pray for John as he prepares messages— that God would give him what the people need to hear and

Helen and John Froese (Pelly) serve in partnership with the MEM (EMMC and La Crete Bergthaler conferences).

apply to their lives in their daily walk with Christ. We have seen maturity in many of people, but we also see so many steps backwards.

John has had wonderful opportunities sharing Christ and His Word with men. Some are closed to the gospel and others are fairly open. Many are tired of the way they have to live and the restraints that they are under, but are also afraid.

John enjoys having a one on one with the men from the church—going with them to the city on business, spending time on the combine and other work places. We have a small core group that gets together for Bible study on Tuesday nights. We are praying that these couples will take big steps.

I lead a small group of young moms that come to ladies Bible study twice a month. They want to be there and admit they need these studies to grow in Christ. It is a joy when one comes to you and says, “I needed that lesson today. Thanks!” Being a leader and admitting I struggle with the same issues encourages them to go forward.

Please continue to pray for Bolivia and the mission team. Pray that there would be more coming to reap the harvest that is so ready. We need more workers! We feel that Bolivia is at the threshold of a great awakening.

– Helen Froese

Special Prayer Request

John’s Mom is in the hospital and not doing well. She is longing to go to her heavenly home. Please pray for John and his family, that God would strengthen them and encourage them during this time.

Let’s keep our focus on Christ and in the building of His Kingdom!

– John and Helen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

With Our Missionaries

Privileged to be involved Thank you for your prayers, interest in, and support of the work the Lord has given us here in Papua New Guinea.We are indeed privileged to be involved as we are.

We continue on at the NTM headquarters in the ministries of finance manager and elementary librarian. It’s great to be a support to the teams out there in their church planting efforts. That definitely involves the stewardship of finances to keep them going. Part of Laurel’s ministry includes getting books together and sent out to the home schooling families in the villages around the country.

We now have at least a couple of seniors in the Schroder family. One because that’s what grade 12 students are called here at Numonohi Christian Academy. The others, well, time keeps marching on. We serve an Ageless God who has many promises. Isaiah 46:4 comes to mind. Aren’t we blessed to have the love of the Father bestowed on us whatever our station in life is?

Joanna and Laurel are headed to Madang on the north coast of PNG for a week long Grade 12 work service project on Oct. 12. Five young men and a couple of dads will be framing a new house on our orientation and Interface base.

Laurel and Joanna will help with some painting along with other needed work on the base.

We continue to be focused on our brothers and sisters 362 kms away in Pukapuki. It’s great to have radio contact with them each week.

BOM

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Laurel, Tim, Joanna Schroder

Thanks again for being a part of our lives. We trust you are encouraged with what the Lord is doing in and through you. “See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1).

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

Paraguay Prayer Team 2016 March 8-22, 2016 Advancing Ministry Through Prayer Apply By: February 5, 2016 Cost: $2100 (approx.)

Accommodations: Billeting in missionary homes.

Request application: Call the EMC office at 204-326-6401 Diana (dpeters@emconf.ca) Gerald (greimer@emconf.ca)

18 The Messenger • November 2015

DEBORAH GIESBRECHT

Ministry Project: $100 of your trip fee goes towards a ministry project that will help further the efforts of the missionaries’ work.

With Our Churches Kleefeld EMC

A productive summer break

AIM

KLEEFELD, Man.—Marilyn Peters, a college student from Kleefeld EMC, worked hard throughout the summer, but set aside the final two weeks and some of her limited resources to serve with one of Advancing Indigenous Missons’ partners in Southeast Asia for the second time in two summers.

Through generous support of friends and church family, and the sacrifice of her own resources and time, she prioritized the ministry of encouraging brothers and sisters on the other side of the globe.

Marilyn went to serve with AIM Partner mission leaders, Pastor Lian and Daisy (Kleefeld members). Her time was spent building relationships, encouraging and teaching the Bible School students, and training the students in a skill she is developing herself: sewing.

She shares that even though she has not been trained in teaching or speaking, God strengthened her and used this visit for His glory. Additionally, she gathered resources to

Marilyn Peters served in Souteast Asia.

be sent ahead for the purchase of several sewing machines for this particular skills training.

At a retreat this past year God reminded Marilyn of the people, the country, and how much she loved them. She did not feel as though she had anything to give and sought the Lord for confirmation.

Like Moses she felt inadequate and requested that God send someone to go with her. In the end she travelled there on her own. The number of reasons not to go could have easily dissuaded her, but finally she decided to take a step of faith in obedience to Christ.

From having visited a year earlier, Marilyn felt better equipped in making preparations to go. She took time to prepare a number of encouragements from Scripture and arranged a significant care package that included clothing for the children’s care home, a few toys, vitamins, Tupperware for the College dry goods, masks for the TB situation, and 25 Bibles.

Ten days went by too quickly for Marilyn. “Relationships were built and strengthened, and blessings abounded.

I was definitely blessed by everyone there,” she said.

Pastor Lian and Daisy repeatedly share their appreciation for her visit and for the type of encouragement it brings. A trip like Marilyn’s helps believers, who feel isolated as a minority in their own country, to know that they are not alone and that they are loved and cherished by the Body of Christ around the world.

– Keith Peters

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

With Our Churches Mennville EMC

Changes and God’s promise

MEMC

MENNVILLE, Man.—This morning as I sat down to begin this report, my mind kept going back to the word “change.” There are so many changes that we face in life, and for us here in Mennville this is no exception. “There is a right time for everything and everything on earth will happen at the right time” (Eccl. 3:1).

A change happened for Leonard Dueck, a pioneer of the area. He with his wife Mary pulled up roots and moved to Morden. He and his first wife Linda were among the first people to come settle in the area. He has farmed here, raised his family here, retired here, lost his wife here, and left some family behind here to carry on what he started.

We had a farewell evening for them on Feb. 26. He reminisced about his early beginnings here, and how difficult it had been, but how they were up to the challenge.

We ended the evening with a food spread second to none.

We miss them a lot here, but wish them well.

A baptismal service was held on June 14. Five young women took this step: Ainsley Kroeker, Mackenzie Barkman, Chelsea Barkman, Makayla Barkman, and Lindsey Brandt.

We want to continue to support you and pray for you.

20 The Messenger • November 2015

Leonard and Mary Dueck

When our school closed its doors in 2008, we were left with a big empty building that was seldom used. After much debate and conversation it was decided we needed to sell it. We were fortunate; a buyer came along almost immediately and snapped it up.

So as of Jan. 1, 2015, it no longer belongs to us but to a local church who was bursting at the seams and needed more room. It is good to see the building be put to such good use. We enjoyed a “welcome here” lunch with them after our church service on Sept 20. Fellowship and perfect weather made it a fun time by all.

Four young people graduated from Grade 12 and all have gone on to Bible College or the workforce. Brianne Brandt, Taylor Sigurdson, Caleb Plett, and Nathan Friesen, we wish for you God’s richest blessing as you start this new chapter in life.

So, yes, changes happen. Many of them are for the good, but many times when we are not in control—job loss, financial insecurity, unexpected health issues—we find it hard to adjust. But as believers, when we find our world is falling apart or out of control, we have this promise in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge; with every step you take, think about what He wants, and He will help you go the right way.”

– Luella Brandt

With Our Churches Rosenort Fellowship Chapel

Brides, new members, and missionaries

RFC

ROSENORT, Man.—This summer was another busy time of activities for RFC. Our Ladies Fellowship held a bridal shower for four of our RFC brides.

The church basement was beautifully decorated in a wedding theme and was filled with friends to honour Chandra Rempel, Elena Cornelsen, Andrea Camera, and Josie Cornelsen.

Each was presented with gift certificates.

June 7 will be long remembered by the RFC congregation as a blessed event. Instead of going to church that Sunday morning we gathered beside the Pastor Brian McGuffin speaks as new members are received. nearby river for an outdoor baptism. God answered prayer and blessed us with one of back and consent to be our Senior Youth Leaders. They those rare, perfectly sunny and warm Manitoba mornings. began their term in September.

The grassy, gently sloping riverbank was a beautiful setA farewell service was held in August for our missionting for the audience to observe the eight candidates being aries to Ethiopia, Rolf and Ang Kruse and their family. immersed in the Morris River by Pastor Brian McGuffin.

They had spent their short furlough this summer with a Baptized were: Natalie Klassen, Naomi McGuffin, Abigail busy schedule visiting and reporting to their supporting McGuffin, Tess Murray, Meg Murray, Faye Murray, David churches across Canada.

Murray, and Merrill Fehr. These candidates, as well as During the Sunday morning service before the Kruses Stacy Fehr, Brooklyn Isaac, Tracy and Karl Klassen were all left to return to Ethiopia, our church leaders gathered received into the RFC membership. Welcome! around their family for special prayers of strength and proIn July the Rosenort area churches jointly put on a suctection. After the service the congregation gathered for a cessful week of VBS and was greatly enjoyed by the local buffet lunch and Rolf and Ang were given the opportunity children. It’s always so rewarding when the children perto express their thanks and their needs for God’s guidance, form in church what they learned the week before. protection and wisdom in their work with the Gumuz peoAug. 10–15 was the young kids week at Living Founple in Ethiopia. tain Bible camp with Pastor Brian McGuffin as the speaker.

Since they returned to the field in early September, we The following week our teens had their turn to enjoy camp received word from them requesting urgent prayer for the there as well. problems that had arisen while they were away. Let us be It’s always exciting to have our young folks return home faithful in interceding for all our missionaries in different after being away from the community to study at colleges. parts of the world.

RFC was grateful to have Craig and Laura Cornelsen come – Rose Cornelsen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Churches Prairie Rose EMC

LANDMARK, Man.—Earlier this year Don and Valerie Doerksen and family headed off to Bolivia for two weeks of music ministry with Wilfried and Shirley Hiebert (EFFC). The schedule was packed full of singing opportunities in front of live audiences and on the radio in both English and Low German.

In spring two young men were baptized: Mike Plett and Mark Wiebe. So far this year three couples have transferred in their membership: Reg and Darlene Wiebe, Wilmer and Roselle Brandt, and Alfred and Adeline Funk.

God’s blessings and grace were celebrated in two significant milestones with Ed Kroeker on his 95th birthday and Ed and Tina Barkman on their 75th wedding anniversary.

Two of our Bible college students were able to go on mission trips with Millar College of the Bible in April.

Shania Doerksen was on a drama team that went to New York City and area to perform several dramas and do some hands-on volunteer work. Gloria Friesen and team went to Progresso, Mexico, where they served with C-Quest through community projects focused on home, hope, health, and heart.

One highlight of the summer was the community worship service held outdoors at the park. All the churches of Landmark come together for a time of praise, worship, and fellowship. This year Paul Martens from the Landmark Christian Fellowship brought the message.

RESPONDING REBUILDING RESTORING

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

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

mds.mennonite.net

22 The Messenger • November 2015

PREMC

Much happening at PREMC

Don't be fooled by these empty pews. Much is happening.

We have enjoyed renewing acquaintances with several of our missionaries and hearing what God is doing in the ministries in which they are serving. Josh and Jocelyn R. Plett and boys (MAF in Madagascar) are home on furlough, and have shared at Men’s Night and Mission’s Conference. Sarah Richardson (NTM in Colombia) was home for a short visit and a funeral this summer.

Megan Funk arrived home in spring from a year of serving at Tui Ridge Camp in New Zealand, only to head off to Red Rock Bible Camp here in Manitoba for the rest of the summer. Laura and Emily Plett spent a few weeks in Spain to work at Bethel Retreat Centre and Children’s Camp. Helping out on maintenance and in the kitchen soon turned into becoming cabin counselors with Spanishspeaking campers. Heidi Plett came home from Namibia, Africa, and is plugging into the community until January when her re-assignment is determined.

This fall, the congregation is involved in “Prayer 10-70,” a plan to pray for our community for 10 weeks or 70 days.

By following along in a booklet, we pray for our friends, neighbours, businesses, and schools.

If you ever find yourself in Landmark on the first Sunday of the month, come join us. You are sure to be invited for the ever-popular potluck lunch.

– Lisa Friesen

With Our Churches Crestview Fellowship

Young people serve over the summer

CRESTVIEW

WINNIPEG, Man.— Some of our youth spent their summer working at various camps, so I asked them to if they would give me a write-up of their experiences. They sound pretty awesome.

Adam Schmidt: I spent the months of June, July, and August at Mission Baptist Church working in the West End area of Winnipeg co-leading a Sports/Lego Club for young children. Although it did bring along its challenges, I found spending my summer in Inner City ministry to be one of the most rewarding things I have been a part of.

One key lesson I learned this summer is that God can use us no matter what we think we can or cannot do. Coming into this ministry opportunity, I definitely felt God’s call, but also felt extremely inadequate. I was quickly thrown into things I was totally not comfortable doing. I chose to rely on God for strength and asked him to equip me for what he had in store for me this summer. As the summer progressed, I found things like creating conversations with people I had not met before become almost second nature.

Praise God for the challenges in our lives!

Brianna Wiebe: This summer I worked at Camps with Meaning, making it my third summer there as a staff person and my eighth summer in total. Camps with Meaning is a Mennonite Church Manitoba organization in three locations: Camp Assiniboia, Camp Koinonia, and Camp Moose Lake.

Going to camp is the highlight of my year, and the day it’s over I start counting down the days until next summer, as I can’t think of any place I’d Brianna Wiebe rather be. To me,

camp is a place of community, where people of all ages, upbringings, and struggles in life come together to celebrate our amazing God, His creation, and each other, and have a ton of fun doing it.

This summer, I spent time at all three of the camps in many different roles, from counselAdam Schmidt ing to activity leading to mentoring the new staff. Some highlights of my job included teaching kids how to build a fire and archery, leading evening devotions for the day camp staff, and spending time with campers with different physical and mental abilities.

In a camp environment, we all spend so much time together doing a million different things, from goofing off to having meaningful conversations, that by the end of the week it’s nearly guaranteed you’ll have made new best friends and become super close with almost everybody, both staff and campers alike. In a setting like that, it’s a perfect opportunity as a counselor to connect to campers and show them how important and loved each one of them is, and use that connection to help guide campers in their faith journey.

Our number one focus at camp is on the campers, not only to make sure they have a good time, but to help them grow their faith through teaching them about God. In the process, staff members also have an amazing and unforgettable experience, as we grow closer with God and each other everyday.

– Sharron Staub

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Redcliff EMC

Busy, exciting, fun, blessed

BOM

REDCLIFF, Alta.—Here’s a look at the activities and events that we as a church have been privileged to host, do, and enjoy, with the intentions of bringing in people to build relationships and hear the Gospel. Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain.”

Baptism—a God-honouring day and gorgeous weather. Our regular meeting place was filled with approximately 75 guests from far and near, friends and family of the two young men, Peter Wall and Cornelius Siemens, who shared their stories of coming to faith in Christ. Both have Anna and Abe Bueckert Verna Doerksen powerful testimonies. From there we all went down to the river for the baptism by immersion, VBS—some 20 children enjoyed four evenings of singwhich was a new concept for most. ing, skits (themes based on the Bible story and lesson), Pleasantly, our group was the only one there, so we had Bible stories, recreation, snacks, and crafts. Besides the liberty to carry on without hindrances. A potluck lunch in children, several mothers were there to take in the spiritual the picnic shelter with tables overflowing with good food food as well. For a part of the last evening, parents came satisfied our physical needs. for a short program to end this year’s VBS. It seemed that But even better was the fellowship where a number of we had just gotten started when it had to end. individuals gave words of encouragement to the baptized Other activities have included a Bontrager family conguys and to all of us. God’s sweet presence was tangible cert, a youth campout, a church family campout, and ball and it would have been wonderful to stay longer. games, which are part of our kingdom building as we seek That same afternoon back at the church our small to reach out into the community. regular group enjoyed the Lord’s fellowship through com– Verna Doerksen munion, also a first.

The Second Annual Gospel Music Jamboree— another event with just the right weather where God’s presence was powerfully felt. With six music groups filling the tent with well-chosen songs of praise, the attendees’ hearts were lifted to experience God’s love.

The crowd was larger this year, and included more local Low German Mennonites.

We were so pleased that the food was pretty much sold by the end and there was little to clean up later.

Thanks to the Town of Redcliff, which has been so supportive of the Jamboree. And thanks to volunteers who helped with the food, the set-up and clean-up.

Inner City Youth Alive

www.icya.ca

24 The Messenger • November 2015

With Our Churches Taber EMC

VBS and Beth Moore serve children, women TABER, Alta.—Summer has been eventful at Taber EMC. In August we had our annual VBS week. This year the theme was Everest and focused on the power of God. About 100 children were in attendance both from our church congregation and from the surrounding community.

The committee planning the week put a lot of work into planning and did an excellent job. The decorations were exceptionally grand including a set of giant mountains on the church stage. The many volunteers who also helped run the program were greatly appreciated by both parents and kids alike.

September has brought a close to summer and a return to the business of fall. Our Sunday School program has begun for the year as well as several Bible studies.

To kick off the ladies fall Bible study, our church hosted the Beth Moore Simulcast. About 100 women from our

church as well as surrounding churches came out for the day to hear Beth speak about audacity. Although there were a few technological glitches, it was a great day none the less. It is so wonderful to meet with women from our community churches as well as some from our sister churches, even as far away as Redcliff.

September also brought about a leadership conference in our church. Lyndon Wall spent fourdays teaching about church leadership, leadership in the Sunday School setting, and the importance of prayer. We find programs like this to be helpful in both encouraging our current leaders and also in bringing up new and future leaders within our church.

As we head into fall and winter our church is looking forward to all the things that come with these seasons. Our ladies choir has begun to practice for Christmas and preparations are being made for the annual community fall supper.

– Naomi Klassen

•• Kleefeld EMC

KLEEFELD, Man.—Our church family has been privileged and blessed to have Erwin and Heather Dirks fellowshipping with us since they moved from Winnipeg to Kleefeld this past year. Erwin and Heather renovated the home of Ted and Emmie Wiens (Heather’s parents) and are fortunate to live at this beautiful location just half a mile from the church.

Erwin is in the department of engineering at the University of Manitoba and Heather works as a Winnipeg high school teacher and case manager. They were previously worshiping at The Meeting Place. On Sept. 20 they shared their testimonies with us and were accepted into membership at Kleefeld EMC. God bless you, Erwin and Heather, as you worship and serve the Lord with us.

– Louella Friesen

KLEEFELD EMC

Heather and Erwin Dirks join KEMC

Heather and Erwin Dirks

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

With Our Churches Heartland Community Church

Worship and the saints

HEARTLAND

LANDMARK, Man.—In Spring 2015 Heartland hosted a Worship Seminar with Dr. Christine Longhurst. Her education, experience, and spiritual gifts have uniquely shaped her to equip the Church in the areas of corporate worship.

Christine, on March 7, offered plenty of seminar topics to choose from. All worshipers were invited to the seminars to understand our own responsibilities and attitudes that we bring to church on Sunday when we gather to worship God. We are already benefiting from her teachings.

Our Education Committee held an intergenerational service in which we gathered around tables to tell stories about the influencers (saints) in our lives. The stories were recorded on posters, then taped to the sanctuary walls for others to read. Five people also shared which saints influenced their lives.

Denis Keating shared about his upbringing and how his wife Wilma (a pastor’s daughter) and her family influenced his life tremendously. He also colourfully described how a Christian brother (Harold Barg) lifted his spirit out of deep mire with his words of encouragement at the right time.

Michelle Carter shared how her grandmother influenced her life by reading Christian children stories such as Hive of Busy Bees. She also mentioned women who had cared for and mentored her in her life.

Jen Plett shared about three saints who have influenced her: Kim Stoesz of Braeside EMC; Moe Feakes, director of House of Hesed; and Juergen Severloh, Crisis Pregnancy

An intergenerational service included gathering around tables to tell stories of saints, people of influence upon our lives.

26 The Messenger • November 2015

Jen Plett shared about three saints who have influenced her.

Centre. She said: “Kim became one of my Saints when she spoke about mental illness. …her sermon gave me hope for all of those tortured souls.” “Moe taught me more about unconditional love and showing the love of Jesus in a nonjudgmental manner than I think I could ever learn from a sermon.” And Juergen inspired Jen with his selfless care for pregnant women and their unborn children.

Brenda Funk recalled a series from 1997 called Viewpoint. It was taught by Corey Herlevsen at SBC. This experience affected many of her family members, she said.

Brenda also credited a number of authors who have had an impact in her life at different times.

Elmer Funk shared: “Various people who attend or used to attend this church come to mind when I think of saints, people who have pulled back the veil a little to help me glimpse what it means to be godly and what it means to be human.”

In the wake of the world’s unrealistic expectations of saints and heroes, Elmer left us with a quote by Frederick Buechner from Secrets in the Dark, A Life in Sermon: “I think I know that, recognized or unrecognized, Christ sleeps in the deepest selves of all of us, and whatever we do in whatever time we have left, wherever we go, may we in whatever way we can call on him as the fishermen did in their boat to come awake within us and to give us courage, to give us hope, to show, each one our way” (p. 296).

– Brigitte Toews

With Our Churches Pansy Chapel

PANSY, Man.—As is our tradition, Pansy Chapel was the scene of a hearty Thanksgiving celebration on the Sunday after the calendar date. Some 200 of us had gathered; there was lots of joy and laughter as guests and homebodies alike enjoyed the scrumptious food and the giving of thanks.

After the meal we worshipped together in praise and then, on a more somber note, gave tribute to Pastor Ed and Sabrina Giesbrecht who have served us so well for the past 10-plus years. Their ministry, that began with youth work and rose to that of lead pastor for the past several years, has affected all of us at a very personal level.

Appreciation runs deep and the hurt of their resignation lingers, but the fleece is still out. After an extended leave and appropriate time allowed for renewal, will they be back to serve us again? In the meantime our friendship and fellowship with them continues and we wish them well.

– Betty Barkman

PANSY

Thanksgiving celebration, pastoral tribute

Lead elder Dennis and Betty Anne Braun have just expressed the church’s heartfelt appreciation to Ed and Sabrina Giesbrecht with the flowers and a gift envelope on behalf of all of us.

•• Portage Evangelical Church

PORTAGE

Parent-child dedication, baptism PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man.—On Sept. 20, 2015, our church had a parent-child dedication plus a baptism. The parents were Kurtis and Holly McKee dedicating Clint, Judy and Dwayne Driedger dedicating Charlotte and Marcus, and Maria and Derek Kempe dedicating Nikolas.

Jeff Holm was baptized by Pastor Glenn Loewen and Dad Gord Holm. Supportive church friends surrounded Jeff with prayer.

– Stan Wiebe Jeff Holm was baptized.

PEC encourages Christian parents to follow Christ, to be an example to their children, and to raise their children in the Lord.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

Column • Further In and Higher Up

Jesus freaks and the quiet in the land

T The Church needs both the fire of sold-out passion and the steady hand of people whose faith is submerged in daily routines.

We should stop trying to convert each other.

28 The Messenger • November 2015

DESIGNPICS

by Layton Friesen

he Church has always had two types of Christians and they might as well be good to each other. On the one hand, we have the hot ’n readys, the Spiritfired chasers of Jesus who are ready to turn their lives and their village upside down.

These are the apostles, the St. Francises, the George Blaurocks, the John Wesleys and the Shane Claibournes. Most revivals, revolutions, or reforms have come from these people. Their sins tend to be impatience, spiritual arrogance, emotionalism, and heresy.

On the other hand, we have the slow ’n steadys. These are disciples too, but they mostly want to live decent lives and then go to church on Sunday. They have their careers, families, and routines that they pray are pleasing to God, but have little interest in selling everything and giving to the poor. They are more interested in the long-term stability of the Church than in electrifying the town tonight.

They do not make rash promises about what they will conquer for Jesus, but they do show up.

Because of these people the Church has lasted 2,000 years and is still inching forward. The sins of the slow ’n steady tend to be compromise, lethargy, and “Nicodemism,” which is avoiding persecution by blending in.

Different churches have leaned one way or the other. In the Early Church the apostles left everything to ply the seas and put the boots to the devil. But not many other people did. Most heard the Message, were baptized, and then went home to do the milking. Jesus honoured them both.

The Medieval Church had “the religious” who were the monks and nuns, and “the secular” who were the common lay people. Anabaptism began in Switzerland when some hot ’n readys got fed up with Zwingli’s slow, incremental reform. Anabaptists tried to be a church of only hot ’n readys, but eventually you ended up with Mennonites.

Eighteenth century Evangelicalism and 20th century Pentecostalism tried the same. All of these resulted in genuine renewal of the Church, but in no case a Church of only Apostle Peters.

These two groups have their unique ways of afflicting each other. The hot ’n readys harangue the “luke-warm” who do not “really” believe, hoping to set them on fire. They are often willing to split the Church to make their point. The slow ’n steadys will simply institutionalize the “freaks” out the church door, consigning them to the monastery or a parachurch organization.

The slow ’n steadys generally hold the power and money of the Church, while the hot ’n readys claim the moral high ground.

The Church needs both the fire of sold-out passion and the steady hand of people whose faith is submerged in daily routines. We should stop trying to convert each other. Churches can provide places within the congregation for people called to live extreme faith. Perhaps we need monastic-type communities within the congregation with people committed in an extraordinary way to prayer or service. They should not need to leave or split the Church to live super-charged lives.

We also need to stop implying that all slow ’n steadys are compromised slackers. It’s okay that some people don’t want to talk about their faith all the time, or attend all-night prayer meetings, or move to Calcutta to live on love. There are steady disciples and there are radical disciples.

It’s all good.

For more, read Ivan J. Kaufman’s book Follow Me: A History of Christian Intentionality (Cascade, 2009).

News

SBC excited by numbers, overall student life Assisting Bethany College transfers to complete degrees

SBC

STEINBACH, Man.—A new year at Steinbach Bible College is underway. It is exciting to note that this year has seen an increase in student numbers. We are pleased to welcome 48 new students, plus another 53 returning students, to studies at SBC. Thirty-six community students are also studying part-time with us. We also have the privilege of welcoming an additional eight students transferring from Bethany College to complete their degrees.

Seventy-four students are benefiting from the rich residence community-life experience. This year’s student body is diverse, with the countries of Ukraine, Paraguay, Belize, and Mexico Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed a wiener roast to start the year. represented, adding a rich dimension to campus life.

Why do students choose SBC? First year student Kater- Editor’s note: Sadly, Bethany College, a fine Mennonite ine tells us, “I felt like I needed this experience after being Brethren institution in Hepburn, Sask., closed its doors last at the U. of M. for a year. I hang out with friends from all year. EMCers have attended Bethany. different backgrounds so I’d like to use this experience to be a better influence in their life.”

Second year student Tristan returned to study this Get Your Free Copy!

Theodidaktos Taught by God year “to get a better idea of what ministry looks like.

I’m looking forward to seeing other people impacted Theodidaktos, Journal for EMC theology A Dialogue about War, by the gospel.”

History, and and education (August 2015) Faith Students who study at SBC come with a desire to grow in their relationship with God and leave A Dialogue about War, History, and Faith empowered as servant leaders who follow Jesus, serve the church, and engage the world.

Responding to Bruxy Cavey’s Position – SBC Statement on the Gay Marriage Debate Journal for EMC theology and education |

Volume 10 Number 1 August 2015

p. 8

Also Inside:

Responding to Bruxy Cavey’s Position Statement on the Gay Marriage Debate

Nuggets for a Guest Preacher:

A Look at the Early Bonhoeffer on Preaching and as Preacher

Am I a Hypocrite for Being a Pacifist?

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Perspectives of Pacifism

A publicAtion of the evAngelicAl Mennonite conference

Nuggets for a Guest Preacher: A Look at the Early Bonhoeffer on Preaching and as Preacher

Free for Sunday School!

Contact info@emconf.ca or 204-3266401.

Perspectives of Pacifism Sermon: Am I a Hypocrite for Being a Pacifist?

This EMC journal is published once or twice a year and distributed freely (postage extra in some cases) by the EMC Board of Church Ministries. It is obtained at your local church, at the national office, or by downloading from the EMC website (Resources). The editor is Darryl G. Klassen, Kleefeld EMC (kemc@mts.net).

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News

Ben Eidse shares a lifetime of insights in new publication STEINBACH, Man.—Ben Eidse, a long-time EMC missionary on the continent of Africa, has produced a new book, The Disciple and Sorcery: The Lunda-Chokwe View (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, UK, 2015, $81.99 USD), sharing a lifetime of insights into worldviews and spiritual warfare. The book was launched at McNally Robinson in Winnipeg on Sept. 12 and at SBC on Sept. 15.

Eidse encountered the problem of sorcery in 1953, his first year in Congo. He discovered many Christians who “continue to fear sorcery and are tempted to use it to harm others.”

After three decades in Congo and three terms as SBC president, Eidse was offered a sabbatical. He enrolled at the University of Edinburgh to examine the Lunda-Chokwe view of sorcery more deeply. His study presents the meaning of sorcery within its cultural context and spells out its implications for a biblical, culturally relevant, Christ-centred discipleship.

Eidse, SBC’s chancellor, drew on decades immersed with the mixed tribe on the Congo-Angola border, where he also taped oral histories, mentored doctoral students from Stanford University, and taught an anthropology course for Fuller University.

Eidse learned the myths, proverbs, and heart language while helping build the Kamayala mission and planting 80 churches. In 1969 he was asked by the American Bible Society to translate the Bible into modern Chokwe. This he did over 13 years with two folklorist-pastors, often discussing sorceryrelated words and concepts.

30 The Messenger • November 2015

TERRY SMITH

Looks within an African worldview at spiritual warfare

Chancellor Ben Eidse and missions professor Carl Loewen pose during the launch of Eidse’s book at SBC on Sept. 15.

In 1975 the administrative committee of the Congo Mennonite Church asked them to develop a lesson book on the sorcery problem. The lessons were so well-received, “evidently meeting a strongly-felt need,” he wrote, “that the Presbyterian church requested permission to translate it into Tshiluba” and use illustrations from that ethnic group.

Key concepts of the Lunda-Chokwe tribes were “wellbeing” and “interconnectedness.” Yet one chief lamented that sorcery tore the clan apart, as first one member and then another acquired sorcery powers to kill others.

Ben and Helen Eidse were the first missionaries sent overseas by the EMC, under (now) Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, to a new, receptive area in southwestern Congo.

They, with their African partners, established 80 churches, ran 24 clinics, delivered the leprosy cure, and joined in spiritual battle against sorcery and corruption. Eidse and two pastors went on to translate the Bible into a modern, dynamic Chokwe despite revolution, disease, and disability.

He and Helen, who died in 2010, won a Lifetime Service Award from the Association of Anabaptist-Mennonite Missiologists for their cultural sensitivity and service.

– Adapted from Faith Eidse and SBC

News

Family in Pakistan finds relief from hunger 1,800 families helped during drought

PWS&D

THAR, Pakistan—In the Thar region of Pakistan, where many people are poor small-scale farmers, drought-like conditions can be dangerous.

“In the last two years, our source of income has decreased considerably,” says Narso, a woman living in Thar with her husband, and their five children.

A severe drought affecting large swaths of land has left many families in their village without their daily source of food, and many farmers without their source of income.

Narso’s crops, once flourishing after months of digging and tilling, have now withered into brittle, empty husks. But even before the drought, managing the harvest, and tending to livestock was a challenge for the family.

Eight years ago, Narso’s husband severely injured his left arm, resulting in its amputation. Narso, who also lives with a disability, helps her husband thresh and plough the fields. Together they manage to harvest just enough food to sustain their family and meet their needs.

But during the drought, their only source of income was the earnings of their 13-year-old son, who worked as

Oil, flour, and lentils were distributed.

The first of six rounds of the distribution.

a helper in a house in another village. As the dry weather continued, the family exhausted their savings. Hope for a better life began to dwindle.

It was at this point that Canadian Foodgrains Bank member Presbyterian World Service & Development, through their local partner Community World Service Asia, began providing emergency food packages to meet the nutritional needs of Narso’s family, and 1,800 other families affected by the drought in until they can continue harvesting their own fields.

The project provides them with wheat flour, oil, lentils, salt, and matchboxes, and is worth $1.1 million.

“The food quality is good and the quantity is enough to ensure food security for the entire family,” shares Narso. “I have been saved from taking out loans, selling my livestock, and borrowing food.”

For Narso, these food packages offer relief from hunger and restore hope for a future of health and happiness for her family.

She is hopeful that this year’s rains will bring a good harvest and that she will be able to continue providing for her children.

– PWS&D and CFGB

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

News

World Fellowship Sunday materials available Jan. 24 remembers the first Anabaptist baptisms BOGOTA, Colombia—“Walking with God finds its total meaning in fellowship—in the breaking of bread, serving, and meeting the needs of others,” says César García, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference. “It does not mean the absence of challenges, but recognizing we are assured of victory with and through God.” On World Fellowship Sunday (WSF) on Jan. 24, 2016, Mennonite and Brethren in Christ believers remember the first Anabaptist baptisms performed in Switzerland in 1525. “That act of obedience and courage continues to shape our understanding of what it means to be disciples today,” says García.

WFS is a reminder that “we belong to each other as sisters and brothers in

God’s household,” says García. “We support each other, uphold those who are suffering and being persecuted, and learn from one another.” Local Anabaptist congregations held a joint service in Bogota, Colombia, on WSF in the past few years. “It was a blessing to see how differences are overcome when we look for the presence of the Lamb as the centre of our gatherings,” he said.

A WFS resource package, downloadable from mwc-cmm.org, contains preaching texts, music suggestions from the PA 2015 songbook, prayer requests, and sermon resources. The October issue of Courier is also a tool, containing addresses on “Walking with God,” from Assembly 16 in Pennsylvania.

García invites churches to take a

special offering that Sunday to support the global Anabaptist communion.

This offering will be counted toward the national church body’s Fair Share contribution. Each member might contribute the cost of one lunch. Congregations may follow the service with a fellowship meal or a time of prayer and fasting.

WSF calls world Anabaptists to this journey. For six days at Assembly in Pennsylvania in July 2015, more than 8,000 Anabaptists sojourned together; on WFS, though divided by time zones and location, García invites MWC member churches to gather together in spirit in their local congregations.

– MWC

••

Nicaragua food security learning tour EMC Foreign Secretary Ken Zacharias sees tour as useful WINNIPEG, Man.—Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) is inviting applications for a Feb. 18 to March 4, 2016, learning tour to Nicaragua focused on the link between hunger and small-scale farmers.

Tour participants will visit CFGB projects and learn firsthand about issues surrounding global hunger and the people whose lives it affects. They will then be encouraged to become advocates upon returning to their home communities.

The tour will provide opportunities to learn more about the causes of hunger and the different actions that can be taken to help end global hunger. Participants will also get a

32 The Messenger • November 2015

better understanding of how development programs to support small-scale farmers go a long way to reducing hunger and malnutrition.

The two-week long tour includes visits to CFGB-supported projects, interacting with Nicaraguan farmers, meeting government officials, and visiting marketplaces and shops. CFGB member projects to be visited include MCC, Presbyterian World Service & Development, and World Renew.

The cost of the tour is $2,500 CDN and includes all airfare and in-country costs. There is for the possibility of financial support for participants of the tour upon request. The trip is open to anyone who is or who wishes

to be active in their church or community, is over the age of 18, and able to travel to Nicaragua.

There is value in this tour, says Ken Zacharias, EMC foreign secretary. The EMC began mission work in Nicaragua 49 years ago and maintains contact with the conference of churches that emerged. To be involved in the tour is helpful as “the EMC continues our relationships in Nicaragua,” he says.

For more information and to apply, visit http://foodgrainsbank.ca/current-tours or email James Kornelsen at jkornelsen@foodgrainsbank.ca – CFGB and EMC

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.

Mennville EMC, a rural congregation with an attendance of 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.

High Level Christian Fellowship (HLCF) is seeking a full-time pastor. HLCF is a diverse but well established congregation 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).

Pelly Fellowship Chapel is seeking a three-quartertime pastor. Pelly is a small community located in a farming area, surrounded by lots of fishing and hunting opportunities. PFC is a small church with a predominately older congregation. We do have an active children's ministry with bridges to young community families.

PFC is looking for someone who has strong preaching and teaching gifts along with a heart for reaching the lost. PFC has a nice manse with a large yard and garden area.

Interested applicants can contact Gordon Bellows at 306-548-4361 or email a resume to gbellows@sasktel.net.

Treesbank Community Church is a small rural church in southwest Manitoba that is seeking a pastor to lead our congregation and outreach in our community. This could be on a full- or part-time basis. It could be on a flexible schedule to allow a student to do some practicum while still in college, or to allow someone to transition to retirement on a part-time flexible schedule. If you are interested in church leadership and outreach and feel God calling you to this type of ministry, please contact Leonard Plett at 204-824-2475 or at lplett@mts.net.

The Anola Fellowship Chapel (EMC) is presently looking to fill the church youth leader position. This is a part-time paid position. We are looking for someone with a vision for youth evangelism and discipleship.

There is a program for students in grades 7-12.

Individuals or couples may apply. Submit resume with references, personal statement of faith, or any questions to search committee chairman at: bdowler@mts.net, or Box 101, Anola, MB R0E 0A0.

Other Positions Mid-Way Christian Leadership seeks a full-time caring team member to support the small group of believers in Grand Rapids, Man., under the leadership of Fred and Stella Neff. It is a paid position moving into a raised support funding model. The individual will support Christians as they grow into the Christian leaders of the north in Manitoba. Helping lead Sunday School, preaching, and leading Bible studies are some of the more formal “programs” that exist today, but, most importantly, people either need to accept Jesus or follow Him in victory. We are building a team passionate about following God by discipling people into mature Christians and ultimately replacing our leadership positions from those we work with. Please email us at generaldirector.mcl@gmail. com for a full job description or inquiries.

degree of personal initiative. Must be prepared to organize own schedule and work independently. They should be familiar with the programs of Providence University College, Mile Two Discipleship School, and Providence Theological Seminary.

Inquiries and Resumes should be addressed to Human Resources, Providence University College, Otterburne, MB R0A 1G0; 204-433-7488, ext. 222; (fax) 204-433-7158; hr@prov.ca.

North Star Mennonite Church, Drake, Sask., is looking for a one year full-time interim pastor beginning February 2016. We are looking for a pastor who has strong relational gifts and has confidence in preaching the Scriptures from an Evangelical Anabaptist perspective. This person should have moral character and integrity. Reporting to and in partnership with the Church Council, the pastor will oversee the general health and care of the church.

Applicants must be in agreement with the NSMC’s vision and mission statement and our statement of purpose. If you have strong interpersonal skills and a passion for Christ and a desire to grow and lead a family orientated church we would encouraged you to consider this opportunity.

NSMC would have 50-70 in attendance. We are a rural farming community.

Please contact Floyd Bartel at 306-365-8460 or send a resume email to fbart@explornet.com.

Bagot Community Chapel (EMMC) located at Bagot, Man., is in search of an associate pastor. We are a growing rural church with a lot of young families and an average attendance of 125 to 150. For a complete job description and application form visit bagotchapel.com.

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.

Providence University College and Theological Seminary invites applications for the position of enrollment officer. Candidates with a strong Christian value system and lifestyle, and a commitment to Christ-centred university education are encouraged to apply.

This is a full-time, 12-month position. The Enrollment Officer plays an active, important part in the work of the Enrollment Management Office as the primary contact between the future student and the institution throughout the application process.

Applicants should have a commitment to Christian higher education; have strong interpersonal skills, Open your home or workplace to an excellent communication skills, cusinternational volunteer tomer service attitude, team-player ivep.mcc.org attitude, strong organizational and detail management skills, and a high

LIVE OUT YOUR FAITH

International Volunteer Exchange Program

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

Programs of Mennonite Central Committee

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Column • Here and Far Away

The Yoke

“C "Carry it as I do. Interpret it upon My principles.

Take My yoke, learn of Me, and you will find life easier to live."

34 The Messenger • November 2015

DREAMSTIME

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

ome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me … and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt.

11:28-29).

Why, while professing to give rest, does Christ with His next breath whisper “burden”? Is the Christian life, after all, what its enemies take it for, an additional weight to the already great woe of life? I can see, with this understanding, many people are simply too fatigued to travel the way of Christ.

Our counsellor recommended a book written in 1890 by Henry Drummond, who pointed out an obvious truth: "Did you ever stop to ask what a yoke is really for? Is it to be a burden to the animal which wears it? It is just the opposite. It is to make its burden light. Attached to the oxen in any other way than by a yoke, the plough would be intolerable. …A yoke is not an instrument of torture; it is an instrument of mercy. It is not a malicious contrivance for making work hard; it is a gentle device to make hard labour light. It is not meant to give pain, but to save pain. And yet men speak of the yoke of Christ as if it were a slavery….

"The burden Christ is referring to is not some special burden laid upon the Christian, an infliction that they alone must bear. Human life itself is the general burden which every person carries with them from birth to death.

"For some life is a weariness, for others a failure, for all a struggle and pain. Life is the whole world’s burden. Here is Christ’s solution: “Carry it as I do. Interpret it upon My principles. Take My yoke, learn of Me, and you will find life easier to live. My yoke is easy, works easily, sits right upon the shoulders, and therefore My burden is light.”

Christ doesn’t suggest that He’ll absolve every Christian from bearing burdens. That

would absolve them from living, since life itself is the burden. Rather, He offers His prescription for the best and happiest method of living.

My own strength and the “best practices” of the world are yolks that sit uncomfortably upon the shoulders, chafing, making the burden more burdensome. “Seeking first the Kingdom” is not just one more thing I must add to my “to do” list. It’s what enables me to have “all these things added unto me”—because with the Word of God, Christ, the way He shows how to live, the burden is made easier to bear. This brings rest.

Practically, for me, this means rather than moaning about how busy I am or over a current problem, I steep in the Word and ask of the Spirit where and how to invest my time and energy. “Learn from Me,” Christ tells us. I can’t do that in any other way than to take in the Word of God. Columnist’s note: The quotes and concepts in this article come from Henry Drummond’s work entitled Pax Vobiscum (Peace Be With You).

The chapter is called, “What Yolks are For.” Pax Vobiscum is a wonderful short piece that can be found for free download on the Internet. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Editor’s note: Henry Drummond (1851-1897), a Scot, was a Free Church minister and college professor who had earlier served as an evangelist with Dwight L. Moody.

Column • stewardship today

Regrets on parting with my old bicycle (not really)

T

by Dori Zerbe Cornelsen

DESIGNPICS

his past summer I had my own Diderot Effect moment. The term comes from Grant McCracken, an anthropologist who has studied patterns of consumption.

He coined it from an essay written by Denis Diderot, a 18th century French philosopher.

Diderot’s essay, “Regrets on Parting with My Old Dressing Gown,” opens with a character lamenting the memory of his old, comfortable dressing gown as he sits in his stiff and starchy, if new and elegant, scarlet gown. In the gown that he received as a gift, he now finds himself perplexed about gown’s power to transform his room. It precipitated a complete renovation of his study because it looked, well, shabby, when the new gown was introduced.

The Diderot Effect is called a problem of upgrading. One new item can lead to a cascading effect of spending to make the upgrade fit into a person’s lifestyle. That sort of describes what happened when I received a new bike as a birthday gift. While thrilled with the bike, several additional purchasing decisions came up.

I had already been thinking that I should get a new bike helmet. The 15-year-old date stamp in mine had made it way past expiration for most helmets. Now with the new bike, I definitely needed a new helmet (for protection of course).

I live in Winnipeg, where people talk about an epidemic of bike theft, and several friends have had that unhappy experience. Now I had to think about whether my combination cable lock would protect the bike or if I needed to upgrade to a keyed u-lock.

And what about fenders, new lights, and maybe a cage for my water bottle?

I do not regret parting with my old bicycle, but when I received the new bike, I needed to pause to consider my spending. Were items needs or wants? Would items be useful or simply stylish? Was I going to freely enjoy using the bike or be anxious about losing it, as if it were part of me?

The Diderot Effect has been around for a long time, and, with spending on advertising in North America projected to be more than $200B in 2015, it has the potential to only increase. In

Diderot’s essay, the character finds himself in a new gown and new room, but also in significant debt and strained relationships.

Our faith values can help us make wise decisions even when upgrades we purchase have the potential to make our spending spiral. Resources like Giving Your First Fruits: Money Faith and Worship, prepared by MFC, can help us move away from spiral spending and toward lives of generosity: “We accept God’s good gifts, and we do not deny ourselves or others owning things.

But the attitude with which we use those gifts— including the use of money—is where we run into snags…. It is in community with each other, and in communion with God that we will find sufficiency and contentment” (p. 68).

Let’s be careful to remember that our things do not define us. Instead, we can strive to be known for kindness and compassion, characteristics that open us to spending not only on ourselves, but in generosity toward others.

Note: Resources such as Giving Your First Fruits: Money, Faith and Worship are available on our website MennoFoundation.ca.

Our faith values can help us make wise decisions even when upgrades we purchase have the potential to make our spending spiral.

Dori Zerbe Cornelsen is a stewardship consultant at Mennonite Foundation of Canada serving generous people in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. For more information on impulsive generosity, stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit MennoFoundation.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Column • kids’ corner

Do little things count?

W Little things do count.

Little things become a part of something larger.

ISTOCK

by Loreena Thiessen

ould you like a big piece or a small one? A big scoop or a tiny scoop?

I’ll bet you choose big over small.

Is big always better than small? It can be, if you’re hungry. A larger piece of pizza will make you feel fuller longer. And it will make waiting for that next meal easier.

But not everything is better bigger. A larger baseball might be easier to hit, but it would fly a lot slower and not go as far. You may not have the strength or ability to swim across a large pool, but can safely manage a much smaller one.

Some tiny things can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. A pebble in your shoe will stop you in your tracks. A sliver in your finger will hurt until it is pulled out; it can also cause infection.

Sand in your eye will stop from you from seeing until it is washed out.

Some things start out tiny, like the panda bear; it would fit in your hand. It eats most of the day and grows to be as large as a heavy adult man. The kangaroo at birth is the size of a pink jelly bean. In time it will grow to be two meters tall and jump eight metres with one bound.

What can you do?

Activity: What does God want you to do?

Do: Read Deuteronomy 10:12.

Find what God wants you to do.

Share what you find with your family or friends.

36 The Messenger • November 2015

As a child you have to wait before you can do an important adult job, like be a teacher, a doctor, or a leader in the church. You have to grow first and get the right skills. But you can do little things. Little things do count. Little things become a part of something larger—like puzzle pieces.

Your parents do many little things. They cook your favourite meal for you. They take you out for ice cream and to the rink to skate. They play ball with you in the backyard and table games after dinner. These are a part of the larger picture, caring for you as one of the family.

You can give thanks for all small or big things in your life. You can spend time with someone who is alone. You can do a kindness like rake leaves, shovel a walk, clean up the supper dishes, walk the dog, or play with your little sister. You can write a happy note to someone who may need cheering up.

In Deuteronomy 10:12 Moses tells the people there are three things God wants them to do.

What are they?

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