The Messenger Vol. 54 No. 05 May 2016

The Messenger a publication of the Evangelical

Mennonite Conference

Volume 54  No. 05 May 2016

Christ Rose, Take It Personally

page 6

ALSO INSIDE:

Through 50 Years In Germany, In Him I Trust 10 page

Immigration: An Ancient Story In Modern Times 13 page

Dr. Preston Sprinkle: Nonviolence Is Central To Jesus' Message 17 ISTOCK

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Editorials

Feedback is important!

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eedback to EMC boards, committees, and staff people is important. Some examples: • In 2008 this magazine published news of a CMU forum where same-sex attraction was discussed.

Although it was a news item, not a teaching article (an editorial, a lead article, or a column), a reader objected by phone. Lesson learned: any mention of homosexuality can be misunderstood to favour a change in the definition of marriage. The EMC’s official position and my personal position are the same: marriage is between a man and a woman.

• Advertising two particular speakers-writers resulted in objections. In retrospect, promotion was an error in one case. In another case, concerns were investigated and the decision was made to continue the promotion.

• In 2012 Morris Fellowship Chapel objected to a series published on old earth creation. In retrospect, while the EMC allows for various views on how God created, the

series should have been properly introduced. Because of other feedback, a second series was published on young earth creation.

• In the 1990s Blumenort EMC presented a list of concerns about the proposed Statement of Faith, recommending a course of action to our conference council.

The course of action was accepted and rewriting happened.

What topics generate feedback in the EMC? Four are pacifism, the process of creation, homosexuality, and the role of women in the church. Yet while members vary in some opinions, overall our conference is not sharply divided. We have a strong sense of our identity as an evangelical Christian body.

Feedback matters. Boards, committees, and staff members are accountable to churches and members (Gal. 2:9-10; 1 Cor. 14:29, 36-38; 1 Thess. 5:19-22).

– Terry M. Smith

While members vary in some opinions, overall our conference is not sharply divided. We have a strong sense of our identity as an evangelical Christian body.

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Fort McMurray is burning

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he people of Fort McMurray are hurting. The city and wider area are on fire and as of this writing (May 9) rain has been scarce. About 88,000 people have been displaced to uncertain futures, oil production is affected, and all of Canada will feel the economic hit. Canadians are responding to the province’s needs.

Perhaps some people at Fort McMurray—or Fort McMoney, as it has sometimes been called—did not think they were so vulnerable. Economic downturns we understand. Fires we deal with each year. But that the two together would affect this city this much, we are shocked.

What will this mean for the physical city of Fort

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McMurray? This is being assessed as time, safety, and energy allow.

And what will it mean for the people of Fort McMurray? Some will want to rebuild. Some will do so. Some will not be able to do so. Some people had moved away because of the decline in the oil market. Some will see even less reason to return now. Few people have died in this event, but those who have will be missed and their loss is felt sharply.

As a person born and raised in central Alberta, I care about the people of Fort McMurray and area. Beyond regional differences, all Canadians do. Our thoughts, prayers, and aid are with them.

– Terry M. Smith

Few people have died in this event, but those who have will be missed and their loss is felt sharply.

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

16 An Education App

Christ Rose, Take It Personally – Kevin Wiebe

10 Through 50 Years In Germany, In Him I Trust!

– Mary Brandt

13 Immigration: An Ancient Story In Modern Times – Angel Infantes

17 Dr. Preston Sprinkle: Nonviolence Is Central To Jesus' Message – James Driedger

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4

Letters and Notices

21 With Our Missionaries 24 With Our Churches

10 Tips for Connecting With University Students – Mark von Kampen

20 Further In and Higher Up Being Humble With Books – Layton Friesen

17

23 Archives Alcove

Decisions From 115 Years Ago – Terry M. Smith

34 Here and Far Away A High View of God – Jocelyn R. Plett

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35 Stewardship Today

It's Time We Had 'The Talk' – Sherri Grosz

36 Kids’ Corner

Do You Get Angry?

– Loreena Thiessen

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31 News 33 Shoulder Tapping

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28

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger

Letters and Notices

Volume 54 No. 05 May 2016

Live with Kingdom vision and values

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER

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

The Messenger is the publication, published nine times per year, of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed.

Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

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

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

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

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

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

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362

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. 07-July 2016 issue (copy due June 08)

4 The Messenger • May 2016

Janice and I spent two weeks in Germany this spring meeting hundreds of Afghans and ministries working among refugees. A significant number are coming to faith in Jesus.

We have heard hair-raising stories of refugees traveling across the Mediterranean Sea to the island of Lesbos (Greece) and then through Macedonia, Serbia, and eventually to Germany. They speak gratefully of Western groups (liberals, evangelicals—all stripes and sizes) who welcome them.

One Afghan shared how the Greek people, despite their own crisis, reached out to care for them. I compared this to some Christians in North America who support the notion of building a wall to keep people out.

We don’t recognize persecution

I don’t think that we in the Western world recognize persecution [Do Canadian Christians Face Persecution?

March-April]. We see persecution on a violent level. We do not recognize persecution as coming from backbiting gossip, jealousy, character defamation, or being ostracized for standing up for biblical moral standards.

An Asian pastor came to live in the Western world and he wrote that the violent persecution was a lot easier to deal with than what goes on here. In his home country he knew who were his Christian friends. They were united in their physical suffering.

I guess that is why Paul wrote that we are to keep the unity of faith. So that we won’t feel so isolated.

Think of character defamation, forgetting that they are jealous of the peace that the Christian has. Or that

Afghan refugees live in fear now as Germany talks about deporting some back to Afghanistan. Greece has already started sending them to Turkey. Germany, having received a million refugees in 2015, has probably overextended itself. Chancellor Merkel faces lots of opposition with increased nationalist and neo-Nazi sentiments. Some Christians join the criticism; others say she has acted with genuine Christian care for the stranger.

In all of this confusion I trust we will embrace a Kingdom vision and serve with Kingdom values rather than nationalist ideals.

– Dr. Arley Loewen Blumenort, Man.

they are uncomfortable around them because of their own sin.

Christians are very quickly charged with being judgmental when they clash with what the world wants.

Intolerant even, but the world is super sensitive to the issue and cries foul right away. And yet we tend to put the blame onto the Christian for a fractured family relationship instead of recognizing it as spiritual warfare.

Should we not be rejoicing that we’re making an impact?

– Agatha Rempel Steinbach, Man.

Weddings WILSON-GOERTZEN—Joel married Trish on March 12, 2016, with Pastor Tim Viers officiating. The couple resides in Grande Prairie, Alta.

Notices

The General Board approved a revised budget for 2016, with an overall reduction of $252,000 below the budget that was previously approved at the November Conference Council meeting. The General Board considered that this was a necessary step after the large deficit was reported for 2015.

The chairpersons of all boards met with the Board of Trustees to plan for the revised budget, and Conference staff worked diligently with the boards in finding ways to reduce spending with as little impact as possible on programming. Consideration was given to all feasible ways to reduce the budget, including the possibility of reducing staff salaries, although in the final draft of the budget, salaries were maintained.

All five boards found the exercise very challenging, as the budget was already very lean. There were reductions in the budgets of all boards. Following are some of the impacts of this reduced budget: • There are fewer funds available to assist youth leaders at TRU and SBC students will receive reduced subsidies.

• There will be fewer issues of The Messenger, from 12 to nine this year.

• Some church plants on subsidy have voluntarily ended their subsidy early.

• There are fewer funds available to support developing leaders through the Leadership Development Scholarship Fund.

• The partnership with C2C has been postponed, and church planters will not be participating in the C2C summit this year.

• A planned training event for Mediation Teams has been cancelled.

• Various ministry funds for workers in Mexico, Paraguay, and Bolivia have been reduced or cancelled.

• A planned increase for Associate Missionaries has been rolled back, and no new Associate Missionaries will receive funding this year.

• Travel allowance for all missionaries, church planters, staff and boards has been reduced.

• Subsidies to indigenous Conferences in Nicaragua, Paraguay, Mexico, and Burkina Faso have been reduced.

• Amounts allocated for future expansion has been eliminated entirely.

• The travel subsidy for delegates attending Convention has been eliminated.

• Funding for Convention has been reduced.

As you can see, Conference staff and boards will need to operate very efficiently this year. However, the core ministries

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2016 Conference Budget and Program Are Revised

of the Conference will continue, and we will persevere in the implementation of our Vision-based strategic plan.

The true nature of an organization becomes evident in the way that they respond during times of crisis. In this task of budget reductions, the boards, staff and churches have all responded in a very positive and constructive manner. It is our hope that this time of trial will help to crystalize our vision, and that the net result will be continued upward growth of the ministries that we do together as Conference.

– Tim Dyck, General Secretary, for the General Board

Ready to Join the Team?

Mexico Ministry involvements among the professional demographic include sports and recreation, marriage and finance workshops, grade-school employment, evangelism and discipleship, prayer ministry and much more.

Bolivia Ministry involvements include guesthouse services, community development, grade-school employment, evangelism and discipleship, marriage counselling, prayer ministry and much more.

Terms Start January 2017 Find more information at: www.emconference.ca/ministries www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

The Apostles’ Creed Through 2016

Christ Rose, Take It Personally

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by Kevin Wiebe

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n the Apostles’ Creed we read, “He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.” One of the core beliefs of Christianity is that after Jesus died, he descended to the dead and on the third day he rose again, and this event has some extremely personal implications for every one of us. While there is some interpretive danger in personalizing certain elements of the Bible, when it comes to Jesus’ rising from the grave, the danger rather lies in not personalizing this miraculous event.

We call this miraculous event the resurrection. Jesus was dead, but he came back to life. This sort of thing does not simply happen naturally.

There are times when someone’s heart stops beating temporarily, or where people were falsely diagnosed as dead and later wake up, astounding others.

But for Christians around the world, we believe that Jesus really and truly died. It was not just some trick or a false diagnosis. Jesus died.

Not only that, but he also rose again. He came back to life, after having experienced death.

If we as Christians really believe this, then it is worth asking the question that my former philosophy professor is so well known for asking: “But is it true?” In other words, did the resurrection really happen?

the Bible is true. Though McDowell has written much about this topic, together with his son Sean, he wrote a short volume called 77 FAQ’s About God and the Bible: Your Toughest Questions Answered (Harvest House, 2012), which includes a question about whether the resurrection actually happened.

Jesus Actually Died

McDowell sets out three reasons for believing in the resurrection. The first is the fact that there is more than sufficient evidence—historically speaking—that Jesus actually died.

It was not just a trick or false declaration of death. There were multiple written eye-witness accounts; the book of John reports a spear wound to Jesus’ side, where blood and water came pouring out (a sure sign of death); and there are even accounts from credible Roman and Jewish historians who recorded the death of Jesus. This was not just a misdiagnosis. Jesus really died.

While there is some interpretive danger in personalizing certain elements of the Bible, when it comes to Jesus’ rising from the grave, the danger rather lies in not personalizing this miraculous event.

But Is It True?

Josh McDowell is a well-known author and speaker. In his days in university, he was an atheist and he could not stand Christians. One day when he was trying to convince a believer that their beliefs were false, they challenged him to prove it. So McDowell set out to disprove the Bible and Christian belief.

He put the Bible on trial, to measure whether or not the facts it claimed were historically accurate. One of these claims that he put to the test is this question: “Did Jesus really rise from the dead?”

Over the course of his intense study and investigation, he came to the conclusion that

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The Tomb Was Empty

DESIGNPICS

The second reason is that the tomb was empty.

The religious leaders, who had far more power than a few scared disciples, could have destroyed Christianity simply by revealing Jesus’ body, but they could not. If it was about creating a false religion, the disciples would not have started in Jerusalem if there was any doubt about Jesus being alive.

If the authorities would find Jesus’ body, then the new religion would fall. If there was any doubt on this point it would have been far more logical for the disciples to start their religion in a far away land, so that if the leaders would find Jesus’ body, their religion might still survive. But there was no body to find, so the disciples had no fear of being found out in this way.

Additionally, McDowell reminds us that if someone were trying to start a false religion in that day and age, it would be completely irrational to include the testimony of women, who in that era were not seen as reliable witnesses.

It would have been far more effective to only include the testimony of men. But the Gospel writers report the first testimony of Jesus’ resurrection as being from women. For a false

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If the authorities would find Jesus’ body, then the new religion would fall. religion, this would not make sense—unless this was not false at all, but a truthful report.

Eyewitness Accounts

Thirdly, McDowell reminds us about the many eyewitness accounts that were recorded in many places of people who saw Jesus alive after his crucifixion. Though this is a brief summary, if one looks at the all the evidence together, the only logical conclusion that can be drawn is that the resurrection of Jesus is a historical and true event.

What Does It Mean?

The Apostle Paul in wrote in 1 Corinthians 15, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith…But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (vv. 14, 20-22).

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If Jesus was not raised from the dead, then neither will we be raised from the dead after we die.

Paul speaks very boldly on this point. If Jesus was not raised from the dead, then neither will we be raised from the dead after we die. If there was no resurrection for Christ, then our hope is only for this life and our religion is pitiful. Without the resurrection, our entire belief system is essentially worthless. But, the resurrection did happen. Jesus was raised from the dead. So then, what does that mean for us? Well, it means that we who are in Christ “will be made alive.” It means hope for this life—but more than that— hope for the next life.

This Is Personal

As the Apostles’ Creed says, “He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.” When we hear things too often, we can sometimes lose sight of what it really means. Such statements in creeds and in theology can become too familiar, and we lose sight of the fact that this has personal implications for each of us. Jesus descended to the dead, to the place that was destined for all who broke God’s law. Someone once put it this way, “Jesus

went to hell so that you would not have to.”

Though this is part of the historic Apostles’ Creed, it is not just a useless platitude. Jesus loved you enough to descend to the place of the dead—in your stead. And because he rose again, all who are in Christ will also rise again.

Though we may shed this mortal coil, death does not mark the end of existence for all who believe in Christ. As Paul writes, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” Jesus broke the chains of sin and death, welcoming all who call on his name to be partakers of his life and hope—inviting you to join the ranks of the redeemed and relish the life and peace that he offers.

Kevin Wiebe is the pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship (Stevenson, Ont.) and a member of the EMC Board of Church Ministries. He has a BA (Communications and Media) from Providence University College.

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MARY BRANDT

Castle Hachenhausen, a castle for 1,000 years, became a children's home.

Through 50 Years In Germany, In Him I Trust!

by Mary Brandt

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first left my familiar surroundings, friends, and family in May 1963 for a year of voluntary service in a Children’s Home in Germany. The staff did a great job at making me feel welcome, and, as the need was great, I extended my time there long-term.

My home was an actual castle! It gave shelter to about 20 to 30 foster children divided into three family units. The castle park with its play area and animals was a perfect place for children to roam and play.

Young people also met from near and far, getting instructions for ministry. Some visited inmates in jails; others sang in hospitals or on the streets. This place was an ideal setting for children and youth camps in summer.

Then, one day, the mission society that had purchased the castle for a low price decided to close it. It was sad because this meeting place

was a blessing for many and hard to equal.

After the sale, most of the children and some workers moved to Dassel; I moved to Bad Gandersheim, into the Hagenmuehle, a mill from the 1500s, with my family group. I loved the challenge and tackled it bravely.

I was a young woman, responsible for up to 11 children day and night, seven days a week, without any significant prior training in social work. I faced the rough reality of daily life.

Armloads of wood had to be carried inside for the cooking stove, tile stove, and heating the water in the bathroom.

In the evening, ashes and clinkers had to be taken outside. At first, clothes were hand-washed, including dozens of pairs of socks each week; bedding was taken to a laundromat. Once a week, the floors were washed and buffed with a cast iron blocker weighing more than 10 pounds.

My home was an actual castle! It gave shelter to about 20 to 30 foster children.

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A gift for Aunt Mary.

The kitchen floor was washed every morning after the kids were off to school and the breakfast dishes were done. Since leaders and ministry interns knelt in the kitchen daily in prayer, I wanted my floor to be clean!

I did not have much of a life outside of work and caring for the children. God must have chosen me to toil here for a reason, since I come from a large family and, therefore, was used to hard work.

Night Time In Germany

The curtains are closed. My children are all tucked into bed; they’ve said a short prayer and as I say goodnight to each one individually, they share with me about their day. The kids’ clothes are neatly or not so neatly folded and hung over the back of a chair. I check the room one last time, pick up a few things, switch off the lights, quietly close the door, and go to the next room.

Some children have already fallen asleep, whereas others are giggling in a whisper while I check their schedules. School starts at different times on different days of the week and each child has a different timetable to follow. Confusing? German children carry their books between classrooms, school, and home in satchels slung over their shoulders.

I make sure they’ve packed their school bags properly and have the materials they’ll need. This way we have less stress in the morning.

My day is done. I sit down and turn on my radio, only to turn it off again— nothing but a crackling noise. I haven’t heard the news for a long time. The children have school only in the forenoon. What will I cook for dinner tomorrow? Really, I should answer a few letters, but I’m tired. Mind you, a typical school day in Germany starts at 7:30 or 8 a.m. and ends around lunchtime, and in the afternoon they have homework to do. I postpone the letter writing for another day. Do I even have enough money for stamps? Fifteen dollars per month from the Board of Missions does not go a long way when you buy little birthday gifts for the kids (the Children’s Home provided free room and board for me). Before I know it, I’m asleep.

Less Than Heroic

One night stands out. One girl, I’ll call her Sophie, slept restlessly so I checked her; she had a fever of 105 and was in and out of consciousness. I did everything to bring down her temperature, but to no avail. I couldn’t consult the doctor; I didn’t have a phone. I couldn’t leave the children to go to the nearest phone box. I was also night blind.

By now Sophie was delirious. I prayed hard and had to rely solely on Him who can help in such dire straights, and in His mercy He did help. I stayed at her side until her fever subsided and she regained consciousness. I was thankful that she had made it through the night, but I felt less than heroic. It was irresponsible not to have a phone in case of emergencies. The owner found a key for that old heavy outside door and I also got a phone.

Elizabeth and Levi Reimer founded the children's home.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

No Reserves

After four years, I went home to Canada for a three-month furlough. I needed a holiday to rest, and here I was being asked to give reports of my work. I didn’t feel I had reserves to draw on.

I thought, “What was there for me to report about? About the newly arrived children who cried themselves to sleep when they missed their parents, and me kissing them goodnight and trying to comfort them? About the boys who slept in unheated bedrooms, who, if they needed to go to the bathroom at night, had to cross a roofless bridge—vulnerable to rain, snow, or lightning? About all the diapers I changed and how I cared for the children when they ran a fever at night?”

I did not want to be known as a missionary while I was on furlough, but I was afraid of disappointing the churches.

A Blessing From Steinbach EMC

One particularly memorable meeting was with the Steinbach EMC young people. There was nothing spectacular, but it was different. I was introduced as a special speaker, and a “special” speaker I was: I was burnt out.

For the first time, I felt how exhausted I really was. And then something happened: I no longer struggled to give a fabulous report. I simply said what I had to say, told a few personal stories, and left the results to God. It was then that the young people at Steinbach EMC collected enough money to buy a range for my family unit in the Children’s Home. I was so surprised and still wonder what moved them to do that. Even now, so many years later, my eyes fill with tears when this crosses my mind. I don’t think they realized what that meant to me!

While it made work easier, it did much more: it gave me a morale boost. It picked me up and breathed new life in me. In addition, the EMC Board of Missions promoted me by officially giving me the title of missionary, for some reason unknown to me, and it was also agreed that my salary would be based on a nationally-recognized scale. I returned to service bolstered by the support I had received from so many.

No haste! One spoonful at a time.

When I resigned from my position in the Children’s Home after almost 17 years, the children I had cared for the longest had left, except for Barbara, whom I took on as my foster daughter.

After taking training for the blind, I started work as a receptionist at the Bible Seminary in Koenigsfeld, where I stayed for a little over 12 years until retirement. Now, I have an informal ministry, interacting with children I cared for in the Children’s Home.

I’ve lived in Germany for more than 50 years now. I came here shortly after the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961 and stayed long enough to witness its collapse in 1989!

Although it would certainly be nice to be near my siblings, I have not moved back to Canada. I can’t just pick up and go. I have a German foster daughter with health problems.

I have opened the door but a crack into what my 50 years in Germany have been like. My heart is filled with gratitude towards God who has been at my side. The most important lesson I have learned during my experience with blindness and my time in Germany is that God can multiply the bread and fish. In Him I trust.

I did not want to be known as a missionary while I was on furlough, but I was afraid of disappointing the churches.

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Mary Brandt (Mennville) left Canada in 1963 for Germany as an EMC Voluntary Service worker in a children’s home. Further service followed, including with Youth For Christ and elsewhere. She is retired in Germany.

Immigration: An Ancient Story In Modern Times

by Angel Infantes

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or months the plight of immigrants around the world has stayed at the top of the news cycle: stories of people fleeing their homelands in search of safe haven, desperate families crossing dangerous seas in small dinghies, a lifeless child laying in the sand. People crowd at barb-wired borders, temporary tent cities grow ever bigger, and the masses wait for word if a country not their own is willing take them in.

For the majority, there is only extreme difficulty when it comes to immigration.

Fleeing Violence

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A young couple and their small son flee the violence that plagues their city. They travel hundreds of miles, carrying only a few belongings, with plans to start again in a new country.

Some are sympathetic, and help the small family. Even so, the father, a skilled tradesman, is forced to accept any job he can find to feed his family. There are new customs, a new language, a new religion.

The mother stays at home to care for their child. There is saying “it takes a village to raise a child,” but the couple has to go it alone.

Birthdays are celebrated at home, no grandparents, no uncles, no cousins ​​present.

This could be a present day scenario. It also reflects what happened more than 2,000 years ago when Joseph, Mary and Jesus had to flee for their lives and take up residence in Egypt for a time.

Leaving one’s homeland in the midst of strife was nothing new for these descendants of Abraham.

Descendants Of Abraham

Leaving one’s homeland in the midst of strife was nothing new for these descendants of Abraham. From ancient times the patriarchs and their families went through times of displacement and wandering in search of a new homeland. The result was the formation of a new nation, the outcome of God’s promise that they would one day prosper in a land where they would model what it meant to worship the true God. It began as far back as the Garden of Eden.

When they were expelled from paradise, Adam and Eve migrated, searching for a new home.

Over time, their descendants grow and also move from place to place. After the flood, Noah’s descendants do the same. The failed endeavour to build the Tower of Babel added a whole new dimension as new languages suddenly force people to migrate to areas where they can be understood.

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Abram’s Story

And then, there is the quintessential immigration story of Abram’s (Abraham’s) family.

Abram leaves his hometown, believing God’s promise that his wandering will eventually “form a nation” (Gen 12: 2). His journey begins in Ur, continues to Haran and eventually reaches Canaan, his new country of residence. Other nations live there, but Abraham acquires a portion of land, territory his descendants will own years later.

Then, disaster. Famine strikes, and once more Abraham hits the road.

He and his family became refugees in Egypt wherever he goes, he is well-known (“famous” Gen. 12: 2 NLT) in other nations. Years later Abraham went back to Canaan.

Two generations later, Abraham’s grandson Jacob migrates to Egypt, again because of famine. For 400 years the Israelites live there, until violence and oppression finally become unbearable. Under the guidance of Moses the nation becomes refugees once again, venturing into the desert wilderness looking for a better future, away from oppression, a place to live freely.

The new generation received God’s divine advice, cautioning the Israelites to be careful to remember they ancestors “were also foreigners” (Deut. 10:19) and how hard it was.

Israel’s Wanderings

Israel’s wanderings in the Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness resembles the journey wilderness resembles the of many immigrants today, many who try to enter the journey of many immigrants “promised land,” but fail. The migrant is lonely and feartoday, many who try to enter filled, without comfort, without knowledge of how long the the “promised land,” but fail. trip may be. In the midst of

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their journey some immigrants found God. We can see that in the establishment of some ethnic churches.

It takes the nation of Israel 40 years before they once again arrive in the Promised Land. Finally they are able to build their houses and cultivate the land. Their children run freely and they prosper. Israel becomes a great nation, blessed and famous (Gen 12: 2). It is a time of joy and prosperity.

Even so, the Israelites take God’s advice to heart and try to remember the struggles of their ancestors.

They take part in the Feast of Tabernacles, and the people live for seven days in an outdoor shelter, devoid

of the comforts of home. They live like their immigrant ancestors looking toward a better future. This activity helps them to express compassion toward other immigrants who may be crossing through their land. Perhaps we can find an activity could help us to remember we are descendants of immigrants us well and to leave for a while our comfort zone.

Good Times Do Not Last

But the good times do not last. In just a few hundred years the people cease to follow God’s ways. God’s warnings come to pass: once again the people face violence and oppression and are forced to leave their land for foreign soil.

Here we find the story of Daniel and his three friends: taken from their homeland, separated from their parents and forced into “residential school” to be indoctrinated into Babylonian ways. They stand firm in their own beliefs and customs and exceeded the expectations of their captors.

Later stories such as those in Esther show the struggles of the refugee Jews and their efforts to settle in their new home. The prophet Jeremiah advises refugees to settle in their new land to “seek the welfare” (Jer. 29: 7) of the country of their residence, so they too will prosper.

It is during their times of relocating, of migrating, that the people of Israel learn to depend solely on God, deepening their relationship with Him.

God reveals Himself to these immigrants in astonishing ways. When they follow Him, He cares for them.

Created in God’s Image

Every person, including every immigrant, is created in God’s image. When considering how we treat individual immigrants (as Jesus once was) or those from a larger people group (Israel, Judah), we do well to heed the advice found in God’s Word (see Ex. 22:21, 23:9; Deut. 10:19; Lev. 19:10, 33-34, 24:22; 1 Kings 8: 41-43; Neh. 9: 2; Mal. 3: 5).

People leave their homes for different reasons. They may be forcibly expelled or looking for a better future, perhaps sold or taking refuge from famine, perhaps held captive by others or trying to escape from violence.

Perhaps they are even going to a new place to share the Good News.

But God’s Word is clear. From the beginning to the end of time, there will be immigrants among us. The New Testament speaks of “wars and rumours of wars” (Matt. 24:6) to continue in human history. War is number one cause for refugees in the 21st century. That’s why we see many emigrating today.

How then do we respond to immigration and the immigrants among us? What is the response of the Church to the situation of immigrants? What is my attitude towards migrants?

Next issue we will continue to explore the journey of immigrants in the New Testament, those searching for a “new place” to call home. We will see our Lord Jesus as an immigrant on Earth.

From the beginning to the end of time, there will be immigrants among us.

Angel Infantes, from Peru, met his wife Blanca, from Mexico, while they were studying at the Rio Grande Bible Institute (Texas, USA). Angel served as an associate pastor at Braeside EMC. He is enrolled in the MATS program at Canadian Mennonite University.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

Column • An Education App

10 Tips for Connecting with University Students

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by Mark von Kampen, University of Manitoba chaplain

DESIGNPICS

Although letters and cards seem archaic, young adults don’t get much snail mail, which makes it special.

hat are some ways home churches and local churches can connect with young people at university?

Here are a few thoughts based on my experiences with young adults in my campus and congregational ministry and my own experiences from, once upon a time, having spent seven years as a student at the University of Manitoba.

Encourage education. Churches that come across as suspicious or averse to education have already alienated young adults who pursue higher learning. My home church offers scholarships/bursaries for students. Although it’s not a large amount, it communicates that the church encourages its young adults to use their God given intellect to think, explore, and learn.

Encourage students to write articles for congregational newsletters about topics of interest to them or feature them in articles. It shows young adults that they and the stuff they are thinking about is important and allows the congregation to get to know them.

Encourage involvement. Offer opportunities for a variety of gifts: musical, scripture reading, committee positions, preaching, leading worship, doing a children’s feature. Three things to avoid: exploiting them, seeing the as “token” young adults, “guilting” them.

Help create opportunities for young adults to gather and build community as peers—that is, young adult groups.

Inter-generational connections are good too. Some U. of M. students have enthusiastically told me that their church organized house concerts for young adults hosted by “cool” hospitable older adults.

Encourage inter-generational mentoring type relationships. I recall considerable faith struggles during my university

16 The Messenger • May 2016

years. It was the ongoing non-judgmental interest of an older gentleman, whom the church had paired me with at the time of my baptism, that sustained me. That relationship still persists and he continues to be someone that I turn to for wisdom and insight in times of decision making.

Give individual attention. Meet them for coffee. Possibly even meet with students on campus; stepping into their world communicates something powerful. I’ve had a number of pastors meet with young adults at U. of M. and make the Menno Office a place of rendezvous.

Stay in touch with those far away. Send students studying away from home emails even if it’s simply to email church bulletins with occasional short notes. Encourage the creation of a young adult Facebook group or use other social media to facilitate young adult peers to stay connected. Don’t underestimate snail mail. Although letters and cards seem archaic, young adults don’t get much snail mail, which makes it special when they get it from their church while away.

Foster a congregational atmosphere of humility, safety, and wonder. Don’t judge and don’t panic when young adults ask difficult questions express doubts or explore new perspectives. Church needs to be a safe place for young adults to test ideas (even “suspect” ideas).

Remain invitational. Keep inviting and stay in contact without laying guilt.

University exposes one to a multiplicity of worldviews. That experience can be both exciting and scary. I’m thankful that as I went through my young adult years, I knew I was part of a faith community that gave me space, but also accompanied me with love and grace.

Mark von Kampen serves as associate pastor of worship at First Mennonite Church in Winnipeg and as campus chaplain in the “Menno Office” at the University of Manitoba with Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association (a partnership of EMC, EMMC, and MCM). The Menno Office offers a place of hospitality and wonder found in Room 102E of the University Centre. It attracts students from across the street and around the world.

SBC

Dr. Preston Sprinkle

Dr. Preston Sprinkle: Non-violence Is Central To Jesus’ Message

by James Driedger

The buzz was tangible as men and women gathered to listen to Dr. Preston Sprinkle speak on a doctrine that has distinguished Anabaptists from many other denominations for five centuries—namely, pacifism.

STEINBACH, Man.—About 200 pastors, church leaders, and students gathered together at Steinbach Bible College (SBC) on March 18-19, 2016, to partake in their annual Leadership Conference, including by webinar.

The buzz was tangible as men and women gathered to listen to Dr. Preston Sprinkle speak on a doctrine that has distinguished Anabaptists from many other denominations for five centuries— namely, pacifism.

Sprinkle

Sprinkle, a professor at Eternity Bible College in Boise, Idaho, is author of several books (most notably, Erasing Hell, which he co-authored with Francis Chan). He is a self-proclaimed, “Reformed, Evangelical, socially conservative, country-music listening, gun-owning Christian” who, ironically then, is also “an advocate for nonviolence.”

Near the beginning of the conference, Sprinkle stated that this was the first time that he had

stepped into a Mennonite gathering. Building on that, he remarked that this conference was likely the first time that at least 50 percent of the attendees would agree with his stance on nonviolence. In fact, he joked that “the whole state of Idaho disagrees with me.”

Christocentric Non-Violent Action

In his first session on the theme of Living NonViolently in a Violent World, Sprinkle clarified that, because of the baggage often associated with the term pacifism, he prefers to call his position Christocentric non-violent action. This term is grounded on the life, death, and resurrection of

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

Jesus Christ. Sprinkle was adamant that if Jesus did not walk out of the grave and defeat death, the non-violence position would not make sense.

Considering the life of Christ, Sprinkle argued that Jesus’ statements on non-violence were not on the fringes of his teachings, but rather that they were central to his message. In fact, it is documented that Jesus’ teaching to “love your enemies” (Matt. 5:43) was the most quoted of his teachings in the second and third century.

Therefore, loving one’s enemies should be the hallmark of the Christian faith.

While many object that Jesus’ actions were due to his specific duty and that his life should not be seen as an ethical norm, Sprinkle argued that ancient biographical writings were written to draw the reader to imitate the central figure of the writings. Therefore, Jesus’ life does offer us a normative ethic. That this was the way in which the Early Church understood the life of Jesus is demonstrated in the fact that the New Testament authors rarely refer to the teachings of Jesus except when it comes to Jesus’ non-violence approach in the face of evil.

The Old Testament

In session two, Sprinkle tackled the Old Testament. He was clear up-front that the so-called problem of the Old Testament (OT) is not just a problem for those who hold to pacifism. It is a Christian problem. Sprinkle then offered five points to consider when reading the OT. First, not every it is an ought.

The OT has numerous stories that make one’s blood curdle, like Simeon and Levi slaughtering people in Shechem (Gen. 34).

Scholars agree that it is hard to draw accurate applications from a narrative (story).

Second, in the OT, God always critiques militarism. Sprinkle stated that “while violence is commanded at times, militarism is always condemned.” If Israel is going to win a battle it will be because of God’s power and not their own (see Deut. 17:16, Psalm 33:16-17).

Third, the OT is far less violent than the other ancient Near-East cultures. This is shown by the fact that the OT never revels in war and gore. Fourth, Joshua’s genocide may not have actually been an attempted genocide. Commenting on Joshua 10:40, he said, “[Joshua] left none

“While violence is commanded at times, militarism is always condemned.”

18 The Messenger • May 2016

remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the Lord God of Israel commanded,” Sprinkle argued that either Joshua misunderstood God’s command, because we see that the Canaanites were still living in the land afterwards (Josh. 17:13) or that God’s command was a hyperbole, overstating the command to make a case. Having a high view of Scripture’s reliability, Sprinkle advocated for the latter.

Fifth, violence in the OT is part of an ethic that moves away from violence. Sprinkle reasoned that the OT endures an ethic that is less than ideal because God takes Israel where they are; and only then does he purposefully moves them to where they should be. Within this ethic, Christ’s example is the ultimate ethic, championing non-violent action.

What About?

Sprinkle’s third session was focused on addressing many of the objections leveled against pacifism. In response to the question, “What about the temple cleansing in John 2?” Sprinkle argued that the original language says Jesus only used the whip on the animals. In regards to Jesus’ command to his disciples to “Go buy a sword” (Luke 22:35-38), Sprinkle showed that almost all commentaries disagree with the view that Jesus is teaching about self-defense.

Responding to those who ask, “What about the violent Messianic passages?” Sprinkle argued that Christians can only take their ethics from how Jesus lived at his first coming.

Addressing Romans 13, the primary passage used in favour of the just war theory, Sprinkle argued that Paul’s language is steeped in OT theology, in which God uses foreign nations to bring about his will. Therefore, Sprinkle argues that Romans 13 is not praising the sword, but saying that God uses pagan nations for his purposes. Furthermore, the passage is addressing the state’s duty, whereas the Christian’s duty is outlined in Romans 12.

A Home Invasion

In his final session, Sprinkle addressed the all too familiar question, “What do we do with the man who breaks into your home to kill your

family?” Sprinkle expressed frustration in that he is never invited to recreate the scenario. He likes to ask his questioner: “Does God exist in this world?” “Does the God that exists answer prayer?” “Do I have a gun?” “Is it loaded?” “Do I have it nearby?” “Is it good to have a loaded gun lying around?” “Do I have a good shot?” “Are you 100 percent sure that the killer is pre-programmed to kill?” and “How do we know that in this scenario non-violent attempts will not succeed?” He argues that the scenario is actually quite fictitious.

Final Thoughts

As he closed, Sprinkle gave the audience four final thoughts on how to live in a violent world: First, he encouraged the audience to model nonviolence in the little things. Second, he called the audience to cultivate enemy love, which contrary to claims, is active. Third, he exhorted the audience to speak out against violence; information is power and people do change their minds. And, fourth, pray for peace. The story of Hezekiah and Sennacherib shows that prayer is more powerful than violence (Isa. 36-37); for it is not that violence is too strong, but that it is too weak.

Sprinkle’s call to Christocentric non-violent action is a message that the broader Church needs to hear today. Sprinkle effectively closed his final session stating, “True power comes from giving your allegiance to the Lamb who was brutally slain.”

James Driedger (Blumenort) graduated in April from SBC with a BA (Christian Studies).

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

Column • Further In and Higher Up

Being Humble With Books

D

DESIGNPICS

by Layton Friesen

o you wish to have an authoritative voice in the church as a teacher or preacher? Some years ago I read an author who said that the only books worth reading for personal transformation were books you either disagreed with or didn’t understand. A book you both understand and agree with may provide benefits such as entertainment, companionship, or preparation for winning an argument, but you will not be deepened by the experience.

Reading a book you don’t understand is not easy and takes a lot of patience.

Most importantly it takes admitting that there are important, necessary truths in this world that so far your mind cannot grasp and that this book may harbour some. A good book will take you apart before you can understand it. Most of us like to think we already know the important things—it’s only the secondary things we don’t understand.

If you are genuinely interested in becoming a deep and spacious person, I suggest you always have one book on the go that mystifies you.

Choose one difficult author that people you trust say is worth investing in, and then become the local expert on that writer. Take the next five years to read everything they wrote. Read what others said about them. Become that person at the party who always comes around to what Bonhoeffer thought (or A. W. Tozer or Corrie Ten Boom).

Reading a book you don’t agree with is even harder. There are few people who consistently read books they disagree with. And of those who do, many do it in order to say they read it.

A person who wants to grow needs to nurture a vulnerable openness to the truth captured on the other side.

Your opponent may be wrong about most things, but in one thing they may be the only one right—and if you don’t grasp their perspective your life will always be lacking that truth.

A person who wants to grow needs to nurture a vulnerable openness to the truth captured on the other side.

20 The Messenger • May 2016

To patiently, humbly hear what an opponent has to say, and to be able to re-state it in ways your opponent would appreciate, this is the sign of a trustworthy person.

And all of this holds true for reading the Bible. Unless you read the Scriptures as a book you do not understand or agree with, its transformative power in your life will be minimal. The assumption that you do grasp it, that you already know what is in it, and that you have already taken out the best parts for yourself—that’s a serious spiritual hazard.

The Bible should also be a book you find yourself disagreeing with. Not because you should disagree with it, but because you do, in fact, live and think against the Bible. It’s no use pretending you’re in favour when you’re not. Honest people admit that so far they disagree with parts of the Bible—not that they’re proud of it.

That’s a rare humility, but can be transformative if it fuels you to dig harder. It may be that you need transformation before you understand or agree with the Bible—and you can change by reading. Reading that challenges and defies you can become a life-saver in the spiritual quest.

I have a Bible in my home, If I don’t read my soul be lost …nobody’s fault but mine.

Blind Willie Johnson

With Our Missionaries

Vacation with a purpose

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

2016 Spring/Summer Intensives Enrol today!

BTS-5080M Topics— Principles of Biblical Interpretation Instructor: Pierre Gilbert May 16–20, 2016 BTS-5700 Topics— Evangelical Theology Instructor: Paul Doerksen May 2-6, 9-13, 2016.

cmu.ca/gstm

BTS-5800 BTS Study Tour— Ancient Stones, Living Stones Instructor: Gordon Matties April 25–May 16, 2016 BTS-5080C Topics—The Biblical Story of Hope and Healing Instructor: Dan Epp-Tiessen June 13–17 Students taking this course register through the Canadian School of Peacebuilding. csop.cmu.ca

BOM

MEXICO

I live a 4.5 hr. drive from Puerto Vallarta and within hours I could drive to several other resort areas in Mexico. I have long heard from friends and family of holidays spent on the beaches of Mexico or other exotic places. This past December our children joined us in Puerto Vallarta for a week of fun, sun, and surf.

At these resorts you meet all kinds of people from all kinds of places. They come to sit in the sun and relax.

Most go for a week or two of holidays, but there are “snow birds” who come for months. I have been surprised by how many do this yearly. I have talked to folks that have been going to the same location, same hotel, same everything for 15 to 20 years.

Now, I do not want to in any way bash the folks that do that. We in the western world need to relax, and for some this is the only way it can happen. That said, I have now met those who take their vacation, but give it a purpose other than fun in the sun—like Sid Reimer and his wife Gladys who have gone to Ixtapa, Mexico, for many years.

They first went there for a short two-week vacation and now go for three months. But Sid is a bit antsy and can’t sit still for long. He is also extroverted and just loves people.

He soon found areas of need. He connected with churches, missionaries, and organizations that were seeking to help the marginalized. He wanted to help.

Ernie and Diane Koop

Sid found a community of people that live on a garbage dump, scavenging for a living. He saw families, children, scrounging through the garbage. There he met Olga, whom he lovingly refers to as a Latin “Mother Theresa.” She is a strong woman who is trying to help these people through whatever means she can. She knocks on the doors of government officials and agencies; she begs, she pleads, and does whatever it takes to help this community.

Sid has come alongside her and adds his resources.

Together they have built a schoolhouse and some small modest homes, and provided much needed textbooks, food and clothing. While Sid comes yearly or twice a year, Olga goes daily.

Sid has also helped out with an old folks home in nearby Zihuatanejo, as well as helped with homes for abandoned children. He tries to keep his ear to the ground regarding needs and where he might help.

I know he is not the only one that does this. I have met several more here in Ixtapa. I met an American nurse that volunteers two days a week in a public hospital, not as a nurse, but as an advocate for the patients.

I have met some young couples that come and host barbecues to raise money for some of the orphanages and other ministries. I have met people that come down to the resorts and then look for ways that they can do something besides sit on the beach, soaking up the sun. As a matter of fact I met a whole bunch at a church in Zihuatanejo.

Why not vacation with a purpose and bless the less fortunate!

– Diane Koop Diane and Ernie Koop (EFC Steinbach) are part of a church planting team in the city of Guadalajara.

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Missionaries

An indescribable week that presented a clearer picture

BOM

WISCONSIN

That Tribal Missions Experience was special! We got to live with our 40 students as they got a huge eyeful of what it would be like to be a missionary in a tribal setting.

There were classes on how to learn a culture and a language. We entered a large room that was decorated like a village with some missionaries painted black and speaking a different language, and it was our job to try to learn a few of their words.

The classes on understanding people’s worldview and how to live in a tribal setting were so real. The students got to butcher a pig and cook it in a hot pit in the ground, sleep in hammocks in primitive cabins, and go on a fivekm hike past 18 waterfalls.

It wasn›t all work and no play, though. We enjoyed volleyball, playing games together late, and, of course, enjoying delicious food. It is hard to describe that week, but the students were shown the heart of the Lord for people groups who have never had a missionary yet.

Reece, Kim, Dave and Clark Field

They came away with a much clearer picture of where there are needs, what New Tribes missionaries do, and what it could possibly be like for them to be tribal missionary. Reece, our son, said «I›ve never been so proud to be a New Triber!

– Dave and Kim Field Dave and Kim Field (Steinbach EMC) serve at New Tribes Mission Bible Institute, Waukesha Campus, Wisconsin.

••

Continue to pray for MEM team BOLIVIA

BOM

This will be our last prayer newsletter from Bolivia. We sense that God is calling us back to Canada but not sure to what. We are looking forward to spending time with the family, extended families, and friends. We ask that you pray with us as to where God is calling us next, be it another church or staying put for a time. We left Bolivia on April 26.

Please continue to pray for the mission team. There is much work to be done in both Villa Nueva and San Jose. Pray for unity within the team so that others can see who Christ Jesus truly is. There are many different aspects of ministry involved.

Pray for health, wisdom, and courage to carry on.

Helen and John Froese

22 The Messenger • May 2016

Psalm 31:19 says, “How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men [everyone]!” God is good, all the time!

We trust that the believers in Bolivia are experiencing His goodness as well those in Canada. His goodness has been very real during our time in Bolivia. His protection, love, faithfulness, and care have been very evident to us.

There is so much to praise and thank the Lord for.

We appreciate all the prayers, letters, and cards of encouragement we have received. God will richly bless and reward you for this.

Hopefully we will get to touch base with you all. Let’s keep our focus on Jesus Christ and carry on in the work of His Kingdom.

– John and Helen Froese John and Helen Froese (Pelly) have served with MEM, a partnership including EMC.

Columns • Archives Alcove

Decisions From 115 Years Ago 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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o member shall accept any government position or take any part in a government election.

No member shall attend any non-Kleine Gemeinde church service unless such a minister was acknowledged and accompanied by one of our own ministers.

No member shall attend a wedding of unchristian marriages.

Sunday Schools and singing practice are more harmful than useful, if they use new songs and part-singing, because they lead away from the simplicity or singleness in Christ. The children shall be kept away from attending such Sunday Schools, because Sunday School lessons are being used which do not agree with our church doctrine.

No member shall have his picture taken or cause a picture to be taken, or send to each other any such pictures, or have them have them hanging on walls. In the first place, this would serve only to honour mortal human worldly men. Secondly, they lead to idolatry. Thirdly, they lead to fornication and unchristian marriages.

Funeral sermons and all innovations at funerals except ordinary sermons are unscriptural. Also singing, praying, and preaching at the tomb is not scriptural.

“All of these resolutions are strongly reinforced with many references from the Bible, the Martyr’s Mirror, and Peter Peters’ book” (The Sesquicentennial Jubilee, EMC, 1962, 26-27).

After two years of study, in 1901 the Kleine Gemeinde ministerial from Manitoba and Nebraska unanimously agreed to the above six principles. There were three elders, nine ministers, and four deacons involved in the decision.

How does one approach these statements 115 years later? Respectfully. In any denomination’s history examples can be found where leaders led in ways that were devoted and would later be critiqued. We, ultimately, are not their judge even as we decide to act somewhat differently today.

Is it fair to critique past decisions and current ones? Actually, failing to provide a critique might be quite un-Anabaptist.

Early Anabaptists set the bar high. They sought not to develop an ethnic church, but return to what they saw as New Testament Christianity. Using Scripture, they critiqued Roman Catholic leaders and magisterial Reformers alike. In turn, Menno Simons said to evaluate his teaching by Scripture; if any differences were detected, Menno said to go with Scripture.

When critiquing, we might find some of these principles still resonate. For instance, the church leaders in 1901 were concerned about young people being led astray and engaging in wrong sexual practices and forming improper relations. In 2016 photographs can lead to trouble; pornography in print or online is a current problem and biblical concerns remain (Ex. 20:14, 1 Cor. 6:18).

Then, again, why say “singing, praying, and preaching at the tomb is not scriptural”? As a minister friend asks, didn’t Jesus pray when he spoke to his Father near the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:41-42)? Yes, he did. I add that Jesus also instructed Martha (John 11:40), and what is preaching to be except divinely inspired instruction?

And who today would be so cautious about Sunday School? Most Christians are delighted if their children went to Sunday School somewhere, almost anywhere.

What will Christians think in 2131 as they read of EMC decisions today (conference council, ministerial, and more)? How will our strategic planning be critiqued? Let’s strive to be faithful as did these leaders in 1901.

ISTOCK

1.

Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

What will Christians think in 2131 as they read of EMC decisions today? Let’s strive to be faithful as did these leaders in 1901.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Heartland Community Church

Interview with Andy and Stephanie Woodworth, part one LANDMARK, Man.—Terry Smith suggested an interview with our pastoral couple. Here is the first half.

so far. I had the opportunity to return to that church in 2010 for their 30th anniversary and get reacquainted with members of the congregation who were still there, and expressed my thanks to them for the influence they had on my life.

How did you meet your husband Andy?

Stephanie: We met at Bible College in Sussex, New Brunswick. We began dating during our third year and were married a month after we both graduated, June 3, 1989.

HEARTLAND

Where are you and Stephanie from?

Andy: I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick. My parents and two older brothers still live there and have raised their families there.

Stephanie is from Pembroke, Ont., just over an hour west of Ottawa. Her parents and younger brother and sister still live in that area with their families.

Stephanie and Andy Woodworth Why did you enter the pastoral and teaching ministry?

What is your own background in ministry?

Andy: It was never my intention growing up to be a Stephanie: Over the years we have learned that we pastor. When I was in my final year of high school, I felt a work well together, as we each have different gifts and abildefinite leading of the Lord to pursue pastoral ministry and ities. Andy is the speaker-teacher while I am the musical spent the following four months trying to run away, much one, playing the piano and leading worship. the way Jonah did. After coming to my senses, I submitted to the Lord, enrolled at Bethany Bible College (now How many children do you and Andy have and where Kingswood University) in Sussex, New Brunswick, and are they now? graduated four years later.

Stephanie: We have four children, two girls and two boys. Mara, our oldest, is 25 and married her husband Jay Where did you further your education? in 2014. She is a teacher, and Jay is a worship leader with Andy: When I completed Bible College, seminaries the Ransom Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Our oldwere less than affectionately referred to as “cemeteries,, so est son, Tyler (22), has just completed his third year of I decided to proceed with ordination and pursue further ministerial training at Master’s College and Seminary in education at a later date. Twenty-seven years late, I have Peterborough, Ont. Emma (18) is graduating from Landjust registered for the Master of Divinity program at Provi- mark Collegiate this year and Cole (17) is finishing grade 11. dence Theological Seminary.

– Brigitte Toews

Where was your first pastorate?

Andy: Although my training was in Youth Ministry, my first ministry job was to be the pastor of Island Wesleyan Church, in Victoria, Prince Edward Island. The church was just five years old and had an eclectic congregation of everything except Wesleyans. I learned very quickly that I could not just assume everyone believed what I had grown up believing, or agreed with everything I had been taught in Bible College. Although my entire time on PEI was spent feeling grossly inadequate for the job, I realized just a few years ago that it set the tone for my work over my career

24 The Messenger • May 2016

Births ADEWUMNI—to Micheal and Joanna, a son, Micah Adedeji Olaide David Jacob, on Oct. 14, 2015, WILSON—to Eric and Trina, a son, Coyne Maverick, on Dec. 22, 2015.

MEADEN—to Scott and Kara, a daughter, Lily Ann Adeline, on Dec. 27, 2015.

WIEBE—to Shane and Kirsten, a son, Jack Oliver, on Feb. 4, 2016.

BROWN—to Joseph and Ashley, a daughter, Holly Marie, on March 30, 2016.

With Our Churches Crestview Fellowship

Bridging the gap: youth ministry Bible, and life. The questions have been great, but I’ve been blown away by how the youth have responded to what the Bible has to say about some of life’s tougher questions.

The church is looking for different ways to bridge the gap between the adults and the new youth. On April 29, Crestview Fellowship will be having a Friday night church service. For the church members, meeting on the youth’s terms is an attempt to bridge Kevin Pauls this gap.

The youth who are new to church need to know that there is a community of people who they haven’t even met, who are supporting and praying for them. The worship service will include a chili cook-off and everyone is encouraged to invite their families.

– Kevin Pauls, Youth Pastor Sharron Straub, Reporter KEVIN PAULS

WINNIPEG, Man.—A year and a half ago, I looked into starting a faith group during the lunch hour at a local high school. A couple of our youth attended this school and I thought it would be a great way to encourage the youth and also grow a support network with the other Christian teens in the school.

I soon found out that running any kind of religious group in the public system today requires jumping through a lot of hoops. The roadblocks made it clear to me that God had other plans for this faith group.

At the end of past school year we had more and more community youth attend our Friday night programing.

I started to see a shift in our demographic. Most of our youth now attending are students from the high school who have little to no church background. God was faithful in providing a school faith group; He just decided to have the group meet in our church building.

Recently we’ve been averaging 15 to 20 youth who come out for a Friday night Bible study. It still amazes me that there are so many teens that are hungry and want to learn more about Jesus. The study of God’s Word is a big focus of this ministry.

We have been doing a series on Big Questions, where students can post anonymous questions about God, the

•• Rosenort Fellowship Chapel

Baptism, Missions and Prayer Day ROSENORT, Man.—On Nov. 8, 2015, our congregation at RFC was blessed as Paige Toews expressed her faith in Jesus Christ and His faithfulness to her in her growing up years. She was baptized by Pastor Brian McGuffin and received into the membership of our church. May you continue to grow in the Lord and be an encouragement to your friends, Paige.

Feb 21, 2016, was Missions and Prayer Day at RFC. Ken Zacharias, Foreign Secretary with the EMC Board of Missions, reported on the joys and struggles that our

missionaries face on the field. RFC supports as our missionaries Rolf and Angela Kruse and family, Marvin and Heidi Schmidt and family, and Chris and Revita Kroeker and family.

Time was spent in prayer addressing these concerns, asking the Lord’s empowering and protection for His faithful servants on the fields. A time of fellowship followed after the service with a meal of soup and pie.

– Rose Cornelsen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

With Our Churches Roseisle EMC

An interview with Pastor Paul Walker Please outline your church background for us.

Paul: I grew up attending Lloydminster Gospel Fellowship. It’s a Pentecostal church, which, if you are familiar with Pentecostalism, could mean a few things. There tends to be a bit of diversity in PAOC churches, which is a good thing. Diversity is divine and a true mark of God’s Kingdom, which is representative of every tribe and tongue.

The church I grew up in tended to be a bit more charismatic than some other PAOC churches in our district.

I remember fondly the Sunday evening services that would last three hours on a quiet night. There was a large emphasis in my church background on experiential faith.

Congregants were encouraged to be expressive in worship; active in the ministry of the church; and bold in love, hope, and faith. This perhaps explains why my church grew from 130 people to over 800 people today.

Please tell us about your family life, growing up. What does your family life look like today?

Paul: I grew up in a single parent family with five children. I was the middle child, so I am naturally a bit different from my siblings. A large part of my upbringing was shaped by the absence of a father figure. Thankfully, the church played a huge role in filling in gaps where life had left me short. Youth pastors made some of the most significant investments in my formation as a person.

I have seen firsthand the difference that church can make in the life of a person and a family. Speaking of which, my Mom met our now step-dad Blair through a church hosted AA group. The healing that came to our family happened because the local church was body of Christ in this world.

My family life today looks like being married to my wonderful wife Kaylee. We have a daughter Olivia (18 months) and are expecting a baby boy in May 2016. I am so thankful for my wife. She is my better half in so many ways, and I know I couldn’t be an effective pastor without her help. I am also thankful for the blessing of fatherhood.

26 The Messenger • May 2016

ROSEISLE

ROSEISLE, Man.—Terry Smith asked me to interview our pastor, Paul Walker. Here is the first half of a two-part interview.

The Walkers: Kaylee, Paul, Olivia

Can you give us an overview of your education?

Paul: I received my undergraduate degree in pastoral ministry at Horizon College and Seminary, a thriving institution located in Saskatoon. I am currently trying to work towards a graduate degree in the years to come. I have taken a course at Providence here in Manitoba and I loved it. I am hoping as finances and time allow I will be able to take more courses.

– Michelle Cenerini

With Our Churches MacGregor EMC

MacGregor co-sponsoring Syrian family

Kleefeld EMC

all aspects of the sponsorship go as smoothly as possible.

This co-sponsorship arrangement was facilitated through Mennonite Central Committee. The most recent update indicates that the Canadian government has accepted the AlSelah’s application, and they are now awaiting Turkish processing of their emigration to Canada. We are praying for their safe and timely arrival.

In other news, after about six months without a pastor, former pastor David Kruse having resigned at the end of August 2015, we invited Darnell Plett to come and serve as our interim pastor for several months. He began his term in February 2016, and both he and his wife, Emily, have been well received by the congregation. He contributed to Lent and Easter services and officiated at two funeral services of long-time members. We pray that God will lead and direct us as we continue to move forward as a church.

– Donna Thiessen JEFF THIESSEN

MACGREGOR, Man.—People from the MacGregor EMC are busy collecting clothes and household items for the Syrian refugee family they are sponsoring this year. Sandra Sawatzky, who has been heading up this project since October 2015, has submitted paperwork as requested by the Canadian government.

Sandra says one of the things she has enjoyed most about the process of refugee sponsorship is watching the excitement grow in people as the arrival of the family draws nearer. When asked what motivated her to get involved with sponsoring a refugee family, Sandra said, “I didn’t think we could not help,” knowing there were people who needed somewhere to go.

After some discussion about sponsorship options at a November 2015 congregational meeting, the members of MacGregor EMC voted to join Crossroads MB Church in Winnipeg to sponsor a young family of three and pledged the entire amount required from personal donations. The AlSelah family is related to the Syrian family the Crossroads congregation sponsored to come to Canada a year and a half ago.

The MacGregor church will provide the finances and required paperwork while the Crossroads church will help with logistics, such as locating an apartment in Winnipeg and connecting with doctors, schools, and other Syrians already in Winnipeg. Groups from both churches have met a number of times over the past few months to make sure

Darnell and Emily Plett, interim pastoral couple

••

KLEEFELD

Gary Martens retires, recognized

Gary Martens wears gifts of an aviator’s cap and scarf.

KLEEFELD, Man.—Since being elected in 2004, Gary Martens (together with his late wife Patricia) served as a lay minister at the Kleefeld EMC. He retired from this position recently, and during the Sunday morning service on Feb. 14, 2016, he was recognized for his

years of service. Gary is a man of many interests and hobbies, one of which is flying, and he has even built one of his own airplanes. It was fitting thus that the congregation presented Gary with an aviator’s cap and scarf to wear during his flights. He also received a greenhouse gift certificate for a tree to plant in Patricia’s memory. Thanks, Gary, for serving our church so well as a lay minister. We wish you God’s continued blessings.

– Dennis and Louella Friesen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

With Our Churches Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship

10 new members in March

VANDERHOOF

VANDERHOOF, B.C.—What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We are buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:1-4 ESV).

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship was blessed to welcome 10 new members to our church family on March 6, 2016, seven of whom were baptized.

This baptismal service was inside on Sunday morning; many family members and visitors attended the service in support of these Pastor Peter Doerksen read the faith covenant. Marliese Dyck, Elizabeth and Bernie individuals.

Klassen became members by transfer. Roy and Krystle Teichroeb, Jason and Lara It was encouraging to see such a diverse Penner, Amanda Bueckert, Kristin Harder, and Gayleen Anderson were baptized. group of people take this step of obedience to be baptized and to see how they have come to know Through this challenge I have become stronger in him, and love each other. There was a potluck after the serknowing that his plan for my life is far better than my vice, which was a wonderful time to get to know these new plans. Once I handed everything over to him I learned members. peace. Peace that I could have never imagined, though it is Here is Lara Penner’s testimony, used with permission: hard to put it in to words. I have also learned contentment, I grew up knowing there was a God but it wasn’t until to be thankful for today, and not to worry about tomorrow.

I moved to Vanderhoof when I was 15 and joined Hugo’s I like how Rick Warren stated, in his book The Purpose youth group that everything changed. I learned that God Driven Life, that God never wastes a hurt. And so with that wanted a relationship with me. And so when I was 16 and a verse I would like to share is Romans 8:28: “And we know on a missions trip in Vancouver during a worship service that in all things God works for the good of those who love it hit me and I accepted Jesus into my heart. After high him, who have been called according to his purpose.” school I turned to the party scene. In my heart I knew it “So lay down your burdens, lay down your shame. was wrong and that it wasn’t right. Looking back now I can All who are broken, lift up your face. Oh wanderer come see that God never left my side; he was still always there home, you’re not too far. So lay down your hurt, lay down protecting me. your heart. Come as you are” (David Crowder).

When I was 20 I met Jason, we got engaged, and during EMC Coffee Tin Fundraiser: We want to do our part in our marriage counseling I was given a smaller edition of the helping raise funds to cover the 2015 shortfall of $250,000. book The Purpose Driven Life. In the first few pages it said We are challenging our people to give up two coffees that I was not an accident and that I was made for a reason per month ($3), donating it to EMC’s budget shortfall.

by God for his purpose. I knew then that I had to change The EMC has over 7500 attendees. 7500 x $3 = $22,500 my ways. In the last 10 years, with thanks to God’s love and monthly and $270,000 annually. grace, I have been growing stronger. God has helped me – Shannon Hall and Krista Giesbrecht through many challenges, one of them being infertility.

28 The Messenger • May 2016

With Our Churches Pelly Fellowship Chapel

Grateful for Kim family at Pelly

You grew up in Korea. What schooling did you complete there?

I grew up in Korea. I finished my high school and a certificate of wire and wireless equipment at a college. I also finished two years of a Missions program at the Asian Centre for Theological Studies and Missions. I only did two years of the four-year bachelor degree. The centre has problems, so I transferred and got a Bachelor of Educational Technology.

What made you decide to come to Canada?

When I started ministry, I was a youth pastor at a church. At that time, two of my friends were ministering another church and called me to join as a youth pastor to make a team ministry. I decided to go and resigned my position, but the senior pastor suddenly called me and said that he could not accept me because of church’s financial problem. I’d lost my position. My wife Minju suggested we go overseas because we wanted to become missionaries. At that time, I did not like the USA, so I started to research other countries. I thought of Canada, we prayed to God, and we came to Canada to study in 2009.

Your desire was to be involved in mission work. Did you take further studies here with that in mind?

I got a Master of Theological Studies at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. My school has the international students who came from about 60 countries. From them, I could experience another cultures and I realized that God works through people.

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD

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

How did you find out about the need for a pastor in Pelly?

When I finished a leadership course, the professor was a minister at a Mennonite Brethren Church. While talking with him, I was convinced by the Mennonite theological perspective and then started to seek a pastoral position in a Mennonite church. I found the EMC’s information through Evangelical Fellowship’s website.

Were you familiar with the EMC, our Constitution, Statement of Faith?

While I was answering the BLO’s Ministerial Questionnaire, I read the EMC’s Statement of Faith and Church Practices several times as well as Seeking To Be Faithful. I was convinced of the Mennonite theological perspective and became interested in the Mennonite ethical viewpoint.

When I study again formally, I want to write my dissertation about Living as Radical Discipleship: Understanding Christian Ethics through the Mennonite Perspective.

It is familiar to me and much similar to my theological perspective.

What was it like coming to a little village and a small congregation after living in Calgary and Toronto?

Of course, there are some inconvenient things such as no Wal-Mart, Korean restaurant, and so on.

But I love to live in a small village. Pelly’s residents are so kind and warmhearted. I can share my story when I meet the people on the road and invite people into my home individually.

If the church is not small, I would not be able to do that.

– Vivian Anfinson

PELLY

PELLY, Sask.—We, as a congregation, are thankful that the Lord led the Kim family to pastor at our small church in Pelly. Terry Smith requested that we interview our pastor, Hyoungjin (Frankie) Kim. Here is part one.

The Kims: Hyoungjin, Minju, daughter Choah. They appreciate life in Pelly.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News and Notices

Presentation of Revised Statement of Faith Involves churches, ministerial, conference council Greetings to you in the family of churches called the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.

As you may be aware, just over two years ago the delegates to the Conference Council approved a process to review and revise our Statement of Faith.

A review team was selected by the Board of Leadership and Outreach (BLO), and set to work gathering input from all of our churches. That information was collected and evaluated with a view to determining what parts of our existing statement were clear and worded well, and what parts could benefit from revision.

It had been almost 20 years since the last revision, and we felt the process of studying what we believe would itself be important to the current generation of leaders.

A PowerPoint presentation of the proposed revision to our Statement of Faith has been sent to churches. We expect that your church’s pastoral and ministerial leadership will meet together to discuss these proposed revisions before our next conference Ministerial Day, which is Friday, July 1, 2016, in Steinbach, Man. Please come to that

day prepared to interact with the material.

This Ministerial Day will be entirely formatted to provide ministers and pastors from across the conference opportunity to discuss each article of faith, and, in particular, the proposed revisions.

From there, the review team and BLO will glean from the day’s discussions and prepare any needed changes to this first draft. This second draft will then be presented to the Conference Ministerial for approval in November 2016.

Because a change to our Statement of Faith involves a constitutional change, once the Ministerial has approved a revised statement, it will be presented to Conference Council for final approval by your delegates in 2017.

Dr. Darryl G. Klassen, Chair, Review Committee Ward Parkinson, Conference Minister Board of Leadership and Outreach

••

MCC joins in U.N.’s World Refugee Day on June 20 We are in the midst of a global refugee crisis. June 20 is designated by the United Nations as World Refugee Day—a day to commemorate the strength, courage and resilience of refugees around the world.

Join in marking World Refugee Day by planning a worship service to listen, learn, pray, give and be inspired to offer hospitality and hope to refugees. MCC has a packet of resources available for free downloading on its website.

– MCC

30 The Messenger • May 2016

ISTOCK

Resource packet available for free downloading

News

Project Builders hosts women’s seminars PB ministers to vulnerable people worldwide

June 17-18, 2016 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

For more info on the conference and registration, visit Prov.ca/Conference

Janice Loewen, serving among a people with genuine security concerns, spoke of the huge social and spiritual barriers faced by those who desire to follow Jesus. She and her husband, Arley, are seeking God’s direction to minister to these people in areas of family and spiritual needs.

It was evident that the 80 women who attended these sessions were challenged and inspired, and Flo Friesen many left with a new appreciation for what God is doing through our EMC workers in these areas of the world.

PB seeks to serve the EMC Missions program by providing material support to our missionaries and national churches. Our projects take us to over 30 countries, including numerous parts of North America. Each year we receive at least 12 applications through our mission staff. In 2016 that number has grown to 18 projects throughout the world.

Our commitment is to make Christ known to people with whom we relate through our workers. This can be by assisting national building projects such as new church starts, leadership training centres, health care programs, Christian day schools, Bible schools and camp facilities.

It also involves a Business for Transformation framework, including micro-loans for small business ventures, safe shelters for women and children, pre-evangelism and family-oriented ministries in closed countries, job skills training, and the development of entrepreneurial skills.

PB is membership driven and as new members join, we are able to have a greater part in the work that God is doing globally. You are welcome to visit the PB page at www.emconference.ca/ministries/project-builders.

The next major PB event is the 22nd Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 16, at Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course. To view the brochure and registration form, go to the website.

– Len Barkman BOM

STEINBACH/WINNIPEG, Man.—In April Project Builders (PB) hosted two women’s events, one in Winnipeg and the other in Steinbach. The purpose was to highlight the opportunities PB has to minister to the needs of women, children, and families in some of the most needy areas of the world.

PB executive member Flo Friesen, together with Marion Warkentin, Christy Dyck and Merle Plett, spoke about the dedication and commitment of national believers as they provide a safe haven for abused and trafficked women and their children in Central Asia. Flo is instrumental in providing resources, work teams, and encouragement to such women, and each year coordinates a work team to help with the facilities for these programs.

Flo is also engaged with a couple working for Youth for Christ looking to set up a bakery business so that rescued women can make a dignified living through this business venture. We heard from Donna Ptosnick and Cheryl Hiebert, who serve on a work team that for years now has ministered to families living on a garbage dump in Mexico.

They have provided a basic school and playground facility as well as upgrading some of the most dilapidated homes in this community.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

News

Dr. Arden Thiessen publishes Twenty Big Questions

BCM

Tackles some major issues STEINBACH, Man.—Dr. Arden Thiessen has served the EMC and wider church in various ways: as a minister, a professor at SBC and elsewhere, as a conference moderator, and more. He has written several books, but his latest might see more sales than any other: 20 Big Questions: Toward a Biblical Worldview for Restless Truth Seekers (self-published, 2016).

Few EMC ministers write theology books—period— whether in specialized or common language. Thiessen, an exception, has made himself vulnerable in the service of the Church.

So what does he write about in common language? The process of creation, free will, providence, prayer, atonement, Jesus as God and man, the Church, the End Times, heaven, hell, creation care, and more. Are some of his thoughts controversial? Readers can Dr. Thiessen makes himself vulnerable.

make their own judgments.

The Board of Church Ministries has a constitutional task to “promote the writing and publication of Christian literature.”

It did not publish the book and it has not reviewed it. Its members and staff would, likely, not agree with some views within it.

However, the board can make you aware of it.

Books can be purchased from Arden Thiessen, from Hull’s Family Bookstores (Steinbach) and Die Mennonitische Post (Steinbach), and the EMC national office. The book is $10 at the national office.

The Messenger will publish solicited book reviews at some point.

– Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Quarterly Financial Report 2015 Receipts and Transfers Disbursements Excess/Shortfall

Jan–Mar 2016 310,136 462,627 -152,491

Jan–Mar 2015 296,041 482,588 -186,547

The Board of Trustees is grateful for the faithful giving of Churches and individuals to the Conference budget. Thank you for giving generously to the work we are doing together. Here are the results for the first quarter of 2016.

Tim Dyck General Secretary

32 The Messenger • May 2016

Calendar Manitoba June 16

Project Builders Golf Tournament

July 1-3 EMC National Convention

Canada October 28-30 TRU 2016

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* Ridgewood EMC, in southeast Man., is seeking a full-time youth pastor. The youth pastor will provide spiritual leadership and direction to the junior high, senior high and young adult programs. The youth pastor will also be expected to participate in the regular preaching schedule. College or seminary training is a definite asset. Starting date is flexible and salary will reflect EMC guidelines. Send resumes to Stan Hamm at stan.hamm@prov.ca or call 204-326-6304.

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 gregderkson@gmail.com or by phone Jake (780-821-9432) or Greg (780-926- 9553).

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.

Abbeydale Christian Fellowship, Calgary, seeks a full-time lead pastor to work alongside our current associate pastor and leadership team. The ideal candidate has served at least ten years as pastor (five as lead), is a good preacher and communicator, and relates easily with people of all ages. He works well in a team and as a mentor, has relevant education, and will require EMC approval. The ministry focus is discipleship through preaching, teaching, encouraging small groups, and prayer. He will also lead in pastoral care. We are an urban congregation of 125 with an informal atmosphere. We are committed to love through service to one another and to our community. Please see the full profile at http://abbeydale. org/index.php/careers, and then apply in confidence to search@abbeydale.org.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (VCF) is seeking a permanent fulltime youth/associate pastor.

The candidate should have leadership aptitude along with excellent communication skills (including preaching), the ability to support a multigenerational church and have the ability to work with others in teams and unity. The candidate must have a personal commitment to following Jesus; a passion for youth; and have experience in leading and training volunteers. The position would include planning and developing an effective youth ministry and a discipleship program that will teach and strengthen commitment to faith in Christ. It would also include being able to mentor, teach and coach Ministry Team leaders and volunteers in leadership principles. Please see the full job profile at www. vcfemc.com. If you sense the Lord leading you to consider becoming a part of VCF’s ministry team please submit your resume to vcfemc@telus. net or Box 377, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0.

provide charitable gift and estate planning services and promote biblical stewardship of financial resources. Please submit resumes by June 10, 2016.

Send resumes to: gfangrad@MennoFoundation. ca. A complete job description is available at www.

MennoFoundation.ca.

Altona EMMC seeks a lead pastor. Located in Altona, Man., we are a vibrant church with an average of 450 people attending our dual Sunday morning services.

The successful candidate would serve with our multi staffed pastoral team. For a complete job description visit www.emmc.altona.mb.ca. Resumes can be submitted to pastoral search committee chair Harv Toews: harvjtoews@gmail.com.

Morweena Christian School (MCS) is a rural K-12 school 90 minutes north of Winnipeg, Man. MCS was founded in 1966 by families of the Morweena EMC. MCS serves about 145 students. MCS is looking for classroom teachers for Grade 1, Grade 2, Grades 5-6 class, Grades 11-12 class.

Candidates need to be certifiable in the Province of Manitoba, embrace the EMC Statement of Faith, and be active in congregational life. Please send resume to or get more information from Tim Reimer, Principal, timr@morweenaschool.org.

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.

Mennonite Central Committee needs service workers in our Akron, PA, office for these positions: Administrative Assistants, Canner Operators, Instructional Technologist, Receptionist.

Assignments are one- or two-year commitments.

MCC covers the cost of transportation to and from assignment, housing, daily living expenses, medical insurance and assistance with student loans. For more information see serve.mcc.org or email akronconnection@mcc.org.

Where are position ads to be sent?

Other Positions Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC) has an opening for a full-time stewardship consultant in its Abbotsford, B.C., office. Stewardship Consultants

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

Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Column • Here and Far Away

A High View of God

A

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

DESIGNPCS

We must work out our faith with fear and trembling.

high view of God comes from a personal revelation of who He is.

Our view of God, whether high or low, significantly affects the way we encounter the world. It will affect how we respond to our circumstances. It will affect the way we speak about Christ to those around us.

God does not need to prove Himself in my present circumstances for me to have a high view of Him. Because it is written in the Word, I must believe God can do all things, know all things, be everywhere.

He is infinite, yet present in this moment in time. He is for me, not against me. His ways are higher than mine and therefore I do not often understand the reasons my life goes the way it does under His sovereignty. Church, we cannot have life in Christ on our own terms. We must work out our faith with fear and trembling.

When faced with painful or frustrating circumstances that tempt me to give up, I’m learning to recognize the choice I have to battle through: to let confusion, anger and helplessness rule, or to decide with conviction I may not feel to let God be right. It’s often a challenging decision to make, but one with significant ramifications!

Mike Mason writes a remarkable section on this choice that is worth quoting at length: “An experiment in joy is a resolution to give up all doubts about God. As Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Stop doubting and believe’ (John 20:27). Negative feelings are rooted in the suspicion, however subtle, that God may be in the wrong, or at least is not truly concerned with our well-being, and therefore cannot be trusted.

The only solution to this impasse is to let God be right. More than just giving Him the benefit of the doubt, we must tell Him unreservedly that He’s right and congratulate Him for it. We must choose to worship Him flat out, celebrating His righteousness and justice. By doing whatever it takes to elevate God above ourselves, we tap into the wellspring of joy” (Champagne for the Soul:

34 The Messenger • May 2016

Rediscovering God’s Gift of Joy, 109).

This choice is most definitely a choice to submit. By allowing God to be right we submit ourselves and our ideas of what is right in favour of God. God’s confrontation with Job after his indignation for God’s treatment of him (Job 38-41) is a sobering reminder of God’s majesty and sovereignty. Yet this view also puts into perspective how great the Father’s love for us that it can span such a divide!

In the face of heartbreak and utter frustration, the only posture that allows me to thrive in this life is one of complete submission. To gain life I must let it go. I must receive the mercy of the Lord rather than give judgement on His actions. I must hold to a high view of God.

Column • stewardship today

I

t’s time for “the talk.” You know, the one we’ve been putting off because it’s uncomfortable.

That end-of-life conversation. There is, after all, a 100% certainty of our death. The Psalms remind us of our frailty: “Show me LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is” (Psalm 39:4 NIV).

More than half of all deaths are sudden or unexpected, but even when expected, too many don’t make plans or discuss their wishes with family and friends. This can cause profound heartache for those left behind. I’ve heard the stories of families fighting over healthcare decisions and siblings who are estranged because of how the possessions were divided. There can also be confusion over who should make important decisions.

Here’s your primer to get the conversations started: Wills: Do you have an up-to-date will? Are family members capable and willing to handle your estate, or should you hire a professional estate trustee service? Could they find the original copy of your will? Does your estate distribution still make sense? Have you included a charitable gift in your estate? Is there an up-to-date summary of what you own and what you owe? Have you created or updated your charitable giving plan with Mennonite Foundation of Canada?

Incapacity documents for health: There are many reasons that we may not be able to make decisions about our health care or the things we own. Have you prepared legal documents permitting someone to act on your behalf, if needed? Have you notified the people you’ve named? Are they aware of your preferences for healthcare treatments? Have they met your primary care physician?

Incapacity documents for finances and property: Do they know which financial institutions you use? Have they met your financial planner, accountant and lawyer? Should you conduct annual reviews together? Have you discussed your wishes about charitable gifts? Some provinces have rules about the amounts that can be donated if an incapacity document is in use.

Is your family able to navigate tough

DESIGNPICS

It’s Time We Had ‘The Talk’

conversations respectfully? Or should you

by Sherri Grosz involve an outsider to help?

Stewardship A few years ago, John (not his real name) Consultant shared this: “My Dad died when I was young so it’s just been Mom, my sister and me. Mom had a serious health scare in her mid-sixties, and we were keenly aware that we didn’t know what Mom wanted. She recovered, but after that, she began conversations about aging, dying and death. Mom wove it into everyday conversations; she was careful not to overwhelm us, but she was quite clear about what she did and did not want.

She also began to invite us to join appointments with lawyers, accountants and her physician.

“Mom lived independently until her late 80s and died just after her 90th birthday. My sister and I knew exactly what Mom wanted, what was important to her. It made a difficult time much easier for both of us. I know Mom did it because she felt strongly that parents should teach and guide their children. Even in my 60s, Mom was still able and willing to teach me about aging well, dying and death. I’ve continued the tradition and have begun to have conversations with my spouse and children. It’s hard sometimes, but it’s the least I can do for those whom I love.”

Families who have these conversations tend to fare well. There may be disagreements, but when preferences and wishes are clearly communicated, difficult situations are much easier to navigate. Set the example for your family and starting the conversation today. MFC Sherri Grosz is a stewardship consultant has resources availat Mennonite Foundation of Canada servable to help. Go ing generous people in Ontario and eastern to MennoFoundaprovinces. For more information on impulsive tion.ca or contact generosity, stewardship education, and estate the nearest office at and charitable gift planning, contact your 1-800-772-3257. nearest MFC office or visit MennoFoundation.

Families who have these conversations tend to fare well.

When wishes are clearly communicated, difficult situations are much easier to navigate.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Column • kids’ corner

Do You Get Angry?

W Angry outbursts usually don’t help. They just make the situation worse.

ISTOCK

by Loreena Thiessen

hat do you do when you don’t get your way? Do you stomp your feet? Or yell and scream? Do you cry?

Do you get angry when something goes wrong? Your plan is stopped, you can’t change it and it’s beyond your control?

Anger is a feeling, like being sad or happy. It’s an unpleasant feeling. You may feel hot or tense. Your hands become fists.

You are frustrated and don’t know what to do next. You feel hurt because someone says No! to what you want.

The first meaning of anger is grief or pain. Another meaning is choking. So feeling angry is feeling pain, like you are choking.

What makes you feel this way?

When someone says No! You can’t do this!

Or when you are left out or ignored you may feel it’s unfair. Someone is stopping you from doing something or getting something you really want. You want to fix it or change it. You get loud and lash out.

You think this will get you what you want.

But it seldom does. Angry outbursts usually don’t help. They just make the situation worse.

You feel more hurt and you may hurt someone else or damage something.

Make a mess!

Need: One bottle of pop in a clear bottle and a suitable place to make a mess, preferably outside.

Do: Shake the bottle of pop vigorously.

Watch the fizz grow. As you watch think of things that shake you up, getting teased, being ignored or treated unfairly.

Take the top off the bottle; watch the fizz fly all around.

Remember when you lose control you make a mess just like the fizz flying everywhere.

But feeling anger is not always a bad thing. It can make you take action or rethink what happened. For example if you see a classmate being bullied, someone is pushing her around, or tries to take something away from her, you’re right to feel angry. You want to change the situation.

What can you do? You can step up and say No! You can’t do this! Make sure you also alert a teacher or an adult you trust.

Anger can make you rethink a situation. Let’s say your baby brother breaks your toy, or book, or your electronic game. You may feel angry, but you may want to think through why this happened. Are your things lying around? Putting them in a safe place, in a storage box, or on a high shelf will protect them from tiny hands.

You can’t control every situation, but you can control your own actions. First stop yourself from lashing out. Cool down and count to ten.

Think through why this happened. Think about what steps you can take to prevent it from happening again.

Talk to an adult. Don’t let anger be the boss of you. You take charge of how you will act.

Read Ephesians 4: 24, 26. You are encouraged to speak the truth, but don’t do it in spite or to hurt someone.

Read Proverbs 15:1.

36 The Messenger • May 2016

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