The Messenger July 16, 2003

Thank-you, CHURCH

Mimi Friesen LaCrete

Nancy Peters RoseisJe

Oave Schellenberg Steinbach EMC

Evelyn flicks Fort Frances

Desperately needed news

THE good news of Jesus is desperately needed news. At its heart, it deals ,,vi.th mattersoflifeordeath,eternalandtemporal. Thegospelisanurgentmessage. Sometimes people gather at a church because they consider themselves decent people,ortheyconsidergoodmoralshelpful forsociety.Somefolksthinkit'snicetohave achurchinthecommunity,eveniftheydon't attend.

TheVilidercommunitysometimesthinksof theideal minister as patient, kind, and sensitive-apersonwhoisopenandnottoo challenging,lestpeopleactuallybeexpected tochangetheirlifestyle.

Yet-..vhatweresomeofJesus'firstwordsin ministry? "The'time is fulfiJled and the kingdom ofGod is at hand. Repent and believeinthegospel!"(Mark 1:15).

Following Christ is a matter of life or death-that is the centralpointbehind the ENIC50th anniversaryofmissions.Gettingout

themessageisworl.hsacrificeonthepartof missionariesand theirsupporters.

As a conference, we gathered nationally, celebratedourbriefhistoryinmissions,and wereinspiredtogoforth. Nowwhat?

W1Uourchurchesjoyouslygiveupleaders, families,and budgetinorder toplantmore daughterchurches in Canada?

Will younger, middle-aged, and older peopleforegoplansandembraceJesus'call totakethemessage farandnear?

Willlocalchurchesincreasetheirmissions budgets, placing the priority more on outreachthanon in-reach?

Willourmissionboardanditsstaffbemore creativeinhowtheyrecruit,train, andsend workers?

Willwesacrificetosendothers?Wilwego?

We'U see. But, whatever our response, it does not change the urgent call by Jesus: "Repentandbelieveinthegospel!"

TerryM. Smith

Read Menno Simons lately?

I SAY, as surely as the Lord lives, there will in all eternity be found no other remedy foroursins, neitherinheavennoronearth; no work.,, no merits, no sacraments, even though they are used according to the Scriptures; no oppression, tribulation, innocent blood of saints, no angel, men, nor any other means but only the immaculate, crimson blood ofthe Lamb of sacrifice which was once shed for the remission ofour sins out ofpure grace.Menno Simons, ca. 1:541/1556 (Complete Writings, p. 393)

It is not enough to saywith the mouth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He fulfilledtheLawforus, thatHepaidforour sinswithHisblood,andmadereconciliation with the Father by His sacrifice and death. Neitherwill it suffice to saythat HisGospel istrue,thatHisWordisright, thatthewages ofsinisdeath, and thatgrace iseternal life. It must also be grasped in the heart and taken up in the soul, otherwise ii. will not justify (Complete Writings, p. 391).

PASTORS,ifyoucanonlyreadonebook, read the Bible, God's Word written, whosecentreisChrist

Butmost ministers own manymore than one book. How many ofus own a copy of Menno Simons' writings and have read portionsofit?Thoughmycopyisselectively well-marked, I have only scratched its surface.

Ironically, in a church named after him, grapplingdirectly¾riththewritingsofMenno islesscommonthaninpreviousyears. Menno's vvriting is dense, but it reflects critical issues ofhis dayand hisconcernto be biblical. Hisvvritingremainschallenging nearly five centmies later. Menno can help uscriiqueourtimes.

Yes,MennoisonlyoneofmanyReformers we're indebted to and I disagree with him onsomematters,Butit'susefultohavehim peerovermyshoulderasIpreparesermons, editorialsandarticles.

M. Srn1t/1

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 15 • September 10 {copy dueAugust 29)

A Glimpse of Anabaptist Worship

Pastor Dave Wiebe

INSPIRED

by a deep com iction of faith in Christ, early

Anabaptist Christians embarked on a costly journey, They sought to he a church and cornmunitv that served and honoured tl ie God of the Bible. I wm highlight a few of their beliefs and experiences, how they influenced the worship c;ervices of their times, and make a few observations and suggestions.

The people of this movement would probably have preferred simply to be called Christians, since they were profoundly trying to return to biblical Christianity. But the reality is identifying names follow every group. The Anabaptist church \Vas not without fault and struggle then, nor today. But we LH'rwflt when we ponder their jounwv and our own.

Changes in the church

The New Testament church had been swept into a powerful joint relationship with the political world by Constantine the Great (306-337 A.D.). !n 1517 Martin Luther's ninety-five theses had the effect of thrusting the church into the great reformation. Similarly, Ulrich Zvvingli in Svvitzerland made limited reforms to the church (152324).

But some, like Conrad Grebel, wished to go much further. He "argued for a free church, not one established by law, with freedom of conscience, each person being free to acceptor reject the gospel, with those who accepted sealing their vows of discipleship to Christ by water baptism" (J.C. Wenger, The Christian Faith, Herald Press, 1971. p. 70). This belief fuelled the birth of the Anabaptist church in 1525 and its growth.

Against all odds, these people believed itwas right and best to return to the open and free reading of the Bible. They believed the Bible should be free from political manipulation. Their attempt was to return the church to the role and place it had in society before Constantine. Through allegiance to the God of the Bible the yoke of the state was thrown off. Through obedience to the Bible, Christ was called again to be the head of the church. And through the open study of the Bible came the desire and

Dave \Viebe ,s P<'F,tnr o· the 01urch of Liv/,n ),'i:iN in T!llsonburg, Or:w, .;. He: holds , three-year dipioma r r. m Peace River Bible lr1st1tu e, two 8.R.E. ,:, c,r,:es (m;ss1ons and fron-1 Briercre.st

is /,udrey.

attempt to escape partisan theology and hermeneutics. A revival of Anab,1ptism should be the revival of this bold faith in the Bible.

Anabaptists faced enormous persecution for almost a century. They were considered traitors of the state and the state churches. A great many men and women were 111c1rtyred as they forged a way to pn·,1ch the gospel and nurture the followers. Their metAings were often difficult and secretive.

When they could meet, they met in homes, barns, forest retreats, seashores, fields and even in caves. In Holland and East Friesland. by l 580, buildings such as warehouses were purchased for meetings. The interior could be remodelled, but not the exterior. The first meetinghouse built by them seems to be the one built in 1590, in West Prussia.

The meetings were simple; liturgies were rejected. The services included Scripture reading, prayer, preaching, and singing. In times of danger singing was suppressed. At some rneetings there were lively discussions as the Bible \Yas studied. These early believers had a strong and daring missionary zeal and many were won to Christ.

By the time Menno Simons came along, to serve from l 5:16-1561, many of their beliefs began to further shape their worship services, just as they had shaped their lives. Many leaders \vrote. preached and taught in the effort to stabilise and establish the hunted church. After some time church buildings came and brought a certain formal atmosphere. Let us consider some beliefs that influenced and shaped the church services and lives of the early Anabaptist Christians.

The Bible was central

First, the Bible was central. They believed they found God in the study of the Scriptures. It was the reading, study and discussion of the Bible that gave birth and life to the reformation ancl the Anabaptist movement. Because of this, it is no v,onder that the Scriptures were the centrepiece of the new church. In and through the study and preachillg of the Bible, the power of Goel and the Spirit of God were believed to operate. Preaching, studies, and discussions focused on the Bible. as did personal devotion and growth. The worship service was an engagement with the Word of God.

In our churches today, what are we doing with Uod's Word? Public reading of the Bible seems to have suffered with the variety of Bible translations. To do more public Bible reading we could use bulletins, overheads and projectors.

And 'vvhat about the preaching? Has some of our Bible preaching been substituted by motivational speaking and per! iaps even entertainment? Our preaching pastors need to be given support to truly preach the \Vorel of God and to use a good part of their paid time for prayer, studv and

Briercrest Biblical Seminary. His wife

preparation.Greatpreachersshouldgrowupamongus! ThereshouldalsobeahungerfortheWordofGodinthe benches.Allweek,andespeciallyonSaturday,weshould prepareourheartstomeetwithGodonSunday,thefirst dayoftheweek.Coulditbethatafeastofsocialmyths andculturalnormshasstolenthe appetite forthetrue livingbread?Yetwebelievewearestillapeopleofthe Scripturs and should encourage each other in this journey.

TheworkoftheSpiritwasreal

Second,theworkofheHolySpiritwasrealandevident toheAnabaptists.TheyspokefreelyabouttheSpirit,and believedHispresencewasineachbeliever,theirlivesand their meetings. It was not a dry, ritualistic life they undertook.Insteadofseekinganemotionalexperience, theysoughtinwardstrengthandgrace.

Thesufferingandchallengestheyfacedrequiredagreat depthofconvition. TheSpiritofGodandtheWordof Godwereheldasworkingtogetherintheminisrytoeach person. TheybeJievedGod's presence waswiththem whentheyprayed,readtheScriptures,suffered,ormet together. Theydid not need to searchfrGod;Hewaswiththem inSpirit,intruth,andinpower. Inourdaythere seems tobe a trendinsomecirclestoseekto bringGodin.Thepresenceofthe HolySpiritand God isdoubted until a certain mood or atmosphere is achieved. We should not doubtthe presence ofGod; ratherwe shouldenjoy andcelebrateit.

Thee,arlyAnabaptistshadsuch Bibleteaching, challenges and expeiencesthatGod the Spirit wasrealtotheminlife-changing ways. This is still true todayfor manyyoungandold.Prayersare answered! Miracles happen!

Pople are converted! Captives are set free! We need to work zealously with the confidencethattheSpiritofGodiswithusandatworkin life-changingways.GodiswihusinSpiritandintruthas Hepromised.

ChristianwonhlpwasChristianlife

Third, for the Anabaptists, Christian worship was Christianlife.Worship, in its broadest sense, wasthe expressionofaperson'srelationshipwithGodinevery dayandalloflife.Worshipwasdefinedas Gottesdienst (God'sservice).Thismeantworship,discipleship,suffering andservicewereconsideredessentialandinseparable. The wholelife ofthe Christianwastobe a journey of fellowshipwithGod.Theywereapeoplewhodelvedinto thefullnessofthegospel.

Itistruethatinhecourseoftime,theAnabaptistchurch lost some of its discipleship edge. Sufferings and persecutions drove them to look fora quieter, less

confrontationalexpressionofChristianity.

Insteadofforgingawaytobethechurchinsociety, theysoughttoescapetobethechurchoutsideofgeneral society.Letusjudgethemkindly.Westillhaveaneedto understandourplaceinsocietyandthecouragetothrive here.Wearesometimesknownasagenerationseeking onlythenecessitiesofthegospel.Discipleshipisgivenlip service,butnotenoughpriority.

Evangelism isbelieved to betheessence ofchurch growthandsuccess.Butthisisnotentirelytrue.Notrue parentsabandontheirbabyafewmonthsafterbirthin searchofanewone.Notruehusbandandwifesplitup aftertheirchild-bearingdaysareover,butratherjoyfully and earnestly they enter into the discipleship and fellowshipoftheirchildren.So,too,shouldthechurch!

Discipleshipcouldbeunderstoodassotakingcareof thechildrenthatroomiscreatedforthenew-born-the stranger,theinjured,thehungry,andtheweary.

Churchwasparticipation,notobservation

Fourth, the church was redefined as one of participation, notobsevation. DikPhilipsclaimedthat the church "is wherever God's Word is rightlytaught, believedand obeyed,andthesacramentsofChristare rightlyobservedaccordingtotheWord"(WalterKlaassen, ed.,AnabaptisminOutline,Herald,1981,p.115).Thismeant thepeoplewerecalledtoparticipateinlearning,believing, sufferingand sewing.

Churchserviceswerenotaperformanceofritualsand readingsbyapriest;butratheranengaging,life-changing event.Itwasanewfaihinthepriesthoodofbelievers. Everyonecametochurchtoworkandeveryoneleftthe meetingtowork.Itwastodotheworkofworship,prayer, meditation,discernment,witness,andservice.

ll Touldn'titberight, todayalso, togotochurchto VVwork? Perhaps it wouldnotseem boing ordry whenthepewsarefilledwithpeoplewhoaredoingthe workofprayer,meditation,discernmentandapplication. Iftheleadershavepreparedwithgreateffort,shouldnot the congregation alsopreparewith equal dedication? Thereisablessingandministryforeveryone.

Before,during,andafterthemeetingitwouldbefitting foreveryChristiantoprayforohers,visitthem,helpthem andgiveabundantlyinserviceinthenameofChist.No oneneedsaformaljobdescriptionorofficetodohese things,justaheartfilledwithcourageandconviction.

Iwillclosewithhisheart-cry,andwishalsotoattainit. Itisinourhandsandheartstomakethechurchandour livesgodly,influentialandlifechanging.Wehaveallthe tools.Wedonotneedtodoubtthepresenceandpower ofGod.

Letusescapethedeceptionoftheflesh,theworldand theenemy.Letusconfessandthrowoffourhandicaps, mistakes,sins,andfears.Callforthleadersandblessthem. OpentheWord, preachthe fullgospel, and cradlethe followers.Builduptheservans.LettheChristianchurch,in thespiritoftheAnabaptists,facethechallengesoftheday. Jesustaught,"BythisMyFatherisglorified,thatyoubear muchfruit;soyouwillbeMydisciples"(John15:8).■

Horrendous devastation oflife andproperty?

Thank-youtoDr.HarveyPlettforhis article (Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, George Bush, and us, May28], though it did leave me with many questions.Ifullyagreewithhisconclusion thataschildrenoftheKingdomofGod, wefollowacompletelydiferentpath.I amafraidthatChristiansbothonthe"left" andthe"right"tendtoforgetthis.Weneed arenewedemphasisonour"otherkingdom"calling.

Dr.Plett,however,waswrongwhenhe saidthatAmeica'sresponsetoOsamabin Laden resulted in the "consequent horrendousdevastationoflife,property andgeographyinAfghanistan."Idonot knowwherehereceivedthisinformation. True,theAmericanbombingresultedin somegeographicaldevastationasthey blastedmanycavesinthemountainsof southeastAfghanistan.

However,thewaragainsttheTaliban regimehad,surprisinglyandthankfully,few cMliancasualtiesandhasresltedinthe following:Closetotwomillionrefugees havereturnedtotheircountry,boysand girlsthroughouthecountryarebackin schools,roadsarebeinrebuilt,tradesmen (carpenters,plumbers,welders,etc.)are allbusywithmanyjobs,menandwomen arebackatjobs,andonandon.Idon't knowhow this could be termedas

"horrendousdevastation"of"life"and "property"inAfghanistan.

Thehorrendousdestructionoflifeand propertyinAfghanistanhappenedinthree periods: duringtheSovietoccupation manyvillagesweredestroyed;duringthe Mujahadinrule(1992-96)Kabulcitywas devastatedwithrandombombingand rockets;andduringtheTalibanea(19962001)northernandcentralAfghanistan experienced terrible looting and destruction.

IhavevisitedAfghanistanthreetimes since9/11andeverytimethetaxidrivers andtheaveragemanonthestreettellthe samestory,"Ufeisbetternow.Wewill neverlettheTalibancomeback."(Below isanexcerptofareportIrecentlywrote aboutAfghanistan.)

Another,perhapsnon-consequential errorinthearticlewasthesatementthat theSunnisectofIslamisnotasstrict.The Taliban,OsamabinLaden,theSaudis,and manyoftheradicalfundamentalistsare Sunnis.Bothsectshaveradical,traditional andliberalelements.

Winds ofHope, Threatening Clouds: At theendof201,thepeopleofAfghanistan werereelingwiththeexcitementofliving underthenewly-installedKarzai.The Talibanregimehadjustbeendefeatedand hopes ran high. Beyond anyone's

expectations,closetotwomillionrefgees havefloodedbackintoAfghanistanduing thepastoneandahalfyears.Although thishasresultedinahugehousingcisis anddilemmasinthecountry's social infrastructure,windsofhopeconinueto blowacrossthecountry.

Themuchpublicized, UN-sponsored LoyaJirgainJune2002createdthe Transitional Islamic Government of Afghanistan,which,tothedisappointment ofmany,hasbeenriddledwithcorruption, powerstruggles and non-compliant warlords.Elementsfromtheformer regimecontinuetocausehavoc.Many Afghansaredeeplydisappointedthatthe countryhasnotseenrapidreconstruction anddevelopmentastheyhadhoped. However,thephysicalrains,boysandgirls backatschool,womenatworkandother newfoundfreedoms,keeptheAfghans hopefulthatthenaionwillbecomestable anddevelop.

Webelieve, however,thatanother "breezeofhope,"muchdeeperthan politicalandsocialchangeisblowingover thenation.

ArleyLoewen Blumenort,Man.

LetterstotheEditor

lettersforpublication,commentingon issuesraisedin The Messenger, are welcomed.Theirtoneshouldbecharitable, dealingwithsubjectsratherthanindividuals.

Tobepublishedtheymustincludethe writer'ssignature,addressandphone number.Namesandgenerallocationwill appear, except for extraordinary circumstances,onletterspublished.

Themagazinereservestherighttoedit lettersforlength,style,andcharity.Itcan rfusepublicationwhenthematerialdoes ntconformoteeditorialpc»icyapproved bytheBoardofChurchMinistries(January 2002}.

Missionaries, Columnists, Church Reporters, and Readers

Somesubscribersofthismagazineread itfrom covertocover, whilemost readit selectively. \1/hat interests people? That varies.

Missions

TheJanuary 11, 1963,inauguralissueof this magazine carriedamissionssection witharepo11ontheEMCannualmissions convention, including the ladies session. ita1socarriedafictionalstoryofaboyina far-offlandwhoheardaboutJesus(taken fromthePrairie Overcomer) andnewsof youth donating a Gestetner copier toa missionsstationinMexico, Reporting on missions remains important Missionaries, national office staff, churchesandmissionorganizations contributematerials.Reportinginwriting, while nol easy for some missionaries, remains a way to inform thousands of readers.

About 8-0 copies of The ,Messenger are airmailed to EMC missionary staff, with funds (let it be noted) coming from the Board of Missions budget While some missionaries,likemanypeople,mightnot enjoywriting,mostdoenjoyreadingwhat. others have written

Columnists

Columnistsremainpopular.Writerswho have served or do serve in such a way includenationalstaff, fom1ereditors,representatives from committees and organizations-more people than we can mention.

To show part of the range of areas covered by columnists,wewouldpoint Lor�en? Thiessen to past columns bv Kids Comer Leona Dueck Penner with Day-Break and Don Thiessen with lvfusicallySpeaking, LoreenaThiessenhas aspecificcolumnnowforchildren,called Kids'Comer, whileBettyKoopprovidesA Woman'sJoumeyofFaith.

The longest-running columns are likely

thoseofformereditorDaveSchellenberg withBytheWay(personallyreflective)and Pages fromthePast(historical).

ChurchReporters

Local church reporters are the unsung, under-appreciatc�d members of the magazine's team. TheyforwardmateriaL photos and text, most often at their o,vn expense, and then waitsometimes longer than they want--to see their material, ora pm1ionofit, in print. When publication is the only payment they receive,theirwages arelowindeed. Our

areinadequate.

Localchurchreportingbeganin1963and remains an attractive feature of the magazine, EMCerswanttoknowwhatis happeninginothercongregations.Ithelps people to rejoice, pray, and plan! We encouragereporterstowrite quarterly, Do churcheswant to see their newsin print and encourage their reporters? Pay for their film, developing, and mailing costs.Thiscouldmeanreportsgetmailed earlier, ratherthanbedelayeduntilafilm is full. Have you hugged your church reporter lately?

Finally, if you have a complaint when births,weddings,andchurchreportsaren't published assoonasyouwant, speak io theeditors--not to the reporters.

there are things that you feel should be changed. Or it could be that do not getthepointthatsomereader tryingto bringacross.Itcouldalsobethatyouhave yourovvnideasonthesubjectThen not let us know!" The magazine has continuedthisopennesstodiscussion. By vote of EMC conference council, subscriptions for this magazine are purcha'iedformembersandadherentsout ofgeneralEMCbudgetfunds,Peoplenot currentlyinvolvedinanEMCcongregation purchaseanindividualsubscription.

Significantly,themagazinehasoperated for40yearswithoutpaidadvertising,\-vhich demonstrates EMC commitment to their magazine.

Onthe40th anniversaryofTheMessenger, theBoardofChurchMinistries(theofficial publisher of the magazine) and the magazine'sstaffexpressourthankstoyou, readers and supporters, for your faithfulness and support !hat makes this magazinepossible.

TerryM. Smitr1 Editor

Letters To the Editor

Readers and Supporters � � Basic in the ministry of thismagazineisthesupport ofreadersand supporters. Readers, of course, read. They also write letters-helpful, neededgassroots feedback to staff, national boards and committees, andotherreaders.

lnthesecondissueofThe 1Hessenger (January l8, 196�:q editor Dave K. Schellenberg said that while "the friendly letter" \Vas welcome, he sought something else: "Mayhe

In our "Letters to the :Editor" column we are thinking of more than the friendly letter type of contribution. These we have asked for in the past and they have appeared irom time to time {when we got them) in our pages, We thank all t:h-0-se who have felt burdened to write to these columnus in this way. We trust that we will not disc=ge anyone :from writing in the future because we are changing the pattern somewhat In the changeover frorn the "Family Circle" to "The Messenger" a gre-at, and maybe bold has been taken, Much will have to be learned to make the paper that we want it to be. Here is where you Cliff! help. Here ls ,vherii, ''Letters to the Editor" a:re in place.

step it

·:Maybe thereare things that you feel should be change<::!.

Or it could 'be that you do not get the point that writer is trying to bring across. It couid also be that have your own ideas on the subject. Then why not us know!

vvhy some you let

On the other hand there might be something you should be included i.n the paper, which do not find it.

EMC Golf Classi, ·

When golf becomes an eight-letter word

Light streains lari;ie vvindows at the Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course rest.aw ant. The hum of voices is steady. H's 2:30 p.m. on June 18. a warm Wednesday in southern Manitoba, and a bit late for lunch.

Yet EMC golfers dine from across the province. Just before a line-up for dessnt, Ron Penner,;, l,,r;,),:, and minister, raises a

Ic,,v,_•i score.

Individual skills were honoured, though. Prizes were awarded for the longest drives (Janet Fast, Darren McMillan) and the shots closest to the pin (Karen Reimer. Cal Loewen). But the real focus lies elsewhere, in connecting w.:th people and in_ bE:ing rt';m!J?:d.ed Jf ministries: :-,t(•mbacn 11•,}i(' College president Abe portable He's a golf cc,:rnnittee rns\rnbcr and a r,H mber of .\lC Mission~ 1\uxilir-1.rv ! .\t;\ and he vvcmb t,, 'Nekon,e EMCers and !i;crnls to llw 91" annual EMC Golf Classic and to say thanks to sponsors of the event.

Ron said, as in (imel'.i previous, thar the

Bergen led in prayeL Le,rer Olfert, EMC foreign r n r1=tary, spoke of Dan an,: Judy Schmidt's ministry in Paraguay to peor>le living with HI\// AIDS. MA funds will help them to develop a hostel. God has touched lives of people who had given up event is a gathering to enjoy God's creation and golf, and to assist in supporting missions

This year, the Texas Scramble tournament has projects. attracted 158 golfers, a record attendance, and resulted in $24,000 to be divided between ministries in Paraguay and Manitoba, he announces. People clap.

The auxiliary sprn,·-;ors tlle event, Penr1er says, and he imitc~ people to become more involved in rni~sion efforts through the orgarnzation.. He introduces commit!Pt· rnembeb--and forgets his wife Ruth, until he is prompted.

Ron said, as in times previous, that the event is a gathering to enjoy God's creation and golf, and to assist in supporting missions projects.

If a per&0n's golf score is pleasing, that's a bonus, it seems.

The Texas Scramble helps. In the format adoptecJ last yc,,1 teams work coopemtiveiv, cornbmi11g the better shots of each mcir)ly•;. usualiy resulting in a

hope, Olfert said.

Director Kent Dueck of Inner City Youth Alive, in Winnipeg, spoke of needed renowition<i at its Gem Lake campsite. He quipped Iha!. while golfers sought a "orn• hi dcr,'' JCYA \vc1s looking for a "two-hole1 ·· (an outbou:,e ). In a week, camping ministry can tuucl1 young people in a way it t;ikc,, a yeat tu in the city, Dueck said. A staff fIH'lnher spoke of attending Bible colleg1.:: .~ud returnmg to teach at ICYA, where he was helped.

Such needs and stories appear lo keep Ron Penner and other MA members involved in the tournament

Penner is probably aware that some people consider golf to be four-letter \'\'Ord. whether in or out of a sand trap, hut he would describe it somewh,d differr·ntlv. At l,n w, he might say, golf is belier ·,rw!led as missions.

Ron Penner, farmer and minister, promotes

Dave Guenther, Dwayne Penner, Tom Neufeld. and Darren McMillan scored 513 for Hl holes and took home the tournament's mascot

!he work of Missions Auxiliary. /phot,"

SBC president Abe Bergen and community relations coordlnatm Susan Penner annotmce a prize winner. !phot · ·

ITIS ONE of my more enjoyable responsibilities as Foreign Secretary to make a field visit to each country where EMC administers mission work.

Darlene and l spent most of April. in the northern state of Chihuahua, where most of our nussioii ,,vork in Mexico is lm.:ated. We made tht> trip by car in order to take Dad~ne's sister a.ud husband, Linda and Art Krause. Jake Knelsen (Board of Missions chair) and his wife Sally joined us inEf Pafio, Texas.

It was a treat to tvorship with the coIJgregation Iglesia Euangelira Misionera (Kilometre 5 Church) in Juarez, not far from the border with the U.S. During the Past couple of years the congregation

Lester Olfert EMC Foreign Sccrctar)

haic; matured and grown. Allhough they do not have an official pastor, Carlos Martinez serves as their primary lectder. assisted by five members.

TVv·o Rosedale Mennonite Missious couples (David and Mayela Diller, Marcos and Gloria Bravo) serve the congregation by teaching discipleship and leadership classes. The church, in turn, supports Dillers in thdr new church planting em;ii in El Paso. We were particularly blessed by the worship team that led the service.

Meetings took up a lot of my time, but that's more exciting lhan it sounds. \:Ve met with the board of the Centro de Capacilaci6n Cric,limw (Steinreich Bible School) to evaluate the partnership, look

at lJ(ced, and set direction

EMC is a partner -.-vith EMMC and CMM (Confen,nce of Mennonites of Mexico) in this ministry. For the past three years the enrolment has increased dramatically-from 67. to 100, to 147 this year. Ata cost of $150,000, tht.; new building (classrooms, offices, gym, chapel) is a welcome addition, but more dormitory and married student housing is needed for the future. Decisions were made to legally register the ,,chool, to work toward a six-month academic term, and to obtain vehicles (bus, van and pick-up truck) for school use.

EMC has contributed in significant ways. Each year we have provided a number of

teachers-in 2003, Harvey and Pearl Plett, John and Joyce Dyck, and George Remple. More than $ J5,000 was donated to the building project: $5,000 through our 2002 Convention project and $10,000 through Missions Auxiliary. Two volunteer EMC/ EMMC teams worked hard at the construction

.!olnt ministrv was the focus of discussions at a ineeting of leaders from CMM, EMMC and Ei\1C. The consensus was to strengthen existing cooperation (joint evangelistic efforts, pulpit exchanges, SMnreich Bible School) through a joint ministerial retreat and more frequent sharing times. Cooperation is a positive .-vitness to German Mennonite people of the area.

\Ve were encouraged by recent growth of La Nortena church. After the service we visited Manuela, a sweet, elderly Christian. \Vhi!e sharing a cup of coffee, she pulled out a hymnbook where she had jotted the date of our last visit seven years ago beside the hymn we had sung.

At that time less than a dozen attended the service we were at. Only one man, visiting from out-of-town, was present. During the past year, four of six people that committed themselves to Jesus are men. Plans were being made for a baptism.

The congregation is now called Hillside Gospel Church. Most members are new because many people who decided to relocate have since moved away. New people and some new believers have joined, giving the church vision and life. They began services in their bright, spacious new building in March. The congregation looks forward to a dedication service as soon as they complete the outside brick and inside finishing work.

It is always good to visit missionaries in their home and place of ministry. When possible, \'>,e attend a service, which is always speciaL This time it was delightful to visit our children Elisa and Scott Peters and our grandchildren, Lauren and Ezra. It was good to see Scott and Eiisa's

Central Asia

Owing most of Aprii, Dar1ene and Lester Olfert visited Chihua!1ua state. Mexico, Lester is EMC foreign secretary, responsit)le for missions oversig!,t in Mexico, Faragudy, and Nicaragua,

Cathy Thiessen had arranged a joint service in El Picacho for the five congregations that she serves in that area. What a blessing to hear testimonies, to worship together and to preach the Word of God. A potluck fellowship dinner was enjoyed between two services.

l ivas especially touched by the testimony of Isaias, a mentally challenged young man. His mother had passed away some time ago. He spoke of how his lonesome heart ached, but at the same time he rejoiced because he would see her in heaven. Then he sang a song stmmming a guitar. I'm sure the angels were having a party!

There's a new church in Mexico, yet it is not new. The Camp 77 church has relocated to Que!lencolonie (Camp 306).

JULY i6, 2003

involvernent in !he AWANA program and with youth of Ebenezer church in Cuauhtemoc, and to hear of positive contacts through English classes and their vision to start a youth drop-in near the church.

\Ve certainlv saw evidence of God at work in the churches and individual lives. Lives are being transformed. Leaders are being trained. Young people are memoriz,ing and integrating Scripture into their lives.

l invite you to pray for the work of the church in Chihuahua state, Mexico. Thank you for your financial support. It's a privilege to serve the EM Conference in this way. II

Allah Akbar-God is Greater

The city's downtown streets are quiet. As the dark lifts, !he pre-dawn light reveals large Soviet-style concrete buildings, brightly coloured kiosks and Coca-Cola umbrellas at street cafes,

Further to the edf!(' of the city a man sleeps, guarding a mountain of melons piled by the side of the street. At the market, women gather to sell fresh milk and cream, fruits and vegetables.

The sun, rising in the east, tints the white stone on the mosque across the street to a rosy colour. Its turquoise domes star! to gleam. It is sunrise. The first of five calls to prayer sounds from the loudspeaker: Allah Akbar-God is Greater. God is greater than anyihing this day has to offer.

Brooms swish and dust swirls as women in brightly coloured clothes and kerchiefs sweep !he streets. At seven o'clock the street is noisy as children in black and white uniforms make their way lo school,

the girls with big bows in their hair, the boys tossing pebbles and picking fruit from trees along the way.

Often in the morning I go to the neighbours' house around the comer to buy fresh yogurt and bring some vegetable scraps for their animals. They always invite me for lunch and sometimes l stay. We eat hot bread and beef vegetab.le soup together and talk about whatever is new. But today ls different.

'fodav there is a bench outside their door with a row of men sitting on it. The grandfather is dressed in an embroidered vest and special belt His oldest daughter has died. She was thirty-four with three children. With her alcoholic husband rarely home, she was cared for by her parents and sister-in-!mv after she had lo leave the hospital. Allah Akbar-God is Greater. The second call to prnyer. God is greater than these families' needs.

Part of the congregation at the church of La Nortena. {photos by Lester O/fertj

Earlyafternoonisquiet It'sa shorttime forwomentorest fromtheirworkbefore theystarttocooksupper. Sheepgrazein the shade of a plum treewaiting to be sacrificedatRamadanthisautumn

The street is paved and lined with fruit trees. Smne people haveplanted flovvers inthe dusysoil, cannasandrost\S al.ong theirfrontwalks.Arborsheavywithgrapes rnark the entrancestohomes.

Across the street some children play in theshade,crackingopendriedapricotpits to eat the nutinside. Their mother rocks thebaby'scradlevvhileshewatchesasoap opera.Hermother-in-lawintheotherroom washes her hands and kneels for her prayers.AllahAkbar-GodisGreater.God isgreaterfuanthesewomen'shungerfor truth.

The sun lowers in the sky and some leavesfall.Thegroundiskeptalmostbare ofleaves as women andgids are out on thestreetsweepingagain.

I goacrossthestreettobuysomeeggs from my neighbour lady. As l enter her courtyardlcansmelloilbrovvningandhear onions sizzling. The eggs are still vvarm. She smilesandinvitesmein. We chatby thedoorwavalittlewhile.Sheisateacher on maternity leave. She has three daughters, the oldest is twelve, butshe needstohaveason.Ifshedoesn'thavea sontheywillhavenoonetocareforfuem when theyare old.

Itistheirsonwhowilllivewiththemand bringabridewithherdowryhometowork for them and keep their house. Many peopleabortgirlbabiesin theirdesireto haveboys.Allah Akbar--God is Greater. Godisgreaterthanthesepeople'sfuture.

The sun has set The breeze smells of burning leaves. Down the street horns announceaweddingcelebration.1heman nextdoorgetshomefromwork. Hiswife isnotwell,butshespendsherdaysreading herQu'ran.Notmanypeoplehavestudied Arabiclikeshehas,soshegiveslessonsto otherwomenintheneighbourhood.They are wealthy, but not happy. Her son is divorced,herdaughter-in-lawhasleft,and she is lonely. We hear a shoutingmatch fromtheirsideofthe waH.AllahAkbarGodisGreater. GodisGreaterthanthese difficult relationships.

We love living in this city with these people.WeareexcitedtothinkthatJesus will build His church here, among these people. But what will it look like? Who will lead it? How will we and fellow followersofJesusbeabletohelpit?

How will these people discover their needforJesus?HowwillGoduseus?\Ve aresoyoung.\Vearesoignorantofwhat thesepeoplereallygothroughlntheirlives. \Vhatcanwereallydo?AllahAkbar-God isGreater. GodisGreater.

AfollowerofJesus

ThisfoHovverofJesuslives]nCentral/\sia.

8anman, Russ Koop, Reyn Kroeker, and discipleship pastor Hans

pray blessings upon missionary workers Malcolm and Noella Koop, Matt Kroeker, Jenni Sagnis, Lauren Klippenstein, Beth Reimer, Amy Hildebrand, (second row) Kyle Kroeker, Erica Nickel, Lisa Dueck, Kim Reimer, Mlchel!eWarkentine, {front row) Dave and Kim Field withchildrenReeceandClark, ErmaKroeker, youthpastorRob Hildebrand, LisaDueckand Kim Reimer.

Missionaries sent out with blessings

SteinbachEMC:Sunday,June8,wasaday of blessing at our church, when ,ve presented two missionary couples and one single, as well as a group ofyoung people going on summer service to Mexico.

Malcolm and Noella Koop are serving withYouthforCh1ist, DaveandKimField inRussia, andErmaKroekerinLithuania. Matt. Kroeker, .Jenni Sagnis, Lauren

Klippenstein, Beth Reimer, Amy Hildebrand, Kyle Kroeker, Erica Nickel, Lisa Dueck, Kim Reimer, and Michelle Warkentine are heading to Mexico on short-termservicewithyouthpastor Rob Hildebrand.

Prayers of blessings and sending were givenbyRussKoop, John Bamnan, Hans Rahn, andReynKroeker.

Dave K Schellent)erg

Ike and Maria Froese ordained to ministry

Strafford.ville, Ont.: Greetings from Staffordville EMC. We as a church are grateful toGodfortheway He ha5 been leading. OnApril27weordainedIkeand Mari.a Froese as our lay minister couple. Theyhavealready helpedsomuchin the church, and we look forward to having themserveinthisne;.vposition.

OurchurchsharedcommuniononGood Friday,whichvvasveryfitting.

On May 1fi we had a Mothers and Daughters tea party. Hilda Friesen, from St Thomas Gospel Fellowship Chapel cameandspoketousaboutourselfimage. We also had a potluck barbeque at om churchforFather'sDayonJune 13, AllofourBibleschoolstudentsareback now, except for Elmer Zach,nias. Our congratulations go out to him for graduatingatSteinbachBibleCollegevvith a Bachelor ofArts (Global Missions) and alsoforhismarriageto Danya Plett. God blessyou, ElmerandDanya,asyouserve Him together.

John

Rahn (back left)

Ike and !\Ilaria Froese were otdalned as a lay ministrycoupleonApril27.Theirchildrenare Jesse, Abigail, Andrea andJared (missing),

Adding to our congregation

PortagelaPrakle,Map.:Aspecialtime ofbaptismand)flembershipreceptionwas celeblat�i,QftMarh16.WethankGod forthisgroupofpeoplewhoworship togetherwith.us.WerejoiceinwhatGod has4one�whatHewillcontinuetodo inour�egation.

HerearetestimoniesfromLarryand LucieMcLaughlin,whorecentlybecame me�bybaptism:

Luere¥,;Laughlin:ThedayIrealizedGod wascalJitismetoHischurchwasinMrch 2002.PastorLesandhiswifeinvitedusto supper,sowewentwihthem.Afterabrief conversationandlaughter,westarted talkingaboutourlife-howthingswere goingbadbetweenourneighboursand ourselves,andaboutourfailuresand insecurities.Wealsoprayedtogether. Lesteraskedusifwewantedtogo.to churchandlistentohimpreachintwo weeks'time.Wesaidwewouldloveto.

Asweenteredhechurch,whatasrprise Ireceived.Thepeopleinthecongregation welcomedandgreetedusasifwe belonged.Whatawonderfulfeelingtobe acceptedinhischurch!Nootherchurch haddonethatbefore.Irealizedatthat momentGodwantedustobeinchurch thatSunday.

Lifehasawayofthrowingcurveballs and,ofcourse,Satanisalwaysthereto lendahelpinghand.NowwhenIget frustratedorstarttofeelsorryformyself,I readtheBible.

Ihaveaverseonmyfridgeandreadit often:John3:16,"ForGodsolovedthe worldthatHegaveHisonlybegottenSon, thatwhoeverbelievehinHimshouldnot peish,buthaveeverlastinglife."

OnedayinNovemberIwasfeelreally low.ThephonerangandVickiRushton

askedifshecouldcomeovertoseemy angelcollection.Whenshecameovershe couldseesomethingwasbotheringme.I sharedmythoughtswithherandwe talkedaboutGodandhowIneededHim. GodsentVckitomethatdaytoshowme IneededJesusandthat'swhenIasked Jesusintomyheart.

IamthankfulthatInolongerhold resentmentforpastwrongsthatIhave donorhavebeendonetome.Godisa forgivingGod.

NowIlikemyselfbetterandfeellikea betterpersonforhavinggonetochurch andhavingGodinmylife.Igotogroup Bibleclass,ladiesfellowship,andI've madenewfriends.Forthefirsttimeinmy lifelfeeljoyful.IthankGodforPastorLes andsomanyothersinthechurchfora newwayofJivingwithGodinourhouse andheart.PraisebetoGod.

Larry McLaughlin: Psalm25:6-7, "Remembernotthe&insofmyyouthand myrebelliousways;accordingtoyourlove

rememberme,foryouaregood,0Lord." ThepsalmIjustreadfitsmetoaT.Iwasnot averygoodperson.SinceIstartedgoingto churchIlikemyselfalotbetter.Theday theLordcameintomylifewasinMarch 2002.IdecidedattherequestofPastorLes toattendchurchandlistentohimpreach intwoweeks.Whatawonderfulsurprise. Everyoneinthecongregationwelcomed meandmywifewithoutreservation.

ThatSundayImetawonderfulperson whomadeagreatimpressiononme.Since thenDanhasfilledmylifewithspiriual guidancethathasstayedwithmeinmy heartandsoul.

AstimewentonDanaskedmetobea guestofhisataseniors'potluck.Therehe spokethewordoftheLordandhiswisdom stayswithme.Nowforthefirsttimeinmy lifeIacceptedtheLordGodintomylife, andInolongerfeelalone.

Asformeandmyhouse,wewillserve theLord.PraisebetoGod.

CatherineEpp

Pl....t�ey,Man.:InJanuary,and Febru¥J1patorDarrenPlettconducted.a seriesNow didJesus respond to? The topicsweredeath,stress,temptation and rejection..ByusingScriptureitwasbrought outveryclearlyhowwealsocanhave comfortandvictoryinallofthese sitations.Thesemessageswerefollowed upbyHowdidthepeoplerespondtothis Jesus?

Thefirsttopiccoincidedwiththe shocingandunexpectedpassingofMrs. DaveEidse(neeSusieSiemens).After successfulsurgeryonananerism,Susie hadonlyafewdaystopraiseGodforthis,

JULY16,2003

whensuddenlyHecalledherhome.Our sympathiesandcondolencesgooutto Daveandhisfamily.

TheRosenortcommunity,aswellasthe PleasantValleycongregation,alsowent throughonegriefafteranotherinamatter ofafewweeks-fivefuneralswithina shorttime.Thustheseriesofmessages thatourpastorconducted-including Jesus' response to death-were very relevant.

MennoniteDisasterServices'pojectfor restorationaftertornadodamagein Columbus,Mich.,promptedanumberof ourcongregationtorespond.Goingto

workfortwoweekswereRick,Karen andMattFriesen;DannyLoewen;Ken andEstherLoewen;RudyandGrace Loewen;andLeviandRosalineRempel. Theyreportedittobeaneye-opening experienceonhowprivilegedweare. NathanDueckwenttothePhilippines onFebruaryltoworkalongside missionariesCarlandLisaLoewen.Nathan taughtEnglishforamonth.Loewenscame homeonfrloughinJune.Anotheryoung personexperiencingmissionsforalonger spellwasTracySiemens,servinginIndia underYWAM.

Therewerenoorganizedcaregoupsthis

OnMarch19,otdhpastorLesKroekerofficiatedasfivepeoplewerereceivedasmembers ofPortageltvangetlcalChurch:AlvinLegary,MatthewWiebe,LucieandLarryMclaughin (bothbybaphm),andBarbaraPogue(baptism).

winter and in their place, pastor Darren ledindiscussionon Caring for each other within the context ofthe church. Thiswas donefromJanuarytoMarch.

Alsoonthecaringandfellowshiptheme, three diferent Sundav lunches at the churchwere ananged for the purpose of intermingling ofall age groups. This took placeln FebruaryandMarch.

ShmockeynightwasheldonMarch l6at the locai arena. Along with supper, free skating,hockey,andgames,youngpeople heldtheirannualauction. Notformaterial goodsbutservicesoffered toanother, the auction is a fundraiser for their yearly mission trip, which is to be decided on later.

Elly Rempel

Taber's potlucks are well-known

Taber,Alta.:Ourchurchfamilyisgrowing bothspirituallyandin numbers.TaberEMC beganwithonlyafewcouplesmeetingin homes. Presently we have a regular attendanceof100to150people.Wehave manysocial eventstogetherand through thesewe build up one another. It issuch an encouragement to see God's hand at work.

God continues to work Hiswill in our church.Wehada parent-childdedication and a baptism-membership transfer service. The dedication service was held onApril27, with four couplestakingpart intheservice. Thededicationservice has beenandwillalwaysbeabeautifulpicture forGod.Jesus adored childrenandcalled

IMCAI appoints U. of M. chaplain

Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association is pleased to announce that Mark von Kampen has been appointed as the new half-time Mennonite chaplain at the University of Manitoba.

Markiswellqualifiedforthisposition both in terms of training and experience. He has served as associate pastor at First Mennonite Church in Winnipeg for the past 12 years, working primarily in the areas ofyouthand youngadultministries. Please remember Mark in your prayers as he begins this work in September.

EMC is a partner in the InterMennonite ChaplaincyAssociation.

Gera!cl Reimer Conference Youth Minister

themtoHimmanvtimes.Theirinnocence and blind faith in those around him is something we should try to attain in our ownChristianwalk.

The baptism-membership transfer service was held on May 25. \Ve were pleased to accept seven new members into ourchurch.Afterthe service vvehad one ofourpotlucks.We haveheard itsaid from surrounding churches that our potlucks and other such fellowship gatheringshavebeenagreatvvitness.They give us an opportunity to visit with each otherandtoinvitefriendsandsurrounding churches to take part. May God continue to work Hiswill inourchurch!Amen. Mary Froese

Mark von Kampen

A parent-child dedication service was held on April 27: Tina and Sen Dyck with sons Nathan Fmey and Coby Brian, Peter and Eva Martens with son Tyrell Nathan, pastoral couple Edwin and Lillian Plett, Abe and Tina Wiebe with son Jason Rodney, and Peter and Anna Wall with son Isaiah Jericho.

On May 25 Taber EMC held a baptism-membership transfer service: Lillian and pastor Edwin Plett, John Fehr (baptism), Peter Klassen (baptism), Peter Wiebe (membership), (front row) Maria Wall (baptism), Helena Bueckert (baptism}, Susie Klassen (baptism), Tina Wiebe {membership).

Renovating our lives, community, and world

Burns Lake, B.C: (,n·c!ings from Island Gospel Fellmvship. \s spring attempts to escape frnrn 1vinter's grasp, we see a parallel iii our ,.:1rious chmchactivitiesand outreach pr•Jf;idms.

The Piom,er Ciuh prug1c1m has had its final session dnd t\\ o 13-session care groups--Grief Share and Divorce Carel Healing Broken Relationships-have closed, with such positive results that they all will be offered again to the community in fall. The gifted volunteers who offer their time and energy to such activities are so valuable to the life of a town, caring for churched and unchurched individuals alike. Do you fed called to assist in some way in your town?

The Amhassador Choir from Prairie Bible College, Three Hilb, Al!il . blessed us with a fantastic ewning performance on April 24, as thev ne;,rcd the end of a monthlong tour. The long hours of practice, arrangements, and planning gave a really professional quality to their singing, and all who attended were impressed 1Nith the devotion to Christ these young people displayed. Billeting them in our homes was also a lot of fun.

Perhaps the highlight of the spring season was the Region l conference held the same weekend. Representatives from the other four churches ( l ligh Level, La Crete, Grande Prairie. Alta and Vanderhoof, B.C.)

joined u~. for t,\r; days of making ne,v friends ;rnd rem:1Ning old friendships. conductiri:; conference business, and being ur~\·d on by Arden Thiessen's four bih!\cal chailcnging sessions.

His main thenw Or1 Being the People r,! God was di\ ir.kd into sub-topics-•· Functioning as Community, Serving as Ministers, Considering Spiritual Giftedness, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth As a fom1er pastor of our church, Arden was known by many in the audience personally. They concluded that his biblical knowledge and power as a speaker remain undiminished.

Terry Smith also flew in from Steinbach, bringing EMC greetings. It was his first trip to Burns Lake, affording. him the chance to meet many of his readers for the first time. ln a sermon on Sunday morning, he reminded us that 'A,: are all "the product of missiom, ., the outworking of Christ's Great Conun.ission, and that our continuai goal should ever and always be to tum from our way to His way.

Using our Bibles as handbooks for living, we embrace Arden Thiessen's point that a large part of our witnessing as a church in our communities consists just in our existenl."e in the world, denouncing evil in all its varied forrns. and by demonstrating how God expects llfe to be lived. Both men are inspirational examples <,! praciicing what t!iey preach.

The organizers and volunteers for the Ooba Lake Bible Camp are mobiiizing for ru1otbtt busy summer already, affording yet anoth~r opportunity to anyone who wonders how they might be able to get to the mission field. Cooks, grounds keepers and counsellors are always in short supply. Arden Thiessen stressed that our God-given gifts are not toys to be played with but, rather, are tools to build ,vith. We look forward to a new spring and summer season of building and renov;citing our personal lives, our d 11m h communitv, 011rworld.

Growing in love at Stony Brook

Steinbach (Stony Brook): Be imitators of God.. therefore, as dearly beloved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved 11s and give himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:1-2). To lov_e and be loved is something all of us desire. Love touches the heart in profound. yet different ways for everyone. It is a language that no one can interpret, but something we can all understand. There must be some romantics in our Spiritual Lile and Ca.re Ieain, because they organized a church Valentine's Party at Smitty's resL.u.trant. lt was simply a fun evening \Vhere ,ve could relax and enjoy a date with our spouse. On a more serious note, Erd and Kathy Widle shared how God ironed out things in their marriage to stir their hearts and deeµen their awareness of Him. God continues to mold them to he more like Him.

Peter and Kathy Friesen have again returned to the mission field. They spent their time at home on furlough visiting churches and sharing what God is doing in Camp 67, Mexico. They have a big heart and love fnr the people whom they serve. We as a church stood lwhincl them, praying

JULY 16, 2003

a blessing upon them as they prepared their hearts to continue their ministry for Christ. We trust God to bless them richly as they obey their call to honour God with their lives in this way.

Once again Stonv Brook Fellowship held a parent-child dedication service on April 27. Just for interest's sake, Pastor Earl and Carolirn· Inger have been at SBF for four and a half years and Earl told us he has now dedicated 1l children in our church' It's thrilling lu see U1at young couples want to pass on the commandments to "love the Lord our God" to their children as we read about in Deut. li:4-8.

Five couples participated in this dedication. They were Corey and Joanne Dyck wilh Ezrd. Joe and Corrine Thiessen with Sm-\} er, Pat and Judy Martens with Kenley, Bev and Emery Plett with Macy, and Trevor and Cathy Schellenberg with Egan.

We have been offering The Marriage Course over the last few weeks. All marriages can use some improvement and this course provides the perfect opportunitv to do just that. This is a sevenw,·t'k course that is similar in fom1at to

the Alpha course.

The evening starts with coffee and dessert allowing for a chance to mingle with other couples. The couples watch a ,idco, then pause to discuss questions that address specific issues, and then resume the video.

Each couple ha,;; their own private space to have their discussions and it is reallv just between them. It opens the door fo·r couples to strnt communicating with each other and talking about matters that are important to them in a controlled and wellstructured manner.

\Iv husband Rick and I have facilitated this course. It has strengthened our marriage and we have developed a cle(•per appreciation for each other. l would strongly encourage couples of all ages to attend this course; it is well worth the effort.

To love Christ means we need to love each other, whether it is loving our spouse, our children, or people on the mission field. May our love for Christ deepen and give us to the courage to love others as He desin·s us to.

Speaker Arden Thiessen had four biblical challenging sessions.

�.,,,8�,to.....

DaveKroeker StewardshipConsultant

THEPRACTlCiofspiritualdisciplinesgoes backmanycenturies.Aspeopletriedto still their anxieties and fears, they developedcertaindisciplineswhichthey believedbroughtthemmoreintunewith andclosertoGod,whoseprotecionand favortheycraved.

Spiritual disciplines are broadly categorized eit.her as disciplines of

souls. Henri Nouwen, well known Christian writer, describes spiritual disciplinesas"creatingaspaceinmylife forGodtoact."

The discipline of frugality leads to lifestyledecisionstosatisfy"needs"rather than''wants."Itsays,"DoIreallyneedthis?" Aconsumerattitude,ontheotherhand,is quicktosay,"Iwantthis."

Frugalityisnofriendofselfishnessand greedisitsenemy.Frugalityoffersavsion ofsustainable consumption based on essentialneeds.Aconsumerattitudefinds thatenoughisneverenough.Withafrugal attitude, enough ISenough.Whenwe overeat,ourstomachreliablytellsthatwe haveconsumedmorethanenough.Ifwe quitwhenwehavehadenoughtosatisfy,

INMEMORIAM DELMR KORNELSEN

InlovingmemoryofDelmerKomelsen whopassedawayFather'sDay,June 16,2002.

Wemissyou,Dad.

abstentionorofengagement-things practicedor•thingsdeliberatelyavoided. Among disciplines usually listed as disciplinesofabstention,arefrugalityand simplicity.Asamplingofotherdisciplines? Prayer,worship, service, meditation, celebration,fellowship,obedience,fasting, sacrifice,solitude,andhumility.

We are familiarwith some of these disciplines.We worshiptogether,we fellowshipeasily,weserve(hroughMCC orotherwise),wecelebrate,wepray.But whataboutthedisciplineoffrugality?Do wemakeita habittobefrugalforthe sakeofourspiriualgrowth,forthesake ofhelpingothers,outofgratefulnessfor thegiftswehavebeengiven?

Spiritualdisciplinesareintendedtolead toattitudesandactionsthatwillopena doorintoourlivesforthe mystery and powerofGodtoenter,tobringlightand life,equilibriumandcontentmenttoour

wefeelmuchbetterafterthemeal. Frugalityhelpsbuildcommunity.InII Corinthians8PaulehortsJesus-followers tohelp thoseinneed sothattheymay becometheirequal.Aconsumerattitude isconcernedonlywiththewantsofseU. Thedisciplineoffrugaliyallowsustoshare ourgiftswiththoseinneed. Whenisenoughenough?Afrugalattitude andaccountabilitytoacommunityoflikemindedpeoplewillgoalongwaytoward findingtheanswer.

RUDOLPH JOHNSON 1923-2003

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death ofHis saints (Psalm 116:15).

RudolphJohnsonwasborntoCarland EllenJohnsoninthePelly,Saskatchewan, area.Heispredeceasedbyhisparents,a brotherClarenceandasisterEdith.Heis survived by his brother Artandwife Viola,andtwosistersMildredandAlice, bothlivinginYorkton,Sask.

AfteralengthystayatBethesdaPlace andPesonalCareHomeinSteinbach, Man.,he began to fail in the last 18 months, becoming completely dependent.InthethirdweekofJune 2003 his condition worsened considerably,andonJune20Rudolph enteredthepearlygatesofheaven.

The funeral service was held on Monday,June 23,at10:20a.m.,inthe SteinbachEMChurch.Officiatingathe

servicewereRev.JohnDyckandPastor Hans Rahn.Pallbearerswere Almon Reimer,Reg Reimer,RonKornelson, JakeCornelson,BenFriesenandHenry Fast. Interment was the Memorial Cemetery,Steinbach.

Thefamilywishestothankthekind andcaringstaffatBethesdaPlace,aswell asthedoctorswhogavecaretoRudolph, aswellastheSteinbachEMCforthehelp theyweretoRudolph.

WhileRudolphlivedwithchallenges, helovedpeoplendalwaysexpressed thanksforwhatanyonedidforhim.His faithinGod,hisreadingoftheBiblenever wanedintheover50yearshelivedfor theLord.

Onbehalfofthefamily, BenFriesen,friendofRudolph

WemissyourmusicThesoundofyourguitarchords

Painstakinglypracicedandperfected.

Wemissyourvoiceasyousangwith theguitarThosehymnsandchoruseswehold dear...

WemissyourcarpentryYourskilledhands, Patientlycreating,repairing

Mom'sgoingcampingwithoutyou, Dad-

Wishyouwerehere.

Butweknowyou'reinthepresenceof ourFatherGodFreefrompainandcaresofthisworld, Walkingwithoutalimp

We'llseeyougain. WehavethathopebecauseofJesus.

LvinglyrememberedbyBettyandfamily

Q!gldj,m

LETKEMAN-DUECK:Willy,sonofMr.and Mrs.Letkeman,andAndrea,daughterofDennis andMarleneDuekofSteinbach,Man.,were marriedonJanuary4,2003atSteinbachEMC withHansRahnofSteinbachofficiating.The couplelivesinCalgary,Alta.

TOEWS-HIEBERT:Bryan,sonofDickand HelenToewsofSteinbach,Man.,andLaura, daughterofDanandShirleyHiebertof Steinbach,weremarriedonMay3,2003at SteinbachEMCwithHansRahnofSteinbach officiating.ThecouplelivesinSteinbach.

SUUNAN-PATRAM:Stuart,sonofMr.andMrs. SullivanofOklahoma,andShauna,daughterof MotiandGennainePatramofSteinbach,Man., weremarriedonMay31,2003atSteinbachEMC wihKenDuerksenofSteinbachofficiating.The couplelivesintheU.S.

Note: Becau,£' po,ition, available are numerous. ads ,,m somnimes appea1· in shortened, en,io11s. Plea,e no1ifr tbe Messenger as soon a, ad, are not nee<kd. Thank yon.Editor

MCC Alberta seeks a iull·lime administration and service program~. This involves office, service programani:I human resources coordination. Neededareexce!lentinterperaonal,communicatlon, organizational and computer skills, and effective work in a team environment Non-profit experience is an asset.

MCC Alberta also seeks a receptionist-a twoday/week position requiring good computer, people, and communication skills. Preferred start is August 18. Direct application and ,nquiries by July 31 to Abe Janzen, MCC Alberta. Phone 403-275-6935, e-mail abe@mocab.org tax 403-275 371 l.

A rural weskrn \!:rniroba communiiy church is looking for a full4ime !rad pastor v. i,h a special gift and passion for ministering to ynung p..:npk'a ctild a strong '1ision for developing ,rn<l mll.iUL.;lllm,; ,m..ll town community relations. ForinformationcontactDennis Friesen (~ouncil chairman) at 204-824-2208 or Leonard Plett (deacon) at 204-824-2475 or e-mail lplett@mb.sympatico.ca

Morweena Christian School seeks elementary and high schoolteacher$. Preference will be given to teachers with certification and experience. Please apply with resume stating grade preference and areas of specialty'ir,terest

MCS is a school in a rural setting near the town of Arborg, Man., and offers a K-12 program in modem facilities. Applications are made to Harold Reimer, MCS board chair. Box 858. Arborg, MB AOC OAO; lax 204-364-2218; Phone 204-3642346or204-771-5239.

Morweena Christian School aiso seeks two fulltime teaching positions for September 2003 in their new satellite school located near Pegius First Nation. Plans are for the school to serve some 25 grades 1-8 native students. Certification is not required.

Please seek information from, or send your resume lo, Tim Reimer, Box 1030, Arborg, Mari., AOC OAO; phone 204-364-2466; E-mail mcs66@mts.net.

MCC is accepting applications for MCC LS. executive director. The di:·c'dnr pn,, ides ·,isioll a.nrl oversight for all MCC programs in 1!J,.· t ',tate, and isresponsible to the MCC ES. bo,tr,' open July 20, 2004. Contact Charmayne lln,bakcr al 717-859-1151, cdb@;mcc.orp:, c)r y,_\uJ nr.'Jf:.'.~i rv1C{, office for the job description. c',pp!ic:iii,:m re,H:w bc:'"'·s July 2, 2003.

La Crete Chnstian Feiiowship Ci1urch (EMC), situated in a thriving norlhe!n Alberta community, is seeking a full-time tenlor paetor.

LCCF is also seekinr, an !ndMdua! for full-time youth ministry who is gilteu and called to lead and disciple a grow;ng youth group. Please forward y:;ur resume tc search committee, La Crete Christ,:m F,i!uwship, Bo., 385, La Crete, AB TOH 2H0; or c•,nat! lcof@tdusplanet.net For information, contact John Brnxhert at 780·928-2212 or email at bueckert@telusplanet.net.

Morris Fcl.lowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a youth lea,1.'r for n half~time position to direct progrnmmillg for our youth group. There is room for expansion in this ministry to include the post-secondary age group. Contact Pastor Ward Parkinson at Box 219, Morris, MF< ROG lKO. C:11! 204- 7.f6-2424,

Swift Curre :: c.MC is !ookl.,9 '.J' a senior pastor. Our congrec;,,tu1 oi amYcx:r11c,'.,:y 180 consists of

JULY 16, 200?

all a9e groups Ma:c- ,,!' eas of ministry wm include preaching. pro,i<J;r:q Vis,on and developing leaderc, witr1n the cor1£Jrec,at1on. Contact: Pastoral SearrJComrrntle2. E,ar.gelrcal Mennonite Church, 2150 Wnlker Str,,cf Swift Cummt, SK S9H 4C1 or e-mai: em,,sr;,c ,.s,-,skte, net

Pansy Chapel (EMC),asmall rurnl church in southeastern Manitoba, seeks a part-time senior pastor. Please oemd resume to search COlllltllttee chairman Dylan Barkman, Box 25, Pansy, MB ROA lJO. h',r informatinn, phone 204-434-6370.

Mission Heights Community Church (EMC) is seeking a senior pastor. The role will involve ministering to a oongrec;ation of approximately 200 (consisting mainly of young adults and families), and supervision of a few staff members.

Qualifications: Bible college or seminary (college is min,murn) Five or more years of pastoral expenence. Must be a family man. References required.

Please subrrnt your resume and cover letter to Rocky Hein, 8321 MlSSion Heights Or., Grande Prairie, ABT8W2H4.

\V)'ll)lllfd Gospel Church (EMMC), located in southern Sa,!klrtchewan, is looking for a full-time pastor with an appreciation for small-town, mrnl li fo. The congregation averages 40 to 50 on Sunday morning, and rnmcs from various church and cultural backgrnuuds. Contact Dennis Dell, congregational chan:pen;on, by phone 306-5 54-3 I I. 7, fax Wr,.:;q '118, or Bux .'71, Wynyard, SK SOA 4Ti1

High Level Christian Fellowship, a growing church in a thriving nortr1ern Alberta town, seeks an associate pastor of discipleship to lead in discipleship ;;f new Christians, small group ministries, and education and outreach programs for youth and chikiren. Contact Scot Leys (780-92G· 2942 o,.\i,iileys@telusplanet.net) or Eugene Peters (78{),92&4126).

Leamington EMC, in Ontario, seeks a full-time senior pastllr. Applicants should have preaching and teaching skills with strong biblical knowledge "' well as good communication and counselling skills. LEMC has a mix. of both Low German and Em!iish in the services; it is ,issentil!l that any applicants b; able to speak and preach

Please cs.1:11:1rt tl1c Pa::-.t:'l!' ~c'.arcl1 Conunitteechair, Hent\'

Riw,ton Gospel Ctcaoe, ,EMC), a small ruraltown n; Mem,t0bc1's interlako. seeks a half-time pastor. Thts frie,·;dly and congcegation has an average attendance , .) 00, with a high percentage ot young lam1iies. The area provides other employment opportunities in various sectors including farming and Cf\n3tmction. and hu:s good schools.

Cc,,·ta:it Paul Peters :.:oard chair, by mail: Box 356 fl1•1erton, MB F-lOC 2RO, by e-ma1i: pau:', v1d,r.c,::,m. or by pnone: 204-378-2740 (home), 204 :364-2442 ,,••u1k1

Ern.Jeavour fr:'"" ,•,,1, Ch;;pel (EMC), a wann. friend', congregation with 50 to 60 in ancndanee on Sunday morning, is looking for a pastor. ll is located in a small town/rural part of east-central Saskakhewan, hctween Yinkton and Hudson Bay. The church is flexible both in candidate educational swndards and experience. As an evangelical clmrch in tovm, it serves a wide range ofpeopie. Contact cha\rman of elders Neil Fenske at 306-547-4 7 '1;,, or Box 263, End,;'a'<'i uL SK. ~1-;/\ ci-7,~o

Fish CreeK Chr:stian Fellowship (EMC) ir, Calgary. Alta ;s look,n,J 'or someone or a coup u to 9ive ministry leader$hip to our youth/college and career. This would be a sett-supported pos, 1.<lr' Contact Garry Kome!sen, 55 Woodford Cre1s S'/; Caigar;. AB 12W 4C6or phone 403-281-3747.

Riverton, Man., seeks a thrift store manager. The position is 24 hours per week and requires the manager to be at the shop for a foll day on Monday. For a complete description of duties and salaiy informalion, contact Ed Reimer at 204-372-6923 or Christine Peters at 204-3782740, or send resume to Bo, 623. Riverton, MB ROC 2RO.

SteinbDch EMC in Steinbach, Man., seeks a fulltime lead pastor to provide leadership to d tearn t•·,a, includes an associate pastor and a youth pastor. The applicant must have previous pastoral exr,enence. P:easafo!ward resume to: Henry Klassen. Box 996 Ste1nbae,tl, MB ROA 2AO; Phone 204·326· 6068; E-mai! henryk2@mts.net.

R.ambow Chri;;.i.i.n School, Vanderhoof, B.C., ui.1,i:o applications for the position of teaching grades 5/6 combined for the 2003104 school year. Computer and/or English background would be an advantage RCS is an inter-denominati,rnal Protestant school following B.C. curriculum, with an enrollment of 85 from K-10. Resumes. statement of faith, and philosophy of Christian education should be addressed to Merrill Friesen, Principal, Rainbow Chrisuan School, Box 710, Vcmderi,nuf BC \CU 3AO;phone250-567-3l27: le" 51J7.: 1·,-, ?•mail reschool@telus.net

Games County Mennonite School in Texas 1s accepting applications for the following positions: Principal of K-8+ schoo! of 140 students. .Applicants shouirJ have valid teaching cert:ficate and some teaching experience. Must be able to commurnca4, in Low German; a working knowiedga of High German is important. School uses CLE currlculumforEnglish subjects and Ouel!en Kolonle (Mexico) for German materials.

Teachers for grades 5. 6, 7, 8+ to teach language arts, math and social studies in English; German subjects: grammar, reading, singing, Bible and catechism.

Contact Frank K. Peters. Rt. 1, Box 143A, Seminole, TX 79360, ohone 915-758-3381, cell 432-556-4154.

Conn"'c:•1,:, H,ht,,; Fellowship Christian Sch,,,.; K school loca!L'.d in Swan River, Jvfa11-~ seeks a gr:ule, 5~8 h"mcroom lcachc•r who will teach a!i ~ub::,·,•, \l\bt ;: h";:icher~s certificate, be born again, and pr,,v~de p<<!, ir:t; rd~rcn.:es Inquire with chairperson Tr,1ey Hunck 20·~-2:;f;,.L~(i ! .1 Pr sen<l resume to CBFCS, Box 62 Bowsman, Mn Rt.It OHO.

Subscribe to The Journal of Mennonite Studies

.t\RTICLES IN THE 2003 ISSUE: fliennonite Studies at a Secular University Ukrainian anci Mennonite Prairie Symbols Mennonite Industrial Dynasties in Russia Forming MC Easiern Canada East Prussia's Hermann Sudermann Mennonite Voters in Winnipeg and other themes and 22 book reviews $20, includes postage amf taxes

Royden Loewen, University of Winnipeg 515 Portage Ave.,Winnlpeg, MB R3B 2E9

Come See What God Has Done

The Jubilee Celebration of Evangelical Confernnce Missions 1953-2003

by Menno Hamm

is available for $10, plus shipping, from the EMC office

CFGB celebrates 20--year high in donations

Donations to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank topped a record-high $8 million last vear, anno,mc"'d recently.

CFGB's fiscal year ended in March, and while the nmount of donated grain vvas down -1%, tl1e value of donated grain was up 12%.

In addition, it appear,, that "rnany iJrban people reached out to help this year as cash donati0ns are up significantly" said Jim Cornelius, executive director. The result was "the highest level of donations in" CFGB's :20-year history, he said.

CFGB supplied 47,023 metric tons of food to p<:·ople in 19 countlics.

"We had major programs in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, India, Malawi, Mozambique, North Korea, Zambia and Ziml>abwe last year," he said. "Afghanistan is recovering from drought and conflict, Ethiopia and southern Africa had poor crops due to drouqM, om lndi;-; responses were n•latetl to chronic poveity and the North Korea11 response was to continued economic ,Tish, and se\'ere food "

CIDA, a government agency, provided $16 rnillion in matching funcb.

Hom CFGB release I i Do }DU hac;e a story for llw Personal Touch_! ll m11sl i;e a lrue ac 01mt (althougli __ names may be dwnged, ifne,._essan1 ) il111srrating ,he Chn.stian lite or character. Send your 700-word storv and u photograph of yourself or suggestion for a stmy to the address below,

PAGE 16 THE MESSENGER Evancelical Mennonite Conference ~ Box 1268, 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB ROA 2AO