The Messenger Vol. 43 No. 10 May 25, 2005

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Messenger EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 43 NUMBER 10 MAY 25, 2005

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editorials

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Messenger

What about safe injection sites?

afe injection sites are actually result in better overall safety for controversial. They are a harm- Canadians is unclear. The greater need is reduction strategy that are, in for over-drugged individuals to get help theory, helpful. Drug addicts to move past hurting themselves. reduce harm to themselves and others If a teen goes to a grad party to get through clean needles and drunk (not all do), that’s The tougher challenge for safe injection sites. an immature decision; it Whether safe injection older adults is to teach contradicts part of what sites, though, actually result teenagers that, whether is implied in graduation in better overall safety for from high school into or not a safe site exists, responsible adulthood.

Canadians is unclear; more evidence is needed. The abusing themselves isn’t The tougher challenge greater need is for drug what the Lord or society for older adults isn’t to addicts to receive help to wants for them. organize a safe grad; it’s move past the addiction. to teach teenagers that, What about safe grads? Rather than whether or not a safe site exists, abusing have graduating teens drink in scattered themselves isn’t what the Lord or society bush parties, there’s value in older wants for them. How well are we as a T adults knowing where teens are and Church teaching that? M ensuring that those who are intoxicated Terry M. Smith get home safely. But whether safe grads

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Rethinking the Church Year

hile sixteenth century Anabaptists properly rejected an over-emphasis on the Church Year and a devaluing of Scripture, modern EMCers could benefit from using more days from the Christian Year.

This magazine follows some of the Church Year (Advent, Easter) and the varying Conference Year (Abundant Springs, Convention), and is influenced by the Secular Year (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day). But how regularly do our congregations celebrate Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Christ the King Sunday, Ascension Day, or Reformation Sunday? (Lent gets a mixed response from EM churches.)

The Church Year gives us a rich opportunity to talk about major Christian themes in a systematic way. Such a conscious emphasis on central Christian truths is needed in Canada, where biblical literacy is weakening in society and, some fear, in our churches.

But is the Church Year an appropriate Anabaptist tool? Robert Friedmann, a 2

EDITOR Terry M. Smith

scholar of Anabaptism, suggested 30 years ago that Anabaptism is inherently unsystematic; it is practical and lived. On the other hand, James Reimer, director of Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre and of EMC roots, says Anabaptism is more systematic than Friedmann held.

Reimer sees value in systematic, classical theology, with discipleship as basic.

At an EMC ministerial in December 1999 a minister asked Dr. Archie Penner whether there was a danger in systematic theology.

Dr. Penner replied, yes, but there could be a greater danger in an unsystematic one.

In short, we don’t have to choose between good teaching and good living; they are linked.

Can Church Year events be taken in directions that should make us uncomfortable? Sadly, yes. Lent, while a useful, reflective season that calls us to sacrifice and devotion, does not gain us saving merit in the eyes of Christ; we are saved by grace. This shows, though, how the Church Year benefits from more of a T biblical emphasis, not less. M Terry M. Smith

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: 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. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors.

THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba.

Subscriptions: $12 per year (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total: $12.84). Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. In cooperation with the EMC Conference Council, members and adherents pay through their church.

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.

The magazine and its publisher, the Board of Church Ministries, are obligated to work within the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Mailing information: All correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Messenger 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 12 – June 22 (copy due June 10)

THE MESSENGER

letters Cross-life, true discipleship needed I admit that as a rule I do not read The Messenger with careful scrutiny (maybe due to despondency), but your last periodical [April 20, 2005] carried some tremendous articles which I read with delight, namely Jake Enns’ article on Death and Life for Christ and the Christian, and also Terry Tiessen’s open letter to the editor.

It seems that one benefits a great deal from reading writers and theologians from before the mid-20th century (and the earlier mystics) for a clear exposition on the nature of the “cross-life” and true discipleship, and so to read a fellow EMCer write so succinctly about it was truly refreshing.

I have often wondered what has caused this contemporary drift into “easy-believism” and “no-Lordship salvation” that has crippled the potency and efficacy of the cross in the life of the church. It is easy to blame the affects of Dispensationalism or hyper-Calvinism, or even Fundamentalism gone awry; and if the blame is warranted, then we are to blame for falling prey to it.

Christ’s death was not simply a “cloak of righteousness” thrust upon the “elect” to save from damnation, or a free voucher to the forever after. As George Macdonald wrote over 100 years ago, “The Lord never came to deliver men from the consequences of their sins while those sins remained. That would be to throw medicine out of the window while the man is still sick. That would come directly against the very laws of existence.”

The message of the cross is truly one of death, and as John Piper puts it, “The closer you get to what makes the cross ghastly, the closer you get to what makes it glorious.” It is not a “seeker sensitive” message, but the message that all the gospel writers portrayed as they recorded the very words of Christ: “If anyone would come after me let him take up his cross and follow me.” All followers of Christ are called to tread the via dolorosa, as inconvenient as it might be, as they die to self and the flesh.

Repeatedly in the gospels (Mark 8, Luke 14) Jesus goes against the societal stream as he intentionally distances himself from those who persist in self-preservation and easy-believism. He was a political disaster indeed.

Dietrich Bonhoffer says it succinctly in The Cost of Discipleship (a book we as Anabaptists would do well to read again), “When Christ calls a man, he bids him to

May 25, 2005

come and die.” A. W. Toezer, influenced greatly by the mystics, stated: “We must do something about the cross, and one of two things only can we do—flee from it or die upon it.”

Many theologians and ministers teach, explicitly or implicitly, a twotiered approach to Christianity, one tier constituting radical discipleship as taught

by Jesus, as in Luke 14:25ff, and the other one comprised of the “elect” who have merely responded to the offer of salvation, and are essentially the ones who will fill the “rooms in heaven.” This approach misconstrues the gospel while insidiously undermining the efficacy of Christ’s work on the cross, and the potent work of the cross in our lives. The scriptural paradox is still every bit as integral today as it was 2,000 years ago: To die is to live.

Terry Tiessen opened Pandora’s box with some of his insights into Anabaptist history, and suggested that we should reevaluate where we have come from, and who it is we are really following. I would like to suggest that we again seriously look at the words of Jesus, with respect to his expectations for following him, for that is what our early Anabaptist leaders did, and they paid the ultimate price for it. Their lives of holiness, faith, surrender, obedience and death to self, portrayed the effects of the cross in a way that seems starkly anachronistic in our present church setting.

The cross and its impact on our daily lives (Luke 9:23 tells us to take it up daily) must be central in our theology if we truly desire to be Anabaptists. The early Anabaptists took Jesus seriously, and literally, when he called them to come and die. Will we do likewise?

Dale Loewen Blumenort, Man.

SBC concerned about Native ministry In your editorial …Native Ministry in Canada, March 23, 2005, you suggest that Native ministry in Canada is an overlooked area of need within the Conference. The EMC Social Concerns Committee has flagged this as a concern as well.

I would like to point out that Steinbach Bible College has taken this concern seriously and integrated exposure to Native ministry in its curriculum.

Students who graduate with a diploma or degree from SBC have spent a week in a First Nation community in northern Manitoba in cooperation with Continental Mission. We call it MissionX North. Bill and Anna Penner with Continental Mission have coordinated these visits to Garden Hill, Pikwitonei, Oxford House, Nelson House, Thicket Portage and York Landing.

Over two hundred students have had the privilege of ministering in northern communities. This experience has a lifeshaping influence on student perspectives on native issues as they build relationships and learn from the people. And some of them have caught the vision to return for further ministry.

Rick and Marie Harder have been in northern Manitoba communities four times. They will tell you that God is changing them, that God is giving them a love for their brothers and sisters. As they grapple with culture, they see how much they have to learn. Jody Barkman has worked at Midway Bible Camp for several summers; this past year, she spent five days in Garden Hill.

Rich and Joy Sayer will join Continental Mission for the summer again, and plan on long-term ministry there. Out of the first 175 students to go north, 65 of them have spent at least a year in full-time ministry (and many other as volunteers), sharing their stories and perspectives from what they learned. At a grassroots level, the awareness and appreciation of native culture and the building of relationships is happening as students of Steinbach Bible College.

Continental Mission is doing a fine work with and in native communities. We do well to partner with them.

One great way to bring greater awareness of these issues is to share the stories of SBC students as printed in the Continental Mission Reflections.

Abe Bergen, President Steinbach Bible College

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Using excess

money:

The wealthy in the land

Wally Kroeker “Stop worrying about your money, your gold and silver,” the preacher thundered.

“You can’t take it with you anyway, and even if you could it would only melt.”

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his story, possibly fictitious, makes a harsh point about money—that it is wicked and its owners are doomed.

That feeling has softened in Mennonite circles. Increasingly, money is seen as a tool for potential good (as in the recent outpouring of donations to relieve tsunami suffering).

Another shift has been a growing sense that “wealth redistribution” is 4

not the only way to handle excess, but that “wealth creation” is a useful way to produce economic opportunity.

Both approaches compete for the same donor dollars.

People of means get plenty of attention from fundraisers who want to help them answer the question, “How shall I then give?” Should they donate their excess to the Mennonite high school’s new auditorium? To a college building fund? To a mission agency?

Or, in the case of a businessperson, “Should I re-invest it in my company to create more jobs and expand the community’s economic base?”

These questions suggest that Mennonites have become more comfortable with their rising prosperity, and that traditional Mennonite unease about investment may be changing.

Mennonites are no strangers to wealth. Perhaps they were predisposed to do well. Hard work, thrift and an aversion to luxury often has led to financial well-being.

For hundreds of years Mennonites have had plenty of “practical, tangible wealth” such as farmland, mills, factories and trucking firms, says Calvin Redekop, a sociologist with special interest in Mennonite economic behavior. The rise of surplus, or “intangible paper wealth,” is more recent.

For generations the church monitored this steadily increasing wealth. Confessions of faith warned against conspicuous consumption. But as Mennonites eased into modernity such pronouncements have faded.

THE MESSENGER

How wealthy are Mennonites?

“The predominating bulk are becoming affluent,” writes Redekop in Anabaptist/Mennonite Faith and Economics. He points to data in the 1975 demographic study by J. Howard Kauffman and Leland Harder (Anabaptists Four Centuries Later), which showed the income of Mennonites (then largely, but not only German) to be 12 percent above the North American average.

A follow-up study a dozen years later showed Mennonites holding their own with a median income of $30,000 to $40,000 compared to the U.S. population median income of $32,274.

Other Kauffman and Harder data further showed that North American Mennonites were not clumped at the low-wage end of the spectrum. In the 1970s, 10 times as many were farm owners or managers, and twice as many held professional or technical occupations. Their proportion of business ownership and management was slightly higher than the general population.

There is little hard data on where Mennonites are today, but the general perception seems to be that they are gaining monetary vigor. They send their children to costly private schools and colleges. Parking lots at Mennonite churches glisten with the latest cars, SUVs and mini-vans. Churches in the citrus states bulge in winter with Mennonite “snowbirds” who can afford to travel.

Michael Yoder, a sociologist at the University of Iowa who has studied Mennonite occupations, says he suspects there are fewer Mennonites in the lower economic tier than the general North American population, though perhaps more than in the past because of the growth in urban and minority congregations.

Yoder also allows that “we may now have more wealthy persons than we used to have,” though some of this

increase may have been offset by the departure of some wealthy Mennonites who were made to feel uncomfortable and switched to other denominations.

Over the years Mennonites have been known for their “economic witness.” Do they still have anything to teach North American culture on how to use discretionary wealth?

Some would contend that Mennonites are helping the Christian community develop a more mature view of wealth and investment. In 1980 Goshen College economist Carl Kreider’s landmark book The Christian Entrepreneur was the first public suggestion of the role capital and entrepreneurship might play in the modern economy. The rise of Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) and its pioneering of micro-credit illuminated for Mennonites, and the larger development “industry,” the role of productive investment as an ongoing way to combat poverty.

These and other influences helped shape an emerging recognition that the poor could be helped not only by “wealth redistribution” (giving away your excess) but also by “wealth creation” (using surplus to generate new jobs and economic opportunity). The acceptance of this new view was symbolized by the 20th anniversary re-issue of Ron Sider’s Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, which had been a bible of wealth redistribution and now also carried a ringing endorsement of wealth creation (such as through micro-enterprise assistance) as a legitimate way to make a dent in poverty.

A prominent voice in this unfolding awareness has been James Halteman, a Mennonite economist who teaches at Wheaton College. His writings have helped focus how Gospel teachings on materialism can be understood today.

Halteman points out that the ancient world understood three ways to use economic surplus: Consumption in lavish

While many Mennonites still do not allow their paper wealth to affect their lifestyle, others are falling prey to a kind of consumptive competition that can be seen in the parking lots of some Mennonite churches.

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living, hoarding for the future, and direct charity (wealth redistribution).

The modern world has an additional use for surplus: productive investment (wealth creation).

Halteman says accumulating resources as productive capital is a legitimate, even desirable, act of stewardship.

“This distinction between productive and consumption wealth has not been made carefully enough in Christian circles,” he says, “and the result has been that businesspersons with large productive assets have often been misunderstood and unappreciated.”

An example is the “bigger barns” story in Luke 12, Halteman says. The barns are a way to guarantee the owner’s future consumption, not as a vehicle for increased production that benefits others.

“The contemporary farm, factory or office building may well function, not as a store of existing resources, but rather as a vehicle for the production of future resources in greater and greater quantities.”

While many Mennonites still do not

allow their paper wealth to affect their lifestyle, Calvin Redekop fears that others are falling prey to a kind of consumptive competition that can be seen in the parking lots of some Mennonite churches—“You buy an SUV, I’ll buy a bigger one.”

“Mennonite population is reflecting the economist’s axiom that everyone lives at the top of their financial ability,” says Redekop. “You mortgage yourself to live at the highest consumptive level you can with the resources available.”

Many affluent Mennonites are too easily choosing a lifestyle “that mimics our North American culture’s wasteful and unfair taste for luxury,” he says.

Perhaps the emerging view of productive investment— wealth creation for the poor—will catch the imagination of a new generation of Mennonites who can distinguish between conspicuous consumption and using wealth in a creative T Anabaptist way. M Wally Kroeker is editor of The Marketplace, the magazine of Mennonite Economic Development Associates. He lives in Winnipeg, Man. This article was commissioned by Meetinghouse, a group of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors in Canada and the U.S.; the editors from The Messenger are part of Meetinghouse.

Note: all financial statistics are in US dollars.

Three conversions needed Martin Luther said Christians need three conversions—heart, mind and purse.

Mennonite history contains at least one example of taking this literally. It occurred in Russia, where many Mennonites had become stupendously rich, some with estates of 100,000 acres.

One estate owner who was reputed to be covetous and unwilling to share with the poor was called to account by church leaders. As related by J.B. Toews in Pilgrimage of Faith, a prayer circle was organized to pray for the man’s repentance.

After some months the prayers were answered. The man publicly confessed

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his greed and asked God and the church for forgiveness. He asked to be rebaptized.

“My father, John A. Toews of Alexanderthal, was selected to baptize the brother for the second time,” Toews recalls. “In the public prayer preceding the baptism the brother prayed for victory over the sin of covetousness.

Before entering the water (for immersion baptism) he placed his wallet into his shirt pocket, for this too needed to be rebaptized. This was to symbolize the surrender of all his riches to the Lord and his service.”

From that point on, Toews writes, “many blessings went out from the estate of this man, one of the wealthiest Mennonites in Russia.”

Wally Kroeker THE MESSENGER

Nicaragua

Orfanato Getsemani—and memories In a dark hour, Jesus invited his disciples to accompany him in the garden of Gethsemane. As Jesus wrestled with his Father’s will, compassion and love for humankind won over the horror of facing the cross.

After we arrived on the knoll of a dry and windy hill on the fringes of Diriamba, a humble city in Nicaragua, we realized the project we came to work on was Orphanage Gethsemane (Orfanato Getsemani).

Our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters had a vision to help children and mothers at risk, and we came to be a part of this expression of compassion from February 4–18, 2005.

When Ray Giesbrecht returned from a 2004 Nicaragua work team, he was enthusiastic about people carrying on the work the next winter. The dream of returning to Nicaragua with a work team was born. On February 3, eight of us from Winkler, Man., travelled by van to an airport in Minneapolis, Minn., where we were joined by Harvey Plett from Blumenort EMC. For two weeks we became a family of believers seeking to build relationships with our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua. With excitement and anticipation we had filled our luggage with tools, craft materials, used clothing, a sewing machine and sewing supplies to use and leave for the project’s development.

We were wisely told to work with people, not show them how to do the work. More important than work was to build relationships and to let the Lord speak to us about what He is doing in

his church in a different culture.

Men dug trenches, mixed cement, laid a floor, welded the roof into place, wired, and built a palm leaf shelter.

Besides physical work, ladies played with children and taught crafts to neighbourhood children and women.

The highlight was Orfanato Getsemani’s inauguration ceremony on February 12. Many pastors came from area Mennonite churches, as well as some parishioners. Also present was Diriamba’s former mayor, who had donated the property. Many community people attended; they were excited about the orphanage’s programs.

During our two-week stay we visited 10 churches and participated in eight services. Though most of us didn’t understand Spanish, we were worshiping with fellow believers. Often we were moved to tears at the simplicity and sincerity of their communion with God. When I left Nicaragua in 1979, there were about five organized churches and half a dozen preaching points; this spring there will be 20 organized churches and about a dozen mission outreach points. Meeting local pastors at a pastoral retreat at the camp made me realize that God keeps his word. The preaching of the Word will bear fruit in season.

I became reacquainted with a few dear people I hadn’t seen for 25 years. When I saw Humberto in La Paz, my tears could not be held back; we had struggled through his battle of alcoholism. He is a trophy to God’s grace.

I met Pedro Luis, whom I had led to the Lord. He now gives pastoral leadership in his home community.

Chico and Ofelia, in pastoral leadership in Granada and elsewhere for years, continue to serve the Lord. When Chico was a teen, I took him to a Bible school far from his home to prepare for ministry.

In San Jose I was welcomed by Dona A work team from Winkler EMMC (joined by Harvey Plett from Blumenort Debora. My wife Hilda and I were instrumental EMC) was in Nicaragua February 4–18. Wilbert Friesen is front right.

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in starting the church there. I did their wedding ceremony—after she and her husband had lived together for 26 years and had eight or nine children—because they wanted the Lord’s blessing.

I met many new pastors, like Nicolas Sequeira from the Santa Cruz church.

He was married in April, and he and his wife will continue to serve it. I commend him and all of churches in Nicaragua to you for prayer that they will move forward despite economic hardships.

A senior pastor, Arnulfo Vado, challenged all of us at the inauguration.

The EMC Board of Missions and missionaries had vision to start work in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan church and particularly Elizabeth, his daughter, had vision to begin this project. Who will be the visionaries for tomorrow?

Our Nicaraguan believers will put their shoulders to the project, but they need our financial assistance to make it happen. Are we willing to do our part so that Christ’s compassion will be realized?

Wilbert Friesen Wilbert and Hilda Friesen served as EMC missionaries in Nicaragua from 1972 to 1979, when they were evacuated because of the revolution. They have since served as pastoral couple at Roseisle EMC (Man.), Mount Salem EMC (Ont.), St. Thomas EMMC (Ont.), and currently as associate pastoral couple at Winkler EMMC (Man.).

Harvey Plett befriends a Nicaraguan boy.

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with our missionaries Northern Manitoba

MissionX and Native communities

We had the privilege of coordinating the Steinbach Bible College Mission Exposure program again this year.

Thirty-two students [11 EMCers] traveled to Thompson for orientation and then to eight different communities for several days. They wanted to experience Native culture, and also share Jesus Christ with the people.

It was rewarding for them to encourage Christians, teach children, participate in church meetings, and in some communities present the message via local radio or television. Several students have shared their experiences with us, and the pictures tell only part of the story. All of them spoke of a greater love and respect for Aboriginal people.

We have coordinated this program for a number of years. More than 200 Bible college students have had the privilege of ministering in northern communities.

We have been encouraged by their reports. Many have later come to work at Midway Bible Camp.

Bill and Anna Penner Bill and Anna Penner (Ridgewood) minister under Continental Mission, which serves communities in northern Manitoba. They live in Thompson, Man.

Homecoming Prayers by Andrew Coates I wrote a series of prayers during my time in the North. Except for the first, each prayer summarized one day in the community. I humbly present a few here, followed by explanations and reflections on the circumstances that inspired them.

February 20: Steinbach God, as you send my feet and hands and heart to the edges of the earth, grant me the strength of mind to see your face in spite of it.

I’ll be blunt: I didn’t want to go North.

I felt like I was being forced off the planet; and considering that I come from Winnipeg, a community “way up North” in the middle of “nowhere” really did seem like it was off the edge of the world. I tried to keep a positive spin on things and hoped that I could learn something, but I wasn’t too sure that I would.

February 23: Thompson God, let me love with strength 1,000 times greater than my own; unbind my heart to embrace hope; give me endurance to love your people in this foreign land.

On our first day, we attend the Wednesday night Bible study at Continental Mission. I think this is when I began to realize what was really

Andrew Coates, Kellin Friesen and Charles Plett, second-year SBC students, with host Percy Laubmann of Pikwitonei, Man.

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happening on this trip. Pastor Bill, Anna, Bert, Debbie, and the other believers showed me that being involved in the Lord’s work was more important than my nervousness. And I realized that I could not do it on my own; I needed God to help me get over myself.

February 24: Pikwitonei God, let me marvel at the depth of your provision, lavish the beauty of your creation, and wonder at the love of your people.

During this first day in the community, our team discovered just how much God provides for his people. We had almost nothing as we went into the community, but everything from our lodgings to our coffee filters miraculously fell into place at the last minute. The people in Pikwitonei were so amazingly hospitable and generous that our fears melted immediately. Though we thought we had nothing, God used our weakness to make us stronger. He took care of us when no one else could, and made me realize that the North is closer to home than I thought.

February 27: Pitwitonei God, youths grow tired and weary— thank you for elders that don’t.

We met incredible people in Pikwitonei, but I felt especially lucky that many of them were wise elders. I was honoured that the older people in Pikwitonei were willing to tell their stories: War stories, trapping stories, railroad stories, stories of old friends, stories of old songs, stories of the glorious past. It was very encouraging to see that it is possible to follow Christ for a lifetime, without losing hope.

Looking back, my time with the people of northern Manitoba is just irreplaceable.

These prayers are just a small sample of the many lessons I learned through this experience. Our groups were only in Northern communities for a few days, but the memories of those days will never leave us. On behalf of the students that came North, I want to thank all the people we met. You have taught us lessons that we will never forget; you have helped us on our journeys and we will always look back to these times with joy.

Articles reprinted courtesy CMI and SBC.

THE MESSENGER

with our churches

Pleasant Valley is active Pleasant Valley (Rosenort, Man.): On February 7 we welcomed back Pastor Darren Plett and his family from a threemonth experience in the Philippines; they left on November 7, 2004.

While Darren worked alongside Carl and Lisa Loewen (PV missionaries serving with Action International), Pearl helped at a nearby health clinic. In January four couples joined Pletts for a work project.

Going were Danny and Florence Loewen (Carl’s parents), Wally and Sara Bartel, Bert and Elma Kornelson, and Ron and Eleanor Friesen.

A full report by participants was given on a stormy March 6 evening. Weather conditions kept some people away, which was too bad. In Darren and Pearl’s words, “It’s incredible the joy those Christians experience, having so much less in material possessions than we do here. It has left a lasting impression on our whole family.”

Our ladies fellowship committee has a different approach to birthdays this year.

On the last Monday of each month we

coming events June 4 Open Circle barbeque Community Integration Initiative Kildonan Park Winnipeg, Man. Speaker: Alf Bell, former prison chaplain 204-772-5317

meet at our local teahouse and honour that month’s birthday gals. It’s a great time over refreshments (sometimes even breakfast) to catch up on each other’s activities, prayer requests, and praises for answers.

Our annual schmockey day was on March 20 from 3 to 9 p.m. It’s a time of visiting, games (on and off the ice), and food. And as has become a tradition by now, an auction by young people is led

by Abe and Bonnie Klassen, for not only material items, but also personal treats and services. Kevin Issac is the very capable auctioneer and Darren Plett the enthusiastic bidder’s advocate. Money raised went for an MDS trip to Vancouver in July and spring trip to Abundant Springs. Later there was men’s hockey for anyone interested.

On our prayer list regarding health issues are Kerry Brandt and Rudy Loewen. Both were in hospital in various times with serious illnesses that might interrupt their daily schedules. They are recuperating, but still appreciate further prayers.

The Eagle Rock workteam going to Denver, Colorado, during spring break were Jake and Susie Penner and family, Pat and Kim Siemens and family, and Kevin and Esther Loewen (Donovan’s

parents). They worked at Youth With a Mission’s second base, including renovating, painting, and installing bathroom fixtures. Donevon and Beth are with this mission and are spearheading this project.

Another working holiday during spring break saw many of our congregation going to The Ridge. Youth for Christ purchased the former Ninette tuberculosis sanitorium as an outreach for traveling groups, student groups, and retreats. As the centre gets better known for its reputation as a top quality place for activity, rest and the gospel being presented, reservations come in from as far away as Europe and Japan. With the centre situated on the shore of beautiful Pelican Lake, water and beach facilities are also available.

Former Pleasant Valley members Gene and Roxanne Reimer are very involved, thus reaching out for our church for a three-day intensive work stint. There was sewing of pillows and drapes, building bunk beds, and other renovations. It looks amazing already and groups are coming in, but much more needs to be done to get the whole complex useable again. For our people it’s also a time of bonding and fellowshipping, not just work.

Elly Rempel

June 6–8 55 Plus Retreat Camp Koinonia Boissevain, Man. Speaker: Jake Neufeld/Jake Harms Parables of Jesus 204-895-2267 June 12 Eden 13th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Winkler Golf Course Winkler, Man. 204-325-5355 June 16 Eden Health Care Services Spring Event Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church Winkler, Man. Speaker: Dr. Dan Unrau 866-895-2919 June 25–26 Bike the Whiteshell Cyclathon for MCC’s water projects Whiteshell Provincial Park 204-261-6381 www.mcc.org/manitoba/bik

May 25, 2005

February 20 was a special day for our congregation, and especially so for some parents. It was a baby dedication day for four couples: Rene and Jerry Waldner with Noah Rhys, Luke and Twyla Bartel with Kara Lynae, Chris and Joe Zelisko with Kennedy Peyton, and Donevon and Beth Loewen with twins August Isaac and Taylor Maisie (Denver, Colorado). Pastor Darren and Pearl Plett celebrated with them.

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Yi and Zheng are baptized Fort Garry (Winnipeg, Man.): For many years we talked and planned about an addition to our building. This has now become a reality. The foundation has been dug and the basement poured.

We should soon see the walls going up.

It is thrilling to think of ways we can use these facilities to better reach the community with the message of Jesus Christ.

Easter is always a special time of the year when we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. It was made even more special with the baptism of Yi Zhang and Zheng Zhou (Jen). Here are excerpts from their testimonies.

Yi Zhang I am married and live in Winnipeg with my wife Jenny and two children, Vicky and William. Today I am very pleased to be here to share with you my experience to know God and Jesus Christ.

I was born in and grew up in China.

After I completed my education in China in 1998, I got a research position in the University of Alberta in Edmonton. So I came to Canada about six years ago. My wife joined me about two months later.

It was a great transition for us to move, live, and work in a foreign country. We were facing many difficulties, such as language and culture.

We also felt lonely to leave family and friends. One Friday afternoon we were told that there is a Friday Night program for international students where we can learn English through Bible study. We knew nothing about God, Jesus, and the Christian Church at that time.

Just for the purpose of learning the language, we tried to attend the program led by John and Leona Kornelson. Greg Crowell taught our first class. He taught us the concepts of Trinity in the first class. In the study we gradually tended to believe in God and Jesus. From the Bible we saw all the story of Jesus is consistent with the prophecies of hundreds years ago, which is really amazing.

I know there are many mysteries in the world that cannot be explained and understood by the human brain.

However, if you believe in God and his plan everything can be explained.

We moved to Winnipeg and had the

10

phone number of John and Leona. We found them and continue to attend the Friday Night program till now. They also encouraged us to attend FGEMC and after a while to attend Pastor Layton’s class for baptism.

At this moment I am very excited and feel thanks to God the Almighty, our Creator and Saviour. Many people helped us in the past years on the way to follow the Christ. Thank you and God bless you.

Zheng Zhou (Jenny) I am pleased being baptized here along with my husband Yi, which is being witnessed by my daughter Vicky and son William. I was raised in a communist country and was taught there is no God. For seeking relationship with Chinese scholars and Canadians, I was introduced to attend ICF Friday night event. That was the first place I got to

know God. I witnessed the tremendous difference between the Christian and non-Christian life. I was not certain where I came from and where I would go. While I was getting to know Christianity and Christians, many of my doubts could be explained. I see Christians helping others only because God tells them to do so.

In April 2000, I was pregnant with my son William. We hadn’t got our immigrant status and even might not have medical insurance. So we first decided to do an abortion. But one of my Christian couples in Edmonton encouraged us to keep my son. We prayed and got our immigrant status half a month before my son was born.

I thank so much for the wonderful gift from God. Finally, I thank all of you for giving me continuous support on my way to knowing God. Diana Reimer

Supper, dedication, communion Treesbank, Man.: On February 20, thirty-six adults gathered at Kurt’s Schnitzel House for a Valentine’s supper and an evening filled with humour and camaraderie.

On March 6, Tom and Allison Dresen with Alec, and Chris and Tracy Alden with Shayna, dedicated their lives to raising their children for God. As a church we promised to support and encourage them.

On Good Friday we had a morning service with communion. Easter Sunday we enjoyed breakfast in the church basement. There were activities for the kids and the Praise and Worship team led the morning service.

The ladies enjoyed a Chris and Tracy Alden with Shayna, Pastor Kenton Penner, and cookie exchange during Tom and Allison Dresen with Alec, participated in a March 6 the month of March. In parent dedication at Treesbank Community Church.

April, the men of the church congregated at the Keystone Centre in Brandon to watch a Brandon Wheat Kings playoff game.

Lucille Penner

THE MESSENGER

Chickens for Croatia Morris, Man.: I just want to encourage all our Messenger readers with Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Our new year began with some of our people leaving for short-term ministry.

Lorne and Lorraine Loewen spent six weeks at Rio Grande Bible Institute in Texas. Lorne worked in construction and Lorraine at cooking and baking for the volunteers. Lorne Siemens joined an MDS group for a week in Florida, rebuilding homes after the hurricanes.

Those of us who stayed home had the choice of joining a SEAN course taught by Pastor Ward Parkinson or a video series

by Beth Moore on exploring the fruit of the Spirit. Both were very enriching.

Our Sunday school staff challenged us to share of our abundance with those who have so little. For four Sundays children and adults brought their change to buy Chickens for Croatia, an MCC project. At $1.50 per chicken, we collected enough

for 258 chickens. Our next project was bicycles for Gospel for Asia missionaries.

Our kids bought them two bikes. It’s so neat watching them give their money cheerfully.

Our young people, under Soni and Brooke Raiqiso’s leadership, had a few fundraising projects to go to Abundant Springs. They served us a lovely Sunday dinner, had a car wash, and held a volleyball tournament.

Our church leadership retreat was held at Camp Cedarwood on April 7–9. Seven couples enjoyed the beautiful weather that weekend. A special highlight was having David Thiessen, our conference pastor, come out on Thursday night to speak to them. The remainder of the devotional time was spent in singing, discussions, and viewing videos by Beth Moore. The group enjoyed free time for games, reading, hiking and (of course) delicious meals and snacks.

Have a great summer!

Betty Siemens

Pelly holds parties Pelly, Sask.:

A baby shower was held for Shannyn, daughter of Don and Connie Hamm on January 25. Shannyn was five weeks old here.

February 13 parent dedication: Charlene and Dwane Wiebe with Alexus, Pastor Ward Parkinson, Jackie and Justin Edwards with Charity, Nathan and Melanie Bartel with Teagan, and Angela and James Siemens with Kamyrn.

A housewarming party was held for Dan and Twyla Johnson with children Hannan (back) and Micah.

Vivian Anfinson On February 11, a housewarming was held by Pelly Fellowship Chapel for Rod and Abigail Abrahamson, with children Zane, Sharmyn, Colton, and Miles.

May 25, 2005

11

Journey of the Cross Rosenort Fellowship (Man.): RFC was privileged to have Journey to the Cross from March 21–24. It provided a unique opportunity to remember and meditate on what Jesus experienced in the days leading up to His crucifixion. The journey consisted of different stations, each reflecting on a different part of what Jesus went through on his journey to the cross.

One of the stations was an empty tomb (which was located behind our kitchen). The room used to be a concrete cistern for holding water, but now has a doorway chiseled out, serving as a place for storage. It has a low ceiling, forcing anyone over five-foot, nine inches to hunch over. The cold room was an excellent replica of what the tomb may have looked like.

Each station had Bible verses with a small written explanation about the purpose of items in the room. It took approximately one hour to complete this journey, depending on how much time you spent at each station. How often do we dedicate a full, uninterrupted hour to God? It was a huge blessing to me and a time to thank God for the sacrifice He made for us. Praise God! RFC kicked off the year with the “grand opening” of the newly renovated youth room. It was an exciting time for Jeremy Wolfe (youth director) and the youth as they cut the ribbon on January 23, following the Sunday morning service.

Approximately 40 members of the congregation joined them as we dedicated the facilities to the work of God. With stadium style seating, electric fireplace and many modern upgrades it will be well suited to meet the needs of the youth program.

The youth have been quite busy the past few months. They held a food drive for Inner City Youth Alive collecting approximately 25 bags of groceries, and planned a complete worship service, doing everything from ushering to the message. The junior youth also enjoyed a retreat with Pleasant Valley junior youth at Camp Arnes, while senior youth took in Youth Encounter at Providence College. They recently held a fundraiser for Abundant Springs as well. God has certainly been at work in the lives of our youth as they become fully devoted disciples.

We held our annual winter picnic at the Rosenort Arena on February 6 and we were privileged to have Gavin van der Linde as our guest speaker that morning. Following a lunch there was a

time for skating and other activities. The NHL wannabe’s (myself included) got the hockey out of their systems the night before with an enjoyable game of shinny at the arena.

Dave and Judy Schmidt were our guests on January 2, speaking about the work they do in Paraguay with people suffering from AIDS. We had our day of prayer on January 16, followed by a communion service on January 23. Chris and Revita Kroeker joined us on February 20 to share about their experiences in Paraguay working with the Radio Mensajero’s ministry.

Ryan Friesen

Children of my Children It’s Sunday A day of rest A day of joy Today I’m a child again As I delight in my children Children of my children.

They lead me outside And they tell me, “Close your eyes, Grandma— Now open your eyes, Grandma.”

I see the flowers Done up by fingers of love Delicate rosy apple petals Mingled with soft perfumed lilacs Arranged together in their sand pails in a little red wagon edged with a white trellis made by Grandpa to protect our children They smile up at me They show me the card they’ve made And I delight in the innocence of my children the joy of my children the gift of my children

To register, call Duane Penner (204-947-7185) or Gary Reimer (204-326-7000)

Thank you, Lord, for this day of rest for these flowers and for these children Children of my children.

Chris Dueck and Jessica Moreau serve chili to raise funds for Abundant Springs.

Laura Plett Siemens Kola, Man.

12

THE MESSENGER

stewardship today Dave Kroeker

When should pastors preach about stewardship?

I

f your experience is anything like mine then your pastor probably tends to preach a stewardship sermon shortly before your congregation’s annual membership meeting (if at all)—when members will be asked to vote on a budget for the coming year.

I’m convinced that is not the best time to preach stewardship sermons. It fosters too close a tie between giving money and stewardship.

You see, stewardship is not primarily about money but about worship. It is about the faithful and generous response of a grateful heart for the gifts that have been received and continue to be received daily. Gifts like life itself, grace, health, a loving life partner, children, grandchildren, food and shelter, the beauty of nature, seedtime and harvest, leisure and recreation, friends and family, membership in a caring community, and more.

Stewardship teaching ought to happen routinely in the life of a congregation throughout the year. On some occasions it may be related to annual meeting time. More often than not it ought to be unrelated— and concentrated on faithful firstfruits living, where generosity in all of life’s situations is the hallmark. It ought to be the subject of stories for the children in the congregation, be part of the Sunday school curriculum at all ages, adult study sessions, sermons, retreats, and offerings (offerings can and should be about more than money, too).

Raising funds for the programs of the congregation is easy when generosity is lived and practiced by all members. But generosity is not only about fundraising; it is also about avoiding extravagances, about offering assistance and friendship to those with special needs, about learning to be content in all situations and trusting God for all our needs.

Generosity is not only about fundraising; it is also about avoiding extravagances, about offering assistance and friendship to those with special needs, about learning to be content in all situations and trusting God for all our needs.

May 25, 2005

When should pastors preach about stewardship?

Throughout the year and probably not routinely around budget time. Examples of generosity may be included in sermons on other topics as well. And all of the congregation’s leaders and teachers should make stewardship teaching a part of the program for which they carry responsibility.

First and foremost, for a credible stewardship teaching ministry to happen, the pastor and other congregational leaders will need to model a lifestyle of generosity. Otherwise the call to faithful stewardship T living will fall on deaf ears. M For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office.

Abbotsford – Dave Kroeker, 1-888-212-8608; Calgary – Gary Sawatzky, 1-877-717-0708; Niagara – Darren PriesKlassen, 1-888-212-8731, Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, 1888-212-7759, Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 1-800-772-3257.

13

CASEY DANIEL PENNER 1991–2005

Casey Daniel Penner was born on August 29, 1991. He was the first child born to Roland and Connie Penner.

At a very young age Casey began to enjoy and take pride in looking at books and doing puzzles. He was particular about the things he loved, and this meant his books were always very organized.

Casey was an intelligent, healthy, happy little boy until he was diagnosed with leukemia at age two and a half. He then underwent three and a half years of intense treatment. At this time we were told that due to the treatment that Casey would receive he would also have brain damage.

During these years we learned how brave Casey was as he accepted treatments as a part of his life. He made a lot of friends with the medical staff at the cancer clinic and Children’s Hospital, and therefore never dreaded his visits to the hospital. As time went on, we began to see that Casey’s mental and physical development was not progressing like a normal child. In spite of all this, Casey enjoyed life.

When Casey was three and a half years old his brother Michael was born. Michael became Casey’s pride and joy! Casey had many friends of all ages. He loved going to visit his friends or having friends come over to his house. Casey also had many interests. He continued to enjoy books and puzzles; he loved watching videos and looking at pictures. He also loved music and wore out many guitars (he called them banjos) as he played and sang.

Casey also enjoyed doing things with his family. He loved to help his Dad chase pigs in the barn, or play hockey in the basement with Dad and Michael. Planting a garden with his family was fun too. He enjoyed animals and nature.

One of the many fond memories his Mom has was that when Casey would

14

get off the bus after school, he often came home with something in hand for her—pine cones, stones, dandelions, or something he had picked up along the way. This was something he learned from his Dad, as they would go out together and come back with flowers they had picked for her. Anyone who knew Casey knows that he was a very huggable, lovable boy.

Some of the highlights of Casey’s life were his birthday and Christmas and, of course, unwrapping presents. The annual trip to the cabin was something he would anticipate the whole year long. Casey also enjoyed family vacations. Five days after Casey’s 11th birthday his sister Jazmyn was born. She too became his pride and joy!

During the last six months Casey was privileged to have two personal visits from Fred Penner and a visit from Uncle Harold, two of his heroes. They both came to entertain Casey with their stories, music, and songs.

Just before Casey’s 13th birthday he

was diagnosed with a second type of cancer. Six months later, on January 19, 2005, with his parents at his side, Casey was released from his struggles and went to be with Jesus.

Many special memories will be held forever in the hearts of his parents Roland and Connie Penner, his brother Michael and sister Jazmyn, a very special cousin Lisa, his paternal Grandpa Martin Penner and his maternal Grandma Elizabeth Reimer, many uncles and aunts, cousins and friends.

Roland and Connie and their family would like to thank the Blumenort School staff and students for their support and friendship. They would also like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Yanofsky, and nurses Kathy Bourne and Anne Plett, for all of their medical help and encouragement.

Casey was predeceased by his maternal Grandpa Erwin Reimer and his paternal Grandma Justina Penner.

Casey’s family

births WALDNER – to Jerry and Rene Waldner of Rosenort, Man., a son, Noah Rhys, on January 1, 2004.

TEICHROEB – to Nick and Mary Teichroeb of Leamington, Ont., a son, Nathan Nicolas, on November 8, 2004.

THIESSEN – to Anthony and Karlene Thiessen of Choma, Zambia, a son, Josiah Lusyomo, on May 13, 2004, with adoption finalized on November 17, 2004.

EDWARDS – to Justin and Jackie Edwards of Morris, Man., a daughter, Charity Grace Irene, on November 15, 2004.

WEBER – to Steve and Lori Weber of Arnes, Man., a daughter, Emma Renae, on July 8, 2004.

FROESE – to Lowell and Marlene Froese of Leamington, Ont., a daughter, Charlize Anika, on August 4, 2004.

HARMS – to Jamie and Amy Harms of Riverton, Man., a daughter, Sadie Rae Lynn, on August 16, 2004.

BOURGET – to Michael and Coral Bourget of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Sari Raelene, on September 12, 2004.

FRIESEN – to Corny and Sue Friesen of Leamington, Ont., a daughter, Cameryn Helena, on September 18, 2004.

BERGEN – to Marv and Jocelyn Bergen of Kleefeld, Man., a daughter, Jordyn Alexis Dawn, on September 20, 2004.

FAST – to Frank and Eva Fast of Leamington, Ont., a daughter, Julia Namoi, on October 27, 2004.

CURE – to Chris and Claudia Cure of Vita, Man., a daughter, Cheyenne Haley, on October 28, 2004.

NEUFELD – to Corny and Tina Neufeld of Leamington, Ont., a son, Nathan George, on November 7, 2004.

SIGURDSON – to Jonathon and Pat Sigurdson of Riverton, Man., a daughter, Mercedes Dynae, on November 19, 2004.

FEHR – to Jake and Mary Fehr of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Josiah Samuel, on December 1, 2004.

SCHMITT – to Abe and Susy Schmitt of Wheatley, Ont., a son, Curtis Drayen, on December 3, 2004.

BERGEN – to Wes and Lisa Bergen of Kleefeld, Man., a son, Curtis Joseph Grant, on December 24, 2004.

KLASSEN – to Abe and Polina Klassen of Leamington, Ont., a son, Mitchell Abram, on December 27, 2004.

FAST – to John and Mary Fast of Leamington, Ont., a daughter, Alexia Grace, on December 28, 2004.

REIMER – to Rod and Diane Reimer of Anola, Man., a daughter, Rebecca Ann, on January 17, 2005.

COSENS – to Dan and Melissa Cosens of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Isaiah Daniel, on January 21, 2005.

REDDEKOPP – to Pete and Lisa Reddekopp of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Austin Riley, on January 24, 2005.

BARTEL – to Luke and Twyla Bartel of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Kara Lynae, on January 28, 2005.

THE MESSENGER

shoulder tapping Anola Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a full-time pastor to bring solid leadership and teaching to our church family of approximately 130 people. This person will help equip the people in our church family to reach out in their area of influence and lead others to Christ. AFC is a rural church located 25 minutes east of Winnipeg and is comprised of people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Contact Orville Friesen at 204-371-9922 or ofriesen@nutrihealthgroup.com.

What are you doing this summer? Summer staff positions available at Inner City Youth Alive, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7. Phone 204-582-8779; e-mail icya@mts.net; www. innercityyouthalive.org.

Mennville EMC, a rural church near Riverton, Man., seeks a half-time youth leader/pastor to give spiritual leadership and be a program director for a youth group of approximately 25 to 30. Contact Kenton Barkman, Box 576, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0.

Phone 204-378-5623 or e-mail kenton@mts.net.

Full-time pastor needed for community church connected with Mennonite Church Canada in Burns Lake, B.C., 2 1/2 hours northwest of Prince George. Attendance is around 85 plus; good building with room for growth. Church serves people from a wide range of church backgrounds, making them open to God’s choice of pastor from another denomination. People are ready for positive changes to draw those who seek the Lord or to be encouraged. For information and salary negotiations, contact Rob Wiebe at 250698-7334 or rcwiebe@futurenet.bc.ca.

Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in east-central Saskatchewan, with a congregation of about 50, is currently looking for a pastor. Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or tdpromise@sasktel.net.

Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission seeks an executive director/financial manager to serve the Burkina Faso Partnership Council. This position requires administrative skills, experience with missions in Africa, and an ability to work with expatriate and national personnel. French and English are required and Jula would be a definite asset.

For information contact Len Barkman at emclen@mts.net or 204-326-6401.

Continental Mission, Inc., seeks a director.

Working largely with First Nations people in northern Manitoba, this 63-year-old faith mission seeks a visionary team player with a heart for Native ministry. Many opportunities for ministry exist, and the mission is ready to be taken to the next level.

The director will give overall leadership, overseeing a staff of about 20 missionaries.

Candidates should have ministry and administrative experience. The director is expected to relocate to Thompson, Man., a city that serves as a hub for much of the mission’s activities. Contact: Mel Friesen at CMI, 159 Cree Road, Thompson, MB R8N 0C2; phone 204-778-4491; e-mail cmi@mts.net.

May 25, 2005

La Crete Christian Fellowship seeks a full-time youth pastor, an energetic leader with vision who has a geniune love and passion to reach out to young people and the ability to be a partner with us to build a strong ministry with the young people in our congregation and community.

To find out more about La Crete and the church, see www.lacretechamber.com; www. telusplanet.net/public/lccfc; e-mail: lccfc@telus. net or lfem@telus.net; phone: Frank Winsor at LCCF, 780-928-3783.

Call Mennonite Disaster Service (Winnipeg, Man., office 866-261-1274) about volunteering short-term (one to three weeks) and long term (one month or more) or check the website at www. mds.mennonite.net for current opportunities.

Construction or cooking experience is helpful, but not necessary for bringing hope back to the lives of disaster survivors. All ages 18 and over are welcome.

MCC Manitoba seeks an executive director qualified to provide dynamic leadership. This administrative team leader will work with staff and board to provide vision and structure to Manitoba’s program within the broader MCC context. A commitment to MCC’s mission and goals is needed. The position is in Winnipeg. For information call Ron Loeppky at 204-261-6381.

Send resumes to MCC Manitoba, Executive Director Search Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9, or email to ronloeppky@mennonitecc. ca. Application deadline is May 15, 2005.

Elim Mennonite Church, about 150 people in Niverville, Man., seeks a full-time senior pastor. It has active English and German ministries and a range of programs. Primary responsibilities include preaching, teaching, administration, counseling, visitation, and community and conference involvement. They seek Bible teaching, a passion for outreach and discipleship, and a desire to lead a crosscultural group. German is an asset, not a requirement.

Contact Darlene Redekop, Box 1062, Niverville, MB R0A 1E0; phone 204-388-6667; or e-mail darlene_redekop@hotmail.com.

Red Rock Bible Camp is recruiting spring and summer staff. For a complete listing, contact rrbc@redrockbiblecamp.com. Two particular positions are as follows: photovideographer (bursary plus support) and assistant cook (salary plus support).

Is God calling you to use your leadership abilities, management skills and two or more years of cross-cultural experience to serve others through MCC? This year MCC needs people to lead work in Congo, Bangladesh, and its Visitor Exchange Program (based in Akron, Pa.). In 2006, MCC needs leaders for work in Jamaica, Bolivia, Haiti, Tanzania, Nigeria, Mexico and a West Coast director (based in Reedley, Calif.). Plan ahead. Application review begins immediately for 2005 positions.

Review for 2006 positions begins August 2005.

Contact Charmayne Brubaker at 717-8591151, cdb@mcc.org or your nearest MCC office for descriptions and information about these openings.

Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, near Birch River, Man., seeks counselors, cooks and especially a lifeguard. Camp runs for five weeks starting in late June. Some wages are available for counselors, lifeguard, and speakers. The handyman, who could start in June, receives room and board.

The camp is geared toward First Nations people.

Contact Ang Thiessen at 204-238-4244 or ang_ thiessen@hotmail.com or Walter Oberlin at 204734-4269.

Morweena Christian School seeks three twograde split homeroom teachers: grades 5–6, 7–8, 11–12. Teachers are responsible for core subjects and to provide recess and lunch supervision. Valid teacher’s certificate required for grades 11–12. MCS is operated by Morweena EMC, and situated 25 kms northwest of Arborg, Man. MCS is dedicated to providing K–12 in an environment holding a high respect for biblical values. Send resume and pastor’s reference to Tim Reimer, Box 1030, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0.

Fax 204-364-3117 or e-mail morweenachristia nschool@yahoo.com.

Hague Gospel Church (EMMC) seeks a senior pastor. HGC is a young, growing church with about 100 regular attendees. It is located in Hague, Sask. Contact Pastor Search Committee, Box 577, Hague, SK S0K 1X0, or e-mail willie.unger@comcocontrols.com.

After many years in the making, we are pleased to announce a new long-term EMC team for Central Asia. This team will be a purpose-driven community that will serve others in the name of Christ. Central Asia has been overlooked and misunderstood by the West for centuries. There are possibilities for all kinds of professions and trades to be utilized. Most importantly, we are looking for people who love God and people. It will be an incarnational ministry of language, cultural and religious learning, and relationship building.

With this background, true inter-faith dialogue can take place and the peace of God’s reign can increase in our world. This team will be self-led with EMC providing some support and accountability. If you want to experience community and God in an ancient needy land, contact the conference office for details at emconf@mts.net. Please pray for God to have mercy on us and on those we serve.

Fourteen school teachers are needed to serve in an international/national K–S4 school in Kabul, Afghanistan. The school currently has 72 students and 6 teachers, but a new campus and school are being built to accommodate more teachers and students (currently turned away). Teachers are preferred to come with support from their churches and friends. Contact Len Barkman at emclen@mts.net or 204-326-6401.

15

kids’ corner Loreena Thiessen

Are You Balanced?

H

ey, kids! Get up and march! Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right!

Look at your hands and feet. As your left foot steps forward, your right hand swings forward. As your right foot steps forward, your left hand swings forward with it.

Stop in front of a mirror. What do you see? Your right hand matches your left hand. Your right foot matches your left foot. Your right shoulder matches your left shoulder. Your head has a right eye and a left eye.

They match. Your head has a right ear and a left ear. They match.

Now look at your face. Imagine a line running down the middle of your nose and down across your lips and chin.

Your eyes are balanced on each side of that middle line.

Your ears are balanced on each side of that middle line.

Do you have a right nose and left nose? A right chin and a left chin? Your two sides are the same. They are equal.

You are balanced. This balance is called symmetry (simmet-tree).

Symmetry is all around us. Leaves have symmetry.

Each leaf has a line, or a ridge, right down its centre. If you fold one half of the leaf over the other half and it fits exactly, the leaf is symmetrical. Find an aspen leaf, an elm leaf, or a chokecherry leaf. If both sides are equal, they have symmetry.

Some seashells, like the scallop shell, have symmetry.

The crab and the starfish, have symmetry. Spiders, mosquitoes, dragonflies, butterflies, and bats, all have symmetry. Each side of their body equals, perfectly balances, the other side. Just like yours does.

Shapes have symmetry. A triangle, a square, a circle and a rectangle all have symmetry. Draw a line through the centre of each one. Each half exactly matches the other half. They have symmetry.

Another kind of symmetry is seen in a reflection. A tree at the edge of a lake is reflected in the water as upside down. The reflection is the mirror image of the real tree.

This is called line symmetry.

Perfect balance, symmetry, is considered beautiful. One of the most famous and beautiful buildings in the world is the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is in northern India. It was built by a great ruler to remember his wife. It is made of white marble. If you draw a line through its centre, the sides are identical. The Taj Mahal has symmetry.

PAGE 16

Isaiah 6:3 says that the created world is filled with the glory of God. God shows us what beauty is in what He has T created. M

Word Symmetry You need: Several sheets of drawing paper Word list: MOM, OTTO, BOB A rectangle shaped pocket mirror

MOMMOM

What you do: On drawing paper print the word MOM. Draw a horizontal line above the word MOM. Place the edge of the mirror along the line above the word MOM. Now place the mirror along the bottom of the word MOM. Look at the reflection of the word MOM. This is line symmetry.

Now draw a straight line vertically, from top to bottom through the centre of the O in MOM. Place the mirror on this centre line. Is the reflected half a real word? What about the half on the paper plus the reflected half? Is it a real word? Draw another vertical line on the left side of MOM. Place the mirror on this line. Is the reflection a real word?

Repeat this activity with the words OTTO and BOB. Can you think of any other words which have equal halves?

THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914