The Messenger Vol. 44 No. 11 June 7, 2006

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 44 NUMBER 11 JUNE 7, 2006

Upward The

Call of God

The

Messenger

EDITOR 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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.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.

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MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 13 – July 19 (copy due July 7)

editorials

T

A senior in poverty

he man was about 62.

His face was slightly twisted, perhaps from a stroke. He was overweight and called himself, bluntly, a cripple.

He had asked elsewhere for money to buy meat and, when church people found out, received criticism. He pleaded for understanding. He didn’t like to ask for help, but now he asked again.

What should they do?

This man had held a respectable position for decades. He tried to be active, but poverty hurt.

Often newscasts speak of seniors who spend time in the warmer south. Many of these Canadians lived through tough farming in near-pioneer conditions.

Some of them coped through the Great Depression and a World War. Compared with much of the world, their climb to middle class wealth (which spells rich in the Two-Thirds World) has been rapid.

But while some Canadians enjoy Freedom 55 or Snowbird 65, there are others who face Poverty 75.

The Church is to remember poor people.

They are us, human beings, sometimes church people. Scripture tells us to care for poor, widow, and elderly; sometimes it’s the same person.

What did the leaders do about the man mentioned earlier? I don’t know. I know what the man asked; he wrote it in a letter, which I can show you. Three years later he died.

Know of any seniors living in poverty?

Maybe one. Maybe this one.

His name was Menno Simons.

See his Personal Note to Rein Edes and the Brethren in Waterhorne, 1558, The Complete Writings of Menno Simons (Scottdale, Herald Press, 1984), pp. 1053– T 1054. M Terry M. Smith

Bertha and Rev. Ernest Shelvey

A

fter two years of ministerial studies at Central Pentecostal College, in 1979 I traveled to northern Manitoba for a sixweek internship at Thompson Pentecostal Assembly.

The internship was positive; I learned much at that time and through later reflection. Rev. Ernest Shelvey was pastor and his wife Bertha held a ministerial license for women (which allowed her to serve as a pastor, though without ordination).

After the internship, I transferred to Steinbach Bible College and began attending an EM church. It was unusual for an intern not to return for the final year of studies at CPC, and it was likely disappointing for Shelveys to see me move from their beloved denomination with its rich spiritual history and positive calling in the world.

But each year Mrs. Shelvey sent me a birthday card. Later, she added a birthday card for my wife, a wedding anniversary

card for us, and a birthday card for our son.

For more than 25 years, Bertha and Rev. Ernest Shelvey have been a quiet, steady, positive influence through their prayers, cards, and clippings.

Their love and concern didn’t stop at the Pentecostal-EMC border. Their vision of Christ is larger than that. It’s rooted in Christ’s love, his saving and atoning work, and the Church’s evangelistic and pastoral calling in the world.

During my quarter century within the EMC, the patience, prayers, and kindnesses of many believers have allowed me to contribute according to my gifts.

For that I am grateful to you. Many of you, though, likely didn’t realize that nestled among the group praying and caring was a Pentecostal pastoral couple.

In ways that we don’t fully appreciate, every Christian and denomination is indebted to many more Christians than those in our own backyard.

T Thank you, Shelveys! M Terry M. Smith THE MESSENGER

letters

coming events

Letters provide feedback, which is helpful to the conference. They are generally to comment on issues raised in the magazine; the focus is to be on issues, not personalities. Views and opinions expressed are that of the writers. A handwritten or electronic signature and an address are needed. Letters are edited for length, style, legality, and taste. Letters will not be published that show a need for pastoral care, are unsigned or obscene, or that involve a legal matter (libel). Letters are published at the discretion of editorial staff, with counsel sought where needed, and can be refused publication. The policy of the BCM is available upon request.

The maximum length for a letter is 500 words.

New movements and isms?

I was pleased to read the letters to the editor (May 3), responding to the earlier article by Michael Zwaagstra (April 5) on postmodernism and the Emerging Church. Perhaps Mr. Zwaagstra has done the readers a service, by opening up a door to conversation on the nature of Evangelicalism as itself a constantly evolving and diverse “ism” and Christian movement (with a huge influence in our own Conference).

The critiques were well-written and needed. Exploring the questions David Funk raised in response would also help prevent us from oversimplifying a new movement and associated words like postmodernism to make such into enemies to be dismissed so easily. Rather we need to be sure we understand what they are trying to say, first.

If the desire in some of our churches is to call for commitment to certain doctrines of faith and truth that a prior era of Evangelicalism had made normative, please let’s not entrench those doctrines so rigidly, as to make other Christians into enemies so easily. One is tempted to ask: Would we ban books next or kill false prophets first? Woe to us if such a spirit grips the churches of our Conference.

A postmodern perspective is a good thing, in the right dose, for Christians. It can help us to understand that Christian faith and biblical truth are propositional and confessional in nature; not so simply “objective” as the article claimed, leaving “no room for ambiguity or doubts. I am particularly glad of this when it comes to Deuteronomy 18:20–22 (the article’s example of “objective”), or we would have to continue to objectively identify, dismiss and then kill “false prophets” in our own age.

Already, far too many “false prophets” have been killed off throughout the ages in just this way, including many of the early Anabaptists. Often it was other Christians who did the killing; and often it turned out that the ones killed had

June 7, 2006

something rather important to say to the broader church.

Jesus himself dealt many times with truths of an earlier age in his people’s history, and brought new light to them.

The pattern of evaluation that Jesus offered us at Matthew chapter 5 is this: “You have heard said…but I say to you,” a pattern repeated five times. And at the core, Matthew 5:43–5: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

I suggest that to follow Jesus, we should be less objectively sure of ourselves in rejecting other Christians or their viewpoints outright. May God give us the grace we need to learn to assess the “isms” of this world together, without dividing over them.

Adam Robinson Winnipeg, Man.

Integrity and breathless expectation While considering whether I should add my voice to the concerned responses to the article Evaluating The Emerging Church [April 5], a friend sent me this reprint from Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest. Few would label Chambers a postmodernist, yet this devotional so simply highlights what I believe emergent church leaders are saying.

Perhaps those who find McLaren “nonsensical” will relate more easily to Chambers. May it help them to trust that many Christians of the postmodern generation (who may speak a different language than modernists) are not trying to dilute the gospel, but simply desire to believe and follow Jesus with integrity (beliefs and actions in congruence) and breathless expectation.

June 13 EMC Golf Classic Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course Steinbach, Man. 204-255-8062 June 15–17 Write! Canada Canada’s Largest Christian Writers’ Conference Speaker: N. J. Lindquist Guelph, Ont. 905-294-6482 www.thewordguild.com June 16–17 MCC Relief Sale Didsbury Sportsplex Didsbury, Alta.

403-932-3848 or hiltonmierau@hotmail.com June 16–17 MCC Relief Sale Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-222-0468 or gpbt@mts.net www.mccwpgsale.com June 22 Out of the Shadows Dessert and music evening Eden Health Care Services Winkler MB Church Winkler, Man. 866-895-2919 July 7–9 EMC Annual Convention Speaker: Ron Sider Winnipeg, Man. 204-326-6401 July 8–14 VERTICAL: Providence Arts Camp Providence College Otterburne, Man. artscamp@prov.ca prov.ca/artscamp July 13–15 Voices of Resiliency: Hearing, Sharing, Learning with each other Schizophrenia Society of Canada 2006 National Conference Delta Hotel Winnipeg, Man. 204-786-1616 or chris@mss.mb.ca

Railroads, Rivers, Racism and Real Estate: A bus tour to interpret the city with new eyes 2006 EMC Convention non-delegate session Saturday, July 8, 2 p.m. ($10 fee) To sign up for this event please call Ruth Anne at 204326-6401 or e-mail emconf@mts.net. Seating on the bus is limited; please register early.

continued page 7

Upwar

The

Dr. Terry Hiebert: “This Call is for you.”

THE MESSENGER

rd

Call of God Dr. Terry G. Hiebert

Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated.

– Garry Trudeau

R

ecently, talk about The Call of God has returned to our churches after twenty or more years of relative silence. Growing up, I believed The Call was something men received to become pastors or women/men received before going to the “mission field.” But my view of God’s Call needed updating, much like our old rotary dial phone back home.

Today, waiting for traditional phone calls is too limiting for millions of today’s pilgrims. Cell phone users can send e-mail, take pictures, listen to music, watch sports, manage schedules, calculate equations, play games, and even talk with their friends.

As a 19-year-old college student I sensed God’s calling to get a doctoral degree and teach in a Bible college. My future wife replied on the phone, “Let’s go for it.” That was a turning point for this shy, insecure student. That sense of calling has been an amazing strength through the years.

Os Guinness says “Calling is the truth that God calls us to himself so decisively that everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have is invested with special devotion, dynamism, and direction lived out as a response to his summons and service.”

In the final week of chapel our band Free Servant asked us to answer God’s Call by singing Hillsong’s, To The Ends Of The Earth: Love unfailing overtaking my heart you take me in finding peace again fear is lost in all you are June 7, 2006

The Call of God gave Paul the devotion, dynamism, and direction to say, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus…Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice…Forgetting what is behind and straining to what is ahead, I press on.” Joy and perseverance are marks those living out The Call.

The Call in Philippians involves: The Call in Christ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (2:5).

Jesus is the way that God calls. But paradoxically, the Call of God in Jesus is not upward, at first. Jesus became flesh, made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant (doulos). Paul’s world, as today, valued freedom.

The Canadian Constitution has enshrined our rights and freedoms. But being a doulos brings joy and perseverance by entrusting your will to the One who Calls.

The Call to Citizenship But our citizenship is in heaven (3:20).

God’s upward Calling, leading us surprisingly downward is linked to citizenship in heaven. Your lives may be long and dangerous journeys of epic proportions, like the hobbit Frodo in Lord of the Rings. Third year MissionX students travelled to Belize and Nicaragua last October.

One group of hikers in the Nicaraguan mountains faced Survivor-like conditions at times. But they believed that muddy shoes, Dengue fever, and personal complaints would not last forever. They knew they were returning to Canada in a short time. Citizenship produced joy and perseverance.

and I would give the world to tell your story ‘cause I know that you’ve called me I know that you’ve called me The Call in the City To all the saints of Christ Jesus in Philippi (1:1).

Philippi was a privileged Roman city. And in this particular place the saints, the set apart ones, are trying to make God’s Call, the Word, into flesh and blood living.

That is what the church is called to do. After all, the church is the ekklesia, the assembly of called out ones.

We gather with others to hear God’s Call together. We make the invisible word of God flesh in our communities with joy and perseverance.

the faith community: listening to God’s Call together, breaking down the walls between college and church, college and Steinbach community, college classrooms, and hands-on Mission X experience.

Abe Bergen (2001–2006) sensed God’s upward Call from pastoral ministry to continue the work of equipping students to advance the work of God in the world. He believed that Christian leaders should be trained with a high level of excellence to minister to an increasingly qualified culture. He stressed that churches and colleges need to cooperate more with each other to bring our best service to God in the world.

In the often mysterious process of hearing God’s upward Call for the past 70 years, SBC has constructed buildings, raised funds, hired staff, fed students, sung

The church is the ekklesia, the assembly of called out ones. We gather with others to hear God’s Call together. We make the invisible word of God flesh in our communities with joy and perseverance.

By answering God’s Call you are joining The Called of SBC from the past 70 years. What did they hear?

In the early 1930s godly teachers started classes, becoming a Bible Academy in November 1936. Students today are the result of someone answering God’s Call to train servant leaders 70 years ago.

John G. Baerg (1936–43) answered God’s upward Call to train Sunday school teachers for the church shortly after Sunday schools were introduced to Steinbach.

During summers he would lead teams of students in doing DVBS throughout southeast Manitoba.

Ben D. Reimer (1945–65) was as passionate about answering God’s upward Call to preach and teach the Bible as he was for missions and evangelism. With annual mission conferences, students were instilled with a heart for global missions and church planting in Western Canada.

Harvey Plett (1966–82) sensed God’s upward Call to “be a missionary wherever you go.” A solid foundation in the Bible was key to preparing higher quality workers for missions and for the local church. His willingness to serve, compassion for people in need, and love for the church still influence what we mean by servant leadership.

Ben Eidse (1983–92) followed God’s upward Call from service in foreign missions to the task of developing mature and committed men and women for church related ministries and other vocations. His considerable energies were directed to being available to people— listening, encouraging and especially praying for them.

Stan Plett (1993–2000) sensed God’s upward Call to train constituent church leaders in the Evangelical Anabaptist perspective. He believed in the work of

to God, played sports, conducted meetings, planned events, discipled students, prayed fervently, and even taught a few classes.

But keep in mind that buildings and budgets are only douloi or servants for the upward Call of training students to hear and respond to the Call of God—in Christ, to the Church, in the City.

I’ve lost myself for good within your promise and I won’t hide it for you alone are the son of God and all the world will see that you are God But we face distractions when listening to the Call of God. Think of our cell phone example. Transport Canada has issued brilliant guidelines for cell phone users on How to Avoid Cognitive Distraction such as, “recent research suggests that decisions made while driving and talking on a cell phone are not always good decisions.”

Graduates, you have been challenged this year to make a difference for God in the world. It was inspiring to hear the class of 1956 share what happens when ordinary people answer The Call. Will you overcome “cognitive distraction” and focus on God’s Upward Call in Christ, in the Church, and in the City?

T Graduates, This Call is for you. M Dr. Terry Hiebert teaches theology and general studies at Steinbach Bible College. He gave the college’s commencement address on April 30, 2006.

THE MESSENGER

letters continued from page 3

Gracious Uncertainty: “it has not yet been revealed what we shall be” (1 John 3:2).

“Our natural inclination is to be so precise—trying always to forecast accurately what will happen next—that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing.

We think that we must reach some predetermined goal, but that is not the nature of the spiritual life.

“The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty.

Consequently, we do not put down roots. Our common sense says, “Well, what if I were in that circumstance?” We cannot presume to see ourselves in any circumstance in which we have never been.

“Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life—gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation.

“We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises. When we become simply a promoter or a defender of a particular belief, something within us dies. That is not believing God—it is only believing our belief about Him. Jesus said, ‘unless you…become as little children’ (Matthew 18:3).

“The spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next.

If our certainty is only in our beliefs, we develop a sense of self-righteousness, become overly critical, and are limited by the view that our beliefs are complete and settled.

“But when we have the right relationship with God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. Jesus said, ‘believe also in Me’ (John 14:1), not ‘Believe certain things about Me.’ Leave everything to Him and it will be gloriously and graciously uncertain how He will come in—but you can be certain that He will come. Remain faithful to Him.” Stephanie Unger Winnipeg, Man.

June 7, 2006

Is God static?

It seems that the author [Evaluating the Emerging Church] intertwines emerging church and postmodernism, and concludes both are bad. It also seems that he thinks there are half a dozen or so major spokespeople for this group and that by discrediting any one of them the whole movement is somehow in jeopardy as well.

I am not good with big words like modernism or postmodernism and I think it is easy to confuse many people with big words, especially if we throw them around without really describing what they mean.

If the author has problems with Brian McLaren, whom he sees as a major leader for the emerging church, I would suggest he go to Google, type in Who has the Last word Brian McLaren, and read an 11 page interview that Dan Knauss does with McLaren.

While on the Emerging Church Wikipedia website I came across a description of the emerging church. I will quote parts of that description: “While practices and even core doctrines vary, most emergents can be recognized by the following: 1) Missional living—Christians go out into the world to serve God rather than isolate themselves within communities of likeminded individuals.

“2) Narrative theology—Teaching focuses on narrative presentations of faith and the Bible rather than systematic theology or biblical reductionism.

“3) Christ-likeness—While not neglecting the study of scripture or the love of the church, Christians focus on the worship and emulation of the person of Jesus Christ.

“4) Authenticity—People in the postmodern culture seek real and authentic experiences over scripted or superficial experiences. Emerging churches strive to be relevant to today’s culture and daily life, whether it be through worship or service opportunities.

The core Christian message is unchanged but emerging churches attempt, as the church has throughout the centuries, to find ways to reach God’s people where they are to hear God’s message of unconditional love.”

That description could very well describe me and my church. I do not view Brian McLaren or Leonard Sweet to be the spokespeople for me or my church, although I have books by both

of them. I do not think emerging is scary or dangerous or non-biblical, unless you deliberately define them as such.

Any shift that churches make to be more real and relevant in their culture to have a greater impact for moving people toward God is a good one. A question we could ask is, Is God static? Does He operate the same in today’s society as He did in Jewish society over 2,000 years ago? As we answer these questions I think we will begin to understand emerging churches.

Wally Doerksen Giroux, Man.

Simple suggestions It seems many of us are agreed upon the sedentary nature and ineffectiveness of the Evangelical Church in America. We have several choices before us.

One choice is the process of dialogue, conversation, celebration of paradox, and continuing discussion over scriptural relevance and application. There may be some merit in that. Another choice is to seek the Holy offer of repentance, intercession, and weeping over our guilt, sin and lukewarmness—invoking the four steps of 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Certainly emergent writing and thought is broad and somewhat difficult to nail down. It contains some interesting food for thought. But to those drawn to emergent/McLaren writing, I plead with you to at least consider with me the warnings of Barney Coomb in his article A Message of Concern (www.saltlight. org/barney/mclaren).

To those disconcerted with the church, including the above group, and to those hungering after God, as well as personal and corporate revival, allow me to offer some simple suggestions: 1. Read Paul Hattaway’s The Heavenly Man, alongside the book of Acts.

2. Go towww.sermonindex.net and listen to one of the following sermons: Christ’s Call Follow in my Footsteps by K.P. Yohannan, Ten Shekels and a Shirt

by Paris Reidhead, A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson, or Calling on the Name of The Lord by Jim Cymbala.

3. Read the biographies of radicals like Rees Howells, Smith Wigglesworth, John G. Lake, or George Mueller.

4. Plan to attend the School of Revival and Prayer (July 24–27, here in Winnipeg) put on by Canadian Revival Fellowship.

5. Ask God to take you (and me) into His broken heart for the state of the

church and lost humanity…and unleash a new level of intercession and repentance in us and the church.

6. Go through a copy of Leonard Ravenhill’s Revival God’s Way or Why Revival Tarries.

Consider an adapted paraphrase of a 50year-old prophetic voice, A. W. Tozer: “It’s painfully obvious that we lack the power of the apostolic leaders, early church fathers, and the fire-filled men and women of the past.” Will we continue to deny, finesse, rationalize, and dialogue our way through? Or will we go ahead and pay the same price they did—deep intercession, prayer, fasting, repentance, abandonment, and seeking the Holy face of God? May God take us as a conference into His heart of Truth and passion for these last days.

Glenn Loewen Portage la Prairie, Man.

A bigger problem than postmodernism I’m a Mennonite down here in Phoenix and I keep up with my home conference’s ins-and-outs with periodic readings of The Messenger via my parents. I just finished an article on the Emerging Church by Michael Zwaagstra. It was a very interesting one indeed, as I come from a strong conservative Mennonite background and have enjoyed reading of such “postmodern” writers like Brian McLaren and Leonard Sweet. I just want to pose two questions about this topic: 1. What exactly defines postmodern culture? It seems Mr. Zwaagstra narrows it down to “relative truth” when in reality it is so much more complex.

2. Remember that generations before us have gone through similar changes to get to our “modern view” of Christianity, because if you don’t believe in rounding the corner to postmodernity, then you’re still modern. Why did we ever accept modernity? Maybe objective truth was an aspect of that movement, but so were everything from Blacks’ rights to selling beer on TV. So, again, why is postmodernity so scary when since before Jesus, generational gaps, fundamental thoughts and cultural shifts were constantly occurring? (Remember, Jesus and his disciples knew of no other countries than the Middle East and present-day Italy and thought that the earth was flat! That was something a Christian thinker was later burned at the stake for challenging.)

I believe that there are problems in the Emerging Church but they don’t centre around the postmodernity scare.

All we’re doing as churches is mimicking a secular world in the modern sense.

Think about it: A keynote speaker, a band, a social event, a get-’em-throughthe-doors mentality. It sounds like a pep-rally or hockey game, but substitute a pastor, a worship band and a potluck, and you’ve got a church.

Maybe, if we head up a cultural movement for a change and call it whatever we want (we don’t need to stick with postmodern), we wouldn’t have to worry about being trapped under the “secular” cultural beliefs; we could actually be like Jesus and induce a new kind of thinking.

Joey Dueck Phoenix, Arizona

A conversation needing a clear destination I read with interest. Why are we so interested in this emergent thing?

Maybe it’s because it so resembles where we come from. The history of the Mennonite movement is so similar to the emergent movement: non-confessional, lived rather than written, relational, communal—it’s a journey.

The emergent movement is a critical response to dogmatic evangelicalism.

Many emergent leaders seem to have grown up in the same church Philip Yancey grew up in. Maybe if we hadn’t been so with the times in our flight from Anabaptism to evangelicalism, we’d be a little less critical or reactionary, one way or the other.

On modernity and post-modernity, there has always been a balance between logical and relational people, the taskcentred and the people-centred. This is no new thing. That balance will always remain, though the scales at times will shift side to side. Our churches must respond to both.

On method and message, I celebrate the emergent method. Develop honest relationships in community, and find out the questions before you start throwing out answers—join people on their journeys. Wunderbar! That sounds like WJWD. What has people up in arms is the emergent message. We don’t know what it is. I read theooze.com article Response to Recent Criticisms with anticipation. And there is the most definitive statement I’ve found in emergent writings yet: “Yes, we believe that Jesus is the crucified and risen Savior of the cosmos and no one comes to the Father except through Jesus” (point 6). That’s good. But even here it comes reluctantly and with qualification.

(The reluctance seems to have more to do with the act of making a definitive statement than with the message of the statement, but it is reluctant.)

There is one statement in theooze article to which I respond: “We regret that some of our critics have made hasty generalizations and drawn erroneous conclusions based on limited and selective data” (point 6 again). I for one have been diligent, not hasty, with original data and people, looking for a confessed example of a truth statement and this is the first time I come across one.

The man is primarily straw; we can’t blame Zwaagstra for that. Considering statements directly downplaying things like substitutionary atonement, if there are no alternative declarations forthcoming, then the criticism should be expected.

When you’ve done the emergent thing well and someone finally asks their heart’s question, then give them an answer. Let’s get in on the conversation, join people on the journey, but let’s be clear about the destination—heaven, through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our redemption (Romans 3:19–26). The word Christian has to mean something.

Dave Reimer Callsbeck Felllowship Chapel (CMC) Winnipeg, Man. S T E I N B A C H

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THE MESSENGER

a womanʼs journey of faith Betty Koop

Martha: God is Good, All the Time!

Last time (May 3), we left Martha stranded in a tent in a remote northern camp while six children and their escorts were huddled under a tarp on the bush trail to the airstrip. Now we continue.

W

hen the thunder slowed down, the group decided to head back to camp. To encourage each other, they began to sing: “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above.”

The children valiantly plodded on, wet and shivering, feet “frozen,” clinging to the adults for comfort, but not giving up.

At the lakeshore, the risk of lightning strikes on the open water made them decide to take the overgrown bush trail.

There was still danger of lightning striking a tree so they tried to keep to the middle of the trail, jumping over puddles.

Martha was thrilled and relieved when she heard the sound of people approaching. The ten of them were safe! She says, “I sent up a prayer of thanks to God.” Now, if they could only be sure of the safety of the pilots.

They set up the wood heater in the tent and attempted to start a fire with wet wood. Within a few minutes the place was filled with smoke and they had to open the door. They stood around the smoky stove, shivering, with no dry clothes to change into.

The adults now realized it could be a long wait till the planes would be back, but the children kept asking if they would fly out soon. Martha said, “But all in all they did well. I was proud of them.”

Henry, Martha’s husband, and Ed walked back to the landing strip and dug a little drainage ditch, hoping to speed the drying out of the strip. They also brought back some food and warm clothing, which was most welcome.

Meanwhile, the three littlest girls went to pray, asking for the clouds to go away and just for those “soft fluffy ones.” Actually, they all prayed a lot.

The evening in the far north is long, so they had to be creative to keep occupied. Then it began to rain again.

However, thanks to the salvaged food, they had a good supper. Everyone was very hungry from the strenuous walks.

Arranging ten people in the tent for night was quite a challenge. They managed to line up mattresses (retrieved from the storage bin) against opposite walls for nine people.

The tenth had the “privilege” of bedding down between the two rows of unwashed feet. They talked about God and His goodness, before having a common prayer and then attempting to sleep.

The night was not very restful. Some mats went flat and the mosquitoes were frustrating. Lighting coils only produced choking fumes that added to the discomfort.

Next morning everyone was up early. The sky still did not look good, but it had not rained all night. That was a good

June 7, 006

thing. They thought of many reasons to praise the Lord and mentioned them specifically.

Martha comments, “It was indeed a very special time of communion with God. If only we daily felt our need of Him as much as we do when we’re in trouble.” They kept looking skyward wondering if their Dad and brother were truly safe.

In the early afternoon, they seemed to hear a faint sound.

Could it be an airplane? Then out from behind the clouds, far in the distance appeared a tiny airplane. When they recognized Jim’s plane, a cheer rang out from the kids.

They wasted no time. Martha and Henry hurried all the youngsters into the boat, then up the mosquito-infested trail.

Henry and Martha Froese, Miranda, Jayden and Candace.

At the airstrip they were overjoyed to see both their Dad and Jim had landed safely. Thank you, God, was their first reaction as they embraced joyously.

The men told of how, after dropping their first load of passengers and setting out again, the weather pushed them off course. They came perilously close to running out of fuel, but had been able to glide in for a landing at Steen River.

They, too, thanked God! The children disappeared into the planes quickly, eager to go. Henry and Martha watched the take-offs, holding their breath as the planes skidded down the strip, mud and water spattering in all directions. Then they were up! Another “Thank you, God!” The planes returned again and the last four persons were evacuated. A deep feeling of thankfulness and praise filled them to overflowing.

T God is good, all the time! M

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with our missionaries Ethiopia

Sudan, a new beginning

There’s a scent in the air, a rumour in the wind, an excitement in the souls of many here in Sherkole. The rains have come, wetting dusty roads and clods of earth in the fields. The pungent smell of greening bamboo leaves fills the whole valley. Rumour of more rain to come is

Yet this is the tribe that we know best, having spent eight years living among them, hurting with them, rejoicing with them and growing with them. Though it will take another year for all the Uduks to be repatriated, those in Sherkole have nearly all left.

many struggles in the refugee camps (such as small rations, few freedoms and no land) and yet also many opportunities (especially in regards to education). We thank Him for the time we’ve been able to spend with the Uduks in the refugee camp. Their generosity while having so

Sudanese construct temporary shelters (above) and later, permanent homes (right).

talked about in every home. “No, no,” they say. “Not yet. The clouds have to gather in the North first and then it will come down our way. These are just the early rains.”

Most of all, excitement is in the hearts of those who have chosen to return to their homeland. Voluntary repatriation began in April 2006 among the Uduk tribe in both Sherkole and the Bonga refugee camps in Ethiopia. The number of these refugees is approximately 20,000, which is a small percentage of the actual number of Sudanese refugees residing in neighbouring countries.

The rains have begun and so the trucks will stop carrying people, possessions and animals until November at which time thousands more will return to their homeland to begin rebuilding a country they have not seen for 20 years. And the majority of the Uduks have, in fact, been born on Ethiopian soil.

For those returning to Sudan there is a mix of emotions: They know that life will be difficult but they are spurred on by thoughts of fields stretching over the plains of South Sudan, fields all their own, fields of black dirt and endless possibilities.

It’s finally happening, this long awaited repatriation. Few things were actually prepared for these returnees such as proper wells and housing but then, as one Sudanese said, “Unless we first return, nothing will be done for us.

The people have to return first and then wells will be dug, schools and clinics built. We need to go and plant our fields so that we will not be hungry again.”

We thank God that the Sudanese are officially beginning to return to their homeland. They have had Because of a shortage, water is rationed.

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little will affect us for eternity.

We had the opportunity to drive with one of the convoys to Chali, Sudan, which some would say is the heart of Uduk land.

Though it was only 100 kms away, it took five and a half hours to drive. For most of the last 50 kms we traveled at 12 kph.

We saw firsthand what the hardships will be and we also saw the freedom.

Water was scarce; and no permanent buildings, markets, or great shade trees were in sight; and yet the Uduks rejoiced as they built small structures out of sorghum stalks. We spent only two days in the 50 C heat and were amazed at the strength of these people and the joy in their hearts. Pray for good rains and an abundant harvest.

We thank Him for the continued opportunity to work with the many who are still here in Sherkole of the Dinka, Mabaan and Funj tribes. This camp will not likely empty for another couple of years; transporting thousands of people (most of them small children) requires great logistical orchestration.

Due to the coming rains, the convoys will stop until after the harvest. The Uduk left in Bonga (still 16,000) are impatient, while the Mabaan in Sherkole are fearful of returning due to landmines, government soldiers guarding oil rich areas, and the lack of schools and clinics.

THE MESSENGER

Twampa, one of Angela’s friends and helper, with all her earthly possessions around her, waits for transport from Sherkole to Sudan.

But as the Uduks have stated, “Unless we return, nothing will be done. We have to rebuild our country and we will start by planting our fields.”

Pray for the churches as they reorganize in southern Sudan. Pray for the Nigerian and Ethiopian missionaries that have been sent out from their home churches through SIM to different areas in Sudan. This is a new mission strategy

which we believe will bear much fruit. Yet the adjustment to the food, climate and conditions will be difficult as the stations are remote.

Pray for the congregations that remain in the camps. Nearly 20 years in camps, their worldview has been assaulted by a variety of social influences and the economy of dependency. Sudanese have remained distinctly themselves and though it’s hard to see the invisible foundation that holds up their society, we can see that so much has been altered by refugee life.

In the past they claim money had no place in their culture; now it has become a driving force for parents and their children alike. In Sudan before, few, if any, would have known how to play games like soccer, volleyball or basketball; now, much of their free time and hard earned money is spent on these games.

The youth are noticeably affected by the ideals of western culture as depicted on TV. Seldom do they get the chance to watch, but there are enough satellite dishes among the NGOs to give them occasional opportunity.

Our attention to training leaders in God’s word through a TEE (theological education by extension) program and training teachers for mother tongue literacy programs continues to occupy much of our time. We look forward to seeing these community/church programs running in a self-sufficient manner in southern Sudan someday, but for now, we try to prepare them for their return.

We ask ourselves questions like: What is the best way to support these students and teachers? Is our training really helping?

Are their motives right? And, of course, we always feel like we could be doing more.

But as we see many of our closest friends return, we know that the greatest impact we will ever have is through discipleship. Pray for the Sudanese during this time of great change and for us as we seek to disciple men and women so that they might build a strong indigenous church.

Rolf and Angela Kruse Rolf and Angela Kruse (Kola) serve with SIM at Sherkole Refugee Camp, Ethiopia.

with our churches

Christian homes and God’s faithfulness Morweena, Man.: Morweena EMC is blessed with a large group of young men and women. From an outside perspective, our youth are growing unbelievably rapidly, are interested and involved in a wide range of activities, and are good to be around. They are sturdy plants, growing well in the calm atmosphere of Christian homes and community.

Sometimes we forget that growth does not come easily, even for the young. On March 19, we had an inside look at the spiritual growth of 10 young people, as they presented their testimonies before baptism. Though each of them grew up in a Christian home and were very thankful for their parents and other godly influences in their lives, they had experienced significant struggles: Depression.

Temptation. Defeats. Anger. Bitterness.

Rebellion.

We could only rejoice that God’s faithfulness had brought these youth through their struggles to own and deepen their relationship with Him, and that their desire is to serve Him. Four young adults also testified to God’s

June 7, 2006

faithfulness in their lives and were received into membership that morning (three by transfer, one by baptism).

As a congregation, we thank God for these fine additions to our family.

Janet Hamm

Fourteen young people joined Morweena’s membership by baptism or by transfer on March 19: (back) Irvin Plett, Randy Petkau, A.J. Reimer, Dean Dueck, (middle) Ryan Loewen, Adrian Plett, Ralph Penner, Josh Friesen, Jeremy Wiebe, (front) Jake and Elsie Heide (transfer), Gloria Plett (transfer), Janessa Plett, and Jennilee Dueck.

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MacGregor busy and enjoying life MacGregor, Man.: MacGregor EMC has been busy and we have been enjoying life. Four new babies will soon join our family and by the time you read this they may have already joined us.

Our Thanksgiving supper was made extra special with the arrival of ultramarathon cyclist Arvid Loewen. Arvid shared with us his story of how he started cycling and where it has all taken him up till today. His most recent adventure

Our annual Prayer Sister Valentine Tea was held at the end of February. It was wonderful to see so many ladies come out for this annual event. Bev McCaskell shared with us her story as we laughed and cried with her. Thank you, Bev.

William the peasant (Bob Olive) is questioning the motives of the countess (Valorie Unrau).

was a trip across Canada (7,000 kms) in 29 days with three orphans. He pulled them, one at a time, behind his own bicycle. What an adventure he had and what an opportunity to raise money for an orphanage in Africa.

The beginning of January was both exciting and sad. On January 12, 2006, we were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of John Dyck. He will be deeply missed by his wife Wenda, their children, and grandchildren. On the exciting side was the ordination service on January 15, 2006, for our new pastoral couple Bill and Bev McCaskell.

Pastor Bill and Bev McCaskell at their ordination service on January 15, 2006.

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Sawatzky) and for Ruth Taylor (bride elect of Brett Unrau). It was a joy to watch these young men grow up, and now to see them choose godly brides is a blessing to them and to all of us.

Elizabeth Sawatzky

William, to his shock and amazement, is knighted by Prince Edward (Ron Sawatzky). The countess lies on the floor, passed out after discovering the Prince, whom she had manipulated William into betraying, had come back to life.

Bill has requested others to share their “story” on Sunday mornings. Some have shared in person while others have shared via video. It has been a blessing to know others more deeply. Thank you to all who have shared with us their lives.

Every year, for quite a few already, Dave and Lillian Sawatzky head down to Texas to visit their daughter and her family as they work and minister at RGBI. Not only do they visit their family, but they also help Rio Grand Bible Institute with doing anything from building to sewing.

Our church kitchen was able to install a commercial dishwasher after raising funds for several years. It has already come in handy; it is also nice to see the guys enjoy using the dishwasher. They are amazed at how quickly it washes.

February, March, and the first part of April was a busy time for our actors.

You see, on April 14 and 15 we presented to our community a drama entitled For Love of the King. It was a touching story portraying the love of our King (our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ), only using the Renaissance period to tell the story.

Two bridal showers were held recently, for Annemarie Plenert (bride elect of Sam

June 13, 2006 Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course 204-255-8062

THE MESSENGER

The Lord uses us in many ways Pleasant Valley, Man.: A great thank you to our deacon couples who each Christmas provide a banquet for the 60s and over crowd. It’s appreciated heartily.

Our pastor Darren Plett was a busy man performing wedding services: In November, it was in Landmark; in December, for a couple from B.C. here in our home church; and then it was off to Belize in January 2006 for a couple where the bride’s parents live. We wish all three couples the Lord’s excellent guidance and blessing.

Our annual schmockey night was held on April 2—with the usual on/off ice activities. What was different this year was the supper fundraiser put on by the junior youth. The money will go to a missions trip to Montana in July. More details will follow when they return.

One evening in March was set aside to hear reports of many mission projects our members were involved with over the past few months.

Ken and Esther Loewen went with a group to Paraguay. The project was

building a second storey on a house for Chris and Revita Kroeker, missionaries there.

Bert and Elma Kornelson also went with other couples to a Hurricane Katrina-damaged area of Alabama. Clean up and construction were their main efforts.

Leo and Eva Reimer went to Rio Grande Bible Institute (Edinburg, Texas).

This is an annual trip for them, helping with construction and making baby blankets.

Abe and Bonnie Klassen have adopted a boy with World Vision and they decided to go visit the family in Mexico. They were overwhelmed with the poverty there.

John and Elly Rempel spoke of their son Reg’s ministry, Harvest Deaf Ministries. They also had an annual trip to visit family, but meanwhile, there is always lots of work to put their hands to—be it maintenance or cooking.

Most of the couples had video presentations, which made the projects become real to us. The Lord uses us in so many practical, different ways.

In March, Pastor Darren had a series of messages on Titus. Here’s a summary: “This is not intended to be a comprehensive look at the book, but rather a look into the heart of Paul. In each of the three chapters there seems to be one thought that comes through over and over.

“In chapter one he speaks…about his ‘faith,’ which comes from his knowledge, rests in eternal life, and ties him to a community.

“In chapter two he speaks…about self control, which seems as though he feels everyone deals with issues of self control.

“In chapter three he speaks…about ‘doing good.’ The sequence of these key words is actually quite interesting: Faith (that is where our Christian faith begins), self control (keep yourself from sin), then doing good (gain control of yourself) and then move beyond ‘doing good’ to others.” Thank you, Pastor, for this deeper teaching.

Elly Rempel

EFC women study Believing God Steinbach EFC, Man.: Gone are the days when ladies fellowship was craft time with a snack and a short devotional. Today’s women want to be taught from the Word of God, they want to be challenged to grow and mature in their faith. That was exactly the vision that Debbie Giesbrecht and Helen Kroeker had at EFC. Their desire was to facilitate such a growing experience for us. On February 27, about 60 ladies began a faith journey that has changed us beyond imagining.

Beth Moore says in her intro to Believing God, “God is so much more than we have yet acknowledged and experienced. He

is capable of tremendously more than we have witnessed. I have become utterly convinced that we see so little primarily because we believe Him for so little.”

Through this ten-week study, Beth has shown us how we need to merge our reality with our theology. It is easy to say we believe something; it is yet another thing altogether to live like we believe it.

God has challenged us to believe Him for what He has told us. We have come to see that God is huge, beyond our imagining.

Beth has been honest, frank to the point as she encouraged us these past

weeks to Believe God. She has literally pounded her message home to us. Every week we listen to her dynamic message and then follow it up with homework each night. Each week she has pushed us deeper and deeper into God’s word, finding truths to live by.

This series belongs to the EMC office and we, the ladies of EFC, would like to boldly invite each EMC ladies group to take this 10-week study. We promise you will be changed!

Diane Koop

EFC ladies desiring to grow and mature in their faith participated in a Beth Moore study.

June 7, 2006

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New outreach started Fort Frances, Ont.: Our little church sinners” (Romans 5:8). Another song was is very excited about a new outreach sung and a prayer said, and then Laural program we have started. A children’s Ann told a delightful, thought provoking party club will be meeting once a month story called Getting Even With Mr. for children ages five to 12. After much Rodriguez. The children really seemed to thought and prayer, a meeting was held enjoy the story, and then it was announced and ideas discussed as to how we were that there would be Valentine cookie going to get this program started. decorating downstairs and refreshments The basic idea of this outreach served. After decorating their cookie, the program was to reach out to children children were encouraged to take it home in the community to tell them about to show their parents. I wonder how many our Saviour Jesus Christ and to spread cookies made it home!

God’s love. John 13:34–35 says, “A new As I mentioned earlier, this is a new commandment I give you: Love one outreach program that our church has another. As I have loved you, so you must just started and we would like to challenge love one another. All men will know you other EMC churches to have something are my disciples if you love one another.” similar. We are really excited about the So on Saturday, February 11, from 3 many ways God can use this ministry to to 4 p.m., the first Children’s Party Club spread His love to other and glorify Him. took place at the Evangelical Fellowship 1 John 4:21 says, “And he has given this Church. The theme was a Valentine’s command: Whoever loves God must also Party and invitations were given out to love his brother.” many children located in different areas Evelyn Hicks of the community of Fort Frances by church members who wanted to help.

On the day of the party 15 children showed up and only two of these children were from our local church.

After the initial excitement was over, the children were welcomed to the party and the adult helpers were introduced: Stacy Plett, Laural Ann Plett, Marilyn Rittau, Cheryl Rogoza, and Pastor Jeff Plett. The party schedule was explained and the first game played— called Valentine Candy Peel.

Two songs were sung: It’s Love that Makes the World Go Round and Jesus Loves Me. A verse from the Bible was read: “But God shows His great love for us in this way: Christ Laural Ann Plett tells an exciting story about God’s love. Pastor Jeff died for us while we were still Plett sits in the background.

About 15 children showed up for the first children’s party club.

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MCC responding in Indonesia MCC is working in partnership with local organizations in Indonesia to provide emergency assistance in earthquake-devastated areas.

“The people in Indonesia have been hit by an unusual number of disasters. Any assistance given will allow people to regain their dignity and provide comfort and hope,” said Willie Reimer, director of food, disaster and material resources for MCC. MCC’s immediate response includes emergency funds for food, medical supplies and transportation of these supplies. An assessment currently underway will form the basis of more comprehensive emergency response.

One of MCC’s primary Indonesia partners, the YAKKUM Emergency Unit helped evacuated injured children to Tegalyoso hospital in Klaten. MCC’s emergency response provides assistance for medical supplies, painkillers and mobile orthopedic clinics.

Another MCC partner, Mennonite Diaconial Service, is purchasing emergency food items for displaced people of Pundeng. MCC is providing funds to assist with transportation of supplies and to purchase a generator for emergency electricity.

MCC is working with KYPA (Committee Concerned for Aceh) to purchase food for community kitchens in three villages.

The more comprehensive emergency response will help meet some of the basic food and shelter needs, as well as provide medical staff and supplies for hospitals, transportation for volunteers and disaster trauma healing services, said Reimer.

MCC has 22 North American and Indonesian program staff in several locations throughout Indonesia and area. All MCC workers are safe.

MCC is accepting donations.

Cheques marked Java Earthquake Appeal should be made out to MCC and mailed to 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9. Credit card donations can be made by calling 1888-622-6337 or online at mcc.org.

MCC

THE MESSENGER

shoulder tapping La Crete Christian Fellowship in La Crete, Alberta, seeks a youth pastor for a new position as part of our pastoral team. LCCF is a forwardlooking church of about 400 regular attendees. The youth pastor will have a primary role in developing programs and working closely with youth and youth leaders. LCCF’s service to God is based on the core values of a commitment to teaching God’s Word and outreach to the community.

Send a resume with references to lccfc@telus. net or LCCFC, Box 385, La Crete, AB T0H 2H0 Attention: Pastor Frank Winsor.

EMC Missions is in need of church planters to work alongside national church leaders in Mexico and Paraguay.

In Mexico, the Oasis Church School is in need of an English and music teacher to begin August 1, 2006.

In Paraguay, a nurse is required for Lucero Clinic.

Contact Ken Zacharias, EMC foreign sec-retary, at 204-326-6401 or emcken@mts.net.

Fish Creek Christian Fellowship (EMC) seeks a full-time pastor, with position open May 2006.

Experience and education expected are flexible.

The church, started in south Calgary in 1998, is currently meeting in a rural setting outside of Calgary; it hopes to return to Calgary shortly.

Fish Creek has about 50 people attending. Contact Garry Kornelsen, board chair, at 403-281-3747; or 55 Woodford Cres., SW, Calgary AB T2W 4C6; email: gskornelsen@shaw.ca.

Morris Fellowship Chapel, a church of 100 members located in the town of Morris, Man., is looking for a senior pastor. Starting date is August 1. Contact Ernie Siemens at 204-746-8342 or e-mail siemensj@mts.net.

The congregation of the Evangelical Mennonite Church at 422 Main St., Steinbach, Man., seeks a lead pastor. This opportunity includes ministering alongside a passionate youth pastor and a creative minister of music and worship in a “team caring” environment and is available immediately. Our church offers active programming for all ages and supports a blended style of worship service.

If you have a passion for God and His people, are self-motivated with administrative skills, are gifted in preaching and teaching, desire to lead a strong ministry team, and are willing to embrace our church vision and direction, then we invite you to consider this opportunity.

For a detailed job description or to forward your resume, contact Henry Klassen, 63 Donald Ave., Steinbach, MB R5G 2B5. Phone 204-3266068; henryk2@mts.net.

Mennville Church (EMC) seeks a part- or full-time pastor. Experience and education expectations are flexible. Mennville Church is a congregation of about 100, located in the Interlake area of Manitoba and close to Hecla Island, in a predominantly agricultural area. Contact Wes Barkman at 204-378-2778 (wbbarkmn@mts.net)

June 7, 2006

or Roland Friesen at 204-378-2907 (rfriesen@riv. mb.ca). Conference pastor David Thiessen can also be contacted at the EMC national office (204326-6401).

The Burkina Faso Partnership Council is looking for a short-term worker (6 to 12 months) with a strong technical background to create computerized wave files for the Somogho scripture translation. Other church-related work could be included in this assignment. French language ability is recommended. Contact Len Barkman at emclen@mts.net.

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.

Steinbach Bible College seeks a president. SBC is an Evangelical Anabaptist college drawing students from Canada, USA, Mexico, Belize and overseas. The college is operated by a board of directors called from the constituencies of the EMC, EMMC, and CMC. We seek a candidate who has a passion for equipping leaders for ministry and can help our institution move to the next level of excellence in post-secondary Christian education.

The president is responsible to the board of directors for implementation of institutional objectives through executive direction and leadership. Key areas of responsibility include: Oversight of the ministry, communication with constituency, long-term strategic planning, budget preparation, coordination of donor development.

A suitable candidate will also have opportunities for classroom instruction.

Qualities: Demonstrated excellence in educational or ministry leadership; graduate degree in a relevant ministry, theological, or educational field; strong commitment to an Evangelical Anabaptist understanding; mature faith and excellent spiritual character; exceptional communication and organizational skills; proven ability in effective teamwork.

Position to begin prior to 2006–2007 school year. Forward applications to Presidential Search Committee, Steinbach Bible College, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4.

Would you like to adopt a horse?

Camp Assiniboia (Headingley) is offering its horses to caring homes for September to April each year, beginning this fall. These are well mannered horses, suitable for children and youth. Tack included.

For information or networking contact Bob Wiebe, 204-885-2565 ext 254 or bwiebe@mennochurch.mb.ca.

Mennonite Disaster Service seeks a fulltime administrator coordinator, located in its bi-national extension office in Winnipeg, Man. The coordinator will manage Region V and binational office in Canada, including accounting, database, and office systems management, and supervision of office staff; recruitment, training, dispatching and support of long-term project leaders (about 50% of effort); promotion and publicity of MDS work in Region V; and support boards to help develop the MDS network within Canada.

Required: Experience and training in above skills and attributes; active membership in and deep commitment to Anabaptist faith community and beliefs; moderate travel. Reporting to Director of Finance and Administration and Director of HR in Akron, this person works with MDS boards, constituent churches and other binational staff.

Send resume by June 15, 2006, to Lois Nickel, Director of Programs and Region Relations, 306– 2265 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5J3 or e-mail to mdscn@mds.mennonite.net. Position description available at www.mds.mennonite.net.

Reserve Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Sioux Valley (west-central Man.), seeks a fulltime pastoral couple to serve the church and to develop long-term relationships with people of the community.

The smaller 50-year-old congregation is part of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, a community that has a Christian history going back to 1879. The congregation is located about 45 minutes from Virden and Brandon.

A strong sense of God’s call and a love for people are required. Direct inquiries to David Pashe, 204-730-0409, e-mail: pashed@westman. wave.ca; or to Len Barkman, 204-326-6401, e-mail: emclen@mts.net.

Blumenort EMC, in Blumenort, Man., is actively looking for a youth pastor. We are open to receiving resumes from anyone with a love and passion for youth ministry. Former experience is not required, but simply a deep reliance on what God can do through a yielded servant, willing to lead youth in a deep prayer-centred walk with Him. For information, contact Dale Loewen at 204-326-5119 or email at dalecori@mts.net.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (EMC) in north-central British Columbia seeks a halftime associate pastor of youth with a love for God and heart for youth. The leader will give mature leadership, work with church in moulding youth, guide them into becoming faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and work within the EMC statement of faith. Our Sunday morning attendance is 100.

Our youth group (without a youth pastor for some time) is rebuilding, currently 12 to 20 people, with an average age of 14. There is potential for growth.

Contact VCF, Box 377, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; phone 250-567-9198; fax 250-567-2064; vcfemc@ telus.net.

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by the way Dave K. Schellenberg

Being alone is hard to get used to

I

t was an unusual question he asked me: “Can you get used to being alone?”

It is not often that I am confronted with such a query. “How are you?” is the normal greeting, and I must confess there are occasions when I don’t immediately answer.

Can you get used to being alone? By posing his question in that way he showed that he was more than casually interested. And I appreciated that.

been a rich source of blessing to me.

The feeling of loneliness is difficult to conquer. Now you think you have overcome it and then again it returns with renewed force. “I feel very lonely,” says my diary entry shortly after the funeral. But to sit and bemoan the fact that now you are alone only aggravates the situation. In other words, it does not help you to feel better.

Someone has well said, “Those who fail to recognize the grief process for the journey it is, have little chance of negotiating the dangerous curves they will encounter.”

One antidote to aloneness is by necessity not of your own making. Life goes on and the necessities of living

The first while after the passing of a loved one, the magnitude of the event does not really hit home. There are so many things to look after which occupy one’s time that there is little time to grieve. It is only later after the funeral that loneliness sets in.

My answer to my friend was not a detailed one. But in giving it more thought I would like to come up with some suggestions to spouses in my circumstances who face loneliness.

It will now be four years on June 1 since my wife passed away. The Lord gave and the Lord took away. I feel Job had the right answer to the calamities that befell him when he said, “Though He slay me yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).

The first while after the passing of a loved one, the magnitude of the event does not really hit home. There are so many things to look after which occupy one’s time that there is little time to grieve. It is only later after the funeral that loneliness sets in.

Prayer can be a great comfort. In my daily journal I recorded the following prayer: Lord, you have been my Saviour, my Guide, my help through all the years of our marriage. Lord, Helen and I have gone together. Now I must go alone; be my strength, comfort and courage this day. Amen. This is the diary entry for the day of my wife’s funeral. And the Lord heard. A supportive family has also

PAGE 16

have to be taken care of. That now falls to you.

Where before you sat down to a prepared meal, you may have to do your own cooking. Where before your wife commandeered the kitchen sink, you have to wash the dishes. Where before you had a laundered and pressed shirt, you now have laundry to do and when you put on your shirt it may not be neatly pressed! Now you may chafe at having to do all this, but I find it helps one to cope with loneliness.

Then there are things which you can do and which are of your own choosing in contrast to eating, sleeping, and living—of course, all in consideration of your abilities.

Let’s say you are still able to get around. You are able to read. You can continue attending your church services.

You have access to a public library. You can shop. Maybe you can even enjoy a game of golf. You can learn baking. I have done all of these.

Then there are the little things that occasionally come to brighten your day. They’re things which come spontaneously. A friendly greeting. A phone call on an anniversary. A hug. A phone call from a friend inviting you to go out for coffee. A note that someone is thinking of you. A card. All not high in monetary value, but meaning so much. I find that my spirit is lifted when I have something to look forward to.

Can I get used to being alone? No. But “God has been my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” T (Psalm 46:1). M

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