The Messenger Vol. 45 No. 11 June 6, 2007

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 45 NUMBER 11 JUNE 6, 2007

Traveling the road through

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 concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors.

THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 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. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN #0701-3299 PAP Registration #9914 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.

Mailing information: Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net or emcterry@mts.net On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 1 – July 4 (copy due June 22)

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editorials

Evaluating the General Secretary position

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hile searching for a General Secretary, the EMC needs to evaluate how the position should be changed for our conference’s benefit.

The position has been advertised since at least October 2006. Responses are few.

This relates to its duties: Overall missions administrator, chief financial officer, executive secretary to three boards (general, missions, and trustees), and office manager.

For two years ending in September, some financial duties, relating to the Board of Trustees, and role of office manager were assumed by a second part-time person; in fall, these areas are to be resumed by the General Secretary. This will result in less effectiveness.

Further, should so much power be held in one position? The General Secretary and the moderator, by design and default, are the day-to-day administrators of our conference. With past moderators (in a

largely voluntary position) sometimes being out of the country, so much rests in the General Secretary’s hands. What happens, or doesn’t, and how it happens often boils down to one position.

Finally, the General Board is concerned about possible or apparent conflicts of interest. Perhaps, then, the General Secretary’s role needs to be divided. Can the General Secretary, being both chief financial officer and yet serving the Board of Missions, with equal passion promote the plans and visions of other boards?

What happens, or doesn’t, and how it happens often boils down to one position.

Does the General Secretary’s access give the Board of Missions the appearance of an unfair advantage?

The General Secretary position needs T to be both filled and changed. M Terry M. Smith

General Board acts like a private

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hich is the most important board in our conference?

Many people might point to the Board of Missions— listing its massive percentage of our joint budget, its staff (national office and field), its large size, and regular all-day meetings.

However, the mission board relates to a narrow aspect of our conference life.

Constitutionally, the most important of our five boards is the General Board. It is to oversee the general direction and wellbeing of the conference, which goes far beyond missions.

Among its duties: Initiate and recommend conference goals and policies, prepare the agenda for council meetings, oversee the implementation of decisions, act on behalf of the council between meetings, receive reports from and coordinate relationships between the boards, appoint committees and task forces to work on specific projects

and programs as required, and the list goes on.

In practice, the General Board meets only twice a year as an entire board, functions rather weakly, and risks being perceived at times as a rubber-stamping body. Its role is often interpreted more narrowly than the constitution allows.

To oversee the conference’s wider good, the General Board would benefit from more and longer meetings, more substantive agendas, stronger leadership, and wider actions. Those who serve on it (moderator, vice moderator, chairs of national boards, and regional representatives) need to invest greater time, planning, and action.

The General Board can move past its under-stated role. Forgive the military analogy, the General Board acts more like a private—and our conference is weaker T as a result. M Terry M. Smith THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

writings shared

Jacob Enns

priest, Menno Simons, observed the Anabaptists, joined them, and became their leader.

As in Acts, there was that same excitement, and an absence of charts, rules, and standards (p. 85).

Mennonites were free to follow the Spirit, but ohn D. Roth faced new theological explains how challenges. To be selectively we stable and functional, remember our structure was needed past (p. 9). He includes and implemented. not just stories of faith, Persecution was an courage and victory, initial strong motivator but also the stories that in migration. With cast shadows on our religious tolerance history as Mennonites. from the state church, When the church there was also the began in Acts, it was increase and interest in a movement more wealth and power. As than a structure Mennonites migrated, or denomination.

Movements lack clear guidelines and the environments and cultures they moved into had deep and lasting charts. Structure and form emerged impacts. With religious persecution in response to growth, challenges, gone, due to a good work ethic, and the ever-widening scope of many became wealthy and influential.

Anyone interested in Mennonite history This worried Mennonites. will find this book valuable. I recommend Tasks were undertaken to stem the erosion of their this book to all in Anabaptist church original goals. One was leadership. Every Mennonite church publishing the Martyrs Mirror. Emphasis was placed should have it. on simplicity of life, devotion to caring for one’s neighbor.

Today Mennonites are found influence on the church. With the across the globe and with much union of state and church under variety in form. Essentially the core Constantine in 312 AD, a path was doctrine remains: That the church chosen that brought change. Much is the body of Jesus Christ joined of the church became a cold, hard, together by the power of the Holy greedy, power-hungry institution.

Spirit. This truth will remain a The rise of the reformers was stumbling block to secular culture. a response to this deplorable For Mennonites, this is a challenge spiritual state. Changes were and an opportunity to practice the needed, but the extent wasn’t teachings of Jesus as in Acts. agreed upon. Anabaptists rejected Anyone interested in Mennonite the long held ties with the state (p. history will find this book valuable.

63) and went back to Acts. It was I recommend this book to all in again a movement and, like the Anabaptist church leadership. Every first movement, faced a harsh and T Mennonite church should have it. M brutal reaction. That proved they were on the right track. A Catholic

Stories: How Mennonites Came to Be by John D. Roth (Herald Press 2006), 248 pp., ISBN 0-83619 338-5 $13.29. Reviewed by Jacob Enns, pastor of Tilbury EMC.

J

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

coming events June 14 13th Annual EMC Golf Classic Fly-In Golf Course Steinbach, Man. 204-255-8062 or 204-371-5209 June 14–16 Write! Canada Christian Writer’s Conference Speaker: Rudy Wiebe Guelph, Ont. 905-294-6482 www.thewordguild.com June 21 Eden Health Care Services Annual General Meeting and Spring Event Speaker: Dr. John A. Toews Winkler MB Church Winkler, Man. June 28 Eden Foundation IronMan Golf Marathon Winkler Golf Course 866-895-2919 www.edenhealth.mb.ca Summer 2007 Athletes in Action baseball camps July 3–6 Winnipeg, Man. July 30–August 3 Landmark, Man. August 7–10 LaSalle, Man. 204-346-1345 or aemart@mts.net September 12–14 17th annual Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Victoria Inn Winnipeg, Man. 204-832-4627 www.wpgpc.org October 19 Going Barefoot: Entering a Brave New World of Communication Conference for communicators $80, students $40 Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 November 1–4 MEDA: Trust in a World of Change Business as a Calling 2007 Hilton Toronto, Ont. 800-665-7026 www.meda.org

Correction: Credit for the Mennonite World Conference release, Swiss remember Anabaptists in year of special events (April 18, 2007), should have been given to the international arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, swissinfo, in addition to reporter Dale Bechtel. MWC regrets this error.

Traveling the road through Pastor Dale Dueck Cancer and culture shock My oldest daughter, who is graduating from the University of Manitoba this fall with a major in anthropology/archeology, read the article and was quite taken by my description of the journey as experiencing culture shock. She had never considered cancer process in this sense before.

At the time of diagnosis Erin was six. When I underwent chemotherapy, there was a day when I knew all my hair was going to fall out. Erin was in school when I shed a full head of hair in one fell swoop.

When she got home from school, I was wearing my toque to cover my newly gained baldness and keep my head warm. Her mom and I explained what had happened.

This was also the same day as Erin’s Christmas concert at Mitchell Elementary School. Lori asked Erin if she wanted to see me without hair. Erin was a little hesitant, but she said yes. When I pulled off my toque, Erin stood wide-eyed for a moment. Lori asked Erin what she thought, to which Erin replied, “Just make sure you wear the toque tonight at the program!”

Dale Dueck

Dale and Erin, 20 years later

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r. Dueck, there’s an 80 per cent chance that what you have is cancerous. It must

come out.”

My urologist said more, but when that word cancer left his lips with my name attached to it, I stopped listening. This 1987 testicular cancer diagnosis was like something I’d seen in movies: A car speeds along a freeway, suddenly veers sharply and uncontrollably down an off-ramp, and screeches to a halt in a strange unfriendly place.

Honestly, there aren’t adequate words to describe a cancer diagnosis. This journey took another unexpected turn; in late 1988, when during a regular follow-up visit, further cancer was discovered in my right lung requiring chemotherapy and more surgery.

An irony is that I was a seminary student training for the ministry. Some of my courses involved learning how to care for the sick; now I was the one I was learning to care for.

So, what kind of world do cancer patients enter upon diagnosis? Bill Cameron, the broadcaster/ journalist who died of cancer in 2005, aptly described it as “Cancerland.” So, what is this place THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

Anyone diagnosed with a life altering illness, like cancer, can experience a kind of culture shock similar to people living in a foreign land.

like? In a few words: Challenging, unsettling, confusing, numbing, uncertain.

Why? Because a cancer patient’s world, and that of their family collides so intensely, sharply, and unforgivingly with the healthy one they once knew. Anyone diagnosed with a life altering illness, like cancer, can experience a kind of culture shock similar to people living in a foreign land.

Cancerland has its own unique sights, sounds, smells, language, traditions, social cues, and customs. It has its own people groups with whom patients and their families must converse and develop relationships, often long term. These folks are often dominated by sharp, intense feelings which can shift unpredictably, surprising those around them.

I discovered, early in treatment, that nervous, awkward exchanges are likely between healthy people and cancer patients because they’re each trying to deal with the disease’s presence. Healthy people often aren’t quite sure what to say, or do, and the cancer patient isn’t sure of their response either.

I recall a number of well-meaning people attempting to ask about the disease my family and I were fighting. Most memorable were comments like, “so I hear you’ve got the Big C” or “I hear you have It.” Often my mind responded: It’s not called either of those. It’s called cancer and yes, I have it. Others said, “You know, one of my relatives had cancer, but they died.” Again, my mind screamed: Not all cancer is identical in its outcome, it doesn’t kill all its victims, and not all immediately.

I remember the myriad of remedies and cures offered to me. Some were quite comical, others just weird. I recall the variety of faith approaches pitched to me and my family—along with the doubts, fears, questions, inability to pray or even to see God’s hand at work.

Do I criticize anyone for their perspectives, or “helpful” suggestions? No. They’re as unsure, confused, and uneasy about confronting Cancerland THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

(DesignPics)

as we were. It’s an awkward, uncomfortable learning experience for us all. This learning experience challenges any congregation seeking to care for cancer patients and their families.

How do congregations navigate the challenge of connecting meaningfully with families where cancer has been diagnosed? Here’s a few practical thoughts from a pastor and a twenty-year cancer survivor.

Education First, education is essential. I am an information hound. Every time I went in for checkups, which continued until 1998, I went straight to the pamphlet display at the Manitoba Cancer Clinic (now CancerCare Manitoba) to get updated free information.

What I learn about different types of cancer, their prognoses, and treatment gives me a stronger base from which to relate to people to whom I minister. It also helps me pass on more accurate information to my congregation when they or their families and friends face a cancer diagnosis.

Education also helps me avoid making uninformed comments to cancer families. If your community or church offers cancer care, or any life altering illness training, take it. (By the way, be careful with Internet information. Not all of it is 5

equally helpful or accurate. Double check it with health care professionals before you share it with anyone.)

Accept honest feelings Fourth, cancer patients can have really good and bad days. If they express bad days passionately, don’t Be careful with cheerleading be shocked or offended. I have been with patients Second, be ready with godly encouragement, but who expressed anger and disappointment with don’t feel obligated to cheerlead with Bible verses doctors, family members, God, the church, and life in and prayer. Don’t misunderstand, they’re excellent general. I’ve heard many passionate cries, and I render ministries; but some of our most meaningful no judgment about them. When raw emotions surface, interactions during treatment were visits that simply I acknowledge the reality and honesty of those cries. I brought part of the outside “normal” world into our never cut it short or stifle it. unsettled one.

Once actual feelings are on the table, they can be One memorable visit was made by two seminary dealt with honestly. Besides, God’s been around from classmates who stopped by and left the beginning, and we aren’t me a couple of good magazines they first to utter our cries Be ready with godly encouragement, the purchased. Their brief visit was passionately to Him. He’s but don’t feel obligated to cheerlead heard them before. Beyond more significant than they will ever know. When I visit a patient and this, since He knows our with Bible verses and prayer. their family, I ask God to sharpen thoughts, honesty is best. my sense of what is needed and helpful. I offer to pray with them, but I don’t assume a A congregation willing to travel and learn right or obligation because of the circumstance.

My family was blessed to be part of a church The doorway of each home or room is an invitation to a community in Steinbach that exhibited many of these new real-life classroom experience in which God gives me qualities. Their learning curve was as steep and the privilege of learning more about suffering and care. uncomfortable as ours but they were willing to travel and learn with us. We cried, prayed, at times were Don’t claim to know stuck, and laughed together, but we stayed the course.

Third, be careful with what you say you can relate Soon after treatment and to in the cancer patient’s experience. Please don’t tell checkups ended, I was asked, cancer patients, or their family, that you know how “So, what has God taught they feel. I am a twenty-year cancer survivor and, to be you?” Even twenty years later, honest, I can’t say I know exactly how another cancer I don’t know. I’m still learning. patient feels. I can understand and appreciate aspects That off-ramp turn my life of their journey, but they have their own perspectives. took is down a new road I’m T M I am likely to begin conversations with, “So, how still traveling. are you doing today?” This lets the patient lead the conversation, I listen. The patient is free to focus on that Dale Dueck is senior pastor of particular day, not the whole process. If they choose to Winkler EMMC. go further, they will let us know.

with our missionaries Paraguay

Alto Refugio construction moves ahead

We are enjoying the cool winter weather here now, and it is the time to put in our garden. Yes, we plant vegetables here in winter, if we find the time.

We are continuing to serve people at Alto Refugio at the rented facilities that we have until July 21. Meanwhile the construction is moving ahead. It seems slow, but it is going ahead. Don’t forget to visit our website at www.altorefugio.org and check out the pictures in the blog.

I try to keep it updated with pictures of the construction.

We are very thankful for all the people who are working hard to make this three-story building a reality. Pray for protection for the workers. We have gone through some hard times in the church here, but we are seeing victory, as relationships are restored, and we can be at peace with each other.

There are good things happening as we become better organized to the work that the Lord has given us to do as a church. Pray for the leaders of the local church here: Nuestro Refugio.

We are planning a one-month trip to Canada—leaving Asuncion on July 23— and spending time with family, especially for the 55th anniversary of Mom and Dad Kroeker. It will be a special time, and we want to meet with as much of you as possible, though the time will be short.

Thanks for partnering with us.

Dave and Judy Schmidt Dave and Judy Schmidt (Rosenort) serve in ministry to people living with HIV/AIDS in Asuncion, Paraguay.

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

Madagascar

ag a s Ma d

The first cyclone season for us has gone. We are still here. It has been an eye opening few months, with much destruction and devastation because of bad weather. March saw Madagascar hit by two cyclones after one of the wettest years in a long time.

Famine has been a major problem in the south, with little or no rain for the past few years. Because of this, last December a crisis was announced and aid organizations came. I flew members from ADRA, USAID, CRS, and WFP to the south to check on aid distribution.

It was both fascinating and heartbreaking to see lines of people waiting for a bi-monthly ration for their families. Mostly women and children, along with older folk, were standing in line to receive food for the next two weeks.

I felt for these people who depended on these rations. I was embarrassed by my wealth, and felt its weight as distribution proceeded. I imagine those who do this every day develop a thicker skin, but for me it was awkward.

We were scheduled to stay in the south for a few days, but the next morning our plans changed. Cyclone Indlala hit the northeast coast, bringing flooding and destructive winds. We headed only 45 minutes east of the famine area to witness widespread flooding.

Although we were hundreds of miles south of where the cyclone hit, because of rain already received, the cyclone flooded nearly all Madagascar. The village we landed at was almost entirely

c ar

Cyclones, floods, and famines submerged. Only the peaks of the hills with the houses on top were dry. Sadly, this was the third replanted rice crop that they lost this year.

As we flew up the east coast toward the area hit by the cyclone, the flooding’s destruction was clear. I have never seen a cyclone, much less flown among one. Madagascar was hit by six cyclones this year so we had time to fly in and around them—mind you, never anywhere that would compromise our safety.

As we neared the northeast coast and the town of Maroansetra, we could see the entire delta under water, including the taxi way and apron of the airport. To drop relief supplies, we parked on the runway and unloaded while vehicles drove through 30 inches of water to get to the plane.

After a survey, we were off to Antalaha and the region where the cyclone hit land. We drove into town. Trees were knocked over, hydro lines and their concrete posts lying over, and, more sadly, countless houses (huts) blown to the ground. You could see villagers with everything they owned spread across their small yard, trying to dry them.

We went on another survey flight, and it was clear what destruction the winds could accomplish on such basic living conditions.

In two months MAF flew well over 200 hours, in large part to distribute the aid going out. Despite it being busy, it was rewarding knowing that we were helping feed and clothe the poor. It will be a difficult year for the Malagasy as the rice crops that the country depends on have been severely diminished because of flooding. Prices are rising and more rice is being imported. Pray for wisdom in government to understand the people’s needs and react before a food shortage becomes a crisis.

Josh Plett

Josh and Jocelyn Plett (Prairie Rose) serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Celebration and Contacts Tilbury Evangelical Mennonite Church invites you to join our New Beginning Celebration Sunday, June, 24, 2007 3 p.m. Worship 5:30 p.m. Barbecue supper

Malagasy of Madagascar

Our new location: 3659 Goodreau Line Stevenson, ON N0P 1H0 Phone number 519-682-9764

Photo: International Mission Board (cesa.imb.org)

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

Paraguay

Blessings of working with different cultures

Canadians greet with a handshake or just say “hi.” Paraguayans greet with a kiss on each cheek; Brazilians with a kiss on each cheek, plus another on the cheek first kissed. Guarani natives usually just greet man to man, whereas women stay in the background.

When you ask a Brazilian when is their anniversary, they give you their birth date. You have to specify “wedding anniversary.” If you ask them about their last name (apellido) they think you are asking them what their nickname is. If they say they will come the “third day,” that would mean they would come on Tuesday.

For a Paraguayan, friendships are more important then busy schedules.

On the other hand, we tend to get carried away with all our schedules.

How do we keep this all straight in Paraguay? Well, it’s okay if we don’t remember everything, but we try our best.

Chris and I basically deal with three or four cultures every day. And as a family, we have our own culture, a bit different than the Canadian and even than the German Mennonite culture in Tres Palmas, and a bit different than most missionaries, because we grew up here. So, sounds pretty confusing, right?

Where are we home? Where exactly do we fit in? We can’t answer these questions very well, but we do know that where we are right now, is exactly where God wants us to be and that’s what is most important. Even though Chris and I are Paraguayan by birth, the nationals think it funny if we identify ourselves as

Revita counsels a Paraguayan woman.

Paraguayans. Or they insist that, in that case, we must speak Guarani, which we understand some, but don’t speak.

Praise the Lord, in heaven we’ll know who we are. We do know who we are in Christ now!

I’m counseling a Paraguayan and a German Mennonite lady. They come from such different homes, upbringing, and languages, and differ in skin and hair colour, but both are so much alike when

and privilege in working with different cultures is to be part of Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

Revita Kroeker Revita and Chris Kroeker (Rosenort EMC) have served in Paraguay since 1991. They are involved with managing Radio Mensajero, program production, and follow-up.

Daniela Kroeker celebrates her birthday with Brazilian, Paraguayan, and German Mennonite friends.

it comes to their hurts and struggles, marriages, and spiritual needs.

My friend Esther and I are leading a Spanish ladies fellowship with Brazilians and Paraguayans. Some prefer speaking Guarani and some Portuguese. We lead in Spanish, which is the common language.

At the radio station, we air programs in five languages. Plus, some songs are in English. Staff consists of Brazilians, Paraguayans, and German Mennonites.

How can working with different cultures be a blessing? (Maybe it sounds more like a headache.)

There is much to learn from each other. It helps us to stay more open minded, and allows us to see things from a different perspective.

It makes it easier to laugh at our mistakes. It enriches us in different ways, especially knowing more languages and getting to know different customs.

And the biggest blessing

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

Central Asia

Who are we? A crisis of identity!

A small group of believers gathers in a house damaged due to past civil war.

The group has a name and it seems they are becoming a church. Moreover, no foreigner needs to be there. Men come to read the Word and pray.

One Thursday a military man greeted me. Smiling broadly, he said, “I am waiting for the day when we will have a church bell attached to a building, and proudly make our way to worship under the sound of the bell.”

I had spent much time teaching him and others that the church was a fellowship of people, not a place or ritual.

Years earlier he asked me, “Now that we believe in Christ, who are we? We’re not Communists anymore. We’re not part of our former religion. Who are we? To whom do we belong?”

I realized he was addressing a crucial issue for believers: Identity. As believers in Christ, to what and to whom do they belong? I want to say, “You have not joined the western culture of Christendom!

You are a follower of Christ!” But wait, it is easy to tell them that they are “in Christ.”

That is what Paul and other apostles addressed in their letters to churches scattered throughout Asia Minor.

Small groups of believers lived in a hostile environment, ostracized

by Judaism and by Roman civil religion.

How could they survive? What hope did they have? They were shamed and disgraced from all sides. The easiest response was to return to the majority culture. But the writers repeatedly remind believers of the dignity of being in Christ, of the blessings and spiritual honour to be called children of God. Yes, we are all disgraced, ignoble children, shamed and dishonored. But, even while we were in that despised status, Almighty God noticed us and through Christ came towards us. Now, we are reinstated into a most honorable place, seated with Christ, children of nobility.

However, that is not enough. We are not only individuals in Christ. This man wanted something tangible. Somehow the bell offered that visible sense of belonging and significance. Much of our identity, significance, and spiritual well-being are rooted in the blessings of relating to other Christians in our church programs.

Imagine you had no church building,

pastor, Sunday School program, bulletins, pianos, or worship bands. You are a handful of believers meeting in a living room.

If Christ remains the centre, such institutions can significantly contribute to our society. The danger is when the structure functions without Christ.

Let’s go back to the rubble house.

How can they experience this visible significance? Should they move towards church buildings, programs, pastors and bulletins? Would this only replace one ritual—their former religion—with another?

This is the challenge in a country where there has been no visible or tangible Christianity for centuries. Our aim is to see believers experience true identity in Christ in groups. They need to bond together, enjoy traditional hospitality, learn to serve one another.

Yes, we are in Christ, but this is such a full truth! Next time you attend “church” and see hundreds of others join you, rejoice. What a joy to be in Christ with other brothers and sisters. Pray this happens here as well.

A follower of Jesus The follower serves Christ in a country better not identified.

A military man, smiling broadly, said, “I am waiting for the day when we will have a church bell attached to a building, and proudly make our way to worship under the sound of the bell.”

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

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with our churches

¿Como pues les oímos...hablar...en nuestra lengua?

Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): ¿Cómo, pues, les oímos nosotros hablar cada uno en nuestra lengua en la que hemos nacido? (Hechos 2:8) Es el ultimo sábado de Noviembre y todo esta listo para el servicio hispano, yo (Ángel) estoy sentado atrás con el encargado del sonido. En el coro se encuentran unas jóvenes canadienses cantando en español y este día el predicador es el pastor Carl Heppner quien también empieza a predicar en español.

Esta son las cosas que pasan en Braeside, una iglesia que abrió su corazón a pueblo hispano de Winnipeg.

Una iglesia donde no existen diferencias de color, raza, e inclusive idioma; sino que unidos participamos ayudándonos el uno al otro en crecer espiritualmente y en servir a Dios.

“El ministerio hispano tuvo su retiro anual, fue en septiembre. La meta principal fue La Familia.

Dios fue glorificado y los participantes regresaron con energías e ideas para acercarse a Dios como familias.”

En el servicio hispano de Noviembre el señor pastor, Carl Heppner, predicó en español y el pastor del ministerio hispano, Ángel Infantes, predicó en ingles en Diciembre. También en los grupos de alabanza se mezclan hispanos y canadienses para alabar a Dios con el lenguaje de la música, así como también en los diferentes departamentos de Braeside los miembros hispanos participan poniendo en practica el don que Dios les a provisto.

“Como una actividad mas de la iglesia Braeside, el ministerio hispano tuvo su retiro anual en Valley View Bible Camp, fue en septiembre. La meta principal fue La Familia donde todas las actividades fueron planeadas para lograr nuestro

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Las actividades de retiro

objetivo. Dios fue glorificado y los participantes regresaron con energías e ideas para acercarse a Dios como familias” dice Yesenia García, una de las organizadoras del Retiro.

En la iglesia notamos un grupo creciente de jóvenes adultos hispanos que vienen con sus familias a este país y luego de un tiempo de oración decidimos agruparlos para tener reuniones con ellos, dando inicio al ministerio de jóvenes adultos hispanos.

“Nosotros empezamos estas reuniones con el objetivo de reunirnos jóvenes hispanos de la iglesia para conocernos mejor y compartir una noche de juegos y un pequeño devocional. Las reuniones se realizan una vez al mes en la casa de alguno de los miembros del grupo, lo cual a permitido que mas jóvenes que no son miembros de la iglesia se interesen en reunirse con nosotros. Por esto mismo el grupo ha crecido, y el ambiente

relajado de las reuniones hacen que cualquiera se sienta a gusto asistiendo.

Esperamos que Dios nos permita continuar con las actividades que tenemos planeadas para este año, y que podamos conocer mas jóvenes que deseen integrarse y acercarse a Dios a través de este grupo” dice, Claudia Figueroa, una de las jóvenes del grupo.

Actualmente, las familias hispanas siguen llegando a Winnipeg y les veo enfrentar muchos retos. En Braeside nos esforzamos por proveerles un ambiente amigable y sobre todo con sabor hispano. Las familias se sorprenden cuando un miembro anglosajón se acerca a saludarle en español, no es que ellos hablan mucho español pero durante los años han aprendido algunos saludos y esto significa mucho para nosotros los hispanos.

Esto es lo que Dios esta haciendo en nuestro ministerio. Y les invito a abrir sus corazones al pueblo hispano de Canadá, si encuentran a un hispano díganle ‘bienvenido, yo estoy orando por ti.’ That means: “Welcome, I’m praying for you.”

Pastor Angel Infantes

English translation next page.

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

How is it that each hears in our language?

Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): “How is it that each of us hears them in our own language?” (Acts 2:8) Today is the last Saturday of November 2006 and everything is ready for the Hispanic service. I (Angel) am seated in the back in charge of the sound. In the choir are several Canadian youth singing in Spanish, and the message will be Pastor Carl Heppner who starts to preach in Spanish.

This is what is happening in Braeside, a church that opened its heart to the Hispanic community of Winnipeg, and a church where differences of colour, race, and tongue do not exist. We unitedly participate, helping each other to grow spiritually and to serve God. In the Hispanic service in November the senior pastor Carl Heppner preached in Spanish, and in December the pastor of the Hispanic Ministries, Angel Infantes, preached in English. Also in the worship service the Hispanic and Canadians were mixed, praising God in the language of music. Also in different departments of the church the Hispanic members are putting into practice the gift that God has given them.

“As another activity of the Braeside Church, the Hispanic ministries held an annual retreat at Valley View Bible Camp in September. The main goal was The Family, and all the activities were planned to help meet that goal. God was glorified and those who participated

returned with energy and ideas on how to draw closer to God as families,” reports Yesenia Garcia, one of the retreat organizers.

In the church we became aware of a growing number of senior Hispanic youth who came to this country with their parents and, after spending some time in prayer, we decided to start reunions with them, initiating a ministry to the senior Hispanic youth.

“We started these meetings with the purpose of getting to know each other better and to share in an evening of games and also a short devotional. These meetings take place once a month in the home of one of the members, which has led to more non-members being interested in attending. Because of this the group has grown and helps that everyone feels comfortable. We trust that God will permit us to continue with the activities that we have planned for the year, and that we will get to know more youth who desire to become part of us and through us be drawn closer to God,” reports Claudia Figueroa, one of the youth of the group.

Actually, more Hispanic families are arriving in Winnipeg, and I see them face many challenges. In Braeside we make an effort to provide a friendly atmosphere and, above all, an atmosphere with a

Senior Hispanic youth meet once a month.

Hispanic flavour. These families are surprised when an Anglo-Saxon comes and greets them in Spanish. Not that they know a lot of Spanish, but through the years they have learned some greetings, and this means a lot to the Hispanics.

This is what the Lord is doing in our ministry. I invite you to open your hearts to the Hispanic community of Canada and, if you meet an Hispanic, say, “Bienvenido, you estoy orando por ti.” That means, “Welcome. I’m praying for you.”

Pastor Angel Infantes Translation: Catherine Thiessen

Ridgewood seeks to Elevate Ridgewood (Giroux, Man.): Let us praise Him! Every month around 100 people (usually young adults and young families) look forward to Elevate. This time of contemporary worship is led by the Elevate worship band. The team consists of Dallas Reimer (lead vocal), Nadine Reimer (vocal), Kara Honsberger (vocal, keyboard), Mark Reimer (lead guitar), Harry Reimer (bass guitar), Dimitri Chantziantoniou (drums), Shayne Thiessen (powerpoint), and John Kroeker (sound).

Dallas writes, “We took off with the name Elevate because we don’t want to be people who look just to receive from God, but people who lift up worship corporately and live a lifestyle of worship twenty-four seven. We believe that lifting up praise from the depths of our heart will allow the Spirit of God to rain down upon our lives, and ultimately make us more relevant as Christ followers in this dying world.”

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

Elevate

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This time of praising God is followed by a challenge to walk the talk. Join us the first Sunday of every month at 7:30 pm and add your voice to worshipping an amazing God. Check it out on our new website ridgewoodchurchonline.com.

Another annual highlight is the Women’s Retreat in March. This year we met at Camp Cedarwood where our own Ken and Connie Plett are on staff.

Trudy Dueck spoke to us on “Can’t Wait To Hear From You Again...” God. Eighty ladies of all ages had a blast.

What a great way to get to know each other and God. Thanks to our Women’s Ministry team for putting on another awesome weekend.

It’s been a sad year saying goodbye, as a number of our church family have gone on to be with the Lord. They include Martin P. Penner, Anna Reimer (Dave), Elizabeth Reimer (Erwin P.), Gladwin Friesen, Jessie Plett (Cornie), and more recently Margaret Loewen (Cornelius).

We had the privilege of welcoming through baptism and transfer, Debbie and Brittany Walker, Estella Wall, Eric Honsberger, Ben and Grace Friesen, A.J.

Eighty women went to the retreat.

Largevin, Joanell Penner, Shayne Thiessen, Tyson Kornelsen, and Carlie Penner into our family late last year.

Jenny Reimer

Kids’ Club at Creighton Creighton, Sask.: Northern Fellowship Chapel began a Kids’ Club in the fall of 2006 with eight sessions in the fall and eight in the spring. Pastor Scott Koop told stories of the Old Testament in the fall and stories of the life of Christ in the spring. Helping

with music were Deanna Anderson, Janice Imrie, and Pastor Scott Koop. Janice Imrie, Margaret Moorhead, and Lorne Moorhead helped with crafts and snacks. We had a good group of children and we hope to continue the program in the fall.

Janice Imrie

A note to untapped writers The Messenger’s readers can benefit from a wider range of writers.

There are many topics: The agricultural industry and stewardship of the Earth, health and ethics, history and social change, being single, raising children and grandchildren, teens, youth stresses and challenges, mission work, pastoral concerns, human trafficking, and many more. There are many experts: Farmers, doctors, parents, teachers, cross-cultural workers, professors, pastors, and more.

Often EMC writing and discussion focuses on national staff, ministerial, and delegates; that mostly means male, middle class, and ministers. Does this fit an Evangelical Anabaptist emphasis on our need to both study Scripture and walk together?

This is your invitation. No magazine guarantees publishing an individual piece, but material is welcome.

Expectations vary by category. Material is to be Christ-centred.  Back Page: 500 words  The Personal Touch: 500 words  Reader’s Viewpoint: 500 words  Lead article: 1,200 words  Poetry: short Terry M. Smith Editor

Children at Kids’ Club act out the story of Palm Sunday.

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THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

Changes and cheese tossing Aberdeen (Winnipeg, Man.): The past months have seen our congregation face some major changes together. We have moved our worship location from the Aberdeen church building where we have been located for about 50 years now; and we currently share a new home with Trinity Lutheran Church, Secret Place Ministry, and the First Nation Family Worship Centre, at 265 Flora Avenue.

The choice to move was not easy, but by God’s grace we have been able to make this decision and decided at a recent congregational meeting to place our properties at 533 Aberdeen Avenue up for sale.

Currently we are in discussion with the Trinity Lutheran congregation about a more permanent arrangement at 265 Flora.

Our worship time has changed, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 (a bit early for some), and we have to be creative in addressing Sunday school space issues. Even so, the move brings the excitement and challenge of seeking to truly share with other ministries and Christian communities, a real ecumenical project for us.

We are hoping to continue hosting MCC Manitoba’s Urban Plunge program at the new location, and we will be exploring this with them in the months to come.

Aberdeen’s new meeting place

Our congregation has rallied together around this crucial time in our history, showing there is a great deal of commitment and resilience in our community, and we praise God for this. In our common life, we continue to explore how to be evangelical,

Our congregation has rallied together around this crucial time in our history, showing there is a great deal of commitment and resilience in our community, and we praise God for this.

On April 29, we received Tim and Janelle Siemens (left) into membership. Tim comes to us from Sterling Mennonite Fellowship, St. Vital; Janelle from Nutana Park Mennonite Church, Saskatoon. Also baptized that day upon confession of faith were Tonya Rempel (fourth from left, pictured here with her mentor Lisa Martens-Bartel); Garry Pelletier (fourth from right), with his mentor Ron Banman (centre); and Cathy Klatt (second from right), with her mentor Marlene Rempel. Pastor Adam Robinson (right) officiated.

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

Anabaptist, and social-justice oriented Christians together; out of many and varied backgrounds, we are seeking to faithfully be part of the body of Christ in the inner city area of Winnipeg.

We are certainly a diverse bunch whom (somehow) God brings together and keeps together by his faithful love and holy calling. We certainly invite you to join your prayers with ours as we seek to discern God’s will in all these things.

And a reminder for those who haven’t noticed, we have a new phone number at 204-792-7112, and a new website at www. aberdeenemc.ca.

Pastor Adam Robinson

Another recent highlight was a wonderful junior/senior high youth retreat at Camp Moose Lake, with guest speaker Meagan Peasgood from MCC Manitoba. We got rained on a bit and blown around in the wind, but throwing cheese at the pastor made up for some of that!

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Prairie Grove gains minister and members Lorette, Man.: We were delighted to welcome Tim and Matilda Field as a ministering couple on March 18. The morning included Tim’s ordination, prayers of blessing over the couple, and a potluck lunch. Tim has served us many times with messages and meaningful dramatic presentations; and Matilda’s music and sensitive spirit are gifts to our congregation.

Tim and Matilda Field (right), with pastoral couple Emily and Darnell Plett, were welcomed as a ministering couple on March 18.

Alek Braun, Ashley Loewen, Emily Plett, Jennifer Penner, and Darnell Plett.

On Easter morning we celebrated the baptism of Alek Braun and Ashley Loewen. Jennifer Penner transferred her membership. The church was filled with friends gathered to encourage and take joy in their public portrayal of commitment and the sharing of their testimonies.

Jolyn Braun

Eden to honour Dr. Archie Penner

204-255-8062 or 204-371-5209 for information

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Dr. Archie Penner, EMC minister and the only living founding visionary of Eden, will be a guest of honour at the upcoming Eden Spring Event on Thursday, June 21, in Winkler, Man. Forty years ago Eden Mental Health Centre was just an idea in the minds of a small group of Mennonite ministers.

These included P. J. B. Reimer, David P. Reimer, John P. Loewen, J. M. Pauls, and Archie Penner. Their vision has become a family of ministries for people struggling with mental illness that now includes Eden Mental Health Centre in Winkler, Eden Residential Care Services, Recovery of Hope, Segue Career Options, Eden East, and Eden Foundation.

All are invited to the Eden Spring Event at Winkler’s Mennonite Brethren Church, June 21 at 7 p.m. The evening features University of Alberta psychiatrist Dr. John Allan Toews, author of the DVD series No Longer Alone. Dr. Toews specializes in research and study related to integrating spirituality and healing. He will also conduct two workshops: Spirituality

for Mental Health Care and On Being a Witness to Suffering: Working With the Mentally Ill. The event ends with dessert and the high-energy music of On the Edge.

Tickets are by calling 204-325-5355 or at the door. For information regarding the event or workshop registration call 204-325-5355 or 1-866-895-2919.

Eden

Dr. Archie Penner

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

shoulder tapping WILDERNESS EDGE Conference and Retreat Centre is a 115-room facility that caters largely to church and family gatherings. We are currently looking for a capable evening guest attendant to join our team. Responsibilities include assisting with supper, being responsible for night snack, and light office work. Cleaning skills are an asset. Accommodations are available as well as meals. For information, contact Kevin Penner at 204-753-2535.

ENDEAVOUR FELLOWSHIP Chapel in east-central Saskatchewan, is currently looking for a pastor. We have a fairly young congregation consisting of 18–20 families, with about 16 children in Sunday School.

Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-5473383 or tdpromise@sasktel.net.

AYLMER & Area Inter-Mennonite Community Council seeks a radio person who speaks good Low German and English, has computer skills, and a radio voice. It has an ethnic station helping include Low German newcomers included in society, under the motto: Integration and inclusion through information and education. Duties: Help prepare and edit programs; sell, translate, and produce ads; host some programs. German, Spanish, and broadcasting courses are assets. This could be a salaried position.

It also seeks a retired visitation couple, an MCC voluntary service position seconded to AAIMCC. This couple works with MCC Aylmer Resource Centre staff and helps Low German newcomers with settlement issues. Low German and loving, patient hearts are requirements. Contact Abe Harms, 16 Talbot St. E., Aylmer ON N5H 1H4, abeh@ mccayl.org, 519-765-3020.

WANTED: LIFEGUARDS and counselors for Midway Bible Camp, 30 minutes out of Thompson, Man. Contact Paul Giesbrecht at Continental Mission cmi@mts.net.

WHAT TEAM do you like to play on?

EMC Missions desire to send a team of church planters to Mexico. Following two semesters of Spanish language study, the team will be placed in one of the cities in Chihuahua State working alongside national church leaders and missionaries.

For information contact Ken Zacharias at 204326-6401 or emcken@mts.net.

RICHMOND PARK MB Church, a congregation of about 300 people in the growing, mid-sized city of Brandon—is searching for a youth pastor who is passionate about leading and discipling youth in Jesus. Please send in resume and three references to Reinhold Kramer, 43 Noonan Dr., Brandon, MB R7B 0V7. For information, email Kramer@brandonu.ca or phone 204-727-9701.

MENNONITE FOUNDATION of Canada seeks a full-time stewardship consultant to work in its Winnipeg office. This person will be responsible to provide charitable gift and estate planning services and to promote biblical stewardship of financial resources in our constituency churches in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The successful candidate will communicate effectively with individuals and have an aptitude for presenting in a variety of group settings;

THE MESSENGER June 6, 2007

have a good understanding of charitable gift and estate planning; be creative, organized, and self-motivated; support and incorporate MFC’s stewardship mission in personal life; be willing and able to contribute as part of an inter-dependent staff team. The successful candidate must be a member of one of MFC’s seven participating conferences.

Submit applications by June 18, 2007 to: Erwin Warkentin, General Manager, 12-1325 Markham Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6; phone 800-772-3257; fax 204488-1986; e-mail ewarkentin@mennofoundation.ca; www.mennofoundation.ca.

HODGSON CHRISTIAN Academy (HCA), an almost new school with 20 Native students, seeks applicants for both the lower grades and upper grades teacher positions for 2007–2008. HCA opened in 2003 and is now operated by several churches. HCA serves families in the Hodgson, Peguis, and Fisher River communities.

HCA is located about 2 hours north of Winnipeg.

For information please contact principal Tim Reimer at treimer@juno.com or 204-364-2466.

FISH CREEK Christian Fellowship (EMC) is looking for a full-time pastor to begin this summer. We are a 10-year-old congregation that currently meets at a university in south Calgary and have about 40 people attending with great potential for growth. Our focus is on reaching south Calgary.

Education and experience are flexible. For details and discussion please contact Dean Buhler, 1452 Lake Sylvan Dr. SE, Calgary, AB T2J 3C8; phone 403271-5171 or e-mail kbuhler1@telus.net.

MISSION HEIGHTS Community Church, in the busy city of Grande Prairie, Alta., is seeking a full-time senior pastor. We are a family oriented congregation of 180 people. Direct enquiries to Wayne Friesen at waynefriesen@neufeldonline.com or call 780-538-1605.

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.

ISLAND GOSPEL Fellowship, in Burns Lake, BC, seeks an interim pastor and a permanent pastor.

Burns Lake is a village in the geographic centre of the province, in the heart of the lakes district.

The village’s population is 2,726, and it serves as the supply centre for 8,000 people in neighbouring communities. The congregation, with about 110 in average attendance, is comprised of people from a range of cultural and church backgrounds.

Inquiries should be addressed to Johnny Janzen, chair, pastoral search committee, IGF, Box 145, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0. Another contact is interim

THE EMC invites applications for the senior administrative position of General Secretary.

Responsibilities: Serve as Executive Secretary for the Board of Missions, General Board, and Board of Trustees; provide management of conference finances; coordinate conference events; provide management role of national office.

Applicants should have experience and training in areas of financial management and missions administration with strong communication skills.

A job description is available upon request. Duties to commence September 1, 2007. Please request an application form from the office at 204-326-6401, fax 204-326-1613, emconf@mts.net. The application and resume can be addressed to EMC Moderator Ron Penner and forwarded to the same addresses or to 440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. church chairman Cole Clifford, 250-698-7319; cole. clifford@lakescom.net.

MCC MANITOBA seeks an aboriginal neighbours program coordinator. Th is person will be responsible for facilitating dialogue between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, raising awareness about the history of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada (especially in Manitoba) and helping individuals and organizations develop strategies for changing situations of injustice.

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active church membership; and nonviolent peacemaking.

Th is is a full-time salaried position. The application deadline is June 15, 2007. The start date is a flexible in August 2007.

For information, contact Janelle Siemens at 204-261-6381 or 888-622-6337 or consult the MCC Manitoba website: www.mcc.org/manitoba.

Nominations for Board of Church Ministries Doug Barkman, Box 25, Landmark, MB R0A 0X0 (Prairie Rose) Doug works at University of Manitoba.

He teaches grade 10 and 11 Sunday School and serves as a Conference delegate. Doug and Christal are active in Bible study groups. Doug also enjoys writing.

Rod Dueck, Box 192, Rosenort, MB R0G 1W0 (Rosenort) Rod has been a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He is well-read and has a background and an interest in Christian Education. Rod is a welder/ fabricator.

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by the way Dave K. Schellenberg

Proclaim God’s power to all generations!

N

ow that I am old and my hair is grey, do not abandon me, O God! Be with me while I proclaim your power and might to all generations to come (Psalm 71:18).

The Psalmist here prays what we maybe have uttered at some time or another. Every day we grow older by one day. In youth we may be impatient and may hardly be able to wait for the next day to come. But when age and grey hair come we may well wonder where time went. It comes so subtly.

But have you ever noticed that there are two parts to this prayer in Psalm 71? There is the request not to be abandoned and, secondly, the request for God to be with him while he proclaims God’s power and might to all generations to come.

The German version of the Good News Bible is even more explicit when the text, as part of the verse, says children and grandchildren.

This learning experience should work both ways, the young learn from the old and the old from the young at the same time. I think seniors have a lot to give that would enrich any church.

Some years ago I made a book on my Microsoft Publisher computer program (it’s a wonderful tool for this). I called this book My Heritage, which would give my children and grandchildren a look at their background.

It included, first, my Mennonite heritage and then also my family heritage, back to my great-grandparents.

I think this might partially qualify for “I proclaim” in Psalm 71. Now, I well realize that not all will be able to utilize this means. Then maybe you can determine to do it orally.

In our churches we have everything so neatly divided and segregated by age group. Now some of it may well be necessary, when it comes to Christian education as Sunday school or clubs. We can, then, adapt our lessons to the level of the class we’re teaching.

However, that does not mean that there can be no interaction between young and old. There are still ways to provide meaningful dialogue between younger and

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older and try and fulfill some of the verse quoted above. I would like to suggest some ways where maybe we could involve the elderly in teaching moments.

• The committee in our church that plans Seniors Time Out had the choir from Steinbach Christian High School to sing for us at our last meeting. Pizza was for lunch that day and the choir stayed for that.

And more, they were to take up only about half the spaces at one table, and thus leave room also for some seniors. This made a mix of high schoolers and seniors at one table.

I thought this was a well thought out arrangement.

We could easily adopt something like that when we have church banquets.

• Get your youth to pay a visit to a senior’s home or apartment. Small groups could do this. We had this privilege once, and I still remember this.

• Invite a senior to join your Sunday school class for a visit or give a testimony.

• Assign a senior to give a testimony to the church, maybe on a Sunday morning. And be sure to give appropriate introductions.

Those are just a few ideas. You may come up with something entirely different that will involve seniors with youth in your church. Who knows, church seniors may even have to initiate some kind of action that will facilitate learning experiences.

And this learning experience should work both ways, the young learn from the old and the old from the young at the same time. I think seniors have a lot to give that T would enrich any church. M

THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017 62 PAP Registration #9914