The Messenger Vol. 45 No. 12 June 20, 2007

Messenger The

Hands of Time

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 45 NUMBER 12 JUNE 20, 2007

In Memory of Gil Reimer 1938–1974

The

Messenger

Expensive, but worth it

A

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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.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. 14 – August 15 (copy due August )

2

editorials bundant Springs is an expensive collective event that the EMC coordinates. It’s worth the money. This investment in young people draws them closer to Christ. Christ is their ultimate source for meaning, hope, perspective, direction, and help.

Ever since ancient history (which for some youth starts about 1980), young people have faced a difficult world.

Abundant Springs, of course, isn’t the only good Christian youth event. But Abundant Springs is ours, and it focuses on strengthening young people from within our churches.

Many Canadians have been here for generations, have a long-standing commitment to Canada, and have shared in its relatively peaceful history. Others are first-generation, come from wartorn countries as refugees, or arrive as economic refugees (with their hearts and homes being elsewhere).

Young people face challenges: What to believe, how to live, what work to choose,

how to manage financially, who to marry.

They need to avoid the sexual looseness and drug culture of our time, and to steer clear of cheap grace’s confusion of “decency equals being Christian.” They are to follow Christ together with others.

Abundant Springs helps. Is it perfect?

No. There can be differing viewpoints on some aspects. In fact, we need to allow for differences while striving for unity (Romans 14:1–14). But Abundant Springs succeeds in encouraging young people to follow Christ together.

The National Youth Committee (which needs more members) is commended for its efforts. To the wider EMC, thank you for praying, giving, and working that allowed young people to attend this event.

Abundant Springs, of course, isn’t the only good Christian youth event.

There are many choices in Canada! But Abundant Springs is ours, and it focuses on strengthening young people from within our churches. We are the ones who, dependent upon God’s Spirit, are responsible to make it work.

By the Lord’s grace, it worked again this year. The event is highlighted in this T issue. M Terry M. Smith

Pentecostal pacifism Despite its shorter history in Canada, the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) has more than 1,100 affiliated congregations; the EMC has almost 60.

I was in the PAOC for three years. My study of its history and doctrine, though, did not reveal that the Pentecostal church had significant people committed to pacifism. Years later Tom Snowdon made me aware of this; he had studied at Central Pentecostal College in the master’s program when I was an undergraduate; he has since served as a Pentecostal pastor and now as co-director of MCC Maritimes program.

Only recently did I learn of Dr. Paul Alexander, a minister in the Assemblies of God (PAOC’s American equivalent),

who has traced some early Pentecostals’ opposition to war. Alexander discovered that his grandfather W. B. Smith was a C.O. during World War Two, serving in a Civilian Public Service camp in Virginia from 1942 to 1945.

Dr. Alexander’s journey led to study with John Howard Yoder, and, in 2001, to found the Pentecostal Charismatic Peace Fellowship. On July 4 he will speak to adults and youth at the Mennonite Church USA assembly.

A Pentecostal will speak to Mennonites about peace. It makes sense to me.

Or are Pentecostals the only ones who T might forget? M Terry M. Smith

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

letters

coming events

On letter writing: “The views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors” (from The Messenger’s masthead).

“Letters that do not represent official Conference positions can be published in The Messenger. Within a Conference comprised of various voices, the magazine is to encourage the ‘community hermeneutic’ toward responsible Christian belief, teaching, and practice.

Readers and official bodies of the EMC can reply to material in The Messenger…The focus of letter writing is to be on issues, not on personalities” (Part of Board of Church Ministries policy on Letters to the Editor, January 2002).

Highlight restorative justice in Canada Gladys Terichow’s article on Restorative justice taking root in Ukraine (May 23) is interesting on at least two fronts. First, it is fascinating to learn that methods of dealing with crime other than the court system are effective and restorative. Second, it is of interest to see that we are writing about this system in a far away country and not our own (or have we and I can’t remember?).

Perhaps we could commission a writer to do an article, or a series of articles on the work of restorative justice and its effects/results right here in Manitoba.

Mediation Services is already past the twenty-five year mark of operations.

Perhaps it is time to consider what goes on there. The work of cases from the courts being dealt with, and also courses being taught along with the successes of each, would be very interesting in the hands of a capable writer.

After our recent election, where parties of all stripes promised more resources for jails and law enforcement, it would be well to focus some attention on the more peaceful (and, might I add, proven effective both in terms of cost and effect) means of dealing with difficulties. We might also find that there was a service that could be used in our churches in times of difficulty.

John Schlamp Winnipeg, Man.

Loved article on food justice I loved the article Food justice: obesity and malnutrition (May 23) in The Messenger and I felt it was one of the better ones I have read in a long time. Thanks, Jennifer. I was reminded of the time I had a yeast infection and I told our doctor son about it and, with a smile on his face, he said to eat more

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

bread. Eternal choices are sometimes hard to make when the answers to life’s problems come at us with a smile and we are left to think of what to do on our own.

Henry Dyck Landmark, Man.

Confession of sins needed I enjoyed reading this article (Healed though the illness remains, May 23), the idea that submissive prayer will bring release from bondage is very true, and spiritual healing is vital in importance.

But if we are to believe what the Bible says literally, I don’t believe that is the only kind of healing James 5:14 is talking about. To say it is, (and maybe that isn’t what the writer meant) is akin to making excuses for God, why he is not doing what the Bible says he will do. This promise of healing is a conditional one: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Confess your sins to each other.

Confession is not part of our regular church service, Bible studies, or any

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

part of our formal tradition that I know of. I know you would never say that repentance is only necessary at conversion, it is also required as a regular part of our growth, but the out loud confession of it, sometimes even to each other, could this be the missing key to physical, supernatural healing?

David speaks of it in the Psalms; he was physically sick: “When I kept silent, my bones grew old, through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.

Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’” (Psalm 32:3–5). Dennis Weidrick has a very good message on this topic, about the “keys” to effective, healing prayer.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts.

Helen Teichroeb Grande Prairie, Alta.

Hands of Time

Gil Reimer

She’d been so close, and yet so far, from the real story. The truth would thaw a Cold War mystery—revealing that Gil was killed not by accident, but as a martyr targeted by a communist spy who’d infiltrated a Bible study.

Christopher Lewis

4

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

Jean (Reimer) Barsness

A

mid all the chaos and candle lighting and incongruity of that muggy February night, a gaping 33 years ago in Panama City, there was this sobbing at the door.

No pense que lo harian! “I didn’t think they’d do it.”

The young Panamanian—let’s call him Jose—was inconsolable. So shaken that friends could not coax him into the crowded sixth-floor apartment on Espinosa Street, the home of missionaries Gil and Jean Reimer.

Jean Reimer never heard the hysterics. The mutilated, decomposed body of her husband—the father of her two children—had turned up earlier that day. A police cruiser, on routine patrol in the U.S.-operated Canal Zone, had frightened a pack of vultures from the tall grass along a lonely back road.

The Bible teacher had been missing for six days.

Still missing were the reasons: They who? Why? How? “Probable multiple stab wounds,” read line 18 of the death certificate. “Circumstances to be determined by police.” Officially, the case remains unsolved. Perhaps it always will be in the earthly realm.

Knowing this, Jean had buried her disquieting questions with Gil’s body—in Panama in 1974, following a memorial service that drew 600 Panamanians and Canal Zone residents.

She mourned. She wrestled. She made peace. And she kept marching—in the resolute footsteps of 20year-old Jean Little, the single, Saskatchewan farm girl who’d raised eyebrows in 1955 as the youngest missionary ever sent out by Avant.

She returned to her native Canada. She inspired her children into a life of ministry. She remarried, in 1978, as Jean Barsness—to a ministry man named Alton. She beat breast cancer. She earned both master’s and doctoral degrees in missiology. She became a highly respected voice and educator in the missions world—as a professor at Briercrest Bible College, and as a board member at Avant, SEND International, IFMA, and Back to the Bible Canada. She co-founded Cross Training, a unique program that equips students for cross-cultural ministry.

And then, only then, came the truth. Strange, how iridescent revelation can be in the twilight of life…although, at age 73, Jean’s life is still a whirlwind of classes and meetings and globetrotting.

The divine appointment caught up with her last year, on a visit to Panama City. A group of Gil and Jean’s former students, now in their 50s, were reunited at a friend’s home. Among them was Jose, who’d left their hallway that long-ago night and gone into hiding, taking secrets with him. The young man Gil had discipled was now a school administrator.

Over lunch, Jose veered the conversation into the crevice of ’74.

“Juanita,” he murmured.

“I just want you to know: Fue una equivocacion. It was a mistake.”

Strange, how things past tense can become onso-very present. Groping for words, Jean said. “Yes, I thought Gil’s death might have been a matter of mistaken identity.”

She’d been so close, and yet so far, from the real story. The truth would thaw a Cold War mystery—revealing that Gil was killed not by accident, but as a martyr Gil and Jean Reimer with children Betts and Glen targeted by a communist spy who’d infiltrated a Bible study. Really, the order had been to take out three missionaries, whose evangelistic impact was subverting a leftist student movement. The three men: Gil, fellow Avant missionary Alfred Mount, and a Camp Crusade for Christ director.

The “mistake,” as Jose saw it, was that the confused killers had first kidnapped Gil instead of Al—who lives today in California. However, in the revolutionary tide of 1970s Panama, where people were known to disappear, Jose had been too scared to alert missionaries to plans churning from the rumour mill.

“What a relief,” Jean gushed. “This brings so much closure—just knowing that he died for the sake of the gospel.” (Oh, if only Gil’s parents were alive to hear this.)

As the puzzle pieces tumbled from Jose’s mouth, someone offered up a “Hallelujah! We have an answer.”

But as Jean returned home to Calgary, it was a question that comforted her: What if it wasn’t a mistake? What if Queen Esther hadn’t risked her life for the Jews? What if Hannah hadn’t returned little Samuel to the temple? What if…God is truly sovereign?

Last year in Panama, she celebrated the firmly rooted work of the church association Avant formalized in 1965—Union Misionera Evangelica de Panama. Today, Avant has a minimal presence there, Brothers Gil and Cliff Reimer

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

“I didn’t have any idea of the cost,” Jean says today. “But just look at how God has blessed me, like crazy. I now have students all over the world in missions. Who would have thought it?”

thanks to the now-autonomous association of 29 churches that commissions its own missionaries.

It was a fitting backdrop for Jean’s discovering the bigger story of Gil’s death—and his life. She learned the truth about a Chilean “student” who’d spent two years carefully befriending them in the 1970s. He joined one of their Bible studies. He used the right Christian lingo. But he was actually an illegal immigrant doctor spearheading a leftist movement on college campuses, including the University of Panama near the Reimers’ apartment.

Gil had been so impressed with the Chilean’s zest for the Word, and his intelligent, eager questions—in hindsight, a bit too eager for Latin culture. He’d introduced himself as a Catholic— “But I really like to learn the Bible,” he told Gil. Two weeks before Gil’s disappearance, the Chilean had attended Jean’s 40th birthday party.

She was unnerved that night by the eerie way he’d scanned the crowd in their apartment. But Gil dismissed her suspicions. Weeks after his body surfaced, two Panamanian policemen let it slip that the couple had been followed for six months. Like Jose, they’d kept mum with fear.

In 1974 the kids were away at school, spared a roller-coaster week. Gil’s mom was there on a rare vacation; his dad would cut short a South American business trip and arrive later that morning.

At 3 p.m. Sunday, Canal Zone police called Jean to the station. “Mrs. Reimer, your husband is dead,” the chief announced. “No, my husband is with the Lord, whom he loved and served,” Jean replied faintly. “Can I please have a drink of

The Ben L. Reimer family on a visit to Panama: Diana and Cliff Reimer (with daughters Corinne and Heather, and son Doug), Lawrence Reimer, parents Mr. and Mrs. Ben L. Reimer, and Jean and Gil Reimer (with infant son Glen).

water?” A police officer said to the chief, “You just saw the power of God in a woman’s life, responding to the prayers of hundreds.”

Gil’s mark on his son is indelible, from Glen’s encyclopedic mind, to his undaunted humour, to a missions devotion that quivers Jean’s heart. While evangelizing in Muslim Asia in the 1990s, Glen was stoned and detained at knife-point. His college professor once asked, “Aren’t you bitter about your dad’s death?” No, Glen replied, “Because my mom wasn’t.”

It was a wilderness lesson. A deep peace forged into that thin and barren place, somewhere between God, I’ve nothing left, and God, you’re my everything. Gone was her husband, her ministry, her home.

In the echo of her desolate prayer, she heard Job’s cry: The Lord gives and takes away—blessed be the name of the Lord. She heard the Psalmist’s plea to not forget God’s “benefits”—even those of subtraction. She renewed her trust in God’s economy.

Her mind floated back to age 17, to her baptism at summer camp. Breaking through the waters of Last Mountain Lake, she’d joined her campmates in singing, I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.

“I didn’t have any idea of the cost,” Jean says today. “But just look at how God has blessed me, like crazy. I now have students all over the world in T missions. Who would have thought it?” M Excerpted with permission from Avant (Avant Ministries) Issue One 2007. The full text is available at www.avantministries.org/handsoftime. Jean (Reimer) Barsness photos courtesy of Avant Ministries (taken by Melissa Boeckel). Gil Reimer photos courtesy of Cliff Reimer.

Editor’s note: Gil and Jean Reimer were members at Steinbach EMC. A plaque there reads: In Memory of Gil Reimer 1938–1974 Gil’s life was committed to God and the Gospel He died a violent death while serving as our missionary in Panama “to live is Christ, to die is gain” Philippians 1:21

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

As the tears flow,

prayers for the accused and a struggle to forgive

I

Wilma Derksen

In many ways this dark abyss was familiar, but this t felt like a seismic shift: Learning the identity of the time the word forgiveness, which has served me well man charged with killing our daughter. for the last 22 years, didn’t reach over the abyss. From Candace, who was 13 at the time, disappeared all the stories that I have heard from families impacted on November 30, 1984, while walking home from by murder over the years, I have always suspected the school. Her body was found six and a half weeks later word would fall short.

And it did. It is one thing to let in a rarely-used tool shed. Her hands and feet were go of revenge but it is totally another thing to try to bound, making it impossible to escape. She had died envisage living with this new truth. How does one live of exposure in the plunging temperatures. There had with this new face that was now sharing the television never been a strong suspect, and we had been told that screen with my daughter? there was little DNA at the site.

It felt as though I was free-falling again. I knew After 22 long years of not knowing who murdered I needed a stronger word than “forgiveness” to be our daughter, my husband Cliff and I thought we would my North Star this time, but honestly didn’t know spend the rest of our lives living with this mystery. what it would be until late one night, a week after the When the police visited our home in February of this announcement was made. I was aching for sleep and year to announce that they had a strong suspect, we my mind and emotions were tumbling downward. It was found it hard to believe them. We were in shock when then that I found the phrase “love your enemies” in the they told us the morning of the press conference Bible.

Almost immediately the tumbling stopped, and (Wednesday, May 16) that they had arrested Mark the tears began to fl ow.

Grant—a man known as a violent sexual predator.

I feel like I’m beginning all over. I have no idea We were thrilled at the break-through in the case what this phrase means in practice. All I know is that and found it easy to express our gratitude towards this love is something broad that encompasses, and the police and their attention to our case. It felt good does not negate the fundamental values and widely knowing that Winnipeg was now a little safer for women. held virtues of forgiveness, justice, mercy, goodness, It was especially wonderful to see my husband sacrifi ce and peace. And that it will demand much of us. emerge from the shadow of suspicion and embrace The place I’ve decided to start is with prayers. the empathy and affirmation of the community, so well I remember the first person who deserved. It was truly said they were going to pray for inspiring to hear our own It felt as though I was free-falling again. the suspect—and the immediate children, Syras and Odia, resentment I felt.

I wanted all prayer to I knew I needed a stronger word than and some of Candace’s focus on our family. friends tell their stories. “forgiveness” to be my North Star this With this new purpose, to respond It was comforting to time, but honestly didn’t know what it in love, I am attempting to pray for this see all those pictures of person, and I encourage all those who Candace again, always would be until late one night, a week continue to pray for us to include him in bubbling with happiness after the announcement was made.

It their prayers as well. and excitement. And after, I believe in prayer and I believe the pouring out of support was then that I found the phrase “love prayer will lead us through this next and encouragement was your enemies” in the Bible. stage—the challenge of doing justice in comforting. love.

But it was quite another I’m glad the tumbling has stopped even though the thing to stare at the picture of the suspect, and to sift T tears haven’t. M through all the information that was now available to us for the first time. I have always said that the person Wilma Derksen is the director of Victims’ Voice, a who took Candace’s life, even as an unknown, had Mennonite Central Committee Canada program. Part of become like an extended member of our family. People were always inquiring after him. Now it felt as if we were her family’s story was told in Finding forgiveness in the depths of sorrow (April 4, 2007). meeting for the first time, this mysterious member. And I must admit it took me to very dark places.

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

7

Abundant Springs 2007

A Weekend with

“He makes us stand firm because we belong to Christ. He anointed us. He put His spirit in our hearts and marked us as His own…” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

T

hat’s the theme verse for the weekend, and many people would, indeed, grow in their standing in Christ during this EMC national youth event held on May 19-22, 2007, on the campus of the Briercrest Family of Schools at Caronport, Sask.

According to Tim Gibbons, 513 youth and 205 other people (youth leaders and pastors, band members, seminar leaders, security, and more) came— nearly an event record. Youth came from 34 churches (up from 31 in 2005); and, this year, representatives from Region 9 (southern Ontario) became familiar with the event. Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, said such numbers (718) represent one-tenth of our conference (7,200 members; 7,800 in attendance on Sunday morning).

Friday evening began with a youth leaders’ meeting where event staff introduced weekend events and expectations. Then leaders and youth gathered for an inspirational session.

Speaker Dale Friesen

8

Conference Speaker Dale Friesen, youth pastor at Coaldale (Alta.) Mennonite Brethren Church, spoke six times. The eldest son of former EMC missionary couple Wilbert and Hilda Friesen, he reflected periodically on his early years spent in Nicaragua.

With the help of Vicki Berg (a camp worker) and The Posse (about a halfdozen youth who joined him on stage for most sessions), Friesen interacted with youth and leaders and challenged them, using PowerPoint, Scripture, video clips, and more.

Key thoughts (paraphrased): • Christ came to give life to the full (John 10:10), right here, right now, and in the glorious beyond.

• While some people might say faith is the great copout, we need a crutch.

• In choosing to follow Christ, we are modeling our life after God who became human.

• Jesus doesn’t promise to take away pain, but to walk with us and a body to help us.

• We need to be silent and alone enough for God to speak to us.

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

• If Jesus’ way is the best way to live, are you living Jesus’ way? If Jesus is the ultimate truth, what business do we have messing around with truth apart from Him? • A preoccupation with “me” is wrong; Jesus came to serve others, and we need to care for the marginalized.

Jesus is with the poor (Matthew 25) and if we’re with him, we’re with the poor.

Seminars Seminars were held twice on Saturday and once on Sunday. They included Crisis Intervention: How can I help? (Rachel Davis and Val Barkman), Me, anointed for mission? (Ernie Koop), Being guided by the Holy Spirit (Amos Fehr), Helping God transform a nation: The journey of anointed Hobbits (a couple working in a Central Asian ministry), Improv Comedy 101 (Panic Squad), Warriors for Jesus in these last days (Glenn Loewen), Entertain me! (Jason Dueck), Purity: The battle rages (Chris Reimer), and Girls only (Irene Ascough, Sharon Doerksen, and Dayna Kroeker).

Jonathan Smith, at his third Abundant Springs, said Warriors for Jesus was a powerful seminar. Some of the statistics about the church in China are “amazing.”

When asked to consider serving as a pastor, Glenn Loewen told the church he offered two things: His weakness and his devotion to God, Jon remembered.

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

Afternoon/early evening events On Saturday afternoon teens played basketball, volleyball, street hockey, soccer, softball, life-size Dutch Blitz, and board games. Trophies were handed out on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

On Sunday afternoon The Amazing Race was held.

Through the time—a challenge-oriented journey of encountering unfamiliar cultures, border guards, and Two-Thirds World situations—teams became aware of experiences faced by missionaries, immigrants, and refugees.

On Sunday evening, in a game designed by the speaker, young people walked to a sports field, were blindfolded, and instructed to get to heaven by listening to the voice of The Master—and not to minions seeking to lead them astray.

Late night events On Friday evening, entertainment was provided by stand-up comedian Leland Klassen and by The Panic Squad, in improvisational comedy troupe. On Saturday late night, two garage bands opened before a concert

by Dream Quest; for others, a variant of Deal or No Deal was held. On Sunday evening there was an hour-long drama by Swift Current youth on what a persecuted church might face in the future.

9

I am free to run, I am free to dance, I am free to live for You, I am free.

The inspirational sessions and the workshops were mandatory for youth; the afternoon and late evening events were optional. While there are fun events at Abundant Springs, a few years ago the event was consciously shifted toward even more of a discipleship weekend, says Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister.

Overall impact The longest bus ride took about 24 hours from Vanderhoof, B.C. (there was a breakdown). There were times for youth groups to gather to talk and pray about the weekend. A prayer team and a prayer room were active.

I can only be impressed by the many people who invested their May long weekend for Christ in the lives of young people. The days and evenings were long, the activities many, and the nights short for youth and

(somewhat older) leaders. Many people traveled home knowing they would work the next day.

Physically tired, many left spiritually refreshed. They were among the touched—the anointed. When I asked youth how the weekend was going, all replied it was going well.

A song included these lines: I am free to run, I am free to dance, I am free to live for You, I am free.

Abundant Springs is held biennially (every two years). It is coordinated by the EMC’s national Youth Committee, whose current members are Bryon Bezanson (Swift Current), Mo Friesen (Steinbach EFC), Tim Gibbons (Braeside), Nathan Plett (Prairie Rose), and Dallas Wiebe (Kleefeld). Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, relates to the committee, which is appointed by the Board of Church Ministries.

Terry M. Smith

The Panic Squad

Quotes: The only way to be a La Cretian is to stay. If you leave, you are an ex-Cretian.

– Youth Leader from La Crete

What an amazing disgrace! (Isaiah 53) – Dale Friesen

Is there any way you can say no to this man? (song) – Vicki Berg

10

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

Anola notes on Abundant Springs

Y

ears ago I prayed through Matthew 14:14: “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd; he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Since then he has shown me the crowd in several places. Most recently it was at Abundant Springs.

I have been involved as a youth pastor in about three of these weekends. All have been worthwhile. All have had their weaknesses. Yet at each one many students come to the Lord and receive his healing hand. If the truth be told, I have always received a blessing at Abundant Springs.

It is a chore to raise the funds for this program. I would like to encourage you and our conference by stating, the dividends are worth every cent.

Pastor Peter Hall Anola Fellowship Chapel

Here are some comments from young people: During Abundant Springs I had no idea what to expect. But one night (May 19, Saturday) the Lord spoke to my heart through my depression, and told me not to be afraid, to just open my heart and feel his full love for me. After a deep prayer time with a close friend and after the tears, my heart started to open. I committed myself to focus on opening my heart more to the Lord and not be afraid.

The weekend was full of many highs and lows, all of them, though, were working I went to Abundant towards something better! Many lessons Springs two years ago. All were learned, and I think a lot of people the wrong in my life was eating me away at the time. came out of it being better people.

I felt so guilty inside, and my heart ached. This year, my heart burst out in awe, I realized how much I love our Lord Jesus Christ and how much he’s loved me and is still growing. I see how much he’s changed me in these past few years, few months, few days, His grace is amazingly ridiculous, how much it hits you. Another fun year of A.S.

Abundant Springs was a breath-taking experience and lasted a million years for me. But not in a bad way; it’s just the friendships I formed with some people felt like I’d known them my entire life. Then when we left it felt like we were missing some of the people from our youth group.

This week God inspired me to love everyone, no matter how bad they are. He taught me to live, laugh, and love.

Abundant Springs is an awesome experience. The people there Over the weekend, things have been a blur. I have experienced so many different encourage you to things. One thing that stands out the most, though, is how steady and faithful God is have a better faith and has been. His love and joy have definitely been Abundant at Abundant Springs. and give you comfort and confidence that most people elsewhere can’t give.

My Abundant Springs experience has been a great one, to say the least. I got closer to friends and spent time with people I otherwise wouldn’t have. All in all, it was tons of fun! Comedy night was great.

I didn’t know “clean” comedy could’ve been so funny, but afterwards my mouth hurt from laughing so much!

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

11

with our missionaries Russia

God on the move in the Russian Arctic!

“It is -60 degrees Celsius. The sharp wind whips the snow….”

These words are from an article written three years ago when I introduced you to the Nensi people of Russia. These nomadic reindeer herders live in leather tents, cut off from the outside world.

Most had never heard the good news of Jesus Christ.

There are photos of my Russian friends worshipping the Lord in their new building. Pictures of the graduation of missionary candidates.

Pictures of Pyotr, my Nensi brother, reading Scripture.

Back then a small church in Salekhard, Russia, had big dreams…“How can we reach these ethnic groups with the gospel?” They started a little Bible school to train local believers for the job of tribal church planting.

Who would have thought back then that by this time we’d have missionaries out on the tundra ministering to these nomadic people? But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Three years ago classes were being held in a local apartment. The church was struggling with the expense of constructing a church/Bible school building. They were asking, How does one find and contact nomads in a frozen wasteland? Radio? Some kind of a Christian trading post?

In May 2007 I am in my office and hear the chime on my computer as an e-mail comes in. I notice that Pastor Anatoli Marichev from Salekhard is writing. With excitement I open the letter and begin to read the Russian script. Ding! Another email comes in. This time it’s a photo of some of the church family. Ding! Ding!

Ding! Nine more pictures!

I am reading the stories, seeing the faces some familiar, some foreign to me. But in about half an hour I feel like shouting for joy…

There are photos of my Russian friends worshipping the Lord in their new building. Pictures of the graduation of missionary candidates. Pictures of Pyotr,

12

my Nensi brother, reading the Scripture in the tent of one of his relatives.

The gospel of Mark and a children’s Bible have been translated into Nensi.

The school has enrolled another set of students, nine of whom are Nensi. And two of those men actually live out in a tent on the tundra and travel into town for the quarterly classes.

Pyotr recently saw half of his family come to Christ in a visit to their encampment.

The church has begun trips to support them spiritually.

The government of Salekhard has asked the church to help deliver wood to poor communities on the tundra. Talk about a relationship builder.

An American church funded the translation of radio Bible lessons for use by the Salekhard church. The dream of using radio broadcasts to reach across the tundra is still alive.

Yes, God is at work! Didn’t Christ say He would build His church and nothing, not even hell itself, would stop it? Didn’t He say that He would use us to bring salvation to the ends of the earth?

Pyotr reads the Bible to his family.

Yes, God is at work. What a thrill to be part of what He is doing!

Dave Field

Dave and Kim Field (Steinbach) were in Russia till 2005. Currently Dave is researching into needs and possibilities in Northern Canada.

SBC provides opportunities for you to put classroom learning into practical hands-on experience. ...living out love is a vital component in any program you may choose to take at SBC. Consider joining us to explore what it means to follow Jesus into 50 Hwy 12, Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1T4 Ph: 204-326-6451 • Toll-free: 1-800-230-8478 • Fax: 204-326-6908 E-mail: info@sbcollege.ca • www.sbcollege.ca

your world. Log on... www.sbcollege.ca

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

with our churches

Fellowship, fundraising, and blessing young families Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): Our youth group is excited about Abundant Springs!

Braeside youth, together with the North End Community Church Youth Group, held two fundraisers.

At the first, forty young people and their leaders served a taco salad that was as hearty as any restaurant lunch.

A few weeks later it was a barbecue. To expedite those folks in a rush, take-out hot dogs and burgers were available. It is refreshing and encouraging to hear that in these fundraising meals silent partners donated most of the food and drinks (and, in the case of the take-out food, a prominent hotel chain provided the take-out containers).

Thirty individuals will attend Abundant Springs, nine of these from

Andrew Reimer (NECC) and Tim Gibbons (Braeside) are happy to have their young people co-operating in fundraising for Abundant Springs.

NECC. Another anticipated event is the ten-day July trip to Northern Manitoba to assist Continental Mission’s work at Midway Bible Camp. Over a dozen youth from Braeside will help with counseling, recreation, arts, and crafts. A fundraising Sunday lunch held in March will help defray these summer expenses.

Our youth have for many years participated in World Vision’s Mario Alvizuris and Jeff Mathew flip burgers in an Abundant Thirty Hour Famine. This April, 35 Springs fundraiser. participants embarked on a short food-free weekend in order to raise sign up there; this enabled donors to money for disadvantaged people and to make one pledge rather than smaller experience, in a small way, the feeling of pledges to many individuals. The Famine receives generous financial support from going hungry.

As they have done in previous years Braesiders.

In early May approximately fifty the youth printed messages about their experience on a large cloth sheet Braesiders met for a weekend retreat at Gimli Bible Camp. Worship and prayer displayed in the foyer. Here are three: • “Wow! At least we had juice and services were held on Friday and Sunday water to get us through. We should be while Saturday was spent in laying out plans for church growth, priorities for thankful even for that!”

• “We have so much! Why don’t Braeside and tactics for a more effective we share it? Why do we have to be so community outreach. The weekend was one of relaxation, reorganization and selfish?”

• “Appreciate what you have because renewal.

Al Dueck one day you may lose it.”

Rather than individuals approaching prospective donors, pledge sheets were placed in the foyer and donors could

Three couples presented their children to the Lord in January. Pastor Carl Heppner gave a prayer of blessing for Ken and Kelly Rempel with Zara Marie, Mel and Vinora Bennett with Ayden Leo, and Tim and Danae Gibbons with Hadley Sage.

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

13

Missions from Roseisle Roseisle, Man.: In 2007 we have had a number of people from our congregation take part in various mission opportunities throughout North America.

On January 16, Jackie Friesen left for a three-month term to Guadalajara, Mexico, to work at an orphanage: Fundacion Emmanuel de Jalisco. When she left, Jackie did not know what exactly she would be doing at the orphanage, and her role changed several times throughout her stay.

At first she worked in the kitchen, helping prepare food and doing lots of dishes. Then she started working with a young disabled boy, and finally she ended up caring for a group of girls aged six to 14 years. Jackie experienced many firsts in Mexico: A taste of nieve (similar to a snow-cone), a scare from a really big spider, a visit to a prison (where many kids could visit their parents), a bus accident (when driving a 15-passenger van), a case of lice, a Mexican family, and an overall Mexican adventure.

One of Jackie’s highlights was taking the kids to a ranch. She said it was great to get them out of the walls of the orphanage to where they could swim all day long. They had so much joy in this new environment. Another highlight was belada, which was an all night prayer and worship time. From her time spent away from home in Roseisle, to her new home in Mexico, Jackie continued to learn over and over that “God is bigger than all my fear!”

On February 11, Darrell Friesen, Brian Friesen, Scott Dyck, and Peter Dyck left for one week to work near New Orleans, Louisiana, where Hurricane Katrina hit in August of 2005. Since this time, much of the clean-up work had already been completed, but there was still a lot of rebuilding left to do.

Jackie Friesen with orphan

14

The four guys worked with MDS in Pass Christian, a town about one hour east of New Orleans, renovating homes and building new homes. New home construction was pretty standard, with houses being 28 x 40 feet and 18 feet above sea level, which meant that homes were built on 10-foot pillars.

Darrell primarily did roofing and wall construction, Brian primarily did bathroom finish work, Scott primarily hung drywall, and Peter primarily did cement work. They mostly helped out single parent families and the elderly. The people were so grateful to have much help since the destruction of the hurricane a year and a half earlier.

On April 20 the Ladies Fellowship group hosted the annual Perogy Supper at the church in Roseisle. While this was not at all like the previous two mission opportunities, it was a local outreach and a way to donate to the group.

The group then uses some of these funds towards supporting missionaries, people who volunteer in short-term ministry, and children going to camp.

In preparation for this supper, many women and some men volunteered their time on February 8 to fill, cook, and freeze perogies. Along with the rest of the supper, the perogies were thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended!

Pam Dyck

The work team

Perogy making

Seeking wisdom amidst activity you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).

Over the past months the truth in these words has been coming alive among the congregation of the Picture Butte Mennonite Church. It is encouraging to see the family grow in numbers and everyone’s increasing eagerness to grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of Christ.

Sometimes it seems like wisdom is hard to come by. Or, that we just do not know how to look for it or ask for it. This has been a challenge to us as we are in the middle of a building project. We do have land, and were hopeful that the construction would begin this summer. However, the building Kara Bueckert, Johnny Wall, and Landis Krahn at their high committee has hit a few bumps in the road in regard to blueprints, school graduation.

Picture Butte, Alta.: Recently, someone reminded me of Solomon’s words as he emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding: “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

driveways, dugouts, and even the neighbours surrounding the land. It is hard to wait patiently for God’s timing. But, together as a congregation, we are still hoping that maybe construction will begin later this summer.

The weekend of May 26, 2007, saw the celebration of a milestone for three young members of our congregation.

Landis Krahn, Johnny Wall, and Kara Bueckert took part in their high school graduation. During a special time of blessing with the graduates and their families, everyone was reminded of the importance of gaining knowledge through education and work, but also not to forget that growing in knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is to them is the most important.

Solomon was a wise king, but he also strove to follow God’s law and owed all his success to Him. Decisions are hard to

Land that we have purchased in Picture Butte.

make, but the graduates were encouraged to never stop leaning on God for direction and were reminded that their families and their church love them, and will be there to help them along the way.

As we slowly move into the summer months, there are so many things that we as a congregation are excited about.

We will be having another baptism and membership service coming up shortly,

as well as our third annual church family camp. We are also excited to have the youth group from the EM church in Grande Prairie, Alta., coming to help with our VBS. Our prayer is that through the busyness and anticipation of the coming months, we as a congregation will not become stagnant in our growth in wisdom and knowledge, but that we will continue to grow through prayer and fellowship as a family in Jesus Christ.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:3-6).

Desiree Krahn

MDS, Kids Clubs, and graduation Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.): Several members of Abbeydale Christian Fellowship attended in Mississippi to help MDS this winter. Harold and Sandra Friesen served as Project Directors in Pas Christian, Mississippi, for January and February 2007. Four members of our church went down there to serve for an extended period of time and 15 members went for shorter stints.

The gratefulness of home owners was evident. Some brought food to the MDS site regularly. One lady brought flowers for each volunteer who was working.

Many of the volunteers were thanked by total strangers when they mentioned why they were in Mississippi. In one case here in Calgary, an email was sent out to all the staff to let them know that one of their own was going to help those she didn’t know in Mississippi (without pay!).

The volunteers did a variety of tasks— everything from construction work to office work to housekeeping. They heard the stories of the people who lost everything. Those who were there for the first time were amazed at the devastation still visible. Some who had been there last year had wonderful reunions with homeowners they helped last year. There was also time to relax together, sight-see, attend church, and two even celebrated birthdays.

In spite of itchy insulation, gnats, sand, mud, dust, falling off decks, and a lot of hard work, the volunteers felt privileged

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

Adventure Kids Club

Abbeydale Christian Fellowship long-term MDS volunteers (pictured with other volunteers): (middle row, left) Bruce and Elma Dyck, (middle row, right) Wilma Smoker and Sandra Friesen, (back row, right) Levi Smoker and Harold Friesen.

15

to be there to help “the least of these.”

On January 10, 2007, Abbeydale’s Adventure Kids Clubs for kids grades one through six had their kick off. There were door prizes (cake and jellybeans), games, a sing-a-long and, of course, food.

Some of the things Clubs will be doing on a weekly basis, with the help of great co-ordinators in Elda and Marion and youth leaders Crystal, AJ, Brad, Michelle, James, Brett, Spencer, Kellie and our adult leader, Al, are: skits, games, crafts, music, small groups, Bible study and more. Our Club group averages about 10 kids a week.

On February 14 they had a huge cookie party, cutting, decorating and baking cookies. Despite the mess (think icing, sprinkles and melted chocolate everywhere!), the kids had a ton of fun and could hardly wait to get home and show and tell the cookies to their parents.

On Wednesday, April 18, Abbeydale Adventure Clubs made a visit to Becker Manor, a senior citizen’s independent living facility in Calgary. The kids performed club songs, complete with actions. James, Spencer, and Brett performed a short skit on Paul and Silas and their ministry in jail. Kellie told a wonderful story from Mary’s perspective on how demanding it was raising a child and not just any child, but God’s Son. The audience was all smiles and it was evident they were truly affected by the kids and this ministry. One of the ladies there even asked to use the club songs in their group exercise classes. Clubs look forward to doing this ministry on a regular basis.

Congratulations to our pastor, David Funk, who on April 22, 2007, graduated from Providence Theological Seminary located in Otterburne, Man., with a Master of Divinity degree.

Kathy Dueck

Kendra and David Funk, with their son Ethan, on the day of David’s graduation.

16

Members: By baptism and transfer Mennville, Man.: April 15 was an exciting day here in Mennville. It was a day of celebration and with a church packed full of family and friends to witness the baptism of five young people and also two membership transfers.

Luella Brandt

Transferred into our membership were Cory and Cheryl Kovacs. They have been a blessing to us already and we are looking forward to getting to know them even better. They have five children: Michael, Chantal, Dallas, Brooklyn, and Keana.

Taking this step of baptism to publicly show their desire is to follow the Lord and to be part of this church were Janette Brandt, Steve Brandt, Katelyn Friesen, Rachel Friesen, and Adam Barkman. Pastor Terry Dueck stands with them.

MWC officials visit Baptist colleagues Larry Miller, Mennonite World Conference General Secretary, and Pakisa Tshimika, Associate General Secretary, visited the Baptist World Alliance headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, on April 24.

MWC and the BWA have engaged in close collaboration throughout the years. The most significant was the Baptist Mennonite Theological Conversations that took place from 1989 to 1992.

Among the recommendations coming out of the conversations were that “The BWA and the MWC invite each other to participate regularly through official representatives at their world congresses and, as appropriate, at their general council meetings,” and that “The BWA and MWC encourage cooperation in mission, service, and peace and justice projects at all levels.”

Baptists and Mennonites share common historical and theological roots. The Mennonite church grew out of the Anabaptist tradition of the Reformation movement in the sixteenth century, placing, among other things, emphasis on believers’ baptism, also

a cornerstone doctrine of the Baptist faith. While the Baptist movement has historically been said to have begun in 1609, some historians claim that it is a successor to the Anabaptist tradition that came out of the Reformation.

Baptist-Mennonite collaboration takes place at both the international and local levels. Baptist World Aid, the relief and development arm of the BWA, and MCC collaborated on producing a Russian translation of the popular Barclay’s Commentaries for Russian-speaking countries. Baptists, Mennonites, and others joined together to form and run a Christian university in Paraguay, as well as a Christian university and a printing press in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Evangelical Theological Faculty in Paris, France, was founded by several churches, including Baptists and Mennonites.

There are approximately 1.5 million Mennonites in the world with the fastest growth in Africa, particularly Ethiopia. BWA has 36 million baptized believers in a community of over 110 million, with more than 200 member bodies in 130 countries.

BWA/MWC

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

pictures of God

Joanna Plett

What I really believe about God

A

few months ago I was discussing the fundamentals of Christianity with a fellow student over Frosty’s in the student centre at York University. If you need a box to put him into, perhaps agnostic would suffice. Although we had only met the day before, our conversation turned quickly to spiritual questions.

After several hours of discussion, he asked me the simplest and most difficult question: “So do you believe that I’m going to hell?” I did not respond immediately, although from our conversation I knew he was not a Christ-follower.

Every shred of relativism hinted at vague answers about good people going to heaven or not really knowing anyone’s destiny. But I had spent the evening discussing absolute truths of sin and salvation and of God’s justice and love; to water those down now would directly contradict the gospel I had preached.

He was not attacking, but seemed to be testing the logical end to the set of beliefs I was propounding.

I asked myself then and again later after similar spiritual discussions: What do I really believe? About God. About myself. About the world. About eternity.

Do I really believe in God’s Word and in absolute truth? Do I really believe in justice and love? Do I really believe in heaven and hell and in an eternity in one or the other?

This is the message I preach, but when confronted with the eternity question—the logical end to all these concepts—what do I really believe? Living within the inconsistencies of North American culture, Christians are easily drawn into the trendy realm of relativism, where our faith is watered down to a safe level for secular society.

The world despises hypocrites—especially Christian hypocrites. The world detests absolutes— especially Christian absolutes.

This is the paradigm: The Christian who abandons absolutes becomes a hypocrite, but is embraced by the world; the Christian who embraces the absolutes of the Gospel is denounced by the world, but, in fact, maintains the integrity of his faith.

God does not, however, give us the luxury of

hypocrisy. What we believe must shape our actions, and our actions reflect what we actually believe.

I have often asked myself, “If I actually believe in both the love and holiness of Christ, how can I walk away from people or situations without weeping for their souls or for their pain?”

I am rarely confronted point-blank with the question as I was that Tuesday night. But I thought about it, looked him in the eye, and responded gently, but clearly, with the same conviction I had spoken with all evening. I left campus that evening with no regrets and with the respect of a friend.

I have found the following three questions helpful in evaluating the consistency of my life: 1. What do I believe?

2. What is the ultimate end of this belief, taken to its extreme?

3. How do I live consistently within this T belief system? M

Do I really believe in God’s Word and in absolute truth? Do I really believe in justice and love? Do I really believe in heaven and hell and in an eternity in one or the other?

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

17

NANCY OLGA PETERS 1942–2007 On May 24, 2007, with her family at her side, Nancy Peters, aged 64, went to her eternal rest after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mom was born on September 9, 1942, in Morden, Man., to William and Elsie Neufeld, and was raised in Morden. She was the oldest of eight children. She was baptized upon confession of her faith on an August afternoon while in her teens at a farm pond

by Morden. She met her sweetheart Ben D. Peters and they married on May 5, 1962.

Mom has always been active at church as long as we can remember, teaching Sunday School, serving on committees, and helping

MARY (HARMS) DUECK 1916–2007 “Rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances …”

On May 5, 2007, after a long life lived in faith, hope and love, Mary Harms Dueck (91) passed away peacefully, after a brief bout of pneumonia, at Bethesda Place, Steinbach, Man., with several of her children by her side. She is now delighting in the joys of her eternal home.

Born on March 14, 1916, in Rosenhoff, Man., Mary, the eldest child of Peter D. and Maria Harms, gladly helped care for her 11 younger siblings. Baptized on the confession of her faith on September 17, 1933, a “crowning day” in her life, she remained a faithful member of the Kleine Gemeinde Conference (now EMC) until her death.

On November 8, 1936, she married the love of her life, Frank Kroeker Dueck.

Together, they shared 52 years of marriage

18

to decorate the church. Her love for children made her a great teacher and an awesome grandma. Playing soccer in the basement was a favorite. Mom’s personality shone through in her lovingly tended flower beds, her knack for catching the biggest fish and her wall to wall library of books. She continued her love of learning from books till the end. In her spare time you could catch her taking pictures of flowers, trees, birds, tiny red frogs, all things God created beautiful.

She was a devoted wife and mother, always going the extra mile for her children and husband. Lending an ear on the phone for advice was something we relied on.

Family and friends were her priority and passion, and her grandchildren gave her much pride and joy. The life lessons she taught us will never be forgotten. Thank you, Mom, for your prayers, past and future; we love you.

Nancy was predeceased by her sister-inlaw Helen Hiebert in 1964, nephew Gordon Rempel in 1970, and her niece Shannon Dyck in 2003.

Mom leaves to mourn her dear husband, Ben D. Peters of Roseisle; one son, Danny and Dorothy Peters (Jordan, Benjamin, and Alexander); and three daughters, Heather Wilson (Christopher and Shawn); Lisa and Grant Braun; and Christine Peters (Jesse and Sara).

Nancy is also remembered by her parents William and Elsie Neufeld, and her sisters and brothers: Constance Armour, John Neufeld and Jen MacKey, Linda and Ken Nicol, Lorna and Hank Boschman, Tim Neufeld, Raymond and Dawn Neufeld, and Sara Neufeld; the Peters family and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held on May 29, 2007, at Westside Community Church with Pastor Randall Krahn officiating. Interment followed at the Winkler Cemetery.

As a family, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the medical staff at BTHC for the care, compassion, and dignity mom was given. Also, thank you to the family and many friends for your prayers, visits, acts of kindness, and comforting words. They will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to Sunshine Fund Manitoba Camping Association (Winkler Bible Camp).

Wiebe Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Dryberry will only be a shadow of the magnificence of the city of Heaven that awaits us. “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Her Family

and were blessed with 11 children whom they treasured far more than earthly riches. Their home was filled with love and laughter, tears and adventure, and lots of music—including several musical instruments frowned on at that time!

Over the years, they lived in Rosenhoff, Kola (where they were founding members of the Kola EM Church), Winnipeg, and retired to Steinbach in 1975.

Mary’s life revolved around her faith, her family, her friends and any “strangers” who needed her. She was known for her exceptionally loving, generous, and compassionate spirit; her commitment to a life of Bible study, prayer, and praising God through song; and for an ever-present spirit of gratitude which continued right to the end of her life.

Even after experiencing memory losses in recent years, she just couldn’t stop saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” often kissing the hands of those who assisted her as a visible expression of her gratitude.

Mary joyfully shared all that she had with others, whether that was a pot of homemade borscht made with arthritic hands and wheeled down the hallway to a needy neighbour; or (once she became “rich” through her Old Age Security cheques) giving generously to the church and to missions, and even to organizations like the Humane Society, because she deeply believed that how you treated the “least of these” in our world was important and this

included not only people, but animals.

Truly, Mom’s life reflected that she was among the “blessed,” those who responded to Christ’s call, ready to inherit the kingdom of heaven, not only in the future, but right now, as she fed the hungry, ministered to the sick and downtrodden, and prayed unceasingly for all who suffered.

To give thanks for her life, Mary leaves behind six daughters and five sons with spouses: Doreen (Doug Redekop), John (Sandra), Peter (Sally), Lawrence (Susan), Leona (Peter Penner), Mary (Larry Plett), Evelyn (Leonard Martens), Glen (Judy), Bernice (Allan Kroeker), Betty (David Dawson), Eldon (Lynnette); 34 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and two great-great grand-children; five sisters, Annie Kroeker, Margaret Reimer, Nettie (Frank Friesen), Helen (David Rempel), Rose (Bert Friesen); and four brothers, Henry (Betty), John (Goldie), Corny (Betty), David (Fran), and sister-in-law, Helen (Pete Harms), plus many other relatives and friends.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Frank in 1989, daughter-in-law Janet (John Dueck), grand-daughter Daphne Dueck, grandson Elroy Redekop, brother Pete, sister Jessie, and many relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held on May 9, 2007, at Steinbach EMC. Thanks to all who assisted and supported us during this time of loss.

Her Family

THE MESSENGER June 20, 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 eastcentral 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 306-547-3383 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 204-326-6401 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

Board of Church Ministries still needs one nominee. Contact Terry Smith or Len Barkman at 204-326-6401, emcterry@mts. net or emclen@mts.net.

THE MESSENGER June 20, 2007

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.

SBC INVITES applications for a part-time food services cook level 3. Preferred applicant to have commercial food preparation experience.

The position involves meal preparation, food stock rotation and maintenance, sanitary environment maintenance, supervision of student workers. Some evenings and weekends required.

Applicant must be in agreement and sign the Statement of Faith and Lifestyle of the schools. Application form and job description are available at the SBC reception desk. Closing date: August 3, 2007, or when a suitable candidate is found. Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted. No calls please.

Submit application, résumé, and cover letter to Steinbach Bible College, Attn: Gil Drolet, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4. Fax: 204-3266908. E-mail: gdrolet@sbcollege.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 (a nine-year-old EMC congregation meeting in South Calgary) is seeking a bi-vocational senior pastor to begin this summer or fall. We currently have about 40 people attending, and our aim is to reach the lost in our area.

We are looking for an organized, selfmotivated candidate with a strong pulpit ministry and gifts in evangelism, discipleship and visionary leadership for church replanting.

For details and discussion please contact Dean Buhler, 1452 Lake Sylvan Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2J 3C8. Phone 403-271-5171 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

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. 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 church chairman Cole Clifford, 250-698-7319; cole.clifford@lakescom.net.

EMC BOARD of Leadership and Outreach seeks planters to start congregations in Canadian cities. The national office works with local churches and regions to envision, equip, and respond to these needs. Cities envisioned are Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Regina, Windsor, and London. Also needed are core families willing to be part of the church plants. Together it can happen! Contact Canadian church planting director Ward Parkinson at 204-326-6401, emcward@mts.net.

19

KIDS’

corner Loreena Thiessen

Buttery Math

H

ow many butterflies can you see on a sunny afternoon? They zigzag across your backyard from blossoms to weeds, from shrubs to woodpiles and piles of brush.

Butterflies sip on nectar but they eat many other things too. They like fruit snacks and even dead bugs and animal parts. Yuck! But they are fun to watch.

Butterflies are beautiful. Their beauty is in the variety of colours and designs that identify each

PAGE 20

one. They are symmetrical; one half is exactly the same as the other half.

Like many insects, butterflies are helpful. They pollinate flowers as they flit from plant to plant. They brighten our gardens. They eat the remains of dead bugs. Some insects, like ladybugs, are predators; they eat aphids, tiny garden lice harmful to plants.

Bees make honey.

How can you invite butterflies to your backyard?

They are attracted to bright flowers and sweet fragrances. They like trees with blossoms where they can land on nearby branches. Their favourite plants are weeds; here they lay their eggs and then return year after year. They like sunny places for warmth and shrubs for shelter.

What else can you do? Make a fruit cup for them and watch who visits. Cut up bananas, strawberries, watermelon and apples in tiny bite-sized bits. Place the fruit in a clear plastic cup. Pour sugar water over the fruit and mix it up. Hang the cup outside on a verandah, porch or deck and watch for a few days to see which butterflies come for a snack.

Have a camera ready and take photos for your record.

Make a graph chart. Begin with a straight line five centimeters from the bottom of plain white paper.

Draw squares going up. Keep a four centimeter margin on the left edge. Fill in a square with crayon or felt pen, or an appropriately sized coloured square sticker, each time an insect comes to feed. In the bottom margin print the name of the insect; on the side write the date. You will build a column of filled in squares for each different insect. At a glance you will see who comes to feed.

In Psalm 147 King David lists all the things God has created for you to enjoy: The stars, grass, clouds, rain, snow, wind, and living creatures. He T reminds you to praise and thank God for each one. M THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017 62 PAP Registration #9914