The Messenger Vol. 46 No. 10 May 14, 2008 by The Messenger

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 46, number 10 May 14, 2008

“What is shocking to church folk is that people with bipolar disorder may act out of character or do things the church might consider sinful...” (p. 5).

Bipolar disorder and the Church’s response

www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorials

Facing other experts

hat if we draw upon more experts? In medical terms, most pastors are General Practitioners, fewer are Specialists. Some pastors have areas of special interest (with, perhaps, training in those areas). Often pastors are entrylevel counselors, while others are more highly trained; both groups need to work with other professionals.

While changes are occurring, members’ special knowledge and skills are, I suspect, under-used within our local churches and national structures. Does this struggle reflect the lingering effects from our conference’s history of mixed feelings about the value of education in varied forms? Yet education comes in, and is needed in, many ways. How might we better draw upon our educators, administrators, counselors, ethicists, university How might we better draw upon our educators, professors, farmers, trades people, construction administrators, counselors, ethicists, university professors, workers, conflict managers, business people, medical professionals, homemakers, information farmers, trades people, construction workers, conﬂict technologists, and others? managers, business people, medical professionals, The concern isn’t whether we toss large words homemakers, information technologists, and others? or smaller hay bales; it’s our need to draw upon our members’ gifts, training, and skills. This would It is a confusion of expertise, though, to think that reflect a healthier move toward a genuine community pastors are authorities in a range of areas. Walter hermeneutic: the conviction that the best, and safest, Burghardt, a priest, would remind pastors that within way to interpret and to apply Scripture and live out our congregations are members with many areas of greater discipleship is together. It fits well with our Protestant understanding that knowledge. T In short, when a pastor preaches on Sunday morning, Christian vocations occur on both sides of the pulpit. M Terry M. Smith he or she is facing the experts, not just being one.

What’s your story?

e need to hear our family stories, said Ken Zacharias, our EMC Foreign Secretary. In a staff devotional, Ken recently referred to the autobiography of Ravi Zacharias, a defender of the Christian faith and his brother in Christ, who stresses the importance of such stories. Have you ever been to a funeral where you learned about a person what you wished you had known earlier? Are we in the EMC shy about telling our stories? Do some of us steer away from story telling because we equate it with wrongful attention? Do we fear it might lead to a lack of humility? Humility “does not mean thinking demeaning and low thoughts about ourselves. It’s not denying the truth of our

EDITOR Terry M. Smith emcterry@mts.net

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler

emcmessenger@mts.net

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 12 – June 25 (copy due June 13)

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 St, Steinbach, Man.

achievements or thinking less of ourselves,” says Adele A. Calhoun. “Humility stems from an honest understanding of who we are.” A humble person does not “think less of themselves, they think of themselves less” (Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us, IVP, 2005). Galatians 6:4 says we need to test our actions and to “have rejoicing” (KJV) or be “glad” (NIV) at our accomplishments, without unhelpful comparisons. The Body of Christ is to give “greater honour” to people who get overlooked (1 Corinthians 12:24). The honesty of faith shown through imperfect lives (testimonies) draws people into the local church. Let’s T share our stories. M Terry M. Smith 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

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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 St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401, Fax: 204-326-1613

MESSENGER

On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger

THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

letters Dialogue followed with interest I have been following with interest the discussion of the Catholic-MWC dialogue. Recently I came across a book about Jesus written by Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger): Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transﬁguration (Doubleday, 2007). In evaluating his teaching from a biblical standpoint, there is first a need to know what he says. The book “seeks to salvage the person of Jesus from recent ‘popular’ depictions and to restore Jesus’ true identity as discovered in the gospels” (cover). The preceding statement and another personal statement by Ratzinger, “this book is my…personal search for the face of the Lord” (xxiii), set the context for this scholarly work. Throughout the book, the author demonstrates a depth of learning and knowledge that demands a focused concentration. I found myself rereading many times in order to follow along with the book’s flow. Ratzinger does an effective job of connecting the Old Testament with the Gospels and showing how Jesus is the Messiah. He begins by referring to Moses, the prophet who spoke with God “face to face” and promised that a “prophet like me” will come to show us who God is. “What was true of Moses only in a fragmentary form has now been fully realized in the person of Jesus: He lives before the face of God, not just as a friend, but as a Son; he lives in the most intimate unity with the Father” (p. 6). Through an examination of the baptism, temptations, the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord’s Prayer, and several other features of the gospels, Ratzinger presents Jesus as the One who speaks with God’s authority. “This universalization of Israel’s faith and hope, and the concomitant liberation

from the letter of the Law for the new communion with Jesus is tied to Jesus’ authority and his claim to Sonship” (p.119). The great question this book addresses is “what did Jesus bring?” Insight into this question comes through examining the life and teaching of Jesus and the final answer is clear: Jesus brought us God. “Jesus gives us ‘life’ because he gives us God” (p. 354). In a context of much discussion and debate around history and viewpoint, I found this book giving me valuable insight into the thoughts and values of a follower of Jesus. In this book, at least, I see evidence of a careful scholar whose passion in life is to know God personally, serve him sacrificially, and lead others into a clear understanding of Jesus the Christ. For me, while concerns remain, the dialogue needs to continue. Fred Buhler Hudson Bay, Sask.

Use of anathema In regards to Dave Storey’s excellent letter in the April 16, 2008, Messenger, one place the word anathema is used in Scripture, translated eternally condemned (NIV) or accursed (NKJV) is in Galatians 1:8-9: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” (NIV). It doesn’t seem like a difficult choice to me between the Roman Catholic Council of Trent and the Apostle Paul in Galatians 1:8-9, and it hardly seems like an oversight that they have added requirements to justification by faith and then used the same word to condemn the Scripture as the Scripture uses to condemn those who try to change the gospel. Tim Freeman Ninga, Man.

Projector needed The new EMC church plant at Redcliff, Alta., needs a video data projector. If you have one available or know someone who does, please contact Pastor Peter Wiebe at 403-485-3475 or pwiebe@ shaw.ca. It’s an effective way of contributing to the church planting effort. Ward Parkinson Church Planting Coordinator

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Part one of two

Bipolar disorder

and the Church’s response Joanne Klassen

en’s parents were mystified and deeply concerned. They had received a call that their 22-year-old son was being taken for a psychiatric exam at the hospital. He had been a regular kid who was bright, creative, fun-loving and caring. Now he was acting in ways that were unusual for him—making wild accusations, seeming paranoid, and going without sleep for days at a time. Ben had complained about school pressures and his grades had suffered this past term; he wasn’t keeping up with his friends because he was working on a secret project. The hospital waiting room was filled with people, and there was Ben, sitting handcuffed between two RCMP officers. He had a wild look in his eyes, but his body was slumped in defeat. He glared at his parents and accused them of trying to get him arrested. Ben’s parents were shocked that their son would say and think such things. They were worried about Ben’s mental health and wellbeing and they were mortified since they knew many families sitting in their small town Emergency Room. People who have bipolar disorder, and their families and friends, find themselves in circumstances they never would have imagined. Sometimes these situations involve run-ins with the law, devastated relationships, involuntary hospitalization, and a life-long diagnosis that may require life-long medical treatment. Since mental illness occurs at the same rate in church folk as in the general population, how to interact with people affected by bipolar disorder is important for congregations to learn about. What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder has two components: depressive episodes and manic episodes. There are several types of Bipolar Disorder, with different expressions of the depressive and manic episodes. A depressive episode includes symptoms like a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in what used to be enjoyable, irritable mood, dramatic change in weight or appetite, insomnia, fatigue, feeling worthless, feeling guilty about everything, difficulty thinking

THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

or concentrating and recurring thoughts of death or suicide. A manic episode includes symptoms like an abnormally elevated or irritable mood where a person feels larger than life, needs little sleep, is more talkative than usual, has racing thoughts, is easily distracted, has bursts of goal-directed activity, or is physically agitated and acts impulsively, doing things that may have painful consequences (spending sprees, sexual indiscretions, gambling, driving recklessly). Sometimes a person with bipolar disorder will also have psychosis, which is hearing or seeing what the rest of us don’t see or hear; or having bizarre or unusual ideas. Usually these symptoms are disturbing enough that a person can’t function or may require hospitalization. Problems for the Church What is shocking to church folk is that people with bipolar disorder may act out of character or do things the church might consider sinful, like stealing, lying, boasting, sexual behaviours, substance abuse, and other actions. The church may have a dilemma about how to respond morally. There may also be a great sense of loss, especially before a person is diagnosed or stabilized. It may feel like the person is no longer him- or herself, or family and friends are struggling to cope with changes in their loved one. A great problem in the church is that people with mental health issues often disappear—sometimes by choice and sometimes because they are ignored or misunderstood. A belief that mental illness is the result of sin or Satan’s influence is relatively common in some churches. These beliefs make it hard to walk compassionately alongside a person with mental health challenges and they may increase people’s fear of relating to someone with bipolar disorder. Another church issue may be the time and care required to be with a person in the most painful parts of their illness. Caring may be difficult when the person continued on page 6

doesn’t change (or change fast enough), or when the illness causes them to be unpleasant or challenging to be with. Congregations may tire of going through a cycle of care, intervention, assistance or crisis. Strategy for the Church There is no cookie cutter strategy for meaningful connections with people with bipolar disorder. While the illness may affect the brain in similar ways, the effects and outcomes of both the illness and the treatments are individual. Here, though, are some strategies that might be introduced into church life: Education Many people are afraid of those who have bipolar disorder: will a person act strangely or be violent, how to handle unusual thoughts and/or experiences a person might talk about, what to do if the person talks about suicide, and other fears. By acknowledging those fears they can be addressed by gathering information and knowledge. For instance, people with mental illness are less likely to be violent than the general population. This is helpful to know! Organizations like the Mood Disorder Association offer information, reading materials, factual brochures, small groups, and one-on-one meetings. A counselling agency, mental health facility, or mental health professional might offer an Adult Education option Sunday mornings or provide information or suggestions to pastors, deacons, or other congregational caregivers. When working in Community Mental Health, I welcomed calls from a person’s support network. While I respected a client’s confidentiality, there was still general information I could share. People with any medical problem, including mental illnesses, tend to do better when they have social and family supports. When a congregation asks, “How can we help?” this is a great resource for health in a person’s or family member’s life. The fear of having to deal with someone who is, or may be, suicidal, is profound. Most of us know someone

People with any medical problem, including mental illnesses, tend to do better when they have social and family supports. When a congregation asks, “How can we help?” this is a great resource for health in a person’s or family member’s life.

who committed suicide and the horrible pain that comes in the aftermath. Most of us cherish life, and find the possibility of another’s suicide foreign and frightening. It is important to know what emergency resources are available nearby. Check into local information by consulting the phone book or Regional Health lists. These are helpful in an emergency or when we don’t know how to respond. Theological education Sometimes we look for theological hints or biblical clues when it comes to understanding mental illness. Most of what is known about mental illness has been learned in about the past century. In biblical times there were few ways to explain or understand mental illness. Some common stories or sayings from the Bible have influenced the way we think about mental illness: “Go and sin no more,” “Be healed,” “hard heart,” “Choose the good things,” “Don’t be anxious.” These sayings reflect a lack of understanding of what mental illness is and how to be with people who have mental illness. Misusing these phrases and attitudes imply that people with bipolar disorder are choosing sinful behaviours and attitudes, and that they should be able to triumph over their illness through confession, their spiritual relationship with God, and willpower. Forgotten, at times, are Elijah and Jonah’s stories, both of whom begged God to let them die. Forgotten are the Psalms in all their raw humanity: “My tears have fed me day and night” and pleas for God to intervene while the psalmist is down and out. Forgotten are Paul’s “thorn” (a burden he had to bear that would not go away) and his admission in Romans 7 about not being in control of his behaviour. These, and more, are examples of passages of understanding, and mercy that we can identify with when we or a family member suffer with mental illness. Far beyond these stories, the Bible contains powerful theological precepts that are more fundamental to Christianity than specific exhortations. The Bible is clear that God’s people are to be a light to the world. We T are to be leaders in compassion and justice. M Joanne Klassen, M.A. (Marriage and Family Therapy), M.A. (Theology), is the Director of Recovery of Hope, a counselling program offered by Eden Health Care Services in five communities in southern Manitoba. (This is a publication of Meetinghouse, an association of Anabaptist editors in Canada and the U.S.) Note: Eden Health Care Services has a website (edenhealth. mb.ca). MCC Canada has resources on mental health and disabilities (mcc.org/canada).

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with our churches

Always active at Abbeydale Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.): Water is a precious resource. From January 17–26, 2008, Abe and Kathy Janzen from Abbeydale, with other MCC delegates, traveled to Amman, Jordan, and the West Bank for fundraising for MCC’s Water Resource Development projects. Abe Janzen is MCC Alberta’s Executive Director. On February 29, 2008, about 15 of our youth participated in a prayer labyrinth at our church. The labyrinth’s purpose is to cause youth to desire reconciliation and to draw closer to God. A prayer labyrinth is a personal experience and a way to commune with Christ, and most of youth were silent and contemplative upon exiting. This labyrinth is actually a series of 11 stations of prayer that people rotate through. Each station has a different purpose to help in our daily walk with Christ. This seems to be the modern-day equivalent of a labyrinth, although true labyrinths exist at retreat centres and the like, and can be located outdoors in peaceful, garden-like settings. Kirsten Kroeker (daughter of Einar and

Abe and Kathy Janzen

Kirsten spoke about what it means to love your neighbour and the widows, orphans, and aliens as Jesus commanded in His second great commandment “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 12:31). Debbie Sandland from Abbeydale) spoke on April 13, 2008. Kirsten and her husband Matthew were members of Abbeydale. Kirsten moved to Winnipeg five years ago to work with Inner City Youth Alive Ministries in the North End of Winnipeg, one of the most impoverished areas in Canada; after their wedding, Matthew joined her. Kirsten spoke about what it means to love your neighbour and the widows, orphans, and aliens as Jesus commanded in His second great commandment “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 12:31). Kirsten shared stories of how she and Matthew endeavour to show God’s love to these neighbours. On one side of Kirsten and Matthew lives a single parent with six children. Some of the kids would often play in Matthew and Kirsten’s backyard. They particularly loved the swing Kirsten and Matthew have set up. At Christmastime, Kirsten made cookies with some of the children. One day Kirsten and Matt asked this woman’s grandparents to look after the children when they had to go out; the grandparents said yes, but said the police should be

Kirsten and Matthew Kroeker

called the next time instead. Kirsten wondered at the family dynamics that caused such a rift. The next day the police were at this neighbour’s house and Kirsten and Matthew haven’t seen the children since. On the other side of Kirsten and Matthew’s house live grandparents who are looking after their grandchildren. One morning Kirsten and Matt saw police tape strung from their house to their neighbours’ house, and learned that the grandparents’ house was shot full of bullet holes. Fortunately no one was hurt. When Kirsten and Matt spoke to these grandparents, the grandparents were afraid the culprit had gang involvement. The Master’s Singers presented several selections on April 20, 2008. Wes Dick from Abbeydale is involved in that ministry. Also on April 20, 2008, a Soup and Bun Fundraiser was held for Len Nations and Pastor David Funk who are traveling in May to Pakistan and China on a missions trip. More than $3,000 was raised. Kathy Dueck

with our churches continued p. 9

The Master’s Singers

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writings shared Hali Reimer

Gretchen: Darkness to Dawn by Aganetha Janz (Daphne Publications, 2007). 148 pp. $15.95. ISBN 978-0-9783816-0-8. Reviewed by Hali Reimer, MA (biblical counseling), a member of Steinbach EMC.

retchen: Darkness to Dawn is the journey of a troubled Mennonite girl finding her way into adulthood. Gretchen is a victim of incest by an uncle, and although she is eventually able to escape, she finds that the dark shadows of incest continue to follow her throughout her life. As a young girl, and like most survivors, Gretchen creates a fantasy world that she can escape to when the pain of her own life becomes too much to bear. Even though her uncle molested her, Gretchen believes that she was the one who sinned, and so tragically bears the guilt and shame for it through most of her life. Gretchen tries to reach out for help but she finds none. She tries to redeem herself through missions work, but is unable. She tries to forge relationships, but feelings of fear, insecurity and unworthiness keep her from connecting at a heart level. She wonders how long she will have to carry this burden because of what her uncle did so many years ago. She wonders how God fits into it all. There are times when the author Aganetha Janz captivates the reader with beautifully poetic and descriptive writing, pulling the reader into Gretchen’s world and experience.

It is a haunting but pleasurable read. Although there is no “quick ﬁx” for Gretchen’s childhood experience, the hope for inner restoration and peace is present throughout the book. The book is not an autobiography, though the author implies in her preface that some of the events are from her own life. It reads very much like a diary or memoir, and has snippets of poetry interspersed throughout the story, adding to its sense of artistry. Janz does not shy away from the issue of childhood sexual abuse and should be commended for it. Having said that, the way the book sometimes jumps from one thought to another and Janz’s usage of different literary genres can be somewhat confusing. There are breaks on occasion from the way Janz captivated the reader at the start of the book to what feels like a flat account of Gretchen’s experiences, and there are times when the reader does not know what purpose some passages serve. From a literary perspective, these points are concerning, though the method Janz uses provides the reader with an excellent understanding of the inner chaos almost all survivors of incest live in. As a whole, it is a haunting but pleasurable read. Although there is no “quick fix” for Gretchen’s childhood experience, the hope for inner restoration and peace is T present throughout the book. M The book is available at the EMC national ofﬁce.

Finally, a ministry especially suited for the mature Christian in sun city! The El Paso, Texas, guest house urgently needs hosts starting in April 2008. This volunteer position is adapted to the possibilities and gifts of the applicants. A one- to two-year commitment is preferred, and applicants must provide their own health insurance. Please send your application to emconf@mts.net.

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Missions keeps RFC busy! Rosenort Fellowship (Man.): On Sunday, May 4, our congregation gathered in the basement for a noon potluck in appreciation of RFC short-term missions, and reports were heard. Harry and Norma Koop and Elmer and Anne Brandt joined a work team headed by Dave and Laura Sharp in Manaus, Brazil. They John Driedger taught TEE to Sudanese refugees. worked in hot, humid conditions to rewire guest houses at the New Tribes mission Tina Driedger and Sharon Friesen visit with women in the refugee camp. station. Every winter since 1990 a group Friesen to Ethiopia in March to visit baptism. It is always encouraging for of volunteers has worked in the SIM Friesensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; missionary children, Rolf older believers to see the enthusiasm Retirement Village in Sebring, Florida. and Angela Kruse. They immersed of younger ones to follow the Lord Four RFC couples (Art and Martha themselves in work at Sherkole refugee in obedience of His command. Ross Dueck, Art and Rose Cornelsen, Frank camp. John taught men the TEE Klassen, Sean Friesen, and Matthew and Marianne Friesen, and Harry leadership course while Tina helped Siemens will be baptized on June 22. and Norma Koop) gave of their time Angela with cooking, looking after A Mexican fiesta at church in April to renovate homes and help elderly Krusesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; three children, and visiting raised funds for our youth to go to residents with house and window women. Driedgers were impressed with Chicago to work in a food kitchen cleaning. the dedicated work Kruses are doing in with the street mission DOOR. This is This is always a rewarding time difficult desert conditions. another enthusiastic group of young for us; we fellowship with missionary Our congregation gathered to people eager to serve the Lord. residents who have spent their lives encourage three young men who gave It is thrilling to see folks of all ages in serving the Lord and still continue their testimonies in preparation for the church involved in many aspects of to do so. We have been blessed by missions, both at home and far afield. wonderful friendships with residents Our busy missions committee has been and volunteers, which have deepened Driedgers were impressed keeping us informed of happenings and over the years. inviting speakers who inspire us. Thank with the dedicated work Heather Giesbrecht reported on her you! Kruses are doing in meaningful time in an Albanian Bible Rose Cornelsen college. difficult desert conditions. Our pastoral couple John and Tina Driedger accompanied Ron and Sharon

Ron and Sharon Friesen and Tina and John Driedger travelled to Ethiopia in March to visit Rolf and Angela Kruse.

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Elmer and Anne Brandt and Norma and Harry Koop (right) went to Manaus, Brazil, to assist with a work team led by Dave and Laura Sharp (middle left).

SIM retirement village beneﬁts from Canadians Rosenort Fellowship (Man.): On May We feel grateful to God that He led us to Sebring 4 Rose and Art Cornelsen reported on assisting at SIM’s retirement village in where we can be useful in our retirement. The Sebring, Florida. Here’s part of what they wonderful friendships we have made with both said: The retired missionaries in this residents and volunteers are definitely Godvillage are so grateful for our services given blessings and ample rewards. that it’s a joy to help them. Once again we had a great group of about 30 regular volunteers, 23 of them Canadians. We piano in the Lodge lounge and sing good there were 17 residents who went to be also had 10 visitors who worked a day old hymns with residents. Accompanied with the Lord—leaving more homes to For high school students here and there. The total value of the by the volunteers’ instruments of guitar, be renovated. gradeGarth 9 through The (completed village manager, Winsor, volunteer work added up to $102,444.50. accordion, and mouth organ, we truly graduates from asked some of usofto2008) return in EMC fall to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. This is close to what it is every winter. a concrete for a new fourplex SIM’s motto is By Prayer. We have prepareand EMMCslab churches The men’s work was destruction and construction, shingling and renovating, been aware of the missionaries’ and your to be constructed in winter. This will be Team building week at a electrical, plumbing, mechanics, painting, prayers for us. Throughout the 19 winters attached to the Lodge, the assisted living Manitoba Provincial Park, that we have spent in Sebring andFor general services. high maintenance school students (completed grade 9 through graduates of there has complex. and week in The workministry goes on.training They’ll never run never been a serious accident at work. The women’s work was mostly home 2008) from EMC and EMMC churches work. Some volunteers are not There have been incidents of sprained out of Winnipeg services, such as cleaning windows, Teamcupboards building week at a Manitoba Park,muscles, and ministry training ankles, sore stepping through a returning due to health and aging, and so sorting and closets, trimmingProvincial Approximate fee: $300 plus weekand in Winnipeg bushes raking yards. One lady is a ceiling when repairing a roof, dislocated we were thankful this year to have two transportation professional upholsterer andplus her transportation work is fingers, and miserable colds; but so far experienced carpenters join us. This was Approximate fee: $300 greatly appreciated. One lady went to the we have been spared serious mishaps, a real boost. Application deadline is May Application is May the 16, 2008. SIM-USA is impressed with work by Lodge regularlydeadline and massaged old for which we give God thanks. 16, 2008. Some people have asked when we’d Canadian volunteers and they hope the folks’ feet. Two of us kept records of the Contact: Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, emcger@mts.net or Contact:will Gerald Reimer, continue for years to hours volunteers put in, as is required by ever catch up and finish the work in winter program 204-326-6401. Conference Youth Minister, Sebring. Good question! Since SIM come. SIM Toronto. emcger@mts.net We feel grateful to Godor that He led us Wednesday evenings are possibly our amalgamated with several other missions where we can be useful in our 204-326-6401. favourite times when we gather around the there has been a shortage of housing for to Sebring retirement. The wonderful friendships retired missionaries. SIM’s retirement village in California we have made with both residents and closed down and those residents have volunteers are definitely God-given been moved to Sebring. There was a blessings and ample rewards. Rose Cornelsen scramble for housing for them, but PALMOWSKI – PLETT: Andy Palmowski and with the help of the volunteers it was Shannon Plett were married on April 12, 2008, accomplished. However, last year alone

June 29–July 13, 2008

wedding

in Calgary, Alta. The couple will make their home in England.

Logo Search is On! The EMC General Board suggests it’s time for our conference to consider a new logo.

June 29–July 13, 2008

June 29–July 13, 2008 For high school students (completed grade 9 through graduates of 2008) from EMC and EMMC churches Team building week at a Manitoba Provincial Park, and ministry training week in Winnipeg Approximate fee: $300 plus transportation Application deadline is May 16, 2008. Contact: Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, emcger@mts.net or 204-326-6401.

We invite you toschool students For high submit samples, with (completed grade 9 through a brief descriptionof 2008) from EMC graduates of theand values and churches EMMC beliefs it expresses. Team building week at a The logo is to be in colour, Manitoba but also useable Provincial in black andPark, white. andwould ministry training week in The logo be used to identify our Conference Winnipegand can be used by churches to identify with the EMC at Approximate fee: $300 plus a local level.

transportation

An honourarium of $250 will be deadline is May givenApplication for the logo chosen. Please 16, 2008. submit your logo ideas to Ruth Anne Peters, GeneralGerald Board Administrative Contact: Reimer, Assistant, at emconf@mts.net; fax Conference Youth Minister, 204-326-1613; phone 204-326-6401.

emcger@mts.net or 204-326-6401.

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archivist’s alcove Loren Koehler, volunteer archivist

Volunteers are welcome!

ev. Dave K. Schellenberg wrote a practical article on archiving at a church level (April 2). This was based on a recent workshop held at Steinbach Bible College called History in the

Making. For those wanting details on preserving the history of your congregation, you can find some practical help at www.mbhistory.org/preservation.en.html, which contains material compiled by Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Brethren Conference. There is still a need for more people to help out as volunteers with the archives. In the past, volunteers have assisted with sorting photos and organizing materials. Some are currently involved in translating documents. Usually, no special requirements are necessary. You can get orientation at the EMC national office. Welcome!

• Organizing copies of The Messenger for other archives • Photo research • Translation of German materials (older or modern) into English T • And more! M

Some areas where help is needed: • Catalog entry on computer (basic listing of materials) • Organizing of books

Loren Koehler and Betty Koop have assisted in the EMC archives.

Friesen new EMMC executive director The 14th Annual

Jake Friesen will start September 15 as Executive Director for the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference. For the past 19 years he has served as pastor of Aylmer (Ont.) EMMC. He has a BRS from SBC, an MTS from Tyndale Seminary, and is engaged in other studies. The EMMC has 34 churches in Canada, U.S., and Belize. EMMC

EMC Golf Classic June 12, 2008 Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course Cost: $125 ($50 is receiptable) Call Ron Penner at 204-255-8062 to register. Arlene and Jake Friesen

Calling Steinbach Christian High School alumni from 1971–2007

SCHS Alumni Brunch May 24, 2008, 10 a.m. SCHS, Steinbach, Man. If you taught, attended or graduated from SCHS from 1971 to 2007, join your classmates at the first SCHS alumni brunch. Registration fee: $15 or $25 per couple. Register with fee by May 2: 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, 204-326-3537, jfriesen@schs.ca.

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The Mountain Mover I sense a power A mighty power surge if I’m plugged into God It’s only in my great weakness

and in God’s great strength That I have enough power to move mountains.

Laura Plett Siemens

Localized ﬁre damages ICYA workshop Fire damaged the workshop at Inner City Youth Alive, a Christian ministry in Winnipeg’s North End, in the early evening of Wednesday, April 30. Local residents and Winnipeg’s fire service responded to contain the fire. No one was injured in the incident.

Inner City Youth Alive, which has served for 22 years on Aberdeen Ave., has a work education program (including its workshop program), a private school, a drop-in centre, a church plant, a camping program, and more. Two EMC national office staff members

ICYA director Kent Dueck kneels by evidence of ﬁre damage.

(Terry Smith)

visited the site on Thursday morning, May 1. At that time, there was no firm current dollar estimate of the damage, nor any clear understanding of the wider structural damage that the fire might have caused. A later estimate put the damage at $250,000. It is hoped that most of Inner City’s ministries will continue shortly, according to director Kent Dueck, though some ministries (including that of the workshop program) will be delayed perhaps for two months. Safety inspections need to occur and the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. ICYA does have insurance. ICYA is grateful for community support shown by calling the fire department and working to contain the fire. It welcomes prayers as it makes necessary plans and temporary adjustments. EM churches are welcome to remember ICYA’s staff and situation in prayer, to assist through donations toward a sprinkler system, and to contact ICYA before sending volunteers. Tim Dyck General Secretary

THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

stewardship today Edwin Friesen

Entrepreneurs, God’s gift to the Church

ometimes business entrepreneurs get a bad rap in our churches. Far too frequently they are stereotyped as caring only about the bottom line with little regard for the welfare of their employees, the environment, and tax rules. On the other hand, business people may feel that the Church sees them primarily as an ATM machine with little regard for them as individuals or for the wisdom and skills they can bring to the Church. To be sure, there are business people deserving of such negative stereotyping, just like there are in other professions; but there are many entrepreneurs that deserve better, much better. In my years with MFC I have met many entrepreneurs who believe that business is what God has called them to and, within that calling, they seek to provide a good

Business people are God’s gift to the Church. Often they have skills in planning, management, human resources, big picture thinking, and problem solving that can add depth to the ministry of any church.

product, be fair to their employees (and their families), make a margin, and be generous with their profits. Many of them go the second mile for their employees, helping them over a rough spot in their personal lives even when their productivity lags. Jesus seemed drawn to business people. He mixed easily with the tax collectors (Matthew 9:9–13), joining them for an evening of conversation and dinner hosted by Matthew, a new follower of Jesus. On another occasion he invited himself to the home of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9), another wealthy tax-collector who turned on a dime, made restitution for fraud, and heard Jesus pronounce a blessing on his home. Jesus and his entourage were supported in their itinerant ministry by a group of women who, as Luke is careful to note (Luke 8:1–3), did so out of their own income, in all likelihood, self-employed income. Many of Jesus’ stories and parables have an entrepreneurial flavour. In one story (Matthew 25:14–30), an entrepreneur gave various amounts of money to three individuals and sometime later called them to account. Two had doubled their money and were highly commended. The third had kept the money safe but was soundly condemned for not having ventured. The first two saw opportunities and pursued them and the third waited for a cloudless sky which never came. Business people are God’s gift to the Church, just like janitors, musicians, teachers, ushers, food coordinators, and youth sponsors. Often they have skills in planning, management, human resources, big picture thinking, and problem solving that can add depth to the ministry of any church. The next time you find yourself negatively stereotyping entrepreneurs in your church, ask yourself some questions. How many people in your church, including yourself, would have a job if there were no entrepreneurs? What personal skills do the entrepreneurs in your church have that could enhance the work of your church? Don’t short-change your church by marginalizing the entrepreneurs in your church. After all, they are God’s gift to the Church. And when you take an entrepreneur out for lunch, pick up the tab (that will really surprise them) and leave a T generous tip. That will surprise them even more. M For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office: Abbotsford – Ed Wedel, 888-212-8608; Calgary – Gary Sawatzky, 877-717-0708; Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen, 888-212-8731; Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, Sherri Grosz, 888-212-7759; Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 800-772-3257..

THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

Alumni Brunch

Reimers: North End work paved by SBC SBC’s MissionX experiences in the Winnipeg’s inner city and northern Manitoba paved the way Reimers said they have a to involvement in church planting in one of Canada’s poorest deepening passion to stand neighbourhoods. in solidarity with inner city That’s the report of Andrew and Amie Reimer, 1998 graduates and people, and look to God speakers at SBC’s Alumni Brunch to help them be the “holy on April 26. Reimers met at SBC and soon people” Colossians 3 speaks after marriage felt a desire to work about. in Winnipeg’s core. After soul Andrew and Amie Reimer shared about their work at the North End searching, they became church Community Church in Winnipeg. The EMC is a partner in this Triplanters in the North End. Conference church plant. Within a year, a group formed The brunch also featured music by professor Ernie and Diane Koop). the beginnings of North End Community After the brunch, classes of 1958 and Church. At first they met in homes; now One Reason (a group which includes they partner with Inner City Youth Alive grads), a college trivia quiz conducted 1968 reunited, and the class of 2008 by professors Terry Hiebert and prepared for the next day’s graduation and meet in its facilities. In addition to Sunday afternoon Gord Penner, and a slide presentation ceremonies. grads (presented by Doris Penner, SBC worship services, the church gathers honouring for potlucks and picnics and holds youth meetings. Amy noted they have a tradition of hosting an Easter sunrise service on a hill overlooking the city, then meeting for breakfast. “We feel honoured when people open up to us,” said Amie. As a family they visit the neighbourhood playground, shop locally, plant garden plots by those of neighbours, and purchase clothes and household items at the MCC thrift store. The couple said they have a deepening passion to stand in solidarity with inner city people, and look to God to help them be the “holy people” Colossians 3 speaks about. At the brunch, graduates of the years ending in ‘8’ were honoured, with 2008 grads being welcomed into the alumni association by SBC president Rob One Reason provided music. Reimer. (all photos by Gord Penner)

Class of 1968 reunion

Dave (grad ’58) and Fran Harms reminisce with classmates and SBC friends.

THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

SBC Grad 2008

Walk humbly with your God The sanctuary was filled with beautiful organ music as To be servant leaders, we can take Jesus’ guests arrived at Steinbach EMC on April 27. Music and example. Jesus walked humbly and laughter subsided as Dr. Rob wanted success for others, said Dr. Arley Reimer, president, welcomed the gathering to the graduation Loewen. ceremony of Steinbach Bible College. The graduating class selected Peter Holland’s Opus, the story of a frustrated Klassen to deliver the valedictory. During composer who became a respected his time at SBC, significant changes high school music teacher. It illustrated occurred: three presidents in three how we are to influence others to reach years, moving from a semester system beyond what we are capable of. At Holland’s retirement celebration, to a block system, and MissionX, he said. Students learned to be peacemakers and one student says, gesturing to the were challenged to be servant leaders. audience of present and former students, Their experiences ruined them to have “We are the symphony of your life.” The prophet Micah asked, “And what “normal” lives. They were reminded that they were human beings, not human does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly doings. Klassen said the purpose of education with your God.” To be servant leaders, is missions and to be missional. If life is we can take Jesus’ example. Jesus walked the pursuit of the right questions, you humbly and wanted success for others, will never arrive at the right answers. He said Loewen. Formalities were overlooked when closed with, “Now is the highlight of your certain grads hugged President Reimer life.” Scott Dick, in the Undergraduate while receiving their diplomas. Fourteen graduates received their Response, thanked the graduating class for its example and inspiration, and Bachelor of Arts degree and eight encouraged it to “Go reflect God’s light in received a Diploma of Biblical Studies. Eleven students had earlier received the darkness.” Dr. Arley Loewen, of Operation Mercy one-year certificates. Lil Goertzen, Editor Afghanistan, gave the Commencement The Recorder Address. He drew upon the movie Mr.

SBC graduate class of 2008

THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

Dr. Arley Loewen

Peter Klassen

(all photos by Matt Dueck)

faith in action Wally Doerksen

Is God in the rubble?

anadians hear a lot in the news about whether or not our troops should be in Afghanistan, especially in a combative role. As Mennonites we may tend to think that we cannot and should not support our government’s position in Afghanistan if it includes fighting and subsequently the death of our soldiers. Or we may simply not care to put forth a position because this country is too far removed from us to be of any great concern. A country filled with warlords and Muslims, or whatever religion people there cling to in ignorance, likely has brought upon itself much of its troubles. I will not admit to thinking all of these thoughts, but some have crossed my mind. Then I read the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (Penguin, 2007), an Afghan-born physician, and my mind was blown.

Was it a great failure of the Church to ignore the extreme suffering going on in Afghanistan for years? Will God ever ask of us, “What were you doing when your brothers were suffering in Afghanistan?” Perhaps I will never recover to my former ignorant, uninformed, or misguided state of mind about Afghanistan. This is not to say that I now know everything about this country. That is far from true. I do think, though, that I got a few glimpses into things. Not ever having lived in the midst of a war, how can I say the inhabitants should not strike back or do other things which we would generally say is unacceptable “Christian” behaviour? How can I determine which side God is on in a “holy” war? Is God always on the side of the U.S., or 16

North America, or the UN? If so, why? If not, how can we “cheer” for one side against the other? Was it a great failure of the Church to ignore the extreme suffering going on in this country for years? Will God ever ask of us, “What were you doing when your brothers were suffering in Afghanistan?” And will we reply that they were not my brothers because they did not claim to be Christian? The two main characters in this novel are women, and it highlights issues and difficulties they endure. Some of their experiences are unbelievable, and my fist clenched in anger on more than one occasion while I was reading. There is so much heartache it is hard to comprehend that anyone can stand this kind of trouble and abuse. We have been taught that in those circumstances our God will look after us and provide us with the strength to carry on. Does He provide that same strength to Afghani women as well? Or are all people outside of what we call Christendom left to their own devices? I do not think it is the Church’s mandate to solve world poverty, or to cure all terrible diseases, or to bring world peace. This does not mean that, therefore, we do nothing. It should make us think twice about sitting comfortably in our pews and singing praises to God. We recognize that Jesus was harshest in his criticism of religious leaders of the day. Have we turned into those same leaders ourselves? I recommend this book as a valuable read. Expect to be troubled T after you are done. M Editor’s note: Wally Doerksen, who has served as chair of the EMC Social Concerns Committee, says, “This article was not intended to be a definitive discussion on war, or on Afghanistan, or on any EMC positions. It was intended to make us think and to motivate us to see beyond our traditional boundaries.” THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

inner rantings Kent Dueck

Tough stuﬀ called change

omewhere I got the big idea that the Church was going to change the world. A speaker got us worked up about the

Lasting change takes time, efforts, and a miracle here and there.

idea. I believed stories told by missionaries about dynamic community transformation and Damascus road experiences. The world was Goliath and we were David; in the blink of an eye things could be different. Sure, the odds were against us but it would happen. I believed them when they told me that I, too, could be a part of this movement. It’ll be 22 years that I have been trying to be a catalyst for change in one of Canada’s most poverty-stricken communities. Change. The changes in churches I have seen have to do with governance, hymns versus choruses, and the youth pastor (those guys need changing regularly). Change indeed, but not changing the world in an instant. The question echoes: How are we going to change the world when we struggle to change ourselves? Perhaps we have stopped believing change is possible. A local charity ran a campaign with a tag line: change happens. I argued with their billboard every time I drove by it. Theologically, it didn’t make sense. It sounded too easy and didn’t square with what I had seen. Lasting change takes time, efforts, and a miracle here and there. I think of people we’ve known and loved for years. They’ve been on a rollercoaster of addictions, suicide, and grief—the kind of grief I tire to describe because words can’t capture it. That some people I know haven’t taken their lives is a miracle in itself. I think of people who dream of change, who live for change. They give me an update and don’t sugarcoat it. They might be depressed, addicted, or doing pretty good. I think of restraining orders, which seem sometimes to not be worth the paper they’re written on. I think of throw-away children. When I hear stories, I’m not surprised. Yet these individuals have something we need to see as a body of Christ followers. Intact after years of hardship is a glimmer of hope for change. They’re hanging in there, convinced it can only get better. This stuff called change takes time and the whole venture hangs on one word: Hope. We can’t give up, no matter what comes our way. Romans 8:25–26 says “but hope that can be seen is no hope at all. For who hopes

THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

for what he already has. We hope for what we don’t have yet. So we are patient as we wait for it.” We need to tenaciously cling to that picture of change. Remember, the hardest part of change is the waiting. One of our staff had been meeting with a group of boys for years for discipleship. One day a neighbour taunted him, “You will never change this neighbourhood.” He replied, “I’m not trying to change the neighbourhood. I am trying to change the world.” If we don’t lose hope and if we are faithful with that T one person in front of us, we will change the world. M Kent Dueck is executive director of Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg’s North End. On April 30 ICYA suffered a fire that caused damage estimated at $250,000, but, yes, it carries on.

2.6 billion people live on less than $2 (USD) a day, around one billion on less than $1 (USD).

(UN, 2007)

Change is needed:

I’m also worth it!

Mennonites and Lutherans keep talking Lutheran (ELCA) and Mennonite Church USA leaders met February 21 in Elkhart, Indiana. In fall 2006, ELCA declared its “deep and abiding sorrow and regret for the persecution and suffering visited upon Anabaptists during the religious disputes of the past.” MC USA executive director James Schrag responded in a letter April 2007 expressing appreciation for the declaration and called for a blessing on “future collaboration between our two churches.” At the February 21 meeting John D. Roth, a Goshen College history professor, listed four challenges as Lutheran repudiations are communicated among Mennonites:

Mennonites have appropriated a martyr pathology: “When someone says, ‘I’m sorry,’ can we give it up?”

• The impulse toward vindication that reinforces our smugness and arrogance: “We were the true Christians being persecuted, and now 500 years later we are being vindicated.” • Moving on: “This now ﬁ nally allows us to leave the past behind and get on with the business of being good, generic American Protestants.” • Mennonites have appropriated a martyr pathology: “When someone says, ‘I’m sorry,’ can we give it up?” • Ecumenism and narcissism: “It’s relatively easy to start conversations with people who are quite different. The much, much harder thing is to initiate conversations with those groups who are just a little bit different…Freud called this ‘the narcissism of minor differences.’” It was noted that two differences remain unresolved: the church-state relationship and baptism. No further formal dialogue is planned at this point. Everett J. Thomas, MWC

Rest Haven holds volunteer appreciation tea

coming events May 24 Steinbach Christian High School Alumni Brunch See ad on page 11 for details

June 9–11 Never Call Them Jerks: Healthy Responses to Difficult Behaviour Workshop on conﬂict Dr. Arthur Paul Boers Cost: $285 (less for groups) Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570 www.cmu.ca/church-community/03_icp.html d.pankratz@uwinnnipeg.ca

June 11–14 Believers’ Church Conference Congregationalism, Denomination-alism, and the Body of Christ Keynote speakers: Reginald W. Bibby, Fernando Enns, Jonathan R. Wilson Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570 www.cmu.ca

June 12–14 Canada’s Largest Christian Writers’ Conference Tracing My Journey The Word Guild Guelph, Ont. 519-886-4196 www.thewordguild.com

July 4–6 Fire it Up! EMC Annual Convention Steinbach Mennonite Church Steinbach, Man. 204-326-6401 www.emconf.ca

July 8–10 Tom and Christine Sine, futurists Opening speakers at People’s Summit for Faithful Living Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570 www.cmu.ca

Bonanza Dinner Theatre St. Vital EM Church May 24, 2008 Rest Haven Nursing Home held its volunteer appreciation spring tea in the early evening of May 1, 2008, at Steinbach EMC. Volunteer coordinator Wilma Doerksen and chaplain Bill Kehler were among Rest Haven staff to pay tribute. Rest Haven is owned by Region 8 EM churches. (Terry Smith)

An evening of food and frivolity for everyone 12 and older! For ticket information, call 204-475-1148.

THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

shoulder tapping Christian Fellowship Church (EMC), located in the village of Birch River, Man., seeks a full-time pastor to begin early in 2009. For information or to submit a resume and names of three references, contact Harold Thiessen, Elders Board Chair, at 204-238-4443 or RR1, Bowsman, MB R0L 0H0. Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church is inviting applications for the position of full-time youth pastor. Please submit inquiries or resumes to Anthony Reimer, Administrative Pastor, Box 114, Blumenort, MB R0A 0C0, 204-326-1644, anthony.blumemc@mts.net. Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church is seeking an associate pastor to function in a fulltime capacity within a team environment together with a lead pastor, youth pastor, and support staff. Submit resumes and cover letters to Henry Nickel, 205 Granite Park Blvd., Steinbach, MB R5G 2A9 or hcnickel@shaw.ca. Hillside Christian Fellowship (EMC) seeks a pastor to serve in full-time ministry with a parttime emphasis on youth. We are a family oriented rural church located in the heart of a farming community 20 minutes south of La Crete, Alta. Contact Johnny Wieler at 780-928-3880 or email AVLL@siscanada.ca. Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in eastcentral Saskatchewan, is 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. Leamington EMC, in southern Ontario, seeks a full-time youth pastor to work with our junior and senior youth groups. Contact Abe Klassen, board chairman, at 519-816-1840 or abek@ masterconveyors.com; or Danny Dick, ministerial chair, at 519-326-4584. Pelly Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a youth worker or couple to develop a program for youth and junior youth. PFC is a small church in the village of Pelly, located in central Sask., close to the Manitoba border. Submit resume to Pastor John Froese, Box 70, Pelly, SK S0A 2Z0. Phone 306-595-2074. E-mail pastor@pellyfellowship. com. 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. Direct inquiries to church planting coordinator Ward Parkinson, 204-326-6401, e-mail: emcward@mts.net.

Fuller text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm

ministry. It is a full time position with a three year renewable term and a negotiable start date. A position description is available at www. mcc.org or upon request. Applications accepted until May 30, 2008. Send an application letter and a resume to John Elias, Chair, MCCS Search Committee, 600 - 45th Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5W9; elias@shaw.ca. MCC urgently seeks applicants for program reps for West Europe (Bonn, Germany) and Former Soviet Union (Zaporozhye, Ukraine). Contact local MCC for information: 1-888-622-6337 (toll free in Canada); e-mail Karen Grace-Pankratz (karengrace-pankratz@ mennonitecc.ca) or Marsha Jones (mgj@ mennonitecc.ca). View job descriptions (www. mcc.org). Inner City Youth Alive seeks these full-time workers: operations manager, meals program coordinator, and camp director. ICYA is a Christian organization located in the North End of Winnipeg, Man. For over 21 years we have been bringing hope and a future through Christ to youth and their families dealing with poverty and related issues. Contact: Shonet, ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; 204-582-8779; (fax) 204-582-4729; shonet@icya.ca Mennonite Foundation of Canada seeks a full-time stewardship consultant in its Abbotsford, B.C., office. This person will be responsible to provide charitable gift and estate planning services and to promote biblical stewardship of financial resources in our constituent churches in British Columbia. Submit resumes to Erwin Warkentin, General Manager, 12-1325 Markham Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6; 1-800-772-3257; fax 204-488-1986; e-mail ewarkentin@mennofoundation.ca; www. mennofoundation.ca. Steinbach Bible College invites applications for a part-time Food Services Cook Level 3. Preferred applicant to have commercial food preparation experience. Application form and job description are available at the SBC reception desk. Submit application, resume, and cover letter to: Steinbach Bible College, Attn: Gil Drolet, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, Fax: 204-326-6908, e-mail: gdrolet@scschools.ca. Beaver Creek Bible Camp Inc. is looking for a permanent part-time director. BCBC is located 1.5 hrs north of Winnipeg on the shore of Lake Winnipeg. For details or to forward resumes contact Eric at 204-378-2857 or Andrew at 204-378-2413.

Midway Bible Camp (near Thompson, Man.) needs a director and other staff. Continental Mission, of which MBC is a part, is also looking for a full-time treasurer. For information call director Paul Giesbrecht at (office) 204-778-4491 or mission worker Bill Penner 204-679-1005 (cell).

Red Rock Bible camp seeks an assistant cook. This is a year-round ministry opportunity. Housing, partial board, salary, medical and dental benefits provided. Send resume to: Red Rock Bible Camp, 204-320 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z1, Email: kim@redrockbiblecamp.com.

MCC Saskatchewan Board seeks an executive director to lead team members into the passion and hope represented by the church of Jesus Christ and become actively engaged in its

Community Bible Fellowship Christian School, a K-8 school located in Swan River, Man., seeks a multi-grade teacher. Must hold a Manitoba

THE MESSENGER May 14, 2008

Teacher’s Certificate, be born again, and provide pastoral references. Send resume to CBFCS, Box 1630, Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0; 204-734-2174. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. MCC Saskatchewan seeks a donor development coordinator to develop, maintain and grow the financial donor support base. This is a unique opportunity for someone with vision, energy, and a desire to capitalize on the immense opportunities offered by a strong, supportive and diverse Saskatchewan constituency (see full job description mcc.org/ sask). Contact Dorothy Bartel at 306-665-2555; dbartel@mccs.org. Applications considered until May 23, 2008. Rainbow Christian School (preschool to grade 8), serving a vibrant learning community of 80 students, seeks a full-time principal for 2008–2009 school year (60% administrative, 40% teaching). Principal is to be in charge overall of operations. Send a cover letter, resume, philosophy of Christian Education, and a statement of faith to Rainbow Christian School Search Committee, Box 710, 448 Connaught St., Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; 250-567-3127; Fax 250-567-3167; rcschool@ telus.net. Full time senior pastor required for Grunthal Bergthaler Mennonite Church (non-affiliated) in Grunthal, Man. Congregation size is 200–300. Send resume and references to GBMC, Box 70, Grunthal, MB R0A 0R0, Attn. Elder Board; or email at gbmchurch@hotmail.com. MCC Saskatchewan seeks a restorative justice coordinator to facilitate justice practices, education and advocacy within the MCCS constituency and its communities, including the intersecting agenda of Peace and Justice with Aboriginal Neighbours and Treaty Justice. The job description is available at mcc.org/ sask. All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership, and nonviolent peacemaking. For information contact Dorothy Bartel at 306-665-2555 or dbartel@mccs. org. Applications will be considered until June 30, 2008. TEAM in South Africa/Swaziland seeks a web page designer and host. No relocation necessary to serve the King (www.teamsouthafrica.20m. com.). Apply to Joe Reimer, TEAM ministry area leader, joereim@wetlands.co.za. Faith Christian School (grades K-12), in beautiful northeast Texas, seeks teachers dedicated to Christian education in a German setting. For information or an application, contact Ted Friesen at 903-739-8607 or tfriesen@wb4me.com. Linda Vista School in Blue Creek, Belize, requires two high school teachers for the coming school year—August 2008 to May 2009. The school is connected with the EMMC. Contact Abe Rempel at aberempelpilot@yahoo.ca.

KIDS’

corner Loreena Thiessen

Your best friend

ho is your best friend? Why? Do you spend as much time together as possible? Does the person laugh at your jokes? Can you depend on them? To have a best friend you must be a best friend. How can you be These are things a best friend the best friend possible? You can tell the truth, with kindness, not would do. A famous man, Henry Ford, once snapping at them or blaming them (Psalm 15:2–3). said, “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” This means that someone who is your best friend would listen to your dreams and hopes. You could talk to your friend To have a best friend you must be a best friend. How about what you would like to do or be. Then your can you be the best friend possible? friend would help you to do that very thing. The Bible has some suggestions. For example, let’s say your friend likes to play You can tell the truth, with kindness, not snapping soccer but you like swimming. Because he or she is at them or blaming them (Psalm 15:2–3). your best friend you go to watch their game. Then When you promise to do something stick to your your friend goes with you to swim and play at the pool. promise. David and Jonathan were friends who did. Even if both of you like to do different things, you want Jonathan promised to protect David from Saul, and your friend to enjoy what they do and do the best they David promised to look after Jonathan’s son. They kept T can. their promises. Read their story in 1 Samuel 20:16–17. M Sometimes you do the same things, but not always. What’s important is to be together. In Winnie the Pooh Piglet says to Pooh, “I want to Activity: be sure of you.” This is how it is with best friends; you Complete these sentences: want them to be there with you. My best friend is ________________________________. Another important thing is that a best friend is honest. A friend will tell you the truth. Only a best One thing I like about my friend is __________________. friend can tell you that your face is dirty, or that you Something my friend does well is ___________________. have something stuck is your teeth. A friend will tell We share _______________________________________. you the truth because they want you to be your best, We like to ______________________________________. and doesn’t want someone else to laugh at you. A best friend can never leave you. Even when on Something I like to do for my friend is _______________. vacation, a friend will send you a postcard, call you, or The reason he or she is my best friend is _____________. write an e-mail. They want to share experiences with you, tell you how much fun they’re having, and that Let your best friend read what you wrote. they miss you. PAGE 20

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