THE
MESSENGER
a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
volume 46, number 11 June 11, 2008
Bipolar disorder
and the Church’s response www.emconf.ca/Messenger
editorials
To move beyond devotion
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hen the scene of my Christian ministry changed from Canada to England, it quickly became apparent to me that the burden of my preaching and writing must now be apologetic, in the classic sense of that word. Whereas in North America people were asking, “What light does the Church’s Gospel shed on the practical problems of life?”, in Britain, as in all Europe, they are asking, “Is the Church’s Gospel still true?” So decided Dr. Leonard Griffith, who served The City Temple in London, England, in a 1962 statement. Fortysix years later would his decision now fit Canada? The gospel’s relevance remains. However, some
“In America we live in a Jesus-haunted culture that is biblically illiterate,” says Dr. Ben Witherington, an evangelical New Testament scholar.
Canadians ask, “Is the Church’s Gospel still true?” Others ask, “Was the Church’s Gospel ever true? And, even if so, why should this matter to me when I have my own truth today?” Similarly, “In America we live in a Jesus-haunted culture that is biblically illiterate,” says Dr. Ben Witherington, an evangelical New Testament scholar. “Jesus is a household name, and yet only a distinct minority of Americans have studied an English translation of the original documents that tell us about Jesus” [the New Testament]. Apologists such as Lee Strobel, Ravi Zacharias, and Josh McDowell have roles to play. Will the EMC pulpit need to move beyond a devotional presentation of Scripture? Yes, in order to engage more of society through a proclamation of our Christian Faith that is conversant with both biblical criticism and T apologetics. Will it be equal to the task? M Terry M. Smith
Augustine and Ron MacLean
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rofessor Ernie Koop (Steinbach Bourbonnais quoted Augustine, the early Bible College) is passionate about A Christian should love church leader, as saying that a Christian missions. Christ as much as Ron should love God the way a hunter loves Pastor Glenn Loewen (Portage hunting. Evangelical Church) is fervent about MacLean loves hockey. Perhaps a current version might be: A seeking the holiness of God. Kent Dueck Christian should love Christ as much as (Inner City Youth Alive) is ardent about inner city work. Ron MacLean loves hockey. EMC members have many passions. When spring and While nothing in Scripture directly mentions golf, summer come, what passions of yours get expressed? various passages touch on hunting. Perhaps it took a Through our passions we motivate, educate, and hunter’s eye—or someone familiar with hunters—to challenge. Our passions show, in part, our gifts. Through mention the delight of “mountains rich with game” our passions we provide needed balance and perspective (Psalm 76:4). to each another. But Asaph the Psalmist doesn’t end with a glimpse How are our passions tied to the Passion (the suffering of a hunter’s short-sighted version of pleasure. Rather, and death) of Jesus Christ? This will be tested by him (1 he says of God, “You are resplendent with light, more Corinthians 3:10–14); we are to build on the foundation majestic than mountains rich with game” (Psalm 76:4). T of Christ. Asaph has his passion, and his priorities, clear. M Years ago I attended the funeral of a man who drowned Terry M. Smith while moose hunting. During the sermon, priest Denis
EDITOR Terry M. Smith emcterry@mts.net
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler
emcmessenger@mts.net
MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 13 – July 16 (copy due June 20)
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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.
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 June 11, 2008
letters Are my dreams what God wants?
Stick with it, brother Gerald! I have appreciated the gentle prophetic sense reflected in several of Gerald Reimer’s articles as seen in The Messenger. God is calling the Bride of His dear Son back into radical, love-sick devotion and abandoned living. It’s this kind of Christianity that will survive and thrive in these last days; but also be challenged. Keep going, brother Gerald! Our youth desperately need the power, purity, and reality of the Holy Spirit, as do the rest of us! The following rendition of a deeply moving prayer reflects well what this is all about: “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made—I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. “I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. “My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ. “I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me; and when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.” Glenn Loewen Portage la Prairie, Man.
THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
In response to Motherhood: A Forgotten Career (April 16) and What if mothers have different dreams? (May 1), I am a pastor’s wife who works 4/5 time at a career type job; we have two children now in school full-time. When my husband and I married, we were older than some, and I had already been working full-time for at least 10 years of my life and I liked my work. When our daughter was born I did wonder if I should stay home, but we prayed for God’s leading and there was no question that I would go back to work after my six-month maternity leave. Part of our prayer process was also our concern for care of our daughter. God answered this prayer with a woman from our church; later it was the right timing for my mother-in-law to provide the child care. When our son was born, again I went back to work, this time after an eightmonth maternity leave. I worked for six months and then quit when we were called to pastor at Kleefeld EMC. I was home for a year and half with our children, and during this time did some babysitting for extra money and also for company for our children. It was a tough time, not just because of the changes and isolation from the outside world, but also for my husband as he felt he was the only breadwinner in the family. (No, I do not make homemade bread like my Mom and therefore I would have to win it.)
We prayed for direction in our lives and the answer came back for me to get back to work. God provided an opportunity that we could not see as anything less than his leading and therefore to say no would be disobedience. With me working we have benefits that the churches cannot always supply, but I believe that these benefits are from God for my family. Because I was working, I could pay other mothers to care for my children so they could afford to stay at home longer with their children. I knew my children were being well cared for and also having the social interaction they needed. We all have our stories and reasons for the choices we make. I believe both Ms. Rogers and Ms. Kroeker Boggs are and were doing what God called them to do. God made each of us with different abilities and needs. In whatever we do we need to put God first and be open to what he has called us to do. This is not just for mothers and wives but also for husbands and fathers and those who are single. It is not only for pastors and missionaries, but also for farmers and radio DJs and computer techs. God is love and he cares about every aspect of our lives, and he will provide if we are open to his calling. Sharon Klassen Kleefeld, Man.
Not what we wear? If a person were invited to Buckingham Palace to see the queen, would they wear blue jeans? I wonder if they’d even let them in. Even the non-believer dresses up for a social event, but us, we come as we are. God judges what’s in the heart, not what’s in the mind or on the body [letters, May 1]. True, but I put on my very best on Sunday morning because I am going to the House of God to worship the King. I wonder sometimes how the outside world sees us Christians as we do church. We have swung away from legalism so far that now we are “hanging loose” as we would have said it in my day, but now I think the word is “cool.” Cool, is that what we are! Fine, guys, grow your hair, but please wash and comb them. Simon on American Idol told Carly Smithson to dress like a performer. The secular world is telling each other, while millions of people are watching, that it’s not cool to let it all hang out.
Maybe our pastors (men of God) should tell us how we should dress when we come to worship the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, but then again I have also seen them deliver a message wearing their work clothes (jeans). In my time no one other than authorized persons were allowed behind the pulpit, which was a sacred place. Maybe they carried it too far at that time, true, but now it has become a gymnasium where toddlers chase each other around after the service while mothers watch and hope they won’t hurt themselves. Maybe if we sat while we sang and stood during the sermon we might get the message. Okay, I am sorry; maybe that is a bit hard. But let’s at least keep the volume button at the same level during the sermon as it was during the band. By the way, I just cannot visualize Jesus in blue jeans. Sorry. Walter Hamm Riverton, Man.
letters continued page 6 3
Part two of two
Bipolar disorder and the Church’s response Joanne Klassen
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hen the Church seeks to be a compassionate light to the world, how does it do so with individuals or families affected by bipolar disorder? A church community begins by acknowledging and identifying with a person’s suffering. It works to include people with mental illnesses in the congregation. The Bible urges us to care for those who have less. Many urban street people have mental illness. Many with bipolar disorder are on disability or social assistance, which provides only substandard (even dangerous) housing and not enough money to make ends meet. People who have a higher level of functioning may need supports to finish schooling, return to work, or find suitable work. Could the Church find ways of helping people help themselves? Eden Health Care Services, a Mennonite Church-owned organization based in Manitoba, has integrated affordable housing in two communities, and vocational services and transitional housing in another. So much more could and needs to be done in caring. The list of fundamental Christian values could go on: love, forgiveness,
restoration, inclusion, and not judging. Their application to people struggling with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses are endless. As the larger Church we are limited only by our imagination and determination.
Valuing gifts
If we take seriously the image of the Church as body, we must ask what each person has to offer to the community. “In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary…So God has put the body together such that extra honour and care are given to those parts that have less dignity” (1 Corinthians 12:22, 24). Often we think of those with bipolar disorder as a burden to the Church. However, each and every person has gifts: enthusiasm, drama, honesty about vulnerability, experience with the mental health system, and more. One of the best ways for a person to feel a sense of belonging is to be a participant, to have something to offer that others need. The body is made up of many parts, and when we are open to diversity we are enriched, even if occasionally uncomfortable!
When the Church seeks to be a compassionate light to the world, how does it do so with individuals or families affected by bipolar disorder?
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THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
If a person chooses a behaviour that we have trouble with, can we tolerate it in order to remain in relationship? When, if ever, is a person not responsible for their behaviour? What role do physical factors play with emotions and relationships— how much does my brain affect my relationships? What about choice and tolerance—if a person chooses a behaviour that we have trouble with, can we tolerate it in order to remain in relationship? There are natural and sometimes legal consequences for behaviours that fall outside the norm. How might we take to heart Jesus’ words, “Judge not lest you be judged”? Might we advocate for a person in the health care system, the judicial system, with an employer, at a store, with family members?
Mental health in worship
Judge not
Occasionally a person with bipolar disorder may do things we don’t understand: spending huge amounts of money unwisely, abusing substances, talking wildly about connections to the universe, acting out sexually, and possibly illegal things like theft or reckless driving. These kinds of behaviours are part of the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder. While we don’t entirely know what is going on in the person’s brain, bipolar disorder can cause thought disturbances that result in impulsive, destructive behaviour. In the Church, we often have a no-nonsense approach to undesirable or sinful behaviour: We tell the person to stop sinning. The complexity of bipolar disorder challenges such a basic approach to behaviour change and raises tough questions: THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
A very damaging aspect of a bipolar diagnosis is the stigma that comes with it. Society and church sometimes perpetuate the stigma out of fear and/or misunderstanding. How liberating might it be to hear scriptures, prayers, songs, and sermons that take mental illness as seriously as physical illness? What if mental health issues are spoken of using us language rather than them language? When we have the courage to speak about bipolar disorder and mental health compassionately, intelligently, and publicly, we begin to make our congregations safe places for people whose lives are not all in order (all of us!). When things are spoken aloud they become less secretive, less shameful, less binding; they have less ability to produce fear and fearful reactions. Many Bible passages speak comforting words to those in distress. Some mental health organizations have lists of resources that can be used in worship.
Preventing burnout/fatigue
While everyone has abilities to offer the church, there are some people whose problems also require much care and support. In small churches, or small towns, it may seem as though the same person, or 5
few people, are constantly It’s vital to take care of available for crisis or yourself! This can mean support help. After a time taking a nap, turning off these people may become the phone for an evening, exhausted from their having a date with your efforts to help. partner or a friend or a There are ways to pedicurist, reading or prevent fatigue. They any other things that take effort to establish, replenish you inside. It’s but eventually make the important to celebrate quality of care-giving and and participate in joyous one’s personal life go up. events so we don’t become The Church is made up of human beings in First, have a group of dominated by a problem all our diversity, uniqueness, abilities, and people as supports for a orientation to life. high-needs individual. If The Church is made difficulties. It’s a place where we can come one person isn’t available, up of human beings in all together to explore our common humanity our diversity, uniqueness, another can be called. People may have specific and grow together into people who express abilities, and difficulties. abilities and roles: offering It’s a place where we can our greatest potential. rides, talking on the phone, come together to explore helping with groceries, and our common humanity and providing spiritual care. grow together into people who express our greatest Secondly, have personal boundaries. If Saturday potential. is your family day, set a limit on care-giving This is a journey we take together as we activities. If night-time calls are a problem, discuss encounter a world that is often challenging and how late is appropriate to call and what qualifies often delightful. Let us delight in our relationships T as an emergency. Being direct is helpful, since it with one another! M provides clarity in the relationship. Third, know your limits. They may be: time limits Joanne Klassen, M.A. (Marriage (I cannot spend more two hours per week), comfort and Family Therapy), M.A. factors (I can bring food, but I’m not a great listener), (Theology), is the Director or awareness of your own well-being (I have been of Recovery of Hope, a struggling with depression myself lately and don’t counselling program offered have the same emotional resources I used to). by Eden Health Care Services in five communities in southern Manitoba.
letters
Past the rawness to the beauty A warm thank you to the editors of The Messenger for adding my book Gretchen to the list of those written by members of the EM Conference. I am honoured. Though I have not been an active member for the last thirty years, I am still happily a member and have some very dear friends living within the Conference. I will share a few lines from one who voices some of my own aspirations for Gretchen. Perhaps it will encourage others to read through some of the rawness of the story in order to come to the beauty. There is beauty there, as there is beauty beneath the surface in those who are in the type of bondage the story depicts, beauty still to be experienced. It is the bondage of fear, because someone, who was there to protect and cherish them, exploited them.
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About Gretchen, my friend Debby writes: “You have brought to life the essence of hope, that it is not without darkness, but in spite of it…and I am sure that in this world, where life is not always as it ought to be, many others will come to lift the veil of shame and silence that has blanketed their lives, and glimpse hope, healing, and redemption through her journey. “I pray that some of some those have difficulty looking at hard realities will also gain courage through your book, to allow the beauty of God’s grace to enlighten their understanding of both sorrow and joy on earth, and open their hearts to hurting people.” Thank you, Debby! Aganetha Janz East Selkirk, Man.
Great is Thy Faithfulness 40th Anniversary Celebration Braeside EM Church 1011 Munroe Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. Saturday, August 2, 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 3, 10:30 a.m. On-line registration: www.braesidechurch.ca Phone: 204-667-2970, Fax: 204-667-5382 Contact: braeside@ braesidechurch.ca (office administrator)
THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
with our missionaries Ethiopia
A changing, growing relationship
Some years have passed since we first arrived in Sherkole (2002). The refugee camp then was a bustling community of 18,000 people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Now, the camp has shrunk to about 4,500 people and the ethnic mosaic has been altered. The variety, however, remains. We arrived in this camp after much planning, prayer, and preparation. The Sudanese arrived here fearful. After listening to their stories and explaining our purpose for coming, a basis of mutual understanding had been formed. We began working. Our objectives: To increase the literacy rate (particularly among women) and to help the church by providing biblical education. Over the years, however, we have become more aware of just how wide the gap is that separates us culturally. Initially this church welcomed us, but gradually we perceived they were welcoming us conditionally—namely, that we continue the relationship SIM had with them in the past as their mother. This perception coincides with the importance Sudanese place on bloodlines. In their minds, we should feel happy if they refer to us as their mother. Rather, we view ourselves as partners, a parachurch organization coming alongside to help. Whereas on one level we might agree to the Sudanese perception that relationships are important, our cultural bias is to focus primarily on measurable productivity. Whenever we’ve defaulted
Report card giving at completion of second year Bible school.
THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
Prayer time after Bible students finish second year.
Neither culture (ours or theirs) can be praised more highly than the other as we both come with our strengths and weaknesses. Together, we need to create or foster a new, third culture—a biblical, “Christian” culture. to this bias, the relationship has suffered, and whenever we’ve focused on the relationship aspect, then we don’t meet our obligations to fulfill project demands. We have found that neither culture (ours or theirs) can be praised more highly than the other as we both come with our strengths and weaknesses. The reality is that, together, we need to create or foster a new, third culture—a biblical, “Christian” culture. To make a third culture begins with developing a relationship of mutual respect and trust. For this, we need to have intimate and prolonged exposure to one another. Working together provides a good framework for this. This coincides with our initial agreement with the churches here to help in the area of literacy training and Bible teaching. Since coming here our relationship with our Sudanese brothers and sisters has grown. Sometimes this has come with pain and other times with joy, but as it has grown we’ve seen there are different expectations brought to the relationship from both cultural polarities. The relationship has not been smooth but it has been biblical: “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share
with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). I believe the Sudanese will always hold a special place in their hearts for us because we came and shared our lives with them, thereby establishing a relationship. Having said this, I must also say that because of the emphasis our church places on helping (supporting us to be missionaries), I believe we have never been a burden (see 1 Thessalonians 1:9) as we served here. We praise the Lord, as well, that in the ups and downs we have not lost any love for the Sudanese “because [they have] become so dear to us” (see 1 Thessalonians 1:8). Rolf Kruse Rolf and Angela Kruse (Kola/Rosenort Fellowship) serve with SIM in Ethiopia among refugees from Sudan.
Logo Search is On! The EMC General Board suggests it’s time for our conference to consider a new logo. We invite you to submit samples, with a brief description of the values and beliefs it expresses. The logo is to be in colour, but also useable in black and white. The logo would be used to identify our Conference and can be used by churches to identify with the EMC at a local level. An honourarium of $250 will be given for the logo chosen. Please submit your logo ideas to Ruth Anne Peters, General Board Administrative Assistant, at emconf@mts. net; fax 204-326-1613; phone 204-326-6401.
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Philippines
To serve, bless, and encourage
The radio static was loud. I could barely make out the voice on the other end, but I listened closely. “We have a patient that needs to go to Lada,” Julie repeated slowly. This was the second patient in just over a week. I told her that was fine and whispered a quick prayer for endurance for the missionaries. I texted Garry that there would be a patient coming out on his flight that day and then let our co-workers in Lada know that a patient was on the way. Garry preflighted the airplane, loaded the supplies he had for Menti, filed his flight plan, and was soon in the air. Within hours, the patient was at a hospital. Several days later a healthy woman headed home. We, as a flight program, were a part of saving a life— one who does not yet know the true God and would otherwise have gone into a terrible eternity. What a blessing to be part of a team. We can provide the air support missionary teams need as we depend upon each other. The team in Menti, like each we serve, has a special place in our hearts. After all, our job is to serve, bless, and encourage these people who are in remote areas, learning language and teaching the Word of God. This team is at a crucial point in ministry these days. Elise is teaching a literacy class that will end about when Dave is ready to begin teaching the
story of the Bible. George and Ginny are moving into Menti to begin learning language so they can help with teaching and translation work. We, as a pilot family, provide air service for these missionaries. They live in an area without stores, doctors, or services. We fly their supplies to them, saving them a six-hour hike with each load. We bring them to and from town for business—45 minutes by air compared with a full day on the ground. Garry is often the only other foreigner these missionaries see, so he has a unique opportunity to encourage them in what God is doing. We’re thrilled to be here, doing what God has called us to do. It’s a privilege to serve, bless, and encourage our missionary teams. The team Garry Barkman is a pilot with NTM Aviation. in Menti continues to study (Norm Rice) language, teach literacy, and help tribal people with many physical who are in town, buy supplies for those needs. Garry continues to fly, do who are in remote areas, and provide a maintenance, and train his replacement million little services for missionaries. so we can move to another island to open A team. A building. A beautiful, living NTMA flight service there. Body that works well as we know and I homeschool our boys and help with obey the Head, Christ Jesus. logistics. Linda and Ungar take care Cynthia Barkman of our base in Lada and joyfully care for patients that missionaries send to Cynthia and Garry Barkman (Blumenort) town. Our co-workers at the guest house serve with New Tribes Mission Aviation in continue to care for it and missionaries the Philippines.
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 NTM Aviation assists tribal people with many physical needs.
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Application deadline is May 16, 2008. Contact: Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, emcger@mts.net or 204-326-6401.
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Lesotho
Basotho, VSAT, and Harvard
There is a buzz of working on the licensing, Traig excitement around the hangar, Friedrich came to Lesotho on which might have something another short-term project and to do with the contents of a learned more about the work sea container near the ramp. of MAF and PIH. Since he is an IT specialist, he was especially It might also be why Traig interested. When the license and Laura Friedrich sold their finally came through about a house, took their kids out of year later, he and his family school, and came here from came for six months to set up half-way around the world. It the dish antennas and get the might explain the equipment VSAT system running. in the room that I used to call What is the big deal exactly? my office. Doctors in the mountains can About three years ago, the check their email, what is so MAF Lesotho team asked what great about that? Well, with we envisioned for the country. VSAT the clinics have a vital One far-fetched comment link with one another; orders was that more people in the Installation of the VSAT system has allowed medical clinics to have a vital link with for TB medication, in demand, mountains would have better one another. can be made more directly and access to medical care— something that MAF has no control over. clinic. The flight schedule was filling up accurately; and with PIH’s connection with Harvard University, they have If this truly was a vision, God would have to bring in supplies and personnel. to do it. They wanted a team based at each access to the best medical consultation Soon we heard rumors of the Rural clinic for 24-7 patient care. To do this they and research facilities in the world. That Initiative, run by Partners in Health and would need adequate housing and basic is something to be excited about. Who would have thought that the funded by the Irish government and utilities, storerooms for drugs, buildings Clinton Foundation. for lab work and other diagnostics, and Basotho living in poverty and isolation in the mountains of Lesotho would be PIH works with existing health care the Internet. providers with a focus on infectious Since MAF is involved with IT services able to receive not only better care, but diseases, primarily through anti- elsewhere, we looked into the possibility the best? That’s our God! Kari Peters retroviral drugs to those infected with of setting up a VSAT network: VSAT HIV/AIDS. They wanted to focus on 10 is a two-way satellite ground station mountain clinics that the Lesotho Flying with a dish antenna that offers realDoctor Service (an arm of the Ministry of time Internet services to the customer Health) was responsible for. They would (see Wikipedia.org). Would the Lesotho need MAF; the vision was becoming a government be willing to give MAF the reality. necessary license? It started small: two doctors and one During the time that MAF was
Who would have thought that the Basotho living in poverty and isolation in the mountains of Lesotho would be able to receive not only better care, but the best? That’s our God! Traig and Laura Friedrich and family
THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
Melvin and Kari Peters (La Crete) serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Lesotho, southern Africa. They will be in Canada from May to August.
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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with our churches
MacGregor loves retreats MacGregor, Man.: We love retreats and almost every age group has participated in one—our ladies in fall at Rock Lake and the board and ministerial there in January. The weather was balmy compared to last year. The youth had their winter retreat at Gimli Bible Camp, blessed by Millar College of the Bible students to guide them toward Christ. The men held their first retreat at Valley View Bible Camp, with guest speaker Sam Doerksen from New Bothwell. This winter our church added a wireless hearing system, much to the delight of our seniors and others with hearing issues. Many can now hear the service, some for the first time. We are teaching the congregation to use the microphones correctly so that all can hear. The seniors have a busy group, meeting for Bible studies, going bowling, taking bus trips. It is great to see them bonding and blessing each other. The ladies keep busy serving at fundraisers, potlucks, weddings, making care packages for our students, being moms, grandmoms, aunties, and the list goes on. Our youth has been growing and we are blessed to have Garnet and Tracey Hodges, together with Gord and Christine Murray from a neighbouring church, who are leading our youth. The youth enjoyed their retreat and this year’s Mission Fest. They were auctioned off this spring to raise money to support a local boy with cancer and new soccer pitches. A small group of young adults from our community have formed the praise and worship group Illuminate, shining our light for everyone to see. They have praise and worship nights about once a month in our church. Many youth and young adults come and are blessed after an evening praising God. Our church sponsors Valley View Bible Camp, and this year we helped with fundraising: a dinner theater night with Springbrook Productions and a gospel concert with Paid in Full. We count it our pleasure to help raise funds to further the gospel for young lives. The boys and girls of our church have not been left out. They had activities throughout the winter. The boys just held a car rally using cars they had built. The girls presented a quilt they made for baby Cyrus, new son of Scott and Elisa Peters, one of our church missionaries. As for our spiritual growth, we have
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been studying the book What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey. We have had messages, small group video series, and time spent talking about grace. Pray that our church will put our knowledge of grace into action, starting with our own families, and moving outward to our church, our community, and the world around us. For Lent we had special services in the dark (almost) to prepare us for Christ’s death and then to celebrate His resurrection. We sang songs special to people and shared what those songs meant to us. It’s just another way that we can get to know each other on a deeper level. Elizabeth Sawatzky
MacGregor EMC youth retreat
Church growth and famine awareness
Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): Twenty members of our Youth Group participated in the third 30-Hour Famine fundraiser and awareness night. The thirty hours were spent in following various activities. There were discussion groups on AIDS, child soldiers, hunger, and persecution with an emphasis on biblical teachings. This year the participants went bowling and, despite the chilly weather, joined in a prayer walk throughout Braeside area.
Sleep was, of course, another way to forget about hunger pangs. The Famine began Friday morning (students who needed to attend school were encouraged to refrain from ingesting food) and ended early Saturday afternoon with a hearty borscht lunch served by a group of men who also prepare Saturday men’s breakfasts. Although the group was smaller than in other years, close to $4,000 was raised. Al Dueck
On the first weekend in May, Braeside, with its pastors, celebrated the baptism and membership transfer of six individuals: Christine Buckle (transfer), Pastor Angel Infantes, Mariama Carboh (transfer), Alvaro Orellana, Dana Rodriguez, Harold Buckle, Tamara Medina, Pastor Tim Gibbons, and Interim Pastor Kim Stoesz.
THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
Kroeker family goes to Mexico Portage la Prairie, Man.: On Good Friday I left for Oaxaca, Mexico, on a two-week mission trip/family vacation. We left at midnight to drive to the airport for our 4 a.m. flight, five hours long. We met Dan and Vange Birtle (my Dad and Vange were missionary kids together in Mexico) at the Hautulco airport in Mexico. We spent most of the day resting and hanging out at the ocean. Day 2 we had a six-hour drive to Copalita, the remote Zapotec mountain village where Birtles are learning the culture and translating with Wycliffe. Ten of us and our luggage squeezed into the six-person Chevy Tahoe on these crazy winding roads. Some lost their breakfast. Day 3, Sunday, we did the 20 minute hike to church. Others had walked two hours. It was really cool hearing them sing and speak their Zapotec language in worship to God. We wondered if they would have live chickens brought as offering running around like they sometimes do. Many little eyes stayed focused on us throughout the service accompanied by the cutest little smiles. The kids were a lot of fun and they loved us. Day 4 we started painting the church in cool colours—bright yellow and blue. Actually, that day we painted the sealer on the cement walls. First, we had to sweep all the cobwebs and spiders out, move pews, sweep the walls and floors, and make ladders. It was fun working with people in their church and building relationships with
Our family at the beach near Huatulco.
THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
kids and everyone, even though I don’t know much Spanish. I did learn a bit, and taught them some English too. That afternoon I went down to the river with the kids for a break and had some fun with them. Little boys were engrossed with my camera and loved getting their picture taken. The church appreciated everyone’s help. It was tough leaving the village. Day 7 we drove to Mitla where Birtles have their city home near the linguistic centre. Days 8 and 9 we visited Zapotec ruins and pyramids dating back to 100 BC and also shopped for souvenirs, enjoyed a cultural dance show, tried new fruits... ooh and tuna ice cream (Yeah, I know it sounds gross, but it was actually cactus fruit...mmm). Day 10 we said goodbye to Birtles and did the six-hour drive back to the coast in a van/bus taxi—crazy driving down curvy mountain roads with constant switchbacks. I don’t think I ever sat still; I was always being swung around in different directions. Days 11 to 14 we had an awesome time chilling on the beach and enjoying God’s beautiful and unique creations. Snorkeling was amazing. I saw a stingray, a bright red and white striped eel, and swam through schools of brightly coloured fish. We did some boogie boarding, wave surfing, beach combing, and went on a lagoon boat ride to see wild crocodiles. Yes, they were quite near us. It was so cool, and we released some endangered baby sea turtles into the ocean too.
Scott Kroeker, Les Kroeker, and a Zapotec believer painting the Copalita Baptist Church.
Day 15 we arrived back in Canada in our shorts and sombreros and celebrated with a slurpee run! It was amazing to learn from another culture, to be challenged by their faith and way of life. I recommend getting away from North American life to be challenged by another culture and their pursuit of God. Jessica Kroeker Reporter: Catherine Epp Jessica Kroeker is the daughter of PEC associate pastor Les Kroeker.
Jessica with Ashley (family friend) and Antonia (Birtles’ daughter) and Zapotec kids.
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a reader’s viewpoint Erica Fehr
I
Child porn and Jesus’ response
n 2006 Canadian authorities infiltrated an We need to be clear what Kiddie Porn is. It is not international kiddie porn ring resulting in more innocent or semi-innocent pictures people take of their than 80 arrests around the world, including the U.S., kids in the bathtub that someone unwisely posts on Australia, England, the Netherlands and Canada. the Internet. Child Porn is explicitly sexual photos or That’s the good news. videos of children, or photos or videos taken of an adult The bad news is that when sentences were handed sexually abusing a child. down, the Canadian justice system failed. In the UK, The charge of possession is not made against those conviction of possession and distribution resulted in who accidentally access a child porn site, but against indefinite sentences. In the U.S. the same charge resulted those who keep significant collections of these materials in five to 20 years. for their own pleasure, even though it Can people be forgiven by is obvious that children are being hurt. Canadian offenders, in contrast, were given between 14 days (served on According to an American study of over Jesus even for this? Yes, weekends) to three and a half years for a 100 men convicted of possessing porn, 85 but forgiveness should not percent confessed to having committed a ringleader (Julian Sher, Macleans, March 26, 2008). sexual offence against a child (Macleans). be our first response to Nor is this something that only It is of great relevance that although such situations. happens far away. Communities in which Jesus forgave freely and generously our churches minister also face this throughout his ministry, he does not speak about forgiveness for those who issue and can struggle to know how to abuse children. Among the harshest words he spoke respond. What is the appropriate response as people were for those who “caused little ones to sin.” For those, it would be better a millstone was hung around their who follow Christ? Should we forgive? Or neck and they be dropped in the sea (Matthew 18:6, should we call for punishment? Mark 9:42, Luke 17:2). Can people be forgiven by Jesus even for this? Yes, but forgiveness should not be our first response to such situations. In this case, acting like Jesus is to make protecting the innocent and helpless the priority. We need to call for significantly longer sentences that reflect the seriousness of this crime. We must restrict a guilty person’s access to children. We do not have the authority to extend forgiveness to a guilty person on behalf of the victim, and we need to consider very carefully whether we have any authority to offer forgiveness for God if there is no repentance, and our limited resources are better used on behalf of children than predators. Some positive notes: In 2004, Toronto police detective Paul Gillespie, frustrated with the difficulty of solving child exploitation crime, approached Bill Gates of Microsoft. The result was the development of the Child Exploitation Tracking System which makes arrests like these possible ((ABC News News). And as of May 1, 2008, the age of sexual consent for minors was raised from 14 to 16. This is a development T for which to be grateful. M Erica Fehr is a member of Kleefeld EMC.
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THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
Patrick Friesen new SBC communications director Patrick Friesen is SBC’s new director of Patrick Friesen communications and Worship Arts Faculty member. Starting in June, Patrick will direct the recruitment process as well as church and public relations; a portion of his time will be dedicated to Worship Arts Faculty. He has served in youth ministry at Swift Current EMC (now Cornerstone) and more recently at Alymer EMMC. He is nearing completion of an M.A. in Leadership and Management at Briercrest Seminary, where he worked as an assistant in the communications department.
SARAH (REIMER) BRANDT 1919–2008
On Friday, April 25, 2008, Mom was quietly taken from us. She was admitted to Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., on Saturday, April 19, when Dad realized he could no longer care for her at home. Today we celebrate Mom’s life. We have many memories of her. Mom was born to Cornelius P. and Maria Reimer on October 9, 1919, in Clearsprings, Man., where she grew up. Here she attended school for seven years, and then worked at various jobs. She often talked about her work at the hospital. When Mom and Dad met, she worked at P. J. Loewen in Blumenort. In 1957 the family moved to Steinbach, and she continued raising her family. After caring for her six children, they were blessed to have Brian join the family in 1965 at age 18 months. Once Dad began his own business, Mom was a great help. She would drive weekly to Winnipeg to pick up parts. She was able to maneuver through the back lanes of the city during rush hour and pick up all the parts Father requested. Mom was active in the community, volunteering and working. She worked in the hospital women’s guild, knitted booties and caps for newborns, and transported children for Kindale Occupational Centre (today known as Envision).
THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
In heading up SBC’s communications department, Patrick looks forward to increasing awareness of the college to potential students as well as constituent leaders and churches. Recognizing that people with positive experiences at SBC are the best ambassadors, Patrick plans to involve current staff, students, and alumni in sharing SBC’s in training students for ministry. Patrick is married to Trudy and they have two daughters. His family will move to Steinbach in July. SBC
Mom had the ability to travel. These were some of her trips: Together with Dad, four young children, and a neighbour they traveled to Mexico in 1951. She also returned to Mexico via train with her sister Anna. In 1958 we went to Ontario as a family. She visited her family in Belize in 1975. Later she also traveled to the east and west coasts of Canada. Mom had a dry sense of humour. She was very resourceful. When unexpected company came, she always had enough to feed them. She was helpful in times of need. She welcomed friends and family when temporary housing was needed. At Christmas she would host anyone we brought home who had no place to go. We saw her strength as she overcame many difficulties in her life. She had a hip replaced and suffered with cancer, and lately struggled with dementia. Left to remember her with love is her husband Albert and her children Leona and Joe, Minna and Gary, Harv, David and Pat, Maria and Ian, Joanne and Rick, and Brian and Birgit; 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. We want to thank all her friends and the caregivers who showed her much love. Mom and Dad met in 1943 and were married on January 2, 1944. They lived in Blumenort for eight years, where they built their first home. In 1951 they moved to Landmark, Man. Here Mom had a large garden and a hobby farm. We lived there with her mom, two sisters, and a brother. Mom always worked hard. The church was a very important community for her. Here she made friends and attended their ney fa raen (sewing circle). Together with Dad, they would go on visitations that would often take them outside the Mennonite community. Her Family
SBC celebrates first TESOL grad Dan Macloskie is the first student to graduate with a BA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) under the partnership between Steinbach Bible College and Providence College and Seminary. SBC students take 15 credit hours of required TESOL courses at Providence College, while fulfilling academic requirements at SBC. They graduate with a degree from SBC and a TESOL certificate from Providence. “Although SBC students have been given the option of taking TESOL courses in previous years, this agreement is significant because it results in an official Canada Level I Certificate,” explains Terry Hiebert, SBC’s academic dean. “This recognized certificate will open many doors to SBC students and we are thrilled to provide them with this option.” Providence students can also take SBC courses that can be transferred for credit. “It is incredibly rewarding to partner with other quality institutions in order to give our students more choices, and exemplify what working together really means,” says Hiebert. For information about the TESOL certificate or other degrees offered at SBC, contact Christal Penner at 204-326-6451. SBC
Dan Macloskie with president Rob Reimer
Information on the 2009-2011 Mennonite Your Way Directory, a listing of 1,700 hosts in 58 countries who receive guests in homes on a “for a donation” basis, is available at myw@mennoniteyourway.com. 13
ABRAM HARMS KLASSEN 1931–2008
And I heard a voice from Heaven saying: Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth. Blessed indeed, says the Spirit that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them (Revelation 14:13). As a family we have this blessed hope that our husband, Dad, and Grandpa is rejoicing with the Lord. Dad was born to his parents Abram R. and Maria Harms Klassen on January 3, 1931, the fifth child in a family of seven. With his family at his side Dad passed away peacefully on May 1, 2008, at 10 p.m. in the Morris General Hospital. Dad reached the age of 77 years, 4 months less 2 days. Dad was baptized on confession of his faith on July 13, 1947, by Jacob B. Kroeker
in Rosenort EMC at the age of 16. Dad was predeceased by his father in December 1972; his mother in September 1985; and by two brothers, Peter in July 1972 and Frank in December 2007. He is survived by his wife Helen; and by daughters Gloria (husband Ernie), two grandchildren, Christine (husband Wendell) and Timothy (all from Winkler); Lucille (husband Cliff), four grandchildren, Angela from Brandon, Jeremy, Alison, and Jeffrey from Morris; and Eileen from Winnipeg. Also surviving are his brother Jake (Nettie) and sisters Anne Dueck, Mary (Levi) Kornelsen, and Helen (John) Rempel. In spite of being rather frail physically Dad was a very hard working and uncomplaining man and was not hesitant to shoulder responsibilities. He worked for Rosenort Concrete as plant operator and at Perimeter Concrete, together for 25 years. Among his special interests were plumbing, carpentry, music, playing accordion, and having a good laugh with family and friends. Dad loved his Lord and his church. He especially appreciated the Bible Study Group they had the last number of years. Dad and Mom were some of the founding members of Morris Fellowship Chapel, and Dad served as Sunday School Secretary from the beginning until it became too
hard for him to walk the stairs. And since he had a love for music, he served on the music committee for many years. Dad struggled with health problems all his life; in August of 1993 he had openheart surgery to replace a leaking valve. He also underwent four hip replacement surgeries, his last of which was three years ago. This past winter was very tough on Dad, but even through the hard times we could still make him laugh and he still enjoyed family and friends coming to visit. The funeral service was held at Morris Fellowship Chapel on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, with interment in the Rosenort Cemetery. The arrangements were in the care of Morris Funeral Home. Dad, even though we will miss you, we look forward to seeing you again in Heaven, where you are now re-united with your parents and brothers. We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Fraser and the staff at Morris Hospital for making Dad’s last hours as comfortable as possible. Dad, we love you and we’ll see you again in Glory. His Family
coming events June 18
ELVIRA ANN DUECK 1952–2008
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear and precious wife, mother, and grandma Elvira Ann Dueck on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the young age of 55 years, with her family by her side. She was born on June 18, 1952, to Frank B. and Anne (nee Klassen) Dueck. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband Ben; her children, Marcia (Mark) Loewen, Brent, Sherrilynn (fiancé Jared Hildebrand), and Andrea Dueck. She was a fun-loving and energetic grandma to Josiah, Ethan, and Seth Loewen. Also left to mourn this huge loss are her mother Anne Dueck; siblings, Irwin (Marilyn) Dueck, Elmer (Christal) Dueck, Ruth (Gerald) Thiessen, Dianne (Glenn) Friesen, and Judy (Allen) Friesen. Missing
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her deeply is Ben’s family, Nita Dueck, Henry (Leona) Dueck, Dan (Bev) Dueck, Mary (John) Dyck, Jake (Diana) Dueck, Alvin (Elma) Dueck, Clarence (Marlene) Dueck, Leona (Arnold) Warkentin, plus numerous very special nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her father Frank B. Dueck. Mom loved landscape design, the people at Morris School, her yard, and most importantly her friends, family, and God. She had the energy of a hundred people; it was a trait many people admired in her. Her love of life made her very easy to be around. She exemplified how to both live and die; she was positive till the very end. No one could question whether she was going to heaven because she didn’t shy away from the topic of God’s presence and where she stood in her Christianity. She will be missed tremendously and will never be forgotten. We wish to thank the oncology staff at Victoria Hospital, and friends and family that made Elvira’s life as special as it was. The funeral service was held Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church. The arrangements were in the care of Morris Funeral Home. Her Family
Canadian Foodgrains Bank 25th Anniversary Celebration Hitch ’n Post 8.8 kms north (Highway 6) Winnipeg, Man. Tickets: $35 800-665-0377
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
October 23–25 A brand new day: the NOVA experience Equipping staff, ministry leaders, board members, and volunteers Kelowna, BC 800-804-0777 growingleadership.com/novawest
THE MESSENGER June 11, 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. Morris Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Morris, Man., is looking for a full-time pastor for a congregation of about 120. Previous pastoral experience and leadership abilities are assets. For job description and information, please call Brian Klassen at 204-746-8102. 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. 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). 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
THE MESSENGER June 11, 2008
Fuller text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm
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. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. Community Bible Fellowship Christian School, a K-8 school located in Swan River, Man., seeks a multi-grade teacher. Must hold a Manitoba 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. 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. Steeprock Bible Camp, located in the north parkland of Manitoba, requires a qualified lifeguard for this summer’s camping season. The camp is located one hour north of Swan
River. The ministry focuses on Native children and their families. The camp operates for five weeks through July and August. Also required are male counselors. If you are the type of person who loves adventure and are open to minister to Native families in this way, please contact Jack Dyck at 204-525-2420 or e-mail longhorn45@ hotmail.com. 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. 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. Can you help us encourage our future MDS volunteers by working at a youth project for 2 to 3 weeks or longer this summer? Our summer MDS youth projects (June 8–August 16) urgently need a cook for June 29–July 13, construction managers and experienced crew leaders. Use your leadership and construction skills to encourage our youth to serve others (800-241-8111 or www. mds.mennonite.net). Camp Cedarwood, a Youth for Christ camp near Lac du Bonnet, Man., seeks year-round head cook, food preparation staff, and maintenance staff to respond to “explosive growth.” Housing, utilities, and most food provided. Housing available for couples and families. Contact Brad Plett at 204-345-8529 or brad@yfcwinnipeg.ca
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EMC moderator joins Palestine-Israel tour
R
on Penner, moderator of the EMC, was part of a “God loves all people and 13-member delegation of desires justice and well-being Mennonite church leaders from Canada who visited Palestinefor all people, including Israel in a two-week MCC-sponsored the peoples that populate learning tour, April 20 to May 2, 2008. The delegation included Palestine/Israel.” representatives from the Canadian conference of Mennonite Brethren has been demolished by Israeli Churches, the Evangelical Mennonite forces four times, a Jewish settler Conference, and Mennonite Church whose vehicle has been stoned Canada. Several MCC staff and board Aisha, a Palestinian Muslim, and Robi, an Israeli Jew, numerous times, a Jewish rabbi members were also part of the share their stories with participants in a MCC-sponsored who believes Zionism is a Jewish group. learning tour. liberation movement, and a The main goals for the delegation Palestinian pastor and teacher who says that Christian were to learn about the context and to hear how Zionism (by supporting the military occupation of the Mennonites in Canada can support a just peace in this West Bank and Gaza) is killing Palestinians. troubled part of the world. At the end of the trip, the delegation agreed to The group heard from Israelis and Palestinians of send a message to their respective congregations and varying perspectives: a Palestinian family whose home denominational offices with suggestions for prayer and action for peace in Palestine/Israel. The letter signed by Ron Penner says in part, “God loves all people and desires justice and well-being for all people, including the peoples that populate Palestine/ Israel.” The letter says “true security is found in trusting God and in practices that are built on peace, nonviolence, and restorative justice, rather than violence, vengeance, and dispossession.” Signs of hope are present, it says. “We encourage our denominations and congregations to: • “Pray for a just peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.” • “Learn about the situation in Palestine/Israel and how theological and biblical understandings can be obstacles to peace.” • “Visit Palestine/Israel to deepen understanding of the region.” • Support the Palestinian economy by purchasing Palestinian gifts through Ten Thousand Villages • “Advocate for peace in Palestine/Israel.” • “Build bridges of peace and understanding within your home community…with Jews and Muslims.” • “Seek to understand and redress the wrong by which Canada dispossessed the aboriginal people of our own land.” They also sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper who attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the State of Israel. The letter urged Prime Minister Harper to use every means at his disposal to The delegation: (front) Donita Wiebe-Neufeld (MC Canada), Steve Berg (MB), Jim Shantz (MC Canada), Viktor Kliewer (MB), Garry Janzen (MC Canada); (middle row) work with Israelis and Palestinians for peace, justice and Peter Rempel (MCC) Ron Dueck (MCC, former EMCer), Wendy Dueck (MC Canada, security for all. More information is available at former EMCer) Esther Epp-Tiessen (MCC), Dinora Vallalte (MCC), (back) Trey Hulsey mcc.org/news. (MCC), Jessica Hulsey (MCC), Ron Penner (EMC moderator), Don Peters (MCC) MCC Canada/EMC Ralph Gliege (MB).
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THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914