THE
MESSENGER
a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
volume 47, number 20 November 18, 2009
H1N1
What is your concept of health? Is your congregation prepared to serve?
www.emconf.ca/Messenger
editorials
Catechisms and Christian teaching
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n 1783 a catechism was published in Elbing, Prussia, to provide “a brief instruction for young people” within the Anabaptist faith. It was later used in Russia and when the Kleine Gemeinde (now EMC) immigrated to Canada in 1874, it was brought here. In 1940 the KG/ EMC published an edition with its own Statement of Faith and in 1954 produced a revised English-German edition. The revision committee wrote, “It is our prayer that this handbook of the Holy Scriptures will be a great blessing to our young people.” This catechism reveals that the
EMC of generations ago sought to include a systematic presentation of the faith; it was also influenced in its content by other parts of the Church. The EMC’s catechism was followed by That I May Know Him and The Christian Life booklets. Part of the reason was that, in some cases, catechisms were memorized and repeated without understanding.
Lesson booklets are designed to help young people or new believers to think about their faith and the commitment they are making.
Lesson booklets are designed to help young people or new believers to interact more with the material, to think about their faith and the commitment they are making. Whether the booklets succeed is, in part, determined by how the material is used by teacher and student. Years ago the apostle Paul told a young pastor to “preach the Word… with great patience and careful instruction,” warning against a time when people “will not put up with sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2-3). Both the need and the warning reT main valid within the EMC today. M Terry M. Smith
How will Afghanistan be remembered?
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n World War One, Canada was involved from 1914 to 1918. In World War Two, Canada was involved from 1939 to 1945. In Korea, Canada was involved from 1950 to 1953. In Afghanistan, Canada has been involved from 2002 until (projected) 2011. Wars are remembered for their devastation by those clearly and directly affected. Afghanistan is a minor war far
Our Christian faith ought to motivate us to discuss the reality and horrors of war.
EDITOR Terry M. Smith tsmith@emconf.ca
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Roman
rroman@emconf.ca
Address changes and submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 22 – December 16 (copy due December 4)
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away; it has not involved Canadian conscription and has a relatively lower rate of military casualties. What, then, will EMCers remember about it? The question is this: during the past eight years have EMC churches become more skilled at talking about Christian faith, war, and peace? Some sermons have been preached, Sunday School classes have likely touched on the issue, and personal conversations continue to be sparked by news broadcasts. Our Christian faith ought to motivate us to discuss the reality and horrors of war and our ethical decisions.
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: Canadian subscriptions are $24 for one year, $44 for two years,
We are to give a relevant reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). For that, we need not have foreign troops on our shores, conscription of our men and women, military and civilian casualties in our countryside, towns, and cities. In 1939 to 1945 the abiding courage of genuine C.O.s shone in the shadows of Mennonite churches that seemed somewhat ill-prepared to talk of faith, war, and peace. The gospel is good news on many levels. What are we teaching about Christian faith, war, and peace in T 2009? M Terry M. Smith
$65 for three years (Manitoba residents add 7% PST); U.S. subscriptions are $30 for one year, $55 for two years, $82 for three years; all other countries are $45 for one year, $85 for two years, $125 for three years . 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
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PAP Registration #9914 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 We gratefully 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, E-mail: messenger@emconf.ca.
MESSENGER
On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger
THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
letters Concerned about khat
Letters to the Editor Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. Letters by hand or fax require a handwritten signature. All letters require a name, an address and a phone number. Letters can be edited for length, clarity, legality, and taste. The focus of letters is to be on an issue, not a personality. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own, and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. All publication of letters is subject to the policy approved January 2002 by the EMC Board of Church Ministries.
THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
Ron and I continue to read The Messenger with great interest. However, we have a major concern with the article in the October 7 issue called Recession will devastate…, devastate… especially the picture that is attached to it. We certainly know about the awful disasters in many countries that cause food shortages, etc. Our children, Angela and Rolf Kruse, have worked with Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia for many years. Our concern is with the picture (photo by Melissa Engle) attached and its implication. Is MCC supporting a food-for-work project that includes people growing chat, also known as khat? There is much more info online. We have seen the results of chewing khat first hand and it’s certainly not something we would support. It is not a food item but a narcotic. It has often been said that its potency is between cannabis and cocaine. It is banned in Canada, the U.S., and many European countries since it has caused much suffering in the lives of those who use it. We hope that MCC is not paying people to grow this narcotic as we believe that most of our constituency would not approve of this. Please either pass on this message to MCC and/or print this email in The Messenger in order to alert people to what we “may be” supporting. Sharon and Ron Friesen Morris, Man.
MCC responds to concerns Regarding the photo that appeared alongside the story Recession will devastate developing countries (The Messenger, October 7, 2009). Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and its Ethiopian partner, Meserete Kristos Church Relief and Development Association (MKC-RDA), do not pay anyone to grow chat, also known as khat. MCC actively works in communities to help families reduce their dependence on cash crops like khat. The photo in question was taken by MCC staff in an Ethiopian community that suffers from chronic food shortages. MCC is engaged in a three-year project that aims to help the community better feed itself over the long-term. To that end, MCC is providing food and cash to farmers to carry out community public works, such as road and pond construction and tree-planting. The project also focuses on the promotion of small-scale savings groups which finance livestock investments. Improved agricultural practices and adult literacy are also part of our efforts to reduce hunger in the area. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for farmers in these communities to grow khat in their private garden plots, as well as vegetables and other food. Again, MCC does not support the growing of khat. The photo was simply meant to put a face to the millions of poor and powerless who struggle with the affects of drought, climate change and now the global recession. MCC erred in choosing a photo and caption that proved misleading and we apologize to your readers for the concern this may have caused. Sincerely, Donald Peters Executive Director Mennonite Central Committee Canada
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H1N1 and wider health
What is your concept of health?
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Pastor Darnell Plett
t a fireside recently, a friend asked me to write a Christian response to H1N1. My initial response was, “How?” Christian perspectives are diverse. Even at the fire pit views ranged widely from viewing the vaccine as God’s provision to almost seeing it as an anti-democracy conspiracy. Without as much Christian charity present some might have been burned at the stake! This diversity of viewpoints, coupled with my immense ignorance on the topic, made this request a daunting one. Let me clarify my assumptions. God is the giver and sustainer of life. He is our healer. We are stewards of the health and life He has given. I have been fortunate to enjoy excellent health and write from that perspective. Our health care system, from my perspective, is not so much a health provider as a health restorer. It mostly specializes in treating symptoms of ill The pursuit of true health, but it has limitations in providing health. health is often difficult
and inconvenient. Defining health We also need to clarify It is the road of how we define health. When I think of health, I think discipleship. of more than a diseasefree body. I am thinking of meaningful purpose, rich relationships, living God’s design—and the emotional, spiritual and physical capacities to enjoy them. Health to me connotes the point at which health in each of these three spheres (emotional, spiritual, and physical) intersect. Illness is often more than just physical. I think of a time in my life when bitterness (emotional) coming from unforgiveness (spiritual) sent me to a doctor with a stomach problem (physical). Medication helped mask the symptoms, but forgiveness resolved the matter. It would appear that many are looking to science and the health care system to provide a magic pill that will mask symptoms. We seem to not be as interested in true health as we are in masking symptoms to give the illusion of health. 4
Discipleship The pursuit of true health is often difficult and inconvenient. It is the road of discipleship. It is dying to self. It is vulnerability in relationship. We would rather have a quick fix, patch things up, and be on our way! I say all this to make the point that health is much more than physical and that our response to H1N1 needs to consider more than a vaccine. While we debate H1N1, we overlook other positive steps that will enhance most people’s health. For starters, we can confess our sins and accept Jesus’ forgiveness rather than carry a burden of guilt and shame. We can forgive someone who has wronged us rather than be eaten by bitterness. We can cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us; anxiety about H1N1 for some people may THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
have more of a health impact than the flu itself. We can deal with the anger that chews us up from inside. We can come clean with unresolved sin in our lives, take responsibility for it, and make ourselves accountable. We can take care of our bodies with adequate rest, exercise, and good nutrition. And, in all things, we can seek the Healer for the provision of health and to help us deal with the roots of unhealthiness in our lives.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you shalom so that His ways may be known on the earth and His salvation among all nations (Deuteronomy 6:24–26 and T Psalm 67:1–2). M Darnell Plett is pastor of Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel, Lorette, Man.
Is your congregation prepared to serve?
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1N1 continues to generate news headlines throughout Canada. And while individuals are faced with decisions concerning their personal response to the flu pandemic, it also raises other important questions for the Church to wrestle with. What is the Christian’s responsibility in the face of a national or local crisis, be it H1N1 or other situations? Is the local church included in your community’s emergency response strategy? Are we prepared to respond with personal sacrifice to the need of our communities? Whether or not H1N1 becomes the health crisis that some fear it could, the present circumstance reminds us to be prepared to answer these questions.
Pastor Ed Peters
Christians have a long legacy of caring for the sick A legacy Christians have a long legacy of caring for the and responding to communities in crisis. sick and responding to communities in crisis. During the time of the ancient Roman Empire for instance, plagues would often sweep through cities needs may have increased the survival rate in these with devastating consequences—killing a quarter to plague struck cities by as much as two-thirds (Rise of a third of the inhabitants (Rodney Stark, The Rise of Christianity, 80). While some Christians succumbed to Christianity, 76). It was during these dark times that the the plague themselves, their practical display of care Church’s reputation for compassion emerged. resulted in the continued growth of God’s Kingdom. Ministering from the conviction that each person is Obviously, today’s medical advances have lessened lovingly created in the image of God, early followers the affects of widespread disease in our country. Yet of Christ willingly put themselves at risk to meet the crises, be they medical, natural disasters, or other needs of the sick and dying. Cleaning and feeding the trauma, continue to occur and challenge us to provide sick, burying the dead, became their daily activities. practical demonstrations of our Christian faith. It is estimated that simply feeding and providing Organizations such as Mennonite Disaster Service water for those temporarily too sick to tend their own offer opportunities for Christians to rebuild structures THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
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H1N1 and wider health and hope. Ministries such as Inner City Youth Alive offer help to children and teens whose lives are touched by poverty and brokenness. But what about flu pandemics? Are there practical ways for the church to communicate God’s love to our community? A crucial role While much of the response to the current H1N1 flu pandemic is focused on immunization and education, the church can provide a crucial supportive role. At a recent H1N1 information seminar I asked a health care worker if churches can be of assistance to the medical community. The response was immediate: yes! While hoping for the best, the medical system must prepare for a worse case scenario. If such a situation were to occur, it would put an incredible strain on health care providers. Examples of potential involvement for churches could include providing volunteers to assist in preparing and serving food. Visiting, supporting, encouraging and praying with the sick, their families, and health care workers would also be of help. The reality is that the local church has at its disposal a base of volunteers that is the envy of our health care system.
While much of the response to the current H1N1 flu pandemic is focused on immunization and education, the church can provide a crucial supportive role. Is your church willing to roll up its sleeves and get involved if a crisis should come? Has your church offered its assistance to health care officials in your community? Does your community’s emergency response plan tap into the resources of the community of believers? As churches we need to take initiative in offering a helping hand to others. Find out what the needs are and plan together as churches how to respond. The church has a legacy of responding sacrificially in times of need. Perhaps this is an opportunity to renew that tradition to the glory T of God. M Ed Peters is senior pastor of Steinbach EFC.
with our missionaries 50 years in Paraguay
Part 6 of 6
EMC church planting in Paraguay In 1964 some EMC missionaries moved from the Chaco, where they had worked with indigenous people, to the departamento (province) of Caaguazú, East Paraguay, to work with new Christians among the Bergthal Colony Mennonites. Seeing the need for evangelism and church planting among the Spanish/ Guarani-speaking national Paraguayans in the area, they began evangelizing in communities close by. Today there is a conference of national Spanish/Guarani-speaking churches affiliated with EMC, the Confraternidad Evangélica Menonita del Paraguay (the Evangelical Mennonite Conference of Paraguay) or CEMP. There are 13 churches in the conference from four different departamentos of East Paraguay. The churches range in size from groups of five families or so to one church that is reaching close to 100 in
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attendance on Sunday mornings. The churches’ organizational structures consist of plural leadership in one form or another. Typically they meet Wednesday nights for prayer meetings and Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings for worship. Most churches have a Sunday School program for children as well, and many run DVBS in summer or on weekends or holidays. A few churches have outreach points that they visit regularly for evangelism and Bible study. The conference leadership is elected from church representatives sent to the CEMP’s annual general assembly. That these representatives and leaders are responsible to the CEMP churches, as we practise it in our Canadian conference, is somewhat unfamiliar in the Paraguayan cultural context, where organizational structures tend to be hierarchical and top down.
The CEMP is figuring out what their different roles and functions should be, including their relationship with the mission, to establish themselves and form a conference identity. This process of development takes time, and is leading to a conference that may look different from our Canadian one, but will be strong and relevant to their culture and society. We, as a mission, at the same time are figuring out what our new role should be toward them. Currently, the missionary staff is considering and praying about a new church plant. Though most places in Paraguay have evangelical churches, many are not healthy or growing, and tend to be irrelevant to society, much as in other parts of the world where the evangelical church in many instances seems to have become just another religion that does not exemplify God’s
THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
with our missionaries status as a government-recognized organization, an effort with stops and starts over a span of almost 20 years. With that accomplishment, the churches’ land titles are being transferred from
the mission to the CEMP; this will also increase its independence and responsibility for its own affairs. We are currently meeting with the national conference to envision and project ideas of how we can work together to meet ongoing needs in the churches and together seek God’s Kingdom growth here in Paraguay. Renita Rempel
On October 20, 2009, Gilbert Rempel signed legal papers transferring churches’ land titles from the EMC mission to CEMP. Observing are Julio Martínez (CEMP president), EMC worker Benny Goertzen, and Félix Martínez (CEMP secretary).
Renita Rempel (Ridgewood) and her husband Gil are involved in evangelism and leadership development in Paraguay.
love or holy Christian living to its community. The CEMP is becoming more autonomous. A year ago the national conference finally received their legal
Mexico
Dealing with death Death is not a topic that we regularly hear around the coffee table at work, or around the dinner table at home. Most of us have an aversion to it. It’s not something that I’ve been personally very acquainted with, at least not until quite recently. Feelings of surprise, shock, fear, questioning, anger, pain, sorrow, and many more that come when dealing with death were very foreign to me until recently. Standing at the back of a crowded funeral home in downtown Cuauhtémoc, trying to be of some comfort and support to friends and family of a boy suddenly taken out of this world, I was way out of my element. Let me rewind a few months to July 2009. We were preparing to leave Canada and move to northern Mexico. Faced with the knowledge of the volatile situation where we were headed, we faced many questions about how we felt going into this situation. People were getting killed every day. Did we feel fear? Yes, but peace as well, knowing that nowhere are we safer than in God’s will. God gives and takes away, right?
Well, first the Lord took my Grandpa from this world, home to Him in heaven. He was free from suffering and pain after a long battle with cancer, the first person close to me to die. I thought he was too young to die, and I couldn’t be there with the rest of the family to grieve. Then, within two weeks I was faced with a totally different type of death. I had just met the kid the night before. Well, I think I’d seen him once before, the first week we lived here, but I don’t remember. I do remember the night before he died. We were both invited to watch a friend play soccer. We rode together in the same car. Such a happy kid, healthy, full of energy, smiling. I remember saying, “See ya later,” not realizing how long I’d have to wait to see him again. To see people mourning, for many of whom God signifies a religion in which they have to try to please God to receive salvation, is tough. Here we are, two months in a foreign land, and God has indeed been faithful. We have faced the reality of death, only in different ways than we expected.
I wonder why death has to be so stark, cruel, and at times devastating, but in the end we trust in God. THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
I wonder why death has to be so stark, cruel, and at times devastating, but in the end we trust in a God who is sovereign, faithful, and has a purpose in and through all things. We are seeing some of that here already. But, on this side of eternity, we will never fully understand. We all have to face death. It’s a fact of life. But it still hurts when there is this dull aching left behind, and questions spilling over. Death crosses all cultures, all ages, all boundaries. When I’m faced with the choice, do I run to God for comfort or away in pain? LeRoy Siemens
LeRoy and Faith Siemens (Steinbach EFC) serve in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua state, in northern Mexico.
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stewardship today Sherri Grosz
Where will you be in 2048?
W
$261,000 for a $100,000 loan. The Bible reminds us that “the borrower becomes the lender’s slave” (Proverbs 22:7). There is a cost and a risk to borrowing. Sometimes you really can’t afford a house, even if you squeeze out the payments. Sometimes it is better to rent, to limit debt, and to continue saving for a down payment. It’s not just a mortgage payment you are adding. Before you buy, you need to consider other costs: property taxes, repairs, utility bills, and the pressure to keep up with the neighbours’ new cars, decks, and landscaping. Some lenders will ask what you would like your monthly payments to be rather than what term or amortization you would like. As above, they might ask if you would like your payments to be $545, $640 or $840 per month. Uneducated borrowers might jump at $545 and not ask any questions. Knowing Total Loan Cost that they will end up paying 2.5 times the Monthly Amortization Total Interest (Principal and loan could cause them to consider other Payment Interest) options. 15 years $840 $51,000 $151,000 When considering a mortgage, don’t be a slave to your lender. Before you talk to a 25 years $640 $92,000 $192,000 lender, do your homework: ask for advice 40 years $545 $161,000 $261,000 and use financial calculators to find the cost of borrowing. Buying a house can be an overwhelming, lonely Choosing a 40-year mortgage would free up nearly experience. Consider inviting a trusted couple or $300 per month over a 15-year mortgage, money individual in your church to walk you through the that could be used for utilities, taxes, repairs and maintenance. It’s attractive, but make sure you consider process. Perhaps your church could offer a basic personal finances course with information on mortgages the cost! A 40-year amortization costs you a whopping and debt. $161,000 in interest alone. In the end, you will have paid Mennonite Foundation of Canada’s First Things First resource covers There is a cost and a risk to personal finance from a Christian perspective. Call your nearest MFC office borrowing. Sometimes you for a copy. really can’t afford a house, Home ownership is a worthy goal. Be certain you count the true and total cost, even if you squeeze out and understand how much debt you the payments. are really taking on prior to signing any T papers. M here will you be in 2048? How old will you be? What will your life be like? Will you still be paying a mortgage? More Canadians are saying yes to the last question. In 2007, nearly 40 percent of mortgages carried terms (or amortizations) longer than 25 years, compared to only nine percent of mortgages in the previous year. Longer terms are popular! Spreading payments over 10 or 15 more years means you pay less per month. This can make home ownership affordable where budgets are tight. However, stretching out your payments costs a lot more in interest charges and increases the risk that you could buy more house than you can afford. The table below illustrates a $100,000 mortgage, and assumes a six percent interest rate with regular monthly payments.
Sherri Grosz is a stewardship consultant at the Kitchener, Ont., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada. For stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit mennofoundation.ca. 8
THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
with our churches
VBS in Treherne of our crafts was to make “God Portage la Prairie, Man.: This July cares” stuffed turtles with a pouch Vacation Bible School was held in for small notes of encouragement Treherne, Man., and it had a theme by kids. These will be sent to show called Crocodile Dock. The kids, them God’s love. as well as the leaders, absolutely At the Bible Bayou Janet Buhler enjoyed being in a (decorated) would tell a fun, exciting story. They environment of crocs in a swampy had a blast being in the stories. We’d bayou. lead them outside for some fun in It was fun and a good changing games. process for the kids ages six to 12. After burning off some energy, we It being my first time, I felt it was an had snack. The fun didn’t stop there! honour to be a part of these children’s The snacks were arrayed to make growth in their relationship with significant parts of the Bible story. God. As the “Big Finale” was nearing, The Lord has shown me that it we brought the kids to the Sandy is so important to tend to a child’s spiritual needs and show them the Portage youth with youth pastor Les Kroeker (centre) assisted with Beach by the Swampy Bayou to review their Bible verse and what we values of those needs. God wants us VBS in Treherne. had learned that day. to be that spiritual influence so, as a My younger brother Kyle and I The children were quite rowdy. I child learns and grows in Him, they will introduced each morning with a skit. become bolder in their faith. They especially liked the one where Kyle noticed, though, that toward the end they Based on Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians had a “crocodile egg” cracked over his became more respectful and attentive. 6:4, and 2 Timothy 3:15, we are doing His head because he was trying to juggle There weren’t many kids, but the number will to equip them for good works they with his eyes closed. Kenton Kroeker was wasn’t all that important to us leaders. We were more interested in making an will do in the future. a big help with noises and prep stuff. Our youth pastor Les Kroeker would impact on those that were there. God appointed the right ones to be tell of a God-sighting and relate it to our Bible verse. We discussed God-sightings there that week. Two children were each day when we’d break into our saved. Hallelujah! We found some Bibles crew groups. It was hard to get the kids to give to them, to help them understand to listen to us. By the end of the week more about our Creator. Please pray for growth in our everyone said they enjoyed group time leadership, that children from VBS would to connect with the children. Kids would be directed to “Crawdad be strengthened through Christ, and for crafts and missions,” where Jessica unfortunate families in places with floods Kroeker would share of kids who and tornadoes. Ivory Shaw experienced floods or tornadoes and Reporter: Catherine Epp lost all their toys and treasures. One
Young people, write about your faith! The Messenger welcomes contributions from writers of any age. For instance, young people in high school or college and career are welcome to write about their faith. There are three avenues: the Back Page, A Reader’s Viewpoint, and church news; all of these are under 500 words. There is no honorarium for church news, but the other two categories would pay $50 (includes use on Internet). We reserve the right to be selective about what we publish. Editors VBS was held with the theme Crocodile Dock.
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with our churches
Sioux Valley deals with building loss currently arranging for alternate Sioux Valley, Man.: On Thursday, The Reserve Fellowship congregation is space for worship services at October 8, 2009, the building of the another church building. Pray for a Reserve Fellowship Chapel at Sioux currently arranging for alternate space spirit of harmony and collaboration Valley, Man., was destroyed by for worship services at another church on the Reserve. fire. The building was insured and Given the history of residential the congregation is interested in building. Pray for a spirit of harmony schools in Manitoba, and the rebuilding or replacing the facility, and collaboration on the Reserve. rebuilding of trust between the likely next spring. Christian Church and many First If anyone knows of a church Kola EMC has been, and is, an Nations people, the loss of this building building available to be moved, or work might allow people to talk openly about crews available to help in construction, important sister congregation to RFC. The spiritual history of the Dakota a history of pain and regret toward please contact the EM Conference. Pray people is ancient. The Christian history healing. for this small but resilient congregation. Stan Millar is a truck driver who lives The EMC presence in Sioux Valley of Sioux Valley goes back to 1879 when dates back to the summer of 1956. A Anglican workers arrived by canoe in nearby Bradwardine. He provides building was moved there in 1962 with and were met by Ite Wanzida Dowan, a leadership in Sunday morning worship. A medicine man and the first convert. A single or a couple to be involved in youth renovations since then. ministry is quite welcome. Sioux Valley, Key leaders in the congregation have Catholic presence came later. With various Christian presences like many First Nations communities in been Frank and Mary Braun (1956-1974), Dave and Helen Plett (1974-1988), Jake within Sioux Valley, the event of this Manitoba and elsewhere in Canada, has and Helen Martens (1989-2008), Demas building’s fire might cause more a large youth population. The cause of the fire has not been Dowan, David and Mildred Pashe (now discussion and cooperation among semi-retired in Portage la Prairie), and various parts of Christ’s Church. The officially released. Ward Parkinson and Terry Smith Stan and Norma Millar (current leaders). Reserve Fellowship congregation is
The chapel (below) before October 8, 2009. At right, the ruins of the burned building.
Nicaragua Missions Exposure/Work Teams Looking for a vacation with purpose? Join a volunteer team to assist in work and ministry projects (Gethsemane Centre for Children at Risk and church construction at Santa Teresa and Los Malacos). Visit churches of the Fraternity of Mennonite Churches and experience the culture, sights and hospitality of Nicaragua. 2010 Projected dates: February 18 – March 3 March 11 - 25 10
Team Coordinators: Lester and Darlene Olfert For cost information and application forms contact Lester Olfert Action International Ministries 9 Hickory Street Steinbach, MB R5G 0G6 204-326-7720 darlesolfert@shaw.ca
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with our churches
PVBC summer ministry Portage la Prairie, Man.: I had a great opportunity volunteering at Pembina Valley Bible Camp for part of the summer as a junior counselor. Being involved in camp life was such a huge blessing. It was awesome being a part of the camper’s lives and seeing God work in them. I had six girls in my cabin for the experienced horsemanship camp along with a senior counselor. It was really cool being able to use some of my past experiences and different challenges I have faced through school to relate to and encourage the girls that week. It’s awesome seeing God use our struggles to all end up working for the better, and strengthening us along with others.
We had the E.D.G.E (Everyday God Experience, chapel) each night. We had a great speaker who challenged everyone on hearing God’s voice. We also started something really cool this year called blindfold worship. This was a way to encourage people to worship God more freely with no one watching them. They wouldn’t have to feel pressured or judged, and would be able to connect with God at a more personal level. As part of the experienced horsemanship camp we went on a threeday out trip riding in the valley. This is always a great way for the campers and staff to enjoy Gods beautiful creation doing something they love.
Relationships with God and others are what are most important.
For Bible Ex this year we did an activity with each lesson to place actions with what we were teaching. It seemed like the campers enjoyed this change and it was more effective. For one of the lessons we went tree planting and for another we wrote our burdens on an envelope. Afterwards we threw the envelopes in the fire with fire crystals to resemble the renewal and change through Christ. Camp was filled with meaningful discussions, spiritual growth, worship, building relationships, and many new memories for everyone. Jessica Kroeker Reporter: Catherine Epp
Equestrian skills play a role at camp.
news
Evangelical Fellowship of Canada updates: Physician’s duty of care to the unborn child EFC Legal Counsel Faye Sonier examines recent court decisions addressing the issue of physician owed duty of care to an unborn child. Read the webitorial on Christianity.ca.
has produced a number of resources to help you learn more and take action. Visit our Euthanasia webpage, view and download our short informational video or learn more about Bill C-384. We have also produced a sample letter that can be sent to your Member of Parliament.
New dates for Euthanasia Bill vote Bill C-384, which seeks to decriminalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, will have its second hour of debate on Dec. 1 and Second Reading vote in the House of Commons on December 2. The EFC
Submission on Housing Don Hutchinson, director of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s (EFC) Centre for Faith and Public Life, and Julia Beazley, coordinator for the EFC’s National Roundtable on Poverty and Homelessness, appeared before the
THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Human Resources on Novemeber 5 (Meeting 55) in connection with the EFC’s support for private members’ Bill C-304 which proposes the development of a national affordable housing strategy. The EFC is forty-five years old Recently EFC’s 45th anniversary was celebrated with reflections on the EFC’s ministry and service that featured past EFC Presidents Brian Stiller and Gary Walsh, and current President Bruce Clemenger. EFC www.evangelicalfellowship.ca
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news
Lutheran statement expresses ‘deep regret’ for Anabaptist persecution The Council of the Lutheran World Federation has taken another critical step towards reconciliation with Anabaptists. At its October meeting in Switzerland, the council recommended that the LWF Eleventh Assembly adopt the statement Action on the Legacy of Lutheran Persecution of ‘Anabaptists’ in 2010. The statement expresses “deep regret and sorrow” for the 16th-century violent persecution of Anabaptists by Lutherans. It asks for forgiveness from The LWF Council approves the statement Action on the Legacy of Lutheran God and from Mennonites Persecution of Anabaptists. (LWF/H. Putsman Penet) for past wrongs, for having ignored this persecution and for describ- Conference general secretary, a guest at the Geneva event, welcomed the action ing Anabaptists in damaging ways. This action responds to the work of “in a spirit of celebration and prayer.” th the Lutheran-Mennonite International He brought greetings from the 15 MWC Study Commission, established in 2002 assembly in July. Dominant emotions in Switzerland and its work from 2005 to 2009. for Rainer Burkart, MWC executive Larry Miller, Mennonite World member, were joy and thankfulness. Two differences in faith and practice— baptism and church-state relations—will be future agenda for MWC’s Faith and KLASSEN – to Brian and Ainsley Life Commission, he said. Klassen of La Riviere, Man., a son, Burkart served as secretary in a Austin Mitchell, on August 13, 2009. Lutheran-Mennonite dialogue from 1989 to 1993, which resulted in a declaration KNELSEN – to Jason and Martha Knelsen of La Crete, Alta., a son, Lucas of mutual Eucharistic fellowship. One of John, on September 7, 2009. two MWC member churches in Germany
births
HERNANDEZ – to Mario and Carol Hernandez of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Alicia Esther, on November 4, 2009.
weddings GOERTZEN – PETERS: Andrew, son of Henry and Gertrude Goertzen of La Crete, Alta., and Barb, daughter of Willy and Mary Peters of La Crete, were married on August 16, 2009, with John Dyck of La Crete officiating. BATEMAN – PETERS: Clinton Bateman, son of Hubert and Kathy Lafleur of Buffalo Head Prairie, Alta., and Lisa, daughter of Martin and Anne Peters of Buffalo Head Prairie, were married on August 15, 2009, at Hillside Christian Fellowship, with John Dyck of La Crete officiating.
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LWF President Bishop Mark S. Hanson, with MWC general secretary Larry Miller, speaks a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing for the journey of reconciliation between Lutherans and Mennonites. (LWF/H. Putsman Penet)
does not require rebaptism when Lutherans transfer in. Other dialogues have occurred in France and the United States. MWC officers meet in Ontario in November to begin drawing conclusions from the LWF’s joint report and the decisions made by LWF council. They will consider sending the report to MWC member churches for study and response, discernment on issues raised, and further dialogue. They will consider how to acknowledge a request for forgiveness, should it come from the LWF. MWC
Biblical Discovery Tour May 25 to June 4, 2010 Ever wanted to see the land of the Bible up close? Hosted by Pastor Dale Dueck, Winkler EMMC, and covering 11 days, visit Old Jerusalem, The Garden of Gethsemane, the Garden Tomb, Nazareth, Capernaum, the Mount of Olives, Beth Shean, Sea of Galilee, Meggido, the plains of Armageddon, the Dead Sea, and Qumran. The tour will begin at Neot Kedumim, which offers insight into the geography and vegetation important to many Bible stories. This tour will stopover in Athens, Greece, at Mars Hill and the Acropolis
(where Paul preached in Acts 17). We will visit Corinth to get a perspective on Paul’s two letters there. The base price is $3,379 Can., which includes return airfare to Toronto, transfers and assistance upon arrival, hotel accommodation, two meals daily, an air-conditioned tour bus, site admission. There are incidental costs (connecting airfare to Toronto, passport fees, driver, guide and hotel tip fees, etc.) for which you are responsible.
Call 204-325-7667 or email pastordale-wemmc@mts.net THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
EMC and
Statement of Faith Church Practices A 25-part series
The Board of Leadership and Outreach has invited EMC pastors and other leaders to reflect on the meaning of our Statement of Faith and Church Practices. These writings are intended to inform and to invite conversation. In the end, this 25-part series might be published as a booklet. Have you heard a sermon on these articles? Encourage the preacher to forward the material to The Messenger.
11. JURY SERVICE We believe regular court duty to be incompatible with the nonresistant position. There is, however, a difference between an inquest (e.g., coroner’s jury) and a regular court jury (Matthew 5:38–48; John 18:36; Romans 12–13).
Menno Kroeker
Church Practices Article 11: Jury Service
T
his statement on jury service was substantially a better position to do so than a Christian? Christians should be noted as being deeply committed to telling changed from the 1960 to 1994. The earlier version simply states that jury the truth and therefore having some discernment in service is inconsistent with our faith and determining it. practice for members; the 1994 edition No doubt such considerations resulted says regular jury service is incompatible in some accommodations in the later Our interpretation of with our non-resistant position. There edition of our Church Practices. Jesus’ words has led us appears to be openness to certain kinds However, we must consider that of jury duty when it acknowledges a our system of justice is what is called to believe that we must difference between a coroner’s jury and a a retributive system. This means that return good for evil. regular court jury. punishment is the accepted response to From an Anabaptist perspective it the wrong that has been done. This stance would be is understandable that we have been Our interpretation of Jesus’ words in difficult for a person in cautious in becoming involved in the Matthew 5:38–48 has led us to believe judicial process when the justice system a jury where the facts of that we must, rather, return good for evil. This stance would be difficult for a historically had often dispensed far more the case would lead to injustice on our forebears. person in a jury where the facts of the Mennonites were more inclined to feel punishment. case would lead to punishment for the most secure when governments would crime committed. just leave them alone. No doubt our While Canada does not currently practice capital punishment, it can result in Kleine Gemeinde background in Europe has shaped our response to the justice system in North America. incarceration that has proven to be unhelpful in Trial by jury was initially instituted to correct rehabilitation. obvious injustices from trial by ordeal or by combat. While many in our EMC constituency would defend Essentially it involves selecting 12 common citizens who the principle of “do the crime, serve the time,” there are many situations where there are better alternatives are to establish the facts in the case. If the role of the jury is first and foremost to that serve to bring about rehabilitation of the offender. determine the truth in a trial, then would anyone be in I became convinced about that when I served as a translator in the court system. One such alternative is Mediation Services, a program that brings together the offender and the victim with the aim of reconciliation. The anticipated outcome is long-term peace and even friendship between the parties, though there is no guarantee that this will always be the result. As we become open to our members serving on a jury it would be advisable to also involve ourselves in alternatives to retributive justice where long-term relationships are built and where reconciliation between T the victim and the offender are the objective. M Menno Kroeker is a minister in Rosenort EMC. THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
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in memory
STELLA (nee LASKO) ANDRUSIAK 1919–2009 Stella was born to Alex and Anastasia Lasko, of the Beaver Plains District, on March 11, 1919. She was the fifth of 11 children. Being the eldest daughter, she learned to cook at an early age, making up to 25 loaves of bread at one time and baking them in a clay oven. She always remembered her first day at school. She could not understand a word of English. The teacher made her print the word cat, which she found very hard to do. She met Nick Andrusiak. They were married on October 29, 1938. They made their home north of Pelly, Sask., where they farmed and raised six children. She grew a big garden and worked alongside her husband in the fields. Through visits from neighbours, Stella and Nick heard the gospel and they accepted Christ as their Saviour. There was a handwritten notation found in her Bible that said, “Fear not, only believe.” Stella and Nick moved from the farm into Pelly and from then on Stella faithfully attended Pelly Fellowship Chapel. She worked diligently with the Ladies Sewing Circle, quilting and contributing much of her handwork at bazaars. She worked at several different jobs, cooking and cleaning, babysitting, and all kinds of sewing, which included making graduation and bridesmaid dresses. She also made perogies to sell and kept her family supplied. Together with her brother Pete, they cared for their elderly mother until her passing. Stella’s greatest treasures were her grandchildren. There were always sleepovers. Many remember staying with Baba and attending Bible School held across the street from her home. The cookie and candy jars were never empty at her house. She did not have much, but her generosity and love never ended when it came to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Because of failing health, she became a resident of Norquay Health Centre. Her favourite day there was when they made perogies. Stella passed away peacefully on September 6, 2009, with her family at her side. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Stella was predeceased by her parents, her husband, one son in infancy, one grandson, five brothers, and one sister. She is survived by her children: Mary (Walter) Lengert of Regina, Walter (Darlene) of Pelly, Julian (Valerie) of Norquay, Eugene (Sandra) of Pelly, Dennis (Faye) of Yorkton, Violet (Ken) Fullerton of Saskatoon; 13 grandchildren, 20 greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her funeral service was conducted on September 10, 2009, from Pelly Fellowship Chapel with pastors Kenton Penner of Wawanesa, Man., and John Froese of Pelly officiating. Her Family
coming events November 27–28 Doc’s Holiday SBC Major Drama Production Steinbach Bible College Chapel Steinbach, Man. No cost, rush seating 204-326-6451 or www.sbcollege.ca to reserve tickets
November 27 EMC Ministerial Meeting Pleasant Valley EMC near Rosenort, Man. 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca
November 28 EMC Conference Council Meeting Kleefeld EMC Kleefeld, Man. 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca
December 1 Being Evangelical in a Complex World: Stats, Facts, and Trends Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Christian Leaders Connection Redeemer University College Ancaster, Ont. 866-302-3362 ext. 236 www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/clc
DICK ZACHARIAS 1924–1999 In loving memory of my dear husband who passed away November 13, 1999. Alone but never quite alone, I face an empty chair, But sometimes in the silence I imagine you are there. We made our vows together And said till death do us part, So when God came and took your hand My whole life fell apart. No one knows the heartache I try so hard to hide, No one knows how many times I’ve broken down and cried. When I look back upon our lives Just one thing makes me glad, That you chose me to share with you Those precious years we had. Ever loved and missed by wife Eleanor and family Philippians 1:21
December 7 EMC Project Builders Annual Meeting Evangelical Fellowship Church Steinbach, Man. 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca
January 10, 2010 EMC Day of Prayer Pray for EMC missionaries around the word Your local EMC congregation 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca
January 24 Mennonite World Conference World Fellowship Sunday Worship materials can be downloaded at www.mwc-cmm.org
THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
shoulder tapping Wymark EMC, a country church located 20 miles southeast of Swift Current, Sask., is accepting applications for lead pastor. We aim to be a friendly, family-welcoming church body of 70 to 90 people, and seek a pastor who can encourage us by word and example to grow to maturity in Christ. Enquiries can be directed to the Pastoral Search Committee at 306-773-9089 (leave a message) or funkfarm@gmail.com (Paul Funk). La Crete Christian Fellowship, in the northwest corner of Alberta, is looking for a full-time youth pastor to be a part of our pastoral team. LCCF’s service to God is based on core values: a commitment to worship, discipleship, teaching of God’s Word, and reaching our community and world with the gospel. We are a vibrant church of about 350 regular attendees who desire to spread the Word through a variety of ministries. The youth pastor will direct the youth leadership team in implementing our vision of helping our youth establish and strengthen their personal connection to Jesus Christ. Applicants are to be a disciple of Jesus Christ who is a willing and teachable leader; a person whose love for the Lord is reflected in their ability to work well with others. Contact us for details. Call Mike Schellenberg at 780-841-9376 or e-mail lccfc@telus.net. 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. 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. North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg, Man., is looking for a children’s ministry director. The children’s director, who will focus on visioning and implementing a Christ-centred children’s program, will be an integral part of the pastoral leadership team. The children’s director is a half-time position. For an applicant who also has a vision for small groups ministry, consideration will be given for a full-time position including both ministry responsibilities. NKMB is a multi-generational congregation of nearly 600 members with many young families. Inquiries and resumes may be sent to: Search Committee, NKMB, 1315 Gateway Rd., Winnipeg MB R2G 1P2 or email: brigittep@ nkmb.org.
Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm An evangelical ministry, Continental Mission (started in the 1940s) is involved in evangelism, church planting, camping, and dropin ministries among First Nations people, mostly in northern Manitoba. The director will need to live in Thompson. Experience in working with Aboriginal people is an asset. Send your resume to the chairman of the board: Ruben Goertzen, Box 57, Ashern, MB R0C 0E0, e-mail rgoertz@mts.net, phone 204-7682455. Or call the interim director, Bill Penner, at 204-778-8771 for information. Rainbow Christian School, in Vanderhoof, BC, seeks a principal. RCS is a growing K–8 Christian professional learning community and has been in operation for 20 years. It is a classified Group 1 Independent School and currently has a staff of six and an enrollment of about 80 students. Applications must include: resume, three references (including a pastor’s), transcripts, BCCT certificate, statement of faith, philosophy of Christian education. The principal is a full-time position (.6 admin. and .4 teaching). Send a cover letter, resume, philosophy of Christian education with statement of faith. Rainbow Christian School Search Committee, Box 710, 2994 Burrard Ave., Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; ph: 250-567-3127; fax: 250-567-3167; e-mail: rcschool@telus.net. Gruthal Bergthaler Mennonite Church is prayerfully seeking a senior pastor who has a heart for people and is community outreach minded. We are an evangelical church located in Grunthal, Man., 45 minutes southeast of Winnipeg, and 20 minutes southwest of Steinbach. The town consists of about 1,000 people and is supported by a strong farming community. The church is multi-generational, with a core of middle-aged families, a strong youth program run by a full-time youth pastor, and a strong Sunday School program. We seek a pastor who has the heart of a shepherd and a desire to see our church grow through reaching the lost and investing in the church’s people. He should have strong preaching and teaching skills. The candidate must have a Bible college degree. Some pastoral experience
Continental Mission in Thompson, Man., needs a general director. This is an executive position. Qualifications for this position includes ministry experience, and an ability to lead and challenge missionaries in various ministries. A knowledge of the Word and a walk with the Lord are essential.
THE MESSENGER November 18, 2009
A senior volunteer couple is needed to host the EMC Mission guesthouse in El Paso, Texas. This is a self-supporting position with a oneto two-year term of service. For more information contact Ken Zacharias, Foreign Secretary, EMC Board of Missions, kzacharias@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.
is preferred. He must be in agreement with our constitution and statement of faith. Anyone who possesses these qualifications and is interested in this position can forward their resume, along with references, to the following address: Grunthal Bergthaler Church, Box 70, Grunthal, MB R0A 0R0, Attn: Elder Board; or e-mail gbmcleadelder@mts.net. MacGregor Youth for Christ seeks a satellite director. Job description involves giving overall leadership to YFC ministries in Macgregor and Gladstone, Man., its staff and its ministry; vision crafting, ministry development, staff/ volunteer care and development, community/ church relations, fundraising, evaluation. Please contact yfcmacgregor@mts.net. MacGregor Youth for Christ seeks a campus life youth worker. Job description involves spending time in the local High School offering student support to the local youth, as well as connecting with the local youth through the Drop-in Centre and various programs. Please contact yfcmacgregor@mts.net. Arborg Youth for Christ seeks an executive director to help launch and run a youth centre in Arborg, Man. This exciting opportunity is revving up and will soon be ready to go with a committed team there to support and back you up. Reporting to and supported by a committed steering committee, this person will promote the ministry throughout the community, develop the drop-in program, and supervise team members. Applicants must be able to embrace and sign the YFC Statement of Faith and Conduct. The ability to handle administrative and financial duties will be required. Qualifications include a love for youth, drive and determination, creativity and an ability to work independently. E-mail resume to Keith Tarry at keith@ yfcwinnipeg.ca or 325 Talbot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2L 0P9 or 204-669 4205 ext 224. Mennonite Central Committee Alberta invites applications for the position of thrift shop manager for the Calgary Shop. The shop has experienced unprecedented growth in the past several years and requires a manager who will continue to foster such growth and stimulate interest for both customers and volunteers alike. Qualifications include: Strong leadership skills excellent relational skills, experience working with volunteers, good computer skills. Retail sales experience would be an asset but is not a prerequisite. MCC requires a commitment to Christian faith and to non violent peacemaking and active church involvement. This is a full-time position with the manager reporting directly to a Board of Directors. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applications complete with resume and references accepted until December 13. Please apply to: Debbie Sandland, MCC AB Thrift Shop Coordinator, 210-2946 32 St NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6J7; ph. 403-275-6935; fax 403-275-3711; e-mail: debbiesandland@mccab.org.
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kids’ corner Loreena Thiessen
W
Do you have a hobby?
hat do you do because you really love doing it? A hobby is like that. You do it because you love to do it. It is an expression of you. This is what happened to Anne Frank. On her thirteenth birthday Anne Frank received a diary to write in as she pleased. Anne had never written before but now that she had the diary she was very interested in writing. Anne thought that no one could be interested in any of her thoughts or ideas but she still had reasons why she wanted to write. The first reason was that she simply wanted to do it. The second reason was that she had thoughts and ideas buried deep inside of her. These were thoughts that she would only tell a really good friend; now her diary became that friend. She called her diary “Kitty.” When Anne began writing in her diary she had a regular life with her sister, mother, father, her friends and school. She had homework and worried about her marks; would she pass? Then everything changed. Anne and her family were Jews and lived in Holland. In the neighbouring country, the German government got a new leader. The new leader invaded the countries around him including Holland. He made laws that did not allow the Jewish people to work, go to school, or use their education or skills to make a living. The Jews had to leave or go into hiding. Anne and her family went into hiding. For two years, in order to be safe from the new government, Anne and her family could not leave their hiding place: Anne could not go to school or see her friends. She could not go shopping or walk in the park. Instead, Anne studied in their hiding place. She studied history, literature, math, and languages. And she continued to write. In the last year of the war Anne and her family were discovered and captured. They suffered great hardships and PAGE 16
became very ill. Only Anne’s father survived. When Anne’s father returned to their hiding place he found the pages of her diary. Friends persuaded him to publish it as a book and today millions of people have read it. It is Anne Frank, Diary of a Young Girl. It has also become a play. Why is Anne’s diary important? Anne’s diary tells the story of events that happened in history. Her story helped the German people understand what happened to the Jewish people, and how the laws against them hurt them. It is important because it tells about Anne’s thoughts and feelings, what made her happy, what made her sad. And it tells us the story of her family. What do you do that you love? Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do in word or in deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father T through him.” M
Activity: Collect and Preserve Fall Leaves Need: a variety of fall leaves, newspaper, wax paper, hot iron, ironing surface. What to do: • Collect fall leaves in your backyard or park. • Press leaves between two pages of newspaper. • Place heavy books on the newspaper pages. • Wait 24 hours • Place dried leaves between sheets of wax paper • Gently press the medium hot iron* on the wax paper for 10 seconds: cool the leaves before using them • Show your leaves: trim around the leaves; use to decorate cards, or put them in a photo album, or turn a leaf into a sun catcher by attaching a thread to the leaf and hang in a window. *Don’t use the iron without an adult present. It can burn you.
THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914