The Messenger Vol. 47 No. 21 December 2, 2009

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 47, number 21 December 2, 2009

Saviour (p. 4)

www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorials

Agony and Advent

W

e might look at the political, economic, moral, and social turmoil and ask, “What is this world coming to?”

“The sweep of God’s grace is so grand that it includes the liberation of creation itself,” responded Joel Nederhood, a Christian Reformed

By hoping we do not minimize the struggles of people and planet. Rather, we face them with a perspective that comes from Jesus Christ.

minister, in Today, a devotional guide, some years ago.

“Christ’s work of redemption is not a partial rescue that involves snatching his chosen people from a crumbling universe,” he wrote. “Romans 8 calls us to think of hope as something that runs through the length and breadth of the entire creation” (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:18-25).

He said, “Wherever you look, you see a groaning creation…The groaning of creation, though, says the Bible, is not the groaning of death; it is the groaning of childbirth. Everything is moving toward salvation. God’s children know that, and their certainty is called hope” (Romans 8:22-25).

Advent is a season of hope. Hope is not easy.

By hoping we do not minimize the struggles of people and planet. Rather, we face them with a perspective that comes from Jesus Christ. Our Christian faith is a source of strength as we face life now with an eye toward a better future.

Struggle describes the world now; fulfillment describes its future. The Apostle Peter says, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (1 Peter 3:13).

T Advent is a season of hope. M Terry M. Smith

‘We understood each other’

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uring a flood Haralan Popov was sent by raft to retrieve materials for a rebuilding project. A half-mile from shore the raft came apart and he was plunged into a flooding river.

His heavy clothing and boots were frozen. Popov could not move, was dragged downstream, and went under water several times. “Lord, help me!” he cried. Suddenly he felt stronger and began to swim powerfully. People on shore had turned away, thinking him dead.

As Popov struggled closer to

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. 1 – January 6, 2010 (copy due December 23)

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shore, he saw two nuns in dark habits floundering in the mud. A female prison guard kicked one and sent her sprawling.

The village of Belene was about two kilometers away and church bells “began to ring out with the glad tidings of Christmas” as the nuns struggled and the pastor, reaching shore, lay exhausted. It was December 24.

Popov thought of how he and the nuns were in prison, not for crimes, but for “He who was born in a stable on that night so long ago.” They

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,

looked at each other. He had tears of joy. They were crying as well.

“We wept,” he wrote later. “We said not a word, but we understood each other.”

Popov, a pastor, and the nuns were part of a prison colony in Bulgaria.

He was imprisoned from 1948 to 1961 (Tortured For His Faith, Zondervan, 1970).

“God is born in the form of a man,” Popov wrote. “God is revealing Himself through His Child.”

Amid difficult circumstances, he T found reason for joy. M Terry M. Smith

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MESSENGER

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

THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

writings shared Henry Friesen

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Engaging Anabaptism: Conversations with a Radical Tradition, edited by John D. Roth (Herald Press, 2001), 140 pp., $19.99, ISBN 978-0-836-19191-2. Reviewed by Henry Friesen, leadership team member, The ConneXion, Arborg, Man.

ngaging Anabaptism provides a perspective on Anabaptist theology in the words of thinkers from a variety of traditions.

Almost universally the conversation with the Anabaptist tradition was couched in terms of interaction with John Howard Yoder, who is credited with re-introducing the Anabaptist voice to the current theological conversation.

McClendon describes his experience of reading Yoder’s Politics of Jesus as a second conversion (21). Variations on this sentiment were echoed by other conversation partners.

While the emphasis on Yoder’s work is understandable, it does mitigate the value of this book as a conversation with this radical tradition. Whatever one’s evaluation of Yoder’s representation of Anabaptist values, this radical tradition consists of more than only Yoder’s voice.

The well-known emphasis on community and an integrated care for the poor and powerless are prominent themes. The peace stance linked to a concern for justice was a frequent point of entry into Anabaptist thought for the contributors (76f).

Most noteworthy, however, is the recognition that ultimately Anabaptist thought is persuasive not primarily on the basis of convincing argumentation, but on the strength of a deep resonance with the biblical text (33, 77).

What I take to be the most decisive factor in Anabaptist thought, the

THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

Most noteworthy is the recognition that ultimately Anabaptist thought is persuasive on the strength of a deep resonance with the biblical text.

hermeneutic which takes the life and teachings of Jesus to be the primary lens for understanding all of scripture, is contrasted with the comparatively weak centrality of Christ operative in much of Christian theology.

Marshall notes that “all Christian traditions are Christocentric, which is what makes them Christian in the first place,” but “it is Anabaptism’s central commitment to the paradigmatic significance of Jesus’ life and teachings that offers the soundest basis for genuine integration to occur” (46f).

Murray cites the difference in the hermeneutic as Christocentric

rather than Christological (98). Whereas Christological methods interpret scripture with reference to doctrines about Jesus, the Christocentric approach recognizes Jesus as God Incarnate, and reads all of scripture in consideration of the life and teachings of the God we see in Jesus.

This book is a worthwhile read for those who are interested in how theologians from other streams view the Anabaptist tradition.

The calibre of contributions in this volume range from fairly short testimonials to more extended interactions and critiques. They also range from fuzzy feel-good affirmations to strong endorsements to maintain our eminently biblical commitments because we supply a voice that the broader Christian T community needs to hear. M

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(dreamstime.com)

Beyond wagging tongues,

a Saviour is born!

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riving the streets at night we see the many colourful lights lining rooftops and trees, decorating our streets in the colours of Christmas. Our snowy Christmases often leave in the distant past the desert hills, caves, and manger bed of a baby boy.

If you are like me, you have heard the stories of Mary and Joseph, and the birth of Jesus, more times than you can count. We can probably summarize the story backwards and forwards, and possibly in several languages.

However, sitting barely discernable at times is a 2,000-year-old culture that is worth looking at, and a simple story that is worth being a part of.

In Luke 1:26-27 we find the angel, Gabriel (whose name means God is my Strong Hero), who first appears in the book of Daniel many years earlier, speaking to a 4

Clinton Friesen

virgin named Mary. Mary just happens to be betrothed to a man named Joseph.

Betrothal As a jumping off point, many of our Bibles say that Mary was “pledged to be married” to Joseph, or that she was “engaged” to be married. When we picture an engagement we imagine a couple at a nice restaurant, or a special place in the relationship, the man on one knee asking, “Will you marry me?”

When this woman says yes, they will begin planning for a wedding ceremony, and hopefully for a life together. If at any point during this process either party decides that the marriage is not right for them, they can back out without any entanglements, except the emotional.

With betrothal it is not so simple. In fact, becoming THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

The Talmud, an early Jewish commentary on Scripture, speaks to a father’s worries about his daughters: It is written, a daughter is a vain treasure to her father. From anxiety about her he does not sleep at night; during her early years, lest she be seduced; in her adolescence, lest she go astray; in her marriageable years, lest she does not find a husband; when she is married, lest she is childless; and when she is old, lest she practice witchcraft (Sanhedrin 100 b).

You can see that, if a major concern as a parent is that your daughter not be seduced before she is married, the earlier the marriage the better. It is hard to see the woman in the gospels is still a young teenaged girl; yet she willingly agrees to God’s plans despite being fully aware of the consequences, probably assuming that her betrothed will leave her.

But, times do change, and God’s plan has clearly never been dependant on human perspective.

Pregnancy We are often calloused to the surroundings of the story of Jesus’ birth. We’ve heard it so often that we don’t have any reaction to what we are even reading anymore.

Imagine you are Joseph and your fiancée tells you that she is pregnant. Take a moment to let that sink in. Think about what your emotions would be to this (dreamstime.com) revelation.

It would go far beyond anger and betrothed was a legally binding hurt, maybe even to hatred. Then agreement, and the couple was Mary adds to it by saying, “Joseph, We are often calloused probably not even a part of the uh, it’s God’s child.” We might say, to the surroundings of agreement. The betrothal period was sarcastically, “Yeah, right! Sure it is!” the story of Jesus’ birth. customarily 12 months, during which None of us would believe it. We We’ve heard it so often the couple did not see each other. don’t know what Joseph thinks, where During this period the couple was he goes from there, or how long he that we don’t have any considered legally married, even before ponders. But we know that he didn’t reaction to what we are any physical union, and a divorce believe Mary either. even reading anymore. would have been necessary to break He decides he will divorce Mary, but the contract. That is why we later read that he will do it quietly. That is not a in Matthew 1:19 that Joseph decided nice way of saying that he decided to to divorce her, not simply to break up with her, as we keep her from blushing and having a red face. would do.

This is to say that Joseph decided to keep her from Mary, no doubt, experienced a much different tremendous public scorn and possibly from being upbringing than young woman do in our culture. killed. Since the marriage agreement was legal, and Possibly Mary was still a very young woman by our since she was to be a virgin, the presence of baby standards at the time of God calling her to bear a child. would indicate a clear indiscretion, which could have Culturally, young Jewish women would have been marbeen punishable by stoning. ried anytime after puberty, most likely from 12 and a half Joseph, though hurting, kindly decides to privately to 14 years of age. If she remained unmarried for a longer divorce her to save her from potential death. time, she might have been as old as 18. For a girl, there Where is Mary during this period of Joseph’s were no other career opportunities beyond marriage. pondering? The Bible never tells us, but imagine what THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

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any teenage girl would be doing while her fiancée thinks about what to do with her. The ball was in his court.

Trust Mary knew what the possible implications for her actions were, and knew that Joseph had her future in his hands. I think it is safe to assume that Mary began to feel the signs of life from within her growing belly and, despite her fear, trusted that God was at work.

She wouldn’t have been oblivious to the craziness of her statement about God’s child being within her, but she knew she was innocent, and so she trusted God, and waited for Joseph.

And finally, in Matthew 1:20-24, an angel of the Lord comes to Joseph in a dream and confirms the truth of what Mary has told him; and Joseph takes Mary as his wife.

Nazareth was a small town, and no doubt the tongues were wagging. No doubt people stared and laughed and mocked Joseph, not only for being

cheated on, but that he would take her to be his wife, a continual embarrassment.

Not only did Joseph accept the consequences of taking Mary to be his wife, but in Matthew 1:25 it says that Joseph kept Mary a virgin until after Jesus was born. Joseph fully accepted what God had told him, and was committed to Mary and to the plan that God had set out.

That picture is probably quite a bit different than the cozy nook we envision this all happening in.

We can enjoy Christmas, the lights and carolling, but let it point us to the real story: the story of a terrified teenaged girl, a confused young carpenter, and a baby boy—a baby T boy born to redeem the world. M Clinton Friesen is the editor of The Chortitzer Chronicle and the assistant office manager for the Chortitzer Mennonite Conference.

with our missionaries Canada/Sudan

Lest we forget: Not all nations are protected (dreamstime.com)

November 11 marks an important date on our calendars. Schools are cancelled, local businesses and grocery stores are closed. We remember the lives lost while defending our freedom. Do we understand what this really means?

Our present generation does not know what it means to live in daily fear. Fear that our homes will be looted, our men beaten and killed, our children captured, our girls raped. Peace is taken for granted; wars and genocide happen somewhere else.

We watch immigrants flooding into our country and start getting a little nervous. We don’t understand that they are seeking a better life without fear. Freedom of religion and human rights are upheld by the majority of governments, aren’t they?

Let us remember that throughout the world there are entire nations of people who are not protected by their

Sudanese soldier

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government or by any human rights policy. They live in daily fear.

As we remember those who died fighting for our freedom, let us pray for those who do not enjoy this privilege. Pray for the region of Darfur, in Sudan, once home for six million men, women, and children. More than three million people are displaced. Many live in insecure refugee camps where women and girls are raped when collecting firewood.

A half million Darfurians have died since 2003. They yearn for freedom: the freedom to attend school, have access to medical care, to support themselves, have families, and live in peace.

Yet, the genocide continues. In most of this region, aid organizations are still not able to serve due to insecurity.

Praise God, He is at work. He is building His kingdom and men, women, and children are finding true freedom

Pray for the region of Darfur, in Sudan, once home for six million men, women, and children. More than three million people are displaced.

THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

with our missionaries in His Son—the one who died to bring everlasting freedom to men, women and children of every tribe, tongue and nation!

Pray for His church to be born among the Darfur people. Pray for the new believers’ physical protection and spiritual growth. We praise God for the news we hear from our Darfurian brothers and sisters. Wherever these few believers go, they are proclaiming the good news.

At the Region 6 EMC missions conference this month, Sam Owuso challenged us to offer hospitality to the immigrants moving into our country, our towns, our neighbourhood, welcoming them into our churches and homes.

He said, “God has a purpose through immigration.”

“The King will say to those on his

right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father…For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in’”(Matthew 25:34-35).

Many have lived in fear; many are ready to hear the story of redemption. Are we ready to tell it? Are we willing to hear their stories?

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14).

Let us not forget: many have not yet heard that Jesus’ death has paid the price. Many hearts are open. Many still live in fear.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore,

as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:910).

Angela Kruse

Angela Kruse (Rosenort Fellowship/Kola), with her husband Rolf, served in Ethiopia among refugees from Sudan.

Oldest ocean-going passenger ship to stop sailing The ministry of OM’s ship Doulos will end on December 31, 2009.

Doulos is the world’s oldest oceangoing passenger ship, now 95 years old, with the hull built in 1914, just two years after Titanic.

The amount of steel replacement and other repairs needed for her to continue sailing are overwhelming. The work would cost over 10 million euros and take five months to complete. The OM Ships leadership believes that it is not appropriate to invest these resources, since Doulos has a limited ministry future.

“This is not what any of us wanted, and has serious consequences for everyone on board,” said Peter Nicoll, OM Ships International CEO, “those about to join and for ports we planned to visit.”

The well-being of the 280 crew and staff onboard is of paramount importance.

Each person will receive the guidance and support they need to decide their next steps.

MV Doulos

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Nicoll stated, “We recognise God’s faithfulness through these 32 years of wonderful service of the ‘servant’ Doulos as an outstanding OM ministry, through more than 600 port visits in over 100 countries. Many lives have been transformed, both visitors and those who have served on board.”

We are deeply grateful to our partners around the world who have supported

the ship in ministry. Please continue to pray with us as we work on present challenges and seek the Lord for the future.

With Logos Hope now active, and exciting ministry taking place, we are investigating possible options to charter another ship in the interim.

OM Ships International

VISITORS FROM SEMILLA! César Montenegro, SEMILLA board president, and Rafael Escobar, Academic Dean, visited the EMC national office on November 16, 2009. Lester Olfert served as translator. EMC foreign secretary Ken Zacharias, Wally Doerksen of Project Builders, and others met with them to discuss common ministry concerns and projects. Located in Guatemala, SEMILLA is an Anabaptist seminary that trains and serves church leaders in Latin America. The EMC has had a relationship with SEMILLA for many years. (photo: Terry M. Smith)

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Mennonite World Conference

President Danisa Ndlovu says, ‘Taste the Fruit!’

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Terry M. Smith

anisa Ndlovu, the Mennonite World Conference’s newly-elected president, is nervous about meeting journalists.

But on November 5, 2009, he’s pleased to see John 3:16 in Ndebele—a principal language in Zimbabwe—taped to a bulletin board in the EMC national office board room in Steinbach, Man. It “If you have a fruit in makes him feel welcome. front of you, you really Though Ndlovu, 52, was elected in July 2009 at MWC’s general assembly in Paraguay, he is not don’t know how it tastes new to MWC; since 2003 he had served as vice until you have tasted it.” president, according to background information he supplied.

MWC “provides...a global Nor is he new to the Christian Church. He has family flavour.” served in various capacities and ministries within the Brethren in Christ Church in Zimbabwe: as an evangelist, book store manager, and Bible school lecturer. In 2000 he began serving as bishop to the BICC in Zimbabwe, which has about 33,000 members (four times that of the EMC).

And he is not new to North America. While some of his undergraduate studies were in Zimbabwe and Kenya, he studied at two seminaries in the U.S. from 1989-1992, emerging with M.A. (theology) and MDiv degrees.

North-South changes The churches from the North and South need to move from a mother-daughter relationship to come to the table as equals, he says. This change is not easy, but it is important. There needs to be accountability, listening to each other, an openness to both being critiqued and to acknowledge the pains of history.

Intervals The South does not want to extend intervals between general assemblies because it would lose a sense of family, he says. “The approaches…are different”: “the South is more relational,” the North is “more scientific.”

The global recession has affected many people and (photos: Rebecca Roman)

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THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

“we cannot be overly spiritual about it,” but finances “are not the final thing.” The issue is what have we done with what we have to nurture the relationship?

Message of peace Since the Ndebele are linked to the Zulu and both have reputations as brave warriors, how has the message of peace through Jesus been received by the The unconvinced Ndebele and other Zimbabweans?

What if people question if it is Peace doesn’t mean “being a weakling” or worthwhile to be part of MWC? He to “allow” other people “walk over you,” he The church coming replies that “if you have a fruit in front responds; “peace is a principle of life where of you, you really don’t know how it you are able to respond to situations in ways together from tastes until you have tasted it.” MWC that enhance life, enhance relationships and different nations is a fruit that people need to taste to so forth.” see the benefit. MWC “provides…a The Ndebele have a history as warriors, and languages is global family flavour, which is very but among themselves “they are a peaceful unique.” “…When you participate, you people, generally speaking.” “…Bravery” and “biblical.” begin to see the benefit.” “warriorship are…in there” to respond to The church coming together from challenges, he says. different nations and languages is “biblical.” A Christian Non-resistance is in the BICC’s constitution, “but… “worth his or her salt” will not run from that. There as a church we have not been up front, in my view, in is a benefit to “cross-fertilization.” We need to “plant” teaching that,” he said. Missionaries were not up front. our lives in each other and put down our “defensive If, when people were “conscripted,” this period had mechanisms” as the people of God. been used as a teaching opportunity, “it would have really helped us a great deal.”

BICC in Zimbabwe During the war of liberation “some of our young The bishop speaks of how the church in Zimbabwe men” were forced into the army, but they were “ill“has grown in a period of crisis…politically and equipped to face that challenge.” There needs to be economically” and “sought to be faithful before God in more teaching. very difficult times.” But, he says, the BICC is “just but one part of the whole church in the country”; it is “not His question standing on its own.”

He asked, “What is there for Mennonite World The church, he says, has learned the “importance Conference in the near future?” MWC is going through of walking alongside with Christians of other “transitions” that “need to be well managed”: replacing denominations.” The crisis has brought “a great a long-time General Secretary, the work of the benefit”: “all the churches have come together”— commissions, staff changes—which call for financial Roman Catholics, Pentecostals, evangelicals. This “has responsibilities within our “constituencies.” They not just happened,” but “the church has grown over the “determine” the future. years to come to where it is now.” The BIC has played a role in this as a peace church.

His family The BICC cannot “sit back,” but needs to “take the The president says his wife Treziah and three driving seat.” He speaks of suffering and Scripture, children are “very wonderful” and supportive. They convinced that God sometimes allows pain to nurture have struggled together economically, and have “been the “best out of you.” very positive in the midst of the challenges that we have experienced.”

Added responsibilities Two teenaged children are in boarding school; Already busy as a bishop, how will Ndlovu manage another, 20, awaits college. What does the future hold the additional responsibilities as MWC’s president? for his children? The bishop trusts in a good future.

He responds, “I don’t know,” but “God does not use He and his family live with their extended family, lazy people, right? I think God has always used busy which is a “great joy.” Sadly, a younger brother, married people.” and preparing for ministry, died suddenly in October.

But the president is not just thinking about his own Role as president family. Many families in Zimbabwe have lost siblings, What is his role as president? “My role…is to partly because of HIV/AIDS, he says. drive the ship.” It is to see that the vision of MWC is By coming to North America and agreeing to an “pursued,” to “work closely” with others, to give MWC interview such as this, President Danisa Ndlovu “a face.” displays a vision for the global family in Christ. And he T clearly invites others to share it. M THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

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with our churches

PEC gains rest, play areas Portage la Prairie, Man.: Changing a Beaver Lumber building and yard into a place of worship is still in process.

This summer Les Kroeker and Donna Moman got a grant proposal ready and approved. Sharon Kroeker, Sherry Campbell, Marge Hildebrand, Lowell and Lisa Enns designed and organized the project. Larry Giesbrecht supervised it and many volunteers made it happen. The grant was through Neighbourhood Alive.

The purpose: beautification, interaction, and service to the community.

Thanksgiving display

Our church location is highly visible and a central location between the downtown and the North End. This makes our church a good stopping place for a rest on the way home, as well as meeting the needs for a play space for the many young families in the immediate neighbourhood.

Portage Evangelical Church moved to the location in September 2007. The present eating area is too small already.

A large storage area is in the Anicka Loewen was among seven candidates baptized on August process of being changed to 30, 2009. Pastors Les Kroeker and Glenn Loewen officiated. a gym and, once completed, could also serve as a dining area. During our Thanksgiving supper the present area plus the Sunday School class rooms were packed.

On Sunday morning, August 30, 2009, seven baptismal candidates gave their testimonies and that afternoon “gathered at the river” to be baptized: Dezrae Collins, Anicka Loewen, Margaret Giesbrecht, Medori Moman, Tyler Thordarson, Jan VanBeilen, and Dan Willms. Our prayer is that God will lead, protect, and guide the way for each one To serve the community, Portage Evangelical Church of them. has resting and play areas courtesy of Neighbours Catherine Epp Alive and much volunteer work through PEC.

Diversity in missions presented at Fish Creek Fish Creek (Calgary, Alta.): On October 25, Fish Creek welcomed Antonio and Esther Pitta, along with about 20 others of an emerging church plant in Calgary. It was exciting to hear of this “new” mission to reach people and to bring them into God’s Kingdom.

The group is currently meeting in various homes for Bible study and prayer.

As they grow numerically and spiritually, it is the desire of their hearts to have a permanent meeting place.

We pray with them that God would direct them as to the exact location in the city He wants them, and that their ministry would be anointed by God and many souls would be won for Christ.

There was a time of prayer and laying on of hands for Antonio and Esther as well as a potluck meal to visit and get to know one another better in a more informal way.

On November 1 our congregation welcomed Len Barkman to speak to

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us about an “old” mission—Project Builders. We refer to this as “old” only in the sense that it has been in existence since 1973. As Len spoke, however, it is apparent that there is a freshness that continues as various projects are added to this ongoing ministry.

One of the newer facets of the ministry is micro-finance. This avenue is helping the less fortunate, partnering with them

in business to raise their standard of living in many global communities.

Whether an “old” mission or a “new” mission, a “local” mission or a “global” mission, we are called to fulfill the Great Commission. We are also called to pray for one another and in so doing, demonstrate Christ’s love in us. We at Fish Creek want to pray God’s richest blessing on these two ministries.

Joyce Landis

Fish Creek welcomed members of an emerging church plant in Calgary.

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with our churches

Summer additions and commitments Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.):

Child dedication services are always joyful events. In July four couples dedicated themselves and their children to “train up a child”: Miguel and Tamara Medina with Miko, Pastor Kim Stoesz, Kelly and Ken Rempel with Silas John, Blanca and Angel Infantes with Belen Illariy, and Josue and Maria Figueroa with Cristian Josue. Pastor Kim prayed the dedicatory prayer and the congregation affirmed its intention to remember the young families in their prayers and interests. Even couple also received a Children’s Bible.

Josue and Maria Fifueroa with Cristian Josue at the child dedication.

In October Tammy Harris and Essie Herod were installed as deacons. Both women have been involved in many facets of service at Braeside and the congregation affirmed them in this new venture in caregiving.

Braeside welcomed eight individuals into membership: (back row, by transfer) Enrique Ostos, Pamela Walford, Hanna Koroma, Martha Kehler, Pastor Kim Stoesz; (in front, by baptism) Haja Othman, Aminata Koroma, Jacob Dombek, Adam Janzen, Pastor Angel Infantes. Each member received a devotional book with a specially selected verse inscribed on the inside cover.

Al Dueck

LCCF experiences laughter, joy, and weeping La Crete, Alta.: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven; A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to weep And a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2, 4).

These verses summarize what has happened at LCCF these past few months.

On a hot Sunday in June we enjoyed our annual Sunday School picnic—lots of fun, laughter, food, sunflower seeds, and visiting.

In June we also witnessed Joe Peters, Carrie Elias and Candace Froese be

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baptized and Norman and Rosalind Petzold and Elena Petzold become members. Their testimonies all reflected and spoke of the faithfulness of God. For one week in August the church was filled with activity as over 60 volunteers worked together to have an amazing week of VBS: Where Fearless Kids Shine God’s Light. Approximately 145 children came each day to learn new Bible truths. Tina Friesen and Lenora Braun spent countless hours organizing. Thank you to everyone who helped.

In September numerous couples participated in a parent/child dedication where the parents committed to raising their children in a way that honour God. In the midst of the joy, laughter and learning, we have grieved with so many families in our church who have lost family members and loved ones, mothers, fathers, daughters, sisters, nieces, and uncles. There is so much hurt, pain and so many questions.

Thankfully we have a God of comfort and of healing.

Brenda Wiebe

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with our churches

PBMC celebrates building dedication Picture Butte, Alta.: Picture Butte Mennonite Church held our gospel music jamboree and church dedication on July 10 to 12, 2009.

The verses we chose for this glorious celebration were Ephesians 3:20–21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

It had been just over two years since we had our sod-turning ceremony at the site, and finally we were ready to publicly celebrate all that God had blessed us with. We had moved into the building in late December of 2008.

The committee had been hard at work since the beginning of the year and had everything in place. The huge tent went up, the groceries were purchased, the sound system was assembled, and the party began.

On the afternoon of July 10 the anticipation rose as the holiday trailers started moving onto the back end of the church property. The youth group

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was gearing up to serve the first meal of burgers and hotdogs to the hungry crowd.

Six music groups came to entertain the hundreds of people that came to celebrate with us. There were personal testimonies, door prizes, a small auction sale, and lots of mouth-watering food.

It was a gathering place for all the people, from near and far, to come and see what God had accomplished through their faithful prayers for this work.

We want to say a huge thank you to the Mission Heights Community Church youth group (Grande Prairie, Alta.) for having Vacation Bible School with all the children throughout the entire weekend.

Parents expressed again and again how they appreciated this; their children were learning about our Lord and Saviour and had no time to get bored, leaving adults able to fellowship and worship uninterrupted.

On Sunday afternoon we cut the ribbon and, while singing the chorus We’ll Give the Glory to Jesus, moved the celebration into the sanctuary of the church.

There we were blessed by a hearty time of worship in song, greetings and a devotional by Ward Parkinson (English) and Abe Bueckert (German), a powerful testimony by Herman Peters, and a financial report by deacon Henry Krahn.

A PowerPoint presentation told the story of our congregation from the very first Bible study in one home till the present. The celebration ended with fellowship and faspa (a light supper).

The Lord has been so faithful and good to us, and the support we have received has been overwhelming. May the Lord bless each one in our conference who has prayed for us!

We would ask that you continue to pray for our community and body of believers. We are a congregation with many new believers and many hungry, searching souls all around us.

Please pray that the young would grow to be mature, steadfast Christians, and that we would always have a vision for missions, especially for the sheep right here in our backyard.

Caroline Krahn

THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

Except you see as a

CHILD

With the toss of a black lace shawl a doll wrapped in a bit of blue blanket and a half-empty laundry basket my granddaughter, at six, transforms our basement into Bethlehem.

She instructs me to play a plodding slightly dim-witted Joseph while her older sister �lies in for several brief (but striking) appearances as an angel a shepherd a wise-woman and one of Herod’s soldiers hunting Rachel’s babies.

(iStockphoto.com)

Dramatic scenes that cause the young director to forget her own lines as the play becomes real before her awe-struck eyes.

Later, when I ask if the new-born Jesus is doing okay now, she says con�idently (while gently patting his holy blanketed back):

“Of course! he’s the Son of God! And he’s grown a lot.

He’s asleep right now, dreaming of — �ields full of �lowers — I know because that’s what I prayed for.”

Leona Dueck Penner

THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

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(designpics.com)

If Only

If only the church were on fire, If only their hunger for God would go higher Then the angels in heaven would dance And the devil would not have a chance.

If only the church would be free, And people would fall to their knee.

Then the Lord of Lords would rejoice And Satan would not have a choice.

Weston Loewen, 11 Blumenort EMC

news

Rudy Wiebe: ‘The Revenge of Forgiveness’ aback by this unexpected action.

In a world full of acts of The warrior slid off the horse. He retribution and revenge, Canadian took Maskepetoon in his arms and author Rudy Wiebe challenged held him hard against his heart. people attending the Eden “My son,” he said, “today you have Foundation Dessert Nights on killed me.”

October 26 and 27, 2009, to take Wiebe related that the story was the alternate path of forgiveness told for years across the northern that Jesus walked. plains and it became a turning To full audiences in both point for many Aboriginal people Steinbach and Altona, Man., Rudy to begin making peace among each Wiebe addressed the topic of other.

Forgiveness: The Ultimate Revenge.

As Wiebe noted, the ultimate He began by noting several recent revenge is to have the strength of news stories, such as one where it is alleged a father killed his daughters Rudy Wiebe (left) shakes hands with John Janzen, Eden Health Care conviction, the courage, to forgive.

The audiences were moved by because he was ashamed of their Services board chair.

Wiebe’s stories that again brought actions and lifestyle.

“Shame and honour often dictate how they brought the warrior before him, to life the words of Jesus.

Eden Foundation cultures today and in Old Testament times Maskepetoon looked the warrior directly react when the actions of those around in the face. them do not meet expected standards,” “Both my hands are empty. he said. He noted how Jesus came to turn You took my father from me, so the actions of honour and shame upside- now I ask you to be my father,” down, replacing vengeance and revenge said Maskepetoon. “Wear my with acts of love and forgiveness. clothes, ride my horse, and when Wiebe told the poignant story of your people ask how it is that Maskepetoon, a Cree chief whose you are still alive, tell them it is father had been killed by an enemy because Maskepetoon has taken warrior. Years later the enemy warrior his revenge.” was captured by the chief’s people. As The warrior was totally taken Audience

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THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

news

Winnipeg relief sale postponed till 2011 Over the last 12 years the Winnipeg MCC Festival and Relief Sale has raised approximately one million dollars to support international programs through Mennonite Central Committee. Hundreds of volunteers, donors, and sponsors have supported the Relief Sale over the years, making it an important event within Manitoba’s Mennonite community.

At the sale’s start in 1995, the Relief Sale was housed at the Forks. As the event continued to grow, the event was

eventually moved to its current home at Canadian Mennonite University.

As the sale grew, a variety of venues including entertainment, children’s activities, food, and quilts became central to the flavour of the Winnipeg Relief Sale.

As the years progress, however, the sale is experiencing a decline in volunteers and the shifting expectations of emerging generations. This has led the MCC Sale Planning Committee to decide to take a one year sabbatical

from the event in 2010. This year will allow the Planning Committee to look for more sustainable ways to recruit volunteers and support the work of MCC within the Winnipeg community.

Plans are underway for a 2011 event.

To those who have contributed as volunteers, sponsors, and friends of the sale, the MCC Relief Sale Planning Committee thanks you for your generosity. We look forward to meeting again at the 2011 Winnipeg Relief Sale.

MCC Manitoba

a reader’s viewpoint

Reflecting on the journey of forgiveness I left the session with some misgivings.

I wish Rudy had said more. While what he said was good, I wondered how people who have been deeply hurt, especially by people who were close to them, would have felt.

The examples from the media to which Rudy referred were wonderful examples of Christian virtue, but I would also have liked to hear examples that were more personal, examples with which more people in the audience could personally identify. These could have been examples of deep hurt within families, churches, and communities.

Even the most devout Christians who believe it is necessary to forgive, and who want to forgive, often spend years working through the pain caused by verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, and even spiritual abuse.

To remind those people of their deep need to forgive without allowing for the

pain, the struggle, and the long process can be another way of hurting them and of causing them to withdraw into hopelessness and despair.

My hope and prayer would be that people who are hurting will hear stories of the long and painful process and be encouraged to persevere till they can come to the place where they will be able to let go of the pain to the degree where it will no longer control their lives. This is important so that they will be free to enjoy much of life. It is also important in that this can help to free the person who hurt them so that they, too, can move to healing.

Maybe Rudy will be back to give us T that part of the talk in the future! M Irma Janzen is an associate pastor at Fort Garry EMC. She is the former coordinator of MCC Canada’s Mental Health and Disabilities Program.

(designpics.com)

I had never heard author Rudy Wiebe speak. I looked forward to hearing him when the Eden Foundation invited him to speak at fund-raising events in late October 2009 in Steinbach and Altona, Man. The topic Forgiveness: the Ultimate Revenge intrigued me, too.

Rudy took us to some principles from Scripture about forgiveness. These were interspersed with some powerful stories of forgiveness that he had drawn from the media, including both a story from our Aboriginal culture and another from our Anabaptist tradition.

It was obvious that he believed that forgiveness is both an act of obedience to Christ and is needed for the person’s own freedom and for freedom of the person who has caused the hurt.

He reminded us that the people need to choose to forgive. Coming to forgiveness is what he called “the ultimate revenge” and that may be a good term to use.

Irma Janzen

To remind people of their deep need to forgive without allowing for the pain, the struggle, and the long process can be another way of hurting them.

THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

15

pictures of God Joanna Plett

earing the end of the first semester of my fourth year of university, Stress could be my middle name. Between papers, exams, and work, I often run myself ragged and sometimes struggle to find joy in the midst of it. I live for Christmas break and graduation next June.

As a student of history, though, I am well aware that if the majority of people waited for the end of their struggles to be happy, they would live and die in despair.

In my history classes, I am constantly bombarded with horror stories of seasons that seem unbearable to me: the Jewish experience in Nazi Germany and the subsequent Holocaust, peasants under the Stalin’s Soviet regime, and scores of people living in poverty or sickness, under the exploitation of slavery and imperialism or under the injustice of authoritarian governments.

And this is all in addition to intense religious persecution felt in many parts of the world even today.

I often wonder how people living for years—and sometimes their entire lives—in these conditions manage not only to survive, but to live, despite them.

Comparatively speaking, I have lived a basically stable, secure, and peaceful life. Yet even in my minimal stresses, I often find it hard to live in joy. How much more difficult for them?

In exploring joy in the New Testament, I find that Jesus and the writers of the epistles never equate joy with the absence of trouble, but rather with the presence of Jesus and, thus, of hope.

After describing the persecution his disciples would experience (John 15-16), Jesus prays in their presence, “I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them” (John 17:13).

Jesus, knowing full well the persecutions they would face and the deaths they were doomed to die, did not ask His Father to remove his disciples from the world, but to protect them from the evil one within it (John 17:15). He promised that our joy would be complete not in the absence of trouble, but in our unity and security in Him despite our situations.

Paul echoes this: “We rejoice in the hope of the glory 16

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Finding joy

Jesus promised that our joy would be complete not in the absence of trouble, but in our unity and security in Him despite our situations. of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:2-4).

It is because our hope in Christ is secure beyond the conditions of this world that we can rejoice in spite of those conditions.

When Paul speaks about suffering, it is not always referring to religious persecution; it also refers to suffering from a “thorn in his flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:110) and from financial difficulties (Philippians 4:10-13).

As many people today look towards the economic and political future with apprehension, our prayer is not that God would deliver us from it, but that he would give us perseverance to endure it, character to live our faith within it, and hope to rejoice in spite of it.

“And hope,” says Paul, “does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by T the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:5). M THE MESSENGER December 2, 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.

12. SWEARING OF OATHS We believe that Christians should be people of integrity and truth. The Scriptures forbid the swearing of oaths and of anything beyond an affirmation (Matthew 5:33–37; James 5:12).

Harvey Plett

Church Practices Article 12: Swearing of Oaths

I

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n February 1527, only two years after the origin of the Anabaptist movement, a group of Anabaptist leaders gathered at Schleitheim to discuss issues of theology and practice.

Out of that meeting came The Schleitheim Confession of Faith, a summary of their understanding of the teaching of the Bible on seven key issues. The seventh article is on the swearing of oaths.

Based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12, they said Scripture teaches: “Do not swear at all, but let your yes be yes, and no, no. Anything more comes from evil.”

Not swearing an oath has been part of our Conference faith position since the inception of our church in Ukraine in 1812. Over the years this position has been accepted and there has been very little discussion or debate about it. We were and are

We have always subscribed to speaking the truth without validating the truthfulness of what we say by swearing an oath.

committed to being a people of integrity and to speaking the truth at all times regardless of the consequences.

We may not have always been equally successful, but we have always subscribed to speaking the truth without validating the truthfulness of what we say by swearing an oath. We have affirmed that what we say is the truth with as much sincerity as if it were an oath.

The non-swearing of oaths has tested individuals who were asked to be a witness at court or in signing some government papers. In filling in the affidavits for wedding banns we used to be able to choose between swear or affirm. The courts and the government accepted and still accept a simple affirmation today.

Some have asked, “What is the difference between affirming and swearing to tell the truth?”

One writer suggests an oath is a solemn affirmation or declaration made with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed, and imprecating his vengeance and renouncing his favour if what is affirmed is false.

Affirming, on the other hand, is simply saying, “I will tell the truth. I will be honest.”

Failing to be truthful under oath makes one liable to the charge of perjury. Certainly the Kingdom of this World looks at an oath as more binding and the breaking of which results in serious consequences.

We do not believe in invoking spiritual powers. We are people of truth because of who we are followers of Jesus, not because we have made an oath.

James 5:12 says, “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear by heaven or by earth or by anything else.

Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No’ no, or you will be condemned.”

T Let us continue to be people of integrity. M Harvey Plett is a minister, an educator, and has served as moderator.

The series is now complete.

THE MESSENGER December 2, 2009

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in memory

Remembering a lady of great spirit

Christine Peters 1949–2008 What Cancer Cannot Do: It cannot cripple Love.

It cannot shatter Hope.

It cannot corrode Faith.

It cannot destroy Peace.

It cannot kill Friendship.

It cannot suppress Memories.

It cannot silence Courage.

It cannot invade the Soul.

It cannot steal eternal Life.

It cannot conquer the Spirit.

Biblical Discovery Tour May 26 to June 4, 2010 Revised itinerary

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Her spirit will continue to touch our lives as we spread the Gospel in the church building, on which she gave her heart to nail together. Her dedicated time with husband Jake at the building site was truly admiring, and her Love towards the family church has made lasting memories of hope. It was a Love, which I pray will become apart of our lives so which we can continue to give.

Christine, in spirit, you remain a strong character (is character a good word?) in our church, and in our lives. Without a doubt, we believe that from above you joined us in song as we raised the walls of praise on November 1, 2009, as we had our first service in the new building (Church of Living Water, Tillsonburg, Ont.).

May the family be touched by Christ’s comfort and peace, as you are again reminded of her absence. Yes, her presence, her voice, and her spirit are missed, but what beats time spent among the rose gardens, walking side by side with Jesus in perfect health?

Marge Sawatzky

births NEUFELD – to Abe and Susie Neufeld of Tillsonburg, Ont., a son, Isaiah Henry, on October 25, 2007.

SUDERMAN – to Tony and Kathy Suderman of Tillsonburg, Ont., a daughter, Ava May Louise, on June 4, 2009.

Ever wanted to see the land of the Bible up close? Hosted by Pastor Dale, Winkler EMMC, and covering 10 days, visit Old Jerusalem, The Garden of Gethsemane, The Garden Tomb, Nazareth, Capernum, the Mount of Olives, Beth Shean, Sea of Galilee, Meggido and the plains of Armageddon, the Dead Sea, Qumran, and much more.

This is the kind of tour that can help your understanding of the Bible take on new meaning and life as you personally experience the Holy Land first hand.

The base price is $3,289.00 Can., which includes return airfare to Winnipeg, transfers and assistance upon arrival, hotel accommodation, two meals daily, an air-conditioned tour bus, site admission. There are incidental costs (airline fuel surcharges, passport fees, driver, guide and hotel tip fees, etc.) for which you are responsible.

NEUFELD – to Abe and Susie Neufeld of Tillsonburg, Ont., a daughter, Naomi Jane, on November 3, 2009.

Call 204-325-7667 or email pastordale-wemmc@mts.net

KROEKER – to David and Sheila Kroeker of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Kiahna May, on November 17, 2009.

FRIESEN – to Chris and Karen Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Amanda, on August 21, 2009.

FRIESEN – to Derek and Kelly Friesen of Pansy, Man., a daughter, Cassidy Leneah Joy, on September 2, 2009.

KOROMA – to David and Aminata Koroma of Winnipeg, Man., a son, David Mahdi, on August 2, 2009.

UGARTE – to Salomon and Roswita Ugarte of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Yamile Ayelen, on September 7, 2009.

McLENDON – to Thomas and Hertha McLendon of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Abigail Hannah, on September 24, 2009.

ORTEGA – to Alex and Matilda Ortega of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Juliet, on November 18, 2009.

coming events 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

weddings NEUSTAETER – SCHMITT: Henry, son of Anna Neustaeter of Coaldale, Alta., and Sara, daughter of Abe and Trudy Schmitt of Coaldale, were married on October 17, 2009, at Picture Butte Mennonite Church with Pastor Abe Bueckert of Picture Butte, Alta., officiating.

JANZEN – MATHEW: Adam, son of Vic and Marlene Janzen of Winnipeg, Man., and Asha, daughter of Thomas and Leelamma Mathew of Winnipeg, were married on May 30, 2009, at Braeside EMC with Sam Oommen officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg.

CHAPUT – KLIEVER: Dean, son of Jeff and Carolyn Chaput of Lorette, Man., and Tamara, daughter of Jim and Annamaria Kliever of Winnipeg, Man., were married on September 27, 2009, at Notre Dame de Lorette Catholic Church with Father Legal and Kim Stoesz officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg.

DOERKSEN – VANDERZWAN: Brent, son of Murray and Linda Doerksen of Winnipeg, Man., and Kayla, daughter of Theo and Annette Vanderzwan of Lac du Bonnet, Man., were married on October 9, 2009, at Braeside EMC with Tim Gibbons officiating.

The couple lives in Winnipeg.

MATHEW – WOLTMANN: Jeff, son of Thomas and Leelamma Mathew of Winnipeg, Man., and Laura, daughter of Norman and Janet Woltmann of Winnipeg, were married on October 10, 2009, at Braeside EMC with Bob Marsch officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg.

PETERS – BACHNER: Jake Peters of Tillsonburg, Ont., and Brenda Bachner of Tillsonburg, were married on June 13, 2009, at the Salvation Army Church with Pastor Gary Herrfort of Tillsonburg officiating.

THE MESSENGER December 2, 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).

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 306595-2074. 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 Christcentred 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.

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.

An evangelical ministry, Continental Mission (started in the 1940s) is involved in evangelism, church planting, camping, and drop-in 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 204-768-2455. Or call the interim director, Bill Penner, at 204-7788771 for information.

Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm 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 multigenerational, 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 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.

Brightwood Ranch, near Edmonton, Alta., is a year-round facility that runs summer and winter camps for underprivileged kids and year-round programs for men and women with addictions.

We are seeking a full-time, year-round head cook starting April 15, 2010. Salary and accommodations.

For info go to www.brightwoodranchcamps.com or email bright.wood@hopemission.com.

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.

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 MESSENGER December 2, 2009

19

inner rantings Kent Dueck

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48 hours (written August 2009)

will let you in on some disjointed that will give him pause for reflection. “I’d be experiences, conversations, and themes that happy to do it,” he quickly replies. “If you’ve got a took place in 48 hours. You need to see the snake, you cut his head off.” extremes and muddle through it with us.

A cake with “Thank you” scrawled on it I won’t be doing any interpreting for you this arrives from a woman grateful to our staff for time—just letting you in on what happens here. her grandson’s wonderful time while in our It’s good for our supporters to enter into all that programs. I could eat the whole thing because can happen in our line of ministry—it’s good, but those words would feel good inside. Bless her! not comfortable. Here goes.

She tells me about her grandson, whose I came back from holidays yesterday. Life was mother was murdered. “He was growing up so simple at the beach. My feet felt the sand thinking it was his responsibility to get revenge.” pushing up on them. Sand is merciful and will I am thinking about how big a burden that would accommodate any foot. be for an 11-year-old to carry.

I haven’t even I know more about this story than made it to my desk she realizes. The boy was left alone She tells me about her when a long-time, with his mom while she struggled for grandson, whose mother troubled friend her life and he ran to get help from shows up. “Have a neighbour. His uncle cried enough was murdered. “He was you given up on tears to fill an ocean; I prayed with growing up thinking it was his me, Kent?” he him when it happened. responsibility to get revenge.” asks. He has just “It’s good, though,” she says. “The come back from I am thinking about how big guy who killed her committed suicide, the dead. He had so my grandson doesn’t have to worry a burden that would be for an overdosed, hoping about that anymore and I got some 11-year-old to carry. to end his life on a closure as well.” I don’t know where to road between his place that one. small hometown I gotta walk. I don’t have time and the harsh streets that have been his other because I have emails to answer, but I have to home. He woke up in a hospital, because of some walk. I move my dot on the board to “out.”

Samaritan that found him unconscious on the My feet touch the concrete—no mercy, cold, highway. “Apparently God hasn’t given up on hard, unbending, unyielding and as harsh as sin T you,” I say, “so I better not either.” itself. M A wealthy man approaches me and tells me what to do with gang members: “Line ’em up and Kent Dueck is the Executive Director of Inner City shoot the &^*$%%$$! “So someone has to play Youth Alive in Winnipeg’s North End. God and figure out which one gets it, eh?” I reply.

“Who is going to do that?” I am pretty certain

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