THE
MESSENGER
volume 48, number 8 July 2010
www.emconference.ca/messenger
Grieving Again Photo: dreamstime.com
The gulf faces another disaster
Disaster leaders ‘see the oil’ Poem p.33
p. 11
a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
THE
editorials
MESSENGER
While the lilies drown
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ain, rain, go away. Come again some other day. No child’s rhyme can express our concerns about weather patterns and related hardships across Canada and elsewhere. Co-worker Erica Fehr recently (June 22) had national staff members consider Lamentations 3, Jeremiah’s prayer of agony and hope in exile. She invited comments and made no reference to any weather situations. However, as rains pound and forest fires devastate, applying the passage seems fitting. EMCers across Canada face varied challenges. Farmers face poor growing conditions, drowned crops, or weak markets; loggers see burned timber; one-industry communities endure major changes; families deal with unemployment; rural churches experience depopulation; and
urban churches encounter rising costs. How do our worship services acknowledge people’s pain and confusion? How are we helping each other to follow Christ in stressful conditions? Dare we only follow when we get what we want or what to us makes sense? Will we, instead, wait amid suffering? While his nation was devastated and its people exiled, Jeremiah saw God as seeming to be his enemy (3:7-13), his hope (3:19-33), and his vindicator (3:61-66). Shall we learn from the openness of Jeremiah, who was concerned about his country’s destruction and yet placed his steadfast hope in God’s mercy and in a better future? We properly speak of “the lilies of the field” (Matthew 6:28), but let us follow our Lord even while the lilies drown and the way seems unclear. Terry M. Smith
Reading the fine print
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roclaiming the gospel, evangelizing, and church planting are foundational. But what sort of churches do we want to plant, and what, actually, do we want our daughter churches to live and teach? For that, consider what our EMC Statement of Faith and Church Practices say flows from conversion and church planting. The Life of Peace says, “Instead of taking up arms, we should do whatever we can to lessen human distress and suffering, even at the risk of our own lives” (Statement of Faith, Article 6). The State says, “Christians should respect civil authorities and pray for them; pay taxes; assume social responsibility; oppose corruption, discrimination and injustice; and obey all requirements that do not conflict with the Scriptures” (Church Practices, Article 9). Are we prepared to “lessen human distress and suffering, even at the risk 2
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
of our own lives”? Are we ready to “oppose corruption, discrimination, and injustice”? In proclaiming and sharing the life that Christ intends for people, our Statement of Faith and Church Practices are to be heard. Let us beware of an artificial theological division between, say, our EMC Board of Missions (evangelism) and MCC (social justice). While Christians of particular gifts and callings might drift toward one organization, each worker is still to practice and teach a holistic ministry of Word and deed. We are to plant churches that seek justice. The Church is to be socially engaged as we invite people to new life in Christ. Reading the fine print challenges all of us. Terry M. Smith
EDITOR Terry M. Smith tsmith@emconf.ca
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Roman rroman@emconf.ca
Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca THE MESSENGER is the monthly 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 by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man. Subscriptions: Canadian subscriptions are $24 for one year, $44 for two years, $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 PAP Registration #9914 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through its various programs, toward our production and mailing costs. 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 SCHEDULE: No. 9 – August issue (copy due July 23) On-line edition available at www. emconference.ca/messenger
contents Departments With our missionaries 16 Paraguay: Missionaries begin using NTM system
4 9
The Muslim Mosaic
11 Disaster leaders ‘see the oil’
– Anna Groff
14 Say a prayer for the peace of Israel
– Irma Janzen
Columns 4
EMC FAQ
Who is the Conference? – Rebecca Roman
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Archives alcove
20 Picture Butte Mennonite Church: PAWs, popping balloons, and parting 21 Fish Creek Christian Fellowship: Fish Creek celebrates!
31 Calendar 32 Shoulder tapping News 7
PB Golf Classic gets rained out
8 A different perspective on college athletics 8 RGBI tour stops in Steinbach 27 Tasting first fruits in Ukraine
22 Prairie Rose EMC: Seminars help to equip the church
29 MCC has ‘a place for everyone’
23 Fort Garry EMC: Congregation ‘flushed with excitement’
30 ‘Just part of our protocol’
28 Moving from ‘we’ to ‘where?’ 29 Anabaptists number 1.6 million 30 MDS responds to the Gulf oil spill
24 Taber EMC: Taber gains a tribe!
25 Hillside Christian Fellowship: God is good! 26 New Life Christian Fellowship: Jake and Anna Enns return
35 Stewardship today Honesty about money – Mike Strathdee
27 Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship: Through the waters of baptism
36 Kids’ corner
Letters
21 Pelly Fellowship Chapel: Olga Nahnybida honoured at PFC
24 Rosenort Fellowship Chapel: Snowbirds and youth involved in service
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31 In memory
34 Pictures of God
Revolution on the streets – Joanna Plett
Pontius’ Puddle
18 Canada: ‘Encouraging and meaningful times’
23 Mission Heights Community Church: What love he endured for you and me!
War: when leaders scramble to respond – Terry Smith
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33 Poetry
With our churches
– Dr. Arley Loewen
Editorials
17 Bolivia: Welcome to Casa Mariposa!
19 Burkina Faso: Wonderful music, horrible statistics
Features
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33
No ball? No problem! – Loreena Thiessen
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EMC FAQ by Rebecca Roman
Who is the Conference?
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so the Conference of churches is made up of people. As a group of people, we are not all the same. Canadian church planting coordinator Ward Parkinson describes the EMC as multi-church (61 churches currently), multicultural (Hispanic, Dutch-German, English, Asian, and more), and multi-region (from northern B.C. to southern Ontario). Yet, just as there are differences, there are similarities as well. As the to the benefit of all. The Conference Evangelical Mennonite Conference, needs each member. we value “warm fellowship, In an increasingly individualistic a discerning middle-of-theculture, the message that we need While it’s less complicated to go our road Biblicism, and coneach other is more important than own way, Christ has called us to do life gregational involvement ever. While it would be easier to in a Spirit-filled practical just “do our own thing,” we choose together. And, in spite of its difficulties, outworking of our faith,” the more difficult path of working it’s rewarding. writes Conference moderatogether. We choose to together tor Richard Klassen. follow Christ and discern as a body boards? Can it even be extended The challenge we face is how to what that means. We have a unique to the ministerial and delegates “do” Conference together. Each of us opportunity to reflect to the world that gather twice-yearly to make has a unique role and responsibility that, while it’s less complicated to go decisions that affect the direction of to use our gifts to build up the body, our own way, Christ has called us to the Conference? While do life together. And, in all of these people play a spite of its difficulties, it’s role and are, in part, who rewarding. makes up the Conference, We don’t always the question reaches wider agree, but the need to still, but with a straightdiscern together remains. forward response. One Christian alone is The Conference is not as strong as a church you. And the person of Christians; one church sitting beside you in alone is not as strong as a church. And the person Conference of churches. sitting next to them. Also, We can do more together, those people meeting in for the glory of Christ. EMC churches all across Let’s get to work! Twice yearly at Conference Council meetings, church delegates gather to Canada. Just as the church listen to each other and to make decisions. This is just one of many examples of individuals working together to build up the larger body. is the body, a living entity, PHOTO: Rebecca roman
ho, in fact, is the Conference? This is a wider question than “What is the Conference?” This could be answered by quoting from our EMC Constitution: “The Evangelical Mennonite Conference consists of all churches that are members of the Conference….” “Who is the Conference?” is more complicated. Is the Conference the staff at the national office? Or, more broadly, the board members that serve on national
Despite communication efforts from the national office, there can be significant gaps in awareness and understanding by local churches, leaders, and members of our wider conference vision and efforts. A new series, EMC FAQ, is an attempt to respond to this. Some basic questions will be answered, with further questions welcomed. Please submit your question about the EMC to rroman@emconf.ca for consideration for a future column.
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letters ‘Accident or miscalculation or madness’ I much appreciated your editorial in the May 2010 edition of The Messenger, namely, EMCers near a mushroom patch. I’m sending a quote by the late President John F. Kennedy that might help us see the urgency of the nuclear threat: “Today every inhabitant of this planet must contemplate the day when this planet may no longer be habitable. Every man, woman and child lives under a nuclear sword
of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of threads, capable of being cut at any moment by accident or miscalculation or madness.” Yes, let’s care, and, as you suggest, “…even modest positive steps to reduce the nuclear threat deserve to be supported.” Stan Penner, Landmark, Man.
Messages by Dr. David W. Shenk The convention’s inspirational sessions by Dr. David W. Shenk are available on DVD at cost. Please contact Ruth Anne Peters at rapeters@emconf.ca or 204326-6401. Dr. Shenk will provide shortened versions of at least some of his messages for publication in The Messenger in early 2011. For an article similar to his second inspirational message at convention, look at Jesus Matters! (Jan. 20, 2010) at www.emconference. ca under The Messenger.
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Quarterly Financial Report The Board of Trustees would like to provide quarterly reports through The Messenger on the status of Conference finances. This is the second of these reports.
Receipts and Transfers Disbursements Shortfall
Jan-June 2010 771,610.32 810,571.90 (38,961.58)
Jan-June 2009 532,626.88 892,410.15 (359,783.27)
Correction: Walter Sawatsky (Conference explores the Mennonite story in Siberia, June) was formerly from Gospel Mennonite Church (EMMC), not Prairie Rose EMC.
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archives alcove by Terry Smith
War: when leaders scramble to respond
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Christians, we cannot support war, whether as officers, soldiers, combatants or non-combatants, or direct financial contributors” (Article 9, The Life of Peace, italics added). Then came the war. “During the war approximately 4,500 Mennonite men enlisted for active military service,” says historian Ted Regehr, “while 7,543 were drafted for alternative service” (Mennonites in Canada: 1939-1970, A People Transformed, U. of T. Press, 1996). Regehr says “more than 70 per cent of Canadian Mennonite men of military age rendered either alternative or active military service” (see pp. 35-59 for much of this and more). After the Second World War, more DGR Mennonites would come from Russia, some of whom had followed the German army in its retreat. Why the history lesson? As Canada fights in Afghanistan,
“During the war approximately 4,500 Mennonite men enlisted for active military service,” says historian Ted Regehr.
EMCers discuss war and peace—or avoid the topic. Our relative silence and inaction are afforded by a simple, clear reality: the Afghanistan conflict has not involved conscription in Canada. If conscription had occurred, how would EMC leaders have responded? Certainly they would again have found themselves scrambling and dealing with divided opinions. According to the Evangelical Anabaptist Committee’s 2005 survey of a sample of EMC church members and ministerial members, 19 per cent of members and 18 per cent of leaders would go if drafted. This is a slightly lower percentage than Mennonites who opted to actively serve in World War Two. As well, 35 per cent of members and 22 per cent of ministerial members viewed the military as appropriate work “for Christians in our churches” (Survey Results, March 2006). Whether silence or scrambling is an adequate response to such a major issue as military service is highly doubtful. But without discussion, teaching, and learning from history, what else is left?
PHOTO: EMC archives
hen Canada entered the Second World War in 1939, Mennonite leaders in this country scrambled to respond. During the First World War some Anabaptists struggled to be recognized as conscientious objectors to war. Church leaders sought to be better prepared next time and had even approached the government about it. Yet, in the end, church leaders and government officials seemed caught off guard by the speed of world events. Further, when DGR Mennonite leaders did gather earlier in 1939 to discuss a joint response to wartime service, views were mixed. Differing perspectives reflected, in part, varying histories and times of immigration. The KG (now EMC) had emigrated from Russia in 1874, missing the Russian Revolution. Other DGR Mennonites had remained in Russia, where they had served in non-combatant units (forestry, medical corps, ambulance services) since the 1870s. Some were involved in self-defense units during the Russian Revolution. Some of the Mennonite church had immigrated to Canada in the 1920s, giving them less than 20 years here prior to World War Two. Others had a much longer history here; the KG had neither the longest nor the shortest. Some Mennonite leaders were open to their members serving in non-combatant roles, as they had in Russia. Others opposed such service. The EMC Statement of Faith shows the latter position: “As nonresistant
A 50th anniversary reunion of conscientious objectors took place on November 10, 1991, at Rheinland Pioneer Centre in Altona, Man.
news
PB Golf Classic gets rained out STEINBACH, Man.—It was bound to happen. Organizers for the 16th annual EMC Project Builders Golf Classic had been watching the ominous weather predictions for several days. For all the times the weather has not followed the forecast, could the morning of June 17 be one more time it would prove to be wrong? At 8:30 a.m. the whistle sounded and 160 golfers optimistically took to the fairways. Unfortunately, the showers came even earlier then predicted. By about the fourth hole a light shower began to fall. By the seventh hole a steady rain was soaking golfers and the lightning and thunder made it necessary to call everyone back to the clubhouse. With little hope that conditions would change for the better, the tournament was halted. In 16 years of Golf Classic history, the event had been rained out on only one other occasion. Some hasty rescheduling was done as the program portion of the day was moved to the head of the agenda.
A sentiment shared by most participants was that this event was more about supporting worthwhile mission projects than it was about getting a ball to roll into a small hole. Project Builders is associated with numerous partner agencies and opportunity was given to representatives from Mennonite Foundation of Canada, Steinbach Christian High School, Steinbach Bible College, Inner City Youth Alive, and Business for Transformation to share about their ministries. The latter two organizations were the recipients of the funds raised by the tournament. The total of the net proceeds raised for ICYA and B4T was unavailable at press time. Prizes were awarded to all golfers and everyone enjoyed a delicious and substantial lunch buffet prepared by the Village Green staff. Much as we were disappointed by the short golf game it was evident that the good fellowship and lively conversation in the clubhouse dining room helped to make up for this disappointment. A sentiment shared by most participants was that this event was more about supporting several needy and worthwhile mission projects than it was about getting a ball to roll into a small hole.
PHOTOS: len barkman
Funds raised to support Business for Transformation and Inner City Youth Alive
Our sincere gratitude goes to our generous sponsors, the organizational group, and all the participants who continue to make this tournament a successful annual event. The EMC Project Builders Golf Classic is one of the ways in which funds are raised for numerous mission projects worldwide. Project Builders is open to all with a heart for EMC missions. We help to support our EMC missionaries and the national church around the globe by providing funding for a wide variety of capital projects. Over the years we have raised over 1.5 million dollars for projects such as leadership training centres, radio stations, clinics, church buildings, orphanages, women’s shelters and micro-financing—to name a few. For information about membership in this practical ministry refer to www.projectbuilders.ca. Len Barkman PB Coordinator
Ruth Penner (centre) registers golfers for the tournament.
Sid Reimer from Lakeview Insurance in Winnipeg and EMC General Secretary Tim Dyck are prepared to play.
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news
A different perspective on college athletics New SBC course aims to integrate faith and sports
PHOTOS Courtesy SBC
STEINBACH, Man.—It is a challenge to live out your faith in the midst of playing sports. At the college level, it is equally hard to integrate these two components of life. Steinbach Bible College is rising to the challenge by offering a two-credit hour course entitled Integrating Faith and Sport beginning in the fall semester. This course is highly participatory and discipleship based, infusing Biblical teachings on love, respect, and character formation into our student athletes as they grow and serve in the crucible of competition.
Willie Wall (Diploma of Biblical Studies, 2010) from Picture Butte Mennonite Church (EMC) runs up-field after defending the ball.
Students involved in one of our athletic teams will be enrolled in this course, which will require them to attend team meetings, training regiments, on court lab sessions, and competitions. Adding this component to SBC’s athletic program strengthens the college as a place where the discipleship process and Biblical foundation are intentionally a part of everything that we do. The focus of this new course is to create students who are able to grow spiritually in the context of Debbie Dick (BA Global Missions sport and put that aspect of 2009) from Rosenort EMC celebrates after winning a point in women’s their lives in perspective. volleyball. The athletic program at SBC, while limited in size, provides a staging ground for students to develop the character, skills and gifts that will make them effective Christians. Patrick Friesen, SBC
STEINBACH, Man.—On May 28, three students and a staff member of Rio Grande Bible Institute met with EMC national staff members in Steinbach, Man. They reminded leaders of the Institute’s ministries and performed Christian songs with an Hispanic flavour. RGBI is located in Edinburgh, Texas, near the Mexican border, where it trains leaders for Hispanic churches in many countries. The EMC and RGBI have had a relationship for decades. The Institute serves as a place of formal Spanish language training for EMC missionaries. Pictured are Daniel DeLeon (staff member), Rogelio Noguera, Edson Lara, and Belén Arizoca.
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Photo: Terry Smith
RGBI tour stops in Steinbach
The
Muslim
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
Mosiac
by Dr. Arley Loewen
“H
ow can Muslims do such appalling deeds?” we ask. Our media feeds us with horrific stories of Muslims decapitating their enemies’ heads and shouting praises to God as the blood gurgles and the heads roll. And then we listen to an interview where Muslim clergy living in the West wax eloquently on how Islam is a religion of peace. It clashes, doesn’t it? It makes no sense. Peace and decapitations. There are one and a half billion Muslims in the world—it equals the populations of North America, South America, and Africa all put together. Of course, we realize that 1.5 billion Muslims are not a homogeneous people. They don’t think or live alike nor act and wage war in similar ways. It is helpful to see the Muslim world as a mosaic or a kaleidoscopic panorama of many different peoples, cultures, languages, practices, and even beliefs. And yet, even as I describe five different kinds of Muslims (to which I am indebted to others), I fear I am generalizing. No one likes to be caricaturized and put in a box. You and I are different from each
It is helpful to see the Muslim world as a mosaic or a kaleidoscopic panorama of many different peoples, cultures, languages, practices, and even beliefs.
other, and so Muslims are different from each other. But this paradigm of five categories helps us to begin to see the complexities within the Muslim world. The Secular Muslim Remember Salman Rushdie and the Satanic Verses? He caused an international crisis in 1989 after his book The Satanic Verses caught the fury of Ayatollah Khomeni. Later on, much to the chagrin of Rushdi’s British friends, Rushdi declared himself a Muslim. He meant he was culturally a Muslim. The cultural, secular, or nominal Muslim identifies himself with Middle Eastern or Asian life. He may believe in God, though he does not take faith very seriously. At best, faith is a private affair. In many Middle Eastern and Central Asian nations many thousands of Muslims not only have become secularized, but have been heavily influenced by Marxist thinking. It constantly amazes me how many Afghans have a socialist outlook on life to this day. Cultural Muslims do not follow the duties of Islam such as the daily prayers or the annual fast. They will participate in these practices if necessary and of course, join with the annual religious feasts just as most everyone in the West enjoys Christmas carols and parties. The Modern Muslim Anwar Sadat, who signed the Camp David peace accord with President Carter and Prime Minister (continued p. 10)
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The Traditional Muslim A shopkeeper in Pakistan, a farmer in rural Jordan, mothers in the teeming millions of Egypt are traditional Muslims. The traditionalist Muslim is a devout and practicing believer for whom Islam is the source for meaning and guidance, both for his private world and for public life and society. He loves his family, wants to see his children attend school and succeed in life.
The traditionalist Muslim is a devout and practicing believer. He rejects the jihadists’ agenda and despairs at how the jihadists have hijacked the religion of Islam. He is busy with making a living and practicing the duties of Islam; his daily prayers; the annual fast; and, if he can afford it, the once-in-a-life-time pilgrimage to Mecca. He is disgusted with the Western military agenda and its Hollywood culture, though he himself enjoys the pop culture of the Middle East. He rejects the jihadists’ agenda and despairs at how the jihadists have hijacked the religion of Islam. A very helpful survey is John Espositos’ Who Speaks for Islam? which outlines the aspirations of Muslims around the world, most who would consider themselves to be traditionalists. 10
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PHOTO: dreamstime.com
Begin, and his wife Jehan Sadat were very devout Muslims. Sadat never missed his five daily prayers or the annual 30-day fast. Yet, he passionately believed in democracy. He fully embraced the concept of a pluralistic society—that Muslims, Christians, and Jews should all be able to live together in peace. Other modernist Muslims would say that Sadat had betrayed the Palestinian cause, and it was for this reason that he was assassinated. Modern Muslims believe Islam teaches a democratic way of life. They believe in God and in the revelation of the books of God through the prophets of God. However, they add that Islam, as a way of life, needs to adapt to the modern world. In their view, the Koran and the Hadiths (sayings and practices of Muhammad), which form the basis of Islamic law, should be be reinterpreted in light of modern scientific developments.
The Fundamentalist Muslim The Fundamentalist or Islamist interprets Islam politically. From his perspective, Islam has weakened ever since the colonial times when Europeans infiltrated the Middle East, introduced foreign laws, and generally dominated much of the political landscape. The Fundamentalist wants to remove nonIslamic elements in his society and return to the so-called ideal or golden age of Muhammad and the first four caliphs after him. For the Islamist, both the decadent West as well as nominal and modernist Islam are a disgrace to the true Muslim, who must follow the beliefs and practices of Muhammad in every aspect of life. All “innovations” or changes since the early age of Islam are wrong, and so Islamic society must be reordered and reshaped according to the literal Islamic law. The Jihadist Muslim (Terrorist/Suicide Bomber) No one who lived through 9/11 will ever forget Osama bin Laden and his ilk. Like the Fundamentalist, the jihadist strives to return to the ways of early Islam, but he resorts to violent means to meet his goals. He will say that violence is the only way to get the world’s attention, and, hence, it is justified. Suicide bombing is justified because, as the jihadist argues, the “intent” is right. The jihadist says that all Muslims who do not follow the literal path of Islam are unbelievers and are legitimate targest of violence, just as is the West. On one level, the jihadist wants to sweep the Muslim world clean of all outside or modernist influence. Many Taliban, for example, simply want the foreigners out of their lands. On a another level, some jihadists like the alQaeda have an imperialist agenda, aiming to “bring down the West” and establishing Islam as the world religion. Indeed, such an agenda is to be feared. By far the majority of Muslims would be traditionalists, probably around 70 per cent of all Muslims. And then, about 15 per cent are secular or modernist, and another 15 per cent are
Arley Loewen, with a Ph.D. in Persian studies, is a cultural consultant.
PHOTO: ani philippe-cortez
fundamentalist or jihadist. Serveral questions continue to stir me, and I am sure this brief overview has raised questions in your mind as well. I wonder why traditional Muslims do not take a stronger stand against the jihadist and militant Muslim. If Islam is a religion of peace, as the traditionalists and moderates say, then we need to hear more from them. (It seems to be that the inertia of tribal identity outpulls theology here, as it does with most people.) I wonder, what can we as followers of Christ do to mitigate the radicalization of Muslims? How are we building the Kingdom of God when we gravitate to the sensational, connect immigrants from Muslim nations with terrorism, or support Zionism? How should we respond when we meet a Muslim in our neighborhood or at our job site? How can we learn more about our neighbours in Canada, and around the world, so we do not place everyone in the same box? Christians ask me, “Why do they (Muslims) hate us?” And Muslims ask me, “Why are they (the West) fighting Islam?” How natural it is for humans to generalize. I talk with Afghans about the danger of walls and the need for bridges. The more we separate from each other, the more we will misunderstand and judge each other. But as we enter the others’ world, we see them as humans, as individuals, as people like you and me. A famous Persian saying goes, “Real good perfume is not that which the perfume seller praises, but that which gives good fragrance.” It’s similar to what Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit.” Indeed, herein lies our calling—to bear good fruit among the nations, including the Muslim nations.
Disaster leaders ‘see the oil’
by Anna Groff
M
aurice Phillips, a commercial fisher of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, took a group of disaster management leaders out on a small boat to “see the oil” on
June 7. This is the best way to witness the destruction of the British Petroleum (BP) oil spill, members of the Grand Bayou told Paul Unruh of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS). Unruh led the group as part of a listening tour. After a 30-minute boat ride from homes built by MDS on the Grand Bayou, the group came to where shiny brown oil covers the banks of the marsh and Bay Baptiste. The Gulf of Mexico surrounds Plaquemines Parish, and the Mississippi River runs through it. At places, the group detected the oil’s odor, and they could make out a sheen on the water as well as orange residue on the top of the two- to three-feet-deep water. Booms set up along portions of the bank absorbed some of the oil. But according to Phillips, this action came too late to prevent the oil from devastating the seafood industry and the livelihood of individuals in the Parish. Just five years ago these same families lost their homes because of Hurricane Katrina. Since the spill on April 20, the Environmental Protection Agency gradually closed the waters for fishing and shrimping, and now almost all waters are closed to fishers. “Usually this time of the year,” Phillips said, “there would be 100 shrimping boats out.” That morning, the boat for the listening tour was the only one. The previous night, at Paul Sylve’s home on the Bayou, Phillips described a pelican he found covered in oil—as thick as syrup—in the water. He took the bird into his boat and delivered it to the pelican rescue at Fort Jackson, La. (continued p. 12) THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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PHOTOS: anna groff
Sylve, another fisher and an assistant pastor, said a friend of his went outside federal waters— that are unsprayed by dispersants—put his arm in the water and into at least a foot of oil that felt like Jello. Phillips said the dispersants used by BP only “[sink] the oil,” and it still damages the marsh and wildlife. As of June 7, the homes in the Bayou remain unaffected by the oil. “When you have wind and high tides, banks will be covered,” Phillips said. “I think they should have more people picking up the oil.” According to Phillips and other fishers, BP has no shortage of people who know the waters and are willing to do the work. James Trabeau, a fisher, finished eight hours of training with BP and is ready at any time, but he has yet to receive a call. “I’m just sitting and waiting until my turn,” he By his fishing boat in Venice, La., Thuong Nguyen, left, talks with Jerry said. “I really need to work bad.” Klassen of MDS. Loey Powell of United Church of Christ is on the far Trabeau did receive a $5,000 check for his right. losses for the month from BP. But that amount falls dramatically short of what he usually makes during The listening tour group also met with a group a month of shrimping season—five or six times that of 11 pastors from the area who described their amount. concerns with the spill as well as expressed their Thuong Nguyen, who has fished the waters for faith in God. 20 years, was also waiting for a Rev. Ted Turner, from a church call from BP on June 7. While in Boothville, La., said many young The last thing these the money may not be as good people in the Grand Bayou and families want—postas shrimping, he said, BP pays Venice, La., learned to fish from $2,000 a day to a large boat their parents, who learned from Katrina—is to have to captain like himself. their parents and on back. find a new way of life that Smaller boats were able “This is all we’ve ever done and to shrimp closer to the shore, we don’t want to do anything else,” does not let them eat where the oil has yet to reach. Turner said. The last thing these much of what they catch. His larger boat must go out families want—post-Katrina—is to farther, and those waters are have to leave the parish, find a new restricted. On June 8, Nguyen received a call from job and a new way of life that does not let them eat BP. He will start his first day of clean-up on June 14. much of what they catch. Paul Sylve’s wife, Carolyn, said she buys few groceries because they eat so much of what they fish. “We live off the land,” she said the night before the tour in her home built by MDS. Referring to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, she said, “In Alaska, people committed suicides, families broke up. … Where does that leave the children?” Carolyn and Paul’s 11-year-old daughter Jeanne said she will cry if she goes out to see the oil in the marsh. The listening tour group prays with fishers out of work because of the “This Bayou is a great place, and God created it spill. Florence Coppola is on the far left. The fishers from left are: Tom for us,” she said with tears. “Hopefully they’ll find a Riley, Louie Barthelemy and James Trabeau. way to stop this oil.”
Another member of the Bayou community, Rosina Philippe, described the spill as a “product of greed.” “This is something we haven’t faced before,” she said. “It’s a new enemy.” The group also visited the Plaquemines Parish government office. Benny Puckett, grant administrator for the Parish and chairman of Committee of Plaquemines Recovery, told the group that what is sadder than the waters
“This is the longest, ongoing disaster I’ve ever worked on,” said Jerry Klassn of MDS. closed to fishing is the threatened reputation of seafood from Louisiana. “Overcoming that will probably be a more difficult task,” Puckett said. He also described what he calls “human collateral damage.” For example, the deck hands paid under the table who cannot prove to BP that they have a legitimate claim since they lack the required documentation. “They’re not able to show they’re impacted,” he said. This may offer the place for faith-based organizations to step in, he said, as opposed to volunteering on site. “We appreciate [volunteers’] passion and desire, but we have people that are unemployed that we want to keep employed as long as possible. … Let’s find something else.” Puckett also described the lack of control the local parish government has in the clean-up process. Later on June 7, Unruh and Jerry Klassen of MDS provided a collaborated statement regarding a possible MDS response to the spill: “Because of the ongoing, unfinished disaster that’s unfolding and the need for support in the community, our best channel may be to return to our building program, let our hammers ring hope while we continue to listen to other opportunities to respond.”
Maurice Phillips takes the group to see the oil.
Klassen said the fact that the oil continues to leak into the Gulf also affects the timing of a response. “This is the longest, ongoing disaster I’ve ever worked on,” he said. The tour included the following: Bonnie Vollmering of Church World Service, Florence Coppola of United Church of Christ National Disaster Ministries, Alan Coe of UCC Disaster Recovery, Loey Powell of UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries, Sister Helen Vinton and Lorna Bourg of Southern Mutual Help Association, Jessica Vermilyea of Lutheran Disaster Response, and Jerry Klassen of MDS. Paul Unruh of MDS led the tour. Anna Groff works for The Mennonite. This article is provided by Meetinghouse, an association of Anabaptist editors in the U.S. and Canada.
Reviewers wanted The Messenger seeks book reviewers, of various backgrounds and interest, to review assigned titles within 250 words and usually six weeks. Payment for a review: you get to keep the book. If interested, contact Terry Smith: tsmith@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.
Rosina Philippe gave a cluster of marsh grasses to each member of the group to remember the Bayou. THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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Say a prayer for
peace in Israel
M
by Irma Janzen
y highlight this winter was a 12-day trip to words that we would not find Jesus there because He the Holy Land. has risen indeed! I had begun to investigate trips to the Bethlehem today looks just like the pictures we Holy Land last fall and when I was able to sign up see. We walked the Via Dolorosa in Old Jerusalem. for the MCC Learning Tour, I knew that was the trip In spite of thousands of tourists, we saw some people I wanted. who were obviously praying. I wondered how many It was certainly worth the trip! It was packed of the tourists had come because their faith is imporwith many activities, and it will take a long time to tant to them. Why else, I wondered, would they be process what I saw, heard, and experienced. There walking there. I would like to think that many came is something special about visiting the Holy Land to reflect and to pray. and seeing the countryside We visited Masada and where Jesus lived. Qumram. Masada reminded The biggest challenge was to see Other EMCers on the me of the Great Wall in China. the struggles of the Palestinian trip included Brenda Penner We “floated” in the Dead (Steinbach EMC), Walter Christians, and to hear their plea Sea—a five-minute experience Hamm (Riverton), and Marvin one should take if already for the church in the West to Hamm (Morweena). there. We walked through stand in solidarity with them. We visited the Church of the Yad Veshem (Holocaust the Nativity, which is built Museum). on the spot where it is believed that Jesus may The biggest challenge for me was to see the have been born. At Capernaum we read the Gospel struggles of the Palestinian Christians, and to hear stories that took place there. We took a boat trip their plea for the church in the West to stand in on the Sea of Galilee and imagined Jesus and His solidarity with them. I heard stories of a people disciples on the sea long ago. whose land is being snapped up by Israeli settlers, We went to the Garden Tomb which is one site and of how some of their spiritual leaders are seekwhere the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection may ing to develop their own theology amid suffering. have taken place. The guide ended the tour with the Both in the presentation we heard at Bethlehem 14
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
PHOTOS: irma janzen
Bible College and from Archbishop Elias Chaucour, of the Melkite Catholic Church in Nazareth and author of Blood Brothers, we heard the plea to continue to love the Jews, but to love the Palestinians too. A Jewish settler said he would not stop to help a Palestinian who had car trouble on the roadside because this could be a trap. This indicates the fear some people feel. To watch people stand at a checkpoint for hours to get from their homes in Bethlehem to a job in Jerusalem or to their land on the other side of the wall gave us insights into everyday life.
Hatred begets hatred—the truth of that statement became even more real during our visit. Thank God, love also begets love and hope begets hope. To hear a rabbi at the Rabbis for Human Rights tell us that they have lawyers to help the Palestinians in the Occupied Territory was a sign of hope. The story that touched me most: to hear how two family members, one Israeli and one Palestinian, talked about how they had never spoken to someone of the other race till they met at a Parents’ Circle (both having lost a loved one in the conflict). We visited other MCC partners; it being an MCC Learning Tour, you would guess these partners are working for peace and justice. We visited Canada Park and heard how it was built on top of a demolished Palestinian village and mostly with money from Canadians. We heard from a man who called himself a secular Jew who spoke of seeing that the fighting
he had done in the military was wrong and how he was now working for peace. We met two CPTers (Christian Peacemaker Teams members) who continue to walk to the fields with the shepherds to be an international presence in a village south of Hebron. We toured a glass factory where Ten Thousand Villages buys pottery, and visited an MCC water project. We also heard stories from Israelis who did not seem to be aware of the Palestinian side of the story—not surprising because rarely do the two groups talk. A settler, who had returned after having grown up in Europe, was settled on Palestinian land. A practicing Jew, he said the Torah says we need to live in peace to experience God’s blessing, but he did not seem to sense the suffering settlers cause the Palestinians. One example: Palestinians have hardly enough water for daily needs while in one instance they heard the splashing water in the pool in the settlement that is on their land. We were given a tour of the separation wall/ fence by the Israeli colonel who designed it. We heard why it needed to be built and where it was, but it did not seem convincing. Israel is choosing to ignore not only that it encroaches onto Palestinian land, but also controls water, borders, and access and that the Palestinians have no way of defending themselves. It is understandable, even if not happy news, that this can be a cause for violence. The Dead Sea, mostly in the West Bank, is inaccessible to Palestinians without Israeli citizenship. As we walked up from the sea, we saw a sign that said Go in Peace. To me, that epitomizes both the injustice and the confusion we felt. Hatred begets hatred—the truth of that statement became even more real during our visit. Thank God, love also begets love and hope begets hope. We saw that, too, at least on a smaller scale and that is encouraging. Do say a prayer for Palestinian Christians. Many are praying and working for peace, but their numbers are shrinking. There is clearly a need to seek the well-being of all Palestinians, both Christians and Muslims. Do continue to pray that government leaders will also work for peace. As several people said, both Palestinian and Israelis, there can be no true peace for Israel as long as there is no peace between them. Irma Janzen is an associate pastor at Fort Garry EMC (Winnipeg, Man.). THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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with our missionaries
PHOTO: travis zacharias
Missionaries begin using NTM system Paraguay
We are excited to see how God is using these lessons to strengthen the faith of his children in his promises. As an added bonus, since many of the students come from out of the city and stay for the night, they have lots of time to interact with each other at meal times, drinking tereré together during breaks, or drinking maté in the early mornings. These informal times are very important to encourage the many church leaders who participate as well as to strengthen conference ties. Last year, some of the EMC missionaries in Paraguay were invited by New Tribes Missions to attend a training seminar in Asunción on 16
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
Chronological study of the Bible is being well received. Gil Reimer leads this session.
Worldview and Culture. This was followed by another invitation to attend a training seminar on teaching using narrative. Through these seminars we began to see the value of the chronological teaching system used by New Tribes Missions (Firm Foundations: Creation to Christ) to teach the Bible as God’s story and to reinforce a Biblical worldview. We (Gil Rempel, Joanne Martens, and myself) are teaching this material this year. It was originally developed for use among tribal groups and later adapted for use in North America. After some more adaptations to the Paraguayan context, the lessons seem to be very well received by the students.
We are excited to see how God is using these lessons to strengthen the faith of his children in his promises. Please pray that God will guide the teachers as they prepare the lessons each month to make them applicable and effective in the Paraguayan context. Travis Zacharias
Travis and Rosey Zacharias (Kleefeld) are on their first term in Paraguay.
Follow Jesus hear the call
For more information or to apply for the fall semester call...
1-800-230-8478 or visit us online
www.SBCollege.ca
The first monthly intensive weekend Bible classes of the year took place the last weekend of April in Caaguazú. After a two-year break, it is good to see the interest that many CEMP (Evangelical Mennonite Conference of Paraguay) church members are taking in studying the Bible together on a monthly basis. This year the classes began in April and will continue until about November. The 27 students from eight churches are spending about nine hours from Saturday to Sunday studying together.
with our missionaries
bolivia
In a year the papaya field has grown from newly-planted to producing bountifully. A part of the income from the sale of papayas goes into running Casa Mariposa. It was great having friends from home over for a visit and to help with the huge job of painting Casa Mariposa inside and the bricks on the outside. There were a number of work teams who have made a huge difference at Casa Mariposa. Thank you, all of you. While waiting for Casa Mariposa to open, I have become involved in
From April 2009 to April 2010 a transformation has taken place in the construction of Casa Mariposa. As a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, we pray that the broken lives of women and girls, as they seek refuge here, will be transformed into beautiful masterpieces that reflect God’s glory. On April 3 the Grand We pray that the broken lives of women Opening was celebrated, and girls will be transformed into beautiful although Casa Mariposa was not quite ready for masterpieces that reflect God’s glory. occupancy. By now we have received the first woman and a girl. I want to thank God for those who have helped furnish the bedrooms and stock the linen closet. “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2 NLT). Pray that this verse would be a reality in my own life and that I can effectively help Casa Mariposa’s gate: Mariposa is the Spanish word for “butterfly.” women toward this goal as well.
translating Sunday School lessons from English to Plautdietsch (Low German). I certainly didn’t feel qualified, but I do enjoy working on the Bible stories, knowing that this is helping the teachers to present the lessons. The need for more written materials is far greater than I will ever be able to translate. Verna Doerksen Verna Doerksen (Blumenort) is involved with a women’s shelter.
PHOTOS: verna doerksen
Welcome to Casa Mariposa!
A part of the income from the sale of these papayas will go into running Casa Mariposa.
September 18, 2010 Steinbach Bible College www.SBCollege.ca 1-800-230-8478 Register Early Group Pricing Available
The Grand Opening of Casa Mariposa, a shelter for abused women and girls, was held on April 3.
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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with our missionaries
‘Encouraging and meaningful times’ canada I had just finished running two marathons in May, so I decided not to run the Manitoba Marathon. I set up booths at the Blue Nose Marathon in Halifax and at the Manitoba Marathon. I was thrilled to report of some encouraging and meaningful times at these informational exhibition booths. At the Blue Nose Marathon I met one of Nova Scotia’s elite ultra marathoners—Mark Campbell—and his team. He was running 12 hours on a treadmill on Saturday, a full marathon the next day, and then the Cabot Trail (Cape Breton Island) Relay race a week later (solo, 280 km). This was no small running event. I was pleased to connect with Mark Campbell and his media team. The Manitoba Marathon booth was a tremendous experience. There are friendly runners in Manitoba as well.
My grandson Timothy helped me in the booth. He was excited to hand out Christian literature. I had to hold him back, because we would have been out of material by noon. He was a tremendous helper—meeting people and telling them about AIA and some of the running events I have been involved in. One young runner was going to run the half-marathon with a First Corinthians bible verse on his T-shirt. He was a runner, very excited to run for Jesus. Then the Manitoba Running Association was telling me about their ultra running event this month: a run from Winnipeg to Calgary with a team of nine runners. They will be running in connection with MCC and raising funds for Haiti. A few runners from Ontario found out about my running experiences in Morocco, namely the
I was so pleased and happy for this wonderful avenue of bringing the Gospel of Jesus to other runners.
Marathon des Sables. One of them was accepted to run it next summer, so I was asked many questions by her. I presented the runner with a copy of my book Sand in My Shoes. One other lady is interested in running this race as well, and she bought five books as well in preparation for this extreme race in the Sahara Desert. I was so pleased and happy for all the great conversations, the wonderful avenue of bringing the Gospel of Jesus to other runners. Opportunities were there to share about running, make new running friends, and also talk about our Lord Jesus. Material given out included the little booklet by Erwin McManus— Soul Cravings Prequel, the AIA Struggles and Triumph DVD, other books, and running (Run AIA) pamphlets. Several hundred items were distributed in just two wonderful days. Albert Martens Albert Martens (Steinbach EMC) serves with Athletes in Action Canada.
PHOTO courtesy albert martens
Rest and Renewal EMC Ministerial Retreat November 27–29, 2010 Wilderness Edge Pinawa, Man. for all current and former pastors, associates, missionaries, elders, deacons, and spouses
Cost: $159 (until Nov. 1); $170 (after Nov. 1) $75 deposit with registration Contact: Ward Parkinson wparkinson@emconf.ca 204-324-6401 Albert Martens, with grandson Timothy, ran an Athletes in Action booth at the Manitoba Marathon.
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THE MESSENGER | July 2010
with our missionaries
Wonderful music, horrible statistics burkina faso
money to thank him for this music?” “Absolutely,” Augustin replied, “That is the proper response to a griot when he plays for you.” (It may be of interest to you that “griot” and “kora” are both English words. Check your dictionary.) PHOTO: istockphoto.com
Taking off and landing four times was not particularly enjoyable for any of us, and it took us a while to recover. Our itinerary started in Winnipeg, with stops in Toronto, Paris, and Niamey before arriving in Ouagadougou. We could have done without the extra landing in Niamey, Niger, but that’s what you get for taking the cheapest ticket. Fortunately our eight suitcases came off the airplane safely with us in Ouaga. They were unloaded from a four-wheeled cart carrying 30 suitcases in one load, pushed and pulled by some strong men; the moving baggage belt had been temporarily dismantled as part of the airport renovation process. In addition to the many blessings The kora, a traditional West African instrument. and delicious food that was served to us at the home of Sonde Augustin So I got out a 2,000 franc bill Coulibaly, we had the unexpected and handed it to him as he was treat of being serenaded by a Siamou playing and he just motioned to the musician. heart-shaped hole in the calabash He played the kora for us. You of his kora, and I dropped the bill could say the kora is a cross between into it. Hearing such African music a guitar and a harp, and when we makes me wish we could stay in this oohed and ahhed over his music, country forever. he promptly left the courtyard and Reading a recent TIME magazine came back with a kushu (smaller article on The Fight Against Malaria siamou version of the kora) and a makes me want to leave Africa balafon, and played both of those for immediately and never come back. us as well. Malaria “killed 863,000 people in Then he gave me a cassette tape 2008–89% of them African, and 88% of his own recorded music. (I plan to of those people children under 5....” bring it to Canada with me. Just ask me when we get back and We didn’t come to Burkina Faso just I’ll play it for you.) And I said to Sonde to listen to beautiful African music, Augustin, “Would it not be so we won’t be staying forever. proper for me to give him some
The article tells about a new effort to distribute 700 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets by the end of 2010. We are taking our daily anti-malaria pills regularly and plan to crawl safely into mosquito nets in our house in Tin. But we didn’t come to Burkina Faso just to listen to beautiful African music, so we won’t be staying forever. And we didn’t come here with hopes to avoid sickness at all costs, so we won’t be returning to Canada immediately. We came to translate the Bible, so we look forward to getting to work with Solo and Lillian very soon. Paul Thiessen
Paul Thiessen (Blumenort) has been involved in literacy and Bible translation since 1980. He, his wife Lois, and children are currently in Burkina Faso, where they live in the village of Tin (pronounced closer to “tan”).
Portage EMCers, Where Are You? Portage EMC 50th anniversary and building dedication August 28 and 29, 2010 Registration: August 28, 1-3 p.m. Please respond by July 31: 204-857-4146, www.portagepec.ca, or www.facebook.com (search PEC 50th anniversary)
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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with our churches
PICTURE BUTTE MENNONITE CHURCH, Alberta
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Bueckerts had to go in and pop the balloons to find messages the youth and a few others from the congregation. This created great fun. Thankfully, the pastor’s office has large windows so many could enjoy watching Anna Bueckert fearfully help her husband pop those balloons. The youth have greatly enjoyed their room in our church building. They get a little upset when we use it for smaller meetings. Together with their leaders they planned how to decorate the room so that it would hold memories and yet look alive for today. They have been artistic and creative and it looks terrific. They still have a little work left; as new members join the youth, they get to add their paint handprint to the wall. Good job, youth! Please pray for our youth and the church, as we seek the Lord’s will in finding new volunteers to help in this awesome ministry. Jared and Dwylla Zacharias leave in the middle of July. We are hoping to have new people in place by September to help Abe and Helena Martens, who have worked with Jared and Dwylla for the past while. Caroline Krahn
ur youth are and have been a tremendous asset to our church. We had been praying for a revival in our youth’s hearts, that they would truly want to make Jesus a real part of their everyday walk. We can see our prayers Pastor appreciation: Pastoral being answered as many have couple Abe and Anna Bueckert made new commitments to live discover the balloons and the for Him and have been sharing note on the office door. their testimonies in Sunday Jared shared School. Most recently we heard the how we are testimonies of Abe Penner, Ana God’s workmanship and the creHam, and Lisa Berg at the youth’s ation in which God takes the most second PAW (praise and worship) pleasure. Dwylla played and sang night. Salvation Belongs to Our God from They blessed a packed church Revelation 7:9-12. Their worship first in October 2009. They filled team led us in three great sessions. the evening with skits, worship, and Thank you again, youth, for a service a devotional by their leader Jared well done. Zacharias. In the past the youth had Now we are to bid farewell to surprised Pastor Abe and Anna our youth leaders of three and a half Bueckert with an office filled with years. Jared and Dwylla Zacharias are moving to Dwylla’s birth town, where balloons during Pastor Appreciation Jared will be associate/youth pastor in Month. the Evangelical Free Church. Although Jared and Dwylla had a busy year-end planned, the youth begged them to help with one more PAW evening. The theme chosen was Celebrating What God Has Done. Once again they put on an inspiring evening. They preformed two skits. Mighty to Save showed how God has saved His people throughout Bible history, miming stories. The second, God’s Chisel, reinforced that God does not The youth enjoyed decorating their own room in the church building. Painting the cross was hard work with no step ladder! make junk. 20
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PHOTOS: caronline krahn
PAWs, popping balloons, and parting
with our churches
Fish Creek celebrates! xcitement filled our meeting place as ushers scurried to get additional seating, for the extra guests (friends, grandparents, and other family members) that filled our meeting place on Father’s Day, June 20, to witness four child dedications and three persons being added to our membership. Parents who dedicated their children to the Lord were Dean and Melissa Eggertson (daughter Mya Soliece); Neil and Michelle Fehr (daughter Hallie Elizabeth);
PHOTOs courtesy JOYCE LANDIS
E
Malcolm and Noella Koop (daughter Samantha Erin); and Scott and Angela Koop (son Joshua Ryan). We pray God’s richest blessings on these parents as well as their children. Those received into membership were Angela Koop, and Malcolm and
A parent-child dedication and membership transfer service took place on June 20, 2010.
Olga Nahnybida honoured at PFC PELLY FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL, Saskatchewan
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e have enjoyed the sights and sounds of spring and the responsibilities that go with the season. So soon spring blends into summer, and with it comes a new round of activities, family get-togethers, visits from grandchildren, VBS, camps, and other children’s clubs. On Mother’s Day we hosted the annual breakfast and service in the village hall. The men did a great job of setting it up and cooking. The congregation was larger than usual, but there was food for all. The family group Double Portion presented a very good concert. Two of our gardeners, Sylvia Abrahamson and John Dyck, provided plants so each lady could take one home. May 16 was a special day.
The ladies fellowship group has been active through the winter months. In May was the annual spring cleaning of the church. In June, before taking a two-month break, the group will have a perogymaking session for camp. Vivian Anfinson
Following the morning service, Rod and Abigail Abrahamson, with their children, gave a presentation on their mission trip to Mexico last February. Through pictures, narration, singing, and dialogue, it was an interesting time of learning how their group had been a help and a blessing to those they were among and of what was accomplished. This was followed by a cake and coffee time in honour of long-time member Olga Nahnybida. Olga left at the end of May to reside in her daughter’s care home at Grandora, Sask. Farewells are not a time we look forward to, but they are a part of life, and we know Olga will be a blessing to those she Honoured long-time member Olga Nahnybida with pastoral couple Helen and John Froese. lives with. THE MESSENGER | July 2010
PHOTO: vivian anfinson
FISH CREEK CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Calgary, Alberta
Noella Koop. We welcome them into our community of faith with love and support. This special celebration service ended with a potluck dinner. What would a happy, rejoicing, Mennonite occasion be without fellowship around the table with friends? Joyce Landis
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Seminars help to equip the church PRAIRIE ROSE EMC, Landmark, Manitoba
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unday School teachers and other leaders attended a well prepared Teacher Training Seminar on the weekend of January 22 to 23. Evelyn Plett, who has spent most of her life teaching as a missionary in Spain and has returned to her hometown of Landmark, gave clear instruction on how to teach responsibly and effectively. “The Bible is made alive by the Holy Spirit; without the Spirit it is just so much information,” Evelyn stated. “Every teacher,” she
emphasized, “carries the responsibility of pointing the student to Christ and must commit their own life to preparation, presentation and illustration. The end goal of the teacher is to not just befriend and build relationship, but to point the student to Jesus.” On March 20, 2010 an all day Evangelism Alive seminar by Dr. T.V. Thomas brought further training on how to communicate by word and deed the love of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Thomas explained that while all are commanded to evangelize so that people will repent and receive Christ as their
PHOTOS: EVA peters
Baptized on two subsequent Sundays are Emma Laitinen, Shane Plett, Ryan Goosen, Brittany Plett, Adam Friesen, Gloria Friesen, Holly Bucholz. Wilfried and Shirley Hiebert are new members by membership transfer. Church leader Colin Peters is on the far right. Missing from the picture are David Engbrecht (b), Candace Spence (b) and Willie and Eva Hiebert (t).
All ages enjoyed the zip line. Rick Peters, age four standing in front, to age eighty four, Frank Plett in back row. Senior members who joined in the fun are Henry and Mary Plett, Harvey and Pearl Plett, Frank Plett, Sara Kroeker, Nettie Reimer, Lillian Wiebe, Margaret and Paul Vanderwoude.
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personal Savior and obediently serve Him in the fellowship of His Church, not everyone has the gift of evangelism. Evangelism is the overflow of the abundant life in Christ. An evening of praise and worship on March 14 concluded with a standing ovation for our newly affirmed Pastor Mike Plett and his wife Deidre. Using Philippians 4 as his text, Colin Peters led the congregation in praising God for His faithfulness: “God promises to be faithful. He has been faithful in the past and we know we can entrust the future into His care.” Eleven young people were baptized and officially joined our fellowship in two consecutive Sunday morning services in May. After each candidate shared their testimony of faith, a supporter led the congregation in prayer for them. We were inspired to greater obedience and commitment to service as Harvey Plett and Colin Peters spoke on the meaning of baptism. Two couples, Willie and Eva Hiebert and Wilfried and Shirley Hiebert joined our fellowship through membership transfers this spring. Our annual church camp took place at Roseau River Bible Camp the weekend of May 21 to 23. Our guest speaker was Jeff Plett from Fort Frances, Ontario. A new thing at our camp this year was a traditional Hymn Sing, a favourite for many. Another highlight was the zip line, a run that delighted people of all ages. Children as young as four (Rick Peters) and those who are 84 (Mr. Frank Plett) waited their turn to take the scenic ride across the water. Delicious meals were served throughout the weekend, thanks to the well organized kitchen staff Barb Plett, Murray and Coralee Klassen, and Eileen Engbrecht. Eva Peters
with our churches
Congregation ‘flushed with excitement’ FORT GARRY EMC, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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nother search committee completed its work of recommending a permanent youth pastor. Their task was simplified by the fact that an applicant came forward from within the congregation. In fact, Andrew Krahn had already been serving as the youth leader on an interim basis, and the congregation resoundingly approved him for the full-time position this April.
During his first year with the youth group last year, Andrew led an interesting fundraiser that involved people of all ages in our church, particularly homeowners. Victims of the fundraising effort could pay $10 to remove one of two colourfully painted toilets from their lawn, $20 to send it along to someone else’s lawn, or $40 to buy “insurance” against it ever showing up again. We are flushed with excitement to welcome Andrew as our full-time youth pastor.
Pastor Layton Friesen is now on a four-month sabbatical. It is hard to believe that seven years have passed since he began the position. While on sabbatical, Layton will take time to study congregational ministry and Greek, attend a preaching conference in Colorado, and may possibly rest as well. Many people from inside and outside Fort Garry have stepped forward to fill the void he and his family leave, most notably associate pastor Irma Janzen who is taking on more pastoral duties. Former Steinbach EMC pastor Arden Thiessen joined us as a guest speaker during four weeks in April. Paul Klassen
What love he endured for you and me!
had our ladies busy compiling a cookbook that will be published and sold. The funds generated from the sale of this cookbook will go towards our new kitchen. MISSION HEIGHTS COMMUNITY lived gave renewed appreciation for This past fall we started a new CHURCH, Grande Prairie, Alberta all that He endured for you and me. program for three- and four-yearWhat love! olds called Boz the Bear. Sherry raise be to the God and Father We have begun our new building Munn, who is in charge of this of our Lord Jesus Christ, who project. Our congregation is still so program, has often commented on has blessed us in the heavenly realms excited about this new church. We how eager the children in this age with every spiritual blessing in anticipate being in this new building group are to learn. She has up to 20 Christ” (Ephesians 1:1). by the end of October. Betty Brandt children in this class. What a beautiful thought! We have again had our Warmest greetings from annual Church Camp Out. our fellowship to you! We We had the most amazing have again come through weather for it this year. the Easter season and been Thank you, Lord. blessed. Our Easter weekend This year we witnessed included the showing of three ladies being baptized The Passion on Saturday upon confession of their evening. Even though this is faith. These included Tia one man’s interpretation of Chabot, Alaina Kunz, the events of the final days and Jacquelynn Fehr. of Christ, it reminded me of Memberships were transthe awfulness of Jesus’ final ferred by Jon Kunz and hours. Having a visual of the Marvin Harder. Peter Labaucan and other men enjoying a canoe ride during our Church Family Campout at Bear Lake Bible Camp. time period in which Christ Ruby Fehr PHOTO: RUBy fehr
“P
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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with our churches
Taber gains a tribe! TABER EMC, Alberta
O
March 21, 2010, baptism and membership transfer
PHOTOs: eva koethler
n March 21, 2010, Taber gained new members by baptism and by transfer. Baptised (front row) were Elizabeth Hiebert, Linda Neufeld, Elmer Loewen, John Loewen, supported by youth pastor Dave Sawatzky and deacons Jake and Margaret Sawatzky. Members by transfer (middle and back rows): Jake and Susie Quiring, Bill and Margaretha Peters, Abe and Anna Klassen, John and Sara Quiring, supported by deacons Nick and Mary Enns and pastoral couple Dave and Audrey Wiebe. On April 4, 2010, six more members were added: Jessie Martens by transfer and, by baptism, Abe Peters, Greta Peters, Paulina Dyck, John Peters, and Trudy Redecop. Eva Koethler
April 4, 2010, baptism and membership transfer
Snowbirds and youth involved in service ROSENORT FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL, Manitoba
I
t was good to see our snowbirds return once again. Every winter it is very noticeable that people are missing from their usual pews in church. Most of them go south to volunteer their services at various missions. Five couples, Art and Martha Dueck, Harry and Norma Koop, Frank and Marianne Friesen, Rick and Lavina Kroeker, and Art and Rose Cornelsen reported another productive but cool winter at the Sebring SIM retirement centre in Florida. Elmer and Anne Brandt spent several 24
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
months at RGBI in Texas, volunteering their services there as well. Our church was much in prayer for our 16 enthusiastic senior young people and their leaders as they packed up and left on their missions trip to Mexico during the spring school break. During the one week there they amazingly erected a schoolhouse and playground and had time to enjoy playing with the schoolchildren! Although some of the youth got sick they still came home with glowing reports of how God blessed them through their service there. It is very encouraging to have Harv and Jeanine Schellenberg give
such strong spiritual leadership to our senior youth. Marvin and Heidi Schmidt and their family were away from February 26 to May 2 for team training with Avant Missions and deputation in the USA. They are now praying to raise enough support to leave for Spain as missionaries in August. We are grateful to God for gifting us as a congregation and bringing Rolf and Angela Kruse into our midst. On March 18 our congregation elected Rolf as a minister at RFC. His role along with Ang will be to do discipleship ministry with young couples and families, as well as some preaching. It is exciting when young people publicly show their desire to live for Christ. Baptism classes resulted in (continued p. 25)
with our churches
Pastor John Driedger stands with young people baptised on June 13, 2010: Tanner Thiessen, David Siemens, Anders Kornelson, Kelsey Schellenberg, Allison Klassen, Janelle Dueck, Kim Reimer.
God is good! HILLSIDE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, La Crete, Alberta
“C
ome, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1). All those interested in participating in choir please meet at the church on Monday evening for practice. Really? A choir at Hillside? Yes! We cleared our throats, warmed our voices, and brought God’s message through song during our Good Friday service on April 2. Thank you to Peter Janzen for directing and to Lois Neufeld for playing piano. Your patience with our “never before sang in a choir” group was much appreciated. “...and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you…by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter 3:20b-22). Our little country church way up north near La Crete, AB was fully blessed on May 16 with the testimonies and baptism of two young ladies, Sheila and Shannyn Schellenberg. It is such a true blessing to hear the great and wonderful ways in which our Heavenly Father moves in other’s lives.
We are thankful to Sheila and Shannyn for sharing not only the struggles they have experienced but the mighty power of God and His work in their lives to bring them to a closer walk with Him. Both young ladies are off to serve at Riverside Bible Camp this summer and then to college in fall. We, the church, ask the Lord’s blessing on them as they travel along life’s highway with God at their side. Three adorable baby girls have joined our congregation. Larry and Becky Braun welcomed Evanna Faith to their family October 28, Simon and Joanna Janzen welcomed Noah’s sister, Ava Brooke, on April 5, and Hannah Mae joined the family of Mike and Diana Legare. We praise our loving Father for these sweet miracles He has given. June 13 gave us a perfect day to share time together. Our morning worship service gave us much to be thankful for, to ponder and to challenge us. Afterwards we let the campfire smoke roll over us as we enjoyed roasted wieners, numerous great salads and desserts, and joyful fellowship.
Our time was completed with our spring communion and foot washing service mid-afternoon. Thank you, dear Jesus, for your great love in giving your life. Thank You for setting the example of serving others by the foot washing command. Help us to keep this experience as a reminder to live by Your example. Broken homes, broken families, broken bodies, but through it all there is hope. Hillside had the privilege of hearing an MCC Haiti report by Paul Driedger on June 20. Paul had the opportunity to go on a medical trip to Haiti in March. The pictures and report about the recent earthquake in Haiti remind us how quickly our time on earth can end. (continued p. 26)
PHOTO: joyce wieler
seven young candidates taking the step of obedience. Baptized on June 13 were: Janelle Dueck, Alison Klassen, Kim Reimer, Kelsey Schellenberg, Anders Kornelsen, David Siemens and Tanner Thiessen. Louise Olsen has been on our prayer list for some time now. After spending months in the Steinbach Bethesda hospital she has been moved to the St Adolphe nursing home. Several of our care groups have gone to sing for her shortly after she was moved there. Rose Cornelsen
PHOTO: Ang siemens
(continued from p. 24)
May 16, 2010, baptism: pastoral couple John and Lina Dyck stands with Sheila and Shannyn Schellenberg. THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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with our churches (continued from p. 25)
PHOTO: joyce wieler
It’s heartbreaking to see the collapsed buildings and people in pain, but a look at all the smiling faces still praising the Almighty God and you know they have a faith that makes ours look weak. The Haitian people were very thankful to MCC for the relief kits they received. We are grateful to MCC for the work they do around the world. Joyce Wieler HCF’s choir performed on Good Friday, April 2.
Jake and Anna Enns return NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Stevenson, Ontario
T
PHOTO: susie heide
his spring, NLCF has been stirring with a flurry of activities. After taking a year off as senior pastoral couple Jake and Anna Enns returned in the beginning of May, and have agreed to serve another two-year term. Throughout the past year, the congregation has been blessed with numerous guest speakers from many different churches during the Sunday morning worship service. Last year Henry and Hildy Regier were invited to serve NLCF as parttime interim pastoral couple. They
blessed us richly with their time, prayer and support for six months. Regretfully we had to say goodbye to them. On May 6, we received seven new members. Tommy Enns and Jeremy Blatz were baptized, while Maria Elias, Corny and Sara Unger, and John and Nellie Friesen transferred their memberships. Pete Goertzen taught Christian Life classes to about nine students. Students mentioned the class was very helpful and that they had great discussions. The students enjoyed learning about the belief system we follow, as well as the history of our Conference.
With Pete Goertzen, (Christian Life Class teacher), members by baptism or transfer: John Friesen, Nellie Friesen, Sara Unger, Corny Unger, Jeremy Blatz, Tommy Enns, Jake Enns (pastor), Maria Elias.
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On May 8, the men of the church celebrated Mother’s Day by preparing a delicious lunch. All the mothers were asked to remain seated while the men took their orders and served dessert. It was a treat and a welldeserved time away from the kitchen for women of the church. Our ladies ministry is planning to attend the Women Alive conference this September. It will be held in Brantford, Ont., and is entitled Just the Word. Women Alive is the woman’s equivalent to Promise Keepers, and is a much anticipated event. It is expected to be a wonderful time of bonding for all the ladies, as well as a time for renewal and deeper spiritual growth. Plans have commenced and are well underway for our annual church campout to be held the last weekend in July. We are looking forward to the wonderful opportunity to partake in the beauty of God, through both nature and fellowship. The youth group has also been active. They completed a 30 Hour Famine fundraiser for World Vision on April 23 and 24. The youth exceeded their goals for their funds raised, which resulted in a volunteer’s head being shaved by the participants. Susie Heide
Through the waters of baptism VANDERHOOF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, British Columbia
“O
ne Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:5-6). May 16, 2010, was an exciting day at Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship. Three young women took the step of publicly showing their commitment to the Lord through the waters of baptism. Pastor Brad Schneck shared a message explaining the importance
of baptism. Baptism symbolizes being dead to sin and made alive in Christ (Romans 6:3-4), being baptised into the church (Ephesians 4:4-5), identifies New members: Kaitlyn Penner, Sammy Dyck, and Nancy Wiebe us with the family of Christ, and reminds us of being Check out the new EMC website: washed of our sins. www.emconference.ca We praise the Lord as these three ladies—Kaitlyn Penner, Sammy Dyck, and Nancy Wiebe—have made this public step of faith through baptism and becoming members. Stephanie Braun
PHOTO: stepahnie braun
with our churches
news
Tasting first fruits in Ukraine
MEDA board sees small farmers creating successful ventures
“We’re anticipating an exciting year of tremendous growth in the double digits, with $42 million in revenue from projects in 45 countries,” said board chair Allon Lefever. “But more important, we are aiming to help alleviate poverty for almost 10 million families around the world.” MEDA
PHOTO: howard good
WATERLOO, Ont.—MEDA president Allan Sauder recently led his board of directors on a tour of the $10 million Ukraine Horticulture Development Project (UHDP), a five-year program supported by the CIDA and MEDA. For board members who traced their roots to old Mennonite colonies, it was a homecoming of a sort, but the tour highlights were meeting some of the 1,500 UHDP clients who are tasting not only the fruits of their labours, but hope for a brighter future. One was Vera Morozova, who farms strawberries and onions on 42 rented acres near Melitopol. The former civil servant was at first leery of a project agronomist offering help, but now she is happy to have access to expert knowledge and credit and to tap into modern technologies and more lucrative markets. Vera is one of 10 farmers working as a group and learning from each other. She’d like to try better plant varieties, but she is content: “I am providing employment to 30 seasonal workers and my land is being used and loved.” Over five years, UHDP will reach out to 5,000 small farmers. The week-long tour in early June ended with board meetings to approve MEDA’s plans for the upcoming year.
Vera Morozova, with her daughter Oksana, presents a bit of her strawberry crop for MEDA board members to sample. THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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news
Moving from ‘we’ to ‘where?’
SBC MissionX North ministers in First Nations communities
We have seen great spiritual needs of so many people in Thompson and surrounding communities. 28
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
Visitation by students took place at Norway House and other northern communities.
PHOTOS by sbc students courtesy of anna penner
Steinbach, Man.—Four vans and We have seen great spiria trailer packed with personal betual needs of so many people in longings. Thirty-some individuals Thompson and surrounding comhuddled for prayer. This was the munities, and we are reminded scene on the SBC campus on the of Jesus’ words: “The harvest is morning of January 13. plentiful, but the laborers are few; Was it the cold wind that caused therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord many of us to shiver? Or was it also of the harvest to send out laborers the unknown of what we would into his harvest.” experience in the next week during Another 30 potential labourers our time in northern Manitoba? have seen the needs of northern If we had anxieties at the outset, Manitoba. May each of us ask the those thoughts and feelings disLord, “Where in the harvest do you sipated over the next few days. We want me to serve?” received friendly welcomes and LeRoy Barkman quickly got to know some wonderful people in Thompson, Man., and MissionX North is an annual shortSBC students ministered to children. surrounding communities. term missions effort by second year We were treated to bannock as students at Steinbach Bible College, well as caribou and moose meat. We watched dogsled races where LeRoy Barkman (EFC Steinbach) serves as a professor. and ice fishing with nets. Reprinted with permission from Continental Reflections We drove across lakes on ice and some of us were flown (April 2010). into Garden Hill by airplane. We went sliding with children and had wiener roasts. We shared testimonies in church services, home Bible studies, and on TV. We did our best to sing along in Cree. We told many Bible stories and put on puppet plays. We did crafts with the children. We visited homes and drank lots of tea. We laughed and grieved and prayed with people we had never met before. We were touched as we saw veteran missionaries such as Bill and Anna Penner and Bert Brown faithfully and selflessly serving God and people. We were encouraged to see younger people such as Morgan and Krista Serger and Andrew Harder getting involved in outreach, particularly to youth and children. Some students flew in to the community of Garden Hill. We were gratified to see Zach Beardy at the Drop-in Centre, sharing food, friendship, and spiritual care with many of Thompson’s street people.
news
MCC has ‘a place for everyone’ AKRON, Pa.—There are multiple stories of how MCC began. One tells of Clayton Kratz, a young man who went to Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey to attempt to distribute aid for starving people in 1920, but disappeared and was never found. Another details how Mennonites worked with the U.S. government to finally deliver relief supplies beginning in 1922. For some people, MCC started when Peter J. Dyck, saved from starvation by that aid, and his wife Elfrieda Klassen Dyck led Russian Mennonite refugees out of Europe after World War Two. About 130 people gathered June 13-14 at a Table of Sharing conference to tell some of the stories from MCC’s 90 years. “How is it that such a diverse clan as ours supports MCC so strongly, to suspend our fixation on differences to work together?” said Herman Bontrager, MCC binational board chair. “I think it boils down to two things: the biblical imperative to give a cup of cold water in the name of Christ and, secondly, because there is a place for everyone.”
Anabaptists number 1.6 million Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, and related churches (national conferences) now exceed 1.6 million baptised members and exist in 80 countries. The continents with most members are Africa, North America, Asia, Latin America and Caribbean, and Europe. The six countries with the highest numbers of members are the U.S., Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India, Canada, and Indonesia. Numbers are growing faster in the southern hemisphere than in the northern (North America, Europe). Eighty percent of these Anabaptists are aligned with Mennonite World Conference, including the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. While Anabaptist numbers are growing, the total figure remains relatively small when compared to some other parts of the Christian Church. The Baptist World Alliance, which does not represent all Baptists, says its member conferences total 37 million baptised members. MWC and BWA sources
PHOTO: celeste kennel-shank/MWR
For 90 years, relief agency has shaped Mennonite identity, witnessed to world
Valentina Satvedi, Matthew Tschetter, Timothy Seidel and Omar Tesdell speak after a session at MCC’s celebration.
Conference presenters showed how MCC has shaped Mennonite identity as it has fostered cooperation among Anabaptist groups on relief, development and peacebuilding, as well as representing Mennonites around the world. They described how MCC has contributed to creating other initiatives and been at the forefront of work against racism and sexism, even as it has at times also embodied inequalities.
Conference presenters showed how MCC has shaped Mennonite identity as it has fostered cooperation among Anabaptist groups. “There is a lot to repent of, but also a lot to celebrate as we move forward,” said Elizabeth Soto Albrecht, a former member of the MCC binational board and one of the first MCC workers in Colombia. “There’s always justice before peace. That is what MCC has learned from our partners and has implemented in looking at our programs.” Despite support, the groups participating in MCC do not always have consensus on issues of relief and advocacy. “MCC has never represented all Mennonites,” said John A. Lapp, former executive director of MCC. “At certain times and places MCC can speak with some authority,” he said. “But I think we should be modest about it and not expect everybody to fall in line.” MCC has been involved in creating new entities, including Ten Thousand Villages, the World Community Cookbooks, and Christian Peacemaker Teams. Celeste Kennel-Shank/MWR
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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news
‘Just part of our protocol’
MDS responds quickly to southern Manitoba flooding Near Brandon a twister touched down and three homes in Winnipeg were referred to MDS, Klassen noted. The work in Emerson was completed by June 9, with about 100 volunteers having responded. Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Canadian Mennonite
PHOTO: evelyn rempel petkau
EMERSON, Man.—On May 29, 10 centimetres of rain fell in an hour on the small border town of Emerson. By day’s end, more than 15 cm had come down. With the ground already saturated, the rain had nowhere to go, flooding most basements. A power failure affected part of the town, disabling sump pumps. The mayor declared a state of emergency. “On Monday [May 31], within an hour-and-a-half of being called, Mennonite Disaster Service was in town,” said Jeanette Sabourin, town administrator. By June 1, 38 volunteers from Steinbach, New Bothwell, and Altona, Man., were cleaning basements. Dan Klassen, Manitoba MDS unit chair, said the quick response “was just part of our protocol.” On May 30, when he heard of the record-setting rainfall and damage, he began phoning board members. He drove into town, hung out the MDS shingle, and turned his truck into a temporary office. Emerson, with its population of 689, had about 80 percent of its 300 households flooded. “Most have minimal insurance and some don’t have any,” said Sabourin.
Simon Reimer, Kyle Sawatsky, and Peter Reimer from the Altona Sommerfeld Mennonite youth group assisted MDS by cleaning out flooded basements in Emerson, Man.
MDS responds to the Gulf oil spill
Staff and volunteers look at ways to assist residents affected by the oil spill AKRON, Pa.—As oil continues to gush into the Gulf waters, MDS friends, partners, and clients in the Gulf are asking for our prayers and support. Residents are grieving, saying, “This is our life and our culture—it is also the only way of life we know; what will we do if it is lost?” When MDS representatives asked what we can do, one Parish official said, “You can help by continuing to do what you do best—rebuilding homes.” We invite you to show your support for our Gulf Coast neighbours through: Cards: Send personal cards to residents of the Gulf Coast affected by the oil spill, giving them a word of encouragement. Let them know that you are thinking of and praying for them. Please address cards to “Gulf Coast Residents.” After you write your card, please send it directly to the MDS Akron office in Pennsylvania. Once your card is received, it will be delivered to individuals in communities along the Gulf who are directly affected by the oil spill.
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Please mail your card to: Mennonite Disaster Service, Care and Prayer Cards, 1018 Main Street, Akron, PA 17501. Pray: Pray for the following as residents ask for prayer during this time: the oil leak will soon be stopped, health and welfare of clean up workers, meaningful income for families, wisdom in allocation of public and BP resources, listening ears for our volunteers, hope and healing after the clean up phase, that leaders place safety before financial gain. Volunteer: MDS will be re-opening the Diamond, Louisiana, project and will continue rebuilding homes affected by disaster. We can be a listening, supportive presence in Diamond during a time of great uncertainty and environmental catastrophe. Skilled volunteer leaders are needed through September to continue work on the homes that were started by MDS in Plaquemines Parish. To volunteer, please call 800-241-8111 (US) or 866-261-1274 (Canada). MDS
in memory
Carmen Marlyn (nee Janzen) Kwirant 1978–2010
Carmen Kwirant was born December 23, 1978 in Weyburn, Sask., to Abe and Virginia Janzen. Her name means “song of joy” and that is exactly what she was to her family. She was a happy contented child who loved school from the very first day. Her love of learning never left her. In her Bible she has written the date November 21, 1984 as the date she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. During her last year of high school she renewed that commitment and did not waver again. She was a very tenacious person, not only in her faith but also in other areas of her life. Carmen received a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in German. In June of 2003 she was hired as an engineer at BMW in Munich, Germany. In the early years she was often very lonely, but during this time she spent a lot of time memorizing scripture. She joined a church which became her surrogate family. Just as she was beginning to think her time in Munich was done, she met the love of her life, Christian Kwirant. Carmen and Christian were married August 1, 2008. Less than a month later, Carmen was diagnosed with stage three aggressive ovarian cancer. The Lord granted her 20 more months. Carmen and Christian never lost their hope and belief that she would have a complete recovery. By the end of December of 2009 it appeared that would be true, but on January 12, 2010, she was given further shocking news that the cancer had returned. This time it was harder to keep hoping that she would be healed but she would say “my life is in God’s hands” (Psalm 31:15).
calendar In those last few weeks, with Christian and her parents beside her, she received comfort from her Bible and her belief in Jesus Christ, her Saviour. On April 12 Carmen said her final goodbyes to her beloved Christian and her parents. Carmen leaves to mourn her loving husband Christian; her in-laws, Horst and Renate Kwirant; her sister-in-law Gaby and her children, Sara and Marco; and a host of friends from her work and church. Here in Canada she leaves to deeply mourn her parents Abe and Virginia Janzen, and her brother Marcel and his wife Sara with little son Devon. She also leaves a large close family and many friends who will miss her laughter, her wit, and her love a lot. Carmen’s funeral was held in Tapfheim, Germany, on April 16, 2010. It was Carmen’s wish to have her last resting place in Tapfheim in the Kwirant family plot. On April 24, 2010, a memorial service was held at Abbeydale Christian Fellowship in Calgary, Alta. We want to thank all our friends and family who have upheld Christian and our families in prayer and love during this difficult season of our lives. Her Family
In loving memory of Kaden Bryce Fehr June 9, 2010
All our great memories started before we could meet you. You brought us so much joy. Mommy was very excited the first time she felt you move. Not once did your little kicks get unnoticed by Mommy. I will forever cherish each movement. When the doctors told us you would slow down but you only got stronger, it was an answer to our prayers. Each time we felt your tiny little feet kick so hard, it was as though you were trying to tell us “It’s okay.” We would see your tiny little hands covering your sleepy eyes. We heard your tiny little heart beat so fast and strong. Each time you made us smile with all your moves and silly faces. We picked out two little sleepers,
British Columbia no events currently
Alberta no events currently
Saskatchewan no events currently
Manitoba Sept. 16–18: 20th Annual Winnipeg Prophecy Conference, Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg, 204-8887270 or www.wpgpc.org Oct. 15–17: TRU 2010, EMC Youth Leaders’ Retreat, Wilderness Edge, Pinawa, 204-326-6401 or greimer@ emconf.ca Nov. 27–29: Rest and Renewal, EMC Ministerial Retreat (for all current and former pastors, associates, missionaries, elders, deacons, and spouses), Wilderness Edge, Pinawa, wparkinson@emconf.ca
Ontario Aug. 3–6: MCC Ontario, From Shore to Shore: Connecting Community, Mattagami First Nation; 705-2642494 or lyndsaymk@mennonitecc.ca
one for you to wear and one for us to cherish. We named you Kaden, meaning “friend, companion”; Bryce, meaning “alert, ambitious.” Your daddy often woke at night to the feeling of your feet kicking on his back and would say, “Oh, that little guy can move.” Your big brother felt you gently kick his hand; the look on his face was exciting to see. We were ready to watch over you for a lifetime and now we know you’ll be a little angel watching over us. Your little feet left big footprints on our hearts. God made you so perfect and special. We know God’s plan is always in motion and it was hard to accept that you were called home so soon. Until we meet in God’s loving arms. We love you, Mommy, Daddy, Malachi
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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shoulder tapping Pastoral positions Community Bible Fellowship Church of Swan River, Man., is currently seeking a pastoral couple on either an interim basis (with negotiable hours) or, depending on circumstances, a full-time, permanent basis to serve a congregation of about 75 on a Sunday morning in a community of about 3,500. Responsibilities could include preaching, counseling, participation in team ministries, visitation, evangelistic outreach to community, direction setting in conjunction with Elder Team. Our desire: a couple with passion for the Lord and his work, a desire to explore God’s unlimited potential through CBF, and administrative skills. CFB oversees a small Christian school (about 35 students) on the premises. Our previous pastor was involved in the lives of students and staff, and we really appreciated his daily school involvement. If you have an appetite for the outdoors and a longing to serve in a smaller community, we are a friendly community with much potential for church growth. We are ultimately looking for a permanent pastor. Open communication will be encouraged from an applicant to ensure intentions and expectations are clearly understood. Please contact: Terry Scales (204-525-2651), Jake Reimer (204-734-4465), or Don Buhler (204-734-2403). High Level Christian Fellowship is searching for a full-time pastor. We are a congregation of approximately 150 people located in northern Alberta. For more information contact: Pete Fehr at 780-926-6671 or email at pete@gbc2002ltd.net. East Braintree Community Church (Man.) is searching for a pastor. The position would be combined with hosting and caretaking at the Braintree Creation Care Centre. Housing is provided; salary is negotiable. Contact Len Penner, deacon board chairman, East Braintree Community Church, Box 143, Hadashville, MB R0E 0X0, 204-426-2393, lenthehandyman@yahoo.ca. Fort Garry Evangelical Mennonite Church (fortgarryemc.ca) is searching for a university/ young adult pastor whom God has chosen to help us reach University of Manitoba students and young adults with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are a congregation of 250 located a block from the U. of M. Fort Garry campus. Supported by a committed discernment group, this person will get to know the Fort Garry campus and establish relationships with present campus ministries. By creating relationships with individuals, the pastor will support the development of their faith by connecting them to people at FGEMC. A second phase may include program development. Applicants must be able to embrace and sign the FGEMC Statement of Faith. Qualifications include a love for people, enthusiasm and determination, creativity and an ability to work independently. A graduate degree and ministry experience on campus are assets. Anticipated start date is August 1, 2010. Inquiries and resumes may be sent to Mark Plett, Search Committee chair, Fort Garry EMC, 602 Pasadena Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2S9 or e-mailed msplett5@shaw.ca.
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Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, Man., is looking for an associate pastor. Responsibilities will include youth ministry as well as worship ministry (including worship technology). Ideally this position would be filled by one person, but we are open to other arrangements. Please send resumes to: braeside@braesidechurch.ca, Attention: Search Committee, www.braesidechurch.ca.
Youth work Mennville EMC and Riverton Gospel Chapel, both EMC churches within Manitoba’s Interlake region, seek a youth pastoral couple to share one fulltime position to lead a joint youth group. Our churches have a history of some common youth events and for the past year ran a joint youth program. Program leadership has been a half-time position supplemented with other volunteer leaders/sponsors. Through their work, they will contribute to a bridge between our two congregations. Our ideal candidates will have these skills: in administration, well-balanced program planning, an ability to draw youth into Sunday morning participation, confidence to challenge or mentor behaviour, be approachable and accountable, and be capable of working within boundaries. Although we would like some Sunday morning involvement at each church, we recognize a couple’s need to develop a home church relationship, particularly if they have children. Salary structure is flexible, and consideration will be given to either a single or split salary depending on the couple’s preference. If interested, contact Paul Peters 204-3782740. Crestview Fellowship is a small EMC church on the west side of Winnipeg, Man., that is actively seeking out a half-time youth position. Crestview is about 65-70 people with a small number of youth aged kids, but many younger children coming up. Our focus has also been to the community surrounding the church. The successful applicant will be an actively growing follower of Christ who lives out their faith in action and word, possesses a servant heart for youth ministry, and is passionate about reaching young people in the church and surrounding community for Christ. Please contact the church office at 204-837-9490, cfcemc@mts.net, or 271 Hamilton Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0H3.
Other opportunities Experience life on The Great Silk Road with EMC families. The EMC team there needs a short-term teacher or educational assistant for their nine children. Starting January 2011 or September 2011. Interested person does not need a formal degree, but must be able to connect well with children. Some support would need to be raised. If interested contact Tim Dyck at 204-326-6401 or tdyck@emconf.ca. Eden Mental Health Centre in Winkler, Man., seeks an administrator and program director. Eden provides acute in-patient psychiatric treatment, out-patient psychiatry services, as
well as community mental health services to the RHA-Central Manitoba in conjunction with other Eden Health Care Services programs. For a full description of qualifications, duties, and contact information, go to www.edenhealth.mb.ca. Closing date: June 30, 2010, or until position filled. Brightwood Ranch, near Edmonton, Alta., is a year-round facility that runs summer and winter camps for underprivileged kids and fall to spring programs for men and women with addictions. Barn manager – general duties: care and feeding of horses, behaviour management/retraining, upkeep of barn and horse area, upkeep of tack, purchase of horses, oversight of summer horse program, management of summer staff and volunteers, work on trails, fencing, involvement in Hope Mission rehab programs, help with grounds maintenance. Secretary – general duties: camper registrations, photocopying, answering phones, as well as occasional janitorial and kitchen duties. Both positions to start in fall 2010. Salary plus housing, and benefits. Send resume to Brent Ankrom, Brightwood Ranch, Box 277, Evansburg, AB T0E 0T0; brent.ankrom@hopemission.com; www.brightwoodranchcamps.com. A year-round assistant food services manager is sought for Red Rock Bible Camp, a Christian camp in Manitoba. Training or experience is preferred, but we are willing to train. The manager is responsible to the food services manager. Agreement with the camp’s mission, statement of faith, core values, and community life standards is necessary. Applicant must be service oriented, work well with people and be a team player. Housing, partial board, salary, medical, dental and RRSP benefits are provided. Send resume and testimony to Red Rock Bible Camp, 204-320 Main Street, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1Z1 or kim@redrockbiblecamp.com. MCC has urgent openings for service workers in Haiti, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Bolivia, and El Salvador. Languages such as Spanish, French, Creole, and Low German are needed or welcomed. All applicants for assignments must exhibit a commitment to Christian faith, be active members of a Christian church, and be committed to nonviolent biblical peacemaking. To learn more about the specific requirements of these positions and the application process, visit mcc.org/serve.
The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads are not to be for monetary benefit. To place an ad, e-mail messenger@emconf.ca or call 204-326-6401 and ask for Rebecca Roman.
poetry
Grieving Again by Paul Unruh
Part I
PHOTO: dreamstime.com
Grieve for the red fish and the trout That lie belly up Near the marsh grasses Grieve for the brown pelican That flounders on the riverbank Instead of gliding proudly over Grieve for the dolphin nearby With oil in its eyes and nostrils And a death ache in its stomach Grieve for the sea turtle The raccoon And the lowly nutria Grieve for the prairie marsh As it soaks up the crude And its ecological cycle begins to warp Grieve for the Vietnamese and the Cambodians who survived war, Katrina and Rita But who now sit in silence on their boats At night time. Grieve for the Houma, the Cajun, the Atakapa and the African American Whose ancestral way of life is being altered Without their permission Grieve for the eleven Who died while at work On the sea
Part II
Pray for the children who do not understand The unspoken fear and sadness On the faces of their parents Pray for the parents who wonder Whether their children will learn Their ancestral way of life Pray for Venice, Boothville, Buras, Triumph, Empire and Port Sulphur And for their roots Sunk deep in the oily marsh Pray for us all, that we may yet find a way to save the Earth And to teach our sons and daughters To fish Paul Unruh is a volunteer with Mennonite Disaster Service.
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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pictures of God by Joanna Plett
Revolution on the streets
When God wanted to set up his kingdom on earth, he didn’t come in a private jet or in a convoy of cars with a police escort. The contrast was extraordinary. While hundreds of citizens languished unfed in a makeshift jail, their leaders feasted on Canadian beef and other local delicacies, seemingly unaware of the clamour outside their protective fence. They appeared oblivious to the concerns of individual Canadians and Torontonians as they discussed global issues. The world leaders were in Toronto, but seemed harder to 34
THE MESSENGER | July 2010
PHOTO: Paul Raymont
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owntown Toronto was a riot this weekend—literally. Between cops on bikes, horses, cars, buses, quads and foot; protestors in ski masks, dreads, tears, and handcuffs; and local residents and business owners trying to go about their daily lives, it was easy to forget about the dignitaries arriving in convoys to conduct the G20 behind imposing fences in the heart of downtown Toronto. Who were they and what were they talking about? Despite nonstop news coverage, I gleaned little about the nature or outcome of their discussions. The other message that flickered only faintly through the news was that of the protestors. They were protesting every imaginable economic, social, political, and personal injustice supposedly perpetrated or perpetuated by the leaders meeting behind the walls.
reach than when they were in their home countries. The closer you tried to get to them, the thicker the security grew, confirming that you would never actually reach them. They were more visible—and more inaccessible— than ever. They were like the God most familiar to adherents and critics of religion around the world: All powerful. All knowing. Unapproachable. Unchangeable. Holy. They wielded the seemingly arbitrary arm of reward and punishment. They controlled the world, but appeared unconcerned about the individual lives that were trampled along the way. But they were not the full picture of God. They never came out onto the streets, perhaps for fear of being torn to pieces by the masses who had come to speak to them. But when God wanted to set up his kingdom on earth, he didn’t come in a private jet or in a convoy of cars with a police escort. He did what the masses longed for. He built personal relationships with people. He answered questions and explained God’s policies and
how He works. He immersed himself in culture, with its festivals, funerals, and family feuds. He experienced the pain and injustice of those who would later join his kingdom. He offered new practical ways of dealing with injustice on the streets and dignitaries behind fences. Inviting them into his Kingdom, he introduced his friends and followers to a new set of values for justice, mercy and rights. He taught them how to turn the other cheek while defending the fatherless. But he didn’t leave them alone. He also taught them how to bypass heavily armed lines of religious cops to meet the Father God directly. And he left them the Holy Spirit to remind them of everything he had taught them. He initiated a new kind of revolution on the streets. His subjects lived under authority, but without fear. They were unjustly arrested, but prayed for their captors. Jesus’ Kingdom was not of this world, but it spoke to the experience of humanity in ways that neither religion nor politics ever could.
stewardship today by Mike Strathdee
Honesty about money
that he is worried Canadian households are getting too deeply into debt. Consumer debt in Canada increased by 10 per cent from 2008 to 2009. Outstanding credit card balances in Canada have grown by 40 per cent since 2004, even as the cost of more sensible means of borrowing, such as mortgages and lines of credit, dipped to historic lows. Overspending is one end of the self-deception spectrum. There are also the people who mistakenly underestimate or dismiss their good
fortune with the comment, “I’m not rich.” A visit to www.globalrichlist. com, the Global Rich List website, provides a sobering piece of evidence for those of us who feel that the rich are those people better off than we are. An income of $35,000 a year puts a person in the top six per cent of the world. Earned income of $50,000 moves you up to the top 1.78 per cent. An average Canadian household, with an income of $78,689 (Canadian Demographics 2009), is in the top .85 per cent in the world in terms of income. Even when 14 per cent of Canadians are out of work or underemployed, that still leaves 86 per cent of the workforce who are blessed to have jobs. In the early Christian Church, believers shared freely of their possessions, giving to everyone as they had need (Acts. 2:44-45). These days our communal bonds have frayed to the point where people are reluctant to let their congregation know about job loss or financial difficulty. In a time when Christian schools, camps, relief agencies, and even some of our congregations struggle due to decreased giving, how shall we respond? Let’s talk about it.
An average Canadian household, with an income of $78,689 (Canadian Demographics 2009), is in the top .85 per cent in the world in terms of income.
PHOTO: designpics.com
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n interesting e-newsletter that is particularly relevant in today’s difficult economic climate is Gary Foreman’s The Dollar Stretcher (www.stretcher.com). In a recent issue, Foreman wrote about how the human gift of selfdeception can hurt our finances in serious ways. Despite our ability to think, “we also have an amazing ability to deny the facts and believe whatever we want,” he said. Foreman’s list of examples provides a series of inconvenient truths, but barely scratches the surface. An article in a national business paper pointed out that consumers’ expectations about how they will pay for their retirement plans frequently bear little resemblance to reality. Up to 40 per cent of pre-retirees plan to work longer in order to build their nest egg. Yet about that same proportion of the population find themselves involuntarily retired, due to health issues or job loss, well before they would want. When it comes to spending, one-third of people say they will be more frugal in retirement, but 40 per cent spend as much or more once they leave the workforce. Fewer and fewer, it seems, are those who take to heart the advice of 1 Timothy 6:6: “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Many of us have to work at learning to live within our means to make room for saving for retirement, let alone dreaming of how soon it will happen. Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney told an interviewer
Mike Strathdee is a stewardship consultant at the Kitchener, Ont., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). For stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca. THE MESSENGER | July 2010
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kids’ corner by Loreena Thiessen
No ball? No problem!
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hich sport do you like best? Baseball? Hockey? Golf? Basketball?
PHOTO: designpics.com
Soccer? Which sport do you think is most popular? If you’re in Canada you may think it’s hockey. But only a few people actually play hockey. The most watched and the most played sport in the world today is soccer. Why do you think this is so? One reason is that to play soccer all you need is a ball. It doesn’t have to be an official ball; it can be any ball. And anyone can play. What if you don’t have a ball, no ball at all? If you ask people in Africa about soccer they will tell you that everyone plays. Soccer is a part of
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their life, like breathing and sleeping. But there are few balls. No ball? No problem. They make their own. One boy showed how it’s done. What you need is a huge pile of plastic bags like the ones you get when you shop. Take one bag and squish it into a tight ball. Then you take another bag and put the squished ball of plastic into the second. Push it into a corner and fold the rest of the second bag tightly over and over the ball inside. Continue the same with more bags until you have a ball made of plastic bags about 15cm across. Then you take string and wrap the string crisscrossed around the ball until the plastic bag ball is covered in a net of string with quite large spaces in between the rows of string. The string is like a case that holds the plastic bag ball together. Pull the string as tightly as you can. When the ball is covered, tie a knot, and cut off the extra loose string. Now you have a soccer ball. If you bounce or kick the ball you see that it bounces nicely. One ball made of plastic bags lasts about three months. Then you make a new one. This homemade ball is also called a “barefoot ball,” because they play in bare feet. And they play on
Activity: Any ball game Need: A ball to play soccer or a game of catch; or a ball and bat for baseball Do: Play with a friend or friends. Be a good sport. A good sport plays fair, is courteous, plays to win, or strives to make a good play. This means recognizing and agreeing that the other team or player played so well that they got more points. They are that good. Share a good play with your team members. Cheer on the winner. Recognize and encourage a good play. Be enthusiastic and play for enjoyment. Do a good job. Learn from others. Colossians 3:17 says, “Everything you say and everything you do should all be done for Jesus...and in all you do give thanks to God...” (International Children’s Bible).
a dirt patch. So, anyone can play. Soccer has a long history. Records show that soccer was first played 3,000 years ago and the first match was in China in 50 B.C. Later in England soccer was banned. A law was made against playing soccer because it was too noisy and too violent. But soccer continued to be played and continues to be more and more popular. Today you can watch soccer on TV or play with your friends on a field near your home.
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THE MESSENGER | July 2010